text:
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. 2, by Edward Gibbon, [1781], at sacred-texts.com
IV. The ignominious treaty, which saved the army of Jovian, had been faithfully executed on the side of the Romans; and as they had solemnly renounced the sovereignty and alliance of Armenia and Iberia, those tributary kingdoms were exposed, without protection, to the arms of the Persian monarch. 133 Sapor entered the Armenian territories at the head of a formidable host of cuirassiers, of archers, and of mercenary foot; but it was the invariable practice of Sapor to mix war and negotiation, and to consider falsehood and perjury as the most powerful instruments of regal policy. He affected to praise the prudent and moderate conduct of the king of Armenia; and the unsuspicious Tiranus was persuaded, by the repeated assurances of insidious friendship, to deliver his person into the hands of a faithless and cruel enemy. In the midst of a splendid entertainment, he was bound in chains of silver, as an honor due to the blood of the Arsacides; and, after a short confinement in the Tower of Oblivion at Ecbatana, he was released from the miseries of life, either by his own dagger, or by that of an assassin. *_0083 The kingdom of Armenia was reduced to the state of a Persian province; the administration was shared between a distinguished satrap and a favorite eunuch; and Sapor marched, without delay, to subdue the martial spirit of the Iberians. Sauromaces, who reigned in that country by the permission of the emperors, was expelled by a superior force; and, as an insult on the majesty of Rome, the king of kings placed a diadem on the head of his abject vassal Aspacuras. The city of Artogerassa 134 was the only place of Armenia !!_0083 which presumed to resist the efforts of his arms. The treasure deposited in that strong fortress tempted the avarice of Sapor; but the danger of Olympias, the wife or widow of the Armenian king, excited the public compassion, and animated the desperate valor of her subjects and soldiers. !!!_0083 The Persians were surprised and repulsed under the walls of Artogerassa, by a bold and well-concerted sally of the besieged. But the forces of Sapor were continually renewed and increased; the hopeless courage of the garrison was exhausted; the strength of the walls yielded to the assault; and the proud conqueror, after wasting the rebellious city with fire and sword, led away captive an unfortunate queen; who, in a more auspicious hour, had been the destined bride of the son of Constantine. 135 Yet if Sapor already triumphed in the easy conquest of two dependent kingdoms, he soon felt, that a country is unsubdued as long as the minds of the people are actuated by a hostile and contumacious spirit. The satraps, whom he was obliged to trust, embraced the first opportunity of regaining the affection of their countrymen, and of signalizing their immortal hatred to the Persian name. Since the conversion of the Armenians and Iberians, these nations considered the Christians as the favorites, and the Magians as the adversaries, of the Supreme Being: the influence of the clergy, over a superstitious people was uniformly exerted in the cause of Rome; and as long as the successors of Constantine disputed with those of Artaxerxes the sovereignty of the intermediate provinces, the religious connection always threw a decisive advantage into the scale of the empire. A numerous and active party acknowledged Para, the son of Tiranus, as the lawful sovereign of Armenia, and his title to the throne was deeply rooted in the hereditary succession of five hundred years. By the unanimous consent of the Iberians, the country was equally divided between the rival princes; and Aspacuras, who owed his diadem to the choice of Sapor, was obliged to declare, that his regard for his children, who were detained as hostages by the tyrant, was the only consideration which prevented him from openly renouncing the alliance of Persia. The emperor Valens, who respected the obligations of the treaty, and who was apprehensive of involving the East in a dangerous war, ventured, with slow and cautious measures, to support the Roman party in the kingdoms of Iberia and Armenia. !!!!_0083 Twelve legions established the authority of Sauromaces on the banks of the Cyrus. The Euphrates was protected by the valor of Arintheus. A powerful army, under the command of Count Trajan, and of Vadomair, king of the Alemanni, fixed their camp on the confines of Armenia. But they were strictly enjoined not to commit the first hostilities, which might be understood as a breach of the treaty: and such was the implicit obedience of the Roman general, that they retreated, with exemplary patience, under a shower of Persian arrows till they had clearly acquired a just title to an honorable and legitimate victory. Yet these appearances of war insensibly subsided in a vain and tedious negotiation. The contending parties supported their claims by mutual reproaches of perfidy and ambition; and it should seem, that the original treaty was expressed in very obscure terms, since they were reduced to the necessity of making their inconclusive appeal to the partial testimony of the generals of the two nations, who had assisted at the negotiations. 136 The invasion of the Goths and Huns which soon afterwards shook the foundations of the Roman empire, exposed the provinces of Asia to the arms of Sapor. But the declining age, and perhaps the infirmities, of the monarch suggested new maxims of tranquillity and moderation. His death, which happened in the full maturity of a reign of seventy years, changed in a moment the court and councils of Persia; and their attention was most probably engaged by domestic troubles, and the distant efforts of a Carmanian war. 137 The remembrance of ancient injuries was lost in the enjoyment of peace. The kingdoms of Armenia and Iberia were permitted, by the mutual,though tacit consent of both empires, to resume their doubtful neutrality. In the first years of the reign of Theodosius, a Persian embassy arrived at Constantinople, to excuse the unjustifiable measures of the former reign; and to offer, as the tribute of friendship, or even of respect, a splendid present of gems, of silk, and of Indian elephants. 138
In the general picture of the affairs of the East under the reign of Valens, the adventures of Para form one of the most striking and singular objects. The noble youth, by the persuasion of his mother Olympias, had escaped through the Persian host that besieged Artogerassa, and implored the protection of the emperor of the East. By his timid councils, Para was alternately supported, and recalled, and restored, and betrayed. The hopes of the Armenians were sometimes raised by the presence of their natural sovereign, *_0084 and the ministers of Valens were satisfied, that they preserved the integrity of the public faith, if their vassal was not suffered to assume the diadem and title of King. But they soon repented of their own rashness. They were confounded by the reproaches and threats of the Persian monarch. They found reason to distrust the cruel and inconstant temper of Para himself; who sacrificed, to the slightest suspicions, the lives of his most faithful servants, and held a secret and disgraceful correspondence with the assassin of his father and the enemy of his country. Under the specious pretence of consulting with the emperor on the subject of their common interest, Para was persuaded to descend from the mountains of Armenia, where his party was in arms, and to trust his independence and safety to the discretion of a perfidious court. The king of Armenia, for such he appeared in his own eyes and in those of his nation, was received with due honors by the governors of the provinces through which he passed; but when he arrived at Tarsus in Cilicia, his progress was stopped under various pretences; his motions were watched with respectful vigilance, and he gradually discovered, that he was a prisoner in the hands of the Romans. Para suppressed his indignation, dissembled his fears, and after secretly preparing his escape, mounted on horseback with three hundred of his faithful followers. The officer stationed at the door of his apartment immediately communicated his flight to the consular of Cilicia, who overtook him in the suburbs, and endeavored without success, to dissuade him from prosecuting his rash and dangerous design. A legion was ordered to pursue the royal fugitive; but the pursuit of infantry could not be very alarming to a body of light cavalry; and upon the first cloud of arrows that was discharged into the air, they retreated with precipitation to the gates of Tarsus. After an incessant march of two days and two nights, Para and his Armenians reached the banks of the Euphrates; but the passage of the river which they were obliged to swim, **_0084 was attended with some delay and some loss. The country was alarmed; and the two roads, which were only separated by an interval of three miles had been occupied by a thousand archers on horseback, under the command of a count and a tribune. Para must have yielded to superior force, if the accidental arrival of a friendly traveller had not revealed the danger and the means of escape. A dark and almost impervious path securely conveyed the Armenian troop through the thicket; and Para had left behind him the count and the tribune, while they patiently expected his approach along the public highways. They returned to the Imperial court to excuse their want of diligence or success; and seriously alleged, that the king of Armenia, who was a skilful magician, had transformed himself and his followers, and passed before their eyes under a borrowed shape. !_0084 After his return to his native kingdom, Para still continued to profess himself the friend and ally of the Romans: but the Romans had injured him too deeply ever to forgive, and the secret sentence of his death was signed in the council of Valens. The execution of the bloody deed was committed to the subtle prudence of Count Trajan; and he had the merit of insinuating himself into the confidence of the credulous prince, that he might find an opportunity of stabbing him to the heart Para was invited to a Roman banquet, which had been prepared with all the pomp and sensuality of the East; the hall resounded with cheerful music, and the company was already heated with wine; when the count retired for an instant, drew his sword, and gave the signal of the murder. A robust and desperate Barbarian instantly rushed on the king of Armenia; and though he bravely defended his life with the first weapon that chance offered to his hand, the table of the Imperial general was stained with the royal blood of a guest, and an ally. Such were the weak and wicked maxims of the Roman administration, that, to attain a doubtful object of political interest the laws of nations, and the sacred rights of hospitality were inhumanly violated in the face of the world. 139
V. During a peaceful interval of thirty years, the Romans secured their frontiers, and the Goths extended their dominions. The victories of the great Hermanric, 140 king of the Ostrogoths, and the most noble of the race of the Amali, have been compared, by the enthusiasm of his countrymen, to the exploits of Alexander; with this singular, and almost incredible, difference, that the martial spirit of the Gothic hero, instead of being supported by the vigor of youth, was displayed with glory and success in the extreme period of human life, between the age of fourscore and one hundred and ten years. The independent tribes were persuaded, or compelled, to acknowledge the king of the Ostrogoths as the sovereign of the Gothic nation: the chiefs of the Visigoths, or Thervingi, renounced the royal title, and assumed the more humble appellation of Judges; and, among those judges, Athanaric, Fritigern, and Alavivus, were the most illustrious, by their personal merit, as well as by their vicinity to the Roman provinces. These domestic conquests, which increased the military power of Hermanric, enlarged his ambitious designs. He invaded the adjacent countries of the North; and twelve considerable nations, whose names and limits cannot be accurately defined, successively yielded to the superiority of the Gothic arms 141 The Heruli, who inhabited the marshy lands near the lake Maeotis, were renowned for their strength and agility; and the assistance of their light infantry was eagerly solicited, and highly esteemed, in all the wars of the Barbarians. But the active spirit of the Heruli was subdued by the slow and steady perseverance of the Goths; and, after a bloody action, in which the king was slain, the remains of that warlike tribe became a useful accession to the camp of Hermanric. He then marched against the Venedi; unskilled in the use of arms, and formidable only by their numbers, which filled the wide extent of the plains of modern Poland. The victorious Goths, who were not inferior in numbers, prevailed in the contest, by the decisive advantages of exercise and discipline. After the submission of the Venedi, the conqueror advanced, without resistance, as far as the confines of the Aestii; 142 an ancient people, whose name is still preserved in the province of Esthonia. Those distant inhabitants of the Baltic coast were supported by the labors of agriculture, enriched by the trade of amber, and consecrated by the peculiar worship of the Mother of the Gods. But the scarcity of iron obliged the Aestian warriors to content themselves with wooden clubs; and the reduction of that wealthy country is ascribed to the prudence, rather than to the arms, of Hermanric. His dominions, which extended from the Danube to the Baltic, included the native seats, and the recent acquisitions, of the Goths; and he reigned over the greatest part of Germany and Scythia with the authority of a conqueror, and sometimes with the cruelty of a tyrant. But he reigned over a part of the globe incapable of perpetuating and adorning the glory of its heroes. The name of Hermanric is almost buried in oblivion; his exploits are imperfectly known; and the Romans themselves appeared unconscious of the progress of an aspiring power which threatened the liberty of the North, and the peace of the empire. 143
The Goths had contracted an hereditary attachment for the Imperial house of Constantine, of whose power and liberality they had received so many signal proofs. They respected the public peace; and if a hostile band sometimes presumed to pass the Roman limit, their irregular conduct was candidly ascribed to the ungovernable spirit of the Barbarian youth. Their contempt for two new and obscure princes, who had been raised to the throne by a popular election, inspired the Goths with bolder hopes; and, while they agitated some design of marching their confederate force under the national standard, 144 they were easily tempted to embrace the party of Procopius; and to foment, by their dangerous aid, the civil discord of the Romans. The public treaty might stipulate no more than ten thousand auxiliaries; but the design was so zealously adopted by the chiefs of the Visigoths, that the army which passed the Danube amounted to the number of thirty thousand men. 145 They marched with the proud confidence, that their invincible valor would decide the fate of the Roman empire; and the provinces of Thrace groaned under the weight of the Barbarians, who displayed the insolence of masters and the licentiousness of enemies. But the intemperance which gratified their appetites, retarded their progress; and before the Goths could receive any certain intelligence of the defeat and death of Procopius, they perceived, by the hostile state of the country, that the civil and military powers were resumed by his successful rival. A chain of posts and fortifications, skilfully disposed by Valens, or the generals of Valens, resisted their march, prevented their retreat, and intercepted their subsistence. The fierceness of the Barbarians was tamed and suspended by hunger; they indignantly threw down their arms at the feet of the conqueror, who offered them food and chains: the numerous captives were distributed in all the cities of the East; and the provincials, who were soon familiarized with their savage appearance, ventured, by degrees, to measure their own strength with these formidable adversaries, whose name had so long been the object of their terror. The king of Scythia (and Hermanric alone could deserve so lofty a title) was grieved and exasperated by this national calamity. His ambassadors loudly complained, at the court of Valens, of the infraction of the ancient and solemn alliance, which had so long subsisted between the Romans and the Goths. They alleged, that they had fulfilled the duty of allies, by assisting the kinsman and successor of the emperor Julian; they required the immediate restitution of the noble captives; and they urged a very singular claim, that the Gothic generals marching in arms, and in hostile array, were entitled to the sacred character and privileges of ambassadors. The decent, but peremptory, refusal of these extravagant demands, was signified to the Barbarians by Victor, master-general of the cavalry; who expressed, with force and dignity, the just complaints of the emperor of the East. 146 The negotiation was interrupted; and the manly exhortations of Valentinian encouraged his timid brother to vindicate the insulted majesty of the empire. 147
The splendor and magnitude of this Gothic war are celebrated by a contemporary historian: 148 but the events scarcely deserve the attention of posterity, except as the preliminary steps of the approaching decline and fall of the empire. Instead of leading the nations of Germany and Scythia to the banks of the Danube, or even to the gates of Constantinople, the aged monarch of the Goths resigned to the brave Athanaric the danger and glory of a defensive war, against an enemy, who wielded with a feeble hand the powers of a mighty state. A bridge of boats was established upon the Danube; the presence of Valens animated his troops; and his ignorance of the art of war was compensated by personal bravery, and a wise deference to the advice of Victor and Arintheus, his masters-general of the cavalry and infantry. The operations of the campaign were conducted by their skill and experience; but they found it impossible to drive the Visigoths from their strong posts in the mountains; and the devastation of the plains obliged the Romans themselves to repass the Danube on the approach of winter. The incessant rains, which swelled the waters of the river, produced a tacit suspension of arms, and confined the emperor Valens, during the whole course of the ensuing summer, to his camp of Marcianopolis. The third year of the war was more favorable to the Romans, and more pernicious to the Goths. The interruption of trade deprived the Barbarians of the objects of luxury, which they already confounded with the necessaries of life; and the desolation of a very extensive tract of country threatened them with the horrors of famine. Athanaric was provoked, or compelled, to risk a battle, which he lost, in the plains; and the pursuit was rendered more bloody by the cruel precaution of the victorious generals, who had promised a large reward for the head of every Goth that was brought into the Imperial camp. The submission of the Barbarians appeased the resentment of Valens and his council: the emperor listened with satisfaction to the flattering and eloquent remonstrance of the senate of Constantinople, which assumed, for the first time, a share in the public deliberations; and the same generals, Victor and Arintheus, who had successfully directed the conduct of the war, were empowered to regulate the conditions of peace. The freedom of trade, which the Goths had hitherto enjoyed, was restricted to two cities on the Danube; the rashness of their leaders was severely punished by the suppression of their pensions and subsidies; and the exception, which was stipulated in favor of Athanaric alone, was more advantageous than honorable to the Judge of the Visigoths. Athanaric, who, on this occasion, appears to have consulted his private interest, without expecting the orders of his sovereign, supported his own dignity, and that of his tribe, in the personal interview which was proposed by the ministers of Valens. He persisted in his declaration, that it was impossible for him, without incurring the guilt of perjury, ever to set his foot on the territory of the empire; and it is more than probable, that his regard for the sanctity of an oath was confirmed by the recent and fatal examples of Roman treachery. The Danube, which separated the dominions of the two independent nations, was chosen for the scene of the conference. The emperor of the East, and the Judge of the Visigoths, accompanied by an equal number of armed followers, advanced in their respective barges to the middle of the stream. After the ratification of the treaty, and the delivery of hostages, Valens returned in triumph to Constantinople; and the Goths remained in a state of tranquillity about six years; till they were violently impelled against the Roman empire by an innumerable host of Scythians, who appeared to issue from the frozen regions of the North. 149
The emperor of the West, who had resigned to his brother the command of the Lower Danube, reserved for his immediate care the defence of the Rhaetian and Illyrian provinces, which spread so many hundred miles along the greatest of the European rivers. The active policy of Valentinian was continually employed in adding new fortifications to the security of the frontier: but the abuse of this policy provoked the just resentment of the Barbarians. The Quadi complained, that the ground for an intended fortress had been marked out on their territories; and their complaints were urged with so much reason and moderation, that Equitius, master-general of Illyricum, consented to suspend the prosecution of the work, till he should be more clearly informed of the will of his sovereign. This fair occasion of injuring a rival, and of advancing the fortune of his son, was eagerly embraced by the inhuman Maximin, the praefect, or rather tyrant, of Gaul. The passions of Valentinian were impatient of control; and he credulously listened to the assurances of his favorite, that if the government of Valeria, and the direction of the work, were intrusted to the zeal of his son Marcellinus, the emperor should no longer be importuned with the audacious remonstrances of the Barbarians. The subjects of Rome, and the natives of Germany, were insulted by the arrogance of a young and worthless minister, who considered his rapid elevation as the proof and reward of his superior merit. He affected, however, to receive the modest application of Gabinius, king of the Quadi, with some attention and regard: but this artful civility concealed a dark and bloody design, and the credulous prince was persuaded to accept the pressing invitation of Marcellinus. I am at a loss how to vary the narrative of similar crimes; or how to relate, that, in the course of the same year, but in remote parts of the empire, the inhospitable table of two Imperial generals was stained with the royal blood of two guests and allies, inhumanly murdered by their order, and in their presence. The fate of Gabinius, and of Para, was the same: but the cruel death of their sovereign was resented in a very different manner by the servile temper of the Armenians, and the free and daring spirit of the Germans. The Quadi were much declined from that formidable power, which, in the time of Marcus Antoninus, had spread terror to the gates of Rome. But they still possessed arms and courage; their courage was animated by despair, and they obtained the usual reenforcement of the cavalry of their Sarmatian allies. So improvident was the assassin Marcellinus, that he chose the moment when the bravest veterans had been drawn away, to suppress the revolt of Firmus; and the whole province was exposed, with a very feeble defence, to the rage of the exasperated Barbarians. They invaded Pannonia in the season of harvest; unmercifully destroyed every object of plunder which they could not easily transport; and either disregarded, or demolished, the empty fortifications. The princess Constantia, the daughter of the emperor Constantius, and the granddaughter of the great Constantine, very narrowly escaped. That royal maid, who had innocently supported the revolt of Procopius, was now the destined wife of the heir of the Western empire. She traversed the peaceful province with a splendid and unarmed train. Her person was saved from danger, and the republic from disgrace, by the active zeal of Messala, governor of the provinces. As soon as he was informed that the village, where she stopped only to dine, was almost encompassed by the Barbarians, he hastily placed her in his own chariot, and drove full speed till he reached the gates of Sirmium, which were at the distance of six-and-twenty miles. Even Sirmium might not have been secure, if the Quadi and Sarmatians had diligently advanced during the general consternation of the magistrates and people. Their delay allowed Probus, the Praetorian praefect, sufficient time to recover his own spirits, and to revive the courage of the citizens. He skilfully directed their strenuous efforts to repair and strengthen the decayed fortifications; and procured the seasonable and effectual assistance of a company of archers, to protect the capital of the Illyrian provinces. Disappointed in their attempts against the walls of Sirmium, the indignant Barbarians turned their arms against the master general of the frontier, to whom they unjustly attributed the murder of their king. Equitius could bring into the field no more than two legions; but they contained the veteran strength of the Maesian and Pannonian bands. The obstinacy with which they disputed the vain honors of rank and precedency, was the cause of their destruction; and while they acted with separate forces and divided councils, they were surprised and slaughtered by the active vigor of the Sarmatian horse. The success of this invasion provoked the emulation of the bordering tribes; and the province of Maesia would infallibly have been lost, if young Theodosius, the duke, or military commander, of the frontier, had not signalized, in the defeat of the public enemy, an intrepid genius, worthy of his illustrious father, and of his future greatness. 150
133 The evidence of Ammianus is original and decisive, (xxvii. 12.) Moses of Chorene, (l. iii. c. 17, p. 249, and c. 34, p. 269,) and Procopius, (de Bell. Persico, l. i. c. 5, p. 17, edit. Louvre,) have been consulted: but those historians who confound distinct facts, repeat the same events, and introduce strange stories, must be used with diffidence and caution. Note: The statement of Ammianus is more brief and succinct, but harmonizes with the more complicated history developed by M. St. Martin from the Armenian writers, and from Procopius, who wrote, as he states from Armenian authorities. - M.
*_0083 According to M. St. Martin, Sapor, though supported by the two apostate Armenian princes, Meroujan the Ardzronnian and Vahan the Mamigonian, was gallantly resisted by Arsaces, and his brave though impious wife Pharandsem. His troops were defeated by Vasag, the high constable of the kingdom. (See M. St. Martin.) But after four years' courageous defence of his kingdom, Arsaces was abandoned by his nobles, and obliged to accept the perfidious hospitality of Sapor. He was blinded and imprisoned in the "Castle of Oblivion;" his brave general Vasag was flayed alive; his skin stuffed and placed near the king in his lonely prison. It was not till many years after (A.D. 371) that he stabbed himself, according to the romantic story, (St. M. iii. 387, 389,) in a paroxysm of excitement at his restoration to royal honors. St. Martin, Additions to Le Beau, iii. 283, 296. - M.
134 Perhaps Artagera, or Ardis; under whose walls Caius, the grandson of Augustus, was wounded. This fortress was situate above Amida, near one of the sources of the Tigris. See D'Anville, Geographie Ancienue, tom. ii. p. 106.
Note: St. Martin agrees with Gibbon, that it was the same fortress with Ardis Note, p. 373. - M.
!!_0083 Artaxata, Vagharschabad, or Edchmiadzin, Erovantaschad, and many other cities, in all of which there was a considerable Jewish population were taken and destroyed. - M.
!!!_0083 Pharandsem, not Olympias, refusing the orders of her captive husband to surrender herself to Sapor, threw herself into Artogerassa St. Martin, iii. 293, 302. She defended herself for fourteen months, till famine and disease had left few survivors out of 11,000 soldiers and 6000 women who had taken refuge in the fortress. She then threw open the gates with her own hand. M. St. Martin adds, what even the horrors of Oriental warfare will scarcely permit us to credit, that she was exposed by Sapor on a public scaffold to the brutal lusts of his soldiery, and afterwards empaled, iii. 373, &c. - M.
135 Tillemont (Hist. des Empereurs, tom. v. p. 701) proves, from chronology, that Olympias must have been the mother of Para. Note *: An error according to St. M. 273. - M.
!!!!_0083 According to Themistius, quoted by St. Martin, he once advanced to the Tigris, iii. 436. - M.
136 Ammianus (xxvii. 12, xix. 1. xxx. 1, 2) has described the events, without the dates, of the Persian war. Moses of Chorene (Hist. Armen. l. iii. c. 28, p. 261, c. 31, p. 266, c. 35, p. 271) affords some additional facts; but it is extremely difficult to separate truth from fable.
137 Artaxerxes was the successor and brother (the cousin-german) of the great Sapor; and the guardian of his son, Sapor III. (Agathias, l. iv. p. 136, edit. Louvre.) See the Universal History, vol. xi. p. 86, 161. The authors of that unequal work have compiled the Sassanian dynasty with erudition and diligence; but it is a preposterous arrangement to divide the Roman and Oriental accounts into two distinct histories.
Note: On the war of Sapor with the Bactrians, which diverted from Armenia, see St. M. iii. 387. - M.
138 Pacatus in Panegyr. Vet. xii. 22, and Orosius, l. vii. c. 34. Ictumque tum foedus est, quo universus Oriens usque ad num (A. D. 416) tranquillissime fruitur.
*_0084 On the reconquest of Armenia by Para, or rather by Mouschegh, the Mamigonian see St. M. iii. 375, 383. - M.
**_0084 On planks floated by bladders. - M.
!_0084 It is curious enough that the Armenian historian, Faustus of Byzandum, represents Para as a magician. His impious mother Pharandac had devoted him to the demons on his birth. St. M. iv. 23. - M.
139 See in Ammianus (xxx. 1) the adventures of Para. Moses of Chorene calls him Tiridates; and tells a long, and not improbable story of his son Gnelus, who afterwards made himself popular in Armenia, and provoked the jealousy of the reigning king, (l. iii. c 21, &c., p. 253, &c.) Note: This note is a tissue of mistakes. Tiridates and Para are two totally different persons. Tiridates was the father of Gnel first husband of Pharandsem, the mother of Para. St. Martin, iv. 27 - M.
140 The concise account of the reign and conquests of Hermanric seems to be one of the valuable fragments which Jornandes (c 28) borrowed from the Gothic histories of Ablavius, or Cassiodorus.
141 M. d. Buat. (Hist. des Peuples de l'Europe, tom. vi. p. 311- 329) investigates, with more industry than success, the nations subdued by the arms of Hermanric. He denies the existence of the Vasinobroncoe, on account of the immoderate length of their name. Yet the French envoy to Ratisbon, or Dresden, must have traversed the country of the Mediomatrici.
142 The edition of Grotius (Jornandes, p. 642) exhibits the name of Aestri. But reason and the Ambrosian MS. have restored the Aestii, whose manners and situation are expressed by the pencil of Tacitus, (Germania, c. 45.)
143 Ammianus (xxxi. 3) observes, in general terms, Ermenrichi .... nobilissimi Regis, et per multa variaque fortiter facta, vicinigentibus formidati, &c.
144 Valens . . . . docetur relationibus Ducum, gentem Gothorum, ea tempestate intactam ideoque saevissimam, conspirantem in unum, ad pervadenda parari collimitia Thraciarum. Ammian. xxi. 6.
145 M. de Buat (Hist. des Peuples de l'Europe, tom. vi. p. 332) has curiously ascertained the real number of these auxiliaries. The 3000 of Ammianus, and the 10,000 of Zosimus, were only the first divisions of the Gothic army.
Note: M. St. Martin (iii. 246) denies that there is any authority for these numbers. - M.
146 The march, and subsequent negotiation, are described in the Fragments of Eunapius, (Excerpt. Legat. p. 18, edit. Louvre.) The provincials who afterwards became familiar with the Barbarians, found that their strength was more apparent than real. They were tall of stature; but their legs were clumsy, and their shoulders were narrow.
147 Valens enim, ut consulto placuerat fratri, cujus regebatur arbitrio, arma concussit in Gothos ratione justa permotus. Ammianus (xxvii. 4) then proceeds to describe, not the country of the Goths, but the peaceful and obedient province of Thrace, which was not affected by the war.
148 Eunapius, in Excerpt. Legat. p. 18, 19. The Greek sophist must have considered as one and the same war, the whole series of Gothic history till the victories and peace of Theodosius.
149 The Gothic war is described by Ammianus, (xxvii. 6,) Zosimus, (l. iv. p. 211-214,) and Themistius, (Orat. x. p. 129-141.) The orator Themistius was sent from the senate of Constantinople to congratulate the victorious emperor; and his servile eloquence compares Valens on the Danube to Achilles in the Scamander. Jornandes forgets a war peculiar to the Visi-Goths, and inglorious to the Gothic name, (Mascon's Hist. of the Germans, vii. 3.)
150 Ammianus (xxix. 6) and Zosimus (I. iv. p. 219, 220) carefully mark the origin and progress of the Quadic and Sarmatian war.


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Just days after landing a star on the Walk of Fame, Emma Thompson threw a few verbal bombs at one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses.
The British actress, who is writing a screenplay for a remake of "My Fair Lady," laid into the film's original star, Audrey Hepburn, in a pair of interviews, reports Newser.
"I find Audrey Hepburn fantastically twee," she said in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. "Twee is whimsy without wit. It's mimsy-mumsy sweetness without any kind of bite. And that's not for me," she said.
The "Sense and Sensibility" star added that she was "thrilled" to be involved with a remake of the famous musical because she's "not hugely fond" of the original.
"She can't sing and she can't really act, I'm afraid," Thompson added. "I'm sure she was a delightful woman - and perhaps if I had known her I would have enjoyed her acting more, but I don't and I didn't, so that's all there is to it, really," she said in a separate interview with Variety.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Samsung Galaxy Camera, that bizarre Android Frankenstein cam we love to love, is going to be hitting store shelves this Friday, November 16th for a whopping $500.
The crazy smart camera is coming to AT&T's 4G network, but the $500 price tag doesn't even include any kind of data plan; you'll have to lock it into one of AT&T's standard data plans at an additional price. If you buy the camera along with a Samsung handset though, you'll qualify for a $100 discount on the total, which could take a little of the edge off.
The specs on this device have been a known quantity for a while, but it'll be running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, features a 4.8-inch HD display, a quad-core 1.4 GHz processor, a 21x optical zoom lens, and a 16-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor. It's a sweet little device, but the price tag is going to make it a bit hard to swallow, especially since you'll need a data plan on top if you really want to make good on its potential. Taking pictures straight from your camera to the web is nice, but it's going to cost you.


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Hi guys! Please comment on this thread! Thank you!
Hi guys! Please comment on this thread! Thank you!
Currently using GC liquid wax on medium & dark blue colored car..
gotta say that i love the wet, deep look of it on my paint...
someone even said to me that my car looks like a SHOW CAR!!
ok thank you for the info.
Perhaps you could expand on your topic a bit... What, specifically, do you want to know about the products that you listed? Gloss? Longevity? Ease of application and removal?
NXT2.0 is best for deep shine on my dark truck that i have ever used.
I recently tested all three on my metallic black GTI. I have been an avid GC user for some time and thought it was time since the tin is almost out.
GC paste: easy enough application on and off if done in thinly, moderate water bead, IMO gives a glow to the paint, moderate reflectivity, lasts for about a month or so
NXT 2.0 Liquid: super easy application, wait time for it to cure longer than GC, heavy water bead, mirror like reflectivity ultra clear reflection, meallic paint really pops with this one
ULW: super easy application, curing time same as NXT, heavy water bead, reflectivity inbetween NXT and GC, can be applied with DA (tho as small as a GTI is I really didnt need to)
As far as longevity, since I just applied it so I cant say.
Its been my experience that NXT2.0 (liquid) is super easy to use, which is why its my go-to for wheels, much easier than even UPW (which was NOT bad at all). ULW was a PITA and never seemed to really dry, I don't see myself using it again. Ultimate wax reflections are fantastic on both my dark green and dark blue mustangs, where as NXT2.0 looked more like a "candy shell" gloss- looked great and I can't say I prefere the look of one over the other, just feels like UPW will have better longevity.
Hi gtrspeed! i want to know the ff:
1. glossiness of each prod.
2. longetivity of each
What is the average drying time for NTX 2.0?
Is there a cure time?
What's the best way to wash the foam applicator?
I bought some NXT and tried it in a corner of the hood.
Shook it up real good first... the first thing I noticed is that it is much thinner than the Deep Crystal Carnauba was that I started with.
So it's obvious that this applies thin, is that correct?
...also what's the best way to clean the applicator..?
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


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Quote:A lot of JKD folks such as Paul Vunak seem to swear by the straight blast. I've seen it used before in a street fight in Hawaii, where MMA is extremely popular. It was a smaller guy (though in excellent shape, and clearly a martial artist by his response), and he did a straight blast to a much bigger guy.
Quote:Like most real fights, it went to the ground, but the smaller guy clearly knew BJJ as well and he seemed to take it to the ground on purpose... the bigger guy was on top, but the smaller guy immediately had him in full guard with the legs and then he was able to leverage him, turn him around on his back and straighten his body. It looked like he was going to do some sort of submission, but the fight was stopped by other people.
Quote:But the blast really stunned the guy and he nearly fell over before it was taken to the ground. He walked away with a bloody face, and the smaller guy had no visible damage. He didn't do a complete centerline blast, but got some face strikes in too.Good stuff. The smaller guy was totally dominant and the blast was completely effective against a much larger opponent. It allowed him to do what it's intended for: throw him off balance, stun and take control.
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We had so much fun looking at all of your amazing projects! Thanks for joining the fun!!
We have a winner (randomly picked) from last weeks challenge!
Congratulations #17 - Paper Munch!
You won the Thank You stamp set!
Be sure to grab your challenge winner button from the left side bar and Email me with your address so I can mail your prize.
Design Team Top 3 (or 4!) Picks:
Be sure to grab your 'Top 3" button on the left side bar.
Have a great day!


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What's the difference between Shore Shooters and other Navarre Beach photographers?
NO LIMITS – Although many of our competitors will spend 30 to 45 minutes with you, they only give you 10 to 20 final images. We don't think that's fair! A good photographer will take a lot more than than 20 good pictures in that time frame. So why limit it to 10 or 20? We don't limit the number of pictures you'll receive in your proof gallery. In addition to "posed" shots, we also like to capture candid, fun moments. We know you want to see those shots, so they'll be included in your gallery. The more fun you have during your Navarre Beach photography session, the more shots you'll get in your proof gallery! And you'll receive the high resolution digital versions of all of them!
VIEW AT YOUR CONVENIENCE – You have places to go and things to do while you're on vacation. The last thing you want to do is spend part of your Navarre Beach vacation sitting in a photographer's office or listening to a "sales pitch" from someone trying to sell you an expensive package. With our online proofing system, you can view your proofs and download your pictures whenever it's convenient for you. If you have questions, just call or email us. So get out and enjoy the rest of your Navarre Beach vacation!
QUICK TURNAROUND – Your online gallery will be available approximately 48 hours after your session. You do not have to wait for a CD or flash drive to arrive in the mail. You'll be able to download your beach pictures as soon as the gallery is available. Then you can forward the gallery notification email to family members so they can also view and download them. No more passing a CD around between family members! If you choose to order prints from us, we'll process the order and have your prints shipped in a few days, so they'll arrive at your door about a week after placing the order. If you need them even faster, we offer expedited shipping for an additional fee. (Note: Specialty items such as canvas gallery wraps, books, and wood prints take slightly longer for processing)
EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS – All of our Navarre Beach photographers have years of experience working with families. When we're not on the beach with a client, we're working together to learn from the other members of our team to make every photographer a BETTER photographer. We are a network of creatives who love to share ideas and learn from each other.
BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY IS OUR SPECIALTY – The beach is our back yard, so we're passionate about beach photography and understand the (sometimes tricky) lighting techniques of shooting on the beach.
NEVER A TRAVEL FEE – If you'd prefer to have your photographer come to your location, we don't charge a travel fee.
CUSTOMER SERVICE – Our office staff is OBSESSED with making sure every Shore Shooters Beach Photography client is happy!
CALL FOR PRICING? Nope, not here! If a photographer tells you that you have to call them to find out how much they'll charge, it's probably more than you want to pay! All of our pricing options are spelled out right here on our website. We don't believe in "hidden charges"or high-pressure sales pitches!


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A gunman wounded two police officers and killed two others before being fatally shot Monday near the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
Brian Bachmann, an elected constable in Brazos County, Texas, was serving an eviction notice when he was shot and killed Monday, College Station police say.
Updated at 10:47 p.m. ET: A police constable and a civilian were killed when a gunman opened fire Monday near the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. The gunman died after a gunbattle with police, authorities said.
Police in College Station, about 100 miles north of Houston, responded shortly after noon local time (1 p.m. ET) to a home near George Bush Drive along the southern boundary of the university after gunshots were reported, Assistant Police Chief Scott McCollum said. When officers arrived, they came under fire and shot the suspect during what McCollum described as a 30-minute shootout.
Police identified the gunman as Thomas Caffall, 35, and the bystander killed as Chris Northcliff, 43, of College Station.
Officers found Brian Bachmann, 41, the elected constable for Precinct 1 in Brazos County, on the ground and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Bachmann, who had gone to the scene to serve eviction papers, was pronounced dead at an area hospital, McCollum said.
College Station city spokesman Jay Socol said authorities were still investigating Caffall's background. It was unclear whether Caffall was renting the home or was being evicted for nonpayment of a mortgage, he said.
Bachmann, a Brazos County sheriff's deputy from 1993 until he was elected constable in 2010, "was very close to everyone in law enforcement here," McCollum said.
"He was a pillar of this community," McCollum said. "It's sad and tragic that we've lost him today."
Officials said the wounded included a 55-year-old woman, who underwent surgery, and College Station police officer Justin Oehlke, who was in stable condition after being shot in the leg.
Officers Brad Smith and Phil Dorsett were injured by what police called gun shrapnel. Smith was treated at a hospital and released and Dorsett was treated at the scene.
"We had officers respond to a 'shots fired' call," McCollum said at a news conference. "Once the officers arrived, they began to trade fire. The officers defended themselves and called in additional officers."
Investigators were "working through their emotions," McCollum said.
"You can imagine, as close as he was to all the officers in this area — these are the officers who are working this case," he said.
Campus officials issued an alert early Monday afternoon to faculty and students for an "active shooter" two blocks southeast of the university, which houses former President George H.W. Bush's presidential library.
Watch US News videos on NBCNews.com
Melinda Ryan, Charles Hadlock, Terry Pickard and Julmary Zambrano of NBC News, and Reuters contributed to this report.
More content from NBCNews.com:
- Big debt threatens security clearance for troops
- Wife of former congressman dies after being run over by her own car
- Report: Ex-Navy sub commander faked death to get out of affair
- Evangelist Billy Graham 'doing fine' at hospital
- Family: Cops didn't have to shoot knife-wielding man near Times Square
- Video: Multiple cameras show man driving wrong way


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This vegetarian main dish is cholesterol-free, virtually fat-free, and chock full of vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients and Preparation
- Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly.
- In a large pot combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1½ hours or until beans are tender. Stir. Mash beans against side of pan.
- Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook, uncovered, over low heat till creamy, about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves.


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Are there any Linux distributions that come pre-loaded with hands-on, guided tutorials or other learning software aimed at teaching a new user how to work with Linux?
I'm aware that some distros are naturally easier for new users to pick up than others, but I'm particularly hoping there's one out there that directly teaches the user. I've tried going the independent "learn by using" route with an Ubuntu VM, but would find it much more helpful and fitting to my personal learning and motivational mechanisms to have something that could guide me through the process.
To be a bit more specific, I'm not just looking for a general "Linux for Beginners" tutorial (although that also would be a good start). I'm hoping to eventually be as familiar and comfortable in Linux as I am in Windows (System Administrator).


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Dissecting the minutiae of Opening Day a fun tradition
Thank you, Clayton Kershaw. You, too, Bryce Harper. And you, Jackie Bradley Jr. Nice going, Anthony Rizzo. Here's to the Reds and the Angels, who did their part to make this Opening Day memorable.
We'd waited five months for this day. Every baseball fan loves the Hot Stove, especially one like this one, when so many teams believe they made themselves better.
Still, this is the day we look forward to more than any other. We've waited so long for it, especially through January, when it begins to feel like we'll never see another meaningful baseball game.
And then in one day, the sport bursts back into our view with a string of games that can be endlessly sliced and diced and debated.
These first games are unique because we've waited so long for them that we want to digest every single moment, to wrap our minds around the strategy and the new faces and all the rest.
We could spend a week looking at this Opening Day from various angles and will need a few days to get back into rhythm of the regular season, of understanding that baseball delivers this kind of thing every single day.
This Opening Day delivered from beginning to end. Don't look for any large answers, because the beauty of this sport is that they come over time, as every team's strength eventually emerges.
Every team's weakness is exposed as well, so that little bullpen problem that seems surmountable today may look worse three months from now.
Answers are difficult to come by on Opening Day anyway, because this is the day the aces are on display.
Kershaw tossed the first complete-game shutout of his career and also homered as the Dodgers opened a new era of optimism with a tense 4-0 victory over the Giants.
No matter what else Kershaw does with the rest of his career, he'll always the Opening Day when he won a game with both his arm and his bat.
The Dodgers opened this new season in style by asking Sandy Koufax to return and throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Any Opening Day that includes Koufax back in a Dodgers uniform is going to be hard to top.
White Sox ace Chris Sale was terrific, too, in defeating the Royals. Jeff Samardzija was also solid and got the Cubs off to a nice start thanks, in part, to a two-run first-inning home run by Rizzo. Two other No. 1s -- Ian Kennedy and Felix Hernandez -- also turned in strong Opening Day performances.
And there was Stephen Strasburg, who may have pitched the best game of his young career, needing just 80 pitches to throw seven shutout innings in a victory over the Marlins. He commanded the strike zone like a champion, throwing 52 pitches for strikes and never really giving the Marlins a chance to get into the game.
There was another story line in Washington's 2-0 victory over Miami. That would be Harper, who homered twice.
Harper has been in the Major Leagues less than a year, but don't be surprised by anything he does. He's driven in a way few players are. Harper's manager, Davey Johnson, joked in Spring Training that he was also motivated by Mike Trout's success last season.
For the Nationals, widely regarded as baseball's best team, it was an appropriate Opening Day, and perhaps the beginning of a fun ride.
Bradley, the Red Sox's star rookie, had a terrific second-inning plate appearance to coax a walk from Yankees ace CC Sabathia to keep a rally alive. The Red Sox scored four runs that inning on their way to an 8-2 victory at Yankee Stadium.
Along the way, the Reds and Angels played and played for 13 innings, until the Halos finally won it 3-1. Jered Weaver and six relievers combined on a three-hitter, and after all the attention devoted to Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, it was catcher Chris Iannetta winning it with a two-run single in the the top of the 13th. He'd also homered earlier in the game.
The Yankees? Their worry list may have one more name on it. The Yanks can succeed only if their starting pitching is very good, and on this Opening Day, their ace, Sabathia, allowed four runs in five innings.
There was a comeback in Milwaukee. Actually, there were two of them. The Brewers rallied from two runs down in the eighth, then blew a one-run lead in the ninth. Finally, Jonathan Lucroy bailed out the home team with a walk-off sac fly in the bottom of the 10th.
All in all, it was a day to savor and to celebrate. These early games seem to mean a bit more because of the extra days off in April. Defeats sting a bit more. Victories taste a bit sweeter.
Not to worry. We'll get into the rhythm of the season quickly enough. For now, though, let's enjoy the ride, even this early one when the games seem to have a playoff feel.


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How can I get rid of the discoloration in my pond? It looks like a tea pot. Esther, Eureka, VA
Tea colored water is a common issue that typically comes up later in the year as the weather cools and the trees start to drop their leaves. The ponding season may be coming to an end in a couple of months but you still want your pond looking its very best. Where is this tea colored water coming from and how can you make it go away?
Water discoloration can occur for a couple of reasons both pertaining to organic debris having a significant presence in your pond. If you have a lot of floating organic particulates in your water they will cause turbid or colored water and is usually stirred into the water column via your pump or aeration system. The other cause of water discoloration, and the most common cause of tea colored water, is the presence of an abundance of organic debris. Leaves are the main contributor to the problem as they release tannins into the water which, like you said, leaves your pond looking like a tea kettle. The best way to determine if your pond suffers from floating particulate or an abundance of tannins is by filling a clear jar with pond water and placing it in a still area. Floating debris will eventually sink to the bottom of the jar leaving the water clear looking. If the water is tinted by tannins the water will remain discolored. Once you pinpoint the culprit you can effectively treat the problem.
Since an abundance of organics is to blame in either scenario you will want to start by cleaning the bottom of the pond to remove any muck, leaves and any other remaining debris. The easiest way to do so is to use a Pond Vacuum but if you do not have one yet a Skimmer Net, Gloves and elbow grease will do the trick. Once you have the majority of debris cleaned out of the pond you will want to do a partial water change. Physically scoop or pump out 10 to 25% of the contents of your pond and fill it with clean fresh water. If you have fish in the pond you will want to add Water Conditioner to detoxify the harmful components of tap and well water. If you are fortunate enough to be enjoying warmer weather still and your water temps are above 50° add Beneficial Bacteria to digest remaining organic debris and to keep them from accumulating again. Using Muck Defense® goes a long way in removing hard to reach bottom dwelling muck from between your rocks as well. If your water temps are below 50° substitute your beneficial bacteria products with Seasonal Defense®. To remove tannins from the water place a media bag filled with Activated Carbon in your biological filter. While the bacteria and activated carbon are going to work you may want to consider covering your water garden with a Pond Protector Net Kit or some Pond Netting to keep new leaves and debris from making their way into to pond. A cleaner pond going into the Winter is much easier to maintain come Spring time so a little work now will go a long way later.
POND TALK: How did you chase away tea colored water in your pond? Do you use a pond net in the Fall?
Filed under: Pond Netting, Pond Vacuums, Seasonal Care, Water Gardens & Features | Tagged: activated carbon, Pond Netting, Pond Vacuums, skimmer net, tea colored water, tea water |


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1 General considerations top
Reamed versus unreamed nailing
In general, reamed nailing allows the use of larger diameter implants and may therefore provide greater initial stability. Some studies show a tendency towards less malunion and nonunion when reaming is performed. On the other hand, fat embolization is a concern and with the solid unreamed nails, the forces required to achieve nail torsion are higher. Most centers prefer reamed nailing as the standard procedure.
For bone graft while reaming, see Frequently Asked Questions about the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator system.
Note on illustrations
Throughout this treatment option illustrations of generic fracture patterns are shown, as four different types:
A) Unreduced fracture
B) Reduced fracture
C) Fracture reduced and fixed provisionally
D) Fracture fixed definitively
2 Patient preparation top
The patient may be placed in one of the following positions:
3 Retrograde nailing approach topenlarge
For this procedure the retrograde nailing approach is used.
4 Reduction and guide-wire insertion topenlarge
Manual reduction
The fracture reduction may be controlled by pulling traction applied to the upper tibia.
If the distal main fragment does not line up anatomically, one of the following should be considered
- Use of a Schanz screw
- Use of a bone hook
- Insertion of a poller screw (blocking screw)
A Schanz screw inserted into one of the fragments
A monocortical Schanz screw can be helpful for providing direct control of displaced main fragments. It is superior to performing an open reduction with a large skin incision.
Bone hook
Direct reduction with a bone hook may be helpful in securing anatomic alignment. Careful insertion and manipulation must be performed in order to minimize soft-tissue trauma and to prevent injury to the femoral artery.
Reduction using a bone hook with minimal incision is advised.
Guide wire insertion
The guide wire is gently slid through the soft tissue into the predrilled entry portal. Advancement into the proximal main fragment is usually easier than in antegrade nailing and is performed under image intensifier guidance.
The guide wire is inserted up to the area of the greater trochanter, where it should have good purchase to prevent its slipping out during reamer exchange.
5 Determine nail length and diameter topenlarge
Determine nail length via guide wire
The maximal length of the nail is determined by comparing a second identical length guide wire to the one that has been inserted. The correct placement of the guide wire in the proximal canal should be assessed via image intensifier. Additionally, the second guide wire must be positioned in contact with the articular surface of the distal femur. This must be verified by image intensifier as well.
This will yield the length of nail that would reach to the tip of the greater trochanter – the clinically desirable nail length may be less, depending on the fracture level and morphology.
Alternative: radiographic ruler
Alternatively, a radiographic ruler may be used.
The tip of the ruler should be positioned at the piriformis fossa. The measurement of the nail length should be in the center of the distal end of the femur at the roof of the intercondylar notch.
It is important to visualize the fracture zone by image intensifier to carefully ensure that adequate femoral length has been maintained.
Nail diameter
It is important to measure the medullary diameter at the mid portion of the femur, which represents the narrowest segment of the medullary canal.
The inner cortical edge should touch with the inner numbered disk of the ruler aperture. In the illustration an inner cortical diameter of 14 mm is shown.
Consideration for special situations
In multifragmentary fractures, or in open fractures with bone loss, it is safer to perform preoperative planning on the uninjured leg. In bilateral femoral fractures, the less comminuted side should be used to determine the length and diameter of the nail.
6 Poller screw (blocking screw) top
General considerations
The concept of a poller screw is based on the principle that the malalignment induced by oblique, proximal and distal fractures can be counteracted by the nail-directing effect of the screw. Therefore, its position should aim to counteract the displacement of the fracture. Most often it is therefore placed in the short side in the distal fragment. If there is a wide canal, two screws can be placed on either side of the path of the nail.
It is advisable to insert the poller screw prior to reaming, and in case of unreamed nailing, prior to nail insertion, in order to provide adequate contact between the nail and the screw. If the poller screw is inserted after reaming, the path of the nail is already set and the poller screw may not work. A small fracture screw or a locking screw can be used as a poller screw, depending on the local anatomy.
The reaming process in the presence of the poller screw must be performed very carefully in order not to harm the reamer tip.
The most frequent indication for poller screws is a proximal or distal oblique fracture which tends to shift when the axial knee blow technique is used to close any fracture gap, or when the patient is mobilized.
In these cases, prophylactic poller screws are very helpful.
See also:
Stedtfeld HW, Mittlmeier T, Landgraf P et al. The Logic and Clinical Applications of Blocking Screws. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 2004; 86-A Suppl 2:17-25.
Midshaft comminuted fractures
Poller screws are used according to the initial displacement and the size of the canal. In general, midshaft fractures tend to align better than more proximal or distal fractures and, therefore, the indication for poller screws is uncommon.
7 Reaming topenlarge
Sequential reamer size increase
After the tissue protector has been introduced, the reamer shaft, fitted with the initial reamer head is inserted over the guide wire. Usually reaming begins with a 9 mm medullary reamer.
The reaming is performed in sequential steps with increments of 0.5 mm each.
As soon as chatter from cancellous bone can be felt and heard, the inner cortex has been reached. This may not be the case in segmental fractures, or when severe comminution is present.
Reaming must be performed one or two increments beyond the planned nail diameter in order to allow a smooth nail insertion. For example, for a nail diameter of 10 mm, drill bits of up to 10.5 or 11 mm diameter are used. If a very tight fit of the reamer can be felt before the desired reaming size is reached, one should consider a smaller diameter nail than previously planned.
Pitfall 1: Eccentric reaming
Eccentric reaming can cause weakening of the adjacent cortex which may interfere with healing or even cause a fatigue fracture.
Pitfall 2: Trapping of reamer by slow spinning
If the reamer becomes trapped while reaming, it must be gently removed by the most senior surgeon, because breakage of the reamer tip in this situation can be a devastating complication.
Pitfall 3: Heat necrosis by overaggressive reaming
Overaggressive reaming should be avoided because it may cause heat necrosis of the femoral canal. This applies especially for narrow midshaft canals (9 mm or less in diameter).
Pitfall 4: Rapid thrusting/systemic fat embolization
Care should be taken to use sharp reamers, to advance the reamers slowly, and to allow sufficient time between reaming steps in order for the intramedullary pressure to normalize. Rapid thrusting of the reamer may worsen the intramedullary pressure increase that is observed during nailing. This image demonstrates fat extrusion in a human cadaver specimen with a window in the proximal section.
This may cause pulmonary embolization of medullary fat, which in turn may lead to pulmonary dysfunction (lower image in the enlarged view shows an example of fat embolization through the right atrium).
Special situation: conversion from an external fixator to an intramedullary nail
Because the external fixator is still in place, the Schanz screws must be partially withdrawn to allow the guide wire, the reamers, and later the nail, to pass through. The external fixator is held in place by monocortical purchase to assure that the fracture remains stable. The external fixator also acts as a joystick for the reduction.
8 Nail insertion top
General considerations
During insertion of the nail, it is important that the assistant applies traction to the lower extremity to prevent shortening and/or angulation of the distal main fragment. In order to prevent this complication, which is very difficult to correct, repeated image intensifier assessments are required.
The correct nail placement is important in terms of adequate seating in the distal main fragment. The nail must never be too long and protrude into the knee joint because of the risk of damage to the articular cartilage of the patella. If the nail is sunk more than 2 cm deep to the cortex at the entry point, the placement of the locking screws will be too proximal. Also, it would be difficult remove the hardware, should this be required at a later stage.
Nail insertion
The nail is gently driven into the proximal fragment. This can often be performed manually. If required, gentle hammer taps are usually sufficient to ensure proper advancement.
9 Locking sequence and locking type topenlarge
Distal locking first
It is important to do the distal locking first. If proximal locking is done first, the surgeon will no longer be able to perform final corrections to length and rotation.
Distal locking is performed by using the aiming device attached to the insertion handle.
Dynamic or static locking
Static locking is mandatory.
10 Distal locking topenlarge
Distal aiming device
After verifying the correct position of the distal end of the nail under the image intensifier, the distal aiming device may be attached to the insertion handle.
For correct measurements through the drill sleeve it must be kept at the bone at all times.
The contralateral thumb can be used to keep the contact.
Screw insertion
The sites of the skin and fascial incisions for the drill bit and the distal locking screws may be determined after the drill sleeve assembly has been inserted in the holes of the aiming device. The length of the locking screws is read from the calibrated drill bit. The correct length is confirmed antero-posteriorly under the image intensifier. The insertion handle is now removed.
Drill sleeve to bone contact
The drill sleeve must remain in close contact with the bone at all times since it is important for the measurement of the locking screws. Close contact is maintained by pressing on the sleeve with the contralateral thumb.
Verification of locking screw placement
Final x-rays in two planes should be obtained in all cases in order to check on the exact locking screw placement.
Pitfall: locking screw too long
It is important to remember that the distal femur tapers from the posterior to the anterior. Therefore, if a straight AP view is obtained, the locking screws appear to be inside the bone. If they appear to be outside the bone, they are most likely too long and will invariably cause pain and possibly heterotopic ossification. In order to assess the exact length of the locking screws an AP view can be obtained with 30° internal rotation of the lower extremity and with 20 degrees of external rotation of the lower extremity.
Internal rotation by 30° reveals that the screw length was chosen inappropriately.
11 Intraoperative radiological assessment topenlarge
Assessment of rotation
The profile of the lesser trochanter is compared with that of the contralateral leg (lesser trochanter shape sign).
Before positioning the patient, the profile of the lesser trochanter of the intact opposite side (patella facing anterior) is stored in the image intensifier.
The illustration shows the lesser trochanter of the intact opposite side.
In cases of malrotation, the lesser trochanter is of different profile when compared to that of the contralateral leg.
Care should be taken to assess rotation with the patella facing directly forwards.
Matching of the lesser trochanter shape
After distal locking, the correction is achieved by using the handle of the nail insertion device. Thereby the distal main fragment can be rotated in relation to the proximal main fragment.
Cortical step sign and diameter difference sign
The presence of considerable rotational deformity may be diagnosed by the difference in thickness of the cortices above and below the fracture zone.
The diameter difference sign is of use at levels where the bone cross section is oval rather than round. In cases of malrotation, the proximal and distal main fragments will appear to be of different diameters.
12 Proximal locking topenlarge
Drilling of screw hole
Proximal AP locking has to be performed by the freestyle method. After verifying the correct position of the distal end of the nail under the image intensifier, the proximal locking hole must be visualized by image intensification.
The image intensifier is brought into a strict AP position of 90 degrees. The distal hole must project a perfect circle and the tip of a scalpel is projected into the center of the hole.
This guides the stab incision of the skin. The hole is deepened through the muscle by blunt dissection and the hole is drilled perpendicular to the nail, using the radiolucent drill. This is then followed by measurement with a depth gauge and insertion of the locking screw. Care should be taken to prevent an oblique insertion of a locking screw because it can become trapped between the firm cortical proximal femoral bone and the nail. Depending on the fracture pattern, either one or two proximal locking screws are used.
Maintaining lower extremity position
While the locking hole is drilled, the assisting surgeon must prevent the leg from moving in order not to miss the target hole.
Locking screw insertion technique
The length of the locking screw is determined, using the appropriate depth gauge. Then the locking screw is inserted.
If a radiolucent drive is unavailable, the projection of the tip of the drill bit should be placed as centered as possible (see illustration). Start drilling but assess the position of the tip of the drill bit repeatedly, with the drill temporarily uncoupled.
Pearl: If the contact between the screw driver and the locking screw is lost, the screw may move within the soft tissue and become extremely hard to capture. To prevent this time-consuming complication, the locking screw should be lassoed with a strong absorbable suture.
Second locking screw
The question as to whether a second locking screw should be used must be decided by the surgeon on a case-to-case basis.
13 Insertion of the end cap topenlarge
Insertion of the end cap: conventional way
An end cap may be used, depending on the final relationship of the nail end to the intercondylar notch of the distal femur.
The distance between the distal end of the nail and the articular surface determines the appropriate length of the end cap, which ranges between zero and 20 mm in 5mm increments. By no means should the end cap be more distal than the subchondral region.
The end cap is introduced in the conventional way, using a hexagonal screwdriver.
Insertion of the end cap: by guide wire with hook
So as not to lose the end cap, the specifically modified guide wire with hook is used. It fixes the end cap to the screwdriver and assures that they remain connected.
Verification of end cap placement
The cannulated end cap is tightened with the 11 mm ratchet wrench. Verification by the image intensifier shows that the end cap has been properly inserted into the nail.
14 Wound closure and assessment of alignment topenlarge
Wound closure
The procedure ends with the closure of the fascia and the skin as separate layers.
Assessment of alignment
Before the patient is moved from the fracture table, rotation of the leg is observed clinically and compared to the contralateral leg.
With the femur now stable, it is possible to perform a thorough examination of the knee joint to rule out additional ligamentous injuries.


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New Zealand-based motorhome rentals operator Tourism Holdings Ltd. (THL) and Kea Manufacturing NZ announced they are forming a joint venture under which they will split out and merge their recreational vehicle and campervan manufacturing units into a stand-alone business – a move that will axe 63 jobs.
Stuff.co.nz reported that under the terms of the deal, the two tourism companies will sell their manufacturing facilities to RV Manufacturing Group LP (RVMG), which also includes the sale of THL's specialist body business.
The deal, which is separate to their respective rentals and vehicle sales businesses, will see THL shed 63 jobs when it closes its motorhome assembly business in Hamilton, the company said.
Around $7.5 million worth of THL assets will be transferred, partly representing the company's capital contribution to RVMG, with the remainder seen as an advance. The company said the sale is not expected to have a negative impact on pre-tax earnings.
RVMG's main manufacturing facility will be based at Kea Manufacturing's plant in Auckland, while the specialist and body work business will operate from THL's Motek Specialist vehicles site in Hamilton.
The building owned by THL in Hamilton will remain with the company and is expected to be put up for sale shortly. The agreements are due to settle by March 1.


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Story highlights
- The French national was kidnapped along with two Yemeni drivers
- The drivers were released, unharmed
- "Until now we have no contact with the kidnappers or our employee," says an ICRC spokeswoman
A French official of the International Committee of the Red Cross was kidnapped Saturday in western Yemen, an ICRC spokeswoman said.
The ICRC official, whose identity was not disclosed, was taken about 30 kilometers (19 miles) outside of Hudaida, a coastal city on the Red Sea, said Dibeh Fakhr. He was traveling with two Yemeni drivers, who were also taken but then released, she said. They were unharmed.
"Until now, we have no contact with the kidnappers or our employee," Fakhr told CNN.
The spokeswoman declined to identify the official because of concerns for his safety. For the same reason, she said she would not comment on the possible identity of the kidnappers.
Kidnappings are common in Yemen, which has been beset by political turbulence since the beginning of last year. Protests led to the departure of President Ali Abdullah Saleh from office, and the government has battled Islamic militants.
Last month, Saudi Arabia's deputy consul was kidnapped in Yemen's southern port city of Aden, two security officials there told CNN.


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Cooperatives: one solution for agriculture in Haiti
Available in: français
In my country, Haiti, the agricultural sector represents 25 percent of GDP and accounts for over 50 percent of jobs. However, agricultural occupations are extremely insecure and do not permit farmers and their families to live in a dignified manner. Over two-thirds of the inhabitants of rural regions are poor, and agriculture is their main source of income. (Source in French: Haitian Institute of Statistics and Information Technology)
- Tags:
- blog
- Cooperatives
- Water
- Youth
- Haiti


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hola, I will be in Malaysia from 5th July to 23rd July, so I brought home from Dublin a few Princess Castles to sell. I put up Adriana's photo below on my FB not too long ago, and a few friends interested of having it. So as a favor, I bought for them and I also bought extras for who ever wants it. Its reallly reallly cute.
Just note the balls does not come in the box. I am selling this for rm90, but only a few left, so if you want it, please can you confirm via email to firstname.lastname@example.com or sms 017 692 8505


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Sporos Level 200
Sporos Level 200
Sporos Walkthrough, Solution, Answers, Cheats for Level 200 and iPhone, Android with Picture. Here is the photo with the solution for Sporos level 200.
Game LevelsThe game "Sporos Walkthrough" contains 300 levels, you are in the level 200. If you found out that the answer or solution is not accurate, please leave comment below, we will update to you as soon as possible.
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Bill Nye is said to be "feeling much better" from rest, a day after the TV personality fainted during a presentation at USC.
"He says he pushed himself too hard after a long day of an early satellite media tour combined with a late night speech," his rep told USA Today.
Nye, 54, is the host of the Emmy-winning 1990s television show "Bill Nye the Science Guy."
On Tuesday, Nye collapsed on stage in front of hundreds of people, then got up and continued his presentation, The Los Angeles Times reported.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
Paramedics and campus safety officers responded, and he was eventually removed from the stage after trying to continue his speech.
USC senior Tristan Camacho told the Times Nye collapsed in mid-sentence at the podium.
"Then after about 10 seconds, he popped back up with much gusto and asked everybody how long he was out for and went on with a story about how a similar thing happened to him that morning," Camacho told the Times.
Another student, USC senior Alastair Fairbanks, told the Times that, at first, nobody went to Nye's aid. He said students were texting and updating their Facebook and Twitter pages.
"It was just all a very bizarre evening," Fairbanks told the Times.


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As I'm sure you know by now, one of the long awaited features has been implemented. Faction Change is here! I know a lot of people who were waiting for this for a long time. A few of my guildies had high level horde toons that they are swapping over to alliance and bringing into the guild. I also know a lot of people that I follow on Twitter have gone through the switch or are considering it as we speak. I also know a lot of people who have been dreading it, afraid that faction balances would be blown away or that guild ninja looting will skyrocket. Others are using it a point of recruitment. Trying to get their real life friends to swap factions and join their raid groups.
So I'm here to offer my opinion on this one, first though lets take a look at the facts.
Faction change is a one way change to the opposite faction
You can only choose a race that your current class is available to (example Horde Shaman hopping over to alliance will have to be a Draenei)
- Can only faction change one toon at a time
- Character has to be minimum level of 10
- PVP real restrictions do not apply
- Can faction change once every 60 days.
- Every time you want to faction change, you have to pony up the $30 bucks.
There's several more, hit the FAQ page for all the details, these are just the "highlights" if you will.
Personally I like the idea of faction changing, I mean with the technology they are implementing it makes perfect sense. If I can change my gender why not my faction? It's all just shifting pixels and databases around. I think people who fear it are unfounded. Honestly the argument of "what is going to prevent them from joining my guild, looting the bank and then faction changing?" is kinda moot. People have been doing that for a long time before faction changing, you can always hot foot it over to wow.com and their guild watch articles to see that for certain. If people are going to do it, they are going to do it, regardless of faction change. I look at the faction change as a chance for people to start fresh, but also as a chance for people to bring favored toons with them to play with their friends. I have a good friend who plays horde side, we've been talking about the faction change for a while and I would love to have him come over to alliance on my server so we can both enjoy the game.
Now for the real meat of this article, race change. People have been asking for this since Burning Crusade. The ability to change your race, but keep your class and faction. With the announcement of the new class race combination, there was renewed interest (there was a pretty big roar when Gnome Priest was confirmed). Me personally, I want to make my blueberry a Dwarf Shaman when Cataclysm comes out (or 4.0 if they do it then). I made my toon a female back when it was first offered because I kept getting stuck under the platform for The Lurker Below, and well… I got tired of it. Enter sex change and no more getting stuck on terrain. Being a Dwarf though would fit me more, and would fit my naming scheme better. Basically I'd be a happier Shaman. My interest in this sparked a conversation with the officers of my guild. Swapping your character race could have an impact on your raid. I'll use myself as an example here.
Draenei currently have a few racials that are beneficial to a raid. First on the list is Heroic Presence. This racial grants all players in the group with the Draenei a 1% hit bonus. This might not seem like a lot but when you are hovering around the hit cap, that 1% can make all the difference in the world. Second on the list is Gift of the Naaru. This is a free Heal over Time that all Draenei get. The amount healed increased with attack power or spell power values. On fights like Vezaxx where watching your mana consumption is critical, this spell can help save the day. It costs no mana, has a 3 minute cooldown. So, if I race change to a Dwarf, my raid loses 1% hit for one group and a free heal. That 1% hit can be a bit of a bitch to lose, but in my opinion a raid shouldn't be dependant on it. If I'm not on for a raid the raid doesn't have that 1% hit anyways. So why gear expecting it? Yes it makes things easier on that one group, but still. I think this holds true for all the races. I don't feel the vast majority of the racials are make or break for a raid, and with the potential revamp of racials coming (confirmed by the devs at blizzcon) there may be other more beneficial racials available soon.
In the end I don't think either will have such a large impact on the game as a whole, I do however think that it will have a huge impact on individual player experience. It's kind of like work, a happy employee is a productive employee. I don't really think it should matter if a player wants to play a different race or swap factions as long as they are happy.
What do you think? Are you pro or con faction change? Pro or con race change? Do you think it will be largely game impacting? What are your concerns or the something you look forward too the most? Any racials you think a raid relies on?
That's all I have for today. Until next time, Happy healing
Image courtesy of Marvel.com