#European truck spare parts

[global-impex]

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[beardedmrbean]

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The German government says it is cracking down on irregular migration and crime following recent extremist attacks, and plans to extend temporary border controls to all nine of its frontiers next week.

Last month, a deadly knife attack by a Syrian asylum-seeker in Soligen killed three people. The perpetrator claimed to be inspired by the Islamic State group. In June, a knife attack by an Afghan immigrant left a police officer dead and four other people wounded.

The border closures are set to last six months and are threatening to test European unity. Most of Germany’s neighbors are fellow members of the European Union, a 27-country bloc based on the principles of free trade and travel. And Germany — the EU’s economic motor in the heart of Europe — shares more borders with other countries than any other member state.

The Polish prime minister on Tuesday denounced the closures as “unacceptable” and Austria said it won��t accept migrants rejected by Germany.

Here’s a look at some of the issues:

How do Europeans travel currently?

The EU bloc has a visa-free travel area known as Schengen that allows citizens of most EU countries to travel easily across borders for work and pleasure. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland also belong to Schengen even though they are not EU members.

According to the EU, member states are allowed to temporarily reintroduce controls at the EU’s so-called internal borders in case of a serious threat, such as one to internal security. But it also says border controls should be applied as a last resort in exceptional situations, and must be time-limited.

Such limitations are often put in place during major sporting events, including the recent Olympic Games in Paris and the European soccer championship this summer.

What’s Germany doing now?

Nine countries border Germany and all are part of Schengen. Germany already imposed restrictions last year at its borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland.

Germany’s Interior Ministry on Monday ordered the extension of checks at those borders, as well as controls at borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the aim was to limit irregular migration and protect the nation from “the acute dangers posed by Islamist terrorism and serious crime.”

Growing backlash against migration

The government and many Germans welcomed refugees fleeing conflicts in Syria and elsewhere from 2015-16, when more than 1 million asylum-seekers entered the country.

But as large-scale migration to Europe continues nearly a decade later, a backlash is fueling the growth of far-right parties.

Some people say social services are overwhelmed, and extremist attacks by asylum-seekers have led to security fears. It has added up to growing support for firmer immigration policies — and in some cases, backing for the far-right parties that champion such limits.

The unpopular coalition government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz is trying to crack down on irregular immigration after the far right did well in two recent state elections in eastern Germany. Another comes Sept. 22 in Brandenburg, the state surrounding Berlin.

Economic worries

As the EU’s largest economy, Germany is a key trading partner for neighbors. The interior ministry’s announcement has prompted economic worries for the main Dutch transportation lobby group, the Dutch Association for Transport and Logistics. It said the decision was undermining the Schengen principle of free trade and it fears major economic damage.

At home, Germany’s DSLV logistics and freight association urged a selective approach that would spare trucks moving goods across borders — which would mirror what occurred during the European soccer championships. Those checks avoided economic disruptions because officials focused on individuals and not trucks, the association said.

Dirk Jandura, the president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services, said in an statement to The Associated Press that restrictions on the free movement of people “always mean delays and thus cost increases for the economy and especially for wholesale and foreign trade.”

He added: “However, if migration policy findings require restrictive measures, then this is understandable. For us, it is important to implement the measures with a sense of proportion.”

Political repercussions

The ruling conservative government in Austria — which is facing a tight race against the far-right party in an election this month — says it will not accept refugees who are turned back from Germany.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner told reporters that Germany has the right to send people back if another EU country is responsible for their asylum application. But that would require a formal procedure and the consent of the member state concerned.

Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called Germany’s plan “unacceptable” and called for urgent consultations by all countries affected. Poland has struggled with a migration crisis on its border with Belarus since 2021. Warsaw accuses Belarus and Russia of luring migrants from the Middle East and Africa there to destabilize the West.

Agnieszka Łada-Konefał, deputy director of the German Institute of Polish Affairs, said random checks at the German-Polish border create traffic jams that make it more difficult for people to cross for work and discourage Germans from shopping in Poland. Poles also argue that Germany first introduced a policy of openness to refugees but is now pushing them back to Poland.

“Due to the negative perception of the influx of migrants in Poland, any report of migrants being returned by Germany also negatively affects Polish-German relations and Germany’s image in Poland,” Łada-Konefał told the AP.

But in the Netherlands, where the anti-immigration Party for Freedom won last year’s election, the minister for asylum and migration pledged to step up Dutch border controls as well.

Slovenia, Austria and Italy also have extended temporary border controls in some areas or all along their frontiers.

[honeyoru]

off the deep end (eddie munson x henderson! reader) chapter two

previous chapter

“You look different,” he said, wincing when you raised an eyebrow. You didn't understand why he was speaking to you.

Ignoring the way your heart fluttered at the sound of his voice, you slowly raked your eyes over his lithe form, feeling a little smug when you noticed his fingers twitching nervously. 

His hair had grown since you last saw him, the long curls swaying slightly with the wind. He was dressed in the same fashion as he always had; ripped jeans, a Dio sweatshirt for the chilly weather, and a black leather jacket.

But his eyes.

Those were as dark as ever, but the emotion swirling in them now was a far cry from what you had seen last year. You swallowed hard and crossed your arms. “Different?”

“Hot!” Gareth supplied, leering at you. “He means hot. Well,” he paused with a smile, winking at you before nudging his best friend and giving a once-over to the tailored pants that accentuated your wide hips. “Hotter. Welcome back honey.”

That earned a snort from you, knowing the idiot was hamming up on purpose.

“I made her smile!” he cried. “We haven’t seen those pearly whites in a while, oh, my heart can’t take it.”

A gag came from your left side. “Ew man, that’s my sister!” 

“Well she’s not mine–” He was cut off by a swift slap to the head from the taller boy next to him, whose eyes still hadn’t left you, a fact you only noticed because you, against your better judgment, were still staring at him too. 

You’d been gone for too long, you surmised. The ice around your heart had melted a little too much, particularly towards him.

“The boots,” the Dungeon Master finally said. “It’s those, um, boots.”

“My… boots.” you repeated flatly.

“Yeah,” he gestured towards them. “They look like, super European. Totally different from what you used to wear.”

“Are you serious?” Mike repeated incredulously, in that snarky tone he loved to use. “You could have mentioned that her hair is also platinum blonde now, dude. It’s practically white!”

“And shorter!” Jeff added. 

“But just as pretty as ever,” Gareth sang, dodging another hit.

“Time to go kids,” you rolled your eyes at the group of idiots, most of whom you hadn’t spoken to long before you left in May. Except for Gareth, who refused to leave you alone. “I’m not doing this on two hours of sleep. Let’s leave.” You flicked Dustin’s hat and turned around, beginning the short walk back toward your truck. “Now.” 

The two kids took off, yelling their farewells to the club as you trailed behind them. 

You spared a glance back at the sound of your name. Eddie stood alone, the rest of the club having quickly dispersed without you there to irritate. Looking pensive and much more solemn, he twisted one of the many rings on his finger, one you knew all too well, and offered a small smile. “You look good, welcome home.” 

Your heart defrosted a little more as you walked away, unable to say anything back. 

~~~~

“Alright,” you said after the kids were buckled up and Eddie was out of sight. “Spill.”

“Um,” Dustin stammered your name from the passenger seat. “I think we should wait until everyone’s together.” 

“Everyone?” you repeated, suddenly realizing there should be more passengers in your car. You looked back towards the school. “Wait, where’s the rest of you?”

“What?” 

You squinted your eyes at him. “The rest of you, Dustin! I know you two weren’t the only ones who joined Hellfire. Will? Lucas?” You chuckled, peeling out of the school parking lot. “Honestly, I half-expected Max to be in it too, thought you would’ve worn her down by now.” 

The two shared a quick glance. 

“Lucas is part of the club, but he was at the basketball game,” Mike said slowly. 

“That’s right!” You broke into a grin. God you had missed them. Your time abroad (and the therapist you’d been assigned) helped you realize how much you had pushed everyone away last year. “I remember Steve mentioning that in one of his letters. Guess I’ll have to go to the games now.” You frowned at the thought. “Hey,” you said when they didn’t continue talking (a rarity, especially for Dustin). “Don’t worry,” you ruffled Dustin’s hair, assuming their silence was because of you. “I’m better now.” 

They all but rushed to reassure you. “It’s not that at all,” your brother insisted. “I just really missed seeing you like this and…” his lip quivered. 

“We don’t want to ruin your good mood,” Mike finished. Flickering his eyes to yours in the rearview mirror, he gave you a sad smile. 

“Hmm.” You furrowed your eyebrows. “How’s Will?”

“Well,” Dustin began and your heart rate picked up at the thought of the boy.

“Is he okay?”

“Yeah, he’s fine! Great, I think,” he said hurriedly.

“You think?”

 “It’s just that… the Byers’ sort of,” he winced. “Moved.” 

“Moved?!” you shrieked, slamming on your brakes in the middle of the road, testing the boys’ seatbelts as they flew forward. “What the fuck do you mean they moved?”

“First of all, thank God the roads are empty,” your brother wheezed, holding his arms out like you were a wounded animal. “I refuse to die in a car accident after everything we’ve been through, that’d be so lame. Secondly,” he looked at you with his puppy dog eyes. “Let me call a party meeting. This needs to be something you hear from all of us. Steve wanted to give you the week to get situated before we told you but that’s all gone to shit now.”

“Steve?” You sputtered before a sense of dread filled you. “Oh fuck,” you put your head in your hands and groaned. “Something happened.”

“It’s not as bad as you think!” 

Dustin twisted around, a look of pure outrage on his face. “Really Mike? Because I feel like maybe it's a little bad.” 

“Will you just fucking tell me?” You hissed, blinking rapidly and trying to get a grip on your anxiety before it sent you into a panic attack. 

Something bad happened. It had to be bad if it forced Joyce to leave the only place she’s ever lived. Something Upside Down-level bad.

No. You closed your eyes. Don’t go there. 

The counting exercises you’d damn near perfected flickered through your head until Dustin interrupted you. “We’re gonna tell you everything,” your brother attempted to reassure you, resting a hand on your arm and abruptly yanking it back when your eyes flashed angrily at him. “But not until we can get everyone together.” He grabbed his walkie out of his bag, pulled the antenna up, and began ordering a party meeting in the Wheeler’s basement in that bossy tone he seemed to have perfected since you’d been gone. “Just give me time to round them all up.”

And round them up he did, barking orders through his device with all of the attitude of a commanding officer as you tore down the sleepy town of Hawkins, well above the speed limit. 

                ~~~~~~

Mrs. Wheeler exclaimed your name when she answered the door, delighted to see you in her home again.“You’re back!” 

“I’m back!” you weakly smiled and allowed her to pull you into a hug, trying to hold on to the semblance of control you thought you had over your emotional turmoil when you stepped on the plane to return home. 

Mrs. Wheeler paused her fawning over your new hair to snap at her husband. “Ted, look who’s here!” She shot daggers at the man who had, up until then, refused to look away from the television. 

“Oh, yay,” he replied dryly, barely sparing a glance at you. 

You rolled your eyes. Fucking Ted. Glad to see he hadn’t changed, at least. You sent Mrs. Wheeler a fake smile and clapped Dustin on the shoulder harshly, pushing him towards the basement. “Let’s get this shit show started.”

Nancy strolled downstairs first, unsurprising, given you were in her house, after all. You hugged her tightly and answered the flurry of random questions about your trip in a constrained voice, partly because of your anxiety about whatever they were going to tell you and partly because you couldn’t remember the last time you had actually had a normal conversation with the girl. You vaguely recalled beaming a hairbrush at her during the last chat you had. 

Your brother had (annoyingly) insisted that she remain quiet about what happened until everyone arrived, which meant you were stuck talking about the upcoming school semester (a topic you dreaded) until the arrival of someone else made you gasp.

Lucas, clad in his Hawkins basketball sweatsuit, bounded down the stairs next, quickly gripping you in a hug. “Damn Sinclair,” you whistled at the boy, making his cheeks burn. “You’re almost my height now. What are they feeding you?”

You looked towards the stairs when you parted, surprised that the last two kids of the party, sans Will, weren’t here yet. “Are El and Max running late? I know about the Byers’ moving, but where are my girls?” you smiled at the thought of them. “They made me promise to tell them all about the boys in Italy when I came back.” 

“Uh, no, no they’re not.” Lucas’s face dropped, and he glanced at Mike and Dustin. “You guys didn’t tell her?” 

“Honestly!” Your brother threw his hands up. “What do you think we’re here for?”

You were just about to pinch him when one of your favorite voices in the world caught your attention. “–Henderson!”  

Your heart leaped, your feet scrambling up the stairs to meet your best friend halfway in a hug before you could even think. The familiar smell of Steve Harrington draped over you like a warm blanket as he practically knocked you over. “Glad to see you haven’t forgotten about me.”

“Yeah right,” he pulled you back at arm’s length with a laugh, practically vibrating with happiness at seeing you. “All I did was complain for eight months! I had to put up with Shitbird twice as much just so I could get my Henderson fill.”

Both of you ignored Dustin’s noise of complaint.

“Nice vest,” you commented, finally clocking the Family Video logo he was sporting. “Scoops get too boring for you? Was the hat finally too much?”

“You know that hat was awful.” He barely concealed his panic, tugging you back in for another hug. “We’ll get to that in a minute.” 

“Great,” you mumbled, the dread resurfacing.

Steve pulled back again, keeping his hands on your shoulders in a closer position to you so he could talk quieter. “Look at your hair,” he cooed. “It’s beautiful,” he tugged at a lock and smiled softly, his eyes telling a much deeper story of how he was feeling than what he would say in front of the kids. Your heart ached when you saw him blinking away tears. “You look healthy Henderson. Seems like being abroad did you well.” 

“Yeah well,” you coughed and gave a small smile. “I needed something different. Hair holds memories, you know.” Clearing your throat, you continued, the ghost of a nightmare floating through your mind. “Not too many good ones with my long hair recently. Wanted to start fresh and all.” 

His smile faltered for a second, quickly returning with ease. “And the blonde?” 

“That was a too-much-vodka decision.” Something creaked behind Steve, interrupting your laughter and you noticed someone was hovering on the stairs. You did a double-take upon recognizing the girl who looked like she wanted to fold in on herself. “Buckley? What the hell are you doing here?” 

“Oh!” She jerked into a flurry of action, hurrying down the stairs and fussing with her vest, identical to Steve’s, you noticed. “Well, that little nightmare over there called the store and insisted we were having a party meeting, so uh,” she winced. “Present? Your hair, um, looks really pretty,” she added with a hint of pink creeping up her cheeks. “By the way.”

“Thanks.” You’ve known the girl for years, having been acquaintances throughout school and then growing into sort of friends by association when she and Steve worked at the ice cream shop. “So you got dragged into this mess, too, huh?” 

“It’s my own fault for choosing a summer job at the mall,” she responded, laughing nervously. “But hey, now that we’re at Family Video, Dingus and I get free movies and there’s been significantly fewer Russians to torture us there, so I think it’s going pretty well.”

“I’m sorry,” the polite smile that you’d perfected abroad slipped off your face, all traces of your polite friendliness disappearing. “Did you just say Russians?”  

“I guess it’s time to talk,” Dustin sighed, pulling you towards the couch. “Sit down sis, you probably shouldn’t be standing.”

~~~~~~~

Blindsided. 

Staring down at your bloody palms, you only vaguely felt the pain from where your nails had dug in too harshly during the group’s spiel. 

You felt completely and utterly blindsided. 

Numbly, you allowed Nancy to wipe your hands with a paper towel, aware of the tension as they all stared uneasily at each other, no doubt expecting a meltdown of similar proportions to the one that had prompted you to leave for Europe in the first place. 

It’s not completely out of the question, you mused, feeling like you were drowning in the waves of anger, betrayal, guilt, and grief that threatened to undo the work you’d done for the past eight months all for your mental health. 

At least there’s not a hair brush near me.

“So,” you paused, squeezing your eyes shut and counting backward from ten twice, repeating the mantra your therapist abroad had encouraged you to focus on when you felt a spiral coming. 

The kids are safe. You told yourself, opening your eyes and staring at the sorrow-filled eyes of your little brother and his friends.

My friends are safe. Your best friend bit his lip anxiously, shaking his head to cut Mike off when the kid opened his mouth to fill the silence. He understood you were still processing. 

There’s no more danger.

You wanted to snort. As fucking if. That part of the mantra hadn’t been your idea, for obvious reasons, but the government therapist that had been assigned to you insisted. Not that he ever  truly understood the scale of what danger you’d faced to begin with, of course.

Taking a deep breath, you tried to remain as calm as you could while you repeated it nonetheless. 

The kids are safe. My friends are safe. There’s no more danger.

Swallowing hard, you started out simply. “So Russians… infiltrated Hawkins. And reopened the gate.” 

The kids are safe. My friends are safe. There’s no more danger.

Lucas cleared his throat. “And the Mind Flayer, um, that also happened.”

“Right,” you repeated softly and let out a disbelieving laugh, staring at the floor shocked, but not surprised that yet another monster had made its way through to your dimension. Only after accumulating a mass of Hawkins flesh, which nearly caused you to hurl when Dustin described it in gory detail. “And the Mind Flayer.” Would we ever run out of D&D names to attribute to the monsters? 

The kids are safe. My friends are safe. There’s no more danger.

“She’s taking this better than you said she would,” Robin whispered loudly to Steve. The nasty look you shot caused the girl to lean back with her mouth shut in seconds. Just exactly how close were they now? 

Steve called your name hesitantly, carefully kneeling down in front of you. “You understand why we couldn’t tell you, right?”  

You prided yourself on being logical, or as logical as one could be when they’ve fought monsters and know a girl with superpowers. You knew they were probably threatened by the government, just like you were last time. And you knew how hard it must have been to keep this secret from you.

And yet, you really didn’t care.

“You want me to say I understand,” you whispered incredulously, eyes blazing. “That you lied to me, you all lied to me!” you swept your glare around the room. “For months!” 

Logic be damned, the sting of betrayal was too harsh to consider their feelings. 

“It’s not so much that we lied to you as just… we didn't tell you,” Dustin tried to say, recoiling back when you looked at him.

“Lying by omission is still lying!” you yelled. “Mom literally says that all the time!” 

He hung his head. 

“I’m not dumb, I know our phones and tapped and any letters you sent could've been searched but you could’ve said something!” you screamed at your brother. “The handful of times you actually did write to me you only talked about the thousands of dates Steve went on,–”

“–thousand is a bit of an overstatement–”

“– but never anything about what happened in July or El and the Byers’ moving or you know,” you waved your hand hysterically, a stray tear falling out. “Hopper! How could none of you tell me that, at least?” your voice cracked as you directed the question to Steve. It hurt most that he hadn’t told you of the man passing away. 

That explained why you didn’t receive any letters from Hopper after June, you realized with a sniff.  He had died a couple months after you left.

Pushing that thought down for later, you closed your eyes to avoid bursting into tears at the mournful expression on Steve’s face. 

“I could’ve come back!” you said, your tone conveying your despair. “Fuck, I would’ve come back! Sure, I wouldn’t have made it back in time to punch a Russian or throw a firework at a monster or whatever,” you scoffed. “But I could’ve been here to help after, I could’ve said goodbye to the Byers and El! I-” you broke off, a sob finally escaping your mouth, your hands covering your face as you started to cry, words slipping out in a whisper. “I could’ve gone to Hopper’s funeral.”

Everyone remained silent. None of them, except for Steve and Dustin on rare occasions, had seen you cry before.

“Shit hit the fan again, just like I said it would,” you sniffed and stood up, fury and despair leaking into your words as you began to pace across the floor. “And I was told that I was just paranoid, that I was being crazy,” you spat, wiping a few tears away angrily to direct the last part to Nancy, who looked at you guiltily. “I told Hopper and Joyce, I told them that monsters that evil don’t just disappear, they wait. Closing a portal doesn’t kill them. And what did they say?” you asked rhetorically, sweeping your eyes across the room. “Go to school! Be a normal teenager and forget all of this even happened!” you laughed bitterly. “So excuse me for being a little upset that I just found out my baby brother and all of my friends had to fight goddamn Russians and another inter-dimensional monster while I was in Europe dyeing my fucking hair!”

The group winced in unison at the pitch you reached.

“You needed to stay away,” Steve said gently. “You left for a reason,” he said when you opened your mouth to argue, sounding much older than nineteen. “No one blames you for not being here.”

I do. 

“Babe, the shit we’ve dealt with,” Nancy said, letting out a dry laugh. “It's a lot. It affects us all differently. What happened last year…” she trailed off. “We were all so proud of you for doing what you needed to do, even if that meant leaving us for a while, especially when we weren’t the best at supporting you, that we didn’t want to try and explain it in a letter. But we're sorry,” she added tearfully. “We're- god, I’m so fucking sorry that I didn't tell you about Hopper or the Byers’. It’s just, your letters said you were doing so well.”

“We didn’t want to ruin your program,” Dustin sniffed. 

You stared at the floor. I’m so selfish for leaving.You thought of Hopper, who had been the one to encourage you to go abroad in the first place. I left him here to die. 

“I want to go home,” you said, shaking your head. “I-I can’t do this. I thought… fuck,” you scoffed. “I actually thought everything would be better now.”

“It is!” Dustin insisted earnestly. “El closed the gate, for good this time!”

“The Mind Flayer,” Lucas added. “And all of the Russians, they’re gone too! It’s finally over.”

You said nothing, staring at them sadly. Too young. We’re all too fucking young. And they said Erica had been there too? 

“That gate might be closed,” you finally said, crossing your arms. “But that world is still there. There could be other gates we don’t know about.”

“What do you mean?” Steve frowned. 

“How did the Russians find out about the Upside Down in the first place?” you asked seriously. “And aside from worrying about people in our own dimension, the gate in Hawkins being shut doesn’t kill the creatures lurking there,” a shiver ran down your spine. “Fighting monsters three times in three years isn’t a coincidence, it’s a routine.” With a tired wipe of your face, you chose to swallow the rest of your thoughts for later. The jet lag and emotional turmoil had finally caught up to you and you didn’t feel like bringing the mood down any more than you just had. “Let’s go, Dustin. I need to… process everything,” you muttered as you moved quickly up the stairs. 

“Henderson,” Steve rushed behind you. “You’re not retreating into yourself again, you can’t.” he frowned as he looked up at you. “Not after all the progress you’ve made.”

The kids are safe. My friends are safe. There’s no more- well, you snorted internally, shooting Steve a look. You didn’t respond to him, trudging up the stairs a different person than who you were when you came down earlier. 

The drive home felt like hours; Dustin was uncharacteristically silent, tossing you worried glances the whole way. Nausea tinged your senses, the gravity of what you’d been told seemed to finally hit you. 

In a frenzy you locked the door behind Dustin, hugged him tightly without saying a word, and bounded up the stairs two at a time, bursting into your bedroom that you hadn’t seen in eight months. You ran straight for the bathroom to throw up violently, sobbing while you heaved into the toilet.

Hopper. You couldn’t imagine how El felt. 

Your heart panged, you didn’t even get to say goodbye. You vowed to get the Byers’ phone number from Dustin later.

You ignored his knocks on your door, unable to look at your brother’s face. 

I’ll never forgive myself for leaving.

Sitting on the shower floor for a while, you let the water beat over you until it ran cold, and cried.

[earaercircular]

Unsold clothing may no longer be destroyed in Europe

More than 100,000 tons of discarded clothing ends up in a desert in Chile

Europe is putting a stop to the throw-away culture through a ban on destruction[1] and a digital product passport with information about shelf life and repairability. No more mass destruction of clothing and other unsold merchandise.[2]

Every second in Europe, a full garbage truck of clothing is burned or dumped[3]. And every year, an estimated 11 to 32 million unsold and returned garments are destroyed. Europe has been wanting to reduce this gigantic waste for some time. The European Member States and the European Parliament reached an agreement to this end on Monday evening 4-12: Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation[4]. The aim of the 'eco design law' is to make many products more repairable, reusable and recyclable. A product passport and a ban on destruction of unused goods are the key measures.

1. What is a digital product passport?

Consumers are already somewhat familiar with this: the energy label on refrigerators and washing machines gives an indication of their sustainability. That label (or product passport) has had an enormous impact on making those appliances more energy efficient.

The European Parliament and the EU member states now have an agreement to roll out the digital passport more widely and to deepen its content. First of all, almost all products on the European market will have to have such a passport: from car tires and steel to washing tablets and cosmetics to clothing or smartphones. The only exceptions are food, medicine, cars and weapon systems, for which there are separate regulations.

In addition to any energy consumption, the passport also contains information about the origin, composition, repair and disassembly options of the product. This should also make it easier to repair and recycle them. “People can know at a glance which product is the most durable or easiest to repair,” said MEP Sara Matthieu (Green), who was rapporteur in the negotiations.

2. What does the ban on destruction mean?

Initially, the ban applies to textiles. Globally, 92 million tons of textile waste are produced annually. A large portion of these are returned or unsold goods. In two years' time, they may no longer be destroyed, but must be reused or recycled. This ban will eventually be extended to electronics and electrical appliances. Massive quantities of these are also destroyed every year, especially cheaper items that are not sold or have been returned to the manufacturer.

The new rule goes hand in hand with stricter requirements for composition, repairability and disassembly of goods. The details will be worked out product by product by the European administration, but some guiding principles are a ban on adhesives, the absence of toxic substances, the obligation to have spare parts available and, above all, to offer them at an affordable price. The passport should eventually lead to a 'repair score', comparable to the energy label.

Matthieu (Green) expects a huge impact on the consumer market. 'Instead of offering disposable products for mass consumption, companies will offer many more services through robust devices. So to speak, you will no longer buy a washing machine, but an number of wash cycles.'

3. How comprehensive are the measures?

That depends on the control. The product passport is also an important instrument for this. Europe is counting on the famous 'Brussels effect': foreign producers will have to adapt their products if they want to maintain access to the gigantic European consumer market. Although the European consumer organisation BEUC[5] warns against loopholes. The organisation mainly sees a risk that international online platforms such as Amazon or Alibaba will circumvent the new law.

4. Is this agreement now final?

It has already rounded the most important cape. The agreement was finalised in the so-called trialogue negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Council and the Commission. Now it must be approved by Parliament and the Member States, but that counts as a formality.

Source

Lieven Sioen, Onverkochte kledij mag niet meer vernietigd worden in Europa, in: De Standaard, 6-12-2023, https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20231205_96579697#:~:text=In%20eerste%20instantie%20is%20het,ze%20hergebruikt%20of%20gerecycleerd%20worden.

[1]  Deal on new EU rules to make sustainable products the norm; https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20231204IPR15634/deal-on-new-eu-rules-to-make-sustainable-products-the-norm

[2] Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/722179599996534784/towards-a-circular-and-more-sustainable-fashion?source=share

[3] Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/723895455727157248/new-report-clothes-are-mercilessly-downcycled-or?source=share & https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/720260226679488512/hms-answer-about-the-dumped-clothes-article?source=share

[4] The proposal for a new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), published on 30 March 2022, is the cornerstone of the Commission’s approach to more environmentally sustainable and circular products. The proposal builds on the existing Ecodesign Directive, which currently only covers energy-related products. https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment/standards-tools-and-labels/products-labelling-rules-and-requirements/sustainable-products/ecodesign-sustainable-products-regulation_en

[5] The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC, from the French name Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs, "European Bureau of Consumers' Unions") is an umbrella consumers' group, founded in 1962. Based in Brussels, Belgium, it brings together 45 European consumer organisations from 32 countries (EU, EEA and applicant countries). BEUC represents its members and defends the interests of consumers in the decision process of the Institutions of the European Union, acting as the "consumer voice in Europe". BEUC does not deal with consumers’ complaints as it is the role of its national member organisations.

[czech-trucker]

ATP-DIESEL Truck Spare Parts #TruckParts #TruckSpareParts #CeskyTrucker #SocialNetworks4You; ATP-DIESEL is a brand of quality truck replacement spare parts for European Trucks and Buses, company founded in 1995 in Izmir,Turkey. Most of the parts manufactured in its own premises, under strict quality assurance system. Please visist WWW.ATPDIESEL.COM

[allresearch]

Military Vehicle Sustainment Market Report 2024–2032: Trends, Size, and Future Insights

Military Vehicle Sustainment Market Report 2024–2032: Trends, Size, and Future Insights

Introduction

The global Military Vehicle Sustainment Market is witnessing significant growth, fueled by advancements in defense technologies and increasing investments in maintaining and upgrading military vehicles worldwide. According to Straits Research, the market was valued at USD 22.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 23.9 billion in 2024 to USD 43.4 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period (2024–2032).

Download Free Sample Report: https://straitsresearch.com/report/military-vehicle-sustainment-market/request-sample

Military Vehicle Sustainment Market: Definition and Dimensions

Military vehicle sustainment refers to the continuous maintenance, repair, upgrades, and logistical support required to ensure military vehicles remain operational and effective during their lifecycle. This encompasses various services such as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), spare parts supply, and modernization efforts.

Key Industry Dimensions:

Market Value (2023): USD 22.2 billion

Forecasted Market Value (2032): USD 43.4 billion

CAGR: 7.7% (2024–2032)

Key Trends in the Military Vehicle Sustainment Market

Growing investments in modernization and technological upgrades for military vehicles.

Increased focus on extending the operational lifecycle of aging military fleets.

Rising demand for advanced MRO services and innovative training solutions.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive maintenance tools.

Strategic collaborations between governments and private contractors.

Military Vehicle Sustainment Market Size and Share

The Military Vehicle Sustainment Market is a dynamic segment within the global defense industry. Driven by geopolitical tensions and a focus on national security, countries worldwide are prioritizing the upkeep and modernization of their military fleets. This market’s significant growth potential stems from the increasing reliance on advanced vehicles for diverse military operations.

Regional Trends in the Military Vehicle Sustainment Market

North America

The North American region, led by the United States and Canada, holds a dominant share in the market. The U.S. Department of Defense’s emphasis on modernizing its fleet and adopting advanced sustainment solutions is a key driver.

Asia-Pacific (APAC)

The APAC region is witnessing rapid growth due to increasing defense budgets in countries like China, India, and South Korea. These nations are focusing on building robust defense capabilities and upgrading existing military vehicles.

Europe

European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, are investing in cutting-edge technologies for military vehicle sustainment. Collaborative defense programs across the EU further support market expansion.

Latin America, Middle East, and Africa (LAMEA)

The LAMEA region is gradually emerging as a potential market, with countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Brazil allocating significant resources toward maintaining their military fleets.

Military Vehicle Sustainment Market Segmentation

By Service

Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO): Core services ensuring vehicles remain battle-ready.

Parts and Components Supply: Efficient logistics for spare parts distribution.

Training and Support: Advanced simulation and technical training programs.

Upgrades and Modernization: Enhancing vehicle capabilities with the latest technologies.

By Vehicle Type

Armored Fighting Vehicles

Engineering and Recovery Vehicles

Ground Support Vehicles

Landing Craft and Amphibious Vehicles

Light Tactical Vehicles

Military Trucks

Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles

Self-Propelled Artillery

By Application

Air Force: Sustainment of ground-support vehicles and recovery systems.

Army: Maintenance and modernization of frontline combat vehicles.

Navy: Upkeep of amphibious vehicles and landing craft.

Market Segmentation: https://straitsresearch.com/report/military-vehicle-sustainment-market/segmentation

Top Players in the Military Vehicle Sustainment Market

Prominent players driving innovation and growth in the market include:

3M Company

AM General LLC

BAE Systems plc

Elbit Systems Ltd.

General Dynamics Land Systems

Honeywell International Inc.

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rheinmetall AG

RTX Corporation

Textron Systems Corporation

Thales Group

Buy Full Report: https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/military-vehicle-sustainment-market

These companies are heavily investing in research and development to provide state-of-the-art solutions for military vehicle sustainment, ensuring operational excellence and strategic advantages for their clients.

[totalautospare]

Total Auto Spare Parts Trading LLC - European Car Spare Parts

As a well-known re-exporter of vehicle spare parts for more than 20 years, Total Auto Spare Parts Trading LLC is a reliable resource for premium goods and first-rate support. We have a vast network of suppliers and specialize in providing components for various vehicle types, including trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.

We guarantee affordable rates without sacrificing quality. Our committed staff ensures that the products fulfill the highest standards, building enduring relationships over 40 nations. We effectively expand markets by re-exporting, providing a wider selection of high-quality products purchased worldwide.

Customers pick Total as their go-to source for auto spare parts because of our consistent timeliness, affordable prices, and wide selection.

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Address - P. O. Box: 34014 Dubai, UAE.

Contact - 971 50 6534655

Email Id - totalllc@emirates.net.ae / total02@emirates.net.ae

[rushmoregroups]

Truck & Trailer Spare Parts Dealer Dubai: The Backbone of the Transport Industry

Dubai, a bustling metropolis known for its cutting-edge infrastructure and strategic location as a global trade hub, is also a critical node in the transportation industry. The efficiency and reliability of this sector largely depend on the availability and quality of spare parts for trucks and trailers. In this vibrant market, truck and trailer spare parts dealers play a pivotal role, ensuring that the lifeline of logistics and transportation continues to flow smoothly.

A Vital Role in the Transportation Ecosystem

Truck and trailer spare parts dealers in Dubai cater to a diverse range of needs for the transportation industry, which is the backbone of the city’s economy. These dealers provide an extensive array of parts, from basic components like brake pads, tires, and filters to more complex engine parts and transmission systems. This ensures that trucks and trailers, which are essential for moving goods across the UAE and beyond, remain operational with minimal downtime.

Key Attributes of Leading Dealers

Extensive Inventory: The leading dealers in Dubai boast an impressive inventory that includes parts for various makes and models of trucks and trailers. Whether it's for European, American, or Asian brands, these dealers ensure they have the necessary parts in stock to meet the demands of their customers promptly.

Quality Assurance: Quality is paramount in the spare parts industry. Reputable dealers source their products from trusted manufacturers, ensuring that every part meets the highest standards of durability and performance. This commitment to quality helps prevent frequent breakdowns and enhances the safety of the vehicles on the road.

Technical Expertise: Many dealers in Dubai offer more than just parts. They provide expert advice and technical support to their customers. This can include guidance on the correct installation of parts, troubleshooting issues, and even training workshops for mechanics and fleet operators. This added value is crucial for maintaining the reliability of trucks and trailers.

Competitive Pricing: The competitive nature of Dubai’s market ensures that spare parts dealers offer reasonable pricing. By leveraging economies of scale and efficient supply chains, these dealers provide parts at prices that balance quality and cost-effectiveness, benefiting small and large fleet operators alike.

Strategic Location and Accessibility

Dubai's strategic location as a trading hub means that spare parts dealers have excellent access to international suppliers. This geographical advantage ensures a steady and diverse supply of parts. Furthermore, the well-developed logistics network within the UAE facilitates swift distribution, meaning that parts can reach even the most remote areas without significant delays.

Innovations and Trends

The spare parts industry in Dubai is not immune to technological advancements. Dealers are increasingly adopting digital platforms to enhance their service delivery. Online catalogs, e-commerce platforms, and real-time inventory management systems are becoming common, making it easier for customers to find and order the parts they need. Additionally, some dealers are exploring the use of telematics and IoT (Internet of Things) to provide predictive maintenance solutions, thereby reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainability is becoming a growing focus in the industry. Leading dealers are beginning to offer eco-friendly parts and recycling services, ensuring that the environmental impact of the transport industry is minimized. This includes the proper disposal of old parts and the use of remanufactured components, which are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Truck and trailer spare parts dealers in Dubai are integral to the smooth operation of the transport industry. By providing a wide range of high-quality parts, coupled with technical expertise and competitive pricing, they ensure that the city's logistics and transportation network remains robust and reliable. As the industry continues to evolve with technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability, these dealers will remain at the forefront, driving the sector towards greater efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Email:                       info@rushmore.ae

Call:                          (+971)45776444Website URL:           https://www.rushmore.ae/

[narmadamotors12]

Purolator Filter India at Narmada Motors

A Purolator filter acts as a protective shield for the engine of any large vehicle. This protective cover enables any large engine to deliver ideal performance in a variety of extreme conditions. Due to this people use Purolator fitter more in their vehicle. Purolator filters are already being used in the new vehicles that are coming today because Purolator printers work to enable any vehicle based on its factory performance. PUROLATOR Filters in India protects your vehicle from bad engine oil, and if you ever change the engine oil of your vehicle, then in that situation also the work of protecting your vehicle and its engine is accomplished by Purolator Filter. If you want to buy such Purolator Filter then you can contact Nam Narmada Motor.

 Narmada Motor Provides the Best Mahle Filter in India

Mahle Filters are also commonly used to protect the engine, and external Mahle Filters are usually fitted on older vehicles, and Mahle Filters are used under some main vehicles in newer vehicles. If you also want to use Mahle Filter under your vehicle, then we will give you the suggestion that you should use Mahle Filters in India the best quality, otherwise there will be no difference between a simple filter and an engine protector.

That's why Narmada Motors works to provide its customers and wholesale retailers with the best Mahle Filters, which completely removes about 96.5% of the dust from the engine oil. That is why Narmada Motors works to provide the best Mahle Filter to its customers. Through this, any passenger car, big truck, a white truck, and other large vehicles or small vehicles can work at their full working capacity.

Knnor Bremse Spare parts in India by Narmada Motors

Under the Commercial Vehicle Systems division, Knnor operates as a powertrain-related system for the Bremse diesel engine. This steering system also works under Torsional vibration dampers, of them. Knnor Bremse is a device used as electronic control and driving assistant and air supply system and Narmada Motors works to make Knnor Bremse the best spare part product available to its customers. Today Knnor Bremse spare Parts in India is a well-known name in the entire powertrain system industry under Air Supply System Driving System and Electronic Brake System and you can contact Narmada Motors to buy such best spare parts. If you want to get information about our other spare part product list, then you can click on our official website, where you will get all the information you need.

 Kalyani Wheel Rim in India by Narmada Motors

Narmada Motors provides the best option word to provide the best wheel rim to its customer, under which the wheel rim i.e. metal made internal tire part used for our tires is Kalyani Wheel Rims in India from Narmada Motors. is provided by. Narmada Motors provides its customers with the best Nadeem Support System which shows the inner part of any tire.

 It is the spare part on which the tire is wrapped, and after that, any vehicle, vehicle, or another bicycle also works. A rubber tire inserted over the main iron or other steel tire support is called a wheel rim. This is the tire support system, and Narmada Motors also works to provide the best fire support in the system to its customer, under which wheel disc and wheel rim are used and Narmada Motors wheel rim is available to its customer.

 For more details, visit us :

tata xenon pickup spare parts

Man Truck Spare Parts in Russia

Scania Spare Parts in Russia

Iveco Spare Parts in Turkey

European Truck Parts in Italy

 Reference By : https://medium.com/@narmadamotors62/purolator-filter-india-at-narmada-motors-3f5abbfbb16a

[global-impex]

Discover essential tips for maintaining European trucks in India. Learn about the importance of genuine spare parts, key maintenance practices, and advanced security measures to ensure optimal performance and safety.

[dat-germany]

GERMAN QUALITY SPARE PARTS FOR EUROPEAN TRUCKS https://dat-germany.com

A rapidly growing German Auto parts manufacturer and trader with its wide range of commercial and passenger vehicle parts. The whole DAT product range and thus each individual spare parts are certified in accordance with German or European standards ISO 9001. DAT parts are suitable for trucks of Mercedes Benz, Volvo, MAN, Scania, DAF, and IVECO.

Follow our Face Book Page for new updates https://www.facebook.com/DATGermany.Official Like us Instagram Page for new updates https://www.instagram.com/deutscheautoteiledat.fze/ For Inquiry contact to our Sale Executives Mr. Ashfaq Yusuf Naik(Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu) Call / Whatsapp: +971 55 956 2026 sales@dat-germany.de Mr. Elsayed Mohamed(Arabic, English, German) Call / Whatsapp: +971 55 956 2025 sales01@dat-germany.de Mr. Clement Gomez(English, Hindi, Malayalam) Call / Whatsapp: +971 55 956 2023 sales02@dat-germany.de Location Google Maps: https://g.page/DeutscheAutoteileDATFZCO?share Corporate Office Landline No: +9714 8864112 Jebel Ali, Free Zone - Dubai. UAE Email: info@dat-germany.de #EuropeanTruckParts #truckparts  #snailpipe #wheelbaering #gasket #noonoffers #expo2020dubai #expo2020 #gulfnews #KhaleejTimes #aircompressor #snailpipeaircoil #conroadbearing #enginemounting #piston #turbocharger #slackadjuster #clutchcover  #connectingrods #wheelnutbolt #airbellow #Clutchdisc #brakepadsmercedes #AirFilter #brakedisc #brakelining #airspringbellow #truckparts #trucks #truck #autoparts #spareparts #offroad #carparts #auto #automotive #trucking #car #x #cars #junkyard #trailerparts #truckaccessories #autorecycling #usedautoparts #autorepair #toyota #liftedtrucks #usedparts #salvageyard #partsforsale #trucker #truckdriver #jeeps #chevytruck #autopart #bhfyp

[natromanxoff]

Record Mirror (December 14, 1974): 51/?

QUEEN KILLING THEM SOFTLY IN FRANKFURT

IT WAS, said the tall and studious Brian May, like playing to a vacuum cleaner. "We were just pouring it out and they (the audience) were sucking it in, with nothing coming back. I tell you, for the first time in many months I felt like I'd done a hard day's work when I came off stage."

May, along with the rest of the band, is sitting in the diner of Frankfurt's Why Not club reflecting on Queen's second date in Germany. The mood is not bad, but there's an undercurrent of steely determination following the difficulties of that night's gig.

The fact is, support band Lynyrd Skynyrd. were exactly what stoned-out Frankfurt wanted. As in England with Golden Earring, so in Germany with Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd make an over-poweringly succesful support band. Here In Frankfurt there were even more difficulties for the English and. Most of the audience are American GI's, looking like inmates from the local borstal with their cropped hair and rippling muscles.

As you enter the 1100 capacity hall, the air is stuffed with the stench of dope — an intermingling of hash and grass and the sweat of a crowd at least 300 over the top.It's a strange place, former stock-exchange for farmers, complete with balcony, and surrounded by tropical plants.

Up on the balcony above the stage a group of Queen supporters self-consciously tap their feet to Skynyrd's rhythmic weave. Roger Taylor, ever grinning, appears to check on th band, notes the wild applause and disappears, no doubt to plan strategy.

There's a long break between sets leading to the dissipation of part of the crowd. Heidi, the whizz-kid of EMI Germany, explains the local GI's problem: "Zey have to report back to camp by 11.00 pm". So when Queen's little rock 'n' roll drama explodes, there are considerably fewer people end even less enthusiasm.

Presence

Mercury, the self-styled rock supremo, looks unabashed as Queen open with as much presence as a band can muster. Lights, tapes, and screaming dynamics combine to counter the audience apathy. It's ahighly professional first assault. Procession, Now I'm Here, and Ogre Battle make a promising start which draws warm applause. But unlike many gigs, this one did not cook to boiling point. If anything the crowd were almost undecided when Queen departed after an energetic stab. It took fully two minutes before muted applause turned to a good old stmp and chant, bringing the boys back on stage for a stirring finale.

Freddy stalks the stage with controlled aggression as they bash into Big Spender and you realise that here's a rock artist who can sing, cavort, and write songs with an almost contemptuous level of excellence. He is a classic rock star — complete with costume changes and bare hairy chest. Seems, his only real need is to develop that outrageous off-stage campery into the act. He's very much the mincing Queen, yet on stage this seemingly natural personality is overtaken with host of: "Right now we'd like to do" type announcements. Roger Taylor, a veritable demon on the drums and very fine musician, has more idea when he tells the crowd to get off their arses. Nevertheless there were those in the company who felt Queen showed too much aggression in the face of audience apathy.

Anyway, by all account there's a huge row in the dressing room afterwards which sends the EMI rep scurring away with cries of: "Don't let them break the windows."

The Swedes were apparently as wild as English audiences, but in Germany it's different.

Next stop is Hamburg with Skynyrd supporting for the last time.

Unapproachable

More talk on the way back to the hotel suggests the band will be unapproachable and there's even talk of spending the rest of the evening with Slade, who just happen to be staying at the same hotel. The word is that Queen are THE most fastidious band and no matter how good the gig, they (or Freddy paticularly) will find fault.

Eventually Brian and John walk into the bar. They look cool but not too unnerved and they're all prepared to go clubbing.

According to them there've been a few problems already on this, still young European tour like the incident which decapitated their equipment truck. Apparently some hapless roadie was hurtling through the Swedish night when he failed to notice a low-bridge warning. The lorry went on through, losing its root and half the amps in the process. Two gigs had to be cancelled while another truck was driven out from London in time for the Munich gig, a first in Germany. According to Heidi, Munich was a smash: "The audience just didn't know what had hit them," she says, adding that tonight's comparative failure does not over concern her: "Queen will be huge," she says confidently, "I'm sure they are going to be enormous, but it will take a year."

None of the boys seem overly worried and the general feeling in their road party — and among the visiting journalists — is one of disdain for the Frankfurt crowd. A crowd of dopers into boogie rock is hardly likely to appreciate futuristic guitar pyrotechnics and 1975 flash a la Mercury.

"Still," muses May, now installed at the night spot, "they could have returned something. The more an audience feed back the better we play — naturally — but there I just felt like I was wasting my time."

Electronic

He's a musician of the electronic school, very much on top of the latest developments in the uses of amplified sound. On stage he uses two American Echoplex units. The guitar he built himself over two years: "There's nothing special or different about it, it's just a good instrument." The amplifiers, he draws from a good old British tradition. Back in the days when The Shadows were the inspiration for every rock group in the country (they were celled rhythm groups then) Vox amplifires were renowned. Now, in contrast to almost all of his contemporaries, May uses the good old Vox AC 30, or to be more precise, nine of them (three are spare). 

Over a crab cocktail and non alcoholic drink (he's still recovering from Hepititis) Brian quashes the popular misconception that Queen are just a studio band manipulated by highly professional technicians. The truth is self-evident in the stage act. They compare favourably with their recorded sound. But Brian goes further. 

"Do people really believe it's all down to the studio?" he asks indignantly. 

Well, er, yes Brian, Trident Studios has got a reputation for expertise, and you must admit there's a lot of production goes into the Queen discs.

"OK," he returns, "but most of that studio direction comes from us.

"We think of all the ideas. We love being in the studio. We're full of thoughts on how the songs should come out."

Fair enough. But what about being on the road? There are nothing but tours ahead for the band. Can they all cope? What will they do to keep sane?

"I suppose this," he looks unimpressed. "I can't drink more than a couple of pints so there's no danger of me getting wrecked. I must admit though it's going to be long haul. It'll be really good for us but I'd prefer not to be away so long. We're just going home for Christmas then we're off again to America." 

Meanwhile on the next table, Freddy Mercury is being his ourtageous self: "When we were in Copenhagen dear, we went to a Russian restaurant where naturally I ordered the speciality of the house. It was delicious. I said 'what in this' and they told me I was eating bear. Bear, dear, I loved it."

Freddy and Roger Taylor seem to be taking Europe in their stride, and a few indifferent gigs won't stop their growing style in this band. Freddy's voice is on the way to giving out, yet he still has time to confide that he simply must do something about his hair. Perhaps he should send for his personal hairdresser? 

The Queen has her eyes on an entourage no doubt, and what's the betting she gets it...?

[ccohanlon]

berlin notes, 1

We were sitting outside a ’bespoke’ coffee house on Schönhauser Allee — Anton Newcombe, the late-middle-aged leader of cultish psychedelic band, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and me — when the music started. It sounded like Marlene Dietrich, singing in German against the background crackle of an old acetate pressing. We both turned to find the source of it and saw two women in their mid-thirties, sitting at a table nearby; on a spare chair between them was a small, leather-veneered suitcase which housed a turntable and speakers. The women were as unlikely as the music: both pale-skinned, in their late twenties maybe, wearing 1930s-style, calf-length, short-sleeved floral frocks, white ankle socks, and wide-brimmed straw hats, they sipped espresso as they shuffled through a dozen or so vinyl 45s in a canvas tote that one of them balanced on her lap.

They paused when they noticed us looking at them. “I’m sorry,” one said. “Are we disturbing you?”.

We shook our heads. Anton managed a small smile. “It gives the place a sort of early Weimar vibe,” he said. They smiled back a little uncertainly, as if they didn’t really get what he meant.

There’s a sort of early Weimar vibe to a lot of what’s going on in Berlin these days.

Twenty-seven years after the wall dividing the east and west of the city was torn down, and the grimmest memories of it turned into fodder for tourists, Germany’s down-at-the-heel capital is transforming itself into a shiny example of Euro-modernity. The city’s bohemian character, formed by two centuries of revolution and transgression, is still strongly evident, but it’s diluted and somewhat more aqueous than it was even half a decade ago. Forests of high cranes have risen across the centre and every major street has been excavated. Other old walls are crumbling too and with every truck-load of bricks and shattered concrete carted away to landfills, a little more of the city’s history is discarded.

It is still a very human place: laid-back, with a reassuring mix of rational, adult forbearance, hedonism, and an inclination to adhere not to the letter of the law but the spirit of it – which is to say it relies on those of us who live here to exercise common sense and consideration. For the most part, the powers-that-be, notably the police, don’t interfere much.

As a very funny TV ad for the city’s U-bahn (or underground rail network) conveys, you can do or be anything you want on the ride, but you have to pay for the ticket.

This tolerance can be risky. Berlin was the first major European city to open its arms to the first waves of Syrian war refugees, but while its welcome of them was heartfelt, the city wasn’t ready, physically or emotionally, for the massive numbers to be processed and cared for, let alone assimilated. Worse, it gave long dormant strains of right wing extremism something to sink their decaying teeth into, and the renewed sense of relevance and confidence within an ugly German minority has coincided with vehement nationalist sentiments overtaking governments in Poland, Hungary and elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, from the northeast, there are daily rumours of Russian troops, tanks and aircraft massing on the borders of southern Ukraine, a country Germany tends to think of as the canary in the coal mine of its current realpolitik; the youth of its capital, Kiev, are enjoying an optimistic, creatively fecund period that, as The Guardian newspaper put it, “evokes late 90s Williamsburg, not the capital of a crisis-wracked country at war”. Looking further back, to 1968, it may be more Prague Spring than Haight-Ashbury’s summer of love.

Berlin, like Vienna to the south, is something of a mittel-European melting pot, in which well-understood, if no longer synced, Euro-US notions of ‘the West’ and a still-fermenting, multi-ethnic identity of  a New East are being stirred. Right now there is uneasiness, uncertainty. And neither is assuaged by a recent German government recommendation that every household should stockpile ten days of food, water and essential supplies for an un-specified “attack or emergency”.

Tonight, Anton sent me a direct message via Twitter: no words, just a photo of his Blundstone-booted feet beneath two overloaded shopping trolleys at REWE, our local supermarket. Also attached, a Google map on which he’d marked the fastest route out of the city.

First published in the Griffith Review (online only), Australia, 2015.

[czech-trucker]

Heptagon #TruckParts #SpareParts #TruckSpareParts #SocialNetworks4You; Opens a new tabHeptagon is manufacturer and exporter company for trucks and trailers spare parts more than 15 years exprience under HEPTAGON brand for after market with high quality,acceptable prices and punctual delivery .We are specialized in European trucks such as Man,Mercedes ,Scania,Volvo,Renault and DAF.Please visit WWW.HEPTAGON.COM.TR

[imsorryimlate]

Specific references in Pomegranate Seeds, sorted by chapter

Title of work: Pomegranate Seeds

A reference to the myth of Persephone and Hades, where Hades is the god of the underworld who kidnaps Persephone – the daughter of Demeter, goddess of agriculture and harvest – and makes her queen of the underworld. He gives her a pomegranate to eat, and for every seed she swallows she has to spend a month with Hades in the underworld. During the months she is with Hades, she is gone from her mother, and that’s why autumn and winter exist (since Demeter is grieving the loss of her daughter). Spring and summer are the months when she is back with Demeter, and Demeter is once again happy. The myth has lots of interpretations, but my favourite is the one where it is said to be based on the trauma of both daughter and mother as they are separated when the daughter gets married and enters a new household.

Even though Giorno’s mother didn’t treat him well, her death was most likely traumatic to him. He enters the new household of Dio (Hades) and every time they touch each other in a way that isn’t befitting father and son, one could say that Giorno swallows another pomegranate seed, and it binds him to the underworld. In this case, the underworld would both represent the criminal world, but also the trap of their incestuous relationship that he then cannot leave, should he want to.

No specific references in chapters 1 & 2.

Chapter 3:

Demetra – Giorno’s mother doesn’t have a name in canon, so I made one up. Demetra is the Italian version of Demeter, which is the name of the Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest. The goddess is the mother of Persephone, and the title of this fic – Pomegranate Seeds – is a reference to the myth of Hades and Persephone.

The biblical paintings in the church – John the Baptist (martyr) was beheaded, and Judas (traitor) hung himself. The imagery around Eve, the snake and the red apple, well… depending on how you interpret the story in the Bible, this could mean that the scene doesn’t represent a fall from grace, but rather that it was God’s intention to have humanity step into the broader world.

Dio’s books – I mostly just had a look at my own bookshelf, but I purposely included Nabokov, Machiavelli, and Plato. Nabokov, of course, references his infamous novel Lolita. Machiavelli was an Italian politician and philosopher during the Renaissance, and he’s most famous for his book The Prince, where he gave rulers quite… devious advice, not shying away from unethical and corrupt means. Therefore Machiavelli and the derived term Machiavellian often denotes (political) deceit. And Plato, well, in his text The Symposium he speaks of the ancient practice of pederasty in a very positive manner, and claiming that it is the purest form of love.

Aniara – I picked the book because it’s my sister’s favourite. It is a book-length epic science fiction poem that narrates the tragedy of a large passenger spacecraft carrying a cargo of colonists escaping destruction on Earth veering off course, leaving the Solar System and entering into an existential struggle. This is the “space-travel” Giorno later reflects on while in the bath.

No specific references in chapter 4.

Chapter 5:

The next reference to Machiavelli – Giorno thinks about Machiavelli and the question if it is better to be feared or loved, which is something Machiavelli writes about in his book The Prince, where he states that it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved, if they cannot be both.

No specific references in chapter 6.

Chapter 7:

Reckless – Giorno notes that Dio wants him “recklessly, passionately”. This is one of the two times the word “reckless” is used in this story; the only other time being in the first chapter when Giorno’s mother dies after her car collides with a reckless truck. Dio’s desire for Giorno is tied together with that accident, as if it’s equally dangerous.

Jewel – “Yes, Giorno would like something like that; to show Dio that he was a prized jewel, cut to fit perfectly in the curve of his palm.” This line directly references the Song of Songs 7:1 “Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a master hand.”

Eden – “How truly unfortunate, that the most tempting fruit should be found in the middle of Eden.” The garden of Eden, in the Bible, is where life is first created by God. It can therefore also symbolise family, where life also is created. So what Dio essentially says here is “what a shame the most fuckable person is found in my family”.

Draconic tendencies – Giorno having “draconic tendencies” is a reference to his earlier thoughts about Abbacchio hoarding Bucciarati like a jealous dragon.

Chapter 8:

Buttercups – Giorno picks a bouquet of buttercups for Dio, and buttercups have traditionally been associated with childhood. It is meant to express that Giorno, no matter how mature he himself is convinced that he is, still has a childish edge to his affection. As a fun aside, the Latin name for buttercups is Ranunculus, which means “little frog”.

Leda and the Swan – the painting Dio has in his study. It is, of course, an erotic yet controversial motif in itself, but there are some references to the Greek myth it is based on. In it, Zeus disguises himself as a swan and copulates with Leda. It is not entirely clear if it is by rape or seduction. Zeus, of course, is known for his sexual escapades, his violent temper and jealousy, but here he disguises himself as a swan, which is an animal that in European culture often has symbolised love and fidelity. This story of a shady person disguising himself as someone loving, to enter a relationship where consent is dubious at best, well… I think the implications are clear. As a fun aside, the name Zeus and the name Dio are directly connected.

Uneasy lies the head – the whole quote is “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”, a saying from Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part 2, meaning that someone with great responsibilities won’t be able to rest properly.

The prodigal son – it’s a reference to a parable in the Bible, from Luke 15:11-32. The story goes that a son requests his inheritance early, spends it all irresponsibly, and then returns home to beg his father to let him work for him. His father, however, welcomes him home with open arms and throws a feast, which indicates that he has hopefully waiting for the son to return.

Nakedness – the scene in Giorno’s room, where he lowers his duvet to display his “nakedness”, the word choice here is important. Except for Genesis 42, all biblical occurrences of the common idiom ”to see the nakedness of” or “to uncover the nakedness of” are explicitly sexual, usually referring to incest. The Classical Hebrew word 'erwā is not “nudity” but “nakedness”, in the sense of something that is unseemly or improper to look at or expose; often used to denote forbidden sexual relations.

Chapter 9:

Wine-dark – Dio’s eyes are described as wine-dark, which is a reference to the use of “wine-dark sea” in Homer. It’s an epithet used in the Iliad and the Odyssey, of uncertain meaning. What exactly does it mean that the sea is “wine-dark”? Is it a reference to the stormy sea being unpredictable, like someone who’s drunk on wine? Or does it tell us something about how ancient Greeks perceived colours, where maybe depth and opacity levels were more important than hues?

Ambrosia – Giorno compares the taste of Dio’s seed to ambrosia, which is the food and drink of the gods in Greek mythology.

Lollipop – Giorno is sucking on a lollipop while he’s out shopping. This is a shameless reference to the most culturally recognised image of Nabokov’s Lolita, where Sue Lyon, the actress who portrayed the character Lolita in Stanley Kubrick’s film adaption of the novel, is sucking on a red lollipop while wearing heart-shaped sunglasses. It’s worth noting, however, that the character Lolita doesn’t eat a lollipop in the novel or Kubrick’s film, and the images were only used for promotion. Either way, the lollipop has nonetheless become a symbol for playful, youthful temptation.

No specific references in chapter 10.

Chapter 11:

Dio’s alarming beauty – Giorno reflects on how beautiful Dio is, that he is alarmingly beautiful. This is a reference to a quote from The Secret History by Donna Tartt: “Beauty is rarely soft or consolatory. Quite the contrary. Genuine beauty is always quite alarming.”

Chapter 12:

Kisses – there’s a lot of descriptions of kissing in the beginning of this chapter, and it is all a reference to the biblical book Song of Songs. “Honey-sweet kisses that melted his tongue” is a reference to Song of Songs 4:11 “honey and milk are under your tongue”. On a more complicated note… “those kisses, Giorno drank them from his mouth like they were life-giving water” is a reference to Song of Songs 1:2 that should be “I want to drink kisses from his mouth”, however, most translations will read “let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth”. It’s really complicated as to why I and others would translate it differently, but in general it has to do with the manuscript and the Masoretic editors’ vocalisation, which in turn has a lot to do with evaluating Classical Hebrew grammar and poetic conventions… I am going to spare you that lecture, but I still wanted to let you know that you won’t find that wording in most English translations of the Bible.

The garden, Eden, and juvenile sex – this all ties together. The garden of Eden is, in the Bible, where life is created and before “the fall of man”, it is a place of peace and innocence. Now, it might seem strange to refer to innocence in a story like this, but there still is a certain kind of innocence to their relationship, especially on Giorno’s end. They are described as “easy and unafraid, in full view of God”, which again is a reference to the biblical creation story; after “the fall of man”, when Adam and Eve have sinned, they are suddenly afraid of God and tries to hide from him, and for the first time shield their nudity, since they have now lost that innocence. So, Dio and Giorno being unafraid in full view of God is another reference to them being fairly innocent. At least that’s how Giorno conceptualises it.

Satyriasis – a word for excessive sexual desire, and an outdated term for hypersexuality. The word was developed in relation to the satyrs of Greek mythology, who were lustful woodland gods.

Nipple play – Giorno sucking on Dio’s tits, well… quite obvious reference, but if you missed it; it’s a reference to breastfeeding and nourishment.

Sunlight – in Stardust Crusaders, Dio tells Polnareff that he too has pain in his life because he can never see the sunlight, since he is a vampire. In this story, Dio isn’t a vampire, but I still wanted to include this pain. Dio’s love for the sunshine, and the depravation of it in his childhood, is my attempt to reconceptualise it.

Chapter 13:

Ice cream – elder flower sorbet has a tendency to taste like laundry detergent if you’re not careful, so Mista definitely picked the wrong flavour that time.

Know thy enemy – “know thy enemy” is a famous quote from The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

Chapter 14:

Paradise burning – more Eden references, they never truly stop.

Loins – in Classical Hebrew, one specifically emphasises that a child has sprung from someone’s loins to indicate that it is a biological child rather than an adopted one.

Deadly sins – Giorno notes that one of the seven deadly sins, sloth (that is, excessive laziness and indifference), doesn’t come as naturally to him as others would (such as lust or pride).

Know thy self – another reference to the famous quote of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.

Companion – Giorno thinks about how the universe has blessed Dio with a companion that can keep up with him, which is a subtle reference to the creation myth in the Bible. There, God creates the first human, Adam. Adam attempts to find a companion amongst the other creatures, but cannot find an equal until God creates another human – incidentally, God creates another human from Adam (by his rib), which of course parallels with Giorno being created from Dio, since he is his biological child.

Clay – the dream Giorno has of Dio forming him out of clay and breathing life into him is another direct reference to the creation myth in the Bible, where God forms the first human out of clay/soil/dust from the ground and breathes life into his nostrils. Similar creation myths are found in several ancient Near Eastern religions. If you want a little more “fun” fact, the first human is named Adam, a name he gets from the Classical Hebrew word for “man” (as in human – not male), which is adam, and the word for “ground” is adamah, which ties to all together quite nicely.

Nakedness – Dio uncovers Giorno’s nakedness, and just like in chapter 8 it’s a biblical reference. Except for Genesis 42, all biblical occurrences of the common idiom ”to see the nakedness of” or “to uncover the nakedness of” are explicitly sexual, usually referring to incest. The Classical Hebrew word 'erwā is not “nudity” but “nakedness”, in the sense of something that is unseemly or improper to look at or expose; often used to denote forbidden sexual relations.

Chapter 15.

Cuddling – after having breakfast, they cuddle, and their position is described as Giorno resting his head on Dio’s left arm, and Dio draping his other arm over Giorno’s waist. This position is a reference to the biblical book the Song of Songs 2:6 “His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.”

Angel lust – Dio gets hard after Giorno chokes him, which he says is a perfectly natural reaction to being choked. Which it is! “Angel lust” or “death erection” refers to the phenomenon of men executed by hanging having an erection, because of the increased downward blood flow. After observing this, doctors in the 17th century started prescribing choking sex to men with erectile dysfunction, and that’s partly where erotic asphyxiation comes from.

England – the phrase “lie back and think of England”, alternatively “close your eyes and think of England” is an old-timey reference to unwanted sex that one doesn’t enjoy – specifically used for sex within a marriage, which at least back in the day was more of an economic arrangement than a love affair. Disgustingly, it means “just lie back and endure it”.

Bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh – this is another reference to the creation story in the Bible. The specific verse is Genesis 2:23, when God has created another human to be a worthy companion of the first one. Adam, the first human, has searched for a companion among the animals but been unsuccessful to find an equal. But when he meets the newly created Eve, the second human, he exclaims “At last! This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (since she was created from his rib). That “at last!” is very sweet – and fits in this story too! Dio has finally found a worthy companion to share his highest highs and deepest lows with.

Chapter 16.

Roses – Giorno buys a bouquet of roses for Dio. This is intended as a contrast to the buttercups he picked for Dio in chapter 8, being that roses are a much more “mature” flower than buttercups, therefore showing that Giorno has matured. Also, the fact that he buys the bouquet of roses while he picked the buttercups indicate a certain loss of simplicity and naturalness in their relationship.

Fin.

[wetsteve3]

1963 Moto Morini CorsaroEngine# E30927  Frame # IGM 10680M  (E*30927)

Born in 1892, Alfonso Morini acquired his mechanical skills through a blacksmith’s apprenticeship, his own shop to repair bicycles and motorbikes, and WW I service, posted to an auto and motorcycle repair facility in Padua.  Postwar, he teamed up with Mario Mazzetti to form MM and launched their first motorcycle, a 125cc 2-stroke racing model in 1924, with Morini as the works rider.  But it was 350cc & 500cc 4-stroke production road bikes which established the marque during the 1930s.In 1937, Alfonso left MM to start his own company, Moto Morini, based in Bologna.  However, World War II intervened and Morini was forced to switch planned production to military equipment.  After the end of the war, he got on with the task of rebuilding his partially bombed out factory to produce motorcycle trucks and motorcycles.  The first of the bikes was a 125cc 2-stroke based on a pre-war German DKW design.  This was built to give post-war Italians basic 2-wheeled transportation.  They later developed a 246cc twin port 2-stroke single and had racing success with both models.

By the end of the 1940s, FB Mondial had shown that 4-stroke engines were clearly the direction to go for powering race winning motorcycles.  Morini answered by developing a 125cc, 4-stroke, single overhead cam racer in 1949, taking 2nd spot in the Italian GP at Monza, with Umberto Masetti at the helm. Throughout the 1950s and into the early 1960s, Morini developed a series of 175cc and 250cc 4-strokes with considerable success on Italian road race tracks and across the European Gran Prix circuits.  Their most successful pilot was Tarquinio Provini.  In 1963, he was succeeded by a young Giacomo Agostini.

On the production front, Morini had developed three versions of its 175cc 4-stroke single – the Settebello, the Fresette, and the Rebello, with a maximum output of 22HP.  There was also a 98cc variant named the Sbarazzino that proved very popular, with a claimed top speed of 60 mph.  At the end of 1959, Morini followed these with a 125cc model named the Corsaro (Pirate) which developed 7.5 HP with telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks. Top speed was claimed to be 63mph.

This Corsaro 125, circa 1963, has undergone a complete nut & bolt restoration with new paint, all chrome parts replated, all alloy polished, all hardware re-cad-plated, and new rubber parts. The wheels were relaced with stainless steel spokes and nipples. 

 It has the correct headlight, tail light, horn, switchgear, rubber parts, and air pump.  Included are workshop and owner’s manuals (in Italian), a wiring diagram, toolbox keys, spare decals, and rear crash bars (unmounted).