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Things to Think About Log House Plans

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Log cabin house plans were the earliest structures which settlers from Europe built when they arrived in America in the early seventeenth century. The abundance of virgin forests in the New World and the utilitarian design made the early log homes functional and practical, even if they weren’t particularly commodious or comfortable. Nonetheless, even today these primitive homes of logs are popular housing options for millions of Americans, although modern log houses are much more efficient and structurally superior to the originals upon which the concept is based.

Modern log home owners have two types of log houses to choose from – handcrafted or milled log houses. Handcrafted log houses are constructed using the same time-honored techniques of log smiths of previous centuries. Using mainly hand tools, logs are cut and shaped by log smiths from trees which have been carefully selected so that each log makes a perfect fit with the log beneath it. As a result, the logs in handcrafted log houses retain the individual characteristics of the trees which they once were, and give a more rustic look than do milled logs. A milled log house is made of logs which have been milled to the same profiles and dimensions, with an interlocking mechanism which lets manufactured logs fit together snugly. Besides handcrafted and milled log homes, it is possible to sheath a conventional stud-framed and insulated house with log siding, which gives the look and feel of a log house without using logs. If they are correctly manufactured and built, log homes offer energy efficiency which is comparable to or superior than conventional framed bungalow house plans. Many independent studies prove that log walls are especially high in thermal mass, which means they are as energy-efficient as any well-insulated frame wall, and in fact are superior to most of them. As many owners of log homes have known for years, a log home is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

When considering log house packages, it should be borne in mind that different manufacturers’ log home packages differ considerably in the completeness of the materials and components included; therefore it can be difficult to compare the different manufacturers’ offerings. For example, the choice of tree species to be used may depend upon structural requirements, environmental conditions, availability and cost, as well as homeowner preference. Although logs of different species of trees dry at different rates, the logs of all tree species shrink as the wood dries and the use of logs which are not fully dry can pose serious structural problems in log house plans, such as settling over time. Therefore, kiln dried or long-dead standing logs are usually used in preference to newly-cut logs. Also, different species of trees yield logs with differing susceptibilities to insects, decay, and weathering. Modern wood preservatives help to extend the lifespan of most logs for well over a century, so treated logs are definitely preferable to untreated ones.

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Source by Alice Lane

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Red, Crumbly and Moist Valentine Cake Recipe

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Red is the color of passion and most of the things that you see associated with love are red. Red velvet cake recipe are truly famous when Valentine’s day approaches. Here is a simple moist red velvet cake recipe for you to try out this Valentine’s Day and enjoy the colors of love.

What you will need:

– All-purpose flour – 2 cups

– Baking soda – 1 teaspoon

– Baking powder – 1 teaspoon

– Salt – 1 teaspoon

– Cocoa powder – 2 packed tablespoons

– Sugar – 2 cups (tradition asks for brown sugar, but white sugar works well too)

– Vegetable oil – 1 1/2 cups

– Eggs – 2 (yolks and whites separated)

– Vanilla – 2 teaspoons

– Red food coloring – 15 ml

– White distilled vinegar – 1 teaspoon

– Plain hot coffee – 1/2 cup

Preparation:

– In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

– Preheat the oven to 325F.

– Blend oil and sugar together in a separate bowl until the sugar starts to dissolve. You can use an electric blender for this.

– Take the egg whites and beat them using an eggbeater until you get stiff standing peaks.

– Add the red food coloring to the egg whites and beat for about a minute more. Set it aside.

– In the oil and sugar mix, add the yolks of the eggs along with the vinegar and beat until the sugar dissolves.

– Add the hot coffee and mix well.

– Add the beaten egg whites to the mix and blend well.

– Add the flour mix to the wet mix using a spoon and mix well after each addition.

– Grease two 9-inch baking pans using a little butter and flour.

– Pour the batter in the baking pans equally. Smooth the tops.

– Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes.

– You will know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

– Remove and cool on a wire rack before decorating or cutting in slices to serve.

While the cake is cooling you can prepare the frosting to go with it. Here is a simple recipe for white frosting.

What you will need:

– Cream cheese – 28 grams

– Milk – 2 tablespoons

– Butter – 4 tablespoons (at room temperature)

– Vanilla essence – 1 teaspoon

– Powdered sugar – 2 cups

Preparation:

– In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, milk and butter.

– Once it is smooth, add the vanilla and powdered sugar, and blend well until you get a smooth thick frosting.

To assemble the cake:

– On a serving plate, place one cake and spread a thick layer of frosting over it.

– Place another cake on top of it and cover with frosting on all sides.

– Chill for a few minutes before serving.

– You can make as many layers of the cake as you want.

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Source by Anu Parsai

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Duplex Stainless Steel

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Stainless steel is steel which has chromium added to it. This gives the steel corrosion resistance properties, and these properties give the steel certain advantages. There are many different types of steels, and they are used for various applications such as sinks or basins and steel cutlery to name just a few.

Steels are graded according to their properties. Some may be very ‘hard’ and difficult to machine/fabricated (milling & turning etc.) whilst others may be relatively ‘soft’ and fairly easy to machine. Tough ones will reduce the life of the cutting tool whilst relatively softer steels will machine more easily and the life of the tool will be prolonged.

Duplex stainless steels are very resistant to corrosion and also have a high resistance to intergranular corrosion. They exhibit very high resistance even in sulphide and chloride environments, and have a high resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Super duplex grades exhibit even higher resistance to corrosion.

Due to the high content of chromium in them, temperatures of over 300 degrees centigrade can cause embrittlement, however at lower temperatures the steel has better ductility than ferritic and martensitic grades. Duplex grades of stainless steels can be readily used down to at least -50 degrees centigrade.

When machining or fabricating any types of steels, only tools dedicated to stainless materials should be used. Work and tooling surfaces should be clean to avoid any cross contamination by easily corroded metals that may discolour the surface of the machined product.

They do not harden if heat treated but it can be work hardened. Annealing (a softening up process) may be carried out by rapid cooling after heating to about 1100 degrees centigrade.

Due to the properties of duplex steels machining can be quite difficult, but the machining may be enhanced by using the following procedures;

o Dull edges cause work hardening so keep cutting tools sharp

o Light cuts should be taken but deep enough to prevent skimming the surface

o Use adequate amounts of coolants and cutting fluids

Some typical applications for duplex steels can include chemical processing, marine environments, oil and gas refining and pulp and paper manufacturing.

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Source by John Cheesman

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Gas Space Heaters – Things To Be Considered

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Gas space heaters are always controversial when safety and health comes. But how many of you are aware of its benefits. Accepting something blindly is not fair, rather find out the reasons and then make decisions. Now since winters are approaching, everybody loves staying warm inside at home. One way you can keep your home warm is by using gas space heaters.

These heaters are a good way to keep your home warm in a low cost during winters. They have electronic ignitions or sparkers to light the gas heater. There are majorly 3 types of gas heaters available in the market. They are –

>>Convection Gas Heaters

>>Natural Gas Heaters

>>Propane Gas Heaters

It’s been said it reduces the oxygen content from the room, it’s because you don’t have proper ventilation. External ventilation is really important if you want to use these heaters. There are few companies which guarantee you that it will provide you safety features in which it will interrupt the system completely if any kind of mishaps happen like increase of CO2 (carbon dioxide) even by 1.5% in the room. This gives you surety of safety and health.

This energy efficient appliance saves a lot of money on those electric bills. But if you really want to buy a heater which is efficient and safe, it’s always advisable to buy it from renowned brand and a retailer. You can also look for online shopping options.

Before buying a gas space heater, consider these few safety measures:

>>Be surely that there is nothing flammable or things which catches fires easily near to these heaters.

>>Proper ventilation – This is the major concern of all. A properly installed and with proper ventilation this heater can showcase its actual usability.

>>Keep away your children and pets playing around this appliance.

>>Buy it from a branded retailer or from an online portal, so that you won’t get cheated with an old repaired one. Instead always go for a new branded one.

>>Turn off the product whenever you leave home or when it is not in use.

With these small safety measures you won’t experience any problem with this one. It’s been said if you are looking for a heater to heat a living room or bedroom you should go for propane gas heaters. They are very efficient and safe in use. One more important thing is to choose the heater according to the size of the room. It comes in different sizes and each got its energy consumption rate and how much heat is provided according to the size. This heat is measured in BTU. With these specifications one can choose the product as per the requirement.

With few little measures and precautions, in these coming winters you can opt for the economical way to keep your place warm and cozy.

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Source by Nicolus Cage

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German Shepherd Care Tips

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Often the German Shepherd is a very healthy breed that is capable to living an average of 12 to 16 years. For those with a well-bred German Shepherd it is unlikely that they will have any major health problems. However, all German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions. This includes Canine Hip Dysphasia or CHD in which the skeleton has a developmental problem and the femur doesn’t sit correctly within the hip socket. Another condition is Von Willebrand’s Disease, which is a blood disease that affects the ability to the dog’s blood to form clots. Without proper care and regular baths a German Shepherd can also develop skin allergies.

An important part of caring for your German Shepherd’s health is a balanced diet. You need to give them fresh food in order for them to have a long and happy life. Fresh meats such a turkey, chicken and beef are okay. Although you should also mix in some vegetables, rice and eggs for a balanced diet.

By feeding a good and healthy diet, brushing the teeth as often as possible, regular grooming and providing plenty of exercise and attention you can make sure you keep your German Shepherd in excellent health. In order to spot any common German Shepherd health conditions before they become serious it is a good idea to perform a weekly home health exam. This can also help you to easily detect any changes that can occur due to injury, disease or dog related emergencies because you will be aware of your dog’s body.

Taking your dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis is the best way to care for your German Shepherd. All vaccinations should be current and you should have a regular physical and health exam done. It is best to choose a veterinarian that is familiar with the health problems specific to a German Shepherd and can deal with any specific hereditary disease of the breed.

Maintaining good German Shepherd health relies greatly on diet. An adult German Shepherd can eat at least forty pounds of dry food a month, although this amount can change for a dog with a higher metabolism or a dog with an increased activity level. For example, a younger dog that is more active will require more fuel in the form of food than an older dog or one that is more inactive.

Most owners choose to feed a high quality commercial food and then supplement it two to three times a week with a little bit of meat. Again the amount of food you feed depends on the dog’s activity level but most will take two cups of food a day and you should take away any uneaten portions after thirty minutes.

You want a food that will be high in protein so it should focus on lamb, fish or chicken rather than wheat, rice or corn. Meat based foods will benefit your German Shepherd in the long run even though they are more expensive. It is also best to avoid feeding your dog anything that has additives if possible.

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Source by Jan Ryan

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Learning The Types And Uses Of Various Dairy Equipment

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The dairy industry is busy every day, churning out products to include butter, milk, cream, cheese and many others. Dairy equipment is built to boost production and decrease the amount of labor involved in the process. The equipment handles not only manufacturing but pasteurizing, processing, storage, packaging and even transport.

Common dairy equipment includes:

• Exchanger

• Evaporation systems

• Cream churners

• Storage tanks

• Mixers

• Heat exchangers and high-temperature equipment

Dairy plants are always in the market for these types of machines, as well as necessary parts for maintenance and repairs. The equipment is more than helpful to dairy farms worldwide. Here are the most common pieces of equipment and how they are used.

Dairy Homogenizer

Homogenization is the process of converting two non-soluble liquids into a stable emulsion. The process is commonly used by those working on a dairy farm. Homogenizers allow for better performance and greater flexibility.

What happens naturally is the milk solids are slowly separate, leaving the solids on the top to be easily skimmed off the surface. However, the need for things to look appetizing caused the homogenizer to be created and become a very popular piece of dairy equipment, which gives it more of an even, creamy look that is far more desired by consumers.

Dairy Separator

The separator is a centrifugal piece of dairy equipment that quickly separate milk and cream to create things like skim milk. They are very simple to use and more than effective for dairy farmers that are looking for a cost-efficient solution. It’s amazing to think that the separators of today can produce around 35,000 liters per hour of separated milk. That’s amazingly efficient!

Milk Tanks

Milk tanks are a very important piece of dairy equipment, and used for many purposes. They can be used for storage, cooling, isolation, processing and fermentation. They are more than helpful on dairy farms. They also come in one, two and triple-lay versions. Rapid and efficient, milk tanks improve the quality of the product by rapidly cooling it to a temperature where it can’t be affected by bacteria.

Tanks can be animal specific, what works for cow milk may not for goat, sheep and buffalo milk so it’s important to consider this before making a buy. Open, closed and silo style tanks are available to meet the needs of any size farm. They are easy to install as well; that is an important fact to many dairy farmers who don’t want to fuss with new equipment.

Pasteurizers

If one needs their milk and other dairy products to go through thermal treatment, then pasteurizers are the perfect dairy equipment to invest in. They also work for sodas and juices and the process can prolong the time it takes to spoil. This treatment increases safety by killing any harmful bacteria and eliminating harmful microorganisms that are often present in milk. The FDA demands that all milk and milk products that are shipped interstate be pasteurized.

To meet the demand for more low-fat products, pasteurizers and other equipment are necessary. Any business that wants to gain an edge should seriously check into this equipment for production.

Buying Equipment Used

One should never shy away from purchasing used dairy equipment. Often times, the equipment runs as good as new and is available for far less out-of-pocket cost. It’s even better when the vendor they are purchased from offers service, that way one can be assured that their equipment has been checked over thoroughly and runs properly for the best results possible.

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Source by Paul Crowter

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What Is Special About Bottom Freezer Refrigerators?

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The bottom freezer refrigerator is the newest eco-friendly appliance to hit the market. It is a new twist on an old design and has become a popular alternative to your run of the mill refrigerator. This refrigerator looks exactly as it sounds. The freezer is designed as a pull out drawer located on the bottom of the refrigerator while the cooler component sits atop and can either be the standard one door design or can incorporate the French door design (two doors). This refrigerator is both classic and modern and will give a sleek, chic appeal to any kitchen.

So, why is it such an eco-friendly machine? The answer lies in the design and how this refrigerator’s new features incorporate energy saving techniques. Because of the location of the freezer and the fact that it is now designed as a drawer, you no longer waist energy when you open either compartment. In the standard model it was inevitable that when either of the cooling compartments was open, the other would leak some of its cool air as well. This results in an unbalanced temperature and causes the unit to work harder to keep a balanced temperature.

Another way to save on the energy and electric bill is to not over clutter your fridge. The unique design of the bottom freezer refrigerator makes it easy to adhere to this rule because of the many new storage spaces available to the homeowner now. It is much easier to organize the two compartments now, and with the freezer on the bottom in drawer form this actually frees up quite a bit of space for the cooler units which as we all know is the more used of the two. The freezer is mainly used to store the frozen goods that we buy in bulk and plan to thaw later.

If you are in the market for a new refrigerator then you should definitely check out the bottom freezer refrigerator. It will save you quite a bit of money in the long run, even though it does run a bit more expensive than its standard counterparts. It is also a great addition to any kitchen decor, giving any style a modern and yet classic look no matter how your tastes run. This refrigerator style has opened a whole new way to organize and store your groceries and it incorporates a system that keeps your food cooler and healthier longer.

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Source by Andrew Zoebe

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Are We Over Regulating Our Food Processing Companies At Home and Letting Foreign Firms Slide?

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Going into the fall of 2012 Foster Farms filed bankruptcy, some of this was blamed on the Mid West drought that year causing the cost of feed to skyrocket, but that wasn’t the only challenge, too was the issue of regulations, and a new set of stringent rules concerning animal waste and protein fibers getting into the ground water. Then there were the issues with transportation regulations and cost of fuel.

The inspections have increased although they are scheduled to decrease allowing more to be done in-house by the companies themselves. Still this also raises the cost, transfers more liability, and challenges the cost of insurance due to all the unknowns with these changes. Okay so, let’s talk because this is what is happening here in the US, but we also have companies importing food products from other countries and they don’t have near the level of scrutiny.

One book about China and their challenges with food safety noted that only 1% of all the cargo containers of food coming from China are inspected, but of that one percent 60% is rejected while the rest gets through, thus it enters our food supply chain for human consumption.

On October 12, 2012 there was an news story on the Associated Press, and another one in Business Week on October 11, 2012 titled; “Asian Seafood Raised on Pig Feces Approved for U.S. Consumers,” by Nguyen Dieu Tu Uyen and William Bi. The real problem here is that there is only one US FDA office in all of China, so, you can see the problem, but this particular problem was found in Vietnam.

Additionally, the Wall Street Journal had an interesting article on September 17, 2012 titled, “Cattle Inspectors Fear Going to Mexico” by Ana Campoy which stated that the Mexican Cattlemen had opened a state-of-the-art inspection facility, but unfortunately the US veterinarians fear traveling to Mexico to go to the complex.” Again, you can see the challenges, the need for armed security and inspectors saying; I didn’t sign up for this to risk my life to check out cows in drug-cartel territory.

If the United States is going to provide health coverage for those who cannot afford it and then give them food stamps to buy food in the grocery store, then shouldn’t they ensure the food is safe to eat first? Well, I dare to ask the question. Of course this is not the only question I care to raise or the biggest concern I have. I want to know; is the food in our grocery stores safe to eat, and can we trust the government and the FDA to protect us? I truly feel that the answer is no, and that my friends is a scary thought. Therefore, I ask that you please consider all this and think on it.

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Source by Lance Winslow

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Gastric Bypass Friendly Eating: Cantaloupe and Melons

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Many gastric bypass patients report melon to be one of the easiest of fruits to enjoy after surgery. Melons are generally low in natural sugar, ripe on flavor and easily digestible. They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Vitamin B6, folate and dietary fiber.

How to Select and Store

The key to purchasing a quality melon is to find one that is ripe. If you tap the melon with the palm of your hand and hear a hollow sound, the melon has passed is ripe. Choose a melon that seems heavy for its size, and one that does not have bruises or overly soft spots.

Melons & Food Borne Illness

Because of heightened sensitivity to foods and food borne illness gastric bypass patients must exercise extreme food safety precautions. Follow these simple guidelines to help keep your fruit fresh as well as safe.

When you buy cut melons, be sure they have been buried in ice or displayed in a refrigerated case, not just displayed on top of ice. Uncut melon does not need to be refrigerated.

Before cutting, the outer surface of the melon should be washed with drinking water to remove surface dirt.

Hands and all equipment and utensils (cutting boards, knives, etc.) need to be washed thoroughly with hot soapy water, and rinsed.

Cut melons must be refrigerated at 41º F or below.

Cut melons may be served without refrigeration for a maximum of 4 hours (such as at a brunch, picnic, or buffet). At the end of that time, any leftover melon must be thrown away.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

Add some sparkling water to fresh squeezed cantaloupe juice for a delightfully refreshing drink in the warm months of the year.

In a blender or food processor, purée cantaloupe and peeled soft peaches to make delicious cold soup. Add lemon juice and sweetener (sparingly) to taste.

Top cantaloupe slices with yogurt, and chopped mint.

Slice melons in half horizontally, scoop out seeds and use each half as a basket in which to serve fruit salad.

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Source by Kaye Bailey

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A Brief History of Ninja Assassin Training Strategies

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Ninja assassin training methods are simply a fusion of jujutsu, fighting methods, as well as secret tactics that are generally performed by the ninja in their training. The ninja is one who is an specialist in numerous forms of combative arts, such as the art known as ninjutsu. No one is for sure what the true origin of ninjas in history is, however it is believed that they were instructed rigidly to perform spying missions as well as covert murders to prevent wars or maybe just to complete a job given to them from their ninja masters.

Most often, the ninja are thought of as assassins but they were in reality eminent warriors, along with masters in all kinds of combat. Ninjas moved as quickly and as unseen as the wind itself, that is taught to them throughout their schooling, therefore a ninja was always known to become one that could move both invisibly and without a sound. Actually, one of the translations of the word ninja is thought to be warrior of the shadows. Shinobi training was about knowing how to withstand right through the most difficult conditions. The idea of Shinobi is to continue on, even when the opponent has got his sword to your head!

Talking of ancient lords, fighters and their battle techniques, it would be unfair not to bring up the samurai. The word Samurai, when translated means to serve, thus in a true meaning, it is both service to the local lord, along with service of his own country. For one to be an adequate servant to his master, one should become taught in war strategies and this includes knowledge in martial arts.

As discussed before, ninjutsu is the art of teaching fighting tactics in addition to invisibility. The last true ninja training dojos in Japan that still preserves ninja secrets is the Marukin Dojo set up by Aki Marukin. In this dojo, an individual is coached in sword combat, jujutsu and correct conduct with both conventional and cutting-edge ninja weapons to become a genuine ninja. Being experienced in ninjutsu arts, the ninja in addition has weapons that they employ to defeat their opponents easier.

The general weapon for ninja, in addition to the samurai, is the sword. However the difference is the ninja sword is straight, while a samurai’s sword is curved. They are both utilized to slash an arm or simply to stab an opposition to death.

Another broad ninja weapon we generally observe in ninja films is the shuko, that are claw like spikes that help the ninja climb quickly. Furthermore, a poisoned dart is also used, as a ninja by and large carry them on their hitokis so once the circumstances requires the rival to be killed, it will be nearly instant.

Ninjutsu is the martial art that originated in Japan to preserve ninja and samurai training, but these days it is learned in other parts of the globe, including the US. Marukin’s advanced ninja training methods might look strict and painstaking, be that as it may, it is repaid with an astounding sense of fulfillment. It is simply not enough to discover the leading ninjutsu tactics or be the most skilled when using weapons, what is significant is the style of individual you will be once you are really deserving of being called a real ninja.

When correctly applied, the katana becomes the ninja’s will. That means that physical existence conforms to the ninja’s thoughts, and there is no difference between the interior or exterior aspects. This way of thinking is completely natural, and can be observed easily in the motions of top martial arts experts when they battle an attacker. Only human beings seem to improve the desire to become trained in this effortless ninja skill.

Keep in mind that someone should not merely go through the harsh ninja assassin training only because they think it’s cool, there is far more to being a ninja. Don’t forget that throughout history, ninjas are warriors to be revered.

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Source by Dylan Porchenski