Troy-Bilt TB525EC:
- after my recent escapade with repairing lawn mowers I decided to purchase a cheap whipper snipper online to see whether I could repair it. The previous owner told me it was impossible/hard to start. Luckily, he sold it to me for cheap $50. Either way, I could learn more about small engines, on sell it for a similar price if I couldn't fix it, perhaps even fix/have my own whipper/snipper/multi-tool thingy, etc... The trimmer that I purchased was a Troy-Bilt TB525EC. A multi-function device that does heaps of other stuff besides trimming. I fixed it, this blog post outlines how.
https://www.troybilt.com/en_US/prior-year-models/tb525-ec-curve-shaft-string-trimmer/41BDZ52C766.html
https://www.amazon.com.au/Troy-Bilt-4-Stroke-Curved-Shaft-Trimmer/dp/B000H1Y31O
https://www.choice.com.au/products/outdoor/gardening/lawnmowers-and-trimmers/troy-bilt-tb575ec
- before we start, I didn't realise how similar Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) were across for similar size capacities/classes. You use ~25cc engines for trimmers, 150cc engines for mowers, ~100cc-200cc for go karts, ~1600cc-20000cc for automobiles ad trucks, etc... They seem to share very similar designs for similar capacities and parts can often be swapped between similar chassis. The theory and principles between combustion engines are very similar. A big difference are transmissions, carburettors vs fuel injectors, materials used, etc... as you move up size
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chassis
engine cc capacity list
Liters (L) Cubic Centimeters (CC) Cubic Inches (CID)
1.0 1,000 61
...
5.0 4,949 302
...
10.0 10,014 611
https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/engine-size-chart
https://www.fodsports.com/blog/motorcycle-engine-size/
https://www.webuyanycar.com/guides/car-ownership/car-engine-sizes/
tricycle rotax
https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/us/en/models/3-wheel-vehicles/ryker.html
https://www.airborne.com.au/pages/ml_xt912.php
- I didn't realise that premium brand small engines cut corners in numerous different ways including making gears/sprockets out of plastic. It's only when you tear them down that you realise how dodgy a job they've done
Fixing a Toro 190cc Mower That Won't Start. Timing is Off and Gas is Blowing Out of the Carburetor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPSAZRAukLA
https://www.youtube.com/@Ajsupcyclegarage
Toro Recycler Will Not Start
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb3IdEt-Jlg
https://www.youtube.com/@jcondon1
https://www.productreview.com.au/c/lawn-mowers/b/toro
- as I said previously, you can't get into this without actually understanding about engines in general. The focus of most tutorials online seems to the carburetor. There's no question it's important but it's not always the deciding factor in what makes an engine work or not as I've learnt
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2024/02/repairing-and-maintaining-victa-2.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2019/08/servicingfixing-my-briggs-and-stratton.html
Walbro Carburetor Service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDaOcNrS6BM
https://www.youtube.com/@walbro113
2 stroke spring carb teardown
https://www.lawnmowerpros.com/diy/index.php/how-to-clean-and-adjust-a-2-cycle-carburetor/
https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/bobcat/mantis/tillers/2-cycle-gas-tiller/7222e-2-cycle-gas-tiller-january-1991-through-august-1997/carburetor
https://www.marineengine.com/parts/mariner-outboard-parts/4-2stroke/0p017000-thru-0p400999-bel/carburetor
https://www.footflyer.com/membrane-carburetors-for-2-stroke-paramotors/
trimmer 4 stroke yard machines carb teardown
How to Fix a Trimmer Carburetor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJPWB6yCezA
https://www.youtube.com/@FIXTechGuides
HOW TO REBUILD THE CARBURETOR on a MTD/REMINGTON Walk Behind Mower or String Trimmer..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4EEUdO9Zqs
https://www.youtube.com/@Chickanic
trimmer carb teardown
Weedeater starts, but won't stay running.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_ya7siaQQk
https://www.youtube.com/@HomeGaragechannel
How to Rebuild the Carburetor on a 4 Stroke Trimmer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc-e9Iz5TX4
https://www.youtube.com/@homesforbeginners
Generator won't start? Runs rough? Carburetor cleaning is easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0eAyjlCJGo
https://www.youtube.com/@HipaParts
The Only Video You'll Ever Need to Know how 4 Stroke Engine Valving & Timing Works
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_AdfS7Rllw
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRepairSpecialist
Why Nitro Engines Outpower Everything Else
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7q0w75ZXlQ
https://www.youtube.com/@d4a
How to fix a lawn mower that won't start - Ten Minute DIY Repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afjn9HKLiZQ
https://www.youtube.com/@Buckwsr
briggs and stratton quantum 35 carburetor
Briggs & Stratton Quantum Engine Carburetor Repair mower started then died immediately)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFpXEAiq37Q
https://www.youtube.com/@suleskes
Briggs no compression fix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_6Z40481Pc
https://www.youtube.com/@bbbjim1fixedit
- while looking for spare carburetor parts for my trimmer I realised it was actually pretty difficult to acquire them. Like others, an idea that crossed my mind was just bolting another compatible carburetor on. It just seemed like a no-brainer as this model was known for being hard to start and I could purchase a decent compatible and perhaps better designed and manufactured carburetor for ~$20-60. Before I put it on I and tore it down compared it to the original. The new model seemed less fragile, more adjustable, and made of better materials particularly in regards to the diagphram. I bolted it on and it worked pretty much instantly
Weed Trimmers - Don't Rebuild The Carb!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud-AmR3S1_Q
https://www.youtube.com/@EliminatorPerformance
can you swap carburetor between trimmers
Poulan trimmer carburetor swap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB1tuej2H18
https://www.youtube.com/@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
Carburetor Swapping: BOLT ON MORE POWER!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExN7w5H5lZY
https://www.youtube.com/@Fearlessfront
15mm Carburetor melbourne
https://blygo.com.au/product/15mm-carb-carby-carburetor-43-49cc-mini-pit-pocket-rocket-chopper-dirt-bike-atv/
https://www.tdrmoto.com.au/products/2-stroke-carburetor-for-38cc-43cc-49cc-petrol-scooter-pocket-atv-quad-bike-carby
- after my recent escapade with repairing lawn mowers I decided to purchase a cheap whipper snipper online to see whether I could repair it. The previous owner told me it was impossible/hard to start. Luckily, he sold it to me for cheap $50. Either way, I could learn more about small engines, on sell it for a similar price if I couldn't fix it, perhaps even fix/have my own whipper/snipper/multi-tool thingy, etc... The trimmer that I purchased was a Troy-Bilt TB525EC. A multi-function device that does heaps of other stuff besides trimming. I fixed it, this blog post outlines how.
https://www.troybilt.com/en_US/prior-year-models/tb525-ec-curve-shaft-string-trimmer/41BDZ52C766.html
https://www.amazon.com.au/Troy-Bilt-4-Stroke-Curved-Shaft-Trimmer/dp/B000H1Y31O
https://www.choice.com.au/products/outdoor/gardening/lawnmowers-and-trimmers/troy-bilt-tb575ec
- before we start, I didn't realise how similar Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) were across for similar size capacities/classes. You use ~25cc engines for trimmers, 150cc engines for mowers, ~100cc-200cc for go karts, ~1600cc-20000cc for automobiles ad trucks, etc... They seem to share very similar designs for similar capacities and parts can often be swapped between similar chassis. The theory and principles between combustion engines are very similar. A big difference are transmissions, carburettors vs fuel injectors, materials used, etc... as you move up size
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chassis
engine cc capacity list
Liters (L) Cubic Centimeters (CC) Cubic Inches (CID)
1.0 1,000 61
...
5.0 4,949 302
...
10.0 10,014 611
https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/engine-size-chart
https://www.fodsports.com/blog/motorcycle-engine-size/
https://www.webuyanycar.com/guides/car-ownership/car-engine-sizes/
tricycle rotax
https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/us/en/models/3-wheel-vehicles/ryker.html
https://www.airborne.com.au/pages/ml_xt912.php
- I didn't realise that premium brand small engines cut corners in numerous different ways including making gears/sprockets out of plastic. It's only when you tear them down that you realise how dodgy a job they've done
Fixing a Toro 190cc Mower That Won't Start. Timing is Off and Gas is Blowing Out of the Carburetor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPSAZRAukLA
https://www.youtube.com/@Ajsupcyclegarage
Toro Recycler Will Not Start
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb3IdEt-Jlg
https://www.youtube.com/@jcondon1
https://www.productreview.com.au/c/lawn-mowers/b/toro
- as I said previously, you can't get into this without actually understanding about engines in general. The focus of most tutorials online seems to the carburetor. There's no question it's important but it's not always the deciding factor in what makes an engine work or not as I've learnt
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2024/02/repairing-and-maintaining-victa-2.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2019/08/servicingfixing-my-briggs-and-stratton.html
Walbro Carburetor Service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDaOcNrS6BM
https://www.youtube.com/@walbro113
2 stroke spring carb teardown
https://www.lawnmowerpros.com/diy/index.php/how-to-clean-and-adjust-a-2-cycle-carburetor/
https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/bobcat/mantis/tillers/2-cycle-gas-tiller/7222e-2-cycle-gas-tiller-january-1991-through-august-1997/carburetor
https://www.marineengine.com/parts/mariner-outboard-parts/4-2stroke/0p017000-thru-0p400999-bel/carburetor
https://www.footflyer.com/membrane-carburetors-for-2-stroke-paramotors/
trimmer 4 stroke yard machines carb teardown
How to Fix a Trimmer Carburetor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJPWB6yCezA
https://www.youtube.com/@FIXTechGuides
HOW TO REBUILD THE CARBURETOR on a MTD/REMINGTON Walk Behind Mower or String Trimmer..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4EEUdO9Zqs
https://www.youtube.com/@Chickanic
trimmer carb teardown
Weedeater starts, but won't stay running.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_ya7siaQQk
https://www.youtube.com/@HomeGaragechannel
How to Rebuild the Carburetor on a 4 Stroke Trimmer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc-e9Iz5TX4
https://www.youtube.com/@homesforbeginners
Generator won't start? Runs rough? Carburetor cleaning is easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0eAyjlCJGo
https://www.youtube.com/@HipaParts
The Only Video You'll Ever Need to Know how 4 Stroke Engine Valving & Timing Works
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_AdfS7Rllw
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRepairSpecialist
Why Nitro Engines Outpower Everything Else
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7q0w75ZXlQ
https://www.youtube.com/@d4a
How to fix a lawn mower that won't start - Ten Minute DIY Repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afjn9HKLiZQ
https://www.youtube.com/@Buckwsr
briggs and stratton quantum 35 carburetor
Briggs & Stratton Quantum Engine Carburetor Repair mower started then died immediately)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFpXEAiq37Q
https://www.youtube.com/@suleskes
Briggs no compression fix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_6Z40481Pc
https://www.youtube.com/@bbbjim1fixedit
- while looking for spare carburetor parts for my trimmer I realised it was actually pretty difficult to acquire them. Like others, an idea that crossed my mind was just bolting another compatible carburetor on. It just seemed like a no-brainer as this model was known for being hard to start and I could purchase a decent compatible and perhaps better designed and manufactured carburetor for ~$20-60. Before I put it on I and tore it down compared it to the original. The new model seemed less fragile, more adjustable, and made of better materials particularly in regards to the diagphram. I bolted it on and it worked pretty much instantly
Weed Trimmers - Don't Rebuild The Carb!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud-AmR3S1_Q
https://www.youtube.com/@EliminatorPerformance
can you swap carburetor between trimmers
Poulan trimmer carburetor swap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB1tuej2H18
https://www.youtube.com/@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
Carburetor Swapping: BOLT ON MORE POWER!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExN7w5H5lZY
https://www.youtube.com/@Fearlessfront
15mm Carburetor melbourne
https://blygo.com.au/product/15mm-carb-carby-carburetor-43-49cc-mini-pit-pocket-rocket-chopper-dirt-bike-atv/
https://www.tdrmoto.com.au/products/2-stroke-carburetor-for-38cc-43cc-49cc-petrol-scooter-pocket-atv-quad-bike-carby
- for diaphragm based carburetors you can soak diaphragms in Dot 3 or Dot 4 brake fluid to bring them back but this method will last for 1 week only. It's a good method to test whether it is diaphragm failure is the source of your issue though
2 Stroke Carburetor - In depth Fault Finding, Testing, Service & Repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4K6dBQTeek
Make Old, Dry & Hard Diaphragms As Soft As New Again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyVaOtChrw8
https://www.youtube.com/@VintageEngineRepairs
Rubber Softening Experiment : Wintergreen Oil, Brake Fluid, ATF & More
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnGsllKvheQ
https://www.youtube.com/@49ccscoot
- I still needed to do some some turning to get it right though. You don't realise how strange small 25cc engines sound and how crude and unclean the combustion seems until you work with them more
Fixing A Homelite Trimmer That Won't Start
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z0gLaqnXrY
https://www.youtube.com/@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
Fixing A Troy-Bilt 4 Cycle Trimmer That Someone Tried To Already
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv1gpi-RslM
Troybilt 4cycle trimmer won't start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb6OOIGgtl4
https://www.youtube.com/@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
Craftsman or Troybilt trimmer won't start? How to easily diagnose and repair your 2 cycle trimmer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o86JovMlT3Q
https://www.youtube.com/@Chickanic
Carburetor Rebuild of 4 Cycle Ryobi, Troybilt Grass Trimmer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGq1wuBNM00
https://www.youtube.com/@donyboy73
Ryobi carb diaphragm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhANSSrgzyY
https://www.youtube.com/@GuysPlayingWithTools
2 Cycle Trimmer Only Runs on Choke | Won't start - How to Diagnose & Fix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyXTq7eKgUc
https://www.youtube.com/@helpinguonline
How To Adjust Or Tune The Carburetor On A Weedeater (Step-by-Step)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmhxTvGRtCg
https://www.youtube.com/@StevesSmallEngineSaloon
- if you were interested in this post you'll probably be interested in my other repair blog posts:
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2024/02/repairing-and-maintaining-victa-2.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2019/08/servicingfixing-my-briggs-and-stratton.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2023/10/vacuum-filter-troublesplanned.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2023/09/conversion-from-physical-to-virtual_10.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2023/07/international-manufacturing-youtube.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2023/06/youtube-car-repair-channels-random.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2021/11/recyclingunlockinghacking-devices-for.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-sea-of-fakery-random-stuff-and-more.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2018/04/hp-4520s-laptop-teardown-random-stuff.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/04/apple-ibook-g4-logicboard-fixes.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2010/10/asus-1005p-disassembly.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2010/07/replacing-lcd-on-toshiba-nb200.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2013/02/laptop-thermal-design-convergence-and.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/05/fujitsu-stylistic-st4120-recovery.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/10/nvidia-laptop-graphics-chip-repair.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2013/03/laptop-hacking-and-hardware-workarounds.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/08/apple-icloud-device-locking-and-general.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2013/03/repairing-laptop-power-bricks.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/08/unlocking-your-phonemodem.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/08/apple-icloud-device-locking-and-general.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/07/ableton-and-ableton-push-hacking.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/09/windows-and-android-arent-that_5901.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/08/funky-firmware.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/07/if-only-reading-were-easier.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/11/playing-with-android.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/06/repairing-musical-instrumentselectrical.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/06/custom-midi-hardware-and-software.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/12/network-traffic-analysis-laptop-power.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2013/02/laptop-thermal-design-convergence-and.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/10/more-security-oscilloscope-and-wireless_6750.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/11/hp-pavilion-dv2000-laptop-troubles.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/03/eeepc-recovery-without-recovery.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2018/11/lost-dell-recovery-disc-youtube.html
Optical Disc Repair:
- ever since the switch to optical discs (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, etc...) we've always had to deal the issue of scratched discs but I've never had a proper solution until now
dvd scratch repair
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/18/repair-scratches-cd-dvd#:~:text=Apply%20a%20small%20dab%20of,repeat%20twice%20for%20good%20measure.
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Scratched-DVD
https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-fix-scratched-dvd.htm
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/7-bizarre-home-remedies-that-r-152502
https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/how-to-fix-a-scratched-dvd-or-cd/
- only recently did I come across a product called Autosol Acrylic Polish. I had intended to use it to buff out the surface of a scratched watch but it wasn't suitable for that (not abrasive enough). It seemed perfect for buffing out light grade plastic/acrylic type material though. Since I had a spare tube lying around I decided to try it on some scratched DVDs and it worked out really well and brought back life to my scratched DVDs
https://autosol.com.au/product-range/acrylic-polish-75ml/
https://www.bunnings.com.au/autosol-75ml-acrylic-polish_p4461011
- I'm suprised because I've tried every single solution that has been mentioned online to fix optical discs and none have worked out well. Car wax style resurfacers, purpose built scratch remove systems for optical discs, metal polish scream, toothpaste, dishwashing fluid, etc... The only thing that seemed to work was a DVD scratch repair machine that cost ~$1000-2000 that I saw being used at a local Blockbuster DVD rental store. Autosol Acrylic Polish seems to work though, is relatively inexpensive at ~$15-20, can be used for multiple purposes, and will likely last for years since I don't really work with plastic all that much
what is dvd surface made of
3.1 Polycarbonate (Plastic) Substrate Layer
The polycarbonate substrate makes up most of the disc, including the area that is read by the laser (opposite the label side on CDs). It is present on both sides of a DVD, even a "single-sided" disc with a label on one side. This substrate provides the disc depth necessary to maintain laser focus on the metal and data layers. It also gives the disc enough strength to remain flat. Anything in or on the polycarbonate layer that interferes with the ability of the laser to focus on the data layer will result in the misreading of data. Accordingly, fingerprints, smudges, or scratches, as well as such substances as dirt, dust, solvents, and excessive moisture (which polycarbonate will absorb), can interfere with the ability of the laser to read the data. Contact of any foreign material with the polycarbonate substrate layer should be avoided.
3. Disc Structure
https://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub121/sec3/
- I suspect similar products of a similar nature may work as well
- Magic Eraser works for light scratches as well but only for very light scratches
https://www.mrclean.com/en-us/shop-products/magic-erasers/magic-eraser-original/
https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/207919/chux-magic-eraser-spot-cleaner
Random Stuff:
- as usual thanks to all of the individuals and groups who purchase and use my goods and services
http://sites.google.com/site/dtbnguyen/
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com.au/
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-18/alexei-navalny-impact-on-vladimir-putin-analysis/103480870
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-27/scott-morrison-valedictory-speech-warns-of-china/103515872
https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/federal-budget/hecs-reform-could-be-considered-as-part-of-major-overhaul-following-landmark-uni-review/news-story/e52d744f02ce8f132d056ed746fcea07
https://www.news.com.au/technology/vodafone-hits-customers-with-increase-to-phone-bills/news-story/fd7483dae4d4186188ab6fe3feb0d520
https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/other-industries/ato-forces-collapse-of-popular-oporto-restaurant/news-story/b1f0f79c6fd07d27d1553c50e3348447
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cease-and-desist-the-top-sydney-school-taking-on-private-coaching-colleges-20240219-p5f5zv.html
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/youtuber-ruby-franke-sobs-in-court-as-shes-jailed-for-child-abuse/news-story/d4b5a23c7f48c450b0d29342226d7ad2
- latest in defense and intelligence
KGB spy who rubbed shoulders with French elite for decades
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68305050
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/silos-sugarcoating-and-second-guesses-insiders-on-defence-s-problems-20240226-p5f7ta
- latest in animal and environmental news
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-22/the-anatomy-behind-the-songs-of-baleen-whales-discovered/103501066
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240223-do-animals-have-sense-of-humour
- latest in music and entertainment
https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/luxury/2024-yangwang-u9-revealed-in-china/news-story/d94612bca9838cc20bb0c959d24f9934
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/mental-health/gone-too-soon-popular-porn-star-kagney-linn-karter-dead-at-36/news-story/61d8f853185f463dd4caf042bd2fda37
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/90s-icon-looks-unrecognisable-at-age-50-im-excited-about-this-new-decade/news-story/31f01b20ccf67d77b071d3c436ba92d5
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-23/victoria-little-anglers-free-fishing-rods/103495210
https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/dinner-recipes-weeknight-meals-that-aren-t-pasta-or-rice/103469578
https://www.news.com.au/finance/money/costs/i-steal-from-the-selfserve-check-out-should-i-feel-guilty/news-story/f67dbab36c509298367a054280dcd175
Random Quotes:
- A religious war or holy war (Latin: bellum sacrum) is a war primarily caused or justified by differences in religion. In the modern period, debates are common over the extent to which religious, economic, or ethnic aspects of a conflict predominate in a given war. According to the Encyclopedia of Wars, out of all 1,763 known/recorded historical conflicts, 123, or 6.98%, had religion as their primary cause.[1] Matthew White's The Great Big Book of Horrible Things gives religion as the cause of 11 of the world's 100 deadliest atrocities.[2] [3] In several conflicts including the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the Syrian civil war, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, religious elements are overtly present but variously described as fundamentalism or religious extremism—depending upon the observer's sympathies. However, studies on these cases often conclude that ethnic animosities drive much of the conflicts.[4]
Some historians argue that what is termed "religious wars" is a largely "Western dichotomy" and a modern invention from the past few centuries, arguing that all wars that are classed as "religious" have secular (economic or political) ramifications.[5] Similar opinions were expressed as early as the 1760s, during the Seven Years' War, widely recognized to be "religious" in motivation, noting that the warring factions were not necessarily split along confessional lines as much as along secular interests.[6]
According to Jeffrey Burton Russell, numerous cases of supposed acts of religious wars such as the Thirty Years' War, the French Wars of Religion, the Sri Lankan Civil War, 9/11 and other terrorist attacks, the Bosnian War, and the Rwandan Civil War were all primarily motivated by social, political, and economic issues rather than religion.[7] For example, in the Thirty Years' War the dominant participant on the "Protestant" side for much of the conflict was France, led by Cardinal Richelieu.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_war
- Prosperity theology (sometimes referred to as the prosperity gospel, the health and wealth gospel, the gospel of success, or seed faith)[A] is a religious belief among some Protestant Christians that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth.[1] Prosperity theology views the Bible as a contract between God and humans: if humans have faith in God, he will deliver security and prosperity.[2]
The doctrine emphasizes the importance of personal empowerment, proposing that it is God's will for his people to be blessed. The atonement (reconciliation with God) is interpreted to include the alleviation of sickness and poverty, which are viewed as curses to be broken by faith. This is believed to be achieved through donations of money, visualization, and positive confession.
It was during the Healing Revivals of the 1950s that prosperity theology first came to prominence in the United States, although commentators have linked the origins of its theology to the New Thought movement which began in the 19th century. The prosperity teaching later figured prominently in the Word of Faith movement and 1980s televangelism. In the 1990s and 2000s, it was adopted by influential leaders in the Pentecostal Movement and Charismatic Movement in the United States and has spread throughout the world. Prominent leaders in the development of prosperity theology include E. W. Kenyon,[3] Oral Roberts,[4] A. A. Allen,[5] Robert Tilton,[6] T. L. Osborn,[7] Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar,[8] Kenneth Copeland,[9] Reverend Ike,[10] and Kenneth Hagin.[11]
Prosperity theology has been criticized by leaders from various Christian denominations, including within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, who maintain that it is irresponsible, promotes idolatry, and is contrary to scripture. Secular as well as some Christian observers have also criticized prosperity theology as exploitative of the poor. The practices of some preachers have attracted scandal and some have been charged with financial fraud.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosperity_theology
- A deal with the devil (also known as a compact or pact with the devil) is a cultural motif in European folklore, best exemplified by the legend of Faust and the figure of Mephistopheles, as well as being elemental to many Christian traditions. According to traditional Christian belief about witchcraft, the pact is between a person and Satan or a lesser demon. The person offers their soul in exchange for diabolical favours. Those favours vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, fame, or power.
It was also believed that some people made this type of pact just as a sign of recognizing the devil as their master, in exchange for nothing. Nevertheless, the bargain is considered a dangerous one, as the price of the Fiend's service is the wagerer's soul. The tale may have a moralizing end, with eternal damnation for the foolhardy venturer. Conversely, it may have a comic twist, in which a wily peasant outwits the devil, characteristically on a technical point. The person making the pact sometimes tries to outwit the devil, but loses in the end (e.g., man sells his soul for eternal life because he will never die to pay his end of the bargain. Immune to the death penalty, he commits murder, but is sentenced to life in prison).
Great achievements might be credited to a pact with the devil, from the numerous European Devil's Bridges to the violin virtuosity of Giuseppe Tartini and Niccolò Paganini to the "crossroad" myth associated with Robert Johnson.
The "Bargain with the devil" constitutes motif number M210 and "Man sells soul to devil" motif number M211 in Stith Thompson's Motif-Index of Folk-Literature.[1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deal_with_the_Devil
- Humanity has wiped out 60% of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles since 1970, leading the world's foremost experts to warn that the annihilation of wildlife is now an emergency that threatens civilisation.
The new estimate of the massacre of wildlife is made in a major report produced by WWF and involving 59 scientists from across the globe. It finds that the vast and growing consumption of food and resources by the global population is destroying the web of life, billions of years in the making, upon which human society ultimately depends for clean air, water and everything else.
"We are sleepwalking towards the edge of a cliff" said Mike Barrett, executive director of science and conservation at WWF. "If there was a 60% decline in the human population, that would be equivalent to emptying North America, South America, Africa, Europe, China and Oceania. That is the scale of what we have done."
"This is far more than just being about losing the wonders of nature, desperately sad though that is," he said. "This is actually now jeopardising the future of people. Nature is not a 'nice to have' – it is our life-support system."
interactive
"We are rapidly running out of time," said Prof Johan Rockström, a global sustainability expert at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. "Only by addressing both ecosystems and climate do we stand a chance of safeguarding a stable planet for humanity's future on Earth."
Many scientists believe the world has begun a sixth mass extinction, the first to be caused by a species – Homo sapiens. Other recent analyses have revealed that humankind has destroyed 83% of all mammals and half of plants since the dawn of civilisation and that, even if the destruction were to end now, it would take 5-7 million years for the natural world to recover.
The Living Planet Index, produced for WWF by the Zoological Society of London, uses data on 16,704 populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, representing more than 4,000 species, to track the decline of wildlife. Between 1970 and 2014, the latest data available, populations fell by an average of 60%. Four years ago, the decline was 52%. The "shocking truth", said Barrett, is that the wildlife crash is continuing unabated.
Wildlife and the ecosystems are vital to human life, said Prof Bob Watson, one of the world's most eminent environmental scientists and currently chair of an intergovernmental panel on biodiversity that said in March that the destruction of nature is as dangerous as climate change.
"Nature contributes to human wellbeing culturally and spiritually, as well as through the critical production of food, clean water, and energy, and through regulating the Earth's climate, pollution, pollination and floods," he said. "The Living Planet report clearly demonstrates that human activities are destroying nature at an unacceptable rate, threatening the wellbeing of current and future generations."
The biggest cause of wildlife losses is the destruction of natural habitats, much of it to create farmland. Three-quarters of all land on Earth is now significantly affected by human activities. Killing for food is the next biggest cause – 300 mammal species are being eaten into extinction – while the oceans are massively overfished, with more than half now being industrially fished.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/30/humanity-wiped-out-animals-since-1970-major-report-finds
- Tran is certain that Agent Orange was responsible for the child's illness and death. Her two other daughters also have severe health problems, and Tran is being treated for diabetes and cancer, both linked to the effects of Agent Orange.
Tran has said the manufacturers of the chemical must take responsibility for her plight and that of many millions of people in her home country — but the companies have refused to take the blame. On its website, Dow Chemical writes that "Dow, Monsanto and other companies were compelled by the US government to produce Agent Orange under the U.S. Defense Production Act of 1950."
The company adds that US courts have "consistently ruled that Dow and the other manufacturers bear no responsibility for the development and use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War" — and that "decades of study relating to Agent Orange have not established a causal link to any diseases, birth defects or other transgenerational effects."
The statement is bound to be a slap in the face for many of the victims. It has been proven that the highly toxic dioxin contained in Agent Orange still contaminates soil and water in Vietnam today, decades after the end of the war. The herbicide does not break down naturally, and enters the food chain via agriculture and fishing, causing cancer and disabilities over generations.
Victims want 'to live in dignity'
Tran To Nga has made it clear she is not fighting this last battle for herself, but for the other victims. She said she herself has not been visibly affected.
"Many others have lost their legs, their feet, their arms," she told DW, adding they have marks all over their bodies. "Many have severe disabilities — but they are brave, very brave." Tears come to her eyes as she remembers the people she met on her many trips throughout Vietnam. "The only thing they want is to live in dignity."
https://www.dw.com/en/agent-orange-lawsuit-france-monsanto-bayer-dow-chemical-vietnam-war/a-57485400
- The world's largest crypto, bitcoin, went into freefall on Sunday, after billionaire Elon Musk fueled speculation in a Twitter exchange that his company, Tesla, may consider selling or has sold its holdings in the cryptocurrency.
"Bitcoiners are going to slap themselves next quarter when they find out Tesla dumped the rest of their #Bitcoin holdings," a user named CryptoWhale said in a tweet on Sunday. "With the amount of hate @elonmusk is getting, I wouldn't blame him," he added.
Musk simply responded with a single word: "Indeed."
The price of bitcoin sank almost 8.5% afterwards to as low as $42,441 a coin on Monday in its biggest slump in more than three months, and one of its biggest drops in value since the price first began to soar in January.
Later on Monday, the cryptocurrency rallied more than 5% to above $45,000 per token after Musk tweeted, "Tesla has not sold any bitcoin".
Last week, Musk hit the top crypto with an unexpected announcement that Tesla was suspending purchases of its vehicles using bitcoin, due to environmental concerns. The billionaire cited issues with the increasing use of fossil fuels in mining bitcoin, particularly coal, as it takes massive amounts of electricity to create a single token. He added that Tesla had no plans to sell any more of its bitcoin, but confirmed that the company is looking at other cryptocurrencies that are much less reliant on energy.
https://www.rt.com/business/524002-musk-crashes-bitcoin-again/
2 Stroke Carburetor - In depth Fault Finding, Testing, Service & Repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4K6dBQTeek
Make Old, Dry & Hard Diaphragms As Soft As New Again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyVaOtChrw8
https://www.youtube.com/@VintageEngineRepairs
Rubber Softening Experiment : Wintergreen Oil, Brake Fluid, ATF & More
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnGsllKvheQ
https://www.youtube.com/@49ccscoot
- I still needed to do some some turning to get it right though. You don't realise how strange small 25cc engines sound and how crude and unclean the combustion seems until you work with them more
Fixing A Homelite Trimmer That Won't Start
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z0gLaqnXrY
https://www.youtube.com/@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
Fixing A Troy-Bilt 4 Cycle Trimmer That Someone Tried To Already
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv1gpi-RslM
Troybilt 4cycle trimmer won't start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb6OOIGgtl4
https://www.youtube.com/@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
Craftsman or Troybilt trimmer won't start? How to easily diagnose and repair your 2 cycle trimmer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o86JovMlT3Q
https://www.youtube.com/@Chickanic
Carburetor Rebuild of 4 Cycle Ryobi, Troybilt Grass Trimmer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGq1wuBNM00
https://www.youtube.com/@donyboy73
Ryobi carb diaphragm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhANSSrgzyY
https://www.youtube.com/@GuysPlayingWithTools
2 Cycle Trimmer Only Runs on Choke | Won't start - How to Diagnose & Fix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyXTq7eKgUc
https://www.youtube.com/@helpinguonline
How To Adjust Or Tune The Carburetor On A Weedeater (Step-by-Step)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmhxTvGRtCg
https://www.youtube.com/@StevesSmallEngineSaloon
- if you were interested in this post you'll probably be interested in my other repair blog posts:
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2024/02/repairing-and-maintaining-victa-2.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2019/08/servicingfixing-my-briggs-and-stratton.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2023/10/vacuum-filter-troublesplanned.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2023/09/conversion-from-physical-to-virtual_10.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2023/07/international-manufacturing-youtube.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2023/06/youtube-car-repair-channels-random.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2021/11/recyclingunlockinghacking-devices-for.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-sea-of-fakery-random-stuff-and-more.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2018/04/hp-4520s-laptop-teardown-random-stuff.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/04/apple-ibook-g4-logicboard-fixes.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2010/10/asus-1005p-disassembly.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2010/07/replacing-lcd-on-toshiba-nb200.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2013/02/laptop-thermal-design-convergence-and.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/05/fujitsu-stylistic-st4120-recovery.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/10/nvidia-laptop-graphics-chip-repair.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2013/03/laptop-hacking-and-hardware-workarounds.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/08/apple-icloud-device-locking-and-general.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2013/03/repairing-laptop-power-bricks.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/08/unlocking-your-phonemodem.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/08/apple-icloud-device-locking-and-general.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/07/ableton-and-ableton-push-hacking.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/09/windows-and-android-arent-that_5901.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/08/funky-firmware.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/07/if-only-reading-were-easier.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/11/playing-with-android.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/06/repairing-musical-instrumentselectrical.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2015/06/custom-midi-hardware-and-software.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/12/network-traffic-analysis-laptop-power.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2013/02/laptop-thermal-design-convergence-and.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2012/10/more-security-oscilloscope-and-wireless_6750.html
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/11/hp-pavilion-dv2000-laptop-troubles.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2011/03/eeepc-recovery-without-recovery.html
https://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com/2018/11/lost-dell-recovery-disc-youtube.html
Optical Disc Repair:
- ever since the switch to optical discs (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, etc...) we've always had to deal the issue of scratched discs but I've never had a proper solution until now
dvd scratch repair
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/18/repair-scratches-cd-dvd#:~:text=Apply%20a%20small%20dab%20of,repeat%20twice%20for%20good%20measure.
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Scratched-DVD
https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-fix-scratched-dvd.htm
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/7-bizarre-home-remedies-that-r-152502
https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/how-to-fix-a-scratched-dvd-or-cd/
- only recently did I come across a product called Autosol Acrylic Polish. I had intended to use it to buff out the surface of a scratched watch but it wasn't suitable for that (not abrasive enough). It seemed perfect for buffing out light grade plastic/acrylic type material though. Since I had a spare tube lying around I decided to try it on some scratched DVDs and it worked out really well and brought back life to my scratched DVDs
https://autosol.com.au/product-range/acrylic-polish-75ml/
https://www.bunnings.com.au/autosol-75ml-acrylic-polish_p4461011
- I'm suprised because I've tried every single solution that has been mentioned online to fix optical discs and none have worked out well. Car wax style resurfacers, purpose built scratch remove systems for optical discs, metal polish scream, toothpaste, dishwashing fluid, etc... The only thing that seemed to work was a DVD scratch repair machine that cost ~$1000-2000 that I saw being used at a local Blockbuster DVD rental store. Autosol Acrylic Polish seems to work though, is relatively inexpensive at ~$15-20, can be used for multiple purposes, and will likely last for years since I don't really work with plastic all that much
what is dvd surface made of
3.1 Polycarbonate (Plastic) Substrate Layer
The polycarbonate substrate makes up most of the disc, including the area that is read by the laser (opposite the label side on CDs). It is present on both sides of a DVD, even a "single-sided" disc with a label on one side. This substrate provides the disc depth necessary to maintain laser focus on the metal and data layers. It also gives the disc enough strength to remain flat. Anything in or on the polycarbonate layer that interferes with the ability of the laser to focus on the data layer will result in the misreading of data. Accordingly, fingerprints, smudges, or scratches, as well as such substances as dirt, dust, solvents, and excessive moisture (which polycarbonate will absorb), can interfere with the ability of the laser to read the data. Contact of any foreign material with the polycarbonate substrate layer should be avoided.
3. Disc Structure
https://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub121/sec3/
- I suspect similar products of a similar nature may work as well
- Magic Eraser works for light scratches as well but only for very light scratches
https://www.mrclean.com/en-us/shop-products/magic-erasers/magic-eraser-original/
https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/207919/chux-magic-eraser-spot-cleaner
Random Stuff:
- as usual thanks to all of the individuals and groups who purchase and use my goods and services
http://sites.google.com/site/dtbnguyen/
http://dtbnguyen.blogspot.com.au/
- latest in science and technology
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https://www.fairphone.com/en/
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https://killedbygoogle.com/
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-18/ai-insiders-eacc-movement-speeding-up-tech/103464258
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https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/an-ai-chatbot-has-gone-rogue-and-gave-refund-that-airline-has-to-honour/ar-BB1iwb7k
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0hcpjmx/the-high-speed-racing-cars-without-human-drivers
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2024/feb/21/a-picture-of-hell-inside-the-uks-nuclear-reactors-in-pictures
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-27/illawarra-renewable-energy-zone-fails-to-attract-investment/103511724
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-18/alexei-navalny-impact-on-vladimir-putin-analysis/103480870
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-27/scott-morrison-valedictory-speech-warns-of-china/103515872
https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/federal-budget/hecs-reform-could-be-considered-as-part-of-major-overhaul-following-landmark-uni-review/news-story/e52d744f02ce8f132d056ed746fcea07
https://www.news.com.au/technology/vodafone-hits-customers-with-increase-to-phone-bills/news-story/fd7483dae4d4186188ab6fe3feb0d520
https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/other-industries/ato-forces-collapse-of-popular-oporto-restaurant/news-story/b1f0f79c6fd07d27d1553c50e3348447
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cease-and-desist-the-top-sydney-school-taking-on-private-coaching-colleges-20240219-p5f5zv.html
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/youtuber-ruby-franke-sobs-in-court-as-shes-jailed-for-child-abuse/news-story/d4b5a23c7f48c450b0d29342226d7ad2
- latest in defense and intelligence
KGB spy who rubbed shoulders with French elite for decades
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68305050
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/silos-sugarcoating-and-second-guesses-insiders-on-defence-s-problems-20240226-p5f7ta
- latest in animal and environmental news
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/moose-spotted-sightseeing-through-windsor-locks/ar-BB1iA6sl
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- A religious war or holy war (Latin: bellum sacrum) is a war primarily caused or justified by differences in religion. In the modern period, debates are common over the extent to which religious, economic, or ethnic aspects of a conflict predominate in a given war. According to the Encyclopedia of Wars, out of all 1,763 known/recorded historical conflicts, 123, or 6.98%, had religion as their primary cause.[1] Matthew White's The Great Big Book of Horrible Things gives religion as the cause of 11 of the world's 100 deadliest atrocities.[2] [3] In several conflicts including the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the Syrian civil war, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, religious elements are overtly present but variously described as fundamentalism or religious extremism—depending upon the observer's sympathies. However, studies on these cases often conclude that ethnic animosities drive much of the conflicts.[4]
Some historians argue that what is termed "religious wars" is a largely "Western dichotomy" and a modern invention from the past few centuries, arguing that all wars that are classed as "religious" have secular (economic or political) ramifications.[5] Similar opinions were expressed as early as the 1760s, during the Seven Years' War, widely recognized to be "religious" in motivation, noting that the warring factions were not necessarily split along confessional lines as much as along secular interests.[6]
According to Jeffrey Burton Russell, numerous cases of supposed acts of religious wars such as the Thirty Years' War, the French Wars of Religion, the Sri Lankan Civil War, 9/11 and other terrorist attacks, the Bosnian War, and the Rwandan Civil War were all primarily motivated by social, political, and economic issues rather than religion.[7] For example, in the Thirty Years' War the dominant participant on the "Protestant" side for much of the conflict was France, led by Cardinal Richelieu.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_war
- Prosperity theology (sometimes referred to as the prosperity gospel, the health and wealth gospel, the gospel of success, or seed faith)[A] is a religious belief among some Protestant Christians that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth.[1] Prosperity theology views the Bible as a contract between God and humans: if humans have faith in God, he will deliver security and prosperity.[2]
The doctrine emphasizes the importance of personal empowerment, proposing that it is God's will for his people to be blessed. The atonement (reconciliation with God) is interpreted to include the alleviation of sickness and poverty, which are viewed as curses to be broken by faith. This is believed to be achieved through donations of money, visualization, and positive confession.
It was during the Healing Revivals of the 1950s that prosperity theology first came to prominence in the United States, although commentators have linked the origins of its theology to the New Thought movement which began in the 19th century. The prosperity teaching later figured prominently in the Word of Faith movement and 1980s televangelism. In the 1990s and 2000s, it was adopted by influential leaders in the Pentecostal Movement and Charismatic Movement in the United States and has spread throughout the world. Prominent leaders in the development of prosperity theology include E. W. Kenyon,[3] Oral Roberts,[4] A. A. Allen,[5] Robert Tilton,[6] T. L. Osborn,[7] Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar,[8] Kenneth Copeland,[9] Reverend Ike,[10] and Kenneth Hagin.[11]
Prosperity theology has been criticized by leaders from various Christian denominations, including within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, who maintain that it is irresponsible, promotes idolatry, and is contrary to scripture. Secular as well as some Christian observers have also criticized prosperity theology as exploitative of the poor. The practices of some preachers have attracted scandal and some have been charged with financial fraud.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosperity_theology
- A deal with the devil (also known as a compact or pact with the devil) is a cultural motif in European folklore, best exemplified by the legend of Faust and the figure of Mephistopheles, as well as being elemental to many Christian traditions. According to traditional Christian belief about witchcraft, the pact is between a person and Satan or a lesser demon. The person offers their soul in exchange for diabolical favours. Those favours vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, fame, or power.
It was also believed that some people made this type of pact just as a sign of recognizing the devil as their master, in exchange for nothing. Nevertheless, the bargain is considered a dangerous one, as the price of the Fiend's service is the wagerer's soul. The tale may have a moralizing end, with eternal damnation for the foolhardy venturer. Conversely, it may have a comic twist, in which a wily peasant outwits the devil, characteristically on a technical point. The person making the pact sometimes tries to outwit the devil, but loses in the end (e.g., man sells his soul for eternal life because he will never die to pay his end of the bargain. Immune to the death penalty, he commits murder, but is sentenced to life in prison).
Great achievements might be credited to a pact with the devil, from the numerous European Devil's Bridges to the violin virtuosity of Giuseppe Tartini and Niccolò Paganini to the "crossroad" myth associated with Robert Johnson.
The "Bargain with the devil" constitutes motif number M210 and "Man sells soul to devil" motif number M211 in Stith Thompson's Motif-Index of Folk-Literature.[1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deal_with_the_Devil
- Humanity has wiped out 60% of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles since 1970, leading the world's foremost experts to warn that the annihilation of wildlife is now an emergency that threatens civilisation.
The new estimate of the massacre of wildlife is made in a major report produced by WWF and involving 59 scientists from across the globe. It finds that the vast and growing consumption of food and resources by the global population is destroying the web of life, billions of years in the making, upon which human society ultimately depends for clean air, water and everything else.
"We are sleepwalking towards the edge of a cliff" said Mike Barrett, executive director of science and conservation at WWF. "If there was a 60% decline in the human population, that would be equivalent to emptying North America, South America, Africa, Europe, China and Oceania. That is the scale of what we have done."
"This is far more than just being about losing the wonders of nature, desperately sad though that is," he said. "This is actually now jeopardising the future of people. Nature is not a 'nice to have' – it is our life-support system."
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"We are rapidly running out of time," said Prof Johan Rockström, a global sustainability expert at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. "Only by addressing both ecosystems and climate do we stand a chance of safeguarding a stable planet for humanity's future on Earth."
Many scientists believe the world has begun a sixth mass extinction, the first to be caused by a species – Homo sapiens. Other recent analyses have revealed that humankind has destroyed 83% of all mammals and half of plants since the dawn of civilisation and that, even if the destruction were to end now, it would take 5-7 million years for the natural world to recover.
The Living Planet Index, produced for WWF by the Zoological Society of London, uses data on 16,704 populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, representing more than 4,000 species, to track the decline of wildlife. Between 1970 and 2014, the latest data available, populations fell by an average of 60%. Four years ago, the decline was 52%. The "shocking truth", said Barrett, is that the wildlife crash is continuing unabated.
Wildlife and the ecosystems are vital to human life, said Prof Bob Watson, one of the world's most eminent environmental scientists and currently chair of an intergovernmental panel on biodiversity that said in March that the destruction of nature is as dangerous as climate change.
"Nature contributes to human wellbeing culturally and spiritually, as well as through the critical production of food, clean water, and energy, and through regulating the Earth's climate, pollution, pollination and floods," he said. "The Living Planet report clearly demonstrates that human activities are destroying nature at an unacceptable rate, threatening the wellbeing of current and future generations."
The biggest cause of wildlife losses is the destruction of natural habitats, much of it to create farmland. Three-quarters of all land on Earth is now significantly affected by human activities. Killing for food is the next biggest cause – 300 mammal species are being eaten into extinction – while the oceans are massively overfished, with more than half now being industrially fished.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/30/humanity-wiped-out-animals-since-1970-major-report-finds
- Tran is certain that Agent Orange was responsible for the child's illness and death. Her two other daughters also have severe health problems, and Tran is being treated for diabetes and cancer, both linked to the effects of Agent Orange.
Tran has said the manufacturers of the chemical must take responsibility for her plight and that of many millions of people in her home country — but the companies have refused to take the blame. On its website, Dow Chemical writes that "Dow, Monsanto and other companies were compelled by the US government to produce Agent Orange under the U.S. Defense Production Act of 1950."
The company adds that US courts have "consistently ruled that Dow and the other manufacturers bear no responsibility for the development and use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War" — and that "decades of study relating to Agent Orange have not established a causal link to any diseases, birth defects or other transgenerational effects."
The statement is bound to be a slap in the face for many of the victims. It has been proven that the highly toxic dioxin contained in Agent Orange still contaminates soil and water in Vietnam today, decades after the end of the war. The herbicide does not break down naturally, and enters the food chain via agriculture and fishing, causing cancer and disabilities over generations.
Victims want 'to live in dignity'
Tran To Nga has made it clear she is not fighting this last battle for herself, but for the other victims. She said she herself has not been visibly affected.
"Many others have lost their legs, their feet, their arms," she told DW, adding they have marks all over their bodies. "Many have severe disabilities — but they are brave, very brave." Tears come to her eyes as she remembers the people she met on her many trips throughout Vietnam. "The only thing they want is to live in dignity."
https://www.dw.com/en/agent-orange-lawsuit-france-monsanto-bayer-dow-chemical-vietnam-war/a-57485400
- The world's largest crypto, bitcoin, went into freefall on Sunday, after billionaire Elon Musk fueled speculation in a Twitter exchange that his company, Tesla, may consider selling or has sold its holdings in the cryptocurrency.
"Bitcoiners are going to slap themselves next quarter when they find out Tesla dumped the rest of their #Bitcoin holdings," a user named CryptoWhale said in a tweet on Sunday. "With the amount of hate @elonmusk is getting, I wouldn't blame him," he added.
Musk simply responded with a single word: "Indeed."
The price of bitcoin sank almost 8.5% afterwards to as low as $42,441 a coin on Monday in its biggest slump in more than three months, and one of its biggest drops in value since the price first began to soar in January.
Later on Monday, the cryptocurrency rallied more than 5% to above $45,000 per token after Musk tweeted, "Tesla has not sold any bitcoin".
Last week, Musk hit the top crypto with an unexpected announcement that Tesla was suspending purchases of its vehicles using bitcoin, due to environmental concerns. The billionaire cited issues with the increasing use of fossil fuels in mining bitcoin, particularly coal, as it takes massive amounts of electricity to create a single token. He added that Tesla had no plans to sell any more of its bitcoin, but confirmed that the company is looking at other cryptocurrencies that are much less reliant on energy.
https://www.rt.com/business/524002-musk-crashes-bitcoin-again/
