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For Men of Understanding
Part V: ''Recent Scientific Findings and the Qur'an''/ Verses of The Qur'an and The Universe
In the 88th verse of Surat al-Isra, Allah refers to the divine nature of the Qur'an: "Say: 'If both men and jinn banded together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could never produce anything like it, even if they backed each other up." (Surat al-Isra: 88)
Allah sent the Qur'an to people fourteen centuries ago. Some facts that could only be discovered with the technology of the 20th century were stated in the Qur'an fourteen centuries ago. This plainly shows us that the Qur'an is one of the most important pieces of evidence that let us acknowledge Allah's being.
In the Qur'an, there are many pieces of evidence that the Qur'an is from Allah and that mankind can never produce anything like it. One of these pieces of evidence is that the verses of the Qur'an exist in our universe:
In accordance with the verse"We will show them Our Signs on the horizon and within themselves until it is clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not enough for your Lord that He is a witness of everything?" (Surah Fussilat: 53), much of the information given in the Qur'an finds its correlate in the external world. For Allah has created everything in the universe and, therefore, possesses complete knowledge of it. He, also, has revealed the Qur'an. For this reason, a great deal of the information and analyses given in the Qur'an, will be seen and recognised by wise, conscientious believers who have insight.
However, it should not be forgotten that the Qur'an is not a "book of science". The purpose of the revelation of the Qur'an is stated thus in the verses:
"Alif Lam Ra This is a Book We have sent down to you so that you can bring mankind from the darkness to the light, by the permission of their Lord, to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy." (Surah Ibrahim: 1)
"…as guidance and a reminder for people of intelligence." (Surat Ghafir: 54)
In brief, Allah sends the Qur'an to believers as a guide. It explains to them how to be slaves of Allah and seek His good pleasure.
He Who created the seven heavens in layers.
The Qur'an, however, also gives some basic information on certain subjects such as the creation of the universe, the birth of man, the structure of the atmosphere, and the balances in the heavens and on the earth. That these pieces of information are in harmony with the most recent findings of modern science is important in the sense that it again confirms that the Qur'an is "the Word of Allah". For according to the verse "Will they not ponder the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found many inconsistencies in it" (Surat an-Nisa: 82), there is perfect harmony between the statements of the Qur'an and the external world.
In the following pages we will dwell on the extraordinary parallels between the pieces of information about the universe given by the Qur'an and science.
The Formation of The Universe
Until the mid-20th century, the prevalent view across the world was that the universe was infinite, had existed forever and that it will continue to do so for all time. According to this view, known as the "static universe model," the universe had no end or beginning.
In maintaining that the universe is a collection of fixed, static and unchanging substances, this view has constituted the basis of materialist philosophy and has consequently rejected the existence of a Creator. However, as science and technology progressed during the 20th century, the static universe model has been completely uprooted.
We have now entered the 21st century and a new dawn is upon us. Through numerous experiments, observations and calculation conducted by some of the world's most prominent thinkers, modern physics has proven that the universe did indeed have a beginning, that it came into being from nothing in a single moment in a huge explosion. Furthermore, it has been established that the universe is not fixed and static, as materialists still stubbornly maintain. On the contrary, it is undergoing a constant process of movement, change and expansion. These recently-established facts all act as nails in the coffin of the static universe theory. Today, all these facts are universally accepted by the scientific community.
The origin of the universe is described in the Qur'an in the following verse:
He created the heavens and the Earth from nothing. (Surat al-An'am: 101)
This information is in full agreement with the findings of contemporary scientists. As we stated earlier, the conclusion that astrophysics has reached today is that the entire universe, together with the dimensions of matter and time, came into existence as a result of a great explosion that occurred a long time ago. This event, known as "The Big Bang," is the catalyst for the creation of the universe from nothingness. This explosion, all parties in the scientific community agree, emanated from a single point some 15 billion years ago. (See Harun Yahya, The Creation of the Universe, Al-Attique Publishers Inc., Canada, 2000)
The Expanding Universe
In the Qur'an, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago at a time when the science of astronomy was still primitive, the expansion of the universe was described in the following terms:
And it is We Who have constructed the heaven with might, and verily, it is We Who are steadily expanding it. (Surat adh-Dhariyat: 47)
The word "heaven," as stated in the verse above, is used in various places in the Qur'an. It is referring to space and the wider universe. Here again, the word is used with this meaning, stating that the universe "expands." The Arabic word "moosi'oona" in the term "inna lamoosi'oona," translated into English as "it is We Who are steadily expanding it," comes from the verb "awsa'a," meaning "to expand." The prefix "la" emphasises the following name or title and adds a sense of "to a great extent." This expression therefore means "We expand the sky or the universe to a great extent." This is the very conclusion that science has reached today. (S. Waqar Ahmed Husaini, The Quran for Astronomy and Earth Exploration from Space, 3rd ed. New Delhi: Goodword Press: 1999, pp. 103-108.)
Until the dawn of the 20th century, the only view prevailing in the world of science was that "the universe has a constant nature and it has existed since infinite time." However, modern research, observations, and calculations carried out by means of modern technology have revealed that the universe in fact had a beginning and that it constantly "expands."
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Russian physicist Alexander Friedmann and the Belgian cosmologist Georges Lemaître theoretically calculated that the universe is in constant motion and that it is expanding.
This notion was confirmed by the use of observational data in 1929. While observing the sky with a telescope, Edwin Hubble, the American astronomer, discovered that the stars and galaxies were constantly moving away from each other. This discovery is regarded as one of the greatest in the history of astronomy. During these observations, Hubble established that the stars emit a light that turns redder according to their distance. That is because according to the known laws of physics, light heading towards a point of observation turns violet, and light moving away from that point assumes a more reddish hue. During his observations, Hubble noted a tendency towards the colour red in the light emitted by stars. In short, the stars were moving further and further away, all the time. The stars and galaxies were not only moving away from us, but also from each other. A universe where everything constantly moves away from everything else implied a constantly expanding universe. The observations carried out in the following years verified that the universe is constantly expanding.
In order to gain a clearer understanding of this, let us imagine the universe to be the surface of a balloon being inflated. In the same way that the more the balloon is inflated, the further away the points on its surface move from one another, celestial bodies also move away from one another as the universe expands. This was theoretically discovered by Albert Einstein, regarded as one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. However, in order to avoid violating the "static universe model" that was generally accepted at that time, Einstein laid that discovery aside. He would later describe this as the greatest blunder of his life. ("Edwin Hubble;" www.time.com/time/time100/scientist/profile/hubble.html)
This fact was explained in the Qur'an in a time when telescopes and similar technological advancements were not even close to being invented. This is because the Qur'an is the Word of Allah: the Creator and Ruler of the entire universe.
Everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah.
The Perfect Equilibrium in The Universe
He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again – do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted! (Surat al-Mulk: 3-4)
Countless billions of stars and galaxies in the universe move in their separate orbits yet in total harmony. Stars, planets and satellites revolve both around their own axes and within the systems to which they belong. Furthermore, sometimes galaxies consisting of almost 200-300 billions stars flow through each other. During this transition in some of the very famous examples observed by astronomers, no collisions occur to cause havoc in the great order in the universe.
Across the universe, the magnitude of the velocities is difficult to comprehend when compared with our earthly standards. Magnitudes in space are enormous when compared with the measurements we employ on earth. Stars and planets, with masses of billions or trillions of tons, galaxies, and galaxy clusters, with sizes in numerical values that can only be represented numerically by mathematicians, move in space at tremendous velocities.
For instance, the earth rotates about its axis at a mean velocity of about 1,670 km an hour. When we remember that the fastest bullet has an average velocity of 1,800 km an hour, it becomes clear how fast the earth is moving despite its giant size.
The earth's orbital velocity around the sun is about sixty times that of the bullet's: 108,000 km an hour. (If it were possible to manufacture a vehicle that could move so fast, it would orbit the earth in twenty-two minutes.)
These figures, however, only relate to the earth. The solar system is even more amazing. The velocity of this system is at a level which pushes the limits of logic. In the universe, as systems increase in size, velocities also increase. The solar system revolves around the centre of the galaxy at 720,000 km an hour. The velocity of the "Milky Way" itself, comprising some 200 billion stars, is 950,000 km an hour in space.
This overwhelming speed actually shows that our lives on the earth are lived on the knife-edge. Normally, it would be quite likely for huge accidents to occur in such a complex system. However, as Allah says in the verse, in this system is no "flaw" or "want of proportion". The universe is created for a purpose and it operates according to the balance Allah has established.
He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth...
That is Allah, your Lord.
Orbits and The Rotating Universe
One of the most important reasons for the great equilibrium in the universe is the fact that celestial bodies follow specific paths. Stars, planets and satellites all rotate around their own axes and also rotate together with the system of which they are a part. The universe functions within a finely-tuned order, just like the wheels in a factory.
There are more than 100 billion galaxies in the visible universe and each small galaxy contains approximately a billion stars. Furthermore, each big galaxy contains more than a trillion. (World Book Encyclopedia, 2003; contributor: Kenneth Brecher, Ph.D., Professor of Astronomy and Physics, Boston University.) Many of these stars have planets and many of those planets have satellites. All these celestial bodies follow the most finely calculated paths and orbits. For millions of years, each one has been moving in its own path in flawless harmony with all the others. In addition to these, there are also a great many comets moving along in their own pre-determined paths.
The orbits in the universe are not confined to the motions of certain celestial bodies. Our solar system and the galaxies have a great activity around other centres as well. Each year, the earth and the Solar system move 500 million kilometres away from their location of the previous year. It has been computed that even a minor deviation of the celestial bodies from their orbits would lead to results that would turn the system upside down. For instance, let us look at what a 3 millimetre deviation above or below the normal in the world's orbit would cause:
Another characteristic of heavenly bodies is that they also rotate around their own axes. The verse which reads "[I swear] by heaven which returns," (Surat at-Tariq: 11) indicates this truth. Naturally, at the time when the Qur'an was revealed, people had no telescopes with which to study bodies millions of kilometres away in space, advanced observation technology or our modern knowledge of physics and astronomy. It was therefore impossible to establish that space had "its oscillating orbits," (Surat adh-Dhariyat: 7) as described in the verse. The Qur'an however, revealed at that time, provided clear information concerning that fact. This is proof that this book is indeed Allah's word.
Black Holes
The 20th century saw a great many new discoveries regarding celestial phenomena in the universe. One of these entities, which has only recently been encountered, is the Black Hole. These are formed when a star which has consumed all its fuel collapses in on itself, eventually turning into a black hole with infinite density and zero volume and an immensely powerful magnetic field. We are unable to see black holes even with the most powerful telescope, because their gravitational pull is so strong that light is unable to escape from them. However, such a collapsed star can be perceived by means of the effect it has on the surrounding area. In Surat al-Waqi'a, Allah draws attention to this matter in this way, by swearing upon the position of stars:
And I swear by the stars' positions-and that is a mighty oath if you only knew.(Surat al-Waqi'a: 75-76)
The term "black hole" was first employed in 1969 by the American physicist John Wheeler. Previously, we imagined that we were able to see all the stars. However, it later emerged that there were stars in space whose light we were unable to perceive. Because, the light of these collapsed stars disappears. Light cannot escape from a black hole because it is such a high concentration of mass in a small space.
The enormous gravitation captures even the fastest particles, i.e. the photons. For example, the final stage of a typical star, three times the mass of the Sun, ends after its burning out and its implosion as a black hole of only 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) in diameter! Black holes are "black," i.e. veiled from direct observation. They nevertheless reveal themselves indirectly, by the tremendous suction which their gravitational force exerts on other heavenly bodies. As well as depictions of the Day of Judgement, the verse below may also be pointing to this scientific discovery about black holes:
When the stars are extinguished.(Surat al-Mursalat: 8)
Moreover, stars of great mass also cause warps to be perceived in space. Black holes, however, do not just cause warps in space but also tear holes in it, as astrophysicists put it. That is why these collapsed stars are known as black holes. This fact may be referred to in the verse about stars, and this is another important item of information demonstrating that the Qur'an is the word of Allah:
[I swear] by Heaven and the Tariq! And what will convey to you what the Tariq is? The Star Piercing [the darkness]!(Surat at-Tariq: 1-3)
The Sky That Returns
The verse 11 of Surat at-Tariq in the Qur'an, refers to the "returning" function of the sky.
[I swear] by heaven which returns. (Surat at-Tariq: 11)
The word "raj`" interpreted as "return" in Qur'an translations has meanings of "sending back" or "returning." As is known, the atmosphere surrounding the Earth consists of many layers. Each layer serves an important purpose for the benefit of life on Earth. Research has revealed that these layers have the function of turning the materials or rays they are exposed to back into space or back down to the Earth. Now let us examine, employing a few fitting examples, this "returning" function of the layers encircling the Earth.
The troposphere, 13 to 15 kilometres (8 to 9.3 miles) above the Earth, enables water vapour rising from the surface of the Earth to be condensed and turned back as rain. The ozone layer, the lower layer of stratosphere at an altitude of 25 kilometres (15.5 miles), reflects harmful radiation and ultraviolet light coming from space and turns both back into space.
The ionosphere reflects radio waves broadcast from the Earth back down to different parts of the world just like a passive communications satellite. Thus, it makes wireless communication, radio, and television broadcasting possible over long distances. The magnetosphere layer turns the harmful radioactive particles emitted by the Sun and other stars back into space before they reach the Earth.
The fact that this property of the atmosphere's layers, that was only demonstrated in the recent past was announced centuries ago in the Qur'an, once again confirms that the Qur'an is Allah's word.
The Sun's Trajectory
It is stressed in the Qur'an that the Sun and Moon follow specific trajectories:
It is He Who created night and day and the Sun and Moon, each one swimming in a sphere.(Surat al-Anbiya'': 33)
The word "swim" in the above verse is expressed in Arabic by the word "sabaha" and is used to describe the movement of the Sun in space. The word means that the Sun does not move randomly through space but that it rotates around its axis and follows a course as it does so. The fact that the Sun is not fixed in position but rather follows a specific trajectory is also stated in another verse:
And the Sun runs to its resting place. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.(Surah Ya Sin: 38)
These facts set out in the Qur'an were only discovered by means of astronomical advances in our own time. According to astronomers' calculations, the Sun moves along a path known as the Solar Apex in the path of the star Vega at an incredible speed of 720,000 kmph (447,000 mph). In rough terms, this shows that the Sun traverses some 17.28 million km (10.74 million miles) a day. As well as the Sun itself, all the planets and satellites within its gravitational field also travel the same distance.
Atmospheric Layers
One fact about the universe revealed in the verses of the Qur'an is that the sky is made up of seven layers:
It is He Who created everything on the Earth for you and then directed His attention up to heaven and arranged it into seven regular heavens. He has knowledge of all things.(Surat al-Baqara: 29)
Then He turned to heaven when it was smoke. In two days He determined them as seven heavens and revealed, in every heaven, its own mandate.(Surah Fussilat:11-12)
The word "heavens," which appears in many verses in the Qur'an, is used to refer to the sky above the Earth, as well as the entire universe. Given this meaning of the word, it is seen that the Earth's sky, or the atmosphere, is made up of seven layers.
Today, it is known that the world's atmosphere consists of different layers that lie on top of each other.(Michael Pidwirny, "Atmospheric Layers," 1996, http://royal.okanagan.bc.ca/mpidwirn/atmosphereandclimate/atmslayers.html)
Based on the criteria of chemical contents or air temperature, the definitions made have determined the atmosphere of the Earth as seven layers. ("Numerical Prediction Models used by NWS," Integrated Publishing; www.tpub.com/weather3/4-27.htm) According to the "Limited Fine Mesh Model (LFMMII)," a model of atmosphere used to estimate weather conditions for 48 hours, the atmosphere has also 7 layers. According to the modern geological definitions the seven layers of atmosphere are as follows:
1. Troposphere
The Qur'an says, "[He] revealed, in every heaven, its own mandate," in (Surah Fussilat 12). In other words, Allah is stating that He assigned each heaven its own duty. Truly, as will be seen in following chapters, each one of these layers has vital duties for the benefit of human kind and all other living things on the Earth. Each layer has a particular function, ranging from forming rain to preventing harmful rays, from reflecting radio waves to averting the harmful effects of meteors.
The verses below inform us about the appearance of the seven layers of the atmosphere:
Do you not see how He created seven heavens in layers?(Surah Nuh: 15)
He Who created the seven heavens in layers...(Surat al-Mulk: 3)
The Arabic word "tibaaq" in these verses, translated into English as "layer" means "layer, the appropriate cover or covering for something," and thus stresses how the top layer is well suited to the lower. The word is also used in the plural here: "layers." The seven heavens in layers, as described in the verse, is without doubt the most perfect expression of the atmosphere. It is a great miracle that these facts, which could not possibly be discovered without the technology of the 20th century, were explicitly stated by the Qur'an 1,400 years ago.
The Spherical Earth
He has created the heavens and the Earth for truth. He wraps the night up in the day, and wraps the day up in the night.(Surat az-Zumar: 5)
In the Qur'an, the words used for describing the universe are quite remarkable. The Arabic word which is translated as "to wrap" in the above verse is "yukawwir." In English, it means "to make one thing lap over another, folded up as a garment that is laid away." For instance, in Arabic dictionaries this word is used for the action of wrapping one thing around another, in the way that a turban is put on. The information given in the verse about the day and the night wrapping each other up includes accurate information about the shape of the world. This can be true only if the Earth is round. This means that in the Qur'an, which was revealed in the 7th century, the roundness of the world was hinted at.
However, it should be remembered that the understanding of astronomy of the time perceived the world differently. It was then thought that the world was a flat plane and all scientific calculations and explanations were based on this belief. However, the glorious Qur'an has employed the most definitive words when it came to describing the universe. These facts, which we could only correctly fathom in our century, have been in the Qur'an for a vast length of time.
Mountains' Role
The Qur'an draws attention to a very important geological function of mountains:
We placed firmly embedded mountains on the Earth, so it would not move under them...(Surat al-Anbiya': 31)
The verse states that mountains perform the function of preventing shocks in the Earth. This fact was not known by anyone at the time the Qur'an was revealed. It was, in fact, brought to light only recently, as a result of the findings of modern geological research.
Mountains emerge as a result of the movements and collisions of massive plates forming the Earth's crust. When two plates collide, the stronger one slides under the other, the one on the top bends and forms heights and mountains. The layer beneath proceeds under the ground and makes a deep extension downward. Consequently, as stated earlier, mountains have a portion stretching downwards, as large as their visible parts on the Earth.
In a scientific text, the structure of mountains is described as follows:
Professor Siaveda, a world-renowned underwater geologist, made the following comment in reference to the way that mountains have root-like stalks attaching them to the surface:
In other verses, this role of the mountains is pointed out by a comparison with "pegs":
Haven't We made the Earth as a bed and the mountains its pegs?(Surat an-Naba': 6-7)
In another verse it is revealed that Allah "made the mountains firm."(Surat an-Nazi'at: 32) The word "arsaahaa" in this verse means "was made rooted, was fixed, was nailed to the earth." Similarly, mountains extend to the surface layer joining lines on and below the surface, and nail these together. By fixing the Earth's crust they prevent any sliding over the magma layer or amongst the layers themselves. In short, mountains can be compared to nails holding strips of wood together. The fixing effect of mountains is known as isostasy in scientific literature. Isostasy is the state of equilibrium between the upward force created by the mantle layer and the downward force created by the Earth's crust. As mountains lose mass due to erosion, soil loss or melting of glaciers, they can gain mass from the formation of glaciers, volcanic explosions or soil formation. Therefore, as mountains grow lighter they are pressed upwards by the raising force implemented by the liquids. Alternatively, as they grow heavier they are pressed into the mantle by the force of gravity. Equilibrium between these two forces is established by isostasy. This balancing property of mountains is described in these terms in a scientific source:
Today, we know that the rocky external layer of the Earth's surface is riven by deep faults and split into plates swimming above the molten lava. Since the Earth revolves very quickly around its own axis, were it not for the fixing effect of the mountains, these plaques would shift. In such an event, soil would not collect on the Earth's surface, water would not accumulate in the soil, no plants could grow, and no roads or houses could be built. In short, life on Earth would be impossible. Through the mercy of Allah, however, mountains act like nails, and to a large extent, prevent movement in the Earth's surface.
This vital role of mountains, which has been discovered by modern geological and seismic research, was revealed in the Qur'an centuries ago as an example of the supreme wisdom in Allah's creation.
... [He] cast firmly embedded mountains on the Earth so that it would not move under you... (Surah Luqman: 10)
Duality in Creation
Glory be to Him Who created all the pairs: from what the earth produces and from themselves and from things unknown to them. (Surah Ya Sin: 36)
While "male and female" is equivalent to the concept of "pair," "things unknown to them," as expressed in the Qur'an, bears a broader meaning. Indeed, we encounter one of the meanings pointed to in the verse in the present day. The British physicist Paul Dirac, who discovered that matter was created in pairs, won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1933. This finding, known as "parity," revealed the duality known as matter and anti-matter. Anti-matter bears the opposite characteristics to matter. For instance, contrary to matter, anti-matter electrons are positive and protons negative. This fact is expressed in a scientific source as follows:
Another example of duality in creation is plants. Botanists only discovered that there is a gender distinction in plants some 100 years ago. Yet, the fact that plants are created in pairs was revealed in the following verses of the Qur'an 1,400 years ago:
It is Allah Who created the heavens with no support-you can see them-and cast firmly embedded mountains on the earth so that it would not move under you, and scattered about in it creatures of every kind. And We send down water from the sky and make every generous plant grow in it, in pairs. (Surah Luqman: 10)
It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and threaded pathways for you through it and sent down water from the sky by which We have brought forth diverse pairs of plants. (Surah Ta Ha: 53)
In the same way, fruits, are of two types: male or female. As proclaimed in the Qur'an:
He stretched out Earth and placed firmly embedded mountains and rivers in it, and made two types [male and female] of every kind of fruit. He covers over day with night. There are signs in that for people who reflect.(Surat ar-Ra'd: 3)
The word "zawjayni," translated as "two types," comes from "zawj," meaning "one of a pair." As we know, fruits are the final product produced by ripening plants. The stage before fruit is the flower. Flowers also have male and female organs. When pollen is carried to the flower and fertilization takes place, they begin to bear fruit. The fruit gradually ripens and starts to release seeds. The fact that fruits have gender-specific features is another piece of scientific information indicated in the Qur'an.
The Separate Seas
One of the properties of seas that has only recently been discovered is related in a verse of the Qur'an as follows:
He has let loose the two seas, converging together, with a barrier between them they do not break through.(Surat ar-Rahman: 19-20)
It is interesting that, during a period when there was little knowledge of physics, and of surface tension, or oceanography, this truth was revealed in the Qur'an.
The Miraculous Iron
Iron is one of the elements highlighted in the Qur'an. In Surat al-Hadid, meaning "iron," we are informed:
And We also sent down iron in which there lies great force and which has many uses for mankind...(Surat al-Hadid: 25)
The word "anzalnaa," translated as "We sent down" and used for iron in the verse, could be thought of having a metaphorical meaning to explain that iron has been given to benefit people. But, when we take into consideration the literal meaning of the word, which is, "being physically sent down from the sky," as in the case of rain and Sun rays, we realize that this verse implies a very significant scientific miracle. Because, modern astronomical findings have disclosed that the iron found in our world has come from giant stars in outer space. (Dr. Mazhar U. Kazi, 130 Evident Miracles in the Qur'an, [New York, USA: Crescent Publishing House: 1998], 110-111; and www.wamy.co.uk/announcements3.html, from Prof. Zighloul Raghib El-Naggar's speech.)
Not only the iron on Earth, but also the iron in the entire Solar System, comes from outer space, since the temperature in the Sun is inadequate for the formation of iron. The Sun has a surface temperature of 6,000 degrees Celsius (11,000oF), and a core temperature of approximately 20 million degrees (36 million degrees Fahrenheit). Iron can only be produced in much larger stars than the Sun, where the temperature reaches a few hundred million degrees. When the amount of iron exceeds a certain level in a star, the star can no longer accommodate it, and it eventually explodes in what is called a "nova" or a "supernova." These explosions make it possible for iron to be given off into space. (Dr. Mazhar U. Kazi, 130 Evident Miracles in the Qur'an, [New York, USA: Crescent Publishing House: 1998], 110-111; and www.wamy.co.uk/announcements3.html, from Prof. Zighloul Raghib El-Naggar's speech.)
One scientific source provides the following information on this subject:
All this shows that iron did not form on the Earth, but was carried from supernovas, and was "sent down," as stated in the verse. It is clear that this fact could not have been known in the 7th century, when the Qur'an was revealed. Nevertheless, this fact is related in the Qur'an, the word of Allah, Who encompasses all things in His infinite knowledge.
Astronomy has also revealed that other elements also formed outside the Earth. In the expression "We also sent down iron" in the verse, the word "also" may well be referring to that idea. However, the fact that the verse specifically mentions iron is quite astounding, considering that these discoveries were made at the end of the 20th century. In his book Nature's Destiny, the well-known microbiologist Michael Denton emphasizes the importance of iron:
This account clearly indicates the importance of the iron atom. The fact that particular attention is drawn to iron in the Qur'an also emphasises the importance of the element. In addition, there is another hidden truth in the Qur'an which draws attention to the importance of iron: Surat al-Hadid 25, which refers to iron, contains two rather interesting mathematical codes.
"Al- Hadid" is the 57th sura in the Qur'an. The abjad of the word "Al-Hadid" in Arabic, when the numerological values of its letters are added up, is also 57. (For abjad calculations see the section on Numerological Calculations (Abjad) in the Qur'an.)
The numerological value of the word "hadid" alone is 26. And 26 is the atomic number of iron.
Moreover, iron oxide particles have been used in a cancer treatment method, called MagForce Nanotherapy, since 2003. Dr. Andreas Jordan, of the world famous Charité Hospital in Germany, destroys cancer cells, without causing any damage to the healthy ones, with this technique he developed-magnetic fluid hyperthermia (high temperature magnetic liquid).
This method of treatment can be summarised as follows:
The spread of this technique is a major development in the treatment of this potentially lethal disease. In the treatment of such a widespread disease as cancer, the use of the expression "iron in which there lies great force and which has many uses for humanity" (Surat al-Hadid: 25) in the Qur'an is particularly noteworthy. Indeed, in that verse, the Qur'an may be indicating the benefits of iron for human health. (Allah knows best.)


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About to get a D3000, wondering whether MKII or 5/5L would be better purchase?
Also, where do you actually get your tripod base from?
Nodal Ninja just gives the tripod head right?
Mucho Aubregado,
About to get a D3000, wondering whether MKII or 5/5L would be better purchase?
Also, where do you actually get your tripod base from?
Nodal Ninja just gives the tripod head right?
Mucho Aubregado,
I tested D3000 with NN3MKII with all normally used fisheye lenses Nikkor 10.5, Nikkor 16mm, Sigma 8mm. Even with the new Nadir adaptor there is no problem in stability of the system keeping legs of the tripod spread out.
I always use a EZ-LevellerII below NN5/3. For me this is a need to re level your camera to NPP using the new nadir adaptor, which sets a lot of torque to the system forcing the camera to bend down.
You can mount either the NN or the Ez-Leveller directly to the tripod. Without anything in between as its best.
Lenses: Nikkor 10.5, 6shots+, Nikkor 16mm, for 4shots Samyang 8mm, totally manual lens, but very good quality what all reviews tell and good price, Sigma 8mm, but I personally would prefer to take 2 more shots with the Nikkor 10.5 cause of quality. Shaved you can use it as 4 shots high quality lens on full frame sensor.
Tripod advice for use with the new Nadir adaptor: Manfrotto center column is not stable, I used a Manfrotto 055ProB for years, but it does not work good with the new nadir adaptor. Gitzos are more stable with the center column.
Thx God I have read a tip from a dutch colleague about Feisol.com. Now I use this. Rock solid, carbon, very stable in center column even with D3 and 14-24mm lens on the nadir adaptor, changeable center column to plate system.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions, about settings etc.
Thanks Nick and Heinz.
So MK II should be fine.
I'm planning on using wide angle lens (and eventually fish eye) with NN.
Currently browsing through on Feisol and Gitzo.
Regardless of the tropod I get, the NN head just attaches on top or what?
hi, Heinz
May I ask which tripod you got from Feisol?
I have been looking for Gitzo GT 1541T and Feisol 3441S.
Thanks in advance
I use Gitzo GT 1541T with R1 and NN3.
For D3 NN5 it is Feisol CT- 3372 LV with plate for normal panos and with center column for pole panos. 3441S might be good as well, but may be you gave to get a short center column as well to avoid interference with the nadir shot with Adaptor.
The one of 3372 is too long and is seen in the nadir shot and leaves a hole in stitch.
Hey Heinz,
Appreciate you taking the time to produce these tutorials and sharing your workflow. You might consider posting onto youtube to cut down on bandwidth usage on your server.
thx again

subset: commoncrawl


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* D-Link Modem
* ASUS WL520 GU router (with dd-wrt installed)
* Desktop with Ubuntu 10.04
Would like to route the internet through my Desktop, which have 2 ethernet ports. Identified in Linux as eth0 and eth1. Internet is connected to the eth0 and router to eth1. I want to share the internet through the WiFi router to my other WiFi enabled devices.
Need help in setting up this configuration.


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Envelope Pedals
Xotic Effects Robotalk 2 Envelope Filter$224.00
Xotic Effects Robotalk 2The Xotic Effects Robotalk 2 is a dream come true for those who loved the original Robotalk but wanted more tonal options. 100% hand built with the best quality parts in an aluminum diecast enclosure, this all analog 70's style filter is a welcome addition to any funk guitar or bass players arsenal.
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Helping Everyone Discover, Enjoy And Achieve In Triathlon
Get Involved
The Get Involved section for Triathlon England brings together Coaching, Volunteering and Officials.
You will find links to all of these on the right. Or click on Get Involved to find out more
Take Part
Want to take part in triathlon? You can find information in this section from grass roots and club level to age-group and paratriathlon.
Have a look in our Events section to find out how you can take part and what is happening in your region.
Welcome to Triathlon England Membership
The membership will cover you for all your training and racing needs from providing insurance for your peace of mind whilst out training to savings at events by not having to pay the day licence fees.
Join Us
Triathlon England Membership Benefits.
No day membership fees for race entry, subscription to trinews and worldwide personal accident cover.
If you have any questions relating to this area, please contact:
Site by


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Does within mean before or after? Or does it mean both? For example,
Do not drink or eat within an hour of these pills.
Does within mean before or after? Or does it mean both? For example,
Within is a single word. In the sense of your example, it means something like during, or before the end of:
Consider also:
See definition on Merriam-Webster.
Edited to point out that it applies to the hour before as well as the hour after. The other answer is better.
'Within' means inside some sort of time frame... so this sentence literally means that you must wait until an hour after eating before taking the pills, and must not eat until an hour after taking the pills.
In my experience, this is very usual advice - I don't think it was intended this way; it could mean you need to wait for an hour after eating before taking the pills, or it could mean that you have to wait for an hour after taking the pill to eat.
I would interpret it as the latter, but it isn't entirely clear.
Example : I am going to reach Tokyo within an hour. specificaly says that it will takeme less than an hour or so to reach tokyo.


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As an employee of the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, A.J. Mooney splits his time between the VA hospitals in Leavenworth and Topeka. His commute generally doesn't involve him running the distance between the two hospitals. But he ran from one hospital to the other Wednesday to raise awareness during a federal employee fundraising campaign.
Mooney is the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System's coordinator for the annual Combined Federal Campaign, which raises money for many charities including some in Leavenworth.
Mooney also runs ultramarathons, which are longer than standard 26.2-mile length for marathons. Wednesday, he ran a 100-kilometer route, or about 62 miles, between the two hospitals to raise awareness for the current CFC.
He said the fundraising goal for the employees of the two hospitals is $112,000.
"It's a tough time to ask federal employees for money," Mooney said, pointing to furloughs and general economic conditions.
He said employees of the two hospitals reached 97 percent of the fundraising goal last year and hopes they can at least match this during the current campaign.
Mooney began the run at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka. He arrived at the Eisenhower VA Medical Center around 2:50 p.m., where he was greeted by fellow employees.
Mooney, who serves as an administrative officer for Behavioral Health for the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, said this was his 40th ultramarathon and his third 100-kilometer run.
Mooney said he's used to running on trails.
"This was a lot of road," he said of Wednesday's route.
Mooney, who lives in Topeka, said he took "hiking breaks" during his 62-mile run and ate things such as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and power gels along the way. He also drank a lot of water.
Another VA employee made the journey with Mooney in a support vehicle.
Mooney said he probably won't make the same run for next year's Combined Federal Campaign. But he said there is interest among other VA employees in a shorter five or 10-kilometer run or perhaps a run by a relay team.
"I'll run in that capacity," he said.
Location, ST | website.com


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I am quite new to XPath so bear with me. I have a XPath expression
that gets me the text that contains "Obama". However, I haven't been able to figure out how to add
and [not(contains(., "Romney"))] to the expression without getting a syntax error. How is it done? Help much appriciated!


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We offer visits on most weekdays, Monday through Friday. Reservations are required. The visit lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and includes an information session, a campus tour, and an interview (optional).
*NOTE: Interviews are for high school seniors and transfer students. If you have scheduled an interview, you should arrive at 9:15 a.m. for the morning visit or 1:15 p.m. for the afternoon visit. Please see the calendar below for visit options, as all visit types are not available every day.
These events will be held during the 2016-2017 academic year. Registration will open in August 2016. For more information on our Summer Information Programs, please visit www.loyola.edu/summer.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes. A presentation by an admission counselor for you and your family will include:
You and your family may take a guided campus tour led by a Loyola student, or you may look around on your own using a campus map and a walking tour guide that you may print or obtain from admission. The guided tour takes around an hour and will follow the group information session and the interview.
Usually, the interview for senior and transfer students lasts about 10 or 20 minutes. We regard the interview, which is not a required part of the application process, as an exchange of information. We do not evaluate a student's "performance" in an interview—so relax! You will be given the opportunity to ask your questions in a one-on-one setting with an admission counselor, and the counselor will ask you about your academic background and your educational plans. The counselor will explain Loyola's guidelines and, if you have applied, offer advice about how to strengthen your application before it goes to final review. If you have not applied, you may bring an unofficial copy of your transcript for discussion in the interview.
Reservations are required and may be made when signing up for one of our general information programs. We take reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you would like to schedule an interview and all appointments on the date that you select have been filled, you may still visit Loyola on that date by reserving a place for the general information program and/or campus tour. Alternatively, you may choose another date which has interview openings.
Note: We also offer many open house visit opportunities on Saturdays. Since interviews are not available as part of the open houses, you should schedule a weekday visit if you wish to schedule an interview.
Sitting in on a class will give you a firsthand look at the academic life on campus and let you see what it is really like to be a Loyola student. We encourage you to sit in on a class that interests you. You may wish to attend a class in your intended major, or perhaps see what one of the core courses entails. Our admission office will coordinate with faculty members to arrange a convenient time for you to join and observe a class that fits your interests.
Class visits are reserved for high school seniors only. If you are interested in scheduling a class visit, please review our Class Visit Page.
If you are interested in bringing a group of students to campus, please see our Group Visit Page.


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Mind Blowing Off Of The Top Of Your Head Writing Thread!
In this thread, you will write whatever story comes to the top of your thread. Any old stories work too, just please keep them under 1000 words. This thread will be a good place for all writers to post in, instead of having 10 failing threads open at once. I will be sure to update it with some cool "group" stuff later, but for now just write without any complications :D
So, without further ado here is a poem that is fresh from the head! Pretty terrible seeing as they are ten minutes or less of thought, and no revising. Just raw, mean, greasy violent poetry.
Ghostly Casper
Frail and thin
Ghostly casper
With a high held chin
Dully smiles
Poker Face
Hides the truth
Of his death
Smelled liquor
On daddy's breath
Got in the car anyway
Now Casper walks
In a ghostly way
Plump red face
Entangling lime shoots
Body of a man
Face of a fruit
Unmatched Swagger
And a great name,
A perfect man
Lest he be tamed
The thread
Has just taken flight
Now, my disciples
Post some art
Fill my tender areas
With delight <3


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Transcend JetFlash 760 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive for $20.99 + free shipping
Use Promo Code EMCXVWV56
Capacity 32GB
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2 Comments add a comment
Will you guys stop posting these deals? I bought two of these flash drives.
That's $42.00 I could have wasted on computer games. ;-)
Hell yeah, that's a good one.


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GEORGETOWN - Another Colorado ski area has fired up the snowmaking machines.
Loveland Ski Area took advantage of cold temperatures and began making snow early Thursday.
Copper Mountain started making snow Tuesday, a month before its expected opening date.
It typically takes about two weeks for Loveland's snowmaking team to cover the opening day run with an 18-inch base and tree-to-tree coverage for the first skiers and riders of the season. Loveland started making snow on Oct. 6 last season and opened on Oct. 14. Snowmaking updates are available atskiloveland.com/snowmaking. The site will be updated daily with pictures and videos of the progress.


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Jason Aldean Explains "Haters" Tweet
Star defends his music and his choice of friends.
Jason Aldean recently felt the need to "fire back" at those who accused him of "ruining country music" after rapper Ludacris appeared at one of his shows.
A couple of weeks ago, Jason sent out a Twitter message directed "to all u haters" in which he wrote, "If you think I am ruining country music, feel free to unfollow me. Nobody is forcing you to listen."
Before his appearance at CMA Music Festival Thursday night (June 7), Jason explained to reporters what prompted the tweet. "The way that all came about was that we had played Atlanta and Ludacris came out and made a surprise appearance," Jason began. "The next day, I threw out a tweet to him saying thanks for coming out. He did a great job and the crowd went crazy."
Following that, Jason started noticing some Facebook posts criticizing Ludacris' appearance. "They were bashing the fact that I had him out there and said that I was ruining country music and all this kind of stuff," Jason said. "That's when I went on there [Twitter] and said, 'You know, if you don't like what I'm doing, nobody's forcing you to listen.' I just decided to fire back, which I never do."
Jason and the rapper have become friends after Ludacris performed on a version of Jason's "Dirt Road Anthem." The two have often performed it live since that time.
Jason added that he is working on a new album project and plans to include a diverse range of material on the record. "We have some songs that push the boundary a little bit," he noted. "It's got some straight-ahead things, too."
Don't miss an issue! Subscribe to Nash Country Weekly.


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Biodiversity Heritage Library
Browse by:
advanced search
By "United States. Office of Water Policy. "
Books/Journals (2)
Chapters/Articles/Treatments (0)
Sort By:
Effects of urbanization on physical habitat for trout in streams : research project technical completion report / by Ray J. White (Department of Biology, Montana State University), Jerry D. Wells (Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks), Mary E. Peterson.
By: White, Ray J. - Peterson, Mary E. - Wells, Jerry D. - Montana State University (Bozeman, Mont.). - Montana University Joint Water Resources Research Center. - Montana. - United States.
Publication info: Bozeman, Mont. :Montana Water Resources Research Center, Montana State University,[1983]
Contributed by: Montana State Library (archive.org)
View Book
Identification of the water quality factors which prevent fingernail clams from recolonizing the Illinois River, phase III : technical completion report /
By: Sparks, Richard E. - Paparo, Anthony A. - Sandusky, Michael J. - Illinois. - National Great Rivers Research and Education Center - NGRREC. - Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. - United States. - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Publication info: Urbana, Ill. :Water Resources Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,[1983]
Contributed by: Lewis and Clark Community College and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (archive.org)
View Book


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Citadel Accommodation
Real Reviews
Real reviews from fellow travellers
These are trusted reviews from guests who have actually stayed here. We hope you find them helpful.
Note: we only give a property a rating once it has received a minimum of 3 reviews.
- Page:1/1
- " Citadel rooms is placed in a wonderful spot right between the biggest attractions in Zadar. That would normally mean a lot of noice, but the appartment is tucked in on a small alley with almost no people around. There's not much of a view, but having only minutes to everything you want to do/see makes up for it! The staff is very friendly and flexible. "
- 15 Oct 2013 Anonymous Denmark
- " Excellent location made this hostel an overall winner, but it would be helpful to have a working oven/stovetop and to have internet. "
- 28 Jul 2013 Anonymous Canada


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This past week, the Taunton Daily Gazette has published articles and opinion pieces promoting medical and recreational use of marijuana. Some of these pieces emphasize marijuana's medical effectiveness and portray the drug as harmless.
Unfortunately, marijuana reduces motivation, increases the risk of heart attacks, is linked to lung cancer and is addictive. The fact of whether marijuana is a gateway drug is not universally accepted. However, many, if not most heroin addicts started with pot.
Marijuana is not the same as alcohol; the only reason to smoke pot is to get high, while alcohol can be consumed without getting drunk.
Additionally, alcohol is metabolized within hours, but marijuana lingers in the body for weeks, in some cases up to 45 days after use.
Some have argued that we should legalize marijuana because everyone is already smoking pot. Would we legalize murder because people still kill people? Clearly not, and yet this argument is commonly used to support pot. As responsible adults, we set the boundaries for our behavior; if the boundaries are violated, we should identify how to enforce the restrictions, rather than cave in to pot activists.
Legalizing marijuana would send a clear message to the youth that pot is OK.
The result of such an irresponsible law would encourage increased use of teenagers' pot use with more health issues and a declining drive to succeed. We are seeing declining scores in math and science compared to other youth around the world, and we certainly don't want to make it even more difficult for our teenagers to compete with the world.
Those who are pushing for the legalization of marijuana use should be honest to the youth about the harmful effects of pot use.
Rich Davenport
Location, ST | website.com


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- Destinations
- Hotels
- Vacations
- Tours & Activities
- Special Offers
- Cruise Vacations
Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
Hotel Ratings
Based ontraveler reviews
Insider Tip
- The Roedde House Museum, located less than (a half-mile) from the hotel, is a uniquely restored heritage house reflecting the day-to-day life of a middle class immigrant family at the turn of the century. Rooms are not blocked off by rope or glass, so visitors get an up-close view of the museum's authentic furnishings and artifacts.
Hotel Overview
What to Expect:
- This luxury boutique hotel occupies the first 15 floors of a 61-story skyscraper—the tallest building in the city. Blending contemporary decor with Asian touches, the hotel offers business travelers and vacationers a tranquil escape in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
Amenity Highlights:
- The lavish on-site spa features six treatment rooms, each with its own fireplace, bath, shower, relaxation lounge, and changing area. Treatments include the Revitalizing Mud Wrap, the Pure Silk and Cashmere Body Wrap, and the Pearl Radiance Facial (surcharge). The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Vancouver.
1128 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 0A8
- Vancouver
Airport:Vancouver International YVR
Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver offers 119 air-conditioned accommodations. Decorated in a contemporary style with Asian touches, all accommodations are equipped with MP3 player docking stations, CD/DVD players, and flat-panel TVs with premium channels. Bathrooms include deep-soaking tubs and separate showers, bathrobes, LCD TVs, and phones.
This Vancouver hotel provides complimentary high-speed Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and complimentary newspapers, as well as multi-line phones with voice mail; free local calls are also provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include safes, coffee/tea makers, and minibars.
Room Amenities:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom telephone
- Bathroom TV
- Cable/satellite TV
- CD player
- Climate control
- Clock radio
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary newspaper
- Complimentary toiletries
- Desk
- DVD player
- Electronic/magnetic keys
- Free local calls
- Hair dryer
- Handheld shower
- Housekeeping (daily)
- In-room safe
- Internet access - complimentary
- Internet access - high speed
- Internet access - wireless
- Iron/ironing board
- Massage - available in room
- Minibar
- Multi-line phone
- Premium TV channel(s)
- Remote lighting/drapery control
- Separate tub and shower
- Voice mail
- Wake-up calls
- Window opens
Property Amenities
Located in downtown Vancouver, this luxury hotel is just a short walk from Robson Square. In addition to an outdoor pool and spa tub, Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver features a 24-hour fitness center and a full-service spa. Dining options at the hotel include a gourmet restaurant, a cafe, and a lounge; room service is available 24 hours.
Business amenities at this hotel include a business center, audio-visual equipment, conference/meeting rooms, and banquet facilities. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Limited on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis (surcharge).
The amenities listed below are available on site; fees may apply:
- 24-hour front desk
- Air-conditioned public areas
- ATM/banking
- Audio-visual equipment
- Babysitting/Childcare
- Banquet facilities
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Coffee shop or cafe´
- Concierge services
- Conference room(s)
- Currency exchange
- Dry cleaning service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-in/check-out
- Full-service health spa
- Gift shop or newsstand
- Health club
- Internet access in public areas - complimentary
- Internet access in public areas - wireless
- Laundry facilities
- Library
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Medical assistance available
- Parking (secure)
- Parking (valet)
- Restaurant(s) in hotel
- Room service (24 hours)
- Safe-deposit box - front desk
- Sauna
- Shoe shine
- Shopping on site
- Ski storage
- Spa tub
- Swimming pool - outdoor
- Tour assistance
- Wedding services
Extra person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Rollaway beds and cribs (infant beds) may be available and should be requested at the time of booking; fees may apply.
Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in, cannot be guaranteed, and may incur additional charges.
Check-in time:
Check-out time:
- Noon
MARKET by Jean-GeorgesContemporary fine-dining restaurant with a heated covered terrace and private dining areas. Menu highlights seasonal, regional ingredients including fresh seafood. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Xi Shi LoungeChic lounge serving creative cocktails, light snacks, and afternoon tea on the weekends. Features a seasonal patio. Open from early afternoon until late night.
GingerOffers fresh juices, blended drinks, and light snacks served bento box style. Open from morning until early evening.
This Vancouver hotel features an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Private yoga and Pilates classes are available at the spa (surcharge).
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Bicycle rentals
- Pilates classes/instruction
- Swimming
- Yoga classes/instruction
Check Hotel Availability
How many adults (over 18)?
How many children (0-18)?
Infant Airline Seating
Call 1-800-221-3949 to book a seat for a child under 2
How many nights?
Select your check in date on the calendar
Want to add a flight?
Enter departing airport
Enter departing airport


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Cynthia Ruth Ruehs, 65, of Ionia, passed away Nov. 5, 2012. She was born Oct. 1, 1947 in Ionia, the daughter of Fowler and Luella (Elzey) Hopkins.
She married Paul Ruehs Dec. 2, 1977 in Ionia.
Cynthia graduated from Ionia High School. She was the food service director at the Ionia County Sherriff Department until retiring in 2012. Cynthia especially loved her grandchildren. She also loved to gamble with her buddy and have monthly luncheons with her friends.
Cynthia is survived by her loving husband of 34 years Paul Ruehs of Ionia; daughters Christi (Joe) White of Lyons and Kari (Kirk) Bussell of Ionia; sons, Scott (Teresa) Ruehs of Orleans and Tom Ruehs of Ionia; grandchildren, Sadie, Kinzee, Shaylee, Danica and Colter; brothers, Dick (Sharon) Hopkins of Grand Rapids and Dennis (Sue) Hopkins of Coldwater; and sister Judy (Walt) Rooney of Ionia.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Bob Hopkins and Wayne Elzey.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Shiloh Community Church with Pastor Kenneth Harger officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lake Funeral Home in Ionia.
Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneral homes.com
Location, ST | website.com


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Major Rayman Fiesta Run update now available, adds new levels, costumes and moreWritten by: / / 1 Comment
If you haven't played Ubisoft's excellent auto-runner platformer Rayman Fiesta Run in a while then the release of a major new update should be all the incentive you need to fire up the game once more.
The latest patch is now available to download on the iOS App Store and the Amazon App Store, and will be released later today on the Google Play Store. The update adds a new Candy World featuring sixteen levels (complete with a challenging new boss) along with three new costumes and two new power-ups – one allowing you to respawn after death and the other serving as a magnet to attract Lums.
Another new feature of the update is the new Nightmare mode which tasks players with achieving perfect runs through thirty-six Invaded levels without dying once.
Here's a trailer showcasing some of the contents of this free update:
Head over here to read our review of Rayman Fiesta Run and feel free to sift through our previous coverage of this festive mobile platformer.
Tags: patch, raymanfiestarun, titleupdate, trailer, ubisoft


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As a simplified example, imagine that I'm selling widgets. I sell them nationwide (in both the U.S. and Canada) but there are some that can only be sold in certain areas (one or more U.S. states or Canadian provinces).
I'd like a good way to store this information, coupled with a fast way to query for the widgets that are available to a given user. "U.S., 50 states and D.C." is the most common value, so I'd rather not insert 51 rows.
MySQL doesn't support bitmap indexes, so that's ruled out.
Here are some combinations:
- U.S. 50 states and D.C.
- U.S. 50 states, D.C., Canada, but not Quebec.
- U.S. 48 contiguous states and D.C.
- U.S., D.C., but not Colorado
- U.S., D.C., and territories (Puerto Rico, etc).
My user will have given me one value for their state/province and country.
Can you suggest a schema that provides good storage and fast matching?


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DAMASCUS, Syria (CNN) -- As both sides in Syria's bloody civil war claimed advances, one high-ranking member of President Bashar al-Assad's regime expressed confidence in ultimate victory.
Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Maqdad, in an interview Wednesday, said the battle is going very well for the regime.
"We are winning. We have already won," al-Maqdad told CNN's Frederik Pleitgen. "You are in Damascus, you are aware of what is happening around Damascus. (The rebels) threatened to have Damascus more than one year ago, and they are not there. We are still here."
Rebel leaders and fighters see it differently.
A suicide attack at a regime military facility left at least 20 soldiers dead this week in Homs, and just last week government forces were using artillery and planes against rebels in the capital's southern suburbs.
The opposition activist organization Local Coordination Committees of Syria said 136 people were killed in war-related violence across Syria on Tuesday, including 47 in Damascus and its suburbs, and 32 in Aleppo. CNN cannot independently verify those figures.
The rebels last weekend claimed to have launched an offensive against the capital. The regime denies it is under siege.
In the western town of Tal Kalakh, bullets have stopped flying. But it's not because either side has won, it's because they've battled to a draw and have entered into a wobbly cease-fire.
The United Nations on Tuesday estimated 70,000 people have died in almost two years of fighting.
The regime would welcome the opportunity to begin negotiating a broader peace, al-Maqdad told CNN.
"We hope that those who are willing to stop the destruction of Syria come to the national dialogue without conditions to sit together as Syrians and their Syrian leadership and sort out our problems together," he said.
When asked if al-Assad would give up power if he were voted out, al-Maqdad said, "Absolutely, but I assure you at least he still enjoys a majority in Syria."
Al-Maqdad defended the regime's shelling, calling it a reaction to the opposition's violence.
"This is not our option," he said. "This is the option they imposed on us to defend our own people and our own cities. What we are demanding is a stop to all these actions and to come to the table where we discuss all our grievances together."
Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib, head of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, met earlier this month in Munich, Germany, with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. The U.S. has already recognized the rebels as the legitimate rulers in Syria.
"President Obama and I and nearly all of our partners and allies are convinced that President Assad, a tyrant hell-bent on clinging to power, is no longer fit to lead the Syrian people and he must go," Biden said, according to a transcript of his Munich speech released by the White House.
"The opposition continues to grow stronger. And as the Syrian people have their chance to forge their own future, they will continue to find a partner in the United States of America," he said.
The rebellion against al-Assad's government began in earnest in May 2011 as a wave of uprisings spread across the Arab world, including Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Egypt.


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Where Could Your White Fan With Lights Go?
White ceiling fans with lights create a soft and clean look in any room. With the lowest prices around we've got the styles and designs you need in white fans. We've paired and compiled some design ideas with our top selling white fans with lights.
Kitchen. Imagine a beautiful light lemon colored kitchen with light coming in from the window being cooled by a Park Avenue Elite white 52 inch ceiling fan from Sea Gull Lighting. Since it has an Energy Star rating you know this fan will keep you cool while baking, broiling and boiling. The satin white glass lighting fixture is the perfect touch ending to the ceiling fan.
Front Porch. Feel the cool breeze of the Minka Aire Concept II Wet while you're swinging on your front porch this summer. This UL Wet or Damp location rated ceiling fan is ready for installing or view another of our other white outdoor ceiling fans with lights. The 188mm x 20mm motor will be sure to keep you nice and cool while sipping sweet iced tea.
Bathroom. To complement marble tile, black counter tops or clean chrome looking bathroom fixtures use the stylishly designed white Mach One by Monte Carlo. You can choose between a three speed wall control and a handheld remote. The matte opal glass light enhances the three white all weather blades. You know the 172mm x 20mm motor will keep you cool.


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Mr. Pitiful
Otis Redding
Last Played
AlbumThe Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads
Average rating
4 star rating.
Other songs on this album
Other songs by this artist
- AM Gold - 1968
- (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay
- at the Monterey International Pop Festival
- Shake
- Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul
- Fa Fa Fa Fa (Sad Song)
- My Lover's Prayer
- Merry Soulful Christmas
- Merry Christmas Baby
- Merry Christmas Baby
- White Christmas
- White Christmas
- Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
- (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
- Change Gonna Come
- Change Gonna Come
- I'm Depending On You
- I've Been Loving You (Too Long)
- I've Been Loving You Too Long
- I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)
- Respect
- Shake
- Otis Redding's Dictionary Of Soul
- Try a Little Tenderness
- Pain in My Heart
- Pain in My Heart
- Security
- That's What My Heart Needs
- Talk To Me
- I Can't Turn You Loose
- I Can't Turn You Loose
- The Complete Stax,Volt Singles
- These Arms Of Mine
- The Dock of the Bay
- I Love You More Than Words Can Say
- Sittin on The Dock of the Bay
- The Glory Of Love
- The Immortal Otis Redding
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When I cook yellow lentils at home, the valve of the pressure cooker seems to clog up. How do I prevent this? By clog up, I mean that the pressure cooker sits quietly on the burner and then all of a sudden there is a gush of steam coming from the valve. My pan is ten years old. I soak the lentils for a few hours, rinse, and add some oil and salt to the cooking water. The lentils and the water only take up the bottom quarter.
You may need to add more oil, say a generous tablespoon. Also, I don't think you should need to soak those lentils first, the pressure cooker should be more than able to take them apart without any advance soak. Also be sure to use plenty of water. At least 8 cups for 1 pound of beans.
One of these will surely work for you.


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About the Model E221
Hermann Beyer has built a tradition and legacy of fine craftsmanship, meticulous shop adjusted standards, and a focus on value for the student musician. These instruments continue to display the high standards Heinrich Roth brought from Germany and remain the favorite of educators for their reliability, playability, sound and construction. Each Scherl & Roth instrument is Set-up & Ready!
"Expertly made in Romania with respected traditions and old world craftsmanship. Fully shop adjusted and set up in the USA by hand in our Cleveland, Ohio facility by our skilled craftsmen to meet or exceed MENC (school requirements) for student instruments to give the player the best possible performance experience and inspiration. True ebony pegs and fingerboard (not stained hardwood) facilitates reliable function and playability for many years. The fully laminated spruce top maple back and sides provide student friendly durability. Hand inlaid purfling protects from splitting damage to the top and back. The lacquer varnish gives durability for students. A fiberglass bow gives the student a reliable camber without warping. The Mongolian horsehair ensures that the rosin adheres well and gives an even draw to the bow across the strings. "


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News and Events Archives
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
(Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.) -- Columbia College will confer 169 associate and bachelor�s degrees upon graduates from the Rolla and Fort Leonard Wood campuses at a commencement ceremony Saturday, Sept. 20. The ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. at Baker Theater in Fort Leonard Wood.
Ken Austin, dean of Central Texas College, Continental Campus, will give the commencement address. Dr. Gerald Brouder, president of Columbia College, will confer the degrees.
�Our graduates have succeeded in balancing their numerous responsibilities with their career goals," said Brouder. "Graduation is the culmination of their efforts and the result of wanting to improve their lives. We are proud to honor their accomplishments."
Columbia College was founded in Missouri in 1851 as Christian Female College, the first women�s college west of the Mississippi River to be chartered by a state legislature. The college changed its name to Columbia College in 1970 when it became coeducational.
The Fort Leonard Wood campus was established in 1974 to serve the military population and their families on the base and surrounding communities. Today it continues to serve civilian and military adult learners in the area.
The Rolla campus was established in 1992 as an extension of Columbia College-Fort Leonard Wood. Located on the Metro Business College campus, Columbia College-Rolla later moved to its present location on North Bishop in 1995 when enrollments outpaced available space.


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With the known latitude coordinate of the observing position, how to find the altitude of the moon when it is high, i.e when it crosses the local meridian?
The transit altitude of an object does not only depend on your latitude ($b$), but also on the declination of the object ($\delta$): $$h_\mathrm{tr} = \arcsin\left(\sin b \sin \delta + \cos b \cos\delta\right).$$
With a lot of difficulty if you want to do it numerically by yourself. The Moon's orbit is very complex.
Far and away the easiest method would be to use NASA's HORIZONS service for calculating ephemerides, which will get you very comprehensive and accurate information on objects at your specified times.
I don't think that HORIZONS can directly return the time that the Moon is at its maximum altitude. However, if you can write some basic computer code then it shouldn't be difficult to query the ephemerides with a precise (say 1 minute) time interval and find the maximum altitude from there.


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Consider any triangle ABC. Connect the midpoints of each of the three sides. The inscribed triangle is equal to the other three triangles and they are all congruent. It turns out that the medians of the larger triangle are also the medians of the smaller, centrally inscribed, triangle.
(This is where it gets dicey)
I'd like to say that at this point, you could repeat this process on the smaller centrally inscribed triangle and then continue to do so infinitely. I'd then argue that at infinity, the points of the smallest triangle would be the same point. Tada, the medians are concurrent. Is this valid?
This was done for fun, I'd appreciate not being buried in a blizzard of Algebra or Calculus. Intuitively, does this work?


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WEIRTON - The Madonna football loaded onto a bus at 10 a.m. today and headed for Tucker County to play the No. 1 ranked team in W.Va. Class A with a trip to the Super Six in Wheeling the following weekend hanging on the outcome. The Blue Dons and Mountain Lions are set to tangle at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The Blue Dons were to work out today at Fairmont State University and then travel to Elkins for the overnight.
For the seniors on both teams, the game will be a rematch of the 2009 quarterfinal playoff game in Weirton. In that one, Madonna was the top-ranked team while Tucker County got into the playoffs at No. 9. The Dons, on their way to the state title that year, earned a 48-0 victory.
Article Photos
WEEK 13 — The Madonna football team, shown after last week's 29-14 win over St. Marys, visits Tucker County at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the West Virginia Class A semifinals.
-- Mike Mathison
"They put it on us pretty good as I recall," said veteran Tucker County coach A.J. Rapp, who has had the Mountain Lions in the playoffs in five of the eight years he has been at the helm. "I don't care much for the revenge thing. I just think the rankings this year played out the way they should. The top four teams in the rankings are left and they obviously are the best four teams.
"We have 10 seniors and 13 juniors who have played together since they were little kids. We lost in the last game of the season last year by six points to go 5-5. We needed that game to get into the playoffs. We finished 17th and you could see in the boys' eyes after that game that they had something to prove this year and they did.
Rapp said he had 29 kids returning and they bought into his weight training program and worked hard during the offseason. Then, they went undefeated during the regular season and were ranked as the top team in Class A and thus have home field advantage throughout the playoffs to the championship game in Wheeling.
And they did it in outstanding fashion, outscoring their opponents thus far 506-143. The Mountain Lion defense pitched three shutouts during the regular season. Clarksburg Notre Dame is the only team that scored more than three times against them. Notre Dame got 35 points against the Tucker County defense in the last game of the regular season. The problem for them was that Tucker County scored 69.
Notre Dame and Clay-Battelle, which the Mountain Lions disposed of in last week's quarterfinal round by 48-14, are the only common opponents of the teams.
Madonna, which has outscored its opponents 495-128, beat Notre Dame 49-12 and Clay-Battelle 40-2.
The quarterbacks of both teams match up pretty well, according to the statistics.
For the Blue Dons, that is junior Ross Comis, who has racked up 2,707 all-purpose yards on offense - 1,292 passing and 1,415 rushing. Comis has tossed 15 touchdown passes and scored 22 on the ground.
Derek Nestor, a senior, who saw some action in that playoff game four years ago as a wide receiver, has passed for more than 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns while picking up 922 yards on the ground with 14 more touchdowns.
"Derek is a better passer than runner," said Rapp "He has played just about all of the skill positions for us, though, over his four years. He's been our quarterback the last two years."
Austin Zirk, a junior running back, leads the Mountain Lion rushing attack with 922 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Nestor's two favorite targets are a pair of seniors, Tyler Snyder with 700 yards receiving and Nathaniel Goldstein, who has 600 yards.
When asked about his offensive guys, Rapp was quick to point out what he considers to be the strength of his team, his linemen. He said he has three seniors who anchor the offensive line in Mike Adkins, (6-feet, 224 pounds), Taylor Zirk (6-2, 218 and Zack Wolford (6-3-221).
"That's where it starts, on the line of scrimmage," said Rapp. "I'm an old line coach so I believe most games are won or lost there. Those three guys and all of the others have worked very hard in the weight room."
Madonna coach Doug Taylor confirmed that the Mountain Lions have an excellent line.
"They have good size and get off the ball real well both offensively and defensively," said Taylor, who has Madonna in the playoffs for the second straight year that he has been at the helm.
"Tucker County has real good skill players, too. I'd say that Nestor and Comis are very comparable. Zirk isn't real big at 164 pounds, but he has good speed and we can't let him get to the perimeter."
Taylor, who, with his staff, traveled to Tucker County last Saturday to scout its win over Clay-Battelle, said the Mountain Lion defense is led by Atkins, the middle linebacker.
"They are a physical football team like St. Marys was last week," Taylor . "But we're in the semifinals and you expect that."
Rapp categorized Madonna as a physical team as well.
"Comis is the real deal," he said. "We expect to see a lot of him."
He said he also was concerned about running back Nick Ossman and wing back Eliott Nero.
"I've seen some big players over the years, but I've never seen a seven-footer (Josh Martin). The big guys I've seen usually are pretty wide. Martin is tall and lean at 295 pounds," said Rapp.
Weather could be a factor in the game with a forecast of rain and possible snow showers.
Tucker County plays on grass and Rapp said the field has been in good shape for the playoffs thus far.
"We had about 18 inches of snow back in the last week of October from Sandy," he said. "Fortunately, we played our last three regular season games on the road. We kept everybody off the field until the first playoff game and it (the field) has dried out and should be pretty good for this game."


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Suppose $G$ is a Lie group, $\mathfrak{g}$ its Lie algebra, if we have a smooth representation $(\pi,V)$, then it induces an action of $\mathfrak{g}$ on $V$. Now conversely, if we have a nice (with properties you may assume) action of $\mathfrak{g}$ on $V$, can we say such action arises from some unique smooth action of $G$?
Here we may assume $G$ to be simply connected if needed. Thank you.


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Leighton Books Shampoo Gig; Beverly Johnson Reportedly Threatens Ex
- Leighton Meester has become a face — a mane? a scalp? — of Herbal Essences. She says her personal stylist always uses it. Stars have to lie about these things, but couldn't they at least make it convincing? [Elle UK]


text: More from SI Ballpark Quirks: Comerica Park's carnival atmosphere... Ballpark Quirks: Comerica Park's carnival atmosphere... gallery with links do NOT pub gallery with links do NOT pub Ballpark Quirks: Taking to the rooftop deck in Colorado... Ballpark Quirks: Taking to the rooftop deck in Colorado... Ballpark Quirks: St. Louis' Busch Stadium asks you to g... Ballpark Quirks: St. Louis' Busch Stadium asks you to g... Ballpark Quirks: Taking a slide in Milwaukee's Miller... Ballpark Quirks: Taking a slide in Milwaukee's Miller... Ballpark Quirks: Kauffman Stadium lets the fountains fl... Ballpark Quirks: Kauffman Stadium lets the fountains fl... Ballpark Quirks: How Fenway Park's iconic Green Monster... Ballpark Quirks: How Fenway Park's iconic Green Monster... Ballpark Quirks: Safeco Field has its very own umbrella... Ballpark Quirks: Safeco Field has its very own umbrella... Atlanta Braves release renderings for new ballpark in C... Atlanta Braves release renderings for new ballpark in C... Ballpark Quirks: Summiting Tal's Hill in Minute Maid Pa... Ballpark Quirks: Summiting Tal's Hill in Minute Maid Pa... Ballpark Quirks: Splashing down in San Francisco's McCo... Ballpark Quirks: Splashing down in San Francisco's McCo... Introducing Populous' Living Park, an exclusive basebal... Introducing Populous' Living Park, an exclusive basebal... Brand-new Cubs Park offers touches of Wrigley in sun-so... Brand-new Cubs Park offers touches of Wrigley in sun-so... Wrigley Field upgrades still locked in rooftop squabble Wrigley Field upgrades still locked in rooftop squabble Looking at the A's proposed waterfront stadium Looking at the A's proposed waterfront stadium Gallery: Pitchers with multiple no-hitters Gallery: Pitchers with multiple no-hitters Gallery: Happy birthday, Ebbets Field Gallery: Happy birthday, Ebbets Field gallery with links do NOT pub gallery with links do NOT pub Close Tweet0 Share0 Comment0 Share0 Share0 Stumble It0 Print0 More The Strike Zone Winter report card: Milwaukee Brewers by Jay Jaffe Add Favorite Favorite Added Twitter Email Posted: Fri Jan. 25, 2013 The cost-cutting Brewers will have to replace Corey Hart, who underwent knee surgery, with an in-house option. (AP)With less than a month before pitchers and catchers report, we're checking in on how each team has fared in conducting its offseason business while acknowledging that there's still time for its prognosis to change. Teams will be presented in reverse order of finish from 2012, and I'll revisit and adjust their grades to account for late-winter deals as spring training begins.Milwaukee Brewers2012 Results: 83-79, 3rd place in NL Central (Hot Stove Preview)Key departures: SS Alex Gonzalez, 1B/OF Travis Ishikawa, RHP Kameron Loe, RHP Shaun Marcum, OF Nyjer Morgan, LHP Manny Parra, RHP Francisco Rodriguez, C Yourvit Torrealba, RHP Jose VerasKey arrivals: RHP Jairo Asencio, RHP Burke Badenhop, SS Bobby Crosby, RHP Kelvim Escobar, LHP Tom Gorzelanny, LHP Mike GonzalezLast year, the Brewers put a brave face on the departure of free agent Prince Fielder, doing their best to remain competitive by using the savings to increase payroll to nearly $100 million, adding free agents Aramis Ramirez, Norichika Aoki and Alex Gonzalez, and retaining late-season acquisition Rodriguez. The team dug itself a big hole through the first three-quarters of the season with a 54-66 showing that left them 19 games out of first place, 12 1/2 back in the wild card race and without Zack Greinke, who was traded to the Angels. Even so, they rallied to post an NL-best 29-13 record the rest of the way, thereby grazing the periphery of the wild card race and salvaging just the franchise's fourth winning season in the past 20 years.Alas, things don't look even that sunny for the Brewers this time around. While the nucleus of their roster is reasonably sound, they've done almost nothing this winter to enhance their chances of contending again. That said, even with around $50 million coming off the books, much of what they've shed is inconsequential. Morgan (.239/.302/.308) couldn't match his strong 2011 showing, Ishikawa (.257/.329/.428) was a replacement-level fill-in, Gonzalez was limited to 24 games due to injuries and Loe, Parra, Rodriguez and Veras were the bullpen's four busiest pitchers aside from closer John Axford, part of a unit that ranked dead last in the league with a 4.66 ERA and second-to-last with 3.9 walks per nine. Marcum, who missed more than two months with an elbow strain but made 21 starts with a 3.70 ERA and 8.9 strikeouts per nine, is the biggest loss by far; he signed with the Mets earlier this week. The emergences of Marco Estrada, Mike Fiers, Mark Rogers and Wily Peralta, and the return of Chris Narveson should help offset his loss, but that still leaves Yovani Gallardo as the only pitcher in the rotation with even one 30-start season to his name.Gorzelanny has one 30-start season as well, but that came back in 2007 with the Pirates. The 30-year-old southpaw, who signed a two-year, $6 million deal, started just once for the Nationals last year but put up a solid season of relief work (2.88 ERA, 7.8 strikeouts per nine, 72 innings). He'll pitch middle relief while fellow ex-Nationals southpaw Mike Gonzalez holds down a late-inning role and tries to keep his body whole. The oft-injured 34-year-old put in just 35 2/3 innings of 3.03 ERA work in 2012 after going unsigned last winter following offseason knee surgery. He has reached 50 innings just twice in the past six seasons, but at a base salary of $2.25 million for one year, with incentives that won't be applicable unless he winds up closing for much of the year, he's not a bad bargain.Badenhop, who made 66 appearances and threw 62 1/3 innings of 3.03 ERA ball for the Rays, will take up some of the workload, and Johnny Hellweg, a 6-foot-9, 24-year-old prospect who was acquired from the Angels in the Zack Greinke trade, could earn a spot as well. Asencio, who made 30 appearances with a 4.91 ERA for the Indians and Cubs, will have to overcome significant control issues to be more than organizational depth.Among the more notable additions from among the assortment of players brought in via minor league deals are two who seem to be off a missing persons list. Crosby, the 2004 AL Rookie of the Year with the A's, hasn't played in the majors since 2010. He battled so many injuries over the course of his career that he reached 100 games in a season just one more time after that, back in 2008. A career .236/.304/.372 hitter, the now-33-year-old is a utilityman even if his comeback succeeds. Escobar, 36, has been away even longer, with just one big league appearances since the 2007 season, a five-inning start in 2009. Since his last full season, he has undergone two labrum surgeries and one to repair a torn shoulder capsule, so there's even less reason to hope for much out of him.Unfinished business: Left out. If the deck weren't already stacked against Milwaukee, first baseman Corey Hart will miss the first six weeks of the regular season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday. He had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee last March and recovered to hit .270/.334/.507 with 30 homers in 149 games, but this one, due to a defect in the joint surface, will require a longer recovery.In his absence, Mat Gamel will play first base, the position at which he opened last season before a torn ACL knocked him out for the year in early May. Once a well-regarded prospect due to his power, the now-27-year-old has hit just .229/.305/.367 with six homers in 269 major league plate appearances, the majority of them back in 2009. As the only lefty in the lineup besides Aoki, he does provide a bit of balance in the lineup — if he can stay in it. Once Hart returns, Gamel will have to scramble for playing time at the infield corners, leaving a lineup that skews even more to the right than the one that ranked second-to-last in the league in plate appearances from the left side. They got just a .250/.319/.377 performance from such hitters, compared to .263/.327/.457 from their righties — the widest split in the league. Fortunately, the Brewers' righties are as good as any team in the league at hitting same-side pitchers, with a .261/.323/.448 line en route to a league-best OPS in that category.The free agent market has been picked over, but a few lefties out there may be worth a flier for a bench spot, either instead of or in addition to Gamel. First baseman Casey Kotchman hit just .229/.280/.333 for the Indians last year, but he's only one season removed from a .306/.378/.422 showing with the Rays. Former All-Star centerfielder Grady Sizemore missed all of 2012 due to a microdiscectomy in his lower back and microfracture surgery on his right knee after playing in a combined 104 games in 2010-2011, but he could be available by midseason. Bobby Abreu (.242/.350/.342 in 257 PA for the Angels and Dodgers last year) can still get on base and has been productive from the left side in the past three years (.258/.368/.420). Preliminary grade: C-. Having set a franchise record with a $98.2 million payroll last year, the Brewers have been forced to cut costs considerably, hence the quiet winter; right now, they figure to wind up with a payroll south of $80 million, their lowest since 2007. Their nucleus can still help them compete in the NL Central, but unless a whole lot goes right, they're likely to be on the outside looking in come October. More The Strike Zone


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STEUBENVILLE - Resurrection Church in New Albany was the setting for the Oct. 15 wedding of Bridget Allen and Christopher Chapman. The 1:30 p.m. ceremony was celebrated by the Rev. Jerome Rodenfels.
Escorted to the altar by her father and given in marriage by her parents, William and Catherine Allen of Steubenville, the bride chose a taffeta, strapless gown with crystal accents. She carried a bouquet of picasso, white and deep purple calla lilies.
The groom is the son of James and Linda Blake Chapman of Steubenville.
Article Photos
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Chapman
Rachel Allen of Steubenville was the maid of honor, and Adrienne Allen Pisaniello of Pittsburgh was the matron of honor. Mary Kaschak of Washington, D.C., and Delilah Sisler of Harrisburg, Pa., were bridesmaids.
Jonathan Chapman of Galena and J.R. Chapman of Dublin were best men. Ben Watson of Pittsburgh and John McGuire of Mingo Junction were groomsmen.
Following a reception at Creekside Conference and Event Center in Gahanna, the couple honeymooned in the Kohola Coast of Hawaii.
The bride is a 2003 graduate of Catholic Central High School, received her bachelor of science degree from West Virginia University and her master of arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is employed in Columbus as a pediatric speech-language pathologist.
The groom is a 2003 graduate of Catholic Central High School and Robert Morris University with a degree in computer engineering. He is employed as a senior hardware engineer in Westerville.
The couple reside in New Albany.


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PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton 02/20/14
The GOP's Nugent problem
Texas Atty. Gen. Greg Abbott is taking heat for campaigning with Ted Nugent, but he's not the only Texan who's embraced the conservative provocateur. ... more Duration: {{video.duration.momentjs}}
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SAN ANTONIO (January 27, 2013) – San Antonio Rampage general manager Mike Santos announced today that the American Hockey League (AHL) club has returned on loan rookie forwards Quinton Howden and Drew Shore from the club's NHL affiliate, the Florida Panthers.
In addition, the Rampage have released forward Jonathan Sim from his professional tryout contract and returned on loan David Pacan and Garrett Wilson to the team's ECHL affiliate, the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Rampage have also returned on loan defenseman Nolan Julseth-White to the Las Vegas Wrangles of the ECHL.
Shore, 21, made his NHL debut for the Panthers on Jan. 22. The Denver, Colo., native played in three games for Florida, recording eight shots but was held off the scoresheet. The second-round selection (44th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft will represent the Rampage at the 2013 AHL All-Star Classic, which kicks off tonight with the Skills Competition. Shore leads the Rampage in assists (20) and is second on the team in points (30).
Howden, 21, made his NHL debut on Saturday for the Panthers, recording 9:21 of ice time. The first-round draft pick of the Panthers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (25th overall) has played in 41 games for the Rampage this season and has tallied 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists). Prior to turning pro, Howden played in 244 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League and scored 111 goals and 128 assists.
Sim, 35, played in 22 games for the Rampage and recorded 13 points (six goals, seven assists). The winger tallied three multi-point games, including the Rampage's only hat trick of the season on Dec. 15 against Oklahoma City. The New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, native has played in 469 NHL games, recording 75 goals and 64 assists. Sim also has averaged nearly a point per game in the AHL, playing a total of 184 games and tallying 184 points (100 goals, 84 assists).
Pacan, 21, was recalled on loan on Saturday and donned the Silver and Black for San Antonio's 4-1 defeat to the Texas Stars on Saturday. Pacan has played in four games for the Rampage this season, recording two assists. The sixth-round selection of the Chicago BlackHawks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft leads the Cyclones with 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 36 games.
Wilson, 21, was recalled from Cincinnati on Thursday and played in both Rampage games over the weekend. Wilson, who was drafted in the fourth round (107th overall) by the Florida Panthers, has tallied 28 points for the Cyclones this season and leads the club with 18 goals in 35 games. Wilson made his Silver and Black debut last season, playing 11 games and recording one goal.
Julseth-White, 24, was signed to a professional tryout contract by the Rampage on Jan. 17 and made his AHL debut on Jan. 18. The 6-foot-1, 212-pound defenseman played in four games for San Antonio. Prior to his time with the Rampage, Julseth-White played in 37 games for the Las Vegas Wranglers and recorded 16 points (two goals, 14 assists). The 6-foot-1, 212-pound blueliner spent the last four years at Union College, playing in a combined 100 games and recording 18 assists.
The Rampage will return home to play their third annual Pink in the Rink game on Friday, Feb. 1 against the Rockford Ice Hogs at 7:30 p.m. on a KZEP Dollar Drink Night. The Rampage will skate on pink ice and auction off pink-themed jerseys after the game with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the breast health awareness efforts.
Tickets for Pink in the Rink, and all remaining homes games, start at $10 and can be purchased at the AT&T Center Southeast Box Office, by calling a Rampage representative at 210.444.5554 or online at sarampage.com.


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Welcome to the Blanton Museum of Art! We invite you to experience our inspiring collections and beautiful galleries, take in one of our myriad programs and events, and enjoy our café and Museum Shop. The Blanton offers a range of programs and interpretive tools to fit each visitor's interest and knowledge level. Visitors will gain an abundance of information and insight through gallery tours, artists' talks and lectures by curators and other art experts. Relaxing and fun events like yoga in the galleries and live music in the atrium will further enliven any visit to the museum. Stop by for extraordinary experiences again and again!
The Blanton is a member of Austin's Cultural Campus -- a pedestrian friendly cultural destination comprised of the the Blanton, The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Harry Ransom Center, the LBJ Library and Museum, and the Texas Memorial Museum, offering exhibitions, performances, shopping, dining, and more!