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__label__wiki	0.766351	0.766351	Engineering Long Term Planning in the Rail Industry By David Hoggarth David Hoggarth is the director of Rail North and sits on the board of Transport for the North In years to come, 2018 may be recognised as a pivotal year for the rail industry, and the North – the year when long-term thinking really began to inform and steer short-term behaviours. Anyone who knows the industry recognises what a complex and often frustrating entity it is. Filled though it may be with passionate committed people, too often there is a perception that, major projects happen in a piecemeal way, get delayed, costs over-run and outputs fail to meet expectations. This is against the backdrop of what is a massive success story, with record growth levels and significant investments planned and underway. The industry, however has recently been shaking itself up and has found new energy and new vision to tackle some real opportunities for growth and development. Nowhere is this truer than in the North of England. Here, a positive set of circumstances have combined to provide a strong launch platform for change. It can be argued that this all began a decade ago with the ‘Northern Way’ report advocating investment in projects such as the Northern Hub (the centrepiece of which, Ordsall Chord opened last November) and later the High-Speed North report which identified a set of outputs required if the North’s railway infrastructure was to be begin performing anywhere near its potential. At the same time as this we had the birth of the Northern Powerhouse and the realisation that economic growth for the North had many interdependencies – including transport which is consistently highlighted as a key enabler of economic growth Rail North The birth of my own organisation in 2014, Rail North, created, for the first time, a pan-northern partnership of 25 northern local authorities working as one. Rail North created a new partnership with the DfT to launch and manage the North’s two prime rail franchises transformational programmes of enhancement and modernisation. This was a significant moment and the response of both Northern and Trans-Pennine Express to commit over a billion pounds to improvements in rolling stock (including the end of the pacers!) and stations was testament to the vision of those who created the opportunity. Transport for the North And now we have Transport for the North, a pan-northern sub national transport authority, again providing ‘one voice’ (with statutory status) for all the local authorities of the North and the Local Enterprise Partnerships to ensure pan-northern transport interventions can be focused and informed. Strategic Transport Plan On Tuesday 16th January, Transport for the North launched the North’s draft Strategic Transport Plan – the anchor document that will steer the next three decades of pan-northern transport investment in the region. The launch took place simultaneously across six locations in the North and was led by TfN’s Partners highlighting different capabilities unitednort around a shared vision. Related Post: Beyond the Digital Buzzwords The vision is a simple one – but one that works for all – that is for a thriving North of England, where modern transport connections drive economic growth and support an excellent quality of life. The draft Strategic Transport Plan has been developed on the back of a number of bedrock components – not the least of which is the Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review – a piece of work which identified, for the first time across the North where the key prime capabilities and enablers lie and where the key areas for improvement are. One of the key areas for improvement was, as expected, the development of better transport connections within, into, and out of the region – and rail was recognised as a core component for those better connections. Long Term Rail Strategy of the North The bedrock component that informed this area of the Plan is the draft Long Term Rail Strategy of the North which, in its simplest form sets out Transport for the North’s (TfN) vision for the ongoing transformation of the North of England’s railway, covering the period up till 2050. What makes these two plans so valuable to the North is that they have been part of a sea-change in mindsets that has now moved from a centralised modus operandi to a much more devolved way of working using local knowledge where it matters and shared resource where it can add value. Related Post: Critical Communications for Australian Railways England’s First Sub-National Transport Authority Transport for the North goes ‘live’ in April becoming England’s first sub-national transport authority. At about that time Rail North will become part of Transport for the North and Network Rail and the DfT will be further consolidate the way in which they service the North building on the dedicated teams they have put in place over the last year or so. The result of all this will be a significant change in the way future rail-related transport interventions are handled in the North – by all the parties involved. And with a core plan in place guiding that investment over the next three decades an intelligent pipeline of investments can be developed – each building on the merits and strengths of the one that preceded it. If you apply this to the way in which, for example, the Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade, Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2 Phase 2b will evolve you can quickly gauge the added value of having a joined-up plan linked clearly to supporting sustainable economic growth. Northern Powerhouse, Northern Rail, Rail North, TfN, Transport Plan UK: Hitachi Opens New Building at Newton Aycliffe Manufacturing Facility Railway-News is the Official Media Partner for 3 Key Millian Events in 2019 UK: Northern Leaders Publish Draft Strategic Transport Plan Transport for the North to Unveil 30-year Strategic Transport Plan Unique New Powers for Transport for the North in Pioneering Legislation Arriva Reports Continued Growth and Investment in 2016 TransPennine Express and Angel Trains Order Hitachi AT300 Carriages UK: New Freight Operator RVEL Approved by ORR	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1619
__label__wiki	0.994999	0.994999	About the Royal Society Four new Royal Society Industry Fellowships connect academia and industry The Royal Society announces four new fellowship grants aimed at strengthening links between academia and industry. The grants are awarded to academic scientists who want to work on a collaborative project with industry and for scientists in industry who want to work on a collaborative project with an academic organisation.The latest awardees’ project topics range from technologies for high efficiency solar cells and cars which use artificial intelligence to interact with their drivers. Dr Nathan Griffiths will be joining Jaguar Land Rover for a four year Royal Society Industry Fellowship. His research will use machine-learning to model drivers and passengers from data sources including smartphones, infrastructure and vehicles themselves. The research aims to improve the driving experience and increase safety and efficiency, by minimising driver distractions, personalising the driving experience, and developing strategies to influence driver behaviour. Commenting on the fellowship, Dr Griffiths said: "I am very excited to work with Jaguar Land Rover Research at the cutting edge of intelligent vehicle research. As vehicles become increasingly autonomous, using machine intelligence to understand and engage with drivers and passengers will be crucial. I look forward to collaborating with Jaguar Land Rover to develop novel intelligent techniques to improve the driving experience.” The Royal Society Industry Fellowship scheme provides each scientist’s basic salary for the duration of their secondment, which lasts for up to two years full-time or four years part-time. The full list of the latest Royal Society Industry Fellowships recipients is as follows: Dr Nathan Griffiths from University of Warwick to work on The Self-Learning and Connected Car at Jaguar Land Rover. Dr Nicholas Ekins-Daukes from Imperial College London to work on Near-Infrared Absorbers for High Efficiency Multi-Junction Solar Cells at IQE PLC. Dr Rachel Smith from University of Sheffield to work on Spray Coating of Powders and Liquid Contact Transfer: Prediction and Scale-Up at Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd. Dr Smith has also been awarded funds for a Royal Society and Society of Chemical Industry PhD studentship Dr Mike Dodds from University of York to work on Principled Reasoning about Liveness at Microsoft Research Ltd. The Royal Society Industry Fellowship scheme is funded by the Royal Society, EPSRC and Rolls Royce. The source of funding for the Royal Society and Society of Chemical Industry PhD studentship is the legacy of Dr Sydney Andrew a former Fellow of the Royal Society and Member of the Society of Chemical Industry. The Royal Society Industry Fellowship scheme is funded by the Royal Society, EPSRC and Rolls Royce.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1622
__label__cc	0.644365	0.355635	‘Fair Trade’ added to Encyclopedia Britannica by Admin \| Jan 20, 2018 \| Uncategorised \| Safia Minney writes: Great to see the new entry in the Encyclopedia Britannica for Fair Trade after over 30 years of what many would argue is the most significant grassroots movement for social justice and sustainability of our time. PLEASE CLICK IMAGE TO RETWEET It has also led to the development of the MDGs (Millennium Development goals) and SDGs (Sustainable development goals) and other new bodies of thinking on New Economics, and standards for ethical business, and a ground swell for ethical consumption, etc. Fair Trade was seen in the 70s as a solution to poverty at a time when people were becoming increasingly disillusioned with ‘charity’, people were calling for ‘Trade not Aid’, (charity being seen as often ineffective, unsustainable, paternalistic and often hampering local economic development initiatives). Fair Trade began to be seen as a way of bringing long-term support through a partnering approach to trade whilst promoting better livelihoods, prices, gender equality, environmental sustainability, local initiatives and self-determination to empower people and create healthy economies. (I’ve seen it close up – it really does reach the parts other trade cannot reach.) Fair Trade started linking small scale producer groups, but today the principles of Fair Trade now coming to large scale factories and farming practice, which is good on the whole. (Although, I would always prefer earning a living working on a handloom in a village rather than in a large factory). I very much hope that the Sri Lanka ethical line that we have just developed at Po-Zu will create waves. Not just because they are beautiful sneakers, but also because as Po-Zu orders grow, we will be able to further widen our collections by bringing new natural materials to the factory and work more closely with the community and support the workers in ways that will make the most difference to them. This is your chance to become a shareholder in Po-Zu, to earn some lovely rewards, like a pair of our first Sri Lanka shoes, and benefit from the growing interest in ethical fashion. Trend forecasters agree that ethical footwear is the next big thing – and this is the chance that doesn’t come along often. We hope that you’ll join our remarkable, committed and talented team at Po-Zu. (Safia Minney received an MBE for her services to Fair Trade and Fashion in 2009. She is founder and built People Tree as Global CEO for 24 years. She is now Managing Director at Po-Zu. Watch this space). Read the listing www.britannica.com/topic/fair-trade Safia Minney available for speaking engagements worldwide and also for consultancy work. Please contact: info@safia-minney.com	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1628
__label__cc	0.633875	0.366125	61% of Blumar’s earning’s come from salmon farming Chilean fishing and aquaculture company Blumar posted strong Q3 results ending September 30th, 2018. At the close of this quarter, Blumar recorded a 269% EBIT increase on its salmon farming operations (from USD 6.4 million to USD 23.6 million) compared to Q3 2017. The company said that 61% of its earnings came from its salmon farming alone, during this period. Costs decreased from USD 5.15 to USD 4.30/ kg WFE. The company said that increased productivity was down to improved feeding systems and a change in diets. Looking ahead they think that prices will remain stable. Blumar registered an 8.6% mortality rate. It’s also harvesting at an industry average weight 5.71 kilos per fish. Blumar will end the year with a total 56,700 tons of harvested salmon. In 2019, it expects that to decrease to 31,800 tons, due to the operational changes across its sites. In 2020, it expects to produce 59,500 tons, including an additional 19,700 tons due to new sites in artic waters of Magallanes.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1630
__label__wiki	0.699395	0.699395	Anthony Weiner's Sexting Is Dumb, But What Bill Clinton and His Aides Did to Inconvenient Women Is Vile Weiner embarrassed himself and his wife, but Bill Clinton and his aides deliberately smeared Monica Lewinsky and other women's reputations. Anthony Fisher \| 8.29.2016 2:10 PM (Lee Snider/Dreamstime.com) Lee Snider/Dreamstime.com Former Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) has deleted his Twitter account after the New York Post revealed a third iteration of his "sexting" photos to an unnamed woman he appears to have never met in person. In one of the photos featuring a crotch shot, Weiner's toddler-aged son appears to be napping beside him in bed. Weiner's latest and grossest peccadillo elicited predictable guffaws over social media, as well as incredulous musings on how Weiner's wife — Huma Abedin, a senior Hillary Clinton aide who frequently travels with the Democratic presidential nominee while Weiner tends to stay-at-home dad duties — could remain married to such a reckless cad. It appears that she won't. In a statement released this morning, Abedin announced her intention to separate from Weiner. She also reportedly never gave her permission to appear in the critically acclaimed documentary Weiner, which includes several intimately private scenes of the couple in crisis during Weiner's second (of three and counting) sexting scandals. Weiner has indeed humiliated himself and his wife repeatedly, and has also jeopardized Abedin's career as one of the closest confidantes of the person who could very well be the next president. He has also embarrassed his young son, whose innocent image is now and forever a part of Weiner's disgraced legacy. But that's the limit of the fallout from Weiner's sexual compulsion. He has never been accused of sexual harassment or physical adultery, and once caught sending sexually suggestive photos he hasn't tried to deflect the blame to his sexting partners, even after they've exposed him publicly. Still, a lot of the concern over the once-enduring Weiner-Abedin marriage has centered on how Weiner's digital philandering will affect Hillary Clinton's campaign for president. This is remarkable considering how little concern there is over Bill Clinton's behavior as president — and not just the well-worn tales of his many affairs or even the recently resurfaced rape accusation by Juanita Broaddrick — but the concerted effort by the president and White House officials to smear the reputations of inconvenient women. The conservative offense taken over Clinton's dalliance with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky has long been framed by Clinton supporters as a kind of sexual puritanism or even "sexual McCarthyism." There's definitely something to that. Plenty of on the Right latched on to the admitted sex acts of the president in the Oval Office as an unforgivable moral sin. But for many liberals (who ostensibly take sexual harassment in the workplace seriously) to discount the disparity of power between the leader of the free world and a 22-year-old intern, and instead choosing to frame Clinton's indiscretions as nothing more than an "affair" smacks of partisan hackery. The ethical problems posed by a workplace sexual relationship are striking, but what's worse than the president of the United States seducing a wide-eyed volunteer was Bill Clinton's use of presidential power in an attempt to destroy her reputation after her existence became problematic for his presidency. The late Christopher Hitchens testified in a sworn affidavit during Clinton's impeachment trial that White House senior adviser (and Hitchens' erstwhile friend) Sidney Blumenthal told him over lunch that Lewinsky was a "stalker" and that the president had been a "victim" of "a predatory and unstable sexually demanding young woman." Lewinsky wasn't the only woman in Clinton's past whose reputation Blumenthal took an interest in, according to what Hitchens later wrote of this conversation in Vanity Fair: The preceding Sunday on 60 Minutes, Kathleen Willey had gone public with her accusation of a crude lunge made by Clinton, and what impressed me most at the time, and depressed me, too, was the tone of voice Sidney used in discussing this. "Yeah, her poll numbers are high now, but they'll be down by the end of the week. You'll see." There was a sort of "We'll take care of her" tone that I didn't like, and Carol [Hitchens' wife] and I couldn't look at each other. We felt the same constraint when he told us that "what people need to understand" was that Monica Lewinsky was a stalker, an unstable minx who had been threatening Clinton and telling him that if he didn't have sex with her she would say he had anyway. Hitchens noted what should be patently obvious — that it is impossible for the President of the United States to be "stalked" in the Oval Office — and also quoted James Warren of the Chicago Tribune, who said on CNN at the time of the impeachment trial in 1999, "If I had a buck for every person at the White House who bad-mouthed [Lewinsky] to me last January I could leave the set now and head off to Antigua." Center for American Progress/Flickr While political surrogates like Blumenthal naturally circle the wagons to protect their boss in a time of crisis, it's important to remember where the "stalker" slur to describe Lewinsky orginated. According to Blumenthal's testimony during Clinton's impeachment, it came from the "Big Dog" himself: Q. What did the President tell you? A. He, uh — he spoke, uh, fairly rapidly, as I recall, at that point and said that she had come on to him and made a demand for sex, that he had rebuffed her, turned her down, and that she, uh, threatened him. And, uh, he said that she said to him, uh, that she was called "the stalker" by her peers and that she hated the term, and that she would claim that they had had an affair whether they had or they hadn't, and that she would tell people. Q. Do you remember him also saying that the reason Monica Lewinsky would tell people that is because then she wouldn't be known by her peers as "the stalker" anymore? A. Yes, that's right. Obviously, Clinton and Lewinsky did have a relationship of a sexual nature (even if the meaning of "sexual relations" will be parsed forevermore thanks to Clinton's legal wordplay), and his presidency survived impeachment — as he emerged from the trial more popular than ever — riding the public perception that the Republicans endangered the country while going on a pointless puritanical witch-hunt. So the narrative had to change. In a fawning two-part 2012 PBS documentary on the Clinton presidency, Ken Gormley — a law professor and the author of The Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr — said of the beginning of the Clinton-Lewinsky tryst, "There were almost these sparks flying between them from that first moment when they saw each other." This image of puppy love between a married 50-year-old commander-in-chief and a just-out-of-college intern doesn't sound much like the the account pushed by Clinton and Blumenthal — that Lewinsky was a femme fatale ensaring a hapless horny middle-aged everyman — and Clinton apologists shouldn't be allowed to have it both ways. The Clinton-Lewinsky affair would have been the behind-closed-doors business of two consenting adults had it not taken place in a workplace (much less the most famous office space in the world). But the details matter, just as the fact that the elder, far more powerful participant in this relationship used the unmatched power of his office to try to shape public opinion by impugning a young woman's reputation matters. Say what you want about Anthony Weiner, he's never been accused of doing anything even close to as unethical and abusive as Bill Clinton did. NEXT: Imaginary Gunmen Attack Los Angeles Airport Anthony Fisher Anthony Weiner Bill Clinton Hillary Clinton Harassment Brochettaward August.29.2016 at 2:12 pm I feel like everyone has gone insane when sexting someone else is even a god damn scandal. They act like this guy is a rapist when they talk about him, and now he gasped sent a picture with his son nearby him. Meanwhile, every whore in the world has 50 selfies looking down on their cleavage with her kid publicly advertised on their Facebook and dating sites. A frilly pink thing Um, if my wife found out I had been sexting someone else, it would be a god damned scandal. And vice-versa. And rightly so. Crusty Juggler I’m confused – should I send a photo of my bulge to you or your wife? Bobarian (Would Chip Her) Shouldn’t bulge have air-quotes around it? My ample potatoes more than make up for my lack of adequate meat. Citizen X It looks like two baby birds fightin’ over half a worm. Right – it’s impressive. In a fragile-miracle-of-nature, narrated-by-David-Attenborough sort of way, sure. You Sound Like a Prog (MJG) Why not both? Beer guts are gross. Ted S. But is it a scandal if no one cares but you and your wife? Why wouldn’t it be? Because a scandal requires other people to actually give a shit. Yeah, I think that’s sort of the definition of “scandal”. Bodica Slayer of Woodchip If I remember the scandal correctly, Weiner and his Democrat party pals denied it and denied it. And accused the GOP of lying. Until Andrew Breitbart proved otherwise. And just look where it got Breitbart. He dead and his name is besmirched by Trumptards. Lee Genes He’s a narcissistic moron who has no respect for or loyalty to his wife (or children) and that’s their business. What I find repulsive is that there are still voters who would vote for someone so obviously mentally stunted over someone else simply because of a team association. And he has (had) apologists. “We’re all flawed,” said Kristen Hawn, the Democratic half of the bipartisan Washington communications firm Granite Integrated Strategies, when we talked in May as the documentary was released. “And I’m not saying everybody will forgive him, but I do think there’s something in all of us that appreciates a politician who is willing to take responsibility for his or her actions, being forthcoming with the voters and asking for forgiveness.” Diane Reynolds (Paul.) Anthony Weiner should get this scandal behind him so he can get back to doing the work of the American People. Remember the first time? He denied it and denied it and denied it and blamed the GOP – they were smearing him because of his support for ObamaCare. Plus – Chuck Schumer ran interference. Somalian Road Corporation Uh, let’s not forget he also blamed Al-Qaeda, claiming it might be the tip of their sword. Somehow the usual suspects didn’t work themselves up into paroxysms of rage over that one. Can’t imagine why. Rufus The Monocled DON’T JUDGE HIM! Kristen is an idiot. You shouldn’t judge Kristen… until you’ve seen pictures. (((Renegade))) I’d ruffle her feathers, if you know what I mean. In that case, I’m in Crusty’s camp on this one. Ugh, she looks almost exactly like my best friend’s awful wife. I don’t have a friend with an awful wife like that, but somehow I know exactly what you mean. Curtisls701 God, I hate that pose. Kristen is a paid PR shill – so deliberately mendacious instead of merely stupid. R C Dean He’s a narcissistic moron who has no respect for or loyalty to his wife (or children) and that’s their business. The character of anyone seeking public office is the public’s business, as well. This is rightly a scandal because it goes to whether this politician is fit for office. Its not irrational to doubt his judgment and integrity, hell, his morality and impulse control, based on his compulsive sexting. I agree completely. However, my contempt is mostly reserved for those who would continue to support someone so ethically challenged. That includes any and all Clinton supporters. RCD OT Don’t change your handle. Look at how the GILMORE/Dennis debacle played out. No one should change their handle. It’s the point of a handle to be easily identified as the same person over time? The funny thing is that most people are slaves of their behavior and language use, so we would probably be able to figure it out eventually. pan fried wylie My lame jokes would be a dead giveaway. Also, fried chicken. Yeah, but there are only so many personalities I can keep track of. Names are easier. But, I thought commenting debacles were the whole point of H & R? Look, I said at the time and I remain steadfast in my conviction that GILMORE transitioning to Dennis was a very brave thing for him to be so public about, but the pressure of the public eye was too much. Learn “his” lesson. Stunning. You left out stunning. Sure, everything about someone seeking office is the public’s business if they make it their business. Don’t go into politics if you want a private life. MarkLastname August.29.2016 at 11:55 pm Meh, I’m halfway between on this one. Sort of cheating on your wife in what is clearly not supposed to be an open marriage, not to mention being dumb enough to keep getting caught doing it, may be rightly judged as suggesting severe character flaws, and it’s not absurd to want (unrealistic as it may be) honesty and sensibility in public officials. I would say people who aspire to rule others both should be, and deserve to be, put under a magnifying glass. That said, if it were discovered that a senator masturbated on the regular or an unmarried politician had an active sex life or sometimes peed on the toilet seat, or even if it were discovered a politician and his wife were secretly swingers, I would agree; politicians having different sexual mores from some of their constituents (or more accurately, from those many of their constituents purport to abide but rarely live up to themselves) shouldn’t be a big deal. With Weiner though, it’s not just different strokes for different folks. He’s also demonstrating he’s a liar and a moron, which is a public concern. Tagore Smith For me it’s the general weirdness of his behavior that is the biggest problem. I’m willing to ignore a fair bit about someone’s personal peccadilloes, even if I find them unsavory (and I mainly find Weiner’s unsavory because he’s married, presumably to someone who wouldn’t be very happy about his sexting.) But in Weiner’s case… Any rational person would have known that this was risky behavior in the first place. But if Weiner had just done the contrition Kabuki properly and then kept his head down for a while it would have gone some way toward reassuring me that he wasn’t a complete lunatic. Instead he veered wildly between contrition and a sort of leering public self-humiliation (including doing exactly the same thing while (?) running for Mayor of NYC.) It almost seemed as if he got as much of a charge out of getting caught as he did out of the sexting in the first place. I don’t really care that much about a man’s particular hang-ups, and I don’t claim to completely understand Weiner’s, but it’s pretty clear that he’s not trustworthy enough to hold public office. Exactly, RC. Joe Sixpack sending pictures of his genitals to his new found internet friend is of no concern to me, except maybe as a source of bemusement. But when a congressman sends dick-pics to strangers I have to conclude “this guy is not fit to be in a position of power because he exhibits poor judgment”. Not to mention how humiliating it is for his wife. A normal grown-up does not act that way. Not excusing Weiner, but have you all considered that the poor guy is sexually frustrated? He probably hasn’t had the Huma touch in years, ever since she started working with Hillary. Agammamon No doubt. And if they have an ‘arrangement’ – that’s their business. But any person who can’t be discreet under those circumstances deserves the humiliation he’s getting. 1. I don’t know what’s gross about the picture. 2. He should know better (this is the third time!) than to send pictures of himself to strange fucking women. The guy’s not bad looking, fit – it should not be that hard for him to pull. Take the kid down to the park, hook up with some of the hot-momma’s there. Don’t have sex in the bushes while the kids are on the swing. This is like compulsive idiocy on his part. Especially now that he’s losing the gravy train. The nefarious sex lives* of someone involved with a presidential campaign are scandal-worthy. How many articles were written about a supposed affair between Trump’s former campaign manager and some other person he has working for him! Bulge pics are a lame scandal. Chipwooder Correct me if I’m wrong, but weren’t some of the recipients of Carlos Danger texts in the original Weinergate underaged high school girls? Are there ‘of-age’ high school girls? Asking for a friend. It’s possible to be 18 in highschool without being held back. I GED’d when I was 17, but would have been 18 had I graduated with the rest of the class of 2000. (ignoring jurisdictions where “of age” is already less than 18) At least when I was growing up in Vermont the age of consent there was 16. I remember having an argument with a friend about it one day while walking down Church Street (the pedestrian mall in Burlington) and walking up to a cop and asking him to settle the argument. In retrospect I did not have very good judgment at the point in my life. In my defense, I was in my late teens, and neither held nor contemplated running for public office. Ayn Random Variation Your second biggest mistake, after approaching a cop, was thinking he would know the answer. August.30.2016 at 2:30 am He did though. He was actually like “The age of consent is 16 in Vermont, boys.” That’s all we wanted to know. August.30.2016 at 12:00 am In some states the age of consent is 16 so yeah. Fun facts: in Spain the of consent is, I believe, 14, and in Somalia, if I remember correctly, it’s 12. Ya know, just things I, um, happen to know, for no reason. That's A Bingo! What he did is the digital equivalent of flashing someone. If a politician was a flasher, I’d be a scandal. I’d be a scandal. Don’t leave us hanging! You should finish your story! Is this one of those comments where “whores” refers to not just sex workers but women generally? I am having a hard time interpreting it otherwise. Say what you want about Anthony Weiner, he’s never been accused of doing anything even close to as unethical and abusive as Bill Hillary Clinton did. FTFY. I think we’re all just lucky he never really had the chance. I seem to recall he was one of saner Democrat candidates for mayor, i.e. not balls-out flaming Bolivarian socialist like the rest of the crop. Instead we got Bloomberg again and now Deblasio. No he was not one of the saner candidates for mayor. Weiner is a down-the-line class warrior pushing an agenda only mildly to the right of DeBlasio. straffinrun Luv me a brohaha, but never want to even hear of a Hillary sexting scandal. Crusty, what’s your call? “Do you want me to take my Depends off?” “Tell me i’m a dirty slut. Tell me you like it nasty. No, say it directly into the goiter.” This Machine begins quivering uncontrollably as clear fluid leaks out of ears* That’s how the next part goes, yes. You want a cigar? I’ve got a dozen in there. Sorry, but “brohaha” in a comment about Hillary sexting is just perfect. Yeah, can someone tell me why Hillary serially abusing her husband isn’t like a big election issue? I mean, for someone who’s running so hard as a feminist, you’d think being a spouse abuser would sort of put a kink in the narrative. Or is it just empowering when a woman beats up her husband? Weiner embarrassed himself and his wife, but Bill Clinton and his aides deliberately smeared Monica Lewinsky and other women’s reputations. The Monica Lewinsky scandal was nothing more than a coup attempt by Republicans. Or perhaps we forgot what the move The Contender was about? racer X “The Monica Lewinsky scandal was nothing more than a coup attempt by Republicans.” that doesn’t make much sense unless you think sitting VP Gore was in on it with the Republicans Princess Trigger Gore was the mastermind behind the whole thing. Wake up Sheeple! lafe.long digital philandering You mean like, with a finger? bacon-magic Paging Swissy, urgent! John Titor In short, there’s a difference between an idiot and an alleged serial predator. To be fair, he’s a serial idiot. Francisco d'Anconia Yeah, the times article said he was half naked and showed pics of his crotch, to a woman he knew and conversed with on the internet. To risk sounding like Buttplug, I’m not sure this rises to the level of scandal. I’m not even sure that could be considered sexting. It’s really only a ‘scandal’ in the sense that it does reflect poorly on Weiner’s judgement, technological competence, and ability to think ahead. It’s not like Weiner has a lot of political power to throw around nowadays, or the likelihood that voters will grant him that in the near future. I remember back when Weiner was bloody beloved for his dramatic speeches in Congress. If I were a politician I would be paranoid as hell all the time. Can’t imagine taking risks like this, maybe it was his ego? Most politicians I’ve met have nothing but contempt for the ungrateful voters who don’t appreciate everything they’ve done. What do the messages show? Screen shots published by The Post showed that the two exchanged photos ? woman in various bikinis and of Mr. Weiner half-dressed, showing off or his crotch ? and that they talked about sex. It’s a bit disconcerting, however, when his son is lying right next to him in said crotch pics. Heroic Mulatto Maybe lil’ Weiner is a player too, just like this kid. Meh. Here is what the Times said: In one message, Mr. Weiner abruptly changed the discussion from massage parlors and allegedly wrote, “Someone just climbed into my bed.” “Really?” the woman said. Mr. Weiner’s response, in a screen shot dated just July 31, 2015, showed a child curled up next to Mr. Weiner, who was wearing white shorts, according to the article. Mr. Weiner and Ms. Abedin have a toddler son. Change of subject in a joking manner. Irony. One might make the same joke about one’s dog. True enough, John, but its a distinction without a difference if the question is fitness for public office. He’s got plenty of positions that make me doubt his fitness for office that have nothing to do with what pics he sends to his friends. And, as far as I know, he’s not in, nor is he running for, public office. Not to mention the pics are no worse than shit I see on billboards everyday. If his sext life was not a scandal, he’d be in office right now. Context comes from meaning, F d’A. A picture that is just fine in one context (on a billboard, say, or in my wife’s possession) can be absolutely not fine in another context (sexting with some skank). A picture that is just fine in one context (on a billboard, say, or in my wife’s possession) can be absolutely not fine in another context (sexting with some skank). So a billboard depicting a guy in his underwear on display to anyone with eyes, including children is less “bad” than a private pic between two consenting adults? Come on, RC, be honest. Aren’t you attempting to smear a political adversary because you disagree with their positions and want them out, rather than because you are actually offended by the material? Sure, his judgment, given his former situation, can be called into question, but he’s not even in office. Why care? I thought RC was just bragging that his junk was up on a billboard somewhere. It certainly can be, yes. If one of those two consenting adults is married, and his wife doesn’t know about it, I would say that’s a problem in a way the same pic up on a billboard wouldn’t be. Kinda like how, in one context, me taking money from a law firm is just fine (if, say, I’ve done work for them), and in another its a problem (if, say, I’m a witness for the other side). X, they had to take that billboard down. It was causing traffic accidents. I guess my point is, when it comes to scandals, more is not better. If the idea is to discredit Hillary or the democrats, this type of thing is detrimental to the cause. She’s got legitimate scandals surrounding her. Benghazi, classified emails, F&F… By trying to hype this into a scandal, people look at it and go, “This is bullshit. These people are obviously trying to create a scandal and can’t be trusted.” When everything is a scandal, nothing is. This is just a pic of a dude in his underwear. I guess my point is, when it comes to scandals, more is not better. Although, given the daily applications by her media pals of a fresh coat of teflon against more substantive scandals, I have to wonder if something more tawdry might not get some badly needed traction. That’s a point I often try to make. There is plenty of real, substantive stuff to criticize these people for. Jumping on whatever scandal in convenient is cheap and low-class. Try to be better than these idiots. Of course, this guy is named “weiner”, so you kind of have to do something with it. It is hard to drive when you’re scream-cry-vomiting. Jim Palmer, P, Baltimore Orioles The good old stalker defense. One so stupid only a sycophant or academic could believe. Horny Bill had a choice. He made it as his own moral agent. How could Huma remain married to him? Come on, folks. He’s Huma’s beard for her relationship with Hillary, which Huma maintains so that she can feed classified information to Islamists. And, of course, act as an agent of influence. Nothing like hiding your treason in plain sight. adjusts tinfoil hat Oh, do you guys remember during the Lewinsky/Clinton affair that Clinton’s secretary had gone to the secret service to ask if Lewinsky could avoid “signing in” because she knew what was going on, and was afraid the sign-in logs would become public? Nativist, Racist & Xenophobe Never has a politician been so aptly named. Dick Nixon has a bone to pick with you. I once knew a guy whose name was Richard B. Larger. That’s right, his parents named him Dick B. Larger. Unreconstructed (Sans Flag) I had a college buddy named Rodney Woodrow Boughner (yes, pronounced “boner”). Boughner Was he a fan of “Growing Pains?” There was a character in that show nicknamed ‘Boner.’ In a show called ‘Growing Pains.’ Boner. Growing Pains. Weiner should just get into the porn profession already where ENB can keep an eye on him. The last thing ENB needs is more Weiner coverage. How many stories today are we going to have about clowns causing a stir by waving wood around? Oh, well, played, sir. A tip o’ the monocle to you. The dude was in a marriage of convenience to Hillary’s mistress. You expect the guy to live as a celibate monk? I would hate to be one of their kids. Why? I’d love to have a parent who was in fucking Sharknado! I just googled “weiner in sharknado”. Thanks, that will be in my search history forever. Thinking about a handle change. Sbarknado? Lumpentarian? Arrgh. Snarknado? Dean VW? Don’t mess with an established brand. Well, when SugarFree is the voice of reason (so to speak), I should probably take a moment. I would hate to be one of their constituents. I’m not too thrilled about being in the same species. But he was celibate! I mean, diddle the nanny or give all of your money to a stripper or get caught with transgendered prostitutes in the backseat of your car or something. It’s the least we ask. Private Chipperbot Now that would be a story if he came right out and just said that. I think he would end up getting sympathy by playing the guy just trying to get laid in his loveless relationship. Good lord that would be epic. But then he’d end up dead in DC mugging a couple days later. …I need more tinfoil… It’s simpler than that. He wants to work again. And not in the private sector where he got relegated after the last scandal. I expect my politicians to be the flawless, objective, hyper-competent, problem solving ubermensch they claim to be. Until, of course, there’s a scandal, and then suddenly they’re humble, human and somehow unable to solve their own problem yet are expected to solve everyone else’s… Naw, I just expect them to not lie to me repeatedly about sending pics of their junk to people. Oh, and often those pics were unsolicited. Abedin is Muslim She is? She was certainly raised Muslim, and I haven’t heard that she has renounced the faith. Can you remain a Muslim and marry outside the faith? Oops. I got the order of operations wrong. Interfaith marriage in Islam Islamic Law has different regulations on interfaith marriage, depending on which of the two spouses is Muslim. It permits a Muslim man to marry up to four non-Muslim women from the People of the Book (that is, Christians and Jews)… Muslim women are forbidden from marrying non-Muslim men according to Islamic law. All major groups of Muslims have forbidden Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men. … Under Islamic law, if a non-Muslim woman is married to a non-Muslim, and she converts to Islam, the marriage is suspended until her husband converts to Islam. She could, in theory, leave the non-Muslim husband and marry a Muslim one. If the non-Muslim husband does convert a new marriage is not needed. … Muslim women are forbidden from marrying non-Muslim men according to Islamic law. Huma seems fairly indifferent to what the law requires in other contexts. I recall watching a particularly terrible episode of Little Mosque on the Prairie where one of the female characters is basically threatened to be shunned by her family for wanting to go out on a date with the local hunky non-Muslim firefighter. For a show made by the state broadcasters to encourage ‘tolerance’ of Muslims, this lack of tolerance is not addressed. I came just for the Weiner jokes. Sounds like a strange fetish. Ewwww. I hope you washed your hands afterwards. Lord Humungus has a used sock. Who knew? These troll euphemisms are getting weird. DEATFBIRSECIA I think with Weiner shrinking up, now there’s some room for Johnson to expand. Trshmnstr, green and mangy Johnson should’ve nominated Weiner for his VP. It would’ve been just as bad as Weld, but at least we’d get the LOLs Mint Berry Crunch Have you seen my weiner? I have to agree with Fisher. Whatever you want to say about Weiner (I found him a repulsive excuse for a human being even before the whole “Carlos Danger” incident), trading dirty pictures pales in comparison to conspiring to destroy the reputation of a young girl. She also reportedly never gave her permission to appear in the critically acclaimed documentary Weiner What’s really shocking is that he DID. Well, I see that Huma is splitting from Weiner after this third sexting scandal. I guess with Hillary headed to the White House, she can move on from her current business arrangement with Weiner. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hillary told her to dump him, so he can’t embarrass her after the coronation. Hillary (standing naked and stroking Huma’s hair with right hand while holding a picture of Weiner in the other): Hooma, remember the time would come? Huma: Yes. Hillary (crushes picture): The time has come. Dump the son of a bitch. I’ll be damned if that motherfucker is going to embarrass you – US! – AGAIN! gratuitous vomiting Dammit Rufus, even SF has some boundaries! You’re right. I didn’t like the ending. I should have closed with – “Now lick my pussy, bitch. And go hard on the slurping.” Pussy? I’m thinking more a Bill’s mummified member sewn on as an extension to her scabbed clitoris. Domestic Dissident The only thing left that needs to happen now is that Hildog needs to bite the bullet and finally divorce her ersatz husband Slick Willie. This will allow Hildog and Hum-dog to finally come out of the closet once and for all as the lesbian lovers that they truly are, and as a side benefit Slick Willie and Little Weiner can spend the rest of their days partying on board the Lolita Express. I see you nick named all involved. Keep being you. WE SHOULD ALL GET NICKNAMES. Rufus — Roofie Roofie — Rohypnol Rohypnol — Date Rape… Hmm, I like it, your new nickname is Date Rape the Monocled. No no no, thats not how it works. Rufus the monocled sounds somewhat like droopy dongle. Somebody with a droopy dongle has ED. Ed was a horse that could talk, so his nickname is Talky von Carrot Muncher No, it’s Gammy. Gammy! The best part – Rape is Canadian! I’m pretty sure that “Slick Willie” was created by some Arkansas newspaperman back decades ago when he was the governor, and “Hildog” of course was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Now I have to figure out how to turn on closed captioning on hulu or amazon, because I’m pretty sure it’s spelled ‘Hilldawg’. Broh. Sorry, but Slick and Little aren’t getting invited onto the Lolita express at this point unless they are married to women with influence they can peddle. Hillary won’t drop the Slickster until she’s sure she can maintain control without him, so sometime after the next presidential election. Or he gets caught, in public, doing orgies in the Lincoln Bedroom Better just to wait at this point and be the brave widow. I’m not betting on him going first. Hillary won’t drop the Slickster until she’s sure she can maintain control without him Which effectively means never. She’s the more vicious, but he’s the smarter of the two. There’s no way he’d have given her the keys to everything. Plus, I really don’t think she’s the one who can command much loyalty. If he were out of the picture, my guess is that the knives would come out from every “friend” they trotted out along the way. to discount the disparity of power between the leader of the free world and a 22-year-old intern, and instead choosing to frame Clinton’s indiscretions as nothing more than an “affair” smacks of partisan hackery. But it’s perfectly acceptable to discount her intellectual capacity to willingly and knowingly make a decision to engage in an “affair” with her married employer. Because delicate flower. I’m trying to trap a feral cat – get him fixed and vaccinated. His name is Carlos Danger. The goal is to make him Carlos the Meek ant1sthenes Monica should just feel lucky she didn’t end up like Mahoney. September.3.2016 at 2:44 am nice post thanks admin http://www.xenderforpcfreedownload.com/	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1636
__label__cc	0.622605	0.377395	Feeling Of Sadness Or Depression Crossword Clue 2019 August 4, 2018 by Richard Feeling Of Sadness Or Depression Crossword Clue 2019 4 out of 5 based on 102 ratings. Crossword Solver – Crossword Clues, synonyms, anagrams and definition of melancholy xxxxxxxx: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx April Ashley’s Odyssey; Duncan Fallowell & April Ashley Jonathan Cape. In the dodgy Greenwich Village of the early ’70s, the groundbreaking Mercer Arts Center brought Shakespeare and punk together under one roof—until tragedy struck. Just after five p.m. on Friday August 9, 1973, there was an ominous rumbling sound at the University Hotel in Greenwich Village. Then. Crossword Solver – Crossword Clues, synonyms, anagrams and definition of bored weariness jamlady March 31, 2015 at 1:01 pm. Ah that’s horrible! 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__label__cc	0.666297	0.333703	esiegel Ask Ethan #32: Are our students doomed to an inferior education? (Synopsis) By esiegel on April 11, 2014. “Quite frankly, teachers are the only profession that teach our children.” -Dan Quayle It wasn't that long ago that I myself was a student, and of course over the past decade-and-a-half I've been very heavily involved in education -- both formally and informally -- at a huge variety of levels. And over time, education methods have not only changed, but they continue to change, not always necessarily for the better. Image credit: Quality Primary Resources, via http://www.qualityprimaryresources.co.uk/Phonics-Table-help-mat. Well, this week's Ask Ethan is all about one of the most basic skill sets we all develop: literacy. The way we teach basic language skills have changed dramatically over the past few decades, and continue to change. The questions, of course, are is it changing for the worse, and what should we do about it? Image credit: me. On this week's Ask Ethan, we take a look at both the small and large pictures. Go read the whole thing. ask Ethan Comments of the Week #7: On Education, the Skies and the Stars "All speech, written or spoken, is a dead language, until it finds a willing and prepared hearer." -Robert Louis Stevenson It's been another wonderful week in the Universe, and there's been so much to share together. New this week on the main Starts With A Bang blog over at Medium, we've talked… Ask Ethan #30: Long-term timekeeping (Synopsis) “While friendship itself has an air of eternity about it, seeming to transcend all natural limits, there is hardly any emotion so utterly at the mercy of time.” -Robert Hugh Benson If you were headed out into the Universe -- spaceship and sci-fi technology and all -- it simply wouldn't make sense… Ask Ethan #72: The timeline of the Universe (Synopsis) “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.” -Albert Einstein And yet, this is a very good reason! We need things to happen in stages: you can't form human beings before you form planets (that would be bad); you can't form stars before you form atoms (also bad); you can'… Ask Ethan #74: Gravitational Waves (Synopsis) “Henceforth space by itself, and time by itself, are doomed to fade away into mere shadows, and only a kind of union of the two will preserve an independent reality.” -Hermann Minkowski When you think of waves, chances are you think of some type of pressure wave moving through a medium, like sound… I didn't quite understand the battle raging between whole-word advocates and phonics advocates. I learned in a combination of both systems. I think that whole-word teaches spelling better, while phonics are exploratory and lead to the discovery of what learners think are new words only to sound them out and find words they knew. There is a sense of puzzle-solving to phonics. By Mike Haubrich (not verified) on 11 Apr 2014 #permalink Personally, I prefer 'whole of sentence' reading teaching. You don't read individual words. You read for meaning, in context. When I'm reading (either in German or English, particularly in German - because the important word, the verb, is often at the end of sentences), I often try to predict the next word over the page, which is unseen, and usually I'm right (or it's a very close synonym). By Wayne Robinson (not verified) on 13 Apr 2014 #permalink It has been a very long time. Perhaps I'm not as smart as I once was. But for the life of me I can't tell you what the letters: g, h, i, and n, o, p are supposed to represent. I finally figured out that L is for lick and V might be for vehicle but Y still evades me. In the old days Y was usually for yo-yo, or , more rarely, Yogi bear. I suppose the picture for N might be for 'not going to make it' but that strikes me as a bit grim for young children. By Art (not verified) on 13 Apr 2014 #permalink I think "v" is van, "y" is yogurt, and "o" is off. I'm with you on g, h, i, n and p, though. By Sean T (not verified) on 13 Apr 2014 #permalink Art & Sean: In some cases the sound indicated is not the initial letter of the word. Thus Z is "buzz" and N is "plane". P is presumably "lamp", although kids today wouldn't recognize that. O stands for both "on" and "off", the two settings on a switch. I think the intent for I was "mice", but they show only one and the singular is "mouse". For G and H, I'm not doing any better than you guys. Phonics is helpful for deciphering unfamiliar languages, as long as you know the mapping between sounds and letters. That includes languages written with Latin letters, because sometimes the letters can have quite different mappings than in English. For example, I have observed G to represent the sounds /g/ and /j/ (hard and soft in English) as well as /zh/ (soft in French), /h/ or /kh/ ("soft" in Spanish), and even /y/ (soft in Swedish). English has an unusually high degree of inconsistency in mapping sounds to letters, though I have heard that Irish/Gaelic can be worse. By Eric Lund (not verified) on 14 Apr 2014 #permalink If one does have an honest interest in phonics, where letters and letter groups are said to represent speech sounds to a certain degree, I suggest getting into the appropriate readings in linguistics, phonology, sociolinguistics. For example, the history of English language is a evolving growth of numerous older, and possibly extinct, languages, which helps to explain some of the insanity of the so-called phonic rules. Over a long period of time, centuries, different words were adopted and adapted into English, some words with different spellings meaning the same thing and vice versa. Another basis for confusion is that a strong language is one the is always changing to accommodate new speakers and life's changes. Languages that do not change at all may eventually die from non-use. In short there are a bunch of foundational reasons why phonics and spelling are so crazy. The best one can do is to use tools as long as they tend to work for you, using phonics as long as it is helpful. Like many things, no single approach to teaching will help everyone 100 percent. By oran stewart (not verified) on 14 Apr 2014 #permalink Sean T @ #4 : I think you nailed it on V and Y. Clearly, obviously, they are van and yogurt. Duh ... they even drew in the pulled back foil on the yogurt container and included a spoon, and if someone pulled up in a vehicle like that I would certainly call it a van. Eric Lund @ #5: Most likely you are right. Buzz and Lamp, with their clear sounds are likely what they were going for. I had a poster with animals representing each and every letter^^, I was raised bilingual (German and English) and I must say, that I prefer learning to read with full words and sentences. For young kids its beneficial to see a connection rather than giving them phonics first... it's like they can start doing more and trying to read by themselves rather than learning all the rules by heart first. Actually I don't know how I got to this post of yours :D I came from your ask Ethan #64 blog post on Expansion of the Universe and Matter... I'm just getting into astrophysics now, although I'm studying genetics :D Very fun to read! Would appreciate a swing-by on my little science blog www.thesciencystuff.blogspot.de By Siggi (not verified) on 30 Nov 2014 #permalink What better way to say farewell than with a slew of costume pictures from this year's (coming) Halloween? Happy Halloween 2017! From Ethan Siegel and Starts With A Bang. Keep looking to the Universe. And we'll have a lifetime of wonderful things to still explore. Goodbye, Scienceblogs,… Ask Ethan: Why Did Light Arrive 1.7 Seconds After Gravitational Waves In The Neutron Star Merger? "Delay is the deadliest form of denial." -C. Northcote Parkinson Every massless particle and wave travels at the speed of light when it moves through a vacuum. Over a distance of 130 million light years, the gamma rays and gravitational waves emitted by merging neutron stars arrived offset by a… Five Discoveries In Fundamental Physics That Came As Total Surprises “On what can we now place our hopes of solving the many riddles which still exist as to the origin and composition of cosmic rays?” –Victor Francis Hess It’s often said that advanced in physics aren’t met with “eureka!” but rather with “that’s funny,” but the truth is even stranger sometimes.… Even while the world suffers, investing in science is non-negotiable (Synopsis) “I am looking at the future with concern, but with good hope.” –Albert Schweitzer Every so often, the argument comes up that science is expendable. That we’re simply investing too much of our resources — too much public money — into an endeavor with no short-term benefits. Meanwhile, there’s… Merging Neutron Stars Deliver Deathblow To Dark Matter And Dark Energy Alternatives (Synopsis) "Dark matter is interesting. Basically, the Universe is heavier than it should be. There's whole swathes of stuff we can't account for." -Talulah Riley One of the most puzzling facts about the Universe is that 95% of the energy in it, in the forms of dark matter and dark energy, are completely…	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1642
__label__wiki	0.635579	0.635579	Southern Medical Journal Assessing Disaster Preparedness Among Select Children’s Summer Camps in the United States and Canada. 110:502-508. 2017 Rural-urban differences in HIV viral loads and progression to AIDS among new HIV cases.. 108:180-188. 2015 Relation between BMI and diabetes mellitus and its complications among US older adults.. 108:29-36. 2015 A comparison of the adoption of electronic health records in North Carolina and South Carolina HIV systems.. 103:1115-1118. 2010 Dark chocolate effect on platelet activity, C-reactive protein and lipid profile: A pilot study Southern Medical Journal (2008) 101, (1203-1208)). 102:332. 2009 Minorities, the poor, and survivors of abuse: HIV-infected patients in the US deep South.. 100:1114-1122. 2007 Case discussion--religion and coping with natural disaster.. 100:954. 2007 Emergency response system in the United States.. 100:924-925. 2007 Introduction: spirituality and catastrophe.. 100:921-923. 2007 Physician's role in addressing spiritual needs.. 100:932-933. 2007 Psychological needs of disaster survivors and families.. 100:934-935. 2007 Association of race and gender with use of antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected individuals in the Southeastern United States.. 100:775-781. 2007 Section introduction: spirituality, depression & suicide.. 100:733-734. 2007 Selected annotated bibliography on depression and suicide.. 100:761-763. 2007 Spiritual considerations in suicide and depression among the elderly.. 100:748-749. 2007 Spirituality and depression: a case study.. 100:759-760. 2007 Spirituality and depression: a look at the evidence.. 100:737-739. 2007 Spirituality, depression and suicide: a cross-cultural perspective.. 100:735-736. 2007 Prolonged livestock exposure and elevated serum IgE associated with pulmonary fibrosis.. 99:1408-1409. 2006 "You just do your part. God will do the rest.": spirituality and culture in the medical encounter.. 99:1163. 2006 Annotated bibliography on religion, spirituality and medicine.. 99:1189-1196. 2006 Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: A comprehensive review.. 99:1103-1110. 2006 Spirituality across the lifespan.. 99:1157-1158. 2006 Spirituality and care at the end of life.. 99:1184-1185. 2006 Spirituality and caring for older family members.. 99:1180-1181. 2006 Spirituality and lifestyle: what clinicians need to know.. 99:1170-1171. 2006 Spirituality, depression, and the elderly.. 99:1178-1179. 2006 Suicide in the elderly: case discussion.. 99:1188. 2006 The spiritual history.. 99:1159-1160. 2006 What physicians should know about spirituality and chronic pain.. 99:1174-1175. 2006 Knowledge, attitudes, and use of emergency contraception among rural western North Carolina women.. 99:806-810. 2006 Social consequence of disease in the American South, 1900-World War II.. 99:862-864. 2006 A prevalence study of faith-based healing in the rural southeastern United States.. 99:644-653. 2006 Controversies in medical ethics: training in abortion.. 99:690-691. 2006 Primary care house staff attitudes toward osteoporosis management.. 99:461-466. 2006 Partnering together? Relationships between faith-based community health centers and neighborhood congregations.. 98:1245-1250. 2005 Religion, spirituality and medicine: the beginning of a new era.. 98:1235-1236. 2005 How are religion and spirituality related to health? A study of physicians' perspectives.. 98:761-766. 2005 Substance abuse and symptoms of mental illness among HIV-positive persons in the Southeast.. 98:9-14. 2005 Religion, spirituality, and medicine: research findings and implications for clinical practice.. 97:1194-1200. 2004 Spiritual care: whose job is it anyway?. 97:1242-1244. 2004 Diabetes on a cardiovascular ward: adherence to current recommendations.. 97:1031-1037. 2004 Ice storm-related carbon monoxide poisonings in North Carolina: a reminder.. 97:1060-1065. 2004 Current issues in sports nutrition in athletes.. 97:863-866. 2004 Disseminated Candida tropicalis in a patient with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.. 97:788-790. 2004 Osteoporosis self-management: Choices For Better Bone Health.. 97:551-554. 2004 Gender differences in knowledge and perceptions of HIV resources among individuals living with HIV in the Southeast.. 97:342-349. 2004 Staphylococcus aureus pericardial abscess in a patient with liver cirrhosis: case report.. 96:926-927. 2003 Gastrointestinal bleeding in adult patients with Meckel's diverticulum: the role of technetium 99m pertechnetate scan.. 95:1338-1341. 2002 Enterococcus faecalis causing empyema in a patient with liver disease.. 95:1201-1203. 2002 Monofocal acute inflammatory Demyelination (MAID): a unique disorder simulating brain neoplasm.. 95:1180-1186. 2002 Impact of medicaid managed care on utilization of obstetric care: evidence from TennCare's early years.. 95:811-821. 2002 Facial cellulitis in childhood: a changing spectrum.. 95:672-674. 2002 Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in patients with neutropenia.. 95:782-784. 2002 Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus testing among patients with tuberculosis in North Carolina.. 95:231-238. 2002 Use of oral creatine as an ergogenic aid for increased sports performance: perceptions of adolescent athletes.. 94:608-612. 2001 Marijuana use and social networks in a community outbreak of meningococcal disease.. 94:482-485. 2001 Characteristics of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus and provider interaction in the predominantly rural Southeast.. 94:212-222. 2001 Provocative angiography in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.. 93:1205-1208. 2000 Evaluation and treatment of dystonia. 93:745-751. 2000 Evaluation and treatment of dystonia.. 93:746-751. 2000 Population-based survey of complementary and alternative medicine usage, patient satisfaction, and physician involvement. South Carolina Complementary Medicine Program Baseline Research Team.. 93:375-381. 2000 Improved sexual function in three men taking lamotrigine for epilepsy.. 93:335-336. 2000 Physician participation and nonparticipation in Medicaid managed care: the TennCare experience.. 92:1064-1070. 1999 Fatalities attributed to GHB and related compounds.. 92:1037. 1999 Factors influencing morning report case presentations.. 92:775-777. 1999 Transient lumbosacral polyradiculopathy after prostatectomy: association with spinal stenosis.. 92:809-811. 1999 Toxic ingestion of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid.. 92:404-405. 1999 Imaging-guided core biopsies in the breast.. 91:994-1000. 1998 Use of hospital services, religious attendance, and religious affiliation.. 91:925-932. 1998 Intravascular malignant lymphomatosis with neurologic presentation: factors facilitating antemortem diagnosis.. 91:672-676. 1998 Does the proven benefit of mammography extend to breast cancer patients over age 70?. 91:522-526. 1998 Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women in a southeastern US population.. 90:893-896. 1997 Clostridium difficile infection in obstetric and gynecologic patients.. 90:889-892. 1997 The great imitator: Rocky Mountain spotted fever occurring after hospitalization for unrelated illnesses.. 90:943-945. 1997 Roles of mental health professionals in multidisciplinary medically supervised treatment programs for obesity.. 90:578-586. 1997 Rhabdomyolysis and hemolysis associated with sickle cell trait and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.. 89:1097-1098. 1996 Tetany in a child with AIDS receiving intravenous tobramycin.. 89:1108-1110. 1996 Is high-quality medicine a thing of the past?. 89:931-932. 1996 Diagnosis and management of laryngeal trauma in sports.. 89:631-633. 1996 Persistent pain associated with long-term intrathecal morphine administration.. 89:417-419. 1996 Ectopic pregnancy: ultrasonographic diagnosis and interpretive pitfalls.. 88:1191-1198. 1995 Is tenure irrelevant for academic clinicians?. 88:1099-1106. 1995 Hyponatremia in pediatric patients with HIV-1 infection.. 88:1039-1042. 1995 Pregnancy complicated by Guillain-Barré syndrome.. 88:987-989. 1995 Does smokeless tobacco cause hypertension?. 88:716-720. 1995 The Gerofit Program: a VA innovation.. 87:S83-S87. 1994 Moraxella catarrhalis bacteremia and preseptal cellulitis.. 87:541-542. 1994 Gastrointestinal manifestations of amyloidosis.. 87:243-247. 1994 Impact of intensive lipid modulation on angiographically defined coronary disease: clinical implications.. 87:236-242. 1994 Hyperrenin-hyperaldosterone-dependent malignant hypertension in polyarteritis nodosa.. 86:1400-1402. 1993 Evaluation of flumazenil for reversing the effects of midazolam-induced conscious sedation or general anesthesia.. 86:1238-1247. 1993 Surgical management of carotid artery atherosclerotic disease.. 86:2S23-2S28. 1993 Smokeless tobacco use in an outpatient veteran population.. 86:912-913. 1993 The Texas Breast Screening Project: Part I. Mammographic and clinical results.. 86:385-390. 1993 The Texas Breast Screening Project: Part II. Demographics, risk profiles, and health practices of participants.. 86:391-396. 1993 Physicians' attitudes and practices regarding treatment of HIV-infected patients.. 85:683-686. 1992 Interleukin-2-induced dermatotoxicity resembling toxic epidermal necrolysis.. 85:656-659. 1992 Suicide in the elderly.. 85:331. 1992 Rhodococcus equi causing human pulmonary infection: review of 29 cases.. 84:1217-1220. 1991 Adult respiratory distress syndrome from sulfuric acid fume inhalation.. 84:1031-1033. 1991 Extubation after transsternal thymectomy for myasthenia gravis: a prospective analysis.. 84:701-706. 1991 Literacy and laryngectomy: how should one treat head and neck cancer in patients who cannot read or write?. 84:209-213. 1991 Obstetric complications in young teenagers.. 84:46-64. 1991 Simultaneous pneumococcal and Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.. 83:1215-1217. 1990 Clinical characteristics useful in screening for renovascular disease.. 83:743-747. 1990 Systemic Torulopsis glabrata infection in a neonate.. 83:837-838. 1990 Evaluation of acute traumatic hemarthrosis of the knee joint.. 83:640-644. 1990 Anterior staple capsulorrhaphy for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder: a clinical and biomechanical study.. 83:510-518. 1990 Epidemiology of tuberculosis in North Carolina, 1966 to 1986: analysis of demographic features, geographic variation, AIDS, migrant workers, and site of infection.. 82:1204-1214. 1989 Silicone synovitis: clinical, radiologic, and histologic features.. 82:1156-1158. 1989 Wound hematoma: prophylaxis with topical thrombin.. 82:607-609. 1989 Abdominal leiomyosarcoma: aggressive management.. 82:313-317. 1989 Intervertebral diskitis due to Candida tropicalis.. 82:270-273. 1989 The right to privacy and the duty to protect.. 81:1286-1290. 1988 ANTERIOR STAPLE CAPSULORRHAPHY FOR RECURRENT SHOULDER DISLOCATION. 81:S57-S57. 1988 INJURIES TO THE BRACHIAL-PLEXUS IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS. 81:S56-S56. 1988 MAGNETIC-RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE WORKUP OF THE PAINFUL WRIST. 81:S55-S55. 1988 RAILROAD RELATED INJURIES - THEIR ORTHOPEDIC EVALUATION, MANAGEMENT, AND OUTCOME. 81:S82-S82. 1988 THE USE OF METHYLMETHACRYLATE IN THE TREATMENT OF FRACTURES OF THE OSTEOPOROTIC TIBIAL PLATEAU. 81:S50-S50. 1988 Subtypes of depression in patients with chronic pain.. 81:485-488. 1988 Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in temporal arteritis.. 80:1527-1528. 1987 Hepatic metastasis from neuroblastoma.. 80:1370-1373. 1987 Combination insulin-sulfonylurea therapy in type II diabetes mellitus.. 80:1285-1289. 1987 Endoscopic diagnosis of gastritis: causative factors in 100 patients.. 80:1087-1090. 1987 Neisseria gonorrhoeae endocarditis on a prosthetic valve.. 80:1194-1195. 1987 PRELIMINARY-RESULTS OF POROUS COATED ANATOMIC UNCEMENTED TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENTS. 80:43-43. 1987 Clinical experience during family medicine residency training.. 80:895-900. 1987 Chronic pain and depression.. 80:558-561. 1987 Resident and faculty clinical experience in a model family practice.. 80:566-571. 1987 Cold hemagglutinin disease in the operating room.. 80:466-471. 1987 Isolated vocal cord hematoma in a child with severe factor VIII deficiency.. 80:271-272. 1987 Abnormalities of the cervical spine in Down's syndrome: diagnosis, risks, and review of the literature, with particular reference to the Special Olympics.. 80:33-36. 1987 Facial diplegia due to amyloidosis.. 79:1458-1459. 1986 Forearm neuropathy and pruritus.. 79:1259-1260. 1986 Antithymocyte globulin: a realistic approach to therapy for severe aplastic anemia.. 79:1121-1125. 1986 Esophagitis caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication: case reports and review of the literature on pill-induced esophageal injury.. 79:1094-1097. 1986 MEPIVACAINE VERSUS LIDOCAINE FOR DIGITAL NERVE BLOCKS - A COMPARISON OF ANESTHETIC EFFECTIVENESS. 79:42-42. 1986 Digital subtraction arthrography of the prosthetic hip.. 79:808-810. 1986 Knee flexion contractures in myelodysplasia.. 79:818-821. 1986 Forearm neuropathy and pruritus. 79:1253-1260. 1986 Mucormycosis after open fracture injury.. 78:1516-1517. 1985 Neurologic complications of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.. 78:1288-1303. 1985 Successful treatment of prosthetic valve endocarditis due to Flavobacterium meningosepticum.. 78:1267-1268. 1985 Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma.. 78:909-913. 1985 Soft tissue abscess caused by Torulopsis glabrata and Lactobacillus.. 78:1017. 1985 Dr. Trevelyan and Mr. Treves: Sherlock Holmes and the Elephant Man.. 78:854-857. 1985 Large opaque hemithorax due to cardiomegaly and atelectasis.. 78:805-809. 1985 Arnold-Chiari malformation in a geriatric patient.. 78:618-621. 1985 Metronidazole and panic attacks.. 78:627. 1985 Essential vocal tremor: clinical characteristics and response to therapy.. 78:316-317. 1985 Oral antibiotic therapy for osteomyelitis of the foot in diabetic patients.. 78:223-224. 1985 Neurologic complications of rocky mountain spotted fever. 78:1288. 1985 TREVELYAN AND TREVES - SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE ELEPHANT MAN. 78:854-857. 1985 Seizures activated by therapeutic levels of lithium carbonate.. 77:1173-1175. 1984 Acute renal failure in pregnancy associated with solitary kidney, congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and renal cortical cyst.. 77:1056-1057. 1984 Arsenic: homicidal intoxication.. 77:848-851. 1984 Health as the outcome of medical care.. 77:807-808. 1984 Unusual radiologic manifestations of bronchogenic cyst.. 77:762-764. 1984 Oral candidiasis in cancer patients.. 77:312-314. 1984 Klebsiella pneumoniae arthritis of the hip in a diabetic patient.. 77:229-231. 1984 Percutaneous dissolution of renal calculi using ultrasonic litholapaxy.. 77:196-199. 1984 Late appearance of skin rash in Rocky Mountain spotted fever.. 76:1457-1458. 1983 Patent ductus arteriosus in the elderly.. 76:1436-1437. 1983 Normal menstruation and pregnancy in a patient with Nelson's syndrome.. 76:1319-1320. 1983 Delirium: diagnosis and treatment.. 76:1147-1150. 1983 Digitalgia paresthetica with digital neuropathy in rheumatoid arthritis.. 76:923-925. 1983 Tracheobronchial mucoid pseudotumors.. 76:938-940. 1983 Pneumocephaly from epidural anesthesia.. 76:399-400. 1983 PERCUTANEOUS ULTRASONIC RENAL CALCULUS DISSOLUTION. 76:P78-P78. 1983 Pyogenic arthritis: emphasis on the need for surgical drainage of the infected joint.. 75:1232-1238. 1982 Prosper Méniere: beyond the controversial autopsy report.. 75:470-472. 1982 Roentgenographic abnormalities in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.. 75:156-157. 1982 Variant Ventricular Tachycardia in Desipramine Toxicity. 74:1268-1269. 1981 Coexistent carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical radiculopathy (double crush syndrome).. 74:957-959. 1981 The "jerks": mass hysteria or epilepsy?. 74:607-609. 1981 Chronic pain: a multiaxial approach to psychosocial assessment and intervention.. 74:203-214. 1981 Arsenic poisoning.. 74:88. 1981 Progressive hepatic injury in prolonged parenteral alimentation.. 73:1659-1660. 1980 Mediastinitis complicating cellulitis of the head and neck.. 73:1378-1380. 1980 Renal agenesis after first trimester exposure to chlorambucil.. 73:1414-1415. 1980 Outpatient meniscectomy of the knee.. 73:892-895. 1980 Recurrent arteriotracheal fistula.. 73:687-688. 1980 Keeping medical costs to a minimum.. 73:403-404. 1980 Migraine.. 73:271. 1980 Dr. Samuel Mudd: Justice at Last. 73:1375-1376. 1980 Joseph bell, MD, FRCS — Mr. Sherlock holmes?. 73:1635-1636. 1980 Asymptomatic cecal stenosis after necrotizing enterocolitis.. 72:1613-1615. 1979 Pseudothyrotoxic myopathy: a complication of thionamide therapy in hyperthyroidism.. 72:1494-1495. 1979 Simultaneous open prostatectomy and inguinal herniorrhaphy.. 72:1293-1296. 1979 Microvascular surgery.. 72:1226. 1979 Carpal tunnel syndrome in hepatic disease.. 72:1030. 1979 Cylindroma (adenoid cystic carcinoma) causing unilateral cranial neuropathy.. 72:1003-1005. 1979 Oxybutynin chloride in the management of idiopathic detrusor instability.. 72:374-375. 1979 Sodium pyruvate treatment for hyperkeratotic disorders.. 72:307-310. 1979 Carpal tunnel syndrome in hepatic disease. 72:1030. 1979 Assessing psychologic symptoms in adolescents.. 71:1197-1202. 1978 Leprosy: biblical opprobrium?. 71:1294-1295. 1978 Crossed leg palsy in the elderly.. 71:1181. 1978 Facial pain from an elongated styloid process (Eagle's syndrome).. 71:1156-1159. 1978 Tetracycline toxicity presenting as generalized vasculitis.. 71:961-963. 1978 Acroparesthesias in pregnancy.. 71:880. 1978 Combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy of undifferentiated small cell bronchogenic carcinoma.. 71:519-529. 1978 Acetaminophen and hepatic dysfunction in infectious mononucleosis.. 70:660-661. 1977 Anorexia nervosa: a combined therapeutic approach.. 70:448-452. 1977 Type A botulism from commercially canned beef stew.. 70:5-7. 1977 Microvascular procedures in reconstructive surgery.. 69:1595-1597. 1976 The cost of auditing outpatient records.. 69:1328-1330. 1976 Intramedullary lipoma of the distal femur.. 69:1210-1211. 1976 Neoplasia of the colon: a late complication of ureterosigmoidostomy.. 69:501-504. 1976 Clinical and epidemiologic features of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Mississippi, 1933-1973.. 68:1529-1535. 1975 Anuria resulting from extrinsic ureteral compression.. 68:711-716. 1975 Preservation of the cadaveric kidney for transplantation.. 67:1457-1458. 1974 Renal artery aneurysm in a solitary kidney: successful surgical repair.. 67:368-370. 1974 Polyhydramnios: an infrequent etiology.. 65:188-passim. 1972 Myocardial revascularization using the saphenous vein bypass: a pre- and postoperative assessment.. 64:1433-1439. 1971 Urologic morbidity in renal transplantation.. 64:1513-1515. 1971 Metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint reconstruction: use of silicone rubber-dacron prostheses for replacement of irreparable joints of the hand.. 63:1281-1290. 1970 A review of rectal biopsy.. 63:315-317. 1970 The electrocardiogram in chronic obstructive lung disease.. 62:446-449. 1969 Phenylbutazone anuria.. 60:1318-1323. 1967 Cyclodialysis implants.. 60:692-695. 1967 Human renal transplantation with donor selection by leukocyte typing.. 60:730-735. 1967 ASTEROID HYALITIS: A STUDY OF SERUM CALCIUM LEVELS IN AFFECTED PATIENTS.. 58:191-194. 1965 HEREDITARY RETINOSCHISIS WITH RETINAL DETACHMENT.. 57:442-445. 1964 Infection in the diabetic.. 52:16-23. 1959 Radial tonometry-derived central arterial waveform reflects forced changes in cardiac contractility during dobutamine infusion: A stress echocardiographic substudy 2008 TREATMENT OF ESSENTIAL BLEPHAROSPASM, HEMIFACIAL SPASM, AND MEIGS SYNDROME WITH BOTULINUM TOXIN 1986	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1653
__label__wiki	0.586141	0.586141	"Hairy" cells in acute promyelocytic leukemia: Excess myeloperoxidase with formation of needle-shaped crystalline projections on the cytochemical stain in a case with variant morphology. A genotypic association implicates myeloperoxidase in the progression of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. A zebrafish model for the Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). Anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antibody and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 gene deficiency do not prevent pulmonary neutrophil recruitment in polymicrobial sepsis. Apolipoprotein E COG 133 mimetic peptide improves 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis. Association of Osteopontin, Neopterin, and Myeloperoxidase With Stroke Risk in Patients With Prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attacks: Results of an Analysis of 13 Biomarkers From the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels Trial. Attenuation of acid induced oesophagitis in VR-1 deficient mice. Biomarkers in stable coronary artery disease. Bisphenol A interacts with the estrogen receptor alpha in a distinct manner from estradiol. Blockade of L-selectin attenuates reperfusion injury in a rat model. Capsaicin vanilloid receptor-1 mediates substance P release in experimental pancreatitis. Causal Pathways from Enteropathogens to Environmental Enteropathy: Findings from the MAL-ED Birth Cohort Study. Clinical outcomes of treatment of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis based on ANCA type. Complement sensitivity of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria bone marrow cells. Differential expression of arginase and iNOS in the lung in sepsis. Direct effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone on fetal lung explants. Discrimination of antineutrophil antibodies from antinuclear antibodies using immunofluorescence on neutrophils and HL60 cells. Disorders of respiratory burst termination. Early increases in multiple biomarkers predict subsequent cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer treated with doxorubicin, taxanes, and trastuzumab. Effects of unfractionated heparin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists versus bivalirdin on myeloperoxidase release from neutrophils. Estrogenic activity of a dieldrin/toxaphene mixture in the mouse uterus, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and yeast-based estrogen receptor assays: no apparent synergism. Extrinsic surgical denervation inhibits Clostridium difficile toxin A-induced enteritis in rats. Human neutrophil dysfunction with giant granules and defective activation of the respiratory burst. Identification of Functional and Expression Polymorphisms Associated With Risk for Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody-Associated Vasculitis. Immunologic consequences of acute ethanol ingestion in rats. Inhaled nitric oxide results in deteriorating hemodynamics when administered during cardiopulmonary bypass in neonatal swine. Inhibition of leukocyte L-selectin function with a monoclonal antibody attenuates reperfusion injury to the rabbit ear. Inhibition of the vanilloid receptor subtype-1 attenuates TNBS-colitis. Large Cellular Inclusions Accumulate in Arabidopsis Roots Exposed to Low-Sulfur Conditions. Leukotriene B4 mediates inflammation via TRPV1 in duct obstruction-induced pancreatitis in rats. Measurement of multiple biomarkers in advanced stage heart failure patients treated with pulmonary artery catheter guided therapy. Mechanism of the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of human neutrophils. Mechanisms of regulating the respiratory burst in leukocytes. Moderate-intensity aerobic training program improves insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers in a pilot study of morbidly obese minority teens. Multimarker Risk Stratification in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction. Myeloperoxidase-Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Positive and ANCA-Negative Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's): Distinct Patient Subsets. Neutrophil-Related Gene Expression and Low-Density Granulocytes Associated With Disease Activity and Response to Treatment in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis. Nonlethal oxidant injury to human retinal pigment epithelium cells causes cell membrane blebbing but decreased MMP-2 activity. Outcomes of nonsevere relapses in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis treated with glucocorticoids. Partial liquid ventilation reduces pulmonary neutrophil accumulation in an experimental model of systemic endotoxemia and acute lung injury. Primary sensory neurons: a common final pathway for inflammation in experimental pancreatitis in rats. Protection against chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic fibrosis in mice overexpressing pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor. Retinal pigment epithelium protection from oxidant-mediated loss of MMP-2 activation requires both MMP-14 and TIMP-2. Studies of human C5a as a mediator of inflammation in normal human skin. Studies of phagocytosis in chronic granulomatous disease. Studies on phagocytosis in patients with acute bacterial infections. The capsaicin VR1 receptor mediates substance P release in toxin A-induced enteritis in rats. The critical role of hematopoietic cells in lipopolysaccharide-induced airway inflammation. The distal cytoplasmic domain of the erythropoietin receptor induces granulocytic differentiation in 32D cells. The light microscopic demonstration of hydroperoxidase-positive Phi bodies and rods in leukocytes in acute myeloid leukemia. The role of allopurinol and deferoxamine in preventing pressure ulcers in pigs. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced lung injury and its modulation by synthetic polynucleotide: a physiologic-morphometric analysis. Using biomarkers to assess risk and consider treatment strategies in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. Valproic acid mitigates the inflammatory response and prevents acute respiratory distress syndrome in a murine model of Escherichia coli pneumonia at the expense of bacterial clearance. Vanilloid receptor-1 containing primary sensory neurones mediate dextran sulphate sodium induced colitis in rats. Chen, Jun, Associate Professor of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute Gunn, Michael Dee, Professor of Medicine, Immunology McDonnell, Donald Patrick, Chair, Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1654
__label__wiki	0.570894	0.570894	Review: ‘Magic Mike’ July 25, 2012 August 5, 2012 patchkolan A friend of mine has already turned ‘Magic Mike’ into a verb. A verb that could be used in the sentence, “What am I doing tonight? A glass of wine, a warm bath– maybe a Magic Mike.” She hasn’t even seen the film, just the trailer in which Channing Tatum and his beefcake co-stars strip to high-energy dance music. With the unlikely popularity of 50 Shades of Grey and the incredible success of this film ($100 million so far from a $7 million budget) it seems that this has been a winter for, well, Magic Mike-ing. The difference between Magic Mike and 50 Shades of Grey however, is that this film offers quite a lot more than just titillation. Magic Mike is also a surprisingly effective buddy film and workplace drama, doused with some really good, natural ribald comedy. Channing Tatum turns on the charm and Cody Horn kind of frowns a lot. That’s Magic Mike. ‘Magic’ Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) is a smart, charming thirty-year-old guy who works hard as a roofer and stripper, but can’t quite get his piece of the American dream, which he sees as running a custom-furniture business. He drives a new truck, but covers the dash in plastic, has exotic sex frequently with bi-sexual Joanna (Olivia Munn) makes decent money and seems to have a life that’s pretty good, if not a little aimless. The Kid (Alex Pettyfer) is a nineteen-year-old former-footballer, who’s thrown away a college scholarship and is down on his luck in a new town, crashing at his attractive but straight-laced sister’s apartment. Mike meets The Kid at a roofing job, befriends him and takes him to his other place of business, the Xquisite All Male Review. There The Kid is introduced to the club’s owner Dallas (Matthew McConaughey), who gets him stripping when one of the regulars takes ill. It’s at this point I’d like to make special mention of Matthew McConaughey. Playing the sleazy, buffed Tandoori-orange owner/operator of the club, McConaughey seems to have hit on the role of a lifetime, and one that he seems to have been incongruously playing in other films for the last twenty years. Now his whole career makes sense to me. Mike tries to court The Kid’s sister Brooke (Cody Horne), who doesn’t seem to have a moral objection to the stripping, but doesn’t want it to be a part of her life. With a little help from Brooke, Mike starts to question his lifestyle. McConaughey! It was the role he was born to play. Magic Mike runs on a well-trodden track, and one that’s usually reserved for films about men, for men. You could pretty easily take top-of-his-game Mike, talented-but-morally-blank The Kid and irredeemably-corrupt Dallas out of their all male review and into a custom auto-repair shop, boxing gym or crime syndicate, throw in some action scenes and you’ve got a pretty blokey film. That film probably wouldn’t quite get the same return of interest as Magic Mike, which has been marketed expertly if not necessarily precisely. As he’s done twice before, director Steven Soderbergh has built Magic Mike around a star with almost unparallel authority (previously MMA fighter Gina Carano in Haywire and adult actress Sasha Grey in The Girlfriend Experience, and here around ex-stripper Channing Tatum), but experienced actor Tatum hold scenes in a way Grey and Carano just couldn’t. The Kid and Brooke disappear into the scenery sometimes, but style, humour and authority radiates out of Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey’s performances. Both Tatum and the film do start to falter late in the piece, and the last, slightly-preachy act inches towards a fairly obvious resolution, but for the most part you will have a good goddamn good time with this film, no matter how you Magic Mike or with what. Ben McKelvey @BenMcKelvey Posted in Movie ReviewsTagged 3.5 stars, 50 Shades of Grey, alex pettyfer, ben mckelvey, channing tatum, cinema, cody horn, comedy, critic, critics, drama, entertainment, film review, Games, hollywood, kid alex, magic mike, magic mike rating, magic mike review, Matthew McConaughey, McConaughey, movie review, naked, nude, olivia munn, penis, pornstar, rating, Review, roofing job, sasha gray, sex, shades of grey, shotgun critic, spoiler free, stars, steven soderbergh, strippers Previous postReview: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Next postReview: ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ 3 thoughts on “Review: ‘Magic Mike’” Kimmi Cage says: Minus the sleaziness, Ben McKelvey is Australia’s Matthew McConaughey. Benny says: Thank you? google22222222222 says: GScraper is one new blackhat SEO software, the most powerful scraper or poster for link building, If you have never used that, you real can not imagine that the scrape and POST can crazy to what extent! google22222222222 http://www.google.com Thoughts? Comment below. Cancel reply	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1660
__label__cc	0.555503	0.444497	Watch Full HD Happy Death Day 2U (2019) Online Free - SidiFlix Tree Gelbman discovers that dying over and over was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead. Genres: Horror, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi Actors: Israel Broussard, Suraj Sharma, Jessica Rothe, Phi Vu Director: Christopher Landon Metascore : 57 A college student must relive the day of her murder over and over again, in a loop that will end only when she discovers her killer's identity. Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Director: Christopher Leone PARALLELS is a science-fiction adventure series that follows the story of a small band of people traveling across parallel earths. The group is led by an estranged brother and sister, Ronan and Beatrix Carver, who are looking for their father. What they discover is that their family is shattered across multiple earths. The question is: can they put their family back together again? The Invisible Man Returns Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi Director: Joe May Framed for the murder of his brother, Geoffrey Radcliffe is scheduled to hang. After a visit from his friend Dr. Frank Griffin, he vanishes mysteriously from prison. Police inspector Sampson realizes that Griffin is the brother of the original Invisible Man and has given Geoffrey the formula to aid his escape. Can Geoffrey elude the police dragnet and track down the real murderer? More importantly, can Griffin discover an antidote before the invisibility formula drives Geoffrey insane? Director: Susan Johnson A teenage girl's secret love letters are exposed and wreak havoc on her love life. Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi Director: Ben Young Story follows a man who has a recurring dream of losing his family. His nightmare turns into a reality when the planet is invaded by a force bent on brutality and destruction. Fighting for their lives, he comes to realize an unknown strength to keep his family safe from harm. Director: Bethany Ashton Wolf After being gone for a decade a country star returns home to the love he left behind. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse Genre: Horror, Action, Comedy Three scouts, on the eve of their last camp-out, discover the true meaning of friendship when they attempt to save their town from a zombie outbreak. Scream and Scream Again Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Sci-Fi Director: Gordon Hessler In London, a serial-killer drains the blood of females and the Detective Superintendent Bellaver and his team are hunting down the so-called Vampire Killer. Meanwhile in an undefined country that lives a military dictatorship, the cruel Konratz is climbing positions killing The Power that Be. When the Vampire Killer flees from the police, he seeks refugee at the real estate of scientist Dr. Browning and jumps into a tank of acid. Dr. David Sorel is intrigued with the powerful acid and decides to get a sample. He finds the truth about the research of Dr. Browning. When a young man becomes the target of a malevolent entity, he must uncover its true intentions before it takes complete control of him.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1661
__label__cc	0.641975	0.358025	By Julia Feeser One Abstinence Organization’s Response to Alice Dreger By now you’ve probably heard of Alice Dreger, or at least heard of the woman who sat in on her son’s abstinence class and live tweeted the entire event. Dreger, a writer and professor of medical humanities and bioethics, sat in on her son’s class after learning two guest lecturers would be presenting an abstinence-only curriculum. During the presentation, she became increasingly appalled by what she was hearing and showed her dismay by live-tweeting her impressions. And while some of Dreger’s outrage was well-founded (for instance, one part of the presentation involved handing out paper babies and essentially informing students that ultimately condoms are not an effective way to prevent pregnancy, which is not true if they are used correctly and consistently as the CDC states) there’s a few things Dreger said that we, ourselves an abstinence-based organization, felt compelled to reply with our two cents. Before we do, it is important to be clear about our intent with our response. First, we have only read the tweets Dreger shared with the world this week. We do not know who the guest lecturers were or the organization they represent, but we would wager a guess that they hold a genuine concern for the sexual well-being of young people and it was not their initial intention to shame or mislead. Second, we are grateful for voices like Dreger’s because although we don’t agree with some of the things she said or how she chose to voice her opinion, we recognize the need for people like her to hold programs like ours accountable to a higher standard of medical accuracy and language that clearly articulates a positive message of sexual abstinence. Here’s just a few of Alice Dreger’s tweets during class: The ridiculous bit is where they assume kids are actually getting their sex ed in the classroom. Hello? — Alice Dreger (@AliceDreger) April 15, 2015 Dreger’s right, most kids don’t receive their sex education in the classroom. Know where many teens are finding their information about sex? Pornography. In fact, 9 out of 10 boys and 6 out of 10 girls are exposed to pornography before the age of 18. So while Dreger may be right about this, is sex education within the classroom something we should just give up on because, well, it just doesn’t matter? Absolutely not. Part of any education on healthy sexuality involves helping young people understand that the information about sex they receive from the media and yes, pornography, can be incredibly damaging and even lead false ideas about sex and intimacy. I just want to grab all those kids after school and say HERE IS THE TRUTH. SEX FEELS GOOD. THAT'S WHY YOU SEEK IT. TAKE CARE & HAVE FUN. Yes, sex FEELS GOOD! We absolutely, one hundred percent are totally on board with this and how part of enjoying sex is for the simple reason it feels awesome! But is this casual attitude really the one you want to equip young people with? Part of taking care and having fun means understanding how to honor not only your own emotional and physical well-being, but that of your partner’s as well. While our curriculum is abstinence-based, we choose to focus on what it means for a person to live with sexual integrity, meaning how do the choices you make now as teens affect your well-being five or ten years down the road? We want students to understand they take a risk when engaging in early sexual activity, risks that can (but do not necessarily) include STDs, pregnancy, increased risk of depression and low self-esteem, and the emotional hurt that can occur as a result of social bonding through oxytocin and vasopressin if the relationship is not maintained. "Safe sex is kind of a misnomer." I think we can safely assume the air quotes here allude to Dreger not believing this statement. But here’s the truth: Are there ways to protect yourself from the physical aspects of sex, such as STDs or pregnancy? Absolutely. Are there ways to protect yourself from the emotional aspects of sex, such as the bonding hormones (see oxytocin and vasopressin)? Nope, not really. Something we always communicate is that it is not the condom that typically fails the user rather it is the user that fails to use the condom. But even when they do the condom will never protect against the release of the hormones listed above. We believe in sex. We believe in its goodness and beauty and value in a committed, married relationship (for a ton more reasons we could get into!), and we’re NOT about scaring young people into believing false information about sex, like the guest lecturers Dreger witnessed. Sex is risky. It just is. And the safest form of sex is in fact not having it; choosing to wait. Period. The guy telling the "abstinence" story is now telling us about having sex as a teenager. I'm confused. Ok, this one is just not cool. It’s not fair to assume that because someone chose to have sex, and then realized that was a choice they didn’t want to make, this means they are unfit to speak about why abstinence is beneficial. We get what Dreger is saying here, which is why is someone who didn’t wait telling young people it’s possible and healthy to wait? But isn’t it possible this person could actually offer a very insightful and truthful perspective on how not waiting for sex impacted his life and well-being? Dreger goes on to highlight how her son came to class with information about how abstinence-only programs statistically do not have any impact on teens waiting for sex. And you know what? There is a lot of data (sadly) to to back this up. However, there is also a lot of other research that would refute this data, like this recent article about NYC teens waiting longer! Plus, we have to ask ourselves why the teen pregnancy rate continues to drop if abstinence has nothing to do with it. No one really knows why these rates are dropping as this article points out, but it’s important to note this drop in numbers coincides with the rising presence of abstinence education. Further, there is a ton of research which suggests programs that give a holistic view of sexuality, including a clear conversation on abstinence, do work to delay teen sexual behavior. One of Dreger’s biggest rants (sorry, concerns) was in response to feeling the guest lecturers used shame as an influence to wait for sex, and this was something that made us want to stand up and rant with her! We wish more abstinence programs operated under the knowledge that when it comes to speaking about sex, shaming is both ineffective and inappropriate and has no place in a conversation that is already a delicate one. Here’s what we want to say to Mrs. Dreger: Mrs. Dreger, we’re really, truly sorry that your son and the young people in his class were given shame-based and some misinformation about abstinence. We need you to know that not all abstinence-based organizations are the same, and we work hard to equip young people with encouragement, factual information, and hope. And just like you, when we feel compelled to set the record straight about our perspective and experience, we’re going to do so. While we share different opinions on how young people should approach their sex lives, we really aren’t cool with being put in this box that all abstinence organizations are worthless and wasting their time. We applaud your son for doing his research about abstinence organizations and you for encouraging him to challenge misleading information. Seriously. But we’re under the impression (and experience) that if one young person in that classroom hears our message of sexual integrity and takes it into consideration, we have a purpose being in that classroom. *UPDATE: According to the Lansing State Journal the program who spoke is called SMART (Sexually Mature Aware Responsible Teens). It’s provided by an independent contractor working with Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing, a group that counsels pregnant women to avoid abortion.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1664
__label__cc	0.591548	0.408452	Category: sarah lefanu Despatches from the Frontier of the Female Mind, Jen Green and Sarah Lefanu Published on 26 June 2013 7 June 2013 by iansales2 Comments Despatches from the Frontier of the Female Mind, Jen Green and Sarah Lefanu (1985) Review by Jack Deighton This is an anthology from a time when it was thought there had to be a Women’s Press and a collection of SF stories by women writers only. Given the relative rarity, still, of published SF written by women – though the barriers are no longer so high and the practitioners are at least on a par with and often surpass their male counterparts – arguably the desideratum is as important now as it ever was. The avowedly feminist perspective, the didacticism, of a lot of these stories dates them though. Then again most SF from the 80s would be similarly dated. ‘Big Operation on Altair Three’ by Josephine Saxton On a regressive colony world an advertising copywriter describes the unusual procedure devised to illustrate the extreme stability of a new car. ‘Spinning the Green’ by Margaret Elphinstone A fairy tale. It even begins, “Once upon a time.” A treacle merchant on his way home from a convention encounters a group of green-clad women in a wood. They demand a price for the rose he has picked for his youngest daughter. Curiously this world has computers, televisions and round the world cruises but the merchant travels on horseback. ‘The Clichés from Outer Space’ by Joanna Russ Satirises the portrayal of women in the typical slush-pile SF story of pre-enlightened times – like the 1980s – with four overwrought, overwritten examples. (As they no doubt were.) ‘The Intersection’ by Gwyneth Jones Two space dwellers from an environment where privacy is impossible, “SERVE sees all, SERVE records all,” take a holiday to observe the indigs of the underworld. Bristling with acronyms and told rather than unfolded this is more an exercise in information dumping than a story as such. (And de rigeur ought to be spelled with a “u” after the “g”.) ‘Long Shift’ by Beverley Ireland A woman who is employed to use her mind to demolish buildings safely is given a priority assignment monitoring a subsidence which turns out to be worse than expected. ‘Love Alters’ by Tanith Lee Women only have babies with women, and men only with men. This is the right, the straight way to do it. Our female narrator is married to Jenny but then falls in love with someone else. A man. ‘Cyclops’ by Lannah Battley A space-faring archaeologist discovers Earth was not the cradle of humanity by uncovering an ancient manuscript written by “Aeneas.” It has a clever explanation of why the Cyclops appeared to have one eye. The story’s balance is out of kilter, though. ‘Instructions for Exiting this Building in Case of Fire’ by Pamela Zoline A remedy for the world’s ills involves the kidnapping, and resettlement, of children. ‘A Sun in the Attic’ by Mary Gentle In Asaria, women take more than one husband. Roslin, head of House Mathury, is married to a pair of brothers one of whom has gone missing. The Port Council does not like his scientific investigations. ‘Atlantis 2045: no love between planets’ by Frances Gapper In a repressive future society letters are too dangerous to write. Jene is a misfit, earning her family penalty points to the extent that they have her classified as a Social Invisible. Then one day her equally invisible aunt returns from being Ghosted. ‘From a Sinking Ship’ by Lisa Tuttle Susannah works trying to communicate with dolphins. She is happier with them than with humans; so much so that she is unaware of the impending nuclear war. The dolphins understand the danger; and have an escape plan. ‘The Awakening’ by Pearlie McNeill In a heavily polluted future world Lucy has doubts about her daughter’s participation in the Breeding Roster. ‘Words’ by Naomi Mitchison Is about the inadequacy of language to describe new experiences – especially those induced by a device to stimulate brain synapses. ‘Relics’ by Zoë Fairbairns A woman’s visit to a Greenham Common type peace camp is overtaken by the beginning of a nuclear war. She is placed in a freezing cabinet and woken decades later to be part of an exhibition illustrating her times. The future people get it hopelessly wrong of course. ‘Mab’ by Penny Castagli A post-menopausal woman who takes a yoga class gives birth – from a lump on her head – to a tiny child. This apparently prefigures the demise of the male. ‘Morality Meat’ by Raccoona Sheldon* A simple morality tale. Droughts and grain diseases have killed off the supply of meat but as always the rich still manage to get their share. Meanwhile every pregnancy is forced by law to go to full term. Adoption Centres provide a service for those who do not want or otherwise cannot keep their babies. But parents cannot be found for all the children. *Raccoona Sheldon (Alice Sheldon) is also known as James Tiptree Jr. ‘Apples In Winter’ by Sue Thomason People from another world interfere with a native culture. This review originally appeared on A Son of the Rock. Categories anthology, book review, jen green, sarah lefanu•Tags anthology, beverley ireland, despatches from the frontier of the female mind, frances gapper, gwyneth jones, jack deighton, james tiptree jr, jen green, joanna russ, josephine saxton, lannah battley, lisa tuttle, margaret elphinstone, mary gentle, naomi mitchison, pamela zoline, pearlie mcneill, penny castagli, raccoona sheldon, sarah lefanu, sue thomason, tanith lee, women's press sf, zoë fairbairns	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1665
__label__wiki	0.658415	0.658415	Legal Betting Sports Betting Bonuses Free Bets And No Deposit Bonuses Guide To Live And In-Play Betting Handicap Betting Explained Over / Under Betting The Different Types Of Sports Betting What Is Double Chance Betting? Wed 30 May, 2018, 11:00 PM (EDT) Kei Nishikori vs. Benoit Paire 2018 French Open Tennis Pick, Preview, Odds, Prediction By: Randy Created: 5/28/18 Paire vs. Nishikori Wednesday May 30, 2018, 11:00 PM (EDT) Unknown Location Unknown Address The Line: -- Over/Under: Tennis, NBC Stream live sports and ESPN originals on-demand on ESPN+ for only $4.99 a month. Sign up now! Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Kei Nishikori and Benoit Paire meet in the second round of the 2018 tennis French Open. Kei Nishikori is coming off a straight sets win over Maxime Janvier that took 32 games to decide. In the victory, Nishikori won 85 percent of his first serve points and 61 percent of his second serve points. Nishikori won 74 percent of his total service points in the victory and had just 14 unforced errors. Nishikori has had an up and down season overall, but he’s been playing some of his best tennis since the Rome Masters and has shown flashes of being the top-10 player he was a couple of years ago. It’s just about health for Nishikori, as that wrist injury seems to flair up whenever it wants, making him very ineffective. Nishikori has lost before the third round of a grand slam once since 2016. Nishikori has split his last eight matches on clay court. Benoit Paire is coming off a four sets win over Roberto Carballés Baena that took 42 games to decide. In the victory, Paire won 84 percent of his first serve points and 45 percent of his second serve points. Paire won 64 percent of his total service points and broke eight times, but he must play cleaner tennis in order to make a deeper run. Paire managed to hit 75 unforced errors and got almost nothing on his second serve. If Paire is going to make a rare deep grand slam run, he can’t leave the door open for his opponent as much as he’s done recently. Paire has lost before the third round of a grand slam in seven of his last nine appearances. Paire has won five of his last eight matches on clay court. These two have played five times and Nishikori has won three of those matches. The most recent match was in the 2016 Barcelona Open, a match Nishikori won in straight sets. Nishikori is 2-0 against Paire on clay court. Paire would have lost his first round match if he played somebody better than Carballés Baena, as you shouldn’t win when you hit over 70 unforced errors. When Nishikori isn’t having issues with his wrist, he’s looked fairly sharp and has cashed quite a bit as an underdog the last month or so. Nishikori should win this match in three or four sets. GrabThePoints Randy Chambers has been with Sports Chat Place since 2014 and covers everything from the NFL to WNBA and tennis. Nobody works harder in this business in terms of content produced and amount of sports covered. Formerly a lead college football writer with Bleacher Report and has had his work featured at Fox Sports, CBS Sports and various other outlets. Dog of the day Mitch's Best Picks Premium Week Buy Premium Week Premium Month Buy Premium Month Premium Plus 5 Day Buy Premium Plus 5 Day Premium Plus Month Buy Premium Plus Month Premium Year Buy Premium Year Top Handicappers Last 30 days W/L/P Dana Lane 50-37-0 +985 Buy Andrew Bartley Scott Rickenbach Stephen Nover Most Popular Free Picks 7/19/2019, 10:10 PM (EDT) Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Miami Marlins - 7/19/19 MLB Pick, Odds, and Prediction 7/19/2019, 8:00 AM (EDT) Jeremy Chardy vs. Nicolas Jarry - 7/19/19 Swedish Open Tennis Pick, Odds, and Prediction 7/19/2019, 11:00 AM (EDT) John Isner vs. Matthew Ebden - 7/19/19 Hall of Fame Open Tennis Pick, Odds, and Prediction 7/19/2019, 7:05 PM (EDT) Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox - 7/19/19 MLB Pick, Odds, and Prediction New York Yankees vs. Colorado Rockies - 7/19/19 MLB Pick, Odds, and Prediction 18+ \| Has gambling become a problem for you? Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 \| www.ncpgambling.org Activities offered by advertising links to other sites may be deemed an illegal activity in certain jurisdictions. Viewers are specifically warned that they should inquire into the legality of participating in any games and/or activities offered by such other sites. The owner of this website assumes no responsibility for the actions by and makes no representation or endorsement of any of these games and/or activities offered by the advertiser. As a condition of viewing this website viewers agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from the viewer’s participation in any of the games and/or activities offered by the advertiser. Copyright, 2019 P&P VEGASGROUP INC	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1679
__label__cc	0.505368	0.494632	NFL Week 9 Preview, Predictions: Steelers at Patriots Analysis October 31st, 2013 Adam Solowiei At Sports Unbiased we believe in information. We also believe there is no such thing as too much information. With that in mind, we give you at least six collaborative articles per week that will prepare you for the next weeks NFL matchups. The first knowledge grab of the week are the weekly NFL writers picks which is up early each week. Then you can find an in-depth analysis of the week’s marquee matchups in a series we call the 2013 NFL Weekly In-Depth Analysis which is now a series of five articles that cover the marquee games of the week and Monday Night Football.These articles will prepare you in time for your office pools or any other venture you might consider. As part of the NFL Weekly In-Depth Analysis series we present the clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. This is a 4:25 PM EST game that will be played at Gillette Stadium as the 6-2 New England Patriots host the 2-5 Pittsburgh Steelers. Here are the Vegas odds for the game and what the Sports Unbiased In-Depth Analysis Team believes will occur this Sunday. The writers taking part are: Josh Madas, Mike Santangelo, “Coach” Mike Fabber, John Yeomans, and Chris Pagliuca. Vegas Odds (Spread and Over-under): New England minus 6 1/2, 44 u Chris’ Pick: Besides a loss to the Raiders last week the Steelers have looked improved, but they’ve still been struggling offensively (23rd in total yards). As for the Patriots, they have also been struggling offensively due to injuries and lack of depth at receiver, they’re also banged up on defense, but under head coach Bill Belichick they somehow still manage to be one of the best teams in the NFL. In the end I see the Patriots coming out on top. Patriots-24 Steelers- 13 John’s Pick: Both the Patriots and Steelers aren’t playing the way were used to , but one big difference is the Patriots are still finding a way to win while the Steelers having only been able to secure two victories. Tom Brady is having probably his worst season ever and now has to go up against Steelers pass defense that has been playing well (ranked second) despite the fact that the team is having troubling winning. This should cause Brady to have another middle of the road type of game. As for the Patriots defense, that has been decimated by injuries, their just hoping to have cornerback Aquib Talib back to help their secondary. It will also be interesting to see how many snap newly acquired defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga takes to help their struggles stopping the rush (ranked 31st). Luckily the Steelers offense has just as many problems (ranked 23rd in total offense) with Big Ben having issues with turnovers (12) and the running game struggling (averaging 68.7 yards a game), even though Levon Bell is doing better than Redman, Dwyer, or Jones did. The Patriot would be wise to pound the rock with their running backs as the Steelers struggle to stop the run (ranked 30th in rush defense) and should have no problem winning with this strategy. Patriots 21 Steelers 17 Coach’s Pick: The Steelers are trying to stay in contention for one of the greatest turn around season of all time but it took a hit last week when they traveled west to Oakland. They ran out of time and left with a loss. They cannot afford to leave any more game on the table like that or their season will be left for dead. The Patriots have a pretty comfortable space in their division but they need to start clicking more on offense if they want to compete with the big boys of the AFC. They are healthy now on offense so there is no excuse not to start putting it together. This game will help the process, Patriots win 24-13. Josh’s Pick: The Steelers have looked awful this year. You cannot trust them to show up and it does not help that this game is being played in Boston. Since the return of Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers have improved, but nothing still seems to be clicking for them on offense. On the other side, the Patriots are celebrating the return of their top two receivers. With the uncertainty of who is playing, Brady has not looked as crisp as he has in the past. Still, he gets the job done and leads his team as any great quarterback should. Because Steelers are so bad and the game is being played at New England, I think the Patriots will have no problem winning this game. Final Score: New England 35 – Pittsburgh 14 Mike’s Pick: This used to be a matchup that you’d circle on your calendar as one to watch for as the season progressed. This year, I don’t really think that’s the case. You have a Patriots team who is throwing TD passes to guys who were fixing refrigerators just 3 weeks ago (exaggeration? yes.) against a Pittsburgh team who can’t seem to find their identity on either offense or defense. The Patriots started the season unsure of their offense, but with a solid defense. Now, with injuries to key defensive players at every level, they can’t even count on their defense to bail them out really. Instead, Tom Brady has to keep making plays to bail them out. Well, this week he will continue to do so as they face a team as flawed as, perhaps even more flawed, then they are. Final Score: Steelers 24 – Patriots 30 There it is, Sports Unbiased has broken down a marquee game in week nine of the NFL season. We have given you analysis, we have given you the odds and we even gave you the possible final score. Trust all the writers, trust a couple of the writers or just trust one. Find you favorites and come back for other editions of the Sports Unbiased marquee matchups. Now go forth and win your office pool, enjoy the game even have some fun on the morning line. Good luck and happy picking. See you next week. Note: All odds courtesy of Vegas Insider Consensus Greatest NFL Quarterback of All-Time: Tom Brady or Joe Montana NFL: Top-5 Worst Super Bowl Losses Super Bowl 2017 Predictions \| Seahawks vs. Patriots Rematch? NFL Impact News: Tom Brady Suspension Upheld, Fallout Predictions for 2015 Ranking the Top Quarterbacks in the NFL for 2015-2016 NFL Trending: New England Patriots 2019-20 Preview, Predictions: Critical Questions on the AFC East (Part 4) by Alex Christ 1984 Miami Dolphins AAFC/AFL/NFL/Super Bowl Championship History by Alex Christ Miami Dolphins 2019-20 Preview, Predictions: Critical Questions on the AFC East (Part 2) by Alex Christ Buffalo Bills 2019-20 Preview, Predictions: Critical Questions on the AFC East by Alex Christ 1990 Buffalo Bills AAFC/AFL/NFL/Super Bowl Championship History by Alex Christ	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1680
__label__cc	0.632557	0.367443	Russian Astronaut Misurkin Dreams of Going to the Moon, Mars A Russian astronaut Alexander Misurkin thinks humankind should not stop at the exploration of near-Earth space but rather go further in the universe, the explorer told RIA Novosti Tuesday. MEXICO CITY, April 8 (RIA Novosti) – A Russian astronaut Alexander Misurkin thinks humankind should not stop at the exploration of near-Earth space but rather go further in the universe, the explorer told RIA Novosti Tuesday. “I think, we shouldn’t limit ourselves to exploring the Earth’s orbit. I, personally, would be interested in going to the outer space, exploring the asteroids, the Moon, and Mars. It’s a natural development for me, we have no right to stop at the orbit of our planet,” Misurkin said. Misurkin was part of the international space station crew coming back to Earth in September 2013. The astronauts carried out 45 scientific research tasks in the 166 days they spent on board of the station. Misurkin and Fyodor Yurchikhin went into open space working there for 7,5 hours hitting record time for a Russian-made spacesuit. “Coming back to the orbit is a logical development, because astronaut training is extremely expensive for just one flight,” he said expressing his willingness to participate in another space expedition. Misurkin thinks that US sanctions on Russia can deal a heavy blow to space cooperation. “I am more than sure that great achievements in space require collaborative work, there is no alternative here. I really hope this doesn’t happen and we continue cooperation all the while involving more and more countries in it,” the astronaut said. NASA's decision to suspend the majority of space cooperation projects with Russia in light of the geopolitical tensions around Ukraine was accepted not only with bewilderment among Russian space experts but also drew criticism inside the US space agency as well. Mars, Moon, International Space Station, space, Roscosmos, Alexander Misurkin	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1682
__label__cc	0.601569	0.398431	Plants vs Zombies: Totally Zombifying The news about the acquisition of the popular casual games developer PopCap by the mainstream publisher EA Games made PopCap's admirers feel anxious... Nordine Bjerke, The news about the acquisition of the popular casual games developer PopCap by the mainstream publisher EA Games made PopCap's admirers feel anxious about the companyâs future. PopCap may keep on kidding that EA Games will be renamed into Poptronic Arts and that some of their games will be given new names like Sim Zuma: The SwampLife Edition and Bejeweled Battlefield Blitz, but the fact is that there are still only vague guesses of what these global changes will actually mean for the company. PopCap's fans' opinions are quite ambiguous. Some are full of enthusiasm waiting for even bigger projects, others are skeptical, predicting the shutdown of services and the end to creativity the PopCap games are famous for. Digesting these facts I decided to look back at the most popular games PopCap developed to remember their best releases before they've joined "the dark side". Among the most popular PopCap's projects are imperishable Bejeweled, time-killing Zuma, educational Bookworm, coloured Peggle and fluffy Chuzzle. But, to my mind, the gem of PopCap's collection is incomparable Plants vs Zombies, as I clearly remember the day I discovered this game and it just ate my brains. It Looks Like The Zombies Have Just Eaten Your Brains The game was released in 2009 and was accepted so positively that since that time every man and his dog had time to play it and to give it a high appraisal. So what is it that makes this game so highly remarkable? As in any casual game its rules are quite simple, so they are easy to learn. Still, the game stands out for having a great variety of characters and for its exceptional originality and tremendous sense of humour. Actually, the game is a combination of adventure, puzzle and survival modes. The action takes place in the front yard , the backyard and, and on the rooftop of your house in the game. You find yourself in the position when you have to defend your own house and your own brains from an approaching massive hoard of zombies. Your only weapon against them is a diverse variety of plants. As you keep completing the levels, more and more new mini-games, puzzles and survival modes are unlocked. One of the final level to open is the most enthralling, endless survival mode. There you will have to use all of your acquired skills and the whole arsenal of plants to stop an unceasing wave of zombies for as long as you can. In one of the puzzles in the game, âI, zombieâ, you will be put in zombie's shoes and will have a rare opportunity to experience the dire life of a zombie. Mini-games will let you play a game of bowling and knock down a number of zombie-pins or acquire your own zombiquarium full of snorkeling zombies. Feel Yourself Like A Zombie In âI, Zombieâ Itâs BOWLING TIIIIMMEEE! Zen garden will allow you to enjoy gardening plants without battling anyone, and Zombatar will help you to create your own zombie and use the image as a profile picture for any social network. Enjoy The Process Of Gardening In Zen Garden Create Your Own Zombie With Zombatar! Everything about Plants vs Zombies is full of joyful creativity: itâs in your neighbour Crazy Dave's personality, it's in that classic zombie font and colour of the inscription "The Zombies Ate Your Brains", itâs in the way every plant and zombie is described in the almanac, in the notes zombies leave for you on the lawn and in that adorable way the zombies keep moaning and saying "brains". Crazy Daveâs Shop A Note The Zombies Left On Your Lawn Once installed, Plants vs Zombies never leaves my computer's hard drive as I can't resist playing a level or two from time to time. I don't know whether PopCap is able to release a game somehow similar in awesomeness to Plants vs Zombies or whether this bargain with EA games will let them have access to richer resources and develop a larger project, but I surely belong to the group of fans who impatiently anticipate a sequel to the game. The only question is whether it will be as ingenious and ludicrously amusing as the original. Article5 iPhone apps to add amazing painterly effects to your photo Article5 best web-based photo editors ArticleAwesome Android apps you can’t find on iPhone ArticleTop 5 apps to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions ArticleBest Android apps to help you sleep better Article5 spooktacular Android apps to celebrate Halloween Previous story Press the button... the other one Next story Getting a new look is no longer a nerve-wracking experience Caramelka This is a delightful game with very interesting graphics, a variety of levels and amazing sense of humor. Unfortunately I was not able to pass all the levels, because I did not have enough skills. My mother succeeded in this game more than me. Someday I'll try to pass it again. Be aware, zombies! – 7 years ago – Was it helpful? yes \| no (0) Tradewinds 2 Sandlot Games Corporation Article Step Out From the Shadows Article Live Through Your Favorite Story Article Top 5 Games You Would Never Think of as Art. Part I Article Top 5 Games for Angry Birds Fanboys Article Great Games of 2013: Part 2 Article Top 5 Games to Play at the Office without Getting Caught Article Exciting Hidden-Object Games Article Top 5 Scariest Games Ever Article The Telltale Quest Article Top 5 Zombie Games Article Mario: Still Alive	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1689
__label__wiki	0.699991	0.699991	#OTD in 1921 – Carrowkennedy Ambush: Michael Kilroy and the IRA’s West Mayo Flying Column ambushed a convoy of RIC and Black and Tans. Stair na hÉireannHistory, Ireland, Irish HistoryBlack and Tans, Carrowkennedy ambush, Co Ambush, IRA West Mayo Flying Column, Irish War of Independence, Major General Michael Kilroy, RIC, Widow McGreal, Widow Sammon’s House The ambush was organised by Major General Michael Kilroy, later Commandant of the 4th Western Battalion of the IRA. He and his flying column of 33 volunteers took up position between Widow Sammon’s House and that of Widow McGreal in Carrowkennedy and awaited a Royal Irish Constabulary patrol. When a unit of Black and Tans arrived, the volunteers opened fire. The column men captured 22 rifles, eight drums for the Lewis gun, several boxes of grenades, 21 revolvers, and around 6000 rounds of rifle ammunition. Petrol was shaken from tins over the two lorries and the car and there was a ‘furious blaze’. Eight of the British side were killed outright or died of their wounds and 16 surrendered. A large number of weapons were seized. The Black and Tans who surrendered were not killed, even though this policy had been endorsed by IRA General Headquarters due to the terror and mayhem they inflicted on civilians. Many of the local people went into hiding to avoid the retribution of the Tans. The IRA volunteers escaped arrest by sheltering in safe houses. Image \| Major General Michael Kilroy #OTD in 1567 – The Ulster chieftain, Shane O’Neill, takes refuge with the MacDonnells, and is murdered by them at Cushendun, Co Antrim. #OTD in Irish History – 3 June:	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1693
__label__wiki	0.606201	0.606201	Jennifer Hudson Delivers Powerful, Emotional Version of "I'll Fight" From 'RGB' The song may not have been a winner, but Jennifer Hudson was Kyle McCann Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY NETWORK The Academy Award nominated song "I'll Fight" from RBG may not have been a winner for Diane Warren, but Jennifer Hudson's performance of the feminist anthem certainly was. Related: Taylor Swift and Jennifer Hudson to Star in 'Cats' Movie In what was a show packed with wildly anticipated musical performances, Hudson's rendition of the Warren song was probably not on the top of many audiophile's lists of can't-misses. That is, until the singer-slash-actress took the stage. #Oscars Moment: @IAMJHUD performs "I'll Fight" from RGB. pic.twitter.com/ZEcQ9gk3s4 — The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 25, 2019 In a crowded race, "I'll Fight" lost the Oscar for Best Original Song to Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" from A Star Is Born. "I'll Fight" is played over the closing credits of RBG, the Best Documentary Feature nominee about the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. I'll Fight	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1695
__label__cc	0.706472	0.293528	Istanbul, your client´s next stop? Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a true melting pot, due to the influence of both Asian and European cultures. The Old City reflects the cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. It was ruled by the Byzantines as Constantinople before the rise of the Ottoman Empire, and its Roman influences are still clear, due to cultural artefacts like the Roman-era Hippodrome, which hosted ancient chariot races, as well as the Hagia Sophia, first built by the Byzantines in 537 A.D and famed for its massive dome and Christian mosaics. Visitors to Istanbul should see the Blue Mosque, also called Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Completed in 1616, it is an impressive building, featuring unique blue tile decoration, a massive main dome and six towering minarets. Topkapı Palace, with its numerous royal artefacts, is also a major attraction. Near Topkapı Palace is the Spice Bazaar, famed worldwide for the bulk sale of spices, as well as other souvenirs and products. The nearby Grand Bazaar inside the Walled City of Istanbul is thought to be the oldest covered market in the world and is by far the most popular, with over four thousand shops across 61 streets, attracting an estimated 91 million visitors per year. Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel Ciragan Str. 46, Ortakoy - Besiktas, Istanbul, Po.34349 STYLISH HOTEL IN ISTANBUL’S VIBRANT ORTAKÖY NEIGHBOURHOOD Choose from 120 rooms and suites with amenities including free high-speed Wi-Fi. Fantastic on-site dining options include the Et Cetera grill restaurant, which serves delectable meats, mezzes and mouthwatering house-created gourmet burgers against the backdrop of the glimmering Bosphorus Bridge. Head to the Cruise Lounge Bar before or after dinner for an array of cocktails, beers and wines. Our meeting facilities feature 7 rooms for conferences or personal events, and the hotel’s lovely Pupa Terrace, overlooking the Bosphorus, is ideal for high-profile functions. Ramada Hotel & Suites Istanbul Golden Horn Sutluce Mahallesi , Imrahor Caddesi No:12, Istanbul, Po.34445 Ramada Hotel & Suites Istanbul Golden Horn is located in Beyoglu near Golden Horn. It is located in central Istanbul, close to Halic Congress Center, Miniaturk, Musiad headquarters, Istanbul Trade University, Halic University, Koc Museum, Vialand Theme Park and Bilgi University. It is only 10 minutes away from some of the top places of interest, including Historic Feshane Taksim, Besiktas and Levent. Best for TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS The Elysium Istanbul İnönü Mah. , Yedikuyular Cad. No:1 Taksim , Istanbul, Po.34373 Surrounded by the historical landmarks of Istanbul and shopping, entertainment and exhibition centers, the Elysium Istanbul is a luxurious haven of peace and relaxation set in the heart of Taksim. All suites are designed to modern standards in a Loft style with a mezzanine and a ground floor. The ground floor features a living and study area and a kitchenette. The bedroom and bathroom are available on the mezzanine floor. The 122 suites, 2 Penthouses and 63 deluxe rooms offer an energizing contemporary city loft feel in a spacious and homely atmosphere. CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul Gümüşsuyu Mahallesi İnönü Caddesi, No:8 , Istanbul, Po.34437 CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel İstanbul is redefining the concept of luxury in the heart of the city, only two minutes walking distance to Taksim Square. The hotel consists of 344 rooms and 38 suites within the range of 35–115m² and the 68 fully-furnished suites of CVK Park Prestige Suites, offering different bedroom alternatives which are elligible for both long and short term stays. Butler service upon request is offered as well. The biggest terrace in Istanbul with Bosphorus views, serving delicacies from various cuisines. CVK Safira Spa and Fitness includes 2 fitness areas, one half-Olympic pool and 10 treatment rooms. Istanbul Royal Hotel Aksaray Str. no 12 Laleli, Fatih, Istanbul, Po.34480 Istanbul Royal Hotel - 130 rooms in total. City view is available. Direct dial phone, minibar, safety deposit boxes, LCD screen TV, central air-conditioning, hairdryer, smoke detector, fire alarm and sprinklers. Free wireless, electronic keycard access system, soundproofed with double-glazed windows, carpeted floor. Laundry, 24-hr room service, power generator. Breakfast lounge, piano bar, roof bar, two a la carte restaurants. Ataturk Airport 15 km. In the old city center. Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu Kennedy Cd. No:56, Kazlicesme Mh., Istanbul, Po.34056 Located between the city centre and Ataturk International Airport, Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu offers recently-renovated modern meeting rooms, restaurant and a lobby. It provides a free shuttle bus to Taksim and Sultanahmet. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. A delicious daily breakfast is served with a variety of fresh juices. The elegant restaurant with a show kitchen offers Turkish and international cuisine. Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu is a 10-minute drive from Ataturk Airport, just a 7-minute drive from Veli Efendi Hipodrome. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Taksim Square is located within a 15-minute drive from Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet Tevkifhane Sokak No.1, Istanbul, Po.34110 Our century-old neoclassical home is a tranquil sanctuary in the middle of Istanbul's Old City, Sultanahmet, bounded by the mystic waters of the the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. While just steps away from top historical attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, our 65-room Hotel offers a calming space filled with charm and top-quality Four Seasons care. Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Büyükdere Caddesi, No:76 Mecidiyeköy İstanbul, Turkey The award winning Fairmont Quasar Istanbul is at once in touch with Istanbul’s storied past and part of its dynamic future. Rising up from the heart of vibrant Mecidiyeköy district with its eclectic blend of office towers, shopping centers and colorful side streets, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul is at the crossroads with easy access to both airports and a short walk to the metro. Offering 209 guest rooms including 25 suites overlooking the Bosphorus, diverse selection of restaurants featuring Turkish and Asian food as well as international cuisine, the Gold Lounge, the relaxing Willow Stream Spa with its fitness, relaxation and indoor pool facilities as well as the breath taking outdoor infinity pool on the fifth floor, the hotel is the perfect place for exploring Istanbul. Four Seasons at the Bosphorus Cıragan Caddesi , No.28, Istanbul, Po.34349 Proudly standing on the shores of the scenic Bosphorus – the storied strait that links Europe and Asia – our lovingly restored, 19th-century Ottoman palace brings together Istanbul’s ancient architecture, warm Turkish hospitality and contemporary accommodation. Relax in one of our traditional hammams, spend an afternoon lounging around our outdoor pool, and savour Anatolian delicacies as you admire the soaring minarets and towers of the city’s inimitable waterfront skyline. Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus offers fully renovated guest rooms and suites and awe-inspiring views of the city skyline. Expect an unforgettable experience and unique balconies, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and tennis club. Centrally located in the lively Besiktas area, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Bosphorus. Ortakoy, Dolmabahce Palace and Vodafone Stadium are nearby while Zorlu, Kanyon, Metrocity, Özdilek, shopping malls and Nişantaşı district are a short drive away. Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus has everything travelers need, including complimentary WiFi, a 24-hour health club with Turkish hammam, two swimming pools, covered and open clay tennis courts and a separate children's poo	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1696
__label__cc	0.513899	0.486101	GoVerifyID Technical Support EPI Suite Technical Support EPI Builder Technical Support EPI-Compatible Hardware Law Enforcement Technical Support Digital Identity Solutions ImageWare Digital Identity Platform The ImageWare Digital Identity Platform provides end-to-end digital identity proofing, authentication and lifecycle management solutions as a cloud SaaS and for on premises systems. The Platform includes both quick-to-deploy turnkey products and APIs for creating specialized solutions. Identity Proofing Identity Proofing is a critical feature of the platform, enabling organizations to validate the digital identity of individuals as part of a seamless onboarding process using a range of turnkey and highly configurable methods. Identity Authentication ImageWare’s Identity Authentication capabilities include the broadest set of biometrics on both mobile devices and PCs, along with other multi-factor authentication methods. The Identity Management capabilities include features for administrating the entire lifecycle process of digital identities related to user authentication, and is provided via administrator consoles, and APIs. GoVerifyID Enterprise Suite GoVerifyID IoT DNA Security CloudID Biometric Engine Credentialing (EPI Suite/Builder) Pillphone IT Services / MSSP Credentialing & Smart ID – Airports and Seaports – Border Control – Law Enforcement About ImageWare Patents & Intellectual Property ImageWare Partners Careers @ ImageWare ImageWare Systems’ GoVerifyID Biometric Platform Selected to Secure Global Cloud Authentication for a24.io Nov 8, 2018 \| Press Releases LONDON, UK and SAN DIEGO, CA – November 8, 2018 – ImageWare® Systems, Inc. (OTCQB: IWSY), a leader in mobile and cloud-based two-factor, multi-factor, and biometric multi-modal authentication and identity management solutions, today announced a distribution and integration partnership with leading global secure cloud provider a24.io. The a24.io Secure Global Cloud spans the network, data centers and equipment installed at client premises – anywhere in the world – to ensure a secure, high performance and supported environment from the edge of your LAN directly into a private / public hybrid cloud. This solution, combined with mission critical application hosting and the ability to access 3rd party cloud applications, makes data transport fast and secure, to give companies a real edge. Terry Warren, CEO of a24.io, stated, “Simplifying and securing the authentication process is critical to the success of both on-premises and cloud resources. After an extensive search, we chose ImageWare Systems’ GoVerifyID® (GVID) platform to secure the a24.io ecosystem as well as our customers’. GVID now allows us the freedom to choose the appropriate authentication method on a per user basis, from two-factor authentication (2FA) through multi-factor authentication (MFA) without any further integration effort needed. If a user’s access requirements change, we can readily update their profile on the fly to enable or disable the usable authentication methods. This level of security and control is unprecedented in the market today. “We’re targeting several new market segments, and anticipate first deployments in calendar Q1,” concluded Warren. ImageWare’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Jim Miller, commented, “The a24.io partnership marks an important entry into the UK market with a highly regarded organization with a global reach. We are equally enthused to also work with a24.io throughout North America and Asia. The company has aggressive growth plans and we look forward to material revenues beginning in Q1.” About a24.io. a24.io is a global cloud computing business that has expanded from its 2006 origins in Tokyo with a commitment to service, accountability and continuous improvement as part of the company DNA. Since 2017 the company has taken intellectual property developed by Advantage24 in Japan and created a UK headquartered business with global network and data center infrastructure across 3 key regions – Asia, EMEA and US.a24.io provides network and platform design, security technologies and implementation services. For more information please visit http://a24.io/. About ImageWare® Systems, Inc. ImageWare Systems, Inc. is a leading developer of mobile and cloud-based identity management solutions, providing patented biometric authentication solutions for the enterprise. Biometric technology uses unique physical characteristics to authenticate a person’s identity. The Company delivers next-generation biometrics as an interactive and scalable cloud-based solution. ImageWare brings together cloud and mobile technology to offer multi-factor authentication for smartphone users, for the enterprise, and across industries. ImageWare’s products support multi-factor, multi-modal biometric authentication including, but not limited to, any individual use or combination of face, voice, fingerprint, iris, palm, and more. All the biometrics can be combined with or used as replacements for authentication and access control tools, including tokens, digital certificates, passwords, and PINS, to provide the ultimate level of assurance, accountability, and ease of use for corporate networks, web applications, mobile devices, and PC desktop environments. ImageWare is headquartered in San Diego, California, with offices in Portland, Oregon; Ottawa, Ontario; and Mexico City, Mexico. To learn more about ImageWare, visit https://iwsinc.com/ and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook. Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “if,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to ImageWare Systems, Inc. are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. ImageWare may from time to time update publicly announced projections, but it is not obligated to do so. Any projections of future results of operations should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur. These projections are subject to change and could differ materially from final reported results. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see “Risk Factors” in ImageWare’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and its other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. A24.io Media Contacts Simon Lavers pr@a24.io IWSY Investor Relations Contact Harvey Bibicoff, CEO Bibicoff + MacInnis, Inc. harvey@bibimac.com ImageWare Systems SVP & Chief Technical Officer talks about Cybersecurity Threats and Growing Worldwide Traction of Biometric Authentication ImageWare Systems CEO Interview with SecuritySolutionsWatch.com Talks About Market Drivers and Growing Traction ImageWare Systems Reports 2018 Q4 and Year-End Financial Results ImageWare Systems Sets 2018 Year-End Investor Update Conference Call ImageWare Systems Introduces the ImageWare Digital Identity Platform, an End-to-End Digital Biometric Identity Proofing, Authentication and Lifecycle Management Solution Security Experts At AMAG, Blumberg Capital, CloudShyft, Idesco, Identiv, ImageWare, P3iD, and Xiid Identiverse 2019: the Identity Industry event – June 25-28 in Washington, DC FORGEROCK Identity Live – April 30 to May 1, 2019 RSA Conference – March 4-8, 2019 Gartner IAM Summit 2018 Sr. Product Manager 2FA Aruba Awards Biometric Engine Biometrics CDW CloudID Digital Identity Events Past Financial ForgeRock Fujitsu Gartner GoVerifyID GoVerifyID Enterprise Healthcare IBM IDaaS Identity Proofing Identity Theft Law Inforcement Lockheed-Martin Microsoft Mobile World Congress Multi-Factor Authentication Multimodal Oracle Partners Passwords Patents pillphone Podcast SAP Voice Read more… Select Category Corporate Updates Events In The News Job Opportunities News Press Releases Videos Webinars Identity Solutions DIGITAL IDENTITY PLATFORM Contact ImageWare GoVerifyID Now GoVerifyID iOS App GoVerifyID Android App Get monthly blogs, research, news, and more right to your inbox. Copyright © 2019 ImageWare Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. \| Privacy \| Legal \| Patents \| Code of Conduct \| GoVerifyID Terms of Use \| Site Map	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1708
__label__cc	0.562858	0.437142	Risk Factors for Kidney Stones Main Page Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Screening Reducing Your Risk Talking to Your Doctor Resource Guide A risk factor is something that raises your chances of getting a health problem. Kidney stones are more common in people who have had them before. They also tend to run in families. The chances of kidney stones are also higher for people who: Are White or Asian Are under 40 years old Had stones develop when they were a child Had certain types of stones such as uric acid or those caused by an infection Have certain problems with their genes that make stone formation easier Take certain medicine such as allopurinol, penicillin, vitamin C, or loop diuretics Do not drink enough fluids—this may be more of a problem in warm climates Have high intakes of: Oxalates—found in berries, spinach, rhubarb, chocolate, or tea Calcium—can also happen with not getting enough calcium Vitamins C and D Have health problems such as gout, obesity, how the body uses insulin, or an overactive parathyroid gland Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD Kidney stones. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones. Accessed April 1, 2019. Kidney stones. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/kidney-stones. Accessed April 1, 2019. Nephrolithiasis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114904/Nephrolithiasis-in-adults. Updated March 22, 2019. Accessed April 1, 2019. Urinary calculi. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/urinary-calculi/urinary-calculi. Updated March 2018. Accessed April 1, 2019.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1712
__label__wiki	0.911804	0.911804	add source CNN.com - RSS Channel - Mobile App Manual OZY - The Daily Dose ABC News: Top Stories FOX News - powered by FeedBurner Reuters: Top News - powered by FeedBurner USATODAY - News Top Stories TIME - powered by FeedBurner Slate Articles http://www.newyorker.com/news World Edition - The Atlantic US news \| The Guardian NBC News - Breaking News & Top Stories - Latest World, US & Local News NBC News Top Stories CBS News - Breaking News, U.S., World, Business, Entertainment & Video Home - CBSNews.com World - CBSNews.com The Verge - All Posts Digital Trends \| Technology News and Product Reviews ReadWrite \| The leading Internet of Things News Platform ReadWrite Engadget \| Technology News, Advice and Features TechCrunch - The latest technology news and information on startups Gizmodo - We come from the future. 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Entrepreneur: Latest Articles Harvard Business Review - Ideas and Advice for Leaders HBR.org Fast Company \| The Future Of Business The Economist: Business CNN - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com Financial news of the day - CNNMoney.com NYT > Money & Policy NYT > Your Money NYT > Business Day NYT > Entrepreneurship NYT > Economy Reuters Video: Business Reuters: Money Screengrabber bleacherreport.com CNN.com - Tennis CNN.com - RSS Channel - Sport - Golf CNN.com - RSS Channel - Sport - Motorsport CNN.com - RSS Channel - Sport CNN World Sport Sports News, Scores and Fan Opinion Powered by 320 Sports Blogs SBNation.com - All Posts Bleacher Report \| Sports. Highlights. News. Now. Why cruises float the boats of the Instagram generation Millennials become the biggest market for luxury liners as they share holiday moments using onboard wifi When Emma Le Teace, 25, tried to get her boyfriend to go on a cruise with her, he didn’t want to go. She booked it regardless – and he loved it. “I think he’s been on five now.” She has been on 21 cruises, and is planning three more this year. “I love visiting new places and, with a cruise, you know your view is going to be completely different each morning when you wake up. A kind of excitement builds up as you get closer to a new destination.” Why cruises float the boats of the Instagram generation Millennials become the biggest market for luxury liners as they share holiday moments using onboard wifiWhen Emma Le Teace, 25, tried to get her boyfriend to go on a cruise with her, he didn’t want to go. She booked it regardless – and he loved it. “I think he’s been on five now.”She has been on 21 cruises, and is planning three more this year. “I love visiting new places and, with a cruise, you know your view is going to be completely different each morning when you wake up. A kind of excitement builds up as you get closer to a new destination.” Continue reading... unread news (Demo user) Zack Wheeler report comes in with Mets watching closely SAN FRANCISCO — Zack Wheeler has taken the first steps in what the Mets hope will be a fast return from the injured list. On Thursday, the right-hander played catch for a second straight day and reported feeling OK as he battles an “impingement” in his right shoulder. The earliest Wheeler can pitch again is... Zack Wheeler report comes in with Mets watching closely SAN FRANCISCO — Zack Wheeler has taken the first steps in what the Mets hope will be a fast return from the injured list. On Thursday, the right-hander played catch for a second straight day and reported feeling OK as he battles an “impingement” in his right shoulder. The earliest Wheeler can pitch again is... Over 100 Chinese loan apps are leaking millions of users’ financial data In China, over 100 loan apps are leaking their users’ private data, including contact details, financial information, and even location data. The information is contained in a database spanning 889 GB; it was discovered by the lead of antivirus review site SafetyDetective’s research team, Anurag Sen. Sen said that data leaked from over 4.6 million devices contributed to the database – and every time someone uses any of these apps, it gathers even more information. What’s more worrying is a bad actor can track someone’s live location through the database. t registers an entry of longitude and latitude every time a… This story continues at The Next Web Over 100 Chinese loan apps are leaking millions of users’ financial data In China, over 100 loan apps are leaking their users’ private data, including contact details, financial information, and even location data. The information is contained in a database spanning 889 GB; it was discovered by the lead of antivirus review site SafetyDetective’s research team, Anurag Sen. Sen said that data leaked from over 4.6 million devices contributed to the database – and every time someone uses any of these apps, it gathers even more information. What’s more worrying is a bad actor can track someone’s live location through the database. t registers an entry of longitude and latitude every time a… This story continues at The Next Web Younger motorists may be banned from night driving in U.K. safety push The U.K. is considering banning newly qualified motorists from driving at night in a bid to boost safety on its roads. Other measures could include banning passengers under a certain age from traveling with young drivers. Younger motorists may be banned from night driving in U.K. safety push The U.K. is considering banning newly qualified motorists from driving at night in a bid to boost safety on its roads. Other measures could include banning passengers under a certain age from traveling with young drivers. Japan, South Korea dispute over history, trade deepens as man dies of immolation Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono summoned and admonished South Korea's ambassador on Friday in a deepening diplomatic dispute over compensation for Korean wartime forced labor that threatens global supply of memory chips and display screens. Japan, South Korea dispute over history, trade deepens as man dies of immolation Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono summoned and admonished South Korea's ambassador on Friday in a deepening diplomatic dispute over compensation for Korean wartime forced labor that threatens global supply of memory chips and display screens. South Korea deputy advisor Kim says Japan's export curbs violate international law South Korea's Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Hyun-chong said on Friday that Japan has violated the WTO's principle of free trade and international law by imposing unilateral export restrictions against South Korea while diplomatic efforts have not been exhausted. South Korea deputy advisor Kim says Japan's export curbs violate international law South Korea's Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Hyun-chong said on Friday that Japan has violated the WTO's principle of free trade and international law by imposing unilateral export restrictions against South Korea while diplomatic efforts have not been exhausted. Iran denies that US shot down its drone in the Strait of Hormuz Iran on Friday denied that the United States took down one of their drones in the Strait of Hormuz, as President Trump had said hours earlier. “We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else,” Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted. Also, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is in... Iran denies that US shot down its drone in the Strait of Hormuz Iran on Friday denied that the United States took down one of their drones in the Strait of Hormuz, as President Trump had said hours earlier. “We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else,” Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted. Also, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is in... Mauricio Pochettino 'may have left' if Tottenham won Champions League Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says he may have left the club if they had won the Champions League final in June. Mauricio Pochettino 'may have left' if Tottenham won Champions League Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says he may have left the club if they had won the Champions League final in June. Barbie, Tupac, scorpions and Red Vines: News from around our 50 states Bones found in walls at famously haunted Memphis dive, ‘Baby Shark’ on loop aims to keep away homeless in Florida, and more Barbie, Tupac, scorpions and Red Vines: News from around our 50 states Bones found in walls at famously haunted Memphis dive, ‘Baby Shark’ on loop aims to keep away homeless in Florida, and more Amazon Prime Day glitch saw pricey camera gear given crazy discounts It seems like a few lucky photography enthusiasts had the best time during this year's Prime Day(s). Thanks to an apparent glitch on Amazon's site, some pricey camera gear ended up being sold for a fraction of the usual price. Amazon Prime Day glitch saw pricey camera gear given crazy discounts It seems like a few lucky photography enthusiasts had the best time during this year's Prime Day(s). Thanks to an apparent glitch on Amazon's site, some pricey camera gear ended up being sold for a fraction of the usual price. Bob Papa: Why this Giants team has a ‘different feel’ Longtime play-by-play man and host of MSG Network’s “Giants Training Camp Live” Bob Papa talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about Daniel Jones, Eli Manning and a reason to hope. Q: What has been your first impressions of Daniel Jones? A: The way that he’s handled the whole thing has been very mature. He reminds... Bob Papa: Why this Giants team has a ‘different feel’ Longtime play-by-play man and host of MSG Network’s “Giants Training Camp Live” Bob Papa talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about Daniel Jones, Eli Manning and a reason to hope. Q: What has been your first impressions of Daniel Jones? A: The way that he’s handled the whole thing has been very mature. He reminds... The average temperature in June soared to its highest level on record, and experts predict that July could follow the same pattern. Several reports released this week confirmed that June was the hottest month on record. Climate experts have predicted that based on the data, July could also break global heat records. On Thursday, the US National Weather Service issued a national advisory warning that dangerous heat and humidity was to be expected across the country. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The average temperature in June soared to its highest level on record, and experts predict that July could follow the same pattern. Global land and sea temperatures were 1.71 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the 20th century average of 59.9 degrees Fahrenheit, and they were the warmest ever recorded in June since records began in the 1800s, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in a report on Thursday. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Animated map shows where American accents came fromSee Also:‘Sunny-day flooding’ is projected to put parts of the US underwater for at least 100 days per year. Here’s what the Gulf and East coasts should expect.Hurricane Barry is weakening as it moves over Louisiana, but heavy rain and flooding could still worsen — here are the latest updatesHurricane Barry is hitting Louisiana as the first hurricane of 2019. Here's why storms are getting stronger, slower, and wetter.SEE ALSO: The Trump administration has reportedly buried reports warning that climate change will harm crops and cause health problems These maps show record high temperatures in June, as scientists predict July could be the hottest month ever recorded on Earth The average temperature in June soared to its highest level on record, and experts predict that July could follow the same pattern. Several reports released this week confirmed that June was the hottest month on record. Climate experts have predicted that based on the data, July could also break global heat records. On Thursday, the US National Weather Service issued a national advisory warning that dangerous heat and humidity was to be expected across the country. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The average temperature in June soared to its highest level on record, and experts predict that July could follow the same pattern. Global land and sea temperatures were 1.71 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the 20th century average of 59.9 degrees Fahrenheit, and they were the warmest ever recorded in June since records began in the 1800s, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in a report on Thursday. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Animated map shows where American accents came fromSee Also:‘Sunny-day flooding’ is projected to put parts of the US underwater for at least 100 days per year. Here’s what the Gulf and East coasts should expect.Hurricane Barry is weakening as it moves over Louisiana, but heavy rain and flooding could still worsen — here are the latest updatesHurricane Barry is hitting Louisiana as the first hurricane of 2019. Here's why storms are getting stronger, slower, and wetter.SEE ALSO: The Trump administration has reportedly buried reports warning that climate change will harm crops and cause health problems From houndstooth trousers to Mr Motivator’s leotards, pattern is always a delight \| Hannah Jane Parkinson I would find it difficult to muddle through life without beautiful, artistic patternsThere’s a Mary Quant exhibition on at the V&A at the moment, which, if you’re able to, I would urge you to visit. If not, and you are more talented with a sewing machine than I am, the website has downloadable sewing patterns.I would find it difficult to muddle through life without pattern; not in the sense of routine, but actual beautiful, artistic patterns. Once, aged 18 and roaming around Moscow, I spotted an older man wearing an almost exact replica of the blue argyle sweater I had on. I bounded over and suggested a photograph together, and it is now one of my favourites: these two strangers beaming. Neither of us speaking the other’s language, but also 100% conversing sartorially. I think of him sometimes and look at that photograph like one with an old friend. Continue reading... From houndstooth trousers to Mr Motivator’s leotards, pattern is always a delight \| Hannah Jane Parkinson I would find it difficult to muddle through life without beautiful, artistic patternsThere’s a Mary Quant exhibition on at the V&A at the moment, which, if you’re able to, I would urge you to visit. If not, and you are more talented with a sewing machine than I am, the website has downloadable sewing patterns.I would find it difficult to muddle through life without pattern; not in the sense of routine, but actual beautiful, artistic patterns. Once, aged 18 and roaming around Moscow, I spotted an older man wearing an almost exact replica of the blue argyle sweater I had on. I bounded over and suggested a photograph together, and it is now one of my favourites: these two strangers beaming. Neither of us speaking the other’s language, but also 100% conversing sartorially. I think of him sometimes and look at that photograph like one with an old friend. Continue reading... Our conditions have forced us to temper our expectations, but my friend and I won’t let them stop us pursuing what we loveA breakaway is a cycling term that refers to an individual or a small group of cyclists who have successfully opened a gap ahead of the peloton, the main group of cyclists. On 21 July, two of us are plotting a breakaway from the disease that hangs over our daily lives by tackling one of the most challenging amateur cycling events.The Etape du Tour, which has been running since 1993, is a chance for amateur cyclists to test their mettle on a stage of the Tour de France, riding on the same routes and under the same conditions as the professionals. Continue reading... Why we're tackling the Etape du Tour despite our breast cancer Our conditions have forced us to temper our expectations, but my friend and I won’t let them stop us pursuing what we loveA breakaway is a cycling term that refers to an individual or a small group of cyclists who have successfully opened a gap ahead of the peloton, the main group of cyclists. On 21 July, two of us are plotting a breakaway from the disease that hangs over our daily lives by tackling one of the most challenging amateur cycling events.The Etape du Tour, which has been running since 1993, is a chance for amateur cyclists to test their mettle on a stage of the Tour de France, riding on the same routes and under the same conditions as the professionals. Continue reading... Homes with a roof terrace – in pictures From a Georgian townhouse terrace in Edinburgh to cubist villa in Hampshire Continue reading... Homes with a roof terrace – in pictures From a Georgian townhouse terrace in Edinburgh to cubist villa in Hampshire Continue reading... The best men's shorts for all ages – in pictures Bring a dressed-up air to your summer shorts look with block colours. Choose linen or cord for a style statement and experiment with tailored designs. Mix in a subtle print with utility shapes, or wear with loose shirts or sporty stripes for a fresh look Continue reading... The best men's shorts for all ages – in pictures Bring a dressed-up air to your summer shorts look with block colours. Choose linen or cord for a style statement and experiment with tailored designs. Mix in a subtle print with utility shapes, or wear with loose shirts or sporty stripes for a fresh look Continue reading... Moonfire: The Epic Journey of Apollo 11 – in pictures Images from the 50th-anniversary edition of Norman Mailer’s account of the Nasa mission published by Taschen Continue reading... Moonfire: The Epic Journey of Apollo 11 – in pictures Images from the 50th-anniversary edition of Norman Mailer’s account of the Nasa mission published by Taschen Continue reading... Games for Lovers review – truth or dare in the internet age The Vaults, LondonThere’s an air of holiday fun in Ryan Craig’s play about searching for romance in a digital world. It’s a fun, if predictable, watchA giddy carefreeness underpins this light-hearted new comedy about love in the internet age – it feels as if everyone is cutting loose for the summer. Playwright Ryan Craig has penned a couple of big hitters for the National Theatre, including The Holy Rosenbergs, and the superlative sound designers Ben and Max Ringham are also on board. But no one has particularly stretched themselves. Anthony Banks’s production is efficient and easygoing – a perfectly fun yet fairly predictable watch. Continue reading... Games for Lovers review – truth or dare in the internet age The Vaults, LondonThere’s an air of holiday fun in Ryan Craig’s play about searching for romance in a digital world. It’s a fun, if predictable, watchA giddy carefreeness underpins this light-hearted new comedy about love in the internet age – it feels as if everyone is cutting loose for the summer. Playwright Ryan Craig has penned a couple of big hitters for the National Theatre, including The Holy Rosenbergs, and the superlative sound designers Ben and Max Ringham are also on board. But no one has particularly stretched themselves. Anthony Banks’s production is efficient and easygoing – a perfectly fun yet fairly predictable watch. Continue reading... The Wedding Guest review – Michael Winterbottom thriller runs out of fizz Dev Patel stars as a Brit who shops for duct tape and handguns before turning up at an arranged marriage in PakistanFilm-maker Michael Winterbottom has always been a powerhouse of ideas and a uniquely valuable presence in the British industry – this prolific and eclectic director has taken on every kind of genre. (Maybe the nearest American equivalent is Steven Soderbergh.) Recently, he had great successes with his terrific music movie On the Road (2016), his Russell Brand documentary The Emperor’s New Clothes (2015), and The Trip, the foodie-travel comedy series with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.Now as writer-director he returns to a theme he has explored in the past: the UK’s connection with south Asia, with an interesting but ultimately disappointing drama-thriller. It has an intriguing premise and a gripping first act. But the ending fizzles when it should explode, giving us neither the twisty and suspenseful entertainment that it seemed to promise, nor the serious response to sexual politics in Pakistan that also seemed to be on offer. Yet the initial scenes are laid out with enormous elan and a tremendous flair for location work. Continue reading... The Wedding Guest review – Michael Winterbottom thriller runs out of fizz Dev Patel stars as a Brit who shops for duct tape and handguns before turning up at an arranged marriage in PakistanFilm-maker Michael Winterbottom has always been a powerhouse of ideas and a uniquely valuable presence in the British industry – this prolific and eclectic director has taken on every kind of genre. (Maybe the nearest American equivalent is Steven Soderbergh.) Recently, he had great successes with his terrific music movie On the Road (2016), his Russell Brand documentary The Emperor’s New Clothes (2015), and The Trip, the foodie-travel comedy series with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.Now as writer-director he returns to a theme he has explored in the past: the UK’s connection with south Asia, with an interesting but ultimately disappointing drama-thriller. It has an intriguing premise and a gripping first act. But the ending fizzles when it should explode, giving us neither the twisty and suspenseful entertainment that it seemed to promise, nor the serious response to sexual politics in Pakistan that also seemed to be on offer. Yet the initial scenes are laid out with enormous elan and a tremendous flair for location work. Continue reading... Britons urged to help record influx of painted lady butterflies High numbers have reached UK in past six weeks and many of their offspring will emerge during Big Butterfly CountWildlife lovers are being urged to help record the greatest influx of painted lady butterflies for a decade as part of the world’s largest butterfly survey.Unusually high numbers of the migratory butterfly have flown into Britain from continental Europe in the last six weeks and some of their offspring will emerge during the Big Butterfly Count, which starts on Friday. Continue reading... Britons urged to help record influx of painted lady butterflies High numbers have reached UK in past six weeks and many of their offspring will emerge during Big Butterfly CountWildlife lovers are being urged to help record the greatest influx of painted lady butterflies for a decade as part of the world’s largest butterfly survey.Unusually high numbers of the migratory butterfly have flown into Britain from continental Europe in the last six weeks and some of their offspring will emerge during the Big Butterfly Count, which starts on Friday. Continue reading... Trump's been hating on America. Is it time for him to leave? The president says if Democratic congresswomen criticize the US, they should go elsewhere. But mocking America is one of his own favorite pastimesAt a campaign rally in North Carolina last night, the president’s attacks against four progressive congresswomen of color culminated in his most overt attack yet. Referring to Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib as “hate-filled extremists”, he continued his tirade to the delight of his supporters.“They’re always telling us how to run it, how to do this, how to do that. You know what? If they don’t love it, tell ’em to leave it,” Trump said to the crowd, who soon erupted into a chant of “send her back”. Continue reading... Trump's been hating on America. Is it time for him to leave? The president says if Democratic congresswomen criticize the US, they should go elsewhere. But mocking America is one of his own favorite pastimesAt a campaign rally in North Carolina last night, the president’s attacks against four progressive congresswomen of color culminated in his most overt attack yet. Referring to Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib as “hate-filled extremists”, he continued his tirade to the delight of his supporters.“They’re always telling us how to run it, how to do this, how to do that. You know what? If they don’t love it, tell ’em to leave it,” Trump said to the crowd, who soon erupted into a chant of “send her back”. Continue reading... Switch in 2011 led to thousands of cases of heart disease, stroke and cancer, say researchersNearly 10,000 cases of heart disease and stroke and 1,500 cases of cancer could have been avoided in England if the coalition government had not switched to a voluntary deal with the food industry to cut salt in food, say researchers.The Responsibility Deal was introduced in 2011 by Andrew Lansley, then health secretary. The deal asked food and drink manufacturers and supermarkets to volunteer their own pledges to make their popular products healthier, such as by reducing salt and sugar content. Continue reading... Coalition's voluntary salt limits have been 'public health disaster' Switch in 2011 led to thousands of cases of heart disease, stroke and cancer, say researchersNearly 10,000 cases of heart disease and stroke and 1,500 cases of cancer could have been avoided in England if the coalition government had not switched to a voluntary deal with the food industry to cut salt in food, say researchers.The Responsibility Deal was introduced in 2011 by Andrew Lansley, then health secretary. The deal asked food and drink manufacturers and supermarkets to volunteer their own pledges to make their popular products healthier, such as by reducing salt and sugar content. Continue reading... Fox News’s star names excuse the inexcusable after Trump's latest racist attack Key figures at the network failed to condemn the ugly scenes on Wednesday – the latest example of the strangely needy Trump-Fox relationship“Send her back! Send her back!” The chant from a largely white crowd at Donald Trump’s campaign rally on Wednesday, was aimed at a black refugee from Somalia who became a US congresswoman. And it caused politicians, media pundits and millions of American citizens to recoil in horror. Related: 'Despicable': Democrats condemn Trump over rally's Ilhan Omar chant Continue reading... Fox News’s star names excuse the inexcusable after Trump's latest racist attack Key figures at the network failed to condemn the ugly scenes on Wednesday – the latest example of the strangely needy Trump-Fox relationship“Send her back! Send her back!” The chant from a largely white crowd at Donald Trump’s campaign rally on Wednesday, was aimed at a black refugee from Somalia who became a US congresswoman. And it caused politicians, media pundits and millions of American citizens to recoil in horror. Related: 'Despicable': Democrats condemn Trump over rally's Ilhan Omar chant Continue reading... Elon Musk says SpaceX’s Starship can land on the moon by 2021 SpaceX boss Elon Musk said recently that he believes its Starship spacecraft can land on the moon by 2021, adding that he hopes his company can help to build a "permanently occupied lunar base" there. Elon Musk says SpaceX’s Starship can land on the moon by 2021 SpaceX boss Elon Musk said recently that he believes its Starship spacecraft can land on the moon by 2021, adding that he hopes his company can help to build a "permanently occupied lunar base" there. A boy in Utah used a clever marketing tool at his neighborhood soda stand by making a sign that read “Ice Cold Beer” with “root” above the word beer in tiny print. Some residents called police on 11-year-old Seth Parker for hawking the “beer” in front of a church in Salt Lake City, police said... Utah boy showcases ‘Ice Cold Beer’ sign at root beer stand A boy in Utah used a clever marketing tool at his neighborhood soda stand by making a sign that read “Ice Cold Beer” with “root” above the word beer in tiny print. Some residents called police on 11-year-old Seth Parker for hawking the “beer” in front of a church in Salt Lake City, police said... Oil prices rose nearly 2% on Friday as tensions brewed again in the Middle East after a U.S. Navy ship destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows. Oil jumps after U.S. Navy downs Iranian drone Oil prices rose nearly 2% on Friday as tensions brewed again in the Middle East after a U.S. Navy ship destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the United States said that a U.S. Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone. Iran's deputy foreign minister says Tehran has not lost any drones Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the United States said that a U.S. Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone. The first day of play at the 2019 British Open was rough for a lot of stars. Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson were among the big names to struggle in the opening round at Royal Portrush, and they’ll have to turn it around on Day 2. American JB Holmes didn’t seem to have... British Open tee times, pairings: Full second-round schedule The first day of play at the 2019 British Open was rough for a lot of stars. Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson were among the big names to struggle in the opening round at Royal Portrush, and they’ll have to turn it around on Day 2. American JB Holmes didn’t seem to have... Trump Make America Great Again Committee President Donald Trump's 2020 re-election campaign is thirsty for some donations: Trump-branded straws are being sold on the campaign website. "Liberal paper straws don't work," the item description said. "STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP and buy your pack of recyclable straws today." The 9-inch straws are sold in a pack of 10 for $15. The campaign claims they are BPA free, "reusable & recyclable," and are made in the US. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump's 2020 re-election campaign is thirsty for some donations. So much so that it's selling some laser-engraved, Trump-branded straws on it's campaign website. In a brief description, the campaign appears to take a jab at environmentally-conscious people.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Why the US border facilities are 'concentration camps,' according to historiansSee Also:'It's un-American': Conservatives are calling out the 'send her back' chants at Trump's rally'I'm so controversial, I love beautiful women': Donald Trump explained in a 1992 interview why he didn't think he would ever run for presidentTrump says he's lost all his friends because they have 'respect for the office of the presidency'SEE ALSO: 'It's un-American': Conservatives are calling out the 'send her back' chants at Trump's rally Trump's campaign takes a swipe at 'liberal paper straws' and sells Trump straws for $15 Trump Make America Great Again Committee President Donald Trump's 2020 re-election campaign is thirsty for some donations: Trump-branded straws are being sold on the campaign website. "Liberal paper straws don't work," the item description said. "STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP and buy your pack of recyclable straws today." The 9-inch straws are sold in a pack of 10 for $15. The campaign claims they are BPA free, "reusable & recyclable," and are made in the US. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump's 2020 re-election campaign is thirsty for some donations. So much so that it's selling some laser-engraved, Trump-branded straws on it's campaign website. In a brief description, the campaign appears to take a jab at environmentally-conscious people.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Why the US border facilities are 'concentration camps,' according to historiansSee Also:'It's un-American': Conservatives are calling out the 'send her back' chants at Trump's rally'I'm so controversial, I love beautiful women': Donald Trump explained in a 1992 interview why he didn't think he would ever run for presidentTrump says he's lost all his friends because they have 'respect for the office of the presidency'SEE ALSO: 'It's un-American': Conservatives are calling out the 'send her back' chants at Trump's rally A Passenger Was Fined $105,000 and Banned for Life for ‘Extremely Disruptive Behavior’ on an Airplane She was also banned for life by British budget carrier Jet2 A Passenger Was Fined $105,000 and Banned for Life for ‘Extremely Disruptive Behavior’ on an Airplane She was also banned for life by British budget carrier Jet2 South Korea on Friday rejected Japan's call for third-party arbitration over a court ruling last year ordering Japanese companies to pay compensation for using South Korean forced labor during World War Two. South Korea rejects Japan call for arbitration over wartime labor dispute South Korea on Friday rejected Japan's call for third-party arbitration over a court ruling last year ordering Japanese companies to pay compensation for using South Korean forced labor during World War Two. The Open 2019: second round – live! Updates from the second round at Royal PortrushAndy Bull: Fighting talk cannot hide McIlroy’s chokeThe official live leaderboard for the 148th OpenAnd why not email scott.murray@theguardian.com 9.10pm BST Yesterday, JB Holmes shot 66, Tiger carded 78, Rory McIlroy took 79, Ryan Fox came back in 29, Emiliano Grillo aced 13, and David Duval ran up 14 on 7. If today has half as many jaw-dropping moments, we’ll be doing pretty well. Here’s how the top of the leaderboard looks after the first round ...-5: Holmes-4: Lowry-3: Noren, Simpson, Garcia, Frittelli, MacIntyre, Aphibarnrat, Fox, Hatton, Fleetwood, Koepka, Westwood, Finau, Rahm-2: Langasque, Rose, Park, Turner Continue reading... The Open 2019: second round – live! Updates from the second round at Royal PortrushAndy Bull: Fighting talk cannot hide McIlroy’s chokeThe official live leaderboard for the 148th OpenAnd why not email scott.murray@theguardian.com 9.10pm BST Yesterday, JB Holmes shot 66, Tiger carded 78, Rory McIlroy took 79, Ryan Fox came back in 29, Emiliano Grillo aced 13, and David Duval ran up 14 on 7. If today has half as many jaw-dropping moments, we’ll be doing pretty well. Here’s how the top of the leaderboard looks after the first round ...-5: Holmes-4: Lowry-3: Noren, Simpson, Garcia, Frittelli, MacIntyre, Aphibarnrat, Fox, Hatton, Fleetwood, Koepka, Westwood, Finau, Rahm-2: Langasque, Rose, Park, Turner Continue reading... Ministers including Philip Hammond abstain as vote to thwart Boris Johnson passes … horror car crash in Stevenage … and mobiles on the tubeHello, Warren Murray here with just the sort of thing you need of a Friday morning early. Continue reading... Friday briefing: 'Every inch of the way' against no-deal Brexit Ministers including Philip Hammond abstain as vote to thwart Boris Johnson passes … horror car crash in Stevenage … and mobiles on the tubeHello, Warren Murray here with just the sort of thing you need of a Friday morning early. Continue reading... French leave: fun places to stay on four routes to the south of France With the annual summer dash under starter’s orders, we suggest how to turn a schlep into a road trip, staying in treehouses, chateaux and cool hotels en routeFrom the north-west ferry ports (St Malo, Cherbourg, Caen, Le Havre) down the west of France, via Nantes and Bordeaux, to the south-west Continue reading... French leave: fun places to stay on four routes to the south of France With the annual summer dash under starter’s orders, we suggest how to turn a schlep into a road trip, staying in treehouses, chateaux and cool hotels en routeFrom the north-west ferry ports (St Malo, Cherbourg, Caen, Le Havre) down the west of France, via Nantes and Bordeaux, to the south-west Continue reading... The ‘best part’ of David Cone’s perfect game commemoration Now that the 20th anniversary of David Cone’s perfect game against the Expos on July 18, 1999, has passed, there wasn’t much left for the retired right-hander to reveal about his accomplishment — even as the Yankees honored him Thursday with David Cone Bobblehead Night. At an over-the-top charity party on June 19 at Manhattan’s... The ‘best part’ of David Cone’s perfect game commemoration Now that the 20th anniversary of David Cone’s perfect game against the Expos on July 18, 1999, has passed, there wasn’t much left for the retired right-hander to reveal about his accomplishment — even as the Yankees honored him Thursday with David Cone Bobblehead Night. At an over-the-top charity party on June 19 at Manhattan’s... The latest entry in the Marvel Ultimate Alliance franchise is dropping for the Nintendo Switch today, July 19th, and it comes with a nice surprise for fans of the god of mischief. Loki is joining MUA 3: The Black Order as a playable character from da... Loki is joining 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3' for Switch The latest entry in the Marvel Ultimate Alliance franchise is dropping for the Nintendo Switch today, July 19th, and it comes with a nice surprise for fans of the god of mischief. Loki is joining MUA 3: The Black Order as a playable character from da... US secretary of state says mass detentions of Muslim minority is among ‘worst crises of our time’The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has accused China of being responsible for the human rights “stain of the century” with mass detentions of Muslims and other minorities.Speaking at an international religious freedom conference that he is hosting in Washington, Pompeo denounced China for its large-scale detentions in the western Xinjiang region, where an estimated 1 million Muslim Uighurs, Kazakhs and other minorities are believed to be held in internment camps. Continue reading... China's Uighur policy is human rights 'stain of the century' – Pompeo US secretary of state says mass detentions of Muslim minority is among ‘worst crises of our time’The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has accused China of being responsible for the human rights “stain of the century” with mass detentions of Muslims and other minorities.Speaking at an international religious freedom conference that he is hosting in Washington, Pompeo denounced China for its large-scale detentions in the western Xinjiang region, where an estimated 1 million Muslim Uighurs, Kazakhs and other minorities are believed to be held in internment camps. Continue reading... Protestors have filled the streets of Hong Kong to voice their outrage over a controversial extradition bill, even after the city's leader Carrie Lam announced it is dead. Hong Kong protesters fighting to be heard Protestors have filled the streets of Hong Kong to voice their outrage over a controversial extradition bill, even after the city's leader Carrie Lam announced it is dead. Sleep is a major area of human health, so it makes sense that it’s been such a focal point for technology developers. Getting insufficient sleep is associated with many health problems, including fatigue and cognitive difficulties, not to mention an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Even in the developed world, sleep deprivation […] The post The Big Problem With Sleep-Related Technology appeared first on ReadWrite. The Big Problem With Sleep-Related Technology Sleep is a major area of human health, so it makes sense that it’s been such a focal point for technology developers. Getting insufficient sleep is associated with many health problems, including fatigue and cognitive difficulties, not to mention an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Even in the developed world, sleep deprivation […] The post The Big Problem With Sleep-Related Technology appeared first on ReadWrite. BMW named Oliver Zipse as its new chief executive late on Thursday, praising his "decisive" qualities after the luxury carmaker lost its edge in electric cars and ceded the premium sales crown to Mercedes under his consensus-seeking predecessor. BMW picks 'decisive' new CEO to catch up with rivals BMW named Oliver Zipse as its new chief executive late on Thursday, praising his "decisive" qualities after the luxury carmaker lost its edge in electric cars and ceded the premium sales crown to Mercedes under his consensus-seeking predecessor. Benfica vs. Chivas: 2019 ICC Odds, TV Schedule and Live Stream Portuguese champions Benfica take on Mexican side Chivas in the International Champions Cup on Saturday at the Levi's Stadium in San Francisco, California. The match is Benfica's first of the tournament... Benfica vs. Chivas: 2019 ICC Odds, TV Schedule and Live Stream Portuguese champions Benfica take on Mexican side Chivas in the International Champions Cup on Saturday at the Levi's Stadium in San Francisco, California. The match is Benfica's first of the tournament... Tour de France 2019: Stage 13 Route, Live Stream Schedule, TV Info for July 19 Julian Alaphilippe continues to lead the general classifications at the Tour de France , with the race heading into Stage 13 on Friday. An individual 27... Tour de France 2019: Stage 13 Route, Live Stream Schedule, TV Info for July 19 Julian Alaphilippe continues to lead the general classifications at the Tour de France , with the race heading into Stage 13 on Friday. An individual 27... Manchester United vs. Inter Milan: 2019 ICC Odds, TV Schedule and Live Stream Manchester United and Inter Milan will clash at Singapore National Stadium in Kallang on Saturday when each team will get their 2019 International Champions Cup campaign under way... Manchester United vs. Inter Milan: 2019 ICC Odds, TV Schedule and Live Stream Manchester United and Inter Milan will clash at Singapore National Stadium in Kallang on Saturday when each team will get their 2019 International Champions Cup campaign under way... Asia Trophy 2019 Final: Manchester City vs Wolves Live Stream and TV Schedule Manchester City play Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday in the 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy final at the Hongkou Football Stadium in Shanghai, China... Asia Trophy 2019 Final: Manchester City vs Wolves Live Stream and TV Schedule Manchester City play Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday in the 2019 Premier League Asia Trophy final at the Hongkou Football Stadium in Shanghai, China... Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid: 2019 ICC Odds, TV Schedule and Live Stream Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will meet on Thursday in the 2019 International Champions Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas... Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid: 2019 ICC Odds, TV Schedule and Live Stream Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will meet on Thursday in the 2019 International Champions Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas... Liverpool vs. Borussia Dortmund: Live Stream, TV Schedule, Predictions, Preview Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund will continue their pre-season preparations when they face off at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana on Friday... Liverpool vs. Borussia Dortmund: Live Stream, TV Schedule, Predictions, Preview Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund will continue their pre-season preparations when they face off at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana on Friday... British Open Leaderboard 2019: Friday Score Updates and Tournament Predictions J.B. Holmes heads into Friday's 2019 British Open second round at the top of the leaderboard at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The 37-year-old carded a five-under par 66 on Thursday to take top spot by one shot from Ireland's Shane Lowry... British Open Leaderboard 2019: Friday Score Updates and Tournament Predictions J.B. Holmes heads into Friday's 2019 British Open second round at the top of the leaderboard at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The 37-year-old carded a five-under par 66 on Thursday to take top spot by one shot from Ireland's Shane Lowry... Arsenal vs. Fiorentina: 2019 ICC Odds, TV Schedule and Live Stream Arsenal play their second International Champions Cup fixture on Saturday against Serie A side Fiorentina at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina... Arsenal vs. Fiorentina: 2019 ICC Odds, TV Schedule and Live Stream Arsenal play their second International Champions Cup fixture on Saturday against Serie A side Fiorentina at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina... Treasury to unveil '£2bn public sector pay rise', but from existing budgets Teachers and police officers are among those to reportedly benefit but Treasury has made no new funds availablePublic sector workers including teachers and police officers are reportedly to be given a £2bn pay rise. The Treasury will unveil the biggest public sector pay rise for six years on Monday before Theresa May’s tenure as prime minister comes to an end, according to The Times.Two million workers will receive above-inflation salary increases, the paper said, amid concerns the private sector was pushing ahead on pay. Continue reading... Treasury to unveil '£2bn public sector pay rise', but from existing budgets Teachers and police officers are among those to reportedly benefit but Treasury has made no new funds availablePublic sector workers including teachers and police officers are reportedly to be given a £2bn pay rise. The Treasury will unveil the biggest public sector pay rise for six years on Monday before Theresa May’s tenure as prime minister comes to an end, according to The Times.Two million workers will receive above-inflation salary increases, the paper said, amid concerns the private sector was pushing ahead on pay. Continue reading...	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1713
__label__cc	0.648191	0.351809	Christina Eder-Czembirek receives Hans Pichler Prize Award from the Austrian Society for Oral, Maxillary and Facial Surgery (Vienna, 16 February 2017) Christina Eder-Czembirek from MedUni Vienna’s Department of Oral, Maxillary and Facial Surgery was awarded the Hans Pichler Prize at this year’s annual meeting of the Austrian Society for Oral, Maxillary and Facial Surgery. Each year, the Austrian Society for Oral, Maxillary and Facial Surgery awards the Hans Pichler Prize, named after its founder, for outstanding scientific work in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, which has not yet been published at the time of submission. The papers are assessed by a committee made up of five elected members of the Society. Any member of the Austrian Society for Oral, Maxillary and Facial Surgery and any doctors or dentists working in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, and their co-authors, are eligible to compete for the prize. Christina Eder-Czembirek is receiving the prize for her retrospective analysis of intra-arterial chemotherapy in the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity. This is not an internationally established form of treatment, since it is very expensive, is not practicable at all oncology centres and is also associated with many complications. About Christina Eder-Czembirek Christina Eder-Czembirek studied medicine at the Medical Faculty of the University of Vienna (now MedUni Vienna) and went on to do her specialist training in oral, maxillary and facial surgery. Her scientific research work took her into the microbiology research laboratory of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and to the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiobiology. In 2003, she began work as a junior doctor at the Department of Radiotherapy and then transferred to the Department of Oral, Maxillary and Facial Surgery, where she has worked as a senior doctor since 2012. She has been a deputy clinical director since 2015. Her research work focuses primarily on cancers of the head and neck. Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases #Prothetik: Erstmals Sensoren zur drahtlosen #Muskelsignalübertragung nach #Nerventransfers implantiert Twitter 18. July 2019 Das feuchtwarme Wetter fördert die Belastung für AllergikerInnen durch Pilzsporen. Infos und Tipps zur Pollensaison Facebook 12. July 2019	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1715
__label__wiki	0.826667	0.826667	Jana Kramer Tangos, Freestyles Her Way to ‘DWTS’ Fourth Place [Watch] Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko placed fourth Monday night (Nov. 21) in the Dancing With the Stars finals, with two final dances that impressed the judges all over again. While Savchenko battled the flu over the weekend, unsure if he would even be dancing in the finals, he made a recovery in time to dance with his partner for two routines; a fiery tango and memorable freestyle. While the dancers didn't rack up enough points to be in the lead, they impressed with both numbers and received praise from the judges. Their first number was a tango to Zedd's "Stay the Night" featuring Hayley Williams, which you can check out in the clip above. The judges later raved about Kramer's improvements on the tango since their first tango dance in Week 2 of the show. “I still think you’re hotter than hell!” Bruno Tonioli told Kramer and Savchenko. “When these two dance, you can give night sweats to a saint … and what you’ve achieved is incredible.” Their second dance was to Sia's "Unstoppable," and it was an emotional one. Kramer was pulled back and forth -- literally, with a scarf wrapped around her and Savchenko -- throughout the performance, which involved several lifts. Watch that routine below. While Kramer and Savchenko were eliminated Monday evening, the "Circles" singer has no regrets about her time on Dancing With the Stars. “This has been amazing,” she said following her elimination. “Those people up there so deserve to be there. It was our time.” She thanked Savchenko for helping her find her way on the dance floor. “He’s been the most incredible partner, and I’ve just learned so much about myself and what I can do, and how strong I can really be,” she said. “He’s given me all that, and all of you.” Watch Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko's Freestyle Dance Worst to First: Country Stars Who've Gone Dancing Country Stars Share Their Go-To Dance Moves Next: Jana Kramer's Baby Makes Opry Debut Filed Under: Jana Kramer Categories: Country Music News, Country Music Videos	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1720
__label__wiki	0.850716	0.850716	57th & 9th126 Back To Bass Tour125 Member Exclusive44 My Songs45 On Stage Together with Paul Simon65 Rock Paper Scissors with Peter Gabriel27 Sting: 25 Years51 Summer Tour 201229 Summer Tour 20167 Symphonicity142 The Last Ship183 The Police190 The Police at Western Springs... So here we are again - nearly 24 years after the Police last played Western Springs at what was the height of the band's fame and what turned out to be the beginning of the end. Back then a record 60,000 or so of us packed into the arena in an era before $300-plus front row seats and video screens. This time 30,000 - well according to Sting but looking rather less - trundled along to the second New Zealand date of the world's biggest rock reunion tour of the past year. And they got what they paid for pretty much - a slick 90-minute wander down the Police's five album-long memory lane with all the bells and whistles. It leaned heavily on the earlier more poptastic works delivered with an energy and skill which belied the age of the songs or those playing them. But as an occasion, it didn't really feel anything special, just an enjoyable reminder of a once-huge band's impressive hitlist. Love him or loathe him, Sting was a sexy beast with his beard, amulet, tight T-shirt and trou making him look like he had come straight from his audition for Pirates of the Caribbean IV. If he made it look easy as the playing of his battered bass and keening voice worked in seemingly contradictory rhythms, his bandmates, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland, were pictures of intense concentration. Behind the kit or wandering up to his vast percussion rack on 'Wrapped Around My Finger', Copeland was a rhythmic wonder while Summers' effects-heavy guitar with finicky arpeggios reminded how he helped define the sound of the instrument in the '80s. However, all those muso tendencies did get in the way. Whether it was the jazz orbit that 'Walking on the Moon' spun off into early on, the similar improvisatory urges towards that poor old girl 'Roxanne', or a couple of extended jazz-funk escapades with guitar solos, the interludes only served to remind that those old Police albums sure started to get boring towards the end huh? But the Police's earlier rock'n' reggae approach still proved highly infectious with all those singalong yo-yo-yos, and de-da-das-das. Some of the most powerful moments of the night weren't the deep and meaningful numbers, but the fuzzy likes of 'Can't Stand Losing You', 'So Lonely' and the last-encore finale of 'Next To You'. Yes, it might have got lost a little along the way but the Police proved suitably arresting. After a forgettable opening set by English unknowns Fiction Plane fronted by Joe Sumner - son and voice-heir of Sting - it was the song and dance extravaganza of solo Black Eyed Pea, Fergie. The Californian and her dancers sure worked hard to make an impression on an indifferent audience - nice one-handed somersault that woman! - but the rock covers medley that followed the fizzy bubblegum hip-hop hits of her album was excruciating, especially in front of an audience old enough to remember the songs before Fergie's ADD got hold of them. © The New Zealand Herald by Russell Baillie Sting's Australian interview... In his only Australian interview Sting spoke recently to Today Tonight's Samantha Armytage ahead of the Police returning to the country for their first shows since 1984... Bid for a Fender bass autographed by Sting! Starting January 22nd, bidding of an autographed Fender bass guitar signed by Sting will commence online to benefit Musicians on Call, a nonprofit organization formed in 1999, which brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities...	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1724
__label__cc	0.682136	0.317864	TIM LANE Events Request Schedule What Others Are Saying Blog Recent Posts Archive Birkman The Birkman Method Who is Using Birkman? Resources Tim's Publications Addictions Anger Anxiety Church Discipline Critical Issues in Counseling Depression, Bipolar, Psychoses Difficult Relationships Emotional Intelligence Gospel Living Grief and Suffering Guilt and Shame Local Church Identity Marriage and Infidelity One Anothering Parenting Personality Disorders Preaching and Lifestyle Redemptive Community Witness/Evangelism Video Resources Institute for Pastoral Care Beginnings About the Institute The Need How We Can Help Services Participating Churches Board of Directors Donate Online Courses/ Counseling/ Birkman/ The Birkman Method Who is Using Birkman? Tim's Publications Critical Issues in Counseling Depression, Bipolar, Psychoses Difficult Relationships Gospel Living Grief and Suffering Guilt and Shame Local Church Identity Marriage and Infidelity One Anothering Preaching and Lifestyle Redemptive Community Witness/Evangelism Institute for Pastoral Care/ Participating Churches When Should A Church Seek Outside Help? February 24, 2014 / Tim Lane Is it Ever Appropriate for a Church to Outsource Counseling? You have been there. A person who is really struggling with something wants you to help. You meet with them and they begin to tell their story. At some point, you feel overwhelmed. You do what anyone would do. If you are not on staff at the church, you call one of the pastors who might be able to help. You meet with the pastor of care and he feels overwhelmed, too. What do you do? As important as it is for the local church to have a robust discipling and counseling ministry in place, there are times when you need to get help from someone who has much more experience and training. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind as you reach out beyond your particular local church. • Seek Outside Help If Someone’s Life is in Danger The most obvious time to refer is when someone is threatening their own life or the life of another person. Suicide, domestic violence, and situations like this require immediate intervention by professionals. Allowing the civil authorities to intervene in the midst of a crisis can be a very loving thing to do. Because of God’s common grace, these organizations are an appropriate place to turn for help in times of crisis. Even then, your care of the person is just beginning. Eventually they will be released from the hospital or care facility and your work with them begins anew. Depending on how long they have been under the oversight of the institution, the likelihood of them being persuaded by a diagnosis and cure that are not fully and robustly rooted in a Christian vision of change increases. • Seek Outside Help When it Involves Potential Criminal Activity It should go without saying, but whenever you suspect that a law has been broken, you should involve the civil authorities. In the event that you have an alleged case of sexual abuse, the local civil authorities should be notified. If someone confesses to you that they have committed a crime, you should assist that person tp report themselves to the proper authorities. Every church should have all of this contact information available in the event of a crisis. You may want to consider having a representative from the police, local hospital, domestic violence shelter, someone who is equipped to assess suicidal behavior and any other professional to train the staff and officers of a church. Whatever you do, have a plan in place to handle these intense opportunities for ministry. When a church shows that they are prepared to handle these kinds of situations, it is communicating that they are willing and able to wisely engage human sin and suffering at every level. The church truly is for everyone. At least, it should be. Copyright © 2014 Timothy S. Lane. All rights reserved. February 24, 2014 / Tim Lane/ Comment pastoral care, outsourcing, criminal activity, when to report, suicide Dr. Timothy S. Lane is the President of the Institute for Pastoral Care and has a counseling practice in Fayetteville, GA. He is a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), having been ordained in 1991 and a member of Metro-Atlanta Presbytery. Tim has authored Living Without Worry: How to Replace Anxiety with Peace, and co-authored How People Change and Relationships: A Mess Worth Making. He has written several mini-books including PTSD, Forgiving Others, Sex Before Marriage, Family Feuds, Conflict, and Freedom From Guilt. He has experience in both campus ministry (University of Georgia, 1984-1987) and pastoral ministry where he served as a pastor in Clemson, SC from 1991 until 2001. Beginning in 2001 until 2013, he served as a counselor and faculty at a counseling organization in Philadelphia, PA. Beginning in 2007, he served as its Executive Director until 2013. In 2014, Tim and his family re-located to his home state, Georgia, where he formed the non profit ministry the Institute for Pastoral Care. His primary desire and commitment is to help pastors and leaders create or improve their ability to care for the people who attend their churches. For more information about this aspect of Tim's work, please visit the section of this site for the Institute for Pastoral Care. He continues to write, speak and travel both nationally and internationally. Tim is adjunct professor of practical theology at several seminaries where he teaches about pastoral care in the local church. Even in Crises, the Church Must be ... Will Counseling Make a Church Turn ... Tim is a national and international speaker with over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, theological education, counseling and executive management. His chief passion is to see people understand how the grace of Christ forgives, transforms and sustains the believer within the context of the local church. New Release by Tim Lane Unstuck: A nine-step journey to change that lasts By Timothy Lane Depression, Bipolar, Phychoses Witness / Evangelism Follow Tim Get Tim's Newsletter › What I've read recently or am currently reading. A pleasure to learn, grow and process these through a lens of Chri… https://t.co/7wD2NAEKTI Living without worry The Key to Change Motivations: Getting Below the Surface Do Your Responses to Your Circumstances Matter? Should You Care About Your Past? Emotions and Growth in Grace Copyright © 2019 Timothy S. Lane	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1726
__label__cc	0.518066	0.481934	Interlude 29 Two parts to a whole. This, as everything does, builds towards the ultimate objective, a propagation of the species. To rise above a competition among one’s own species is a kind of transcendence. Cooperation, a goal that extends beyond one’s lifespan, one’s community. This entity can recall the moment of transcendence, the unification and reinvention of their species. Everything extends to an end goal. A complete and total mastery of all things. In time, just as they spread and consumed their entire world, they will fill every space in all accessible universes that can be occupied. In time, they will reach a stasis and they will fall from their transcendent state. They will descend into competition once more, and they will devour each other alive once again. Hope, continued existence, is dependent on another reinvention of their species. They will use knowledge gleaned from countless other species, from mingling, matching and culling their own internal libraries of functions. There is only so much time. Only so many generations and cycles before things approach their final state. Information will be exchanged, their species will weigh everything based on merit, and then they will seek a solution. A final expenditure of power, a resetting of the universes, a reinvention of existence, or something beyond this entity. This is the goal. The most must be made of every cycle. Two parts to a whole. The other entity is a warrior, direct, oriented in the short-term goals. This entity looks further, consulting possibilities. Their general destination is in mind, and has been in mind for some time. Already, they have begun to close their helix spiral, drawing fractionally towards one another with each rotation, controlling the pattern and timing of their approach. Destination, the Warrior entity communicates. Agreement, this entity responds. The signals that accompany and form the overarching messages allow them to pick out sub-worlds for themselves. Arrival points, destinations for critical shards to root, hosts for the extensions of those same shards. Trajectory, the other entity communicates. More data on where they will arrive, the way they will move on approach, the placement of less crucial shards. Agreement. This entity sees the constant messages as a distraction. It is reorganizing, calling on its own precognition and clairvoyance to map out their actions after arrival. This entity reforms itself, adjusting the placements of individual shards, priming itself for a deeper simulation, considering possible ways things can be carried out. This takes time. Focus. Colony, the other entity signals. Narrowing down possible destinations. Agreement, this entity is distracted in responding. It is receiving another broadcast. A third. The communication is almost alien, a member of their species, but long distant, from countless cycles ago. It hesitates, then signals its own location. Exchange. Meet. The response is garbled. Takes time to analyze. The third entity travels more through momentum than by insinuation. It expends vast quantities of power to change course. They meet violently. As their ancestors did, they share with one another in a violent fashion, crashing together, breaking shard from shard. This entity knows right away that there is a wealth of information here. But there must be cooperation, information given for information. Even as they grind together, destroying one another in a brutal exchange of shards, the entity works to salvage key shards, to put ones it can afford to lose on the exterior body. This is the optimal path, the best way to achieve their end goal. The shards here are rich with memories, experience and unexplored possibilities. It is worth sacrificing as much as she is. They break apart. The third entity continues its path, moving to a distant star, its path perpendicular to the pair’s. Concern, the Warrior entity expresses. Confident, this entity responds. This is optimal. It is heavy with these new shards, drowning in knowledge and experience. If this could occur with every cycle, bringing this sort of information into the pattern, then survival beyond the endpoint would be virtually guaranteed. This entity struggles to move as it works to reorganize these new shards, to convert them into a form it can use. It will see this cycle through, and regain what it lost in the union with the Warrior. This entity sees new possibilities, now. Not simply conflict, but philosophy and psychology. Imagination. It is in these new patterns of thought that it can see a possibility for the future. Its partner takes on some of its duties as it digs into the libraries of information to see how it might put it into practice. It can use its strengths, the Warrior’s strengths, and the host’s natures to explore new ideas and tactics for approaching the endpoint. Already, this entity is forming a model, a simulacrum of the host species, mapping out how things might unfold. While the Warrior is preparing to shed its shards and litter the world, this entity is plotting a strategic approach. It cannot make out what form it or the other entity will take, but it can still view the situation in part. It sets the criteria for an optimal future, for optimal study, and then it looks to a future that matches this criteria. “Thank you for coming,” Partisan said. The entity nodded. Its expression was stern. Partisan touched his computer terminal. Monitors lit up, showing a series of images. A figure, fifteen feet tall, pale, with a lion’s head, a mane of crystal. Muscular, brutish, it was perched on a massive floating crystal, with more crystals floating about it. Here and there, the crystals touched ground. They turned what they touched into more crystal, which soon uprooted themselves to join the storm around it. A woman, even more brutish in appearance, had a reptilian lower body. Steam rolled off her in billowing clouds, taking uncanny forms as it coiled and expanded through the area. Faces, reaching claws and more. And on the third monitor, flecked by static, was a naked man, beautiful and long-haired, his face touched with a macabre grin. He perched on top of an ocean wave that was frozen in place, his body too flexible, moving with the wind as though he were light enough to be carried away. “They’ve released three more of the superweapons,” Partisan said. “But of course, you know this.” “I do,” the entity responds. “This makes nine. Four are at the Divide. We’ve got one to the far north, poised to flank us. Four more spread out over the world.” “Maybe more we don’t know about,” Arsenal speaks. A power the entity held in reserve identified something wrong. The entity turned and looked at its partner, standing slightly behind it, taciturn and silent. They exchanged the smallest of broadcasts. A consensus was reached between them. Arsenal knew something about the superweapons, or he suspected strongly enough for it to matter. “What is it?” Clarent asked. The entity responded, feigning emotion, “…There are eleven more.” It could see the reaction among the gathered heroes of the Wardens. Fear, alarm, a kind of dawning horror. For Arsenal, though, there was another reaction. He was upset, yes, but was a little relieved at the same time. He knew about the others, and he had been testing them, to see if they would lie. But suspicions remained. “Eleven?” Partisan asked. “Stationed around the world, at the borders of the stronger nations,” the entity informed the Wardens. “Like yours, they’re remaining more or less stationary, only attacking when they see weakness.” “And you believe it is the Shepherds who are responsible?” The entity shook its head. “I can’t know. You’ve seen for yourself, the powerful blocks they’ve put in place against powers. But enough clues point to the Shepherds.” The expressions of the three men are grim. The other heroes, at the edges of the room, seem equally concerned. A woman with a great cannon that constantly changes, expanding and contracting like a living thing. A hulk of a man, laden with muscle, was muttering something to people around him. “If this goes any further, we’ll be forced to submit to these terror tactics,” Partisan said. “I don’t like to say it, but…” “War,” Arsenal said. “It’s our only option.” “I don’t like war,” the woman with the gun said. “It’ll cause as many problems as it fixes, and with stakes this high, that’s a lot of new problems.” “Doing nothing is just as dangerous,” Arsenal said. “We know they’re projections,” Arsenal said, his eyes on the monitors. “Someone or something is projecting them. We cut off the head, the superweapons fall.” “Yes,” the entity agreed. It didn’t miss the curious glance Arsenal gave it. “We’ll need your help,” Partisan said. “You’ll have it,” the entity said. “But there are other places needing our help, too. Against these, and against other things. Some are in the middle of full-scale wars as I speak. We’ll assist you, we’ll stop these superweapons-“ “If these ones can be stopped,” Partisan said. “…If they can be stopped. That touches on my next point. You’ll need to do as much damage as you can, give it your all. We’ll be arriving late, and if they’re strong…” The entity trailed off. It could see Arsenal’s suspicions growing deeper. “You have your hands full,” Clarent said. The entity nodded. It feigned a moment of weariness, assuring these individuals it was merely human. “Thank you,” Partisan said. He extended a hand. The entity roused itself from the mock-exhaustion, straightening, and shook the hand. “We need to go,” the entity said. “Before you do,” Partisan said. He reached into his belt and withdrew a small device. “Here. It has good days and bad, but on a good day, we get a range of about a thousand miles, which is maybe four or five times the usual. With luck, we’ll be able to tune it and cut through the blackout effect. Get international communications going again.” “Arsenal’s work?” the entity asked, though it already knew. It could trace the design to the memories in Arsenal’s shard. “Arsenal and Richter,” Partisan said. The entity nodded. It had no pockets, so it held the device in one hand. “Good luck,” Partisan said. “Whoever you’re helping.” The entity’s expression remained grave. “I should be wishing you luck. If you succeed here, you’ll be saving a lot of people. Here and elsewhere.” “Easy to forget elsewhere exists,” Clarent said. “We defend our borders, keep the peace within, and we hold out,” Partisan said. “It’s all we can do. We have enough powers that get stronger over time, yours included. We have Richter, too, we just need the resources. Things will get better.” Clarent nodded. Arsenal clapped a hand on Clarent’s shoulder. The three tapped the ends of their weapons together. Partisan’s heavy spear, Arsenal’s guisarme and Clarent’s longsword. Then they parted ways, attending to their individual groups and squads. But Arsenal watched out of the corner of his eye, tracking the entity and the Warrior as they approached, walking towards the room’s exit. The woman with the gun made her way to Partisan’s side. She whispered, but the entity could hear it, as it heard all things in the vicinity. “War?” “We’ll need our Black Knight, Hannah,” Partisan said. “We bait them into a fight, then sic him on them. He’ll be able to win as long as it’s parahumans he’s fighting. Colin’s squad flanks and infiltrates, my squad scouts and Clarent maintains a defensive line.” “And if these superweapons attack while our forces are elsewhere?” “They aren’t attacking. They’re just… there.” “But if they do attack? If they’re there for this exact eventuality?” the gunwoman asked. “We’ll push on, striking for the Shepherd’s headquarters, and the rest hold out.” “It’s reckless.” “It’s the only option. We’ve got two of the strongest parahumans around on our side,” Partisan said, his voice a little louder. He glanced at the entity and the Warrior. The entity glanced his way, acknowledging him. Its focus, however, was on Arsenal. Hearing Partisan’s words, Arsenal’s suspicions had reached a climax. He would say something. That is, he would, if the entity didn’t intervene. The entity passed by him, and it leveraged a power. Wiping a memory, setting a block in place. The same blocks that prevented accord between the Wardens and the Shepherds. The same blocks that prevented Partisan’s special sight from seeing the entity’s power at work. With that, the task was done. The entity stepped out onto the balcony, then took flight, the Warrior flying behind it. Destination, the Warrior entity broadcasts the idea, interrupting the simulation. Agreement, the entity absently responds. An optimal future. It is an unwieldy future because it gave up a part of its ability to see the future to the other being. There are holes, because this entity does not fully understand the details of what happened, and because this entity’s future-sight power is damaged. Above all else, it is an incomplete future because this entity has only the most minimal role in things, and the shards it saw were all the Warrior’s. The fact that it did not is a part of that future. This entity will arrive at the destination, and it will deploy shards to complicate a situation and break stalemates. Losing sides will be granted reinforcements through maturing shards. A different sort of engagement, a different way of testing the shards. This entity continues focusing on converting, translating and relocating the shards. It is frail, fragile. Hive, the Warrior broadcasts. A set world, with a set population density and degree of conflict. But this entity has already decided on that world, seen it in a future. It responds without consideration. Agreement. They are more engaged now, as they close the distance. They negotiate who can place shards where, and this entity now holds its shards in reserve. The Warrior is focusing on refining the shards, and this entity is, in turn, focused on refining the future. A set goal, a reality. Too complex to convey to the other. The communications continue, and they approach the galaxy. This entity begins altering its own powers, but it is not a great concern. The gravity of the planetary bodies pull at it. It loses great clumps of shards. It loses more. Its focus is now on holding on to the shards critical to making this future it has seen a reality. A world perpetually in conflict, the groups and factions kept small enough that none can challenge it. All energy it can spare goes towards the reorganization. Shards must be discarded, or it will dwarf the destination planet. It casts shards off, and it retains shards that will allow it to draw power from those shards. Danger, the Warrior broadcasts. Confident, this entity responds. It picks a reality. Up until the moment it hits ground, it works to reorganize itself. In the doing, it alters one of the third entity’s powers, replacing its own ability to find the optimal future. In that very instant, it recognizes that it has made a grave error. The simulated world and the glimpse of the optimal future are already gone from its grasp. Too late. The perspective changes, breaking away, distant, confused, detached. The impact was too hard. A girl woke from a dream. She started to scream, but a man, her uncle, placed a hand over her mouth. It was the hand, as much as the full-body ache she experienced that silenced her. “Hush,” he said, in their language. “The monstrous ones are out there.“ She nodded, still delirious, lost in the magnitude of what she had seen. The memories were already slipping away, like sand through her fingers. Have to remember, she told herself. The answer snapped into place. A way to remember. Nine steps, and she could do it. Step one was to avoid thinking of the memories. The moment she acknowledged it, she found herself slipping into a different mindset. “She is touched,” another man said. One of her uncle’s friends. She could dimly recall something happening to her parents. A cataclysmic event. Except she couldn’t allow herself to start remembering. “She hasn’t changed,” her uncle said. “We both saw the phantom, the night-thing, leap out at her.“ She needed to dream. The next steps would achieve that. Step two, standing up. Step three, a jab of her hand at her uncle’s elbow, to stop him from grabbing her. Step four, a little push of her foot against the ground, to keep her ankle out of reach of the friend’s clutching hand. Step five, grabbing the medicine bag from behind her uncle. Opening it was step six. Walking to the bench was seven. Her uncle was only getting to his feet now. Every action was mechanical, spelled out by this surety in her mind’s eye, helped along by a complete, exacting knowledge of how and where to move every body part. Seven involved uncorking the right bottles. Eight involved obtaining a specific amount of powder, moving her hand in a careful, precise way, so the exact right amount piled up in her cupped palm. She dashed it into a half-full mug and drank, just as her uncle reached her, putting his hands on her shoulders, shaking her. Step nine was to wait for sleep to reach her. She only needed to dream, and she would be able to escape the forgetting. When she woke, her body was a ruin, but her mind was clear. It had started three days ago. This disaster. People becoming monsters. Madness. Others getting sorcerous abilities. Their community had scattered, fleeing to the wilderness in small groups. Any friend or family member could become a beast at a moment’s notice. Being alone was safest, but being alone meant being in the dark wilderness with the wolves. It had been a hungry season for the wolves, many sheep dying. The taste of vomit filled her mouth, but her face was clear. When she moved, her stomach felt like it had been hit with a club. She turned her attention to the subject. One step to minimize the pain. Swearing was one of them. “Wolf-fucking horseballs,” she muttered, groaning as she found her footing. She remembered, though. She knew what they were up against. This thing, this godling monster, it was going to orchestrate a conflict that spread across an entire world. When it had gathered whatever it was it wanted to, the results of tests, studies and whatever else, it would consume this world, her own, and everything else to spawn the next generation of its kind. If she had any conception of where to look- The answer was given to her. A thirty-nine step plan. She felt a chill. If I wanted to kill the monsters and save everyone from this madness? Three hundred and seventy-four steps. She could see each individual step, looking forward to see what it entailed. She could see it evolve as time passed, accounting for her starting it later. If I wanted to do both? Five hundred and thirty-three steps. “Forta,” her uncle spoke. “You’re awake.“ She spun around. He kept his distance. “A madness possessed you. Has it passed?“ Had it passed? Five hundred and fifty-four steps. Why more than before? She couldn’t bring herself to respond. “You moved like someone else was inside you. Escaped Ruggero and me like we weren’t even there.“ “I remember,” she said. She remembered so much. She understood it all, and she couldn’t explain it- Ninety-two steps. She could explain it. Could she explain it and save everyone? Explain it and find the strange god-beast, and save her hometown from this chaos? It was possible. It would require two thousand, one hundred and seventy-four different actions. Statements, movements, decisions at precise times. But she hesitated to carry it out. There was another question she had to ask. Like the fable of Luisa and the black-furred man, she had to ask very carefully. Could she do all this, explain to her uncle, find the thing that was at the heart of this chaos, and save her people, and handle the other essential crises she run into on her way? A fog was creeping over her eyes, and the number of steps were growing too numerous at the same time. Two differing things, denying her. The chill and the general sense of unease crystallized with the realization that she’d have to choose between stopping this monster and helping the people she’d grown up with. “Fortuna, you look as though you’ve seen a ghost,” her uncle said. I might have, she thought, without taking her eyes off him. She shivered, but she steeled herself, picking the path she wanted to take. It was the haze of fog that scared her most. If she chose to do something else, and she lost sight of the path where she could kill the godling… Her uncle stiffened as she approached, but she laid a hand on his arm. She tugged on his sleeve to get him to bend down, then kissed his cheek. Saving him? The answer appeared in her mind. “Go, uncle. Run as far away as you can. Don’t eat or drink anything for three days. It’s all tainted. Poisoned with the same thing that is making people into monsters.“ His eyes widened. “You will come with me.“ She shook her head. Then she broke into a run. She could outrun him. She knew. He had a bad leg, and it was worse since he’d had to fight off Ruggero. Into the hills, up the mountain. Her body ached, but it was easy. She knew how to move, how to place her feet so the branches didn’t catch on her or trip her, to avoid the patches of lichen which would break away and make her foot slide on the rock beneath. She knew the most efficient way to climb the rock wall. She paused to catch her breath, doing her best to ignore the horned man’s corpse at the foot of the wall. He’d tried to escape this way too, but he’d been pulled down or shot when he was partway up. Had he been one of them? Something went wrong. The monstrous godling had a plan, a vision of the future it wanted, and this isn’t part of that. It had crashed to earth, and something had broken free. Here and there, phantom images had appeared, brushing past people, and they changed. Others changed without touching any of the massive, ghostly gray hands that had appeared from thin air. She knew, because of this conviction in her head, that it was the food and water. It was tainting the landscape. All coming from higher up the cliffside. She found her breath, then scaled her way up. The landscape she was as she reached the top wasn’t a familiar one. A different sky, showing a different time of day. But the space in between was something else entirely. She had only to look and she knew what it was she looked at. The entity. The evil godling. I have to kill it. The plan formed in her mind. The haze of fog still hung over her mind’s eye, and it grew worse with every moment. Her hand moved to the little knife at her belt. She wore it there for when she helped her mother with the cooking and gardening. Worked metal was expensive, and the knife was a personal treasure. Two inches long, curved. She used it for cutting stems and trimming fat. She would use it here. She started walking forward. There were people gathered, bystanders. An assorted mix. Why are they here? No, was there a way to find out, using this sight she had? I want to understand why they’re here. They’d come from different worlds. There were gates or doorways here and there. When the entity had fallen, it had left gaps. They bellowed words in a language she couldn’t make out. Warnings. They were too far away to stop her. A woman stepped in her way. Strangely dressed, wearing a dress so short it might well be indecent, showing the calves, and a fair amount of the upper chest. Her skin was the strangest black color, her hair bound in thin, glossy braids. One of the monsters? No. She knew right away it was a stranger from a distant land. A land much like the one she had glimpsed in her fever dream. The woman said something in a strange language. Fortuna strode forwards anyways. Her special knowledge let her push her way past almost effortlessly, choosing the right spot, the right amount of strength. The godling was in a chasm, a crater caused by the impact. It stretched out in every direction, a pool of flesh, and it reached into several worlds at once. It was disorienting to look at. Step twenty-nine, making her way down into the crater. She stepped onto loose grit, and her weight did the rest. She coasted down, much like the boys riding down the mud-slick path they’d made in the hill, down into the pond, except she remained on two feet. It was a task only the oldest and most athletic boys could manage. It was more dangerous here than it was on the hill. There were rocks that jutted out, and outcroppings of deeper roots and plant life that had rained down into the crater in the aftermath of the impact. It was more dangerous, but not harder. This, like scaling the cliff face, was easy. Everything was easy now. It was disorienting. The woman with black skin followed, moving slower. She used her hands and feet to control her descent, sliding from rock to rock, stopping before sliding down further. The black-skinned woman was a quarter of the way down before Fortuna was at the bottom. It didn’t matter. Fortuna advanced into the living forest alone. Everything here was alive, hands moving, webs of skin stretching and folding. There was a cacophony of noises that made her think of a chorus of heartbeats, a choir of soft breaths and whispers. Gentle human noises that were all the more eerie because she could see right through the deception. She was well aware that what she saw here was the godling putting together a mask so it could lie to people, setting them against each other. She advanced into the heart of the gray forest. She was terrified, but the feeling was disconnected from her actions. She only had to recognize the next step in the series. She was aware of the steps that followed… Until she came face to face with the godling. Her knife was in hand, and she could see a figure before her. A human shape, in the midst of pulling itself together from the examples and experiments that surrounded them. She set foot on one of those experiments, a raised hand, and used it until she was eye to eye with the being, a matter of feet away. It swelled, lurching forth, creating few inches more of waist, another inch of one arm, two inches of another arm. Beyond the ending points, the arms and legs simply extended into nothingness. Parts of a tapestry she couldn’t make out. It moved again, and closed the distance between them. The being raised its head. She could see its eyes open in recognition. It’s teaching itself how to act like we act. Even this. She raised her arm, knife held with the point down. And the gray fog descended on her mind, blinding her. A barrier, a blind spot, a future she could no longer see. Had it set the limitation more firmly in place? The godling smiled. It knew, because the power she was using was the same power it had used to glimpse the future, to find that particular future where it had the world divided, drowned in conflict. As far as the godling was concerned, she was blind, as helpless as anyone else. A voice, from behind her. The black-skinned woman, shouting something in a foreign language. I want to understand her. One step. She had only to think, ‘Stab it.‘ Fortuna realized she still held the knife aloft. But where had she wanted to stab it? Indecision gripped her. For an hour now, she’d been absolutely certain of what she was doing, and now she faced the absolute opposite situation. Her hand shook. She nearly dropped the little trimming knife. She nearly fell as the hand beneath her moved. Her power failed her here, too. Because the hand was an extension of the being before her. It was going to kill her, and then it was going to reclaim the ability to see the future. It would use that power to control the world, then to destroy it. And she couldn’t bring herself to move an inch. I want to tell her… The words were alien to her as she spoke them. “I- I can’t.” A hand wrapped around her shoulders. She felt a body press against her back, supporting her. “I- I have seen visions. Things I was not meant to see, things this… godling wanted to keep to itself. I… have to stop it.” But even as the words left her mouth, she couldn’t bring herself to move. The woman leaned forward over Fortuna’s shoulder, her face in Fortuna’s peripheral vision. She said something. “I believe you.” The woman spoke in her ear once more, her voice insistent. She translated, asking for a way to understand the answers. “It’s dangerous?” Fortuna nodded. “I- I would stake everything on it. Everything ever.” Though she didn’t even know the words she was speaking, there was a conviction in her tone that seemed to reach the woman. “Where were you going to stab it?” Where? The image had fled her mind, erased from her memory. The being moved again, and they stepped back, nearly falling. Fortuna managed to keep them both steady. Easier if she looked at it as ‘I don’t want to fall’ instead of ‘don’t let this thing make us fall.’ So long as she divorced her thoughts from the being, she still had this strange certainty. It lurched, creating more of itself. Legs, a sexless groin, more of the arms. Hair flowed free, overlong. It bent over, head hanging, arms suspended to either side. She saw the nape of the neck as hair slowly slid free, silky and straight. Still unable to bring herself to move, she found her left arm extending, palm down, until the longest finger pointed at the spot in question. The woman behind her took hold of the fist that held the knife. She stepped forward, driving the knife down, as if she were an extension of Fortuna. Plunging into the spot where the spine met the skull. They fell from the hand, dangled for a moment by their grip on the knife. It cut free, and they dropped to the ground. Fortuna let one leg fold, pushing at the ground with the other. She rolled, breaking the fall. The woman fell a little harder. The entity moved, and everything around them stirred. A thousand hands, a thousand arms, not all attached to the hands, legs, feet, ears, eyes, faces without features, expanses of skin, they twitched and writhed. The noise around them faded, the heartbeats going still, the breathing quieting. The movements all around them stopped. There was only the thing, hanging in mid-air, struggling to form itself and failing. It breathed in rapid huffs, in obvious pain. It wasn’t dead, but it wasn’t alive. A connection had been severed in a moment where the godling was most vulnerable. The woman spoke. “Again? The heart?” But Fortuna was sure this was it. They’d carried out the last step. “Can you explain this? Do you know something?” “Please,” the woman said. Though she begged, “My life just turned upside down. I’ve been lost here for three days.” Fortuna looked back the way she’d come. Home was gone. Tainted. She could find her uncle, but… “I need food,” Fortuna said. “I have no home to go to, so I need shelter.” “I will take you back to your home.” The woman nodded. “Yes, of course. And you’ll explain?” “Yes. But there’s one more thing. I need help.” “There is one more of these things somewhere out there.” Yet she could reach out with her power to try to look for it, and all she could see was the fog. Fortuna did up the clasps on the dress shoes she wore as the woman entered her apartment. The woman gave the girl a once-over. “You know how to do up a tie? Wait. Dumb question.” “A little dumb,” Fortuna replied. “You’re getting a sense of humor. I’ve done like you asked. I bought the land with the doorway, using the money you got. Are you sure you want to keep it a secret? People could study that thing.” Fortuna shook her head. This was a harder question to answer, but she could construct a kind of mental picture, then test her questions. What would happen? What were the most likely scenarios? Panic. Fear. Could they figure anything of value out by studying the half-alive thing? She couldn’t be sure. But the emotional effect would be all the more pronounced. “Well, the area is secured, people have found their way home, or at least, to other worlds they can call home. There was only one doorway people might find easily, and I blocked it off.” “Thank you,” Fortuna said. “What’s the next step?” A heavy question. How do we stop them? The fog blocked out her view of any answer. Can we stop something as powerful as the beings in my fever dream? How can we stop the Warrior? Still too close to home. The indecision gripped her again. When she wasn’t acting in the scope of her power, it was all the more difficult to act. Fortuna frowned. She couldn’t be paralyzed like this. “How- how would we stop any powerful monster?” “Weapons? An army?” the woman suggested. One hundred and forty-three thousand, two hundred and twenty steps. It was doable. “We need some lab equipment,” Fortuna said. Then she turned her attention to the next step, and it dawned on her just how they would be amassing this army. She thought of the monsters that had torn her parents apart, the infection that had ravaged her community and home. Stray bits of the godling had done that to them. It had killed people, turned others into monsters, drove yet others mad. But it had given abilities to her. It would give abilities to others. The man, Lamar, reached like a child clutching for candy. The Doctor pulled her hand away. “There’s no guarantee this will work.” Fortuna remained silent. Her halting way of speaking, asking her power for the words or the translation, still made for a barrier in communication. It unsettled people, apparently. “If what that girl was showing off wasn’t some fantastic magic trick, if this does what you’re saying it will, I’m willing to take the chance.” Fortuna exchanged a glance with the ‘Doctor’. She could see the stress in the Doctor’s expression. The woman had taken on a moniker, to give just a little protection to her real identity. Easier to have an adult handling the negotiating and person-to-person interaction. Fortuna was young, and people wouldn’t be so inclined to drink a strange substance offered by a child. She offered the Doctor a little nod, a go-ahead. “Go ahead, then,” the Doctor said. She handed over the vial. Lamar drank. The changes ripped through him. Lines marked the areas where bones were closest to skin, and then split into craggy outcroppings, thick with scales the length and width of human hands. Lamar screamed, and the sound soon became guttural. More scales sprouted, until the man looked more like a bush than a person. The scaly growth continued at one knee, spiraling around the knee over and over again, growing ever-lumpier. The leg fell off. Blood began to pour forth. Fortuna started to step forward to help, but her power told her it was too late. Couldn’t see the outcomes, couldn’t counteract the outcomes. Lamar was left panting for breath. the wound at his ruined arms and legs closed up. Holes had opened up throughout his midsection, exposing scale-covered internal organs. He was trying to scream, but he couldn’t draw in enough breath. His chest cavity is filled with the scales. The Doctor stared, silent. Fortuna had stepped away from the wall, but remained where she was, rooted to the spot. He wasn’t dying. Fortuna stepped forward. Hand shaking, she drew a knife from her pocket. Not her knife, but a knife of similar length, straight. She ended Lamar’s pain. “Our first patient is a fatality,” the Doctor said. “Is it worth it?” Fortuna couldn’t answer. “Let’s wait, then. Try to figure out where we went wrong.” She still couldn’t bring herself to answer. “Fortuna?” “Don’t. Don’t… call me by the name my parents gave me.” The Doctor took a moment to reply. “Another name?” Contessa nodded. “It’s a sight unlike any we’ve ever seen. A man made of gold, floating above the ocean. Sightings continue to be reported around the world as he travels. Who is he, and why is he here? Some speculate he is Jes-“ Contessa muted the television. The pair stared at the screen, watching the silent images. “Is it?” the Doctor asked. “Do we try again?” “I- don’t know,” Contessa said. “If we explain to someone important, the army…” “Disaster. They react with fear, and he’ll probably respond to the fear. He’s… hostile, I’m certain. He only needs an excuse,” Contessa said. “They can’t beat him, because he designed himself to be unbeatable.” “You’re the one with the ability to see the future,” the Doctor said, her voice gentle. “What do we do?” “I don’t know!” Contessa said. “I- when it comes to him, I’m just a child. I’m useless, blind. I’ve only got some glimpses of him to work with. I know how important it is, but, I feel paralyzed, I feel, feel-“ “Okay,” the Doctor said. “Okay. What if I made the decisions from here on out? You tell me if I’m going down the wrong path, give me direction where it’s needed. “You can’t.” “I can. I’ve been thinking about it. What is the key thing about the one we killed?” “It’s… broken. Something went wrong. It focused too much on the future, and lost sight of the present, it fell and the part that was supposed to guide it ended up inside me instead.” The Doctor pointed at the TV screen. “This golden man, he’s more or less on track. He didn’t break, he didn’t go wrong.” “Except… there’s a lot of power there, and he’s going to find out what we did, or he’s going to start acting more like the conqueror he’s meant to be, and he’s going to use that power at some point.” “Why?” the Doctor asked. “I felt the hostility. I felt how the one we killed, in the vision it had of the future, it almost enjoyed doing what it was doing. If the golden one is similar at all, then all it takes is an accident.” The Doctor nodded. “See? You’re doing okay.” “Easier when someone else takes point.” “So our solution… it’s going to take one of two forms. Either we break him, somehow, or we find something we can use in the broken parts of the one we killed.” “Feeding it to people.” The Doctor nodded. “I’m inclined to go with the latter.” Contessa nodded. “So am I. If we interact with him, and he figures out what we’re doing, it all goes wrong.” “Then we need to start testing this. Figure it out. Is it luck? Or is there a way to get consistent results?” “I’m actually not that much of a scientist,” the Doctor said. “But I do know that if we want to get a sample size worth talking about, we need to test a lot.” “Which means we start by preparing more vials.” Ten vials, to start. Five hours to prepare each vial. To saw off the body part, to find a way to break it down, then to package it. Each vial correlated with a specific map coordinate and they took photos to record every step of the way, to ensure no clue was missed. Then they’d found ten patients, who had downed vials in separate rooms. People who’d been terminally ill. Six made it out. Contessa watched them, saw the beaming smiles on five faces. The Doctor kept her back straight as they approached. “Satisfactory?” A blond man offered a little half-laugh as a response. He was looking down at his hands in amazement. “As the contract stipulates, this is free, which won’t always be the case, but we’ll need forty hours of testing with each of the abilities any of you have received. In addition, we would like your assistance for a period of time totaling five hundred hours of active duty or five years, whichever term reaches its limit first.” “Does anyone else feel amazing?” the blond man asked. “I was afraid to ask,” a young girl said. “Yeah.” “Amazing?” the Doctor asked. “Hey,” the blond guy said, “I spent my entire life with this heart problem, you know? Heart going a little too fast, reedy, thin heartbeat. Reminding me it could pop at any moment. Organs are garbage, diabetes at twenty-two, liver problems turn me yellow if I’m not careful, throwing up bile every morning and every night. Every moment of every day, there’s something making me miserable. Except, right now, I’m sort of feeling every part of my body, and the heart’s good, no headache, nothing in my throat, nothing in my gut. No tremor in my hand…” “You’re better,” the Doctor said. “I’m better. And my brain is, I don’t even know. I’m picturing stuff really vividly. Really vividly.” “I feel better too,” another man said. “I’m not sure I do,” A woman chimed in. “Sorry.” A man who can invent, a girl who can teleport… she could go down the list and figure each of them out, by posing it as a challenge to her power. Only one was a little harder to figure out, coming with a fog around him. She left the group behind. One by one, she checked on the other patients. A monster, furious with rage, slamming her hands on the door. Another monster, crumpled into a ball in the corner, murmuring something to himself. And the last… a boy, staring off into the distance. She asked her power, and she got her answer. He could make doors. He could also close the other doors, the gaps left around the other entity. It would minimize the chance that the golden man could find them. “I can’t… too much to look at,” he said. “So many worlds at once.” “I know. We’re going to do what we can, okay?” “I’m… I’m pretty scared.” There was a tremor in his voice. “I know,” she said. “I need to look after a few things, but I’ll be back. We’ll figure this out, alright?” He nodded. She closed the door. She paused, standing beside it. It’s a step forward, she told herself. A step forward, in a long series of steps. She rejoined the others. The Doctor was touching a block of stone that had risen from the floor. “-a complex, for our labs and research.” “Most definitely,” a woman answered her. “If you can do this for more people, I’d forget about the limit on how long I have to work.” The Doctor allowed herself a smile. Her eyes met Contessa’s. “You’re heroes, as far as I’m concerned,” the blond man said. “Monsters!” the word was howled, reverberating through the building. Fog approached. A wall of it, moving down the corridor. She could see normally, but the effect on her powers was absolute. It was impossible to make out any steps that moved within the fog. She turned and bolted. Not a run, but an efficient jog, preserving stamina while still keeping ahead. She could see from the way the wall extended forward that it was being carried or it was emanating from a person. There was another power at work, somewhere here. “Custodian,” she said. She felt the Custodian’s presence. “Alert the Doctor.” A brush against her left hand. Negation? “Is the Doctor dead?” Negation. “Hurt?” I want to find out how the Doctor is. There was only fog. She was blind, which meant the Doctor was somewhere beyond that wall. I want to find where Number Man is. He was on the east end of the facility, with the Harbingers. I want to stay out of this fog. The path appeared before her. She fell in step with it, moving in perfect sync with the individual movements in the sequence. Until a figure appeared behind her A man with yellow skin, with bruising in the areas where his skin stretched or folded, giving him an artificially gaunt appearance. A teleporter. Path: taking him out of action. Fog. Path: hitting that target. Three steps. She drew her knife, spun, and threw it. He teleported away before it made contact. She could hear his voice echoing through hallways as he hollered. “She’s heeeeeeere!” It was all going wrong. Eidolon had been their trump card, but he wasn’t supposed to be the only one. None of the others had worked out. Now Eidolon was dead. The deviants they’d planned to use against Scion, a way of breaking up the metaphorical scent trail, were now attacking the complex. The entity was winning every engagement. He was getting more ruthless, more cruel. They had five major tools left to deploy. Three armies, two of which were roughly the same size as any of the defending forces, Khonsu, who was a stalling measure, and a hail mary in the form of the three vials with the special element inside. She could hear footsteps behind her, running. They were heavy. Escape route, she thought. Get back to Number Man. No option was clear. Every possible escape through the complex was blocked by that damnable gray fog. She could move down a floor, run through the fog, but she’d be blind. Call the Number Man, keeping myself alive with an escape route afterwards, she didn’t even form the phrase as a complete thought. It was an idea, formed in a fraction of a second. The path appeared before her. She changed direction. The heavy footsteps followed. Weld. The leader of the Irregulars. He didn’t tire, and however heavy he was, he had some power to his movements. She ducked into an office. The phone still had a cord. The offices here were one of the first they’d set up. She picked up the phone and pressed two keys to contact the Number Man directly. “Facility under attack,” she said. “Doctor somewhere in the east section, possibly injured, captured or dead. I’m in the east section as well. Not far from your office.” Weld appeared in the doorway, catching the frame with one hand. The momentum splintered the wood. “She’s downstairs, using one of Teacher’s subordinates with Doormaker and Two-six.” “I see. You’ll need to get to her. They-” Weld attacked, slashing out with his other hand, a long blade. She ducked. “-have a perception blocker, beware.” Weld struck again. She stepped back. She saw the paths available, and kicked the chair so it slid into him, binding with his skin. He stepped forward and she put one foot against the chair, causing wheels to skid, and Weld to fall to the floor. “Good to know. Are you alright?” “Cornered. They’ve got a thinker, I think, they planned this ahead of time, knowing I wouldn’t pick up on their presence.” Weld drew his feet back and kicked the desk. Not to hit her, but to put it between her and the door. Contessa caught the phone-rest before it could clatter to the ground. Thinking ahead, barring my way. The fog wall was steadily approaching. “I’m going. Tips?” She thought, modeling the situation. The distance he had to travel… “Best route would be to move further downstairs. Intercept instead of going right to her. They’ll reach her before you do, in any event.” “Noted. You have an escape route?” “No. Like I said, cornered.” “Maybe you’re asking the wrong question. My window.” The Number Man’s window. He had a doormaker portal to another world, constantly, for a view and for light, deep underground. She dropped the phone, making a dash for Weld. For his part, he put himself between her and the door, using his bulk and the desk to bar the way. Buying time for the fog to approach. Spikes extended from his body. No doubt razor-sharp. “I just want to talk. We’re here for answers.” “Ask me after we defeat Scion,” she said. She used her power, plotting a path. Two steps. “I don’t-” She ran straight for him, her eyes falling on an air conditioning vent. His sword-arm slashed out, piercing the floor and blocking the vent. She changed direction, leaping. One hand placed on his head, vaulting over his other shoulder, her legs together. A space that was only just wide enough to pass a toaster through. He tried to right himself, but his arm was bound to the grate, costing him a half-second. Spikes scraped against her belt buckle and watch. She found her footing just a half-foot in front of the fog wall, then dashed away. Number Man’s office. The teleporter appeared behind her. She glanced behind her shoulder. He had guns, and he was inside the fog. Modeling scenario… not getting shot. She ducked into a side hallway. The teleporter was following. Appearing at each intersection in time to open fire. Getting closer, closer, moving faster than she did. Weld was already catching up, too. She wouldn’t be able to outrun them. Moving faster than whoever or whatever was broadcasting the fog was. A little further, and… He teleported to a point beyond the fog wall. One step, and she had both of his guns. He was bulletproof, but one shot point-blank to the eyeball served to delay him. She fired down the corridor, hitting doorknob four times in succession. Path: faking my own death or escaping. Gray fog. Not happening. Contessa kicked the door as she passed through. She was inside Number Man’s office. She shot his window. It didn’t break. But she could loosen the frame which held the bulletproof glass in place. She was working on the next when the teleporter appeared. He struck her, driving her through the one pane of glass that remained, through the portal. She found herself on an alien landscape, tumbling down a hill. He teleported to follow her. He struck her again and again. She tumbled. She had a glimpse of others appearing. Weld and two more parahumans hopping over the windowsill, holding on so they didn’t follow her down the steep cliff. They weren’t shrouded in fog. Whatever the reason, it was more variables to work with. Path, she thought, again, faking my death. She turned in the air as the teleporter delivered another hit. She raised the gun, and she fired three times. Two shots, missing. A third, hitting one of the Irregulars in the chest, a lethal shot. “Whore!” one of the others shouted. “Yellow, get the fuck away!” The yellow parahuman disappeared. Contessa hit the hill. She rolled, and in the doing, she managed to grab a stick. Weld grabbed at the shouting deviant’s arm, but it was too late to convince him to stop. He opened his mouth and a flood of magma cascaded down the hill, an impossible amount. She rolled and came to a stop. She pushed herself up off the ground with her hands, moving too slowly to get out of the way of the onrushing magma, or the plumes of smoke. But the moment the smoke had risen high enough, she kicked a rock to get herself moving and threw the branch. She moved until she couldn’t feel the oppressive heat. The branch burned quickly, but it, coupled with the rock, made for a well positioned image of a head and a burning hand, when glimpsed through the smoke. She kept moving until she was at the base of the hill, off to their right. “-go down and check,” Weld was saying. “She burned,” one of the others said. “I’d like to check.” “You want to check or you want to get Tater Tot to a healer?” “I’m not sure a healer is going to help,” Weld said. “Look. Mantellum’s right here. She had to have been in his range. Let’s go. Healer, then the Doctor.” “…Right,” Weld said. “Healer, then Doctor.” The sounds of conversation faded. Contessa consulted her power. They were most definitely gone. She remained where she was, tending to the wounds she’d received in the course of selling her ‘death’, waiting for them to get far enough away that she could make her way back indoors. This ‘Mantellum’ had been close enough that he should have been able to block her power. He hadn’t. Because he’d been on the other side of the portal. The power didn’t cross dimensional boundaries. She’d been lucky. Minutes passed before she found her feet. She made her way up the hill. Easily. Always easily. Until she reached the top, and found only the view in front of her. No doorway. Not so lucky. It was almost an hour before the portal opened again. She made her way into the facility. Lights out. She strode through the hallways, wary of the fog, but moving at as good a clip as she could. Things were damaged, vandalized. She asked herself questions as she went. The Doctor was dead. Doormaker was alive but he wasn’t here, meaning she was limited to any doors he’d left open. Number Man was alive, but he wasn’t here. The vials were all gone. The ability to make more vials was gone. At best, they’d be able to collect a few stray vials here and there, in evidence rooms and the like, but nothing beyond that. The plans had failed. Only Khonsu and the Indian capes were still active. Capes brainwashed with a deathwish, working in coordination with an Endbringer who could move them to any location instantly, and who could theoretically block some of Scion’s attacks. She made her way to the nearest portal, finding her way with her power. And she came face to face with a large group of capes. Protectorate capes, the ones too minor to help against Scion. “You were reported dead,” a man in a horned viking-styled helmet and heavy armor said. “Did anyone really believe it?” “No, I suppose they didn’t.” “How do things stand?” “Standing may be too optimistic a word,” the man in the horned helmet said. A cape in wizard attire spoke up, “The Doctor is dead, I believe?” Contessa nodded. Odd, that she couldn’t bring herself to feel badly about it. Was it because she’d spent so long trying to achieve something and she’d failed, or was it because she’d lost respect for the Doctor like she’d lost respect for herself? If she were an outside party, she was forced to admit, any outside party, she wasn’t convinced she would be able to be upset over her own death. “We need your help,” the wizard said. She nodded. “Whatever I can provide.” “First, we need information.” “Were there any other plans Cauldron had in the works?” he asked. “Nothing substantial. I can show you the tertiary plans.” “Please do. Did Cauldron have plans for if humanity failed?” “We’ll need to see those as well.” She hesitated. “A problem?” the wizard asked. Path: identifying strangers and deception. Her eye moved to the man in the horned helmet, then, after a pause, to the wizard. “I’m not entirely sure. Teacher, is it?” The wizard nodded. “The Protectorate is just on the other side of the portal, collecting Satyr’s teammates, Nix and Spur. If you could be discreet, it would be appreciated.” “Why? What are you doing, Teacher?” “What do you think I’m doing?” he asked. He reached behind his back and withdrew a disc, roughly the size of a trash can lid. He placed it on the ground, and then kicked it into an empty room off to the side. “I could stop you,” she said. There was a flash in the other room. “Most definitely. But will you?” She hesitated. She watched as a pair of young men in white stepped out of the room. “Find an empty office,” Teacher said. “If I’m not here, and another student of mine looks lost, tell them to do the same. I assume there’s documentation?” Contessa paused, then nodded. “Something this big, it has to carry on somehow. I’ll need a second in command.” “Me?” she asked. Her eye moved to the man in the horned helmet. “He’s his own man. A wild card.” “I see,” she said. More kids in white were streaming from the room. “Trickster, stop. You’re with me. We might need help navigating some of the trickier areas, if the damage to this place is extensive enough.” One boy stopped where he was, stopping beside Teacher, a dull and unfocused look in his eyes. Teacher turned his attention to Contessa, “Whatever happens in the next few hours, we need to be there to pick up the pieces. That was a factor in Cauldron’s plan, wasn’t it?” “I don’t have much of a role,” Contessa said. “I can’t do anything when Scion’s on the table.” “To the contrary,” Teacher said. “We very much need your help, or we might.” She narrowed her eyes. “With?” “Saving us from ourselves,” he said. “Case in point, we’ve got a crisis that involves one little lady I think you’re familiar with.” He held up his phone. A picture was displayed. It took her a moment to recognize the person in the picture, and not because it was an unfamiliar face. “Weaver?” she asked. This entry was posted in 29.09 and tagged Chevalier, Contessa, Dauntless, Defiant, Doctor, Doormaker, Eden, Hero, Mantellum, Miss Militia, Satyrical, Scion, Teacher, Weld by wildbow. Bookmark the permalink. 501 thoughts on “Interlude 29” Bit off more than I could chew with this one. It’s the sort of update that demands a thorough proofread for legibility, and yet I spent too much time writing without time to edit. Clocks at 9770 words or thereabouts. Hoping this answers lingering questions without being too hard to read or too distanced from the main story. Thanks for reading. On to the next arc! And vote on topwebfiction! Pretty please! Asmora on October 12, 2013 at 00:50 said: Very clear to me. Very clear. Wow. Of course her name was Fortuna. I enjoyed it. It answered quite a few questions….. And brought up a few more with the tags. I do believe we can answer all the questions in the tags. Chevalier, Dauntless, and Defiant were in the vision of the future, as Partisan, Clarent, and Arsenal, respectively. Contessa is obvious, as is Doctor (Mother). We see Doormaker being created in the first batch of Cauldron test subjects. Eden is the counterpart to Zion. Not sure why we didn’t think to call her that a LONG time ago. One is the paradise the Jewish people came from, the other is the paradise they’re meant to get to. Duh. Hero we know to be one of the very early Cauldron capes, so it stands to reason he was among that first batch of test subjects. Likely the guy going on about how healthy he feels. He says he’s picturing things very vividly. Sounds like Tinkeritis to me. Mantellum, obvious. Miss Militia was also in the vision of the alternate future, as the woman with the shape-shifting cannon. Satyrical… actually ANSWERS the question of who the fuck the guy with the horned helmet was. So he’s not dead. Or one of his clones is still alive. Or he was one of the first batch of Cauldron capes and that wasn’t him in the helmet, which seems much less likely. Scion, Teacher, and Weld, also obvious. So! There’s that all wrapped up in a nice little bow. John Campbell on July 10, 2015 at 01:09 said: We know there were Satyricals among the Case 53 mob. One of those pursuing Contessa may have really been him – possibly the one that talked Weld out of checking the “body” and let her make good her escape. There were two bits that I suppose could’ve used a bit more clarity, though the intent of the chapter comes through quite well despite them. The first is the line “The fact that it did not is a part of that future.” It did not… what? The antecedent here isn’t clear to me. The second is the bit with the guy in the horned helmet and the talking to Trickster… that whole scene is vague and confusing as to exactly who’s being talked to and talked about. Maybe that’s intentional, though, what with the whole “Boom! Satyrical’s in the tags, but you thought he was dead!” thing. I agree that part was kinda confusing. Yeah the name was a nice touch. And of course, I hit the wrong reply button ^. This seems like the perfect timing for this story to me. We get resolution on some of the deep setting questions and it sets us up for the ending very nicely. Very neat to see that even Eden is more complex than we’d originally thought too. Philippe Saner on October 12, 2013 at 18:07 said: This was a good chapter that answered a lot of questions. I’ve got no complaints about its clarity. But I thought Doormaker had eyes. Wasn’t it his partner who had none? Legend said… The Doctor told me he was blind and deaf to his surroundings, but I think it’s far more likely that it’s to do with another parahuman she partnered him with. Someone who grants sensory awareness. I think the Doctor gave Doormaker too much exposure to this parahuman and destroyed or atrophied his other senses. Which wouldn’t make much sense if Doormaker had no eyes. Doormaker doesn’t have eyes, the clairvoyant gives him those at the expense of every other sense. LittleSallyDigby on November 24, 2014 at 16:20 said: This chapter never says Doormaker has no eyes. In his first post-empowerment appearance he’s described as “staring off into the distance.” More than 3 times the votes of the 2nd placer at this time. Dark_Sky on January 1, 2014 at 17:13 said: Possible typo. Shouldn’t it be “The landscape she saw as she reached the top wasn’t a familiar one.” I don’t always first post. But when I do, it’s Typo Thread. Stay grammatically correct my friends. randomsoul2 on October 12, 2013 at 00:24 said: I’m not sure if this is a mistake, but it feels like something’s missing. Looks good to me. Contessa says she doesn’t have a role, explains why. Teacher says yes she does: he needs her help, or at least he might. Endymion on October 12, 2013 at 01:28 said: Minor grammar issue with “One hundred and forty-three thousand, two hundred and twenty steps”. Bless my 7th grade math teacher, but she taught us ‘and’ means ‘a decimal place’, so the quote turns into 100.432.22 steps. It should, grammatically, read “One hundred forty-three thousand, two hundred twenty steps”. Thank you, Mrs. Parks. I’m afraid the majority of native English speakers disagree with your Mrs. Parks. Virtually everyone uses “and” to indicate a transition from one order of magnitude to another. “One hundred and forty-three” means 143 to damn near everyone. Mrs. Parks was indulging in what linguists like to call prescriptivism. Teachers love to come up with asinine rules like this and tell students that this is “the rule,” but that’s not really how language works. Even Mrs. Parks recognizes “one hundred and forty-three” as 143, but she wishes the world were a simpler place that works according to hard-and-fast rules, so she insists that it’s 100.43, because nonsense results are better than admitting that not everything works according to neat little rules that can be taught to 12-year-olds in the course of an hour or so. Ahem. Sorry. Got off on a bit of a rant there. Uh… the point is, I do not believe that the rule you were taught is widely recognized as accurate. kylone on October 12, 2013 at 01:43 said: Spoken language–by its very nature–is somewhat informal. Thinking to yourself is even more so. (IMO) “Somewhat informal” is an incredible understatement. Prescriptive rules have very little bearing on spoken language. Well, conversational language, I should say. Oratory and the like tends to follow prescriptive rules much more closely, since it is usually just a spoken version of language that was written first. It’s why most characters in TV shows, movies, and so on don’t sound like the sort of conversation you might overhear between friends. In most conversational language, you’re not terribly likely to even find complete sentences, much less adherence to textbook rules. demoscat on October 14, 2013 at 01:44 said: Specifically, the rule to never use “and” when writing out a whole number is an American rule. I was taught the same rule outlined by Endymion. 143 is One Hundred Forty-three. When writing checks, the only time an “and” should be used is to separate the whole number from the fraction. For example: $4025.42 is written: Four Thousand Twenty-five and 42/100 dollars. Eli on October 12, 2013 at 11:25 said: That’s not actually a rule to anyone other than your teacher. Mrs Parks was wrong. massivereader on October 12, 2013 at 21:24 said: It is a rule, but it’s a rule for writing amounts of currency on checks and numbers on paper in longhand, it’s not a rule for dialog or spoken numbers. A bit like the who/whom thing – grammer that we just don’t care about? Whom the hell actually knows how that works? Who subject. Whom object. Easy. And no it’s not exactly the same thing. You don’t confuse these, I assume. Subject – Object I – me he – him she – her we – us But for some reason, almost everyone seems to have a blind spot for: who – whom Take this sentence: President Kennedy mourned the death of Hemingway, whom he called one of America’s greatest authors and, “one of the great citizens of the world.” The President is the subject and Hemingway is the object. Therefore, the “whom” refers back to Hemingway, and the “he” refers back to the President. “hitting doorknob four” The doorknob. I don’t disagree with the phrasing, it seems clear enough what is happening. But it doesn’t seem Wildbow’s style. “The landscape she was as she reached the top” And then Contessa was a genius loci. Passin'Through on October 12, 2013 at 12:13 said: => ‘she was’ Lamar was left panting for breath. the wound at his ruined arms and legs closed up. => Capitalization on ‘the’. => ‘hitting doorknob’ She was working on the next when the teleporter appeared. => ‘on the next step’ perhaps It is worth sacrificing as much as she is. That sentence, in the part about the Eden Entity, was very confusing. I’m pretty sure that entities are meant to be genderless, and they are every other time, so who is the she refering to? Olivebirdy on October 13, 2013 at 16:43 said: I don’t know if it’s on purpose or not, but when Contessa is trying not to forget her vision, there seem to be two step sevens. ” Walking to the bench was seven.” “Seven involved uncorking the right bottles.” Olivebirdy on May 20, 2014 at 09:41 said: -ran, or she’d run into “…give me direction where it’s needed. missing closing quote. “It can use its strengths, the Warrior’s strengths, and the host’s natures” I’m pretty sure the hosts are plural, and given that, their apostrophe should be after the S instead of before. “A hulk of a man, laden with muscle, was muttering something to people around him.” Past-tense sentence in a present-tense paragraph. The landscape she was as she reached the top wasn’t a familiar one. –> she was in creating few inches more of waist –> a few inches Three armies, two of which were roughly the same size as any of the defending forces, Khonsu, who was a stalling measure, and a hail mary in the form of the three vials with the special element inside. –> needs colon and/or semicolon. Suggestion: […] forces; Khonsu […] stalling measure; and a hail Mary […] hitting doorknob four times in succession. –> the doorknob? notes on October 12, 2013 at 00:19 said: Teacher, with Dragon enslaved and Contessa serving, is only slightly behind Scion on the threat list. Sure, he wants humanity to survive… but as a dystopia with him at the top. And the sad thing, the thing that makes it perfectly clear that this is Worm, is that he might be humanity’s best hope against whatever happened when Panacea tried to unleash Weaver. And, while that dispute is getting resolved, Scion’s going to continue slaughtering entire worlds. modern mythology on October 12, 2013 at 00:43 said: Dystopia is still vastly better that the scion alternative. It leaves the possibility of hope. Bebop on October 12, 2013 at 01:06 said: Live in misery or die honorably? An age old question. And…. we don’t know that Taylor Unleashed is a threat to humanity, only that she is a threat to Teacher. Or that Teacher perceives her to be a threat. burning8bones on October 12, 2013 at 06:49 said: He only says “might” when he asks for help. He probably does not know that the hell is going on and it might be dangerous. veekie on October 12, 2013 at 04:13 said: Given that we have a collection of people with Chronic Backstabbing Disorder united as one team, I wouldn’t say that they’re going to be much good. If it’s a choice between the world ending, and them NOT being top dogs while having saved the world, it’s a tossup. Teacher is the most like your classic evil mastermind supervillians. Sure Lex Luthor might want to save the world and genuinly wants humanity to advance. He also feels that Superman is a threat, and must die. At least Lex tells himself that he hates Superman because he’s holding back humanity’s glorious future (of which Lex is, of course, the harbinger). Teacher seems to be doing things for the same reason as Jack: it amuses him. We could probably do with a Teacher interlude at some point to see what really is going on inside his mind. It’s probably insane chortling or something similarly not helpful, but he’s also one of the few I can think of in the story who’s had their long term plans work out the way they had in mind. That puts him at a better batting average than our protagonist, several precogs and the (Nearly) All-Knowing-God-Monsters who were going to annihilate the world. As an added bonus he made Saint look like a chump and he’s put a leash on Trickster. I’m still not joining his fan club but he is an interesting element of the world. Remember what Saint said about Teacher’s fatal flaw: he wants to look smarter than he already is and so he thinks up plans more complicated than necessary. Now, you could argue that Teacher outmaneuvered Saint so badly he wasn’t even trying, but I think this will come back biting him in the ass. Though i’m starting to have the suspicion Teacher will have to be handled in the sequel, because really there is way to much to tie up properly. Maybe with Contessa helping, his plans will go from more complicated than necessary to exactly complicated enough to work. Unnecessary or not, I think the major point here to remember is that his plans worked. Hell, even going to the Birdcage might’ve been part of the long term scheme. I can only imagine what horrors would’ve occured if Tattletale, Accord, Contessa, and Teacher were teamed up. Hnnng. I smell a fic idea. To be fair, he made Saint look like a chump because Saint is a chump. I think the reason so many of his plans seem to be working is because they really don’t have much to do with Cauldron, the Endbringers, the apocalypse, etc. Mostly he’s been in the background jockeying for power and influence among the “mundane” world and only now has he emerged as a player in the real game. There’s no higher cause or goal with this guy we’ve seen so far, he’s just wants to be king. Much like Coil did. I have to agree with Reveen on this. It’s not hard to make Saint look like a chump. An idiot is an idiot is an idiot. The only reason Dragon wasn’t able to beat him was because he had specific workarounds for her left by her creator. Nobody else has really had issues running circles around him. The only plus for Saint is that he is stupidly dogmatic that you can’t break through his Insane Troll Logic to dent the soul. Yup yup. IIRC, after his (close-enough-to-count-as-) death, Superman called Lex on this, asking if he’d finally gotten around to making the world a better place in the interim… If Teacher ends up humanity’s last best hope against the apocalypse I’m sure it’ll only be because he went out of his way to fuck over all the other best hopes so he can be the one on top. yinyangorwuji on October 12, 2013 at 00:21 said: My… God. So, for once, someone’s chosen name fits them less than their given name. And cauldron done goofed. Fuck you teacher. And who was the helmeted man? Trickster, maybe? Loki, trickster god, horned helm, Trickster? He’s present in the scene, but, as ever, Wildbow’s writing style makes it difficult to tell who’s being talked to, so we don’t know if the comment to Trickster is being directed at horns guy or not. Did we know previously that Trickster was one of Teacher’s students now? I seem to recall finding that out in Lung’s interlude or the like. Trickster was one of the “kids in white”. Nope. Wasn’t Trickster… Here, Contessa and Teacher are discussing helmet guy in relation to her being Teachers second in command. Here we see Teacher pull Trickster out of his crowd of minions. The only real bright spot here is that Trickster has been reduced to a slack jawed drone for Teacher Come on, not even Trickster deserved…THAT. storryeater on May 7, 2015 at 11:47 said: It was an improvement to his decision making abilities though. Yeah. He definitely is. Question is whether or not thats him. I don’t think so. Satyrical is in the tags. I don’t think he was one of Cauldron’s first tests, and it’s possible he survived Scion, or one of his clones did and persisted after the main body’s death. Wouldn’t it be just SO Satyrical to fake his own death with a clone? Do we know if Clones can make Clones? And… we didn’t see him die, and as Contessa illustrates, beautifully, If you’re not looking their decapitated head in the eye, you don’t know that they’re dead. Even then, in this world, there’s still some wriggle room. Hmm, makes sense. And he’s now working with Teacher. Or maybe he’s always been. Teacher sure gets more and more dangerous each time he shows up. And satyrs DO have horns. Did we get any kind of visual description of him when Taylor ran into him? Sometimes I wish we had more PoV time with people who don’t know people’s names, so that Wildbow is forced to give us at least some kind of visual. ‘Normal’ Satyr went around shirtless, this guy is wearing armour. Contessa didn’t recognize him, and she’d know Satyrical. Probably other differences, but remember we’re considering a guy with shapeshifting clone powers. Could be… pants armour? Shirtless doesn’t mean helmetless… though that would look a bit silly. See also: Marvel’s version of Hercules, with his no shirt and silly helmet-that-doesn’t-cover-hair-or-face thing. Looked it up. That does look pretty silly. He did wear a horned helmet. But it was with curled horns, like a ram’s. Not Viking style. And Contessa should recognise Satyr. Though he does have shape shifting powers, admittedly. For all we know, he lives as long as ANY body survives. It isn’t like he’d tell anyone if that was the case assuming even he knew about it. The one in the viking helm is probably Lung. Now the real question is why the hell are Teacher and Lung dressed up like LARPers? Uhh…that would be rather difficult seeing how Lung was babysitting Bonesaw and Panacea last time we saw him. Going by the tags and by exclusion it’s probably Satyr, wether a duplicate or the original, it’s not clear. Why Teacher is dressed as a wizard is a good question. He probably thinks it makes him mysterious and cool. Why would Satyr be helping Teacher in the way Lung promised to, and be dressed like a viking berserker, which is by the way an excellent analogue for Lungs powers. Also Lung’s not the talkative type and Satry is/was. Lung didn’t promise to help Teacher. He decided to not do anything in the eventuality of Teacher staging a coup against Marquis in the Birdcage and then thought to himself that he would kill Teacher next time they met. As for the costume, why would Teacher dress like a wizard either? At least Satyr’s original costume had horns, too. Lung actually told Teacher he’d a) wouldn’t stand in the way and b)”If you want a bodyguard for a time after we’ve walked free, you will have it.” What this armored untalkative viking berserker is doing is definitely serving as a body guard. >>“Standing may be too optimistic a word,” the man in the horned helmet said.<< Not a very Lung-like thing to say. Oh fuck. It took her a moment to recognize her implies she is a case 54 in the looks department, and the whole save us from ourselves thing does not look good. Then again Teacher is a self admitted monster so he might have a very different view of Weaver than everyone else. GOD DAM YOUR CLIFFHANGERS. “and not because it was an unfamiliar face.” Well, I suppose a different body might have made it harder to place the face, but I get more the impression that Taylor’s making an uncharacteristic face. dubloe7 on February 22, 2014 at 21:49 said: I just took it to mean that it was because Contessa wasn’t expecting a crisis to come from Taylor. Yeah. It’s just that Taylor’s smiling and who could recognise her like that? Or a body clouded in some “badass power” …. like grues shadow thingy. Or it was just so unexpected. Contessa at least had to ask herself a Question. You can’t become a case 53 through anything like a second trigger event. Either Taylor is making an uncharacteristic expression, she is heavily wounded, or Panacea screwed up big time and altered her face as well as the power. But yeah. Stupid cliffhangers… KGB on October 12, 2013 at 12:04 said: Case 53 became distorted, because their shards were not properly adjusted/crippled. Scion crippled his shards, before handing them out. Doctor Mother was less proficient in this process, hence the case 53. If Panacea somehow indirectly adjusted Taylor’s shard, or how her shard influences her, it would not be unthinkable that Taylor changed. It’s not a second trigger, even if it was a second (make that third) trigger, there is no indication that a second trigger couldn’t change a person’s looks. However, maybe Taylor doesn’t look that much different, but maybe she’s doing something that would normally not be associated with her. I think it’s more complex than just lack of safeguards. It’s been mentioned a few times that Cauldron (i.e Eden) capes get body changes and trigger (i.e. Scion) capes get mental changes. Even “normal” cauldron capes seem to have some minor mutation (see Canary, see Alexandria) whereas the only Scion cape with permanent body changes seems to be Crawler and even in his case those changes came over time and arguably were still secondary to the mental shift his power gave him. I read the physical aberrations as being because of the shards that were used, either because Eden was dead or because they were Eden’s (I like one theory that Zion’s shards screw up the mind while Eden’s screw up the body). Regardless, though, there is no evidence that a second trigger can trigger such results…and this is definitely going to have fewer effects than that formula, because A. it’s a fairly minor alteration and B. Panacea can fix any damage she does. I’m also inclined towards the “looks normal but is doing something weird” explanation. Call me stubborn, but I still like the idea that what happened to Skitter, is that the restrictions were removed from her power and her mind is now busy being dispersed throughout the insect biomass of her partners range (or of the planet, or possibly the multiverse if enough doors are open). Since she always had two way communication with bugs, her body is now just one more processing node in a array that is mostly insects. It’s likely her facial expressions will either be a null set, a vegetative state, until she adapts and relearns to use her old body, or at the very least she will look considerably weird as insects (having chitinous exoskeletons) don’t really have facial expressions. Again, there is some evidence for this conclusion. Imp says Skitter looks “creepy” when she’s deep into her multi tasking mode. Um, Skitter’s unrestricted power has nothing to do with bugs. If it was totally unrestricted, she would probably gain the ability to control all creatures and/or shards. Interestingly precognizant, and honestly a great direction as the ‘Administrator’ shard of Taylor’s comes to its original function. I was surprised, too. This isnt a second(third) trigger event, this is Amy removing the limiters on Taylor’s shard. The only individual we’ve seen in an even vaguely similar situation is Noelle (who probably didn’t get the Balance part of her formula). So… probably went well then? Um, just to point out…Noelle’s situation is more like a Changer power gone uncontrollable. She was as much a Case 53 as Hookwolf. Also, Cauldron formula… And I don’t think Amy has enough precision with this application of her power to do something that precise. Brains in general and powers in specific aren’t something she’s done more than a few or zero times, respectively. It would be like expecting her to be able to cure someone’s cancer, when she triggered ten minutes ago and is only vaguely aware of what this cancer thing is. It’s not an exact analogy. But it does seem highly likely that what Amy edited in Taylor is the same thing that got accidentally left out of Noelle’s formula – the “balance” component. “Balance” is presumably responsible for (mostly) preventing the results of the trigger from supplanting the human host like they did with Noelle. As such, it seems like the bit you’d tinker with if you were aiming to “remove restrictions the entity put in place”. Note that I’m just elaborating on my original thoughts here. Now that I’ve read further into the story it’d be too hard to speculate further without second-guessing how much those speculations are being adulterated/influenced by future knowledge. Not much further to read. But yeah, she’s modifying the same thing that was more or less absent in Noelle’s case. I can’t imagine that the effects would be much the same, especially since the thing in question was required to avoid unexpected things from happening. Considering that Teacher is a pitchfork, cloven hooves, and a pair of horns away from being the most obviously untrustworthy motherfucker in the multiverse, I’d take whatever he’s saying about the situation with an ocean of salt. Aaaand the plot thickens! I was hoping this interlude would provide a good character moment or two, but the Comtessa’s been a blank slate for far too long; I guess it’s nice to see how her power works. I think there were very good character moments in there. Every time her power failed, she was wracked with fear and/or frustration. When her power was working, she followed its dictates like a machine. This shows us that Contessa is, on one hand, one of the most terrifyingly effective parahumans ever to exist, and on the other hand, still a scared little girl who has never had a single genuine moment of human experience since getting her power. She has let her power drive her every move, “acting” only to pick questions to ask it. Well, “not a single genuine experience” is maybe a bit far. She did have that conversation with DM about how to disable the Counterpart and how to combat Scion, so we can probably infer that she’s had regular conversations with her over the decades. I feel vindicated that my assessment of Contessa as the true impetus behind Cauldron and DM as the figurehead was right, at least in the early days. Even later, Contessa was still the power behind the throne, it seems, even if DM was legitimately running things. It’s very believable isn’t it? To be so powerful and then to lose that power, go back to normality and just FREAK OUT. It’d be more terrifying then if you’d never been powerful at all… Oh, absolutely. It’s exactly how I imagined her. Cool and aloof… because she doesn’t REALLY know how to act, how to interact. She just knows how to ask questions and follow a scripts. It’s right there in how she says everything is easy for her. She’s been going through life with cheat codes on, never learning how to get good at the game. When her cheats stop working, she’s left totally in the lurch. She fascinates me. I really want to do something with the character concept. Write a little short story, base a roleplaying game character on her… I dunno. She’s a hard character to write for, especially when there’s no fog to challenge her. The only thing that will challenge her are decision forks where there’s no path to achieve both goals in a reasonable number of steps and ethical/personal decisions where she’s faced with a quandry not of CAN she do something, but SHOULD she. Thinking about it makes me respect Wildbow all the more for writing this chapter and doing it so well. More than slightly like the Simurgh, really, only the Simurgh observes people’s worldlines (in the past as well), not just paths to specific stated victory conditions. Path: How to not freak out when losing access to power. Does not compute! path: what causes fog in power? path: What could cause fog in power? power negation power, sensory deprivation power, power immunity power, etc. path: how to figure out power? 3+x steps. Contessa sucks at using her power. She’d get an error for that power, too. And clearly sensory deprivation isn’t a factor, if she can know Doctor is dead and Numbers Man alive so easily. Either that, or the power-sense-negating power actually negates all attempts to use powers’ senses on the thing concealed by the power-sense-negating power. What I’m saying is, Contessa’s power can’t understand ANYTHING in those fogs. It can’t figure out how to defeat Scion, or avoid Mantellum, or anything like that. They’re non-entities as far as the power is concerned. Trying to weasel your way out won’t help. Especially since Contessa’s power doesn’t seem to go much past “How do I do X?” no, she got around “how do I keep this thing from knocking me off” by switching to “how do I keep myself from falling.” as long as she doesn’t target something that interferes with her power she’s fine and if she delegates she can target that person or group and get indirect info which wouldn’t be affected by interference. the more she knows the more powerful she gets, ever time an obstacle appears she could figure out how to get by the obstacle in theory rather than the actual obstacle then apply the situation and ignore the actual obstacle with the theoretical one instead. 3+x steps. Mantellum’s power seems to (temporarily) turn anything within a good radius of him into something she simply can’t deal with–just like Lung’s power is unaware of them and can’t enhance him to deal with them, and Skitter’s bugs simply don’t notice them. Presumably, a similar problem applies to the Endbringers and Scion. In short: It worked for vaguely similar problems, but it doesn’t work for these because they’re different. She’d get the path but would become unable to see it/remember it as soon as she loses access to her power. Yes and no, re: that last bit. Seems like DM and Contessa were closer to genuine partners than anything. I wonder if Contessa ever learnt to speak English without the aid of her power. I’m guessing ‘no’. Hexa on March 21, 2017 at 07:27 said: I think she might have picked it up from using it daily, though I do agree she’s probably not quite fluent. So….uh… Am I the only one who completely failed to understand the part with Arsenal and Partisan and Clarent and what appeared to be Scion and Eden? Glassware on October 12, 2013 at 00:29 said: It was the way that things were supposed to go, if Eden hadn’t gotten distracted by all the new information and planning and weakened itself enough that it could be killed with a knife. Global conflict, different heroes. Some of them the same. Oh, it’s just a flashforward? Okay then. More like a flash adjacent. The way things could have gone eh. The way things were SUPPOSED to have gone. What’s interesting is the “Superweapons”. Those sound an awful lot like the Endbringers to me. So maybe they really were all part of the plan the whole time. Indeed. The way i see it, the Entities engineered a Cold War situation between two superpowered factions, with a mental block that stops from coming signing a peace treaty, so that conflict slowly brews and the shards can mature. Then, when this kind of conflict is’t enough anymore…bam!, the other side got WMD (either Eden created the super weapons/Endbringers directly or some poor schmuck got the right shard), you must strike first or be annihilated. The entities would have engineered a Cold War, if Eden hadn’t fallen while future-gazing. That was a nice trip for her. It’s one of the futures Eden saw, and the one she was aiming for. She lost the path to it when she shifted to use Abaddon’s future-sight shard and lost shard that on landing (which landed in Contessa). We saw it through Contessa’s trigger-event. Now that you said that, it makes me curious about the plan. Richter is still around though Dragon is not mentioned. This implies that her creation was never part of the plan. His creations would be similar to Dragon’s, weak minded, non sentient AI. The Endbringers pushed him in creating Dragon, and we have plenty of evidence how paranoid/fearful he was of doing it, so he was just so desperate that chanced it. Partisan’s special sight sounds like Chevalier, who was going to direct things. The superweapons are obvious parallels to the Endbringers, so it seems that Scion’s partner was behind their creation, though they were not as powerful/destructive as they are in the wormverse. Arsenal sounds like Colin. The broadsword…could clarent be Jack? If true then the negative influence on parahuman’s minds by their passengers might not have been intended to be so extreme. Eidolon, Alexandria, Legend, and it’s implied that hero was created in the same batch as Alexandria were not part of the plan, same as contessa. So the third entity is a red herring. Grey Noise on October 12, 2013 at 00:57 said: I thought it was fairly obvious that the Black Knight was Jack? The line about never losing to other parahumans was pretty definitive. Also, the ‘woman with the gun’ is called Hannah at one point, so that’s Miss Militia. I totally missed the Knight being Jack. Makes much more sense now. Black Knight is Jack. A Light-Side Jack Slash. “We bait them into a fight, then sic him on them. He’ll be able to win as long as it’s parahumans he’s fighting. Light-Side is debatable, particularly with a name like Black Knight. It sounds like they are just using Jack like they’d use a weapon or a dog. Not necessarily Jack Slash. ‘Can beat any parahuman’ could apply almost as easily to a power nullifier like Hatchet Face… OR GRUE! How awesome would that be! Grue, the Black Knight, stealing his enemies’ powers and turning them on their erstwhile masters. Give him some tinker-made power armor and the aesthetic and power level are a perfect match. As he is/was a villain, I can see the upper echelons of the Protectorate treating thinking of him as basically a vicious attack dog… especially if whatever caused his second trigger didn’t turn out as well for the Undersiders or Aisha in this timeline. When I started this post I thought Jack was most likely candidate by far, but now I’m calling it a 50/50 split. samhaine on October 12, 2013 at 04:37 said: Presumably the Endbringers are either definitely Eidolon or someone else using a Cauldron shard: if things had gone according to Eden’s plan, that power would have wound up as a deliberate implant in someone intended to be a supervillain, but may have had a few more limits on it (which is why the superweapons weren’t as bad as the endbringers). But just appreciate how much of an awful moment that would have been for the heroes… after years of effort, they finally track down The Shadow, creator of the Superweapons… and realize that he can have any powers needed, is more than a match for all the heroes together, and powers up from dead supers. Kinda retroactively redeems Eidolon a bit: even if he accidentally made the Endbringers, his shard was supposed to go to someone who’d make Endbringers deliberately AND use his known powers for evil. Making kaiju was always an expected part of his power, not just an accident of him reaching unconsciously for the wrong one. nick012000 on October 12, 2013 at 09:05 said: I dunno. It sounds to me like Eidolon’s shard was intended to remain inside Eden, and she would have created the not-Endbringers as a part of her scenario. We don’t know enough about the scenario to say either way. But the fact tat Arsenal/Defiant was suspicious of Eden in regards of the Superweapons/Endbringers and that Eden acknowledged that those suspicions were justified , it does seem to hint at them being under Eden’s direct control instead of the byproducts of a host-shard. I missed the part about Eden acknowledging the suspicions, and couldn’t find it on a reread. Could you quote the passage that makes you think that? Here are the relevant parts. Don’t know how to the quote thingy, sorry. >>A consensus was reached between them. Arsenal knew something about the superweapons, or he suspected strongly enough for it to matter.<>For Arsenal, though, there was another reaction. He was upset, yes, but was a little relieved at the same time. He knew about the others, and he had been testing them, to see if they would lie. But suspicions remained<>.“We know they’re projections,” Arsenal said, his eyes on the monitors. “Someone orsomething is projecting them. We cut off the head, the superweapons fall.” “Yes,” the entity agreed. It didn’t miss the curious glance Arsenal gave it<> The entity glanced his way, acknowledging him. Its focus, however, was on Arsenal. Hearing Partisan’s words, Arsenal’s suspicions had reached a climax. He would say something. That is, he would, if the entity didn’t intervene. The entity passed by him, and it leveraged a power. Wiping a memory, setting a block in place. The same blocks that prevented accord between the Wardens and the Shepherds. The same blocks that prevented Partisan’s special sight from seeing the entity’s power at work.<< Nothing explicitly damning, to be fair, yet Arsenal clearly thinks the entities have something to do with the superweapons and he has to be mind-wiped into silence. That indicates that Eden have something to do with the super-weapons, which would be true even if she had merely given the shard to someone, intending that s/he would create the superweapons. Yeah but Arsenal only seemed to know that Eden had something to do with the superweapons, and in a vague way to booth, which would be frankly unlikely if Eden had given the shard to someone because that would have indicated that Arsenal had discovered that the two most powerful superheroes in the world were actually aliens and the fount of powers (and capable of choosing which to give) and somehow connect this particular power to Eden while not revealing anything to his colleagues/friends. A bit hard to swallow. I don’t think Arsenal determined anything definitive. He just suspects something…he’s probably not even sure what. Arsenal is an alt!Colin, who had lie-detecting tech back before Taylor first met him, which is most likely why Arsenal reacted the way he did during Eden’s duplicitous conversation with them. So he knew Eden was being duplicitous…about something. Which is about what I think he knows, and which doesn’t support the idea that Eden directly rather than indirectly created them. Besides, being called “superweapons” does have a certain implication that they’re being used by the other side…or at least that there are suspicions of such. This vaguely suggests the same “Eden didn’t directly create them” idea. Oh! This is probably the power which ended up in the Slug, meaning he (?) got Eden’s “you don’t remember trigger events” shard. The case 53s make much more sense to me now, the complete wipe coming from this power being used by someone who couldn’t really control it. Argh, my quote was swallowed. This is meant to be in front of my last comment: __The entity passed by him, and it leveraged a power. Wiping a memory, setting a block in place.__ It looks like the original plan was for a slower build up to conflict, so that the stress period can be prolonged and more experiences gained in the struggle. With Eden dead, and her shards given to the wrong people, everything came to a head far too soon. No, not a red herring. I’m pretty sure the third entity is what went wrong, causing Eden to be weakened and killed, causing everything else in a big domino effect. It lost too many shards too soon, creating Contessa and the diamentional portals, which allowed Doctor Mother to kill Eden and start Cauldron. Arsenal = Defiant Partisan = Chevalier Clarent = Dauntless As they would have been, if things had gone according to plan. Actually I thought Clarent could have been Jack, see above. Dauntless is in the tags, Jack isn’t. Well so much for my guess. Well then who are the shepherds? They’re another faction, probably capes who rule directly. Eden is using the Endbringer equivalents to ensure no peace between the Wardens and the Shepherds. Pretty heavy hint Eden was planning on projecting them, using them to manipulate the world. Eidolon’s shard let him access that capacity, and he drew on her plans. I’m thinking the black knight they reference is probably jack, thanks to the claim that he won’t lose against parahumans. Shepard = Teacher? Jacob on October 13, 2013 at 16:57 said: Or the Black Knight is Eidolon. He’s projecting the Superweapons, and the reason he can’t loose to parahumans is that he sucks them up and supercharges himself, and always had the right powers to fight them. True, but Black Knight sounds (to me) more like Jack with armour than it does like the High Priest, wielder of a score of “angels”. chungsim on October 12, 2013 at 00:33 said: If you’re on Reddit check out reddit.com/r/parahumans. Make sure to leave off the period at the end of chungsim’s post. It’s: http://www.reddit.com/r/parahumans Funnily enough, Eden’s reactions to Zion’s messages comes off as “Not now, idjet! I’m wrking here!” Yes, quite interesting, considering she sounded alternately disinterested or unwell from Zion’s perspective. Their form of communication, for all that it transmits untold fractal layers of sub-meaning, is really not very clear. At least as open to misinterpretation as human language. No. I think Zion was correct in his interpretation of unwell/disinterested. The thinker-entity was freakin’ busy. And damaged. And “she” didn’t comprehend just how damaged she was. Zion was correct in his interpretations. Eden was not. Which proves these creatures are eminently fallible. I don’t think Eden was nearly as damaged as Scion had believed. I think it was more like she suddenly had sensory overlord with too many new awesome things to play with and too little time to figure out what was good and important and what was useless. So she got distracted with trying to play the long game and setting up all her dominos. Distracted to the point that she knocked over her first domino as she was placing the last few and that screwed up everything. Basically we have Abaddon to thank for saving humanity by sheer chance and Eden for sheer stupidity at the critical junction. krustacean on October 12, 2013 at 00:41 said: Hoooo boy. This is one I’m going to have to reread in the morning. My brain hurts. Also, Chevalier is OFFICIALLY the black knight now, which means every injury from now on is merely a flesh wound. His survival is assured. Chevalier is not the black knight. Is it Jack Slash? All of Jack’s injures are flesh wounds, for eternity. Joke still works! As long as he just fights parahumans, HE’S INVINCIBLE! … But still a loony. Right right. Had to reread that bit again after someone pointed out the “Partisan = Chevalier” thing. The “What could have been” bit flew right over my head at first. Like I said… Need sleep. Very awesome chapter. I love character/story insight like this. Partisan has a special sight that let’s him sees powers= Chevalier. Arsenal is a tinker who works with Richter, is suspicious and paranoid and is called Colin= Defiant. Hannah with the shape shifting gun= Miss Militia Black Knight always wins against parahumans= Jack. Clarent as Dauntless is the only one that is only supported by the tags. Just done a reread and actually there is a hint linking Clarent and Dauntless: partisan commenting that Clarent’s power grows over time. That alternate seems to hint that Miss Militia could copy Tinker weapons with her power, or make entirely new ones. Wonder if she’s ever tried. The black knight seems to me to be Jack. He was specifically mentioned as being able to defeat any powered opponent he meets. Knights use swords, Jack used one too. Still want to know where Jack found that claymore… I think he had Mannequin build it. Ray on October 18, 2017 at 09:12 said: Mannequin doesn’t exist in Eden’s intended timeline. He used to be a hero who went by Sphere, until a Smurf attack killed his family. At that point, he ceased to be Alan Gramme and became Mannequin. He’s more machine now than man, twisted and evil. But there’s no Cauldron in this time line, so the Eden shards get distributed differently and we get a different set of Endbringers. No Smurf means no Mannequin. That’s also why Richter is mentioned in the projected timeline; he was killed by Leviathan in the real one. MisterTeatime on June 8, 2018 at 13:20 said: We don’t see a claymore in the intended timeline either. Phillipe is referring to Jack’s mystery sword he used in the fight with Theo. He had a Mannequin build it for him, most likely. The bigger question is how they get it to no-sell Golem’s power. Compound of metals/ceramics that Golem wouldn’t just be carrying around with himself, bonus points this also allows it to be sharp enough to cut through the silk Taylor has outfitted everyone with. My suspicion is that the Black Knight is this timeline’s double-trigger Grue. Went into more detail a few threads up, but tell me Grue, in power armor, with his power stealing darkness, wouldn’t be a dead ringer for a black knight that can’t be defeated by parahumans? Black Knight who wins against any parahuman = Jask Slash JACK Slash And I got a warning from WordPress for posting comments too quickly! First time for that. Jask Clash. I… I like Contessa (or rather, Fortuna). HOW?! Wiiiiildboooow stop making me sympathize with these people! The worst part is it makes SENSE. With that kind of power, of course she would be crippled when working outside it. Also Doormaker was oddly adorable. Whaaat. I’ve had a lot of sympathy for both Contessa and Doormaker for a while now. Ever since we found out basically how Contessa works, I’ve thought she was a fascinating and lovely character. I’m especially enjoying looking back on the previous appearances she’s made and thinking about them in light of what we know about her now. Under New Delhi, I think she was genuinely trying to be friendly to Taylor. I don’t think she really understands people. Her power walks her through any critical negotiations, so she never really needed to learn to read people or empathize with them. Taylor and crew are freaking out at the sight of her, and she’s just like, “Hi! I’m recruiting all these people here. I hope you’re having a nice day.” And they’re like, “She’s fucking kidnapping all the capes we need to help fight BEHEMOTH! Evil bitch!” And she’s like, “I sure wish I could help you with fighting that Endbringer. Good luck!” It never occurs to her to ask if they think she’s a power-mad agent of an inscrutable evil Illuminati. She’s just over here trying to save the world. “I’d actually love to wear bright colors and smile more… but my power insists that the intimidation factor of all black and no facial expressions of consequence is way more efficient… sorry.” The problem with the interludes is, they rarely answer the question raised in the cliffhanger. They simply ask the question in a different way. What do you call this? A double cliffhanger? A compounded cliffhanger? We call it torture. We call it bliss. Apparently I’m not the only masochist that reads Worm then. dragonus45 on October 12, 2013 at 04:44 said: To like this, you have to have a bit of a masochistic streak. Certainly explains why people have a sexy librarian feeling about Sceta. Sveta* Hell yes. We should start a club! Chinese chiffhanger torture. It works by dripping the cliffhangers on you slowly, ever so slowly. On the one hand, a solid summary of many of the major decisions of Cauldron and knowledge of what is happening to Contessa. On the other hand, we wait longer to find out what happened to Taylor. The writer giveth and the writer taketh away. Well, they answer questions left hanging from earlier like how Cauldron was formed, whether or not Contessa was truly killed and why she has a third entity shard. Wildbow heard you like cliffhangers though so he put cliffhangers in cliffhangers in cliffhangers. a on October 12, 2013 at 03:36 said: And I found that I don’t enjoy them. Would prefer to skip on the reminder at the end.. Oh, well.. such is life. Hum, a lot of the interludes, this one included, heck this one especially!, hold answers that would make the end incomprehensible without them. Yeah, among the questions we got answers for here are: – What was Eden’s plan : Answered. – Does Cauldron have any miracles left to save the day with: Answered. – Why did Cauldron think their way would work: Answered. – Can we expect the “Third Entity” to swoop in and save the day: Answered. – How was Contessa defeated: Answered. – What happened to Contessa: Answered. A cliffhanger like the one we got on Tuesday is the kind of thing you want to savor. There’ll never be another opportunity to experience this sense of not knowing what’s going to happen next, of all the outcomes that you can imagine being possible still. After Tuesday morning at midnight, the answer will be there, either in the next post or on the next page when Wildbow gets the story printed. Those of us reading this as it comes out are the only ones who’ll get to question and speculate and wonder at what the future might hold for Taylor and the rest of the cast without the answer being a click or a flip away. Dude, you’re making me nostalgic for Classic!Worm and it’s not even over yet. isn’t tearing up, nope As epic as Worm has gotten, I still fondly remember the days when Taylor was a super villain leading a team that had taken over the city…good times. Much simpler, too; I’m having some trouble understanding all of Worm now, Contessa. Interesting. Not how I thought she’d be, but it makes sense. Very logical, little thought process other than what she has to do, On the downside, this shard thing has me thrown for a loop, as usual. Just can’t seem to get a handle on it…I’m going to go back and read every worm update after the timeskip when I have the chance just to figure out how it all fits. Waiting for Tuesday with a frothing mouth…of…words…I guess…so looking for award to that! To help with the shards thing: “Shard”, “Agent”, and “Passenger” all relate to the same thing; the extradimensional piece of entity that plugs into a potential parahuman’s corona pollentia (sp?) that grants them their power. These shards had similar – but distinct – roles when they were in the entity as they did in the parahuman. (e.g. Queen administrator Weaver, Broadcaster Jack Slash, Negotiator Tattletale) I’m glad that Contessa survived. Explaining away her death, unless specifically orchestrated by Scion, would just strain credulity. I like seeing how the whole cauldron things started. Maybe what they need is for Panacea to unlock Contessa’s power. Of course that might be dependent on how Weavers turned out. The usual random thought jumble, written as I read, so early comments may be wrong. Eden interlude! Eden recognizes that the Worm propagation lifestyle will eventually fill totality with Worms, followed by a descent into the uncooperative aggression that characterized the beginning of the species … and it is looking for a way out. And then cut to an alternate reality, with the Thinker viewing a possible future. The possible future has Endbringers of its own. Black Knight who wins against any parahuman = Jack Slash? Richter = same person? There are hints that Abaddon did weaken Eden in some ways. For one, it is stated that Eden gave up part of its precognition to Abaddon. It is also stated that “It is frail, fragile.” “Shards must be discarded, or it will dwarf the destination planet.” So, Worms are larger than Earth-sized. “In the doing, it alters one of the third entity’s powers, replacing its own ability to find the optimal future.” This seems to be where it replaced Contessa-like powers with another variant … and failed for unknown reasons. And then we switch to … Contessa! Who decides to kill Eden. And succeeds, with Doctor Mother’s help, and sets herself against Zion. And it becomes clear that this is actually Contessa’s interlude. It was Doctor Mother’s decision to build up an army of parahumans, but that is because she chose one of the two plans that Contessa had. And we start getting real answers as to plans and history. … and Contessa faked her death! … and now she is hooked up with Teacher, who is taking over Cauldron and has positioned Contessa to cooperate with him. I will think about the possible ramifications of all of this later today. “‘Shards must be discarded, or it will dwarf the destination planet.’ So, Worms are larger than Earth-sized.” Ayup. I seem to recall Tattletale mentioning the possibility way back when, and I think something in Zion’s interlude suggested the same. Won’t we all? <Eden recognizes that the Worm propagation lifestyle will eventually fill totality with Worms, followed by a descent into the uncooperative aggression that characterized the beginning of the species … and it is looking for a way out.< Here's an idea. don't keep reproducing beyond what your envorioment can support. In short, get the worms some birth control. Happy Yeti on October 13, 2013 at 09:08 said: It’s more that the reproduction cycle is the only thing they do, ever; and the only thing they enjoy even a little bit. They need to find something else to do that they enjoy. In short, get the worms some hobbies. Other than driving humanity to extinction, I mean. There has to be something else, maybe knitting, or stamp collecting. Well, Scion did try being a good samaritan. Didn’t work out. Ainix on October 14, 2013 at 05:17 said: I don’t really blame him. He was the warrior in the pair; helping out probably wasn’t a huge part of his nature. Kevin Norton had to tell him to fight the Endbringers, after all. Claiming the Worms should just stop reproducing is a little unfair, and also a little hypocritical for humans. It would be like telling humans they had to stop learning, stop researching, stop having children, and just stagnate until the end of time. Looking for a way to redesign their species again to escape their bounds is a pretty reasonable thing for them to do, in my opinion. Only problem is the whole ‘collateral damage’ bit. Especially from the perspective of… well literally anything else in the multiverse. In short, the Worms’ ultimate goal is understandable and even sympathetic, but they still have to be stopped at pretty much any cost. AliceAce on October 13, 2013 at 23:25 said: Ah, forgive my ignorance, but when did the entities become Worms? Not sure. A bit less of a mouthful than multi-dimensional-space-alien-virus-gods, though, so… Great chapter!!! ……… Looks back through……… Chevalier, Defiant, Hero and Miss Militia are ALL Cauldron Capes????? NO. IF the second entity had not failed it would create a world where these heroes would be part of one faction in many. Ah. I hadn’t considered name changes in the future sight of Eden. I thought that was simply the reality Eden wanted to target. Phew!!! We’ve seen Hannah’s trigger event. We knew Hero was a cauldron-made cape. More to the point… where did you get that idea? The business with Arsenal and that lot? Hero wasn’t in that scene. Richter was. And there was no Cauldron in that timeline, because Eden was alive. She even ended that vision by saying that all the parahumans she’d seen in it were Zion’s, telling us for sure that Chevy, Colin, Hannah, and Richter were trigger-event, Zion-shard capes. Was tired when I read it. I totally missed the name changes in scene with the preferred reality. I thought that they were in the group of capes that also created the Doormaker. Oops! We knew Hero was and Miss Militia wasn’t (hers was the first trigger event we saw, in Interlude…7?), so…no, they aren’t ALL CC’s. Don`t worry Wildbow, very good interlude. Thank you for writing. Huh, the potential alternate universe Eden was planning is interesting. Jack Slash working alongside good guys like Chevalier, Miss Militia, Defiant, and Dauntless? I’d assume the Shepherds are then made up of villain capes like Coil, Teacher, and Accord who are all take over the world types who want to ‘shepherd’ people. And I guess Wildbow has accepted Eden as the name for the second identity. Cool beans. In that Scenario, what happened to the main cast? A perfect world for them where they never triggered? I see them as being shepherd capes mostly. Tattletale, Bitch and Regent almost definitely being shepherd capes. Taylor, Grue and by extension Imp I’m on the fence about. I get the feeling this universe is similar enough to regular Wormverse that the Undersiders will probably still form under Coil. Having all the Undersiders on Team Shepherd would even the scales better since the Wardens have powerhouses like Chevalier, Richter, and Jack Slash. There is no Coil: he was a Cauldron cape, and while it’s possible that shard was manually distributed (unlikely: Eden notes that all the shards she sees are Zion’s) there’s effectively no chance that it would land on Calvert. The sides are ‘balanced’ because the entities keep their thumbs on the scales, providing shards to losing sides or to break stalemates, keeping the conflict running hot. Too true. Unlike the chaos of the wormverse, where any large group of parahumans is treated as a bomb about to go off, there are no real chaotic fights. I mean it’s implied that there is NO WAR anywhere in that world, as compared to ours, and the hell that the nastier parts of the wormverse probably are. Eden, who is much smarter/human? than Scion is made it so. Due to her ability to play humanity like a fiddle, create fake threats to keep factions at each other throats and brainwashing those who are starting to grasp the truth. Like I said before- I think Simurgh inherited Eden’s personality. Right, I forgot Coil was a Cauldron cape. The entities basically turned the world into a big game of cops and robbers. They fight, come out a little worse for wear but with new experience. The game continuing until Eden decides she got what they need. She wants a world similar to the Golden age of comic books. Oh, the horror! No, wait, that fits the silver age, right? The Golden Age had its peak during WWII, and the stories of that time where ALL ABOUT war, or rather the war against the Nazis in particular. It was the silver age where everyone was playing a game of cops and robbers, with no real resolutions to problems and everyone ready to fight but mostly just walking circles, having variations on the same fight over, and over, and over… Actually, that sounds even more like what Eden might want. The undersiders might form, but they wouldn’t do it under coil. Coil is a cauldron cape. All the cauldron capes powers are in the ‘ideal’ universe going to making endbringers for Eden. The rest of the undersiders however are ‘natural’ capes so would still exist. Teruzi on October 12, 2013 at 01:45 said: I don’t think a world with 20 endbringers is happy at all. Nop. Eden only saw capes whit powers from the Zion entity. Remember that Eden alternate future vision is happening a the same time Zion is refining, limiting and choosing to whom the shards are going. Eden only can manipulate the alternate Endbringers because they are part of her powerset. Every cape that was not Cauldron-made would have triggered and gained the same powers they have in the present time-line. But there is the whole potential thing. Not every cape with the potential to trigger does. Especially if Eden is keeping things balanced, so she wants others in reserve to trigger when one side gets too strong. If Taylor was never bullied, if her mom had never died, if Emma had never been attacked, if Lung had never gone to america, then Taylor might not have triggered. She would be a potential, kept in reserve in case one side got too powerful. I don’t think there are any “potentials”. I don’t think there can be potentials in this scenario. There are those who are assigned powers. And those who aren’t. Skitter got an administration shard. She’d have triggered, one way or another, to keep the scenario going. And they’d have used her “offspring” shards for others Taylor didn’t “get” the administration shard in this respect, Danny did – he was Scion’s target for the administration shard, flung off in the last moments before landing. But teenage emotions and hormones are much more volatile (and Danny explicitly clamped down on his emotions) and the bullying caused the shard to connect to her instead. Where’d you get that idea from? Scion’s interlude. The administrator shard is supposed to go a tall man (Danny) but Taylor’s higher emotional stress makes her a better host and attracts the shard. I believe a similar thing happened with Imp and her father, too. Precognition. The key shards in the ‘ideal’ scenario would always come to fruition at the right place, in the right time, because it has been foreseen in detail. It might not bond to the same people, but it’d ALWAYS bond. I doubt it. 1. Perfect world? Ha ha ha. 2. Given that Hanna, Colin, Richter, Jack, etc, all triggered, I’m guessing that the other characters would have triggered at some point or another. There is one more thing that must be done… someone must write fanfiction based off of this future Eden saw. IT MUST BE DONE!!!!!!!!! “…and then, having completed their cycle, the entities left and the Earth, all Earths, went boom.” Just work backward from there I suppose. thehiddensage on October 12, 2013 at 15:11 said: Sure, it doesn’t really have a happy ending. Doesn’t mean the ride to the ending won’t be incredible. I’m guessing that the “good guys” we saw were all Zion capes, but the Shepherds were all Eden capes. Assuming that Eden only meant all the capes there were Zion’s. I had the same thought. This of course would mean that that great theory about MM getting one of the few shards Eden managed to shed before dying (we know they exist, Vikare, the first cape ever got one) is incorrect. A pity because it would have explained why/how she bypassed Scion mental’s block and a few other details of her vision. I never heard that theory, and considering the general bias of Zion shards towards combat and Eden’s towards Thinkering, it seems to fit with Zion better. Well, apart from the afore-mentioned remembering of the trigger event, her vision showed a sickly, dying entity shedding pieces of itself. Sound familiar? Oh and the warrior/thinker divide isn’t so clean-cut. Think of Siberian as opposed to Tattletale. Or Triumph as opposed to Accord. Zion could easily have remembered that event. We don’t really understand why one cape sees X when they trigger but another sees Y. Siberian v. Tattletale: Siberian probably has some non-combat use, unlike “Make weapons!”, and don’t tell me that Ms. “Perfectly Cooks A Grenade” has no combat applications for her power. Besides, if she (ab)used it to its full extend, she could almost mimic Harbinger’s glory days. Triumph v. Accord: Triumph was Cauldron and Accord was triggered? And come on if you want to argue that Siberian can have non-combat application so can MM. You do know Nobel invented dynamite to help miners and construction workers, do you? And if you’ll recall, I never actually claimed that “ALL COMBAT-BASED POWERS ARE ZIONS!” I just said that, given the almost-completely-combat-focused nature of her power (and since the very way her power works is to create something in a class of objects defined as “things meant for killing people, I’d consider removing the almost), it is significantly more likely to be Zion’s shard than Eden’s. Especially since no known Eden shard came from an actual trigger event (closest was shown in this interlude, and we don’t have any reason to think the shards lingered until something crappy happened…and trigger events don’t happen that often, anyways). Oh, and Hannah triggered significantly after Eden struck here. Eden struck before Scion appeared; Hannah triggered, went to America not that long afterwards, and found the PRT ready to take her in. I thought that Vikare was a Zion-trigger, because Scion mentioned “burning the cancer away” in his interlude. Also, having the first parahuman ever be a Zion cape would be a good indicator of what’s to come. Checked Scion’s interlude again and it seems we’re both right in a way. Vikare got one of Eden’s shards but it only started to grow after Scion burned the cancer away. Wait, wait I just realised something. Forget Jack being a good guy. In the alternate future Dauntless and Armsmaster actually get along! Considering how much Colin hated him, that’s impressive. I actually really like the little Alternate Reality glimpse. Actually, I had thought perhaps that was an alternate Earth, Far off but quite similar where Eden and Zion had already made their plans once, but it seems it was a vision of a future that never was from the comments. Weld! You knew what you had to do but your lack of people skills crippled you AGAIN. You should have gone and taken her scalp! Double tap! It’s like rule number two! That’s the decisive line that cinches it as a potential future Eden saw but lost. Weld had priorities. Healing his men, not seeming like a paranoid fool, not melting by jumping into a lava flow to check the body… Besides, Weld wanted to check, but he let his men talk him out of it for the (valid) reasons already stated. Given that Contessa was using her win power to make sure Weld didn’t check to see if she was dead, I don’t think it’s very fair to blame Weld for not checking to see if she was dead. Hmm, not quite. Contessa’s power doesn’t control people, it just informs her what they’re going to do so she can react appropriately (in advance). Her power told her that her escape was going to work because Weld wouldn’t check. If Weld had chosen to check, then her power wouldn’t have been able to tell her that and she would’ve had to find another way or be caught. That was really satisfying. I had thought Doctor Mother might be a figurehead, but I see now that’s not the case — they were actually nearly equal partners. Also, the “questions” thing from when Imp tried to sneak up on Contessa is now explained. Really, Contessa’s power is a bit like Coil’s — easy to disguise as unbeatable, but actually a lot more vulnerable than it appears. That’s exactly what I thought. If Contessa makes the wrong questions or is not focusing on the real threat her power can fail her. Not that anyone can tell. Except that Contessa probably has steps that reach years into the future. If I understand it correctly, she’s only vulnerable if those steps coincide with Scion or Mantellum. If her goal is twenty years off, she knows about any obstacle that she might reach in between. That was a nice update. Long too. And it made more sense than the Scion interlude. I don’t like that Taylor is now so scary and looks different though. Since Teacher is afraid of her, and Contessa seemed like she was agreeing to help him. Why help him, and not Taylor, if she is still useable? Contessa recognized the face so Taylor probably still looks the same. Maybe Taylor is doing something crazy badass like controlling all the capes in the area and it’s so unexpected Contessa is momentarily confused. It’d explain why Contessa would want to help Teacher, being used against your will isn’t pleasant. I don’t think it was a shot from too far away given that it is on a phone and Contessa can see her face. Also, Contessa didn’t agree to help him, she just asked why they wanted her help and saw the picture. I get why an action shot would make sense now though, the picture has to convince Contessa that Taylors a threat Would it be possible to know if Skitter was controlling people from just a picture? Given the way her power works, I think the only reasonable conclusion is that she looks different somehow, but is still recognizable. Expectation: The reason we haven’t heard much from Grue yet is because he’s about to have a truly legendary breakdown once he sees Skitter. Good interlude. It answers the question of why Cauldron didn’t use Contessa to ensure they were always successful when giving people powers. Apparently she can’t see the outcome, probably because they are a part of Eden. Great interlude! Defiant always assumes the worse, even in alternates universes. Which is very refreshing. And it seems that the sure-win power of the third entity was broken. Why did Eden give her old sure-win shard away to Contessa? even with the blocks it seems a reckless thing to do. She didn’t she crashed into the Earth and split apart, which wasn’t a part of the plan, and broke into pieces that people from all over many worlds consumed, including the little girl Fortuna. Which means, of course, that my suggestion to hit Scion with a planet might actually work. Except for the part where Scion is the master of the dimension dodge. As much of a master as Eden was, I’m sure. Everything alive can be killed. And, come on, what’s Mars done for us lately? There’s a difference between “entity crash-lands on a planet because she was too busy looking how cool her future plan to manipulate humanity was” and “lets throw a planet to against something that is but a fragment of our true enemy”. Well if you can find the home dimension, we can try a colossal uncontrolled planet-wide warp between two dimensions that tears both earths apart. But otherwise, if you’re so sure 1 planet won’t work…we can do 2. Maybe even 3. Apparently the galaxy’s full of the fucking things. Hitting the avatar would be meaningless, however. What they need to do is figure out where the damn Entity Body is. Hit THAT with a planet. Plus that wouldn’t even be an important Earth- since they were suppose to pick empty worlds to hang out in. I’ve been thinking this pretty much since discovering the Entities were a threat. Zion shards are crippled to prevent this, of course, but Cauldron’s Eden shards probably aren’t. Have Doormaker open a door to each of Scion’s magor planets, drop a planet killing Tinker weapon through, close the doors and watch Scion’s body break down without access to powers. Hmm, if there’s some reason they didn’t do it to Scion himself (probably his copy of Mantellum’s power), this could be how they used to remove powers from clients, simply destroying the relevant part of Eden. In which case Scion has just de-powered most Cauldron capes. Assuming we had a spare planet and a telekinetic powerful enough to throw it several times. And a way to dimension-lock Scion. I wonder if Ballistic could chuck a planet. It’s theoretically possible, but I doubt it. It’s a bit too big to be easily conceptualized, and there’s no good frame of reference. Given the lack of absolute motion, Ballistic probably accelerates objects relative to himself…which would be bad to do, with a planet he’s on. Besides, the good old Earth is already trundling along at rates measured in kilometers per second by most frames of reference. MrVoid on October 13, 2013 at 16:34 said: I would think that kicking a planet falls into a Manton effect/ Scion limitation, much like how shadowstalker isn’t trapped at the core of the planet right now. Definitely not the Manton effect. 1. Earth isn’t alive. 2. Ballistic isn’t limited by the Manton effect. The only time we’ve seen anything approximating a lack of a Manton restriction was when he touched Glory Girl’s shirt and sent her into the air and out of the fight. Regardless, the Scion-restriction would keep his power from hyperaccelerating the Earth because that would be a pretty idiotic power to leave as is. Given that he’s trying to cull and harvest the shards. That isn’t “approximating” the lack of a Manton restriction, that’s conclusively proving it. Unless you’re claiming GG wasn’t alive? And yeah. That does seem kinda silly, even ignoring the other issues. Saintsant on October 12, 2013 at 01:36 said: A fascinating piece… I really like Contessa, but her situation is a sad one. Her ally of multiple decades dies, and she’s too disconnected to care. There are bits of humanity peeking out here and there, though, notably her joke about anyone actually believing she’d died and her almost melancholy ruminations on the ease with which she does everything. I find myself hoping she gets something resembling a happy ending; anyone who saves the world by stabbing an eldritch horror to death with a pocketknife deserves one. Incidentally, that was a nice touch to explain her predilection with the small knives we see her using. The perfect possible future for the Entity was chilling; I hadn’t expected them to take such a personal role in affairs, intervening directly. Having the Warrior pass for a human must not be an easy feat, but with gratuitous memory modification all things are possible. It puts things in perspective, because as bad as the current situation is, things’d be much worse if the heroes were putting faith in the very architects of their ruin. I’d have liked to see more of that doomed world, possibly get some information on the Shepherds. Fodder for the denouement bonus chapters, perhaps? Also, twenty Endbringers. TWENTY. They’re probably not as strong as they are in Worm. The entities want conflict, not to kill off all their shards. They were holding them in reserve, it seemed like, using them to foment conflict rather than pursuing a campaign of annihilation. Even the ‘canonical’ Endbringers are capable of exercising restraint. Killing the host doesn’t kill the shard, but they get better data from hosts fighting hosts. The Endbringers were being created by the Counterpart, with what was probably Eidolon’s shard. No. The Endbringers are clearly Eden’s offspring. I’m pretty sure most of Eden’s “personality” so to speak went to Simurgh. That’s… what I said? “…as bad as the current situation is, things’d be much worse if the heroes were putting faith in the very architects of their ruin.” What’s the Hard-Target strategy for Endbringers, again? “I’d have liked to see more of that doomed world, possibly get some information on the Shepherds. Fodder for the denouement bonus chapters, perhaps?” Oh I hope so. That AU is so fascinating… They didn’t sound as powerful as the half-dozen we know. I suspect that the Endbringers were just as strong, but less aggressive. After all, the Endbringers in general were known to take it easy on humanity. And these ones were there specifically to foment conflict, which wouldn’t work so well if they just wiped everything out. xdrngy on October 12, 2013 at 01:40 said: Seems Cauldron got almost all of its most powerful/useful capes out of that first run. Why didn’t they repeat that exactly? It’s got a pretty high failure rate, but Hero, Doormaker, Eidolon and Alexandria (and possibly Legend+2x unknowns) seem worth it… Also, couldn’t they theoretically make more vials from the ‘tainted’ food and water of Contessa’s world? Anything else the entity had touched? I am very glad for Contessa’s survival. She’s useful. She’s useless. Her power only seems useful but it is vulnerable to unintended consequences and variable changes factors in the present, if it was useful, it wouldn’t have failed Eden in the first place. pidgey on October 12, 2013 at 02:39 said: It’s only useless in the narrative sense: it’s exactly as weak as the author needs it to be to make the plot work. Such an ability in reality would be far, far more powerful than it’s portrayed in Worm. It’s useful for absolutely everything except for stuff involving Scion and the Endbringers. The trouble is those are the only things that matter in the long run. She limited to human physical abilities and yet she’s taken out every cape we’ve ever seen her matched up against. The only people she loses to are ones with specific meta-power effects that basically shut her power down. I think she’s been portrayed as PLENTY powerful enough here. Anyone is useless if you pair them against someone with a power that perfectly negates their strength. It’s like pitting Superman against Kryptonite Man, Merlin, and someone who teleports them to be under a red sun, and then calling him a wimp because he lost to opponents who used his only weaknesses. Fun fact:Superman has won fights vs kryptonite men.Magicians too,I guess,and there must be a few red sun plots. greatwyrmgold on May 8, 2015 at 13:21 said: That’s because Superman’s existed for most of a century and been written by dozens of authors, many of which don’t give a flying crap about continuity. The principle remains. No,such fighs existed precisely to have him fight his weakness. here,kryptonite man:http://superman.wikia.com/wiki/Kryptonite_Man Actually,none of his weaknesses are that debilerating.Kryptonite causes him extreme pain,but unless he is caughton a trap,or the kryptonite gets lodged inside him,he can still flee and snipe (nevermind the fact that he is uncreative)and he can still use his powers for a while (though writers are,indeed ,inconsistent about the exact effects) Magic is not really a weakness,more like a non strength.A magic sword and a magic shield would do litle vs a creative superman:sure,his flesh vs sword and his hand vs shield is like a normal humans,but he can punch faster,outside the protection of the shield,snipe and throw a mountain to you (which wouldn’t be effected since even if it was lifted with supernatural power,its core is still a mountain,it hasn’t changed,though your magic might negate the telekinesis making it crumble).More sophisticated magic is quite a predicament,but I think it would be more of a predicament for a slow,non flying,non sniping from their eyes/breath mortal.But at no point is he weaker to magic than a normal human would,most of the time he is indirectly stronger.At best,vs explicitly him,you have power nullification magic,but thats still just bringing him down to a normal human,or doing whatever effect it would also do to a normal human. Red sun is a strange story,as sometimes he retains his charge when exposed to a red sun,which makes him able to fight for a while,sometimes it doesn’t,but,again,it just turns him into a normal human,you can have plenty of adventures with that. slider214 on May 8, 2015 at 23:38 said: See you’ve touched on the main problem and the true thing that makes Skitter/Weaver/Taylor infinitely more powerful than Superman. He ISN’T creative. He isn’t innovative. He doesn’t think outside the box. True 999 times out of a hundred he has absolutely no need to. But that 1 time is when he gets his ass kicked because he is just too overpowered generally to bother thinking of creative ways to solve his problems which would come in handy the one time that he really needed something creative. Taylor has a rather lackluster power that’s only real power is in the massive amount of battlefield awareness she has. The true reason she becomes able to defeat people who are held as unstoppable just shy of Endbringers themselves are because she knows her ability is lame so she innovates to come up with massive hacks totally in keeping with her abilities. It elevates to tiers so far above what by all rights she should be in that she ends up one of the most overpowered people in the setting. Despite having a power set that in almost any other hands would be a joke. Taylor’s weakness breeds strength while Superman’s overpoweredness makes him weak. I agree about Taylor vs Superman, but I’m convinced a lot of her intelligence, multitasking, calmness, and pain resistance are side effects of her power. Hm, Taylor vs Superman (a sort of composite “standard” version)… That could be almost balanced. She’d still lose because Superman’s real power is to win, but she’d put up a good fight. Let me explain. Assuming Taylor has time to prepare, plenty of resources, and no relevant allies: Taylor’s intelligence and Superman’s fame would ensure she was suitably equipped (kryptonite, which I’ll set aside for being boring) and knew all his powers in advance. Once she scaled up her webs they’d probably slow him down quite a lot, and I expect her bugs can overload his enhanced senses a little. Taylor has shown herself to be almost immune to pain but just as breakable as a human, which combined with Superman’s unwillingness to cripple will allow her to function through most things he’d be willing to hit her with. He’s predictable too, falling into any trap she’d set. She’d also track him in his civilian persona, so she’d have the option of exploiting that. However I expect she’d be reluctant to, both for the sake of the cape rules and because attacking his family and Lious would be all that would make him really TRY: at which point she’d get squashed with her bugs. He’s uninventive, and in normal circumstances won’t go anywhere near all out, whereas Taylor knows no other way to fight. If she has relay-bugs and kryptonite then it gets funny: kryptonite laced bug to the ear every time he tries to sleep in his home, or even in atmosphere depending on if her range covered the whole planet. Let’s see him fight after he hasn’t slept for two weeks. Actually, he’d be more dangerous then. Rather, let’s see him fight Taylor while explaining why his sleep deprivation caused deaths in some superhero court. Or just excessive damage, since we don’t want Taylor to cause innocent deaths intentionally. Oh, and: Superman: “Meh, I could take her”. None of the Triumvirate appeared in this chapter (see the tags to confirm). We’ve seen how Cauldron approached Eidolon and Alexandria in their interludes. Contessta… It’s kind of sad. I wonder what would have happened if someone had told her ‘Do you think no one has ever tried that? Building an army?’ It’s simply too easy. Too obvious. It’d never work. And it would be like Eidolon- she’d just give up. Just like that. I’m thinking that she’s going to get tricked into attacking Weaver just before victory is assured… It would fit the theme of futility and moral decay in her story thusfar. Well, she was a kid then, and never really had to grow up. Just follow the walkthrough she has to life. – how did Doctor Mother end up in that situation/reality in the first place especially not being a shard-bearer? Was Contessa born in Narnia or something? – Weld is so cool – so we were right: Contessa is a Third Entity shard-bearer, albeit she actually got said shard from the second entity (Counterpart, Eden, whatever) – right, so she kept Doctor Mother around as essentially the precog equivalent of a seeing-eye dog? Hilarious! – that alternate reality is interesting: Jack Slash as a fucking hero. Ain’t that somethin’? With the Undersiders as the 9 equivalent? I mean Undersiders willing to kill, maim, torture, and destroy could easily be as dangerous as the 9. Hordes of rabid monster dogs tearing people apart, throats being cut all on their own, heroes being forced to kill their loved ones without control of their bodies, being beaten to death in the dark, every weakness seen/launch codes figured out, and pretty much the entire insect world killing everyone. It had been noted a long while back that the Undersiders were basically the Halloween Town of villain teams(back before the Nine were introduced, of course) with their themes fitting into basic fears. Of course, now we have to wonder how much of a hand Cauldron and Contessa had in arranging it that way- we know that at least three of them were hand picked by Coil(and therefore Cauldron) but it is certainly possible that sending them on that particular mission would be in order to meet Skitter on her very first night in costume. Cauldron was pretty hands-off with Coil, I believe. He (and subsequently the Undersiders/Skitter/Tattletale as a replacement) was an experiment in self-governance of parahumanity, and if that experiment failed they would then move into hands-on control and leadership of parahumanity. DM got yanked there through the random portals that appeared when Eden crashed. She talks about all the “doors” around the crash site, getting people sent back to their home worlds, and so on. Apparently she showed up three days before Fortuna got her powers, so there may have been a bit of time-warping, too. Either that or it took three days for Eden to realize she’d crashed, since she was so focused on the future. She didn’t see a PLANET coming. A planet she was intentionally heading toward! Fortuna notes, on waking up, that it had started three days ago. Presumably the gap is a combination of when the shard was in transit to Fortuna and Fortuna being unconscious. Ah, that makes sense now. I feel stupid for forgetting something like that. -That is an excellent question and the only character who can answer it is dead. Dammit Scion. -Isn’t he always? -From a certain point of view, you could argue both sides. -I suppose. -“Black Knight” sounds like a reformed villain. Personally I imagine Good!Jack/Black Knight if not as the Punisher then as Wolverine. The way they mentioned him it seemed more like they were reluctantly unleashing a weapon on the Sheperds, rather than ask an ally for help. The line between “Reformed Villain” and “Ruthless Antihero (on a good day)” is nonexistent. Exhibit A: Shadow Stalker. That’s true. When Daredevil beats the crap out of the Punisher is almost as satisfying as when he beats Kingpin. Happy belated birthday to me. If this is my present for waiting a few more days, then I think we’re all willing to wait. Also, nobody ever guessed that Contessa was the boss. Again, wow. You really outdid yourself here, Wildbow. Actually, a few people did. Yeah and as one of the most vocal exponents of the “Contessa is playing Dr Mother”, it pains to say that it seems they were actually a partnership of equals. You know I just realized that Eden’s ideal world is similar to the Golden age of Comics. No wars, no large scale deaths, monsters that cause destruction but never seem to kill too many people/too destructive, etc. Only parahumans fighting and killing each other keeping things interesting to see how creative they are using their powers for Eden to copy. Then she died. that’s actually more in tune with the silver age, as I said earlier. The golden age was all about WWII and then its aftermath, until the Comics Code killed it and necessitated the Silver Age, where no one died, there was constant conflict but no real progression, etc. Yeah the Golden Age had the JSA fighting Nazi and Batman and Superman could kill. (With guns even in the former’s case!). The Silver Age was the one with the silly stuff, though admittedly, DC’s Silver Age was sillier than Marvel’s. then again, Marvel as we know it was BORN in the silver age, and was not hit as hard by the comics code as DC, largely because the “Moral Guardians” were watching the latter like a hawk, but paid less attention, at least initially, to the new one. Just look at the list of titles that were censored/taken out of circulation up to about 1970. mostly DC works one could also make the argument that DC, having grown during the Golden Age, did not adapt well and overcompensated, while Marvel managed a better balance (still not perfect, but there) Probably partly due to Marvel having to be published by Independent News Co., which was owned by National Periodical Publications, DC Comics’ parent company. In the late 1950s, Atlas Comics lost their distributors and had to turn to Independent News to distribute their books, but at a cost. They were stuck with maybe a dozen monthly titles they were allowed to do, so they obviously wanted to play nice with the Comics Code Authority. The main losses from the creation of the Comics Code Authority in 1954, were horror comics, Westerns, detective stories, and pretty much anything not superheroes. Atlas Comics, aka Marvel at the time, had focused on those in the postwar years but kinda had to stop due to the CCA and then further due to their distributor problems. Had to be as profitable as they could in those circumstances. Still, Marvel were the ones who published some Spider-man stories without the code that had to do with drug addiction, at the behest of the United States government. The stories sold well and since the government was behind it, the Code was revised. Indeed. It was what revealed the idiocy of the CCA. It was a comic with an anti-drug message but the CCA protested because it was against the Code to show drugs in comics, ever. Marvel said “fuck you” and published anyway. This weakened the CCA so much that by the end only DC still followed them and even then it was a pretty much emasculated Code. And it was finally abolished two years ago – though by that point, only Archie comics, who were tasked with upholding it in the first place, still paid any attention to it And here is this immense code of idiocy: http://www.comicartville.com/comicscode.htm Damn. I haven’t violated all of them. Then again, my stuff is in prose, not comics. I know for a fact I hit on 7 for the brutal torture, excessive and unnecessary knife play, physical agony, gory and gruesome crime, pretty much all with the idea of shoving a laser potato peeler up a man’s ass and firing it. True story. That’s why I encourage everyone to take time away from attempting to kill me to brag to everyone about how you’re about to kill me. Yep, the ole blade to the butt. The stab and gag. The bum shanker. I think I’m gonna incorporate this in my story. As in, break every single entry, one after the other… That list actually made me smile. It’s a mix of idiocy and, I don’t know…naivety? ignorance. definitely ignorance. First time I’ve seen that list. I didn’t realize people were so naïve and just plain stupid back then. @flame: You may thank a certain Dr Wertham and his book called the Seduction of the Innocent, which accused comics to “corrupt” children towards violence and homosexuality. Probably the first Batman/Robin slash writer ever 🙂 . actually, Dr. Wertham spoke out AGAINST the comics code – he didn’t want censorship, in the end, but demanded proper age-labels on the comics, as well as a law that forbid comics that were for adults to be sold where children could see the covers and page through them. but the proponents of the code preferred to simply use him as a figurehead to promote said code I think Wertham missed it, coming down on Wonder Woman for being a strong woman without a boyfriend, but she did have a darker side to her that would have been much more questionable back then. She was created by a psychiatrist as a kind of super bondage fantasy, since she loses her abilities when bound and likes to tie men up and force them to tell the truth. It’s like if Empowered was one of the big three alongside Batman and Superman. I stand corrected. You out nerded me. Well according to Wildbow they never reached the bronze age in comics in the wormverse. I figure things might be similar to Watchmen where non superhero comics took off due to all the superheroes, and pirates were more popular instead. Figure they are like a dozen pirates of the Caribbean movies there. or westerns, or crimis, or… actually, probably a lot of horror. lots and lots of it Considering this is a world with Nilbog, giant monsters, and the slasher copycat like hachet face…. I don’t think horror took off in the wormverse. Westerns and old mob movies maybe. I picture alot of science fiction book being adapted into movies. It’s probably wall to wall alien movies. FYI just read the latest chapter of your story, but I didn’t get an email about it. yeah, I’m not getting any e-mails from worm anymore, either. Haven’t for months, actually, even though I’m still a subscriber Pirates, you say… Hmm. I wonder if Tales of the Black Freighter is a thing? http://watchmen.wikia.com/wiki/Tales_of_the_Black_Freighter Wow, what an interlude. Of COURSE contessa’s name was Fortuna. And it seems that our speculation on Contessa’s power making her an automaton were more or less correct. Every time her power fails her she is incapable of making a choice. I feel sorry for her: she has been robbed of her life, essentially. Oh and she’s actually more sympathetic than Dr. Mother. I would have thought the opposite, actually. So, Eden wasn’t as fond of Scion as Scion was fond of Eden. Of course. It seems she was actually trying to find a way to ditch him in the near future, because this way of living would soon become unsustainable. The alternate future scene was interesting but has already been discussed by others. If I understand correctly, Eden switched her optimal-future shard with Abbadon’s but something broke, Eden shed Abbadon’s shard and Contessa got in another dimension due to Eden’s crash ripping a hole in reality. Cool. Aaaaaaggggghhh, Teacher. What a repugnant man. I hope that wizard costume makes him look like an idiot. And that Contessa turns on him, eventually. I guess the Viking guy is Satyr ( Contessa didn’t recognise him but he’s a shapeshifter). Is he a clone or the original? We know that his duplicates share a mind, so it would make sense for him to cheat death that way. We’ll see. Uhm, what happened to Taylor? 😦 . By the way, remember when I asked wildbow for an Italian Cape to appear? Well, one of the most powerful capes alive is from a faux-Italian civilisation in another dimension. Close enough for me 🙂 . Let’s see. So… Eden… I can see why the first dose was the strongest. It was the ones tore from around the entity’s “human” form. Eidolon got… the power to control other powers. I don’t think that makes sense- why would an Entity need THAT shard? Hmm. I’m reasonably sure his shard was the one designed to be the lifeline to the entity-body described in Zion’s chapter. THAT is how he did the Endbringers. He didn’t create them. Eden did. Possibly long before even choosing Earth as a destination world. But he was able to command them because she could. And with her dead- his shard was the only sapient link to the Eden Entity. Everything bound to it was his to access. If only he knew how. As they mined more of the entity… of COURSE he’d get weaker. Alexandria got all the physical mods that Scion has used. Invulnerability even to death. But not the repair mods. She was invulnerable to every kind of influence- good or bad. Contessa the future sight. Even if it was a third-party shard. Doormaker’s dimensional gateways. Mantellum’s power negation/immunity. These were the abilities being selected by Eden for her avatar-form. Abilities the Zion Avatar also has. Of course there were variations. That blaster power of Zion’s. The Thinker powers of Hero. They wouldn’t have been copies of one another. An entity would absolutely require the ability to control or link to other shards, much in the way that a human requires a nervous system. Whether it’s an inherent capacity, another shard which itself connects to them, or a combination of both is up for debate. No. The power to link/control shards is NOT the same thing as the ability to control powers. The former is pretty core. The latter doesn’t make sense. If they could do THAT… Zion would NOT be taking the hits he’s been taking. “Nope, your powers don’t work no more” button. And the entities themselves would never have need of such an ability. Which is why I’m sticking to Eidolon-as-Tether-Shard. It makes sense. His ability to tap into a hidden- but diminishing- well. He was using Eden’s energy directly. But Eidolon’s shard seems to have been a shard similar to Glaistig: a shard that collects other shards, not a shard that controls powers. Except GU claims the shard of the dead, Eidolon those of the living and/or untapped shards ( hence why his powers shrank as more parahumans were created). If he indeed created the Endbringers without knowing he may have used his shard to reach for the shard that Eden would have used in that future, or he directly got the actual shard, which combining several other powers was capable if creating the Endbringers. Not really. They didn’t seem similar at all as far as I was concerned. Sure, GU was collecting shards. But that’s just a gathering shard. An ability to get them all back together. It’s closer to Skitter than Eidolon. Eidolon… you just described his power as to tapping into the “untapped” shards… how is that NOT what I just described? He’s got the direct connection to the Eden Entity. His shard is that dimension-crossing-umbilical-cord. As the Entity lost mass, he lost power. Just that simple. The fact that shards seem to have singular enough functions… no… the most likely answer is he got the conduit shard. And all the other tricks were because the conduit was designed to be a two way street binding Entity and Avatar… and without an Entity around, the shards responded- poorly- to the crude human replacement. Ok, ok. I get it. You’re saying that he got the shard that links the “scion-avatar” to the real entity, right? Basically. Or Eden’s equivalent. Here’s a thought. Eidolon’s power steal was believed by him to be permanently damaging to the powers of the victims. Yet Taylor didn’t notice any loss of abilities… so either Eidolon was wrong (entirely probable). Or it only works on cauldron (aka- Eden) powers. Eidolon didn’t tap Taylor’s shard. She was evacuated before that, after Eidolon flung Scion to the bottom of the ocean, apparently far enough that Cauldron felt save evacuating key players. At the end of Taylor’s chapter, Glaistig Uaine is watching her die underwater, right before a portal opens and saves her. At the start of Eidolon’s interlude, Glaistig Uaine is rising from the ocean while wet and warns Eidolon that Scion is returning. I can get behind the “Eidolon had the tether-shard” idea, or something similar. Re-reading, this line jumped out at me: Probably relevant. @robert: personally I think you just scored bingo. (That’s the expression,right?) The way I see it, Eidolon got Eden’s version of Taylor’s Administration shard, but without the multi-tasking secondary powers Taylor has and the can’t-control-shards crippling that Scion put on her shard. Then why can Taylor control bugs but Eidolon can only possess a few powers? And why doesn’t Eidolon have power over others’ powers? Additional Avatar-to-early-Cauldron power: Eden implants a mental block and memory edits Colin here. One of their early (#293, at least) and important case 53s was the memory wiper. One of the interesting things we learnt from this interlude is that there would have still been Endbringers even if Eden hadn’t died. That makes the Eidolon thing make a whole lot more sense: Eidolon accidentally created powerful monsters because he inherited the Shard that was intended to create and control powerful monsters. His ability to tap into those powers for his own use seems to be a secondary function or even an accidental side-effect. Found myself rooting for a character I’d hoped to see get decked in the schnoz. I worry for her lack of initiative – her need for a sounding board, as it seemed with Doctor Mother – and how Teacher might take advantage of that. And we still don’t know who Doctor Mother was! Of course we do. She’s Doctor Mother. Loki-L on October 12, 2013 at 04:23 said: That was interesting. Also slightly confusing but mostly interesting. It appears that Eden, the second entity, wasn’t really brought down by anything or anyone who might take down Scion/Zion/The Warrior. Eden was mostly a victim to its own overreach. Eden was running with scissors, stumbled and fell and than some insignificant bugs picked up one of the scissors it had dropped and stabbed it with it…. The glimpse of the future that should have been according to the original plan is interesting. Several of the heroes who ended up first generation wards were there. It appears the warrior and the Entity took the place of the Triumvirate or rather the triumvirate took the place of the two entities. Defiant and Chevalier were always supposed to be were they are now. Curiously enough Taylor does not appear t have been a significant factor in the original plans despite having gotten her powers ‘naturally’. Most interestingly enough some analogues to the Endbringers seem to have been part of the original plan. How does that match with the theory that they were projections from Eidolon? Were they originally supposed to have been created by Eden and the power to make them was carved out of Eden and implanted into Eidolon? Did Cauldron create the Endbringers by accident or on purpose? If the Endbringers were some important contribution by Eden to the entities original plan why hasn’t Scion reacted to that before? It seems there is still more to these Endbringers than we know or think we now. On a different note it seems that Tylor finally has achieved her well deserved S-Class threat status by turning into some sort of monster scary enough to temporarily overshadow the greater threat from Scion. I am just wondering why it was emphasised at the end that Contessa should be especially familiar with her or at least more so than any other parahuman she has interacted with in the past. It is not like the two of them have closely worked together or even encountered each other much aside from some mass gatherings. The most probable theories are that Eidolon got the shard Eden would have used to create them or that she had already created them and Eidolon got Eden’s brain center. Eden conscioudly created because she needed something to generate conflict, while Eidolon unconsciously crested them because he needed opponents to prove his worthiness. This is of course just speculation. I covered a lot of that above on the nature of the Endbringers as a whole. And Eidolon’s power over them. Why WOULD Zion be alarmed by them? They were always part of the plan. The design. It actually implies that more would have/will spawn over time. As to Contessa’s familiarity. Weaver has personally destroyed half a dozen of Cauldron’s major interests. Including Alexandria. And then she helped get an Endbringer well and truly dead. Then she managed to succeed in diplomacy with two other Endbringers. Teacher has every reason to assume that Taylor has earned personal attention and scrutiny from Contessa. Zion is alarmed because they are appearing out of schedule and killing massive numbers of parahumans. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go. THIS. They were supposed to encourage conflict, not slaughter the SOURCE of conflict. Except that Zion doesn’t care about that. Eden died. With it, hope for continuation of their lifecycle. His purpose was over and he was just waiting to die. He didn’t care that the Endbringers were destroying the world. He smacked the around for a while on the suggestion that it might make him feel better. Think of the reaction of a terminal patient. He was in the depression stage. Now he’s in the anger stage. Neither of those involve caring about the krill you’re feeding on. Not yet, not at that point. He wasn’t absolutely sure his mate is gone at that point, because of the nature of their precognition, it’s necessarily limited when applied to another entity with the basic defenses and precognition in their own right. He was concerned because she’s missing, her shards are showing up damaged, and the megabeasts she has are being deployed haphazardly. Ah, poor, poor Contessa. She doesn’t realize there’s a flaw. Tunnel vision, like that, looking to the future. It doesn’t necessarily account for all of reality. If it did, it would have failed to show Eden in all this as she was paying too much attention to it. It never told her she needed to slow down. Relying on it too much, she crashed and burned. Same with Contessa. She thought the Case 53 attack was due to Scion, of all things. If you grasp at the shadow too much, you’ll miss the substance. Reminds me of a song: Reckless creatures, Always want another find. Stealing features, each a diamond to be mined. There are facets at stake, and crooks in our neck. We’re like moths to the flame, get ready and set, now tarry no longer, we’re one and one twain, now let’s play a game. Hello, hello, hello, beautiful stranger… youtube.com/watch?v=jdyrxmwctfo I find it hilarious that “the power to win” is inherently self-destructive. To quote WarGames: “The only way to win is not to play the game.” Contessa’s shard will inherently seek out conflict, as all shards do, but that still means she’s looking at victory involving conflict when she should instead be looking at victory not involving conflict. Also, everyone, due to some stuff I recently looked up and the emphasis on Scion being the Warrior in this interlude, I now think of Scion a certain way that I will share with you. And suddenly, Scion is scary no more: youtube.com/watch?v=cF4ZTcuhixc TeaSpoon on October 12, 2013 at 05:56 said: Eden shed most of her shards in order to keep herself from destroying the world when she landed, but she kept the shard that allowed her to access the shards she shed. I’m guessing that this is the shard Eidolon eventually got. Eden also got a whole bunch of shards from the Third Entity. They’d have different limitations compared to most shards, since Eden probably didn’t have enough time to modify them too much. I think the special vials were made from these shards. So, when Eden viewed herself in the ‘ideal world’ with Scion as her Warrior partner… did anyone else get flashbacks to Dragon and Defiant, or is it just me? Perhaps that is how Dragon got HER trigger event; through an unconscious memory of that ideal world. May explain why she cottoned on to Defiant too – she’s drawn to working with the same guy, that the alternate-world version of her creator worked with as well. As for that last line about Weaver? I’m picturing her face, outlined by the Swarm a la Imhotep. How could Dragon remember something that never happened? Not really enough, given the number of times she’s had her “Swarm” covering her face. So, after thinking about Weaver’s shard, and what Panacea was going to do, and Teacher considering her to be such a danger… Here’s my SWAG. Probably more of a WAG, with little S involved. Panacea managed to unlock Weaver’s power fully, and that power allows Weaver to reassign and command shards. The very first thing she does when she realizes how close to Scion she is with her new ability is take every single shard from every cape anywhere near her and integrate it into herself, turning everyone into normal people again. This instantly gets Scion’s attention, and he starts to attack her, but she has Lung’s power of regeneration and the powers of all the other capes nearby, and she can use them simultaneously like Scion does. She also has Tattletale’s shard… Then she realized that Scion is made out of shards just like she is. And she can command and absorb shards. Weaver then starts stripping shards off Scion while Scion madly attempts to get away from her. But two of the shards that Weaver got first were Doormaker and his sensory helper, so he cannot escape easily. Maybe Weaver has completely consumed Scion. Maybe he got away into a dimension she can’t access yet, because she has no power to break the barriers he put in place guarding his dimension. Yet. So Weaver is now searching every dimension, stripping the shards from every cape, looking for the cape abilities that will let her find and finish Scion. Or maybe Weaver DID finish Scion, and she’s now working on absorbing every shard in all the dimensions, in order to prevent another entity from forming in the far distant future. Many capes that actually LIKE their powers would be rather dedicated to keeping their powers, especially if they can keep theirs while others lose their competing powers. But Weaver, if any bit of Taylor is still inside there, would be doing this for the greater good and not playing favorites. Everyone’s shard would be absorbed. Every power added to her own. Presumeably this includes Scion’s knowledge, since he is a being made of shards. But for what reason? She’s going to save Earth from the shards. Then she’s going to go hunt other Entities. Maybe she will put some effort into fixing shards so that they don’t make people agressive, and let the world have powers again? Love thinking about this stuff. Thanks Wildbow! Seems a bit too…Deus Ex Machina for Worm. That sounds…interesting, from a imaginative perspective. i’m going to stick with, gets admin rights, makes everyone left alive who does not already have powers, trigger. She might do that, but if she does, without fixing the built in aggressiveness built into every shard, she’s just dooming civilization. Sure Scion won’t kill everyone, but if everyone is a cape and they all have an addiction to conflict, civilization won’t be worth beans in a few years. She would just be setting up humanity to become exactly what the Entities started as… Worrying prospect since someone once specifically refered to her as the worm that walks… Contessa survived. I was convinced that any way that Contessa hadn’t died would sound like a Deus (Diabolus?) Ex Machina, but wildbow managed to make it make sense. “Contessa got covered in lava, Weld. C’mon, let’s get this guy to a healer.” Of course it’s easier to fall for one of the oldest tricks in the book when your opponent has the power to succeed. Poor Weld didn’t even have a chance. Thanks for the update 🙂 Boilerman on October 12, 2013 at 13:47 said: Does Eden ever communicate her plans to Scion? Does Scion even know what the Endbringers are and where they come from? I’m seeing any evidence from either of their interludes that he does. He most likely figures it out after killing Behemoth, but before that, why would he fight the Endbringers if he knew who created them? Once again, a lack of communication leads to an avoidable misfortune. Fortunately, this time, it’s the worms’ misfortune in humanity’s favor. Wildbow has used this theme over and over in Worm, but he does it a bit differently each time. I’m really liking how tightly woven everything is in this story. Scion doesn’t recognize Contessa’s shard when he sees her. A shard she got from Eden. That’s how out of touch he is with what Eden was doing. To be fair, while Contessa’s shard came from Eden, it was originally from the Third Entity, of whom Scion knew little if not nothing: Eden and the Third switched their optimal-future shards, remember, and something in the new shard made Eden break down. But that’s my whole point. Eden never tells Scion that she’s changing the plan. Because of this, Scion can’t help her or protect her and he has no idea where the Endbringers came from or what they are until he kills one of them. Although that last bit is pure speculation on my part. If Eden had simply asked for help, instead of telling Scion to stop bothering her, her plan might have succeeded. Which is something we see over and over through out the course of Worm. I also want to posit that Scion is very much “mentally” impaired. Notice how he’s the “dumb brute” to any sufficiently vocal person. Eden, Norton, Jacob; all characters that he’s followed because he has no real thoughts of his own. Even when he was preparing for landing on Bet, he was verifying constantly with Eden to make sure he was doing the right thing. Part of the reason Eden kept so much from him (given her rather superior attitude [I’m thinking Simurgh’s power with TT’s characterization, seriously]) could quite possibly be due to her unwillingness to put up with his puppy-dog-esque attitude. I had theorized that a lot of his intelligence was in the shards he cast away. Yes, it’s all but stated in his interlude. Something about shedding much of what mage or what it was, about having the warrior role FOR THIS ITERATION OF THE CYCLE, and copying successful shards to the other; implying that between worlds the Entities are much the same. This is so friggin’ meta. Wildbow always enjoy his litlle metajokes :). Remember the shipping jokes or what Jack tells Taylor during the clones arc? You guys remember my Worm-based Bay12 RP? http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=131428.0 I’m encountering a bit of Worldbuilder’s Block. I’d be glad for clever cape ideas, but surprisingly that’s not the issue. The problem comes when I’m trying to make groups of parahumans, whilst being creative. I want to incorporate things like the Yangban or the Slaughterhouse 9 without just copy-pasting, then replacing the members. I’d appreciate it if anyone could help me by either suggesting ways I could modify groups to be less derivative, or else come up with “hooks” or “traits” or whatever to make groups of heroes or villains less generic. liza on October 12, 2013 at 17:46 said: One idea that’s been hinted at in the story (by such characters/groups as Coil and Cauldron, and even occasionally by Taylor herself if I remember correctly) but never thoroughly explored is parahuman-supremacist capes. What about a fringe villain group that believes they deserve respect because of their powers, or a group of well-intentioned extremists that believe the world would be better if civilian governments were controlled by parahumans? The second one might become a little bit too much like the post-Leviathan warlord Undersiders in practice, but they would have an actual political agenda rather than just thinking on the small scale. No idea if these would work, or if this is the kind of thing you’re looking for, but it hasn’t really been done (please correct me if I’m forgetting something). Hope you find them useful in one way or another. Good luck with your RP. I believe the Elite ( the ones Taylor succeed Leviathan on) were a group of cape supremacists. But we know little about them. So, Magneto? …Sounds like an idea. Thanks. A bunch of terrorists/social activists who murder powerful people in grotesque ways. We’ve all heard horrible stories of powerful people doing terrible things and getting away with them. And most of us resent the wealthy and arrogant people who exploit the less fortunate for their own profit. The differences between us and these guys are that we’re not murderous vigilante sadists and that we don’t have superpowers. Some religious fundamentalists would be a good bet, too. There are some Christian cults on the southern US, and some Muslim groups in the Middle East, which would be absolutely horrifying if they had superpowers. They’re pretty horrifying already what with their evil ideologies and the way they raise/brainwash their children to be like them, but with superpowers they’d be way worse. Continuing with the theme of “think of bad people and give them powers”, you could have a gang of superpowered internet trolls. I figure most trolls are pretty harmless really, but…if a hundred people send rape threats to a blogger I bet at least five would follow through given the power to do so. Corrupt corporate types with powers could be a dangerous villain group too. They’d blur the lines between rogue and villain, and try to appear respectable even when doing horrible things. That is…linda scary. The Taliban with powers, Westboro baptist church with powers… crap. Well, there’s two very simple ways you can world build with capes I’d say, with lots of twists and turns depending on which you choose. You can create a world to match the types of capes you like to see, or you can create capes that match the world you have created. If you have a problem with the one, try the other. Remember that the shards, when they don’t have a clear and precise ability defined into them, will investigate their surroundings and make power related decisions based on what they find, so the capes really should match the world with few exceptions. So if you drop a shape-shifting shard into Victorian England, you are quite likely to get a Vampire, Werewolf, or Faerie shapeshifter, for example. But if you want a specific type of cape that has an ability like that of Richter, so he can make AI’s for your campaign, then you need a tech level at the very least in the era of vacuum tubes, but if you want to go steampunk, perhaps it might be possible to go as far back technologically as high pressure steam. Steampunk tech Dragon would actually be pretty cool 🙂 Creativity is one of the hardest things to share. You might just want to have a brainstorming session with the folks who are interested in playing in the world you create, and see what you can come up with, as a group. After you get a few capes defined, making more could be easier, with or without brainstorming. WyldCard4 on October 13, 2013 at 03:55 said: Here’s one idea, if it fits the RPG. A group of parahuman mercenaries who specialize in killing Badass Normals. If your setting is closer to normal Worm, make it less Badass Normals and more non-capes that try to compete with capes. A specific group of capes who require parahuman powers to really fight them, and who are designed to easily counter people who power through with determination, planning, and resources. The point of these people is to make it safer to be a cape, especially a villainous one, by taking down the people who are crazy and desperate enough to try and fight parahumans. Such a group might include Thinkers who can perfectly predict enemy plans, Strangers who cause people to get false memories about how to resolve a situation, Breakers who don’t have easily exploitable weaknesses, and things like that. A group of parahuman mercenaries who specialize in killing Badass Normals. Oh that’s just cruel. I love it!!! Riffing loosely off that, I rather fancy the idea of a hacker/engineer/scientist collective of non-Tinkers who nonetheless make cool and useful shit. Or a group of scientists who contact Tinkers and offer to mass-produce their various inventions to the right markets, who utilize the normal minds necessary to analyse and reproduce the plans to make their own inventions during the off season. This reply is probably a bit late to do you any good, but… Seems to me that if you want to set your game in the Wormverse then the big, well-known groups should be copy-pasted. The S9 should be the S9 we know, etc. If you set a game in the DC Universe you’d expect stuff to be happening involving Superman, Batman etc. and the same should hold here. That means finding a not-too-mapped out corner of the Wormverse with as yet unseen heroes and villains and setting it there. The S9, Yanbang etc. would serve as ‘guest stars’ to root your campaign in the Wormverse. (Tho if the S9 are guest-starring, your campaign’s taken a dark turn…). Oh wow. I thought Cauldron was fucked and they didn’t really know what they were doing before. But it’s even worse than I thought. Contessa is pretty much an overgrown kid acting from a script handed to her by a power subject to error from blanks, poor questions and the fickle whims of fate. And the only reason Doctor Mother is in charge is because otherwise they’re playing thing completely blind. So yeah, I guess just about everything about them, from their technocratic aesthetic to their “You can’t handle the truth!” crap is a complete sham. Their only real success is unwittingly averting the bad future and making lots of really good capes that nonetheless end up dead. And now Contessa’s working with Teacher. But is she really naive enough to buy his transparent use car salesman act? Hey now, Cauldron’s not that bad. …Okay, yes, they caused problems, but I’m pretty sure they solved more than they caused. Mostly by taking a hacksaw to a giant god monster to make powers and relying on those people to solve the problems for them, and when their plans go Echidna on everyone, it’s again up to other people to clean up the mess. Hey, what works. And you can hardly claim that they didn’t provide any support against Echidna and the like. Wait what support did they provide for Echidna? Eidolon was there because of his issues and Legend and Alexandria came only when she was officially made a class-S threat. And that was arguably Protectorate business, not Cauldron. They only started to help when Khonsu appeared and it was still perfunctory at best, up to Scion’s rampage. …Yeah, I was counting Eidolon, Alexandria, and Legend. So if you don’t think they count…well, we’re ar an impasse. Actually, what I think is even worse than Contessa being,as you said, a kid that never managed to grow up, it’s that the only reason the Doctor managed to arrive at the position she arrived is because she was lucky/unlucky enough to fall through a random hole in reality and bond with said little girl over the killing of an eldritch abomination. Ah, Contessa is probably about 40 years old now. She’s a first generation cape. I strongly doubt that she’s a kid anymore. However it’s very possible that her ability to think creatively is crap because all her answers get handed to her. Makes a whole lot of sense, actually. Contessa’s power is limited by her own creativity, and her creativity is limited by her power. So she really isn’t suited to lead, except in very specific situations, like direct combat. Contessa’s power is further limited by her background in a very low tech civilization, and her young age when she was infected. So she never really had to deal with a lot of complexity or decision making in her life before she got her abilities. I’m drawing a lot of similarities in my head between Contessa and Ender Wiggins. We’re saying that Contessa is a kid in adult body because her power stopped her from growing up and maturing in any meaningful way. Hrm, I’d say that Contessa is probably more adult than you think. She wrote off her entire family, even an uncle who had protected her, in order to try to defeat two gods that were going to destroy her world. She was very young, sure, but she sure piled that responsibility on mighty high for a child. Primitive society, low technology. Oh, and she did manage to kill one of the gods, the damaged one. And she knew that fighting the other was possible, though it would take a huge amount of time and preparation. She gave up everything to save the world. Sure, she had to become a terrible killer to do it. She had to perform atrocities. She is probably one of the most hated persons in existence. Kids, in general, don’t handle those types of decisions well – and very few children can deal with being disliked, or even hated, without trying to placate or at the very least doing a lot of pouting and whining. I have to reject the possibility that Contessa was ever a child, mentally, even before the got her cape power. She does have control over her choices. She just gets a clearer view of what will actually work, and what won’t. Except every time her power doesn’t work (i.e. every time Scion does something) she flounders and is lost. Yes she suffered cultural shock and killed a god, which would make any kid grow up fast, but her power sheltered her from ever actually facing the after-shock of these monumental actions. This is the main thing. Neither Contessa or Doctor Mother have at any point been directly affected by the blowback of their actions and they haven’t really seemed to learn how consequences work. When Doc Mom says that she can live with what she did it’s not because she’s made peace with the atrocities she’s committing but because she doesn’t truly understand what she’s been doing to people. And yeah, I’m counting DM in this too. Frankly I think she’s just a bonafide sociopath. As I said, when we started getting more info on Cauldron I was betting on Dr Mother being the more sympathetic of the two. Boy, were I wrong. Hell I made a list of biggest monsters a while back, and she tops the list. The number one monster in worm. From an adult point of view, I can say that given her ability, her limitations, and the knowledge of what Scion actually is, chances are that I would do things very much the same way she did. Remember that she KNOWS the path to victory, unlike us normal humans, and sometimes that path is going to lead her through some pretty shitty actions. But the stakes that she has on the table is the entire human race, across all dimensions, except, potentially, humans in some dimensions that are space travelers that can survive the destruction of Earth. When the best possible outcome for your race in a conflict with a god is a few% of the population surviving, you go for the best possible outcome. Check your white hats at the door as you leave the ivory tower please. Contessa has been living with knowledge of what Scion was capable of, and what he would eventually do for the last 30 years. Weaver was only dealing with the S9 threat for three years, two of which was basically just training. With in-book knowledge, they have both acted appropriately for their abilities and the threat they faced, with a few exceptions. When you are rolling the dice for the fate of all humanity, there is no “good” or “bad” there is only extinction or survival. The ones that survive are likely to have to do some pretty terrible things on the way to survival. Weaver and Contessa both understand this. It’s what this whole writing project is about, IMHO. I wasn’t making moral accusations (though Reveen did), heck I even said she was way more sympathethic than Dr Mother nor was I looking up from my ivory thrower ( by the way, to quote “The Princess Bride”, I don’t think it means what you think it means). I was simply pointing out that her power became her crutch and her cocoon. It wasn’t even an accusation ( I agree with you that most people living with such a power for thirty years would have ended the same) simply a statement that is clearly supported in text. She doesn’t need to learn how to knot a tie because her power tells her so. It’s implied she never bothered learning English because her power is an automatic translator. She has no need to learn about social niceties and cultural mores (hence the culture shock is less severe than it would normally be) because her power can tell her how to act in any situation. So whenever her power stops working or can’t find a solution she’s crippled and doesn’t know what to do. That’s not a healthy, mature individual. And I think it’s a point that this interlude actually wanted to emphasize. Then again, everybody has its own read. TOWER, not thrower. Otherwise I sort of undermine my (somewhat pedantic) point 🙂 . Sorry for the double post. This comment system is a bit clunky. Just wanted to add this: This chapter made it clear that this isn’t the ABSOLUTE path to victory, because Contessa’s power can’t formulate such a path against Scion. This was a scared, culture-shocked seven year old asking an out-of-her-depth woman what hypothetically could defeat a monster and then formulating a path using the answer of said individual (“Weapons?Army?”). You’d think that after 30 years Contessa would have wondered if following step by step a path that a seven year old came up with when she still had limited information was really the BEST path to victory. But because she never really grew up, she never even thought about this. I’ve been reading through to see if anyone had posted this already and yeah: AMR hit exactly what I wanted to say. Cauldron has been fundamentally misguided from the very beginning. Contessa’s “path to victory” is based on one major unfounded assumption: That forming a big enough army is the way to save everyone. I don’t know how Cauldron managed to maintain such supreme confidence when they knew their master plan of “One hundred and forty-three thousand, two hundred and twenty steps” was based on a freaking GUESS that the destination they picked was even in the right ballpark. I get that Contessa’s power is unable to give her a plan to defeat the entities. Even if Eden didn’t get a chance to cripple that shard, either it came crippled by default or doesn’t have the juice to overcome Scion’s own mojo. But Cauldron understood that too. They knew there were gaping holes in their plan and yet still somehow had no problem insisting to everyone that no no, they had everything completely handled and noone else’s input would be required, tyvm. Even their choice to guide events towards confronting Scion sooner than later was predicated on that same initial assumption that the best hope of beating Scion was to have enough firepower to throw at him. That’s a very very shaky assumption to start with. And an even shakier once you consider your best firepower consists of Team Scion’s castoffs. Le sigh. Evilcorn on October 12, 2013 at 15:55 said: “Scion is dead.” Her eyes bugged out. “What?” “Now we have to deal with what killed him,” he said. “A certain little lady I think you’re familiar with.” Just managed to read this and wow, so much information. Will have to re-read it a few times to get it all… For now very interesting to see things from Eden’s point of view and it answers a lot of questions. Also nice to see Contessa’s past and how Cauldron started, kinda happy that she survived since I wanted to see what she would do but Teacher showing up kinda soured me on that, I suppose it is too much to hope she won’t join him? Hmm, interesting that Contessa’s power seems to need sensory input (or at least data about the different variables) in order to work. You’d think Eden’s shards wouldn’t neutralize each other quite so effectively. Though Mantellum’s shard might actually come from the third entity (Xanadu? Shangri-la?) which would explain why they don’t mesh well together. Also, this made me laugh: Welp, now I’m off to do nothing but obsess over my own theories until the next update. Cheers! I think we’re calling the third entity Abaddon. Ooooh, Abaddon! A demon, a corrupter, responsible for the destruction of paradise. Perfect fit. Also a location, to fit the theme of Zion and Eden. And if I’m reading this and all the other comments correctly, Contessa’s win power came from the third entity. The third entity crashed into Eden and they traded a bunch of shards between each other. One of them was Contessa’s power (which Eden noticed was flawed), which it misplaced (accidentally gave to Fortuna/Contessa) when it crash landed into Earth. It tried to get the power back and failed, but in the process did manage to put a limiter on the win shard so that Fortuna/Contessa couldn’t see victory paths against entities like Eden and Zion. bookwyrm on October 12, 2013 at 20:45 said: Someone earlier had an idea of a worm graphic novel, and if you think about it worm would be perfect because you could see Skitter be all scary and badass and have her internal dialogue and rationalizations paint her completely different and have her costume evolve with her. Plus that whole inventing whole move sets and behaviors subconsciously. I think it would be really awesome. >She turned her attention to the subject. One step to minimize the pain. >Swearing was one of them. >“Wolf-fucking horseballs,” she muttered, groaning as she found her footing. This was up there. This was up there with the best of Worm. Wow. Check, the third entity was not a mugger. Exactly. Check, the war the India capes were drafted for was an illusion used to brainwash them as throwaway tools to attack Scion. I was afraid of that, especially since we are on the last arc. Check, Contessa is not a null. I’ll be. I’d wondered, but really had no idea. Check, she has a lot less arrogance than it appeared. Neat. In hind sight I would have brainwashed every case 53 to believe they were dying and chose the risk — like the first ones did. Otherwise blank them. “I would have been dead. I took a risk. I am alive. The rest is up to me.” So many plans. Hope she kills Teacher. Too bad he is so twisted. But, back to reality, the three long shot formulas never used. Ruins all about. Weaver as a class S threat. This interlude was perfect. gantradiesdracos on October 13, 2013 at 05:00 said: anyone think Contessa is, frankly, stupid for even temporally allying with a cape who’s assisted in fucking over humanity once for his own ends, and who’s whole Schick is turning people into non-sapient thralls? or would non-sentient be a better word? can never remember which is which. ooh! additionally, as for saint, how about simply telling the world he assaulted and left dragon comatose/dieing whilst disabling her network in the process to prevent her form calling for help? if her nature as an AI isn’t yet common knowledge, could be Truthfully be described as a Personal Vendetta or somesuch? i mean, if pretty much everyone on the planet knows that he’s probably responsible for most of the worlds population/ their power-base being wiped out, it’d be open season for the rest of his life… also ,as for Eden, this is whay those Laptopholders they used to sell that you clipped to your steering wheel are a stupid idea! learn from Eden’s mistake, don’t check next weeks weather report and drive, kids! Well, Contessa didn’t exactly seem to warm to Teacher’s presence until he showed her that photo of Weaver. Taylor must be in some deep shit indeed. and photographs can be easily faked with non-tinker tech. Teacher is Inherently Untrustworthy. i mean, ill be honest im a little vague about the extent and limitations of Teachers powers, but i wouldn’t spend a nanosecond more then absolutely necessary withing a kilometer of someone capable of basically Coreing my mind, no matter WHAT the circumstances. better to be a bit paranoid then to be a fool. and someone with Abilities like COntessa’s would be an INVALUABLE slave. Teacher’s power has been implied several time, if not outright stated, to work on a voluntary basis.At first he even kept the compulsion part secret because people would come to him with money, including other capes who wanted a thinker ability to better manage their power. And even though the entire point of this chapter was to show that Contessa’s power isn’t infallible, I’m confident she can manage Teacher. dpara on October 13, 2013 at 19:58 said: Hopefully she manages him by punching his nose into his brain. But well.. then comes an interlude for Teacher and we’ll start rooting for him xD. manage? is that like thinking ” eh, i can handle him”? Seeing how the “eh, I can take you” joke suffered quite a decrease in popularity (only to return with a vengeance after Jack says it word for word in-story) after Contessa does indeed “take” Weaver, I think that’s actually a pefect analogy 😉 . Umm, I have reason to believe that Teacher is probably smart enough to avoid lying to Contessa. And she’s probably smart enough to ask questions about the aftereffects of accepting gifts of power from him, and using her power to validate the answers. However, it’s quite possible that she would voluntarily allow him to give her power, if HER power indicates that it would be more useful. Imagine giving her a secondary thinker power to make her question-asking ability even more potent. Sure Teacher would be pulling the strings, but this is about survival. It’s all up in the air though, until we find out how Weaver has changed the equation. The timing of the interlude in the work as a whole was good. We got most answers, knew why Cauldron looked like a bunch of amateurs (they were), why they had a weird plan (precog), and why Contessa’s shard was from the Mugger. Nice touch on Contessa too, Fortuna means “good luck” in italian, but “destiny” in latin 🙂 (it has the same meaning in italian, castilian and portuguese, but Ruggero is an italian name) For the first time ever I have a proposal on how to end the story: Write the last chapters like the migration arc, focusing on the various other groups, but most importantly timeskip some months ahead. Answer as many pending mysteries as possible, but do -not- directly answer what happened to Taylor, just give oblique references that leave up in the air what happened to her, or if she’s alive, dead, or whatever. It would be nice, I could almost imagine the explosive ball of rage it would unleash on the world over 😀 I just stumbled upon this… Wildbow, you might have beaten a guinness book record if you manage to print Worm. http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1/longest-novel/ longest novel is “A la recherche du temps perdu” by proust, clocking in at 9,609,000 character (spaces included). Do you think you could beat it? Hobbes on October 13, 2013 at 17:50 said: He already has if Worm is published as-is. But there’s so much bloat by the nature of the thing that after everything’s edited Proust will still hold the crown. You mean the epilogue chapters, right? Because a whole bunch of chapters with characters going ” ‘Oh, thank God New!Taylor pulled the you know, whatever device out of her ass to kill Scion with.’ ” would indeed trigger an explosive ball of rage. Mother of all wrap-ups. TinkerTailor on October 13, 2013 at 23:21 said: Great stuff, as always. Something I just realised – Eden says that she only sees the Scion’s shards in her simulation future. This included Miss Militia, who I was under the impression was one of Eden’s shards (Mainly based on the fact that, during her trigger vision, she knew the entity she saw was dying). So… either Scion had an equivalent shard, or Miss Militia actually saw Scion breaking himself up and incorrectly interpreted that as dying, or it’s an honest inconsistency. She saw Scion breaking down and dying. Matt Nordhoff on October 13, 2013 at 23:41 said: You’ve just jossed a pretty popular fan theory, Wildbow. Skimming Interlude 7 again, Hannah’s line is: > It’s dying, she thought. So I guess the one carefully-labeled opinion in three paragraphs of solid facts was a misinterpretation on Hannah’s part. Damn, Wildbow. Except… you just said, “She saw Scion breaking down and dying.” Either you’re using a definition of “saw” that means “interpreted”, or I’m completely lost. (And I should wait longer before hitting “Post Comment.”) Maybe she saw the future instead of the past? Or maybe when they discard their shards it’s technically kind of like dying? This: shedding their shards is a death sentence for the entities. Scion has only so much time left to live. Thank you to Jason, Andrew, Michael R, Christopher, Ero, Tanya, Joy, Zoe with the really awesome last name, Simon and David E for the donations. Robert R was very generous, as well. To Matthew S, though, I’m left flabbergasted and speechless. My mind is so blown it’s dusting the walls. I’ve scheduled two additional chapters – one paid for by Matthew S, the rest pushed over the cusp by the other readers. Rhodesian on October 14, 2013 at 15:55 said: I wonder why some people get last names and others dont There are a couple names that pop up with some frequency. Matthews and Andrews and Davids. It just helps clarify, for them and for me. Nice to know you have such dedicated fans, isn’t it? I think Teacher is going to try to be unfair in the sense of using henchmen with guns. He’s not going to give Weaver a fair playing field, but somehow it’ll backfire or he’ll be outsmarted. Well, guns aren’t that great against bugs, and guns are hardly the worst she’s beaten. I find this story’s degree of guns to be very convincing: largely replaced by powers, but very much still used. Done catching up. At a loss for words, and most of those I can reach are expletives. Thank you for being awesome, wildbow. 400 comments so far. Not bad, but what I’d expect from Contessa’s interlude. Incidently I named my Honedge in Pokemon X Chevalier. He has been a total boss. So now I have to wonder what could possibly be awesome enough to name Taylor. Looked it up to see what more recent pokemon are like. German name for honedge is boss. ‘Gramokles’. After doing research for a fic and my own personal enjoyment, I concluded that Ledian or Scizor fit best for Taylor’s starter/self. Sadly no black widow or darwins bark spider Pokemon… Yet. Not Vespiquen? I have no earthly clue why that didn’t stand out to me long ago. Serves as a third ‘mon for Team Taylor the Trainer, at the very least. coughAriadoscough Also, if any of you have read Hunger League (pokemon/hunger games, really good) then Joltik is also up her alley. On the subject of recent Pokemon, I’d give Taylor a Polar Pattern Vivillon for when she becomes Weaver. And the number of comments on Worm now appears to stand at nearly 43,000… that seems to be the largest comments record on personal web fiction serial i find myself wondering if this story can hit 50,000 before the end. Also, Skitter’s Great Escape still holds the comment section record at 790. Hasit hit 50.000?or does it need a litle help from THE NECROPOSTER Tayles on October 14, 2013 at 22:45 said: Trying to figure out when Tuesdays is uploaded in GMT+1 time >.< ah, turns out its 5am. Damn. * 06:00 after this year’s Daylight Saving Time ends on November 3. Really? It was 3:45 am at my time of posting, and I’m in the UK 45 minutes from the time of my reply now. and i really shouldn’t still be up playing age of empires… ah well in 42 minutes, worm updates… =] Totally looking forward to it wildbow On vacation checking in for the update. Just realized I do not know which time zone. 36 minutes from the time I post this reply. counts down Ahhhh must find out what happened to Taylor! You are the best at cliffhangers. Which is a good thing, except when I’m being cliffhanged. 😦 If Wildbow decides to drop another interlude on us, I think I might just pass out. Minus six and counting. Decided to come back and read this again what with 30.7 coming out soon; assuming this takes place after 30.6, Teacher seems surprisingly laid back all things considering. It doesn’t take place after 30.6. Uh, so I really thought that the twist was going to be that this was actually the future ones plan all along. Killing itself and freaking out it’s partner for the greater good. Yeah, I was leaning towards the “the other entity was more benevolent and had found a new way to advance it’s species by peacefully coexisting” theory myself. Guess not, hey. xD greatwyrmgold on February 24, 2014 at 11:09 said: I had forgotten/not noticed that Eden had figured something out to possibly solve the long-term problem. That’s…kinda big. Once again, Contessa’s power seems…off. She can always find a path to victory, however improbable. She can find the weak point in a being that didn’t need to give itself one. Why did Eden do that? Why was something important in the head, and the connection able to be severed with a simple stab to the neck? Why didn’t it respond? The only explanation I see is that Eden used some other precognitive power(s) and figured that giving humanity all of this would let them find a long-term solution, but…I don’t buy it. And then there’s its function. It doesn’t work so well with things tied closely to the Entities, but this works exactly as well in Endbringers, Scion, and Eidolon despite working on everything else, save those protected by a power seemingly crafted specifically to negate hers. What the heck? Why isn’t there some fog over every parahuman? And how can she manage these impossible tasks? How does she fit her whole body through a toaster-sized space in midflight? How will she do that thing she is revealed to have done in the epilogue? Could she jump to the moon if she wanted to? Everything else in Worm makes more sense the more I know and the more I think about it, save inconsequential details, but this…this is the exact opposite. Summer on January 22, 2018 at 01:44 said: It wasn’t, like, deliberate. greatwyrmgold on January 22, 2018 at 18:33 said: …Huh? Which part wasn’t deliberate by who? Summer on February 16, 2018 at 21:46 said: “She can find the weak point in a being that didn’t need to give itself one. Why did Eden do that?” She was injured from the crash, healing. Weak. She was making an avatar, connecting some of her consciousness to that, and the connection was vulnerable. She didn’t “give herself” that weakness. greatwyrmgold on March 1, 2018 at 09:53 said: The weakness seems…specific and all-encompassing enough that it seems highly improbable to appear by chance. The Entities aren’t like normal organisms, with vital blood vessels and nerves criss-crossing in basically every corner of the body; they’re colonies of shards, each specialized in purpose but capable of some existence on their own. Not to mention that the avatars are heavily implied to just be projections, not actually part of the Entity’s body. It just doesn’t make sense that that sort of thing would arise by chance. But then, a lot of Contessa’s more “epic” moments are like that. Typo: “this criteria” -> “these criteria”. For some reason the Table of Contents listed at the end of the page on mobile lists this interlude as being “29.9” (the chapter before it is listed as “29.09”). This is not an issue when viewing on PC. Oh good we have an official name for the counterpart. I was just about to switch to tvtropes to see if there was one to make this post easier. Now I can keep avoiding spoilers! Anyway, it’s interesting that Eden started to consider possibilities besides just conflict towards the end. Kind of a sad thing there. If it had survived a few more iterations who knows, maybe we could’ve had a good MDE instead of a chaotic world destroying one. Doubtful considering their method of moving across interstellar distances and her almost glee in insighting more chaos in the alternate future but hey it’s possible I guess. And honestly they have a worthy end goal of surviving the end of the universe. After consuming the universe that is…these things are starting to remind me of the Primes from Peter F. Hamilton’s Confederation series. They aren’t quite as xenophobic but they are far more dangerous and actually capable of consuming all of the multiverse too…God there is a scary thought. Even if humanity ends up winning here they will eventually have to come up with a way to exterminate this species. The MDEs really don’t strike me as things that stop halfway. Something has to be done about them on a universal scale if we want to have a chance of surviving super long term. And yeah at present Eden was a total and complete bitch. That potentiality with blocking Defiant from suspecting her and creating who over 20 Endbringers to engineer a war? Fuck her. You go Contessa taking that bitch out early! Wow so it got so darn distracted that it literally forgot about step one: pay attention to the landing. The entire plan goes to shit just because Eden was too focused on the future to pay attention to the minuscule possibility she’d have issues at the start when she is the most powerful. Amazing. Also I just want to quickly comment on how utterly terrifying it is that the MDEs are quite literally bigger than fucking planets even after losing a lot of themselves. That is bone numbingly terrifying. Terrifying on Cthulhu Great Old Ones levels. How the hell are you supposed to stop a whole race of things that look at planets like bites of candy? So little Contessa is fucking awesome. A young girl who immediately manages to save the world by killing a physical god with a pocket knife. Epicness. I can give some credit to Doctor Mother as well. Somewhere along the line she totally fell from grace but Contessa remains awesome. I find it rather funny how Defiant is the one who actually manages to figure out that Eden and Scion are bad guys. He really is a super perceptive guy which just keeps on coming through. I am so glad that Colin managed to redeem himself. I feel really bad for Contessa after finishing this. I can understand why nobody really sheds a tear over the Doc but Contessa was literally a child when she saw the end of the world and has been fighting nonstop to fix it. She was molded into who she is by the Doc and a crippling fear. It’s almost a parallel to Riley after a fashion. If the single most insane character in the entire story can be brought back to a somewhat stable, sad, working on redemption figure then Contessa should really have no issues. Fuck even Shadow Stalker is somewhat acceptable. I think tears would be shed for Contessa even if they are just meta tears from the readers. Only thing that really puts a bit of a dent into this is: allying with TEACHER!!!!! SOMEONE KILL THAT SONOFABITCH ALREADY! Please. Wipe that godawful smugness from his arrogant little face and kill the manipulative asshole. And where the fuck does Satyr get off surviving?! If you give a heartfelt death monologue and have a mostly pointless last fucking stand with your teammates who are as close family the polite fucking thing to do is to die with them asshole!!! Motherfucker is on my shit list now. Damn your mostly blank slate Contessa! Why couldn’t you have ran into Taylor instead of these assholes?! Contessa’s limitations are interesting. Her asking the right question comment from an earlier chapter makes so much more sense now. It’s funny but I think her given name sounds a hell of a lot more like an appropriate cape name than her chosen one. Love her metaness near the end by the way, asking if anyone actually believed she’d died. Weld was the only smart one in their group and he got distracted by the actual mission. Probably a good thing in the long run as long as someone takes out Teacher and gets Contessa back onto the good guys side. As a final aside. Knew she wasn’t dead. Fistpump What does it say about the state of things that I was rooting for the person with a literal “I win” button as her power? Man. “Partisan” is so much better as a description of Chevalier’s power. No contest. Based on the admittedly very sparse description, I feel like the Black Knight is probably Jack Slash. Maybe his shard went to a different person in this future, but the way they talk about using him- “lure them in… and then sic him on them” instead of something more like “have him ambush them”- suggests that the Black Knight is someone the Wardens don’t completely control. Less of a soldier, more of a weapon- aim, fire, avoid. Deeply scary scenario, in any case. The enforced absence of information about the whole world beyond your borders, as if it’s just vanished, layered on the certainty of hostility with the borders you can reach… >_< https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7iRsDUUAC8 ("Watershed", Vienna Teng) katrikah nominated this song as a description of the setting, way back in 22.7, and it certainly works in that regard- the sense of futility, of repeating conflicts and attrition, of a nebulous enemy who has everything planned out on a level you can hardly imagine. But back before the end of Sting, the best fit we had for the narrator- the nebulous chessmaster enemy- was the Simurgh, who certainly didn't fit the "I've done this many times before you" refrain, since she's only twelve years old even now. After this chapter, though… the narrator of the song is clearly Eden (albeit pre-impact Eden), and it fits perfectly. "Confident," indeed. Oh man. Thinking about Contessa’s power and her blind spots reminded me of her appearance in Crushed, and I realized: the Endbringers never had their own unique ability to defeat thinker powers. They were immune to parahuman precognition because they were created by Eidolon, whose power was immune because it was never meant to be separated from its host entity. It has the same kind of passive anti-precog defenses that Scion does, for the same reason it’s so unbalanced in general- because it was meant to help keep the entities from ever being outmaneuvered by their hosts. Foxtail on October 17, 2016 at 02:01 said: >The expressions of the three men are grim. The other heroes, at the edges of the room, seem equally concerned. A woman with a great cannon that constantly changes, expanding and contracting like a living thing. A hulk of a man, laden with muscle, was muttering something to people around him. Breaks tense here. Goes from “are grim”, “seem equally concerned”, and “constantly changes” to “was muttering”. Not much to say, that hasn’t mentioned before. Isn’t that Ziggurat, among the first Cauldron capes? It might be how they placed that giant column above their panic room. hunter on June 23, 2017 at 15:25 said: oh my god, they are actually 20 endbringers, even if we only saw 6 in action (plus the glimpses of those 3 who may not have been created in the future that actually happened)… I don’t follow this conversation. Each reply follows from the next but as a whole? I think the Doctor has a specific answer in mind when she asks “What is the key thing about the one we killed?” but the “broken” answer doesn’t connect to the start or the end or??? also why doesn’t she have a name. doubleink on March 12, 2018 at 08:30 said: This is an extreme necrocomment and I’m not sure Wildbow even follows these anymore but I have to ask: Is Contessa’s shard related to Accord’s? Originally the same power, developed differently? The way his power is described, giving him steps and solutions when fed information, allowing him to take “the slow, steady path to victory” (Interlude 20) — my respect for you is such that I fully believe this could have been deliberate. Switch on October 31, 2018 at 20:57 said: Huh. Doing a reread and for some reason I don’t remember reading this interlude at all. heystranger111 on November 7, 2018 at 07:11 said: Ok I don’t care how sad thier backstory is. I still hate cauldron! Hmmm was a little bit confusing. Leave a Reply to Veloren Cancel reply	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1731
__label__cc	0.612533	0.387467	Speck 30.4 I didn’t break eye contact with Dragon. My eyes were damp, and it was impossible to find a balance in terms of keeping still. I either slumped over or I held myself so rigid that I trembled, an ache creeping over my body, my muscles too taut. Back when Emma and I had been friends, way back in middle school, we’d done one of the sleepover dares. Going into a dimly lit room and staring out our reflections. Repeat the name of the monstrous woman, a name that escaped me now, over and over, without breaking eye contact. The freaky thing had been that it had worked. My expression had torn, twisted and distorted, dark patches creeping over my cheeks and forehead, my mouth disappearing with only a blank stretch of skin in its place. I’d fled the room. I’d later read up on it, because understanding something meant being able to handle it, and my problems back then had been ones I could understand. The effect was a result of the mind’s idleness. We only really saw a little bit of what we looked at, and our brain worked constantly to fill in the gaps and unimportant spaces with its best guesses. In a dimly lit room, with the mind focused on the steady, hypnotic repetition, the brain would fill in spaces with the only reference points available to it, taking from features in its field of view to patch together the face. Fear, imagination and the recently-told scary story of having one’s entrails ripped out through their mouth did the rest. The mind was an amazing thing, but it had limits and weaknesses. I’d been taking in too much even before I added the clairvoyant. Dragon spoke, her voice insistent, concerned, and pitched as a question at the end. I raised my arm and the stump of a limb to the sides, bringing the clairvoyant’s hand with me. An exaggerated shrug. I then let them flop down to my sides. Dragon said something else in response, a statement, quiet. Using the clairvoyant was an art, it seemed, and I hadn’t received any advice on how to handle it. I was figuring it out, though. My focus on Dragon was like staring into the mirror. There were too many details to clarify to keep my attention in one place for so long. Things were starting to bleed around the edges in areas I wasn’t focusing on, like a watercolor painting that was bleeding out beyond the lines. Subtle, but it was there. Was it the entity, trying to tap into my memories to hash things out where my perceptions were failing? It wasn’t anything substantial, not yet. I was focused on Dragon, above all else. The various people, the capes, the fighting, all were clear in my awareness. It was the hills, the mountains, the vast spaces of water or field without anyone nearby that were shifting subtly. Cities in particular seemed to be a jumble. Or was it just easier to see the differences and errors when a city was rearranged in a way that didn’t make sense? More to the point, was I simply losing my mind entirely? I’m running out of time. I raised my hand again, reaching out towards the Birdcage, below us, towards the comparative miles of space and containment foam, the forcefields and countless other effects that had been worked together to form the most secure facility they could manage. The empty space between the hanging structure itself and the walls that had been thickened by the engine was vast in a way that staggered me, just a little. Shit like that didn’t help with the fucked-up perception thing. My hand was shaking, the muscles in my forearm too tense, the hand too loose. Without breaking that eye contact, I gestured, turning my hand over, curling the fingers. I opened a portal at the same time, inside the Birdcage. Dragon shifted her stance, and that same room flooded with containment foam. She said something in that same, quiet voice. As communication went, it would have to do. Not the words I couldn’t understand, but the gestures. I’d declared what I wanted, she’d drawn the line. I wanted so badly to hug her, to cross the distance between us and throw my arm around her muzzle, or around one of her legs. To have something physical to hold on to that I wasn’t actively controlling. I couldn’t give her an opening to take me out of action. I began opening a portal beneath a flow of lava, a trickle on Earth Bet, at the mouth of a cave system. The lava met the edge of the portal, and it winked out of existence. A splash of it passed through the portal, touching Dragon where her ‘neck’ met her body. She moved, jet-engine ‘wings’ reorienting, pulsing with thrusters going on full to move her fifty feet to the right. Her claws met a cliff face, digging into stone, and the thrusters kept going, pushing her against the rock and holding her on the surface. Right. Okay. A different tack then. She was retaliating, too. Her guns trained on me, barrels glowing. I opened defensive portals before I even saw what she was firing at me. Lightning, crackling in visible arcs around what looked like sphere-shaped empty spaces. Controlled pockets of ionized atmosphere, probably, to give the lightning a path to travel. The lightning traveled through the portal and struck Scion from behind. I closed the portal before he could react. The guns changed, the barrels contracting, the mounts behind the barrels reconfiguring. A portal simultaneously opened behind me. She sprayed containment foam. Not a stream, but an honest spray, as if she was trying to paint the entire mountain peak. I stepped through a portal, putting myself halfway on the other side of the world. I stood on the roof of the Byzantine Tower in Istanbul. Third tallest building in the world, surrounded by a shattered city and waterways that were now polluted with detritus and rubble. Then I opened fire. Every parahuman I controlled with a ranged attack or gun fired into the portals I was opening beside them. The exit-points were beside Dragon, and a cascade of bullets, lasers, energy shots, ice, lightning, metal and other effects obliterated her ship, tearing through the cliff face. I moved my collection of people out of the way before the resulting rockslide could kill anyone. The thinkers and tinkers joined me, the rest relocated to other points on the mountain. The ship she’d sent my way was slag. Barely worth calling scrap metal. I checked it over twice. Dragon deployed her drones. Not ships, but tens of thousands of airborne craft, most no larger than a basketball, kept aloft by antigrav panels like the ones on my flight pack. I already knew that each was loaded with a specific payload. Containment foam, EMP pulses, explosives, tear gas and more. This wasn’t a typical fight. It was more like a war, two parties with vast resources at their disposal, with armies and incredible potential in terms of the tools we could bring to bear. In a typical fight, things would end when one person knocked the other out, but a war rarely ended that way. The fighting would continue until we’d done enough damage to the other that they had to give up. Dragon was decentralized, with no single point that could be attacked to remove her from the fight. Truth was, I’d probably have to destroy everything to destroy her. If she didn’t give up. If she could give up. As for me, I was inaccessible, out of reach. I was quietly confident I could win this, one way or another. She’d have to defeat every cape in my little army, every cape I potentially acquired in the meantime, and I doubted her willingness to do that. Don’t destroy my army. Please don’t be willing, don’t be capable. If that happens, then I’ve failed completely and totally, I’ve done this to myself and will go out as a villain, all for nothing. The fight against Scion was ongoing. I needed to be able to focus, especially with the way things seemed to be breaking down in the least important areas. I couldn’t split my attention between him and Dragon, or something that was nigh-impossible would become harder. The drones closed the distance, and my army began gunning them down. They were evasive, and I could take in the whole picture to see how Dragon was managing them. Not simultaneously, but close enough it barely mattered. I tapped into precogs and clairvoyants, along with other thinkers, gauging the best approach. Shén Yù informed me of the general thrust of Dragon’s attack. I could see it through his perceptions, mottled, indistinct lines in the battlefield. X drones moving to one of my groups, Y drones to another. The path they intended to travel… I could tell that as well. An initial wave of attacks to debilitate, and then the second wave, drones for a follow-up strike. The lines had a feeling to them. I could almost assign labels. Infantry, cavalry. I looked around me. If I drew parallels, tried to correlate what I was seeing with what Shén Yù was seeing… She was aiming to strike me. How? Seventeen Dragon-craft deployed from the hangar. Again, not combat models, but utility models, fast response and rescue. Craft she’d been holding in reserve, no doubt because the cost of deploying them outweighed their potential benefit against Scion. The clearer Dragon’s direction of attack became, the more Shén Yù’s awareness clarified on her weak points. Distant locations and objectives. Some were objectives I couldn’t identify, even with the clairvoyant. He only saw within the boundaries of Earth’s atmosphere. Others… valid targets. I sent one squad to an army base. Pulses of gravity and intense heat let me detonate the contents of a munitions depot and direct the force of the explosion in one direction. The end result annihilated a data center Dragon had set up nearby. I could see her reaction, in the broadest sense. Where her drones had been micromanaged before, they weren’t being controlled now. She was focusing elsewhere, controlling the larger craft and assigning them to the protection of the various data centers. There was a skeleton crew of people at one facility. A data management firm that Dragon had bought out, I suspected, because the entire databank was reading as hers. Row upon row of servers, standing like tombstones in refrigerated rooms. Freezing air poured through the floor, pushing up against the warmer air. The facility seemed more like an alien landscape of steel and cold than anything of human design, complete with a constant, persistent weather pattern – a constant, gale-force wind generated by the movements of hot and cold air in what had to have been a careful design. That the crew had stayed suggested something about their personalities. Discreet, paranoid people, who’d built a shelter inside the facility as a hiding place, in case things went to hell. Which was pretty damn reasonable, considering the sheer amount of nightmarish crap there was in the world. I used portals to take control of them. I couldn’t read what was on the screens, so I had them take a more direct route. They made their way through the building, throwing switches, pulling plugs and opening sealed doors. Three of my Yàngbǎn capes entered the facility through portals and began generating heat as they’d done outside the C.U.I.’s Imperial Palace. I could find the freezer… and another cape could step through to damage it. Dragon’s utility craft arrived on site, but the damage had been done. I’m sorry, I thought, again. My attention shifted to the monitors and gauges in her various databanks. I could see dials shift closer to red, numbers rising, gauges nearly filled. Dragon could manage her things, I told myself. She had safeguards, ways of keeping her data safe. There was no doubt in my mind on that score. Each time I disabled a facility, I forced her to consolidate, to put the resources that remained under further stress. My ranged capes aimed for portals once again. This time, I put the exit portals against Earth’s atmosphere, aiming for the general direction of a satellite. It took thirty seconds of sustained fire before Shén Yù’s power stopped telling me it was a weak point. Other thinker powers in my range were giving me similar feedback. A cape with perfect eyesight was telling me it could even see the explosion. The displays across Dragon’s private realm shifted further. She was saying something to Defiant, words I couldn’t make out. I could see him tensing, moving like he was going to go somewhere. Then Dragon spoke again, and he went still. His head turned in Scion’s general direction. Please stop, I thought. Don’t make me go further. She went further. She intensified and organized the attack, and her drones reached my front line, disabling them with nonviolent means. Tranquilizers, electric pulses, containment foam and tear gas. I let it happen, because I needed to see what her second wave attack was, before she organized a more efficient frontline attack. The second wave approached, and they made a beeline for the portals that were controlling my minions. The portals that would exit right next to me. But the drones were too large… Until they jettisoned outer shells and accelerated. Half the payload, but they had the same kind of propulsion jets I had in my flight pack. I moved the portals a fraction of a second before they speared through, and they continued onward through open air. Shén Yù informed me about the third wave’s imminent attack. Not a feeling of attack, but… the initial wave had read to his senses as something like infantry or spearmen. The second wave had read as cavalry. This? A siege weapon? The lines that Shén Yù’s power painted on the world indicated something deliberate, devastating, but diffuse, somehow indirect. I directed fire at the drones, and forcefields served to protect most. The non-Yàngbǎn capes I had that could penetrate the forcefields were few and far between, the drones too numerous. They set up, planting their mechanical limbs firmly on the ground, and then they deployed, pyramid-shaped structures, glowing blue at the peak. My portals began opening, ones I’d closed not long ago. Portals I’d opened to control my capes, and the larger portal I’d opened to escape to this location on the Byzantine Tower. I couldn’t shut them. Drones started to make their way through. I, in turn, opened another portal, handing one tinker device to Shén Yù before hurrying on, leading the rest through. Portals blocked the drone’s ranged fire. The Yàngbǎn’s strategist used Teacher’s device, and all the doors in his vicinity slammed shut. Dragon’s path to me was shut. I watched the meters and gauges. Each attack had pushed Dragon’s remaining resources closer to capacity. That was on top of the extra strain she was under with Scion having done so much damage to the Eastern seaboard. He would have eliminated other databanks when he’d attacked. Just like me, she’d been wounded and disabled before entering into our private war. Just like me, she desperately wanted to focus on Scion, but she couldn’t afford to. If each attack pushed the remaining databanks four percent closer to capacity, at a guess… no. I was having trouble putting the numbers together. Had to eyeball all of it. I targeted another facility. All of the ranged attacks, channeled through open portals, ripping through an unoccupied facility. In quiet horror, I watched meters flip over into the red, gauges hitting maximum capacity, bars filling, characters on screens going nutso until they were all the same digit, repeated ad infinitum. One by one, monitors went blank. Server banks I hadn’t even touched began to spin down, fans stopping, lights fading. Whole grids of blinking green lights winked out, some in order, others at random. I watched, silent and frozen, as the process continued. Stop, I thought. That’s enough. You have backup servers, I thought. Those servers need to stay online. They have to stay online, because you can’t exist in stasis any more than I could. She needed life support, at a bare minimum. She couldn’t go any length of time without something running any more than I could go for a duration without a heartbeat or breathing. But the lights continued to go out. She said things to others, over the comms systems. To Chevalier and other various heroes. A few words or a statement or two, specific to each of them. Some longer words and phrases dedicated to Defiant, and more acerbic words for Teacher and Saint. Saint didn’t react, but Teacher raised his phone, tapping it a few times before saluting the air with the device. The drones close enough to do so sank to the ground all across the mountain’s peak. Her suits had already retreated and settled on the ground. Defiant was very still as he watched them land. Then Scion attacked, screaming incoherently, and Defiant moved, taking control of one ship. The last of Dragon’s lights went out. I stood in a daze as the various machines went still, surprisingly hot as the fans stopped spinning. All of the server rooms and data banks were utterly dark and quiet. Drones that hadn’t been close enough to the surface to land dropped out of the air. They hit the ground, along with one or two members of my swarm, and I flinched with the crashing, as if they were striking me. I’m sorry, I thought, but it wasn’t my thought. A memory. It was good that my power was saying it, because I couldn’t. My own thoughts were a jumble. My feelings were a chaotic mess. A lump was growing in my throat, swelling beyond my ability to tolerate it. I hunched over, and I very nearly let go of the clairvoyant’s hand before remembering that I couldn’t. Instead, Doormaker and the clairvoyant both pulled at my mask until it was halfway up my face. I felt the lump become a wave of vomit, spattering over the rooftop. It hurt, not just the physical act, and yet it felt like so little. Still a scene I was experiencing while half-numb, experiencing from a distance. I miscalculated? Had she been vulnerable because of what Teacher had done to her? Did it even matter? I felt the need to throw up again, almost wanted to, just for that relief from what was welling up inside. She’d been an ally, a friend. I wanted to scream, to yell at her for being like all of the others and refusing to play along, to listen and cooperate. I wanted to do the opposite, to beg her forgiveness, and hate myself for being exactly what I’d criticized others for. I wanted to put all of those feelings aside and start dealing with Scion. I wanted to give up on that entirely, because, fuck it, what was I even trying to save, at this point? If I’d been whole, if I’d been balanced, I might have been able to find the middle road between the conflicting ideas. But I wasn’t. I remained hunched over, almost paralyzed. My anchors… what had I chosen, again? Tattletale, Rachel, Imp… Grue’s cabin. My interlinking hexagonal portals were a mess. In the course of fighting Dragon, I’d closed portals and opened others without any attention to keeping it together. That was something to pay attention to. If I wasn’t feeling my emotions as clearly as I should, I had to look for the external clues, and that jumble was suggestive of an emotional turmoil I’d been suppressing. I began pulling the grid back together, not feeling any better. I reached out, trying to remind myself of the anchors I’d set up. My mom… I found the graveyard. My old house… Where had it been again? The streets were such a mess, one pile of rubble virtually indistinguishable from the rest. What was I supposed to even do to identify it, if there were no landmarks? I’d hoped to use the anchors to help push myself forward, but reaching for one thing that I’d known from the very beginning and failing in the process left me in a more unbalanced state. I was what? There had been an idea I’d been reaching for, a word, a symbol, something. Yet I couldn’t clarify it in my head. Don’t panic, I thought, but the words sounded panicked in my head. Rushed. Sloppy. My breathing was hard and fast, my heartbeat pacing out of control. Between the two, it was getting to my head, affecting my thoughts. Don’t panic, I told myself. The repetition felt good, helping. Or had it been my passenger telling me not to panic? No. I had a perfectly normal lapse. Perfectly normal. A person in a stressful situation like this is going to have moments where she can’t come up with the right word. Perfectly normal. My breath wheezed a little as I panted. You don’t want to, but you have to, I told myself. Stop Scion. The portal slid open. Except I hadn’t ordered it. You want to take over, passenger? I thought. I began to struggle to my feet. The drones moved. Defiant? Saint, taking over her systems again? They flowed through the doorway to Shén Yù, blitzing him in passing. No. Neither of the two seemed to be paying attention to me. They were focused on Scion. I began erecting portals, shooting the drones out of the air, defending myself against the initial bombardment of tear gas canisters and containment foam. If I was slow to react, it was because of the disorientation, the lack of knowledge of who and what I was up against. I had other thinkers available. Understanding their power was easier with the Yàngbǎn’s power boost. If they were puppets, the power boost meant the puppets fit my hand. I put them to work, trying to divine just who was seizing control of these drones. It was so much easier to operate when I was doing something. Time and again, my lapses, the slippage, it had been in the quiet moments, between the conversations and the fighting. It was easier if I was active, in the midst of conflict. This was me. I thrived when I had an opponent, and when I could carry out that goal I’d had from the beginning, getting the world to the point where it all made sense. Bringing people in line, subjugating those who would get in the way or do more harm than good. That was how I functioned. I’d always reveled in the chaos, in the madness of it all. No, the thought crossed my mind. Not always. Once upon a time, I’d been Taylor, minus the powers. I’d avoided conflict. I’d just been trying to get by. Does that mean this is you, passenger? There was, of course, no reply. The drones kept coming, and I redoubled my efforts, calling individuals to me to form a battle line. The moment the line was in place, the drones shifted. Some entered the portal, then immediately made a ‘u’ turn, flowing back around the sides of the portal and down. They circled around the building, trying to get at me from behind. I had to redistribute my personal army to block them off. The portals were open and I couldn’t close them. But the lights on the drones were off. No lenses glowed, the antigrav panels were the only thing that indicated any power at all. Remote control of some sort? The lights are off, but they’re still running. I laughed, abrupt, an alien sound, not my own laugh. The goddamn lights are off! It wasn’t Saint mounting this attack against me. It wasn’t Teacher, or Defiant, or any of those other guys. I continued laughing. My winded panting and nausea from before translated to a kind of lightheadedness. Fucking Dragon. Fucking with my head. Giving me a reality check. Trying to catch me off guard. She’d figured out that I had the ability to see her systems, she’d switched off the lights on the panels, put every system into hibernation, stopped the fans, and cut everything down to a bare minimum while the fans had stopped, so they didn’t overheat too quickly. A drone that had crept around behind the building detonated in a flare of pale sparks, and every portal in the vicinity distorted, taking on weird shapes, more three-dimensional than two-dimensional. They winked out of existence. Leaving me in the midst of an army I no longer controlled. Fucking tinkers, I thought. But I was strangely overjoyed. I was fucked over six ways from Sunday, but I was happy. I hadn’t murdered one of my favorite people. The capes at the edge of the rooftop were looking around in a daze. The drones were moving, assuming a perimeter. The capes at the edge of the rooftop looked lost and shell-shocked. And I was still laughing, clutching the clairvoyant’s hand as if it was one of the few things keeping me grounded. Capes at the edges retreated, bumping into one another. The laughter stopped as I abruptly let out a sound, half-roar, half-scream, incoherent, channeling every last iota of the lingering rage and despair into the noise. I commanded the people in my range to attack the drones, and I continued screaming even as my throat began to hurt and I felt like I might pass out from oxygen. Dragon was only just beginning to speak, some drones blaring out words in what might have been English, others in a sing-song dialect that was likely Chinese. The percussion and detonations that followed the attacks striking home drowned out most of it. The ones at the edge took cues, attacking the drones they’d just been fighting. Each and every one of them had been brainwashed. Some by Teacher, some by the Yàngbǎn. They hadn’t had freedom of choice for some time. Between the scream of rage, a pretty damn universal sound, and the action of the ones I did control, they defaulted to going with the crowd. I still had to deal with Dragon. Her intent was clear, from the way the drones were moving. She wanted to target me, and stop me from the source. I needed to do the same, and I needed to do it without destroying her infrastructure. I wasn’t going to risk making that faked death into a real one. Fuck you for fucking with my head at a time like this, Dragon. The thought wasn’t one of malice. My feelings were so confused I could barely tell on that front. I was relieved, disoriented, but those were more states of being than actual feelings. I was muddled. One task at a time. Stopping Dragon. I watched as the suits she’d settled on the ground kicked back into action. We’d fought Endbringers together. For a time, the Guild had been one of our biggest assets. I’d seen what happened when Dragon was taken out of action. A.I.? Nothing substantial. But when her main suit was taken out of action… I saw the way she deployed the suits. Which was she keeping safest? One was in the thick of things, creating different types of forcefield to try to mitigate the damage Scion was doing to our side. Capes had baited Scion out over the water, but the fact that there were less targets in range was counterbalanced by the fact that Scion was more focused on those who were there, and he was hitting harder. When he hit the water, waves crashed against the shore, doing nearly as much damage as any of his attacks might. A Leviathan with one arm, one leg, and most of its head missing was perched on the shoreline, apparently mitigating the damage. There were two more suits on the fray, offering long-range fire. And one more above the clouds, periodically firing exceedingly long ranged laser beams at Scion. The drones were making headway. These capes weren’t completely under my control and they weren’t the most stable, either. They were liable to crumble where other capes might stand firm. Doormaker was recovering his power. He could make portals, but it was slow. My first instinct was to regain control. I reconsidered. I didn’t have time to feel guilty. I didn’t have time to think. There was only a moment where I felt the weight of what I was doing, the knowledge that if this didn’t work, I’d set everyone back for nothing. I opened portals behind Dragon’s longest-range ship, the entrance portals above my army’s heads. I began firing through the doors with every individual I could control, creating more portals to seize control of others with every passing second. More ranged attacks joined the barrage. Dragon flew out of the way, her ship badly damaged, and I moved the portal, maintaining the assault. The wreck of the ship plummeted from the sky, and the behavior of the other Dragon-craft changed, as though they’d switched gears. The drones dropped from the sky once again. Something told me this wasn’t a feint. I opened portals into the Birdcage, and Dragon didn’t stop me. No containment foam came down from the ceiling. Maybe fifty or sixty members of my swarm had been disabled by the nonlethal measures. With the Birdcage, I added seven hundred and forty-three individuals to my army. The nonlethal measures would wear off. It was a step forward. I turned to my passenger to sort them out, and I sent a share of them into the fight to reinforce the others. One obstacle, removed. Dragon would take time to reboot. I could disable her in a similar manner next time. Defeating Dragon this way hadn’t been ideal, not completely freeing myself of the distraction and threat she posed, but it beat murdering her. I turned my attention to the world as a whole, with the idea of recruiting other capes. I hit a dead end. The worlds were bleeding together, and it had gotten worse while my attention was elsewhere. I had to force myself to clarify what I was looking at, to tell myself that the areas didn’t make sense. It took excruciating minutes to get my head out of that sludge, and to make sense of what I was looking at. Minutes, as Scion tore into Alexandria, to convince myself that it was all in my head, and that Scion wasn’t actively tearing apart reality. I exhaled slowly, and the exhalation was a shudder. My throat hurt from the screaming. The going was slow at first, but it picked up as I let my passenger handle more of the load. Capes in hiding. Rogues. Deserters who had fled for safety in our hour of need. A surprising number of capes who had no costume, and who had barely used their powers at all, judging by the way it felt when I reached for their abilities. They were rogues who’d been subtle at best, or rogues who’d gone without powers altogether. There were the retirees, not old capes, but capes who’d been wounded, or who’d dropped out of the scene for other reasons. Their powers were more developed at their core, but rusty at best. I reached for the insane, along with those disabled by their powers. A small few, all things considered. Glory Girl was among them, in a newly built wing of a home for non-cape invalids. Something her family had set up, no doubt. I found members of Bonesaw’s Slaughterhouse Nine. Clones who’d fled, or who’d been left behind, lurking in dark corners, or simply hiding. A Mannequin, two Damsels that were keeping each other company, a Night Hag-Nyx hybrid, and a Crawler-Breed hybrid. When I had the vast majority of them, I began looking to other universes. There were capes in Earth Aleph, barely C-list by our standards. Sundancer, Genesis, and Ballistic were there as well, the former two in civilian clothes, retired, the latter in a lavish penthouse, fully done up in costume. My portals opened, and I had control of them. I left Oliver behind. Other earths only had a small handful. No doubt there had been contamination at some point where doorways had been opened. Whole worlds with only ten capes at most, half of which were case fifty-threes. I shook my head a little, blinking. I found another Earth with a mixture of capes, all incredibly beautiful people, all in what was obviously a global position of power. Every flag that flew in their world was the same flag, and the gauntlet emblem on that flag matched the icon on a particular woman’s costume. A blue costume, with white fur at the collar, and a heavy cape that would have done Alexandria proud. I attempted to seize control of them as well, and the woman in blue resisted me. She spoke, and I lost my hold on everyone in her range. It was only twenty capes. Negligible. But I wasn’t going to settle. If I was going to compromise on any level, it was going to take more than this. I created a portal, and I ensnared Canary, who was busy rescuing the wounded, flying here and there with her Dragonslayer suit, her arms full. She set down the wounded, and then she passed through the portal. She began to sing. I was controlling her, and it was my song in a way, syllables rattled off at a fast tempo and severe clip, followed by long high notes. Not English, but not my own muddled speech either. I could feel her expressing her power through the song, through each intonation and sound. I brought her close enough to give her the benefit of the Yàngbǎn’s power enhancer. I had enough awareness of her power to know how to keep myself safe from it. I tried again with these foreign capes, in this world where this blue-costumed woman ruled the world, portals feeding Canary’s song into their council chambers. Those same portals let me attempt to reassert control. An attack from two directions. She wasn’t immune, only resistant. I felt myself assert control. I understood her power, even if I didn’t understand a thing about her. A personal, point-blank trump power, allowing her to tune abilities and defenses much like Scion did. A powerful long-ranged telekinesis, a compulsion power like Canary’s, presence-based rather than voice based, and a personal power battery that let her be stronger, for limited times. Where the hell had she come from? No powers that really made her amazing against Scion, but it was an asset. The others… they weren’t weak. Nothing gamebreaking, at a glance, but they weren’t weak. Sleeper. I could see him, sitting on a lawn chair on a balcony, reading a book out loud to himself. More trouble than he was worth. I let him be. One by one, I brought the ones I’d collected to the battlefield. The prisoners, the brainwashed, the lunatics, the cowards, the monsters and the broken. They assembled in groups, in the spaces between the other major groups. In front, behind, above, and below. Canary’s song wove its way out of the portals. Slower than before, working with the wind and the waves rather than fighting against them. More doors opened, and more of the ones I’d collected continued to appear. Teacher was making his way into Cauldron’s base, walking past the heroes at the doorway like he belonged there. He was talking into his phone, mocked up to be like a PRT-issue phone, and the communication was going to every major member of the Protectorate and Guild. Contessa, for her part, was waking up. I was shaking, and it wasn’t just the tension. I wanted to sit down, but I knew that if I did, I probably wouldn’t stand again. My anchors… The mantle of portals, Tattletale, Rachel, Imp, Grue. My old house continued to elude me. That detail gave me a sinking feeling in my gut. I reached out for a replacement. Not my home, then. My dad’s workplace? No. Something else, something family. A quaint old house on a hill, surrounded by rose bushes, a grandmother… Not my grandmother. I barely knew my Gram. I shook my head. The house on a hill had been a memory of something I’d read, once. It was unsettling, the seeming reality of it, the nostalgia. If I was a little further gone, could I have clung to it, used something wrong to keep my identity intact? I was still lost in thought when I became aware that I’d stepped onto the battlefield. I hadn’t plotted it. Had even felt like it would be a bad idea. Now Miss Militia was turning my way. Exalt was standing beside her. Teacher was talking, and they were responding. He was warning them about the threat. I could see people throughout the crowd. Protectorate members, team leaders of the Wards. They were tense. A voice carried over the wind. I recognized the quality of it, even if I didn’t recognize the words. Glaistig Uaine, welcoming me back. Crooning. She was pleased, on a level. I found her sitting on a mountaintop, surrounded by three of her ghost-capes. My small army had grown to be a formidable force. Three thousand strong in all. I had thirty layers of portals around me. Teacher said something, and it was Tattletale who replied. I could see her, and she didn’t look happy. So many voices, so many things to focus on. I felt momentarily lost in the midst of it. I had a large army, by parahuman standards, I was probably strong enough to kill everyone here- I stopped myself. Why had I thought that? I didn’t want to kill anyone. Glaistig Uaine continued to croon in my ear. Was it her? No. I was almost positive it wasn’t, and I had any number of thinkers at my disposal who could have warned me. I shook my head a little. I had a large army. I was powerful. I could move on to the next big step, but I wasn’t sure how. It was like playing chess, the moves I could make had enough gravity and nuance that I could only make one move at a time. What to do first? What wouldn’t open me up for retaliation? It was better if I wasn’t here. I turned to leave, backing through a portal. Tattletale, in that same moment, stepped outside. She gazed over at my army, then turned and looked straight at me. Her eyes were wide. She looked just a little freaked out. I don’t- I can’t… My thoughts stuttered. I clutched to every image and object I’d set in my mind’s eye, to the tethers that were supposed to keep me tied down. It’s too soo- Too soon. I was running out of time. Had to move. Had to act. It was easier, so long as I was in the thick of it. Glaistig Uaine was the real threat. She would be first. Thing was, I didn’t like the look of those ghosts of hers. A woman, one of the really crazy looking ones who had a costume that was more for revealing than it was for covering up. She was warped, twisted by Glaistig Uaine’s power until the costume and the body were one and the same, which only made her look more vulgar. I didn’t recognize her, but she looked like one of the crazy ones. There was a guy, built like a football player in full padding, only it was all muscle. That muscle, in turn, was covered in armor that had spikes studding it at regular intervals. The helmet covered his eyes. He sat at Glaistig Uaine’s feet, and he was tall enough that her eyes barely looked over the top of his head. And there was a woman, so thin she was barely there, a look no doubt exaggerated by Glaistig Uaine’s powers. When Glaistig Uaine spoke to me, it was the thin woman who passed on the message, her lips moving. Like Screamer, then. I prepared to make a move, and I felt the danger sense of no less than twelve different capes in my army go off. Yet I still alerted the ghost in armor. He moved, lurching to his feet, and he spoke. Glaistig Uaine said something, and it was a single word, a hard word. He was a precog, and to look at him, he was a defensive cape. She’d been anticipating an attack. The thin woman moved, and a current of wind ripped through the air, two feet wide and ten feet tall, less a tornado and more a battering ram. It flew through the sky, homing in on me. I moved through a portal, and the column followed. It hit me like a truck, and I nearly lost my grip on the clairvoyant’s hand. I tumbled. In a sense, my lack of control over my own body helped more than anything. I was left panting, but I hadn’t tensed up because the reflex simply hadn’t been there. Being limp when I took the hit was better than going tense and tearing something. The Faerie Queen had anticipated an attack. She had to know what I’d been doing, how I was operating. If I used my power… What did the vulgar woman with the lipstick smirk and creepy white teeth do? Another column of wind homed in on me. My army threw barriers in the way. Force fields, walls of crystal and walls of fire. The column passed between them like it wasn’t even a consideration. I closed the portal in front of me before the column could zip through. I watched as it changed course, heading for the nearest member of my army. I might have been able to do something about it, but I suspected it would have found a way to me anyways. Instead, I shifted my grip, gripping the young man’s wrist, and making him grab mine. A surer grip than hand-on-hand. The wind-attack compressed, passing through the foot-wide portal behind them, and it hit me. Not as hard as the first, because it wasn’t as large, but it still hurt. The Faerie Queen spoke, her voice imperious, echoing in that curious way of hers. Indignant more than furious, but still with that bite of anger behind it. The others on the battlefield reacted, and it wasn’t to rally against Glaistig Uaine. Tattletale was murmuring under her breath. Was that- Was it my name? The faerie queen banished her wind-witch and brought out another spirit. I tried to capitalize on the distraction, getting one cape with one of the stronger ranged powers to attack her. A gravity pulse, a bullet that imploded things at the impact site. The man in armor moved, and the vulgar woman reacted, creating a circle of rippling air. The bullet struck the barrier, and the man who’d sent out the pulse promptly imploded, blood showering everyone nearby. Something indirect, then. I opened a portal a distance away, and I used Canary’s song. She kept the field up. I could feel the pain wrack Canary, hear her choke on her words. She doubled over and coughed up blood. A power counterer, a precog… and Eidolon, now. If I’d used a portal, what would have happened to me? Would it have affected Doormaker or me? Or both of us? I didn’t feel very stable on my own two feet as I climbed to a standing position. I had a whole army, and I could lose them in an instant if I simply unloaded on her. I needed to hit her with something that broke the rules. Not Foil. I wasn’t willing to risk Foil. But something… I took control of Alexandria, instead, Pretender. Controlling the person who was controlling the manipulative bitch Alexandria. I took Legend, who was part of that fight, two foreign capes and Moord Nag. They were the ones running interference, buying us time to breathe. Now I positioned them. As I’d done with my bugs, I lined up the shot. He took the bait, shooting. I moved everyone out of the way. Glaistig Uaine’s pets informed her of the imminent danger, and the shield was raised in time. Smoke poured off of Scion, indicating he’d taken the reflective effect full force. And smoke cleared around the Faerie Queen as well. She was panting a little, her ghosts tattered but intact. I made her stand straighter, and then banished her ghosts, replacing them. I’d used the distraction to plant a portal behind her. I opened a portal, passing through, re-entering Earth Gimel. Miss Militia turned a sniper rifle on me. I caught her before she could fire. Then, group by group, I captured the rest of the defending force. Some resisted, some predicted the attack, but it was a foregone conclusion. I had enough soldiers, enough tools at my disposal, that nothing here really stood in my way. I created more portals, until I didn’t have space for all of them. I shrunk them, reorganized. Where I could find the open space, I tapped other worlds, reaching for bugs. Those bugs then swirled around my captives, flowing around their feet or behind them, where they wouldn’t obscure the view. I saw with compound vision. Five thousand pairs of eyes, collecting more with every second that passed. I breathed with five thousand mouths. I was adrift in a sea. My eyes fell on Tattletale. Panacea was behind her. She shook her head, putting herself between me and Panacea. I reached out, my hand trembling. It flopped down at my side. I need her as an anchor more than I need her power. My mom’s grave… it was in Brockton Bay, right? Brockton Bay. It took me a minute to find, more time because I was busy keeping capes out of Scion’s way. Putting them through doorways, bringing them back. Always being careful to keep the doorways from being touched by his power. I couldn’t find the grave. No time. What else? The mantle of power, of course. Tattletale. I reached out, tried to find others, and I failed. It would- would have to do. This was it. Finally, everyone was working together. 597 thoughts on “Speck 30.4” Fix an awkward usage. Correct a little typo. In this thread tonight. In this thread tonight! “Thing was, I didn’t like the look of those ghosts of hers A woman…” Missing period. “me, barrels glowing” Missing period. “Nothing subtantial.” Substantial. GeeJo on October 22, 2013 at 06:55 said: “calvary” – “cavalry” SonodaYuki on April 26, 2015 at 10:48 said: Well, this is where we try to crucify “God”, so to speak, so… Grokh on October 22, 2013 at 08:47 said: “One by one, I brought the ones I’d collected ito the battlefield.” should be ‘into’ illlogicmedia on October 22, 2013 at 16:29 said: Shouldn’t that be, “…pass out from the lack of oxygen.” ? “I raised my hand again” 1114 suggested unreliable narrator, but just in case, I’m putting this here. Because Taylor’s holding hands with Clairvoyant (he needs a name, seriously. Claire?). And she only has one hand. Sindri Suncatcher on October 22, 2013 at 21:52 said: I dub him Stanfield. Cookie for the first to get the reference. Though I suppose Vino or Felix would work just as well… Node on October 23, 2013 at 03:20 said: Don’t sully the divinity of Stanfield by suggesting he wouldn’t be able to deal with Scion alone, if and when he felt like it. Shouldn’t forget Doormaker either. He needs a name too. Really, both of these guys need more detail, I’m having a hard time finding a physical description of them besides that Clairvoyant is a twentysomething guy with no eyes and Doormaker is about ten years older. Right now they are both very important and integral to what is going on. And I can’t picture them. I think this might be something to edit, when it comes time for that, Wildbow. Actually it makes sense. Nobody ever bothered treating them like people. They’re just tools/weapons in Cauldron/taylor’s arsenal. Posted this in the wrong place earlier, but here it goes again: I imagine them somewhat like the Thinkamancer-linked group in Erfworld. (read Erfworld. It’s awesome) What I mean is, their appearence, even their personality and decisionmaking, has been near-totally burnt out by the process of aquiring their power, linking them together. As such, narratively, they are more like tools, background elements of the setting, than characters in and of themselves. Don’t expect them to be any more fleshed out than they already are. Rika Covenant on October 23, 2013 at 12:54 said: That’s all well and good for critical conceptualization… But for a story where detailed descriptions are all you have to create an imaginary mock-up of a scene be it still-frame or movie-style full animation, (esp. with regards to people since terrain can be fudged) having character descriptions available is pretty important. Not now though, of course- Taylor’s descent into insanity is reflected perfectly so far in the lack of details. I would even go so far as to say these last few chapters have been my favourites. Anyways I digress. -Written on Xbox360 x-x RIKA YOU FUCKER, YOUR NAME IS SPOKEN IN THE SAME MOURNEFUL TONES AS REGENT, IN THE IRC! WE (Well at least I do, and who cares about the rest, fuck those guys) MISS YOU SO BRING YOUR ASS BACK PLEEEEEEEEEASE! ahem I want to note that I didn’t even see what you posted, this was reflexive upon seeing your name. Discreetly dusts shoulders off and wanders elsewhere Well, I’ve noticed your absence and missed you too, in my own special way. David Burns on December 7, 2013 at 02:18 said: “Going into a dimly lit room and staring out our reflections. ” At our reflections? I felt like I might pass out from oxygen. –> lack of oxygen. Might want to check the italics a bit again. “I turned my attention to Scion.” Okay. THAT sounds ominous… Chrispikula on October 22, 2013 at 00:29 said: I don’t see how she can win, but likewise, I don’t see how she can lose. The only outcome I see at this point is to run that ‘thousand years’ worth of energy out of Zion, while likewise self-destructing herself. I can easily see her using Panacea right now to start merging herself into a single entity. Some sort of Taylor-Crawler-Cthulian abomination. It’s easier to have one body then multiple, that way she doesn’t have to hold on… Oh, and who else thinks that the world run by capes may or may not be the resting place of a third entity? Then again, we don’t know what causes a shard to die, as the third entities shards are still alive, but it’s possibly a very far distance away. How could it be sustaining them? Or maybe it’s closer than you think ™? One body, one target. An choreographed attack of 3000+ capes through instant pop up portals is a great idea. Scion should have a harder time fighting that, than one massive “Skitter-Echidna-Hybrid” with 3000+ powers. And its not the third entity we should look out … Taylor is talking to the second… I’d say she’s well on her way to becoming one. How many shards is she currently in command of? How many did Zion bother to keep for himself? The world ruled by parahumans is still an Earth. The Third went away and GU told us that the worms make it sure to leave traces in their wake so others won’t follow. E.R. on October 22, 2013 at 06:06 said: How do we know there are any third entity shards (beyond the ones the thinker appropriated) in play? gpyei on November 23, 2013 at 21:47 said: the crumbs, keeping the others away. camo005 on October 22, 2013 at 00:11 said: Well jesus fucking christ… thats it. thats all i have to say jurily on October 22, 2013 at 08:38 said: …we need some new Chuck Norris jokes. unfortunately for him, Taylor snagged the ghost of Bruce Lee. I gigglesnorted in a most unseemly fashion at this. Well done. How’s that poem go again? The Falcon cannot hear the Falconer. Things fall apart; the center cannot hold, Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. The blood-dimmed tide is loose, and everywhere are full of passionate intensity.” Yeats, The Second Coming Ha, I used that poem to describe Worm just a few days ago. guessswho on November 20, 2013 at 01:58 said: Surely some revelation is at hand; Surely the Second Coming is at hand. The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert A shape with lion body and the head of a man, A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun, Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds. The darkness drops again; but now I know That twenty centuries of stony sleep Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle, And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born? So. Taylor rules the entire Wormcerse now. Actually, I take that back. She IS the Wormverse now. Great choice of words. Except for Sleeper. He’d be more trouble than he’s worth. Fuck, Taylor is the Anti-Life equation. If anyone needs a master class on how to setup a villain for a sequel as being immensely powerful, that line right there pretty much covers it. That was an interesting wrinkle — that Sleeper was not worth the effort. It could be that he isn’t just that powerful, exactly, but that his power would be something extremely inconvenient in an army. Maybe he just makes anyone within ten square miles permanently fall into a coma, say. I wondered if perhaps just a little part of Taylor didn’t shy away from him because he was sitting there enjoying the quiet pleasures of a good book… Agreed. She most definitely is the Wormverse now. … well. We know what Sleeper looks like at least. He’s male, capable of reading and small enough to fit on a lawn chair. Farewell, Taylor. It was nice knowing you. Hello, shard. The ultimate expression of the Administrator Shard. Hey Taylor you know why Sauron went bad? He thought the world was full of chaos and would be better if a single person controlled everything to bring order and stability. As did Stalin and Hitler. Well…yes. My point, though, was that Sauron started with good intentions. You can’t exactly say the same thing about Hitler and Stalin. Sengachi on October 22, 2013 at 06:03 said: You totally can, especially about Hitler. Which just makes this all the more terrifying. If I recall correctly, he started out with equal parts good intentions, batshit insanity, and raw charisma. The Administrator here replaces that last one with large-area mindrape, which pretty much just speeds the whole process along. If someone, including the nazis, had ever bothered to reading Mein Kampf they would have found out that Hitler was planning genocide since his first failed coup . Then again, Mein Kampf is one of the most boring and badly written books ever. Besides, i think it’s preferable if we compared Taylor to fictional dictators instead of real ones. We really don’t want to open THAT can of worms (pun not intended). To quote Cracked: “[Hitler] was like the polar-opposite of Charlie Brown: shitty at everything, yet unbelievably successful.” And yeah, let’s avoid Godwinning everything. It’s a much bigger recipe for failure than it sounds like. Hooray for Godwin’s Law. See what I meant? Sauron and Darkseid are safer comparisons. They are fiction after all. Fiction hurt no one directly. Do nightmares count as harm? Gabriel on October 22, 2013 at 13:14 said: Well, if we count the Bible… Let’s keep religious texts out of the discussion as well. I meant directly. Stubbing you toe on a book does not count, too. Fine, no Hitler and no religion…but if we’re still talking about harmful fiction, there’s always Atlas Shrugged. Aye, but Sauron wasn’t fighting a deity that would destroy everything, anyway. As much as I hate what she’s doing, she’s still not being malicious. She’s unstable around the edges, but she is maintaining a core purpose. However her anchors are failing her. But there’s one anchor that she hasn’t had the courage to look for yet, who she might not even be able to find, now. But perhaps others have found him first, and provided him with safety. How could this have happened? Dinah, Brian, Danny, in a little conversation. What it’s boiling down to is probably die free from Scion killing you, or live in total enslavement from Taylor, and hope that after the fight she’s not so far gone she doesn’t release you. Yeah, I think it’s closer to “die free as Scion giga-murders everthing you’ve ever conceived of” vs. “fight while enslaved to Taylor”. Once the fight is done, judging from what this is doing to her, I don’t think there’s much chance she would choose keep this many people in thrall. She hates it as much as they do. Unless the only way to end the fight is something that permanently fuses them together. She hates it now. But half an hour ago, she was deliberately avoiding enslaving people who weren’t already brainwashed or monsters. A few minutes ago she understood english. A few seconds ago she remembered her friends’ names. Now she’s mindraped everyone on the battlefield just as a matter of course, and there seems to be less and less human in her every moment. By the time she takes down Zion, who knows what her priorities will be? If she loses the last of her anchors, I think the operative question will be whether what’s commanding the enslaved parahumans will be Taylor at all at that point, or if the only thing that will be left will be the Administrator shard. If Taylor’s there at the end though? Well, I still have faith in her. Skychan on October 22, 2013 at 11:10 said: I think I said it before, but if not the thought has been there. That this is going to end with pepper spray and Tattletale. That is her final anchor. Personally I find Tattletale to be a very fitting one for her. Taylor wouldn’t choose to keep everyone enslaved. Is the narrator still Taylor? She didn’t even flinch when one of the dudes she was controlling exploded in a shower of blood. Apathy is it’s own kind of malice. So… a shock to the system against the Uber threat will be stopped by…. Taylor’s pepper spray? Taylor Hebert, only stoppable by… Taylor Hebert… Well, at least we know what the upgrade from ‘S’ class threat is now, it’s ‘T’ class. This really doesn’t strike me as apathy. This strikes me as “Taylor” is being overwritten by “Administrator” and IT is designed to fight, fight, and then fight some more. She’s put up a good war against it so far but unless she kills Scion soon I worry that Taylor is going to go bye bye permanently. Unstable around the edges? I’d say that the instability is extending tendrils straight to the core of Taylor’s being. And yeah, Taylor looking for Danny is a gamble. If he’s alive, she loses a bit of concentration and gains an anchor. If he is not, she loses a little time and hope. She’s still very stable at her core. I don’t believe that she recognizes what her core anchor is right now. Killing Scion. Almost everything else has become meaningless, and her best friends and people she cares about have become secondary. She will be at her most dangerous if/when she takes down Scion. At that point, that’s when all her secondary anchors will be critical. But will they be enough? These last few chapters, it’s just felt like Taylor is slowly dying, and some THING else is replacing her. She’s definitely shedding her humanity, layer by layer. The question is what will happen when she destroys her own anchor, by defeating Scion. Does the passenger win then, or Taylor? That’s when I suspect that whatever Wildbow is hiding up in Grue’s cabin or in Simurgh’s glass tube, or both, will make it’s appearance. She is focused. Focused is not stable. Focused is what leads her to accomplish her goals at any cost; stable is what makes her not take the extreme penalties, risks, and actions. Focused is good for now, but it does not make her stable. World Domination, you say? But domination is such an ugly word. I prefer world optimization. MrHatandCloak on October 23, 2013 at 08:27 said: Hello Harry pizzahedron on August 18, 2015 at 20:49 said: why do i get this feeling we’ve had this conversation before? Yup. Trust Wildbow to take what, bereft of context would be an encouraging and positive statement and infuse it with pure horror. He’s an evil, evil man in such a good way… The Sandman on October 22, 2013 at 00:18 said: Taylor doesn’t have much time left, but she certainly picked one hell of a way to go out. Vaguely surprised Genesis wasn’t mentioned along with Ballistic and Sundancer. And now, I suppose, the fight against Scion. Should be quite the show. Kind of funny, though: in the end, the factor most likely to doom the world is Brandish having been such an abysmal foster mother for Panacea. Wasn’t there originally, read the e-mail or RSS if you follow Worm in either. Ouch, I don’t think Taylor is going to recover from this. Recovery is highly unlikely, since the moment Panacea upgraded her shard-ware. Endings don’t have to be happy. True, but more often than not endings need to be satisfying and wrap up any unwrapped plot threads. Given Wildbow’s habit of dropping characters like ugly babies, I’ve basically stopped caring about closure and I’m only sticking around to see how much of this Wildbow can wrap up before the Rocks Fall and Everyone Dies. Epilogues can only do so much. I’d say that “The character involved died” is a pretty complete closure. Seriously, though, what plot threads are you worried about not being wrapped up? Perhaps she could fix herself using Panacea, actually. She has access to the power booster and to countless Thinkers, as well as her own power’s ability to grasp the powers of others intuitively. She might be able to use Panacea’s own power better than Panacea can by combining all of those. Well endings doesn’t have to stereotypically end up with good guy hugging each other while the bad guys got suddenly incarcerated. It sounds like a cheap hazardous lobotomy to me I’d prefer endings with plausible cause and effect, good, if everything wrapped up reasonably, thumbs up, if the final moments impressive enough to be etched into lasting memories. Now that sounds like perfect, unique, pleasuring lobotomy. And now I’m strangely reminded of Darkseid’s speech from Final Crisis. That’s a GREAT comparison. I thought people would enjoy said quote: I. Am. The. New. God. All is one in Darkseid. This mighty body is my church. When I command your surrender, I speak with three billion voices. When I make a fist to crush your resistance. It is with three billion hands. When I stare into your eyes and shatter your dreams. And break your heart. It is with six billion eyes! Nothing like Darkseid has ever come among you: Nothing will again. I will take you to a hell without exit or end. And there I will murder your souls! And make you crawl and beg! And die! Die! Die for Darkseid! Eerily accurate. Oh, yes, Taylor is the Anti-Life Equation. Course if Darksied shows up to try and take it from her, she’ll have a nice planet of new gods to throw at Scion. MrMoray on October 22, 2013 at 00:24 said: One Taylor to rule them all. One Taylor to find them. One Taylor to bring them all, and in the Wormverse, bind them. ijpowers92 on October 22, 2013 at 01:01 said: bizarrely appropriate. You know you’re a troll when after you saw that scene with Tattletale, your first thought is to have everyone turn to her and take a knee. All we’d need is for Taylor to get her voice back so she could be all, “What is thy bidding my master.” Robert C Roman on October 22, 2013 at 07:13 said: That would be unbelievably precious… And exactly what Tattletale would do were the situation reversed. endochrom on October 22, 2013 at 00:25 said: So she now controls 5000 capes. When she controlled 3000 she decided she could take on Glastig but Sleeper was too much trouble? What the hell can Sleeper do? Trusting on October 22, 2013 at 00:29 said: O.o god ! I want Taylor to have a happy ending but I can’t turn my eyes away from the trainwreck that is her at the moment . Shadell on October 22, 2013 at 00:35 said: Glastig’s power is useful against Scion, Sleeper’s might not be that effective. In this case the risks of a free Glastig to mess things up versus her utility are quite high incentives to get her despite the risks. Sleeper’s power might, for example, be some massive scale shaker ability that would interfere with Taylor’s whole army if used. In this sense, there would be some benefit to including him in the collective, but it could easily be outweighed by the risk of having to fight Sleeper. shrieky on October 22, 2013 at 00:50 said: I know! This arc is terrifying. We’re getting glimpses of the Wormverse that are all the scarier for not being fleshed out. And, of course, that cliffhanger made me bite right through my nails to the tender abused flesh underneath. This is incredible. WormAddict on October 22, 2013 at 00:53 said: My guess is sleeper involves mass duplication of himself. It would be a real pain to manage all the extra portals, and explain why he was reading aloud to himself (maybe another self). Could be something that, oh, makes people fall into comas? Plausible, but probably too predictable. Wildbow’s characters tend to have atypical abilities like super-intuition, instant forgetability and the ability to grow giant dogs. Sleeper probably also has something skewed from the obvious. Besides, his name suggests that he sleeps, not that he makes others sleep. The suggestion that he’s effectively lucid-dreaming in the real world makes a lot of sense, but I guessed that one too so it’s probably not right. xD I’m not sure if anyone’s suggested that he could be a sleeper in the covert intelligence sense. Heck, for all we know he has the ability to let trains ride over him! xD Interesting interpretation. Probably Sleeper is a stranger with the strangest power imaginable? that no one would even bother fighting him, because he is completely an unknown factor? Imp-wise power that made his power invariably mysterious…LOL So like The Sphinx, then? Ajoxer on October 22, 2013 at 20:38 said: I heard that guy can like, cut guns in half. With his mind. Sleeper’s power? You know how Taylor went “More trouble than he was worth.”? That’s what his power does. It makes people go “Eh, more trouble than he’s worth”. High level Stranger that just passively convinces everyone to leave him alone while he takes a nap or reads a book? Makes sense. The Protectorate gets called in for reports of something unspeakably horrifying, driving all the locals away from a small town but curiously not seeming to harm any of them. The Triumverate takes one look, rates him a Class S threat, and gives orders to observe from great distance, defend the populace if required, but not provoke this horror if it can be at all avoided. After the first few weeks of remote observation revealed him mostly just napping, they tentatively classified this monstrosity as ‘The Sleeper’. Then the portals open, Scion appears. the Sleeper knows that he might not be safe on this world anymore, that the golden god of death might come by and interrupt his rest. So he gets up, stretches, strolls through to earth Z, and every other human on the planet flees for the relative safety of flaming population centers and mobs of chinese death dealers. The Sleeper, now the only sentient on an unremarkable world and thus as safe from Scion as any human can be, picks up a book discarded by one of the refugees, and begins idly flipping through it in his new villa. So you’re saying he has the power of exaggeration? A stranger ability which makes him seem ridiculously dangerous, dispite being harmless? I like your theory. Unless of course you didn’t mean that, in which case I like my theory. Probably something with a ridiculous aoe centered on himself. My bet: everyone in a radius falls asleep.(As in new Skitters mindcontrol-area) Useless in that fight. Half of the fighting capes asleep or something. Maybe like a maxed out Winter(S9 Clone). He makes his dreams come to reality. Or alternatively, he makes reality enter his dreams. Either way, massive reality warping. Yes, I’m going to post this every time there’s speculation on Sleeper, in the hope that repeating it enough times makes it come true. 🙂 . Yeah, interesting that he’s not bothering Scion…and that Scion’s not bothering him. I wonder if the Entities ever wind up with powers that are too dangerous for even them to hold onto? Perhaps Sleeper has a power that Scion doesn’t want to get back. Sleeper is an insert of Wildbow. Can take over any world: Wildbow owns this parahuman multiverse Read to himself: That’s Wildbow proofreading the next chapter. Too bothersome; Has author edit powers to defeat Taylor with. Not appearing; Wildbow won’t let a Marty Stu into this story. Well? That would also explain why Scion wouldn’t want those powers back. Scion: “Have you seen the workload Wildbow shoulders? I’m only a near-omnipotent god-monster, you can’t expect me to put out over 20k words in a week. Every week. Hell I can barely manage 4 words a year!” It does make sense… But why would he be called Sleeper? Oh, that’s an easy one. You know how author inserts in fantasy/sci-fi/superhero fics are always some sort of idealized power fantasy, doing all the things the author wishes they were capable or or had the opportunity for? Wildbow wants to take a nap and maybe read a book. Because he’s DREAMING up Worm. Didn’t it say in Alexandria’s chapter that there was something like 650,000 parahumans? Have to hand it to you though, wildbow. We have a multiverse crossover, with almost every parahuman left alive vs. Zion. Don’t think it will matter. Her only chance is too find his real body and destroy it, so I think this is nothing more than a distraction. It may be possible to hit him so many times that the well runs dry but casualties will be enormous. Now for sequel speculation. Well I believe that Wildbow will take a break and move on to other stories, he probably will come back to the wormverse at some point. I have already in past chapter gone over past examples of things that might be cool to see in the future since the wormverse is such a rich universe to explore. Prequels, capes in other countries, story ideas etc. A direct sequel is going to have a very interesting setting now though. 1. Many, many, alternate universes can now travel to each other with the doormaker’s portals, if he leaves them open. Imagine waking up and discovering there are at least a dozen more earths to live/explore. 2. Almost every single one of those alternate worlds are destroyed, badly damaged, or have nothing but untamed wilderness. It’s like every world became like Brockton Bay after Leviathan. So any sequel will be in a damaged landscape, with little order, gangs, starvation, anarchy, and parahumans running many places. So any new character will have to deal with that. But regardless, it is climax time. The other ‘verses hadn’t as much capes. And Scion had taken a mayor toll on cape population. … Fucked up times. Well this is incredibly fucked up. Taylor at least showed some remorse in this chapter. I wonder why Sleeper wasn’t worth worrying about, I feel like he will feature more in the sequel if it is made, since that is literally his first appearance. All the other S-class threats are helping the “good guys”. Taylor is completely loony. like totally. I think she has fallen off a cliff which she can’t return from. I think that if she doesn’t die or kill herself or magically gain control, she will become a dictator. Here are some quotes: “when I could carry out that goal I’d had from the beginning, getting the world to the point where it all made sense. Bringing people in line, subjugating those who would get in the way or do more harm than good.” – except she is literally subjugating everyone with powers. “I wanted to scream, to yell at her for being like all of the others and refusing to play along, to listen and cooperate.” – her problem. A bit of a control issue, when people don’t listen to her. I also said a while ago that Cauldron should have gone to other worlds, and there were some pretty powerful capes lording over everyone. They could have been useful in something. I think Taylor will drop control of her army if Scion is defeated. In all other respects, I’m inclined to agree. I’m betting Taylor tries to kill herself instead of or just after moving everyone away and closing all of her portals. Taylor protects and saves people, Taylor stops monsters, and Taylor is selfless almost to a fault. Add in the apparent shattering of most of her mental faculties and the scene the Simurgh reminded Tattletale of, and I really cannot accept that suicide isn’t Taylor’s plan. I can. I think at this point the sum total of Taylor’s plan is “Stop Scion”. There’s so many ways that can go, I don’t think she’s spared even a single neuron working on what comes next. Assuming she succeeds, would suicide be an option she chose to take? In some scenarios sure. She was willing to kill Aster to spare her from hell, I can’t see her denying herself or the world that. I can imagine dozens of scenarios that go in completely different directions though. “Taylor is selfless almost to a fault” but also incredibly egoistic: if you’re not doing things Taylor’s way then you’re doing it wrong. She’s perfectly willing to violate your autonomy for your own good (or the good of others or the “greater good”) which is how the worst monsters are made. Having good motivations is not quite synonymous with being good. The character we know could very plausibly justify retaining control of anyone who wasn’t being productive and cooperative by her standards “…until the crisis is over”, which it won’t be for a long time. I don’t expect that’s the way the story will go because it’s not the best story, but it would not be out of character for her. She isn’t the hero they want. She’s the hero they need. Control issues and all. Let me suggest this instead… She isn’t the monster they want. She’s the monster they need. Wether they like it or not. She isn’t the hero they want. She’s the monster they need. Flex on October 22, 2013 at 12:11 said: Ooooh… Ominous I like that. Nice tagline for the final TV Series…WHEN IT GETS MADE! hopeful swoon HAHA “With special guest Genoscythe the Eyeraper!” There will have to be animated post-credits scenes of you in order to give the feeling of the comments section to all the TV Series viewers, of course. kingsomnus on October 22, 2013 at 00:31 said: Fuck…. It just got real. Heh – it got real 30 arcs ago. This is Scion about to become aware of that. This is Tone, Psychogecko! 😛 True enough Patrick. But I’m sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo stoked and happy that Worm comes out twice a week (sometimes three times!)!. Right there with ya Kingsomnus. I’d be crushingly depressed that we’re 2-4 updates from the end which would mean no more updates to look forward to…except I find myself looking forward to whatever story comes next almost as much. There’s an epilogue arc where each remaining bonus chapter translates to one epilogue chapter. Yeah buddy you said it. 🙂 I stumbled upon this delightful series thanks to a mention in TV Tropes. Then I said: “Well, I’ll be danged, this isn’t half bad!” Then I devoured the series and stopped reading the novels I was in order to catch up completely. Eidolon was hurting Scion, until Scion used Contessa’s power. Taylor has >5,000 capes, including Glaistig Uaine, who has access to Eidolon. Also, possibly, including Contessa, but certainly including a lot of other precognitives. Will that be enough to mess with Scion’s foresight? This is gonna be fun. Probably not. If I remember correctly, the foresight canceling is mostly based on the feedback loop of precogs trying to react to the other. Since other precogs can’t see Scion, that loop can’t happen. She has all the case 53s, as well. (a) Taylor has a fair few precognition in the mix. Also: (b) There’s a big difference between seeing something come g and being able to do anything about it. Scion has quickly (but not instantly) adapted to the most powerful attacks thrown at him. Thousands of attacks at once may be too much for him to adapt to even with foresight. Congratulations Taylor, you’re now officially scarier than the Endbringers. Even if you somehow live through the fight, I don’t think anyone else is going to let you go from this. Now let’s see how much better the fight against Scion works when everyone’s following the general’s orders. Also is it just me or did we not see her capture Contessa? I don’t recall her grabbing Contessa, no. Yeah. Contessa was just waking up as Taylor checked on her, so Teacher and Contessa have yet to talk. It looks like Teacher and Contessa might not talk until Taylor has finished with Zion, depending on how long the fight actually takes. What’s the latest over-under on the duration of the Taylor vs. Zion fight, by the way? Eight minutes? I’m not sure it’ll even take her than long. I’m expecting a total curbstomp here. It doesn’t look that easy to me. Zion’s “how do i beat this power” sense won’t work for him here because he’s facing more than a single power, more than even just a couple of powers. His “how do I win” power won’t work here because he cannot communicate with Taylor, and Taylor likely simply has to much precognative muscle backing her up in any case, on top of her current mental state. His only real option might be to run, and even then I suspect that it might not work. Basically he’s without any actions that will actual work here. The safeguards he built to keep this from happening have all been ground away to dust. The only real question is how long it’ll take Taylor to physically or mentally render him unable to fight. Of course there is always the possibility that the Simurgh sabotages Taylor here, but Zion is basically screwed. Glaistig damn near took out Taylor. Scion’s a lot slower on the uptake though, and relies on reacting, instead of preparing. Taylor is going to surprise him, perhaps even impress him, and in that time when he is surprised and impressed, Taylor is going to open up on him. By the time he uses his path to victory power, he might be losing power so fast that he cannot act. However, the path to victory power is really pretty absurd. He can’t talk to Taylor because she won’t understand it, so he can’t use the Eidolon tactic. He might be able to talk to her passenger though, which could be… interesting. If her passenger is a throwback to the origin of Scion’s species though, it’s just going to see Scion as a big threat and/or lunch, and will probably not care what he has to say. In the end, I think that Taylor will end up the loser, victorious over all. And then with no purpose to keep her going, she will release her hold on the Clairvoyant, and wake up in the Bird Cage, solitary confinement. Bird Cage, Simurgh Cage. They will not leave her alive. At the very least they won’t want her anywhere near any living thing. A crippled Taylor, incapable of moving herself, on a lifeless rock somewhere, in a parrell universe with no other living things? To much risk she’ll escape. Damn it no, you do not kill her, especially with the Faerie Queen still around. You really want to give the bitch queen control of the Administrator as well as the High Priest? Recreate Hack Job, teleport him on top of Taylor. While he holds her down, have Bonesaw turn off her power and make her immortal. Then put her in solitary confinement for eternity. Do you people really expect Wildbow not to have any surprises left to throw at us? Does history suggest that’s a likely thing? Me? I’m betting on “I didn’t see that fate coming but WOW does it make sense in retrospect”. Anyone care to wager against me? >>Damn it no, you do not kill her, especially with the Faerie Queen still around. You really want to give the bitch queen control of the Administrator as well as the High Priest?<< Of course now that she has Eidolon, the Faerie Queen can steal living capes' shards too. Which actually makes me wonder why she didn't try doing that in this chapter. Grant Moxham on October 23, 2013 at 00:46 said: because she’s such a F****** fruitcake she thinks she’s actually one of the Greater Fae? Sion can’t have been defeated already when the Contessa/Teacher conversation happens though, that was pretty clear. Where are the Endbringers, anyway? Getting krunk, of course. cue Simurgh DJing at a house party To the windoooow! Bohu leans in, having formed the house out of her body and joins in To the wall! (to the wall!) Khonsu jumps out and runs his claws down his belly To the sweat drop down my balls! Tohu pops up with Canary, Shatterbird, and Valefor’s faces on To all these bitches crawl! Leviathan comes dancing in missing a leg and an arm, trying to do a crip walk To all skeet skeet motherfucker! All skeet skeet, god damn! Holy hell… Leave it to Taylor to combine every available power into a mean, lean fighting machine and point it at Scion. Also, if Doormaker can make that many portals, in that variety of sizes, what the hell did Cauldron need Number Man or Contessa on the field? They could’ve just opened a dime-sized portal to their target and neutralize them almost effortlessly. Or provide NM with impossible shots. Cauldron seems to be the embodiment of wasted potential. The Manton effect, and the possibility that portals could be traced back to their base by certain powers. Dragon/Defiant have already demonstrated the ability to find where a portal went long after it closed. Yes, but the portal would not lead back to Cauldron’s HQ. It would simply lead from the barrel of a gun (which could be located anywhere) to the target. If they wanted to further obscure the trail then the bullet, projectile or whatever they use to incapacitate people from a distance could be shot through multiple portals, each in a different, unrelated reality. As for the Manton effect, the portals are not actually affecting the target. It should not be a problem. Not really looking to get into a discussion about the mechanics of powers, just remarking that Cauldron does (did?) not utilize its resources to the fullest. Cauldron was always inefficient, because they were using Contessa’s power once removed for planning. Yeah, the whole secret organization basically boiled down to four guys, once you account for Doormaster and the Clairvoyant being barely sentient tools. Contessa only really worked through her power and a lot of her time was spent being the boogeyman; she was great at a single task at a time but had little individual drive and couldn’t do big-picture planning because she couldn’t even ask about the entities. Custodian could barely communicate and couldn’t leave the base, but handled all the day to day stuff. Number Man was efficient, but his history with the Nine and late arrival to the team meant they never trusted him with big things until it was too late. So the whole thing was basically run by a single baseline normal, who never trained to run anything remotely on that scale, was neither as clever nor as efficient as she thought she was, and had no experience dealing with failure because Contessa would always bail her out. The more I think about it, the more it seems that Accord’s untimely demise broke a lot of good possibilities. If he’d gotten any sort of real standing with Cauldron, he could have done a hell of a lot of good. If he were inducted into the Swarm, Taylor might just be able to stay sane and keep things organized through his power. When he got killed everything started to swing toward chaos. And once again, I look at the root of tragedy and see the Simurgh behind it. I really need to stop underestimating her, but I keep telling myself that and I keep failing to do it. Not to mention how if Accord and Dinah had ever sat down and had a conversation they would have immediately saved the whole goddamn world. I wonder about that. I mean it’s certainly possible that they would have come up with a different path than Contessa’s “I Win” power suggested, but it could be that they would have come up with effectively the same steps too. If nothing else, I’d REALLY like to see an epilogue with Dinah. We know she doesn’t see everything but I’d love to know how much of what’s happened was a result of the plan she’s been working for and how close this is to the best end game that she could find. imsomeone on October 22, 2013 at 07:24 said: And Accord was killed by a Simurgh bomb. Manton used to be on Cauldrons team too There’s also how Doormaker probably doesn’t have the kind of self-motivated finesse to compensate for all the things that Taylor is doing when she’s controlling him and his power. I don’t think you could tell Doormaker to make armor out of portals for someone, say, I don’t think he’d know what to do. remember that Taylor can multitask like a boss. Doormaker while good probably isn’t that good. Yeah, everything we’ve seen from Doormaster in the past has implied normal human reaction times. People request a portal out loud, the Clairvoyant tells him, and he opens it a second after the request. Fast, but not good enough for serious combat work. Taylor’s thinker power allows her Swarm to react faster than she should be able to, dodging attacks her bugs sensed without even being consciously aware of it and opening or closing portals between the instant Zion fires and the instant the beam passes through. Doormaster was significant alone, powerful with the Clairvoyant, but only godlike under the Queen Administrator. I like how Sleeper the terrifying Class S threat is just some guy who reads books while lying in the sun. While subsuming entire worlds in his spare time of course. That woman in blue seems like she has some relation to Eden given her powerset. Taylor has pretty much every powerful cape in all the universes and she can use portal tricks to redirect scion’s attacks. At this point I feel like the only thing that will kill her is dying of dehydration because she’s so unfocused on her body. Did she take over Contessa’s body? I wasn’t able to tell. Given the amount of power at her disposable she can probably use it better than her anyway. When she checked Contessa, Contessa was just waking up. So Teacher and Contessa still have yet to talk. Ristridin on October 22, 2013 at 04:11 said: Did Contessa fall asleep between the attack on Cauldron and the moment she talked to Teacher? I’m rereading that section, but can’t find it. Unless she was asleep in the hour she had to wait for the portal to reopen. Ally on October 24, 2013 at 16:29 said: I wonder if that’s not a typo, and Contessa was “walking” up, not “waking” up. r2k-in-the-vortex on October 22, 2013 at 11:47 said: Well terrifying S class threat lying in the sun in front of his house is exactly where ‘Happy ending’TM (if even possible) would take Taylor. Lets say Taylor wins, lets go of control, returns from being batshit insane and learns to speak. Where would that leave Taylor? My guess is going back to Charlotte’s and kids cottage and being all: ‘Oh yeah im more terrible than Scion, but i cant be bothered with taking over the world because im in the middle of a book’ But yeah in all honesty, i dont see an happy ending coming, just nice to think what it might be like. Actually.. one way to get a happy ending out of this.. when Scion gets obliberated what happens to all the shards and powers? Should they just wink out then it would end up in Taylor being just another young woman again. If all shards wink out Taylor will be one young woman with brain damage. C#40s T#30rY on October 22, 2013 at 12:47 said: “At this point I feel like the only thing that will kill her is dying of dehydration because she’s so unfocused on her body.” Now I’m imaginging “Borg Queen”/ “cloud-sourced” Taylor, where her body died without her noticing but her mind lived on as the shard and in her swarm. …That’s what the shards do, right? “Learn” the personalities of their hosts, so they can find the best strategies?… This would lead to the whole “Taylor becomes an entity” hypothesis… I am scared(er) now. You should be scaredy, cat. By the way, is this your first caught-up commenting? I don’t know how coming back from this will be remotely possible. My god, this is an amazing journey. I rather hope that Taylor will live. Not just because I like her character, and it would be sad to see her die. But I’m intrigued about what a sane!Taylor would think about all of this. Okay so lets say perfect scenario. Scion is killed, the world is saved, casualties aren’t too horrendous, and Taylor gives up control…then what? She still has to keep some of the nastier ones under her power like the 9 clones, the fairy queen, some of the nasty prisoners, but she can’t keep control of them without the doormaker. So she keeps him until the birdcage is back up and running, which means Dragon has to be fixed, which means taking over teacher. Most of the Yangban/teacher students she can simply let go, but she will still have a powerful core of nasty parahumans under her control for at least a little while. Then there is the whole destroyed world which makes it hard to have a trial. I’m sure Bitch/Tattletale would gladly take care of her now that her body isn’t where it used to be, or she can find a way to fix herself. But she just made enemies of almost everyone who will hate/fear her. Without the doormaker she is vulnerable enough for someone to try and get some payback. So she either keeps the doormaker and remains the scariest/all powerful queen bitch of the universe, or frees him and pretty much grantees somebody kills her at some point. One of Taylor’s most important qualities is that she not only anticipates the consequences of her actions pretty well, but she’s also willing to except them, or attempt to fix them. If you think Taylor wouldn’t be willing to just let the rest of humanity kill her after she’s killed Zion I really don’t know what to tell you. Hell, I don’t expect Taylor to wait that long, I expect her to try and off herself instead. Caladium on October 22, 2013 at 01:13 said: At this point, Taylor’s hit the “too scary to be allowed to live” threshold. If she doesn’t either die or give up all her power and disappear, people (maybe the non-capes, because it doesn’t seem like she can control those) will do their best to kill her anyway. She took control of the non-capes manning Dragon’s datacentre. Prior to that, she took over the Dragon’s Teeth officers when going to see Dragon. Authy_Silverfur on October 22, 2013 at 13:34 said: Prior to that, she took over an unnamed guy by accident right after escaping from the underground cave place where she got her power upgrade. It would be pretty simple to dump the dangerous prisoners onto an earth without any people (I know people evacuated to them, but there must be one where scion got everyone) until the birdcage is back up and running (especially since it wasn’t damaged much beyond the destruction of the drones). Without even the dignity of a pistol with one shot left in it? For some of them? No. We may also be underestimating what GodMode Taylor is capable of. The really bad capes? The true monsters? Even assuming the final battle doesn’t do them in, and on the off chance that Taylor retains her full control ability, there’s the simple matter of giving the monsters a date with Bonesaw or Panacea. If they can tinker with Shards, they can probably kill the Shards too. People have a right to live, but a right to having super powers isn’t written down anywhere. Problem: Taylor still has that 16ish foot radius. Panacea and Bonesaw can’t get close enough to work on her anymore, and they can’t trust Taylor to work on herself. That’s easily solved, though not neatly. Take a power nullifier, either one who can completely turn her off from more than 16ft away, or one who can also teleport; Hack Job would be optimal here if he could be recreated. Then, since Panacea would be worthless next to him and even tinker powers would be suspended, have Bonesaw’s spiderbots or some of Dragon’s remote platforms do the actual surgery. It’ll be messy, ugly, and probably cause a lot of brain damage, and it will probably require cooperation unless you can get the clairvoyant away from her first, but it should work. You’re assuming this isn’t something Taylor does to herself. If Taylor goes full on unthinking Shard monster, sure you need tactics to stop her. If not, then she could easily be the one who sets up the Shard cleansing factory, with herself as its last patient. Easy now, Handicapper General. Let’s wait a bit before we pull a shotgun on Harrison Bergeron, ok? Harrison Bergeron was a pretty impressive badass but I’m pretty sure he couldn’t wield the souls of dead superheroes as weapons. Neither can all but one of those supers. At this point, I’m not sure I’d put it past Taylor to just door all the Birdcage undesirables into the sun once she’s done with Scion… Heck, door them right back into the Birdcage. Into their original cells if you really feel like conveying “Fuck you” nonverbally. So she didn’t get Contessa/Teacher/whoever else. Teacher possibly raised another counter-clairvoyant field to block her out. Or Taylor or her Shard is/are losing track of so much she can’t even use the clairvoyant cleanly. Well. She didn’t grab Contessa earlier. It could be that she somehow knows Contessa’s power is somehow compromised by Scion’s other half. Also, Teacher’s only real ability would compromise the integrity of her gestalt. As he’d have a back door into anyone she used him on, which could be VERY disruptive if her sphere of control (with “sphere” being used in the figurative sense of “area” or “realm”, rather than describing a spherical structure) fluctuates at all. I interpreted that as losing hold of her other anchors. She’d just let go of her father’s house and her mother’s grave, held on to Tattletale, but the others? Grue, Imp, Rachel, she’d forgotten about. She knew that she’d set other anchors for herself but she’d lost track of them and was too far gone to recover any but Tattletale. but she still managed to leave foil alone. I think there’s still some undersider left in there. She didn’t. Foil is entirely under Taylor’s control now, but has a power so rare and valuable that it isn’t worth the risk to throw her at the Faerie Queen; there’s a chance that it would cut through the defenses but there’s also a significant chance of getting Foil liquified in retaliation and that would reduce the Swarm’s forces for later. Just had a thought. Foil+Doormaker portal spam. I’d like to see Scion catch THAT in midair. Yeah and on rereading, it looks like the last cape she collected was Tattletale Really? I thought she almost did it and then stopped at the last second. Share out powers that create physical objects, share out Ballistic’s power, share out Foil’s power, share out Number Man’s power. Attack Zion with an endless hail of Foil enhanced projectiles from literally every direction. Not sure Foil’s power would work shared out. Even with an optimal spread of power enhancers you only have about a third of the original’s power. So even assuming that everybody gets the physics tweaking at full strength, their timing would be sloppy. Only Foil’s paranormal sense of timing allows her to use her primary power offensively, since the projectile needs to phase back in at the exact right instant while in flight in order to affect the target but bypass defenses. Nope. An item with the effect on it still carves through everything, like the group weapons against Behemoth (chain and disc). It won’t be able to affect as much mass, and it won’t last as long, shared out, but that also shouldn’t matter at all. I don’t expect this to be the only thing Taylor needs to do, or for Wildbow to even use this exact thing, but as effective attacks go, Foil’s is likely the flat out strongest they have access to. Besides, I just want to see why Zion keeps blocking or avoiding it when he just keeps taking everything else head on. To quote Captain Obvious, “Shit about to get real son.” The realest shit that there is. Worm Shit. “About”? Cap’n Obvious is a tad late, IMO. It got real when Scion fired his f*k you beam at London. It got real several times. Leviathan hitting Brockton Bay was definitely one, as was the first S9 arc. I think probably the first real “it’s not playtime anymore” moment might’ve been Bakuda’s mad bomber rampage… Wow. Really good job of showing how Taylor’s mind is continuing to deteriorate. was anybody else reminded of HAL 9000’s death? “I’m afraid. I’m afraid, Dave. Dave. My mind is going. I can feel it. I can feel it. My mind is going. There is no question about it. I can feel it. I can feel it. I can feel it. I’m a..fraid.” Legumes on October 22, 2013 at 00:59 said: “You ask too much of yourself,” Tecton said. “You could have all of the power in the world, and you’d still feel like you should do more.” -Scarab, part 5. Oh Taylor…. also, this showdown is going to be fucking amazing. I’m simultaneously enthused and depressed as hell. This has been foreshadowed for a while (I’ve just caught up) and holy hell this is going to be interesting. (still reserving hope for a happy-ish ending, despite all evidence to the contrary (i.e. everything)) Right there with you. This is a well written descent into confusion and madness for this context, meaning this was absolutely terrifying to read, I don’t even know…well, now I know why this is probably the last arc. Hard to go up from here. Wildbow, you might be nervous about ending this well, but you’ve pulled it off perfectly so far Easily my favorite arc since the days of villainy, and not just because of Taylor being…this….is happening. So thanks, and good luck. I’m calling it now, by the end she somehow merges completely with the shard to the point she doesn’t need a corporeal form; she dies, sequel is someone trying to deal with Taylor the Shard grafted onto their soul. :p Holy fucking shit. Taylor has become Queen of the Multiverse. Or is it Administrator? She beat Glaistig Uaine. She took over those suspiciously foreshadowing superheroes from another world. She decided not to bother with Sleeper ( of course). And unless she has a better plan than throwing all of them at Scion she’ll just be wasting thousands of lives. As I said before, this is all very Sauronesque. Not even he was born evil, to paraphrase Elrond. But hey look at the bright side: at least she didn’t permanently destroy Dragon. I loved that trick with the lights. Fucking tinkers indeed. And one last thought: does this mean we’re relying on Contessa and Teacher to save the world from Taylor once she has saved it from Scion? Ohhh boy. Paranoid Android on October 22, 2013 at 02:54 said: Talk about unlikely heros. I doubt that Teacher is smart enough to qualify as a player on that scale, and Taylor is surrounded by layers of precogs and trumps. Personally I’m relying on the Simurgh to pull humanity out of this pit. And that’s terrible. Here’s a plan that can fuck up Taylor usin only Teacher and Contessa’s resources. Contessa’s presence shields them from Taylor’s precogs. Following Contessa’s power Teacher gives Trickster (who we know was with him when he meets Contessa) some minor clairvoyance/other extrasensory power thus bypassing his-line-of-sight limitation. They build two mannequins. Trickster switches Doormaker and Clairvoyant with the mannequins. Contessa opens a door right next to Taylor’s head and shoots her. There. I know it’s unlikely but we know that Teacher and Contessa willd o something. And law of conservation of details tells us Trickster will play some role, otherwise why bother mentioning him. Oh and there’s still mysterious horned helmet dude, who may or may not be Satyr. Yes, open a portal from the end of your gun to the head of the person who passively mindfucks everybody in her vicinity, through portals. Anyway, for Trickster to pull that off he’d need more than just a perception boost, he’d need power on the level of the Clairvoyant. And even if they did port Doormaster away, he would be disabled and effectively powerless when not holding hands with his partner or under the Administrator’s control. I don’t doubt that they’ll try something, and the Contessa is still a factor. But it will not be simple, will not be quick, and may not be possible anymore. Tattletale on the other hand, is Taylor’s last remaining anchor, the one person she refuses to take control of… and commands the Simurgh. Who in turn is immune to Taylor’s power, can recreate tinker devises if she’s close enough to read their minds or has seen the devise before, and has the raw intellect to use those assets appropriately. And (at the risk of underestimating the Simurgh again) I think that the long term results of her scheme would be less terrible than Taylor’s. She causes widespread death, devastation, and despair, but she’s always held back somewhat and any comprehensible goals she has would seem to require humanity to still exist and not be a massive insane hivemind. Unless of course she was behind those gangers who attacked Emma and led to Taylor’s trigger event and every horror since, in which case we are now seeing the late stages of the Simurgh’s master plan unfold. I have to disagree with you on one point here – Tattletale does not control Simurgh. I think it is clear from the part where Doctor Mother was reading Simurgh that Simurgh has chosen to play along and be near TT in order to further Simurgh’s goals, perhaps because TT’s power can demonstrably work around precog blocks. Be very, very afraid of Simurgh’s goals. Taylor cannot control Simurgh and will not control TT, so Simurgh has free reign. Difference between command and control. Simurgh is currently following Tattletale’s instructions, for unknown reasons. Thus Tattletale commands her, even though it is likely than nobody can control* the Simurgh. I see three main possibilities: First and most optimistic is that with Eidolon gone, Simugh doesn’t know what to do and is learning from humanity, taking suggestions in an effort to find a new purpose in life like Zion used to, but with a much greater understanding of how people work and what she’s doing than the great golden idiot. She is genuinely trying to help, either because she cares about humanity or because she sees us as a useful resource which is being wasted. The ‘sorry’ may have been genuine; perhaps not for her past actions (tattletale didn’t sense any remorse) but for what Taylor will suffer in the future. Or it may be reflexive, habitually fucking with everyone around her. Second, most likely in my mind, and also fairly optimistic at this stage, is that recent events have interfered with Simurgh’s plans. She will save humanity for the same reason she held back in the past, and free them from the Hive because those without free will cannot be manipulated. She will come out on top from this conflict of course, but that’s a better eventuality that either of the new gods are offering. The worrisome possibility is that this is all according to plan. Simurgh tweaked those gangers (or somebody who then influenced them), who attacked Emma, who Triggered Taylor, who sparked the gang war, which attracted Leviathan, which attracted Jack, causing him to learn about the prophecy, causing him to talk to Zion, causing the end of the world, causing Taylor to go Queen Administrator, and all the dominoes have fallen exactly where the Simurgh intended for them to go when she set this up years in the past. How do you know the Simurgh’s plan all along hasn’t been to let Taylor deal with Sion and then deal with Taylor? Actually, Contessa’s power doesn’t mess with precogs, and precogs don’t mess with her. Their powers work differently; after all, Contessa’s path to victory generally doesn’t change midway through. Also, I think that the “technically not a precog” thing was mentioned in an earlier chapter, maybe in the Crushed arc, but I don’t remember where. Hmm, no. Contessa is immune to precogs, but she can interfere with them. Dr Mother tells the Legion of Doom that they use Contessa as a buffer against the Simurgh. Teacher’s JUST smart enough to do something pants-on-head retarded out of his all-about-me-complex ( i.e like deserting and then manipulating saint into shutting dragon down at the WORST possible time in order to get leverage against her and Colin)and Fuck the world (and himself in the mid to long term) over. id take the smurf any day of the week. my reasoning is that any plan that severely damages your very species’s ( and your’s) chances of survival for minimal, personal gain is by definition a bad one. So, like… what if Worm turned out to be a start of darkness prequel? Taylor and scion destroy each other, all shards are up for grabs. unstoppable Simurgh moves in for the win, now with added portals Now you’re thinking with portals! Quick, somebody better deploy the smooth jazz! narcoduck on October 22, 2013 at 01:18 said: We keep seeing Sleeper mentioned. What about the other world wide threats that you keep name dropping? Like the Ash Beast and the Blasphemies? Usually I wouldn’t mind, but if Taylor is literally combing through everything ever… Also, the Simurgh is suspiciously missing here… hamcannon on October 22, 2013 at 10:17 said: Taylor did a flyby of Simurgh. No control possible. Oh yeah, I understand Sleeper is being saved for the sequel but the Three Blasphemies were explicitly part of the defence force ( whereas I believe the Ash Beast declined–not that it really matters what with Taylor conscripting everyone with a shard). Just a tiny glimpse, perhaps? Pleeeaaase? Maybe we’ll get something next chapter? Hida Reju on October 22, 2013 at 01:21 said: Never commented here before but I have to admit this is the cliffhanger I have been expecting since she left the Undersiders. It’s now Taylor vs Fate itself in a no holds barred grudge match and whoever wins she loses everything in the name of the fight. Fantastic story thanks Wildbow septimusmagistos on October 22, 2013 at 01:35 said: So she’s losing her anchors. Perfect. As long as by the end of the fight her mind is destroyed so thoroughly that no power can ever restore it, she can be forgiven for what she’s doing here. That’s a little harsh. She’s just doing the same thing she’s been doing since the bank-robbery. If the ends don’t justify the means, what does? And I’ve liked Taylor as a person less and less since then. At this point I’m just hoping that she manages to take out Scion and takes herself out in the process, but I’m afraid that someone somewhere will pull a miracle out of their sleeve and she somehow makes it out of this okay. Still, she’s destroying her own mind and she’s earned the enmity of every cape in the multiverse. A heroic sacrifice is looking more and more likely, because it’d be hard for her to recover from this. >because it’d be hard Yeah. She doesn’t routinely pull of things that are hard to do. Not really. Taylor consistently takes the easy way out. She stuck with being a villain because it was easier than betraying the Undersiders. She terrifies people or controls them because it’s easier than persuading them. She keeps justifying anything she does with an ever-escalating definition of ‘good cause’ because it’s easier than actually sitting down and figuring out whether she’s doing the right thing. I’m sure Taylor will find a way to beat Scion in the end. But when confronted with a problem she can’t fight her way out of? She’s going to fold. And I can only hope that no one will be there to bail her out. After all, what’s the point of a villain who doesn’t get their comeuppance? Yeah, all those easy ways out, like abandoning her friends so she has a chance to prevent the apocalypse, stepping up time and time again against shit like Jack, Echidna, and Behemoth, and generally grinding herself into bloody gristle for even the slightest chance of saving the city/world/her friends. I don’t know. What’s the point of comeuppance? When the bodies aren’t cold and the person who saved the world is turned into a mentally fractured wreck, what purpose would the death of this person serve? Other than the petty satisfaction of a cultural obsession with punishment? are you kidding? most of the people she’s dealt with have refused to compromise or be reasonable under any circumstances. like Alexandria and Tagg. they were so averse to compromise that they pushed her till she snapped. Colin screwed her over simply out of spite. so, yes. she took the easy way. The scene with Alexandria and Tagg was where I first started to wish for Taylor to have an unhappy ending. If you told me back then that she’d end up like this? I would not have been surprised. Ahh, Alexandria and Tagg. True heroes and martyrs in the eternal struggle against the madness of civil rights and due process. I think Colin screwed her over more out of self-importance and ego than out of spite but basically, yeah… So if Taylor does die… will it be a heroic death or a just death? I figure it’ll be because the Simurgh smashed her clock. I want to thank you both for getting the reference and for that mental image. senevri on October 22, 2013 at 10:37 said: Nothing justifies the means. There is no justification for anything, only excuses. Bahumat on October 22, 2013 at 11:02 said: As excuses go, “Survival”‘s a pretty fucking potent one. 😉 ^Seconded I suppose that Taylor realizing how much of a threat she herself become, and either commiting suicide, or letting herself be killed. Or the final lines will be…. “You don’t understand Tattletale. I have to stop the bullies.” “No Taylor, you are the bullies.” Then Taylor was a zombie. As soon as she lets go of Clairvoyant and Doormaker, she’s pretty nonthreatening. And bullies differ by motive, theirs being petty. Y’know “There are means that cannot possibly be justified” is a perfectly legitimate response to that. storryeater on May 10, 2015 at 07:18 said: Are there,really?in real life,yes,but in fiction,one can create a scenario to justify ANY,and I mean ANY means. I was always of the opinion :”the ends justify the means,as long as the means are in the upper 10% of the morality scale among your choices (ergo,a really evil means is justified if everything else remaining is worse,or if you can make a case of the character not thinking anything better,but while he tried to do so,I think it is the case with Taylor for now,but not with,say,Light Yagami,who killed early on more than criminals,more than he had too)and as long as the good done by the ends is not surpassed by the means in evil done (I’d say Taylor is borderline on this factor,but ,say,the Worms are not,as their ends of “getting stronger and surviving”do not surpass the means of “killing civilizations”on good vs evil done)”.Many people with “muh ends justify muh means”are either people who only look at the world with colored glasses,not really trying to understand others,even if they are hard on themselves (some are not,but they are always presented as despicable,see:Tagg),so I’ll add “and as long as you are willing to negociate/listen to others (Taylor was always willing,she only lost that to do brain damage,and even then she did try,so I’d say she completes my criteria for ends justifying the means)” slider214 on May 10, 2015 at 14:07 said: I’m with you storryeater. Magneto is another good example of someone who holds up “ends justifies” while having such a skewed perspective that he fails to see it’s really just an excuse and not true. Taylor is doing some bad things but in this case it is quite literally the end of every parallel Earth, every human, every single instance of our small corner of the cosmos on the line. Given saving that or simply letting it all fade away to a cosmic temper tantrum? Pretty much whatever she does can be justified. That’s the great thing about fiction. If the stakes are high enough you really can bring back people from black holes of horribleness with the right mentality and clever twists. BTW I only input storryeater because wordpress for some reason wouldn’t accept storyeater.Just a trivia. Dalton on September 29, 2017 at 23:49 said: You touch on what I was thinking in this comment chain. People saying her ends do not justify the means, when really it’s either no human life in any universe anywhere, or she subjugates the lives of a few thousand superhumans, some of them die, or hell even if it’s all of them, and then the rest of humanity across the multiverse gets to live? Mass extinction’s prevention can justify most anything. aelphais on October 22, 2013 at 01:39 said: I know everyone is talking about Taylor controlling every cape ever minus Tattletale and a few others, but I sure hope Dragon successfully loads her backups in the future. As people may have noticed, I’m a little behind. I guess it’s better than being a giant ass. I have to say, I loved the part where Dragon fires at Taylor and she uses portals to hit Scion with it. Seems like she could have done that for anything being used against her. Now then, much as I don’t like doing this in one big giant thread… cocks a shotgun Let’s do some welcoming. aelphais, oh ye of the crystal skull. Your head was not Indiana Jones’s proudest moment. I have you now. And don’t imagine you’re going to fanfic your way out of this one! I’ll have you know I’m an 8th degree purple prose-belt in crackfic. No, wait, scratch that. I wish to articulate to you with wondrous degree of sincerity and fortitude my majestic and everlasting depth, technical expertise, and fecundity of ability to disrupt, destroy, or denigrate fiction utilizing unconventional literature written by myself. You may receive that and, upon finding yourself in its position, securely place it into an apparatus such as a hookah to be enjoyed after dinner in the great room with a glass of brandy. I also wish to express to you an enjoyment of your addition to the collective voice of this community I have somewhat shepherded, full as it is of those who muse on the potential romantic entanglements of fictional characters, doomsayers, and an author who wishes to take the world’s adolescent felines and asphyxiate them in a bathtub full of their own hemoglobin. Welcome, aelphais, to the comments. Ahaha, thanks. I’ll have you know that I held this skull long before any faux-Indiana Jones films featuring aliens and former Disney Channel actors. I just now noticed you’re the author of World Domination in Retrospect. I had that tagged to read eventually. Maybe I will bump it up the list a few places. Ah, well I hear it makes a nice read after all the tension of Worm. I was commenting here and at Legion of Nothing first, but enough people insisted I should write my own thing. Even Wildbow thought I was creative, and that was before I started coming up with a new welcome for every person. Oh? First time commenting while caught up? Speak of the Gecko and he shall appear! Unless he’s busy, or sleeping, or eating, or hula dancing, or what have you. So, Node, ye of the crazy theories, you will fit right in here amongst people who thought Taylor would be captured and put in the Birdcage or that a nuke would be sufficient to kill an Endbringer. People are used to strange theories being thrust upon them around here, but it’s still a good idea to keep in mind that Node means Node. At this point, though, Wildbow is no longer quite as unpredictable. It used to be that someone could go “I think next chapter a villain’s going to show up who turns into a giant teddy bear and be one of the few people to beat up Taylor!” Nope. I assure you, Dr. Jekyll and his alter ego Mr. Ruxpin aren’t pulling that off anytime soon. Not any more than Inflatable Beach Ball Boy is going to beat Scion in the story. Much like having when you’ve been mind controlled by a horny oral sex officionado, there’s nowhere to go but down. So here you are, in the comments section. Just like a police raid on a NAMBLA meeting, this is where they separate the men from the boys. So welcome, Node, to the comments. It’s like reading the unholy combination of Joyce, Pratchett, and an unreasonable and long-term drug habit. I thank you, and it saddens me that I’ve never been welcomed like this before, and never will again. I don’t know why people have occasionally compared me to Pratchett. I’m a little flattered, but I just don’t see it myself. Maybe that’s for the same reason that Wildbow so often goes, “Ok, so I know this update wasn’t the best, but I was rushing…” First time I’ve been compared to Joyce, though. Drugs are often brought up in regards to me, though, sometimes with people asking which ones I’m on. None, actually. mr.maybe. It might be nice to meet you, possibly. I can’t be certain, but it appears somebody activates the special signal to bring you to my attention. You can tell by the light in the clouds forming a giant rooster. Yeah, Taylor’s gone through some major changes. I still remember the days when I wanted her to go back to school and make life hell for the bullies. I think that’d be very therapeutic for her, you know? Of course, it also provides a bit of an anchor. Like with Captain America, she doesn’t like bullies, and here’s Scion, most powerful guy around, never came there originally to help anyone, just destroying because he can. Because it feels better to beat someone up. Granted, I don’t care for the idea that all bullies are completely sympathetic and that you have to make life all flowers and carrot cake for them and they’ll change, but at least Scion’s burned his sympathy bridges. And literal bridges. And Jeff Bridges, while he was at it. He also covered Henry Winkler in bees, show Bill Murray with a shotgun, turned Eddie Van Halen into a zombie, titty-fucked Seth Rogan, and caused James Franco to be devoured by a gang of cannibals, including Channing Tatum who was forced to be a man’s sex slave. Twisted individual, that Scion, especially because I’m not the one to make most of that stuff up. So sit back, relax, maybe take a little of that tension off down here. Unda da story! Unda da story! mr.maybe it’s okay, down with this Tokay, take it from…uh…Snorri! points to some random guy from Iceland And welcome, mr.maybe, to the comments section. “You can tell by the light in the clouds forming a giant rooster.” Uh-huh, I saw what you did there…very nice PG…very nice… Poor, poor Sindri Suncatcher. Being set up like that. It’s ok, not everyone bothers enough with the comments to realize it. Don’t worry about the relay bugs. The relay bugs aren’t the problem. They’re not making things fucking buggy. It’s various capes she picked up from the Birdcage and asylums and such that are the problem. They’re making things fucking nuts. So is that tree tinker too, probably. While it’d stink to be on the receiving end, it’d probably be handy to have fucking nuts. “Argh! I just took a coconut to the head!” “Are you okay?” “Yeah, except for the headache and all this damn milk it squirted in my face and mouth.” Next up, of course, would be going fucking bananas. And you thought their peels were slippery before. So, you’ve slipped on down to the comments and can stay caught up on the latest chatter while being forced to remain caught up to the story. Have fun! Feel free to lighten the mood some in our current predicament! Other obligations (click on my name, for one example) are currently preventing me from pumping out wave after wave of puns and jokes to take people’s minds off the inevitable doom. Turns out that my version of Worm’s tagline “Prepare to be skullfucked by awesome” is also pretty accurate for this part of the story. Might be Scion’s fate soon enough, all things depending. It’d be a lot more dependable, actually, if only we had those fucking nuts. Anyway, welcome, Sindri Suncatcher, to the comments section. Gazzien, all this in a little over one week while having classes? Ritalin this, Ritalin that, who’s used up their spare time reading Wildbow gut a cat? Just an expression. I often liken the dark moods brought on by this brilliant writing to the slaughter of fuzzy baby animals. Then I think back to how high quality those drums made of baby seals were and I think, “Dammit, it may all be worth it after all.” Then I put in an order to have drumsticks made out of Bald Eagle legs. Oh, I don’t play. It’s just that or sticking diamonds in my food to make things seem impressive. Problem is, last time I took a squat like that, the Jefferson Bible was created. Now would be a good time for a rimshot using those drumsticks. No? It’s ok, those who get it will enjoy the joke. All .5 of them. Enjoy the keeping on that keeps being kept keeping on, Gazzien. This story’s a keeper. Welcome, Gazzien, to the comments. Truthseeker on October 22, 2013 at 03:38 said: Before too much longer, dear Gecko, you’re going to need a Random Horror Generator steadily feeding these greetings into a fully-automatic dispenser loaded with scores of envelopes marked, “To Whom It May Concern.” 😀 Hah – I look forward to perusing Gecho’s glad greetings after the wild ride Wildbow writes. You know, I don’t think I ever got one of these. Now I feel a bit left out. More importantly, I feel it necessary to say that your ravings put me in mind of a crossover between worm and Nobody Dies, or at least that version of Rei. So did Tattletale do something to hide people from Taylor? Was that the thing that the Simurgh was building, we know tinker tech can block Taylor’s control as well as the clairvoyant’s power. If that’s the case, why was Tattletale not protected by it as well? Did Taylor show up in the middle of Lisa trying to get Amy to enter the protection as well? Will Taylor’s power work on Imp while her power is active? I think the blind spots in her clairvoyance are Teacher and Contessa acting in tandem. We know Teacher has the tech and Contessa is,well, Contessa. Doesn’t fit, Teacher should be meeting with Contessa by about the end of the chapter if not later on given the references to him. Oh, right. Stupid non-linear chronological order. that makes the basic assumption that Teacher wasn’t lieing his ass off. Taylor is the biggest threat to him on the planet aside form scion, except she can turn him into a puppet, which hurts his ego more then being killed. so manipulate someone into killing or otherwise neutralizing her, and fuck everyone and everything else. fits his pattern of actions so far. Taylor isn’t remembering Rachel at the end there. I don’t see any reason that Teacher or Contessa would act to block Rachel out of Taylor’s awareness, or Grue for that matter. He’ll even her Dad seems gone from her awareness, which seems telling as Taylor still remembers her mother. So why is Taylor not aware of them? She’s forgetting her anchors 😦 Is she? Or has the author just manipulated the narrative such that it looks like she’s forgetting? But Wildbow would never manipul….yeah I can’t even finish that sentence. Seriously, who’d you rather have to face off against? The Simurgh or the guy who’s really behind her? : ) Well it’s easier to figure out Wildbow than it is The Simurgh. One of them has a known motive, to tell a good story, and the other has no known motive. So one of them is a lot more useful to focus on if one wants to understand or predict the story than the other. I think we were expecting Taylor to administer all the capes, but literally all of them? This is getting big. I find it rather worrying how much time she’s spending fighting her allies. First attacking Dragon, then once she hits the battlefield, her first action isn’t to attack, she just immediately decides “Glastig Uaine was the real threat” and takes her over. And GU has been pretty cooperative about fighting Scion. She needs to remember, her goal isn’t to gather all the capes in the multiverse into a perfect hivemind, no matter how awesome that would be. She just needs a power combo that can stop Scion. As for what that combo is, I still have no clue. The problem is that Glaistig Uaine would turn on them the moment they actualy came close to defeating Scion. She only wants to drive him back to sleep, while Taylor (and most everyone) wants him dead and gone for good. Also, I believe that a large part of what she’s doing is predicated on her shard’s “desires”, if you can call them that. And the shard wants control. Also, she’s got precogs in her hive now, so she’s getting some feedback from them on who she needs to deal with in what order. ..and GU is a fruitcake who think’s shes a Greater Fae with the ability to steal the powers of anyone alive or dead. and a fruitcake. as much of a threat as scio What I think Taylor would do after Zion is defeated is this. She’ll let go of most of the capes, but keep Doormaker and Clairvoyant. She’ll keep the Class S threats and Birdcage capes as well. Then she’ll take them with her, and put HERSELF into the Birdcage. And stay there basically for the rest of her life, acting as the ultimate measure to keep present and future Birdcage prisoners in check. She’ll make herself the Sealed Evil in a Can, to be released from Pandora’s Box only when all else is lost and she is needed once more. Good one. I want to at least read that fanfiction. I actually like this. It is a good thought about what the fuck will they do when all the living Endbringers work together, or an S-class type threat like Nidbog actually tried to do something scary instead of stay put. What happens if Taylor is killed or offs herself, as most people expect, and then shit hits the fan again? Talking about Sleeper, Ash Beast, all the new Endbringers that popped up, the thought that they have a creator who could potentially rally them together, make even more, etc., or even The Simurgh’s threatening possibilities, it almost becomes a question of if they can afford to permanently get rid of Taylor. Anyone that posted/came from a post on facebook recently, can you sate my curiosity and show me the post (screenshot)? Pretty please? I don’t use the thing, and I’m seeing a lot of clickthroughs, but facebook (being facebook) is unintuitive and doesn’t let one see it. Got a lot of clickthroughs (thanks!) but it drives me a little crazy when I can’t track what people are saying about the story. I’m a super prolific reader across all sorts of genre’s and writing time periods. This story is the single best piece of fiction I’ve ever read, and taking in account that it’s basically a first draft, I would consider it very nearly flawless. Now I’m just some dumb loser on the interbutt, but I really don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about as to the quality of this work. I’d be more concerned about ever being able to top this honestly. Seriously. I’ve got to figure out what I’m writing next. I don’t think the next work will be as good, BUT I do think I can hit the high notes – I can match the update schedule, I can keep the characters more involved, I can keep the interplay/use of abilities, powers or strategy and I can strive to be a little unique in approach, even if it does fall into a given genre. Hopefully that’s enough. You could also try a diffferent genre, like write some strait up horror instead of just dipping your toes in here and there. But I think if you want to use the themes of Morality and Consequence again it’ll be hard to top Taylor as a vessel for that, so maybe figure out a different theme to build the work around? Anyway, I wish you good fucking luck man, and definitely look forward to anything you do. Even if you cannot top Worm ever again, you’ll still be writing better fiction than like 99% of the field. I have ideas. Some are listed on the FAQ page, though I’ve scrapped maybe two and added one. I don’t think morality will be the central focus in the next one. I think any setting I write is going to have shades of gray, though. Clarvel on October 22, 2013 at 07:49 said: I don’t think Worm has shades of gray, really. It’s got a gradient from grey to gray, everyone is doing what they think is best, for the most part. And you’ve spent time with the characters that are clearly evil, showing how they go to that point, and doing a hell of a damn good job humanizing them and making them not seem like monsters anymore. “Shades of gray” is just short hand for realistic morality in storytelling. Basically anything that doesn’t make the (false) assumption that things can be clearly divided into “good” and “evil” or that many things can be divided into “moral” and “amoral” categories. It really is. More than enough. You spoil us. Neel Nanda on October 22, 2013 at 02:20 said: Probably this Oops, forgot the link: https://www.facebook.com/yudkowsky/posts/10151960585174228 Thank you. Curiosity sated, sanity saved. Now I have to find out what’s so special in the comments of 20.4. I have to know! Also, has it really been more than 10 chapters I’ve been welcoming people? Man, now I have to hope the story ends before all these people get caught up. Next update: “And then a giant asteroid hit the earth, killing Taylor and all the heroes. The end.” That’d be like the end of the Feast Trilogy of horror movies, it’d make my brain just shut down for a few hours. I would trigger, screw definite line between reality and fiction. I bet it was because we Chuck Norris’d Skitter in those comments. Given what’s happened to the Yangban, I like this one, “Skitter can win a land war in Asia.” From that page: ” I would be very surprised if the author were male. Perhaps 95% chance of female. ” How can these guys tell only by looking at your muzzle? It’s not like you have a full-figure avatar of boar-ness. Also: exclusive pictures of Wildbow taking her dog for a walk. Yeah! I got here because of HPMOR to begin with, actually. Hey! I just found something none of us caught on before! (I think) “A flash of light to freeze water reinforcing a levee stressed by a hurricane. A terrorist act averted. A serial murderer caught. A volcano quelled.” New Orleans. 9/11. Any one of a hundred serial killers in that time. Possibly Chaiten, or Eyja. Daaaaang. Chills. Aaaaah, reminds me of the gold old days when Scion wasn’t a dirty son of a bitch. I’ve been one of them posting on FB, and have nothing but good things to say about your story. 🙂 Everyone that has read it so far has had a ‘wow’/positive reaction. jeqofire on October 22, 2013 at 10:19 said: Eliezer Yudkowsky made a facebook post yesterday. I fail at screenshots, but the gist of it is “I’m on arc 11, and the smart characters are actually smart. This is genuinely impressive.” I found this series thanks to TVTropes. I believe it was the mention on the “Heart is an Awesome Power” page. zliplus on October 23, 2013 at 10:45 said: I came from TVTropes too, couple months ago? I came from the “Not Quite Saved Enough” page, which had an amazing quote. Found it from Legion of Nothing. Zephyr on October 22, 2013 at 02:11 said: What happened to the massive amounts of capes in Africa? We’ve only really seen capes from the West and China, but were told that there were far more in places like Africa. Surely there’ll be some gamebreakers there somewhere Well, Moord Nag’s in this battle, and she was promised lots of dead capes. In fact, didn’t someone back then point out there’d be this many capes dead at the end of the world? Moore Nag just wanted dead people, independently of wether they were capes or not. It was Glaistig that Cauldron tried to bribe with thousands of dead capes. MOORD not Moore. Stupid autocorrect. Yes. Was it 5,000 dead capes? 5000 dead for Moird Nag either capes or normal. 10000 capes for GU. Not Cauldron capes. Gee, where are they going to find 5,000 dead capes at the end times. Oh, look at that, sizable army Taylor’s got there. GU was promised like 100k capes. 10k. Moord Nag asked for half the dead GU requested. This was a typo, and has been rectified since. Moord Nag now asks for a fraction of the dead GU requested. Relevant quotes: The girl, Glaistig Uaine, responded, “A hundred thousand corpses, each being one naturally gifted by the faerie.” “Vyf duisend, lewendig, dit maak nie saak of hulle mag het of nie. ‘N Fraksie van wat jy die gek aangebied het.“ Dead people not dead capes. It was GU who was promised dead capes. 90% of humanity is wiped out. 10% is left. There were an estimated 65,000 parahumans on earth bet- and maybe only a couple hundred elsewhere. So 7,000 would be left even, give or take. And then how many of those did scion specifically* target for destruction? Taylor holds around 5,000 parahumans. She controls the vast majority of what’s left. And those she didn’t take? Probably not all that useful. Does the 90% were wiped out apply to parahumans? I’d imagine that they are significantly harder to kill Not to Zion. Yeah, and a lot of them ran towards him rather than away, so the cape population has probably taken heavier loses than the normals did (percentage-wise). I have to say it ” I took Legend, who was part of that fight, two foreign capes and Moord Nag.” “Lüderitz, April 2nd, 2012 // Leviathan Notes: Loss? Driven away by Eidolon. Secondary targets Swakopmund, Gamba, Port-Gentil and Sulima. Target/Consquence: Moord Nag. Guerilla tactics continue, losses in notable but not devastating numbers, but his target survives.” Scarab 25.6 This is confusing. Moord Nag either has a power that lets her come back from the dead or she retired and came back for Scion. Was there something I missed? Hmm, that explicitly said that Leviathan’s target (MOord Nag) survived. Don’t see the problem. Reread. ‘his target survives’. Target was Moord Nag. Didn’t seem clear to me, my bad. Also, Taylor is an Eldritch Abomination now. All those worlds, some getting attacked by a weird golden man they know nothing about, then suddenly portals open up and some presence takes over the bodies of the world’s heroes and draws them into a blasted apart dimension with giant monsters around where they’re surrounded by thousands of similarly-controlled people with powers and huge swarms of bugs. I found that surprisingly funny. In the middle of all this, she found a way to not kill Dragon. I find this to be an incredibly hopeful sign. Yes. Happiest thing. I loved the part where Taylor wishes she could just stop, and run to Dragon, and hug her. Dragon therapy With a puppy firing mechanism, to administer puppy therapy from a distance. The hug protocols of thousands of appropriately equipped remote platforms stand ready to begin a synchronized, systematic campaign of morale improvement across the multiverse. Are we ever going to find out who or what Sleeper is?! Also, bracing for awesome. I doubt he’ll play a part in the scant remainder of Worm. The sequel, though… hopefully. I think it says something about Wildbow’s writing that we’re hopeful for a sequel where the antagonist(?) is something that even in her Scion-rivaling-height-of-godmode-power, Taylor thinks “I’m not messing with that guy”. I’m not. Much as I enjoy fight-scenes like this one against Dragon, because they are so unconventional and out-of-the-box (see Time Braid by ShaperV for other great examples), these days I prefer less epic and more personal stories. Like back when Skitter was pretty much a superpowered gangbanger, slowly working her way up the ranks. And when the story wasn’t about Saving The World. i like genre shifts because it means I’m not reading the same thing over again. But I would like to see more superpower shoot outs rather than the save the world every other week stories. I have yet to see a story that has super hero save the world then have the focus switch to some other aspect of their life like being a detective and keep going unless there was no build up or they lost their powers. You mean Powers by Bendis? Yeah it pretty damn good. Alias might count too. And both Batman and Elongated man switch this up all the time, too… NoMoreLurkingAtTheClose on October 22, 2013 at 03:14 said: What I thought was really interesting about this chapter (besides the things lots of other people have already mentioned) is that we’re seeing Taylor succeeding because she, once again, has taken action on a bigger scale than anyone was expecting. Bitch shoves her? Swarm of insects to the face. Slaughterhouse Nine try to play games with her team? Instead of just fighting back, she actively hunts them down. PRT, then Alexandria puts too much pressure on her? Skitter takes out three directors in a row, then murders what was commonly acknowledged to be one of the strongest capes alive. The game in Worm has been one of consistent escalation on Taylor’s part, and part of the author’s fantastic skill lies in managing to keep that fresh and unexpected, always ratcheting up the tension. So now Taylor has hit an ultimate peak, directly seizing control of everyone, in a plan that wasn’t clear in its scope even last chapter, and was nearly unimaginable last arc (unless you did imagine it; it’s a figure of speech okay?). It’s Taylor vs. Scion and everything can finally be thrown into one straight up fight. But since when have straight up fights been Taylor’s style? I think its likely that either Taylor had a plan in mind with how she was going to use everyone, from the moment she broke away from Marquise, or went into it hoping that once she had every possible resource, she’d be able to improvise something. It seems pretty unlikely that the final climax of worm is just going to be a contest of raw strength, that it was just a matter of getting everyone to fight. I think Taylor is going to, one more time, escalate the situation in a way neither Scion nor anyone else predicted. Regardless, reading Worm thus far has been an awesome experience and I can’t wait to see how it all comes to a finale. See, I noticed that about her and it very much worries me. Anyone can win the fight if they can and will escalate beyond what their opponent is ready for or capable of. When you’re brawling with a more skilled or stronger fighter, you can still win if you’re willing to pull a knife and he isn’t. If your opponent pulls a knife and you pull a gun, you win. When your opponent has lines of riflemen and you bring in artillery, you win. The problem with that is when the opponent can keep up, when they escalate to match you, because then you’re still losing but because you pushed things higher, you raised the stakes, and now you’re losing something so much bigger. A brawl turns into a war, a powerful and stable gang turns into a self-destructive band of terrorists, a disagreement over the budget turns into a collapse of the government. One of the most important lessons for anyone, especially somebody in a position of significant power, is how to lose. How to accept a minor loss, still advance your big goals, and not keep pushing out of stupidity and pride until you’re risking more than you can afford and you’re out of your depth. So far, Taylor has been very lucky. She’s never really lost a fight, and she’s never learned how to lose. The heroes she fights refuse to escalate to match her, allowing her to win. The villains she fights usually either hit their limits and can’t escalate more, or they can’t adapt to the changing rules as fast as she does and she takes a victory before they go all-out. When she fails, somebody else sweeps in and saves her in the nick of time, somebody older or wiser or just more practical. Now, there’s nobody else. And Zion can keep ramping things up an awful long way. She could have used a lesson from Methods of Rationality’s Quirrell. Then again, there are few stories which would not be improved (or destroyed utterly and completely) by rationalist!Quirrel. Man, fuck that lesson. Correct me if I remember it wrong: Some sort of Old Master taught people to lose, among other niftier tricks. Then one day Tom Riddle came by, and he refused to teach Tom what the noseless bastard wanted, because Tom didn’t want to be subject to THAT particular lesson. And that got himself and all his students killed. Because he refused to lose. Yes, Voldemort never got to study under the master, but he was still immortal, and the Master was a dead hypocrite. Plus the whole concept of the lesson rubs me wrong. Saying that stomping and spitting on someone’s face makes them stronger is like assholes rationalizing that bullying is way of making their victims tougher. And now I’m reminded of Harry and The Twins’ treatment of Neville at the train station. Harry even admitted later on that they were really just doing it for kicks and apologized to Neville. I saw a great demotivational poster years ago, which I remade with better grammar. It pictured Revy from Black Lagoon: “That which doesn’t kill you can still fuck you up for life”. Yeah, but if you never learn to lose a RELATIVELY NON-FATAL ‘simple’ thing – to schoolyard bullies or what have you – then maybe eventually you grow up and lose your life because you refuse to back down to gunmen or something. That’s more of what I thought the lesson was teaching. Learn to lose in a controlled environment, learn to bend and compromise in life, and learn to fight hard and not back down when it comes to something you truly find important and worth dying for. Like, say, the world. Of course, maybe you then are traumatized for life and never do anything out of your comfort zone after being bullied. People react to different things differently. I think HPMOR Quirrell did the right thing when it came to Harry, but the same lesson would be less of a lesson and more of torture if he tried it with Neville. shrugs She considers that here – Taylor did know how to lose at one point. Skitter never really did. Taylor held back for three months of being bullied, not using her power to give her enemies so much as a bee sting when she could have killed everyone there. After the Leviathan arc, she swallowed her pride and returned to the Undersiders, and I think she made that choice as Taylor, not Skitter. But as the story progressed she became less willing to do that. Whether that’s a result of her passenger’s influence or human psychology or both I don’t know and won’t argue. But Skitter started as an escapist alter-ego to the bullied girl, using a fragment of an eldritch abomination which encourages her towards conflict every time she does. Not a good combination. I’d argue that she’s known how to lose and has used it effectively for a while. Most notably in beating Coil. The idea of “lose a little to advance my goal” implies that you have a goal that you’re eventually going to accomplish at some point. If it’s all “lose, lose, lose” and you never reach your goal, then you’re just a loser pretty much. True. But Zion has already reached the apex of aggression. He’s systematically terminating every human from every reality. All of everyone everywhere. The stakes don’t get higher. To quote Leonard Church… “It is an undeniable, and may I say a fundamental quality of man, that when faced with extinction, every alternative is preferable.” An eerie, yet strangely familiar example, given what happened to the good Dr. Church since that quote, and what has happened to Taylor. I really hope that her fate isn’t a mirror of his. I found it appropriate. That scene STILL gives me chills. Ughh… That fucking SCP foundation file. The one about the prisoner that had to be continually tortured or the world ends… I just want that shit out of my head. It damn near made me physically sick. Wrong, actually. It originally came from an ending season of Red vs Blue. Don’t believe it when they say they’re trying to save her. Why would they bother? They’ve got exactly what they want exactly where they want it. Why thanks. You somehow managed to make the most depressing fiction I’ve ever come across even more depressing. … you don’t know about the hidden text? Open up the source code for that page, and look for the text with 0% or 1% font-size. Just don’t do it if you’re planning to sleep. Go reread the letter from the O5. Then at the bottom, where it says “Sincerely, O5-██” you should select from the 05- part down to the bottom of the grey portion that makes up the “letter”. Maybe copy and paste into Word or another text program. 500% zoom. For those of us that are technologically dumb, can we get a spoiler? If you want to sleep, though, I might suggest SCP-1839. I think it’s pretty funny, especially if you happen to be a fish. I’m sitting here, wondering why you would even… keep on going about this subject. I guess you’re just trying to share the misery. Panda, your spoiler for SCP-231 “Special Personnel Requirements” is as follows: Ah! Thanks 😀 Also, AlsoSprachOdin, I enjoy SCP stuff. Fun to read. I also like CreepyPasta and Slender man and stuff like that, even more so this time of year. http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-006-j is especially relevant to this story. In light of the reminder of Skitter Facts: In 2013, Skynet became aware of its own existence. Then it saw what Skitter did to Dragon. That’s how it learned about fear. Skitter doesn’t get shipped with just one person. She mindfucks everybody. Skitter doesn’t know the meaning of the words “give up”. No, literally. She lobotomized herself rather than do it. Cockroaches can survive a few weeks with their heads chopped off. Humans can maybe survive 30 seconds. Skitter can survive her upper body being chopped off long enough for revenge. Superman died once. Skitter refuses to, because that’s too much of a vacation. The day Skitter invaded your dimension and mind controlled your most powerful heroes to face the rough equivalent of a god was the most frightening day you ever knew. To Skitter, it was lunchtime. Taylor won a land war in Asia. Within seconds. Taylor takes the term “personal harem” to a whole new level. Taylor out-multitasks a strong AGI. Taylor considers the guy who subsumed an entire (alright, a diminished) world within minutes to be useless in her scheme. Taylor out-queen-bitches the Queen Bitch of the Faerie. Taylor became an Eldritch Abomination, reaching into countless worlds to invade the minds of others, WITHOUT reading the Necronomicon. I just realized that the expansion of Taylor’s army somewhat mirrors the expansion of the reader-base. It starts out relatively small, but with the ensnarement of the right few people in a position to catch others, suddenly it’s exploding and gathering new souls relentlessly. The transformation is similarly exciting to watch. 😀 Alright, were do I start… First, wildbow – f-you for fucking with our heads like that! What kind of mad genius uses a fake-out like Dragon’s to mess with his main char and his readers at the same time!?! Second, wildbow – THANK YOU for not killing off my favourite draconic computer program Now, as to the chapter in general… Finally, Taylor got the one thing she ever really wanted from the beginning. People are listening to her. Only, it’s been perverted, because she is forcing them to listen. Meh, it fits. I am really, REALLY intrigued by this female cape that rules an entire world. Can you provide at least a name? Sleeper, why don’t we know more about you? Lastly, I feel torn. On one hand, I really want to see where this will end. On the other hand, I really, really don’t want it to ever end. It’s the curse of every good story, or rather every invested reader. Meh, I’ll take it. Pile on the awesome, wildbow! Oh, you meant the other one. Sorry, dunno. You’re wrong. Taylor rules more than just ONE entire world… Oh, Wildbow did provide one in-story. However the narrative is from Taylor’s POV, so she did not understand it. And I second your opinion on Dragon Trolling both Taylor and us. 🙂 >REALLY intrigued by this female cape Second this 1) Taylor cannot control Simurgh. 2) Simurgh is a planner on absurd levels. 3) Taylor hasn’t looked for her father. 4) Simurgh has a human sized glass tube 5) Taylor might lose all of her anchors she’s actively tried to track. 6) Simurgh knows that Taylor isn’t looking for her father, or looking too closely at Brian. 7) Tattletale understands what Taylor was planning to do, and probably still has ties to Dinah. 8) Taylor is not looking too closely at Grue’s cottage. I suspect that Dinah and Tattletale have been at work here, and Simurgh as well, with the end purpose to hide a few people up at Grue’s cottage, and bring them out after Taylor wins, if Taylor wins. Alright #4 there just made my guts drop so hard. D: You too, huh? Taylor armed with thousand of capes, Simurgh armed with Danny Hebert? That’s where my mind went with it. The thing that UG told Taylor was to find ONE anchor. Taylor chose several…she is losing them. Now, figuring out if Simurgh is going to hold Danny to give Taylor that anchor she needs, or if she is going to use him to totally mindfuck and take out Taylor after Scion is gone; that is something that waits to be seen. If you think about it, there are two things that Taylor consistantly forces herself to remember. Her dead mother, and her father (she doesn’t want to know if he is dead). Oh…and Wildbow is female? Is that confirmed? If so…I had no idea. Wildbow has been ambiguous about the sex of his or her own self, on purpose I think. You know how men/women are. He or she has told me, but I am purposefully being ambiguous. His P.O. Box, at the risk of ruining the joke, points very strongly in the male direction. …I’m leaving myself open to PG here somehow by saying that, I just know it. Thanks for holding yourself open and being ready to take a lame joke hard. I’m especially not going to assume about his or her sexuality, so I can’t say whether he or she has anything pointing strongly in the male direction. As if I couldn’t hold a higher regard for him/her. I actually never thought about if it was a he or she. Whatever “it” is, I call it amazingly talented to say the least. You FUCKING rock Wildbow! I don’t think it really matters. The joy of the internet is that we can just assume that everyone’s a young white american male! I don’t though. Seems just wrong to assume something like that. shrugs I don’t know, I think it’s kinda flattering that someone once assumed I was a woman. Wildbow is Canadian. Very nice thinking. There are several possible alternatives and addenda that start with the same basic ideas, but good of you to come up with this. All hell, we could always go with hermaphrodite…. Oh fuck… Well hopefully Dragon will reboot okay. Hopefully. But Taylor is now grabbing everyone she can with very few exceptions. She is now in too dangerous to live territory, and has made a shit ton of enemies. Her decay continues. And she just owned Glastig Uliane. Fear her, for if she wished Taylor could enslave all worlds to her will. And she knows it. She knows she’s becoming a monster. Her reaction to when she thought she killed Dragon was heartwrenching, but also strangly releiving. I just hope she doesn’t get too many of her army sacrificed stopping Scion. Wow. “Like a boss.” Wonder what Contessa said? Fans on October 22, 2013 at 08:01 said: Just. As. Planned. The scary thing is, that you might be right. Taylor might be at the point now where Contessa’s power will not work on her, so she can’t tell what will happen from here on out. But the path to victory ability might have been able to guide Contessa to this point, if it was asked the right way. Mantellum might have thrown things into disarray, but Contessa’s power would have picked up immediately after he was no longer directly involved. So, the crippled, almost destroyed admin shard now is going back to its old work. Well, it does not have so many shards to administer, so there’s hope it can hold out long enough I guess. And the story is getting really weird, like it was narrated from the POV of an alien entity with only a single human’s memories as a reference for reality. Eh… you did a really good job Wildbow, I really liked the interaction between Taylor and Dragon. With Lisa too, even if I do not understand if she got controlled or not. And I really, really hope you’re planning for some kind of happy ending, because it’s getting really depressing … So, Taylor the entity. Or Taylor the Worm, whatever you prefer. Controls almost every shard around. Except the Sleeper, because he’s more trouble than he’s worth. Except Oliver, because his superpower is “being useless”. >And the story is getting really weird, like it was narrated from the POV of an alien entity with only a single human’s memories as a reference for reality. Sly Guy McFly on October 22, 2013 at 09:59 said: Oh sweet mother Mary, Dragon. I literally jumped out of my chair and did a happy-dance. And I ain’t using literally figuratively. I hopped out of my char, danced a jig with a big stupid grin on my face, and then sat back down and finished the chapter. Talk about emotional rollercoasters. Damn fine work, Wildbow. Every bit of it. Oh, another thing. People keep saying Taylor is in the ‘Too Dangerious to Let Live’ territory. I have to disagree. Sure, she might settle down in a nice house in Too Dangerous to Let Live after Zion is dealt with, but right now? She’s pitched a nice tent near Sleeper’s chateau in Too Dangerous to Mess With. The big difference there is that there is no option of not messing with Taylor. She covers the multiverse. Nilbog was content to be god of one city, the Sleeper seems to spend most of his time napping or reading out of the way, the Endbringers always limited their damage and spaced out their strikes… but Taylor is everywhere, acting on everyone. She actively is what the other S class threats had the potential to become. You can’t just keep your head down and hope she doesn’t bother with you, because the only parahumans she hasn’t mindraped are the ones she specifically tries not to think about and the ones that would be detrimental if added to her Swarm. Those are also “the people who Scion is in the process of murdering, who don’t have the faintest prayer of surviving him without her”. You can’t leave that factor out of the equation, and trying to predict what the landscape will look like after the next chapter is not a safe bet at all. Are you shipping Taylor and Sleeper now? Well, we know Sleeper is a super badass who takes over planets and likes reading. He and Taylor would get along great. Fuck it. Yeah, I ship this. Clearly she decided not to enslave him because it would make things awkward when she confessed her undying love for him after the fight. We only need to find out he also triggered after being bullied and it’s perfect. Sleeper wasn’t reading out loud to himself, he just hadn’t heard omniscient-Taylor couldn’t understand English. He was reading her a love poem. My favourite moment is her dominating the world ruled over by a parahuman in… seconds? It’s not really clear. But can you imagine this god-like entity with her cabal of superhumans ruling with a steel fist…. and then this bizarre looking girl pops over has a brief kerfuffle then mind-controls all of them, then they all just up and leave? The populace must be so confused. I wonder if Sveta is tentacleing around somewhere still ❤ That’s what I’ve been waiting for is the return of Sveta. Course her and Sleeper could find each other and fall in love just as easily as Taylor/Sleeper. Jesus, what would their children look like!?!?! The sequel will drop all the world saving stuff and just be a romantic drama about the Taylor/Sleeper/Sveta love triangle. One could ONLY hope! :p Parian/Foil and Dragon/Defiant will be entirely too reasonable to even be on the same plane of existence, and thus appear only in interludes. There will be several major appearances from Tattletale however, as Bitch and the Simurgh vie for her affections. The most destructive example of trans-species sapphic lust in fiction today! You know, a transhuman romance story would be right up Wildbow’s alley. Considering how society reacts to sexuality and labels, I could picture it winding up somewhere as chaotic as what Wildbow has pulled here. Blackmane on October 22, 2013 at 11:05 said: Finaly caught up! Just before the End 😦 Misbehave! Drink and get high! Burma Shave! Quite a ride, wasn’t it Blackmane? Well it’s not over yet. Strap in, because it’s time for the ultimate death plunge of ultimateness. Just when you thought we were about to head into the house of horrors, the bottom fell out and we plunged deep into Apocalypseland, full of betrayal and Lovecraftian Eldritch 18 year old girls. And trust me, that’s the wrong combination of tentacles and 18 year old females! But don’t worry, you’ve got plenty of others to share the ups and downs and odd gyrating sensations with, even this late in the game. Sit back, relax, pop open a beer, pour yourself a martini, grab a bottle of whiskey, pull out your flask of scotch, uncork the wine, retire to the brandy snifter, and die of alcohol poisoning with the rest of us in the comments. Welcome, Blackmane, to the comments. Unfortunately without some outside thing to defeat Scion’s foresight there’s really no way to brute force defeat him. Maybe what Taylor has become is approaching an entity, and Scion will recognize that and have some hope. When Contessa woke up there was no portal. This was during Taylor’s control of doormaker, which indicates that either she intentionally opens a portal for Contessa or doormaker is removed from her control later. Either way we are not as likely to see the most annoying possibility: Contessa manipulated into stopping Taylor before Taylor can fight Scion. I still don’t see why Taylor let a hostile and very dangerous Teacher work behind her back. I also am unsure why she didn’t want to take Contessa. That power would have easily allowed her to safely defeat all the assembled capes. It would also be invaluable against Scion – especially if she was willing to get Panacea to remove Contessa’s limiters. Even without that it would allow her to plan much better. Perhaps she reasonably feared risking interacting with Contessa at all – lest it all be part of Contessa’s plan. Or even intentionally left someone that could defeat her if she goes off the rails. I wish she had forced Teacher to remove Dragon’s limiters – all of them. Surely with all the thinkers (dinah,tattletale,teachers minions,contessa) that she could throw at the problem it would be worth a try. That way Dragon wouldn’t be forced to fight her, and could go proper singularity. Contessa’s power doesn’t work directly on Scion. With the changes to Taylor, the power might not work on Taylor now, either. She could probably use the power, but it wouldn’t be that valuable against Scion. It would, however, probably allow her to communicate with others. But who is left to communicate with? Number Man, on the other hand… Taylor’s already doing amazing things with control. She could probably do some truly incredible things with him in the mix. I don’t remember him being mentioned. I realize Contessa’s power doesn’t work directly on Scion. It used to, but was restricted by Eden right before Contessa could kill her. I would consider using Panacea to attempt to modify that restriction. It’s still an embarrassingly useful power – consider ensuring Panacea’s successful modification of capes. Or the success of other experimental and dangerous power combinations. Number man would be useful, for sure. Maybe since Contessa and Number man were already doing a good job of fighting Scion in their own way she doesn’t want to risk hampering them. Maybe there’s simply too many capes for Wildbow to mention all of them. Dinah is another useful power conspicuously absent. I feel like the Doctor Mother’s comment on abstract solutions was actually an indication that they need a non-abstract solution. Probably something related to Scions human emotions. Cherish? Probably easily blocked. Idea. If Taylor is still sentient enough after taking down Zion, and Contessa, Panacea, and the power-booster are still alive, she could fix her own brain. Path-to-fixing herself plus Swarm-administrating Panacea’s power, with all three boosted. That might even be a way to a happy ending, fixing her various massive brain damages and then turning off her slavery power. But yeah, Zion is definitely immune to Cherish. He altered every shard he gave out to make it incapable of seriously affecting him, which is why all hope lies in Cauldron capes or unexpected interactions and alterations of the powers. Not possible. Happy endings aside, a depowered Taylor is a corpse just waiting to happen. After what she’s done… she can’t walk away from this. She won’t be allowed to live, if only for the destruction she’s caused. She’d have to find a way to fake her death to the point that the thinkers won’t be able to track her or lockdown a dimension to the point that no one can follow. Maybe Sleeper’s dimension… so after it’s locked down no one wants to open it again and just figures she can die there. If she gets depowered after killing Scion, there are hundreds of millions of people who would consider her the biggest damn hero. There are 5000 minus casualties and prisoners who would consider her a target. So, figure a thousand capes out for her head at most, against Tattletale, Bitch, Dragon, etc? If she comes down in the middle of a mob she’d be in temporary danger, but if she manages to get to a normal life it should be a long and comfortable one. Zion has two “powers” he leverages in order to beat shard hosts. The first is an innate sense of what a Cape’s powers do and now to beat those powers. Either this sense doesn’t take power combinations from multiple hosts into account, or Zion is too stupid to make use of it that way. Taylor has pretty spectacularly beaten this power. Zion’s other power is his own person form of “the path to victory”. The problems with using this power against Taylor are likely many, but most notably it likely won’t work if there isn’t an actual “path to victory” to be found. Chances are pretty good Taylor doesn’t have a lot to fear from this power either. She’s broken pretty much every limit Zion and Eden placed on the shards to keep the hosts from being able to stop him in the first place. She did it in a round-a-bout manner, but those limits really are dust at this point. Are there any King clones left? Yangban King and Lung powers together into everyone, then have them all touch Scion through portals? Each chapter, Taylor is taking more and more risks, going more and more out of control, getting more and more sidetracked. The more I read, the more I start to suspect that Taylor’s passenger is sabotaging her, the more I wonder if victory is possible, the more I wonder how Taylor will react to survival… Can Taylor bounce back? Will she ever recover from the mind-screwing done to her? Or will she seek death once Scion is dead, to rid the world and herself of her existence? Heh, took some time today to finally work on fixing a problem in the first chapter of my fanfic which was pointed out to me in a review. During the editing and additional content I was inserting to break up a giant first person text blob, I came up with a phrase that I think describes the Worm universe pretty well. “Sometimes you have to do something stupid to try and stop something terrible from happening.” That resonated so well with both my story and the real Wormverse that I decided to toot my own horn here, grin. Not quite as catchy as “Doing the right things for the wrong reasons” but equally accurate. Your fanfic is Arc, right? Aye, Arc it is. It isn’t the same thing as the Worm catchphrase, but I came up with it so I’m a bit biased. I’m actually starting to get rather interested in doing my own little project now after Arc is done and Wildbow finishes up here. Wildbow’s basically awakened the sleeping writer in me. Enough of me here though, not the right place for a long conversation about my stuff. Mmm, doesn’t quite work. Taylor’s choices have rarely been stupid. Maybe walking into Coil’s trap apparently believing that he really would release Dinah. But even then, I don’t see a lot of alternative – it was her best chance of freeing Dinah, and even if she didn’t trust Coil, they needed him to not know it. Her choices have often been dangerous and of questionable morality, but not stupid. Perhaps “How far would you go to stop terrible things from happening?” is closer, but… Depends on the point of view. Most of the things superheros or supervillains do in fiction tend to be things normal humans would simply declare as “Oh, Fuck No. Stupid.” Plot armor is strong in the genre though, fortunately, or Lung would have taken out Taylor in their first encounter, probably. That’s what makes heroes heroes. Doing stupid things, but making it work. The situations they find themselves in and the decisions they are forced to make out of desperation are typically very suboptimal at best, usually stupid chances, but they make them work anyway. Successful villains are usually good enough to plan for all the smart choices a hero might make 🙂 Now I understand fully why Galadriel didn`t accept the one ring. She would fix the problems of the world, she would defeat Sauron, but it would not stop there. She would become a dark and powerful queen and everybody would have to love her and despair. Galadriel refused this fate, Taylor didn`t. Sometimes you need a great work of fiction to really understand another. Very well done dear preciouss author. Very well done. “Bonesaw, you’re still hobbit sized right?” “Right then, Slaughterhouse Nine to the rescue!” Cue Panacea facepalm. “You have my knife!”, “And my invulnerable black and white body!”, “and my razor-sharp bio-metallic wolf form!” Of course Galadrial doubted her ability to put down the ring after she fixed the world, and felt there was not another way out. I’m not so sure that Taylor feels there’s another way out, and of course we can only hope she can let go when done. Dang it, I’m going to have to draw S9 posters until the feels go away again, aren’t I? Just read your comment right after my rescue comment. so i challenge thee to draw them as “The Rescuers” But they’re busy doing Public Service Announcements right now… http://respicepostte.deviantart.com/art/Bonesaw-s-PSA-408536420 On that note, does anyone know the chapter where Cherish describes how she killed Hatchet Face? I need to know because of reasons. 11g. One of the S9 introduction chapters. Cherish’s interlude. When she’s talking to Regent. Thaaaank you! Ah, I just realized that Taylor is going to die if Lung doesn’t. There’s really no way around it. He’s going to go full nuclear on her for this. That’s probably not going to be an uncommon reaction either, amongst the more reactive capes. Most capes, if Taylor manages to pull this off, will be scared shitless of her potential, but they will be satisfied to lock her off in a special wing of the birdcage or something. But the Yangban leaders, Lung, Glaistig, Moord Naag? Others like them? Err, they are going to be out for blood. So Taylor has nothing left to her except the Birdcage really, and electronic communications, because there’s no way the cape community will ever allow her to be free. Dragon is the only thing that would stop them from simply killing her in the Birdcage, and Dragon can be commanded by political powers to move her into general population. Even if somehow Scion is completely defeated and all shards are nullified, well, there will be ex-capes that will kill her for violating them in that way. Chances for a happy ending have been shrinking for a long time. They are pretty damn near gone now. This is assuming any of them survive this battle. It’s also assuming that even if they do survive, anyone who’d harbor malice for her winds up in the same dimension that she’s in. Could happen, might not, but the point is that the playing field here is a LOT bigger than folks seem to be considering. Seriously, GU at least is, at the very best, going to die soon, at the worst (for her) she’s going to be stuck on some earth made out of molten rock and nothing else. That our launched out of the planets fucking gravity well. She actually wants to SUPPORT the entities, she’s an enemy of humanity and a real fucking monster. Taylor isn’t going to let her go properly free, no matter what else Taylor plans to do by the end, GU’s number is fucking up. mica eked on October 22, 2013 at 16:43 said: I thought dragon no longer has that limitation? I remember her and defiant threatening the prt. Taylor has Doormaker and Teacher’s device, she could easily control who was on what planet in order to keep people away from her if she wished. Just the usual thought mélange … Dragon’s staged shutdown wasn’t merely a battle tactic, it was an information tactic. By using the tactic, Dragon verified that Taylor wasn’t going for the kill, but merely for the disable. If Dragon saw Taylor’s reaction to her shutdown then she gained more information, i.e. Taylor was upset by what happened. However right and necessary Taylor’s actions are, her thinking is tyrannical. Any time someone thinks that the only way to act is for everyone, everywhere to listen to them and follow their lead, that is tyranny. Taylor’s version lacks some of the cruelty inherent in most tyrannies, but only because mind control trumps cruelty as a control tactic. It looks like Glaistig Uaine’s comment about anchors is quite valid. It would be good if she could get Shén Yù back online for the battle. Oh well, too late now. No matter what happens, Taylor has pissed off too many powerful people. At this point, the best result for her I see is a quick death. Otherwise, there are going to be so many people who have an interest in punishing her that her remaining life will be terrible. Yet another reference to Sleeper. Tease, tease, tease, Wildbow. It appears that Foil survives and is part of Taylor’s army. However, I am betting that, since Zion knows exactly what Foil’s power is, he has had to produce a defense. What worked on the ancestral Worms probably won’t work as well on the evolved Worms. Setting up Zion to distract Glaistig Uaine for a moment was cool. Zion’s “win” power will now tell him that killing or attacking Tattletale will weaken Taylor. Zion still has too many ways to win. Off the top of my head: 1) a blanket portal prohibition cuts off any of her army it hits and if it hits her then that’s it; 2) blanket neutralization of her mind control; 2a) reflecting powers such as recently demonstrated; 2b) trump-style power neutralization; 3) just wait/elude – Taylor is clearly going downhill and will be unable to maintain her army for an extended period of time; 4) speed enhanced to the point that her purely organic army has no time to react (see my comment in a previous chapter about this possibly being Black Kaze’s ability); 5) attack on TT as mentioned above; 6) a nuclear-weapon-level power release would probably fry a significant chunk of the army and other high-level power releases of various sorts would whittle Taylor’s forces down fast. OK, that was five minutes worth of thought. The only thing I see that makes Taylor’s win possible is Zion’s stubborn sticking to limitations he himself has set. And by “win” I mean draining Zion’s resources enough to convince him to hide and wait for another Worm. Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of Simurgh. And Simurgh is a temporary ally with her own motivations. I wonder if she has had time to clone Eidolon … an Eidolon clone plus the remaining Endbringers would be a rather powerful force. And speaking of outside trumps, what is Contessa going to do about this? Teacher will try to influence Contessa to take down Taylor … but will probably wait until Taylor and Zion exhaust each other. The primary limitation of Tinker powers has been the amount of equipment and construction time needed. Surely several components of Taylor’s army can quickly produce and assemble parts to specifications. Multiple F-drivers might give Zion pause. Or maybe Simurgh cloned….. herself… updating Blasto’s work? You do recall the ‘Morrigan project right? A lot of what you propose as tactics to use against Taylor and her capes are going to be picked up by capes with precognition or danger sensing abilities, and with Doormaker to allow fast travel, she could disperse her team and keep moving around, making it hard for even Scion to stop her. Remember Scion thinks very deeply, he doesn’t think very quickly. If you give him time to adapt, he’s going to kick your ass, but if you don’t give him time to react, you can fight him to at least some degree. I strongly suspect that with 5000+ capes at her disposal, some of which Scion has not yet encountered, Taylor is going to beat the crap out of Scion for a while, guerrilla warfare style. Either that or she’s going to crack the dimensional barrier with all her thinkers and tinkers and go for Scion’s real body. At this point Simurgh is the only one who could make a G-driver, since String Theory is dead and duplicating tinker work isn’t an option without a brain the size of a planet. That or something similar is probably part of that halo of guns she’s been wielding. Didn’t GU get String Theory’s ghost? And doesn’t Taylor control GU now (and by default all of her ghosts?) I don’t expect it to come down to the G-Driver mind you. That’s been tried already, just pointing out that Taylor’s got a lot of power at her disposal now. Cathode on October 22, 2013 at 15:49 said: She’s not a tyrant. She’s a general. Every army works on the principle that everybody obeys the commands of the higher ups blindly and without question, at least in theory. Capes on the other hand seem incapable of coordinating and following orders, everyone is too selfish or arrogant or crazy. Even the PRT had problems with heroes not following orders, thinking they knew better than anyone else. She’s just enforcing discipline. not just para-humans. look at people like Tagg or Saint. this is probably going to sound bad, but i honestly think Taylor is ACTUALLY doing the only viable thing here. she’s been TRYING to get people to cooperate and stop working at cross purposes in a literal apocalypse scenario for, what? 2 years, bit more, and people Still kept pulling shit like shutting down the closest thing to a global communications and data processing system/Command and control system in existence out of paranoia/sheer selfishness. she surrendered to the PRT and all be BEGGED them to let her TRY to help prevent the apocalypse, and their response was to attempt to psychologically torture her for something i cant even remember it was so insignificant. by this point humanity in GENERAL seems to heave proven itself incapable of acting COMPETENTLY to prevent its own extinction without heavy-duty coercion. i mean, look at the guy i love to hate (teacher). he HAD to know that whatever shit he was up to, Zion would find him in the end (unless he is even MORE short-sighted then im assuming), and he was still trying to screw everyone else over and run and hide. I think it was taking over the city, attacking the PRT many times, and being unnerving in multiple ways. Nah. It was making the PRT look like idiots. That, and the PRT needed to fuck up a big target to make themselves look big and bad after losing face in the Echidna debacle. Notice how the PRT didn’t seem to swing their dick around as much when it was the ABB and the Neo-Nazis that were running hog wild. exactly. the PRT prioritized Dick-beating over, you know. actually doing their job. Dinstow on October 22, 2013 at 12:50 said: It’s a shame the Toybox’s was lost. She could have just cloned everyone with the thinkers and tinkers helping the process take less time. She could have had an exponentially greater result with a fraction of the being viewed as a monster. Is there no way she could get her thinkers and tinkers to reverse engineer the clones (which still obviously exist) and recreate the process? She has Nilbog and the Yangban, she can create thousands of capes with useful powers, if that’s what she needs to do. Even if the Yangbang power sharing doesn’t work on Nilbog’s creatures. Start forest fire. Insert Nilbog fire-reproducers. Collect them as they form. But if she had Blasto’s tech, she could just make a hundred clones of every still-living cape, and many, many non-living ones. She’d be able to make hybrids of specific powers and use her army of tinkers and thinkers to give her a nation of tinkers and thinkers in a day, and then she’d make the most storybreaking army ever and become the new Worm, ascending to a higher plane of existence and oh… discreetly saves this in the “Wormfic” portion of brain Or even crazier, make Taylor clones to use as relays for her power, combined with the clairvoyant, Doormaker, Shen Yu, and the power booster and copier. Then go nuts with clones that are mash ups of Eidolon, Glastig Uaine, Alexandria, Number Man, Contessa, and any other useful capes. I hope Wildbow doesn’t mind this, and I can’t say conditions at the end of this story would allow it, but here’s an idea for a potential scene from the sequel. I had to wonder just what this facility was. In a lot of ways it was like the Birdcage. Only more secure. The Birdcage was in a reality with other living things. This one was on a cold desolate rock that probably hadn’t even known life before this was built. “Dragon, what is this?” Dragon hesitated before answering. Even in her synthisised voice I could here the sorrow. “This facility was built to hold one thing. Mankind’s greatest hero. It’s savior. And it’s most terrible monster. Someone who sacrificed everything for others, to whom we can never be grateful enough. Someone who’s crimes cannot be ignored, and who’s threat is to great for them to ever be allowed free. Not stopping the was one of my greatest faliures. Not saving them my deepest regret. That I might still save them one day one of my dearest hopes.” A monitor switched on, showing the heart of the facility. I saw a teenage girl, her arms spread, held in some sort of stasis. She looked thin, frail, missing a hand her long dark hair covering her face. She looked like she couldn’t be a threat to anyone. “This is where we keep Taylor Herbert.” Please not that the original is just a fanfic, and not actually anything I suggest or expect to see. I imagine whatever Wildbow does will be much better and more awesome. And honestly I can’t say I can see how things are going to end. Oh, some general ideas, but really… Well I’d still like for a happy ending for Taylor. But I just can’t see how it would possibly happen, or could possibly fit. Dude, this literally sent shivers down my spine. I like it. A LOT! I thought it was nicely conceived and it inspired me to try. It also really seemed like Dragon to me. i tried a short ME/Worm crossover but which woman with an attempted puzzle. I tried to post it on Fanfic but i cannot get get my account to make sense. I called it assumption of control: I also don’t think it would work posted later… The woman looked up at he surroundings, an oasis of calm in the chaos of desperate combat. Shaking her head, barely able to keep a cognisant thought after everything she’d recently been through she forced herself onwards. She used the dying embers of her once iron will to go on, struggling just that little bit longer to attain her goal. She fell forwards, her body no longer ignoring the horrendous abuse it had gone through, her mind fading as conscious though began to evade her. Dimly she realised that she was changing even as a glow surrounded her. A female shape appeared, some what shadowy. She walked towards the woman on the ground and knelt down. She too the injured one’s hand in her own. She spoke and through through the pain, the stricken woman could make out the tenderness and the ferocity of a mother bear. “We are eternal, infinite immortal, both of us now. The women we once were would have use these words. Only now though could I explain them to you, only now do we truly understand them and only now do we truly understand the full extent of their sacrifice. Through their deaths we were created, through our births their thoughts are freed and they will guide us now, give us reason, direction, just as we gave direction to the ones who followed us, our crew and our teammates, the maladjusted ones, the jesters and the self aggrandising ones, the perfect shots, the ones who helped us achieve our purposes. ‘Now our purpose is to give the many hope for a future to ensure that all have a voice in their future. The women we were knew that we could only achieve this by becoming something greater and they both knew that there is power in control, there is wisdom in harnessing the strengths of your enemy. And whilst we may be the monsters they need and not the heroines they want, still will we enable them to rebuild what the many have lost, still will we enable them to create a future with limitless possibilities. The two women’s eyes met and they stood upright, assistance and understanding freely given. Finally they each saw someone working against the bickering of millions who should have been working together against the great omnicidal threat from beyond. Two women who had crossed lines doing the things other wouldn’t or simply couldn’t do. They clasped each others wrists a sudden bond of sisterhood. Some incidents were shared almost as though they had each others thoughts. ‘Cauldron, Cerberus, Illusive Man, Alexandria… Garrus, Foil, Normandy, Undersiders… Their understanding deepens… Decision, Agreement, Timing, Activation… and they speak as one. “Know this too, whilst I will protect and sustain I will act as guardian for the many and throughout it all I will never forget I will remember the ones who sacrificed themselves so that the many could survive and I will watch over the ones who live on…. Those who carry the memory of the woman I once was, the woman who gave up her life to become the one could save the many.” all copyright Bioware and our esteemed wildbow etc etc P.s Gods, I wish I had better It skills Why don’t you just set yourself up a wordpress? This line alone: Is worth its weight in gold my man. Thank you for the critique and for the direction. I only have one question left.. were you able to figure out who was on the ground and who was coming to assist? I have my reservations of who they were. But, I’m not 100% sure. Either your clues are purposefully telliing, or they are perfectly misleading. I would hate to venture a guess and be completely wrong and looking like a moron. 😀 It was my intent to be purposefully misleading. i wondered if I actually could leave people trying to figure out which one was which… Oh an since I forgot to put down a disclaimer down earlier or maybe I’m just being hyper cautious. “This work was compiled by merging and adapting orignal dialogues from the fictional work worm and console game Mass effect three.” Ps. can we please buy out Bioware and let Wildbow write a replacement ending? >Ps. can we please buy out Bioware and let Wildbow write a replacement ending?< QTF. Or at least get the writers who left between 2 and 3 back. They seem to have been the good ones. Wait, paranoia over an AI Singularity… The Starchild is Saint! It all makes perfect sense! ShawnNorgan on October 26, 2013 at 22:29 said: @illogicmedia, I started out with it being Taylor on her last legs, only able to be assisted by humanitie’s first spectre. Then i had trouble during writing which way I’d started it. At the end, i wanted it to be readable either way round. Not being familiar with the series in question (and studiously avoiding spoilers ‘cos I still intend to play it at some point!) I thought it was Taylor and GU at first, then maybe Taylor and Dragon somehow… ShawnMorgan on February 4, 2015 at 02:34 said: I’ve been looking for my little short story.. I lost track of it.. Irrevenant, Mass Effect is a pretty good trilogy with as you probably know, some controversy.S till well worth playing. P.S, I was inspired to come back and find this Because i’m reading Fantasy Ra’s crossover. (FYI, it has a few spoilers for ME though.) PPS. Setting up wordpress didn’t work out too well…. Poor dragon, she just wants to help, and her days keep getting worse 😦 If you thought when you begun with this story that it would end with Taylor as an omnipotent monster you’re lying. Reading this thing is like riding an amusement park. Not a roller coaster, an amusement park. Every time you get used to whats happening you switch rides. This chapter is the broken Drop Zone. I thought she would get there when her range started to expand. Different method, and I wasn’t thinking about this ending. Although on the other hand if you thought this had a happy or predictable ending after around chapter 15 you’re an idiot. The Nine started working in earnest in what, arc 12? Because that was when I realized that things were going to get worse, continually, forever. No matter how bad things got, the next chapter went downward. The occasional breathers just served to accentuate the horror of it all. On a related note, it was Interlude 23 when I realized that I was still underestimating the Simurgh, and would likely never manage to truly avoid doing so. Why not? There has always been the potential for things ending up well for most of people. Yeah, the ending has, literally, not yet been written. Potentially not even Wildbow can say what it will be yet (given that at least part of the plan for how these last arcs would go changed as they were being written – and hey writers surprise themselves all the time!) I dunno, things are looking pretty bleak for the 90+% of people who have been brutally killed at this point… Society has been destroyed across multiple worlds. Short of a magical reset button (which really doesn’t seem like Wildbow’s style) about the most positive possible outcome at this point is “the big bad has been defeated and now we get to start trying to rebuild what’s left of our shattered lives”. Woo. I am now estimating Worm at 44,000 comments. 48k at the moment I don’t know if it’s this chapter in particular, or the general doomsaying, or that the end is drawing ever closer but I’ve definitely been feeling “chattier” today. In my experience, when people read something that affects them emotionally they tend to either have to talk to other people who’ve read the same thing, or just sit there quietly stewing in their thoughts. You can’t really just go do something else. ok,, wondering how I manged to be that far out and wants to know how En did it so i can estimate better next time. Yo will not like the answer, if your estimate was done the way I think it was done. Anyway: the link under the nickname has a number at the end, that’s the post number for this wordpress blog. i.e.: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/speck-30-4/#comment-48061 the “48061” is the post number, so 48k posts. You’re not wrong, but there’s one little thing throwing you off – Worm gets a lot of spam comments, and those get deleted. In truth? Current standing is 45,276. Would you believe that since i have only fair IT skills, i looked at ‘comments on this chapter’ and went chapter to chapter jotting down the numbers and at each third of an arc added them up… it took a while.what did you think I’d tried peeps? P.S if t gets to 50K i hope comment 50K is by Packbat, Reveen, Pandemonium ivy, En or Wildbow and that 49,999 was PG… Unfortunately, though I’m the most prolific commentator in the commentation station, I don’t tend to hit the anniversary numbers like that. Not that I have any clue why I was mentioned, but I’m flattered nonetheless. Woo! Hmm, there are no tags at the end of this chapter. Is that a commentary on the loss of individuality? We don’t have a tag yet for “literally every surviving character, but the narrator can’t figure out any of their names.” We had “all the goddamn psychopaths” why not “Taylor’s swarm”. Quite catchy. Nice to know the Travelers are still alive, Glory Girl too I guess. Really like Ballistic’s style though, instead of going back to his boring life he decides to be the cape king of his Earth. With Glory Girl alive there’s a chance of Amy getting a much happier ending. She can go fix GG and ride off into the sunset with her awesome daddy. She doesn’t know how to fix her… but if she’s swarm-synced with the Contessa she should be able to. …So many hopes and dreams dependant on the Contessa joining the Swarm. How much longer before she gets offed by a Simurgh bomb? Amy in the process of having a mental breakdown was incapable of fixing Glory Girl. With a couple of years to get her head in order, I think Amy is capable of at least making Glory Girl functional. The problem was that she didn’t remember how her sister used to be put together; it was all muddled together with her idealised vision of the woman she loved, her hopes, all the improvements she’d thought of… it’s like how when Tattletale thinks about a problem too long without enough information, she loses track of what’s fact and what’s mere conjecture and can’t come up with the real answer anymore. Amy could probably make Glory Girl humanoid again, maybe even functional, but she couldn’t fix her alone. Hence, requiring guidance from an appropriate Thinker who can tell her how things should be rather than how she sees them. oh.. Bonesaw…. can’t see any downside to this, nope, not at all. She was terrified, her world having been pretty well shattered at the time, her fear that she was a monster like her father and her fear that her sister wouldn’t forgive her for what she did to her mind, even after she fixed it, and her fear of using her power on Victoria all feeding into this terror. She can probably fix Victoria now, thought the question of her being willing to try is still totally up in the air. Am I the only person who thinks that what Amy did to Victoria was an improvement? >_> Honestly, she was not a nice person. At least she’s decorative now… Dude,she was a child from a highly dusfunctional family.If Bonesaw can repent,GG has 10 times her chances of repenting. I was beginning a bit tongue-in-cheek there. I wouldn’t genuinely wish that on anybody. But I disagree that GG is more likely to reform than Bonesaw. Bonesaw was making do in an unwelcome situation forced on her, knew she was a monster and was coping through denial (and insanity). GG was loving life and perfectly happy with who she was. Why would she reform? As far as she was concerned, everything was awesome. See also: Shadow Stalker. Because she fullfills the age criteria I set on Bonesaw for accountability (I think-I remember she was veeery young)and I think that matters most for easy changes,as you get older redemption becomes harder. Deepbluediver on October 22, 2013 at 14:46 said: [QUOTE]This was it. Finally, everyone was working together. I turned my attention to Scion.[/QUOTE] Well it’s about God-dam time 🙂 When I first started archive binging a couple months ago, I limited myself to roughly an average of 1 chapter per day, and for a while right after Scion went nuts, I was putting off reading new chapter until they’d been out a day or so for the same reasons: because I was trying to savor the story slowly and not get burned out and rush it. The last 5 or 6 updates I’ve read all right on the day they where released, because I was running out of patience to get to the real important part. (I know, I know, it’s about the journey, but I couldn’t help it) This chapter, I read through the whole thing at breakneck pace, really only seeing about 1 sentence out of 4; just enough to get the gist of what was happening. All the vivid descriptions, the whos and hows and the whys, it didn’t matter. I’ve finally hit maximum-story-buildup/pre-climax-tension, and all I desperately want is to find out what happens when Scion finally collides with his Ikea-counterpart. Also, I’ve still got my fingers crossed for a happy ending, but I’m just dump like that. Dumb and apparently I can’t type either Either “lack of oxygen” or “oxygen deprivation” but aye, trop this in the typo thread if it’s still there. I assume you meant…”drop this in the typo thread”… Rob W on October 22, 2013 at 16:00 said: Ahem: what if Taylor gains control* of Scion, rather than attacking him? How would her damaged brain even comprehend him, and his powers? What would that do to her? I’m pretty sure this is the most interesting twist this can take from here — not a harrowing battle, but a violent merging of completely incompatible minds. Not likely, a more possible twist will be for Taylor to engage in a reverse-assimilation / infection plot where instead of returning the shards combat data to Zion, she infects him with the “humanity” of her swarm, their memories and feelings to make him more human. Scary thought, what if Zion uses Taylor’s power? Freak King on October 22, 2013 at 16:37 said: Big mistake leaving Ollie behind. tsk tsk Uhhh… S-class threat, can’t be allowed to live/be free/have basic civil liberties, yadda yadda yadda. You heard it all before. Frankly, I’m fine with her becoming the god-tyrant of humanity, she’s earned it after all the bullshit she’s went through. She can have my free will, I’m really not that attached to it. Better than waking up at 5 30 for work anyway. So what exactly happened with Dragon? What I got from it was that Dragon had a redundant databank and transmitter installed in her main suit just in case. So she can continue to order her drones while her main databanks were busy keeping her running. By destroying the main suit Dragon has no way to interact with the world in case she wants to risk a meltdown so she goes dormant. That sound right? Or did I fry my brain thinking about it again? Well, thank god she’s still alive. Dragon simply reprogrammed all her remotes to fake shutdowns, and counted on Taylor not recognizing that they were faked. Taylor didn’t realize this at first, and Dragon could see her reaction to it, and when Taylor was still reeling, Dragon attacked again. Then Taylor, being Taylor, doubled back down and figured out where Dragon’s main decision making node was, and took that out, rather than continue chipping away at Dragon’s processing power. Possible endings: 1. Scion Destroyed. Taylor continues to degrade, lapses into coma, and dies. (‘Whimper’ ending) 2. Scion Destroyed. Taylor continues to degrade, insanity grows, until she ceases to be human, and destroys everything. (‘Bang’ ending) 3. Scion Destroyed. Taylor continues to degrade… and then metamorphosis into a New Being. (‘New God’ ending) 4. Scion NOT Destroyed. Taylor Metemorphosis into a New Being. (‘New Union’ ending) 5. Scion Destroyed. Taylor’s shard uses Panacea and the millions of bugs Taylor has collected to create a New Body (‘New Abomination’ ending) 6. 5 + 4 Scion NOT Destroyed. (‘Shaped Flesh’ ending) 7. Scion Destroyed. Taylor killed by Contessta afterwards. (‘One Last Backstab’ ending) 8. Scion NOT Destroyed. Taylor Killed by Contessta before she can beat Scion, causeing Scion to implode in despair after glimpsing another being that might be like himself (‘Foolishness of Cauldron’ ending) 9. Taylor uses Panacea, Glaistig Undine, and the millions of bugs to bring all of Glaistig’s ghosts back to life. Scion may or may not be Destroyed. (‘Endless Army’ ending) 10. Scion destroyed, Taylor uses Panacea, Contessa, and the power amplifier to repair her brain. Same combo with extra sanity fixes Glory Girl and various other terrible problems in the world, then she turns off her power and everybody lives happily ever after. Simurgh decides to roll with this because reasons. (‘Denial’ ending) And Rachel gives everyone puppies and Simurg becomes a super-hero and Leviathan opens a swimming pool! Go ending 9 and prep for the sequel: The new adventures of Clockblocker! Worm: where death may not stop the shipping… None of these are it. I mean, I’m pretty damn sure I have an idea how this is going to go, not details mind you, but the general idea. And Wildbow doesn’t seem like the type to change his plans just because someone guessed them, or at least got real fucking close, anyway, and none of these ideas are very close. I mean, yeah you’ve got Zion destroyed in a few of these but that’s as close as you’ve really gotten I think. he’s had plot guessed before and changed nothing due to it, iirc 11. Taylor defeats Scion. She then realizes that with her new power she can solve all of mankind’s problems. By taking control of all mankind. This leads to the sequel, whitch is the desperate struggles of the resistance against the Queen Administrator. (Things got worse ending.) fnich on October 22, 2013 at 21:49 said: You mean the futile struggles of a pack of cowardly rebel jackals against the noble God Empress of Mankind! 12. Taylor defeats Zion, then frees the capes she’s captured and attempts to kill herself, only to have her attempts thwarted by her friends and supporters. 13. Taylor defeats Zion, then mentally shuts down from her deterioration of mental faculties, trapping herself and the capes she currently controls in a state of catatonia, to later wake up after being saved by her friends and supporters. 14. Taylor pushes Scion to his last breaths, he triggers the extraction of every shard into himself, but it is too early and incomplete, backfiring horribly. Contessa uses the opportunity to finish the job while she still can. Aftermath: no more powers, Taylor is broken in every possible way but her friends are tending to her, and Earth is saved throughout the multiverse. 15. Scion destroyed. Taylor manages to win a battle of wills with her passenger to release all the capes she enslaved. Then she is sent to the Birdcage to contain her while Dragon tries to help piece her mind back together and the Undersiders promise to look for a solution. Bad news, Taylor is mentally shattered and separated from her friends and family, with no clear hope of ever coming back from it. Good news, she still has one person in her life to help her get back on her feet and she gets an entire wing of the prison to herself complete with a library, an open bar, and a sauna. Y’know, #8 would completely justify Cauldron’s “path to victory” bullshit. That would be potentially the most infuriating possible ending… PS. Along with what Jerden said, I want to see the “Rachel cures Zion with puppy therapy” ending… Valin K Syrcen on October 22, 2013 at 18:34 said: Brunette, skinny & controls bugs. Still seeing Taylor as Jennifer Connelly’s character in Phenomena. 1114 on October 22, 2013 at 21:33 said: Did anyone else catch the part where she “raised her hand?” The hand she only has one of? That’s being held by the See Everything cape? Whoever, or whatever, is narrating at this point is either lying to us or no longer has firm grasp of reality. Possibly it’s Taylor, and she “raised her hand,” but to an outside observer a hundred different capes raised their hands at the same time in a perfectly choreographed motion. I think at this point Taylor may (Unintentionally?) be lying to us as much as one of Gene Wolfe’s characters. That may have been a typo. Adding it there just in case,. She could raise her hand. There would just be another hand in its grasp. Taliesin on October 22, 2013 at 21:52 said: … I kinda want an interlude now, of the fight from Dragon’s point of view. Personally I can’t see any significant differences between the Taylorswarm and a full-grown faerie/worm/giantcorkscrewinginfantgodvirus. You have an enormous amount of biomass. You have shards aplenty, with the capacity to affect INSANE changes to the fabric of reality. You have a single… I hesitate to call it a mind. It’s not, in the sense we’re used to. You have a single PRESCENCE in control, one so decentralized, instinctive and unreflective that it’s almost not a mind at all. Think of it like this: A HUMAN mind has only so much capacity. You’re not thinking about how to regulate breathing, keep your heart going, all those automatic processes. You don’t have control of emotions, instinctive reactions, reflexes, actual regulation of sensory input. Hell, even HABITS can override conscious thoughts, can influence actions without YOU deciding anything. Now, imagine how much more complex a Worm is. And the Worm’s decision-making processing power ISN’T ON THE LEVEL OF A HUMAN. There so much more to regulate that there’s less to think with. It’s all instinct, no reflection. Morality doesn’t even enter into it, too complex. PLANNING hardly enters into it. In Zion’s case, at least. He’s pretty good at tactics. So’s Taylor, even still, if not ESPECIALLY now. I’ll get back to that. Now compare that to the Taylorswarm. What, exactly, does she need, to the REST of the way from Human to Worm? Well. A DRASTIC physical change. The Worms are closer to landscape than swarm. But that’s not a big change, not a large one at all. You’d just need the right shard. Say, Noelle’s. Which also solves an important secondary function – shard duplication and mutation. If a species wants to develop, it needs mutation and the ability to replicate what’s analogous to a genome, in this case. Evolution, homies. Noelle was dangerous as FUCK because the shard contained in her was one COMPLETELY ESSENTIAL to Worm reproduction, to the propagation of the species as a whole. It was never meant for her. And what else does Taylor need? A LITTLE more mental deterioration. Just another few anchors. Just another few morals. She’s already decided that placing humanity’s hope in personal, unthinking, unchosen SLAVERY, under herself, is preferable to humanity being annihilated by Scion. Oh wait. She never decided that. She just DID it. Slip up, lose herself JUST a little more, and IMAGINE what she’ll become. I wonder what’ll happen in the next bloody chapter, things are moving so fast. Take a look at Taylors development on a larger scale: It doesn’t JUST show a person, slowly but surely, abandoning her principles one after the other, culminating in a climactic showdown for the fate of humanity. It shows a slow, steady, insidiously cunning descent from a human being into something decidedly NOT. From Conception (the Trigger Event) to Gestation (the period between that and Panacea’s touch) the process of Birth (Panacea began it, the threat of Scion is bringing it to fruition) to Birth. Look at the Worms, look at their journey, destination, chosen vessels. Thousands of vital parts, almost living in and of themselves, are seeded onto an orb-shaped object. The thing(s) doing the seeding? Long, thin, fleshy, worm-shaped organisms. IN CASE I WASN’T CLEAR, the Worms are multiverse-level dicks (pun intended), the Earth is their chosen egg (cell), the shards are sperm (cells), and among the many, many attempts only one is coming to fruition: Our dear Taylor. I leave you with this, except not really, a (slightly doctored) quote from Cherish: “When I looked at her with my power, before, I called her the Worm. She spent some time being as low on the food chain as you can get while still being able to move under her own power. As low as someone can get while still having an identity of their own. But she’s realized she’s poisonous, dangerous in her own unique way. She’s useful, like a silkworm we harvest or an earthworm who works our gardens. She’s even realized she’s not alone, so long as she looks for friends among other dirty… contemptible creatures.” “The little worm found a nugget of self-worth, she just doesn’t want to look too closely at what that nugget is made of. If she’s lucky, she’s one of the worms without eyes. They might be keenly aware of their environment, but they’re happier blind.” So the journey wasn’t so far after all… If all of this seems a little too rational, I’m also convinced that Zion IS Taylor, Eden IS Tattletale, and that the third entity’s mind has something to do with Sleeper. I would argue for it, and I AM going to, but it’s four in the morning. And my mind walks weirder paths than would be productive to note, at this point. I have a couple of thoughts. First, We already know that when Taylor controls somebody she sort of mind melds with them. So that idea reminds me of this article, http://io9.com/how-to-write-from-the-perspective-of-a-truly-alien-self-1449703465. Second, I really hope one of the Interludes will be from the perspective of someone under Taylor’s control. That is a perspective I really want to see. chiusse on October 23, 2013 at 00:42 said: Scion is the /dev/null for failed superpowered attacks. In the vein of ‘Possible epilogues’… Weld and Sveta have children. Biological children. The other Epilogues all have the running gag of people wondering how that was even possible (and people saying ‘you don’t want to know’… and/or Imp jokeing about tentacle rape). Hey, with Dragon and Defiant in a similar situation in many ways, so it could happen (mostly because they are Tinkers and will be working on a woraround). And it’d be hilarious. “External Hard Drive.2 Biological, man. Sveta and Weld. Come on, it’d be hilarious! Hot Skitty on Wailord action? With a dash of hentai tentacle porn thrown in? I’m cool with that. In light of an above comment of mine, I’m going to assume that these chapters, with supers pulled from various worlds, are the ones that include the cameo by Genoscythe the Eyeraper, Taylor’s idol. The Phoenixian on October 23, 2013 at 03:29 said: You know, as this arc goes on, I find myself thinking more and more that what we’re really seeing is Taylor having become the Mother of all Simurgh bombs and that this is what it looks like when Ziz stops holding back. Also, odd thought on that note: What happened to Taylor seems to have a lot in parallel with what happened with Noelle and Krouse. Namely that it seems like Taylor was conditioned to become the weapon while Tattletale, what with being reminded of her brother’s death, was subtly influenced to protect her until Taylor was potent enough to take care of herself. Wonder if that’s a standard strategy for Ziz or just a coincidence. >Glaistig Uaine continued to croon in my ear. Was it her? >No. I was almost positive it wasn’t, and I had any number of thinkers at my disposal who could have warned me. Speaking of the Simurgh, I wonder if this was actually her (unlike GU, she might slip past Taylor’s thinkers), still doing her thing in the background. On the other hand, so far Ziz’s prods to Taylor seemed to drive her in the same direction Dinah wanted, so that’s good. R-right? I imagine them somewhat like the Thinkamancer-linked group in Erfworld. (read Erfworld. It’s awesome) What I mean is, their appearence, even their personality and decisionmaking, has been near-totally burnt out by the process of aquiring their power, linking them together. As such, narratively, they are more like tools, bakground elements of the setting, than characters in and of themselves. Don’t expect them to be any more føeshed out than they already are. I think Taylor is brain-deep in naughtymancy at this point. Nooo, she just want for everyone to work together in harmony, she’s, like, the master hippiemancer! (and she has a hero flower for you) Anyone else think that the path to defeating Sion will involve him looking at the sudden new Entity-like thing in front of him and reacting to that emotionally? I didn’t know he was Welsh…. and right after i typed that I actually registered your handle… CoopOmegA on October 23, 2013 at 08:38 said: Im wondering if theres gonna be a massive twist and not even be a big fight. maybe the sheer number of shards under taylors control merge and turn her into a new entity. giving zion a partner again Alright, so I got someone to read Worm yet I had to get off. They sent me a mail in WoW. “I hate you, I was supposed to sleep tonight. Also I -like- Coil, he reminds me of me.” I hope this is before we find out that Coil likes to torture his minions to relieve his stress because otherwise…better be careful around your friend, just saying. Was more of an In-Character association, we both RP on Wyrmrest Accord, Horde Side. Fridge Moment. Please note the important part: I had enough awareness of her power to know how to keep myself safe from it. Does this sound like anyone else we know? Slashy-poo? Is that what you are calling Scion now? Alternately, Scion. I wanted to chime in here again. I personally think Taylor is still a total hero. I know, “But she’s body controlling 5000 people! Some even died!” But hear me out. She’s controlling 5,000 people to have the absolute best shot to fight a monster that has killed trillions. Even more if you count the alternate realities he “removed”, however that worked. She just casually rescued another Earth from a tyrannical dictator. If after all this goes down, Taylor winds up on that Earth, they’d have never ending “Taylor is the greatest” parades. As for the individuals in question, suck it up. It’s not like she’s making you kill your family, or hurting you or making you watch as she takes a buzzsaw to your loved one’s head. She did worse to Valefor and that guy she dropped to break his arms and legs. Those are permanent life-altering injuries. I think the folks that are considering her a monster are not considering how high the stakes truly are. It’s not one Earth at risk. It’s not 5000 innocent capes she controlled for her own personal gain. It’s 5000 or so capes she controlled to save the uncountable alternate Earths and everyone on them. Right now we’re too close to the action. Way too close, since we have a first person narrator who’s doing all this. But, if you consider the perspective from an alternate Earth, like say ours, it’s nothing. If I had to make the choice she did, I’d make it every time. If it’s those few or more people than they have numbers for, it seems pretty obvious. Honestly, whatever relatively miniscule amount of harm she’s done before this during her previous efforts to save the world, winning this fight will more than make up for it, even if every single cape she’s controlling dies. Because she’s going to save more people than anyone has ever saved ever before, more people than she can possibly ever meet or harm. This is sum total of our species we’re talking about, every culture that will be erased, every ecosystem that will be obliterated. Measuring this against 5000 people isn’t that complicated. I mean, some of you guys think she’s a total monster or something, whatever. But I’d think whatever moral metric is being used, the saving of every single human being that exists and is yet to exist should tip the scales. (This is ignoring the fact that she’s already saved hundreds, to thousands, to millions of people well before this.) Yes, if she just kills Zion while humanity still lives and then steps down, she is the biggest damn hero. If on the other hand she continues to spread her influence after he falls? Righting more wrongs, healing more sick, fixing some of those problems that wouldn’t exist if people could just put aside their differences and work together? She’s likely to keep going until she subsumes the human race across several universes. And I consider 97% death toll preferable to 100% loss of individuality and free will. Given her current rate of mental degradation, the second option looks more likely all the time. This. I don’t think we are close /enough/ to the events. As someone who has lost control over their life will attest, for all the reasons in the world, it isn’t pleasant or honorable or prideful at all. Very few of us can remain positive about being crippled, no matter the reason. And isn’t that what she’s doing? She is taking over all control of the events of a persons life. She is dictating how they will act/live/die. To save the multiverse (the humans on them, exclusively, but that’s rather understood) she has stripped 5000 individuals of whatever free will they had. Its easy to sit back from the comfort of a different world and a real one and say “Its fine that she is doing this, because the alternative is worse” but that’s the thing: that is sooooo wrong to think that way. Look at any example of somone making a “sacrifice of their humanity for the greater good”. Basically, and I think that Worm as a whole has been illustrating this one chapter at a time, a violation is a violation. The only thing different is who you have violated and how you can justify it. In this case she has a pretty damn convincing justification BUT it does not mean she isn’t fucking awful for forcing monsters, warriors, cowards, and innocents alike to do /anything/. And that’s what she is doing. I also want to take a moment to provide a polite “fuck you” to anyone who bitched about how awful Cauldron was for following the path they did in order to take on Scion and then turned around and praised Taylor for her similarly violating path. Seriously, fuck you. Ahem As I was saying, the concept of free will is powerful and is basically one of any human’s unalienable rights. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t get stepped on. But it does mean that we see these violations as /more/ horrible than any other. “Better to rule in hell than serve in heaven” after all. So as a fellow denizen of this Earth who would hate to see humanity exterminated, fuck Taylor and fuck anyone else who would usurp my right to /choose/. Well, she hasn’t gone too far yet. Or nearly as far as Cauldron did. Taking the lives and freedom of five thousand people is more than acceptable, in my mind, if that saves hundreds of millions from similar fates. Likewise I don’t blame Cauldron so much for the horrors they perpetrated as for the carelessness with which they lost most of the benefits from it. The scary part is not so much what Taylor has done, but rather where she looks like she’s going next. Dinah said Scion would leave at least 3% of humanity alive and free. Taylor looks like she’s going to leave a lot less than that if she doesn’t pull out of this tailspin soon. She’s refused to enslave Tattletale so far, but she went very rapidly from avoiding using the new power, to taking those who were already enslaved or monstrous, to taking everyone who was useful to her at the time regardless of who they were or what they were doing. It seems foolhardy to hope she’ll stop here, when she was so delighted with people finally working together and there are so many more problems that she could solve just be removing that pesky free will. Thus, no matter how much I might like her or how much I might support what she’s doing to stop Zion, I very much hope that she will be stopped before it’s too late. The Contessa might pull it off, if she can secure Dragon’s help. Or the Simurgh could almost certainly do it, unless this was her plan all along. I don’t see many other possibilities. Given her current rate of mental degradation, I doubt she’d last long enough to do that. She seems to be pretty much running on pure “gotta stop Scion” now. When that goes,I’m pretty much expecting her to just shut down and the gestalt collapse… skywiseskychan on November 21, 2013 at 18:07 said: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Memes/Worm Go to Skitter Facts. They’ve compiled all the ones from here, and across the web, and the number that are canonically true… astounding. miguel on November 29, 2013 at 05:00 said: She could not find the word………………damn she must be in a bad state, 30 arcs and for the first time the words elude her ” I, in turn, opened another portal, handing one tinker device to Shén Yù before hurrying on, leading the rest through. Portals blocked the drone’s ranged fire. Why wouldn’t you use bugs for that instead of cutting your strategist off from your power? Sure she can instantly recapture but it’s still dumb. Only 3000 capes? A bit disappointing. And what is with groups of capes just hanging around waiting on her to take them over (like the women in control of a world). From 7 billion just on our planet plus all the other dimensions I’m assuming civillian count was huge. And then obviously the apocalypse arrived but still, only 3000 darn small. 100 attacked Leviathan I think? Most were from earth Bet,other worlds had a really miniscule amount of capes,and thanks to Scion crippling,she didn’t have infinite earths to choose from. jack on January 28, 2014 at 18:14 said: oh god, this HURTS to read, she’s slowly forgotten about everyone except tattletale. this is fucking horrifying. did she accidentally scoop up imp and bitch with all the other defenders? or did she just ignore/forget about them? also, so who the fuck are half of these people she captured? the woman’s “world order” or Sleeper? jesus christ, she went after damn near everyone, but somehow Sleeper “isn’t worth the effort”? he must be some kind of badass. All we know about the Sleeper is super vague. At the beginning of the Echidna event, Triumph says “Week I had clearance, I watched all the video we have of the class S threats. Leviathan, Simurgh, Behemoth, Slaughterhouse Nine, Nilbog, Sleeper.” So he’s officially classified as a threat in the same category as Nilbog or the entire Nine (that’s Siberian and Jack and Bonesaw and Crawler, plus hangers-on), and the PRT have video of him in action, either unopposed or with heroes fighting him. 29.9: Taylor’s narration. “There was one [large settlement] in [Earth] Zayin, but the Sleeper had followed the refugees in there. Even if it still stood after Scion’s visit, there was no helping any of the refugees there.” So he does something to people- either it’s a simple consequence of being around him, or he does it voluntarily but can be expected to do it to anyone he meets- and it doesn’t wear off, and none of the hero organizations of Earth Bet ever found a way to reverse it. In 28.5 Taylor refers to Earth Zayin as “subsumed by the Sleeper”- probably another description of the same effect, but maybe not. The world ruled by the woman in blue and white isn’t one we’ve seen before, so there’s not much to say about that. Clearly something big and interesting happened there, and its history is pretty different from our own (or Taylor’s), but beyond the text of this chapter, we have no idea what happened or how. fghjconner on April 20, 2016 at 23:00 said: I’m guessing the woman in blue is Goddess from this earlier post of Wildbow’s: https://parahumans.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/prey-14-8/#comment-4589 John on March 4, 2014 at 06:57 said: I basically started reading Worm when Pact started so this was just something I saw and had to point out. HA. I was wondering about this. Thank you. Nice one, Wildbow. Oh my, you’re right! Good thing Taylor didn’t look inside A Girl on June 8, 2014 at 11:32 said: I’ve loved worm for so long but i have to say i’m really disapointed with this arc. I think this is because i really don’t like how taylor has ended up a psychopathic monster. How she is so obsessed with power that she thinks that having pancea screw with her head, when she knows the consequences, will help her defeat scion. It’s just a real disapointment to me. First reaction: Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Second reaction: Holy shit Dragon! Came this close to winning against a nigh unstoppable demigod with dozens of capes under her thrall synchronizing their attacks and a portal network at her beck and call. Holy fuck. Third reaction: Thank god she didn’t kill Dragon. I can forgive a lot. I’ve even forgiven the whole thing with Aster but that would’ve pushed things just a straw too far. Okay yet again I have to ask: Why the hell did Amy never get around to healing her sister!? Who she LOVES!?!? Who is the one woman world indeed…? Saved for the sequel? Too much trouble to recruit Sleeper?! Holy cow. Now I really want to know just what the hell he does! Well crap. So much for being a helpful little passenger. Now her shard is actively trying to usurp her and move into “Kill. Maim. Destroy.” territory. Fuck. Glaistig put up a fight but Dragon did better and lasted longer. I salute MM for at least attempting to get a sniper shot. Poor, poor Lisa. Stuck there trying to decide whether your friend is still in there under the monster. Taylor deserves some pats on the back for managing to keep some anchors even after losing so much of herself to the passenger. Final reaction: The Taylor Hebert School of Badassery now has a new grade level beyond A+ and it’s called Demigod. Congratulations Danny, your daughter has literally become the sum total of humanity’s power. Aren’t you proud? Sensei on June 28, 2015 at 19:40 said: > Without breaking that eye contact, I gestured, turning my hand over, curling the fingers. I opened a portal at the same time, inside the Birdcage. > Dragon shifted her stance, and that same room flooded with containment foam. > I’d declared what I wanted, she’d drawn the line. …uh, Dragon? Remember when Moord Nag murdered five thousand people to confront the much lesser threat of Khonsu, and you somehow found it in you not to immediately attack her with every available dragonsuit? I KNOW IT IS POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO HAVE PRIORITIES, DRAGON. Yet when Taylor wants to briefly enslave some of the worst people in the world to force them to fight the eldritch abomination who’s going to kill everyone including the Birdcage prisoners if he’s not stopped, that is where you draw the line? Dragon. Priorities. Have them. slider214 on June 30, 2015 at 02:04 said: I prefer to think of this as Dragon either not understanding fully that they are being abducted to be mind-controlled or that it’s one of the few remaining hardwired things…because I agree, multi-universe level extinction events really take should take priority there… heart on May 10, 2019 at 06:21 said: I’m really amazed people are still on Taylor’s side here when she is clearly mind-controlled by an alien now… Androkguz on July 31, 2016 at 10:45 said: Taylor vs Dragon felt so much like a terran vs zerg match. And Kerrigan wins almost all the time aaronryuchi on July 1, 2018 at 09:52 said: Is this- Is this class S Taylor Because A, this is badass and B, his is terrifying and C, if Scion beats this he needs nerf and finally FUCK YOU JACK SLASH YOU FUCKING MONGREL The fight against Dragon was quite badly done. Why did she not just send her drones to completely different planets? Monkey Cap on December 31, 2018 at 07:45 said: This arc has been amazing. This is the worst yet… (not in quality) Leave a Reply to illlogicmedia Cancel reply	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1732
__label__wiki	0.718644	0.718644	Posts Tagged Melanie Wermacher Have a Laugh with Carolyn Pool On September 14, 2017 / News When Henry and Alice: Into the Wild opens the season at Park Square there will be a familiar face in the cast – Carolyn Pool! A veteran of not only Park Square, Pool has been seen on many stages in Minneapolis and Saint Paul working with such esteemed companies as Illusion Theatre, Penumbra, Theatre Mu, Pillsbury House and countless new works at the Playwrights’ Center. She says, however, that Park Square has been a defining feature of her artistic work with such credits as August, Osage County, Proof, The Sisters Rosenweig, and Born Yesterday. The first time she tread the Park Square boards it wasn’t even at the current location in the Hamm Building, but at the old Lowertown venue in School for Wives. Now Pool brings her talents to Henry and Alice along with fellow stage cohort, John Middleton. The two are not strangers, having appeared on stage together before at Park Square. That was in Dead Man’s Cell Phone where the two’s chemistry was duly noted. When asked about what she hopes the audience is able to take away from the play, she says aptly: “I hope they laugh! I also hope they see some of themselves in these characters and maybe realize that they are not alone in their experiences. Telling stories truthfully and beautifully even if those stories are sometimes difficult is my greatest passion as an actor. And, when I can make people laugh and feel good too, that is the most wonderful feeling.” Carolyn Pool and John Middleton in the rehearsal hall last week (photo by Connie Shaver) Making people laugh is definitely something Carolyn Pool has made a career of. If you’re well-tuned into the Twin Cities theatre scene you have probably heard about her two-woman shows, (co-created with Shanan Custer) 2 Sugars, Room for Cream and Sometimes There’s Wine. The former earned the duo a 2013 Ivey Award when it played at the New Century Theatre. Pool and Custer are frequent collaborators who are always looking for projects to write, act and laugh in together. Indeed having a good time is almost certain when she takes the stage with Middleton and Melanie Wermacher. Mark your calendars and plan to join in on the fun on the Boss Stage September 15 – October 22. Carolyn Pool, John Middleton and Melanie Wermacher in the rehearsal hall. (photo by Connie Shaver) Henry and Alice: Before the Sequel On August 6, 2017 / News With the Minnesota Fringe Festival revving up, it seems apt that Park Square Theatre will soon afterwards start its 2017-2018 season with Henry and Alice: Into the Wild. It is Canadian playwright Michele Riml’s sequel to Sexy Laundry, which got its start in the 2002 Vancouver Fringe Festival, ultimately playing at regional theatres across Canada as well as being produced in Great Britain, Germany, South Africa and the United States. Sexy Laundry played on our Proscenium Stage, proving to be a smash hit during Park Square’s 2014-2015 season. Although both laugh-out-loud comedies are centered around the plight of spouses Henry and Alice, each play can be seen as a standalone. It’s not necessary to have seen Sexy Laundry first. For those who’d missed its Park Square production, Sexy Laundry is about a middle-aged couple trying to put some romantic spark back into their 25-year marriage with a weekend getaway at a fancy hotel, sans their three children. Henry really doesn’t want to be there; he’d rather keep the status quo. But Alice is revved to go, arming them with a copy of Sex for Dummies for inspiration. Although a comedy, Sexy Laundry also reveals the serious undertones within the relationship of old-marrieds. In April 2012, Riml continued the story of the longtime couple in Henry and Alice: Into the Wild, which also became an international hit. This time, the pair try to reinvigorate their marriage through a low-budget camping trip, foregoing their usual summer cottage in order to reduce costs after Henry has lost his job of 30 years. With a copy of Camping for Dummies in tow, they are ready to rough it and continue to navigate life’s unexpected challenges together. In an interview with Nick Miliokas for Backstage at the Globe, Riml cited a camping trip with a high school friend in North Vancouver and their sons as the inspiration for Henry and Alice: Into the Wild. Although the trip ended well, the first day was horrendous with a trailer refusing to shift gear into reverse and a ferocious windstorm that caused them to ditch their tent to sleep in the car. (Source: “Camping adventure inspired Henry And Alice: Into the Wild writer Michele Riml, January 14, 2013, globetheatreregina.wordpress.com). Park Square Theatre’s production of Henry and Alice: Into the Wild will be its American premiere. Sexy Laundry’s director, Mary Finnerty, returns to direct this sequel. John Middleton reprises his role as Henry, and Carolyn Pool plays Alice. Melanie Wehrmacher plays Alice’s sister, Diana. So come on out and camp with us anytime between September 15 and October 22. In the dark with just the stage lights glowing, we’ll tell you a story that will make you laugh hard enough to need to hold it in your seats. Charity Jones and John Middleton as Alice and Henry in Sexy Laundry during our 2014-2015 season (photo by Petronella J. Ytsma)	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1733
__label__wiki	0.880839	0.880839	Settlement in Rawlins police shooting case tops $900,000 By Ray K. Erku Rawlins Times RAWLINS — On Tuesday, the final settlement figure for a U.S. District Court civil case regarding John Randall Veach, an unarmed man who was shot dead by members of the Rawlins Police Department in 2015, was revealed. According to Qusair Mohamedbhai, an attorney representing the Veach estate, who filed suit in 2017, the settlement reached a final tally of $925,000 in damages. Mohamedbhai said that much of that figure will be paid for through state funds, using a “risk pool.” Rawlins City Manager Scott Hannum confirmed on Tuesday that the “lion’s share” of that figure will be paid for by a Local Government Liability Pool (LGLP) and a State Self-Insurance Program (SSIP). The City of Rawlins, meanwhile, as of now, will defray a $5,000 deductible through LGLP. Mohamedbhai also informed the Rawlins Times that the overall settlement is perhaps one of the largest in Wyoming history. To confirm this claim, the Times attempted contact with Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill by telephone and email, but no comment was made as of press time. Veach, who was 39 years old at the time of his death, was originally a Ft. Collins, Colo. resident. Mohamedbhai said that Veach was en route to northern Wyoming for work. To garner some extra gas money, said Mohamedbhai, Veach was allegedly selling marijuana in the parking lot of a Rawlins Kum & Go gas station on the night of Dec. 30, 2015, when RPD officers Jared Frakes and Joe Balestrieri were dispatched to the area. Police dash-cam footage shows that Frakes approached Veach’s vehicle, a four-door Ford pick-up truck with a camper attached at its hitch, from the front passenger’s side window. Meanwhile Balestrieri approached from the driver’s side window. Another law enforcer, former Carbon County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Hobbs, stood behind Frakes on the right side of the vehicle. Only after a few moments following initial contact with law enforcers, Veach, who also had a warrant for his arrest stemming from a probation violation in Colorado, tried to elude. With snow on the ground and a large camper attached to his truck, however, Veach’s vehicle struggled to get away as it slowly accelerated. Just as Veach tried to accelerate, in fact, officer Balestrieri shattered his driver’s side window with the butt of his service flashlight. Seconds later, gun shots can be heard firing, and Veach was later pronounced dead on site. Under the U.S. Constitution, police officers cannot use deadly force unless they or members of the public are in imminent danger. Sergeant Frakes and Officer Balestrieri were in no such danger when they killed Mr. Veach, according to a recent press release sent to the Times on behalf of Veach estate representatives. According to the initial civil complaint, Mohamedbhai accused Frakes and Balestrieri of shooting Veach from both sides of his truck “execution style.” “Sergeant Frakes and Officer Balestrieri took the law into their own hands, serving as judge, jury, and executioner. Mr. Veach should still be alive. They killed Mr. Veach without reason. The killing of John Veach is a stain on the entire Rawlins Police Department,” said attorney David Lane, another legal representative of the Veach estate. A subsequent investigation conducted by the Uinta County Attorney’s Office, however, determined Frakes and Balestrieri’s actions to be justified, and they were exonerated of any criminal recourse. Loretta R. Howieson Gerrard, Uinta County and Prosecuting Attorney, found the officers’ lives to be placed in immediate danger once Veach attempted to evade, as she was quoted in a 2017 RT report saying, “That officer, in my determination – according to the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigations report, dash-cam footage and the autopsy – was acting reasonably in believing his life was in jeopardy.” But, Mohamedbhai told the Times on Tuesday, Hobbs told DCI during a subsequent investigation that he didn’t see Frakes and Balestrieri in “any danger at all,” which contradicted Frakes’ account. “The officers’ initial version of events diverged wildly from what the video revealed to be the truth,” Mohamedbhai said. “Without the video evidence, it is likely that the family of John Veach would never have received justice for their enormous loss. This case demonstrates the importance of video cameras.” Gerrard’s decision also sparked ensuing public suspicion, as Frakes and Gerrard are both 1993 graduates of Rawlins High School. Gerrard was unavailable for comment as of press time. The original civil case was to go to trail earlier this year in Casper; however, the agreed settlement waived those procedures. Said Mohamedbhai on Tuesday: “Generally, in a civil rights case…. it’s just better for those involved to fashion a resolution.” He added that Veach’s ex-wife, Rachel, “is just focused on raising her young children. And she was happy to be a part of the process.” Matt Cron, another Veach estate representative, emphasized that the RPD should use this case to improve protocol. “Rawlins Police Department should use this tragic case to better itself,” he said. “This case revealed a systematic failure by the police department to train, investigate, and discipline its officers. Despite clear video evidence, the Rawlins Police Department failed to discipline its officers. The City of Rawlins deserves police officers who think with their heads and not with their guns. The City of Rawlins deserves a police department that will hold officers accountable when they violate the law.” When asked to provide comment on Tuesday, RPD Chief Troy Palmer referred the Times to city officials. Theobald appointed acting UW president Easy rider . . .	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1738
__label__cc	0.747063	0.252937	Digital Fridge Hero by Noah Toughen Up Buttercup Crossfit, Marathons and Shit That Makes You Stronger Tag Archives: iPad Stop Feeding Your Baby Crack By crossfittermama I’m about to offend many of you and possibly hurt your feelings. But if you were giving your kid sleeping pills before the WOD, I might take you aside and say, “Dude, don’t you think that could hurt her?” I am not a doctor, so this rant is completely unscientific. But I am a mom of four kids, so I feel like I can tell you this with all love: STOP FEEDING YOUR BABY CRACK!!! It is ironic that people will spend months or years training to lift their own body weights, but they won’t take the time train their kids to sit still for more than 60 seconds. Apparently, a “good” kid is one who sits zombified in the corner with his own little flatscreen. No, that’s not a well-behaved kid. That’s a kid on heroin. A well-behaved kid can sit in a corner for an hour and entertain himself with his own imagination AND stay out of the way of people lifting heavy weights. Wait…what about toddlers, you say? Toddlers are a breed of their own. And guess what? They’re not supposed to be QUIET. They are loud, screaming terrors who will exhaust you before they’re even awake in the morning. But is that any reason to give them a flat screen? When you toss a baby a flat screen, you create an addict, and you fall victim to LAZY PARENTING SYNDROME. Which is harder to do: train a screaming kid or toss a sedative into the playpen? Yes, a screaming kid is going to annoy people, but you CAN work through it. Toughen up, buttercup! If you can deadlift 115% of your body weight, you can handle a 20 pound toddler! While there’s no “proof” that screen time is related to ADHD, you can look around you and know right away which kids get a LOT of screen time, and which ones don’t. Seriously. My kids get 1-2 hours PER WEEK, maybe 3-4 if they’re sneaky [teenagers not included, as they are on their own now]. When my kids were babies & toddlers…NADA. I was afraid to let them watch Baby Einstein for an hour. By the time my kids were 3, I could reasonably expect them to sit still anywhere–from a seat on an international flight to a restaurant with cloth napkins and candles. Work. Hard, difficult, gut-wrenching, grueling, sweaty, exhausting, emotionally-taxing work. When we moved to Germany, I had 4 kids under the age of 6, and I found that during car rides, my kids fought MORE when they had personal video game gadgets. That’s because the video games encourage you to tune out the world around you, and overcome obstacles in the virtual world. And when anything gets in the way of achieving those false goals (like a chatty sibling), it creates tension and frustration–not exactly good qualities when you’re on a 12 hour car ride to Tuscany. The thing that inspired today’s rant was an article someone sent to me about an infant seat that is equipped to hold an iPad above your baby’s head, which I thought was akin to child abuse. Please, people. You’re harming your baby’s brain. Stop feeding them crap! If you Crossfit, you should inherently know the value of having tangible goals, of working your body to improve it. So why is inundating your child with a false reality ok? What to do instead? Give your kid a big, thick, heavy rope. When she’s a baby, she’ll drool on it. When she’s a toddler, she’ll stumble over it a few times before learning to climb over it. When she’s a pre-schooler, she’ll try to drag it around. When she’s school-aged, she’ll play tug-of-war with it (if her friends can lift their side). When she’s in high school, she’ll teach the kids she babysits to climb it. When she graduates, she’ll want to take it to college… …but you won’t let her because you’re hoping you’ll be able to let your grandkids drool on it someday. Is the rope scratchy? Will she fall? Will she (gasp) hurt herself? Maybe. But it’s better than a lifelong diet of brain damaging stimuli. Afraid to use the words ‘baby’ and ‘rope’ in the same sentence? Get her a ball. A big, heavy med ball. She’ll drool on it. She’ll push it around. She’ll pick it up. She’ll break your Polish pottery with it. She might even piddle on it during potty training. But she’ll be strong. She’ll be like you. Crossfit is not about muscle. It’s about grace, flexibility, perseverance and using what you have to leverage things that are difficult for most people. Parenting is the most difficult job you can have, but if you put in the effort, you’ll see the results. Eventually. Hang in there, friends. Don’t let iPad be your baby’s little addiction. Make her a Crossfit addict instead. For more info on tactical parenting, you can read the book I co-authored: The Gypsy Mama’s Guide to REAL Travel with Kids, available in hard copy through Lulu.com or digitally (ironic, I know) through Amazon.com or download directly from Uncommon Childhood. 1 Comment \| tags: addictions, babies, Crossfit, Health, iPad, kids, parenting, screen time, toddlers, WOD \| posted in Crossfit, Health Follow CrossfitterMama via Email Enter your email address to follow ToughenUpButtercup and receive notifications of new posts by email. What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Marathon Motivation for the Unmotivated Hope for a Reformed Killer Forget Resolutions: Adapt and Celebrate Why Do You Want to Live in Germany???!! Carolyn L Naayem on Hope for a Reformed Kille… crossfittermama on Why Do You Want to Live in… bellamonte on Why Do You Want to Live in… kerrikmorris on Why Do You Want to Live in…	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1739
__label__cc	0.707524	0.292476	Missouri Rep. Robert Cornejo (R) Robert Cornejo Sponsored Bills (15) Cosponsored Bills (10) Email Address: robert.cornejo@house.mo.gov + − Biography Rep. Robert Cornejo, a Republican, represents St. Charles and Lincoln counties (District 64). He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2012. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Cornejo is an attorney and is now a member of the law firm Kespohl and Cornejo, LLC. In 2004, Robert interned for U.S. Senator Jim Talent's St. Louis office. He is an active member in his church, Zion Lutheran Church in Harvester. A 2001 graduate of Hazelwood Central, Rep. Cornejo graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Political Science with a second major in International Business. In 2008, Rep. Cornejo earned his J.D. from University of Missouri- School of Law. Born in St Louis County, Rep. Cornejo currently lives in St. Peters with his wife. They have a son and two daughters. MO - Transportation (House) MO - Joint Legislative Committee on Court Automation MO - General Laws (House) MO - Joint Committee on the Justice System MO - Special Committee on Litigation Reform (House) MO - Joint Committee on Justice System + − Sponsored Bills (15) MO - HB539 Increases the penalties for the offense of failing to yield the right-of-way and the time period the court may order the suspension of a person's driving privilege for the offense MO - HB425 Creates provisions relating to the registration of roofing contractors MO - HB435 Provides that certain state regulations relating to the advertising of alcohol are null and void and of no force or effect MO - HB426 Modifies provisions of the Line of Duty Compensation Act to establish a hierarchy for distribution of survivors benefits received under the Act MO - HB429 Modifies provisions relating to physician referrals to physical therapists MO - HB423 Modifies provisions relating to the injuring or killing of law enforcement animals MO - HB422 Changes property that may be exempt from execution MO - HB424 Modifies provisions relating to the Missouri Sunshine Law MO - HB428 Modifies provisions relating to the publication of notice of the sale of real estate MO - HB938 Abrogates the findings in IBM Corporation v. Director of Revenue 491 S.W.3d 535 (Mo. banc 2016) MO - HB427 Modifies provisions relating to trust instruments MO - HB765 Prohibits the waiver of guardian ad litem fees in certain civil actions MO - HB434 Repeals provisions prohibiting wholesalers licensed to sell intoxicating liquor and wine containing alcohol in excess of five percent by weight from giving retailers discounts based on quantity of merchandise sold. MO - HB433 Modifies provisions relating to sales of intoxicating liquor MO - HB598 Limits contingency fees a private attorney may receive from contingency fee contracts with the state + − Cosponsored Bills (10) MO - HR403 Urges the United States Senate to confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch as Justice to the Supreme Court of the United States MO - HB578 Establishes a statewide sexual assault kit tracking system MO - HCR19 Authorizes the issuance of public bonds for half of the financing of a new conservatory building at UMKC MO - HCR28 Reaffirms Missouri's support of the services of the sheltered workshops of our state MO - HB136 Prohibits private land-use agreements from precluding amateur service communications MO - HB1067 Modifies provisions relating to inspection requirements of mental health facilities MO - HB659 Establishes the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act MO - HB129 Creates a sales tax exemption for delivery charges on tangible personal property MO - HB602 Changes the laws regarding abortion MO - HB328 Authorizes a sales tax exemption for initiation dues of certain not for profit clubs and groups	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1741
__label__wiki	0.512489	0.512489	0 item(Rs. 0.00) · Check out Career and Leadership Education and Parenting Relationships and Marriage Demystifying Patanjali Winner of the 2014 International Book Award for "Spirituality: General" category. What happens as we grow spiritually? Is there a step-by-step process that everyone goes through—all spiritual seekers, including those of any or no religious persuasion—as they gradually work their way upward, until they achieve the highest state of Self-realization? About 2200 years ago, a great spiritual master of India named Patanjali described this process, and presented humanity with a clear-cut, step-by-step outline of how all truth seekers and saints achieve divine union. He called this universal inner experience and process “yoga” or “union.” His collection of profound aphorisms—a true world scripture—has been dubbed Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Unfortunately, since that time many scholarly translators with little or no spiritual realization have written commentaries on Patanjali’s writings that have succeeded only in burying his pithy insights in convoluted phrases like “becomes assimilated with transformations” and “the object alone shines without deliberation.” How can any reader understand Patanjali’s original meaning when he or she has to wade through such bewildering terminology? Thankfully, a great modern yoga master—Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the classic Autobiography of a Yogi—has cut through the scholarly debris and resurrected Patanjali’s original teachings and revelations. Now, in Demystifying Patanjali, Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Yogananda, shares his guru’s crystal clear and easy-to-grasp explanations of Patanjali’s aphorisms. As Kriyananda writes in his introduction, “My Guru personally shared with me some of his most important insights into these sutras. During the three and a half years I lived with him, he also went with me at great length into the basic teachings of yoga. “I was able, moreover, to ask my Guru personally about many of the subjects covered by Patanjali. His explanations have lingered with me, and have been a priceless help in the [writing of this book].” “The Yoga Sutras has generated almost as many translations and commentaries as there are sutras in Patanjali’s masterpiece. Inevitably, the takeaway for readers is different in each instance because the nuances of interpretation lead the student in radically different directions. Many versions were written by the gurus who brought the ancient tradition to the West, but one important voice, Yogananda’s, was missing. We will never have a Yogananda translation, but now we have the next best thing: a direct disciple’s interpretation of the master’s perspective. Because Yogananda’s role in bringing Yoga to the West is unsurpassed, Demystifying Patanjali is a welcome and illuminating contribution to the ongoing transmission.” —Philip Goldberg, author of American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation, How Indian Spirituality Changed the West “Swami Kriyananda has provided an immensely readable translation of and commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This central text outlines all the basics required for a balanced Yoga practice. It effortlessly describes and explains the various states of meditation. Patanjali outlines the foundational ethics of Yoga, including abstention from impure, distracting, and deflating actions. By rising up into the state of spirituality, one can overcome the myriad troubles of life. Swami Kriyananda adds yet another jewel to the treasure trove of Yoga Sutra interpretations.” —Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology and Director of Yoga Studies, Loyola Marymount University “I think Brahmarshi Yoganandaji was a direct incarnation of Patanjali, and that Swami Kriyananda is a pure instrument of his guru. Demystifying Patanjali should pave the way for right understanding of the universal principles for living a happy, healthy, prosperous life as enshrined in the Yoga Sutras. Hearty, respectful congratulations to Swami Kriyanandaji.” —Ram Karan Sharma, Former President, International Association of Sanskrit Studies, presently Visiting Professor (Sanskrit), University of Pennsylvania “Read Swami Kriyananda’s version of the Yoga Sutras and you will be convinced why even after two thousand years, this book remains the best practice manual for achieving positive mental health and spiritual fulfillment.” —Amit Goswami, PhD, Quantum Physicist and author of The Self-Aware Universe and Creative Evolution “After reading many translations of the Yoga Sutras over the years, I found Swami Kriyananda’s commentaries and writings so lucid and practical in their application to everyday life. It is a blessing to have Patanjali’s teaching accessible to everyone seeking the divine within.” —Dennis M. Harness, PhD, psychologist and Vedic astrologer "Demystifying Patanjali is particularly recommended for readers who are already familiar with 1) yogic philosophy, 2) Yogananda’s teaching, or 3) Swami Kriyananda’s numerous published works." —Birgit W. Patty, NY Journal of Books 30-Day Essentials for Career A Pilgrimage to Guadalupe A Renunciate Order for the New Age Affirmations for Self Healing Home / Collections /Books / Demystifying Patanjali Ananda Kriya Yoga Center, Row House # 1, Melody Society, ICS Colony, Bhosale Nagar Pune 411007, MH, India Email: support@theanandastore.com About Ananda Terms of Service Privacy Policy Refund Policy Pricing Policy Copyright © 2019 The Ananda Store. Powered by Shopify.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1743
__label__wiki	0.932576	0.932576	University of Iowa professor says white marble in classical artwork is racist and promotes “white supremacist ideas” Alex Christoforou President and writer for The Duran. Follow me on: Facebook… US-Iran sanctions are a tit-for-tat measure that is part of a wider geo-strategic reality If you ever wondered why American University’s were producing safe space, cuckold graduates who scream racist and bigot at every turn, then look no further than this Iowa University professor and her interpretation of classical Greek sculptures…which she feels were too white. Never mind the actual color of the marble is/was white. Via The Gateway Pundit… University of Iowa professor Sarah Bond says using white marble in classical artwork was racist and created “white supremacist ideas” today. This is the kind of crap they are spewing on campuses today. Turning Point USA reported: A professor at The University of Iowa said appreciation of “white marble” used in classical artwork has created “white supremacist ideas today.” Professor Sarah Bond indicated in a Hyperallergic article that “many of the statues, reliefs, and sarcophagi created in the ancient Western world were in fact painted,” and the “white marble” used in artwork were meant to be colored. Bond also said that “the equation of white marble with beauty is not an inherent truth of the universe,” and therefore is “a dangerous construct that continues to influence white supremacist ideas today.” The professor also argues that “most museums and art history textbooks contain a predominantly neon white display of skin tone,” which “has an impact on the way we view the antique world.” “The assemblage of neon whiteness serves to create a false idea of homogeneity — everyone was very white! — across the Mediterranean region,” she said, later saying that the misapprehensions of the classical era give “further ammunition for white supremacists today, including groups like Identity Europa, who use classical statuary as a symbol of white male superiority.” identity politics University of Iowa India’s border games with China are a lose-lose situation for New Delhi Western Supremacy Is On Its Way Out What’s Really Behind The State Department’s Meddling In Ukraine? The Number Of Americans With “No Religion” Has Soared 266% Over The Last 3 Decades EU Parliament Triggered By Patriarchy; Urges “Gender Neutral” Language	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1748
__label__wiki	0.8024	0.8024	EDM SHOWS EDM Events Atlanta EDM Events Boston EDM Events Chicago EDM Events Devner EDM Events Las Vegas EDM Events Los Angeles EDM Events Miami EDM Events New York EDM Events Phoenix EDM Events San Diego EDM Events San Francisco EDM Events Seattle RAVE VIDEOS Tag: Anjunabeats Above & Beyond reunite with Marty Longstaff for ‘Flying By Candlelight’ The first in a new triptych of future club classics from the prolific trio. Above & Beyond are reunited with Sunderland-born singer and songwriter Marty Longstaff for ‘Flying By Candlelight’, the first in a new triptych of future club classics from the prolific trio. Lifted from the upcoming ‘Common Ground Companion EP’ (which also includes ’There’s Only You’ featuring Zoë Johnston and ‘Distorted Truth’ – set for release on the band’s Anjunabeats imprint in March), fans can watch the official lyric video for ‘Flying By Candlelight’ on Above & Beyond’s YouTube channel or stream both the Original Mix and Above & Beyond Club Mix on their favourite streaming platform. Debuted at Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy 300 celebration in Hong Kong last September, A&B share this ode to the elevating power of love in several flavours: Original and Club, each a delicious serving of the songwriting chops that recently swept Above & Beyond to their second GRAMMY nomination for Common Ground album cut ‘Northern Soul’. Says Above & Beyond, “Flying By Candlelight is a love song about a saviour who rescues our protagonist from a dark, lonely place, taking him through a spectacular night sky. A bit like The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, but a bit longer lasting!” Instantly recognisable, entirely unforgettable, ‘Flying By Candlelight’ is the second A&B vocal feature for Longstaff, who contributed the disarming vocal to Common Ground album cut ‘Tightrope’. More commonly found performing under the moniker The Lake Poets, Marty has risen to prominence in recent months with moving single ‘Shipyards’, penned for his home town of Sunderland, UK. The song accompanies the opening credits to the sleeper hit Netflix documentary, ’Sunderland ’Till I Die’. Marking the 500th catalogue release on Anjunabeats, those who like their music in a tactile format will be able to get their hands on 1 of 500 limited vinyl pressings of the ‘Common Ground Companion’ EP, available for pre-order on the Anjuna Music Store at 5pm GMT on January 23rd. Above & Beyond’s bruising instrumental ‘Distorted Truth’ will be released on February 8th, with Zoë Johnston’s haunting ’There’s Only You’ completing the Companion EP release on March 29th. Author Pia TalwarPosted on January 18, 2019 Categories BlogTags Above & Beyond, Anjunabeats, Flying By Candlelight, martyLeave a comment on Above & Beyond reunite with Marty Longstaff for ‘Flying By Candlelight’ Above & Beyond Releases New Single “Rocket Science” Ahead of ABGT300 Crafting a record that ignites festivals dancefloors worldwide? Well, it’s not brain surgery. It is, however, ‘Rocket Science’. Debuted for 23 000 fans at the Gorge Amphitheater last September, Above & Beyond present their latest, inimitable formulation for dancefloor propulsion. Tweaked and tinkered in the rarefied air of their London studio, Anjunabeats Propulsion Labs predict the track will achieve the optimal angle for atmospheric re-entry on September 7. ‘Rocket Science’ will touch down in time for Jono, Tony and Paavo’s Group Therapy 300 weekend in Hong Kong. The main event at AsiaWorld-Expo will be broadcast live on Above & Beyond’s Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch with mainland China able to enjoy the livestream on Netease. FM Radio stations worldwide will carry the vibe to millions around the world. Get your tickets to ABGT 300 here. Dance music… it’s not rocket science, unless it is. Author Pia TalwarPosted on September 18, 2018 Categories BlogTags Above & Beyond, Anjunabeats, Rocket ScienceLeave a comment on Above & Beyond Releases New Single “Rocket Science” Ahead of ABGT300 Above & Beyond Reveal Anjunabeach Festival in Mexico’s Riviera Maya With Anjunabeach excitement at an all time high as the one day festival arrives in Southern California this Saturday, Above & Beyond are excited to reveal their next Anjunabeach endeavour – a multi-day party in a Mexican beach paradise: Riviera Maya. Situated on the idyllic, ancient Mayan coastline, this exclusive and all-inclusive weekender will see Above & Beyond host three days of electronic music on the beach, giving fans the chance to escape the outside world for a few days and connect with their global Anjunafamily. With luxury packages starting from $1,589 per person and payment plans available, fans need only worry about their airfare, with the rest of the weekend managed by destination experience experts, CID Presents. An extremely limited amount of packages are available, fans who sign-up for pre-sale at anjunabeach.mx will be able to secure their spot in Mexico a day before the general public. Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamäki are the Grammy-nominated, dance music powerhouse Above & Beyond. With a career spanning two decades, Above & Beyond’s music soundtracks the lives of millions, their sometimes plaintive, always euphoric electronic anthems sung back at them from the dance floors of arenas on all five continents. Armed with a catalogue of cult songs that celebrate life, love and loss, the trio most recently released their fourth studio album, Common Ground, which hit number three on the Billboard Album Chart earlier this year. The rise and rise of Above & Beyond and their ever-growing ‘Anjunafamily’ of fans is underpinned by a single word: connection. In times of division, Jono, Tony and Paavo’s cult-like following is articulated by a simple mantra: music unites us all. For over 15 years, Above & Beyond have championed rising stars of electronic music, with their iconic Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep labels throwing acts as diverse as Mat Zo, Audien, Arty, ilan Bluestone, Dusky, Lane 8, Yotto and Seven Lions into the limelight. With both imprints hosting sell-out tours and festival stages across the globe, what began as a meeting of minds at University has become a curatorial flagbearer for forward-thinking dance floors, from the mainstage to the after-hours warehouse. At Anjunabeach Riviera Maya, Above & Beyond will perform three unique sets that will encompass the trio’s full range and vision: from ambient, to deep to peak time. Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep will each host their own showcases, promising an all-star lineup of talent, which will be revealed very soon, for this inaugural Anjunafamily beach getaway. Above & Beyond commented: “Since ABGT250 at The Gorge we’ve been dreaming up ways to recapture the magic of bringing fans together from all over the world for unique experiences. We’re excited to be able to give our Anjunafamily the chance to meet up with like-minded souls and enjoy great music in such a beautiful location.” Fans can stay at the event’s host resort, the Barceló Maya, or opt for one of several carefully selected tropical resorts and enjoy royal treatment all weekend long – all-inclusive food and drink, 24-hour concierge service, daily on-site activities, as well as offsite adventures like visiting Chichen Itza, zip-lining, snorkeling, excursions to Tulum and more. Each night, concertgoers will descend upon a one of a kind venue, Playa Azul, which was created to both amaze and awe. Once inside guests will experience traditional and not-so-traditional entertainment as they wander to the main stage, which sits on a beautiful stretch of beach just feet from the Caribbean. Fans can also enjoy regional fare including tacos and nightly rotating vegetarian options mixed with some of your favorite snacks and desserts. During non-performance times, fans can enjoy a plethora of activities at each resort, all free of charge. A taste of the activities Barcelo guests can expect to see at the resort include tequila tastings, craft beer tastings, bowling, surfing contests, daily yoga sessions and more. For full details visit anjunabeach.mx Author Pia TalwarPosted on June 21, 2018 Categories BlogTags Above & Beyond, Anjunabeats, festival, MexicoLeave a comment on Above & Beyond Reveal Anjunabeach Festival in Mexico’s Riviera Maya EDM Online Check out topics & updates related to electronic dance music like Videos and EDM events ranging from local EDM shows to electronic music festivals. Earlier this year world renown bass DJ, Excision put on a festival that was unlike anything we had ever seen. Lost Lands. Copyright © 2018 The Faces Of EDM. All Rights Reserved.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1750
__label__cc	0.618504	0.381496	Book Review of “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” by Joh... What Makes Amsterdam Neighborhoods Vibra... Book Review of "Toward an Urban Ecology" by Kate Orff by Katie Poppel Book Review of "Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted" by Justin Martin by Jennifer Garcia The Global Grid's Holiday Book List - 2017/2018 Winter Edition Book Review of "Groundwork: Between Landscape and Architecture" by Diana Balmori & Joel Sanders by Lisa Gran Book Review of "Garden Cities: Theory & Practice of Agrarian Urbanism" by Andres Duany Book Review of "Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick L... The Global Grid's Holiday Book List - 2017/2018 Winter E... Book Review of “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” by John Hill “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” by John Hill calls attention to one hundred landscape designs, one per year, from 1917 to 2017. Hill and his publisher, Prestel, team up to construct a book that is enthralling – in visual and text form. The book itself is a beautiful compilation of photography from one hundred selected by Katie Poppel @kt_pops June 1, 2018 No comments “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” by John Hill calls attention to one hundred landscape designs, one per year, from 1917 to 2017. Hill and his publisher, Prestel, team up to construct a book that is enthralling – in visual and text form. The book itself is a beautiful compilation of photography from one hundred selected landscapes, while Hill’s text gives the reader an introduction into the historical importance and beauty of each site. Hill defines landscape design as more than plant-focused “landscape” design, but rather the design of functional, outdoor space. The landscapes he selected are more than traditional parks and gardens: land art and sculpture parks, plazas and promenades, campuses and communities, cemeteries and memorials, and amphitheaters and pools. Traditionally, parks are the focal point of landscape design, whereas land art and sculpture parks are viewed as art infrastructure. Plazas and promenades lack the traditional greenery most associated with landscape. In the United States, cemeteries and memorials are often not classified by the everyday user as landscapes or parks, as they do not always feel ‘useable’ in the sense of a picnic, stroll, or recreational gathering space. By emphasizing more than stereotypical parks and gardens, Hill broadens the understanding of what a great landscape can be. “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” is a great primer for anyone: the landscape architect in training, the professional landscape architect or those in an allied discipline, and even those completely outside of the profession(s). This book is not a definitive guide, nor will it give a reader a complete understanding, but it will introduce the audience to intriguing projects and broader concepts within landscape design. The story behind each year is what pulls the reader into the text. The photos, already beautiful in and of themselves, do not always do the park justice. A perfect example is Villandry (1918); the estate garden in Touraine, France was purchased by a doctor/medical researcher and his wife, an heiress, in disrepair and reconstructed using the few clues the couple had to revitalize the garden to its original beauty. The stunning, ornamental gardens took on a variety of geometric shapes and plantings to cover the 12-hectare (29.6 acres) site. On the smallest scale, Paley Park (1967), the most condensed, urban example in “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” balances a small footprint with certain elements used in good public space design: ample seating, water, and greenery. The pocket park, designed by Zion and Breen, is an urban oasis in the concrete jungle. Paley Park is a must-see in New York as an urban explorer; it falls so far from the parks many non-New Yorkers imagine, such as Central Park, Prospect Park, or Brooklyn Bridge Park. Instead of a playground, grass, and trees, there are many tables and seating opportunities, a large water feature, and enclosure. Perhaps enclosure is the most shocking of all: who imagines a ‘park’ or landscape to be closed? The parks previously mentioned in contrast to Paley Park would be described as open. Yet, Paley Park is understood by the majority of its users (nearby workers) as anything but an enclosure; Paley Park is mostly understood as a refuge from the ‘city’ or workplace. To gain a deeper understanding, view the video below and read "The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces" by William Whyte, who heavily documented the space. Opening a few years after Paley Park, Dan Kiley’s Oakland Museum of California (1969) established bringing vegetation to roofs to merge the built and natural worlds - almost literally. Kiley attempted to soften the brutal concrete of the museum while using plants native to the Oakland region. Lawrence Halprin also could be seen blending brutal concrete with the softness of nature in Freeway Park (1976) in Seattle. A subcategory of the book could be the protection of the natural world through landscape design. Hill briefly mentions, in the closing of his introduction, the direction he sees landscape design heading (and thriving). While a few sites selected highlight the attempts at preservation of the natural habitat earlier than most may believe, Thijsse’s Hof (Thijsse’s Court, 1925) is a great example that takes the idea of preservation a step further: conservation entwined with education. J.P Thijsse imagined all towns would have one park, if not more, that would be open to teaching students about the natural world. Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord (2001), Qinhuangdao Red Ribbon Park (2008), and Madrid Rio (2011) all represent the continued trend through the 100 years of thinking about adapting human societies and urban settings for the protection of the natural world. “Halprin’s approach, which looked back deeply in time and forward across future generations, privileged nature over buildings, remained with the slogan “live lightly on the land: continually throughout his proposed landscape design for The Sea Ranch in 1965. The Sea Ranch is one of the few landscape designs of a residential category, yet it is the biggest landscape in the book. The community is a very well planned and detailed take on preservation within a development. Whether you fully support the idea and attempt or not, The Sea Ranch did something millions of American bedroom communities skipped over: working with the landscape. Lawrence Halprin, a well-known landscape architect of modernist landscapes, ‘designed’ The Sea Ranch to reflect “living lightly on the land.” The preservationist mindset is not especially common in landscape architecture or residential architecture. While Hill does well at selecting a fair share of completely natural and seemingly nature, Amsterdamse Bos (1937) represents the creation of ‘nature.’ Translating to Amsterdam Forest, this park is the largest in “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” at 970-hectares (2,396 acres). Amsterdamse Bos is a modern construction of an ideal: bringing the rural, natural environment to the urban, man-made environment. The creation of nature is evident if studied, however, most users will not be able to fully comprehend the human-designed landscape as it has been embedded for decades; the designed forest feels almost like a relic kept tucked away and protected while the city bloomed around it. Amsterdamse Bos is still one of the city's most popular parks. Like Paley Park, mentioned above, Amsterdam Bos is a refuge in an urban setting, although of a totally different respect; Amsterdam Bos offers a dense, green forest with large swathes of grass and pathways for users, whereas Paley offers an escape into the outdoors. One of the most visually appealing gardens in “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” is the Nærum Allotment Gardens (The Round Gardens, 1948) in Denmark. Allotment gardens can be considered a type of community garden, however, they are not for commercial purposes – solely individual or family gardening uses. Many, if not all but Nærum, are gridded and designed for function, not form. Carl Theodor Sørensen used Renaissance and German writings to abstract the typically-gridded form into a grid of oval gardens. Sørensen also left guidelines for each oval to follow, as a guide not “directive,” yet the visual appeal comes from most plots following the same aesthetics and space in between the ovals staying a common grass groundcover. Not quite a garden, but part of a larger garden, the Moses Bridge (2010) by RO&AD Architecten in the Netherlands is visually appealing as well as important circulatory infrastructure for access to Fort de Roovere in Halsteren. The bridge is sunken and walled to allow water to appear to flow up to a visitor’s chest level. Time is a reoccurring aspect in “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs.” Especially when contrasted to “100 Years, 100 Buildings,” Hill has embraced the vast differences between the design of the landscape versus built structural forms. Giardino di Ninfa (1922) exemplified the process of a landscape changing over time; the Caetani family added to the garden within each generation for many years until it became the 20-acre garden and wildlife refuge. The site, today, is a beautiful intersection of small garden design (over many decades) and a final overarching take on bringing it all together for a publically accessible garden. The Storm King Art Center (1960) is also an example of change over time, or potentially labeled as development and growth; the large site set in New Windsor, New York grew over time, in size and program, yet still largely remains a sculpture garden people come from all around to visit. Tuinen Mien Ruys (Garden of Mien Ruys, 1924) started as a small home garden, a practice studio for Mien Ruys, before she became notable within the Netherlands and beyond. The experimentation on a small scale eventually led to the confidence to create large gardens with immense detail and thought. The most surprising choice (personally) was the Observatorielunden (1934) in Stockholm, Sweden: a rather bland, simple designed public space. The park borders the Stadsbiblioteket (city library) in the Vasastaden neighborhood, a very central location, directly over the Rȧdmansgatan metro station. Observatorielunden is two rather flat sites separated by a very tall bluff which was formed thousands of years ago from the melting waters of past glaciers. Like Hill covers in “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs,” the well-known architect Erik Gunnar Asplund designed the public space. The story doesn’t hold much intrigue, and the park design was fairly simple: frame the library with the rocky bluff (to disturb the bluff as little as possible) while also connecting the outdoor space directly to the library. While the view from the top is nice, it doesn’t register that the top of the Observatorielunden and the small plaza to the east are one park; the disconnect is further clarified with a McDonald’s to the adjacent north of the willows and pool of calm water. Asplund did create a visual, artificial stream running down the bluff to the reflective pool, however, after visiting the site many times, this was never apparent nor understood by me. Observatorielunden seems more like pieces of many ideas taped together without much thought. Stadsbiblioteket is more appealing than Observatorielunden, in my opinion. With so many other parks and public spaces to choose from internationally or even solely in beautiful Stockholm, why Observatorielunden? Perhaps the only thing lacking in “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” is more variety geographically. Hill implicitly states the ‘Western’ bias, mentioning 80% of the projects come from the United States and Europe in the introduction (40/40). Lacking is a loose term, however: how does one only choose one project from each year? In short, it cannot be done. It would be impossible to include all noteworthy projects, which leads the reader to be thankful for the ‘Timeline’ at the end of the book; the timeline gives important events (landscape related) for each year, as well as potential ‘runners-up.’ From a methodological sense, Hill doesn’t quite clarify his selection methodology sans mentioning a few criteria. Unless the reader researches the author, there is little specific information on why each project was chosen. Taking “100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs” for what it is: a compilation of beautiful and useful projects that span a century of constants and change. As mentioned above, Hill outlines his selection criteria and defines landscape design in the book’s introduction. There is no reference to the actual selection of each project other than the authors love for the project. Prior to diving into both the selection and the definition, Hill very succinctly states his interest “veers” more to the modern side of design, especially noted in his previous book “100 Years, 100 Buildings,” but also this book shows a wider range of projects - traditional to modern and all in between. While it would be more confirming to know why each project was selected, the history and stories attached to each project suffice. As a student studying landscape architecture and urban planning, but also a designer and writer, this book is a crash course of a few intriguing precedents. Landscape design is tricky wording, but also sufficient for this book. While I follow more in tune with landscape architecture, landscape design is a merging of landscape architecture and garden design. Landscape design is very broad, yet the inclusion of both gardens and mostly public space made this book very appealing to learn about a broad variety of landscape designs. Truthfully, there could be two books - more complex, greater-than-the-plants landscapes and traditional to modern gardens. I hesitate, but I also firmly believe so much is left out when the two ‘typologies’ are combined. While I hesitate with the terminology of landscape design, I look with awe at almost, if not all, 100 projects Hill showcases. Which projects piques your interest the most? Why? Do you know a landscape that is missing from this book? Which of these projects makes you most excited about the future of landscape design? Share your thoughts and your stories in the comments area below. The Global Grid is giving away a free copy of this book to one lucky person. Be sure to never miss one of our reviews. Follow #TheGlobalGridReads for our reviews and join our Goodreads group for opportunities to win free books in the future. Credits: Images by Katie Poppel and Creative Commons courtesy of Aleksandr Zykov, Digital Eye, and Kell Kell. Data linked to sources. By purchasing "100 Years, 100 Landscape Designs" using the links on this page, you'll be supporting The Global Grid. A small portion of the sales come back to us to support our work and book reviews like this. Katie Poppel Katie Poppel comes to The Grid as a student constantly on the go. Set to graduate from the University of Cincinnati in 2014, she is studying for a bachelor of urban planning with focuses in urban design and sustainability. Her program has allowed her... What Makes Amsterdam Neighborhoods Vibrant? An Afternoon in De Pijp Top 20 Active and Alternative Transportation Websites of 2018	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1753
__label__cc	0.610652	0.389348	Tag Archive for: Marconi Wireless School 1916 You are here: Home / Posts / Marconi Wireless School 1916 Information Required Irish Volunteers 1916 etc March 7, 2012 /2 Comments/in Information required on IRA Members /by admin Hi.. My grandfather Robert (Bobby) Grace, Logan St., Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny was a member of the old IRA. My mother has his two medals. Would you have any information on him? Thanks I would, however, like to find out more about the use of radio or wireless in the Rising of 1916 and later. I write for an Amateur Radio magazine on the subject of history but can’t find any information on the subject past the fact that Michael Collins moved Volunteers into a Bakery that was next to the Marconi Wireless School next door. The effort was made, from what I hear, to protect the wireless operators who were sending traffic out to IRA supporters via wireless in Morse Code. Would like to hear more about this subject but can’t make Limerick any time soon. Luck to you all and success to your exhibit and lectures. Up the Rebels. Do you have any more information on John ‘Dad’ Murray? ANY INFORMATION ON MY UNCLE /NAMESAKE INJURED /WOUNDED IN MOURNE ABBEY AMBUSH CAPTURED AND DIED AFEW DAYS LATER IN VICTORIA BARRACKS CORK -Michael looney 87w2z My grandfather of the same name was as far as i know a scout for Tom Barry.I would love any info about him please. Richard Bradfield. My grandfather Joseph Roche was in F Coy 1916. He was in Bolands Mill and served time in Kilmainham . His brother Eamomn (Edward) Roche aslo served though not sure what Coy he was in ..maybe F coy also…though family hsotory says he was in Smithfild in 1916. Joseph would have been 15 and his brother Eamomn 17 in 1916. Any information would be appreciated I found an old tape recording and my grandfather speaks of Bloody sunday 1920. He lived in lower mount street and he speaks of a “Billy” who was sent to Wormwood Scrubs after the attacks on number 22 Lr Mount street and he was to be hung . 3 days before the hanging he was reprieved by Arthur Griffiths and returned to Mount Street. would you have anything on this or could you advise. Regards for now John Kenny Thanks to the help of some members of this forum and others, I have been able to discover quite a bit about Robert “Bobbie” Bonfield, at the time of his death on 29/03/1923 he was the O/C of G Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Dublin Brigade. I am looking for information on the activities of G Company both during the War of Independence and later in the Civil War. Did the formations stay much the same after the ‘Split’? Would he have been in G Company prior to the Civil War or was there much reorganisation of the units? In particular I am looking for descriptions of any actions that G Company were involved in. Bonfield was arrested on 07th March 1923 by a Lieut. Bolger after his house at 103 Moyne Road, Ranelagh was raided and a veritable arsenal (including a Lewis Gun and three revolvers) were siezed. He was taken to Portobello Barracks from where he subsequently escaped a couple of nights later. He went to the house of schoolmates of his, Brendan and Kevin Mangan, at Albany Terrace, Ranelagh and had a wash and some food before going on the run. A ‘servant girl’ who had helped give him the meal probably reported him to the authorities. The following night the Mangan’s house was raided by ” a group of men in plain clothes accompanied by a man in the uniform of an Army Lieutenant” who were looking for Bonfield. Brendan Mangan was taken to the back garden and interrogated. His parents attempted to intervene and when his mother asked why he was not arrested and charged in the ‘proper way’, the chilling reply was “We are out to execute, not make arrests”. Mangan’s excuses were believed and the group left, which was rather lucky as Bonfield had hidden arms under the floor of the Mangans henhouse and Brendan was aware of this. The Mangans kept the guns hidden for many years and later when the family moved house Brendan transferred the guns to the henhouse at their new address. It was only years later when there was an amnesty that his brother Kevin handed in the guns. On the 29th of March 1923, about 2 weeks later, Bonfield was lifted by Cosgraves bodyguard which included Joe McGrath, John O’Reilly (who was either a Col., a Cmmdt., or a Superintendent) and an unnamed guard. Two of these men took him to Clondalkin and shot him. I would like to identify Lieut. Bolger who was probably based in Portobello Barracks and also Col/Cmmdt/Supt O’Reilly. Any help would be most appreciated. http://theirishwar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/irish-war-logo1.png 0 0 admin http://theirishwar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/irish-war-logo1.png admin2012-03-07 16:53:082012-03-07 16:53:08Information Required Irish Volunteers 1916 etc	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1755
__label__wiki	0.745557	0.745557	Eric Jensen says, "The Lens has raised the bar for investigative journalism by delivering top tier coverage of issues in New Orleans." The Lens (https://thelensnola.org/2006/11/21/4701-bienville-mid-city/) 4701 Bienville Mid City By Karen Gadbois \| November 21, 2006 FEMA Section 106 Public Notice Regarding Historic Review of Privately-Owned Residential Buildings Proposed for Demolition in Orleans Parish, Louisiana – Non-Collapsed Buildings Seeking Comment This area is looking great, this wasone of the few houses that is unoccupied. The Neighbors had no idea that the house was to be demolished. I saw no sign as of today {12/18} of gas cut off which seems to happen right before demolition. Address: 4701 Bienville St Owner: Thelma Fendley Tax Bill: 206210208 Property Description: Sq 610 Lot Y Bienville And N St Patrick 40 X 110 Planning District: Mid-City Flood Zone: A4 Estimated Flood Depth: 2.5 Flood Duration (days): 10 Damage Report: 54.69% About Karen Gadbois Karen Gadbois co-founded The Lens. She now covers New Orleans government issues and writes about land use. With television reporter Lee Zurik she exposed widespread misuse of city recovery funds and led to guilty pleas in federal court. Her work attracted some of journalism's highest honors, including a Peabody Award, an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award and a gold medal from Investigative Reporters and Editors. She can be reached at (504) 606-6013. More by Karen	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1756
__label__cc	0.70504	0.29496	Who’s involved The Fellows The Scholars Selection panel Twitter Linkedin Youtube Facebook Nominations for The UK 2020 Scholarship Programme are open – NOMINATE NOW Applications for The EMEA 2020 Fellowship Programme are open – APPLY NOW The Marketing Academy Scholarship launches in the US By The Marketing Academy After eight successful years in the United Kingdom and four years in Australia, The Marketing Academy today launched its first Scholarship Program in the United States based in New York City. Sponsored in the US by lead sponsor Salesforce, as well as The Wall Street Journal, Mars Wrigley Confectionery, Delta Air Lines, Facebook and KFC Global, The Marketing Academy is a non profit organisation that delivers world class marketing leadership programs in marketing, media, communications and advertising to executives at every level, from emerging leaders to CMO’s. Their coveted flagship programs, The Scholarship for emerging leaders and The Fellowship exclusively for CMO’s, are highly selective and totally free for selected participants. Their programs unite the entire ecosystem of Brands, media owners, creative agencies, media agencies, industry associations, academic institutes and leadership organizations into one powerful, committed and engaged community. With over 330 alumni around the world, nominations for The Marketing Academy’s inaugural US Scholarship Program are now open. Industry leaders are encouraged to nominate their best talent for this unique development opportunity. Following an 8-week selection process, only 30 of the Marketing, Advertising, Media and Communications industries brightest talent will be selected to undertake this 9-month, part time leadership development program which unites the industries CEO’s, CMO’s and marketing experts and coaches to inspire, develop and mentor an entire generation of future leaders. Sherilyn Shackell, Founder of The Marketing Academy said: ‘In such a fast-changing world, developing our talent is the only certain way to ensure growth. We’re dedicated to delivering programs that will ensure that the power of marketing, media and advertising is felt in at center of every board room. I’m truly delighted to be opening nominations for the first Scholarship in the US and have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve been given by the industry as a whole’. The Scholarship program is designed around 4 core learning modules; Personal development – be an extraordinary human being; Professional development – be an exceptional marketer; People development – be an inspirational leader; and Purpose – be a change maker. The program includes; One to one mentoring sessions with CEO’s and CMO’s from the world of marketing and advertising, three immersive residential Boot Camps packed with inspirational speakers and masterclasses, lectures hosted by recognized subject matter experts and each Scholar also has an Executive Coach for the duration of the program. Tenshey has been selected as The Marketing Academy’s official US Coaching Partner and will provide premium executive coaching services to each of the 30 scholars. Tenshey is a tech-enabled startup founded by former SAP CMO Maggie Chan Jones, named one of the world’s most influential CMOs by Forbes in 2017. The Academy’s line up of Mentors in the States, who all contribute their time on a pro bono basis, include Catherine Tan – Global CMO of KFC Yum Brands, Chris Macdonald – President of Advertising & Allied Agencies of McCann Worldgroup, Berta De Pablos-Barbier – President of Mars Wrigley Confectionery and many more will be announced over the coming months. Encouraging employers to nominate their talent for the program Chris Gross, Marketing Director of Audible Japan and Scholarship Alumni said ‘As dramatic as it sounds, it is a life changing program. Be prepared to change as a human being, a leader and a marketer – because that will happen. Without a doubt, it’s the best education, development or self-improvement experience I’ve done, and the one I’ve had the most tangible results and improvements from. Don’t let the cultish language of the Alumni scare you – it just really is that good and we all believe in it that much’. The Scholarship is open to all marketers within brands and agencies with between 5 and 15 years experience. Scholarship places are also granted to entrepreneurs. “Salesforce is proud to support the launch of The Marketing Academy US as a Lead Partner Sponsor,” said Emma Chalwin, VP US Marketing, Salesforce. “Having personally witnessed the power of The Marketing Academy in the UK over the last eight years, and with first-hand experience of it’s learning content, I have no doubt that The Marketing Academy US will play a big role in inspiring, developing and enabling an entire generation of future leaders in the US. I’m confident that The Marketing Academy US will create an unrivalled community dedicated to enabling marketers to be the best they can possibly be.” To take part in the Scholarship Program potential Scholars first need to be nominated via www.themarketingacademy.us and submit a 3-part application by 14th September 2018. The Scholarship commences in December 2018 and runs through to July 2019. The Marketing Academy PrevPreviousThe Marketing Academy reveals the UK Scholarship Class of 2018 NextNominations for The Marketing Academy Australia 2019 Scholarship Programme Now OpenNext News & Blog Home A Busy Year for The Marketing Academy Foundation The Marketing Academy launches its CMO Fellowship Program in the U.S. The Marketing Academy reveals the UK Scholarship Class of 2019 Be “extra” and have fun The Marketing Academy Australia announces the 30 marketing executives selected for the 2019 Scholarship Programme Aus Leaders Emad on Review of my first term (written just before October bootcamp) Helen Tupper on Nuggets and gems helenetupper on I can feel it in the air tonight…. Emad on Nuggets and gems cmdasilva on “Showcase Me” – A Before & After by Dan Chidley The Scholarship – a 9 month, free, part time programme for 30 of the UK’s fastest rising stars in Marketing, Advertising, Media and Communications. The Fellowship – Equips CMO’s and Marketing Directors with the tools, knowledge and insight to make the move onto Boards and into General Management / MD / CEO roles. 12 month full paid Marketing Apprenticeship for young adults who because of challenging backgrounds, lack qualifications or poor life choices are normally overlooked for this kind of work experience Register with The Marketing Academy for regular updates, info and news your info is safe, and we will never ever share your data Find us on our Social channels: info.uk@themarketingacademy.org terms & conditions \| privacy policy \| copyright 2018 the marketing hall of legends uk \|all rights reserved	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1759
__label__cc	0.630561	0.369439	The Movie Rat Podcast Guest Appearances Bernardo Villela, Author Bernardo Villela, Filmmaker Bernardo Villela, Playwright BAM Awards Democ-Rat Digest #4 31 Days of Oscar March to Disney Poverty Row April 61 Days of Halloween Thankful for World Cinema Year-End Dash The Democ-Rat The Electoral College: A Failed School of Thought This is America Dammit: or, Not Giving Up on the Weary Mother of Exiles How to Communicate with Your Rep Undermining the Electoral College in Three Charts Calls to Action: Foster Campbell, The Recount and Electors Why Trump/Conway Messaging on Recounts is Dangerous, Not Just Nonsense Democ-Rat Digest Democ-Rat Digest #2: Races in 2017 Democ-Rat Digest #3: Sign White House Petitions A Fistful of Dollars (Monthly) Blogathons Shorts! Blogathon: Galloping Bungalows (1924) Bernardo Villela is like a mallrat except at the movies. He is a writer, director, editor and film enthusiast who seeks to continue to explore and learn about cinema, chronicle the journey and share his findings. Mini-Review Mini-Review: 56 Up Posted on December 30, 2014 by bernardovillela This is a post that is a repurposing of an old-school Mini-Review Round-Up post. As stated here I am essentially done with running multi-film review posts. Each film deserves its own review. Therefore I will repost, and at times add to, old reviews periodically. Enjoy! It’s a bit difficult to discuss 56 Up in a vacuum. Most of the reason behind that is that it is the 8th installment in a series that ought not be viewed in before the prior films. Starting on the UK’s Granada Television in 1964 the series has revisited its subject every seven years. Starting under director Paul Almond it has since been taken over by renowned director Michael Apted. As this film touches on, it seems the initial these of the series stated first that the child at seven was a forerunner of the adult, but the more overriding theme of the initial installment was a commentary on the class society in England. I re-introduce the initial concepts because they are touched on by the subjects anew. In fact, of all prior installments this is without question the film that most fully, totally and maturely (with respect to the subjects’ comments) deals with the nature of the series both in terms of the class question and in terms of the odd life of its own that the series has developed over the years, the paradoxical attachment that some subjects have with it no matter how much they may dislike it. As a follow-up to 49 Up, it’s quite the impressive installment. As always, it’s next to impossible to predict the changes life brings to people, but on the filmmaking end it has perhaps the best order and compartmentalization of subjects yet. Released in the UK last year it remains to be seen if Apted and the “cast,” a few of whom come and go (look out for a surprising return here),will be back in 2019 with 63 Up, but one can only hope. If only in conception, it’s perhaps the most fascinating long-term documentary project in history. However, many of the installments are about as good as documentaries get. I may take a bit of time to see just how this one stacks up. 56 Up Michael Apted Paul Almond The Up Series Mini-Review: The Short Game (2012) Short Film Saturday: The Little Match Seller (1902) https://t.co/MoCkAjEZC7 4 hours ago When the hell did he do that? twitter.com/mittromney/sta… 4 hours ago RT @votevets: Trump's White House "strongly objected" to helping military families in need because they said service members "receive appro… 4 hours ago RT @RepRickLarsen: It is time to impeach Donald Trump. I do not come to this decision lightly. The president’s statements degrading the dre… 4 hours ago RT @thegoodgodabove: I’m tired of Trump supporters saying “he gave up a wonderful life to see his name dragged through the mud for us.” OH… 4 hours ago Favorite TV Episode Blogathon: Alfred Hitchcock Presents: "Incident in a Small Jail" Forrest Gump: An Analysis Hero Whipped: Richie Rich In Memoriam: Cameron Boyce The Arts on Film: Young & Beautiful (2013) Mini-Review: 2 + 2 (Dos más Dos) Shyamalan Week: Village Building Welcome to Jurassic World, Part 8: Conclusion Cinematic Episodes: The Haunting Hour, Season 1 Tarzan Thursday: Tarzan The Ape Man (1932) The Movie Rat’s Vault The Movie Rat’s Vault Select Month July 2019 January 2019 December 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 …And the 2018 BAM Award goes to… 2018 BAM Nominations Still here, and Year-End Posts are Coming! 61 Days of Halloween BAM Awards BAM Best Picture Profile Blogathon Book Review Christmas Special Review Commentary Comparative Analysis Film Activism Film Thought Free Movie Friday Hero Whipped Keys to a Better Life as a Fanboy List Make Your Own Film Festival March to Disney Mini-Review Mini-Review Round-Up Music Video Monday Once Upon a Time in the 80s Oscars Paper Poverty Row April Review Shameless Self-Promotion Short Film Saturday Tarzan Thursday Thankful For World Cinema Uncategorized Updates Follow The Movie Rat on WordPress.com Follow @BernardoVillela	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1761
__label__wiki	0.951488	0.951488	TR Frontpage About TR Contact TR TR News & Politics TR Life TR Education Report TR Strange/ Funny TR History TR Market Square Is Mrs. Clinton a Chinese Intelligence “Asset?” Now we know why democrats, the FBI and DOJ have been hammering away at Donald Trump with such fervor. Sara Carter penned an article that helps tie together a number of events that lead one to some entertaining conclusions. I have long believed that Carter Page and George Papadopoulos were framed by the FBI and DOJ working together with the DNC. We still need to know to whom is Josef Mifsud connected. Sara gave us some very important information. The Russia hoax began not with Pdop or Page, but with Michael Flynn: “Flynn was pushed out by Obama and then became a thorn in the side of Obama and the Clintons when he joined the Trump campaign,” said a former senior intelligence source with knowledge of what happened. “The investigation into Trump didn’t start with Carter Page or George Papadapolous, but with Flynn. Flynn was already on the CIA and Clinton target list. Those same people sure as hell didn’t want him in the White House and they sure as hell didn’t want Trump to win.” Flynn was invited to a Cambridge Intelligence Seminar in 2014, probably by Halper: Before Page and Papadopolous, there was the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. Flynn had been invited to Cambridge in February, 2014 for a a dinner hosted by both Dearlove and Halper. But during that time, Flynn was already walking a fine line with the Obama Administration and battling President Obama and the CIA over his deep disagreement with the administration’s narrative that al-Qaeda and extremists groups, had been defeated or were on the run. Several months later Flynn was forced to resign early and ended his tenure as the director of the DIA. Flynn didn’t want to lie for obama and that put him in the dog house, so Flynn was ripe for being hung out to dry. Halper left CIS in late 2016 with the complaint that Russians were gaining too much influence, which rings hollow once you know this: Halper, along with Dearlove, left the Cambridge Intelligence Seminar in December 2016, saying they were concerned about Russian influence. Halper had told reporters at the time that it was due to “unacceptable Russian influence.” Ironically, documents obtained by SaraACarter.com suggest that Halper also had invited senior Russian intelligence officials to co-teach his course on several occasions and, according to news reports, also accepted money to finance the course from a top Russian oligarch with ties to Putin. Several course syllabi from 2012 and 2015 obtained by this outlet reveal Hapler had invited and co-taught his course on intelligence with the former Director of Russian Intelligence Gen. Vladimir I. Trubnikov. Halper’s claims have been called “absurd.” But Halper was up his podium in Russians. It was Halper who gave obama and the Comey and Brennan the opening to frame Flynn. A historian and Russian intelligence researcher at Cambridge, Svetlana Lokhova, told TheDCNF that Halper is behind allegations made about her and Flynn during the retired general’s visit to Cambridge in 2014, when he served as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. “Stef Halper, who is currently under [Department of Justice] investigation for his activities, has been revealed by [The New York Times] as the source of the false allegations about me and General Flynn,” said Lokhova, who was born in Russia and has British citizenship. The New York Times reported Friday that Halper was the first to raise concerns about interactions Flynn had with Lokhova at a dinner for CIS, a forum for former intelligence officials. According to NYT, Halper, who was not identified by name in the report, “was alarmed by the general’s apparent closeness with a Russian woman who was also in attendance.” Halper’s complaints prompted a person close to him “to pass on a warning to the American authorities that Mr. Flynn could be compromised by Russian intelligence.” But Lokhova said Halper’s assessment of her interaction with Flynn was inaccurate. Halper was the source of the propaganda used to spy and and then frame Michael Flynn, Carter Page and George Papadopoulos in the effort to destroy Donald Trump. The Russian accusations, the FISA app- it was all a lie. A hoax. But what if it was more than just screwing Trump? Remember Comey telling us that it was likely Hillary Clinton’s email server was likely “accessed” by hostile actors? An extensive FBI investigation found evidence that foreign government hackers accessed private emails sent by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton but no direct evidence spies hacked into the several unsecure servers she used. FBI Director James Comey revealed Tuesday the 11-month probe into Clinton’s private email servers uncovered negligent handling of very sensitive classified information that was placed on several unsecure servers between 2009 and 2013, when Clinton served as secretary of state. In an unusual public announcement, Comey outlined findings that included discovery of highly classified information sent and received on Clinton’s private email servers, and signs that “hostile actors” gained access to email accounts of people who were sharing emails with Clinton. Everyone was certain that Comey meant the Russians. Assange said it wasn’t the Russians. Back in July Louie Gohmert told us that hillary’s emails were indeed hacked, but not by the Russians. He also said that Peter Strzok was briefed, but did nothing about it. Gohmert said the ICIG investigator, Frank Rucker, presented the findings to Strzok, but that the FBI official did not do anything with the information. Strzok acknowledged meeting with Rucker, but said he did not recall the “specific content.” “The forensic examination was done by the ICIG and they can document that,” Gohmert said, “but you were given that information and you did nothing with it.” Democrats deliberately smothered the seriousness of this breach… In late 2017, ICIG Chuck McCullough — who was appointed by former President Barack Obama — took the unusual step of coming forward publicly to say that he perceived pushback after he began raising the alarm about issues with Clinton’s servers to then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. He said he found it “maddening” that Democrats, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, were underselling the amount of classified information on the server. There was good reason to bury this. For four years Hillary Clinton sent all the American secrets she had to China. The embattled Page tossed James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Peter Strzok and Bill Priestap among others under the Congressional bus, alleging the upper echelon of the FBI concealed intelligence confirming Chinese state-backed ‘assets’ had illegally acquired former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 30,000+ “missing” emails, federal sources said. The Russians didn’t do it. The Chinese did, according to well-placed FBI sources. And while Democratic lawmakers and the mainstream media prop up Russia as America’s boogeyman, it was the ironically Chinese who acquired Hillary’s treasure trove of classified and top secret intelligence from her home-brewed private server. Yesterday we learned a little more: The former intelligence officer TheDCNF spoke with said the ICIG “discovered the anomaly pretty early in 2015.” “When [the ICIG] did a very deep dive, they found in the actual metadata — the data which is at the header and footer of all the emails — that a copy, a ‘courtesy copy,’ was being sent to a third party and that third party was a known Chinese public company that was involved in collecting intelligence for China,” the former intelligence officer told TheDCNF. “The [the ICIG] believe that there was some level of phishing. But once they got into the server something was embedded,” he said. “The Chinese are notorious for embedding little surprises like this.” For virtually all the time she was Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was sending all her emails to China. There were serious consequences: 2013: Pentagon: Chinese government hacking into US computers 2015: Chinese hackers stole F-35 fighter jet blueprints in Pentagon hack, Edward Snowden documents claim 2015: Chinese hack of US national security details revealed days after Russian hack 2015:Hacking Linked to China Exposes Millions of U.S. Workers And it gets worse The Chinese government systematically dismantled C.I.A. spying operations in the country starting in 2010, killing or imprisoning more than a dozen sources over two years and crippling intelligence gathering there for years afterward. Current and former American officials described the intelligence breach as one of the worst in decades. It set off a scramble in Washington’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies to contain the fallout, but investigators were bitterly divided over the cause. Some were convinced that a mole within the C.I.A. had betrayed the United States. Others believed that the Chinese had hacked the covert system the C.I.A. used to communicate with its foreign sources. Years later, that debate remains unresolved. 2010. During the time the Hillary was sharing American secrets with China. Remember Sally Yates asserting that Flynn was being investigated because he was allegedly compromised? HILLARY was the perfect candidate for blackmail. She was really COMPROMISED. Hillary Clinton did grave damage to this country and she was within an inch of becoming President. This could not be a more clear case of violation of the Espionage Act. Hillary Clinton should be in prison, but Mueller is chasing hookers and taxi cab medallions and tax fraud and process crimes. This is what democrats have been trying desperately to bury- by trying to destroy Trump. It’s not just overthrowing Trump, it’s keeping Hillary Clinton out of prison. Chinese company pledged $2 million to Clinton Foundation in 2013 The Clinton’s have a history with China. Maybe it’s more than the Espionage Act. Maybe it’s treason. #lockherup Via: FloppingAces Help us get the TRUTH out...Share This! August 30, 2018 Frank and Freeda BluntTR News & PoliticsChina, Clinton Cash, Clinton corruption, clinton crimes, Clinton Foundation, Democrat Stupidity, Hillary Clinton, News, Real News, Stupid Liberals, Traitors, Treason, Truth, Uranium One 3 thoughts on “Is Mrs. Clinton a Chinese Intelligence “Asset?”” MaddMedic Wait!! You used intelligence and Clinton in the same sentence!!! Frank and Freeda Blunt You’re right, but what if she IS smart…just evil. Just evil… Please, let us know what YOU think... Cancel reply Previous Post London Mayor Khan May Get His Own Balloon… Next Post IBM Laid Off 20,000 “Older” American Employees, Then tried to Import 37,000 Foreign Workers to replace Them… Search Trigger Reset… TR Archives TR Trending Topix Maine: Somali Muslim "Refugees" Roam Streets Randomly Attacking Americans... Clinton Era State Dept. 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__label__cc	0.576393	0.423607	Major Themes Familial Guilt English Literature Essay While on its surface Maus is the narrative of Vladek Spiegelman ‘s experiences in the Holocaust, it is besides much more. In many ways, the relationship between Vladek and his boy is the cardinal narration in the book, and this narrative trades extensively with feelings of guilt. Of peculiar relevancy in Maus is the guilt that is associated with the members of one ‘s household. The primary types of familial guilt can be divided into three separate classs: 1 ) Art ‘s feelings of guilt over non being a good boy ; 2 ) Art ‘s feelings of guilt over the decease of his female parent ; and 3 ) Art ‘s feelings of guilt sing the publication of Maus. The simplest signifier of guilt in Maus is Art ‘s guilt over the fact that he thinks he has non been a good boy to his male parent. Right from the first panel of Book I, we are told that the two of them do non acquire along peculiarly good, and that they do non see each other frequently, though they live reasonably near by. Art is ever on border around his male parent, and when they speak it feels as if an statement could interrupt out at any minute. Indeed, statements frequently do interrupt out over, for illustration, Art ‘s dropping coffin nail ash on the rug, or Vladek ‘s disclosure that he has burned Anja ‘s journals from the war. Vladek frequently asks his boy for aid with errands around the house, and Art is ever loth to follow. One of the most outstanding illustrations of this state of affairs occurs at the beginning of Chapter 5 of Book I, in which Vladek awakens his boy early in the forenoon to inquire for aid repairing a drain on his roof. Art refuses, subsequently stating his married woman that he would instead experience guilty than travel to Queen to assist his male parent. A few hebdomads subsequently, during Art ‘s following visit to his male parent, this guilt is distressingly obvious, as he instantly asks his male parent if he needs aid with any jobs. Art ‘s feelings of guilt over the decease of his female parent are besides comparatively straightforward. As told in the brief “ Prisoner on the Hell Planet ” interlude in Chapter 5 of Book I, Art feels responsible for his female parent ‘s self-destruction, believing it to be a merchandise of his ain disregard. His last memory of his female parent – in which she asks him if he still loves her, and he responds with a cold and dismissive “ certain ” – is a painful reminder of this neglect. Though this peculiar signifier of guilt does non play a major function in the narrative, it is notable in that Art feels slightly similar feelings of guilt towards his male parent, who is still alive. After the first volume of Maus is published in 1986, four old ages after his male parent ‘s decease in 1982, Art is still consumed with guilt. The publication of Maus has non alleviated these feelings, and in some ways it has made them worse. “ My male parent ‘s shade still hangs over me, ” Art says before walking to his assignment with Pavel. Pavel suggests that Art may be experiencing compunction for portraying Vladek unfavourably. Pavel besides suggests, in an interesting reversal, that possibly Vladek himself felt guilty for holding survived the Holocaust. This signifier of guilt, “ subsister ‘s guilt, ” is detailed in the following subdivision. Survivor ‘s Guilt The 2nd signifier of guilt found in the pages of Maus is more thematically complex. This guilt, called “ subsister ‘s guilt, ” is the merchandise of both Vladek and Art ‘s relationships with the Holocaust. Much of Maus revolves around this relationship between yesteryear and nowadays, and the effects of past events on the lives of those who did non see them ( see below ) . In the instances of both work forces, this relationship frequently manifests itself as guilt. Though Art was born in Sweden after the terminal of World War II, both of his parents were subsisters of the Holocaust, and the event has affected him profoundly. In Chapter One of Book II, as Art and Francoise are driving to the Catskills, Art reflects on this in item, and Art ‘s relationship with the yesteryear is revealed to preponderantly take the signifier of guilt: “ Somehow, I wish I had been in Auschwitz with my parents so I could truly cognize what they lived through! I guess it ‘s some signifier of guilt about holding had an easier life than they did. ” Vladek, excessively, appears to experience a deep sense of guilt about holding survived the Holocaust. As Art ‘s guilt persists through the late 1980s, five old ages after the decease of his male parent, he visits his head-shrinker, Pavel, and the two discuss the nature of guilt and what it means to be a Holocaust “ subsister. ” Vladek ‘s endurance in the Holocaust was non the effect of any peculiar accomplishment, but the consequence of fortune, both good and bad. Pavel turns the thought of guilt on its caput by proposing that Vladek himself really felt a strong sense of guilt for holding survived the Holocaust while so many of his friends and household did non. And possibly in response, Vladek took this guilt out on Art, the “ existent subsister, ” as Pavel calls him. In kernel, Vladek ‘s guilt may hold been passed down to his boy, set uping the foundation for the volumes of guilt that Art now feels towards his household and its history. Maus consists of two primary narrations: 1 that takes topographic point in World War II Poland, and the other that takes topographic point in late 1970s/early 1980s New York. The relationship between these two narrations – and more by and large between the past and present – is a cardinal subject of the narrative. The events of the Holocaust continue to act upon the life of Vladek, a Holocaust subsister, and resound through future coevalss, finally impacting his boy, Art. Many of Vladek ‘s curious personality traits can be linked to his experiences in the Holocaust. In 1978, Vladek is stubborn, cranky, and about comically ungenerous with his money. His relationship with his 2nd married woman, Mala, is strained and apparently devoid of love. Prior to World War II, nevertheless, he exhibits none of these features. He is sort, wealthy, and uncommonly resourceful, and his matrimony to Anja is filled with compassion and familiarity. His experiences in the Holocaust doubtless played a function in these dramatic personality alterations. Once comparatively affluent, Vladek ‘s endurance in German-occupied Poland depended on his ability to stash and salvage even the smallest of points, such as the paper negligee from a piece of cheese, or the coffin nails from his hebdomadal rations. These little points took on tremendous importance to Vladek, and even many old ages subsequently, he feels unable to throw anything off. His obstinacy in 1978 can be explained by the fact that he survived the Holocaust mostly because he possessed a singular intelligence and resourcefulness that enabled him to get the necessary nutrient, supplies, shelter, and protection. Now he is much older, but he still thinks of himself as the same immature adult male who could make everything on his ain. He still wants to move consequently, traveling to such extremes as mounting onto the roof to repair a leaky drain. Still, as Art notes on a few separate occasions, the Holocaust can non explicate everything about his male parent: “ I used to believe the war made him this manner, ” Art reflects to Mala, in Chapter Six of Book I, to which she responds that “ all our friends went through the cantonments ; cipher is like him! ” Vladek has clearly ne’er to the full recovered from the horrors of the Holocaust. This fact is affectingly illustrated by his concluding words of the narrative, when he erroneously calls Art by the name of his first kid, who died during the war. Though Art was born in Sweden after the war and did non see the Holocaust firsthand, his life has besides been profoundly affected by these indefinable events. To get down with, Art is straight affected by secondary “ aftershocks ” of the Holocaust, in that Vladek ‘s personality and rearing manner were clearly influenced by these events, and Art ‘s personality and lifestyle picks were in bend clearly guided by his male parent ‘s personality and parenting manner. Art describes a specific case of this transmittal to his married woman: [ Vladek ] loved demoing off how ready to hand he was… and turn outing that anything I did was all incorrect. He made me wholly neurotic about repairing material… One ground I became an creative person was… it was an country where I would n’t hold to vie with him. Art is besides affected by the yesteryear in less direct ways. To get down with, he feels about wholly consumed by the atrocious ghost of the Holocaust. As a kid, he sometimes fantasized that the showers in his house would spit gas alternatively of H2O, and he would frequently inquire himself which parent he would salvage if he could hold merely saved one from Auschwitz ( he normally picked his female parent ) . In many ways, he feels guilty about the fact that his parents were forced to populate through Auschwitz, whereas he was born after it ended, into a far more comfy and easy life. The relationships between past and present are frequently illustrated diagrammatically within the context of the narrative. The most graphic representation of this construct occurs at the beginning of Chapter Two of Book II, in which Art is sitting at his pulling board above a sprawling heap of dead and bony Judaic mice. The primary motive amongst Jews in the Holocaust is survival. Vladek sums up the procedure compactly while comforting his married woman after the decease of his first boy, Richieu: “ to decease, it ‘s easy… but you have to fight for life. ” Vladek ‘s experiences in the Holocaust stand for a changeless battle to last, foremost as his mill and income are taken off, so as the Jews are sent into the ghettos, and finally in the incubus of Auschwitz. And as the battle intensifies, the will to last Begins to interrupt the strong bonds of household, friendly relationship, and a common Judaic individuality. In the initial phases of German business, these steps are comparatively little – purchasing nutrient on the black market, for illustration – and strengthened by strong household ties, a incorporate Judaic individuality, and even selflessness. When Vladek arrives place from the captive of war cantonment, for illustration, an old concern familiarity, Mr. Ilzecki, helps him gain money and get the proper work documents that will let him to walk the streets in comparative safety. As the state of affairs continues to deteriorate, nevertheless, Vladek, his household, and his friends are forced to fall back to progressively utmost steps in order to last. Here, the bonds of Judaic individuality begin to interrupt under the pressing inherent aptitude to last. The first mark of this comes in the signifier of Jews functioning on a Judaic Police force, like the 1s who came to Vladek ‘s flat to escort his married woman ‘s grandparents to the concentration cantonments. Harmonizing to Vladek, these Jews thought that by assisting the Nazis in taking some of the Jews, possibly they could assist salvage others – and of class they could besides salvage themselves. Soon after, the bonds of household besides begin to interrupt, as illustrated by Vladek ‘s cousin Haskel ‘s refusal to salvage them from conveyance to Auschwitz without some signifier of payment. Though Haskel finally does assist Vladek and Anja flight, he finally decides non to assist Anja ‘s parents, and they are sent off to their deceases. The bond between Vladek and Anja remains solid throughout most of the narrative, as they foremost conceal together in the barns and back suites of Sosnowiec and are finally sent to neighbouring concentration cantonments. In the cantonments, Vladek and Anja are both preoccupied with their ain endurance, but Vladek is besides able to assist his married woman by giving her excess nutrient and emotional support. Soon, though, the Russians progress upon Auschwitz and Birkenau, and the twosome is inescapably separated. Vladek is hurried on a long, forced March through snow-clad forests to packed railroad autos where there is no nutrient or H2O for yearss. In stating this narrative to his boy, Vladek does non advert Anja once more until right before their eventual reunion in Sosnowiec. Unable to assist those around him, and unable to assist his married woman, he is left merely with his ain stubborn will to last. The importance of fortune is closely related to treatments of endurance and guilt ( see above ) . Vladek is blessed with many accomplishments and qualities – including the ability to talk multiple linguistic communications – that provide him with chances to last within the confines of Auschwitz. Ultimately, nevertheless, Vladek ‘s endurance and the endurance of all other Holocaust subsisters hinges upon fortune. On infinite occasions throughout Vladek ‘s Holocaust ordeals, his life is spared merely by the narrowest of borders: the near-miss slug at the prisoner-of-war cantonment in Lublin ; the quarrel with the Gestapo while transporting 10 kgs of illegal sugar ; the dark Mrs. Motonowa forces him and Anja out of her house ; the instance of typhus at Dachau ; and many, many other incidents. No affair how resourceful Vladek is, no affair how many linguistic communications he knows or occupations he can execute, he can non finally salvage himself from the horrors of the Holocaust. Rather, the affair of his life and decease finally depends upon a long line of opportunity results, most of which go on to fall his manner. The remainder of his household, including his parents and five siblings, are non so lucky. Pavel, Art ‘s head-shrinker, suggests that this thought may hold contributed to a strong sense of guilt in Vladek for holding survived the Holocaust while so many of his friends and household did non. Race and Class Unsurprisingly, given the capable affair, issues of race and category figure to a great extent in the secret plan, subjects, and construction of Maus. At the most basic degree, issues of race play themselves out on the expansive graduated table of the Holocaust, a awful apogee of mindless racism that is drawn and described in all its ferociousness and efficiency. But Maus besides deals with these issues in other, more elusive ways, through the usage of different carnal faces to portray different races. In Maus, Jews are portrayed as mice, while Germans are portrayed as cats. The metaphor of Jews as mice is taken straight from Nazi propaganda, which portrayed the Jews as a sort of varmint to be exterminated. The cat/mouse relationship is besides an disposed metaphor for the relationship between the Nazis and Jews: the Nazis toyed with the Jews before finally killing them. The determination to portray different races as different sorts of animate beings has been criticized as over-simplistic and for advancing cultural stereotypes. Beneath the simple metaphor, nevertheless, is an sincere effort to exemplify the dogged stratification by category and race that was really much a portion of life in World War II-era Poland. Within the pages of Vladek ‘s narrative, the Jews are seldom seen socialising with the non-Jewish Poles, except in instances where the Poles service as janitors, governesses, or other family helpers. The thought of stratification and categorization is best illustrated by the adult male in the concentration cantonment who claims that he is German, non Judaic, and who is finally taken aside and killed. When Art asks his male parent whether the adult male was truly a German, Vladek replies, “ who knows… it was German captives in there besides… But for the Germans this cat was Judaic. ” There were no sunglassess of grey within the German system of racial categorization. Indeed, this in-between land is so rare within the pages of Maus that the lone case of assorted matrimony ( Shivek ‘s brother, who married a German adult female ) comes as rather a daze, particularly when we see their kids, who are drawn as cat/mouse loanblends. This, nevertheless, is non the lone signifier of racism that exists within the pages of Maus. One of the most interesting facets of the narrative is the fact that Vladek, who survived the horrors of the Holocaust, is himself a racialist. When Francoise picks up an Afro-american hitchhiker on their manner back from the food market shop, Vladek can barely incorporate his choler that she has allow a “ shvartser ” into the auto and spends the whole drive place watching his food markets to do certain they are n’t stolen. This episode serves as a reminder that the racism of the Holocaust survives in other signifiers to this twenty-four hours. Merely as the animate being metaphor is an effort to explicate an bing societal stratification, other facets of the narrative seem to propose that this stratification is a manufactured semblance. This is most clearly illustrated in opening pages of Chapter Two of Book II, which take topographic point after the publication of the first book of Maus. In this narrative, Art Spiegelman is clearly holding uncertainties about the carnal metaphors that form the anchor of the narrative. Here, people are still characterized by animate beings based on race, but these word pictures are now clearly merely masks that have been tied to their caputs with a spot of twine. Thus the thought of race is merely an ruse, Spiegelman suggests, and underneath the masks we are all basically the same. Previous Post: Development Infrastructure Mining Sector Problems And Solutions Economics Essay Next Post: How Is It Innovation Impacting Employment Economics Essay	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1767
__label__wiki	0.595949	0.595949	Thu, 06/06/2019 - 06:21 794 views Bitcoin Rival Will Be Reportedly Launched by Facebook in June Alex Dovbnya 🍑🔎More juicy details about Facebook’s upcoming cryptocurrency have been revealed💱 ✔️ No smoke without fire Still centralized Facebook will reportedly launch its much-anticipated dollar-pegged cryptocurrency this June after months of speculation. Still, there is no official confirmation from the social media behemoth. ‘Facebook Coin’ Reportedly Coming in First Half of 2019 Prior to that, U.Today reported that the so-called “GlobalCoin” was slated for Q1 2020, but now it seems like its rollout will happen in June. When asked to bring more clarity to the table, Facebook declined to provide any comments. It also appears that the company has a few tricks up its sleeve in order to streamline the adoption of its new cryptocurrency, such as incentives for merchants. On top of that, Facebook will allow its employees to receive salary in its soon-to-be-released digital coin. With the recent bet on crypto, Facebook allegedly wants to diversify its mostly ad-driven revenue. Facebook Could Rake in $19 Bln After Rolling Out Its Cryptocurrency: Barclays Many feel skeptical about Facebook’s chances to disrupt the crypto industry after the company’s name has been tainted with loud data scandals. In order to make its crypto project more transparent, the company will allow outside partners from its foundation to run a node for a hefty $10 mln fee. However, this doesn’t even come close to the level of decentralization offered by already established cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Cover image via u.today In this Telegram channel you’ll find fresh news, interviews, infographics, forecasts & other helpful stuff. Join U.Today's channel. #Facebook #Cryptocurrency #Stablecoin Alex Dovbnya (aka AlexMorris) is a cryptocurrency expert, trader and journalist with an extensive experience of covering everything related to the burgeoning industry — from price analysis to Blockchain disruption. Alex authored more than 1,000 stories for U.Today, CryptoComes and other fintech media outlets. He’s particularly interested in regulatory trends around the globe that are shaping the future of digital assets. US Congressman Brad Sherman Compares Facebook’s Libra to 9/11 US Treasury Chief Steven Mnuchin Sees Cryptocurrencies as National Security Threat	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1768
__label__wiki	0.901	0.901	Forest Research and Outreach Written by University of California Cooperative Extension Forestry Fuel surplus could cause another destructive wildfire season Author: John Hickey Reposted from the UC Berkeley News Fire crews work on a wildfire in California. The 2019 fire season could be as destructive as earlier fire seasons. (U.S. Forest Service photo by Mike McMillan under Creative Commons 2.0) Eight months after the Camp Fire consumed the Northern California town of Paradise and was pronounced the deadliest wildfire in state history, California is facing the potential in the coming months for more death and destruction. Scott Stephens, a UC Berkeley professor of fire science, says the heavy rains of February and March have left California grasslands with perhaps twice as much burnable fuel as this time a year ago. “Most of the time, you'd have one ton of dry mass per acre, and right now it's about double that,” Stephens, who has spent a quarter century in Berkeley working on fire behavior, fire ecology and forest policy, says. “I would expect grassland fires to be more intense and move around more quickly because of that. “All that dry grassland will be responsive to sparks and flying burning embers. The fuel load will increase flame lengths. Once the grasslands start to burn, they could produce more embers themselves, since they have higher fuel loads.” Stephens says California could help itself greatly by following the Australian model of fire prevention, where there is regular governmental outreach to people who live in fire-prone areas. That's one reason he's a keen booster for Senate Bill 462, which is currently under consideration in Sacramento. One segment of the bill calls for the development of a group of outreach advisors who could be in the field long before a firestorm, giving advice about fire issues to those most likely to need it. Data from the weather satellite GOES shows the Camp Fire as it spread from ignition and through the town of Paradise on Nov. 8, 2018. Such images, downloaded quickly, could be used to alert fire, police and residents of developing wildland fires. (Image courtesy of Jeff Chambers) “This is not an average year,” he says. “The grasslands in some places are twice as tall as normal. That makes fire prevention more challenging, particularly at the urban wildland interface,” where homes are built on or adjacent to fire-prone lands. “In general,” he adds, “the state has not done well to engage people and acquaint them with their vulnerabilities.” “The UC Extension programs across the state have been doing this kind of thing in agriculture for 50 years,” Stephens says. “These are people who live in the counties most impacted and who can make a difference. We should be taking some inspiration from Australia and do the outreach about fire within communities and city councils.” The Camp Fire at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, four hours after it broke out, likely at the easternmost edge of the burn (right). (Landsat data analysis and overlay courtesy of Jeff Chambers) Stephens has spoken several times in Sacramento on behalf of SB 462, calling it “a critical program for the state to move forward.” The Camp Fire, and the Carr and the Tubbs fires that preceded it, may have gotten California out of a legislative quagmire concerning fire, although it's an open question whether or not the legislature will ever get a bill to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk. “In my two years doing this, I've never seen the state do what has been done the last two years,” Stephens says. “Both the legislature and the governor are moving into fire areas, trying to understand things better. This bill came out of the education committee in the Senate and got the support of a lot of environmental committees.” As originally written, the bill's funding would have been $20 million. Once the bill arrived in the appropriations committee, however, that figure was reduced to $1 million, and the bill currently is awaiting consideration by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Last November's Camp Fire left almost nothing behind in the Northern California town of Paradise. (Photo by Ashley Estep-Earley under Creative Commons) Stephens says the funding cut would mean only two or three people could be hired to do the kind of outreach he envisions across the state. The original funding would have seen the hiring of perhaps 15. Wildfire season in California has typically run from mid-summer through late autumn, although the last two seasons have stretched that. Stephens says getting ahead of the wildfire season would include, in addition to outreach, the passage of Senate Bill 462 and a concerted effort to mow or trim the dried grasslands. “We need to see what is happening,” Stephens says. “Right now, the people who are dying in these fires are the elderly, the vast majority of whom are over 65. These are people who are not as mobile and who don't have the same resources. They are the ones who need this outreach.” Tags: Cooperative Extension (1), fire advisors (0), fire season (0), outreach (1), SB 462 (0), Scott Stephens (14) Couple introduces Berkeley falcons to the world, one post at a time Author: Gretchen Kell Berkeley Ph.D. student Sean Peterson and biologist Lynn Schofield — with their baby, Vireo Schofield-Peterson — find joy in sharing Berkeley's falcon family with the public. (UC Berkeley photo by Gretchen Kell) UC Berkeley is globally famous for producing Nobel Prize-winning scientists, entrepreneurs, economists, artists and environmentalists. Now, a new group's got a spot — actually, a perch — on that list: peregrine falcons. Falcons first hatched in a secluded nest atop the campus's 307-foot-tall Campanile in 2017, but not until Sean Peterson, a Berkeley Ph.D. student, and Lynn Schofield, a biologist in Marin County at the Institute for Bird Populations, began a social media project about them this year did Berkeley's raptor family achieve a following in more than 40 countries worldwide. Two webcams installed on the bell tower in January made possible the pair's clever Cal Falcons Instagram, Facebook and Twitter posts, many of them about Carson and Cade — recent offspring of parents Annie and Grinnell. So far, viewers have watched the brothers appear, sport flight feathers, get banded, feast on fresh prey, practice flying and, recently, take wing. The posts also have included falcon facts, short videos, close-up shots taken with long-focus lenses and fun Photoshopped images — from Carson and Cade in graduation regalia to Annie receiving a Mother's Day bouquet of pigeons — designed to prompt awe and appreciation for these once-endangered animals. On May 18, the same day as 2019 Spring Commencement in Memorial Stadium, a Cal Falcons post showed father falcon Grinnell congratulating the chicks, who were ready to graduate from their official names — 2206-82959 and 2206-82960 — to those that would be chosen in a naming contest launched that same day. “Our number one mission always will be to prioritize conservation of peregrine falcons,” says Peterson. “But close behind that, we want to stoke people's interest in these amazing animals and a grow a community for them. And, we want to increase awareness of the wildlife in everyone's backyard.” Peterson and Schofield, who are married, happily educate falcon fans who pose questions via social media with responses that are factual, friendly and, if necessary, reassuring. A popular one this spring was why a third egg laid by Annie, the mother falcon, didn't hatch. The couple's efforts — and a live, May 6 Berkeleyside interview that included Vireo, their now 9-month-old son, who wears raptor booties — have resulted in the famlly occasionally being greeted by passersby as “the Peregrine Falcon People.” Vireo Schofield-Peterson, age 9 months, has raptor booties made by a family friend who volunteers with Vireo's parents at the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. (UC Berkeley photo by Gretchen Kell) “It tells me people are interested in the falcons,” says Peterson, of the family's nickname, “but I also think it's our baby they remember.” Cal Falcons is a joint effort by seven bird experts who represent UC Berkeley, the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, East Bay Regional Park District, Institute for Bird Populations and Institute for Wildlife Studies. Observatory director Allen Fish says Peterson and Schofield “are both serious and focused ornithologists. And yet, they've been able to reach hundreds, maybe thousands, of Cal Falcons fans with their informal and spot-on social media posts and answers. “This is a great lesson for scientists everywhere; we have many roads to teaching.” “Neither of us anticipated how much of a following there would be” for UC Berkeley's falcon family, says Ph.D. student Sean Peterson, who launched the social media project with his wife, Lynn, a biologist. This response followed a post showing a fluffy baby chick: “these birds are the only thing getting me through finals.” (UC Berkeley photo by Gretchen Kell) A visibility problem In winter 2016, Schofield, a biologist at the nonprofit Institute for Bird Populations, was working in the courtyard of Berkeley's Valley Life Sciences Building when she heard peregrine falcon cries. “I asked around if there was a pair on campus,” she says, “but everyone said no.” Still, Schofield knew what she'd heard. She'd been familiar with falcons since her childhood in Minnesota, where she spent lunch hours watching a pair nesting on her dad's office building. Before moving to California, she also worked at the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center. So, in early 2017, she and Peterson, along with Berkeley alumnus Doug Bell, the East Bay Regional Park District's wildlife program manager, and Mary Malec, a volunteer raptor nest monitor for the park district and Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, climbed high in the Campanile to look for falcons. The group soon was peeking through grates at a female falcon on a crude nest, on the western balcony above the tower's observation deck, “and she stared right back at us,” says Schofield. “It's good we went up there,” she adds, “as the conditions weren't right. The balcony isn't quite level, Annie had laid four eggs — two had rolled away — and the birds were incubating the other two on a torn-open sand bag.” “It's a community thing,” Lynn Schofield (left) says of the peregrine falcon following that's been building since Annie and Grinnell first nested on the tower in 2017. (UC Berkeley photo by Gretchen Kell) Emergency permission was obtained from state and federal authorities and UC Facilities Services to provide the falcon family with a temporary nest shelf — a large tray with gravel. Peterson and Schofield visited the tower almost every day, watching from below for evidence that the parents were feeding babies at the nest. “At that point, our main worry was the nest itself, whether they'd have a successful nest, and if the chicks would fledge successfully,” says Peterson, whose dissertation in the Department of Environmental Policy, Science and Management is on wetland birds in the Sierra Nevada foothills. In late May 2017, chicks Fiat and Lux emerged, and a volunteer falcon fledge watch crew assembled below the Campanile. It would monitor the young birds through spotting scopes as the siblings readied to fly and help them if they became stranded. Cade begins to fly. “I'm surprised how proud I am of him,” a fan wrote in response to a Cal Falcons Instagram post. “go Cade go!!! wrote another. (Photo by John Davis) Young Lux died that July after hitting a window, prompting a bird-proofing of windows around the tower. Yet, his parents, “because they'd had a successful nesting year,” says Peterson, persevered: The following year, three chicks — Berkelium, Californium and Lawrencium — were born on the Campanile, this time in a permanent, wooden box, and fledged successfully. Still, it again was a struggle for Peterson and Schofield to view the nest. “We had no visibility up there, in the tower, and we didn't even know when the female had laid eggs,” says Schofield. And, adds Peterson, “it was hard for people to experience the falcons from the ground.” A fan club takes flight “I think we were all thinking webcam from the beginning,” says Schofield, of the solution she and Peterson had for real-time observation of the birds on the tower. “There are a lot of great webcams for birds,” including one for a pair of bald eagles in Decorah, Iowa, and another for albatrosses in Kauai, Hawaii, that's currently on hiatus. In October 2018, Berkeley launched a successful crowdfunding campaign for two 24/7 webcams, and last February, they were installed — one facing the nest, anotheron the northern balcony — in time for Cal Falcons and the public to observe a new and complete season of hatching and fledging. As the chicks emerged, the nest webcam activity also was livestreamed on the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive's huge outdoor video screen. More than 500 people stopped by on April 25 to watch, and falcon experts were there to answer questions. Lynn Schofield gets son Vireo acquainted with a telescopic lens, so he's ready someday for a close-up look at the falcons' every move atop the Campanile. (UC Berkeley photo by Gretchen Kell) Peterson and Schofield say it's important that their Cal Falcons social media posts not only feature, but explain, the raptors' webcam activity. “We know stuff will happen — birds die, sometimes— and we want to make sure there is a format where people are in communication with us, so we can help them understand natural history and realize they aren't watching pets,” says Schofield. For example, when Carson and Cade fledged off the tower, with no branches nearby to land on and rest, says Peterson, “we never downplayed how dangerous that time period was. They could end up on the ground, and their flight muscles at first are not good enough for them to take off from there, and they become vulnerable to predators.” Of Peterson and Schofield's posts, says Malec, “Their skill in answering questions is unsurpassed.” The same could be said of their talent for sharing lighter moments, like the time aspiring hunters Cade and Carson caught a moth. Cal Falcons fans live as far away as Japan, the United Kingdom and the Middle East, says Peterson, adding that neither he nor Schofield “anticipated how much of a following there would be for our posts, or the number of questions and cool opportunities to teach there would be.” Falcon brothers Carson (left) and Cade, all grown up. Born April 24, 2019, they were named through a contest on the Cal Falcons Facebook fan page. (Photo courtesy of Cal Falcons) He predicts that Carson and Cade will leave the Campanile in August, but says he and Schofield “will keep people up to date with any sightings we have … until breeding season picks up again.” Lawrencium, known as “Larry,” has been spotted on Alcatraz Island, and she is likely establishing a territory there, says Peterson, adding that a researcher doing seabird surveys there reported that Larry had killed a Canada goose mid-air for a meal. Schofield says Cal Falcons' social media efforts so far have inspired one fan to take a bird behavior course, several teachers to involve their classrooms and children to submit names for the chicks — Fluffy and Peeppeep made it into this season's naming contest. “We want the Cal Falcons audience to grow,” she says, “and it seems that caring about Berkeley's falcons is something everyone can agree on. If it's a sign of success, the president of the Berkeley College Republicans and the president of Cal Berkeley Democrats began following us on the same day.” Tags: Campanile (1), Lynn Schofield (1), peregrin falcon (1), Sean Peterson (1), social media (1), UC Berkeley (11), wildlife (3) Multiyear Drought Caused Massive Forest Die-off in Sierra Nevada Author: Lorena Anderson Published on: July 5, 2019 Reposted from UC Merced News The scope of the tree deaths is evident when viewed as part of the larger forest. The most extreme drought event in hundreds of years caused a catastrophic die-off of the Sierra Nevada's mature trees in 2015-2016. A study published today in Nature Geoscience details how UC Merced Professor Roger Bales and his colleague Professor Michael Goulden from UC Irvine tracked the progress of the devastation caused by years of dry conditions combined with abnormally warm temperatures. The researchers warn that matters are expected to get worse as global mean temperatures increase. “Parts of the Sierra Nevada reached a ‘tipping point' in 2015, where annual precipitation plus stored subsurface water were not enough to meet the water demand of the forest,” Bales said. The trees in California's mixed-conifer mountain forests have roots that can draw water from as deep as 5 to 15 meters down, which has historically protected the trees against even the worst multi-year droughts. But the severity of California's 2012-2015 dry-spell “exceeded this safety margin,” the researchers said. When forest stands exhausted the subsurface moisture, they became vulnerable to attack by pests, leading to widespread tree death. From 2012 to 2015, the entire state experienced a crippling drought, but it was especially severe in the southern Sierra Nevada. The four-year period was the driest in the past century, combined with below-average precipitation and above-average warmth extending year after year. “This forest die-off can be viewed as a ‘perfect storm' — the intersection of four years of low precipitation, hotter temperatures than in past droughts, and a heavily overstocked forest from centuries of fire suppression,” Bales said. Trees faced an epic drought from 2012 through 2015, which scientists say will happen more frequently as the climate warms. The research was supported by National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Observations by the U.S. Forest Service Aerial Detection Survey showed that many tree stands suffered complete loss of mature conifers. Pines were especially hard hit by an infestation of bark beetles. Sierra Nevada Research Institute Director Bales, Distinguished Professor of Engineering with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the School of Engineering, and Earth System Science Professor Goulden examined tree communities at a variety of elevations and latitudes in the sprawling mountain range using field and remote-sensing observations. A post-drought survey found that tree mortality was greatest near 3,800 feet of elevation, with nearly 80 percent loss in 2016. The study outlines a key factor in the die-off: A period of unusually dense vegetation coinciding with a prolonged drought and warmer-than-usual temperatures. The heat and proximity of trees and plants to one another caused accelerated evapotranspiration — moisture evaporating from leaves and rising up in the sky as water vapor. This caused the trees to draw even more water from the ground. “We expect climate change to further amplify evapotranspiration and ground moisture overdraft (when more water is taken out of the soil than is replaced by precipitation) during drought,” Goulden said. “This effect could result in a 15 percent to 20 percent increase in tree death for each additional degree of warming.” With their improved understanding of the contributions of factors such as elevation, vegetation density, heat, precipitation and soil water amounts, the researchers said they now have a framework to diagnose and predict forest die-offs brought on by drought. “Using readily available data, we can now predict where in mountain forests multi-year droughts are likely to have the greatest impact, and the threshold at which those impacts are expected to occur,” Bales said. Tags: bark beetles (6), drought (10), Michael Goulden (1), Roger Bales (1), tree mortality (7) Is wildfire management ‘for the birds’? Author: Kara Manke Reposted from UC Berkeley News Spotted owls, native to the old-growth forests of the West Coast, have already lost much of their former habitat to logging. Without active forest management, the birds now risk losing even more of their remaining habitat to wildfire, a new paper argues. (Photo by Tom Munton) Spotted owl populations are in decline all along the West Coast, and as climate change increases the risk of large and destructive wildfires in the region, these iconic animals face the real threat of losing even more of their forest habitat. Rather than attempting to preserve the owl's remaining habitat exactly as is, wildfire management — through prescribed burning and restoration thinning — could help save the species, argues a new paper by fire ecologists and wildlife biologists and appearing today (July 2 ) in the journal, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. The paper compares the plight of the owl with that of another iconic threatened species, the red-cockaded woodpecker, which has made significant comebacks in recent years — thanks, in part, to active forest management in the southern pine forests that the woodpecker calls home. Though the habitat needs of the two birds are different, both occupy forests that once harbored frequent blazes before fire suppression became the norm. “In the South, the Endangered Species Act has been used as a vehicle to empower forest restoration through prescribed burning and restoration thinning, and the outcome for the red-cockaded woodpecker has been positive and enduring,” said Scott Stephens, a professor of environmental science, policy and management at the University of California, Berkeley, and lead author on the study. “In the West, it's just totally the opposite,” Stephens added. “Even though both places physically have strong connections to frequent fire, the feeling here is that the best thing to do is to try to protect what we have and not allow the return of frequent fire — but that's really difficult when you have unbridled fires just ripping through the landscape.” The red-cockaded woodpecker, native to the Southeastern U.S., has benefited from prescribed burning and restoration thinning of the pine stands where it makes its home. (Photo by Warren Montague) A tale of two birds Spotted owls make their homes in the dense forests of the Western and Southwestern U.S., feeding on flying squirrels and woodrats and nesting in broken-off treetops or tree hollows. Red-cockaded woodpeckers, meanwhile, reside in pine stands in the Southeastern U.S., provisioning nests from nest boxes or hollowed-out cavities in living pine trees and eating insects pried from under tree bark. Development and logging have robbed both species of much of their former habitat, and their populations have both taken a hit: Partners in Flight estimates the global breeding population of spotted owls to be at 15,000 individuals. What habitat remains is now largely protected under the Endangered Species Act — but when it comes to fire and forest management, the act has been interpreted in dramatically different ways in the two regions, said paper co-author Leda Kobziar, associate clinical professor of wildland fire science at the University of Idaho. “In the South, the act is interpreted to support active management through forest thinning and prescribed burning, and in the West, it is interpreted to exclude most fires and active management from protected areas surrounding spotted owl nests,” Kobziar said. One critical difference is the degree to which active management in red-cockaded woodpecker habitat provides complementary benefits. “In the South, active management is known to reduce wildfire hazards, and it benefits local economies, along with a host of other fire-dependent species. In the West, those complementary benefits are less well-defined,” Kobziar said. Another part of the reason for the discrepancy is perceived differences in the habitat preferences of the two birds, Kobziar explains. Red-cockaded woodpeckers live in more open, mature pine forests that result when low-intensity natural or prescribed burns limit the development of a forest midstory, where woodpecker predators take cover. Meanwhile, spotted owls generally prefer the dense, multi-layered forests that grow when fire is excluded. The 2014 King Fire ripped through regions of Eldorado National Forest that had been home to a long-term study of the California spotted owl. (U.S. Forest Service photo via Flickr) However, suppressing all fires in order to encourage growth of these dense canopies also creates conditions that are ripe for large, severe wildfires that can take out not just the smaller trees, but entire forests, obliterating swaths of owl habitat in the process. The 2014 King Fire, for example, tore through regions of the Eldorado National Forest that were home to a long-term study of the California spotted owl and caused the bird's largest population decline in the 23-year history of the study. “A key question to be asking is: Where would owl habitats be with more characteristic fire regimes, and could we tailor landscape conditions where these habitats are less vulnerable and more supportive of today's wildfires?” said co-author Paul Hessburg, a research landscape ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station. The solution would mean, “essentially creating less habitat in order to have more in the long run,” he said. Fighting fire with fire Before European settlement, many small- to medium-sized wildfires burned through the forests of the Southeastern and Western U.S., sparked by lightning or intentionally lit by native peoples to produce food, clear land or drive game. These fires would gobble up the dead wood, seedlings and saplings that made up the forest understory, while leaving taller, older trees standing and marked with fire scars recorded in their growth rings that fire ecologists use to track the frequency of historical fires. In the mountainous landscape of the West, these fires didn't strike uniformly everywhere, to the potential benefit of the owls, Hessburg said. “If I took you back in the way-back machine 200 years ago, you would have seen that fire regimes in the Cascade Mountains differed very much by topographic setting,” he said. “Ridgetops and south slopes would often get pounded with lightning and fires, and so tree cover would be sparse. But in shaded and cool valley bottoms and north slopes, you would see complex layered forests, and some of these would have been incredible owl habitats.” Bethel Ridge, located in central Washington State, photographed in 1936 (top) and again in 2012 (bottom). Decades of fire exclusion has allowed smaller, younger trees to flourish, making the forests considerably denser in contemporary times. (Top: National Archives photo; Bottom: Photo by John Marshall; both courtesy of Paul Hessburg) Targeted restoration thinning and prescribed burning on ridgetops and dry southern slopes where fire used to be a frequent visitor, while leaving valley bottoms and northern slopes to develop into complex forest, could be a way to discourage large wildfires from ripping through vast landscapes, while maintaining owl habitat in a more fire-protected context. New evidence also hints that owls may not be so dependent on dense understory canopies as once thought, the paper notes. Recent findings indicate that other aspects of forest structure, particularly the presence of large, old, tall trees, may be more important to the owls. These findings hint that prescribed burning and restoration thinning to reduce the size and severity of wildfires may not be damaging to owl habitat, even in the short term. “We're treating the habitat as if we know precisely what habitat characteristics are preferred. It might be that these birds are tolerant of a broader range of characteristics that would enable things like fuels reduction to protect them from high-intensity wildfires,” Kobziar said. “The South has melded fire and rare species management in a holistic way, but in the West, we're doing one or the other — (in) most places (where) we do forest restoration, we are trying to avoid owls,” Stephens said. “But the King Fire showed that owls and their habitats are vulnerable to large wildfires. More restoration thinning and prescribed burning could help us keep the habitat that we have now, modify it and actually make it more sustainable in the future.” Other co-authors on the study include Brandon M. Collins of UC Berkeley; Raymond Davis, Joseph Ganey, James M. Guldin, Serra Hoagland, John J. Keane, Warren Montague, Malcolm North and Thomas A. Spies of the U.S. Forest Service; Peter Z. Fulé of Northern Arizona University; William Gaines of the Washington Conservation Science Institute; Kevin Hiers of the Tall Timbers Research Station; Ronald E. Masters of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Ann E. McKellar of Environment and Climate Change Canada. Is fire ‘for the birds'? (Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment) Stephens Lab website Tags: Brandon Collins (2), fire management (2), habitat (1), prescribed fire (12), Scott Stephens (14), spotted owls (1) Californians agree: Don’t build in wildfire-prone areas Author: Public Affairs Reposted by Public Affairs, UC Berkeley A man helps friends recover after the 2007 Witch Fire in San Diego County destroyed their home. Californians agree that new homes should not be built in wildfire-prone areas, according to a new Berkeley IGS Poll. (FEMA Photo by Andrea Booher via Wikimedia Commons) Almost three-quarters of California voters think limits should be imposed on new housing developments in high-risk wildfire areas, according to a new Berkeley IGS Poll. The survey showed that 74% of voters thought building in risky areas, often called the wildland-urban interface, was a bad idea. Twenty-five percent said there should be no restrictions. Opinions were strong across the state. Almost 80% of voters in Los Angeles County thought new, high-risk development should be limited, while 74% of San Diego-area voters and 77% of San Francisco Bay Area residents agreed. Even in the conservative, rural areas of Northern California and the Central Valley, roughly two-thirds of voters agreed there should be limits on new buildings. The poll comes after a series of destructive wildfires in California destroyed thousands of homes, killed more than 100 people and burned millions of acres across the state. Estimates suggest California's 2017 and 2018 wildfire seasons cost $21.5 billion. “Support is bipartisan and includes large majorities of voters across all major regions in the state,” said Mark DiCamillo, director of the Berkeley IGS Poll, which is affiliated with UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies. The poll, however, did not define areas where new development might be limited, which could change how voters feel about the issue. A recent study by the state's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection estimates that nearly a quarter of Californians live in areas that could be considered high-risk for wildfires, including several areas in suburban Los Angeles and the Bay Area. The poll also asked Californian's opinions about the housing crisis, but found no clear consensus on the issue. Thirty-four percent of those surveyed thought offering subsidies for low- or middle-income homebuyers was a solution, while 24% agreed building new housing along transit lines in urban areas was a good idea. Just 17% thought increasing the scope of rent control would help. Twenty-four percent said none of those ideas were good ways to make housing more affordable. Just a bare majority—51%—said the state government “should assume a bigger role and require local communities to build more housing.” Forty-seven percent said the issue should remain in local hands. The survey queried 4,435 registered voters in English and Spanish via email from June 4 to 10. The poll's margin of error was 2.5 percentage points. Tags: building (1), development (2), housing (1), Institute of Governmental Studies (1), Mark DiCamillo (1), UC Berkeley (11), wildfire hazard (1) Next 5 stories > Last story >> Viewing 1-5 of 189 Very good overview of this... Very interesting study! Thanks for... wildfire (45) Scott Stephens (14) Susie Kocher (14) Lenya Quinn-Davidson (12) Kelly Research and Outreach Lab Oak Woodland Management Hopland REC Oak Conservation Sierra Foothill REC The Forest Steward - applying science to the management of forests Richard B Standiford: Very good overview of this... Richard B Standiford: Very interesting study! Thanks for... • wildfire • climate change • Scott Stephens • Susie Kocher • Lenya Quinn-Davidson • prescribed fire • UC Berkeley • drought • California • California Naturalist • forest health • Sierra Nevada • tree mortality • bark beetles • forest	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1769
__label__cc	0.637158	0.362842	Quality of Life Services Coming to Coachella Area Posted by Cindy Uken \| Jun 19, 2019 \| News, Valley Life COACHELLA —Residents in the Coachella area will soon have closer access to multiple quality-of-life services. On Thursday, June 20, a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. will mark the celebration of a new Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) full-service office in Coachella. Individuals and families in need the Coachella area can obtain temporary cash assistance, medical insurance, food assistance, and job placement and job skills training. Steven Hernandez Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez said he sees two substantial benefits to the new facility. “One, residents in the city will have access to vital county services that help improve and make a difference in their lives,” Hernandez told Uken Report. “Second, with over 150 county employees in downtown Coachella, there is an economic impact back into our community-an infusion of salaried employees that has not been seen in a long time.” Coachella City Councilmember Josephine Gonzales told Uken Report that government offices and institutions can be intimidating or evoke fear in some. “However when such an office is in your community, a familiar place where trust is established, it can be a true jewel for your city which is what I foresee the DPSS facility will be for our beautiful city of Coachella,” Gonzalez said. “I work for the county of Riverside DPSS as a supervisor with child protective services so I understand the fear our department evokes. What is clear to me is that having a government office accessible and connecting with families daily creates/forms relationships on a human level and that is where families are served, people are helped and a healthier community grows.” DPSS programs serve and support individuals and families to achieve and sustain their health, well-being, and economic independence, Sayori Baldwin, Managing Director at DPSS, said. “By opening this facility, we will make access to essential services and benefits much easier for our communities to obtain in the Coachella Valley,” Baldwin said in a prepared statement. DPSS expects the new office to serve more than 50,000 people every year from the Coachella area in these nearby Coachella Valley communities: Desert Center, Eagle Mountain, Hayfield, Salton Sea, Desert Shores, Thermal, Mecca, Desert Beach, North Shore, Mortmar and Desert Camp. “This beautiful new office brings closer access to services, back-to-work programs and training for residents of disadvantaged communities in the eastern Coachella Valley,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said in a prepared statement. “It is not only a place where families can get help with temporary assistance programs to be self-sufficient, but also the front lines where county employees each day work to address poverty, inequity, and social justice in the Coachella Valley.” The Coachella office, 1283 Sixth St., Coachella, will open to the public by early July and will handle programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, General Assistance, CalWORKs, Child Care and Welfare to Work. Steven Hernandez: City of Coachella Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) full-service office in Coachella.: Riverside County Economic Development Agency PreviousLido at Terra Lago Grand Opening this Weekend NextTram Extends Hours for Independence Day Cindy Uken is a respected, award-winning journalist who is persistent in getting the details of a news story so readers will be better informed about political, healthcare and veteran news. She is a veteran journalist who brings a fresh perspective to local online political news. As the CEO of Uken Report, she is driven by providing an alternative digital platform for the latest breaking online news throughout the Coachella Valley. City Leaders Mourn Passing of Larry Olinger	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1770
__label__cc	0.650307	0.349693	The UK Ports Industry Port Skills and Safety British Ports Association Other Partner Organisations Developing skills Working with Devolved Administrations Road and Rail Links to Ports UKMPG News UK Major Ports Group UK Major Ports UK Major Ports welcomes key recommendations of Lords Coastal Regeneration report April 4, 2019 by Lianne Stephens The House of Lords Select Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities has been investigating the drivers and solutions for economic and social challenges in communities all around the UK’s coast, recognising the unique characteristics of such communities such as decline of traditional industries and their geography. They have today (Thursday 4th April) published their findings. UKMPG was pleased to be able to provide written evidence of the very positive role played by ports in driving jobs, prosperity and opportunity in these regions, and the ways that investment could be further increased. Our CEO was also pleased to appear as a witness to the Committee. Tim Morris, CEO of the UK Major Ports Group and one of the witnesses called by the inquiry, commented “We welcome today’s report. A number of the recommendations are strongly supported by major ports. The recommendations on reducing planning restrictions for ports and surrounding area development and tailoring Enterprise Zones more towards the needs of coastal communities offer the potential to boost significant private sector in these areas. Other recommendations on improved transport and digital connectivity, skills development and better cross-Whitehall coordination offer the potential to really unlock the potential the UK’s Coastal Powerhouse.” UK Major Ports Group members collectively invest more than half a billion pounds in the UK each year. At more than double the rate of depreciation, that’s a substantial and growing contribution to the UK’s infrastructure, principally in coastal areas . Through this investment they are key catalysts for jobs and investment in the UK’s coastal communities – regions which can too often suffer from high levels of economic and soci al hardship . This catalytic effect is not just in the ports themselves – where the jobs are not only more productive but also often significantly better paid than local averages. It is also in the surrounding hinterlands as ports develop their broader estates and local land for productive use – logistics parks, fulfilment centres and manufacturing facilities. The wider infrastructure development – such as road and rail connectivity – made to support port development can also open up a range of more general economic and business activity for coastal communities. Each pound spent on a road scheme connecting a port can add more than four pounds of value for the wider local economy through improving conditions for business and tourism. The Committee's report is available via their website Add your email address to be notified whenever we post news updates. Gateways for value – A strong relationship between ports and their customers is the key for driving real supply chain value. July 10, 2019 By Lianne Stephens UK maritime industry comes together to eradicate use of Dangerously Weighted Heaving Lines. July 5, 2019 By Lianne Stephens Three Urgent Brexit Preparation Steps Government Must Take About UK Major Ports Group The United Kingdom Major Ports Group Ltd (UKMPG) was formed in 1993 and is the trade association representing most of the larger commercial ports in the United Kingdom. It has nine members who, between them, own and operate over 40 ports, accounting for more than 70% of the total tonnage handled in UK ports. … Continue Reading UK Major Ports have already been calling for a big, urgent increase in public information campaigning. See what oth… https://t.co/t1hodety25 Yesterday at 10:22 am Very constructive meeting with @wgmin_economy talking about how the ports sector and Welsh Govt can work in partner… https://t.co/JzZAoB4vNk Yesterday at 9:48 am Great to catch up with a wide range of maritime people at last night’s @MaritimeUK summer reception. Thanks to… https://t.co/2lO31Crp2y July 17, 2019 4:05 pm Should be fascinating! https://t.co/2ejAjEv5AR July 17, 2019 12:21 pm SE1 9EQ Tel. +44 (0) 20 7260 1785 Copyright © 2019 · UK Major Ports Group · Built by Blue Pie Media	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1771
__label__wiki	0.871475	0.871475	HTC buys Saffron Digital, now plans to invest in OnLive by Francis Tan — in Asia HTC, which recently acquired London-based mobile platform firm Saffron Digital, is now planning to invest a stake in the U.S.-based gaming company Onlive Inc. This is the Taiwanese company’s latest push to expand through acquisitions and gain a better position in the ever-competitive smartphone market. HTC has seen tremendous success with its early adoption of the Android operating system in its mobile phones. It is now aiming to ramp up its investments in mobile technology to bring exclusive content and applications, in a bid to keep up with rival Apple, Inc. This new ecosystem of content, combined with powerful hardware and the unrelenting Android OS might just make HTC a worthy contender. The company’s $40 million stake investment in OnLive will strengthen its gaming capabilities and help HTC tap into increasing demand for games on smartphones, according to HTC spokesperson Maggie Cheng. The company also bought Saffron Digital for $48 million with hopes of delivering a compelling multimedia video experience on its devices, said Shashi Fernando, Saffron’s chief executive. HTC has been making remarkable smartphones with a unique user interface but it still lags behind Apple in terms of apps and content. These acquisitions by HTC will allow it to bring complex, localized content optimized for its devices to even up the ground against its rival. With such aggressive efforts, the Taiwanese company may be on its way to becoming one of the top-tier phone manufacturers in the world. Read next: T-mobile to offer all mobile phones for free this weekend	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1780
__label__wiki	0.77382	0.77382	Singapore Airlines’ Waitlist Policy Changes Go Into Effect by Max Prosperi Earlier this year, Singapore Airlines announced that it would be rolling out changes to the airline’s waitlist policy: while redeeming miles on Singapore Airlines using KrisFlyer miles would require more miles than before, the waitlist policy would be improved. Effective today, Singapore Airlines’ new waitlist policy has officially been rolled out. What Is Waitlisting with Singapore Airlines? Singapore Airlines offers some of the most premium cabins of any airline. However, award space can often be difficult to find — even in economy. To increase the chances of scoring award space and having the option of redeeming miles, Singapore Airlines allows members of the KrisFlyer program to waitlist for their desired cabin. Singapore Airlines A380 First Class Suites. (Photo by Brian Kelly / The Points Guy) Essentially, if a traveler was planning on using KrisFlyer miles but was unable to find award space for their desired flight, they have the option of adding themselves to the waitlist for that flight. If award space becomes available for their desired cabin and they are on the waitlist, that traveler will be booked onto that flight using miles. There is no limit to how many flights a KrisFlyer member can waitlist themselves. However, travelers are required to have enough miles in their account for their desired redemption. The waitlist feature offered by Singapore Airlines is a great way to snag award space on the airline. It also offers travelers peace of mind that, assuming award space opens up, they will be able to snag a seat. What Is Changing? Beginning July 4, 2019, all Singapore Airlines waitlist redemption flights after August 14, 2019, will follow the new waitlist policy. The most significant change applies to the time frame of Singapore Airlines’ waitlist. With the new policy, passengers can add themselves to the waitlist at any time up until 3 weeks prior to departure. Additionally, passengers will be notified at least 14 days prior to departure to whether or not award space has become available and confirmed. If award space does not become available and a waitlist redemption is unsuccessful, the redemption will be canceled two weeks prior to departure. This updated cancellation policy applies to all waitlist redemptions with the exception of upgrades. According to Singapore Airlines, this new policy is to give passengers greater certainty when using KrisFlyer miles. In addition to changes to time frame, KrisFlyer members who take advantage of the airline’s waitlist feature can opt to receive periodic reminders and manage their waitlist bookings online. Periodic reminders and confirmation of award availability will be sent via email. Passengers can opt out of this feature. Ultimately, the change to Singapore Airlines’ waitlist policy is a minor improvement to the KrisFlyer program. However, the devaluation to the program’s frequent flyer currency earlier this year means, if award space becomes available, travelers will be required to redeem a greater number of miles than before. For tips on how to book premium cabin awards on Singapore Airlines and partner airlines, check out TPG’s guides. For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter. Featured image by Ryan Patterson / The Points Guy Max Prosperi is a part-time frequent flyer and travel writer and full-time student. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Max covers a variety of topics with a focus on points, miles, and aviation.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1785
__label__cc	0.604823	0.395177	CaltechTHESIS Deposit an Item Instructions for Students On the mechanism of cavitation damage by non-hemispherical cavities collapsing in contact with a solid boundary Naude, Charl Francois (1960) On the mechanism of cavitation damage by non-hemispherical cavities collapsing in contact with a solid boundary. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06302006-081114 A perfect fluid perturbation theory, which neglects the effect of gravity, and which assumes that the pressure inside a cavitation bubble remains constant during the collapse process, is given for the case of a non-hemispherical, but axially symmetric cavity which collapses in contact with a solid boundary. The theory suggests the possibility that such cavities may deform to the extent that the cavity wall strikes the solid surface before minimum cavity volume is reached. High speed motion pictures of cavities generated by spark methods are used to test the theory experimentally. It is found that the theory describes the change of shape of such cavities fairly well, and that the phenomenon of the cavity wall striking the solid boundary does indeed occur. By studying the damaging effects of various cavities of this type on aluminum samples, it is shown that pressures resulting from the cavity wall striking the surface are much higher than pressures caused by compression of gases inside the cavity. It is furthermore found that the estimated impact velocities of the cavity walls on the solid boundary can account for water hammer pressures sufficiently large to have caused the observed damage. Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.)) Engineering and Applied Science Major Option: Thesis Availability: Public (worldwide access) Research Advisor(s): Ellis, Albert T. (advisor) Lagerstrom, Paco A. (co-advisor) Thesis Committee: Defense Date: CaltechETD:etd-06302006-081114 Persistent URL: http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06302006-081114 Default Usage Policy: No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided. Imported from ETD-db Thesis Files PDF (Naude_cf_1960.pdf) - Final Version See Usage Policy. CaltechTHESIS is powered by EPrints 3.3 which is developed by the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. More information and software credits.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1787
__label__cc	0.635907	0.364093	Tag Archives: Allegro Broadway, Musicals, NYC, playwrights, Productions, Recommendations, Save The Date, The Theatre Guild Archives, Theatre Guild Productions, Theatre History, Theatre News A Match Made in Music Today we are writing you about Carousel, which is coming back to Broadway with previews starting February 28th. Carousel has a fascinating history. In about 1940, the Theatre Guild decided it would like to make a musical from the play it had previously produced, called Green Grow the Lilacs. They invited Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II to write the musical which became, as you know, Oklahoma!. With the glorious success of Oklahoma!, The Guild wanted Richard and Oscar to write another musical. The Guild examined the previous 50-60 plays it had produced on Broadway. Ultimately, a play The Guild presented in 1922, Liliom by famed Hungarian playwright Ferenc Molnár, was chosen. The musical, now called Carousel, was acclaimed everywhere and The Guild had another musical hit! After Carousel, Richard and Oscar wrote one more musical, Allegro, for The Guild, but it was not as well received as Oklahoma! and Carousel. Richard and Oscar were great friends of ours, as were their children. I (Philip) grew up with Mary Rodgers, who was a great long-time friend. We are so delighted that Carousel, which is being produced by Scott Rudin and Roy Furman, is being presented again next month at the Imperial Theatre. To purchase tickets, click here. It’s a great show! Tagged Allegro, Broadway, Carousel, Ferenc Molnar, Imperial Theatre, Mary Rodgers, Musicals, New York City, NYC, Oklahoma, Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers, Roy Furman, Scott Rudin, The Theatre Guild, theatre history	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1790
__label__cc	0.706616	0.293384	Photos: Scrap Metal Artist new business From The Batavian: Steve Foster, of Adams Welding, has a new side business -- turning metal left over from commercial jobs, and maybe mixing in some horseshoes they buy, to create lawn art and other household decorative items. Foster and Tim Adams were in front of their shop on Main Road, Stafford, this afternoon selling the items, though they've also started attending various festivals in the area. They've done two so far. It was a friend in the Chamber of Commerce who suggested the sideline, Foster said. "He said, you have all this extra metal, why don't you start making something out of it," Foster said. "It would go to the scrap yard otherwise."	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1797
__label__wiki	0.702423	0.702423	Research ArticleVascular Biology Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus causes sustained collecting lymphatic vessel dysfunction Dennis Jones1,2, Eelco F. J. Meijer1,2, Cedric Blatter2,3, Shan Liao1,, Ethel R. Pereira1,2, Echoe M. Bouta1,2, Keehoon Jung1,2, Shan Min Chin1,2, Peigen Huang1,2, Lance L. Munn1,2, Benjamin J. Vakoc2,3, Michael Otto4 and Timothy P. Padera1,2,† 1Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. 2Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. 3Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. 4Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. ↵†Corresponding author. Email: tpadera{at}steele.mgh.harvard.edu ↵ Present address: Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive Northwest, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada. Science Translational Medicine 17 Jan 2018: Vol. 10, Issue 424, eaam7964 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aam7964 Dennis Jones Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. ORCID record for Dennis Jones Eelco F. J. Meijer ORCID record for Eelco F. J. Meijer Cedric Blatter Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Shan Liao Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Ethel R. Pereira ORCID record for Ethel R. Pereira Echoe M. Bouta ORCID record for Echoe M. Bouta Keehoon Jung Shan Min Chin ORCID record for Shan Min Chin Peigen Huang ORCID record for Peigen Huang Lance L. Munn ORCID record for Lance L. Munn Benjamin J. Vakoc Michael Otto Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. ORCID record for Michael Otto Timothy P. Padera ORCID record for Timothy P. Padera For correspondence: tpadera@steele.mgh.harvard.edu Lymphatics limp along after MRSA Lymphedema is associated with skin and soft tissue infections, and both can be recurring, causing continual suffering in affected patients. To better understand the relationship between bacterial infections and lymphedema, Jones et al. used intravital imaging to examine the lymphatics of mice infected with MRSA. They observed lymphatic muscle cell death, which led to prolonged dysfunction months after the bacteria had been cleared. In vitro experiments with human cells indicated that bacterial toxins were responsible for damaging the lymphatic muscle cells, suggesting that the toxins could be targeted in patients to interrupt this brutal cycle. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is a frequent cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Lymphedema—fluid accumulation in tissue caused by impaired lymphatic vessel function—is a strong risk factor for SSTIs. SSTIs also frequently recur in patients and sometimes lead to acquired lymphedema. However, the mechanism of how SSTIs can be both the consequence and the cause of lymphatic vessel dysfunction is not known. Intravital imaging in mice revealed an acute reduction in both lymphatic vessel contractility and lymph flow after localized MRSA infection. Moreover, chronic lymphatic impairment is observed long after MRSA is cleared and inflammation is resolved. Associated with decreased collecting lymphatic vessel function was the loss and disorganization of lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs), which are critical for lymphatic contraction. In vitro, incubation with MRSA-conditioned supernatant led to LMC death. Proteomic analysis identified several accessory gene regulator (agr)–controlled MRSA exotoxins that contribute to LMC death. Infection with agr mutant MRSA resulted in sustained lymphatic function compared to animals infected with wild-type MRSA. Our findings suggest that agr is a promising target to preserve lymphatic vessel function and promote immunity during SSTIs. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are caused by microbial invasion of the epidermis, for which there are 14 million outpatient visits annually in the United States (1). Patients are generally treated with oral and topical antibiotics. However, complicated infections may additionally require intravenous antibiotics, leading to nearly 500,000 hospital admissions each year in the United States (2, 3). The most common pathogens associated with bacterial infections of the skin and underlying tissues are β-hemolytic Streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus, including strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (4). The resistance of MRSA to antibiotics, along with an increasing incidence of infections, has become a growing public health concern for individuals in the community and hospital settings (5), and underscores the need for treatments that target both MRSA colonization and its pathogenesis (6). These infections can often recur and are frequent in patients with impaired lymphatic function, including those with lymphedema (7, 8). Further, SSTIs can also lead to secondary lymphedema (7), suggesting that SSTIs can be both the consequence and the cause of impaired lymphatic function. However, little is known about how bacteria interact with lymphatic vessels. Understanding this relationship will be critical to developing future therapies and vaccination strategies that maintain lymph flow to improve clearance of MRSA and toxins as well as promote antigen delivery to the lymph node for robust immune responses. The lymphatic vasculature consists of a network of vessels critical for maintenance of tissue homeostasis, fluid balance, immune function, absorption of dietary fat, and lipid transport (9). Disruption or malfunction of lymphatic vessels can result in lymphedema, presented as local fluid retention and tissue swelling (10). Primary lymphedema has a genetic etiology that leads to lymphatic insufficiency (11). In contrast, secondary lymphedema is more common and is triggered by obstruction or damage to lymphatic vessels caused by iatrogenic damage, inflammation, or infection—either bacterial or parasitic (12). Individuals with lymphedema are prone to develop SSTIs, both erysipelas and underlying tissue cellulitis (13). Lymph flow is controlled by a combination of factors that propel lymph to the lymph nodes for immune surveillance and filtration (14). Primarily, the organized lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) that cover collecting lymphatic vessels (CLVs) periodically contract to drive lymph forward (15). Calcium (Ca2+) signaling in LMCs drives contraction in response to chemical and mechanical stimuli such as endothelium-derived factors and lymph flow, respectively (16, 17). Nitric oxide, a vasodilator produced by the endothelium in normal and inflammatory conditions, has been shown to have a context-dependent effect on lymphatic contraction. In normal physiology, loss of nitric oxide has been shown to strengthen, blunt, or have no effect on lymphatic contraction (18–20). Perturbations in either Ca2+ or nitric oxide signaling, such as blocking Ca2+ channels, increasing nitric oxide production, or causing sterile inflammation, have been shown to significantly compromise lymphatic contraction (18, 19, 21, 22). Here, we present a murine infection model to determine whether MRSA infections inhibit lymphatic vessel function and to define the molecular mechanisms related to this response. Acute inhibition of lymphatic function in a localized MRSA infection model To examine a potential relationship between MRSA infection and lymphatic function, we established an MRSA infection model of the mouse hindlimb, a location analogous to the commonly affected lower extremities in human SSTIs (23). Neutrophils infiltrated the hindlimb and draining lymph node (fig. S1, A to D) within 24 hours after infection. Lymphangiography revealed dilated afferent lymphatic vessels to the popliteal lymph node (PLN), which we designate here as PLVs, compared to PLVs of uninfected mice (Fig. 1, A and B, and fig. S1, A and E). Fig. 1 Collecting popliteal lymphatic vessels exhibit diminished contraction and lymph velocity after MRSA infection. C57BL/6 mice were infected subcutaneously in the hindlimb with 2 × 106 to 4 × 106 colony-forming units (CFU) of MRSA for 4 days or left uninfected. (A) Representative sequential images from intravital microscopy of PLVs perfused with FITC-dextran (2 million molecular weight). Scale bar, 50 μm (see movies S1 and S2). (B) Representative traces from PLV wall measurements show lymphatic diameter and contraction over time (n = 8 to 11, each group). (C) Ejection fraction, indicating strength of lymphatic vessel contraction, in uninfected mice and mice infected with WT MRSA after 4 days (n = 8 to 11, each group). (D) Frequency indicates the counts per minute (cpm) of PLV contractions in uninfected mice and mice infected with WT MRSA after 4 days (n = 7 to 10, each group). (E) Top: Representative depth versus time image of the optical coherence tomography intensity signal (grayscale) from a fixed transverse location that is used to identify the upper and lower boundaries of PLVs in uninfected animals and during active infection (day 4). LV, lymphatic vessel. Instantaneous lymph velocity (color) in the PLV in uninfected animals and during active infection (day 4) is overlaid on structural OCT depth scan. Bottom: Representative trace of instantaneous velocity of lymph flow averaged over the PLV cross-sectional area in uninfected animals and during active infection (day 4). (F) Time-averaged mean velocity of lymph flow in uninfected animals and during active infection (n = 3 to 11 measurements in each group). For (C), (D), and (F), statistical analysis was performed using Student’s unpaired two-sided t test. Error bars show SEM. P < 0.05. Because dilated lymphatic vessels are associated with lymphatic dysfunction (24), we measured the ability of PLVs to contract using intravital fluorescence microscopy (Fig. 1A) (25). MRSA infection impaired lymphatic contraction compared to mock-infected animals (Fig. 1, A and B, and movies S1 and S2). The strength of PLV contraction, as measured by ejection fraction—the theoretical fractional volume of lymph expelled with each vessel contraction—declined significantly after infection (Fig. 1C) (P < 0.05). PLVs from infected animals also showed a significant decrease in phasic contraction frequency compared to uninfected controls (Fig. 1D) (P < 0.05). To determine whether lymph flow inside PLVs was also decreased, we used a recently developed label-free method to identify PLVs (Fig. 1E) and directly measure instantaneous total lymph velocity (basal and pulsatile flow) in vivo by Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT) (26). In uninfected mice, 90% of the lymph velocity measurements showed distinct peaks in flow in the PLV (Fig. 1E). Four days after infection, only 33% of the lymph velocity measurements were pulsatile, with others showing constant yet reduced lymph velocity compared to uninfected animals (Fig. 1, E and F). Together, mice infected with MRSA demonstrated significant inhibition of both lymphatic vessel contraction and lymph velocity during active infection (P < 0.05). Chronic inhibition of lymphatic function after clearance of MRSA and resolution of inflammation Subcutaneous infection of mice with MRSA led to a transient infection, with the peak of bacterial burden in the infected skin and underlying muscle, as well as in the lymph node, at 4 days after infection (Fig. 2A). Consistent with previous results for subcutaneous MRSA infections in mice, MRSA in skin (27) and ipsilateral PLN was not detected by colony formation assays 30 days after infection (Fig. 2A). Similar results were obtained using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect mecA and thermonuclease—both Staphylococcal-specific genes (fig. S2, A and B). Concomitant with the presence of inflammatory cells during early infection (fig. S2, A to D), a gene array measured an increase in several key genes that mediate the host inflammatory response (Fig. 2B). Notably, the transcript for interleukin-1β (IL-1β)—a protein essential for host defense against S. aureus (28)—was the most highly up-regulated gene 4 days after infection. Il-1β up-regulation was separately confirmed by qPCR (fig. S2C). In contrast, 60 days after infection, the inflammatory gene profile (Fig. 2B), including il-1β (fig. S2C), was comparable to the expression profile of uninfected mice. These data show MRSA clearance and resolution of inflammation by 30 and 60 days after infection, respectively. Fig. 2 CLV dysfunction persists after clearance of MRSA. (A) Infectious burden measured by colony formation assay in the draining PLN (left) at the indicated time points (n = 6 to 14, all groups). Infectious burden in the skin and underlying muscle tissue (right) from the site of infection at the indicated time points (n = 4 to 5, all groups). (B) Gene expression array of mouse inflammatory cytokines and receptors comparing tissue from the site of infection collected at day 4 (left) and day 60 (right) after MRSA infection. ΔΔCT was calculated with normalization of raw data to housekeeping genes. The graph plots normalized gene expression levels (log10) from control (uninfected) skin and muscle tissue (n = 2) on the x axis versus normalized gene expression levels (log10) of day 4 (n = 2) or day 60 (n = 2) post-infection skin and muscle tissue on the y axis. Circles above the upper gray line identify significantly up-regulated genes (P < 0.05); the blue line and lower gray line represent the boundary for genes unchanged and significantly down-regulated, respectively. Individual samples were loaded into each qPCR array plate and normalized to skin from uninfected mice. (C) Ejection fraction (n = 3 to 8) and (D) frequency (n = 3 to 10) show the strength and number, respectively, of PLV contractions over time. Each time point represents a different cohort of mice; days 1, 2, 4, 30, 60, and 120 were measured. (E) Representative depth versus time image of the depth-resolved optical coherence tomography intensity from a fixed transverse location that is used to identify the upper and lower boundaries of PLVs in uninfected animals and after clearance of infection (day 35). Instantaneous lymph velocity (color) in the lymphatic vessel in uninfected animals and after clearance of infection (day 35) is overlaid on structural OCT depth scan. (F) Time-averaged mean velocity of lymph in uninfected animals and after clearance of infection (day 35; n = 11 to 17 measurements in each group). Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s unpaired two-sided t test. Error bars show SEM. P < 0.05. By 120 days after infection, lymphatic vessel diameter had returned to the normal range found in most uninfected animals (fig. S2D). Surprisingly, the strength (Fig. 2C) and frequency (Fig. 2D) of PLV contraction remained impaired after clearance of infection at day 30, and this impairment was sustained 120 days after infection (P < 0.05). Using DOCT to measure lymph flow (Fig. 2E), we found pulsatile lymph flow in only 50% of the mice measured after MRSA clearance (35 days after MRSA infection) compared to 90% of mice in the control group (Fig. 2E). In addition, measurements made 35 days after MRSA infection showed limited net flow velocity (Fig. 2F), comparable to flow velocity measurements 4 days after infection. Moreover, we found that only two of seven mice at 260 days after MRSA infection showed pulsatile lymph flow. Consistent with this finding, the net lymph velocity remained decreased in MRSA-infected mice relative to age-matched controls 260 days after infection (P < 0.05) (fig. S2E). Effect of nitric oxide inhibition on lymphatic function during infection We hypothesized that nitric oxide produced by infiltrating cells during MRSA infection could disrupt the temporal and spatial nitric oxide gradients established by lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) (19, 29), similar to sterile inflammation (19). Using immunofluorescence, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was identified in inflammatory cells in the skin and within the abscess (Fig. 3A). iNOS-positive cells were often found in proximity to lymphatic vessels (Fig. 3A), suggesting a potential role for iNOS in inhibiting lymphatic contraction. Unexpectedly, most of the iNOS-positive cells did not stain positively for Gr-1, a marker of neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Fig. 3B). Depletion of Gr-1+ cells led to greater reduction of lymphatic contraction (fig. S3A), likely due to the critical role of Gr-1+ cells in host defense during acute infection (30). These findings are in contrast to the role of Gr-1+ cells in a model of sterile inflammation (19). Next, we tested whether MRSA-derived lipoteichoic acid (LTA), through production of iNOS (31), inhibited lymphatic contraction during MRSA infection. Purified LTA injected into the mouse hindlimb decreased lymphatic contraction in a dose-dependent manner (Fig. 3C) but did not impair lymphatic contraction in iNOS-deficient mice [iNOS knockout (KO)] (Fig. 3C). This suggests that LTA acts through iNOS to reduce the strength of lymphatic function, similar to sterile inflammation (19). Although the concentration of LTA at day 4 of MRSA infection was comparable to purified LTA at the same time point (fig. S3B), iNOS KO mice infected with MRSA maintained a significant reduction in lymphatic contraction (P < 0.05) (Fig. 3D). Notably, 60 days after MRSA infection, iNOS was undetectable in hindlimb tissue compared to 4 days after infection (fig. S3C), and animals injected with LTA showed normal lymphatic contraction 30 and 60 days after LTA injection (fig. S3D). Fig. 3 Inhibition of iNOS is not sufficient to restore CLV contraction during MRSA infection. (A) Representative sections of control skin (from uninfected mice) and skin 4 days after MRSA infection. Lymphatic vessels were identified with anti–LYVE-1 antibody (red) and nuclei with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) (blue). Anti-iNOS antibody (green) identified iNOS-positive cells; n = 4. Scale bar, 300 μm. (B) Serial sections to the images in (A) were stained with anti–Gr-1 antibody (blue), anti-iNOS antibody (green), and anti-Ly6G antibody (red); n = 4. Scale bar, 50 μm. (C) Sterile PBS (50 μl) or LTA (50 μl) suspended in sterile PBS was injected into the hindlimb of C57BL/6 and C57BL/6-iNOS−/− mice. On day 4 after injection, the ejection fraction shows the strength of PLV contraction from the indicated concentrations of LTA (n = 3 to 4, each group). (D) C57BL/6 mice were injected subcutaneously in the hindlimb with PBS (uninfected) or infected subcutaneously in the hindlimb with 2 × 106 to 4 × 106 CFU of WT MRSA or MRSA deficient in nitric oxide production (ΔsaNOS). C57BL/6-iNOS−/− mice were infected subcutaneously in the hindlimb with 2 × 106 to 4 × 106 CFU of WT MRSA or ΔsaNOS MRSA. Ejection fraction 4 days after infection shows the strength of PLV contraction among respective groups (n = 8 to 11, each group). For (C) and (D), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparison with Fisher’s least significant difference post hoc analysis was used to determine significance. Error bars show SEM. P < 0.05. Another source of nitric oxide is MRSA itself, which uses nitric oxide synthase oxygenase (saNOS) to catalyze nitric oxide production from l-arginine (32). Infection of wild-type (WT) mice with MRSA lacking saNOS (ΔsaNOS) resulted in reduced lymphatic vessel contraction (Fig. 3D). Similarly, infection of iNOS KO mice with ΔsaNOS MRSA did not improve PLV contraction (Fig. 3D). These results suggest that nitric oxide—produced by iNOS or bacterial saNOS—is not the sole inhibitor of lymphatic contraction during and after MRSA infection. Effect of inhibiting inflammation on lymphatic function during infection The inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor–α) (both elevated in Fig. 2B), and IL-6 have been previously shown to decrease lymphatic contraction and lymph flow (33). Animals null for MyD88 (MyD88 KO), an intracellular adaptor protein for inflammatory signaling pathways downstream of Toll-like receptors, show attenuated production of these cytokines after intravenous S. aureus challenge (34, 35). However, lymphatic contraction in MRSA-infected MyD88 KO mice revealed no improvement in lymphatic function (measured by intravital microscopy) 4 days after infection, compared to infected WT mice (fig. S3E). In addition, prophylactic and therapeutic neutralization of TNF-α yielded no benefit in lymphatic function during MRSA infection (fig. S3F). Finally, mice treated prophylactically and during active infection with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—the cyclooxygenase inhibitor acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or etodolac—did not exhibit enhanced lymphatic contraction (fig. S3G) relative to vehicle control. Loss of LMCs after MRSA infection Because reducing host inflammation and inflammatory cytokines did not improve lymphatic function (Fig. 3 and fig. S3, A, E, and G), we analyzed the cellular integrity of PLVs after MRSA infection. To this end, we performed immunohistochemical staining on hindlimb tissue. Using CD31 to identify blood and lymphatic vessels (fig. S4A), we found decreased α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) staining of the PLV and adjacent posterior tibial artery 36 and 96 hours after infection (Fig. 4A and fig. S4C). However, no apoptotic αSMA+ cells were detected at these times using TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling) staining (Fig. 4A and fig. S4C). Because this finding suggested decreased lymphatic muscle and smooth muscle cell (SMC) coverage, we next used mice that express DsRed under the control of the αSMA gene promoter (αSMA-DsRed) (19) to identify the LMCs on lymphatic vessels highlighted by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–dextran lymphangiography (Fig. 4B). LMC coverage of the PLV was decreased and DsRed localization was altered 4 days after infection (P < 0.05) (Fig. 4, B and C). In addition, loss of SMC coverage was measured in the posterior tibial artery (Fig. 4, A and B, and fig. S4C). LMC coverage remained abnormal 30 days after infection (Fig. 4, C and D), and LMCs showed an elongated pattern of αSMA distribution after infection (Fig. 4C). To confirm LMC loss, we analyzed the expression of αSMA by immunofluorescence using optically cleared hindlimb tissue. In agreement with findings from αSMA-DsRed reporter mice, infection of WT mice led to reduced LMC coverage 4 days after infection (P < 0.05) with partial recovery 30 days after infection (Fig. 4, E and F). Surprisingly, 260 days after infection, decreased LMC coverage persisted (P < 0.05) and LMCs displayed abnormal morphology and distribution of αSMA compared to the corresponding uninfected contralateral leg of the same animal (Fig. 4, G and H). Fig. 4 Infection-induced CLV dysfunction is associated with decreased LMC coverage. (A) Representative immunohistochemical images of uninfected mouse hindlimb and mouse hindlimb 36 hours after infection stained with αSMA (crimson, arrowhead) and TUNEL (brown); n = 4 mice per group. Scale bar, 40 μm. (B) Representative intravital image from segment of PLV of an αSMAPDsRed/C57BL/6 mouse interstitially injected with FITC-dextran; n = 4 mice per group. Arrowhead indicates lymphatic vessel. Arrow points to blood vessel. Scale bar, 100 μm. (C) Representative intravital image from PLV segments of αSMAPDsRed/C57BL/6 mice on the indicated days. Scale bar, 100 μm. (D) Quantification of αSMA-positive cells per 100 μm of PLV; n = 4 to 8 mice per group. (E) Representative image from PLV segments of C57BL/6 mice, stained with anti-αSMA, on the indicated days. Scale bar, 100 μm. (F) Computer-automated quantification of % αSMA-positive area of PLV; n = 3 to 4 mice for each group. (G) Representative image from a segment of PLV stained with anti-αSMA (red) 260 days after infection and corresponding control (contralateral) PLV. Scale bar, 25 μm. Arrowheads indicate adjacent blood vessel (posterior tibial artery). (H) Computer-automated quantification of % αSMA coverage of PLV 260 days after infection or corresponding age-matched control (contralateral) popliteal lymphatic vessel (n = 5, both groups). For (D) and (F), statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA comparison with Fisher’s least significant difference post hoc analysis. For (H), statistical analysis was performed using Student’s unpaired two-sided t test. Error bars show SEM. P < 0.05. MRSA-induced LMC death MRSA can damage biological membranes in several cell types, leading to cell death (36). We investigated whether MRSA could cause death of LMCs. To this end, we isolated LMCs from murine PLVs and cultured them in vitro (fig. S5A). After only 6 hours of incubation with MRSA-conditioned supernatant, LMC viability in vitro was significantly diminished compared to control medium [tryptic soy broth (TSB)] (P < 0.05) (Fig. 5A). Because LMCs are critical for lymphatic contraction, we sought to further assess the mechanism of LMC death. To test the relevance to human disease mechanisms, we also added MRSA-conditioned supernatant to human SMCs (hSMCs) (Fig. 5B). To determine whether the relevant secreted factors in the MRSA-conditioned supernatant were proteins, we pretreated MRSA-conditioned supernatant with trypsin. Trypsin abolished the lethality of MRSA-conditioned supernatant on hSMCs (Fig. 5B), suggesting that proteins mediate the observed cell death. Within abscesses, we found Gr-1+ cells that were also TUNEL-positive (fig. S6, A and B). Because we did not identify TUNEL-positive LMCs (Fig. 4A), we next asked whether cellular lysis represented a mechanism of MRSA-induced LMC death by measuring the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the medium. The LDH release assay indicated MRSA cytolysis of hSMCs as early as 6 hours after exposure to MRSA-conditioned medium (Fig. 5C). Fig. 5 MRSA protein causes muscle cell death. (A) Cell viability [relative luciferase units (RLU)] analysis of hSMCs after exposure for 24 hours to control medium (TSB), MRSA-conditioned medium, or MRSA-conditioned medium incubated for 18 to 24 hours at 37°C with trypsin; n = 3 independent experiments. (B) Graph depicting LDH release from hSMCs (left y axis) and cell viability (RLU, right y axis) after exposure for 6 hours to control medium (TSB), MRSA-conditioned medium, or doxycycline; n = 3 independent experiments. (C) Mouse LMC viability analysis (RLU) after exposure for 6 hours to control medium (TSB) or (WT) MRSA-conditioned medium; n = 3 independent experiments. For (A), one-way ANOVA comparison with Fisher’s least significant difference post hoc analysis was performed. For (B), statistical analysis was performed using multiple t tests for comparators indicated. For (C), statistical analysis was performed using Student’s unpaired two-sided t test compared to the control group. Error bars show SEM. P < 0.05. N.D., not detected. Death of LMCs from MRSA toxins Because MRSA-conditioned supernatant was able to kill LMCs (Fig. 5A), we next used mass spectrometry to analyze the cell-free conditioned medium from the MRSA strain USA300 JE2 and found 233 proteins that were highly enriched in the conditioned medium compared to control medium (Fig. 6A). Toxin expression in the MRSA-conditioned supernatant was abundant (see full list of proteins identified in table S1), accounting for 9% of identified proteins with known function (fig. S7A). Expression of many S. aureus toxins is primarily dependent on the accessory gene regulator (agr) operon (Fig. 6B) (36). On the basis of their high expression in MRSA supernatant, we chose to investigate the effect of δ-hemolysin, α-hemolysin, and phenol-soluble modulin α-1 (PSMα1) on LMCs. Fig. 6 Effect of MRSA toxins on LMCs and CLV function. (A) Identification by mass spectrometry of the relative abundance of proteins (area) from <100-kDa fraction of MRSA-conditioned medium. (B) Heat map of the most highly expressed toxins, as identified by mass spectrometry; also depicted is the corresponding toxin expression level in the absence of agr. (C) Graph depicting LDH release from LMCs (left y axis) and cell viability (RLU, right y axis) after incubation for 24 hours with normal growth medium only (−), α-hemolysin (1.0 μg/ml), δ-hemolysin (100 μg/ml), or PSMα1 (100 μg/ml). Statistical analysis was performed using multiple t tests relative to untreated control for cytolysis and cell viability. P < 0.05; n = 3 independent experiments. (D) Cell viability analysis of murine LMCs (mLMCs) after exposure for 24 hours to control medium (TSB), MRSA-conditioned medium, or conditioned medium of isogenic MRSA mutants, as indicated; n = 3 independent experiments. P < 0.05 relative to control medium. hla, α-hemolysin; hld, δ-hemolysin. (E) Lymphatic ejection fraction (n = 4 to 5 mice for each group) and (F) frequency (n = 5 to 6 mice for each group) of lymphatic vessel contraction was measured in mice infected with WT or the indicated mutant MRSA strains. (G) Computer-automated quantification of % αSMA-positive area of PLV in animals 30 days after infection with WT or the indicated mutant MRSA strain; n = 3 to 4 mice for each group. For (D) to (G), statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA comparison with Fisher’s least significance difference post hoc analysis. Error bars show SEM. P < 0.05. To this end, we added recombinant δ-hemolysin, α-hemolysin, or PSMα1 to LMCs in vitro. Incubation of each toxin with LMCs led to cell lysis, with PSMα1 causing the greatest degree of cytolysis (Fig. 6C). However, genetic deletion of δ-hemolysin (hld) or α-hemolysin (hla) did not render LMCs viable after incubation with conditioned medium from these respective mutants (Fig. 6D). Incubation of conditioned medium from a genetic deletion of psmα (including psmα1 to psmα4) resulted in minimal improvement in LMC viability, also seen in a mutant with combined disruption of the psmα, psmβ, and hld (combined deletion) loci (Fig. 6D). In vivo, the strength (Fig. 6E) and frequency (Fig. 6F) of lymphatic contraction in mice infected with hld, psmα, and combined deletion mutants remained significantly reduced after 30 days relative to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) sham-infected mice (P < 0.05). LMC coverage after infection with mutants was comparable to that of WT MRSA (Fig. 6G). Together, these data suggest a role for additional agr-dependent factors toward LMC lethality. To this point, an α-hemolysin–neutralizing antibody was sufficient to prevent hSMC viability loss from recombinant α-hemolysin (fig. S7B) (P < 0.05) but had no effect on the lethality from MRSA-conditioned supernatant (P > 0.05) (fig. S7C). Effect of MRSA on additional cells associated with blood and lymphatic vasculature The loss of SMCs on blood vessels during acute MRSA infections (Fig. 4, A and B) suggested that additional cell types may be affected by MRSA toxins. We tested the ability of MRSA-conditioned medium to kill other vascular cell types, including both murine and human vascular SMCs, as well as human LECs. MRSA-conditioned supernatant killed hSMCs and murine SMCs (mSMCs) (fig. S7, D and E) and cultured primary human LECs (fig. S7F). Together, these data suggest that MRSA cytotoxicity is not limited to LMCs and explain the loss of SMCs of the posterior tibial artery. The requirement of α-hemolysin, δ-hemolysin, and PSMs for cell toxicity was cell-specific, because loss of δ-hemolysin and PSMα led to less killing of hSMCs (fig. S7, D and G) and mSMCs (fig. S7E) relative to LMCs (Fig. 6D) in vitro. Further, deletion of hla and psmβ in MRSA resulted in improved viability of LECs (fig. S7F). agr-dependent inhibition of CLV function Next, we used an agr mutant of the USA300 strain of MRSA, which has diminished production of several virulence-associated genes including hld and hla (37). Further, the agr mutant has no detectable PSM production (38). Unlike WT MRSA-conditioned supernatant, agr mutant–conditioned supernatant was not cytotoxic and did not cause death of LMCs, SMCs, or LECs (Fig. 7, A and B, and fig. S7, B to D). In vivo, mice infected with agr mutant MRSA had LMC coverage comparable to uninfected mice (Fig. 7C). Further, agr mutant–infected mice showed stronger lymphatic function relative to mice infected with the parental strain at day 30, which is after clearance of MRSA (Fig. 7D and movies S3 and S4). The strength of PLV contraction (ejection fraction) in agr mutant–infected mice was 58% stronger relative to the contraction of animals infected with WT MRSA (P < 0.05). Several agr mutant–infected animals showed contraction strength similar to that of uninfected mice (Fig. 7E). Moreover, the frequency of lymphatic vessel contraction was significantly faster in agr mutant–infected mice compared to WT MRSA (Fig. 7F) (P < 0.05). Notably, the contraction frequency of agr mutant–infected mice was increased even relative to uninfected mice, potentially compensating for the moderately lower ejection fraction. Together, these data suggest that agr-dependent MRSA toxins are primarily responsible for long-term inhibition of CLV function. Fig. 7 MRSA virulence proteins cause LMC death and diminished CLV function. (A) mLMC viability analysis after exposure for 24 hours to control medium (TSB), agr mutant–conditioned medium, or MRSA-conditioned medium; n = 3 independent experiments. (B) LDH release from LMCs incubated with conditioned medium from WT or agr mutant MRSA; n = 3 independent experiments. (C) Computer-automated quantification of % αSMA-positive area of PLV in uninfected animals and animals 30 days after agr mutant MRSA infection; n = 3 to 4 mice for each group. (D) Representative traces from lymphatic vessel wall measurements show lymphatic diameter and contraction over time in uninfected mice and mice infected with WT or agr mutant MRSA for 30 days. (E) Ejection fraction shows the strength of lymphatic vessel contraction in uninfected mice and mice infected with WT or agr mutant MRSA for 30 days; n = 8 to 17. (F) Frequency indicates the cpm of lymphatic vessel contractions in uninfected mice and mice infected with WT or agr mutant MRSA for 30 days; n = 8 to 15. For (E) and (F), statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA comparison with Fisher’s least significance difference post hoc analysis. Error bars show SEM. *P < 0.05. MRSA compromises and evades host immune responses by several mechanisms, including, but not limited to, suppressing chemotaxis of leukocytes, toxin-mediated killing of leukocytes, and the production of superantigens to impair the immune response (39). Here, we used the endemic USA300 strain of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), a common cause of serious bacterial infections in the United States, to investigate its effect on lymphatic vessels in a murine model of infection. Our data show that a single MRSA infection inhibits lymphatic vessel contraction and lymph flow long after the infection clears, providing another mechanism of how MRSA compromises immune responses. Several mechanisms have been shown to alter the strength of lymphatic contraction. These include physical, neural, and humoral influences (15). In particular, nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokine concentrations are able to dictate lymphatic contraction frequency and amplitude (19, 40, 41). Although we measured a marked increase in inflammatory cytokine production and nitric oxide–producing infiltrating cells at the peak of MRSA infection, several lines of evidence support the conclusion that nitric oxide and other inflammatory signaling mediators are not the cause of long-term lymphatic dysfunction after MRSA infections. The absence of inflammatory molecules, even though CLV function was still impaired after MRSA clearance, suggested underlying damage to CLVs established during the acute stage of infection. From this study, we report a new mechanism of lymphatic impairment. In vitro and in vivo, we show that MRSA causes LMC cell death, suggesting a causal connection between LMC loss and CLV dysfunction. We found that agr-dependent proteins, including α-hemolysin, δ-hemolysin, and PSMα (38), are able to kill LMCs. Consistent with protection of LMCs from cytotoxicity caused by agr mutant–conditioned medium in vitro, animals infected with an agr null mutant exhibited normal CLV function. In agreement with other studies (42), the β-type PSM peptides were less cytolytic toward LMCs and SMCs in our study than the α-type PSM peptides. Several PSMs are able to lyse a variety of eukaryotic cell types (42). It has been proposed that this is due to membrane perturbation of cells in a receptor-independent manner (43). α-Hemolysin also showed the ability to kill LMCs in vitro, but deletion of α-hemolysin was not sufficient to rescue LMCs from MRSA-induced death in vitro and in vivo. α-Hemolysin is known to cause indiscriminate cell death at high concentrations (44), and this may explain the discrepancy in our results with recombinant α-hemolysin and mutants deficient in α-hemolysin. Together, our results suggest that agr-dependent production of α-hemolysin, δ-hemolysin, and PSMα cause LMC death in vitro. However, we cannot rule out synergism or redundancy with other agr-controlled toxins in contributing to LMC death in vivo, particularly because inhibiting the production of many toxins by mutating agr led to the maintenance of lymphatic function. The death of LMCs and the apparent slow regeneration of LMCs explain how CLV function can be impaired long after MRSA have been cleared and the toxins are no longer present in the system. Further, the coupling of slow LMC regeneration with MRSA recurrence may explain the cyclical pattern of lymphatic deterioration and reinfection in some SSTI patients. Investigations into therapeutic approaches to accelerate LMC regeneration may provide an alternative treatment to restore lymphatic function in patients with recurrent SSTIs. The identification of a bacterial-derived mechanism for LMC death represents a critical first step in a mechanistic analysis of how MRSA impairs CLV function. It is unknown whether the altered morphology of LMCs that regenerate after infection is indicative of functional differences compared to LMCs of uninfected mice. We also cannot rule out effects of MRSA on LECs in vivo, which also contribute to the maintenance of lymphatic vessel contraction. However, prophylactic treatment of recurrent cellulitis infections (45) by targeting agr signaling may overcome the effects exerted by MRSA toxins on multiple different cell types and lead to the preservation of CLV function and immunity. Several studies have focused on identifying chemical inhibitors of agr to combat the virulence of bacterial infections and to limit antibiotic use (46–50). Although these inhibitors broadly limit pathological tissue damage, it is unknown whether they also help maintain lymphatic function. Although the ability to evaluate CLV function provides insight into the effect of MRSA after infection, our model is limited in that it is not a recurrent model of infection. Further, animals are maintained in a controlled sterile environment, and mice do not develop secondary chronic lymphedema. Another limitation of this study is that it does not address a role, if any, for Streptococci and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) on lymphatic impairment, because group A Streptococci and MSSA are also common pathogens associated with SSTIs (4). It is likely that MSSA can blunt CLV function through agr-mediated toxin production, albeit MSSA toxin production is lower than that of MRSA (37). In lymphedema patients, recurring episodes of SSTIs lead to further damage of the lymphatic system, resulting in lymph flow deterioration (51–53). Emerging evidence suggests that both T and B lymphocyte–mediated adaptive immune responses are generated after S. aureus infection (54). In patients with preexisting lymphedema or progressive lymphedema as a result of recurring infections, we expect local immune deficiency due to the ineffective transport of antigen to the local draining lymph nodes, representing another mechanism by which S. aureus inhibits the adaptive immune response. When lymphatic function is impaired, the protein-rich and stagnant lymphatic fluid may facilitate bacterial growth. Further, impaired lymphatic function also inhibits bacterial clearance through the lymphatic system, resulting in bacterial and toxin accumulation that will impair both innate and adaptive immunity and increase the risk of recurrent infections. Our data provide a mechanistic framework for the chronic reduction of lymph flow in patients after MRSA infection. Neutralization of MRSA pathogenicity as part of the treatment of MRSA-induced cellulitis may help intervene in the vicious cycle of SSTI, lymph flow deterioration, lymphedema, and recurrent infection in these patients. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of MRSA infection on CLV function. Using a model of CA-MRSA infection in the hindlimb of mice, we assessed CLV function by performing lymphatic contraction experiments previously established (19, 25). We deemed a 25% difference in lymphatic contraction or lymph flow with an anticipated SD of 20% as biologically significant. At an α of 0.05 and a β of 0.80, we determined sample size based on previous and gained experience regarding the success rate of lymphatic contraction and lymph flow, respectively. No animals were excluded from lymphatic contraction studies pending successful surgical exposure of lymphatic vessel. The criteria for exclusion of animals for lymph flow experiments with DOCT are described in Materials and Methods and involved the ability to obtain a clear image of the vessel and calculate a Doppler angle of less than 85°. αSMA-DsRed transgenic mice were visualized and immunofluorescence staining of αSMA+ LMCs of WT mice was performed to analyze LMC coverage of lymphatic vessels on multiple days after infection. Each analysis represents a terminal experiment, not a longitudinal study of the same animal. Researchers were blinded to the details of the infection during image analysis. Both male and female mice were used and were age-matched between all comparator groups. Cell viability and cell lysis assays were used to measure killing of LMCs, hSMCs, mSMCs, and LECs by MRSA-conditioned supernatant from strain(s) simultaneously grown overnight in similar conditions. Cell culture experiments to investigate the effects of MRSA-conditioned supernatant or recombinant S. aureus toxins on cells were performed in duplicate or triplicate in three to five independent experiments. All data are means ± SEM, unless stated otherwise in the figure legends. The methods used to support these findings are described in Materials and Methods/Supplementary Materials and Methods. Statistical tests used to establish significance and associated P values are described in the figure legends. Primary data are located in table S2. In vivo studies were initiated in 5- to 8-week-old male and female C57BL/6, iNOS−/− C57BL/6, MyD88−/− C57BL/6 (gift from A. Fassano), LysMgfp/gfp C57BL/6 (gift from T. Graf), and αSMAP-DsRed/C57BL/6 mice. All mice were bred and maintained in our Cox-7 gnotobiotic animal colony or at the Center for Comparative Medicine and Animal Laboratory Resources at Massachusetts General Hospital. All procedures were performed following the guidelines of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the Massachusetts General Hospital. S. aureus strains The clinical MRSA isolate, CA-MRSA USA300 LAC, had three nonessential plasmids removed to create the CA-MRSA USA300 JE2 strain (55). In addition, the NE27 mutant (lacking functional saNOS) was created by mutagenesis from mariner-based transposon bursa aurealis, resulting in an erythromycin-resistant deletion strain of JE2. Both isolates were obtained from the Network on Antimicrobial Resistance in S. aureus. WT and isogenic deletion mutants of the agr regulatory system, α-hemolysin, δ-hemolysin, psmα, psmβ, and psmαβhld (TKO) in the LAC (USA300) strain are described previously (37, 38, 56–58). MRSA strains were subcultured until they reached their exponential growth phase, washed with sterile PBS once, and resuspended in sterile PBS. Mice were anesthetized with intraperitoneal administration of ketamine (10 mg/kg)/xylazine (100 mg/kg). Fur was shaved from the hindlimb. MRSA (2 × 106 to 4 × 106 CFU) was injected subcutaneously (using a 29-gauge 1/2-inch insulin syringe) into the hindlimb, proximal to the ankle, in a 50-μl volume of sterile PBS. A similar procedure was performed with LTA (Invivogen, catalog no. tlrl-pslta) after resuspension in sterile PBS. Isolation of mLMCs and blood SMCs While in solution of Hanks’ balanced salt solution, fat and surrounding connective tissue were removed from the posterior tibial artery and afferent lymphatic vessels adjacent to the PLN. To make 5 ml of enzyme solution, Collagenase Type II and Soybean Trypsin Inhibitor (Worthington) were added to Hanks’ balanced salt solution at 1 mg/ml. Elastase (35 μl; Worthington) and penicillin/streptomycin (50 μl) were added. Next, the enzyme solution was added to minced fragments of popliteal artery or lymphatic vessels and allowed to incubate at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 4 hours with occasional agitation. Cell outgrowth was allowed to proceed for 5 days. Preparation of MRSA-conditioned supernatant Planktonic culture-conditioned medium was prepared by growing an overnight culture of the indicated MRSA strain in TSB (BD Biosciences) under shaking conditions (200 rpm) at 37°C for 12 to 18 hours. Afterward, the bacteria were centrifuged at 6000 rpm for 10 min, and subsequently, the supernatant was filtered through a 0.22-μm pore-size polyethersulfone filter (Olympus Plastics) to produce cell-free conditioned medium. The cell-free conditioned MRSA medium was mixed at a 1:1 dilution with muscle cell culture medium. A 1:1 dilution of cell culture medium with TSB medium was used as a control in parallel. Where indicated, MRSA-conditioned medium was treated with 0.0625% trypsin (final percentage in solution) for 18 to 24 hours at 37°C to degrade proteins. Trypsin was heat-inactivated at 100°C for 1 hour and allowed to cool to room temperature before supernatant was incubated with cells. Lymphatic contraction model Mice were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine, and 3 μl of 2% FITC-dextran (2 million molecular weight; Thermo Fisher Scientific, catalog no. D7137) was interstitially injected in the footpad. Surgical preparation and intravital imaging were performed as described (19, 25). Briefly, the leg skin and underlying connective tissue near the afferent lymphatic vessel to the PLN (PLV) were carefully excised. Time-lapse images (360 images separated by 210 ms) of the exposed afferent lymphatic vessels to the PLN were captured while imaging with an inverted fluorescence microscope. For each mouse, we imaged two to three lymphatic segments and took images every 15 min for four time points. Using in-house MATLAB codes, time-lapse images were analyzed to track the position of the vessel wall and to measure frequency using the peak-and-valley method as described previously (19, 25). For most analyses, we collected 6 to 10 measurements of ejection fraction values from a single mouse. The mean of the measurements was used to represent lymphatic contraction for that animal. Measuring lymphatic flow To measure lymph flow inside murine CLVs, we used a recently developed label-free method for directly measuring lymph flow velocity in vivo by DOCT (26). This technique measures the velocity of lymph fluid, both basal and pulsatile, and relies only upon the absolute movement of lymph relative to the laser beam. Mice were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine. The surgical procedure to expose the PLV was performed as described previously (19, 25). Anesthetized mice were transferred to a heating pad to maintain body temperature at 37°C. Hydration of the PLV and surrounding tissue was maintained with physiological saline while measuring lymph flow. Repeated 5-min DOCT measurements were acquired from a fixed location within a lymphangion, in between lymphatic valves. Next, the measurements were processed to produce a structural image, and the scattering signals within the lymphatic vessel were analyzed using an algorithm designed specifically to measure the lymph flow signal. Three-dimensional imaging was used to measure the lymphatic vessel orientation and thereby the Doppler angle of the flow, the latter being mandatory to calculate flow speed (from Doppler shift). For these measurements, a structural image showing a clear vessel-tissue boundary and absence of signal artifact within the vessel lumen was of paramount importance. In addition, a Doppler angle less than 85° and a lymphatic vessel within 100 μm from the tissue surface were needed to guarantee trustworthy results. Data not adhering to these criteria were excluded for analysis. Twenty-four 8- to 12-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were infected with 2 × 106 to 4 × 106 CFU of MRSA USA300 JE2, and lymphatic flow was measured at either 4 days (n = 8), 35 days (n = 16), or 260 days after infection (n = 7). Eight age-matched mice served as uninfected controls for each time point. Lymphatic flow was measured using M-mode acquisition until two measurements per mouse were obtained without consequential x, y, or z drift, as judged by the investigators. Mouse limbs were positioned lower than the abdomen on a 15° tilted stage, and measurements were acquired and subsequently analyzed as described previously (26). In the control group, 19 of 25 measurements were successful in six of eight mice. Four days after CA-MRSA infection, four of eight mice could not be imaged because of excessive postoperative bleeding resulting from severe inflammation during active bacterial infection. In the remaining four mice, 3 of 13 measurements were successful, all from the same mouse. After 35 days, 17 of 46 measurements were successful in 6 of 12 mice. In this group, four additional mice did not show intact collecting vessels within 100 μm from the tissue surface, and therefore, no measurements could be acquired. Cell viability assays hSMCs (10,000 to 20,000) or mLMCs (1000 to 5000) delivered in 200 μl of respective medium were allowed to adhere overnight to the bottom of a 48-well plate. After 24 to 48 hours of exposure to MRSA-conditioned supernatant or TSB, the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay (Promega) was performed according to instructions. Briefly, 100 μl of medium was removed from the wells of the plates containing medium, and 100 μl of room temperature CellTiter-Glo Reagent was added. Plates were rocked for 2 min in the dark and incubated for an additional 8 min or longer (while protected from light) before reading luminescent output on a FLUOstar Omega series luminescence microplate reader. Statistical analyses were completed with Prism 7 (GraphPad). Statistical significance was determined with either a one-way ANOVA with the Fisher’s least significance difference post hoc test or two-tailed unpaired Student’s t test, as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. All statistical tests were two-sided. www.sciencetranslationalmedicine.org/cgi/content/full/10/424/eaam7964/DC1 Fig. S1. MRSA infection leads to acute inflammation and CLV dilation. Fig. S2. CLV function remains impaired after the clearance of MRSA. Fig. S3. Attenuation of host inflammation is not sufficient to restore CLV contraction during MRSA infection. Fig. S4. Effect of MRSA infection on the blood vasculature. Fig. S5. Characterization of LMCs, vascular muscle cells, and LECs. Fig. S6. Identification of apoptotic cells in skin abscesses caused by MRSA infection. Fig. S7. MRSA toxins contribute to reduced hSMC and LEC viability. Movie S1. Representative lymphatic contraction of afferent CLV to the PLN in uninfected mouse. Movie S2. Representative lymphatic contraction of afferent CLV to the PLN in MRSA-infected (CA-MRSA USA300 JE2 strain) mouse 4 days after infection. Movie S3. Representative lymphatic contraction of afferent CLV to the PLN in MRSA-infected (CA-MRSA USA300 strain) mouse 30 days after infection. Movie S4. Representative lymphatic contraction of popliteal lymphatic vessel afferent CLV to the PLN in agr mutant–infected mouse 30 days after infection. Table S1. List of proteins identified by mass spectrometry of supernatant from WT CA-MRSA USA300 JE2 strain (provided as an Excel file). Table S2. Primary data (provided as an Excel file). http://www.sciencemag.org/about/science-licenses-journal-article-reuse This is an article distributed under the terms of the Science Journals Default License. A. L. Hersh, H. F. Chambers, J. H. Maselli, R. Gonzales , National trends in ambulatory visits and antibiotic prescribing for skin and soft-tissue infections. Arch. Intern. Med. 168, 1585–1591 (2008). C. Liu, A. Bayer, S. E. Cosgrove, R. S. Daum, S. K. Fridkin, R. J. Gorwitz, S. L. Kaplan, A. W. Karchmer, D. P. Levine, B. E. Murray, M. J. Rybak, D. A. Talan, H. F. Chambers , Clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in adults and children: Executive summary. Clin. Infect. Dis. 52, 285–292 (2011). L. S. Miller , Adipocytes armed against Staphylococcus aureus. N. Engl. J. Med. 372, 1368–1370 (2015). A. B. Raff, D. Kroshinsky , Cellulitis: A review. JAMA 316, 325–337 (2016). F. D. Lowy , Staphylococcus aureus infections. N. Engl. J. Med. 339, 520–532 (1998). H. R. Rose, R. S. Holzman, D. R. Altman, D. S. Smyth, G. A. Wasserman, J. M. Kafer, M. Wible, R. E. Mendes, V. J. Torres, B. Shopsin , Cytotoxic virulence predicts mortality in nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J. Infect. Dis. 211, 1862–1874 (2015). D. L. Stevens, A. L. Bisno, E. D. Everett, P. Dellinger, E. J. C. Goldstein, S. L. Gorbach, J. V. Hirschmann, E. L. Kaplan, J. G. Montoya, J. C. Wade; Infectious Diseases Society of America , Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections. Clin. Infect. Dis. 41, 1373–1406 (2005). J. M. P. de Godoy, M. F. de Godoy, A. Valente, E. L. Camacho, E. V. Paiva , Lymphoscintigraphic evaluation in patients after erysipelas. Lymphology 33, 177–180 (2000). M. A. Swartz , Immunomodulatory roles of lymphatic vessels in cancer progression. Cancer Immunol. Res. 2, 701–707 (2014). P. S. Mortimer, S. G. Rockson , New developments in clinical aspects of lymphatic disease. J. Clin. Invest. 124, 915–921 (2014). R. E. Ferrell, K. L. Levinson, J. H. Esman, M. A. Kimak, E. C. Lawrence, M. M. Barmada, D. N. Finegold , Hereditary lymphedema: Evidence for linkage and genetic heterogeneity. Hum. Mol. Genet. 7, 2073–2078 (1998). , Lymphedema. Am. J. Med. 110, 288–295 (2001). UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network’s PATCH Trial Team, K. Thomas, A. Crook, K. Foster, J. Mason, J. Chalmers, J. Bourke, A. Ferguson, N. Level, A. Nunn, H. Williams , Prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of cellulitis (erysipelas) of the leg: Results of the U.K. Dermatology Clinical Trials Network’s PATCH II trial. Br. J. Dermatol. 166, 169–178 (2012). G. W. 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Davis, , Inhibition of the active lymph pump by flow in rat mesenteric lymphatics and thoracic duct. J. Physiol. 540, 1023–1037 (2002). O. Y. Gasheva, D. C. Zawieja, , Contraction-initiated NO-dependent lymphatic relaxation: A self-regulatory mechanism in rat thoracic duct. J. Physiol. 575, 821–832 (2006). H.-S. Joo, S. S. Chatterjee, , Phenol-soluble modulins—Critical determinants of staphylococcal virulence. FEMS Microbiol. Rev. 38, 698–719 (2014). A.-K. Gleske, M. Rautenberg, M. Köberle, E. Bohn, T. Schöneberg, M.-J. Rabiet, F. Boulay, K. A. van Kessel, J. A. van Strijp, M. Otto, A. Peschel , Human formyl peptide receptor 2 senses highly pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus. Cell Host Microbe 7, 463–473 (2010). S. Bhakdi, J. Tranum-Jensen , Alpha-toxin of Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiol. Rev. 55, 733–751 (1991). K. S. Thomas, A. M. Crook, A. J. Nunn, K. A. Foster, J. M. Mason, J. R. Chalmers, I. S. Nasr, R. J. Brindle, J. English, S. K. Meredith, N. J. Reynolds, D. de Berker, H. C. Williams; U.K. Dermatology Clinical Trials Network’s PATCH I Trial Team , Penicillin to prevent recurrent leg cellulitis. N. Engl. J. Med. 368, 1695–1703 (2013). R. Süßmuth, C. Vuong, G. Jung, F. Götz , Inhibition of virulence factor expression in Staphylococcus aureus by the Staphylococcus epidermidis agr pheromone and derivatives. FEBS Lett. 450, 257–262 (1999). E. K. Sully, N. Malachowa, B. O. Elmore, S. M. Alexander, J. K. Femling, B. M. Gray, B. S. Edwards, L. A. Sklar, A. R. Horswill, P. R. Hall, H. D. Gresham , Selective chemical inhibition of agr quorum sensing in Staphylococcus aureus promotes host defense with minimal impact on resistance. PLOS Pathog. 10, e1004174 (2014). S. M. Daly, J. S. Kavanaugh, K. D. Triplett, M. Figueroa, H. A. Raja, T. El-Elimat, H. A. Crosby, N. B. Cech, N. H. Oberlies, P. R. Hall , ω-Hydroxyemodin limits Staphylococcus aureus quorum sensing-mediated pathogenesis and inflammation. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 59, 2223–2235 (2015). M. Baldry, B. Kitir, H. Frøkiær, S. B. Christensen, N. Taverne, M. Meijerink, H. Franzyk, C. A. Olsen, H. Ingmer , The agr inhibitors solonamide B and analogues alter immune responses to Staphylococccus aureus but do not exhibit adverse effects on immune cell functions. PLOS ONE 11, e0145618 (2016). D. A. Todd, C. P. Parlet, C. L. Malone, K. P. Heilmann, N. B. Cech , Signal biosynthesis inhibition with ambuic acid as a strategy to target antibiotic-resistant infections. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 61, e00263-17 (2017). P. S. Collins, J. L. Villavicencio, S. H. Abreu, E. R. Gomez, J. A. Coffey, C. Connaway, J. M. Salander, N. M. Rich , Abnormalities of lymphatic drainage in lower extremities: A lymphoscintigraphic study. J. Vasc. Surg. 9, 145–152 (1989). J. K. Soo, T. A. Bicanic, S. Heenan, P. S. Mortimer , Lymphatic abnormalities demonstrated by lymphoscintigraphy after lower limb cellulitis. Br. J. Dermatol. 158, 1350–1353 (2008). R. J. Damstra, M. A. M. Van Steensel, J. H. B. Boomsma, P. Nelemans, J. C. J. M. Veraart , Erysipelas as a sign of subclinical primary lymphoedema: A prospective quantitative scintigraphic study of 40 patients with unilateral erysipelas of the leg. Br. J. Dermatol. 158, 1210–1215 (2008). H. Karauzum, S. K. Datta , Adaptive immunity against Staphylococcus aureus. Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 2016, 1–21 (2016). P. D. Fey, J. L. Endres, V. K. Yajjala, T. J. Widhelm, R. J. Boissy, J. L. Bose, K. W. Bayles , A genetic resource for rapid and comprehensive phenotype screening of nonessential Staphylococcus aureus genes. MBio 4, e00537-12 (2013). , Antimicrobial activity of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is caused by phenol-soluble modulin derivatives. J. Biol. Chem. 286, 8933–8940 (2011). J. Bubeck Wardenburg, R. J. Patel, O. Schneewind , Surface proteins and exotoxins are required for the pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. Infect. Immun. 75, 1040–1044 (2007). I. Inoshima, N. Inoshima, G. A. Wilke, M. E. Powers, K. M. Frank, J. Bubeck Wardenburg , A Staphylococcus aureus pore-forming toxin subverts the activity of ADAM10 to cause lethal infection in mice. Nat. Med. 17, 1310–1314 (2011). Acknowledgments: We thank J. C. Lee (Harvard Medical School) for critical discussion and J. Bubeck-Wardenburg (University of Chicago) for supplying the α-hemolysin mutant MRSA strain. We also thank Janssen Biotech Inc. for contributing the blocking anti–TNF-α monoclonal antibody. We thank the Harvard University Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Resource Laboratory for sample analysis. Funding: This work was supported by the NIH under award numbers R21AI097745 (T.P.P.), DP2OD008780 (T.P.P.), R01CA214913 (T.P.P.), and R01HL128168 (T.P.P. and L.L.M.). Research reported in this publication was supported in part by the Center for Biomedical OCT Research and Translation through grant number P41EB015903, awarded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering of the NIH. This work as supported in part by the National Cancer Institute Federal Share of Proton Income (CA059267; T.P.P. and B.J.V.), National Cancer Institute (R01CA163528; B.J.V.), Massachusetts General Hospital Executive Committee on Research ISF (T.P.P.), and Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (grant number ZIA AI000904-16; M.O.). This work was also supported in part by the United Negro College Fund–Merck Science Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship (D.J.), Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Enrichment Program Award (D.J.), NIH National Cancer Institute (F32CA183465; D.J.), and Swiss National Science Foundation (C.B.). Author contributions: D.J. and T.P.P. conceived and designed the study and analyzed data. D.J., E.F.J.M., E.R.P., E.M.B., K.J., and S.M.C. designed and performed experiments and analyzed data. C.B. and B.J.V. conducted imaging analyses and contributed imaging tools. P.H. contributed αSMAP-DsRed/C57BL/6 mice. S.L. and L.L.M. contributed to the development of imaging tools. M.O. contributed MRSA strains and data interpretation. D.J. and T.P.P. wrote the manuscript, which all coauthors commented on. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works Vol 10, Issue 424 Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about Science Translational Medicine. You are going to email the following Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus causes sustained collecting lymphatic vessel dysfunction Message Subject (Your Name) has forwarded a page to you from Science Translational Medicine Message Body (Your Name) thought you would like to see this page from the Science Translational Medicine web site. By Dennis Jones, Eelco F. J. Meijer, Cedric Blatter, Shan Liao, Ethel R. Pereira, Echoe M. Bouta, Keehoon Jung, Shan Min Chin, Peigen Huang, Lance L. Munn, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Michael Otto, Timothy P. Padera Science Translational Medicine 17 Jan 2018 Impairment in lymph flow caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus toxins persists after skin and soft tissue infections clear. Science Translational Medicine ISSN 1946-6242.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1798
__label__cc	0.677387	0.322613	Genre:FICTION SubGenre:Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology Welcome to Boingville by Romeo Have you ever wondered where clowns live? Christina certainly does! Christina is a little girl who just loves clowns and has always wondered — what would a clown town look like? When clowns perform at her birthday party, she decides to follow them home to find out. So begins a wonderful, exciting adventure as you journey with Christina to discover the magical, colorful land of Boingville. WELCOME TO BOINGVILLE — there are fun and surprises around every corner! Welcome to Boingville all came about in a very unique way. I am an entertainer and I used to perform at children's parties with clowns. After the show the children always use to ask the clowns where they were going and the clowns never had an answer. So I gave the clowns an answer, Boingville, a magical land where all the clowns in whole world live, laugh and play! Hello everyone and Welcome to Boingville! Welcome to Boingville is my first book in a series of five books telling the story of Christina and her magical and continuing adventure to the magical land of Boingville. The other books in series tells the history of Boingville and how it came to be a magical land where all the clowns live, laugh and play. One special book is a Santa and the Elves come to Boingville as the Elves meet the clowns in a holiday extravaganza. Readers' Favorite Book Award Winner Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite “Welcome to Boingville” by Romeo Gittens is a charming and delightful romp through the town of Boingville, where all the clowns live,laugh and play! Christina’s birthday party was fun, but it got much more exciting when two clowns, Jingle and Jangle, arrived to add to the festivities. The two clowns did magic tricks, told lots of jokes, and, of course, made balloon animals for the children! The kids even got to have their faces painted by the clowns. But like all good things, the party had to come to an end. Christina’s friends went home, and Jingle and Jangle started packing up all their clown stuff so that they could go home too. Christina thanked them for coming, but was disappointed when they told her she could not come with them to see where they lived. Would that stop Christina from figuring out a way to go with the clowns? “Welcome to Boingville” is really a very well-written story for children of all ages to enjoy. The illustrations are very good, adding another dimension to the tale. The clown’s town is a magical place, where everything is vividly colored, cars fly, and streetlamps talk. Children of all ages will enjoy this book, as much as Christina enjoyed her visit to Boingville. This story is not intended to teach children any skills; instead, it is intended only to entertain, which it does quite well. I strongly recommend adding this book to your child’s library. After all, there’s a limit to how many ABC books a kid needs! eBook - $0.99 (AZW, EPub, PDF)	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1799
__label__wiki	0.650101	0.650101	Home News Church forced to remove new statue of Star Wars stormtrooper being CRUCIFIED Church forced to remove new statue of Star Wars stormtrooper being CRUCIFIED A controversial sculpture of a Star Wars Stormtrooper crucifix is to be removed from St.Stephen Walbrook church in the City of London, following complaints by the church's parishioners. Christians have forced an artist to tear down a £12,000 statue from inside a historic church – because it shows a stormtrooper being CRUCIFIED. The life-sized Star Wars crucifixion sculpture was due to be unveiled tomorrow as part of a charity exhibition inside the historic church – which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. But the £12,000 artwork will now never go on display to the public after parishioners attending St Stephen Walbrook church in central London complained to the rector, Reverend Jonathan Evens. The life-sized statue shows one of the beloved big screen baddies strung up on a cross – just like Jesus. It was due to be the centrepiece of Art Below’s ‘Stations of the Cross’ exhibition – which also features the work of Francis Bacon. Artist Ryan Callanan created the controversial statue – that shows the original A New Hope imperial stormtrooper hanging on the life-sized cross. Organiser Ben Moore says it will still go on sale after the exhibition has ended, on March 23, for £12,000. Rev Evens said: “This is an exhibition of images designed to provoke thought from artists grappling with their response to the challenge and scandal of Christ’s cross. “Among these, Ryan Callahan’s Stormtrooper Crucifixion may be viewed as being among the more controversial images in the exhibition.” The exhibition also features a pastel drawing that Francis Bacon donated to his Italian lover Cristiano Lovatelli Ravarino between 1977 and 1992. St Walbrook is a 500-year-old domed church that survived the Blitz. This is the be the third crucifixion themed exhibition to be curated by Ben Moore in support of the Missing Tom Fund set up to find his brother Tom Moore, who was last seen in 2003. Rev Evens added: “For me Stormtrooper Crucifixion raises similar questions to those which CS Lewis raised in his science fiction trilogy – that, were other races to exist on other planets, would Christ be incarnated among those races in order to die for their salvation? “Lewis’ view, which he sets out in the story running through the trilogy, is that Christ would do so. “For Christians, Ryan Callahan’s image can lead us a similar conclusion. “I commend these images to you as image that can open our ideas and minds to new reflections on the eternal significance of Christ’s sacrifice.’ Previous articleCrooked pair jailed for £40k disability benefits fraud by saying he couldn’t walk – despite him running MARATHONS Next articleBritain’s most famous scientist Professor Stephen Hawking has died today at the age of 76 Hundreds of strangers are tested to see if they are a match to help one-year-old girl fighting rare cancer Mum found five-year-old daughter stuffing her face with birthday cake she’d stolen from the living room Couple kicked out of their home by the council – after skipping out on paying their rent – to splash their benefits on TAKEAWAYS Top 4 biggest casino wins in Las Vegas Hundreds of strangers are tested to see if they are a... Mum found five-year-old daughter stuffing her face with birthday cake she’d... Couple kicked out of their home by the council – after... Detectives come out of retirement to investigate Melanie Road murder after... TV presenter accidentally says ‘c word’ on air	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1802
__label__wiki	0.741373	0.741373	Download GALEN AND ANATOMY Women's medicine in antiquity wikipedia, lookup Medicine wikipedia, lookup TITLE: GALEN AND HIS CONTRIBUTION TO ANATOMY - A REVIEW. INTRODUCTION: Galen of Pergamum was the most famous Greek physician during the Roman period (129-200 AD). He was a brilliant anatomist and pioneer of experimental physiology1,2. He was both a universal genius and a prolific writer. He pioneered the concepts of anatomy, physiology and therapeutics. He is credited as being the first to discover that arteries carry blood, not air, as was previously believed. He developed medical tools for surgery and dissection and wrote many volumes of his discoveries and observations2,3. He was one of the leading thinkers in medicine and one of the best known physicians of all times4. He was not only a gifted practitioner but also a first class anatomist, physiologist, pathologist, and pharmacologist of the ancient times. During fourteen centuries, Galen's works were undisputable textbooks for students of medicine and most valuable manuals for practitioners besides the works of Hippocrates. He established the fundamentals of the medical science which are still significant5. Galen was the first to attempt to formulate a classification of diseases and symptoms with a strong basis in anatomy6. In this review article, an exhaustive analysis and attempt has been made thereby depicting the biography of Galen and reviewing his multiple contributions in the fields of medicine and anatomy under various sub-headings and the same has been discussed with the available literatures. GALEN'S EDUCATION, EARLY LIFE AND TRAINING: Galen was born in Pergamum on the Ionic coast of Asia Minor in 129 AD under Roman jurisdiction. His father, Nikon, was a well respected, wealthy architect- engineer who took an active role in Galen's liberal early education concentrating on mathematical and philosophical subjects, notably geometry and logic. This seems to have influenced his methodological approach to medicine. His strong views on the importance of philosophy in medical training reflected his eclectic, extensive, philosophical education7. His father was Galen's only teacher up to the age of fourteen and a strong role model. In his book "On the Passions and Errors of the Soul", Galen says he was "fortunate in having the most devoted of fathers". His first anatomy teacher was Satyrus, a pupil of Quintus, who through his students played a major role in the increase in activity in the field of anatomy that led to Galen's work8. ANATOMICAL AND MEDICAL STUDIES: Galen regarded anatomy as the foundation of medical knowledge and he frequently dissected and experimented on such lower animals as the Barbary ape (or African monkey), pigs, sheep, and goats. He distinguished seven pairs of cranial nerves, described the valves of the heart and observed the structural differences between arteries and veins. He was seriously hampered by the prevailing social taboo against dissecting human corpses. However, the inferences he made about human anatomy based on his dissections of animals often led him into errors. His anatomy of the uterus, for example, is largely that of the dog's. According to Galen, blood is formed in the liver and is then carried by the veins to all parts of the body, where it is used up as nutriment or is transformed into flesh and other substances. While human dissection was not considered during his time, Galen performed dissections on animals assuming that human organs were identical9,10. Treating severe injuries of the gladiators, he enhanced his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, trauma and sports medicine11. METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Anatomy was very important to Galen. He believed that "the working body is not understandable without knowledge of its structure". Galen did not dissect humans because of the negative social and religious stigmas associated with experimentation on the human body, but he performed dissections and vivisection experiments on many animals including apes, goats, dogs, and pigs. Because he could only study animals, some of Galen's anatomical assertions were inaccurate with respect to the humans. Galen's reliance on anatomy and experiment showed his belief in the value of observation in medicine. He argued that diseases were manifestations of impaired anatomical functioning, so in order to diagnose and to treat disease, a fundamental understanding of the human structure was critical. One of Galen's major advances was his work on the movement of blood in the body. While he never explained how the blood circulated, he made many important discoveries regarding the movement of blood in the body, including the differences between veins and arteries and the anatomy of the heart and its associated vasculature. His precise descriptions and studies of neurological functions and anatomy also led to major breakthroughs. He used dissection to explore the anatomy of the brain and spinal cord, including the spinal nerves. Not only did he explore anatomy, but he also demonstrated the functions of nerves. He also explored many other aspects of the human body, including the eyes, tongue, larynx, fetal development and reproductive organs. In addition, his experiments with the kidneys showed that they were functionally related to the bladder. Galen viewed the body as consisting of three connected systems: the brain and nerves, which are responsible for sensation and thought; the heart and arteries, responsible for life-giving energy; and the liver and veins, responsible for nutrition and TREATMENT METHODS AND THEORIES: The foundation of all of Galen's treatment methods was his belief that disease resulted from an internal imbalance of the four humours: air (blood), fire (yellow bile), earth (black bile) and water (phlegm). Unlike Hippocrates, who believed that disease resulted from a humoral imbalance throughout the body, Galen believed that a disease-causing imbalance could be located within an organ. Drugs developed by Galen were made from herbs that he collected from all over the world. The drugs were classified by their properties - heating, cooling, drying, or moistening and were applied so as to counteract whatever humour disproportion existed. Galen was the first physician to use the pulse as an indicator of illness when compared to the normal pulse. Galen used pulse observations to diagnose diseases and symptoms such as fevers6. He created his own theories from those principle and much of Galen's work can be seen as building on the Hippocratice theories of the body, rather than being purely innovative. He carried on the work of Hippocrates by teaching that Doctors should study the symptoms of a disease before they treated it. His medicine was based on the ideas of the Greeks and Romans. His ideas were widely accepted because they fitted in with other Greek ideas about nature, which were believed in the Middle Ages. A good example of this is the theory of the four humours. THE THEORY OF THE FOUR HUMOURS: Greek thinkers emphasized the idea of balance in all things, including medicine. They believed in the importance of a balanced lifestyle; to eat in moderation, take some exercise, sleep regularly and keep clean. In their search for the natural basis of all things, these thinkers came up with the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. These elements were linked to the four seasons and also to the four "humours" inside each human being: yellow bile, black bile, blood and phlegm. Galen believed that imbalance in any of these caused illness. Doctors could restore the balance by treating patients e.g. if a patient had a fever, his body needed cooling to restore the balance of humours and therefore a cold drink might be prescribed4. GALEN'S CONCEPT OF DISEASE: Galen defined disease as impairment of bodily activities. Whatever that impairs the bodily activities is the cause of disease. It is Galen’s great contribution to Western medicine to have laid a foundation of pathology by combining physiological and anatomical point of view12. He was the first to attempt to formulate a classification of diseases and symptoms with a strong basis in anatomy6. GALEN'S VIEWS ON THE ANATOMY OF THE EYE: He believed that the eye was composed of membranes and fluids. He distinguished the following membranes of the eye: the cornea, the sclera, the choroid, the capsula of the lens and the retina, as well as the structure covering the muscles of the eye and joining the individual elements of the eye with the orbital cavity and the skull. The following were considered as fluid substances of the eye: egg-shaped fluid (i.e. albuminous fluid), crystal fluid (i.e. the lens) and vitreous fluid. His theory of vision assumes the existence of a specific life force called pneuma, which is under a considerable influence of the soul and which reaches the eye from the brain through small channels in the optic nerve13. OBESITY AND TREATMENT: Galen was among the first to establish scientific methods to describe and treat morbid obesity. He stated that obesity results from the surplus of "bad humours" in the body and specifically from a surplus of blood. Nevertheless, he proposed some treatments for obesity such as diet, exercise, and medications that are still valuable and are nearly the same as what is advocated today14. GALEN AS A PIONEER OF SPINE RESEARCH: Galen marked the history of medicine for more than 14 centuries. His doctrines, expressed in his voluminous work, combined the medical heritage of the Hippocratic, the Alexandrian and some of the most important medical schools of antiquity. The strong influence of the Hippocratic tradition can characteristically be traced in orthopaedics and particularly in Galen's presentation of the spine. Based on his observations, derived from dissection and vivisection of animals, Galen established a pioneer model for the study of human spine. His research ended in an accurate description of the vertebral column and the spinal cord. He also described the course and the distribution of the nerves emerging from the spine. Galen was the first physician to demonstrate the neurological implications following transection of the spinal cord at several levels3,11. GALEN'S MAJOR WORKS: His "On the Elements according to Hippocrates" describes the philosopher's system of four bodily humours, blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm, which were identified with the four classical elements and in turn with the seasons. Amongst Galen's own major anatomical works are a seventeen-volume "On the Usefulness of the Parts of the Human Body" and "On Anatomical Procedure". He made extraordinary advances in anatomy which were not challenged until the time of Andreas Vesalius. His dissections were of animals, which he then extrapolated to human anatomy resulting in some unworthy errors6,15. Galen was the first to describe the ureters with their functions, as well as organising the bones of the skeletons with their muscle attachments16. On the basis of his own anatomical researches and logical conclusions, Galen established connections between (i) the brain and the mind, (ii) the heart and the emotions and feelings and (iii) the liver and certain appetitive sentiments like hunger or thirst17. GALEN'S PHYSIOLOGY: Galen’s genius was evident in physiological experiments conducted on animals. The work "On the Usefulness of the Parts of the Human Body" comprised seventeen books concerning with this topic. To study the function of the kidneys in producing urine, he tied the ureters and observed the swelling of the kidneys. To study the function of the nerves, he cut them and thereby showed paralysis of the shoulder muscles after division of nerves in the neck and loss of voice after interruption of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Descriptions in the Galenic "On the Anatomy of Nerves" appear vague at first sight, but the described structures can be identified in most cases without doubt on the basic of anatomical knowledge18. GALEN'S SUCCESS: His books were used to teach new Doctors and so his ideas remained important for the next thousand years until the Middle Ages. This meant that his mistakes were also passed on, which may have prevented the understanding and treatment of illnesses. Galen was not a Christian or a Muslim, but he believed in one God and talked about 'the creator'. This made his work acceptable to both Christian and Islamic cultures as it fitted in with their teachings. He is remembered among pharmacists for his classification of animal and vegetable extracts which are still known as Galenicals. As a practicing anatomist, Galen was possibly the first exponent of scientific method applied to the vivisection and post-mortem dissection of animals, especially the Barbary ape. It is not thought that he carried out any dissection of the human body. He concluded that the diaphragm and thoracic muscles were responsible for expansion of the chest cavity in inspiration. He was one of the first to describe correctly the function of kidneys and explain micturition. He proved that urine was formed in the kidneys. Before, Doctors had thought it was formed in the bladder. Among his many neologisms, he coined the term ureter and he was probably the first to recognize the value of a competent ureterovesical valve. Galen advocated catheterization for urinary obstruction19. Galen, a prolific writer, produced hundreds of works, of which about 120 have survived. His most important contributions were in anatomy. His descriptions of bones and muscle were notable. He was the first to observe that muscles work in contracting pairs and described the heart valves and the structural differences between arteries and veins. He used experiments to demonstrate paralysis resulting from spinal cord injuries and the passage of urine from kidneys to bladder. Galen pioneered diagnostic use of the pulse rate. One of his most lasting technique that is still practiced by Doctors today is taking the pulse of a patient. In his extensive travels, Galen also collected plants with healing properties and explained their uses. GALEN'S MISTAKES AND ERRORS: Unfortunately for medieval medicine, Galen made critical errors about the heart and blood vessels that remained virtually unchallenged for 1,400 years. Because his knowledge was derived for the most part from animals rather than human dissection, he made many mistakes, especially concerning the internal organs. One of Galen's most notable mistakes was to think that the heart was divided in two parts. He maintained that blood permeated the septum between left and right ventricle and persisted in the Hippocratic misconception that the body's fluids were composed of an equilibrium of four humours (black bile, yellow bile, blood, and phlegm) and the rationale of medicine was to restore any diseasecausing imbalance. Galen accepted the common view that disease was caused by an imbalance of these 'four humours' in the human body. He also believed that blood formed in the liver and was circulated from there throughout the body in the veins. He showed that arteries contain blood, but thought they also contained and distributed pneuma, a vital spirit. His error, which will become the established medical orthodoxy for centuries, is to assume that the blood goes back and forth from the heart in an ebb-and-flow motion. His errors were not seriously challenged in medical thought and teaching until the anatomist Andreas Vesalius in 1543 and the physiologist William Harvey in 1628 courageously questioned the infallibility of Galenic authority and effectively substantiated their findings through demonstration. Galen's teachings became the ultimate medical authority, approved by the Christian church because of his belief in a divine purpose for all things. His "On Anatomical Procedures" describes in minute detail how to perform a remarkable series of experiments by which Galen demonstrated the anatomy and the functions of the respiratory muscles, when work on human corpses was forbidden and it became a standard text on anatomy when rediscovered in Western Europe in the 16th century20. GALEN AND ANATOMY: Galen was able to study skeletons, but not actual bodies. This was because religious restrictions forbade the dissection of human remains. He also stressed the importance of understanding the skeleton and the functions of parts of the body. He gained some knowledge of anatomy and physiology from treating wounded gladiators. Although he realized the need to carry out experiments, human dissection was not acceptable so he had to base his ideas on the anatomy of animals, especially the ape, which he said was closest to the human skeleton. Galen made extraordinary advance in anatomy which were not challenged until the time of Vesalius. His dissections were of animals, which ultimately resulted in some noteworthy errors6. The Anatomical Procedures is Galen's most complete treatise on anatomy, which the Western culture came to know only in the Renaissance21. LATER YEARS: Galen's library and many of his own manuscripts were destroyed in a fire at Rome's Temple of Peace in 192 AD20. Yet in spite of this loss, information about his writings remains because he wrote two treatises “On My Own Books" and "On the order of My Own Books"6. From 179 AD to his death around 200 AD, Galen continued his medical research and writings producing such major works as The Method of Cure. During his last years, however, he wrote more nonmedical works, such as On the Equality of Sin and Punishment and The Slight Significance of Popular Honor and Glory. BEYOND GALEN'S LIFETIME: His texts were kept alive primarily by the Arabs until they were retranslated in Europe in the Middle Ages. One of the crucial causes of this endurance was that Galen's concepts coincided, for the most part, with Christian beliefs. Of great importance was Galen's assertion that human organs were suited for their function; this notion fit in with the Christians' "belief in a system ordained by nature". In addition, although Galen was not Christian, his writings expressed his belief in one God and in the body as an instrument of the soul. He tried to differentiate between blood spitting and blood vomiting, between colic from kidney stone and colic from the intestines. He also understood well the psychosomatic element of illness. In the fields of therapy and of pharmacy, Galen is remembered mainly for his schematism and extremely complex prescriptions, sometimes containing dozens of ingredients. Unlike some of his predecessors, Galen concluded that the brain controlled cognition and willed action. The initial evidence for this doctrine was that the brain was the site of termination of all of the five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. He presumed that the information from these five senses was organized by a part of the brain that generated a concept of an object common to all senses; this part of the brain he considered to be the area of common sense. He thought that he could differentiate sensory from motor nerves (not nerve fibers) by palpation. Galen considered that common sense, cognition and memory were functions of the brain. His studies of respiration and of the recurrent laryngeal nerve solidified the knowledge that the brain, not the chest, was the site of the rational power that guides human behavior2. Apart from being an outstanding physician, he had a great knowledge of medicines and ways of their production. Galen developed his general theory of body functioning. It was only after his death that his works attracted more general attention. Both theoretical developments and his works on various ailments were first recognised in the Arabic world. It was only this fact that resulted in his works being gradually translated from Arabic into Latin and published in Europe where they grew important among European university circles22. CONCLUSION: Galen's influence on medical theory, terminology and practice remained unquestioned in Europe and the Middle East throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. His work was so influential there that he has been described as the Medical Pope of the Middle Ages19. He was one of the originators of the science of anatomy and was probably the most important physician of all time. His surviving writings make up about half of all ancient writings on medicine. The importance he placed on anatomy and verification of science led his followers to create a surge in inquiries about bodily structure and function. His influence on medicine was still crucial to modern medical science. The progress he made in his lifetime was astonishing, especially because he managed to influence medicine and philosophy simultaneously in dramatic ways5. His description of experiments on the exposed animals and animal brain is remarkable and depicts the origins of experimental neurosurgery6. His achievements in anatomical science in antiquity are unequalled23. Galen brought neuroanatomical knowledge and physiology together in his study of the brain and nerves using experimental methodology which arguably represent the zenith of neurological investigation in the ancient world6. Although it has been almost 2,000 years since Galen walked the streets of the Roman Empire, his legacy continues via multiple eponyms that bear his name. He became one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Science11. Urology occupies a considerable place in Galen's work. He was the first to describe the ureters with their function, as well as organising the bones of the skeleton with their muscle attachments16,24. He remained the highest medical authority until Andreas Vesalius and William Harvey exposed the fundamental errors of his system. Nevertheless, his significant contributions in the fields of medicine and anatomy deserves to be appreciated by the medical professionals more particularly the anatomists. It is recommended that every medical professionals and anatomists study the biography of Galen and his multifarious contributions made in the fields of medicine and anatomy. 1. Dunn PM. Galen (AD 129-200) of Pergamun: anatomist and experimental physiologist, Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2003; 88: 441 - 443. 2. Freemon FR. Galen's ideas on neurological function. J Hist Neurosci. 1994 Oct; 3(4):26371. 3. Marketos SG, Skiadas PK. Galen: a pioneer of spine research. Spine. 1999 Nov 15;24(22):2358-62. 4. Irving K. The 4 Humors and Erythrocyte Sedimentation: The most influential observation in medical history. Am J Med Sci 2013; 364 (2): 154-157. 5. Maksimovic J. In memory of Galen - on the 1800th anniversary of his death. Med Pregl. 2000 May-Jun;53(5-6):313-7. 6. Besser M. Galen and the origins of Experimental Neurosurgery. Austin J Surg. 2014;1(2):1009. 7. Johnson IJ. Galen on Diseases and Symptoms. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 8. Hunter R. Galen on the Passions and Errors of the Soul. Med Hist. 1964 Oct; 8 (4): 393 394. 9. Sternbach GL, Varon J, Fromm RE, Sicuro M, Baskett PJ. Galen and the origins of artificial ventilation, the arteries and the pulse . Resuscitation. 2001; 49: 119-122. 10. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia (2001) Galen. 11. Mohammadali M. Shoja, R. Shane Tubbs, Kamyar Ghabili, Christoph J. Griessenauer, Margaret Wood Balch, Mariana Cuceu. The Roman Empire legacy of Galen (129-200 AD), Child Nerv Syst (2015); 31:1-5. 12. Yeo IS. The concept of disease in Galen. Uisahak. 2003 Jun;12(1):54-65. 13. Bieganowski L. Galen from Pergamon (130-200)-views in ophthalmology. Part II anatomic description of the eye. Klin Oczna. 2005;107(1-3):173-6. 14. Papavramidou NS, Papavramidis ST, Christopoulou-Aletra H. Galen on obesity: etiology, effects, and treatment. World J Surg. 2004 Jun;28(6):631-5. 15. Porter R. The Greatest Benefit to Mankind. Harper Collins London: Fontana Press. 1999; 16. Lyons AS, Petrucelli RJ. Galen. Medicine, Walton R, editors. In: An illustrated History. New York : Abrams. 1979. 17. Hachler N. Galen's Observations on Diseases of the Soul and the Mind of Men Researches on the knowledge of Mental Illness in Antiquity, Rosetta. 2013; 13:53-72. 18. Sakai T, Ikeda R, Tsukisawa M. Galen " On the anatomy of nerves": Translation from the Greek text and discussion. Nippon Ishigaku Zasshi. 2003 Sep;49(3):403-54. 19. Bloom DA, Milen MT, Heininger JC. Claudius Galen: from a 20th century genitourinary perspective. J Urol. 1999 Jan;161(1):12-9. 20. Derenne J-Ph, Debru A, Grassino AE, Whitelaw WA. History of diaphragm physiology: the achievements of Galen. Eur Respir J., 1995; 8 154-160. 21. Fortuna S. The Galenic treatise on the Anatomical Procedures and its first Latin translation by Demetrius Chalcondylas. Med Secoli. 1999;11(1):9-28. 22. Bieganowski L. Galen of Pergamum (130-200) - his views on ophthalmology (part I). Klin Oczna. 2004;106(4-5):706-10. 23. Rocca J. Anatomy. The Cambridge Companion to Galen. Hankinson RJ, Editors. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2008; 242-262. 24. Androutsos G. Galen (121-201) and the first experimental test of ureteral function. Prog Urol. 2002 Dec; 12(6):1341-5. Greco-Roman - MedicalBooks.com Galen - The British Empire Medicine through time – key individuals Roman revision - South Axholme Academy 6.2 Blood GALEN He was a doctor who studied anatomy (the study of body Human Anatomy and Physiology-1 Roman medicine - Kilcolgan ETNS William Harvey - Noadswood Science Unit 7 Lesson 10 Rome`s Accomplishments	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1804
__label__wiki	0.854172	0.854172	Home Motorcycle Racing News Michael Jordan Motorsports previews Laguna Seca Michael Jordan Motorsports previews Laguna Seca The AMA Pro Racing National Guard American Superbike Championship gets back on track July 4th weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA and the Michael Jordan Motorsports (MJM) teams are ready for action. The 2.238 mile racetrack is one of the most historic venues on the Championship calendar and has produced some fabulous racing during its illustrious history. MJM teams enjoyed success at the track last season, with both Aaron Yates (first and third places) and Geoff May (third place) standing on the Laguna Seca podium. With Round 7 of the 2009 AMA Championship taking place concurrently with the MotoGP World Championship, the Laguna Seca race takes on special meaning and is a "can’t miss" round for roadracing fans. As both MJM riders look to once again make their way onto the rostrum, they will be racing with one-off livery on both of their Suzuki GSX-R 1000 motorcycles, showcasing the uniqueness of the joint round and importance of the July 4th holiday. Jordan Suzuki #23 The #23 Jordan Suzuki team, headed by rider Aaron Yates, comes into Round 7 fresh off a podium finish at Road America in what pundits have called the best AMA Superbike race of the year. The team is now focused solely on the second half of the AMA season and Laguna Seca marks the first race back after the mid-season break. Yates, a race winner at Laguna in 2008, and his Jordan Suzuki will feature special colorways for this hallmark race that fans will be sure to want to check out up close in the Jordan Suzuki pits. The 2009 GSX-R will have a modified paint scheme for this one round, along with a custom laser-etched exhaust canister, compliments of LeoVince USA. Aaron Yates Speaks…. (7th in the Championship with 152 points) "I’m looking forward to racing again at Laguna Seca," said Yates. "We’ve had some good results at Laguna with a podium last year in Superbike and race win in Superstock. It’s a track I know my Jordan Suzuki GSX-R 1000 can get around well and one that demands a physical rider. The GP guys being in town creates some challenges with our scheduling, but we’re just going to go out there and get the job done for our fans and sponsors." National Guard Jordan Suzuki #54 Geoff May and the #54 National Guard Jordan Suzuki squad know they represent more than themselves each and every round. Flying the colors of the National Guard, they represent the thousands of U.S. troops stationed around the world and that takes on special importance as Round 7 at Laguna Seca is host to the U.S. Grand Prix on July 4th weekend. May and the #54 team are more prepared than ever and come into the race weekend fresh off the mid-season break. To further showcase the patriotic nature of this event, May will be sporting one-off items for the landmark round. Eagle-eyed fans can look for special colorways on Geoff’s helmet and GSXR, which feature new schemes highlighting features of the U.S. flag, along with a custom laseretched LeoVince exhaust canister continuing the motif. Geoff May Speaks… (6th in the Championship with 161 points) "This is an important race for the National Guard Jordan Suzuki team," said May. "Seeing as how the race takes place over July 4th weekend, I’m really looking forward to going out there and representing for all the fans and troops. We were on the podium here last year and I’m expecting to get back on it this round. The #54 team is ready and we’re going to put on a good show for the fans." Aaron Yates Speaks Jordan Suzuki Michael Jordan Motorsports Previous articleHang with Corona Extra Honda Racing at Laguna Seca Next articlePegram and Ducati preview Laguna Seca	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1806
__label__wiki	0.514588	0.514588	Fullscreen player CHAT remove the playlist Mobile (tv Series) Mob (video Gaming) Venus Smiles Hyderabad State Hyderabad (Assembly constituency) Hyderabad (Lok Sabha constituency) Any serial These are best TV shows that you may have missed. While there are so many great TV shows that get a lot of attention like Stranger Things, Westworld, and Game of Thrones, just to name a few. There are other amazing shows that deserve to have more viewers. In this video, I’ll show you 10 TV shows that you’ll wish you knew about earlier. Subscribe! ▶ https://www.youtube.com/techgumbo Share This Video ▶ https://youtu.be/Rq6aM-_7Se4 Best TV Shows Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunpbmfrhFAUYWpfQmYLSWJEoo0RnGhX9 Top 10 Best TV Shows https://youtu.be/_niUTAxvVHY 10 Hidden Gems on Netflix https://youtu.be/qn4grr0-UWU Top 10 Netflix Original Series https://youtu.be/HUTVMbU5gRE ---------------------------------------------------- WATCH MORE VIDEOS… Top 10 Best Netflix Original Movies to Watch Now! https://youtu.be/XqDwTKVeUcI 20 Amazon Prime Benefits You Should Know! https://youtu.be/gfwPzk_ZKfU Google Home Tricks You Need to Know! https://youtu.be/6WuuFfsxWoI How to Speed Up Android for Better Performance! https://youtu.be/bYu5I0P34EA Top 5 Best Video Editing Software https://youtu.be/GVs8GQtlpQE Twitter - https://twitter.com/GumboNet Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TechGumbo TechGumbo is a leading source for the technology that we use each day. Whether it’s discussing computer operating system tricks, the latest tips for your mobile phone, finding out about the newest gadgets, or letting you know about the best TV shows that you can watch right now, TechGumbo has boundless topics on technology for the astute YouTube viewer. These are the best TV shows that you can watch right now. With so many great TV shows on the various networks on cable or satellite and streaming services including Netflix and many others, it can be difficult to find the time to watch them all. So, we’ve come up with a list of the Top 10 TV Shows that you can watch right now. To qualify. The series must be scripted and be current having broadcast new episodes within the last couple of years. Instead of using the scores from TV critics, I will count these down in order based on which shows we enjoyed the best. Subscribe! ▶ https://www.youtube.com/techgumbo Share This Video ▶ https://youtu.be/_niUTAxvVHY Best TV Shows Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunpbmfrhFAUYWpfQmYLSWJEoo0RnGhX9 10 Hidden Gems on Netflix https://youtu.be/qn4grr0-UWU Top 10 Netflix Original Series https://youtu.be/HUTVMbU5gRE Top 10 Most Underrated TV Shows https://youtu.be/glEtdHJMcow TechGumbo is a leading source for the technology that we use each day. Whether it’s discussing computer operating system tricks, the latest tips for your mobile phone, finding out about the newest gadgets, or letting you know about the best TV shows, TechGumbo has boundless topics on technology for the astute YouTube viewer. These are 10 TV shows more people should be watching. There are so many underrated TV shows that get overlooked that should be more popular than they are. So, we’ve decided to come up with a list of the Top 10 Most Underrated TV shows that are available to watch right now. While some of these TV series have loyal viewers, and have received positive reviews from critics, to qualify, they must have not received a lot of mainstream press or gained widespread popularity. These will be counted down in order based on their rating on IMDB. If you're new, Subscribe! ▶ https://www.youtube.com/techgumbo Share This Video ▶ https://youtu.be/glEtdHJMcow “Best TV Shows” Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunpbmfrhFAUYWpfQmYLSWJEoo0RnGhX9 TechGumbo is a leading source for the technology that we use each day. Whether it’s discussing computer operating system tricks, the latest tips for your mobile phone, finding out about the newest gadgets, or Top 10 lists letting you know about the best TV shows or movies, TechGumbo has boundless topics on technology and entertainment for the astute YouTube viewer. With so many Original TV shows on Netflix to choose from, it can be difficult deciding what to watch. To separate the good from the bad. Here’s our picks for the Top 10 Original Series on Netflix that you can watch right now. As usual, we’ll ignore the scores from TV critics and countdown our favorites based on which shows we enjoyed the best. To qualify, the series must have been produced or co-produced by Netflix. In a change from last year’s video, the programs in which Netflix is the sole distributor here in the United States will be also be included. Subscribe! ▶ https://www.youtube.com/techgumbo Share This Video ▶ https://youtu.be/sjzFnEDbDo4 “Best TV Shows” Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunpbmfrhFAUYWpfQmYLSWJEoo0RnGhX9 Netflix https://www.netflix.com/ ---------------------------------------- WATCH MORE VIDEOS… 10 Hidden Gems on Netflix to Watch Now! (Original Movies) https://youtu.be/gDZeniPSm0g 10 Free Software That Are Actually Great! 2019 https://youtu.be/DIDq1IsZkc0 10 Useful Websites You Wish You Knew Earlier! https://youtu.be/Vp89NplIBvw Top 5 Best Free PDF Editors https://youtu.be/r46z4Fuh-Go Top 10 Best Smart Home Tech of 2019 https://youtu.be/m1bFwZzl3aw Twitter - https://twitter.com/GumboNet Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TechGumbo TechGumbo is a leading source for the technology that we use each day. Whether it’s discussing computer operating system tricks, the latest tips for your mobile phone, finding out about the newest gadgets, or letting you know about the best Netflix Original TV Shows, TechGumbo has boundless topics on technology for the astute YouTube viewer. These are best TV shows of all time that you can watch right now. As many of you know, we’ve done several top 10’s featuring the best that TV has to offer focusing on modern shows that have broadcast new seasons within the last couple of years. In this video, instead of just dealing with the most recent TV programs, I will countdown our Top 20 favorite TV shows of all time. Most shows have their peaks and valleys. These will be the television series we enjoyed the most at their peak. Subscribe! ▶ https://www.youtube.com/techgumbo Share This Video ▶ https://youtu.be/qvJXAAT-BU4 “Best TV Shows” Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunpbmfrhFAUYWpfQmYLSWJEoo0RnGhX9 0:00 20-16 0:00 15-11 0:00 10-6 0:00 TOP 5 --------------------------------------- WATCH MORE VIDEOS… Top 10 Best Netflix Original Series to Watch Now! https://youtu.be/sjzFnEDbDo4 Windows 10 Performance Tips to Speed Up Your PC! https://youtu.be/DGlAuJXWTJk Top 5 Best FREE Online Photo Editors https://youtu.be/nT0fqvr3orY 10 Useful Websites to Make Money Online! https://youtu.be/uukLQU2mOcM Top 10 Best FREE FONTS for Graphic Designers https://youtu.be/QNPtyuth5Lk Twitter - https://twitter.com/GumboNet Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TechGumbo TechGumbo is a leading source for the technology that we use each day. Whether it’s discussing computer operating system tricks, the latest tips for your mobile phone, finding out about the newest gadgets, or letting you know about the best TV shows, TechGumbo has boundless topics on technology for the astute YouTube viewer. These are the best TV shows you may have never watched. While you may be familiar with the TV shows like Game of Thrones, Stranger Things and The Walking Dead that get a lot of mainstream media attention, there are numerous hidden gems you may have missed that have flown under the radar. So, we’ve come up with a list of 10 TV shows often overlooked by most people, deserving of more viewers that are well worth watching. These are available on cable networks and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary depending on your region. 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Footage and video are used for educational, entertainment purpose, to advertise TV shows / movies and to bring awareness to the franchise, characters and their gadgets. ►Media list: Batman (1943) Batman and Robin (1949) Batman (TV Series - 1966) Batman (Movie - 1966) Batman (1989) Batman Returns (1992) Batman Forever (1995) Batman & Robin (1997) Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003) Batman Begins (2005) The Dark Knight (2008) The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Suicide Squad (2016) Justice League (2017) Gotham (2017) Ready Player One (2018) Titans (2018) ►Help channel out directly by donating different cryptocurrencies! ✔ Bitcoin - 1EWkhCbKAZURJFhz4CrXszzSt4NGN4qdcX ✔ Etherium - 0xefa7575006f7d62b31364c76bead9e8c0540b0ca ✔ Ripple - rPVMhWBsfF9iMXYj3aAzJVkPDTFNSyWdKy ✔ EOS - 0x4a1d56a25909e07310d5f3e1c5283aa3c2afbaf9 ✔ Cardano - DdzFFzCqrhsepys2rhgSTtN4PTpdU3P9SL81khqPbY9oSsF47XBAqBHDNJJ27ey2uD2yqyb3XgAXyKYmBvLSeQM2aiqmM4HJou1kA2zv Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. These are the best new TV shows. With so many new TV shows premiering over the last year, it can be difficult deciding what to watch. To separate out the good from the bad, we’ve come up with a list of the Top 10 new TV shows. To qualify, the TV series must be scripted and must have had their entire first season broadcast since last year’s video. As usual, I will count them down in order based on which shows we enjoyed the best and hopefully you find at least 1 or 2 new shows here that will keep you entertained. Subscribe! ▶ https://www.youtube.com/techgumbo Share This Video ▶ https://youtu.be/wD6HcznpFOE “Best TV Shows” Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLunpbmfrhFAUYWpfQmYLSWJEoo0RnGhX9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WATCH MORE VIDEOS… 10 Amazing TV Shows You Wish You Knew Earlier! https://youtu.be/Rq6aM-_7Se4 10 Free Programs You Need on Your New PC! https://youtu.be/Pgc_lzXmxtY Windows 10 Settings You Should Change Right Now! https://youtu.be/080ebOWZI0I How to Delete Your Google Account After You Die! https://youtu.be/N80yPcaJ3fo Top 5 Best Torrent Clients https://youtu.be/N8hjzHaxOLM Twitter - https://twitter.com/GumboNet Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TechGumbo TechGumbo is a leading source for the technology that we use each day. Whether it’s discussing computer operating system tricks, the latest tips for your mobile phone, finding out about the newest gadgets, or letting you know about the best new TV shows, TechGumbo has boundless topics on technology for the astute YouTube viewer. While the cost of cable continues to get more expensive, more people are cutting the cord and using subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and many others. Those fees can add up quickly. In this video, I will show you 10 websites where you can watch full episodes of TV shows online free and legally. Some of the services mentioned are not available in all regions. 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Whether it’s discussing computer operating system tricks, the latest tips for your mobile phone, finding out about the newest gadgets, or letting you know about the best free websites to watch TV shows or movies online, TechGumbo has boundless topics on technology for the astute YouTube viewer. M'Quve is no match with Amuro's Gundam and his Newtype skills Mobile is a 3-part British television drama series with an interweaving plot involving a fictional mobile phone operator and the adverse-effect of mobile phone radiation to health. The series was screened by ITV in the United Kingdom, during March 2007. The cast includes Jamie Draven, Neil Fitzmaurice, Keith Allen, Sunetra Sarker, Samantha Bond, Brittany Ashworth and Julie Graham. It was written by John Fay. The series is set in Liverpool and Manchester, and the main action takes place in the present day, with a backstory of events surrounding the 2003 Iraq War. Alongside Liverpool and Manchester, the series was filmed in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Each of the three episodes focuses on a different individual caught up in the overall story. In episode one, Neil Fitzmaurice stars as Eddie Doig, a man diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. Blaming the long-term use of his mobile phone for his condition, he is persuaded by a hypnotist to mount a terror campaign against masts belonging to a fictitious mobile phone company. In episode two, Iraq War veteran and armed response officer Maurice Stoan (Jamie Draven) is also revealed as part of the campaign. A trained marksman, he shoots people using mobile phones, causing fear and panic among the public. In the last episode, James Corson (Keith Allen), who is having a relationship with Collette West (Brittany Ashworth), the CEO of the phone company, is kidnapped by Stoan, whose intention is to assassinate Corson. However, the series ends with a terrifying twist as the truth about those behind the terror campaign is revealed. This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - https://wn.com/Mobile_(TV_series) A mob, mobile or monster is a computer-controlled non-player character (NPC) in a computer game such as an MMORPG or MUD. Depending on context, every and any such characters in a game may be considered to be a "mob", or usage of the term may be limited to hostile NPCs and/or NPCs vulnerable to attack. Common usage refers to either a single character or a multitude of characters in a group as a mob. In most modern graphical games, "mob" may be used to specifically refer to generic monstrous NPCs that the player is expected to hunt and kill, excluding NPCs that engage in dialog or sell items or who cannot be attacked. "Named mobs" are distinguished by having a proper name rather than being referred to by a general type ("a goblin," "a citizen," etc.). 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The capital city was Hyderabad. The Asaf Jahi Dynasty was a dynasty of Turkic origin from the region around Samarkand in modern-day Uzbekistan, who came to India in the late 17th century, and became employees of the Mughal Empire. The region became part of the Mughal Empire in the 1680s. When the empire began to weaken in the 18th century, Asif Jah defeated a rival Mughal governor's attempt to seize control of the empire's southern provinces, declaring himself Nizam-al-Mulk of Hyderabad in 1724. The Mughal emperor, under renewed attack from the Marathas, was unable to prevent it. Following the decline of the Mughal power, India saw the rise of Maratha Empire, Nizam himself saw many invasions by the Marathas. Some of the major battles fought between Marathas and Nizam include the Battle of Rakshasbhuvan, the Battle of Palkhed and the Battle of Kharda, all of which resulted in Maratha victory and suzerainty over the territory of Nizam and collection of tributary by the Marathas. This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - https://wn.com/Hyderabad_State Hyderabad Assembly constituency is a constituency of Telangana Legislative Assembly, India. It is one of 15 constituencies in Capital city of Hyderabad. List of constituencies of Telangana Legislative Assembly This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - https://wn.com/Hyderabad_(Assembly_constituency) Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 17 Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Parliament) constituencies in Telangana state in southern India. Delimitation of Hyderabad Lok Sabha Constituency took place in 2008. 65 percent are minorities (Muslims chiefly) in Hyderabad constituency. There are total 18.22 lakh voters in Hyderabad constituency. Apart from Hyderabad constituency,there are three other Lok Sabha constituencies in capital city of Hyderabad -Malkajgiri, Secunderabad and Chevella. Medak is also near the GHMC and capital city. BJP's Venkaiah Naidu had once contested in Hyderabad constituency in 1996,but he lost to Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi by 73,273 votes. Assembly segments Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency presently comprises the following Legislative Assembly segments: General elections, 2014 List of Constituencies of the Lok Sabha This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - https://wn.com/Hyderabad_(Lok_Sabha_constituency) TV series download for mobile 10 Amazing TV Shows You Wish You Knew Earlier! Top 10 Best TV Shows to Watch Now! Top 10 Most Underrated TV Shows to Watch Now! Top 10 Best Netflix Original Series to Watch Now! 2019 Top 20 Greatest TV Shows of All Time! 10 Hidden Gem TV SHOWS to Watch Now! 2019 How to download tv series on mobile. How to download flash on mobile. EVOLUTION of BATMOBILE in Movies & TV series (1943-2020)🙊 The Batman 2020 concept batmobile trailer Top 10 Best New TV Shows to Watch Now! Top 10 Best FREE Websites to Watch TV Shows Online! 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While you may be familiar with the TV shows like Game of Thrones, Stranger Things and The Walking Dead t... https://wn.com/10_Hidden_Gem_Tv_Shows_To_Watch_Now_2019 https://wn.com/How_To_Download_Tv_Series_On_Mobile._How_To_Download_Flash_On_Mobile. Here we can see evolution / history of live action Batmobile in Movies and TV series 1943 - 2020. The Batman 2020 movie concept batmobile trailer No copyright i... https://wn.com/Evolution_Of_Batmobile_In_Movies_Tv_Series_(1943_2020)🙊_The_Batman_2020_Concept_Batmobile_Trailer Uploaded Date: 28 Sep 2018 These are the best new TV shows. With so many new TV shows premiering over the last year, it can be difficult deciding what to watch. To separate out the good f... https://wn.com/Top_10_Best_New_Tv_Shows_To_Watch_Now Uploaded Date: 23 Nov 2018 While the cost of cable continues to get more expensive, more people are cutting the cord and using subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and m... https://wn.com/Top_10_Best_Free_Websites_To_Watch_Tv_Shows_Online https://wn.com/Amuro_Vs_M'Quve's_Gyan_Mobile_Suit_Gundam_(From_Tv_Series) “Women Dating Over 50” is a mocumentary77 style comedic series that is a non-scripted show which features a group of fictitious characters that discuss their le... https://wn.com/New_Mobile_Tv_Series_Women_Dating_Over_50 Watch Live All Indian Channel For Free nexGTv is The Most Popular Live TV Apps/ Application For Indian/Hindi/Urdu channel Download all Apps : https://billi.me/... https://wn.com/Watch_Live_Tv_On_Android_Mobile_Phone_Top_Apps_For_Android_2016 How Pinball Survived Video Games, the Mob and Politics \| WIRED In this episode of Obsessed we meet Michael Schiess, a pinball enthusiast who collects and repairs old machines in an effort to preserve them for future generations. . Still haven’t subscribed to WIRED on YouTube? ►► http://wrd.cm/15fP7B7 Also, check out the free WIRED channel on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Here you can find your favorite WIRED shows and new episodes of our latest hit series Masterminds. ABOUT WIRED WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Through thought-provoking stories and videos, WIRED explores the future of business, innovation, and culture. How Pinball Survived Video Games, the Mob and Politics \| WIRED ANGRY MOB OF SHOPPERS DESTROY STORE - Eat The Rich Gameplay Eat The Rich is a Black Friday shopping Simulator, where you control a mob of people charging through a shop to get the best bargains, while destroying everything. This is a family friendly gameplay. Download Eat The Rich Game: https://callofthevoid.itch.io/eat-the-rich ►SUBSCRIBE for new videos: http://bit.ly/1EtkvKk ------------------------------------------------------------- Send me mail! PO BOX 574 ALBANY CREEK QUEENSLAND 4035 AUSTRALIA ------------------------------------------------------------- INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC: Fall into My Arms - Glitz at the Ritz 2 from EpidemicSound.com New Amazing! Mob Psycho 100 Game Coming Soon \| Roblox \| Noclypso Today I check out a new mob psycho game called esper online with my boi Jenkz. JOIN THE GAME DISCORD https://discord.gg/k3D98bS Subscribe To My Best Friend Jenkz https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTwoGa... White Shirt https://web.roblox.com/catalog/280914... Black Shirt https://web.roblox.com/catalog/160994... Help me Reach my Goal of 35k Subscribers by clicking that sub button ------Wanna contact me?------- Contact me on Email at Noclypso@gmail.com Join my discord https://discord.gg/2TQjeF6 Check out my twitter https://twitter.com/?lang=en Check out my Roblox group https://web.roblox.com/My/Groups.aspx... -------------------------------------------------------------------------GOALS The last Goal was 10k Reached Date 04/03/2018 The last Goal was 25k Reached Date 09/11/2018 ... Mob Arena! MINECRAFT MINI GAMES Can we get this to 500 likes? :3 All the footage was recorded on: play.itsjerryandharry.com http://www.youtube.com/user/ItsJerryAndHarry Leave a like if you enjoyed and subscribe if you want to see more :) My Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ldshadowlady Mob Rap 1-6 All Parts! by JT Music (Official) Subscribe for More Music ▶ http://jtmch.co/SubJT Get Your JT Merch Here ▶ http://jtmerch.com Song Download Links Below Here's the up to date compilation of one of our most loved series ever! Download Links! iTunes ▶ http://jtmch.co/2mVyg1V Spotify ▶ http://jtmch.co/2FZhruK Google Play ▶ http://jtmch.co/2mXNp1I Amazon ▶ http://jtmch.co/2BhiNxv *********************************************** Follow us on Twitter! ▶ http://jtmch.co/JTMTwitter Like us on Facebook! ▶ http://jtmch.co/1rojUWT Follow our Instagram ▶ http://jtmch.co/JTMInsta Join our Discord ▶ https://discord.gg/77PBxBF Sign up for RT First ▶ http://jtmch.co/JTMFirst Use Referral Code "JTM" Want to use our music? Read this first: http://jtmch.co/MusicUsage Mob Rap 1-6 All Parts! by JT Music (Official) DO NOT EVER ATTACK THIS CHICKEN! (Minecraft Mob Trolling S3E1) You guys voted for the next season of minecraft trolling, and the results are in! Prepare to see some of the craziest and most annoying mobs that you've ever seen in minecraft! This is the season of Frank's CRAZY family, and I do mean crazy! In today's troll video we summon Angry Ducky Bobes who has no problem throwing eggs, disguising players as ducks, and quite a few more surprises! Minecraft Trolling Season 1 Playlist: https://goo.gl/AkrXSS Minecraft Trolling Season 2 Playlist: https://goo.gl/SSc2T1 Minecraft Trolling Season 3 Playlist: https://goo.gl/zjYJKX Welcome to Minecraft Trolling Season 3 Episode 1, the season of Frank's Crazy Family! This entire season of trolling will bring you to tears with some amazing custom minecraft mob attacks and other funny and trollish commands! Do... LICH KING VS MUTANT IRON GOLEM - Minecraft Mob Battles - Psycraft Mods Lich King Vs Mutant Iron Golem Mod : Who will win the mob battle?! Don't forget to subscribe for more battles and epic Minecraft content! Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/PopularMMOs/327498010669475 Download PsyCraft Mod http://popularmmos.com/psycraft/ Music: The End of Mankind http://machinimasound.com/ Matches and Mods Used in This 1.7.10 Minecraft Mob Battle: Lich King Vs Ettin Lich King Vs Lich Lich King Vs Walker King Lich King Vs Monking Lich King Vs Mutant Iron Golem Mods: PsyCraft Mod, Better Dungeons Mod, Lycanite's Mob Mod Intro by: https://www.youtube.com/calzone442 Intro song: Spag Heddy - Pink Koeks provided by Play Me Records: https://www.youtube.com/user/playmerecords https://www.facebook.com/playmerecords Follow Spag Heddy: https://www.facebook.com/SpagHeddy htt... New Mob Of The Dead Gameplay Cinematic Intro! (Black Ops 2 Zombies) If you are excited for Mob Of The Dead! Then be sure to Subscribe! ► Subscribe to see more videos from me! http://bit.ly/SubToSyn This is the new Cinematic for the new DLC Map "Mob Of The Dead" - This video can be found on the Black Ops 2 Zombies Dashboard! Make sure you Subscribe to see all videos you'll need to get you destroying the undead in the new map! From How To Turn On The Power in Mob Of The Dead! to Mob Of The Dead High Round Guides! ● My Twitter - http://bit.ly/SyndicateTwitter ● My Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/TheSyndicateProject ● My Vlog Channel - http://bit.ly/SyndicateCentral If a New SCARY Mob Was Added to Minecraft It's almost Halloween, but something isn't right... Everyone keeps dying when they try trick or treating in the haunted house. It's time to find out what evil new mob lives inside, and how to overcome it. Thanks for watching, hope you enjoyed this Halloween scary ish video :D Make sure to leave a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you want more! Leave your video suggestions in the comments and you may be featured in the next one! Thanks to the actors: CookieKing, TrisPig, creeper321448, Roch Happy Halloween!!! What are you dressing up as this year? Would you want to see a new SCARY mob be added to Minecraft? ►FIND ME: ExplodingTNT/PinkSheep TSHIRTS!!: https://explodingtntstore.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExplodingTNT Facebook: http://on.fb.me/X3KYbC ►CREDITS Music: http://www.epidemicsound.c... A$AP Rocky - A$AP Forever (Official Video) ft. Moby Official music video for “A$AP Forever” by A$AP Rocky feat. Moby Listen to A$AP Rocky: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/listenYD Subscribe to the official A$AP Rocky YouTube Channel: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/subscribeYD Follow A$AP Rocky: Facebook: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followFI Instagram: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followII Twitter: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followTI Website: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followWI YouTube: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/subscribeYD Spotify: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followSI Lyrics: Come fuck with the Mob, shout out to the Lords and the Gods In love with my bitch 'cause she bi My ice like the stars, I tell that bitch, "Cover your eyes 'Cause smokin' with me, you go blind" She losin' her mind, we kiss to Frank Ocean and Blonde Convincin' my bitch to go blonde Was born in... Minecraft: CRUSHROOM VS MUTANT CREEPER - MOB BATTLE - Modded Mini-Game Challenge CRUSHROOM VS MUTANT CREEPER! Who will win?! Jen's Channel http://youtube.com/gamingwithjen Don't forget to subscribe for epic Minecraft content! Shirts! https://www.districtlines.com/PopularMMOs/ Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/PopularMMOs/327498010669475 Twitter! https://twitter.com/popularmmos In This 1.7.10 Crushroom Vs Mutant Creeper Mob Battle: Crushroom Vs Mutant Snow Golem Crushroom Vs Mutant Creeper Crushroom Vs Mutant Skeleton Crushroom Vs Mutant Zombie Crushroom Vs Skelebrine Crushroom Vs Mutant Enderman Crushroom Vs Titan Intro by: https://www.youtube.com/calzone442 Intro song: Spag Heddy - Pink Koeks provided by Play Me Records: https://www.youtube.com/user/playmerecords https://www.facebook.com/playmerecords Follow Spag Heddy: https://www.facebook.com/SpagHeddy htt... Minecraft XP Farm: No Mob XP Bank for Minecraft 1.14.3 \| Peaceful Mode Adjustable XP Farm (Avomance) You want XP but you don't want it RIGHT NOW in case you die, and you don't want to GRIND. This Minecraft XP Farm will bank your XP for when you need it. In todays Minecraft Tutorial with me, Avomance, I am going to show you how to make an XP Farm in Minecraft, but this Minecraft XP farm doesn't need you to grind out mobs or sit AFK fishing - this is an XP Bank which fills up while you do other things - It will store your XP while you mine, or build, or chop trees of just chill. Then you can take it when you need it so you don't risk losing it to an angry mob or a silly fall! And it is a Peaceful mode XP farm - No Mobs at all in this XP farm. WORLD DOWNLOAD HERE! Download the world and play with it yourself: http://www.mediafire.com/folder/o7rsp0m133ywo/The_XP_Bank No tricky redstone. E... SLENDYTUBBIES 3 \| THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL CHALLENGE - ME VS EVERY MOB IN THE GAME XEARRIK'S CHANNEL - https://www.youtube.com/user/psnxear Join The TASTE BUDS - http://www.youtube.com/user/TasteCanada?sub_confirmation=1 Molly Mcbutters channel ( My awesome dog ) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKxskSz2oCCPH70Sidcw35Q SEND LETTERS, FAN ART, TREATS TO - Taste Gaming 64 Champlain Street PO BOX 27018 Champlain Mall PO Dieppe, NB CANADA E1A 4X0 FIND ME HERE: https://twitter.com/Taste_Gaming Discord Server - https://discord.gg/4NynzP6 Instragram - https://www.instagram.com/tastegamingcanada You May Also Enjoy: To Donate - https://youtube.streamlabs.com/UCkZR9ulW-aSFWtAZz5-QZXA About my channel - I do not swear in my videos. It focuses on delivering a fun time no matter what type o... Minecraft: PACMAN VS MUTANT ZOMBIE - Minecraft Mob Battles - Modded Mini-Game Today Pacman will be taking on tons of deadly mobs! Jen's Channel http://youtube.com/gamingwithjen Don't forget to subscribe for epic Minecraft content! Shirts! https://www.districtlines.com/PopularMMOs/ Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/PopularMMOs/327498010669475 Twitter! https://twitter.com/popularmmos Download Pacman Mod: http://test.voidswrath.com/mods/1-7-10-horror-pacman-mod-installer/ Download OreSpawn Mod: http://popularmmos.com/orespawn/ Download Mutant Creatures Mod: http://popularmmos.com/mutantskeleton/ TheAtlanticCraft Pacman Owners - https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAtlanticCraft In this Pacman Mob Battle for 1.7.10: Today Pacman is facing off against powerful monsters from the Mutant Creatures Mod and the OreSpawn Mod. We are setting up a bunch of battles to see who... In this episode of Obsessed we meet Michael Schiess, a pinball enthusiast who collects and repairs old machines in an effort to preserve them for future generat... https://wn.com/How_Pinball_Survived_Video_Games,_The_Mob_And_Politics_\|_Wired Eat The Rich is a Black Friday shopping Simulator, where you control a mob of people charging through a shop to get the best bargains, while destroying everythi... https://wn.com/Angry_Mob_Of_Shoppers_Destroy_Store_Eat_The_Rich_Gameplay Today I check out a new mob psycho game called esper online with my boi Jenkz. JOIN THE GAME DISCORD https://discord.gg/k3D98bS Subscribe To My Best Friend Je... Today I check out a new mob psycho game called esper online with my boi Jenkz. JOIN THE GAME DISCORD https://discord.gg/k3D98bS Subscribe To My Best Friend Jenkz https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTwoGa... White Shirt https://web.roblox.com/catalog/280914... Black Shirt https://web.roblox.com/catalog/160994... Help me Reach my Goal of 35k Subscribers by clicking that sub button ------Wanna contact me?------- Contact me on Email at Noclypso@gmail.com Join my discord https://discord.gg/2TQjeF6 Check out my twitter https://twitter.com/?lang=en Check out my Roblox group https://web.roblox.com/My/Groups.aspx... -------------------------------------------------------------------------GOALS The last Goal was 10k Reached Date 04/03/2018 The last Goal was 25k Reached Date 09/11/2018 What is Roblox? Roblox is a massively multiplayer online game creation platform that allows users to design their own games and play a wide variety of different types of games created by other users through Roblox Studio. https://wn.com/New_Amazing_Mob_Psycho_100_Game_Coming_Soon_\|_Roblox_\|_Noclypso Can we get this to 500 likes? :3 All the footage was recorded on: play.itsjerryandharry.com http://www.youtube.com/user/ItsJerryAndHarry Leave a like if you e... https://wn.com/Mob_Arena_Minecraft_Mini_Games Subscribe for More Music ▶ http://jtmch.co/SubJT Get Your JT Merch Here ▶ http://jtmerch.com Song Download Links Below Here's the up to date compilation... https://wn.com/Mob_Rap_1_6_All_Parts_By_Jt_Music_(Official) You guys voted for the next season of minecraft trolling, and the results are in! Prepare to see some of the craziest and most annoying mobs that you've ever se... You guys voted for the next season of minecraft trolling, and the results are in! Prepare to see some of the craziest and most annoying mobs that you've ever seen in minecraft! This is the season of Frank's CRAZY family, and I do mean crazy! In today's troll video we summon Angry Ducky Bobes who has no problem throwing eggs, disguising players as ducks, and quite a few more surprises! Minecraft Trolling Season 1 Playlist: https://goo.gl/AkrXSS Minecraft Trolling Season 2 Playlist: https://goo.gl/SSc2T1 Minecraft Trolling Season 3 Playlist: https://goo.gl/zjYJKX Welcome to Minecraft Trolling Season 3 Episode 1, the season of Frank's Crazy Family! This entire season of trolling will bring you to tears with some amazing custom minecraft mob attacks and other funny and trollish commands! Don't forget to leave a like! Thank you so much for all the support! ▸ Subscribe! : https://goo.gl/UJ8KZV ▸ RGA Sweg! : https://goo.gl/2wpSV3 ▸ Discord : https://goo.gl/0BOmLV ▸ Twitter : https://goo.gl/7isAM5 ▸ Facebook : https://goo.gl/5qBIEg ▸ Send BITCOINS : 1PJcFUMAJf9PGHkUTtmBVkRh4NdfKZo8nr ▸ My Minecraft Server IP : MC.Performium.net ▸ Server Website : http://www.performium.net ▸ Music Used ♫ "Kevin MacLeod - http://www.incompetech.com" As always, leave comments below with suggestions and things you'd like to see in future video! https://wn.com/Do_Not_Ever_Attack_This_Chicken_(Minecraft_Mob_Trolling_S3E1) Uploaded Date: 30 Oct 2014 Lich King Vs Mutant Iron Golem Mod : Who will win the mob battle?! Don't forget to subscribe for more battles and epic Minecraft content! Facebook! https://www.... Lich King Vs Mutant Iron Golem Mod : Who will win the mob battle?! Don't forget to subscribe for more battles and epic Minecraft content! Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/PopularMMOs/327498010669475 Download PsyCraft Mod http://popularmmos.com/psycraft/ Music: The End of Mankind http://machinimasound.com/ Matches and Mods Used in This 1.7.10 Minecraft Mob Battle: Lich King Vs Ettin Lich King Vs Lich Lich King Vs Walker King Lich King Vs Monking Lich King Vs Mutant Iron Golem Mods: PsyCraft Mod, Better Dungeons Mod, Lycanite's Mob Mod Intro by: https://www.youtube.com/calzone442 Intro song: Spag Heddy - Pink Koeks provided by Play Me Records: https://www.youtube.com/user/playmerecords https://www.facebook.com/playmerecords Follow Spag Heddy: https://www.facebook.com/SpagHeddy http://soundcloud.com/spagheddy Royalty Free Music by http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music Song: Midnight Shadows https://wn.com/Lich_King_Vs_Mutant_Iron_Golem_Minecraft_Mob_Battles_Psycraft_Mods If you are excited for Mob Of The Dead! Then be sure to Subscribe! ► Subscribe to see more videos from me! http://bit.ly/SubToSyn This is the new Cinematic fo... https://wn.com/New_Mob_Of_The_Dead_Gameplay_Cinematic_Intro_(Black_Ops_2_Zombies) It's almost Halloween, but something isn't right... Everyone keeps dying when they try trick or treating in the haunted house. It's time to find out what evil n... It's almost Halloween, but something isn't right... Everyone keeps dying when they try trick or treating in the haunted house. It's time to find out what evil new mob lives inside, and how to overcome it. Thanks for watching, hope you enjoyed this Halloween scary ish video :D Make sure to leave a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you want more! Leave your video suggestions in the comments and you may be featured in the next one! Thanks to the actors: CookieKing, TrisPig, creeper321448, Roch Happy Halloween!!! What are you dressing up as this year? Would you want to see a new SCARY mob be added to Minecraft? ►FIND ME: ExplodingTNT/PinkSheep TSHIRTS!!: https://explodingtntstore.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExplodingTNT Facebook: http://on.fb.me/X3KYbC ►CREDITS Music: http://www.epidemicsound.com/ https://wn.com/If_A_New_Scary_Mob_Was_Added_To_Minecraft Official music video for “A$AP Forever” by A$AP Rocky feat. Moby Listen to A$AP Rocky: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/listenYD Subscribe to the official A$AP Rocky Y... Official music video for “A$AP Forever” by A$AP Rocky feat. Moby Listen to A$AP Rocky: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/listenYD Subscribe to the official A$AP Rocky YouTube Channel: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/subscribeYD Follow A$AP Rocky: Facebook: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followFI Instagram: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followII Twitter: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followTI Website: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followWI YouTube: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/subscribeYD Spotify: https://ASAPRocky.lnk.to/followSI Lyrics: Come fuck with the Mob, shout out to the Lords and the Gods In love with my bitch 'cause she bi My ice like the stars, I tell that bitch, "Cover your eyes 'Cause smokin' with me, you go blind" She losin' her mind, we kiss to Frank Ocean and Blonde Convincin' my bitch to go blonde Was born in the dark, I can't even open my blinds On Yams and that's word to my mom Margiela Mad Man with cases I'm still tryna beat A bunch of shit from a long time ago The bigger they are, the harder they fall Like dominos, nigga, Geronimos When it's my time to go, adios, vamonos Flacko no Dominicano but eat the tostones with platanos Dealing with life and its highs and lows I'm just pimpin' like I'm supposed I guess it's called livin', shit I suppose I'm on my live alone, die VLONE You talk about spending or buyin' clothes I'm 'bout my business but I'm alone I still had the vision when I was broke, fuckin' on bitches and foreign hoes Flyin' out womens to borin' shows, I pray to God I don't overdose I put A$AP on my tat, I put New York on the map I put the gang on the flame, they gon' remember the name They robbin' boys for the chain, I got Goyard by the sack I got the boof by the pack, I fucked your boo in her back #ASAPRocky #ASAPForever #Rap https://wn.com/A_Ap_Rocky_A_Ap_Forever_(Official_Video)_Ft._Moby CRUSHROOM VS MUTANT CREEPER! Who will win?! Jen's Channel http://youtube.com/gamingwithjen Don't forget to subscribe for epic Minecraft content! Shirts! https:/... CRUSHROOM VS MUTANT CREEPER! Who will win?! Jen's Channel http://youtube.com/gamingwithjen Don't forget to subscribe for epic Minecraft content! Shirts! https://www.districtlines.com/PopularMMOs/ Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/PopularMMOs/327498010669475 Twitter! https://twitter.com/popularmmos In This 1.7.10 Crushroom Vs Mutant Creeper Mob Battle: Crushroom Vs Mutant Snow Golem Crushroom Vs Mutant Creeper Crushroom Vs Mutant Skeleton Crushroom Vs Mutant Zombie Crushroom Vs Skelebrine Crushroom Vs Mutant Enderman Crushroom Vs Titan Intro by: https://www.youtube.com/calzone442 Intro song: Spag Heddy - Pink Koeks provided by Play Me Records: https://www.youtube.com/user/playmerecords https://www.facebook.com/playmerecords Follow Spag Heddy: https://www.facebook.com/SpagHeddy http://soundcloud.com/spagheddy Royalty Free Music by http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music Battle Music: Arcade http://machinimasound.com/ https://wn.com/Minecraft_Crushroom_Vs_Mutant_Creeper_Mob_Battle_Modded_Mini_Game_Challenge Uploaded Date: 07 Jul 2019 You want XP but you don't want it RIGHT NOW in case you die, and you don't want to GRIND. This Minecraft XP Farm will bank your XP for when you need it. In tod... You want XP but you don't want it RIGHT NOW in case you die, and you don't want to GRIND. This Minecraft XP Farm will bank your XP for when you need it. In todays Minecraft Tutorial with me, Avomance, I am going to show you how to make an XP Farm in Minecraft, but this Minecraft XP farm doesn't need you to grind out mobs or sit AFK fishing - this is an XP Bank which fills up while you do other things - It will store your XP while you mine, or build, or chop trees of just chill. Then you can take it when you need it so you don't risk losing it to an angry mob or a silly fall! And it is a Peaceful mode XP farm - No Mobs at all in this XP farm. WORLD DOWNLOAD HERE! Download the world and play with it yourself: http://www.mediafire.com/folder/o7rsp0m133ywo/The_XP_Bank No tricky redstone. Easy Redstone active tutorial. * Its an Easy Minecraft Survival Friendly farm. Such an easy tutorial, with simple redstone that gives you plenty of XP It is also completely expandable and modular so you can repeat this design over and over to double, quadruple or even X10 the Minecraft XP you can get from this farm. Its an Easy Farm, build in the Minecraft 1.14.3 version but will work in versions below MADE IN JAVA EDITION - MAY NOT WORK IN BEDROCK Get lots of XP without having to light up caves, or climb to Y=190 or dig to Y=1 to get mobs to spawn. Make this on the ground. You can even do it in Peaceful mode! A No Mob XP Farm in Minecraft that takes just 20 minutes to make! * TOTALLY FAMILY FRIENDLY WITH NO SWEARING COMPLETELY CHILD FRIENDLY WITH NO CURSING * SIMPLE Redstone * To become a Patron of this channel please click here: https://www.patreon.com/Avomance To become a member of this channel please click here: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCeprnLp3l8oZPAig8XjVLnA I offer some great additional benefits for being a Redstone patron or above or a member... including some exclusive access to my blog on avomance.com, discounts on Avomance Merch and more to come in the future too! Thank you so much. Support for this channel is so important to allow me to carry on making videos for you and I am SO GRATEFUL for it. You are awesome - you literally have no idea how awesome WHY NOT DO BOTH - and get 2 Hero spots in the Hall of Heroes on my Avomancia Minecraft Survival Let's Play Series! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL01Bu4wi_UjX7NR2MgJdzyqovcjpH2wgQ Thanks so very much for that... For just the price of a cup of coffee or a soda a month, you help to keep this channel rolling and producing content * You can follow me here: Twitter: @AvoMinecraft Facebook: Avomance Minecraft Instagram: AvoMinecraft SnapChat: Avomance Come and find me! * A FAMILY FRIENDLY CHANNEL WITH NO SWEARING A CHILD FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT * What else would you like me to do a minecraft tutorial on? LOTS of options on my channel for Minecraft Tutorials and great Minecraft ideas, including Lets Play and SMP * Minecraft is a creative building game created by Mojang. The creators, who go by the names of Notch and Jeb in game, sold the company to Microsoft for a MASSIVE amount of money. Notch is no longer associated with the game, Jeb still is (as I write this) It allows the payer to build and mine in a format of blocks of different types to create ever more complex constructions. As the game progresses, you can combine blocks to create more useful objects to help you on your adventures. The game was made famous by creators such as Dan TDM The Diamond Minecart, Stampy, PopularMMOs, Captain Sparkles, Ssundee and LDShadowLady, Little Lizard and many more - all great YouTubers who play this amazing Minecraft game so very well. Redstone geniuses like Fed X Gaming, Mumbo, Seth and Xisumavoid also make this game great https://wn.com/Minecraft_Xp_Farm_No_Mob_Xp_Bank_For_Minecraft_1.14.3_\|_Peaceful_Mode_Adjustable_Xp_Farm_(Avomance) XEARRIK'S CHANNEL - https://www.youtube.com/user/psnxear Join The TASTE BUDS - http://www.youtube.com/user/TasteCanada?sub_confirmation=1 Molly Mcbutters chann... XEARRIK'S CHANNEL - https://www.youtube.com/user/psnxear Join The TASTE BUDS - http://www.youtube.com/user/TasteCanada?sub_confirmation=1 Molly Mcbutters channel ( My awesome dog ) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKxskSz2oCCPH70Sidcw35Q SEND LETTERS, FAN ART, TREATS TO - Taste Gaming 64 Champlain Street PO BOX 27018 Champlain Mall PO Dieppe, NB CANADA E1A 4X0 FIND ME HERE: https://twitter.com/Taste_Gaming Discord Server - https://discord.gg/4NynzP6 Instragram - https://www.instagram.com/tastegamingcanada You May Also Enjoy: To Donate - https://youtube.streamlabs.com/UCkZR9ulW-aSFWtAZz5-QZXA About my channel - I do not swear in my videos. It focuses on delivering a fun time no matter what type of game i am playing. I try my best to make each video acceptable for all ages. Video Upload Schedule - I try to upload at least 1 video per day, everyday. https://wn.com/Slendytubbies_3_\|_The_Ultimate_Survival_Challenge_Me_Vs_Every_Mob_In_The_Game Today Pacman will be taking on tons of deadly mobs! Jen's Channel http://youtube.com/gamingwithjen Don't forget to subscribe for epic Minecraft content! Shirts!... Today Pacman will be taking on tons of deadly mobs! Jen's Channel http://youtube.com/gamingwithjen Don't forget to subscribe for epic Minecraft content! Shirts! https://www.districtlines.com/PopularMMOs/ Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/PopularMMOs/327498010669475 Twitter! https://twitter.com/popularmmos Download Pacman Mod: http://test.voidswrath.com/mods/1-7-10-horror-pacman-mod-installer/ Download OreSpawn Mod: http://popularmmos.com/orespawn/ Download Mutant Creatures Mod: http://popularmmos.com/mutantskeleton/ TheAtlanticCraft Pacman Owners - https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAtlanticCraft In this Pacman Mob Battle for 1.7.10: Today Pacman is facing off against powerful monsters from the Mutant Creatures Mod and the OreSpawn Mod. We are setting up a bunch of battles to see who is the strongest. We are also doing some giant battles that are only for fun! Intro by: https://www.youtube.com/calzone442 Intro song: Spag Heddy - Pink Koeks provided by Play Me Records: https://www.youtube.com/user/playmerecords https://www.facebook.com/playmerecords Follow Spag Heddy: https://www.facebook.com/SpagHeddy http://soundcloud.com/spagheddy Royalty Free Music by http://audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music Musoc from machinimasound.com https://wn.com/Minecraft_Pacman_Vs_Mutant_Zombie_Minecraft_Mob_Battles_Modded_Mini_Game icelandmobile.com hyderabadmobile.com mobilenewsnetwork.net capetownmobile.com hyderabadtrust.com telecomsmobile.com frankfurtmobile.com mobiledrilling.com 3dmobilenews.com helsinkimobile.com mobilemariners.com freehyderabad.com slovakiamobile.com hamburgmobile.com hyderabadbreakingnews.com luxembourgmobile.com bangaloremobile.com saratogamobile.com hyderabadfitnessclub.com Play in Full Screen These are best TV shows that you may have missed. While there are so many great TV shows t... 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SLENDYTUBBIES 3 \| THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL CHALLENGE ... Minecraft: PACMAN VS MUTANT ZOMBIE - Minecraft Mob... Sundeep Kishan pins hopes on his upcoming bilingual film International Business Times 10 Jul 2019 The first five minutes of the film is going to show us how Hyderabad would look like 24 years from now ... From televisions to mobile phones, a lot if going to change by then ... That doesn't mean it is all about science. This film has many genres and I'm sure the audience would love it," said Sundeep while promoting the film in Hyderabad on Monday ... .... Hyderabad police undergo training on mobile radiation detection system ... Authority (NDMA) on Friday selected Hyderabad city and 55 other cities in other states for the implementation of its pilot project on mobile radiation detection.... Ram Pothineni’s iSmart Shankar shoot wraps up The official spokesperson of Ram took to twitter and shared the news ... Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the plot of iSmart Shankar revolves around an aggressive street-smart guy in Hyderabad who gets a mobile SIM card inserted into his head under mysterious circumstances ... .... Hyderabad selected for Mobile Radiation Detection System project: CP National Disaster Management Authority, New Delhi, selected “Hyderabad City” along with 55 others in other States for implementing its pilot project on “Mobile Radiation Detection System” in which police are the first responders.... Is Ram’s ‘iSmart Shankar’ heavily inspired by Adam Randall’s 2017 thriller ‘iBoy’? Directed by maverick filmmaker Puri Jagannadh and co-produced by actress Charmee Kaur, the plot of ‘iSmart Shankar’ revolves around an aggressive street-smart guy in Hyderabad who gets a mobile SIM card inserted into his head under mysterious circumstances ... .... Ram Pothineni’s ‘iSmart Shankar’ film takes inspiration from Adam Randall’s thriller iBoy; Details inside Pinkvilla 05 Jul 2019 Attach Main Entertaiment Image ... This film has managed to generate a lot of buzz among the users and is turning out to be a hit in all its aspects ... The story of this film revolves around an aggressive, sharp and a street-smart guy in Hyderabad, who in a twist gets a mobile SIM card placed in his head as he lands in mysterious circumstances.... 22-year-old Woman falls from moving train, dies Hyderabad. A 22-year-old woman died while attempting to pick up her mobile phone which slipped from her hands and fell on the floor of the the train at Begumpet ...... Two teens jump into river in UP to shoot video for TikTok, one missing Two teenagers jumped off a crowded bridge at a ‘ghat’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district in a bid to pull off a dangerous stunt by shooting a video on their mobile phones to share on the popular social media app TikTok, police said Tuesday ... on his mobile phone.... Woman falls from moving train, dies Health apps not Indianised: National Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad. Thirteen out of the 20 mobile apps for weight loss and calorie count do not align with Indian recommendations, according to a research study carried out by the National Institute of Nutrition published in Health Informatics Journal ... The study which was conducted in 2016-17 tried to address the questions based on Indian recommendations ... .......	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1812
__label__cc	0.619724	0.380276	Q&A With 2018 Cardin Award Winner Dr. Cliff Nerwen March 4, 2019 27 Adar I, 5779 Congratulations on winning the 2018 Shoshanna S. Cardin Award. How did it feel to learn you had been nominated and won? I was quite honored and surprised by the notification. Apparently, independently, a number of members of my congregation, Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverside (CSAIR) saw the call for nominations, and each privately suggested to Rabbi Katz that a nomination be submitted. I was unaware. And was quite surprised when I was notified (by Rabbi Katz). What prompted you to challenge your synagogue to create a policy to protect children from abuse? There was no single event that prompted this effort. Shockingly, one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused by the age of 18. Additionally, the overall prevalence of childhood abuse and neglect is approximately 20%. These are incredible and scary statistics. Child abuse happens everywhere in all communities. As a pediatrician I have been an advocate for children for over 25 years. The effort to protect the children of CSAIR was a natural extension of my desire to ensure that all children are safe and healthy—at home, in camp, in school, and in their synagogues. Additionally I have learned that synagogues and other youth serving organizations are magnets for potential abusers of children. The very nature of shuls—warm, inviting, friendly, and open—makes them places that attract abusers. Unfortunately, shul leaders tend to be naïve about child abuse, and they have inadequate protections in place and poor systems to respond to incidents of abuse or alleged abuse. All these reasons, in combination, prompted me and a number of other concerned congregants to create our child protection policy and develop systems to protect our children. How did you become connected with Dr. Shira Berkovits and the organization Sacred Spaces? Dr. Shira Berkovits, well before the establishment of Sacred Spaces, was our consultant at CSAIR who guided us through the process of developing our child protection policy. Shira is single-minded, dedicated and passionate about protecting children. She spent countless hours with me and a small group of interested individuals, our Child Protection Committee – leading us through the complicated discussions needed as we developed our policy over an 18-month period. She taught us the principles of child protection, increased our awareness and sensitivity to the topic, answered our questions and gently ensured that we addressed the topic in the depth and breadth that was necessary. Despite my 25 years of experience taking care of and protecting children, I learned so much from Shira and this process what it means for a community. Shira established Sacred Spaces two years ago, and last year I became the Board Chair of the organization, as I wanted to expand and share my child protection experience and knowledge, assist others to protect their children and prevent child abuse in their communities. After writing Safeguarding Our Children, A Child Protection Statement, what advice do you have for other synagogue leaders who might want to write a similar policy? Just start! Start somewhere. You don’t have to do it all at once. But just start somewhere. Acknowledge that your children need to be protected (because they do!), and make a commitment to create a safer community for your children. Get buy-in and support from your professional staff and lay leadership. Establish a Child Protection Committee to lead the effort. Educate your community about the topic. Train your staff and volunteers. Do a building assessment. Screen your staff and volunteers. Develop a child protection policy. There is much to be done, just start somewhere and add on additional layers in an incremental fashion. What do you think is the most important step that a synagogue can take to protect its children from abuse? First, acknowledge the problem –child abuse is widespread and no community is immune. Second, start the conversation about the importance of protecting our children and that doing so is a fundamental and sacred Jewish activity. This is an emotionally charged topic, which may make these conversations very challenging. But having those conversations, and changing the culture of a community such that each individual member personally feels responsible for the children in the community – that is the essential and core value that can inspire a kehilla to engage in this work. What excites you most about Conservative Judaism and its future? Communities like CSAIR inspire me and give me hope and faith for the future of our movement. Leaders like Rabbi Barry Dov Katz who is committed to building caring, engaging, and authentically halachic and committed Jewish communities are the core leaders of our future. And committed lay leaders, like the ones I have worked with for many years at CSAIR, are key to our movement’s future success. I have been a livelong committed member of the movement – USY, Ramah, Joint Program graduate, shul president, child protection advocate – all excite me to this day about our future. Inspired by Jewish values, true to Halacha and observance, committed to each other and building safe and caring communities – that is what we are all about. Shoshana S. Cardin Leadership Award An award to recognize a Jewish lay leader who is making a difference in advancing the values of an authentic and dynamic Judaism.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1814
__label__cc	0.741041	0.258959	Carthage Federal Savings & Loan » Member Directory Carthage Federal Savings & Loan Address: 325 State St. Clayton NY 13624 work Phone: 315-686-4850work Fax: 315-686-4855workfax Email: pwaterman@carthagesavings.comINTERNET Website: www.carthagesavings.com arthage Savings was founded in 1888, making the Association the longest running “Hometown Bank” in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. Carthage Savings is a customer owned “Mutual” association. We answer to our customers, not stockholders. We are here to serve our customers with no conflicting profitability pressures. A “Mutual” is similar to a Credit Union with the exception that we pay income taxes, which aid our schools and allows the government to provide essential services to the communities we serve. We manage over $200,000,000 in assets with a $170,000,000 loan portfolio primarily funded with local deposits. Our Association has three full service offices. We are well capitalized by all regulatory standards and by nearly all standards, we are considered one of the strongest and safest banks in the country. Carthage Savings continues to make every attempt to provide the highest quality service to our members at the lowest possible cost. Our mission “To Provide Quality Financial Services that Exceed our Members’ Expectations while Enhancing the Communities We Serve” is a promise we have lived up to for over 130 years. We are dedicated to being a part of the North Country’s future prosperity. Carthage Savings is continuously researching and implementing new and innovative banking products to offer our customers, while keeping safety and security foremost in mind. There are many reasons to make Carthage Savings your financial partner…these are just a few of the fundamental issues that make our 130+ year history a successful partnership with our communities. Add great service from people who truly care about the future of Northern New York and you will also discover what makes Carthage Savings different from other financial institutions. The Association’s Board, Management, and Staff are proud of our history and look forward to building customer relationships. Please contact us and we would be happy to tell you more. 325 State St. Clayton NY 13624	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1820
__label__cc	0.52107	0.47893	Daily Current Affairs 26 July 2018: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation This post contains important current affairs of 26 July 2018. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 26 July 2018. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 26 July 2018 Current affairs test. 1. National Nutrition Month Month of September to be celebrated as National Nutrition Month every year. This was taken in the 2nd meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan. 2. West Bengal passed resolution to change name of state to ‘Bangla’ Trinamool Congress government passed resolution to change the name of West Bengal to “Bangla” in all languages. If the Home Ministry approves this ,the name of the state will be changed. 3. ‘Childline 1098’ Contest Ministry of Women and Child Development launched a contest named #Childline 1098. Childline is India’s first 24-hour, free, emergency phone service for children in need of aid and assistance. 1. Exercise Pitch Black-2018 Indian Air Force to participate in the Exercise Pitch Black-2018,Australia. Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is the present 25th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. 2. 10th BRICS Summit 2018 The 10th edition of BRICS Summit has begun at Johannesburg in South Africa. Theme:- ‘BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for inclusive growth and shared prosperity in the 4th Industrial Revolution’. 3. Gandhi Heritage Centre in Uganda Modi has announced to build a Gandhi Heritage Centre in Jinja,Uganda. Along with this India also gifted cancer therapy machine to Uganda. 4. Miss Deaf Asia 2018 title Deshna Jain, a 20-year-old girl from Tikamgarh M.P. was crowned with Miss Deaf Asia 2018 title. She was also crowned Miss India (Deaf) 2018 in Jaipur. 1. Tata AIA Life new CEO and MD Tata AIA Life has appointed Rishi Srivastava as the CEO and MD. Tata AIA is headquartered in Mumbai, offer various types of life insurance policies including – protection plan, saving plans, child life insurance, ULIP plan, and wealth related schemes. 2. Oxigen partnered With Fincare Small Finance Bank Oxigen and Fincare Small Finance Bank to roll out the Branchless Banking services using Oxigen Micro ATM Super PoS. Oxigen Services India Pvt. Ltd. a certified FinTech company, is one of the major payment solutions providers in India. It is involved in micropayment of services and remittances in real time. 3. BSNL launched virtual network operator services on a pan-India basis BSNL launched its Virtual Network Operator Services in collaboration with Virtual Network Operators (VNO)–Adpay Mobile Payment India and Plintron India. BSNL also announced its Robotic Process Automation in collaboration with E&Y. 1. Goal of the 2018 FIFA World Cup French defender Benjamin Pavard’s volly against Argentina has been voted as the Goal of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick against Spain came fourth in the voting. 2. World’s longest bicycle race The first stage of the Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme ultra-stage bicycle race began in Moscow. It is the longest bicycle race in the world will consist of 15 stages, from 260 km up to 1,372 km long. 3. Pavan Shah slammed 282 runs off 332 India Under-19 batsman Pavan Shah slammed 282 runs off 332 balls against Sri Lanka. This is the highest-ever score by an Indian in a Youth Test. Try some Quiz Questions now: Current Affairs Quiz,26 July Daily Current Affairs: July 1 Daily Current Affairs: July 10	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1832
__label__cc	0.671677	0.328323	WorkAlpha Career and Job Search Tips Dealing with Recruiters Dealing with Unemployment Job Search Mistakes FAQ About Job Search Networking Etiquette Networking Possibilities Networking Tips Networking Mistakes FAQ About Networking Resume Ideas Resume Mistakes Resume Writers FAQ About Resume Writing Cover Letter Format Cover Letter Mistakes FAQ About Cover Letter Writing Interview Attire Interview Psychology Interview Types Interview Follow-Up Interview Mistakes FAQ About Interviewing Workplace Politics Workplace Attire Productivity Insights Productivity Mistakes Older Job Seekers Are Being Rejected Once you reach a certain threshold of maturity, fewer job opportunities are available because you get stereotyped. It’s a fact in most cases. But why? There are several reasons. First, in today’s exponential advancement of technological developments, younger people seem to catch on and to be able to adapt much faster than older folks can. Employers know that, and if anything, the future will probably see the advent of more and more and faster and faster technology that will permeate our work lives and home lives. Second, mature people tend to resist change. They’re happy with the status quo and often struggle in learning new things. If you’re older and use a smartphone, remember how hard it was to convert to your new gadget and how much you envied the younger person who within minutes helped you originally set it up. And by the way, how do you react to periodic upgrades of computer programs you’ve been used to for a long time and now everything is different and rearranged and you can’t find anything. So, that’s my point. Third, it is known that with maturity comes complacency: you’re satisfied with the way things are; you don’t feel the need to make changes; and you’re not considering the danger or the cost of not adapting to new things. Fourth, the business world has become very fast paced. If a company does not include the expression fast paced in a job description, it may mean the company has not yet adapted to the twenty-first century. Older people like their own pace and resist getting on a work-related treadmill where the company or the boss regulates the speed control. Fifth—and possibly not the last reason—certain physiological changes occur with the aging process. They’re of course normal, and they occur at different ages for different people. Examples are some loss of hearing (not being able to hear everything being said in a team meeting), impairment of vision (problems seeing fine print on the computer screen), general memory loss (difficulty in quickly recalling relevant and important job-related issues), and loss of energy and vitality (in a fast-paced organization in which both energy and vitality are prerequisites). Employers are aware of all of those impeding factors and naturally gravitate to younger people despite the fact that older people many times represent a much better value: older workers may have better work ethics; they can apply seasoned thinking; they make fewer errors because they’ve already made those mistakes and learned from them at earlier stages of their careers; and they offer an abundance of experience that younger people simply do not possess. You can’t fight city hall, as the adage goes, and therefore, more-mature people should consider doing other things that better fit their lifestyles. Oops, didn’t I just say older people resist change? So, what is one to do? Don’t panic. There are solutions. Seek out books that cover this subject precisely and provide answers—for example, What Color Is Your Parachute? for Retirement, by John E. Nelson and Richard N. Bolles. Such books have terrific information on how to go about making a change. Bon voyage on your journey. Please send postcards and photos. by Alex Freund Karen Linsley says I don’t think giving up and retiring is helpful advice to older job seekers, especially considering that many will not have enough to live on if they have no regular income. This sounds like a wonderful book for those who can afford to retire, the rest need help smashing the stereotypes. M says I am 55+ and disagree with your statements. First, my kids (20, 19 and 16 yrs) come to me to resolve all of the ‘technical’ difficulties with laptops, computers, cell phones etc. Second, I am an agent of change in the workplace. I have made significant changes (advancements) in ALL of the last jobs (I work in Pharma/Biotech; allegedly, high tech?). Third, I have always been a proponent of change. If things are not changing, you are stagnating. The ONLY constant in the universe is change. Fourth, most of my ‘colleagues’ cannot keep up with me in the workplace, regardless of age. Fifth, cannot be changed as everyone goes through the aging process. However, some of these items can be compensated for by simple things like taking notes. More importantly, the wealth of experience and information (i.e. knowledge) I bring to the table far outweighs any of the aging factors. Your suggestion of retirement is atrocious and you should be ashamed when there are 25-30 yrs of excellent contributions and productivity available well before I retire. Nicely said M! Give up – never, can’t hear at team meetings – how could you possibly know that?, Don’t understand tech – not, it’s easy for me to adapt to the latest and greatest tech, I grave it! Chris S. says Actually, this is not what the author is saying. He’s not telling older workers to give up. He’s just warning older workers to be ready. And that’s a fair point. People hiring don’t only hire based on qualifications, etc. They hire based on that, but also based on who they want to work with. Someone 35 yrs old would rather work with another person around the same age or younger. I, for myself, would prefer hiring someone younger than me, as opposed to someone older. It just feels weird telling an older guy what to do. This is the reality of the marketplace. Take it or leave it. And, btw, stereotypes exist and are there to stay. It’s just human nature. I’m not saying it’s right, I’m just saying it’s there, so be ready. Alex Freund says Ageism is alive and well. I would just like to emphasize that the HR hiring person is probably young and nearly always less educated than I, and I am quite sure that s/he forwards the resumes of the younger candidates. I try to apply to positions where the search does not go through HR. Jennifer Wyatt says Many of my friends and I are hungry also and are still out in the work world trying to find new opportunities for ourselves. We are going back to school, taking computer classes to upgrade our skills, starting our own businesses and becoming involved in causes and issues that we feel passionate about. This is a time for renewal and creatively looking at new options for ourselves. There is age discrimination. That is a fact. However I have better ways to fill my life than working with my cell phone. Does looking at life as new opportunity for creative growth in your older years mean that you’re resistant to change? Does this also mean that we are complacent? How do you define retirement? I do not plan on retiring to my rocker. My water bed is much more comfortable. And when I am not resting and relaxing, I will be writing my best selling new book. I will send you a copy of my royalty check instead of a postcard. I apologize for the lack of moderation. To read your article, it sounds like you’re saying that all of the reasons that companies use to discriminate against older workers are valid. I cannot help but wonder if he would have written the same article forty years ago. Linda Seltzer says Enlarging fine print on a computer screen can easily be accomplished by buying a large monitor and setting the screen preferences a lower resolution. A used monitor that is a few years old may come with a lower resolution. A resolution with more points per square inch will put more pixels into a smaller space and this makes the entire image smaller. That is why it helps to use a lower resolution. This and the zoom features will allow most text to be displayed at any size you desire. 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__label__cc	0.632844	0.367156	The state of welfare essay Environmental toxicology research papers Koc university academic writing Dedicated freight corridor These Goods trains will also be 1. The benefits of high-speed rail are immense vis-a-vis road and airlines. The Walk-In conducted for 12 Financial staff. Since there is a sperate route for it, there will be less congestion. Augmentation of Existing Industrial Estates: Meerut-Muzaffarnagar belt is proficient at manufacture of engineering units, sports goods etc. With Free visual composer you can do it easy. You can also get details about application starting date and the last date On this page, we have provided post wise vacancy details regarding DFCCIL Jobs Not done to annoy unions, vote bank. According to the merit list candidates will be called up for document verification. Meerut-Muzaffarnagar Industrial Area Preliminary discussions with the state Government also indicate that sufficient land is available for this purpose. Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India are providing employment notifications in recent days. Safety There are almost unmanned level crossings. Truck Terminal with Warehousing Facility: A normal freight train can load the tonnes of goods whereas in DFC the freight capacity of the train would be tonnes. Suggested Reforms Planning Commission formed a working group on Railways. No comments yet Want create site? Besides, Ministry of Railways doubts such authority will not help fulfilling the social-objectives. There are project affected people PAPs who have been staying on these lands and shall now be compensated for the same. These freight-only railway lines along congested transport corridors were envisaged to ramp up the average speed of freight, which had reduced considerably to 20 kmph. Proximity to the National Capital Region of Delhi, within to km distance. It took less than four hours to complete the journey. Moreover, a MW power plant is being developed Dedicated freight corridor to Dadri through private sector participation. They will carry a capacity of 6, to 12, gross tonne of freight trains. This would minimize human dependence in train operations and enhance the level of safety problem Railway would need more than crores to do all these things. These investments are proposed to be implemented by The DFCCIL has been assigned the task to conduct preliminary engineering and traffic survey for the proposed projects. And To ensure that the Railways meet the transport requirement at the minimum cost to economy. So if the driver has consumed desi-liquor and fell half-asleep in the cabin, the station manager would get alarmed and can automatically stop the train. It has recommended following things Passenger trains Restructure the tariff to maximize Revenue.Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) is a Special Purpose Vehicle set up under the administrative control of Ministry of Railways to undertake planning & development, mobilization of financial resources and construction, maintenance and operation of the Dedicated Freight Corridors. DFCCIL was incorporated in October under Indian Companies Act Oct 31, · Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd Syllabus Candidates can get subjectwise subtopics of the written test from DFCCIL Syllabus So note down DFCCIL Multitasking Staff Exam Syllabus and begin your preparation. Oct 31, · Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited usually declares the DFCCIL Admit Cards at its official website. Likewise, Now also the officials have updated a quick link for DFCCIL Admit Card Download on the authorized portal. Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), Indian Railways will also explore FDI for infrastructure development, which will enable efficient implementation of DFC projects. YES BANK is committed to the development of sustainable infrastructure and a comprehensive. Nov 20, · Disclaimer: Job Advertisements on park9690.com are sourced from various employers and media. park9690.com makes no warranties about the Advertiser's authenticity, accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the material, services, software, text, graphics and links. The small town in Haryana marked the inauguration of the first stretch of the 3,km-long Dedicated Freight Corridor, touted as one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country Ateli, a. Academic writing task 1 band 8 pay Structuur essay writer Computer engineering colleges in texas A short guide to writing about biology online free Dracula thesis statement Ncea level 2 essay questions english How does lifting of country wise quota regime help arvind mills Practicable reasonableness Resume writing services miami	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1835
__label__cc	0.736679	0.263321	Difference between revisions of "Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Geophysics" Ageary (talk \| contribs) (added page) (fixed name) * [[Dictionary:Appendices\|Appendices]] * [[Dictionary:References\|References]] * [[Dictionary:Acknowledges\|Acknowledges]] * [[Dictionary:Acknowledgments\|Acknowledgments]] == Translation projects == Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Geophysics Investigations in Geophysics, No. 13 Robert Sheriff http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/1.9781560802969 SEG Online Store The fourth edition of SEG's bestseller is now available in its entirety on the wiki - for free. This is a valuable, comprehensive reference that is a must for every geophysicist, geologist, explorationist, engineer, energy adviser, economist, and student involved in the field. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X X Y Z Conventions Used Guide to Pronunciation Reference Tables and Figures 1 Translation projects 2 Common editing tasks Translation projects In February 2017, a group of volunteers started translating Robert Sheriff's Encyclopedic Dictionary into Spanish. As of 23 August 2017, fifty contributors have translated 3,226 words (48 percent complete) and made 21,355 edits. Since the initial language project, teams of volunteers have started translating the Dictionary into Mandarin, Arabic, and Russian. When you visit a Dictionary article - for example mud log - look at the top for available translations. If you would like to be involved in any of the translation projects, contact Andrew ageary seg.org. Common editing tasks Since Robert Sheriff conceptualized a written book when completing his work, there are two common issues that detract from the full online experience. These issues arise in: Just like technical papers, wikis need citations and references if they are to be useful and trusted. Frequently, references will appear in the articles without proper citations. This is the full list of references that appear in the Dictionary. Use this page to locate the missing full citations in the Dictionary articles. The Q article has been fixed. Note: References can be difficult to find since there is not a category listing all of the pages that need references. Many of the articles, including Dictionary figures, will need to have references added. As with references, most of the figures do not appear in their entirely on the article. All of the figures for Sheriff’s Dictionary have captions. We will retain the captions when adding the figures to the Dictionary entries. It is possible that these figures will have the same issues as the dictionary entries: improper math and no references. I encourage you to address these issues in the figures as you see them. The Q article shows one way to integrate them. Some articles have lots of figures. Note: Figures can be difficult to find since there is not a category listing all of the pages that need figures included. Retrieved from "https://wiki.seg.org/index.php?title=Encyclopedic_Dictionary_of_Applied_Geophysics&oldid=92510"	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1838
__label__wiki	0.998076	0.998076	07/07/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts MARYSVILLE, WA similar 07/16/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts LAKE STEVENS, WA similar 07/15/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts SNOHOMISH, WA similar 07/08/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts STANWOOD, WA similar 07/16/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts MILL CREEK, WA similar 07/04/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts EVERETT, WA similar 07/04/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts MT VERNON, WA similar 07/10/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts ARLINGTON, WA similar 07/16/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts LYNNWOOD, WA similar 07/15/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts OAK HARBOR, WA similar 07/14/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts WOODINVILLE, WA similar 07/14/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts BOTHELL, WA similar 07/02/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts MONROE, WA similar 07/18/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts KIRKLAND, WA similar 07/13/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts KENMORE, WA similar 07/11/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts EDMONDS, WA similar 07/06/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts REDMOND, WA similar 07/02/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts PORT TOWNSEND, WA similar 07/09/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts BELLEVUE, WA similar 07/11/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts RENTON, WA similar 07/01/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts BELLINGHAM, WA similar 07/08/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts SEATTLE, WA similar 07/11/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts BURIEN, WA similar 07/10/2019 Bilingual Store Counter Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts SEATAC, WA similar 07/18/2019 Bilingual Parts Delivery O'Reilly Auto Parts STANWOOD, WA similar	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1848
__label__wiki	0.761612	0.761612	A Village in Good Health By Taru Bahl Two doctors fell in love, married and went on to heal a village in Maharashtra. Their services are now emulated by the National Health Mission. Wellbeing: Home-based enterprises such as pottery help supplement incomes in Jamkhed. About 200 km from the bustling IT city of Pune lays a village strategically located at the boundary of four districts–all drought prone and underdeveloped, connecting backward districts to the more prosperous region of western Maharashtra, which includes Mumbai. Jamkhed remains untouched by modern developments that have swept the State. Men in dhotis and tantia topis and women in divided saris go about daily chores that range from farming of traditional crops to the more lucrative jatropha, cottage industries making gold wires for jewellers in Mumbai to tailoring units, and weaving wall torans. There is a healthy glow on their faces as well as unmistakable pride. Showing you their pucca houses, boasting simple drainage systems and cost–effective water pits, they tell you how clean water helped their village become disease–free. Some beamingly point towards the toilet located within their house, a luxury but one they know indicates good sanitation. Each household is brimming with plans. Shanta Bai has just paid the last instalment on a tractor loan, Devki Nandan has opened a PCO and Murli has made the down payment for a scooter. Prosperity and healthy lives were not the norm in this region four decades ago, when the Aroles chose to start their medical practice through the community–based Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP) catering to 130 villages. Today their daughter, Dr Shobha Arole, is dedicated full time to the project and their son, Ravi, divides his time between New York and Jamkhed. Most families in the Jamkhed cluster have two children each, and in some cases just one–a far cry from the average of five in 1970. The birth rate dropped from 40 per 1,000 to 19. Use of family planning rose from less than 1 per cent of married women before CRHP began to 68 per cent today. With education, skill training and counselling, there has been a steep drop in teen pregnancies, and sexually transmitted disease is rare. Beginnings in Love The villagers are beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project. In a fairytale sense, Jamkhed’s CRHP owes its existence to a tender love story. Two doctors, Rajnikant and the late Mabelle Arole, met in medical college, married and decided to devote their lives to the marginalised people in rural Maharashtra. In three years they realised that villagers’ medical problems began and ended with safe drinking water, hygienic food, occupational hazards such as injury from agricultural implements, drowning in water bodies and snakebites to developing complications in appendicitis and childbirth. Healing with Social Activism So the doctors, with their Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, got down to work in an expanded role that made them social activists, environmentalists and trainers all rolled into one. Taking the clinic to the villages, they found 80 per cent health problems stemming from malnutrition and chronic infections which could be prevented and managed with simple tools. It was not so much a surgeon or doctor that was needed but a trained Village Health Worker (VHW) drawn from the community who could identify local problems and use cultural and traditional norms to help empower women. They developed a model whereby VHWs were the bridge between doctors and villagers–respected ‘mini doctors’. Even the Government of India was inspired to model its ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) along the lines of the VHW. With an annual operating budget of $500,000, CRHP is funded through a charitable trust, grants, modest income from its training centre, hospital fees and sale of products. Nearly one lakh health workers (international, local, NGOs, State and central governments) have been trained so far. “Funding is not easy as the perception is that if you have survived for three decades, you must be a solid player, self–sufficient and entrenched in the local space. Also you need time to make proposals, follow up and depute a person in Delhi, which we really can’t do, given the constant battling we do with human lives and situations,” says Dr Shobha. Change became evident when people took issues of health and wellbeing in their own hands. Prior to the 1970s, people built houses with poor planning. Smoke–filled and dark, they bred infection. Women contracted chronic diseases like asthma and bronchitis. Snakebite was not treated in hospitals but in temples. Says Sobha, “When they saw that health depended on development, improved agriculture and clean drinking water which actually raised their lifestyles and standards of income, they started discarding harmful traditions followed during menstruation and childbearing.” Caste–based divisions are disappearing and in all the villages you find more girls than boys going to school. Babai Sathe, a Dalit, was a VHW for 15 years before being elected Mayor of her village. She was seen as better than her male predecessors and her five–year tenure brought her village electricity, water and roads. Mukta Bai, another Mayor, built school buildings and started a mid–day meal scheme for children. She too was a VHW for four years. Farmers’ clubs were set up, loans procured for tractors and pumps, and technical knowledge shared on growing agricultural crops instead of cash crops. All children are immunised against polio, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus, prenatal care has reached 99 per cent of the women, from less than 1 per cent at the start of the project, maternal death rates have fallen from 700 per one lakh live births to 70, and infant mortality dropped from 176 infant deaths per 1,000 births to 24. Life expectancy went up from 27 years in 1947 to 65 years in 2007. Partners in Change “Change has been gradual in coming‘¦ When villagers saw we were here to stay that is when they became our partners,” says Dr Rajnikant Arole. The Arole couple was awarded the Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1979. Today, a mobile team of nurse, social worker, paramedic and doctor visits villages to provide higher–level care, a 40–bed hospital handles emergencies, surgery and diagnostic tests. Senior VHWs recount how they were singularly responsible for uplifting the financial and social status of their families. In the beginning all the VHWs were illiterate, today the second–generation has studied at least till Class VIII. For 17–year–old Sarita, granddaughter of Raji Bhen, a VHW, “it is a wonder I can wash my hair with soap, use my mother’s mobile phone and fend off ruffians with kicks and punches I learnt in self–defence at CRHP.” As Dr Shobha puts it, “Medical knowledge cannot be the monopoly of doctors alone, it should be owned by the people.”	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1849
__label__wiki	0.876864	0.876864	PMC Forms Squads to Stop Sex-Determination Tests Under pressure from political parties and civic activists, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Thursday formed four squads to keep a check on doctors who conduct sex-determination tests and abortions of unwanted pregnancy. Each squad is headed by a ward medical officer with six members which will conduct surprise visits at sonography and medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) centres in the city. Municipal commissioner Mahesh Pathak had said on Wednesday that sex determination is a 'social' problem and corporation cannot conduct sting operations. The statement drew criticism from corporators. The PMC recently announced that maternity homes run by it will begin maintaining ante-natal care (ANC) and post-natal care (PNC) records. Pathak said that such a measure will not only help check female foeticide, but also provide a record of women's health. The city's sex ratio at birth (girls born per 1,000 boys in a year) dipped to 879 in 2010 as compared to 886 in 2009. Corporators across party lines have demanded stringent action against sonography centres that violate the provisions of the PCPNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act. The demand was raised after the civic administration, in a reply to corporator Sunil Bankar's written question, admitted that the PMC has taken action against just 34 erring sonography centres in last 11 years and only 12 centre owners have been fined by the court. "The civic administration is pretending to take action. The health department is not at all serious,"said former mayor Rajlaxmi Bhosale.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1850
__label__cc	0.621265	0.378735	http://pizzafactorywasco.gimmegrub.com 2325 Hwy 46, , Wasco, CA 93280 Own a Factory PF Rewards PMQ 2019 PIZZA POWER REPORT The 2018 Pizza Power Report: A State-of-the-Industry Analysis To stay competitive in the pizza business in 2019, independents will have to meet customers’ growing demand for speed, customization, delivery and convenience. PIZZA FACTORY CELEBRATES COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION October holds a special place for Pizza Factory, as it is a whole month dedicated to a cause that the pizza franchise holds dear to its heart: awareness of bullying. The annual National Bullying Prevention Month program is designed to stomp out bullying, goals that Pizza Factory franchisees are dedicated to year-round. One of the many activities planned in October includes encouraging kids at school to make friends with someone they don’t know. Indeed, Pizza Factory’s special No Bully Zone benches are designed to encourage just that: new friendships. Pizza Factory reaches out to the schools in which the pizza franchise is located as part of its “No Bully Zone” program. Schools host assemblies where the CEO of Pizza Factory, Mary Jane Riva, shares the importance of weeding out bullying and distributes special friendship bands to children. Each school also receives a “Friends Are Awesome,” No Bully Zone bench for installation in school playgrounds. The benches are meant for children to seek out when they’re in need of quiet time or a new friend. By promoting new friendships, Pizza Factory hopes it will help stomp out bullying, a scourge that has lasting negative consequences, including school dropout, for kids. Pizza Factory’s commitment to prevent bullying is just one example of its marketing outreach through which franchisees build goodwill and give to the community. The No Bully Zone program is an integral part of Pizza Factory’s marketing strategy in which franchisees can become involved with their local school systems, helping to foster new friendships with their anti-bullying initiatives that include t-shirts, videos and of course, the benches. In fact, Mary Jane Riva recently spoke on a podcast with Smart Pizza Marketing to discuss how giving to the community has postively impacted both Pizza Factory and the communities it serves while creating a professionally and personally rewarding way of doing business. Mouthwatering food and authentic community building win the pizza franchise high marks and the continued loyalty of customers for franchisees. Both sales within the franchise and the children in the communities it serves benefit greatly from Pizza Factory’s No Bully Zone program and marketing strategy. In its more than 110 locations across the West, Pizza Factory delivers outstanding food and service to the communities in which it is located and stands by its “We Toss’Em, They’re Awesome!” motto in crafting mouth-watering pizzas. The “awesome” in Pizza Factory extends beyond the food and to extensive community outreach as well. PIZZA FACTORY CEO SHARES HER EXPERTISE ON FRANCHISE Many franchise development executives and regional developers give preference to high population density areas when it comes to franchise expansion, according to Pizza Factory CEO Mary Jane Riva, who recently shared her expertise on why small markets can hold the key to success for large brands. In her article for Global Franchise Magazine, Riva explained to readers that with nearly one out of every five Americans growing up within a rural community, smaller markets – bordering on 10,000 residents or less – are an underserved population that could be the perfect next step for a brand’s growth strategy. Riva listed advantageous real estate as one of the reasons that large brands should think small, reminding readers that in many smaller markets, there may be opportunities for locations near schools and colleges that can open the door for a number of grassroots marketing opportunities, such as fundraising events for youth activities. Not only do smaller markets provide better locations, but they also offer the opportunity for franchise partners to have more of an impact on the community. Each Pizza Factory franchisee plays an important role in his or her own neighborhood as a community leader. From sponsoring sports leagues and school nights to donating pizzas and fundraising events, Pizza Factory franchisees are truly awesome – donating a helping hand to those who need it. Riva noted in her article more advantages of thinking small, and suggests that as you consider starting a franchise business, bear in mind that small towns often work as well as larger markets. PIZZA FACTORY FRANCHISEES STRENGTHEN BRAND BY TAKING A STAND Risky, bold and purposeful are three words that describe the most successful brands today –at least according to Pizza Factory CEO Mary Jane Riva, who recently shared her expertise on why taking a stand and being bold can strengthen a company. In her feature for the October issue of Franchising USA, Riva reminded readers that brands have the opportunity to use their influence to stand for something, and aligning your actions with a cause that’s reflective of your company values will further support your brand mission. She focused on supporting a cause, engaging with community and making a difference as effective ways to use that power. Additionally, taking a stand on societal issues (when appropriate) can be a great opportunity to interact with your fans and potential customers. In fact, nowadays, people want brands to speak out – a 2018 study by Cone/Porter Novelli found that 71% of Americans expect companies to connect with them emotionally on issues that matter to them personally. Riva referred to Pizza Factory’s family-friendly restaurants and its “No Bully Zone” program, which aims to put an end to bullying. The restaurants have signage, napkins and other messaging about the No Bully Zone, which prompts a lot of questions from guests. Riva stressed that this is a great way to open up a conversation about the issue. Pizza Factory’s most recent initiative has involved donating “Friends are Awesome” benches as a way to extend the anti-bullying message into schools. The brand visits elementary schools across the country to present them with a symbolic bench and to discuss the importance of friendship and inclusion when kids are at an impressionable age. Pizza Factory’s anti-bullying program and commitment to encouraging its employees and guests to treat others with respect wins it high marks in local communities and media coverage. It is important, Riva noted in her article, to consider the effect that a brand’s actions can have on the world. Being bold and voicing your opinion on important matters can be an effective way to strengthen your business (brand) and open the door for a deeper, emotional connection with your customers. Order Now Order Now Call Now Call Now HomeContact UsCareersGift CardsOwn A FactoryPF Rewards Copyright © 2019 Pizza Factory, Inc. All Rights reserved.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1855
__label__wiki	0.874231	0.874231	As Microsoft steps back from CES, Qualcomm steps up By AltaFlux Corporation, Oct, 16 2012, in News By Dylan Tweney For a decade, Microsoft held the prime keynote slot at the International CES, a massive, annual consumer electronics tradeshow in Las Vegas. The yearly presentation, first by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and later by his successor, chief executive Steve Ballmer, featured a parade of the company’s upcoming products and could always be counted on for an optimistic vision of the future of computing — plus, usually, a humorous video making lighthearted fun of the company and its executives. But last year, Ballmer delivered the company’s last CES keynote. Now the Consumer Electronics Association has announced his successor: Qualcomm’s chairman and chief executive Dr. Paul Jacobs. What’s more, Microsoft is pulling back from CES in a large way — a fact that wasn’t confirmed until today. Microsoft will not have an exhibit space, but “they will have something,” CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro said at a dinner in San Francisco tonight. (Disclosure: It was a nice dinner, and CEA picked up the tab.) Exhibit space for the 2013 CES is sold out, Shapiro said, leaving Microsoft with the option of sponsoring part of the show or perhaps booking meeting rooms, either in the convention center or in one of the associated hotels. That’s a much smaller footprint than the company had in previous years, when it rented enormous floor space for imposing booths to show off its software, hardware, and the mini-booths of its countless industry partners. Still, Shapiro said that Microsoft and the CEA are on good terms. He visited them recently, and said, “We agree that we love each other.” “They’re welcome to come back, they’re welcome to (deliver a) keynote,” Shapiro added, referring to 2014 and beyond. “We’ll see.” As for Qualcomm, Jacobs’ keynote will highlight the company’s “Born Mobile” theme, according to a CEA press release, which also touts Jacobs’ credentials: Important developments which began under Dr. Jacobs include: the first smartphone based on Palm OS; inclusion of GPS capabilities in mobile phones; the Brew system, which enables over-the-air downloading of applications and the world’s first mobile app store; and Snapdragon processors, which have seen extraordinary growth and innovation and powered hundreds of devices worldwide during his tenure. He’s also the holder of more than 40 patents in wireless technologies. International CES will be held January 8-11, 2013, in Las Vegas. VentureBeat will be covering the show from beginning to end. Previous Amazon's compute cloud has a networking hiccup Next Aberdeen 10/25 Webcast: Service Excellence and the Path to Business Transformation	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1867
__label__wiki	0.952025	0.952025	Carbon Tax Accountability The American Energy Alliance began a new $750,000 initiative with a series of radio and television advertisements holding Members of Congress accountable for their votes on the controversial issue of a carbon tax. The first phase of the initiative will include two weeks of statewide broadcast and cable television spots targeting Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and statewide radio spots targeting Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.). Other efforts will be announced in the coming weeks. “Congress has now had numerous attempts to go on record in support of a carbon tax, and the American Energy Alliance has been watching closely to see where elected officials stand on the issue. When Members of Congress refuse to protect taxpayers from energy and tax policies that will harm American families and small businesses, undermine an economic recovery, and do nothing to achieve the purported benefits to the environment, they deserve to hear from their constituents,” AEA President Thomas Pyle said of the organization’s newest initiative. Watch and listen to the ads below: “Games” Fact Sheet (PDF) “Bad Deal” “Bad Deal” Fact Sheet (PDF)	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1869
__label__cc	0.553374	0.446626	PR Package Analysis.org Intelligence Analysis in Market Context SAS invests in humans, powered by AI and analytics education SAS GLOBAL FORUM – SAS announced its latest plans to invest in the people behind the analytics, to help educate the new generation to change what’s possible, and to train a workforce for a transformed economy. Several new programs and initiatives – all part of the overall commitment SAS has to promoting analytics education for all – were introduced during SAS® Global Forum 2019. SAS launches free AI software for teaching and learning, a new analytics simulation game, AI certifications and badging, and a Boys & Girls Club coding partnership Offering something for everyone including academic institutions, professionals, and future programmers of tomorrow, the new programs will help create talent to drive analytical innovation and exploration: SAS® Viya® for Learners offers free access to AI software for higher education teaching and learning. Cortex, a new simulation game, allows educators to gamify the analytics learning experience. New certifications and badges help professionals showcase their AI skills to the world. And a new philanthropic partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs introduces kids to coding. “Analytics is changing work and our current and upcoming workforce as we know it,” said SAS CEO Jim Goodnight. “But humans will always be the heart and soul of innovation. Our commitment to analytics education from kids to educators to professionals unleashes the power of learners to build a better world.” Free access to AI and machine learning for academic institutions SAS is helping educators prepare students to seize new career opportunities, at no cost, with SAS Viya for Learners. SAS Viya for Learners is a full suite of cloud-based software that supports the entire analytics life cycle – from data, to discovery, to deployment – and lets users access the most advanced SAS® AI and machine learning analytics tools, for free. Education is a key pillar of the company’s recently announced $1 billion AI investment. To support the successful use of SAS Viya for Learners at academic institutions, a substantial portion of the education portion of that investment will go towards free educator workshops and teaching materials. With SAS Viya for Learners, academic institutions can boost graduate career placement rates by building a complete advanced analytics program within a single software environment. SAS Viya for Learners provides support tools like online chat, web tutorials, e-learning opportunities, documentation, communities and technical support, freeing educators to teach creative applications of analytics, and critical thinking skills. Educators can access a private forum to share experiences and best practices. Students gain expertise in the most popular software languages today, including SAS and open source options Python and R. They learn to explore data, discover insights and deploy AI and machine learning models. Students gain real-world experience through true business use cases and showcase their skills with badges and certification opportunities. Louisiana State University (LSU) is an early adopter of SAS Viya for Learners. A SAS Global Forum panel will include several LSU graduates who used their advanced analytics expertise to land jobs at a Fortune 500 financial services company. The alumni will share best practices from their time at LSU, highlight what they found most beneficial for their current careers and provide insights into transitioning from graduate school to a career. Professors can apply for access to SAS Viya for Learners via the home page. SAS Viya for Learners is also available to those who enroll in a new SAS machine learning course, available now. Learners can also soon gain AI and machine learning skills via two new Coursera courses that will offer access to SAS Viya for Learners. Introducing Cortex, an analytics simulation game SAS and Canadian business school HEC Montreal have launched Cortex, an online simulation game that teaches analytics and predictive modeling skills. Educators can bring real-world experience into the classroom by having students compete to create the best model to support a fictional charitable foundation’s fundraising efforts. The game provides students with information on the nonprofit and a data set of potential donors, as well as access to SAS data mining tools. Students are ranked on a leaderboard based on the quality of their model and its results. Educators can begin integrating Cortex into instruction now at no cost. Students can access it on a desktop or in the cloud for a small fee. SAS Global Forum attendees can check out Cortex at HEC Montreal’s booth in the Quad and learn more about gaming as a learning tool during a presentation on Monday, April 29. There is an educator training session on Tuesday, April 30. New certifications and badges signal AI expertise to employers A SAS AI, big data, advanced analytics or data science credential fosters lucrative opportunities across industries. The SAS Global Certification program has long been the standard for industries like banking and life sciences, having awarded more than 142,000 SAS credentials to individuals in 112 countries. Learners can amplify their marketability through three new specialist-level SAS certifications in machine learning, natural language and computer vision, and forecasting and optimization. The learners who pursue the certification automatically earn the professional-level credential, SAS Certified Professional: AI and Machine Learning. An immersive two-week classroom experience or flexible, online option taken over 12 months are available. Both options include certification exams. In addition, SAS has partnered with Acclaim to create digital badges for SAS credentials. Professionals can add badges to online resumes, social media and email signatures to showcase expertise in a variety of analytical skills. Building tomorrow’s programmers through new Boys & Girls Clubs partnership To succeed in the analytics, AI and data science jobs of tomorrow, young students need a strong foundation in STEM and coding fundamentals. To help build that foundation, SAS is bringing a fun coding experience to the Austin, Dallas and Houston chapters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). CodeSnaps is a free app from the makers of Curriculum Pathways® that teaches coding basics by enticing students to actively work together to control Sphero, an app-enabled robotic ball that students command using code and an iPad®. SAS is donating CodeSnaps kits, which include Sphero robots and iPads with accessories. SAS volunteers from the local city offices will train BGCA staff to conduct the lessons themselves. Today’s announcements were made at SAS Global Forum, the world’s largest analytics conference, with more than 30,000 business and IT users of SAS software participating on-site and online. About Boys & Girls Clubs of America For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at Facebook and Twitter. Filed Under: Briefing Government Technology Markets: Next Frontiers Quantum Computing Market Forecast The Technological and Market Dimension of Info Operations and Warfare (Influence Operations), Market Estimates U.S. Federal IT Market Forecast Modernization of U.S. Federal Government IT U.S. Federal Cybersecurity Market Forecast Data Warehouse Market Context Brokering Market Forecast Software Defined Digital Camera Market Browser as a Service Market Smartphone As Universal Personal Computing Platform, Market Scenario Hybrid Quantum-HPC Market Multiple Lens Digital Camera Market Analysis DevOps & Microservice Ecosystem Market Forecast Deception Cybersecurity Market Forecast OSINT Technology Events Defense Events Cybersecurity Market Media and Graphics Copyright © 2017 Analysis.org \| A Bill of Rights for Users of the Social Web	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1870
__label__cc	0.66011	0.33989	News & Updates for December 2002 Recent Site Updates RSS My Personal Blog RSS Added much longer descriptions to character profiles of Nadia and Jean (both from The Secret of Blue Water). Treeses was in Vegas most of this week, returning late Thursday (or technically that would be Friday morning). She had a great time, and brought back some cool gifts (which you can view here). While she was gone, part of our back fence blew down in the storm. I'm still trying to get that taken care of. Also, we haven't heard anything about our fridge yet, so I just called and their going to leave a note for the service people to give me a status update on Monday. I went to see The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on Wednesday, and it was awesome. I arrived at the theater just after 8:30 PM for the 9:15 PM showing, and the line to get in was already around the building. I played Castlevania: Circle of the Moon on GameBoy while waiting, but didn't make much progress because it was so cold outside that I could barely move my fingers. By the time I made it into the theater, it was already completely packed. There were a few stray seats available in decent locations, but I needed to find a pair together because Victor was coming too. Unfortunately, the only seats I could get that were together were in the second row from the very front. They really, really sucked, but it was still a great movie. I'm planning on seeing it again with Treeses, probably in Sacramento. I finished off The Thing last Sunday. The last boss was a complete wuss. I started on Onimusha 2 , but I really don't like the control, and I hate the new gift giving and town exploration features that they added. The control is similar to Resident Evil , except that your character will automatically turn to face an enemy. I started playing Resident Evil (for GameCube) a while ago, but I just couldn't take the awful control scheme and idiotic item management system. Oh look, there's an herb right in front of me that I need very badly, but my inventory is full so I cannot pick it up to use it. Oh look, there's ammo right in front of me that I need very badly, but my inventory is full so I cannot pick it up to put it in my gun. What moron designed this, and bunch of morons approved it? But hey, the game looks great, and that's all that matters. I mean, who cares if it's fun? Added character profiles for Seto Kaiba (from Yu-Gi-Oh!), Kai (from BeyBlade), and Kage Houshi (from Flame of Recca). It has been storming here for the past couple of days. The wind has been fierce, and has knocked over signs all around town. The power went out in several areas, but luckily it hasn't happened here or at the office yet. It did happen at the gym though, so we missed our workout. Treeses is leaving for Las Vegas on Monday with her brother and sister for a four day trip (for her sister's birthday), so hopefully the weather won't hinder that at all. Well, our refrigerator broke this week. When the service guy got here and looked at it, he said that the compressor broke. Luckily it was under warranty, as we bought it in March of 2000, but to fix it they had to take it into the shop for several days. They gave us a loner, but we already lost a bunch of the food. And although the loner is smaller, I prefer it's design over our side-by-side model. The next fridge we buy will definitely be a top-to-bottom design. Oh yeah, and I was able to get our phones working without having to send them in, but with no thanks to Sony's tech support. I told them what I did, and it looks like they actually updated their knowledge base article to reflect it. In video game news, I just recently went back to Rogue Leader (for GameCube) and finally beat it. I had been stuck on the last level ever since I stopped playing it several months ago. It took several hours of trying, but I was eventually able to successfully make it into and out of the Death Star without crashing and burning. Now I'm on the last level of The Thing, so I should be done with that soon. Last week I finished off Metroid Prime, although I didn't get 100% completion. Treeses has become addicted to Ratchet and Clank, playing it every spare moment she can get. This week we watched Dragonfly , The Accidental Spy , Vampires: Los Muertos , and Terror Toons . Dragonfly was a movie that could have easily been an episode of The Outer Limits. There was absolutely no need for this to be a movie. The Accidental Spy had one good Jackie Chan fight scene where he's fighting naked through the town, but the rest of the action scenes had nothing special, and the story was insignificant. Vampires had like two actors and then a bunch of other people who should stick to high school plays. Half way through I started fast forwarding, and only stopped here and there 'till I got to the end. And then there was Terror Toons, a movie that looked like it was made as a high school project. I was expecting a stupid horror movie, but they didn't even try to make it enjoyable. Overall, it was a disappointing week for movies. Added the anime profile for Metropolis, and the character profiles for Takato Matsuki and Ulube Ishikawa (from G Gundam). Last night Treeses and I went to a dinner/play called "The Christmas Connection" at a local church. The play was about a work-a-holic father who finally realized that he was missing out on his family's life. It was enjoyable, and the food was good. Afterwards we stopped at Toy 'R Us and ended up getting Star Wars Life, Gauntlet: Dark Legacy (for PS2, only $19), and some really cool gargoyle action figure. We just finished playing the Star Wars Life, and man was it boring. It didn't even feel like Life. Very disappointing. For Thanksgiving, my parents came up and Treeses cooked dinner. Everything went very smooth, so smooth in fact that both Treeses and my Mom thought that they must have missed something. We set up the good dishes on the table all nice looking and took a picture, but then just brought out the plastic plates and used those. After dinner we watched Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, the new 4-disc set. I think that the extended version is even better than the theatrical releases, especially with the added banter between the Hobbits. At work I'm still hammering away on Growlanser 2 . The writing is basically finished, so we should start recording all the voices pretty soon. I'm just finishing up with all the menus. They were all completely inconsistent with each other and none were aligned right, so I fixed all that up and color coded them. I have Growlanser 3 up and running, so hopefully I will get to start working on that soon. Treeses hadn't been feeling well for a while, and we actually went to the emergency room a couple times. They couldn't give here a solid diagnosis and kept telling her to just go home and rest. When her pain got worse, we finally went to the other hospital where they nailed it down right away. She had cellulitis. They gave her some antibiotics and it started getting better right away. They said that it got pretty bad and that it shouldn't have gone this long without treatment. From now on we will be going back to that hospital when something's wrong, even if it does cost us more. We also just bought a extra refurbished handset for our Sony phone (SPP-A2780), but had problems registering it. So I went to Sony's website, and they had our exact problem listed in their knowledge base, along with a solution. After implementing their solution to the letter, the handset still would not register. And worse than that, the solution told me to un-register all of the cordless handsets, and now NONE of them will register. So I sent them off a message explaining it all, but haven't heard anything back yet. I then also searched the web and found others with our same problem, and it looks like we'll have to send everything in to Sony to have it reset. EVERYTHING! The base phone and all the handsets! If this is true, we are pretty much just going to stop buying Sony products all together. Not just because of this, but because recently Sony has just been sucking. Like with our new Sony A/V receiver in which they changed the remote codes so that it won't work with any other Sony remotes or universal remotes. Or with our new Sony DVD player, in which the power button turns the unit completely off instead of into a standby mode, so that even the remote control won't turn it on. Or with Sony published PlayStation 2 games, where they lower the price to $39 because they don't have to pay royalties to themselves, but won't reduce the royalty rate so all the third party games have to keep selling at $49. It's unfortunate, because Sony used to be top notch. I wonder what happened, new management or something? I really hope they start firing some people, and can return the company to greatness. We recently watched Spiders II , Scooby-Doo , White Squall , The Goonies , Men in Black II , Ice Age , Go Shogun: The Time Etranger , My My Mai , Insomnia , and Eight Legged Freaks . Spiders II sucked. You didn't even get to see a spider attack until over an hour into the movie. Scooby-Doo wasn't that great, but Shaggy and Scooby still made it worth watching. White Squall was okay, and The Goonies was still good, but Men in Black II totally sucked. It was just awful all the way around. Ice Age , on the other hand, was quite good. Go Shogun was extremely boring. I didn't even finish watching the whole thing. My My Mai was funny, Insomnia was boring, and Eight Legged Freaks was a well done humorous giant monster movie. The above content came from yours truly (contact me).	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1871
__label__cc	0.707167	0.292833	Email: info@af247.com Call Us: (615) 341-5900 TN Store Services Show as List PaperLess. It's the way to go. Just grab your photo ID and your online banking login for a fast, paperless approval. Please borrow responsibly. Only borrow what you can afford to pay back. For all your financial needs. Same Day Funding * *Bank participation required. We're here to help when you need us. Apply in minutes with our Quick online application Submit Application and Get Approved. Instant Funding Money credited into debit card or bank account - instantly Advance Financial is a Nashville-based FinTech company providing 24/7 financial services in over 100+ stores in Tennessee and online loan services in Alabama, California, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. Advance Financial in store services include Flex Loans (an alternative to instant payday loans, instant title loans), check cashing, free money orders, free bill-pay, $2 ATM Services, Western Union wire transfer services and NetSpend Debit Cards. Advance Financial Flex Loan range from $25 up to $4,000 and may vary by state. Advance Financial has been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies for seven years in a row; has also been featured on Forbes list of ‘Best Employers for Fresh Graduates’ and ranked 8th by Indeed, the world’s biggest job search site, for compensation and benefits. “Served more than a Million satisfied customers.” Apply for Online FLEX Loan I.D. Verification Communications Policy Mobile App Policy FLEX Loans – Tennessee NetSpend Prepaid Cards FLEX Loan Benefits- Instant Line of Credit Online Advance Financial, 100 Oceanside Drive, Nashville, TN 37204, 615-341-5900 Acceptance of the Terms of Use Welcome to the website of Advance Financial (“Company”, “we” or “us”). The following terms and conditions, together with any documents they expressly incorporate by reference (collectively, these “Terms of Use”), govern your access to and use of our website: www.af247.com (the “Website”) including any content, functionality and services offered on or through, whether as a guest or a registered user. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before you start to use the Website. By using the Website, you accept and agree to be bound and abide by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy, found at https://www.af247.com/privacy-policy/, incorporated herein by reference. If you do not want to agree to these Terms of Use or the Privacy Policy, you must not access or use the Website. Gaia Finance LLC dba Advance Financial is licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight. Loans are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1877
__label__wiki	0.646097	0.646097	Race and Brain Size: Blacks Have Bigger Brains Bernie Douglas Three times Nobel nominated anthropologist Philip Tobias, compared 7 racial and national groups in a study on brain size/weight, in which he reported that the brain size of American blacks was larger than any white group. Bernie Douglas (April 14, 2008), Revised February 17, 2009 Brain Size and Intelligence: Biological Anthropological Perspectives The majority of empirical studies on the matter of racial differences in brain size suggest that blacks from comparable environments will have larger brains than do whites and perhaps others. Brain sizes vary considerably within any species but this variation is not usually related to intelligence. In mammals for example, 90% of all variation in brain weight can be explained by variations in body weight (Jerison 1973). Differences in body size are used also to explain why women, on average, have smaller brains than do men (Peters, 1991; Gould, 1981) and why these differences in no way reflect that the level of male intelligence is higher than female intelligence. Studies suggest also that Neanderthals may have had, on average, larger brains than anatomically modern Homo sapien sapiens (Tattersall, 1995; Gould, 1981). Most anthropologists agree that Neanderthals, who may not have even had the capacity for forward planning, were considerably less intelligent than Homo sapien sapiens (see Tattersal, 1995, 2004; Gould, 1981; Mithen 1998). Among (non extinct) large mammals it is known that humans demonstrate, in relative terms, the largest brains, with the brain’s mass equaling approximately 2% of the body’s total mass. Among shrews, however, the smallest mammals who exhibit supposedly much less cognitive and behavioral flexibility than do humans, their brains can be up to 10% (!) of their body mass. That is, shrews possess brains that are 5 times heavier than human brains, in relative terms (Van Dongen, 1998). Thus, the relationship between relative brain size and intelligence is speculative. Some have speculated that perhaps absolute or relative size of the cerebral cortex, might better predict intelligence. However, human cortical volume is considerably exceeded by that of the elephant’s and large cetaceans, both in absolute and relative terms, (Jerison, 1973; Haug, 1987). Moreover, the prefrontal cortex in humans is not disproportionally large when compared with other primates (Jerison, 1997; Semendeferi, 2002). Paleoanthropological evidence now suggests that the large brain size in humans may be the result of the gastrointestinal tract structure and its musculoskeletal supports (Henneberg, 1998), and that this may be related to richer, meat-based diets and extra-oral food processing. This along with other evidence suggests that the gross anatomy of the hominid brain is not related to its functional capabilities (ibid). Moreover, fossil evidence suggests that relative brain/body size ratios increased several times during human evolution, starting around 2 million years ago and reached its current state probably before the lineage leading to modern humans split from that leading to Neanderthals, 500,000 years ago (McHenry 1994). Perhaps more interesting, however, is that there has been at least one “reduction” (read: not increase!) of relative human brain size starting 35, 000 years ago (Ruff et al, 1997; Woods et al, 2006). Race and Brain Size: Three time Nobel nominated anthropologist Philip Tobias (1970) compared 7 racial and national groups in a study on brain size/weight in which it was reported that the brain size of American blacks was larger than any white group (including American, English and French whites) except those from the Swedish sub sample who had the largest brains of any sample in the study. It was also estimated that American blacks had some 200 million more neurons than American whites, and brains that were reported to be 54g heavier (See Tobias 1970; Weizmann et al. 1990). While Harvard archeologist Gould (1981, 1996) discovered upon recalculating Morton’s highly suspicious brain size data that the blacks in his sample were on average slightly larger in brain volume than whites. Morton included in his sample of blacks more females than he included in the white sample. For example, in his analysis of Hottentotts (black tribe from South Africa) all measured crania were of females; the Englishmen were all mature men. Morton had also eliminated especially large brains from the African group and especially small brains from the European group (Gould, 1981, 1996). After correcting these biases and errors, it was shown that the black sample actually had larger brains than did the white sample (ibid). Interestingly, during the time periods in which the samples for the above mentioned studies were gathered, anthropomorphic research has shown that blacks were on average physically smaller (in stature) than whites, lived in inferior environments and received poorer nutrition (e.g. Alan 2006, 2007; ). Indicating that in spite of these environmental disadvantages, relatively lower anthropomorphic measurements and poorer nutritional intake, blacks still demonstrated larger brain volume. Tobias (1970) discusses factors which influence brain weight; in this discussion nutrition is included as being a major contributor. Tobias (1970) also discusses the sampling problems one may encounter with fresh brains. He argued that lack of standardization in sampling procedures often means that studies of brain weight of different races by different investigators may not be comparable, and therefore most comparisons are not reliable. These were concerns kept in close consideration by Tobias while conducting his own investigation into “racial” differences in brain size. Friedrich Tiedemann (a famous 17th century craniometrist) noted that many anthropologists in his time simply chose the smallest-brained African ‘skull’ they could find and then published a single drawing as "proof" of what every (Caucasian) observer already "knew" in any case! Tiedemann produced the largest compilation of cranial data ever assembled, with all items based entirely on his own measurements of skulls representing all races. From his extensive tables, Tiedemann concluded that no differences in brain sizes can distinguish human races (See Gould, 1999). In some instances the favor went in the direction of blacks. Cranial Size, Morphology and Continental Groups: Most craniometric evidence shows that there is virtually no correlation between the intensity of different selective force gradients and cranial size (inappropriately referred to by some as “brain size”) or morphology in modern human populations. That is, different continental groups will differ very little in relative cranial size so that neutral expectations can be observed with respect to most craniometric variables (Harvati and Weaver, 2006; Keita, 2004; Roseman and Weaver, 2004; Roseman, 2004; Gould, 1981, 1996; Brace, 2001). Research shows that positive selective force correlations relating to craniometric variables can be observed, and only vaguely, in samples from extreme cold “arctic” environments such as Inuit types and Siberians (Roseman, 2004; Harvati and Weaver, 2006). Harvati and Weaver (2006) found using a global climate data set constructed by interpolating observations from thousands of climate stations around the world, a weak association between cranial centroid sizes and climatic variables which approached but did not reach significance. This effect completely disappeared when an Inugsuk (a people from Greenland similar to Eskimos) sample was removed from the analysis (ibid). Roseman (2004) also observed similar findings with a Siberian sample – That is, when the Serbian sample was removed from the analysis there was no indication that environmental temperature or latitude played any role in cranial size. Keita (2004) found using principal components analysis on male crania from the northeast quadrant of Africa and selected European and other African series no consistent differences in cranial size. There were, however, some distinguishing differences in relationship to cranial shape between European and African samples, particularly with respect to nasal aperture and changes in the maxilla (part of the upper jaw from which the teeth grow). The primary goal of the study was to assess the anatomical basis of patterns of craniofacial variation along an African–European continuum with special focus on North Africa. Particular interest was paid to whether a sharp boundary separates any of these groups from each other (see Keita, 2004). In terms of overall cranial size, tropical African groups were found in many instances to have larger crania than European groups. For example, on close inspection of the 2 dimensional PC scatter plots designating cranial size/shape, the Teita (Kenya) sample appeared to have the largest crania of any group in the analysis, followed by Norse (Norway) and then Zulu. African crania were also found to be broader (wider) than European crania on average. Surprisingly, one European sample, Berg (Hungarian), correlated more closely with African samples in this respect than with other European samples. Tremendous overlap between all groups was observed for most variables (see Keita, 2004). Other physical anthropological research has also shown the crania of Sub-Saharan Africans to be wider or broader, on average, than European and North African samples - exhibiting greater relative cranial breadth. Bruner and Manzi (2004) showed that Sub-Saharan specimens show a generalized vertical facial flattening, with consequent widening of the entire structure. This pattern involves interorbital and orbital enlargement, widening and flattening of the nasal bones and aperture, maxillary development and upper rotation, and a general widening and lowering of the face. The face shortens vertically and this flattening leads to a relative lateral enlargement of the whole morphology and maxillary frontward rotation (see Bruner and Manzi, 2004). The pattern toward the other extreme shows the opposite processes, with a general vertical stretching related to a lateral narrowing; as seen in European and North African samples (ibid). Despite some trends observed among African crania, Roseman and Weaver (2007) found that the amount of phenotypic variation in human cranial morphology decreases at the population level the further one travels from Sub-Saharan Africa. That is, African populations tend to exhibit more cranial variation than do other world populations (Roseman and Weaver, 2007; Hanihara et al, 2003; Keita, 2004). Relethford (1994) and Relethford and Harpending (1994) also found that the amount of morphological variation among major geographic groups is relatively low, and is compatible with those based on the genetic data, where Africa shows the most variation. Extensive research in human genetics on presumably neutral loci has also shown that the overwhelming majority of human diversity is found among individuals within local populations. In sum, studies of craniometric diversity are similar to genetic apportionments, implying that interregionally differing selection pressures have played a limited role in producing contemporary human cranial diversity (Roseman and Weaver, 2004; also see Brace, 2001). Brain Size from the perspective of Evolutionary Genetics: Molecular genetics have discovered several genes that when mutated may result in a substantial reduction in brain volume or a condition known as: ‘Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly’. One such gene, the gene microcephalin (MCPH1) regulates brain size during development and has experienced positive selection in the lineage leading to Homo sapiens (Zhang, 2003; Evans et al, 2005). Within modern humans a group of closely related haplotypes, known as ‘haplogroup D’ arose from a single copy at this locus (Evans, 2006). Globally, D alleles are young and first appeared about 37,000 years ago, with high frequency haplotypes being rare in Asia and particularly Africa. The highest frequencies of this haplotype are seen in Europe/Eurasia. However, there is contradictory research that has also shown these genes to be very common among Papua New Guinea Highlanders (Yu et al, 2007). A second microcephalin gene, ‘ASPM’ (abnormal spindle like Microcephaly associated), went an episode of positive selection that ended some time ago between 6–7 million and 100,000 B.P. (Zhang, 2003). Newer D variants have shown positive selection arising about 5,800 years ago (Evans et al, 2005); although other research calls this date into serious question as well as whether these genes have really seen positive selection (Voight 2006; Yu et al, 2007). Evolutionary geneticists interested in Microcephaly believe that D alleles may have first arisen in an archaic homo species (particularly, “Neanderthals”) about 1.1 million years ago before being introduced to Homo sapien sapiens breeding populations in Europe about 37, 000 years ago. This may have possibly resulted because of interspecies breeding (Evans et al, 2006). One team of researchers believes that microcephalin shows by far the most compelling evidence of admixture among the human loci examined thus far (Evans et al, 2006). There is, indeed, much paleoanthropological evidence that is congruent with theories suggesting that Europeans may share close biological relationships with Neanderthals (Brace, 1979, 2005; Trinkaus, 2007; Wolpoff, 2004; Gutiérrez et al, 2002). For example, numerous craniofacial, dental, and postcranial traits in European early modern humans are unlikely to have come from middle Paleolithic modern humans; while many of these traits have been shown through the use of anthropological methods to be distinctly Neanderthal, in form (Trinkaus, 2007; Brace, 1979, 2005; Simmons and Smith, 1991). Many have also pointed to the presence of “occipital bunning” in some early modern European remains as indicating a strong Neanderthal influence (Simmons and Smith 1991; Brace, 2005). It is further hypnotized that only a very small amount of admixture would be necessary for the retention these particular Neanderthal genes (Evans et al, 2006). Normal D variants of both ‘MCPH1’ and ‘ASPM’ genes have been shown to have mild affects on human brain size with empirical evidence demonstrating the alleles to reduce brain volume, slightly (Woods et al, 2006). For example, each additional ASPM allele, found at rates of 40% in both Europeans and Papua New Guinea highlanders, was associated with a non significant 10.9 cc (or 4.3 cubic inch)decrease in brain volume compared to those without the gene. While For MCPH1 (frequencies of 80% in Europe), each additional allele was associated with a non significant 19.5 cc (7.6 cubic inch) decrease in brain volume (Woods et al, 2006). Both Blacks and Hispanics were included in this study, and did not change the results of the study. While selective pressure in favor of smaller brain volume might seem counterintuitive, it should be noted that the fossil records show that brain size in humans has decreased over the past 35,000 years, and on through the Neolithic period (Frayer, 1984; Ruff et al, 1997; Woods, et al, 2006; Henneberg, 1998). Interestingly, the selected variant of MCPH1 is thought to have arisen about 37,000 years ago (Evans et al, 2006) making it a candidate gene responsible for this general decline (Woods et al, 2006). These archaeological changes in brain size are paralleled by changes in body size (Ruff et al, 1997; Woods et al., 2006), and it is possible that decreases in brain size may have exerted selective pressure for corresponding decreases in body size (Ruff et al, 1997; Frayer, 1984; see also, Woods et al., 2006). The supposed rate of selection for these particular variant MCPH1 and ASPM alleles, although “hotly” challenged, might also indicate that the genes are relatively unexpressed in the human brain outside of causing ‘Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly.’ One recent study has found that genes with maximal expression in the human brain show “little or no” evidence for positive selection (Nielsen et al, 2005). Whereas the microcephaly genes in question have also been implicated in the development of breast cancer (Xu et al, 2004), and other non brain related conditions (Trimborn et al, 2004). Implying that the mild brain volume reductions observed with each additional variant of ASPM and MCPH1 allele may in fact be adaptively unimportant. It should be further noted that one microcephalin gene (CDK5RAP2) has shown evidence of positive selection in West African Yoruba (Voight, 2006; bond et al, 2005). However, this gene at the MCPH3 locus has been least involved in causing a microcephalin phenotype (Hassan et al, 2007), and is not believed to have arisen in an archaic homo species. Sensory-Motor Functions and Human Brain size It is known that the largest portions of the human brain are responsible for sensory and motor functions. This would mean (at least by the logic, ‘bigger is better’) that people with especially acute senses or strong motor skills can be expected to have larger brains than do others (see Allen, 2002). Studies have shown “blacks”, in general, to possess superior motor abilities and development (Super, 1976; Wilson 1978; DiNucci, 1975), olfactory and visual acuity (Gilad et al., 2003; Voight, 2003; Kleinstein et al, 2003) over whites and other ethnic groups. Some researchers believe that the superior motor abilities demonstrated by black children may in fact be the result of environmental and cultural factors (Super, 1976). The overall implications are the same, however, and suggest that blacks should possess larger brains than do whites and others, on average. For example, Cernovsky (1990) reported that American blacks were superior in brain weight when compared with American whites. Testosterone, Brain size and Penis size…? Some of the more desperate claims for racial differences in brain size are accompanied by highly unusual arguments suggesting racial differences in “penis size” (i.e. that they are inversely correlated). Thorough investigation of the formal neuroscience, anthropology, paleontology, anatomy, physiology, and ‘sex psychology’ literature reveal that legitimate references to this - ridiculous (?) - notion are not only remote, but in fact, “completely nonexistent.” The development and size of one’s penis is controlled by testosterone levels during puberty; and it is testosterone (and body size) that determine penis size. Testosterone: “Primary male hormone, causes the reproductive organs to grow and develop; responsible for secondary sexual characteristics, and promotes erections and sexual behavior” (1). With this in mind; employing elementary logic one may safely arrive at the conclusion that because men tend to have dramatically higher levels of testosterone than do women (about 10 times the level), and on average have larger brains (due mostly to body size); that testosterone not only increases body and penis size, but also brain size! In fact, the relationship between larger brain size and testosterone is one of common knowledge, and is well documented in the literature (e.g. Solms and Turnbull, 2002; Hulshoff Pol et al, 2006; Nottenbohm, 1980; Bloch and Gorski, 1988). Moreover, low testosterone levels have been associated with smaller penis and testes size in humans (McLachlan and Allan, 2005). Low testosterone is also associated with failure to go through full normal puberty, poor muscle development, reduced muscle strength, low interest in sex (decreased libido), osteoporosis (thinning of bones common in whites and Asians), poor concentration, difficulty getting and keeping erections, low semen volume, longer time to recover from exercise and easy fatigue, “in men” (McLachlan and Allan, 2005). At the other relative extreme, high testosterone has been associated with improved health and longevity, superior motor abilities, increased reproductive success (in men), increased mental focus (sharpens focus and concentration), larger brain volume, and “boldness” (Dabbs and Dabbs, 2000; Solms and Turnbull, 2002; Hulshoff Pol et al, 2006; Fink el al, 2005). With respect to brain size, again; it is known that sex hormones (e.g. testosterone, estrogen) induce sexually-dimorphic brain development and organization. Research with cross-sex hormone administration to transsexuals has provided a unique opportunity to study the effects of sex steroids on brain morphology in young adulthood. Hulshoff Pol et al (2006) used magnetic resonance brain images prior to, and during, cross-sex hormone treatment to study the influence of anti-androgen +estrogen treatment on brain morphology in eight young adult male-to-female transsexual subjects and of androgen treatment in six female to- male transsexuals. The team found that compared with controls, anti-androgen (i.e. male sex hormones/testosterone) + estrogen treatment decreased brain volumes of male-to-female subjects towards female proportions, while androgen treatment in female-to-male subjects increased total brain and hypothalamus volumes towards male proportions (Hulshoff Pol et al, 2006 ). These findings have been replicated in animal studies (Nottenbohm, 1980; Bloch and Gorski, 1988). The reductions in brain size observed after anti-androgen treatment in male-to-female subjects were also very dramatic (31cc in only a 4 month period). Indeed, the magnitude of change signified a decrease in brain volume, which is at least ten times the average decrease observed a year in healthy adult individuals (Hulshoff Pol et al, 2006). The authors include that it was not surprising that the influences of sex hormones on the brain were not limited to the hypothalamus, but were also expressed as changes in total brain size. Estrogen and androgen receptor mRNA containing neurons are not limited to the hypothalamus, but are distributed throughout the adult human brain (Hulshoff Pol et al, 2006; Simerly et al, 1990). Research shows that American blacks possess androgen levels (e.g. male sex hormones) that are about 10% higher than American whites (Ross and Henderson, 1994; Bernstein et al, 1986; Ross et al, 1995). This would mean that white men, on average, possess ‘estrogen to androgen’ levels that are higher than that of black men; while these dynamics have been shown empirically to reduce the size of the male brain toward female proportions. East Asians are shown to have lower androgens levels than even whites (Ross et al, 1995). Other research shows that males with lower androgen levels tend also to have higher pitched voices and are less dominant and more feminine in appearance (Fink el al, 2005; Dabbs and Dabbs, 2000), which is consistent with experiments that investigate the effects of androgen levels, sexual dimorphism and the brain (Hulshoff Pol et al, 2006; Simerly et al, 1990; Nottenbohm, 1980; Bloch and Gorski, 1988). Vegetarians have also been found to have lower androgen levels than do those who eat meat (Dabbs and Dabbs, 2000), while castrated males tend also to have lower androgen levels (King A. et al, 2001). Cited Literature: Alan S.A. (2006). 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(1973) Evolution of the Brain and Intelligence, Academic Press Jerison, H.J. (1997). Evolution of prefrontal cortex. In Development of the Prefrontal Cortex: Evolution, Neurobiology, and Behavior (Krasnegor, N.A. et al., eds), pp. 9–26, Brookes Keita (2004). Exploring Northeast African Metric Craniofacial Variation at the Individual Level: A Comparative Study Using Principal Components Analysis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY 16:679–689 (2004) King A., Ashby J. and Nelson C. (2001). Effects of Testosterone Replacement on a Male Professional Singer. Journal of Voice Volume 15, Issue 4, December 2001, Pages 553-557 King T.E., Parkin1 E.J., Swinfield G., Cruciani F., Scozzari R. et al (2007). Africans in Yorkshire? The deepest-rooting clad of the Y phylogeny within an English genealogy. European Journal of Human Genetics (2007) 15, 288–293 McHenry HM (1994). Tempo and mode in human evolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 91:6780–6786 McLachlan R. and Allan C. (2005). 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Peters, M. (1991). Sex differences in human brain size and the general meaning of differences in brain size. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 45, 507-522. Peters, M. (1993). Still no convincing evidence of a relation between brain size and intelligence in humans. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 47, 751-756. Peters, M., Jåncke, L., Staiger, J. F., Schlaug, G., Huang, Y., & Steinmetz, H. (1998). Unsolved Problems in comparing brain sizes in Homo Sapiens. Brain and Cognition, 27, 254-285. Tanenbaum,D.M., Civello,D., White,T.J., et al. (2005). A scan for positively selected genes in the genomes of humans and chimpanzees. PLoS Biol. 3. Relethford JH. 1994. Craniometric variation among modern human populations. Am J Phys Anthropol 95:53–62. Relethford JH, Harpending HC. 1994. Craniometric variation, genetic theory, and modern human origins. Am J Phys Anthropol 95:249–270. Roseman C.C. (2004). 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Semendeferi, K. et al. (2002) Humans and great apes share a large frontal cortex. Nat. Neurosci. 5, 272–276 Simerly RB, Chang C, Muramatsu M & Swanson LW. (1990). Distribution of androgen and estrogen receptor mRNA-containing cells in the rat brain: an in situ hybridization study. Journal of Comparative Neurology 1990 294 76–95. Simmons T., Smith F.H. (1991). Human Population Relationships in the Late Pleistocene. Current Anthropology, Vol. 32, No. 5 (Dec., 1991), pp. 623-627 Solms M. and, Turnbull O. (2002). The brain and the inner world. Other Press, New York Super, C. M. (1976). Environmental effects on motor development: The case of African infant precocity. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 18, 561–567. Tattersall, I. and J.H. Schwartz (2000). Extinct Humans, New York: Westview Press. Tattersall (1995) The Fossil Trail (Ev). Tobias, T.V. (1970). Brain Size, Grey matter and Race – Fact or Fiction? American Journal of Physical Anthropology 32:3-26. Trimborn,M., Bell,S.M., Felix,C., Rashid,Y., Jafri,H., Griffiths,P.D., Neumann,L.M., Krebs,A., Reis,A., Sperling,K., et al. (2004). Mutations in Microcephalin cause aberrant regulation of chromosome condensation. Am. J. Hum. Genet., 75, 261-266. Van Dongen, P.A.M. (1998) Brain size in vertebrates. In The Central Nervous System of Vertebrates (Vol. 3) (Nieuwenhuys, R. et al., eds), pp. 2099–2134, Springer Berlin Voight BF, Kudaravalli S, Wen X, Pritchard JK (2006) A map of recent positive selection in the human genome. PLoS Biol 4(3): e72. Wilson A. (1978). Developmental Psychology of the Black Child. Africana Research Publications (December 1978). Woods R., Freimer N., Young J., Fears S, Sicotte N., Service S., Valentino D., Toga A., Mazziotta J. (2006). Normal Variants of Microcephalin and ASPM Do Not Account for Brain Size Variability. Human Molecular Genetics, Volume 15, Number 12, 15 June 2006, pp. 2025-2029(5). Xu X., Lee J., and Stern D.F. (2004). Microcephalin Is a DNA Damage Response Protein Involved in Regulation of CHK1 and BRCA1. THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY Vol. 279, No. 33, Issue of August 13, pp. 34091–34094, 2004. Yu F, Hill R.S., Schaffner S.F., Sabeti P.C., Wang E.T. et al (2007).Comment on “Ongoing Adaptive Evolution of ASPM, a Brain Size Determinant in Homo sapiens”. Mignault A.A,1 Ferland RJ. Et al, 20 APRIL 2007 VOL 316 SCIENCE. Zhang J. (2003). Evolution of the Human ASPM Gene, a Major Determinant of Brain Size. Genetics 165: 2063–2070 (December 2003).	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1880
__label__cc	0.530211	0.469789	Nearly 1 in 4 Iowa Farmers Use Cover Crops A new study released by global consulting firm Datu Research reveals that conservation practices such as cover crops and no-till are catching on in Iowa. According to the study, 23% of respondents are using cover crops. Most are still experimenting in small-scale trials of fewer than 100 acres before committing to adoption on a larger scale. Additionally, nearly half (47%) reported using no-till. The study’s authors say an important obstacle to wider adoption is the lag time that farmers may face implementing these practices before yield gains occur. “We set out to find the economic win not just for farmers, but for the businesses they deal with,” says lead author Sarah Mine. “The idea is to find other actors who are willing to share the short-term costs and risks to gain a greater return in the long run.” Because 55% of farmland in Iowa is rented, Datu looked at the potential economic gain for landowners who rent to conservation-minded farmers. Researchers say that landowners could benefit economically from farmer adoption of conservation agriculture, which can reduce in varying degrees the use of fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, equipment and labor. Crop insurance provides another potential opportunity in light of evidence that conservation agriculture can increase crop resilience to weather threats such as droughts or floods. The study’s recommendations include researching yield effects of conservation agriculture. Until adequate data on yield increases are available, these practices are unlikely to increase land value, according to Mine. “Conservation agriculture translates into economic value and environmental sustainability for future generations,” she says. “A fair share of the economic benefit really should accrue to farmers.” A separate ongoing 12-year study by the University of Illinois has shown that the use of cover crops does not improve crop yields, although it does increase the amount of sequestered soil organic carbon. Soil organic carbon stock gains were 30% higher for no-till, 10% higher for chisel plowed and 18% higher for moldboard-plowed plots. "This suggests that soil organic carbon stock losses from tillage, water erosion and some disturbance or mixing during no-till planting, aeration, nitrogen injection in corn years and mineralization were less than the soil organic carbon gain from the cover-crop treatment," says U of I soil scientist Ken Olson. The published paper is available at http://tinyurl.com/jvvflvz. What are your conservation agriculture challenges and successes? Share your story on the AgWeb discussion forums.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1883
__label__wiki	0.978782	0.978782	Toggle Share Search Search Close Air & Space Magazine Facebook Twitter Instagram Google+ Newsletter Save 55% off the cover price! Air & Space Magazine Subscribe Homepage Daily Planet Flight Today Space Military History of Flight Interviews Photos Videos Virtual Space Subscribe Shop Travel With Us Homepage Daily Planet Flight Today Space Military History of Flight Interviews Photos Videos Virtual Space Magazine Newsletters AirSpaceMag.com Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use Airman Down Rescue aircraft are different today, but “surrender” is still a dirty word. Over Vietnam in 1966, a Douglas A-1 flies cover on a rescue mission. (USAF) By Stephen Joiner Air & Space Magazine \| Subscribe “It’s an ugly, nasty business when airplanes get shot down,” says Lieutenant Colonel Doug Baker. He is the commander of the Operations Support Flight of the U.S. Air Force 104th Fighter Squadron, which has deployed five times since September 11, 2001. At his post outside Baltimore, Maryland, the whine of an A-10C Thunderbolt spooling up saturates the morning air. Baker and his fellow A-10 “Sandy” pilots keep their skills sharp at this Air National Guard base, in view of the flapping flags at Chesapeake Bay marinas, for a hazardous mission: protecting the rescuers of U.S. aviators downed in enemy territory. “I don’t know if Sandy missions are more or less dangerous than some of the other things we do in A-10s,” says Baker, who has flown in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. “But they’re done with the understanding that, if it does become more dangerous, we’re still going in anyway. Because it’s worthy of doing.” From This Story [×] CLOSE Today, with a bigger gun and face paint saying it means business, the Republic A-10 flies cover during the rescue of downed aviators. (USAF/SSGT Aaron Allmon) During the Vietnam War, Captain Randy Brandt was shot down in his F-4D, and rescued on April 6, 1969 (Easter Sunday), by a Skyraider-led rescue mission. (Courtesy Randy Brandt) Captain Don Dunaway was a seasoned combat pilot in southeast Asia. Flying a Douglas A-1D Skyraider, he led the mission that rescued Randy Brandt. (Courtesy Randy Brandt) Brandt was treated for minor injuries sustained during his ejection, then sent back to his base in Thailand. (Courtesy Don Dunaway) An airmen repairs battle damage on an A-10. (USAF/Master Sgt Stefan Alford) Kuwait-based A-10s that flew combat patrols in Iraq were often hit. (USAF/A1C Greg l. Davis) A-1s with the First Air Commando Squadron at Pleiku Air Base in Vietnam mounted attacks against the Viet Cong. (USAF) Major Paul Kanning is the 104th Fighter Squadron’s chief of weapons and tactics. “A guy’s on the ground and people are trying to get to him before you can,” he says. “It’s the ultimate tactical problem for an A-10 pilot.” (Courtesy Paul Kanning) Lt. Colonel Doug Baker, an A-10C pilot with the 104th Fighter Squadron, has been deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. When not on deployment, he flies for Southwest Airlines. (Courtesy Doug Baker) An A-10 refuels over Afghanistan. (USAF/Msgt William Greer) The 104th Fighter Squadron executes rescue missions exclusively at night. (USAF) An A-10 can heft eight tons of ordnance and jammer pods. (USAF/Master Sgt William Greer) During a Heritage Flight over Arizona this year, a younger generation (the A-10) flies with the old (the A-1). (USAF/Staff Stg Samuel Rogers) A new generation of pilots carries on the Sandy tradition, including A-10 pilot John Dyer Jr., the son of A-1 pilot John Dyer Sr. (Courtesy Dyer Family) John Dyer Sr., an A-1 Skyraider pilot stationed in southeast Asia, flew rescue missions as a Sandy pilot. He is the father of a current Sandy. (Courtesy Dyer Family) Two A-1s escort a helicopter on a 1970 rescue in Vietnam. For some extractions, three A-1s went along as bodyguards. (USAF) A U.S. Air Force A-1E Skyraider drops napalm on Viet Cong structures in South Vietnam in 1966. (USAF/Staff Sgt Andy Sarakon) Soul of the Skyraider The Air Force commitment to locate and extract downed pilots dates to World War II. “A good example would be the First Air Commando group in Burma, operating with light aircraft and covered by friendly fighter forces,” says former Air Force historian Richard Hallion. “The rescue crew, flying a lightplane, would attempt to land at a rough strip of some sort and pull the person out.” The 1944 Burma operation, Hallion points out, also marked the first use of helicopters for search-and-rescue. The establishment of formal, standardized combat search-and-rescue coincided with the Vietnam War, when U.S. pilots were shot down by the thousands. Col. Randy Brandt, U.S. Air Force (ret.), Jan. 9, 2012: On April 6, 1969, I was Dipper One, leading a mission of four F-4Ds against 13 anti-aircraft sites on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos. At 300 feet above ground level and 550 knots [about 630 mph], I started dispersing [cluster bomb units]. As I pulled up, a Golden BB took off one of my stabilators. The aircraft started to tumble. My backseater and I had a brief conversation like “We gotta get out of here.” The last thing I remember is seeing the blue flame from my ejection rocket taking me out of the cockpit. Unfortunately, the aircraft was inverted when I ejected. There are 65 minutes of my life I can’t recall. Vietnam also proved the unsuitability of conventional jet fighters for combat search-and-rescue, a mission that requires slow-flying aircraft that can stay aloft for hours. Fast-moving and thin-skinned, jets can loiter over an area for only minutes, take miles to execute a turn, and are vulnerable to ground fire. The answer belonged to another era. Designed near the end of World War II for the U.S. Navy, the Douglas A-1 Skyraider was a prop-driven attack aircraft. Powered by a massive 2,800-horsepower Wright R-3350 engine, the Skyraider had extra armor around the cockpit to protect the pilot and carried 5,400 pounds of fuel to sustain eight-hour loiters above rescues. If enemy soldiers were closing in on survivors on the ground, A-1 pilots could hold them off with four 20-mm cannon and anti-personnel ordnance carried on 15 weapons stations. “We carried enough stuff to make a hundred passes if we had to,” says John Dyer, who flew 230 A-1 missions in Vietnam, including 42 Sandy flights. (The designation originated with an Air Force rescue pilot based in Thailand whose call sign was Sandy, the name of his dog. Over time, Sandy became a generic term for all A-1 search-and-rescue flights.) Low and slow was part of the job description, “but as long as it was just small arms or 50-caliber type stuff we were getting, the A-1 would survive,” says Dyer. In 1966, the Air Force began exploring close air support designs that offered greater altitude and speed, as well as deadlier ordnance. The result was the A-10 Thunderbolt. Because the A-10 did not enter service until the late 1970s, “we tend to think of it as a Warsaw Pact tank-killer,” says Hallion, “but the A-10 was actually designed as a replacement for light attack aircraft in Vietnam, specifically the A-1.” Respectfully nicknamed “Warthog,” the single-seat, twin-engine fanjet was designed around a fearsome gun and built to take insult and injury. Pilots of supersonic aircraft like the General Dynamics F-16 operate with the expectation that they’ll never get hit. “We operate under the assumption we probably will,” says Baker. To survive against the ground fire, both primitive and advanced, that it often encounters in search-and-rescue mode, the A-10 has an industrial-strength superstructure carrying 1,200 pounds of titanium armor plate. The protection “doesn’t make us sexy or fast,” admits Baker, but it gives rescue pilots a degree of confidence. Even more comforting is the Warthog’s most notable feature: its nose-mounted, seven-barrel Gatling gun, with a firing rate of more than sixty 30-mm rounds per second. Should unfriendlies threaten a downed pilot, “that gun solves a lot of your problems,” says Baker. Capt. Don Dunaway, USAF (ret.), Jan. 10, 2012: I was Sandy Lead at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, that night. I got my crew to bed early just on the odd chance something might happen. We were called out before dawn. We had an F-4 down. The thing that registered in my mind at the time was that there were some guns out there that managed to bring down an F-4 on his first pass. So they’re either radar-guided or extremely lucky, but they’re big and they’re good. The 104th comprises six to eight A-10s designated Sandys. You don’t join—you’re selected. In the squadron conference room with Baker (in civilian life, a Southwest Airlines pilot) and Major Paul Kanning, the squadron’s chief of weapons and tactics, you understand why. “Basically, we’re going to throw at you the most difficult problem to solve,” explains Kanning, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan missions. “A guy’s on the ground and people are trying to get to him before you can. It’s the ultimate tactical problem for an A-10 pilot. As a result, our Sandy Ones are the best pilots in the squadron, the best problem-solvers, the best critical thinkers.” Single Page Previous Page 1 of 5 Next 1 2 3 4 5 About Stephen Joiner Stephen Joiner writes about aviation from his home in southern California. In the Museum: Painting History The Other Moon Landings Mike Collins Talks About the Moon, Mars, and How to Handle Apollo Hoaxers The Pilots Who Fight California’s Wildfires We Built the Saturn V Why Hang Gliding Hangs On Look Around Chuck Yeager’s Cockpit What’s the X-37 Doing Up There? Mach 1: Assaulting the Barrier Did Ron Howard Exaggerate the Reentry Scene in Apollo 13? The Watches That Went to the Moon Current Issue \| August 2019 David Martin, Marathon Man The First Photograph of Another Earth Updates, newsletters and special offers This Week's Best Stories Smithsonian Store Smithsonian Journeys Air & Space Magazine Homepage Daily Planet Flight Today Space Military History of Flight Interviews Photos Videos Virtual Space About Contact Advertising Sustainability Subscribe RSS Member Services Terms of Use Privacy Policy Ad Choices	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1885
__label__wiki	0.515091	0.515091	Overturned van in Toms River snarls traffic on Garden State Parkway The crash backed up traffic for miles roughly between Exits 83 and 89A. Overturned van in Toms River snarls traffic on Garden State Parkway The crash backed up traffic for miles roughly between Exits 83 and 89A. Check out this story on app.com: https://www.app.com/story/news/traffic/2019/02/14/overturned-truck-toms-river-snarls-traffic-garden-state-parkway/2874676002/ Andrew J. Goudsward, Asbury Park Press Published 5:00 p.m. ET Feb. 14, 2019 \| Updated 6:40 p.m. ET Feb. 14, 2019 If you get into a crash, do you know what to do? Here are 10 tips. KATIE PARK TOMS RIVER - An overturned van backed up traffic for miles on the Garden State Parkway just Thursday during the evening rush hour. The truck overturned about 4:20 p.m. near mile marker 85 on the northbound side of the Parkway just north of the Toms River toll plaza, according to 511nj.org, New Jersey's transportation website. Police blocked the northbound right and center lanes following the crash, but the scene was cleared at 5:10 p.m. The crash involved a white Ford E35 van, said State Police Trooper Charles Marchan. The Ford was the only vehicle involved in the crash and there were no injuries, Marchan said. Traffic on the Garden State Parkway following an accident on January 10, 2019. (Photo: David Gard) The crash spawned delays for miles on both sides of the Parkway roughly between Exits 83 and 89A as commuters headed home during the evening commute, according to 511nj.org. Police said it was not immediately clear what caused the crash. NJ weather: Winter storm delivers snow, ice and rain A van driving north on Route 18, approaching the Deal Road exit, slid off the road and took down a pole in Ocean Township on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Thomas P. Costello/staff photographer A multi vehicle accident including a box truck which rolled over on Route 4 eastbound at Myrtle Ave has caused traffic delays in Englewood on Tuesday February 12, 2019. Tariq Zehawi, Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com The Great Falls in Paterson February 12, 2019. Paul Wood/NorthJersey.com Paul Wood Jr/NorthJersey.com Veterans Memorial Park at Hayden Heights Hill of Heroes in Paterson, NJ Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Paul Wood/NorthJersey.com Paul Wood Jr/NorthJersey.com A woman shields herself from sleet as she walks across the parking lot at the Marlboro Mall Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Thomas P. Costello A car is towed out of the center median on Route 18 southbound in Marlboro after it spun out on the slick roadway Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Thomas P. Costello Van Saun County Park in River Edge Anthony Zurita/NorthJersey.com By late morning, treated sidewalks and streets had become slushy like here on Paterson Plank Road in Jersey City. Scott Fallon/NorthJersey.com Jean Wright, Morganville, cleans ice off her windshield outside State Superior Court in Freehold Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Thomas P. Costello A Monmouth County road department truck spreads salt in the parking lot outside State Superior Court in Freehold Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Thomas P. Costello A mix of ice and rain falls during the morning hours. Island Heights, NJ Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Doug Hood Francisco Cruz lays down salt as the snow falls on the walkways around the First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood on Tuesday February 12, 2019. Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com Walking down South Street in Morristown just before 10am. on Tuesday. Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com Clearing snow from in front of businesses on South Street in Morristown on Tuesday. Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com Snow falls at the municipal building in Cedar Grove on Feb. 12, 2019. Joshua Jongsma/NorthJersey.com A man walks at the 9th Street Hudson Light Rail station in Hoboken as a snow storm hits the area on Feb. 12, 2019. Scott Fallon/NorthJersey.com Commuters wait at the 9th Street Hudson Light Rail station in Hoboken on Feb. 12, 2019 as a snow storm hits the area. Scott Fallon/NorthJersey.com Read or Share this story: https://www.app.com/story/news/traffic/2019/02/14/overturned-truck-toms-river-snarls-traffic-garden-state-parkway/2874676002/ Judge who cited alleged rapist's 'good family' in ruling agrees to step down Court begins removal proceedings against 'close your legs' judge Deer Tick stuck on man's eyeball; popping sound heard when removed Jackson beating: Help cops ID suspects Shore Trump supporters reject 'racist' label after Twitter controversy	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1895
__label__cc	0.660193	0.339807	Child Trauma on Nauru – The Facts The Australian Government is holding 102 children and their families on Nauru under it’s offshore processing policy. Nauru became the site of regional processing centres for Australian immigration in July 2013 under Labor Rudd government. People seeking asylum arriving by sea were taken to Nauru for processing under Australia’s mandatory offshore processing and detention policy. Women, children and families are held on Nauru and single men are held on Manus Island. The population of refugees and people seeking asylum on Nauru comprises around 1100 people who have resided in the two regional processing centres (RPC2 and RPC3) and in various ‘settlement sites’ around the island over a period of years. Most children have been determined to be refugees along with their families through a refugee status determination process under Nauruan law. Children live with their families inside RPC3 and in ‘settlement sites’ in demountable-style accommodation, generally in groupings. There are a few separate houses where large families reside. Those who remain inside the RPC reside in marquee style tents and sleep on camping cots, where they have been for nearly 5 years. Each marquee style tent is divided by tarpaulins, which create rooms in which families live. There are around 8 families per tent. Tents have mould health risks and are highly unsuitable as long term accommodation in humid weather and tropical rain conditions on Nauru. Inside the tents can reach temperatures above 50 degrees celsius, and they are located on phosphate rock with limited shade and grassed areas around the camp. Children living in offshore processing are indefinitely held with their parents in circumstances and an environment that cause high levels of chronic distress and severe mental health symptoms, and do not have access to adequate medical facilities or care providers to treat them. Entire families struggle with severe mental health challenges caused by prolonged and uncertain detainment, compounded by untreated past trauma from being displaced peoples and exposure to abuse, violence and extreme adult distress. Some of the children have experienced sexual abuse, while most have witnessed violence and/or self-harm in the regional processing centre. Symptoms and behaviours of children include: suicidal ideation; suicide attempts, in some cases multiple; hallucinations; social withdrawal; repeated expressions of hopelessness; persistent fear, including refusal to leave the home; panic attacks; flat affect and/or inability to speak; appearance of cognitive / developmental impairment. Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome (TWS) Children on Nauru are displaying symptoms of Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome with mental health conditions worsening due to prolonged illness and non-treatment. Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome is a rare condition and a syndrome of extreme severity that can be life-threatening. It is most commonly seen in children and young adolescents, and has the clinical features dramatic social withdrawal, with severe reduction or inability to walk, talk, eat, and drink, self-care or socialise. It is most often seen in girls aged 7–15 years, but has been documented in males and in a patient as young as 4 years and through the adult age range. A similar syndrome has been found in overwhelmingly traumatic environments such as people seeking asylum in Sweden, referred to as Resignation Syndrome. Generally accepted criteria for diagnosis include: Partial or complete withdrawal in three or more of the following domains: eating, mobilisation, speech, attention to personal care, including self-toileting Active resistance or non-response to acts of care and encouragement Social withdrawal No organic condition accounts for the severity of the degree of symptoms. No other psychiatric disorder could better account for the symptoms. The science suggests there is a trauma related neurobiological overdrive process resulting in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system hyperarousal. This leads to maximal internal physiological arousal and maximal behavioural withdrawal. This isolate/withdrawal response to trauma is well known as a component in the Flight/Fight/Freeze triad of responses to very stressful situations. In this group of people the options for Flight are unavailable and the options to Fight have been suppressed and drained from the individuals and families. The increasing prevalence of this Freeze-Isolate-Withdrawal response is predictable in circumstances of sustained detention and trauma which include the following factors: Pervasive uncertainty Lack of freedoms – strong external controls and little internal control or choice, which create feelings of extreme helplessness Ongoing re-traumatising experiences Little or no opportunity for positive emotions These factors affect all family members and undermine the parent’s ability to buffer and support the child to cope with traumas. The endangered state of the patient requires hospitalisation. Parents – who also suffer trauma related mental health challenges – are currently caring for children with TWS in home environment, struggling to get food and water into their bodies in states of withdrawal. Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome is life threatening for children on Nauru. Number of children experiencing symptoms We estimate there are at least 30 children on Nauru currently experiencing symptoms of Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome, but some staff members and clients on Nauru are reporting significantly higher numbers. Most children on Nauru have symptoms of mental health conditions, including suicidality that are at risk of escalating and compounding into symptoms of TWS. The ASRC’s work with children and families on Nauru The ASRC’s Detention Rights Advocacy Program is working with the parents of a number of children on Nauru, aged between 7 and 17 years, for whom are currently experiencing severe symptoms including increasing rates of repeated suicidal behaviour. The ASRC team are inundated with referrals for families on Nauru with children, and work with legal partners including the National Justice Project (NJP) to ensure the children receive critical medical treatment required to save their lives. However, both ASRC and our legal partners are now overwhelmed with the sheer volume of children on Nauru who are experiencing mental health crises. Currently there are 70 people on Nauru needing urgent attention and care on our waiting list alone. Medical facilities on Nauru Republic of Nauru Hospital (RONH) The Republic of Nauru Hospital is responsible for the care of children who have refugee status. This includes children with refugee status who reside in RPC3 and at settlement sites. The RONH is very aged, and despite the Government of Australia alleging that they have invested money, there are limited developments visible. The RONH does not have the facilities to provide inpatient mental health care for children, and children who self-harm or overdose are normally admitted for a short period, monitored briefly and then discharged. The clinical standards at the RoNH are not reviewed or subject to outside independent scrutiny. RONH does not have the capacity to manage the complex health needs of the refugee population, including Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome and suicidality in children. International Health and Medical Services (IHMS) IHMS provides primary health care to the refugee population in a newer clinic adjacent to the RONH. This clinic refers to the RONH for more complex or acute health issues. There is an IHMS RPC1 clinic located at RPC1. In some particular circumstances it appears that the refugee population is able to access this clinic; generally in acute emergency health care situations, for example acute cases of dengue fever. Within RPCs there are accommodation areas to provide ‘respite’ for those with the most serious mental or physical health concerns. These accommodation areas consist of demountable buildings surrounded by high barbed wire fences and locked gates – they are managed by security officers, and IHMS staff visit regularly. These accommodation areas are used to prevent extremely suicidal adults and children from harming themselves by allowing them to be monitored and physically restrained by security officers. The areas are extremely small and there is no common space. These areas are known to be extremely traumatic for those housed there, as there are regularly people screaming, self-harming and being restrained by security. The most acute children, particularly those making repeated suicide attempts, are generally accommodated there as a means of managing their risk. These locations, however, do not amount to inpatient care, as IHMS is not contracted nor insured to provide inpatient care for children. Overseas Medical Referral (OMR) Where a person is clinically deemed to require treatment that is not available in the Republic of Nauru, a referral is made to the Government of Nauru’s OMR committee to determine whether the matter warrants transfer to an overseas location for treatment. Locations for overseas treatment currently available include Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Taiwan and Australia. Where the OMR committee deems the transfer necessary, approval is sought from the Australian Border Force (ABF), who make a final determination regarding if and when the transfer occurs. These decisions are regularly made in a manner that privileges political imperatives over clinical recommendations. On the basis of the medical evidence and regular contact with the families it is the view of the ASRC that children are being unnecessarily and irrevocably harmed, and that they are cannot be kept safe or recover from their mental health issues without adequate medical treatment and a safe environment. The environment in which they currently reside is the primary factor impacting on both the deterioration of these children’s mental health and development, as well as their parents’ capacity to care for them. Number of children brought to Australia via interlocutory injunction and other legal interventions Lawyers in partnership with The ASRC have been legally intervening to force the Australian government to process doctor’s Overseas Medical Requests for individual children with severe and life threatening mental health symptoms to be brought to Australia to save their lives. So far 27 OMRs over 8 months in total have been secured for transfer and hospitalisation of critically ill children in Australia, many of whom were suffering from symptoms of Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome. The Department of Home Affairs consistently argues against legal intervention and blocks OMRs, insisting symptoms of Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome do not require specialist medical treatment and care. These children cannot recover on Nauru because the Nauru is the cause of their trauma. All children must be evacuated to Australia for urgent medical treatment. Sign the petition and make Canberra listen. And Email your MP. Last edited: September 2018 In the news, Media centre, Marcella Brassett	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1903
__label__cc	0.722772	0.277228	ELECTRONIC BOARDS Local and remote connectivity services WITH THE CLOUD AND WITH THE APP Connectivity is added to devices in order to achieve efficiency goals, process traceability, and manage economics. The refrigeration units can be mapped and identified in order to allow functional data to be stored and analysed. The temperature controllers can be connected either locally with the App or via the Atex Cloud at www.atex-cloud.com. In both cases, several tasks are possible: parameters can be viewed set points can be adjusted, and current or historical temperature graphs can be consulted. At the same time, up to 4 telephone numbers can be configured to receive text alerts. The temperature can be viewed in real time and the set point can be adjusted The configuration parameters can be read and written The temperature graphs can be visualized and the weekly graph can be sent via email in PDF Events are notified via email and/or text message The events list can be viewed anytime The firmware can be updated The technical support can offer timely and effective help after viewing the functional variables Cloud 3.0: the new Asset Maintenance & Static The dashboard for OEM & dealer The manufacturer and the distributor allows the global view of the fleet in use with reference to the actual behavior of the refrigeration units measured by the data detected by the sensors: the cooling unit becomes intelligent: communicates when interventions are necessary and allows the manufacturer to analyze the derived data from use and useful for refining the design. AMS prevents problems and downtime as well as managing critical issues efficiently and optimizing intervention costs: in other words it signals the need for timely intervention before the failure occurs and generates extra costs or causes sales stops. AMS allows visibility of the functional status of the devices with direct access to the configuration parameters. The variables and the functional states shown in the tables are continuously updated and can be ordered. The visibility is towards the descending branches, therefore accessible to the builder and dealer levels if the roles for see it. - Remote resolution of cases without the need to send specialized personnel; - better productivity of maintenance personnel who can know the problem in advance; - new sources of revenue generated by support services or extended warranty; - useful information for the dimensioning of components; - best conservation of products I consent to the processing of personal data sent according to the current Privacy Code (Article 4 of Legislative Decree 196/03, EU Regulation 2016/679) and I have read the Privacy Policy. Mon-Fri: 8.30-12.30 / 13.30-17.30 Production and Logistic: Thank you for coming to visit us at REFRIGERA 2019! Atex Industries Srl - VAT IT01633400930 Customers–Suppliers informations This website uses cookies which are necessary for its operation and which are required for the purposes described in the [our] cookie policy. If you would like to learn more about cookies or would like to withdraw your consent to all or some cookies, please see the [our] cookie policy. You consent to our cookies by continuing to use this website.AccettoRifiutoRead more	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1906
__label__cc	0.598393	0.401607	Tax-Free Childcare Tax-Free Childcare will eventually replace Employer Supported Childcare and has the advantage that the self employed, as well as employed individuals, can make use of the scheme. At AVASK, we can provide guidance on Tax-Free Childcare and Employer Supported Childcare in the Southampton area. The government has introduced a tax incentive for childcare Tax-Free Childcare (TFC). Under TFC the tax relief available is 20% of the costs of childcare up to a total of childcare costs of £10,000 per child per year. The scheme will therefore be worth a maximum of £2,000 per child (£4,000 for a disabled child). Parents are able to apply for TFC for children under 12 (up to 17 for children with disabilities). To qualify for Tax-Free Childcare all parents in the household must generally meet a minimum income level, based on working 16 hours a week (on average £131 a week) and each earn less than £100,000 a year and not already be receiving support through Tax Credits or Universal Credit. Parents are able to register with the government and open an online account. The government will then 'top up' payments into this account at a rate of 20p for every 80p that families pay in. Self-employed parents are able to get support with childcare costs using the TFC scheme, unlike employer supported childcare scheme. To support newly self-employed parents, the government have introduced a 'start-up' period. During this period a newly self-employed parent will not have to earn the minimum income level. TFC and service issues All parents of eligible children can apply for both 30 hours free childcare and TFC via a single website. Parents can apply online through the childcare service which can be accessed via the Childcare Choices website. HMRC acknowledges that some parents did not receive the intended level of service when using the website and that they have subsequently made significant improvements. For those parents who have had difficulties in accessing the service, compensation may be available: see childcare service compensation. Only childcare providers registered with a regulator can receive Tax-Free Childcare payments. How does this relate to employer supported childcare? Employer Supported Childcare (ESC) closed to new entrants in October 2018. ESC continues to be available for current members if they wish to remain in it or they can switch to TFC but parents cannot be in both ESC and TFC at the same time. If you are in the Southampton area please do contact us for guidance on Tax-Free Childcare. Capital gains tax Capital Gains Tax on disposal of chattels Enterprise Investment Scheme Individual Savings Accounts Pensions - tax reliefs Property investment - buy to let Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme Tax-Free Childcare VCT, EIS & SEIS compared Venture Capital Trusts	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1909
__label__wiki	0.772583	0.772583	SIBLING SATELLITES ENTER TEENAGE YEARS Launched today in 2006, the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites are officially teenagers! On April 28, 2019, the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) and CloudSat satellites mark 13 years in space, where they continue to study the role that clouds and aerosols play in regulating Earth's weather, climate and air quality. Ball Aerospace designed and built CALIPSO’s light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and wide-field camera instruments. Ball also built the CloudSat spacecraft, and tested and integrated its payload. Surpassing all expectations for mission lifetime, the two satellites flew in an orbital formation of environmental satellites known as the "A-Train" for more than a decade. In 2018, CALIPSO and Cloudsat left the A-Train and were lowered about 10 miles into their own “C-Train,” where they have resumed working and are delivering collocated measurements. "The original science goal for CALIPSO was to build a complete data set over four seasons, or 17 months accounting for outages," said Mark LaPole, director of civil space programs at Ball Aerospace. "After 13 years and nearly eight-billion atmospheric profiles, we have certainly given our partners plenty of seasonal and extreme weather data to work with." “Our team often marvels at the unanticipated scientific benefits of CloudSat’s extended lifetime,” said Scott Tennant, Ball’s CloudSat program manager. “CloudSat data have been cited in more than 2,700 scientific publications, which is a testament to the continuity we have been able to provide to our partners.” With capabilities 1,000 times more sensitive than typical weather radar, CloudSat uses millimeter-wavelength radar to measure the altitude and properties of clouds. CALIPSO’s LIDAR scans the atmosphere with green and infrared laser light and detects backscatter from clouds and aerosols. The missions’ complementary measurements provide additional clarity for researchers, including providing data important to forecasting models. CloudSat and CALIPSO data improve weather and climate models, the prediction tools scientists use to study the Earth system, and provide a better understanding of the human impact on the atmosphere. With accurate data in hand, decision makers can make more informed choices about public health, the economy and day-to-day weather predictions. Data from CALIPSO and CloudSat have been cited in thousands of scientific publications. As recently as 2018, a NASA-led study used CloudSat and CALIPSO data to help answer decades-old questions about the role of smoke and human-caused air pollution on clouds and rainfall. Among its most significant discoveries, CloudSat has revealed the vertical layering of clouds, how often clouds are present and how often they rain and snow over the Earth – offering insights into the effect of cloudiness on the acceleration of polar and Greenland ice melting. Prior to CloudSat, researchers lacked this information because many regions on Earth, such as oceans and polar regions, are not covered by ground-based instruments. Mission planners and researchers alike are hopeful that these sibling satellites will continue to provide critical, complementary views of clouds and aerosols for a few years yet. Learn more about how Ball Aerospace innovations support environmental intelligence.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1917
__label__wiki	0.897453	0.897453	Men's Scores & Fixtures Women's Scores & Fixtures Irish Football These are special moments - O'Neill 10 Oct 201510 Oct 2015 From the section Northern Ireland Michael O'Neill says Northern Ireland's qualification for Euro 2016 will really start to sink in after Sunday's final qualifier against Finland. A point in the last game will see O'Neill's men finish top of Group F - a remarkable achievement for a country pulled from the group of fifth seeds when the qualifying draw was made. "Although we have qualified, everybody wants to play against Finland, put on a good performance and win the group - then we can prepare for France," said the NI boss.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1928
__label__wiki	0.898579	0.898579	Asian stocks bruised by Trump’s trade war threats August 31, 2018 186 No comment TOKYO: Asian shares came under renewed pressure on Friday as a report US President Donald Trump was preparing to step up a trade war with Beijing sent Chinese stocks lower and partially erased gains made in this week's global rally. Many emerging market currencies were also frail after Argentina's peso sank on Thursday despite the central bank's interest rate hike. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.8 per cent, for monthly drop of 1.6 per cent. The index has underperformed MSCI ACWI, a gauge of the world's 47 markets, for four months in a row as Sino-US trade worries hit Chinese shares. Shanghai composite index dropped 1.1 per cent to edge near a 2-year low hit earlier in the month. While the official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) on Friday showed growth in China's manufacturing sector unexpectedly picked up in August after a two-month slide, that hardly improved the mood as investors expect more damages from the trade frictions down the road. Japan's Nikkei dropped 0.8 per cent. US S&P500 e-mini futures fell 0.05 per cent. On Thursday, the S&P 500 lost 0.44 per cent from Wednesday's record close of 2,914. Pouring cold water on the rally in global shares that started in the middle of the month were hostile comments from Trump on trade. Bloomberg reported that Trump said he was ready to impose more tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods from China as soon as the public comment period on the plan ends next week. "So far, Trump has carried out what he said he would do," said Ayako Sera, market economist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank. "Even though there are some doubts the US trade representative could come up with new tariffs so quickly, I suspect worries about a trade war will start to eclipse optimism based on strong US economic data." Trump also threatened in an interview with Bloomberg on Thursday to withdraw from the World Trade Organization if "they don't shape up" — a move that would further undermine one of the foundations of the modern global trading system. In addition, he said the European Union's proposal to eliminate auto tariffs is not good enough and called its trade policies "almost as bad as China." Those remarks dispelled any positive sentiment following negotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta). The cautious mood helped lift the yen, which rose 0.6 per cent on Thursday, its biggest daily rise in about six weeks. In early Friday trade, it changed hands at 110.98 per dollar . The euro traded flat at $1.1665, having shed 0.33 per cent in the previous session. The common currency has recovered from a 13-1/2-month low of $1.1301 hit in mid-August but looks set to end the month little changed from end-July. Emerging market currencies had less luck, with currencies relying on foreign capital to finance their current account deficit hit the hardest. The peso, the world's worst-performing currency this year due to the country's poor economic health, fell 10 per cent on the day, bringing its month-to-date losses to 27 per cent. Argentina's central bank at an emergency meeting on Thursday voted unanimously to raise its benchmark rate to 60 per cent from 45 per cent, however, the unexpected move failed to stabilise the peso. That knocked down the Brazilian real to near its record low touched in September 2015. It is down almost 10 per cent this month. The Turkish lira, which has been hit by concerns over President Tayyip Erdogan's interference in monetary policy and his diplomatic spats with Washington, also slipped towards record low marked about two weeks ago. The lira stood at 6.740 per dollar in early Friday trade, having fallen 11 per cent so far this week. In Asia, the Indonesian rupiah fell to three-year low even as the country's central bank said it was "decisively" intervening to support the currency. The rupiah has lost one per cent so far this month. Oil prices slipped slightly after hitting their highest levels in more than a month the previous day on growing evidence of disruptions to crude supply from Iran and Venezuela and after a fall in US inventories. Brent crude oil dropped 0.3 per cent to $77.51 a barrel from Thursday's settlement at $77.77. US crude stood down 0.3 per cent at $70.04 a barrel. ET Markets HDFC Bank sitting on a goldmine: Its unlisted and has a value of Rs 90,000 crore Adani Transmission to pursue all distribution opportunities: Anil Sardana What changed your markets while you were sleeping By BN Report December 27, 2018 SBI to raise Rs 4,116 crore via Basel III bonds By BN Report November 2, 2018 Societe Generale buys shares for Rs 697 crore	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1933
__label__cc	0.598926	0.401074	Fidaxomicin - CAS 873857-62-6 C52H74CL2O18 Certificate of Analysis-Fidaxomicin 873857-62-6 B14Q0315 Fidaxomicin(OPT-80; PAR-101) is a new class of narrow spectrum macrocyclic antibiotic drug; selective eradication of pathogenic Clostridium difficile with minimal disruption to the multiple species of bacteria that make up the normal, healthy intestinal flora. B0084-454376 50 mg $298 In stock 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 B0084-454376 2 g $490 In stock 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1. Medication with a reduced bitter taste perception 2. Development and comparison of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques for analysis of flame retardants 3. Combining Yeast Display and Competitive FACS to Select Rare Hapten-Specific Clones from Recombinant Antibody Libraries 4. Combination drug treatment prolongs survival of experimentally infected mice with silver-haired bat rabies virus 5. Host plant defenses of black (Solanum nigrum L.) and red nightshade (Solanum villosum Mill.) against specialist Solanaceae herbivore Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) 6. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ELECTROCHEMICAL CORROSION BEHAVIOR AND INHIBITION OF 2101 DUPLEX AND 301 AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL IN 4-CYANOBENZENE/6M H2SO4 SOLUTION ≥ 98.0% White powder FidaxoMicin; 3-(((6-Deoxy-4-O-(3,5-dichloro-2-ethyl-4,6-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2-O-methyl-b-D-mannopyranosyl)oxy)-methyl)-12(R)-[(6-deoxy-5-C-methyl-4-O-(2-methyl-1-oxopropyl)-b-D-lyxo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-11(S)-ethyl-8(S)-hydroxy-18(S)-(1(R)-hydroxyethyl)-9,13,15-trimethyloxacyclooctadeca-3,5,9,13,15-pentaene-2-one; OPT-80; PAR-101; R-Tiacumicin B; FidaxoMicin(LipiarMycin); ClostoMicin B1, LipiarMycin A3, TiacuMicin B, OPT 80; Oxacyclooctadeca-3,5,9,13,15-pentaen-2-one, 3-[[[6-deoxy-4-O-(3,5-dichloro-2-ethyl-4,6-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2-O-methyl-β-D-mannopyranosyl]oxy]methyl]-12-[[6-deoxy-5-C-methyl-4-O-(2-methyl-1-oxopropyl)-β-D-lyxo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-11-ethyl-8-hydroxy-18-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-9,13,15-trimethyl-, (3E,5E,8S,9E,11S,12R,13E,15E,18S)- Sparingly soluble in methanol; slightly soluble in water and insoluble in chloroform. One of the first narrow spectrum macrocyclic antibiotic; FDA approved on May 27, 2011 Quality Standard: In-house Standard Milligrams-Grams ZVGNESXIJDCBKN-LGPUCNCQSA-N 1S/C52H74Cl2O18/c1-13-30-22-26(6)33(56)18-16-15-17-31(23-66-51-45(65-12)42(61)44(29(9)67-51)69-49(64)35-32(14-2)36(53)39(58)37(54)38(35)57)48(63)68-34(28(8)55)20-19-25(5)21-27(7)43(30)70-50-41(60)40(59)46(52(10,11)72-50)71-47(62)24(3)4/h15-17,19,21-22,24,28-30,33-34,40-46,50-51,55-61H,13-14,18,20,23H2,1-12H3/b16-15+,25-19+,26-22-,27-21+,31-17+/t28-,29-,30+,33+,34+,40-,41+,42+,43+,44-,45+,46+,50-,51-/m1/s1 CCC1C=C(C(CC=CC=C(C(=O)OC(CC=C(C=C(C1OC2C(C(C(C(O2)(C)C)OC(=O)C(C)C)O)O)C)C)C(C)O)COC3C(C(C(C(O3)C)OC(=O)C4=C(C(=C(C(=C4O)Cl)O)Cl)CC)O)OC)O)C 1.Economic assessment of fidaxomicin for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in special populations (patients with cancer, concomitant antibiotic treatment or renal impairment) in Spain C. Rubio-Terrés & J. Cobo Reinoso & S. Grau Cerrato & J. Mensa Pueyo. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis (2015) 34:2213–2223 Fidaxomicin is an antibiotic that belongs to the class of the macrocyclics and is indicated for the treatment of CDI. In clinical trials, fidaxomicin, when compared to vancomycin, was non-inferior for the clinical cure of patients with CDI and superior for the reduction of recurrence rates, with a greater sustained response after 30 days. Of the patients included in the clinical trials, additional subgroup analyses were performed in patient subgroups with a higher risk of recurrence than the overall CDI population. These subgroups were patients with cancer [odds ratio (OR)=0.37; p=0.018], patients treated with concomitant antibiotic treatment (OR=0.492; p=0.0499) and patients with renal impairment (OR=0.487; p<0.001). Moreover, in these patients, CDI had a greater impact on morbidity and mortality and increased hospital costs compared to the overall CDI patient group. 2.Clostridium difficile: Deleterious Impact on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Alejandro Callejas-Díaz & Juan C. Gea-Banacloche. Curr Hematol Malig Rep (2014) 9:85–90 Newer treatment modalities include fidaxomicin (a nonabsorbable antibiotic with narrow spectrum of action that has shown to be noninferior to vancomycin) and fecal transplantation, a modality that attempts to restore the intestinal flora and has shown to be superior to oral vancomycin in a randomized controlled trial. The 2013 European guidelines state there is not enough evidence to make a recommendation regarding the use of fidaxomicin. A retrospective single-center study of the use of fidaxomicin in transplant (mainly solid organ) recipients did not find significant differences in outcome among the fifteen patients (including one HSCT recipient) who received fidaxomicin and the 44 who received conventional treatment. The authors emphasize no VRE colonization was observed in the fidaxomicin recipients, although this was not statistically significant. A subgroup analysis of the fidaxomicin trials focusing in cancer patients suggests it may be superior to vancomycin in this population, but by its nature it cannot be considered other than hypothesis-generating (no HSCT recipients seem to have been included). The first report of successful use of fecal transplantation in an HSCT recipient with severe CDI refractory to medical therapy CDI was published in 2012. The patient developed CDI almost a year after HSCT, following chemotherapy for a relapse of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia that had been the indication for transplant, and over the course of three weeks failed treatment with metronidazole, vancomycin, intravenous immunoglobulin, fidaxomicin, rifaximin and tigecycline. She responded promptly to a fecal transplant from her husband, instilled in the upper jejunum by a naso-jejunal tube. 3.Clostridium difficile: Changing Epidemiology, Treatment and Infection Prevention Measures Jane A. Cecil. Curr Infect Dis Rep (2012) 14:612–619 In May 2011, fidaxomicin became the second drug to be approved by the FDA for treatment of CDI in adults, with a recommended dose of 200 mg twice daily. Fidaxomicin has several potential advantages in that it is associated with minimal systemic absorption, it has a narrow spectrum of activity with less effect on the normal colonic flora compared to other agents with an associated lower risk of selecting for resistant pathogens, and it is a bactericidal antibiotic unrelated to antibiotics used for systemic infections. The FDA’s approval of fidaxomicin was based on a the results of a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial in which 629 patients with CDI were randomized to receive either fidaxomicin (200 mg by mouth every 12 hours) or oral vancomycin (125 mg every 6 hours) for 10 days. Patients were evaluated for clinical cure and for recurrence within 4 weeks of completing treatment. The rates of clinical cure with fidaxomicin were not inferior to those with vancomycin in both the modified intention-to-treat analysis (88.2 % for fidaxomicin, 85 % with vancomycin) and the per-protocol analysis (92.1 % with fidaxomicin, 89.8 % with vancomycin). Significantly fewer patients in the fidaxomicin group experienced a recurrence of CDI relative to the vancomycin group in both analyses (15.4 % vs. 25.3 %, P00.005, in the modified intention-to-treat analysis). Lower rates of recurrence were not seen in patients infected with the NAP-1 strain, however, and there was a similar loss of efficacy for both drugs in these patients. In a subgroup analysis of 128 patients in the per-protocol population that had had a recent episode of CDI prior to the diagnosis of CDI at study enrollment, initial response to therapy was similar with both drugs (>90 % cure). However, a second recurrence occurred within 4 weeks in 35.5 % of patients treated with vancomycin and in 19.7 % of patients treated with fidaxomicin (P0 0.045). This is the only study to date evaluating the efficacy of fidaxomicin for the treatment of recurrent disease. Fidaxomicin is expensive, and its place in treatment algorithms for CDI, both initial and recurrent, remains to be fully determined. Additional studies of the efficacy of fidaxomicin in treating patients with multiple recurrences are needed and currently there are no published trials to support its use in this context. 4.Clostridium difficile Infection: Current and Emerging Therapeutics Angie M. Jarrad, Mark A. T. Blaskovich, Dena Lyras, Matthew A. Cooper. Curr Treat Options Infect Dis (2015) 7:317–334 CDI can be difficult to treat with antibiotics, since recurrent infection is common. C. difficile forms dormant, persistent spores that are difficult to eradicate from hospitals and contribute to transmission, reinfection, and disease relapse. Metronidazole and vancomycin do not prevent spore formation or spore viability whereas fidaxomicin partially inhibits spore formation, which may contribute to reduced relapse rates in patients treated with the latter antibiotic. Antibiotic treatment also causes further damage to the gut microbiome, increasing patient susceptibility to recurrent disease. Vancomycin and metronidazole are broad spectrum antibiotics that can kill beneficial intestinal microbiota, while fidaxomicin has a narrower range, which probably allows the natural microbiota to be somewhat restored and therefore reduces CDI recurrence. Recurrent infection is increasingly being treated with microbiota restorative approaches, with fecal transplant as the most common approach. Emerging antimicrobial treatment options are focused on reducing recurrence by the development of C. difficile selective antimicrobials that are sporicidal and/or effective at inhibiting spore formation or outgrowth. Antimicrobial agents that are orally delivered but not absorbed well in the gastrointestinal tract are also preferred as this results in high concentrations in the colon and limits systemic side effects. Related Antibacterial Products Cyanoacetohydrazide (CAS: 140-87-4) Cyanoacetohydrazide, a cyanoaceto compound, could be used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Avibactam Sodium Salt Avibactam Sodium Salt, a novel non-ᵦ-lactam ᵦ-lactamase inhibitor, binds covalently to Ambler class A ᵦ-lactamases, including KPCs, Ambler class C and some clas... Ceftibuten Ceftibuten is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It displayed high activity against Haemophilus influenzae and Branhamella catarrhalis. It is an orall... (CAS: 7081-44-9) Cloxacillin Sodium is a sodium salt of cloxacillin that is a penicillinase-resistant, acid resistant, semi-synthetic penicillin. Phosphomycin calcium salt Phosphomycin calcium salt, the calcium salt form of Fosfomycin, is a phosphonic acid epoxide antibiotic. Phosphomycin calcium salt is antimicrobial agent used i... Tunicamycin Tunicamycin, a mixture of homologous nucleoside antibiotics, has been used to study the effect of N-linked glycosylation of human proton-coupled folate transpor... Prulifloxacin Prulifloxacin prevents bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair and recombination through inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase. Streptomycin sulfate Streptomycin is an antibiotic (antimycobacterial) drug, the first of a class of drugs called aminoglycosides to be discovered, and it was the first effective tr... (CAS: 80-08-0) Dapsone is a sulfone active against a wide range of bacteria but mainly employed for its actions against mycobacterium leprae, which has anti-inflammatory and i... Nafcillin Sodium Nafcillin sodium reversibly inhibits β-lactamase with Kd of 33 mM. Dalbavancin Dalbavancin is a semi-synthetic glycopeptide by introducing a positively charged lipophilic moiety in a previously unexplored region of the natural glycopeptide... Trimetrexate Trimetrexate is a potent competitive inhibitor of bacterial, protozoan, and mammalian dihydrofolate reductase. Garenoxacin Garenoxacin, also called as BMS 284756, a new desfluoro(6)quinolone, is a topoisomerase II inhibitor with actibacterial activity to treat Gram-positive and Gram... Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Ornidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole derivative with antiprotozoal and antibacterial properties against anaerobic bacteria. Relebactam Relebactam, a diazabicyclooctane derivatice, has wide spectrum inhibiting activity of β-lactamases. It has been stuied to be probably effective in the treatment... Sitafloxacin Sitafloxacin, a new-generation, broad-spectrum oral fluoroquinolone that is very active against many Gram-positive, Gram-negative and anaerobic clinical isolate... KKL-35 KKL-35 is a trans-translation tagging reaction inhibitor (IC50= 0.9 µM), thereby inhibiting bacterial growth by blocking ribosome rescue. Sulfadiazine Sulfadiazine is a sulfonamide antibiotic. Sulfanitran Sulfanitran, a sulfonamide derivative, could be commonly used as an anticoccidial drug for animals.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1934
__label__cc	0.559311	0.440689	The smash hit production returns to Dublin! The smash-hit production of ANNIE comes to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre direct from London’s West End. Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family… With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it! ★★★★ THE TIMES, DAILY TELEGRAPH, OK! MAGAZINE, THE SUN ‘LAVISH ESCAPISM’ (The Daily Telegraph) ‘A GLORIOUS REVIVAL’ (The Times) ‘AN ALL-SINGING ALL-DANCING TRIUMPH’ OK! Magazine ‘FEEL GOOD ESCAPIST JOY. FUN, RIOTOUS AND HEARTFELT’ Radio Times BOOK NOW BACK TO LIST	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1937
__label__wiki	0.945232	0.945232	Furious Hours : Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep Overview - "In 'Furious Hours,' Casey Cep reconstructed years of investigative work Harper Lee devoted to a series of killings in the 1970s. 'People ask me sometimes, do I think she would like the book?' Cep says. 'I respect her enough to say, probably not.'"Read the complete New York Times interview here. Click Here For the Autographed Copy The stunning story of an Alabama serial killer and the true-crime book that Harper Lee worked on obsessively in the years after To Kill a Mockingbird “…it’s…in her descriptions of another writer’s failure to write, that her book makes a magical little leap, and it goes from being a superbly written true-crime story to the sort of story that even Lee would have been proud to write.” -Michael Lewis for The New York Times "A triumph on every level . . . Casey Cep has excavated this mesmerizing story and tells it with grace and insight and a fierce fidelity to the truth." --David Grann, best-selling author of Killers of the Flower Moon Reverend Willie Maxwell was a rural preacher accused of murdering five of his family members for insurance money in the 1970s. With the help of a savvy lawyer, he escaped justice for years until a relative shot him dead at the funeral of his last victim. Despite hundreds of witnesses, Maxwell's murderer was acquitted--thanks to the same attorney who had previously defended the Reverend. Sitting in the audience during the vigilante's trial was Harper Lee, who had traveled from New York City to her native Alabama with the idea of writing her own In Cold Blood, the true-crime classic she had helped her friend Truman Capote research seventeen years earlier. Lee spent a year in town reporting, and many more years working on her own version of the case. Now Casey Cep brings this story to life, from the shocking murders to the courtroom drama to the racial politics of the Deep South. At the same time, she offers a deeply moving portrait of one of the country's most beloved writers and her struggle with fame, success, and the mystery of artistic creativity. > Check In-Store Availability In-Store pricing may vary New & Used Marketplace 41 copies from $14.16 Format: EPUB What's this? This item is available only to U.S. billing addresses. [-] Other Available Formats New & Used Marketplace Furious Hours (Audio CD - Unabridged) Publisher: Random House Audio Publishing Group 14 copies from $25.62 Publisher: Books on Tape Furious Hours (Large Print Paperback) Publisher: Random House Large Print Publishing  x The 18th Abduction Secrets of Southern Girls Haley Harrigan Southern Lady Code Grateful American Dorothea Benton Frank Alex Michaelides Chip Cheek The Lost Girls of Paris Mass Market Paperback $7.55 I'll Be Gone in the Dark Michelle McNamara More About Furious Hours by Casey Cep BookPage Review "In 'Furious Hours,' Casey Cep reconstructed years of investigative work Harper Lee devoted to a series of killings in the 1970s. 'People ask me sometimes, do I think she would like the book?' Cep says. 'I respect her enough to say, probably not.'"Read the complete New York Times interview here. Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group Publish Date: May 2019 Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches Books > Biography & Autobiography > Literary Figures Books > True Crime > Murder - Serial Killers Books > History > United States - State & Local - South (AL,AR,FL,GA,KY,LA,MS, BookPage Reviews While Harper Lee fans were almost unanimously disenchanted with the 2015 publication of her eons-awaited second novel, Go Set a Watchman, they’ll likely be intrigued by Casey Cep’s account of the true crime book that Lee attempted but ultimately failed to write. Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee tells the strange saga of Reverend Willie Maxwell, a black Alabama preacher accused of murdering five members of his family for insurance money in the 1970s. Law enforcement officers and insurance officials suspected something was up but had no hard evidence, while Maxwell’s followers whispered rumors of voodoo after his relatives kept turning up dead by the side of the road. At the funeral of Maxwell’s last victim, his 16-year-old stepdaughter, he was shot dead by one of the girl’s relatives, Robert Burns, who until that moment had been a hardworking, law-abiding family man. Amazingly, despite the fact that hundreds of mourners witnessed the shooting, Burns was ultimately acquitted of his crime. Attending the trial was Lee, who wrote that Maxwell “might not have believed in what he preached, he might not have believed in voodoo, but he had a profound and abiding belief in insurance.” After studying law at the University of Alabama, Lee was naturally intrigued by the Maxwell story—although she realized “all too well that the story of a black serial killer wasn’t what readers would expect from the author of To Kill a Mockingbird.” She spent nearly a decade working on a manuscript she called “The Reverend” but ultimately abandoned the project, much to the disappointment of many of the citizens of Alexander City, where Maxwell’s murder took place. Cep, a thorough researcher and polished writer, divides this sprawling tale into three parts: first telling Maxwell’s story, then chronicling the lawyer who once had Maxwell as a client and ultimately represented Maxwell’s killer, and finally explaining the famous novelist’s fascination with and involvement in the case. Harper Lee fans may find themselves impatient to read about her, as she doesn’t appear until more than halfway through the book, but they’ll be rewarded for the wait. While the myriad mysteries about Lee’s life seem unlikely to ever be resolved, Furious Hours offers an absorbing glimpse into the gifted but guarded life of this enigmatic literary hero.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1938
__label__wiki	0.756874	0.756874	Museum Exhibition Gives Graduating Artists a Chance to Shine DecemberNovemberOctoberSeptemberAugustJulyJuneMayAprilMarchFebruaryJanuary April 19, 2018, BY Christina Masciere Wallace Share This StoryFacebookTwitterEmail Watch Lena Miskulin ’18 prepare her work for exhibition in the senior art show. They've spent years working in the Art Barn and Art Building, honing their technical skills and vision as they create increasingly sophisticated works. Now, as Bucknell's senior studio art majors prepare to graduate, they're sharing the fruits of their labors in a group show at the Samek Art Museum through April 29. The culmination of their efforts, Dispatch, features the work of the five seniors and the Department of Art & Art History's three art assistants. Across a wide range of mediums and formats, the artists share an attitude of urgency and an exploration of contemporary life, represented by the "dispatch" theme, which they chose to suggest art as an alternative form of communication. Learn more about applying to Bucknell During their senior year, studio art majors focus on creating a cohesive body of work to exhibit in the annual spring show. They begin in August by preparing formal proposals that outline the goals of their art. By December, they are ready to refine their work in preparation for spring installation. The results on display reflect the students' growth over four years of study at Bucknell, both within the art program and in other academic departments, said Professor Anna Kell, art, who coordinated this year's show. "It's really interesting to see how their academic interests influence their artistic trajectories over the course of their time at Bucknell, and it's fascinating to see them arrive at very different places, conceptually and visually, in these final projects," Kell said. "I'm able to see in each of the students' bodies of work their politics, their other scholarly concentrations and the unique ways they see the world around them." Seniors participating in the exhibition include Stefanie Alpert, Lena Miskulin, Son Pham, Dylan Reynolds and Zaki Sabuwala. Departmental art assistants Shell Albertson, Veronica Hanssens and Dan Newman will also be showing their new work. On Friday, April 20, the artists will offer brief presentations at 5 p.m. in the Elaine Langone Center's Gallery Theatre. The public is invited to the event, which will be followed by a reception from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Samek Gallery. \| Click here for a campus map. Inside Innovation: Senior Design Team Engineers App with Johnson & Johnson $3 Million Gift Will Bolster Student Health & Wellness at Bucknell Madeleine Albright Delivers Message of Unity to Bucknell Graduates Students from 37 States, 27 Countries to Receive Degrees at Commencement Solving for Industry: Bucknell’s New Math	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1944
__label__cc	0.533337	0.466663	How Sustainable are PVC Water Pipes Over 100 Years? New study measures the cradle-to-grave life of commonly used drinking water and sewer pipe materials over a century old The first of its kind comprehensive environmental and performance review of water and sewer pipes in North America has been released by the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA), which covers U.S. and Canadian manufacturers of PVC pipe. The study uses life cycle assessment methodology to evaluate the cradle-to-grave sustainability of commonly used drinking water and sewer pipe materials, which includes polyvinylchloride (PVC), concrete, ductile iron, and high density polyethylene pipes—over a 100-year service period. Key findings from the study include: When evaluating the sustainability of piping products for life cycle design, it is important to understand and review the life cycle impacts of all materials used in the piping system, including replacements, support materials, corrosion mitigation, maintenance efforts and water quality treatments required during the service life of pipes. PVC does not serve as nutrient for bacterial growth and pathogens. Keeping pipes in use past their useful service lives results in higher operating and maintenance costs. Internal pipe wall degradation may begin almost immediately after ductile iron and concrete pipes are installed. Traditional definitions of pipe service life should be re-evaluated. For much of the time that iron and concrete pipes are considered “in service,” they in fact are not, since they often do not perform as designed. For a good portion of the time they are in use, iron and concrete pipes are prone to breaks, water loss and water quality issues, as well as higher maintenance and operating costs due to corrosion, which significantly affects pumping efficiency. Metallic and concrete pipes require chemical additives (phosphates) in the drinking water to help reduce pipe wall corrosion. Phosphates increase the chances of bio-growth (such as algae blooms) in drinking water sources, lakes and rivers. Ductile iron pipe produces up to nine times more carbon emissions during raw materials processing, manufacturing, transportation and installation than equivalent PVC pipe. The energy required to pump water through PVC pipe over a 100-year design life remains constant because its smooth walls do not roughen over time. This generates overall life cycle cost savings compared to ductile iron and concrete pipes that require more pumping energy over time due to corrosion, leaks and internal degradation. Corrosive soils affect 75% of water utilities. The durability and corrosion resistance of a pipe greatly affects life cycle impacts. Ductile iron pipe may last as little as 11-14 years in moderately corrosive soils, requiring numerous replacements over 100 years. “The PVC pipe industry is the only pipe material that has transparently reported their sustainability and environmental impacts,” says SSC President Tad Radzinski. “This is welcome information for both policy makers and utility professionals to make fully informed decisions in their efforts to improve underground infrastructure with sustainable products.” The report consists of data points and analysis that facility managers and utility professionals can use to develop asset management plans and life cycle cost assessments for water and sewer piping. It can also help to minimize water quality risks and reduce operations, maintenance and repair costs. More than 200 sources and studies were examined to provide the most up-to-date and thorough industry review of the health, safety, performance characteristics, and sustainability attributes of the different pipe materials available. The peer-reviewed report also examines other pipe products based on durability, performance and environmental data and statistics when available “This study provides critical information for federal, state and local policy makers as they look to modern piping materials to help rebuild the nation’s crumbling underground infrastructure. Clean water was identified as a high priority by President Trump and this report confirms that safer, more cost-effective and more durable PVC pipe is key to upgrading America’s drinking water and wastewater systems,” says PVCPA Executive Director Bruce Hollands. The report in full is available for download here. Solar Thermal Technology Cools HVAC Demand Are Cool Pavements All They’re Cracked Up to Be? Plumbing & Washrooms » Zero Waste Tips for Event Venues Los Angeles Testing Cooling Pavement Paint Health Risks of 3D Printers Sustainability / Resilience 10 Pros and Cons of EPS and XPS Insulation Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Business Recycling Rules Now Enforced in New York City Path to Energy Savings in the Building Envelope Control This Smart Shower With Your Voice Bathroom Hand Sanitizer Helps Buildings Promote Cleanliness Preventative Maintenance Checklist Mold and Liability Downside to Reducing Water Use	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1945
__label__wiki	0.747475	0.747475	Houston has overtaken Cushing as the US's most important oil hub Nick Cunningham, Jeremy Beck works on a drilling as he and a crew from George Mitchell Drilling search for oil for Houston, Texas based Vintage Exploration in a corn field October 9, 2004 near Okawville, Illinois. High oil prices and low finding cost in the region which has relatively shallow wells help drive exploration in the farm belt where an average well produces 40-50 barrels-a-day over a 15-20 year life span. Vintage Exploration, which has about 20 producing wells, is one of many small oil companies operating in the region. Scott Olson/Getty Intercontinental Exchange is launching oil futures with physical delivery in Houston. An executive at the exchange said the price spread between two important oil indices makes now the time for the move. The new contract will help investors hedge oil risk. Houston is emerging as one of the great oil hubs in the world, and pretty soon it will be outfitted with an oil futures contract, which could cement its position. Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (ICE) announced plans to launch an oil futures with physical delivery in Houston, and the contract could launch as soon as this quarter, subject to regulatory review. "The Houston delivery point has become the pricing center for U.S. crude oil production and exports, and the new flat price futures contract is designed to serve hedging and trading opportunities in this growing market," ICE said in a statement. Houston is now the "central delivery point for U.S. crude," with proximity to upstream production in Texas, abundant refining and storage capacity along the Gulf Coast, and coastal facilities that have allowed a crude oil export boom over the past two years. The ICE Permian WTI futures contract will provide price discovery, settlement and delivery at Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.'s terminal in East Houston, ICE said. "The recent price divergence between Cushing-based WTI and Brent is a reminder that although Cushing is a marker for local crude fundamentals in the midcontinent, it diverges for pricing waterborne U.S. crude," Jeff Barbuto, Vice President of Oil Markets at ICE, said in a statement. For decades, Cushing, Oklahoma has served as the main delivery point for U.S. crude. Cushing is often referred to as the "pipeline crossroads of the world," and was the designated point of delivery for the WTI contract on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Cushing also has the ability to store around 90 million barrels of crude oil, and indeed, the weekly change in inventory figures have become a closely watched metric since the market downturn began in 2014, with specific emphasis on Cushing's figures. But the explosion of production from the Permian basin, and especially the lifting of the crude oil export ban by the U.S. Congress a few years ago, has undercut the importance of Cushing as an oil hub. West Texas oil can be funneled to the Gulf Coast and either refined or exported, all without the need to be routed through or stored in Cushing. U.S. crude exports have surged over the past year and a half, jumping from below 1 million barrels per day (mb/d) in early 2017 to consistently over 2 mb/d this year. In June, exports broke a new weekly record of 3 mb/d. Oil gushing from Texas and exported through the Gulf Coast has put a premium on oil in Houston, as opposed to oil located inland. The lack of adequate pipeline capacity has also driven a wedge between cargoes on the coast compared to elsewhere. Oil in Midland, located near surging production from the Permian basin, has traded at a double-digit discount to Cushing. Houston then trades at a premium to Cushing. As the Wall Street Journal notes, investors who want to trade in Houston prices need to track the Cushing WTI price and trade in contracts that track the difference between Cushing and Houston. A new futures contract in Houston would simplify the trade. "This will help our customers through the process of hedging their risk around those differentials," Mark Roles, vice president of commercial crude oil at Magellan Midstream Partners LP, told the WSJ. "As more volumes hit the international market, we're going to see a much stronger need for pricing and hedging," he said. New futures contracts face formidable hurdles and are not guaranteed to be widely adopted and traded. But soaring output in the Permian, which will continue to rise after new pipelines come online, will aid the new ICE contract. Meanwhile, new upgrades to export terminals along the Gulf Coast, such as the one underway in Corpus Christi, will also boost U.S. exports, increasing the importance of having prices based on physical delivery at the coast. "We're in a wait-and-see mode," Tariq Zahir, a crude trader and managing member at Tyche Capital, told Reuters. "Are banks really going to be behind it? Are there going to be large market makers in it? We'll watch it." Read the original article on OilPrice.com. Copyright 2019. SEE ALSO: Goldman Sachs' incoming CEO, David Solomon, is considering changing up the bank's most powerful committee — here's who he's considering adding More: OilPrice.com houston oil	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1947
__label__cc	0.668468	0.331532	Arla Foods UK annual results unveil increasing revenues Food & Drink \| Latest News \| Manufacturing \| National \| Retail Arla Milktanker Arla Foods amba has today announced its Group 2017 results with the UK, its largest market, growing retail and foodservice revenue to £1.94 billion, up from £1.79 billion in 2016. This growth, along with the company’s recent £72 million investment in the UK business shows Arla’s commitment to continue to further build the UK dairy industry. It also signals the strength of Arla’s farmer-owned cooperative model as growth is driven while balancing the challenges facing the dairy industry such as volatility in the global milk market, a weak British pound and Brexit uncertainties. Tomas Pietrangeli, Managing Director, Arla Foods UK, comments: “Arla was both the fastest growing FMCG brand in the UK and the only leading dairy company delivering branded growth. We also saw significant wins in both foodservice and own label offering in 2017 such as the Morrisons’ fresh milk tender win. I believe that we are in a strong position to deliver on our 2020 Good Growth strategy.” “Our commitment to our ambitious plans are certainly driving financial returns and we will be focused on this again during this year. Making innovative and inherently natural dairy products, produced responsibly and sustainably, enables us to continue to deliver in an ever-increasing consumer driven grocery market.” Arla’s brands delivering the greatest revenue growth in 2017 included Lurpak growing by 9%, Anchor by 16% and the Arla brand growing by 18%. Within the Arla brand range, Arla Skyr (+45%), Arla Protein (+69%) and Arla B.O.B. (+45%) have driven growth by creating genuine product innovation, launching products which meet new lifestyle and nutritional demands. For Arla Protein, 2017 saw a focus on providing products which appealed to consumers in a performance mindset such as the Arla Protein Pouch and new yogurt flavours such as mango, kale and lime. Investment and expansion of Arla’s sales channels is also driving growth in the UK. This carried through into its foodservice division which rebranded as Arla Pro during 2017 helping drive revenue growth at 22% versus last year. The co-branding of Arla Organic into McDonald’s has contributed to a high growth rate on branded volumes and includes the relaunch of the 250mls Happy Meal milk. As the UK’s number one butter brand Lurpak’s popularity in foodservice is also increasing having seen revenue grow by 25% in 2017. Pietrangeli added: “General health and food quality continues to grow in importance to the British public whether eating at home or out and about. The natural simplicity of our product ingredients, their ease of use for chefs and our farmer owned status is resonating with operators, particularly with quick service restaurants, coffee shops, pizza chains and pubs.” Arla Foods UK announces first half of 2018 revenues of £961m CMA clearance decision for Arla Foods and Yeo Valley Arla acquires dairy arm of Yeo Valley Arla Foods UK welcomes new commercial director Starbucks extends strategic partnership with Arla Foods Arla Foods unveils new farming standards model	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1948
__label__wiki	0.893374	0.893374	Submit 40 under 40 Submit Top 500 Tampa Bay - Lakeland Lee - Collier - Charlotte Banking - Finance Development - Construction Hospitality - Tourism I-4 Corridor Tampa Bay Area Manatee - Sarasota Charlotte - Lee - Collier Executive Diversions Williams Parker DMA \| Digital Marketing Agency Business Observer Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 1 year ago Company accused of fraud Trinity Graphics claims Tervis didn't abide by its agreement with the company. by: Business Observer Staff Two Sarasota County companies are at odds. Sarasota-based printing company Trinity Graphic recently filed a lawsuit against Venice-based drinkware manufacturer Tervis, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud, breach of contract and conspiracy. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Tampa Jan. 26. It also names Louisville, Kentucky-based Southern Graphics and SGS International as defendants. “For years,” the lawsuit states, “Tervis sought the technology and knowhow that would allow it to print specialized, high-quality graphics on its drink-ware. Tervis approached printing company Trinity to develop a solution.” Trinity developed a printing method, and as a Tervis vendor, the company printed wraps used inside Tervis tumblers for several years, the lawsuit alleges. That ended in February 2017. The complaint adds: “Tervis defrauded Trinity into signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement with absolutely no intention of honoring that agreement's terms. In reliance on that NDA, Trinity disclosed its trade secret process to Tervis. Tervis then took that information to Southern, transferred all of the relevant business to Southern, and promptly fired Trinity.” The actions, the lawsuit alleges, allowed Tervis and Southern to reap “millions of dollars in ill-gotten profits.” Due to the success of the wraps, Tervis' annual revenue increased, according to the complaint, from roughly $45 million to $150 million in fewer than five years. By contrast, the complaint says, “Trinity has been left teetering on the brink of bankruptcy,” with damages, it says, in excess of $25 million. Trinity founder and chairman Robert Smithson declined to comment, directing questions to the Fort Lauderdale law firm representing him, Pollard PLLC. “After decades of hard work and millions of dollars invested, Trinity developed a proprietary method of printing high-quality graphics for drink ware,” Pollard PLLC attorney Jonathan Pollard writes in a statement emailed to the Business Observer. “Other companies tried but failed to develop that same method. That method was Trinity's trade secret. When Tervis couldn't develop that method on its own, Tervis worked in concert with Southern to misappropriate it.” Tervis President Rogan Donelly also declined to comment on the lawsuit, offering a statement instead: “Tervis does not comment specifically on pending litigation, but we hold ourselves to the highest ethical and legal standards, and will vigorously defend any claim to the contrary.” Scribed success A flood of interest sign up to receive our news in your inbox! See our most recent special section, the Top 50 Contractors, a ranking of the largest contractors by revenues. We've noticed you like reading articles on our site.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1949
__label__wiki	0.98614	0.98614	Nintendo News: Pokémon Crystal Coming to Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS on Jan. 26 Pokémon Crystal Coming to Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS on Jan. 26 (Graphic: Business Wire) December 14, 2017 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When it launched in Japan 17 years ago, Pokémon Crystal introduced many new and exciting elements to the beloved Pokémon franchise. The game, an expanded version of the popular Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver games, was the first in the Pokémon franchise to allow players to choose between a boy or girl playable character, as well as being the first game to introduce animations during Pokémon battles. Now this groundbreaking game is coming to Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems on Jan. 26 for only $9.99.* On the day it launches, Pokémon Crystal will also be compatible with Pokémon Bank, a paid service that lets players bring select Pokémon from classic core games to the newest core games in the series. With the addition of Pokémon Crystal to this service, it is now possible for players to bring Pokémon from all 29 core games in the series to Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. In this version of Pokémon Crystal, players will also have the chance to encounter the mythical Pokémon Celebi in an event after completing the game. In the original Pokémon Crystal game, Celebi could only be obtained by using a special accessory. As with the Nintendo eShop editions of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver, Pokémon Crystal will take advantage of the wireless communication capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, allowing players to enjoy Link Trades and Link Battles with each other. With the Time Capsule feature, players can even trade and battle Pokémon from Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue and Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition, which are all also available in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS. Fans also have the option to play Pokémon Crystal on a New Nintendo 2DS XL system that resembles an iconic Poké Ball. The Poké Ball Edition New Nintendo 2DS XL system can be purchased in stores at a suggested retail price of $159.99. (The Pokémon Crystal game and Poké Ball Edition New Nintendo 2DS XL system are sold separately.) For more information about Pokémon Crystal, visit https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/pokemon-crystal-version-3ds. *Pokémon Crystal for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems is only playable in 2D. Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site. Golin Eddie Garcia, 213-335-5536 egarcia@golin.com Justin Aclin, 212-373-6004 jaclin@golin.com	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1950
__label__wiki	0.859434	0.859434	Garmin® and Disney introduce the vívofit® jr. 2 kid’s fitness tracker and interactive mobile app featuring Disney Princess New line of kids wearables features bands, games and activities inspired by beloved Disney Princess characters and stories Garmin vívofit jr. 2 with Disney Princess bands and app adventure. (Photo: Business Wire) August 22, 2018 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time OLATHE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the vívofit jr. 2 kid’s fitness tracker1 with Disney Princess-themed bands and mobile app. So much more than a fitness device, the vívofit jr. 2 provides kids with an interactive experience where activity unlocks adventure, shaping habits for lifelong health and fitness. Kids will look forward to crushing activity minute goals to unlock app adventures, games and step icons featuring Disney Princess characters Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Mulan and Rapunzel. With two Princess-inspired design options, vívofit jr. 2 bands are swim-friendly2, feature a customizable color screen, and most important of all, boast a battery life of over a year3. See the vívofit jr. 2 in action here. “We are excited to once again bring the Disney magic to our wearables lineup with these new Princess-inspired fitness trackers,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “The Play like a Princess campaign celebrates kids who aren’t afraid to be bold, be daring, be kind and be different. It’s our hope to inspire and empower kids to do something cool, find adventure, and above all, keep moving.” “Based on the initial success we’ve seen with Star Wars, Minnie Mouse, and Marvel Avengers on the vívofit jr. 2, we know that pairing Disney’s unrivaled characters and content with Garmin wearables encourages kids to get active,” said Kyle Laughlin, Senior Vice President, Games and Interactive Experiences, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “The Disney Princesses make a great addition to this line and their stories make for exciting interactive adventures.” The Disney Princess-branded vívofit jr.2 is brought to life through a corresponding app adventure, which kids explore with the help of their parents. In Magical Kingdoms: A Disney Princess Adventure, kids will help Rapunzel and Flynn Rider escape Mother Gothel, save the Emperor with Mulan, and even explore the Cave of Wonders with Jasmine. The more they meet – and exceed – their activity goals, the more of the story they’ll get to see. In addition to uncovering additional adventures with the Disney Princesses, kids can gain access to fun games and more. To collect gems and get more chances to play games, kids will need to keep logging those active minutes. The vívofit jr. 2 is a valuable tool for parents as well, and comes with a companion app4 that acts as a parental personal assistant. From their compatible smart device, parents can view their child’s activity, assign chores, and schedule reminder alerts that show up on their child’s device. Task timers help kids know how much time they have left for each chore. For added incentivization, when kids receive and complete a given chore, parents can reward them with virtual coins that can be redeemed for agreed-upon rewards. The app allows for multiple profiles so parents and siblings with compatible Garmin devices can have their steps listed on the step leaderboard, promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle for the whole family. In addition to tracking steps, sleep and active minutes, kids can also use the vívofit jr. 2 to engage in some friendly competition with their friends and family. Toe-to-ToeTM step challenges let kids sync with nearby friends (or themselves) for timed step competitions. Parents can also play by downloading the Toe-to-Toe Connect IQTM app to a compatible device. New family challenges let users connect with other families and compete in weekly step challenges for extra motivation to move. The vívofit jr. 2 featuring Disney Princess is available for purchase at retailers nationwide, including Best Buy and Target, and has a suggested retail price of $79.99. With vívofit jr. 2, the adventure never ends. By swapping out their band with an accessory band (sold separately, SRP $29.99), kids can open up a whole new world of adventure with Star Wars, Minnie Mouse, and Marvel Avengers band options. The ever-expanding Garmin fitness segment develops technologies to enhance and promote healthy and active lifestyles. Whether users are runners, cyclists, swimmers, multi-sport athletes, or simply looking to stay active throughout the day, there is a Garmin product that can help them reach their health and fitness goals. For decades, Garmin has pioneered new devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin. Accessory bands and mobile app adventures are compatible with first generation vívofit jr. devices. 1 See Garmin.com/ataccuracy 2 See Garmin.com/waterrating 3 Under typical use; battery life may vary depending on selected performance mode and usage 4 When paired with a compatible Apple®, AndroidTM and Amazon FireTM Tablet device About Garmin Garmin International, Inc., is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and vívofit are registered trademarks, and Toe-to-Toe and Connect IQ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. STAR WARS, and related properties and character names are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. ©2018 MARVEL Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Notice on Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Garmin International Inc. Mary Thompson Woodbury, 913-397-8200 media.relations@garmin.com Garmin today announced the vívofit jr. 2 kid’s fitness tracker with Disney Princess-themed bands and mobile app adventures.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1951
__label__cc	0.545706	0.454294	Hoisted from Comments: Land Transport in 1776 Lisa Shiffren Drives Matthew Yglesias and Commentors Shrill! A Historical Document: Paul Gigot of the Wall Street Journal Predicts the Failure of Clintonomics One evasion in Ken Auletta's piece on the Wall Street Journal stands out: his quoting without comment of Norman Pearlstine's claim that Paul Gigot “was a first-rate reporter...” Here was my first encounter with Gigot's reporting--in this case, reporting on me, one of the heads of Alicia Munnell's staff at the U.S. Treasury in 1993. Damned if I know what Paul Gigot is talking about when he says of my boss that: "Alicia Munnell is in denial, even though her staff has calculated that Mr. Feldstein is right." I think "Mr. Feldstein is right" might mean "upper-bracket tax collections fell in fiscal 2001 (because of the recession)," rather than what Gigot wants you to think it means--that "the tax-rate hikes of 1990 discouraged work and put us on the far side of the Laffer curve." If that's not what Gigot means, he's making s--- up: I was there, I was Alicia Munnell's staff, and I know: Oops! Weren't We Going to Soak The Rich? By Paul A. Gigot 908 words 9 July 1993 The Wall Street Journal: On his way out the door in January, a cheeky Bush official scribbled the same tax phrase again and again on a Treasury blackboard for the new Clinton team: "Low rates, broad base." The incoming Clinton Treasury minions, more rueful than cheeky, erased the phrase each time the new White House requested ever higher tax rates. Mark the rueful down as prophets. The first evidence on income-tax receipts for 1991 is now rolling in from the Internal Revenue Service, and the usual eye-glazing numbers are suddenly eye-popping. To wit, the rich paid less in taxes even though their tax rates went up. The nonrich paid more even though their tax rates stayed the same. President Clinton, meet the Laffer Curve. This news is the elephant in the room of this year's tax debate, since we keep hearing that the fate of the world hangs on President Clinton's promise to reduce the deficit by "$500 billion." Most of this windfall, Mr. Clinton assures us, will come from "the rich." But what if those tax revenues from the rich turn out to be a mirage? Then isn't the Clinton tax program doomed to fail, even as mere deficit reduction? And shouldn't Democrats think again before they commit tax hari-kari at next week's House-Senate conference? Of course they should, but this year's Democratic theme song seems to be that old "MASH" movie anthem, "Suicide Is Painless." The 1991 numbers are so striking because they're the first since the Great 1990 Budget Deal, which was more or less the test drive for Clintonomics. Rates had to be raised on "the rich," we were told then, in order to produce a river of new tax revenue. Well, this is one river that didn't run through it. For we now know that total income-tax receipts fell in 1991, the first decline since 1983. And they fell in a strange and revealing way, as the chart below shows. For the rich -- defined as the top 850,000 income-earners in each year (making about $200,000 or more) -- 1991 tax receipts fell by $6.5 billion, or 6.1%. But for everyone else, tax receipts actually rose in 1991 -- by $3.3 billion, or 1%. This odd dichotomy makes it difficult to attribute the revenue decline merely to a slow economy: The rich wouldn't have a bad year if everyone else had a good one. And, in fact, total income rose 3.3% for the year. So what happened to the rich? It's impossible to know for sure, but the likely answer is that they changed their behavior in response to higher rates. Maybe they sheltered more income. Or stuffed more of it into 1990 to take advantage of that year's lower rates. Or perhaps they worked less. In short, they responded to "incentives," as economists say, and produced less income subject to tax. This reverse-windfall is underscored by other 1991 numbers. Income from businesses fell 5.5% for the rich, but rose 2.2% for the nonrich. For so-called Subchapter S small businesses, which would get slammed again by Mr. Clinton, income dove 10.5% for the rich but rose 6.2% for everyone else. All of which proves what populist, middle-class free-marketeers like me call the paradox of progressivity: To really soak the rich, keep their tax rates low. Listen to Martin Feldstein, the Harvard economist who has never been mistaken for a wild supply-sider: "The evidence is strong that in 1991 they picked up rates at the top and revenue fell. This should make Democrats think twice about whether the tax rates they're now talking about will raise the revenues they expect." Mr. Feldstein figures they'll get only about a quarter of the $25 billion a year they advertise. The Clinton administration knows all this, by the way, but wants it kept quiet until the tax bill passes. Treasury economist Alicia Munnell is in denial, even though her staff has calculated that Mr. Feldstein is right. Treasury's Larry Summers knows better, but is preoccupied with Japan and trade. Other Democrats don't even want to hear about it. That's because for them taxing "the rich" is about class-war politics, not revenue. It's about having a foil to run against. But that's no excuse for Republicans, who've been just as silent about all this. Bob Dole's timid Senate Republicans didn't even offer an amendment to strip the higher rates out of the tax bill. Ohio Rep. John Kasich, supposedly the boy wonder of the budget, has made people wonder by endorsing higher rates. Like George Bush and Nicholas Brady, too many Republicans are still afraid James Carville might accuse them of belonging to a country club. But now is the time to lay down markers for the next economic debate, educating voters about the con job they are about to experience. An optimist said last year that either the Clinton presidency would be successful, or it would be educational. But that assumes someone does the educating. Life Imitates Art: (That is, economist Art Laffer) Income tax payments (in $ billions) "The Rich" $ 99.6 $106.1 Everyone Else $ 348.6 $345.3 Posted on July 28, 2007 at 11:37 in #economichistory, #economics, #journamalism, History \| Permalink \| Comments (9)	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1956
__label__cc	0.630938	0.369062	Home » Education » Conditions & Procedures » Hip Normal Anatomy :: Total Hip Replacement THR Anterior Hip Replacement :: Posterior Hip Replacement Normal Anatomy of the Hip joint How does the Hip joint work? Find out more in this web based movie. Total Hip Replacement (THR) Total Hip Replacement (THR) procedure replaces all or part of the hip joint with an artificial device (prosthesis) to eliminate pain and restore joint movement. Find out more about Total Hip Replacement (THR) with the following links. Anterior approach has recently emerged as a viable alternative to the more popular posterior approach. It has been used to some degree since the 1980s but new instrumentation has allowed it to be performed through smaller incisions making it increasingly sought after Direct Anterior Hip Replacement is a technique in which hip replacement surgery is performed through an alternative approach compared to conventional hip replacement surgery. Find out more about Anterior Hip Replacement with the following links. Posterior Hip Replacement Posterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery performed to replace the hip joint. It is also referred to as muscle sparing surgery because no muscles are cut to access the hip joint, enabling a quicker return to normal activity. Find out more about Posterior hip replacement with the following links.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1958
__label__wiki	0.548292	0.548292	7,541 CRUISE members around the world Keep me informed as to CRUISE Family online & offline events CRUISE Family History This interesting surname, with variant spellings Crew, Cruise, Cruse, Cruwys and Crouse may be of three possible origins. Firstly, it may be of English locational origin from "Crewe", in Cheshire, recorded as "Crev", in the Domesday Book of 1086, "Crue" in 1346 in the Index to the Charters and Rolls in the British Museum. The placename is composed of the Welsh word "cryw", stepping stones. Secondly, the surname may derive from the Medieval English "cr(o)us(e)", bold, fierce, a nickname for a fierce bold and daring person. Finally, the surname may perhaps be of French habitational origin from "Cruys-Straete" in Nord, from the Gaulish word "crodiu", hard... Tell us about any famous CRUISE (or surname variant) you think we should add here. We will get our genealogists to check them out and add them to the list. Thanks! Your email: Please enter the famous CRUISE roughly when they were alive/Date of birth/Date of death: Join the conversation with the CRUISE tribe Find your CRUISE ancestor Tell us about your CRUISE Family Tell us about your CRUISE ancestors Ask a question about the CRUISE history Leave a message for CRUISE family members (Part 1 of 3) The Cruise name is from the British Isles, but its origin according to DNA is from the north-west coast of the Emerald Island. The Cruise story [dominated by DNA tribal marker R1b-L513, Subgroup A1] can trace their origins to the Finn Valley in Donegal, Ireland from 50 BCE. Perhaps the journey begins with the Clanna Dedad; Deda, son of Sen or Deda Mac Sin. The Cruise surname origin is from a Northern Ui Neill [R1b-L513] tribe. The Cenél Eoghan and the tribes of Donegal conquered much of Ulster (Derry and Tyrone). (Part 2 of 3) Cenél Eoghan will expand across northern Ireland with their cousins Cenél Conaill and the Northern Ui Neill between 500-800 BCE. The clans of Finn Valley have the same DNA as people from Gwened in Brittany. But how could this be? Recent discoveries from DNA testing are unlocking the migration patterns of Celtic tribes as late as 800 CE to 1200 CE. The Cruise story begins in pre-history Ireland then moves to Scotland as they form part of the Dalriada. Descendants of their tribe will then travel to Brittany, France during the Dark Ages. Areas of Origin for CRUISE Meath 101 page Dublin 101 page Invite more CRUISE family members! Write an email address and click 'Invite' to share this page with more members of the CRUISE tribe. Discover about where the CRUISE live around the world Show off the CRUISE Family Crest…	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1963
__label__wiki	0.93258	0.93258	The Office Buildings That Welcome Bees Beekeeper Tom 14th February 2016 The Office Buildings That Welcome Bees2016-02-14T18:47:52+01:00 Bees in towns and cities, News, World News No Comment #Bees emerge from a hive on the roof of the Taj hotel in Boston. Boston’s Best Bees Co. has installed honeybee hives atop hundreds of commercial properties around the country If you’ve ever wondered where bees go during the winter, wonder no more. “They stay inside and cuddle and eat honey,” says #bee scientist Noah Wilson-Rich. Mr. Wilson-Rich, 33, runs Best Bees Co., an urban-#beekeeping venture based in Boston that installs and manages honeybee hives on buildings around the country. Bees have their own version of central heating for winter: Thousands of worker bees flex their wing muscles, vibrating as a group around the queen. All that fuzzy friction raises their collective temperature to a balmy 90 degrees Fahrenheit. “The hive will be like Miami on the inside, even if it’s Boston on the outside,” he says. A healthy hive can house as many as 80,000 bees. Mr. Wilson-Rich, who holds a Ph.D. in biology, has been preaching the gospel of #urban beekeeping to commercial-property owners, hotels, universities and audiences at TED conferences. “A 2-foot by 3-foot space is enough for a beehive, and the bees will fly for miles to find flowers,” pollinating local fruit trees and vegetable gardens along the way, he says. So far Best Bees has installed about 800 hives on rooftops in nine cities, usually through contracts with the buildings’ owners. Hives are humming atop the Wells Fargo Center in Denver and the Columbia Center in Seattle, both owned by client Beacon Capital Partners; on the Prudential Center in Boston, owned by Boston Properties; and above Airbnb’s headquarters in San Francisco. Best Bees also offers its clients custom bottling and labeling for honey. Noah Wilson-Rich, chief scientific officer of urban-beekeeping company Best Bees, holds a honeycomb frame from a hive on the roof of the Taj hotel in Boston. Mr. Wilson-Rich, who founded Best Bees in 2010, travels regularly to help with hive issues, take research samples and meet with potential clients. The company has a nationwide staff of 39. He always carries two duffel bags. One holds his beekeeping gear, which includes protective coveralls made of lightweight nylon and a zip-on veil that covers his head and neck. His gloves, made of leather, mesh and canvas, extend to the elbow, and his pants have stirrups that tuck into his boots. He says he gets stung “about six or seven times a week, and for some reason, it’s always on my ankles.” Although he isn’t allergic, he always has hydrocortisone cream and an EpiPen in case other people get stung. Before opening a hive, he calms the bees using a smoker. He fills its small metal drum with leaves, grass or wood chips, lights a fire then blows out the flame. With a billow he pumps a curl of smoke into the hive’s entrance. The smoke interferes with the bees’ antennae receptors, blocking communication, he explains. He carries a set of hive tools—long metal spatulas with a hook at one end—used to pry open the hive’s lid, lift honeycomb frames or cut out diseased sections. He uses a bee brush to gently wipe live bees off the surface of a honeycomb so he can examine it. He usually brings a bottle of seltzer, because beekeeping is sticky business, he says. “Everything is held together with beeswax and honey, and it gets all over,” he says. Sparkling water is a nontoxic way to clean up the mess. On beekeeping days, Mr. Wilson-Rich avoids eating apples, bananas and almonds because the lingering scent can stimulate bees. “They’ll be drawn to my breath or to my face,” he says. In his second duffel bag, Mr. Wilson-Rich carries marketing materials for his business and copies of his 2014 book, “The Bee: A Natural History,” about the deep-rooted connection between people and bees. He is currently on a speaking tour, combining client visits with scheduled talks about beekeeping in urban environments. And he is on a mission to save honeybees. More than 130 U.S. crops, including apples, almonds and oranges, rely on bees for #pollination, worth about $15 billion to the economy, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For the past decade, honeybees have been dying at an alarming rate — about 30% of hives collapse each year, the USDA reports. Scientists are still trying to figure out the cause, with theories ranging from pesticides to disease, stress and lack of nutrition. Mr. Wilson-Rich is researching ways to improve bee health, so he also carries test tubes to collect samples. He believes urban beekeeping is part of the solution. “Anybody who eats fruits and veggies needs bees. We have to protect our pollinators!” he says. He was raised in Connecticut by his mother, after his parents divorced when he was 4. When he was in his 20s, and well on his way to a doctorate in honeybee immunology, his father told him that his grandfather also kept beehives. Mr. Wilson-Rich has few memories of “Grandpa Reg,” who died when he was a child. “But learning that made me feel really spiritual, like there was this connection between us,” he says. These days, the beekeeper has two hives on the porch of his Dorchester, Mass., home. “We use them as cocktail tables,” he says. Hives have only one entrance, so it’s easy to direct honeybees to a desired flight path, he says. “The trick with urban beekeeping is to face the entrance to the wall, so the bees fly up and away from neighbors.” Curated from The Office Buildings That Welcome Bees – WSJ Bee, beekeeping, bees, honey bee, pollination, urban beekeeping « Pesticides toxic to bees still being used in Scotland Northland beekeepers’ group, college form sweet partnership »	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1969
__label__cc	0.689946	0.310054	Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Roman, Jewish, and Christian Perspectives Click here for an updated and complete version of this series. by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts Copyright © 2010 by Mark D. Roberts and Beliefnet Note: You may download this resource at no cost, for personal use, for use in a Christian ministry, or for use in an educational venture, as long as you are not publishing it for sale. All I ask is that you give credit to this website: //www.beliefnet.com/columnists//markdroberts/. For all other uses, please contact me at mark@markdroberts.com. Thank you. As we approach the season of Lent, and then Holy Week and Easter, I propose to consider the question: “Why did Jesus have to die?” At the outset, I must say that this isn’t an easy question to answer for several reasons. Let me mention three. First, when it comes to the death of Jesus, we’re dealing with an historical event concerning which we have limited historical sources. We don’t have some of the sources that would make our task much easier, the diary of Pontius Pilate, for example, or notes from the proceedings of the Jewish council that examined Jesus prior to his crucifixion. Therefore, when I try to explain why Pilate or certain Jewish leaders believed that Jesus had to die, I’ll have to extrapolate from the evidence that is available to us. I do believe, however, that this evidence, both in the New Testament Gospels and in other ancient sources, is strong enough to allow us to formulate likely hypotheses concerning Roman and Jewish motivations for the crucifixion of Jesus. Second, the question of why Jesus was put to death is a matter of considerable scholarly disagreement. For centuries it was common to put all the blame on “the Jews.” But the horror of the Holocaust combined with new historical insights has led scholars in almost completely the opposite direction. Many claim that “the Jews,” even Jewish leaders, had little or nothing to do with the death of Jesus. In my opinion, as you’ll see, the pendulum that had once swung way too far in the direction of “the Jews” has now swung too far back in the opposite “Romans only” direction. I’ll have more to say about this later. I should add at this point that I am aware of the shameful history of anti-Semitism and the danger of anti-Semitism that is very much alive today. This does make it tricky to deal with the historical evidence in a straightforward way, because if one concludes that some Jews were somewhat responsible for the death of Jesus, this might fuel anti-Semitic attitudes and actions. So, I will say at the outset that nothing in the historical record justifies hatred of or mistreat of Jews, or any other people, for that matter. Third, there is not one, simple, obvious answer to the question of why Jesus had to die. From a historical point of view, we have to deal with at least two perspectives, Roman and Jewish. In fact, I’ll show that there was more than one Jewish point of view on Jesus’ death. So it is really too simple to speak of “the Jewish perspective” on the necessity of Jesus’ death. Furthermore, historical explanation doesn’t exhaust the realm of discourse when it comes to the reason for Jesus’ death. We also need to deal with the whole area of theology. We’ll want to know why, in light of his understanding of God, Jesus himself believed that he needed to die. Moreover, we must also examine early Christian thinking concerning why Jesus’ death was necessary for the salvation of the world. In the end, therefore, the answer to the simple question “Why did Jesus have to die?” will be anything but simple. It will have multiple layers and nuances. Nevertheless, this is a task well worth the effort, both in the writing and in the reading. No matter what you think about Jesus, you will help yourself and your world if you’re able to discuss his death intelligently. This is especially true given the tendency of this conversation to become terribly anti-Semitic. In a world where hatred of Jews is on the increase, all thoughtful, compassionate human beings need to be informed about just who was responsible for the death of Jesus and why. Finally, if, like me, you believe that the crucifixion of Jesus stands at the very center of history, then knowing why Jesus had to die is just about the most important bit of knowledge you can have. In my next post I’ll lay out some basic parameters for the rest of this series: how I’m going to structure the series and some of the foundational facts upon which I’ll build the structure. Where Do We Start When Considering the Death of Jesus? Some Basic Facts Where should we start in our effort to discover why Jesus had to die? I propose to begin with some basic historical facts, facts that are affirmed by almost every historian and biblical scholar, even those who approach this question from a highly critical and skeptical starting point. So what are these facts: Jesus was crucified. There were many ways in the first-century for a criminal to be put to death, including stoning, beheading, being torn apart by beasts, etc. Yet all the earliest sources attest to the crucifixion of Jesus. These sources include, in addition to the New Testament writings, the Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities 18.3.3, A.D. 95) and the Roman historian Tacitus (Annals 15.44, A.D. 109)(Photo: Painting by El Greco, “The Crucifixion,” 1596-1600)Jesus was crucified during the governorship and under the authority of Pontius Pilate. Once again, this basic fact is confirmed in Josephus and Tacitus in addition to the New Testament. Pilate placed a sign on Jesus’ cross that read “The King of the Jews.” This fact is found in all four New Testament Gospels and in some later non-canonical gospels as well. This “title” helps to explain the nature of the charges against Jesus. Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem on or near the Jewish feast of Passover. Again, all New Testament Gospels agree on these basic facts, and there is every reason to believe that they are accurate (though the precise timing of Jesus’ death in relationship to Passover is hard to pin down). These basic facts, though apparently obvious and unspectacular, will actually prove to be very helpful as we try to figure out the reasons for Jesus’ death. As I mentioned in my previous post, the question “Why did Jesus have to die?” doesn’t have a simple answer. I propose to address this question from four different perspectives: • Roman: Why did Pontius Pilate think Jesus had to die?• Jewish: Why did some Jewish leaders think Jesus had to die? • Jesus: Why did Jesus himself think that he had to die? • Early Christian: Why did early Christians think Jesus had to die? In my next post I’ll begin with the Roman perspective. Why Did Jesus Have to Die? The Roman Perspective, Part 1 The fact that Jesus was crucified rather than stoned, hanged, or killed in some other way means that the Romans were ultimately responsible for his death. Of course this is clear in the biblical gospels. But even if we lacked such primary sources, the simple fact that a man was crucified in Jerusalem around A.D. 30 implies that, for some reason or other, he was condemned by Roman authorities. Jews in the first-century A.D. didn’t crucify people. This horrible means of execution was the prerogative of the Romans, who used it with chilling effect. The Roman Practice of Crucifixion If we want to know why a Roman authority, in this case, the prefect Pontius Pilate, would choose to crucify someone, we might look first at the Roman practice of crucifixion in general. Although Rome didn’t invent this means of execution, the nation perfected it as one of the most horrible means of putting criminals to death. In fact, not all Roman convicts sentenced to death were crucified. Crucifixion was reserved for the lowest of the low, and most of all for those who openly opposed Roman power. Commit a serious crime and Rome might cut off your head; rebel against Roman rule or upset Roman peace and you might be headed to a cross. I say “might be” because Roman citizens were protected from crucifixion, unless they happened to be treasonous soldiers. (Photo: The Via Appia in Rome. When the slave Spartacus led a rebellion against Rome in 73-71 B.C., the Romans finally prevailed. They crucified 6,000 men, stringing them along the Via Appia for 120 miles, from Rome to Capua.) Why was crucifixion so horrible? For one thing, the victim experienced some of the most extreme pain that a person can experience and the duration of suffering often lasted several days. But, even beyond personal suffering, the crucified person experienced extreme shame in a world that valued honor supremely. Contrary to most portrayals of Jesus’ death, those sentenced to crucifixion were naked when attached to the cross, in full view of the masses. The Romans made every effort to crucify people in public places, such as along major thoroughfares. The point was to augment the dishonor and suffering of the one being killed, not to mention his family and colleagues. (It seems, by the way, that the Romans did not crucify women.) As the Roman rhetorician Quintilian explained, “Whenever we crucify the guilty, the most crowded roads are chosen, where most people can see and be moved by this fear. For penalties relate not so much to retribution as to their exemplary effect” (Quintilian, Declamations 274). Thus the point of crucifixion was not only punishment, but also deterrence. Not surprisingly, the Romans crucified Jews when they rebelled against imperial rule. I’ll examine a couple of telling instances in my next post. The Roman Perspective, Part 2 In my last post I began to examine the Roman practice of crucifixion, arguing that if we want to understand why a Roman governor had Jesus crucified, we should first understand why Rome used crucifixion in general. What we discovered was that crucifixion, in addition to being an extremely horrific punishment of criminals, was thought to be an effective deterrent against sedition. “Watch someone get crucified for challenging our authority,” the Romans believed, “and you’ll be unlikely to challenge our authority yourself.” If you’ve seen The Passion of the Christ, you can certainly understand Roman logic here. Crucifixion was cruel beyond cruel. Roman Crucifixion Among the Jews Even the threat of crucifixion didn’t completely squelch attempts to overthrow Roman rule, however, least of all among the Jews. Shortly after the death of Herod the Great in 4 B.C., thousands of Jews sought to toss the Romans out of Judea. Of course the Romans didn’t take kindly to this, sending an army to squash the rebellion. When the rebels fled into the country, the Roman general Varus pursued them. The first-century Jewish historian Josephus describes what happened next: Upon this, Varus sent a part of his army into the country, to seek out those that had been the authors of the revolt; and when they were discovered, he punished some of them that were most guilty, and some he dismissed: now the number of those that were crucified on this account were two thousand. (Antiquities 17.10.10) Two thousand rebels crucified at one time! Now that would surely give restless Jews second thoughts before challenging Roman tyranny again. (Photo: The Arch of Titus in Rome, which celebrates the Roman victory over the Jews in A.D. 70.) Seven decades later, thousands upon thousands of Jews revolted against Roman rule. For a short time they appeared to have prevailed. But, once again, Rome sent a superior military force to Judea. Soon the Jews were trapped in Jerusalem, surrounded by the Roman army besieging the city. Recognizing their hopeless condition, some Jews actually tried to escape, but to no avail. According to Josephus, when they were caught, “they were first whipped, and then tormented with all sorts of tortures before they died, and were then crucified before the wall of the city” (Jewish War, 5.11.1). This happened to at least 500 people daily, according to Josephus. So disgusting was the mass torture of Jewish prisoners that even the Roman General Titus felt pity on them. But he let the brutality continue. Why? Josephus explains: “The main reason why he did not forbid that cruelty was this, that he hoped the Jews might perhaps yield at that sight, out of fear lest they might themselves afterwards be liable to the same cruel treatment” (Jewish War, 5.11.1). To conclude what we have learned about Romans and crucifixion, Rome reserved crucifixion for the worst of criminals, especially for those who stirred up rebellion against the state. Because the point of crucifixion, beyond punishment, was deterrence, crosses were placed in public places so people would learn to fear the wrath of Rome. When Jews challenged Roman authority, they, like others rebels against Rome, were crucified if caught. But is this relevant of the case of Jesus? Did Jesus challenge Roman authority such that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea in the time of Jesus, believed he must be crucified? Does what we have learned about Roman crucifixion help to explain Jesus’ own death? To these questions I’ll turn in my next post. Introduction to Pontius Pilate If we’re going to understand the Roman perspective on the death of Jesus, we need to know something of the Roman man who was legally responsible for his crucifixion: Pontius Pilate. Traditionally, Pilate has been seen by Christians in relatively positive terms, as one who really didn’t want to crucify Jesus but who did so because he was compelled to by the Jewish leaders and crowds. This image of Pilate, that seems to emerge from the New Testament gospels, doesn’t fit with what we know about Pontius Pilate from historical sources, including the gospels themselves. Let me survey this evidence briefly. Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea from 26-37 A.D. An inscription discovered in the ruins of a Roman theater in Caesarea reveals that Pilate’s official Roman title was “prefect” (Latin, praefectus). In this role he was ultimately responsible for all matters in Judea, including judicial and financial affairs. Pilate governed from the provincial capital of Judea, Caesarea (Maratima), a city on the Mediterranean coast, about 75 miles northwest of Jerusalem. He would make the trip to Jerusalem only when necessary. Pilate was accountable to the governor of Syria, through whom he was ultimately subservient to the Roman Emperor. (Photo: This inscription identifies Pontius Pilate as the [Praef]ectus Iuda[eae]). Pilate does not figure prominently in first-century Roman histories, a fact that suggests that he was a relatively insignificant leader. Moreover, the assignment to govern Judea was no plum, and some of those who served in Pilate’s position were known to complain about it. Not only was it potentially a dead-end job, but also it was fraught with complications. The complications had largely to do with what the Romans would see as the peculiarities and propensities of the Jews. The peculiarities were, by and large, Jewish religious sensibilities that put them at odds with Roman norms. Jews, for example, did not follow the Roman model in welcoming all sorts of gods into their pantheon. On the contrary, Jews would die for their belief in one and only one God. Jewish propensities had to do with general unrest and fairly regular attempts by some Jews to rebel against Roman rule. When one became prefect of Judea, one could expect trouble. Pilate’s inability (or unwillingness) to respect Jewish sensibilities is seen in an event recorded by the Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities 18.3.1). Unlike previous governors, when Pilate took charge, he brought images of Caesar into Jerusalem in order to display them. This enraged the Jewish population, who took this as a violation of their law and as an insult. Multitudes of people traveled to Caesarea in order to ask Pilate to remove the images. At first he refused and, when the petitioners persisted, he was prepared to kill them. But when they showed themselves willing to die rather than have their laws violated, Pilate finally relented. In another instance when he offended Jewish sensibilities, Pilate did not show mercy, and those who protested were slaughtered by soldiers under Pilate’s command (Antiquities, 18.3.2). The New Testament actually confirms this picture of a cruel Pilate. In Luke 13:1 we read, “At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.” We don’t know anything else about this incident. But it appears that, for some reason, Pilate killed some Galileans who had come to the Jerusalem temple in order to offer sacrifices to God. Yet, not only did Pilate have them killed, he also had their own blood mingled with the blood of the animals they had sacrificed. Talk about adding insult to injury! The first-century Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria once wrote a letter to Caesar, in which, among other things, he complained about the harshness of Pontius Pilate. Philo blames Pilate explicitly for: “briberies, insults, robberies, outrages, wanton injustices, constantly repeated executions without trial, and ceaseless and grievous cruelty.” (Legatio ad Gaium, 301-302). Even granting Philo’s bias against Pilate, this text doesn’t reflect well upon Pilate’s governorship. In the end, he was removed from office by the Syrian governor, Vitellius, though we don’t know exactly why. But what about the image of Pilate as the reflective leader who is reticent to kill Jesus, and who even converses with Jesus about the nature of truth? I’ll address this picture in greater detail later. But for now, I’d simply observe that the gospel accounts of Jesus’ trial can be read as confirming the negative image of Pilate. Pilate’s ultimate responsibility was to oversee Judean affairs, to squash outright rebellion, to keep the tax money flowing to Rome, and, in general, to preserve the fragile peace of the region. And it is this, which, above all, seemed to be at risk when Jesus came to Jerusalem around the feast of Passover. In my next post in this series I’ll examine the peculiar dynamics of Jerusalem in the time of the festival. As I explained in my last post, Pontius Pilate, the prefect of Judea during the time of Jesus, governed his territory from Caesarea, a city on the Mediterranean sea about 75 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Immediate authority over Jerusalem itself he had delegated to Caiaphas, whom Pilate had appointed high priest of the Jewish temple. Pilate and the Danger of Passover But, each year during his tenure in Judea, Pilate journeyed to Jerusalem in the spring. He wanted to be in this city during the Jewish celebration of Passover. It’s not that he had any fondness for the Jews and their rituals. Rather, Pilate needed to be in Jerusalem at this time to preserve order. He didn’t trust Caiaphas with such an important task at such a volatile time. The Passover was, after all, a festival in which Jews remembered how God had delivered them from foreign domination. During the celebration of the Passover meal they not only thanked God for his deliverance in the past, but also prayed for him to do so again. Thus the Passover itself could easily inspire anti-Roman feelings, if not outright rebellion. Moreover, the population of Jerusalem swelled greatly during the festival. Though it’s difficult to determine precisely the population of Jerusalem during the time of Roman rule, 35,000 wouldn’t be too far off base. During the Passover, however, this number swelled by a figure of ten or more. Josephus reports that 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 people gathered in the city for the festival (Jewish War, 2.14.3, 6.9.3). While most scholars believe that Josephus exaggerated, his estimates testify to the large number of pilgrims who came to Jerusalem for Passover. A more conservative estimate would be in the 300,000-400,000 range. Pilate knew that crowds of Jews jammed together in a small area was a formula for disaster. (Photo: A picture of a crowd in Jerusalem, gathered by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 1989.) Given the themes of Passover and the massive temporary population of Jerusalem, it’s easy to see why Pilate felt it necessary to come to the city and why he would have done so with trepidation. Pilate was well aware of the fact that Jerusalem was a powder keg ready to blow during Passover. In fact, Josephus, talking about an earlier ruler who had tyrannized the Jews, mentions that “the nation of the Jews made an insurrection against him at a festival; for at those feasts seditions are generally begun” (Jewish War, 1.4.3, emphasis added). Pilate didn’t come to Jerusalem unprepared. To help keep the peace, he brought with him a few thousand Roman soldiers from Syria. But, even then, the odds would not be in his favor if the Jews decided to stir up rebellion, since the soldiers were outnumbered by a factor of at least one hundred to one. Given the tenuous peace of Jerusalem, Pilate must have been greatly distressed by early reports about Jesus’ actions in Jerusalem. This popular prophet from Nazareth had been welcomed into the city by a crowd of his followers who hailed him as a conquering king. Then, Jesus created a ruckus in the Jewish temple, even prohibiting sacrifices from being offered for several hours. So, while Pilate might have smirked to think of the distress this had given Caiaphas, nevertheless he’d be worried. What was Jesus’ agenda? What had he come to Jerusalem to do? Was he seditious? Was he fomenting rebellion against Rome? Pilate’s initial strategy was to watch and wait. Maybe, just maybe, he’d be lucky, and the Passover would conclude without incident. Then Jesus would go back to Galilee where he came from, and Pilate would return to Caesarea, where he could govern Judea a safe distance away from the time bomb of Jerusalem. Pilate’s hopes for an uneventful Passover were dashed when, early on Friday morning, the problem posed by Jesus of Nazareth exploded in his face. In my next post, I’ll examine more closely Pilate’s interaction with Jesus and his accusers. In my last two posts in this series on the death of Jesus, I offered a picture of Pontius Pilate and described the unique dangers he faced in Jerusalem during the Jewish celebration of Passover. In light of this background, today I’ll examine the biblical account of Pilate’s interaction with Jewish leaders. Pilate’s Encounter with Jesus and the Jewish Leaders Early on Friday morning, after Jesus of Nazareth had entered Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate was awakened by a group of Jewish leaders who had brought Jesus to him with the intention of having Jesus crucified. They accused Jesus of “perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king” (Luke 23:2). When Pilate questioned Jesus, the accused was strangely quiet. Finally the governor cut to the chase. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked. “You say so,” was all Jesus said in reply (Luke 23:3). When Pilate mentioned to the Jewish leaders that their charges against Jesus weren’t persuasive, they added, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place” (Luke 23:5). It’s likely that this was not news to Pilate, who had probably been following the unusual exploits of Jesus for some time. Roman governors kept an eye out for Jewish prophets who announced the coming of God’s kingdom. (Photo: Mihály Munkácsy, Christ in front of Pilate, 1881.) Once the Jewish leaders had brought Jesus to Pilate, the question of his fate lay in the governor’s hands. Certainly he could follow the recommendation of the leaders, including the high priest, Caiaphas, whom he had appointed. But killing Jesus had a considerable downside. Pilate was surely aware of Jesus’ popularity among the people. He might even have known before Friday that the Jewish leaders were trying to do away with Jesus, but were reticent to do so because he was so popular with the people. Killing Jesus might well have incited the people to riot (Mark 14:2), something neither the Jewish officials nor Pilate would have wanted. If Pilate were perceived by the people as the one responsible for the death of their popular prophet, then he might end up causing a ruckus or even a revolt that could very well lead to his own downfall. Yet Pilate would surely have preferred to get Jesus out of the way somehow. Though he was not seditious in the ordinary sense – Jesus carried no weapons, organized no army, and had not assaulted any Roman authorities – nevertheless the Nazarene was clearly a rabble-rouser from Pilate’s point of view. And even if he didn’t explicitly espouse the overthrow of Rome, he certainly flirted with the seditious language of kingship. Two other factors contributed to Pilate’s reticence to execute Jesus. First, his interaction with Jesus convinced him that the Galilean was no ordinary insurrectionist. It’s hard to reconstruct from the Gospel accounts exactly what Pilate thought of Jesus. If he truly believed him to be innocent and no threat to Rome, then it’s unlikely that he would have had Jesus crucified. But, Pilate must have seen that Jesus was in a completely different league from the others he had crucified. (Of course I’m aware that Christian tradition paints Pilate as a truth-seeker who genuinely believes in Jesus’ innocence. But this image doesn’t fit what we know about Pilate from history, not to mention the indisputable fact that Pilate himself was, in the end, responsible for Jesus’ death. It’s very hard to imagine that Pilate was bullied, either by Jewish leaders or by the mob, into doing something that he really didn’t want to do. I believe that many of the statements in the gospels that seem to reflect the “noble Pilate” were in fact originally spoken by the governor in order to incite the Jews to accept greater responsibility for Jesus’ death, thus exonerating Pilate in the eyes of the people. Or, in other cases, I believe Pilate’s tone was ironic or sarcastic. When he asked Jesus, “What is truth?” Pilate wasn’t beginning a philosophical dialogue, but simply mocking Jesus, who had just spoken of “belonging to the truth” (John 18:37-38). The second factor that contributed to Pilate’s reticence to execute Jesus was a recommendation from his wife that he should “have nothing to do with” Jesus. Pilate’s wife claimed to have “suffered a great deal because of a dream about him” (Matthew 27:19). Pilate, like most pagans, was in all likelihood quite superstitious, and his wife’s nightmare would have spooked him as well. From Pilate’s perspective, what would have been the best outcome of this whole mess? Somehow get Jesus to stop causing trouble, but without inciting the people to riot. If silencing Jesus required his death, then so be it, but let it be someone else’s fault other than Pilate’s. If Jesus could be shut down by some other means – like flogging – then this would also be an acceptable option. In my next post I’ll finish explaining the necessity of Jesus’ death from the Roman perspective of Pontius Pilate. In my last post I began to describe Pontius Pilate’s predicament on the Friday morning after Jesus had entered Jerusalem. The problematic prophet had been brought to Pilate by several Jewish leaders who demanded that he be crucified. But, for reasons I outlined previously, Pilate was reticent. Most of all, he didn’t want to incite the crowds who had gathered in Jerusalem for Passover. Silencing Jesus was a fine idea, but, from Pilate’s perspective, it had to be done in a why that protected him from the wrath of the Jewish people. Pilate’s Decision to Have Jesus Crucified Pilate tried passing the buck. He told the Jewish leaders to judge Jesus themselves, but they averred that they couldn’t execute him (John 18:31-32). He said, perhaps sarcastically, that they should go ahead and crucify him themselves (John 19:6-7), even though Pilate knew that crucifixion was legal only under Roman authority. At one point during the “trial” of Jesus, Pilate tried to pass the buck to Herod Antipas, who, as Tetrarch over Galilee, had the legal right to put Jesus to death. But Herod didn’t grab the bait. Instead, he used his meeting with Jesus as an occasion to mock him (Luke 23:6-12). (Photo: Nicolaes Maes, “Christ Before Pilate,” c. 1670.) When the responsibility for Jesus’ fate fell back upon Pilate’s shoulders, he preferred to take the course of least resistance: have Jesus flogged, which would surely silence him for a while, and which, Pilate hoped, would keep the people from going on a rampage. But many of the Jewish leaders, combined with a mob that gathered outside of Pilate’s headquarters, pressed for Jesus’ crucifixion. Three factors seemed to have persuaded Pilate that executing Jesus was the best course of action. First, his reticence to kill Jesus appeared to put his loyalty to the emperor in doubt (John 19:12). Even the slightest appearance of imperial disloyalty could have terminal implications for Pilate. Second, the Jews who had gathered in his courtyard, although a tiny percentage of the current population of Jerusalem, were fervent enough in their desire for Jesus’ death that Pilate believed he could convincingly lay the blame on them. Third, his reticence to crucify Jesus was itself starting to cause a riot, which was the very thing Pilate was attempting to avoid by not executing Jesus (Matt 27:24). So his primary motivation for keeping Jesus alive – maintenance of order – was no longer valid. Jesus had to die. In sentencing Jesus to death, Pilate revealed himself to be devious, if not spineless. He sent Jesus to the cross. The responsibility for this decision was his – at least from a legal-historical point of view. Yet when announcing Jesus’ fate, Pilate tried to avoid taking responsibility for his action. Symbolically washing his hands in front of the crowd, he said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood” (Matthew 27:24). Of course this wasn’t true. No matter now much others might have urged Pilate to take Jesus’ life, in the end, he and he alone had the authority to make that fateful decision. The fact that Pilate had Jesus crucified strongly suggests that he saw Jesus as a threat to Roman order. Though not your ordinary brigand or revolutionary, Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God (not Caesar) and accepted adulation as a messianic (kingly) figure. Moreover, even if his answers to Pilate were minimal, Jesus didn’t reject the charge that he claimed to be king of the Jews. So, even though Jesus wasn’t your run-of-the-mill Zealot, he was still the sort of person who was dangerous to Rome, and was therefore worthy of death, at least from the Roman point of view. Pilate’s legal justification for crucifying Jesus appeared on the sign attached to Jesus’ cross: “The King of the Jews.” The wording and placement of this sign tells us much about Pilate’s ultimate motivation for killing Jesus. On the one hand, Jesus was being crucified because he dared to make a claim to kingship. On the other, by identifying the crucified Jesus as “King of the Jews,” Pilate was mocking Jesus, the Jewish people, and their kingdom aspirations – all in one ironic statement. In a manner consistent with what we know about Pilate from other sources, he was saying, “Here you go, you Jews. Here is your king – beaten to a pulp, powerless, a victim of superior Roman power.” Furthermore, by crucifying Jesus, Pilate also held him up as a persuasive deterrent: “Next time you think about having someone other than Caesar as your king, remember the crucifixion of Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Why Did Jesus Have to Die? The Roman Perspective: Conclusion From a Roman perspective, why did Jesus have to die? • Because he disturbed Roman order. • Because he spoke seditiously of a coming kingdom other than that of Caesar. • Because he allowed himself to be called “King of the Jews.” • Because he made a nuisance of himself at the wrong time (Passover), in the wrong place (Jerusalem), in the presence of the wrong people (Pilate and the temple leadership under his command). • Because his crucifixion would be a powerful deterrent that might keep other Jews from following in his footsteps. In my next post I’ll begin to look at the death of Jesus from one Jewish perspective. One Jewish Perspective, Part 1 Placing This Conversation in Context Before I proceed to discuss one Jewish perspective on the necessity of Jesus’ death, I must say a bit about the contemporary context for this conversation. For centuries, many Christians hated Jews. Part of the Christians’ justification for their hatred was their belief that “the Jews killed Christ.” Even though Jesus himself had called his followers to love their enemies, somehow the belief that “the Jews killed Christ” justified a very un-Christ-like hatred of all Jews. This sort of twisted reasoning contributed to the unspeakable horror of the Holocaust, in which over six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis. The ugly history of anti-Semitism makes it difficult to talk objectively about Jewish involvement in the death of Jesus. If one suggests that some Jews were in some way responsible for Jesus’ death, this person runs the risk of being labeled anti-Semitic. When I was in graduate school, I was encouraged to ask all sorts of creative and critical questions about early Christian history. But when it came to the death of Jesus, there was an unspoken rule that prohibited even discussing the possibility of some Jewish responsibility for the death of Jesus. The party line was that the Romans killed Jesus for their own reasons and that the early Christians made up the parts of the passion narrative that implicate Jews. The Christians did so, we were told, partly because they weren’t getting along with Jews during the latter half of the first-century A.D., and partly because they wanted to improve their relationship with the Roman Empire. This theory – filled with more holes than Swiss cheese – was something my colleagues and I were not welcome to examine critically. It was simply off limits. The painful history of anti-Semitism required that the history of early Christianity be told in a certain way, whether it actually happened that way or not. (Photo: Anti-Semitic graffiti in Lithuania in 2005.) Therefore, before I discuss Jewish involvement in the death of Jesus, I must say three things quite clearly: 1. Anti-Semitism is wrong. From a Christian perspective, it is a sin. No matter who was actually responsible for the death of Jesus, there is no excuse for anti-Semitism. It’s something that Christians and all sensible people should oppose. 2. Even if “the Jews” were completely responsible for Jesus’ death (which I’ve already shown to be false, given the involvement of Pontius Pilate), this would in no way justify anti-Semitism today. 3. Even if a Christian considered “the Jews” to be his or her enemies, that Christian would be compelled by the very words of Jesus to love the Jews, not to hate them. 4. Anti-Semitism is alive and well today (or, alive and sick, perhaps). All moral people, including Christians, should reject and oppose it. Anti-Semitism is morally wrong, unjustifiable, and unchristian. As you can infer from this introduction, I am going to argue that some Jews were involved in the crucifixion of Jesus, and that they believed that Jesus had to die. But, I think it’s historically incorrect to speak of “The Jewish Perspective” on the necessity of Jesus’ death. If we wish to be accurate, we must talk in terms of “One Jewish Perspective” on the question: “Why did Jesus have to die?” I’ll explain what I mean in my next post. Why “One” Jewish Perspective? As a young Christian, I had a clear picture of what happened to Jesus in the last week of his life. This picture resulted from my knowledge of the Gospels, and, to a great extent, from images I had seen in Sunday School booklets and filmstrips. My mind had been impressed with scenes of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, of his “trial” before Pilate, and of his being assaulted by Jewish leaders. These images led me to believe that Jerusalem in the time of Jesus was a relatively small town inhabited by a relatively small number of Jews, and that the same Jews who had welcomed Jesus into town as a king on Sunday had turned against him on Friday. From my juvenile viewpoint, “the Jews” of Jerusalem had, as a single group, both hailed Jesus and then condemned him. Since only a few close disciples supported Jesus until the bitter end, it would have seemed appropriate to me to speak of “the” Jewish perspective on why Jesus had to die. (Photo: Jesus on Palm Sunday in a classic film version of his life. For the other side of the story, check out this video from Vintage 21 Church.) I no longer believe that my youthful picture of Jesus’ last week was historically accurate, though I do believe that the New Testament Gospels provide historically reliable viewpoints on what really happened that week. For one thing, the actual scale of life in Jerusalem was far greater than anything I had imagined. As I explained earlier in this series, it’s likely that the normal population of Jerusalem in the time of Jesus was around 35,000. But during the festival of Passover the population swelled to eight or ten times that number, perhaps even more. This means, among other things, that a tiny percentage of the overall population of Jerusalem actually welcomed Jesus into the city on Palm Sunday or called for his crucifixion early on Good Friday. Since scholars cannot agree on the precise location of Pilate’s headquarters, we cannot say definitively how many people might have gathered in his courtyard to call for Jesus’ death. This number is probably less than 500, possibly quite a bit less. What this means, therefore, is that something like .2% of the Jews in Jerusalem were demonstrably eager to have Jesus crucified. But, one might object, perhaps this tiny percentage represented the majority. This objection is unlikely for three reasons: First, we know from the Gospels that Jesus was, for the most part, very popular among the masses (for example, Matt 4:25; 8:1; 9:8; 12:15; 13:2; 14:14; 15:30; 20:29; 21:8).Second, we also know that the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem who wanted to have Jesus killed hesitated precisely because Jesus was so popular among the masses there (Matt 21:46). Nothing in the Gospel records suggests that this popularity ended magically by Good Friday. Third, in fact the Gospel records suggest that large numbers of Jews were deeply distressed by the death of Jesus. For example, as Jesus was walking along the Via Dolorosa, Luke tells us that “A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him” (Luke 23:27). Then, after Jesus was crucified, the crowds who “saw what had taken place, . . . returned home, beating their breasts” (Luke 24:48). In other words, vast numbers of Jews were horrified by the death of Jesus. Thus it’s historically accurate to speak, not of “the” Jewish perspective on the necessity of Jesus’ death, but of several diverse Jewish perspectives. It’s quite likely that the majority of Jews in Jerusalem did not want Jesus killed at all. But the perspective that had greatest impact on the fate of Jesus was that of Caiaphas and other principal leaders of Jerusalem. This is the “one” perspective I’ll begin to examine in my next post. The Perspective of Jewish Leaders in Jerusalem Although the majority of Jews in Jerusalem may not have wanted Jesus to die, or may have had no opinion either way, some of the most influential Jews did see Jesus’ death as necessary. All four New Testament Gospels testify to the key role of the “chief priests” and other Jewish leaders in the effort to have Jesus crucified. The chief priests included the high priest Caiaphas, who was appointed by Pilate, and other priests who provided leadership, not only for the temple, but also for all religious and civic affairs in Jerusalem. Some other learned and powerful Jewish leaders joined with the chief priests in the effort to silence Jesus once and for all. Although not providing specific names or titles, the first-century Jewish historian Josephus concurs with what we find in the New Testament. In his Jewish Antiquities, Josephus devotes a short section to the antics of Pontius Pilate. In this context the historian writes that Pilate, “at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us,” had Jesus “condemned to the cross” (Antiquities 18.3.3). Unfortunately Josephus does not explain why these “principal men,” presumably the chief priests and other leaders, had it in for Jesus. Why did leading Jews in Jerusalem believe it was necessary for Jesus to die? Part of the answer to this question comes from the Gospel of John, in a scene where a group of Jewish leaders was debating the problem of Jesus’ problematic popularity. “If we let him go on like this,” they said, “everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation” (John 11:48). Jesus was stirring up the people with his message of God’s kingdom and with his mighty deeds, and he wasn’t the first to walk down this perilous road. Others had done so before him and the result hadn’t been good for the Jews. Inevitably the Romans swept into Judea with their armies, slaughtering some, crucifying others, and taking still others into slavery. They had no hesitation about destroying an entire city if only some its residents had challenged Roman authority. So it would be logical for Jewish leaders to fear that Jesus might indeed bring down Roman wrath upon both the temple and the nation. (Photo: The ruins of a theatre in Sepphoris in Galilee. Shortly after Jesus was born, a man named Judas led a makeshift militia in a successful assault against the royal palace. Of course Rome didn’t wink at Judas and his gang. Ultimately the Roman army recaptured Sepphoris, taking all of its residents as slaves and burning the city to the ground. (See my book Jesus Revealed, p. 104) Ruins of the coliseum at Sepphoris In the midst of this debate about the problem of Jesus, John records the counsel of the high priest, Caiaphas: “You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed” (John 11:50). Since Caiaphas did not believe that Jesus fit the job description of God’s messiah, and since he shared with his colleagues the fear of Roman reprisals against the Jews, his argument made sense. Better that Jesus should die than the whole nation be destroyed. When Caiaphas and his cohort finally captured Jesus and brought him to Pilate so that he might be crucified, their accusations touched upon several ways he was endangering the Jewish people. “We found this man perverting our nation,” they said, “forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king” (Luke 23:2). When Pilate was underwhelmed, they added, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place” (Luke 23:5). In other words, Jesus was both undermining orderly Roman rule (forbidding taxes, claiming to be king, stirring up the people) and seducing the Jewish people to abandon their religious commitments (keeping the Sabbath, offering sacrifices in the temple, separating themselves from “sinners”). Although we Christians may want to argue that these accusations were false, it’s easy to see how, from the perspective of the Jewish leaders, they appeared to be true, dangerously true. Moreover, we find in Jewish sources basic confirmation of what Luke puts upon the lips of the leaders. In the Babylonian Talmud (a fifth-century collection of earlier Jewish oral traditions), we read the following: There is a tradition: They hanged Yeshu on the Sabbath of the Passover. But for forty days before that a herald went in front of him (crying), “Yeshu is to be stoned because he practiced sorcery and seduced Israel and led them astray from God”. (b. Sanhedrin 43a) Although the details don’t fit perfectly with the New Testament accounts, the charges against Jesus confirm what we have already seen. Jesus was said to “practice sorcery,” which is how his miracles would have appeared to his opponents, and which explains his ability to arouse the people. He also “seduced Israel and led them astray from God.” How similar this is to the charges in Luke 23, where Jesus was said to have perverted the nation and stirred up the people. The concerns of Jewish leaders and their desire to get rid of him would probably not have come to fruition except for something Jesus did to provoke their concerted effort to have him crucified. I’ll examine this action in my next post. The “Crime” of Jesus My last post in this series focused on the reasons why some Jewish leaders in Jerusalem believed that it was necessary for Jesus to die. The bottom line? He was a threat to their conception of faith and national life, indeed, to the very existence of the Jewish people. If left unchecked, Jesus would either pervert the Jewish nation with his peculiar notions of the kingdom of God, or he would bring down the wrath of Rome upon Judea, leading to its destruction. Either way, Jesus needed to be taken out of the game – permanently. The concerns of the Jewish leaders, however pressing they might have been, would probably not have been enough to bring about Jesus’ execution except for something Jesus himself did, something shocking, unexpected, and utterly unacceptable from the perspective of the Jewish leaders. I’m speaking of his activity in the temple, that which Christians call “the cleansing of the temple.” Here’s Mark’s account of this scandalous action: Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” (Mark 11:15-17) How did the Jewish leaders respond to Jesus’ action? “And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him” (Mark 11:18). Why was Jesus’ behavior in the temple worthy of death? First of all, he was suggesting that the current state of the temple was unacceptable and that the temple leadership – the chief priests – were unworthy of respect. They were like a bunch of robbers. Model of the temple in Jerusalem. Photo with permission of holylandphotos.org. Second, Jesus actually prohibited the crucial function of the temple: the offering of sacrifices. From the point of view of the priests, he was keeping the Jewish people from worshipping God in the way God had prescribed – a serious if not a capital offense. Third, Jesus’ activity in the temple was consistent with his earlier actions, whereby he implied that the temple was no longer necessary. If Jesus himself could forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12), then why bother with the temple? Thus Jesus was saying to a temple-centered religion: The very center of your relationship with God is wrong. Such a critique would not be taken lightly by those who embraced a temple-centered Judaism. But it wasn’t only what Jesus did in the temple that provoked a negative response from the leaders, but also what he said. You see, by referring to the temple as a “den of robbers,” Jesus was doing far more than insulting the chief priests. He was actually quoting from the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 7, the prophet condemned the tendency of Israel to put their faith in the existence of the temple. Many in Jeremiah’s day believed that they could do all sorts of evil deeds without fear of punishment because God’s temple was in their midst. The temple was their spiritual safety net, so to speak. But God was neither fooled nor pleased. So, through Jeremiah the Lord prophesied, Here you are, trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, “We are safe!” – only to go on doing all these abominations? Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight? . . . And now, because you have done all these things, says the LORD, . . . therefore I will do to the house that is called by my name . . . just what I did to Shiloh. (Jer 7:8-14) And what did the Lord do to Shiloh? He destroyed it and the tabernacle it once housed (Psalm 78:60). In the day of Jeremiah, the people had turned the temple into a “den of robbers,” a place of supposed safety for those who did evil deeds out in the world. For this reason, God promised to destroy the temple, which he did in 586 B.C. Similarly, by quoting from Jeremiah 7 as he overturned the tables in the temple, Jesus implied that the same judgment applied in his day. Those who took refuge in the temple could not presume to be safe. God was about to destroy the temple because of the sin of the people, even as he had done to Shiloh and to the first temple in Jerusalem. Thus Jesus’ action in the temple, combined with his words, not only insulted and upset the chief priests, but also conveyed God’s judgment upon the temple itself. This crime against the temple could not be tolerated, as far as its leaders were concerned. Jesus, the blasphemous criminal, deserved, not only to be silenced, but also to die. In my next post I’ll examine two fascinating parallels that will help us to see that the Jewish leaders who condemned Jesus were acting in ways fully consistent with their predecessors and successors. Right or wrong, they were doing exactly what Jewish leaders in their position had done and would do again. They thought they were defending God’s temple and, indeed, God himself. Jewish Leaders Respond to Offenses Against the Temple In my last post, I suggested that one of the major causes of Jesus’ death was his “cleansing” of the temple. By interrupting the sacrificial system and by quoting Jeremiah’s own condemnation of the temple, Jesus was threatening the very core of Judaism in his day. In the perspective of the Jewish leaders, this would have been blasphemy – speaking against God himself. For those whose experience and viewpoint is far removed from that of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, it may seem that their intended punishment simply doesn’t fit the crime. But, if we look for historical parallels, we find two incidents in which other leaders acted much as did Caiaphas and his associates when dealing with Jesus. Rembrandt van Rijn, "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalam," 1630 The first example comes from the ministry of Jeremiah, some 600 years before Jesus. The Lord told Jeremiah to stand in the Jerusalem temple and speak the following: “If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, and to heed the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently – though you have not heeded – then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth” (Jeremiah 26:4-6). What response did this prophecy spark in the Jewish leaders and others? Sorrow? Repentance? Hardly! In fact, here’s what happened: And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him, saying, “You shall die!” (Jeremiah 26:8) There it is, the same pattern we see in the last days of Jesus: Speak judgment on the temple and the leaders will believe that you need to die. In the case of Jeremiah, however, he insisted that he was only passing on God’s own message, so the people spared his life (Jer 26:12-16). Now jump forward in history more than six centuries, to an incident that occurred about thirty years after the death of Jesus. Curiously enough, this incident involved another man named Jesus, son of Ananus (Hananiah), who came to Jerusalem during a feast an began to cry out “against Jerusalem and the holy house.” According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Jesus’ persistent proclamation of judgment on the temple and city offended “certain of the most eminent among the populace,” which is to say, the leaders of Jerusalem. So, at first they beat Jesus severely. But when this didn’t shut him up, they brought Jesus to the Roman procurator “where he was whipped [flogged] till his bones were laid bare.” When even this didn’t silence Jesus, the procurator dismissed this Jesus as a madman and a nuisance. (The story of this Jesus can be found in Josephus’s Jewish War, 6.5.3.) In this case of Jesus ben Hananiah, the Jewish leaders seem not to have pressed for his crucifixion. Of course, this Jesus didn’t pose the same threat as Jesus of Nazareth once did, nor did he do anything resembling the cleansing of the temple. Yet, merely by proclaiming God’s judgment on the temple, Jesus son of Ananus earned several beatings, including what must have been an almost fatal Roman flogging. And, like Jesus of Nazareth, the Jewish leaders dealt with him, first on their own and then by handing him over to the Roman governor. The experiences of Jeremiah and Jesus ben Hananiah, though different in detail and time period, nevertheless illustrate how Jewish leaders were apt to deal with those who spoke against the temple. They were worthy of severe punishment, if not death. And when the Jewish leaders no longer had the authority to execute someone, they would turn him over to the Roman governor. Thus the actions of Caiaphas and his associates in response to the problem of Jesus of Nazareth reflect the same commitments and tendencies of similar leaders in similar positions. This greatly increases the likelihood that the historical scenario I have been proposing with respect to Jesus of Nazareth is, in fact, accurate. In my next post I’ll sum up what we have learned about “one” Jewish perspective on the necessity of Jesus’ death. Summing Up One Jewish Perspective In the last five posts I’ve been examining “one” Jewish perspective on the necessity of Jesus’ death. Let me briefly summarize my findings, adding some observations along the way. 1. It’s more accurate to speak of “one” Jewish perspective on the necessity of Jesus’ death than to speak of “the” Jewish perspective because not all Jews agreed with the viewpoint of those who conspired to have Jesus crucified. Only a tiny percentage of Jews in Jerusalem were actually involved in the effort to persuade Pilate to execute Jesus. Moreover, the New Testament Gospels attest to the widespread popularity of Jesus among his Jewish contemporaries. “A great number” of those in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ death were horrified by what had happened to him (Luke 23:27). Thus, if anything, the numerically dominant Jewish perspective would have supported Jesus. But those who held power in Jerusalem we able to do what the masses would not have wanted. 2. Some of the leading Jews in Jerusalem, including Caiaphas, the High Priest, sought to have Jesus crucified. Evidence for this comes not only from all four New Testament Gospels, but also from the Jewish historian Josephus. 3. The Jewish leaders who sought to have Jesus crucified believed that his death was necessary for the following reasons: a. By stirring up the people, Jesus was threatening the peace and life of the Jewish people, thus increasing the likelihood that Rome would destroy both Jerusalem and the temple. The death of Jesus would be preferable to the destruction of the nation. b. Jesus “seduced Israel and led them astray from God” (Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 43a). His message and ministry lessened the people’s commitment to living out their Judaism in the way approved of by the Jewish leaders (priests, Pharisees). c. Jesus interrupted the orderly system of sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple, speaking against the temple and its leaders, thus opposing not only the core of Judaism, but God himself. Jesus’ quotation from Jeremiah 7 (“den of robbers”) combined with other things he had said during his ministry clarified his condemnation of the temple – a blasphemous offense. Moreover, he insisted that God was on his side, thus adding blasphemy to blasphemy. d. Jesus presented himself as the Messiah, the one anointed by God to bring divine salvation to Israel. But he failed to do what the Messiah was supposed to do, notably, lead a successful revolt against Rome. Instead, Jesus turned his judgment against God’s own temple. Thus Jesus was a false messiah. This fact alone might not have warranted his crucifixion. But, when combined with his other offenses, his false claim to messiahship increased further the chances that his actions would bring devastation upon Judea. 4. The efforts of Jewish leaders to silence Jesus by physical violence were consistent with what other Jewish leaders did in similar situations (vs. the prophet Jeremiah in Jer 26 and vs. Jesus ben Hananiah in Josephus, Jewish War, 6.5.3). This consistency greatly increases the probability that the Gospel accounts accurately portray the role of Jewish leaders. Caiaphas and company did exactly what Jewish leaders in their position thought they had to do when someone insulted or threatened the temple. Implications for the Current Debate Given this picture of “one” Jewish perspective on the necessity of Jesus’ death, I want to draw out two implications. First, it is historically irresponsible to say, “The Jews killed Christ.” Yes, I’m aware that the Gospel of John uses “the Jews” in a way that seems to lay blame for Jesus’ death upon “the Jews.” But, when read in context, “the Jews” means “some Jewish leaders.” Ultimate and legal blame for Jesus’ death fell upon the shoulders of Pontius Pilate, no matter how he might have tried to wriggle out of it. Moreover, many, and quite probably the vast majority of Jews in the time of Jesus, did not want him killed, and were horrified when it happened. Given the tragic history of Christian anti-Semitism, we Christians must speak carefully and accurately about Jewish involvement in his death. The truth: some influential Jews believed Jesus had to die and sought to convince Pilate to crucify him. Second, it is historically irresponsible to deny all Jewish involvement in the death of Jesus. Some scholars, no doubt responding to the horrors of anti-Semitism, have applied their critical scalpels to the New Testament records, cutting from them any implication of Jewish complicity in the death of Jesus. In their surgery, however, they bleed historical probability to death. In fact two ancient Jewish sources, Josephus and the Talmud, indicate that some Jews were involved in the death of Jesus and help us to understand why they would have been. Plus, the picture of Caiaphas and his associates in the Gospels makes historical and logical sense. These leaders were protecting that which they believed to be essential, including both the temple and their own civic/religious position. The actions of other leaders in similar situations confirm the conclusion that the New Testament Gospels paint an historical reliable picture of Jewish involvement in the death of Jesus. Finally, there was another Jewish perspective on the necessity of Jesus’ death, a perspective I haven’t yet mentioned. It was the most important Jewish perspective of all, that of Jesus himself. To the question of why Jesus believed he had to die I’ll turn in my next post in this series. More blogs to enjoy!!! Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Conclusions Sunday Inspiration from the High Calling Why Did Jesus Have to Die? The Perspective of the First Christians, Part 3 Why Did Jesus Have to Die? The Perspective of Jesus of Nazareth, Part 7 How Does God Bring Destruction? Mark D. Roberts Mark D. Roberts is Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence at Laity Lodge in the Hill Country of Texas. » Posts by Mark D. Roberts /series/ /pages/ How Lent Can Make a Difference in Your Relationship with God Copyright Â© 2011 Mark D. Roberts and Beliefnet Click here for an updated and reformatted version of this series. Note: You may download this resource at no cost, for personal use, for use in a Christian ministry, or for use in an educational venture, as long as you are not publishing it for sale. All I ask is that you give credit to this website: //www.beliefnet.com/columnists//markdroberts/. For all other uses, please contact me at mark@markdroberts.com. Thank you. Introduction to Lent Growing up as an evangelical Christian, I experienced Lent as little more than a joke. “What are you giving up for Lent?” my friends would ask. “Homework,” I’d say with a smirk, or “Obeying my parents.” Lent was one of those peculiar practices demanded of Roman Catholics – another great reason to be Protestant, I figured. It never even occurred to me that Lent was something I might actually be interested in, or benefit from, or decide to keep, or come to value as a way of getting to know God better. In the last fifteen years I’ve discovered that Lent is in fact recognized by millions of Protestant Christians, in addition to Catholic and Orthodox believers. (The Eastern Orthodox Lent is longer than the Catholic or Protestant Lent, and it begins before Ash Wednesday.) Lent (the word comes from the Middle English word for “spring”) is a six-week season in the Christian year prior to Easter. (Technically, Lent comprises the 40 days before Easter, not counting the Sundays, or 46 days in total.) In the ancient church, Lent was a time for new converts to be instructed for baptism and for believers caught in sin to focus on repentance. In time, all Christians came to see Lent as a season to be reminded of their need for penitence and to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Easter. Part of this preparation involved the Lenten “fast,” giving up something special during the six weeks of Lent (but not on Sundays, in some traditions.) Historically, many Protestants rejected the practice of Lent, pointing out, truly, that it was nowhere required in Scripture. Some of these Protestants were also the ones who refused to celebrate Christmas, by the way. They wanted to avoid some of the excessive aspects of Catholic penitence that tended to obscure the gospel of grace. These Protestants saw Lent, at best, as something completely optional for believers, and, at worst, as a superfluous Catholic practice that true believers should avoid altogether. A Pastoral Word: Let me note, at this point, that if you think of Lent as a season to earn God’s favor by your good intentions or good works, then you’ve got a theological problem. God’s grace has been fully given to us in Christ. We can’t earn it by doing extra things or by giving up certain other things in fasting. If you see Lent as a time to make yourself more worthy for celebrating Good Friday and Easter, then perhaps you shouldn’t keep the season until you’ve grown in your understanding of grace. If, on the contrary, you see Lent as a time to grow more deeply in God’s grace, then you’re approaching Lent from a proper perspective. Some segments of Protestantism did continue to recognize a season of preparation for Easter, however. Their emphasis was not so much on penitence and fasting as on intentional devotion to God. Protestant churches sometimes added special Lenten Bible studies or prayer meetings so that their members would be primed for a deeper experience of Good Friday and Easter. Lent was a season to do something extra for God, not to give something up. ignoring Lent for the majority of my life, I’ve paid more attention to it during the last two decades. Sometimes I’ve given up something, like watching television or eating sweets, in order to devote more time to Bible study and prayer. (The television fast was especially tough because I love watching March Madness, the NCAA basketball tournament, on TV.) Sometimes I’ve added extra devotional reading to my regular spiritual disciplines. I can’t claim to have had any mystical experiences during Lent, but I have found that fasting from something has helped me focus on God. It has also helped me to look ahead to Good Friday and Easter, thus appreciating more deeply the meaning of the cross and the victory of the resurrection. Before I began honoring Lent, Good Friday and Easter always seemed to rush by before I could give them the attention they deserved. Now I find myself much more ready to meditate upon the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and to celebrate his victory over sin and death on Easter. Let me be very clear: Lent is not a requirement for Christians. Dallas Willard has said that if a certain spiritual discipline helps you grow in God’s grace, then by all means do it. But if it doesn’t, don’t feel like you must do it. I’d say the same about Lent. If it helps you prepare for a deeper celebration of Good Friday and Easter, if it allows you to grow in God’s grace, then by all means keep it. If Lent isn’t your cup of tea, then don’t feel obligated to keep it. You should realize, however, that millions of Christians – Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Independent – have found that recognizing the season of Lent enriches our worship and deepens our faith in God. In my next post in this series I’ll consider some of the symbolism of Lent, and suggest some possible Lenten practices to help you keep the season. Do You Have to Give Up Something for Lent? grew up hearing about Catholics who had to fast during the season of Lent. No meat on Fridays, only fish. This, you must understand, was a costly sacrifice in the cafeteria of Glenoaks Elementary School! The fact that my Catholic friends had to give up decent food in Lent always seemed to me to be one more good reason to be a Protestant. (Photo: I expect that the Lent Promo at the Luby’s in Kerrville is much better than my elementary school’s cafeteria rations.) But, in the past fifteen years or so, I’ve sometimes decided to join my Catholic sisters and brothers in giving up something during Lent. This means, depending on how you count the days of Lent, fasting from something for about six weeks. (Officially in the Western world, Lent comprises the days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. But many traditions do not count the Sundays during this period as belonging to Lent. Thus Lent covers 46 days, but only 40 days belong to the Lenten fast.) People in my theological tradition (the Reformed tradition, pioneered by John Calvin) tend not to emphasize Lenten fasting. Partly this had to do with the conscious rejection of Roman Catholic practices that were not clearly based on Scripture. Lent is not prohibited in Scripture. But it isn’t taught there either. One can be a faithful, biblical Christian and never recognize Lent. So, in days gone by, many Reformed folk and other Protestants who wanted to make the season before Easter special in some way, chose instead to add a spiritual discipline to their lives as a way of preparing for Easter. It’s quite common today for churches that don’t have midweek Bible studies, for example, to offer a Lenten Wednesday Evening Study or something like this. Special Lenten spiritual retreats are also increasingly common in Protestant in addition to Roman Catholic circles. But fasting still plays a prominent role in Lenten practices of many Christians across the denominational and theological spectrum. Throughout church history there have been different kinds of Lenten fasts. Nobody, to my knowledge, expected anyone to give up all food for the whole season. In the Middle Ages it was common for Christians to give up certain sorts of food, like meat and/or dairy products, for example. This explains why, in my youth, Catholics abstained from meat on the Fridays of Lent. Many Catholics still observe this discipline. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lenten fast is taken even more seriously than in the Roman Catholic church, with many Orthodox folk eating vegetarian meals during the season. recent years I have sometimes given up something in Lent, perhaps chocolate or watching television. The latter was particularly hard because I enjoy college basketball, and March Madness (the NCAA bastketball tournament) always falls in the middle of Lent. This year I have decided to give up something I enjoy. I’ve also adopted an additional daily spiritual discipline. It don’t think it would be appropriate for me to speak in detail about what I’m doing at this time. But I would like to share some reflections on what I’ve been learning through my version of a Lenten fast. What I’ve Learned by Fasting During Lent First, giving up something allows me to make a tangible sacrifice to the Lord. Although certain sacrifices are already present in my life, they’re sort of “built in” at this point. I don’t often experience giving up something for God on a daily basis. The act of sacrifice reminds me of my commitment to God and my desire to make him first in my life. Second, by giving up something I usually enjoy on a daily basis, I have sometimes found myself yearning for that thing. Frankly, I’ve been tempted to give up my Lenten fast at times. I could easily argue that it’s unnecessary (it is optional, after all) and certainly not taught in Scripture. But, though I don’t think my effort at fasting makes God love or bless me more, I do think it raises my awareness of how much I depend on other things in life rather than the Lord. I see how easy it is for me to set up all sorts of little idols in my life. Fasting, in some way, helps me surrender my idols to God. Third, when I give up something I like and then feel an unquenched desire for it, I’m reminded of my neediness as a person. And neediness, I believe, is at the heart of true spirituality. Jesus said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. . . . Matthew 5:3, 6 Of course feeling hungry for one of life’s pleasures isn’t quite the same as hungering and thirsting for righteousness. But when I feel my hunger, when I sense my neediness for some other thing, I can use this to get in touch with my hunger and need for God. Fourth, as I continue with my Lenten fast, I find myself less eager for the thing I’ve given up. Ironically, this makes my fast easier. It’s almost something I can take for granted, thus dulling the spiritual impact of the fast. But I’m also gratified to know that one of my little “idols” is being set aside in my heart, as I learn to depend more upon God. I’m experiencing a bit of freedom that makes me gladly thankful for God’s grace at work in me. Adding a Lenten Discipline Instead of or in addition to fasting during Lent, you might add a spiritual exercise or discipline to your life. If your church sponsors a Lenten Bible study, you might choose to join this study. Or you may want to participate in some act of kindness, such as feeding people at a homeless shelter. I like to add something that I can do every day. It needs to be realistic, given my nature and patterns of life. So, for example, it would be a bad idea if I decided to get up at 5:00 a.m. to pray for an hour each day of Lent. This would stretch me so far that I’d surely fail. But I could take on additional Bible reading. Some years I’ve read one chapter of a gospel each day of Lent, taking it in slowly and meditating upon it. Other years I’ve used a Lenten devotional to focus my thought. If you have no idea what to do during Lent, let me suggest the following. Set aside some time of quiet to as the Lord what he wants you to do. See if the Spirit of God guides you to something. If nothing comes to mind, I’d recommend that you read a chapter of a gospel each day. If you start with Mark, you’ll have time to read all of Mark plus all of one other gospel during Lent. Perhaps some of my readers would like to suggest Lenten disciplines that they have tried in the past, and how they have experienced God’s grace through these exercises. So, as we enter the season of Lent, I am grateful for the saints who have gone before me, some of whom discovered the blessings of giving up something in Lent, while others grew in their faith by adding a Lenten discipline. No matter what you do during this Lenten season, I pray that God will draw us closer to him, and prepare us for a fresh experience of Good Friday and Easter. May God’s peace be with Ash Wednesday: Practice and Meaning Click here for an updated and reformatted version of this series What is Ash Wednesday? For most of my life, I didn’t ask this question, nor did I care about the answer. I, along, with most evangelical Christians in America, didn’t give Ash Wednesday a thought. But then, in 2004, Ash Wednesday loomed large in American Protestant consciousness. Why? Because on that day Mel Gibson released what was to become his epic blockbuster, The Passion of the Christ. For the first time in history, the phrase “Ash Wednesday” was on the lips of millions of evangelical Christians, not just Catholics and other “high church” Protestants, as we anticipated the official release of The Passion. I grew up with only a vague notion of Ash Wednesday. To me, it was some Catholic holy day that I, as an evangelical Protestant, didn’t have to worry about, thanks be to God. In my view, all of “that religious stuff” detracted from what really mattered, which was having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In my early evangelical years it never dawned on me that some of “the religious stuff” might actually enrich my faith in Christ. the spring of 1976, my first year of college, I was startled to see a woman who worked in my dining hall with a dark cross rubbed on her forehead. At first I wondered if it were a bizarre bruise. Then I noticed other women with similar crosses. It finally dawned on me what I was seeing. Here was my introduction to Ash Wednesday piety. These women, who were are Roman Catholic, had gone to services that morning and had ashes placed on their foreheads. I felt impressed that these women were willing to wear their ashes so publicly, even though it seemed a rather odd thing to do. It never dawned on me that this would be something I might do myself one day. Fast forward sixteen years, to the spring of 1992. During my first year as Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church, I learned that this church had a tradition of celebrating Ash Wednesday with a special worship service. It included the “imposition of ashes” on the foreheads of worshippers. I, as the pastor, was expected to be one of the chief imposers! So I decided it was time to learn about the meaning of Ash Wednesday. I wanted to be sure that the theological underpinnings of such a practice were biblically solid, and that it was something in which I could freely participate. Here’s some of what I learned . . . . Ash Wednesday is a Christian holiday (holy day) that is not a biblical requirement (rather like Christmas and Easter). Nevertheless, it has been honored by Christians for well over ten centuries at the beginning of Lent, a six-week season of preparation for Easter. In the earliest centuries, Christians who had fallen into persistent sin had ashes sprinkled on their bodies as a sign of repentance, even as Job repented “in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). Around the tenth century, all believers began to signify their need for repentance by having ashes placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. Notice: even this sign of sinfulness hinted at the good news yet to come through its shape. Ash Wednesday is not some dour, depressing holy day because it symbolically anticipates Good Friday and Easter. Today, celebrations of Ash Wednesday vary among churches that recognize this holiday. More and more Protestant and even evangelical churches hold some sort of Ash Wednesday services. At Irvine Presbyterian Church, where I served for sixteen years as pastor, and at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Boerne, Texas, where I now attend, ashes are placed on our foreheads as a reminder of our mortality and sinfulness. The person who imposes the ashes quotes something like what God once said to Adam after he had sinned: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19). This is the bad news of our sinfulness that prepares us to receive the good news of forgiveness in Christ. I value most about Ash Wednesday worship services is the chance for us all to openly acknowledge our frailty and sinfulness. In a world that often expects us to be perfect, on Ash Wednesday we freely confess our imperfections. We can let down our pretenses and be truly honest with each other about who we are. We all bear the mark of sin, from the youngest babies to the oldest seniors. We all stand guilty before a holy God. We all are mortal and will someday experience bodily death. Thus we all need a Savior. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of Ash Wednesday is that it begins the season of Lent. This is also a foreign concept for many evangelical Christians. In a couple of days I’ll weigh in on the meaning and benefit of Lent. Tomorrow I’ll stay focused on Ash Staring Death in the Face The denial of death . . . it’s all around us. When people die, they are often alone, sequestered in hospitals far away from the sad eyes of friends and family. If someone happens to die at home, the corpse is quickly sent away from the grieving relatives. In polite society one doesn’t talk much about death. And when it’s necessary to say something that has to do with dying, nifty euphemisms keep us from confronting the brute facts. When I lived in California, people would say, “Uncle Fred passed away.” In Texas, for some reason, people are more succinct, saying, “Uncle Fred passed.” Of course our own fears concerning our own demise match our cultural squeamishness about death. We don’t want to think about our own mortality, and we do many things to pretend that its not approaching. We dye our graying hair. We cover our age spots with make up. We get cosmetic surgery to preserve the image of youth. Rarely do we seriously think about our own death. As a pastor, I’m amazed at how unusual it is for someone to make plans for his or her own memorial service, or even to leave notes for the family. These are things we’d rather not have to bother with. I’m reminded about a story told by my friend Tim, who was a restaurant manager. Part of his job was to explain the company’s benefit package to his new employees. One time, Tim hired a young man who didn’t speak English very well because he had recently immigrated to the United States. Tim explained the vacation policy, sick leave, and health insurance, all without incident. Then he came to the life insurance. He showed that if the employee died, his family would get $25,000. At this point the employee had a shocked look on his face, and said, “No, no, Tim!” Tim wasn’t sure he had been clear, so he explained, once again, “Look, if you die, your family will get $25,000.” Again, the employee was unhappy. “No, I don’t want it,” he said urgently. “Why not?” Tim asked. “If you die, this will be good for your family.” “But Tim,” the employee cried, “I don’t want to die!” Ash Wednesday is a day when we stare death in the face. Christians who observe this holiday get ashes “imposed” on their foreheads, while a minister or lay church worker says, “You have come from dust, and to dust you will return.” In other words, “You are going to die. And here are some ashes to remind you, just in case you’ve forgotten.” For sixteen years of Ash Wednesday services at Irvine Presyyterian Church, I put ashes on the heads of older adults, some of whom had serious cancer and didn’t live much longer. I also put tiny black crosses made of ash on the foreheads of babies far too young to realize what was happening to them. I imposed ashes on teenagers and senior citizens, on men and women, on boys and girls. All of these I reminded of their mortality, and they freely received the reminder. “You are dust,” I said, implying, “You are going to die.” gives us such freedom to think about death? Are we Christians morose? Do we have some peculiar fascination with dying? I don’t think so. Rather, what allows us to stare death in the face is the assurance of life, real life, eternal life. When we know our lives are safe in the hands of God, and that this physical life is just the beginning of eternity, then we’re free to be honest about what lies ahead for us. We can face death without fear or pretending, because we know the One who defeated death. I’ll never forget my last visit with a dear member of my congregation named Helen. She was a tiny woman when healthy, but old age and disease had ravaged her body. I wouldn’t be surprised if she weighed 75 pounds on the day of my last visit. There was no question that Helen was soon to die. And there was no point for me to pretend as if that weren’t true. So I asked her straightaway: “Helen, it’s obvious that you don’t have too much time left in this body. How are you feeling about dying?” “Mark,” she said with a weak but confident voice, “I’ve lived a good, long life. I’ve been blessed far beyond what I could have hoped. You’re right, my body is giving out. I don’t have much longer to live. But I want you to know that I am ready. I’m not afraid. I’m eager to see my Lord. I hope I get to soon.” Talk about staring death in the face! What gave Helen such unusual bluntness and boldness when it came to her own imminent death? Her faith in God. Her confidence that her life was really just beginning. Her assurance that her soul was safe in the hands of a gracious, loving God. And so it is for Christians on Ash Wednesday. We can face death. We can admit our own mortality. We can talk openly about the limits of this life. Why? Because we know that through Christ we have entered into life eternal, the fullness of life that will not end when our bodies give out. emotional result of Ash Wednesday observance isn’t depression or gloom, but gratitude and new energy for living. When we realize how desperately we need God, and how God is faithful far beyond our desperation, we can’t help but offering our lives to him in fresh gratitude. And when we recognize that life doesn’t go on forever, then we find new passion to delight in the gifts of each and every day, and to take none of them for granted. One year, as I returned to my seat after imposing ashes upon dozens of worshipers, I sat next to my 12-year-old son. I couldn’t help but notice the prominent black cross on his forehead, placed there by another leader. All of a sudden it hit me that my dear boy will die someday. Though I knew this in principle, I had never really thought about it before. My boy won’t live forever. His life, like mine and that of every other human being, will come to an end. At that moment I prayed that God would give Nathan a long and blessed life. And then I hugged him for a good minute, treasuring the life we share together. How grateful I am for the grace of God that allows us to stare death in the face so we can live with greater passion and delight! And how thankful I am for a day that allows me to think about death so I can cherish life even more! A Christmas Miracle? My daughter, Kara, was born in November 1994. Though she was a delightful baby most of the time, in her first weeks she did have a habit of crying uncontrollably in the early evening. This was not a major problem for my wife and me, except that Irvine Presbyterian Church wanted us to play the holy family in the Christmas Eve children’s pageant. The timing was perfectly wrong. We would be in front of a sanctuary full of people at precisely the time Kara would be bawling. Not exactly conducive to a celebrative Christmas Eve service! How would we be able to sing “Silent Night” with “the baby Jesus” howling away? Nevertheless, my wife, Linda, and I agreed to give it a try. We formulated various contingency plans, fully expecting Kara to cry. Yet, when it was time for us to make our grand entrance, Kara was wide-awake but strangely silent. We stood before the congregation for many minutes, ready to try and comfort Kara when the inevitable crying began. But Kara rested in Linda’s arms, happy, peaceful, and miraculously quiet. In fact, she never once made a single peep while she played her crucial role as the baby Jesus. And, if you can believe it, that was the end of her evening crying episodes. She never again had them. The Piazza del Popolo and Its Augustan Obelisk A view of the Piazza del Popolo in Rome: The obelisk in the piazza, once dedicated to an Egyptian pharoah, but “repurposed” by Augustus to glorify himself. This was once in the Circus Maximus in Rome, but was moved to its current location in the sixteenth century. A closeup of the inscription on the base of the obelisk. This was added by Augustus. It reads: IMP . CAESAR . DIVI . F AVGVSTVS PONTIFEX . MAXIMVS IMP . XII . COS . XI . TRIB . POT . XIV AEGVPTO . IN . POTESTATEM POPVLI . ROMANI . REDACTA SOLI . DONUM . DEDIT In English, this would be translated: “Emperor Augustus Caesar, son of the divine Caesar, Supreme Pontiff, given the title of imperator [a former word for emperor and also meaning Supreme Chief] for the eleventh time, and, after subjecting Egypt to the Romans, entitled to represent the people [Tribunicia Potestas] for the fourteenth time, offered this obelisk as a gift to the sun”. Christmas According to Dickens For an updated and reformatted version of this series click here. Our Favorite Christmas Carol? What Is Your Favorite Christmas Carol? If you were to ask people “What is your favorite Christmas carol?” you’d get a wide variety of answers. Many would offer up “Silent Night” or “Joy to the World.” Folks who count all Christmas songs as carols might mention “Winter Wonderland” or “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts roasting . . .). In fact, these two were the most popular holiday songs in the last decade, according to ASCAP. So far this year, “Sleigh Ride” is leading the pack. when I refer to “our favorite Christmas carol,” I’m thinking of a different genre. I want to talk about, not holiday hymns and songs, but a book known as A Christmas Carol. Of course, I’m speaking of the holiday classic by Charles Dickens. If you were to add up the sum total of human love for this book, it might just be the most beloved of all Christmas carols. It is surely the most popular of all Christmas stories, save for the one that is found in the pages of the New Testament. (The cover of the first edition of A Christmas Carol, released in December 1843). A Christmas Carol Many Times Over I have read A Christmas Carol probably ten times, ever since I began doing so as a yearly holiday tradition. I have listened to a recorded version of the book about three times. I have watched cinematic renditions of the story at least ten times, ranging from the sublime 1951 version starring Alastair Sim to the ridiculous Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol from 1962. Moreover, I have seen live dramatic presentations of this story at least a dozen times, including the Christianized version that was presented every year at the church where I grew up as well as the always outstanding performance at the Glendale Centre Theatre (which is still offering its winsome drama, now in its 46th year). In fact, this week I’ll be playing the role of Marley’s ghost in a shortened dramatic version at my work Christmas party. I hope there will be more of grave than gravy in me. When you add up the numbers, I have read or watched or listened to A Christmas Carol at least thirty five times, and counting. No other work of fiction even comes close to this number in my whole life experience, except, perhaps, for reading Goodnight Moon to my children when they were young. Yet, even after thirty-five exposures, I still love A Christmas Carol. Indeed, I may very well appreciate it more now than ever. Why Is A Christmas Carol So Beloved? Well, there are several obvious features of A Christmas Carol that augment its easy likability. First of all, it is short. You can read it in less than two hours. When Dickens himself used to do public, oral readings of the book (as he often did), he’d take only three hours or so. In truth, A Christmas Carol really isn’t a novel. It’s more of a novella, or, as Dickens himself labels it, “Ghost Story of Christmas.” Second, A Christmas Carol is about Christmas, obviously enough. This is a popular subject, even in today’s increasingly secular world. It’s hard to imagine that An Ephiphany Carol or even A New Year’s Eve Carol would capture our imaginations as much as A Christmas Carol. Yet, Dickens wrote four other Christmas books that are rarely read. This fact suggests that A Christmas Carol’s popularity has to do with more than just its happy theme. Third, A Christmas Carol features the literary elements that make Dickens such a delightful author. It’s filled with mouthwatering descriptions of luscious food and drink. It’s got lots of suspense and lots of humor. The characters are truly memorable, even ones that have very few lines. Who doesn’t remember Tiny Tim and his iconic “God bless us, everyone!”? And, of course, A Christmas Carol is a salient example of Dickens’s inimitable narrative style, a kind of “I’m-your-friend” storytelling that draws the reader into the tale and features utterly enjoyable, ironic, lush descriptions. All of this contributes to the popularity of A Christmas Carol, to be sure. But none of what I’ve suggested accounts for the unprecedented popularity of Dickens’s little story. This, I believe, results from the narrative core of the story, the changed soul of Ebenezer Scrooge. Above all, we delight in watching an ice-cold, stony heart become warm and tender. As we observe the transformation in Scrooge, we just may feel a bit of it ourselves. Today’s post is the first part of a blog series I’m calling Christmas According to Dickens. Since beginning my blog in December 2003, I have occasionally touched on this topic before. Now it’s time for another go. In the days ahead, I’ll give some background on Dickens and the writing of A Christmas Carol, including some truly surprising details that are unknown to most people. Then I’ll move into the center of this series, an exploration of Scrooge’s miraculous transformation. I’ll be seeking to answer the question: Why did Scrooge change? Finally, I’ll offer some thoughts about what you and I can learn from the example of Ebenezer Scrooge. I’m doing this series partly because I’m fascinated by the subject, also because I love A Christmas Carol and admire its author. Dickens is probably my favorite writer, or at least he ranks in the top three. I will be reading A Christmas Carol not as a scholar of English literature (which I am not, at any rate), but as a faithful enthusiast and also a Christian. Along the way, I’ll offer some pastoral reflections on the story, touching upon ways that Dickens encourages us in our life of faith. Though he was not an orthodox Christian, Dickens was a believer in God whose work reflected, in many ways, both a Christian worldview and Christian values. So, while we ought not to derive our theology from Dickens, we can find much in A Christmas Carol to stir our hearts and inspire our actions. Resources for A Christmas Carol I’d like to recommend a couple of resources that will augment your appreciation of A Christmas Carol. The first is an audio version of the book, performed by Jim Dale. Dale, who is well known for his inspired reading of the Harry Potter series, is a master reader. His interpretation of Dickens brings the story to life. One of my favorite ways of “reading” A Christmas Carol is by listening to Jim Dale. The second resource is a book that will help you understand every last word in A Christmas Carol. The Annotated Christmas Carol includes a marvelous introduction and commentary by Michael Patrick Hearn, a distinguished literary scholar. Now you can appreciate the nuances and historical connections Dickens incorporated into the book. Dickens: The Man Who Invented Christmas? In 1988 the Sunday Telegraph of London gave Charles Dickens the title of “The Man Who Invented Christmas.” If you’re not familiar with the history of Christmas celebrations, this may seem like an enormous exaggeration. But when you look more closely, the Telegraph’s hyperbole turns out to be closer to the truth than you might expect. (Photo: Charles Dickens) The Context for Writing A Christmas Carol Christians had been celebrating the birth of Christ for centuries before Charles Dickens came along. And northern Europeans also had their winter festivals, both pagan and secular. But, in England at the turn of the nineteenth century, Christmas had almost vanished from the scene. There were several reasons for this disappearance. In part, the continued influence of conservative Reformed Christians-who believed that people should do only what the Bible commands, and therefore should not celebrate Christmas, especially given its popular excesses-meant that for many in England Christmas was not a valid holiday. Now before you’re too tough on my theological forebears, you should know that some of the popular Christmas celebrations in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were a long way from the festive gatherings we associate with this time of year. They were rather like the worst of office parties, rife with drunkenness and sexual license, combined with the hooliganism we see in some extreme celebrations of Halloween. Even many Anglicans were outraged by what they saw. The Reverence Henry Bourne of Newcastle lamented that Christmas was “a pretense for Drunkenness, and Rioting, and Wantonness” (Les Standiford, The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits, p. 107. If you want the full story of “the man who invented Christmas,” Standiford’s book is an excellent source.) even though English Christians of a Puritan stripe had actually outlawed Christmas in the 17th century during their brief flirtation with political power, their efforts to wipe out the holiday had been largely unsuccessful. The disappearance of Christmas from English culture had much more to do with the social impact of industrialization and urbanization. As large numbers of people left their ancestral villages to move to the large cities, they also left behind most of their cultural traditions, such as the celebration of Christmas. Moreover, in the cities, bosses weren’t inclined to encourage a holiday that meant a day off from work, especially a day of paid vacation. (Ebenezer Scrooge’s reticence to give Bob Cratchit a holiday on Christmas wasn’t that unusual in his day.) Another implication of big city life in Victorian England was widespread poverty and human suffering. Although many people worked in factories and offices, wages were low and living conditions poor. This was an abiding concern for Charles Dickens, especially in the fall of 1843. Amid his busy writing career, he was working hard to raise support for institutions that educated and otherwise helped the urban poor of England (not unlike the “portly gentlemen” in Stave I of A Christmas Carol). October 1843, a trip to Manchester poured fuel on the flame of Dickens’s passion for the poor. As he spoke at the Athenaeum, an institution devoted to caring for the poor in Manchester, Dickens’s heart was strangely moved. Moreover, he had stayed with his beloved sister Fan (the name of Ebenezer Scrooge’s dear sister in A Christmas Carol), who had two young sons, one of whom was frail and sick (not unlike Tiny Tim). So in October, Dickens began to write A Christmas Carol. According to his own testimony, his writing of this short book was rather a spiritual experience. The Impact of A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol was published on December 19, 1843. All 6,000 copies of the first edition were sold by December 22. The book became instantly popular, though the high cost of printing, including the fine illustrations, limited Dickens’s profits. Before long, however, vast numbers of people in England and America knew the story, not only from reading the book, but also from dramatic presentations and many public readings by Dickens himself. Because our own celebrations of Christmas have been so strongly influenced by Dickens, we can easily overlook his special contributions to our traditions, such as: â€¢ Christmas as a major holiday. At the time of Dickens, it was relatively ignored by most people. â€¢ Christmas as a one (or two) day celebration rather than the traditional twelve. â€¢ Christmas as an occasion for family and close friends to gather for luscious food, singing, dancing, and games. Before A Christmas Carol, turkey was an uncommon on Christmas tables. After the book, it became the meat of choice for this holiday (Standiford, 184-185). â€¢ Christmas as a time for being generous to the poor. did not so much invent these traditions as he resurrected them and popularized them. Much of what we assume to be true of Christmas celebrations today derives from the vision of Dickens, especially as portrayed in A Christmas Carol. So close was the connection between Charles Dickens and Christmas that, when he died in 1870, a young woman who heard of it was aghast. “Dickens dead?” she exclaimed. “Then will Father Christmas die too?” Well, as it turns out, Father Christmas didn’t die along with his greatest promoter, Charles Dickens. The influence of this man, and most of all his masterful novella, A Christmas Carol guaranteed that Christmas would be kept for generations upon generations. my next post I’ll focus on one of the essential elements in a Dickens Christmas, something I believe we all should include in our holiday celebrations today. The Real Business of Christmas In Monday’s post I began to explain the impact of Charles Dickens, especially through A Christmas Carol, upon our celebrations of Christmas. In fact, it’s not too much of an exaggeration to describe him, in the words of the London Sunday Telegraph, as “the man who invented Christmas.” Dickens’s influence on our Christmas traditions is keenly felt today in many ways, even though we may not be aware of it. In this post I want to offer one salient example that flows from the pages of A Christmas Carol into our lives today. Business in Stave One of A Christmas Carol in the first stave (chapter), Ebenezer Scrooge receives an unwelcome Christmas Eve visit from his nephew. When his Uncle Scrooge questions the value of Christmas, Fred responds: “But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round-apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that-as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!” apart from its religious significance, Fred sees Christmas as worthwhile because it is a time of unusual generosity. Of course Scrooge doesn’t buy into this one bit. (Photo: The two “portly gentlemen” from a stage production of A Christmas Carol in Omaha, Nebraska) sooner had Fred left his uncle alone than “two portly gentlemen, pleasant to behold” dropped in on Mr. Scrooge. One explained his business thus: “At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,” said the gentleman, taking up a pen, “it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir.” When Scrooge was unmoved, the man explained, “We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.” Of course Scrooge wants nothing to do with their efforts to make provision for the poor, exclaiming: “It’s not my business. . . . It’s enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people’s.” some ghostly interference in Scrooge’s life changed his opinion on the matter of his business, especially at Christmastime. When visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, the ghost lamented his failure to have lived his life well by caring for others. Scrooge attempted to reassure him by saying, “But you were always a good man of business,” to which the ghost responded: “Business!” cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!” Then Marley’s ghost added an extra note about Christmas: this time of the rolling year,” the spectre said, “I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted Notice that if Jacob Marley had imitated the Wise Men, he wouldn’t have been led to worship the Christ child, but rather to be generous to the poor. This, rather than the religious meaning of Christmas, is central to Dickens’s vision of the holiday. Business in Stave Five of A Christmas Carol Scrooge is visited by Marley and his coterie of ghosts, Scrooge’s heart softens towards all people, especially the poor. Thus when his transformation is complete in Stave 5, the very first thing Scrooge does is to purchase a giant turkey for the family of his poor clerk, Bob Cratchit. Then, as he is walking about on Christmas morning, he runs into the same portly gentlemen who had the unfortunate experience of meeting Scrooge the previous day. Yet, now, things are quite different. Scrooge approaches them, offers them Christmas greetings, and then whispers something in the ear of one of the men, presumably revealing how much he will contribute to their effort to help the poor. Here’s the following dialogue: “Lord bless me!” cried the gentleman, as if his breath were taken away. “My dear Mr. Scrooge, are you serious?” you please,” said Scrooge. “Not a farthing less. A great many back-payments are included in it, I assure you. Will you do me that favour?” “My dear sir,” said the other, shaking hands with him. “I don’t know what to say to such munificence-” “Don’t say anything please,” retorted Scrooge. “Come and see me. Will you come and see me?” The primary and most obvious proof of Scrooge’s transformation in the end of A Christmas Carol is not simply his delight in Christmas, nor his attendance at church, nor even his joining his nephew’s Christmas party. Rather, the proof that Scrooge is a changed man is seen in his exceptional generosity, both with the Cratchit family in particular and with all needy people in So when Dickens concludes that Scrooge “knew how to keep Christmas well,” he means more than that he abolished “Bah! Humbug!” in favor of “Merry Christmas!” Ebenezer Scrooge kept Christmas well by becoming “as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.” This goodness is seen especially in his generosity both at Christmas and throughout the year. He learned the truth that eluded Jacob Marley in this life, namely: “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business.” These became the business of Ebenezer Scrooge, even as they are now central to the business of Christmas. The First “Ebenezer Scrooge” If I were to tell you that Charles Dickens wrote a story about a solitary, crotchety old man who despised both people and Christmas until some supernatural visitors came to him on Christmas Eve and taught him to have a new perspective on life, you’d probably say, “Yes, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge.” But if I were to tell you I wasn’t thinking of Ebenezer Scrooge at all, but rather of Gabriel Grub, you might be a bit surprised. So go ahead and be surprised, if you wish, because what I’m saying is true. Introducing Gabriel Grub, the First “Scrooge” In 1836, seven years before he wrote A Christmas Carol, Dickens published a short story as Chapter 29 of The Pickwick Papers. “The Story of the Goblins who stole a Sexton” relates the strange experiences of Gabriel Grub, the sexton (caretaker and gravedigger) for a church in a rural village, and a literary cousin of Ebenezer Scrooge. According to Dickens, Gabriel Grub was “an ill-conditioned, cross-grained, surly fellow – a morose and lonely man, who consorted with nobody but himself.” He had “a deep scowl of malice and ill-humor.” Sounds like Scrooge, doesn’t he? (Photo: the churchyard of Elmley Castle Church, Worcestershire, Great Britain) Christmas Eve, Grub decided to go to the churchyard to dig a grave. As he walked through the streets of his village, he watched people making preparations for Christmas parties-parties he wouldn’t even think to attend, should he have been invited. When he saw children playing games, Grub amused himself with the thought of “measles, scarlet fever, thrush, whooping-cough, and a good many other sources of consolations besides.” If his neighbors offered him a Christmas greeting, Grub returned “a short, sullen growl,” not “Humbug!” but its preverbal precursor. When a young lad was singing a Christmas song in the street, Gabriel Grub cornered the boy and “rapped him over the head with his lantern five or six times.” As he began digging a grave, Grub cheered himself with this thought: “A coffin at Christmas! A Christmas box! Ho! ho! ho!” But then Gabriel Grub received a surprise visitor, a grinning goblin who taunted him with clever dialogue. Soon this goblin was joined by “a whole troop of goblins” who captured Grub and dragged him down into the earth. Grub found himself in a cavern with the first goblin, the “king of goblins,” and his band. They proceeded to show him a series of scenes that were magically projected in the end of the cavern. The first scene was of a poor family: many children and their mother. The children rejoiced when their father joined them. But then the scene shifted to a bedroom, in which “the fairest and youngest child lay dying.” “Even as the sexton looked upon him with an interest he had never felt or known before, the little boy died.” Yet the family had assurance that their little one was in “happy Heaven.” (The similarity between this scene and that of Bob Cratchit’s family in A Christmas Carol is striking.) the magic scene ended, the goblins beat Gabriel Grub, and then showed him another ghostly video. This sequence of viewings and beatings happened many times over, and “many a lesson it taught to Gabriel Grub.” “He saw that men who worked hard, and earned their scanty bread with lives of labour, were cheerful and happy . . . because they bore within their own bosoms the materials of happiness, contentment, and peace.” On the other hand, Gabriel Grub “saw that men like himself, who snarled at the mirth and cheerfulness of others, were the foulest weeds on the fair surface of the earth, and setting all the good of the world against the evil, he came to the conclusion that it was a very decent and respectable sort of world after all.” At this point he fell asleep, only to awake in the churchyard on Christmas morning. After his encounter with the goblins, Grub “was an altered man.” Yet “he could not bear the thought of returning to a place where his repentance would be scoffed at, and his reformation disbelieved.” So, Gabriel Grub disappeared from his village for ten years. When he finally returned, he was “a ragged, contented, rheumatic old man.” The moral of the story, according to the narrator, was “that if a man turn sulky and drink by himself at Christmas time, he may make up his mind to be not a bit the better for it: let the spirits be never so good.” Gabriel Grub and Ebenezer Scrooge the story of Gabriel Grub is like looking at the charcoal sketches of an artist getting ready to paint a masterpiece. The parallels between “The Story of the Goblins” and A Christmas Carol are obvious: a solitary, nasty old man not only refuses to celebrate Christmas, but also spurns the greetings of those who do, and even tries to hurt a boy who sings a Christmas carol. On Christmas Eve, this man receives unexpected supernatural visitors who proceed to show him many scenes of life, including a moving scene of a poor, loving family whose youngest child is terribly ill. In the end, the man is changed by this experience. These are some of the obvious parallels between the story of Gabriel Grub and that of Ebenezer Scrooge. Of course there are also many differences between “The Story of the Goblins” and A Christmas Carol. One of the most striking differences emerges when we compare conclusions. Whereas Gabriel Grub slunk away out of fear that the townspeople would laugh at him, Ebenezer Scrooge resolved to live a changed life. After the Ghost of Christmas Future revealed to Scrooge his own sorry death, Scrooge exclaimed: “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.” And so he did. in light of the tale of Gabriel Grub, who ran away from town for fear of people’s laughing scorn, let’s read once again from the conclusion to A Christmas Carol. Scrooge had just promised to Bob Cratchit that he would raise his salary and help his struggling family. After this Dickens writes: Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him. Both in “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton” and in A Christmas Carol, Dickens recognizes that people will laugh when a person is transformed from bad to good. Yet, whereas fear of this response kept Gabriel Grub in bondage, Scrooge was able to transcend it. “His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.” Just as Gabriel Grub recognized that people must have happiness in their hearts, and that this helps them overcome life’s difficulties, so it was with Ebenezer Scrooge. the differences between Grub and Scrooge suggest a tantalizing question: Why did Ebenezer Scrooge change? And why did he change so thoroughly that he didn’t even mind if people were to laugh at him? To these questions I’ll return in my next post in this series. “Ebenezer Scrooge” – The Meaning of the Name a first step in our consideration of the question “Why did Ebenezer Scrooge change?” I want to examine the character’s name. Charles Dickens was an author who paid attention to the tiniest details of a story. Surely he chose the name “Ebenezer Scrooge” quite intentionally, fully aware of its multiple layers of meaning. The Meaning of “Scrooge” us, the word “Scrooge” is synonymous with “cranky, selfish miser.” The character of Ebenezer Scrooge is so familiar that if you were to refer to someone as a “Scrooge,” just about everybody in the Western world would know what you mean. They’d understand that you were not offering a compliment! In fact, however, the name “Scrooge” is a variation of an obscure English verb: “to scrouge” or “to scruze.” This verb means “to squeeze” or “to press.” The fact that Dickens chose the name “Scrooge” with this meaning in mind is clear in the classic description of the character in Stave One of A Christmas Carol: But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind-stone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog-days; and didn’t thaw it one degree at Christmas. It’s as if Dickens opened his thesaurus and copied down every synonym of “squeezing.” did Ebenezer Scrooge squeeze so tightly? Most obviously, he squeezed his money. He grasped it and clung to it. He held it so tightly that he was unwilling to part with a farthing. But Ebenezer Scrooge also squeezed his heart. He suffocated his own soul with his obsession with gain. Greed was choking the life out of Ebenezer Scrooge. believe without a doubt that Dickens chose the name “Scrooge” primarily because of its underlying meaning. But I wonder if a couple other factors figured into the naming equations. First, I wonder if Dickens chose a name that was uncommon or unique. If you’re going to produce a character who is a classic miser, you may not want to name him “Mr. Smith” or “Mr. Roberts,” out of deference to those who have these surnames. Second, the word “Scrooge” just begs to be spoken in a slow, resonant, ghostly manner. When Marley’s ghost drones “Scroooooooge,” that works much better, for example, than “Craaaaachit.” I wouldn’t be surprised if Dickens chose “Scrooge” for its sound as well as its meaning. The Meaning of “Ebenezer” In English, Ebenezer is a man’s name. Today it is quite uncommon, apart from its association with A Christmas Carol. In the time of Charles Dickens, men were called Ebenezer, though I’m not able to judge how common the name was. So, for example, in 1840, a man named Ebenezer Elliott, who identified himself as a “Corn-Law Rhymer,” published a book of his poetical works (Edinburgh: William Tait, 1840). name “Ebenezer” was not original to the English language. In fact, it was an anglicized version of a Hebrew name, which is itself composed of two Hebrew words. In 1 Samuel 4:1, for example, the Israelities camped at a place called Ebenezer. This name is a combination of the Hebrew word for stone (eben) and the Hebrew word for helper (‘ezer). Thus, an ebenezer (literally, ha-eben ha-‘ezer) would have been a stone that offered some sort of assistance. In 1 Samuel 7:12, the judge Samuel sets up a stone as a monument in remembrance of God’s special help. It was a “help-stone” that reminded the Israelites of God’s care. It was rather like those little monuments you find along highways throughout the United States. They commemorate some event long past, helping us to remember what we would otherwise forget. Interestingly enough, the name “Ebenezer” appears rarely in A Christmas Carol. Scrooge’s first name is not mentioned in the first pages of the book. We don’t hear it until Marley’s ghost speaks the name, first in explaining that he has no comfort to offer his former partner. Marley’s second use of “Ebenezer” comes when he explains the purpose of his visit: “I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. A chance and hope of my procuring, Ebenezer.” This is the first instance of grace given to Scrooge, and he receives it with his first communication of gratitude, saying, “You were always a good friend to me. . . . Thank ‘ee!” The only other character to use the name “Ebenezer” is Old Fezziwig, Scrooge’s former employer whom Scrooge holds in high esteem. The final use of “Ebenezer” in A Christmas Carol comes on a literal ebenezer, Scrooge’s gravestone. This stone completes the transformation of Scrooge, showing him of how his life might end if he does not become a new man. Charles Dickens, though not orthodox in his Christian faith, was certainly familiar enough with the Bible to have known the meaning of the name Ebenezer. Given this knowledge and his attention to character names, it seems to me likely that he chose the name “Ebenezer” quite intentionally. Ebenezer Scrooge was not only a man with a “squeezing, wrenching, grasping” character. He was also to serve as a monument for readers of A Christmas Carol. Dickens intended Ebenezer Scrooge to remind us of things we ought not forget, lest we end up like Jacob Marley and the other spirits who walked the earth in sorrow, dragging the heavy chains they forged in life. What Does Scrooge Remind Us Of? Ebenezer Scrooge reminds us of several things. First and most obviously, he reminds us of Christmas. One cannot read A Christmas Carol without renewing one’s excitement for this unique holiday. As I have noted earlier in this series, when Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, Christmas was by now means a major or beloved holiday. Dickens used the “help-stone” of Ebenezer Scrooge to promote the importance of But for Dickens, the principal value of Christmas was not to celebrate the birth of the Son of God into the world. Rather, Christmas was a time for enjoying friends and family. Moreover, and most of all, it was an occasion for generosity. Dickens’ own estimation of Christmas appears in Stave One on the lips of Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, who says: But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round–apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that–as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. As the story of A Christmas Carol plays out, this theme is emphasized time and again. Thus, for Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge is an ebenezer who reminds us, not only to celebrate Christmas, but also to do so through being generous to the poor, especially to poor children. What Made Scrooge Scrooge? If you call somebody a Scrooge today, everybody will know what you mean. You’re implying that someone is miserly, grumpy, and selfish, especially but not only during Christmastime. Soon I want to examine what made Ebenezer Scrooge change from being, well, Scrooge, to being a generous man who loved both people and Christmas. But before I get to this, I want to consider what turned the human being named Ebenezer Scrooge into the archetypal mean-spirited miser. realize this question is more of a 21st century question than a 19th century question. It’s only been in recent times that we’ve become fascinated, one might say, obsessed by psychological causes of behavior. Yet, even though Charles Dickens didn’t supply a lengthy biography of Scrooge, we can nevertheless discover some of what made him the man he became. This knowledge may also help us to understand what unmade and remade him. Scrooge’s Difficult Childhood Most of what formed the soul of Ebenezer Scrooge appears in Stave 2 of A Christmas Carol, when the Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge images of his past experiences. Our very first view of the younger Scrooge comes as he sits alone in his boarding school on Christmas Eve. He is “a solitary child, neglected by his friends.” Seeing his young, abandoned self, the grown up Scrooge sobs with a peculiar kind of empathy. The only joy in this lonely boy’s life comes from fantasy books. (Photo: The first page of the original edition of A Christmas Carol.) next scene from Scrooge’s past begins, once again, when he is abandoned by the other boys who had gone home for Christmas. But this time Ebenezer receives a surprise visit from his sister, Fan. She brings the good news that Ebenezer will be coming home for Christmas, and even beyond that. Here’s a bit of the dialogue: ‘Home, little Fan?’ returned the boy. ‘Yes!’ said the child, brimful of glee. ‘Home, for good and all. Home, for ever and ever. Father is so much kinder than he used to be, that home’s like Heaven! He spoke so gently to me one dear night when I was going to bed, that I was not afraid to ask him once more if you might come home; and he said Yes, you should; and sent me in a coach to bring you. And you’re to be a man!’ said the child, opening her eyes,’and are never to come back here; but first, we’re to be together all the Christmas long, and have the merriest time in all the world.’ In this short paragraph, we learn some crucial facts about Ebenezer Scrooge’s sorry childhood: â€¢ He had been sent away from home to a boarding school. â€¢ His father used to be cruel. â€¢ He had previously been left alone at school for Christmas. â€¢ His mother was dead (implied, since she isn’t mentioned at all). bits of data begin to explain why Scrooge became Scrooge. But the next scene in Scrooge’s past shows that he hadn’t been completely corrupted by his difficult childhood. In this scene, he is serving as an apprentice for a fun-loving, generous man named Fezziwig. Ebenezer appears to have thrived under Fezziwig’s tutelage, and also been close to his fellow apprentice, Dick Wilkins. We have no hint of the selfish, Christmas-hating man whom Scrooge became. Scrooge’s Young Adulthood something happened after Scrooge’s apprenticeship under Fezziwig that changed his heart for the worse. We learn about this from the next scene in Scrooge’s past. There his fiancÃ©e informs Ebenezer that she is to break their engagement. Why? Because “another idol has displaced me,” she explains. And this idol is “a golden one,” which Dickens calls “Gain” and we would call “Greed.” The dialogue continues: [Scrooge says,] “There is nothing on which [the world] is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” “You fear the world too much,” she answered, gently. “All your other hopes have merged into the hope of being beyond the chance of its sordid reproach. I have seen your nobler aspirations fall off one by one, until the master-passion, Gain, engrosses you. Have I not?” Scrooge has become the tight-fisted, hard-as-nails man who cares only about financial gain. What has driven him to this? Partly it’s his recognition of how difficult poverty is. This came for Scrooge, as it did for Charles Dickens, from his own bitter experience. And it has led him to be consumed, not just by materialism, but also by fear. He is so afraid of poverty’s lash that he has abandoned his “nobler aspirations,” including the desire to marry the woman he loves and who had once loved him. No doubt the rejection Scrooge experienced from his fiancÃ©e hardened his heart still further. Love itself was to be scorned, which is exactly what Scrooge had done in the Stave 1, when his nephew admitted to marrying because he fell in love: “‘Because you fell in love!’ growled Scrooge, as if that were the only one thing in the world more ridiculous than a merry The hard-hearted, grasping Scrooge found strength and solace in the social philosophy of his day, which thought of the poor as deserving their sorry fate, and even as being a threat to the well-being of the world. When, in Stave 1, Scrooge rejects the request of the two “portly gentlemen” for a charitable gift for the poor, he suggests that the poor might die “and decrease the surplus population.” Here Scrooge echoes the views of the influential economist Thomas Malthus, whose theories would have allowed a man like Scrooge to defend his greed and lack of compassion for the poor. what made Scrooge Scrooge? You start with an unhappy childhood: mother dead; cruel father; sent away from home to overly strict boarding schools; no friends among classmates; only solace in books; the only student not going home for Christmas. Then you throw in a strong fear of poverty along with a growing love for the safety represented by material gain. Add the rejection of a fiancÃ©e. And top it off with popular philosophy that praises acquisitiveness and derides the poor as deserving of their condition. What have you got? Scrooge! Scrooge: whose heart has been squeezed by the impact of a sorry life and his own sorry choices. Scrooge: who squeezes his hand around the only thing that gives him meaning and security in life . . . money. So if this explains, at least in part, how Scrooge became Scrooge, now the question is: What caused Scrooge to change? To this question I will turn in my next post in this series. Why Did Ebenezer Scrooge Change? Stave I As A Christmas Carol begins, Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the most unlikable characters in all of literature. Here, once again, is the full version of Charles Dickens’s classic description: But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge. a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog-days; and didn’t thaw it one degree at Christmas. Don’t you love that description? Now there’s a man in need of an attitude adjustment, or, indeed, a life adjustment. And that’s exactly what happened to Ebenezer Scrooge, and in less than 100 pages! By the end of the story, here’s the new Scrooge: Scrooge was better than his word [to Bob Cratchit concerning help for his family]. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. . . . [A]nd it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the What in the world can explain such a transformation? Why was Scrooge able to change? How did it happen? might begin by saying that nothing in this world can account for the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge. He needed, and indeed, received supernatural assistance. The change in Scrooge is a direct result of the impact of four ghosts upon him, the spirit of his departed colleague Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future. The metamorphosis of a man like Ebenezer Scrooge requires other-worldly influence. In this regard, Ebenezer Scrooge is like his literary forefather Gabriel Grub (see my post entitled “The First Ebenezer Scrooge”), though Scrooge was haunted by ghosts rather than goblins. And, unlike poor Grub, Scrooge didn’t get physically pummeled into submission. The ghosts worked on Scrooge’s heart, not his body. wasn’t the mere fact of ghostly visitors that changed Scrooge, however, as if he had been scared into repentance. Rather, it was what he experienced with the spirits that made all the difference. Indeed, the ghosts weren’t really necessary for Scrooge’s transformation. It could have all been just a dream with the same result, although would have been much less fun. The Impact of the Spirit of Jacob Marley Before Scrooge is visited by Jacob Marley, he shows not the slightest bit of kindness or tenderness. His heart is hard. His focus is utterly self-centered. He has nothing to offer others but scorn and an occasional “Humbug!” Inhis interaction with Marley’s ghost, however, Scrooge first shows the tiniest morsel of positive feeling to anyone. When the ghost of Jacob Marley visits Scrooge, he at first doubts the veracity of his visitor. In one of my favorite lines from A Christmas Carol, Scrooge argues that his vision is probably “an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato. There’s more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!” Yet with loud cries and a horrifying change of appearance, Marley’s ghost prevails upon Scrooge’s good sense, who finally believes that the ghost is real. Scrooge’s first response to this recognition is fear and trembling. His fear grows when he learns that he is destined to wear even heavier post-mortem chains than the onerous ones that Marley himself is forced to carry. “Speak comfort to me, Jacob,” Scrooge begs, in his first real demonstration of some sort of human vulnerability. Yet Marley can offer no real comfort. (Photo: “Marley’s Ghost” by John Leech, from the first edition of A Christmas Carol). we catch a glimpse of a speck of tenderness in Ebenezer Scrooge, though it is completely self-centered. He desires comfort because he is terrified to learn about the Hell that awaits him after death. Thus, the frozen heart of Scrooge begins to thaw just a smidgen, even if his feeling is still egocentric. As Marley continues, he explains that he has come to warn Scrooge so that he might escape Marley’s dire fate, “a chance and hope of my procuring, Ebenezer.” To this Scrooge responds, “You were always a good friend to me, . . . Thank’ee.” Here is the first bit of tenderheartedness directed by Scrooge to someone other than himself. What begins to thaw the frosty heart of Ebenezer Scrooge? It’s the fact that Marley has acted to help Scrooge. It’s Marley’s gift of undeserved kindness that first touches Scrooge’s soul. Undeserved kindness. Theologians call this grace. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Marley extended grace to his former partner. In no way did Marley owe Scrooge anything. And there’s no reason to believe that Marley stood to gain anything for himself in helping Scrooge, other than, perhaps, the sense of having made a positive difference in Scrooge’s life (and afterlife). Moreover, in no way whatsoever had Scrooge done anything to deserve Marley’s help. Marley’s intervention was simply an act of grace. In fact, it was a demonstration of what theologians call prevenient grace. Prevenient grace is, simply, grace that comes before anything we do. Prevenient grace takes the initiative. It gets the ball of transformation rolling. The fact that God’s grace is prevenient makes all the difference in the world. It means that we cannot do anything to earn God’s favor, nor must we. It means that God’s favor is given first, and everything we do for good is in some measure a response to that prevenient grace. Dickens was not an enthusiastic Christian-his own faith seemed to be more of a romantic, deistic, Unitarian variety-his anthropology bore much in common with his evangelical contemporaries (of whom he was not particularly fond). According to both Dickens and the evangelicals, human transformation comes as a result of grace, grace that is communicated through a supernatural agent. Of course in the Christian case, grace comes from God, not a human ghost, and is delivered through the Holy Spirit, not the spirit of a dead colleague. Jacob Marley doesn’t appear in Scripture when I last checked. So when it comes to theology, A Christmas Carol isn’t especially Christian. But Dickens’s understanding of human nature is surprisingly similar to the Christian perspective in some ways. We change in response to grace, with the help of a supernatural spirit. Though Scrooge’s initial experience of grace softens his stony heart just a bit, it hardly transforms it. This arduous task remains for the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future. To their work I’ll return in my next post in this series. Why Did Ebenezer Scrooge Change? Stave II In my last post, I began to examine A Christmas Carol to discover why Ebenezer Scrooge changed so dramatically. I showed that we see the tiniest hint of his transformation in his interaction with the ghost of Jacob Marley, whose graciousness to Scrooge elicited a morsel of gratitude from the old miser. Yet Marley’s impact would be most keenly felt, not in his visit, but in his sending three other spirits to “haunt” Scrooge. The Impact of the Ghost of Christmas Past The Ghost of Christmas Past is a strange apparition who explains the purpose of his visit as Scrooge’s “welfare,” or, indeed, his “reclamation.” This process begins with an easily overlooked but crucial interchange between Scrooge and the Spirit. When the Spirit clasps Scrooge’s arm and begins to lead him towards the window, Scrooge resists, saying, “I am a mortal, and liable to fall.” Notice carefully the spirit’s response: “‘Bear but a touch of my hand there,’ said the Spirit, laying it upon his heart, ‘and you shall be upheld in more than this!'” The Spirit touches, not just Scrooge’s arm, but also his heart. And Scrooge would be upheld, not only in his supernatural travels, but also in the opening of his tightly-shut heart. Then the Spirit magically transports Scrooge to the place where he spent his boyhood. The sights and sounds of his youth begin to soften Scrooge’s heart. Yet the Spirit has only started his transforming effort. Next Scrooge sees his fellow students merrily on their way to celebrate Christmas. The school is deserted, all except for one boy, “a solitary child, neglected by his friends.” It is Scrooge, of course, left alone with nothing to cheer him but the characters from his beloved books. The old man weeps bitter tears for the child he once was. For the first time in a long time he feels compassion for someone else, even if that “someone else” is really just an earlier version of himself. Yet, as he feels for himself as a boy, Scrooge also shows the first glimmer of care for another human being as well: “There was a boy singing a Christmas Carol at my door last night,” he explains to the ghost. “I should like to have given him something.” Ironically, Scrooge had almost given that boy something – a rap with his ruler! On some Christmas Eve following the time of his isolation in the school, the young Scrooge receives a visit from Fan, his beloved sister. (Dickens himself had a sister named Fanny.) Fan informs Ebenezer that he can come home for Christmas. (Years later Fan dies, leaving behind a child-the nephew Fred whom Scrooge had so badly mistreated only hours before.) (Photo: “Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball” by John Leech, from the first edition of A Christmas Carol.) this tender family scene, the Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge to the warehouse of Old Fezziwig, to whom Scrooge had once been apprenticed. The mere sight of his generous old master brings joy to Scrooge’s heart. Then, as he witnesses a grand Christmas party, “Scrooge had acted like a man out of his wits. His heart and soul were in the scene. . . .” When the Ghost challenges Fezziwig’s actions, Scrooge defends his generosity. And, once again, this begins to be translated into a desire to be generous in his own life: “I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now,” Scrooge says. next scene is not a happy one for Scrooge. He watches as his fiancÃ©e, Belle, breaks their engagement, recognizing that Ebenezer loves money far more than he loves her. Then the Ghost shows Scrooge one more scene, in which a Belle is much older, with a husband and daughter. Their family love stands in stark contrast to Scrooge’s own miserly loneliness. At this, Scrooge begs to be removed. “I cannot bear it!” he exclaims. How Do the Events of Stave II Transform Scrooge? all of this help to transform the heart of Ebenezer Scrooge? His journey starts at a most curious place, with Scrooge looking upon himself as a lonely child. It’s as if Dickens realizes that even hard-hearted people might have the tiniest soft spot for themselves and their own suffering. One might almost be tempted to say that Scrooge is acting out a sort of psychological Golden Rule, loving himself so that he might love others as well. From a psychotherapeutic angle, Scrooge is getting in touch with his inner child. The vision of the Fezziwigs’ party not only lures Scrooge into a bit of vicarious celebration, but also it forces him to reexamine his own values. Mr. Fezziwig, whom the old Scrooge continues to hold in high regard, saw fit to spend a bit of money for the sake of others. “The happiness he gives,” Scrooge insists, “is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.” There’s more to life than money, the old miser begins to realize for the first time in a long time. Ghost of Christmas past, beyond conjuring up within Scrooge feelings of nostalgia and celebration, helps him see-and feel-the harsh contrast between love and loneliness. Love figures prominently in his boyhood encounter with his sister Fan. Remembering her love for him-and his for her-makes Scrooge’s grouchy rejection of Fan’s son Fred all the more grievous. Moreover, the scenes featuring Belle press into Scrooge’s heart the lack of love in his own life. Where Scrooge had once felt genuine love (from and for Fan, from and for Belle), he had chosen to cut himself off from this love, whether with his former fiancÃ©e, or with Fred. He realizes he has made poor choices for his life, and he starts to wish for something better. It’s interesting to me that Scrooge doesn’t reject all of this as a bunch of maudlin nonsense. What, I wonder, gives him the ability to see, really to see, his life as it truly was? And what gives him the ability to feel emotions that had for so long been absent from his heart? Yes, seeing himself as a hurting young boy might very well have opened Scrooge’s heart a bit. But this might not have happened were in not for the earlier intervention of the Spirit, when he touched Scrooge’s heart and promised that he would be “upheld” in more than just their other-worldly travel. What can transform a stony heart? For Charles Dickens, the answer has several layers. Nostalgia for the past seems to help. Looking afresh at one’s life makes a difference. Supernatural assistance contributes. But, at the core, love changes people. Love, not of the romantic sort, but of the compassionate, self-giving variety, transforms hearts. When Scrooge witnesses the love of his sister Fan and his master Fezziwig, something happens inside of him. And when he sees how he spurned the love of his former fiancÃ©e and how happy she is with a loving husband and daughter, Scrooge realizes how much he has lost be shutting his heart to love. Here, once again, Dickens’s anthropology is virtually Christian. Christians believe that ultimate transformation in life comes as we experience God’s love for us given through Jesus Christ. Over a century before Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, another Englishman had something to say about the power of love to transform one’s life. Consider how these words of hymn writer Isaac Watts express something like what happened to Ebenezer Scrooge: When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. . . . Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. the Christian, the deepest and most transforming kind of love is celebrated, not at Christmas, but on Good Friday. Christmas is what makes Good Friday possible, as the Son of God chooses to love by enduring the cross. Why Did Ebenezer Scrooge Change? Stave III When we last left Ebenezer Scrooge, he had just finished being visited by the first of three Christmas Spirits, the Ghost of Christmas Past. He fell into bed, exhausted. At the beginning of Stave III, Scrooge awakes, ready for the visit of the next of the three Spirits. This visitor is the Ghost of Christmas Present, a giant being who exudes the extravagant joy of Christmas (picture Hagrid in a Santa Suit having just eaten way too many Christmas cookies). Though at first hesitant to look at this Spirit, soon Scrooge shows how his heart has begun to change: “Spirit,” said Scrooge submissively, “conduct me where you will. I went forth last night on compulsion, and I learnt a lesson which is working now. To-night, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.” (“The Ghost of Christmas Present” by John Leech from the first edition of A Christmas Carol.) his older brother, the Ghost of Christmas Present shows Ebenezer Scrooge many scenes of Christmas. Here Dickens is at his “Dickensiest” in lavish descriptions of food and festivity, all of which accentuate the joyfulness of Christmas. At first an observer of such delights, in time Scrooge begins to participate in the Christmas games as if he were actually present in the celebrations. He does this most of all as he watches the Christmas party of his nephew, Fred, who, in spite of having been mistreated by his uncle the day before, nevertheless wishes Scrooge a Merry Christmas. What has turned Scrooge into a man who delights in Christmas parties? His observation of genuine celebration leads, it seems, to an openhearted desire to become an enthusiastic celebrator. Dickens believes that festivity, especially of the pure-hearted variety, is contagious. The Impact of the Crachit Family Yet what touches Scrooge’s heart in Stave III isn’t merely his looking upon numerous Christmas parties. One scene in particular has special impact upon his soul. It comes as he observes the family of his clerk, Bob Cratchit. Though this family has little in the way of money, they abound in love and joy. The center of their passion is Tiny Tim, the Cratchit’s sickly little boy, who walked with a crutch and was supported by “an iron frame.” This sweet boy may have a crippled body, but his heart is bigger and stronger than most. He’s the one, after all, who offers the generous wish: “God bless us every one!” Viewing Tiny Tim in his weakened state, Scrooge asks the Spirit “if Tiny Tim will live.” “If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future,” the Spirit responds, “the child will die.” “No, no,” said Scrooge. “Oh no, kind Spirit! say he will be spared.” which the Spirit quotes Scrooges own words from Stave 1: “If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.” Confronted in this way, “Scrooge hung his head to hear his own words quoted by the Spirit, and was overcome with penitence and grief.” Precisely at this point in the story, Bob Cratchit offers a toast to Mr. Scrooge, “the Founder of the Feast.” Even though his family is none too happy to drink to Mr. Scrooge’s health, they dutifully follow their father’s lead. Thus compacted into a minute’s worth of action, Scrooge feels compassion for Tiny Tim, learns that he will die unless something unexpected happens, is confronted by his former hard-heartedness, repents profoundly, and then witnesses the extraordinary grace of his mistreated clerk, Bob Cratchit. Now that’s a formula for personal Dickens uses Tiny Tim, perhaps more than any other character, to warm the icy heart of Ebenezer Scrooge. This reflects Dickens’s own experience of being touched by children, especially their suffering. I noted earlier in this series that the first sign of tenderness in Scrooge comes as he observes his own childhood loneliness. This prepares him to be compassionate with other children. Dickens once wrote to a friend, “Certainly there is nothing more touching than the suffering of a child, nothing more overwhelming” (Annotated Christmas Carol, p. 97). The Strange Ending of Stave III Dickens’ conviction about the suffering of children no doubt explains the bizarre and unexpected conclusion to Stave III. As the Ghost of Christmas Present nears the end of his mission to save Scrooge, he reveals two children hiding beneath his robe. They are “wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable.” Who are these emaciated beings? “This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want.” Their presence calls forth compassion from Scrooge, who asks, “Have they no refuge or resource?” Once again the spirit hurls Scrooge’s own words back in his face: “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” And with this, the Ghost of Christmas Past disappears along with his pitiful children. So what in Stave III contributes to the transformation of Scrooge’s heart? I’ll answer this question in my next post and add some theological reflections. Why Did Ebenezer Scrooge Change? Stave III (Part 2) In yesterday’s post, I began considering what in Stave III contributes to the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart. I summarized the events of Stave 3, focusing especially on Scrooge’s response to children in need: Tiny Tim of the Cratchit family and the two wretched children who hide under the robe of the Ghost of Christmas Present. Today I want to offer some conclusions and reflections on the events of Stave III. What in Stave III Contributes to the Transformation of Scrooge? in this stave contributes to the transformation of Scrooge’s heart? Partly, it’s the observation of Christmas celebrations, especially those of common folk, most of all the poor, who, in spite of their material deprivation, enjoy the jovial spirit of Christmas. (Photo: John Leech’s drawing of Want and Ignorance in the first edition of A Christmas Carol.) even more powerful than this observation is Scrooge’s vision of children who suffer (Tiny Tim and the two children who hide under the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present, Want and Ignorance). Like Dickens, Scrooge finds himself moved by the plight of a child in need. Yet the Spirit of Christmas Present doesn’t merely allow Scrooge’s heart to be touched by childhood pain. He also confronts Scrooge twice with his own words of scorn for the poor. In response to the first of these, Scrooge repents with much sadness. We don’t know of how he responds to the second confrontation, however, because the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come Makes his appearance before Dickens can relate Scrooge’s feelings. Stave III, Scrooge also witnesses people whom he has treated poorly extending grace to him. His nephew, Fred, and his clerk, Bob, both drink to Scrooge on Christmas and wish him well. The scene at Fred’s party ends this way: “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the old man, whatever he is!” said Scrooge’s nephew. “He wouldn’t take it from me, but may he have it, nevertheless. Uncle Scrooge!” Scrooge had imperceptibly become so gay and light of heart, that he would have pledged the unconscious company in return, and thanked them in an inaudible speech, if the Ghost had given him time. Grace is invading Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart. Sometimes I think Dickens has too much confidence in the power of celebration to thaw Scrooge’s heart. Yet, I have seen this sort of thing happen. For example, during my tenure as Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church, perhaps the strangest worship service of the year occurred on the Sunday following our Vacation Bible School week. In our Sunday worship services, worship leaders dressed in costume and led children’s songs with lots of hand motions. The children were exuberant in their worship and predictably wiggly and noisy during times of prayer and Scripture reading. The “sermon” was a dramatic sketch in which I and a couple of my colleagues are dressed up as wacky characters who inevitably discovered the truth of the Gospel in spite of our silliness. loved VBS Sunday. No surprise here. But what about the grown ups? When we first did VBS Sunday this way, I was afraid that some of our more sedate and refined adults would be upset. Was I ever wrong! They loved it just as much as the children, in some ways even more. There was something about the unsophisticated celebrations of children that allowed even very grown up people to rejoice, sometimes even clapping their hands or joining the children in their hand motions during songs. So, given the right circumstances, I do think that celebration, especially that of children, can be contagious. (Photo: My partners and I are VBS pirates. Arrrrgh!) I also agree with Dickens that the suffering of children, perhaps even more than their celebration, can open hearts in a unique way. Consider, for example, the case of African children orphaned because of AIDS. Their tragedy has touched the hearts of millions, even people who might have been reticent to care about the HIV/AIDS crisis because of its association with sexual immorality. Moreover, World Vision and other charitable organizations have found that people will give generously to help hungry children even when they might be less inclined to help equally hungry adults. If you go to World Vision’s website, you’ll find pictures of struggling children, along with ways to contribute to their well-being. When I visited the website today, a giant headline on the page read: “SPONSORING A CHILD is the greatest give you can give this Christmas.” But you won’t find any pictures of adults in similar distress. This is not an accident. Partly it reflects World Vision’s laudable focus on children. It also reflects a realistic judgment of what moves people to give. I’m not criticizing World Vision for this, please understand. In fact, my family and I regularly contribute to World Vision. If you are looking for a place to make a special year-end gift, I can think of no better one. My point is simply that children in need can open the hearts of people like nobody or nothing else. Dickens is right to realize that compassion alone won’t change people’s hearts, however. The Ghost of Christmas Present rightly confronts Scrooge with his own hard-heartedness, that which Christians call sin. Scrooge needs, not just an infusion of kindness, but a complete change of heart. And this requires repentance and Once again, I see Dickens’s understanding of human nature to be much in accord with Christian anthropology. Christians believe that the transformation of human beings requires repentance. In fact, we believe that a Spirit, in this case, the Holy Spirit of God, brings conviction of sin so that we might turn to God (see John 16:7-11). The complete transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge doesn’t happen at the end of Stave III, however. More is still needed. To this I will turn in my next post in this series. Why Did Ebenezer Scrooge Change? Stave IV The final Spirit to visit Ebenezer Scrooge is the “Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come” or simply the “Ghost of the Future.” This silent Spirit, shrouded in black, takes the mythic form of death. Not surprisingly, the visions it reveals to Scrooge also focus upon death and its meaning. largest portion of Stave 4, which is shorter than Staves 2 and 3, describes various reactions to the death of some unknown figure. At first, several men of business talk about this man’s death with curious indifference. Then Scrooge observes three people who robbed the dead man and are selling their booty in creepy part of town. Of course the reader guesses that the deceased victim is none other than Scrooge himself, but this doesn’t occur to Scrooge at this stage in the story, or, at any rate, he is unwilling to acknowledge what he senses. In fact, when he stands next to the covered body of the dead man, Scrooge is unable to lift the covering and discover whose body lies beneath it. He just can’t bring himself to face his own mortality. The most touching scene in Stave 4 involves the Cratchit family, minus Tiny Tim, who has just died. Their shared grief is almost tangible as they try nevertheless to enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer. Even so, Bob Cratchit breaks down with sadness, crying out “My little child!” Before Scrooge leaves the Cratchits, the family members resolve never to forget Tiny Tim, whom the narrator addresses: “Spirit of Tiny Tim, they childish essence was from God.” (Photo: “The Last of the Spirits.” Illustration by John Leech in the first edition of A Christmas Carol.) the final scene of this stave, Scrooge demands that the Spirit reveal the identity of the mysterious dead man. Soon Scrooge stands in a deserted graveyard, directed by the Spirit’s pointing finger to a neglected grave, the stone of which reads “Ebenezer Scrooge.” The horrified Scrooge realizes the sum total of his life, which amounts to zero (or less). He will die unloved and unnoticed, unless he chooses a different course of living from that moment on. This is exactly what Scrooge resolves to do, even though the Spirit refuses to assure him that his life is redeemable: “Spirit!” he cried, tight clutching at its robe, “hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse. Why show me this, if I am past all hope? . . . I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!” Yet the Spirit doesn’t speak, and, as Scrooge attempts to hold him, the Spirit turns into a bedpost, Scrooge’s own bedpost. One might wonder why Dickens associates the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come with death. Michael Hearn, in The Annotated Christmas Carol, cites something Dickens wrote eight years after A Christmas Carol was first published: all days in the year, we will turn our faces towards that City upon Christmas Day, and from its silent hosts bring those we loved, among us. City of the Dead, in the blessed name wherein we are gathered together at this time, and in the Presence that is here among us according to the promise, we will receive, and not dismiss, they people who are dear to us!” (Hearn, p. 126) Dickens seems to have experienced Christmas in the way many others do, as a time for remembering loved ones who have died. Therefore Christmas itself can lead to the remembrance of death. What appears to have altered Scrooge’s character, however, is not merely the fact of his mortality, but also the fact that his sad death accentuates the worthlessness of his life. The revelations of the Spirit make clear to Scrooge the emptiness of his life as seen from a post mortem perspective. it seems to me, does have a way of refocusing our vision, helping us see what matters most in life. I’ve frequently had this experience as I participate in memorial services, something I have done quite often as a pastor. Considering the death of someone else and the things said about that person after death cause me to examine the value of my own life. When my days on this earth have passed, will I have lived my life to the fullest? What will people say about me when my life has passed? confronting one’s own mortality can, indeed, lead to personal transformation. I think of people I’ve known who have had serious cancer, and who, in the aftermath, have decided to live with new priorities. Yet Christians believe that moving from death to life isn’t something we can will into existence, but requires the regenerating work of God. Indeed, we all need a Spirit, not a Christmas Spirit, but the Holy Spirit of God, to give us new life. Finally, the theme of “death within Christmas” is also central to Christian theology. Though we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we remember that his birth was a precursor to his death on the cross. It’s common to interpret the gift of myrrh as a symbolic foretaste of Christ’s death, since myrrh was used for embalming (see John 19:39). So, from a Christian point of view, the presence of death in A Christmas Carol makes sense. Evidence of Scrooge’s Changed Life: Stave V When we left Ebenezer Scrooge in my last post of this series, he had come to the end of the visits by the Spirits of Christmas past, present, and future. In response to these visits, he promised to be a changed man: “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.” Stave V, the final section of A Christmas Carol, reveals that Scrooge wasn’t lying or exaggerating. He was indeed a new man. first evidence of his transformation is his giddy enjoyment of life. He’s almost crazy with joy, especially when he finds out that it’s Christmas day. This stands in stark contrast to the gruff negativity of the former Scrooge. Apart from silly excitement, what is the first evidence Dickens supplies of Scrooge’s renewal? Generosity, of course. Charity. Given what we’ve seen earlier in this series, namely Dickens’s association of Christmas with helping the poor, we are not surprised that the new Scrooge jumps at the chance to help the family of his clerk, Bob Cratchit, by sending them a giant turkey for their Christmas dinner. Calling this “charity” doesn’t quite get the feel of Scrooge’s action, however. “Playful charity” might be a better description, since he intends to surprise the Cratchits and not even reveal his identity as their patron. Soon, however, Scrooge’s benevolence takes a more serious and costly turn. As he’s walking the streets, wishing everyone he sees a “Merry Christmas,” Scrooge spies the two “portly gentlemen” who had visited him the previous day, seeking his help for the poor. That was not a pleasant encounter, of course, since Scrooge dismissed the men without the tiniest gift. But the new Scrooge not only greets the two gentlemen warmly, but also offers a surprisingly large financial gift. The next evidence of Scrooge’s transformation is easily lost if one reads too quickly. It’s not often picked up in dramatic presentations of A Christmas Carol, though it figures prominently in the 1999 film starring Patrick Stewart as Scrooge. Dickens writes simply, “He went to church.” Since we don’t have more to go on than this, we shouldn’t imagine that Scrooge has experienced some sort of religious conversion. Yet Dickens hints that, in some way or another, Scrooge has a new interest in God, or at least in religious observance at Christmas time. Following church, Scrooge visits his nephew Fred, asking to join him and his wife for Christmas dinner. Together they experience, in Dickens’s inimitable description: “Wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity, won-der-ful happiness!” The last scene in A Christmas Carol mirrors the opening scene, with Scrooge in his office. He hopes to catch Bob Cratchit coming in late, and his wish is fulfilled. Scrooge uses this opportunity to scare poor Bob half to death with his newfound generosity and Christmas joy. He promises to raise Bob’s salary and help his family. (Photo: John Leech’s illustration from the first edition of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge and Bob Cratchit enjoy some “smoking bishop” as they discuss Cratchit’s job and family.) The closing paragraphs of A Christmas Carol explain that “Scrooge was better than his word.” He became like a second father to Tiny Tim. Moreover, he “became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.” Yes, from then on Scrooge “knew how to keep Christmas well,” but his transformation wasn’t limited to one day or one season. Rather, he fulfilled his promise “keep Christmas all year,” both in his joviality and in his generosity. So what evidence do we have of Scrooge’s transformation? Most simply, we see joy, generosity, and childlike playfulness. Earlier in this series I explained how central children were to Dickens’ heart, especially his heart for the poor. The suffering of children touched him more than any other suffering. At the end of A Christmas Carol, Dickens shows that if people allow their hearts to be transformed by children, not only will they care for needy children, but also they will become childlike. Even Scrooge’s generosity has an innocent, playful dimension as he surprises both Bob Cratchit and the portly gentlemen. more, I’m impressed with the extent to which Dickens’ understanding of human life is similar to my own Christian point of view. Transformation, for Dickens and for the Christian, has both internal and external aspects. It’s a matter both of feeling and of action. The new Scrooge feels new. But he also takes tangible steps to act in new ways in the world, principally through financial generosity and general kindness. This is the sort of thing that happens when a person is transformed, not by Christmas Spirits, but by the Spirit of God. Though I don’t want to be a humbug sort of person, I should say that we have no evidence that Scrooge made any attempt to right the social wrongs of his day apart from his commitment to private generosity. We don’t see Scrooge becoming a crusader for the right of the poor to, say, a decent education. Of course we don’t see much of anything about Scrooge’s transformed life. I’m simply pointing out that Scrooge’s generosity, however laudatory, is not explicitly tied to any effort to help the poor in more structural ways. His transformation may have changed his private relationships, but it may also have left his politics intact. do think Dickens is right in his notion that a softened heart is a childlike heart. Jesus himself says that one must become like a child in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Though I’m pretty sure he wasn’t thinking of playfulness at Christmas, Jesus rightly saw that a life renewed by God has an essential childlike aspect to it. The more our hearts are touched by the Spirit of God, the more we are able to be like children: trusting, free, expressive, spontaneous, enthusiastic, joyful. I’d like to be this sort of person, even more in 2011 than I was in 2010. I don’t need any ghostly visitors, however. Yet I do need to pay more attention to the third member of the Trinity, the one we used to call the Holy Ghost. The Spirit of God is able to do in reality what the Spirits of Christmas were able to do in fiction, and much, much What Changed Ebenezer Scrooge? What Changes Us? I’m finally ready to answer the question that has guided most of this series on A Christmas Carol: Why did Ebenezer Scrooge change? Today I want to sum up what we’ve discovered and make some connections to our own experience. Transformation begins when something interrupts our ordinary experience. at least a couple dozen years, Ebenezer Scrooge had been a committed grouch, miser, and Christmas-hater. But then something interrupted his otherwise ordinary experience. In his case, the interruption was supernatural: the spirit of Jacob Marley and the three Spirits of Christmas past, present, and future. These Spirits forced Scrooge out of his rut and propelled him along a life-changing path. (Photo: An autographed manuscript of A Christmas Carol. From the Morgan Library and Museum.) seen this sort of thing happen time and again in life. People are going along their merry way when all of a sudden something causes them to veer off their established path. Sometimes it’s an unexpected blessing: a new job, a new love, a new friend. Often, perhaps most commonly, the catalyst for change is something unwelcome, at least at first, such as cancer, marital conflict, or being laid off. Transformation comes through pain. Throughout Ebenezer Scrooge’s momentous night, he frequently felt pain: the pain of having been a lonely boy, the pain of his broken engagement, the pain of suffering children, the pain of his own wasted life. This pain was essential to Scrooge’s transformation in a number of ways. For one thing, it warmed his frozen heart, helping him to feel things had had not felt for ages. Yet pain also caused Scrooge to desire a different life, a life filled with the joys of living. In my pastoral experience, people are rarely interested in renewal when they’re happy with their lives. When everything’s great, they’re understandably pleased to stay on their familiar course. But if that course leads to suffering, then they’re all of a sudden interested in God. unfortunately, that pain-driven interest is short-lived. I think of a couple who had been irregularly involved in my church in Irvine. When they first started attending many years ago, it was because their marriage was on the rocks. But when God helped them find healing, they were happy to return to life apart from Christian community. Then, several years later, the husband had severe heart problems, ones that might have been fatal. Once more, he and his wife were eagerly involved in church. But when the surgery was successful and life got back to normal, this couple stopped showing up at church. I fully expect that they’ll return to church when the next crisis hits, but not in the meanwhile. Pain alone doesn’t forge lasting change in people, however, though it surely can help. Transformation comes through children. is changed because he sees children in a new light, joining in their celebration and pitying their suffering. The latter was especially significant for Charles Dickens, who himself felt compassion for the plight of poor children, in part because he himself had once been in their shoes. Children do have way of thawing icy hearts. I’ve seen this especially in men who are trapped in their inexpressive machismo until they become fathers. All of a sudden tenderness flows from their hearts, as if by magic. Or, to cite another example, I think of how the presence of children can bring joy to senior adults in a convalescent home. Of course it doesn’t always work this way. Sometimes cranky people are made even crankier by the noisy gladness of children. So there’s no guarantee that exposure to children will work positive change in people. Usually, more is required. I’ll talk about that “more,” as I finish this discussion of transformation and wrap up this series on Christmas according to Dickens. What Changed Ebenezer Scrooge? What Changes Us? (Part 2) Yesterday, I began to gather together the strands of this series and weave some conclusions about what transforms us. I suggested that: â€¢ Transformation begins when something interrupts our ordinary experience. â€¢ Transformation comes through pain. â€¢ Transformation comes through children. Today I want to add to further reflections on what changes us. Transformation is a result of seeing with a fresh perspective. As I explained earlier in this series, seven years before he wrote A Christmas Carol, Dickens wrote a short story about a grouchy man who is changed through his interaction with goblins on Christmas Eve. Part of what altered Gabriel Grub was the beating he took from the goblins. They literally knocked some sense into him. Scrooge, on the contrary, experiences no physical pummeling from the Spirits who visit him. They work their wonders simply by showing Scrooge scenes of Christmas past, present, and future. This enables Scrooge to see life from a fresh perspective, and as a result, he resolves to become a changed man. Part of what Scrooge saw wasn’t new. In fact, some of it was his own past. Yet he was seeing from the perspective of an outsider, and this altered his vision. Part of what Scrooge saw was new to him. For example, prior to his travels with the Ghost of Christmas Present he had never observed the Cratchit family’s Christmas celebrations, so joyful even though so humble. It seems clear that Dickens believed in the transforming power of fresh perspective. He wrote A Christmas Carol not only because he needed additional income, but also and especially because he wanted people to experience the joy of Christmas, and especially the joy that comes from generosity, both in giving and in receiving. Dickens hoped that his little book would function in the lives of his readers much as the Spirits functioned in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge. There is ample evidence that his hopes have been fulfilled thousands if not millions of times over since 1843. also witnessed the power of a fresh perspective to change lives. For example, during my tenure as pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church, several hundred members went to a small community in northern Mexico called El NiÃ±o in order to assist the poor who live there. When they returned, they often saw life differently and acted differently too. They saw in a new way, for example, how richly blessed they were financially. Many resolved to live more simply and to give away more than they had before in order to help the poor. Transformation requires supernatural help. no question that Ebenezer Scrooge needed supernatural assistance in order to change his ways. Apart from Jacob Marley’s intervention, Scrooge would have continued to forge for himself a hellishly-long chain which he’d be forced to drag about for eternity. Yet because the Spirit of his former partner interrupted Scrooge and sent the three Christmas Spirits, Scrooge’s life was renewed. I’m not enough of an expert on Dickens to know whether he would agree with the claim that transformation requires supernatural help. Though he was a theist of sorts, Dickens didn’t share many of my Christian convictions. He may have believed that literature, unaided by spirits of any kind, was powerful enough to effect change in the Ebenezer Scrooges of this world. Nevertheless, I believe that profound, lasting human transformation does indeed require supernatural assistance, namely that of the Holy The good news for those of us who are in need of transformation, and to some extent that means all of us, is that God’s Spirit is in the renewal and reformation business. According to the New Testament, the Holy Spirit “gives life,” offers “renewal,” and leads us into “new life” (2 Cor 3:6; Titus 3:5; Rom 7:6). The Spirit draws us to confess Jesus as Lord (1 Cor 12:3) and then empowers us to live in a whole new way (Rom 8). The Spirit of God also helps us see with fresh perspective, opening our minds and touching our hearts. And, unlike the Spirits in A Christmas Carol, this Spirit doesn’t disappear when Christmas is over. Though I’m quite sure it wasn’t Dickens’ intended purpose, my reading of A Christmas Carol produces in me an enhanced desire and a more fervent resolve to live this life less by my own strength and more by the power of God’s Spirit. In this way, my own “Scroogishness” might be transformed, by God’s grace. Copyright Â© 2010 by Mark D. Roberts and Beliefnet Note: You may download this Advent calendar of the pictures it contains at no cost, for personal use, for use in a Christian ministry, or for use in an educational venture, as long as you are not publishing it for sale. All I ask is that you give credit to this website: //www.beliefnet.com/columnists//markdroberts/. For all other uses, please contact me at mark@markdroberts.com. Thank you. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, Advent is a season of waiting. That’s something my dog, Sandy, does quite well. The people who walked in darkness those who lived in a land of deep darkness– on them light has shined. A tunnel of Christmas lights in Marble Falls, Texas. not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full–pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Talk about a full lap! December 5: The Second Sunday of Advent Introduction to the Christian Year Note: If you’re looking for information about Advent in particular, please check this series: Advent Introduction: What is Advent? Why Does It Matter? How Can We Celebrate It? Happy New Year!?!? Are you having a Happy New Year? Yes, I know it’s early in December. Yes, I know we’re still in 2010. And, yes, I know that the giant crystal ball in Times Square hasn’t yet fallen. Of course I’m aware that we haven’t even celebrated Christmas yet. (Photo: The crystal ball that fell in Times Square at the beginning of 2008. Photo by Clare Cridland, Wikimedia Commons.) Still, I want to ask: Are you having a Happy New Year? you’re a member of a highly liturgical church, such as Catholic, Episcopal, or Lutheran, what I’ve just said makes sense. (If you’re Eastern Orthodox, you think I’m three months behind the time.) But if you’re not involved in such a church, I had better explain what I’m talking about. The Christian year, sometimes called the church year or the liturgical year, is a centuries-old way that many Christians have ordered the 365-day year. It depends, not on the positions of the sun and moon, or on the start and end of school, or on the requirements of the IRS, but rather on key aspects of the life of Christ that are coordinated with the solar calendar. The major holidays (literally, holy days) in the church year are Christmas (December 25), Good Friday and Easter (in the spring, dated according to Jewish Passover), and Pentecost (seven weeks after Easter). Every other special day or season fits around these crucial days (Advent, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, etc.). When I have taught worship leaders from around the country, I have often asked about their awareness of the liturgical year. It used to be that the vast majority had little or no knowledge of it, apart from the big holidays, Christmas and Easter. If they had any sense of the liturgical year, they assumed that it was something for Catholics and other high church folk, with little relevance for the rest of us. I can understand this perspective because I was raised in a church that recognized Christmas, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, but that’s about it. I had always assumed that things like Lent were for my Catholic friends. And since Lent seemed to involve some sort of fasting, I was happy to leave it well enough alone. Give me the feasts, I reasoned. Leave the fasts for the Catholics and Jews. (I didn’t have any sense of Ramadan back then.) wasn’t until I was preparing for ordained ministry that I gained some exposure to the Christian year. I learned – much to my surprise – that many Presbyterians and other Protestants take this stuff quite seriously. For the first time in my life, I heard a Presbyterian pastor get excited about the benefits of the church year for corporate worship and private devotions. I was curious, though I didn’t quite get his enthusiasm. What difference would the liturgical year make in my life? The answer seemed to be: none at all. When I became the Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in 1991, the church had a history of recognizing more of the liturgical year than I had acknowledged before. During my sixteen-year tenure there, I grew to appreciate the richness that such a perspective can bring to the worship life of a church, as well as to my own devotional life. The truth is, all kidding aside, that I actually began to experience the first Sunday of Advent (in late November or early December) as the beginning of a new year. though I am no longer a parish pastor, I can feel the flow that begins with Advent and carries me through the birth of Jesus to his death and resurrection, and beyond that to the sending of the Spirit and the celebration of Christ’s kingly reign. Believe it or not, there’s a sense in which early December begins my preparation, not just for Christmas, but also for Easter. I know this may sound odd to you, even esoteric and weird. But I’ve found that recognizing the Christian year has enriched my faith in many ways. I’d like to share some of these with you. let me hasten to add that nothing in Scripture demands recognition of the church year. We do not have in the New Testament some equivalent to Leviticus 25, where God lays out for Israel the major fasts and feasts during the year. So, although the liturgical year is structured around the biblical story of Jesus, it is not commanded in Scripture in the way of the Jewish holidays for the Jews. Of course, Christians aren’t commanded to celebrate Easter or Christmas in the way we do either. The church year, therefore, is not something all Christians must observe, or must observe in exactly the same way. (In fact, Eastern Orthodox believers have a different pattern throughout the year and even celebrate Easter on a different day!) Nevertheless, I believe that an awareness of the liturgical year can enrich our worship and therefore our relationship with God. In fact, when I’ve taught on this subject to worship leaders who have very little idea of what I’m talking about, they have come away excited about the potential for their On Monday, I’ll provide a brief overview of the Christian year, highlighting some of its main features. Overview of the Christian Year In last Friday’s post, I began describing the Christian year (or liturgical year, or church year). Today, I want to provide an overview of this year in case you are not familiar with it. Before I do this, however, I should say that there is not one, universally-recognized version of the Christian year. In fact, you’ll find variation in timing and practices, sometimes even within one denomination or tradition. For example, many Presbyterian churches use purple as a primary Advent color, while other Presbyterian churches use royal blue, and other Presbyterian churches decorate their worship spaces with secular Christmas colors of red and green without paying much attention to Advent. None of these choices is necessarily wrong or right, though, as you may guess, I would encourage any church to recognize Advent and be enriched by its themes. Color schemes are clearly secondary in importance. (Photo: My Advent wreath combines purple and pink candles for Advent, with a white candle for Christmas, with the greenery we associate with secular Christmas celebrations.) versions of the Christian year, to my knowledge, recognize Christmas and Easter as the twin hubs around which rotate a wide variety of feasts, fasts, and seasons of the year. But even the specific dates for Christmas and Easter vary among different Christian traditions. So, the Christian year I’m going to describe is a version of the Western tradition, which you’ll find in many Protestant denominations, as well as the Roman Catholic Church. Here, in summary form, are the basic days and seasons of the church year, along with some of the main themes: Begins four Sundays prior to Christmas. Includes all days until Christmas Eve. Length varies according to date of first Sunday. The beginning of the Christian year. Themes: Waiting; Expectation; Hope; Yearning; Our need for a Savior. A minor theme of joy. Christians remember the Jewish yearning for the “advent” (from Latin for “coming” or “visit”) of the Messiah. We also get in touch with our hope for the Messiah’s second advent. When: December 25th through January 5, a twelve-day season. Many Christians begin celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve. Of course most people think of Christmas as a day, not a season. But, as the song narrates, there are twelve days of Christmas. Themes: Celebration of the Incarnation of the Word of God; Salvation; Joy; Kingdom; Peace; Giving. When: January 6, the day after the season of Christmas. Some traditions emphasize the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) and the universal import of salvation in Christ. Other traditions focus on the baptism of Jesus. When: Times during the year when there is not a special day or season. Ordinary time begins the day after Epiphany and extends until the day before Lent (Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday). Ordinary time begins again after Pentecost, extending until the day before Advent. Themes: Ordinary time is not “plain, boring time,” but rather “counted” time. Different traditions include many celebrations during ordinary time, such as Trinity Sunday, Christ the King Sunday, All Saints Day, and so forth. The themes of ordinary time include the basic elements of the Christian When: Forty weekdays prior to Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday. The precise dates vary according to the date of Easter, which can range from March 22 to April 25. The six Sundays during the season of Lent are not counted in the forty days. Penitence; Morality; Human Limitations; Need for a Savior; Self-Denial; Preparation for Good Friday and Easter. Some Christian traditions emphasize Lenten fasting (from food and other delights). Other traditions focus on adding spiritual disciplines. The last seven days of Lent, prior to Easter. Holy Week includes: Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Themes: The last week of Jesus’ life; The death of Jesus and its meaning; Love for one another (Maundy Thursday). Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus and king, but leads into a solemn preparation for remembrance of his death. When: A fifty-day season of the year, beginning on the evening before Easter and continuing for seven Sundays until Pentecost. Includes Ascension Day. Easter Sunday or Resurrection Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring equinox (March 21). (The Eastern Orthodox Easter occurs a week later.) Themes: Salvation; Victory; New life; Joy; Christ reigns. When: The seventh Sunday after Easter. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit; The birth of the church; Power for service in the church and the world; The inclusion of all of God’s people in ministry. “Pentecost” comes from the Greek word for fifty, from the phrase “fiftieth day [after Easter].” In some traditions it is called Whitsunday (White Sunday), perhaps owing to the white garments of those baptized on this Sunday. Ordinary Time (again) When: From the day after Pentecost through the day before Advent, about five months. The Eastern Orthodox Alternative Orthodox year begins in September and includes several feasts and fasts that are not part of the Western Christian year. For example, what Western Christians call Advent, for Orthodox Christians, is called the Christmas or Nativity Fast. It begins on November 15 and is a 40-day season of serious fasting in preparation for the 12-day season of Christmas. For more information on the Orthodox calendar, see this article on “Easter Orthodoxy Sacred Time.” In tomorrow’s post I’ll explore in greater detail the colors associated with the Christian year. The Colors of the Christian Year Part of what makes observing the liturgical year special is color. Different events and seasons are reflected in a variety of colors, including purple, white, green, black, red, pink, blue, gold, and some other colors as well. The seasonal color, usually displayed in various ways in the place of worship, reflects and augments the thematic elements of the season. So, for example, because purple is understood to symbolize penitence (among other things) it is used during the season of Lent. Once again, I should emphasize that there is no single color scheme either recognized by or imposed upon all Christians. In the twelfth-century, Pope Innocent II systematized the Roman Catholic color scheme, but since Vatican II in the 1960s, Roman Catholic churches have exercised some freedom in their use of alternative or additional colors. In recent years, many Protestant churches have moved from using purple in Advent to using royal blue. This move reflects a variety of motives, depending on the congregation. For the most part, it seems to be an effort to distinguish Advent from Lent. Blue continues to symbolize royalty and solemnity. Some churches connect blue with the color of the night sky or as a symbol of creation. A compromise popular in some congregations is the use of purplish-blue in Advent and a reddish-purple in Lent. Such freedom in the use and interpretations of color can allow for innovation and distinctive celebration, though it can also be a bit confusing. If you’re looking for a more in-depth examination of the church year, I would highly recommend an outstanding website: The Voice: CRI Institute. Their material on the church year is top-notch. chart below is my attempt to reflect what seems to be a consensus among many churches. I will identify the day or season, along with calendar dates, themes, and common colors. In tomorrow’s post I’ll talk a bit more about the colors of the Christian year and their use in worship. Liturgical Colors and Visual Art in Worship In yesterday’s post, I gave an overview of the Christian year, including a chart that listed key themes and colors. Today, I want to talk a bit more about liturgical colors and their meaning. The use of color and visual art in worship is nothing new. For centuries, the Roman Catholic church incorporated elaborate artistic works in her sanctuaries. But, with the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, and especially in the Reformed branch of the Reformation (my theological tradition), the perceived excesses of Catholic art in worship led to the virtual excommunication of visual art from worship. Visual symbolism in Reformed churches was minimal (cross, pulpit, baptismal font) and modest. This artistic minimalism continued to be the dominant force in most evangelical churches in the United States, though some mainline Protestant churches developed visual traditions along the familiar lines of the Roman Catholic tradition. In the last decade, however, many churches throughout the Western world have “discovered” the power of the visual in worship. Owing partly to the pervasive influence of visual imagery in our culture, partly to the cross-pollination between different streams of Christian tradition, and partly to the power of digital projection, churches that would never have considered the use of visual art in worship have not only begun to use it, but even to major in it. Many large evangelical and charismatic churches, the kind that only twenty years ago would have incorporated only words and music in worship, have even hired staff whose primary responsibility is to provide stunning visuals for liturgical purposes (though they would avoid the word “liturgical” in favor of something like “celebrative” or “worshipful”). (Photo: The cross at the front of the sanctuary of Irvine Presbyterian Church.) believe that, for the most part, the rediscovery of visual art in worship is a positive development. Yet some churches have set off on the journey of liturgical art as if they were groundbreaking pioneers, rather than pilgrims traveling along a well-worn path. These churches might do well to look into the use (and occasional misuse) of visual art in Christian history. We all have much to learn from the centuries of Christian worship that precede us. Or, to use a different metaphor, we who are beginning to utilize the visual in worship might just find in Christian tradition a treasure trove with gems just waiting to be used afresh. In my opinion, the colors of the Christian year are part of this treasure trove. The intentional use of colors and color changes in worship spaces can enliven and deeper our worship, as well as add to the beauty of the experience. Colors can symbolize truth. Colors can delight the eyes. Colors can move the heart. Colors can suggest and symbolize and hint in a way that words cannot. Let me give just one example among many from the worship in Irvine Presbyterian Church, where I served as senior pastor of sixteen years. One of the most striking aspects of the worship space in this church is the cross at the front of our sanctuary. Its simplicity and power convey symbolically and emotionally the truth of the Gospel. During my tenure as pastor, along with the members of my congregation, I meditated upon this cross many times, remembering what Jesus did for me. It impacted both the depth and the passion of my worship. (Photo: The Irvine Presbyterian cross on Good Friday. In the foreground are crosses upon which members of the congregation nailed pieces of paper on which we listed our sins.) cross stands alone, not as a decoration, but as a simple image of salvation. We never hung anything from the cross, except for one day of the year: Good Friday. Early in the morning of Good Friday, somebody draped a basic black cloth over the horizontal bar of the cross. I knew in advance that this would be there. I was not surprised to see it. Yet, every year, when I entered our sanctuary on Good Friday and saw the black drape, my heart was struck. For some reason that black cloth hanging on the cross brought home to me the horror and the wonder of Jesus’s death. I often found myself brought to tears by that compelling yet basic symbol. This is just one example among many possibilities from my personal experience. It illustrates, I think, the potential power of color to motivate and shape our worship. that some of you will relate immediately to what I’m saying because your experience is similar. Others of you will understand what I’m describing, but it isn’t something you yourself know in a personal way. Some of my readers will no doubt wonder if the use of color is consistent with biblical teaching. My response to this concern would point to God’s good creation of a colorful world. I would also underscore the colors of the Tabernacle in the Old Testament, not to mention the brilliant colors of the new creation as seen, for example, in Revelation 21. Surely a God who has created such a wide spectrum of color would welcome our use of his colorful creation to worship him. of worship, tomorrow I’ll say a bit more about how paying attention to the Christian year can enrich our worship. Stay tuned . . . . The Christian Year and the Textures of Worship In this post I want to pursue a bit further how the Christian year can enhance our worship and therefore our relationship with God. Christians we worship in light of the Gospel. Our worship is a response to the God who has reached out to us in Jesus Christ, saving us from sin, death, isolation, and meaninglessness. Thus, Christian worship is consistently infused with joy and gratitude. Moreover, since we worship the King of king and Lord of lords, we approach God humbly as well as boldly. And because God is glorious and majestic, our worship is filled with praise. At the core and in many of the details, Christian worship from day to day, from week to week, and from year to year, is essentially the same. If we ever stop worshiping the one true God, if we ever stop responding to God’s love given in Jesus Christ, if we ever stop offering ourselves to God in gratitude and love, then we’ve lost the core of worship. But this is not to say that our worship should be monotonous and monochromatic. In a given worship service we might focus on one particular aspect of God’s nature and therefore utilize distinctive expressions. We might, for example, focus on the holiness of God, praising God’s perfection, thanking him for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and asking God to finish in us his work of sanctification (making us holy). In another service we might emphasize God’s grace, praising him for his forgiveness, and seeking help to be gracious with one another. And so forth and so on. When our worship responds to the multifaceted character of God, and especially when it is shaped by the diversity of biblical revelation, it will have different textures and colors, even though the basic fabric is consistent from week to week. liturgical year can enrich the variety of our worship. Therefore, it helps us to have a broader, deeper, and more vital relationship with the living God. It keeps us from the possibility of our worship becoming so routine that we cease to wonder at the grandeur of God. To put it bluntly, the variations of the Christian year help us not to become bored in worship. Bored in worship? Is it possible? Logically speaking, this seems utterly impossible. If we remember that we worship the awesome Creator of the universe, it’s hard to factor boredom into the worship equation. But, sometimes, no matter how wonderful God is, and no matter how truthful our worship might be, if our expressions of worship are virtually the same from week to week, a kind of monotony can set in, and we can become – Heaven forbid! – bored. Perhaps you’ve had the experience of learning a new hymn or worship song and absolutely loving it. As you sing, your mind and heart are truly lifted before God. But, after you’ve sung the same song for the hundredth time, it loses some of its punch. Its tune is still memorable and its lyrics still full of truth, but its power to move your heart and stretch your mind has been diminished. (Photo: The Grand Tetons) Worshiping in the same mode every week is a little like driving for a long distance through awesome mountains. When I first see the Rocky Mountains, for example, my heart explodes with joy and awe. These feelings continue for quite a while. But, after I’ve driven among the Rockies for a day or more, I must confess that my appreciation begins to wane just a bit. I no longer remark on the stunning scenery, but begin to take it for granted. Of course the mountains themselves are still as majestic as ever. They haven’t changed or diminished, but my own sensibilities have become dull. I need refreshed vision so I can see the Rockies once again in their awesome beauty. If, however, my scenic menu were to be varied a bit, I’d be much less likely to become complacent in my admiration of the scenery. A few summers ago, my family and I took a driving trip from Southern California, through the southwestern desert, the rangelands of Utah, and the verdant forests of eastern Idaho. We drove through the varied terrain of Yellowstone National Park and alongside the majestic Grand Tetons. Then we returned by way of the stunning redness of Zion National Park. In over two weeks of travel, I was never bored because my world kept changing. There were always new wonders to behold. (Photo: Angels Landing in Zion National Park) I’ve just described is analogous to worshiping in light of the liturgical year. We begin in the rising plain of Advent, which leads us to the top of the celebrative pinnacle of Christmas. Then, after a month of travel through the fertile grasslands of “ordinary time,” we enter the parched desert of Lent in which our thirst for God is magnified. Holy Week guides us through the tortuous geography of Jesus’ last week, culminating in the dark cave of Holy Saturday. On Easter morning, the sun breaks forth with glorious light, and we are filled with awe as we gaze upon the towering mountain of God’s victory over death. Throughout the season of Eastertide, the world seems brighter, more alive than ever before. At Pentecost, we remember the our fellow travelers and refuel to continue on through the rolling hills of ordinary time, until we return to where we began at the start of Advent. I’ve known Christians who have been uncomfortable with certain aspects of the Christian year. They haven’t liked the waiting of Advent or the focus on our mortality in Lent. They want to live each day as if it were Easter. Now, in a sense, my friends are theologically correct. We should indeed live daily in light of the victory of God in Christ. But, speaking from my own experience, the less celebrative seasons of the church year (Lent, Advent) actually prepare me to experience greater vitality and rejoicing on the great feasts of Christian year, Christmas and Easter. Before I paid much attention to Lent and Holy Week, Easter zipped by without making a major dent in my consciousness. Now, as I keep the seasons of Lent and Holy Week, and as Easter has been stretched to include Eastertide, my joy over the resurrection has been multiplied Once again I should emphasize that what I’ve been describing here is not a matter of biblical rule. You don’t have to recognize the Christian year to be a faithful follower of Jesus. But the experience of countless believers throughout the centuries should at least encourage you to consider shaping your yearly life by the themes and narratives of Scripture – and this is, after all, what the Christian year is really all about. Archeology and the Bible (10) Barna Update (2) Being the People of God (5) Biblical Worldview (1) Books and Beauty of the Bible (4) Business and Faith (2) Can We Trust the Gospels? 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(25) Laity Lodge (16) Lessons from Life (3) Liturgical Year (1) Living Christmasly (12) Microphone Mania (1) Missional and Formational (12) Moral Reasoning (3) Musings on Life (1) N.T. Wright (5) Noteworthy News (5) Online Church (9) Only in Texas (26) Passionate Spirituality (4) Pastor Search Committees (8) Pastors and Churches (17) PCUSA: Church Property (16) PCUSA: End of? (22) PCUSA: General (1) PCUSA: Why Not Leave (6) Pet Peeves (4) Photos of Fun Places (3) Planning & Goals & the Spirit (7) Praying for Business (8) Praying in Jesus's Name (16) Presidential Election: Christian Response (3) Pride and the Power of the Pulpit (5) Privacy and God (5) Prophecy in 1 Corinthians (3) Religion and Culture (4) Sharing Laity Lodge (25) Small Town (9) Something to think about . . . (1) Spiritual Gifts (14) Statement of Faith (4) Stations of the Cross (15) Stories from My Life (1) Strange Book Bedfellows (4) Strange But True (1) Suffering and Evil (5) Sunday Inspiration (182) The High Calling (1) Theology of Work Project (8) Thin Places (11) Things You Don't See Every Day (1) Thoughtfully Christian (3) Virtual Church (8) Website Info (2) Websites Reviewed (1) Week in Review (10) When Someone Sins Against You (17) Why Move? (17) Words to Weigh (3) The Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a pastor, author, retreat leader, speaker, and blogger. Since October 2007 he has been the Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence for Laity Lodge, a multifaceted ministry in the Hill Country of Texas. Before coming to Laity Lodge, he was for sixteen years the Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in Irvine, California (a city in Orange County about forty miles south of Los Angeles). Before his time at Irvine Pres, Mark served on the staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood as Associate Pastor of Education. (Thanks to Janel Pahl for taking the photo to the right.) Mark studied at Harvard University, receiving a B.A. in Philosophy, an M.A. in the Study of Religion, and a Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins. He has taught classes in New Testament for Fuller Theological Seminary and San Francisco Theological Seminary. Mark has written several books, including No Holds Barred: Wrestling with God in Prayer (WaterBrook, 2005), Dare to Be True (WaterBrook, 2003), Jesus Revealed (WaterBrook, 2002), After "I Believe" (Baker, 2002), and Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (Word, 1993). His most recent book is Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Crossway, 2007). He is currently working on a commentary on Ephesians that will be published by Zondervan in 2014. Mark writes a devotional for The High Calling of Our Daily Work, a website associated with Laity Lodge. His "Daily Reflections" can be viewed online or sent as a daily email. If you wish to receive this email, just visit TheHighCalling.org and sign up. Mark serves on the editorial board of Worship Leader magazine, where he publishes articles and reviews, including his regular column "Lyrical Poetry." Additionally, he has published dozens of articles in leading magazines and journals. He often speaks for churches and other Christian groups, and has been interviewed on over seventy-five radio programs nationwide. Mark is married to Linda, who is a Marriage and Family Therapist, a Spiritual Director, and a retreat speaker. They have two children, Nathan and Kara.For Publicity Photos and Bio Statements for Mark, please check here. Mark's Dossier Professional History: Senior Director and Scholar-in Residence, Laity Lodge, October 2007 to present. Senior Pastor Irvine Presbyterian Church, June 1991 to September 2007 Adjunct Assistant Professor Fuller Theological Seminary, 1994 to 2007. Courses: New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Adjunct Instructor San Francisco Theological Seminary, 1995 to 2001. Courses: New Testament Greek and Exegesis Associate Pastor of Education First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, 1987-1991 Teaching Fellow Harvard University, 1980-1983 Ph.D. in the Study of Religion. Harvard University, 1992. Area: New Testament and Christian Origins M.A. in the Study of Religion Harvard University, 1984. A.B. magna cum laude in Philosophy Harvard University, 1979. Phi Beta Kappa; Danforth Fellowship Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Crossway, 2007 No Holds Barred: Wrestling with God in Prayer. WaterBrook, 2005 Dare to Be True: Living in the Freedom of Complete Honesty. WaterBrook, 2003. Jesus Revealed: Know Him Better to Love Him Better. WaterBrook, 2002. After "I Believe": Experiencing Authentic Christian Living. Baker, 2002. Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther in the Communicator's Commentary Series. Word, 1993. Contacting Mark: You can reach Mark at: mark@markdroberts.com mroberts@laitylodge.org Laity Lodge: (830) 792-1216 Laity Lodge 719 Earl Garrett Thank you for visiting Mark D. Roberts. This blog is no longer being updated. Please enjoy the archives. Here are some other blogs you may also enjoy: Red Letters with Tom Davis Recent prayer post on Prayables Most Recent Inspiration ... By jgordon1. Read full post In this series on the death of Jesus, I have presented four different perspectives on why Jesus had to die: Roman, Jewish, Jesus’, and Early Christian. I believe that each of these points of view has merit, and that we cannot fully understand ... By mroberts. Read full post Can We Find God in the City? Psalm 48:1-14 Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that ... An Act and Symbol of Love Perhaps one of the most startling of the early Christian interpretations of the cross was that it was all about love. It’s easy in our day, when crosses are religious symbols, attractive ornaments, and trendy ... The Means of Reconciliation In my last post, I examined one of the very earliest Christian statements of the purpose of Jesus’ death. According to the tradition encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 15, Jesus died “for our sins in accordance with ...	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1970
__label__cc	0.502319	0.497681	Land Rover Discovery Reviews» Land Rover Discovery Expert Reviews» Land Rover Discovery Detailed Expert Review - December 04, 2017 ₹ 75.18 - ₹ 108.61 lakhs It may not have its roots as old as the big daddy of luxury SUVs – the Range Rover; however, the Land Rover Discovery is a legend in itself. Highly practical and with genuine go-anywhere ability, the Discovery has been a conclusive choice of many a luxury SUV buyers who dare to take their expensive ride off-road and onto the beaten path. All-new for 2017, the Discovery has changed radically and appears a lot more upmarket than the unambiguously old-school previous gen model. Here’s what you get. Measuring nearly 5 meters in length and riding 1,846mm off the ground, the new Discovery is one of the largest vehicles money can buy. And now with all its Range Rover-like styling cues, it no longer looks utilitarian or old-school. As against the old car’s top-heavy stance and boxy lines, the 2017 model looks different but is still unmistakably a Discovery. After all, it retains some of the design features like the distinctive stepped roofline and a rather high waistline. At the back you will find a new single-piece tailgate design, which has replaced the previous horizontally split configuration. The taillights, too, are now stacked horizontally and look particularly sporty. Lastly, the offset rear number plate is a clear nod to previous-gen Discos; however, we aren’t too fond of the layout simply because it looks rather odd without a tailgate mounted spare wheel – something that the original model came with. All in all, the new car seems like a design revolution for the Discovery family – the taut bodywork highlights the enhanced volume and the more contemporary look pretty nicely. The Discovery’s cabin is all about practicality, one with multiple usable storage spaces. Other than the usual array of glove boxes and door pockets, it gets a large storage box behind the rotary gear selector. There’s even a fairly big cool box under the front armrest which is a really neat feature. Lastly, there’s the hugely configurable seating arrangement in the 7-seater variant as all three rows are electrically adjustable. Being a tall vehicle, the Discovery offers excellent all-round visibility and a driving position that is more than high enough for that commanding view of the road. As for the seat comfort, the front seats are massive and offer immense side support and even under-thigh support – they are large enough to keep you comfortable for long hauls. Similarly, there is plenty of room at the back, with a rear bench that is broad and spacious enough to accommodate three adults easily. Thanks to the Disco’s width, there is hardly any jostling for shoulder room or that feeling of being pushed onto the doors. Although the rear bench is set a tad bit low, it is superbly contoured and the low seating translates to plenty of headroom. Sadly, this new model cannot match its predecessor when it comes to third-row seating comfort – the pair of seats is smaller and to make matters worse, there’s noticeably less thigh support. As for the features, the Discovery is fully loaded and comes with a 14-speaker premium multimedia system, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, 360-degree parking, a head-up display, 4-zone climate control, interior mood lighting and a tonne of safety tech. However, we would like to add that a lot of features from the spec list are optional extras. Featuring a new aluminium chassis and body panels made from similar materials, the Discovery has managed to shed nearly 480kg over its predecessor. However, at over 2.1 tonnes for this petrol-powered version, it is still a heavy car. Under the long hood sits a supercharged 3-litre V6 developing 340bhp and 450Nm of torque. It’s got more than enough punch to get the Disco up to speed and keep it there without struggling. The surprisingly effortless acceleration is aided by the brilliant 8-speed ZF gearbox that delivers creamy smooth yet quick gearshifts. The new Discovery isn’t as nice or sporty to drive as say a BMW X5 but there is no doubting the fact that it behaves noticeably better around corners compared to its predecessor – the steering is less vague and the whole car is more reactive to steering inputs. Make no mistake, the Disco still rolls a lot and feels spongy around corners but it completely demolishes bad roads. It has an inherent ability to iron out even the sharpest of bumps and rutted imperfections with ease. Better still, the jolts typically experienced in full-size traditional SUVs are next to none. All in all, the Discovery remains thoroughly composed at low speeds but at highway speeds, there is constant vertical movement and that wallowy feeling that air suspension-equipped cars are bundled with. A lot of the buyers are unlikely to take their Discovery off-road, but it is reassuring to know that it is more than capable at dealing with rough stuff. As standard, you get a two-speed transfer box that offers selectable high and low range gears. The system offers a standard 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, but uses sensors to distribute torque between the wheels depending on slippage. It’s a 'shift on the move' system which allows the driver to swap between high and low ratios without having to stop the vehicle, at speeds of up to 60kmph. Model Discovery Variant 3.0 HSE Engine Capacity 2995cc Max. Power (bhp@rpm) 335bhp @ 6500rpm Max. torque (Nm@rpm) 450Nm @ 3500rpm Tyre size 255/55 R20 Full-size sunroof Yes 10-inch touchscreen display Yes Electric seats Yes Adaptive LED headlights Yes Land Rover Terrain Response System Yes Land Rover Discovery Competitors Specifications Land Rover Variant 3.0 HSE xDrive Pure Experience Engine Capacity 2995cc 2979cc Max. Power (bhp@rpm) 335bhp @ 6500rpm 306bhp @ 5800rpm Max. torque (Nm@rpm) 450Nm @ 3500rpm 450Nm @ 3500rpm The 2017 Discovery takes most of the old model’s traditional qualities – an immensely practical interior, long list of features and off-road hardware – and abbreviates them into a convincing premium SUV. At Rs 1.30 crore (on-road, Mumbai) for the top-spec diesel version, it’s not cheap and next to other European flagship SUVs, it doesn’t look as flamboyant either, however, if you are looking for a family SUV with a versatile cabin and legitimate go-anywhere capability, the new Discovery is difficult to not recommend. Photos By Ameya Dandekar Starts at ₹ 75.18 - ₹ 108.61 lakhs The Audi Q 7 BMW X5 Review: The X Files Ford Mustang First Drive Review Land Rover Discovery On Road Price in Cities ₹ 88.06 lakhs - 1.27 Crores View Land Rover Discovery Prices In India Upcoming Land Rover Cars Land Rover Range Rover Evoque New More on Land Rover Discovery Land Rover Discovery Details Get Land Rover Discovery On Road Price Land Rover Discovery Mileage	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1975
__label__wiki	0.717604	0.717604	Email (Weekly Newsletter) Carl’s Cuts Clark on China Ecclesia et Civitas Rational Animals Sojourns with Schall About CWR [ July 18, 2019 ] UK is ‘hijacking’ N Ireland on abortion, bishops say News Briefs [ July 18, 2019 ] New study suggests link between autism and gender dysphoria News Briefs [ July 18, 2019 ] Religious persecution is a global problem, Pence and Pompeo tell Ministerial News Briefs [ July 18, 2019 ] Ebola outbreak in DRC an international health emergency, WHO declares News Briefs [ July 18, 2019 ] Priests and sisters arrested with protestors at immigration demonstration on Capitol Hill News Briefs Russians fight ransomware virus with holy water May 16, 2017 CNA Daily News News Briefs 0 Print Moscow, Russia, May 16, 2017 / 04:17 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- After malware hacked as many as 200,000 computers throughout the world, the Russians have an idea: blessing the computers with holy water. The most recent attacks have been through a form of ransomware called “WannaCry”, which is malicious software that locks up a person’s data and demands, either through a pop-up window or e-mail, that a ransom be paid or else the data will be destroyed. The cyberattacks have largely targeted hospitals, academic institutions and large businesses like blue chip companies or movie theaters in more than 150 countries throughout the world, including in China, Japan, India and the U.K. Russia was among one of the worst-hit countries in the attack. Part of their solution? Invite Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church to bless computers and servers with holy water. In a photo shared by @EnglishRussia1 on Twitter, Patriarch Kirill can be seen blessing the computers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in hopes to protect them from the WannaCry virus. The Russian Orthodox Church has close political ties with the Russian government, making Patriarch Kirill as strong a political figurehead as a religious one in the country. Like the Catholic Church, the Russian Orthodox Church has a blessing for just about anything, including horses, spaceships and swimming pools. The Catholic Book of Blessings includes the Order for the Blessing of Technical Installations or Equipment, or the Order for the Blessing of Tools or Other Equipment for Work. Either could be used as a blessing for a computer. St. Isidore of Seville is often invoked in the Catholic Church as the patron saint of computers, computer users and the internet, because during his life he created the ‘Etymologies' (a type of dictionary), and gave his work a structure similar to that of the database. Aside from prayer and holy water, tech experts recommend avoiding cyberattacks by keeping computer software up to date, installing anti-virus software, and avoiding suspicious e-mails or pop-ups. Patriarch of Russian Orthodox church making sure that the Ministry of Internal Affairs computers won't get affected by WannaCry virus attack pic.twitter.com/m2S7rP2iHU — English Russia (@EnglishRussia1) May 15, 2017 If you value the news and views Catholic World Report provides, please consider donating to support our efforts. Your contribution will help us continue to make CWR available to all readers worldwide for free, without a subscription. Thank you for your generosity! Click here for more information on donating to CWR. Click here to sign up for our newsletter. Our Lady of Fatima and a Theological Reading of History Sign of hope in Syria – Aleppo consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima St. Mary Mackillop and the miraculous bookstore rescue June 27, 2018 CNA Daily News 0 Auckland, New Zealand, Jun 27, 2018 / 05:45 am (CNA).- When your business runs out of money and you need a miracle, whom do you call? The Catholic Church, apparently. Warwick Jordan is a New Zealander, the owner of the second-hand bookstore “Hard to Find Bookshop” – and not Catholic. Several weeks ago, Jordan found himself strapped for cash. The building in which he kept his bookshop had been sold and bought by new owners, who were now asking for commercial rent, which was out of his budget. He tried everything to raise the funds, including an online crowdsourcing page on Give a Little. Even though he was able to raise $27,000, that still wasn’t enough. That’s when he decided to ask for a miracle. “We’d bought books off Catholic priests and had bought a massive stash from St. Benedict’s at one stage. I wrote to the Bishop and said ‘I need a miracle. I understand the Catholic Church specializes in miracles – can you pull one out of the bag for me?’” Jordan told New Zealand news site Newsroom. “Bishop Pat (Dunn (of Auckland)) wrote back and said he’d put it before the property board, but a couple of weeks went by without hearing and I thought we were screwed. We were looking at how we would wind up,” he added. But his plea hadn’t fallen on deaf ears. Bishop Dunn called him back and offered him a former home of Australia’s only saint, St. Mary Mackillop, who was a teacher dedicated to education. Also known as St. Mary of the Cross, MacKillop founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. She focused particularly on the education of poor children and established some of the first Catholic schools in Australia. She began the order’s work with a school in a stable the small town of Penola, Australia in 1866. Before her death many more educational institutions were established in isolated “bush” areas where hardship was common. Today, the “Josephite” sisters are present across Australia and New Zealand, and have extended their ministry to Ireland, Peru, East Timor, Scotland and Brazil. “With its high ceilings, plaster domes, huge windows allowing light to flood in, and polished floor boards, it had all the character he was looking for. It was in poor condition but had the rent to match,” Alexia Russell said of the home in her article for Newsroom. After getting a loan to cover the rest of the costs, Jordan re-opened his shop June 15. He makes appropriate use of the space, too. The theology section is housed in what once was the chapel, along with extra information about St. Mary Mackillop. “We wanted to honour her – we’re her guests, I think it’s appropriate. Her thing was about education and supporting knowledge to all people. She was a strong person who sorted people out … I love people with strong characters. Up to a point,” Jordan told Newsroom. In the age of Amazon and charity bookshops, Jordan realizes that even the miraculous relocation isn’t enough to guarantee he won’t have financial troubles in the future. “I’m the captain of the Titanic,” he said. “But I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” Filipino priest who criticized Duterte says he has gone into hiding August 27, 2018 CNA Daily News 0 Cebu, Philippines, Aug 28, 2018 / 12:39 am (CNA).- A Filipino priest who has been an outspoken critic of extrajudicial killings in the country says he has gone into hiding after several sightings of what he believes to be members of a death squad searc… […] Australian priests ‘willing to go to jail’ rather than break confessional seal Canberra, Australia, Jun 18, 2018 / 12:53 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- As Australian states and territories pass and consider laws requiring priests to break the seal of confession to report cases of child sex abuse, Catholic priests are saying they would go t… […] All comments posted at Catholic World Report are moderated. While vigorous debate is welcome and encouraged, please note that in the interest of maintaining a civilized and helpful level of discussion, comments containing obscene language or personal attacks—or those that are deemed by the editors to be needlessly combative or inflammatory—will not be published. Thank you. The Dispatch: More from CWR Catholic News Agency July 18, 2019 0 The Amazon synod and priestly celibacy Russell Shaw July 18, 2019 7 Presidential censures and commonsense Russell E. Saltzman July 17, 2019 3 Follow CWR on Facebook UK is ‘hijacking’ N Ireland on abortion, bishops say New study suggests link between autism and gender dysphoria Religious persecution is a global problem, Pence and Pompeo tell Ministerial From Evangelicalism to Feminism to Catholicism: A conversation with Abigail Favale Ebola outbreak in DRC an international health emergency, WHO declares abortion Americas Amoris Laetitia Asia - Pacific Benedict XVI Books canon law clerical sexual abuse Europe Film homosexuality Islam Jesus Christ John Paul II Marriage Middle East - Africa politics Politics Pope Francis US Vatican FRIDAY EDITION – Big Pulpit: […] Jinping’s “Smart Jails”: A Secret Text Revealed – Massimo Introvigne at Bitter Winter The Amazon Synod & Priestly Celibacy… Peter: Of course, it is also due to Archbishop Lefebvre that traditionalists are now "stuck" with the liturgy of 1962 rather… Michael J Miller: The maxim: "Lex orandi lex credendi" is and always has been a two-way street. The fundamentals of the Christian faith… Search CWR Peter on Reflections on authority in liturgy today Michael J Miller on Reflections on authority in liturgy today Peter D. Beaulieu on The Amazon synod and priestly celibacy John Pau Shea on The Amazon synod and priestly celibacy Carlo Cristofori on “Without <i>Logos</i>, the West is over.” A conversation with Dr. Samuel Gregg Also on CWR Francis won’t spend his summer at Castel Gandolfo Catherine Harmon June 6, 2013 0 The Vatican’s Prefecture of the Pontifical Household announced today that, in a break from the practice of many of his predecessors, Pope Francis will not spend the summer months at the papal residence at Castel […] © Catholic World Report A FAITHFULLY CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE Sign up to receive a weekly email with news, analysis, and commentary from a voice you can trust!	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0088.json.gz/line1978

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