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During a press briefing yesterday afternoon, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said President Bush "definitely disagrees with" Jerry Vines' anti-Islamic statement.
Speaking to the pastors' conference, Vines, a former SBC president, condemned American pluralism and charged that the prophet Muhammad was "a demon-possessed pedophile."
The next day in a satellite broadcast to the SBC meeting, President Bush said Baptists "were among the earliest champions of religious tolerance and freedom."
"Faith teaches us to respect those with whom we disagree. It teaches us to tolerate one another," he said.
When a reporter asked yesterday if President Bush agreed with Vines' statement, Fleischer said, "The president said Islam is a religion of peace."
"That's what the President believes," Fleischer said.
Fleischer suggested that Vines' statements were not representative of the Southern Baptist Convention.
On Thursday morning, the Washington Post reported that Bush "apparently was unaware of Vines' statement when he praised the Southern Baptist Convention last week for its tradition of tolerance."
White House spokesman Scott McClellan told the Post that "the president's views are very clear. The president believes Islam is a religion that teaches peace. The president believes in religious tolerance and respects people of all faiths."
After Vines made his statement and Bush spoke to the SBC meeting, EthicsDaily.com left repeated messages at the White House, asking if Bush was aware of Vines' comments and if he agreed with them. The White House did not respond to EthicsDaily.com's requests for clarification.
Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, said he was grateful that Bush finally distanced himself from Vines' harmful remarks.
"The apocalyptic and nationalistic theology of Christian fundamentalism unnecessarily inflames global tensions," Parham said. "The White House would do well to dissociate itself from Christian extremists."


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Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most important pieces of your church's Local SEO. In a study done by Moz in 2018, it found that GBP Signals (meaning, what your GBP property is telling Google) was the most important contributing factor toward local search rankings. GBP Signals accounted for an estimated 25.12% of what Google used to determine local search rankings, with Link Signals at 16.53% and Review Signals at 15.44% as the next two most significant factors. This guide will take you through the steps of how churches should post on Google Business Profile.
Many people are quick to claim their church listing, add information and photos, and assume that's all they need to do. While this will increase your likelihood of being found, the truth is that a GBP profile should be managed much like any other social media site. You should be continuously engaged with your GBP profile in order to show Google and its users that you are an active and relevant organization that is worthy of attention.
Google Business Profile posts are simple and extremely effective. Because most churches and other businesses are rarely using them, they'll make your profile stand out even more. GBP posts are 100-300-characters of textual content with a picture and Call to Action (CTA) button at the bottom.
Here is what a Google Business Profile post looks like:
There are a variety of post types that you can create on GBP. These include:
- News
- Event
- Offer
- Product
One of the biggest benefits of creating posts on GBP is that each post gives you the option to include a Call to Action (CTA) button. When a user clicks your CTA button, they're taken to a page (on your church website or otherwise) of your choosing.
CTA buttons include:
- Learn More
- Sign Up
- Call Now
- Book
- Order Online
- Buy
- Get Offer
By using specific keywords in your GBP posts, you'll in turn help your Local SEO visibility for users searching those keywords. Posts should never be overloaded with keywords in an unnatural way, as Google will detect this and penalize you instead. These posts should be as natural and engaging as your social media posts on Facebook would be.
When posting on GBP, it's important to keep in mind some key features. Posts are only kept live on GBP for 7 days unless they're an "event" type post. Events are kept live until the conclusion of the event in question. This means that frequently posting on GBP is important because most posts have a relatively short time window of relevancy. However, a user is able to view your posts historically under the "Posts" tab on mobile.
As a church, there are many different ways to leverage GBP posts to your advantage.
Some ideas include:
- Post about your latest message/sermon series and have the CTA button link to the sermon video.
- Create GBP posts for any upcoming events at your church.
- Create a post for upcoming Holiday special services. Make sure to enter these service times within the "Special Hours" of operation section of Google Business Profile as well!
- Post general biblical questions with links to answers on your church website.
Not only will searchers see that you're geographically close to them, but they'll also have the opportunity to learn more about your church and about the reasons they should pay you a visit without ever having to leave Google.
The ideas are limitless, especially if you're already creating your own social media posts. Google Business Profile is the most important signal for your local search ranking in Google and should be treated as its own social platform. GBP should be something that you check frequently, post on often, and engage users on. Don't make the mistake of claiming your listing, adding information and then letting it sit indefinitely.
Here at Missional Marketing, we understand how difficult it can be for a non-SEO expert to improve your church's Local SEO. If you're looking to be a part of the Local Pack for Google searches such as "church near me" in your area, check out what we can do for you and your local search rankings.

subset: commoncrawl


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我們熟悉各種駭客社群最新發佈的情資與攻擊手法,確保您的產品與服務可抵禦日新月異的攻擊。戴夫寇爾曾發佈多項國際知名產品與服務的弱點,絕對有能力比駭客先找出您的 0-day 漏洞!透過我們的資安服務引領您體驗各種前所未見的入侵方式,讓您重新盤點現有防禦策略是否能應對這些攻擊手法。
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We believe that an organization's efforts made in information security can build customer loyalty and enhance brand image. The first step for an organization to improve security is to know its own security architecture. Our value to the organizations lies in pinpointing the root of the security issues, so that they can distribute resources on right positions effectively.
We are familiar with the latest intelligence and attack methods disclosed in various hacker communities, and can make sure your products are secure against latest attacks. As the discoverer of vulnerabilities in several world-famous vendors, we are more capable of finding 0-day exploits in your organization, ahead of the hackers. With our service, you will be able to actually experience real-world attack methods which you have not seen before, and help you determine whether your existing security-defense mindset is capable of tackling these attacks.
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'Dilwale' Movie Review: The SRK & Kajol starrer Dilwale (directed by Rohit Shetty) has been shot in exotic locations in Iceland and Bulgaria, and Kajol looks amazing in the film. Like any other Rohit Shetty movie, you get a dose of romance, dance, tragedy, emotions and comedy. And you can see him blowing cars this time too, and they seem to be more expensive ones.
Its after a long time that Shahrukh Khan and Kajol were coming together in a movie, no doubt that the expectations were high. The Rohit Shetty directed movie may not have got lots of good reviews from critics, but its surely rocking box offices around the world.
The action-comedy-musical (directed by Rohit shetty) was always destined to open bigger in cinemas around the world, compared to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani, and it proved right in the initial days after the movies were released.
The winning margin does come as a surprise though, because 'Dilwale' got several negative reviews in India, but then that's the power (and the mega stardom) of SRK.
Also Read: Bairao Mastani a better movie. Box office collection in the later weeks confirms so.
Actually both the movie faced protests before the release – Dilwale because of Shah Rukh Khan's comments on religious intolerance in India, and Bajirao Mastani because it allegedly distorts (as per the protestors).
Here we bring to you comments by some of the top critics for the movie Dilwale. Irrespective, go and watch Dilwale for the beautiful locations of Bulgaria and Iceland, and for Rohit-Shetty style fun and action.
Rajeev Masand rates 2/5 on CNN IBN
"It's very hard to describe Rohit Shetty's Dilwale as anything other than a mixed cuisine buffet, given that it tries to offer a little bit of everything to please just about everyone. The real problem with Dilwale is the sheer artificiality of the enterprise. From the rainbow-hued sets and the touched-up landscapes in the Gerua song, to many moments of comedic and emotional payoff, so much of it just feels fake."
Taran Adarsh rates 4/5 on BollywoodHungama
"DILWALE is similar to CHENNAI EXPRESS in several ways. Rohit Shetty focuses on the love story yet again, while the light moments, high-octane drama and aimed-at-masses dialogue — the staple ingredients or fodder that
contribute to a masalathon — adorn the goings-on wonderfully. On the whole, DILWALE is akin to a mouthwatering meal that satiates the craving of those who relish masalathons, besides being an absolute treat for SRK-Kajol fans. An unadulterated crowd-pleaser, DILWALE delivers what you expect from a Rohit Shetty film: King-sized entertainment. Go for it!"
Komal Nahta's comments on Zee ETC Bollywood Business
"On the whole, Dilwale is a masala entertainer from the start till the end. It will do good business at the box-office, mainly on the strength of the support of the youth and the masses. Distributors, many of who have acquired the film at unbelievably high prices, will scrape through. As for the producers, this one is a lottery – sorry, windfall! Yes, the producers may make a net profit of Rs. 80-100 crore in this film!!"
Saibal Chaterjee rates 2.5/5 on NDTV
"To put it simply, Dilwale is a bizarre love story. SRK has done his share of bizarre love stories in his time, but this one just doesn't get off the ground despite the superstar's best efforts. There is more hate and distrust in Dilwale than love. No amount of good-natured clowning and old school romance can save it from sinking into a deep pit a patchiness. Watch it for Kajol and, to a lesser extent, for SRK. The
rest of the actors on this vehicle, barring Varun Sharma on an occasion or two, are mere passengers."
Meena Iyer rates 3/5 on TOI
"Rohit Shetty's films are big-ticket adventures; a genre unto themselves. Low on content — plot lines borrowed (in this case Hum and Kasme Vaade), incohesive screenplay and lowbrow dialogues (Sajid-Farhad) — the film leans heavily on Shah Rukh's mega-stardom, Varun's effervescence, breathtaking locales (Iceland and Bulgaria), orchestrated car chases and over-the-top situations, which have you chuckling."
Shubhra Gupta rates 1/5 on IndianExpress
"There's nothing new in 'Dilwale', which steals moments not just from Rohit Shetty's 'Golmaal' films, but also from Hollywood rom com 'Love Actually'. But 'Dilwale', on the whole, is a plotless drag : the slaphappy antics you see on screen are a random jumble of light, camera, action, done in the broadest sense. When old hands SRK and Kajol look into each other's eyes, they can still make you feel it, except it doesn't happen enough. Not by a long shot. "


text: The Real Simple collection is all about straightforward design and functionality. Able to accommodate any contemporary space, pieces in this collection are go-to choices for practical yet stylish lighting solutions. - Stardust White Powder Coat Finish Over Steel Real Simple Floor Lamp With Mont Blanc White Parchment Shade with Top Diffuser


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Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro v BMW 330i v Mercedes-Benz C250 Comparison
The new ninth-generation A4 quattro is out to prove it's the new mid-sized premium sedan benchmark, taking on the German standard-bearers in BMW 330i and Mercedes-Benz C250
There was time when the Audi A4 had the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the gold standard bearers of mid-sized premium goodness, in its crosshairs from a sniper-like distance. But the four- and five-doors from Ingolstadt have made the long and patiently crawl closer to point where, today, the recently launched, ninth-generation A4 marks the enemy at point blank range.
Conspicuously, Audi has pushed the 'modernisation' and 'tech' barrows to create distance from A4's age-old reputation as the also-ran. But truth is, the sedan and even fresher-faced Avant have lifted their game across the board in all facets that improve the breed. Not only does this new range face-off against BMW and Mercedes-Benz on even ground, it seeks to move the medium sedan game forward and become the benchmarker.
Early signs are that the new A4 sedan is good - a rapturous, nine-out-of-ten good, as was our verdict of the four-variant range back at its February launch this year. With "new engines, class-leading refinement and materials and a host of advanced on-board technology" we surmised that Audi had "hit the ball out of the park."
The intent is clear: the A4 is gunning to be Europe's medium-sized leading light. And what fitter variant with which to measure the heft of the new sedans' swing than the flagship 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic version.
We weren't to leave the status quo from Stuttgart and Munich sat idle on the sidelines watching Audi's ball soar for long without reply. Lining up neatly against the king heap A4 in this comparison test are BMW's 330i and Mercedes-Benz's C250.
Unlike the 2.0 TFSI quattro, the tree-topper of four A4s currently on sale, the 330i and C250 are both middleweight offerings in their respectively broader (seven-variant 3 Series) and (six-variant C-Class) four-door model ranges. While that might seem biased towards the newcomer, all three mid-sized premium Germans align with one another more or less evenly on turbocharged four-cylinder motivation, luxury-infused aspiration, base pricing and general specification.
So what of the status quo's track record? The 330i faced off against the C250 in a four-way test back in December last year, the recently mid-life-updated 'LCI' BMW (scoring a 9.0) taking a slim victory over the Benz (an 8.5 from ten), with both dispatching Jaguar's XE and Lexus's IS200T in the process. While the "Bimmer remains the absolute benchmark for balancing 'sport' and 'premium'," the win, we decided, wasn't exactly a walkover. "Were (this) a test of different spec levels (between the BMW and Benz), the result may well have been different."
It so happens that the segment so used to asking good money for essentials then charging like a wounded bull for niceties has become sensitive to the value quotient. The protagonists are now competing more fiercely on standard equipment and becoming more cagey with their options pitches. BMW's gotten aggressive with value in its ageing 3 Series against a C-Class that, as a sales leader, hasn't had to, which pretty much tipped the win Munich's way last time out.
As we're about to see, 'spec levels' in this segment is portal with a very large, very black hole situated on the other side…
Pricing and specification
Both the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic and BMW 330i list for $69,900 apiece before on-roads. The Mercedes-Benz C250, at $68,900 before on-roads, is more affordable, if only by a measure less than the cost of ticking metallic paint option boxes on either the A4 ($1420) or the BMW ($1840). However, none of our test cars are standard. Far from it.
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If options are nice, German premium options are both very nice and quite pricey. Start ticking boxes and you're thrust promptly into the dark side of that portal…
As they sit on the screen before you, our A4 is $92,791, the 330i is $81,864 and the C250 is $77,561, before on-roads. Call it around $85k for the Benz, nearly $90k for the Bimmer, and you're nudging six figures for the Audi on the road fitted with goodies as tested. Suddenly the $1090 price disparity of this trio has ballooned out to a $15k or so, which hardly makes for a closely matched fight…
In order to compare them, then, we're forced to attempt to trim some fat. Our tactic: to cut the optional indulgences easily ignored with a blind eye, but retain any options that unavoidably impact the review process. Starting with the portly Audi, with its 12 different fitted extras...
Let's start with the A4's S Line Sport package ($3200). Its specific 19-inch wheels, sporty seating and steering wheel intrinsically impact the driving experience, as does the adaptive 'sport' suspension ($1100). The Technik package of virtual cockpit digital instrumentation with head-up display ($2100) cannot be easily ignored in review, nor can Parking Assistance package's 360-degree camera system ($950, includes self-steering when parking).
In the bin? Beyond the metallic paint ($1420), we'd lose the Nappa leather ($1500), the tricky Matrix LED headlights ($1700), cabin mood lighting ($400), privacy glass ($850), sunroof ($1950) and Bang & Olufsen sound ($1500).
That pegs the price back to $77,250 plus on-roads (and a small LCT penalty) for our tangible A4 test experience...if you opt out of the active safety and convenience niceties of the ($1900) Assistance package (more of this shortly).
Crucially, the BMW's aforementioned value pitch means that the 330i gets adaptive M suspension, head-up display and surround-view 360-degree-type camera system as standard, all of which are optional extras on the Audi menu. Not that our Estoril Blue example has dodged the Options Fairy.
Unavoidable in our seat-of-the-pants appraisal are the 330i's M Sport package ($2600) with its specific 19-inch wheels, seats and steering wheel (among various other addenda); the variable sport steering ($400); front seat lumber adjustment ($640); and ConnectDrive Freedom's sat-nav real-time traffic assistance ($429). Easy to ignore in appraisal of its 11 options are the metallic paint ($1840), glass roof ($2920), upgraded loudspeaker system ($700), adaptive LED headlights ($940), high-beam assist ($320), extended smartphone connectivity ($500) and Parking Assistant ($675).
'As tested,' so to speak, our 3 Series test car becomes $73,969 plus on-roads and LCT.
Our C250 gets just four options, though only the Vision pack ($3454), with its glass roof and active/adaptive LED headlight trickery, could feasibly be ignored in review. It's high-end Comand package's ($2300) HDD navigation, Airmatic Agility adaptive suspension ($1915), and seat comfort ($992) compliment creates a $74,107 plus on-roads prospect that's downright penny-pinching in its present company.
While our Benz tester lacks AMG line accouterments – sports seats and steering wheel, among other various spruce-ups – the Airmatic Agility suspension suite does, however, 'unlock' the promise of sporting chassis dynamics. And given holistic drive modes can be dialled up to a Sport+ setting, the C250 won't be viewed as lacking sporting aspiration against its S Line and M Sport fettled rivals.
Standard equipment for all three is reasonably comprehensive, with each offering leather trim, satellite-navigation, rear-view cameras and sensors, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth/USA/Aux connectivity, keyless entry, push-button start, auto LED headlights and auto wipers. The same goes for core safety features, with the 330i and C250 covering off the A4 quattro's solid suite that includes active collision mitigation with autonomous braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems. (For full specification lists, click the links for A4, 3 Series and C-Class.)
Each offers expanded safety for added cost, the Audi's ($1900) Assistance package bundling lane-keep, turning and collision avoidance assists with niceties such as high-beam assist and a nifty adaptive cruise control that'll modulate progress in stop-start traffic. Thing is, the C250 gets adaptive Distronic Plus with Steer Control and Stop and Go Pilot as standard. And that head-up display you stumped for in the Technik package comes at no extra cost in the 330i.
When cross-shopping on spec, this segment can be confronting and complicated. Especially for buyers cherry-picking preferred specific features. Choice can present confusion. For instance, the A4 range offers four different suspension configurations – comfort or sport in either passive or adaptive formats – so it's tough, at times, to even know what you might want. It's buyer beware when it comes to weighing up features, options and value. And our advice is to do your homework if you're particular about spec, leverage your dealer to work through it, and check out dealer-specified bundles that might offer more equipment for a sharper-than-options-list pricing.
Both the A4 quattro and 330i subscribe to a 'if premium is nice, sports-premium is nicer' ethos. Each looks muscular, well resolved and has plenty of devil in the details but, of course, want extra cost for S line and M Sport stylisms outside and in. Opt out of either car's enhancements packages results in a blander take on the A4 or 3 Series aesthetic, impacting their vibe and appeal.
Despite not having anything like 'sports' pretension, the Benz got the nod as 'most likely to impress your neighbours' according consensus around the CarAdvice office. While the C250 isn't necessarily more stylized than its rivals, but the lack of overt sportisms does bring about a little added sophistication. Preference, however, is in the eye of the buyer, and each is handsome and suitably premium in exterior presentation.
The Audi cabin's revamped, techy and angular design (as seen above) has the freshest and more elaborate appearance. Between the dual digital screens – virtual cockpit for driver, central infotainment screen for everyone – and broad array of controls and buttons conspire to an effect that's both richly upmarket and overwrought. Gone is the predictable, by-the-numbers Audi interior design of old, and lovers of this revised approach to cabin design outnumber the dislikers by a long measure. For material tactility and a sense of richness achieved by blending combinations of finishes and textures, the Audi tops its two German rivals.
The C250 (above) is more subdued inside, its S-Class-inspired design not quite as daisy fresh as when it debuted just two years ago. It's neat and contemporary, and satisfying in the details, be it the metal hand rest of the console's Comand controller or the slick precision of switchgear that satisfies more than Audi's plasticky button arrangement.
That said, Benz's leather trim isn't as supple as the Audi's, though, given the A4's $1500-optional Nappa trim upgrade, nor would it be expected to be. There's enough fanfare in the metal effects and brushed alloys to lift the mostly grey and piano black aesthetic out of the stoic doldrums. In short, the Benz feels more 'quality' than 'special'.
By contrast, the BMW cabin is, strangely, fussy (general look and quantity of finishes) and plain (design details, vents and buttons). It's the most 'classic' in general ambience, though it certainly doesn't feel cheaper or lack in appeal compared with the Audi or Benz. There are plenty of slickness and ample modern touches, such as the thoroughly contemporary 'M' paddle-shifter steering wheel.
The 'sportiness' equals 'chunkiness' vibe of the 330i won't appeal to everyone's tastes, but there's certainly a masculine charm to thick-rimmed wheel and the fatness of the seat bolsters that weld your torso into place. Despite the light ivory and blue accented coloured scheme, the BMW is a slightly more claustrophobic and snug than the airier Audi and Benz accommodation, but such is effect of its low-slung, driver centric layout offering excellent ergonomics.
I found the BMW the easiest to adjust to my liking and the most comfortable for long-haul travelling, though the front M Sport seats don't balance comfort and purpose quite as well as the superb Audi S line pews. If you have long legs, you do have to raise the A4 seats a fair bit for ample under-thigh support and the left foot dead-pedal is set too deep in the footwell. The Benz, with its patently more relaxed front seating, doesn't quite offer the same all-round support, and I found it required the most adjustment to arrive at a decent driving position.
In the second row, the Audi's seats are flatter and firmer than the more sculpted BMW arrangement, though all three adopt an almost two-plus-two effect with pronounced hump in the central seating position. The Benz has shortest seat back and squab and seems better sized for youngsters than full-sized adults.
In terms of overall cabin space, both the newly enlarged A4 and the 330i are equally roomy in both rows, whereas the Benz has a notably tighter second row, especially for headroom, which is impacted greatly by the glass roof. The C250 also has noticeably less knee and shoulder room in the rear, too. So while all three sedans could practicably haul four adults for extended periods, it's really the more spacious Audi and BMW that realistically offer genuine flexibility to fit a fifth adult in the centre-rear position while providing proper long-haul comfort.
Each has all the requisite fixture points for child seats in the rear, though it's the Audi that offers the most comprehensive rear airflow system, with a full suite of rear passenger climate controls, including temperature adjustment, in a proper three-zone arrangement. Meanwhile, the BMW allows rear occupants to adjust fan speed and temperature separately, while the Benz makes do with a simple On/Off airflow arrangement.
Comparing infotainment system is a little unfair given our Benz has ($2300 of Comand) upgrades and its rivals don't though, as outlined, the 330i gets high-spec Navigation System Professional as standard. BMW's iDrive has long rated in review as more streamlined and intuitive design, but I've spent more time with the Benz system and, well, none of these systems, including Audi's MMI, are tough to acclimatize to.
Some find the Benz's 'cod piece' console controller clunky to use, but it's no less intuitive than the Audi method - with its unusual 'side buttons' - and the BMW rotary dial with its cluster of short-cut buttons. The C250's control is also hewn in metal and feels exquisite to touch...right until the point where you've left the Benz in sun all day, when it becomes blisteringly hot and takes forever to cool down.
Of the three, the Benz has the clearest sat-nav display and tends to label more street names than the rival systems, though the BMW's system remains the pick of the bunch mainly because the real-time traffic display is thoroughly well sorted.
For parking assistance, the Audi's (optional) armada of camera views - 360-degree top view, front view, front and rear corner view, all switchable in screen - is the most comprehensive and complete. The standard-fit BMW system, though, isn't far off the Audi, though lacks a little clarity and sheer visual information. The Benz, again, is hardly class leading, though it is the only car here with the clever rear parking sensor strip light located over the rear windscreen to aid conventional, peer-over-the-shoulder reverse-parking manoeuvres.
Each car locates its controls for drive selection and active assistance activation/deactivation differently, too, and even Benz's preference for steering column-mounted transmission controller and door-mounted seat controls are love or loathe affairs. As is, for that matter, the Audi dual-screen virtual cockpit, which many adore but I find presents information overload.
Engine and driveline
All three offer 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder motivation through quite different drivetrains: the rear-driven Benz and BMW use seven- and eight-speed conventional automatics, while Audi adopts a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission feeding torque through all four wheels.
The Audi tops the output heap with 185kW at 5000-6000rpm and 370Nm - the highest torque figure here - from 1600 through to 4500rpm. The BMW matches the A4's peak power, though higher in the rev range (6500rpm), while it produces 20Nm fewer Newton metres, though it does so in a broader 1450-4800rpm band. Meanwhile, the Benz makes the lowest power here, 155kW at 5500rpm, though the engine matches the BMW's 350Nm between 1200-4000rpm.
We've praised the 330i's engine in the past for its punchy low-end delivery, robust mid-range and characterful sonic satisfaction, and indeed our test car has a soulfulness and urgency befitting a proper driver's car. The eight-speed auto is intuitive when self-shifting, responsive when manualised either using the paddleshifters or the correctly oriented (back-for-upshift, forward for downshift) console shifter. In operation and refinement, it's almost unflappable, though the powertrain has some occasional hesitation in the middle of cornering at a cruise.
The BMW is equally happy tooling around or being pushed and there's a noticeable corresponding change in character between its comfort- and sport-oriented drive modes. At 5.8 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint, it's plenty quick when it wants to be.
The A4 matches the 330i's acceleration claim, and it feels it by the seat of the pants, too. Audi continues to iron out the low-speed, stop-start rough edges of the dual-clutch gearbox design and this seven-speed is very good, if not infallible, and can, like the BMW, be caught snoozing, particularly off the mark. That said, on the move, shifts are utterly seamless and, in its most sporting drive modes, the Audi powertrain is impressively refined can be both precise on control and urgent in delivery.
Like the 330i, the A4's 2.0-litre engine has convincing aural character, though actual volume might be a little too tempered for some tastes. And both cars offer tap-for-sport, allowing the driver quick, momentary bursts of heightened powertrain response without having to change actual drive modes, a feature the Benz doesn't offer…
The C250 feels nothing like as gusty, responsive and characterful as its Audi and BMW rivals. It's not nearly as swift to march, and its 6.8sec 0-100km/h ability is a full second off its rivals' pace. The powertrain feels slightly lethargic, workmanlike in character and not terribly 'premium'. Dial up Dynamic mode and, while acceleration is keener, the engine feels strained and sounds gruff. It's not a car that gets sweeter than harder it's pushed.
That the C250 is the least capable pulse-raiser in a straight line won't deter some buyers. But it's not quite as effortless as its rivals across the balance of normal driving, and there's a fair argument that effortlessness in itself goes some way to reinforcing a premium vibe. And so it would prove in the consumption figures, the Benz's 8.5L/100km combined cycle consumption on test about a half-litre thristier than the Audi or the BMW.
On its optional adaptive air suspension, the Benz soaks up poor road surfaces with aplomb in its softer settings, its ride quality the most sanguine across small road imperfections and expansion joins. It is, though, slightly wallowy and over speed humps the compression stroke is slow and the chassis takes a long moment to settle.
The 330i, with its standard-issue sport adaptive suspension, lacks the Benz's outright compliance but the trade-off is a markedly more confident ride-handling blend: it floats less, settles more quickly in rebound, has tighter body control and generally communicates a little more clearly.
Across the broad spectrum of driving situations, the Audi shines brighter still. In its comfortable setting, the cost-optional adaptive sport suspension's bump control is superb without impacting core handling. Meanwhile, set to its firmest setting, the Audi feels crisp and engaging without becoming over firm or crashy.
All three cars are very quiet at a cruise when it comes to wind noise and sound penetration, though each exhibits tyre roar from their 19-inch rolling stock over coarse surfaces (both rear drivers use 225mm/255mm front/rear rubber, the Audi adopts 245s all round and is the only car here with a space-saver spare). Across one particularly nasty speed hump along our 'ride loop', each revealed a thud or clank from the suspension system.
Yes, many buyers in this segment don't want nor care for driving enjoyment and spirited dynamics. But when asking north – in our test cars' case, well north – of $70K for a mid-sized four-cylinder sedan, the quality of the all-round driving experience should rightly transcend 'acceptable' and land right in 'impressive' territory. Each should shine as much in handling as it should in ride comfort.
Somewhat setting the bar around town, the Audi just gets better the further afield you go and the harder you push it. Grippy, surefooted, responsive, it's a veritable RennSport-lite experience that instills huge driver confidence and one that can cover the twistiest ground with eye-opening pace.
Ultimately, the 330i is the more playful and responsive of the two, and offers higher 'on the throttle' enjoyment for reasons seemingly beyond its rear-driven format. There's fun factor in the 3 Series' DNA, and chassis engineers seem to have grab that ball a bolted with it.
The Audi is more benign – it just sits and grips and is less responsive to throttle input tomfoolery. But that doesn't make for less joy. Our heavily fettled A4 quattro is a clearer communicator, with slightly better steering feel – despite the 330i being fitted with Variable Sport steering ($400) – and front-end point. In short, the Audi gets tighter when pushed to point where the BMW gets looser.
Neither is necessarily the better driver's car, just different. And neither takes its dynamic character and deviates much from its forebears. Horses for courses, perhaps, but both are talented and satisfying driver's device, if anchoring appeal in quite different way.
The Benz is not without talent. It points confidently and holds its trajectory through a sweeping corner at a great rate of knots. It's just not as focused, as playful, as keen to change direction nor quite as cooperative to the driver's whims. In its firmer settings, the body control isn't quite as tight, and its handling isn't as agile, as its Adaptive Agility namesake suggests. It's good, but not properly sporting. Perhaps the addition of AMG Line, with its Sport Direct-Steer enhancement, might have altered some of this situation somewhat against its S line- and M Sport-advantaged rivals.
The three Germans sedans come with three-year/unlimited-kilometre warrantees, with each marque offering free road-side assistance.
BMW and Mercedes-Benz both have 12 month/25,000km servicing plans, the 3 Series capped at $1340 over five years. The C-Class has servicing schedules of up to five years at $396 per service ($1980 total). Audi's servicing program is $1620, though is only for three years with 12 months and shorter 15,000kms intervals.
Audi has done a fine job propelling the A4 evolution, this new generation a more comprehensively resolved car than the last-gen sedan and one asserting authority in a segment where, for a long time, the nameplate played third fiddle. Its cabin, long the benchmark for material quality, now finally looks fresh and forward thinking in design. Despite my personal reservations about the virtual cockpit clutter (in A4 application), there's enough goodness at play to perhaps force the hand of BMW and Mercedes-Benz to lift the game.
But virtual cockpit, like the A4 quattro's superior suspension tunings, the class-leading 360-degree camera work, the superb seating, those cleverdick LED Matrix headlights, the most sumptuous Nappa leather and even the outstanding Bang & Olufsen three-dimensional sound all come at tremendous extra cost that stacks up against the Audi's value pitch, not to mention amounting to something of an unfair competitive advantage here amongst these three particular test cars.
Would I take this particular Audi over its two rival in review? Yes I would.
But would I pay a $15k premium over the C250 sedan in order to do so? No I wouldn't. And is this particular A4 ten-grand fitter than the 330i? No it isn't. Blind Freddy could see that had the Benz benefitted with its own 12 options (including sporty AMG line) and the Audi fitted with just four, comparative appraisal might well be quite different. And yet we'd still be no closer to a definitive verdict of the finest and fittest mid-sized German sedan.
If costly options cloud the result of this review, pity the prospective buyer sat in the showroom faced with a lengthy list probables as options.
Still, even ignoring what's around $23K of upgraded distraction layered onto our A4 quattro, there are core qualities that aren't masked by bells and whistles. The Audi has a gutsier, more fittingly upmarket power train than the Benz. And it's roomier inside, with a touch more holistic richness throughout. And where each car on test is fitted with adaptive suspension, the Ingolstadt car proved to have the most comprehensively impressive ride and handling package of the two.
The 330i, though, has the new A4 covered everywhere you look. That said, the "absolute benchmark for balancing 'sport' and 'premium'" isn't anything like as absolute in measure any more. The fresh-faced Audi stands tyre to tyre with the ageing BMW for traits with with the Munich car is so very renown, while waving around its more contemporary 'newer car smell' for extra insult.
Thing is, with its adaptive M suspension, head-up display, high-end navigation and surround-view parking camera goodies all fitted standard, the car never renown for leveraging value makes its four-door rival from Ingolstadt look a little under-equipped and over-priced.
For sheer completeness, then, the BMW edges ahead of the impressive newcomer.
Click on the Photos tab for more images by Christian Barbeitos


text: Cole is an approximately 3-month-old mix who is high energy and fun! He loves wrestling with his foster siblings, chasing everyone around the yard, and being a part of the action. He's looking for a patient and active family with the time and energy to help him with his manners as he matures to around 70 pounds full-grown.


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My Desktop Disappeared from Explorer: Quick Fix!
So, one day you're just minding your own business, and all is well.
Then, before you know it, your Desktop link under "Favorites" in Explorer has gone bye-bye.
It just got up and walked out the door.
Whatever shall you do?
Not to worry, it's pretty easy to restore your missing Desktop link in Explorer in Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8…


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I have been asked what my setup is for the Roland GK-3 divided pickup on my Fender Modern Player Marauder. Well, here they are! In an earlier post I documented my process for installing the Roland internal kit for the GK-3 pickup in my Roland Marauder guitar.
Per Roland's product description:
This kit includes all parts for permanent installation of a GK-3 Divided Pickup into an electric guitar: a GK-3 Divided Pickup, circuit board, switches, power indicator LED, 13-pin connector, wiring and hardware. Professional installation is required.
- Divided guitar pickup for use with Roland V-Guitar System, GR-20 Guitar Synthesizer, or BOSS GK Effect Pedals
- 3-position switching between divided pickup, natural bass pickup, or mix of both
- Mounts on any electric or steel-stringed acoustic guitar


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The Clarinet BBoard
Quote: It is also best to place the very "tip" of the tongue at the very top edge of the reed (immagine a dot placed rigtht at mid point of the very tip.....and aim for that).
Quote: Your only other options are how far down from the tip you place what part of the tongue. I would say any of those variants offers less control and less immediacy.


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The Department of Journalism was established in 1976 at Birla Campus, Srinagar (Garhwal). Later on, the nomenclature of the department was changed to 'Centre for Journalism and Mass Communication' from 18 September, 2000. Under the New Education Policy-2020, a new syllabus of B.A.(Honours.) Journalism and mass Communication has come into effect from the academic year 2022-23 from First semester onwards. The department also runs a two-year M.A. (Journalism and Mass Communication) and Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication too.
The Centre for Journalism and Mass Communication has well equipped laboratories for print media and electronic media (Audio-Visual) including studio for the practical training of students. These facilities ensure that the students are well-trained in various aspects of and skills related to mass communication. The department has the facility of class rooms, seminar hall, conference room, photography lab and departmental library. Provisions for the students have been made for extensive field and institutional visits/Apprenticeship training in the courses being offered by the department. In addition to the permanent faculty, the department also engages guest faculty to augment the strength of the faculty to facilitate teaching in the department.
The courses being offered by the department provide ample job opportunities to students in the field of journalism and mass communication. The alumni of the department have been serving several prestigious organizations of the print and electronic media.
Non-Teaching Employees of the Centre for Journalism and Mass Communication
S.No. Name Designation Mobile No. Email ID
1. Dr. Devendra Singh Instructor 9411155366 email@example.com
2. Nain Singh Silwal L.D.C. 7088522457 firstname.lastname@example.com
3. Rajendra Singh Technical Officer(Out Source) 7668193468 email@example.com
4. Aruna Rauthan Camera Person (Out Source) 9720889939 email@example.com
5. Ramesh Kumar Bisht M.T.S. 7300555518 firstname.lastname@example.com
6. Ranjana M.T.S. 7895429252


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Does Your Auto Repair Shop Have a Safety Manual?
Auto repair shops must take safety seriously in order to stay in business. If they do not follow safety precautions when it comes to operating machinery or handling chemicals, it can lead to injuries, lost work time, and staff loss, as well as potential lawsuits or workers' compensation claims. One important step in establishing a positive safety environment is to create a safety manual and train your employees on its policies.
What Does a Safety Manual Include?
To begin with, your shop's safety manual should include instructions on what employees should do in case of a true emergency: a fire, an explosion, an earthquake, a flood, or a blizzard. It goes without saying that in addition to these instructions, employees should be regularly trained on what to do in case of emergency. All emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, goggles, and gloves, must be provided and maintained. Employees should also be trained to observe OSHA standards such as keeping exits clear and ensuring that their work areas are always properly ventilated.
In addition to major emergencies, your manual should contain instructions for what to do for other lesser emergencies like accidents, cuts, burns, or chemical spills. Because auto repair shops must use sharp tools, power tools, and chemicals to repair cars, your employees should be trained on how to do their work in ways that would minimize risk of accident or injury. Adding incentive programs for maintaining an accident-free workplace or rewarding employees who model your safety program are inexpensive ways to emphasize your shop's commitment to safety.
Essential Safety Policies
The following are policies that should be included in any auto repair shop safety manual:
Do not smoke in or around the repair bays or garages. The chemicals that are stored or are in use there are extremely flammable, and smoking is an unacceptable risk. If your company has a no smoking policy, this will, of course, be covered under that. Three or four decades ago, it might have been impossible to enforce this kind of policy, but smoking has been essentially pushed from most workplaces today.
Keep workspaces clean and organized. Put away tools when they are not in use.
Make sure all exits are clear and free of clutter.
Do not wear clothing that is loose, torn, or that could catch on equipment and endanger you. (A good dress code policy makes it easy for all employees to know what to wear.)
Wear protective gear. This includes, but may not be limited to goggles, gloves, and ear protection.
Keep safety equipment like fire extinguishers accessible and well maintained.
When working on a vehicle, remove the keys from the ignition switch. Also: disconnect the car's battery when working on an electrical system or with wiring. A car with a key in the ignition switch can still draw current from the battery, so avoid unplugging fuses or working on wiring until you have made sure that no current can pass through the system and shock you or cause electrical damage to the vehicle.
Check the temperature of the car before working on the engine, manifold, exhaust system or the radiator as they can all cause burns when they are hot. Do not open the radiator until the car has had a chance to fully cool down.
Keep your hands, tools, and other objects away from the engine while it is running so that nothing gets caught on any moving part within.
Double check that any vehicle you are working on is fully supported before working underneath it.
Read the labels on any chemicals used in the auto shop. Workers should be aware of any hazardous chemicals used or stored in the auto shop. All chemicals should be clearly labeled and carefully stored according to the proper guidelines.
These are only the most obvious of safety tips. OSHA has extensive guidelines about all facets of safety for auto repair shops that managers must be aware of and follow to the letter or face fines or other action. An employee safety manual cannot contain all of that information, however. It's too overwhelming. When creating your safety manual, it's a good idea to seek input from your staff. They are on the frontlines of the work and may have good ideas about steps to take to avoid accidents. They also will have ideas about how to go about familiarizing themselves with the information. They will train the workers whose job it will be to maintain the safety culture you establish in your shop.
Does your auto repair shop have a safety manual? What further safety tips does it include? Please share them in the comments below or in our forums.


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AN: Oh my goodness, I can't believe I am finally posting this... I think I'll let you read and save my notes for the end (they will be fairly brief for now)...
I watched him from the shadows of the Temple of Time, admiring his strong, composed stance. Night had fallen, and the gentle torchlight illuminated his figure, softening the starch white of his clothing. His loose, plain tunic lacked any kind of decorative stitching, and a white sash had replaced the usual belt. Such humble attire had been specially made for this very occasion, when Link faced the judgment of the Three Golden Goddesses themselves.
This was his Rite of Kingship, the first and most important step toward coronation.
He had formed a mental barrier to help him focus completely on the ceremony, so while I could not sense his thoughts, and though he showed no outward sign of it, I knew he was nervous—very nervous. Months of battling his inner darkness had wounded Link's confidence and left him questioning his worth. Even despite the Council's unanimous decision to conduct the Rite of Kingship, Link had found little sleep the previous night, haunted by his fear of failure. For the Rite wasn't merely a ceremony—it was a test. Each candidate could perform this test only once; there were no second chances. Unless Link received the Blessing of the Goddesses that very night, he would never take the throne at my side.
I felt almost certain he would succeed, but I could not pretend to know the will of the Goddesses, and the possibility of his failure had also weighed upon my mind. I remembered how I had dreaded my own Rite, partly because the day had come before I was ready for it. My father's illness had claimed his life only months after my marriage, and his responsibilities had fallen onto my shoulders. Desperate to ease the weight of this burden, Link had requested that he and I conduct our Rites together. But the Council had denied his request, and I had performed the ceremony alone. He had struggled to fill the empty throne at my side ever since… and his moment had finally come.
Seven priests and priestesses, including the Temple's High Priest, surrounded him in a wide circle, garbed in long white robes and hoods. Each held thick white candles in their steady hands.
"Kneel, Link Harkinian," the High Priest instructed him in a gentle but assertive tone.
Slowly Link sank to his knees, bowing his head as he pressed a fist to his heart. I had taken a similar stance in my Rite of Queenship. It was an expression of lowliness, of the candidate's willing servitude to the gods.
The others then stepped forward to place their candles on the floor, encircling Link with a ring of flames. The candles represented the seven qualities of an ideal leader: diligence, patience, kindness, chastity, temperance, charity, and humility. They, like Link's clothing, had been created specifically for the ceremony.
"Din, Goddess of Power…" The High Priest began to chant in flawless Ancient Hylian. "…Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom…"
Link remained still as stone, his head bowed and eyes closed. Tension strained the air as my heart began to race.
"…Farore, Goddess of Courage… We present to thee Link Harkinian, Prince Consort of Hyrule, who hath been deemed worthy to serve thou in kingship. Yet our judgment is but a shadow of thine immeasurable wisdom, and thus we humbly await thy Blessing—"
Before the Priest could finish his sentence, the candles suddenly flared red, then blue, then a particularly bright shade of green. Again and again they changed, glowing brighter and brighter until their ever changing flames began to spread beyond their wicks. Steadily they joined into one, surrounding Link in a brilliant ring of fire…
And then the blaze consumed him.
I drew a sharp breath and crossed my arms, clutching the fabric of my sleeves with cold, sweating hands. Having experienced those flames myself, I knew they would not harm Link unless he failed the test. But watching him bow his head down toward the floor, engulfed in those wild, multicolored flames… even I struggled to believe he could emerge unscathed.
Then finally the flames began to recede, slithering away from Link's prostrated form. I released the breath I'd been holding, watching as the fire withered and parted into its original seven flames. Having resumed their original forms upon each candlewick, the flames then vanished into seven wisps of smoke.
"The Goddesses have spoken," the High Priest declared, and I could hear the joy in his otherwise calm voice. "Rise, Prince Link."
Slowly Link lifted his head, rising to his feet as the smoke drifted about him. I stepped forward, near dizzy with relief as I left my place in the shadows. He passed… He passed…
The Priest approached Link, holding a golden circlet in his hands. Its elegant design featured three gems—a ruby, a sapphire, and an emerald—which symbolized the Blessing Link had just received. This was the King's Circlet of Acceptance, and Link would wear it until he was coronated.
"The Sisters have granted you their Blessing," the Priest said, placing the Circlet over Link's head. "You will be coronated in thirty days' time."
He then stepped back to rejoin the ring of priests and priestesses. "The Rite is concluded," he declared. "Behold your future king."
The others bowed in reverent unison. "Our king," they echoed.
I remained where I stood several feet away, giving Link his moment. His eyes sought mine, however, and I felt his awed exhilaration as his mental barrier faded. I gave him a tearful, beaming smile, knowing he could sense my exuberant pride.
My king.
Impa returned to the castle shortly after Link's Rite of Kingship, bringing with her two representatives of the Alliance—and the answer to our prayers. For the Alliance, she proudly informed us, had agreed to support our peace treaty.
The two representatives, Lord Cedric Oswin from Holodrum and Lord Kalan Eldred of Labrynna were both middle-aged and surprisingly pleasant individuals. They had come to draft the terms of the treaty and to ensure Guinevere's cooperation once she arrived. The terms were simple: in exchange for Ashton's life, and the release of the Vandelian soldiers we held captive, Vandelius would cease all acts of war against Hyrule. Any further violence would result in the direct retaliation of Alliance forces from multiple kingdoms.
Copies of the finalized treaty were created, each bearing four blank lines—one for my signature, one for Guinevere's, and two for those of the Alliance representatives.
Her response to my initial letter had been short, stating she would arrive in two week's time to negotiate for her son's life. There would be no negotiations, however, since Guinevere had little choice but to sign the treaty.
As expected, her carriage reached Castletown mere days after the treaty's completion. Several guards escorted her party through the town and beyond the castle gates, halting them before the castle's grand entranceway. Ian and a group of his best guards awaited her there, and only once they had thoroughly searched the entire party did Ian allow Guinevere to proceed.
Link and I stood before a high window, watching her strut up the stairway with her head held high. Her full burgundy skirts trailed behind her, weighed down by the dark fur she had fashionably draped across her shoulders. A large, extravagant headpiece sat atop her head, and a bejeweled cane—used more to occupy her hands than assist her knees—completed her showy attire. The Queen Mother of Vandelius always dressed to intimidate.
Eight years ago, I had been a victim of that intimidation. I had come to Vandelius hoping to win her motherly affections, but that idea had shattered the very day I arrived. Guinevere was a strict and demanding woman, rarely pleased with anything, and I had failed to meet her impossible standards. She had treated me like a pet, training me to be little more than her obedient imitation, but even my earnest efforts to had fallen short of her lofty expectations.
So much has changed since then, I reminded myself, lifting a hand to caress my belly. She has no power here, not anymore.
My tension dissipated when I felt Link's hand caress my back. I turned to meet his gaze, soothing away his concern and admiring him for the umpteenth time that morning. Hyrulean fashion could never compete with the materialism of Vandelius, but he and I had also dressed for the occasion.
Wanting to present myself with an image of dignified authority, I had chosen a golden gown with tight, stiff sleeves that puffed a bit at the shoulders. Rubies set to black embroidery adorned the high, snug collar, fading just above the empire waistline. Flowing layers of golden gossamer cascaded past my ankles, softening the more severe look of the bodice. Rubies hung from my ears, and a formal golden crown had replaced my usual circlet.
My gown was beautiful, but I had taken far greater delight in Link's appearance. His heavy, midnight blue tunic made a dramatic contrast to the wine red shirt he wore underneath. Careful attention to detail had given it some necessary flair without the aristocratic flamboyance Ashton so adored. His thick, tall collar featured impressive red and gold embroidery, as did the seams along his armscyes. Gold clasps adorned the front of his tunic, and a narrow gold trim continued below his belt. Matching dark red trousers tucked into polished black boots completed his outfit. It was simple attire for a prince awaiting his coronation, but Link preferred it that way, and he wore it well. Very well. With the Circlet of Acceptance across his brow, and with all trace of his illness gone, Link was the epitome of impressive nobility.
Resisting the urge to kiss him—since I'd allowed the maids to paint my lips—I reached for his hand and laced my fingers with his.
Come, my love, I told him softly. It's time we washed our hands of him.
Minutes later we sat in the Council Chamber, waiting for Guinevere to be escorted inside. Link sat perpendicular to my right, and Impa, representing the High Council, sat perpendicular to my left. Beside them sat Lord Cedric and Lord Kalan.
Shortly after everyone had settled into their chairs, two sharp knocks sounded at the heavy double doors.
"Enter," I called.
The doors swung open as Ian strode inside and paused to give a quick, perfected bow.
"The Queen Mother of Vandelius," he announced, "Lady Guinevere Sophia Regaldi."
Then he stepped aside, allowing the older woman to come forward. Her cane made a dull thud against the stone floor as she strode inside, carrying herself with haughty sophistication. She was a tall, attractive woman, slender without being slight, and she boasted all the desirable physical traits of a mature woman. She had always taken great lengths to resist her age, caking her face with makeup and molding her figure with a corset. Only the faint grey streaks in her otherwise raven hair betrayed her true age.
Her piercing emerald gaze scanned her audience before settling on Link. I knew her stare had nothing to do with his handsome looks. Harsh scrutiny burned in her eyes, a blazing hatred for the man who had replaced her son. Link held her gaze, unwavering as he maintained a mask as calm and confident as my own.
"Lady Guinevere," I addressed her, careful to keep a neutral tone, "I trust you have verified your son's condition?"
Her eyes, so much like Ashton's, shifted to me. "I would not be standing here if I had not," she sneered.
"We arranged to keep him in acceptable health until your arrival. Do you agree the terms have been met?"
"Absolutely not," she snapped. "I demand to know what you've done to his hand. Some ghastly form of torture, I imagine?"
"Your son inflicted that wound upon himself," I replied, unfazed by the venom in her tone. "He chose to tamper with magic, despite his ignorance on the subject, and he has suffered the consequences."
"Why did you not treat it?" she hissed.
"We agreed to treat wounds with lethal potential," I said in a lower tone. "We did not agree to keep him comfortable or to reverse any disfigurement."
"I want it healed." Her eyes bore into mine, narrowed and threatening. "He cannot return to our society with such deformity."
"Lady Guinevere, if I may enlighten you to the current situation," Lord Cedric spoke up. "There have been some developments during your travels, and you are no longer in a position to make demands. The Alliance has already finalized a peace treaty, and there will be no negotiations." He gestured to the papers on the table. "You will take your seat and sign all three copies, or you forfeit your son's life."
Guinevere stared at him, clearly outraged.
"The Alliance has approved this nonsense?" she stammered. "Without the consent—without the awareness—of Vandelius?"
"We would not be here if they had not," Lord Kalan replied dryly. "Have a seat, Lady Guinevere."
Slowly, as though toying with our patience, Guinevere sank into her chair. Before her sat a long quill and a bottle of ink, which she ignored.
"This personal vendetta has gone on long enough," Cedric said. "Your son has no place in Hyrule, nor do your soldiers. This treaty will ensure that."
"Sign your name," Kalan repeated, "or return to Vandelius without your son. Those are your options."
He then rose from his chair to place the treaty before her.
"The terms are simple enough," he said. "Vandelius will cease and desist all hostile acts against Hyrule. In exchange, Lady Zelda has agreed to return all Vandelian prisoners, including your son."
Guinevere hesitated, lifting her eyes to Kalan with an air of loathing.
"And if I refuse?" she hissed.
Fear clutched my heart with a tight, icy grip. Guinevere's possible refusal had crossed my mind, but I never let myself believe she would do it. Choosing to continue the war meant choosing to allow Ashton's execution.
It also meant sending my soldiers back into battle—Link included.
My eyes met his, and though he tried to send me silent reassurance I sensed his fear as well.
"If you refuse to end this peacefully," Cedric replied, "the Alliance will end this in a less pleasant manner. We know your son tampered with black magic to conquer Hyrule with an army of the dead—I can assure you Vandelius will find little favor after such a disturbing course of action."
Guinevere shifted, pursing her lips as she considered his words.
"I'm afraid," she said, pushing the treaty away—much to my horror, "that I am unable to sign a treaty like this. My son is ruler of Vandelius; he must be the one to give his consent."
"Your son is a prisoner of war and the property of Hyrule." Kalan tapped his finger against the treaty. "As stated here, the Alliance recognizes that authority has fallen to you as Queen Mother. The decision is yours."
I held my breath as Guinevere hesitated again, resisting the urge to reach for Link's hand. The chamber stood silent as a tomb, and I felt certain everyone could hear my pounding heart.
Then, finally, she reached for the quill and jabbed it into the ink.
"This is outrageous," she muttered, signing her name with harsh, angry strokes. Quietly I exhaled, closing my eyes as a wave of dizziness swept over me. Link's own relief flowed through the bond, though we dared not make any outward exchange.
Cedric then rose and handed her the other two treaties. "There are three copies—one for Hylian records, one for Vandelian records, and one for the Alliance records," he informed her. "You will sign all three."
Guinevere fixed him with a cold glare but obediently signed the treaties. The representatives and I moved to do the same, but Guinevere rose from her chair and snatched her copy.
"Have my son escorted to my carriage," she said coldly. "We leave immediately."
Casting me one last glare, she turned and rapped her cane against the doors, signaling the guards to open them outside. They did so quickly, and she stormed out of the chamber without another word.
Link, Impa, and I rose to our feet to shake hands with Cedric and Kalan, thanking them with humble sincerity.
"I've been sympathetic since the Retribution War," Cedric said with a smile. "Kalan and I voted to interfere with the civil war here, but obviously the majority ruled against it."
"Vandelius has always been a more… aggressive kingdom, but Ashton has taken it to entirely new bounds," Kalan added. "You can rest assured he won't meddle in Hyrulean affairs again."
Impa and Link could see my composure unraveling, and quickly Impa ushered the two representatives from the chamber with the promise of a celebratory feast. Link reached for me, sensing my onslaught of tears, and immediately I fell into his arms.
"Link—" I choked, unable to stop my tears from wetting his tunic.
"Shh, it's okay," he whispered, his own composure wavering as he pressed a firm, lingering kiss to my temple. "It's over, darling. It's over…"
Though he did not share in my tears, I sensed his feelings echoed mine. The treaty hadn't simply ended the recent conflict with Vandelius; it had put an end to more than seven years of personal war against Ashton and his undying thirst for revenge. To be free of him after so much heartache still seemed like a dream.
We made it, Zelda, Link soothed, slowly caressing my back. This is reality. He's out of our lives.
Knowing I needed the closure of seeing Ashton leave my home for the last time, I forced myself to calm down and hurriedly fixed my makeup before our guards dragged him from the dungeon. I wanted dry eyes and a steel demeanor when I witnessed Ashton's final departure. I would not give him the satisfaction of seeing me so shaken.
Minutes later Link and I stood outside the castle entrance, watching our guards escort Ashton and his mother to her carriage. Guinevere had removed her fur and draped it over Ashton's slumped form, taking care to hide his deformed hand from curious eyes. Whether the gesture was more for his benefit or her own, I could not say.
Guinevere had always kept an active role in Ashton's life, influencing him more than his absent, negligent father, but never had I seen her express motherly affection. Ashton had been subjected to her constant criticism since he was a young child, and though he would never admit it I knew he still struggled to win her approval.
And now he had failed her. Embarrassed her.
As someone who had never known true love or happiness, Ashton always had a gaping hole in his life—in his soul, even. He never understood the cause of his emptiness, and therefore had no idea how to cure it. Cheap thrills had brought him artificial pleasure, fleeting indulgences that lacked true satisfaction. Eventually I became his means to gain that lasting satisfaction, and losing me had left him more bitter, apathetic, and self-absorbed than ever before.
Now, years later, I had slipped through his fingers a second time. Meddling with black magic had already taken a hard toll on his health, but I knew his humiliation would strike a harder blow day after day. Whispers would follow him, mockery of all kinds, and each year he would wither a little more, rotting inside until death finally claimed him.
I might have pitied the man, but in that moment I could not summon anything but quiet loathing. I could not forget the suffering he had carelessly inflicted upon my family, my friends, and my people. Though it hardly suited his long list of crimes, Ashton's misery would be his punishment, a sentence he would serve the rest of his life.
I lowered my gaze, fingering the heavy ring he had given me the night of our engagement party. I had considered disposing of it, but I felt a paranoid need to sever every tie to him, to leave him no excuse to contact me again.
"Wait," I called, stepping forward.
Ashton and his mother both turned, and Guinevere fixed me with an icy, hostile look. Ashton simply stared, wearing a mask of weary contempt.
"What more could you possibly have to say?" Guinevere snapped.
I lifted my hand, showing them the ring held between my thumb and forefinger. "This belongs to your son."
Ashton looked at the ring but said nothing as his mother snatched it from my hand.
"You were never worthy of it in the first place," she hissed.
Then she turned and ushered her son on toward the carriage. Neither spared me another glance, and I moved to take Link's extended hand, glad to resume my place at his side.
Years ago that ring had meant something to me, something other than sorrow and fear. I had given Ashton a chance to know true happiness, even after his true, selfish nature had been exposed. I had offered him a warm, compassionate heart, hoping I could somehow change him, but the years had twisted him beyond repair. He did not simply fail to recognize love; he refused to learn it.
I could not say I was sorry. Ashton was a sad, wretched man, but in truth I was glad he had rejected my compassion. If he had chosen to be a better man, I never would have known the joy Link brought me. I belonged with him, and I would have ached for him all my life, as he would have for me. If Ashton was to ever know happiness, he would have to find it without me.
The guards moved to open the carriage door, and Guinevere urged Ashton to climb inside first. I glimpsed his face in the window, pale and defeated but still frozen in a glare. Unwavering and void of emotion, I held his gaze, following those eyes until the carriage rounded a corner and he vanished from my sight.
May we never cross paths again.
Having finally put our conflict with Vandelius behind us, the weeks preceding Link's coronation passed in a flurry of activity. Preparations for the ceremony and the grand reception scheduled to follow were nearly complete. While these events would be exclusively attended by the court, Renae had arranged separate celebrations for the public to enjoy. The streets of every major town had been lined with streamers and banners bearing the royal Hylian crest. As Hyrule's capital, Castletown offered the most impressive display, and people had come from all corners of our kingdom to join the festivities, which meant the restaurants, shops, and inns were bustling with activity. The preparations held a more formal tone within the castle, but the lively atmosphere still filled the old halls with hushed anticipation.
I was beyond excited, but Link found himself a bit overwhelmed by it all. He had long grown accustomed to public scrutiny, but with his kingship came higher standards he would have to meet. His appearance needed no improvements, but our tailors had fitted him for an impressive new wardrobe. The Council had also prepped him in every way imaginable, forcing him to review everything he knew about politics, history, and etiquette.
Even Link's name had been altered. Historically most kings had longer, fuller names, mainly because they demanded a certain reverence. After some discussion, it was determined he would be crowned "Lincoln Tiresias Harkinian." Lincoln was most likely the full name his parents had given him, and Tiresias had been my father's second name.
As King and high commander of the military, Link would obviously no longer serve as General, and he had offered the position to Clef. The former captain had humbly accepted, claiming he was honored to shoulder the responsibility and relieved to shed the alliterative "Captain Clef." Former Lieutenant Theodus had been chosen to serve as the new Captain.
As Link's coronation drew nearer, I was relieved to sense no feelings of insecurity from him. He felt more than ready to take up the duties of kingship, and knowing he would finally occupy the throne at my side brought him great relief. Link still struggled with some nervousness, naturally, but his worry stemmed from something far simpler—he had never been fond of formal ceremonies.
When the morning of his coronation finally arrived, Link and I were woken and separated so our attendants could transform us into true images of royalty.
Having been through the formal dressing process many times before, I allowed my thoughts to wander as my maids clothed, brushed and painted me into the stunning, commanding queen my court expected. I stared into the mirror as they donned my heavy, royal blue gown, remembering how different I had looked the day of my own coronation. Tears had reddened my eyes and streaked my face—silent tears of grief for my late father and fear of my uncertain future. I had passed my Rite of Queenship, but I had not expected to take the throne for at least three more years. What had frightened me more than failure, however, was the inevitable strain my queenship would place on my marriage.
Link and I had enjoyed only a few precious months as the newlywed Prince and Princess. There had been no gap in our social status, and my father had silenced all public opposition to our union. My coronation meant I would have to silence that opposition, and every day Link would feel the social rift my heightened status had wedged between us. Link had assured me that nothing, not even politics, would damage our personal relationship, but his promises held little weight in the face of such uncertainty. I had always been reluctant to drag Link into politics—even to the point of nearly rejecting his marriage proposal—and those fears had returned at full force the morning of my coronation.
Only after Link came to see me just minutes before the ceremony was I able to regain my composure. He had taken me in his arms, letting me feel the depth of his pride and affection until the knot in my chest had loosened. Neither of us had bothered with speeches or promises—those had already been spoken time and time again. We both knew where we stood, as equals bound by love, but we still feared for each other. Link knew my crown came with a heavy burden, one I would have to carry alone. I worried Link's sole duty as my consort—to father my child—would cause people to overlook his true worth.
At last we could leave those worries in the past. Soon Link would stand at my side, in every way, and he would have the respect he deserved.
"Does this please you, my Lady?" one of the maids asked me as she rearranged my skirts.
I took a moment to register my reflection and admire my gown. Folds of heavy blue material hung loosely from my shoulders, exposing the long, tight sleeves of golden silk underneath. The neckline sloped elegantly below my collarbone, flattering me without sacrificing modesty. Droplets of gold hung from my ears, matching my heavy necklace and my formal, jewel-studded crown.
"Very much," I replied, smiling at them in the mirror. "Thank you."
I then gathered my skirts and left the chamber to find Link, confident his attendants had finished with him as well. His dressing room stood only a few doors down the corridor, but I struggled to keep a calm, dignified stride as my golden cape trailed behind me. Two guards opened the doors, greeting me with a nod.
I found him standing by the large window, his loose, shoulder-length hair gleaming in the sunlight as he gazed out toward Castletown. A long red cape trimmed with fur covered his back, though I barely glimpsed it before he turned to meet my gaze.
What I saw stole my breath away. Polished golden armor covered his chest and shoulders, glinting with his every move. Beneath it he wore a deep blue tunic over a black shirt, though gold bracers covered most of his forearms. Black pants and armor-clad boots completed his kingly attire—all he needed was the crown.
For a moment we simply stood there, drinking in the other's appearance.
"My Queen," he greeted me softly, a gentle, almost coy smile on his lips.
A surge of emotion sent me rushing across the room to embrace him. He caught me with a laugh, holding me close as I clung to him. I sensed he had also been reflecting on the past, drawing happiness from everything we had overcome, but his nervousness still distracted him.
"Why are you nervous?" I asked him softly, pulling away to meet his gaze. "You look incredible, and you have nothing left to prove. Remember, this ceremony is for you—to honor you and recognize you as our king."
"I know," he murmured, running his fingers through my long hair. "I just hate being put on display."
"I love putting you on display," I breathed, running my hands along his armor. "Especially when you look like this."
"Well, you best hope I don't make a fool of myself. I'll probably drop the scepter or trip on my cape."
I stifled a giggle. "You, Lord General? I think not. With all your practicing, you could do this ceremony in your sleep."
"I have been doing it in my sleep."
I laughed gently and took his hand, sobering as I kissed his fingers.
"I'm so proud of you," I whispered, nuzzling my cheek against his knuckles.
Gently he tipped my face up to his, angling his head to kiss me. I returned it tenderly, reaching up around his neck as he drew me closer.
"It's about time I caught up to you," he murmured when we parted, his hands caressing my waist. "I'll deal with the politics now. You just take care of yourself and Shayne."
"Mm, I think I can help you a little," I replied, trailing kisses along his cheek. "He'll keep us waiting another few months yet."
"And I want those months as dull and restful as possible. You've had far too much excitement, and it worries me."
I gave him a tender, knowing look. "Don't you worry about me," I soothed, stroking his cheek. "This day is for you, and you will not waste it fretting over me. Focus on everything you've accomplished, and be proud."
"I wouldn't be here at all if not for you," he whispered, resting his forehead against mine.
I closed my eyes when he kissed me again, tightening my arms around his neck as I kissed him back.
The throne room looked as impressive as I remembered it being on my coronation day. Rich blue tapestries lined the walls, bearing the vibrant red and gold of the Hylian royal crest. A matching blue runner stretched from the entranceway to the opposite end of the chamber, separating the massive crowd into two sections. Two thrones stood at the end of that runner, together for the first time in over twenty-four years.
I stood before the right throne, grasping a long scepter in each hand as I watched the procession begin. The High Priest of the Temple of Time stood beside me, accompanied by two other priests. Each wore formal while robes trimmed with gold. One held a small chest, the other a red cushion bearing the formal crown of Hyrule's King.
Slow, powerful music poured from the grand organ and echoed throughout the chamber, accompanied by the most heavenly chorus in all of Hyrule. Link led the procession, carrying himself with the regal poise he had long since mastered. His heavy red cape trailed behind him, followed by the seven members of the High Council. The lords and ladies of the court watched his every move, mesmerized by the stunning change in their soon-to-be former Prince Consort.
I struggled to keep my composure as he drew near, blinking back tears as he ascended the few stairs leading up to the thrones. Since his back now faced the court, Link allowed himself to give me a gentle smile.
You all right? his expression inquired. Had we not agreed to suppress our bond during the ceremony, the words surely would have echoed through my mind.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and stepped forward to offer him the scepter in my right hand—his scepter. Link took it with both hands, holding it parallel to the ground as he gave a reverent bow. Then he turned to face our subjects, grasping the now upright scepter in one hand and sweeping his cape behind him with the other. Pressing a fist to his heart, he sank onto one knee as the High Priest moved to stand beside him.
The music quickly faded into silence as the Priest laid his hands on Link's head. In slow, flawless Ancient Hylian, he blessed Link and prayed for his long and peaceful reign. I took a moment to dry my tears, grateful I would not have to find my voice before the ceremony ended.
Once he had finished, the Priest then lifted the Circlet of Acceptance from Link's head and turned to the priest holding the now opened chest. Placing the Circlet inside, he then turned to the other priest bearing the crown. With slow, reverent motions the High Priest took the gold piece from its cushion and turned back to Link. Lifting the crown high above Link's head, he then recited the Coronation Oath:
"Do you, Lincoln Tiresias Harkinian, swear to serve the peoples of Hyrule and strive toward an era of peace? To execute law, justice, and worship according to the sacred doctrine established by the Golden Goddesses: Din of Power, Nayru of Wisdom, and Farore of Courage?"
"I do so humbly," Link's strong reply echoed throughout the chamber, "until my successor relieve me, or death take me."
I struggled to control my beaming smile, managing to keep my tears from streaming down my face.
"Then with this crown," the Priest replied, lowering it onto Link's head, "I declare thee King of Hyrule."
He stepped away as Link rose to his feet, the scepter still grasped in his hand.
"Presenting his Majesty, King Lincoln!"
The hall erupted with applause. Cheers of "Hail, King Lincoln!" rose above the noise, and everywhere I saw smiles, none brighter than my own. Link finally allowed himself a humble smile in return, one I glimpsed when he turned to offer me his hand. I took it, moving to stand beside him as our people recognized their king and queen. Warm sunlight flooded the chamber, and through the rows of windows stretched a clear blue sky.
At long last, Hyrule's monarchy was truly restored.
The weeks flew by, each one bringing shorter days and longer nights. Before long the last of the autumn leaves had fallen, and a fresh layer of snow had blanketed the kingdom in white.
Winter brought a much needed time of stillness and quiet as Link and I adjusted to our renewed life. I helped him with his daily responsibilities as much as Maddox allowed, which was minimal. Link shouldered the majority of our duties admirably, but some evenings left him thoroughly exhausted. On such evenings we usually dined in the privacy of our chambers, easing into a night of relaxation. We often cuddled together on the sofa before a roaring fire, sharing kisses and feeling for Shayne's increasingly frequent movements. Maddox had estimated he would arrive in early April, just a week after my own birthday. As Link and I counted down the days, we took delight in decorating and furnishing the nursery, which had stood empty since our marriage. Seeing it's completion after two years of sorrow and doubt had brought me to tears.
I spent my days in a joyful haze, too excited to hold our son in my arms to worry about a difficult birth. As the due date drew nearer, however, Link's previously quiet concerns began to weigh on his mind and spoil his happiness. Watching me die in childbirth had been one of the fabricated memories Nassir forced into Link's mind during his imprisonment. In fact, it had been the memory that finally shattered Link's defenses and allowed Nassir to cast the Black Echo. Link knew the memory wasn't real, but it haunted him nonetheless. The possibility of watching it again—in reality—terrified him, and the fact that my own mother died in childbirth only added to his fears.
Link's near constant worry grew stronger at night, as he was forced to relive his false memories through recurring nightmares. But, unwilling to impede on my happiness, he was determined to endure them alone. I sometimes woke to find him sitting before the fire in the other room, fingering a glass of wine he had poured to calm himself. It was a harmless habit he had developed during the Retribution War, and one he had abandoned shortly after our marriage, since I had proven a far more effective source of comfort. It saddened me to see him resort to such things again, but I knew my presence could not comfort him. Only time would banish his fears.
The final month before Shayne's birth was difficult, riddled with false labor pains and constant worry. Maddox had confined me to my chambers on bed rest so I could hopefully reach full term, and I had willingly obeyed. I tried everything to keep an occupied mind, but some days my boredom inevitably brought anxiety. I constantly prayed I would reach full term, feeling that day could not come soon enough.
The day thankfully came in early April, just a few days sooner than Maddox had predicted. My true labor pains had started quite abruptly in the morning, continuing through the day and late into the night. My memories of those long, agonizing hours were little more than a haze of pain and exhaustion, but I did remember Link's support more vividly.
He had been too terrified to leave my side for even a moment, half convinced those were the final hours he would ever spend with me and our child. He had tried so hard to be strong, fighting his own fear to comfort me with all the sweetness and sincerity he could muster. All the while I had feared for Shayne's life, and I wept at the thought of sharing my mother's fate.
Finally, just as the sun's first light began to streak the darkened sky, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy son and held Shayne in my arms for the very first time.
A much needed time of healing followed soon after, and a peace Link and I hadn't known for weeks seeped back into our chambers. Caring for Shayne did bring further sleep deprivation, but with our weariness came endless joy. For the first time in our lives, Link and I had a complete family of our own, and no level of exhaustion could diminish our happiness.
The sound of a newborn's cries pierced the silence of the bedroom, drawing me out of sleep. Groggily I sat up, yawning as I slid the covers aside and rose out of bed. Darkness still cloaked the room, so I summoned my magic—which I had regained since Shayne's birth—to light a lamp with a flick of my wrist.
Link sat up as well, rubbing his eyes as I moved to the foot of the bed where Shayne's bassinet stood. More than a month had passed since his birth, and we had grown accustomed to the nightly interruptions.
"Shh, Mama's here," I soothed, carefully lifting Shayne up into my arms. His cries softened into whimpers, and I shushed him as I sank onto the edge of the bed. Link sat beside me moments later, gently sliding my nightgown off my shoulder so I could tend to our son. Shayne's cries immediately ceased as I drew him to my breast, and a blissful silence settled back into the bedroom.
Wordlessly we gazed upon our preoccupied son, mesmerized by this beautiful little person we had created. Link lifted a hand to idly caress my back, and softly I began to hum the same lullaby my own mother once sang for me. I liked to think the soothing, familiar notes helped lull Shayne back to sleep, but so far he had proven to be a very sleepy baby, with or without the aid of a lullaby.
Shayne paused then, his tiny mouth parting in a yawn. I smiled down at him, overwhelmed by a familiar feeling I had come to recognize as motherly love. It was a fierce, profound emotion, and one that empowered me. Shayne was my most beloved gift, and becoming his mother had given me an incredible new purpose in life.
"Such a sweet baby," I whispered, fingering his soft, tiny hand. "Right to sleep, just like his father."
"Only because he's with his mother," Link murmured, gently adjusting Shayne's green cap so it covered his little ears. It had been a gift from Saria, who proudly informed us Link had worn one just like it when he was a baby.
"Are you calling me dull?" I teased, flashing him a smile. "Anyway, I'm sure he'll be a sleepyhead like you."
Link sighed and dropped a kiss to my shoulder, too tired to manage a retort, though I sensed his flutter of mirth. "Can I take him?" he asked me.
"Of course you can, silly."
Gently I placed Shayne in his arms, noticing how very carefully he handled our baby. His face softened with such tenderness, a subtle expression of the love and fatherly pride I felt through the bond.
Then he lowered Shayne into the bassinet, causing him to fuss and whimper. Link shushed him, gently stroking his soft little cheek until Shayne calmed down and fell back asleep. I rose to stand beside Link, slipping an arm around his waist as he wrapped his around my shoulders.
It's been a month, and I still can't believe he's ours, he said as he slowly caressed my arm.
I leaned into him, resting my head against his shoulder. I know what you mean.
He kissed the crown of my head, and his happiness warmed me like rays of summer light. I smiled and reached for his cheek, tiptoeing up to kiss him softly.
Come to bed, I urged him. You need your rest too.
Casting one more glance at Shayne, I then pulled away and moved to climb back under the covers, settling onto my side with a sigh. I felt Link join me seconds later, nestling up against my back. He pressed a kiss to my cheek and laid his head on my pillow, his forehead touching the back of my neck. I reached for his arm as he curled it around my waist, caressing it as I rested my tired eyes.
I expected him to drift off as quickly as our son, but we had both slipped into that blissful state between wakefulness and slumber. Link's affection swept through me in gentle, soothing waves, and behind them I sensed a deeper, more profound emotion—one I returned without a thought.
I could only describe this feeling as love, though the word seemed painfully inadequate somehow. Over the past year I had learned just how beautiful and how powerful love could be. Ours had given us the strength to endure endless pain and uncertainty, even when fate itself seemed bent on destroying our happiness. Even now, in our everyday lives, our love continued to sustain us, bringing joy and hope for a bright future.
Whatever obstacles lay ahead, I believed we could overcome them all, one way or another, as long as we faced them together.
Xxx THE END xxX
AN Again: Finished at last! Wooow, I still can't believe it. D: I actually typed "THE END." D: Ok, well, as mentioned earlier I will keep this final note brief, but there are two things I want to say:
1) This is not quite the end for me, since I intend to go back and begin what I call the "epic edit" of the story as a whole. Posting each chapter as I finished it was a choppy and very challenging way to write this (super long) story, and I know it's riddled with errors, awkward wording, and inconsistencies. I intend to comb through every chapter and hopefully fix everything. These will be mostly minor changes, but I will post weekly updates on my tumblr blog (see my profile for the link) if you're interested. You will be able to see my progress here because the chapter headings will be changed as I re-upload.
2) Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou THANK YOU to all you amazing readers. I cannot express how much your support has meant to me. I am pretty sure I would have moved on to another project long ago if not for everyone's wonderful and encouraging feedback. I started working on Fortitude about seven years ago, and never did I dare imagine it would draw the attention it's received. Thank you so, so much for making this such an enjoyable journey - I truly hope the finale didn't disappoint. Please don't hesitate to drop me a review, comment, note, whatever - be it here, on my tumblr page, or wherever. I'm always happy to hear from people! :) And be sure to check my tumblr page if you want more Fortitude - I plan to keep that blog alive, hopefully for a long time! :)