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The issues with the "conversion" of CouchSurfing to a for-profit corporation are many and complex. I keep getting asked what the problem is, often accompanied by the remark "But for me, nothing has changed".
Here is an attempt to explain in a simplified and hopefully easily understandable way what to the best of my knowledge happened, with a summary of the issues at the end:
CouchSurfing was founded as a non-profit organization in the U.S. state of New Hampshire in 2003.
Under repeated assurances by CS management that CS would always remain non-profit, volunteers, dedicated members and donors helped build and rebuild CS after Casey Fenton accidentally deleted the database in 2006, gave up and walked away.
In 2010, CS was notified by the U.S. tax authorities that it would be denied the 501c3 charity status for which it had applied because the way in which CS operated was viewed as social rather than charitable in nature (and for a number of other reasons).
At that stage, CS had to change its status. It could have chosen another non-profit type, such as 501c7 for the social and recreational organization which the IRS said it was, or go for-profit. Although CS had always pledged to remain non-profit, it decided to break that pledge and go for-profit.
To prepare this "conversion", the chairman of CouchSurfing, Dan Hoffer, had already been working at the venture capital firm Benchmark Capital months before the IRS denial was officially notified.
The bylaws of CS and the law stipulate that upon dissolution the assets of the non-profit organization had to be distributed to a charity or to the government.
CouchSurfing petitioned a New Hampshire court for authorization to buy the assets itself, telling the court that nobody else could receive the assets and that there were no interested parties to be notified of the plan to sell CouchSurfing. At the same, time CouchSurfing volunteers were told only that changes were coming, but not that CouchSurfing would be sold. Members and donors were told nothing. This lack of information deprived these stakeholders of their legal right to oppose the petition.
Based on a valuation commissioned and paid for by CouchSurfing, the non-profit assets were valued at only about $600,000, less than 1/3 of annual revenue.
The founders of CouchSurfing set up a new company under the name "Better World Through Travel Inc." (BWTT) in Delaware (a famous tax haven) which bought the CouchSurfing assets for a fraction of the actual value.
The proceeds of the sale went to a New Hampshire grant fund rather than to the CouchSurfing community which had created the assets in large parts.
The majority shareholders of BWTT, Casey Fenton and Dan Hoffer, issued shares to themselves and sold a minority share of the supposed $600,000 assets for $7,600,000 to two capital venture firms, Benchmark Capital and Omidyar Network. This puts the value of Casey Fenton's and Dan Hoffer's share at more than $7,600,000, most likely at more than $15 million.
Initially they announced that CouchSurfing had been converted to a Benefit Corporation, which was then corrected to "B-Corporation". The right to carry the "B-Corp" label was obtained by submitting false information about the dissolved non-profit organization to B-Lab, the organization which hands out the label for a fee, and by using that label for the just created profit corporation under the false name "CouchSurfing International" (the real name being "Better World Through Travel Inc.").
CouchSurfing has been misrepresenting the nature of the business as "half-way between a non-profit and a for-profit" when in fact the legal form is a conventional for-profit C-Corporation (like Coca Cola or Microsoft). The future of CouchSurfing is now uncertain because it will have to go public in the not too distant future in order to repay the venture capital with a profit and to allow employees to exercise their stock options. Nobody knows who will then be the new shareholders and what their plans for CouchSurfing will be.
So, in summary, there are serious issues with the dishonest way in which CS, against repeated assurances that this could and would never happen, has been secretly privatized for the personal enrichment of a few when other alternatives existed, with how this has been justified, with the impact this has on the CouchSurfing community which in large part built what is now being taken away from it, and with how the nature of the new owner of the website and of our data has been misrepresented as a kind of non-profit when legally it is nothing but a conventional profit corporation illegitimately parading a B-lab label.
The moral issues with the above should be obvious. The legal issues are currently being investigated. The first consequence of this investigation is expected to be the withdrawal of the B-Corp certification. Other consequences could include the criminal prosecution of key actors in the above "conversion", its reversal, or the withdrawal of the investors.
Summary of CouchSurfing-Disaster by Polyglot
Group: CouchSurfing
posted 2011/11/01 13:15 Visibility: World
posted 2011/11/01 13:46 Visibility: World
Hi, and thanks for this report.
Are you absolutely sure of that? (the part about selling the assets to the founders for only 600 000$ before reselling part of it to the investors)?
I mean, this is absolutely a different story, we're not just talking about breaking promises here... I don't know in the States, but in france you can get into very serious trouble if you do that kind of things...
posted 2011/11/01 14:09 Visibility: World
Yes, there exist legal documents confirming the sale of the CS database and source code for $600,000. This is the value that was presented to the court/judge in New Hampshire. The value was probably hugely underestimated since there were private investors ready to invest $7.6 million.
At the same time, CS told to the state of New Hampshire that there was nobody interested in buying the database.
posted 2011/11/02 20:27 Visibility: World
that's indeed a really good post by polyglot
nico don't you read this group : http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=7621 ?
posted 2011/11/10 23:16 Visibility: World
Hi everyone. The original title of my post is "Explanation of for-profit "conversion" issues":
It has now been translated into French and Spanish:
French (http://couchwiki.org/en/CouchSurfing_conversion_issues#Fran.C3.A7ais)
Spanish (http://couchwiki.org/en/CouchSurfing_conversion_issues#Espa.C3.B1ol)
Feel free to add other translations on CouchWiki.
posted 2011/11/11 11:14 Visibility: World
Hey Polyglot,
what would be interesting, where you got your information from.
When Casey was in Berlin, he really told, that they had to make a 2nd company. The reason was "slightly" different. He said it was not possible to make a company with the same name in another state of the US...
posted 2011/11/11 13:15 Visibility: World
Nice to meet you here, Polyglot!
I found a nice film. The red block in this film is Polyglot. =D
Just watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpsrGLTfLFk
Well, Polyglot, you were the first guy complaining Verification scam everywhere, right?
posted 2011/11/12 00:14 Visibility: World
Johannes, there was no need to create any other company. CouchSurfing could have remained nonprofit, as had always been promised. The only reason why CouchSurfing was taken for-profit was for Casey Fenton and Dan Hoffer to take venture capital and to distribute shares to themselves. The "nasty" U.S. government didn't force CouchSurfing to become a commercial company. That was their decision. As it was their decision to do so by lying to the court saying nobody needed to know about it and by lying to the volunteers and members about not being able to give any information until it was too late.
CouchSurfing also says they needed new funding because as a commercial company they can no longer accept donations.
Now, what is the percentage of CS revenues which came from donations? 1%, according to Casey Fenton. The other millions (1.9 million dollars last year and at least 2.5 million this year) are from verification payments. Unfortunately much of what Casey Fenton says turns out to be untrue. In this case, it is obviously the 1% figure which is true, though.
Some reading for you:
posted 2011/11/17 14:31 Visibility: World
Thanks Polyglot!
posted 2011/12/07 00:38 Visibility: World
Gratitude, man!
posted 2011/12/07 11:24 Visibility: World
I've got these messages about polyglot and about couchsurfing. I don't like talking about people or organisations in other sites.
Everybody has the right of own opinion, I can like it, share it or not.
Please stay in repect and careful!
Regards Sebastian
posted 2011/12/08 08:46 Visibility: World
After I SEPA-transfered 10€ to Bewelcome.org, I think it legitimate for me to discuss whatever and whoever I damn well please here.
posted 2011/12/08 19:11 Visibility: World
@Yepkio, even if you wouldn't have donated (thanks btw!), you were still very welcome to express your mind. it's called freedom of speech :)
posted 2011/12/09 13:01 Visibility: World
respectful and careful = Gentlemen
posted 2011/12/09 16:53 Visibility: World
Hi sebastian, please check if you are suscribed either to this thread or to the group notifications, this way you can choose to not receive this messages and read only what you are interested in.
posted 2011/12/09 18:30 Visibility: World
I decide myself. That means freedom and respect and care.
posted 2012/01/01 20:47 Visibility: World
I found an old message by Casey in my CS inbox. It's from November 24th, 2007. Isn't it nice? Enjoy ;-)
Dear Members,
Great news! After a long and difficult process lasting for more than a year, it is with great excitement that we announce the submission of our application for the federally recognized 501(c)(3) US non-profit status.
Currently, CouchSurfing International, Inc. is a legally recognized and official charitable non-profit corporation in the US state of New Hampshire. This means our purpose and any income is dedicated only to charitable non-profit use but as a locally-based organization in New Hampshire.
Submitting our application to be federally recognized "tax-exempt" non-profit organization is an exhilarating time for CouchSurfing. It shows how we have grown from a small community project into a structured charitable enterprise with a clear focus on the mission of facilitating intercultural understanding. This status will also provide several large and dynamic benefits that will serve to ensure the CouchSurfing community remains strong, sturdy and sustainable.
The advantages of 501(c)(3) non-profit status include:
- Worldwide recognition as a philanthropic
organization that complies with legal
requirements for charitable endeavors - Increased legal protections and accountability
- Eligibility for financial grants
- Donations to CouchSurfing will be tax-deductible
in the US
We are confident our 501(c)(3) application will be accepted based on the advice we have received from several experienced legal professionals, however the approval process will take several months so we will keep you updated when we have more news. We expect this classification to be a major step forward for achieving CouchSurfing's core purpose of facilitating intercultural exchanges that lead to understanding, tolerance, and ultimately a kinder world.
We are very grateful for the efforts of Matthew Whatley, CouchSurfing member and international non-profit lawyer, who has been a key force in moving this process forward. We also owe many thanks to this amazing community for carrying out our mission everyday!
For more info on US 501(c)(3):
Happy Surfing!
The CouchSurfing Leadership Team
posted 2012/01/03 10:12 Visibility: World
Thanks a lot for this text, Johannes!
Well, was it Matthew Whatley, 360 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94107, Office: 415-335-1206?
BTW, on the December 26th 2011, I got 4 mails from CS, although I deleted my profile there for month. Funny?


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text: Can't get enough of Cynical Brit? Now you can with the Unofficial Cynical Brit App. Listen to the infamous Cynical Brit, aka Total Biscuit, aka Total Halibut on his Blue Plz podcast series while on the go. Get his latest insight into the World of Warcraft(WoW) universe and other news.If you have any questions/suggestions email us at email@example.com.


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An evening with Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots
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The Huntley Farmside |
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^ HUNTLEY "^^id. VOLUME 18NUMBER 35 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1977 PHONE- 669-S62Mf no answer c«0 459-1456 or 459-0998 PO 192 HUNiLEY. ILL PAGES SERVING THE PEOPLE OF HUNTLEY SINCE 1960 15c PER COPY WALTER LEAGUE INITL^TION CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Last Sunday, Decemb- 1 Classes held their annual er 11th the 1st Congrega- Christmas Concert at the tional Sunday School church in the evening. WINNERS OF THE McHENRY SAVING & LOAN $50 SHOPPING SPREE Last Sunday, December 11th, the Walter League of Trinity Lutheran Church held its annual initiation. The league inducted six new members into its ranks. The initiation procedures con¬ sisted of: sitting on the chairs from the Nursery Department at a small table lo eat; eating dinner with a knife: jumping for swinging donuts, pushing ice cubes back and forth across the floor, feeding each other ice cream blindfolded. The new members had an interesting evening. The Walter League will be Christmas Caroling this Monday, Dec. 19th. Last week the McHenry Sav¬ ings & Loan Association held its first drawing to celebrate the opening of their new Huntley branch office in the Huntley Centley. The $50 shopping spree at the Huntley Supermarket was won by Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Brunschon of Huntley. Two more prizes will be awarded. They are $100 Shopping Spree at Ace Hardware and $100 Shopping Spree at Huntley Sup¬ ermarket. SANTA CLAUS VISITS ACE HARWARE '• ¦ii' fill! Pictured above is Bill Connors as he greets Santa. Last Saturday, December 10th Ace Hardware had a special visitor from the North Pole to greet their customers. Santa esents a scene from the 'f stable where Jesus was" born. SANTA'S COMI^rC TO TOWN On Saturday. December 17th. the Huntley Village Square will be humming - th excitement to greet Santa Claus and his parade. Starting at 1:45 P.M. Huntley High School Swing Choir mem bers will be in the band stand singing Christmas carols to help greet Santa when he comes. Santa will be led by our new fire truck, snow mobiles and friends. For those who have not had the opportunity to listen to the Swing Choir, be down town at 1:45 P.M.I They've been busy putting on shows at various nursing homes in the area and so lets show our support and fill the Village Square - young and old alike. The Huntley Snow Princess & prince will be crowned by Santa Claus then too. Following will be the party for the pre-achool and grade school student and parents at the Congregational Chnrch Social Hall. S/SanU's Fond CHRISTMAS CONCERT DEC. 21st The Huntley High School Chor¬ us and band along with the Junior High Chorus will be presenting their Christmas concert on Dec¬ ember 21, 1977 at 8:00 in the grade school gym. At least one of your Christmas favorites will be sung or played, so come and get in the Christmas Spirit. The band will be under the direction of Gary Glowacz and the chorus under the direction of Luann Lamz. There will be no admission fee, but a free will offering wilt be taken at the door. The C.A.C. will sponsor a bake sale so be sure to buy some goodies for th<^ holiday season. came to^ listen to children of alll ages tell himjvhat they want for| Christmas. Pictured above is Heather O'Brien telling Santa what she nts for Christmas.
Object Description
Title | The Huntley Farmside |
Date | 1977-12-15 |
Month | 12 |
Day | 15 |
Year | 1977 |
Volume | 18 |
Issue | 35 |
Decade | 1970-1979 |
Creator | The Huntley Farmside |
Coverage | Huntley, Illinois, United States |
Description | Weekly Newspaper from the Huntley Area Public Library Collection |
Subject | Newspaper Archives |
Rights | This material may be protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S. Code). |
Publisher | This Collection was digitized and loaded into CONTENTdm by OCLC Preservation Service Center (Bethlehem, PA) for the Huntley Area Public Library |
Source | Reproduction of library's print newspaper archives |


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Ulrich to Retire as Target CEO; Steinhafel to Take Helm
13518 Thu, 01/10/2008 - 12:56pm
MINNEAPOLIS–After leading the retailer for 14 years, Bob Ulrich will retire as chairman and chief executive officer of Target Corp. on May 1. He will be succeeded by Gregg Steinhafel, the current president. Ulrich, who turns 65 in April, will stay on as chairman through the end of fiscal 2008.
Ulrich began his retail career as a merchandising trainee in 1967 at Dayton's, the former department store division of Target Corp.
He later held myriad posts in stores and merchandising at the company. Ulrich was named president of Target Stores in 1984, CEO of the division in 1987, and was named chairman and CEO of the corporation in 1994.
During Ulrich's tenure, Target nearly tripled its sales and store base and increased its net earnings nearly nine-fold, the company said in a statement.
Steinhafel joined Target in 1979 and held a variety of merchandising, stores and global sourcing positions until he was named executive vice president of merchandising in 1994. Steinhafel was named to his current post in 1999.


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MFW Spring 2013: Our Top 10 Shows
Fashion's Italian capital is home to some of the biggest labels in the biz: Prada, Gucci and Fendi, anyone? But when it came to the Spring 2013 Milan collections, we fell for some relatively new names in addition to the usual, can't-miss heavy-hitters. Click through to see the 10 lineups we loved most.
Keep up with the Lucky team on Twitter: Follow @LuckyMagazine
- fashion week spring 2013
- fashion week spring 2013
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IdeaStorm can help take your idea and turn it into reality.
Over 19,072 ideas submitted. 741,221+ votes. 98,021+ comments. 537+ ideas implemented.
The Inspiron Duo is the first in its class. It is not that polished and needs improving. I think that Dell should implement their XPS line of gaming laptops. This would amount to a new level of interactive gaming.
Apr 7, 2012
natakuc4 - I know you understand the trade offs between batterly life and performance. What do you feel would be a good combination in terms of specs and hours of battery life?Apr 7, 2012
Inspiron Duo needs superior battery life, more performance (CPU and RAM) and needs a port for a projector.Apr 7, 2012
I'm waiting for Windows 8 to come out and the new generation of Inspiron Duo..Apr 2, 2012
I suggest a better implementation of muti-touch into the operating system along with a sleeker overall design, and perhaps an aluminum case.Apr 2, 2012
How would you suggest the system be improved?Apr 13, 2012 Comment Link
Thank you for the additional information natakuc4.Apr 12, 2012 Comment Link
Cy_J I am looking at the Dell Latitude XT3 it seems very nice for performance and functionality but is way too expensive... I would like to see some of these features in the new generation of Inspiron Duo.


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Translator: Thubten Jinpa
The Four Noble Truths
The XIV Dalai Lama
In July of 1996, his Holiness the Dalai Lama spent two days lecturing in London on the Four Noble Truths, which he believes are essential to understanding Buddhist ideals. This was the first time the Dalai Lama had taught in the western world and at London's Barbicon Hall, the Dalai Lama described to the audience the truth of suffering, the truth of the origin of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering and the truth of the path leading to this cessation. These Four Noble Truths are well known among followers of Buddhism as the first sermon the Buddha gave after he was enlightened.
The Dalai Lama speaks in English for most of the six-hour lecture. As he delves into the finer points of Tibetan philosophy, he turns to his native language and speaks through a translator. His intellect and scholarship shine as he refers often to Buddhist scriptures and commentaries and his mischievous sense of humor and inspiring compassion are very much in evidence.
Each lecture is placed in context by Tibetan Buddhism scholar Robert Thurman. The session concludes with a question-and-answer period, again in English, in which the Dalai Lama giggles over the Western interest in finding the "quickest, cheapest, and most efficient" way to enlightenment.
One is invited in this lecture series to spend a few intimate hours with the Dalai Lama, always "an ennobling experience."
If you would like to explore films with similar themes, please click on Buddhism.


text:
Previous stuff
Forgive the debt of the 99%? Really? So, let me get this straight — the proposal is that everyone who's ever outspent their means, who's run up 10s of thousands of dollars in debt on credit cards (that no one forced them to incur), who's "had" to buy a 55 inch tv and flat-screens in every room, and everyone who "has" to lease a new Escalade because a 5 year old used SUV isn't "good enough," and everyone that "must" have a week or two in a shore house every year, they all now get to be free and clear of their responsibilities? And that solves the perceived "problems" in the financial sector…..how? Because people will never over-extend themselves again? Because it's now okay to drive a 5 year old car? (Mine is 7 years old, by the way, and I'll be driving it til it stops running.) Because it's not "fair" that I should have to pay for all of the stuff I've bought? Don't get me wrong: I opposed the bail-out of the banks, too, on the terms (or, rather, non-terms) it was done. And I'm sure this is a popular idea, as I can see from the reblogs; I just like my plans to: (a) make sense, and (b) not absolve people of responsibility for their own actions. (I mean, seriously, no one made me incur any of the credit card debt I've accumulated over the years — I chose to do so. I have also chosen to pay it all off because that's what you do.) Just sayin'….
I'm going to Re-blog this comment because it seems to be a common sentiment and it needs to die.
this entire argument is based on ontological sentiment: poor people with debt are evil sinners doomed to burn in Hell for their wickedness. Flat screen tv's are fornication and flashy ghetto SUV's with shiny rims are gluttony. I am not going to Hell because I am frugal and pay my debts. I am a better person and you should be one too.
I don't know why this sentiment is so popular with people. your betters don't think it. the people being protested don't think it, they think you and me are dumbasses because we (well you, I don't anymore) attach morality to the check I write for my mortgage. You are not going to go to heaven if Citibank gets it's mortgage from you. You are also not a bad person if you don't pay your mortgage, especially if you can't. Those being protested have no problems spending other people's money. One could even argue that to be rich means, de facto, to spend another's money. this was the case in the past and will be again in the future.
Anyway, this proposal, which isn't anyone's really, just something I read and put on Tumblr, is supposed to be irrational (or better, ambiguous), not rational. It is supposed to sound catastrophic and scary to those who have money and want the system to exist more or less like it does now and enacting this would be really really bad for them.
the reason it must also be ambiguous is because the reasoning for opposing the protestors (and what they 'stand' for) is ambiguous but popular sentiment. You can pick any reason you want. Herman Cain blaming the unemployed for being unemployed. Ron Paul blaming the Fed. Republicans blaming Blacks and Latinos for buying houses. Republicans blaming taxes and regulations as the cause of poor job creation. Republicans blaming the social safety net for our national debt. your own ontological opposition to debt.
In fact, I'd say now that if the protestors kept this and other ambiguous messages, they actually could be a Left's version of the tea party. the only thing they are missing is force which hopefully they will start to now amass.


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Just stayed at this hotel for 1 night. The room I was given was very tired and well used. The hotel is in desperate need of refurbishment. Beds are uncomfortable (feels like lying on flattened cardboard box) and my room in particular had a strange damp smell. The price we paid was not worth it at all. I went to... More
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The MCA offers free programs and resources designed to help educators incorporate contemporary art and culture into their teaching and learning. Join us to:
- Infuse the spirit of inquiry and innovation inherent in contemporary art into your curriculum
- Form communities of practice with fellow educators and artists
- Be inspired and inspire your students to make meaning of the art and ideas of our time
Keep in touch
Visit the MCA often! The MCA offers free admission to Illinois elementary and high school teachers. Simply present a valid teacher ID at the admissions desk. Can't carry your ID with you? E-mail us to request a teacher pass.
To keep current with exciting opportunities for educators at the MCA, all you need to do is sign up!
Learn about our educator programs
Read on to learn about our wide range of professional development opportunities for educators. MCA teacher programs are free for Illinois teachers. Participants receive CPDUs. Vouchers for free parking in the MCA garage are provided pending availability.
Click here for a schedule of upcoming programs.
Educator Previews
Want to know what the MCA has to offer educators? Want to be in the know about emerging artists who are shaping cultural discourse today? Attend our Educator Previews to learn about MCA's school and teacher programs, tour new exhibitions with the help of MCA teaching artists, and explore exciting ways to introduce contemporary art to your students. Upcoming Educator Previews.
Teacher workshops
Dig into exhibitions at the MCA to find exciting possibilities for your teaching through an artist-led workshop. Investigate works of art, make art, and develop innovative strategies to bring contemporary art to your classroom. Upcoming Workshops.
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What's happening in art, teaching, and learning right now? Join the conversation at MCA Educator Salons. Salons tackle timely pedagogical issues, provide access to provocative speakers, and promote an open exchange among peers and colleagues. Upcoming Educator Salons.
Teacher institute
Looking for a deep and sustained professional development experience? In our year-long Teacher Institute, teachers and artists engage in rich dialogue and inquiry about contemporary art and contemporary teaching and learning, create innovative, contemporary curriculum, and build a dynamic and collaborative community of creative practitioners. Click here for more information.
Art education symposium
Offered biannually, the symposium brings together educators with leaders from the fields of education and contemporary art for lively and critical discourse about the role of contemporary art in education. Stay tuned for the 2014 Symposium!
Bring your students to the MCA
Learn more about our artist-led tours for students in grades 1–12 in our Schools section.
Tap into resources for your teaching
Take advantage of all that the MCA has to offer. In addition to our programs, we invite you to find inspiration in the MCA's rich and wide-ranging collection of art, our access to the voices and ideas of living artists, and more.
Support for teacher programs at the MCA is generously provided by the Polk Bros. Foundation. Additional support is provided by The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation and Discover.


text:
New Concussion Guidelines
March 18, 2013
Local high schools are taking precautions when it comes to teenage athletes.
More than one million
athletes are diagnosed with concussions each year in the
The sports with the greatest risk for concussion include football, hockey, soccer and rugby.
It is now recommended that the athletes be removed at the slightest suspicion of a concussion.
Locally, both McDowell and Cathedral Prep are taking precautions to make sure their athletes are safe before getting back on the field.
The head football coach at Cathedral Prep, Mike Mischler, tells us they've seen a significant decrease in the number of concussions because of recent precautions.
They quit having contact on defensive practice days and only hit in practices twice a week.
Cathedral Prep does the same, showing videos about concussions to faculty and student athletes.
Cleveland Clinic Dr. Rick Figler says that if the brain is allowed to heal appropriately, there's a better chance of it recovering faster and possibly better.
Dr. Figler encourages coaches and parents to work together to understand the new set of guidelines.
complete set of guidelines can be found in the Journal of the


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Once you've been a full-time member, you're always an integral part of the Conjunctured community. A bond seems to happen [...]
If a full-time membership isn't right for you, but you'd like to have access to our Gig Board and be an active member of our tight-knit community, then our new "basic membership" ($25/mo) is perfect for you ...more »
I'm a web applications developer living in Austin, TX. Curious mind with a passion for web development and surrounding topics. Also interested in science, triathlons, and travel.
Here are some of our favorite links.


text:
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There is hope! God knew things were going to be the way they are today.
God knew man would not be able to find solutions for his multiple problems. God knew human beings would escalate their problems to the point of human extinction.
Now mankind is beginning to see the picture. Man recognizes the problems, but is not enthusiastic about the prospect of solving them. Scientists readily admit they do not have the answers. Politicians and educators certainly don't have the answers.
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Brahmin (Brahmana) | |
Religions | Hinduism |
Brahmin (also called Brahmana; from the Sanskrit brāhmaṇa ब्राह्मण) (बर्ण:राश्रम व्यवस्था पालन कर्ने संप्रदाये) is a term for a scholar class in the traditional Hindu societies of India and Nepal.
Brahman, Brahmin, and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self. Brahmin (or Brahmana) refers to an individual, while the word Brahma refers to the creative aspect of the universal consciousness[citation needed]. The English word brahmin is an anglicised form of the Sanskrit word Brāhmana. In the Smriti view, there are four "varnas" or classes: the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, the Vaishyas, and the Shudras.
Brahmins were engaged in attaining the highest spiritual knowledge (brahmavidya) and adhered to different branches (shakhas) of Vedas.[citation needed] Brahmins have taken on many professions – from being priests, ascetics and scholars to warriors and business people, as is attested for example in Kalhana's Rajatarangini.[citation needed] An example mentioned in mythology is the sage Parashurama who is considered an avatar of Vishnu. Sage Parashurama is portrayed as a powerful warrior who defeated the Haiheya kshatriyas twenty one times, was an expert in the use of weapons, and trained others to fight without weapons. He is said to have established the Brahmins as landowners once he destroyed the Kshatriya race.[1][2] These Brahmins, after having mostly abandoned their priestly functions (although some still perform), took to land-owning (Zamindar) as a profession.[1][2]
However, certain persons, though very few in number, were born into other varnas but dedicated themselves to such an austere life that they were also recognized as Brahmins in ancient India (e.g., sage Vishwamitra, attained brahmavidya and is the seer of the Gayatri mantra was venerated as "Brahmarishi").
Historically, the semantic change from a tribal state into the Hindu state of the jati-varna matrix saw the conversion and absorption of tribals into the Brahmin class, through adoption of the priestly occupation.[3][4] In medieval and colonial India, people in different occupations also proselytized themselves into Brahmins, upon becoming wealthy or gaining positions of power.[5][6]
The priestly class is expected to practice self-abnegation and play the role of being the custodians of Dharma (as a Brāhman who is well versed in Vedic texts).[citation needed] However, the fee paid to the Brahmana for performance of a sacrifice as a return for the priestly duties was material consisting of valuables such as valuable garments, kine, horses or gold.[7]
Contents |
According to Purusha Sukta, a Rigveda hymn[8] His (Lord Vishwakarma) face (Mukham) and mouth (Aseet) became Brahmana (brAhmaNa:)
- brAhmaNo asya mukhamAseet
- bAhoo rAjanya: krta:
- ooru tadasya yad vaishya
- padbhyAm shoodro ajAyata
- From his mouth came forth
- The men of learning
- And of his arms
- Were warriors made
- From his thighs came
- The trading people
- And his feet gave
- Birth to servants..
Brahmins are divided into five gotras (or clans); each Rishi's name is mentioned in the Yajurveda (4.3.3).[10]
- Sanaga
- Sanatana
- Abhuvana
- Pratanasa
- Suparna[10]
Most sampradayas (sects) of modern Brahmins claim to take inspiration from the Vedas. According to orthodox Hindu tradition, the Vedas are apauruṣeya and anādi (beginning-less), and are revealed truths of eternal validity. The Vedas are considered Śruti ("that which is heard") and are the paramount source on which Brahmin tradition claims to be based. Śruti texts include the four Vedas (the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda), and their respective Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads.
In 1931, Brahmins accounted for around 6%[11] of the total population of India. Today, they comprise around 5% of the total population.[12] In West Bengal the figures stand at 5%, whereas in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha the Brahmin population is quite near 10%.[citation needed]
Megasthenes writes, that Brahmins are, "philosophers who are first in rank but form the smallest class in point of number.""[13] He also compares the Brahmins to the non-Brahmin Shramanas. Megasthenes also writes, "The philosophers are of two kinds: (I) Brachmanes and (2) Sarmanes. The Brachmanes are the best esteemed, for they have a more consistent dogmatic system."[13]
Brahmins, basically adhere to the principles of the Vedas, related to the texts of the Śruti and Smriti which are some the foundations of Hinduism, and practice Sanatana Dharma. Vedic Brāhmaṇas have six occupational duties, of which three are compulsory — studying the Vedas, performing Vedic rituals and practicing dharma. By teaching the insights of the Vedic literature which deals with all aspects of life including spirituality, philosophy, yoga, religion, rituals, temples, arts and culture, music, dance, grammar, pronunciation, metre, astrology, astronomy, logic, law, medicine, surgery, technology, martial arts, military strategy, etc. By spreading its philosophy, and by accepting back from the community, the Brahmins receive the necessities of life.
Brahmins practice vegetarianism or lacto-vegetarianism which has been a custom for centuries, dating back to the pre-Christian era.[citation needed] However, some Brahmins inhabiting regions of Mithila, Assam, Manipur, Punjab, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Nepal, are non-vegetarian.
Male members of all Brahmin sects wear the Yagnopaveetham (Hindi:जनेऊ or sacred thread) that is a symbol of initiation to the Gayatri recital. This ritual is often referred to as Upanayana. This marks the learning of the Gayatri hymn. Brahmin sects also generally identify themselves as belonging to a particular Gotra, a classification based on patrilineal descent, which is specific for each family and indicates their origin.
Brahmin communities[edit]
The Brahmin castes may be broadly divided into two regional groups: Pancha-Gauda Brahmins from the Northern part of India (considered to be the region north of the Vindhya mountains) and Pancha-Dravida Brahmins from the region south of the Vindhya mountains as per the shloka of Kalhana. This shloka was composed only in the 11th century AD.[citation needed]
सारस्वताः कान्यकुब्जा गौडा उत्कलमैथिलाः। पन्चगौडा इति ख्याता विन्ध्स्योत्तरवासिनः || कर्णाटकाश्च तैलंगा द्राविडा महाराष्ट्रकाः। गुर्जराश्चेति पञ्चैव द्राविडा विन्ध्यदक्षिणे || (Saraswat, Kanyakubja, Gaud, Utkala and Mithila) Pancha Guada (Karnataka Telangaa Dravida Maharashtra Gurjarat) Pancha Dravida
सारस्वताः कान्यकुब्जा गौडा उत्कलमैथिलाः। पन्चगौडा इति ख्याता विन्ध्स्योत्तरवासिनः || (Saraswat, Kanyakubja, Gaud, Utkala and Mithila)
Those from Uttarapatha (Aryavarta) (northern and eastern India) approximately ordered according to geographical regions. Northern and Eastern Brahmins are divided into 5 main categories. Guad brahmins or Gaudiya comprises Kashmir to Bengal.
Saraswat Brahmins[edit]
- Saraswat Brahmins
- Kashmiri Pandits
- Goud Saraswat Brahmins
- Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins
- Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins
- Kudaldeshkar Gaud Brahmans
- Mohyals
Kanyakubja Brahmins[edit]
- Assamese Brahmins
- Kamrupi Brahmins
- Kanyakubja Brahmin
- Bhumihar Brahmin
- Saryupareen Brahmin
- Sanadya Brahmin
- Bengali Brahmin
- Bahun
- Goswami
- Manipuri Brahmins
- Garhwali Brahmins
- Sakaldwipiya Brahmins
कर्णाटकाश्च तैलंगा द्राविडा महाराष्ट्रकाः, गुर्जराश्चेति पञ्चैव द्राविडा विन्ध्यदक्षिणे || (Karnatakaashcha Telangaa Dravidaa Maharashtrakaaha, Gurjarashcheti panchauva dravidaa vindhyadakshine)
Brahmins who live in south of Vidhya mountains are called Pancha-Dravida Brahmins and they are divided into following groups. Drava means Water in sanskrit. Peninsular area in India surrounded by water is "Dravida".
- Karnataka
- Telugu
- Dravida (Tamil Nadu & Kerala)
- Maharashtra
- Parts of Gujarat
Andhra Pradesh[edit]
Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh known as Telugu Brahmins are broadly classified into four groups: Vaidiki Brahmins, Niyogi, Dravida Brahmins, and Vaikhānasa.[14]
Vaidiki Brahmins are further divided into the following sub-categories: Dravidlu (Aadi Shaivulu, Shaivulu), Vaidiki Velanadu, Vaidiki Venginadu, Vaidiki Kosalanadu or Kasalnadu, Vaidiki Mulakanadu, Vaidiki Murikinadu, Vaidiki Telaganya (Originated from Telangana but might have migrated to other regions).[citation needed]
Niyogis are further divided into the following subcategories: Nandavarika Niyogi, Prathama Shakha Niyogi, Aaru Vela Niyogulu, Golkonda Vyapari, Karanaalu, Sistukaranalu, Karana kamma vyaparlu, Karanakammulu.[15]
Kanaujiya or Kanyakumbj Brahmins migrated from Kanauj and entered the Kutch area via Sindh along with the lohanas.[citation needed] They are divided into the categories bhuvdiyas, vondhiyas and sandhliyas, according to their village temple. Others in Gujarat are mainly found in Jamnagar, Morbi, Junaghath and Rajkot.
They include the following : Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmins, Daivadnya Brahmins, Deshastha Brahmins, Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, Karhade Brahmins and Devrukhe Brahmins. During the days of Maratha India, these Marathi/Konkani Brahmins primarily served as prime ministers or Peshwas,[16] apart from taking up military jobs and converged into the sovereign or the Chhatrapati of Satara. One of the notable Peshwa families is the Bhat family, who happen to be Chitpavan Konkanastha Brahmins.[17] They took up military jobs[18] and ended up being the de facto head[19] of the Maratha Dynasty.[20] Originally the Chitpavan held a low rank in the social hierarchy amongst Marathi Brahmins, however in modern times they enjoy the same social ranking with Deshastha and Karhade Brahmins, inter-marriages between these three communities is now very common.
Kannada Brāhmans(ಕನ್ನಡ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ): The Brāhmans of the Carnatic, or the Canarese country. The Canarese area comprises Mysore State, and the British Districts of Canara, Dharwar and Belgaum.[21]
These are further subdivided into the following castes : Babbur Kamme Brahmins, Badaganadu Brahmins, Deshastha Brahmin, Hale naadu Karnataka Brahmins, Sirinadu Bramhins, Havyaka Brahmin, Hoysala Karnataka Brahmins, Jangam Brahmins, Karhade Brahmin, Koota Brahmins, Madhva Brahmins, Niyogi Brahmins, Panchagrama Brahmins, Sankethi Brahmins, Sattada vaishnava Brahmins, Shukla Yajurveda Brahmins, Smartha Brahmins, Srivaishnava Brahmins, Sthanika Brahmins, Ulucha Kamme Brahmins
- Tuluva Brahmins,[22] which consist of Kandavara Brahmins, Karhade Brahmins, Padia Brahmins, Saklapuri Brahmins, Shivalli Brahmins, Smartha Shivalli Brahmins, Sthanika Brahmins, Padarthi Brahmins
Tamil Nadu[edit]
- Iyengar (sub-divided into Vadakalai and Thenkalai)
- Iyer (sub-divided further into Vadama, Vathima, Brahacharanam, Ashtasahasram, Sholiyar, Dikshitar, Kaniyalar, Prathamasaki)
Kerala Brahmins include the following categories of Brahmins: Namboothiri Brahmin, Vishwa Brahmin
"Kanyakubj Vanshavali" mentions four branches of Kanyakubja Brahmins as Saryupareen, Sanadhya, Jujhautiya and Prakrit Kanaujia:
Saryupari Sanadhyashcha Jijhoutayah
Prakritashcha Iti Panchabhedastasya Prakartitah[23]
Gauda Brahmins[edit]
Among Gaur brahmana of Haryana, Rajasthan & west Uttar Pradesh, Adi Gaur /Pachauri, Sanadhya & Paliwal are also Gaur brahmans.
Utkala Brahmins[edit]
The Sanskrit text Brāhmaṇotpatti-Mārtaṇḍa by Pt. Harikrishna Śāstri mentions that a king named Utkala invited Brahmins from the Gangetic Valley to perform a yajna in Jagannath-Puri in Odisha. When the yajna ended, these Brahmins laid the foundation of Lord Jagannath there and settled around Odisha, Jharkhand and Medinipur. The Utkala Brahmins are of three classes 1) Shrautiya (vaidika), 2) Sevayata and 3) Halua Brahmins.
Maithil Brahmins[edit]
Maithil Brāhamaṇas, are a group of Brahmins typically originating from and living in and around Mithila, which is part of North Bihar. They are a community of highly cohesive, traditional Brahmins who strive to follow rites and rituals according to ancient Hindu canons.[citation needed] They have a reputation for orthodoxy and interest in learning.[citation needed] A large number of Maithil Brahmins migrated a few centuries ago to adjoining areas of South-east Bihar and Jharkhand, as well as to adjoining Terai regions of Nepal. Most of the Maithil Brahmins are Śāktas (worshippers of Śakti) . However, it is also not uncommon to find Vaishnavites among the Maithil Brahmins. Some surnames of Brahmins in Bihar include Shukla, Sharma, Mishra, Kissoon, Bhardwaj, Bhagwan, Choudhary, Jha, Bhatt, Kanojia, Kaileyas, Bhaglani, Pingal, and Lakhlani, amongst others. Maithili is their mother tongue, though many use Angika (a south-eastern dialect of Maithili) as their mother tongue.
Nepali Brahmins[edit]
Bahun is a colloquial Nepali term for a member of the Pahari or "Hill" Brahmin (ब्राह्मण) caste, who are traditionally educators, scholars and priests of Hinduism. They are also known as Barmu in Newari. Brahmins are the second largest caste group in Nepal (12.18% of the population), with the Chhetri (Kshatriya) being the first (16.60%).[24] Brahmins were inhabitants of Nepal in prehistoric times.[citation needed] In the ancient history Devkota(`देवकोटा' यो शब्दको विकास 'संस्कृत' र यसको अपभ्रंस रूप 'देव:कोटी' हुँदै भएको हो।) is the root of the Brahmin (वाहुन) community. They divided into different Brahmin groups. In Nepal, there are Kanyakubja Brahmins and Kumaoni Brahmin. Most of the Brahmin community in Nepal belongs to Kanyakubja Brahmins and rest are Kumaoni Brahmin. They moved northward and eastward along Uttar Pradesh of India , Western Tibet, the Himalayan foothills from Kashmir and Kumao/Garwal. They settled first in the Karnali River basin, then the Gandaki and finally the Kosi basin and into Sikkim and Bhutan.[citation needed]
There are references about Brahmins of Nepal in bansawali and purans. By tradition—and by civil law until 1962—they represented the highest of the four Hindu varna or castes.[citation needed] Bahuns from the "hills" have been represented disproportionately in Nepal's education system, political parties and civil service since the country was unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah and his heirs in the 18th century.[citation needed]
Very often, Khas Bahuns can be identified by their middle names being Dev (देव), Nath (नाथ), Mani (मणि), Raj (राज), Prasad (प्रसाद), Devi (देवी) or Kumari (कुमारी). They never use bahadur (बहादुर) in their names because it is associated mainly with Chhetris (Kshatriya) and "martial tribes".
The Audichya Brahmin community is connected with Parashurama (Bhargava-Gotra), and are said to have earned a good deal of confidence and respect among kings.[citation needed]
Gotras and pravaras[edit]
Brahmins classify themselves on the basis of their patrilineal descent from a notable ancestor.[citation needed] These ancestors are either ancient Indian sages or kshatriyas (warriors), who chose to become Brahmins.[citation needed] The major gotras that trace descent from sages are: Srivatsa, Kanva, Jamadagni, Bhrigu, Bharadvâja, Kaundinya, Gautama Maharishi, Sandilya, Bhrigu, Vashista, Parāshara, Atryasa, Harithasa, Kashyapa, Shrotriya, and Agastya gotra. Other gotras are Mitra, Vishvamitra and Chaurasia gotra.[citation needed]
In general, gotra denotes any person who traces descent in an unbroken male line from a common male ancestor. Pāṇini defines gotra for grammatical purposes as 'apatyam pautraprabhrti gotram' (IV. 1. 162), which means: "the word gotra denotes the progeny (of a sage) beginning with the son's son". When a person says, "I am Kashypasa-gotra", he means that he traces his descent from the ancient sage Kashyapa by unbroken male descent. This enumeration of eight primary gotras seems to have been known to Pāṇini. These gotras are not directly connected to Prajapathy or latter brama.[clarification needed] The offspring (apatya) of these Eight are gotras; and others than these are called 'gotrâvayava'.[25]Provide Vepachedu's Sources[citation needed]
The gotras are divided into three tiers of ganas, then into pakshas, and finally into individual gotras. According to the Âsvalâyana-srautasûtra, there are four subdivisions of the Vashista gana, viz. Upamanyu, Parāshara, Kundina and Vashista (other than the first three). The first has survived in the Bhrigu and Āngirasa gana. According to Baudh, the principal eight gotras were divided into pakshas. The pravara of Upamanyu is Vashista, Bharadvasu, Indrapramada; the pravara of the Parâshara gotra is Vashista, Madhukalya, Shâktya, Pârâsharya; the pravara of the Kundina gotra is Vashista, Maitrâvaruna, Kaundinya and the pravara of Vashistas other than these three is simply Vashista. Therefore some define pravara as the group of sages that distinguishes the founder (lit. the starter) of one gotra from another.
There are two kinds of pravaras, 'sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara' and 'putrparampara'. Gotrapravaras can be ekarsheya, dwarsheya, triarsheya, pancharsheya, saptarsheya, and up to 19 rishis. Kashyapasa gotra has at least two distinct pravaras in Andhra Pradesh: one with three sages (triarsheya pravara) and the other with seven sages (saptarsheya pravara). This pravara may be either sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara or putraparampara. Similarly, Srivatsasa gotra has five sages or is called Pancharsheya and are the descendants of Jamadagni. For a sishya-prasishya-rishi-parampara marriage it is not acceptable if half, or more than half, of the rishis are the same in both bride and bridegroom gotras. If it is putraparampara, a marriage is totally unacceptable even if one rishi matches.[26]Provide Vepachedu's Sources-[citation needed]
Sects and Rishis[edit]
Due to the diversity in religious and cultural traditions and practices, and the Vedic schools to which they belong, Brahmins are further divided into various subcastes. During the sutra period, roughly between 1000 BCE to 200 BCE, Brahmins became divided into various Shakhas (branches), based on the adoption of different Vedas and different rescension Vedas. Sects for different denominations of the same branch of the Vedas were formed, under the leadership of distinguished teachers among the Brahmins.
There are several Brahmin law givers, such as Angiras, Apasthambha, Atri, Bhrigu, Brihaspati, Boudhayana, Daksha, Gautama, Harita, Katyayana, Likhita, Manu,[27] Parasara, Samvarta, Shankha, Shatatapa, Ushanasa, Vashista, Vishnu, Vyasa, Yajnavalkya, and Yama. These twenty-one rishis were the propounders of the Smritis. The oldest among these smritis are Apastamba, Baudhayana, Gautama, and Vashista Sutras.[28]Provide Vepachedu's Sources[citation needed]
Descendants of the Brahmins[edit]
Many Indians and non-Indians claim descent from the Vedic Rishis of both Brahmin and non-Brahmin descent.[citation needed] For example, the Dasharna and Nagas are said to be the descendants of Kashyapa Muni.[citation needed] The descent of Brahmins is generally indicated by the gotra, which refers to his patrilineage. It is indicated by the name of the 'great sage' to whose descent the Brahmin is said to belong.
- The Kani tribe of South India claim to descend from Agastya Muni.[citation needed]
- The Gondhali, Kanet, Bhot, Lohar, Dagi, and Hessis claim to be from Renuka Devi.[citation needed]
- The Kasi Kapadi Sudras claim to originate from the Brahmin Sukradeva. Their duty was to transfer water to the sacred city of Kashi.[29]
- The Padmashali, a Telugu-speaking weaver caste, claim that they descended from Maharishi Markandeya, a Brahmin devotee of Lord Shiva who wrote the Markandeya Purana. Maharishi Markandeya is from the Bhrigu clan.[30]
- The Saini of Rajasthan (gardener) claim in one of their stories that they descended from a Brahmin and call themselves Parpadh Brahman, which in course of time became Phulmali.[31]
- Dadheech Brahmins/dayama Brahmin trace their roots from Dadhichi Rishi. Many Jat clans claim to descend from Dadhichi Rishi while the Dudi Jats claim to be in the lineage of Duda Rishi.[citation needed]
- The (so-called) backward caste Matangs claim to descend from Matang Muni, who became a Brahmin through his karma.[citation needed]
- According to one legend, the nomadic tribe of Kerala, the Kakkarissi, were descendants of a Brahmin who came out of the mouth of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.[citation needed]
- The Roman Catholic Brahmin caste among the Goan Catholics and Mangalorean Catholics are descended from Konkani Brahmins who converted to Roman Catholicism during the Portuguese colonial rule in Goa.
Brahmin taking up other duties[edit]
Brahmins have taken on many professions - from being priests, ascetics and scholars to warriors and business people, as is attested for example in Kalhana's Rajatarangini. Brahmins with the qualities of Kshatriyas are known as 'Brahmakshatriyas'. An example is the avatara Parashurama who is considered an avataram of Vishnu. Sage Parashurama was a powerful warrior who had defeated the Haiheya kshatriyas twenty one times, was an expert in the use of weapons, and trained others to fight without weapons. The Bhumihar Brahmins were established when Parashurama destroyed the Kshatriya race, and he set up in their place the descendants of Brahmins, who, after a time, having mostly abandoned their priestly functions (although some still perform), took to land-owning.Many brahmins took up the profession of medicine. They are Vaidya brahmins called Baidya Brahmins of Bengal [gupta, dasgupta and senguptas] are descendants of Dhanavantari, the god of medicine and father of Ayurveda.
The Brahmakhatris caste, descendants of the Khatris, however, are a business caste/community of Punjab and belong to the Vaishya caste. Khatri has often been misinterpreted as a variation of the word Kshatriya, meaning warrior, however there are no records of any Khatri kingdoms or empires in Indian history and this claim to Kshatriya is recently made in the 20th century.
Perhaps the word Brahma-kshatriya refers to a person belonging to the heritage of both castes.However, among the Royal Rajput households, brahmins who became the personal teachers and protectors of the royal princes rose to the status of Rajpurohit and taught the princes everything including martial arts. They would also become the keepers of the Royal lineage and its history. They would also be the protectors of the throne in case the regent was orphaned and a minor.
Kshatriyan Brahmin is a term associated with people of both caste's components. The Pallavas were an example of Brahmakshatriyas as that is what they called themselves. King Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir ruled all of India and even Central Asia.
King Rudravarma of Champa (Vietnam) of 657 A.D. was the son of a Brahmin father.
King Jayavarma I of Kambuja (Kampuchea) of 781 A.D. was a Brahma-kshatriya.
Many Pallis of South India claim to be Brahmins (while others claim to be AgnikulaKshatriyas. Kulaman Pallis are nicknamed by outsiders as Kulaman Brahmans. Hemu from Rewari, Haryana was also a Brahmin by birth.
Brahmin Kings[edit]
Among the Royal Rajput households, Brahmins who became the personal teachers and protectors of the royal princes rose to the status of Rajpurohit and taught the princes everything, including martial arts.
Mayurasharma a Brahmin scholar and a native of Talagunda (in modern Shimoga district), was the founder of the Kadamba Kingdom of Banavasi.
They would also become the keepers of the Royal lineage and its history. They would also be the protectors of the throne in case the regent was orphaned and a minor. The well-known Brahmin Chanakya was a Rajpurohit for Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Mauryan empire, who helped Chandragupta get a grip on the well-established Nanand prevent was a Brahma-kshatriya.[33] King Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir ruled all of India and even Central Asia.
King Rudravarma of Champa (Vietnam) of 657 A.D. was the son of a Brahmin father.[33]
Medieval king Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya or Hemu, resident of Rewari, born into a family of Purohits, decendents of seers Bhrigu and Chyavana, who had initially lived at Ashrams near Dhosi Hill, part of Vedic period state of Brahmavarta in the present state of Haryana, started the manufacture of cannons for the first time in North India in 1540s, with Portuguese know-how and dealt in gunpowder supplies to Sher Shah Suri's army. Later he became Prime Minister and Chief of Army of the Suris and emperor of north India in 1556, defeating Akbar's army at Agra and Battle for Delhi at Tughlakabad Fort in Delhi. He had won 22 battles continuously against Afghans and Mughals during 1553-56, spanning from Bengal to Punjab .[34]
Brahmins with the qualities of a Vaisya or merchant are known as 'Brahmvyasya'.[citation needed] An example of such persons are people of the Ambastha[35] caste, which exist in South India.[citation needed]
The three sampradayas (sects) of Brahmins, mostly in South India are the Smarta sampradaya, the Srivaishnava sampradaya and the Madhvacharya (Swami Ananda-Teertha) Madhva sampradaya. Aadi Shakaracharya contributed towards the revival of Vedic Religion at a time when Buddhism was most popular. He toured through out India and re-established the faith in Vedas and Hindu GODs. He composed countless verses (stotras) praising all the principle forms of GODS and GODDESSES like Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati etc., at various pilgrim centers. In the later times Ramanujacharya and Madhvaacharya gave new definitions and reviewd Vedas according to the then Social and religious circumstances and established other Sampradayas viz Shri-Vaishnav and Madhva. While the two sampradayas were more confined in their strict form mostly to South India, Madhva Sampradaya flourished in a new way in the form of ISKON. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who was the founder of ISKON was a deciple of another Madhva-Saint and Philosopher, Swami Vyasa-Teertha who came after Madhvacharya.
Smartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as it is termed in Sanskrit) is a liberal or nonsectarian denomination of the Hindu religion. This tradition is based on the Advaithic teachings of Adi Sankaracharya. He united various sects of Hinduism under on umbrella by accepting all the major Hindu deities as forms of the one Brahman. He implored the Smarthas to have an Ishta devatha in the form of Siva, Sakthi, Vishnu, Ganesha, Murugan (Subrahmanya) or Sun. The term Smarta refers to adherents who follow the Vedas and Shastras.[citation needed]
One form of Vaishnavism is Madhwa (Dwaita Sampradaya or Madhva Sampradaya), and the other is Sri Vaishnava (Vishishtadvaita sampradaya). Madhwa Brahmins are mainly located in the Carnatic plains and some of them are seen in Andhra, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They follow the teachings of Sri Madhvacharya, who was born in South Canara district of Karnataka in the 12th Century. He preached Dvaita, which says that God and atma (soul) are different entities, which is contradictory to the teachings of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, who preached Advaita vedanta (non-duality). In South India, Sri Vaishnava sampradayam was propagated by Srimad Ramanujacharya.
Shaivism (sometimes called Shivaism) is a belief system where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Supreme Lord. It is a derivative faith of the core Vedic tradition.[citation needed] Saiva sects contains many subsects, such as Asdisaivas, Rudrasaivas, Veerasiavas, Paramasaivas, etc. Ravana, the ruler of Lanka in the Hindu epic Ramayana, was a staunch Siva devotee, who was the grandson of creator Brahma.
Although the orthodox Brahmin and Sramana communities were typically opponents, Buddha admired the Brahmin attributes of 1) The Truth (Sacca or Satya), 2) Austerities (Tapas), 3) Chastity (Brahmacariya), 4) Study of Vedic lore (Ajjhena or Adhyayana), 5) Munificence (Caga or Tyaga).
In Buddha's time there were two major types of wandering ascetics, the Paribbajakas and Sramanas. Paribbajakas were exclusively Brahmins.[36]
There were some Buddhist Brahmins that contributed much to the Brahmin communities or to Brahmin ascetic communities. Gautamiputra Satakarni, the Satavahana king, declares himself to be the sole protector of the Brahmins.[37]
Brahmins were treated as equals to all the rest, in the eyes of the Buddha and there are countless references to Brahmins throughout the Buddhist scriptures also. Buddha rejected the notion of gradation along caste lines and of the legitimacy of the higher social status, as well as the notion of ritual purity as claimed by the Brahmins compared to others.[38] Many of the major Buddhist followers and teachers were from Brahmins. They include Sariputra, Maudgalyayana, Mahakashyapa, Nagarjuna, Asvaghosha, Padmasambhava, Shantarakshita, Nagasena, Kumarajiva and Shantideva, all of whom were referred by their titles devoid of their caste as Arahats etc. The word Brahmin, meaning "priest class", was redefined by the Buddha and it continued to be used alongside Arahat in their relevant contexts.[39] Max Muller points out that in the Dhamapada, Buddha etymologizes the word "Bahama", the Prakrit form of "Brahmana", by playing off the Sanskrit/Prakrit etymon -bra.
In the Ambattha Sutra, we find the Buddha debated many Brahmins who were clearly not Arahats. Also in many important dharanis, Brahmins are mentioned in an entirely different capacity from Arahats, and therefore there is a marked difference depending on the context. The Buddha insisted that Brahmins had to live up to seek the truth, hence reach liberation(Nirvana) through the Dhamma, and this could not be by ascriptive factor of birth alone. In the Dhammapada, the Buddha mentions Brahmins and Arahats in very different capacities and dedicates an entire chapter to what it means to be a real Brahmin called the Brahmana-vagga as well.[40]
The Buddha did not believe in caste discrimination but he did endorse a fair division of labour based on merit and equality, while condemning pathological division of labour through slavery, forced labour, superstition etc. According to him, Brahmins were not to discriminate against lower castes and those of their own who joined the sangha, through the notion of purity and superior social status, which according to the buddha was false.[38][39] but were to serve them wholeheartedly. Many sutras indicate that the Buddha himself was a Brahmin in a previous life and, due to his good merit as in the previous lives, was reborn as the Buddha.[41]
The notion of ritual purity provided a conceptual foundation for the caste system, by identifying occupations and duties associated with impure or taboo objects as being themselves impure. Regulations imposing such a system of ritual purity and taboos are absent from the Buddhist monastic code, and not generally regarded as being part of Buddhist teachings[42] On the contrary, the early Buddhist scriptures defined purity as determined by one's state of mind, and refer to anyone who behaves unethically, of whatever caste, as "rotting within", or "a rubbish heap of impurity".[43]
There are many places in which the Buddha explains his use of the word brahman. At Sutta Nipata 1.7, Vasala Sutta, verse 12, he states: "Not by birth is one an outcast; not by birth is one a brahman. By deed one becomes an outcast, by deed one becomes a brahman."[44]
- The first convert of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism was Indrabhuti (aka Gautamswami) the Brahmin, who headed a group of other Brahmins and converted them to Jainism. He was from the village Gobbar (also called Govarya) near Rajgriha. It is said that the Tapsas, who were competing with Gautama to reach the top of a hill, achieved moksha by seeing Gautama win.[45]
- Sajjambhava was another born from Rajgriha and was elected the head of the Jain temple. He is famous for his composition of the "Dasavaikalika Sutra."
- Acharya Vidyanand is a Brahmin of the Dhigambar Jain sect and compiled in the Sanskrit language, "Ashta Shahastri" with eight thousand verses.
- Acharya Shushil Kumar, known better to Jains as "Guruji", was born a Vaidik in the Shakarpur village of the Haryana province. At the age of 15, he took Diksha (became a sanyassin) into the Sthanakvasi, a Swhetambara sub-sect.
- Reputedly a wealthy Brahmin named Dhangiri, in the town of Tumbhivan, lost his interest in wealth and decided to take Diksha, after hearing the sermons of the Jain Acharya Sinhgiri.
- Umasvati was a composer who was so loved by Jains that he is considered by the Dhigambar sect to be a Dhigambar member and the Svetambara sect to be a Svetambara member.
- Akalanka of the 8th century is said to the pioneer in the field of Jain logic.[46]
- There is a Brahmin community in South Karnataka which is traditional follower of Jainism and is known as Jain Brahmin. They have a hostel for students in Mysore, known as Jain Brahmin Hostel. This community is different from the Jain priests in Jain temples.
Miscellaneous sects[edit]
There are additional sampradayas, which are not as widely followed:
The Mahima Dharma or "Satya Mahima Alekha Dharma" was founded by the Brahmin Mukunda Das of present-day Odisha, popularly known by followers as Mahima Swami according to the Bhima Bhoi text.[47] He was born in the last part of the 18th century, in the former state of Baudh, a son of Ananta Mishra. He was Brahmin by caste as mentioned in Mahima Vinod of Bhima Bhoi in Vol.11. This sampradaya is similar to Vaishnavism. Although the members of this sect do not worship Lord Vishnu as their Ishta-Deva, they believe that the Srimad Bhagavatam is sacred. The founder of this sect was a Vaishnavite before founding the new order.[47] This sampradaya was founded in the latter part of the 18th century.[47]
There is also the Avadhoot Panth, wherein Lord Dattatreya and his forms such as Narasimha Saraswati and Sai Baba of Shirdi are worshiped. Lord Dattatreya is worshiped by many as the Hindu trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in one divine entity. Many even worship Dattatreya as an Avatar of Vishnu or of Shiva.
Burma (Myanmar)[edit]
Historically, Brahmins, known as ponna (ပုဏ္ဏား) in modern-day Burmese, formed an influential group in Burma prior to British colonialism. Until the 1900s, ponna referred to Indians who had arrived prior to colonial rule, distinct from kala, Indians who arrived during British rule. During the Konbaung dynasty, court Brahmins were consulted by kings before moving royal capitals, waging wars, making offerings to Buddhist sites like the Mahamuni Buddha, and for astrology.[48] Burmese Brahmins can be divided into four general groups, depending on their origins:
- Manipur Brahmins (Burmese: မုနိပူရဗြာဟ္မဏ): Brahmins who were sent to Burma after Manipur became a Burmese vassal state in the 1700s and ambassadors from Manipur
- Arakanese Brahmins (Burmese: ရခိုင်ဗြာဟ္မဏ): Brahmins brought to Burma from Arakan after it was conquered by the Konbaung king Bodawpaya
- Sagaing Brahmins: the oldest Brahmins in Burmese society, who consulted the Pyu, Burman[disambiguation needed] and Mon kingdoms prior to the Konbaung dynasty
- Indian Brahmins: Brahmins who arrived with British colonial rule when Burma became a part of the British Raj
According to Burmese chronicles, Brahmins in Burma were subject to the four-caste system, which included brahmanas (ဗြာဟ္မဏ), kshatriyas (ခတ္တိယ), vaishya (ဝေဿ), and shudra (သုဒ္ဒ). Because the Burmese monarchy enforced the caste system for Indians, Brahmins who broke caste traditions and laws were subject to punishment. In the Arakanese kingdom, punished Brahmins often became kyun ponna (ကျွန်ပုဏ္ဏား), literally 'slave Brahmins', who made flower offerings to Buddha images and performed menial tasks. During the Konbaung dynasty, caste was indicated by the number of salwe (threads) worn; Brahmins wore nine, while the lowest caste wore none. Brahmins are also fundamental in the Nine-God cult, called the Nine Divinities (Phaya Ko Su ဘုရားကိုးစု) which is essentially a Burmese puja (puzaw in Burmese) for appeasing nine divinities, Buddha and the eight arahats, or a group of nine deities, five Hindu gods and four nat spirits.[48] This practice continues to be practiced in modern-day Burma.
Brahmins in Thailand are known as 'Phram' or 'Paahm' (Thai: พราหมณ์ ) and claim ancestry to Indian Brahmins who migrated to Thailand in the 6th century AD[49] There are fewer Brahmins in Thailand than in Burma.
One of the theories that orthodox Brahmins of Thailand believe in is that the earth shall be destroyed by fire, and that a new Earth will be created after the destruction.[50]
In the 19th century at Bangkok all the medical practitioners were Chinese or Cochin - Chinese, while astronomy and divination was in the hands of the Brahmins.[51]
See also[edit]
- ^ a b Saraswati, Swami Sahajanand (2003). Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Rachnawali in Six volumes (in Volume 1). Delhi: Prakashan Sansthan. pp. 519 (Volume 1). ISBN 81-7714-097-3.
- ^ a b Crooke, William (1999). The Tribes and Castes of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh. 6A, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi-110049, India: Asian Educational Services. pp. 1809 (at page 64). ISBN 81-206-1210-8.
- ^ Indian Economic and Social History Review 1987, Himanshu P Ray, 24: 443
- ^ Ancient India: a history of its culture and civilization, Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi, p.166-170
- ^ A social history of India, by SN Sadasivan
- ^ Castes and tribes of Southern India, By Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari
- ^ Hopkins, Religions of India, p.192 states: "As to the fees, the rules are precise, and the propounders of them are unblushing. The priest performs the sacrifice for the fee alone, and it must consist of valuable garments, kine, horses, or gold; – when each is to be given is carefully stated. Gold is coveted most, for 'this is immortality, the seed of Agni'"
- ^ a b Purusha Suktha [12] ramanuja.org Verse 13 | http://www.ramanuja.org/purusha/sukta-4.html
- ^ Economic & Political Weekly http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/4414253?uid=2&uid=4&sid=21101949015007
- ^ a b c Kashyap, Rangasami Laksminarayana (2003). Kr̥ṣṇayajurvedīya Taittirīya-saṃhitā. ISBN 8179940055. Five Brahmin Gotra Names Is Sanaga, Sanatana, Abhuvana, Pratanasa, Suparna
- ^ "Tiers In Heaven | Aakar Patel". Outlookindia.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ "Brahmins In India". Outlookindia.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ a b P. 184 Chandragupta Maurya And His Times By Radhakumud Mookerji
- ^ Article on Brahmins of Andhra Pradesh at Vepachedu Educational Foundation
- ^ Sreenivasarao Vepachedu. "Brahmin, brahmana, caste, tribe, gotra, rishi, ritual, india, hindu, religion, Mana Sanskriti (Our Culture), Issue 69". Vedah.net. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ "Dictionary - Definition of Peshwa". Websters-online-dictionary.org. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ "peshwa (Maratha chief minister) - Britannica Online Encyclopedia". Britannica.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ a b "Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa : Great warrior and protector of Hindu Dharma - Valiant Hindu Kings | Hindu Janajagruti Samiti". Hindujagruti.org. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ The Satara Raj, 1818-1848: A Study in History, Administration, and Culture - Sumitra Kulkarni - Google Books. Books.google.co.in. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ "India : Rise of the peshwas - Britannica Online Encyclopedia". Britannica.com. 2011-11-08. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India By R.V. Russell
- ^ The Tale of Tuluva Brahmins
- ^ Saraswati, Swami Sahajanand (2003). Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Rachnawali in Six volumes (in Volume 1 at p. 518, Parishist by Acharya Tarineesh Jha, 515-519). Prakashan Sansthan. ISBN 81-7714-097-3.
- ^ page# 156
- ^ Article on Gotras of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation
- ^ Article on Gotras and pravaras of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation
- ^ Manu Smriti on learning of the Vedas
- ^ Article on various sects and rishis of Brahmins at Vepachedu Educational Foundation
- ^ Bhanu, B. V., People of India, p. 948.
- ^ Padmasali Brahmin origin
- ^ P. 845, People of India: Rajasthan edited by K. S. Singh
- ^ IBTL. "Bajirao Peshwa - A Greatest Indian Warrior". Ibtl.in. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ a b P. 201, Professor A.L. Basham, My Guruji and Problems and Perspectives of Ancient, by Sachindra Kumar Maity
- ^ Page on Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya on wikipedia
- ^ P. 37 Asian Medical Systems: A Comparative Study By Charles Leslie
- ^ P. 43 The Historical Buddha: The Times, Life, and Teachings of the Founder of Buddhism By H.W. Schumann
- ^ P. 104 The Classical Age edited by Raj Pruthi
- ^ a b "27th Sutta of Digha Nikaya". Digha Nikaya. columbia university.
- ^ a b "verse 385;verse 386". Dhammapada. Buddhanet.
- ^ "Treasury of Truth (Dhammapada) Chapter 26, The Brahmana". Buddhanet.net. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ "001.1 – Prophecy of Dipankara Buddha". Jataka Online. 2009-04-12. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
- ^ (Robinson, Johnson & Thanissaro 2005, p. 51)
- ^ Sue Hamilton, Early Buddhism: A New Approach: The I of the Beholder. Routledge 2000, pages 47, 49.
- ^ Translation by Piyadassi Thera
- ^ P.21 Jaina-rūpa-maṇḍana =: Jaina Iconography By Umakant Premanand Shah
- ^ P. 374 Buddhist phenomenology: a philosophical investigation of Yogācāra Buddhism By Dan Lusthaus
- ^ a b c "Mahima Dharma, Bhima Bhoi and Biswanathbaba"
- ^ a b Leider, Jacques P. "Specialists for Ritual, Magic and Devotion: The Court Brahmins of the Konbaung Kings". The Journal of Burma Studies 10: 159–180.
- ^ P. 91 Thailand into the spirit world by Marlane Guelden
- ^ P. 327 The London encyclopaedia: or Universal dictionary of science, art ..., Volume 6
- ^ P. 18 Chambers's papers for the people, Volumes 9-10 By William Chambers, Robert Chambers
Further reading[edit]
- Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Rachnawali (Selected works of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati), Prakashan Sansthan, Delhi, 2003.
- Baldev Upadhyaya, Kashi Ki Panditya Parampara, Sharda Sansthan, Varanasi, 1985.
- M. A. Sherring, Hindu Tribes and Castes as Reproduced in Benaras, Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, First ed 1872, new ed 2008.
- Jogendra Nath Bhattacharya, Hindu Castes and Sects, Munshiram Manoharlal, Delhi, first edition 1896, new edition 1995.
- E. A. H. Blunt, The Caste System of North India, S. Chand Publishers, 1969.
- Christopher Alan Bayly, Rulers, Townsmen, and Bazaars: North Indian Society in the Age of British Expansion, 1770–1870, Cambridge University Press, 1983.
- Anand A. Yang, Bazaar India: Markets, Society, and the Colonial State in Bihar, University of California Press, 1999.
- Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi Rachnawali, Rajkamal Prakashan, Delhi.
- Bibha Jha, Bhumihar Brahmins: A Sociological Study, PhD thesis submitted to the Patna University.
- M. N. Srinivas, Social Change in Modern India, Orient Longman, Delhi, 1995.
- Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi essays.
- Apte (1965). (Fourth Revised and Enlarged ed.). New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Missing or empty
(help). - Apte (1966). (Reprint 1997 ed.). New Delhi Missing or empty
(help). - Macdonell (1924). (1966 ed.). New Delhi Missing or empty
(help). - Monier-Williams, Monier (1899). Delhi Missing or empty
(help). - Sontakke, N. S., ed. (1972). (First ed.). Pune: .
External links[edit]
- Brahmin Community.. They maintain website http://brahmsamaj.org for brahmin
- e-learning of Basic Vedic Mantras & rituals from Home for Brahmins Online Vedic Courses through Video Conferencing
- Baiswara Brahmin Utthan Organisation
- Daily duties of Brahmins
- Hindu Brahmin at Hindubrahmin.com
- List of Brahmin Castes and Sub-castes at Kamat.com
- Brahmin Patrika Blog


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Pkg of 1, 1.0 x 30 cm, chromatography column, max. vol. 25 ml, cross-sectional area 0.79 cm2, for use in low-pressure chromatography
Econo-Column® jacketed chromatography columns are empty glass low-pressure chromatography columns that include an integral water jacket. They are ideal for chromatography applications that require temperature control. These columns can be packed with a wide range of media for use in chromatography separations and run with a chromatography system or by gravity flow. Econo-Column jacketed chromatography columns can be used with Econo-Column funnels and flow adaptors.
These columns are 1.0 x 30 cm (diameter x length) and come in a pack of one column. The packaging contains one stopcock per column ordered.
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PUMP vs. STEAM (No, we're not talking about boats here). There are two types of espresso machines to choose from and the difference is substantial.
PUMP DRIVEN is the higher-end type of espresso machine. Water is heated to the right temperature and then forced through the grinds using an internal pump. This force is more intense than in a steam machine and results in a higher quality and better tasting cup of espresso. Pump driven machines consistently produce the high BARS OF PRESSURE necessary for full-flavored espresso. The water tank can be refilled at any time for unlimited amounts of espresso, as opposed to the steam driven machine, which must cool down between brewing. Pump machines do not have a carafe, therefore you place your cup directly under the spout. Only a pump driven machine produces CREMA.
NOTE: CREMA is a golden foam-like layer at the top of a freshly-brewed shot of espresso. It makes a "cap" over the espresso liquid, which helps to retain the flavors and aromas of the espresso. CREMA is the hallmark of a well-prepared espresso and can only be achieved through the use of a pump-driven machine. Remember - CREMA is not to be confused with cream or frothed milk that tops specialty drinks. We'll get to that in a moment. The BARS OF PRESSURE is the measurement of steam pressure which is being pushed through the grinds. Higher bars of pressure are necessary to produce full-flavor espresso. Between 15 and 18 bars of pressure are typically at the higher end of personal espresso machines.
Pump driven machines can be further classified as
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Super Automatic
machines are fully automatic machines with additional features for the ultimate espresso experience. These features may include larger reservoirs, separate heating chambers for steaming and brewing and automatic controls and indicators that monitor the various processes.
Full Automatic
machines precisely grind, measure, tamp, brew and dispose of the used grids all at the touch of a button. The have specialized brewing processes that optimize flavor extraction.
machines require the user to manually control the length/volume of the espresso by using a dial or lever to start and stop the brewing process.
Some of these pump-driven machines have many features such as adjustable coffee strength options, multiple cup sizes for those double espresso drinkers and automatic frothers - all features that add to the quality and price of the machine. Additional features on certain models are a removable drip tray, warming tray, and greater water capacity. You can also purchase other products such as a coffee grinder, frothing pitcher and demitasse/cappuccino cups to add to your espresso enjoyment.
STEAM DRIVEN is the more moderately priced type of espresso machine. Steam-driven espresso machines work by boiling water and forcing it through espresso grinds by means of steam pressure. Because this type of machine relies solely on steam pressure to push water through a bed of grinds, the espresso is generally not as full-flavored as the espresso produced with a pump machine. A steam-driven machine can only brew one carafe (approximately four shots of espresso) at a time. It can not be opened during the process to add more water due to the boiling hot water that is necessary to operate it; therefore there is a lag time between brewing cycles. The machine must cool completely before it is possible to add more water and brew additional servings.
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In 1999, SEIR*TEC at AEL sponsored a competition to acknowledge school programs in the Southeast that represent best practices in educational technology. Twelve winners were selected by a panel of national experts and stories from each of these schools have been collected in the publication "Patterns of Promise." The program in Poquoson City Schools was selected as a winner in this competition.
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Take Five: Sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll and mythical performers
Classic artists of the '60s and '70s weren't on Facebook or Twitter. They liked to preserve some of the mystery that surrounded their acts. Authors Dan Durchholz and Gary Graff gathered 57 of those stories and tried to find out: fact or fiction?


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Is there any special etiquette or "good things to know" for hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) during AT, or peak, season (for that section)?
I think what you are trying to get at is the proper etiquette for hiking on the AT during peak season, when the most hikers and backpackers are on the trail. Exactly when peak season is, and how many people you will see at peak season really depends on where you are on the trail. Various places will have different number of Thru-hikers, section-hikers, weekend backpackers, and day hikers. My experience is mostly hiking the parts of the AT in Virginia and North Carolina. We see Northbounders and Southbounders cross as well as lots of day and weekend activity. Etiquette I would break into things you really need to be aware of and just nice things to do. As a day hiker I would say to be very aware of the following:
As for things I find that are good to do, and I would consider good etiquette are:
Also, you mention hiking, but there is one important etiquette item I would want to add for backpackers during peak season for thru-hikers. Bring your own tent/tarp, even if you expect to stay near a shelter. If more hikers end at a shelter than the shelter can hold I always stay in my own tent to make sure thru-hikers get the shelter. |
In peak season (late spring/summer) most trail etiquette on the AT relates to thru-hikers, but not all of it, and generally is about the same on the whole trail. Thru-hikers are of course those who are continuously hiking the entirety of the Appalachian Trail, north or southbound. In short, simply be polite and respect others and the wilderness in which you find yourself. Leave things better than you find them. In more detail, general etiquette is the following:
For information on specific sections I recommend a guidebook for the particular section being hiked. There are several available. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy offers these guidebooks which are quite detailed, and may be found in many outdoors stores near the AT as well as online. Another kind with a digital version is offered here from the ALDHA. While the primary purpose of these guidebooks is mostly to educate about the trail and the area, you could infer specific etiquette from that information if needed. |


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1-2 Devonshire Terrace, London, United Kingdom
The quality offered by Best Western Shaftesbury Paddington Court Suites is well worth its 4 stars. A stay here gives you close proximity to popular attractions that include Paddington and Natural History Museum. Hyde Park can be counted amongst the attractions that appear within the hotel's close surroundings. Besides many tourist attractions, there is plenty to do at Kensington Town Hall throughout the year.Choosing to stay at Best Western Shaftesbury Paddington Court Suites allows you to take advantage of the general facilities on offer here; a restaurant and a bar/lounge are among them. Not only is a dry cleaning/laundry service part of the services here, a concierge service is also available during your stay. Business guests are welcome, as demonstrated by the presence of a secretarial service amongst the facilities. This establishment counts 35 rooms.The climate of Best Western Shaftesbury Paddington Court Suites is controlled with air-conditioning. Dial to local destinations for free from here. Some rooms are liberally provided with a hypo-allergenic bedding set (upon request). A coffee/tea maker proves a welcome addition to the rooms' conveniences.
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My husband and I wanted to Elope and our plans evolved and changed due to our geographical issues: He is American and I am Canadian. Our life plans brought us to Colorado and eventually Manitou Springs to Elope. We found Rockledge Country Inn and could not have made a more perfect choice. The property is breathtaking, the views a slice... More
- Also Known As:
- Country Inn Manitou Springs
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- Overview
- Specs
- Reviews
2013 GT Sensor 9R Comp Mountain Bike
The GT Sensor 9R Comp is an all-mountain bike with cross country quickness and handling. It features a high quality frame, durable suspension, and Shimano hydraulic brakes.The Sensor 9R Comp utilizes today's modern frame technology. The GT Speed Metal aluminum frame is shaped using a hydroforming technique which allows for the reinforcement or removal of material from all the right places. It features a reinforced bottom bracket, forged linkage and pivots. It has an Independent Drivetrain suspension design where the rear wheel and bottom bracket are synchronized in motion. As the name suggests, the suspension operates independent from the bike's drivetrain to eliminate pedal bob; pedal bob is a byproduct of trail riding.
The suspension features an SR Suntour Raidon fork with 120mm of travel. The fork has a rebound adjustment for custom tuning to every trail and a fork lockout for climbing efficiency or riding on the road. The X-Fusion E1RL rear air shock features an on-the-fly rebound adjust and lockout as well.
A Shimano Alivio 27-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes power your every start and stop. All Terra components provide maximum durability over a season of riding hard in and out of the saddle. Maxxis Aspen 2.1 tires and Alex double wall rims offer good grip and low flex even in poor weather conditions.
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2013 GT Sensor 9R Comp Mountain Bike
- bottom bracket:
- FSA Cartirdge BB, BB-7420
- brakes:
- Shimano BR-M395 Hydraulic Disc, w/ 160mm Rotor
- cassette:
- Shimano CS-HG20-9, 9-Speed, 11-34T
- chain:
- crankset:
- fork:
- SR Suntour Raidon LO-R, 120mm Travel, w/ Rebound Adjust & Lockout, Alloy Steerer
- frame:
- GT Speed Metal Aluminum Frame, Hydroformed (TT,DT) 120mm Travel Independent Drivetrain Suspension System w/ Forged Linkage, Pivots, Bottom Bracket, Dropouts, and 1 1/8" Zerostack Head Tube, w/ 9R Specific Geometry
- front derailleur:
- Shimano Alivio,FD-M430
- grips/tape:
- GT Wings w/ Waffle Lock-on
- handlebar:
- All Terra Flat Top Riser, AL6061, 690mm Width, 15mm Rise, 31.8mm Clamp
- headset:
- FSA No.10, Zerostack, 1-1/8"
- levers:
- Shimano BL-M395
- pedals:
- rear derailleur:
- Shimano Alivio, RD-M430
- rear shock:
- X-Fusion E1RL, 7.5"x2" Air Shock, w/ Rebound Adjust & Lockout
- saddle:
- All Terra Tacoma
- seatpost:
- All Terra AL6061
- shifters:
- Shimano Alivio, SL-M430, Rapid Fire
- stem:
- All Terra 1-1/8" Threadless, 3D Forged, 4-bolt w/ CNC face plate, 5° Rise, 31.8mm Clamp
- tires:
- Maxxis Aspen, 29"x2.1"
- wheelset:
- Rims: Alex MD19, Double Wall 32H, Hubs: All Terra Alloy Disc, 15x100mm Thru Axle (front)
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