text:
T elling time has been refined to a science in the Hindu culture. And nowhere is
time given greater prominence than in the Hindu temple. If you are accustomed to Western time concepts, the following overview of time from the Hindu perspective will be illuminating.
The samkalpa, a formal statement of intent chanted aloud by the priest before each temple ceremony, designates the time and place of the puja. It is divided into several sections. Vedic Calendar lists this chant for each day with the appropriate tithi, nakshatra, yoga, karana, and so on. It does not list the yuga and other larger time divisions, since they do not change very often! Therefore, we will list and explain them here, both for the information of those who are doing temple pujas and for the appreciation of the general reader.
The samkalpa chant begins with the name of the present kalpa—a vast, cosmic time period known as "a day of Brahm (God)." (Each new creation cycle begins a new kalpa. Some calculate one kalpa to be 4,320,000,000 years.) The name of the current kalpa is Svetavara. Each kalpa is divided into 14 manvantaras. We are in the first phase of the 7th manvantara, called Vaivasvata. Each manvantara lasts 71 mahayugas. Each mahayuga is made up of four yugas—Sat, Treta, Dvapara and Kali. The Sat Yuga is known as the Age of Enlightenment, and each yuga that follows is progressively "darker" as the mass mind becomes more externalized. At the present time our solar system is experiencing the last part of the Kali Yuga of the 28th mahayuga of the Vaivasvata Manvantara. We are in the Dark Age, and the first rays of light from the Sat Yuga are beginning to be felt again. (To summarize, each kalpa (4.32 billion years) is divided into 14 manvantaras. Each manvantara equals 71 mahayugas. And each mahayuga equals 4 yugas.) So, the priest would say, "Svetavarana Kalpe, Vaivasvata Manvantare, Ashtavim Satitame, Kaliau Yuge, Prathamepade, etc."
Next in the samkalpa, the priest announces the place on earth where the
puja is being performed. In Hawaii, we state we are in the middle of the Pacific
ocean, in the Hawaiian Islands, on the famous island of Kauai, near the mountain
of Waialeale, along the Wailua River on the parcel of land where heaven meets the earth!
These greater delineations are followed by further diminishing designations of time, all of which are found on your calendar in the paragraph at the top of each day's designations. This includes the name of the year, the half-year, the season, month, fortnight, day, nakshatra, yoga and tithi. Each of these important elements of the calendar is explained below.
In India there are numerous era systems in use. The Kali Era, Vikrama Era, Saka Era and the Kollam Era are several of the era systems being followed today. Vedic Calendar incorporates three different types of era systems. First, the Gregorian or Christian Era system is used for modern day convenience. Second, we use the Kali Era, which is followed in various Hindu traditions including the Tamil. It began around February 17, 3102 BCE. The exact date varies according to the method of calculation. The third system used in Vedic Calendar is the Siva Era which began February 16, 1973, the first day of the lunar month in which the Siva Nataraja Deity was installed in the Kadavul Hindu Temple. The current year is listed on each day of Vedic Calendar in these three era forms. To the third line of the last column is the name and number of the Kali Era, e.g. Pramodha 5092. In the fourth line are the Gregorian years of the Kali Era year. In the fifth line is the circle (year) and cycle (3-year period) of the Siva Era system. The Hindu year for the Kali Era system begins when the Sun enters the sign of Mesha (Aries). In the Gregorian, of course, it begins January 1. And in the Siva Era system the beginning of the year varies year to year. The new year's day marked on the calendar for celebration is that of the Kali era. It is a day of great importance, and a time of celebration, marking the dawn of a new year cycle.
Preceding the number of the Hindu year at the very top of the page is the name of the current year. In all, there are sixty names, which repeat in a sixty-year cycle based on the time it takes Jupiter to orbit the sun five times. The names of the years are:
Prabhava, Vibhava, Sukla, Pramoda, Prajapati, Angiras, Srimukha, Bhava,
Yuvan, Dhatri, Isvara, Bahudhanya, Pramathin, Vikrama, Vrisha, Chitrabhanu,
Subhanu, Tarana, Parthiva, Vyaya, Sarvajit, Sarvadharin, Virodhin,
Vikrita, Khara, Nandana, Vijaya, Jaya, Manmatha, Durmukha, Hemalam-
ba, Vilamba, Vikarin, Sarvari, Plava, Subhakrit, Sobhana, Krodhin, Visvavasu, Parabhava, Palavanga, Kilaka, Saumaya, Sadharana, Virodhakrit, Paridhavin, Pramadin, Ananda, Rakshasa, Anala (or Nala), Pingala, Kalayukta, Siddharthin, Raudra, Durmati, Dundubhi, Rudhirodgarin, Raktaksha, Krodhana and Kshaya (or Akshaya).
Each name suggests the general feeling of the year it denotes. The year 5086 (1984) was known as Raktakshi, "she with red eyes." The year 5087 (1985) was Krodhana, "the year of anger." The year 5088 (1986), the last in Jupiter's cycle, was Kshaya—"decay, destruction or end." The year 5089 (1987), Prabhava, the first year in the new cycle, means "arise, spring forth; source, origin." The year 5090 (1988) was Vibhava, "light, luster, splendor, beauty." The following year, 5091 (1989), was Sukla, "bright, pure, unsullied." And 5092 (1990) is Pramoda, "excessive joy, delight or gladness." The year 5093 (1991) is Prajapati, "Lord (pati) of creature," or "Father of creation."
For the information of those with a background in astrology, a word of explanation about the Jupiter cycle as a basis for naming the years may be helpful. Actually it stems from another year system known as Barhaspatya Varsa or Jovian (Jupiter) year system in which the year is measured by the time period of Jupiter's motion through one Zodiac sign. Traveling through 12 rasis (zodiac signs), Jupiter makes a complete sidereal revolution, comprising 12 Jovian years. Five revolutions around the sun forms the 60-year cycle of Jupiter.
Each year is divided into two halves, known as ayana. The fourth word in the sankalpam indicates the ayana, the current six month period—either Uttarayana or Dakshinayana. Uttarayana begins on the day of the winter solstice, normally December 21, when the sun begins its apparent northward journey. Dakshinayana begins on the first day of the summer solstice, normally June 21, marking the sun's southward movement. The two days commencing the two ayanas are considered sacred and known as punya kala, "times of great merit." The current ayana is the second item in the sankalpam in Vedic Calendar.
In the West we are familiar with four seasons—spring, summer, autumn
and winter. In India, there are six seasons. Each season is two months (masa) in
1) The new year begins with Vasanta Rtau, the season when the trees and plants are blossoming, which begins on the first day of Mesha Mase (mid-April).
2) Grishma Rtau, commencing at the start of Maithuna Mase (in mid-June), is the "hot summer."
3) The rainy season, Varsha Rtau, begins in Simha Mase (mid-August).
4) Sara Rtau, the season of fruits, begin in Thula Mase (mid-October).
5) Hemantha Rtau, the cold season, begins in mid-December.
6) Sisir Rtau, the last season of the year, begins in Kumbha Mase (mid-February), when trees and plants begin sprouting new leaves. In Vedic Calendar the season is the third notation in the sankalpam. At Kauai's Hindu Monastery we follow three seasons as outlined in the Saiva Dharma Shastras. Each season a different textbook is studied. They are as follows:
1) Nartana Ritau, the season of Dancing With Siva, begins on Hindu New Year. This is the period of creation, the warm season, from mid-April through mid-August.
2) During Jivana Ritau, the rainy season, from mid-August to mid-December,
3) The third period of the year, Moksha Ritau, the cool season, is from mid-December to mid-April. Merging With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Metaphysics is the focus of study and intense investigation.
In India, several states use a solar-year calendar while others use the lunar-year calendar. In all states the lunar calendar is used for determining the dates of religious festivals and for selecting auspicious times for beginning many socio-religious activities. Vedic Calendar uses both the solar month and the lunar month and would be known as a "luni-solar calendar." For business purposes and modern convenience we also use the Gregorian year which follows neither a solar month nor a lunar system.
The Hindu astronomical text, Surya-Siddhanta, defines the solar month as the time it takes the sun to traverse one rasi (Zodiac sign), measured from the time of entry into one rasi (this point is known as a samkranti) and the next.
The point when the sun enters Mesha (Aries) rasi is widely accepted as the
beginning of the year. Thus the first solar month is called Mesha in Sanskrit.
The Sanskrit names of the solar months are listed in Vedic Calendar. Each is
named after the sign of the zodiac that the sun is in. Their names are Mesha
(Aries), Vrshabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Kataka (Cancer), Simha (Leo),
Kanya (Virgo), Thula (Libra), Vrschika (Scorpio), Dhanus (Sagittarius), Makara
(Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meena (Pisces). The Sanskrit name of the
current solar month is found at the top of each day's notations, in the middle preceded
by the word mase.
The lunar month is measured either by the period covered from one newmoon to the next, known as the amanta or mukhya mana system, or from one fullmoon to the next one, known as the purnimanta or gauna mana system. Vedic Calendar uses the purnimanta lunar month system. Each lunar month is simply named Moon 1, Moon 2, Moon 3, etc. This notation is found at the very top of each calendar page.
In India and other parts of the world those who follow a panchangam strictly, such as Vedic schools, known as "gurukulams" or "pathasalas," live their life by the lunar month, "moon," or masa.
One month is the duration of one orbit of the moon around the earth. In Hindu measuring of time, this period is divided in two parts, the light fortnight, called shukla paksha (or sudi), and the dark fortnight, called krishna paksha (or vadi). Shukla Paksha is the period when the moon is waxing, beginning on the new moon (Amavasya) and extending to the full moon (Purnima). Krishna paksha, the period when the moon is waning, begins after the full moon and extends to the new moon. Knowing whether the moon is waxing or waning is helpful in understanding the moon's current influence. Under the waxing moon, we are generally more energetic, as moon's forces are on the rise, indicating growth and development.
In Vedic Calendar the rasi names the Zodiac sign the moon is currently
passing through. It lists the degree of the sign of the moon at 6:00 AM. For example,
"Kataka (Cancer) Rasi 1.4" means that the moon is at 1.4 degrees Cancer at
6:00 in the morning. The moon travels approximately 12° per day. For gardening,
the moon sign is useful in determining planting, harvesting, fertilizing and other
gardening activity dates. The rasi is listed in the first column for each day. The moon takes a little over two and one-half days to traverse one zodiac sign. The rasis are Mesha (Aries), Vrshabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Kataka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Thula (Libra), Vrschika (Scorpio), Dhanus (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meena (Pisces).
In addition to observing the lunar day, or tithi (discussed in the next section), the traditional Hindu calendar also recognizes the solar day, or vasara. The vasara begins with sunrise and ends with sunrise the next day, based on the rotation of the earth on its axis. (The time of sunrise and sunset are listed in column six of each day's notations in Vedic Calendar.) Each solar day is divided into 24 horas (hours), and the horas are assigned to the planets in their "descending sidereal period." There are seven days in the week, and each is most strongly influenced by a particular planet as follows. In Vedic Calendar, vasara is listed after the English weekday notation and also as the last item in the first line of the sankalpam.
Solar Day (Vasara) English Ruling Planet
Bhanu (or Ravi) vasara Sunday Sun
Indu (or Soma) vasara Monday Moon
Mangala vasara Tuesday Mars
Budha vasara Wednesday Mercury
Guru (or Brihaspati) vasara Thursday Jupiter
Sukra vasara Friday Venus
Manta (or Sani) vasara Saturday Saturn
In the Siva Era system there are 27 days (called suns) in each moon plus two or three additional days at the end of the moon (beginning with Purnima, full moon). These special days are called special "star days." The first special star day is called the "copper star," the second the "silver star" and the third the "gold star." Gold stars only occur about every two moons. This method of marking the days is only used within Gurudeva's monasteries. (The current sun is indicated by the small number at the top right corner of each day's notations.)
Days are also designated by the Kali Era measurement, known as the tithi. A tithi is an exact lunar day, which is approximately one-thirtieth of the time it takes the moon to orbit the earth. A tithi may vary in length from day to day. There are 15 tithis in each fortnight. Their names are: Prathama, Dvitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dasami, Ekadasi, Dvadasi, Trayodasi, Chaturdasi and Amavasya/Purnima. Purnima, full-moon day, is the fifteenth tithi of the bright fortnight, and Amavasya, new-moon day, is the fifteenth tithi of the dark fortnight. (On many panchangams, the new moon is numbered as the thirtieth tithi.)
The current tithi is the first item in column two for each day. It is also the last item in the first line of the sankalpam at the very top of each day's designations, e.g., "Chaturthi/Panchami Yam Titau."
Certain tithis are not conducive for study or beginning new efforts. In gurukulams (schools) and aadheenams (monasteries) these are times of retreat. As they occur in pairs four times per moon, they are roughly parallel to the modern "weekend," though, of course, they do not necessarily fall on Saturday and Sunday. The retreat tithis are Ashtami, Navami, Amavasya, Prathama and Purnima. Each has its own special nature. Purnima (full-moon day) is especially good for worship. Amavasya (new moon day) is conducive to meditation. For many devout Hindus, Amavasya and Purnima are times of vrata, observing religious vows. Prathama, the tithi following both Purnima and Amavasya, is generally a good day for seminars and philosophical discussions.
Ashtami and Navami are ideally reserved for rest and relaxation. Ashtami is traditionally a day for fasting and not a good day for learning. (In western astrology, Ashtami would be recognized as a square aspect between the sun and the moon, a configuration which can make for a difficult day.) Ashtami is considered inauspicious for beginning new activities because of the inharmonious energies existing due to the relationship between the sun and moon.
In Vedic Calendar, retreat days are noted in the upper left corner of the
day's designations. Retreats are labeled "Retreat Star," with the exception of those
occurring at full-moon time. These retreat days have special names. Purnima is
the Copper Star Retreat, Prathama is the Silver Star Retreat. In addition, approximately
every other moon the Dvitiya tithi following the full moon is taken as a re-
treat day at Kauai's Hindu Monastery. It is the Gold Star Retreat. Each "work day" in the monastery is noted by a large number in the upper left corner of the day. This number indicates the number of the day of that phase (or quarter) of the moon. The first day after the retreat is number one, and so on.
A karana is half of a tithi or lunar day. There are sixty karanas in one lunar month, but only eleven distinct names are used. The current karana is the third item in the second column of each day's designations. The first karana ends at the middle of the tithi and the second karana ends with the ending of that tithi. Like the yoga, the karana is a factor used by astrologers for determining the auspiciousness of the day for a given activity. The names of the karanas are: Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanij, Visti, Sakuni, Chatuspada, Naga and Kimtughna.
Nakshatra simply means star cluster. In Hindu astrology the term nearly always refers to 27 specific star-clusters, or constellations, which lie along the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the apparent yearly path of the sun as seen from the earth. These constellations happen to be at approximately equal distances apart. Each nakshatra embodies particular ideas, powers and forces of nature. When a planet comes into alignment with one of these star clusters (from the view of an individual standing on the earth), the rays of the stars combine with those of the planet to influence the earth. All of the planets, one after another, pass through the ecliptic and align with each of the 27 nakshatras.
The most important "nakshatra" is the one the moon is currently aligned with, as the swift-moving moon's influence is the most significant to daily life on Earth. All the nakshatras given in Vedic Calendar are for the moon. This means that the nakshatra currently in effect is the one that the moon has "conjoined." (Similarly, the current rasi, Zodiac sign, is the one that the moon has conjoined.)
Each nakshatra exerts its own unique energies upon the planets within its influence. The nakshatras are considered so important that constellational or nakshatra astrology is a field of Hindu astrology in itself. Nakshatra consideration is a critical element in muhurtha—discerning the nature of a given period and choosing auspicious times for various activities.
When you go to a Hindu temple and ask for a special puja, known as an
archana, the priest asks, "What is your nakshatra (or birth star)?" He is asking for the name of the constellation (nakshatra) the moon was aligned with at the time you were born at the place you were born. In other words, a line going out from you at your time of birth and passing through the moon would point to a constellation. That is your nakshatra. The priest then repeats your nakshatra during the worship liturgy, along with your name and family lineage. This is your bio-data for the information of the inner-plane helpers. It is helpful to know when one's nakshatra comes into alignment with the moon each month, as this day is often experienced as emotionally intense. By knowing this beforehand, extra care can be taken to not over-react to difficult karmic experiences that may manifest. In Vedic Calendar, the current nakshatra is the fourth item in the fourth column of each day's designations, e.g., Visakha Nakshatra. The twenty-seven nakshatras are:
Asvini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigasira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Aslesha, Magha, Purvaphalguni, Uttaraphalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Svati, Visakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha, Sravana, Dhanishtha, Satabhishaj, Purvaprostapada, Uttaraprostapada and Revati.
The ending time for each tithi, nakshatra and yoga is listed in column four after each item, respectively. Usually the tithi ending time is the same as the karana ending time. If this is the case, the ending time for the evening karana is listed, and you can assume that the morning karana ends on the tithi ending time. If an ending time is after midnight, the time is listed with a three-letter abbreviated name for the next day. All times are given for "Standard Time." Therefore, if a "Daylight Savings Time" is in effect in your area, you will need to adjust the times given in Vedic Calendar by adding one hour.
Those who are reciting the samkalpa from the calendar during home or temple puja will note that often two tithis, yogas, karanas or nakshatras are listed in the samkalpa, separated by a slash mark. This indicates that there is a change from the first to the second during that day. (The actual time of the change is found in column four.) The first is the 6AM calculation and the second is the 6PM calculation. For example, if the tithi reads "shasthi/saptami," shasthi is the morning calculation and saptami is the evening calculation. Only one entry is shown in the samkalpa when both the morning and evening calculations are the same.
You should find this chapter very interesting. It contains explanations for the many esoteric and mystical notations found on the calendar, including the kalas, yogas, gem of the day, color of the day, festivals and other special days.
The period between sunrise and sunset each day is divided into eight periods. Each period, or kala, lasts approximately one and one-half hours, depending on the total duration of sunlight. Three of the eight kalas are considered most important —Rahu Kala, Yama Kala and Gulika Kala—known collectively as the trini samayam. Rahu Kala is considered malefic for commencing new undertakings. Yama is also an interfering current, but is less influential than Rahu. Yama Kala is considered an auspicious time for antyesti (funeral) rites. Gulika is the most auspicious time of the day for commencing new activities.
Each kala occurs at approximately the same time on each particular day of the week. Thus, Gulika Kala occurs at approximately 7AM every Friday. If you've ever wondered why Monday mornings are so infamous, note that Rahu Kala is generally between 7:30 and 9AM every Monday. The trini samayam are listed at the top of column three for each day.
A yoga is a planetary configuration, union or relationship. In Vedic Calendar, two types of yogas are listed. The first yoga is listed in the sankalpam (the two lines at the top of each day's entries). It is the second item in the second line. This particular yoga, like the tithi, is an angle of the sun and the moon (the earth being the point of the angle). Yogas are another factor in determining the auspiciousness of the day. Just as there are twenty-seven nakshatras, there are twenty-seven yogas, known as the Yoga Taras of Nakshatras. They are:
Vishakambha, Priti, Ayushman, Saubhagya, Sobhana, Atiganda, Sukarma,
Dhriti, Sula, Ganda, Vriddhi, Dhruva, Vyaghat, Harshana, Vajra, Siddhi
Vyatipatha, Variyan, Parigha, Siva, Siddha, Sadhya, Subha, Sukla, Brahma, Indra and Vaidhriti.
The resultant of the waves propagated by the planets and the stars on the human psyche are indicated in four degrees. In the Vedic Calendar, this esoteric yoga is listed in bold type in the left column of each day's designations.
AMRITA YOGA—CREATIVE WORK: Very good for creative types of work
and auspicious undertakings.
SIDDHA YOGA—CREATIVE WORK: Good for creative types of work and
auspicious undertakings.
MARANA YOGA—ROUTINE WORK: Should be avoided for new undertakings
and beginning travel. Routine work only.
PRABALARSHTA YOGA—ROUTINE WORK: Should be absolutely avoided
for new undertakings and beginning travel. Routine work only.
On each day's notation in column three is the mooleamnea (the Shum word for astology) of the day, which is generally a nine-digit number. This is an esoteric code representing the calculations of the astrology of the day according to the Siva Era system, which was founded at Kauai's Hindu Monastery and used for special readings along with a traditional Hindu astrology system. Several of the items listed on Vedic Calendar are derived from this system, including the color of the day, the Deity clothing colors, the gem of the day and the general auspiciousness of the day. Though we will not go into depth in describing this solar-based system, it will be interesting to note that each number, among its other meanings, represents a color: 1 = clear, 2 =white, 3 = bright yellow, 4 = royal blue, 5 = Chinese red, 6 = emerald green, 7= bright orange, 8 = light blue, 9 = purple.
Each day has a color (listed in the fifth column), indicating the general subconscious or astral vibration of the day. This is the vibration caused by the moon rasi. (The color of the day is the second digit in the nine-digit mooleamnea number of the day.)
Each day lists the appropriate color of clothing for dressing the Deity im-
ages of Lord Siva, Lord Muruga and Lord Ganesha in temples and home shrines. The colors of Lord Siva and Lord Ganesha generally change about every three days, while Lord Muruga's color changes about once a month.
Gems, known in Sanskrit as ratna, are the most potent representatives of the mineral world and are frequently objects of great veneration. Gems are the congealed influences of the planets and heavenly bodies, the crystallized products of invisible rays operating within the crust of the earth. They, therefore, retain the powers of the planets in a highly concentrated form. Gems are believed to have the power to cure diseases, to increase strength and counteract negative influences. They are worn as amulets against sickness and are sometimes (though rarely) powdered and imbibed in liquid concoctions. On each day of Vedic Calendar a gem is indicated. The gem of the day can be used to adorn the Deities in the temple or the home shrine. There is one gem for each day of the week as follows:
Sunday—ruby, Monday—pearl, Tuesday—coral, Wednesday—emerald, Thursday —topaz, Friday—diamond, Saturday—sapphire.
Festivals and other special days are indicated in bold type at the bottom of the daily designation area. All of the major Saivite festivals are listed, generally by their Tamil name. These are indicated according to local time, which usually coincides with each festival's celebration in India. (Because of the International Date Line, festivals are often listed one day prior to their date listed in Indian panchangams so they will be celebrated locally at the same actual time that they are observed in India.)
One of the special days noted on your calendar is the Pradosha Vrata, literally "evening vow." This is a traditional observance among devout Saivites, a day of fasting, worship and meditation.
Pradosha is a daily 3 hour period from 11/2 hours before sunset until 11/2
hours afterwards, considered one of the most auspicious times for meditation, as
day dissolves into night. Pradosha time on Trayodasi (the 13th tithi) is especially
sacred, hailed for Siva worship and meditation. If the 13th tithi ends before sunset,
then the pradosha vrata begins on the 12th tithi. For example, if you look at
your panchangam and it says: "Wednesday, Trayodasi (tithi 13) until 3:19 PM" you
can see that it ends before sunset on Wednesday. Therefore the Pradosha vrata be-
gins the previous day (Tuesday) as the 13th tithi will actually begin sometime Tuesday evening.
If you wish to fast once each month, observe the vrata on the Krishna Paksha Pradosham. If you wish to fast twice each month, then you may observe this fast on both pradosha days—one during each paksha. The most orthodox devotees will fast on water all day and only take light temple prasadam or fruits and milk in the evening. No cooked food is taken until the following day. A less strict observance is to fast during the day on just water, herb teas or fruits and milk and then take one's normal food in the evening after the temple pujas and your meditations are finished. The strictness of one's fasting will depend entirely on one's inner goals, health and daily activities.
For those interested in integrating their yoga sadhana with the panchangam, the pradosha days of both pakshas are considered very auspicious for intensification of meditation. After fasting all day and observing the auspicious worship of God Siva at sunset, a vigil is kept in the evening, at which time one performs Raja Yoga, meditating on inner light and Lord Siva. The pradosha day of the Sukla Paksha is especially conducive to good meditation. The pradosha day of the Krishna Paksha is considered the last day of the Krishna Paksha when the moon will help you in your yoga. It is advisable to do a vigil then to absorb the last of the moon's power.
The Siva Nataraja Deity at Kadavul Hindu Temple was installed on the Ardra nakshatra, March 12, 1973. Ardra is said to be Lord Siva's favorite star, and Ardra was the birth star of the child Saint Jnanasambandar. In the life of Narasinga Munaiaraiyar, a Saiva saint who brought up Saint Sundaramurthi, he invariably performed Siva puja on the Ardra day and distributed liberally one hundred pieces of gold to the Siva bhaktas. At Kadavul Hindu Temple, an abhishekam is performed each month on Ardra. These sacred days are noted on this panchangam. Also indicated in Vedic Calendar are the six days per year when abhishekam is performed to the Siva Nataraja Deity at Chidambaram temple in South India.
In the fast pace of today's modern world many families rarely gather together
as a family unit other than, perhaps, to watch television. This lack of close-
ness and dearth of communication often leads to estrangement. With no forum for discussing problems, situations go unresolved which should be faced promptly. Ultimately, as distances magnify, families break apart, husband and wife divorce and children are disillusioned. Recognizing the seriousness of this trend, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami created "family home evening." Devotees now faithfully observe this custom in their homes every Monday (the day held sacred to Lord Siva in North India.) First, they gather for a fine dinner—no guests, no telephone calls, no television, no radio, just themselves. They sit down together and after a prayer, enjoy a meal together amidst friendly conversation. After dinner, they retire to another room for puja and discussion of inner things. One member reads the daily lesson from the Master Course (Himalayan Academy's home-study text). Questions come up and are discussed. After the lesson, conversation turns to family matters, to family welfare, and each member speaks of the positive qualities he or she sees in the others. Concerns of the family are brought up and looked at through the wisdom of Saivism. This is Family Home Evening, a precious time, a looked-forward-to-time, a time of closeness with Siva and with one another. This special day falls on Monday of each week and is denoted in bold type along with the festivals and other special days.
At Kauai's Hindu Monastery, cleaning is "the first sadhana." It merits this designation from the knowledge that spiritual energies flow smoothly and harmoniously in a clean, uncluttered environment. Creativity and abundance arise naturally. Whereas clutter and dirt attract confusion, misunderstanding and error. In the monastery, cleaning is called "ashram sadhana." Every day the monks spend 30 minutes in ashram sadhana in their assigned areas before the noon meal is taken. Periodically an entire day is set aside for cleaning and maintenance, and all residents participate. This is called Ashram Sadhana Day. Many families and individuals observe this day in their own homes, gathering with other residents to scrub, clean, paint and renew in preparation for the month ahead.
The overall auspiciousness of a particular day is determined by the ease of communication between the First World (Bhuloka), Second World (Devaloka) and the Third World (Sivaloka). Through the years we have found this esoteric indicator to be a tremendous aid by keeping us alert to the periods when the "working together of the three worlds" is the easiest. You will find the designation of auspiciousness located at the bottom of the second column for each day, just opposite the Sakti color. Five notations are used—Bhuloka Day, Devaloka Day, Sivaloka Day, Subha Sivaloka Day or Subha Subha Sivaloka Day. This determination is made according to the mooleamnea of the day, indicated as the fourth item in the third column for each day.
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami has compared the inter-world communication to a series of phone lines to illustrate the degree of clarity that might exist on any given day. Imagine that there are five telephone lines to the inner worlds. Occasionally, all of the lines are down, and the Devaloka and Sivaloka cannot contact us at all. This doesn't necessarily mean that we will have a bad day, but we may have to put forth more effort to stay out of the instinctive nature and avoid the influence of the lower worlds. It is a time to pay closer attention to religious disciplines, the yamas and niyamas (ethical restraints and practices) and carry on with our daily routine. Days on which this condition persists are called Naraka days."
Because we do not have the full connection with and help of the inner worlds on a Naraka day, it is best not to make changes or start anything new. If a new project must be instigated on a Naraka day, it is advisable to first have an archana in the temple and inform the devas of your plan in a written note. On Naraka days we have to work with ourselves to feel religious, whereas on a Devaloka and Sivaloka days the devas and Gods can easily inspire us. On a Naraka day, the devas can often only be reached through good puja, intense prayer and burning of the written note. It is a good time to work on projects in progress.
On Bhuloka days the inner astrology indicates that one line opens up between
the Bhuloka and the Devaloka during a unique three-hour period, while
the rest of the day all lines of communication are down. This three-hour "clear
time" is called a "Devaloka time" and is noted just below the "Bhuloka Day" notation
on the panchangam. During this period it is easier for the devas in the Sec-
ond World to see the First World and thus better assist us in our religious life.
Fortunately, we find that we have two telephone lines up and working between the Bhuloka and the Devaloka on the majority of the days of most years. (Remember that we are using the analogy of telephone lines for the sake of explanation only, and in actuality what is happening is something quite different.) It is said that when two lines are open, "the Devaloka abides with you. On Devaloka days the devas can read the mind of the devotee."
Occasionally three "phone lines" are open and the Sivaloka is in full contact with the Bhuloka. Such days are called "Sivaloka Days," and are ideal times to begin new ventures, as the devas and Mahadevas are aware of our activities and can assist us, if asked, in many unseen ways.
Then there are those very special days when, we might say, four lines of communication are open. At these times the arrangement of magnetic forces between the three worlds is such that the veil separating one from another is stretched very thin. Such a day is noted on the panchangam as a "Subha Sivaloka Day." The devas say "these are extremely auspicious for us. We can plan together, band together, and influence with you throughout the world." When all five lines are open, we have a very rare occurrence, indeed. Such a day is called a "Subha Subha Sivaloka Day." The last Subha Subha Sivaloka Day was February 12, 1979, and the next one will be March 1, 1993. But from 1993 onward, our computer print-outs tell us, there will be many Subha Subha Sivaloka Days, heralding the dawn of the Sat Siva Yuga.
In conclusion, the "loka" notation indicates whether or not a particular day will be naturally religious and conducive to spiritual sadhana and temple rites. By tracking this factor in the calendar, we can learn to "tune into the day" and establish positive patterns as we learn from the past and plan for the future.


text:
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Originally posted by Stargate2012
14 saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphra'tes.
Originating in eastern Turkey, the Euphrates flows through Syria and Iraq to join the Tigris in the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Persian Gulf.
Originally posted by bekod
reply to post by Enlightenme1111
one problem, mortal man can not stop nor prevent the gates of hell being opened nor can he, man, prevent the 4 form coming fourth. For it is written , we, man have sealed our fate, for we have turned from GOD , only them that have true faith will be saved the rest is, toast. pass the butter pleas.
Originally posted by bismarcksea
Another problem is the Buffet style that Christians do on the bible.
Did Jesus not say that no one can predict the end time and that it would come "like a thief in the night"?
Originally posted by meanmug
''The 11:11 phenomena's participants would find that most every day they would happen to look at a clock at exactly 11:11 or perhaps 23:11. In time people tried to explain why this was happening, the most popular explanation was that a group of higher being, or angels, were using it to bring themselves into human awareness. This explanation became very popular and has spawned numerous groups and indeed books centred around it. This interpretation of 11:11 phenomena is however not of great interest to most 2012 researchers. ''
in this case your 11:11=13,1+3=4
13 is the error in mathematics/science
Learn TRTH
they call 13 jesus but 13 is devil!
13=1,1,1,1 the balance of the sun=magick!
Symbols are lights from the sun,your God!
they give you power because you actually believe the sun is your God!
Government Troll!
13 is the Ultimate Zodiac that forms the universal all seeing eye=which is the devil!
let me know if you need the True Image of the all seeing eye,not the ones i keep seeing on this website,your goofy all seeing eye that has no directions!
daemons dont even know their own daemon worshipping religion as science
[edit on 7-6-2008 by meanmug]

subset: commoncrawl


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Winston Water Cooler, Ltd
Winston Water Cooler, Ltd., was established in 1963 in Dallas, TX. The company originally provided supplies and services for water cooler and purification- a service Winston still provides today. Over the years, Winston has evolved with the times and expanded into a large wholesale distributor specializing in plumbing, pipe valve & fittings, decorative hardware and HVAC supplies and equipment.
In 2000 Winston Water Cooler was purchased by Jane Butter. Mrs. Butter has expanded the company adding locations in Dallas, Rockwall, Fort Worth, Waco, Brownwood , Jacksonville, Texarkana , Sunnyvale, and Amarillo TX. Winston also has a location in Phoenix, Arizona. Today, Winston is considered one of the largest wholesalers in the DFW Metroplex.
The family also includes two sister locations, NXT and The Jarrell Company, that specialize in appliances, plumbing and appliances. These locations include showrooms and a highly trained team that will guide you through the product selection process to help make your ideas come to fruition. They specialize in helping you choose products that are within your budget, fit the desired décor, and are on trend with today's products.
Winston is a Woman-Owned and HUB Certified business registered with the NCTRCA. Winston is proud of its rich history in the wholesale distribution industry, and the Winston team is excited about the future of the company.
Rockwall's Grand Opening with 1310 The Ticket
Woman-Owned Hub
Thank You For Your Business!


text:
Death on screen is pretty commonplace but the physical interaction between the living and the dead is not something we see often. This is part of the macabre fascination of Departures, a Japanese film that takes us behind the scenes of a small business providing a very specific service in the highly codified tradition of the Japanese mourning ritual — namely the grooming of the deceased, at home and in front of the family.
The film's unlikely hero, Daigo, is new to the trade. When we first meet him he's a young man, recently married, who plays the cello in an orchestra. He loses his job and, as positions for cellists aren't easy to come by (especially those who don't possess an exceptional talent), he decides to leave Tokyo for his home town to regroup in the house inherited from his mother.
Actor Masahiro Motoki plays Daigo with a wide-eyed innocence and dressed in a prim, respectable three-button suit (all three buttons done up) he looks a little like a schoolboy. He gets into the funeral business because of a misprint in a job ad — he thinks he's going for a travel agent job — when he finds out what he's in for, he's shocked.
There's an intrinsic heroism in any character who channels their energies into learning a complex physical skill. On top of this, Daigo must overcome a strong initial repulsion, not to mention unpack some very deep societal taboos about death and a forceful stigma (we learn that the job, while much appreciated, is a very lowly profession). It's under the guidance of his elderly boss — a man who can wash, dress and apply makeup to a corpse with the utmost professional detachment — that Daigo slowly discovers the dignity and satisfaction in the work.
There's an irony to this, as Daigo's own experience with death is nonexistent. He wasn't there when his mother died, and his father, who left when he was only a boy, has never been in touch. Daigo is a character who lacks closure, in other words, and this unfinished business is like a question posed with growing urgency as the film progresses.
Departures won the Oscar for best foreign film and it's easy to see why — it has a sentimental pull that's hard to resist, a lot of warmth and some nice moments of wry comedy. It's a film about family, both the flesh and blood kind and the surrogate family Daigo finds through his profession. It's also about a young marriage coming under considerable strain in an isolated small town.
There's a delightful symbolism throughout too, built around the sharing of food. They're always eating here — deep-fried chicken legs, dumplings, blowfish roe — a bountiful reminder of the cycle of life. As Daigo's boss says, the living must eat the dead to survive.
From what we see the Japanese have a particularly complex view of death and mourning. It's significant that when Daigo grooms a body while the family watch, he must take care not to reveal any portion of naked flesh and performs many procedures behind a discreet handkerchief. What's so interesting and ultimately cathartic about Departures is the way it takes us, literally and figuratively, behind that handkerchief. It's an affecting experience (you'll need to bring some tissues) but rest assured it's a joyous one too.
Further Information
- Reviewer
- Jason Di Rosso


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Spending on locum doctors to plug gaps at Milton Keynes Hospital's struggling A&E has almost trebled in four years.
The Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust spent £234,000 on locum doctors to help staff its under pressure A&E in 2009/10, but by 2012/13 that figures had increased to £637,500 – a rise of more than 170 per cent.
However, that year's cost was down on the 2011/12 total when the hospital splashed out £730,400 on temporary doctors. The cost for 2010/11 was £551,500.
The figures, obtained by Labour under the Freedom of Information Act, show that £83.3m was spent nationally in 2012/13, up from £52m in 2009/10.
Employing locum doctors could cost £1,500 a shift, four times as much as filling a shift with permanent staff.
But while Milton Keynes Hospital spends more to manage the huge pressure on its A&E, the average spend by Trusts in the south east of England was actually down from £530,387 in 2009/10 to £486,714 in 2012/13.
Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Hospital, said: "There has been a real focus on reducing agency spend this year in all areas of the hospital.
"The Trust is also in the process of recruiting more A&E clinicians to significantly lower the amount of money spent on temporary staff even further.
"Due to the increasing and aging population of Milton Keynes, the number of people attending the Accident and Emergency department is rising.
"Agency staff work with the hospital's substantive clinical teams to help provide safe, timely care during peak times, as well as providing cover for absence."


text:
Type Battle rifle
Service history
In service 1942–1945
Used by Nazi Germany
Wars World War II
Production history
Designer Louis Stange
Designed 1941–1942
Manufacturer Rheinmetall-Borsig (limited), Heinrich Krieghoff Waffenfabrik, L. O. Dietrich (limited)
Produced 1943–1945
Variants Early model (original Rheinmetall-Borsig design), late model (Krieghoff revision)
Weight 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) (Ausführung "E")
4.95 kg (10.9 lb) (Ausführung "G")
Length 945 mm (37.2 in) (Ausführung "E")
975 mm (38.4 in) (Ausführung "G")
Barrel length 500 mm (19.7 in)
Cartridge 7.92x57mm Mauser
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire Approx. 900 rounds/min (Ausführung "E")
Approx. 750 rounds/min (Ausführung "G")
Muzzle velocity 740 m/s (2,428 ft/s) (SmK bullet)
Effective range 450 m
Feed system 10 or 20-round detachable box magazine
Sights Iron sights (all models); flip-up front post and folding rear diopter sight; ZFG42 or ZF4 scope
The FG 42 (German: Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 or "paratroop rifle model 1942") was a selective fire battle rifle produced in Nazi Germany during World War II. The weapon was developed specifically for the use with Fallschirmjäger airborne infantry in 1942 and used in very limited numbers until the end of the war.
It combined the characteristics and firepower of a light machine gun in a lightweight form no larger than the standard-issue Kar 98k bolt-action rifle. Considered one of the most advanced weapon designs of World War II,[1][2] the FG 42 influenced post-war small arms development (particularly in the M60 machine gun) and ultimately helped to shape the modern assault rifle concept.[3]
At the time of the Battle of Crete (Operation Mercury), German Fallschirmjäger were equipped with the same assortment of small arms as the Heer, carrying only pistols and hand grenades on them during airborne jumps, with submachine guns, rifles and crew-served weapons stored separately in containers that were dropped from the wing of the exit craft. The German parachute harness, with a single strap attached to the body making the paratrooper land on his hands and knees in a forward roll, did not allow for heavier equipment such as rifles and machine guns to be safely carried during jumps. At Crete, long-range rifle and machine gun fire from dug-in Commonwealth defenders (largely New Zealanders from 5 Brigade's 22nd Battalion) inflicted heavy casualties upon the outgunned German paratroopers in the early stages of battle as they attempted to retrieve their support weapons from containers scattered all over the battlefield.[4] These early combat experiences demonstrated that standard weapons were not ideal for airborne operations.
[edit] Development
In 1941, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), requested a selective fire hand-held weapon for the paratroopers; Senior Staff Air Secretary Ossenbach at the GL/C Erprobungsstelle-6 (GL/C E-6—the Luftwaffe Weapons Development Branch at Tarnewitz near Lübeck) was approached informally to develop this special new weapon.[4] The Reich Air Ministry (Reichsluftfahrtministerium or RLM) sought to develop a universal shoulder-fired automatic rifle that could replace the bolt-action rifle, submachine gun, and light machine gun in the air assault role.[1] The proposed weapon would also simplify logistics and provide greater firepower to the individual paratrooper.
The RLM attempted to initiate a formal weapons development program through the Heereswaffenamt (the HWaA, or Army Ordnance Department)—responsible for German small arms development—but conflicting priorities and friction with the Army (the HWaA dismissed the undertaking as unrealistic and offered their G 41(W) semi-automatic rifle instead) led to an independent development by the Luftwaffe. Plans were laid out to form a central authority for the new program at the Luftwaffe testing station at Tarnewitz. The engineers on staff had acquired considerable expertise developing lightweight automatic weapons, having successfully converted the MG 15 aircraft machine gun to a ground configuration.[5] However, due to the high casualties sustained by the paratroopers during Operation Mercury, Hitler changed his mind about the tactical importance of airborne assaults and the plans were terminated.[5] Nevertheless, Luftwaffe Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring privately ordered the continuation of the project.[5]
The RLM went directly to German industry with its plans—the so-called LC-6 specification issued 14 December, 1941 mentioned amongst others that the weapon should not exceed 1,000 mm (39.4 in) in length, should not be significantly heavier than the Kar 98k rifle, should be able to fire single shots from a closed bolt, provide fully-automatic from an open bolt, feed from detachable 10 or 30-round magazines and be able to fire rifle grenades. Despite the introduction of the intermediate 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge promoted by the Heer (developed for the promising MP 43 assault rifle), the Luftwaffe favored the long-range potential of the standard 7.92x57mm Mauser rifle round and this caliber was one of the main design prerequisites.[1]
[edit] Prototypes
Six manufacturers were solicited for prototype designs: Gustloff-Werke, Mauser, Johannes Großfuß Metall- und Lackierwarenfabrik, C.G. Hänel, Rheinmetall-Borsig and Heinrich Krieghoff Waffenfabrik.[1][5] Several contracts were awarded but only a few prototypes are known to have been submitted. Mauser offered a version of the MG 81 (rejected due to excessive weight and its belt-fed operation)[6] while Krieghoff presented a rising-block prototype, which too was quickly dropped. A design credited to Rheinmetall-Borsig's Louis Stange of Sömmerda proved satisfactory and underwent military trials conducted by the GL/C E-6 test station at Tarnewitz in mid-1942.[1] This early prototype, known under the factory designation Gerät 450 ("device 450") or Ausführung "A" ("type A"), was intended to be a pure sheet metal design, using pressed steel in the construction of the receiver, buttstock and corrugated handguard. The proposed system of operation was modeled on that used in the World War I Lewis light machine gun, with a gas-operated turning bolt action geared to a spiral (clock-type) recoil spring.[7] The type "A" was never produced beyond model form, but the basic design layout was retained for further development.[8]
With the basic characteristics of the LC-6 accepted, a series of modifications followed. The revised Ausführung "B" replaced the sheet metal handguard with a resin-impregnated fiber type that provided protection against heat and a better grip when wet.[8]
These tests exposed several shortcomings, addressed by Stange in April 1942 with the LC-6/II prototype. The prototype was then submitted to a series of endurance tests led by the HWA and further modified to increase functional reliability and durability, resulting in the final LC-6/III prototype variant that was ultimately accepted into production as the FG 42. Fifty rifles were fabricated by Rheinmetall-Borsig for evaluation purposes by the end of 1942.
A pre-series batch of 50 rifles was produced in early 1943 and 6 examples were sent to GL/C E-6 for additional testing. Almost identical to the LC-6/III, these guns differ from later models by using a smooth sheet metal buttstock and an experimental muzzle brake. The weapons experienced serious malfunctions: one rifle suffered a catastrophic failure after firing only 2,100 rounds, a soldier was injured when attempting to fire a rifle grenade and the pressed metal buttstock would deform after launching only several rifle grenades.
[edit] Production
Several other improvements were made before being authorized for large-scale production. The original Rheinmetall design used chrome-nickel steel heavily in many essential components, a strategic alloy in short supply. When the Luftwaffe was finally given permission to produce 3,000 rifles for combat trials, the material specifications were changed to accommodate the use of manganese steel as a substitute.[1] The Heinrich Krieghoff company of Suhl (authors of the previous unsuccessful LC-6 tender) was contracted to manufacture the FG 42 in limited quantity as Rheinmetall did not have the capacity to bring the FG 42 into serial production. The weapon was first used by commandos during Operation Eiche in 1943—the bold rescue of Benito Mussolini by Fallschirmjäger led by Otto Skorzeny.
The weapon system underwent continuous development, its expedited development, remedial changes to the original design and ever-changing Luftwaffe requirements resulted in myriad of variants.[1] Post-war literature typically identifies three versions, however the Germans never recognized these as distinctive models; the "Model I", "Model II" and "Model III" were never officially referenced and period documents simply refer the weapon as the "FG 42", and the reference was always made to the latest production model.[9]
[edit] Design details
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This section of the article is too long to read comfortably, and needs subsections. Please format the article according to the guidelines laid out at Wikipedia:Manual of Style (headings)
Diagram of the Rheinmetall-designed FG 42, known informally as the "early model" or "Model I". Characteristic of the early models was the bipod placement (hinged to the barrel collar in front of the handguard), forged receiver, ribbed buttstock and the sharply-angled pistol grip.
German officers inspect and strip an FG 42.
The FG 42 was a select-fire air-cooled weapon and one of the first to incorporate the "straight-line" recoil configuration. This layout, combined with the side magazine, placed both the center of gravity and the position of the shoulder stock nearly in line with the longitudinal axis of the bore, a feature increasing controllability during burst or automatic fire.[9] The operating system was derived from that used in the successful Lewis light machine gun with a gas piston-actuated turning bolt locking mechanism.[9] This system used pressurized exhaust gases from the bore and channeled them through a port drilled in the barrel into a gas cylinder located under the barrel. The rapid build-up of propellant gases imparted rearward pressure on a long-stroke piston, driving it backwards, while an extension of the bolt carrier interacted with a helical camming slot machined into the bolt carrier, converting this linear movement into an angular velocity and forcing the bolt into a rotary motion, clearing the locking juts and unlocking it near the end of the bolt carrier's travel. The weapon was locked into battery by two lugs on the bolt head which recessed into appropriate cavities machined into the receiver walls.
The FG 42 fired in semi-automatic mode from a closed bolt, accomplished by delaying the release of the firing pin (mounted on the bolt carrier and released by the front sear notch) until after the trigger had been pressed; the short lock time, and little movement in the action during firing translated into greater single-shot accuracy.[9] When operating in the automatic mode, the sear mechanism was designed to fire from an open bolt by simultaneously releasing both the bolt and bolt carrier. This had the advantage of preventing a phenomenon known as "cook off" where the heat of repeated rounds being fired caused a chambered round to overheat and prematurely ignite the powder or primer. With automatic fire selected, the bolt would remain open between bursts to provide maximum cooling.[9] The rotating fire selector switch was situated in the trigger group, above the pistol grip on the right side. The change lever also served as the safety,[9] disabling the sear mechanism when engaged.
The receiver was a sophisticated, machined alloy forging with the magazine housing placed on the left-hand side and the ejection port on the right. The seemingly awkward placement of the magazine housing (horizontally to the side rather than directly beneath the receiver) allowed the bolt mechanism to extend into the buttstock assembly, effectively reducing the overall length of the weapon as the magazine well did not interfere with the location of the pistol grip. The pistol grip was integrated into the trigger group assembly, a separate housing containing the trigger mechanism and fire control components, and was formed from pressed sheet metal during fabrication from two separate halves and then welded together.[9]
The rifle fed laterally from either a 10 or 20-round detachable box magazine.
The FG42 was intended to fill a key niche in Nazi Germany's arsenal but was produced only in small numbers. It was somewhat well-received by paratroopers when tested, but it did have its drawbacks. The FG42 had a 20, or sometimes 10, round magazine that was mounted on the left side of the rifle. Though a side-mounted magazine was common in submachine guns, the larger magazine with heavier ammunition of a full-powered rifle tended to unbalance the weapon. In addition, muzzle rise with automatic fire was substantial and controllable bursts were difficult. This made full-automatic fire only marginally useful. The FG42 used a fairly sophisticated muzzle device that did help with recoil and muzzle flash, but made blast and noise much greater than on other similar weapons. The US M14 rifle had similar problems and attempts were made to upgrade that rifle the same way with an in-line stock and muzzle device.
Some features, such as the details of the gas-operated bolt selection process, were studied by US Army engineers after the war. These, along with some aspects of the MG42, are commonly reported to have been incorporated in the similarly troubled M60.
The American M41 Johnson LMG has many parallels with the contemporary FG42. Both had in-line stocks, fed from the left side, and both fired from the open bolt in automatic mode and closed bolt in semi-automatic mode. Despite these similarities, there is no evidence that either weapon had any effect on the design of the other. They were both seeking to solve similar problems.
Last known derivatives of the FG42 were the Israelli Dror LMG, Sturmgewehr 52 and M60 machine gun.
[edit] Deployment
A Fallschirmjäger firing the early FG 42.
After approximately 2,000 FG42s had been produced by Krieghoff, supplies of the manganese steel from which the receivers were forged were diverted to other needs; this meant a redesign was required to use stamped sheet metal in its place. Field reports were also requesting minor improvements, such as: relocating the bipod from the front of the handguard to the muzzle to reduce shot dispersion; changing the pistol grip angle to near vertical; enlarging the handguard and changing the stock from stamped steel to wood to minimize overheating.


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Jan Hichert, CEO and co-founder of Astaro
Many companies don't change the default policy of a security appliance once it's installed, and they also leave default passwords remain unchanged. A security appliance can pose a security risk when not properly configured.
We also see a lot of companies that use email security appliances mistakenly setting them as open relays. This opens the door for spammers to relay millions of messages through their unit, which not only spams people, but has the adverse side effect of getting them on real time blackhole lists (RBLs). So even after they fix the problem, they have to approach each RBL separately and go through their removal process, which can be very time consuming.


text: Not your typical Flu Flu! These Spiral Wrap Flu-Flu Feathers from TrueFlight add a new dimension of style and fun to your arrow building. Thinner quills make it easier to wrap a Flu-Flu arrow. Slows your arrow down within approx 20-30 yards, so great for aerial shooting or bird/small game hunting.


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RUFC - Law off over the border?
Rotherham United Manager, Andy Scott has been resigned to losing midfielder/winger Nicky Law since the end of last season when he refused to sign another contract with the club.
After the club had accepted a bid from a fellow League Two team (which could well have been Crawley) it now seems that the twenty-three year old could be moving to Scotland.
Speaking to MillersPlayer today, Scott said, 'We had some interest and a couple of offers but I think he has spoken to a team in Scotland. That means we won't receive any fee for him which is a bit of a blow
'I think we always knew he was going to leave but I am a little bit surprised about the move he is making but it's his decision and we can't affect that.'
Nicky joined the Millers from Sheffield United during the summer of 2009 and there have been rumours over the last year that Championship sides have had an interest in him. Nicky has topped the 'assists' for goals in the last two seasons in League Two.
Don't forget, you can also follow Vital Rotherham on Facebook and Twitter!
Vital Rotherham on:
Vital Rotherham on:


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Today we continue the countdown to the Most Influential Person in BBQ with the 7th most influential person in BBQ. Coming in as the 7th Most Influential Person in BBQ is owner of Q Barbeque, pitmaster of the Cool Smoke BBQ Team and judge on BBQ Pitmasters, Tuffy Stone.
Tuffy Stone is the Mariano Rivera of barbecue. When you see Rivera come out of the bullpen you know there is little doubt he's going to get the job done. The same can be said for Stone – when you see him pull up at a contest you are pretty certain that he's got a good chance of getting the job done. It can be argued with a very straight face that Stone is currently the best cook on the professional barbecue circuit. He doesn't have as many GC's and RGC's as many of his peers, but he's winning at a conversion rate similar to Rivera closing out games for the Yankees and doing it on the biggest stages in the sport. In 2013 Stone and his Cool Smoke team took home 3 GC's while only cooking 8 contests (due to all his other barbecue commitments) and two of those GC's happened to come at two of the sports most prestigious events, The American Royal Invitational and The Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue.
Having had the opportunity to cook next to Tuffy at many contests, including the American Royal each year, we can safely say that Stone's influence goes well beyond his skills manning the pit (with his teammate and father George Stone). In the world of barbecue, Stone is a rockstar. It's not uncommon to look over at his cooksite and see a line of fans seeking a moment to ask a question or take a picture and without fail he obliges them with his smile and warm welcome. These lines are filled with folks from all walks of life and ages and walk away from their encounter with Stone a bit more devoted to barbecue!
Stone was a barbecue success well before he appeared on season one of BBQ Pitmasters and subsequently became one of the judges in later seasons of the hit television show. However, his star really began to shine bright after his appearance on the first season of Pitmasters where he clearly became a fan favorite and cemented his reputation as one of the good guys of barbecue. As Pitmasters becomes more and more popular Stone's star continues to rise and shine brighter.
In addition to his competition and television success, Stone runs a chain of successful Q Barbque restaurants in the Richmond, Virginia area. Stone is known as a perfectionist on the barbecue circuit, taking meticulous notes of how every factor, big or small, impacts his cook. Were certain that this effort to reach perfection will continue to push Stone to new heights and build upon his influence n barbecue.
On December 26th we'll unveil the 6th most influential person in BBQ. We'll unveil a new member of our Most Influential Person in BBQ List each day through the end of the year and we'll crown The Most Influential Person in BBQ on Tuesday, December 31st.
To date we've previously unveiled the 8th through the 25th Most Influential People in BBQ.
8th – Competition BBQ Pitmaster
9th – Mike Mills, 17th Street Bar & Grill & Apple City BBQ
10th – Stan Hays, Operation BBQ Relief
11th – Steven Raichlen, Cookbook Author & TV Host
13th – Dave Raymond, Sweet Baby Ray's
14th – Aaron Franklin, Franklin BBQ
15th – Chris Lilly, Big Bob Gibson BBQ
16th – Sterling Ball, Big Poppa Smokers
17th – Rod Gray, Pellet Envy & Eat Barbecue
19th – Johnny Trigg, Smokin' Triggers
20th – Danielle Dimovski, BBQ Crawl & Diva Q
21st – Bill Arnold, Blues Hog Barbecue Company
23rd – Melissa Cookston, Memphis Barbecue Co. & Yazoo's Delta Q
24th – Adam Perry Lang, Daisy May's BBQ, Barbecoa & Cookbook Author
25th – Ronnie Cates, Smoke on the Water Productions
Will you make the list? Will someone you find deserving fall short of the top 25? Will you disagree with someone listed in the top 25? Check the Pork Barrel BBQ Blog daily now through December 31 and contribute to the discussion by adding comments to each days post!
Who is the most Influential Person in BBQ? Find out on December 31, 2013 when we reveal the Most Influential Person in BBQ.
We hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!!


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I will avoid this author and performer in the future. The book was so simplistic, it was insulting. It was like this obvious thing means he's attracted to her, and that childish, caveman move from countless other books means he's possessive, and ooh, that in your face description means he's oh, so strong, and the handsomest thing in the world. Also, I 'm really sick of reading about some old ancient and some twenty-something who winds him around her finger. That really doesn't say much for his mentality, does it?
The performance was boring and annoying. Xe Sands sounded like she was singing. After the first chapter, I knew I was in trouble. I tried to hang in there, but I couldn't, and had to give it up unfinished. Another wasted credit.
The story was unimaginative. The interaction between the heroine and the hero was so one-dimensional, sappy and child-like that I found myself squirming through it the same way I squirm through internet news. This book contained the same dumb-down crap that has been put in other books a thousand times to make a quick buck. It really is shameful. Just because it is a paranormal love story doesn't mean it has to be dimwitted.
I can't see the performance getting better. The way her voice dragged and curled at the end of each sentence drove me mad. She has a nice tone to her voice, but that teasing sound only works for certain parts of love scenes. She used it all the time, which made danger and fight scenes sound like whispering sweet nothings.
I liked that there were people of various races in the world the author created.
Authors and publishers need to do better than this.
"Good story however...."
I suppose this falls under "romance" more than contemporary fantasy. The narrator is excellent, the story interesting and good EXCEPT for all of the over-the-top love and sexual innuendos. I truly believe this would be a greater story if the action wasn't stopped by the constant physical, steamy romantic, narrative. If you like steamy more than action or storyline, this is your audio book. Personally I like action and story with the right dash of steamy.
"Not what I expected..."
There are multiple types of Nightwalkers, Jacob is the enforcer of the Demon's, it is his job to protect human kind from his kind...twice a year the moon makes them insane with lust, a lust if left unchecked could destroy a human...so he watches, and he protects, and he gives out the punishments. In over 600 years he has never been tempted by a human...until this little human falls out of her window and ignites something in him, and her as well. Is it forbidden or is it fate?
Nice world, I already downloaded book 2. It's not up there with BDB or Guild Hunter series but it's pretty good. I would liken it to the midnight breed series, but I think I was poisoned by hearing such wonderful things about the series.
This book was painful. So much unnecessary, whiny dialogue. The whole book, I just wanted the both of them to shut the f*** up. There were hints of what could have been a fun book, but there was far too little action and far too much talk. You know you're in trouble when the sex scenes are so bad that you're rolling your eyes and hoping for it all to be over as soon as possible. I'm actually surprised I finished this one. It was that bad.
"Fun Chemistry in this Paranormal Romance"
Jacob offers an awesome twist to the typical paranormal romantic narrative. Story revolves around a hybrid Human-Druid who has a chance encounter with a justice-seeking Demon. They are destined to be mated though for centuries such was taboo. Isabella is no doubt a modern woman whose character is strong yet feminine. Jacob, though old fashioned, makes every effort to respect her differing cultural background. Well developed and fairly realistic good guys and bad guys.
The chemistry between characters is very well written, and Sands does an excellent job of narrating the key parts of the story. Time and money well spent!
This was a great first book... on to read Gideon, Book 2.
"not the best in the series.. but it gets awesome!"
yes! she is a superb writer! so romantic! I love all her hero's .. not so much her heroins but the world she creates feels so possible. Fun!
"Holy Narration, Batman!"
Jacob was actually the very first paranormal/erotic romance book I ever bought. I remember reading it and thinking 'Oh my god, how does this book even exist?' My eighteen-year-old mind was blown.
Many years and guilty pleasures later, I decided to revisit to my old friend and buy the audiobook. While it's safe to say that my initial impression of this book being the best thing 'evar' was mostly due to inexperience, I can tell you that if you're into heavily erotic romance with more than a touch of fantasy, you should get this book.
While the plot exists mainly to set the stage for the subsequent books and to bring the protagonists together (in more ways than one) it's the narration that will leave you breathless. I wish I could hire Xe Sands to narrate all of my audiobooks. Not only do her male voices sound achingly -male-, her delivery of their eastern European accents made my heart melt.
Most people prefer the subsequent books in the series to this one, and I agree, it gets a lot better. Just look at this book as a very steamy romance and be prepared for a more defined plot later as more of the Nightwalker races come into play.
"Loved it!"
Honerable, committed and sexy.
The action and romance scenes are very detailed and colorful. It gives the imagination something to play with.
She gave the characters personality. She made me want to look for other books that she has narrated.
I'm not going to spoil it but there is a part where I did laugh when the main female character forgot something very important. I laughed right along with the other characters :)
I'm new to paranormal romance and just happened to come accorss this series. I liked it very much. There were great action scenes and "romantic" scenes. I was hooked after this book
I LOVED IT! I did NOT want it to end. There were so many emotions in the story that it just HELD my attention and for a NOVICE READER that is saying a lot. But my taste may differ from many other readers; but for me IF it does NOT grab me at the beginning it is very hard for me to get through it.I did NOT want to STOP LISTENING to this, there was thrills, fears, fantasy, erotic romances and lots more. When I did finish I was sad but came back here to see IF there were any more books by this Author....WOW I found BOOK 2 and immediately got it and read that all the way through as fast as the first.
ABSOLUTELY an awesome Narrator, she pulled you into to the story as IF you were actually there and experiencing all that was going on!
Yes the erotic romance between fanasy and human, AWESOME! Sent chills all over my body!
A must read IF you like Fantasy books.
"great ideas, poor follow through"
character development was pathetic, main character came off whiney
for the calmer, more intimate scenes she was good. However, For the more battle rich scenes she sounded excatly the same. No emphasis on drama


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A weekly after school club has also just started on Wednesdays from 3.45pm – 5pm. It combines art, drama and storytelling by leading children in an exploration of the Odyssey, investigating the characters and the adventures of Odysseus. Francesca has a degree in Visual and Performing Arts, a BA in Theatre Directing, and many years' experience as a teacher and these classes will encourage individual creativity, discovery and self-growth. £6 a session (when booking a full term) and £8 drop-in.
We are host to a vibrant programme of cultural events ranging from spoken word , poetry to live music such as folk, blues, and world music to book launches, film nights in our Chapel, and also larger seasonal events!
If you would like to host an event at St. Margaret's House, please contact our Events team.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: November 1Chapel Cinema w/Doc Duck Goose
Later Event: November 2First Thursdays


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Since 2009, the Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke has volunteered her time to help promote Social Security online services, especially the online retirement application. Today is her birthday and, following her own advice, she has filed online for her Social Security and Medicare. Watch her do so at http://www.youtube.com/socialsecurityonline.
Patty Duke Turns 65, Applies Online for Social Security and Medicare Benefits
In a New Video, Oscar-Winning Actress Applies in her Pajamas from the Comfort of her Own Home
After years of telling people they can apply online for Social Security in their pajamas, Patty Duke has taken her own advice. Duke, who turns 65 today, applied online for retirement and Medicare benefits from home at www.socialsecurity.gov.
"I had no idea this would be such a momentous occasion," said Duke, who for three years has volunteered her time promoting Social Security's online services in numerous Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and media interviews. In a new online video, Duke puts character acting aside and shows everyone what happened when she and her husband Mike Pearce sat down at the kitchen table, turned on their laptop, and applied for her retirement and Medicare benefits.
"All of us at Social Security wish Patty a very happy birthday," said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. "She's a Hollywood legend and an American treasure who reaches a very important milestone today. True to form, she is the one giving us the birthday present by showing her fellow baby boomers the easiest way to apply for benefits."
In 2009, Duke reprised her roles as the identical cousins, Patty and Cathy Lane from the Patty Duke Show, for a series of PSAs promoting Social Security's online services. In 2010, Duke teamed up with the surviving Patty Duke Show cast members for an additional set of spots. Earlier this year, she teamed up with entertainment icon George Takei to encourage people of all ages to "Boldly Go" to www.socialsecurity.gov. In the three years since Duke has volunteered her time with Social Security, millions of people have visited the agency's website and the percentage of online retirements has more than doubled.
"While I just applied for retirement benefits, I'm not retiring from being a Social Security spokesperson," Duke says. "I urge my fellow baby boomers to go online to www.socialsecurity.gov. If you're not sure how to get started on the computer, ask a loved one to help you out. I did, and it was so easy."
Happy Birthday, Patty Duke


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Noah's Compass is a novel about a man with amnesia. Generally, Elmore Leonard is right about amnesia in fiction: 'it's what you do when you don't have an idea; you give the main character amnesia and watch him f--- up'. But if anyone can reanimate a stale plot device it will be Anne Tyler. Hers is a fine-grained art, whose comedy could easily coarsen into the self-consciously quirky. If it does not, this is because her surprises are rooted in character: it is human nature that she evidently finds infinitely fascinating and surprising, with its constantly unforeseeable capacity for change.
The possibility of change offers hope, which could easily tilt Tyler's novels into saccharine solutions. But it can also open vistas of bleak instability and one is never sure which will predominate in her subtly nuanced fiction.
The opening of Noah's Compass introduces us to a man in a state of transition. 'In the sixty-first year of his life, Liam Pennywell lost his job.' The job was not one he wanted: he had been 'teaching fifth grade in a second-rate private boys' school'. Will this prove a new beginning?
He has lost 'dusty scuffed corridors', 'interminable after-school meetings' and 'reams of niggling paperwork', and hopes this will be 'just the nudge he needed to push him to the next stage'.His vision of the 'next stage', however, is an uninspiring prospect: 'the summing-up stage. The stage where he sat in his rocking chair and reflected on what it all meant, in the end.' Liam is a character who, like many others in Tyler's fiction, feels out of kilter, uncentred: 'It's as if I've never been entirely present in my own life.' He is defined by absences: he is widowed, and divorced. His three daughters roll their eyes over his shortcomings and call him 'Mr Magoo'. He is a 'low-key pedant, avoiding confrontation, sliding out of arguments'.
His new life, as he sees it, is to be a spiritual as well as a physical downsizing. The novel opens with Liam moving into a small, cheerless, modern apartment. By the end of the first chapter, he is in hospital. He has been hit on the head, but cannot remember what happened. This small hiatus in his memory, dismissed as minor by those around him, begins to obsess Liam. Visiting a neurologist, he meets Eunice, who is acting as a 'hired rememberer' to an ageing millionaire. The concept intrigues Liam, and they strike up a relationship. Despite (or perhaps because of) her dowdy appearance – oversized, finger-marked spectacles sliding down a shiny nose, voluminous ethnic-print skirts, errant bra straps, sandals like dugout canoes – Tyler enjoys the catalogues of Eunice's 'unfortunate fashion statements'; though Eunice, too, will have her chance to surprise us.
Noah's Compass is immensely readable. It displays many of Tyler's finest qualities: her sharp observation of humanity, her wry comedy; the luminous accuracy of her descriptions. If the novel disappoints, lacking some of the energy and sparkle of Tyler's other novels, this is perhaps because of its central character. Liam is a 'puddle of a man': even his melancholy lacks depth. Though the need for change is, more overtly than usual, the subject of this book, Liam's capacity for self reinvention is dispiritingly limited.
Noah, of course, had no compass, because 'he wasn't going anywhere', as Liam tells his grandson. 'There was nowhere to go. He was just trying to stay afloat.' A triter novelist would have shown how Liam found his compass, a new direction for his future, by revisiting his memories of the past. Tyler avoids this overtly sentimental resolution, but at a cost. The novel remains, like Liam's life, somewhat static and disheartening. But even in this minor key, a novel by Anne Tyler is cause for celebration.
Noah's Compass
By Anne Tyler
CHATTO & WINDUS, £17.99, 276pp
Available from Telegraph Books 0844 871 1516


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UCI boss Pat McQuaid will stand for a third term as president of the International Cycling Union after the Swiss federation approved his request to be endorsed.
The Irishman, who is a Swiss resident, gained the required nomination after Cycling Ireland withdrew its backing for his presidential bid last month.
McQuaid's future has been clouded since the US Anti-Doping Agency report last year which led to Lance Armstrong being banned for life from cycling and stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. USADA said the UCI helped cover up some suspicious samples from the American.
"It has become clear that my nomination in Ireland has been politicized by a small group of people," McQuaid said Thursday in a statement. "However, I have received a wealth of letters from national federations all around the world urging me to stand for president again and I strongly believe that it should be for our national federations around the world to decide democratically on their next president."
McQuaid said he is standing for election on his record of "combating the scourge of doping in cycling."
Swiss Cycling confirmed that its executive board met Monday to approve McQuaid's application to be endorsed.
"The decision was taken in accordance with the principles of Swiss Cycling to hand a sitting president the opportunity to present himself again for the attention of the delegates for a possible re-election," the cycling body said.
McQuaid approached Swiss Cycling to request his nomination.
A statement on read: "The executive board of Swiss Cycling has at its extraordinary meeting on May 13 unanimously passed the following orders: after taking note of a letter and request of Pat McQuaid, president of UCI, and members of Swiss Cycling, the board has decided to approve his application for candidacy via Swiss Cycling, and approve his re-election as president of the UCI.
"The decision was taken in accordance with the principles of Swiss Cycling to hand a sitting president the opportunity to present himself again for the attention of the delegates for a possible re-election."