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Tag Archives: EgyptImage
An example of ancient Egyptian humor
Measuring length in ancient Egypt
One thing about a civilization: people are always building things or buying & selling things. The Egyptians built some impressively big things. When you're putting together something as big as a pyramid, you need to get all the measurements right. The Egyptians traded things as well. If you're selling or buying a plot of land, or a roll of fabric, or a quantity of wheat, both buyer and seller need to agree on how much is being traded.
What you need are standardized measurements. Before the Egyptians started building a pyramid, they had to figure how big the base of it would be so that the sides could come to a point at the top at the right height. If an Egyptian were buying a roll of fabric, she'd need to use the same measurement as the seller to describe how much fabric was being sold.
What do you do if you don't have a ruler or a tape measure or a yardstick? Or, what if you have a ruler or a tape measure or a yardstick but yours is different from somebody else's?
Here's what the ancient Egyptians did: they used the good old human body for measuring.
A grown man's foot is more or less the same length as every other grown man's foot. Sure, some are longer, some shorter—but not by very much. The average grown man's foot can be used as a standard measurement. Those clever Egyptians imaginatively named this measurement a 'foot.'
The length of a grown man's forearm—from elbow to the tip of the middle finger—is more or less the same length as every other grown man's forearm. This measurement was known as a 'cubit.' The Latin word 'cubitum' means elbow. In the Hebrew Bible, cubits are used to describe the size of Noah's Ark, or how tall Goliath was, or how long to make the curtains for the Tabernacle.
From the middle of a man's chest to the tip of his middle finger is two cubits. From fingertip to fingertip of both outstretched hands is four cubits.
One 'palm' equals 4 digits (fingers) of a grown man's hand. There are 7 palms in a cubit, or 28 digits. A digit is roughly 3/4 of an inch. A palm is just under 3 inches.
That's how the Egyptians standardized their measurements. You can find grown men just about anywhere! If not, they had cubit rods marked with cubits, feet, palms and fingers.
Posted in book promotion, Western Civilization
Tagged civilization, Egypt, history, measurement, pyramid, Western Civilization
Egyptian calendar
Both the Sumerians and Egyptians had economies that depended on agriculture—they grew crops for their food. If you ever planted tomatoes—or onions, or zucchini, or those two-ton pumpkins you see at the state fair—in a garden, you'll have seen on the seed packages instructions about when to plant. If you plant your tomatoes too late, the fruit will never ripen in time before the first frost. This is why calendars are so important.
The Egyptians' planting schedule was built around their river, the Nile. Every year the Nile would flood. After the floodwater receded, it left behind nutrient-rich silt that improved the soil. Egyptian farmers had to plant crops as soon as the Nile receded so they could harvest before the Nile flooded again.
By around 2450 bc the Egyptians had developed a calendar whose year was twelve months. Each month was thirty days long (12 x 30 = 360 days). The year was divided into three seasons—Inundation, when the Nile was flooded (Akhet), Emergence, time to plant the crops (Peret), and Harvest, time to gather the crops (Shemu)—of four months each, with five days added to the end of the year.
In case you hadn't noticed, the Egyptian calendar used Base Sixty for counting the days. I'd like to think they sent a nice thank-you note to the Sumerians.
Posted in book promotion, Western Civilization
Tagged agriculture, Base Sixty, calendar, Egypt, farm, Nile, silt, Sumerian, time
Ancient Egyptian water wristwatches never caught on
January 31, 2019 in Western Civilization
Tagged clepsydra, clock, Egypt, sundial, time, timekeeper, water clock
Egyptian water clocks
Sundials tell time during the day, when it's sunny. How did the Egyptians tell time at night?
Way back around 1500 bc (over 3,500 years ago) some clever Egyptian invented the water clock so they could tell time at night. A water clock is a jar with sides that taper from a wide brim to a small base. Almost at the bottom is a small hole. The idea is: you fill the jar with water and water leaks out the hole. There are marks on the inside of the jar for every hour. As the water level slowly sinks, it reaches each mark and that's how you know what time it is.
It sounds like a swell idea, but I have a few problems with it. Number One: I don't know exactly how big these jars were, but it doesn't seem like there'd be nearly enough water inside them to last all night long. Even if the hole at the bottom were a mere pinhole, I think the water would run out in an hour. Did they wake up every hour to refill the water clock? That seems like a pain in the neck.
Number Two: to function as an accurate time-measurer, that jar would need to be filled precisely on the hour. You'd need to coordinate with a friend outside looking at a sundial so he could tell you the moment to fill it up.
Number Three: where did the water go after it leaked out? Did they just let it run all over the floor; did they collect it in another jar?
Number Four: Did their dogs see puddles of water on the floor and think, "What the heck, it must be okay to pee in the house now?"
Number Five: Didn't the sound of dripping water keep them from sleeping?
Posted in book promotion, Western Civilization
Egyptian sundials
Let's travel west from Sumer, away from the MidEast, along the northern coast of Africa to Egypt. About 1,000 years after civilization was up and running in the Tigris-Euphrates valley, the Egyptians got started on their civilization which thrived from 3100 bc to 332 bc. Like the Sumerians, Egyptians depended on a river—the Nile—and a system of irrigation to water their crops to keep the economy going. Their writing system was hieroglyphics—symbols that represented sounds, or ideas, or things. Their government was monarchical—they had a single ruler, called a Pharaoh. The Egyptians worshiped a pantheon—which means a bunch of gods and demi-gods. The Pharaoh was worshiped as a god, too.
The Sumerian culture must have influenced the Egyptians somewhat. The Egyptians divided the day into two halves, each having 12 hours—twelve is an easy Base Sixty number. The Egyptians are thought to have invented the sundial. The earliest example of a sundial has 12 hours marked using lines on a semi-circle, 15° apart.
A sundial is a simple way to measure the passage of the Sun. There's a post (called a gnomon, pronouced NOM-ON) sticking up from a flat, horizontal surface. Lines are drawn on the flat surface, radiating out from the gnomon. When the Sun is shining, the gnomon casts a shadow on the lines. Each line represents the passage of an hour.
The Egyptians built huge obelisks—big stone monuments. These were sundials, too. The obelisk cast a shadow on the ground, which was marked for every hour. As the Sun moved across the sky, the shadow would move along the dial, showing the time. Of course, sundials only work when there's daylight. How did they tell time at night?
Posted in book promotion, Western Civilization
Tagged astronomy, Base Sixty, Egypt, egyptian, obelisk, science, Sun, sundial, technology, time, Western Civilization
Where In The World Is Western Civilization?
When I talk about the part of the globe that is Western Civilization, I mean from the Tigris/Euphrates valley to the Mediterranean to Europe to the Americas. Western Civ was born in Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the southern part of Iraq. Civilization spread westward from there to lands around the Mediterranean Sea: Egypt, Israel and Phoenicia to the city-states of Europe and northward to the British Isles. From there it extended to the New World—the Americas and Australia.
So, Western Civ is made up of many people and cultures. It grew from the first civilization—the Sumerians in Mesopotamia—to the Egyptians; the Jews; the Greeks; the Romans, whose empire split into east and west; the western half of the Roman Empire became the Holy Roman Empire which reorganized itself into separate European countries. Some of those countries in turn created empires mainly by colonizing the New World. The British Empire includes Canada and Australia. The United States of America declared its independence from Britain in ad 1776.
Of course there are other non-western civilizations around the world today and throughout history. This history is simply about Western Civilization. Most important to me are the ideas. How did ancient people develop an alphabet? Whose idea was it to smelt copper and tin together to make bronze? How did they come up with literature that we still read today? How did they figure out how to measure time, or the circumference of the Earth?
Posted in Western Civilization
Tagged British Empire, bronze, Egypt, Europe, history, Holy Roman Empire, Israel, map, mesopotamia, New World, Western Civilization


text:
New Microsoft BlueTrack technology best mouse thing ever?
Microsoft said this week its new BlueTrack Technology is the world's "most advanced tracking technology" for consumers and their comptuer mice. Two new mice – the Explorer Mouse and Explorer Mini Mouse – are the first to debut with BlueTrack, pricing around $100 and $80, respectively.
Microsoft says this of BlueTrack: "The large, blue beam and specular optics architecture, in conjunction with a Microsoft-designed image sensor and proprietary pixel geometry, generates a high-contrast picture of the mousing surface that allows exceptional tracking accuracy. The BlueTrack Technology light beam emanating from the bottom of the mouse is more than four times as large as the average laser beam used in today's mice, enabling reliable mouse tracking even on difficult surfaces such as carpet."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Soda is one of those beverages that bring lots of joy to lots of people. We drink water because we have to, anything other than milk tastes weird in cereal, but soda is one of the few things that we drink solely for the pleasure.
Because soda is a pleasurable drink humanity will forever be experimenting with the recipes, tweaking flavors, and trying to find ways to produce even more pleasure from a simple beverage. Over the years this experimentation has resulted in a solid list of flavors everyone enjoys and have become staples in our lives.
While we're content sipping our go-to flavors like cola, lemon-lime, root beer, and cream there's still an entire industry of companies churning out new flavors and experimenting with bold ideas. Some have produced some great ideas like Code Red Mountain Dew or Vanilla Coke. Others were fleeting failures that have been lost to oblivion.
Yet right now there are dozens of flavors that could be the next go-to soda in our lives, flavors that could bring immense joy for their bold and exciting flavors and are sitting idly on store shelves. While others are pernicious traps, waiting for a curious soda connoisseur to put down good money for a nauseating experience.
So, here's our list to help you navigate those treacherous waters; soda flavors to try asap and soda flavors that you're probably better off drinking water.
24 Rather Drink Water: Bacon
Like Coffee this one is bound to raise some protests, yet we recommend taking our advice and not trusting someone who uses bacon flavored lip gloss and give this soda flavor a pass. A result of the bacon craze that swept America this soda flavor is one of the holdouts that tells us someone, somewhere is still drinking this monstrosity.
Bacon is meant to be warm off the skillet, with a crispy texture, and eaten with various breakfast foods or other meats. You don't want to drink a carbonated beverage and get a strong meaty flavor, you just don't.
23 Need To Try ASAP: Caramel Apple
While this soda flavor may sound like an explosion of sugar for some, if you think about just the flavor and ignore the health effects it sounds like a potentially good soda. The apple would provide a strong sour kick of fruity flavor that would be tempered by the caramel.
There are a number of different companies that offer this flavor, some companies like Jones have it as a Halloween special edition so you may be waiting till October to try it. But it might be worth the wait.
22 Rather Drink Water: Curry
Yes, you most definitely read that right. There is a flavor of soda in the world that is meant to replicate the savory, sweet, earthy flavor of curry. There's no telling if the soda was meant to taste similar to red, green or yellow curry, but rest assured that whichever one it's supposed to be it still won't taste good.
Curry food tastes absolutely amazing, but there is no way we could ever see curry soda as being a staple at meal time or a treat on its own. This soda if you're interested is sold almost exclusively in Japan.
21 Need To Try ASAP: Chocolate
Chocolate has been a popular flavoring in many different sodas, Chocolate Coke, Chocolate Dr. Pepper, and Chocolate Root Beer are the standouts. Considering it makes for such a good burst of flavor in those drinks it's possible that it might do well on its own.
There are lots of companies here in the United States and abroad that offer Chocolate sodas so a trip to a specialty soda store or a quick purchase online can give you a chance to try it. Who knows it might even be the next go-to soda when making ice cream floats.
20 Rather Drink Water: Ranch Dressing
There are plenty of ranch fans who put what was intended as a salad dressing on things that are most definitely not salad. Some things are ok, like spicy buffalo wings, and others are not, like pizza. Yet turning ranch dressing into a soda flavor is most definitely not ok.
If you really want to try this flavor Lester's Fixins has it for sale, they also have a buffalo wing flavored soda so maybe the two would go pretty well together, though it's very, very doubtful.
19 Need To Try ASAP: Blackberry
Like blueberry, blackberry is included in a number of different desserts and sweets things so imagining it as a flavor of soda isn't too much of a stretch. Granted blackberries are a little tart and outright sour for some, so maybe cutting this with another flavor like cream would be good.
For those interested in trying blackberry soda Izze and Stewarts offer a blackberry flavor and there's a few that offer blackberry pie and blackberry with cream. Like some others on this list, this would probably be good as a float too.
18 Rather Drink Water: Pickle Juice
We all have that uncle who attributes his health to drinking pickle juice straight from the jar, but even he would probably hesitate to give this soda flavor a try. With a sickly green hue and a vinegary odor this drink is sure to cleanse both palates and stomachs.
Some people swear by this soda's medicinal properties saying it helps with muscle cramps, but we can think of many, many other solutions to this problem that doesn't have you guzzling down carbonated pickle juice. If you want a refreshing briny drink you can find it online at places like the Soda Emporium.
17 Need To Try ASAP: Mango
A different soda flavor that everyone needs to go out and try, Mango is another exotic flavor that goes great as a soda. It's definitely sweet with a hint of tang that makes you wonder why it isn't more common in the United States.
Lots of companies produce this soda routinely which suggests there is a loyal following. Companies like Fanta or the Mexico based Jarritos are considered the best ones and the flavor is often found in most stores. Really it is, tear your eyes away from the main soda flavors and take a look at the others on the shelves sometime, you'll be surprised what you can find.
16 Rather Drink Water: Black Garlic
Not only will this kill vampires, it's also good at killing appetites. This bizarre soda flavor comes exclusively from the land of Switzerland and is described as having all of the flavor and none of the scent.
While it's fortunate this soda flavor isn't giving anyone garlic breath we do believe the popularity of this soda is based on the adage that if something tastes good it must be bad for you and if it tastes bad it must be good for you. In fact, many people swear by the medicinal benefits of this soda and you can buy it from certain online health shops, because that's where you want to buy your next soda from.
15 Need To Try ASAP: Watermelon
Almost everyone will have a childhood memory of biting into a big ole slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. For those who didn't like getting sticky faces or spitting seeds this soda flavor would probably deliver that same crisp refreshing taste.
Considering watermelon juice tastes incredible and watermelon flavored anything is pretty good it's safe to bet this soda would be very refreshing. Ramune from Japan, Rocket Fizz in the US and a number of other soda companies offer this flavor for sale.
14 Rather Drink Water: Onion
This drink could also belong on the list of beverages most likely to make you cry. Onion seems like a terrible idea for a soda flavor even if your name is Stanley Yelnats. There are people who claim it has great medicinal value, but it's telling that they never comment on the taste.
If you're willing to travel to South Korea you can apparently get it there where it has a small following. In fact you can find lots of onion based drinks in South Korea.
13 Need To Try ASAP: Tropical Banana
Banana is a polarizing flavor to be sure, some people think banana taffy is absolutely amazing and others make fun of them. We're going to include it on the list because tropical banana sounds like a wonderful exotic drink and so many people have recommended it.
Youtubers, soda connoisseurs, and lots of people in Honduras where the soda is made, rave about how wonderful it tastes. Some describe it as a slightly fruity drink while others put it next to the cream sodas in flavor. Either way you slice it, tropical banana sounds like an interesting flavor that we definitely want to try.
12 Rather Drink Water: White Fungus Bird's Nest
The only reason this isn't considered the worst soda on this list is because we have absolutely no idea what this should taste like. It's also spared the title as worst because some people supposedly like bird's nest soup, which is literally made from nests made out of bird saliva and considered a delicacy.
We don't know if it's bitter, sour, salty, or dare we say creamy, but there couldn't be a soda with a less appetizing name. Thankfully this soda flavor is found only in Vietnam where bird's nest soup is considered a delicacy, so if anywhere has fans of this soda it would be there.
11 Need To Try ASAP: Cheerwine
This wonderful tasting soda is found mainly on the east coast in North Carolina where the stuff was invented and currently produced. It's a wonderful tasting soda made from cherries that many compare to red cream soda with a kick.
It's incredible that this hasn't gained more steam in the United States considering the company producing it has been around since the early 1900's, but it is found in a few stores nation wide and everywhere in North Carolina if you want to try it.
10 Rather Drink Water: Coffee
Given how popular coffee is with some people this is probably going to be a controversial entry on this list, but we're comfortable putting it here because of how many things are wrong with making coffee a soda flavor. Most people don't drink straight coffee cold and carbonating a cup of joe just seems like a bad idea, not to mention this would just be flavoring so you wouldn't get that kick in the mornings like you would from regular coffee.
Maybe you could add some cream, warm it up in the microwave and declare through a grimace that it's the best soda flavor in the world, but we won't put you through that.
9 Need To Try ASAP: Blueberry
Blueberry should be a fun soda to try given how good blueberries are on anything even remotely sweet, like blueberry pie or scooped over vanilla ice cream. It's possible that putting blueberries in a sweet carbonated drink could taste very good.
There's a handful of countries like Ireland and Japan that have blueberry flavored soda and some states even offer their own like Maine and Montana. Even Shaq thought it would make a great soda and offers a blueberry cream flavor in his signature sodas.
8 Rather Drink Water: Strawberry Milk Pepsi
We can see the intent with this flavor of soda. Strawberry soda is a very good, fruity drink and milk has the potential to temper the more citrusy burst in the strawberry to make it a mild and creamy soda. The problem is that there's no way to think about this flavor without picturing a glass of milk bubbling like a tar pit from the carbonation.
It's possible we could be wrong and this would make a great drink. To find out you'll have to get it from Japan where Pepsi released their Pepsi Pink, if it's no longer being produced by Pepsi then Japan is still probably your best bet to find something similar. Just try not to think about milk bubbling when you try it.
7 Need To Try ASAP: Passionfruit
Its hard to go wrong making a fruity soda flavor and passionfruit seems like it would be a good one. The sweet tart flavor would make a glass of passionfruit soda an exotic drink that belongs in the hands of someone on vacation on a beach somewhere.
There are many companies that have produced this flavor and Fanta even released it's own passionfruit flavor for a time. It's supposed to be a popular flavor in Mexico which makes the whole 'glass of this on the beach scenario' a definite possibility.
6 Rather Drink Water: Grass
Lots of people blame the disgusting flavor craze on Harry Potter for inspiring the creation of jelly beans of every flavor that made other companies start diving into the novelty with their own products. Others blame Youtubers who've made a living trying weird and disgusting things and then convinced their fans to do the same.
Whatever the case there's a company in Malaysia, and others no doubt, that offer grass flavored soda. Maybe some hardcore vegans, or possibly Bronies trying to get in touch with their favorite pony characters would like this, but everyone else should just stay away.
5 Need To Try ASAP: Strawberry and Banana
Given how good strawberry flavored soda tastes and that strawberry and banana flavored anything tends to be pretty good, we'd imagine that strawberry and banana soda would be delicious as well. Some might be nervous about the presence of banana in soda, but the citrus burst of strawberry is likely to quell the banana's flavor.
This flavor is hard to find, but Saborsazo has it online and they also have other interesting fruity soda that would be fun to try. Or you could try mixing banana flavored soda and strawberry soda together, both of which are pretty easy to find.
4 Rather Drink Water: Pumpkin Pie
Nothing says the holidays like pumpkin pie and nothing says instant gag reflex like pumpkin pie flavored soda. It's a feat of food engineering that someone was able to reproduce the pumpkin pie flavor artificially in a soda, but like Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park says, "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should!"
Lester's Fixins offers the pumpkin pie soda for sale if you want to try it, but be warned that no amount of whip cream is going to make it taste even remotely good.
3 Need To Try ASAP: Strawberries and Cream
Strawberries have made an appearance on this list before and it's because it's so good as a soda flavor, the only thing that beats straight strawberry soda is when it's mixed with cream. This soda flavor sold by Melba's Fixins, she's the good one and Lester's the bad one, was supposed to replicate strawberry and cream pie, but fans are glad she didn't push too hard to get that crust flavor in there and ended up with a creamy fruity drink instead.
We can't imagine these ever replacing the real thing, but it sounds like an absolute divine drink to try.
2 Rather Drink Water: Salty Watermelon
You might be tempted to think this drink would be alright given there's watermelon, but the fact that it's salty makes us second guess this idea. Salted watermelons are a polarizing snack in the first place, let alone carbonated and put into drinkable form.
This flavor is supposed to have done pretty well in Japan when Pepsi gave it a shot there. It's unclear if Pepsi still produces it, but there are some local knockoffs that are supposed to be very similar. It's said to be a refreshing summer drink and while it's understandable that this would be good for the summer, we have beef with the claim that it's refreshing and a drink.
1 Need To Try ASAP: Pomegranate
Given how many pomegranate drinks exist that are beloved by many it's likely a pomegranate soda would be just as good. In fact, given that they taste a lot like cranberries, which is already in many popular sodas, we're confident putting this on here as a must try flavor.
Hansen's has a pure pomegranate soda and even Martha Stewart has her own homemade recipe for the stuff. If you're not interested in straight pomegranate then Canada Dry has a refreshing Cherry seltzer blend. The only hesitation we would have with this flavor is if it included the seeds.


text:
An inspiring song and an inspiring poem
An Inspiring Song:
Song: Ovvoru pookkalume (Language: Tamil); Movie: Autograph
Singer: Chitra K S; Director: Cheran; Lyrics: Vijay Pa
Ovvoru pookkalume solgirathe… Vazhvenral poradum porkalame…
Ovvoru vidiyalume solgirathe… Iravanal pagalonru vanthidume…
Every flower on this earth says, that life is a battlefield…
Every morning says, that where there is a night, there will be a new dawn…
Nambikkai yenbathu vendum nam vazhvil…
Latchiyam nicchayam vellum oru nalil…
We need to trust ourselves in life…
Our ambitions will surely win one day…
Maname O Maname ni maari vidu…
Malayo athu paniyo ni modhi vidu…
Our mind and thoughts ought to change…
Whether it is a mountain or an iceberg, we need to fight…
Ullam yenrum yeppodhum, udainthu poga koodathu…
Yenna intha vazhkayenra yennam thonra koodathu…
The heart should not break any day, any time…
'what is this life?' is a thought that should not occur…
Yentha manidha nenjukkul, kayam illai sollungal…
Kalapokkil kayamellam marandhu pogum mayangal…n
Can you identify one person's heart, which has not been hurt at all?…
In the verge of time, hurt vanishes magically…
Uli thangum karkal thane mann medhu silayagum…
Vali thangum idhayam thane nilayana sugam kaanum…
Only the stone that can tolerate the strokes of a chisel can become a beautiful statue…
Only the heart that can tolerate the deepest bruises can be consistantly happy…
Yaarukkillai porattam? Kannil yenna neerottam?
Oru kanavu kandal, athai dinam muyanral, oru nalil nijamagum…
Who doesn't have to struggle? Why are the eyes filled with tears?
If we dream, and focus on acheiving it daily, one day it will become a reality…
Vazhkai kavithai vasippom, vaanam alavu yosippom,
Muyarichi yenra onrai mattum, mucchi pole swasipoom…
Let us read the poem called life, let us think to the limits of the sky,
Effort is the only thing, that we need to inhale like the breath…
Latcham kanavu kannodu, latchiyangal nenjodu…
Unnai vella yaarum illai, urudhiyodu poradu…
There may be one lakh dreams in our eyes, goals in our hearts,
There is no one to beat you, fight with determination…
Manidha un manadhai keeri vidhai podu maramagum…
Avamanam padutholvi yellame uravagum…
Oh man, scratch your heart and put your seeds – it will become a tree…
Insult and failure, will become your relatives…
Tholvi inri varalara, dukkam yenna yen thozha,
Oru mudivirunhal, adhil thelivirundhal, andha vanam vasamagum…
There is no history with out a defeat, why are you worried about that, my friend?
If there is foresight, and clarity, even the sky can be conqured…
(Note: The translation is mine, and hence there may be some errors. If you can find any, please let me know in the comments section and I will change it).
An Inspiring Poem:
I think it is titled 'If'
Author: Rudyard Kipling.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run –
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And – which is more – you'll be a Man my son!
Rudyard Kipling
Destination Infinity
34 Comments
The song truly is one inspiring one. Thanks for translating the lyrics and sharing it here.
Destination Infinity
I wanted to follow the lyrics of this song for a long time, and this post gave me an opportunity to do so. This is the first time that I have listened to a song for understanding the lyrics! Generally, I like music, voice and the feel of a song.
Destination Infinity
oops, typo. *is an inspiring one !
vishesh unni raghuna
for whom the sunshines
Far away , for those who dare to smile everyday .
For whom the sunshines ,
Far away , for those to dare to smile it all away.
Destination Infinity
I read that poem. Slightly off-beat – different from the way you usually write.
Destination Infinity
Great efforts taken for translating.
The poem is truly an inspiring one. Thanks for posting this.
Destination Infinity
Yeah. I too wanted to understand this song for a long time. This is a rare gem where the lyrics, music and the voice all inspire!!
Destination Infinity
Rakesh Vanamali
The poem IF is one of my favorites! It hold a very deep meaning and provides ready solutions to many a challenge!
Destination Infinity
You have an eye for quality, always. Frankly speaking, strictly on the lyrics or the lines, the poem is much better than the song. And thanks for identifying it.
Destination Infinity
Ovvoru pookkalume…is the morning prayer song in some schools, it seems. It is a beautiful song and the scene also is very natural. I liked the movie too.
This line is the best, I feel:
Uli thangum karkal thane mann medhu silayagum…
Vali thangum idhayam thane nilayana sugam kaanum…
Only the stone that can tolerate the strokes of a chisel can become a beautiful statue…
Only the heart that can tolerate the deepest bruises can be consistently happy…
Destination Infinity
That is the best line indeed. But I wonder, how kids will be able to understand the depth of a song like this. It is an irony isin't it? When we want to read and understand history, we are grown up and have no time. When we were taught history, we were not even interested!
Destination Infinity
Nowadays, no one speaks or understands good Tamil. If I start lamenting about this, your post will become my post…it will be so long.
I still remember my 5th std. Tamil prayer..'Vellaith thaamarai pooviliruppaal', 'neeraadum kadaluduththa nilamadandaik kezhilozhugum… I joined Tamil medium school in Chennai. I studied till 5th in Udupi. Joined again in 5th, here. But I still remember my prayer song in that school. Those children who are singing this song now, may understand the meaning later in their lives.
I did a big mistake in making my children take Hindi and Sanskrit as second and third language. Thought they can score good marks (dumb me!).They can read Tamil (studied as third language for 2 years). But they don't appreciate anything written in Tamil. English means..happy!
Destination Infinity
You have a nice point there – The children who sing this song now will understand the meaning later. Thats correct. It sort of resides in the sub-conscious mind.
I am glad that I studied Tamil as my second language till my 10th Standard – I was always good at languages – Tamil, English and Hindi. But the problem came in the last two years of schooling when I took sanskrit for the marks – I had to memorize a whole lot of stuff! Though I got good marks in that subject, language marks did not mean much in the end! I should have taken Tamil. In Chennai I feel you could have made your kids study Tamil. Hindi and English would always be picked up later. And marks don't matter after you leave the school. I learnt this the hard way!!
Destination Infinity
I realized it now….too late!
I studied in Tamil medium just for one year, but was very good in that language. I love this language. Then shifted to English medium…in those days we had one English medium section! When I came to 9th, had Hindi as third language for a few months. But because of the DMK anti-hindi agitation, the language was banned. Studied Hindi privately. My family were already familiar with the language, so I am a Hndi loving person also!
I should have made my children study Tamil and sent them out to learn Hindi privately. Too late, now.
Destination Infinity
Well, I am also in the same boat – sort of. My mother tongue is telugu and having been brought up in Chennai, I never learnt how to read and write in that language. But its never too late – I am learning now, and I can read slowly! I always wanted to learn German but somehow it looks quite complicated!! But I love languages – I want to learn a lot of them! So, I guess if people are interested, they have a lot of resources in this internet era to learn – that's very good isin't it?
Destination Infinity
Indian Homemaker
Read the translation, it is inspiring !!
Can you identify one person's heart, which has not been hurt at all?…
In the verge of time, hurt vanishes magically…
And IF has been my favorite forever!!!
Destination Infinity
It seems like only I have read that 'if' poem recently! Everyone else seem to have read it already. Thanks for reading the translation.
Destination Infinity
Winnie the Poohi
Oh I love and love that song.. and your translation is quite good 🙂
"if" this poem is beautiful 🙂
Destination Infinity
Tamil is one of the languages that I am more comfortable with. And this song doesn't have complex words. I knew you would notice the poem, actually I wanted to put it first. Awesome lines.
Destination Infinity
Winnie the Poohi
Sadly tamil happens to be a weakness of mine 😀 i mean.. i get the saransh.. but miss the intricacies .. get irritated by it.. but so many wonderful souls have posted english translations.. that makes my life easier.. rather the song more enjoyable 🙂
Oh how can I miss that poem? 😀
An alien Earthling
Great translation!
Ovvoru pookkalume is simply unbelievable! I'm moved every time I hear it. Especially along with the video, considering that the all the musicians who actually performed are differently-abled people. The lyrics are fantastic…they have a very deep meaning in them and yet they can be understood quite easily. This song is a true GEM!
Great post!
Destination Infinity
//they have a deep meaning in them and yet can be understood quite easily// – exactly.
And the song is a GEM indeed!.
Destination Infinity
I have a tiny quiz, hope u will try and answer. 🙂
Destination Infinity
Answered, but only to participate as I don't know bird names!
Destination Infinity
I am so happy that so many people are enjoying this song. Thanks for posting this song and for the brilliant translation, D.I.
Destination Infinity
I enjoyed translating the song too… For a long time I wanted to listen and understand each and every line of this song – it happened now.
Destination Infinity
It is one of my favorite poems.
Destination Infinity
I read that poem in one blog before a year and a half. But I forgot the name of the poem and the author and also the blog. Recently I thought the name of the author could be Kipling and Whoa! it is.
Destination Infinity
Its an amazing song… wenever i feel low..i listen to this song! Tamil is an amazing language…Especially if u want to describe anyting…i feel it can be expressed in tamil beautifully…
Hey good work DI !
That's right… Tamil is an expressive language – it seems it is one of the best languages for songs and music… Thanks!!
Christine Wiedemer
Leider insgesamt sehr unübersichtlich finde ich, aber Infos sind im Allgemeinen gut und interessant.
Hello there. I'm so glad I found your blog, I actually discovered this by accident, when I'd been browsing Google for something else entirely, Just the same I'm here now and would certainly wish to express gratitude for a excellent blog posting and a over-all intriguing blog (I furthermore love the theme/design). I've saved it and in addition subscribed to your
Bollywood music
I just love the lyrics its superb.
kiran kumar
the poem has a deep meaning and has shattered my negative thoughts and boosted my self confidence to the utmost level!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kiran kumar
thank u very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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Prescribed burning is one of the most valuable tools for the ecological and economic management of pine forests in the southeastern United States. There is concern, however, that burning may lead to excessive losses of nitrogen (N), thereby decreasing forest productivity. The deleterious effects of burning may be countered via N2-fixation by herbaceous legumes that typically thrive in burned ecosystems. However, the rates and controls of legume N2-fixation in these ecosystems are poorly understood. The goal of my research program is to gain an improved understanding of the N2-fixation rates, N fates, and environmental controls of herbaceous legumes in these ecosystems.
Education / Degrees
- B.S., Biology, Mercer University, 1986
- M.S., Forest Ecology, University of Georgia, 1989
- Ph.D., Natural Resources, University of New Hampshire, 1994


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Perhaps the most difficult part of any manager's job is telling a subordinate that he can no longer stay with the company — that he's been "fired," "let go," "dismissed," or otherwise taken off the payroll. It's a gut-wrenching conversation, knowing how this simple act affects a person's career, self-esteem, and livelihood. Firing an employee also affects everyone else on your team. Not only does it change work assignments, but it also makes people wonder about your judgment as a manager and their own job security.
Given these emotional undercurrents, many managers let anxiety drive the firing process instead of intellect, making a difficult moment even worse. For example, I know of a senior manager who walked unannounced into his employee's office, junior HR person in-tow, and declared: "You've been fired. Our HR associate will answer your questions and then escort you out of the building." The manager then exited, leaving the shocked (former) employee and the ill-prepared HR person staring awkwardly at each other. What made this situation even worse is that the senior manager had given no previous indication of the employee's performance difficulties and had given him nothing but positive feedback in the previous six months. Now, suddenly, the reason for the firing was "lack of teamwork." And because it was "for cause," no severance was offered and pay was terminated immediately.
From the manager's perspective, this approach avoided the anxiety associated with firing. He didn't have to engage in any difficult performance discussions or justify his actions. He also avoided any kind of emotional scene and (temporary) budget impacts. Of course, he also probably generated a major lawsuit that left the company liable for far more than the cost of a severance. And once the story got out, he likely lost the respect of his team.
Clearly this may be an extreme example, but there are too many stories like this one. Because firing is so emotionally charged, it's easy to act counterproductively. To avoid that, here are four guidelines for those times when firing an employee becomes a necessity:
Firing a subordinate is one of the most difficult and painful tasks you'll ever have to do as a manager; and for most of us it never gets easier. Unfortunately, avoiding the anxiety associated with firing only makes things worse. So if you have to do it — do it right.
What's been your experience with firing — or being fired?
Ron Ashkenas is a senior partner of Schaffer Consulting, a Stamford, Connecticut consulting firm and an executive-in-residence at the Haas Business School of UC Berkeley. He is the author of the book Simply Effective: How to Cut Through Complexity in Your Organization and Get Things Done.
Editor's Note: A version of this blog was cross-posted on HBR.org.


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Posted on June 15, 2016, in General, Hunting, Stable Management, Uncategorized and tagged broken toes, electric shocks, equestrian, equestrian humour, equestrian reality, equestrianism, equine first aid, falling off horses, Horse, horse first aid, horse inuries, horse related injuries, horse riding, horse riding falls, horse riding in ireland, horse riding injuries, horses, Humour, ireland, irish equestrian, irish equestrianism, irish horses, irish humour, ponies, stable yard injuries. Bookmark the permalink. 3 Comments.
A lot of these could be avoided if we were better at wearing our gloves amirite?
Cracking your kneecap on trees while hunting on a horse who takes hairpin corners 🙂


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Don't Scratch and These Seven Ways Can Overcome Tender Breasts While PregnantBreast pregnant women (pregnant women) often feel itchy? Certainly can interfere with comfort. However, don't get scratched immediately, because the skin of pregnant women tends to be more sensitive. Need the right way to deal with itching in the breast during pregnancy.
Besides, itchy nipples can also be created by skin irritation of clothing, soap, and detergents used to wash clothes.
Overcoming Itching BreastsWhen the breasts itch, pregnant women may want to scratch it. However, scratching the chest is not an effective way to deal with itching. Cause the skin to become irritated, which makes the itchiness more pronounced, it can even make the skin hurt and feel sore.
Here are some ways you can do to deal with itchy breasts during pregnancy:
- Choose bath soap that is free of perfume and detergent
- Routine using lotion
- Use petroleum jelly
- Massage with essential oils
- Use a nursing bra or nursing bra
- Wear loose clothes
- Compress with ice or cold water
Itchy breasts may interfere with comfort. Pregnant women can do the various methods above to overcome them. If the itching is felt to be very disturbing and accompanied by other symptoms, pregnant women should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
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VIPER 4,500lb Midnight Series Winch
VIPER Midnight Series 4500lb ATV / UTV / SxS winches are fully sealed and have composite housing and all metal gears. VIPER Midnight Series winches include an automatic brake standard on them. The automatic brake is highly recommended for anyone using their winch with a plow.
Most ATVs and UTVs require a winch mount plate that has been specifically engineered to install directly to the machine's frame. VIPER Winch Mounts are sold separately for most ATVs and UTVs.
Components Include:
Note - the Universal mount plate included will only mount to a flat surface or to a "winch ready" ATV. VIPER Winch Mount Plates are sold separately for most ATVs and UTVs.
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This is the first post I've written in 2018, can you believe it!? As a creative person it's inevitable that inspiration and creativity take a back seat sometimes and to be honest I just didn't feel like writing. This blog was created as my outlet for my creativity especially in the industry where you get
Tag: motivation
How quickly has this year gone by!? It seems crazy that this is my last post of 2017 and just after this weekend we'll be welcoming the new year. 2017 has been a wonderful year for me and that's not because I've done the most extravagant of things but because overall it was a fun
These past few weeks, I've been slowly and I do mean slowly getting back into the swing of things which is odd seeing as the industry will start to quieten down in time for Christmas. My holiday blues have continued a lot longer that I had even realised, in fact it was my brother who
So I recently uploaded my headshots and I had people asking how I did them; which is great that people liked them enough so they could also try it a home. A couple of years ago I cut my hair short and now its growing out, meaning I need to update my headshots but doing them frequently
You may have noticed that I've been a bit quieter on my blog but between working hard, hitting targets and a silly little cold that won't shift, I just couldn't find the time but I'm glad that I didn't post till now. A couple of weeks ago I had a post planned about body image
I love challenges and it seems the new year has motivated me to start new ones. Apparently I'm not the only one too, my friend and her colleague are challenging themselves to give up sugar which is a very hard but a great challenge to do. Trust I've been there and it was an experience. So I've set myself two
I didn't manage to share this post in 2016 but reflecting on the past year is a great way to visualise your year ahead. Here are tips on how your past year can help towards your goals. 1# Start with a positive outlook Last year I wasn't as busy as I'd liked to have been.
Happy New Year to all my readers and followers, firstly a huge thank you because I do enjoy blogging and all your comments in the last year make it worth while. Over the festive period I've been thinking and before the new year I was preparing for 2017, so this year I plan to do
As we grow into adults we think the world becomes smaller and that we can handle anything life throws at us. We try to be strong and try to do it all by ourselves but to our parents we are still their little babies. I love sitting down and having chats with my parents because
In the last couple of months you may have noticed that I haven't been as active on my blog and that's because I've been dealing with a burnout. At first I didn't realise but once I did I was quite far in it, I guess that's what happens when you don't know when to shut


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Hello friends! I had the opportunity to see so many of you during my time in the States. Thank youREAD MORE
Hello friends! We are heading into October (our hottest month in Zambia!!) but have already experienced some reprieve the lastREAD MORE
SO MUCH has happened in the past couple weeks. I am just bursting to have all of you be excitedREAD MORE
Time has been going so slowly and yet so quickly over here. I can't believe it's almost July already! HereREAD MORE
To my friends and co-workers in Christ, It has been three weeks since I have lived in Zambia, and itREAD MORE
I'm a pretty honest person, so I'll just put it out there: until recently, I did not enjoy my life.READ MORE


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Alan Kelly and Joe Fletcher named top MLS officials
Alan Kelly has been named the MLS Referee of the Year for 2018 and Joe Fletcher is the Assistant RefereeRead more
Alan Kelly has been named the MLS Referee of the Year for 2018 and Joe Fletcher is the Assistant RefereeRead more
Mark Geiger will be the Video Assistant Referee for the penultimate game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, assisted byRead more
Tuesday's World Cup Round of 16 clash between Colombia and England will be officiated by PRO's Mark Geiger, with JoeRead more
PRO's Frank Anderson, Joe Fletcher, Mark Geiger, Jair Marrufo and Corey Rockwell have been announced as part of the team ofRead more
Early in November, PRO's Mark Geiger was assigned to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Playoff first leg between New ZealandRead more
Mark Geiger, Joe Fletcher, CJ Morgante and Jair Marrufo have been assigned to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. The fourRead more
Joe Fletcher was recently named as runner-up in the Male Referee of the Year category at the annual CONCACAF AwardsRead more
PRO's Joe Fletcher was recognized in the annual CONCACAF awards by finishing as runner-up in the Male Referee of theRead more
Four assistant referees from the Professional Referee Organization have been added to the FIFA panel for 2017. Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho joinsRead more
Short-term goal: Improve on 2015. Long-term goal: Be assigned to an MLS Cup Playoffs match. When PRO's Manager of AssistantRead more


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So, what is 3D printing? It's the process of creating a 3D shape from a digital file using a special printer that spits out the material in layers. The process can use a range of materials and methods such as softening or melting layers, using extremely hard metals and porcelains or layering materials together to create composites. It sure beats craft-gluing paddle pop sticks together.
3D printing has taken a number of industries by storm; jewellery, medicine, food and even toys all benefit from this technology.
In the automotive world, it makes customising cars and car parts that bit easier, and cheaper, and it allows car designers to try new tricks using a more cost efficient method than old school modelling. Put down the paddle pops, guys!
3D printing is a game-changer in design, engineering and sustainability.
We know, some of you think gluing and glittering a model together is way more fun than any 3D printer, right? But here's the thing: 3D printing ultimately benefits you, the consumer, in the long run.
Consider this: 3D printing allows manufacturers to try new things and drop weight from the vehicles as it's based on material optimisation – this means improved fuel economy for you. Sometimes the results are dropped-pie ugly while other times, it pushes the technical game forward.
Then there are those projects that are almost otherworldly, like the Light Cocoon concept car by EDAG (check it out here).
The cars we see in the showroom (production cars) are the next in line to get the 3D treatment. There are already a number of businesses allowing you to print various parts for your car such as chargers, radio covers and even console storage. Some websites are even offering the ability to design console inserts to match your coffee mug or back-seat-storage for the kids toys. Neat hey?
Toyota's electric i-Road vehicles.
Then there are customisable car interiors that are an option for consumers. For example, Toyota's single-person electric i-Road three-wheel vehicle allows the customisation of textures and colours using 3D-printed body parts garnered from tester vehicles.
Currently, Mercedes is considering using 3D printing as a production technique on its 2018 S-class. The Swedish Koenigsegg 1 supercar printed its exhaust in titanium to achieve huge weight reductions (making it the first production car with one horsepower for every kilogram it weighs).
And in a smart social media move, Ford released 3D-printing plans for the F150-Raptor (and three other production vehicles) so that Ford fans can print models at home.
Printers are priced in the low thousands, making life for manufacturers easier and ultimately saving dollars for consumers.


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RoundToMultiple ( number ; precision )
Round a number to the nearest multiple of a given precision
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Menno van Beek - Show more from this author
Van Beek Zakelijke Software
RoundToMultiple ( 1.78 , 2 )
Function definition: (Copy & paste into FileMaker's Edit Custom Function window)
Round a number to the nearest multiple of a given precision.
The precision may not equal zero. A negative or positive precision gives the same result.
The result of this function is similar to bankersrounding, except that you can choose any precision:
RoundToMultiple ( 1.045 ; 0.02 ) <=> 1.04
RoundToMultiple ( 1.055 ; 0.02 ) <=> 1.06
Note: these functions are not guaranteed or supported by BrianDunning.com. Please contact the individual developer with any questions or problems.


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Futuristic treehouse in Arkansas is designed to inspire imagination
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Heat-treated pine and steel were used to create this unique treehouse inside the Garvan Woodland Gardens in central Arkansas. The space, a 210-acre nature park with botanical gardens owned by the University of Arkansas, borders the Quachita River. The structure itself resides inside a children's garden full of native trees such as oak and pine, and serves as an interactive experience for children. The treatment process to create the "thermalised" southern yellow pine uses heat and steam to ensure longer-lasting durability of the wood . It also makes the wood less susceptible to weather and the elements. Related: Floating treehouse inside Mexican forest is a dreamy escape from city noise The slatted design provides a strong, safe way for the children to feel more connected with nature . The curves were intentional, influenced by "dendrology," or the study of trees, exhibited by the way the house changes shape while walking through. Using six pairs of skinny steel columns, the treehouse is lifted 13 to 25 feet into the air. This ensures that the natural ground below wouldn't have to be manipulated in order to install the structure— an important consideration for the protected nature park. It's a win-win situation, as the elevated location allows visitors to feel suspended into the air among the trees without a dangerous climb. The treehouse is multi-storied and has a raised walkway leading into the entrance in the center. When it comes to the actual structural design , the designers built a centralized spine made of steel that runs along the entire treehouse. Connected to the spine are 113 ribs (10 made of steel and the rest out of pine) that act as a sort-of skeleton, as well as features floor plates and six pairs of columns. Holes constructed into the east and north-facing ends give visitors an unobstructed view of the forest and tree canopies, with the eastern side partly covered by a decorative metal screen for added safety and allure. As for the "tail" of the treehouse, the designers used a metal infill and net to give users the illusion of danger (while still completely protected) keeping the spirit and excitement of a traditional treehouse alive. + Modus Studio Via Deezen Images via Modus Studio
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Futuristic treehouse in Arkansas is designed to inspire imagination
6 places to find the best recycled building materials
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If construction is in your future — either with a new home build or a remodel — using recycled building materials for the project is definitely the way to go. Not only is using recycled materials good for the environment , but it is often much cheaper. Sometimes, you can even find recycled materials for free! To help you with your upcoming construction or DIY project, here is a list of some of the best places to find recycled items and materials. Pawn shops You can find some pretty amazing brand name power tools at your local pawn shop. So, it doesn't hurt to stop by one near you and see what they have. You can even tell them what you are looking for and they could call you when the right item comes into the store. The most important thing to remember when you want to use recycled building materials for your construction project is to tell people — don't keep it a secret! Write posts about what you are looking for on social media, post an online classified, talk to your friends and family, make some calls to local contractors or post a flyer around a town. You don't know if you don't ask. When you do, you will most likely find some pretty amazing deals that can help your construction project be eco-friendly . Habitat for Humanity Restore Outlets that accept building material donations are a gold mine, especially when you are planning a construction project. Habitat for Humanity Restore sells donated items to the general public. You can find things like furniture, appliances, building materials and housewares, and they will cost you just pennies compared to what you would find at a regular home store. If you can't find a Habitat for Humanity Restore in your area, there are other non-profits located throughout the country that also sell recycled building materials. All it takes is a quick Google search. Related: Green-roofed home is built of waste bricks and wood in Poland Wood recycling stores There are places all over the United States where you can find recycled and reclaimed wood for things like flooring, paneling and furniture. Not only does using recycled and reclaimed wood have environmental benefits, but it can give your home character. The Building Materials Reuse Association has an online directory that you can use to find a location near you where you can find recycled and reclaimed wood for your next construction project. Scratch and dent stores If you have never heard of a scratch and dent store, they are outlets that sell items that have been damaged, refurbished, are out of the box or have been discontinued. Scratch and dent items can be a lot cheaper than retail, they sometimes have a manufacturer warranty and the damage is usually just cosmetic. However, you will be responsible for getting rid of your old appliances and installing the new ones. There is also a risk that you could buy a lemon. So, make sure that you can swap your appliance out if you end up with one that is causing problems. You can find slightly imperfect appliances at the Sears Outlet website or at one of their outlet stores. You can also buy scratch and dent furniture online at Goedeker's. Again, a quick Google search will help you find the scratch and dent stores in your area. Tear-down sites When a contractor is tearing down a building or remodeling a residential or commercial site they usually have to get rid of a few things. This means that you can get your hands on items like building materials, cabinets, sinks and toilets, and help the contractor dispose of their waste . Contact local contractors and tell them what you are looking for, then ask if you can take a look at one of their sites. Be prepared for some resistance because there could be safety and liability concerns. But, you just might find a contractor who wants to avoid waste just as much as you do and will be more than willing to set some things aside. Freecycle and Planet Reuse This non-profit website is all about exchanging things for free . It has millions of members from around the globe and the goal is to keep things from ending up in landfills . Membership is free and you can find items like tools, tiles and wood. Related: Eco-friendly options for decluttering waste Another great online option is PlanetReuse , which is a marketplace where you can buy recycled materials from both residential and commercial buildings. They also offer a consulting service if you need help with using recycled materials for your construction or DIY projects. Not to mention, they will also make sure to stay within your budget. Also, don't be afraid to post an online classified ad on Craigslist, in a Facebook group or your general social media network. You might just be surprised who has something you could use just hanging out in their backyard. Images via Shutterstock
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6 places to find the best recycled building materials
11 inspiring designs we loved at Milan Design Week 2018
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Designers awed and inspired attendees at this year's Milan Design Week with fresh takes on contemporary design. From unexpected uses for wood and recycled materials to advanced lighting technology , we spotted countless incredible projects throughout the event — read on for 11 of our favorite designs from Milan Design Week 2018. Sila lamp by Zsuzsanna Horvath Helsinki-based Hungarian architect Zsuzsanna Horvath developed the Sila lamp – an elegant lamp that emerges from a two-dimensional plane of laser-cut birch plywood. The lamp's structure is made with thin, delicate slivers of plywood connected by a flexible OLED panel. With its soft light and delicate shape, this lamp is a perfect addition for quiet and cozy interiors. Bread chair by Mika Tsutai This Bread Chair by Japanese designer Mika Tsutai is definitely an object of good taste… and good humor. Inspired by the unpredictable shape of bread, Tsutai kneaded dough — real dough, made from flour — shaped it into a chair, and baked it. The baked piece was scanned, and a digital model was created. The designer used this model to carve the same shape from wood. The unique shape reflects the random swelling of bread after baking. Macaron seat by Kalo Kalo created the Macaron Seat by using locally-recycled bits of rubber. Each seat is crafted by pressing a mold onto a wooden frame. This seat catches the eye using juxtapositions: smooth wooden legs contrast with a textured seat and a shining brass element along the edges of the dark rubber. Halo lamp by Mandalaki Designed by the Milan-based Mandalaki office, the Halo lamp is a bold combination of art and technology. Unlike most lamps, Halo does not provide neutral white illumination. Instead, it dyes space with vivid, unexpected colors. The vivid colors are produced by analog optical decomposition instead of an RGB LED. Mandalaki developed a dichroic filter to divide the pure luminous flux, or the measure of perceived light, into a vast spectrum of colors. Sundial clock by YOY You don't need sunlight to use this Sundial wall clock by Tokyo-based design studio YOY. Although at first sight it seems to be a real sundial, it is only an illusion. Part of the "Fictionality" collection, this clock has a regular bar as the minute hand and a "shadow" as the hour hand, which is imprinted on the clock's face. Surprisingly, the entire clock rotates to show the correct time. Plug It by Studio Oberhauser Instead of discarding thousands of small wood scraps from the industrial production of furniture, Studio Oberhauser created Plug It to exemplify the beauty of recycling. The studio suggests that stacking the comb-shaped wood chips to craft pieces of furniture can be a fun and functional game for everyone. Sea of Plastic by EcoBirdy EcoBirdy's main goal is to reduce the sea of plastic . To do this, the company crafted children's furniture entirely from recycled plastic. Plus, each item can be easily recycled again. The Antwerp-based designers have also involved children in this socially- and environmentally-responsible act by designing a storybook and a school program that teaches children about sustainable living. D.01 bench by Davide Montanaro Wood appears to be a stiff and rigid material, but it can be made to bend with just the right touch. Dukta is a unique incision process that can make wood into a flexible, manageable material. Davide Montanaro used this process to design the plywood D.01 bench and ensured the piece had character with its smooth shape and distinct pattern. S-Lab clock by 4R 4R made the S-Lab clock using recycled plastic. The entire production process, from collection to melting and molding was completed in-house. The designers were able to control the color, pattern and texture of the clock. With this project, the team hopes to continue working and exploring with plastic in their designs. Woodencap by Rootpecker Rootpecker has made design history by creating the first wooden cap in the world. The hat is handmade in Germany and features a smooth, flexible wood surface and intricate stitching. The company aims to source only eco-friendly materials for their unique products. Paper and Light by Denis Guidone and Tomoko Fuse Designer Denis Guidone and origami artist Tomoko Fuse created Paper and Light to blend classic and contemporary techniques. This project includes a series of lamps made from folded washi, a traditional Japanese paper. The folded light installments illuminate the area and create playful shadows. + Milan Design Week Images via Maria Novozhilova for Inhabitat
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11 inspiring designs we loved at Milan Design Week 2018
Soldiers reportedly kill forest defenders in Cambodia after they challenged illegal loggers
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Government forces reportedly attacked a forest protection ranger, conservation worker, and military police officer in a part of northeastern Cambodia that grapples with illegal logging, the Associated Press reported . The soldiers killed the forest defenders in what seemed to be retaliation after the three-person team seized equipment from illegal loggers , according to officials. Senior environmental official Keo Sopheak said, "The three were killed not by robbers or a guerrilla group but they were shot by government armed forces who backed the illegal timber cutting." The three-person team had been patrolling the Keo Seima wildlife sanctuary , according to the Associated Press, which described them as the latest victims in a trend of environmental defenders murdered by people seeking to exploit natural resources for financial gain. They'd confiscated motorcycles and chainsaws from Vietnamese people illegally logging, Sopheak said. Per the Associated Press, security forces in Cambodia sometimes work with illegal loggers who then smuggle the timber into Vietnam nearby. Related: 2017 Goldman Environmental Prize recognizes 6 activists who risk life and limb to protect the environment On their page about the Keo Seima wildlife sanctuary, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia said the Seima Protection Forest (SPF) "boasts more than 60 species that are Globally Threatened, Near-threatened, or Data Deficient by IUCN criteria. The area is home to 25 different species of carnivore, including Tiger and seven other species of wild cat. The SPF is of international importance for the conservation of primates , Asian elephants, wild cattle, and several species of birds." Sopheak said the civilian killed was a WCS Cambodian employee. Illicit wood trade is a multimillion dollar affair across southeast Asia , per the Associated Press, with China as a major market. The Keo Seima sanctuary reportedly contains valuable timber alongside threatened wildlife species. Via The Associated Press on The Guardian Images via Flickr , Depositphotos and Pixabay
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Soldiers reportedly kill forest defenders in Cambodia after they challenged illegal loggers
World's first biofuel flight between the US and Australia powered by mustard seeds
January 31, 2018 by
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The world's first biofuel flight between the United States and Australia landed in Melbourne after a 15-hour trip. The Guardian reported the blended fuel was 10 percent derived from brassica carinat, which Qantas describes as a "non-food, industrial type of mustard seed." They said the use of blended biofuel in the flight would save about 18,000 kilograms, or around 39,683 pounds, of carbon emissions . A Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 soared between Los Angeles and Melbourne in the trans-Pacific biofuel flight. The trip saw carbon emissions reduced by seven percent compared against Qantas' usual flight over the route. Per the airline, "Across its lifecycle, using carinata-derived biofuel can reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent compared to traditional jet fuel ." Related: Watch a Boeing 737 and a Tesla Model S battle it out Brassica carinata works as a fallow crop , meaning it can be cultivated between regular crop cycles, per The Guardian. Qantas said the crop can be sown in fallow areas, and is water efficient. Steve Fabijanski, CEO of Agrisoma , the agricultural-technology company behind the crop, said in a statement, "Biojet fuel made from carinata delivers both oil for biofuel and protein for animal nutrition while also enhancing the soil it's grown in." The crushed seeds can produce a high-protein meal for livestock, poultry, and dairy markets, according to Qantas. One hectare of the seed yields 2,000 liters, around 528 gallons, of oil, according to Qantas. That can produce 400 liters, or around 106 gallons, of biofuel, and 1,400 liters, around 370 gallons, of what the airline described as renewable diesel. University of Sydney agriculture expert Daniel Tan told The Guardian farmers can use mustard seeds as a source of sustainable fuel , saying, "Almost within a day after harvesting, they can press the oil out in their own shed and use it straight into their tractors." Field trials have shown the crop should do well in Australia's climate. + Qantas Via The Guardian Images via Qantas ( 1 , 2 )
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World's first biofuel flight between the US and Australia powered by mustard seeds
Stunning chapel in Japan brings a fractal forest indoors
December 13, 2017 by
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Not all chapels need stained glass windows and soaring archways to take your breath away. This Japanese timber chapel in Nagasaki injects a stunning fractal-like forest indoors for an instant wow factor. Yu Momoeda Architecture Office designed the minimalist chapel with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in sweeping views of the surrounding views of the national park and sea. The boxy 125-square-meter Agri Chapel is a modern interpretation of Oura-Tenshudo, Japan's oldest timber gothic chapel and national treasure that's also located in Nagasaki. In contrast to its 19th century predecessor, the new-build chapel is a modernist temple of glass and steel. Seven-meter-tall windows on all sides of the building frame different views of the landscape including the sea, park, mountains, and hills. Related: Mexico's gorgeous Sunset Chapel looks like a gigantic boulder The tree-like wooden units inserted into the interior are made up of three layers with varying thickness of cedar . Steel rods provide horizontal support. The timber installation's fractal pattern is based off of 45-degree rotations. Simple wooden furnishings complement the vertical timber supports in the otherwise all-white building. + Yu Momoeda Architecture Office Via ArchDaily
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Stunning chapel in Japan brings a fractal forest indoors
Luxury private-island resort in the Maldives aims for minimal site impact
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A new paradise destination has surfaced on the waters of the jaw-droppingly beautiful Maldives . Singapore-based WOW Architects recently completed the St. Regis Maldives, a luxury hotel that extends out of a private island. In hopes of minimizing the resort's impact on the landscape, WOW architects implemented prefabricated timber systems and uses local labor and materials whenever possible. Covering 16,000 square meters across land and water, the St. Regis Maldives comprises 77 villas divided into four experiential zones—lagoon, beach, coastal, and jungle—each defined by different anchoring activities connected via a meandering art trail. The hut-like building forms and spaces take inspiration from nature, with maximum use of cross-laminated wood and minimal use of concrete and steel. Landscaping focuses on conservation of existing island flora and fauna, as well as replacement of displaced plant material with native species. Related: World's largest underwater restaurant installed in the Maldives "The local people live in a delicate balancing act with nature, and are totally dependent on trade, technology, and tourism to sustain themselves," wrote the architects. "Thus, when we were given an opportunity to design a Maldivian resort hotel, we chose to delight the senses through education, creating awareness, and new paradigms of interacting with the physical environment. Here, paradise is emotionally and intellectually experienced and enjoyed, but with a profound awareness of the complex relationships of the eco systems being inhabited." + WOW Architects Images 2018 copyright WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design
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Luxury private-island resort in the Maldives aims for minimal site impact
Office with arched openings shows off the beauty of cross-laminated timber
March 29, 2017 by
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Increasing numbers of architects are celebrating the strength, beauty, and sustainable properties of cross-laminated timber . Japanese architecture firm Junichi Kato & Associates shows off how the timber can be used as both a structural and finishing material in the Santo CLT Office. Built in Japan's Shiga Prefecture, this nearly 140-square-meter office building houses warm and welcoming workspaces with arched openings. Inspired by the climbing kiln in Shigaraki, a town famous for ceramics, Junichi Kato & Associates introduced an arch -shaped continuous frame into the building structure. A raised wooden terrace wraps around two sides of the building and is partly shaded by the roof overhang. The walls and floors are constructed from cross-laminated timber, while foam insulation and low-e glass improve energy efficiency. Related: Taiwan's first CLT building paves way to greener alternatives to concrete and steel The office is entered from the west and visitors are immediately greeted with an exhibition space, reception desk, and a small informal meeting area. A wall divides the entrance area from the large working space in the center of the building. The night-duty room, shower, and toilet are located in the rear. Large windows fill the office with natural light which, coupled with the ample use of wood, gives the office its cozy and welcoming character. + Junichi Kato & Associates Via ArchDaily Images by Kei Sugino
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This showroom in China looks like a piece of paper floating on water
December 5, 2016 by
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The design of this showroom and management office in China was inspired by a piece of paper floating on water. FMD Architects designed the building as an addition to a large industrial office park in Minhang District, Shanghai, and combined exposed concrete, wood and steel to give it an industrial feel. The designers created the building to look like a piece of paper floating on water, only touching the surface in two points. Its simple structural system comprises a concrete base and core, wooden columns and a sloping roof that shelters a double-height space . Related: Tesla's Red Hot and Green Los Angeles Showroom The concrete base protects the wood from the elements, while the solid concrete core takes most of the horizontal loads. Additional natural light is introduced through the skylight which also improves natural ventilation . The architects chose to hide all the lights and equipment, leaving exposed only the original concrete, wood and steel joints, giving the entire space an industrial feel. + FMD Architects Via Archdaily Photos by Yinhui Wang
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This showroom in China looks like a piece of paper floating on water
Americas largest modern timber building pieces together like LEGO
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The nation's largest timber building has officially opened its doors in Minneapolis. Designed by Vancouver-based Michael Green Architecture and Architect-of-Record DLR Group , the seven-story tower is the first modern wooden building of its kind to have been built in over 100 years. Created from prefabricated timber panels, the 224,000-square-foot building's structural system was quickly pieced together like LEGO blocks on-site at a speed far exceeding conventional steel-framed and concrete buildings. Located in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood, T3 mimics its historic warehouse neighbors with its blocky shape, but steers clear of the heavy bulk. The wooden building's structural system—mostly cross-laminated timber and nail-laminated timber—weighs approximately one-fifth of similarly sized concrete buildings. 180,000 square feet of timber framing was installed in less than 10 weeks. The majority of the wood is beetle-kill pine sustainably harvested from the Pacific Northwest. The prefabricated timber panels were combined with a spruce glulam post-and-beam frame, all of which sits atop a concrete slab. Related: White Arkitekter wins bid to design Sweden's tallest timber building The 224,000-square-foot mixed-use building houses office and retail space in a light-filled modern interior that celebrates the timber construction. "The entire timber structure of T3 was left exposed and illuminated with a percentage of the interior lighting directed up to the ceiling," said Candice Nichol, MGA Associate and T3 Project Lead. At night, "the illuminated wood glows from the exterior similar to a lantern." + Michael Green Architecture + DLR Group Images via Ema Peter
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Americas largest modern timber building pieces together like LEGO


text:
> Chapter 6
Numbers 6
American Standard Version
The Nazarite Vow
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall make a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself unto Jehovah,
he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink; he shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried.
All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the grape-vine, from the kernels even to the husk.
All the days of his vow of separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in which he separateth himself unto Jehovah, he shall be holy; he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.
All the days that he separateth himself unto Jehovah he shall not come near to a dead body.
He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die; because his separation unto God is upon his head.
All the days of his separation he is holy unto Jehovah.
And if any man die very suddenly beside him, and he defile the head of his separation; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.
And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tent of meeting:
and the priest shall offer one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, and make atonement for him, for that he sinned by reason of the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.
And he shall separate unto Jehovah the days of his separation, and shall bring a he-lamb a year old for a trespass-offering; but the former days shall be void, because his separation was defiled.
And this is the law of the Nazirite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tent of meeting:
and he shall offer his oblation unto Jehovah, one he-lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt-offering, and one ewe-lamb a year old without blemish for a sin-offering, and one ram without blemish for peace-offerings,
and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their meal-offering, and their drink-offerings.
And the priest shall present them before Jehovah, and shall offer his sin-offering, and his burnt-offering:
and he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto Jehovah, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof.
And the Nazirite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tent of meeting, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace-offerings.
And the priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazirite, after he hath shaven the head of his separation;
and the priest shall wave them for a wave-offering before Jehovah; this is holy for the priest, together with the wave-breast and heave-thigh: and after that the Nazirite may drink wine.
This is the law of the Nazirite who voweth, and of his oblation unto Jehovah for his separation, besides that which he is able to get: according to his vow which he voweth, so he must do after the law of his separation.
Aaron's Blessing
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel: ye shall say unto them,
Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee:
Jehovah make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
So shall they put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
Section Headings Courtesy INT Bible
© 2012, Used by Permission
The law of the Nazarite in the days of his separation
And after their completion
The form of blessing the people
Numbers 1: The Census of Israel's Warriors
Numbers 2: Order of the Camps
Numbers 3: The Sons of Aaron
Numbers 4: Duties of the Kohathites
Numbers 5: Cleansing the Camps
Numbers 6: The Nazarite Vow
Numbers 7: Offerings of Dedication
Numbers 8: The Seven Lamps
Numbers 9: The Second Passover
Numbers 10: The Two Silver Trumpets
Numbers 11: The People Complain
Numbers 12: The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron
Numbers 13: Spies Sent to Canaan
Numbers 14: The People Rebel
Numbers 15: Laws About Sacrifices
Numbers 16: Korah's Rebellion
Numbers 17: Aaron's Staff Buds
Numbers 18: Duties of Priests and Levites
Numbers 19: Ashes of the Red Heifer
Numbers 20: The Death of Miriam
Numbers 21: Victory over the Canaanites
Numbers 22: Balak Summons Balaam
Numbers 23: Balaam's First Oracle
Numbers 24: Balaam's Third Oracle
Numbers 25: Baal Worship at Peor
Numbers 26: The Second Census of Israel
Numbers 27: The Daughters of Zelophehad
Numbers 28: The Daily Offerings
Numbers 29: The Feast of Trumpets
Numbers 30: Laws Concerning Vows
Numbers 31: Vengeance on Midian
Numbers 32: Reuben and Gad Ask for Gilead
Numbers 33: The Forty-Two Journeys of the Israelites
Numbers 34: The Boundaries of Canaan
Numbers 35: Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
Numbers 36: Zelophehad's Daughters Marry
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text:
Guess how leftists, millennials and 'Black Lives Matter' morons decided to celebrate the 4th of July?
Did they manage to drop their demented obsession with identify politics and hating America for just 24 hours to allow Independence Day to be respectfully observed?
They hijacked the occasion to make #AmericaWasNeverGreat trend on Twitter.
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Paul Joseph Watson is the editor at large of Infowars.com and Prison Planet.com.