#generally 44 is more angular

[antisatiric]

for anyone wondering and also for my own personal satisfaction---the reason the left side of twain's face looks the way it does is because that's the effect 44 has. he lives and exists in black-and-white and twain's powers, when they have visual representations outside of manifesting something from a story, also generally appear purely black-or-white. the bits on his head are specifically from a time where 44 touched him pretty briefly. his hair was affected directly and his face as a slowly-spreading result of that, though the desaturation isn't quite as intense there because it's ONLY affecting his skin and not, say, his blood or muscles or other internals.

but twain's had his own kind of effect on 44, too! since 44 tends to manifest himself in a comfortable form for his disciples, he also currently takes a form that's similar in facial and bodily structure to twain but without necessarily the same sense of style and obviously with a drastically different personality.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Revelator:

We need to talk about sand.

Most people don’t realize that these humble grains — that ubiquitous stuff of vacations, ant farms and hourglasses — are the second-most used natural resource in the world after water. According to a 2019 report from the United Nations Environment Programme, we use more than 55 billion tons of it per year — nearly 40 pounds per person per day.

And a lot of that sand comes from illegal activity, involving criminal gangs who mine, smuggle, and kill for the precious material.

Sand — legal or otherwise — gets used to enhance beaches, extract petroleum through hydraulic fracking, fill land under buildings, and make computer chips.

But the biggest amount by far — an estimated 85% of the sand mined globally — goes into making concrete. Concrete combines two key ingredients: cement, a binding agent made from calcium or other substances, and aggregate, which is either sand or a combination of sand and gravel. Quality concrete requires jagged and angular aggregate grains — a quality found in only a tiny fraction of the worlds’ sand, most of it on beaches and in rivers. This sand also is easy and cheap to mine, and it’s located close to much of the construction taking place around the world.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, world consumption of aggregate for all uses exceeds 40 billion metric tons (44 billion U.S. tons) a year — an estimate that’s likely on the conservative side and represents about twice the amount of sediment carried annually by all the world’s rivers. (Sediment from land rocks is the source of most coastal sand, which also comes from shells and marine organisms pulverized by waves, the digestive tracts of coral-eating fish, and the remains of tiny creatures called foraminifera.)

Not surprisingly, UNEP calls management of sand one of the greatest sustainability challenges of the 21st century.

The organization also warns about sand mining’s serious consequences for humans and the natural environment.

Removing beach sand leaves coastal structures more vulnerable to erosion even as climate change raises sea levels and makes storms more intense. Transporting sand generates carbon dioxide emissions. Sand mining has political and cultural consequences, including effects on the tourism industry, and creates noise and air pollution.

Coastal sand mining also destroys complex ecosystems. The microorganisms, crabs, and clams that live in beach sand are important food sources for birds. Sea turtles and several bird species nest on sandy beaches. Seagrass, an important food source and habitat for marine residents, needs sandy ocean floor to grow. Stretches of underwater sand provide habitat for sea stars, sea cucumbers, conchs, and other critters, and are feeding grounds for flounder, rays, fish, and sharks.

Removing sand also affects water quality in the ocean and depletes groundwater.

[govindhtech]

Sapphire unveils snow-white Radeon RX 7900GRE PURE GPU

With white aesthetics and a strong overclock right out of the box, Sapphire has announced the Radeon RX 7900GRE PURE the GPU.

Sapphire Launches White Radeon RX 7900GRE PURE GPU in China In China, AMD’s “Golden Rabbit Edition” models particularly the comparatively entry-level Radeon RX 7900GRE PURE series have proven to be popular. Though they are older models, they compete with and may even surpass NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4060 & 4060 Ti GPUs, which is why they are so popular in China not because of their “patriotic” appeal. Rather, their performance per dollar has made these models unbeatable in the country. Sapphire has capitalized on the success of the Radeon RX 7900 GRE by releasing an elegantly designed new variant called “Pure Edition OC”.

Because of its increased frequencies, the Sapphire Pure Edition OC Radeon RX 7900GRE PURE GPU is not like the more common versions. For a short summary of specs, the Radeon RX 7900 GRE has a 256-bit bus interface, 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, and clocks at 18 Gbps. It is built on the RDNA3 architecture.

With a boost frequency of 2333MHz and a game clock of 1972MHz, the Pure Edition model has 88 MHz more power than the standard devices. Sapphire’s benchmarks show that in artificial testing, the Pure Edition model outperforms NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4070.

Contributing to the limited number of white versions in this specific GPU range is the Sapphire Radeon RX 7900 GRE Pure Edition edition, which has a distinctive white design.

It has five nickel-plated heat pipes for excellent heat dissipation, a sturdy cooling mechanism that assures maximum fan power, and a “multi-folded” copper printed circuit board. This version does include an RGB option that matches the general design of the GPU shroud, with the “Sapphire” branding illuminated.

In terms of cost, the Chinese online retailer JD.com lists Sapphire’s Pure Edition OC RX 7900 GRE at 4879 yuan, or $683 USD. Although the variant’s worldwide distribution has not yet been verified, they believe it will soon be available in foreign stores.

Designing Digitally PURE AMD Radeon RX 7900 Series graphics cards are built with digital power, which offers precise power management and superior power economy.

Elevated TG copper printed circuit board In order to meet the GPU’s and memory’s higher power requirements, fast speed, and high current, the GPU is installed on a high-density 14 layer 2 ounce copper and high TG PCB. This ensures the PCB will operate with great stability.

Robust metal backplate Dust is kept out and nothing bends thanks to the extra stiffness provided by the all-aluminum backplate. By improving heat dissipation, it also aids in cooling your card.

Angular Speed Fan Blade When combined with the air pressure on the Axial fan’s outer ring, the Angular Velocity Fan Blade creates a double layer of downward air pressure that, when compared to earlier generations, can produce up to 44% more downward air pressure and up to 19% more airflow for a quieter and cooler operation.

Improved Composite Heatpipe In order to provide the best possible heat flow for any cooling design, the composite heatpipes are adjusted to effectively and uniformly distribute the heat throughout the cooling module.

Protection with Fuse The SAPPHIRE cards include fuse protection integrated into the external PCI-E power connection circuit to safeguard the components and safeguard your card.

Support for Graphics Cards Has a graphics card supporter included with it to hold the graphics card firmly in place on the PCIe slot.

The logo of Red LED SAPPHIRE These cards’ stylish grey outer accents and Red LED SAPPHIRE logo, which has a hardware switch to toggle the red illumination on and off at will, complete their stunning appearance.

Two-Ball Bearing These have Dual Ball bearing fans, which according to testing have an 85% longer lifetime than sleeve bearings. The solution is up to 10% quieter than the last generation thanks to the fan blade upgrades.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[mariacallous]

For now, Alex Lagetko is holding on to his Tesla stocks. The founder of hedge fund VSO Capital Management in New York, Lagetko says his stake in the company was worth $46 million in November 2021, when shares in the electric carmaker peaked at $415. 

Since then, they have plunged 72 percent, as investors worry about waning demand, falling production and price cuts in China, labor shortages in Europe, and, of course, the long-term impact of CEO Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter. After announcing his plans to buy the platform in April, Musk financed his acquisition with $13 billion in loans and $33 billion in cash, roughly $23 billion of which was raised by selling shares in Tesla. 

“Many investors, particularly retail, who invested disproportionately large sums of their wealth largely on the basis of trust in Musk over many years were very quickly burned in the months following the acquisition,” Lagetko says, “particularly in December as he sold more stock, presumably to fund losses at Twitter.”

Lagetko is worried that the leveraged buyout of Twitter has left Tesla exposed, as interest payments on the debt Musk took on to fund the takeover come due at the same time as the social media company’s revenues have slumped.

But Tesla stock was already falling in April 2022, when Musk launched his bid for Twitter, and analysts say that the carmaker’s challenges run deeper than its exposure to the struggling social media platform. Tesla and its CEO have alienated its core customers while its limited designs and high prices make it vulnerable to competition from legacy automakers, who have rushed into the EV market with options that Musk’s company will struggle to match.

Prior to 2020, Tesla was essentially “playing against a B team in a soccer match,” says Matthias Schmidt, an independent analyst in Berlin who tracks electric car sales in Europe. But that changed in 2020, as “the opposition started rolling out some of their A squad players.”

In 2023, Tesla is due to release its long-awaited Cybertruck, a blocky, angular SUV first announced in 2019. It is the first new launch of a consumer vehicle by the company since 2020. A promised two-seater sports car is still years away, and the Models S, X, Y, and 3, once seen as space-age dynamos, are now “long in the tooth,” says Mark Barrott, an automotive analyst at consultancy Plante Moran. Most auto companies refresh their looks every three to five years—Tesla’s Model S is now more than 10 years old.

By contrast, this year Ford plans to boost production of both its F-150 Lighting EV pick-up, already sold out for 2023, and its Mustang Mach-E SUV. Offerings from Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 could threaten Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 in the $45,000 to $65,000 range. General Motors plans to speed up production and cut costs for a range of EV models, including the Chevy Blazer EV, the Chevy Equinox, the Cadillac Lyric, and the GMC Sierra EV. 

While Tesla’s designs may be eye-catching, their high prices mean that they’re now often competing with luxury brands. 

“There is this kind of nice Bauhaus simplicity to Tesla’s design, but it’s not luxurious,” says David Welch, author of Charging Ahead: GM, Mary Barra, and the Reinvention of an American Icon. “And for people to pay $70,000 to $100,000 for a car, if you’re competing suddenly with an electric Mercedes or BMW, or a Cadillac that finally actually feels like something that should bear the Cadillac name, you’re going to give people something to think about.”

While few manufacturers can compete with Tesla on performance and software (the Tesla Model S goes to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds, reaches a 200-mph top speed, and boasts automatic lane changing and a 17-inch touchscreen for console-grade gaming), many have reached or are approaching a range of 300 miles (480 km), which is the most important consideration for many EV buyers, says Craig Lawrence, a partner and cofounder at the investment group Energy Transition Ventures.

One of Tesla’s main competitive advantages has been its supercharging network. With more than 40,000 proprietary DC fast chargers located on major thoroughfares near shopping centers, coffee shops, and gas stations, their global infrastructure is the largest in the world. Chargers are integrated with the cars’ Autobidder optimization & dispatch software, and, most importantly, they work quickly and reliably, giving a car up to 322 miles of range in 15 minutes. The network contributes to about 12 percent of Tesla sales globally.

“The single biggest hurdle for most people asking ‘Do I go EV or not,’ is how do I refuel it and where,” says Loren McDonald, CEO and lead analyst for the consultancy EVAdoption. “Tesla figured that out early on and made it half of the value proposition.”

But new requirements for funding under public charging infrastructure programs in the US may erode Tesla’s proprietary charging advantage. The US National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program will allocate $7.5 billion to fund the development of some 500,000 electric vehicle chargers, but to access funds to build new stations, Tesla will have to open up its network to competitors by including four CCC chargers.

“Unless Tesla opens up their network to different charging standards, they will not get any of that volume,” Barrott says. “And Tesla doesn’t like that.”

In a few years, the US public charging infrastructure may start to look more like Europe’s, where in many countries the Tesla Model 3 uses standard plugs, and Tesla has opened their Supercharging stations to non-Tesla vehicles. 

Tesla does maintain a software edge over competitors, which have looked to third-party technology like Apple’s CarPlay to fill the gap, says Alex Pischalnikov, an auto analyst and principal at the consulting firm Arthur D. Little. With over-the-air updates, Tesla can send new lines of code over cellular networks to resolve mechanical problems and safety features, update console entertainment options, and surprise drivers with new features, such as heated rear seats and the recently released full self-driving beta, available for $15,000. These software updates are also a cash machine for Tesla. But full self-driving features aren’t quite as promised, since drivers still have to remain in effective control of the vehicle, limiting the value of the system.

A Plante Moran analysis shared with WIRED shows Tesla’s share of the North American EV market declining from 70 percent in 2022 to just 31 percent by 2025, as total EV production grows from 777,000 to 2.87 million units.

In Europe, Tesla’s decline is already underway. Schmidt says data from the first 11 months of 2022 shows sales by volume of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) vehicles outpaced Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 by more than 20 percent. His projections show Tesla’s product lines finishing the year with 15 percent of the western European electric vehicle market, down from 33 percent in 2019.

The European Union has proposed legislation to reduce carbon emissions from new cars and vans by 100 percent by 2035, which is likely to bring more competition from European carmakers into the market. 

There is also a growing sense that Musk’s behavior since taking over Twitter has made a challenging situation for Tesla even worse.

Over the past year, Musk has used Twitter to call for the prosecution of former director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci (“My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci”), take swings at US senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders over government spending and inflation, and placed himself at the center of the free speech debate. He’s lashed out at critics, challenging, among other things, the size of their testicles. 

A November analysis of the top 100 global brands by the New York–based consultancy Interbrand estimated Tesla’s brand value in 2022 at $48 billion, up 32 percent from 2021 but well short of its 183 percent growth between 2020 and 2021. The report, based on qualitative data from 1,000 industry consultants and sentiment analysis of published sources, showed brand strength declining, particularly in “trust, distinctiveness and an understanding of the needs of their customers.”

“I think [Musk’s] core is rapidly moving away from him, and people are just starting to say, ‘I don’t like the smell of Tesla; I don’t want to be associated with that,’” says Daniel Binns, global chief growth officer at Interbrand.

Among them are once-loyal customers. Alan Saldich, a semi-retired tech CMO who lives in Idaho, put a deposit down on a Model S in 2011, before the cars were even on the road, after seeing a bodiless chassis in a Menlo Park showroom. His car, delivered in 2012, was number 2799, one of the first 3,000 made.

He benefited from the company’s good, if idiosyncratic, customer service. When, on Christmas morning 2012, the car wouldn’t start, he emailed Musk directly seeking a remedy. Musk responded just 24 minutes later: “...Will see if we can diagnose and fix remotely. Sorry about this. Hope you otherwise have a good Christmas.”

On New Year’s Day, Joost de Vries, then vice president of worldwide service at Tesla, and an assistant showed up at Saldich’s house with a trailer, loaded the car onto a flatbed, and hauled it to Tesla’s plant in Fremont, California, to be repaired. Saldich and his family later even got a tour of the factory. But since then, he’s cooled on the company. In 2019, he sold his Model S, and now drives a Mini Electric. He’s irritated in particular, he says, by Musk’s verbal attacks on government programs and regulation, particularly as Tesla has benefited from states and federal EV tax credits.

“Personally, I probably wouldn’t buy another Tesla,” he says. “A, because there’s so many alternatives and B, I just don’t like [Musk] anymore.”

[mortallyclearwonderland]

Star Wars Alien Species - Nagai

Nagi was a planet located in Firefist of the Unknown Regions. It was the homeworld of the Nagai.

Nagi, an arid world, and quite mountainous, characterized by very high mountain peaks separated by deep, wide valleys. The thin upper atmosphere was relatively ineffective at blocking solar radiation, and the high peaks of the world were bathed in it. As a result, the deep valleys, which were often cast in shadow by the towering mountains, were the site of the Nagai's cities. At the height of their civilization just prior to the Tof invasion, Nagai cities were composed of wire and crystal, and were perceived as beautiful.

The Nagai were just developing superluminal travel when they encountered the Tofs, who followed Nagai scoutships to their home system and promptly began an invasion. The Nagai fought back, waging guerrilla wars against their conquerors over centuries. To aid in their fight against the Tofs, the Nagai allied with a neighboring species, the Maccabree, outfitting them with mechanical limbs for ground fighting. They also allied with the Faruun shipwrights for vessels of war. Slowly a pathological hatred and fear of the Tofs developed, intensified by the Tof conquest of their homeworld Nagi. This drove the Nagai and Maccabrees outward into the nearby galaxy, which they referred to as the Skyriver. With the assistance of the Dark Lady Lumiya, a plan was developed to use the resources of the Skyriver to mount a liberation of their homeworld, and shortly after the Galactic Civil War had exhausted both sides, the Nagai struck.

The Nagai attempted to restart the Wookiee slave trade on Kashyyyk. They were originally known to the Alliance as "Knives", due to the Wookiee mispronunciation of an individual Nagai encountered there. As a result, they were encountered by the Alliance of Free Planets in 4 ABY to stop their actions.

After being stopped by Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca, they regrouped with Lumiya and her faction of the Imperial Remnant in an attempt to destroy the Rebel Alliance and gain territory to re-establish themselves. After various skirmishes on Kabray, Kinooine, and Mandalore, they attacked Endor. With the aid of an inside agent, they learned all of the Alliance dogfighting maneuvers and were able to easily outfight them at first. Once the Rebels caught on, though, the tables turned, and they were driven off the moon.

The Nagai continued invading a number of other planets with their allies, such as Iskalon. Discovering a Tof force on the planet Trenwyth, they attempted to wipe them out but were defeated there. Launching an attack on Zeltros, the Tofs made themselves known. The Nagai's fear and hatred of the Tofs enabled them to form an unlikely alliance with the Rebels and Imperials to combat them. Repelling the Tofs from Zeltros, they signed a treaty with the Alliance and later ambushed the Tof crown prince at the planet Saijo and forced the Tofs to surrender, thus ending the Nagai/Tof threat to the galaxy.

After the surrender, the Nagai were given Saijo to settle on. Only a few did so, joining the Alliance; the others (accompanied by the Mandalorians) went to liberate Nagi from the Tofs. Their attempt to free the planet was ultimately successful.

Intense, focused, and highly disciplined warriors, they were known to kill without hesitation if it suited them, particularly if honor demanded it; and were known to fear nothing, aside from losing their own freedom. If there was no honor in killing, or if their foe was weak, they took no pleasure in the victory. Honor was everything to a Nagai; if a Nagai's honor was stripped away, whether forcefully or unknowingly, the Nagai had to take his own life. If the Nagai failed to do so, then it was the duty of others to fulfill that honor. As passionate in loving as they were in killing, a Nagai's honor told them that devotion to one's lover was the most important devotion one could ever offer; even if that devotion is unreturned. Beyond this devotion, however, Nagai had little concern for individuals outside of their own families; only aiding others when bound by honor or seeking personal gain.

Despite the high esteem that honor held in their daily lives, Nagai could be found in a broad range of professions across the galaxy, ranging from traditional roles such as nobles and soldiers, to the more streetwise vocations of scoundrels and thieves.

Highly competent duelists, melee combat - especially the use of edged weaponry - is highly integrated into Nagai culture, with it being rare for a Nagai to not display expert use in blades of all sizes. Particularly, skill with traditional Tehk'la blades, longswords, and Swiftcut foils were prized - the weapons being employed in a number of fighting exercises that were daily customs in Nagai society. These exercises were both a form of meditation and a sign of social status; success and skill in wielding them in duels was the primary means of ascension through societal ranks, though many customs of daily life involved exercises with these weapons.

In addition to martial ability, Nagai possessed a bizarre - and some would say cruel - sense of humor borne from generations of adversity under the Tof. Nagai duelists would often employ this wit in battle, which, when coupled with their charisma, often set opponents off-balance.

The Nagai, tall and thin near-Humans with pale skin, jet-black hair, gray eyes, and angular features. Considered attractive, yet gaunt and frail looking by galactic standards, they were aware of the effect their appearance had on others, and often allowed others to see them as weak until the time was right to reveal their true skills. Possessing lightning fast reflexes, the Nagai were known for their speed and agility in and out of combat, with much of their clothing, like traditional Electromesh armor, being tailored around their natural dexterity.

Nagai were noted as being especially charismatic; a quality that was by and large the product of their enhanced vocal range, allowing them to modulate and tailor their speech. Described as incredibly soothing and hypnotic, a Nagai could use their voice to influence other sentient beings - provided their voice could be heard, and their words understood.

Despite their ubiquitous reputation as pale specters, Nagai were well known for their individualistic expression, with clothing and hair styles varying wildly from individual to individual depending on personal tastes and the image that a Nagai wanted to convey.

A typical Nagai male stands at 1.8 meters or 5.9 feet tall and weighs 60 kilograms or 132 pounds, while a typical Nagai female stands at 1.6 meters or 5.2 feet tall and weighs 45 kilograms or 99 pounds.

The Nagai were created by writer Mary Jo Duffy and artist Cynthia Martin. Martin came up with the visual design by looking at anime, and also drew inspiration from a Japanese comic about a tragic vampire - which, according to Martin, had a strong influence on her concept drawings.

Nagai age at the following stages:

1 - 11 Child

12 - 18 Young Adult

19 - 44 Adult

45 - 60 Middle Age

61 - 74 Old

Examples of Names: Den Siva, Harmon Sho, Hol B'shaki, Krai H'voc, Lusubrin T'shkali, Mendo, Nir Kento, Ozrei, Rei, Sin Shai, Tai, Taru.

Languages: Nagaian, a musical and lilting speech riddled with slight variations of pitch and tone that blend easily with the natural soothing voice of the Nagai. Other Species can learn the language but rarely master it.

[nazghoulz]

The Definitive Ranking of Richard Armitage’s Acting Roles, Rated Exclusively by How Hot I Find Him In Screengrabs

Richard Armitage. As a diehard Thorin Oakenshield fan I certainly have a complicated relationship with him, mainly because I can never decide if I find him inherently hot or not. On the one hand, I’m a hardcore Thorinfucker. On the other hand my gay ass sees a headshot of Mr. Armitage and I’m just like, “Oh, no thank you.” So in order to set myself to rights, I have gone through Mr. Armitage’s IMDB and done a definitive ranking of all his 44 screen roles on there, based completely and arbitrarily on how hot I find him in screenshots. (Thank you to all the hardcore Armitage Fuckers who keep wordpress blogs with screengrabs of his various cameos and bit parts; my respect for you cannot be put into words.) I haven’t seen like 90% of these properties, and I didn’t bother to research them, so these are mainly just gut first impressions. I hope this helps anyone else out there who as confused by him as I am. Enjoy ?

44. Father Quart in The Seville Communion/The Man From Rome (2020)   — ??/10

I don’t think this movie is out yet? Idk I haven’t been able to find any stills of him, let alone much information about the movie itself. It’s listed on his IMDB though! And apparently he’s playing a priest...which could be extremely  👁️👁️ if done correctly.

43. Unnamed Naboo Fighter Pilot in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) — 1/10

OH SWEETIE NO!!!!! This physically pains me to say this, because I unironically love this terrible movie with my whole heart, but unlike a yung Kiera Knightley’s role (pictured front and center) as Padmé’s loyal body double Sabé, this is probably a cameo that we would all like to forget about. The only thing Richard has to offer is this unfortunate turtle-faced realness. This helmet does him no favors.

42. Man in Pub in Boon (1992) — 2/10

As far as I know this is Richard’s first acting credit on IMDB, and he for sure is working the background extra energy. Go on girl give us nothing! He does have a decent backside though, and it’s better than looking at unfortunate turtle face, so I give this one a 2.

41. Paul Andrews in Between the Sheets (2003)  — 2/10

I can’t really articulate why, but I absolutely despise every screenshot I see of Richard Armitage in this role. He is completely unhot, and not even in a way I can laugh at. He takes no advantage of his assets, he has no charisma, no magnetism, no nothing. This is Richard Armitage at his most white bread rando, in a way that makes me actively dislike him. Pbbbbttth. Bad. Throw this whole thing away.

40. Craig Parker in Casualty (2001)  — 2/10

I don’t know, it’s like the perfect storm of the gelled 2001 hair, the terrible quarter? eighth? zip sweater, and overall, er, skeezy vibes that he gives off that makes him particularly unhot in this role. Perhaps not as reprehensible as Unhot Paul, but still. I think the sheer boringness of this has to count for something. Blech.

39. Dr. Tom Steele in Doctors (2001) — 2.5/10

He honestly looks like a villain in an early season of Alias, which... well. Quentin Tarantino was cast as a bit-part villain in Alias season one, so take that as you will. But at least he’s compelling here, which is why he gets half a point over Unhot Paul.

38. Steven in Frozen (2005) — 3/10

Get some rest, tall child! You can’t keep burning the candle at both ends! Also short haircuts do nothing for you, Richard. Styled like this, they just serve to make you look sort of like a sleaze.

37. Peter Macduff in ShakespeaRe-Told (2005) — 3/10

He honestly looks like he could be a guest star in Friends in this one, where he’s a guy named Jason who Ross meets in Central Perk where they find they have a lot in common. Ross introduces Jason to Monica and they really hit it off, but it all comes crashing down because while Jason is sensitive and writes poetry, he also thinks that the Earth is flat. The rest of the episode is trying to get rid of Jason while he becomes increasingly obsessed with Monica, and Ross cannot quite let go trying to prove to Jason that the world is round. Anyway. Macduff Flat Earth Jason isn’t quite as unhot as Unhot Paul, but he’s pretty much on the same level as Tired Steven.

36. Phillip Durrant in Marple (2007) — 3/10

Something about him in this image really makes me want to punch him in the face. It’s huge Peter Parker in Spider-Man 3 energy.

35. Young Claude Monet in The Impressionists (2006) — 3.5/10

I’M LOSING MY FUCKING MIND THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND IS !!! CARNIVAL BARKER !!!!! STEP RIGHT UP TO SEE THE WORST GOATEE IN HISTORY !!! I was actually going to give Yung Claude a 2 but the more I look at this terrible beard the more impressed I am with the boldness of this look, so I had to bump it up to 3.5. Idk. Just look at this. It’s incredible, especially knowing what kind of beard Armitage can grow himself !!!!!!!!

34. Heinz Kruger in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) — 3.5/10

This is definitely the best looking he’s been so far in this list, but he’s a Nazi in this one, which makes him unsexy on principle. But do I feel a little something when he gets pinned to the ground by jacked Chris Evans with the above look on his face right before he swallows his cyanide pill? Can neither confirm nor deny. They are also truly playing into his inherently sinister bone structure, so I can respect that.

33. Percy Courtney in Miss Marie Lloyd (2007) — 4/10

Even including Yung Claude and Nazi Heinz, I think Nothing Percy is probably the weakest of Richard’s period looks, mostly because he looks like, well, nothing. He certainly doesn’t pull off that top hat like he does in North and South, and the secret to that might be the lack of sideburns. In this one he just sort of reminds me of the asshole fiance in Titanic.

32. Philip Turner in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2005) — 4/10

He’s really giving off bargain bin Hugh Jackman as Wolverine vibes here, if Logan’s energy was more “murderer in a Hallmark channel mystery” than “superhero.” Though, given what sort of show this is, that may be the point! Idk, this isn’t the worst. At least he has a decent haircut in this one. Still, I feel absolutely nothing when I look at him. He’s simply royalty-free stock music given human form.

31. Dr. Alec Track in The Golden Hour (2005) — 4.5/10

I could see how this conceivably be sexy in this role, but to be honest, he’s still nothing to me, sorry. He gets some extra points because he obviously worked out for this role and the hard nips through a white undershirt is a commendable look. I whole-heartedly respect Doctor Alec’s thottitude.

30. Daryl in Staged (1999) — 4.5/10

Speaking of thottitude!!!!! This is one cream-faced business boy that I can certainly get into! He looks like the love interest in a pre-Hayes code homoerotic thriller from the early 1930s. I’m sure that’s just because of the lighting and general staging of this production, but hm... demure. Love it.

29. Capt. Ian Macalwain in Ultimate Force (2003) — 4.5/10

Well, he looks like a character from M*A*S*H but with no charisma, or like an extra in The Great Escape who snitches on Steve McQueen to the Nazis. Also in half the pictures I find of him from this he’s wearing this terrible beret, which I know he can pull off because of a role that ranks much higher on this list. Whoever styles this man really needs to pay attention to what sort of headgear they put on him.  

28. Epiphanes in Cleopatra (1999) — 5/10

Speaking of headgear, you know what?? He doesn’t look awful here. A solid 5, perfectly acceptable. I think the helmet does a lot to accentuate the sharpness of his face in this extremely bit part, though the eyeliner definitely also helps as well.

27. John Mulligan in Moving On (2009) — 5/10

Mr. Armitage’s characters can really have potential when a production’s stylist allows him to wear scruff (IN A WAY THAT LOOKS NATURAL, LOOKING AT YOU YUNG CLAUDE). However, as it is with John Mulligan in Moving On here, he just sort of looks like a rando? They’re not playing into the inherent angularity of his face, which for me makes it sort of confusing regarding what sort of emotion I’m supposed to feel while looking at him. As it is, I’m just like, “Yup, that sure is a regular human man, right there.”

26. Smug Man at Party in This Year’s Love (1999) — 5/10

This is the face of a man who less smug and is more DRUNK OUT OF HIS MIND !!!! Idk. He’s cute here, I’ll admit. That’s all I have to say about it.

25. John Standring in Sparkhouse (2002) — 5.5/10

I enjoy the bold choice of giving him wavy hair in this one, but I’m not sure he quite pulls it off. It doesn’t look bad, per se, just... he looks completely nonthreatening. Which I guess could be someone’s thing, but not mine. He honestly looks like a knock-off Will Graham, sans dogs and trauma.

24. Gary in Into the Storm (2014) — 5.5/10

I think the thing that really gets me is that this character’s name is Gary. Who on God’s green Earth looks at Richard Armitage and goes, “Ah yes, you do look like a Gary” ??? I don’t think I know of a single non-American Gary, especially since the name Gary only got popularized after Gary Cooper renamed himself after his hometown of Gary, Indiana!!!! It wasn’t really a name for human men before that!!!! I want to live in the alternate universe where Frank Cooper was originally from Albuquerque and named himself Albuquerque Cooper and this character is named as such. Gary. Really.

23. King Oleron in Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) — 5.5/10

I truly hate how much his facial expressions in these stills remind me of Thorin, considering how bad he looks otherwise. Like his face his fine, I guess, especially since this is the first instance of his full beard. I’m charmed despite myself! Take me to wonderland, O King.

22. Adam Price in The Stranger (2020) — 5.5/10

For as compelling as people call this series, Richard here isn’t very much so imo. But despite my utter lack of interest, he doesn’t look bad per se. He just sort of has that stubbly white man blandness that colors a lot of his more recent roles. Like, at least his bad mid-2000′s styling had character. This is just the visual representation of a vague handwave.

21. Harry Kennedy in The Vicar of Dibley (2006)  — 6/10

Gosh... floppy hair, cute sweaters... he also seems to be smiling a lot in this one, which is nice! The only thing I have to complain about is that he looks very much like if Bradley Cooper and Hugh Jackman circa Kate and Leopold had a baby, which may not necessarily be too much of a bad thing, but I can’t unsee it.

20. Sgt. John Porter in Strike Back (2010)  — 6/10

Ah, back to poorly suited haircuts. At least he’s a little bit gritter and grimier than we’ve seen so far, and I will say Richard Armitage does look good covered in dirt, as we will see later on. Also he’s got biceps in this one, which, hell yeah.

19.  Ricky Deeming in Inspector George Gently (2007)  — 6/10

I’M HAVING THE HARDEST TIME RIGHT NOW RANKING THIS ONE BC OF THIS INCREDIBLE LITTLE WHITE SCARF-RIDING LEATHERS COMBO!!! WHICH ABSOLUTE GENIUS DECIDED THIS!!!! EVERY SCREENSHOT OF HIM IN HIS EPISODE HAS THIS!!! Part of me just wants to give Stylish Ricky a big fat 10 because I’m gay and adore the sheer audacity of this look, but I still have to be fair and rank his overall aura accordingly. I think he’s a handsome extremely gay-coded motorcycle lad in this one, but he doesn’t exactly rev my engine, so to speak.

18. Lucas North in Spooks (2008) — 6/10

The tattoos really spice this one up. Luke could have been plagued by the problems inherent in Regular Mulligan’s Moving On styling, but this guy has an edge to him. He has a good haircut and 5′ o’clock shadow, which is something I’ve figured out is integral to Armitage Hotness. I feel like if I got to know this character I could possibly find him sexy.

17. Raymond de Merville in Pilgrimage (2017) — 6.5/10

Speaking of bad haircuts, this one is his undoing. This is almost the perfect balance between full beard and short haircut, which is the only way a short haircut works on this man, but they ruined it with this one! They gave him a bad bowl fade, which completely undoes any inherent sexiness that comes with being a knight. Not even the fact that he’s covered in dirt can turn me on at this point, ugh. Guy of Gisbourne he is not!!!

16. Tom Calahan in Brain on Fire (2016) — 6.5/10

Oh hell yes, WELCUM 2 DA DILF ZONE!!! I’m not super duper thrilled with the looks I’ve seen from this movie, but he seems scruffy and comfy in a way that is slightly refreshing for ol’ Richard. This is certainly the best of his normie looks so far. I’m just sad it took them 24 years to figure out how to style him properly for sympathetic roles in a contemporary setting.

15. James in My Zoe (2019) — 6.5/10

It’s another DILF look, slightly edgier than Comfy Tom but none of that sexy tired energy that we’ll see from Ocean’s 8. I don’t know !! Jimmy here doesn’t exactly thrill me, I think I prefer Tom’s flannels to this sharp bomber jacket/white t shirt combo seen here. Oh well! I am extremely  👀 👀 👀 👀 👀 that he can just casually palm that soccer ball like that.

14. John Thornton in North & South (2004)  — 7/10

Alright. I’m sorry. I just don’t find him that hot in this role. Like yeah, he’s got the scruff and the sideburns that work to his advantage, and the setting does make this character inherently sexy, but in some screenshots he screams too much of an aforementioned Kate and Leopold (the best Meg Ryan movie, imo) era Hugh Jackman to me. And if I was particularly into that, I would just watch Kate and Leopold again. I will admit, however, that this rating could be subject to change if I actually took the time to watch this show.

13. Chop in Urban and the Shed Crew (2015) — 7/10

...I’M??? INTO IT??? He’s dirty and scruffy but also has kind eyes.... I feel like this is knock off Will Graham who has blossomed into his own. His run down, grime-covered own. He’s back edging into Bradley Cooper territory, but somehow it works for him in this one. Like, I’m 89% sure it’s the DILF vibes I’ve been getting from the other screengrabs I’ve seen of this role, and this particular flavor of DILF is way sexier than Jimmy or Comfy Tom.

12. Francis Dolarhyde in Hannibal (2015) — 7/10

His Caesar cut doesn’t bother me quite so much in this, probably because he is pretty explicitly playing a villain in a series that doesn’t have any basis in reality. A villain who is ripped, and who can effortlessly throw real Will Graham around. Armitage uses his inherent sinisterness to great effect as the Red Dragon, which is good actually! I think a lot of how hot he is in any particular role really depends on whether the styling allows him to play to his strengths...idk! I’m not usually a huge fan of clean shaven Armitage, but it works for Frank here.

11. Daniel Miller in Berlin Station (2016) — 7/10

As much as I adore this particular look (beard + fade + green army jacket), I have to compromise and give Danny a 7/10 because it seems like the first season they styled him in usual stubbly white man blandness. I’d say screengrabs from s1 are a solid 6, while this might be an 8, so the average is a 7. That’s all I have to say about this!

10. Claude Becker in Ocean’s 8 (2018) — 7.5/10

!!!!! I love him in this role, I about had a conniption in the theater because I absolutely was not expecting him!! He looks perfectly ruffled and scruffy, edgier than either Comfy Tom or Jimmy, which I’m very into. That plus his two borzois (objectively the best looking dogs on the planet) really put Old Claude over the top for me. Thank you, thank you Hollywood stylists for finally figuring out what to do with him for roles as a Normal Man.

9. Richard Hall in The Lodge (2019) — 7.5/10

I don’t know anything about this movie, but it seems pretty spooky, which I’m into. I think Richard is well suited for this sort of horror/thriller role, where his angular features can play into the overall vibe rather than some hapless stylist trying to work around them. He looks like another cozy DILF here but with a bite to him, like someone who would do anything to protect his brood. I mean, he’s teaching this child to shoot! But idk, he also has the potential for Jack Nicholson in The Shining energy, which I also could be....hm... into. Idk. Is this on Netflix??

8. Lee in Cold Feet (2003) — 7.5/10

FUN!!! FLIRTY!!!! OTTER VIBES!!!!! I LOVE THIS, he seems so goofy here, and Armitage doesn’t usually pull off goofy that well! I’ve giggled at literally every screenshot I could find from the four episodes he was in this show, he seems like a real himbo. I’m a huge fan, even if it comes at the cost of dehydration abs.

7. William Chatford in Malice Aforethought (2005) — 7.5/10

Hoo hoo HOO DO NOT JUDGE ME!!!!!!! Maybe it’s just because I’ve been watching the new season of The Alienist and the new dark and gritty HBO reboot of Perry Mason back to back, but sue me, I love the bold choice they made with giving him a pencil moustache here. He looks like a hot Howard Hughes; if cream-faced business boy Daryl from Staged is the young ingenue in the pre-Hayes Code thriller I cast him in, Bill here is the sexy antagonist. I desperately want to hear a perfect Transatlantic accent coming out out of that  mouth. This look fucks and I’m sticking to that no matter what.

6. Trevor Belmont in Castlevania (2017) — 8/10

Ah, yes, speaking of king himbos... do me a favor and look me right in the eye and tell me that you wouldn’t fuck Trevor Belmont. You can’t, can you?????? At least 80% of Richard Armitage’s inherent hotness stems from his voice, and you can’t tell me there isn’t anything sexier than thinking about letting that guy loose in a recording studio and letting him say fuck. Look, Trevor may be drawn that way, but it’s the absolute stupidity coming out of his mouth in that sweet baritone that makes me want to be raw-dogged by 100% pure Romanian beef.

5. Dr. Scott White in Sleepwalker (2017) — 8/10 

Much like I had intimated when talking about Hot Danny in Berlin Station, this is Peak contemporary normie Richard Armitage styling. I honestly think The Hobbit either awakened something in him, or casting directors finally figured out he looks way good with a full beard. His crew cut even works with his whole look, which is a miracle!!!! I think he should be contractually obligated to have a full beard in all of his future roles, but that’s just me.

4. Guy of Gisbourne in Robin Hood (2006) — 8.5/10

I honestly can’t believe I’m ranking Guy so far up here, but honestly, THIS RULES!!!!!! THIS FUCKS!!!!!!!!! Which is incredible due to Guy’s lack of beard, but I’m weirdly okay with it? Like sure, he looks like he’d probably call me a slur in front of his shitty friends, but he also looks like he could tenderly pound me into the mattress in a way that would have me questioning my commitment to the “no emotions” clause of our clandestine no-strings-attached sex agreement. Anyway. Guy of Gisbourne if you see this im free thursday night. please message me back if you’re free thursday night when i am fr

3. Angus in Macbeth (1999) — 8.5/10

HHHNGHGNHNGHGN HE’S SO HOT.....!!! HE’S SO HOT!!!!! Leather jacket!!! Scruff!! Dirt!!!! Flattering beret!!!!! He’s so hot, and the worst part about this is that this was filmed in NINETEEN NINETY NINE!!!!!!!!!!!! Which means we could have always had this, had stylists and makeup artists PLAYED TO HIS STRENGTHS!!!!! He’s so hot I’m getting legitimately angry. Without scruff and dirt this man is nothing. N o t h i n g.

2. John Proctor in The Crucible (2014) — 9/10

Look, I know I have a type. But... this guy is just so hot, Daniel Day Lewis please step aside!!!! Contemporary theater historians describe John Proctor as a “strong beast of a man,” and... hhhHHOOOGH HELL YEAH!!! HELL !!!! YEAH !!!!! Like, his dick got almost his entire Puritan village, including himself, accused of witchcraft and like, looking at this guy, I kind of get it. I would probably go to war over the raw animal beauty of this horrible dirty, greasy man. Sue me, I confess. I saw Goody Osburn with the devil.

1. Thorin II Oakenshield in The Hobbit Trilogy  — 9.5/10

Come on. You knew it was going to be this guy. Look at my icon for christ’s sake. I am completely biased, I cannot look at his pictures objectively. Anyway. Thank you so much for reading, this was a very stupid list.

[adrenalineguide]

Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon: The sleekest Jeep ever

By Michael Hozjan

While some manufacturers appear to be content resting on their laurels, the Jeep team has obviously been busy…very busy. Not only have they given us the new, much awaited Gladiator (see Los Angeles International Car Show below) but they must have been burning a lot of midnight oil lately as they’ve also given us the sleekest Jeep Wrangler ever.  It may not look it at first glance but the 2018 is all new from the ground up with a new model designation, the JL. 

Its iconic styling dates back to World War II with off-road prowess that few vehicles can match. But that prowess and iconic angular design comes at a price, and that’s its on road comfort and performance and yes thirst for fuel. Jeep’s designer and engineers have, and continue to persevere to smooth its rougher edges without alienating Jeep traditionalists (remember the debacle of the square head lighted YJ of 1986). 

Those same traditionalists and any Jeep aficionado will quickly recognize the all-new JL model from the outgoing JK by…yes the new headlights. This time with optional halo LEDs that if anything hint at the blackout army headlights. There are also LED turn signals mounted on the front fenders and rear tail lamps are LEDs as well. 

The Wrangler’s Achilles’ heel has always been its thirst for fuel and the challenges facing designers is how to keep Jeep’s iconic world-renown shape and persona without destroying it and at the same time make a brick aerodynamic. 

At first you’ll have to look closer for the aerodynamic touches until you see them, then you’ll be able to spot them a mile away.  The windshield has been angled a bit more with a slight curvature to it. More evident is the lower beltline and larger side glass. Oh and the windshield can now be folded down quicker with the A-pillar staying in place to form an integrated roll bar.  The end result is a nice clean, crisp look sitting on a wheelbase that’s been stretched 61mm and is 114mm longer in length. Thanks Jeep.

If you were to put a scale of off-road prowess on the Wrangler’s trim line up, then the Rubicon would be at the top of that list which also means it would be on the bottom as a street fighter. I got my hands on the four-door version of the Rubicon last fall.

Engine options across the trim lines include a 2.0L direct injected, DOHC, in-line turbocharged four cylinder that is available only with the 8-speed transmission and the company’s main stay power plant, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 that can be hooked up to either the automatic ($1595) or a 6-speed manual trans.

Inside

The JL’s interior has also seen a lot of changes. There are now grab handles under the armrest to ease removing the new aluminum doors. It’s cleaner and more user friendly with cubbyholes for your drinks, cell phone, nylon nets on the doors and a deep center console.  The infotainment screen is the old familiar one I’ve come to expect and love in FCA products. It sets up easily, is super friendly to use and navigate and is now encased in a rubberized trim mold to keep it water tight for those times you drop the top. The Alpine sound system is also greatly improved.

A back up camera has been added that you can access by hitting the camera button on the 8.4” infotainment screen at anytime, so if you’re towing something and you want to see if all is ok while on the highway, you can, without stopping.

You can also change the menu at the bottom of the screen for quick access by dragging the icons the menu.  There’s an on/off switch for the auto stop/start on the center console along with a mute button for the radio.  Just in front of the gear selector you’ve got the sway bar disconnect and front & rear/rear diff lock switch along switches with for aftermarket accessories.  The front seat backs have hooks for your grocery bags. Outback there are provisions for the door hinges and there’s a cubbyhole with a drain plug that you can fill with ice for those camping trips. Two pet peeves in an otherwise great interior, there’s no dead pedal and the kicker… the fuscia colored dash! Why not keep it the same colour as the exterior? With the wider body, the cargo space is up slightly to 72.4 cu.ft of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

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Tall opening eases loading awkward cargo

Still Jeep tough

Jeep engineers have also been busy making this the most capable off-roading Wrangler ever with improved suspension travel, and better articulation.

A Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case, Dana 44 front and rear solid axles with 285/70R17C off road treaded tires complete the go anywhere ability of Rubicon package. My tester came with the cold weather package (heated front buckets and steering wheel) at $895, the $895 LED lighting package, the aforementioned 8.4 inch nav/infotainment screen with premium Alpine sound ($1395), blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection ($895), towing package including a 240 amp alternator, hard and soft top package ($2395) cloth seats. Power of choice was the 3.6L Pentstar V6 mated to a new 8-speed automatic and a 4.10:1 rear axle.

On the road

In 2015 I commented that Jeep could take a lesson from Fiat and improve their lighting, well they have and my drive home on country roads is greatly safer with the new LEDs.

Even with the off-road tires on my Rubicon (I love saying my) the improved ride quality of the new chassis was clearly evident but despite the refinements the JL is still a Jeep. A lot of the ancestral trademark Jeep jarring is gone and there’s a crisper feel to the steering. The 3.6L V6 is a carryover from the outgoing model and I’m used to the power delivery of the 285 horses and 260 lb-ft of torque. Checking the numbers however on the new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (270 hp with 295 lb-ft of torque) sounds promising and I hope to get my hands on one in the not too distant future.

OK the question that everyone has been asking. I was hoping the new smooth shifting, 8-speed automatic and aerodynamic changes would have made a big improvement in my gas bill, and was curious to know by how much. My last Wrangler was the Sahara, which averaged 13.5L/100 km. My Rubicon with off-road gear ratios and off-road rubber managed to better the old Sahara by .7L/100 kms. netting an average 12.8L/100km on mostly highway travel so a similarly equipped Sahara JL with the 3.45:1 rear end should get significantly better numbers.

Trims

Entry price for all this fun starts at $33,103 for the two-door Sport, followed by Sport S at $36,851 and completing the two door versions is the Rubicon at $44,878.  The 4-door versions start with the Unlimited Sport S at $40,508 followed by the Unlimited Sahara – the company’s most street friendly ride complete with three-piece hard top starting at $44,308 and finally with our off-road bad boy, the Rubicon at $47,158.

There are reminders of the JL’s heritage all over.

If you’ve been thinking about getting behind the wheel of a Wrangler, you’ll be glad you waited, as the JL is an all around winner.

 Price as tested: $57,998

[veshialles]

I posted 11,346 times in 2021

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#i came here to relax to soft and gentle sounds but instead my bi ass keeps getting all fuzzy and flustered when she smiles 😊🥰🥺❤️💕😍

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

See the full post

127 notes • Posted 2021-11-06 07:44:49 GMT

#4

Noble 1: A Grey Warden? But they’re forbidden to interfere!

Noble 2: This one calls themself The Hero Of Ferelden, and does nothing else but interfere.

130 notes • Posted 2021-07-14 08:10:35 GMT

#3

You know, it is kind of interesting to me how alien designs in science fiction are always limited by humans somehow??

Like, in Star Trek for example, most of the aliens all mostly look kind of like dudes with rubber molds on their foreheads or over their ears, maybe some face paint. Except for occasional Weird Alien thanks to models and very dated CGI

And there’s things like Star Wars and Farscape can get away with more wacky designs because they quite often make use of complicated puppets, but you still end up with a lot of aliens that are clearly just someone with full body paint and funky fashion choices.

And then you’ve got Doctor Who, who’s solution also is usually puppets (or CGI in some modern episodes) or strap someone in a lot of tubes, or to straight up just have Some Dude (gender neutral) directly tell the audience they are an alien with no distinctive visual markers whatsoever, or to otherwise just put some angular panels on wheels and stick an egg whisk to it (which has the potential to be way more frightening than it sounds actually)

Then we have stuff like Mass Effect, which is like a completely digital media thanks to the video game format, and while this leap in technology certainly lends itself to a large variety of non-humanoid alien designs, with the Keepers and the Reapers and the Elcor and the Hanar, but then you also still end up with a lot of bipedal aliens that have 3 fingers and 2 toes because it is simply easier to animate them that way (Turians, Geth, Quarians, Salarians, Angara, Kett, etc)

idk I just think it’s neat how sci-fi always has the markers of humanity, our distinct thumbprint I guess.

146 notes • Posted 2021-05-25 15:40:11 GMT

#2

I love how every Life Is Strange game has someone with some kind of power

Max Caulfield with her time rewinding abilities

Rachel Amber with her emotion-powered weather control

Daniel Diaz with his telekinesis

Alex Chen with her empathic powers

Chloe Price and her ability to just be so confrontational and argumentative towards someone that they will just do whatever she wants

160 notes • Posted 2021-07-10 08:32:07 GMT

#1

Star Trek Enterprise really paints such a funny picture when it comes to Starfleet ship design versus Klingon ship design by giving the Klingons the exact same ships they always use in every other Star Trek show

Starfleet: presenting the all new 2374 Constitution class. Ergonomically designed for your comfort, with handcrafted wood panelling for style, and the smoothest impulse engine performance to date! *is already working on the 2375 edition*

Klingons: what's up, this is my D-5 Battle Cruiser, this ship has been in our House for a dozen generations. My great great grandfather built these the warp coils with his bare hands and it will be my great grandchild's honour to replace them! *kicks the warp core when it stalls*

477 notes • Posted 2021-10-11 02:09:42 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[digitalpensil]

Bmw X6 2021

Including destination charge it arrives with a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. View all latest drives. 2021 Bmw X6 Redesign Release Date Interior Price Bmw X6 Bmw Best Luxury Cars 2021 bmw x6 vs bmw x4 If youre dead set on an SUV with coupe styling but cant quite look past that 60000 price tag 0-60that accompanies the X6 you may be tempted by the X4 which starts at.Bmw x6 2021. Leave your review. 2 star 0. V8 44 L 600 Ps 750 NmRamon Performance. 3 star 0. The 2021 BMW X6 is a premium midsize SUVcrossover with a stylish fastback. 1 star 0. Bring your need for speed. Choose a powerful V-8 TwinPower Turbo engine for max horsepower or equip an inline 6-cylinder enhanced with new 48V mild hybrid technology for heightened eBoost power and. As for the price the arriving SUV will cost around 65000. The least-expensive 2021 BMW X6 is the 2021 BMW X6 sDrive40i 4dr SUV 30L 6cyl Turbo gaselectric hybrid 8A. Few cars manage to divide opinions quite like the BMW X6. The 2021 BMW X6 shares the platform with the recently updated BMW X5 and has a more angular style than before. Still the 2021 X6 M costs 3500 more than its squareback counterpart the X5 M. The IIHS and NHTSA have not rated the 2020 BMW X6 yet but you can expect excellent safety scores from both. The 2020 BMW X6 was refreshed as part of the third-generation and has been seen in a new avatar following a complete redesign and best-in-class features. Read the full article

[juniperpublisherscasestudies]

Juniper Publishers- Open Access Journal of Case Studies

Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia through Oral Manifestation - A Case Report

Authored by Marzia Cottini

Abstract

Anemia is a major public health problem worldwide, particularly among women in developing countries. Oral mucosa reflects the general health status. The changes detected on the tongue and labial mucosa in anemia may in certain cases precede general systemic features. Dentists can play an important role in identification and thereby prevention of anemia, as oral manifestation may be the earliest feature of the condition. We report a case of diagnosis of Iron deficiency anemia through oral manifestation.

Introduction

Anemia is a major public health problem worldwide, particularly among women in developing countries. Dentists can play an important role in identification and thereby prevention of anemia as oral manifestation may be the earliest feature of the condition [1]. We report a case of diagnosis of Iron deficiency anemia through oral manifestation.

Case Report

A 68-year-old female patient presented to the department of oral medicine with a chief complaint of mobility of the lower left teeth for 3 months. There were no associated symptoms. She was conscious and cooperative, moderately built, poorly nourished. There were no peripheral signs of systemic disease. There was no abnormality detected on extra oral examination. On intraoral examination, there was erosion noticed at the corner/angle of the mouth (Figure 1 & 2). Depapillation on the dorsal surface of the tongue (bald tongue) (Figure 3), pallor and an area of erosion was noticeable on the buccal mucosa (Figure 4). All the teeth on the right side of the maxillary arch and left side of mandibular arch were missing. There was generalized mobility of remaining teeth. A diagnosis of chronic generalized periodontitis was made. Complete Blood Count was advised to check for anemia. Her Hb was 7.8g/dl, total and differential count were in normal limits. A diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia was made she was referred to general physician for further assessment. She was given oral ferrous sulphate therapy, to which she responded positively. Following this dental treatment was provided.

Go to

Discussion

Anemia is a widely prevalent condition. According to WHO it is a condition in which the Haemoglobin (Hb) content of blood is lower than normal as a result of deficiency of one or more essential nutrients. Globally, anaemia affects 1.62 billion people, which corresponds to 24.8% of the population. The highest prevalence is in preschool-age children (47.4%), and the lowest prevalence is in men (12.7%) [2,3]. Prevalence of anemia in the elderly has been found to be around 8 -44%, with a higher prevalence in men above 85 years of age.

Identifying anemia is important as it is debilitating and induces or worsens congestive heart failure, causes cognitive impairment, dizziness and apathy. Anemia in the older adult has been reported to have reached crisis levels as anemia is associated with changes in the quality of life, decreased cognition and functional ability, and an increased risk for falls, infections, morbidity, and mortality [4,5].

Hemoglobin concentration is a widely used measure of anemia, although serum ferritin levels are considered a more sensitive marker. A strong correlation exists between Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Hemoglobin levels are easier to measure and also useful in monitoring the effectiveness of intervention [6]. Hence this parameter alone is sensitive in detecting anemia. Severity of anemia is classified as

a) Mild (10-10.9 g/dl for pregnant women,10- 11.9g/dl for non-pregnant)

b) Moderate (7-9.9g/dl) and

c) Severe (<7g/dl) based on Hb concentration in women [1,6].

Iron deficiency is one of the main etiologic factors for anemia [1,3]. The main cause of this being Low dietary intake like iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, and other factors being chronic diseases and chronic blood loss due to hookworm infestation and malaria [2].

The oral signs and symptoms of anemia are well recognized and easily detectable. They are glossitis, glossodynia, angular cheilitis, recurrent oral ulcer, oral candidiasis, erythematous mucositis, and palor of oral mucosa. In some patients as in this case the initial manifestation of anemia of chronic diseases may present in the oral cavity before general symptoms develop [7,8].

The oral changes occur as a result of basic changes in the metabolism of oral epithelial cells. These changes give rise to abnormalities in cell structure and the keratinization pattern of the oral epithelium. On the dorsal surface of the tongue it leads to a “beefy” red and inflamed i.e., erythematous macular lesions because of marked epithelial atrophy and reduced thickness of the epithelial layer [9].

The general signs and symptoms of anemia such as pallor, fatigue and dyspnea may be overlooked in elderly as these findings may be attributed to old age [4]. The oral signs and symptoms offers the dentist an opportunity to participate in the diagnosis of this condition.

Conclusion

According to the WHO reports screening for anemia, treatment of anemic women, and availability and use of nutrient supplements are the key to reduce anemia in adolescent and pregnant women. Oral mucosa reflects the general health status. The changes detected on the tongue and labial mucosa in anemia may in certain cases precede general systemic features. An astute dentist will be able to identify these clinical features and help in screening and early diagnosis and treatment by prompt referral to the physician.

For more articles in Open Access Journal of Case Studies please click on: https://juniperpublishers.com/jojcs/index.php

[preservationandruin]

Oathbringer Liveblog Part Two; Chapters 44-48

Sorry for the delays! I have a life and it is busy. 

Shallan seems to bond with another Radiant a little, we look in at Bridge Four new and old, Jasnah talks with Ivory, and we get a view into what’s going on in Alethkar. 

The epigraph mentions that the writer has “many realms”--that’s interesting. Also they’re either speaking for a group of people or using the royal We--both are possible. 

Anyway, Veil is lounging around with her boots up on a table. Also, we get a slang word-- deevy, meaning pretty cool, and Ishnah is trying to teach the dudes of Shallan’s gang how to be spies while Veil peoplewatches and drinks. We also get that “she’s grown some nice rockbuds” might be slang for “she has nice tits.” This information is courtesy of Gaz. Ishnah has them try to repeat people they saw in the tavern without looking again; when it’s Veil’s turn, she rattles off a long list of information. Veil is so absorbed in this that she almost forgets one of Shallan’s meetings. 

One day, someone might realize that they never see Veil and Shallan in the same place. Of course, Shallan can fix that with illusions, but the question is if she’ll think to before someone catches that particular wrinkle. Interestingly, the personas are getting more distinct--Shallan is irritated at how much Veil drinks, Veil thinks Shallan’s preoccupation with scholarly questions gets nothing done. 

Anyway, there’s a meeting going on in the library, including May Aladar, who I still like, and a bunch of other scribes and learned people. Shallan also got so caught up in thinking about Veil that she basically just froze in the doorway for a few moments. Shallan, this way of life is interesting, but it’s going to become unsustainable soon. 

The woman’s arrogance was what Shallan didn’t like--not, of course, that Adolin had been courting Janala soon before meeting Shallan. She had once tried to avoid Adolin’s former romantic partners, but...well, that was like trying to avoid soldiers on a battlefield. They were just kind of everywhere. 

In case anyone forgot about Adolin Kholin’s train wreck love life. Anyway, Shallan almost considers that she might need another persona to deal with scholarly stuff and then starts panicking--because isn’t that who she is? Isn’t Shallan the scholar? 

She’s starting to fracture. 

Anyway, Renarin was sent to listen to the meeting--he’s clearly very uncomfortable, stimming and perched nervously on his seat. He noticed something important, but when he pointed it out everyone started lowkey mocking him--and Shallan got indignant for his sake. 

“Surely, Janala, you didn’t just try to insult the son of the highprince.”  “What? No, no of course I didn’t.”  “Good,” Shallan said. “Because if you had been trying to insult him, you did a terrible job.” 

She proceeds to viciously drag Janala. Unfortunately, Navani was probably going to do it better, and this does get her another Jasnah lecture. Anyway, Renarin seeks her out to say thank you, and also is surprised and happy that he can see Pattern--because Pattern can’t go invisible, just blend into things. 

“Thank you.”  “For?” “Defending my honor. When Adolin does that, someone usually gets stabbed. Your way was pleasanter.”  “Well, nobody should take that tone with you. They wouldn’t dare do it to Adolin.” 

I am here for the pair of them getting to be on better terms. Anyway, they’re both feeling that the gemstone center powers the entire city as a fabrial. He also gives her some tips on avoiding getting infuriated by Jasnah. Surge of Illumination Bros. 

And Dalinar came to listen too--because he didn’t want Renarin to feel awkward. Nobody will make fun of Renarin for being “unmanly” for being there if the Blackthorn is also doing it. 

...Back to Moash. Great. He’s basically being kept as a slave, now, by the parshmen. The Parshmen are giving out work to the humans--including the lighteyes, something that Moash relishes a little. He finds Guff, an old caravaneer who he knew. He finds a group in resistance--and realizes that even there, the lighteyes are still in charge. 

He wasn’t broken. All of them were broken. Alethi society--lighteyed and dark. Maybe all of humankind. 

Gang, I think Moash is having a bit of either an existential crisis. He just doesn’t react to anything, and signs himself up for the worst job he possibly can. That...doesn’t bode well. I’m worrying that he’s leaning toward a “so let me be evil” moment. 

Over to actual Bridge Four, with Skar! He’s irritated--out of all of them, only him, Dabbid, and Rlain haven’t been able to draw in Stormlight, and he’s trying to push himself harder. Anyway, Sigzil is trying to logic out Lashings; Drehy has gotten it down, and they’ve been practicing racing with Stormlight--Drehy beat Lopen, who had the previous best time. 

“You stopped for food on the way, Leyten.” Sigzil said. “Even Rock beat your time, and he was skipping like a girl the last third.”  “Was Horneater dance of victory,” Rock said from near Leyten. “Is very manly.” 

I. adore Bridge Four. Also, they’ve started explaining their pasts to each other; Skar explains that he tried to get into the army, but they wouldn’t take him because he was a “runt.” He’d tried to steal their armor to get in, and got branded as a slave. 

Teft was an addict. Drehy had struck an officer. Eth had been caught planning to desert with his brother. Even simple Hobber had been part of a drunken brawl. 

Anyway, Kaladin’s late, which irritates them. He does show up, though, with more hopefuls. 

Kal: it feels wrong, having lighteyes at bridge four skar: other than you, and renarin, and any of us if we win Blades, and Rock technically is a lighteyes with his people-- Kal: fine i get your point

Skar points out that with Bridge Four, good-natured ribbing is the norm and what you have to watch out for is when they’re not being assholes. He and Lyn start commiserating about how much they want to be out there, being able to fight and fly with the others. He gives her a speech--a pep talk of sorts--and she actually manages it, becoming the first female Windrunner Squire of the group. He also realizes--he did something similar for Rock. He is about to go say that he’s going to join Rock’s cook crew--and Rock lets him get halfway through before he points out that Skar is glowing. 

I! LOVE! BRIDGE! FOUR!

And, apparently, we’re at Taln now. Interesting. We get his whole prepared speech--teach you to forge bronze, soulcast metal, So much is lost between Returns. 

Okay, we were at Jasnah--she’s reading over Taln’s words. Ivory is with her--we get more of a description of him. He’s dressed in a formal suit, and is jet-black with slight prismatic elements to him. His features are too angular to be human, more like a statue. Jasnah feels like she’s losing her footing--things she spent her life slaving away at are now common knowledge, like the Parshmen being Voidbringers. 

We get a glimpse into what might have started breaking Jasnah. 

Something stirred deep within her. Glimmers of memory from a dark room, screaming her voice ragged. A childhood illness nobody else seemed to remember, for all it had done her.  It had taught her that people she loved could still hurt her. 

Jasnah is unsettled and haunted by the fact that the Heralds--Taln especially--have been driven mad, because she can always rely on her mind, “except once.” That’s probably important. Ivory is called an inkspren; it’s mentioned that Ivory’s generation basically had to raise themselves, as there were no elders around due to the Recreance. Also, he’s apparently the only inkspren to have bonded someone,  marking Jasnah as the only current Elsecaller. 

He had taken the name Ivory as a symbol of defiance. He was not what his kin said he was, and would not suffer what fate proclaimed. 

I love him. 

Some other notes: Jasnah thinks that Shallan might need more challenges, instead of more structure--and honestly, that’s probably a better way of handling Shallan. Also, the honorspren apparently once tried to rule Shadesmar. Spren politics, y’all. 

And Jasnah mentions learning something from Wit--something Ivory insists will cause another Recreance. it’s the same secret that the Stormfather refuses to tell Dalinar, isn’t it. 

Moash, again. The epigraph mentions that the speaker/s “stand in the sea, pleased with our domains.” He mentions that he’s one of the more enthusiastic workers, because honestly compared to bridge work the hard labor he’s doing is easy. Also,  Moash is surprised that the Voidbringers actually treat their human slaves well. It’s calmed himself down, some. Unfortunately, he’s not really facing the facts here...

What happened at the Shattered Plains wasn’t my fault, he thought as he hauled the sledge. I was pushed into it. I can’t be blamed. 

Sorry Moash, you can totally be blamed for that. You didn’t have to join the conspiracy. You didn’t have to keep going with it once Kaladin intervened. You didn’t have to stop going to stew nights, Moash, you broke yourself from Bridge Four long before you fought Kaladin. 

Anyway, he’s realized they’re moving toward Kholinar. He’s starting to admire the Voidbringers, too--rationalizing that they were sent back because humanity didn’t deserve to govern itself. The only thing that mars his picture of the Parshmen as an efficient, more caring and humane version of the human armies--is the fact that they’re still keeping parshmen as slaves. 

That’s...wow. The slave parshmen are treated worse than the human slaves. 

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss, I guess. Apparently, that group ‘brought a false god into their group’ and the speaker looks up at the lfying Fused. 

Oh, god. That’s Kaladin’s group. That’s the group that Kaladin travelled with, and they’re being punished for it. We haven’t seen the little girl, but--I’m hoping that she’s not there. 

God, they didn’t fucking deserve that. Moash sees them whipping a fallen parshman from that group, and walks over, yelling at the parshmen to stop being like humans. He catches a whip meant to hit him, and tells the parshman to ride in the sledge to heal his feet, and takes his place. 

There’s still a bit of Bridge Four left in the guy. A bit who isn’t willing to let the world be shitty without a bit of fighting back. 

No one dared to again raise a whip against the parshmen crew the rest of the march. 

[watchilove]

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[eddycurrents]

For the week of 21 August 2017

As I write this, the gulf coast of Texas is being battered by hurricane Henry. I can only hope that everyone was able to evacuate and that those who couldn’t, or were and are caught in unexpected turns of the storm, are able to stay safe and sound. My thoughts go out to everyone effected by this disaster.

My two favourite books of the week were Hi-Fi Fight Club #1 by Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva & Irene Flores and War Mother #1 by Fred Van Lente & Stephen Segovia. Published by BOOM!/Boom! Box and Valiant Comics respectively.

Hi-Fi Fight Club is essentially Empire Records or Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity recast with an all-female staff. And, well, the staff also has a secret, but it’s not revealed until the end of the issue really, so I’ll leave that out for you to figure out.

The first issue is from the point of view of Chris, Vinyl Mayhem’s newest and youngest employee, as she struggles with her identity and finding her place in the world/at work. Carly Usdin does a good job of presenting the setting and characters through Chris’ eyes.

One of the main draws, though, is the art. The art team of Nina Vakueva & Irene Flores with colours by Rebecca Nalty are a joy. Vakueva has a style that reminds me a lot of Veronica Fish mixed with a bit of Terry Moore, leading to some fairly expressive faces and overall some very pleasant art to convey the story.

I’m really looking forward to how this series deepens.

And then there’s the return of War Mother.

I’ve been waiting for a follow-up to the War Mother one-shot that was part of the 4001 AD crossover from last year by Fred Van Lente and Tomás Giorello, and this doesn’t disappoint. Van Lente is back for this new mini while he’s joined by Stephen Segovia for the artwork.

Van Lente does a good job of getting the reader up to speed on what occurred in the previous one-shot, while giving a concrete introduction (or re-introduction depending on if you’re a new reader or not) to the characters. I’d have liked a little more about the time’s overall current state, but I’m sure that will be addressed whenever Valiant gets back to a new Rai series, and isn’t really necessary to enjoy this issue. 

War Mother (Ana) and her people’s biome, The Grove, is failing and she’s searching for something new before they run out of food completely. In doing so, she investigates a broadcast of a safe haven and goes to check out its source and the viability of the building claiming protection. This leads her to a confrontation with a couple other factions fighting to survive in this world, and a revelation that perhaps not everything is as it seems. It’s fairly compelling to find out what happens next.

Stephen Segovia also is a great addition to the book, giving the futuristic world a distinct lived-in feel. His depiction of the Urbanites is a suitably creepy addition to the world.

Quick Bits:

Archie #23 is kind of an “after the big event” episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, focusing more on character ramifications and fallout of the horrible accident in the previous issue. It’s rather morose, but Mark Waid tries to alleviate that a bit through some of Archie’s natural clumsiness.

| Published by Archie Comics

Black Hammer #12 reminds me that David Rubín really deserves to be a household name. His panel transitions and page layouts are gorgeous. His art just flows. It also helps that Jeff Lemire’s story is quite compelling as well.

| Published by Dark Horse

Doctor Strange #24 concludes the Secret Empire tie-in story-arc from Dennis Hopeless and Niko Henrichon. Overall, the arc was decent, even if the victory is less than satisfying. I would have liked to have seen more from Hopeless & Henrichon, because they seem to have a good grasp on Doctor Strange himself and his magical world, but I’ve liked what they’ve given to us. Henrichon’s art is joyful in itself.

| Published by Marvel

Edge of Venomverse #5 closes out the prequel mini-series of mostly one-shots before the Venomverse event can start proper. Every issue of this series has been incredibly well done and this issue is no exception. 

This may be the best, not necessarily due to the story of Deadpool working to stop an alien worm parasite from invading Earth--although Clay McLeod Chapman’s altered “Sound of Silence” lyrics are fairly humorous--but because of the truly incredible artwork of James Stokoe. I think there’s probably nothing that Stokoe can’t elevate with his art.

| Published by Marvel

Generation Gone #2 still feels like a new take on Akira to me. I don’t know if it will shape up to have nearly as much impact as that, but it’s very good so far. Aleš Kot and André Lima Araújo are doing something interesting here.

| Published by Image

Generations: The Thunder #1 is another that reminds me that they’ve never quite lain out what Generations actually is, how or why the modern heroes are being thrust wherever or whatever this “Vanishing Point” is in what’s mostly been various pasts, but still manages to deliver a decent story. Mostly winding up feeling like annuals or possibly an extended version of those old fifth-week events where every one-shot special followed a specific theme; like everyone was turned into an ape or all of the heroes rocked ‘80s mullets and big hair. Okay, maybe that last one didn’t happen, but you get my point.

The other three (Hulks, Jean Greys, & Wolverines) haven’t been bad, by any means, but they do feel kind of inconsequential with character points that have either already popped up in their source series or look to be brought more to the fore in upcoming issues. Jason Aaron’s work here with the Thors feels a little bit more like another important wrinkle in his ongoing Thor saga, as well as laying some groundwork for the upcoming Marvel: Legacy #1.

It also has some great art from Mahmud Asrar and Jordie Bellaire.

| Published by Marvel

The Hard Place #1 is a solid first issue, very nearly rising to one of my favourites of the week. Doug Wagner pens a fairly standard man-out-of-prison story that you see in film and television, complete with the temptation to get back into crime, but he does a great job of making AJ Gurney feel like a fully realised character.

Nic Rummel’s art is also compelling. He has a style similar to Shawn Martinbrough’s with angular features and heavy use of thick lines and solid black shading. The muted colour scheme from Charlie Kirchoff adds greatly to the feel and atmosphere of the issue.

This one comes highly recommended if you like crime dramas.

| Published by Image / 12 Gauge

Incidentals #1 is the first of the Catalyst Prime series that I’ve read since picking up the Free Comic Book Day issue back in May. I gravitated toward this one solely because Larry Stroman’s name was attached and I was in no way disappointed by his work here with Rob Stull inking his pencils and Snakebite Cortez providing the colours.

I’m not as sold on the story. The concept is fine, one of a team being gathered out of those transformed by “The Event”, but Joe Casey’s execution leaves a little to be desired. He’s got several plates spinning in following the different characters, but he provides very little in terms of exposition and narrative context. It leaves you wondering a bit as to who some of these people are and in some cases what exactly is going on. I normally tend to like Casey’s work, so I’ll give it a chance to grow on me, but I can’t say that I was won over by the story in this first issue.

| Published by Lion Forge / Catalyst Prime

Redneck #5 gives us the revelation of what really happened in the first issue and, well, all I can really say is “Ah, hell.” Donny Cates and Lisandro Estherren can really do no wrong here. 

| Published by Image / Skybound

ROM vs. Transformers: Shining Armor #2 is every bit as dense as the first issue, even as we focus more on the initial battle between the Autobots, Decepticons, Space Knights, and Dire Wraiths. We also get to see what happens when a Cybertronian is taken over by a Dire Wraith, depicted in all its terrifying glory by Alex Milne.

| Published by IDW

X-O Manowar #6 closes out the “General” story-arc, but, like “Soldier” before it, it’s less a hard story break, and more of an end of an act. There’s some nice forward momentum in regards to the monoliths causing havoc on the planet Gorin, who’s behind them or at least allied with them, that looks like it’s going to come to a head in the next arc.

This issue also has some very beautiful shots of the landscape and the monoliths from Doug Braithwaite that break up the pace of the action and intrigue.

| Published by Valiant

Other Highlights: Conan: The Slayer #12, Daredevil #25, Dept. H #17, The Dying & The Dead #5, Eternal Empire #4, First Strike #2, I Am Groot #4, Lazarus: X+66 #2, Letter 44 #35, Lumberjanes #41, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers #18, Plastic #5, The Punisher #15, Red Sonja #8, Renato Jones: Season Two #3, Shipwreck #5, Shirtless Bear Fighter #3, Sisters of Sorrow #2, TMNT: Dimension X #4, Underwinter #6

Recommended Collections: The Beauty - Vol. 3, The Few, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mother Entropy, Sif: Journey Into Mystery Complete Collection, & Snowfall

d. emerson eddy is really, really bad at Quake Champions. Like “your grandma is probably better at this” level of bad.

[siva3155]

300+ TOP Concrete Technology Questions and Answers

Concrete Technology Questions :-

1. Concrete grows with age. This statement is (a) true (b) false (c) debatable (d) given by Duff Abrams 2. Concrete in the structural member has to pass through (a) plastic stage (b) hardened stage (c) both (a) and (b) above (d) neither (a) nor (b) 3. Separation of the coarse aggregate from mortar is called (a) bleeding (b) segregation (c) compaction (d) none of the these

Concrete Technology Questions 4. The ease with which concrete can be compacted fully without segregation is called (a) bleeding (b) segregation (c) workability (d) none of these 5. Segregation can be prevented by (a) properly grading the aggregate (b) controlling water content in a mix (c) using correct handling procedures (d) all the above Concrete Technology Objective Questions Pdf Free Download :: 6. Separation of cement paste from sand in the mortar allowing the water or cement paste to appear at the surface is called (a) bleeding (b) segregation (c) honeycombing (d) none of these 7. Consider the following statements Sand in mortar is needed for 1. decreasing the quantity of cement 2. reducing shrinkage 3. decreasing the surface area of the binding material 4. increasing the strength Of these statements (a) 2,3, and 4 are correct (b) 1,2 and 3 are correct (c) 1,3 and 4 are correct (d) 1,2 and 4 are correct 8. Bleeding can be prevented by (a) controlling water content (b) using finely ground cement (c) controlling compaction (d) all the above 9. Bleeding of concrete may be due to 1. excess of water 2. too much finishing 3. coarse aggregates (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3 10.  The approximate value of the ratio between direct tensile strength and flexural strength is a)  0.33 b)  0.5 c)  0.75 d)  1.0 Ans: b 11.  Strength of concrete increases with a)  increase in water-cement ratio b)  increase in fineness of cement c)  decrease in curing time d)  decrease in size of aggregate Ans: b 12.  The relation between modulus of rupturefcr and characteristic strength of concrete fck is given by a)  fcr=0.35Vf7 b)  fcr=0.57f7 c)  fcr=0.7Vf7 d)  fcr=1.2Vf7 where fcr and fck are in N/mm2' Ans: c 13. The compressive strength of 100 mm cube as compared to 150 mm cube is always a)  less b)  more c)  equal d)  none of the above Ans: b 14. According to IS : 456 -1978, the modulus of elasticity of concrete Ec (in N/mm2) can be taken as a)  Ec =  = 5700 b)  Ec =  = 570 c)  Ec =  = 5700fck d)    Ec = where fck N/mm2 = 700 is the characteristic strength in Ans: a 15.    Increase in the moisture content in con-crete a)  reduces the strength b)  increases the strength c)  does not change the strength d)  all of the above Ans: a 16.  As compared to ordinary portland cement, use of pozzuolanic cement a)  reduces workability b)  increases bleeding c)  increases shrinkage d)  increases strength Ans: c 17.  Admixtures which cause early setting, and hardening of concrete are called a)  workability admixtures b)  accelerators c)  retarders d)  air entraining agents Ans: b 18.  The most commonly used admixture which prolongs the setting and hardening time is a)  gypsum b)  calcium chloride c)  sodium silicate d)  all of the above Ans: a 19.  The percentage of voids in cement is approximately a)  25% b)  40% c)  60% d)  80% Ans: b 20.  The strength of concrete after one year as compared to 28 days strength is about a)  10 to 15% more b)  15 to 20% more c)  20 to 25% more d)  25 to 50% more Ans: c 21.  As compared to ordinary portland cement, high alumina cement has a)  higher initial setting time but lower final setting time b)  lower initial setting time but higher final setting time c)  higher initial and final setting times d)  lower initial and final setting times Ans: a 22.  Modulus of rupture of concrete is a measure of a)  flexural tensile strength b)  direct tensile strength c)  compressive strength d)  split tensile strength Ans: a 23.  In order to obtain the best workability of concrete, the preferred shape of aggregate is a)  rounded b)  elongated c)  angular d)  all of the above Ans: a 24.  The effect of adding calcium chloride in concrete is i)  to increase shrinkage ii)  to decrease shrinkage iii)  to increase setting time iv)  to decrease setting time The correct answer is a)  (i) and (iii) b)  (i)and(iv) c)  (ii) and (iii) d)  (ii) and (iv) Ans: b 25.  Bulking of sand is maximum if moisture content is about a)  2 % b)  4% c)  6% d)  10% Ans: b 26.  Finer grinding of cement a)  affects only the early development of strength b)  affects only the ultimate strength c)  both (a) and (b) d)  does not affect the strength Ans: a 27.  Poisson's ratio for concrete a)  remains constant b)  increases with richer mixes c)  decreases with richer mixes d)  none of the above Ans: b 28.  1% of voids in a concrete mix would reduce its strength by about a)  5% b)  10 % c)  15% d)  20% Ans: a 29. The fineness modulus of fine aggregate is in the range of a)  2.0 to 3.5 b)  3.5 to 5.0 c)  5.0 to 7.0 d)  6.0 to 8.5 Ans: a 30.   The factor of safety for a)  steel and concrete are same b)  steel is lower than that for concrete c)  steel is higher than that for concrete d)  none of the above Ans: b 31.   Examine the following statements : i)    Factor of safety for steel should be based on its yield stress, ii)   Factor of safety for steel should be based on its ultimate stress, iii) Factor of safety for concrete should be based on its yield stress, iv) Factor of safety for concrete should be based on its ultimate stress. The correct statements are a)  (i) and (iii) b)  (i)and(iv) c)  (ii) and (iii) d)  (ii) and (iv) Ans: b 32.  For a reinforced concrete section, the shape of shear stress diagram is a)  wholly parabolic b)  wholly rectangular c)  parabolic above neutral axis and rectangular below neutral axis d)  rectangular above neutral axis and parabolic below neutral axis Ans: c 33.  Diagonal tension in a beam a)  is maximum at neutral axis b)  decreases below the neutral axis and increases above the neutral axis c)  increases below the neutral axis and decreases above the neutral axis d)  remains same Ans: c 34. If a beam fails in bond, then its bond strength can be increased most economi-cally by a)  increasing the depth of beam b)  using thinner bars but more in number c)  using thicker bars but less in number d)  providing vertical stirrups Ans: b 35. If nominal shear stress tv exceeds the design shear strength of concrete xc, the nominal shear reinforcement as per IS : 456-1978 shall be provided for carrying a shear stress equal to a)  xv b)  xc c)  xv - TC d)  Tv + Tc Ans: c 36.  If the depth of actual neutral axis in a beam is more than the depth of critical neutral axis, then the beam is called a)  balanced beam b)  under-reinforced beam c)  over-reinforced beam d)  none of the above Ans: c 37.  If the depth of neutral axis for a singly reinforced rectangular section is represented by kd in working stress design, then the value of k for balanced section a)  depends on as, only b)  depends on aCbC only c)  depends on both crst and acbc d)  is independant of both ast and acbc where d is the effective depth, ast is per-missible stress in steel in tension and ocbc is permissible stress in concrete in bend¬ing compression. Ans: a 38. If the permissible stress in steel in tension is 140 N/mm2, then the depth of neutral axis for a singly reinforced rectangular balanced section will be a)  0.35 d b)  0.40 d c)  0.45 d d)  dependent on grade of concrete also Ans: b 39.  Modulus of elasticity of steel as per IS : 456-1978 shall be taken as a)  20 kN/cm2 b)  200 kN/cm2 c)  200kN/mm2 d)  2xl06N/cm2 Ans: c 40.  Minimum grade of concrete to be used in reinforced concrete as per IS:456-1978 is a)  M15 b)  M20 c)  M 10 d)  M25 Ans: a 41.  For concreting of heavily reinforced sections without vibration, the workability of concrete expressed as compacting factor should be a)  0.75-0.80 b)  0.80-0.85 c)  0.85 - 0.92 d)  above 0.92 Ans: d 42.  Maximum quantity of water needed per 50 kg of cement for M 15 grade of concrete is a)  28 litres b)  30 litres c)  32 litres d)  34 litres Ans: c 43.  In case of hand mixing of concrete, the extra cement to be added is a)  5% b)  10% c)  15% d)  20% Ans: b 44.  For walls, columns and vertical faces of all structural members, the form work is generally removed after a)  24 to 48 hours b)  3 days c)  7 days d)  14 days Ans: a 45.  The individual variation between test strength of sample should not be more than a)  ±5% of average b)  ± 10% of average c)  ± 15% of average d)  ±20% of average Ans: c 46.  One of the criteria for the effecvve width of flange of T-beam is bf =—+ bw +6Df 6 In above formula, l0 signifies a)  effective span of T-beam b)  distance between points of zero mo-ments in the beam c)  distance between points of maximum moments in the beam d)  clear span of the T-beam Ans: b 47.  For a cantilever of effective depth of 0.5m, the maximum span to satisfy vertical deflection limit is a)  3.5 m b)  4 m c)  4.5 m d)  5 m Ans: a 48.  For a simply supported beam of span 15m, the minimum effective depth to satisfy the vertical deflection limits should be a)  600 mm b)  750 mm c)  900 mm d)  more than 1 m Ans: b 49.  For a continuous slab of 3 m x 3.5 m size, the minimum overall depth of slab to satisfy vertical deflection limits is a)  50 mm b)  75 mm c)  100 mm d)  120 mm Ans: b 50.  According to IS : 456-1978, the fiexural strength of concrete is a)  directly proportional to compressive strength b)  inversely proportional to compressive strength c)  directly proportional to square root of compressive strength d)  inversely proportional to square root of compressive strength Ans: c 51.  According to IS : 456-1978, the cblumn or the strut is the member whose effective length is greater than a)  the least lateral dimension b)  2 times the least lateral dimension c)  3 times the least lateral dimension d)  4 times the least lateral dimension Ans: c 52.  According to IS : 456- 1978, minimum slenderness ratio for a short column is a)  less than 12 b)  less than 18 c)  between 18 and 24 d)  more than 24 Ans: a 53.  Lap length in compression shall not be less than a)  15 4> b)  20 c)  24 (j) d)  30 (j) where (j) is diameter of bar Ans: c 54.  The minimum cover in a slab should neither be less than the diameter of bar nor less than a)  10 mm b)  15 mm c)  25 mm d)  13 mm Ans: b 55.  For a longitudinal reinforcing bar in a column, the minimum cover shall neither be less than the diameter of bar nor less than a)  15 mm b)  25 mm c)  30mm d)  40 mm Ans: d 56.  The ratio of the diameter of reinforcing bars and the slab thickness is a)  1/4 b)  1/5 c)  1/6 d)  1/8 Ans: d 57.  According to IS: 456-1978, the maximum reinforcement in a column is a)  2 % b)  4% c)  6 % d)  8 % Ans: c 58.  The percentage of reinforcement in case of slabs, when high strength deformed bars are used is not less than a)  0.15 b)  0.12 c)  0.30 d)  1.00 Ans: b 59.  Which of the following statements is incorrect ? a)  Minimum cross sectional area of longitudinal reinforcement in a column is 0.8%. b)  Spacing of longitudinal bars measured along the periphery of column should not exceed 300 mm. c)  Reinforcing bars in a column should not be less than 12 mm in diameter. d)  The number of longitudinal bars pro-vided in a circular column should not be less than four. Ans: d 60.  Which of the following statements is incorrect ? a)      Higher Vee-Bee time shows lower workability. b)  Higher slump shows higher workability. c)  Higher compacting factor shows higher workability. d)  none of the above Ans: d 61. Minimum pitch of transverse reinforce¬ment in a column is a)  the least lateral dimension of the member b)  sixteen times the smallest diameter of longitudinal reinforcement bar to be tied c)  forty-eight times the diameter of transverse reinforcement d)  lesser of the above three values Ans: d 62. Maximum distance between expansion joints in structures as per IS : 456 - 1978 is a)  20 m b)  30 m c)  45 m d)  60 m Ans: c 63.  A continuous beam is deemed to be a deep beam when the ratio of effective span to overall depth (1/D) is less than a)  1.5 b)  2.0 c)  2.5 d)  3.0 Ans: c 64.  Critical section for shear in case of flat slabs is at a distance of a)  effective depth of slab from periphery of column/drop panel b)  d/2 from periphery of column/capital/ drop panel c)  at the drop panel of slab d)  at the periphery of column Ans:b 65.  Minimum thickness of load bearing RCC wall should be a)  50 mm b)  100 mm c)  150 mm d)  200 mm Ans:b 66.  If the storey height is equal to length of RCC wall, the percentage increase in strength is a)  0 b)  10 c)  20 d)  30 Ans: b 67.  In reinforced concrete footing on soil, the minimum thickness at edge should not be less than a)  100 mm b)  150 mm c)  200 mm d)  250 mm Ans:b 68.  The slab is designed as one way if the ratio of long span to short span is a)  less than 1 b)  between 1 and 1.5 c)  between 1.5 and 2 d)  greater than 2 Ans: d 69.  Ratio of permissible stress in direct compression and bending compression is a)  less than 1 b)  between 1 and 1.5 c)  between 1.5 and 2.0 d)  greater than 2 Ans: a 70.  A higher modular ratio shows a)  higher compressive strength of con-crete b)  lower compressive strength of concrete c)  higher tensile strength of steel d)  lower tensile strength of steel Ans:b 71.  The average permissible stress in bond for plain bars in tension is a)  increased by 10% for bars in compression b)  increased by 25% for bars in compression c)  decreased by 10% for bars in compression d)  decreased by 25% for bars in com-pression Ans:b 72. The property of the ingredients to separate from each other while placing the concrete is called a) segregation b) compaction c) shrinkage d) bulking Ans: a 73. Workability of concrete is directly proportional to a) aggregate cement ratio b) time of transit c) grading of the aggregate d) all of above Ans: c 74. Workability of concrete is inversely pro¬portional to a) time of transit b) 'vater-cement ratio c) the air in the mix d) size of aggregate Ans: a 75.  The main reason for providing number of reinforcing bars at a support in a simply supported beam is to resist in that zone a)  compressive stress b)  shear stress c)  bond stress d)  tensile stress Ans: c 76.  Half of the main steel in a simply supported slab is bent up near the support at a distance of x from the centre of slab bearing where x is equal to a)  1/3 b)  1/5 c)  1/7 d)  1/10 where 1 is the span Ans:c 77.  When shear stress exceeds the permissible limit in a slab, then it is reduced by a)    increasing the depth b)  providing shear reinforcement c)  using high strength steel d)  using thinner bars but more in number Ans: a 78. If the size of panel in a flat slab is 6m x 6m, then as per Indian Standard Code, the widths of column strip and middle strip are a)  3.0 m and 1.5 m b)  1.5 m and 3.0 m c)  3.0 m and 3.0 m d)  1.5 m and 1.5 m Ans:c 79. For a slab supported on its four edges with corners held down and loaded uniformly, the Marcus correction factor to the moments obtained by Grashoff Rankine's theory a)  is always less than 1 b)  is always greater than 1 c)  can be more than 1 d)  can be less than 1 Ans: a 80. The permissible diagonal tensile stress in reinforced brick work is a)  about 0.1 N/mm2 b)  zero c)  0.3 N/mm2 to 0.7 N/mm2 d)  about 1.0 N/mm2 Ans: a 81.  The limits of percentage p of the longitudinal reinforce-ment in a column is given by a)  0.15% to 2% b)  0.8% to 4% c)  0.8% to 6% d)  0.8% to 8% Ans: c 82.  The minimum diameter of longitudinal bars in a column is a)  6 mm b)  8 mm c)  12 mm d)  16 mm Ans:c 83.  The minimum cover to the ties or spirals should not be less than a)  15 mm b)  20 mm c)  25 mm d)  50mm Ans: c 84.  The load carrying capacity of a helically reinforced column as compared to that of a tied column is about a)  5% less b)  10% less c)  5% more d)  10% more Ans:c 86.     The diameter of ties in a column should be a)  more than or equal to one fourth of diameter of main bar b)  more than or equal to 5 mm c)  more than 5 mm but less than one-fourth of diameter of main bar d)  more than 5 mm and also more than one-fourth of diameter of main bar Ans: d 87.  Due to circumferential action of the spiral in a spirally reinforced column a)  capacity of column is decreased b)  ductility of column reduces c)  capacity of column is decreased but ductility of column increases d)  both the capacity of column and ductility of column increase Ans: d 88.  Maximum percentage reinforcement in case of slabs is limited to a)  2 b)  4 c)  6 d)  8 Ans: b 89.  Which of the following R.C. retaining walls is suitable for heights beyond 6m? a)    L-shaped wall b)  T-shaped wall c)  counterfort type d)  all of the above Ans: c 90.  For the design of retaining walls, the minimum factor of safety against overturning is taken as a)  1.5 b)  2.0 c)  2.5 d)  3.0 Ans: b 91.  In counterfort type retaining walls i) the vertical slab is designed as a continuous slab ii) the heel slab is designed as a conti¬nuous slab iii) the vertical slab is designed as a cantilever iv) the heel slab is designed as a cantilever The correct answer is a)  (i) and (ii) b)  (i)and(iv) c)  (ii) and (iii) d)  (iii) and (iv) Ans:a 92.  A T-shaped retaining wall mainly conssits of a)  one cantilever b)  two cantilevers c)  three cantilevers d)  four cantilevers Ans: c 93.  In T-shaped R C. retaining walls, the main reinforcement in the stem is provided on a)  the front face in one direction b)  the front face in both directions c)  the inner face in one direction d)  the inner face in both directions Ans:c 94.  The main reinforcement in the toe of a T- shaped R C. retaining wall is provided on i)    top face parallel to the wall ii)  top face perpendicular to the wall iii)  bottom face paralleUo the wall iv)  bottom face perpendicular to the wall The correct answer is a)  only (ii) is correct b)  (i) and (ii) are correct c)  (iii) and (iv) are correct d)  only (iv) is correct Ans: d 95.  The temperature reinforcement in the vertical slab of a T-shaped R.C. retaining wall is a)  not needed b)  provided equally on inner and front faces c)  provided more on inner face than on front face d)  provided more on front face than on inner face Ans: d 96.  The main reinforcement in the heel of a T-shaped R.C. retaining wall is provided on a)  top face perpendicular to wall b)  bottom face perpendicular to wall c)  both top and bottom faces perpendi-cular to wall d)  none of the above Ans: a 97.  In a counterfort retaining wall, the main reinforcement is provided on the i)  bottom face in front counterfort ii)  inclined face in front counterfort iii)  bottom face in back counterfort iv)  inclined face in back counterEort The  correct answer is a)  (i) and (ii), b)  (ii) and (iii) c)  (i) and (iv) d)  (iii) and (iv) Ans: c 98.  In counterfort retaining walls, the main reinforcement in the stem at support is a)  not provided b)  provided only on inner face c)  provided only on front face d)  provided both on inner and front faces Ans: b 99.  In the design of a front counterfort in a counterfort retaining wall, the main reinforcement is provided on i)    bottom face near counterfort ii)   top face near counterfort iii) bottom face near centre of span iv)  top face near centre of span The correct answer is a)  only (i) b)  only (ii) c)  both (i) and (iv) d)  both (ii) and (iii) Ans: c 100.  In a counterfort retaining wall, the main reinforcement in the stem at mid span is provided on a)  front face only b)  inner face only c)  both front face and inner face d)  none of the above Ans: a 101.   The  depth  of footing  for  an isolated column is governed by i)    maximum bending moment ii)   shear force iii) punching shear The correct answer is a)  only (i) b)  (i)and(ii) c)  (i) and (iii) d)  (i), (ii) and (iii) Ans: d 102. If the foundations of all the columns of a structure are designed on the total live and dead load basis, then a)  there will be no settlement of columns b)  there will be no differential settlement c)  the  settlement of exterior columns will be more than interior columns d)  the settlement of interior columns will be more than exterior columns Ans:c 103.  To minimise the effect of differential settlement, the area of a footing should be designed for a)  dead load only b)  dead load + live load c)  dead load + fraction of live load d)  live load + fraction of dead load Ans: c 104.  The critical section for finding maximum bending moment for footing under masonry wall is located a)  at the middle of the wall b)  at the edge of the wall c)  halfway between the middle and edge of the wall d)  at a distance equal to effective depth of footing from the edge of the wall Ans: c 105. In a pile of length /, the points of suspen¬sion from ends for lifting it are located at a)  0.207 1 b)  0.25 / c)  0.293 / d)  0.333 / Ans: a 106.  During erection, the pile of length / is supported by a crane at a distance of a)  0.207 / b)  0.293 / c)  0.7071 d)  0.793 / from the driving end of pile which rests on the ground Ans: c 107.  While designing the pile as a column, the end conditions are nearly a)  both ends hinged b)  both ends fixed c)  one end fixed and other end hinged d)  one end fixed and other end free Ans: c 108.  The recommended value of modular ratio for reinforced brick work is a)  18 b)  30 c)  40 d)  58 Ans: c 109. According to ISI recommendations, the maximum depth of stress block for balanced section of a beam of effective depth d is a)  0.43 d b)  0.55 d c)  0.68 d d)  0.85 d Ans: a 110.  Assertion A : The load factor for live load is greater than that for dead load. Reason  R  :  The  live  loads are more uncertain than dead loads. Select your answer based on the coding system given below : a)  Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b)  Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. c)  A is true but R is false. d)  A is false but R is true. Ans: a 111.  The centroid of compressive force, from the extreme compression fibre, in limit state design lies at a distance of a)  0.367 xu b)  0.416 xu c)  0.446 xu d)  0.573 xu where xu is the depth of neutral axis at the limit state of collapse Ans: b 112.  The design yield stress of steel according to IS: 456-1978 is a)  0.37 fy b)  0.57 fy c)  0.67 fy d)  0.87 fy where fy is the characteristic yield strength of steel Ans: d 113.  According to Whitney's theory, ultimate strain of concrete is assumed to be a)  0.03% b)  0.1% c)  0.3% d)  3% Ans: c 114.  According to Whitney's theory, depth of stress block for a balanced section of a concrete beam is limited to a)  0.43 d b)  0.537 d c)  0.68 d d)  0.85 d where d is effective depth of beam Ans: b 115.  The load factors for live load and dead load are taken respectively as a)  1.5 and 2.2 b)  2.2 and 1.5 c)  1.5 and 1.5 d)  2.2 and 2.2 Ans:b 116.  As per Whitney's theory, the maximum moment of resistance of the balanced section of a beam of width b and effective depth d is given by a)  ^acybd2 b)  ^acybd2 c)  0.185acybd2 d)  0.43acybd2 where  acy  is the  cylinder compressive strength of concrete Ans: b 127.   The effect of creep on modular ratio is a)  to decrease it b)  to increase it c)  either to decrease or to increase it d)  to keep it unchanged Ans: b 128.    Shrinkage of concrete depends upon i)    humidity of atmosphere ii)   passage of time iii) stress The correct answer is a)  (i) and (ii) b)  (ii) and (iii) c)  only (iii) d)  All (i), (ii) and (iii) Ans: a 129. Due to shrinkage stresses, a simply supported beam having reinforcement only at bottom tends to a)  deflect downward b)  deflect upward c)  deflect downward or upward d)  none of the above Ans: a 130.  In symmetrically reinforced sections, shrinkage stresses in concrete and steel are respectively a)  compressive and tensile b)  tensile and compressive c)  both compressive d)  both tensile Ans: b 131.  A beam curved in plan is designed for a)  bending moment and shear b)  bending moment and torsion c)  shear and torsion d)  bending moment, shear and torsion Ans: d 132.  In a spherical dome subjected to concentrated load at crown or uniformly distributed load, the meridional force is always a)  zero b)  tensile c)  compressive d)  tensile or compressive Ans: c 133.  Sinking of an intermediate support of a continuous beam i)    reduces the negative moment at support ii)   increases   the   negative   moment   at support iii) reduces the positive moment at centre of span iv)  increases   the   positive   moment   at centre of span The correct answer is a)  (i) and (iii) b)  (i)and(iv) c)  (ii) and (iii) d)  (ii) and (iv) Ans: b 134.  The maximum value of hoop compression in a dome is given by a)  wR / 4d b)  wR/2d c)  wR/d d)  2wR/d where, w = load per unit area of surface of dome R = radius of curvature d = thickness of dome Ans: b 135.  In a spherical dome the hoop stress due to a concentrated load at crown is a)  compressive everywhere b)  tensile everywhere c)  partly compressive and partly tensile d)  zero Ans:b 136.  In a ring beam subjected to uniformly distributed load i)    shear force at mid span is zero ii)   shear force at mid span is maximum iii) torsion at mid span is zero iv)  torsion at mid span is maximum The correct answer is a)  (i) and (iii) b)  (i)and(iv) c)  (ii) and (iii) d)  (ii) and (iv) Ans:a 137.  In prestressed concrete a)  forces of tension and compression change but lever arm remains unchanged b)  forces of tension and compressions remain unchanged but lever arm changes with the moment c)  both forces of tension and compres-sion as well as lever arm change d)  both forces of tension and compres-sion as well as lever arm remain unchanged Ans: b 138.  The purpose of reinforcement in prestressed concrete is a)  to provide adequate bond stress b)  to resist tensile stresses c)  to impart initial compressive stress in concrete d)  all of the above Ans: c 139. Normally prestressing wires are arranged in the a)  upper part of the beam b)  lower part of the beam c)  centre d)  anywhere Ans: b 140. Most common method of prestressing used for factory production is a)  Long line method b)  Freyssinet system c)  Magnel-Blaton system d)  Lee-Macall system Ans:a 141.  Select the incorrect statement a)  The loss of prestress is more in pre-tensioning system than in post-tensioning system. b)  Pretensioning system has greater certainty about its durability. c)  For heavy loads and large spans in buildings or bridges, post-tensioning system is cheaper than pretensioning system d)  none of the above Ans:d 142.  Which of the following losses of prestress occurs only in pretensioning and not in post-tensioning ? a)  elastic shortening of concrete b)  shrinkage of concrete c)  creep of concrete d)  loss due to friction Ans: a 143. Prestress loss due to friction occurs a)  only in post-tensioned beams b)  only in pretensioned beams c)  in both post-tensioned and preten-sioned beams d)  none of the above Ans:a 145.  Which of the following has high tensile strength ? a)  plain hot rolled wires b)  cold drawn wires c)  heat treated rolled wires d)  all have same tensile strength Ans: b 146.  High carbon content in the steel causes a)  decrease in tensile strength but increase in ductility b)  increase in tensile strength but decrease in ductility c)  decrease in both tensile strength and ductility d)  increase in both tensile strength and ductility Ans:b 147.  Stress strain curve of high tensile steel a)  has a definite yield point b)  does not show definite yield point but yield point is defined by 0.1% proof stress c)  does not show definite yield point but yield point is defined by 0.2% proof stress d)  does not show definite yield point but yield point is defined by 2% proof stress, Ans: c 148.  Select the correct statement a)  Elastic modulus of high tensile steel is nearly the same as that of mild steel. b)  Elastic modulus of high tensile steel is more than that of mild steel. c)  Carbon percentage in high carbon steel is less than that in mild steel. d)  High tensile steel is cheaper than mild steel. Ans:a 149.  Cube strength of controlled concrete to be used for pretensioned and post-tensioned work respectively should not be less than a)  35 MPa and 42 MPa b)  42 MPa and 35 MPa c)  42 MPa and 53 MPa d)  53 MPa and 42 MPa Ans: b 150.  Ultimate strength of cold drawn high steel wires a)  increases with increase in diameter of bar b)  decreases with increase in diameter of bar c)  does not depend on diameter of bar d)  none of the above Ans: b 151.  In working stress design, permissible bond stress in the case of deformed bars is more than that in plain bars by a)  10% b)  20% c)  30% d)  40% Ans: d Concrete Technology Mcqs :: Read the full article

[hedrigal]

Akira Live Comments

So I watched Akira last night and my friends made me put my comments in a document:

Impressions: I really like this movie, it is incredibly fast paced and gets so much through just in images and snapshots. Also brilliant use of red flags.

11:58: Akira, Just think. In two short years post nuclear gangs of motorcyclists will be assaulting taxi drivers in cyberpunk Tokyo.

11:58 Like that might actually happen.

12:00: What. Dog murder. This isn’t fucking Jojo. Why is this the anime theme I’ve been dealing with lately? If I wanted to be depressed by dying dogs I’d just watch plague dogs.

12:01: There’s a very old child.

12:04: Oh shit. So there’s also a revolution in the background as the gang war happens. Or atleast mobs of people waving red flags. Which is my favorite kind of mob.

12:05: So the incredubly old child had exploded TETSUO!

12:06: Ancient children are being approached by pod children who look actually young.

12:07: And for some reason my favorite coworker looks like roughly half of the background characters. Extremely short hair, Mustache, very angular face, looks exactly like the Colonel.

12:13: Kaneda helps revolutionaries escape attest if they’re hot women. Sexist, but also semi good Praxis.

12:17: Akira is already doing a good job of establishing this is a collapsing social order. Like capitalism is clearly in absolute crisis, and they haven’t even slightly used those words. So points for that.

12:27: Hah. Communist lady is still a character. And she was apparently involved with a terrorist bombing.

12:30: And she was apparently involved with a terrorist bombing.

12:33: .00005 degrees kelvin isn’t a temperature people can live at movie. I call bullshit.

12:34: his room is just looking like they’re bellow freezing. Rather than instantly freezing them to a painful death. Very slowly.

12:35: Ryu also looks like my coworker. Again. A very solid portion of these characters look like him.

12:37: The communist rebels are relying on millenarian cultists for their hope for the future. I would call that unrealistic, but there are communists who have done dumber things. this is also more radical and more thoughtful than the actual Japanese Communist Party would be capable of.

12:39: Why was the peace of neo tokyo ever left in the hands of a colonel. That’s like, General level responsibilities at least.

12:41: Whoever did the art on this loves angular face mustache men. Which I don’t think there’s anything wrong with. Just a bit hyper specific.

12:41: Oh shit. The bear is moving.

12:41: Oh shit, all the stuffed animals are walking.

12:42: Wait, Tetsuo is just hallucinating.

12:43: And the hallucinations are bleeding cum and attacking him. Oh god thats a lot of cum.

12:43: He scared off the cum monster creatures by bleeding at them from his foot wound. I know it’s milk but the look is too viscous.

12:45: Tetsuo popped those guards like grapes. It was awesome. Good for him.

12:46: Why did the communist terrorist squad recruit Kaneda? He adds nothing beyond so much risk that they’ll get caught.

12:47: Fucking sewer levels. Always lame! Oh, communist lady is named Kei.

12:50: Holy shit. TETSUO has just crushed the cops into a fine paste. Good for him.

12:51: Cum monster stuffed animal things are are back.

12:51: Now they’re just regular children. Who are also seemingly 85 years old.

12:56: Communist lady is already reacting with horror when he gets thrown around? Goddamn. You’ve known him for like a night. Don’t fall in love with him yet.

12:57: Tetsuo keeps saying aloud what he’s psychically told. You’re missing the point of psychic communications.

12:59: Why did they store psychic super child in the fucking olympic stadium?!

1:00: Colonel is staging a crisis.

1:04: Exposition on Akira is happening and I’m very bored by it. They don’t need to explain why there is a psychic child who can destroy the world. He’s just there. Especially when it boils down to him having amoeba powers.

1:06: Is he a pokemon, evolving as an individual, rather than in a process of punctuated equilibrium/gradual adaptation? So there’s now tanks rolling down the street in Neo Tokyo.

1:10: The communist rebels are burning their files in a way guaranteed to burn down their headquarters. Like, you don’t leave the files drifting out onto the very flammable carpet.

1:12: So Tetsuo is going to fuck up the military.

1:13: What the fuck is up with Japan and dudes with little to no hair and just a mustache but a very angular face.

1:14: And communist old guy is dying of a heart attack. Also that cult dead communist is relying on pulled through. Damn. He chose a bad moment to die.

1:16: Kaneda is now going to go deal with the problem for some reason.

1:17: So now there’s an ancient elvis man leading the revolution. Instead of communists. Again I feel like this has happened before.

1:17: Elvis cult man is dead now. Also the Bridge is pretty fucked.

1:19: Well he got to the deep freeze olympics building. He’s walking pretty slow for a rampage. Wow, this has all just kind of collapsed very quickly.

1:20: So communist Kei is being controlled by the bratty half pints who also happen to be like 87.

1:21: Oh shit. AKIRA pod is being flown by Tetsuo.

1:22: By the way, Neo Tokyo is fucked.

1:22: How are those scientists not just doubled over from migraines as the computer flashes at them.

1:24: Oh shit. Akira is just a collection of organs and body parts. Spoilers.

1:24: Also Tetsuos hair has grown massively. Is that just inconsistent art, or has this taken place over months.

1:26: Kaneda is doing pretty alright in this lazer vs psychic powers match all things considered.

1:27: But taking cover is a very dumb plan here. Like, it’s not like Tetsuo needs to see him to pop him like a grape.

1:28: Oh shit Tetsuos being abducted.

1:28: oh shit communist lady is still alive.

1:29: Tetsuo arm cut off. TETSUO!

1:29: TETSUO is literally on a satellite to blow it up. In space. It’s bullshit.

1:30: So Tetsuo murdered the satellite. And Who is actually saying it is SOL?! You’ve been there for like five minutes. Who has been spreading rumors?

1:31: Now his arm is back but robot!? TETSUO gets new powers by the minute.

1:32: The future doesn’t proceed along a predetermined course, there’s a future we can choose. Probably the truest line in the movie.

1:33: Einstein man is really impressed by the science that was made by TETSUO.

1:35: TETSUO’s girlfriend is back and is scared by his cool new robot arm.

1:36: TETSUO is turning into a very aggressive vine.

1:37: Also, poor aim Colonel. You just nicked his freaky arm thing into overdrive.

1:37 So Kanedas power is that he is a biker dude. And that’s it. He has some pretty insane luck. Rolls nothing but 20s.

1:38: Shooting the arm is clearly a bad idea. KANEDA did it again. Like seriously. The last time he did it he just shot out cancer beams to kill a dude.

1:39: TETSUO is going all body horror. And begging for help. and turning into a giant baby from the looks of things. Literally.

1:40: And also, Kaori was crushed to death. But Kaneda popped out like Pus from Sean’s terrible acne advice. The akira tubes have popped.

1:41: and suddenly TETSUO is receding.

1:42: Wait. Fucking what. Akira is alive again.

1:44: Whatever the fuck is happening here is very unclear.

1:49: Whatever the fuck is happening now is pretty incomprehensible. I enjoy it. But I have no fucking idea whats up. Other than that Tokyo is pretty fucked. And millions are dying.

1:50: And that for some reason the Colonel, Kaneda, Kei, and the dude who is so unimportant i don’t even remember when they even said his name are alive.

1:51: TETSUO might be the god of a new universe. Or maybe thats akira. It’s very hard to tell.

1:51: God rays mean deaden my opinion. I’m going to go with god of a new universe given the credits too. They aren’t contradictory.

[eqq-info]

Trapped Bose–Einstein condensates with quadrupole–quadrupole interactions - IOPscience

1. Introduction Inter-particle interactions in many-body systems play a key role in determining the fundamental properties of the systems. In ultracold atomic gases, neutral atoms interact through the van der Waals force, which can be described by a contact potential characterized by a single s-wave scattering length. Such a simplification results in great success in cold atomic physics.[1] For atoms possessing large magnetic moments, the long-range and anisotropic dipole–dipole interaction (DDI) may become comparable to the contact one, which leads to the dipolar quantum gases.[2] So far, the experimentally realized dipolar systems include the ultracold gases of chromium,[3] dysprosium,[4,5] and erbium[6] atoms. It is also possible to realize dipolar quantum gases with ultracold polar molecules.[7–13] Compared to the short-range and isotropic contact interactions, DDI interaction gives rise to many remarkable phenomena, such as spontaneous demagnetization,[14] d-wave collapse,[15] droplet formation,[16] and Fermi surface deformation.[17] Recently, a new quantum simulation platform based on atoms or molecules with electric quadrupole–quadrupole interaction (QQI) was theoretically proposed.[18–24] The quantum phases of quadrupolar Fermi gases in a two-dimensional (2D) optical lattice[18] and in two coupled one-dimensional (1D) pipes[20] were studied. Lahrz et al. proposed to detect quadrupolar interactions in ultracold Fermi gases via the interaction-induced mean-field shift.[19] For bosonic quadrupolar gases, Li et al. studied 2D lattice solitons with quadrupolar intersite interactions.[21] Lahrz[23] studied roton excitations of 2D quadrupolar Bose–Einstein condensates. Andreev calculated the Bogoliubov spectrum of the Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) with both dipolar and quadrupolar interactions using non-integral Gross–Pitaevskii equation (GPE).[24] Experimentally, ultracold quadrupolar gases can potentially be realized with alkaline-earth and rare-earth atoms in the metastable 3P2 states[25–33] and homonuclear diatomic molecules.[34–37] In the present work, we explore the ground-state properties through full numerical calculations. In particular, we focus on the static properties, such as the condensate ground-state density profile and its stability. We also propose a scheme to quantitatively characterize the deformation of the condensate induced by the QQI. It is shown that, compared to the dipolar interaction, the quadrupole–quadrupole interaction can only induce a much smaller deformation due to its complicated angular dependence and short-range character. This paper is organized as follows. In Section 2, we give a brief introduction about the QQI. The formulation for the quadrupolar condensates is presented in Section 3. We then explore the ground-state properties in Section 4, with particular attention paid on the deformation and stability of the quadrupolar condensates. Finally, we conclude in Section 5. 2. Quadrupole–quadrupole interactions Here, we give a brief introduction about the QQI. As an example, we consider the classical quadrupole moment of a molecule which is described by a traceless symmetric tensor where α,β = x,y,z, (ax,ay,az) is the Cartesian coordinates of the a-th particle in the molecule, and ea is its charge. Compared to a dipole moment (a vector described by a magnitude and two polar angles), the description of a general quadrupole requires five numbers. However, the situation is greatly simplified for linear molecules or symmetric tops because there is only one independent nonzero component. Specifically, in a coordinate system with the z axis being along the molecular axis, such a molecule has Θzz = Θ, , and Θαβ = 0 (α ≠ β). After being transferred to a space-fixed coordinate system, the components of the quadrupole moment can then be expressed as where is a unit vector in the direction of the molecular axis. For two quadrupoles Θ1 and Θ2 with two molecular axes being along and , respectively, the QQI is[38] where r = |r|, , and ε0 is the vacuum permittivity. To further simplify the QQI, we assume that all particles posses the same quadrapole moment Θ and molecular axes are polarized along the z axis by an electric field gradient.[21] The QQI then reduces to where θ is the polar angle of r and is the spherical harmonic. In Fig. 1, we plot the angular dependence of Vqq(r). As can be seen, the QQI interaction is repulsive along both axial (θ = 0) and radial (θ = π/2) directions and it is most attractive along θ θm ≡ 49.1°. Compared to the dipolar interaction, the angular dependence of the quadrupolar interaction is more complicated. Moreover, the 1/r5 dependence on the inter-particle distance indicates that the QQI is a short-range interaction, while the DDI is a long-range one. It should be noted that, from the quantum mechanical point of view, because the quadrupole moment operator is of even parity, an atom with definite angular momentum quantum number J and magnetic quantum number M may carry a nonzero quadrupole moment. Consequently, one may effectively align the quadrupole moment with lights or magnetic fields to prepare the atoms in a particular angular momentum eigenstate, |J,M, or their superposition.[18,19] 3. Formulation We consider a trapped ultracold gas of N linear Bose molecules. In addition to the QQI [Eq. (4)] that was introduced in Section 2, we assume that molecules also interact via the contact interaction where a0 is the s-wave scattering length and m is the mass of the molecules. The total interaction potential then becomes The confining harmonic potential is assumed to be axially symmetric, i.e., where ω⊥ and ωz are the radial and axial trap frequencies, respectively. For convenience, we assume that the geometric average of the trap frequencies is constant. Consequently, the external trap is expressed as where λ = ωz/ω⊥ is the trap aspect ratio. Within the mean-field theory, a quadrupolar BEC is described by the condensate wave function Ψ(r,t) which satisfies the Gross–Pitaevskii equation (GPE) where , , and g0 and gq characterize the strength of the contact and quadrupolar interactions, respectively. Here, for simplicity, we have introduced the dimensionless units: for length, ωho for energy, for time, and for wave function. Consequently, , , g0 = 4πNa0/aho, gq = NΘ2/, and are all dimensionless quantities. The rescaled wave function is now normalized to unit, i.e., . From the dimensionless equation (9), it can be seen that the free parameters of the system are the trap aspect ratio λ, the contact interaction strength g0, and the quadrupolar interaction strength gq. Given that we shall only deal with the dimensionless quantities from now on, the "bar" over all variables will be dropped for convenience. The ground-state wave function can be obtained by numerically evolving Eq. (9) in imaginary time. The only numerical difficulty lies at the evaluation of the mean-field quadrupolar potential Similar to the dipolar gases, can be conveniently evaluated in the momentum space by using the convolution theorem, i.e., where and denote the Fourier and inverse Fourier transforms, respectively. Making use of the partial wave expansion , it can be easily shown that where k = |k| and . Numerically, the evaluation of can be performed using the fast Fourier transform. Finally, we fix the interaction parameters based on realistic systems. Since the s-wave scattering length is easily tunable through Feshbach resonance, here we shall only focus on the quadrupolar interaction strength gq. The quadrupole moments of the metastable alkaline-earth and rare-earth atoms,[39–43] and the ground-state homonuclear diatomic molecules[44] can be calculated theoretically. In particular, for the Yb atom and homonuclear molecules, the quadrupole moment can be as large as 30 a.u.[43,44] Therefore, for a typical configuration with N = 104, Θ = 20 a.u., ωho = (2π) 1000 Hz, and m = 150 amu, we find gq ≈ 66. As will be shown below, this QQI strength is large enough for experimental observations of the quadrupolar effects. 4. Results In this section, we investigate ground-state properties of the quadrupolar condensates. To easily identify the quadrupolar effects, we will focus on pure quadrupolar condensates by letting g0 = 0. This reduces the control parameters to λ and gq. We remark that, in the presence of the contact interaction, the results presented below remain quantitatively valid as long as gq g0. Since the QQI is partially attractive, stability is a particular important issue for the system. Numerically, it is found that, for a given λ, the condensate always becomes unstable when gq exceeds a threshold value . In Fig. 2(a), we map out the stability diagram of a quadrupolar condensate on the (λ,gq) parameter space, in which the solid line shows the critical QQI strength . The stability of a quadrupolar condensate strongly depends on the trap geometry. In fact, it becomes more stable for both highly oblate and elongated traps. This observation is in agreement with the angular distribution of the QQI shown in Fig. 1, as in both cases, the overall QQI is repulsive. To gain more insight into the stability of the quadrupolar condensates, we consider a homogeneous quadrupolar condensate, for which the dispersion relation of the collective excitations is[23] where n is the density of the gas and all quantities are in dimensionless form under the units that were previously defined. Then, by noting that the minimum value of is , equation (13) leads to an analytical expression of the critical QQI strength which suggests that a homogeneous condensate becomes unstable when . The dashed line in Fig. 2(a) represents the critical QQI strength . Here, for a given λ, the density n in Eq. (14) is taken as the numerically obtained peak condensate density corresponding to the parameters (λ,gq) on the solid line of Fig. 2(a). As can be seen, there is only a small discrepancy between the analytic and numerical stability boundaries. The inequality equation (14) underestimates the critical QQI strength because the zero-point energy in the trapping potential is neglected when we use the homogeneous result for the dispersion relation. We now turn to study how the QQI deforms the condensates. Compared to dipolar gases whose deformation is essentially characterized by a single parameter, the condensate aspect ratio,[45,46] the situation for quadrupolar condensate is more complicate. Because it is easier to visualize the deformation if the trapping potential is isotropic, we need to rescale the coordinates such that the isodensity surface of the condensate is a sphere in the absence of the QQI. For this purpose, we note that the condensate wave function at gq = 0, can be transformed into a spherically symmetric form by rescaling the coordinates according to , , and . This inspires us to consider the condensate density in the rescaled coordinates, i.e., In Figs. 2(b)–2(d), we present the contour plots of under three different pairs of parameters. Careful examination of these contour lines reveals that the condensate is stretched mainly along the radial and axial directions for λ = 1/8 and 8, respectively. While for λ = 1, the condensate is stretched roughly along the direction that is most attractive for the QQI. To characterize the deformation quantitatively, we expand at a given radius into where are the spherical coordinates for , βℓμ are the deformation parameters, and n0 is determined by . In this work, is so chosen that n0 is half of the peak condensate density. We note that because the ground-state wave function is axially symmetric, βℓμ is nonzero only if μ = 0. Figures 3(a)–3(c) show the gq dependence of the deformation parameters βℓ0 for ℓ = 2, 4, and 6 and for three different λ's. In all three cases, β60 are negligibly small. Furthermore, β20 dominates in highly anisotropic traps and β40 gives the largest contribution in isotropic potential, which is in agreement with the observation in Fig. 2. To understand these results, we express the angular dependence of the QQI, Y40(θ,), in the rescaled coordinates In Fig. 3(d), we plot for different λ's. As can be seen, for λ = 1/8 and 8 the most attractive direction is shifted to and 0.12π, respectively. Therefore, one can naturally observe that the condensates are stretched along the radial and axial directions for λ = 1/8 and 8, respectively. We note that, compared to DDI, the deformation induced by QQI is much smaller. This can be attributed to the two features of the QQI. The complicated angular distribution of the QQI makes it difficult to induce a global deformation. Moreover, the short-ranged feature makes the condensate prone to collapse. Therefore, the strong interaction regime that may be required to generate large deformation is inaccessible. In Figs. 4(4) and 4(b), we plot the gq dependence of the QQI energy, and the peak condensate density, np, respectively. As can be seen, the angular distribution of the density in an isotropic potential always makes the overall QQI attractive such that Eqq remains negative and np increases monotonically with gq. Meanwhile, in highly anisotropic potentials, the angular dependence of the density is mainly determined by the trap, which, for both elongate and oblate traps, leads to overall repulsive QQI. Consequently, the peak density decreases with growing QQI strength in the small gq region. For large gq close to the stability boundary, the gq dependence of nq depends on the value of λ, which may exhibit distinct tendency. 5. Conclusion In conclusion, we have studied the ground-state properties of a trapped quadrupolar BEC. For the geometries of the ground states, we have quantitatively characterized different components of the deformation induced by QQI. In addition, we map out the stability diagram on the (λ,gq) parameter plane. Finally, we point out that the QQI interaction strength required to induce the quadrupolar collapses is in principle accessible in, for example, a metastable Yb atom or homonuclear diatomic molecules, albeit the experimental realization of BECs of those atoms or molecules still remains challenging. Acknowledgements The computation of this work was partially supported by the HPC Cluster of ITP-CAS.