#Commercial Vehicle Exchange

[commercialvehicle1]

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[ghibli-collector]

This is as close as we will ever get to a Spirited Away sequel…

Chihiro is all grown up in special one-off ad that aired during Ghibli TV broadcast in Japan.

January 5 was a big day for Studio Ghibli fans. Not only was it the 83rd birthday of co-founder and director Hayao Miyazaki, it was the first Kinyo Roadshow (Friday Roadshow) of the year, and the movie to be broadcast in this prime-time TV slot was Spirited Away.

Like many Kinyo Roadshow Ghibli specials, this turned out to be a major TV event, with the station tweeting out tidbits of behind-the-scenes information about the movie throughout the broadcast, creating a sense of community amongst viewers. One thing fans didn’t expect, though, was a commercial that appeared partway through the film, which starred none other than Spirited Away characters Yubaba and Chihiro.

To be exact, it was voice actors Mari Natsuki and Rumi Hiiragi who could be heard in the ad, reprising their roles as Yubaba and Chihiro respectively, 22 years after the film debuted in 2001. The two were lending their voices to Subaru, with Chihiro explaining the car’s special “Eyesight” feature to Yubaba.

While viewers might’ve paid little attention to an ad like this in any other situation, the distinctive voices of these characters, which flowed seamlessly from the broadcast into the commercial, grabbed everyone’s attention. Fans were so excited by the surprise ad that “Chihiro’s voice” began trending on Twitter as soon as it appeared, with people leaving comments like:

“This made me so happy!”

“Thank you, Subaru!”

“Rumi Hiiragi sounds all grown-up now!”

“It’s a conversation between Chihiro as an adult and Yubaba!”

“It’s like Chihiro grew up and became a Subaru staff member!!”

“Natsuki still does Yubaba the same but Hiiragi’s Chihiro sounds so different!”

It’s true that Hiiragi sounds a lot more mature now as a 36-year-old compared to when she originally voiced Chihiro at the age of 14. And the extra years do add a special something to the exchange between characters, allowing us to believe that after all these years, Yubaba and Chihiro really do stay in touch.

As the commercial was a special collaboration between Subaru and Kinyo Roadshow, it was a one-off that only aired once on television. Here’s hoping there’ll be more surprise appearances from Ghibli characters in future commercials during the Kinyo Roadshow timeslot!

The conversation between Chihiro and Yubaba went as follows:

Chihiro: “Phew — I was able to get here without bumping into anything”

Yubaba: “Whoa, so you made it this far unscathed? Did somebody lend you a hand?”

Chihiro: “No, no-one.”

Yubaba: “What’s the point of hiding something like that? Be honest!”

Chihiro: “Ah, it’s Eyesight!”

Yubaba: “What do you mean — what’s up with these three eyes?”

Chihiro: “Don’t you know what they are?”

Yubaba: “Why would I know what they are?”

Chihiro: “This is ‘Eyesight’.”

Yubaba: “Huh, so it’s called ‘Eyesight’. How come it’s there?”

Chihiro: “Because these three cameras give you a wide field of vision.” [Eyesight activates with a beep]

Yubaba: “Aaaaaagh!”

Chihiro: “In dangerous situations Eyesight helps to avoid collisions. The rear-end collision rate of Eyesight-equipped cars has fallen this much.” [Graph appears on screen showing the new version of Eyesight is even more effective than previous versions]

Yubaba: “So Eyesight protects lives…”

Chihiro: “Eyesight is installed in a variety of Subaru vehicles.”

Yubaba: “So if there’s more Eyesight, there’ll be a society with less accidents.”

Chihiro: “And it looks like one person will receive one of these Eyesight-equipped cars as a present.”

Yubaba: “That’s thoughtful. Don’t hesitate to take them up on it.”

Chihiro: “Search for Eyesight and apply!”

[workersolidarity]

[ 📹 Scenes from Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, where the dead and wounded, including children, were taken following violent Israeli airstrikes targeting residential homes in the Bureij Refugee Camp. ]

🇮🇱⚔️🇵🇸 🚀🏘️💥🚑 🚨

252 DAYS OF GENOCIDE: ZIONIST US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN CLAIMS HAMAS RESPONSIBLE FOR LACK OF CEASEFIRE DEAL AS ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER SAYS NO DEAL WILL STOP THEIR WAR ON HAMAS, ANOTHER PALESTINIAN CHILD DIES OF STARVATION IN GAZA, GENOCIDE GOES ON ENDLESSLY AS RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS CONTINUE TO BE TARGETED

On 252nd day of the Israeli occupation's ongoing special genocide operation in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) committed a total of 4 new massacres of Palestinian families, resulting in the deaths of no less than 34 Palestinian civilians, mostly women and children, while another 71 others were wounded over the previous 24-hours.

It should be noted that as a result of the constant Israeli bombardment of Gaza's healthcare system, infrastructure, residential and commercial buildings, local paramedic and civil defense crews are unable to recover countless hundreds, even thousands, of victims who remain trapped under the rubble, or who's bodies remain strewn across the streets of Gaza.

This leaves the official death toll vastly undercounted as Gaza's healthcare officials are unable to accurately tally those killed and maimed in this genocide, which must be kept in mind when considering the scale of the mass murder.

US President Joe Biden, speaking at the Group of Seven Summit being held in Italy, said on Thursday that he does not have confidence that a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal could be reached in the immediate future, blaming Hamas for the failure to reach a deal, and absolving the Israeli occupation of having to make sacrifices in its negotiations with the Palestinian resistance movement.

The US President continued, stating that "I have not lost hope, but it will be difficult."

" Hamas... must take action," Biden added.

Following his comments, Biden later went on to say that Hamas was "by far the biggest obstacle" to reaching a ceasefire agreement.

“I presented a proposal that was approved by the Security Council, the G7, and the Israelis, and the biggest obstacle so far is Hamas, which refuses to sign even though they proposed something similar," President Biden claimed.

Previously, the Hamas resistance movement welcomed the US President's proposal for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, telling reporters that the group viewed the deal "positively" before making adjustments to the timetable for the deal and seeking commitments from the Zionist entity and the United States that the Israeli occupation wouldn't continue its operations in Gaza once its hostages were released.

Earlier, US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, told reporters that the Israeli occupation was committed to the ceasefire proposal, arguing that "Israel has supplied this proposal. It has been sitting on the table for some time. Israel has not contradicted or walked that back."

Hamas countered the plan by offering its own amendments, which Sullivan responded to by saying the goal is “to figure out how we work to bridge the remaining gaps and get to a deal.”

Despite the talk by US officials that the occupation is committed to the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his intention to continue the war, regardless of any ceasefire or hostage exchange deals, until the Hamas resistance group is "destroyed".

Additionally, US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, claimed to the media on Thursday that the United States has not yet witnessed the Israeli occupation launch a "major military operation in the city of Rafah."

This despite countless videos and witness testimony claiming otherwise as the Israeli occupation forces advanced with its tanks and other armored vehicles, penetrating neighborhoods in the west, east, south and center of Rafah, while occupation warplanes hammered the city's residential buildings and public infrastructure, and while Zionist soldiers detonated entire residential blocks in the center of the city.

In other news, more than 23'000 litres (6'076 gallons) of fuel was allowed to enter the Gaza Strip over the last day in order to operate water wells in the Palestinian enclave.

According to the head of the local Water Authority, Mazen Ghoneim, 23 thousand litres of fuel entered Gaza from Thursday evening to Friday morning, allowing 20 water wells to resume operation, including 5 wells east of Gaza City, 2 water wells in the town of Beit Hanoun, 4 wells in the vicinity of Beit Lahiya, 9 wells in the Jabalia area, and 3 more in the Jabalia Refugee Camp.

In statement issued on Friday by the Water Authority, Ghoneim confirmed that in addition to attempting to provide potable drinking water under catastrophic conditions, the Authority was also seeking to reduce risks associated with sewage flows, to which the Authority allocated part of the fuel quantities to operate three sewage plants in the Birkat Abu Rashid area, in addition to the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood and the Al-Baqqara area of Gaza City.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) continued their massacres of Palestinian families by bombing and shelling various residential neighborhoods and public infrastructure across the Gaza Strip on Thursday night and Friday morning, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians and wounding scores of others.

On Thursday evening, an Israeli occupation drone bombed a gathering of Palestinian civilians on Kashko Street in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City, resulting in the death of a citizen and wounding several others.

At the same time, Zionist warplanes bombed the Al-Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, killing one civilian and wounding at least four others, while another strike targeting in the vicinity of the Canada Well in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, west of the city of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, killed two more civilians and wounded a number of others.

Similarly, in yet another criminal massacre, warplanes belonging to the Israeli occupation army fired two missiles into a house on Al-Nafaq Street in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians, with three children and three women among those killed, including the deaths of a woman and a child belonging to the Al-Shiekh family. The casualties were transported to Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the city.

Israeli warplanes also bombed a residential house belonging to the Al-Bakri family, west of Gaza City, where displaced civilians from the Abu Odeh family were seeking shelter, killing three women and wounding a number of others. Included among the dead was a woman named Hakima who was part of the medical staff at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the city.

A civilian was also killed, and three others injured, as a result of the Israeli occupation's bombing of the Port of Gaza City.

Additionally, the slaughter continued when Israeli gunboats fired heavy machine guns off the coast of Khan Yunis, south of Gaza, killing two fisherman, while Zionist forces penetrating neighborhoods east of Rafah opened fire on civilians in the town of Al-Shouka, murdering two civilians and wounding several others. Occupation helicopters were also witnessed firing machine guns into the western neighborhoods of Rafah.

Elsewhere in the enclave, IOF fighter jets bombed a residential house in the city of Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, resulting in the martyredom of one Palestinian and wounding a number of others.

Israeli artillery shelling also pummeled Al-Sika Street, in the east of the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City, which coincided with occupation artillery shelling in the vicinity of the school complex on Al-Mansoura Street, in the center of the Al-Shujaiya neighborhood, east of the city.

According to local medical staff, at least 20 Palestinian civilians were killed in Zionist raids on several areas of Gaza at dawn on Friday.

In more heartbreaking news, a child was killed after Zionist artillery detatchments, penetrating the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City, fired several shells into residential buildings in the neighborhood, while occupation fighter jets bombed civilian homes in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, wounding a number of people.

Also in central Gaza, Zionist airstrikes targeted a house belonging to the Abu Galambo family in the Bureij Refugee Camp, killing a child and wounding at least 10 others, while occupation warplanes bombed the town of Al-Mughraqa, in addition to the area of the Netzarim Junction, north of the Nuseirat Camp.

Meanwhile, local civil defense crews said they'd recovered the bodies of three martyrs from the Saudi neighborhood, west of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, while a civilian was assassinated by the bombardment of Zionist gunboats that targeted the port area of Khan Yunis, also south of Gaza.

In further news south of Gaza, witnesses told Palestinian media correspondants that the Israeli occupation army also continued its detonations of residential squares in the city of Rafah.

In the Shaboura Refugee Camp, in central Rafah, the Israeli occupation forces detonated and destroyed three entire residential squares, in addition to a fourth residential block in the Brazil neighborhood, east of Rafah.

Yet another atrocity was committed when the Zionist army bombed a house while it's residents were inspecting the damage to their homes resulting from prior bombing and shelling in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, west of Rafah, resulting in the deaths of two Palestinian citizens, while Israeli fighter jets carried out further airstrikes and artillery shelling on areas of eastern and central Rafah.

IOF warplanes also bombed a civilian residence in the Al-Fokhari neighborhood, east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, killing a young man.

North of Gaza, 14 civilians were killed, and others wounded, in two Israeli raids on central and western neighborhoods of Gaza City.

In more tragic news, medical sources from a local hospital announced the death of a Palestinian child as a result of starvation and dehydration, raising the number of deaths caused by malnutrition in the Gaza Strip to 40.

The medical source told Palestinian media outlet WAFA News that a child had died from malnutrition and dehydration, while a lack of medical supplies also contributed to the child's death while at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip.

As a result of the Israeli occupation's ongoing war of extermination in the Gaza Strip, the infinitely rising death toll now exceeds 37'266 Palestinians killed, including upwards of 15'000 children and over 10'000 women, while another 85'102 others have been wounded since the start of the current round of Zionist aggression, beginning with the events of October 7th, 2023.

June 14th, 2024.

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#videosource

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[unmotivatedwrit3r]

One in Eleven Million (ch. 4)

damian wayne x reader x jon kent

(a/n): so...it's been a month. But in my defense, I wrote a play.

Previous chapters linked here, here, and here.

wc: ~1800

warnings: airports, consumption of food, anxiety

~

Your alarm went off at 1am and you reached blindly across the end table to silence it. The dark hotel room came back into focus and you sighed. The sky outside was dark, just like it was when you finally went to sleep two hours ago. 

A large part of you desperately wanted a shower. Between the exhaustion, time constraints, and lack of everything from personal toiletries to clean clothes, though, you resigned yourself to brushing your teeth and an attempt at finger-brushing your hair. You shoved your phone in your pocket and fumbled your way into the bathroom. 

“Already dressed,” you deadpanned in the mirror, still squinting in the bright bathroom lights, “great.” 

There wasn’t much of your usual morning routine that you could scrape together in the twenty minutes you had. You felt a little stale in clothes that had already seen two airports, two airplanes, various vehicles, and your hotel bed, but you were also running on limited sleep and even more limited options so what was there to do?

The wooden toothbrush and tiny tube of toothpaste — and you meant tiny; the thing looked like it would be more at home in an American Girl doll house than your bathroom sink — you had was hotel provided, and you washed your face with hotel face soap. It was a weird texture, but you decided it was better to feel a little bit cleaner and just deal with it for the minute you had to than feel greasy the entire rest of the day.  

By 1:23am, you were walking out of the elevator and into the hotel lobby. You recognized a family already sitting there from the shuttle last night. Did it count as last night if you’d only gotten to the hotel for two hours of sleep? 

Closer to the door, though, were the people you were looking for. A part of you wondered if the friendship — you hesitated to call it friendship but what else could it be really? — you’d built yesterday was just a fluke. There was a chance the boys didn’t show up for the shuttle you’d all planned to take. Even worse, you worried that they would be there and just ignore you. It had already been a long trip, and a larger part of you than you wanted to acknowledge was craving the security of not being on your own. 

Damian’s eyes were fixed on his phone, eyebrows furrowed. Jon looked half-asleep, leaning into Damian. You lingered awkwardly in the doorway to the lobby until Damian looked up and waved before quickly returning to his phone. Something in your chest settled. You took the seat across from them, failing to hold back a smile. 

“You awake there, Jon?” 

One of Jon’s eyelids cracked open at you before sliding shut once again. 

“No.” 

Damian’s huff of amusement took you a second to register under your own. He tucked his phone into his jeans pocket. 

“Jon’s not awake until the sun is.” An elbow tried to nudge Damian. Jon’s aim was suffering from not having his eyes open though, and he succeeded more in almost falling off of his chair than anything. 

You and Damian exchanged an amused glance. For the first time, you noticed his eyes—long eyelashes and dark brows accentuating green-blue orbs. Your breath caught. Nope, you’re not allowed to like both of them, your brain argued. You ignored it. 

The shuttle ride was as uneventful as it had been the night before. 

“Which line do we go in?” Jon asked, squinting at his boarding pass as the three of you crossed the threshold into the airport. You spared a mournful glance at the bag check counters before following the boys to escalators. It was weird to not have a suitcase with you. 

“TSA-pre.” Damian pointed at a sign denoting the airline’s quicker security status. “Father doesn’t often fly commercial but we have it on his account.” 

You double checked your boarding pass. You hadn’t anticipated the same symbol would be there, but it made your heart sink nonetheless.

“I’ll meet you at the end of security,” You stopped by the entrance to the general line. “Or at the gate?” 

“You don’t have it? The faster one?” Jon wondered.

“No,” you shrugged. “It’s an extra charge. I don't travel enough to make the price worth it.” 

“There’s no crowd in either line.” Damian nodded his head at the vacant security checkpoint. “It is before three in the morning.” 

“Yeah, we’ll go with you.” 

“You sure?” Your hands tightened around your backpack straps.

“It’ll be easier to find you if we all just go together, right?” Jon walked through first, clumsily pulling an ID from his pocket before presenting it to the airline employee. You did the same. Damian followed, and you shoved your ID back where it belonged as he passed through. 

“We have to take our shoes off in this line,” you reminded Damian. Jon had immediately followed your lead, but Damian had yet to take anything out of his bag. “And large things like laptops.” 

Jon’s sneakers joined your shoes on the belt. 

“Nice socks.” 

He looked down, confused, then back up at you. You could see a blush rising on his cheeks. One of his socks had superman logos, the other flash ones. 

“Mine don’t match either,” you offered, lifting your feet one at a time to showcase your own socks. 

“Oh hey, that’s cool,” Jon’s bright smile made the discomfort of socked feet on airport floors worth it. The tile was cold through the thin fabric. 

“Share a bin?” You asked Damian, pulling your laptop out of your bag. You tucked it inside, phone already tucked away with Jon’s in a smaller container. 

“Sure.” Damian’s computer was slick, a dark gray Wayne Tech and wrapped in a black case. Yours looked a little clunkier next to his, but it fit him, or what you knew of him. 

Damian’s socks did match, you realized as he passed through the metal detector after you.  

“Here Dami,” Jon passed over a pair of boots. Damian murmured a thank you, pulling them on untied before grabbing the rest of his belongings.  

“Those are nice,” You said, shoving your laptop back into your bag. Damian finished tying his shoes. 

“It’s a good brand.” 

“Yeah,” you swung your backpack over your shoulder. The weight was comforting where it rested against your back. “They're expensive but worth it.” 

“I’m kind of a sneakers guy.” Jon raised one hand, swinging his backpack on with the other. 

You chuckled, following as Damian started heading towards your terminal. It was still pitch black outside and the airport was almost eerie for its emptiness. The clacking of the wheels on Damian and Jon’s bags echoed in the open space. A go-cart shot by, sirens blaring. You sighed out a breath, heart racing. Right, airports are never quiet. 

When the three of you reached the gate, there was half an hour left to kill. You took a moment to curse the fluctuations in airport security wait times before moving on. Damian headed straight for a set of seats right against the wall. You and Jon followed, dropping your bag on the floor in front of you and draping your jacket over the chair. 

“I think there was a pretzel place open at the beginning of the terminal. Pretzels for breakfast anyone?” 

“Soft pretzels?” inquired Jon, all of the sudden much more awake than he was at the hotel. You figured it was at the prospect of food more than anything else. 

“Yeah those ones. I’m going. Anyone else?” 

Damian shrugged then stood, pulling up the handle of his carry-on to roll it, his jacket, and his bag as one. Jon followed Damian’s lead. His jacket stayed on. 

You picked your stuff up from where you’d just laid it out, jacket zipper dragging against the chair. 

“A group errand then,” you declared. Beside you, Jon snorted out a laugh. 

Between the early hour, you and Jon arguing over which pretzels were better, and Damain’s skepticism at their deliciousness overall, you were pretty sure that the pretzel stand employee was tired of the three of you already. Damian insisted on paying despite not wanting anything (“it’s like six dollars, I’ve got it,” you protested. “If you don’t let him, he’s just going to do it anyway,” Jon explained, “and you did save us from a 600 dollar hotel reservation last night.”), but he didn’t protest when Jon ordered an extra cup of the cinnamon nuggets in addition to the one for you. Jon’s own choice, regular nuggets with a very yellow cheese dip, was left all on its lonesome.

“There’s no way that’s real cheese,” you argued as he opened the dipping container. “You’re basically just eating chemicals.” 

Another pretzel covered nearly entirely in cheese disappeared into Jon’s mouth. He shrugged. You watched him for a moment before locking eyes with Damian. Matching grins spanned your faces.  

“With his taste in foods, he’s lucky he has such a strong digestive system,” Damian volunteered. 

You snorted, sinking down on top of the jacket you’d once again splayed across the chair as you shoved another pretzel nugget in your mouth. When you turned, the cold metal of the armrests bit into your side even through your shirt. 

Jon’s cheese dip lasted about halfway through the cup of pretzels. He looked mournfully into the container. 

“Aww man.” 

You tilted your bag towards him, rattling the nuggets inside. 

“Do you want one?” Jon stood up, shaking his head.

“I might actually just go get another-” Damian grabbed his arm and pulled him down. The seat let out a puff of air. You had to hold back a laugh at the startled expression painting Jon’s face, popping another nugget into your mouth. The cinnamon sugar was rough between your lips.

“You,” Damian said, “are not eating anything else horrible for humans.” 

His phrasing was a little weird, but you understood the sentiment. One container of processed cheese was more than enough for most people on a good day, and it was barely 3am.

“Oh, right.” Jon frowned. 

“They’re good with just salt,” you offered. “If they didn’t have the cinnamon ones, I would have gotten those. But I think there is such a thing as too much processed cheese for breakfast.”

Damian bit into another pretzel nugget. 

“The cinnamon ones are by far superior to the plain ones.” 

“Oh I agree one hundred percent, but if you don’t like them,” you nudged Jon, “the plain ones are okay too.”

Jon shrugged and popped a plain nugget in his mouth, swallowing morosely. 

“They’re dry.” 

You and Damian exchanged a look. 

“What?” Jon justified through your laughter. “They are!”

[oliviridian]

Counterweight hangs in the center of the Golden Branch star sector; a forked path where the Perseus and Sagittarius arms of the Milky Way come together. Because of its location, life on this planet of billions brims with energy, and an exchange of cultures has led to an exchange of technologies. Automated robots valet vehicles, starships launch in the distance at regular intervals, holographic pop idols perform for holographic crowds. Giant humanoid mechs aid in tasks civil, commercial, and military, and sometimes you look up to them and think: “We could have made them look like anything, but we made them look like us.” -Austin Walker "Counter/Weight"

[alex31624]

Duck Comic Reading Club Week 13: Paperinik New Adventures: Fountains of the Moon

And we're here with another hit for this week issue.

We start things off with the discovery that Evronians has been on the planet, many centuries ago. The art of this city landscape is gorgeous. I won't get tired of saying how good PK art can be.

This is a Xadhoom comic, by the way, so, you know is going to be good. She needs help to track a possible survival ship, in exchange of her help against Evronians.

Come on!? You were best friends a couple weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Zargon gets new orders, he has to recover the spores. He didn't like his work apparently.

But, you know Zargon?

Your race have conquered planet after planet, but with you in charge, planet Earth is kicking you all in the ass. Be happy you're still employed.

The super computer and the genius scientific try to locate the spores nest, but they're outsmarted by the common man. PK found the nest in Africa.

I'm so happy the babies are in the farm now. Keep them away for the danger.

Xadhoom waste no time to fly to the location. On the other hand, PK has to take a commercial flight.

Ok, in the infinite garage, there's not a single vehicle he could take? Why the hell is PK flying commercial?

It is a 25-32 hour flight. In all that time, the Evronians are going to take all the spores. Terrible idea.

Well, at least Donald traveled business class.

He annoyed the hell out of his partner.

Donald arrived to Africa where he met Professor Bruceburton, an anthropology. Looks like she and Uno have been exchanging emails.

Lairduck. Is like Ducklair, but inverse. Very subtle, Uno.

The next three pages are… just look at them.

The color, the illumination, the emotion, the dialogue. I get some people might see PK and think, is just a weird Donald comic with a superhero gimmick.

But there's genuinely good things to find in those pages.

Anyway, we have an Evronians' invasion to stop. Our heroes got face-to-face with those nasty aliens, and of course, they beat the hell out of them.

Until...

PK was hit by the slave ray, and know he's just another Evronians' pawn.

But worry not, Xadhoom has the solution.

We have this saying, muerto el perro, muerta la rabia. Xadhoom took it literally.

By the way, we are in the middle of Africa, under the attack of an evil alien force. Of course the US army decides to attack.

She returned to the battle, and destroyed the Evronians.

Poor bastards, the made a living invading the Backyardigans or the Cubeez or Franklin the turtle. The first time they cross someone with the power to oppose them, and everything falls appart.

And now even the earthers are fighting. AND WINNING.

The Evronians run away, of course, but they leave Zargon behind. He now has a one-on-one duel with Xadhoom.

She's so cool.

The fight is not graphic at all, in fact, they only show key moments. But is done in such an amazing way.

Sometimes I sincerely criticize some decisions the comic takes, but not this time. They did great showing a vicious fight with no real violence. You know Zargon is dead.

And to end everything nice and sweet, PK is alive.

They're friends.

They both part ways, and is time to come back home.

Oh.

Looks like Zargon is not that dead yet.

Donald takes the flight back to Duckburg, and is reunited with his travel partner, who's turned out to be the army general, who's name is Abraham Lincoln.

He might want to avoid the theater.

This was a really good issue, is always a pleasure to have Xadhoom around. And it looks like the next one is going to be as good.

PK is on a roll.

Oh? There's a Angus story? To that I say, see you next week.

[justforbooks]

John Ashton

American actor best known for his role as Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films

In several action comedies of the 1980s, John Ashton, who has died aged 76 from cancer, played disgruntled, buffoonish or flummoxed figures caught up in chaotic situations not entirely of their own making.

The first, Beverly Hills Cop (1984), was originally intended as a dramatic vehicle for Sylvester Stallone: “Stallone was going to make it ‘Rambo Blows Up Beverly Hills’ or something,” said Ashton, who first auditioned for the film in that form.

When it was subsequently retooled for the overnight sensation Eddie Murphy, it became a comedy in which other cast members were also permitted to be funny. Among them was Ashton, who played the dyspeptic Sergeant John Taggart. With his partner, Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), he is assigned to keep an eye on Murphy’s irreverent Detroit native Axel Foley, who makes waves as he hunts a killer in Beverly Hills.

Foley runs rings around the pair. During a stakeout, he inserts bananas into their car’s exhaust pipe, causing the vehicle to stutter and stall when they try to follow him. Ashton’s irritability was nicely offset by Reinhold’s peppy naivety. One of the pleasures of the film was seeing Taggart gradually come around to Foley. Having begun the movie at loggerheads, they end it as allies.

After witnessing the enthusiastic response to the movie at an industry screening, Ashton and Reinhold stopped by a Los Angeles cinema a few weeks later to see how it was going down with the public. Seated in the balcony, they marvelled at the audience “hooting and hollering and screaming and yelling”.

Directed by Martin Brest and released in the US in December 1984, Beverly Hills Cop took $316m worldwide, and was one of the country’s top 10 highest grossing films in 1984 and 1985.

Ashton and Reinhold returned in Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), as well as the recent fourth instalment, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024), in which Taggart has now been promoted to police chief. “If we were gonna do [another] Beverly Hills Cop, the only way it could happen was if all of us were in it,” said Murphy earlier this year.

Less commercially successful than Beverly Hills Cop but far superior was the buddy movie Midnight Run (1988), also directed by Brest. It starred Robert De Niro as a dishevelled bounty hunter transporting a turncoat Mob accountant (Charles Grodin) across the US. Ashton was superb as the comically coarse Marvin Dorfler, a rival bounty hunter who tries repeatedly to intercept the duo and claim the money for himself. Dunderheaded the character may have been, but Ashton also showed convincingly that he could be intimidating when the need arose.

The role had been written as a straightforward heavy. “But that’s not how I played him,” said Ashton, who approached Marvin instead as someone who was simply doing his job. It worked: though the character died halfway through George Gallo’s script, Brest ordered a rewrite. “About a month in, Marty said: ‘We can’t kill Dorfler, the audience will hate us!’” Ashton recalled. He was spared and given additional scenes, including a memorable appearance during the tense climax.

Seeing Ashton square off repeatedly against De Niro was among the film’s highlights. It was also vital to him to win the role in the first place. He had arrived at the audition to find “about 30 guys in the hallway going, ‘I can’t believe I gotta read with Bobby De Niro’. Everybody’s freaking out.” Ashton, on the other hand, was champing at the bit. “Nobody’s getting this role but me,” he decided.

During the ensuing improvisation, De Niro was meant to hand him a set of keys. As he went to take them, De Niro tossed them on the floor. “Fuck you!” barked Ashton, sparking an escalating exchange of obscenities. “I know every other actor picked those up,” he reflected. He later discovered that, once he left the room, De Niro had told Brest: ‘I want him.’”

Ashton was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Edward and Eva (nee Wells), and raised in Enfield, Connecticut. He was educated at Enfield high school and Defiance College, Ohio, then studied theatre at the University of Southern California. In 1970 he won a scholarship to travel abroad, and appeared in theatre productions across Europe.

He always referred to theatre as his first love, and it was in that medium that he won his only prizes: a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle award in 1973 for A Flea in Her Ear, and a Drama Logue award in 1982 for a production of Sam Shepard’s True West, in which he starred opposite Ed Harris.

His first film was the slasher thriller An Eye for an Eye (1973). He then became a familiar face with guest spots on TV shows such as Kojak, Columbo and Starsky & Hutch. In 1978 he appeared in six episodes of the soap opera Dallas as a crony called upon to do the dirty work of JR Ewing (Larry Hagman).

Film work included the acclaimed cycling drama Breaking Away (1979), the Charles Bronson thriller Borderline (1980), John Schlesinger’s chaotic comedy Honky Tonk Freeway (1981), the monster movie King Kong Lives (1986) and several John Hughes projects: Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), She’s Having a Baby (1988) and the children’s comedy Curly Sue (1991). In 1989 he played a worried father whose seven-year-old son is kidnapped in the factually based TV drama I Know My First Name is Steven (1989), and at a press conference to promote the film, tearfully recounted his childhood memories of being followed home from school by a stranger.

There was much talk of a follow-up to Midnight Run, and even a script that Ashton read but felt was not up to snuff. A trio of undistinguished sequels were eventually made for TV without the original personnel. In the first two, Another Midnight Run and Midnight Runaround (both 1994), Dorfler was played by Ed O’Ross.

Ashton worked continuously in film and television. Notable parts included a prison guard in Instinct (1999) with Anthony Hopkins and Cuba Gooding Jr, and yet another cop in Ben Affleck’s impressive thriller Gone Baby Gone (2007). Ashton’s final performance was as a judge in two forthcoming westerns: Hot Bath, Stiff Drink an’ a Close Shave and its sequel, Hot Bath an’ a Stiff Drink 2.

He is survived by his third wife, Robin Hoye, and two children, Michelle and Michael, from his previous marriages to Victoria Runn and Bridget Baker, both of which ended in divorce.

🔔 John David Ashton, actor, born 22 February 1948; died 26 September 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[beardedmrbean]

Bulgaria is embarking on the production of kamikaze drones, which will be priced at BGN 2,000 each and have the capability to destroy tanks valued at 10-15 million euros, according to Kalin Dimitrov, the executive director of a Ministry of Defense company, as reported in an interview with the Bulgarian Army newspaper.

Initially, the assembly of these unmanned aerial vehicles will involve the use of parts from external suppliers, with plans to eventually transition to in-house production within the company's structures. Dimitrov mentioned that the warhead, or ammunition, will be Bulgarian-made and produced at the "Terem" plant in Kostenets.

Meetings have been held with Bulgarian companies possessing experience in drone manufacturing. In Bulgaria, several startups have already made progress in developing unmanned aerial vehicles for commercial purposes. The experience gained from the conflict in Ukraine underscores the increasing utility of drones on the battlefield. They are categorized into various types, ranging from relatively simple drones capable of carrying and launching grenades to more sophisticated FPV drones equipped with RPG missiles weighing approximately one kilogram. At an advanced level are "loitering ammunition" or kamikaze drones designed to target armored vehicles, with a larger version suitable for attacking buildings and fortifications, according to the Information Center of the Ministry of Defense.

Kalin Dimitrov previously announced the creation of a scientific unit within the Ministry of Defense tasked with developing smart munitions and various drone modifications.

In addition to the kamikaze drones project, the Bulgarian military is set to acquire SpaceX's Starlink satellite-internet terminals. These terminals are expected to enhance the effective management of subordinate formations, facilitating continuous, high-speed, and reliable information exchange, as stated by the Ministry of Defense. Notably, SpaceX's Starlink Internet service played a crucial role in providing Internet access to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia, enabling the direction of Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian tanks and positions, thus strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

[entailglobal]

The Role of Automotive Exporters in the Global Economy

The automotive industry has long been a pillar of global economic development.  It connects nations through a complex web of trade, technology, and innovation, driving significant contributions to GDP and employment worldwide.  Among the various contributors to this global sector, automotive products exporters in Gujarat play a crucial role in cementing India’s position as a key player in the global automotive market.

The Rising Importance of Automotive Exports

Automotive exports have become a cornerstone of international trade.  From passenger cars to commercial vehicles, spare parts, and other components, the automotive sector’s products are in constant demand globally.  Emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and South America are hungry for affordable, high-quality automotive products, and nations like India are stepping up to fulfill these needs.

India, being one of the largest automotive markets in the world, has not only catered to domestic demands but has also established itself as a significant exporter.  Gujarat, in particular, has emerged as a hub for automotive production and export.  With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, world-class infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment, the region has become home to some of the top 10 automotive products exporters in Gujarat.

Gujarat:  The Automotive Export Hub of India

Gujarat’s strategic location, robust port infrastructure, and pro-industrial policies make it a natural choice for automotive manufacturers and exporters.  The state’s ports, such as Mundra and Kandla, enable seamless export operations to global markets.  Additionally, Gujarat’s proximity to major industrial clusters enhances its appeal as a center for automotive exports.

Some of the top 10 exporters of automotive products operate from Gujarat, leveraging the state’s logistical advantages and skilled workforce.  These companies specialize in a diverse range of products, including:

Passenger Vehicles:  Compact cars, sedans, and SUVs.

Commercial Vehicles:  Trucks, buses, and trailers.

Auto Components:  Engine parts, brakes, clutches, and transmission systems.

Electric Vehicles (EVs):  Batteries, chargers, and EV-specific components.

Key Contributions of Automotive Exporters

Automotive exporters from Gujarat and other parts of India contribute significantly to the global economy.  Here are some of their key contributions:

Employment Generation:  Export-oriented automotive companies create numerous job opportunities.  From manufacturing to logistics and sales, the industry employs millions directly and indirectly, ensuring economic stability for many families.

Boosting India’s Economy:  The automotive sector accounts for a significant portion of India’s exports.  By shipping vehicles and components to over 100 countries, automotive exporters strengthen India’s balance of trade and foreign exchange reserves.

Technology Transfer:  Collaborations with international partners often lead to the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.  Indian automotive exporters benefit from this knowledge exchange, enhancing their manufacturing capabilities and global competitiveness.

Improved Standards:  To meet international demands, automotive exporters in Gujarat adhere to stringent quality and environmental standards.  This not only boosts the reputation of Indian-made products but also raises the bar for domestic markets.

Top Automotive Products Exporters in Gujarat

Gujarat is home to some of the top 10 exporters in India, specializing in automotive products.  These companies have achieved global recognition for their commitment to quality, innovation, and timely delivery.  Some of their key attributes include:

Global Reach:  Extensive networks in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Sustainability Practices:  Adoption of eco-friendly manufacturing processes to meet global environmental regulations.

Customer-Centric Approach:  Customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of international clients.

India’s Automotive Export Strengths

The success of automotive products exporters in Gujarat is a testament to India’s broader strengths in the automotive sector.  Here are some factors that give Indian exporters a competitive edge:

Cost Advantage:  Indian manufacturers offer high-quality automotive products at competitive prices, making them attractive to cost-conscious international buyers.

Diverse Product Range:  From two-wheelers to heavy-duty vehicles and specialized auto parts, Indian exporters cater to a wide array of market needs.

Strong R&D Focus:  Indian companies invest heavily in research and development to stay ahead in innovation, particularly in the EV segment.

Government Support:  Policies such as the 'Make in India' initiative and export incentives encourage Indian companies to expand their global footprint.

Challenges and Opportunities

While India’s automotive exporters, including the top 10 exporters of automotive products from Gujarat, have achieved significant milestones, they also face challenges:

Global Competition:  Exporters must compete with established players from countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea.

Regulatory Barriers:  Varying import regulations and standards in different countries can complicate export operations.

Supply Chain Disruptions:  Events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions can impact the availability of raw materials and shipping routes.

However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and growth.  By embracing digital technologies, enhancing supply chain resilience, and diversifying export markets, automotive exporters can secure their place among the best exporters in India.

Future Prospects

The global shift towards sustainability and green mobility opens new avenues for automotive exporters.  Electric vehicles and related components are expected to dominate exports in the coming years.  Gujarat’s manufacturers are already investing in EV technology, ensuring their readiness to meet future demands.

Additionally, partnerships with global OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and participation in international trade fairs will help Indian exporters showcase their capabilities to a broader audience.

Why Gujarat Stands Out

Among the top 10 exporters in Gujarat, the state’s automotive sector shines due to its:

Strategic Initiatives:  Government-backed policies that promote exports.

Robust Infrastructure:  Advanced manufacturing facilities and ports.

Skilled Workforce:  Availability of technically proficient labor.

These factors make Gujarat a preferred destination for global buyers seeking reliable automotive products exporters.

Conclusion

The role of automotive exporters in the global economy cannot be overstated.  They not only drive economic growth but also foster innovation and international collaboration.  As India continues to establish itself as a global automotive powerhouse, the contribution of automotive products exporters in Gujarat remains indispensable.

Whether you are looking at the top 10 automotive products exporters in Gujarat or the top 10 exporters in India, their commitment to excellence and sustainability is a common thread.  As the industry evolves, these exporters are poised to lead India’s charge into a future defined by green mobility, advanced technology, and robust global trade.

In a rapidly changing world, automotive exporters from Gujarat and India as a whole stand out as beacons of quality, innovation, and reliability.  Their journey of excellence underscores why they are among the best exporters in India, contributing to the nation’s growing stature on the global stage.

[bvcofficial]

As a concerned citizen, I must ask: is there a legal limit of vehicle size that if breached, makes the owner no longer legible for pedestrian points while using said vehicle? Hypothetically, for example, could the Death Star be used to accumulate pedestrian points?

While there is no specific limit to the size of a vehicle used to obtain Pedestrian Points, that vehicle's primary purpose must be domestic transportation of persons or commercial goods. A hypothetical Death Star does not meet this criteria in two ways: first, its primary purpose is to decimate planets; second, the Death Star as a vehicle is used for intergalactic transportation rather than domestic movement within the United States.

The Central Intelligence Agency has opted to note that if you find yourself in possession of such a vehicle, they would be more than glad to offer you Pedestrian Points in exchange for it.

[subahmoni]

Bideex: A Smarter Way to Trade Globally

In today’s interconnected world, buying and selling goods and services across borders has never been easier. With the rise of online marketplaces, consumers now have access to a wealth of products and opportunities from every corner of the globe. One platform leading the charge in simplifying this process is Bideex, a global marketplace that seamlessly connects buyers and sellers from around the world. Whether you're looking to purchase electronics, rent a property, sell a vehicle, or even find a job, Bideex offers a secure and efficient environment to meet your needs.

A Diverse Range of Categories

Bideex is designed to cater to a wide variety of needs, providing a one-stop platform for everything from physical goods to services. The marketplace is organized into categories, making it easy for users to navigate and find exactly what they’re looking for. Some of the key categories on Bideex include:

Electronics: From the latest smartphones and laptops to home appliances and tech gadgets, Bideex offers a comprehensive selection of electronics at competitive prices. Sellers can reach global customers, while buyers can find both new and pre-owned items at affordable rates.

Vehicles: Looking to buy or sell a car, motorcycle, or even a boat? Bideex’s vehicle section allows individuals and dealers to list vehicles for sale or trade. Detailed listings and secure transaction features ensure that both buyers and sellers can complete deals with confidence.

Real Estate: Whether you’re searching for a home to rent, a vacation property, or a commercial space, Bideex makes real estate transactions simple and secure. Buyers and renters can browse listings across different regions, while sellers and landlords can easily connect with interested parties.

Jobs & Services: Bideex extends its marketplace to the world of work, connecting job seekers with employers in various industries. In addition to traditional employment opportunities, the platform also offers a range of services, from freelance gigs to professional services like graphic design, legal advice, and tutoring.

Safe and Secure Transactions

One of the most important aspects of any online marketplace is the security of transactions. Bideex takes this responsibility seriously, implementing a range of features designed to protect both buyers and sellers. Secure payment systems, escrow services, and buyer protection policies ensure that funds are only exchanged once both parties are satisfied with the terms of the transaction.

The platform also utilizes advanced encryption technologies to safeguard personal information, so users can browse and trade with peace of mind. In the unlikely event of a dispute, Bideex offers mediation services to resolve issues fairly and efficiently.

User-Friendly Interface

Bideex is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, with a clean interface that makes it easy to browse listings, contact sellers, and manage your account. Whether you're using a desktop computer or mobile device, the platform is optimized for both, ensuring a smooth experience for users on any device.

The search functionality is intuitive, allowing users to filter listings by price, location, and other criteria, helping them find exactly what they need without hassle. For sellers, listing items is quick and straightforward, with helpful prompts to guide them through the process.

Join the Global Marketplace Today

As e-commerce continues to grow and evolve, platforms like Bideex are at the forefront of creating new opportunities for global trade. By connecting buyers and sellers across borders, Bideex helps individuals and businesses access a wider market, offering convenience, security, and flexibility.

Whether you’re looking to buy a gadget, rent a car, or offer your services to a global audience, Bideex is the smart choice for anyone looking to trade in today’s digital age. Join Bideex today and experience a smarter way to buy, sell, and rent with confidence!

[commercialvehicle1]

Exchange Your Truck with Ease | Tata Motors OK

Upgrade your commercial vehicle effortlessly with Tata Motors OK’s truck exchange program. Trade in your old truck for a new or certified pre-owned Tata vehicle. Enjoy competitive offers, hassle-free evaluations, and expert support to ensure a smooth transition.

[metalmanauto]

Metalman Auto files draft papers with SEBI to raise funds via IPO

The IPO consists of a fresh issue of Rs 350 crore and an offer for sale of upto 12.64 million shares by its existing shareholders and promoters.

Metalman Auto Ltd has submitted a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise capital through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO includes a fresh issuance of shares worth Rs 350 crore and an offer for sale of up to 12.64 million shares by the company’s current shareholders and promoters.

The proceeds from the fresh issue will be allocated as follows: Rs 25 crore will be used to partially finance the capital expenditure for the procurement of plant and machinery at the Pithampur manufacturing unit 2. The company also plans to utilize Rs 240 crore to repay a portion of its existing debt. As of June 2024, Metalman Auto Ltd has a total debt of Rs 314.43 crore.

The firm operates nine manufacturing units across five states in India, strategically located near OEM customers to ensure efficient production and supply. Axis Capital, ICICI Securities, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors are the lead managers for this issue.

Metalman Auto Ltd is a leader in the metal fabrication, finishing, and assembly sector in India, specializing in the production of metal components for two-wheelers (including both electric and internal combustion engines), three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, agri-vehicles, and off-highway vehicles. Additionally, the company manufactures aesthetic components for white goods, such as panels for washing machines, and offers contract manufacturing services for two-wheeler electric vehicle (2W EV) OEMs.

[hostpyters]

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Best For: Entrepreneurs investing in a franchise opportunity. Choose the right loan to fuel your small business growth and achieve your entrepreneurial dreams in 2024! 🌟 #SmallBusiness #BusinessLoans #Entrepreneurship #2024BusinessGoals #FundingOptions

[handeaux]

While The Wright Brothers Toiled, Cincinnati’s Flying Machine Fanatics Tanked

Ohio license plates proclaim the Buckeye State as the “Birthplace of Aviation.” Had fate turned out differently, that sobriquet could have applied to Cincinnati. Over the years, several Cincinnati tinkerers tried unsuccessfully to loft a heavier-than-air craft.

As far back as 1834, a Cincinnati resident named Albert Masson constructed a vehicle he described as an “aerial steam boat.” According to a writer signed only as “J.L.” (possibly John Laughlin, secretary of the Ohio Mechanics Institute), in the Liberty Hall and Cincinnati Gazette newspaper [3 July 1834]:

“The boat is about ten feet long; the ribs being covered in silk, in order to render it very light. – The engine, of two horse power, is placed in the middle, and turns four vertical shafts projecting over the bow and stern, into each of which are fixed 4 spiral silken wings, which are made to revolve with a sufficient velocity to cause the vessel to rise.”

According to “J.L.”, the entire apparatus weighed about 60 pounds and Mr. Masson intended to fly the contraption on July 4 – the very next day. At the time of publication, the aerial steam boat was on display “on Race street, nearly opposite the old Lath Factory, below Third street.”

Mr. Masson did not go airborne on Independence Day and, in August, his flying machine was on earthbound display at the Commercial Exchange. The Daily Cincinnati Republican reported, “There is nothing of the balloon principle connected to the apparatus.” and that it was “a beautiful and ingenious piece of mechanism.”

As beautiful and ingenious as it was, the aerial steam boat appears not to have ever achieved flight and all references to it cease after 1834. Tom D. Crouch, curator of aeronautics at the National Air and Space Museum and a former chief of education for the Ohio Historical Society, has researched Masson’s invention extensively, publishing his findings in the Journal of the American Aviation Historical Society [Spring 1974]. According to Mr. Crouch:

“If we are to believe the articles published in the Cincinnati papers, and there seems no reason to doubt them, then Albert Masson was the first person in history to produce a heavier-than-air craft, powered by a prime mover, that was actually intended to fly.”

Although Mr. Masson vanished into the mists of history, between 1840 and 1902, Cincinnati newspapers printed at least 404 articles with the phrase "flying machine." Some of these reports featured home-grown Cincinnati aeronauts.

Cincinnatians awoke on 27 Oct 1889 to learn that a local man, one Ferdinand W. Randall of Main Street, had built a flying machine. In fact, this inventor had quite a surprise for the scientific community. As related by the Cincinnati Enquirer:

"He not only has a flying machine, but claims to have discovered perpetual motion."

The newspaper goes on to relate that Mr. Randall's inventions have "something lacking." That "something" was, of course, money.

Mr. Randall, approximately 35 years in age at the time, was a photographer. His workshop was on Main Street. His flying machine was described as a "peculiar-looking sail-boat" suspended by a wire from the ceiling. It was basically a boat hull, with a screw propeller and rudder at the rear, four wheels and an "intricate mass of fans and wire cables." Two black wings, wider and longer than the boat, were suspended above. According to the Enquirer,

"The beauty about Mr. Randall's machine is that it can move on land, in the water, or in the air."

Randall told the Enquirer he had read every book available on aeronautics and is "undoubtedly well posted on the subject." Well posted or not, Mr. Randall joined the roster of inventors whose aircraft never left the ground.

Curiously, just 18 months later, the Cincinnati newspapers found yet another potential flying machine. This one was created by a mechanic named John Randall, of 322 Vine Street, who had built a flying machine remarkably similar to the airship unveiled by Ferdinand Randall - a boat 18 feet long with a mass of wires attached.

Similar flying machines and identical names? Not a coincidence. The Randalls were brothers who had operated Randall Brothers Outdoor Photographers for several years. The younger brother struck out on his own and got work as a mechanic and electrician.

Ferdinand apparently gave the flying machine to his brother because the machine described in 1891 is almost identical to the 1889 machine with one exception. John replaced the two black wings atop Ferdinand’s machine with a large canvas balloon. In other words, it was no longer a heavier-than-air machine, but only a mechanically propelled lighter-than-air craft. Not the same thing at all.

Had another local man succeeded, Kennedy Heights or Norwood might be known as the birthplace of manned flight. Alas, Charles M. Mallory did not succeed. In fact, he failed again and again and again. Sometimes spectacularly.

In August 1902, the 40-year-old Mallory, a pattern maker with the Bullock Electric Manufacturing Company, announced that he would launch a new flying machine into the air from a vacant lot in Kennedy Heights. With a large crowd observing, he rolled out a contraption described by the Cincinnati Enquirer:

"It was as if two monster Mexican hats had been inverted and joined together by a framework that had wings on either side. At one end was a rudder."

With a squad of volunteers tugging away, Mallory's monstrosity "scudded along the scaffolding for a few feet and then toppled over on one side."

Mallory tried again in November 1902 at the grounds of the old Norwood Inn. This time, instead of human volunteers, Colonel James E. Fennessy, a local theatrical impresario, volunteered to tow the contraption aloft with his automobile. Col. Fennessy got bored waiting for Mallory to prepare his flying machine and drove home. Fennessy sent a chauffeur out to Norwood with another automobile, but he, too, lost patience.

When Mallory was finally ready, no automobiles could be found, despite messengers and phone calls. While waiting in vain for another runabout, Mallory agreed to pose for photographs in his machine, hoisted to the top of a derrick. The wind caught the contraption and dashed it to the ground from a height of 25 feet. Although Mallory was unhurt, his flying machine was in tatters.

Mallory attempted another flight in August 1903 off Lookout Mountain in Tennessee but, again, the wind dashed his contraction to flinders. Interestingly, Mallory told the Cincinnati Post at that time that he had achieved an 80-foot flight in Norwood, a feat suspiciously unseen by any other witness.

Four months later, the Wright boys grabbed the prize.

[ragecndybars]

This might be an odd question, but as someone with both car autism and persona autism, what vehicles do you think the main cast drives? Can be whichever game you fancy

unfortunately i know NOTHING about cars, like absolutely nothing, but here's my limited perspective on the p3 cast at least

minato/makoto and kotone/hamuko: i could see either of them having a moped or motorcycle tbh.

junpei: one of those pick-up trucks that some men buy just to stroke their ego, except he actually got it because he genuinely likes helping his friends with stuff like moving, picking up new furniture, etc. and will only ask for a beer in exchange. (the truck also strokes his ego a little but mainly that first thing)

yukari: i think she owns just whatever used car she could get her hands on, but if she could pick anything (which she eventually can once her acting career really takes off), she would unironically have one of those brightly-colored sports cars. (it's so that she can spot it more easily in a big parking lot)

akihiko: if he got a car he would want it to be able to go anywhere, so he's got one of those offroad vehicles with the commercials showing them driving up sheer cliffs and shit. most of the time i think he prefers to just hoof it though.

mitsuru: obviously she has a motorcycle, and if she's taking a car instead, she's probably being driven in a limousine, not driving her own personal car. if she did have a personal car, she would brag about how it's the absolute safest car that's ever been on the road, as if this makes up for her erratic driving.

fuuka: a used car. an... extremely used car. is it even roadworthy? she claims so. apparently she bought it for basically nothing and then fixed it up herself. she insists it's safe but none of the other members of SEES except for the protags have ever mustered the courage to get inside.

aigis: one of those massive SUVs. she picked it for the tactical advantage in the case of a high-speed chase and she's confused why anyone would get any other car when it's the obvious choice.

shinjiro: a very sensible used minivan that looks like it's seen better days. the interior stinks a little but it's clean enough. he will deny to his dying day that he picked a minivan because he wanted to have enough space to drive people places and/or pick up ken from lacrosse practice. obviously it was just the cheapest one he could find.