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Mindjammer Press
Worlds of Imagination and Adventure
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Mindjammer – The Roleplaying Game
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The Chronicles of Future Earth
Monsters & Magic
Education and Upbringing in the New Commonality
A civilisation as vast as the New Commonality of Humankind has a great variety of approaches to the education and upbringing of its citizens. Here are some preliminary observations on the ways things are usually done – although bear in mind that for every world where the following applies, another exists which is quite different.
It's common for Commonality citizens to remain in education for the first forty or fifty years of their extended lives. However, that initial educational period comprises several discrete stages.
Juvenile Preparation
A Commonality citizen receives a Mindscape implant at majority – usually around eighteen years of age. Up until then, an individual is variously considered an infant or juvenile, without full rights and responsibilities.
This primary educational period emphasises physical education and socialisation. The idea is to teach teamwork and community building, and to foster a sense of interdependence. Every juvenile is assigned a *mentor* – usually a small, ball-shaped grav synthetic – which acts as a personal companion and assistant, but also provides the juvenile with a controlled interface to the as-yet-unconnected Mindscape and its functions.
Mentors are eidolons. During primary education, the Commonality juvenile learns to instinctively accept the nature of eidolons and thanograms before themselves being directly connected to the Mindscape and experiencing it firsthand.
Under the mentor's guidance, the juvenile is subject to evaluation during those first eighteen years, including aptitude assessment and specialisation streaming, as each individual is encouraged to find their niche, preferences, and strengths. The primary education period is also an opportunity to weed out and "correct" personality and other maladjustments before they become problematic. The Commonality has a *very* wide tolerance for behavioural ranges in juveniles, although individual worlds may favour certain subsets, depending on their culture.
The Mindscape Academy
Primary education ends with the matriculation of an individual to the "Mindscape Academy", an educational centre lasting several years (for example, from age 18 to 21) where individuals receive Mindscape implants under controlled conditions, and their functions are incrementally brought online in a structured course of study and practical training. At the end of Mindscape Academy, the individual is certified to use a fully functional Mindscape implant, including self-monitoring for Mindscape-related stresses, and at graduation is considered a Commonality citizen.
During the Academy period the individual no longer has direct contact with his mentor, although many voluntarily continue to communicate via Mindscape and may remain friends throughout their lives. Mentors go on to assist other juveniles, and gradually build up pseudo-family structures of the successive students they've taught. This close bond may also extend between students of a single mentor; virtual and real reunions may occur, and if two or more individuals helped by a single mentor find themselves within meeting distance, they may decide to meet and share experiences. An automatic bond of trust exists between mentor descent group members which isn't easily broken.
On the Fringe, the Temple of Universal Mind often appropriates the gateway functions of the Mindscape Academy and colours them in its own way and in accordance with the local culture. This may even include granting of Commonality citizenship to its graduates / initiates.
Commonality Citizenship and Gen-Ed Training
Mindscape Academy graduates usually embark upon advanced educational courses, usually tailored to strengths and preferences identified during primary education, although significant changes may occur as a result of Academy experiences. General Education or Gen-Ed may begin as early as age 21, and may include a decade or more of Mindscape-enhanced education and increasing specialisation, possibly including physical augmentation.
Advanced Training and First Career
At the end of Gen-Ed, individuals begin to gravitate towards their "First Career", which may include work in the instrumentalities, pansectorates, local administrations, and so on. This usually happens in an individual's thirties, and results in a decade-long training period in dedicated facilities associated with the chosen career. Individuals are encouraged to try multiple streams, cross-train, and so on, and ongoing evaluation and assessment continues throughout this period, including any remedial action deemed necessary. At some point, an individual will cross an arbitrary divide between "trainee" and "worker", and begin their First Career. Choices are never irrevocable, however, and it's common to return to training and try out many different careers and occupations during a lifetime. Some cultures are more encouraging of this than others; some may indeed inculcate a more dedicated "steady" approach to career progression and specialisation. Generally, though, by the time an individual has entered his forties, he'll likely be completing his first period of education and embarking on his initial career.
Childbearing and childrearing are valid occupational choices, although this may depend on local culture; many Core Worlds cultures use in vitro gestation and communal synthetic childraising almost exclusively. Just as many cultures, however, particularly out on the Fringe, encourage individuals to experience childbirth and childrearing at any stage during their lives, and adopting any appropriate biological sex. This may occur when young or old, although it's always considered an occupational choice, and thus generally not available until an individual has graduated Mindscape Academy. Genurgic contraception means that in many cultures Mindscape commands are required to even become pregnant in the first place, although there are always exceptions.
Family Structures
There are many different family structures in the Commonality. Mentor descent groups form one; as do the "socialisation cells" in which infants are raised and socialised. In some cases parent-infant structures exist, often based on cultural traditions, including the so-called "nuclear family". In such cases mentors are assigned and fit into the local family structure (a bit like a child's "invisible friend").
In the Core Worlds, the mentor descent group and socialisation cells are probably the default; out on the Fringe, other models tend to prevail.
Socialisation cells aren't as cold as they sound. "Socialiser" is a completely valid and valued occupation in the Commonality, with a structured career path, training and support. Individual socialisers may raise many generations of infants and juveniles, and keep in contact with them; some individuals may become socialisers for a single career period before branching out; others may leave a career for an extended sabbatical of childbirth and childrearing as an accredited socialiser. In many cases socialisation cells are analogous to "clans" – diverse yet tightly-knit local communities with citizen workers dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming environment for infants and juveniles. In the Core Worlds, there may be no genurgic link between the in vitro derived infants and juveniles and the socialisation cell adults nurturing them, but that doesn't stop tight family bonds forming which may last a lifetime. In all cases consensus, assessment, and supervision aims to provide an optimal childhood environment.


I wish I could lose 6.6 pounds this week LOL I need to put down the liccorice and stop eating the bad stuff. I am doing good this week so far though. Last night was good and today I have eaten edemame for breakfast.
I appreciate that you want to lose the weight. I have a way you can speed up your metabolism and be less hungry. Try to eat every 3 hours...small portions of protien, complex carbohydrates and fruit (breakfast) and vegetables at the other snacks and meals. It works!


This skirt is super comfortable to wear. The fabric is a very thick knit and is made to be stretchy so there is no elastic waist or zipper to it. But even with all that, this sweater is what makes me feel confident today. Last fall I was fortunate enough to find this at Goodwill and then sewed on all the embellishments (Jeweled Collar DIY here). The neutral color makes it very versatile, but the jeweled collar makes it special.
Today's featured blogger is Lee from LegalLee Blonde. Go check her blog out!
Today's giveaway is for a stylish faux fur lined poncho from Tulip. I had so much fun participating in Tulip Twist a couple weeks ago and was very excited when they agreed to sponsor a giveaway! Ponchos are huge this season and have the bonus of being super cozy, too! This one is adorable! Good luck!
If you haven't already, make sure you enter Day 1 and Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, and Day 7 Giveaways!
Veronica from Vero Says is co-hosting Confident Twosday today. She has a fabulous mix of beauty, life, and style on her blog. There is something for everyone so make sure you go visit!
Love that skirt Laura. The fact that it's stretchy without a zipper just makes it better!
Love the skirt! Very festive for this tie of year! So excited to be cohosting!
Your plaid skirt is darling and perfect for the holiday season! Love this look!
Loving this look it's perfect for the holiday season! That skirt is definitely my favorite part of the entire outfit, so cute. Hope to see you at tomorrow's link up!
I am so crushing on this look. Perfect buffalo plaid for a skirt.
Love your skirt, this is such a pretty look on you!!
That plaid skirt is so pretty! And, the embellished shirt over the button down goes great with it! Def. a great holiday look!
You look so lovely in this outfit. I love that skirt!
love, love this skirt on you!! it's so cute and so festive. perfect holiday outfit!
I love the sweater! What a fantastic idea to add some embellishments to it! The skirt is also so pretty! Both pieces look perfect together.
You are so rocking this festive preppy look - Happy Holidays!
so classy! i love this look for anything during the month of december.
So love your plaid skirt - perfect for the holidays!
I think I remember loving this skirt last year. It looks great the way you styled it, and I love the heel detail on those boots.
Love your skirt! Perfectly accessorized!
Laura, this little plaid skirt is too cute! I love the pleats!
Love the plaid skirt! Perfect for Holiday parties.
Love the plaid skirt and how awesome to have a one of a kind sweater! Thank you for hosting and hope you are having a fab week!
Beautiful top, I need to check out your DIY tutorial. Looking gorgeous Laura!
This outfit is just gorgeous! I also love the way you've styled your hair. Thanks for hosting!
So pretty! I am loving that skirt so much and your whole look is so holiday lovely!
You always look fabulous in a little red Laura!
Very clever idea to embellish the jumper. And of course, it looks wonderful with that red skirt.
I love how you embellished your own sweater! Great look, Laura! Have a good week.
What a cute look! Love the plaid skirt.
Perfect holiday look. Especially if it's comfy!
A lovely festive look for holiday seasons!
This skirt is so perfect for winter, and I'm loving your bag too!
Love the skirt! It is so cute!
What a cool outfit and thank you for the giveaway!
Cute look, the red plaid skirt brings out the holiday spirit.
Such a pretty outfit! And perfect for this time of year!
Such a gorgeous outfit!!! You look amazing!!!!!:) that skirt is too cute!
Your skirt is beautiful, perfect for the holidays!
This look is adorable and so perfect for the Holiday Season! I can't believe you did all the embellishments! Fabulous!
Looking cozy and so festive! I do love the plaid!
That skirt is super cute! I also love that you sewed the embellishments on the sweater yourself--what an awesome hack!
I love your plaid skirt! This is such a festive look and I really can't believe you embellished your sweater! This is such a great DIY!
Oh my gosh that skirt is A-dorable!!
Love the red plaid skirt! Greaat holiday and fall look, those boots look great too!
I need that adorable skirt. Plus it is red. Duhhh!


Entry Point For Half-Lane Cheerleader Zone :: Merry Yuletide!
Same here - love and peace..
Brave is one of those "Why didn't I buy that?" movies I've yet to own. Elinor as a bear is comical and dramatic, and after one viewing of the movie I bought a beautiful, minky-soft plush of her!
Happy Christmas to you and yours! (And Boxing Day, whatever the greeting for that might be). May 2016 bring what you hope it will.


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In This Rick and Morty: Worlds Apart Exclusive Preview, Old People Are the Worst
Rick and Morty riding a dragon through a portal.
Image: Tony Fleecs, Jarrett Williams, Oni Press
In their many dimension-hopping adventures, Rick and Morty have encountered all sorts of messed up weirdos who, for one reason or another, end up either trying to befriend the science genius and his grandson, or trying to murder them. In Oni Press' upcoming comic, Rick and Morty: Worlds Apart, you get a little from Column A, and a little from Column B.
In Worlds Apart, written by Josh Trujillo, with art by Tony Fleecs, Jarrett Williams, and Leonardo Ito, and letters by Christopher Crank, Rick and Morty end up crossing paths with Balthromaw, the sexually and spiritually promiscuous dragon introduced in season four who, when last we saw him, was sent packing after desperately trying to convince literally anyone to soul-bond with him. When Balthromaw finds himself in a tough spot, it's on Morty to save him, despite the fact that he views the dragon as a lecherous creep of the highest order. At the same time, Rick finds himself having to deal with his fascist teddy-bear doppelganger, who's traveled from his home dimension on a mission to ruin human Rick's vacation plans.
But before Worlds Apart even gets into all of that mess, the comic opens with a much more grounded sort of reunion that nonetheless brings out the worst in both Rick and Morty. Take a look at the first few pages from Words Apart down below ahead of the comic's launch early next year.
In the First Look at Rick and Morty's Fifth Season, Rick Has a New Nemesis
He's not Aquaman. He's way more pathetic.
The cover of Rick and Morty: Worlds Apart.
Rick and the Smith family watching The Masked Surgeon, a reality TV show.
Image: Tony Fleecs, Jarrett Williams, Leonardo Ito, Christopher Crank, Oni Press
Jerry's father Leonard showing up unexpectedly. We haven't seen him since season one's Christmas-themed "Anatomy Park" episode!
Rick and Morty both expressing their distaste for Leonard's sudden arrival at their home.
Image: Tony Fleecs, Jarrett Williams, Leonardo Ito, Christopher Crank Oni Press
Morty explaining to Leonard how it's not really appropriate for people to share details about their sex lives with their grandchildren.
Summer explaining why she doesn't want to hang out with Leonard, either, much to his dismay.
Rick and Morty: Worlds Apart drops on February 3, 2021.
The Latest Rick and Morty Anime Short is a Time-Twisting Tokyo Thriller
A few months ago, Adult Swim gave us a delightful treat in the form of a Rick and Morty anime…
I get that it's a comic book and not an animated series, but having everyone flailing around feels weird considering most of the cast stays relatively still when talking.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Newest instruments
Instruments per country
Instruments for sale
Route/Address
Rugpositief Opheusden
The new Rugpositief counting ten stops is placed. Currently final voicing and tuning is in progress.
Pictures of the assembly in the church:
http://vandenheuvel-orgelbouw.nl/en/?start=4#sigProIda32e3b0601
More pictures can be found here.
Carvings Ouderkerk aan den IJssel completed
Click on the picture to open te gallery:
http://vandenheuvel-orgelbouw.nl/en/?start=4#sigProId834dc92a83
Rugpositief for Gereformeerde Gemeente, Opheusden
In 2016 the Gereformeerde Gemeente of Opheusden build a new church with seating for 1.700 people. The existing Van den Heuvel organ (2002, 29IIP) was relocated to the new church. The pedal was enlarged by an Quintbas 10 2/3' with open pipes of mahogany. The enlargement with a Rugpositief was prepared for: an new 3 manual console was made and also the Rugpositief case was crafted. At the end of 2017 the church could commission the actual Rugpositief after recieving a subtiantal gift. The new Rugpositief will consist of 10 speaking stops. Deliviery is expected in the summer of 2018.
Restauration Van Dam organ (1872), Nunspeet
December 2017 the contract was signed for the resoration of the L. van Dam organ (22/IIP) organ in the Dorpskerk of Nunspeet (NL). In 1872 L. van Dam constructed the organ with 17 stops on two manuals with pull down pedals. It was placed at the west wall of the church. After the church was enlarged the organ was moved to the new part of the church by E. Leeflang in 1960. In the years 1967/1968 the organ was modified and enlarged with a 5 pedal stops. We expect the restoration to be completed in 2019. Organconsultant Herman G. Kamp will over see the project.
On the next page...
J.L. van den Heuvel orgel for sale (1986, 7IIIp)
New organ for the Hersteld Hervormde Church of Lunteren
Organ Stedelijk Museum, Schiedam
Hersteld Hervormde Church in Ouderkerk aan de IJssel
at the website of
Dismantling organ Lunteren
Nunspeet organ dismantled.
Progress in the assembly hall
H.J. Vierdag organ for sale (14/IIP, 1981) - SOLD


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Q: What's hiding inside this mystery audio file? I have an unusual problem, of which I am struggling to find any answer.
After cleaning out my Windows installation, I found an m4a song file set as hidden in my documents (The Mother We Share by CHVRCHES). It was last modified in 2016, and I do vaguely remember putting it there.
The song will play perfectly fine, up until 2:20 - when it crashes the audio player.
Comparing this file to the original I have in my music library; the files are different. The compare plugin in Notepad++ shows lots of lines in the middle of the file are altered, and the mystery hidden version is shorter than the original.
Notepad++ Compare screenshot

I believe something is hidden inside The Mother We Share.m4v - but I've tried everything I can think of to extract the data and I can't find anything. I checked my google history from that date but no clues.
I am cautious about posting the mystery file online, just in case I hid something sensitive inside the file. I have posted about half of the modified lines below (from lines 14183 to 14625) - maybe someone can help me uncover the truth about this unusual file?
Link to pastebin dump

A: Well, did you hide something in it?
If it hasn't been touched in years then it probably wouldn't be too far off to assume the file just got corrupted during some transfer or update or something.
Maybe try playing the file with a different audio player and see what happens. I don't think you can really hide something in a file like that.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


These cute earrings, along with the Stud version, are the latest addition to the popular Bicycle Collection.
The Bikes are 12mm x 9mm each in size, the have ear wire fastening.
Presented in a branded ivory gift box.


Find the Best Pop quiz APK Mobile Android Apps and Games Below!
ICON POP Quiz challenges players to name hit movie and TV shows and characters.
Get "70s Music" Quiz app and have fun discovering new facts about 70s singers and songs!
Test yourself on Pop music questions . What is your level of pop music expertise?
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You think you can name all Icona Pop music?
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Let test your Anime knowledge to improve yourself in Anime world.


Interstate custody cases often involve complex federal jurisdictional laws, with geographical distance adding another layer of complexity. These circumstances create the potential for very emotionally driven litigation. The biggest concern is the detrimental impact such cases can have on the children involved.
After a divorce, the court that handled the decree retains jurisdiction over issues relating to custody and child support. Problems occur when one parent moves from the state the court is in to another state, whether the move is to Texas from another state, or from Texas to another state.
In child custody cases involving such interstate issues, it is important to be decisive. The lawyers at Hardy Law Group, PLLC, know how to apply and argue federal laws in interstate child custody cases.
These federal laws are useful in deciding multi-state issues by promoting uniformity and cooperation between courts in different states. In international cases, guidelines are followed from the Hague Convention.
Interstate issues may be caused by a number of different circumstances. Often, issues arise when a custodial parent moves out of the state. However, a non-custodial parent moving out of the state can cause issues as well.
When a court enters an order regarding custody, it will usually contain a domicile restriction with the details and limitations regarding a parent's right to relocate with the child. This prevents one parent from simply moving with the child without any notice to the other parent or consent from the court.
Custodial parents wishing to move out of state must involve the court to ensure they are not making a one-sided decision. The parent wishing to relocate must request a modification from the court to alter the previous domicile restriction.
If the other parent wishes to prevent you from moving-which is generally the case-that parent can file an application for a temporary restraining order. The court will then hold a hearing for the parent to share the circumstances behind relocation plans, after which it will make a decision. In any case, the court will consider the motivations and reasons behind the desired relocation.
In most interstate custody cases involving relocation, the judge will also consider the child's age, possible educational advantages, distance and traveling costs, and the potential effects on the child. A court will not prevent a move that is motivated by the desire to alienate another parent or prevent a parent from seeing a child.
It is necessary to prove to the judge that your change in circumstances justifies the requested relocation, and that the relocation is in the best interest of the child. The family law attorneys at the Hardy Law Group, PLLC, are experienced in resolving divorce, custody and support matters in cases involving parents in more than one state.
Contact our Dallas/Fort Worth office at (817) 953-6265 today to speak with an attorney.


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Mar 26, 2015 Recalls
Mercedes recalling 33k C-Class and CLS-Class models in separate campaigns
Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 33,000 examples of the C-Class and CLS-Class for separate issues in the two luxury models. The CLS has a problem with its LED taillights, and there are two possible faults with the fuel delivery module in the C-Class.
Feb 23, 2015 Recalls
Mercedes calling in CLS, E-Class over rubber seal fire risk
A rubber seal that could fall onto the exhaust and start a fire has prompted Mercedes-Benz and NHTSA to recall 147,224 E-Class and CLS models.
Noah Joseph
Nov 20, 2014 Los Angeles
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S 4Matic stands out in the LA crowd
Way back in June, Mercedes-Benz issued a light refresh of its svelte CLS-Class, adding one very notable new feature – MultiBeam LED headlamps. This new technology allows a camera to constantly adjust the output of the lamps, essentially letting driver to enjoy the power of full-b
Brandon Turkus
Dec 27, 2013 Spy Shots
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake looking fine with facelift
The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake has been prescribed both a face- and butt-lift to bring it in line with current AMG standards, and our spy shooters caught it recovering from the surgery. There will be a slightly curvier grille and larger intakes on the front spoiler as on the S63 AMG, as well as a resculpted re
Jan 10, 2013 Official
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG gets same AWD, power boost as new E63 models [UPDATE]
Mercedes-Benz recently took the wraps off its updated 2014 E-Class, including the absolutely bonkers E63 AMG sedan (and wagon!). Aside from the obvious styling tweaks, the key changes for the AMG E-Class include a more po
Steven J. Ewing
Oct 10, 2012 Official
Brabus goes to work on Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake
Brabus has completed its makeover program for the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, with resultant menu ranging from a quick spruce to an all-day overhaul good for 619 horsepower, 737 pound-feet of torque and a top speed of 200 miles per hour.
Sep 26, 2012 First Drive
2013 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake [w/video]
A Heated Up Sports Tourer With One Stylish Tuckus
Sep 20, 2012 Video
Chris Harris discovers new niche with Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake
There are a number of interesting tidbits in Chris Harris' review of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, one of them being that he spends most of his seat time talking about the station wagon like it's a sports car. This isn't all that surprising if you limit yourself to the side of the spec sheet that lists "twin-turbo V8 with 557 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, limited-slip differential and seven-speed paddle-shift
Aug 15, 2012 Review
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG [w/video]
The Original Four-Door Coupe Still Tickles Our Soul
Jul 23, 2012 Video
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake makes its video debut
There is little to see here except more of what you can't have, but Mercedes-Benz has served up a promo video for the 2013 CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. The closest we Americans will get to it, however, are the specs: 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 525 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, a glorious options list and a rumbling exhaust.
Jul 9, 2012 Official
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake ist verboten frucht [w/videos]
Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed images and full details on its 2013 CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. So now all our whining about it not coming to the U.S. when it goes on sale in October can be official too.
Jeff Sabatini
Jul 3, 2012 Report
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake leaks out
Someone is i
Mar 16, 2012 Spy Shots
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is the one we want
With every new set of spy shots, we become increasingly more excited for the launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (or is that Break?). This tapered wagon version of the shapely CLS is certainly a looker, even in pr
Jan 11, 2012 Detroit
Mercedes-Benz brings the matte in from the cold
Some things are at the fringe because they belong there. The tastes are too peculiar, the style too strange for the masses. But once in a while something emerges from the fringe into the mainstream because it deserves to be, because people learn to like it. Like matte paint finishes.
Aug 29, 2011 Official
Brabus teases Frankfurt show car
The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is nearly upon us, which means automakers will be trotting out more new or updated models in the coming weeks. Brabus, while not a major automaker, will also be there, and it's bringing something an all-new creation to further its stable of insanely fast machines. We don't have any details to spill regarding this latest Brabus bullet, but the tuning house h
Jeff Glucker
Jun 3, 2011 Report
Mercedes-Benz focusing on escaping dreaded gas guzzler tax
Mercedes-Benz focuses on escaping dreaded gas guzzler tax
Eric Loveday
Apr 26, 2011 Official
Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000*
Ducati's Nicky Hayden stops by AMG headquarters for a new CLS
Boca Raton Concours scores 'first' sales: Ferrari FF, Benz SLS Roadster, Audi R8 GT, etc. *UPDATE
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG: LA 2014
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake facelift


Clams make a quick and easy meal, and can be cooked in under 5 minutes. Try Anna Hansen's impressive main course of cod with clams and chorizo or Alan Murchison's sea trout with ruby chard and clams - all featured in this collection of clam recipes.
When cooking clams ensure that they are fresh, this is indicated by their closed shells - any open shelled clams should be discarded. Make sure you thoroughly wash the clams before cooking as they may contain sand and grit.


To give your home a competitive edge when it's time to sell, make sure it is in good physical condition. This not only makes your home more attractive and desirable, it also simplifies the negotiation process when the time comes for the buyer's pre-purchase inspection.
Over the years, ASHI has identified a list of common problems that typically appear on buyer's home inspection reports. Early correction of these problems can increase a home's appeal and its selling price. It also sets the stage for a favorable home inspection report for the buyer, and thereby helps to expedite the sale. The following 6-point checklist can help you achieve these marketing goals. *(Also see Home Buyer Checklist).
After size, style, and location, a home buyer's primary concern is the condition of the home's basic structure and major mechanical systems. Most buyers do not want to invest a great deal of money correcting problems in such critical areas.
It's a good idea to assemble in advance various house records that can be used to answer questions from buyers and home inspectors. The Home Buyer Checklist identifies some of the important factors to consider when choosing a home. In addition to an affordable sales price, they will also want to be sure that the neighborhood and house meet the needs of their family.


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Why GST cess may not be enough for centre to compensate states
It seems improbable that the Centre can compensate manufacturing states for revenue shortfall solely from the levy of compensation cess.
While presenting the Union Budget 2020, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman referred to the policy objectives proposed by the government towards fiscal management. Upholding the tenet of co-operative federalism, the FM announced that the shortfall in revenue collections at the state level shall be compensated by the Centre in two instalments by transferring funds to the GST Compensation Fund from the collections made during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18.
However, going forward, the FM stated that transfers to the fund would be limited only to collection by way of GST compensation cess.
This low-key announcement during the budget presentation appears innocuous for the common man, who would mostly be unperturbed by what transpires between the Centre and the states. However, upon a deeper dive, many issues emerge which may severely affect the aam aadmi.
To put things in perspective, before the implementation of a nation-wide Goods and Services Tax, the central government promised all states, in particular, the manufacturing-intensive states that they will be compensated in case of a shortfall in their revenue collections for a period of five years. To implement this, a new law, known as the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 was introduced. This new law proposed for the levy of a GST compensation cess on certain goods, the receipts of which would be credited into a GST Compensation Fund. It is from this fund that the Centre would later compensation the states reporting a shortfall in revenue.
However, with half the period of the promised 'five-year compensation package' gone, and keeping in mind the below par revenue collections, there is a real concern that the Centre would fall short on its promise. The Budget speech has further concretised the intentions of the government, which should send alarm bells ringing for the States.
If the states are to be compensated from the collection of the GST compensation cess, a definite roadmap is required to achieve this target. A considerable concern is that this cess is levied only on a handful of items such as automobiles, tobacco products, aerated beverages, etc. and any additions to this list are unlikely. Thus, it seems improbable that Centre's obligation can be met from collections made solely in the Goods and service tax Compensation Fund from the levy of cess.
The butterfly effect of this is likely to cause ripples which would show in the budgets drawn by the state government, especially the manufacturing states.
A shortage of funds could reduce state expenditure on subsidies and social security and welfare measures for low-income groups, cause a stagnation in ongoing as well as proposed infrastructure projects and reduce allocated budgets for sectors such as education and healthcare. Moreover, it is also likely that states would vehemently resist inclusion of petroleum and alcohol within GST as it would mean sharing revenue with the Centre in the form of CGST.
Accordingly, the Centre and states would have to find innovative ways to increase tax collections and also revise internal revenue targets, to ensure that enough cess is collected to compensate the states adequately.
To this extent, tax authorities may also pursue aggressive measures to meet their targets, which may result in additional scrutiny for taxpayers.
Rajat Bose


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Jabal Algarbi () é um distrito da Líbia. É nomeado em homenagem aos montes Nafusa. Foi criado em 1995, quando sua população era de  ou  pessoas (as fontes se contradizem) e tinha uma área de  quilômetros quadrados. Foi abolido em 1998, permanecendo assim até 2007.

Ele faz divisa com Sirte e Misurata a leste, Murgube a nordeste, Jafara, Zauia e Trípoli a norte, Nigatal Homs a noroeste, Nalute a oeste, Axati a sul e Jufra a sudeste. Segundo censo de 2012, sua população total era de  pessoas, das quais  eram líbios e  não líbios. O tamanho médio das famílias líbias era de 5,23, enquanto o tamanho médio das não líbias era de 4,19. Há no total  famílias no distrito, com  sendo líbias e 790 líbias. Em 2012, aproximados  indivíduos morreram no distrito, dos quais  eram homens e 347 eram mulheres.

Localidades do distrito

 Abu Aiade
 Abu Maade
 Abu Zaiane
 Adaiasir
 Ahl Aluadi
 Ahumran
 Albraxix
 Alcácer Alhaje
 Alcalá
 Alcocer
 Alganafid
 al-Ḫazur
 Almagariba
 Algat
 Algaualix
 Alusta
 Axabia
 Anattatat
 Arrábita
 Assalahat
 Assalamat
 Assauadinah
 Assauaidiah
 Assaba
 Auinia
 Aulade Abedalazize Inane
 Aulade Abedal Jalil
 Aulade Abu Huceine
 Aulade Abulhol
 Aulade Ali
 Aulad Anan
 Aulad Attia
 Aulad Ahzzam
 Aulad Badr
 Aulad Bu Jadid
 Aulade Califa
 Aulade ibne Iacube
 Aulade Jabir
 Aulade Maçude
 Aulade Saíde
 Aulade Ubaide
 Axguiga
 Axagui
 Axiab
 Baiatinah
 Barama
 Ben Iáia
 Benuazir
 Bexima
 Bir Aiade
 Bir Ganiun
 Bu Geilan
 Cariate Mazu
 Cherba
 Croma
 Danun
 Emssofin
 Enar
 Gaixa
 Gariã
 Geppa
 Gotros
 Iagip
 Inir
 Jadu
 Jammarah
 Jasas
 Jefrém
 Jaital
 Jinauin
 Jusaix
 Kahassat
 Kalipa
 Kamun
 Kexalfa
 Kikla
 Kmixat
 Lalamix
 Maruane
 Mazgurah
 Mizda
 Nasma
 Nidbas
 Ossaden
 Gaome
 Gauasim
 Rujbane
 Rigrig
 Sidi Maomé Mazite
 Tagma
 Tamisda
 Tagrinnah
 Tepadut
 Uamis
 Uefat
 Uanziraf
 Xakxuk
 Xattan
 Zuaia

Bibliografia

Jabal Algarbi

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
American Association of University Professors, UH Chapter Records
The American Association of University Professors, UH Chapter Records consists mainly of documents directly related to the organization, including the constitution, minutes, bank statements, letters, correspondence, membership lists, and newsletters.
Donald Barthelme Literary Papers
Scope and Contents The full finding aid is available on TARO: https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/taro/uhsc/00062/hsc-00062.htmlThis collection contains typescript drafts, galley proofs, and page proofs of Donald Barthelme's novels, collected works, short stories, and other writings, plus collages and collage stories created by Barthelme. One of the richest aspects of the collection is the large set of letters and...
Professor Tom Battin Papers
Scope and Contents The Battin Collection contains correspondence, articles, lecture notes, scrapbooks, photographs, scripts, and films. The materials date from 1936 to 1976, and comprise eleven manuscript boxes, one newspaper box and six films, five in reel cases. Because so many articles are one paragraph or less, they were placed with others in Mylar sheet protectors for preservation. The collection is divided into nine series based on the way it was received from the donors. The series are:...
Professor Irvin M. Borish Papers
Scope and Contents The papers of Dr. Irvin Borish contain manuscripts, patents, awards and notices, conference proceedings, print items, correspondence, photographs, as well as audio and video recordings. Items in the collection date from 1937 to 1996, with most of the material dating from the late 1970s and 1980s. The majority of the material in the collection contains articles and other manuscript items written by Dr. Borish. However, the collection also contains numerous photographs, most of which are not...
Cynthia Macdonald Papers
Scope and Contents The collection contains typed and handwritten drafts of poems and other writings, as well as correspondence, photographs, clippings, and memorabilia related to Cynthia Macdonald's life and work as an accomplished poet and co-founder of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston. In addition to the extensive accumulation of multiple drafts of her writings, Macdonald's trove of correspondence is of particular interest, featuring letters to and from writing friends, colleagues,...
Jan de Hartog Papers
Scope and Contents The Jan de Hartog Papers, 1943-2005, consist of manuscript material, correspondence, scrapbooks, photos and other material documenting the life and career of Jan de Hartog (1914-2002). The papers are divided into six series: (1) Works, (2) The Hospital Materials, (3) Career, (4) Personal, (5) Personal Correspondence, and (6) Photographs. The Works series contains manuscript material, including notes, manuscript and typescript drafts, galley proofs, play scripts, television...
Helen Moore Barthelme Papers
Scope and Contents This collection contains photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings, short stories, and articles related to or written by Donald Barthelme and his brothers, Rick, Steve, and Peter Barthelme, as well as notes by Helen Barthelme. This collection contains research that Helen Barthelme gathered in order to write a biography on Donald Barthelme Jr., Donald Barthelme: The Genesis of a Cool Sound. This collection encompasses his early life and career both as a writer and as director of the...
Richard Jonas Papers
Scope and Contents The original order of the Professor Richard Jonas Papers has been maintained where possible. The collection includes correspondence, brochures and directories that relate to health, welfare and various community-related agencies. The materials in the collection date from 1934 to 1986 with a bulk dating from the 1940s-1960s. Items in the collection relating to the university include the Guidance Office, job evaluation manual, the library, the proposed College of Philosophy and Religion and UH...
Jose Quintero Papers
Scope and Contents The Jose Quintero Papers consist largely of materials related to Quintero's directing and teaching, supplemented by professional and personal correspondence, manuscripts, and other theater memorabilia. The papers are arranged in five series: Theater Papers, 1950-1996 (6 boxes), Correspondence, 1949-1999 (2 boxes), Works, (1 box), Career (1 box), and Posters.The papers arrived at University of Houston Special Collections directly from Jose Quintero and Nicholas Tsacrios. They were...
Sylvan Karchmer Papers
Scope and Contents The collection is organized into four series: I. Correspondence, 1933-1985 (1.5 boxes), II. Works - Short Stories, 1940-1982 (4 boxes), III. Works - Plays, 1953-1977 (2 boxes), and IV. Career and Personal (1 box). The Correspondence series consists mainly of outgoing letters written to Gladys Moore, a lifelong friend and correspondent. The two Works series include published and unpublished drafts. Career and Personal series includes book reviews by Karchmer, clippings, play production...
Professor Jay K. Kochi Papers
Scope and Contents The Jay K. Kochi Papers contains 81 boxes. The collection is organized into eight series: Research and Publications, Correspondence, Financial, Biographical/Awards, Lectures, Photographs, Audiovisual Materials, and Digital Materials. The collection contains copies of Kochi's publications, correspondence regarding the publications, correspondence to and from Kochi, documents regarding grants and other financial matters, lecture images, biographical information, and floppy disks and CDs....
Justin Leiber Papers
The bulk of the material in this collection is typescript materials for The Sword and the Eye, The Sword and the Tower, Beyond Gravity, Beyond Humanity, and Tit for Tat. Correspondence is composed of personal and professional associates of Justin Leiber and includes letters from Noam Chomsky.
William C. Moffit Papers
Dates: 1930-2008; Majority of material found within 1960s-1980s
Scope and Contents The William C. Moffit papers contains 44 cartons. The collection is organized into 14 series: Personal/Office Files, Teaching Materials, Sheet Music, University Fight Songs, Moffit Arrangements of SWC Fight Songs, Small Sectional Sheet Music, Moffit's Resource Materials and Michigan State Band Books, Original Working Scores, Formations, Audio Cassettes and Records, Ephemera, Music Books, Awards, and Oversize material.The collection includes personal office files, teaching aids,...
Professor Patrick J. Nicholson Papers
Scope and Contents The Dr. Patrick J. Nicholson Papers include correspondence, brochures, reports, and newspaper articles concerning many university-related topics and a small amount of personal material. Some folders contain a variety of materials relating to that particular folder topic. Materials in the collection date from 1933 to 1979, with the majority dating from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s. The collection is divided into four series: Correspondence, University of Houston, Personal, and...
Repository: University of Houston Libraries Special Collections X
Names: University of Houston -- Faculty X
Authors -- 20th century 5
Brochures 4
Page proofs 4
Galley proofs 3
Theater programs 3
Personal papers 2
Scripts (documents) 2
Bank statements 1
Chamber music. 1
Choral music. 1
Composition (Music) 1
Dramatists -- 20th Century 1
Dramatists, American -- 20th Century 1
Faculty papers 1
Hospitals -- Texas -- Houston 1
Hymn Writers 1
Hymns 1
Marching bands 1
Marching drills 1
Memorabilia 1
Minutes 1
Music -- Manuscripts 1
Offprints 1
Optometry -- Study and teaching 1
Optometry schools -- United States 1
Poems 1
Poets, American -- 20th century 1
Publications (document genre) 1
Records (documents) 1
Short stories, American 1
Theatrical producers and directors -- United States 1
plaques 1
University of Houston 9
Barthelme, Donald 3
University of Houston. Creative Writing Program 3
Lowry, Beverly 2
University of Houston. College of Business Administration 2
American Association of University Professors. University of Houston Chapter 1
Battin, Tom C. 1
Battin, Tom, 1958- 1
Ben Taub General Hospital 1
Borish, Irvin M. 1
Cougar Marching Band (University of Houston) 1
De Hartog, Jan, 1914-2002 1
De Hartog, Marjorie 1
Jefferson Davis Hospital (Houston, Tex.) 1
Jonas, Richard O. 1
Karchmer, Sylvan 1
Kochi, Jay K., 1927-2008 1
Leiber, Justin 1
Michigan State University. Band 1
Moffit, William C. 1
Nicholson, Patrick James, 1921- 1
Oren, Laura 1
Pennybacker, Ruth 1
Purdue University. Band 1
Stead, Bette Ann, 1935- 1
University of Houston -- Alumni and alumnae 1
University of Houston -- History 1
University of Houston. College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 1
University of Houston. College of Optometry 1
University of Houston. Department of English 1
University of Houston. Department of Sociology 1
University of Houston. Latin American Studies Program 1
University of Houston. Law Center -- Alumni and alumnae 1
University of Houston. Psychology Department 1
University of Houston. School of Communication 1
University of Houston. School of Theatre and Dance 1
Werlin, Joseph Sidney, 1900-1964 1
White, David Ashley 1


text:
Hummingbird | ハミングバード
By: Eisuke Aikawa
Translated by: Toshiya Kamei
Issue: July 27 2020
This page contains:
Disregard for personal autonomy
Death/dying
The translucent Ōe-san steps out of the bathroom and sits at the table as usual. He spreads butter on an invisible slice of bread, takes a bite, and chews it, holding the morning paper in his other hand. Just like a mime. I sit on the floor and observe his movements.
He showed up about a month ago.
Of course, his sudden apparition took me by surprise, even frightened me. To my dismay, his ghost spends his days in my apartment. On top of that, he owned this place before I moved in.
Ōe-san never deviates from his daily routine. Every single day, he gets up at six, washes his face, eats breakfast, reads the paper, and gets dressed. He straightens his back, reads something aloud to no one in particular in his suit, and goes out. On the weekends and holidays, he puts on casual attire while sticking to his usual schedule. For a ghost, he's a stickler for the rules. He doesn't seem to see me. When I open the door, we sometimes almost bump our heads. But I can't touch his body. It's as if he were air. I'm the only one who's jumpy around here. He never misses his step. Once I was taking a shower, he barged into the bathroom. I let out a scream.
I've thought about confiding in someone. Our president, Yoshimoto-san from accounting, or my parents back home. But if I brought this up, they would think I'm losing it again. No thanks. Better keep quiet.
After a month, I've got a handle on this situation. He's not bothering me. I see him. But I don't hear him. Creepy, yes, but quite harmless.
Ōe-san was only fifty-five when he presumably passed away. Six months ago, when we signed the paper, he was swell and dandy, no sign of illness whatsoever. But judging from his recent apparition, he must be dead.
My apartment is located on the fifth floor of a twenty-unit building that was erected fifteen years ago. Despite the passage of time, the interior is free from major damage. The floor, too, remains intact. The walls look clean, free of pin holes. The ceiling is hardly sooty. Ōe-san took good care of this place. It's ideal for a single woman like myself. A forty-five-square-meter 1LDK. No kids run around the entrance. We've got excellent neighbors. As he was in a hurry to sell, he set a lower price. It was a great deal. It's a bit far from my work, half an hour's walk, but I could certainly use some exercise.
His interior layout is perfect. After I moved in, I placed my furniture in the same spots. But because of this, the ghost and I tend to occupy the same places often. I can't certainly stand sleeping in the bed next to him, so I opt to sleep on a futon on the floor.
The remaining loan balance is a source of headache. Now that the place is haunted, it's impossible to sell. So I'm stuck with it. Besides, I took the plunge and made a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. I can't muster enough energy to go through it again. If it were a bicycle or a washing machine, I may walk away. But this is my home.
A bird chirps outside the window. Perhaps it's a shijukara. I step out on the balcony and look around, but no bird is in sight. Instead, a cicada begins buzzing in the distance. For an August morning, the air feels fresh, a dry breeze blowing my bangs. It's great to live in such a well-ventilated apartment.
As I go back inside, Ōe-san walks past me and heads toward the bathroom. He sticks to his strict routine like clockwork. He was gentleman-like in person. A five-star seller, a pleasure to do business with. We got all the paperwork done without a hitch. Even so, he now makes my blood boil.
"Hey, Ōe-san. Excuse me, but can you just leave?" I tell him after he gets dressed.
Yet he shows no reaction.
"This is my house now. Remember? If you hold a grudge, please go haunt somewhere else."
He doesn't hear me. I throw a cushion at him, but it goes through his body and hits against the wall. He apparently lives in another dimension, and our paths never cross. He gets ready, reads aloud as usual, and leaves.
A deep sigh escapes me in spite of myself. This is not what I expected. When I reached my late thirties, I made up my mind never to marry and live alone for the rest of my life. When I came across this great bargain, I thanked my lucky star. I never imagined I would get mixed up in something like this.
Oh, I almost forgot. It's my turn to clean the office. I've got to get going. Gotta get ready and leave.
"Good morning." I step into the office, out of breath.
Odagiri-san, the president, looks up from his computer screen and mumbles back a greeting. He looks ill as usual.
Ten minutes later, Yoshimoto-san, our accountant, comes in. Hikawa is always the last to show up. As the youngest employee, he should come early, but he's never late, so I can't give him a talking to.
"Morning," he mumbles, half-asleep.
After I get some paperwork done, I make the rounds. Our office has only four employees, including the president. It's a typical real-estate agency in town. After the president became ill, my task load increased considerably. So did Hikawa's. I drive around a company car, visit the properties, and talk to the landlords. I ask them about plumbing and call contractors. Trust goes a long way in this line of work. Sometimes I don't feel like chitchat, but I hang around for a while to hear them out.
Before noon, Hikawa shoots me a text on LINE.
"Let's do lunch?"
"OK," I reply as I have no particular reason to turn him down. I head for the family restaurant he suggests.
"Hey, Yuko-san! Here you are!" Hikawa waves like an overjoyed kid.
Once seated, I order a salted mackerel teishoku. He asks for a chicken nanban teishoku and a pork miso soup.
"Lunch is not on me," I warn him beforehand.
"Don't be like that, Yuko-san." He laughs. "Of course, I can pay for my own lunch."
"You've got your tie undone." I point my chin at him. "Don't tell me you made your rounds like that."
"Of course not." He scrunches up his face. "I've loosened it just now. I'm on lunch break. Can't you cut me some slack here?"
"You never know when your clients will see you. Keep your tie tight all the time while you're out."
"Would you do it for me, Yuko-san?" He leans forward and grins across the table.
"Do it yourself."
He makes a grimace and fixes his tie in an exaggerated, theatrical manner. He doesn't take what I say to heart. Even so, he's well received by the landlords, perhaps due to his lively, approachable air. As he's tech-savvy, we put him in charge of maintaining our company's website when he joined us. He can make himself useful when he wants to.
Two years ago, he was hired to replace a young lady who had recently left us because she got married. As no hiring policies exist, it's all up to the president. More than ten years ago, I was hired under the same circumstances.
"Now, what's up? Come clean, Hikawa-kun. Shoot."
"Oh, was I that obvious?"
I hope he won't say he wants to quit his job. I brace myself for such a possibility.
"It's about our president ..."
"What about him?"
"Well, don't you think he's on his last legs?"
"Now he's supposed to be cancer free, Yuko-san. But it doesn't look that way."
"Hikawa-kun, what are you getting at? Spit it out."
"He's a goner."
"Besides, he stinks like Tokyo Bay. Like something raw or rotten. My grandma smelled the same before she passed away, so I know. He says, 'The malignant parts have been removed. I'm as good as new." But it's a lie. I don't think he's got much left."
"You shouldn't say such things, Hikawa-kun. It's all speculation."
"But I'm sure of it." He doesn't budge.
I don't know what to say. It's true that he looks pale, but it's been only a couple of weeks since he came back, so I haven't given it much thought.
"When he's gone ... Do you think we'll be all right?"
We won't be all right. That's for sure. It's taken him forty years to build a business relationship with the locals. He's the face of our agency. He's the brain behind the entire operation. We're merely his pawns.
"The president wants you to succeed him, Yuko-san."
"Eh? What's gotten into you?"
"The other day when you were out, Yuko-san, I overheard him mumble to himself. 'Yuko's the only one I can trust with my business,' he said."
"No thanks. I'm not interested."
I'm no way capable of succeeding him. If you don't want to sink the ship, you'd better not make me captain. Even now, we're barely floating along. We can't simply compete with large national franchising chains.
When our meals arrive, we both put our palms together like in prayer and grab chopsticks. He digs into his fried chicken.
"But we need our job, don't we, Yuko-san? You've got to pay your mortgage."
"Mind your own business. Think about your own future."
"Nah, I'll be all right. But I'm rather worried about you, Yuko-san."
What does he mean to insinuate? That I'm an old maid?
"If worst come to worst, I'll look for another job. There should be plenty of jobs available in our line of work. Or maybe I'll find me a sugar daddy."
"Would you want me to be your sugar daddy, Yuko-san?"
"No thanks." I turn him down flat.
"You're so mean, Yuko-san," he protests, his lips smeared with white tartar sauce.
Does he really expect me to take him seriously? He's at least ten years younger than I am.
"You say you'll be all right. You've got something lined up already?"
"No, not really. But I'll find something else. Maybe I'll take over the company."
"You won't make it," I reply right away.
"You really think so? I think I'll do a good job."
I can't tell if he's serious or just kidding around.
"What made you want to work with us? We're a small company with no bright future, you know."
"Do you really want to know, Yuko-san?" A bemused smile forms around his mouth.
"I haven't told anyone, not even the president, but now is the right time. Just between us, Yuko-san. Can you keep a secret?"
"Just tell me."
"As you know, I went to college near the office. When I was a freshman, I lived in an all-male dorm, but I wanted to move out. I happened to wander into Onogiri Real Estate."
"Tell me something I don't know." He used to be our customer.
"Then a beautiful woman attended me. She asked me all the right questions and found me an ideal place right away. She worked wonders for me. I adored her. She stole my heart. I wanted to work with her after college." He flashes a carefree smile.
I'm at a loss of words.
"I hope I'm not blushing," he says, scratching his head.
In the evening, while I slurp up instant noodles, Ōe-san barges into my apartment. After spending most of the day interacting with other people, I'd rather be alone. Besides, Hikawa still lingers in my mind. I can't quite get them out of my mind.
"I've got no idea what prompted you to haunt my place. But why don't you go home to Buddha?"
In spite of my request, he heads straight toward the bedroom. He'll change into loungewear. Like a mechanical doll, he repeats the same routine every day.
A lifelong bachelor, Ōe-san led a fairly fulfilled life here, but his mother fell ill and needed care. So he retired early and went back to his hometown.
"I'm sorry to let this place go, but I won't regret it. I'm grateful for the opportunity to pay my debt of gratitude to my mother. Not many people get to do that."
He was an honest, trustworthy man. I had no reason to doubt his word.
"I shouldn't be pursuing a property before it's on the market. It's a conflict of interest. I'm sorry to get you involved in this."
I bowed in apology. I wanted to buy the property in spite of company policies against such a practice.
"This place is dear to me. It's a relief to me that you'll be living here instead of a complete stranger," Ōe-san said with a peaceful smile.
The president showed no objection. "You've been working so hard without complaint," he said. "Don't worry. Consider it your bonus."
Barely a fortnight after I laid eyes on the property, I sealed the deal. I moved in two weeks later. In my line of work, popular properties are like shooting stars. Blink and you miss them. You don't want to skip due diligence while selecting a place to live for the rest of your life, but sometimes you need to make a quick decision.
I've never been greedy all my life. As a young girl, I never complained about wearing my sister's hand-me-downs. Even as an adult, I've never been prone to making big purchases. I'm not picky about brands when it comes to household electrical appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. Functionality is the only thing I value in my furniture. Even so, I was mooning over this apartment. I'd seen over 1,000 properties, many of them better than this one. Still, there was nothing like Ōe-san's place. It was like finding a perfectly fitting dress in a thrift shop.
In the first few months, everything was rosy, no complaints. I was settling in good and proper, and the place fit like a glove. Once I was home, I was able to let my hair down. But ever since the ghost appeared, torment has replaced joy.
Can a kitoshi perform an oharai and make the ghost go away? I once placed a pile of salt at the entrance to ward off the spirit, but to no avail. I did an online search for "Shinto shrine" and "kitoshi," but I gave up after several minutes. It was just too outlandish. In my line of work, I'm bound to come across a "haunted" property now and then, but a closer examination always reveals one scientific explanation or another. Clogged drainpipes, construction works nearby, or simply decrepit buildings. If our clients find out I hired a kitoshi for exorcism, it will surely cause a huge scandal. Our agency specializes in local properties in a limited area. While having strong local networks is one of our strengths, rumors spread like wildfire. If I let the cat out of the bag, it won't be a laughing matter.
I've thought about unloading my headache on Hikawa. But I can't really count on him. I don't want to owe him any favor either.
Ōe-san steps into the kitchen and begins preparing his dinner. I get closer to him and try to grab him by the shoulders, but my hands slip right through. He reminds me of a hologram in an animated movie. Unlike the traditional image of a ghost, he bears no malice or grudge. He's just going about his daily life as if he were still alive.
I've adjusted my schedule to be out of synch with Ōe-san's. I eat and bathe at different times to avoid being together in the same place. I sleep away from him. In the morning, I get ready for work after he leaves home. Every day, I send him off after he reads aloud, even though he's inaudible to me. Once in his suit, he grabs a book and reads aloud in a sing-song tone. He shakes his shoulders, bends his knees, and changes his pace. He looks like an actor rehearsing with a script in his hand. What kind of book is it? I thought he was reciting shigin, but he reads too fast for that.
He's no ghost.
I must be delusional. I'm losing it again, like eight years ago. Besides the translucent Ōe-san, I can't think of any other cause. After I was discharged from the hospital, I lived in fear of getting sick again. Something may trigger another meltdown, I thought. Maybe a short hospital stay won't do next time. I lived in fear of stepping on a landmine. A client lodging an unreasonable complaint. Losing a big deal. Being jilted by a boyfriend. Any incident may tip the balance of my already fragile mental state.
On the surface, I look well. Underneath, however, I take deliberate, slow footsteps as I examine each and every inch of territory I traverse. I don't get fat if I don't overeat. I don't get jilted if I don't date. I'm protected by owning my own home. But now a ghost is invading my territory. I'm not equipped with any means to ward it off.
At the small izakaya we frequent, the president makes a toast in a weak voice, signaling the start of our annual shokibarai, which is intended to dispel summer heat by drinking.
As a waiter delivers one large plate after another, Hikawa reaches out with his chopsticks and helps himself to a portion.
"Youth is a wonderful thing!" Yoshimoto-san even praises his audacity.
The president hardly moves his chopsticks. Instead of alcohol, he sips his ginger ale. My chest feels tight. Before his illness, he attended a drinking party hosted by the neighborhood association or the rotary club almost every evening. It was his personal conviction to drink up every cup of sake he was offered. He seems to be half the man he used to be. As Hikawa claims, perhaps the president is on his last legs.
Hikawa volunteers to share his silly anecdotes, attracting everyone's attention. When he was in college, he climbed a utility pole to evade a huge dog pursuing him. While on a date, he pretended to be the scion of a wealthy family for a few months to match his embellished online profile. He narrates his misadventures like a comedian or a conman, causing roars of laughter among his audience.
Perhaps this man is the most suitable successor among us, after all. I don't think I can replace the president. On the other hand, Hikawa may be capable of navigating our agency through perilous straits. Will I be still relevant after he takes over?
I'm getting drunk. Must be tired. I haven't slept well ever since Ōe-san's ghost appeared. Even so, I feel like drinking. Beer, highballs, shochu.
"Hey, Yuko-san," Hikawa says. "Go easy there."
The president remains silent, wearing a Buddha-like smile on his face.
We wrap up the party there. After we see the president climb into a cab, the three of us head for a karaoke bar. Hikawa is the first one to grab the microphone. He bursts into a popular song. As I'm too embarrassed to sing in public, I keep time by clapping and drinking cocktails. Cassis and orange, calpis chuhai, shandygaff. All come with cheap tastes, but they suit me fine. Yoshimoto-san is also drunk. She begins a duet with Hiakawa, singing a Showa-era oldie cheek to cheek.
Shortly after midnight, I wave Yoshimoto-san goodbye. As I stand watching her figure becoming smaller and smaller in the distance, Hikawa shoots me a sideways glance.
"Are you all right, Yuko-san?" he asks.
"Of course I'm all right," I shoot back. Even so, I don't think I can walk home. My eyelids feel so heavy. My knees buckle and I almost lose my balance.
"You don't look all right, Yuko-san." Hikawa chuckles. "Let me flag you down a cab."
"Go ahead." I don't feel like protesting anymore.
He raises his hand and flags down a cab heading our way. As I climb onto the backseat, Hikawa follows me.
"Yuko-san, you've got me worried."
"I don't want you to treat me like a child."
"My late father taught me never to abandon a drunken lady. I'm a gentleman, after all."
"Your father is not dead." A gentleman? He's gotta be kidding.
The driver looks back at us with a bemused expression on his face. Hikawa volunteers my home address without hesitation. As our agency handled the property, he naturally knows where I live. I mutter a barely audible curse under my breath, but he lets out a chuckle.
The familiar landscape speeds by. Feeling dizzy, I sink deeper into the seat. Hikawa stares at the view outside his window. The smell of liquor fills the car. Several thoughts flash through my mind, lost in a jumble of intoxication.
The cab stops before my apartment. Hikawa gets off first and helps me out of the seat. Then he goes back in.
"I'd rather not walk. I'm going home."
My cheeks flush. He just wanted to send me home?
"Why don't you come inside?"
"Uh, are you sure, Yuko-san?"
"I want to show you something."
My hand trembles as I turn the key in the lock. I'll fess up I'm losing it. I want him to know my past. I don't know how serious he is about me, but he's got a right to know who I am. There's nothing to admire about me. I'm cohabiting with my own illusion.
I turn on the lights. For a change, Ōe-san is still up. Seated at the table, he reads an invisible book with a serious look on his face.
"Oh!" Hikawa lets out a yelp. "Who is that?"
"Oh, you can see him, too?"
"But he's right there!" He cowers back against the wall and points. "Kinda translucent."
"Do you mean over there?"
"Over there?"
"Yes, I told you so."
I'm confused. I never imagined Hikawa, too, would be able to see Ōe-san's ghost. I wasn't hallucinating, after all. Then what is it?
"Am I on Candid Camera now?" He looks genuinely frightened.
I chuckle.
"It's no laughing matter, Yuko-san. What is it? You'd better tell me!"
"Your guess is as good as mine," I say. "Don't worry. He's quite harmless."
"Oh, he's coming toward us!"
"Don't worry. He's probably going to the bathroom."
I give him a brief rundown on the apparition. The previous owner showed up about a month ago. It's not certain whether or not he's a ghost, but he goes about his daily routine in a world apart from ours.
"Aren't you scared, Yuko-san?" he asks, his back still against the wall. "You're so brave!"
I'm not brave. He's got no idea how I'm tormented!
"Would you like to stay overnight?" I tease him. He shakes his head several times.
I wake the following morning with a terrible headache and ask for the morning off for the first time in a long while. It's not like me to take a half day off because of a hangover. I step into the office, my eyes downcast, mumbling apologies. The president is out. As always, Yoshimoto-san taps her calculator keys. Nothing has changed. Hikawa is on the phone.
"Yes, sir. Sure. At eight tonight." He bows to someone on the other side of the line. "Thank you very much. That will be a great help."
Perhaps he's about to conclude a deal. Apparently all of the alcohol is gone from his body. His face wears his usual look.
"Yuko-san!" Hikawa hangs up and flashes me a smile. His voice thunders through my hangover.
"Sorry I took the morning off."
"Never mind. Ready for good news?"
"Do you mean your phone call?"
"Yes, Yuko-san. It was Ōe-san."
"Your Ōe-san, of course."
"Huh? Come on, quit kidding. He's—"
"No, Yuko-san. He's still with us. I've just talked to him. It was news to him, too. He had no idea why. Anyway, he's coming here tonight."
I'm stunned. Ōe-san isn't dead? But how did it occur to Hikawa to call him back home? Where did he ever get such an idea? What in the world was he going to say to Ōe-san's family?
"Ōe-san is alive and kicking," he adds.
"Then what is his ..." I'm just able to catch myself before blurting it out. "... doing in my house?" Yoshimoto-san stops her tapping, her ears pricked up.
"Well, he's coming down to find that out, Yuko-san." Hikawa chuckles.
While I wait for the real Ōe-san and clean my apartment, the translucent one comes home first. As usual, he changes into his loungewear and prepares his diner. While his ingredients are invisible to me, he seems to be stir-frying some vegetables tonight. If he's no a hallucination or a ghost, then what is he?
Just before eight o'clock, the doorbell chimes. My guests are here. Ōe-san comes in, opens his eyes wide, and places his hand over his chest. What a peculiar sight. Ōe-san in flesh and his translucent self sharing the same space.
"It's me. Make no mistake about it," Ōe-san says, with a slight tremble in his voice.
"I told you!" Hikawa nods in delight.
"Is this a so-called ikiryō? The spirit of a living person?" I say the first thing that pops into my head.
"I don't know about that. An ikiryō is supposed to leave one's body during sleep. It's just a spirit, after all. As seen in Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji. But I'm awake, facing the other me."
"Perhaps a doppelganger?" Hikawa chimes in. "Or bilocation?"
"You know a lot, don't you?" I say.
"I looked them up online last night," he boasts, his chest sticking out proudly.
"I'm not familiar with that phenomenon," Ōe-san says. "But it's not a doppelganger either."
"Then what is it?" I ask.
"Honestly, I have no idea," Ōe-san answers. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Please accept my sincere apologies." He makes a deep bow.
"Ōe-san, please sit there," Hikawa suggests. "If you're interposed with your sprit, it may disappear."
"Don't be rude, Hikawa-kun," I warn him. What a silly idea.
"No, I don't mind at all," Ōe-san says. "Let's try everything. I've come here to solve this issue."
Ōe-san steps closer to the table. His translucent self keeps eating his dinner. Ōe-san hesitates a bit, but he, at last, sits on the chair. He wiggles to interpose himself on his other self and moves along with it.
"How is it going, Ōe-san?" Hikawa asks.
"Hmmm. Nothing. Nothing has happened."
"Please stand up," Hikawa says.
When Ōe-san stands up, his translucent self keeps eating.
"Didn't work." Ōe-san drops his shoulders in disappointment.
"I thought it was a brilliant idea," Hikawa says. "Oh, how about this? Ōe-san, please talk to him. Maybe you're able to get to him. After all, it's the other you."
"Hikawa-kun, don't get carried away," I say, fixing him with a glare.
"No, I don't mind," Ōe-san says. "Let me try that."
He attempts to start a conversation, but to no avail. His translucent self gets up and starts doing the dishes.
"I'm so sorry, Yuko-san," Ōe-san apologizes again. "It must have been so unpleasant for you." He bows deeply.
"No need to apologize, Ōe-san," I say. "It's not your fault."
"Yes, it's my fault," he declares. "This apartment meant so much to me. I never married, nor did I have children, but I loved living alone here. I was able to relax to my heart's content in this room after a hard day's work." He looks around the room. "It's truly a remarkable apartment.
"As I told you before, I didn't hate going back home," he continues. "I welcomed it as a new phase of my life. And it's been a sheer joy to look after a grateful parent. But some part of me missed this apartment. I couldn't really let it go. I abandoned an unfinished job and took an early retirement. I had to give up living on my own. Such unresolved feelings must have created such a feeble apparition."
"That can't be quite—"
"I'm sure this is the case," he interrupts me.
"If that's true, what are we supposed to do?" Hikawa chimes in.
"I'm so sorry. I have no idea," Ōe-san answers. "But as we know the truth, thanks to your invitation, my other self may soon disappear." He lets out a sigh. "Now we've gotten to the bottom of this. I'll just need to make a conscious decision to let go of my unresolved feelings. It won't be easy, but I don't want to cause you any more inconvenience.
"It may take several days, or a few weeks," he continues. "But my other self will become more translucent and eventually vanish." He glances at me. "Could you wait just a little while longer, Yuko-san?"
"Of course." I nod. What other choice do I have anyway?
I'd hate to force Ōe-san to let go of his past. But if that's the only option to make his apparition go away, it can't be helped. I've got no intention of going anywhere for the time being.
"Yuko-san, we did it!" Hikawa flashes me a smile.
"I'm grateful for your unconventional thought process."
"Don't mention it. Just go on a date with me a few times."
"I'll sleep on it," I say, blushing.
"Yes!" he celebrates.
In the meantime, Ōe-san glances between us, a smile on his face.
"Oh, by the way, Ōe-san," I ask. "What are you reading every morning?"
"How embarrassing," Ōe-san answers. "You're seeing my private life, after all. Even when I take a bath?" he asks.
"Ah, please don't worry," I say. "I've adjusted my routine to accommodate you."
"Thank you so much, Yuko-san."
"Don't mention it." I wave him off.
"About my morning ritual. Have you two heard of poetry reading?"
"It's popular right now, isn't it?" Hikawa says. It's all news to me.
"That's right. Particularly among young people," Ōe-san says with a nod. "Competitions are held all over Japan. Winners get to go to world competitions."
"Isn't that cool?" Hikawa says. "I'm interested, too."
"A few years ago, a friend told me his son had become a popular YouTuber," Ōe-san continues. "I checked his poetry videos out of curiosity. I was captivated by his performances—his rhythmic phrasing and lively expressions. I thought I was a bit too old, but I took the plunge."
"Nah, age doesn't matter, Ōe-san," Hikawa says. "Look at the poet Shuntarō Tanikawa. He's in his eighties."
"Thank you for saying so. I feel encouraged."
I feel left out of the conversation.
"Excuse me," I butt in. "I don't know what you two are talking about."
"Ah, I'm sorry," Ōe-san apologizes. "Poetry reading is literarily an oral recitation of poetry. Sometimes with music," he continues. "Some performers dance or act. Anything goes, really. But I do without music or dance. I read aloud as if reading a letter to a close friend. I let my emotions surge and sway. I feel like a bird chirping a cheerful song under a clear sky."
"Do you write your own stuff?" Hikawa asks.
"No, I don't have such a talent," Ōe-san answers. "I choose famous poems I like. I have no plans to take part in a competition, let alone upload videos to YouTube. It's just a personal hobby. I never expected to go public." He laughs, as if trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Ōe-san adds. "I can give you a copy if you like."
"Are you sure?" I ask. "You don't have to."
"Please don't worry," Ōe-san says. "This is my favorite, and I own several copies. Now that you know my secret, we're partners in crime." He laughs again, but this time he sounds delighted.
He takes out a book from his bag and hands it to me.
After they leave, the translucent Ōe-san is still here. Is he really going to disappear? Who knows? Only time will tell. I lay my futon on the floor again tonight.
When I wake, Ōe-san has already started his morning routine. Washing his face, eating his breakfast, and reading the paper. When I fling open the curtains, rays of the summer sun seep though.
"He's still here," I text Hikawa. But the message remains unread. He must be still asleep. Come to think of it, I have never texted him first before.
The translucent Ōe-san gets dressed and starts reading aloud. I stand next to him and open his book. I watch how his lips move and copy him. I'm too embarrassed to read aloud, so I mumble. This is not a recitation. But I'm just starting out. By the time the translucent Ōe-san disappears, I hope to have mustered reading aloud. I want to read as if reading a letter to a close friend. I want to feel like a bird chirping with delight on a clear day. After all, this is my home, and I can really let my hair down.
© Copyright 2020 By: Eisuke Aikawa
About Eisuke Aikawa
Eisuke Aikawa is a fiction writer based in Fukuoka, Japan. He has authored two collections of short stories, Haikingu (2017) and Kumo wo hanareta tsuki (2018). His short fiction has appeared in venues such as Bungakukai, Hidden Authors, and Taberu no ga osoi. His first novel, Hannah no inai jugatsu wa, was published in 2020.


Thread: Looking for a unique high-end custom 29er SS?
Selling my Siren Twinzer to fund another trail bike build.
Warden, let me know how you like it!
Thanks, it's a super-nice SS. Willing to sell frame only or will stick take a full XX1 setup in partial trade.
removed misunderstood post. read it as you looking for SS not me looking for one.
Nice bike Brendan make nice stuff.
Who else doesn't settle for just stock? And wants custom/unique all the way?


• employment and volunteer opportunities for the people we support.
You can fundraise for Bayley House with everydayhero! Run, bike, swim, host an event, shave your hair, do what you want to show people you care. Create your fundraising page here and share it with your network.
employment and volunteer opportunities for the people we support.


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Liz Odell from ShelterBox came and spoke to the club at our April dinner meeting. The club voted to sponsor a shelter Box at a cost of just over £500.00. ShelterBox gives you the facility of tracking your box so that you can see where in the world it helps in any given emergency
The Box Number that SI Cirencester and District donated to was: UK0067066 and it has been used in Nigeria to assist those affected by flooding.
Here is a brief background on the Nigerian flooding:
A ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) is delivering aid following devastating flooding which has consumed large swathes of Nigeria.
Over a million people have been displaced in the African country where the worst flooding in 50 years has caused rivers to swell and forced families to flee their homes.
The River Niger and its tributaries are amongst those now overflowing as a result of the flash flooding. The River Niger is the principal river in West Africa and the third longest in the continent. Nigeria receives heavy tropical rains each year between May and September but not usually on this scale.
The rising flood water has led to the spread of infectious diseases. Furthermore many dangerous animals, such as crocodiles, snakes and hippos, are now making their way into family homes.
As well as damaging family homes, the flood waters have devastated crop fields, industrial areas and fisheries, prompting concerns over the economic future of the affected districts. The SRT arrived in Nigeria on 28 October and immediately began assessing the extent of the flooding.
SRT volunteer Mike Greenslade (AU) reported: 'The need is simply huge. Our contacts here estimate that there are more than 200,000 people affected by the flooding in the Idah district alone.
'There are currently 21 schools across the district being used to provide shelter for people who have had to leave their homes. However, this is only a temporary solution and does not provide a comfortable home for the families affected by this disaster.'
The SRT will be working with key partners, including the local Rotary network, to deliver vital shelter and lifesaving supplies to the families affected by the flooding.
Liz later went to the Philippines with Shelter Box (Please Click)


Only two ingredients go into MixedMade's Trees Knees Spicy Syrup: Grade A maple syrup and chili peppers. To create this syrup, MixedMade founder Casey Elsass hand selects barrels of organic maple syrup from Catskill Mountain Sugar House in upstate New York then infuses each batch with a balanced mix of fresh chili peppers. Everything is handmade by Casey in Brooklyn, New York and hand bottled by his small production team. The process may sound simple, but the result is a sweet and seriously spicy syrup that can truly be eaten on anything. Casey loves the smooth syrup poured over chicken and waffles, mixed into a spicy Old Fashioned, or drizzled onto fruit and ice cream.
MixedMade, which began as a business experiment, has grown by leaps and bounds since its launch in 2014. They have expanded from making just one product, Bees Knees Spicy Honey, to three products, and they have six more new offerings in the pipeline for the coming year. As the business grows, Casey and his team continue to turn out innovative, eye-wateringly hot sauces and syrups, free of additives or chemicals, all sourced from the best ingredients that New York has to offer.
MixedMade is a proud member of the Good Food Merchants Guild and a Finalist in this year's Good Food Awards. The winners will be announced on January 15. Readers in the San Francisco area will have the chance to meet crafters, sample their products, and take home 80 of this year's Winners by visiting the Good Food Awards Marketplace on Sunday, January 17. More information and tickets ($5) are available here. MixedMade Trees Knees Spicy Syrup is available at mixedmade.com and in stores across the country.


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Wilson Daniels Wholesale Completes Acquisition of Oregon's Galaxy Wine
Young's Market Company, a major Western states beverage alcohol distributor that owns Napa Valley-based wine and spirits marketer Wilson Daniels, has completed the expansion of its family-brand wholesale subsidiary to Oregon.
Wilson Daniels Wholesale completed the acquisition of Portland, Oregon-based Galaxy Wine Company on June 30, a broker of the transaction announced July 2. The deal originally was announced in May. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
"The acquisition is extremely significant as it commences our expansion to the West Coast and establishes Wilson Daniels Wholesale as a bi-coastal wholesaler," said Rocco Lombardo, Wilson Daniels president, in an email. Revenues for the Wholesale division will exceed $70 million in 2018.
Jeff Quackenbush, July 2, 2018


This spacious 3br/3ba home offers plenty of common living space and private retreats! The 11x15 entrance/study offers large windows and french doors that lead into the dining/kitchen area . The master bedroom features a 14x11 private bath; large walk-in closet and private entrance to deck. Other features include: guest room with private 3/4 bath and walk-in closet; 4th bedroom in lower level (needs egress); 40x80 steel framed shed for all the extras; beautiful location on 2+ acres with pond.
Garage Stalls 8 Bedroom 2 Main 12.11x14.
LISTED BY : Edina Realty, Inc.


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Home/Additive Manufacturing/Automotive/Local Motors installs massive LSAM composite 3D printer to manufacture autonomous Olli shuttle
3D Printing ProcessesAutomotive
Local Motors installs massive LSAM composite 3D printer to manufacture autonomous Olli shuttle
Tess BoissonneaultJuly 3, 2018
LSAM system at Thermwood
Local Motors has completed the installation of the world's largest composite 3D printer, the Thermwood LSAM, at its Knoxville, TN microfactory. The large-scale machine will be used to produce Local Motors' autonomous Olli shuttle.
Local Motors has relied on large-scale additive manufacturing systems for quite some time now. In 2016, for instance, the Arizona-based company invested in two BAAM 3D printers by Cincinnati Incorporated. Now, the company seems interested in scaling up its AM capacity even more, as it has installed an LSAM system by Indiana-based company Thermwood Corporation.
Thermwood's LSAM technology was built specifically for producing large-scale structures and parts using composite materials and an additive approach. The system is part of its line of dual gantry additive manufacturing machines that are capable of printing parts and then trimming them down for precision. The machines are also scalable and can reach up to 100 feet in length.
The LSAM system recently installed at Local Motors' facility spans 10 feet by 40 feet (approximately 3.05 x 12 meters) and will be used to print production parts for the company's innovative Olli vehicle, an autonomous 3D printed shuttle bus that has created a fair amount of buzz in both the AM and automotive sectors since its unveiling in 2016.
"LSAM is intended for industrial production," writes Thermwood on its blog. "It is not a lab, evaluation or demonstration machine, but is instead a full-fledged industrial additive manufacturing system intended for the production of large scale components."
Earlier this month, Local Motors announced the founding of a new company, LM Industries Group, Inc., a technology-enabled manufacturer that is being heralded as the "the world's first digital OEM." The company also announced that it had successfully secured over $1 billion in third-party operational support and vehicle financing for clients of its Olli vehicle.
(Photos: Thermwood Corporation)
Douglas Coupland's 3D printed portraits take center stage on Canada Day
Kai Parthy's new GROWLAY filament can 3D print breeding grounds for seeds and spores
Sculpteo releases first edition of State of Women in 3D Printing report
Ford installs largest metal 3D printed automotive part in Ken Block's Hoonitruck
Turbo Print by Markforged unlocks 2x faster print speeds for X7
Construction 3D printing startup Mighty Buildings launches with $30M backing
VELO3D: breaking barriers in metal AM with support-free 3D printing