#locating services sydney

[on-point-locating]

Why Does Every Contractor Need A Cable Locator For Underground Work?

Ah, the thrill of underground work—it's like a treasure hunt but with less gold and more cables. Navigating the hidden labyrinth of wires and pipes beneath our feet is a daily challenge for contractors. But what if I told you there's a way to make this underground adventure much easier and safer?

Enter the Best Cable Locator Underground—your new best friend in underground work. If you haven’t considered one yet, it’s high time you did. An underground cable locator is an absolute game-changer for every contractor.

The Invisible Maze: Why You Need to Find It

Imagine this: you’re all set to dig, your equipment’s in place, and you’re ready to break ground. Suddenly, you hit something—your heart skips a beat, and it’s not from excitement. Instead, you’ve just nicked an underground cable or pipe. The horror! None of the potential damage, safety hazards, and costs makes for a fun day on the job.

A cable locator underground helps you avoid these nightmares. It maps out the hidden networks of cables and pipes, so you know exactly where to dig and where not to. No more unpleasant surprises, just smooth, efficient work.

Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Others

Safety is non-negotiable in construction, and this is where the cable locator underground truly shines. Pinpointing the exact location of cables and pipes helps prevent accidental damage that could lead to serious injuries.

Imagine cutting into an electric cable—shocking, right? Or worse, hitting a gas line and causing a leak. Not only are these scenarios dangerous, but they also have legal and financial repercussions.

Using a cable locator underground ensures you’re working in a safe zone, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. It’s an investment in your safety and peace of mind, and let’s face it, that’s priceless.

Save Time and Money: Efficiency is Key

In the world of contracting, time is money. A cable locator underground helps you save both. Instead of spending hours or even days figuring out where cables are buried, you can get accurate readings quickly.

This efficiency translates to fewer delays and lower costs, which means happier clients and a more profitable business.

Think of it as your secret weapon for staying ahead of schedule. With a cable locator underground, you can confidently tackle projects faster, improving your overall efficiency and reputation.

Accuracy Matters: No More Guesswork

Precision is critical when working underground. Guessing where cables might be is like playing a high-stakes game of charades—one wrong move, and you’re in trouble.

The cable locator underground removes the guesswork by providing accurate readings and detailed maps of what’s below. This accuracy helps you plan your work better and ensures you’re not just digging blindly.

With a cable locator underground, you’re not just relying on luck; you’re using technology to get the job done right. It’s a reliable tool that enhances your ability to work with precision and confidence.

Upgrade Your Tools: Stay Ahead of the Curve

Technology is always advancing, and so should your tools. Investing in an underground cable locator is not just about solving today’s problems but also about staying ahead in an evolving industry.

As underground networks become more complex, having cutting-edge tools ensures that you’re equipped to handle any challenge.

Incorporating an underground cable locator into your toolkit is like upgrading from a basic phone to a smartphone. It’s about being more efficient, accurate, and prepared for whatever the job throws at you.

Conclusion: Your New Best Friend

In conclusion, the cable locator underground is more than just a tool—it’s an essential piece of equipment for any contractor dealing with underground work. It enhances safety, saves time and money, provides accuracy, and keeps you ahead in the industry.

So, if you’re ready to dig deep and get the job done right, make sure a cable locator underground is part of your arsenal.

Source - https://onpointlocating.blogspot.com/2024/09/why-does-every-contractor-need-cable.html

[mariaawilliams]

Utility Locating: The Critical Role of EML in Detecting Underground Utilities

Nowadays, our cities and landscapes are crisscrossed by a hidden network of utilities. From water and gas pipelines to electrical and communication cables, these essential services lie just beneath our feet. 

One of the most crucial aspects of any construction or excavation project is utility locating, particularly Electromagnetic Location (EML) Locating. This blog post will explore the significance of EML Locating, focusing on how it's used to detect conductive utilities and why it's indispensable in today's urban and suburban environments.

The Essence of Utility Locating

Utility locating is a process used to identify and label underground public utility mains. These services include lines for telecommunication, electricity distribution, natural gas, cable television, fibre optics, traffic lights, street lights, storm drains, water mains, and wastewater pipes. Accurate utility locating is critical to avoid damaging these utilities during construction activities, which can lead to service disruptions, costly repairs, and, in some cases, serious injuries or fatalities.

What is EML Locating?

Electromagnetic Location (EML) Locating is a specialised technique used in utility locating. It's particularly effective for finding conductive utilities, such as metallic pipes and cables. EML Locating works by applying an electromagnetic frequency to the ground and then detecting the signal using specialised equipment. This method allows for accurately detecting and mapping underground utilities without excavation.

The Importance of EML Locating in Utility Detection

Safety: The primary importance of EML locating is safety. Accurately locating underground utilities helps prevent accidents that can occur during digging or excavation.

Cost-Efficiency: EML Locating helps avoid the costs associated with accidentally cutting into a utility line, which can be exorbitant regarding repair costs and potential fines.

Time-Saving: By knowing exactly where utilities are located, project planners can design around them, saving time that would otherwise be spent on rerouting or repairs.

Preservation of Infrastructure: This technology ensures that the existing underground infrastructure is preserved, reducing the need for unnecessary disruptions and repairs.

Applications of EML Locating

Construction Projects: Before any construction project begins, it's crucial to know the location of underground utilities to prevent any potential hazards.

Maintenance and Repair: For routine maintenance or repair work, EML Locating helps quickly identify the precise location of the utility that needs attention.

Urban Planning: In city planning and development, EML Locating maps out existing utilities, aiding in efficiently planning new projects.

Home Renovations: EML Locating can be critical for small-scale projects like home renovations, especially when extensions or modifications are being made.

Choosing the Right EML Locating Service

Selecting an experienced and reliable EML Locating service is crucial. Look for providers with a track record of accuracy and reliability, and ensure they use the latest technology and methods. It's also vital that they understand the local regulations and compliance standards.

Conclusion

Utility locating, particularly EML Locating, is vital in safely executing construction projects and maintaining our urban infrastructure. It's a sophisticated solution to a complex problem – finding what lies beneath the surface without disturbing it. As we continue to build and expand our cities, the importance of accurately locating and preserving underground utilities cannot be overstated. EML Locating is more than just a technical service; it's a guardian of our underground world, ensuring that our essential services remain uninterrupted and safe.

[ciaomarie]

Part 1: What then?

Some seemingly innocent, but truly mind-altering information is shared in a staff meeting.

Short fan fic. Low-key Sydcarmy/The Bear fluff. Post-season 2. Canon-compliant.

Location: The Bear

Time: 10:05 a.m.

The restaurant had closed lunch service on a Tuesday for a "Development Day". The Bear had been open for 5 months and had a 2 month wait list! After Family and Friends when they had all banded together the Bear crew had gotten tighter than ever. Carmen had been a outsider in his own restaurant for a couple weeks, but soon the dust settled. Even Sydney came around after 3 weeks of his patient groveling. The duo was good and soon The Bear had become one of Chicago Tribune's "Best New Restaurants." However, with success The Bear was changing fast. They had hired more full-time front and kitchen staff, which was great. The downside was that "respectful communication" and "customer complaint management" was waning a little. Things were not terrible, but Richie for whom Ever set the bar in hospitality, The Bear should always be improving, not sliding backwards. Natalie, Carmen and Sydney agreed. They also wanted to discuss new menu changes and a to-go system they would be testing soon.

"Okay, people! Let's get started" Natalie said beckoning everyone to take a seat at the front of house.

Richie stood next her "casually dressed" in a button down blue dress shirt and dark grey slacks.

He began, "As you know The Bear is on track to paying off the loan and we're the freakin' toast of the town right now, but this is not the time to take a nap. We gotta keep our eyes on the prize. So first, up facial regulation as known as RBF awareness."

Natalie tapped his shoulder and whispered, "Richie, I love your enthusiasm, but I thought we might start with an ice breaker?"

He shrugged and continued, "But Nat, has a ice breaker. Take it away".

Natalie resumed.

"So, first we want to thank each of you for being part of this dream and making it fun, rewarding, and successful. As you know The Bear is a family business and since there's new faces here we'd like to get to know you better and vice versa. We'll start with a quick round of "Best and Worst". Just pick a question out of the cup and answer it. Please keep your answers to 2 minutes."

The first question went to Randall, a young man in his early 20's with dark curly hair and thick glasses that frequently fogged in the humid kitchen. He was the new assistant pastry chef.

"What was the best place I ever lived? Hm…Guam. My dad, Army, was stationed on the base and I lived there from age 9-11. I had like 12 friends just on my block and we were always playing soccer, swimming, or riding our bikes. It was awesome."

"Thanks Randall!" Natalie chirped.

The next went to Tina.

"Ok…what is worst advice I've ever been given? Keep your head down and do what you know. That's the advice I used to give myself. Thankfully I didn't listen because now I'm a sous chef!"

Sydney who was sitting near the front between Gary and Carmy, beamed at Tina who returned the smile with a little moisture in her eyes.

The next question went to Marcus.

"Best moment in the last year? It was training at Noma, in Copenhagen. It was my first international trip. I got to stay in a houseboat, explore the city, meet cool people, and figure out that I wanted to do this maybe forever."

The last several months had been really hard due to Marcus's mom's passing. He had returned to work after a week of mourning citing that he knew she wouldn't want him to sit at home now that she was no longer sick. Despite that he was getting better every day and had come up with several new popular dessert specials. Tina was seated next to him and patted his arm.

The next few questions went to new dishwasher, Chris, Fak, and then Gary.

Sydney drew the next question and winced upon reading it. It wouldn't be possible to lie because Marcus already knew the truth.

"What was my best meal ever? Well…it was this pork confit with onions and rhubarb. Then after I had this dish called Milk and Honey."

She kept her eyes plastered on the tiny strip of paper while she spoke. In her peripheral field she could see Carm turning slightly towards her, his cornflower blue eyes boring two holes into the side of her head.

"Sounds grand. Ok, Carmy pick a question" Richie ordered wanting to get down to business by 10:30am.

Carmy didn't seem to hear him. He was on another planet.

"Yo cuz, pick a question!"

He startled and drew a question.

"Uh ok. Best part of my day? Hmmm. Closing up."

It was now Sydney's soul's turn to exit her body. Every night, with few exceptions, she and Carmy ended the night in his office to debrief on the day, perform last checks, and close together.

After a moment she felt his eyes still glancing at her. Without turning she whispered, "Later." The last thing she needed was to look at him, and forget how much time was passing, giving Richie yet another reason to tease them. Not long ago he gave them matching copies of a workplace relationship etiquette tip sheet stapled to an OSHA industrial hygiene handout before leaving them to close.

She sighed, trying to compose herself. It was no big deal. So what that Carm knew he was responsible for the best thing she ever ate? Also, they're partner-friends so it's totally normal that his favorite time of day when is they are together…alone. Right?

UH OH.

[ursaminder]

Thinking this morning about Sydney Adamu, as one does. I mean, look at her, for a start.

I feel like I’ve focused more on Carmy in dissecting the show, and am realizing that that’s maybe because Sydney hits closer to home for me.

From about 2010-2015 I was a baker. I started working out of a friend’s cafe kitchen after hours, selling at farmers markets. I graduated to having my own trailer kitchen, parked out in front of my parents’ house, and then I got the opportunity to go in with a couple of friends and open a brick and mortar shop.

It was…hard. The hardest I’ve ever worked. It was 12-18 hour days, most days. I took home $1000 a month to live on. I moved back in with my parents. My feet hurt so much I was worried I’d permanently damaged them. I was always sticky with sugar and sweat. I think people who have never worked food service, or even only worked it part time, have no idea how emotionally and physically draining it is to do it all day, every day.

And then it closed, as food businesses regularly do, and that was that. There are still leftover bits and bobs from the business in my parents’ house. I feel like I’m constantly turning up something new every time I visit. And so watching Sheridan…the moment when we see the catering company boxes in Sydney’s room hit me like a ton of bricks.

Because I know exactly how that feels, waking up in your childhood bedroom and then seeing the detritus of the life you were trying to build, the future you had a vision for. You pour so much of yourself, body and soul, into an industry that will never thank you for it by making your life easier, but will just keep piling on more work.

I understand Syd’s dad not wanting her to go through that again. My bakery closing was devastating, but the work that went into it first was almost just as crushing, and the payout non-existent. He watched her struggle and sweat and not have any time or energy for anything else in her life for however long Sheridan Road ran, and then he watched that dream shatter and his little girl move back in with him with a stack of boxes. And now she wants to do it again, but with much higher overheads, and some white guy he’s never met? It would be strange if he wasn’t scared for her.

But it makes sense of why Sydney isn’t scared off by the Beef. She’s been in the trenches. She knows all the sad, bleak realities of the business. But the Beef gives her what she didn’t have before— a brick and mortar location, and a partner. It’s no wonder to me that she clung on tight, because I did the same when I got the chance. It’s no wonder she bristled at Carmy having creative control, when she was used to having it herself and wanted it more than anything, wanted it enough to give up working at some of the best restaurants in the US to have a chance at it.

Anyway I don’t have a larger point here, except to say that I see her and her dream, and the fact that she’s still standing and trying to make it in this industry is a testament to her strength. I see people not get that, and I just want to say from the bottom of my heart that I do. And I’m rooting for her.

[leibal]

Waverton is a minimal residential project located in Sydney, Australia, designed by ess. Ess offers a comprehensive service that includes design, feasibility studies, on-site management, and the branding and photography of the completed project.

[visit-new-york]

What is the purpose of the Brooklyn Bridge?

Standing majestically over the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge is not just a remarkable feat of engineering; it is a symbol of ingenuity, resilience, and progress. Completed in 1883, the bridge has played a pivotal role in connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and urban development. As we delve into the history and design of this iconic structure, it becomes clear that the Brooklyn Bridge serves a multifaceted purpose that extends far beyond its physical function as a pathway for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Connecting Communities

The primary purpose of the Brooklyn Bridge is to serve as a vital link between the bustling boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Before its construction, travel between these two areas was primarily dependent on ferries, which were often unreliable and limited by weather conditions. The bridge, with its impressive span of 1,595 feet, revolutionized transportation, making it more efficient and accessible. This connectivity not only facilitated the exchange of goods and services but also brought together diverse communities, fostering social and economic integration.

Architectural Marvel

Designed by John A. Roebling, a German-born civil engineer, the Brooklyn Bridge is a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering. The use of innovative techniques, such as the use of steel cables to support the bridge's weight, set new standards in bridge construction. The twin towers and the Gothic-style arches give the bridge a timeless aesthetic appeal, contributing to its iconic status. Beyond its functional purpose, the bridge stands as a testament to human innovation and serves as an inspiration for architects and engineers worldwide.

Economic Catalyst

The Brooklyn Bridge played a pivotal role in stimulating economic development on both sides of the East River. By reducing travel time and facilitating the movement of goods and people, the bridge catalyzed economic growth in Brooklyn, turning it into a more accessible and attractive location for businesses. The increased connectivity contributed to the expansion of trade and commerce, transforming the economic landscape of the entire region.

Cultural Symbolism

Beyond its tangible contributions to transportation and commerce, the Brooklyn Bridge holds immense cultural significance. Its iconic silhouette against the Manhattan skyline has made it a symbol of New York City and the American spirit. Countless films, novels, and artworks have featured the bridge, embedding it in the collective consciousness of people around the world. The bridge represents not only physical connection but also the aspirations and dreams associated with the American experience.

Legacy and Influence

As the Brooklyn Bridge approaches its 150th anniversary, its legacy endures. The bridge has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring poets, writers, and artists to capture its essence. Moreover, its design and engineering principles have influenced subsequent bridge construction projects globally. From San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to Sydney's Harbour Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge has set a standard for excellence in bridge design and construction.

Conclusion

The Brooklyn Bridge's purpose extends far beyond its role as a physical connector between Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is a symbol of progress, a testament to human ingenuity, and a catalyst for economic and cultural growth. As it continues to stand as an enduring icon, the Brooklyn Bridge remains a testament to the power of infrastructure to shape cities and define the spirit of a nation.

[jetsteelyourheart]

Bloodlines Book 5 Silver Shadows by Richelle Meade

Illustration of the wedding <3 I moved the location. I mean, Sydney loves roman architecture? And they're in Las Vegas? Honestly Caesars Palace just seemed like the obvious choice (I considered the Venetian but the locations outdoors at Caesars were just more picturesque)

Excerpt from Chapter 20 of Silver Shadows

"Oh, hang on. You need this first."

I caught hold of her hand and slipped on the newly made engagement ring. Sydney's breath caught at the glittering array, and then she looked up at me in alarm, finally realizing where the funding for this adventure had come from. "Adrian, those are your aunt's."

I led her forward. "And now they're yours."

The officiant knew about our time constraints and kept the service pretty basic, mostly sticking to what was legally required in the state of Nevada. He did add one part that was his own design, words that burned into me and repeated in my brain later when I slipped the little glittering circle of rubies onto Sydney's finger: "Until now, you have always lived your life alone. Every decision you've made has been for you and you alone. Now, and for the rest of your days, your life will be tied to another's. Every decision you make will be for both of you. What one does affects the other. You are a family, a team... inseparable and unbreakable."

They were powerful words for someone like me to hear, someone who'd indeed lived a pretty selfish existence. But as I met Sydney's shining eyes and saw the hope and joy radiating from her, I felt up to them. I was ready to take that selfless step with her, to know that everything we did now was about the two of us and, eventually, our family. This was the biggest decision I'd made in my life... and the one I did most happily.

When the vows were said and the rings were on, the officiant pronounced us husband and wife. I drew Sydney to me and kissed her, full of love and life and the happiness of what we had in store for us. When we finally pulled apart, the minister added, "I'm very pleased to introduce the world to Adrian and Sydney Ivashkov."

[thepupperino]

Tag Game Wednesday

Hi hello thank you to @creepkinginc and @mybrainismelted for the tags this week!

Name: Keely

Age: 29

Location: Utah

If you could hang out with any cartoon character, who would you choose and why? I don't know if I want to hang out with any cartoon characters...Courage the Cowardly Dog? Because I think he's a cool, brave little guy

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be? I'm so flattered you think I know about fashion trends. I can tell you it would NOT be low rise jeans

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? RACE WALKING in the summer and curling in the winter

Which actor would you want to play you in the movie about your life? I can't name a single actor (that's not true, first I thought of Drew Barrymore then Sydney Sweeney)

If you were the captain of a pirate ship, what would be the name of your ship? The...Ship

If you could see one movie again for the first time, what would it be and why? Lmao Saw because I want to experience the twist for real

What’s one thing on your bucket list that you really want to do? Travel to all the continents

If you could have any animal, real or imaginary, as a pet, what would it be and why? CAPYBARA because I love them

If you could invent a holiday, what would it be, and how would people celebrate it? I saw a meme once about something like the purge but it's 24 hours where customer service employees get to say whatever they want to customers and I think I'd chose that

What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited in your country? Most INTERESTING? Probably Experience Music Project in Seattle (before they changed it)

Tags below :)

@sleepyheadgallavich @celestialmickey @deedala @too-schoolforcool @transmickey

@crossmydna @transmurderbug @jrooc @spookygingerr @gallapiech

@sleepyfacetoughguy @transsexual-dandelions @mmmichyyy @xninetiestrendx

[ncisfranchise-source]

Endemol Shine Australia, CBS Studios, Paramount Australia and Screen Territory are excited to announce that the internationally smash-hit series, NCIS: Sydney is coming to Darwin!

Produced by Endemol Shine Australia for CBS Studios and Paramount Australia, and distributed outside Australia by Paramount Global Content Distribution, production of the special 2 x 1 hour episodes which are part of the series, will commence in Darwin and surrounding areas later this year. 

Productions filmed in the NT make a significant contribution to the local economy through jobs and goods and services. They also highlight the magnificent Northern Territory both nationally and worldwide.

The first international iteration of the global NCIS franchise outside of the US, NCIS: Sydney is a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS Agents and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who have been grafted into a multi-national taskforce to keep naval crimes in check.  Having only just found their feet, in season two, the agents of NCIS: Sydney square off against a much more powerful adversary, threatening the very stability of the region…and the team itself.  

NCIS: Sydney is one of the most watched local series since the launch of Paramount+ Australia and premiered on CBS US as the #1 new series in the fall of the 2023-2024 season, with the series premiere reaching over 10.2 million viewers on linear in the U.S., including an encore episode. In its first season, NCIS: Sydney averaged more than 8 million multiplatform viewers per episode across all platforms, and has been nominated for a TV Week Logie Award for Best Drama Series.

NCIS is one of the world’s most successful television franchise with more than 300 million viewers globally across all platforms, including broadcast, cable, streaming and syndication (according to Nielsen and international Television Audience Measurement companies in key territories).

Director Screen Territory, Jennie Hughes said:

“Screen Territory is thrilled to see the Top End become a part of the NCIS legacy as one of the longest running and most successful TV franchises ever.

“NCIS: Sydney has enjoyed immense success with global audiences, and we look forward to the Territory not only showcase its unique locations to this beloved series franchise, but also to contributing the talents and abilities of our local screen production crews and creative talents.”

“We look forward to welcoming the NCIS team to the Northern Territory and look forward to the building and fostering this new production relationship with Endemol Shine Australia and Paramount.”

Endemol Shine Australia, Head of Scripted, Sara Richardson said:

 “Endemol Shine Australia and the entire cast and crew are extremely excited to be bringing NCIS: Sydney to the Northern Territory.”

“The rare beauty of Australia’s Top End will be showcased to audiences both around Australia and around the globe, as it is the backdrop for some compelling storylines resulting in high action for our brilliant and eclectic team of Agents.”

Paramount Australia, Creative Advisor Drama, Rick Maier said: 

“What better way to showcase the brilliant Northern Territory to the rest of the world. We are incredibly proud to celebrate each and every new milestone for NCIS: Sydney.”

This major screen production was brought to the Northern Territory through the Territory Government’s Screen Territory Production Attraction Incentive Program (PAIP). 

Territory screen professionals will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the business on NCIS: Sydney.

The Production Attraction Incentive Program is open all year round and aims to attract footloose screen productions to film in the NT which will employ Territorians and utilise Territory services and businesses.

NCIS: Sydney Season Two is set to premiere on Paramount+ Australia later this year, with season one streaming now.

[fivenightsatfreddysfanfiction]

Call Declined

“What the hell happened on stage?!”

Sydney’s eyebrows raised at her yell, confusion in his expression that made Vanessa groan and clap a hand over her face. Right, she’d forgotten in her frustration that Sydney tended to make himself scarce whenever the Glamrocks performed in the atrium. He wouldn’t have seen the disaster she’d witnessed when Freddy suffered a very visible and alarming system crash and wrecked the show.

So many compensation coupons were being passed out by the S.T.A.F.F. bots while the crowd dispersed and started leaving the building.

“Freddy went on the fritz for some reason and collapsed on stage about twenty minutes ago,” Vanessa began with a sigh, shaking her head at Sydney’s grimace. “Right? Monty dragged him backstage while Roxy and Chica tried to save some of the performance. Once everyone’s out of the Pizzaplex, he’ll be taken down to Parts and Service to switch him to reduced power. It’ll keep him contained in his room while diagnostics get run to figure out what happened.”

Sydney tilted his head, a squint of suspicion on his face as he glanced towards the ceiling, then back to her. “Remote?” he asked and Vanessa nodded, rubbing her forehead as she turned her attention to the screen he had been sitting at. There were still a few stragglers wandering the gift shops, but for the most part it seemed like the public was leaving and the Pizzaplex would be able to close the main entrance soon.

“Yeah, the network should be able to handle it,” she replied and pulled her manual out, flipping through the pages. “It’s weird, though. There’s nothing in here on what we should do when an animatronic breaks down like that other than the general practice of ‘make sure people are distracted’.”

“No witnesses,” Sydney murmured, his tone shaky, hands gripping his knees as he seemed to suddenly shrink in on himself. Vanessa looked at him in concern, reaching out to lay a hand on his shoulder that just made him twitch at the contact before calming.

“Look, let’s just go and make sure everyone’s out of the building so the bots can get started working on Freddy. Maybe we can still save the rest of the scheduled performances and appearances,” she told him with a wry grin, “Then we grab something to eat from the cafeteria and go to bed. We were scheduled to have the shift off since it was a performance night.” Sydney still seemed worried, his eyes scanning the screen in nervous flicks as he tracked each person walking out the main entrance. Vanessa sighed and shook her head again. “If you’re gonna be fidgety, you could always keep your hands busy by giving me another foot rub,” she suggested teasingly, laughing at the flat glare she got from him as a response. Good, that got his mind off things. “C’mon, let’s go shoo the customers out-”

She didn’t get to finish, distracted by a flicker in her vision that signaled a need to put her security mask on. From the way Sydney sat straighter in his chair, a new tension in his expression, it was clear he got the indicator too. Guess dinner was going to be postponed.

Vanessa plucked the weird bunny shaped mask from where it was hooked to her belt and held it to her face, letting the lining conform to her face and anchor itself to her skin with a bit of suction. The overlay of augmented reality built into the Pizzaplex came alight in her vision, along with the digital Helpi assistant displaying a textbox in front of her.

/Urgent orders. Missing child within boundaries of the Pizzaplex. Orders are to locate and apprehend. Further instructions upon completing this objective./

“There’s a kid still in here? This is like the twentieth kid that keeps trying to hide in here overnight, you’d think parents would get the idea to keep track of their own kids,” Vanessa complained. So another catch and call procedure; get the kid to Lost and Found, notify authorities over the phone, wash her hands of the issue and go to bed.

Should be easy enough.

“Right, fine, so we’ll be going to bed later than we expected,” she muttered, pulling off the mask and reattaching it to her belt. She looked over at her partner, brow furrowing a little as he remained masked longer than she did. “Sydney?” she called uncertainly and he finally pulled the rabbit faced mask off, dull gaze staring ahead with no sign of having heard her. Her heart sank a little. Oh. Did he anger the network again? At least this was just his usual disassociation -Why would he need to do that on a task they’ve done almost routinely?- and not the weird other kind she’d been around a couple times. Different vibe, it made her skin crawl. She reached out, cupping his cheek in her palm and gently turning his head to face her, directing him to look her in the eyes. “We’ll get this done fast, okay? No mistakes, no miscommunications,” Vanessa promised, “We get the kid, we make the report, and you come back to me. Got it?”

He didn’t respond to her, but then he never did when he was like this. She could only sigh and hope her words made it past whatever walls he’d put up as she pulled away and grabbed her flashlight. Time to find a wayward kid.

.

-----------------

.

11:40 PM

Vanessa pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers, trying to think through the slowly growing headache at everything going on. She had gotten a glimpse of the kid, a boy, that she was supposed to catch and take to a safe location but the brat had slipped into shadows behind the stage curtains and then just about vanished. She’d relayed the info to Sydney, got no response as usual, and then decided to alert the Glamrocks in hopes they could switch to security mode and coordinate with them. It worked to a point; they were looking for the kid, but they were also acting weird about it.

And then she saw Freddy missing from his room.

“You’re supposed to be on lockdown!” she griped when she spotted the tall bear animatronic in the first aid station of the utility tunnels, “Diagnostics running should have kept you offline until we figured out what caused your system crash. How’d you reboot this early?! How did you even get out of your room?!”

“I do not know how I got here!” Freddy blurted out and Vanessa glared up at him tiredly. That sounded so fake and she did not have the patience for this.

“First you ruined the show with whatever glitch happened, now you’re not even sticking to your procedure for repairs,” she scolded him, ignoring how his ears drooped and he did this little head tilt that made him look like a pathetic puppy. It wasn’t getting to her this time! “Look, there’s some kid running around backstage and we’re, like, 15 minutes to closing. Sydney’s already searching the daycare and I alerted the rest of the band to help us track the kid until the security S.T.A.F.F. bots come online,” Vanessa explained with a controlled tone to keep from losing her temper. So much stress, if she broke out with pimples after this, she was finding this twerp’s parents and demanding the good facial cleansers as compensation. “You’re too much of a liability right now and I can’t risk you damaging yourself or anything else. Management would come down on us so hard. Just go back to your room, switch to standby, and let the diagnostics finish, okay? If the system clears you later and we still haven’t found the kid, I can sign off on letting you join us in looking for him. Are we clear?”

“Crystal!” Freddy replied brightly, ears wiggling. Vanessa just stared at him, unimpressed. He was picking up jargon from the customers again. Ugh.

“Right,” she muttered and rubbed her forehead again, “Just go. And please be careful about it. Don’t hit anything on the way.” She left him be, hoping he’d follow orders, and went back up the stairs. Freddy could take the utility tunnels back to his room and if he spotted anything on the way that could be the kid, he’d alert her or Sydney about it. Would save her the hassle of finishing the search in that direction. If he tried wandering anywhere else, he’d run out of power not long after and be stuck in place until one of the S.T.A.F.F. alerted her about it. Either way, not her current problem.

.

Issuing directions to the Glamrocks on where to go to start their searches was a matter of switching between various frequencies on her walkie-talkie, but any time she wasn’t giving orders she kept it set to Sydney’s channel. Even if he didn’t respond it was still comforting to have that line of communication open.

Rockstar Row was clear, so she made her way out to the atrium and looked around, dreading having to search such a large and open area. It was going to be a pain to look for a single kid out here with just her, Sydney, and the three functional Glamrocks. Once midnight rolled around, the security bots would kick in and things would be easier.

She started her walk around on the floor, glancing up towards the atrium elevators just in case the kid showed up there in some attempt to get in and run somewhere else. Until midnight security protocols went live, they were still open to be used by the public so she had to be wary of them. Roxy was prowling the upper level of the atrium and Monty was making his way to the guest service kiosk to use the spotlight on top of it. Good, they were all following protocol. Everything was within the guidance of the manual.

So far, so good.

.

----------------

.

‘I shouldn’t have thought that, that was such a jinx to myself!’ Vanessa allowed herself that one mental complaint as she struggled to get control back over her limbs. It took a couple hours but she’d found that kid as he was trying to get into the elevator in the East Arcade Prize Corner and grabbed him before he could go anywhere. The frustrating bit was how he seemed to panic himself into a faint over that and she then had to carry him back to Lost and Found. The manual didn’t say anything about what to do in this kind of situation, so she was winging it and planned to make a note about it in her report. If the kid drooled on her shirt during this, she was demanding proper compensation for it.

The kid’s little Fazwatch chimed in a few times, Freddy’s voice calling his name worriedly a few times before going silent. So not only did he not go back to his room but he managed to gain enough extra charge to keep going and was in cahoots with the kid? Oh, he was so gonna get it from management for this security breach.

She plunked the kid down on a pile of Fazbear merch, shirts and plushies and the like, so he’d at least be sleeping on something comfortable while she made her calls and reports at the desk. Her fingers clicking away at the keyboard, Vanessa brought up the guest database to see where he’d be listed, get his contact info and then phone his parents. Now that she thought about it, scrolling down the list of names, it seemed odd that this Gregory kid’s parents hadn’t called the Pizzaplex first.

Did any of the other parents call first? The question flickered in her thoughts and she winced at a sudden resurgence of her headache. Shaking it off, Vanessa went back to searching for Gregory in the guest list.

He wasn’t there.

That was… weird. Vanessa ran a simple search for any match to ‘Gregory’ but a few minutes later it came back as a ‘no record’ indicator. He wasn’t in the system. So, who was he? Where’d he come from? Her dull headache seemed to insist she stop thinking about it and just focus on her work. She rubbed her forehead and sighed; maybe he just snuck in away from his parents somehow. She’d just call the police, report a lost kid, and then let them deal with calling his parents. Not her problem once the call’s made.

“Sydney, I got the kid. I’ll make the call to the authorities, so could you go figure out where Freddy is and- wait, you don’t like being around him, right?” Vanessa called over her walkie-talkie, fingers tapping on the phone nearby so she’d have it in hand. “Could you send Monty to find Freddy and get him back to his room? And then grab us some Chica Chowders for dinner on your way back? We still have some time to wind down before we have to be in our rooms. Over.”

No reply. Vanessa looked at her walkie-talkie, trying not to feel off balance. There was so much going strange tonight. Freddy crashing, kid on the loose, kid not even in system, Sydney disassociating on the job for what was a normal routine for this situation, headaches coming more often now that she was noticing things… was something going on?

She mounted the device back to her shoulder strap and went ahead with making the phone call. There was a bit of audio delay but she finally got a response. “Hey, this is Vanessa, head of security for Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex. I’ve got a lost kid on grounds by the name of Gregory. He’s not in our system so we don’t have parent contact information,” she reported after initial greetings from the police officer on the other end, “Could you send some people down to pick him up? He’ll be in the usual spot.”

“We’ll take care of everything. Thank you for your service,” the responder told her in a bright tone and then the line went dead. Vanessa pulled the phone away from her ear, staring at it curiously. Huh, that was new.

Sounds of shuffling and whispers behind her caught her attention and she spun in her chair to pin a glare on the kid that had shoved his hands behind his back quickly. “I see you’re finally awake,” she said drily, folding her arms over her chest, “Thought you were so clever dodging S.T.A.F.F., huh, Gregory?” The kid stared at her in alarm and she flashed him a smug smile. “Yeah, I know your name. You’re in big trouble, breaking in without your parents or paying for entry and sneaking around restricted areas. I’ve already called the police to come get you, so you’re gonna just stay right here until they arrive.”

“You called the cops on me?!” Gregory exclaimed in shock and offense, like she did the worst thing ever. What did he expect? He broke the rules!

“Hey, you’re the one who was wasting my time with your shenanigans,” Vanessa shot back, getting to her feet and stretching her arms, “My partner’s gonna be waiting for me with dinner and you’re gonna have to answer to the cops about being a rule-breaker. Should have thought about-”

A strange thrumming sound in the air. A new wave of pressure on her head. Gregory winced, looking around in fresh panic, but Vanessa only put her hands to her ears, trying to stave off a sudden wave of queasiness. What was happening?!

Her vision flickered. The AR overlay? How? No mask. The thrumming continued, growing steadily louder. The pressure increased and now her limbs felt numb. She couldn’t feel them, couldn’t feel her fingers, palms, toes, legs. Like her world was shrinking and she couldn’t open her mouth to scream. What was happening to her?!

There was movement nearby. The kid? She couldn’t breathe! Fear built around her as she found herself trying to move and finding nothing was budging. Like her body wasn’t listening to her.

Louder and louder, the thrumming sounded, along with a strange pitched whistling that tickled her ears and cast new visual interference before her eyes. What was doing that? How was this possible? Through the window of the Lost and Found room, Vanessa could see a strange figure dancing down the staircase towards the security door. A woman, dressed in a rabbit costume of varying shades of gray, large red eyes luminous in the flickering light. Her movement seemed almost flirtatious as she stopped at the window to wave at her and Gregory, paw-like gloves moving fluidly with the gesture.

Who was that?! What were they doing here?!

The rabbit woman opened the door -How did she get authorization to do that?!- just as Gregory rushed out of the room, the clatter of the vent covers the only indicator of how he managed it. Vanessa tried again to move, putting everything she could towards getting control of one arm. Still nothing.

“Not yet, my dear,” the rabbit woman purred through a voice distortion filter, the wide smile of her headpiece making her words all the more mocking. Her gloved hand went to Vanessa’s cheek, cradling it almost tenderly. “Just a little longer and then you can have fun with us.” Her hand then went to the walkie-talkie stuck to Vanessa’s shoulder strap, one finger delicately pressing on the call button, “He’s escaped confinement. Over.”

She let go of the button and the device crackled with an almost immediate response. “Tracking. Over.” Sydney’s voice sounded so… cold. Empty of feeling. Vanessa wanted to shiver, to scream and demand what was going on, what was happening, what had been done to her, but her body wasn’t listening.

The rabbit woman tilted her head, waved again, then skipped on out of the room via the other door to the lobby. The thrumming gradually began to fade, the pressure lessening, and Vanessa’s legs gave out under her, leaving her to collapse on the floor and remain laying there for who knew how long.

And that brought her to her current struggle and frustration and fear. Her limbs still felt distant to her but at least she was able to move them again. So strange; like moving on a delay, she would tell herself to do something and it would take a second or two for her body to follow through. Like it was still having trouble recognizing itself as being her body.

She never should have thought those cursed words.

‘Okay, I’ll just call the cops again once I can get up. They can arrest the weird rabbit lady and take the kid with them. I gotta find Sydney and snap him outta whatever this is. None of this feels right!’

Vanessa put extra effort into reaching for her chair. If she could leverage herself onto it, that put her closer to the phone. Her legs wobbled as she hoisted herself up, fingers gripping the seat for dear life. Pins and needles, it felt like when her foot fell asleep once but all over her body. At least it seemed to be wearing off and more control was being gained back. She sat down heavily, panting from the effort, and grabbed the phone from its cradle, jabbing out the numbers listed for the police. Phone to ear, she waited, but all she got was dead air. Confused, she dialed again, double checking the numbers to be sure they were put in correctly. Still nothing.

Like the call wasn’t even leaving the building.

Vanessa stared at the phone in her hand, a faint horror settling in. Were the phone lines cut? Did the rabbit woman do this? When?

What the hell was going on?

[aviaposter]

Airbus A350-1000 Cathay Pacific

Registration: B-LXL Type: A350-1041 Engines: 2 × RR Trent XWB-97 Serial Number: 306 First flight: 3 May 2019

Cathay Pacific, is the flag carrier of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with its head office and main hub located at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline's operations and its subsidiaries have scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 190 destinations and more than 60 countries worldwide. Cathay Pacific was founded on 24 September 1946 by Australian Sydney H. de Kantzow and American Roy C. Farrell. Cathay Pacific is one of the founding members of Oneworld. The airline is ranked as a 5-star airline and has been ranked as the world's best airline four times by Skytrax. Cathay Pacific operates a fleet consisting of Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330, Airbus A350, and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Poster for Aviators. aviaposter.com

[on-point-locating]

The Role Of Pipe Locators In Urban Infrastructure Projects

Urban infrastructure projects are complex and often involve many hidden systems and utilities beneath the surface. Pipelines are critical among these, carrying everything from water and sewage to gas. Using pipe locators is the key to successfully managing and maintaining these systems.

These indispensable tools ensure that urban infrastructure projects proceed smoothly and efficiently. Let’s dive into how Best Pipe Locators contribute to the success of these projects.

What is a Pipe Locator?

A pipe locator is a specialised device that detects and maps underground pipes and cables. These devices use various technologies, such as electromagnetic fields, to pinpoint the exact location of underground pipes and other utilities.

This information is crucial for construction and maintenance teams to avoid accidental damage and accurately plan excavation projects.

Pipe Locators: Essential for Accurate Planning

In urban areas, where underground utilities are densely packed, precise location information is essential. Contractors risk damaging existing pipelines without a pipe locator, leading to costly repairs and delays.

By using a pipe locator, construction teams can accurately identify the locations of existing pipes, allowing them to plan their work around these vital systems. This foresight prevents accidents and ensures that projects adhere to scheduled timelines and budgets.

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

The safety of workers and the public is paramount in urban infrastructure projects. Accidental damage to underground utilities can lead to dangerous situations, including gas leaks or water contamination.

Pipe locators enhance safety by providing accurate information about the location of buried pipes, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring that excavation activities are carried out with minimal disruption. This, in turn, contributes to the project's overall efficiency, as potential hazards are identified and mitigated in advance.

Minimising Disruptions in Urban Areas

Urban environments are bustling with activity, and any construction work can significantly disrupt daily life. By using pipe locators, construction teams can minimise these disruptions.

Accurate location data allows for more targeted excavation and less invasive methods, reducing the impact on surrounding areas.

This approach helps maintain the flow of traffic and business activities and contributes to a smoother, less disruptive construction process.

Technological Advances in Pipe Locators

Modern pipe locators have advanced technologies that enhance their accuracy and usability. Features such as GPS integration, real-time data visualisation, and enhanced signal detection capabilities make it easier for construction teams to work efficiently and effectively.

These technological advancements have revolutionised how urban infrastructure projects are managed, making pipe locators more valuable than ever.

Conclusion

In urban infrastructure projects, pipe locators are unsung heroes, ensuring that construction and maintenance activities are carried out precisely and carefully.

Their role in accurately mapping underground utilities, enhancing safety, minimising disruptions, and leveraging technological advancements cannot be overstated.

By integrating pipe locators into their workflows, construction teams can confidently navigate the complexities of urban environments, paving the way for successful and smooth-running projects.

So, the next time you see a construction crew at work, remember the vital role pipe locators play in ensuring everything goes according to plan.

These tools are key to maintaining the infrastructure that supports our daily lives and keeps our urban spaces functional and safe.

Source - https://onpointlocating.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-role-of-pipe-locators-in-urban.html

[mariaawilliams]

Unseen Threats: How Leak Detection Sydney Protects Your Home

Every home has a complex plumbing system hidden in the walls and floors. It provides essential services like water and gas but can also harbour unseen threats in the form of leaks. These hidden problems can cause significant damage over time, which is where professional leak detection Sydney comes in. They play a crucial role in identifying, addressing, and preventing problems before they escalate.

Understanding the Threats

Leaks, whether from pipes, appliances, or gas lines, can cause substantial damage to homes. They can lead to water wastage, inflated utility bills, structural damage, and in the case of gas leaks, even pose severe safety risks. The insidious nature of leaks often means they go unnoticed until the damage becomes evident.

The Role of Leak Detection Services

With sophisticated equipment and specialised knowledge, these professionals can identify leaks that homeowners might miss. They use various techniques, such as acoustic detection, infrared thermography, and gas tracer methods, to accurately locate leaks, even those hidden deep within walls or under concrete slabs.

Protecting Your Home

By identifying leaks early, these services help protect your home in several ways. Firstly, they prevent water damage. Over time, small leaks can lead to severe issues like mould growth, wood rot, and structural weakening. By finding and fixing leaks promptly, you can avoid costly repairs down the line.

Secondly, leak detection services help conserve water and save on utility bills. Even minor leaks can lead to significant water wastage over time. You can reduce your water consumption and lower your bills by fixing these leaks.

Thirdly, in the case of gas leaks, these services can literally save lives. Gas leaks can lead to dangerous situations, including fires and health risks from inhalation. Professional leak detectors can identify these threats early, allowing for swift resolution and ensuring your home remains safe.

Prevention is Better than Cure

Apart from dealing with existing leaks, these services can help prevent future issues. They can provide maintenance tips and checks to help homeowners keep their plumbing systems in good shape. This proactive approach can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, saving you time, stress, and money in the long run.

Investing in Professional Services

Despite the advancements in DIY technology, professional leak detection services remain indispensable. These experts come equipped with advanced tools and extensive knowledge earned over years of experience in the field. Their ability to quickly and accurately locate leaks minimises the potential for damage, saving homeowners from costly repairs. 

Moreover, they understand the complexity of plumbing systems and can provide invaluable advice on maintenance and prevention. While the initial investment in professional leak detection may seem substantial, the long-term savings in water bills, structural repair costs, and priceless safety assurance make it worth considering.

Conclusion

Access to leak detection services is crucial to safeguarding your home from potential damage hidden from plain sight. These professionals provide peace of mind, knowing that your home's integral systems are functioning correctly and safely. 

Investing in professional leak detection Sydney services is a smart move for every homeowner in a world where prevention is better than cure. It's a proactive step towards maintaining a secure and damage-free home, promoting not just structural integrity but also the well-being of all who dwell within.

[scotianostra]

July 23rd 1773 saw the birth of Thomas Makdougall Brisbane near Largs.

Decribed as a tall, handsome and benevolent-looking, sincerely religious, perfectly impartial, rational and far-seeing, an intellectual and scientific man and a patron of science..

I like this man's gib, and at a time when most notable people from this era are accused of historical crimes against the indigenous people of Australia and the likes, Sir Thomas seems to be a man with an unblemished character.

Brisbane was born at Brisbane House in Noddsdale, near Largs in Ayrshire, Scotland, the son of Sir Thomas Brisbane and his wife Eleanora (née Bruce).

Having studied mathematics and astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, Sir Thomas joined the British Army in 1789, enjoying a distinguished career in Flanders, the West Indies, Spain and North America. Indeed, such was the impression he made that it was the Duke of Wellington himself who made the recommendation that Sir Thomas serve in Australia in 1821.

As Governor of New South Wales – a post he held until 1825 – he immediately began working on a series of reforms to tackle the problems of a rapidly expanding colony. This included improvements to the land grants system, currency reform, and experiments in growing tobacco, cotton, coffee and flax.

His Edinburgh studies served Sir Thomas well. His keen interest in science led him to become the first President of the Philosophical Society of Australasia (now the Royal Society of New South Wales) and he established the colony’s first agricultural training college, also assuming the role of first patron of the New South Wales Agricultural Society.

It was during this period that the famous city that now bears his name was established, a fact that is entwined in the history of the transportation of convicts to the area from Britain.

Sir Thomas was looking for a new site to house repeat offenders and was shown an area around a large river at Moreton Bay. By 1824, convicts had moved in and both the river and the area became known as Brisbane. By 1839 it had become open to free settlement.

Beyond his military and civil service, Sir Thomas’s great love was for astronomy, an expertise he had honed at the University of Edinburgh. The observatory he had constructed at his first home in Australia recorded the first detailed observations of southern hemisphere stars from the continent and was where Enke’s comet was discovered in 1822. Remnants of Sir Thomas’s books and equipment are still held in the Sydney Observatory.

After returning to Scotland, he was elected President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1832, succeeding Sir Walter Scott, and was created a baronet in 1836. While continuing his astronomical research, he received honorary degrees from both Oxford and Cambridge universities, and was President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.

He regarded his greatest achievements, however, as those that benefited his own community. He established the Largs Brisbane Academy to give local children the opportunity of a better education, and made provision for a new sewage system in the town to clear the streets of dirty water. This effectively reduced the prevalence of deadly diseases in the area, including the scourges of cholera and typhoid. He is remembered in the town today in the names of Brisbane Glen, Brisbane House and the Thomas Makdougall Brisbane Bridge.

On his death in 1860, Sir Thomas was rightly lauded: dedicated military leader, effective governor and celebrated astronomer. His memorial can be seen today in the grounds of the kirk in his hometown of Largs.

With no fewer than 10 locations named in honour of Sir Thomas – including one of the Moon’s craters and the much-loved Australian city – his influence during his relatively short tenure as Governor is clear, and as I pointed out at the start ofthis post, a man of great character.

[pacificeagles]

https://pacificeagles.net/consolidated-pb2y-coronado/

Consolidated PB2Y Coronado

With the first versions of the PBY Catalina beginning to be supplied to the Navy in 1935, attention turned to potential successor machines with better performance. Both Sikorsky and Consolidated were solicited for proposals, and although the Sikorsky model was ready first it was the PB2Y which would win the production contract. The prototype XPB2Y-1 was ready for its first flight by December 1937, and despite several issues was preferred to Sikorsky’s XPBS-1.

The PB2Y shared some innovations from the XP3Y/PBY, most notably the retractable floats, but was otherwise a completely new design. It was a very large aircraft, equipped with four R-1830 engines – unusually on later models these were fitted with 4-bladed propellers inboard, and 3-bladed outboard. The PB2Y originally had a single large tail, but there were problems with directional instability so additional stabilizers were added in an attempt to remedy the problem. This failed to solve the problem and instead a completely new twin tail was designed. Bomb bays were located in the wing roots with fittings for bombs, torpedoes or mines.

The first production machines entered service in late 1940. In squadron service the PB2Y was found to be underpowered, particularly the definitive PB2Y-3 version which had self-sealing fuel tanks and crew armour which added considerable weight. As a result the Coronados were primarily used as transports instead of combat aircraft. VP-13, the original PB2Y operator, established a series of services across the Pacific including a route from Hawaii to Rose Bay, Sydney, Australia – a 4,000 mile one way trip. Additional routes were added to other bases across the South Pacific and beyond as the Central Pacific offensive opened in late 1943. Some PB2Ys were converted into hospital aircraft and employed ferrying wounded servicemen back to Hawaii from forward garrisons, particularly Tarawa.

The PB2Y’s brief career as a combat aircraft began in January 1944, when VP-13 and VP-102 were assigned to strike Wake Island in support of the Marshall Islands campaign. 14 PB2Ys staged from Midway and carried out four raids between January 30 and February 9. 50 tons of bombs were dropped on Wake, but no PB2Ys were lost during any of the 2,100 mile missions. The missions were considered so important that the commanding officer of Fleet Air Wing 2, RAdm John D. Price, flew on two of the raids as an observer. In April 1944 a detachment of radar-equipped PB2Ys from VP-13 flew from Eniwetok, dropping mines in the seas around Truk, but the externally mounted mines badly effected the performance of the aircraft. The same detachment later flew harassment bombing raids on bypassed islands in the Marshalls, as well as anti-submarine patrols. During this time there were occasional contacts with Japanese aircraft, and VP-13 claimed five Japanese bombers shot down. Thereafter the PB2Y reverted back to non-combat roles.

10 PB2Y-3s were provided to the RAF via lend-lease, but they were not popular as patrol aircraft due to their relatively short range. Instead, like the Americans, the British assigned them secondary roles with RAF Transport Command operating them on transatlantic routes.

Consolidated PB2Y Coronado Specifications

PB2Y-3

PB2Y-5

XPB2Y-1

Consolidated PB2Y-3 CoronadoRolePatrol BomberCrew10Powerplant4x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-88 (1,200hp)Speed140mph (cruise) 224mph (max)Ceiling20,900ftRange2,310 miles (internal)Armament4x Browning M2 .50cal Machine Gun Ordnance12,000lb bombsDimensions79ft 3in (length) 115ft 0in (wingspan) 27ft 6in (height)Wing Area1780 sq.ft.Weight41,031lb (empty) 68,000lb (gross) RadarAN/APS-4 (Airborne surface search)Number produced210

Consolidated PB2Y-5 CoronadoRolePatrol BomberCrew10Powerplant4x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 (1,200hp)Speed170mph (cruise) 194mph (max)Ceiling20,500ftRange1,070 miles (internal)Armament8x Browning M2 .50cal Machine Gun Ordnance12,000lb bombs 2 torpedoesDimensions79ft 3in (length) 115ft 0in (wingspan) 27ft 6in (height)Wing Area1780 sq.ft.Weight40,850lb (empty) 66,000lb (max)RadarASC (Airborne surface search)

Consolidated XPB2Y-1 CoronadoRolePatrol BomberCrew10Powerplant4x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-72 (1,050hp)SpeedCeiling0ftRangeArmament2x Browning M2 .50cal Machine Gun 3x Browning AN-M2 .30cal Machine Gun OrdnanceDimensions0ft 0in (length) 0ft 0in (wingspan) 0ft 0in (height)Weight49,754lb (gross) Number produced1

[theowritesfiction]

Okay, so I have been watching The Bear, and I eventually got into the show over the course of S1, but now watching S2, it’s really pissing me off, I think it’s one of the most disappointing sophomore seasons in the history of TV, and I want to rant about it.

But first I wanted to address the rave reviews this show is getting on RT, especially the glowing audience reviews (I don’t give a rat’s ass about the critic reviews, there’s too much group think, peer pressure, conformism and paid shilling going on there that it’s not worth looking at). I looked at the audience reviews in more detail and immediately realized that the ‘people’ giving this show 5-star reviews all follow the same naming convention like Adam F, Christina V, Sam R, etc. In short – almost all of them are bots posting AI generated tripe. The 93% audience review aggregate is a complete sham.

Anyway, why do I hate S2? Well, I found this web article 10 Unpopular Opinions About the Bear and figured I’d look at them to see whether I agree or disagree. So, here we go.

10. The Bear Should Have Continued With The Beef, Not Gone Fine Dining

Yes, fuck yes. The chaotic atmosphere of a greasy spoon/rundown sandwich shop was what made the show. Transitioning to fine dining creates this immediate pretentious vibe that’s completely at odds with S1 mood/themes. And while shows always need to keep evolving, I feel like this was way too radical shift from one end of the spectrum to the very opposite end. Also, I haven’t been to Chicago and don’t know too much about the city, but I have a pair of eyes that still work, and they tell me that this is not a fucking fine dining location, like, it’s just not.

9. The Bear Should Have Stopped After Season 1

Why? Just make a season that doesn’t suck.

8. The Bear Symbolism Is Too On The Nose

I don’t care about the symbolism. It’s handled so ham-fistedly that it literally adds nothing to the show.

7. Ayo Edebiri Is Not A Good Sydney

Disagree. I know Sydney is a polarizing character (although if you want to find out actual valid reasons why someone might not like her, do expect that you’ll have to wade through a disturbing amount of hatred for ambitious black women), but her ‘problematic’ jerk moments are interesting to me, and I think are well acted.

6. Marcus Was Right to Keep Working on his Donuts

Obviously not, Marcus is a part of a brigade, work shift is no time for his pet projects. That said, the episode of Marcus in Copenhagen is the most boring episode in recent TV history. 35 minutes on basically telling me that he leveled up his cooking skill. That could have been an e-mail.

Also, this is why I hate fine dining. Instead of making delicious donuts, this guy spent months training how to prepare pretentious desserts that only the rich 1% will be able to afford. Good job, Marcus, you’re now ready to lick the boots of the rich elites.

5. Richie Was The Real Victim Of The Bear Season 1, Episode 7

No, and triple fuck Richie, the worst character of past decade in TV history. I remember reading one of the anti-Sydney threads on reddit hellhole, and people were posting in masses about how ‘well at least Richie isn’t as bad as Sydney’ and ‘at least Richie gets his redemption’. I’m now at S2E7 and I’m still waiting for this asshole to show any redeeming qualities. I don’t know, maybe I’ve had one too many toxic coworkers like Richie, but I hate this guy an unreasonable amount, I want to stick ice picks in his eye sockets and leave him to bleed out as a service to humankind.

4. The Bear Season 2 Was A Letdown

Yeah, no shit.

3. (ignored as it deals with S2 finale spoilers)

2. People Should Ship Sydney & Marcus, Not Syd & Carmy

Hard disagree. People can ship who they want, but both of these pairings will be dysfunctional. As someone who’s all about shipping, I will be the first to say that this show shouldn’t be about ships. All of these people are completely toxic workaholic assholes who have no time for relationships and should never consider entering one. Syd/Marcus and Syd/Carmy is essentially marrying your job for the second time.

1.      Claire's Story In The Bear Season 2 Didn't Work

Again, no shit, and what I’m going to say shouldn’t be taken as an insult to Claire, I have nothing against her character, but rather to the way she was used. Claire is pretty much used to show that Carmy is unable to have normal healthy romantic relationships. But I already knew that from everything the show told us about Carmy before introducing Claire, so I feel like the show is treating me like a child by talking down to me and repeatedly pointing out the obvious. In the end, Claire is reduced to being a completely unnecessary story vehicle to tell us something we already knew, with no agenda of her own.

So yeah, as you can tell, it’s been a very rough watch. I definitely do NOT recommend The Bear to anyone. Do yourself a favor and stay well away.