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An interesting idea just came to mind as far as competitive gaming goes. While I know I will never be part of the top on any charts for them, challenge modes seem to make for a more compelling contest than the race to world first in a heroic raid, in my opinion. And if it was extended to all 5 mans and all raids it could make for many races.
Here are my reasons for believing that.
1) Gear does not matter:
The group that had better luck in the previous tier will not have that tiny advantage that gear might provide. With normalized gear everyone, no matter what they are wearing, competes on the exact same level.
2) No time issues:
Say your server had an issue on release day while your closest competitors server was up and running just fine, you lose out on valuable time in the race for worlds first. How about some time zones getting the raid before others thus giving them an advantage. Being the challenge modes are based on time to complete it, even if you started after someone else you can still do it better at it.
3) The contest never ends:
Kin raiders gets world first and the other top guilds finish off the content as well shortly after and they are all basically done with the game. They might still play some or they might not. They might bring in alts or new players but the contest is over. First has been decided and that is all that matters. Not so with challenge modes. Perhaps Kin Raiders did get world best time when they did it first but then the world fifth might have beaten it. This means that there is no slacking off for Kin Raiders if they want to keep that number 1 spot, they need to get back in there and try to get their world best time back. It makes the heroic tier last a hell of a lot longer.
4) No loot drama:
So and so's guild had two lock outs in firelands and was able to get an extra legendary. So and so's guild abused the looking for raid to get T13 first. Who cares, all gear is normalized, even if someone had more lockouts in the previous raid or someone gamed the system getting free LFR loot for everyone they are still in the same boat at the same gear level. Skill matters here, not what you wear.
5) Class stacking is a non issue:
They had more raid ready feral druids, they dragged along an under geared shaman just for the spirit link totem, they had more mages on their team. Being there is no real gearing issues, there is an extremely low item level requirement, all you need is to get your character to max level and you can stack just as easily as anyone else. Being you are not constrained by a world first title and it is time based, you can get those mages later and beat the timer.
6) The competition never ends:
You could go get first place in BWD now if you wanted too even if it now old content. If they did it to all raids could you imagine the fun of running an AQ40 with normalized gear for a timed run? I would actually beg blizzard for something like that.
7) Old content can be returned:
Old naxx, old ZA, old ZG, old ony are now all relevant content once again. There is no reason to remove them and the content will last forever for those that want to challenge the timer.
8) Casual guilds can compete:
Just because you downed madness with the 30% buff doesn't mean you can not get a great timer run going. So even the guilds that had no prayer in the world of competing on a world or server first level can now actually compete. Not saying they would, they most likely won't, but it is possible.
9) It adds to the game instead of subtracting:
Without challenge mode any dungeon or raid is useless once you pass the level of doing it and sometimes that stuff gets removed and forgotten about but with challenge mode once you finish a raid you can keep finishing it to get better times. It makes all raiding content stay around longer, as in forever. Nothing become obsolete. All that time wasted making this expansions content was not wasted once the next one comes because it can still be done and it is not useless now.
10) It makes people better:
No looking for raid or looking for dungeon version of challenge modes means you have to assemble the groups yourself. While this could lock out a fair deal of players from ever doing it, it will also be a way for players to get better because they will have to if they want to do it. They would have to perform well to do well and no longer let gear carry them. People not doing what is expected will easily stand out and it will be easier to help them in a controlled setting where everyone has the same gear.
11) It builds community:
Something that has been dwindling for a while now is community but being you need to assemble your groups yourself you will get to know the people around you again. Not to mention, word of mouth, about those that are skilled will get out just like the good old days when even I, as a damage dealer, would get whispers as soon as I logged on because they knew I was a decent player.
12) More playing, less waiting:
You can run 5 mans, 10 mans, 25 mans, 40 mans, you name it. They can even do them over and over. Challenge modes are not subject to a lock out. So no more waiting a week to run something you like again, just reset it.
So like I said, while I would never be someone ranking in them, it sure seems like it would be awesome to have content that is always relevant. Content where the best teams with the best execution is the one that gets praised as the best group.
A runner praised for being the fastest runner is not the person that finished the first race ever, it is given to the person that finished it fastest. Now that is what real competition is all about.
Do you think we will ever see challenge mode raids?
Do you think we will ever see old dungeons with a challenge mode for their level?
Do you think we will ever see old raids with a challenge mode for their level?
I don't think we will ever see the old stuff, but we might see raids in the future. Either way, that sure as hell sounds like a fantastic idea to me. I would love to do all the old stuff in challenge mode because it would be a lot more fun, again, in my opinion at least.
If they ever made a challenge mode raid do you think it would replace heroic raid world first as the new focal point of competition? I think it could, and I think that competition would be a better one to see.

domain: game


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Hello there! How about a quick card share? I´ve made this card with Studio Forty product after I finished this layout. So basically using up all my leftover colored and stamped dreamcatcher images on this card and some of the leftover paper pieces. Here is what I ended up with:
If you watch this video, you can see how and with what I colored the stamped images. Other than that I have just layered the patterned papers from the Moonchild collection on top of each other and distressed the edges of the feather paper abit.
Next I´ve built the dreamcatcher from the patterend paper and the stamp set from the Moonchild collection. Then I´ve colored the images and fussy cut them with small scissors.
Finally I added some liquid pearls and Stickles for additional interest and shine, doodled around the edges and added a stamped, fussy cut sentiment. That´s it. I really like this collection very much, the colors are so beautiful and all the patterns works so well together. Wishing you a lovely, creative day, peeps!!!

domain: hobby


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Date(s) - 06/06/2019 - 09/02/2019
2:45 pm - 8:30 pm
California Adventure Park
1313 Disneyland Dr.
times vary, June 6-Sept. 2. Experience a new Lion King adventure at California Adventure. The park is presenting an original story-theater production that imaginatively brings “The Lion King” to life through narration, costumes, choreograph, staging and all-new arrangements of the musical’s favorite tunes! Performance times typically are at 2:50 p.m., 4:05 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:10 p.m., and 8:20 p.m.

domain: entertainment


KIEV, January 12 (RIA Novosti) - The Ukrainian Justice Ministry has drafted an official resolution declaring the parliament's decision to dismiss Yuriy Yekhanurov's government illegal, Ukrainian State Secretary Oleh Rybachuk said Thursday.
"This decision is illegal and any lawyer will give this assessment," he said.
Rybachuk said if the Supreme Rada did not cancel this decision, President Viktor Yushchenko would ensure that the country's laws were observed, but he did not specify which steps Yushchenko could take.
According to Rybachuk, a key task of the Ukrainian leadership is to ensure "honest and transparent" parliamentary elections in March 2006 and prevent the use of administrative resource, when the authorities exploit their position to achieve their own ends, during the elections.
"They will be the most democratic and free elections in the 15 years of Ukraine's independence," he said.
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Image Galleries: Yemen: Land of Sheba in Turmoil
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The British experience can be instructive for Russia. London retains its British Commonwealth if it wants to use this as a foundation for integration in the future. That’s a valuable lesson for Russian experts who are calling for an end to “ineffective” associations like the CIS, the Russian World and others.


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Coronavirus Report: Michigan reports 7,856 new cases, 56 deaths over past three days
LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The state health department reported 7,856 new cases of COVID-19 and 56 deaths linked to the virus over the weekend. During that time frame, the state averaged 2,618 cases per day.
Totals around the state climb to 1,112,490 cases and 21,918 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
29 of the deaths reported were from a Vital Records review according to the state health department.
Testing has averaged around 35,000 per day in the last five days, with the state positivity rate averaging around 11 percent during that span.
Four mid-Michigan schools reported new COVID-19 outbreaks this week. Those schools include:
- Clinton County: Fowler High School (13 cases) and St. Johns High School (3 cases).
- Shiawassee County: Corunna Middle School (6 cases) and Corunna High School (4 cases).
Cases by county:
- Ingham County: 27,494 cases and 443 deaths.
- Jackson County: 18,702 cases and 318 deaths.
- Clinton County: 7,365 cases and 102 deaths.
- Eaton County: 11,293 cases and 232 deaths.
- Shiawassee County: 7,328 cases and 125 deaths.
Copyright 2021 WILX. All rights reserved.
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MOSCOW(Sputnik) – Earlier in the day, Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile that flew some 280 miles and fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan. The move has already been criticized by Japanese and South Korean officials.
North Korea has shown great disrespect for their neighbor, China, by shooting off yet another ballistic missile…but China is trying hard!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 29 мая 2017 г.
Since the beginning of 2016, North Korea has carried out a number of missile launches and nuclear tests, prompting worldwide criticism and escalation of tensions in the peninsula region. The international community, including the United States, has criticized the military activities of the Asian nation, and has tightened the sanctions regime against Pyongyang.


If you’ve had your eye on a new pair of AirPods or you already have an iPad with mom's name on it to check off your holiday list, then now's the time to hit that add-to-cart button. During this year's highly anticipated Prime Day, you can score major discounts on Apple’s bestselling products. But, here’s the deal: the deals aren’t all exclusive to Amazon — and many of them have already started to roll out way ahead of PD.
As with previous years, a whole slew of retailers will be hosting their own competitive price cuts on the fan-favorite tech brand — and, as stated above, the discounts have already started to drop. We scouted out the best deals on everything from MacBooks to Beats and more that are putting up a fight to win that lowest-price prize. Click ahead to discover ALL the places you can currently snag a bargain on Apple's most wanted products across the internet.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff—and, while we do receive commission from Amazon, all of the goods linked to on our site are independently selected and supported by our Shopping team.


text: Patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) die with brain edema, exhibiting an increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) at the time of cerebral swelling. Mild hypothermia prevents brain edema in experimental models and in humans with FHF, an effect associated with normalization of CBF. To study the effects of alterations of CBF on the development of brain edema, we administered intravenous (IV) indomethacin to rats receiving an ammonia infusion after portacaval anastomosis. This model predictably develops brain edema and a marked increase in CBF at 3 hours of infusion. Brain water was measured with the gravimetry technique; CBF was monitored with both laser Doppler flowmetry and radioactive microspheres, whereas intracranial pressure (ICP) was monitored with a cisterna magna catheter. Coadministration of indomethacin prevented the increase in CBF seen with ammonia alone (110 ± 19% vs. −2 ± 9%) as well as the increase in brain water (80.86 ± 0.12% vs. 80.18 ± 0.06%) and the increase in ICP. Plasma ammonia and brain glutamine levels were markedly elevated in the ammonia-infused group and unaffected by indomethacin. However, ammonia uptake by the brain was significantly reduced by indomethacin. Levels of 6-keto-PGF1α, a stable metabolite of prostacyclin, were reduced in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of indomethacin-treated animals. As with mild hypothermia, avoiding cerebral vasodilatation with indomethacin will prevent the development of brain edema in this hyperammonemic model. Cerebral vasoconstriction reduces cerebral ammonia uptake and, if selective to the brain, may be of benefit in FHF.

domain: literature


text:
When I was a kid, I didn’t own any consoles. I was always that one kid who had to go over to her friends’ houses in order to get her fix. So when The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time came out in ’98, I remember being incredibly disgruntled that my best friend’s older sister owned the N64 and had gotten the game as a Christmas present.
Of course, in the typical ‘It’s my sister’s game and you’ll break it’ fashion, I ended up being the “manual buddy”… Which is exactly what it sounds like. While my friend got to play and save the world, I was stuck reading the manual to her.
I still remember the shocked and surprised gasps we emitted as we discovered that (spoiler!) Sheik was Zelda.
Earlier this year, I decided to avenge my childhood self and go through Ocarina of Time myself. I was instantly overwhelmed by nostalgia–the music and cut scenes I’d watched as kid came flooding back, leaving me bouncing eagerly in my chair as Navi urged Link to “wake up!“
After familiarizing myself with the controls, I set out on my journey as Link with Navi at my side and my instructions to save the world from that weird looking Deku Tree. My boyfriend and roommate watched me play with some interest, and we all sang along to Saria’s song as I ran around Lost Woods.
As an adult, this game was still very engaging (although that may be because it was like I was playing it for the first time given my manual-buddy status). I currently am sitting on my save point just after Zelda rides off with Impa and haven’t been able to get past that point due to having an actual adult job (and my everlasting quest for pants in TERA), but I plan on beating the game in the non-too-distance future and moving on to the next installment in the series.
However, I just want to emphasize how much I love the puzzle aspect of this game. It’s by far my favorite in the sense that the puzzles are fun without being frustrating or impossible. The hints are helpful without being obvious, and the story intertwines well with the objectives without becoming monotonous. All in all, this game is one I will probably always enjoy. Especially once I can get to playing them in HD quality on the newer versions.
Zelda: Ocarina of Time Replay
Link's Lawn Service.What Our Ratings Mean


Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan have reportedly decided to call off their wedding on October 16.
The actress is said to be worried about what will happen to her career after her marriage.
A close family friend told the Mumbai Mirror: "The wedding was indeed scheduled for October 16. The arrangements had begun. In fact, when Sharmilaji [Tagore] and Bebo were in London last month along with the rest of the family, they shopped for the wedding as well.
"The venue and the guest list were also finalised. But Bebo has second thoughts now. But Sharmilaji is a very non-interfering mom and, by extension, a hands-off mom-in-law. Reports that she has served Saif and Kareena an 'ultimatum' to marry are completely false.
"She is the last person to persuade her children into taking any decision, especially one as serious as marriage. She has left the final decision to Saif and Kareena."
It has been reported that Kapoor was dropped from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet because the director decided that he could not have a married actress play the female lead.
However, the Agent Vinod star claimed that she did not have enough time in her schedule to shoot the film.


text:
Open View started emailing subscribers in the fall of 2015 with a concise but diverse list of recommended screenings, exhibitions, lectures, and other conceptual cultural events happing each month in Milwaukee. The lists are accompanied by a new interview conducted with select Milwaukee cultural supporters and authors. For insiders and outsiders alike, Open View makes it easier to connect with events and people celebrating this city’s conceptual art activity, and fosters perspective in relation to larger dialogs about conceptual art and design.
Milwaukee Record recently met up with the trio of twenty-somethings behind the project—Ashley Janke, Paul Oemig, and Nate Pyper—for a beer at Falcon Bowl in Riverwest. All three are artists with art- and design-related day jobs, and are highly active in the scene, hosting and visiting a wide range of events around town. They’re laid back, stylish, and smiley, and use terms like “in-kind” and “permission-marketing,” and talk about consensus and bridging generations in relation to their project. We talked to them about their motivation, what they value in Milwaukee, and why they decide to spend time and energy publicizing those things.
Milwaukee Record: Why did you start Open View, and what drives the structure of your “abbreviated arts guide”?
Open View: While it’s been exciting to watch Milwaukee’s art scene grow in the past few years, it was frustrating to regularly hear from people in the community who had missed great shows because they didn’t hear about them. Organizers tend to promote events through Facebook, but if you aren’t connected to the right people, it’s very difficult to stay informed about all the events happening across town. At the same time, there wasn’t an attractive, concise, and central resource designed to guide people through the breadth of cultural events, from underground to institutional shows.
We started Open View to create access to that scene and expose new points of view. As much as it was a guide we wanted to build and share, it was a guide we wanted to use ourselves, too. We send out a monthly newsletter that has an overview of upcoming events, including a featured event we’re excited about, as well as interviews and other original content. In time, we also hope that it will act as an archive of Milwaukee’s creative culture.
MR: You’ve each supported art in Milwaukee through hosting design lectures, and organizing art shows and public talks, but you’re also artists yourselves. Who’s all behind the View?
OV: We’re all from the Milwaukee area. Ashley has been running various curatorial projects since 2010 including nAbr gallery, Imagination Giants, six seasons of 00000 GHOOST $HOW and now BORDERLINE. Paul works as a commercial photographer and hosts and co-organizes the Milwaukee chapter of CreativeMornings, a monthly breakfast lecture series for the creative community. Nate works as a graphic designer at the Milwaukee Art Museum and also organizes a daylong residency and dialogue series called Designers Talking, now going into its fourth season of visits.
MR: You’re young, only four months in. How are you supported and do you have a plan to sustain your services?
OV: Open View is a grassroots operation, driven by a void we felt in the community. We are currently self-funded but are working to partner with like-minded businesses, organizations, and individuals to help cover operational costs and support new initiatives.
MR: It’s hard to keep up with all the arts events in town and to know which ones will be interesting. You do a lot of legwork finding deep cuts as well as big institutional events that add up to a well edited go-to guide. How do you decide what to include in your lists?
OV: Our process is similar to distilling hard liquor (excuse the comparison, we all love whiskey). We start by collecting together as much “grain” as possible—any news about openings, events, etc.—milling the information into different categories and then letting the details ferment until we are ready to make selections. When the time is right, we distill it down three times, with each of us voting individually on picks for the month. After selections are made, we pour them into the newsletter draft and, when the time is right, share it with subscribers.
MR: I think venues in town, artists, patrons, and more can benefit from the connective tissue you’re designing. Who do you see as your audience?
OV: We see our audience to be anyone who’s interested in participating in the local arts scene and wants to cultivate a critical creative culture in Milwaukee, whether they live in the city, in neighboring cities like Chicago, or beyond.
MR: There was a great arts calendar in Chicago that artist Karly Wildenhaus engineered called OnTheMake.org. It had a similar vibe but ended years ago. Did you look at other publications, websites, or art venues as models for ideas as your project was forming?
OV: There are a lot of great arts resources across the nation serving different communities that we appreciate. Minneapolis has a great calendar and archive, MPLSART, that’s survived a changing of hands. Chicago’s The Visualist, like Open View, is run by artists and designers, and is a spiritual successor to Karly Wildenhaus’s On The Make. San Francisco has a phenomenally organized and very well-designed arts calendar that also features original content called SF/Arts. The smart and sassy Unti-tiled New York arts guide is really well done too.
MR: How do you see yourself in relation to other media sources, listservs, or art venues in town or elsewhere?
OV: We see Open View as being different in that each of us has emerged from this scene having directly participated and invested in it. That said, we are not a be-all listserv, nor do we plan to be. We desire to act as a clean and concise guide that we hope people will genuinely enjoy engaging with.
MR: How can people support the documentation of what’s happening in Milwaukee’s art scene, or support what you’re doing?
OV: Keep us in the loop and share your events with us! Help spread the word. There are many facets of the Milwaukee art scene and we want to represent it as well as possible. We encourage those communities to connect with us: drop us a line at [email protected], and if you’re organizing an event, fill out our submission form.
MR: What are you excited about in the Milwaukee cultural landscape that doesn’t make Open View? Food? Music? Film? Grubby corners of town?
OV: Seeing the food scene blossom with daring chefs like Justin Carlisle, Thomas Hauck, and David Swanson to name a few has been exciting to see. Watching other restaurants increasingly function as community event spaces like Company Brewing or Riverwest Public House has been great too. We’re also excited about the rise of social justice organizations like the Coalition For Justice and the local #BlackLivesMatter movement. And music, music, music.

domain: artistic


text:
Lyor Cohen Says Salaries Of WMG’s "Transformative" Executives Justifies 360 Deals [VIDEO]
(UPDATED) In this interview, Warner Music Group head Lyor Cohen almost sounds like a man reborn in this new interview with Forbes' Zack O'Malley Greenburg. Critical of "the excesses of the industry", "artificial barriers of distribution" and $19 CDs, but bullish on 360 deals, Cohen shares the same thinking that he expressed during Berklee's Rethink Music conference last month. Central to his justification for demanding additional rights from artists is that WMG needs the cash to retain "the very finest, most seasoned, most creative, thoughtful, transformative" executives to run the company. Those big paychecks, of course, include Cohen's own multi-million compensation package.

domain: finance


… Arrest 4 suspects
The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has intercepted fake Six million United States Dollars ($6,000,000) note at Gbagi checkpoint along the Seme corridor.
This is even as Officers on patrol along Gbetrome base intercepted Six (6) Maltese International Passports with the same picture of a lady but bearing different names, Two (2) Senegalese International Passports , Three (3 ) Togolese International Passports, Four (4) Republic of Benin International Passports, One (1) Republic of Niger International Passport and Ten (10) International Driving License of these various countries.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi who disclosed this in a press briefing at Seme on Thursday observed that the fake Dollar notes equivalent to N2.763 billion at exchange rate of N460.52 were intercepted on Monday 31st January, 2023.
He further disclosed that two male suspects conveying the fake currency from Nigeria to the Republic of Benin were arrested in connection with the crime and were currently in their custody pending prosecution. He also said that two male suspects arrested in connection with the international passport and International Drivers license racketeering were also in their custody pending further investigation.
According to Nnadi, the command also intercepted and seized 1,300 by 30 liters jerry can of PMS equivalent 39,000 liters, roughly over one fuel tanker of PMS with Duty Paid Value of N9,366.45 only adding that the products were seized along the creeks. Other items seized included 55 sacks containing 550 pieces of donkey skin with Duty Paid Value of N11,371,511.
“The significant of the seizure is that it shows how much our endanger species are being eroded by unpatriotic elements”, he said.
On ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, ETLS, the Controller informed that 70 trucks with fees amounting to N1,414,665.01 were collected noting that
there were 81 baggage declarations with duty amounting to N 4,520,722 even as he explained that the items imported under this arrangement included food products and beverages produced within the sub-region.
On import and export, he said, “The command reordered only 5 declarations of import within this period with a total of N13,383,104 paid as duty. The dearth in import is as a result of the trade policy introduced by Republic of Benin which traders and indeed, the Service consider hostile to Nigeria. 122 trucks bearing 3,770.49 metric tons of made in Nigeria cargo with Free On Board value of N523,660,496.80 kobo and National Export Supervision Scheme Fees of N2,618,302.10K.
“It is important to note that the 2022 fiscal Policy Measures by the Federal Ministry of Finance lifted the ban on export of goods imported into Nigeria hitherto prohibited under item 8 Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff. However, this is subject to the exporters obtaining approval from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and payment of 2.5 percent export surcharge of the present value of the goods.
“The traders are yet to take full advantage of this gesture and we call on them to optimize the opportunities offered by the policy.”
He also pointed out that other source of revenue for the command are fees collected from the auction sales of seized items especially petroleum products and other perishable items.
While maintaining that these achievements (progress) so far, were not made on a platter of gold, the Controller added that i took the painstaking efforts of the officers who spend hours on patrol and surveillance to record the seizures even as he reiterated that the command would not relent on this effort.
Comptroller Nnadi who assured that the command would continue to dialogue, engage, sensitize and educate the public on social/economic implication of smuggling as well as performing statutory function of enforcing compliance in line with government fiscal policies, however, appealed to parents and guardians residing in border communities to prevail on their children, wards and youths to desist from such criminal acts such as smuggling.


How Ken Block's Hoonifox Mustang Could Become a Tire-Smoking Reality
The Hoonifox Mustang is only a rendering for now, but we have some ideas about how Ken Block could build it.
Ken Block and Hoonigan surprised the automotive world on April 30, 2020, with the announcement of a new concept Gymkhana car: the Hoonifox Mustang. The fact that Block is considering building a Gymkhana vehicle out of a Fox-Body Mustang doesn't surprise us, but what is surprising is that they unveiled it to the world before the car was finished. The folks over at Hoonigan have never done this before, always waiting until a physical vehicle existed before the reveal, usually with hints at another internet-breaking Gymkhana video to go along with it.
Maybe it's the current climate—everyone being stuck at home and begging for an escape from the monotony—that drove the Hoonifox announcement before it was actually built. All we know is we couldn't be more excited about it. If you haven't seen the Hoonifox, check out the the reveal video. Ken Block, Hoonifox designer and CGI wizard Ash Thorp, and Brian Scotto of Hoonigan all discuss the inspiration behind the build and what they hope to do with the Miami Vice- and DTM-inspired Hoonifox. But how might they execute this wild dream, which so far has yet to be detailed much beyond those hot renderings? We have some thoughts.
Rally-Bred AWD System
To date, all but one of Ken Block's Gymkhana vehicles have had World Rally Championship-spec all-wheel drive system, save one—the 1972 Ford Escort MK2 RS—which is a rear-driver. Before the Hoonicorn, all the Gymkhana cars were, in fact, Block's WRC and Global Rallycross race cars. Knowing this, we can say with a very high degree of certainty that the Hoonifox will be all-wheel drive, most likely with a SADEV system and matching six-speed sequential transmission.
Although it wasn't intended for Gymkhana, the sadly destroyed 1991 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Group A Rally Car was the only vehicle in Block's fleet that wasn't equipped with a six-speed sequential box. But Ken Block didn't build "Cossie V1," he picked it up for global rally events and it was already equipped with the seven-speed sequential transmission from its days as a WRC racer. For "Cossie V2," Block's tribute to the rolled and burned 1991 Escort, he went back to his favorite SADEV six-speed sequential transmission. So, it's more likely than not that all four tires will be subject to six forward ratios of tire-melting awesomeness.
Packaging Rally Car Independent Suspension in a Fox-Body
We're looking at the Hoonicorn (a 1965 Mustang), Hoonitruck (a 1977 F-150), and the 1972 Escort as examples for the chassis of the Hoonifox Mustang. All three came from Ford with a live rear axle. That just doesn't cut it for Ken Block. Keeping unsprung mass low and having independent wheel articulation are both pivotal in providing the handling Block needs to execute such high precision driving.
All three of the aforementioned vehicles were modified by Block and the builders to have independent rear-suspension (IRS). It wasn't until 2015 that Ford made a Mustang equipped with IRS from the factory as standard, so it almost goes without saying that the Fox-body base car will be converted to IRS. But how will the builders achieve it? When Block and ASD Motorsports were building the Hoonicorn, they ran into packaging issues, especially at the front of the car, trying to squeeze the front differential and 410ci Roush-Yates V8 under the hood. At all four corners, the control arms and suspension components were one-off pieces and utilized push-rods to get the necessary wheel articulation in the small spaces.
With the Hoonitruck, built by Detroit Speed, fitting the AWD and four-corner independent suspension was a cakewalk. Detroit Speed was able to use off-the-shelf parts just about everywhere. It helps that a 1977 F-150 is dramatically larger than a 1965 Mustang, the track width of the Hoonitruck is wider than 6 feet, 8 inches (Brian Scotto's impressive wingspan). While a Fox-body Mustang has similar overall dimensions and track width, the wheelbase is 7.5 inches shorter than a 1965 Mustang. Whoever ends up building the Hoonifox will have to get creative in fitting everything under that gorgeous carbon-fiber body from Ash Thorp's rendering. Because they are so similar in size, we think Block should go back to ASD Motorsports and have a duplicate rolling chassis of the Hoonicorn made. It's a proven platform and all the packaging issues have been solved.
What Engine Could Power the Hoonifox?
This is where things get tricky. The Escorts, Focus', and Fiestas in Block's Hooni-fleet are all built to compete in various forms of sanctioned racing, so we can, without a doubt, rule out a turbo-four under the hood of the Hoonifox. You're probably thinking, "It's got the same scoop as the V1 Hoonicorn, doesn't that mean they'll use the same Roush-Yates V-8?" We had the same idea. But, and this is a Kardashian-sized but, is that going to be enough power for the Hoonifox? Earlier we mentioned that, amongst other things, the design of the Hoonifox was inspired by Miami Vice and, if you watch the debut video, the 1980s in general. The '80s were a period of excess and while the Roush-Yates V-8 makes a very healthy 845 hp, we don't think this exemplifies the inspiration behind the Hoonifox. That's not to say the Roush-Yates mill is out, Hooicorn V2 is still powered by its original engine—just with two huge Garret turbos bolted on and methanol running through the fuel lines. The combo makes 1,400 of some of the scariest horsepower Ken Block has ever experienced.
Another dino-juice and turbocharged option would be the twin-turbo Ford Performance 3.9L EcoBoost V6 used in the Hoonitruck. At the time of the build, that engine was still in development for use in the Ford GT MkII Le Man racer. In Hoonitruck trim, it made 914 hp, but now that Ford has had a few years to work on it, we bet the Hoonigan guys could tune it up a bit and make four-figure power numbers with relative ease.
But there's a game-changer in the midst. Recently, Ford Performance unveiled a vehicle that could change drag racing as we know it—the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400. On the outside, it looks like your standard Mustang Cobra Jet NHRA Pro Stock special, but lift the hood and you'll find a 1,400hp electric motor capable of pushing the Cobra Jet 1400 down the 1/4-mile in less than nine seconds! When Tom Ford of Hard Cell tested this lightning-powered beast at the strip, it was difficult for him to keep the front wheels on the ground—even mid-run! If that motor found its way into the Hoonifox, we doubt it would have any difficulty turning tires into smoke.
But is Ken Block willing to go electric? Part of the allure of the Gymkhana videos is the fire-breathing, rip-snorting roar of high-performance fossil-fueled engines. Whether it's a big V-8 or a high-strung turbo-four, some of the best shots in Gymkhana history are those with fire coming out of the side-pipes as Block executes a drift no one thought possible. More so, if he sticks to the rendering, the Hoonifox needs an engine that sucks air through that very distinctive scoop. Plus, batteries are heavy, and anyone who's hooned around in an electric vehicle knows the batteries drain exponentially faster under hard driving. Does anyone want to see Ken Block pausing for 15 minutes at a supercharger station?
That's why we think there will be fire under the hood, not lightning. We're leaning toward another Roush-Yates V-8, but maybe Block will surprise us with something we've never seen before. Possibly a flat-plane crank 5.2L Coyote like the one found in the current Shelby GT350R? Ford Performance direct metal 3D printed the intake on the Hoonitruck, we're sure they could work something out that could connect the scoop to a roots-type supercharger and make over 1,000 hp. Besides, you can't call a car "road cocaine" (Ken Blocks own words) and not have absolutely bonkers amounts of power.
Where the Hoonifox Might Be Built
Based on assumptions we've made here—and to be clear, these are all assumptions—we think ASD Motorsports could be tapped to build the Hoonifox. Detroit Speed did a masterful job in building the Hoonitruck, but they didn't have the size constraints that ASD had with the Hoonicorn. Also, the body of the Hoonitruck is made from the same aluminum alloy that current Ford F-150s are made from, and Detroit Speed doesn't currently make any carbon-fiber or composite body work. First-gen and Fox-Body Mustangs are so similarly sized, it makes sense the shop that built the Hoonicorn would have no difficulty handling the next generation of hoonible Mustang. But there is one shop that already specializes in combining carbon-fiber and American muscle—SpeedKore. The techno-wizards at SpeedKore could exactly duplicate Ash Thorp's rendering to make those huge DTM-style fender flares a reality.
So, there you have it, all the details that could eventually live under carbon skin of the Hoonifox. We hope the Hoonifox will be a reality someday, and we look forward to its starring role in Gymkhana 11: Miami Vice. Oh yeah, Ken Block teased that, too.
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It’s time for Congress to restore transparency in Washington and return political power to the people.
More on Better Government
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The Melting Pot
Singer Norman Wright Sr. of the 1950's doo-wop group The Del Vikings has died at the age of 72.
The Del Vikings were an interracial doo-wop that scored their only two hits in 1957: "Come Go with Me" and "Whispering Bells". Both songs would end up on the soundtrack of the 1986 film "Stand By Me", adapted from horror writer Stephen King's short story "The Body". The Del Vikings were a staple of oldies radio until stations nationwide switched the format to "classic hits" and replaced 1950's and early 1960's music with such 1970's and 1980's schlock as Hall and Oates and REO Meatwagon (gotta love Clear Channel).


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Kydex Storm Gray
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Catalog number: HE711
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KYDEX is a very durable thermoplastic alloy. It can be thermoformed in the temperature range 160 ° C - 200 ° C. Heating can be done in the kitchen oven or with a hot air gun. Unlike many other thermoplastics, KYDEX has an unusual resistance to complete melting (softening) in the molding temperature range. KYDEX can be shaped in classic forming presses, it is possible to weld, glue or mechanically connect (rivet, screw).
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58-year-old Mohan Yadav, an MLA from Ujjain South belonging to the BJP, has been announced as the next Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. Touched and humbled, the 58-year-old Yadav thanked BJP, saying “I will fulfil the responsibility you have given to a small worker like me… with your love and blessings.” Yadav clinched his victory against the Congress candidate, bagging a sizeable margin of 12,941 votes. He will be succeeding Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who held the Chief Minister position for four terms. The BJP’s decision to appoint Yadav was made known at a meeting in Bhopal, attended by their central observers.
With a political career spreading over three terms as a Ujjain Legislative Assembly (MLA) member, including time spent as the education minister under Chouhan, Yadav’s experience is undoubted.
MLA Govind Singh Rajput describes the decision to appoint Yadav as a cause for pride, highlighting Yadav’s strong connections to the OBC community and the grounding reality of Ujjain. He expresses hopefulness for the future development of Madhya Pradesh under Yadav’s leadership.
The RSS-OBC Factor And Its Effect on Yadav’s Appointment
Worth noting is Yadav’s strong connection to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a relationship that played a crucial role in securing him the Chief Minister’s role. Coupled with his association with the dominant Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, these factors provided him a substantial advantage over other potential candidates. Notably, the BJP has a history of appointing OBC Chief Ministers, starting from Uma Bharti to Babulal Gaur and then Chouhan.
New BJP Faces Coming to Power
Initially, there was a debate about whether the next Chief Minister would be Chouhan, known for his ‘Laadli Behna’ scheme, or a new face. However, the decision favored a fresh face, with Rakesh Singh, MLA from Jabalpur, confirming it was actually Chouhan who proposed Yadav’s name for the CM position. He describes Yadav as a competent leader, expecting him to continue implementing the BJP development policies. While expressing his commitment to perform his duties as a state legislator, Singh makes it clear that he was never in the race for the CM post.
Chouhan also extended his good wishes for a smooth transfer of power, affirming his belief that under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance, Yadav will lead Madhya Pradesh to notable progress and public welfare. “With heartfelt congratulations, I wish him the best for this new responsibility,” says Chouhan.
In the evening, Yadav proceeded to the residence of Governor Mangubhai Patel and officially claimed his right to form the next government.
Speculation had surrounded several individuals as potential successors to Chouhan, including Union Minister Prahlad Patel, BJP’s national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and even Chouhan himself.
Vijayvargiya described the new leadership as a foundation for “new energy, new hope, new development.” He expressed his belief that under the ongoing work of PM Modi, Madhya Pradesh would establish itself as a model state.
Other Appointments in the BJP Ranks
The BJP has also announced the appointment of two deputy chief ministers. These positions are set to be held by Jagdish Devda, a former finance minister who represents the Malhargarh constituency in Mandsaur, and Rajendra Shukla, a Brahmin leader who is the representative for the Rewa constituency located in the BJP stronghold of Vindhya. Both have had impressive runs as MLAs, having secured their roles for eight and five times respectively.
Other major appointments include Narendra Singh Tomar as the Assembly Speaker. Tomar was previously a Union Minister but gave up his role after securing a win in the state elections.
The BJP has now successfully filled two of the three Chief Minister spots up for grabs in the states where they secured a win on December 3 – Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where Vishnu Deo Sai was announced as the new Chief Minister. The only state still awaiting the announcement of its new chief is Rajasthan.
You might also be intersted in – Madhya Pradesh cyclist embarks on spiritual odyssey, pedals across India to visit twelve Jyotirlingas

domain: news


Look North For Growth
Capital Steel & Wire, Inc. recently repositioned its corporate headquarters to DeWitt, but still maintains a facility in Lansing that incorporates distribution, along with precision machines that cut custom steel slugs for customers throughout the United States and South America. The company also activated a facility in Mason in May.
The DeWitt headquarters, a rehabbed building near the Looking Glass River, houses accounting, sales, operations, safety and logistics. CEO Dustin Preston says, “There are quite a few employees that are from the north side of town and we had the opportunity to buy the building.” Being from DeWitt himself made the decision that much easier.
“Our Lansing facility is not new, but the production we’re doing in it is newer,” he says, adding that they currently cut between seven and nine million pieces of steel annually. Steel comes in from all over the country, Canada and Mexico. “As it comes in to us, it’s…melted and rolled to a customer’s specification,” Preston explains. “And what we do to it, specifically, is process the material.” The process adds value before shipping it out to destinations as distant as Brazil.
Although about 70 percent of their work are work-in-process programs, Capital Steel & Wire also stocks material in its Cleveland facility. “We have product on the floor; people buy it, we ship it. We don’t process it.” But Preston says he prefers work-in-process business over “trying to guess what inventory you need to have. [And] it seems to be working all right.”
“All right” may be an understatement. Capital Steel & Wire now employs over 60 people and continues to grow. Preston attributes this to his staff. “It’s all about the good people we’ve hired. We’ve been able to continue to impress the market and take market share by staying absolutely leaner than others out there,” he says. They’ve also been able to take advantage of commercial real estate, acquiring existing infrastructure which enables the company to be a good distributor without having to start from scratch.
Preston says other than saw operators in Lansing, turnover is virtually a non-issue. What can be an issue is finding good people, especially in sales. “I prefer to hire a good quality person who I think is intelligent enough to be trained the way I feel is the correct way to sell steel to the market. It’s a certain kind of sales method and very fundamental, but it still takes pretty much a good, old-fashioned sense in knowing who you might have a relationship with, and maturing to the point where it turns into orders. Some people have it, and some people don’t.”
Preston says the company began to rebound in late 2009. “In October ‘09, things started improving and we really haven’t seen a decrease since then; 2011 was a really strong year and 2012 doesn’t look to be any different. Everything seems to be going in the right direction for us.”


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Dec 4, 2003
Directed by Mark Moskowitz
Rated PG-13, 127 min.
Underwritten by Books and Beyond
Mark Moskowitz finally reads a critically acclaimed novel he bought back in 1972, and discovers that both the book and the author have long since vanished. Stone Reader documents Moskowitz's quest to find out why. As he solves the mystery, the twists and turns of the journey reveal something more-the singular bond literature can create among strangers.
The Park City Film Series is a nonprofit organization presenting the best of independent feature, documentary, world and local cinema. Our mission is to create community through film.


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-Three skeins* (or so) of Cotton-Ease in various colors for the blanket, and
-Two skeins of Knit Picks Gloss for gift socks.
To try and see how I can decrease all my stashed Cotton-Ease, I went through some old Rowan magazines to look for some All Seasons Cotton patterns. I think there are some good options for the miles of bright red that still remain. And I've designed the next baby blanket, which will eat up a bit more.
And it's not really stash,** but I made two Dulaan hats in Patons SWS picked up at the Harlot Represent event.
*These stinkers are huge. Huge.
**But it's still yarn that entered the house. I'm not speaking about my weekend purchases. Yet. But it's really pretty yarn, and I"ll have to talk about it soon.
(I forgot to post this yesterday. So Happy May Day! Go and hug your favorite worker. And remember: Mission Accomplished! (4th anniversary)).

domain: design


text:
It is the hotel’s restaurant where we will tease you for your entire stay, because we think that the well being starts from what you eat.
Starting from the breakfast (served from 7.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.), you can find tasting delicacies to have a great start of the day. Whether you prefer the continental or the "British" version, you will not be able to resist to our breakfast with a bit of music in the background, the aroma of hot coffee, the smell of homemade cakes and the strong taste of our cold cuts.
The flavours of our cuisine continue in the middle of the day for those who want to enjoy a tasty and healthy "light" lunch, with an à la carte proposal with a wide choice of delicious hamburgers, refreshing salads and genuine freshly prepared dishes.
To conclude in the best way, Hotel Donna Silvia will delight you every evening with an elegant and tasty dinner with proposals ranging from the tradition of Garda Lake and Brescia to the milestones of Italian gastronomy. Whether you are a lover of meat, fish or vegetarian, we will surprise you.
Our cuisine embraces the concept of the Mediterranean Diet and is based on the philosophy of Km0. Our kitchen brigade work daily to research and use local, sustainable organic raw materials, with the collaboration of our trusted suppliers scattered throughout the surrounding area.
Why all of this? Because we guarantee to you every day the high quality of the dishes we serve and to let you taste the essence and fragrance of made in Italy.
The Osteria della Pieve located in Manerba del Garda was born from the desire to enhance the square and create a restaurant where you can rediscover the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine, in a rustic and elegant location. Our cuisine embraces the concepts of the Mediterranean diet and traditions of Lake Garda, based on the philosophy of "Km0" and the seasonality of raw materials. This is why our menu is constantly evolving and every day offers dishes with carefully selected products, thanks to the collaboration of our trusted sup-pliers scattered throughout the area.

domain: food


text:
Linden Postcard Show 2017–2018
The Linden Postcard Show is an open-entry small artworks prize show that has been running since 1990! Anyone can enter and there is no set theme. Works can be produced in any medium – as long as the finished work measures 8 x 10 inches including any framing. Artists can enter up to 4 works.


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- Places to Explore
- Travel Tips
- Fodor's Choice
- Spanish Phrases
El Jàgaro Review
This simple waterfront restaurant, at the east end of the harbor promenade, is a local favorite. The lunchtime crowd comes for the platter of lightly fried mixed fish with potatoes, while in the evening you can enjoy grilled pescado de roca (rockfish) or sepia (cuttlefish). The ortigues (sea anemones) are a house specialty not to be missed. The menu takes a quantum leap in price for the €75 spiny lobster, a delicacy in its various forms. The prix-fixe lunch is a good value at €15.50.
- Address: Moll de Llevant 334-35, Mahón, Minorca 07701
- Phone: 971/362390
- Location: Mahón (Maó)
- Credit cards accepted.
- Closed Mon.; no dinner Sun. Nov.--Mar.
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With a burgeoning food and drink scene, gorgeous green spaces, and festivals galore, Philly should be... Read more
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domain: travel


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Women of color growing force as mom influencers
October 31, 2021
PHOENIX (AP) — Kisha Gulley was once kicked out of a Facebook group for mothers with autistic children after a contentious debate she felt was racial. Over and over, she clashed with the white-dominated groups she'd sought out for support as a new mom.
So Gulley, who is Afro Latina, started her own parenting blog and social media accounts. It's now a source of income for her.
The multibillion-dollar world of sleep training guides, toddler activity ideas, breastfeeding tips and all things parenting has traditionally been overwhelmingly white. Parenting book jackets feature mostly white f...

domain: sociology


text: This article provides an overview on research on intimate relationships and the family in Germany since the turn of the millennium. It is argued that “German family sociology” has undergone major changes in various ways. In theoretical terms, micro-theoretical approaches have largely replaced former macro-sociological debates on de-institutionalization and pluralization of the family. In empirical research, the application of a life course perspective and the use of longitudinal data have become more and more established. In substantial terms, researchers have pursued integrative research perspectives that link family dynamics to other life domains. Not least, publication strategies shifted in favor of English language and international journals. In sum, these developments have fundamentally changed the German research landscape on intimate relationships and the family.


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The 2019 sugarbeet harvest in the Red River Valley ended on Nov. 9 when American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSC) was no longer able to continue taking frozen beets to process, leaving farmers with unharvested beets, some of which will stay in the field and rot over the winter.
American Crystal Sugar Company is an agricultural cooperative corporation owned by approximately 2,800 sugarbeet growers in the Minnesota and North Dakota areas of the Red River Valley. The Red River Valley forms a band approximately 35 miles wide on either side of the North Dakota and Minnesota border and extends approximately 200 miles south from the border of the United States and Canada, according to the company website. The company purchases all of its Red River Valley sugarbeets from members under contract with the company.
American Crystal is the largest beet sugar producer in the United States and has two locations in eastern North Dakota, three in northwestern Minnesota and one plant in northeastern Montana. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Sidney Sugars Incorporated, owns and operates a sugarbeet processing facility in Sidney, Montana, which processes nonmember sugarbeets from approximately 30,000 acres.
The nonstop rains at the end of September and into October caused muddy conditions at the start of harvest; after it snowed, the melted snow just added more water to the ground. When the freeze came, many of the sugarbeets were frozen in the ground. Matthew Krueger, an East Grand Forks, Minnesota, grower told me ACSC sent a text to member growers on Nov. 3 that frozen beet quotas had been removed in all districts, and growers could deliver any frozen beets that were mud free. He said by Nov. 9, another text came saying that ACSC was ending harvest of all beets because of poor beet conditions, along with high levels of mud and leaves, making them uneconomical to process.
I spoke with Krueger while he was combining soybeans and he told me his harvest ended early in November after realizing the beets he was harvesting were too full of mud chunks, making it harder for ACSC to process. “We had to leave a significant portion of our beets in the ground, unable to finish the long, at times difficult, harvest,” said Krueger.
It is important to note that the root of the sugarbeet is what contains the high concentration of sucrose and is grown commercially for sugar production. As Knutson pointed out, his unharvested beets will become cattle feed this year and that consists of just the roots, not the tops.
Wikipedia notes that, “The root of the beet contains 75% water, about 20% sugar and 5% pulp. The exact sugar content can vary between 12% and 21% sugar, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Sugar is the primary value of sugarbeet as a cash crop. The pulp, insoluble in water, is mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin, is used in animal feed. The byproducts of the sugarbeet crop, such as pulp and molasses, adds another 10% to the value of the harvest.”
Krueger said that in years where there is an early freeze, a sugarbeet can thaw and “heal itself,” but will lose some sugar content. This fall, after the heavy rains, muddy fields and then a freeze, the beets were unable to recover. He said the ACSC actually took in close to 1 million tons of frozen beets, but some of the beets began to rot, and the excess chunks of mud became problematic.
“As co-op members, the amount of sugarbeets a grower is expected to deliver to ACSC depends on how many shares they own,” Krueger said. “One share plants 0.8 acres and in my case, I grow about 680 acres of sugarbeets.” Krueger estimates that there may have been as much as 65% of the harvest lost in parts of the Red River Valley.
“Our contract does have act of God in there, but it also has clauses in there that if unable to deliver beets, you may be obligated for fixed costs,” said Krueger. “That cost for this year has been set at $343 per acre by ACSC for the unharvested acres.”
I asked Krueger about how much crop insurance will pay, and he said, “For simple math, insurance will pay for 60% of what I could have made on our beets. But, input costs are roughly 60%, so the fee puts us in the red. It also depends on how high your cost of production is, and it can vary several hundred dollars between growers. One thing to note is as shareholders we are paying in in order to keep the co-op financially sound.”
Krueger said his beets left in the field will be left to rot until spring and that he will use a rotary beater to chop the greens off the top before then. Krueger also grows corn and soybeans and will rotate one of those crops in to that field next spring. He also noted that spring wheat could work, but next year may be rough where beets had rotted. He said although other growers do rotate wheat in, in his opinion, corn is the best choice. His rotation on beets is three years. “I have a 3,000 acre farm so I am always rotating,” added Krueger.
USDA LOWERS PRODUCTION
In the Nov. 15 Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook Projected, USDA Economic Research Service noted that U.S. sugar production for 2019-20 was reduced, as both cane sugar and beet sugar production were lowered based on most recent crop data. “Domestic deliveries for 2019-20 were reduced as well, based on lower forecast totals than previously reported for 2018-19. Reported ending stocks by domestic processors and refiners for 2018-19 resulted in an ending stocks-to-use ratio of 14.5%. Projected sugar exports are down from the previous month, as the availability of fewer supplies is expected to reduce the volume of shipments to non-U.S. markets.”
USDA said production for 2019-20 has been hampered by cold, wet weather conditions in most of the key sugarbeet producing regions during the harvest season. Through Nov. 3, the national sugarbeet harvest was only 70% complete and the slowest pace on record since 2000. This was mainly due to record-slow harvest progress made in Minnesota (70%), North Dakota (67%) and Michigan (55%).
“At the time of the WASDE release, growers were still contending with freezing temperatures and wet soil conditions, which can hinder growers’ ability to get in the field, harvest sugarbeet roots from the soil, and provide healthy, clean beets that can be stored and processed during the winter and spring slicing season. The likelihood of unusually high levels of sugarbeets being left unharvested has been increasing as winter conditions continue in those states,” noted USDA.
“The reduction is primarily in Minnesota and North Dakota, the first and third largest sugarbeet producing states. The reduction is due to lowered harvested area forecasts, currently at 971,000 acres — an 11.3% reduction from the October forecast. If realized, this would be the lowest harvested acreage total since 1960-61.” Here is a link to the entire Nov. 15 report: https://usda.library.cornell.edu/…
On Nov.18, USDA announced it intends to take appropriate actions to ensure an adequate supply of sugar to the U.S. market as prospects for U.S. sugar production have declined significantly due to adverse weather in sugarbeet and sugarcane regions. With a 10.5% ending stocks-to-use ratio forecast for fiscal year 2020, USDA will be addressing options in the near future in order to stabilize U.S. sugar supplies. USDA noted that it intends to make an announcement between Nov. 18 and Dec. 10 as to quantity, type and source of additional sugar needed to ensure an adequate supply for the domestic market, avoid forfeitures and prevent or correct market disruptions.
To say the 2019 sugarbeet season has been rough is putting it mildly. Knutson said, “Yes, the struggles were real and took their toll on growers. No ton came through the gate that did not have sweat and blood involved. Many went above and beyond what was expected to get the crop in.” Knutson added that during this growing season “we had snow, rain, frost, flooding and a freeze; about the only thing we didn’t have was locusts.”
He was, of course, referencing one of the seven plagues listed in the bible in Exodus 10:1–20. Basically, the prophecy is that locusts would swarm Earth and eat away all of the plants leaving nothing. Knutson’s comment gives a pretty good indication of just how bad the 2019 sugarbeet harvest season was for many growers.
ACSC is holding factory district meetings the week of Nov. 18 to inform growers what to expect this winter, added Knutson.
Mary Kennedy can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org
Follow her on Twitter @MaryCKenn
Source: Mary Kennedy, DTN
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Grain Storage to be Costly with Additional Interest Rate HikeMarch 27, 2023

domain: agronomy


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DALLAS (CBS.MW)-- Energy stocks ended lower with the Philadelphia Oil Service Index OSX, -0.10% recording a 2 percent decline, the biggest drop in the group. The CBOE Oil Index OSX, -0.10% lost 0.9 percent, and the Amex Natural Gas Index $xng eased 0.1 percent. The Philadelphia Utility Index UTY, -1.21% managed a 0.1 percent gain to close at 291.75.
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Study population Between May 10, 1985, and August 8, 1999, 572 patients received a marrow transplant at our centre from unrelated donors for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in chronic phase, accelerated phase or blast phase in remission. In an effort to reduce the effects of additive HLA disparities and of known risk factors for GVHD and survival (Hansen et al, 1998; Petersdorf et al, 1998), we restricted the current analysis to consecutive transplants who satisfied the following criteria (n = 205): (i) donors and recipients were allele-matched for graft-vs.-host recognition at HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1; (ii) patients were prepared for transplantation with the use of a myeloablative regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation; (iii) patients received T-replete marrow grafts using cyclosporin and methotrexate for GVHD prophylaxis; and (iv) DNA was available for retrospective DPB1 sequencing for both the recipient and the donor.
HLA typing HLA-A, -B and -C alleles were sequenced using direct automated fluorescence sequencing methods as described (Petersdorf et al, 1998). HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles were typed using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe-based methods (Petersdorf et al, 1996). HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DPA1 were not given consideration in this study owing to the strong positive linkage disequilibrium with DQB1 and DPB1 respectively (Begovich et al, 1992; Spurkland & Vartdal, 1992; Sage et al, 1994; Hurley et al, 2000). Typing for HLA-DPB1 alleles in the current study was performed using direct automated fluorescence sequencing. HLA-DPB1 genes were amplified using 100–200 ng of genomic DNA, 0·75 U of AmpliTaq DNA Polymerase, and either 22·5 μl of HLA-DPB1 reverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ready mix (kind gift from Dr Malcolm McGinnis, Applied Biosystems) or buffer containing 10 mmol/l Tris-HCl (pH 8·3), 50 mmol/l KCl, 1·5 mmol/l MgCl2, 1·5 μl of 2·5 mmol/l dATP, dCTP, dGTP and dTTP, and 25 pmol of each primer DPB5 and DPB3 (Rozemuller et al, 1996). Initial denaturation at 98°C for 2 min was followed by 32 cycles of denaturation at 96°C for 45 s, annealing at 65°C for 1 min and extension at 72°C for 2 min. The final extension at 72°C for 10 min was followed by 4°C hold.
Amplified products were purified using Multiscreen-PCR filter plates according to manufacturer's protocols (Millipore, Bedford, MA, USA) with the following modification: PCR products were eluted with 75 μl of ddH2O and concentrated to 5–10 μl volume using Speed Vac Plus SC110A Concentrator (Savant Instruments, Holbrook, NY, USA). Purified PCR products were analysed using a direct fluorescence sequencing method as previously described (Petersdorf et al, 1999). The primer DPB5F (Rozemuller et al, 1996) was used to sequence exon 2 of the DPB1 gene in the 5′ orientation.
Sequencing data were manually reviewed, and HLA-A, -B and -C alleles were assigned by using alignments with known sequences. HLA-DPB1 sequence data were analysed using MatchTools PPC program (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) and by manual review.
When more than one possible combination of two DPB1 alleles could have resulted in the same chromatogram, allele-specific amplification was performed as follows: primer pair GSAP107C/DPB3 for heterozygous combinations DPB1*0401,0402/2301,5101; DPB5/GSAP205C for heterozygous combinations DPB1*02012,0401/0402,3301, DPB1*02012,2001/0402,0601, DPB1*02012,3501/0402,0901, DPB1*0301,1001/0901,2501/1401,3701, DPB1*0401,0601/ 20011,3301 and DPB1*0401,0901/3301,3501; primer pair DPB5/GSAP226C for heterozygous combinations DPB1*02012,1401/4501,4601, DPB1*02012,0301/0402, 2901/2501,4601, DPB1*02012,0901/1001,4601, DPB1* 0301, 0601/20011,2901, DPB1*0301,1601/0801,2001, DPB1*0301,1701/0601,3501/0901,2001 and DPB1*0202, 1001/4801,5401; and primer pair DPB5/GSAP256G for DPB1*0401,0501/2401,6301. Direct fluorescence sequencing was performed using primers DPB5F or DPB3F. Primer sequences have previously been described in detail (Versluis et al, 1995; Rozemuller et al, 1996). One new allele-specific primer DP03/26 (5′cagagaattacgt gtaccagttac3′, located at exon 2 position 11–34) was designed to resolve two heterozygous combinations DPB1*01011,0301/DPB1*26012,5001 and DPB1*01011, 20011/DPB1*2701,5001.
Transplant procedure All patients were prepared for transplantation with intravenous cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg recipient body weight) administered on each of two successive days followed by total body irradiation (900–1575 cGy determined by phase of disease) from dual opposing 60Co sources. Prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus (CMV), fungal and Pneumocystis carinii infection was administered as described (Hansen et al, 1998). All protocols and consent forms were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The severity of acute GVHD was assessed according to criteria previously described (Petersdorf et al, 1998).
Statistical methods The major objective of this retrospective study was to test the hypothesis that HLA-DPB1 disparity increases the risk of clinically significant grades III–IV acute GVHD after unrelated donor stem cell transplantation for CML. Mismatching at HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -DPB1 was defined as the presence of recipient alleles not shared by the donor (recipient disparity). The probability of grades III–IV GVHD was estimated among patients mismatched for 0, 1 and 2 HLA-DPB1 alleles, and odds ratios were obtained using logistic regression. In addition, the distribution of grades of GVHD was compared among groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The hazard of mortality and appropriate hazard ratios were estimated using proportional hazards regression. As HLA-DPB1 was not considered during donor selection, potential imbalances in non-HLA risk factors between groups defined by number of mismatched HLA-DPB1 alleles should have occurred only through chance. To account for this possibility, however, multivariable regression models were fitted by considering non-HLA risk factors previously shown to be associated with increased GVHD and mortality. Estimates of the probability of survival were obtained using the method of Kaplan and Meier (1958), and the probability of GVHD was summarized using cumulative incidence estimates (Gooley et al, 1999), in which death without GVHD was regarded as a competing risk for GVHD. Global tests were conducted to examine the difference in distribution of GVHD grades (using the Kruskal–Wallis test), probability of severe GVHD (score test) and the hazard of mortality (score test). If the global tests yielded significant or suggestive differences, selected pairwise comparisons were made. Two-sided P-values resulting from regression models appropriate to these comparisons were derived from the Wald test and no adjustments were made for multiple comparisons.

domain: biology


Thai Airways International flight TG484, scheduled to arrive in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon from Perth, Australia has been postponed after an airbridge struck the plane, damaging the left engine cowling.
The national carrier said that after all 235 passengers and 13 cabin crew including pilots had boarded the plane and the doors had been closed, airport staff started to move the airbridge away but it struck the plane.
An examination revealed damage to an area about 60cm long on the engine cowling, causing the airline to suspend the flight. THAI checked some passengers into a hotel to wait for the next flight and transferred some to other airlines.
Thai Airways operates a daily flight from Perth to Bangkok, leaving at 9.20am and arriving at 3.20pm at Suvarnabhumi airport.


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Unformatted text preview: 383 Chapter 23 Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates SUMMARY OF CHAPTER The first part of the chapter discusses the taxation aspects of estates, focusing on a decedent’s final federal income tax return, while the second part of the chapter reviews the federal income tax return of a trust. Intertwined in the discussion of estate and trust income tax returns is a discussion of the duties and responsibilities of fiduciaries. Tax planning techniques which have proven useful in regard to estate and trust income tax returns and the tax status of beneficiaries are also discussed. Taxation of Estates ¶23,001 Decedent’s Final Income Tax Return Decedent’s final income tax return includes income and deductions up to the date of death. The return is filed on the regular due date. ¶23,015 Income and Deductions on Final Return The method of accounting used by the decedent while alive determines what income and deductions are recognized on the decedent’s final return. Medical expenses incurred for care of the decedent and paid by the estate within one year of death can be treated as paid at the time they are incurred and deducted on the decedent’s final return. Income in respect of decedent includes income that the decedent has earned or is entitled to receive at the date of death but which is not properly includible on the decedent’s final return. Income in respect of the decedent is included on the income tax return of the estate or the beneficiary who is entitled to the payment and actually receives it. ¶23,025 Federal Income Tax Concerns of an Estate An estate comes into existence on the date of the decedent’s death and continues in existence until all of the decedent’s property is distributed to the beneficiaries and the estate is dissolved by law. ¶23,035 Fiduciary Responsibilities A fiduciary is a person such as an administrator, trustee, or executor who has been given a special confidence and responsibility to manage property in a trust or estate according to some legal document (will, trust agreement) and in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the trust or estate. The main responsibility of a fiduciary of an estate is to settle the affairs of the decedent. Included among the duties and responsibilities of a fiduciary of an estate is the responsibility to file any required tax returns and pay any tax liabilities of the decedent or the decedent’s estate. ¶23,045 Estate Federal Income Tax Return An estate is a taxpaying entity that is entitled to a deduction for income distributions to beneficiaries. The estate is entitled to a personal exemption of $600. Taxation of Trusts ¶23,209 Nature of Trusts A trust is a legal entity created to hold property. As a taxpaying entity, a trust is entitled to a deduction for income distributions to beneficiaries. For tax purposes, a trust can be classified as a simple or a complex trust. A simple trust is required to distribute all income currently. All trusts other than simple trusts are complex trusts....
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- Progressive Tax, Taxation in the United States

domain: economics


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ZIEGLER, F. 18?? — 19??. German Missionary?
Publications: English-Kannada Dictionary. 6th rev. and considerably enl. ed. by C. Watsa. 614 p. Mangalore 1929; A practical key to the Kannada language. 6th ed. 108 p.
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Traders are fighting back with ways to increase footfall into Crewe Market and have even approached documentary makers at Channel 4 to help with their plight.
The Chronicle reported back in September on the concern from stall holders about their future after the number of shoppers to the town centre and market hall had fallen over recent years.
They were worried their future looked bleak unless major changes were introduced by Cheshire East Council (CEC) to help draw more customers in.
Council leader Michael Jones said CEC would be talking to market traders about ‘bringing new life into the market by motivating existing traders and through advertising’ and traders were also given a ‘rent incentive’ period just after Christmas.
Joanne Adams runs Jo’s Accessories. She said: “Things are definitely on the up but slowly. We have had fantastic input from Edward Timpson and Cheshire East have been looking into things for us, but it is a two-way street and we want to be pro-active ourselves in getting customers to come back to us.
“We have got some great traders here in the market hall offering some great and unique things. We just want to encourage local people to come back and have a look at what’s on offer.”
Jo has even contacted Channel 4 to see if they would be interested in making a documentary on the general decline of the UK market trade featuring Crewe and suggested that Mary Portas would be the ideal presenter for the programme.
Mary is a retail consultant and broadcaster, known for her retail and business-related television shows. She was appointed by the prime minister to lead a review into the future of Britain’s high street.
“I received a response straight back from Channel 4 who said the idea was a good one and would be sent to the programme makers for further research, which can only be a good thing,” Jo said.
“We are also having a monthly talent spot here in the market hall. Every month we have an act that will supply a bit of entertainment for passing shoppers to create a good atmosphere and just again, entice people back in.”
The first act will be vocalist Rebecca Seddon who will perform on Easter Saturday (April 4)
The market are also on Facebook on www.facebook.com/crewemarkethall


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Tofu can either be incredibly bland or the ultimate ingredient for soaking up flavor. Which do you choose?
If you’re anything like us, you’ll take the tofu with all the FLAVOR! And when it comes to flavor, this recipe delivers.
As an added bonus, it’s simple to make and requires just 8 ingredients.
What is Tofu?
Tofu is a soy-based food that is made from curdling soy milk. It has a mild taste, making it perfect for soaking up flavor in a variety of dishes. It’s also rich in calcium, manganese, copper, selenium, protein, phosphorous, omega-3 fats, iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B1.
Origin of Tofu
It’s believed that tofu originated in China during the Han dynasty (202 BC – 8 AD). Then about 500 years later, it’s thought to have spread to neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It’s now consumed and enjoyed throughout the world.
You can take a deeper dive into the history of tofu here.
How to Make Crispy Peanut Tofu
After marinating the tofu in tamari, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup, it gets coated in cornstarch to help it crisp up in the oven.
The tofu comes out lightly browned and perfectly crispy. All that’s left to do is give it a sweet & spicy peanutty flavor.
The peanut sauce comes together in less than 5 minutes by whisking tamari, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, and sesame oil in a bowl. Learn more about the origin of this delicious sauce here.
Crispy tofu and delicious peanut sauce combine to make a FLAVORFUL and protein-packed vegan dish.
We think you’re going to love this recipe. It’s:
If you try this recipe let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see what you came up with. Cheers, friends!
Baked Crispy Peanut Tofu
- 14 oz extra firm tofu (preferably organic, non-GMO)
- 3 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 4-5 Tbsp cornstarch (for crispy tofu! You can try subbing arrowroot, but we haven’t tested it and can’t guarantee the results)
- 2 ½ Tbsp creamy peanut butter (or other nut or seed butter)
- 2 Tbsp tamari (or coconut aminos, but add more to taste as it’s less salty)
- 1 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Start pressing tofu using a tofu press, or wrap in clean, absorbent towel and set something heavy — like a cast iron skillet or books — on top to press out the moisture. Press for about 15-20 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare peanut sauce by combining peanut butter, tamari, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl and whisking thoroughly to combine. Set aside.
- Cut pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and add to a large plate. Top with tamari or soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup. Gently toss to combine using hands or a spoon. Let marinate 2-3 minutes, stirring/tossing occasionally.
- Use a slotted spoon or your hands to transfer tofu to a quart-size or large freezer bag. Add cornstarch 1 Tbsp at a time and toss to coat. Continue adding more cornstarch and tossing until tofu is coated in a gummy, white layer (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).
- Transfer tofu to the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping at the 18-minute mark to encourage even baking. It should be firm to the touch, firm on the edges, and slightly browned on the exterior once removed from the oven. Bake slightly longer if needed.
- Heat a large metal or cast iron skillet (12 inch) over medium heat. Once hot, add tofu and the peanut sauce. Toss to coat. Stirring frequently, sauté the tofu for about 2 minutes, or until the tofu is hot and well coated with peanut sauce.


As a video forensic expert, CCTV enhancement (closed-circuit television) is a day to day practice we perform on video recordings from both digital and analog surveillance systems. Often times, the courts we testify in want to know how to enhance security camera videos. In the following post, we will describe …Read More
Tag Archives: CCTV Enhancement
Successful CCTV enhancement depends on the quality of the CCTV system that created the video recording. CCTV systems are designed to record multiple cameras located in predetermined locations. Video forensic experts are trained and experienced in CCTV enhancement. A CCTV enhancement is as good as the quality of the system that created it. Some poor quality CCTV video can be successfully enhanced using forensic processes that are accepted in the scientific community.
A trained video forensic expert knows how to apply tools that will enhance the CCTV video evidence. These tools allow you to zoom in on a video and clarify difficult-to-see events. This process may lower your overall video quality, and as Hollywood may lead you to believe, fixing it isn?t nearly as simple as pushing the ?enhance? button.


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Published in Story Journey Sound Recording: An Invitation to the Gospels as Storytelling. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989
Feeding of 5000: Beginners Storytelling Workshop
1 hour and 22 minutes
Tom Boomershine presents a beginners storytelling workshop on the Feeding of 5000 at the 2007 NBS Festival Gathering.
Joshua and Jesus: Peace in Biblical Perspective
49 minutes 57 seconds
Tom Boomershine presents some reflections of the connection between peace and the stories of God through Joshua and Jesus at the 2007 NBS Festival Gathering.
Memory and Story
51 minutes 9 seconds
Tom Boomershine presents a workshop on the connections between memory and storytelling with helpful information on the basics of how our memory actually works to retain information, including stories.


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Posted on 02 Dec 2009
Aon Benfield, the world's premier reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor, on Monday celebrates its one year anniversary.
The company, which was born from the merger of Aon Re Global and Benfield Group in November 2008, has enjoyed a highly successful first year of trading despite challenging conditions in the global economy.
Through its commitment to providing industry-leading solutions and services, Aon Benfield has generated more than $100 million in new business, and has secured 14 industry awards in the past 12 months. More than 95 percent of the 160 key leadership colleagues announced at the time of the merger have remained with the firm.
Andrew Appel, Chief Executive Officer of Aon Benfield, said: “Our first year operating as a combined entity has surpassed all our expectations. We knew there would be a lot of synergies in the merger process, and that has certainly proved to be the case – we are now the only truly global reinsurance intermediary and capital advisor in our space, with access to all the global markets, both traditional and alternative. We are redefining the value proposition of the reinsurance intermediary, and our unmatched solutions and services are helping our clients to redefine their businesses, to enable them to react to growth opportunities as we emerge from this difficult period in the global economy.”
In 2009, Aon Benfield developed more than 20 new tools and solutions for its clients, which have either been brought to market or are awaiting launch. The products included:
Blue Fin II – An innovative and unique catastrophe bond that addressed the structural challenges highlighted by the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers in September 2008. Blue Fin II was oversubscribed ahead of its launch, and helped to restore investor confidence in the sector, kick-starting the catastrophe bond market in 2009.
Fac Pool Re – Another world-first solution that transfers Aon Benfield clients’ facultative risks into the capital markets.
CapTivate – A reinsurance product tailored specifically to captives, which has been developed by Aon Benfield’s Structured Reinsurance team.
S2MetricaSM – Based on the architecture of Aon Benfield’s award-winning dynamic financial analysis product, ReMetrica®, S2Metrica assists re/insurers to prepare and adapt their business models for the forthcoming European Union Solvency II regime.
Michael O’Halleran, Executive Chairman of Aon Benfield, said: “The first phase of Aon Benfield was the Coming Together of two leading players in our industry, and the second phase is our Redefining the role of the reinsurance intermediary. The innovative solutions we have developed since launch are now changing the way our clients conduct their business. While celebrating our first year of achievements, we continue to be our clients’ greatest advocate in the reinsurance and capital markets space. To maintain our leading position, we need to continually innovate and deliver solutions with the highest levels of client service. Thanks go to our 4,000 global colleagues whose hard work and dedication allows us to achieve our goals.”


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Style Inspiration - Click Images to Shop the Style
The Josie Anklet in silver plate comes adorned with a petite silver heart charm. Feminine and easy going look.
- single leather strand
- comes with silver plate heart charm
- silver plate crescents and clasp
SIZING INFO - Measure where on your ankle you want your anklet to lay. You can round 'up' to the nearest size for comfort, (or not if you want a snug fit).
Don't see your size? We can make it for you! Please email email@example.com for more information.


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Excellent design: measure inside, outside, depth and step with two sets of jaws and the probe. Power saving: auto boot when pulling, auto shutdown when non-operating. One button quick change between two measuring modes: inch, millimeter. It can be zero anywhere.


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Fairytale Magic – Paparazzi – Green Cat’s Eye Stone Silver Feather Frame Ring
Only 2 left in stock
A glowing green cat’s eye stone is pressed into the center of a shimmery silver frame radiating with a silver feather and glistening white petals, creating a whimsical compilation atop the finger. Features a stretchy band for a flexible fit.
Sold as one individual ring.