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💖 All Card Meanings 🛒 Order Deck + Book 📱 Get the App
Six of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Journey • Companion • Peace
The Six of Swords represents the beginning of relief, an escape from hard times. In numerology, the number 6 stands for restoration of harmony and balance. The suit of swords is about thoughts and spirituality. This card usually signifies the beginning of an important exploratory journey, sometimes over water. You may be bringing someone else. The journey is not complete yet, but you are on your way to freedom.
The Six of Swords can signify a need to move forward, perhaps to recover from unwise decisions you have made. Because this is a journey of growth, you must leave something behind. Don't be afraid to let go of what's holding you to this moment. You are about to renew your life. You are headed towards a better position. Do not dwell, and remember what you have endured to get to this point.
Six of Swords Reversed
Depression • Melancholy • Inability
There is a melancholy energy associated with the Six of Swords, so while for some it can mean harmony and stillness, when it is reversed it can mean depression. These may be the days when you almost can't get out of bed. There is a listlessness and lack of motivation.
This card reversed can suggest you are resisting the necessary situation in front of you. Perhaps you feel it has been forced on you and you want no part of it. This card reversed indicates that this is a negative approach when it comes to your health. To recover, you must take responsibility for the current situation and get something out of it.


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WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Monday released updated guidelines for traveling into the United States, including stricter requirements on U.S. citizens who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 as well as some exceptions for foreign travelers.
Beginning Nov. 8, unvaccinated U.S. citizens and long-term residents will have to present a negative Covid test taken a day before re-entering the country, and unvaccinated foreign nationals will be able to enter only in limited circumstances, an administration official said Monday. Fully vaccinated Americans will have to be tested three days before travel.
For foreign nationals, the administration announced in September it will require all visitors to be fully vaccinated before entering the country, but on Monday outlined exemptions to that requirement. People coming from countries with vaccination rates under 10 percent, for example, will also have to provide a compelling reason for why they are traveling to the U.S., a senior administration official said.
Other exemptions include visitors under age 18 since children aren't yet eligible for the vaccine yet in many countries, those with certain medical conditions, clinical trial participants and those traveling on short notice, the official said.
Previously, all travelers, including U.S. citizens, were required to produce a negative viral test result within three days of travel to the United States regardless of their vaccination status. Travelers from 33 countries were barred from entering the U.S. even if they were fully vaccinated.
Proof of vaccination and testing will be required before boarding the plane and it will be up to the airlines to enforce the measures, including confirming that the record was issued by an official source and meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definition for fully vaccinated.
The official said the U.S. will accept any of the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization even if they are not cleared in the U.S., including Russian and Chinese vaccines — which have limited data on their effectiveness against the Delta variant.
To help with CDC contact tracing, airlines flying into the U.S. will be required to keep on hand contact information to be able to follow up with air travelers if they are potentially infected.

subset: commoncrawl


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Author: Nifflas
I've experimented a lot with "airy" sounds the last days. I think
most of you already know of this way of doing it, but in case you've
never tried this:
Turn on only the noise generator. Lower the cutoff a bit, and set keytrack to 100%. Set filter resonance to a very high value, but not so high that it self-oscillates. You will need to tweak the second filter a little bit since you're working with noise.
And of course play around with the ADSR envelope and add some effects, etc.
If you've done it right you have a very "airy" sound now. Here are some more things you can do with it.
Use the LP/BP filter and set the BP offset to +7 (Sounds great for pads) Or why not try the sinus or waveshaper?
I've improved my "Airy Sounds" trick a little bit. Check this out if you want to know more about how to make "Airy" sounds with the Microwave XT.
If you do like the hint, please (spam spam spam) go to www.nifflas.com and download all my music ;)


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Path planning has important applications in many areas such as industrial robotics, autonomous systems, and virtual prototyping. This industrial robot has a path-planning algorithm to find the optimal way between two arbitrary points and controllers to adjust the movements of each revolute joint.
To run this example, you'll need
Please make a selection:Get a
Use Built-in Models
Real-Time Simulation
Automatic 3D Animation
Path Planning
System Modeler is available in English
and Japanese
on Windows, macOS & Linux »
Questions? Comments? Contact a Wolfram expert »


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A study done by Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Hospital&Clinics suggests that the use of a dietary supplement after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can help obese patients to more quickly lose weight and to avoid deficiency of a critical B vitamin.
In the study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, John Morton, MD, associate professor of surgery at the medical school, says patients who take probiotics after the gastric-bypass procedure tend to shed more pounds than those who don't take the supplements. Probiotics are the "good" bacteria found in yogurt as well as in over-the-counter dietary supplements that help in the digestion of food.
The researchers followed 44 patients on whom Morton had performed the procedure from 2006 to 2007. Patients were randomized into either a probiotic or a control group. Both groups received the same bariatric medical care and nutritional counseling, as well as the support of weight-loss study groups. Both groups also were allowed to consume yogurt, a natural source of probiotics. In addition, the probiotic group consumed one pill per day of Puritan's Pride, a probiotic supplement that is available online and in many stores. Morton has no financial ties to the company that makes the supplement.
The study showed that at three months, the probiotics group registered a 47.6 percent weight loss, compared with a 38.5 percent for the control group.
"Surprisingly, the probiotic group attained a significantly greater percent of excess weight loss than that of control group," said Morton, who wrote the paper with lead author Gavitt Woodard, a third-year medical student, and five other medical students at the Surgery Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation in Stanford's Department of Surgery. Morton has performed more than 1,000 of these bypasses at Stanford Hospital & Clinics.
The study also found that levels of vitamin B-12 were higher in the patients taking probiotics — a significant finding because patients often are deficient in B-12 after gastric-bypass surgery. The probiotics group had B-12 levels of 1,214 picograms per milliliter at three months, compared with the control group's levels of 811 pg/mL.
Morton said he now recommends probiotic supplements to his patients, and he plans to continue to look for ways to enhance the outcomes from the procedure.
Roughly 15 million Americans are morbidly obese, and bypass surgery is becoming an increasingly common treatment for the problem. Some 150,000 Americans who have a body mass index of more than 40 — who are typically at least 100 pounds overweight — have the procedure each year.
Morton said the study was prompted by the fact that some patients have problems eating after gastric-bypass surgery. "For some reason, the food doesn't go down right," he said. When no anatomical reasons could be found for blockages, he hypothesized that a build-up of bacteria in the intestine — bacterial overgrowth — might be the culprit.
"Bacterial overgrowth can be bad in that it changes your motility, how you empty," Morton said. "A lot of people aren't aware that we all carry about a lot of bacteria in our intestines and that they're extremely helpful in aiding digestion. And I thought, 'Well, if we give these patients probiotics, then maybe we can improve these symptoms.'
"Part of the obesity puzzle may be due to the kind of bacteria you have in your intestine," he said.
There was no outside funding for the study.
Probiotics Help Gastric Bypass Patients Lose Weight - Study
By News Staff | July 13th 2009 05:00 AM | Print | E-mail


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Three simple rules to guarantee a successful wedding
There are many ways to ensure success (or disaster) at your wedding.
After almost two decades of working as a wedding DJ and minister, with hundreds of weddings under my belt, I have seen them all.
Perhaps I'll write a book about it someday. Oh the stories that I could tell…
Last night's wedding was an enormous success and a great deal of fun, and so I thought I'd share three rules that the bride and groom followed to ensure that their day went off without a hitch.
1. Give yourself enough time to enjoy your wedding. For yesterday's couple, this meant a 2:00 PM ceremony and a 5:00 PM reception, giving them plenty of time for a relaxed, stress-free photo session in between ceremony and reception. It also allowed them the unusual pleasure of joining their guests for the cocktail hour, which every bride and groom secretly craves but rarely gets.
Yes, this means that your guests will have to find a way to fill two unscheduled hours in the afternoon.
And yes, it will probably put some parent's knickers in a bunch, as they tend to be more concerned about the opinions of friends and family when it comes to the wedding than that of their children (What will Aunt Myrtle think?).
Too bad.
Most people can fill the unscheduled time without much trouble, and it's a small price to pay to ensure that one of the most important days of your life is relaxing and fun.
Last night's couple also booked a six hour reception, which I think is always a good idea. Though the five hour reception is considerably more common, it can often feel rushed, especially if there has been an unexpected delay somewhere in the day (which is not uncommon). It's always easier to end a wedding 30 minutes early if the bride and groom are getting tired rather than scrambling to extend a wedding an extra hour when you are supposed to be focused on celebrating.
You've spent a year or more and untold amounts of money on the wedding. Give yourself an extra hour to enjoy it.
2. Spend time together. I know this seems obvious, but I have seen many, many couples spend the majority of their weddings apart from one another. The most common scenario places the bride on the dance floor, dancing the night away, while the groom is hanging out on the patio or leaning against the bar, chatting with friends, but the variations and blame for these situations are unending. I advise couples to spend as much time together as possible during their reception, and at some point, step away from the celebration and spend a few moments alone, watching friends and family celebrate from afar. Elysha and I did this at our wedding, and it remains one of our favorite moments from the day.
Last night's couple understood this rule well. They spent almost every moment of their wedding side by side, holding hands, kissing and laughing together.
3. Smile. Some couples smile their way through their wedding and others worry their way through. I like to tell couples to do all the worrying before the wedding day, and then trust the professionals who you have hired to execute your plan.
If you spend your wedding day following-up on your vendors and worrying about what happens next, your will have spent your wedding day working and not celebrating.
Hire people you trust, and then trust them to do their jobs so you can smile your day away.
Last night's couple never stopped smiling.


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The Transexual Glamour was a Rocky Horror Picture Show and Shock Treatment cover band, composed of members of the Japanese fan club [LIP'S]. They gave performances in Japan, as well as a special live performance at the 20th Anniversary Convention in Los Angeles in 1995. The songs they perform are typically an amalgam of both Japanese and the original English lyrics.
|The Transexual Glamour CD (1995) - Japanese Rocky Horror cover band, from the [LIP'S] fan club.
Rocky Horror Conventions - 1995 20th Anniversary
Rocky Horror Cover Songs - Live Performances
Rocky Horror Cover Albums - Transexual Glamour
Copyright © 1997 - 2023 Shawn McHorse. Send comments to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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20 years of ups and downs, 20 years of vicissitudes. From 1999 that saw the establishment of 40 companies to 2019 that embraced a total number of over 600, Xiamen Anxi Chamber of Commerce has ushered in its 20th birthday with a solid "household". On October 19, 2019, Anxi entrepreneurs in Xiamen City gathered at the International Convention Center Hotel to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the chamber. The celebration conference held a series of commendation activities. Mr. Ke Xiping, the chamber's former president of two-term service, the current permanent honorary chairman, and Chairman of Xiamen Hengxing Group, received the "Special Contribution Award for the 20th Anniversary of Xiamen Anxi Chamber of Commerce".
Xiamen Anxi Chamber of Commerce was established in May 1999. In 2016, the chamber had a name change from "Xiamen Anxi Economic Promotion Association" to "Xiamen Anxi Chamber of Commerce". Over the past 20 years, Anxi Chamber has upheld the legislative purpose of "common innovation & win-win future". The majority of its members, a solid advocate for the saying "Dedicate yourself and you will win", have strived to promote the economic development of the Xiamen Special Economic Zone and the economic and social development of Anxi, their hometown. The Chamber has seen a growth of membership from over 200 members to the current 1,680, making itself one of the more powerful and cohesive associations in Xiamen.
Zhong Jiangbo, chairman of the Chamber, said that he would continue to play the role of a bridge and tie for the organization and jointly contribute to the social and economic development of Xiamen and Anxi at an accelerated pace.
Mr. Ke Xiping represented the Xiamen Federation of Commerce of Chamber at the celebration event. In his speech, he stated: "The Anxi Chamber of Commerce, led by generations of presidents and benefited from the joint efforts of all its members, have achieved fruitful results and witnessed continuous cohesion and influence over the past years. I have deep feelings for the Chamber, and I am sincerely joyful to witness its development and progress year over year. The majority of Anxi entrepreneurs, keen on integral and honest business, have reaped fruitful results. Their efforts have greatly reshaped the image of Anxi people in Xiamen. Up to date, the Anxi Chamber of Commerce has become one of the more influential business communities in Xiamen, embracing rise in social influence and recognition."
Boost to Anxi's social and economic development
Every generation has its opportunities and missions. In the 21st century, Anxi has entered the fast track of economic development. In the course of striving for business development, the Chamber never stops encouraging its member companies to return to their hometown to seek new business and create a win-win situation.
Xiamen Hengxing Group set up an example in 2000 by bringing investments into Anxi for the establishment of a private city bus business. The year saw the first public bus in the city's history. In 2005, Hengxing invested in Anxi's East Gate Bridge and built the Dalong Lake to improve the environmental appearance of Fengcheng County. The following year Hengxing invested in the Anxi section of the Anxi-Xiamen Expressway, paving the way for private investment in high-speed construction.
According to incomplete statistics, the Chamber's member companies have contributed to Anxi with more than 10 billion yuan over the past 20 years, strongly promoted a big change to the outdated appearance of Anxi's industry and effectively accelerating the pace of local economic development.
Over 500 million yuan of charity donation to shoulder social responsibility
In the course of promoting their hometown, member companies have never forgotten their social responsibilities. From the president to the directors, the member companies enthusiastically make charity cause as their value pursuit. Data show that the member companies and council members have donated more than 500 million yuan to disaster-stricken areas, poverty-stricken areas, and hometown charities since the Chamber's establishment.
In October 2008, Mr. Ke Xiping donated 20 million yuan to the Anxi Charity Federation of Fujian Province. Two months later, he led the establishment of the Anxi Kuitou Charity Association with a donation of 10 million yuan, marking its being the first government-approved village-level charitable foundation. Since 2002, Mr. Ke has invested more than 3 billion yuan into Anxi and built Anxi Hengxing High School, a modern, full-time privately run private enterprise for non-profit purpose—the biggest high school equipped with most advanced and complete facilities in Quanzhou as well as the city's only privately-run senior high school up to standard. In 2019, Mr. Ke donated 46 million yuan for the building of Anxi No. 15 Kindergarten, laying a more solid foundation for local preschool education.
At the celebration ceremony, Xiamen Anxi Chamber of Commerce donated 3 million yuan to the Anxi Rural Revitalization Project, 9 million yuan to the Anxi Charity Federation of Fujian Province, and 100,000 yuan to the poverty alleviation project for Linxia Prefecture of Gansu Province.
The very beginning mind itself is the most accomplished mind of true enlightenment. In the new era, the Anxi Chamber will continue its efforts in integrating resources, in leading member companies to take advantage of the industry to build larger and stronger business, as well as actively participate in public welfare and charity to inject new vitality to the development of Xiamen and Anxi for a new chapter of future.
Hengxing concerned


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|Macnaught Pulser Flow Meter Type B Intrinsically
Macnaught Pulser Flow Meter are suitable for a wide range of industrial applications including fuel and oil distribution, corrosive chemical, solvent measurement and high-pressure applications to name a few. Macnaught offers Positive Displacement Flow Meters featuring Oval Gear technology.
The measuring principle includes two high-precision toothed oval gears, which are driven by the flow of the medium and mesh with each other: in presence of a flow, defined volumes of fluid are transported through the meter for each rotation of oval gears pair. As the flow rate increases, so does the rotational speed of the rotors.
The number of gear rotations is a measure of the amount of fluid that has passed through the meter; each rotation is detected by a sensor and the volume is calculated using a conversion factor (K factor).
A key distinction of positive displacement flow meters is that they offer direct measurement of the volumetric flow rate. Positive displacement flow meters are frequently specified as they offer high accuracy and repeatability.
They readily provide measurement accuracy within +/-0.5% of the true value. Additionally, positive displacement flow meters require no power to drive the gear operation with no special fluid conditioning (e.g. straight lengths of pipe) and are capable of handling high pressure, large flow variations, and plant equipment vibration due to their robust design.
The Type B Intrinsically Safe Pulser Flow Meter is designed to complement the MX Blind meters series. These options provide the flexibility to apply a style of housing that best satisfies the application requirements.
Macnaught Pulser Flow Meter Advantages
- High accuracy and repeatability
- High accuracy and repeatability
- Suitable for viscous fluids
- Cost-effective
- Accuracy unaffected by changes in viscosity
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Ease of installation
- Exceptional turn-down ratio
Macnaught Pulser Flow Meter Specification
|Switch Type
|NPN open collector
|Stainless Steel
|IP rating
|Max temp
|ATEX, CSA, FM II I G Ex ia IIC T6
Download Data Sheet: Type B Intrinsically Safe Pulser Flow Meter
Ref: macnaughtusa.com


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GMC has unveiled the new 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.
The Acadia launched in 2007 as the first crossover from GMC, with segment-leading fuel economy and innovative features. An exclusive SmartSlide System allows easy access to an adult-sized third row with available seven- or eight- passenger seating configurations. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow flexible passenger and cargo configurations of the best-in-class interior space. Acadia's refined styling, impressive fuel efficiency, and confidence-inspiring safety features made it an immediate success and ideal platform to build upon for a Denali model.
The 2011 Acadia Denali goes on sale in the third quarter of 2010. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard 3.6L direct injected V-6 contributes to an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg with FWD models.
The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:
•Unique lower front and rear fascias
•High-intensity discharge headlamps
•Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
•Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
•Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
•Dual chrome exhaust tips
Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.
The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.
It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:
•Premium acoustics – laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
•Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
•Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
•Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
•Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
•Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
•Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
•Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof
•Head-up display (HUD)
Additional content includes:
•Tri-zone automatic climate control
•Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
•Bluetooth connectivity
•Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
•Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
•XM Satellite Radio
•Rearview camera system
•Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory
•Remote vehicle start
GMC capability
The Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds.
A long, 118.9-inch wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked "H" design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.
The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali's 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard.


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by Candy
I am a stay at home mom that home-schooled 6 children.
Three of them are now either married or in college. The remaining three are 16, 9 and 10.
My 10 year old, Michael is having a difficult time with certain sounds. Specifically, the letter "r" and "r blends". The letter "l",the "th" sound and "w".
I contacted my insurance and therapy is not covered and with two kids in college it just is too expensive. I want to attack these issues here at home and was hoping you can give me some advice.
I was looking at speech buddies.
Do you know anything about them and can you give me some direction in this. I appreciate your making yourselves available to those of us who need advice.
Thank you.
Comments for Speech Buddies Advice for Speech Errors
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|Home > Mahalla
♀ Mahalla
What does Mahalla mean?
Mahalla as a name for girls is of Hebrew origin, and Mahalla means "tender one". Mahalla is an alternate form of Mahalia (Hebrew).
ASSOCIATED WITH tender (gentle)
VARIANTS Mehalia, Mahelia, Mahaliah, Mahali, Mahalee, Mahalah, Mahala▼
OTHER FORM VIA MAHALIA MahalathCREATIVE FORMS
Mahalla Susana (M.S.), ..
How popular is Mahalla?
Mahalla is an unusual given name for females. Mahalla is an equally uncommon last name for all people. (2000 U.S. CENSUS)
Which version is better?
Mahala and Mahalia are the popular variation forms of Mahalla (NOT RANKED). Other variants, like Mahalee, are seldom used. Adoption of these forms of Mahalla was widespread in the 1880s (AVERAGE #914), but now, the form Mahala has fallen out of fashion. (TOP BABY NAMES, 2018)
Similar Names
Mahalla is alike in pronunciation to Mahalya, Mihaela, Mihaila, Mihalia, Mihaliya and Mohala. Other recommended sound-alike names are Bazilla, Camella, Camilla▲, Chella, Damalla, Galla, Gaylla, Gazella, Jakayla▼, Kahla, Kamella, Kamilla, Maaja, Maarva, Mabelle▼, Macaela, Madalena, Madella, Madelle, Maelle, Mafalda, Magaly, Magdala, Mahra, Makara, Makayla▼, Makyla, Mala, Malea, Malia▲, Mally, Manuela▼, Maralin, Maranda▼, Marella, Mariella▲, Marilda, Marilla, Marla▼, Marsalla, Marshella, Martella, Masada, Mayana, Mechaela, Mella, Meralda, Meshella, Micaela, Michaela▼, Michaella, Michaila, Mikhayla, Milla, Mirilla, Morella, Mykala, Myshella, Natala, Pamalla, Radilla, Raella, Raphaella, Royalla (see Royale), Sabilla, Sabylla, Samala, Shayla▼ and Shella. These names tend to be more commonly used than Mahalla.See names in meaning and etymology.


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WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — U.S. health officials Tuesday said fully vaccinated Americans don't need to wear masks outdoors anymore unless they are in a big crowd of strangers, and those who are unvaccinated can go without a face covering outside in some cases, too.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the updated guidance Tuesday in another step on the road back to normal from the coronavirus outbreak that has killed over 570,000 people in U.S. For most of the past year, the CDC had been advising Americans to wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of each other.
"Today, I hope, is a day when we can take another step back to the normalcy of before," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. "Over the past year, we have spent a lot of time telling Americans what you can't do. Today, I am going to tell you some of the things you can do, if you are fully vaccinated."
"There's increasing data that suggests transmission is happening indoors rather than outdoors," Walensky said. She added recent studies point to indoor settings leading to infections in more than 90% of the observed infections.
The CDC guidance says that fully vaccinated or not, people do not have to wear masks outdoors when they walk, bike or run alone or with members of their household. They also can go maskless in small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated people.
But from there, the CDC has differing guidance for people who are fully vaccinated and those who are not.
Unvaccinated people — defined by the CDC as those who have yet to receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson formula — should wear masks at outdoor gatherings that include other unvaccinated people. They also should keep using masks at outdoor restaurants.
Fully vaccinated people do not need to cover up in those situations, the CDC says.
"For those who haven't gotten their vaccination yet, especially if you're younger, or thinking you don't need it, this is another great reason to go get vaccinated now," Biden said in remarks Tuesday.
However, everyone should keep wearing masks at crowded outdoor events such as concerts or sporting events, the CDC says.
"In those settings where you have that [crowd] density we really do worry about protecting the unvaccinated people," Walensky said.
The agency continues to recommend masks at indoor public places, such as hair salons, restaurants, shopping centers, museums and movie theaters.
She added the growing number of vaccinated Americans, declining case rates, and studies about transmission motivated the change in recommendations.
More than half of U.S. adults have gotten at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, and more than a third have been fully vaccinated.
About 95.9 million people, or 28.9% of the U.S. population, have been fully inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer Inc/ BioNTech SE, Moderna Inc and Johnson & Johnson, according to CDC data. 42.5% of the U.S. population or 141 million adults had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The guidance was unveiled ahead of a speech by President Joe Biden on the state of the pandemic response.
Biden praised his administration's efforts saying more than 215 million coronavirus vaccine doses have been administered since he took office nearly 100 days ago. Biden said he still expects his administration to send vaccines to India and other countries amid ongoing discussions over how soon doses could be shipped out even as it sends therapeutics and other equipment to India amid a surge in cases there.
"I think we'll be in a position to be able to share, share vaccines as well as know how with other countries who are in real need," Biden said. "That's the hope and expectation."
"We're excited about the progress we've made, and the opportunity ahead of us, and because of the vaccination program we built we're further along than almost anyone predicted," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients in a Monday interview. "It means we're closer to returning to normal."
One of Biden's first actions in office was to increase the federal government's orders for the vaccines to ensure supply for all Americans by early summer. Now the U.S. is able to turn to sharing some of the supply with the world, as the White House announced Monday it would do with roughly 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine produced in the U.S. but not yet authorized for use there.
At the same time, the White House was instrumental in an agreement reached with drugmaker Sanofi on Monday to help scale up production through next year of Moderna's two-dose shot, which makes up more than 40 percent of doses administered in the U.S.
Believing most Americans who have yet to get a shot would do so if it were easier, the White House has deployed billions of dollars toward ads encouraging shots, community programs to bring doses to the hardest to reach Americans, and tax credits to encourage employers to give their workers paid time off to get protected.


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When you hear the soaring Post Hardcore roar of Dayton, Ohio's successful Hawthorne Heights, the first thing you think is probably not, "Wow, that tune would sound great around a campfire and performed on just an acoustic guitar." But singer JT Woodruff will do just that (minus the campfire) this Saturday in the Southgate House's intimate Parlour room, the same venue in which the Heights filmed a music video and, more recently, performed the final show of their 2009 tour, just before Christmas.
Expect to hear some acoustic versions of HH faves as well as songs slated for the band's new album, Skeletons, due within the next few months. The all-ages "Screamo Unplugged" show (our name, not theirs) starts at 8 p.m. and also features Mark Rose of Spitalfield and Josh Hill of the local band Ellison.
Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 day of show.
(Buy tickets and get venue details here.)


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The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has announced plans to build a Foxwoods-branded casino resort in southern Mississippi in partnership with local developer Biloxi Boardwalk Ventures and management firm The Hartmann Group.
The new Foxwoods Resort Casino At Biloxi Pointe is due to sit on 23 acres of land in the Back Bay area of Biloxi and offer gaming and non-gaming amenities including a 50,000 sq ft casino. The 781,000 sq ft development is to additionally feature a 500-room hotel, 71,000 sq ft of meeting and exhibition space, several dining options, retail space, a spa and outdoor entertainment attractions.
"This is an exciting opportunity to not only expand geographic diversification for the Foxwoods brand but also leverage our management expertise well beyond New England," said Rodney Butler, Chairman for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, which also operates the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.
The new Foxwoods Resort Casino At Biloxi Pointe is set to employ several thousand regional and local residents in construction, resort and gaming operations and is expected to open in the spring of 2019.
"Biloxi, Mississippi, is a proven destination tourism market with its near-perfect year-round climate, casual coastal vibe and exciting nightlife, all of which provides a perfect location to feature our world-class entertainment offerings," said Felix Rappaport, President and Chief Executive Officer for Foxwoods Resort Casino.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation declared that the new $265 million casino resort will be "easily accessible from the metropolitan regions of New Orleans, Birmingham and Atlanta" and is set to deliver "an unparalleled gaming, leisure and meetings experience" to the over nine million people that live within a three-hour drive.
"The agreement with Foxwoods and The Hartmann Group fulfils a dream to develop this site and stimulate economic development by creating thousands of new construction and service jobs for the residents in the East Biloxi and regional communities," said Chris Ferrara, Managing Member for Biloxi Boardwalk Ventures.
Biloxi mayor Andrew Gilich welcomed the announcement and stated that the development would enable the 5th Street extension to US 90 while completing the "casino loop" to Back Bay that "has been envisioned for years".
"We're encouraged by today's announcement of preliminary plans for a new resort development in east Biloxi," said Gilich. "This investment confirms what we have always felt; that Biloxi is the "right spot"."


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On the bright side, it's nice to see that Magis didn't invent a method for turning petro-plastic into cardboard to make Javier Mariscal's Villa Julia playhouse.
On the, uh, not so bright side, the Villa Julia may be the most circumscribed color-me-in! cardboard playhouse on the already glutted cardboard playhouse market. You get the feeling that Mariscal will be swooping in periodically to make sure the clay ashtray's not out of place.
'villa julia', javier mariscal for magis at milan design week 09 [designboom]
Previously: recycled? and how! Color Me House! cardboard playhouse


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December 12th is National Cocoa Day
John-Bryan Hopkins
Here are today's five thing to know about Cocoa:
- Cocoa was first used to make "hot chocolate" by Aztecs and the drink was called "xocolatl", which means bitter water.
- The Swiss consume the most chocolate per capita, which is 22 pounds each compared to 11 pounds each in the United States.
- Cocoa grows from cacao trees and the name cocoa bean was from a spelling mistake made by English importers in the 18th century.
- Fine chocolate is pricy because every stage of cocoa production is down by hand: planting, irrigating, harvesting, fermenting and drying.
- Amsterdam is the world most important cocoa port: 500k-600k tonnes of cocoa per day.
Today's Pinterest Board : Foodimentary
Today's Food History
- 1779 The Smithfield Cattle and Sheep Society held the first Smithfield Show in London. It is now the leading agriculture show in the UK.
- 1827 John & Peter Delmonico opened their first restaurant in New York, Delmonico & Brother Cafe at 23 William Street.
- 1838 Pierre-Marie-Alexis Millardet was born. A French botanist, he saved the vineyards of France from total destruction by the grape phylloxera, a small greenish-yellow insect which sucks the fluid from grapevines. He did so by grafting the French vines on American rootstock, which was resistant to phylloxera. He also developed the first widely used plant fungicide.
- 1856 Charles Dickens wrote in 'Household Words,' "Aluminum may probably send tin to the right about face, drive copper saucepans into penal servitude, and blow up German-silver sky high into nothing." He was pretty accurate in his prediction, even though aluminum had only been discovered in 1808, and had only been used commercially since 1854.
- 1884 Percy Everitt patented a coin operated scale.
- 1981 'Pigmeat' Markham died. American actor, comedian. ("Here comes the Judge.").
Categories: Uncategorized


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When your goal is to maximize vacation days, let's be real: ain't nobody got time for boring destinations.
This world of ours is one crazy amazing place – and we want to help you discover the best of it! SO, here are some epic ideas for your next adventure… naturally, with a geeky twist.
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Taipei, Taiwan
If you're a quirky couple eager to geek out over wild themed restaurants and crazy hotels, Taipei is 100% the place to be.
Besides the scrumptious street eats, you can book a night in your own private batcave or the world's dreamiest Hello Kitty hotel room… then proceed to eat your meal out of a toilet while sitting on a toilet in a Toilet Themed Restaurant. #Goals?
Dubrovnik, Croatia
AKA King's Landing, Dubrovnik offers the perfect balance of geeky sights and Mediterranean bliss.
By day, roam the streets in search of Game of Thrones filming locations (there's special walking tours you can do). By night, enjoy some delicious seafood and grab some drinks by the water! (The view from Buza is amazing.)
Other awesome activities include kayaking and a visit to the ever-peaceful Lokrum Island. Beware though, during peak season, this is tourist central.
Hobbiton, New Zealand
Enjoy second breakfast with your sweetheart in the most wondrous of locations – the Shire!
Fact: in New Zealand, you're able to tour the actual Hobbiton film sets used in the LOTR/Hobbit trilogies… So… if traditional vacays aren't your thing, maybe a foray into Middle Earth will do the trick?
They also offer special farmstay programs in partnership with farms in the area soooo…. fly, you fools!
PS: You can legit get married here. Just sayin'.
An Icelandic Road Trip
Whether you're enjoying the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon or getting cozy under the Northern Lights, there's a million things to do in Iceland that will make you fangirl hard for Mother Nature.
Renting a camper van and driving around the country is definitely a romantic escape for the ages, and let's not forget some of the spots made famous by Game of Thrones… including of course, that Jon Snow and Ygritte cave. *bow chicka wow wow*
Los Angeles, California, USA
Movie and TV buffs will absolutely adore a getaway to LA, where theme parks, movie sets, TV tapings and general awesomeness come together in a pop culture dream.
You can embrace magic at the Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter, become kids again at Disneyland, tour famous film sets at a variety of different studios and so. much. more. Plus, there's no shortage of romantic date spots like the Santa Monica Pier, where you can catch a classic California sunset.
Of course, Orlando (with its power duo of Disneyland and Universal Studios) would be an equally amazing choice.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Besides being a gorgeous city with amazing views and festivals, Edinburgh is a must-visit for any Harry Potter die-hard.
Geeky couples can enjoy a wonderful weekend away here, grabbing coffee at the Elephant House, where JK Rowling wrote some of the first few Harry Potter books, visiting Tom Riddle's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard (spelled Thomas Riddell but close enough) and strolling down the beautiful Victoria St, said to be Rowling's inspiration for Diagon Alley.
If you're feeling especially baller, you can rent the same room at the Balmoral Hotel where Rowling penned the last book, or venture up North and catch the Hogwarts Express (for real)!
BUT, besides HP madness, you can enjoy the grandeur of Edinburgh castle and nerd out at the super cool optical illusion museum, the Camera Obscura.
Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva on its own is a classic romantic getaway. Set on a picture-perfect lake with dreamy mountain views, this European escape is ideal for any romance-seeking couple… Add in a tour at CERN though and you've really got geeky hearts racing.
Matmata, Tunisia
Since we can't easily hop on a space ship and fly to Tatooine, Tunisia might be our best alternative. If you're a Star Wars loving couple seeking an unusal adventure, why not enjoy a hot desert escape to Matmata, home of Luke Skywalker in A New Hope?
You can actually tour the unique houses dug into the ground (called Troglodyte Houses), and spend the night here, but be warned: this area is notoriously known for being full of tourist traps!
Still, why not stare wistfully out in the distance and pretend there's two suns? *cue music*
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is like a whole other world. If you're at all interested in anime, Japanese culture or um, buying anything your heart desires from a vending machine, then this would be the coolest romantic getaway of all time.
Other wonderfully different to-do items include maid cafes, owl cafes (with actual owls), robot restaurants, massive arcades and all the kawaii goods you can afford.
A convention!
Now last but not least, geeky couples might do well with a getaway to the nearest convention, whether it's a general pop culture one like Comic Con or something more fandom-specific.
While sweaty crowds, long lines and crazy cosplays may not sound typically romantic, the act of mutually geeking out is a sure recipe for awesome memories.
SO, where are you headed for your next geeky vacay?
Let us know in the comments!


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Apple arranges its work on Software for self-driving cars again. Under the name "Project Titan" has become known the area had been reduced by more than 200 employees, reported the American news channel CNBC.
An Apple spokesman confirmed to the TV channel that there had been redundancies and pointed out that the Team is focusing this year on specific areas.
Some employees were relocated in other part of the group, where they, among other things, in machine Learning is to work, it said.
Apple see but is still great potential for Autonomous systems, said the spokesman for CNBC. To Apple was returned last summer, Doug Field, who had recently played a Central role in vehicle development of the electric car-manufacturer Tesla. The current tag for Apple could be a reorganization under Field.
About the car project of Apple is speculated over a number of years. Only the iPhone group wanted to build, as we Heard, a private car and had already designed prototypes.
But then, this Plan was abandoned and the much smaller development team focused on the development of robot auto Software.
Apple sends with cameras and laser radars upgraded vehicles on the road in California. The last several dozen were admitted to this test car.
In California now have 61 company a license to test Autonomous vehicles. Including car manufacturers and industry suppliers various many technology, in addition to establish companies, such as Google's sister company Waymo, Intel, and Samsung, as well as many Start-ups.


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Hürriyet, June 29
"We Curse You," read Wednesday morning's front-page headline of Turkish daily Hürriyet, after a terrorist attack at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport killed dozens.
The latest toll stood at 36 people killed and 147 wounded after the Tuesday night attack, reportedly carried out by three suicide bombers. Hürriyet reports that one of the terrorists blew himself up outside the international arrivals terminal, while the other two attackers took advantage of the ensuing chaos to open up fire inside the terminal, before blowing themselves up as well.
Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said that they knew which terrorist organization was responsible of the attack based on the early signs, but that they still needed to confirm. Turkish media was reporting that authorities believe the Islamic terror group ISIS carried out the assault. It is the latest in a series of terrorist attacks in Turkey, some of which have been perpetrated by ISIS, and others by the Kurdish PKK organization.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attackers. "I hope that this attack will be a turning point, a milestone for the joint fight against terrorist organizations, especially in Western countries and all over the world," he said.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport, one of the busiest in the world, was closed immediately after the attacks for several hours, and flights were diverted to other cities. The customs control reopened Wednesday morning, and the airport is back in business ever since.


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TfL Ref: FOI-0866-1718
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 11 July 2017 asking for information about correspondence.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we hold some of the information you require.
Please see the information you have requested attached in relation to emails exchanged between Neil Billany and Helen Chapman. Please note that we do not hold any emails exchanged between Neil Billany and Peter Blake within the time period you have specified.
For clarify, the letter in the first pdf is an attachment to an email provided on page 10 of the second pdf.
Please note that in accordance with TfL's obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) some personal data has been removed, as required by section 40(2) of the FOI Act. This is because disclosure of this personal data would be a breach of the DPA, specifically the first principle of the DPA which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individuals have no expectation it would be disclosed and TfL has not satisfied one of the conditions of Schedule 2 of the Data Protection Act which would make the processing 'fair'.
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Family Medicine
700 S. Telephone Rd., Suite 201
Moore, OK 73160
Specializes in: Family Medicine, Primary Care
Education: Kaplan University
Kristle Cero, APRN-CNP, earned her RN at Florida Hospital College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Jacksonville University, and her MSN/FNP at Kaplan University in Iowa.
She specializes in:
- Headaches
- Preventative medicine
- Diabetes
Cero lives in Norman with her husband and two young daughters. She was born and raised in the Orlando, Florida area, but moved here after graduating nursing school in 2004. Cero can take care of your family's needs, including offering wellness visits and physicals, sick care, and management of chronic conditions.


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When I was laying on the couch, catching up on a week's worth of The Bold and the Beautiful, (I know.. Soap Operas are dumb, blah blah blah) Cooper walked up to me. I asked him "Can I have a kiss?" He looked straight into my eyes and said "Yep!" and puckered up!!
This boy can brighten even the worst day! Just look at this face!! It's hard to not let him brighten my day with kisses and smiles!
To start your #100HappyDays, head to this website and check it out!


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Bluestar Community Fund - applications now closed.
At Bluestar, we're proud to support our local community, and as a company we understand that to make things happen, local groups and charities need our support.
Every month, we were approached by many organisations in the community asking for help or donations towards their local efforts, and we dealt with these requests in a very ad-hoc manner, with the result differing dramatically depending on who got the call, question or email.
So we launched our Community Fund to be a dedicated resource for supporting local causes, charities and organisations, whether it is monetary support, marketing help, free travel or the use of a bus for an event required.
How does it work?
It's open for applications from everyone all year round, whether you're a charity, a sports team, a school, or one of the local events that makes our city a vibrant place to live - with our funding or support donated to successful applicants during two months of the year – January and July, so please bear this in mind when applying.
For each of the these months we have £500 to donate to share among the many worthy causes, as well as support in kind. We encourage anyone who needs a helping hand, however big or small, to apply.
Community Funding will be allocated to worthy causes by a 'judging' panel including our local management team. Successful applicants will be contacted, while those not successful are welcome to apply for the next set of funding available.
The Community Fund is a Go South Coast initiative, with all six bus operators opening applications, and is on top of our commitment to our official charity of the year - currently Southampton Children's Hospital Charity.
By applying for the community fund, applicants must agree and acknowledge that Bluestar must be given the opportunity to take a press photograph at the applicant's premises/with their cause/group in order to issue a press release that they will be obliged to provide a comment for. They agree that this will be used on the Bluestar website and social media channels.
How to Apply
You just need to tell us who you are, about your cause, what you need from us, and the difference this support would make to you.
Whether your request is for a raffle prize or a new sports team kit, our panel will take all serious applications into consideration. Please go into as much detail as you can about your cause and how we can help to make a difference.
We hope that the Community Fund application process will offer a fairer support process and see new individuals and groups coming forward who may not have wanted to ask for help previously.


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Bob Armour - U.S. Gold Jul 29, 2015 16:24:08 GMT
Post by The Laird on Jul 29, 2015 16:24:08 GMT
Firstly I have to ask you about the lost Atari 7800 version of Gauntlet because in an old issue of Zero magazine it was mentioned that you were programming the Atari 7800 version of Gauntlet back in the day. This game is considered the lost holy grail for 7800 fans and was hoping you would be able to elaborate on that?
As much as I would have loved to have been involved in a 7800 version of Gauntlet, I'm not even aware of a version existing anywhere. I only worked on the Atari computer version of the game.
I did do the 7800 version of Nebulus though (released as Tower Toppler). If you ever track down a 7800 version of Gauntlet, please let me know - hopefully in time for the 30th anniversary, next year!
So do you have any idea who was coding it then? As they seem to suggest they saw it running in said article!
I'd take anything you read in a games magazine with a pinch of salt - after all, I'm the one on the right wink emoticon Can't remember the details, but Tony and I often had a chuckle about things we had supposedly said during interviews. I can only guess that the management had plans for the 7800 version, but the relevant rights couldn't be obtained, the market wasn't deemed to be large enough, or something like that.
So, apart from Tower Toppler did you ever work on anything else for the 7800 that was never released?
Actually I did a 7800 version of Deflektor, but it was never released, so I wonder if Gauntlet suffered the same fate! I was trying to remember when Atari Corp. went out of business. Last time I can remember being in contact with them was when I 'fixed' the NTSC version of Double Dragon, to work on PAL - this was shortly after 1992 I think.
Wow, Deflektor, that was a great puzzle game! I don't suppose you still have any assets from that do you?
Probably lost in the archives at Atari/US Gold, but could have something lurking on one of those old-fangled 3.5 inch disks. Not sure when I'll get chance to look - or even how much use it would be though!
Did you ever work on anything for the original 8-bit Atari machine, the 2600 VCS?
No sadly, but i've got a source code listing of 2600 centipede somewhere - given to me by the legendary Dave Staugas, in person. He wrote that, along with various other 2600 games as well as NeoChrome for the ST.
So back to the Atari 8-bit computers, how did you find them compared to the other 8-bit computers of the time?
I still have a loft full of them myself! Much preferred them over the Commodore 64, as they had a proper documented OS, rather than a kernel that was reverse engineered by third parties. I used an Atari 800 to develop all my games for both Atari and Commodore machines.
You also did the Atari 8-bit version of the Amiga Boing demo didn't you?
The 130xe bouncing ball/scrolling text/ fly aircraft demo, yep I most certainly did, totally forgot about that one!
Do you have any interesting Atari related stories from those times?
I once had a wee next to Jack Tramiel when I visited Atari in Sunnyvale - not sure if I should be proud of that or not!
Also, if you've got an Atari 8bit computer and the disk version of Gauntlet, try booting it with the Atari Basic cartridge inserted!
This interview was conducted by Kieren Hawken and is not to be shared elsewhere without strict permission.


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- Home
- Our Government
- Departments
- Public Works Department
- Flood Information
Flood Information
Link to Interactive FEMA Flood Maps
Flood Program Overview
Since 2010, FEMA awarded the City of Destin and the city has maintained a Community Rating System (CRS) Class 6 rating which puts the City in the top 15% of communities nationwide. All City of Destin National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Insurance Policyholders in the Special Flood Hazard Area (Zones A and V) began receiving a 20% premium discount beginning May 1, 2010. In total, flood insurance policyholders in Destin realize a savings of about $482,783 each year because the City participates in the CRS.
The CRS is a method for FEMA to assess and rate municipal efforts in flood prevention measures. The City of Destin has received an improved rating, thereby lowering insurance premiums.
The city works to provide public outreach regarding flood protection, floodplain management, flood safety and warning information, flood maps and flood insurance.
- Annual City of Destin Newsletter
- Flood Insurance for Financial Protection pamphlet
Additional flood information may be found at the FEMA website, State of Florida Division of Emergency Management website, Department of Homeland Security, and also at the official website of FloodSmart - National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Flood Reference Library
The City of Destin Public Library also has flood protection reference materials available to the public. These include:
- Flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs)
- State and federal information on flood insurance and protection
- Contact agencies
- Publications on flood damage, flood protection and building techniques
Residents are urged to review these materials at the Destin Library.


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A long line of picturesque ghats – with their steps leading to the water's edge, arched gateways and temple spires extending along the right bank of the River Yamuna, emphasis the sacred character of the town of Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna, "the best known, best loved and most complex of Lord Vishnu's manifestations" – Mathura is today an important place of pilgrimage. The city stretches along the right bank of the Yamuna and the continuous line of ghats along the river makes a splendid spectacle when viewed from the opposite bank.
The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distances of 145 km south- east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra. Covering an area of about 3,800 sq. km. today, Brajbhoomi can be divided into two distinct units – the eastern part in the trans-Yamuna tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura region that encompasses Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon.
Today, Mathura is a city of temples and shrines abustle with the thousands of devotees who come to visit the city of Lord Krishna. A splendid temple at the Katra Keshav Dev marks the spot that is believed to be the Shri Krishna Janmasthan – the birthplace of the Lord, by his devotees. Another beautiful shrine, the Gita Mandir, located on the Mathura -Vrindavan Road has a fine image of Shri Krishna in its sanctum. The whole of the Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on the walls of this temple.
The most popular shrine at Mathura is the Dwarikadhish Temple to the north of the town, dedicated to Shri Krishna. This was built in 1815 by a staunch and wealthy devotee, Seth Gokuldas Parikh, Treasurer of the State of Gwalior.
There are about 25 ghats in Mathura today, of which the most important is the Vishram Ghat. Where according to legend, Shri Krishna took his rest after killing Kansa.
The aarti held at the Vishram Ghat each evening is not to be missed, for the little oil lamps that are floated on the river set the placid water as sparkle with a myriad flickering lights.
No pilgrimage to Mathura is complete without a visit to its kunds. Tradition has it that there were 159 ancient kunds in all. Of these only four survive and can be seen. There is the elegant shiv Tal, the more famous Potara Kund associated closely with Lord Krishna besides the Balbhadra and Saraswati kunds
General Information :
Area : 3,780 sq. km. (Mathura District)
Population (urban) : 4,55,251 (1991 census)
Altitude : 187 metres
Climate : Summer – 45.00°C Max. – 22.0°C Min, Winter – 32.0°C Max – 14.0°C Min, Rainfall – 65 cms (June to September)
Clothing : Summer – Cottons, Winter – Light woollens
Languages : Hindi, Brajbhasha and English
Accessibility :
Air : Nearest airport is Kheria (Agra), 62 km.
Rail : Mathura is on the main lines of the Central and Western Railways and is connected with all the important cities of the state and country such as Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gwalior, Calcutta, Hydrabad, Chennai, Lucknow etc.
Road : Mathura is connected to all the major cities, by National Highways. It is linked by the regular state bus services of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.
Braj Parikrama – The Rainy month of Bhadon, the month when the Lord Krishna was born, is a time of colourful celebrations. The famous Braj Parikrama – a pilgrimage of all the places in Braj that associated with Shri Krishna, is undertaken. Traditionally, the Chaurasi kos (84 kos) pilgrimage of Braj Mandal, with its 12 vanas (forests). 24 upvanas (groves), sacred hill Govardhan, divine River Yamuna and numerous holy places along its banks, is undertaken annually by lakhs of devotees from all over the country.
The Yatra extends to Kotban to the north of Mathura, to Nandgaon, Barsana and the Govardhan Hill to the west and South-west of the city and to the a banks of the Yamuna to the east, where the Baldeo Temple is located. Colourful melas and performances of the Raaslila (a depiction of the exploits of Shri Krishna) are distinctive to this festive period.
Gokul – The most celebrated of Shri Krishna's abode, Gokul lies to the west of Sadabad, 1.6 km from Mahavan and 15 km south-east of Mathura, on the Mathura – Etah metalled road. It was here that Lord Krishna was brought up in secrecy by Yashoda, in the pastoral beauty of this village on the banks of the Yamuna.
The celebration of Janmashtami in August is unparalleled for its gaiety and melas are constant attraction here. Other festivities celebrated with traditional fervour include the Janmotsav in Bhadon, the Annakut festival and Trinavat Mela held on the fourth day of the dark half of Kartik month.
Important sites worth visiting in Gokul include the Gokulnath Temple, Raja Thakur Temple, Gopal Lalji Temple and the Morwala Temple.
Mahavan – Around 18 km from Mathura, lying on the left bank of the River Yamuna, is the large shrine of Mathuranath. It is famed for its Chaurasi Khambha (eighty four pillars). The palace of Rohini, the mother of Baldeo is now the Chhathi-Palana Temple. Other important shrines include, the Shymlalji Temple, the Yogmaya Temple, Tranairatri Temple and the Mahamall Rai Ji's palace.
Baldeo – Baldeo is 20 km south-east of Mathura and 8.5 km south – east of Mahavan on the road to Sadabad. It derives its name from the famous temple dedicated to Balram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. It was built by Shyam Das of Delhi 200 years ago. The main image in the sanctum is that the Baldeo or Balram with his spouse Revati. Near by is the brick lined tank, the Khir Sagar or Balbhadra Kund, from where the original image housed in the temple was found.
Govardhan – Govardhan is situated 26 km west of Mathura on the state highway to Deeg. A famous place of Hindu pilgrimage, Govardhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known as Giriraj which is about 8 km in length. The young Lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the tip of a finger for 7 days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the deluge of rain sent down by Lord Indra.
Barsana – Barsana, 50 km to the north-west of Mathura and 19 km north-west of Govardhan, is situated at the foot of a hill that is named after Brahma. Barsana was once the home of Radha-Rani, Krishna's beloved and consort.
Temples dedicated to the divine couple ornament the four elevations of the hill. The main among them is the Radha-Rani Temple, more fondly referred to as the Ladliji Temple. The most beautiful temple at Barsana, it was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo of Orchha in 1675. The new marble temple adjoining it is a later addition. The other three shrines are the Man Mandir, Dargah and Mor-Kutir temples. The area between the hill housing the Radha-Rani Temple and the adjoining one, is known as the Sankari-Khor. This is the venue of the annual fair held in the month of Bhadon (July-August).
The birth anniversary of Radha-Rani is celebrated on the ninth day of the bright half of Bhadrapad (July-August) at the Mor-Kutir Temple which was built about 300 years ago. Women celebrate the occasion by giving laddus to the peacocks – to symbolize the serving of sweets by Radha to Lord Krishna.
Barsana is also famous for its 'Latthmar' Holi-celebration of the festival of colour that is unique to this town.
Nandgoan – Nadgaon lies 8.5 km north of Barsana on the metalled road to Mathura (56 km). According to tradition, it was the home of Shri Krishna's foster father, Nand. On the top of the hill is the spacious temple of Nand Rai, built by the Jat ruler Roop Singh. The other temples here are dedicated to Narsingha, Gophinath, Nritya Gopal, Girdhari, Nand Nandan and Yashoda Nandan which is located half way up the hill. A little beyond is the Pan Sarovar, a large lake with masonry ghats along its sides. Legend has it, that this was the place where Shri Krishna used to take his cows for water. Not far away is the Kadamb grove called Udhoji – Ka- Kyar.
Radhakund – Just 5 km north of Govardhan and 26 km west of Mathura, Radhakund is a large lake, where Shri Krishna is said to have killed Arista – the bull demon. To commemorate this event, every year on the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), a large fair is held here.
Vrindavan – Vrindavan is another religious centre. Its temples, some dating back to the 14th Century, have attracted many religious scholars. Vrindavan, 15 km north of Mathura, means forests of Brinda (basil plant). It is a famous place for Krishna is believed to have supported here with Gopis (milk maids). The impressive Govind Deo Divine Cowherd, i.e. Lord Krishna, Temple dating back to 1590 AD is one of the finest temples of northern India.
Agra – Agra is the essentially the city of Taj, Immortal love between Emperor Shahjahan and Mumtaj Begum in whose memory it stands gloriously in India and one of the best monument of the immortal Taj Mahal.


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200 Hours for 200 Days
Leah refused to renounce her faith. She paid the price with her freedom.
She was one of 110 girls abducted from their school in Dapchi, Nigeria by Boko Haram in February 2018. The next month, following negotiations by the government, the girls were put into vehicles to go home.
However, Leah wasn't among them. In a moment of extraordinary courage, she refused to convert in exchange for her freedom.
What was 200 Hours for 200 Days?
Leah is still, after five months in captivity, refusing to renounce her faith.
200 Hours for 200 Days was a prophetic protest, inspired by Leah's perseverance. We want to bring home to people just how long Leah has been held captive. And urge the Nigerian government to negotiate her release, as they did for the rest of her classmates.
Between 9am on 4 September and 5pm on 12 September, we stood at this solitary school desk in front of the Nigerian High Commission in London. Leah should be with her classmates right now, but instead she was snatched from her school and is being denied her faith and her future.
Stand in prayer. Stand in protest. Stand in silent meditation. Stand and shout for justice for Leah. Share your stand and help raise voices to speak out for Leah.
Outside the Nigerian High Commission launching the #freeleah campaign. Leah, who is still held captive by Boko Haram, because she refused to recant her Christian faith, has been held for 198 days. pic.twitter.com/3b4KvKksql— Tom Brake MP (@thomasbrake) September 4, 2018
Leah Sharibu is just 15, she's been a prisoner of Boko Haram for six months: all because she refuses to convert in exchange for her freedom.— CSW_UK (@CSW_UK) September 7, 2018
We're standing outside the Nigerian Embassy in London for 200 hours to mark her 200 days in captivity. #FreeLeah #DapchiGirls pic.twitter.com/W2rlyGOVX8
UK charity @CSW_UK launched its '200hours for 200days' #FreeLeah campaign outside the Nigeria High Commission, London on Tuesday, Sept 4— Rosemary: is the R in VAR! (@RMAjayi) September 6, 2018
Each hour from 9am-4pm, someone new will take over this school desk. Here's Victoria at 5pm, Sept 5
Sign up here 👉🏾 https://t.co/FZoKoIr9Nw pic.twitter.com/A3Qms9uovD
Spending time on vigil outside Nigerian High Commission with @brianheasley today protesting and praying for the release of brave Nigerian Christian schoolgirl Leah Sharibu @CSW_UK @CSWadvocacy #freeleah pic.twitter.com/OokgdtMpp0— Mervyn Thomas (@mervthomas) September 11, 2018
Photos From the Free Leah Sharibu Protest in Front of Nigeria's High Commission in London. Today marks 200 days that Leah has been held by Boko Haram for refusing to convert to Islam @CSW_UK #BringBackOurLeah pic.twitter.com/7SSq8dZ0pl— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) September 6, 2018
Graham Weeks left Nigeria 36 yrs ago having worked as a missionary in the North. Yestd he was at the Nigeria High Commission in London to take part in the 200-hour vigil campaign for release of Leah Sharibu after 200 days in Boko Haram captivity, dressed as a Nigerian,#FreeLeah pic.twitter.com/Bq7PmxdST5— Betty Abah (@bettyabah) September 6, 2018
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We believe no one should suffer discrimination, harassment or persecution because of their beliefs


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Hudson Valley Pole Arts is located in midtown Kingston, in the historical Shirt Factory! A revitalized industrial space, the Shirt Factory is a unique community of artists and artistic businesses, and a perfect fit for Hudson Valley Pole.
Like most aerial studios, this beautiful space features very high ceilings; this means safety is a major priority. How do we keep our students safe, you ask?
Firstly, we utilize industry standard equipment. Our 6 poles are Platinum Stages brand, stainless steel, and uncoated, and each pole can be set to spin mode. Most reputable studios around the globe use and TRUST this brand of pole to keep their aerialists safe.
We also practice safe training habits. Our #1? DON'T BE LATE TO CLASS. Just because our apparatus is vertical, doesn't mean it's any less intense than yoga, cycling, gymnastics, or martial arts. Our classes are LEGITIMATE fitness classes, and we begin every session with a full-body warm-up. Because of this, arriving late is a liability to the studio. Students who are late by 8 minutes or more, are not admitted into class and their reservation will be cancelled.
And lastly, we are the ONLY studio in the Hudson Valley to hold internationally-recognized certifications; specifically ACE/AFAA pole-fitness certifications. What does that mean? XPERT and ElevatED certifications are the most comprehensive courses of its kind, being accredited by the top fitness certifying organizations across the globe – ACE, AFAA, REPSUK, REPSSA, REPSNZ, Fitness Australia, Skills Active & Active IQ – and is endorsed by PDC.
Some studios believe in-house training is synonymous with "certifying" their instructors. We couldn't disagree more.
Our instructors have sought intense training in spotting, cueing, technique, and anatomy, AND were tested, reviewed, and approved to teach by experienced master instructors/pole competitors not affiliated with Hudson Valley Pole. We have safety and technique at the forefront of our minds. We've learned from and trained with the BEST pole dancers in the world- and our training is ongoing because we LOVE what we do! We strive to bring the very best instruction to Hudson Valley!
Located in suite #115, our 700 square-foot studio also features a dressing panel for changing, and large glassless mirrors. We use dimmable track lights and LED lighting to help keep inhibitions low.
We provide clean cloths and alcohol for each pole, as well as a limited number of yoga mats for warming up. We also offer knee pads for those with sensitive knees and for use in floorwork. Bottled water is also available.
Let your movement flourish in a beautiful space. Come fall in love.


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More Options are Available!
Alternative loans are private loans that provide students with additional funding for unmet college expenses. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to exhaust all eligibility for federal funds before applying for alternative loans. Alternative loans are not federally guaranteed and require a good credit rating and/or credit worthy co-signer. The annual amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance minus all other financial aid.


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True North Racing is competing on Nexen's Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road mud-terrain tires in the 2019 King of the Hammers event Feb. 1-9 in Johnson Valley, Calif.
This year marks the first time Nexen Tire America Inc. is sponsoring a team in the King of the Hammers, considered one of the world's most grueling off-road racing events.
Nexen Tire is partnering with True North Racing to showcase how well its off-road tires perform under extreme load and demanding environments. King of the Hammers entails a grueling full-week event that combines rigorous desert racing with positional rock crawling, tackling some of the harshest desert terrain that Southern California is home to.
True North Racing of Western Canada competes in the 4600 Stock Class with two highly advanced off-road capable Jeep Grand Cherokee builds, as well as the 4800 Legends Class with a custom-fabricated 'Brinkfab' off-road vehicle.
Nexen has provided its Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road tires for all three vehicles and will use the company's 35x12.5x17-inch and 37x12.5x17-inch off-road tires.
Nexen says the Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road Tire has quickly made a name for itself as a tier 1 tire choice among off-road enthusiasts since its initial release just over a year ago. That's the reason established off-road racing teams like True North Racing have selected Nexen as its exclusive tire provider for competitive racing.
True Racing North has two highly custom Jeep Grand Cherokee builds and one custom-fabricated off-road vehicle on the scene at this year's King of the Hammers event. The drivers and the vheicles are:
- Joey Shilliday – driver of the 2014 King of the Hammers' winning #4674 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4600 Stock Class;
- Alex McNeil – driver of the #4675 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4600 Stock Class; and
- Lyndon Sheppard – driver of the Brinkfab Chassis off-road vehicle, 4800 Legends Class.
"We're excited to finally announce that we will be working with our newest sponsor, Nexen Tire! We have tremendous goals for this year, and Nexen Tire will help solidify those goals and position True Racing North as a top contender during the annual King of the Hammers event," says Joey Shilliday, driver of the 2014 King of the Hammers' winning #4674 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
"More than 90% of competitors who enter this competition do not finish. Teaming up with Nexen Tire means we have a better chance at winning this year, and we plan to capitalize on that thanks to our new Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road tires."
For more information on True North Racing, visit www.truenorthracing.ca.
For more information on the Roadian MTX, visit Nexen's website.


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I decided to take the girls school shopping today. I LOVE SHOPPING, ALL SHOPPING, so I was excited.
I may have overshot my expectations.
First things first we got Starbucks. I got a triple, and I got cookie dough cake pops for the girls. They thought they were too sweet and now I don't even know if I'm raising them right. Don't worry, I ate all of them because WE DO NOT WASTE IN THIS FAMILY.
Target looked like it had been pillaged by vikings. There was barely even any clothing left to purchase in that place. Also, in case anyone is wondering, every child in America is a size 6 apparently. If you also have a six-year-old, I will salute you in the hallway. I will know it is you by the high-waters and stained Disney T-shirt you "picked out" for their first day of school. Sorry kids, this year is not your year.
The stores were made up of frazzled Moms who decided to wait until the last minute. I think it is clear I have found my tribe: the procrastinators. The ones who go school shopping when there is no more Crayola paint sets left. We will be the ones trying to sneak our RoseArt into the supply bins. NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW.
I heard more tight lipped interactions between mothers and children than I have in the last two years combined.
"Lola, come here sweetie…"
"Lola, come sit on Gramma's lap honey, I said stop running please…."
"Lola sweetie…"
"Lola honey…"
It was not a great day for any of us.
In case you were wondering, Lola did not stop running.
At one point I was digging through little girl jeans willing there to be a magical size change when my 6yo began to whine relentlessly.
"OAKLEE," I said, "Do not whine please, this is FUN, WE ARE HAVING FUN."
A woman listlessly rummaged through a pile of graphic-tees next to me. Her shoulders hung heavy while her children played tag among the sweatpants. She had lost her will to parent; I recognized this because I have been there.
She looked up with dark, hallow eyes, "You keep telling yourself that," she said.
I nodded in solidarity.
At that point I decided it was time to checkout. I spent $100 and it is still unclear what exactly I purchased. I will tell you what I did not purchase, and that was shoes. I tried my very hardest to find them and it just really wasn't happening for us. This is probably because my first grader and I have different interpretations of "gym shoes", mine being: "gym shoes", her's being "ballet slippers with cheetah print".
We gave up, agree to disagree, whatever it's fine. Except, now I'm probably going to have to homeschool because my kid doesn't have shoes.
We comforted ourselves with small cheese pizzas and chicken strips.
So, now we are exhausted. I have a sodium and caffeine hangover and we are the proud owners of a sweater with emojis on it. SCHOOL, WE ARE READY FOR YOU…sort of.
Also teachers, I humbly thank you, because seriously.


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|Rayamajhi, Min
|Pratt, Paul
|Center, Ted
Submitted to: International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2007
Publication Date: 4/22/2007
Citation: Rayamajhi, M.B., Pratt, P.D., Van, T.K., Center, T.D. 2007. Dynamics of invasive plant monocultures following the establishment of natural enemies: an example from the Melaleuca quinquenervia system in Florida. International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds.
Interpretive Summary: Melaleuca is one of the most invasive plants in Florida. It has colonized and replaced native plants from a large portion of natural areas. Host specific natural enemies such as herbivores and pathogens can damage and kill melaleuca trees without damaging other native plants in the area. Currently, several natural enemies (insects and a pathogen) are established on melaleuca trees of Florida. These insects attack and pathogens cause disease on substantial amount of melaleuca leaves. As a result, melaleuca trees slowly but steadily become weaker and gradually die overtime. The surviving trees on the other hand produce fewer seeds. Less seedling recruitment and more death of melaleuca has gradually opened up canopy and forest-floor space for other plants to come in. As a result, many native plant species have occupied the spaces vacated by dead melaleuca trees. Natural enemies are predicted to continue to damage and kill melaleuca trees and eventually create more space for native plants in melaleuca stands of Florida.
Technical Abstract: Melaleuca quinquenervia (melaleuca), a native tree of Australian origin has become one of the most invasive plants in Florida. Biological control was implemented as a long-term solution to melaleuca control in Florida. Now several natural enemies (insects and a pathogen) of melaleuca are well established in Florida. Their impact on melaleuca populations is being monitored for several years. Insect-fungus integration in field conditions showed significant impact on stump-regrowth control of melaleuca. During the period when natural enemies prevailed, melaleuca stand density and basal area declined at a greater rate across study sites. Myrtaceae (represented by melaleuca) and Cyperaceae (represented by sawgrass, Cladium jamaicense) were the first and second most important families during 1997. Their family importance values were reduced significantly during 2004/2005 with the increase of the importance values of other families in the stand. Overall richness and diversity (compared to 1997) of plant species was higher in 2004/2005. Within stands, plant species richness and diversity indices were relatively higher at interior than at peripheral sections. Melaleuca vacated spaces in the stands were colonized mostly by native plant species. This phenomenon is predicted to intensify as the natural enemies continue to impact melaleuca monocultures in Florida.


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Remember: "everyone has a plan until they get punched in he face." ~ Mike Tyson
The exploitation of Michael Cohen toward the launch of Speaker Pelosi's impeachment effort backfired bigly. Not enough people found Cohen credible; and because of the ridiculous way the entire staged performance was carried out by Democrats, and the their media allies, most people saw right through the politicization of it. The plan just failed.
Additionally, some politicians like Jim Jordan and Mark Meadows started calling out the blatant construct behind Pelosi's impeachment plan. HPSCI Chairman Adam Schiff sending his staff to New York four times to prep Michael Cohen before the hearings – was only made more ridiculous by Chairman Schiff trying to deny they coached Cohen. Schiff looks like a doofus.
So today:
[Nancy Pelosi via Washington Post] "I'm not for impeachment. This is news. I'm going to give you some news right now because I haven't said this to any press person before. But since you asked, and I've been thinking about this: Impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path, because it divides the country. And he's just not worth it."
One of the hurdles the Democrats cannot overcome is the strength of the support for President Trump. Despite the 24/7/365 attacks from their media allies President Trump still has an approval rating of 50%. And approval of handling the economy over 56%.
Consider this recent analysis CTH completed comparing the current approval rating of G7 Leaders: Justin Trudeau, Canada (35%); Emmanuel Macron, France (28%); Angela Merkel, Germany (29%); Theresa May, U.K. (28%); Giuseppe Conte, Italy (67%); and Shinzo Abe, Japan (44%).
It is not coincidental the "globalists" (Trudeau, Macron, Merkel and May) are not supported. Meanwhile the "nationalists" (Trump, Conte and Abe) are very much supported.
I guess we can call this truth: stuff we'll never see in the media.
» Source


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Elisabeth van der Meer has a new post on her site about Russian literature, which I follow avidly.
"Tolstoy and Homer"
Ms. van der Meer notes: "… Tolstoy considered himself equal to Homer. He was so obsessed with the classics, that he taught himself Ancient Greek in a mere couple of months when he was in his forties, so that he could read them in the original. You can find Homeric elements in all his literary works. I say elements and not influences, because they are not in the least bit contrived, far from it. They are the foundation of his writing, his natural instinct."
We had the following exchange about her post.
— Roger W. Smith
September 23, 2017
This post is fascinating and very well put together, Elisabeth. Thank you.
The connections you make between the Iliad and the Odyssey and various Tolstoy works such as Hadji Murad and War and Peace are fascinating.
You note that Tolstoy "was so obsessed with the classics, that he taught himself Ancient Greek in a mere couple of months when he was in his forties, so that he could read them in the original."
It is my understanding that he wished to learn Greek so that he could read the Gospels in the original. His writings about the Gospels can be seen in works such as "The Gospel in Brief, or A Short Exposition of the Gospel," "The Four Gospels Unified and Translated," and "What I Believe."
You state that "Tolstoy may have been a pacifist, but he did like to write about war, often drawing from his own memories; he went to war in the Caucasus as a young man." His descriptions of battles in his early works are incredible. I have read at least part of The Cossacks, but not Sevastopol Sketches.
I would like to comment on some specific observations/sentences of yours that I particularly enjoyed.
"You can find Homeric elements in all his literary works. I say elements and not influences, because they are not in the least bit contrived, far from it. They are the foundation of his writing, his natural instinct.
"Going to war for him was like going back to an ancient, primitive world, where men are one with their horses, and where pots are hissing and steaming above the fire at night."
A GREAT SENTENCE BY YOU: "where men are one with their horses, and where pots are hissing and steaming above the fire at night." Beautifully put.
"… no one can describe the moment of death quite the way Tolstoy can, but the blood streaming into the grass is pure Homer."
I think I have made a similar comment about your prose before. You have a facility for writing sentences in which a general observation is beautifully yoked to a specific images/detail chosen by you to illustrate the point — the two get fused in compressed fashion in a sentence.
I am working on a post of my own about good writing. I hope to use some of this stuff of yours as illustrative examples.
Thank you again, Roger.
About Tolstoy learning Greek, yes, I believe you're right in saying that he wanted to read the Gospels in the original, but he wanted to read other classics too. Here's a quote from Henri Troyat's biography:
"He sent for a theological student from Moscow to teach him the rudiments of the language. From the first day, the forty-two-year-old pupil threw himself into Greek grammar with a passion, pored over dictionaries, drew up vocabularies, tackled the great authors. In spite of his headaches, he learned quickly. In a few weeks he had outdistanced his teacher. He sight-translated Xenophon, reveled in Homer, discovered Plato and said the originals were like "spring-water that sets the teeth on edge, full of sunlight and impurities and dust-motes that make it seem even more pure and fresh," while translations of the same texts were as tasteless as "boiled, distilled water." Sometimes he dreamed in Greek at night. He imagined himself living in Athens; as he tramped through the snow of Yasnaya Polyana, sinking in up to his calves, his head was filled with sun, marble and geometry. Watching him changing overnight into a Greek, his wife was torn between admiration and alarm. "There is clearly nothing in the world that interests him more or gives him greater pleasure than to learn a new Greek word or puzzle out some expression he has not met before," she complained. "I have questioned several people, some of whom have taken their degree at the university. To hear them talk, Lyovochka has made unbelievable progress in Greek." He himself felt rejuvenated by this diet of ancient wisdom. "Now I firmly believe," he said to Fet, "that I shall write no more gossipy twaddle of the War and Peace type."
It clearly became an obsession for him.
Thanks again for the compliments!
Regards, Elisabeth
Elisabeth — The quote from Troyat's biography (which I read a long time ago, and was totally immersed in; it pretty much made me into a Tolstoy enthusiast on its own) is great, and very informative. It is clear from the quote that his desire to learn Greek wasn't simply to be able to read the Gospels in the original. My comment, therefore, while it adds pertinent information, was not quite on target.
If he was forty-two when he began studying Greek intensely, that would have been in around 1870. It seems that his spiritual conversion occurred a short while after this date, although one would have to study his biographies carefully to develop a cause and effect sequence. "A Short Exposition of the Gospel" and "The Four Gospels Unified and Translated" were published in 1881. "What I Believe" was published in 1884.
Not being a Tolstoy scholar, I am inclined to believe that you're right. Perhaps it was the case that having studied Greek for other reasons, Tolstoy found it greatly advantageous to him when it came to studying the Gospels.
"Now I firmly believe," he said to Fet, "that I shall write no more gossipy twaddle of the War and Peace type."
This quote which you supplied from Troyat, shows that the influence of the Greek epics on him was primarily literary — i.e., his admiration for them as literature — and would seem to imply that the added benefit of being able to read the Gospels in the original was an extra bonus.
If you know more, or find out more, please keep me informed.
I shall certainly do that. Although I recall reading that his desire to study the gospels inspired him to learn Greek. It probably went as you say. I shall look into it when I'm home again.
Thanks, Roger!


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Ooblets devs get harassed by diaper-wearing "Gamers" after Epic Games Store announcement
Perhaps you've heard by now, or maybe you haven't but Ooblets is going to be an Epic Games Store exclusive. The cutesy sim game with Pokemon-like elements will have an exclusive PC release through Joe's least favorite online storefront. Before we get too far into things, the deal will allow the devs, Glumberland, to guarantee that they will at least break even on their indie game.
This should be great news for anyone looking for a competitive indie market that isn't bogged down with Steam asset flips and hentai games made with RPG Maker. Instead, we have entitled baby-"Gamers" that decided that it was OK to harass the devs through all channels available. The worst part is that Glumberland isn't guilty of more than being a little cheeky to those that found outrage in them trying to guarantee some success.
Once the announcement hit, the dev team took to social media and Discord to throw some sarcasm at those Steam fanboys and girls that were upset. Looking at the conversations in context shows that the team was quite unfazed by those that threated to hold their non-existent purchase over Glumberland's heads. Out of context, Glumberland kinda looks like the asshole.
That's exactly where things went south
So word got out that team Glumberland was pushing back a little against the community. Screenshots and doctored images painted the team as flippant devs that didn't care what the community thought. This further continued to whip up anime avatar Twitter users into a frothy range of entitlement. How dare Glumberland want to make more money, how dare they want more control of their game?
Unfortunately, the story of Glumberland being jerks was what hit the news first. I, myself, was prepping a piece admonishing the duo, but then I saw the Medium post by Ben Wasser. In the post, Ben details the abuse that he and his wife have dealt with since last week's announcement. They have recieved "tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands" of nasty, vile threats and harassing messages since last week.
I'd like to hope that our readers aren't internet tough guys that are looking to verbally abuse an indie dev team. If any of you are, hopefully, you can learn to grow the fuck up. It's fair that you can be upset that the game isn't releasing on your preferred marketplace. You can have an open and honest dialogue about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but shit, can we at least look at this situation and realize that a dev finding a guaranteed revenue stream is better for us all?
Personally, I don't care about Epic Games Store and don't mind the platform having exclusives if it means that Steam can be less of a shitshow
On the other hand, our own Joe hates the Epic Games Store and apparently thinks the marketplace is a front for the Chinese government or something. I dunno, we argue about it a lot. Joe is an adult though, he doesn't go onto the Ooblets subreddit and post threats to the devs because he needs to click the Epic Games shield instead of the Steam logo to buy his game. Be more like Joe.
If you've read Ben's post, I'd have to agree with his primary point: there most certainly is a subculture of the gaming community that is dangerously toxic. While I'd love to see this subset excised like an infected boil, I'm not honestly sure how to remove them from the picture. To ignore them is to blame Ben and his wife for being upset at the harassment. To call those out that are harassing Glumberland is basically returning their bullshit in kind.
I'm all for airing grievances with devs. When Bloodstained's demo first hit, I was critical of it. The game turned out far better due to everyone's response. You should, however, be completely ashamed if you are going out of your way to threaten harm because someone online hurt your fragile little gamer feelings.
I hope Ben and his wife can quickly find normalcy and some good money when their game comes out, but in the meantime, allow me to finish how I started:
What do you think? Surprised that people act the way they do? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.
Editors' Recommendations:
- Destiny 2 is heading to Steam on October 1, here's what you need to know
- My 11 year-old-son plays violent video games, here's what they have taught him
- Review: Secretlab TITAN 2020 – your butt and back will thank you
- You can now get white custom keycaps for your HyperX keyboards


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Brief thoughts on my more recently completed books:
The Last Unicorn, Peter S. Beagle: I hadn't read this one in a couple of years, but my opinion of it hasn't changed very much in that time. On the surface it's a lovely fairy tale about destiny and immortality and love. But there's so much more to it than that. There's a charming blend of anachronisms and traditional fairy tale settings, characters who are trying to discover themselves and truly understand their own depth, humorous references to the story's own genre… the book is so much more than I can put into words, and I know I'm not doing it justice here. It's just really beautifully done.
The Invisible Man, H.G. Wells: I don't find the actual writing to be particularly remarkable, but the concepts are pretty well thought out; for example, Wells details the practical challenges of being invisible. I didn't love it, but I'd say it's worth reading, and it goes by fairly quickly (it's very short, and the plot's pretty straightforward).


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An hour and a half's drive from Parghelia will take you to Serra San Bruno, where you can visit the famous Carthusian monastery of Santo Stefano del Bosco. This hermitage was built by Bruno of Cologne, the founder of the Carthusian order.
The Charterhouse was the first monastery in Italy and the second in Europe, after that of Grenoble, in France.