Author: Dave

  • Checkout Southwest Airlines 72-Hour Sale

    Checkout Southwest Airlines 72-Hour Sale

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    72 Hour Sale

    Southwest Airlines is offering discounted one-way flights across the country as low as $49 if travelers book before the end of Thursday as part of their 72-Hour Sale. Flights from Sacramento to anywhere from Boise, Idaho ($49) to Chicago ($129) can be purchased if the departure date falls between Nov. 28 and Dec. 19 or Jan. 3 and Feb. 13. Flights departing on Fridays and Sundays do not qualify for the deal, and neither do flights arriving in or departing from Orange County. Sales made as part of Southwest’s promotion are nonrefundable. For this particular sale, prices are broken down into four price categories with the shortest flights starting at $49 one-way while longer routes are available for $79, $99, and $129. The best deals include $49 tickets on routes between Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as on flights between the two cities and Las Vegas.

    Some Restrictions Apply

    The restrictions and fine print mirrors restrictions from previous years of Southwest’s big sales. Flights on Fridays and Sundays are excluded. Schedules for Southwest’s Florida, Nevada and Puerto Rico flights have additional day-of-week restrictions, though the sale’s booking window for Puerto Rico extends through Feb. 28. Orange County flights also were excluded from the sale. Additionally, the sale applies specifically to nonstop flights, though many connecting itineraries may also show lower-than-usual fares that mirror sale fares. Seats sold at the sale prices are capacity controlled, meaning the cheapest seats will likely sell out on individual flights as the sale progresses. Here are are some of the round trips involved in the 72-Hour Sale:

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    Albuquerque-Los Angeles; Amarillo-Dallas Love; Atlanta-Raleigh/Durham; Baltimore-Cincinnati; Austin-Houston Hobby; Boise-San Jose, California; Boston-Baltimore; Buffalo-Chicago Midway; Burbank, California-Sacramento; Charlotte-Nashville; Chicago Midway-Minneapolis/St. Paul; Cleveland-Atlanta; Columbus, Ohio-Washington Reagan National; Corpus Christi, Texas-Houston Hobby; Dallas Love-New Orleans; Des Moines-St. Louis; Detroit-Baltimore; El Paso-Phoenix; Fort Lauderdale-Jacksonville; Grand Rapids, Michigan-Chicago Midway; Indianapolis-Kansas City; Kansas City-Chicago Midway; Long Beach, California-Las Vegas; Los Angeles-El Paso; Los Angeles-San Francisco; Louisville-Baltimore; Memphis-Houston Hobby; Milwaukee-Kansas City; Oakland-San Diego; Pensacola, Florida-Nashville; Phoenix-Oakland; San Antonio-Dallas Love; Salt Lake City-Los Angeles; Rochester, New York-Baltimore; Richmond, Virginia-Atlanta; San Jose, California-Las Vegas; St. Louis-Oklahoma City; Tucson-Los Angeles; Tulsa-Houston Hobby; Washington Reagan National-Providence; and Wichita, Kansas-St. Louis, among others.

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    If you’re looking for a quick getaway in the next upcoming months, this particular sale be right up your alley. But if you don’t have the spontaneous nature, then you can probably take your time and find a better deal somewhere along the way.

  • Microsoft HoloLens 2 slated for 2019 release

    Microsoft HoloLens 2 slated for 2019 release

    Microsoft will apparently released the long awaited Hololens 2 in the first quarter of 2019. Code-named Sydney within Microsoft, the device will be cheaper than the original (which costs $3,000), be lighter in weight, and more comfortable to wear, according to a news reports. At this time, we don’t know a whole lot of what Hololens 2 will be outfitted with, but the word is Microsoft is going all in on this one. Upon its release, Hololens 2 is fully expected to surpass Google AR goggles and the Oculus Rift.

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    What We Know So Far

    According to Alex Kipman, Microsoft Technical Fellow of the Windows and Devices Group and key advocate for HoloLens, it’s been earmarked for the new version of the AR headset that the company has in the pipeline. Indeed, the HoloLens team had already previewed some of the news about the new sensor earlier in the year, beating CEO Satya Nadella to the punch. The sensor has 1024 x 1024 resolution, Kipman says, and a global shutter for improved performance in sunlight conditions. It has the highest figure of merit, too – that is to say, the highest modulation frequency and modulation contrast – which means lower power consumption. Indeed, overall system power is just 225-950 mw. That’s despite adding things like automatic per-pixel gain selection, for a broader dynamic range. That will give HoloLens 2 better abilities at capturing both near and far objects. There’s multiphase depth calculation support, which will preserve accuracy even if the chip, laser, or power supplies vary.

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    “With HoloLens, we saw incredible results when we took some of the magic of Kinect and applied it in a mixed reality context,” Kipman writes “The current version of HoloLens uses the third generation of Kinect depth-sensing technology to enable it to place holograms in the real world. With HoloLens we have a device that understands people and environments, takes input in the form of gaze, gestures and voice, and provides output in the form of 3D holograms and immersive spatial sound.”

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    Summary

    At an expected cost of around $3,000.00 it’s hard to say what can be expected for the Hololens 2. If the hype around it is real, then it maybe worth scraping up some dough and getting yourself a new toy. For now, I’ll anxiously await to hear more about the specs on these bad boys.

  • The Vaultek MX Takes The Next Step Forward in Gun Safe Technology

    The Vaultek MX Takes The Next Step Forward in Gun Safe Technology

    Vaultek recently released the new state of the art gun safe “The MX” which comes fully loaded with Biometrics and all sorts of smart tech to make accessing your weapons easy in an emergency situation, but extremely secure when when being stored away. Complete with a smart phone app that can access the safe and log everytime the safe is opened, there is no better way to store your weaponry.

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    The Vault MX

    Here is some basic information about the operations of the safe: The all new MX Series, the latest addition to Vaultek’s rugged line of smart safes. Designed to offer the largest interior space available from Vaultek with custom options the enthusiast gun owner will love. Height Adjustable shelf has (3) positions and slides out for convenient access. Modular Accessories can clip in where you like for full customization. Twin Pistol Rack with non-reactive foam is included and additional pistol racks as well as a non-reactive foam Magazine Rack can be purchased separately that stores up to (8) magazines. Precision Engineered 14-gauge steel housing and 12-gauge door pens automatically. MX and VT Series safes are equipped with the fastest access point available, smart key. Another feature exclusive to MX and VT Series is impact detection. Securely anchor with supplied mounting hardware to mount horizontally or vertically. Anti-theft features include anti-pry bars, interior hinges, and dual anti-impact latches.

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    Integrated smart safe technology raises personal security to a new level with upgraded high-resolution fingerprint scanner (only biometric model) storing up to 20 different user IDs. Remotely access the safe using the APP 2.0 from your smartphone to check power levels, view safe history, detect tampering, and customize your safe preferences. A built-in interior red light provides high visibility of your items. The backlit keypad illuminates via proximity sensor making it easy to navigate at night and features several hot key entries including toggling the Bluetooth on/off. The control panel features an LCD screen for prompt safe feedback and status updates. Long lasting rechargeable lithium ion battery keeps you powered for months, and only needs 2.5 hours to recharge with the included micro-USB charging kit. Vaultek is on mission to keep your belongings secure and out of the wrong hands. Exterior Dimensions 15″ x 11.5″ x 11.6″. Interior Dimensions 13″ x 11″ x 8.6″. U.S

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  • Fall is Here, Time For Pumpkin Spice Everything!

    Fall is Here, Time For Pumpkin Spice Everything!

    October 1, 2018- It’s that time of year, folks. The auspicious time when the winds from the North drift downward and cover the lands with chill that only Ugg boots, a down sweater-vest, and a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks can remedy…You’re all guilty of it, and frankly so am I. Although I’m not a giant fan of the PSL’s, I am a fan of Autumn. Here are a few topics and items to get you all warm and fuzzy and in the mood for Fall.

    The changing of the Leaves in New England

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    A top bucket lister for us southern folks is renting a car and driving through New England in October to see the changing of leaves. Making a stop in Salem, Massachusetts for an evening and a quick haunt. Eventually making way into Vermont and Maine and fully submitting to the brisk air and heavenly views.

    Enjoying a Good Old Fashion Harvest Festival

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    Duluth, Georgia is home to the Nations Best Harvest Festival. The entire town fully commits to the harvest season and has been doing so for years. With a variety of concerts, to hay rides, corn mazes, and even basket weaving. This is one item that it sure to get you ready for Fall.

    Can’t Forget About Halloween

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    With Halloween invoking so many feels and traditions, it’s easy to see why this is many folks favorite holiday. It fully imbibes the Fall Spirit and we usually look back fondly on the memories of the weather changing, decorating our homes and the sense of neighborhood comradery it brings on All Hallow’s Eve. It’s always a sight to behold when you see entire communities walking the streets, laughing, playing, and forgetting about everything else for just a moment and enjoying some sweet treats.

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    Fall does bring out certain emotions in us and tends to lodge in the euphoria center of our brains. Every year is different, but somehow always the same. Go enjoy it. Put a scarf on, enjoy the Pumpkin Spice Lattes, have fun in the pumpkin patches, and embrace the light hearted spookiness the month brings.

  • Experiencing Pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis?

    Experiencing Pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis?

    Many folks begin to experience pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis as they reach middle age and older. If can be very painful and limit movement in your fingers and put a big damper on your life if not addressed. Here are some causes and tips to dealing with RA.

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    The Causes and Symptoms

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition also can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well. While new types of medications have improved treatment options dramatically, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still cause physical disabilities.

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    Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints. Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity. Fatigue, fever and weight loss. Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect your smaller joints first — particularly the joints that attach your fingers to your hands and your toes to your feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body. About 40 percent of the people who have rheumatoid arthritis also experience signs and symptoms that don’t involve the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many non-joint structures, including: Skin, Eyes, Lungs, Heart, Kidneys, Salivary glands, Nerve tissue, Bone marrow, Blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity, called flares, alternate with periods of relative remission.

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    What can be done about it?

    Here are some of the remedies and treatments to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Inflammation Medication. In the case of RA, all other pain-relief strategies are secondary to controlling inflammation, The No. 1 option in the pain relief arsenal is to control inflammation with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, called DMARDS. These drugs, which work to suppress the body’s overactive immune system response, are also used to prevent joint damage and slow the progression of the disease. DMARDs are often prescribed shortly after a diagnosis in order to prevent as much joint damage as possible. Diet. Although some diets may be touted to help RA, they aren’t backed by the medical community. There is no evidence that any special diet will reduce RA pain. But there is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation — and the joint pain that results from it. Omega-3s can be found in cold-water fish and in fish oil supplements. A study found that people who took fish oil supplements were able to reduce the amount of pain medication they needed. Other things, such as exercise, Acupuncture, hot and cold treatments are other ways to combat RA.

    If you are experiences the early signs of RA, please contact your primary care physician to obtain more information regarding the matter. Don’t ignore it because it will only get worse.

  • “Maniac” on Netflix is Worth Your Time.

    “Maniac” on Netflix is Worth Your Time.

    “Maniac”

    A new Netflix Original Series has dropped and it’s definitely worth giving it a go. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga who was responsible for the critically acclaimed series True Detective, “Maniac” provides a glimpse into a life living with mental illness. A brief overview of the plot is  this. Annie Landsberg(Emma Stone) and Owen Milgrim(Jonah Hill) are two strangers who are drawn to the late stages of a mysterious pharmaceutical trial. Each has a different reason for participating in the experiment — she is disaffected and aimless, fixated on broken relationships with her mother and sister, while he has struggled throughout his life with a disputed diagnosis of schizophrenia. The radical treatment, using pills that the inventor claims can repair anything about the mind, draws Annie, Owen and 10 other subjects into a three-day drug trial that they’re told will permanently solve all of their problems, with no complications or side effects. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned.

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    Image result for maniac netflix

    Layers

    The show has many different levels to each episode, likely in an attempt to demonstrate the many layers of the subconscious and mind. This certainly is not a show that you can watch while phone in hand facebooking. It’s jam packed with symbolism and intricacies involving depp constructs of the mind, so pay attention. It’s not quite as abstract as FX’s “Legion” which goes way beyond a “head trip”. I wanna say it’s a great show, but I just simply can’t absorb it. But Maniac does a great job of journeying into the mind while keeping it relatively simple at the same time. Another great aspect to the show is the way they portray the 80’s cyber punk era. As an 80’s kid, I thoroughly enjoyed the stroll down memory lane. The acting by Stone and Hill are as to be expected with such high calibers artists. Hill has fully embodied the depressed and disenfranchised with greatly subtlety, as the couple traverse mental plaines and time periods. From an 80’s New Jersey middle class couple, to 40’s upscale socialites to two actually do have great chemistry together.

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  • Will Quantum Computers Change the World?

    Will Quantum Computers Change the World?

    September 26, 2018 – Recent breakthroughs in Quantum Computing has the world buzzing and now something once thought unobtainable in our lifetime may only be a few years away. Since the breakthroughs, big tech companies such as Google, and IBM are now pouring money into the research and development of quantum computers. Quantum Computing is the next revolutionary breakthrough in science and will reportedly turn everything we know about computers on its head.

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    What is Quantum Computing?

    It can get very complex, but here are the basics to Quatman Computers according to Richard Joza of the University of Cambridge: Quantum computing is based on the fact that, in the microscopic world, things don’t have to be as clear-cut as we’d expect from our macroscopic experience. Tiny particles, such as electrons or photons, can simultaneously take on states that we would normally deem mutually exclusive. They can be in several places at once, for example, and in the case of photons simultaneously exhibit two kinds of polarisation. We never see this superposition of different states in ordinary life because it somehow disappears once a system is observed: when you measure the location of an electron or the polarisation of a photon, all but one of the possible alternatives are eliminated and you will see just one. Nobody knows how that happens, but it does. Superposition frees us of from binary constraints. A quantum computer works with particles that can be in superposition. Rather than representing bits — such particles would represent qubits, which can take on the value 0, or 1, or both simultaneously. “If you do something to [such a quantum system], it’s as though you are doing it simultaneously to 0 and to 1,”

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    What does this mean for the general public?

    In theory, the properties of qubits would allow a quantum computer to perform calculations at far higher speeds than current supercomputers. That makes them good tools for understanding what’s happening in the realms of chemistry, material science or particle physics. That speed could aid in discovering new drugs, optimising financial portfolios and finding better transportation routes or supply chains. It could also advance another fast-growing field, artificial intelligence, by accelerating a computer’s ability to find patterns in large troves of images and other data. So when we seen these futuristic movies with an insanely advanced societies, Quantum Computers would likely be at the base of that growth.

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    What are the concerns?

    The biggest and most alarming issue about Quantum Computers is what it can do to secured networks and the cryptography world. Early speculations is that this new technology can be weaponized and used against countries military defenses on a massive scale. Because of that, there is an somewhat of an arms race to obtain quantum computation. China is pouring massive amounts of funding towards the technology, but the biggest breakthrough has come out of Australia from Professor Michelle Simmons from the University of New South Wales. She along with officials from NASA, The Pentagon, and staff from Google and IBM all recently attended a summit at the White House regarding the future of Quantum Computing. Because of it being likened to the Manhattan Project, global leaders have begun to open a dialogue and combine their efforts on the matter. The National Laboratory for Quantum Information Sciences in Hefei, Anhui Province, is being developed and slated to be completed by 2020.

  • Do You Have Low Testosterone?

    Do You Have Low Testosterone?

    As men age, losing testosterone on some level is almost certain. Low testosterone levels can impact your life in many ways, and you might not expect most of them. Losing testosterone will also greatly affect daily life, especially if you don’t know how to properly deal with the issue.

    Low T can even be dangerous, as some of the symptoms can be insidious, especially because they can be blamed on other disorders and not treated appropriately for some time. Although diagnosing low testosterone is a matter of detective work, some physicians never uncover the cause of the decline in the essential hormone.

    The normal range for testosterone is between 300-1,000 nanograms per deciliter, which is an extremely wide gap for people to fall into, and some men may experience low T symptoms even while falling into this range.

    Still, many physicians are willing to try to raise testosterone levels if symptoms occur and other causes are ruled out. Here are some causes, tips, and solutions to help combat testosterone loss and get you back to being you.

    Causes of Testosterone Loss

    Low testosterone can be frustrating to experience for men and women alike. It doesn’t only affect you physically but emotionally and mentally as well. After age 30, most men begin to experience a gradual decline in testosterone,” says David Samadi, MD, chairman of the urology department at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Although testosterone levels never reach zero (as estrogen levels do in women during menopause), low testosterone levels for men can cause symptoms such as depression, low sex drive, and impotence.

    Other symptoms are harder to notice and may be caused by low testosterone, including trouble sleeping, weakness (both muscular and skeletal), and fatigue. Sparse facial or body hair is also a symptom. Symptoms can vary depending on if the low testosterone is caused by aging or another medical issue. While low testosterone is more common in older men, it can occur in younger men as well. Fortunately, all of the causes of low testosterone in men are treatable, so if you experience symptoms at any age, there’s no reason to ignore it. There are other causes that reduce testosterone, most notable is obesity in which fat cells enhance conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Lifestyles including smoking and drug abuse also contribute to low-T.

    What can be done about it

    Treatment for low testosterone is abundant and varied. The appropriate treatment for you will depend on the severity and the option your doctor feels will fit you and your symptoms.  If your doctor detects low testosterone they may perform additional tests to determine the cause. Below is an overview of the different testosterone treatments available.

    • Skin patch. A patch is applied once every 24 hours, in the evening, and releases small amounts of the hormone into the skin.
    • Gels. Topical gels are spread daily onto the skin over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. It is important to wash your hands after applying and to cover the treated area with clothing to prevent exposing others to testosterone.
    • Mouth tablet. Tablets are attached to your gum or inner cheek twice a day. Testosterone is then absorbed into the bloodstream.
    • Pellets. These are implanted under the skin, usually around the hips or buttocks, and slowly release testosterone. They are replaced every three to six months.
    • Injections. Various formulations are injected every seven to 14 days. Testosterone levels can rise to high levels for a few days after the injection and then slowly come down, which can cause a roller-coaster effect, where mood and energy levels spike before trailing off.

    Alternative Treatments

    • Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight men are more likely to have low testosterone levels. Losing weight can bring testosterone back up.
    • Exercise regularly. Sedentary men tend to have reduced levels of testosterone, as the body doesn’t need as much. Weightlifting can stimulate testosterone production. The key is regularly moving your body and using your muscles.
    • Sleep 7 to 8 hours every night. Lack of sleep affects the hormones in your body.
    • Try vitamin D supplements. A 2011 study of 165 men suggested that supplementing with about 3,300 IUs of vitamin D per day increased testosterone levels.
    • Enjoy your morning coffee. There is some 2008 evidence that caffeine may increase testosterone levels.

    Summary

    Low Testosterone will happen on some level to almost every men. It can greatly affect your life if you don’t pay attention to it and don’t take care of yourself while you are young. The good news is low testosterone is highly treatable and usually temporary. Treatment is available. Consult your primary care physician if you are experiencing some of the early signs of low testosterone like low energy, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and chronic fatigue. Help is out there!


  • Get yourself an Intimidator UTV…You Deserve it.

    Get yourself an Intimidator UTV…You Deserve it.

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    Looking for that new toy?

    Feel like treating yourself this year for christmas or just for the heck of it? In need of a new UTV to help things done at work or on the homestead? Take a look at the Intimidator line of Utility Vehicles. The Intimidator UTV’s Company has delivered the pinnacle of small utility vehicles and have seamlessly blended ruggedness with luxury and style. This is just a short bio of the relatively new company, from whom we expect big things: Intimidator, Inc. is owned by Robert and Becky Foster, former co-owners of Bad Boy Mowers. Intimidator offers world-class, American-made, side-by-side 4×4 vehicles with unparalleled strength, power, and performance at an affordable price. The company’s expanding line of products includes the Intimidator Classic, Intimidator Crew Cab, Intimidator Truck Series, Enforcer ATV, and the new GC1K, all built to suit a variety of needs from hauling feed, hunting, or traversing a rocky creek bed!

    Bottom line is these things are impressive.

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    What’s the buzz about?

    Intimidator has set out to produce the absolute best quality UTV’s and it all starts with good ol’ American steel and hand welded chassis. The company realized that creating a UTV that can withstand every and any environment this country has to offer is a much needed item. The folks who need a UTV around the house or at work are gonna them through the ringer. Whether your driving to a swampy fishing hole, a deep woods hunting spot, or farming during a Minnesota winter, these UTV’s can withstand it all. They have 5 different fully customizable UTV lines to choose from all depending on what works best for you. Here’s what the company has to say about their Classic Series:

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    The Intimidator Classic Series was designed for work and play. Key features include premium bench seats with headrests for up to three adult passengers, a full-size bed that can hold up to 1,200 lbs. of cargo, and a towing capacity of up to 2,100 lbs. Intimidator provides different power options to get the job done; from smaller jobs to middle-of-the-road and those requiring extreme power. The Intimidator Classic Series is packed with features that make it one hard-working, American-made machine. Each line has the option to hold a gas, diesel, or electric motor (for all you hunters out there). But drive safe, these bad boys can hit 60 MPH!

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    Summary

    If you have the need and means for this ultimate toy, then I highly recommend treating yourself. But keep in mind, that is exactly what you’ll be doing. Depending on the options and models, the Intimidator UTV can run up $22,000.00. That’s actually more expensive than an older model Ford F-250. But with that price tag, you are getting the best of the best. And the intimidator can go many places and do many things a large truck cannot. Hence its true value. If I get to a point where I can justify one of these babies, you better believe Santa will be bringing me one.

    Intimidator UTV Website Link: https://intimidatorutv.com/

     

     

  • U.S. Military Chooses New Light Attack War Plane

    U.S. Military Chooses New Light Attack War Plane

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    The New War-Bird

    In a Fly-Off to see which plane would become the U.S. Military’s new Light Attack War-Bird, The EMB Super Tucano and the AT-6 Wolverine went head to head to show us what they got. After impressive flying and displaying combat skills, it appears the EMB 314 Super Tucano will win the bid to be the new “Light Attack Aircraft” as of 2019. The Sierra Nevada aircraft company was awarded the $1.5 billion dollar US Contract indefinitely. The company was “awarded a ceiling $1,808,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract for potential procurement, sustainment, modifications, ferry, and related equipment for the A-29,”

    The warbirds main purpose will be to perform in small, quick, intermediate counter-insurgency mission. This will be to further assist our efforts in Afghanistan, while greatly reducing cost in the aircraft department as the F22 Raptor cost around $339 Million dollars each to produce. The a-29’s will be produced in Jacksonville, FL and at the U.S. Kabul base as well.

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    What can she do?

    According to Air Force Officials: A-29s are turboprop planes armed with one 20mm cannon below the fuselage able to shoot 650 rounds per minute, one 12.7mm machine gun (FN Herstal) under each wing and up to four 7.62mm Dillion Aero M134 Miniguns able to shoot up to 3,000 rounds per minute. Super Tucanos are also equipped with 70mm rockets, air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9L Sidewinder, air-to-ground weapons such as the AGM-65 Maverick and precision-guided bombs. It can also use a laser rangefinder and laser-guided weapons. The Super Tucano is a highly maneuverable light attack aircraft able to operate in high temperatures and rugged terrain. It is 11.38 meters long and has a wingspan of 11.14 meters; its maximum take-off weight is 5,400 kilograms. The aircraft has a combat radius of 300 nautical miles, can reach speeds up to 367 mph and hits ranges up to 720 nautical miles. It’s main purpose and functions are as follows:

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     Basic Surface Attack – Assess impact accuracy using hit/miss criteria of practice/laser-guided bomb, and unguided/guided rockets
    – Close Air Support (CAS) – Assess ability to find, fix, track target and engage simulated operational targets while communicating with the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC)
    – Daytime Ground Assault Force (GAF) – assess aircraft endurance, range, ability to communicate with ground forces through unsecure and secure radio and receive tactical updates
    – Rescue Escort (RESCORT) – Assess pilot workload to operate with a helicopter, receive area updates and targeting data, employ ballistic, unguided/guided rockets and laser-guided munitions
    – Night CAS – Assess pilot workload to find, fix, track, target and engage operational targets

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    Summary

    I think this is a great new way of conserving our military budget and allocating the funds into other much needed areas of the department. Because we have become so advanced and superior with our aircrafts, most of their functions could be considered “overkill” and not necessarily the most efficient. Additionally, I just love the old “Warbird” style aircrafts and glad to see they can still be utilized in this day and age. Would love to get a chance to see one up close!