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Ronaldskk.

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Everything posted by Ronaldskk.

  1. Name of this band music: BTS Members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, The time this band music was created is: 2017 Band Music Picture: Musical Genres: Kpop Awards: - Top 3 Songs (Names): Stay, Yet to come, Blue & Gray Other Information:-
  2. I talked to my colleagues and we have decided to reject your application, due to your fault not to make another application, otherwise it will be
  3. ¤ Your Nickname (Same as in the Forum): @Inmortal™ ¤ Your Address (Facebook, Skype): - ¤ Age: 17 ¤ Languages That You Can Speak: arabic, roman, english, spanish ¤ Your Location: Colombia ¤ Experience As Admin (Last Server - GameTracker Link): Here i was elder ¤ Can You Stay Spectator Or Playing Between These Hours (24:00 To 12:00 PM): maybe ¤ Link Of Hours You Played On Server ( CLICK HERE You Must Write Your Nickname)https://www.gametracker.com/player/Inmortal/135.125.249.129:27015/ ¤ Reason That You Want To Be Admin: help the server ¤ Are You On Our NewLifeZM Discord Server And Will You Be Active In The NewLife Staff - Chat Channel (Link)?: nope, but i can enter. ¤ Admin - Password: (Read The Admin - Rules To Find It) NewlifeZMForever
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  4. Hello, I analyzed your application carefully and I realized that you have not done enough activity (minimum three days) so your application is pending, according to the activity you do this week if you show me interest in the project I will accept it T/C
  5. Topic close due inactivity T/C
  6. more than 24 hours have passed and your opponent has not responded, The battle was Cancelled T/C
  7. Hey Bro, before making a publication in journalist or vgr please verify that another member has not published the news first, if so look for another news and publish it

    1. Mr.Hacker

      Mr.Hacker

      Yeah bro i am sorry when i posted a topic then i see someone is posted a topic......

  8. topic closed due to inactivity T/C
  9. Happy birthday Bro 🎆🥳

  10. more than 24 hours have passed and your opponent has not responded, The topic was Cancelled. T/C
  11. more than 24 hours have passed and your opponent has not responded, The topic was Cancelled. T/C
  12. more than 24 hours have passed and your opponent has not responded, The battle was Cancelled T/C
  13. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66408284 Analysts said the latest figures were unlikely to settle that matter, pointing to an unemployment rate that remained near historic lows and wage gains that were stronger than expected, despite the slowdown in hiring. The average hourly pay in July was 4.4% higher than a year ago, the Labor Department said. Spring surge in US economy beats expectations US raises interest rates to highest in 22 years "Last month's results offered evidence that employment growth had begun to slow, and today's numbers indicate that a downward trend may be in motion," said Richard Flynn, managing director at Charles Schwab UK. "While this should be encouraging for policymakers as they continue to battle sticky inflation, the Fed would likely prefer to see wage gains closer to 3%." The 187,000 jobs added in July was fewer than the roughly 200,000 analysts had expected. Manufacturing, transportation, tech and media firms shed jobs. Most other sectors expanded, with health care firms driving the gains. The Labor Department also said hiring was weaker than previously estimated in June and May. But analysts said jobs growth has remained strong enough to absorb growth in the working age po[CENSORED]tion. That has raised hopes that the economy will slow gradually, but avoid a harsh contraction that would throw millions of people out of work. Julia Pollak, economist at the jobs site Zip Recruiter, said Friday delivered a "goldilocks" report, while Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, said it "couldn't have been much better".
  14. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/sun-bears-zoo-china-denies-humans-costume-rcna97477 HONG KONG — A zoo in eastern China has denied suggestions that its bears are in fact people dressed in costumes, after a video of one standing like a human went viral on social media. Footage of the Malayan sun bear standing on its hind legs sparked speculation on the Chinese internet over the weekend, but the zoo in the eastern province of Zhejiang insisted it really is a bear — just a little smaller and different to the ones we’re used to. “Some people think I stand like a human, and it seems that you don’t understand me that much,” Hangzhou Zoo wrote on its official social media account on Sunday from the perspective of the bear in the video, named Angela. “Previously, some tourists thought that I was too tiny to be a bear. I have to emphasize again: I am a Malayan sun bear! Not a black bear! Not a dog! A sun bear!” The video of the bear standing and interacting with tourists circulated widely online after a 15-second clip was posted on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, on July 27. Trending topics on the subject attracted millions of views on the platform as people questioned whether the bear was a human in disguise, given its behavior as well as the visible folds of fur on its body that resemble humans wearing ill-fitting clothing. But an expert told NBC News that such speculation was unfounded. The animal in the video is “a sun bear for sure,” said Wong Siew Te, a wildlife biologist and the founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Malaysia. He has been researching the animal for about 25 years. “Sun bears could be very human-like,” he said. “They stand like humans and walk like humans,” adding that sun bear mothers could carry babies with their hands and walk by their hind legs. “I never thought it could be human in disguise,” said Gino Liu, a previous visitor to Hangzhou Zoo, speaking via a messaging app. “It is a bear but really looks like a human.” Hangzhou Zoo declined NBC News’ request for a phone interview, saying that it only welcomes in-person interviews. But in an audio recording posted by Chinese state media, an employee denied the allegation, saying that “human beings cannot last for a few minutes in a fur suit” under the high temperatures (104F) in the area during summer. Sun bears are the smallest bears, standing at most 1.3 meters (51 inches) tall, while other species can stand at most 2.8 meters (110 inches) tall on their hind legs, according to the zoo. Malaysian bear in Berlin Zoo A sun bear in Berlin Zoo in 2020.Jens Kalaene / DPA via Getty Images file The number of sun bears shrank by over 30% in the past 30 years, according to the World Wildlife Fund. They are also listed as vulnerable animals on the red list created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. “Sun bears are the least known bears in the world,” Wong said. “I believe the incident could call people’s attention on how sun bears may look like humans and hopefully could [let people know] that they are endangered species because of human activities,” he added, citing large-scale deforestation and hunting. Animal rights group PETA said that the incident shows how all zoo animals, including this bear, should be moved to sanctuaries and wildlife reserves that “prioritize the well-being of animals”. “These highly intelligent and social beings deserve to live freely and thrive in their natural environment, not used as mere spectacles for human entertainment,” Jason Baker, PETA Asia Vice President, said in a statement on Tuesday.
  15. https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/08/03/2024-kramer-gp2-890rr-first-look-for-track-lovers-only/ Meet the 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR, the latest turn-key track bike from Krämer Motorcycles that will surely turn the heads of racetrack-focused riders. Given the current crop of incredible sport machines on the market, that statement might seem overzealous, but here’s the rub—a 138 horsepower, premium chassis components, and an ultra-light wet weight of 313 pounds delivered as a ready-to-race package, even down to the safety wire. Slap some numbers on the front, and you’re off to the races, literally. 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR First Look: For Sale The GP2-890RR is a follow-up to the German brand’s already well-equipped GP2-890R, a machine that boasts a dizzying list of top-shelf components and an impressive 309-pound wet weight. The extra “R” in the new RR-spec variant doubles down on those narratives while bringing several performance-minded upgrades. To that end, more power is extracted from KTM’s 889cc LC8 parallel-twin, advanced electronic rider aids join the party, and redesigned bodywork features improved aerodynamics. Looking beyond the spec sheet, the 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR announcement coincides with the boutique Bavarian brand’s growth, seeing as it will be the first model in its budding lineup to roll out of its brand-new 43,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located in Burghausen. The German marque has also unveiled a new logo, celebrating a decade of doing business in the niche space of competition-only motorcycles. Krämer Motorcycles maintains a close technical partnership with KTM, utilizing the Austrian maker’s 690 single-cylinder and 890 parallel-twin engines to power its complete range of genuinely ready-to-race motorcycles. That partnership extends to WP Suspension, which is owned by KTM AG. The connection is more than skin deep, as the limited-edition KTM RC 8C is a Krämer-designed motorcycle based almost entirely on the GP2-890R platform. Currently, the Krämer offers the EVO2-690S and 690R singles, alongside GP2-890R and 890RR twins. The 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR’s parallel-twin engine is derived from the KTM 890 Duke range of motorcycles, which uses the 890 LC8 mill. The RR-spec engine increases performance to an impressive 138 horsepower and 74 ft-lbs of torque—an eight-horsepower gain compared to its single-R sibling, and a 19-horse uptick when weighed against a stock 890 Duke R powerplant. Lightweight titanium connection rods and high-compression pistons from Pankl lend a hand on the dyno. Featherweight valves further those efforts, as does a new camshaft with more aggressive profiling. 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR First Look: Exhaust Additional engine massaging includes CNC-milled head ports, and larger-than-stock 48mm Dell’Orto throttle bodies are fed by an improved ram-air intake system. Spent gases are expelled via a redesigned full-exhaust system. Due to said updates, the redline is elevated to 11,500 rpm, and power is delivered via an impressively flat torque curve, according to Krämer. Mectronik supplies the ECU with an integrated six-axis IMU, allowing the GP2-890RR to add adjustable traction and wheelie control to its repertoire—a first for the GP2 range. The new ECU utilizes a wide-band oxygen sensor and accommodates live tuning, ensuring your engine is constantly operating at peak performance. Notably, the open Mectronik ECU allows owners to reflash their bikes with custom settings or settings they’ve acquired from Krämer Motorcycles or the GP2-890RR owner community. 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR First Look: Track-only Motorcycle The 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR’s AiM MXS 1.3 data logger has a five-inch TFT display and offers racetrack niceties such as a GPS lap timer and is fully integrated into the RR’s internal sensors. Race Studio software can be used to study sessions or share with coaches. Perhaps the defining characteristic of any Krämer track bike is the lightweight 25CrMo4 chromoly steel-trellis frame and high-spec chassis components. Unlike most production street motorcycles, Krämer zeroes in on the racer mindset with maximum adjustability, including swingarm angle, steering angle, offset, ride height, seat height, rearset positioning, and clip-on handlebar adjustment. Together, those features allow complete chassis geometry and ergonomic customization. The RR-spec machine also boasts progressive linkage on its cast aluminum swingarm. In addition, fully adjustable WP Apex Pro suspension is utilized and optimized for this specific model. A Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder is connected to premium Brembo Stylema calipers with steel-braided lines. 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR First Look: Brembo brakes and Pirelli slicks Redesigned bodywork comes into the RR fold, providing greater wind protection to reduce fatigue. Compared to the single-R sibling, the bodywork on the 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR improves aerodynamic efficiency by nine percent and should serve the roughly nine mph higher top speed well. A Krämer design trademark is its 4.2-gallon fuel tank, which doubles as the tail section and features an integrated rain light. Pricing for the 2024 Krämer GP2-890RR begins at $39,995, with 125 units manufactured globally. Color options include matte Brno Blue and glossy Brainerd Black. Those looking to start their 2024 track season in style won’t have to wait much longer; arrival is slated for next month
  16. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66352143 It was in 1997 when India was introduced to the dynamic designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s (RGRK) sharp silhouettes and fine tailoring. Along with chic and contemporary prêt-wear, the designers also brought the blend of architecture and fashion design into Indian fashion — weaving together metallic textures with softer fabrics and combining structure with fluidity. Having met at a NIFT workshop, the pair would not have dreamt of building a brand together and tread a course of more than 25 years in the fashion business. From dressing up almost every Bollywood celebrity to globally-renowned stars like John Legend and Raja Kumari, the designers have come a long way. Most recently, the duo brought back oodles of bling, neo-traditional silhouettes, unconventional menswear to their latest collection ‘Equinox’ that they presented at the India Couture Week. With showstoppers Sobhita Dhulipala and Ishaan Khatter — the ace designers showcased their collection that “meets the wonders of the universe” and “fashion takes flight with celestial allure”. Each piece is meticulously crafted to mirror the constellations that grace the night sky. In an interview with indianexpress.com, Gandhi and Khanna opened up about their latest collection, their design journey, the evolution of fashion and the celebrities they’d like to dress in the future. Excerpts: What was the idea behind ‘Equinox’? When we first began designing our collection, we focused on achieving a balance in our garments that could be worn for both daytime and nighttime occasions. We wanted our pieces to be versatile and able to be worn multiple times. Our goal was to create couture pieces that were both high-end and practical. During our discussions, we came up with the name Equinox — inspired by the phenomenon where the sun aligns with the earth to create an equal balance of day and night. This concept perfectly aligned with our design philosophy. Our collection combines elements of faith and fable, architecture and craft — resulting in a perfectly balanced collection. What was it like working with Sobhita Dhulipala and Ishaan Khatter as showstoppers for the collection? Collaborating with Sobhita Dhulipala and Ishaan Khatter for the collection was an enriching experience. Both of them are incredibly talented and versatile actors who brought a unique charm and character to our designs. Sobhita’s grace and elegance perfectly complemented the ethereal silhouettes, while Ishaan’s charisma and energy added an element of dynamism to the collection. What are the challenges you have faced in your design journey? How did you overcome them? Over the course of 25 years, each year has brought more excitement than the last in our profession as fashion designers. We have had the opportunity to travel the globe — showcasing our collections and participating in fashion shows worldwide. This journey has been both exhilarating and challenging, particularly during the early years when social media did not exist. We had to fulfill multiple roles as designers, manufacturers, managers and merchandisers. The initial phase was particularly demanding and thrilling. However, with the advent of the internet — accessibility has increased — making things somewhat easier. Every year, we witness new developments in the industry, and now, with AI’s emergence, we eagerly anticipate the new era. One of the aspects we appreciate about fashion is its unpredictable nature, requiring us to create something new each day. What is that one design principle that you swear by? One design principle we swear by is ‘timelessness’. We believe that creating designs that stand the test of time is essential in the fashion industry. Our aim is to craft pieces that can be cherished and worn for years — transcending fleeting trends and remaining relevant season after season. How do you think fashion has evolved since the time you both started your label? People are becoming more experimental and know what they want. They are no longer following fashion trends straight from the runway but instead creating their own unique style by mixing vintage pieces, items from their mother’s wardrobe and new designer collections. This shift has brought about passionate and interesting energy. Traditional looks are no longer the norm, and there are no longer any rules to follow. Men are experimenting with different silhouettes, drapes and colours like pink and fuchsia. This change has been happening for both men and women for a while now and is inevitable. It’s time for evolution and a new era. The younger generation is growing up with a different sensibility, leading to a significant change in fashion. How would you describe your personal style? Our personal style can be described as a harmonious blend of classic elegance with contemporary flair. We enjoy experimenting with various textures, silhouettes and colours while maintaining a sense of sophistication and refinement in our outfits. Till now, who is your favourite celebrity to dress? Who do you wish to design for in the future? We want to dress many people, but Leonardo DiCaprio and Cillian Murphy are on our wish list. Where do you see your brand in the next five years? In the next five years, we envision our brand expanding its global presence and establishing itself as a leading name in luxury fashion. We aim to continue innovating and incorporating cutting-edge technologies while maintaining our commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design.
  17. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/fashion/designers-rohit-gandhi-rahul-khanna-india-couture-week-sobhita-dhulipala-ishaan-khatter-showstopper-journey-struggles-philosophy-advice-interview-8876195/ It was in 1997 when India was introduced to the dynamic designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s (RGRK) sharp silhouettes and fine tailoring. Along with chic and contemporary prêt-wear, the designers also brought the blend of architecture and fashion design into Indian fashion — weaving together metallic textures with softer fabrics and combining structure with fluidity. Having met at a NIFT workshop, the pair would not have dreamt of building a brand together and tread a course of more than 25 years in the fashion business. From dressing up almost every Bollywood celebrity to globally-renowned stars like John Legend and Raja Kumari, the designers have come a long way. Most recently, the duo brought back oodles of bling, neo-traditional silhouettes, unconventional menswear to their latest collection ‘Equinox’ that they presented at the India Couture Week. With showstoppers Sobhita Dhulipala and Ishaan Khatter — the ace designers showcased their collection that “meets the wonders of the universe” and “fashion takes flight with celestial allure”. Each piece is meticulously crafted to mirror the constellations that grace the night sky. In an interview with indianexpress.com, Gandhi and Khanna opened up about their latest collection, their design journey, the evolution of fashion and the celebrities they’d like to dress in the future. Excerpts: What was the idea behind ‘Equinox’? When we first began designing our collection, we focused on achieving a balance in our garments that could be worn for both daytime and nighttime occasions. We wanted our pieces to be versatile and able to be worn multiple times. Our goal was to create couture pieces that were both high-end and practical. During our discussions, we came up with the name Equinox — inspired by the phenomenon where the sun aligns with the earth to create an equal balance of day and night. This concept perfectly aligned with our design philosophy. Our collection combines elements of faith and fable, architecture and craft — resulting in a perfectly balanced collection. What was it like working with Sobhita Dhulipala and Ishaan Khatter as showstoppers for the collection? Collaborating with Sobhita Dhulipala and Ishaan Khatter for the collection was an enriching experience. Both of them are incredibly talented and versatile actors who brought a unique charm and character to our designs. Sobhita’s grace and elegance perfectly complemented the ethereal silhouettes, while Ishaan’s charisma and energy added an element of dynamism to the collection. What are the challenges you have faced in your design journey? How did you overcome them? Over the course of 25 years, each year has brought more excitement than the last in our profession as fashion designers. We have had the opportunity to travel the globe — showcasing our collections and participating in fashion shows worldwide. This journey has been both exhilarating and challenging, particularly during the early years when social media did not exist. We had to fulfill multiple roles as designers, manufacturers, managers and merchandisers. The initial phase was particularly demanding and thrilling. However, with the advent of the internet — accessibility has increased — making things somewhat easier. Every year, we witness new developments in the industry, and now, with AI’s emergence, we eagerly anticipate the new era. One of the aspects we appreciate about fashion is its unpredictable nature, requiring us to create something new each day. What is that one design principle that you swear by? One design principle we swear by is ‘timelessness’. We believe that creating designs that stand the test of time is essential in the fashion industry. Our aim is to craft pieces that can be cherished and worn for years — transcending fleeting trends and remaining relevant season after season. How do you think fashion has evolved since the time you both started your label? People are becoming more experimental and know what they want. They are no longer following fashion trends straight from the runway but instead creating their own unique style by mixing vintage pieces, items from their mother’s wardrobe and new designer collections. This shift has brought about passionate and interesting energy. Traditional looks are no longer the norm, and there are no longer any rules to follow. Men are experimenting with different silhouettes, drapes and colours like pink and fuchsia. This change has been happening for both men and women for a while now and is inevitable. It’s time for evolution and a new era. The younger generation is growing up with a different sensibility, leading to a significant change in fashion. How would you describe your personal style? Our personal style can be described as a harmonious blend of classic elegance with contemporary flair. We enjoy experimenting with various textures, silhouettes and colours while maintaining a sense of sophistication and refinement in our outfits. Till now, who is your favourite celebrity to dress? Who do you wish to design for in the future? We want to dress many people, but Leonardo DiCaprio and Cillian Murphy are on our wish list. Where do you see your brand in the next five years? In the next five years, we envision our brand expanding its global presence and establishing itself as a leading name in luxury fashion. We aim to continue innovating and incorporating cutting-edge technologies while maintaining our commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design.
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  18. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66383377 The war in Ukraine has reached a critical point. Where it goes from here could decide the country's future and affect the security of Europe. In the 18 months since Russia invaded, the Ukrainians have mostly been on the defensive, preventing Moscow's forces from seizing more territory. But this summer, Ukraine - with the help of billions of pounds of Western military equipment - has gone on the attack, attempting to expel the Russians from land they previously captured in the east and south of the country. Two months into this counter-offensive, and with time of the essence before the onset of winter, are Ukrainian troops making any real progress? Working with BBC Verify, we have analysed video of the fighting and spoken to experts to try to answer that question. Sea drone hits Russian ship for second day in row Russia widens its conscription net: 'I live in constant fear' One look at a large-scale map of eastern and southern Ukraine shows that not much has changed in the two months since the counter-offensive began. Russia still occupies nearly one-fifth of Ukraine - including the cities of Donetsk, in the east, and Mariupol, which it captured after months of siege - and its forces are well dug in. Map showing frontline across southern and eastern Ukraine In fact, not much has changed in the nine months since November 2022, when Ukraine made its last significant gain, retaking the southern city of Kherson and large areas in the north-east. But it hasn't all been bad news for Ukraine. It says its troops have recently retaken the village of Staromaiorske in the Donetsk region. The BBC has verified video which supports that claim. Around Bakhmut, in the east, where there has been intense fighting, Ukraine has also regained some small areas that it lost earlier in the summer. And it has also made small gains in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south - a key area where Ukraine really needs to make a decisive difference. A Ukrainian push through the swathe of Russian-held territory to the Sea of Azov would disrupt Russia's supply routes and cut off their forces in Russian-annexed Crimea and further west. The map below shows where ground has been retaken. The large red areas indicate Russian-controlled areas, the purple ones are territory held, or regained, by Ukraine. The black circles show just how heavily the Russians have fortified this region. The city of Tokmak, for example, has a ring of fortifications around it - as BBC Verify revealed in May. Zoomed in map of area Ukraine has regained Why is Ukraine's progress so slow? In two months Ukrainian troops have advanced, at most, about 10 miles (16km) in two areas along the region's 100-mile (160km) front, according to independent analysis. Progress is being made, but it is slower than Ukraine and its Western allies had hoped. Ukrainian forces have been attacking on three fronts, using Western-supplied equipment and training, and probing for weak spots along the entire 700-mile (1,125km) front line. But the Russians foresaw their intentions, and they have spent months building the most extensive fortifications in recent history. Triple layers of trenches, bunkers, concrete pyramid tank-traps (so-called "dragon's teeth") and ditches - laced with thousands of landmines - present a massive obstacle to any Ukrainian advance, as illustrated in the satellite image below, taken near Tokmak. Satellite image showing an anti-tank ditch, followed by a row of "dragon's teeth" 250m away, and a trench network 300m further on. Artillery positions are marked behind the trenches. Marina Miron, a defence expert at King's College London, says Ukraine has had to scale back its ambitions in the south, including aspirations to take back Crimea. "I don't think that will happen anytime soon," she says. Dr Miron says the best they can hope for is potentially retaking Tokmak, which lies on a key route in the south-east of the country - an area which acts as a logistical hub for Russian forces. No fast results in offensive, warns Ukrainian commander Satellites reveal Russian defences before major assault Back in June, Ukraine sent an armoured column south towards Tokmak and quickly ran into trouble. Videos shared on social media, which BBC Verify cross-checked to compare locations and the types of military vehicles, showed newly-supplied western Leopard tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles hitting a minefield and then being attacked by Russian artillery. Bradley tanks IMAGE SOURCE,TELEGRAM Image caption, Drone footage shows marooned Leopard tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles The Russian army appears to have recovered from some of the mistakes it made during the first 12 months of the invasion, and is proving to be surprisingly innovative and effective in defence. Russian defensive tactics Lots of anti-tank mines are being used, for example. Western-supplied mine-clearing vehicles can usually withstand one hit from these mines, but not two. So the Russians are reportedly laying one on top of the other to double the effect. The Russians have also started booby-trapping trenches. In a video, verified by the BBC - but which is too graphic to show, you can see Ukrainian infantry entering empty trenches south of Zaporizhzhia, before hidden explosives are detonated, blowing up some of the troops. ‘Russia said I was dead’ – voices of Ukraine’s front-line women Ukraine's invisible battle to jam Russian weapons The Russian military is also taking advantage of its air power - such as using its Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters. These helicopters can be used to fire rockets at Ukrainian armoured vehicles which have been forced to slow down or stop after encountering a minefield. And Ukraine - it's worth noting - does not have air superiority over the battlefield. What next for Ukraine's counter-offensive? While Russia was building its defences, Ukraine was putting together a dozen, newly-formed armoured brigades, many of them trained in Europe and supplied with better equipment than the Russians. Ukraine now has the capability to launch missiles, rockets or shells deep behind Russian lines - hitting their fuel depots, ammunition hubs and command and control centres, which could weaken Russia's defences from within. This British-supplied Storm Shadow missile, for example, has a range of more than 150 miles (240km), and has enabled Ukraine to push some of Russia's positions further away from the front line.
  19. https://techxplore.com/news/2023-06-open-source-benchmark-skills-robots.html Research in the field of robotics has been booming over the past decade with a view to tackle challenges of real value to industry and the public domain. With new robotic systems appearing every other day, developing reliable tools that can be used to evaluate their performance and test algorithms underpinning their functioning is salient. Researchers at the Oxford Robotics Institute, the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) and the University of Birmingham have recently introduced RAMP (Robotic Assembly Mani[CENSORED]tion and Planning), a benchmark that can be used to assess the ability of assembly robots (i.e., robots designed to assemble products) to mani[CENSORED]te objects and plan their work. The new benchmark, introduced in a paper published on the arXiv pre-print server, could help to enhance the capabilities of assembly robots, facilitating their use in the manufacturing industry. "The paper came about through a collaboration with the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in Coventry, U.K. who have a range of partners in industry facing similar problems all within the domain of long-horizon planning for assembly," Jack Collins, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told Tech Xplore. "This domain of problems features many challenges and open questions within robotics and so working with the MTC we designed a benchmark that reflects the domain and the challenges whilst also ensuring it was accessible to researchers so they can make contributions towards solving aligned problems." The work is being conducted under the remit of an EPSRC Program Grant in Embodied Intelligence directed by Prof. Ingmar Posner at Oxford. "The objective of our benchmark is to be challenge-driven, accessible and open-ended. Our vision is to offer a platform that will further evolve into a community-driven effort to advance robotics research with a specific application focus in manufacturing and assembly." Posner, Collins and their colleagues set out to create an open-ended benchmark that could be applied to a broader range of robotic assembly tasks. RAMP utilizes a series of base parts that can be reconfigured and expanded, to test the ability of robots to assemble a broader range of objects. "To solve for the variation in goal configurations RAMP requires explicit reasoning and planning to decide the order to assemble the beams without which the result would be infeasible assembly sequences," Collins explained. Essentially, RAMP allows users to reliably assess the ability of a robotic mani[CENSORED]tor to assemble various beams into one of several different target configurations. The benchmark was designed around common challenges in offsite construction, where parts are prefabricated and assembled offsite, for example to form the frames that make up the internal structure of buildings. "The benchmark features beams that are created from a series of 3D printed joints and aluminum profiles, the goal is to assemble these beams into the given goal configuration as quickly as possible whilst ensuring repeatability," Collins said. "RAMP is uniquely designed to assess long-horizon assembly tasks that require explicit reasoning as to the order of the assembly. Our benchmark also lowers the barrier to entry by making everything publicly available for people to get started." RAMP is publicly available, so researchers and manufacturers worldwide can now use it to test their own robotic systems. Users are provided with everything they need to start using the benchmark, including the base parts, an assembly guide, code for a baseline implementation and code for a highly realistic simulation environment based on the Nvidia Isaac platform. "RAMP also features a baseline method that is able to solve the easy class of assemblies, we release the baseline publicly with the intention of allowing others to use and build upon our own work," Collins said. "We believe the implication of this is measurable progress on a problem domain that has direct use in industry whilst also pushing progress on a range of open challenges known within robotics. We see this benchmark evolving into a community-driven effort with future users growing the benchmark to encompass new areas such as bimanual mani[CENSORED]tion, 3D construction and deformable mani[CENSORED]tion." The new benchmark created by this team of researchers could soon prove to be a valuable tool for evaluating the planning and mani[CENSORED]tion skills of robots designed to assemble structures in offsite construction sites. Ultimately, RAMP could help to better assess the progress in the field of robotic assembly, while also highlighting potential issues with robots and how to overcome them. "In our future research, we will look to use the associated simulation environment to apply learning-based approaches to come up with more robust methods to solve the assemblies," Collins added. "We will also look at how we can solve for the assembly order without requiring an expert to first write an abstraction of the domain that can be solved by a symbolic planner."
  20. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/engineer-details-messy-lk-99-superconductor-fabrication-process If you're interested in making your own batch of the LK-99 superconducting material that's grabbed headlines around the world, you might be in for a shock at the complexity and nebulousness of the procedure. And as we'll detail below, you might also find difficulty sourcing some of the materials needed. If one person has stood among the eddies of the LK-99 superconductor drama as it happens in the US, that person is Andrew McCalip. The R&D engineer with California-based Varda Space Industries, McCalip has been at the forefront of public, independent replication efforts around the serendipitous superconductor, open-sourcing his work through Twitter and live-streaming the cooking process over Twitch - a relatively rare generosity. From his process, we can glean more information about the elusive LK-99 compound, its synthethization process, how difficult that process is in the face of restrictions around some of the required materials, and the somewhat "spotty" manufacturing process described in the original Korean paper. The main issue in replication stems from the cloudy process described in the original Korean paper — the documentation for making the material is incredibly vague. This fact is made evident by the buzz surrounding replication attempts, but it's also led to a veritable graveyard of failed samples in McCalip's possession. Materials scientists will tell you that for baking processes, essential data include the temperature (at around 725 º C in a vacuum), how long it takes to bake, and what temperatures (the paper gives a baking time-band of 5-24 hours, which as you can imagine, introduces a lot of error), and the rate of quenching (that is, how fast should the samples' temperature be forced to drop). The rate of quenching isn't even mentioned in the original Korean paper, leading McCalip (and other replicators, we imagine) to perform a sort of Russian roulette that's led to several differing, alien-looking samples of the LK-99 compound — and a number of broken ampules containing proto-attempts at synthesizing the compound. McCalip estimates that 2/3 of baked vials are rejects due to the lack of detailed information on the manufacturing process, a "yield-wall" that other researchers too will have to contend with. As we've dived into before, LK-99 is a compound that results from reacting lead sulfate with a copper-phosphorous compound. The ingredients are usually easy to commission — red phosphorus and copper to synthesize copper phosphide, and lead sulfate and lead oxide, which together form a mineral called lanarkite. As it's currently understood, the addition of copper into the lanarkite baking process forces some of the lead atoms to be replaced by copper atoms in an unpredictable and currently incontrollable ratio. It seems that it's these copper atoms displacing lead that leads to LK-99's superconductive properties (due to the emergence of what are known as Fermi bands), manifested in the hallmark emergent magnetism (courtesy of the Meissner effect) and zero resistance to electrical conductivity (most of the drama surrounding LK-99 today surrounds its claimed room-temperature superconductivity not having yet been replicated, however). On perhaps a less optimistic note, however, it seems the frenzy around LK-99 - and its almost "kitchen-counter" manufacturing requirements have dried up an unsuspecting worldwide supply chain. As McCalip put it, it was relatively tough to secure one of the particular ingredients, red phosphorous, as it's a controlled substance that can also be used to synthesize morphine derivatives. But the combined brain power of Twitter devised that he could secure a shipment of copper phosphide (fewer synthetization steps) through a local California lab. According to him, he also managed to secure a supply from Poland before the supply dried up, a perhaps meaningful bit for the worldwide efforts to replicate and better understand LK-99. The relatively cheap and abundant base minerals mean it's unlikely they'll be long-term bottlenecks toward LK-99 manufacturing at scale (if that's the actual road we're on). But the worldwide supply chain isn't ready for sudden "black swan"-imposed demand jumps, which means that the current street price for Copper Phosphate has climbed precipitously towards the $20,000-per-kilogram ratio. There's a scenario where the mineral supply bottleneck could hinder research efforts; unfortunately, the world of minerals and chemistry is vulnerable to supply hoarders that aim to turn a quick profit, although it's a much more well-regulated arena than, say, GPU and game console purchases. Fortunately. In the end, McCalip and Varda's replication attempts resulted in a small, unsuspecting flake of LK-99 showcasing the same Meissner-effect-induced magnetic levitation — the first reported "floaty rock" in US soil that's being sent to the University of South California (USC) for additional testing. You can see that in action by expanding the below tweet. All in all, that's not a bad result for a "couple days" work: McCalip managed to be the first in US soil to actually demonstrate what seems to be a Meissner-effect levitation on the LK-99 flake he managed to synthesize. But considering the current outlook on the supply of certain materials, it seems that other DIY replicators will have a hard time attempting to "own their own LK-99." Perhaps it's best to wait until the manufacturing process has been better detailed across replication papers. The flux around LK-99 is still a messy and confusing one, but that mist is bound to be lifted - one superconducting, levitating way, or the other
  21. Nickname: Inmortal™ Video author: RUOK FF Name of the game: Not Human👽🎯 Link video: Rate this video 1-10: 10
  22. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-invasion-story-missions-trailer-pve-roster-and-giant-robot-battles/1100-6516596/ After years of Overwatch players longing for story-based PvE missions, Blizzard is ready to deliver. With the launch of Overwatch 2's sixth season, Invasion, comes the series' push into storytelling with an all-new game mode: story missions. And, thanks to Overwatch 2: Invasion's latest trailer, we now have a better idea as to what the first three entries in this new mode will entail. The trailer begins with footage of three cities, Rio de Janeiro, Gothenburg, and Toronto, being evacuated. We then see Ramattra--Overwatch 2's newest tank hero and the leader of the militant omnic liberation group, Null Sector--claim he is not waging war on these locations, but rather fighting for "liberation." Winston declares there is something different about Null Sector this time around before the trailer cuts to Sojourn, who tells him that most of her city (Toronto) has been taken over by the organization. This seemingly builds off of Sojourn's most recent cinematic, which ends with the former soldier readying up for battle against a fleet of enemy ships entering Toronto. However, Sojourn isn't the only one dealing with a full-scale invasion, as we see Lucio skate through an overrun Rio de Janeiro while Brigette and her father, Torbjörn, struggle to hold down Gothenburg. In addition to these characters, the trailer also features Mei, Reinhardt, Genji, Mercy, Tracer, and Bastion. Considering Overwatch 2 developers have previously stated that story missions will utilize only a select number of heroes in an effort to meaningfully include them in the story and create something that makes narrative sense, it seems likely that these heroes will serve as the Invasion storyline's roster. It also seems like players will be taking on significantly bigger enemies in story missions. With maps "four to five times bigger" than the ones used in other game modes, that space will seemingly be used to host large scale enemies such as the massive Null Sector robot seen shooting off missiles in the trailer. Overwatch 2: Invasion will feature three story missions, with each set in a different location being attacked by Null Sector, i.e.. Rio de Janeiro, Gothenburg, and Toronto. The missions are available through the Overwatch 2: Invasion bundle, which costs $15. In addition to permanent access to the missions, the bundle includes 1,000 Overwatch coins, a new Sojourn legendary skin, and permanent access to Sojourn as a playable hero for players who have not yet unlocked or purchased her. Blizzard has confirmed that these three missions are likely to be the only ones we get in 2023, as there will be "multiple seasons" between Invasion and the next story-based season. This trailer isn't the only big announcement the Overwatch 2 team made today. Blizzard also announced that legendary wrestler-turned-actor John Cena is coming to Overwatch. Cena will be joining the game as The Enigma, a mysterious figure seemingly helping Overwatch. Overwatch 2: Invasion kicks off on August 10.
  23. https://gamingonphone.com/esports/pubg-mobile-challenger-cup-emea-2023-schedule-prize-pool-and-more/ The leading esports and video game entertainment company, ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), has announced its excitement over the introduction of PUBG Mobile, one of the most widely-played mobile games worldwide, to the FACEIT platform for the first time. As part of their commitment to competitive gaming, FACEIT, the world’s foremost online platform, has now initiated registrations for qualifiers for the PUBG Mobile Challenger Cup 2023 in the EMEA region. Additionally, they have introduced daily cups aimed at bolstering the PUBG Mobile esports ecosystem and offering a valuable training ground for aspiring professional players. PUBG MOBILE Challenger Cup EMEA 2023: Schedule and prize pool The groundbreaking release beckons the PUBG Mobile community to refine their abilities in competitive confrontations with fellow ambitious players, aiming to accumulate experience, acquire rewards, and vie in the ultimate competitive setting. Presently, registration is accessible for the initial out of 16 Qualifiers for the PUBG Mobile Challenger Cup in the EMEA region, set to commence on August 3, 2023. Victorious teams will progress to the PUBG Mobile Challenger Cup Finals scheduled from September 9th to 10th, 2023, offering PUBG Mobile participants in the region an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for the grand prize of $11026. PUBG Mobile and FACEIT unveil new tournament series In the new global PUBG Mobile daily cups hosted on FACEIT, participants are presented with the opportunity to engage in various formats, including solo, duo, and squad competitions, all vying for FACEIT points. These accumulated points can now be exchanged at the FACEIT Shop for UC, the in-game currency in PUBG Mobile. PUBG Mobile earned the title of the most-watched battle royale sport in 2022 and maintains one of the most extensive esports landscapes worldwide. Simultaneously, FACEIT stands as the premier online platform for competitive gaming, serving as a top choice for skilled players. With the introduction of these new PUBG MOBILE tournaments on the FACEIT platform, the mobile esports ecosystem experiences substantial advancement.
  24. https://www.pcgamer.com/baldurs-gate-3s-first-background-mod-lets-you-play-a-character-that-was-trapped-in-a-goats-body-for-a-decade/ It's tradition at every TTRPG table to have that one player who rocks up with an absurd backstory: "My bard was raised by mimes in the woods", "my entire family died to a rogue bee swarm", "it's my goal to execute the Forgotten Realm's sickest backflip", that sort of thing. You can continue this time-honoured tradition in Baldur's Gate 3 with its first full release-compatible background mod, the poetically named "was a goat for ten years", granting it its rightful place next to the pedestrian vanilla background options of "Urchin" or "Soldier". An image depicting the custom Goat Background for Baldur's Gate 3, "Was a Goat for 10 years". Granted, plenty of similar mods made their way into the Early Access, but this is the first stand-out mod after the game released yesterday. Coded into Baldur's Gate 3 by the heroic NellsRelo, this background actually owes its existence to the UnearthedArcana subreddit, where players share their homebrew content for Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. User _Metabot summoned this fever dream 6 years ago, which memed its way into a respectable 250-something upvotes, and it's now been turned into a mod with their permission. Under a header that reads: "A what for how long?" NellsRelo gives it to us straight, informing us that we were "A Goat. For 10 Years." Being a goat-brained comes with some perks, though. "Having been a Goat for so long, you know your way around animals, and have become quite athletic, granting you proficiency in Animal Handling and Athletics. You also gain Surefooted, granting you immunity to muddy and difficult terrain." This, hilariously, makes the background an excellent fit for a strength-based Ranger. No, I'm not even kidding—Animal Handling is a very Ranger-themed skill, while Athletics will let you shunt people around with a good enough strength score. Meanwhile, Surefooted gives you immunity to difficult terrain, which is something a Ranger doesn't get until level 8 in-game. Since you've traded the bow for the broadsword, ignoring mud and muck to charge your foes is actually really helpful, freeing up a bonus action you might otherwise use to jump over difficult terrain to instead cast Hunters Mark or drink a potion. I can't believe I'm theorycrafting the goat origin story, but here we are. Regrettably, the mod's missing a few features, such as a custom icon, background goals, and a sorrowful lack of horns or rectangular irises. Maybe you could squint real hard at a tiefling to get the real awakened goat experience. Until then, only you know the horrors of your past, and will have to wait until modders finish tinkering with the game to unleash the goat in your soul.
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