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Taxes are Good
Most conservative criticisms about the ill-effects of taxes are exaggerated or untrue. Taxes are in fact good -- they are dues we pay to enjoy the numerous vital benefits that government provides for our society.
Are taxes bad? If you've been listening to conservatives for the last several decades, you would certainly think so. Virtually every Republican candidate for office in recent memory has run on an anti-tax platform – arguing that Americans are overtaxed, that taxes hurt economic growth, etc. And it is this hatred of taxes that helped propel the passage of hundreds of billions of dollars of tax cuts during the administration of George W. Bush.
This anti-tax campaign strikes a real emotional chord in some Americans and it has been one of the most effective rallying cries of anti-government conservatives. It taps into a taxophobia that is deeply ingrained in American political culture and that manifests itself in the activities of over 800 local and state anti-tax groups. These tax-haters have also been playing a large part in organizing the grassroots Tea Party movement.
But conservatives are dead wrong about taxes. Taxes are not bad.
Taxes are good.
The argument for taxes is a very straightforward one: if government is on balance a very positive force in society, then taxes are good. If what we have seen in other articles on this website is true – that government programs help us all in myriad ways every day, that most government programs are working effectively to solve our social problems, and that government is the only way to promote important values like justice and economic security – then the taxes needed to support these government activities should be seen as a positive good. To put it another way, you can't support the things the government does – like caring for the elderly, establishing justice, providing public education, fighting terrorism, and protecting the environment – and still maintain that the taxes that support those things are bad. Taxes are the lifeblood of government and so if government is basically good, then so are taxes.
So instead of seeing paying taxes as analogous to being mugged by the government, we ought to think of these payments more like the tithing that many people do in their churches and synagogues. Most people see these regular donations as a charitable contribution to the good works being done by these religious organizations – and they certainly don't resent these contributions. But if the government is also an institution dedicated in large part to doing good works – to promoting the public interest – then we should not resent our taxes contributing to those governmental activities. In fact, we should feel good about all the good our tax dollars are doing – just as we feel good about all the good our religious donations do. Of course it could be argued that there is a big difference here – that giving money to churches is voluntary and we are required to pay taxes. But in practice, many religious organizations require members who can afford it to contribute regularly – payments that are really more like mandatory dues than purely voluntary donations. In any case, the point is that contributing toward an organization that is promoting the public good should not be seen as a bad thing.
But of course anti-government conservatives have been very successful at "framing" taxes in a negative way. As linguist George Lakoff has explained, part of their strategy has involved a careful choice of the words they use to talk about taxes.
Conservatives have worked for decades to establish the metaphors of taxation as a burden, an affliction, and an unfair punishment – all of which require "relief." … And on the day that George W. Bush took office, the words tax relief started appearing in White House communiqués to the press and in official speeches and reports by conservatives. …The word relief evokes a frame in which there is a blameless Afflicted Person who we identify with and who has some Affliction, some pain or harm that is imposed by some external Cause-of-pain. Relief is the taking away of the pain or harm, and it is brought about by some Reliever-of-pain. … The term tax relief evokes all of this and more. Taxes, in this phrase, are the Affliction (the Crime), proponents of taxes are the Causes-of Affliction (the Villains), the taxpayer is the Afflicted Victim, and the proponents of "tax relief" are the Heroes who deserve the taxpayers' gratitude. Every time the phrase tax relief is used and heard or read by millions of people, the more this view of taxation as an affliction and conservatives as heroes gets reinforced.1
As Lakoff explains, the Democrats have inadvertently played into this process of demonizing taxes whenever they supported tax cuts and used the term "tax relief." In 2004, for example, in John Kerry's campaign for president, he talked often about enacting tax relief for the middle class, instead of for the rich. In his 2008 campaign, Barak Obama also thought it was necessary to offer tax cuts to the lower and middle classes, and he then went on to include billions of dollars of this kind of "tax relief" in his first budget. And while Kerry and Obama probably thought their proposals were progressive, they ended up reinforcing a very regressive conservative message that taxes are an unfair burden on most Americans.
Lakoff argues that we need to promote a very different view of taxes—one that uses a very different kind of metaphor. The metaphor he suggests is that of taxes as "dues".
Taxes are our dues — we pay our dues to be Americans and enjoy the benefits of American society. Taxes are what we pay to live in a civilized society that is democratic, offers opportunity, and has a huge infrastructure available to all citizens. This incredible infrastructure has been paid for by previous taxpayers. Roads and highways, the Internet, the broadcast airwaves, our public education system, our power grid — every day we all use this vast infrastructure. Our dues maintain it.2
It is about being a member, a part of the community. People pay a membership fee to join a gym, the local YMCA, or a club for which they get to use the basketball courts, the swimming pool, and the golf course. They did not pay for these facilities with their own memberships. They were built and paid for by other members, and all the current members maintain them with their dues. It is the same thing with our country — being a member in good standing of a remarkable nation. Americans pay their dues.
This idea of taxes as dues is not original to Lakoff. It is an idea that has often been expressed, but has not been promoted with the same ferocity or persistence of the taxes-as-affliction metaphor. Franklin Delano Roosevelt once remarked that "Taxes, after all, are dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society." And Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. expressed a similar sentiment when he said that "I like to pay taxes. With them I buy civilization."


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As the importance of portable monitors for detection of sleep apnea increases, efficient and cost-minimizing methods for data interpretation are needed. We sought to compare in stroke patients, for whom portable studies often have particular advantages, results from a cardiopulmonary monitoring device with and without manual edits by a polysomnographic technologist.
Participants in an ongoing stroke surveillance study in Corpus Christi, Texas, underwent sleep apnea assessments with the ApneaLink Plus device within 45 days of stroke onset. Recordings were analyzed by the device's software unedited, and again after edits were made to the raw data by a registered polysomnographic technologist. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated, with the edited data as the reference standard. Sleep apnea was defined by 3 different apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) thresholds: ≥ 5, ≥ 10, and ≥ 15.
Among 327 subjects, 54% were male, 59% were Hispanic, and the median age was 65 years (interquartile range: 57, 77). The median AHI for the unedited data was 9 (4, 22), and for the edited data was 13 (6, 27) (p < 0.01). Specificity was above 98% for each AHI cutoff, while sensitivity was 81% to 82%. For each cutoff threshold, the edited data yielded a higher proportion of positive sleep apnea screens (p < 0.01) by approximately 10% in each group.
For stroke patients assessed with a cardiopulmonary monitoring device, manual editing by a technologist appears likely to improve sensitivity, whereas specificity of unedited data is already excellent.
Brown DL; Chervin RD; Hegeman G; Smith MA; Garcia NM; Morgenstern LB; Lisabeth LD. Is technologist review of raw data necessary after home studies for sleep apnea? J Clin Sleep Med 2014;10(4):371-375.
Although polysomnography remains the gold standard for evaluation of sleep apnea, the procedure entails expense, wait times, and labor intensity that have motivated development and testing of unattended portable cardiopulmonary monitors. Portable devices are also more practical than polysomnography in particular clinical situations, such as during an acute stroke hospitalization, in which inpatient resources are limited and patients may be intolerant to elaborate testing.1 As sleep apnea is a risk factor for stroke2 and a risk factor for poor outcomes after stroke,3 further studies of sleep apnea after stroke are important.
The ApneaLink device, a portable cardiopulmonary monitoring device, has been validated against full polysomnography4–11 and has been used in several clinical research studies, including a large international clinical trial .1,12 While clinical guidelines for the use of portable monitoring state that the devices "must allow for the display of raw data for manual scoring or editing of automated scoring by a trained and qualified sleep technician/ technologist,"13 little is known about the value of such a review for some of the most commonly used recording systems, such as the ApneaLink, and no study has addressed this issue in stroke patients. Furthermore, a technologist's review of the raw data from home monitoring can be both costly and time-consuming. The practice expense reimbursement-determining relative value units (RVUs) assigned for home studies are approximately one-tenth of those assigned for laboratory studies,14 which can make detailed technologist review of respiratory signals less feasible. We therefore sought to compare the results from the ApneaLink Plus device with and without manual edits by a sleep technologist. We focused on stroke patients, for whom rapid access to simple and tolerable monitoring in an acute or subacute setting is a particularly high priority.
Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: The value of a polysomnographic technologist's review of raw data from a portable respiratory monitor is unknown. This study compared results from a commonly used portable respiratory monitor, the ApneaLink Plus, in stroke patients, before and after raw data were edited by a polysomnographic technologist.
Study Impact: This study showed that for cohorts of stroke patients, ApneaLink Plus data may be used without the added expense and time consumption of data review and edit by a polysomnographic technologist. However, if results of the ApneaLink Plus are to be used for decisions about an individual patient, for clinical or research purposes, edits by a polysomnographic technologist to the raw data should be undertaken, and will lead to a higher proportion of positive screening test results.
Acute stroke patients who enrolled in the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project were screened for participation. The BASIC project is an ongoing stroke surveillance project in Nueces County located in south Texas. The BASIC methods have been published previously.15–17 Ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage patients enrolled in the parent BASIC project were eligible for sleep apnea screening if they did not meet these exclusion criteria: current use of supplemental oxygen, current mechanical ventilation or other positive pressure ventilation, or pregnancy. Patients with predominantly central sleep apnea were not excluded, as the large majority of sleep apnea after stroke is obstructive, and many patients with central sleep apnea have an obstructive component as well.18 All subjects were enrolled within 45 days of stroke symptom onset. The study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Michigan and the two Corpus Christi hospital systems. Subjects or their proxy provided written informed consent to participate.
Sleep apnea assessment was performed in the subject's hospital room, at home, or at a nursing home, with the ApneaLink Plus device. This device monitors nasal pressure with a nasal cannula, and oxygen saturation and pulse with a flexible oxygen saturation probe. The unit differentiates central from obstructive events with the use of an effort belt. The device was administered to subjects by trained study personnel. Data were downloaded from the device and automatically analyzed by the ApneaLink Plus software ("unedited data") using its "AASM criteria," meaning that hypopneas were defined as a decrease in nasal pressure ≥ 30% for ≥ 10 sec, if followed by ≥ 4% oxygen desaturation. Unedited scores were recalculated for a convenience sample of cases in which the oximetry data were poor for ≥ 5% of the recording. In this exploratory analysis, hypopneas were defined as a reduction in airflow of ≥ 50% for ≥ 10 sec ("classic criteria").
A single registered polysomnographic technologist with 28 years of clinical and research experience and an average recent inter-scorer reliability over 600 epochs of 90% for respiratory events compared with the AASM gold standard scorers edited the data, under the supervision of a board-certified sleep physician (R.D.C.). Specifically the technologist reviewed the raw data, and edited it manually to adjust the start and stop times to eliminate artifacts, adjust poor quality data and reactivate some data for scoring through sensitivity adjustment, and reclassify small numbers of apneic events that were not scored in a manner fully consistent with AASM 2007 guidelines ("edited data").19 After this review, the software automatically recalculated results, using the newly defined recording periods and any reclassified apneas and hypopneas accepted "as is." Otherwise, the software used default criteria and settings, as follows5,8: An apnea was identified by the software when nasal pressure fell ≥ 80% compared to baseline for ≥ 10 sec. A hypopnea was identified based on the AASM criteria above or, if oximetry data were intermittent and unreliable throughout the recording based on the technologist's assessment, the classic criteria (applied by the technologist in 21 cases). In practice, negligible numbers of apneas had been automatically scored in a false-positive manner because of the setting that required only an 80% airflow decrement rather than the 90% AASM 2007 criterion.19 However, upon technologist review, occasional hypopneas were rescored as apneas, and rare central apneas were rescored as obstructive apneas. Precise numbers of these corrections were not tracked.
If 2 h of interpretable data were not available, a second night of testing was offered to the subject. Twenty-five subjects had insufficient data without a second successful study and thus are not part of this report. The quality of each remaining study was rated by the technologist subjectively as good (all channels worked well for the majority of the total recording time), fair (nasal pressure, chest excursion, and oximetry worked well and simultaneously ≥ 2 h in total), or poor (all studies that did not quality as good or fair). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was calculated as the sum of apneas and hypopneas per hour of recording. The oxygen desaturation index was calculated as the sum of desaturations ≥ 4% below baseline per hour.
Descriptive statistics were used to assess baseline characteristics. Comparison of AHI by each method was made with a Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired data for all subjects and by data quality categories. While ApneaLink Plus results are not a reference standard for the diagnosis of sleep apnea, the edited data is a reference standard compared with the unedited data. We therefore calculated standard measures of accuracy for the unedited compared with the edited results. Subjects were categorized by sleep apnea status based on 3 commonly used AHI cutoff thresholds for the ApneaLink Plus: ≥ 5, ≥ 10, ≥ 15, in addition to ≥ 20 and ≥ 30 to assess more significant degrees of severity, based on edited and unedited data, and compared with McNemar χ2 tests. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each edited AHI cutoff.20 Alternative cutoffs for the unedited AHI were also explored: the optimal unedited AHI cutoff was selected that maximized the sum of sensitivities and specificities. A Bland-Altman plot of the mean (unedited and edited) against mean absolute difference in AHI (edited – unedited) was inspected. In an exploratory analysis, main analyses were repeated for the convenience sample of cases (n = 23) in which the classic hypopnea criteria were applied to the unedited data and compared with the edited data. Analyses were performed with TIBCO Spotfire S+ 8.1 for Windows and R version 2.13.1.
Baseline characteristics of the 327 subjects are found in Table 1. Nineteen of the tracings were from a study repeated due to insufficient data. The ApneaLink Plus tests were performed a median of 13 (IQR: 6, 20) days post stroke onset. Subjects were about half male (54%); the median age was 65 (57, 77). A little over half of subjects were Hispanic (59%). The median duration of analyzable recording from the unedited data was 8 h 59 min (IQR: 6 h 34 min, 10 h 33 min). Recordings were rated as good (50%), fair (32%), and poor (18%) by the polysomnographic technologist.
Baseline characteristics of stroke patients (n = 327) who underwent an ApneaLink Plus test
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One recording had no oximetry data and thus was excluded from the main analyses. Unedited and edited raw data are presented in Figure 1. The median AHI for the unedited data was 9 (4, 21) and for the edited data was 13 (6, 27), with a median difference in AHI (edited - unedited) of 3 (1, 5), p < 0.01. The median difference in AHI varied little across quality ratings: good quality (2 [IQR: 1, 4]), fair quality (3 [IQR: 1, 5]), and poor quality (3 [IQR: 2, 6]) studies. The median differences in apnea index, hypopnea index, obstructive apnea index, and central apnea index were higher by 0-2 units in the edited versus unedited data, but the oxygen desaturation index was not different (Table 2). Specificity was > 98% for all categories defined by the different AHI cutoffs, whereas sensitivity was 81% to 82% (Table 3). For each AHI cutoff, the edited data yielded a higher proportion of positive sleep apnea screens (p < 0.01) by approximately 10 percentage points (Table 3). The AUC (Table 4, Figure 2) suggested excellent discrimination (0.96-0.97). Optimized AHI thresholds for the unedited data with their associated sensitivities and specificities are presented by edited AHI cutoff in Table 4. Visual inspection of the scatter plot and Bland-Altman plot (Figure 3) suggested good agreement, but a few outliers existed. The biggest differences appeared to occur in subjects with higher AHIs.
Scatterplot of AHI before and after edits of the ApneaLink Plus raw data by a polysomnographic technologist (n = 326).
Comparison of ApneaLink Plus results for unedited and edited recordings
Optimized AHI thresholds for the unedited data with their associated sensitivities and specificities, by edited AHI diagnostic cutoff
Receiver operating characteristics curves for a range of edited apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) cutoffs (used here as the gold standard).
The middle dashed line is the mean difference and the two extreme lines are the +2 and -2 standard deviation.
Bland Altman plot of the mean absolute difference in edited and unedited AHI against the mean (unedited and edited) (n = 326). The middle dashed line is the mean difference and the two extreme lines are the +2 and -2 standard deviation.
Within the convenience sample of 23 subjects for whom the unedited data were reanalyzed with the "classic" hypopnea definition, the median AHI for the unedited data was 20 (9, 38) and for the edited data was 21 (12, 40), with no difference found in the median difference in AHI (p = 0.37, see Table 2). The median difference in apnea index and obstructive apnea index were higher by 1 unit in the edited versus unedited data, whereas the hypopnea index, central apnea index, and oxygen desaturation index were not different (Table 2).
This prospective observational study in acute and subacute stroke patients shows that the ApneaLink Plus autoscored AHI without prior data edits approximates the autoscored AHI after a registered polysomnographic technologist manually edits the raw data. While differences were statistically significant, bias was not often clinically significant, given the median AHI difference of only 3. Therefore, to assess stroke patient populations for sleep apnea with the ApneaLink Plus device, it may be unnecessary to expend important resources to process the data, especially if the goal is a low proportion of false positives as our results demonstrated a high specificity for the identification of sleep apnea using unedited data. However, if used to make clinical decisions in individual patients, such as to screen subjects to determine referral for polysomnography, or to screen for sleep apnea in research studies, prior review of the data may be advisable before the autoscore software is used, given that the proportion of false negatives was almost 20%. Interestingly, the small difference between AHI for edited and unedited recordings was not present in the subsample of unedited recordings reanalyzed without oximetry contributions to the hypopnea definition. This may have arisen because any differences in desaturation interpretation were eliminated, perhaps leaving fewer opportunities for discrepancies between edited and unedited versions.
Our data suggest that a small reduction in the AHI threshold applied to unedited ApneaLink data more closely approximates results from the polysomnographic technologist's edited data. The associated improvements in sensitivity are accompanied by very little impact on specificity (see Table 4). However, before the optimized AHI thresholds identified in the current study are applied widely, they should be confirmed in other studies.
Two previous studies compared ApneaLink autoscored and manually scored results with polysomnography, but a direct comparison between auto and manual scores was not reported.21,22 Comparison from a single channel ApneaLink study in 95 patients with a suspicion of sleep apnea showed a somewhat higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (though all were above 0.80) for each AHI threshold for the manual scores compared with the autoscores, but a higher sensitivity for the manual and higher specificity for the autoscores for the diagnosis of sleep apnea.21 A second study in 25 obese adolescents with the ApneaLink Plus found close agreement between manual and autoscored results when compared with polysomnography.22
Strengths of this study include the large sample size, well characterized group of stroke patients, high representation of minorities, and prospective population-based design. Use of a single experienced technologist to score each study ensured consistency that would have been lost with multiple scorers, but may also be viewed as a limitation in generalizability, to the extent that not all technologists would edit the ApneaLink recordings identically. We did not assess the reliability of study edits across more than one scorer, and we did not examine night-to-night variability. We were also unable to compare the ApneaLink Plus results to those of full, laboratory-based polysomnography, as this would have been challenging if not unfeasible just after stroke.1 Thus the sensitivities and specificities presented necessarily focus on differences between unedited and edited ApneaLink data, rather than those between unedited ApneaLink data and polysomnography.
In this study, ApneaLink Plus-generated AHIs were somewhat higher and more likely to produce a positive screen result after the automatically scored data were edited by a polysomnographic technologist. Although overall results may differ little between cohorts of subjects, an underestimate of sleep apnea severity and lower likelihood of a positive sleep apnea screen may be unacceptably frequent for an individual patient if unedited raw data are used. Application of lower cutoffs might be considered if unedited ApneaLink Plus data are used to screen for sleep apnea in stroke patients.
This was not an industry supported study. This work was funded by the NIH (R01 NS070941, R01 HL098065, and R01 NS038916). Dr. Morgenstern has received research support from St. Jude Medical Corporation. Dr. Chervin has participated in research supported through the University of Michigan by Philips Respironics and Fisher Paykel; has consulted for Proctor & Gamble through a contract with the University of Michigan; has consulted for Zansors; and is named in copyrighted material, patents, and patents pending held by the University of Michigan for the assessment and treatment of sleep disorders. The other authors have indicated no financial conflicts of interest. The work was performed at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Brown DL, Chervin RD, Kalbfleisch JD, et al., authors. Sleep apnea treatment after stroke (SATS) trial: is it feasible? J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2013;22:1216–24. [PubMed]
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Erman MK, Stewart D, Einhorn D, Gordon N, Casal E, authors. Validation of the ApneaLink™ for the screening of sleep apnea: a novel and simple single-channel recording device. J Clin Sleep Med. 2007;3:387–92. [PubMed Central][PubMed]
Ng SS, Chan TO, To KW, et al., authors. Validation of a portable recording device (ApneaLink) for identifying patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Intern Med J. 2009;39:757–62. [PubMed]
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Ragette R, Wang Y, Weinreich G, Teschler H, authors. Diagnostic performance of single airflow channel recording (ApneaLink) in home diagnosis of sleep apnea. Sleep Breath. 2010;14:109–14. [PubMed]
Wang Y, Teschler T, Weinreich G, Hess S, Wessendorf TE, Teschler H, authors. Validation of microMESAM as screening device for sleep disordered breathing. Pneumologie. 2003;57:734–40. [PubMed]
U.S. National Institutes of Health. ClincialTrials.gov. Continuous positive airway pressure treatment of obstructive sleep apnea to prevent cardiovascular disease (SAVE). Accessed December 8, 2008. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00738179.
Collop NA, Anderson WM, Boehlecke B, et al., authors. Clinical guidelines for the use of unattended portable monitors in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in adult patients. Portable Monitoring Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. J Clin Sleep Med. 2007;3:737–47. [PubMed Central][PubMed]
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Morgenstern LB, Smith MA, Lisabeth LD, et al., authors. Excess stroke in Mexican Americans compared with non-Hispanic Whites: the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project. Am J Epidemiol. 2004;160:376–83. [PubMed Central][PubMed]
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subset: commoncrawl


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Join Docomomo US and openhousenewyork for a scavenger hunt across Manhattan and beyond. Spend a day exploring the city and taking photographs in front of examples of modern architecture and design for a chance to win great prizes! Hunt alone or as a team and learn about the historical buildings, spaces and the architects and designers that made major contributions to the cityscape. The hunt starting point and event opening will take place at Room & Board in SoHo at 11:00am. The hunt will conclude at the Spring Natural Kitchen, a new restaurant on the Upper West Side, where hunters can rest and enjoy a complimentary drink and munchies from 5:00-6:30pm.
Modern Architecture & Design Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, February 11, 2012
11:00am - evening
Click here to read the official rules and prize list.
Registration for the scavenger hunt is $30/per person.
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Please join our mailing list to be notified of the next scavenger hunt.
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The Marvel TV/Movie universe is in rapid expansion right now, with new TV projects in development and a mix of anticipated sequels and new property launches coming to the big screen soon. There is also development in when we'll see Marvel blockbusters hit the big screen, as Thor: The Dark World prepares to test the brand's might in this 2013 fall movie season.
But with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on TV, and so many movies (and potential new movies) introducing more and more elements to the Marvel Universe, one has to wonder: where is it all leading? Well, we may have confirmed a seriously cool destination on that road to come.
While at the press junket for Thor: The Dark World, I had a chance to sit down with Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige and pick his brain about everything we here in the Screen Rant bullpen have dissected and analyzed (on the site or on our podcast) since long before Phase Two even began. And based on what we've seen and heard about films like Thor 2, Guardians of the Galaxy - and possible future properties including Doctor Strange and The Inhumans - it's been clear that there's a cosmic game afoot, and that that grinning Thanos at the end of Avengers is still in the shadows watching it all - but to what end.
[WARNING: The Following is Speculation that could be considered MILD SPOILERS for every Marvel Movie until Avengers 3. Just saying: we're usually on the money about these things. You've been warned.]
Given that The Avengers 2 will be about the earth-bound threat of Ultron, I asked Feige straight up if clues like the Tesseract and Loki's mind-control scepter in The Avengers - or the recent revelation that Thor 2 villain Malekith the Dark Elf is chasing "The Aether," another god-like power - are leading us to an Avengers 3 scenario where Thanos takes hold of the dreaded Infinity Gauntlet (last seen in Odin's vault in Thor) and essentially achieves that godhood. Feige's response:
"Well, I don't know that I would spell it out that clearly, necessarily, but certainly fans of the comics could surmise that all of this is leading somewhere. That Joss' decision to have Thanos turn around and smile for the audience at the end of 'Avengers', our reveal, was always the plan."
Feige continues, speaking of certain MacGuffins in The Avengers and Thor 2, explaining that upcoming reveals (including a big one in Thor 2) tie into Guardians of the Galaxy.
"...And where it goes from there, we'll see... But yes, the MacGuffin of 'Guardians' certainly plays into MacGuffins of the past."
WATCH: The FULL Video Interview with Kevin Feige
For anyone not clear, "MacGuffins" are a term for THAT object in a movie that everyone is chasing after/fighting over. What Feige has just confirmed, essentially, is that the sought-after items in Avengers, Thor 2 and potentially, Guardians of the Galaxy are all connected, and form a loose blueprint for the Marvel Movie Universe that could run from The Avengers in 2012 as far as that point in 2021, which Feige has previously confirmed as the fullest extent of their current planning. In short: without directly saying so, Feige is acknowledging that an Infinity Gauntlet storyline comics fans may know well could be getting re-fitted for the movies.
Comic book fans have likely been expecting (read: hoping for) this since the end of The Avengers, but for the casual film fan: The Infinity Gauntlet is a glove that has six gems (time, space, power, mind, reality, soul) that grant the wearer godlike power. In the famous '90s comic book storyline by writer Jim Starlin and artists George Pérez and Ron Lim, Thanos gets the glove and lays waste to the Marvel superheroes, until he is betrayed by his companion Nebula and defeated by the heroes. Nebula, of course, will be introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy - so you can see just how intricately and deliberately this web is being spun.
Though he didn't directly address it, Feige also acknowledged my speculative claims that films like Doctor Strange and Inhumans seem more viable for theatrical release now, since they have the notable advantage of being further opportunities to introduce more mystical "MacGuffins" (possibly Infinity-related objects) into the movie mix. Even Avengers 2 could use their non-mutant (for legal reasons) version of Scarlet Witch as a springboard an Infinity Gauntlet piece - since her "witchy" powers need to come from somewhere. Going forward, it's all about which of the Gauntlet pieces best correlate to each respective movie (in terms of plot and themes), but there seems to be little doubt about the destination: an Avengers 3 showdown with the mad titan and his god-gauntlet. Count us in!
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Watch the next step in our journey towards an Avengers 3 Infinity War when Thor: The Dark World hits theaters on October 30th in the UK and November 8th in the US.
And STAY TUNED: We have more big news to for you from our Thor: The Dark World junket experience.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier on April 4, 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1, 2014, The Avengers 2 on May 1, 2015, Ant-Man on July 31, 2015, and Doctor Strange sometime after that.
Header Image by Skeleton Jack 666 @ DeviantARt


text:
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. 4, by Edward Gibbon, [1788], at sacred-texts.com
While the majesty of the Roman name was revived in the East, the prospect of Europe is less pleasing and less glorious. By the departure of the Lombards, and the ruin of the Gepidae, the balance of power was destroyed on the Danube; and the Avars spread their permanent dominion from the foot of the Alps to the sea-coast of the Euxine. The reign of Baian is the brightest aera of their monarchy; their chagan, who occupied the rustic palace of Attila, appears to have imitated his character and policy; 23 but as the same scenes were repeated in a smaller circle, a minute representation of the copy would be devoid of the greatness and novelty of the original. The pride of the second Justin, of Tiberius, and Maurice, was humbled by a proud Barbarian, more prompt to inflict, than exposed to suffer, the injuries of war; and as often as Asia was threatened by the Persian arms, Europe was oppressed by the dangerous inroads, or costly friendship, of the Avars. When the Roman envoys approached the presence of the chagan, they were commanded to wait at the door of his tent, till, at the end perhaps of ten or twelve days, he condescended to admit them. If the substance or the style of their message was offensive to his ear, he insulted, with real or affected fury, their own dignity, and that of their prince; their baggage was plundered, and their lives were only saved by the promise of a richer present and a more respectful address. But his sacred ambassadors enjoyed and abused an unbounded license in the midst of Constantinople: they urged, with importunate clamors, the increase of tribute, or the restitution of captives and deserters: and the majesty of the empire was almost equally degraded by a base compliance, or by the false and fearful excuses with which they eluded such insolent demands. The chagan had never seen an elephant; and his curiosity was excited by the strange, and perhaps fabulous, portrait of that wonderful animal. At his command, one of the largest elephants of the Imperial stables was equipped with stately caparisons, and conducted by a numerous train to the royal village in the plains of Hungary. He surveyed the enormous beast with surprise, with disgust, and possibly with terror; and smiled at the vain industry of the Romans, who, in search of such useless rarities, could explore the limits of the land and sea. He wished, at the expense of the emperor, to repose in a golden bed. The wealth of Constantinople, and the skilful diligence of her artists, were instantly devoted to the gratification of his caprice; but when the work was finished, he rejected with scorn a present so unworthy the majesty of a great king. 24 These were the casual sallies of his pride; but the avarice of the chagan was a more steady and tractable passion: a rich and regular supply of silk apparel, furniture, and plate, introduced the rudiments of art and luxury among the tents of the Scythians; their appetite was stimulated by the pepper and cinnamon of India; 25 the annual subsidy or tribute was raised from fourscore to one hundred and twenty thousand pieces of gold; and after each hostile interruption, the payment of the arrears, with exorbitant interest, was always made the first condition of the new treaty. In the language of a Barbarian, without guile, the prince of the Avars affected to complain of the insincerity of the Greeks; 26 yet he was not inferior to the most civilized nations in the refinement of dissimulation and perfidy. As the successor of the Lombards, the chagan asserted his claim to the important city of Sirmium, the ancient bulwark of the Illyrian provinces. 27 The plains of the Lower Hungary were covered with the Avar horse and a fleet of large boats was built in the Hercynian wood, to descend the Danube, and to transport into the Save the materials of a bridge. But as the strong garrison of Singidunum, which commanded the conflux of the two rivers, might have stopped their passage and baffled his designs, he dispelled their apprehensions by a solemn oath that his views were not hostile to the empire. He swore by his sword, the symbol of the god of war, that he did not, as the enemy of Rome, construct a bridge upon the Save. "If I violate my oath," pursued the intrepid Baian, "may I myself, and the last of my nation, perish by the sword! May the heavens, and fire, the deity of the heavens, fall upon our heads! May the forests and mountains bury us in their ruins! and the Save returning, against the laws of nature, to his source, overwhelm us in his angry waters!" After this barbarous imprecation, he calmly inquired, what oath was most sacred and venerable among the Christians, what guilt or perjury it was most dangerous to incur. The bishop of Singidunum presented the gospel, which the chagan received with devout reverence. "I swear," said he, "by the God who has spoken in this holy book, that I have neither falsehood on my tongue, nor treachery in my heart." As soon as he rose from his knees, he accelerated the labor of the bridge, and despatched an envoy to proclaim what he no longer wished to conceal. "Inform the emperor," said the perfidious Baian, "that Sirmium is invested on every side. Advise his prudence to withdraw the citizens and their effects, and to resign a city which it is now impossible to relieve or defend." Without the hope of relief, the defence of Sirmium was prolonged above three years: the walls were still untouched; but famine was enclosed within the walls, till a merciful capitulation allowed the escape of the naked and hungry inhabitants. Singidunum, at the distance of fifty miles, experienced a more cruel fate: the buildings were razed, and the vanquished people was condemned to servitude and exile. Yet the ruins of Sirmium are no longer visible; the advantageous situation of Singidunum soon attracted a new colony of Sclavonians, and the conflux of the Save and Danube is still guarded by the fortifications of Belgrade, or the White City, so often and so obstinately disputed by the Christian and Turkish arms. 28 From Belgrade to the walls of Constantinople a line may be measured of six hundred miles: that line was marked with flames and with blood; the horses of the Avars were alternately bathed in the Euxine and the Adriatic; and the Roman pontiff, alarmed by the approach of a more savage enemy, 29 was reduced to cherish the Lombards, as the protectors of Italy. The despair of a captive, whom his country refused to ransom, disclosed to the Avars the invention and practice of military engines. 30 But in the first attempts they were rudely framed, and awkwardly managed; and the resistance of Diocletianopolis and Beraea, of Philippopolis and Adrianople, soon exhausted the skill and patience of the besiegers. The warfare of Baian was that of a Tartar; yet his mind was susceptible of a humane and generous sentiment: he spared Anchialus, whose salutary waters had restored the health of the best beloved of his wives; and the Romans confessed, that their starving army was fed and dismissed by the liberality of a foe. His empire extended over Hungary, Poland, and Prussia, from the mouth of the Danube to that of the Oder; 31 and his new subjects were divided and transplanted by the jealous policy of the conqueror. 32 The eastern regions of Germany, which had been left vacant by the emigration of the Vandals, were replenished with Sclavonian colonists; the same tribes are discovered in the neighborhood of the Adriatic and of the Baltic, and with the name of Baian himself, the Illyrian cities of Neyss and Lissa are again found in the heart of Silesia. In the disposition both of his troops and provinces the chagan exposed the vassals, whose lives he disregarded, 33 to the first assault; and the swords of the enemy were blunted before they encountered the native valor of the Avars.
The Persian alliance restored the troops of the East to the defence of Europe: and Maurice, who had supported ten years the insolence of the chagan, declared his resolution to march in person against the Barbarians. In the space of two centuries, none of the successors of Theodosius had appeared in the field: their lives were supinely spent in the palace of Constantinople; and the Greeks could no longer understand, that the name of emperor, in its primitive sense, denoted the chief of the armies of the republic. The martial ardor of Maurice was opposed by the grave flattery of the senate, the timid superstition of the patriarch, and the tears of the empress Constantina; and they all conjured him to devolve on some meaner general the fatigues and perils of a Scythian campaign. Deaf to their advice and entreaty, the emperor boldly advanced 34 seven miles from the capital; the sacred ensign of the cross was displayed in the front; and Maurice reviewed, with conscious pride, the arms and numbers of the veterans who had fought and conquered beyond the Tigris. Anchialus was the last term of his progress by sea and land; he solicited, without success, a miraculous answer to his nocturnal prayers; his mind was confounded by the death of a favorite horse, the encounter of a wild boar, a storm of wind and rain, and the birth of a monstrous child; and he forgot that the best of omens is to unsheathe our sword in the defence of our country. 35 Under the pretence of receiving the ambassadors of Persia, the emperor returned to Constantinople, exchanged the thoughts of war for those of devotion, and disappointed the public hope by his absence and the choice of his lieutenants. The blind partiality of fraternal love might excuse the promotion of his brother Peter, who fled with equal disgrace from the Barbarians, from his own soldiers and from the inhabitants of a Roman city. That city, if we may credit the resemblance of name and character, was the famous Azimuntium, 36 which had alone repelled the tempest of Attila. The example of her warlike youth was propagated to succeeding generations; and they obtained, from the first or the second Justin, an honorable privilege, that their valor should be always reserved for the defence of their native country. The brother of Maurice attempted to violate this privilege, and to mingle a patriot band with the mercenaries of his camp; they retired to the church, he was not awed by the sanctity of the place; the people rose in their cause, the gates were shut, the ramparts were manned; and the cowardice of Peter was found equal to his arrogance and injustice. The military fame of Commentiolus 37 is the object of satire or comedy rather than of serious history, since he was even deficient in the vile and vulgar qualification of personal courage. His solemn councils, strange evolutions, and secret orders, always supplied an apology for flight or delay. If he marched against the enemy, the pleasant valleys of Mount Haemus opposed an insuperable barrier; but in his retreat, he explored, with fearless curiosity, the most difficult and obsolete paths, which had almost escaped the memory of the oldest native. The only blood which he lost was drawn, in a real or affected malady, by the lancet of a surgeon; and his health, which felt with exquisite sensibility the approach of the Barbarians, was uniformly restored by the repose and safety of the winter season. A prince who could promote and support this unworthy favorite must derive no glory from the accidental merit of his colleague Priscus. 38 In five successive battles, which seem to have been conducted with skill and resolution, seventeen thousand two hundred Barbarians were made prisoners: near sixty thousand, with four sons of the chagan, were slain: the Roman general surprised a peaceful district of the Gepidae, who slept under the protection of the Avars; and his last trophies were erected on the banks of the Danube and the Teyss. Since the death of Trajan the arms of the empire had not penetrated so deeply into the old Dacia: yet the success of Priscus was transient and barren; and he was soon recalled by the apprehension that Baian, with dauntless spirit and recruited forces, was preparing to avenge his defeat under the walls of Constantinople. 39
The theory of war was not more familiar to the camps of Caesar and Trajan, than to those of Justinian and Maurice. 40 The iron of Tuscany or Pontus still received the keenest temper from the skill of the Byzantine workmen. The magazines were plentifully stored with every species of offensive and defensive arms. In the construction and use of ships, engines, and fortifications, the Barbarians admired the superior ingenuity of a people whom they had so often vanquished in the field. The science of tactics, the order, evolutions, and stratagems of antiquity, was transcribed and studied in the books of the Greeks and Romans. But the solitude or degeneracy of the provinces could no longer supply a race of men to handle those weapons, to guard those walls, to navigate those ships, and to reduce the theory of war into bold and successful practice. The genius of Belisarius and Narses had been formed without a master, and expired without a disciple Neither honor, nor patriotism, nor generous superstition, could animate the lifeless bodies of slaves and strangers, who had succeeded to the honors of the legions: it was in the camp alone that the emperor should have exercised a despotic command; it was only in the camps that his authority was disobeyed and insulted: he appeased and inflamed with gold the licentiousness of the troops; but their vices were inherent, their victories were accidental, and their costly maintenance exhausted the substance of a state which they were unable to defend. After a long and pernicious indulgence, the cure of this inveterate evil was undertaken by Maurice; but the rash attempt, which drew destruction on his own head, tended only to aggravate the disease. A reformer should be exempt from the suspicion of interest, and he must possess the confidence and esteem of those whom he proposes to reclaim. The troops of Maurice might listen to the voice of a victorious leader; they disdained the admonitions of statesmen and sophists; and, when they received an edict which deducted from their pay the price of their arms and clothing, they execrated the avarice of a prince insensible of the dangers and fatigues from which he had escaped. The camps both of Asia and Europe were agitated with frequent and furious seditions; 41 the enraged soldiers of Edessa pursued with reproaches, with threats, with wounds, their trembling generals; they overturned the statues of the emperor, cast stones against the miraculous image of Christ, and either rejected the yoke of all civil and military laws, or instituted a dangerous model of voluntary subordination. The monarch, always distant and often deceived, was incapable of yielding or persisting, according to the exigence of the moment. But the fear of a general revolt induced him too readily to accept any act of valor, or any expression of loyalty, as an atonement for the popular offence; the new reform was abolished as hastily as it had been announced, and the troops, instead of punishment and restraint, were agreeably surprised by a gracious proclamation of immunities and rewards. But the soldiers accepted without gratitude the tardy and reluctant gifts of the emperor: their insolence was elated by the discovery of his weakness and their own strength; and their mutual hatred was inflamed beyond the desire of forgiveness or the hope of reconciliation. The historians of the times adopt the vulgar suspicion, that Maurice conspired to destroy the troops whom he had labored to reform; the misconduct and favor of Commentiolus are imputed to this malevolent design; and every age must condemn the inhumanity of avarice 42 of a prince, who, by the trifling ransom of six thousand pieces of gold, might have prevented the massacre of twelve thousand prisoners in the hands of the chagan. In the just fervor of indignation, an order was signified to the army of the Danube, that they should spare the magazines of the province, and establish their winter quarters in the hostile country of the Avars. The measure of their grievances was full: they pronounced Maurice unworthy to reign, expelled or slaughtered his faithful adherents, and, under the command of Phocas, a simple centurion, returned by hasty marches to the neighborhood of Constantinople. After a long series of legal succession, the military disorders of the third century were again revived; yet such was the novelty of the enterprise, that the insurgents were awed by their own rashness. They hesitated to invest their favorite with the vacant purple; and, while they rejected all treaty with Maurice himself, they held a friendly correspondence with his son Theodosius, and with Germanus, the father-in-law of the royal youth. So obscure had been the former condition of Phocas, that the emperor was ignorant of the name and character of his rival; but as soon as he learned, that the centurion, though bold in sedition, was timid in the face of danger, "Alas!" cried the desponding prince, "if he is a coward, he will surely be a murderer."
Yet if Constantinople had been firm and faithful, the murderer might have spent his fury against the walls; and the rebel army would have been gradually consumed or reconciled by the prudence of the emperor. In the games of the Circus, which he repeated with unusual pomp, Maurice disguised, with smiles of confidence, the anxiety of his heart, condescended to solicit the applause of the factions, and flattered their pride by accepting from their respective tribunes a list of nine hundred blues and fifteen hundred greens, whom he affected to esteem as the solid pillars of his throne Their treacherous or languid support betrayed his weakness and hastened his fall: the green faction were the secret accomplices of the rebels, and the blues recommended lenity and moderation in a contest with their Roman brethren The rigid and parsimonious virtues of Maurice had long since alienated the hearts of his subjects: as he walked barefoot in a religious procession, he was rudely assaulted with stones, and his guards were compelled to present their iron maces in the defence of his person. A fanatic monk ran through the streets with a drawn sword, denouncing against him the wrath and the sentence of God; and a vile plebeian, who represented his countenance and apparel, was seated on an ass, and pursued by the imprecations of the multitude. 43 The emperor suspected the popularity of Germanus with the soldiers and citizens: he feared, he threatened, but he delayed to strike; the patrician fled to the sanctuary of the church; the people rose in his defence, the walls were deserted by the guards, and the lawless city was abandoned to the flames and rapine of a nocturnal tumult. In a small bark, the unfortunate Maurice, with his wife and nine children, escaped to the Asiatic shore; but the violence of the wind compelled him to land at the church of St. Autonomus, 44 near Chalcedon, from whence he despatched Theodosius, he eldest son, to implore the gratitude and friendship of the Persian monarch. For himself, he refused to fly: his body was tortured with sciatic pains, 45 his mind was enfeebled by superstition; he patiently awaited the event of the revolution, and addressed a fervent and public prayer to the Almighty, that the punishment of his sins might be inflicted in this world rather than in a future life. After the abdication of Maurice, the two factions disputed the choice of an emperor; but the favorite of the blues was rejected by the jealousy of their antagonists, and Germanus himself was hurried along by the crowds who rushed to the palace of Hebdomon, seven miles from the city, to adore the majesty of Phocas the centurion. A modest wish of resigning the purple to the rank and merit of Germanus was opposed by his resolution, more obstinate and equally sincere; the senate and clergy obeyed his summons; and, as soon as the patriarch was assured of his orthodox belief, he consecrated the successful usurper in the church of St. John the Baptist. On the third day, amidst the acclamations of a thoughtless people, Phocas made his public entry in a chariot drawn by four white horses: the revolt of the troops was rewarded by a lavish donative; and the new sovereign, after visiting the palace, beheld from his throne the games of the hippodrome. In a dispute of precedency between the two factions, his partial judgment inclined in favor of the greens. "Remember that Maurice is still alive," resounded from the opposite side; and the indiscreet clamor of the blues admonished and stimulated the cruelty of the tyrant. The ministers of death were despatched to Chalcedon: they dragged the emperor from his sanctuary; and the five sons of Maurice were successively murdered before the eyes of their agonizing parent. At each stroke, which he felt in his heart, he found strength to rehearse a pious ejaculation: "Thou art just, O Lord! and thy judgments are righteous." And such, in the last moments, was his rigid attachment to truth and justice, that he revealed to the soldiers the pious falsehood of a nurse who presented her own child in the place of a royal infant. 46 The tragic scene was finally closed by the execution of the emperor himself, in the twentieth year of his reign, and the sixty-third of his age. The bodies of the father and his five sons were cast into the sea; their heads were exposed at Constantinople to the insults or pity of the multitude; and it was not till some signs of putrefaction had appeared, that Phocas connived at the private burial of these venerable remains. In that grave, the faults and errors of Maurice were kindly interred. His fate alone was remembered; and at the end of twenty years, in the recital of the history of Theophylact, the mournful tale was interrupted by the tears of the audience. 47
Such tears must have flowed in secret, and such compassion would have been criminal, under the reign of Phocas, who was peaceably acknowledged in the provinces of the East and West. The images of the emperor and his wife Leontia were exposed in the Lateran to the veneration of the clergy and senate of Rome, and afterwards deposited in the palace of the Caesars, between those of Constantine and Theodosius. As a subject and a Christian, it was the duty of Gregory to acquiesce in the established government; but the joyful applause with which he salutes the fortune of the assassin, has sullied, with indelible disgrace, the character of the saint. The successor of the apostles might have inculcated with decent firmness the guilt of blood, and the necessity of repentance; he is content to celebrate the deliverance of the people and the fall of the oppressor; to rejoice that the piety and benignity of Phocas have been raised by Providence to the Imperial throne; to pray that his hands may be strengthened against all his enemies; and to express a wish, perhaps a prophecy, that, after a long and triumphant reign, he may be transferred from a temporal to an everlasting kingdom. 48 I have already traced the steps of a revolution so pleasing, in Gregory's opinion, both to heaven and earth; and Phocas does not appear less hateful in the exercise than in the acquisition of power The pencil of an impartial historian has delineated the portrait of a monster: 49 his diminutive and deformed person, the closeness of his shaggy eyebrows, his red hair, his beardless chin, and his cheek disfigured and discolored by a formidable scar. Ignorant of letters, of laws, and even of arms, he indulged in the supreme rank a more ample privilege of lust and drunkenness; and his brutal pleasures were either injurious to his subjects or disgraceful to himself. Without assuming the office of a prince, he renounced the profession of a soldier; and the reign of Phocas afflicted Europe with ignominious peace, and Asia with desolating war. His savage temper was inflamed by passion, hardened by fear, and exasperated by resistance of reproach. The flight of Theodosius to the Persian court had been intercepted by a rapid pursuit, or a deceitful message: he was beheaded at Nice, and the last hours of the young prince were soothed by the comforts of religion and the consciousness of innocence. Yet his phantom disturbed the repose of the usurper: a whisper was circulated through the East, that the son of Maurice was still alive: the people expected their avenger, and the widow and daughters of the late emperor would have adopted as their son and brother the vilest of mankind. In the massacre of the Imperial family, 50 the mercy, or rather the discretion, of Phocas had spared these unhappy females, and they were decently confined to a private house. But the spirit of the empress Constantina, still mindful of her father, her husband, and her sons, aspired to freedom and revenge. At the dead of night, she escaped to the sanctuary of St. Sophia; but her tears, and the gold of her associate Germanus, were insufficient to provoke an insurrection. Her life was forfeited to revenge, and even to justice: but the patriarch obtained and pledged an oath for her safety: a monastery was allotted for her prison, and the widow of Maurice accepted and abused the lenity of his assassin. The discovery or the suspicion of a second conspiracy, dissolved the engagements, and rekindled the fury, of Phocas. A matron who commanded the respect and pity of mankind, the daughter, wife, and mother of emperors, was tortured like the vilest malefactor, to force a confession of her designs and associates; and the empress Constantina, with her three innocent daughters, was beheaded at Chalcedon, on the same ground which had been stained with the blood of her husband and five sons. After such an example, it would be superfluous to enumerate the names and sufferings of meaner victims. Their condemnation was seldom preceded by the forms of trial, and their punishment was embittered by the refinements of cruelty: their eyes were pierced, their tongues were torn from the root, the hands and feet were amputated; some expired under the lash, others in the flames; others again were transfixed with arrows; and a simple speedy death was mercy which they could rarely obtain. The hippodrome, the sacred asylum of the pleasures and the liberty of the Romans, was polluted with heads and limbs, and mangled bodies; and the companions of Phocas were the most sensible, that neither his favor, nor their services, could protect them from a tyrant, the worthy rival of the Caligulas and Domitians of the first age of the empire. 51
23 A general idea of the pride and power of the chagan may be taken from Menander (Excerpt. Legat. p. 118, &c.) and Theophylact, (l. i. c. 3, l. vii. c. 15,) whose eight books are much more honorable to the Avar than to the Roman prince. The predecessors of Baian had tasted the liberality of Rome, and he survived the reign of Maurice, (Buat, Hist. des Peuples Barbares, tom. xi. p. 545.) The chagan who invaded Italy, A.D. 611, (Muratori, Annali, tom. v. p. 305,) was then invenili aetate florentem, (Paul Warnefrid, de Gest. Langobard. l v c 38,) the son, perhaps, or the grandson, of Baian.
24 Theophylact, l. i. c. 5, 6.
25 Even in the field, the chagan delighted in the use of these aromatics. He solicited, as a gift, and received. Theophylact, l. vii. c. 13. The Europeans of the ruder ages consumed more spices in their meat and drink than is compatible with the delicacy of a modern palate. Vie Privee des Francois, tom. ii. p. 162, 163.
26 Theophylact, l. vi. c. 6, l. vii. c. 15. The Greek historian confesses the truth and justice of his reproach
27 Menander (in Excerpt. Legat. p. 126 - 132, 174, 175) describes the perjury of Baian and the surrender of Sirmium. We have lost his account of the siege, which is commended by Theophylact, l. i. c. 3. Note: Compare throughout Schlozer Nordische Geschichte, p. 362 - 373 - M.
28 See D'Anville, in the Memoires de l'Acad. des Inscriptions, tom. xxviii. p. 412 - 443. The Sclavonic name of Belgrade is mentioned in the xth century by Constantine Porphyrogenitus: the Latin appellation of Alba Croeca is used by the Franks in the beginning of the ixth, (p. 414.)
29 Baron. Annal. Eccles. A. B. 600, No. 1. Paul Warnefrid (l. iv. c. 38) relates their irruption into Friuli, and (c. 39) the captivity of his ancestors, about A.D. 632. The Sclavi traversed the Adriatic cum multitudine navium, and made a descent in the territory of Sipontum, (c. 47.)
30 Even the helepolis, or movable turret. Theophylact, l. ii. 16, 17.
31 The arms and alliances of the chagan reached to the neighborhood of a western sea, fifteen months' journey from Constantinople. The emperor Maurice conversed with some itinerant harpers from that remote country, and only seems to have mistaken a trade for a nation Theophylact, l. vi. c. 2.
32 This is one of the most probable and luminous conjectures of the learned count de Buat, (Hist. des Peuples Barbares, tom. xi. p. 546 - 568.) The Tzechi and Serbi are found together near Mount Caucasus, in Illyricum, and on the lower Elbe. Even the wildest traditions of the Bohemians, &c., afford some color to his hypothesis.
33 See Fredegarius, in the Historians of France, tom. ii. p. 432. Baian did not conceal his proud insensibility.
34 See the march and return of Maurice, in Theophylact, l. v. c. 16 l. vi. c. 1, 2, 3. If he were a writer of taste or genius, we might suspect him of an elegant irony: but Theophylact is surely harmless.
35 Iliad, xii. 243. This noble verse, which unites the spirit of a hero with the reason of a sage, may prove that Homer was in every light superior to his age and country.
36 Theophylact, l. vii. c. 3. On the evidence of this fact, which had not occurred to my memory, the candid reader will correct and excuse a note in Chapter XXXIV., note 86 of this History, which hastens the decay of Asimus, or Azimuntium; another century of patriotism and valor is cheaply purchased by such a confession.
37 See the shameful conduct of Commentiolus, in Theophylact, l. ii. c. 10 - 15, l. vii. c. 13, 14, l. viii. c. 2, 4.
38 See the exploits of Priscus, l. viii. c. 23.
39 The general detail of the war against the Avars may be traced in the first, second, sixth, seventh, and eighth books of the history of the emperor Maurice, by Theophylact Simocatta. As he wrote in the reign of Heraclius, he had no temptation to flatter; but his want of judgment renders him diffuse in trifles, and concise in the most interesting facts.
40 Maurice himself composed xii books on the military art, which are still extant, and have been published (Upsal, 1664) by John Schaeffer, at the end of the Tactics of Arrian, (Fabricius, Bibliot Graeca, l. iv. c. 8, tom. iii. p. 278,) who promises to speak more fully of his work in its proper place.
41 See the mutinies under the reign of Maurice, in Theophylact l iii c. 1 - 4, .vi. c. 7, 8, 10, l. vii. c. 1 l. viii. c. 6, &c.
42 Theophylact and Theophanes seem ignorant of the conspiracy and avarice of Maurice. These charges, so unfavorable to the memory of that emperor, are first mentioned by the author of the Paschal Chronicle, (p. 379, 280;) from whence Zonaras (tom. ii. l. xiv. p. 77, 78) has transcribed them. Cedrenus (p. 399) has followed another computation of the ransom.
43 In their clamors against Maurice, the people of Constantinople branded him with the name of Marcionite or Marcionist; a heresy (says Theophylact, l. viii. c. 9). Did they only cast out a vague reproach - or had the emperor really listened to some obscure teacher of those ancient Gnostics?
44 The church of St. Autonomous (whom I have not the honor to know) was 150 stadia from Constantinople, (Theophylact, l. viii. c. 9.) The port of Eutropius, where Maurice and his children were murdered, is described by Gyllius (de Bosphoro Thracio, l. iii. c. xi.) as one of the two harbors of Chalcedon.
45 The inhabitants of Constantinople were generally subject; and Theophylact insinuates, (l. viii. c. 9,) that if it were consistent with the rules of history, he could assign the medical cause. Yet such a digression would not have been more impertinent than his inquiry (l. vii. c. 16, 17) into the annual inundations of the Nile, and all the opinions of the Greek philosophers on that subject.
46 From this generous attempt, Corneille has deduced the intricate web of his tragedy of Heraclius, which requires more than one representation to be clearly understood, (Corneille de Voltaire, tom. v. p. 300;) and which, after an interval of some years, is said to have puzzled the author himself, (Anecdotes Dramatiques, tom. i. p. 422.)
47 The revolt of Phocas and death of Maurice are told by Theophylact Simocatta, (l. viii. c. 7 - 12,) the Paschal Chronicle, (p. 379, 380,) Theophanes, (Chronograph. p. 238 - 244,) Zonaras, (tom. ii. l. xiv. p. 77 - 80,) and Cedrenus, (p. 399 - 404.)
48 Gregor. l. xi. epist. 38, indict. vi. Benignitatem vestrae pietatis ad Imperiale fastigium pervenisse gaudemus. Laetentur coeli et exultet terra, et de vestris benignis actibus universae republicae populus nunc usque vehementer afflictus hilarescat, &c. This base flattery, the topic of Protestant invective, is justly censured by the philosopher Bayle, (Dictionnaire Critique, Gregoire I. Not. H. tom. ii. p. 597 598.) Cardinal Baronius justifies the pope at the expense of the fallen emperor.
49 The images of Phocas were destroyed; but even the malice of his enemies would suffer one copy of such a portrait or caricature (Cedrenus, p. 404) to escape the flames.
50 The family of Maurice is represented by Ducange, (Familiae By zantinae, p. 106, 107, 108;) his eldest son Theodosius had been crowned emperor, when he was no more than four years and a half old, and he is always joined with his father in the salutations of Gregory. With the Christian daughters, Anastasia and Theocteste, I am surprised to find the Pagan name of Cleopatra.
51 Some of the cruelties of Phocas are marked by Theophylact, l. viii. c. 13, 14, 15. George of Pisidia, the poet of Heraclius, styles him (Bell. Avaricum, p. 46, Rome, 1777). The latter epithet is just - but the corrupter of life was easily vanquished.


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The North Star on Blue Ribbon Leash is made from high-tensile strength nylon webbing with sewn-on polyester/nylon ribbon. The ribbon is stain and fray resistant and designed to last.
All leash and collar hardware is cast, not welded brass, for extra strength.
Machine wash cold, air dry.
Sizes: Narrow: 5/8" W x 6' L; Wide: 1" W x 6' L
*(Listed Separately: Matching Collar in sizes XS to XXL. The collar buckle is "Coast Guard approved" for high weight hold.)


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|Authored By: Catherine A. Brorby, Author of Making the Most of Your Food Allergies
|This is a beautiful salad to serve to company. The colors make it especially appropriate for the Christmas holidays.
|Diet Types: Dairy Free, Low Sodium, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Wheat Free
|Serves: 6
|Cooking Time: Under 15 minutes
|In a blender, puree all of the ingredients except the oil. Add the oil a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 1 1/2-1 3/4 cups. Assembly: Tear lettuce into small pieces and divide between six salad plates. Slice avocado and arrange over the lettuce. Top with raspberries. Drizzle with some of the Vinaigrette. Serve immediately. Pass the pepper ginder.
|Printable Version
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The Jonathan Edwards Center at Trinity (jecteds.org) is pleased to announce this year's annual paper competition for graduate students. Papers must focus on Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), his contexts, or his legacies, and must be written mainly in English. They may be submitted, however, by graduate students from anywhere, working in any major academic discipline. Each year's winner will receive a cash prize of $500 (U.S.) and guaranteed publication in Jonathan Edwards Studies. Submissions are due by May 15 of each year. The winners will be announced by August 1.
Further details may be found below, or in the downloadable flyer link. Please share this announcement with your colleagues. Queries and submissions should be directed to Professor Douglas A. Sweeney (email@example.com).
Happy writing, and good luck!
- All full- and part-time graduate students from anywhere in the world are eligible to participate.
- Papers must focus on Jonathan Edwards, his contexts, or his legacies.
- Papers must be original, and not pledged elsewhere.
- Papers should be of superior, publishable quality, and should follow the Author Guidelines published in Jonathan Edwards Studies, available at: jestudies.yale.edu.
- Papers must be written in English.
- Papers must be readable in Microsoft Word.
- Papers must be received no later than May 15.
- Cash prize of $500 (U.S.)
- Guaranteed publication in Jonathan Edwards Studies.
- The winner will be announced on August 1.
Papers will be assessed by a committee led by Professor Douglas A. Sweeney, Director, Jonathan Edwards Center at TEDS, and including the other global Jonathan Edwards Center directors.
Please direct queries and submissions to Doug Sweeney (firstname.lastname@example.com).


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Friday, December 1 @ 7:00pm
The Wheeler Centre
176 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne
Has an Open Mic?
Registration Information
Book tickets @ https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=324580
Fore more information on how poets are nominated and wildcard entry information, see: http://melbournespokenword.com/the-melbourne-spoke…
The Melbourne Spoken Word Prize brings together poets and spoken word artists from over thirty regular events for a special end of year competition judged by some of Melbourne's most respected figures in our local spoken word scene.
Thirty poets compete for a cash prize, trophy, people's choice award as well as professional and performance opportunities.
Poets are nominated by event hosts and conveners all over Melbourne, with some spaces left over for wildcard entries.
POSTY Poetry & Spoken Word Special Delivery is a new fortnightly open mic event hosted by Hamish Danks Brown a.k.a. Danksta Downunder. All welcome to distribute and sort their poetry on stage and to deliver it in any language. The Post is well located on the corner of Brighton Road and Inkerman Street. If you're coming from North of the Yarra catch the number 3 or 67 trams from Swanston Street and get out at Stop 34 right outside the pub. It's a very warm and welcoming venue with good food and drinks.
I'm sitting down for an interview with Waffle IronGirl, me on one end of old faithful (Facebook Messenger), her on the other. I've – somewhat unwisely – started off proceedings with a list of 'suggested' questions from my partner Lexi, all of them uniquely bizarre. For instance:
"How adaptable is the waffle iron as a printing technology?"
Waffle IronGirl shoots this one down:
Waffle Iron isn't a printing technology.
It's very adaptable personal weaponry though.
Things are off to a cracking start.
We're here to talk about performing in Singapore (she was recently a support act in the Singapore poetry slam) and chapbooks (she's running a workshop on chapbooks for the Melbourne Spoken Word and Poetry Festival). But I can't resist. Where does the name "Waffle IronGirl" come from? " I once wrote a flash fiction story about a vigilante called Waffle IronGirl," she explains. "She used a waffle iron to dispatch with those who would violate her boundaries or the boundaries of those she cared about. When I started performing I needed a stage name, and it seemed like she could impart a courage and frankness that I felt I was lacking personally."
I could pause here to note that Waffle IronGirl is one of the most original performers I've seen, and when she featured for us at the Dan, I felt like the top of my head had been taken off and I had a whole range of new weird and wonderful ideas poured in. Instead, I ask about the Singapore slam; what differences between Singaporean spoken word and Australian spoken word did she notice? "What struck me wasn't so much the difference in style", she says, "although that was certainly there. From a style perspective, there was certainly a more natural use of multiple languages and accents and dialects within the same
What does your name mean?
Thabani means "be happy".
What makes you happy?
Connecting with people. I enjoy consuming art in all its forms. Art is one of the most connective things in which we can participate.
What made you leave Zimbabwe and come to Melbourne? Is Melbourne home now or is there more to your journey?
I left to study in the US and South Africa and finally Melbourne because I have family here. I just thought it would be beaches and people in swimsuits all day but had a rude awakening!
There is so much more to the journey. The project I'm working on now is about the sense of identity displacement. Even in Zimbabwe, I was not culturally accepted because I went to a lot of "white" schools. I'm still searching for a sense of belonging.
Do you know what this place looks like?
No, that's why it's so hard to find. But it's not about the finding, it's about the journey towards finding. In fact, I'm content to continuously search and not find it because it's in the search that the most meaningful interactions are to be found.
You're a Wheeler Centre Hot Desk Fellow. What that does mean to you?
It is a great opportunity. Connecting to other writers and becoming a part of the literary world – that is the most valuable aspect. The biggest growth for me is the discipline – working on one full body of work thematically linked, where the content needs coherent narrative. I'm usually very sporadic and volatile in writing, so it's been an interesting challenge to get into the frame of mind where I'm still authentically expressing myself but it's a controlled expressing. Not writing to the feeling, but bringing the feeling and writing to it.
You're part of the Slamalamadingong National Poetry Slam Team. How do you feel and what are you expecting at the event?
A lot of poetry! It's great to see people workin


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Books with Bite: Attack of the Vampires
From Wiki
Article in Young Adult Fiction and Horror categories.
- Erin's been in therapy for half of her sixteen years, but is the problem her schizophrenia or vampires?
- Only his aunt and best friend know Vlad half-vampire, but when his missing teacher is replaced by a sinister substitute, he's afraid the his secret and the mystery about his parents' deaths are about to blast open. Follow Vlad in The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Ninth Grade Slays .
- Zoey Rebird enters the House of Night where she trains as an adult vampyre. The story continues with Betrayed,Chosenand Untamed.
- Schuyler Van Alen, from one of New York City's wealthiest families wonders if her unexpected changes have anything to do with her classmate who was found drained of blood. Find out more in Masquerade.
- Lucy had diabetes and an obsession with the dark side. She thinks they are related. Will she find out the truth or lose everything to the vampire she meets online?
- This manga series follows Hellsing, a secret British organization headed by the vampire Alucard in its quest to defend England against other vampires and monsters.
- Cole has been a heme and a teen for over 100 years. On a road trip with impulsive Sandor they have to track down a newcomer and see if he as what it takes to live without sunlight . . . or family.
- Sunny's twin sister Rayne was the one who wanted to be a vampire, but due to mistaken identity, Sunny's the one who's been bitten. Can she avoid eternal life? Check out the sequels Stake That! and Girls that Growl.
- Teens Lissa, a mortal vampire and Rose, her guardian, fled Montana's St. Vladimir's Academy two years ago. Now that they are back they must be on their guard against the powerful Strigoi vampires and losing their hearts to boys. Follow up with Frostbite.
- Vegan Vampire Morning is to be the first vampire to reveal himself to humans and prove that he can help them. Will his soy-blood substitute drinking self make it to the Vampire Pride parade? Find out here!
- Can 17 year old Bella find true love with a vegetarian vampire in the rainy woods of Forks? Or will she fall for friendly Jacob, the werewolf-next-door? You'll have to read New Moon, Eclipseand Breaking Dawnfor the whole story.
- A hilarious look at what it meas to choose to follow your parents into vampire-ism and how that limits your boyfriend choices.
- Cody doesn't need Charon the wolf to tell him that Vlad Dracul Magnet School isn't like his old high school. It also doesn't take him long to figure out that the super-strong, sun-hating students are vampires? Watch as Cody hilariously tries to get humans and vampires to get along.
- Gothy Raven always wanted to be a vampire. Can Alexander Sterling, who's just moved into town, make her dreams come true?
- Woodcutter Tomas' past threatens him and his son when the dead of Chust rise from the grave. Will Peter figure out Tomas' secret before the town wreaks revenge?
- Darren didn't think that Steve's invitation to the illegal freak show would be an invitation to his own funeral. Get chills with the rest of the series
- Quincie's best friend Keiren may be a werewolf, but is he behind the murders in Austin that may prevent her family's vampire-themed restaurant from opening?
- Pirates! Vampires! Twins!
- Cal carries the parasite that causes humans to be vampires. Can he warn all his ex-girlfriends before they create more? Last Days is the companion novel.


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A Japanese engineer who had worked on the Panama Canal created this important floodgate and canal alongside the Arakawa River in the 1920s. The red paint and the cherry blossoms make it scenic as well as functional.
UPDATE: Above is the film version, which took awhile to be developed. The colors seem much richer than the digital iPhone image below.


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$8,731 off MSRP!2019 Dodge Journey SE Blue Pearl 3rd Row Seat, Backup Camera, Bluetooth, Hands-Free, 1-Year SiriusXM Radio Service, 4.3" Touch Screen Display, Audio Jack Input for Mobile Devices, Connectivity Group, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Radio: 4.3S, Remote USB Port, Sirius Satellite Radio, Uconnect Voice Command w/Bluetooth.WE WILL MEET OR BEAT ANY ADVERTISED PRICE!*Currently advertised competitor price. New Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT vehicle with similar MSRP and same model on in stock units. Any Oregon or Southwest Washington dealer. Price includes: $1,000 - 2019 Retail Bonus Cash WECKA1. Exp. 01/02/2020, $1,000 - Chrysler Capital 2019 Bonus Cash MUST FINANCE OR LEASE THROUGH CHRYSLER CAPITAL.44CKB3. Exp. 01/02/2020, $2,750 - 2019 Retail Consumer Cash 70CK1. Exp. 01/02/2020
All vehicles subject to prior sale, tax, license, title & registration processing fees ($115 dealer doc fee). While we make every effort to ensure display of accurate vehicle information, errors do occur and the vehicle description may not reflect all accurate vehicle items. Please verify vehicle info with a Tonkin sales representative.


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Trip Information and Rates
Book a Fishing Trip
Snook Fishing
Tarpon Fishing
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Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Estero Bay
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Fly fishing in the Mangroves
Chasing fish with a fly rod is the ultimate shallow water experience. We spend our days targeting snook, redfish and tarpon in the shallow bays and coves of the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park This type of fishing is the equivalent of hunting because often we search for our target before casting.
Poling into the skinny water, we will look for the subtle signs of fish. Casts need to be quick and accurate. Once the fly has landed a short, quick strip will usually elicit a reaction strike. The most critical part of process comes next with the hook set. To catch snook, redfish and tarpon on fly a solid strip set must be used. Lifting the rod tip will not drive the hook home and the fish won't stay on the line.
Tarpon fly fishing is a sight fishing activity. As the waters warm, tarpon move into shallow bays to rest and actually are found often lying motionless. They appear to be sleeping or resting and are prime targets once located. A well placed fly stripped across their face normally results in a electrifying hook up.
What will we be fishing for?
Sport fishing is year-round in Southwest Florida. Snook, redfish and tarpon abound in the warmer months and can be caught in the winter if the weather is mild. Cooler temperatures bring in sea trout, pompano, sheepshead, and black drum. Jack crevalle, ladyfish, snapper and more fill in the rest of the day with tight lines and bent rods. The weather and the tides play a major factor in what is biting. These mangrove estuaries offer tremendous diversity at all times throughout the year. You just never know what the next cast might bring.
Our departure sites include Goodland, Marco Island, Naples, Everglades City and Chokoloskee. We also run charters from Estero Bay and Pine Island which are about 30 minutes north of Naples.
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Redfishing in SW Florida
Snook Fishing in SW Florida
Tarpon Fishing in SW Florida
Fly Fishing in SW Florida
Come experience exciting fishing in Southwest Florida for game fish like snook, redfish, tarpon and sea trout. Take a charter with an Orvis endorsed fishing guide and have a fun, productive day in the Everglades National Park and the 10,000 Islands.
Using fly or light tackle these worthy targets can present the ultimate in challenges for the experienced and novice angler alike. Specializing in fly fishing, our guides excel at stalking fish in the shallow water.
Our guides are patient fly casting instructors that will help you catch more fish with the fly. If you prefer spin fishing, then live bait or artificial lures can be used.
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Monday, April 12, 2010
I thought I'd feature this new campaign by Unicef Australia to raise some awareness (and hopefully donations) for Malaria prevention. It kills a child every 30 seconds. One of UNICEF's major contributions in helping combat malaria is the provision and distribution of insecticide treated nets, the most effective protection against malaria. The best part is, that these nets are [...]Continue reading...
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Office handbags
Ladies handbag – bottomless. She embraces the whole world and is a necessary attachment to a woman, as it increases the female potential and brings her closer to perfection. In essence, a office handbags replaces a womans wand. And the magic wand is, in fact, a modernized compact handbag with an ever-expanding range of amazing features!
Womens and office handbags
Without what a woman cannot imagine herself? Of course, without a office handbags! Psychologists say that the contents of the handbag can be judged on the owner herself. Therefore, to the great joy of the weaker sex and thanks to fashion, today, office handbags have increased in size and are decorated with numerous pockets. Such a design makes it possible to fill them with everything that the soul desires. So what can you put in your office handbags?
Every woman has her own list of stored items. It all depends on her mood, character, lifestyle and taste.
About office handbags
So about the purse. Have you ever wondered why women are so attached to their handbags? According to the observations of sociologists, most women are obsessed with office handbagshandbags. Many of them belong to their purses with inexplicable passion. Relationships women and office handbags sometimes resemble a love affair. And the situation with this issue today is such that not only designers and fashion designers, but even venerable scientists, having become interested in this issue, already write scientific works and dissertations devoted to this problem.


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We Can Help You Get The Best Mission Investment Properties
Lots of investors are looking to get started, and as active real estate experts in Mission , we get asked to share our secrets quite a bit.
Our parents always told us to be blessings to other- so we try to help any chance we get…
One of the most popular questions we get from local investors is "How to find excellent investment propert in Mission ?"
With the flood of foreclosure deals all but dried up (compared to where they were a few years back)… people are having to get more creative in finding the best deals on great local Mission investment properties.
At Glymph Properties we recognized early on that there was no one right way to find local Mission investment properties. We find our deals on online & offline, our website , classified posting sites, traditional letters/postcards, and from "bird dogs" (acquisition agents).
Below we'll share some things you can do to find local Mission high ROI investment properties to add to your portfolio.
Most investors are afraid of competition – they think that if they share their secrets, someone will steal their ideas from them.
I guess it's a good thing that we feel that the more we help, the more information we put out there, the more business will come our way. We work with other investors to accomplish things together that we can't do alone.
We share our learning and our philosophies here because we want to improve the quality of investment in Mission to build stronger communities. Ultimately, we're all investing in the same places, so it makes sense to do it right.
There's a few core principles that are important to understand if you want to get the best investment property deals.
First, think long term.
Real estate doesn't move like the stock market. It's where people live, work and play – not just numbers on a screen. It's almost impossible to make a huge amount of cash in a short-term real estate deal, those come few and far between.
So don't expect to get away with fancy tricks, or that you're smarter than the people who have been doing this stuff for years. Thinking long-term means learning from the past to better anticipate the future.
Also, realize that real estate investing is a marathon not a sprint. Being successful as a real estate investor means being steadfast, stubborn, and patient. Don't be in a hurry to conquer the investing world- It's going to take time, but if you stick with it you can be more successful than you can imagine.
That's why it's a great idea to find several sources of properties that fit your criteria (like our Mission Investment Property Buyers List >> ) so you have a heavier flow of great deals to look at.
Second, focus on relationships.
The investment community in Mission is much smaller than most people think.
There are only a handful of brokers and investors who conduct most of the business in the market.
They're used to working with the same people on a regular basis. It's worth the time and effort to find them and learn from them. If you can, work with them. They're your best source of good deals, now and in the future.
How do you get to know them? Go to your local REIA ( Real Estate Investing Association) and find the people who are active and talk to them. Ask the most active folks there which good ( by good I mean actually have deals priced at wholesale vs retail- there's a huge difference)wholesalers in the area are active- get their info- and make sure to find out which realtors, and title companies they work with. As a matter of fact- let anyone you meet at the REIA know that you are looking to buy Mission investment properties that fit your parameters- you never know who your next deal is gonna come from. Learning how to find good investment property in Mission isn't a hard thing… but relationships can be a key element in getting some of the best deals on properties that no one else has access to in the Mission market.
Who should you get to know( Hopefully all the random symbols will really make you pay attention ;-))?
*** The top investor friendly Mission real estate brokers***
***A couple real estate appraisers who deal w/ the types of properties you deal with***
***The top handful of property wholesalers in the area***
***The best Mission property rehabbers/flippers***
***Title agents that deal with investment properties a lot***
Third, identify your target investments.
Investing in Mission is the same as investing in any other city on the planet, you have to be focused. You have to find your niche- focus on what will make you money. Some people make millions just in parking garages or storage units.
Others specialize in residential apartments, while others deal strictly with retail. If you take the time to do your homework, you can analyze the different segments of the Mission market to see which opportunities are truly the best for you – and not just the best marketed. Once you find exactly what you want to own, you can create a plan to find out who owns it and make sure that they know to call you when they want to sell that property.
Although it takes a large amount of work- it's the most dependable strategy to create long-term, generational wealth.
Finally – use technology.
Sign up for our list of exceptional properties, and we'll inform you instantly when we find a great investment. We frequently source properties for deep discounts, secure them and then sell them for a discounted rate to the people on our list who are ready, willing and able to invest. There's other ways to get notified about properties on the open market – you should get familiar with searching the multiple listing service with the rest of the herd, because every once in a blue moon a great deal shows up.
We don't even look at anything remotely average – we only pass along great deals to our partner investors. We're not real estate brokers, and our business is a niche within Mission.
If you're looking to seriously invest in Mission, we'd love to chat with you to learn your wants, wishes, and objectives.
So hopefully you now know how to find great investment properties in Mission. If you have questions give us a call or join our buyers list below!
Give us a call at 888-509-6267 Ext 3 or fill out the form to get started now.
Sell Your Mission House Fast – We Buy Houses…Get A Cash Offer Today
We're happy to help you find answers to your toughest questions about Mission, Texas real estate, so please feel free to call us at 888-509-6267 Ext 3 and chat with us anytime.
Are you looking to find other properties to invest in… visit our investor website or give us a call anytime at 888-509-6267 Ext 3 for Great High ROI properties
Check out our investment blog!
Not only do we have properties internationally but we also have properties near Texas : 78572, 78573, 78574.
Fill out this form or give us a call anytime at 888-509-6267 Ext 4 for a Fair Cash Offer
www.gpbuyshomes.com/sell-my-house-fast-mission See how it works
Check out our blog!
Are you looking for rent to own properties… visit our rent-to-own website or give us a call anytime at 888-509-6267 Ext 5 for a Fair Cash Offer
Check out our rent-to-own blog!