#Diamond Licence

[diamondcourses]

Education in the rough diamond industry: The key to success

Education in the rough diamond industry: The key to success The rough diamond industry is a complex and ever-changing one. It is also a highly competitive industry, with only a few major players dominating the market. However, there are still opportunities for newcomers to enter the industry and succeed. One of the most important factors in success in the rough diamond industry is…

[nerds-yearbook]

Appendix "Q" On Film

Peter Burton (Major Boothroyd) - Dr No (1962)

Desmond Llewelyn (Boothroyd/Q) - From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), The Man With a Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), The Living Daylights (1987), Licence to Kill (1989), GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999),

Geoffrey Bayldon - Casino Royale (1967)

Alec McCowen (Q/Algy) - Never Say Never Again (1983)

John Cleese - (R) The World Is Not Enough (1999), (Q) Die Another Day (2002)

Ben Wishaw - Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), No Time to Die (2021)

[fazcinatingblog]

the 8th netball team is apparently going to be based in south east melbourne, awesome!!!! i know a great place they can play home games ((((dales park))))

[kisses4mizu]

modern!mizu headcannons

- would have a phase where she’d be so intrigued by drag queen runaways or shows??

- secretly takes akemi’s makeup tools and paints her damn face with all of it; would LOVE eyeliners and probably get inspired by vkei makeup style

^ speaking of painting, i feel like do she ever gets too frustrated or upset or stressed or generally overstimulated, she’s paint her feelings out

- taigen being nosy and asking, “is that a cat with big diamond eyes and a hat?…”

- “it’s me but as a cat” AND WOULD GO ON AND MAKE THE CUTE ₍ᐢ. ̫.ᐢ₎ KIND OF FACE AAA

- oh but she rarely ever swears like if u hear her swear or curse, you know you fucked up BIG TIME + she’s just make those smart snarky comments that triggers people 🤷‍♀️

- would EAT UP as a hot DJ artist or be those mysterious attractive hairstylists that where black masks with high small ponytails and some strands of hair at her side (crush material)

- if she’s late night studying and abt to give up to sleep, she’s probably resort to sleeping on her textbook and using other textbooks as a blanket and praying for the information to seep into her brain and body when she sleeps 😭

- the type who’d say and do the most random shit ever like bro would talk abt her helicopter pilot licence or the time she ‘accidenrally’ spilt coffee on donald trump in mcdonalds

[darkcollectornerd]

Poll: Favourite James Bond Movie Director?

To give you an idea of what your voting for here's the films they directed:

Terence Young: Dr No, From Russia with Love and Thunderball

Guy Hamilton: Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die and the Man with the Golden Gun

Lewis Gilbert: You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker

Peter Hunt: On Her Majesty's Secret Service

John Glen: For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View to a Kill, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill

Martin Campbell: Goldeneye and Casino Royale

Roger Spottiswoode: Tomorrow Never Dies

Michael Apted: The World is Not Enough

Lee Tamahori: Die Another Day

Mark Forster: Quantum of Solace

Sam Mendes: Skyfall and Spectre

Cary Joji Fukanaga: No Time to Die

[stephensmithuk]

The Mazarin Stone

First published in 1921, this was an adaptation of a one-act play Doyle wrote called The Crown Diamond: An Evening with Sherlock Holmes that ran in London that same year and featured Sebastian Moran.

It is also written in the third person, rare for a Holmes story.

A gasogene was a two-globed late Victorian device for producing sparkling water or other such carbonated beverages; the liquid was placed in the bottom and a mixture of tartaric acid and bi-carbonate of soda at the top. You tipped it slightly to start the process going. They had a habit of exploding under pressure, so were in a wire or wicker mesh to stop glass flying around if they did.

Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661) was Chief Minister to Louis XIII and XIV from 1642 until his death. Succeeding Cardinal Richelieu of The Three Musketeers fame, he proved a hugely effective diplomat, playing a key role in the Treaty of Westphalia of 1648, whose principles of national sovereignty remain key to modern international relations.

He acquired a massive art, literature and jewel collection as well, leaving eighteen diamonds called "the Mazarins" to Louis XIV on his death.

Air guns with a pellet discharge of under 12ft/lb are today legal to own in the UK without a licence - anything over that is legally a firearm and regulated as such i.e. licences are needed.

A gudgeon is one of many small bottom-dwelling fish.

Algeria had been gradually conquered by France between 1830 and 1903, become an integral part of the country; something most colonies did not have happen to them. It also gained a very large number of European settlers.

"Train-de-luxe" referred to a train exclusively made up of CIWL carriages, all of which were pretty luxurious with the obvious exception of the dedicated luggage vans. The Orient Express was one such train for much of its history.

"It's a fair cop" is a British slang expression meaning "it was wrong and you caught me fairly".

[male1971]

Ranking the James Bond theme songs:

1. "Goldfinger," Shirley Bassey 2. "Skyfall," Adele 3. "We Have All the Time in the World," Louis Armstrong 4. "Live and Let Die," Paul McCartney and Wings 5. "A View to a Kill," Duran Duran 6. "Diamonds Are Forever," Shirley Bassey 7. "Another Way To Die," Jack White & Alicia Keys 8. "For Your Eyes Only," Sheena Easton 9. "Nobody Does It Better," Carly Simon 10. "Goldeneye," Tina Turner 11. "Licence To Kill," Gladys Knight 12. "Writing's On The Wall," Sam Smith 13. "You Only Live Twice," Nancy Sinatra 14. "The Man With The Golden Gun," Lulu 15. "From Russia With Love," Matt Monro 16. "You Know My Name," Chris Cornell 17. "No Time To Die," Billie Eilish 18. "The Living Daylights," a-ha 19. "Moonraker," Shirley Bassey 20. "All Time High," Rita Coolidge 21. "Thunderball," Tom Jones 22. "Tomorrow Never Dies," Sheryl Crow 23. "The World is Not Enough," Garbage 24. "Die Another Day," Madonna

[keldae]

15 Questions for 15 (?) Friends

Tagged by the incomparable @elveny! <3

ARE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?: My middle name is a family name! My cousin has the same middle name, and it was my Nana's middle name too.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: Uhhhh... can't remember.

DO YOU HAVE KIDS?: Nope, just houseplants.

WHAT SPORTS DO YOU PLAY/HAVE YOU PLAYED?: When I was in high school, I did shotokan karate, and made it to my first-degree brown belt before my knee gave up!

DO YOU USE SARCASM?: Me? Sarcasm? Neeeeeveeeer.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?: Typically the general appearance and their overall vibe!

WHAT'S YOUR EYE COLOUR?: Grey-ish hazel-ish? They legit change based on the light and my mood. My driver's licence says "green", my passport says "hazel", and when I look in a mirror, I mostly see grey.

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?: I can't do scary movies at all! Happy endings all the way.

ANY TALENTS?: Jack of all trades, master of none! I like to think I'm a good writer, and I'm a pretty good sewist and a decent artist. I can also (sometimes) sing, and used to teach guitar.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN?: Greater Toronto Area

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?: Writing, reading, gaming, sewing/cosplaying

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?: My dad has a dog, and my boyfriend has two big puppers who adore me, but no pets of my own!

HOW TALL ARE YOU?: 5'4"

FAVOURITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?: English Lit

DREAM JOB?: Published writer, or costume department for the film union!

Let's see, who am I tagging... @inyri @legacy-lycanthrope @cinlat @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @auroraesmeraldarose @abysskeeper @iocainesmoothie @commander-krios @storyknitter @queen-scribbles @superiorjello and whoever else wants to join in the fun!

[outstandingmenshair]

Diamond Geezer! Pairing up a Van Dyke and a neatly angled flicked quiff combover gives this dapper dude points either end. And everyone knows points mean prizes!! (Unless they are points on your driving licence…. Then they mean fines, soz 😳)

[diamondcourses]

The Evolving Landscape of Diamonds: Challenges and Opportunities

Latest Diamond News: October 1, 2023 Lily James Shines in New Natural Diamond Advertising Campaign British actress Lily James is now starring in the second installment of the Natural Diamond Council’s “For Moments Like No Other” advertising campaign. The campaign celebrates the emotional connection between people and diamonds, and James’s participation is sure to resonate with viewers. Alrosa…

[nerds-yearbook]

Appendix M on film

Bernard Lee - Dr No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Live and Let Die (1973), The Man With a Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979)

John Huston (McTarry/M) - Casino Royale (1967)

Edward Fox - Never Say Never Again (1983)

Geoffrey Keen (as Minister of Defence) - For Your Eyes Only (1981)

Robert Brown - Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), The Living Daylights (1987) Licence to Kill (1989)

Judi Dench - GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012)

Ralph Fiennes - Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), No Time to Die (2021)

[dreamergirlatpaddock]

FAVS 16 CHARLES LECLERC 9.0

Some of my favorite stories, writers you are amazing

The Heart Loves Spain Disneyland Kumquats & Oranges Charles Leclerc x Younger!Journalist reader private cooking lessons? breakfast in bed Doing It Properly Kissing a Stranger The flight to Madre ECLAIRS & LECLERCS SICK DAYS SIXTEEN ORGASMS** I got 99 problems and Ferrari is all of them Mirrorball You Make It Too Easy KISS ME AT MIDNIGHT Tutte le Tempeste Hanno Una Fine Leap of Faith lifting the shorter one up so they can be seen in photo A Little Longer Licence to Thrill All That Matters Your safe place A Step Too Far Birthday boy when you know, you know Making Movies Out Of Memories the chapter of charles I think he knows Needles and stitches off cam miles away merry and bright compass pour mon amour Mon Ange down the aisle love letters diamond ring furniture curveball birthday Boot Camp ma moitié name(s) of love the blueprint Orange Theory wearing his clothes that’s my wife! Lovers Interview part 2 my baby The princess Monegasque Kiss An unforgettable anniversary good as gold No baby here A baby here Cheesy pick up lines lean on you like real people do Ghost Whisperer suit and tie you'll change your name or change your mind

[thedevilrisen]

Axel and Freya head cannons.

Axel and Freya got kittens when they were younger and named them hearts and diamond.

Axel and Freya always share their ice creams, they each have two favourite flavours and they both get their favourite flavour and swap ice creams halfway through.

Freya and Axel are both very protective of each other and there have been countless times where they get into fights to protect each other.

Freya has always treated Axel like her baby even though they are only six months apart. Freya use to push Axel around the arena in her dolls pram and fed her little snacks she made and made her drink from a a baby bottle. This also progressed to later in life when Freya got her licence and Axel was driven around every where because she is the ultimate passenger princess.

For a very long time Freya has a severe aversion to touch and had to wear gloves all the time. So Axel who hates shopping makes it her mission to go and buy Freya as many different styles, colours and types of gloves for Freya. Axel who has a small affinity for sewing and embroidery put little A’s on every pair of gloves for her.

Freya doesn’t like touch at all and Axel has always been very understanding of this and has always made a conscious effort not to not to have skin to skin contact with her without her permission. When in large crowds Axel makes sure to keep people away and even goes so far as to push people who get to close to touching Freya away. However it’s rare they are in crowds because they often go at night.

The two girls always have been able to understand each other really easily from very young ages, when they grew older it evolved into head gestures only they knew. This translated onto the ice and after many years of playing together they were able to just know what the other person was going to do leading them to win multiple championships.

It’s well established that Axel is a very chaotic person and that Freya is the more level headed of the two. However Freya would never let her best friend do something alone.

Freya always carries around snacks in her purse and eats them at random times because she knows if she eats Axel will have something too.

Freya is 100% the cook between the two, because Axel can’t cook for her life.

@toasttt11

[bunting27]

leanring curve ❤︎ r. sandin

chapter one. carter walker

a/n: kyle dubas. sleep with one eye open.

summary: carter finds herself in toronto, ontario after finally leaving behind her life in california. 

warnings: language, allusions to toxic relationship, i have never been to an airport or a pawn shop, pls bare with me

wc: 1.9k

✏︎

his words rang in her head over and over as she shoved clothes and necessities in a duffel bag as fast as she could manage.

if you really wanted to leave, you would. but i think you know deep down that you could never make it without me, you’re completely fucking useless. i take good care of you, and you’re just an ungrateful brat

if he really knew her at all, he’d have known she’d take that as a challenge. so here she was, packing everything she could while he was in a meeting. 

she could feel the tears welting in her eyes as she pulled off her engagement ring and slotted it into her jewelry box, but she refused to cry because of him anymore, so she held them there. she was careful with the box as she placed it into her bag and eased her way down the stairs and to the garage door.

there were cameras, but she knew well enough where they were, and she’d been studying how to bypass them without activating them for months. she took the path to the road she knew would cause the least amount of movement warnings on them and then sprinted to the nearest bus stop.

as soon as she was situated in the bus, it had felt like a weight lifted off her shoulders. that was until her phone went off, and it was tucker. 

tucker dawson : you’d better be going on a fucking jog

tucker dawson : attachment, 1 image

she inhaled sharply at the image he had sent her. a screenshot of her location labeled ‘carter’s iphone’ that was brightly highlighted at the bus stop her route had recently passed.

she hardly gave it a second thought before she opened the window on the bus and tossed her phone out of it, the other passengers on the bus giving her weird, judging looks until she flipped her hood over her head and sat back down.

-

carter took the box out of her hoodie pocket and placed it gently on the table in front of the man, whose interest was piqued. the box was wide but thin, covered in a soft velvet fabric that was kept perfectly maintained. 

when the man opened the box, his jaw fell open and he looked at her, flustered and at a loss for words. the box held two rings - her engagement ring and one tucker had given her when they first met. along with a necklace and a pair of stud earrings that matched the second ring.

her face never wavered as the man admired and muttered compliments at the pieces. she didn’t want the whole spiel she normally got about how whoever got her these must love her so much. it was bullshit and she didn’t think she could hear it again without falling apart and listing every reason why tucker’s feelings for her were not ones of love.

“if you don’t have enough cash on hand a cheque will suffice” the man paused and stared at her for a moment.

“yes- yes ma’am. if you don’t mind, i will need to check these for authenticity. i’ll also need government identification and if possible, proof of purchase” she had never been so glad that tucker never gave a shit about her, because both of the rings were originally bought in the wrong size, so she had the receipts.

you’re so fucking ungrateful. here, take the receipts, go get them resized yourself. i did my part already.

she kept them for so long, something in the back of her mind telling her that one day it would save her ass. as usual, she was right. she almost teared up in relief as she pulled out her wallet, grabbing her licence and the two receipts. 

‘yes, of course. here you go,” she watched calmly as he scanned the diamond and the rubies for authenticity, and then quickly checked overall for any signs of the jewelry being fake or any wear and tear. 

he handed her her drivers licence back and pulled his checkbook out from the drawer where he was sitting, an exasperated smile on his face. 

“the dates on the receipts for the rubies are a couple years old, but the diamond ring is fairly new. they’re all kept in such perfect condition, though. so i think i can offer…” he scribbled some numbers down on a stray piece of paper, circling the final sum and showing it to her. 

it was far from a lowball offer, which she was ecstatic about, and she knew it would cover her flight and any basic necessities when she got to wherever she was going, at least until she got a job. so she took it. happily.

as he was writing out the cheque, he was gushing. “thank you, miss. for your contribution to our shop. these are just wow-” at those words, the owner came barreling around the corner, and carter smiled to herself. 

“james, how many times have i told you not to thank people while giving them our money, i- holy mother of christ, carter? sweetie what are you doing here, you’re loaded” carter nodded to the small collection she had just sold away and smiled sadly to the woman.

“you never did like tucker, auntie nat. i’ll see you around. thanks for your help, james”

-

carter let out a shaky sigh as cold water hit her face. it was almost two in the morning and she was exhausted, shaking and trying to keep it together long enough to ask the woman at the front desk for her ticket. 

it was so easy to sell off some jewelry that he’d gotten her, but now that she was actually at the airport, preparing to leave, everything was hitting her all at once. she wasn’t just leaving tucker, but her friends and everything she had in california.

she’d be starting off new, which she needed, but she still knew that she would miss it here, and that it wasn’t all bad. it was hard to let go. regardless, if she didn’t leave now she didn’t know if it’d ever be possible again, so she was just gonna have to suck it up.

the airport wasn’t as loud and overwhelming as it usually was, but it was still california, so an unreasonable amount of people were around to catch flights at this time of night. carter kept her hood over her head and her hand tight on the strap of her bag, walking out of the bathroom with her head down. 

she only looked up to see the list of flights coming up, and the desk receptionist was clearly in a snotty mood, so she tried to be quick, but her eyes were watering and the board quickly became a blob of light. 

“who comes to the airport in the middle of the night and doesn't know where they're trying to go?” carter bit the inside of her cheek and looked back down, wiping her face roughly in frustration. 

“wow, fuck, okay. get me far, but not like different language far. and fast. one way” the receptionist rolled her eyes and started typing away, looking back and forth between the screen in front of her and carter, who was staring at her feet.

the receptionist asked her several questions, such as her name and email, baggage questions and little things that carter was spewing out answers to faster than her mind could even comprehend.

“toronto. boarding in fifteen” carter nodded, digging her hand into the pockets of her sweatpants and handing the woman a handful of cash, about five hundred dollars.

“that enough?” the woman’s eyes blew wide and she nodded, printing off a ticket and handing it to her. carter walked rapidly to her section and sat, waiting for boarding to be announced without even taking her change. she just wanted to be alone with her thoughts for a minute. 

it felt like forever before she was finally in her seat, and when the plane took off, she felt like she could breathe for the first time in years.

-

carter decided she could thank tucker for one thing and one thing only - his absolute incapability to use any and all social media platforms. because it made her resume stacked in terms of social media management. it had only been three weeks of hotel hopping in toronto and she had an interview lined up earlier this morning. she’d be starting at her new job on saturday.

the perks were endless - a lot of travelling, benefits, and she’d be surrounded by her sport constantly. the job wasn’t at all physically challenging, so her knee wouldn’t give her any issues, and she assumed she wouldn't have any nagging co-workers asking her why in her right mind she’d leave beautiful california for the dumpster fire that was toronto in october.

she spent the last of the money she had on a used car, which she was able to pick up a few days ago, some clothes, food, furniture and her first and last on an apartment. 

on top of that, tucker hadn’t found any borderline psychotic ways of tracking her down yet, so her stay in toronto had been glorious so far. she was currently sat on the floor of her new place assembling ikea furniture, which given the circumstances wasn’t horrible.

she continued to tell herself that at least she wasn’t going from living off seven figures to living in a used 2002 honda civic. 

she guessed there were two things she could thank tucker for - stupidity and horribly expensive taste in jewelry.

-

so far, carter’s first day had gone amazing save for one thing - auston matthews asked a lot of questions. a lot of spontaneous, personal questions. she could have expected that from mitch, who was publicly known for his filterless mouth, but auston? she didn’t see that one coming.

what happened to your knee? where are you from? when did you get to toronto? why socials management? california? huh. you’re really quiet, are you alright? 

she almost cried tears of joy when someone shouted his name across the dressing room at the ford centre. 

“matty, jesus. let her breathe, bro.” both carter and auston whipped their heads around to face rasmus, who was chuckling at them to himself. 

auston pouted, wanting to ask a boatload more questions and figure out literally everything there was to know about her. he wasn't sure if it was his lingering trust issues or his inability to keep it in his pants, but she had piqued his interest. 

carter, however, smiled at ramsus and mouthed a quick ‘thank you’ before using the distraction from her personal life as an escape, walking over to a group of player’s she hadn’t met properly. 

auston followed behind her, watching as she quietly went about introducing herself to players and staff. she often took looks behind her, wondering why he was being a shadow. she didn’t want to say anything, though. she just wanted to be neutral and do her job so she could continue to live under tucker’s radar.

“how did you do that to your knee?” he had asked the same question, worded differently, about three times now and she had yet to come up with a great answer, so she gave the only one she could think of.

“i played hockey. couldn’t afford surgery to fix it back in anaheim” both of auston’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and carter was just hoping he wasn’t thinking up the logistics of how a knee could get so badly screwed in a supervised game of hockey.

luckily, if he called her bluff, he didn’t say anything about it. instead, he took it upon himself to invite her to a dinner him and some of the guys were having over at his place that night.

against her better judgement, she agreed.

[sbknews]

2024 Honda CB650R

For 24YM Honda’s naked four-cylinder jewel evolves its Neo Sports Café style with a sharp styling update from nose to tail. A brand-new 5-inch TFT screen offers Honda RoadSync connectivity, operated by simplified new 4-way toggle switch. Engine performance is unchanged at 70kW power and 63Nm torque, with an A2 option. The CB650R - alongside the CBR650R super sports bike - will be the first Honda to be offered with the option of Honda E-Clutch technology, which gives the rider choice of automatic clutch operation by simply using the shift pedal. Chassis specification includes Showa SFF-BP USD forks, dual four-piston radial mount front calipers and 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 tyre combination. Two brand-new paint options and two new colour combinations strike a contemporary chord.

- Introduction Honda has always thrived on exploring new boundaries – in design as well as engineering. In 18YM, the CB1000R, CB300R and CB125R brought a fresh identity to its naked motorcycle line-up, mixing café racer inspirations with a forward-looking ultra-minimalist look under the ‘Neo Sports Café’ design theme. In 19YM the CB650R joined the family and its combination of cool styling, exhilarating four-cylinder engine performance and light, versatile handling ensured immediate sales success. Building on the momentum, for 21YM it received a major front suspension upgrade, plus a range of detail improvements to enhance comfort, usability and practicality. 24YM is an important year for the CB650R and while updated style and functionality will get attention, this bike – alongside its naked sibling, the CBR650R – will go down in history as the first Honda to be available with Honda E-Clutch technology, which is designed to make motorcycling, from beginner right through to expert, even more enjoyable – and even more exciting. Valerio Aiello, of Honda’s Rome R&D Department on the Neo Sports Café design aesthetic: “The entire current Neo Sport Café range from Honda is the result of the CB4 Concept model presented at EICMA in 2015. Our desire was to explore the world of the café racer and reinterpret it in a modern key. We wanted to create neo-classics – that is, modern motorcycles showcasing classic design styles combined with modern techniques.  I used inspiration from outside the world of motorcycles, in watches. I’ve always liked their technicality and one of the key concepts used during the Neo Sports Café design was 'Mechanical Art'. This is the desire to show the beauty of the various mechanical elements to which Honda has always given great importance.”

- Model Overview There’s a fresh look to the CB650R’s retro minimalism. A new headlight, radiator shrouds, rider/pillion seat, tail unit and taillight inject a more dynamic energy, while the fuel tank remains a strong presence above the beautiful inline four-cylinder engine. A new 5-inch full colour TFT screen is designed for readability on bright days and features Honda RoadSync connectivity. Managed by a new, easy-to-use 4-way lefthand backlit toggle switch the rider can now enjoy on-screen, turn-by-turn navigation in addition to other smartphone features. Performance is unchanged: 70kw peak power with 63Nm are fun figures for a naked bike,  and the classic in-line 4 cylinder ‘pick-up’ and high-revving top end power are longstanding Honda calling cards. A 35kW option is available for A2 licence holders. Available as an option on the CB650R, the new Honda E-Clutch takes away the need for the rider to use the clutch lever to make a shift either up or down the gearbox. The chassis is as before and a perfect package from city block to twisting back road. A steel diamond frame provides core rigidity while 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD front forks and Showa rear shock deliver high-quality suspension control. Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work 310mm floating discs and cast aluminium wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres. The 24YM CB650R will be available in the following colour options: **NEW** Matt Laurel Green Metallic with Matt Vulcan Silver Metallic details **NEW** Pearl Smokey Gray, with Matt Crypton Silver Metallic details Candy Chromosphere Red with NEW Matt Crypton Silver Metallic details Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic with NEW Matt Crypton Silver Metallic details

- Key Features 3.1 Styling & Equipment - Neo Sports Café styling evolves dynamically - New 5-inch full colour TFT screen includes Honda RoadSync connectivity for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation and access to other smartphone functions - New, simplified left hand switchgear easy to use and backlit for night-time - All lighting LED; new slanted headlight matched by new taillight design Tightly wrapped, the CB650R’s Neo Sports Café style evolution features the signature compact ‘Trapezoid’ proportion of a new, sharper tail and short-overhang and new slanted LED headlight All other lighting is LED, and a new taillight tucks seamlessly into the new fairing. From the front, via the new radiator shrouds backwards, the overall look is sinuous, more dynamic and with keen sense of purpose. The long fuel tank remains a key motif of the family design; its smooth lines accentuate the solidity of real metal surfaces and crown the engineering of the four-cylinder powerplant. It also houses the ignition. A 35° handlebar angle makes tight, slow-speed turns and U-turns straightforward. The shape of the pillion and rider seats have been revised to match the new tail; seat height remains 810mm. There’s a USB Type-C socket located under the seat. Premium technology – in the form of a brand new, 5-inch full colour TFT screen – uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced, and visibility improved. The display itself is customisable between ‘Bar’, ‘Circle’ and ‘Simple’ display patterns and also, for the first time on the CB650R, offers the smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync. Honda RoadSync – alongside a new simplified, easy-to-use, backlit 4-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls, listen to music or receive voice feedback of weather conditions. All an owner has to do is download the free Honda RoadSync app from either the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the CB650R, and go.

3.2 Chassis - 41mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks  - Four-piston, radial-mount front brake calipers and floating discs - 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres The steel diamond frame uses pressed swingarm pivot plates and twin elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more flexible in the spar sections) to deliver excellent all-round handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback. Rake is set at 25.5° with trail of 100mm and wheelbase of 1,450mm. Kerb weight is 205kg (207kg E-Clutch). Showa’s 41mm Separate Function Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks offer high-quality reaction. A pressure separation damper in one fork tube and spring mechanism in the other deliver high damping performance and lighter weight. Together with the use of a larger sized piston, the result is increased feel, bump absorption and control. Adjustable for 10-stage spring preload, the single-tube monoshock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminium swingarm. Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work 310mm floating discs, and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm disc. The ABS is a two-channel system. Cast aluminium wheels mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres.

3.3 Engine - 70kW peak power with 63Nm peak torque - 35kW A2 licence option available - Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) The 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine is unchanged for 24YM. It’s tuned to create the purest, most enjoyable mid-sized four-cylinder performance possible, with the classically fast ‘pick-up’ through the rev range and hard-hitting, high-revving top end for which Honda’s in-line fours are renowned. Peak power of 70kW arrives @ 12,000rpm with peak torque @ 63Nm delivered at 9,500 rpm. A 35kW option is available for A2 licence holders. Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 46mm with compression ratio raised of 11.6:1. Iridium spark plugs are employed and twin air ducts – either side of the fuel tank – feed the airbox and produce a throaty intake roar. Asymmetric piston skirts minimise bore contact and reduce friction. Ferrous spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeves reduce oil consumption (and friction) with improved heat transfer and a silent SV cam chain reduces frictional losses by using a Vanadium coating on its pins. Internal water channelling from cylinder head to cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses. The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts while managing rear-wheel lock up under hard braking and rapid downshifts. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) manages rear wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose. Fuel consumption of 20.4km/l (WMTC mode) gives a range of over 300km from the 15.4L fuel tank. EURO5 compliant, environmental efficiency has been updated with revisions to the ECU and catalyser, as well as the addition of an OBD2-2 sensor.

- Honda E-Clutch - see separate post - World-first technology allows the rider to start, stop and change gear without using the clutch lever – just the shift pedal - Available as an option from new; system adds 2kg to kerb weight - Honda E-Clutch also allows normal operation of the clutch lever - Brings more enjoyment and flexibility across a wide range of scenarios, for a ‘next level’ riding experience Honda E-Clutch takes elements of the technology and performance of quickshifters, manually-operated clutches and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission technology to create a unique blend of these well-proven approaches, opening up a whole new aspect of the motorcycling experience for riders of every type and experience level. The clutch and transmission hardware themselves are no different from a conventional motorcycle, with the ultra-compact system weighing only 2 kilograms. In operation, Honda E-clutch is simplicity itself, taking away the need to use the clutch lever to make a shift either up or down the gearbox. The rider simply has to operate the shift pedal for ultra-fast, consistent gear changes, bringing extra enjoyment to sporty riding. The clutch lever is also not needed when pulling away or coming to a stop. Becoming active as soon as the engine is switched on, the system manages both scenarios smoothly, while taking away the possibility of the engine stalling when in operation, providing extra convenience and peace of mind to town riding involving frequent starts and stops.

In addition to enjoyment and convenience, Honda E-Clutch brings ultimate flexibility. Should the rider wish, they are able to operate the clutch lever as normal at any time. When the clutch lever is used, the Honda E-clutch system will re-activate after less than a second above a certain engine rpm; after 5 seconds at lower engine speeds. Should the rider wish to turn off the system for a particular ride, this is also possible via the switchgear on the left handlebar. The change to manual operation is indicated by a letter ‘M’ on the instrument panel. The Honda E-Clutch also allows the rider to select an ‘operation feel’ to set the strength of the force required on the shift pedal to make a gear change. Three settings are available: HARD, MEDIUM, and SOFT, each of which can be chosen independently for upshifting and downshifting. The technology will also advise the rider to shift down - via a symbol on the instrument panel - if it detects the motorcycle is in a high gear at a certain speed. The Honda E-Clutch manages clutch engagement and disengagement based on its reading of parameters including vehicle speed, throttle opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch motor reduction gear angle, engine countershaft speed and gear position. The clutch is operated through an actuator unit with two motors situated inside the right hand engine cover. As the clutch is engaged or disengaged, the engine’s ignition timing and fuel injection are also controlled, resulting in smooth, shock-free shifting in any situation. Junya Ono, Large Project Leader, Honda E-Clutch: “Our Honda E-Clutch is designed to offer motorcyclists a new kind of experience that can make their riding even more fun and exciting. It also adds peace of mind and comfort to town riding or the daily commute. We hope that many riders will try our new system to enjoy the unique mix of sportiness and flexibility it offers.”

- Accessories A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the CB650R, both available as individual items and grouped in packs, and are ready to bolt straight on: Style Pack  Designed to complement the looks and style of the CB650R by adding high-quality aluminium inserts, Front Fender Panels, Radiator Shroud Covers, Side Cover Panels and Tank Side Stickers for added grip and protection. A red adonised Oil Level Gauge featuring the Honda logo adds a touch of colour and contrast. Sport Pack  Pumps up dynamism with a Quickshifter (for non E-Clutch model), instrument Flyscreen for added wind protection, a Pillion Seat Cover featuring a dedicated aluminium plate, an Under Cowl that enhances the sporty appearance and finally, a Tank Pad that adds practical protection. Comfort Pack  Cold weather rideability is improved with the addition of 5 stage Heated Grips with a memory function, plus the flexible, easy-to-attach carrying capacity of a Tank Bag with a see-through pocket for smartphones and an expandable 17L Rear Seat Bag that can be increased to 22L. The line-up is completed with Wheel Stripes available in different colours. All the accessories featured in packs can also be purchased individually. - Technical Specifications ENGINE Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC inline-4 cylinder Engine Displacement (cm³) 649cc Bore ´ Stroke (mm) 67.0 x 46.0 Compression Ratio 11.6:1 Max. Power Output 70kW/12,000rpm Max. Torque 63Nm/9,500rpm Oil Capacity 2.7L Noise Level (dB) Lwot – 78.8, Lurban – 74.2 FUEL SYSTEM Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection Fuel Tank Capacity 15.4L Fuel Consumption 20.4km/litre ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Starter Electric Battery Capacity 12V/8.6AH ACG Output 380W DRIVETRAIN Clutch Type Wet, multiplate disc Transmission Type 6-speed Final Drive Chain FRAME Type Steel diamond CHASSIS Dimensions (LxWxH) 2130 x 780 x 1075mm Wheelbase 1450mm Caster Angle 25.5° Trail 100mm Seat Height 810mm Ground Clearance 150mm Kerb Weight 205kg 207kg E-Clutch Turning radius  2.8m SUSPENSION Type Front 41mm Showa Separate Function front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks Type Rear Monoshock damper with 10 stage adjustable preload, 43.5mm stroke WHEELS Rim Size Front Hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium Rim Size Rear Hollow section 6-spoke cast aluminium Tyres Front 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) Tyres Rear 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) BRAKES ABS System Type 2 channel; hydraulic dual disc 310mm front, hydraulic disc 240mm rear INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS Instruments Digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meter, digital bar graph fuel gauge, gear position and upshift indicator, digital clock Headlight LED Taillight LED   # Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors. Read the full article

[stephensmithuk]

The Dancing Men

Originally published in 1903, this is the third story in Return

South Africa was undergoing a gold rush at the time.

North Walsham is located 15 miles north of the city of Norwich. The last major battle of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt took place nearby.

North Walsham was served by two railway stations, one of which closed in 1959 along with two whole lines it was on. North Walsham Main, the one that survives just as North Walsham, was about 40 minutes from Norwich, itself around two and a half hours from London. Today, the whole journey from Baker Street could be done in around in three hours and ten minutes.

"The Jubilee" is generally taken to refer to Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee of 1897, marking 60 years of her reign. It was a massive occasion, although Victoria's arthritis limited her activities with the service of thanksgiving held outside St Paul's Cathedral.

The German Ocean was another name for the North Sea.

The New York Police Department was formed in 1845 - it had just undergone major reforms under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt i.e. the future President.

Chicago had held a world's fair in 1893, recovering from the 1871 fire that had devastated the city. It also had major organised crime problems, with political machines, rampant corruption and red-light districts.

The police were required by this point to warn criminals that their words would be used against them in court.

The modern England and Wales "starting point" for a minimum term of murder using a firearm is 30 years before someone can be considered for release on licence. This can be adjusted up or down based on the circumstances.

As mentioned elsewhere, the Home Secretary could commute a death sentence to life imprisonment - penal servitude meaning "hard labour".