The push in Western countries to legalize and legitimize prostitution might be one of the most disgusting fallouts of the sexual revolution yet. Perhaps the grotesque logic has been: If you were going to jump into bed with a bunch of strange guys anyway, why not get paid for it?...

BMW Automated Shift Assistant Motorcycles equipped with quickshifters, which allow upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch, have become commonplace in the last few years. The BMW Motorrad Shift Assistant Pro is an optional quickshifter on many BMW models, including the new R 1300 GS, the M 1000 XR, and many others. Even with a quickshifter, riders must use the clutch to pull away from a stop. BMW’s new Automated Shift Assistant eliminates the need to use the clutch at all, and it will be an option on R-series models powered by boxer Twin engines. Read the full press release below. With the new Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), BMW Motorrad presents an innovative technical solution that makes riding simpler and more comfortable. True to the motto “Simplify your ride,” the riding experience is enhanced by automation of the clutch and gear shifting process, without sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting. The Automated Shift Assistant features a clever functional design in which two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the six-speed transmission, which is the main difference to a conventional shift assistant. There is no need for a hand lever to operate the clutch manually. Starting, stopping, and maneuvering are all made easy with the Automated Shift Assistant. BMW Automated Shift Assistant Riding with the Automated Shift Assistant becomes more enjoyable thanks to fast, precise, rev- and load-adapted gear changes. The rider’s workload is reduced, which makes riding more enjoyable. In addition, the Automated Shift Assistant creates a more direct connection with the powerful boxer engine, as the precise clutch actuation makes it easier to control the riding experience via the throttle and gearshift lever. In ‘M’ shift mode, gear changes can still be made by foot control, allowing the rider to decide when to change gears. In ‘D’ shift mode, the Automatic Shift Assistant really comes into its own. Shift points are automatically selected by the engine control unit. In both “M” and “D” modes, the rider benefits from smooth and perfectly executed gear changes, resulting in efficient motorcycle acceleration and increased riding stability. BMW Automated Shift Assistant When shifting up, for example, the possible jolt associated with a classic manual transmission with a manual clutch is largely eliminated, as is the risk of helmet-to-helmet contact between rider and passenger. Downshifts are also designed to be as smooth as possible, minimizing chassis disturbances. Specific characteristics of the automated shift function are assigned to the different riding modes to ensure perfect shift behavior in each riding situation. In combination with Active Cruise Control or front collision warning, the networking of functions brings the future of motorcycling to life. Automated Shift Assistant: Automated clutch and gear shifting for a new riding experience. In difficult riding situations, using the clutch and throttle takes a lot of concentration. If you are travelling with luggage and perhaps a passenger, using the clutch and gearshift takes up resources. The rider remains in control and has more freedom in every riding situation with the Automated Shift Assistant. Riding becomes a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. BMW Automated Shift Assistant The torquey boxer engine enables almost effortless starts on uphill gradients, for example, thanks to automated clutch operation, which also pays dividends in terms of better vehicle control off-road or on difficult surfaces. Riding pleasure takes on a whole new meaning when you choose the automated D mode. Optimally selected gear changes create a new riding sensation. The right gear is automatically selected according to the rider’s individual riding needs, resulting in a harmonious and extremely smooth driving experience. Automated Shift Assistant: Electromechanical clutch and gearshift actuators combined with sophisticated electronic controls. The Automated Shift Assistant is the logical and technical evolution of the BMW Motorrad Shift Assistant Pro. Two electronically controlled electromechanical actuators operate the clutch and gearshift, enabling easy starting and automated gear changes. The rider’s shift request is transmitted to the control unit via a gearshift lever sensor, which is actuated by the conventional foot-operated gearshift lever. Additional sensors determine the revs of the transmission input shaft and the clutch position. These values are transmitted to the TCU (Transmission Control Unit), which is closely linked to the engine control unit, for control of the clutch and shift actuation. The clutch is operated by an electro-mechanical actuator combined with a hydraulic system with a direct hydraulic connection between the clutch master and slave cylinders. The actuator regulates the required clutch slip, engages the clutch when changing gear and disengages it when stopping. In manual shift mode “M”, the rider can move the gearshift lever in the desired direction in the usual way. If the revs in the desired target gear are within the maximum or minimum rev range, the shift is made directly. If the engine revs fall below a gear- dependent minimum speed, downshifts are performed automatically in manual mode. This prevents the engine from stalling. In shift mode “D” the gears are changed automatically depending on the riding mode, engine revs, throttle position and lean angle parameters. Gears are shifted according to the riding situation and dynamic requirements. The benefits of the Automatic Shift Assistant (ASA): Completely eliminates the need for the rider to operate the clutch. Dynamic and comfortable gear changes for more riding pleasure. Choice of manual or automatic gear shifting. Automatically adapts gear shifts to the rider’s dynamic preferences in D mode. Eliminates the possibility of engine stalling during gear shifts. Check out the latest bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide The post BMW Motorrad Unveils Automated Shift Assistant appeared first on Rider Magazine.

The Board of Trustees at UNC-Chapel Hill has voted to divert $2.3 million away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and into ‘public safety.’ “The Board of Trustees at UNC Chapel Hill has just voted to abolish DEI funding and are diverting the money to public safety and campus law enforcement. Another domino falls in war against the DEI bigots. Congratulations UNC Chapel Hill!” Charlie Kirk wrote. BREAKING: The Board of Trustees at UNC Chapel Hill has just voted to abolish DEI funding and are diverting the money to public safety and campus law enforcement. Another domino falls in war against the DEI bigots. Congratulations UNC Chapel Hill!https://t.co/kemh4pskwu — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) May 13, 2024 WUNC reports: The unanimous vote occurred at a special Board of Trustees meeting Monday morning. It is unclear if the diversion of funds would lead to layoffs. Marty Kotis is vice chair of the board’s budget and finance committee, which initially introduced and passed the “flex cut amendment.” Without citing specific examples, he called DEI programs “discriminatory and divisive.” “I think that DEI in a lot of people’s minds is divisiveness, exclusion and indoctrination,” Kotis said. “We need more unity and togetherness, more dialogue, more diversity of thought.” According to the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Diversity and Inclusion, their mission is to “create and sustain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, faculty and alumni.” Kotis and other board members said it was important to have additional funding for public safety to protect the campus from groups that “disrupt the university’s operations.” BREAKING: UNC's board of trustees has voted unanimously to abolish the university's DEI department and transfer all funds to the campus police. It's not 2020 anymore. "Defund DEI, refund the police" is the winning slogan of the day. Good work, UNC trustees! — Christopher F. Rufo (@realchrisrufo) May 13, 2024 After far-left violence erupted at @UNC Chapel Hill, the university's board of trustees voted to divert $2.3m away from DEI & into public safety. DEI teaches hatred & resentment against the US, and brainwashes people into supporting leftist violence. Read:https://t.co/pEIDuYmL3I — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) May 13, 2024 Per WRAL News: The $2.3 million is money from state-appropriated dollars and trust fund money that were “immediately identified,” Boliek said. The system office identified that money, he said. The university’s operating budget in 2023-24 was $4.2 billion. The new Board of Governors policy calls for each institution to certify by Sept. 1 that it “fully complies with the university’s commitment to institutional neutrality and nondiscrimination.” It does away with current policy that establishes “system-wide diversity and inclusion metrics and goals” and created a “UNC System diversity and inclusion council.” At the meeting, Boliek said: “I think that DEI is divisive. I don’t think it’s productive. I don’t think it gives a return on investment to taxpayers and to the institution itself.” North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, a Cleveland County Republican, said earlier this year that the legislature would likely leave the issue to the Board of Governors and campuses. Boliek said conversations about increased funding for public safety began after the on-campus shooting death of a professor at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. On-campus protests in support of Palestinians at the end of the year also played a role, Boliek said. Marty Kotis, a trustee, said it was important to give more support to law enforcement on campus.

Donald Trump spoke outside a New York City courthouse Monday where he claimed his ongoing ‘hush money’ trial is now backfiring against Joe Biden and the Democrats. It’s all ELECTION INTERFERENCE—but it’s backfiring on Joe Biden and the Radical Democrats.A new poll shows President Trump DOMINATING Biden in 5 swing states. pic.twitter.com/h7zA37q80Z— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) May 13, 2024

Flash floods and mudslides in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province killed at least 43 people over the weekend, while a search for 15 other people has been ongoing, authorities said on Monday.