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"Animal Crossing Acorns and Pine Cones"

I learned that pinecones and acorns are able to be farmed as well as how to get them. They are from trees; you shake them to get them out of the tree and you can pick them up.they are used in crafting during the autumn, or fall, season so we need to use them to make items for our island and or home.

~Bee

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Pine cones and acorns in Animal Crossing: New Horizons - How to get them, their uses and more

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Autumn is here in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and so are the autumn seasonal items. Here’s a guide on how to collect acorns and pine cones, which are some of the most basic items required for Autumn DIY recipes in the game.

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Bedrock or Java Edition: Which one is Better? - Cody

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Bedrock or Java Edition: Which one is Better? - Cody

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https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/java-or-bedrock-edition
This article from Cristina Anderca(October 27, 2021)mostly talked about the differences between Bedrock and Java editions of Minecraft. I think Bedrock is better because there are more consoles in which you can have it on, but updates are later than what Java gets. Java gets the updates first, and then a few months after Java gets the update, Bedrock will get that same update. But on Java you can play multiplayer without a premium, Bedrock you must have a premium to play in multiplayer. Which one do you prefer?

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My friends have stopped asking me out for ice cream because I always spend at least 30 minutes deciding which flavor I'm going to get - not to mention I always get the same one in the end anyway. So you can imagine the conundrum when I first realized that not only is Minecraft available for almost every current-gen platform (and more) but it also comes in two versions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.

But what do these names mean? And what is the difference between them, if there are any? If you've been wondering the same thing, good news: I did the research so you don't have to. Let's take this step by step:

Platforms

When looking at a game, the most important aspect to take into account is whether it runs on the platform(s) that you own. While the Java Edition is only available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, you can get the Bedrock Edition on Windows 10 and 11, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Fire OS/TV, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile and Samsung Gear VR. Once you've looked into it, it definitely becomes more straightforward. Basically, you can only run both editions if you either 1) have a PC running Windows 10 or 11, or 2) own multiple platforms, one of which is a PC or a Mac. Otherwise, you might as well stop wasting precious mining time with this article and just get the game, because only one of the two editions will run on your device.

And if you game on a Windows 10 or 11 PC, there's even better news. Not only can you run either edition, but you will be able to get them together when the Minecraft: PC Bundle launches on Xbox Game Pass for PC. Both the Bedrock and Java Edition will be included in your subscription, and you will be able to start both from the same launcher.

Gameplay updates and early access

Both Java and Bedrock receive the same major updates consistently. However, there is a difference when it comes to accessing early versions of the games. Why is this important? Not only is it super cool to see new features early, but then you can also be smug about it when your friends discover them only when they're officially released. Just kidding, be nice to your friends.

Let's dive into the differences. The Java Edition periodically receives updates called snapshots, which are testing versions of the game. They're a great way to experience new content early, but they can also corrupt your world, so you should back up your worlds before you try them. They will also restrict you from playing on Realms. To install snapshots, you just have to open the Minecraft Launcher and enable them in the Installations tab. After that, your game will update every time a snapshot comes out - and you'll always be one step ahead of your friends. Well, unless they do the same thing.

In the Bedrock Edition, testing versions of the game are called beta releases. It's important to note that you can only access them on Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, Windows 10, Windows 11, and Android. Just like the Java snapshots, betas can be unstable and you should definitely back up your worlds before opting in. As a result, you won't have access to Realms or be able to join non-beta players. To opt in and out, go to the Xbox Insider Hub app (Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, and Windows 10 and 11) or the Minecraft page of the Google Play Store. If I did a terrible job of explaining it, you can also check out guides for Java snapshots and Bedrock betas in our help center.

Multiplayer servers

There are some differences in terms of how servers are accessed. In Bedrock Edition, there is a list of featured servers that require a Microsoft account to join, while in Java Edition you can access a variety of third-party servers. In both editions, you can also create your own server. Learn more about creating your own Java server here or read about private servers in Bedrock here.

Want to invite your friends over or play with your family? Then you should know that only the console versions of Bedrock support local splitscreen.

Crossplay

Crossplay is important if you want to play online with friends. While both versions support online multiplayer, they use different servers. This means that Java and Bedrock players can't play together - so make sure to ask your friends which version they have. If you have Windows 10 or 11, you have access to both editions, but you still have to switch between editions based on who you want to play with. Plus, in the upcoming Minecraft: PC Bundle, which you can only access through Game Pass for PC for now, you get both editions in one launcher. But again, you have to choose which game to launch depending on what edition your friends are playing.

If you're choosing between Bedrock for different platforms, one important aspect to consider is that online play on consoles can typically only be accessed via special subscriptions like Xbox Live Gold, PlayStation Plus, or Nintendo Switch Online. On PC, the only thing you need to play online is an internet connection.

Realms

Realms and Realms Plus are both official subscription-based server hosting services that allow players to create their own private servers. The main difference between them is the game version: Realms is for Java and Realms Plus is for Bedrock. A big perk that only comes with Realms Plus is access to free Minecraft Marketplace maps and skins - right now there are over 100 pieces of content and more are added each month!

These services are awesome because they make it really easy to host your own server - you don't need any prior knowledge. You can even choose from a list of pre-made templates and minigames to make your world more interesting. Just keep in mind that Realms are not meant for a large number of players, so don't go inviting the entire Minecraft subreddit to your server. I wish I could say that I tried it once and it resulted in some hilarious hijinks, but my post didn't get any upvotes.

Mods and content

The Java Edition is known among long-time players for how open and customizable it is. There are many websites that offer third-party content, which ranges from skins to maps and even mods that change the game mechanics. I even saw one mod that smoothed down the blocks into regular terrain. It made me cry. But anyway, Java is perfect for experienced players who want to customize their game and also possess some technical knowledge - or are at least willing to learn about mods.

Younger or less technically adept players might find that the Java Edition has a steep learning curve when it comes to customization. While the Minecraft community is a wholesome place, third-party websites can host a variety of content, some of which can change your game dramatically or is simply not appropriate for younger audiences. That's not to say that Java Edition is lacking in terms of quality creator content - on the contrary, there are some amazing mods out there and the openness of the platform allows you to customize your experience in incredible ways. You just need to do a little research before starting your modding journey.

The Bedrock Edition makes things a bit more straightforward. It has its own content store called Minecraft Marketplace, which is curated so you can be sure that all of the content there is consistently high quality. While this limits the selection, it's a small compromise for players (and parents of players) that are looking for a more catered approach to creator content. Plus, with the Character Creator included in the Bedrock Edition, players can natively customize their character to their heart's content, from high fashion outfits and space suits to lizard skins and everything in-between. But does the world really need a space lizardman? As my online friends always say: "A Realm without space lizardmen is not a Realm worth playing in."

Hopefully, this article has made the distinction between the two editions of Minecraft clearer for you. Depending on what kind of player you are, one or the other might be better suited for you. Maybe your platform restricts you to either Java or Bedrock, which takes the choice out of your hands. But in the end, no matter which version you end up with, you'll still be able to experience what makes Minecraft such an amazing game: getting lost in an Enderman's eyes.

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My friends have stopped asking me out for ice cream because I always spend at least 30 minutes deciding which flavor I'm going to get - not to mention I always get the same one in the end anyway.

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The pros of rubber boots are that they are waterproof and keep in the scent from you feet. Normal leather boots are better to walk in as they are not as bulking. I like how the author does cons and pros

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Rubber boots might be the most popular footwear for whitetail hunters, especially over the last decade. There are many reasons they're beloved among whitetailers, but they're not perfect for every hunter in every scenario.

I hunt the big woods, Appalachian mountain region of Pennsylvania and much of the East, where you're covering miles of challenging terrain just to get to a treestand. When I wore rubber boots, the lack of ankle support and breathability made for an uncomfortable hike into my tree with sweaty feet that would later become frozen icicles on stand. In my opinion, rubber boots aren't ideal for this style of hunting. But if you're in farm country or hunt around water, they're the perfect choice. Here are some other considerations for deciding if rubber boots are right for you.

Scent Control Rubber boots are preferred by whitetail hunters for their scent control properties. They have a definite advantage over leather and synthetic boots when it comes to scent control because they trap odor and don't allow the scent of your feet to escape.

I talked with Dr. Karl Miller, of the University of Georgia, on an episode of the East Meets West Hunt podcast about this topic. Dr. Miller has spent his life studying whitetail deer and their noses and believes that a clean, rubber boot is definitely superior to alternatives in scent control.

Rubber boots also allow you to tuck your pant leg into the boot, which reduces the amount of scent transferred to nearby vegetation as you brush against it. But either way, you should try to avoid walking on deer trails when entering and exiting your hunting area.

The problem with this is that they keep in your scent because they don't breathe well. This will cause your feet to sweat on long walks and result in cold feet when the mercury is low. I've tried bringing a different pair of socks to put on once at my tree, but since the boot liner is already wet, it didn't really help much. My feet were still chilly a short time later.

Waterproof It's really tough to beat rubber boots from a waterproof standpoint. They will hands down perform better than any other type of boot while standing in water, walking through swampy areas, and using a creek to access your hunting spot. Rubber boots will stay waterproof much longer than other boots unless you have a puncture or the sole starts to split. A quality rubber boot from top to bottom will last many seasons and keep your feet dry in that regard.

Leather and synthetic boots need to be treated with a waterproof spray on a regular basis. Even the best waterproof treatment and Gore-tex liners in leather or synthetic boots cannot keep up with solid rubber boots foor keeping your feet completely dry. Additionally, rubber boots are much easier to take on and off which is ideal for those of us that layer up once we get into our hunting location. You'll sweat if you wear your insulated jacket and bibs while exerting energy, which is why many of us will pack those layers in and put them on at the base of the tree. Lace-up boots make this process more challenging.

Noise The final point to consider with rubber boots is that they can squeak and make noise on metal stands or saddle platforms. You can mitigate this by wrapping the platform in hockey tape or some other silencing method, but it's something to be cognizant of on a rainy day. Although not completely silent, leather and synthetic boots are a clear winner in this category.

Rubber also makes for louder footsteps in general. If you're trying to silently sneak into a bedding area, it's much easier to take "quiet" footsteps in a lighter, less bulky boot. It's not a big deal for the average treestand whitetail hunter, but it's something to consider when you're walking through loud leaves on a tranquil November morning.

Are Rubber Boots Right For You? Looking at the pros and cons of rubber hunting boots should help you figure out what best fits your hunting style. If you're hunting cold weather and walking less than a mile to your treestand, then rubber boots would be the best option. If you like to hunt mobile and cover ground in hill country, then a leather or synthetic boot would be ideal. It all comes down to how you prioritize comfort, scent control, and staying dry based on your hunting style.
Feature image via Captured Creative.

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The Pros and Cons of Rubber Boots for Deer Hunting

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Rubber boots might be the most popular footwear for whitetail hunters, especially over the last decade. There are many reasons they're beloved among whitetailers, but they're not perfect for every hunter in every scenario. I hunt the big woods, Appalachian mountain region of Pennsylvania and much of...

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GM Announces 5.5L LT6; 670HP, Four Cams, And A Flat-Plane Crank-Will

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GM Announces 5.5L LT6; 670HP, Four Cams, And A Flat-Plane Crank-Will

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In the article entitled "GM Announces 5.5L LT6; 670HP, Four Cams, And A Flat-Plane Crank" by GREG ACOSTA on OCTOBER 27, 2021, GM says that the 5.5L lt6 engine will have 4 cams and a flat plane Crank. Chevrolet teased that the 2022 Z06 would feature a flat-plane crankshaft. The four camshafts will be chain driven so they hold together.

I feel that with 4 camshaves the engine will be able to run better and easier at higher rpms. It will help with drag racing or racing. It will be alot faster because you will be in the higher rpms.

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We've all heard the rumors of a dual overhead camshaft V8 engine for the Corvette. Some lost hope when the 2020 Corvette debuted with the LT2 variant of the Gen-V direct-injected small-block Chevrolet. Some speculated that the Cadillac Blackwing's 4.2-liter DOHC engine would be the basis for the upcoming Z06's new architecture. Those hopes seemed to be dashed when Cadillac dropped the DOHC powerplant for an LT4 based option.

Not all hope was lost, however, as Chevrolet teased that the 2022 Z06 would feature a flat-plane crankshaft. That feature alone didn't confirm or kill a dual overhead camshaft arrangement, but sparked interest nonetheless. However, at today's Corvette Z06 reveal, we got our first look at the car's new powerplant - The LT6 - and it has four cams.

5.5-Liter LT6

While all of the details and specs aren't yet available, what we do know is pretty amazing. The engine is rated at 5.5 liters of displacement - or 333 cubic inches - thanks to the 104.25mm (4.104 inches) bore diameter and 80mm (3.150 inches) stroke. The clean-sheet block design retains the standard 4.400-inch bore spacing, meaning the bore, as delivered, is close to, if not the absolute limit.

The engine will feature forged-aluminum pistons connected to forged-titanium rods - a combination we've seen from GM before in the LS7 - but what is all-new for GM is the 3.15-inch stroke flat-plane crankshaft. "With a flat-plane crankshaft, the mass that is moving the fastest, is much lighter. That allows the engine to accelerate much more rapidly than any small-block before it," says Dustin Gardner, Assistant Chief Engineer, LT6

Another all-new feature (for an LT-platform engine, at least) is the dual overhead camshaft cylinder heads. The four camshafts are chain-driven and use a mechanical finger-follower setup to translate cam motion into valve motion, with dual valvesprings controlling the whole affair. The four-valve-per-cylinder design features 32 valves (16 titanium intake valves and 16 sodium-filled exhaust valves, similar in construction to the LS7's), and incredible efficiency, with our good friend Billy Godbold of Comp Cams running the numbers and noting an estimated 95- to 98-percent volumetric efficiency at peak horsepower.

Looking into the intake manifolds, the level of effort to achieve that efficiency is obvious. Each bank has its own plenum and throttle body, with each cylinder's intake runner having its own bellmouth to smooth airflow into the cylinder, as well as an active intake airflow management system (no, not DOD or AFM). Direct injection is almost a given in today's world, and the ignition system appears to be a fairly traditional coil-on-plug system mounted to the valve covers.

How Much Power Does The LT6 Make?

With SAE power certification testing just recently completed, the engine is rated at 670 horsepower at an amazing 8,400 rpm with 460 lb-ft of torque at 6,300 rpm. The maximum RPM limit in the production vehicle will be 8,600 rpm, which while impressive, isn't surprising, given how oversquare the engine is. "It makes power all the way up, so even in the upper RPM range you can still feel it pulling," explains Cindy Molnar, Vehicle Performance Engineer, Chevrolet Performance Cars

"An Engine of this nature is truly playing in the exotic space, Gardner explains. "It is a low-volume, hand-built, precision engine. The manufacturing tolerances in this engine are racecar tight." What that all amounts to is the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine to ever grace a production vehicle. A crown the team at Chevrolet hopes to wear for a considerable amount of time.

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GM Announces 5.5L LT6; 670HP, Four Cams, And A Flat-Plane Crank

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We've all heard the rumors of a dual overhead camshaft V8 engine for the Corvette. Some lost hope when the 2020 Corvette debuted with the LT2 variant of the Gen-V direct-injected small-block Chevrolet. Some speculated that the Cadillac Blackwing's 4.2-liter DOHC engine would be the basis for the upcoming Z06's new architecture.

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The Puzzling Case of Amber Renee Barker -Ali

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The Puzzling Case of Amber Renee Barker -Ali

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The 1997 abduction of Amber Renee Barker, written by True Crime Diva, published October 24, 2021.

The case of Amber Renee Barker is full of twists and turns. Amber was abducted while riding her bike home from a friend's house. Her possessions, such as her bike, shoes, and sweater, were found scattered around a street near her house.

This case intrigued me the entire time. With every development in the case, there seemed to be a setback. Every twist and turn in this case was fascinating, I am especially puzzled that they didn’t question a specific person in the case.

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A man suspected of involvement in the young girl's disappearance committed suicide two days after she vanished.

(L) Amber Renee Barker (Top right & bottom right) Age Progressions to 21 & 19/Unidentified Wiki

OKLAHOMA CITY - Amber Renee Barker, 10, was a 4th grader at James Monroe Elementary School. She was one of eight children born to Robert Barker and Bonnie Barker. Her parents were divorced, and she resided with her mother at 3119 NW 39 Terrace.

The brown-haired, brown-eyed girl had many interests. She loved animals, riding her bike, working on cars, and spray painting. She was a bit of a tomboy and wanted to be a welder one day.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, 1997, Amber rode her bicycle to a friend's house at 3041 NW 45th St., a half-mile away, around 3 p.m. While at her friend's house, Amber called her mother. She left her friend's residence at 5:50 p.m. and was last seen riding her blue 10-speed bicycle down Drexel Boulevard toward her home.

The bike ride home should have taken less than five minutes through mainly residential areas. Amber never arrived home and has not been seen since. Her mother called the police at 7:20 p.m.

About 35 FBI agents, OKC police officers, family members, and neighbors searched for Amber. The police set up a computer program called Rapid Start to help organize tips and information at the command post for the search.

According to newspaper articles at the time, a family member found Amber's silver ring that evening in the street on Drexel near NW 45th Street.
This isn't very clear because Drexel appears to start at NW 43rd Street.
Her sister, Tonja Barker, 18, and the girls' aunt, Joan Barker, 38, handed out fliers with Amber's picture. A male witness told Joan Barker that he saw Amber riding her bike in front of Drexel Condominiums, 4000 N. Drexel Blvd., at 5:25 p.m. near a boy selling candy in the street.

Amber's bike was found at 10:37 a.m. the next day, in Denniston Park at NW 25 and Drexel, about a mile south of Drexel Condominiums. The bike was not damaged and was found next to a tree.

On Dec. 20, 1997, searchers found Amber's tennis shoes a block apart, one at NW 12 St. and Drexel and the other at NW 13 and Drexel. A sock that might have belonged to Amber and her beige sweater was found near bushes at NW 15 and Drexel. Police did not locate her pants and underpants.

The authorities continued a massive search for Amber through Christmas, but she was never found.

On Dec. 17, 1997, Amber told her mother that she was afraid of Daniel John Smith, 24, the common-law husband of Amber's sister, Debbie Barker, 22. Smith and Barker had one child together.

Amber had seen Smith and was afraid he would force her into his truck. Police questioned him on the night of her abduction and asked him about her disappearance. On Dec. 20, they determined they should talk to him again and began looking for him.

Smith had a rough upbringing. He was only six years old when the court removed him from his biological mother's care. He was subsequently raised in foster homes and had a history of alcohol and drug use.

At the time of Amber's disappearance, Smith had been serving a five-year deferred sentence for a kidnapping conviction, in which he attacked a woman in a nightclub parking lot on April 23, 1995.

Smith claimed he had been drinking and was trying to steal the woman's car keys. Police initially charged him with robbery, but it was later changed to kidnapping. Officials added a second count of intimidating a state's witness after Smith threatened a security guard at a court hearing.

As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, Smith pleaded guilty to kidnapping and was sent to a four-month boot camp program at William S. Key Correctional Center for young adults. Prosecutors dropped the charge of intimidating a state's witness, and Smith's success in the program determined his sentence.

As it turned out, Smith's performance in the program was excellent, and he managed to obtain his GED certificate. His case manager thought Smith could be rehabilitated.

Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office recommended Smith receive a five-year suspended sentence. In November 1996, District Judge Leamon Freeman sentenced Smith to five years of probation but made it a deferred sentence.

The terms of his probation were simple. Smith had to attend Alcoholics Anonymous, undergo counseling, and maintain part-time employment. He was assigned a parole officer, who he met with once a month. But Smith could not stay out of trouble.

On Nov. 30, 1997, the police responded to a domestic violence call at Debbie Barker's apartment in the 2400 block of NW 35 Street. Barker claimed Smith hit her after she refused to have sex with him. Police gave him a citation for the incident. Smith had a court date scheduled for January 1998 in OKC Municipal Court.

Shortly before Amber's abduction, Smith failed to attend an AA meeting, and the police filed an arrest warrant for a parole violation after Amber's disappearance.

On Dec. 21, 1997, police found Smith's silver Mitsubishi pickup at a convenience store at 7727 S. Sunnylane Rd.

The following morning, volunteers from the Del Aire Neighborhood Watch Association and police officers combed Ray Trent Park.

At 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 22, 1997, searchers found Smith's body hanging from a tree over Crutcho Creek at Ray Trent Park at the northeast corner of Interstate 40 and Sunnylane Road. His death was ruled a suicide.
Newspaper reports say the site was less than a mile from the convenience store, but Google Maps and MapQuest show the park as nearly five miles north of the store. But if Google maps and MapQuest are correct, it does not make sense that Smith would walk 5 miles to commit suicide; he likely would have parked his truck closer to the park.
The Daily Oklahoman revealed in January 1998 that Smith was at Bonnie Barker's home when Amber called her mother from her friend's house the day she disappeared. Shortly after the call, Smith "left the Barker residence in a direction that 'would have put him in line to have met up with Amber as she was headed home,' a police affidavit states.'"

Barker, now Villines, said in 2013 she does not believe that Smith abducted her sister. She thought another man was responsible but did not say his name. Barker also said the medical examiner incorrectly classified Smith's death as a suicide but did not elaborate. She relayed the information to the police, but they did not pursue it.

The Daily Oklahoman via Newspapers.com

Amber's sister, Brandie Kay Perry, 40, was killed during a massive storm on May 31, 2013, and was listed as a storm victim. Perry's body was found in a ditch in Wewoka, 70 miles southeast of OKC.

Bonnie Barker did not believe Perry was a storm victim.

"I'm pretty sure because there wasn't a storm down there that day," Bonnie Barker said. "No one else in the area died from the storm. I don't know how they got she was a storm victim."

Bonnie Barker heard Perry died from a drug overdose, but she did not rule out the possibility that someone had murdered her.

Perry had been in an abusive relationship and had a history of drug use. The case is not related to Amber's disappearance.

After Amber's disappearance, Bonnie Barker kept Amber's Christmas presents under the tree, waiting for her when she came home. When that did not happen, Bonnie Barker moved out of the home she shared with Amber in 1998. She passed away in 2014.

Amber's mother and father said in 1997 they believed Smith did not act alone in abducting Amber.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, a lead investigator on Amber's case filed a search warrant, requesting DNA samples from inmate Forrest Jay Rice.

(L) Daniel John Smith (R) Forrest Jay Rice in 2018/The Daily Oklahoman and OK Dept. of Corrections

DNA lab techs found blue fibers on Amber's sweater and what appeared to be vomit. Initial testing indicated there was possible ejaculate in the vomit, too. Smith's pickup truck had blue cloth seats, blue carpet, and a blue vinyl dashboard. Police also recovered hair from the passenger and driver's sides of the vehicle.

There was a tiny drop of blood on Amber's shoe, but authorities could not link it to a specific person. In 1997, they could not extract a DNA profile because the technology did not exist.

Fifteen years later, tests revealed a partial male DNA profile. News on 6 reported in a 2015 story that "Rice admitted to the police that Smith was at his apartment the night Amber disappeared and was with him that day. He also admitted to being with Smith the day he committed suicide." Rice had lived in various places, including OKC, Moore, and Guthrie. Rice, who also goes by the name of Steven Brent Henley, was 22 years old at the time of the disappearance.

As of this writing, there have been no further case developments.

True Crime Diva's Thoughts

This is one of those cases where it seems obvious who committed the crime.

I feel Smith likely did it because Amber was afraid of him and thought he would grab her and force her into his truck. He must have said something to her to make her feel that way. And I agree with the family and police that another person, likely Rice, participated in the abduction. I also wonder if Villines knows what happened to her younger sister.

Amber was last seen at about 5:50 p.m. I am confused by this because the male witness said he saw her at 5:25. Both the 5:25 and 5:50 sightings occurred on Drexel. But this also does not make sense because supposedly, one of Amber's sisters (no idea which one) found her ring near NW 45 and Drexel, the street Amber's friend lived on. So, if it's true, this tells me that Amber was kidnapped on Drexel near her friend's home shortly after she left to ride home. So, how could the male witness have seen her closer to her home on Drexel at 5:25 p.m.?

Because some of her personal belongings were found strewn along Drexel Blvd., I think Amber's abductor(s) took her clothes off in the truck and then threw them out the window. Then, he/they took her to another location, possibly Smith's or Rice's residence, and raped her before killing her and dumping her body. We know that she was possibly sodomized, at the very least, because of the potential ejaculate found on her sweater with the vomit. Police never found her pants and underpants, so I think the killer(s) destroyed or buried them with the body because they likely had a lot of DNA on them.

Her bike was found undamaged near a tree, so her abductor did not knock her off the bicycle with his vehicle. Amber likely stopped her bike when confronted by her abductor.

I do believe Rice and Smith were involved. But their criminal history did not involve violent crimes like sexual assault and murder. So, maybe they wanted to fulfill some sick, twisted fantasy.

Let's talk about Smith's suicide. As mentioned above, Google Maps and MapQuest show a distance of almost 5 miles between the convenience store where police found Smith's truck and Ray Trent Park, where they found his body hanging in a tree. News sources say it was about a mile away. I am not familiar with OKC, but when I punched in directions from the store to the park, I got a distance of nearly 5 miles on both Google Maps and MapQuest.

So, let's say it was 5 miles. Why would Smith walk 5 miles to commit suicide when he could drive to the park and leave it there? For that matter, why would he walk a mile? That makes no sense at all. If he wanted to kill himself, he likely would have parked his truck at the park. The fact that he did not leads me to question his manner of death.

Maybe Rice abducted Amber, and he was worried Smith would talk. I'd like to know what vehicle Rice drove at the time of the disappearance.

There is a slight possibility that a stranger kidnapped Amber. The bike ride from her friend's house to Amber's home was a half-mile. Someone could have seen her as she left and followed behind her. Who was the male witness who claimed he saw her riding her bike near the condos on Drexel Blvd at 5:25 p.m.? He said a boy was selling candy in the street, which to me sounds suspicious. What parent would let their kid sell candy on the road? The boy could have gone door-to-door with his parents. I'm not sure I believe this man. Either that or the girl on the bike might not have been Amber.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2021 True Crime Diva

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The 1997 abduction of Amber Renee Barker - True Crime Diva

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A man suspected of involvement in the young girl's disappearance committed suicide two days after she vanished. OKLAHOMA CITY - Amber Renee Barker, 10, was a 4th grader at James Monroe Elementary School. She was one of eight children born to Robert Barker and Bonnie Barker.

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What I had read about today is how to measure for a custom set of shocks on your vehicle. What it said was that every shock is different and they all come in different varieties. There are a main type of shock mount on every vehicle. Also it depends on the ride height of your vehicle so you will have to know what that is. What I learned was how to be able to tell what shock to put on your vehicle.

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If you've decided it's time to upgrade your shocks and can't find a direct-fit part, it might be time to go the custom route. Shocks aren't a component that you can guess at the size you need, they require a fairly precise measurement. Steve Smith and Trevor Weis from QA1 took the time to explain how you should measure for a custom set of QA1 shocks.

Shocks come in a variety of mounting styles and that's where you need to start your custom measuring quest. The main types of shock mounts used are eyelet, stud mount, and T-bar mounting options. Your particular application might use a unique size mount, so you'll need to account when shopping for shocks.

The ride height of your vehicle will ultimately determine how long of shocks you'll need to order. A best practice is to get your vehicle to set to the desired ride height so you can properly measure for the shocks. If the vehicle isn't ready to sit on its wheels in a way that will simulate ride height, you can jack the wheel up into position to measure.

Now that you're ready to measure for the shocks, you'll need to make sure you're using the right spots on the shocks to get your numbers. There are a few different ways to approach how to do this, Steve and Trevor do a great job in the video breaking down where you need to measure from. If you're thinking about ordering a set of custom shocks from QA1, this video is a great tool that will show you how to get the right measurements. You can learn more about QA1's shock offerings right here on the company's website.

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How To Measure For A Set Of Custom QA1 Shocks

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If you've decided it's time to upgrade your shocks and can't find a direct-fit part, it might be time to go the custom route. Shocks aren't a component that you can guess at the size you need, they require a fairly precise measurement.

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"Riders Republic" October 29 2021, by Chastity Vicencio

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I have learned that Riders Republic has come out today and I think that it is a good game. It is a game where you can ride around on things like bikes and snowboards. I believe that this will be a good game because I enjoy to ride things and also drive it. Also I think that you would be able to do a lot of things and a lot of stuff that you would not be able to do at your own place. I think that it will be an enjoyable game also.

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Riders Republic is out now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, welcoming you to a massive multiplayer playground where you can experience the thrill of a variety of outdoor sports like biking, skiing, snowboarding, wing-suiting, and rocket-wing-suiting. Whether you want to roam freely, compete against the best, or nail crazy tricks solo or with friends, there are plenty of exciting moments and activities to be discovered.

Jump into a huge and vibrant open world based on America's best-known National Parks, including Bryce Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Sequoia, Zion, Canyonlands, Mammoth Mountain, and Grand Teton, which have been recreated and imaginatively mashed together to form the ultimate outdoor sports park. Team up with or against friends in the following multiplayer modes:

Mass Races: The wilder the better in these multisport races, which feature more than 50 players on Xbox Series X|S, and more than 20 players on Xbox One. New races appear randomly on the map regularly, so you'll need to remain agile as you fight your way to the finish line.

Versus Mode: Join up with five friends in hundreds of career events and see who's the best.

Tricks Battle: Compete in 6v6 arena matchups and try to land as many tricks as possible on the various sections of the arena to capture them and earn points. The team with the highest score wins.

Free-for-All: Challenge up to 11 opponents and show them how it's done through a select playlist of events.

Customize your rider with progression-based gear, and if you want to wreck the competition dressed like a giraffe or a dinosaur, you absolutely can. Make a name for yourself in the republic through five different career progressions; as you progress, you will sign with famous sponsors and get invited to notable sports competitions, including Red Bull Rampage and the X Games.

Get into the action on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S starting today, because there's plenty more to come. Year 1 of Riders Republic features a grand opening pre-season, three themed seasons, and free content and updates including new multiplayer modes, live events, and weekly challenges. If you purchase the Year 1 Pass, you'll get exclusive additional content including exotic kits, cosmetic bundles, and the upcoming BMX sport add-on.

Riders Republic supports cross-play and cross-generation play, so you can connect with friends wherever they play. If you purchase the game on Xbox One, you'll be able to upgrade your game to the Xbox Series X|S version at no additional cost thanks to Smart Delivery. Dive in now, catch some major air, and dominate those mountains and canyons!

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Defy Gravity and Show Off Wild Tricks Today in Riders Republic - Xbox Wire

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Riders Republic is out now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, welcoming you to a massive multiplayer playground where you can experience the thrill of a variety of outdoor sports like biking, skiing, snowboarding, wing-suiting, and rocket-wing-suiting. Whether you want to roam freely, compete against the best, or nail crazy tricks solo or with [...]

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The pros and cons of hunting in rubber boots.

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The pros and cons of hunting in rubber boots.

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Do you wear rubber boots when you hunt? I agree that you should wear rubber boots when you hunt because they help block out your sent. In the sport of hunting, an animals getting your scent is a bad thing. Another thing that is good about rubber boots is that you are able to walk through water without your feet getting wet. The disadvantages of rubber boots are, if you walk a long distance with rubber boots, your feet get sweaty and can make you feet feel like ice. I like how "BEAU MARTONIK"list the pros and cons of rubber boots.

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Rubber boots might be the most popular footwear for whitetail hunters, especially over the last decade. There are many reasons they're beloved among whitetailers, but they're not perfect for every hunter in every scenario.

I hunt the big woods, Appalachian mountain region of Pennsylvania and much of the East, where you're covering miles of challenging terrain just to get to a treestand. When I wore rubber boots, the lack of ankle support and breathability made for an uncomfortable hike into my tree with sweaty feet that would later become frozen icicles on stand. In my opinion, rubber boots aren't ideal for this style of hunting. But if you're in farm country or hunt around water, they're the perfect choice. Here are some other considerations for deciding if rubber boots are right for you.

Scent Control Rubber boots are preferred by whitetail hunters for their scent control properties. They have a definite advantage over leather and synthetic boots when it comes to scent control because they trap odor and don't allow the scent of your feet to escape.

I talked with Dr. Karl Miller, of the University of Georgia, on an episode of the East Meets West Hunt podcast about this topic. Dr. Miller has spent his life studying whitetail deer and their noses and believes that a clean, rubber boot is definitely superior to alternatives in scent control.

Rubber boots also allow you to tuck your pant leg into the boot, which reduces the amount of scent transferred to nearby vegetation as you brush against it. But either way, you should try to avoid walking on deer trails when entering and exiting your hunting area.

The problem with this is that they keep in your scent because they don't breathe well. This will cause your feet to sweat on long walks and result in cold feet when the mercury is low. I've tried bringing a different pair of socks to put on once at my tree, but since the boot liner is already wet, it didn't really help much. My feet were still chilly a short time later.

Waterproof It's really tough to beat rubber boots from a waterproof standpoint. They will hands down perform better than any other type of boot while standing in water, walking through swampy areas, and using a creek to access your hunting spot. Rubber boots will stay waterproof much longer than other boots unless you have a puncture or the sole starts to split. A quality rubber boot from top to bottom will last many seasons and keep your feet dry in that regard.

Leather and synthetic boots need to be treated with a waterproof spray on a regular basis. Even the best waterproof treatment and Gore-tex liners in leather or synthetic boots cannot keep up with solid rubber boots foor keeping your feet completely dry. Additionally, rubber boots are much easier to take on and off which is ideal for those of us that layer up once we get into our hunting location. You'll sweat if you wear your insulated jacket and bibs while exerting energy, which is why many of us will pack those layers in and put them on at the base of the tree. Lace-up boots make this process more challenging.

Noise The final point to consider with rubber boots is that they can squeak and make noise on metal stands or saddle platforms. You can mitigate this by wrapping the platform in hockey tape or some other silencing method, but it's something to be cognizant of on a rainy day. Although not completely silent, leather and synthetic boots are a clear winner in this category.

Rubber also makes for louder footsteps in general. If you're trying to silently sneak into a bedding area, it's much easier to take "quiet" footsteps in a lighter, less bulky boot. It's not a big deal for the average treestand whitetail hunter, but it's something to consider when you're walking through loud leaves on a tranquil November morning.

Are Rubber Boots Right For You? Looking at the pros and cons of rubber hunting boots should help you figure out what best fits your hunting style. If you're hunting cold weather and walking less than a mile to your treestand, then rubber boots would be the best option. If you like to hunt mobile and cover ground in hill country, then a leather or synthetic boot would be ideal. It all comes down to how you prioritize comfort, scent control, and staying dry based on your hunting style.
Feature image via Captured Creative.

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The Pros and Cons of Rubber Boots for Deer Hunting

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Rubber boots might be the most popular footwear for whitetail hunters, especially over the last decade. There are many reasons they're beloved among whitetailers, but they're not perfect for every hunter in every scenario. I hunt the big woods, Appalachian mountain region of Pennsylvania and much of...

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Injuries limit Cardinals, who suffer first loss of season vs. Packers- Ben

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Injuries limit Cardinals, who suffer first loss of season vs. Packers- Ben

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The article from ESPN.com talks about how the Packers had a stunning upset against the Arizona Cardinals. John Weinfuss talks about how the Packers had many of their starters. Players like Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Marques Valdes Scantling, Robert Tonyon, jier Alexander, and Kevin King were all inactive to either Covid proticall, or were injured. Aaron Rogers stated, “I trust my guys, I love this team and this program and the guys who play alongside me.” I like the fact that the author added the quotes that Aaron says because we get a visual of what he likes. I also really like that the article includes the injuries of the football team because we got to know who would play and who wouldn’t. It helps show that the Packers were down many starters which was a big factor for the team, but Rodgers found a way to win the game 24-21

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11:58 PM ET

Josh WeinfussESPN Staff Writer

Close

Covered the Cardinals since 2012

Graduate of Indiana University

Member of Pro Football Writers of America

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Arizona Cardinals were given a taste of what life will be like without an injured J.J. Watt on Thursday night.

Not having Watt's presence on the interior of the defensive line allowed the Green Bay Packers, who were down three wide receivers, to run the ball against Arizona's thin defensive front, leading them to a 24-21 win in State Farm Stadium.

It didn't help that, in addition to Watt, the Cardinals lost rookie linebacker Zaven Collins to a shoulder injury late in the first half after they were already without two other defensive tackles, Corey Peters, who's out with COVID-19, and Rashard Lawrence, who missed the game with a calf injury.

"We've got to get Rashard and Corey Peters back," coach Kliff Kingsbury said. "Obviously, having those two guys out was not ideal with J.J. going out as well. But you can't replace a presence like that."

Arizona also lost safety James Wiggins to a knee injury.

Everything you need this week:
* Full schedule " | Standings "
* Depth charts for every team "
* Transactions " | Injuries "
* Football Power Index rankings "
More NFL coverage "

Losing Collins during the game made the Cardinals rely on a rotation of Zach Allen, Jordan Phillips, Leki Fotu, Michael Dogbe and Josh Mauro. Allen and Phillips played 56 and 50 snaps, respectively, shouldering more of the load up front, while inside linebacker Tanner Vallejo played a season-high 28 defensive snaps.

Watt will have shoulder surgery next week, Kingsbury said, but the coach didn't have a projected timeline for Watt's return.

However, it is possible that Arizona gets Peters back within the next week. This was the third game he missed with COVID-19.

Kingsbury expected the Cardinals to get a "heavy dose" of Packers running back Aaron Jones after Green Bay lost their top three receivers to COVID and injury. The Packers ate time by running the play clock down and didn't turn the ball over. Because of how effective the Packers were at running the ball and keeping the clock moving, the Cardinals were on the field for more than 10 fewer minutes than their average and ran 11 fewer plays.

Once the Packers started having success running the ball, linebacker Jordan Hicks said, "it was a go for them - and it wasn't anything exotic."

The Cardinals just didn't have the personnel to slow down Green Bay's 151 rushing yards.

But the injuries didn't just stop on defense.

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins left the game for more than two quarters with a hamstring injury after reaggravating the same issue that kept him out of practice all week. He was out from the 8:18 mark of the first quarter to the 8:15 mark of the third, a stretch of 30:03. During that span, the Cardinals managed just 54 yards on 22 plays -- 2.5 yards per play -- and scored a rushing touchdown.

"He's pretty good," Kingsbury said. "I mean, that's a big part of our offense having that guy."

He played just 13 snaps and finished with 66 yards on two catches, but 58 of those came on the play in the first quarter when he reinjured his hamstring. He returned to the game against the Cardinals' wishes.

"Obviously, if you take the best receiver in the game out, it makes it a little tough, but I have confidence in everybody out there," quarterback Kyler Murray said. "I don't want to make it about that. It wasn't about that. We just didn't play up to our standards."

The Cardinals now have 10 days to try and heal up before heading to San Francisco to face the 49ers on Nov. 7 (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox).

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Injuries limit Cardinals, who suffer first loss of season vs. Packers

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11:58 PM ET Josh WeinfussESPN Staff Writer Close Covered the Cardinals since 2012 Graduate of Indiana University Member of Pro Football Writers of America GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Arizona Cardinals were given a taste of what life will be like without an injured J.J. Watt on Thursday night.

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Senior Pit Bull Mix gets adopted- Victoria Morrill

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Senior Pit Bull Mix gets adopted- Victoria Morrill

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In the article “Say A Dog: Senior Pit Bull Mix Finds Forever Home After 200 Days in Orlando Shelter” by Todd Jacob (October 2021). The Senior Pit Bull Mix was in the shelter for 130 days and that's when they put up a facebook page trying to find his “unicorn adopter”. However nobody really wanted Cano, the dog who is a nine-year-old pit bull mix, due to his age, and his relentless energy. They only had to wait another 2 months, which was 200 days, until they found him his “unicorn adopter”! He was adopted on October 23,2021. The thing I found nice about him being in the shelter was that Cano was featured in several news, multiple posts, and spent more time in the offices than any other dog in the shelter, so they ended up making him his own little billboard campaign!

This article was very sweet and loving towards Cano. I still can't believe that he was in the shelter for 200 days! I was glad he got adopted 6 days ago finally though. It must've made everyone's day, that Cano was finally adopted. There is a video about the adoption on Facebook if anyone wanted to see it.

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NHS Facing the Decline of GPs in England-Belle Fagan

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NHS Facing the Decline of GPs in England-Belle Fagan

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I read about the "NHS facing ‘mass exodus’ of GPs in England, experts warn", written by Andrew Gregory on October 29, 2021. In England they are having a decline of GPs(global positioning system). The GPs are getting older, more than 6,000 are older than 55 making them in a couple of years retire. Only one in ten GPs are under the age of 35 telling that there are more older GPs in England than younger GPs. The government pledged in 2015 that there was going to be 5,000 more GPs but they didn’t do that. I believe that they need to hire more people because in a couple of years there will not be as many GPs. Also having older nurses in a couple of years they will most likely lose a nurse from each section of surgery.

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"In 10 Gnome Tutorials by Kari Sweeten on October 19

I learned that there are ten different gnomes. What that means is they create different types of gnomes, that they put different outfits on.  For different times of the year they have different outfits they are so festive.
-Addison

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Please try to reload https://feedly.com/ in case this is due to a networking or caching issue.

In some cases, some browser extensions can interfere with the loading of Feedly. If you have some browser extensions installed, try to load Feedly in an incognito window and see if that resolves the issue. If it does, you can try to disable extensions one by one to determine where the conflict is.

Finally, this could be caused by a bug in Feedly. If this is the case, please send an email to care@feedly.com and we will be happy to help.

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Please try to reload https://feedly.com/ in case this is due to a networking or caching issue. In some cases, some browser extensions can interfere with the loading of Feedly. If you have some browser extensions installed, try to load Feedly in an incognito window and see if that resolves the issue.

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Microsoft passes Apple and becomes the most valuable company

Samantha Subin on October 28, 2021

On Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ET, Microsoft officially passed Apple in market cap. Microsoft made $2.45 trillion, while Apple stands at $2.41 trillion. Apple says that this is a result of supply chain restraints. I never thought that Apple would be passed in income and market cap.

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“3 Takeaways From Cardinals’ Week 8 Loss”-Taytum

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“3 Takeaways From Cardinals’ Week 8 Loss”-Taytum

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In an October 29, 2021 article entitled “3 Takeaways From Cardinals’ Week 8 Loss” by Jake Rill of Bleacher Report. The text tells me about what happened to the Cardinals and what happened for them to lose. I agree with the idea that the Cardinals’ defense could not stop the run. I’m curious if the loss of J.J. Watt was a big loss to the Cardinals’ was a significant factor to not being able to stop the Packers’ run offense. An element to the Author’s text that I like is it being split into different parts so you can read one part at once.

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Jackson Galaxy

You must Catify to Satisfy

You have to make a jungle for your cat if you want it to be really happy. You should have a catio which is an outdoor fenced in deck for your cat. You need a window sill bed and cat trees. You might need a cat tv which is like an outdoor rodent area for your cat to watch. You might need a cat superhighway which is a series of shelves and bridges for your cat to walk and run on. You also need some scratching posts.

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I decided to do this post because I love the Matrix movies, and so, I wanted everyone to know why the new Matrix movie has the same MPAA rating as the previous movies in the series. Plus, I love Keanu Reeves, and this was considered to have been his best movie franchise up until John Wick. Too bad that Laurence Fishburne, who played Morpheus in the first three movies, won't be reprising his role in this one due to scheduling conflicts with other projects that were in development at the time of which this movie was filmed. And, this movie is expected to be the last of the new Warner Bros. movies to be released simultaneously on HBO Max on the same day that it hits the theaters before the model is discontinued. This same-day premieres model was made so that audiences would have an opportunity to get to watch new movies from the studio, at home, without having to pay for them, as many movie theaters around the world were still closed down at the time that the big announcement was made, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning that health guidelines were very strict in certain places, especially areas that were seeing a rise of COVID cases and deaths. -- Phoenix Hopes

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The Matrix has been resurrected, and thankfully not as a movie for little kids.

The Matrix Resurrections, the return of the iconic sci-fi franchise has been officially been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. The film received an R "for violence and some language."

That's almost identical to the rating and description that the very first Matrix received from the MPAA back in 1999. That film was rated R for "for sci-fi violence and brief language." The previous Matrix sequels were also rated R for slightly different reasons - The Matrix Reloaded was R for "sci-fi violence and some sexuality." The Matrix Revolutions was R for "sci-fi violence and brief sexual content." So apparently The Matrix Resurrections'violence is just regular old violence, and not sci-fi violence? (Also, it looks like the new film doesn't have any sweaty rave sex scenes like The Matrix Reloaded.)

Here is the film's official synopsis:

From visionary filmmaker Lana Wachowski comes "The Matrix Resurrections," the long-awaited fourth film in the groundbreaking franchise that redefined a genre. The new film reunites original stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss in the iconic roles they made famous, Neo and Trinity.

The film also stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as a new version of Morpheus, plus the returning Jada Pinkett Smith as Niobe and Lambert Wilson as the Merovingian. The Matrix Resurrections opens in theaters and premieres on HBO Max on December 22.

12 Movies That Changed After Their Test Screenings

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The Matrix has been resurrected, and thankfully not as a movie for little kids. The Matrix Resurrections , the return of the iconic sci-fi franchise has been officially been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. The film received an R "for violence and some language."

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Miami Dolphin's head coach confirms Tua is the starting quarterback-Jathan

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Miami Dolphin's head coach confirms Tua is the starting quarterback-Jathan

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According to the article "Tua Tagovailoa will be Miami Dolphins' quarterback rest of season, coach Brian Flores says" by Marcel Louis Jacques, published October 29, 2021, Tua Tagovailoa will be the starting quarterback for the Dolphins and their coach doesn't plan on trading him.

During the writing I thought about how Tua is still young, so he can still get better. Also, I liked the fact that the author was very descriptive during this article.

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Bill intro'd in the Senate that would exempt truckers from vaccine mandates-Bryce

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Bill intro'd in the Senate that would exempt truckers from vaccine mandates-Bryce

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Essential workers won’t a covid vaccine mandate imposed by the federal government. A public or private federal entity receiving federal funds or a public entity receiving funding under the coronavirus. Blackburn’s bill describes essential workers as those who were deemed essential during the response to the covid 19 pandemic or those who were exempt from any restrictions in response to the covid 19 pandemic. the author of the text is Overdrive, and a thought journey i had while reading this text was, I agreed with the text because i thought it made sense that they didn't mandate the vaccine for essencial workers.

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AMAZING Almost No-Bake Cheesecake Bars -Paige

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AMAZING Almost No-Bake Cheesecake Bars -Paige

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“(Almost) No-Bake Cheesecake Bars With Cranberry Red Wine Swirl”, written by Sarah Kieffer of The Vanilla Bean Blog, on October 28, 2021.

Do you want a delicious treat to make in the upcoming year? Well, look at this delicious no-bake cheesecake. The cranberry red wine swirl variation looks amazing and I'm sure it tastes great too! The bars are simmered with red wine, cinnamon, and sugar to create a delicious jam. The bars have a graham cracker crust with a cool and creamy filling that sets in the refrigerator, swirled with an amazing cranberry red wine quick jam.

This is one thing for sure that I want to make this spring. These bars look delicious and like something that could be perfect on a cool spring morning. It looks like a perfect combination to make some amazing bars. I’m curious about how sweet or tart the cranberries and red wine will make these bars. This looks like a new recipe that I am going to love.

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Medievalists.net

A team of researchers led by The Courtauld Institute of Art used scientific technology to discover how the tomb was made.  According to the article "Medievalists.net",
first, they used a handheld device that emits high-energy beams to analyse the metal composition that lies on top of the tomb. Next they inserted a videoprobe through a small opening in the tomb. Their evidence reveals that the tomb was likely to have been ordered by Richard II, the Black Prince’s son, as much as a decade after his father’s death in 1376.

I found this article very interesting because it was about a tomb in England from the 1300s. I always find these types of articles intriguing because learning about other cultures' history and how they did things is always fascinating. These articles also make me wonder how aritech like these tombs keep so preserved after centuries and centuries.

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Today I read an article called “Hidden Rooms and Strangers Hiding in Homes!”, written by Ghost Hunting Theories. This article had a few shorter stories but there was one that caught my eye. It talked about a boy who accidentally found a hidden room in his house, and in the room he found food wrappers and a blanket. They determined that someone had been living there for a little while. What was going through my mind when I was reading this was how didn’t they know someone was in there. Another thing I was wondering was how the guy living in there knew the room ws there, but the family that lived there had no idea about the room.

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OKC Thunder played a butterfly game against the L.A. Lakers - Noah

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OKC Thunder played a butterfly game against the L.A. Lakers - Noah

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According to the article, “OKC Thunder played a butterfly game against the L.A. Lakers", written by Ryan Stiles on October 29, 2021, he talks about the Thunder's first win of the NBA season. They were down by 26 at half and came back to win. They were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rookie Josh Giddey.  During this article I thought about the Thunder’s future, and how they are still young and have room to grow, so they will be good in the future. I liked how the author organized the information in different headers.

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OKC Thunder played a butterfly game against the L.A. Lakers

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The OKC Thunder, on the second night of a back-to-back against the projected title contender Los Angeles Lakers, snapped their four-game losing streak with...

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the article how to control a stepper motor from alexa talks about how to control motors through alexa. I have personally used this method for a auto locking deadbolt. i used the same components and set it so after 10 my front door would automatically lock know i am going to use a motor to make a hidden laundry hamper in my room i will also use the same concept so i can control my light switch. alexa is a very good research the same concept is being used in my auto dog feeder

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I thought this project was going to be really difficult. I'm not a programmer and Internet of Things (IoT) is a long way out of my comfort zones. But how I was wrong...so, let's control a stepper motor from Alexa!

Among other things, I wanted to control a stepper motor using voice activation. I already use Alexa around my home so it seemed like an obvious link to make. In my case, I needed the stepper motor to 'home' itself - that is to say find the 'closed' position. Then travel a known distance to the 'open position'. In addition, I wanted to use a load of parts which I already had left over from other projects.

Wiring up the electronics on this one is really straight forward. And thanks to the fantastic work of a lot of individuals, the programming involved isn't too complex either. The libraries I use are well documented, have some great examples and generally are really straight forward.

And what am I controlling you ask? Well.... a secret bar! If you have read my how to build an industrial sideboard article, you might have noticed I am making a few other units. One of them is a secret bar which will be Alexa controlled.

What you'll need

Like I said, I wanted to use parts I already had left over from other projects. So you would be able to do this project with lots of alternative parts to the ones I've used below:
Parts
Wiring it all up

The first step is to wiring everything up. To do this we need to understand the pins of our stepper motor driver and controller. Luckily, the Pololu website has a really clear image on how to wire up the driver to a micro-controller:

Taken from pololu.com/

Note the use of the capacitor between the VMOT and GND lines! At this point, it is a really good idea to set the current limiter based on your stepper motor set up. Here is a really clear article with shows you how to do this.
Optional: the SLEEP pin on the driver, is a method of switching off the stepper motor when it is not in use. This is something I wanted to incorporate when my motor was in the 'closed' position. So, instead of wiring SLEEP to the logic power supply, I wired it to GPIO17 instead. This allows me to put the motor drive to sleep via the code.
Now we just need to work out which pins to connect to on our ESP32 module (the blue arrows in the above diagram). The ESP32 has lots of GPIO pins options to choose from. All we need to do is connect one of these GPIO pins to the DIR pin on the Stepper, and one to the STEP in. In my case I used pins GPIO 2 and GPIO 4. If you are using the ESP32 DevKitC like I did, then Components 101 has a great article which include the following fantastic diagram:

Image taken from components101.com

Optional: Add in a motor homing switch

Like I mentioned earlier, I needed the stepper motor to 'home' itself - that is to say find the 'closed' position. Then travel a known distance to the 'open position'. A common way to do this is to position a switch on your system at the end of its travel. Then, when the motor moves to the 'closed' position, the switch is pressed.

I was using a push to make switch. So I connected one side to a +5v line and the other side to GPIO16 on my ESP32. Note, if you are not using a homing switch, you will need to remove the relevant motorHome() section in the code below.

Installing Libraries in the Arduino IDE

If your a beginner like me, let me take a second to tell you how to install a new library into the Arduino IDE. But wait, what is a libary anyway? Well...

Libraries are files written in C or C++ (.c, .cpp) which provide your sketches with extra functionality (e.g. the ability to control an LED matrix, or read an encoder, etc.).
https://www.arduino.cc/

Libraries are basically code that other people have written in order to help you out! And adding a library couldn't be simpler: just open the Arduino IDE and click on 'Tools' > 'Manage Libraries' then just search for the library you want. Once you have found the libraries, click 'Install'.

The two libaries we need to install are:

The Arduino IDE Library Manager

Adding the ESP32 Board in the Arduino IDE

I have used the micro controller known as an ESP32 (DevKit C). By default, the Arduino doesn't support this board. However, it is really easy to install. Just click on 'File' > 'Preferences' and in the box for ' Additional Board Manager URLs:' copy 'https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json'.

If you already have something in the additional boards box, you can separate URLs using a comma (,).

Adding the addition board manager URL

Now we have the URL added, we can go to 'Tools' > 'Board' > 'Board Manager' and in the search box, search for 'ESP32'. Look for 'esp32 by Espressid Systems' and then hit ' Install'.

Once this is installed, go back to 'Tools' > 'Board' and select your ESP variant from the list. I am using a 32pin ESP32 DevKitC and the 'ESP32 Dev Module' works for me.

Lets start simple...moving a stepper

Before we learn how to control a stepper motor with Alexa, it's always best to start simple and check our wiring! Most libraries come with some sort of example files, and the AccelStepper library is no exception. We are going to use one of these example files to test our setup.

In the Arduino IDE, click on 'File' > 'Examples' > 'AccelStepper' > 'Constant Speed'. Now there are some slight tweeks we need to make to this code to check our set up.

The first is to define the pins we hooked up to our ESP32. Just below the line which states #include <AccelStepper.h> add the following:

#define dirPin 2 //this is the GPIO pin connected to the DIR pin on the stepper driver
#define stepPin 4 //this is the GPIO pin connected to the STEP pin on the stepper driver

If you used different pins to me, just change them here. The next thing is to add our 'motor interface type' as a 'driver' (since we are using the DRV8825 driver). So, just below the lines you just inserted, add the following:

#define motorInterfaceType 1

Finally, we need to replace the line AccelStepper stepper; // Defaults to AccelStepper::FULL4WIRE (4 pins) on 2, 3, 4, 5 to the following:

AccelStepper stepper = AccelStepper(motorInterfaceType, stepPin, dirPin);

Great - our basic code is now complete. So with your ESP hooked up to the USB port on your laptop, now you should be able to flash your new program. If you run into any trouble here try:

1. Check the COM port is correctly selected under Tools > Port

2. Check that you have the correct board selected under Tools > Board

3. On my ESP, I had to hold down the 'Boot' button until the fireware started to flash

With any luck, you now have a motor moving around on your desk! Have a play around with the stepper.setMaxSpeed and stepper.setSpeed values to find something that is comfortable with your set up.

Alexa, how the hell do I get you to do something!?

So we are over half way there now. You have your circuit, you've flashed some simple code and you have a motor spinning away on your desk. Now it's time to link this up to your Alexa.

The excellent ESPAlexa libary is focused around smart lighting, but that doesn't mean it can't be used for other devices like stepper motors. In my case, I just used the default ESPAlexa code and modified it to suit my needs. Hence you will notice reference to lights in my code where there aren't any!

Right, starting a new Arduino project, lets step through the code bit by bit so we know what is going on. If you just want the code in its entirety, just skip on down to the final file download.

Defining our pins, values and objects

Like most projects, we start by including our libraries, defining the pins we have used and setting some basic information. Because it sits before the void setup(), this code is not 'executed'. It merely defines the names and variables we will be using in the rest of the code.

Assuming you are using the same set up as me, the only thing you should need to change in this section is your WiFi details. You can also change the name of your device in the line EspalexaDevice* TheBar; //this is the name of our device for ESPAlexa if your not building a bar!

/*  Alexa controlled Bar Project Aug 2020
 *  Created by Wayne Morton https://MechApe.co.uk, with a lot of work from Aircoookie and Mike McCauley
 *  Code in public domain
 *  Feel free to use, modify, share or completely discard!
 */

#ifdef ARDUINO_ARCH_ESP32
#include <WiFi.h>
#else
#include <ESP8266WiFi.h>
#endif
#include <Espalexa.h> //awesome lib by Aircoookie
#include <AccelStepper.h> //awesome lib by Mike McCauley at http://www.airspayce.com/mikem/arduino/AccelStepper/

//pins used to connect my hardware
#define dirPin 2
#define stepPin 4
#define sleep 17
#define homingSwitch 16 //Push to make button

// values
boolean connectWifi();
long homePosition=-1;
int state = HIGH;      //is the bar open (High) or closed (Low)

//callback functions
void firstLightChanged(uint8_t brightness); //this is the fuction for ESPAlexa

// Create a new instance of the AccelStepper class:
#define motorInterfaceType 1
AccelStepper stepper = AccelStepper(motorInterfaceType, stepPin, dirPin); //since we are using an external motor driver

// Wifi Details
const char* ssid = "WIFI-SSID"; //add in your WiFi details here
const char* password = "PASSWORD"; //add in your WiFi detailed here
boolean wifiConnected = false;

Espalexa espalexa;
EspalexaDevice* TheBar; //this is the name of our device for ESPAlexa

The all important Set Up

The void setup() section of any program is a function with runs once at the beginning of the project. Unlike the previous section, this code is executed. In this section of the code we start the serial monitor, connect to WiFi, add our ESPAlexa device and set up our pin modes. Then finally, we call the motorHome() function.

void setup()
{
  Serial.begin(115200); //useful for trouble shooting your code
  delay(1000); //allow time for the serial monitor

  // Initialise wifi connection
  wifiConnected = connectWifi();

  if(wifiConnected){

    // Define your devices here.
    TheBar = new EspalexaDevice("The Bar", firstLightChanged); //sets 'device[0]' as the 'TheBar' device with friendly name 'The Bar'
    espalexa.addDevice(TheBar);                               //add the device to ESP Alexa

    espalexa.begin();

  } else
  {
    while (1) {
      Serial.println("Cannot connect to WiFi. Please check data and reset the ESP.");
      delay(2500);
    }
  }
  pinMode(sleep, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(homingSwitch, INPUT);
  delay(10000); //10s wait
  motorHome(); //home the motor on startup so we start from the base
}

Connecting to WiFi

Notice that from our setup function, we called the connectWiFi() function. This function is taken directly from the ESPAlexa code so I won't go into it here.

Homing our motor

Also from the setup function we called the motorHome() function, so lets discuss that here. As it says on the tin, this function homes the stepper motor....clever right? If you are not homing your motor, you can comment out this from the void setup() and skip this section.

Most homing routines, for example from 3D Printers or CNC Machines, typically reverse a motor until the switch is triggered. Then the motor moves forward slightly, and finally reverses slowly until the switch is triggered again. This allows the system to quickly find home, then accurately find home. However, in my case, I didn't need accuracy since I planned on disabling the motor power once we had reached home. So my code is relatively simple:

void motorHome(){
  Serial.println("Homing Motor");
  stepper.setMaxSpeed(1000); //initial speed should be low for homing
  digitalWrite(sleep, HIGH); //turn on the stepper driver

  while (digitalRead(homingSwitch)==LOW) { //if the switch is open, loop through this
    stepper.moveTo(homePosition); //move to the current home position
    homePosition--; //decrease the home position by 1
    stepper.runSpeedToPosition(); //move the motor without acceleration
    delay (10); //wait 10ms
  }

  stepper.setCurrentPosition(0);
  Serial.println("Homing Complete");
  digitalWrite(sleep, LOW); //Can now turn off the stepper driver since bar is supported on frame
  state = LOW;
}

Our main loop and ESPAlexa Trigger

The void loop() function for this project couldn't be simpler since, basically, all we want to do is keep ESPAlexa running. I.e. keep talking to Alexa:

void loop() {
   espalexa.loop();
   delay(1);
}

And that's it!

The reason I was attracted to the ESPAlexa code was due to it's simplicity. I am not a programmer by nature so anything that makes my life easy is great! Now the way ESPAlexa handles changes is simple enough.

You may have noticed that in our first section of code, we defined firstLightChanged? Well this the function that will run every time Alexa changes the "state" of our device - i.e. turns on, turns off, set to 50% etc. Why firstLightChanged, well ESPAlexa is intended for lights but can be used for all sorts of devices. You can easily change the name of the function if you like.

For my bar, I decided to keep it simple and only accept values from Alexa which were ON (100%) or OFF (0%). Everything else is ignored. So a simple switchcase based on the "brightness" set up works for me:

void firstLightChanged(uint8_t brightness) {
    Serial.print("Device 1 changed to ");

    //do what you need to do here
    switch (brightness) {
      case 255: //switch is on
        Serial.println("The bar is opening");
        barOpen();
        break;
      case 0: //switch is off
        Serial.println("Last orders, the bar is closing");
        barClose();
        break;
      default: //optional - all other cases
        break;
    }

I need a drink, open the bar!

So now we have triggered the barOpen() function which, you've guessed it, opens the bar. This is relatively simple whereby we set our speeds and accelerations, turn on the motor and then run to the top position. You will need to experiment to find the speed, acceleration and 'top' position for your system.

void barOpen () {
  Serial.println("Bar opening");
  stepper.setMaxSpeed(4000); //motor speed
  stepper.setAcceleration(100); //motor acceleration
  digitalWrite(sleep, HIGH); //turn on the stepper driver
  stepper.moveTo(20000); //top position of lift
  stepper.runToPosition();
  state = HIGH;
}

Last Orders, close the bar 🙁

And just like opening, closing is exactly the same in reverse:

void barClose () {
  Serial.println("Bar closing");
  stepper.moveTo(0);
  stepper.runToPosition();
  digitalWrite(sleep, LOW); //turn off the stepper driver
  state = LOW;
}

The final file

So, that's it! Now we have the complete code and we can now 'Control a Stepper Motor From Alexa'. You can download the completed code below:

Adding to Alexa

Assuming everything has gone smoothly, you should be able to add your new device to your Alexa ecosystem like any other device. Try saying "Alexa, discover devices". Alternatively, head on over to your Alexa app, select 'Devices', click the plus symbol and 'Add Device'. Select light (remember that ESPAlexa is based on a lighting system) and follow the instructions. Add your new device to a group now if you wish.

If this doesn't work, connect your ESP to your computer using the USB. Then open the Arduino IDE and head over to 'Tools', 'Serial Monitor' and confirm the baud rate is 115200. Hopefully you'll see some status updates from your program which will help you troubleshoot. The likelihood is that your ESP isn't connecting to the Wifi correctly. Check the obvious stiff like Wifi SSID and password.

If it is connecting to the Wifi, try going to http://[yourEspIP]/espalexa and this should display all your ESP devices and their status. Failing that, check out the help section on the ESPAlexa GitHub Page for more trouble shooting tips.

Final Tweaks

From an Alexa side, there are a few tweaks that I made. I found it a little odd saying things things like "Alexa, turn on the bar" or "Alexa, turn off the bar". So to make things a little more natural sounding, head over to the Alexa app, select 'more' and then hit routines. Three easy steps:

1. Click on the plus symbol and enter a routine name (e.g. bar open)

2. Add a new trigger (e.g. voice: 'Alexa, open the bar').

3. Add a new action: 'Smart Home' > 'Lightings' > 'The Bar'

4. Optional. Add a new action: 'Alexa says' "Cheers!"

Now I can say "Alexa, open the bar" or "Alexa, close the bar". Here you can also get creative and set music or other lighting to really set the atmosphere in your bar!

Need more power than the DRV8825 stepper motor driver can provide? Check out my post on how to use a 4A TB6600 driver with an ESP32 here.

I'm still putting the finishing touches on this bar project from a wood working perspective but I'll be sure to add some photos up soon. For now, check out a cheeky little video here. Hopefully this post has been helpful to some of the beginners like me out there! Let me know how you get on in the comments below, or feel free to get in touch via the contact page.

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How to 'Control a Stepper Motor From Alexa' > Guides > MechApe

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Last updated on 14th February, 2021I thought this project was going to be really difficult. I'm not a programmer and Internet of Things (IoT) is a long way out of my comfort zones. But how I was wrong...so, let's control a stepper motor from Alexa!

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Arizona Cardinals VS Green Bay Packers - Ashton Zekucia 

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Arizona Cardinals VS Green Bay Packers - Ashton Zekucia 

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In the article entitled Arizona Cardinals VS Green Bay Packers by Rob Demovsky, on October 29, 2021. Last night one of the best games of the season went down in a head to head match at Arizona. The game was good on both sides of the ball, and special teams. It came down to the last couple minutes of the 4th quarter. The Cardinals had the ball and drove down the field to the 15 yard line. Until Green Bay star Rasul Douglas. I was thinking about how this would affect the Seahawks the whole game. The Seahawks are in their division so this would affect our rankings by making us be closer to taking that second spot. This would be huge for getting us into the playoffs.

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Buzz Lightyear Trailer is epic and voice actor is Chris Evans-Hudsyn

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Buzz Lightyear Trailer is epic and voice actor is Chris Evans-Hudsyn

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We are told by the voice actor, Chris Evans, "this isn’t Buzz Lightyear the toy. This is the origin story of the human Buzz Lightyear that the toy is based on." We get to learn in the movie about the real Buzz Lightyear and how epic and cool he is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx_8IqLQdaU

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I read an article entitled "Volleyball" on the huskers.com site and it was published October 20, 2021. It was a very interesting game and it was very close to the end. They went in 3 sets and in every set it was very close. In the first set 25-21, second set 25-22 and last set it was 26-24. So all three sets were very close and it was a tough night for the Hawkeyes. The Huskers' sweep of the Hawkeyes is their 10th 3-0 win of the year and fourth in a row. Nebraska's nine-match win streak is its longest since 13 straight from.

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PETA calls for the MLB to change term 'bullpen' to the 'arm barn' to be sensitive to cows Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY -Jackson

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PETA calls for the MLB to change term 'bullpen' to the 'arm barn' to be sensitive to cows Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY -Jackson

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In the article entitled "PETA calls for the MLB to change term 'bullpen' to the 'arm barn' to be sensitive to cows," by Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY, on 29 October, 2021, readers learn that the worst organization on the planet PETA has requested the MLB to change the “Bullpen” to the arm barn. PETA feels that the bullpen refers to suffering animals. Many players and teams took action to this, making jokes and much more out of it.
While I was reading this it made me mad and pleased. Mad because PETA made the worst idea I have ever heard of. What Idea changes the heart of baseball pitching because your mad that people like to eat meat. This also made pleased though because people agreed with me. PETA is not a very smart

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In the article entitled "OutdoorHUB Review: Magpul Explorer XL Sunglasses," by Nicolas Lenze  on 10.15.21, readers learn that the Magpie Explorer XLs are more than sunglasses. They are made of injected-molded Grilamid TR90NZZ natural. This material maintains its integrity at extreme temperatures and offers outstanding impact resistance. The wrap-around shape keeps the glasses from having a Z87.1 ANSI rating, but Magpie’s website says that they’re engineered to the same standards as the rest of their eyewear. I think that these should be more mass produced.

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In the article entitled Mysterious rock formation split perfectly in Saudi Aruba  by Tripzibit on September 30th 2021, readers learn that located in Saudi Arabia, a perfectly stock bigger than human kind stands perfectly.  This makes people question if the Al Nasal ancient civilization was more complex than we thought.  People think that since the humongous rock is so perfectly split as if it was split by a laser. The separation of the rock has confused geologists and historians so much that they either think that it was man made with something really hot because the minerals in the rock were soft enough to be melted. If it weren’t man made long ago then the scientists are stumped. I think this article was very interesting and I think that the rock was split by people and by weathering. I think people started to split the rock and then the rainwater and other things made it all wear away.
https://unmyst3.blogspot.com/2021/09/mysterious-rock-formation-split.html

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Image ID: A digital painting of a Skaven army from Warhammer 40k. Many different Skaven troops are present, most wearing cloth clothing.

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Skaven Win the Numbers Game of War(hammer) - Aubrey G

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Skaven Win the Numbers Game of War(hammer) - Aubrey G

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“For the Skaven, the New Edition is a Numbers Game – and They Have the Advantage”, is a short article regarding the update of rules in Warhammer 40k. That being the release of Dominion and the advent of a new edition of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. The new edition of the Age of Sigmar is a numbers game and the Skaven have the advantage.

Before this article I had no idea that the Skaven even existed. But after looking at the models of the Skaven, their abilities, and their battle style I was really interested. I found their lore very interesting too. Another big reason I love the Skaven is because they have a similar look to some of my favorite other armies. Those armies are Khorne, Tyranid, and Lizardmen. This combination of the previous three armies gives them a unique look to them. I do feel that the army is well developed for this army. I hope that the Skaven aren’t left behind with a small amount of models (like the Tyraids). I do feel that their rat-like “vile” look like that of other Chaos armies may make it so less people like them. But for me I do really like this unique and “vile” look. Even though the article only showed three model types I hope that the other models look just as good. Granted I do feel that the coloring of the models may be a struggle. Mostly due to the main “footman” models being pretty small. But other models are bigger, so you may need to mix up a decent amount of paint (and a good amount of paint thinner). Even then I do feel a lot of liberty can be taken with the coloring of the models due to their uniqueness.

Warhammer Community, “For the Skaven, the New Edition is a Numbers Game – and They Have the Advantage” June 28, 2021, https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/06/28/for-the-skaven-the-new-edition-is-a-numbers-game-and-they-have-the-advantage/

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Today I read "Van Gogh's favourite artists" by Martin Bailey, published on October 29th, 2021. In the article, I found out Van Gogh took inspiration from Louis Anquetin, Jacob Maris, and other artists. I found this interesting because Van Gogh is a huge inspiration to other artists. So, it seems weird that someone like him could be inspired by other artists. He even formed his style by collecting bits and pieces of other people’s works and putting them into his own.

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The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

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Van Gogh’s favourite artists: how did they influence his own work?

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Steven Naifeh, co-author of the best-selling biography, writes about the painters Vincent admired—and collects their pictures

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My favorite article I read today would have to be “Yasiel Puig Reaches Settlement for Undisclosed Amount in 2018 Sexual Battery Case” By Tim Daniels October 29, 2021. In the article they talk about how Yasiel Puig was charged with Sexual Battery back in 2018, and how he had eventually gotten out of it, to continue his MLB career. I really enjoyed reading this article in a way, by it giving me an image of how certain things can effect professional sports players. Also, gave me an image of how much stuff they go through, because within the article he shows his court papers, the he had sent to his attourneys.

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My article today was, “The 1997 Abduction of Amber Renee Barker,” written  by True Crime Diva on October 24, 2021. The article was about a 4th grader named Amber who went missing on December 18, 1997. A personal connection I made while reading this article is that I sympathize with the child and her family. I feel the author uses very descriptive language that encapsulates the reader. I am curious about who kidnapped Amber because I believe Smith did it, but he was not alone.  It is important to understand the story behind this so it honors her memory.

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In “Pakistan’s amphibians need more research efforts and better protection” by Pensoft Publishers, published on October 19, 2021, readers learn about how amphibians in Pakistan are basically being neglected. Not many people have researched them and they need to. The little we currently know about them is a grim example of how urgent it is to acquire further information. I think that this is an interesting subject and I hope that they actually start to research the animals. While I was reading this I was wondering why they haven’t researched them before. Are there other animals that are more important or more interesting? Or did they just not think to research them? Whatever the reason is, I hope they start to research them soon.

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Zamir White's journey from two weeks to live to Georgia's star back and beyond- JON JON

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Zamir White's journey from two weeks to live to Georgia's star back and beyond- JON JON

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I liked this article because it really shows why Zamir White was picked up by Georgia. He has improved by so much from his highschool freshman year to his college junior year.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32495972/zamir-white-journey-two-weeks-live-georgia-star-back-beyond

After redshirting as a freshman, Zamir played behind current Detroit Lions tailback D'Andre Swift in 2019, running for 408 yards with three touchdowns. Last season, he took over the starting job and ran for 779 yards with 11 scores in 10 games. After the season, because of Zamir's history of knee injuries, McGee said he encouraged him to enter the NFL draft.

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People With Autism and Self Harm- Max Sills 

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People With Autism and Self Harm- Max Sills 

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In the article titled “People with autism at higher risk for suicide, self-harm” published on October 25, 2021 the author states that people with autism are at higher risk to engage is self harming behaviors such as cutting and offing them selves. I made a connection with this because I have struggled with the thoughts of both of these things but I have never engaged in either of these behaviors but I know people who have, including family.

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(HealthDay)-A significantly increased risk of self-harm and suicide among people with autism shows the need for programs to reduce that risk, researchers say.

For their study, the investigators analyzed 31 studies on the link between autism and self-harm/suicide that were posted to five databases between 1999 and 2021. Overall, children and adults with autism had a threefold increased risk of self-harm, with a slightly higher risk in adults.

The risk of suicide was similarly high among those with autism, according to the study published online Oct. 19 in JAMA Network Open.

Several factors may explain the increased risk of self-harm in people with autism, the study authors said.

Self-injurious behavior such as hand-hitting, self-cutting and hair pulling occurs in as many as 42% of people with autism. There is also a known link between self-injury and suicide, the researchers noted.

In addition, it's estimated that 28% of people with autism also have attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, 20% also have anxiety disorders, and 11% also have depression.

"Our findings are of public health importance in light of the continuing increase in the reported prevalence of autism and the high prevalence of self-injurious behavior in this population-especially relevant during a period of heightened rates of depression, anxiety and suicide associated with the COVID-19 pandemic," said study senior author Dr. Guohua Li. He is a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in New York City.

"Further research should aim to determine the impact of co-occurring diagnoses, develop injury surveillance systems for the autism population, and implement effective prevention strategies to ensure the safety and well-being for people with ASD [autism spectrum disorder]," added Li, a professor of anesthesiology at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

About 2% of U.S. adults (5.4 million) have autism, and the number of U.S. children diagnosed with the condition has increased in recent decades.

According to study co-author Dr. Ashley Blanchard, "The findings from our systematic review and meta-analysis underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce the risk of self-harm in people with autism." Blanchard is assistant professor of emergency medicine at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

"Among the myriad of health problems facing people with ASD is the excess risk of injury morbidity and mortality. The emergency department presents a unique clinical setting for interventions to reduce self-harm and other injuries in people with autism," Blanchard said in a university news release.

More information: The Autism Society has more on autism.

Ashley Blanchard et al, Risk of Self-harm in Children and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, JAMA Network Open (2021). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.30272

Copyright © 2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

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People with autism at higher risk for suicide, self-harm: study

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(HealthDay)-A significantly increased risk of self-harm and suicide among people with autism shows the need for programs to reduce that risk, researchers say. For their study, the investigators analyzed 31 studies on the link between autism and self-harm/suicide that were posted to five databases between 1999 and 2021.

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Today I read “Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield to start Sunday vs. Pittsburgh Steelers” by Jake Trotter published on October 29, 2021. The Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield sat out last week's game due to an injury on his non throwing shoulder. However he says the injury is significantly better and is fit to play this week.

I found this article interesting because Mayfield is a very important part of their team. I feel like Mayfield wants to play and get out on the field. Some people have said that Mayfield doesn’t care for his team and that the injury was an excuse, however I think Mayfield cares for his team and wants to do his part.

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My article is “Want a new Wilderness Challenge? Volunteer with Search and rescue” by Shane Townsend, posted on Oct 22, 2021. This article is all about volunteering in search and rescue, or SAR. The article also talks about how SAR relates to hunting and how it helps your skills. What I really like about this article is how persuasive and all the good reasons he gives to be in SAR. The author makes very good claims, and he backs them up with links to other articles. I'm curious if this article actually persuaded anyone to be in SAR, because it really made me think about it. The author gives many reasons how doing it could help with life skills also. Another thing I found interesting is how the author gives us an example of a first person point of view about SAR. If you are interested in search and rescue, consider this article.

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Call of Duty Warzone's New Pacific Map Has a Release Date - Danny

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Call of Duty Warzone's New Pacific Map Has a Release Date - Danny

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Call of Duty Warzone, has a new map coming out after the new Call of Duty: Vanguard, which comes out November 5th, and the Warzone map comes out December 2nd, and, as the article says, there are some things you need to know.
These these things are the date that the pre-loading begins. Well more of dates than just one date, because the preloading is out on October 28th for console and on November 2nd for PC.

On November 18th, Call of Duty: Warzone’s “Operation: Flashback” event begins. It’s described as an “encore” time - limited event of which celebrates Verdansk's 18 months of service. A unique emblem can be earned by players for just participating and an animated calling card can also be earned for winning their match.

I liked reading this because when I start playing Warzone there will be more content for me to explore.

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Call of Duty: Warzone's new Pacific map debuts on December 2, a little less than a month after Call of Duty: Vanguard launches on November 5.

Activision released Call of Duty's new content roadmap on Thursday, laying out the important dates that will lay the groundwork for transitioning players from Verdansk to the sandy shores of Caldera. Several new images of Caldera were also revealed.

It's all laid out in Call of Duty's colossal blog, but here are the highlights you need to know.

Call of Duty: Vanguard Roadmap Screenshots

October 28 (console) and November 2 (PC): Call of Duty: Vanguard pre-loading begins. If you're worried that your hard drive will choke on yet another Call of Duty install, the good news is that Vanguard will be 30% to 50% smaller than previous games' install sizes. Still sounds like a good chunk of storage space, though.

November 5: Call of Duty: Vanguard launches on consoles and PC. That includes the campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes. This is also when Call of Duty's new kernel-level anti-cheat program "Ricochet" will begin server-side implementation. Warzone's Ricochet implementation begins on December 2.

November 5 to December 2: Preseason in Vanguard. This includes a new Vanguard map on November 17.

November 18: Call of Duty: Warzone's Operation: Flashback event begins. This is described as an "encore" limited-time event that celebrates Verdansk's 18 months of service. Players can earn a unique emblem just for participating and an animated calling card for winning their match.

November 24: You can unlock the "secrets of the Pacific" and get intel on the Caldera map by completing Warzone and Vanguard multiplayer challenges.

November 30 and December 1: The "Last Hours of Verdansk" event. Activision is teasing the event saying "bombs away," suggesting we'll see a fairly destructive wiping of the slate before Caldera goes lives. Considering they've already nuked Verdansk once, one wonders how much bigger the bombs can get.

December 2: Call of Duty Season One begins in Vanguard and Warzone. Vanguard players will receive access to new multiplayer maps, 24 hours of exclusive access to Warzone, and Warzone launches the new Pacific map Caldera. Players will also be able to purchase a new battle pass and will receive two free "functional" weapons.

Call of Duty: Vanguard Multiplayer Screenshots

Vanguard will also see some integration in Call of Duty: Black Ops' and vice versa. All operators and calling cards from Black Ops Cold War and Modern Warfare will transfer to Warzone, including cross-progression and seasonal prestige.

Certain weapons from Black Ops and Modern Warfare will be integrated into certain Warzone playlists. This currently includes Rebirth Island playlists like Resurgence and Mini Royales, along with regular Battle Royale and Plunder modes. All of the 150+ weapons unlocked in previous seasons will integrate with Warzone Pacific as well.

A bevy of new images of Warzone Pacific's Caldera map was also revealed. Check out the gallery below for a look at the mountainous heights and sandy depths we'll be visiting for our next battle royale win. Activision says it'll feature more than 200 points of interest for players to discover.

Call of Duty: Warzone Pacific Caldera Map Screenshots

Don't forget to check out our massive Call of Duty: Vanguard preview coverage. We recently got a behind-the-scenes look at Vanguard's campaign, plus a look at how God of War composer Bear McCreary is bringing his signature musical style to Call of Duty's firefights.

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Call of Duty Warzone's New Pacific Map Has a Release Date - IGN

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Call of Duty: Warzone's new Pacific map debuts on December 2, a little less than a month after Call of Duty: Vanguard launches on November 5. Activision released Call of Duty's new content roadmap on Thursday, laying out the important dates that will lay the groundwork for transitioning players from Verdansk to the sandy shores of Caldera.

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How Realistic Can A Space Movie Be? -Tessa

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How Realistic Can A Space Movie Be? -Tessa

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"Five Most Realistic Space Movies", by Dan Whitehead, only 24 days ago. I won’t say which ranking it got, but my favorite movie, Interstellar, was on the list. The difference with the way time moved on the planet the movie was set on and Earth was actually incredibly accurate. I love the movie Interstellar so I loved it being on the list, I was surprised to learn it was more realistic than any other space movie. I highly recommend reading this article and watching the movie, watch the movie first if you haven’t seen it because there are spoilers in the article.

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Yesterday Derrick Rose  reported to the media after his game, “I'm going to Tom Brady this thing.” He is referring to him because he wants to play as long as he can. Rose has been playing fairly well this year shooting 56 percent from the three point line.

This made me think about how good he used to be. Back in 2011 Derrick Rose was the league mvp. Playing alongside the defensive player of the year that year everyone thought they were going on a playoff run. Well that's when both Jokiam Noah and Rose got hurt. The Bulls didn't win another playoff game that year. Its hard to think and realize how badly things can go.

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The catacombs is early church for christanity but some people horrify the skulls found all over the walls. Some people find this really disturbing thinking this is the place you go after you die

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The article that I read was called “ The U.S. criminal justice system disproportionately hurts Native people” by Leah Wang, October 8, 2021. In the article it talks about how Native Americans are in the higher percentage in prisons. Most of those who are in prison are wrongly convicted or were just put in jail for no reason. Government data breaks down incarcerated populations by race or ethnicity often Native Americans are put in the “other” category. Based on the article I realized there are so many different races and ethnicities thrown in jail for no reason sometimes. If they are put in jail and the percentage rate goes up for that race, they are automatically seen as bad people. These are examples of how Native people and others are harmed and shut out by the federal justice system.

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The U.S. criminal justice system disproportionately hurts Native people: the data, visualized

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We’re lucky when criminal justice data is broken down by race and ethnicity enough to see how Native populations are criminalized and incarcerated. Here’s a…