The Story of a Family
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Luigi had rarely been happier to get home than he was as he returned from the gym. He limped up the steps on his sore ankle, looking forward to dropping into bed with an ice pack, a nice mixed drink, and that sci-fi novel Noemi couldn’t stop raving about.
Seeing Noemi had been the only bright spot in this absolutely cursed day, and the universe had even had to go and try to ruin that! He couldn’t wait for today to be over – surely tomorrow would be better, it had to be!
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Entering the downstairs foyer the first thing he heard was Chubbs, meowing plaintively. Had he forgotten to feed her? Glancing up the steps Luigi did a double take. Smoke was pouring out from under the door of his bedroom, his cat standing nearby doing her best to alert someone to the problem.
Ignoring the pain Luigi bolted up the stairs, nearly falling headfirst into his room when his ankle buckled underneath him. Catching himself on the doorframe, he continued inside to find the table on which rested Papa Jack’s urn, and the candle from Beau he’d forgotten to extinguish, ablaze.
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Luigi’s heart jumped into his throat as she saw the flames engulfing Papa Jack’s remains. Without thinking he started to reach forward to grab the urn out of harm’s way but was stopped short by the intense heat radiating from the fire.
Instead, he ran back out to grab the fire extinguisher hanging in the hallway, planting his feet and venting his fear and frustration in a primal scream as he sprayed the foam in a wide arc across the blaze.
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Once the fire was extinguished Luigi was left with the charred remains of ruined furniture and his papa's urn, standing like a sentinel in the middle of it all. It looked OK, but he had no way of knowing if Papa Jack's connection to the physical world had remained intact.
Luigi started to cry then, giant choking sobs that racked his entire body. He gasped out a plea to his papa, to the watcher, to anyone who could hear him to please let it be OK, to give him a sign. He didn't know how he'd live with himself if he’d destroyed his papa’s only link to the mortal realm.
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Suddenly he felt a pair of strong arms wrapped around him, heard Papa Jack whisper in his ear that he was here, everything was OK.
For a long while all he could do to return the hug as if his life depended on it, his Papa rubbing his back like he used to do when Luigi was a child. Big fat tears cascaded down his cheeks as he told Papa Jack that he was so sorry, so stupid, and promised never to let anything like that happen again.
When his tears were finally spent Jack invited him to sit down and tell him everything. Luigi offloaded his tale of woe and apologized again, thanking him for coming. Papa replied that honestly, he hadn’t gotten a choice! He’d intended to visit as soon as he could when he heard Luigi’s sobs, but he’d found himself physically pulled across the barrier separating the worlds, unceremoniously deposited in the hallway of the boarding house.
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After that Jack went downstairs himself to get his son that drink and the ice pack he needed more than ever after his terror fueled run.
Luigi downed his glass of nectar and strapped the pack to his burning ankle but decided not to risk falling asleep on his papa. Instead, using the wall for support, he hopped to the chess table just outside his door, settling in for a relaxing game while they chatted.
“I’ve been very proud of your recent accomplishments” Jack began. “Tell me the latest on your lovely ladies so I don’t offer you bad advice when this fine juice loosens my tongue later.” Luigi smiled, always happy to discuss his favorite sims.
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Luigi told Papa Jack all about his latest dates with Amaya and Noemi, not sure how much had come across in his nightly updates to the urn.
Jack was quiet at first, lost in thought. Finally, he told his boy “I’d say you’re incredibly lucky and unlucky. Both your girls sound great, but you’re not going to be able to keep the two of them fully satisfied indefinitely. Sooner or later, you’ll need to make a choice”.
Amaya was clearly a lot of fun, but it seemed to Jack that she and Luigi didn't "click" as well as he and Noemi. However, his responsibilities as a legacy heir meant he had to have a child. Was he prepared to do that on his own if he wanted to stay with Noemi and she refused to come out of "hiding"?
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Jack went on “You have time son, but your next birthday is closer than you might realize. I suggest you put some thought towards your future.”
Luigi frowned slightly as he processed his papa's advice. Being in college it sometimes felt like he was suspended in a bubble, not as "grown-up" as his cousins with their full-time jobs and "adult" responsibilities, but that wasn't true. Time marched on, and his university days would soon be over.
He thanked his papa and pondered his next move on the board. Gazing contentedly at the ghost sitting across from him, he reflected that maybe it hadn't been that terrible of a day after all.
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View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

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Copper: The Conductor of Choice
Copper stands out as the metal of choice for solar collector pipes due to its exceptional thermal conductivity, which ensures rapid heat transfer from the collector surface to the water. Its corrosion resistance and durability under high temperatures further make it indispensable in collector designs.
Aluminum: Supporting Solar Efficiency
Aluminum's role in solar water heaters, particularly in the frames and backing of solar collectors, cannot be overstated. Its lightweight nature, excellent corrosion resistance, and ability to reflect solar radiation back into the collector enhance the overall efficiency and longevity of the system.
Stainless Steel: Durability Meets Sustainability
For storage tanks and internal components, stainless steel is a preferred material. Its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures make it ideal for maintaining the quality and safety of the stored hot water over many years.
Enhancing Performance with Metal Coatings
Beyond the structural use of metals, advanced metal coatings play a pivotal role in maximizing the efficiency of solar water heaters. Selective coatings made from metals like nickel or titanium can be applied to the surface of collectors to enhance their ability to absorb solar radiation while minimizing heat loss.
The Environmental and Economic Benefits of Metal-Based Solar Water Heaters
The use of metals in solar water heaters not only contributes to the system's efficiency and durability but also offers significant environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels for water heating, these systems decrease greenhouse gas emissions and promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Economically, the initial investment in a metal-based solar water heater pays off in the long run through reduced energy bills and minimal maintenance costs.
Challenges and Innovations
While the benefits of metal in solar water heaters are clear, challenges such as the cost of materials like copper and the environmental impact of mining and processing these metals remain. However, ongoing research into alternative materials and more sustainable mining practices promises to address these concerns. Innovations in metal recycling and the development of coatings that can further improve efficiency and reduce costs are also paving the way for more sustainable solar water heating solutions.
The Future of Metals in Solar Water Heating
As technology advances and the global community continues to seek renewable energy solutions, the role of metals in solar water heaters is set to become even more critical. With research focused on finding the right balance between performance, sustainability, and cost, the future of solar water heating looks bright. Metals, with their unique properties and versatility, will undoubtedly continue to play a central role in the development of these essential systems.
Conclusion
Metals, through their various roles and forms, are the unsung heroes of solar water heaters. From copper pipes that efficiently transfer heat to aluminum frames that enhance durability, and innovative metal coatings that improve system performance, the contribution of metals to the efficiency and sustainability of solar water heaters is invaluable. As we move towards a more sustainable future, the importance of these materials in harnessing the power of the sun for our daily needs cannot be overstated.
References
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports on solar water heating technologies.
International Energy Agency (IEA) publications on renewable energy and solar heating.
Scientific journals and papers on materials science related to solar thermal applications.

"Yes I Can, I Got This" - The Power of Positive Self-Talk

Too often we are our own harshest critics, quick to doubt our abilities and dismiss our accomplishments. But giving yourself credit where it's due, celebrating your wins, and using positive self-talk is so important for building self-confidence, resilience, and a mindset for success.
Patting Yourself on the Back
Patting yourself on the back, uttering affirmations like "I got this," or simply telling yourself "well done" after a challenge are all forms of positive self-talk. This inner voice cheering you on provides motivation, lifts your spirit, and reinforces the belief that you are capable of overcoming obstacles.
Empowering Examples
Other empowering examples of positive self-talk include:

• "I can do hard things."
• "I'm making progress every day."
• "I've got the skills to crush this."
• "My efforts are paying off."
• "I believe in myself."

Recognizing Your Efforts
Recognizing and giving yourself credit for your efforts, small wins, and personal growth is so important. It builds self-esteem and an empowering narrative of capability. It keeps you going during difficult times. It quiets the voice of self-doubt.
Celebrating Accomplishments
When you give yourself that hard-earned pat on the back, you're acknowledging your strength, your persistence, and your ability to achieve your goals through perseverance. You're validating your self-worth and potential. This positive internal dialogue becomes the fuel for bigger dreams and greater challenges.
Embrace Positive Self-Talk
So don't hold back in celebrating your accomplishments. Embrace positive self-talk as a potent tool for self-motivation. Let "You've got this!" become your personal mantra, a battle cry that propels you forward with courage and conviction. You are unstoppable when you believe in yourself. Yes you can, because you've got this!
Newsu

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When you try to copy or view a file from a memory card you put into your computer, have you ever discovered it's unreadable? Any file system on memory cards, USB drives, external HDD drives, storage devices, and even internal drives might experience this regrettable circumstance. Your circumstances may make this inability to obtain that info disastrous.
When a partition becomes RAW, for whatever reason, you cannot access the data on your drive and it won't be useful until you format it. For you to obtain that data, you must therefore act. Using a data recovery program on Windows or macOS is one such way to succeed.

RAW partition

It's critical to know what a RAW partition is before we discuss recovering lost data. Said another way, a RAW partition is one that has not been formatted using the file system that the computer is using.
It's never really out of the box with removable USB devices and memory cards. If you put an SD card into one computer and it reads it correctly, the next computer may not be able to comprehend the file system structure and may destroy the partition layout, making that device inaccessible. Almost always, you've just taken out that USB device or memory card without first letting the operating system securely remove it. “
The file systems most Windows computers use, for instance, are FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, or NTFS5. Conversely, macOS supports NTFS solely in read-only mode and uses APFS, HFS+, FAT32, and exFAT. Linux systems use XFS, BTRFS, reiser, ext3, ext4, and more.
Sometimes the file system type of a device formatted in one platform can be read by another. Regretfully, there is no assurance here. You will therefore likely be told the disk was unreadable by the computer when you try to read, say, an SD card formatted with the ext4 file system on a MacBook Pro.
The important thing is that Initialize option. It is telling us, in other words, that the card is not formatted so that the computer can read it. While clicking Initialize will undoubtedly remove all of the data on the device, it is still an option.

Can I Get My Data Back from a RAW Partition?

The excellent news is that data lost or unavailable from a RAW partition can be recovered. Occasionally all that has to be done is plug the disk (or SD card) in issue into the computer that was originally used to generate the files and folders on the device. After that, you can format the card to a file system the target computer can read, copy the data back, and insert the card into the target machine.
You will have to fix the damage and retrieve the data on the disk if you can no longer access the original machine (or one with a comparable file system) or if the reason isn't incompatibility between your operating system and the current file system.

What Use Is Converting RAW to NTFS?

Said another way, if your data is kept on a RAW partition, you cannot access it. NTFS and other file systems serve the purpose of logically storing your data for simple retrieval when needed. Your data without a file system is just a disjointed mess that is almost impossible to discover anything.
Computers locate and access your data through file systems, hence a RAW disk will not be accessible. Its contents might still be there, but without a functional file system, it will be unusable.

Converting RAW to NTFS Without Data Loss

Converting a RAW partition to NTFS without losing the data on it is possible in just one way. You need CheckDisk for that.
The Windows utility CheckDisk looks for logical and physical problems in the volumes of your drive. If you need to convert RAW to NTFS without losing data, it can even fix any issues it finds with extra settings. Because CheckDisk might be able to identify and fix the damage keeping the volume from reading properly, we're utilizing it.
Using CheckDisk's Command Prompt, convert a RAW drive to NTFS as follows:

1. Using a right-click on Start, select Windows PowerShell (Admin). Should UAC ask you to allow it, click Yes.
2. Start with chkdsk D: /r. D: should be replaced with the RAW partition's drive letter. Key in Enter.

See if Disk Management displays the right file system and the volume is now accessible after issuing the command.

Recovery of Data from a RAW Partition

Sometimes the RAW partition cannot be fixed by CheckDisk or Disk Utility without causing data loss. Before manually converting the RAW partition back to NTFS, you should recover your data in such a situation.
You can recover your data using the following techniques before fixing the malfunctioning drive.

Method 1 :- Recover With BLR Tools

A few fast clicks using BLR BitLocker Partition Data Recovery Tool can allow you to recover data from a RAW partition. And you can find the files you need fast with BLR Tools's useful features like file filters. Furthermore, something the command line cannot achieve, BLR Tools adds Guaranteed Recovery and Recovery Vault data protection techniques to the mix.
Proceed as follows to recover files from a RAW partition:

1. Get BLR Tools for Mac or Windows and install it. Open BLR Data Recovery Tool when it has downloaded and been installed. BLR Tools will detect a drive even while the operating system cannot.
2. Choose the disputed RAW drive and hit Search for lost data. BLR Tools will now start looking for files on the hard drive.
3. Click Review identified items to start browsing the found file structure after the scan is finished (this may take some time depending on the size of the drive).
4. To retrieve the files, click retrieve. Choose the location to save the restored files. Choose an output location on a different physical partition, please.
5. Recovering will start as soon as you click OK. This can take some time depending on how many files you've chosen to recover, how big those files are, and the state of the examined device. BLR Tools will show you an overview screen with direct access to your data choice after the procedure is finished.

Method 2 :- Try TestDisk to Recover

Use TestDisk to recover the whole partition. Restoring missing or lost partitions is the goal of the open-source recovery program TestDisk. Not to mention totally free. Its absence of a graphical user interface makes it difficult for novices to utilize. Still, you may quickly recover your lost partition by following the detailed methods.
This is a little video demonstrating how TestDisk can recover a lost partition:

1. Get TestDisk and extract its zip. Try testdisk_win.exe.
2. To start a fresh log file, hit Enter.
3. To continue, choose the drive holding the RAW partition and hit Enter.
4. Choose a partition table type. The one TestDisk thinks it used gets chosen automatically. Press Enter.
5. To examine the partition structure and search for lost partitions, press Enter.
6. Once more hit Enter to start the Quick Search.
7. Press Enter when finished.
8. Choose the partition and hit Enter.
9. If nothing shows up, choose Deeper Search to do a more thorough search.
10. Find the partition and choose Write.
11. After you confirm by pressing Y, restart your computer.

Method 3 :- Recovering with a Data Recovery Centre

Sometimes data recovery is still not possible with even sophisticated recovery software. Alternatively, you could merely feel uneasy trying to retrieve the info on your own. Still, there is the choice to use a data recovery facility.
To complete the task, a data recovery center hires data recovery experts with sophisticated knowledge of file recovery and equipment of the highest calibre. The most successful approach to recovery is frequently to use a data recovery facility, but it is also the most expensive.
What to anticipate generally if you decide to use a data recovery service to recover your data is as follows:

1. Launch Recovery by clicking
   
2. Complete every field as required. This covers the kind of service you would like, how to get in touch with you, and any drive specific details.
   
3. When ready to submit, click Complete my work order. You will be instructed to send your drive away for repair from this point.
   

Techniques for NTFS Conversion of RAW

It is now time to consider drive repair after data recovery. Generally speaking, once you are not concerned about losing your data, repairing a RAW partition is really simple. It only means replacing the broken or incompatible file system with a fresh one during formatting.
These solutions will walk you through configuring a disk and converting a RAW hard drive to NTFS.

Method 1:- Method with File Explorer

One of the simplest methods, formatting a drive with File Explorer just requires a few clicks. As you are ready to complete the format, just click Restore device defaults if you are not sure what values to use.

1. Start File Explorer.
2. To format a partition, do a right-click on it in the left navigation pane and select Format.
3. When you're ready, set the format's values and hit Start.

Method 2:- Format using Disk Management

A Windows program called Disk Management lets you examine and modify the storage disks on your computer. It provides an overview of the data allocations and general health of your disks. One can format their drives with it as well.

1. Choose Disk Management with a right-click on Start.
2. Give the volume a right-click and choose Format.
3. Specify the format's values, then click OK when done.
4. Please click OK to verify the format.

Method 3:- Presentation with DiskPart

Though it manages the storage drives on your computer through a command-line interface, DiskPart is a potent command interpreter. Should File Explorer and Disk Management prove ineffective for you, this is a helpful alternative.

1. With a right-click on Start, choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Just type diskpart and hit Enter.
3. Press Enter after typing list disc. Notify the disk number containing the RAW partition.
4. Please choose a disk. Replace 2 with your own disk number.
5. Type list volume and hit Enter. Note down the RAW volume number.
6. Put in volume 3 and hit Enter.
7. Kindly enter clean.
8. Put in create partition main and hit Enter. In doing so, a fresh blank primary partition is created.
9. Enter format fs=ntfs. This NTFS-formats the volume.
10. Enter after typing assignment. One is given a drive letter as a result.

Advice on Avoiding NTFS Partitions from Converting to RAW
By now you're undoubtedly thinking, "How can I keep a partition from going RAW?" That raises a really interesting issue. Ultimately, you want to avoid having to perform RAW partition recovery each time you plug in an external HDD, USB flash drive, or SD card into your computer. Thankfully, you have a few options to lessen the likelihood of this happening.
Never take out a USB drive or SD card without first "Safely removing" it with the built-in feature on your computer. A RAW partition is likely if you just remove the drive without letting your operating system safely unmount or eject the device.
As widely used a file system as you can, format your drives with. Almost all operating systems can read the file systems FAT32 and NTFS, hence those are excellent options. NTFS is read-only on macOS, which is one issue; FAT32 is always your better choice. Choosing one of these file systems should leave you with no issues with your platform of choice needing to start a drive or just not being able to read it.
Put your machine to a proper shutdown. Processes on your computer may be interrupted by sudden power outage. The corruption of your file system may follow from this. Avoid forcing a shutdown of your computer whenever possible.
See how your disk is doing. You can get early warning of any possible problems your drive may run into by using a disk monitoring program that can read the SMART data on your drive. You can stop additional damage by acting right away as problems arise.
Naturally, a drive can still turn RAW at any time even with all of this done. Thus, you should regularly backup your data so that a secure duplicate is always accessible if you want to really protect it from such an occurrence. Easy to configure and maintain snapshot copies of your data so you can even restore to a prior version if necessary, built-in Windows backup solutions like File History are a fantastic option.

Conclusion

A RAW partition or drive can be avoided really easily. Know, nevertheless, that you have the resources to handle the situation if it should come up. Data recovery from RAW drive or partition is highly likely with BLR Tools. If in doubt, run BLR Tools's free Basic edition through your RAW drive or partition. Get the Pro license and safely restore your inaccessible data if BLR Tools can locate it.

5 of these pics are not my actual cars though they were identical; the Celica, both Nissans, BMW and the Honda.
This is more or less in reverse order.
The Celica was my first car, had it for only a few weeks until some clown crashed into it.
I drove both Nissan Bluebirds into the ground. The Bluebird Maxima has a VG20ET and was my first turbo. The Bluebird SSS was an ATTESA model, precursor to the AWD in the GTR - it only had a CA18DET engine and was pretty underwhelming all things considered.
The FTO was one of my favourite ever cars. It had a 6A13TT engine (2.5 twin turbo V6 from a Legnum VR4). This was a freaking weapon. I kept this in my garage for over a decade and ultimately sold it to my sisters boyfriend. I’d let it deteriorate while out of the city for a very long time working.
The BMW looks identical to what I had, though mine was only a 320i, but had the Motorsport treatment from the factory. Was a nice car, I had it at the same time as the FTO as a daily. I got rid of it when I was working in another city.
The Fuga was only a 250GT, honestly piss weak, but nice to drive.
The Honda Sabre was a 2.5, don’t remember much about it, I’d left my job to study again and had to get a cheap car for transport.
After graduating and getting back into a career, I bought the 2012 C7 A6 as we wanted something nice to travel in, got a good deal on it. It has the 3.0 supercharged V6 and DSG. Was a very good car, we used it as our wedding car. Good memories.
Next up was my 2011 Jaguar XFR. 5.0 supercharged V8, but unfortunately it developed an engine problem and I rejected it, getting all my money back with the assistance of my lawyer. Only had it six months, entire time spent worrying that it would explode.
I then bought the 2016 S3, which was a great wee car, but coming out of the XFR it felt slow and I’d not sowed my V8 oats.
Traded that in for probably my favourite ever car; my 2013 AMG E63 with the twin turbo 5.5 V8. This was a bloody weapon, but increasing fuel prices and maintenance meant that it was illogical to keep. I still greatly miss it.
That brings me to my 2019 Model 3 Performance. Still got it, though I’m getting itchy feet again. Changing cars has become a bit of a meme for me.
What’s your journey?

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Report bugs here and earn rewards: https://pubgmobile.live/support

PUBG MOBILE will begin pushing out the update on 5/13 at 2:00 (UTC+0). Service will not be interrupted. To ensure a quick and smooth update, please be in a good network environment and make sure you have enough available storage on your device.
Update Reward: Update the game between 5/13–5/27 (UTC+0) to get 3,000 BP, 100 AG, and a Mecha Warship Theme (3d).

Key Updates

1. New Themed Mode "Mecha Fusion": Engage in thrilling battles in a brand new battleship themed area with new mecha vehicles!
2. World of Wonder Updates: Bring your competitive experience to the next level with new mecha gameplay!
3. Firearm and Vehicle Updates: P90 and Skorpion have been rebalanced. QBZ added to Erangel and Miramar. Select vehicles now have a delayed explosion mechanic. Experience a different kind of battle!
4. Collection System: The Collection System is here! Start growing your collection today!
5. Home: The mysterious Elegant Ancient Capital resource pack is coming soon! Build your dream Home and show off your creativity in the Home Competition!

New Themed Mode: Mecha Fusion

Available: 2024/5/13 at 2:00 (UTC+0)–2024/7/9 at 20:59 (UTC+0)
Supported Maps: Erangel, Livik, and Miramar (Ranked and Unranked)
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New Mecha Vehicles

• Strider: A two-seater vehicle with the ability to jump. It's armed with missiles that can be used to bombard designated areas. Missiles can be replenished at the Repair Station in the Assembly Base.
• Levitron: A special vechile that can switch between a speed form and a magnetic form. Serves as the upper-body component that combines with a Strider to form the Armamech.
  • In speed form, the maximum speed and hover height will be increased, and the vehicle gains a "collision acceleration" ability: it will not slow down when it hits an obstacle. Instead, it will accelerate using the stored magnetic energy.
  • In magnetic form, the maximum speed and hover height will be reduced, but it can activate a "Magnetize" ability to grab and toss characters, vehicles, and specific objects.
• Armamech: A four-seater vehicle combined from a Levitron and a Strider. It can also be directly summoned from the Steel Ark.
  • It possesses 2 weapons that it can freely switch between: the Strider's missiles, and the Levitron's "Magnetize" ability.
  • It has a boosted jump that enables it to leap high and far with the assistance of jets.
  • Bring a Levitron and a Strider close together to combine them. After combining, the pilot of the Levitron becomes the pilot of the Armamech. It can also be separated at any time.

Brand New Environments

• Steel Ark:
  • A giant space battleship that will land on the map at the start of a match. You can enter it and explore inside. The core of the Steel Ark is a platform where you can summon the Armamech from the skies! You can launch yourself into the air in this mecha for everyone to see.
  • The ark consists of many areas. You can find all kinds of supplies and Supply Crates at the Command Post, Dormitory, Warehouse, and more.
  • From the landing pad, you can board an evacuation Wingman, which will take you straight to the Playzone!
  • You can use elevators and ziplines in the ark to get around.
  • Steel Ark Air Drop: A Steel Ark loaded with supplies will fly around during the match and drop supplies consisting of an Air Drop Crate and several Supply Crates at specific drop points.
• Assembly Base:
  • The Assembly Base contains a Mecha Repair Station. Approach it in a mecha to replenish the mecha's health, fuel, and missiles.
  • On the top floor of the Assembly Base, there is a detector that can determine the location of crates within the Assembly Base. An Access Card can be found in one of the crates, which can be used to open the door to the Secret Room and get loads of supplies.

New Items

• Jetpack: Pick it up and equip it to increase movement speed. It possesses the ability to hover in the air for a short duration. It consumes Energy rapidly when lifting off. Energy will only be replenished when you reach the ground. The Jetpack has a Health bar that protects you from damage to your back and arms. It will be destroyed after taking a certain amount of damage. When reaching a certain speed while moving forward, it can switch to a speed form. You will perform a special action when you tap "Lift Off" as it switches to the speed form. The Jetpack comes with the "Magnetize" ability, but you will not be able to fly fast when using it.
• Personal AED: If you have this item, you can tap self-rescue after being knocked down. Once successful, you will recover from the knocked down state. Each player can only carry one of these items. Self-rescuing will be interrupted if you move while using this item.
• Magnet Gun: This is a downgraded version of the Levitron's "Magnetize" ability in gun form. Switch to it by tapping on the firearm bar. It works the same as the Levitron's "Magnetize", but with reduced values.
• Respawn Beacon: Throw the beacon on the ground to mark a location that the plane will pass over. Recalled teammates can parachute into the match again at the cost of a respawn chance. Teammates who have used up all their respawn chances cannot respawn.
• Quick Parachute: When parachuting, a quick parachute button will appear at a certain height in the air. Tap it to immediately deploy the parachute which can also be freely put away.
• Repair Station: Approach the Repair Station in a mecha to replenish its health, fuel, and missiles.

New Legendary Pilot Challenge

Get themed items, special vehicle cosmetics, Armamech dance emotes, special Elimination Broadcasts, and more by completing this difficult themed mode challenge.

World of Wonder

Available: Releases with the version
https://preview.redd.it/p1fd1vgtfd0d1.png?width=1384&format=png&auto=webp&s=e85c32e7ca039909f454cf08cf359f0df7137de5

World of Wonder Updates

• Fuzzy search is now supported. You can search for maps by creation ID, creator UID, creation name, and description.
• Added the friends tab to check what creations your friends have made at a glance.
• Gift Access Point: You can now send Space Gifts from the creation details page and the creator's profile page.
• You can view your play data and creation data in WOW on your player information page.
• Ranking Improvements: Added support for more variables. Matches will now announce when a ranking player is in the match.
• Copied Creations Limit: The number of copied creations you can have (including creations that are already published or those under review) is limited based on your Creator Level. When the limit is reached, you can only publish original creations unless you take down an existing copied creation.
• Improved map recommendations and showcasing. Updated the WOW Creator page.

New Gameplay Devices

• Contested Object Device: Use this device to spawn a contested object, which players can hold in their hands similar to "capture the flag".
• Contested Object Handover Device: Contested objects can be handed over to this device for rewards.
• Defensive Tower Device: Use this device to generate a fixed defense tower and configure its weapon type.

Gameplay Device Improvements

• PvE Enemy Spawn Device: Supports spawning PvE enemies at random, configuring the PvE enemy's type, and randomizing their weight. You can also configure the PvE enemy's team.
• Random Action Device: Supports storing the result of a random integer in a custom variable.
• Special Vehicle Device: Added mechas.
• Map Indicator Device: Supports real-time display of icons and text in the game.
• Area Trigger Device: The action of the specific object entering the zone can be detected by the Area Trigger Device.
• Overall Action Device: The action of players leaving the match can be detected.
• Humanoid Enemy Spawn Device: Can now add buffs to spawned humanoid enemies.
• Grouped Object Action Device: Supports configuring grouped objects. Loading any one of them automatically removes the others.
• Item Issuance Device, Item Spawn Device, Custom Shop Device: Added 5.7mm ammo and the MG3.

New Interactive Objects

• Target Dummy: A target dummy from the single-player training stage that shows damage numbers when hit and has several poses.
• Soccer Ball: A soccer ball that moves upon contact.

Interactive Object Improvements

• New Dynamic Moving Object Actions: Every new movement method for moving objects has a corresponding action. They can be activated by the detectable actions of other devices.
• Guiding Lines: Launch pads and trampolines have guiding lines that show the trajectory of the player being launched into the air.

Controls & Interaction

• Guiding Lines When Placing Objects In Midair: When placing objects in the air, guiding lines that project the current object's position on the ground can be shown.
• Backpack Objects Can Be Interactized: You can take out interactized attachments such as a spinning ferris wheel from your backpack.
• Object Interactization—Collidable Interactization: Set whether interactized objects move when hit by characters, vehicles, bullets, or throwables.
• Object Interactization—Holding Interactization: Interactized objects can be held and tossed by characters.
• Coordinate Editing in Free Editing Mode: In Free Editing Mode, you can select an object directly and move, rotate, or resize it by modifying its coordinates.
• Object Editing Interface: Each object has an editing interface where you can directly edit the object's orientation, scaling, interactization type, or gameplay device parameters.
• Object Placement and Alignment Improvements: Improved the usability of object snap and area grid, as well as added more object alignment parameters.
• Auto Snap Option When Re-Editing: In the previous version, objects automatically snapped to their initial position when brought close to it during re-editing. This setting can now be toggled on and off in the editor's parameter settings interface, and is off by default.
• Object Movement and Rotation Increment: Added movement and rotation increment settings to the editor's parameter settings interface.
• Free Editing Top View Now Perfectly Flat: In Free Editing Mode, the previous top view editing was not perfectly flat, resulting in inaccurate positioning when placing objects from midair. Now, the editing view has been changed to be perfectly flat.
• Added temporary resources. They will be replaced with default resources when they expire.

Game Parameters

• Retaining Shop Tokens: Shop Tokens can now be kept during a match or across matches.
• Overall Action Management: Added tag customization and filter features. You can create tags for gameplay devices to classify and filter them based on the tags.
• Armed AI Customization Interface: Attributes for armed AI and defense towers can be customized, including health, attack, and more.
• Match Log Interface: In-game logs now include the save feature. You can save and view all logs generated during play tests.

Other Updates

• Group Editing: The team leader can edit the permissions of team members for better team management.
• Enchantopia Updates: You can invite friends to Enchantopia and edit your team there. Added more interesting gameplay to the stages.
• Cost Calculation Improvements: Fine-tuned how the system determines the cost of an object.
• New map templates.

Classic Updates

Livik Map Updates

• Added 4 new XT Upgrade Crates on top of the existing ones. New firearm upgrades are for the UMP45, SKS, DP-28, and M762. Upgrade Crates for these 4 firearms can be found in Livik or purchased from the Shop for 10 tokens.
  • UMP45 Upgrade: Reduced hip fire bullet spread by 20%.
  • SKS Upgrade: Faster recoil recovery after firing.
  • DP-28 Upgrade: Faster reload speed.
  • M762 Upgrade: Reduced muzzle shake.

Erangel Map Updates

• Improved the quality of models seen by players at high altitudes, and resolved the issue of buildings disappearing.

Home Updates

The Home System is permanently available, and will be updated each version with interesting gameplay and building cosmetics.

Home Competition

Submission Period: 2024/5/13 at 00:00–2024/6/1 at 8:59 (UTC+0)
Selection Period: 2024/6/1 at 9:00–2024/7/1 at 9:00 (UTC+0)

• You must reach at least 200 Home Prosperity before you can register for the Home Competition.
• If players miss the submission period, they can still register during the selection period. After registering, they will be placed in the next round's matchmaking pool.
• After registering, the selection criteria will be based on the current look of the player's Home.
• During the selection period, you'll be matched with players of similar Home Prosperity at random every 3 days, for 10 rounds in total.
• During the face-off, the player that obtains more votes wins. The winner gets to loot points from the loser.
• Participate in Home Face-Offs to win Home Points and increase your Home Face-Off Level. The higher the Home Face-Off Level, the better the rewards.
• Home Votes can be obtained by completing missions and by sending Home gifts. Note: Regular Popularity gifts do not grant Home Votes.
• Home gifts given during each face-off round of the selection period will count towards Home Votes. Home gifts given outside a face-off round will not count towards the number of votes.

Home Events

• Elegant Ancient Capital Style Event:
  • Available: 2024/5/18 at 2:00 (UTC+0)
  • Purchase Elegant Ancient Capital Home items during the event to get Style Points that can be redeemed for amazing rewards.
• Ancient Capital Theme Debut Celebration:
  • Available: 2024/5/18 at 00:00 (UTC+0)–2024/5/31 at 23:59 (UTC+0)
  • The Event Center is launching an event to celebrate Elegant Ancient Capital's arrival. Get a Congratulatory Ancient Capital Object Pack when you reach Home Lv. 3, and use it to build an Ancient Capital Style Home in an instant!
  • Visit your Home and upgrade your Home Level to get additional rewards, including Home Coins, Classic Crate Coupons, AG, Ancient Capital themed items, and more.

Home Building Updates

• Build With Blueprint & Group Editing:
  • Improved the process of building with blueprints. You can now go to More - Save Blueprint to copy and save the draft.
  • The Home Level required to build with blueprints and publish blueprints has been reduced to Lv. 3.
  • You can set the level of the blueprint you want to edit with a tap.
  • The Home Level required to access group editing has been reduced to Lv. 5. You can go to Blueprint Editing - More - Group Editing to invite your friends to build your Home together.
• Home Resource Updates:
  • The mysterious Elegant Ancient Capital resource pack will be coming soon, along with a surprise event that will reward the Elegant Ancient Capital doorplate and exclusive background music for a limited time.
  • Reach Home Lv. 3 to get a basic Elegant Ancient Capital object pack.

Home Resource & Content Updates

• Added an access point to the Home Shop in Home. Not only can you browse and edit freely in your Home, you can also enjoy the fun of shopping at any time.
• Added an access point to the Home Lucky Spin in the Home Shop, so you can more conveniently acquire your favorite items:
  • Upgraded the Lucky Spin event. There are now multiple Lucky Spins available at once, providing you with more diverse shopping options.
  • Elegant Ancient Capital themed items will be available in the Home Lucky Spin.
• The Elegant Ancient Capital themed items are now available in the Home Shop. Give your Home style a unique twist.
• Upgraded the Home's lighting effects so players can take more quality photos.
• Added customizable atmosphere modules that can be adjusted in visit mode.
• Added privacy settings so you can now control who has access to your Home. Additionally, after reaching Home Lv. 15, you can enable the private channel feature to enjoy private time with your friends.
• Improved object interactions. Added new facial expression changes after sitting down. Added new interactive objects: Smith Machine, Treadmill, Bathtub.
• Improved butler actions. Butlers can now turn around and look at the player when they are within a specific range.
• Home Tree Status Notification: When coins can be collected from the current Home Tree, you will see a notification icon on the Friends tab, the Enter My Home button, and the Home details page.

Metro Royale Updates

Available: 2024/5/15 at 1:00 (UTC+0)
Matchmaking: 2024/5/15 at 2:00 (UTC+0)

• Collectibles Cabinet Updates: New Chapter 20 Collectibles
• After obtaining specific Fabled collectibles, they can be displayed in the player's Personal Space.
• After obtaining specific Fabled collectibles, turn in collectibles to get certain Fabled collectible decorations for the Home.
• New Honor Rewards: Chapter 20 Elite Avatar, Chapter 20 Hero Avatar Frame, and Chapter 20 Legendary Name Tag. These rewards can be claimed after reaching the corresponding Honor level.
• New elite PvE enemy in Misty Port and Arctic Base: Strider.
• New firearms: P90 (Cobra), P90 (Steel Front).
• Player EXP can now be earned via Metro Royale matches.
• Companion EXP can be earned by bringing companions to Metro Royale matches.
• You can now tap to repair all items at once on the loadout page.
• You can now tap to open multiple inventory gift packs at once.
• Improved the firearm status at the preparation stage at the start of the match. Firearms will be reloaded by default and set to full auto firing mode.
• Fixed the issue of incorrect models for some drop items.

Firearm & Vehicle Improvements

• Firearm Adjustments:
  • P90 damage adjustment.
  • QBZ added to Erangel and Miramar.
  • Skorpion Improvements: Base damage increased from 22 to 24, 15% faster reload time, 20% faster aim down sights time, 30% reduced bullet spread when moving, 10% less sway when shooting.
• Delayed Explosion Mechanic for Select Vehicles: When a vehicle's health reaches 0, it won't explode right away. Instead, its engine will stop working and it will catch on fire before exploding after 5 seconds. If the vehicle is damaged by an explosion during this period, it will explode immediately. (Some special vehicles aren't affected by this change.)
• Mobile Shop Vehicle Modification: Added a new item to the Mobile Shop in Erangel, Livik, Miramar, and Sanhok. Use Shop Tokens to purchase its key and turn the Mobile Shop into a drivable vehicle. Items can only be purchased from the Mobile Shop when it's parked. If the vehicle is destroyed, it can no longer be used as a shop.

General Improvements

• Victory Dance: The A7 Victory Dance comes with an exclusive camera view. Select it from Creation Mode's Victory Dance tab.
• In-game Mark: When marking supplies with universal mark/quick chat, the quantity of the marked supply will also be shown.
• Customize Buttons: When customizing controls, you can now quickly copy your Arena Mode layout to use in Classic Mode.
• Improved Highlights:
  • Companions that you bring into matches will now show in highlights.
  • When recording highlights, all emotes that meet the requirements will be recorded and displayed during playback.
  • Adjusted the retention priority of highlights and the recording conditions of some clips to make it easier to retain them.
  • Teammate numbers now show in highlights.
  • Smoke from exploding grenades now shows in highlights.
• Auto Pick Up: You can now choose whether to discard or put your previous melee weapon into your backpack after picking up a new one.
• Sprinting Interrupts Peek Mode: This new setting is enabled by default. When disabled, if you perform a sprint while peeking, it won't interrupt peek mode and you won't start sprinting.
• New Individual Companion Display: Players can now choose to display their companions, and companions added to the companion system will take turns showing off. This can be done in the Lobby or in a match.
• Device Update: 120 fps and 90 fps are now available for select devices for you to enjoy a smoother gaming experience.

System Improvements

• New Collection System: Collect firearms, finishes, and more to get awesome rewards.
• Themed Event Shop additions: Mecha themed gameplay cosmetics, social items, fun items, and more.
• Chat Room Feature Updates:
  • Improved the list of featured chat rooms and added filters for chat room type, language, and more.
  • Added Speaking Mode: In regular mode, the host's permission is required to speak. In free mode, any player can freely speak.
  • Added new discussion topics to the chat room. Share your thoughts to increase the interactive atmosphere.
  • Added new ways to send Space Gifts.
  • Added chat room status updates in the Friends List.
• Birthday Care System: You can now add your birthday to your Social Player Card as part of the new birthday care system. You'll receive surprise care rewards when you log in on your birthday.
• Synergy: Complete missions such as adding friends and teaming up during the event to get Synergy items and the Underworld Outlaw Set (time-limited).

New Season: Cycle 6 Season 18

Available: 2024/5/18 at 2:00 (UTC+0)–2024/7/15 at 23:59 (UTC+0)
https://preview.redd.it/4125d8rwfd0d1.png?width=1384&format=png&auto=webp&s=a74a0f8340ef11eecf1c7d4c0e9f9104b22ad806

• Reward updates: New legendary items: C6S18 Glasses, C6S18 Set, C6S18 Mask, C6S18 Cover, C6S18 - DBS
• Season Token Event Shop Update: C6S18 - Parachute

All-Talent Championship S19

Available: 2024/5/20–2024/7/4 (UTC+0)

• New Event Shop Rewards: Pop Sensation Set (Epic), Elven Tracker Cover (Legendary), Elven Tracker Set (Legendary), Finest Flavors - QBZ (Epic)
• New All-Talent Championship S19 Crate Rewards: Pop Sensation Set (Epic), Elven Tracker Cover (Legendary), Elven Tracker Set (Legendary), Finest Flavors - QBZ (Epic), Labyrinth Scale - M24 (Epic), Inked Battleground Parachute (Epic)
• New First and Second Runner-Up Rewards: Ducky Fighter Set (Legendary), Ducky Fighter Cover (Legendary), Time Traveler - Kar98K (Legendary), Round Parachute (Camo) (Epic), Mr. Bronze Set (Epic)

Popularity Gift Events

New Redemption Shop

• Popularity Gift Redemption Shop: The Redemption Shop is permanently available and its rewards will be continuously updated. Use tokens earned from Popularity Battles and Team Popularity Battles to redeem rewards.

Popularity Battle Event

Registration Period: 2024/5/14 at 00:00–2024/5/19 at 8:59 (UTC+0)
Battle Period: 2024/5/19 at 9:00–2024/6/18 at 9:00 (UTC+0)

• Main Updates:
  • New widget tool: Popularity Battle progress can now be synced to your device.
  • New rewards: Popularity Coin, Stickers
  • Lowered the points required to reach each level so obtaining rewards is easier.
• Rules:
  • Register to participate in the Popularity Battle event. During the battle period, get randomly matched with a powerful opponent every 3 days for a popularity contest. Lasts 10 rounds in total.
  • During the battle period, the Popularity of both competitors will be compared. The one with the highest Popularity wins.
  • The winner can claim some of their opponent's points.
  • Participate in Popularity Battles to win Battle Points and increase Battle Level. The higher the Battle Level, the better the rewards.

Team Popularity Battle Event

Registration Period: 2024/6/17 at 00:00–2024/6/23 at 8:59 (UTC+0)
Battle Period: 2024/6/23 at 9:00–2024/7/9 at 9:30 (UTC+0)

• Main Content:
  • New widget tool: Popularity Battle progress can now be synced to your device.
  • New reward: Popularity Coin
  • Lowered the points required to reach each level so obtaining rewards is easier.
• Rules:
  • Matchmaking: There will be a total of 8 rounds. Teams of similar strength will be matched every 2 days. Players within each team will be ranked by Popularity through 1v1 Popularity Battles.
  • Battle: Both sides will compete to see who can gain the most Popularity during this phase.
  • The total score will be determined by the win-loss record of each player on the team. In the event of a tie (2:2), the total Popularity of both teams will be compared.
  • The team with the higher total score will be declared the winner, and can loot Battle Points from the defeated team.
  • If all players within a team have the same score, they can jointly claim the level rewards and ranking rewards.
  • Teams that have registered can have their team leader create an exclusive Nickname Badge for the team, which serves as a symbol of the close bond between team members and gift recipients.
  • Nickname Badges support custom text and are unique.
  • Players can obtain a Nickname Badge by registering a team or by completing gift missions.

Security & Game Environment Improvements

Account Security

• Players who are conducting video reviews will now show the status, "Reviewing Video", on the Friend List.
• You can now log in via QR code with accounts linked to certain platforms.
• Improved account protection system with better account linking and unlinking procedures, and improved security verification and abnormal login reminders. Enhanced in-game notifications for better player awareness on how accounts are stolen to minimize their occurrence.
• Improved account recovery tool to enhance account retrieval and self-unlinking, to help more account owners in retrieving their accounts.

Security Strategy Improvements

• Improved cheat detection for X-Ray vision, auto aim, no recoil, speed hacks, modified resource files, and more.
• Improved violation detection for unfair cooperation and teaming up with cheaters.
• Improved the in-game detection and countermeasures against account farming, prohibited transactions, escorting, botting and other violations to better regulate in-game behavior and improve players' gaming experience.
• Improved detection and penalties for inappropriate text, voice messages, avatars, and Home designs to better regulate in-game behavior.

https://preview.redd.it/y4m619ryed0d1.png?width=2240&format=png&auto=webp&s=5314bd243567b305d0eb4efaeb5a6e93d3380a53
The fuel system is made up of the fuel tank, pump, filter, and injectors or carburetor, and is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine as needed. Each fuel tank part and accessories should be able to do its job and perform flawlessly to attain good vehicle safety. Out of all the fuel tank parts and accessories that are important for any vehicle, fuel is the main thing that is needed, as no car, or motorcycle can run without fuel.
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Fuel tank parts:-
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• Fuel Tank Sending Unit:
• Fuel Tank Cap:
• Fuel Tank Venting Valve:
Ideally, both plastic and steel tanks are perfect as fuel tanks, and both have plus and minuses; it is also recommended to use polyethylene fuel tanks as they are an excellent choice because they are quite light in weight, condensate less, very clean, and are long-lasting as a steel tank.
The main three types of fuel tanks used for aircraft are:
(i) integral,
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(iii) bladder.
The most common materials used for fuel tanks are metal or plastic. Metal (steel or aluminum) fuel tanks are usually made by welding of combined stamped sheet metal parts. Plastic fuel tanks are generally made by using the blow molding technique, which helps allow for more complex shapes.
If you are looking for trustworthy fuel tank parts and accessories providers, contact Caps and Necks, a famous company that is in the business of supplying fuel tanks, filler necks, and caps. The fuel tank parts from Caps Neck that are purchased can be available in different sizes and are quite safe to use. Buy premium-quality fuel tank parts at a reasonable price from the Caps and Necks website. https://www.capsnecks.com E-Mail: [sales@powerjetparts.com](mailto:sales@powerjetparts.com)

The kitchen is on fire. Welcome to the final part of the Vapiano story where the tables are turning. In the first two episodes we followed Mark Korzilius' journey from setbacks to founding Vapiano, a groundbreaking restaurant concept, highlighting its fresh ingredients, dynamic atmosphere, and data-driven operations that drove rapid success. While achieving initial profitability and garnering attention from industry giants like McDonald's, Vapiano's global expansion has led to stellar revenue growth. However, it has also resulted in the emergence of numerous side projects (or distractions), operational challenges, increased costs, significant investments, and a notable accumulation of debt. This underscores the prioritization of top-line growth over profitable growth. We will continue on this thread and see how the story ends, but I would encourage you to read part one and two for better context. Vapiano P1: Italian Food Made in Germany (substack.com). Let's dig in.
Before Going Public
We are now in 2015 and the year is a disaster for Vapiano's PR department. Employee time stamps are being manipulated, endless overtime for employees and high turnover in managerial roles are reported; mice in the kitchen and even rotten food allegedly found.
The company is confronted with allegations of exceeding working hours among trainees in an article published by Welt am Sonntag, while the same outlet accuses Vapiano of manipulating punch times. The auditing firm PwC is commissioned to investigate the allegations and finds that there is no systematic approach but rather misconduct by individual employees, a mistake that’s being corrected. Internal however, investigations into stamp times are carried out regularly now and beyond its obvious reputational impact, this sucks up valuable management time and attention.
In the summer of 2015 CEO, co-founder and investor Gregor Gerlach, who has been running the group since 2011 is stepping down and Jochen Halfmann is taking over. A new Vapiano People Program with an App is being developed with the aim to better interact with customers that will incorporate innovate features such as mobile pay. The German website sees a launch of new magazine to further promote the brand and there is now a full inhouse blogger and Instagram team being installed. In October the company buys seven restaurants from original co-founder, former co-investor and ex-president previously responsible for internation expansion Kent Hahne (2x Bonn, 3x Cologne, 1x Koblenz and one in Cologne that’s under construction). This package of Vapiano restaurants is very successful and generates net sales of more than 20 million euros in 2014. Hahne opened his first Vapiano restaurant in Cologne in August 2006 and in 2015 with his company apeiron AG, Hahne operates six L'Osteria franchise restaurants, a direct Vapiano competitor, and two self-owned restaurants GinYuu.
Then in November of 2015, the next public relations bomb goes off with allegations regarding the company's quality standards. The company immediately investigates the issue through internal and external specialists but finds no evidence of any quality issues. Nevertheless, knowing that the group is now being closely watched, the company’s already in place hygiene standards are being reinforced. Additional audits and inspections are performed nationally. Further, all Vapianos worldwide are being audited twice by the partners SGS Institut Fresenius and SAI Global. Auditing software is purchased to simplify the implementation of the audits and the resulting measures. Apart from the external examinations, there is a food sampling plan in place being performed continuously. Again, all of this sucks up costs, management time and attention. With all these tumultuous developments the company’s growth engine is undeterred. Revenue grows by a whopping 50 million euros to 202 million euros, an increase of 33%. Impressive. While average spent per customer increases in all countries, the number of customers per day in Germany decreases by 3.3% partially due to the negative press towards the end of the year. Five own, four JV and 19 new franchise restaurants are added that year to the group, the total number of own managed restaurants grows to 51, there are 31 JVs and 84 franchises which bringing the total to 166 Vapiano restaurants. Global restaurant sales are now above 400 million euros.
But while revenue grows by an astronomical 50 million euros, operating profits, alarmingly, shrink again. Gross margins are staying perfectly healthy above 75% but operating costs keep growing disproportionately fast. The Company’s outstanding debt jumps by almost 30 million, close to 85 million euros by the end of the year. With operating profits at 9.5 million euros, alarm bells should be going off right now.
In Q4 of 2015, new CEO Jochen Halfmann introduces Strategy 2020. The new strategy includes five essential points. One, profitable growth in the newly defined core markets of Germany and Austria as well as in the UK, Netherlands, France and USA. Two, operational excellence through strict “best practice” management. Three, further development and digitalization of the concept considering guest feedback. Four, greater focus on long-term employee retention and five, building a modern and sustainable IT landscape. Sound’s good on paper but let’s see how things pan out.
Vapiano's investments (capital expenditures) that year are primarily directed towards new restaurant openings, renovations of existing establishments, and share acquisitions in other Vapiano restaurants from franchisees or JV partners. A significant portion of funds is allocated to the digitalization of the guest experience, including the development of a new app scheduled for market release in 2016 and the implementation of a time recording system across all group restaurants. The world's first standalone Vapiano restaurant with a delivery service that year is built in Fürth, Germany. The company keeps expanding its presence in both inner-city locations and international markets, such as Shanghai, China.
To finance all of this, the group has its own operating cash flow which comes in at 18 million while capital expenditures are 26 million euros plus 14 million for acquisitions. The funding gab is filled with 26 million euros of new debt and a seven-million-euro equity raise. At that end of the year and after the equity raise Gregor Gerlach (through his AP Leipzig GmbH & Co. KG entity) holds 30.1%, Hans-Joachim and Gisa Sander through their Exchange Bio GmbH hold 25.5% and the Tchibo heirs, Herz through their Mayfair Beteiligungsfonds II GmbH & Co. KG hold 44,4%.
But for the first time the restaurant’s concept that was so successful to date is being questioned. Some customers are starting to mislike the operational flow of the concept itself. If you want pasta, you must queue for pasta. If you want pizza you stand in a different queue. A small side salad, yet another queue. "You spend more time carrying trays than an actress in Berlin-Mitte. The audience in the pasta limbo can only consist of people who have worked for an insurance company for a long time and, like Stockholm syndrome, they can no longer get away from the industrial canteen feeling," writes TV host Beisenherz provocatively. While overly harsh in his assessment he's not entirely wrong judging by customers venting their frustrations in forums and social media channels. It isn’t uncommon for those who ordered pizza to have already finished eating while there is little movement in the pasta queue. Long term that doesn't go down well, QSRs competitors like L’Osteria are handling this process differently, with much success.
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Tipping Point

Where are now in the year 2016 and things start to deteriorate visibility. Perhaps not for the leman’s eye but any business minded observer can see that there are problems under the hood. Yes, revenue grows yet another whopping 50 million to almost 250 million euros but half of that growth, comes from acquisitions of restaurants that the group didn’t already own 100%, which is now being fully consolidated within the group’s accounts. Here is a concrete example. In the past, Vapiano SE, the group’s top holding company held an indirect 50% stake in a French subgroup via the subsidiary VAP Restaurants SA, based in Luxembourg, and included this as an associated company in the Vapiano SE consolidated financial statements using the equity method. Due to the acquisition of additional shares in September of 2016, Vapiano SE's indirect share in the French subgroup increased to 75%. This means that Vapiano SE takes control of the French subgroup, which is therefore included in the group’s financial statements as part of the full consolidation. The revenue from the acquired subsidiary now recorded in the consolidated income statement amounts to 12.8 million euros. While that’s great for the top line, the loss of the fully consolidated entity equates to 0.2 million euros. Yes, you are buying revenue, but there are losses attached to them, not profits. A similar case is the Swedish entity that runs eight restaurants with revenue of 11.5 million euros but has losses of 235 thousand euros. So much for Strategy 2020 and “profitable” growth.
That year the group’s operating profits are absolutely tanking, halving to 3.5 million euros. Operating profits are now a mere 1,4% of revenue. Remember original founder Mark Korzilius who talked about operating margins of 25% to 28% at the restaurant level? Yes, there are overhead costs for the organization that sits above the chain of restaurants, but operating margins that low indicates a course correction is needed. What’s telling is that in the annual report, in the management discussion section, the company starts talking about EBITDA as a proxy measure of profitability, rather than operating profit or net income. This wasn’t the case in the years before. Is this window dressing for an upcoming IPO? EBITDA is short for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization. How can you measure profitability of a restaurant chain that absolutely and unequivocally needs capital investment to maintain its restaurant operations, the very source of cash generation, by simply excluding this maintenance charge (depreciation in the income statement)? Vapiano’s own annual report talks about the fact that existing restaurants must be rejuvenated from time to time and that new interior designs have to be implemented every few years. These things wear and tear, they go out of style, kitchen equipment breaks and needs replacement. This business absolutely needs maintenance capital expenditure, why anyone talks of profits before these maintenance costs is beyond me. Fun fact: in the previous annual report EBITDA is mentioned seven times, mostly around restaurant acquisitions and financing, not however as a profit indication for the group. In the new annual report, EBITDA is mentioned 28 times. Maybe it’s just me but belated Charlie Munger liked to call EBITDA: bullsh*t earnings. When in doubt I stick with Charlie. Interestingly, EBITDA for Vapiano keeps growing while operating and net profits keep falling.
Operating cashflow for the group that year is about 21 million euros, but capital expenditure is 30 million and acquisitions for subsidiaries another 20 million. To finance these expenditures another 28 million euros of debt and 16 million of equity is raised. Net debt rises above 130 million euro. The operating cashflow of the group before any capital expenditures is 21 million euros. I am not sure free cash flow would be significantly positive after maintenance capex is paid out; it’s not broken out so we can’t be sure. Granted, I am not on the ground during this time, and I am not in the board room, I am simply reading what’s in front of me, but to me this is starting to look like a distressed situation. Regardless, the following year the company goes public.

IPO

Where are now in the year 2017 and its Vapiano’s first year as public company. The company’s annual report reads the following “Sales revenue, like-for-like growth (LfL) and the earnings figures EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are used as the most important financial performance indicators for controlling operational business activities.” The very same report however also says: “The majority of the group's investments regularly go towards opening new restaurant locations and modernizing existing restaurants. The latter are differentiated into regular replacement investments that occur during ongoing operations (Maintenance CAPEX) and fundamental investments in the renovation of a restaurant (Remodeling CAPEX). On average, a restaurant remodeling takes place nine years after opening.” It says it right there in their own report; every nine years a remodeling is taking place. Remodeling and updating is not cost free, so why exclude depreciation charges which reflect capital expenditures? I understand that perhaps you would want to strip out one-off opening costs, that’s fine and fair, but don’t go overboard.
The number of restaurants increases by 26 (previous year: 13) to a total of 205. The increase consists of 27 new openings and one closure. Group revenue grows to an astonishing 325 million euros but here comes the shocker, operating profits turn negative to 25 million. Fine, strip out foreign exchange losses of 3 million, IPO costs of 5.8 million and new opening costs of 6.1 million and you still have 10 million euros of operational losses. All the while the debt load of almost 130 million hasn’t materially changed, so those operating losses are before a six-million-euro interest payment. 184 million euros are raised through the IPO of which 85 million go to the company. This money is earmarked for further expansion as the group has ambitions to almost double the footprint to 330 restaurants by the end of 2020. The company is currently not profitable on an operating basis, and still wants to expand aggressively? I don’t get it. The remaining 100 million euros of the IPO money raised is distributed to co-founder Gregor Gerlach and Wella heirs Hans-Joachim and Gisa Sander. The family office of the former Tchibo owners Günter and Daniela Herz with a 44% stake, don’t sell a single share. After the IPO, 32% of all the company’s shares are now in free float.
One year later, in 2018, things get even worse. Revenue grows to 371 million, but operating losses mount to 85 million euros, that’s before interest expenses of 9 million. Even the beloved EBITDA figure turns negative, meaning the operating business before any expansionary or even maintenance capital expenditures is loss making. All regions are experiencing significant deterioration in their earnings profiles. Like for like sales are down 1% across the board. That’s revenue, not profitability. The question naturally arises: is the Group approaching its natural saturation point here or this operational by nature? The operating cash flow is now 9 million while financing cost are close to 7 million. That leaves 2 million for maintenance capital for 74 own restaurants and 76 joint ventures ones. Describing this as financially tight, would be an understatement.
Things are not looking good at this point. Yet the company still grows restaurants by 26 new sites. 64 million euros are spent on acquisitions, new openings, and maintenance costs, financed through a 20 million-euro equity raise and 72 million of new debt. The Company now has net debt outstanding of over 160 million euros. After the equity raise and by the end of the year 2018, Mayfair owns 47.4%, VAP Leipzig, Gregor Gerlach’s entity owns 18.9% and the Sander couple own 15.5% of the company. Yes, the Sanders and Gerlach may have taken 100 million euros off the table, but they still have substantial skin in the game. Plus, Mayfair hasn’t sold a single share and instead injects more money into the company through the equity round. The stock has now fallen from its IPO price of 23 euros per share to under 6 euros by the end of 2018. Something must be done here. And indeed, there is pivot in strategy and a hard push for change. At last, the management team abandons its aggressive growth plan and curtails new openings significantly. Additionally, the team wants to run a thorough analysis of weak locations to then either discontinue or sell sites. In Europe, the operating focus will be put on corporate restaurants and joint ventures in major cities to ensure the ideal size and location to match the respective demographic target group. Outside of Europe, the franchising business is being expanded and at the same time a consolidation of the existing corporate and joint venture markets is being sought. All future investments will be reviewed to achieve higher rates of returns on new openings. Investments are also being made in the renovation of older restaurants. The goal in the future is to also open smaller formats, like Mini-Vapianos (less than 400 square meters) or Freestander at prominent transportation hubs outside city centers (currently in Fürth and Toulouse) to cater to individual location requirements, and to enter new partnerships. I am not sure why management hasn’t stopped all expansion altogether, bringing the ship in order first, getting profitable, clean up, all hands-on deck before considering any further expansions whatsoever. But again, it’s easy to comment from the sidelines; maybe they saw white spaces that would be covered by competing concepts if they weren’t moving fast and aggressively enough. Although pushing internationally means competing with local players such as Jamie's Italian, Prezzo, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Nando's and many more which brings in its own dynamic.
Management also aims to enhance guest satisfaction. This involves refining operational processes, reorganizing the support center, and refocusing on the core offering: providing fresh and high-quality Italian food at affordable prices for a broad audience. The group also aims to reduce waiting times, especially during lunch, while also improving the evening atmosphere. There is even what I would call an evolution, away from Vapiano’s original concept, reorientating the customer journey. The ordering flow is being changed, offering guests synchronized preparations of all dishes while eliminating wait times at the cooking stations. The open show kitchen remains, staying true to original mantra of freshness and transparency but now guests can choose their preferred method of ordering through a mobile app, using a digital order point (kiosk), or by personally placing an order with a waiter. Guests can still freely choose their table and are then informed about the complete preparation of their order through a pager or their smartphone. This is a substantial deviation from the original concept, but a needed one. The group is also exploring and implementing the expansion of take-away and home delivery services but only at suitable locations, not universally across new openings. I am not sure why home delivery is even a priority here; it adds operational complexity. It’s better to clean up shop first and get back to the basics before adding new complexities. To be fair management does try to simplify. There are 49 different permanent dishes on the menu and additional 10 seasonal ones. Customers can choose from eleven different types of pasta. There is simply too much choice, and it makes orders complicated. The company announced to slim the menu down to its most popular and typical Vapiano dishes. There’s no need for an Asian salad at an Italian restaurant. "We have to go back to the roots, i.e. classic, honest Italian cuisine" says COO Everke. Regardless, in November of 2018, the supervisory board pulls the plug on CEO Jochen Halfmann and replaces him with Cornelius Everke. Everke himself has just become COO five months ago. Since 2017 he was responsible for international expansion. From 2011 to 2017 that role was filled by Mario Bauer – put a pin in that name, he’ll play a key role in the groups fate later. Then nine months later, in the middle of 2019, Cornelius Everke quits. He essentially concludes that his skillset and experience in the areas of internation expansion is no longer needed in the foreseeable future. To put it differently: Vapiano has moved from a growth story and has become a restructuring case, and other skills are required for that job. In June of 2019 Everke says the following “(we’ve) made a bit of a mistake when it came to foreign expansion”. No sh#t. Vapiano postpones the presentation of the 2018 annual financial statements three times in the spring of 2019, citing negotiations over an urgently needed loan of 30 million euros. It’s not until the end of May that a binding loan commitment comes through from the financing banks and major shareholders.
We are now in August of 2019 and the corona pandemic is just around the corner. Supervisory board chief Vanessa Hall takes over as interim-CEO and things are unravelling. Visitor numbers are declining; originally, it was planned to sell the US business but halfway through the year the buyer cannot come up with the money. But not all restaurants are performing poorly. The group's poor figures contrast starkly as an example with the experiences of the Swiss-German franchisee, who runs six restaurants. The Sodano family in Switzerland pays Vapiano a royalty of 6% of sales for the use of the brand. Enrico Sodano explains in an interview that they operate largely autonomously from the licensor. If an “accident” were to occur, he could immediately replace the Vapiano sign with Sodano, he says. The family concluded the rents and contracts with employees and suppliers independently. The Sodano family have six locations in Bern, Basel and Zurich, around one million guests every year and 350 employees. Things are going well on the ground. The delivery service they’ve built is offering them a second income stream. Expansion into Winterthur, St. Gallen and Lucerne are being planned; small locations with 150 to 250 square meters and an attached delivery service. Originally, Vapiano restaurants used to be huge but for such a large restaurant to be profitable, 800 to 1,000 guests per day are needed. That’s possible in medium-sized cities, but not in smaller towns which is why the Vapiano group now also supports smaller formats. Back to our corporate drama. The 2019 annual report would be the last report the group files. By the end 2019 the outstanding debt of the company is at an astronomical 450 million euros. Revenue has grown by another 7%, produced by four net new openings through two JVs and two franchise restaurants but operating losses come in at 317 million euros. That sound like an absolute shocker at first but depreciation and amortization charges are 345 million, so that operating cash flow is actually positive but unfortunately capital expenditures and interest payments are so large that they are eating up all of the company’s operating cash flow. Then in the beginning of 2020 Corona hits with full force and the world shuts down. As a result of the measures to prevent further spreading of the virus, the group is forced to cease all global business operations (except in Sweden). While all these shutdowns are happening, the group is the middle of negotiating with its lending banks and main shareholders. There are additional financing needs for restructuring measures, even without a pandemic happening in the background. The situation is so dire that the company starts pleading to the German government to roll out the package of financial help more quickly. Unfortunately, it’s to no end. The rapid closure of restaurants and the resulting lack of operating cash inflows in conjunction with the additional financing requirements, lead to the company’s final knockout punch. In April of 2020, the Vapiano group officially files for insolvency proceedings. The end of an era.

New Beginnings

Because of the pandemic, the majority of the group's subsidiaries in Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United States, Sweden, and China also file for insolvency or seek liquidation. The US business never gets sold in the end and is wound down. In the summer of 2020, significant group divestments occur, including the sale of 75% shares in the group's French subsidiaries, shares in franchisor companies, Australian subsidiaries, German subsidiaries, associated companies, self-managed restaurants in Germany, and insolvency-related sales in the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Sweden. The buyer of the Vapiano brand and one of these bundles of Vapiano restaurants is company named Love & Food Restaurant Holding, a consortium led by Mario C. Bauer – a name I told you to remember. Bauer was a former Vapiano board member and led the national and international expansion, opening 200 sites in 33 countries from 2011 to 2017 until he was succeeded by Cornelius Everke. Bauer didn’t feel comfortable with the IPO at the time but clearly has a lot of managerial and entrepreneurial talent.
The buyer consortium is an absolute A-Team comprised of European QSR top league hitters, including the founder of the Pret A Manger chain Sinclair Beecham; Henry McGovern, the founder and Ex-CEO of the giant international restaurant and foodservice operator AmRest; the Van der Valk Family that runs hotels and Vapiano restaurants in the Netherlands, and co-founder and ex-CEO Gregor Gerlach. The acquisition value is 15 million euros and entails 30 Vapiano restaurants in Germany, albeit that’s just the purchase price which comes on top of any capital investment needed to refresh and return the sites to its former glory. Nevertheless, just as a thought experiment, if you can get each site to 2 million euros of revenue and 400,000 euros in operating profit on average, which wouldn’t be an overly aggressively assumption given the company’s history, you’ve got yourself a package that can deliver restaurant-level operating profits of 12 million euros or more. It’s not disclosed how much capex was needed to refresh the operations, just that fact that the overall investment plus purchase price was a middle double-digit million-euro figure. Stil, it probably was a decent purchase. The same consortium buys Vapiano’s French business for 25 million euros just two weeks prior. After the transaction concludes, the master franchise is given to Delf Neumann and his Gastro & Soul GmbH. Neumann is an experienced operator, and he is ambitious to revitalise the brand with new services and products. For example, instead of pizza, the restaurants will be serving pinsa - a flatbread made from sourdough, wheat and rice flour, topped similarly to a pizza. It targets a more health-oriented customer base looking for a less calory heavy option. The menu overall is expanded by including a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
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Today Neumann’s Gastro & Soul GmbH operates 18 Vapianos on its own account and has 29 franchise sites, amongst other brands. By the year 2021, Vapiano operates 191 restaurants in 34 countries. This is around 50 fewer sites than before the bankruptcy. The number of branches is particularly thinned out in Germany – from 80 to 55. Nevertheless, Vapiano's home country remains by far the largest market, followed by France with 35 restaurants and Austria with 15 locations. “We have shrunk ourselves to health,” says Bauer in the aftermath and there is no further shrinking planned. Quite the opposite, the smell of expansion is in the air again – pun intended. Not as aggressively as before and with a new menu and ordering process.
Overall, the team around Bauer is filled with industry experts with knowledge and networks gained over decades who have a great track record, a long-term view, and the staying power to let Vapiano breath and finds its way back to success. The pressure of being a public company with all the associated quarterly, half-year and yearly disincentives have been removed. The menu is changed and extended with new types of pasta and sauces with significantly more vegetarian and vegan dishes available. Guests can order with restaurant staff, at terminals or on their phones and there are barcodes attached to the tables identify the respective seat. The food is brought to your table, all at the same time if you are in a group, no more annoyances with waiting in line. There is a plan for smaller, 350 square meter locations, with half the number of guests and significantly fewer staff and less set-up costs required to make the economics work. Locations that capitalize on remote work and increased demand for local lunch options, higher population density with shorter delivery routes and therefore cost-effective in house delivery services are targeted. And Bauer is testing the concept of ghost kitchens, which operate without a dining room or service staff, focusing solely on preparing food for delivery services, which for obvious reasons have a very different operational set up and footprint. Original founder Mark Korzilius however is not entirely convinced. He is not a fan of the pinsa for instance and he considers Vapiano's pizza as its cash cow, flagship product and believes that the core Vapiano proposition of Pizza, Pasta, Bar that has given the company its original success is being diluted. He instead admires the competitor L'Osteria, saying they’ve done a better job by focusing on Italian classics, especially the impressively large pizzas that sticks out beyond the plate is leaving every customer in awe. The guys who run L’Osteria are the same guys who have built Vapiano with him in the first place. Bauer on the other hand, like a true business leader, remains undeterred, stating that he is frequently asked whether Vapiano's restart was bold or foolish. He believes in entrepreneurship, franchising, in his experienced fellow partners and importantly the Vapiano concept. By the year 2024 you can find over 140 Vapiano branded restaurant in 27 countries across the globe, including locations far away from its birthplace like Australia, USA, Columbia, Chile, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. And why not? Italian food is, and will remain to be, incredibly popular. Vapiano offers fresh and tasty food at affordable prices in a good atmosphere. This combination of attributes should attract a lot of customers. It certainly has in the past.
For more stories: WIP Thomas Weitzendoerfer Substack