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Tag: machinery equipment safety
Tire Safety: Expiration Dates
Imagine cruising down the road on a beautiful spring afternoon or returning home after a long day at work when suddenly the back right tire of your vehicle explodes. Luckily, you maintain control and safely maneuver to the side of the road. The tires are new, purchased a few months ago from a local tire shop. How could this happen to new tires?
The fact is that all tires have an expiration date. Surprisingly, many consumers and sellers of tires do not know about tire expiration dates. An uninformed consumer thinks he or she purchased brand new tires when in reality those tires may have been sitting on the shelf for years. Even though the tires were never used on a vehicle, they are still several years old. Every tire has a birth date—the day it was manufactured—and an expiration date that is six years from that manufacture date. Most automobile manufacturers warn drivers to replace vehicle tires after six years. To wait any longer than that is a gamble with tire integrity and is risky for drivers.
So what can you, as a driver, do to protect yourself? When buying new tires, ask for the newest tires available, and look at the tire's manufacture date. The manufacture date is a Department of Transportation (DOT) code of 10 or 11 characters embossed on the inside of the tire (see Figure 1). For new tires, the code is always 11 characters. However, tires manufactured before the year 2000 have a 10-character code. Expiration dates for tires manufactured before 2000 were based on a 10-year scale because the expected life-span of a tire was 10 years. Current guidance suggests that tires should be expected to last a maximum of only six years.
Figure 1. A tire manufactured-date code, shown in the yellow box, may appear on the outside of some tires. The 11-character DOT code, shown in the red box, appears on the inside of tires.
Recently, some tire manufacturers have begun to stamp partial codes on the outside of tires (facing away from the vehicle) so that checking the date does not necessitate removing the wheel. This partial code, boxed in yellow in Figure 1, is the most important piece of information about a tire. These last four digits of the DOT code represent the manufacture date of the tire. The last two digits refer to the year the tire was produced, and the first two digits identify the week number within that year. The tire shown in Figure 1 was manufactured on the 36th week of the year 2001. That tire was on a trailer that had been sitting in a field unused for 10 years, and it showed signs of dry-rot cracking. It is unclear whether trailer tires should be replaced every six years since they do not receive the same daily punishment as automobile tires. However, automobile tires should be replaced every six years.
The majority of people who take the gamble of keeping outdated tires do so to save money. Driving on outdated tires is risky not only for the driver of the car having those tires but also for other drivers. Take the initiative and change vehicle tires every six years, or sooner, to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation.
Authored by:
Matt Deskevich, Student Assistant at Penn State University – mdd5309@psu.edu
Bill Harshman, Penn State University (Has since retired)
Dennis Murphy, Penn State University (Has since retired)
Kerri Ebert, Kansas State University – kebert@ksu.edu
Overhead Power-Line Safety
Photo provided by the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH)
Use the following format to cite this article:
Overhead power-line safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70904/overhead-power-line-safety.
Overhead power lines on a farm or ranch can pose a significant electrocution hazard. Because power lines may have been installed without insulation or the insulation may have worn off due to exposure to weather, you should assume that all power lines are bare. Death from electrocution can occur when a person touches a power line while he or she is also in contact with the ground. When electricity enters something or someone, it takes the easiest and shortest path to electrical ground, the point at which the electricity is absorbed (as in the earth).
There are numerous pieces of equipment on a farm or ranch that, due to their height, can come in contact with overhead power lines:
loader tractors
portable grain augers and elevators
cultivators in transport mode
irrigation pipes
equipment with antennas
Dump trucks: When raised, the bed of a dump truck or trailer can contact overhead power lines. The person operating the dump truck should note the location of power lines before raising the bed and should not move the dump truck or trailer while the bed is in the raised position.
Typically, if a raised bed contacts a power line, the operator will not be at risk of electrocution if he or she remains inside the vehicle because the truck's tires provide insulation. If, however, a person standing on the ground touches the dump truck or trailer while it is in contact with an overhead line, he or she could be electrocuted.
Hay: A loader tractor or telescopic loader may be used during hay handling. Because the booms of such vehicles may reach as high as overhead power lines, putting the vehicle at risk of contact, hay should not be stored under power lines.
Grain bin: Electrocution incidents associated with grain bins occur when augers and/or elevator equipment is used in the vicinity of overhead power lines. The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requires that, where a portable auger or filling equipment is used, power lines be at least 18 ft. above the highest point on any grain bin constructed after 1992.
Consult a licensed electrician or your local power company for guidance when planning changes to your grain bin operations.
Click here for information from the U.S. Department of Labor concerning power line safety and equipment operation.
As a farmer or rancher, you can reduce your risk of electrocution by following these recommendations:
Be aware of the location of overhead power lines on your farm, and avoid the risk of electrocution by choosing a route for your equipment that avoids potential contact.
Never touch a power line.
Contact your local power company if an incident occurs.
Never use ladders around power lines.
Remember that some equipment may have a higher profile during transport.
Maintain a 10 ft. clearance space between the power lines and your equipment. Contact your power company to determine the height of power lines on your farm.
If you are in a tractor and come in contact with power lines, remain in the tractor and have someone contact the power company to shut off the power.
If you are in a tractor that contacts power lines and you must exit because of an emergency such as a fire, jump out and away from the tractor as far as possible. Never allow any part of your body to touch both the equipment and the ground at the same time. Plan to fall away from the tractor to avoid tripping back into contact with the tractor.
Review safety measures with all individuals working on your farm, whether full-time, part-time, seasonal, or voluntary.
Remember that even nonmetallic objects such as tree limbs, ropes, and straw can conduct electricity.
Click HERE to view recommendations from SafeElectricity.org regarding electrical safety on agricultural operations.
Maintain proper clearance around grain bins. (2010) Power Plus: A Monthly Publication of Midland Power Cooperative. Retrieved from https://www.recc.coop/grain-bin-clearances/.
Murphy, D. and Harshman, W. (2005) Farm dump truck and trailer safety. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/farm-dump-truck-and-trailer-safety.
Schwab, C. and Miller, L. (2004) Electrocution hazards on the farm. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Retrieved from https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=4616.
Reviewed and Summarized by:
William C. Harshman, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Dump Truck and Trailer Safety
(Source: Penn State Agricultural Safety & Health)
Dump truck and trailer safety. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70373/dump-truck-and-trailer-safety.
Farmers and ranchers use dump trucks and trailers to transport large amounts of grain and silage between farms or to market, making it cost-effective for many agricultural operations. In addition to large trucks and trailers, farmers and ranchers use semitrailer end dump trucks, pup trailers, truck and grain trailers, and regular or long-bed straight trucks. All trucks or trailers with dumping capability use a hydraulic hoist to dump their loads (grain, sand, gravel, and so on).
Most Common Incidents
The most common dump truck or trailer incidents occur when emptying a load, when a bed is lowered unexpectedly, or when a raised bed contacts overhead power lines.
Emptying a Load
Anytime the bed of the truck or trailer is raised, it places workers at risk unless hazardous situations are controlled or eliminated. Operators need to understand that a dump truck or trailer is at a risk for a tipping incident when the bed is raised because raising the bed changes the truck's center of gravity. Even if a dumping area is relatively flat, a tipping incident could occur if a slope is created by low tire pressure on one side or one set of tires sitting in a low area or a depression. Additional hazards that can increase the risk of a tipping incident include wind, loads that are not centered, and jack-knifed trailers. The longer the trailer, the more surface area is exposed to high winds, placing lateral pressure on the trailer and creating the potential for a tipping incident.
When filling the truck or dump trailer, evenly distribute the contents to maintain proper flow and prevent the load from shifting during unloading. When emptying, raise the bed slowly and allow the contents to slide slowly toward the rear. If the bed is raised too quickly, the rearward shift of the load could damage the lift mechanism or cause the trailer and truck to tip over. It is important not to jack-knife a truck and trailer, because doing so creates the potential for the cab to be crushed should the trailer tip.
Lowering a Bed Unexpectedly
Workers place themselves in potentially fatal situations when they move between a raised dump bed and the frame of the truck or trailer to complete maintenance or repairs or to check a problem. In this position, a worker could be fatally crushed should the bed lower unexpectedly. An operator could inadvertently lower the bed, the bed's lift components could fail, or the hoist cylinder could collapse. To reduce the risk of an unexpected bed lowering, truck and trailer beds should be outfitted with a dump box lock bar (shown below) that mechanically blocks the bed from coming down.
(Source: Pennsylvania State University, Agricultural Safety and Health)
Contacting Overhead Wires
The main potential for an electrocution incident occurs when there is contact between a raised dump bed and power lines. Contact typically occurs when a truck pulls away while the dump bed is still raised. Examples of why a driver would not put the dump down include the his or her forgetting or being impatient and pulling away before the dump bed is completely down, catching the dump bed on a power line. In this scenario, the driver, if he or she remains in the truck, is normally protected from electrocution because of the insulation provided by the truck tires. Electrocution could occur if the driver were to leave the cab and be in simultaneous contact with the ground and the cab, completing an electrical circuit—as when, for example, a farmer exits the cab and steps onto the ground with his or her right foot while the left foot is still on a truck step.
If there is an emergency (for example, the truck is on fire from a downed power line) and it is necessary to exit the truck while it is in contact with power lines, jump from the truck and land with your feet together and so that your body is not in contact with both the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then "bunny hop" away from the truck with your feet together to minimize the voltage difference traveling between your feet.
Additional Hazards Associated with Dump Trucks and Trailers
Slips, falls, and crushing incidents can occur when working around a dump truck or trailer. Workers should make sure that steps are clean of mud and debris and should use stairs and handrails when accessing the truck and trailer. Crushing injuries to fingers and hands may result from opening and closing latches on tailgates or tailgate hinges. More severe crushing injuries can occur when a worker is between the dump truck or trailer and a building or other structure.
Another potential hazard is a shear-line hazard, which occurs when a large vehicle (a dump truck, combine, or something similar) operates near a ditch bank. Large vehicles can place considerable pressure on the banks of ditches and the shoulders of lanes alongside fields. If the soil on the shoulder is weak from freezing and thawing or prolonged wet weather, the weight of a dump truck or combine could result in soil collapse and a potential tipping incident. To prevent a shear-line collapse, keep your truck or combine as far back from the edge of the ditch or drop-off as the ditch or drop-off is deep.
Loading and Unloading Recommendations
Know the recommended limits of your dump truck and do not overload it. When loading your dump truck or trailer, distribute the load evenly throughout the dump bed. If you are loading a material that has poor flow, load less material than usual and distribute slightly more material to the rear of the bed. Covering the load with a tarpaulin will reduce loss during highway travel and can make unloading of grain easier. For a dumping site, choose a level surface made of concrete or compacted soil or gravel and free from overhead power lines. Prior to raising the dump bed, ensure that the tailgate is unlocked. To avoid an electrocution incident, always wait until the dump bed is completely lowered before moving the dump truck or trailer.
Before you complete any maintenance, always block the truck or trailer dump bed with an approved device such as dump-box lock bars. The following items of routine scheduled maintenance should not be neglected:
Daily tire pressure checks
Checks of the lights, horn, brakes, and fluid levels
Inspection and repair of the suspension systems
Lubrication of pins and bushings
Removal of heavy dust from hydraulic lines
Inspection and repair of hydraulic lift cylinders
Drivers of dump trucks and trailers should be trained in the following:
Regular maintenance and inspection of the dump truck and trailer
Recognition of hazardous conditions related to load distribution, unloading surfaces, fire hazard from heavy dust on hydraulic lines, and so on
Hand signals and safe procedures for a two-person unloading operation
The following design features should be considered to reduce the risk of a potential incident:
When possible, use a bottom dump trailer to reduce the risk of raised bed hazards.
Install a bed liner in the dump bed to improve the flow of material when dumping.
Ensure that the trailer is equipped with slope-detector monitoring equipment to limit the height that the load can be lifted on uneven terrain.
To reduce the risk of slip-and-fall incidents, the trailer should have view windows in the sidewalls to allow workers to monitor the load.
To improve accessibility, use a fold-down ladder.
If possible, use sealed ball bearings for tailgates, which make tailgates easier to operate.
Choose an electric tailgate opener rather than a roller or sliding-door tailgate.
Choose air suspension seats rather than spring suspension seats.
Equip dump trucks with backup alarms.
Dump truck safety. (2005) University of California. Agriculture and Natural Resources. Retrieved from http://safety.ucanr.org/files/1343.pdf.
Murphy, D. & Harshman, W. (2005) Farm dump truck and trailer safety. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/farm-dump-truck-and-trailer-safety.
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.ed
Robert A. Schultheis, University of Missouri – schultheisr@missouri.edu
PTO-Driven Post-Hole Auger Safety
(Source: Penn State University Ag Safety & Health)
PTO-driven post-hole auger safety. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70348/pto-driven-post-hole-auger-safety.
Post-hole augers driven by power take-offs (PTO) are mounted on a tractor and powered by the tractor's PTO shaft. The transition from manual to mechanical power has reduced manual labor associated with post-hole digging but has increased the risk of injury when an operator does not follow safe operating procedures.
Prior to using any piece of equipment, read the operator's manual. Follow all recommendations for operation, maintenance, and safety in the manual and on safety signage located on the auger. If you are unable to locate your operator's manual, check with your local dealership or manufacturer for a replacement copy. Outlined below are safety recommendations to reduce your risk of an incident.
One-Person Operation
A post-hole auger is designed to be operated by one person. When the post-hole digger is in operation, the operator should be seated in the tractor seat. Other than the operator in the tractor seat, no one should be within 20 feet of the post-hole auger during operation. The tractor's hydraulics should be used to position the auger for starting the hole and should never be manually set. Post-hole augers are equipped with a bar that rotates 90 degrees to enable the operator to remain in the tractor seat while positioning the auger. In the past, some post-hole auger owners would weld a bar to the rear of the machine for a second person to use to add downward pressure, however, this is an unsafe practice with a high risk for an entanglement incident, and this method should never be used.
The recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating a post-hole auger includes close-fitting clothing, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and appropriate footwear, such as steel-toed boots. In regards to other clothing and hygiene, jewelry, scarves, or clothing with drawstrings should never be worn when operating a post-hole auger. Long hair should be kept securely tied above the shoulders.
Preoperation and Operation
Shields and guards must be in their proper place prior to operating a post-hole auger. New manufacturing standards include guards or shields for auger adapters, PTO drivelines, PTO universal joints, and connections. Depending on the make and model, check with the manufacturer to determine whether older post-hole augers can be retrofitted with updated shielding. Additional operation guidelines include the following:
Know the area and type of soil where you plan to dig.
Check the operator's manual to determine the correct weight to place on the front of your tractor to balance the rear weight of the post-hole auger.
Remember to set the tractor's brakes or put the tractor in park before you begin to dig.
Operate the auger at slow speed to achieve better performance and maintain more control.
Dig down several inches, and then lift the auger to release the soil. Repeat until the hole is the desired depth.
When the post-hole auger is not in use, make sure that the PTO on the tractor is shut off and that the auger is lowered to the ground.
When transporting a post-hole auger, fully raise the auger and watch for obstacles and obstructions that could hit the auger.
Freeing an Auger
If the auger becomes stuck (for example, due to contact with clay, rocks, or tree roots), promptly disengage the PTO and turn off the engine. With the power source is turned off, use a large wrench to slowly turn the auger backwards. After using the wrench, return to the tractor seat and raise the auger hydraulically.
A shear pin is designed to break when too much pressure is placed on the drive, protecting the post-hole auger. Always use the recommended size and strength shear pin—substitutions may damage the machine and increase your risk of an entanglement incident. Keep a spare shear pin on hand to avoid downtime. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves when removing a damaged shear pin.
Rocks and Other Obstructions
Post-hole augers have limitations. If a rock or other obstruction is preventing the auger from penetrating the ground, another location may need to be selected. If the selected location must be used, additional digging tools, such as a jackhammer or digging bar, might be needed to complete the hole.
Hydraulic fluid is stored at very high pressure and can penetrate a person's skin or eye, causing serious injury or possibly death. Inspect your hydraulic lines for signs of wear and pinhole leaks without touching the lines with your hand. While wearing safety glasses, use a piece of cardboard or wood to pass over the suspected area. If a leak is located, relieve the pressure in the hydraulic system before repairing the leak.
Implement for compact tractors: Selection, use, maintenance, and safety (2005) Louisiana State University AgCenter Reserach and Extension. Retrieved from http://www.lsuagcenter.com/nr/rdonlyres/1b522d98-ae78-4dfa-a258-7f845263….
Important safety message for owners/operators of post hole diggers. (n.d.) Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association. Retrieved from http://www.farmequip.org/media/file/PHDAD10.pdf.
Safety management for landscapers, grounds-care business and golf course. (2001) John Deere Publishing. Moline, IL.
Michael Pate, Pennsylvania State University – mlp79@psu.edu
NH Tractor
(Photo Source: Pennsylvania State University – Ag Safety and Health)
Tractor stability. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70338/tractor-stability.
The tractor is the most recognized piece of equipment on a farm or ranch, but it is also associated with incidents that can lead to serious injuries or death. There are various makes, models, and designs for tractors, but the basic components of tractor stability remain the same. By understanding tractor stability, you can reduce your potential for a tractor overturn incident.
Understanding Center of Gravity
The center of gravity for any object is the point on the object where all parts perfectly balance one another. For example, the point at which a pencil will balance on your finger is its center, and this center point is easily found by practicing balancing a pencil on the end of your finger. But finding the center point on larger objects is not always as simple. For example, the center of gravity on a two-wheel drive tractor is typically in the center of the tractor body as you look from right to left, but is about 10 inches above and 2 feet in front of the rear axle as you look from back to front. This center of gravity placement disperses the weight so that 30 percent of the tractor's weight is on the front axle and 70 percent is on the rear axle.
The center of gravity must remain within the tractor's stability baseline for the tractor to remain in an upright position. Stability baselines (shown below) are imaginary lines drawn between points where the tractor tires contact the ground.
(Photo Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
Compared to an automobile, the center of gravity is higher on a tractor because the tractor needs to be higher in order to complete operations over crops and rough terrain. Terrains, attachments, weights, and speeds can change the tractor's resistance to turning over. The following examples describe situations in which the stability of a tractor can change:
Whenever mounted equipment is raised, the center of gravity is also raised, decreasing tractor stability.
Any changes in weight from an attachment—such as a front-end loader, bale fork, and so on—or load can shift the center of gravity toward the weight.
Implements that are side mounted shift the center of gravity toward the attachment.
In addition to the center of gravity, other factors important to tractor stability include centrifugal force, rear-axle torque, and drawbar leverage.
Centrifugal force is the outward force of objects moving in a circular path. In regards to a tractor, centrifugal force is the force that is trying to roll the tractor over when it is making a turn. As the radius of the turn decreases (in a sharp turn) the centrifugal force increases. There is a relationship between centrifugal force and speed, but it is not directly proportional (for example, when the tractor speed is tripled from 3 mph to 9 mph, the centrifugal force increases 9 times). Since centrifugal force increases when turning, it is often a factor in a side overturn. The effect of this centrifugal force on stability is even greater when operating a tractor on sloped terrain.
Rear-Axle Torque
Rear-axle torque is the transfer of energy between the engine and the rear axle of a two-wheel drive tractor. When the clutch is engaged on this type of tractor, it results in a twisting force, or torque, which should rotate the tires and move the tractor forward or backward. If the rear tires are stuck (as in mud) or blocked from rotating, the rear axle is unable to rotate properly, so the tractor chassis rotates about the axle. This results in the front end of the tractor lifting off the ground, which can cause the tractor's center of gravity to move past the rear stability baseline. This type of incident is called a rear overturn, and the "point of no return" (shown below) can occur in less than a second, which is not enough time for the operator to react and try to stop the rearward motion. A rear overturn incident with a four-wheel drive tractor can occur, but it occurs less frequently than with a two-wheel drive tractor because more weight is carried on the front axle, and the center of gravity is closer to the front of the tractor. By design, the front tires of four-wheel drive or front-wheel assist tractors have more traction and will not rise off the ground as easily as the wheels of a tractor with two-wheel drive.
(Image Source:Safety Management for Landscapers, Grounds-care Business, and Golf Courses, John Deere Publishing, 2001. Illustration reproduced by permission. All rights reserved)
Drawbar Leverage
Drawbar leverage is another stability factor in a rear overturn incident. When a two-wheel drive tractor is pulling a load, there is a backward and downward pull that causes the rear tires to become a pivot point. An "angle of pull" is created between the ground's surface and the attachment point on the tractor that acts as a force to tip the tractor rearward. The drawbar on a tractor is designed to counteract the rearward tipping potential of pulled loads; however, when a load is attached to the tractor at any point other than the drawbar, the drawbar design is no longer effective in preventing rear overturn incidents.
Tractors are commonly used to pull stumps out of the ground. A tractor is hitched safely when the log chain is wrapped around the tree stump and attached to the tractor drawbar. The log chain is properly attached to the tractor drawbar, providing a lower "angle of pull" and decreasing the leverage necessary to tip a tractor rearward. Unsafe hitching occurs when the load is attached to a point other than the drawbar. If the log chain is attached to the rear axle instead of the drawbar, the "angle of pull" and leverage do not decrease as the tractor's front end rises. When hitching to something that is higher than the drawbar hitch point, such as the rear axle, there is increased pressure on the rear tires. This might prevent the tractor tires from slipping and cause the front end to lift. Click here to view videos of tractor stability and tractor overturn incident demonstrations.
How can you maintain stability on various gradients? (2002) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/tractors/stability.html.
Murphy, D. (2014) Tractor overturn hazards. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-safety/vehicles-and-machinery/tract….
Tractor stability (2012) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/tractors/stability.html.
Andrew Merryweather, University of Utah – a.merryweather@utah.edu
Agricultural Vehicles in the Woods
Agricultural vehicles in the woods. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70337/agricultural-vehicles-in-the-w….
The risk of safety related incidents is high when a farmer or rancher uses a farm tractor to cut trees, clear fence rows, and gather firewood. The typical farm tractor is simply not designed for use in woodlots. A farm tractor lacks the safety components of timber harvest tractors or skidders, which include the following:
A heavy steel skid plate to protect the underside of the machine
A protective radiator grill
Engine side guards
10- to 12-ply flat sidewall tires
Front-end weights
A 10-pound ABC fire extinguisher
A spark-arrester exhaust system
A category II falling object projective structure (FOPS) with a seat belt
A protective grill for the rear window and sides of the FOPS cab
High ground clearance
Lateral stability
Nearly equal front- and rear-axle weight distribution.
The photo below is an example of a tractor equipped with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) and FOPS.
(Source: Lee Stover, L & E Stover Enterprises)
Dangerous Farm Tractor Usage
A rear overturn incident can occur with a farm tractor if a chain or cable is attached to a point higher on the tractor than the drawbar. Side overturn can occur when the farm tractor runs over a stump, rock, or tree trunk with a rear tire. Farm tractors equipped with a front-end loader should never be used to pull or push down limbs because the raised loader changes the center or gravity, placing the tractor at risk for a side overturn incident. Never use a farm tractor to complete forestry jobs such as pushing, dragging, or loading logs, without skid cones, log arches, three-point mounted grapples, or a skidding implement equipped with a three-point winch. These pieces of equipment reduce the risk of a log twisting or rolling out of the control while being dragged. Click here for more information on safe hitching.
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Vehicles (UTVs)
The potential for a tractor, ATV, or UTV overturn exists in woodlots because of uneven terrain and hidden obstacles such as rocks, roots, and stumps. Only specialized equipment such as timber harvest tractors and skidders should be used in woodlots. Felling of large trees for harvest should be completed by commercial operators with specialized equipment. Once a tree has been felled and located in a non-wooded area such as a fence row, the tree can be properly delimbed and sectioned for use on the farm or ranch. In order to remove the wood, you need to determine the best mode of transportation for the job and the environment.
ATVs towing wagons and UTVs with cargo beds or boxes continue to be popular choices, but it is important to understand their limitations. ATVs typically have lighter-duty suspension systems with less pulling and braking power, making them unsafe to complete most logging-type tasks. Some larger UTVs with a wider wheel base are equipped with a heavier frame and protective cage but still have limited capability in wooded areas.
When using a UTV or ATV to pull a trailer, the operator should be careful to observe the hauling capacity limits to reduce the risk of an incident. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for any trailer that is being used to haul wood. Do not overload the trailer, and make sure that the wood is properly secured. The cargo box for each UTV has a recommended payload capacity that can vary between 500 and 1,400 pounds, depending on the make and model. It is extremely important to check the operator's manual to determine the maximum payload capacity for your UTV. Keeping loads within the recommended payload capacity is essential to reducing the risk of an accident or potential damage to the UTV or ATV and trailer.
Extra precautions should be taken when using ATVs and UTVs in the woods for any activity. By hauling smaller amounts of wood slowly through a woodlot or along a trail that has been inspected for hidden obstacles, you can decrease the potential for an incident. Log arches can be used to stabilize smaller logs that need to be dragged from the woods, while reducing the possibility of the butt end of the log catching on a rock or stump or rolling sideways down uneven, sloping terrain. Consider winching logs that have fallen into precarious positions to a safer landing before using a light-duty ATV or UTV to pull them. The photo below shows an ATV using a log arch to safely transport logs on a path.
Photo Source: Future Forestry Products, Inc. Log arch currently manufactured by Logrite of CT.
Additional Safety Recommendations:
If you are in the woods, inform other people of your location.
Always know the location of other people in your group, especially when felling a tree.
Make sure you have a complete first aid kit with you and have a basic understanding of first aid for severe bleeding, second-degree burns, and shock.
Click here to learn more about using your ATV on a farm or ranch.
Click here to learn more about chain saw safety.
Murphy, D., Stover, L., & Harshman, W. (2011) Tractors in the woods. Penn State Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/tractors-in-the-woods.
Reviewers, Contributors, and Summarized by:
Willard Downs, University of Missouri – Willard@missouri.edu
Bobby Grisso, Jr., Virginia Tech – bgrisso@vt.edu
Bill Harshman, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Identifying and Correcting Hazards on Your Farm or Ranch
(Source: Penn State Ag Safety & Health)
Identifying and correcting hazards on your farm or ranch. (2013) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/69135/identifying-and-correcting-haz….
The majority of serious farm incidents involve machinery and equipment, but many hazards can be found in all areas of farm operations. Many of these incidents can be prevented through an inspection and correction of the hazard. The challenge is that most agricultural producers do not know how to properly assess and correct hazards on their farm operation.
The Farm/Agriculture/Rural/Management-Hazard Analysis Tool (FARM-HAT) was developed by the Pennsylvania State University and is the most comprehensive on-line tool for assessing and identifying ways to correct hazards in 11 major categories including, but not limited to, farm operations, dwellings, agritourism, and tractors. FARM-HAT can be used by farmers, extension educators, insurance agents and others that are interested in improving the safety of a farm operation, equipment or rural enterprise.
Take the inspection of your farm operation very seriously and also recruit other farm family members to participate in the process. Inspections can be done at various times of the year. Consider inspecting yours tractors and machinery over the winter so that you have time to complete repairs before the spring when you are preparing for the planting season.
In addition to FARM-HAT, other resources are available for specialized inspections including barns, machinery and tractors. Listed below are links to checklists for farm operations.
Resource Links – Pick a Site and Start Your Farm Inspection:
FARM-HAT (Penn State University)
Evaluate Equipment for Dangers (Iowa State University)
Your Personal Farm Safety Audit (Agricultural Safety and Health Network)
Farm/Agricultural/Rural Management Hazard Analysis Tool. (2010) Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health. Retrieved from http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-safety/farmhat.
Folsom, R. (2009) Barn and farm inspection checklist. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/48862/VCE_Barn_Farm….
Hanna, M., Schwab, C., and Miller, L. (1998) Evaluate equipment for dangers. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Retrieved from http://nasdonline.org/2469/d002295/safe-farm-evaluate-equipment-for-dang….
Tractor Safety Checklist (n.d.). Canadian Agricultural Safety Association. Retrieved from http://aghealth.usask.ca/resources/documents/TractorModulePDF.pdf.
Tractor Safety Driving Course
(Source: Pennsylvania State University, Agricultural Safety and Health Program)
The Agricultural Safety and Health Program of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University has developed a manual called Organizing and Conducting a Safe Tractor Operation Workshop to assist agricultural producers, employers, and other experienced operators in organizing and conducting hands-on workshops that address safety practices for tractor operators. Hands-on tractor operation training is valuable because many new owners, operators, and workers are entering occupations such as production agriculture, agricultural services, forestry, landscaping, and golf-course maintenance that rely on agricultural tractors to complete tasks.
Fewer people grow up learning how to operate tractors and equipment, so the manual is useful for training individuals with varying levels of tractor-driving experience and ability. In addition to training people involved in production agriculture, the manual can also be used to train volunteers who mow such places as school yards or churchyards, cemeteries, athletic fields, community parks, and the grounds at civic organizations such as the Lions Club.
The manual is a comprehensive guide that provides information about the following topics:
Choosing instructors, tractors, equipment, and driving courses
Driving and operating tractors and equipment safely
Conducting training workshops
The manual also includes performance evaluation forms.
To access the manual, click here to visit the website.
Glen Blahey, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association -GBlahey@casa-acsa.ca
Michael Pate, Utah State University – michael.pate@usu.edu
Mechanical Hazards: Pinch Points
(Source: Penn State Ag Safety and Health)
Mechanical hazards: Pinch points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68327/mechanical-hazards:-pinch-points.
A pinch point is an area where two or more rotating parts move together with at least one part moving in a circle. These rotating parts may move at high rates of speed, making it difficult for an individual to pull free once caught. Injuries can occur when a person touches a belt or chain, tries to clear debris from drive wheels, or falls into or brushes against a belt or pinch point, or when loose clothing becomes entangled, drawing fingers, hands, and feet into a pinch point.
Examples of pinch points on farms and ranches include the following:
Feed rollers
Pulley drives
Potential Injuries
The types of injuries that can be sustained when working around pinch points include the following:
Crushing of tissues or bones
Listed below are ways that you can reduce your risk of a pinch point incident:
Identify machines that might have pinch points.
Make sure all shields are securely in place to cover pinch point areas. Replace heavily worn or broken shields.
Watch your footing and move slowly around pinch point areas.
Wear clothing that fits well because close-fitting clothing is less likely to be pulled into moving parts.
Remove any jewelry, tie or secure long hair under a hat, and remove drawstrings on hoods or jackets when working around pinch point areas.
Turn off the machine and wait for any rotating parts to come to a complete stop before beginning any type of maintenance.
If a shield is removed to complete maintenance, make sure the shield is securely in place prior to operating the equipment.
Place and maintain warning labels near pinch point hazards.
Click here to view a video about pinch point hazards from the Pennsylvania State University's Agricultural Safety and Health Program.
Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016). The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), 2008. ANSI/ASAE S493.1. Guarding for agricultural equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from http://elibrary.asabe.org.
Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….
Safety note #22: Pinch point hazards. (2004) University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Environmental Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://safety.ucanr.org/files/1413.pdf.
Ron C. Jester, University of Delaware (Has since retired)
Gail Lapierre, University of Vermont (Has since retired)
Mechanical Hazards: Shear or Cutting Points
Guarded Auger. Photo Source: Penn State Ag Safety & Health
Mechanical hazards: Shear or cutting points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68264/mechanical-hazards:-shear-or-cutting-points.
A shear point hazard exists when the edges of two machine parts move across each other or move closely enough together to cut another object or move a relatively soft material. In a typical shear point hazard, one part moves while the other part is either stationary or moving. Cutting points occur when a single object moves forcefully or rapidly enough to cut another object.
Examples of shear or cutting points include the following:
Windrow cutter bars
Sickle bar mowers
Forage harvester cutter heads
Rotary mower blades
Potential injuries from shear or cutting point hazards include amputation, lacerations, contusions, crushing of tissue, and broken bones. Due to the speed of mechanical parts, injury is inevitable when a body part comes in contact with a shear or cutting point. Projectile injuries can occur if an object is thrown from a cutting-type machine such as a rotary mower.
Shear and Cutting Point Safety Precautions
Follow the precautions below to reduce the risk of a shear point incident:
Identify those types of machines that may have shear or cutting points.
Make sure all covers and protective shields are in place on machinery and equipment. Replace heavily worn or broken shields.
Remove any jewelry, tie or secure long hair under a hat, and remove drawstrings on hoods or jackets when working around shear point hazards.
Turn off machines and wait for any rotating parts to come to a complete stop before beginning any type of maintenance.
If a shield is removed to complete maintenance, make sure the shield is securely in place again prior to operating the equipment.
Replace damaged manufacturer-installed warning labels and place warning labels on unlabeled areas.
Never reach across a shear or cutting point hazard.
Click here to view a video about shear point hazards from Pennsylvania State University's Agricultural Safety and Health Program.
Click here to use the Farm/Agriculture/Rural Management—Hazard Analysis Tool (FARM-HAT) to determine the protection level of your auger.
Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). (2008) ANSI/ASAE S493.1. Guarding for agricultural equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from http://elibrary.asabe.org.
Farm/Agriculture/Rural Management—Hazard Analysis Tool (FARM-HAT). (2010) Pennsylvania State University. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Agricultural Safety and Health. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/farm-agriculture-rural-management-hazard-analy….


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TV REVIEW – 'PROJECT BLUE BOOK' (Season 1/2019)
Nerd Nation Magazine February 8, 2019 Reviews, TV
The History Channel is lying to you, and that may not be a bad thing.
In an attempt to capitalize on the success of such shows as Ancient Aliens and Vikings, History is producing another plausible historical drama, Project Blue Book. Episodes air on the History Channel Tuesday nights at 10:00pm EST. Full Episodes are available online or via the History Channel App.
(image courtesy of The History Channel)
History is building their drama around declassified files from the first serious government investigation into unexplained, potentially alien phenomenons. The History Channel is using information from eyewitnesses, CIA files, and reports from USAF UFO investigators. Links to most of their research are included on the History Channel site and provide hours of fascinating reading.
The show centers around astronomer and Professor Allen J. Hynek (Aidan Gillen) being recruited by the Air Force to provide scientific explanations for reports of Flying Saucers. He is partnered with Capt. Michael Quinn (Michael Malarkey) an apathetic former pilot who sees their investigations as easy money. They report to Gen. James Harding (Neal McDonough) who becomes the gatekeeper determined to control every story they investigate.
The first episode (The Fuller Dogfight) investigates a Pilot's Report of chasing a UFO for around twenty minutes before losing control of his plane and crashing to the ground. Episode Two (The Flatwoods Monster) follows the reports of West Virginia family that witnessed a UFO crash and it's surviving alien pilot. Episode Three (The Lubbock Lights) Quinn and Hynek drive to Texas to investigate one of the largest reported UFO sightings in America. Episode Four (Project Paperclip) has the duo meeting Wernher Von Braun, the father of V-2 rocket and the future head of NASA. Episode Five (Foo Fighters) Hyneck discovers a group of pilots discharged from the Airforce for hearing signals from Alien crafts.
The show has made some great production choices. notably Capt. Michael Quinn being a fictional character. This leaves the audience unsure of his allegiances with no historical record to follow. Quinn is an interesting character and his apathy better illustrates Allen Hynek's growing obsession with the truth of UFO's.
The most interesting subplot so far involves Hynek's wife, Mimi. (Laura Mennell) Mimi begins growing relationship with her new best friend Susie Miller (Ksenia Solo) who is a Russian spy. Susie is slowly seducing Mimi for information about Project Blue Book, but seems to be falling for her at the same time. This spy story provides an excellent foil to the weirdness of Hynek's UFO investigations.
In episode three we are introduced to UFOlogist Donald Keyhoe (Adam Greydon Reid) , who will become the head of the National Investigation Committee of Aerial Phenomenon. (NICAP) The inclusion of Donald Keyhoe does set up an ensuing legal battle between NICAP, the first private UFO investigation group, and Project Blue Book that carries on through the late fifties. NICAP demands Project Blue Book release all of their files to the American public. Kehoe's mention of Roswell sets up for Alien bodies appearing and Area 51 secrets to enter the narrative as they inevitably do in episode four (Operation Paperclip). It is always fascinating to see historical characters like Wernher Von Braun make appearances, even as a villain. The show really takes off in episode four, and it's a great episode but lessens the show's authenticity.
In 1950 the Roswell case was considered closed and mostly an embarrassment to both the press and the airforce. It is not even mentioned in Kehoe's 1950 article, "Flying Saucers Are Real!" An interview and quotes from Allen Hynek are mentioned, which the show conveniently glosses over. Including Roswell and Area 51 opens up a lot that Blue Book was never connected to in the real history. Area 51 was a joint venture between the CIA and Edwards Air Force base, it's doubtful that Blue Book ever knew that Area 51 existed.
But in terms of Accuracy, the UFO's that are shown at the beginning of each episode are truly incredible. It's obvious the VFX and practical design team crafted them directly from the initial reports. Most of the UFOs really look exactly as they were described in reports, as great balls of fire, glowing saucers, wingless cigars. The production team, costuming and VFX especially deserves an easy five star rating for their exemplary work.
The problem with the show is the larger picture isn't factual but instead just UFO Mythology. The Philadelphia Experiment, Majestic 12 documents, George Adamski's abductions and other known hoaxes will appear and once again and the real history will be convoluted with fictions displayed as truths. The show mixes heavily researched truths with more plausibly spectacular fictions.
By the the fifth episode it's obvious Project Blue Book's success or failure rests on its fictions more than its attempts to accurately represent the facts. As a fiction, the History Channel has a lot of potential with Project Blue Book to grow to cult-classic status. It's a fun show to watch with references to a lot of great history, but currently pales in comparisons to some of it's more riveting competition, such as Netflix's Mindhunter or SYFY's The Expanse.
The real story of Project Blue Book is one of scientists forced to lie by being caught up in Cold War cloak and dagger, atomic craziness, and skyrocketing Sci-Fi sales. They were pioneers in the quest surrounding a the greatest unsolved mystery to humankind "How alone are we really?" The answer to that, seventy years later, is still, "We don't know." If that's not the story the History Channel is telling you, then it's simply not the truth.
Still, if you enjoy the fictions you are watching and take them as tall-tales of UFO mythology, that may not be a bad thing. If you stop being able to tell the difference, if your mind weakens, The Tall Greys mind rays can start affecting you. Next thing you know, you're one of us. And that's not so good, for you anyway. Have fun! Absolutely worth binge watching and another entertaining show from History. Just don't take it too seriously! – 7.0/10
-Adam York
Staff Writer: Nerd Nation Magazine
History Channel, History Project Blue Book, Project Blue Book, Science Fiction, SciFi, The History Channel, UFO
Previous TV REVIEW – 'CONVERSATIONS WITH A KILLER: THE TED BUNDY TAPES' (2019)
Next FILM REVIEW – 'FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY' (2019)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


« Which Item is Most Stolen from Vehicles in Little Rock?
If you've walked through the automotive fluids of an auto parts store in Conway, Arkansas, you'll know how overwhelming the sheer number of products available can be. How do you know what's right for your vehicle?
As you know, these fluids all serve a function in making your car run as you drive around the Conway, Arkansas area. Your vehicle manufacturer has specified a particular type of fluid for every system from the motor, to the cooling system, brake fluid and so on. When you realize that not every variation is applicable to your vehicle, the task becomes more manageable.
Some vehicles around Conway, Arkansas come from the factory filled with synthetic oil and the recommendation to use it for life. The safe bet is to always use what the factory recommends. The recommendation is what's been proven to work in function and durability tests. The recommended oil is also a factor in determining oil change interval schedules.
Sometimes fluids are developed specifically to meet the needs of a particular family of engines. An example would be coolant. Because of the different materials used to build the cooling system, the coolant has to be formulated to protect those parts, which vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, from corrosion. We've seen special coolant in Conway, Arkansas for General Motors, Volkswagen, Chrysler and others.
The really good news is that your Conway, Arkansas service center has databases that tell them the recommended fluids for your vehicle. This takes all the guess work out. If you have some special needs, like a higher mileage engine or want enhanced performance, ask your service advisor for upgrades or additives that'll meet your needs while being consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Of course, your full-service oil change will top off your fluids. But it's a good idea to have some of everything at home in case you need to top something off yourself or to take on a trip. Ask your Conway, Arkansas service advisor at Parkway Automotive or check your owner's manual for fluid specifications.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 31st, 2013 at 7:44 pm	and is filed under Fluids. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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York County K-9 officers to get protective vests
by: Kara Urland
Posted: May 29, 2020 / 05:36 AM EDT
Updated: May 29, 2020 / 05:37 AM EDT
YORK, Pa. (WHTM) — The K-9 officers for Newberry Township Police in York County are getting added protection.
"Rico and Zar" will soon sport bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a donation from the non-profit "Vested Interest in K-9's."
The life-saving vests will be embroidered with the words "In memory of K-9 Tazer" who died last year after serving 8 years with the department.
Each vest costs around $2,000 and should arrive this summer.
Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc. is a charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit has provided over 3,830 U.S. made, custom-fitted, NIJ certified protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $6.9 million dollars.
Loved ones to remember Kyan King at funeral Wednesday
State Senate approves bill to provide expanded broadband access in Pa
Eligible unemployed workers to be paid next week, State says


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Posts Tagged'Travel sex'
Posts Tagged 'Travel sex'
The Strange Encounter with Mr. Sands Pt 1
As promised, today is the first day of Jet-lagged–and-lusting travel stories and observations from my two weeks in Oregon with my sister. I'm very happy to say that once again, travel never fails to inspire, and my first offering is a new one. The Strange Encounter with Mr. Sands is a two-part story inspired in part from entering the twilight zone at Seattle International Airport and wondering if I'd ever get out again. When, by fluke, eleven international flights landed at SeaTac at almost the same time, the whole airport was brought to a total overloaded meltdown leaving me and a gazillion other passengers packed cheek to jowl in the lobbies and walkways, literally all the way back to our planes we'd just disembarked for ages. When we finally entered the seething mass of sweaty, under-slept, cranky humanity that was the immigrations hall, we wandered the endless zigzag of roped mazes at a snail's pace through to passport control, only to find ourselves, eons later, spewed out into avalanches of luggage from all eleven flights and told to claim our bags. Needle! Haystack!
But we were a determined lot, and once we'd found our bags, we were then herded to a gigantic ring-around-the-rosie queue to clear customs. When at last we dragged ourselves, battered but not beaten from the insanity, we stood in queue another hour to re-ticket for the flights we'd all missed from whence we emerged triumphant, boarding pass in hand to face one final insult to injury — the barefoot, beltless, jacketless pat-down through redundant internal security one last time before the possibility of respite.
After arriving at 12:20 in the afternoon, I finally got rebooked on a 7:15 flight out to Portland that night, which was only a short puddle-jump away. So close but oh so far! At last I stumbled to the Alaska Lodge for a turkey avocado wrap, an Alaskan Amber Ale and about a gallon of water, where I hung out with an incubus until flight time. Mr. Sands is the end result, and like my time at SeaTac, the story was too big for the allotted space, so you'll get part two tomorrow. Enjoy part one, my darlings, for it was conceived in the dark crucible of modern human migrations!
Warning: Adult Content!
The Strange Encounter with Mr. Sands Part 1
"Are you all right? Here, let me help you."
I woke up in the first class cabin sprawled across my upgraded seat. The blonde flight attendant, Maggie was her name, had placed a cool cloth over my forehead, and the other attendants herded the last of the passengers off, looking anxiously over their shoulders at me.
"Did I pass out? What happen?"
"It's all right," she said. "You've just had a very intimate visit from Mr. Sands, that's all, but you'll be fine. In fact you'll be better than fine in a little while. Here, drink some water, and I'll help you off the plane and get you something to eat when you're ready. I promise, I'll do my best to explain everything." She held the bottle to my lips.
As I sipped, my strange encounter with Mr. Sands all came back to me with a little clench and tremor of the muscles down deep below my belly.
It hadn't been exactly like an electrical shock when the man brushed against my arm in the queue at baggage check-in, but what I felt was just as much of a shock to my system. What I felt – and I know this is going to sound insane – but what I felt was an orgasm. It was just a brush – his arm against mine, as the desk agent motioned him past me and his hand settling onto the small of my back to steady me when I nearly lost my balance at the impact of what had been way more physical than if he'd flattened me. He offered me a smile, and a soft-spoken apology that I barely heard over the hammering of my heart and my efforts to get myself under control. I remember thinking I'd never seen eyes so blue on a man with such coal black hair. Strangely enough, he approached the desk with no bags to check, and yet whatever he had to say to the agent must have been important. He had her full attention – in fact she was totally entranced by him, though for his part, he seem distracted. He kept glancing back at me and smiling, as though he knew me, and I kept thinking how arrogant I was to think he was actually looking at me. Whatever it was he wanted, the agent nodded enthusiastically leaning into his personal space so close he could have kissed her if he'd chosen to, and I confess I held my breath thinking that he might, and not sure if I wanted him to or if I wanted to believe that I really was the center of his attention.
After only a minute, he thanked the agent and gave her hand a little pat as he might have done to a favorite pet. He gave me one last glance that I felt way down deep in my center where my insides still squirmed and clenched from his touch, then he turned and walked off toward security.
"You've been upgraded to first class, Ms. Dempsey." There was a blush on the agent's cheeks, as though the man had done way more than just brush her hand with his, and frankly her struggle to breath and the dewy sheen on her forehead had my imagination running wild before the fabulous upgrade could sink into the brain of someone who has long been resigned to an in-flight experience of traveling cattle car class. If I didn't know better, I'd think she'd just had the same response to the dark man with the blue eyes that I did. As I made my way to security, three attendants fell into step behind me.
"Mr. Sands is on the flight; did you know?" Said the petite blonde, with a short bob, who I later learned was Maggie. Her voice had that breathless fan-girl quiver brought on by the presence of celebrity. I racked my brain trying to think if I knew any famous Mr. Sands. I didn't, but then I didn't keep up with pop culture very well.
"Oh God! You're kidding me," the male attendant in the middle said. "Are you sure? He hasn't done JFK to Heathrow in a while. I hate to say it, but I was hoping he'd got bored with us and decided to check out some other night flight."
"You shouldn't talk about him like that, Hal," the blonde replied. "All I know is that Kaitlin said he came to her desk personally, asking for an upgrade."
"An upgrade? Seriously? Wow! Someone's gonna get lucky this flight," said the willowy brunette on the other side.
"Sh!" the man replied. "Don't be so disrespectful. He'll know. He always does, and he won't like it."
I slowed my pace just enough to let them pass, then fell in behind them intrigued by this Mr. Sands, whoever he was. Apparently he was on my flight.
"Well at least this time there are no newbies on the crew," The brunette said.
"That'll make things easier," Maggie replied. "I hate having to deal with their reactions. Makes it hard on the rest of the crew. Well at least the first timers get a warning now, which is more than I did when it was my turn."
What the hell, was the man a groper, I wondered?
"They may get a warning, but who the hell would believe it," Hal said.
I was just about to pluck up my nerve and ask who this Mr. Sands was, when the three squeezed onto a lift and disappeared in a wave of Japanese tourists while, being slightly claustrophobic, I opted for the next one, which was less crowded. I wasn't much on celebrity, and whoever this Mr. Sands was, he had nothing to do with me.
In the lap of luxury, I forgot about the mysterious Mr. Sands and enjoyed my meal and the fact that I could stretch out without bumping into anyone. In fact, I had more than just a seat to myself. There were several seats to either side of me empty, and all the other seats were occupied by people who couldn't wait to settle into a good night's sleep. I didn't think I'd sleep at all, and I really didn't intend to, since I figured I'd never get another chance to enjoy first class. I was wrong though. I was asleep almost before the attendants anxiously cleared the dishes. In fact, they seemed downright skittish, which I thought rather unusual for first class, but then how the hell would I know?
Sometimes you dream strange things when you travel, and sometimes those dreams can seem very real. I dreamed of the blue-eyed man from the check-in queue. He rose up from the seat directly across from mine, one that I was almost certain had been empty, and then he began to walk among the sleepers, touching each of them lovingly as though they
were his children and he'd just gotten them to sleep. His tender ministrations were interrupted by the unexpected appearance of the blonde flight attendant. "You're here," she said, and the fan-girl timbre of her voice was replaces with something more along the lines of fear – fear mixed with lust if that were even possible. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." It was then that I was certain I must be dreaming, because he took her face in his hands and kissed her, and oh dear god in heaven, what a kiss it was! Tongue, there was tongue, moving in little darts and licks as he probed and tasted and tested and teased until the woman opened to him and practically melted into his arms. And then it was over, with a deep intake of breath, he released her then settled her back on her feet, and she turned away as though nothing had happened. Then he kissed everyone in first class, one by one with the same deep probing intensity, as though he
sought something out, and they arched up to meet him in the kiss — some moaning softly, a couple of the men even giving that gut-punch of a grunt men do when they ejaculate. But then I was dreaming, wasn't I? Me, who never had a dream more erotic that finding myself naked in the middle of the supermarket. With each sleeper, he took his time in the kiss, he let them embrace him, let them touch him, let them stroke his hair, and then he took the kiss. That's what it felt like to me, at least, that in their sleep, he took the kiss from them, a stolen kiss — almost, and yet no one denied him. Still, I sensed just the tiniest frisson of fear in each of them, but then there would be, wouldn't there? A kiss from a stranger in a darkened plane could possibly be as frightening as it was intriguing. When the kiss was finished, when he released them, it was immediately clear that they had fallen back into a deep sleep. This he did to everyone around him while I watched and squirmed on my first class bed. It was only when everyone else was sleeping soundly that he turned his attention to me.
April 26, 2016 Tags: jet lagged and lusting, travel erotica, Travel sex
Category: Blog Comments Off on The Strange Encounter with Mr. Sands Pt 1
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Migrations: Get Your Vicarious Road Trip FREE!
I'm very excited to announce that my hot romantic novella, Migrations, is FREE! For the next five days, exclusive on Amazon Kindle, you can download Migrations and indulge vicariously in the hottest road trip you'll ever take.
Travel is a change of context. Travel is also a break in continuity. We can hop on a plane and in a couple of hours be in a completely different context, a context that had nothing to do with us up until we step off that plane. We could, for all practical purposes, be stepping onto a different planet.
A road trip, however, is a whole different animal. When we make a road trip, we're watching our context change minute by minute around us as we move through the landscape, and the continuity sort of stretches to contain us as we move along in the little self-contained environment we've created in our cars. It's not quite the total break with context offered by a plane trip and it's a strange stretch and warp of continuity. It's travel with a more hands-on feel. It's more of a time-released metamorphosis.
In my novella, Migrations, also available in the wonderful Traded Innocence anthology from Xcite Book's Secret Library Series, Val Hastings would love nothing more than a break in continuity and a change of context. But she's stuck travelling with her curmudgeonly elderly aunt and her do-gooder cousin, on the road trip from hell, as she calls it.
Enter the steamier-than-the-equator biker known only as Hawk, a mysterious man who specialises in nasty and delicious ways to relieve road-rage, and suddenly Val's context and her continuity get a whole lot more interesting and a whole lot hotter.
VAL HASTINGS, assisted by her do-gooder cousin, SALLY CLINE, is shanghaied into driving their AUNT ROSE across the US to visit her son. What begins as the trip from hell turns into a sexy adventure when they find themselves sharing the interstate with a mysterious, leather-clad biker. Aunt Rose and Sally are convinced he's up to no good. But after Val catches him mid-wank at a rest area, and he offers her some steamy help to make her journey more enjoyable, she's convinced he's her nasty saviour.
Is HAWK, the biker, a murder, a free spirit, or something else? Whatever he is, animal attraction wins out over caution, as he joins the ladies for a cross country romp that keeps Sally and Aunt Rose nervous and Val hotter than her overheating engine.
Hawk heard it first. Val felt him tense. There was a shifting in the air, then the growing sound of distant cries and calls, accented by rattling woody trills. The calls of the sandhill cranes were nothing at all the trumpeting sounds she had heard when she'd studied whooping cranes down in Port Aransas. It was like nothing she'd ever heard before, growing louder and more heavily syncopated, until she could feel it deep between her hip bones, down at the base of her spine. They were engulfed in a rolling sea of percussive trills and calls that sounded like endless, anxious questions waiting to be answered, and the moon disappeared in a sea of fluttering wings. 'Oh my God!' She rose to a half-crouch and squinted into the chaos. 'It's the cranes. It's the sandhills! You were right. They're here!'
'Looks like they've managed to slip in under curfew again.' He slid an arm around her and settled her back on the ground as the first birds landed and began feeding only yards from where they sat.
'They're huge!' She exclaimed. 'I mean I knew that, but actually seeing them, being this close to them, well, that's different, isn't it?' Then she added, not taking her eyes off the cranes. 'Did you know they're the oldest known bird species still surviving? They found a Miocene crane fossil right here in Nebraska, ten million years old. Can you imagine? And it was structurally identical to modern sandhill cranes. We're looking at the ancient past, Hawk.'
'They make me feel a bit like a time traveller,' he said.
She nodded agreement, as a large male close by raised his red head and rattled his questioning call. 'I think they could easily devour a greedy businessman – well chopped, of course.' In spite of her tasteless joke, such an end for Beranger did seem like poetic justice.
'They are the descendants of dinosaurs, after all, and a ravenous lot.' Hawk said, looking out over the sea of cranes.
'As far as some of them fly to reach their breeding grounds, a little extra protein certainly wouldn't hurt.' She pulled the jacket tight and let the feral aroma of leather and maleness caress her.
Another wave of cranes landed nearby. The air pulsated with warm bodies, the scent of distance and altitude still on their wings. As darkness settled, the fields around them seethed with need and urgency that brought the birds back to this same place year after year, generation after generation, millennia after millennia.
'My aunt thinks you killed Beranger.' Her boldness surprised her.
He laughed, cupping her jaw in a calloused hand and tracing her lower lip with his thumb. 'I had to. You said it yourself, the birds could use the extra protein.'
She nipped the tip of his thumb playfully and looked around at the feeding cranes. 'Bon appetit!' She called, uttering a startled gasp when he pulled her down onto the grass, his mouth covering hers as he engulfed her in his warmth and his scent.
'Is this payment for what I owe you?' She whispered when he pulled away.
'Only the first instalment.' He pushed the jacket off her shoulder along with the straps of her tank top and bra and bathed the sensitive hollow of her collar bone in warm kisses and nibbles, causing her to squirm against him.
'It's a big one then? The debt I mean.' She was finding it more and more difficult to think in coherent sentences as he cupped and caressed.
'You could be in the hotel room with your auntie and cousin watching movies on demand.'
'Enormous then,' she groaned, pressing up against him.
'Mmm. I doubt if you'll ever be able to fully repay it.' He insinuated one knee between her legs and wriggled and nestled until his groin pressed against hers, until she could feel the hardness of him through the rub of jeans against jeans. Then he went back to work on her mouth, his tongue dancing over hers and lapping at her hard pallet, as they rocked and shifted against each other, until the friction was exquisite.
He pulled away enough to shove her tank top up until her belly was bare, then he kissed her just below the waist band of her bra where her ribs came together, causing her to inhale in tight little gasps. He licked and nuzzled his way down to her navel, while he opened her zipper and slid a hand inside the low waist band of her panties, clearing the way for his hungry mouth. She arched up to meet his kisses, as he slid her clothing down over her hips.
It felt as though she'd been waiting forever for this moment, as he caressed and suckled the landscape of her, exploring with his fingers, with his mouth, with his eyes, like Lewis and Clark discovering a new land, like Darwin discovering a new species.
The little moan that escaped his throat against her clit might have been from the feel of her so engorged and open and receptive, or it might have been from the feel of his heavy penis pressing through his jeans. Whatever the cause, she returned the moan and curled her fingers in his hair holding him to her undulating groin. The cranes were all around them, so close she could almost touch a feathered neck or a slender leg. She felt their singleness of purpose as though it were her own, and Hawk felt it too, she was sure he did.
He nuzzled and nipped and licked at the split of her, burying his face in the warm wetness of her, caressing her fullness with deep, expressive lavings. And when she was practically in a frenzy with the want of him, he pulled away and looked up into her eyes, his face glistening with her juices. 'I don't want to play this time, Val. I want the real thing. I want all of you. I want to be inside you.'
'Me too,' she gasped. 'I want that too.'
And they were both on their knees fumbling with zippers and snaps, pushing and shoving at denim and cotton, all aflutter like the wings of the cranes around them. The need felt like a fast moving prairie fire, with too much heat to even notice the prickle of the grass and the scratch of last year's dead vegetation still not quite surrendered to new growth.
She heard the tear of the condom wrapper, and as she kicked free of jeans and panties he was already sheathed and ready for her, settling her bare bottom back onto his open bomber jacket and pushing into her with a grunt, which ended in an inhaled breath sucked between his teeth. 'Oh god,' he sighed. 'Oh god.'
She was slick and pouting, aching and heavy. She had been all day, ever since she first saw him stroking his cock behind the bathrooms at the rest area, and she took him with tight, yielding ease that rubbed and slid and gripped in all the right places.
She lifted her legs around his hips and he groped and kneaded her ass cheeks in an effort to pull her still further onto him. 'You're so deep and tight, and god, you feel better than anything,' he breathed.
She grabbed his clenching buttocks, running trembling desperate fingers down the crack between, parting them, fondling them, teasing, making him suck air as her fingers brushed his anus and lingered to explore timidly.
His thrusting had become tight, stiff, manic, and she was practically off the ground, wrapped around him so tightly, digging white knuckled fingers into the tense muscle beneath his shoulder blades. All breath was gone, all thought was gone. All that was left was instinct, hunger, need. It erupted in harsh cries that caused a startled rustling of wings and a few muffled squawks in the sea of feathers and sinew, but little more. It was as though the birds somehow knew they were no threat. They continued to feed and settle in to roost as though the earth hadn't moved, as though the fireworks of hormonal chemistry between two humans had nothing to do with them.
June 26, 2012 Tags: erotic romance, erotica, free, Migrations, novella, The Secret Library, Travel sex, Xcite books
Category: Blog, News 4 Comments
Shshsh! It's a Secret: Okay, Not Any More: The Secret Library and Road Trips
There's something about being in the closed environment of a car moving down a long stretch of highway, watching the landscape change right before your eyes that's a little bit magical. One of the best parts of a good road trip is that everything is in flux. I've always found it hard to doze when it's not my turn to drive because I know every second my eyes are closed, an amazing landscape is passing me by.
I was fresh out of Uni and had worked a year in a small market television station in Montana. It was my first holiday. I was sort of on again off again with my landlady's son, Lynn. He was making a cross country move and invited me to travel along as far as Missouri, where my friends and family were expecting me, and where I had planned to spend my holiday. It seemed like a good way to save money and have a great time, so we headed off across country on a crisp May morning.
We were planning to drive straight through, but ended up having car trouble somewhere in Eastern Montana in the late afternoon. Help came from a truck driver, whose CB radio handle was The Weatherman. We never learned his real name. It was only a temporary fix until we could get to a place that had the part we needed for Lynn's truck. Lucky for us, Lynn's truck was equipped with a CB, and he was well-versed in the protocol. When we headed back down the highway, The Weatherman was keeping an eye on us.
We travelled with him, bantering back and forth over the radios almost like we were really travelling together. The three of us had dinner at a truck stop en route. I don't remember anything we talked about now, and nothing specific about the Weatherman and his life outside the closed environment of his truck. We travelled on through the night, across South Dakota, cosily tucked in our separate vehicles, only the soft crackle and pop of the CB connecting us. Sometime in the wee hours, we stopped at some little all-night diner on the edge of an Indian Reservation for coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls. Just after dawn, The Weatherman left us at some town that had a decent garage and continued his journey. I don't even remember the name of the place now, but I do remember our sojourn with The Weatherman. For the biggest part of a day, our travels paralleled each other, and we were companions on the journey. Then The Weatherman went on his way, and so did we.
I never saw either of them again. Lynn settled in the DC area, where he had a job waiting. We stayed in touch for a while, then drifted apart. And who knew where The Weatherman ended up at. But for a little while he made our journey a whole lot more interesting.
The view from part of Val and Hawk's sexy road trip in Migrations.
The unexpected journey with The Weatherman is, to some degree, what inspired my novella, Migrations – that and a family trip from hell, which involved my mother, an adult niece and endless miles of whiny country music and audio romance novels. Somehow the two inspired one, steamy, romantic road trip of a novella, which is now in Xcite Book's fabulous new Secret Library Collection in the Traded Innocence anthology. Each anthology contains three steamy, romantic novellas by some of erotica's best authors. I feel very honoured to be included in such nasty, romantic, delisious company.
In the following few weeks as The Secret Library anthologies are released, I'll be featuring some of the fabulous writers of those novellas on my website. The novellas are sexy and romantic and all done up in lovely discrete velvet covers. You can take them anywhere, and no one will ever guess your yummy little secret.
Here's a little except from my novella, Migrations.
Val nipped the tip of Hawk's thumb playfully and looked around at the feeding cranes. 'Bon appetit!' She called, uttering a startled gasp when he pulled her down onto the grass, his mouth covering hers as he engulfed her in his warmth and his scent.
Xcite Books
April 19, 2012 Tags: anthology, erotic romance, erotica, Migrations, Road trips, The Secret Library, Travel sex, Xcite books
Category: Blog, New Releases, News 4 Comments


text:
Sivi tuljan (lat. Halichoerus grypus) je sisavac iz porodice Phocidae.

Areal vrste obuhvaća veći broj država na području sjevernog Atlantika. Živi u državama kao što su: Island, Norveška, Portugal, Francuska, Kanada, SAD, Rusija, Švedska, Poljska i dr.

Sivi tuljan ima prepoznatljivu njušku. Odrasli tuljani imaju sive blijede pruge na puno svjetlijoj boji tijela. Mužjaci su dva do tri puta teži od ženki, što je najveća razlika između spolova. Kada ne love, vrijeme provode ležeći na stijenama ili u plitkim vodama s nosnicama izvan vode.

Obično su u vodi, na obali ili na plaži, a ponekad i na travnjacima daleko od obale.

Kada se okote, mladunci imaju bijelo krzno. Vrijeme provode na obali dva ili tri mjeseca prije nego što se usude ući u vodu.

Ova vrsta nije ugrožena.

Pravi tuljani

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: Sql query changed after magento update I recently updated my Magento to 1.8.0.1 to 1.9.2.4, after that is some code which is not working the way it was working before. In one of my custom module(purchased module)
there was a collection filter like this-
$weekCollection = Mage::getModel('mymodule/mymodel')->getCollection()
         ->addFieldToFilter('id',16)
         ->addFieldToFilter('week(created_time, 1)',$week);

it's sql query was
SELECT `main_table`.* FROM `table_name` AS `main_table` WHERE (`id` = '16') AND (week(`created_time`, 1) = '13')

this query was working fine in older veriosn
after updating magento  the query for that code is
SELECT `main_table`.* FROM `table_name` AS `main_table` WHERE (`id` = '16') AND (`week(created_time, 1)` = '13')

this is returning errror of  Unknown column 'week(created_time, 1)' in 'where clause'
What change should I make in addFieldToFilter  code to make the sql query same?

A: Try below code, that will work for you
$weekCollection = Mage::getModel('mymodule/mymodel')->getCollection()
     ->addFieldToFilter('id',16);

$weekCollection->getSelect()->where("week(created_time, 1) = $week");

A: Update your code:
$_week = week(created_time, 1);
$weekCollection = Mage::getModel('mymodule/mymodel')->getCollection()
             ->addFieldToFilter('id',16)
             ->addFieldToFilter($_week,$week);

A: You can use:

$weekCollection = Mage::getModel('mymodule/mymodel')->getCollection()
    ->addFieldToFilter('id',`16)
    ->getSelect()
    ->where(new Zend_Db_Expr("week(created_time, 1) = $week"));

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Operative missing, patrol vehicle vandalised as smugglers clash with customs in Ogun
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
An operative of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Command, has been declared missing as operatives of the command clashed with suspected smugglers along Olorunlere Village, near Alapoti town in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, on Friday, the incident occurred on December 3, when a team of officers and men of the command were on routine mobile patrol, intercepted some vehicles loaded with bags of foreign parboiled rice.
The suspected smugglers sensing their loss on sighting the patrol team attempted to evade arrest and eventually started shooting sporadically at the officers, and this resulted to serious exchange of fire between the two sides.
Oloyede explained further that the patrol team called for re-inforcement, but before the intervention from other units, they were overwhelmed due to the numeric strength of the smugglers aided by hoodlums, adding that in the ensuing commotion, the team tactically withdrew to enable the arrival of the reinforcements teams.
"On the arrival of the military personnel and other units of Customs including Federal Operations Unit (FOU) as requested by the Customs Area Controller, Peter Kolo, the hoodlums had already vandalised one of the official vehicles attached to the team. It was later discovered that an official driver, CA I (T) Taiwo Odeyemi was missing and has not been found as at the time of writing this report.
"In the light of the above, investigation is ongoing and effort is being made along with other security agencies and other critical stakeholders to locate the whereabouts of the missing officer and rescue him alive.
"To this end, the CAC strongly warned smugglers and their supporters that the incessant attacks leaves Officers with no other choice than to use appropriate force to deal with these new wave of criminal attacks on personnel performing their statutory functions.
"The Command is not detered by this and will step up its offensive against those whose interests is to make profits at the expense of the nation.
"Finally, the CAC has vowed to ensure that those behind this attack face the full wrath of the law and justice", Oloyede stated in the statement.
ly allForward
Tags: clashcustomsmissingogunOperativepatrolsmugglersvandalisedVehicle
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How do you establish a trusting relationship with your child?
How much control is too much?
How do you train a child without breaking him?
Every parent is aware of the tremendous potential that their child has. How do you raise a child, guide him through the pitfalls of growing up without breaking his spirit or dulling his perceptions?
Child Dianetics contains vital data on how to improve your interpersonal relationships with your children, make friends with them and earn their love and respect.


text:
Q: how can i parse a nested json file in Azure Data Factory? I have multiple json files in datalake which look like below:

The complex type also have arrays embedded in it.
How can i flatten this json to csv file by  either using copy activity or mapping data flows ?
Thanks

A: To flatten arrays, use the Flatten transformation and unroll each array.

A: As your source Json data contains multiple arrays, you need to specify the document form under Json Setting as 'Array of documents'

Then, use flatten transformation and inside the flatten settings, provide 'MasterInfoList' in unrollBy option.Use another flatten transformation to unroll 'links' array to flatten it something like this.

A: First check JSON is formatted well using this online JSON formatter and validator.
If source json is properly formatted and still you are facing this issue, then make sure you choose the right Document Form (SingleDocument or ArrayOfDocuments).
Also refer this Stackoverflow answer by Mohana B C


text:
Audiobooks Entertained
Tangents Entertained
Pokemon Trading Card Game Hub
Digitally Inclined
Books, Graphic Novels, Trades & Volume Reviews
The London Film and Comic Con Report
Football Inclined
Review - Deadpool Table
by Paul Fiander
Format reviewed on; PC, PS3 and Vita
Developers; Zen Studios
Publisher; Zen Studios
Formats; PC, PS3, PS4, PSVita, XboxOne, Xbox360, Ios, Andriod,
There are times when playing the Deadpool table that you may wish you were like the Who's Tommy. This is mostly thanks to the way the table's creators seem to have captured the crazed mercenary's essence in a cyberbottle and transported it into your game. From dancing a jig on a bumper to wise cracking his way into your brain, he will seemingly do anything to break your concentration including breaking the all important fourth wall. But before you silver ball purists start to complain this is Deadpool we are talking about and this is his table.
Deadpool is the creation of artist Rob Leifeld and writer Fabian Nicieza and is one of the more successful new additions to the Marvel line up. I saw new as he made his first appearance in 1991 and since then he has become something of a divisive character. This fact has not been missed by the creators and unlike the ultra clean Captain America, Deadpool is not afraid to take on the general public. Within the game there are small skirmishes that go on between the Red Masked one and the haters, the fun part is if you lose so does Deadpool and vice versa. The fact the haters in question are all wearing Zen studio T-Shirts helps keep the tone light but on point at all times.
The voice acting is this done by voice over royalty in the shape of Nolan North. He has played Deadpool on numerous occasions most recently in Marvel Lego Superheroes and the Mercenary's very own game. Having vocal talent that is at ease with the character is a big deal in an experience like this. You need humour for the concept to work and North certainly is able to provide the timing for most of the wise cracks. It would have been easy to get a sound alike but it speaks volumes that the studio went for the most recognisable voice to play the role.
The table itself feels like a Mission special, there are rewards for completing other tasks but they cannot compare to the rewards of completing the missions. As with most tables there is a risk reward element to this strategy but once you get the hang of the mission instigator you will feel quickly at home. The Missions themselves are various but the battles against the Little Fella steal the show. In these you battle a Miniature Deadpool (seemingly in the style of Skottie Young's Young Baby Deadpool Variant cover art) transported from another dimension. There are a few scenarios where this plays out but they all manage to the hit the mark in terms of gameplay as well as humour.
There is also the ability to ramp up the difficulty on the missions this again becomes a risk reward situation but shows that the table is able to cater for the wet behind the ears new players as well as the rock hard veteran players. I hope this is a trend that continues in future tables as it adds even more replayability to the tables.
I've played the table on the PSVita and PC and both are highly satisfying. To this point I have not encountered any glitches or bugs on either system. Score wise as usual the Vita wins out at around the 25 Million mark with the PC lagging behind at the 16 Million mark. (Oh how I wish I could use my Vita to play Pinball FX on the PC). I know however this is a the lower end of the score pool, Deadpool feels like a 50 Million plus table I just need to get the timings down to progress. Thankfully this table has enough under the hood to suggest that I will be coming back for more in the future and that score will be moving northwards.
Overall this is a great addition to the Zen Pinball family the table works on its own merits and is full of humour both vocally and visually. If you have never heard of Deadpool I'm sure after this you will be clamouring to find out more. So in many ways I have to agree with the star of the show and say this table is certainly better than the Iron Man Table*.
Table Rating 4.5/5
*This statement may have been made as I was under duress from an unknown Mercenary dressed in Red it by no means reflects my true feelings or act as a spoiler for the Iron Man table which I will review at a later date.
PC Version bought by reviewer, PSN versions courtesy of Zen Studios
Images - from Publisher
Paul Fiander
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