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Xenium [XENM] FAQ
What is Xenium?
Xenium is a fully compliant security token, which is registered in the crypto-friendly jurisdiction of Thailand, and issued by Veritas mining to investors, in exchange for participating in their Secondary Security Token Offering.
I didn't even know there were different kinds of coins. What is a security token and why is Xenium one?
There are at least three types of digital assets: Coins or Cryptocurrencies, utility tokens, and security tokens. By meeting the conditions of the Howey test, Xenium is considered a tokenized security, because the tokens represent shares of the business. Put simply, it means that when the business makes a profit, each token makes a proportionate share of the profits, too. In Xenium's case, paid as a monthly dividend.
What are the funds raised by the STO going to be used for?
Xenium is a crowd-sourced cryptocurrency mining business, aiming to raise up to $50m via it's Second Coin Offering, launched in August 2018. Due partly to its symbiotic business model, which allows for the allocation of a massive 97% of all capital raised exclusively for buying mining hardware, Xenium has already claimed an industry-first, after it paid a solid dividend to investors for its very first month of operation - in bear market conditions!
When and how will the dividends be paid to token holders?
During the STO, 50% of net profits are paid as dividends, with 50% going into re-investment for expansion. However, changes with the ratio may occur throughout but 50% Dividends & 50% Reinvestment would be lowest for the Dividend ratio. We would not be paying less than 50% of net profits for dividends. They are calculated and paid monthly in ETH, after the 15th of each month, to the Ethereum wallet you nominated during KYC.
What exactly is cryptocurrency mining?
Cryptocurrency mining is a term coined to name an operation which uses computer processing hardware to verify transactions made between counter-parties, who are using a digital currency as a form of payment. Every transaction that has been made using that digital asset is stored on a distributed ledger, called a blockchain, which is a publicly visible record of all transactions. For every transaction, the records transmitted between each party must always match exactly what is on the blockchain, in order for them to be a success.
I read those successful crypto-mining operations such as Bitmain, make huge profits. Is this true in most cases?
Whilst this can be very true, the reality is that most current crypto-mining ICOs began with business models aren't able to deliver on their forecast ROIs in all market conditions, and aren't going to be sustainable over the medium to long-term, unless the market conditions rapidly improve markedly. Some never even get operational. In both scenarios, the investors lose just about everything they invested.
Then, why do more mining ICOs go bust or fail to deliver on their white paper's forecast, than achieve success?
Setting up a mining operation – including hiring staff - is expensive. These ones off costs usually drain the majority of funds, before mining hardware can be paid for. There is also a significant period without income generation, during set up, before any mining can begin. Because mining is very energy intensive before a company can profit, first, it must be able to earn enough from selling the crypto it mines to pay for its power costs, wages, maintenance and replacement of hardware as a minimum. Generating the income to cover these outgoings will also be dramatically affected by perilous headwinds, such as downward price volatility or increased competition; from the deployment of new and superior technology by competitors or just an increase in the number of miners.
Therefore, the minimum entry requirements a mining operation must meet in order to survive, let alone achieve profitability, are guaranteed access to cheap electricity; and, mining with the most current hardware. However, unless the cost of labor, vital upgrades, rent – even poor management decisions - can also be kept very low, the operation will struggle to remain viable, long-term.
Why did Veritas Mining launch an STO during a bear market?
Again, look to Bitmain's 2017 performance - mining can be very profitable, especially when an operations business model possesses the optimal mix of key factors. Veritas saw a unique opportunity to turn the company's fortunes, after being hit hard by the current, long bear market. The facility had plenty of capacity just sitting idle, and we already had the experienced team in place. But, there was a dark horse - we were very excited by the possibilities of an incredibly efficient, emerging technology in hardware mining, called an FPGA. All we needed was capital to purchase this new type of hardware – then we could just plug and play! So, after receiving the community's overwhelming support, the Xenium concept was born and soon after the SCO was launched.
I have also read online that pretty much anyone with enough money can buy the hardware and make an easy side income from a small scale mining operation at home, so why risk investing in a mining token?
Whilst there may have been the opportunity to profit with home mining setups during the period leading up to the bubble for many people running a rig or more at home, the huge increase in interest and investment also caused the number of people mining from home, and commercially, to rise exponentially. This caused the difficulty factor to increase dramatically as well, which put simply means that the amount crypto mining could yield has decreased as the difficulty factor increased. That, combined with high power costs in the home has driven most home miners out of the game – which has also caused the difficulty factor to fall again. Further, investing in a successful miner allows people who don't have the experience, space or many thousands to set-up at home, to profit from crypto-mining.
What are the advantages and differences between Xenium and most other mining ICOs, e.g. IRM, MIO?
Special access to the manufacturers in China of the most cutting-edge mining technology, allowing Veritas to build the hardware for one-third of the cost, a 3-to-1 cost advantage no other miner can dream of
Ability to allocate 97% of all capital exclusively towards the deployment of FPGA hardware, maximizing ROI
Access to renewable & eco-friendly energy which rivals the prices of our biggest competitors in Europe, Russia, and China.
Very low labor costs for running the operation, again, comparable to our toughest competitors
Dividends paid monthly and on time to token holders – something rarely seen by other ICOs to date
The security token is a share in profits with no end date – meaning forever
Veritas team is very experienced & are always looking to stay ahead with the advantage of new technology
Veritas Mining is a registered mining company in Thailand, and fully compliant with Thai regulations
In summary, the opportunity to get in at the ground floor of a start-up with so many advantages, and one which was able to begin trading, in profit, from day one, is so very rare and is only possible for XENM because it is Veritas' second business. This symbiosis forms part of the unique mix making XENM's business model unparalleled - not only for crypto-mining but for most start-ups across all sectors of business, period. It is a once in a generation opportunity.
How and where can I purchase Xenium tokens?
You can refer to our Xenium Token Sale page from the link above for more information and detailed instructions.
What risks should all investors in the rapidly evolving crypto-space be aware of?
As with all investment into new markets, 'early adopters' should be aware of natural volatility. The fluctuations in cryptocurrency prices can be very extreme. All miners and their investors should be aware of the high risks, and be prepared to accept the possibility of low or even non-existent dividends when mining is not that profitable. Further, that there is the chance that a company may fold if cryptocurrency prices remain to low for the business model to sustain. However, with our unique mix of cutting-edge tech, cheap power, and low costs, Xenium's exposure to these risks are very low, as shown already by our dividends, paid to date, all generated in a bear market. As always, DYOR!
How will Xenium "scale up" to remain competitive with the increasing difficulties of crypto-mining?
After reaching a majority consensus from investors in support of the team's proposal to increase the proportion of
re-investment from 30% up to 40% of net profits. This is put towards expanding the hardware purchasing of the operation, as well as towards researching ways to innovate and develop better mining. We are currently utilizing FPGAs for mining – pay off for research and development undertaken by Veritas Mining Co.
How does Veritium, the ICO funds Veritas set up the facility with, benefit from Xenium's use of them?
In the white paper, it was prescribed that Xenium provide additional income to Veritium, at 12% of net profits. This is to be used exclusively for the purchase and deployment of FPGA hardware in order to expand the mining operations and increase the dividends to VRTM token holders.
How does the high re-investment into the expansion of the operation benefit all Veritas investors?
Purchasing more hardware for the expansion of our operation will not just increase the amount of crypto we can mine and sell, but also our power consumption. This adds the potential to reduce our power costs greatly if we can meet the required levels. We currently pay just 0.063 US$/kWh. However, due to our exclusive contract power, once we hit 10mW, the price drops to 0.0528 US$/kW. Over 20mW = 0.0376 US$/kW. Finally, over 30mW = 0.0285 US$/kWh. These savings obviously would greatly benefit both Xenium and Veritium.
How much power is available to us?
We have about in total 55MWh to 60MWh. The minimum amount in Saraburi at about 15MWh and maximum at Suphanburi is 28MWh. We currently have 13.5 Megawatts of infrastructure ready for running mining equipment.
Where are the mining operations located?
Suphanburi, Thailand.
Will Xenium [XENM] be tradable?
The tokens will become tradable at the end of the STO. We have already secured the high volume exchange, Yobit. We are also in the process of building our own, VERAExchange, and XENM will likely also be listed on it, and whilst there may be other exchange listings possible in the future, XENM is a 'security token'. Therefore, from an investment point of view, Xenium tokens generate passive income, by design. They should be considered more like a blue-chip share in a PLC, for example, which are generally held by successful investors as longer term and lower risk investments, not as speculative investments for arbitrage.
Are there any limitations as to who can invest?
We will allow anyone to invest provided their jurisdiction will allow them to do so, as we are a security token.
What cryptocurrencies will Xenium mine?
We will be mining Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Zcash, Monero, Ubiq mainly. However, all these might change accordingly to profitability and liquidity of the coins.
What kind of equipment are we planning to purchase for our mines?
We would be going for 100% FPGAs for now but will change accordingly to suit profitability and also being future proof.


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Bibi Jones – Retirement Announcement
The Accurate Source To Find Quotes To Bibi Jones – Retirement Announcement."
[Bibi Jones – Retirement Announcement]
[Bibi Jones – (Britney Maclin July 23, 1991)] Source: LYBIO.net
So you guys know me as the major super slut. Ah, fucking guys all the time and I do. Umm, but ah, I guess I kind of have some news, big news. Um, I've been reading ah, this book ah: The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle; for a couple of months now, not because I'm a slow reader, it's just one of those books you have to read a page or two and you have to fully let it soak in ah for a while to really understand what Eckhart Tolle is telling you. So I wanted to read a page out of here: for the people that care. People already probably shut down this video because I'm not naked on it.
But for those of you who do care, I appreciate it. It's page 213.
I have a situation at work that is unpleasant I've tried to surrender it but I find that impossible. A lot of resistance keeps coming up; if you can not surrender, take action immediately, speak up or doing something to bring a valid change in the situation or remove yourself from it. Remove yourself from it. Take responsibility for your life do not pollute your beauty the radiant being or the earth with negativity, do not give up on happiness in any form, whatsoever in any place inside you.
[Bibi Jones] Source: LYBIO.net
Um, I've been ah I've been extremely unhappy the last couple of months. I'm not happy with me. I need a – I need the big picture here. And everyone knows that porn doesn't last forever, and ah family's Number 1. And it hurts my family a lot. So ah I'm doing it for them, I'm doing it for me. I'm doing it for my health. And ah I guess I'm saying I'm I'm getting out of the business.
You know I was promised a lot of things when I got into the industry, I was so excited, I was so happy but ah you know things happened and ah I can't do it anymore.
I don't wanna let down anyone. And I'm sorry if I'm making this really dramatic cause I wasn't even in the industry for very long at all but I'm only 20 years old. And the earlier I get out of this industry the better it's gonna be, I have nothing negative to say about porn and the people that are involved in it, I fully respect everyone.
And I'm happy about the friendships I've made in it. But it's not for me. So I guess start fresh and ah try to – try to become a better person so I'm really and truly sorry to Digital and ( ) and everyone I let down.
Bibi Jones – Retirement Announcement. I can't do it anymore. So I guess start fresh. Complete Full Transcript, Dialogue, Remarks, Saying, Quotes, Words And Text.

subset: commoncrawl


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Can't Let Go of Frozen?
After a slow start, Disney has got this covered!
Casting announcements have been dropped for the newest cast members on ABC's Once Upon A Time. Former Fringe cast member Georgina Haig has been cast as Queen Elsa, joining Elizabeth Lail as Anna and Scott Michael Foster as Kristoff.
This week Hollywood Studios kicked off the Frozen Summer Fun Live event, which is essentially Star Wars Weekends with Arendelle swapped in place of the Galaxy Far Far Away. With a parade, sing-along stage show in the Premiere Theater, and Wandering Oaken's Trading Post with Frozen merchandise, Hollywood Studios is the place to be. Inside The Magic has posted a great recap, so check it out and feel a little cooler for it.
via TV Guide
Related posts:
- What Made Mara (and Elsa) Great: Agency
- Collaborative Storytelling: From Marvel to Disney Animation And Looking Beyond To Star Wars
- Fangirl Chat Covers Disney's Frozen
For updates on all things FANgirl follow @FANgirlcantina on Twitter or like FANgirl Zone on Facebook. At times she tries the Tumblr.
Tricia Barr's novel, Wynde, won the 2014 Independent Publisher Book Award Gold Medal for Best Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror Ebook. She was also part of Silence in the Library's successful all-female creator science fiction and fantasy anthology Athena's Daughters, which is available now. For excerpts and tales of her adventures in creating a fictional universe, hop over to TriciaBarr.com.
Latest posts by Fangirl (see all)
- Tricia Barr Talks Writing Star Wars With Who's The Bossk Podcast - July 21, 2020
- Hyperspace Theories: The Clone Wars Season 7 – The Siege of Mandalore - June 3, 2020
- E. Anne Convery Sits Down With Fangirls Going Rogue - May 29, 2020


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More about Antony Gormley
He's won all sorts of awards and is wildly popular, but you have to wonder about Antony Gormley.
Over the past 25 years he has created around 17 molds of his very own non-descript body in slightly different slouches and manufactured hundreds of cast-iron and fiberglass copies of himself. It's a little weird. The pic above has one Gormley cast buried chest deep in asphalt on the driveway of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Most of the body is underground, or so we're told. Rembrandt van Rijn painted an endless number of self-portraits but at least he had to compose each one and actually paint it. Gormley, in contrast, is using industrial techniques to manufacture his selfie statues.
The self-obsessed artist has multiple versions of himself in London, New York, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Northern Norway, Liverpool, Lincoln, Mass., and Oxford. Gormley's Event Horizon consists of 31 casts installed on top of prominent buildings along London's South Bank and locations around New York City's Madison Square. Southern Italy alone has 100, set among the olive trees and Roman ruins. There's another hundred Gormleys in the Austrian Alps. All this doesn't include numerous museum installations using the casts. Overkill, perhaps?
While poor Rembrandt's life was debt-ridden, and his nonpayments resulted in a ban from selling his works in Amsterdam, Gormley has raked it in. His auction record is £3,401,250 for a small-scale model of his Angel of the North. That's not even the actual sculpture, which is a monstrously big steel angel that's 66 feet tall with wings measuring 177 feet across. It would probably fetch even more. But money is something he's used to. From a well-to-do London family, chauffeur and all, Gormley is one of the overeducated. Cambridge, Slade School of Fine Art, budhism trip to India...he has a lot to say about his art and it's all documented in the Gormley videos.
A few choice Gormley quotes:
- His work is "an attempt to materialise the place at the other side of appearance where we all live."
- "I do like the idea that attempting to ask questions about the place of art in our lives reveals these complex human and social matrices."
- Upon winning the Turner Prize in 1994, he told an interviewer he was "embarrassed and guilty to have won – it's like being a Holocaust survivor. In the moment of winning there is a sense the others have been diminished. I know artists who've been seriously knocked off their perches through disappointment."
Really? The Holocaust? Get a grip Gormley.
Featured Content
Here is what Wikipedia says about Antony Gormley
Sir Antony Mark David Gormley, OBE (born 30 August 1950), is a British sculptor. His works include the Angel of the North, a public sculpture in Gateshead in the North of England, commissioned in 1994 and erected in February 1998; Another Place on Crosby Beach near Liverpool; and Event Horizon, a multi-part site installation which premiered in London in 2007, around Madison Square in New York City, in 2010, in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2012, and in Hong Kong in 2015–16.
In 2008 The Daily Telegraph ranked Gormley number 4 in their list of the "100 most powerful people in British culture".
Check out the full Wikipedia article about Antony Gormley.


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When selling spy devices and all method of surveillance tools it is much simpler to protect yourself from the start instead of waiting for hassle to seek out you. It should be clear to them that these devices needs to be used only on legal purposes equivalent to these carried out by police, PI's, retailer investigators, and similar applications. Seize these memorable moments with anybody realizing about it by using camouflaged spy cams hidden in clothes like hats, shirts, glasses, or different gizmos or home equipment in the house.
Perfect for sliding between literature in your ebook shelf, this digicam may easily spy on your enemies as they relaxed in your workplace. Some are smartly designed apps that make your phone right into a spy gizmo, very similar to Phoner. One of many more intelligent spy gadgets you may truly buy is a hollow coin that enables you sufficient space for storing for one Micro SD card.
The Final Night time Vision also allows for brief and long range viewing in order that no enemy exercise will escape the prying eyes of a dedicated child spy. ComSec's TSCM companies detect service current bugging gadgets and other spy devices. Instead, the information gives a basic overview of the spy devices and spy gear currently used.
Defending yourself from abuse of your spy gizmo merchandise is one factor, but informing or coaching your shopper on correct use could be a good additional mile that your customers would actually admire. Scroll by way of below to see simply how spy tech" changed the way we collect info with a number of the coolest spy gadgets I've ever seen! It may not be as superior as the other gadgets in our checklist nevertheless it positive does the job of providing youngsters with the opportunity to essentially use their imagination to play the role of a child spy.
Whether your baby is already an avid sky master or only a beginner this kit will supply the fundamentals of learn how to actually crack a laser coded room. This is likely one of the full units of gadgets particularly built for teenagers aspiring to become spies. The Spy Gear Micro Agent Listener permits spies to eavesdrop on secret conversations with out being detected.


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Sarita's story is tragic. She lost her husband during the Nepal earthquake and their house was destroyed. Sarita herself was rescued but she received a spinal cord injury that limits her mobility and makes her dependent on relatives to help her getting around. Despite all that has happened Sarita doesn't let herself get down, she fights back! It's her belief in herself that helps her endure these hard times of loss, pain and dependency.
Sarita lives with her son Ajit (12) near Chautara, in Sindhupalchowk district – one of the 14 most affected districts during the Nepal earthquake. The quake took Sarita's husband and also destroyed their mud house. Sarita herself was severely injured in the quake and was airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment. For over a month, Sarita was admitted in a government hospital in Kathmandu where she received treatment for her spinal cord injury. As she recovered, she was given a pair of crutches to support herself. Now Sarita can manage to stand and take a few steps. After her son goes to school in the morning, she requests her relatives to help lift her to her elder sister's ration shop where she spends the whole day.
Sarita is one of the people with disabilities and older people identified by Ageing and Disability Focal Points (ADFPs) – an initiative of cbm in partnership with the National Federation of the Disabled, Nepal (NFDN). These ADFPs are set up in some of the worst affected areas of three districts in central Nepal namely Sindhupalchowk, Kavre and Makwanpur.
Krishna Bista, district coordinator of ADFP project in Sindhupalchowk says: "…we will request the district authorities to issue [Sarita] a disability card so that she gets some additional benefits. As such, we have made sure Sarita gets equal relief distributed by the government and the international agencies to the locals."
Below is an excerpt from a conversation with Sarita Tamang at her elder sister's shop near Chautara, Sindhupalchowk district, on 8th July:
Where were you when the earthquake struck on April 25?
"That Saturday some guests were to meet at the District Forest Office where my husband works as a house keeping staff. As he had a slight pain in his back, I joined to help him do the task. We were cleaning a room on the second floor when the two-storey building started to shake. I had never experienced anything like that before… I quickly pulled my husband and tried to hide under a table. But he was hesitant and got up to see what was happening. Within moments, a large part of the ceiling came crashing on us. Because I was under the table, I was injured badly below the waist. But my husband was crushed under the concrete. As I lay there, I could see Setu breath his last. After an hour of severe pain and bleeding I too lost consciousness…"
How did you receive treatment for your injuries? Did you get to see your husband again?
"All I remember is a group of Army personnel pulled me out of the rubble and carried me towards a helicopter. There were several others with broken limbs and bleeding body parts. That was some six hours after the quake. The helicopter first took us to Dhulikhel Hospital and then to Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu… No, I didn't see my husband again. I heard that his body was taken out only on the third day. My relatives performed the last rites..."
Where do you live since your return from Kathmandu?
"I stayed with my elder sister for a few days, after I returned from Kathmandu. I then received compensation from the government for the loss, which I used to buy some tin sheets. We also recovered some tin from the old house. Later, my relatives helped to build a temporary shelter. I live there with my son… My daughter got married last year and lives with her husband in Kathmandu. She was the one who took care of me when I was admitted in the hospital."
What are you doing these days? What are your plans?
"Every morning, when my son goes to school, I request my relatives to help me get up to my elder sister's ration shop. I sit here during the day and help her sell the goods. She has been very supportive… I like to be amidst people and do something. I don't want to sit alone in the house and feel sorry for what has happened. I want to fight back."
What are your major challenges? What can be done to support you?
"The biggest challenge is my health. I need to recover soon and get back on my feet. I need to earn money to take care of my son. I cannot sit like this and seek help from others all the time. Once I can walk on my own, I'll find some work to run my family."
What makes you endure so much? What's the source of your strength?
"I was very worried when I was admitted in the hospital. I used to cry a lot. But then I realized there's no point crying over what has happened. Even now, I feel like crying. But I hide it and wear a smile… The fact is, there're so many people have lost their family members. And they'll never come back. So what's the point of crying… There's a lot of responsibility on me. I need to look after myself and my son. How long can I be dependent on others? My relatives will help for a day or a month. After that I need to stand on my own and take care of my family. So, I believe in myself. This is my strength."


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The Agricultural Commissioner is required by law to annually compile and report crop and livestock statistics as well as pest exclusion, management and eradication activities to the Board of Supervisors and the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
The Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner has compiled the annual Crop Report every year since 1928 and all 84 Crop Reports are available on the department's website www.sonoma-county.org/agcomm/crop_report.htm.
The annual Crop Report provides an accounting of Sonoma County agricultural commodity production and gross values (not net farm income) and is used in the community as a valuable resource for economics, tourism, financing, and history for the County. The Agricultural Commissioner's Office activities are also highlighted in the report, and include a summary of accomplishments for the Agriculture and Weights and Measures Divisions, and supplemental statistics related to the Grading and Drainage, and Orchard and Vineyard Site Development Ordinance. Data on non-agricultural crops such as commercial fish landings and timber harvests are also included from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Board of Equalization respectively.
This year's Crop Report spotlights our winegrape industry, which had a record crop in 2012 at 267,062 tons of grapes valued at $582,942,100. Ideal growing conditions contributed to the 60% increase in tonnage while prices were up overall by 4.7%. In an effort to promote Sonoma County, the Agricultural Commissioner's Office collaborated with Sonoma County Winegrowers staff for this year's Crop Report cover highlighting the brand mark that debuted in 2012 and the feature story. Winegrapes have been a vital part of Sonoma County's agricultural heritage from the 19th century through today.
The 2012 total gross production value of all crops was $821,345,000, a 41% increase from 2011. This is the gross value and does not account for costs such as production, processing, and bringing the commodity to market. The increase in gross value for 2012 is attributed primarily to a nearly 66% increase in fruit and nut crop value, followed by value increases of 36% for nursery products, 24% for field crops, and 16% for vegetable crops. Decreases in values were seen in apples (-29%) and livestock and poultry products, such as eggs and milk (-7%).
This data is provided through surveying more than 1,000 Sonoma County producers. In an effort to increase participation for the 2012 report, a new electronic survey form was made available on the Agricultural Commissioner's website and circulated through collaboration with our community partners. I would like to thank all of the producers who took the time to fill out and return the survey. Without the support and response to these surveys this report would not be possible.


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For the past few years, there has been an annual "Taste of Birmingham" event held in the summer which featured some of the City's top restaurants. However, it was axed this year after being viewed as elitist given that the target demographic were high spenders or the corporate sector and it's replacement was going to be something more "for the people". After all, there are some fantastic places in (and around) Birmingham that only not sell, but produce fantastic ingredients on top of the varied and always improving restaurant scene. I know I'm biased because Birmingham is my hometown and well, I even named this blog after it, so when I heard that the Taste of Birmingham was being scrapped and replaced by something more befitting the City, I began to get my hopes raised.
Birmingham Food Fest (running October 14th – 23rd) is the all new improved food festival not only run by Birmingham, but for the people of Birmingham and beyond, to help spread the culinary profile of Birmingham to those near and far. The anticipation of it all began using social media like Twitter and Facebook and soon, word-of-mouth began to spread – And with it, excitement as people began to speculate what would be included. There were already assurances that top chefs from the City's top restaurants would be participating, so perhaps this really could be better than the corporate tedium that was the Taste of Birmingham? I mean, people don't automatically think of Birmingham as a culinary mecca but with 3 restaurants with coveted Michelin stars and a whole host of other restaurants like Loves Restaurant and Edmunds winning national awards, we've certainly got nothing to be ashamed of. Add to this the fact that Birmingham is such a multiculturally diverse city with cuisines from all over the world, it really could be something special.
Sadly, when the details of the Birmingham Food Fest were finally announced, I felt slightly deflated and disappointed; my initial thoughts were: "Is that it?" Where were the events to really draw people out and showcase the City? That's not to say that it's completely dull and there are 1 or 2 events that sound quite interesting, but there's nothing that makes me immediately go "WOW!" and want to book tickets as soon as possible. During the whole festival, there's only 1 event which features Caribbean food – And it's an evening at Aston Villa Football Club. I understand the need to showcase the City's plentiful venues and facilities, but why only 1 event considering the large Caribbean population we have in the City? And what about other ethnic cuisines? There's one event which essentially sees you get on an open top bus from the City Centre to.. BALTI TRIANGLE! (via the Golden Mile, the Chinese Quarter and a few other select areas of Birmingham) where a delicious and authentic Balti at Imran's restaurant awaits you. Now, personal misgivings about the Balti Triangle aside, I could kind-of see how this could be something fun and would get people involved, but when you think about it, it's essentially transporting one singular bus load of people across Birmingham to Balti Triangle on a Saturday night when it's going to be busy anyway. There are the more interesting events like the chance to "Dine Under the Stars" at the Thinktank's Planetarium which sounds absolutely brilliant – If it weren't for the £250 + VAT for 2 people price tag. Even the special Champagne evening to be hosted at Vaults restaurant sounds fantastic – a 5 course meal with 3 glasses of Champagne, but for £70, I could get a decent meal (if not better) with Champagne at normal price at other restaurants in the City.
What's more, where are the food producers? Farmer's Markets held across the City are a great success and demonstrate not only is there a demand for good local produce, but I'm convinced it's helped to raise the profile and support our local producers and economy. So why not have something throughout the festival – like the International Food Fair we have where food producers from the across the globe, or indeed the Frankfurt German Market – where local food producers can sell their produce and promote their business? I am truly astonished that we don't have anything like this during the Food Fest.
However, I don't want to appear all gloom and doom before the event has even begun, and I think it's only fair to point out that it's not completely bad – Some of the offers that the local restaurants have during the Festival are quite good so it could possibly mean trying out restaurants that were previously out of people's price range, or perhaps provide the impetus for people to finally try out a restaurant they've been meaning to. I hope at least that business for the local restaurants improves during the Food Fest.
And therein lies my problem with the whole thing: My overriding thought of the Birmingham Food Festival is that it's an opportunity missed – Yes, there are a lot of offers from local restaurants, and there are opportunities for people to dine in different venues across the City, but the pricing is still quite high (and seemingly aimed at the Corporate market which the previous incarnation of the Taste of Birmingham targeted) and is very restaurant-centric. There is little or no acknowledgement of the diverse cuisines across the City and perhaps most shamefully of all, there is no acknowledgement of all the local food producers from across the City – And that's particularly frustrating when I know there are some fantastic local food producers out there. I'm lamenting how the Birmingham Food Fest should be an opportunity for us, as a City, to shout out loud and show everyone how not only is Birmingham a great place to dine, or that we have a multitude of venues to visit, but also that we have local people producing some great food – Is this not something we should be proud of? I hope the Birmingham Food Fest succeeds – honestly I do, because to fail would possibly mean a return back to something like the Taste of Birmingham which isn't at all geared towards everyday people (the likes of you and I), and that really would be tragic. I'll still be going to as many restaurants as I can during Birmingham Food Fest as I want to show my support for my City and it's restaurants, but I sincerely hope that next year, there is at least something to not only show what great restaurants we have, but also what else makes Birmingham so very great – It's people, diverse culture and supporting local businesses and industries.


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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CNN) -- The leadership of the ruling African National Congress party in South Africa's call for President Thabo Mbeki to resign means the end of an era in South African politics.
Mbeki has been South African president since 1999.
And it signals that Mbeki had lost his long-running battle against ANC leader Jacob Zuma. Since December last year, when Zuma and his allies won control at the party's annual conference in Polokwane, the writing had been on the wall for Mbeki.
But speculation over Mbeki's fate had risen to fever pitch on September 12 when Judge Chris Nicholson threw out the fraud, corruption and racketeering case against Zuma on an issue of due process.
The judgment paved the way for Zuma to become the next president of South Africa.
More significantly, the Judge Nicholson implied that there was widespread political interference in the judiciary reaching all the way to the office of the presidency.
For supporters of Zuma this was the last straw. There were immediate calls for Mbeki's head from the powerful ANC Youth League, the Communist Party and the trade union COSATU.
Mbeki and his cabinet deny accusations of political interference and are seeking legal options against the ruling. But those actions now seem too late.
Mbeki's ousting is a deeply humiliating move for the man who succeeded Nelson Mandela as the leader of South Africa's young democracy.
Mbeki joined the ANC when he was 14. But he was born into the struggle. His father, Govan Mbeki, is heralded a stalwart of the ANC and was jailed with Nelson Mandela on Robben Island for 24 years.
The urbane Mbeki was a leader of the ANC's exile wing and helped create the movement's bases in countries neighboring South Africa in the darkest days of Apartheid.
Mbeki was seen as a key to the successes of the negotiations with the Apartheid regime after Nelson Mandela was released and in the years before the first free election in 1994.
In 1999, he became the second democratically elected president of the country -- hand-picked to build on the legacy of Nelson Mandela.
As president, Mbeki is widely credited with helping the South African economy to mature and for helping broker difficult political deals across the continent (most recently last week in Zimbabwe).
But he has been heavily criticized for siding with HIV/AIDS skeptics and blamed for delays in the country's fight against the disease. And he often struggled to connect with the rank and file of the party and with average South Africans.
But it has been his struggle with Zuma that has proved his true Achilles heel, leading him to be abandoned by the party that has been his life.
The ANC leadership's strategy suggests that they want to avoid immediate wholesale changes in government.
By asking Mbeki to resign the ANC is trying to avoid a collapse of the cabinet. If the president refuses to resign the ANC could call a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly.
The constitution states that a vote of no confidence would require the president and the entire cabinet to quit -- a move that could plunge South Africa's government into chaos and require early elections.
If Mbeki resigns -- and his office has stated that Thabo Mbeki "has obliged" to the ANC decision -- then he could take some powerful cabinet members with him.
A spokesman of Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said Saturday that she would resign with the president. And there are other cabinet members that are seen as owing their political success to their loyalty to the president. They too could go.
How the cabinet and the ruling party handle the next few days will be a crucial test to this young democracy and its stability.
But the last week in South Africa suggests that there could be some surprises still to come in this extraordinary political power struggle.
Correspondent David McKenzie contributed to this report.
All About South Africa • Jacob Zuma • Thabo Mbeki


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Last weekend, I was able to venture out into the big ole world after being cooped up with a bad back. Bruce and my mom traversed through the countryside hunting for antiques. Why Bruce is the best? I got to go sit in the heated seats in the Jeep while he checked out.
The Country Lane
Hours: Wed-Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sun. 1:00pm – 4:00 pm
380 Ericsson Rd. | Kennedy, New York 14747
Phone (716) 267-2020
My mom has been going to this store since it opened in 1992. The shop is just a few miles from our home. I actually went to school with their daughter, Jennifer and shared a lunch table with her when we were younger. You can find antiques, rustic decor and reproduced antique furniture that is made by Mike Bunce, the owner. You'll find something to decorate your house, I promise.
Next stop is a quaint little antique shop in Ellington. Ellington always reminds me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. . .
Ellington Antiques and Collectibles
Hours: Noon to 4:00 pm Daily (Spring-Autumn)
748 N Park St | Ellington NY 14732
Tel: 716-664-9236
This trip I found a black flow plate marked 35.00 with 40% off. Even better my mom got it as a present for me. Not bad for a plate that is almost 200 years old.
Podmore Walker & Co. Mulberry Black Transfer "Washington Vase" 9 Inch Plate.
Next stop… Anywhere you see an Amish Stand selling stands. They're giant and you need sustenance to continue your shopping.
Next point your car towards this hidden antique shop…
Good as New Antiques & Collectables
5499 US-62, Conewango Valley, New York 14726
Hours: Tue-Sat: 10:00 am -5:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Get ready to search through lots of stuff to find your treasure.
Hope these little hidden gems you can find in your next Antique Shopping trip in Kennedy, Ellington and Conewango Valley


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Saudi Aramco annuitants returned to all corners of the Kingdom during the 2019 KSA Expat Reunion, from Jubail to Madain Salih and points in between. (Photos by Alison Hooker, Cheri Saner, and Art Clark)
Dhahran — "A priceless gift to us and we cannot say enough great things about this trip!" Karen Gadai Johnson wrote at the conclusion of the 2019 KSA Expat Reunion.
Mohammed Waheed, retiree and former president of the Saudi Aramco Employees Association (SAEA), enjoys participating in a sword dance at the SAEA Dinner under the Stars. The 10-day reunion was packed with more than 100 activities and trips, providing a schedule that kept participants and volunteers alike busy over the duration of the event.
She brought her children with her from the U.S. to share with them where their grandparents had worked and where she was raised — the first time she had returned to Kingdom in more than 30 years.
Her words and feelings were echoed by many of the more than 500 happy reunion attendees as they enjoyed the event's Farewell Luncheon hosted by Nabeel A. Al-Jama', vice president of Saudi Aramco Corporate Affairs, and Community Services.
Rekindling Memories, Seeing a New Kingdom
For most of the visiting retirees, "brats," and their families, the 10-day reunion event was a busy time packed full of trips and activities designed to rekindle memories and showcase the many developments and changes that have taken place throughout the Kingdom.
"If you come over here now, you see something that is totally different — very positive changes," commented retiree Paul Sutterlin. "There is more of a museum milieu to experience regarding traditional Saudi culture. You don't need the same spirit of adventure that you needed coming in the '60s. Back then, you really were in a very different culture. Now, there are many more aspects of life familiar to outsiders. I think it's a very positive thing to open up Saudi to the outside world."
Amie and Roger Power came to the reunion as part of their honeymoon. Roger and his brother, Glenn, grew up in Abqaiq in the 1960s and '70s. It was Amie's first visit to the Kingdom, and she said: "The image I had from the media was totally different to my experience. Everyone has been so welcoming, so gracious. One gentleman even left his store to walk us around al-Khobar and show us some new things and places to go."
More Than 100 Activities
A record-breaking program of more than 100 activities and trips was on offer, many illustrating how the Kingdom is developing and changing with a view to tourism. In collaboration with Saudi Aramco's Transportation and Aviation departments, groups of reunion guests were able to experience longer visits to Abha and Asir, Riyadh, and Jiddah, as well as day trips to Shaybah, al-Hasa, Madain Salih, and al-Uqair. It was a new experience for many to be on trips handled entirely by knowledgeable and helpful local Saudi guides.
Before she retired in 2009, Kathleen (Berni) Wright from the U.K. used to plan, coordinate, and lead trips for the Saudi Aramco Employees Association (SAEA), so she was particularly interested and encouraged to see how this industry is developing.
"They are doing a very good job," she said of the tour companies partnering with the reunion team. "They know what they are doing, and they are looking after everyone very well. It is the small touches that make the difference."
Retiree Kathleen (Berni) Wright shares stories from when she worked for Abdulaziz Al-Falih with his son, HE Khalid A. Al-Falih (right), and his grandson, Abdulaziz. The 2019 KSA Expat Reunion not only provides a way for expatriate workers to revisit their working days at Saudi Aramco, but also maintains a crucial link in the history of our company and the generations of people who have worked here.
Welcomed by Dignitaries and Officials
In addition to the Welcome Dinner hosted by president and CEO Amin Nasser, there were also a number of other special events in the program. Sixty reunion guests were warmly welcomed to the Eastern Province at a reception held by Eastern Province Governor HRH Prince Saud ibn Nayif ibn 'Abd Al-'Aziz Al Sa'ud in Dammam.
The group was accompanied by Khalid K. Al Mulhim, Saudi Aramco general manager of Government Affairs, and Ali M. Baluchi, chairman of the 2019 KSA Reunion Steering and Organizing Committee. The Governor expressed his sincere desire that the reunion guests enjoy their return to their previous home in the Kingdom and take time to rekindle their many happy memories. He also highlighted the many and great changes happening within the Saudi economy, society and community, and hoped the visitors would appreciate the transformation.
Annuitants Steve Guyon and Jane Ollerhead thanked the Governor for his generosity, and Baluchi then presented HRH with a special gift as a token of the group's appreciation of the tremendous hospitality offered by the Eastern Province to the event.
Another group of reunion guests had the unexpected opportunity of being flown to Riyadh for a dinner hosted by HE Khalid A. Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Saudi Aramco Board of Directors, to meet HRH Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Sa'ud, the newly appointed ambassador to the U.S.
Those fortunate guests also enjoyed a spectacular sound and light show illustrating the history of the Kingdom against the backdrop of the Ad Diriyah Gate World Heritage site, as well as guided tours of the area.
From top-left, the Dhahran Oasis Quilters Guild provided the perfect message to the arriving annuitants and then treated them to a miniquilt show; the Cherry family, Warren and Joan and children Ross and Jacqueline, return to their previous home in the Hills area; this group of retirees nabbed top honors on Quiz Night; now retired Dhahran Women's Group members enjoy a picnic for International Women's Day; and the Cornwall family enjoys the SAEA dinner.
Witnesses to Change
The visitors were fascinated by the developments they have seen in the Kingdom. The most obvious change has been the progress and status of women in the workforce. The teams of female guides at Ad Diriyah and Ithra, for instance, made a most favorable impression, as did seeing women driving. Some of the female visitors, such as Kathy Brown from Canada, came equipped with their international driver's license and were excited to be able to drive themselves in the Kingdom for the first time. "It was an amazing and freeing experience after years of having to rely on drivers to take me anywhere," said Brown.
Others noticed the advances made in technology such as the range of apps and ease of their use in the Kingdom. Laura Klemme (U.S.) was impressed by the hotel where she was staying and how many TV channels she could watch now. She remembered only being able to watch Aramco TV when she lived here previously. Klemme was also surprised by the freedom to take photographs.
One point of sadness for many was seeing the closing of many much-loved shops in the older part of al-Khobar since they were last here. As Unna Ramanathan (U.S. retiree spouse) observed: "It's nice to keep the essence and character of the old shopping areas. Shopping malls are fine, but you can visit those anywhere."
Anita Sutterlin agreed, saying: "I loved sitting down with the shopkeeper and drinking tea while you bartered over a rug. I miss that personal connection."
HE Khalid A. Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources, speaks to guests at the head table at a special dinner in Riyadh, including, to his right: retiree Fred Blanchard; U.S. chargé d'affaires in Riyadh, Christopher Henzel; and Saudi Arabia's newly named ambassador to the U.S., HRH Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Sa'ud.
Impressions of Ithra
A particular focus of the reunion program were tours of Ithra, which all of the guests had the opportunity to attend. Like many others, visiting Ithra was a highlight for Rolie Carron, a Canadian emergency nurse for the Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization (SAMSO) for 23 years. "It was amazing and stunning with so much information in there for learning more about Saudi Arabia. I spent a whole day there on my own, roaming around … what an accomplishment it is," she said.
"I left before it was completed, so I was so excited to come back and get the chance to experience it. So much to see and do there, and it's going to offer so much to educate the public — it's fascinating," she added.
Chris and Helenka DeLuca, also Canadian retirees, commented on how they "very much enjoyed visiting the Eastern Province again and seeing how things have developed and how facilities have improved.
"We loved the beautiful beaches and had a most enjoyable boat cruise from Jubail. It was interesting to see how al-Hasa has changed and become easier for visitors to navigate. We loved seeing the caves again."
Coming Together for the Reunion
The strength and diversity offered by the reunion program was reflective of the dynamic energy created by Saudi Aramco communities working together, with volunteers coming from various parts of the company, Saudi retirees and self-directed groups, including the SAEA, the Dhahran Women's Group, the Dhahran Art Group, Dhahran Oasis Quilters Guild, and many others.
Volunteers cheerfully gave countless hours to welcome guests, answer questions, led trips and tours, organize hospitality, create and run events, and generally ensure the comfort of the visitors. Volunteer coordinator Rubina Dharsey said: "It provided an excellent way to give something back to our community. I valued the opportunity to use my skills to coordinate more than 100 volunteers who not only provided much needed assistance, but also had a wonderful experience in the process and helped create lasting memories for both the guests and themselves."
HE Ali I. Al-Naimi shakes hands with guests at a special luncheon held in Dhahran as reunion chairman Ali M. Baluchi accompanies the Advisor to the Royal Court. Baluchi said Al-Naimi — "a childhood friend" — encouraged him to carry and manage the next expatriate reunion in the Kingdom.
A Five-star Reunion
Baluchi believes the reunion deserved a five-star rating.
"The 11 days were greatly enjoyed by the 550 annuitants and their families, but we enjoyed their visit equally as much," he said. "The kind feedback and sincere appreciation offered by the dear visitors gladdened our hearts. We commend them for their energy and enthusiasm throughout their stay in following the busy program."
As is always the case, it was the incredible warmth of traditional Saudi hospitality that had the biggest impact on everyone attending the reunion. Whether at the CEO dinner, over coffee and tea at a desert camp fire, or at a resort lunch, the welcome that guests experienced was truly phenomenal. Many commented on the kindness and generosity of the Saudi people they have met. They will definitely be returning home as unofficial ambassadors for the Kingdom.
by Jessica Weirmier
Volunteers played an important role in helping the guests to register.
Dhahran — For every six former Aramcons attending March's KSA Expat Reunion 2019, there was a volunteer on hand helping make this an experience to remember.
From March 11 to March 21, the Dhahran community was flooded with groups of annuitants, "brats," and their families for the third annuitants' reunion to be held in Saudi Arabia. The last reunion was held in 2015, and the first one was held approximately five years earlier. The participants came seeking to connect with a place that was once home, and the volunteers meeting them were there to help make it a memorable experience.
Dany Man was one of more than 100 volunteers who helped make the experience memorable for reunion participants. She said she found out about the need for volunteers when her friend suggested she go with her to one of the first volunteer orientation meetings being held at the Reunion House in Dhahran. The timing of the reunion worked well for her schedule and provided a way for her to give back to the community.
She got more than she expected out of the experience, she said.
"It was so fun to ask them about how they felt and to get some stories from them," she says. "They were all very excited to be back, some after being away for almost 50 years," Man said. "One of the ladies got very emotional when she collected her ID card. This was the first inkling I had of how much they loved their time in Saudi."
Man signed up to help with the creation of 600 reunion identification cards — one for each participant. As they arrived and signed in, she was part of the team that handed out the ID cards.
She was joined in the ID card distribution by fellow volunteer Winki Poon, who also helped out with hospitality and trip-leading volunteering.
"As a member of the community, I just wanted to contribute a little bit," said Poon, adding it was a pleasure being able to talk to former Aramcons, hear their stories, and enjoy their enthusiasm and energy.
For both Poon and Man, time management was a challenge for volunteering at the reunion. Volunteer spaces filled up fast through SignUpGenius, the efficient online sign up system used by organizers. "Finding a slot that I was able to volunteer at the Reunion House was difficult," said Man. "There was none available for my schedule!"
A Wide Range of Ways in Which to Give
Volunteer commitments ranged from working on the steering committee to meet and greet annuitants, brats, and their families in the Reunion House — the central hub for the reunion.
Volunteer coordinator Rubina Dharsey said that without the volunteer spirit of today's community, the reunion wouldn't be near the success it was. "There's always been a tradition of volunteering in the Saudi Aramco community, and it becomes clearly evident during events such as the reunion," Dharsey said.
The Reunion House is located on 11th Street, near the Sixth Street security gate. It's a small house packed with big things where annuitants can meet with other reunion goers to chat about old times over a cup of coffee or tea. It's where events and day trips were signed up for. It's where hospitality volunteers could help answer questions and connect participants with what they needed to know.
Day trips were as varied as tours of Ithra, to shopping in al-Khobar's souks, from bus tours of al-Hasa, to lazy days spent on the beach. Everything imaginable lay in between, and every single tour and event didn't happen without the effort of volunteers.
Tom Masso
by Jessica Weirmier
Dhahran — When Tom Masso was a boy living in Dhahran, the only hill he knew was the steep one on Holmes Street where he and his buddies would race down on their bikes. Years later, although the community he left in 1971 looks vastly different, he still recalls who lived where and who did what in the neighborhoods of what is today called main camp.
Masso, now approaching 71 years old, returned to Dhahran to attend the KSA 2019 Reunion, joining hundreds of retired employees, former "brats," and their families.
In particular, Masso took in a kids exhibition baseball game that was organized for annuitants. Masso says he was impressed by the quality of the fields and facilities. He remembers when their Little League games were played up closer to the school on Third Street. But some things remain the same. Back then, the coaches were dads, just like they still are today.
Fond Memories of Scouting
Another activity Masso recalled — one that was also run by many dads — was Cub Scouts. "The soap box derby was held by the library and launched off a flat bed trailer on Ibis Street," said Masso, who made it all the way through Cub Scouts to Webelos.
He also remembers fondly the pack meetings and camping out near Abqaiq on a giant dune. "We made coffee can casseroles for breakfast, and you always knew which Scout didn't tape up their coffee can properly, there would be eggs everywhere," he says laughing.
As a retirement project, Masso spent some of his free time building a shadow box to mount on the wall. When finished, among other memorabilia, the shadow box will house all of his buttons, ribbons, and badges earned while a Cub Scout in Dhahran during the 1950s and '60s.
A Bittersweet Reunion
While reliving the memories of after-school fun, Masso also spent time remembering his mother, Alice, who died suddenly in 1962 when he was 13.
"I can hear her," he says as he surveys the camp. She was an avid bridge player, and she kept the young Masso in line. Masso had the bittersweet opportunity to visit his mother's resting place while on the reunion, thanks in part to an Eagle Scout project by Saudi Aramco brat Thomas Hall.
"I'm here to relive some of my past," said Masso of his motivation to make the long journey from his home in Missouri to his former home in the Eastern Province. "You can't just come anytime."


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text: fimbulfimbul's party was a blast. I saw a bunch of people that I talk to every day on IRC, but never really see in real life. I had wonderful food (fimbul is an awesome cook). I became addicted to a particular cheese and a particular wine (damn you, fimbul!). An incredible amount of silliness abounded. There were snoobs. I got home around 2:45 or so, and I hear that the rest of our cadre didn't head out until 4:30 or 5 or so. For the interested, there are photos available here (not entirely worksafe; I did say there were snoobs, right?).


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Thomas Chiropractic, Roseville Food Drive!
Where: Thomas Chiropractic, Roseville 720 Sunrise Ave., Suite B-104
When: Monday, March 7th until Thursday, March 17th
-Bring in non-perishable food for the Placer County Food Bank
-Receive a FREE First Visit (exam, x-rays, 1st adjustment)
-For New Patients only, please. Call 780-1370, today!
It's a win, win, win. New, patients, bring food for the Placer County Food Bank and receive a free first visit that includes everything from the exam, x-rays (if needed), and first adjustment. This help the new patients with their health, helps feed the community, and brings joy to all involved!


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Dammy Krane, 23 hasn't been making a lot of headlines lately but he just got one for himself.
The music star took to Twitter to call out Wizkid on Tuesday evening. Details of what he is accusing Wizkid of is still scarce but it looks like he is claiming Wizkid stole his material.
Dammy Krane born Oyindamola Johnson wrote, "Wizkid is a b!tch n!gga, I was about to loose it and f*ck him up but they
even had to beg me,no time to form I am the streets!! "
See screenshots below


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Warning: This post is several years old and the author has marked it as poor quality (compared to more recent posts). It has been left intact for historical reasons, but but its content (and code) may be inaccurate or poorly written.
I added a backlight to my oscilloscope! My o-scope's backlight hasn't worked since I got it (for $10), so I soldered-up a row of 9 orange LEDs (I had them in a big bag) and hooked them directly up to a 3v wall wart. In retrospect I wish I had a bunch of blue LEDs… but for now I can't get over how well this worked! Compare it to the images a few posts back – you can really see the grid lines now!
I know this is super-basic stuff for a lot of you all, but I haven't found a place online which CLEARLY documents this process, so I figured I'd toss-up a no-nonsense post which documents how I calculate the power output (in watts) of my QRP devices (i.e., QRSS MEPT) using an oscilloscope.
I think I have increased power output because I'm now powering my 74HC240 from this power supply (5v, 200A) rather than USB power (which still powers the microcontroller). Let's see!
There's the signal, and I haven't calibrated the grid squares (this thing shifts wildly) so I have to measure PPV (peak-to-peak voltage) in "squares". The PPV of this is about 5.3 squares.
I now use a function generator to create square waves at a convenient height. Using the same oscilloscope settings, I noticed that 10v square waves are about 7 squares high. My function generator isn't extremely accurate as you can see (very fuzzy) but this is a good approximation. I now know that my signal is 5.3/7*10 volts. The rest of the math is pictured here:
140mW – cool! It's not huge… but it's pretty good for what it is (a 2-chip transmitter). I'd like to take it up to a full watt… we'll see how it goes. My 74HC240 is totally mutilated. I accidentally broke off one of the legs, couldn't solder to it anymore, and thought I destroyed the chip. After getting distraught about a $0.51 component, I ripped ALL the legs off. Later I realized I was running out of these chips, and decided to try to revive it. I used a dremel with an extremely small bit (similar to a quarter-round burr in dentistry) and drilled into the black casing of the microchip just above the metal contacts, allowing me enough surface area for solder to adhere to. I'm amazed it works! Now, to get more milliwatts and perhaps even watts…


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It is very important to have the right type of baitwell to keep scaled sardines alive all day for a productive fishing trip. To keep the scaled sardines alive you need a baitwell that consistently flushes the old water out and takes the new water in. You can do this with a GPH baitwell pump, cooler and intake and out-take.
An aerator pump is not good enough to keep these baits alive and healthy. They have kits where you can convert your cooler into a constant flow of new water in and old water out. What this does is eliminate the problems of heat and ammonia build-up, and supplies new clean oxygenated water to your bait. The water has to come in from the bottom and circulate in a circular motion.
The problem with the cooler system is that the cooler is not circular or oval. So the scaled sardines run into the squared corners and beat themselves up. You can tell by their red noses. Still if your GPH pump moves the bait in a circular direction your cooler system should work okay. Also you have to have the right GPH pump. If it is too strong, the scaled sardines will overwork themselves and get pushed around and die. It needs to be a gentle flow where they can swim gently along.
Also you need to keep the water temperatures of the water coming into the baitwell and the water already in the tank under an 8-degree variable. In other words if the water is really hot in your baitwell, say at 85 degrees, and you bring in colder water at 75 degrees, you will kill your scaled sardines or visa versa. Its a fine line — from hot to cold, and cold to hot. It is much easier then it sounds. Just remember you need good gentle circular water flow, good oxygenated water and stable water temperatures. These things will keep your bait healthy and alive.
Captain David M Rieumont
The Online Fisherman Inc


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'Logan' was one of the best movies of 2017 and now the film has been nominated for best adapted screenplay at the Oscars…
'Logan' achieved a historic first for a movie based on a comic book as the film directed by James Mangold and starring Hugh Jackman was nominated for best adapted screenplay at the 2018 Academy Awards.
'Logan' wasn't based on any one particular comic book story but rather an amalgam of characters and stories from Marvel including 'Old Man Logan' from writer Mark Millar as well as 'X-23' created by Craig Kyle.
'Logan' was written by Mangold, Scott Frank and Michael Green and the movie became one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year.
Congrats to our Adapted Screenplay nominees! #Oscars #OscarNoms pic.twitter.com/8BBhPBlB3r
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 23, 2018
It's quite an achievement considering most movies based on comic books or from the realm of science fiction or fantasy rarely see much attention from any of the major awards outside of nominations for effects or music. 'The Dark Knight' managed to pull off the most nominations for a comic book movie several years ago including a posthumous win for Heath Ledger for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars.
Mangold and company not only managed to make a relatable comic book movie but 'Logan' also transcended the genre with a script rich with character development, incredible dialogue, heartbreaking emotion and a story filled with both tragedy and triumph. The performances from Jackman, Patrick Stewart and Dafne Keen were also outstanding.
If Hollywood kept statistics for the most assists in nominations/awards … @mang0ld would be the league leader. Today, he finally got the recognition he deserves. Congrats brother! @WolverineMovie #Logan #Wolverine #Oscars2018 pic.twitter.com/Zp2CDo9mCA
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) January 23, 2018
'Logan' was absolutely an achievement in filmmaking, which is why it was recognized for the Academy Awards in the adapted screenplay category.
Now we'll have to wait until March 4 when the Oscars are awarded to find out if 'Logan' will beat out the other contenders to take home that gold statue.


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iSheep was successfully approved by BlackBerry.
Now I have to caution again, I have nothing against iPhone users. And a lot of people will be mad if you use this on them (because for some reason folks can be sensitive)
But none the less – iSheep is here for free. BAA!
Check out iSheep in BlackBerry World! You can find it at here.


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DURING THIs CIRCUIT BREAKER...
Internet Spikes
in S'pore as more work from home.
– The Straits Times, 3 April 2020
People are going online more for information, entertainment, interaction and shopping. Rather than lie low – use this time to Google Ads and get sales.
MediaOne is working hard 7 days a week (from home) to help its clients bring in much needed sales income. We help clients like you, turn ADVERSITY into OPPORTUNITY by spotting lower cost PPC strategies left by their competitors who turned too conservative.
"We can still reach out to customers thanks to social media and digital marketing."
– Wilson Chew, Director of mc.2, a retailer of curtains and blinds


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Susan DeGrassi, formerly Director of Cause, will take on expanded responsibilities with her promotion to Vice President, Administration and Cause and Aaron Antis, formerly Director of Sales for Antis Roofing has been promoted to Vice President, Sales and Field Operations. The announcements were made by Charles Antis, Chief Executive Officer, of Orange County-based Antis Roofing and Waterproofing.
Susan DeGrassi, a veteran of the community management industry, spent twenty-seven years with Merit Property Management (now First Service Residential,) the last seven as Executive Vice President. In 2017, she joined Antis as Director of Cause to lead the company's philanthropic effort, primarily providing no-cost roofing to non-profits with buildings in need of repair. In 2019, Susan was recognized by the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce with its Inaugural Women of Influence award. She currently serves on the Board of National Women in Roofing.
Aaron Antis will continue to lead the Antis Sales Team, and also oversee the Field Operations Team. In this role he has responsibility for all client-facing work, including onsite operations, quality control and project management. Susan DeGrassi, well known in the Orange County Community as Antis' philanthropy representative, will assume added responsibility for Antis' internal operations, including customer service and support, HR, IT and other administrative functions.
Aaron Antis, nephew of founder and CEO, Charles Antis, joined the company in 2007 as a trainee roofer and has trained and worked in all the company's core business departments since then. In 2018, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) selected Aaron as one of thirty-six emerging leaders in the roofing industry to attend Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management for the NRCA University's Future Executive Institute.
"Both Susan and Aaron have proven invaluable players on the Antis team and I am delighted to announce their well-deserved promotion to vice president," says Charles Antis. "This year Antis is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. With the added bench strength that Aaron and Susan bring to our leadership team, we are well poised for this next decade. Our goal remains to be successful in our business so that we can continue to give back and support some of the wonderful non-profits that work so hard in the communities that have given so much to us."
For more information, visit www.antisroofing.com.


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Buy Mad World on DVD
I get teen angst. Oh, do I get that. I went through plenty of it, and I even guided my youngest sister through some of hers. When I watched this movie, it seemed like the writer tried to come up with every possible horrific scenario that a teen could deal with. Once he crammed all of that in, he added some extreme absurdity. We get jocks bullying losers, racism, abusive teachers, sexual indiscretions, verbally and physically abusive parents and yelling. Lots and lots of yelling. The kids yell. The parents yell. The teachers yell. I could have had my TV muted and I still would have heard the horribly written dialogue.
Not only was this movie bad, but it also made some awful indie movie cliche mistakes. The soundtrack came from a bad coffee house open mic. It was whiny and distracting.Then there was my least favorite thing that so many indie movies think they need to do. I swear they must have said the word "nigger" about eighty times. I absolutely hate that. It was forced in and completely unnecessary. I'm not for censorship or limiting language. What I am for is an end to this idiotic practice. It's not only stupid, but unrealistic. My complaint doesn't even have anything to do with racism. It's about the lack of creativity this takes. I am a white guy. I don't hear other white people using this word. It just doesn't happen, and especially not toward a black person. I don't get it. Why does this happen in every other indie movie? Check that. It only happens in bad indie movies. I think the writers know that they have nothing, so they try to be edgy. It sucks. I don't care about you using it if it fits in. It makes sense in Mississippi Burning, but not here. Knock it off.
This movie out and out blows. If you want to watch a horrendous piece of shit that wasn't worth the hour and a half I spent watching it, this is your movie. If you like overacted melodramatic stupidity, you're in luck. Mad World deserves a limited release in a dumpster near you.


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Foxconn pledges Iran investment
Motherboard vendor Foxconn is looking to strengthen its reputation in the Iranian market by holding dedicated seminars aimed at government representatives and private sector companies.
Vadim Lisenko, marketing executive at Foxconn MEA, says the events will take place during November and demonstrate the breadth of the company's portfolio, including its motherboard, chassis and VGA card range.
"We are expecting more than 300 people to attend each event," he revealed.
"So far there has been a really good response to the event, and Foxconn's worldwide general manager Vincent Yuan will also be there.
We have done this sort of seminar before but the content hasn't been so heavy or so focused," added Lisenko.
The push for more visibility in the Iran market accompanies the recent signing of local wholesaler Pishtazane as an incountry distribution partner for its branded products.
Lisenko claims that deal is already reaping rewards since being initiated in September.
"It is a local company which understands the market, not a company that is located in Dubai and happens to work in the country," he said.
Foxconn believes it currently has around 16% share of the motherboad market in Iran.


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Yesterday, Uganda's Parliament passed the unpopular controversial bill to tax social media and mobile money transactions across all networks which many still against.
Despite protests, the parliament pushed forward the bill which will introduce a mandatory fee of Shs200 imposed on WhatsApp users starting July 1 while mobile money will face a 1% levy on the total value of each transaction.
Before the bill was passed, it faced a lot of resistance from MPs like Kyaddondo East MP Robert Kyaggulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, who referred to it as double taxation. He was supported by Padyere County's Joshua Anywarach, and Silas Aogon of Kumi Municipality.
The youthful MPs argued that since WhatsApp is accessed through already taxed airtime, another levy would be an infringement on the users' rights.
According to David Bahati, the junior Planning minister the government isn't taxing internet/data but the service itself in response to claims that they were already doing so.
WhatsApp users will be charged Shs200 per day which totals to Shs73,000 per year. We are yet to ascertain how people will react to this new tax but time will tell.
Most of the MPs are against this move and argue that it will only make the lives of ordinary Ugandans more difficult than it already is. One has to think about what this will do to those that relay on social media to promote their businesses and the already struggling startups that can't afford to pay monthly data fees to remain active online.
The Leader of Opposition in Parliamament, Ms Winnie Kiiza (FDC, Kasese), together with Kasanda North MP Patrick Nsamba (NRM), Ms Monicah Amoding (NRM, Kumi), and Justine Kayinza (NRM, Bududa), all laboured in vain to sway the House to resist the taxes.
"It is very easy for an MP to say that one per cent is little money, but to people who earn less than a dollar a day, it is going to break their backs," Mr Nsamba said.
Some of the MPs that endorsed the move on more taxation included Aruu County MP Odonga Otto (FDC), Kyankwanzi Woman MP Ann Maria Nankabirwa (NRM) and Katikamu North MP Abraham Byandala (NRM).
Are these new taxes aimed at only improving the tax collection by government or there is more to it than the eye can see?
Let's take a look at the social media tax for example, the government as on many occasions had issues with how information is freely shared on social media and has gone as far as to block internet usage in some instances.
Is it a step towards information censorship? Tell us what you think by hitting the comment button!
Source: Monitor Uganda
ALSO READ: Streetlights Uganda's Second Edition of Unseen Me Exhibition 2018
Author: Allan Bangirana
Allan Bangirana has a taste for all kinds of topics and usually writes about tech, entertainment, sports and community projects that make a difference in society.
He writes for Newslibre and Spur Magazine. He is also the co-founder of the Innovware project and a freelance consultant passionate about technology and web.


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WA Water Minister Dave Kelly has announced the $44 million Ellenbrook Tank project for Water Corporation. The new 80 million-litre water tank will cater for the growth in the north-east metropolitan corridor as well as provide Ellenbrook residents with a more consistent water pressure.
"This important project will improve the water supply to Ellenbrook and the rapidly growing north-east metropolitan corridor.
"The new tank will also provide a more consistent water pressure to Ellenbrook, with water to gravity feed down to households and businesses," Mr Kelly said.
The project – which is located north of Gnangara Road, near the Hanson sand quarry – is expected to become the largest water tank in the southern hemisphere and the largest ever to be constructed in WA.
Georgiou Group has been awarded two work packages on the project. The company has recently completed the earthworks package and will now begin working on the design and construction of the tank. Georgiou will be manufacturing the tank at their Precast yard in Hazelmere.
"The tank will be fabricated as 80 precast concrete panels in Hazelmere, before being transported to site and assembled.
"When completed, the tank will be an impressive 91 metres in diameter and 13 metres high, holding enough water to fill more than 35 Olympic-sized swimming pools," Mr Kelly said.
In order to connect the tank to the Integrated Water Supply Scheme, approximately six kilometres of water main will also be built.
The Water Corporation is planning to build three tanks at the site over the next four decades, which will be built in stages as the population grows.
The fabrication and construction of the new tank will be creating 200 local jobs, with works expected to be completed in early 2018.
"It is great to see the Water Corporation using the expertise of local contractors throughout the fabrication and construction of the tank. More than 200 Western Australian workers will be involved in the project," the Minister said.
Stay up to date with the latest industry news and project updates by subscribing to Felix Project News today.
Source: Georgiou Group, Government of Western Australia and Water Corporation
Western Australia's METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line project is one step closer to construction with the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to market for the design, construction and commission of the new rail line.
Following the Request for Proposal (RFP) released in January of this year, two proponents have been shortlisted to progress to the next stage of bidding for the design and construction of the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line in Western Australia.
Western Australia's METRONET Morley – Ellenbrook rail line is a step closer to being built following the appointment of the MELconnx Consortium – comprised of Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction – as the preferred builder to deliver the major works on this massive transport infrastructure project.
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Where To Begin? We are gathered to discuss the majesty of "Lifeforce." A movie with SO MUCH to discuss. Remember this classic movie line? "The web of destiny carries your blood and soul back to the genesis of my lifeform."… Read More ›
London zombies
Hey, Girly! I always seek out the best of the new – and the neglected – horror films that are available on blu-ray..and when I find a picture like this: I am curious, naturally – I mean, he seems to… Read More ›


text: search Search keywords City, state, zip code Find a job Please select an auto suggested location. We have a collection of Office Clerical Administrative jobs vacant in Houston, Texas today. For flexibility in your career, Adecco USA lets you choose between contract temporary to hire, contract temporary or direct hire jobs.In addition to applying for specific jobs yourself, our experts can help make your life easier. You can simply fill out a short application, send it to us, and we will help you find employment. For regular career updates, sign up to our newsletter and get jobs sent straight to your inbox. Sort By Relevance Date within 25 miles Category Office, Clerical & Administrative Warehouse 4 Medical & Science 3 Call Center & Customer Service 3 Office, Clerical & Administrative 1 Administrative Assistant 1 Industrial & Manufacturing 1 Transportation 1 Business Operations and Management 1 State Texas Texas 1 City Houston Amarillo 1 Arlington 3 Austin 6 Boise 2 Charleston 1 Coppell 1 Corsicana 1 Dallas 1 Denton 2 Flower Mound 1 Fort Worth 1 Frisco 1 Gainesville 1 Georgetown 1 Harlingen 1 Houston 1 Idaho Falls 1 Irving 7 Katy 1 Lewisville 11 Mcallen 2 Meridian 1 Nacogdoches 1 New Braunfels 2 North Lake 3 Northlake 1 Plano 2 Richardson 1 San Angelo 1 San Antonio 2 Wichita Falls 1 Contract Type Contract Type Contract/Temporary 1 Category: office-clerical-administrative State: texas City: houston Reset Searching for Houston Texas Office, Clerical & Administrative jobs? We currently have 1 job available. Create a job alert Related Searches For - Tap here to refine jobs Show more Show 10 20 30 Results Per page Administrative Assistant Houston, Texas Contract/Temporary $14.00/Hour Adecco is currently assisting a local client in their search to fill an Administrative Assistant job in Houston, TX paying $14.00 /HR. Apply now if you meet the qualifications listed below! Responsibilities for this Administrative Assistant job... See job description Clear your search criteria to see more results or browse the job categories we service. Send Us Your Resume and we will closely review your information. If we find an opportunity that matches your skills and career goals, we'll reach out to you to get to know you even better. Want new jobs? We'll email you. Name your job alert First name Last name Email How often would you like to see new jobs? Job Alert Duration Get the career advice you need when you need it. Sign up for our Career Advisor newsletter. Send me job alerts! By signing up. you are agreeing to the Terms of Use. Apply.JobAlertsTermsLabel Apply.TermsAndConditionsCheckBoxError Exit without saving × Awesome! Your job alert is saved. You'll see new jobs in your inbox soon. Good luck with your job search!


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So easy! A 5-minute meal!
3 pounds large shrimp* (with the heads left on!)
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup fresh minced garlic
1/2 cup Lea and Perrins Original Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons Tony Chachere's Famous Creole Seasoning
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 loaf sliced French bread
Nina's Tip #1: *Shrimp should always be fresh! But if you can only get frozen shrimp, be sure to cook the shrimp before you add it to your pot. Frozen shrimp are imported and pumped up with water to look nice. The water pumped into the shrimp will ruin your meal. So, cook the shrimp separately, then add it to your dish.
On medium to high heat, melt the butter, then add garlic and the remaining seasonings. Place shrimp in the sauce. Stir the butter to coat the shrimp. DO NOT OVER COOK SHRIMP. Cook on one side 3 minutes and flip for another 2 to 3 minutes. You will notice that when the shrimp turn pink, the shrimp meat will slightly separate from the top of the shell, then it's done.
Nina's Tip #2: If you over cook shrimp the shells will stick to the meat. When in doubt, undercook this dish.
Remove from heat, add sauce and serve with French bread.


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Bernice Kathleen "Bernice" Crawford
December 15, 1905 - November 20, 2009
BERNICE CRAWFORD Peacefully at Hallowell House Nursing Home, on Friday, November 20th, 2009, BERNICE KATHLEEN CRAWFORD (Nee; COOPER), formerly of Picton and West Lake, at the age of 103. Beloved wife of the late James "Torchy". Loved mother of Barry and his wife Donalda and the late Roger. Sadly missed by her grandson Heath. FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO GATHER WITH BERNICE'S FAMILY AT THE WHATTAM FUNERAL HOME, 33 MAIN STREET, PICTON, ON. ON TUESDAY FROM 1:30 TILL 3 P.M. Private Interment to follow at Glenwood Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Salvation Army or the Loyalist Humane Society would be appreciated by the family and can be paid by VISA, MASTERCARD or DEBIT at the funeral home. www.whattamfuneralhome.com


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AKA: Kilink Istanbul'da
Country: Turkey
Directed by Yilmaz Atadeniz
Yildiram Gencer, Irfan Atasoy, Pervin Par, Suzan Avci, Muzaffer Tema, Mine Soley
Music by John Barry, Jerry Goldsmith and many others (most likely without permission)
Though not spy films, the Kilink films have quickly risen to the top of the B-grade cult film world. They are wild and crazy and break every law of film-making – in places they are downright amateurish – but their sheer exuberance drives them along and makes them worthwhile and entertaining viewing.
The Kilink films were a popular Turkish film series from the late sixties. There were eleven films in the series, but conservation was never a high priority to the Turkish film industry. Now only three of the films survive, albeit in a beaten and scratched condition. But even is this abused state, these films are worth seeing.
Of the three films that remain, Kilink In Instanbul is the first in the series. The film starts with a funeral cortége traveling to a secruded house in Istanbul. The coffin is taken from the hearse into the house and the lid is removed. Inside is a body wrapped in bandages. A lady in a big hat injects a big needle into the inert body. Slowly the corpse awakens. The minions gathered around begin to unwrap the bandages. Underneath is Kilink. Kilink wears an all-over black body and mask with the visage of a skeleton painted on. He's much like the Italian character 'Kriminal' and with good reason – Kilink is Turkish cinema's take on the character. Although Turkish film-makers never bothered about little things like obtaining rights or licences for copyrighted properties. The simply took what they wanted and twisted it to their own ends. It was not just characters that they pilfered either. The musical score for Kilink In Istanbul makes liberal use of music from the James Bond series (particularly You Only Live Twice) and assorted ganster and horror films. There's even a grab from Our Man Flint.
No sooner is Kilink back from the dead and he's already up to a bit of skulduggery. Professor Houloussi is working on a top secret project that will rid the world of cancer. Somehow this same formula can be used to create a powerful weapon, with which Kilink plans to use to control the world. Kilink sneaks into the Professor's home and kills one of the staff. Then dressed as the man he has killed, Kilink sneaks into Professor Houloussi's lab and emands the formula. The Professor refuses to give it up, and for his trouble he is killed. Kilink riffles through the safe and retrieves the formula. Before he leaves, however he scrawls his name in blood beside the dead Professor, so everybody will know who committed the crime.
Kilink returns to his secret lair and orders another chemist to create the formula using Houloussi's notes. Upon examination it is ascertained that the formula is incomplete. Kilink isn't happy.
Meanwhile, the son of Professor Houloussi, Orhan is standing at his father's grave swearing to avenge his father. But he does not know how to go up against somebody as powerful and evil as Kilink. Suddenly in a puff of smoke, a majestic bearded figure appears graveside. He tells Orhan not to fear. He is 'Shazam Boloum – Protector Of Justice'. Shazam offer to help, and gives Orhan the powers of strength and speed. All Orhan has to do is say "Shazam" He tests out his new powers and says the magic word. He is trnsformed into a super hero called 'Superhero'. He is part Batman, with a cape and a cowl (but no ears); and he's part Superman with a large 'S' on his chest.
Kilink is still after the magic formula and sends his evil minions back to the Professor's home and laboratory to find the missing portions of the formula. They kill the guards and beat up the women until Orhan gets home. Upon arrival, Orhan cannot turn into his heroic alter ego, so he is given a right proper kicking. Orhan then leads Kilink's minions to the laboratory. The minions leave him outside alone, which gives him an opportunity to transform. Superhero then rushes into the laboratory and turns the tables on Kilink's minions. They run off battered and bloodied back to Kilink.
This film is a lot like an old movie serial with cliff hanging moments every fifteen to twenty minutes. In keeping with this, the film ends on a cliff hanger. But fear not – the story continues with Kilink Vs The Flying Man.
One thing is for sure, this film is not slow paced. The story and the beatings keep rocketing along, refusing to allow any characterisation to get in the way. And who really cares if the story elements and characters have been stolen from other sources (well I guess the copyright holders – but I am sure they had no idea what was happening to their intellectual property in Turkey). I guess that the fact that so few of these films has survived tells a lot about how they were viewed at the time. They were light, throwaway entertainment.
As I've mentioned the Kilink films are worth seeking out, but they will not appeal to everybody. They are a cult item. After all scratchy, black and white super hero films from Turkey are a niche item. But if that sounds like your cup of tea, then you'll find a lot to enjoy.