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The Treasure of Zoroaster, by Ken Mulholland (Australia)

BlackEagle Girls The first grey streaks of dawn were staining the east as the Black Eagle settled outside a ground-floor bedroom window of Monique's new home and the five girls drifted from the old tree house and slipped silently within. Gently Belinda and Narenda guided a nodding Surban to her bed and, after getting her into her night attire, settled her under the covers. In a matter of moments she was breathing deeply, her eyes shut fast, the bag that contained her secret treasure, still clutched firmly to her chest.




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On the High Seas, Chapter 61, by Diane Sanfilippo

I dreamt that I was in the middle of the ocean in a rowboat that was tossing and turning on a rough sea. The wind howled, lightning split the sky, the rain fell in buckets and the tiny boat spun around and around until all of a sudden, just as the waves began to swell higher and higher, the rowboat turned into one of those flat saucers that I had seen towed slowly behind ski-boats with children riding on them.




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Christmas Gifts of the Rich and Famous

Have you ever wondered what famous people get each other for the Christmas? Now you can find out and the list is extraordinary and very tongue in cheek.




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4medica's Master Patient Index Now Available On Google Cloud Marketplace

4medicaamp;reg;, a leader in healthcare data quality and matching technology, today announced that the 4medica Enterprise Master Patient Index (EMPI) platform is now available on Google Cloud Marketplace.




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2023 State Of Cyber Assets Report Reveals Nearly 600% Annual Growth In Vulnerable Cloud Attack Surface

JupiterOne, the leading cyber asset visibility and management company, today announced the release of its second annual State of Cyber Assets Report (SCAR). The report analyzed more than 291amp;nbsp;million assets, findings, and policies to establish the current state of enterprise cloud assets, including cloud and physical environments of devices, networks, apps, data,amp;nbsp;and users.amp;nbsp;




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CloudWyze Boosts Coverage Of Its High-Speed Fiber Network In Nash County, NC

CloudWyze, a homegrown North Carolina internet and managed service provider and GREAT Grant recipient, is expanding service inNash County, N.C. in their continued efforts to close the digital divide.




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Mastering Cloud Complexity Remains A Challenge, Finds New EPAM Continuum Report

Cloud computing has driven, and continues to drive, a paradigm shift for enterprise IT. Mastering the cloud has become essential for businesses amp;hellip; but what does that mean, and how can it be achieved? In a recent report titled 'From Taming Cloud Complexity to Achieving Cloud Mastery,'amp;nbsp;EPAM Continuum, the integrated business, technology and experience consulting practice of EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM),amp;nbsp;answers the most pressing questions on the topic and reveals how to achieve the ultimate goal, mastering cloud complexity.




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How Secure are Your Passwords?

Article warning: If you are paranoid about everything, you should avoid reading this article or it may ruin the Internet for you.

I started converting the Behold Forum over to bbPress. The first thing I had to do was convert all the registered users. To my horror, I discovered that my old Forum stored the passwords as plain text.

That actually was terrible for three reasons. First, if I was a dishonest guy, I could take your password, assume you used the same one at other sites you use, and login as you and do malicious things. Second, since I'm honest and don't even want to know what your password is, if there was someone working for me who had access to the database, they might be dishonest and use your password. Third, since I don't have anyone working for me, if there was a hacker out there who could get into my database, they could use your password.

So I'm not talking here about the "quality" of your password. It doesn't matter if you use a simple 3 letter password, or a complex 29 character password with lower and uppercase and numbers and special characters. If someone can find it out, it doesn't matter how well crafted it is.

WordPress and bbPress are different. They do not store the password in the database. Instead they "hash" the password using the MD5 algorithm and store that hashed value. This is not encryption which makes the password retrievable again. This is a hash which hides the password from everyone, including the owners of the database.

Now I know there have been vulnerabilities found to MD5 and WordPress and others are working to block them, but even so, hashing the password is infinitely safer than leaving it in plain text for the three reasons above.

So that got me wondering. I have about a dozen different passwords at several hundred different sites I use. I wonder how many of them are not hashed but are insecure in plain text in the databases.

In most cases, there actually is an easy way of finding out. Go to a site you've registered with and click on the "lost my password" link. If they email you back your actual password, then they are storing it in text or in some accessible way. If they instead send you a message with a new random password and say your password is reset, then they probably don't have access to it, and all they can do is give you a new one.

Unfortunately, you can't find this out until you've already registered for the site. For people paranoid about this, I guess the trick would be to use a dummy e-mail address and dummy password and register with that, do a lost password request and see what they send back. Then you can decide whether to trust them and register for real.

Credit card information could have the same problem. You can't do the same thing here, since I've never seen a "lost my credit card information" link on a site. You can follow the policy of only giving your credit card to companies you totally trust. That's why PayPal is so popular. You can buy from thousands of companies, but PayPal will be the only one with your number. But do you trust PayPal? I'd trust them more than the various kids working at the corner gas station who get my card number all the time. This is not really a worry though, because credit cards have lots of levels of security and are actually very safe. The credit card companies will protect you from credit card fraud.

But giving out passwords you use can be much worse. What if your userid and password were the same for your PayPal account? That could be very bad.

For those of you who signed up to my Behold Forum, I apologise. I didn't know about this before. I'm transferring your account and an MD5 hash of your current password to the new bbPress forum I am creating, and they'll now be safe.




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Last Post on this Blog -- Hopefully.

I've finally got through all the technical glitches so now WordPress and bbPress will work together very nicely. Now its just a matter of polishing up the various pages and putting them up.

I'm first going to concentrate on getting my new beholdgenealogy site up, and I'll convert the old site bit by bit. The first part will be this blog. What will happen is I will activate the new blog, deactivate the old one, and change all links to the blog to point to the new site. All my Behold pages should still continue to function during all this, except for the few seconds while I'm actually making the changes.

I'll also be copying all my old Blog posts into the new blog. The Behold User Forum had an area for Blog Comments. I'm going to attach those comments to their corresponding posts in the new blog. I'll have a new RSS feed for the new Blog, but I'll try to see if I can redirect the old one to it so that the old feed will continue to work.

I came up with a new registration system that I'm really happy with. When you register, you go to a page that simply asks for your e-mail address. You enter it and click the register button. It then sends you an e-mail with a link that you click on to verify you are the e-mail address holder. That link takes you to the registration page where you can select your UserID and password and enter any profile info you want. You then are registered. So what I've done is move the e-mail confirmation to the first step. That eliminates webbots from filling in registration forms and getting junk entered into the user database. That will get rid of a big maintenance headache that I currently have due to those webbots.

So the benefits of the blog change to you and me are:

  1. More interaction: You can add your comments directly onto my posts instead of into the Forum.
  2. More visibility: As a WordPress blog, it will be better indexed on Google and elsewhere.
  3. Plays better with others: Feed will be RSS 2.0 (now it's only 0.92) and it will accept Trackbacks and Pingbacks.
  4. Saves me hassle: I will no longer have to manually create my RSS feed or ping services to tell them about new posts.
  5. Brings me up to the state-of-the-art.

Hopefully my next post will be to the new Behold Blog.




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This Feed has Moved. Please Update its Feed Address

I have finally put up my New Blog. There is a new RSS feed that goes with it. This is the last post to this feed.

Please change your feed address to: http://www.beholdgenealogy.com/blog/?feed=rss2




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Opening An Automatic Car Wash? Components That Are Used

If you are opening an automatic car wash, it can be helpful to know the components that are used. Below is information about this, so you can have a better understanding of how your automatic car wash works. 

Conveyor

The first component you see with an automatic car wash is the conveyor. When a car pulls up this is what they drive up onto. It then pulls the car into the car wash. A correlator is used to align the vehicle's wheels with the conveyor track. An infrared sensor then measures the vehicle, and the rollers and sprayers automatically adjust to fit with the vehicle. This ensures the entire vehicle is washed as it is going through the car wash. 

If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, it should be put in park when placed in the automatic car wash. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, it should be placed in neutral. 

Nozzles

Once the car rolls through the automatic car wash, a series of nozzles pop out to spray the entire car. Plain water is not used to do this. Instead, a pre-soaking solution that loosens dirt and grime on the vehicle is used. This makes it much easier to clean as the vehicle goes through the car wash. 

There are also nozzles that pop out on the side of the automatic car wash to spray down the tires and rims. This removes brake dust and dirt that may be on the tires and rims, as well as makes the tires shiny and clean. Once the entire vehicle has been sprayed down it goes through a mitter curtain to remove excess moisture on the vehicle. 

Foam and Scrub Equipment

The cleaning foam is sprayed on the vehicle. A scrubber is then used to clean the car. What is used for the foam depends on the car wash as this is your choice. The scrubber spins fast as the car passes through.

The scrubbers will become very dirty over time, so it is important that you clean them regularly. If too much dirt and debris stick on the scrubbers, they will not clean as well and can even scratch the paint on the vehicles.  

Rinse, Wax, and Dry

Once the car is cleaned it goes through a rinse which sprays water onto the car to completely remove the foaming solution. The sprayer uses high-pressure water to ensure it gets to all areas of the car. This includes the exterior of the car, under the car, and the tires and rims. Once the foam is rinsed, wax is automatically sprayed onto the car. This not only makes the car very shiny but can also fill in small scratches to hide them. The last component used is the dryer which blows warm air onto the car to remove any leftover moisture. You may also have employees that help dry the vehicle as it leaves the automatic car wash. 

You need to learn how to maintain these components, so they last a long time for you. 

For more information, contact a local company like Better Car Wash Equipment and Supply.




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A Pressure Washing Service Can Get Your Dirty Truck And Engine Clean Again

If your truck is caked with dried mud on the tires, underside, and front, you may be dreading the cleanup job. If you have a pressure washer and know how to use it without damaging your truck, the job will be much easier if you use it rather than buckets of water or a hose. If you don't have a pressure washer or you just want to make sure your truck isn't damaged, call a pressure washing service to clean your truck. Here's what they can do.

Use The Proper Nozzle And Pressure

A pressure washer needs to be on the low setting so it doesn't chip paint or cause any harm to your truck. The low setting is still strong enough to deal with things like mud, oil, and other debris that's stuck on your truck.

Using the right nozzle is important too since a wide spray is not as intense as a focused stream of water. Using a low pressure with a wide-spray nozzle ensures your truck will get clean and not get damaged by water pressure that's too strong.

Select The Best Cleaning Products

One reason low-pressure works so well with a pressure washer is that cleaning products are also used to break up stains and oils. The pressure washing service can apply the cleaning product with the pressure washer to create a sudsy solution that sits on the truck for a few minutes to break up dirt so it can be rinsed away more easily.

Rinse The Truck Thoroughly

Rinsing is an important step in vehicle cleaning because a thorough rinse prevents streaks from cleaning product residue that's left behind. The service rinses your entire truck, including the wheels and front where bugs and oil from the road may be stuck on. They can clean the underside of your truck so no traces of mud are left behind and your truck is clean and shiny.

Wash The Engine Too

If you want the engine in your truck washed, the pressure washing service can do it at the same time. It's safe to pressure wash an engine as long as low pressure and a wide-spray nozzle are used. The service will probably use a degreasing cleaner too.

An important step in pressure washing your engine is to wrap all the electrical parts with plastic so they don't get wet. As long as they're protected, your engine can tolerate getting sprayed with water. The service may need to use a brush to scrub some of the parts so they don't need to use a higher setting on the pressure washer. If your engine is coated in oil and gunk, pressure washing it can make a big difference.




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5 Reasons To Invest In A Spot-Free Car Rinse System As A Car Wash Owner

As a car wash owner, you know that providing your customers with high-quality services is key to your success. One service you should consider investing in is a spot-free car rinse system. Here are five reasons why: 

1. Provides a High-Quality Finish A spot-free car rinse system ensures that your customers' vehicles have a high-quality finish after a wash. With a spot-free rinse, no water spots or streaks will be left on the car. This will leave your customers satisfied with the quality of the wash and more likely to return for future services. Your customers will not have to re-wash the windows or body of the car to get rid of water spot stains or streaks. 

2. Saves Time and Money A spot-free car rinse system can save you time and money in the long run. With a spot-free rinse, there's no need to spend extra time drying the vehicle or using additional products to remove water spots. This means you can wash more cars in less time and reduce the labor required. Increasing efficiency is the key to a successful business. 

3. Attracts More Customers A spot-free car rinse system can also help you attract more customers. Customers are more likely to choose a car wash that offers a spot-free rinse over one that doesn't. This is because they know that the spot-free rinse will provide a higher quality finish and protect their vehicle's paint. Offering a high-quality product will help ensure you always have customers waiting to use your car wash. 

4. Protects Paint and Finishes A spot-free car rinse system can help protect your customers' vehicle paint and finishes. Hard water and mineral deposits in regular tap water can damage vehicle paint and finishes over time. A spot-free rinse removes these minerals and protects the paint and finish from damage.

5. Provides a Competitive Edge Finally, investing in a spot-free car rinse system can provide you with a competitive edge. With a spot-free rinse, you can offer a higher-quality wash than your competitors. This can help you stand out in a crowded market and attract more customers. 

In conclusion, a spot-free car rinse system is a valuable investment for any car wash owner. It provides a high-quality finish, saves time and money, attracts more customers, protects paint and finishes, and provides a competitive edge. If you want to improve the quality of your car wash services and attract more customers, consider investing in a spot-free car rinse system. 




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5 Reasons Why Ceramic Coating Is A Must-Have For Your Car

Ceramic coating is an absolute game-changer when it comes to protecting your car's paint and maintaining its appearance. This advanced technology has revolutionized the automotive industry, providing numerous benefits that make it a must-have for every car owner. There are many compelling reasons why ceramic coating is an essential investment for your beloved vehicle.

Unmatched Longevity and Durability

Ceramic coating offers unparalleled longevity and durability compared to traditional wax or sealant products. Once applied, this nanotechnology-based coating forms a strong bond with the car's surface, creating a protective layer that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Unlike wax, which wears off quickly, ceramic coating protects against UV rays, oxidation, bird droppings, and other contaminants. This means your car will maintain its glossy shine for years, saving you time and money on frequent detailing and repainting.

Superior Scratch and Chemical Resistance

One of the primary concerns for any car owner is preventing scratches and damage to the paint. Ceramic coating acts as a sacrificial barrier, shielding your car's surface from minor scratches and swirl marks. Its robust chemical resistance ensures protection against harsh chemicals, detergents, and road salt. With ceramic coating, you can say goodbye to those pesky micro-scratches caused by improper washing techniques and maintain a flawless finish that will impress everyone you encounter on the road.

Easy Maintenance and Hassle-Free Cleaning

Maintaining the pristine appearance of your car is a breeze with ceramic coating. Dirt, grime, and water are repelled thanks to its hydrophobic properties, resulting in a self-cleaning effect. Rainwater and contaminants slide off, significantly reducing the need for frequent washing. Additionally, the smooth and glossy surface created by ceramic coating prevents dirt from adhering firmly, making it easier to wipe off any residue with minimal effort. You'll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your ride.

Enhanced Gloss and Depth

Ceramic coating is the answer if you desire a head-turning, showroom-worthy finish for your car. This innovative product enhances the paint's natural gloss and depth, making your vehicle look brand-new. The coating's high refractive index ensures that light reflects beautifully off the surface, creating a stunning visual effect. Whether you're attending a car show or cruising down the street, the mirror-like shine of your ceramic-coated car will make it stand out from the crowd.

Cost-Effective in the Long Run

While the initial cost of ceramic coating may seem higher than traditional alternatives, it is a cost-effective solution in the long run. Its exceptional durability and protection mean avoiding expensive repaints and detailing sessions. Investing in ceramic coating saves you money on car maintenance and retains a higher resale value for your vehicle. Furthermore, the time and effort saved on cleaning and upkeep are invaluable, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.

Give your car the ultimate treatment it deserves by opting for ceramic coating today. Your vehicle will thank you, and you'll enjoy the long-lasting benefits for years. Contact a company that offers ceramic auto coatings to learn more.




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Touch-Free Car Wash: An Innovative Approach To Car Cleaning

If you own a car and want to keep it clean, you should consider a touch-free car wash. This is a convenient, efficient, and effecting method for keeping cars clean. Keep reading to learn how touch-free car washes work and the benefits this offers you.

Understanding the Touch-Free Car Wash Process

A touch-free car wash uses high pressure water and cleaning solutions to wash and rinse the car without having any physical contact. The touch-free car wash process involves several stages. It begins with the application of a pre-soak detergent designed to break down dirt and grime on the car's surface. Following this, a high pressure water jet rinses the soap and the loosened dirt away. Some systems also include an undercarriage wash and a spot free rinse to ensure a comprehensive clean.

Advantages of Touch-Free Car Washes

Touch-free car washes offer several advantages over traditional car washes. The most significant benefit is the lack of physical contact. This eliminates the risk of scratches that can occur with brushes and cloths. This method also efficiently cleans hard to reach areas, including the undercarriage and wheel wells.

In addition, the speed and convenience of touch-free car washes make them a favorite among drivers. These systems often allow you to stay in the vehicle while the wash occurs, and the entire process can be completed in just a few minutes.

Environmental Considerations

Touch-free car washes are also more environmentally friendly compared to home washing. These facilities often recycle water and use biodegradable soaps. This significantly reduces water usage and prevents harmful chemicals from entering waterways.

Limitations of Touch-Free Car Washes

Despite their many benefits, touch-free car washes may not be the best option for heavily soiled vehicles. The high pressure water jets might not fully remove debris. In these cases, a hand wash or a traditional car wash may be more effective.

Maintaining Your Car Post Wash

After a touch-free car wash, it is a good idea to dry your car to prevent water spots and streaks. Many touch-free car washes include a drying phase in their process, but you might want to consider additional drying at home. Regular waxing after washing can also help to keep your car's finish shiny and protected.

With proper after wash care, touch-free car washes can play a key role in maintaining your vehicle's aesthetic and value. Find an automatic car wash in your area today. 




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Why an Express Car Wash Is the Convenient Choice for Busy Individuals

If you lead a busy life and find yourself constantly on the go, taking care of your car may often get put on the back burner. However, neglecting regular car maintenance can lead to a build-up of dirt, grime, and even damage to your vehicle's exterior. That's where an express car wash comes in. Offering quick and efficient service, an express car wash is the perfect solution for busy individuals who want to keep their cars looking their best without sacrificing precious time. 

Speedy Service

When time is of the essence, an express car wash offers a swift and efficient solution. Unlike traditional car washes, which can take a considerable amount of time, an express car wash boasts quick turnaround times. With automated systems and dedicated technicians, an express car wash ensures your car receives a thorough cleaning in a fraction of the time.

Convenience at Your Fingertips

One of the standout features of an express car wash is its convenient nature. With no appointment necessary, you can simply drive up and have your car washed in a matter of minutes. This eliminates the hassle of scheduling and waiting around for your turn. Additionally, many express car washes offer extended operating hours, allowing you to fit in a quick clean even during the busiest times of the day. 

High-Quality Cleaning

Despite its speedy service, an express car wash doesn't compromise on quality. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and specially formulated cleaning solutions, these car washes are designed to deliver a thorough and effective clean. From removing stubborn dirt and grime to shining your car's exterior, an express car wash ensures your vehicle receives the attention it deserves. Moreover, many express car washes offer additional services such as tire cleaning, interior vacuuming, and even detailing options, allowing you to customize your car wash experience based on your needs.

For busy individuals, an express car wash is the ultimate convenience. With its speedy service, flexible operating hours, and commitment to quality, an express car wash offers the perfect solution for keeping your car in top condition without sacrificing precious time. By taking advantage of the convenience and benefits that an express car wash provides, you can ensure your vehicle is always shining, protecting your investment and making a positive impression wherever you go. Visit your nearest express car wash and give your car the care it deserves.

Learn more about an express car wash near you today.




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New version of Secure HTML - a free Windows program that creates password protected Web pages

Version 1.6. The new command line parameter -s (Silent - no errors or warnings) has been added.




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Kvelertak Mastodon European Tour 2019

Kvelertak hit the capital as part of the Mastodon tour with a new vocalist in the ranks and a performance that struck surprisingly mixed results.




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Mastodon Mastodon European Tour 2019

Mastodon's tour rolls in to London with Scott Kelly in tow as well. Characteristically gigantic live performance from Atlanta Georgia's finest.




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All Points East 2019 Review

We headed down to the Bring Me The Horizon day at All Points East. Here's who we checked out across the two main stages!




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Ho99o9 Unleash New Track

Ho99o9 gear up towards release of third record with new track!




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The Offspring Release New Track

Ahead of an appearance at DL2024 The Offspring unveil new music!




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Bleed From Within Unleash New Music

Scottish Metal unit mark the start of "a new chapter" with new music!




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Judas Priest Announce European Dates

Heavy Metal titans announce a string of dates across June/July 2025.




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Mastodon European Tour 2019

No further details available.




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