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Considering how familiar we all are with the human body—as we all have one—there is a surprising number of enduring myths about it, from our five senses to the oft-quoted “normal” human body temperature of 98.6°F. Let’s debunk a few that were featured in an episode of Misconceptions on YouTube.
1. Misconception: You lose most of your body heat through your head.
That’s why your mom always told you to wear a hat when you went outside in winter, right? Well, no—you don’t actually lose a disproportionate amount of body heat through your head.
Rachel C. Vreeman and Aaron E. Carroll, both pediatricians, looked into the origins of this misconception in a humorous 2008 BMJ paper. They found that the heat-lost-through-your-head concept had been widely adopted by 1970. A U.S. Army survival manual issued that year recommended wearing hats in cold weather because “40 to 45 percent of body heat” is lost through a person’s noggin.
That figure apparently came from Army research conducted during the Cold War. According to hypothermia expert Daniel I. Sessler, during that now decades-old experiment, scientists dressed volunteers in cold weather survival suits and subjected them to freezing temperatures, after which the researchers evaluated the performance of the suits. It appeared that a significant percentage of body heat was lost through the head—but as Vreeland and Carroll noted in 2008, the suits didn’t include hats. “Because [the head] was the only part of the subjects’ bodies that was exposed to the cold, they lost most heat through their heads,” they reported. If the same experiment had been done with the unfortunate volunteers wearing nothing but bathing suits, the head would not have contributed to more than 10 percent of the body’s heat loss.
A 2006 study submerged eight participants’ heads in cold water and came up with essentially the same conclusion. After evaluating the effects of the dunking, researchers found that “the head does not contribute relatively more than the rest of the body to surface heat loss.”
But, that doesn’t mean that winter hats are worthless, though surface body heat loss may be pretty consistent for any uncovered body part. There’s reason to believe that colder heads lead to a disproportionately colder core body temperature. This might be because you have more close-to-the-surface blood vessels in your head, or, it might be because you don’t tend to shiver when only your head is cold, meaning that you lose out on shivering’s warming effect.
2. Misconception: A person’s normal body temperature is 98.6°F.
If we’ve learned anything from having our body temperature examined by total strangers at restaurants during the last few years, it’s that 98.6°F is normal. Anything hotter than that means you’re not only going to miss dinner, but also have an upcoming date with an uncomfortably long cotton swab.
Actually, we’ve known for at least the past 25 years that the 98.6°F standard is a myth. So where did that curiously precise number come from?
Back in the mid-19th century, German physician Carl Wunderlich sought to understand how body temperature related to disease. At a hospital in Leipzig, where he was the medical director, Wunderlich took patients’ temperatures with a foot-long thermometer stuck into their armpits—over a million measurements in all.
From there, he determined what he deemed the “average normal temperature of the healthy human body.” In his 1868 treatise On the Temperature in Diseases, he wrote that a fundamental principle of medical thermometry was that healthy human body temp varied between 37°C and 37.5°C (98.6°F and 99.5°F)—noting that the temperature of an armpit was closer to 37 degrees and that of “the rectum or vagina” was a few tenths of a degree higher. He also suggested 38°C (100.4°F) as the threshold of fever, indicating the presence of disease.
The 98.6 figure that Americans are familiar with and seems so oddly specific is just a result of converting Celsius to Fahrenheit. It may give a misleading perception of precision for what was originally a range of fairly round numbers. But that may not be the only problem with citing Wunderlich as the final word on body temperature.
In the 1990s, a professor of medicine at the University of Maryland thought Wunderlich’s number sounded a little too precise. Philip Makowiak borrowed one of Wunderlich’s thermometers from the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, and his suspicions grew. He saw that the temperature could be read only after the instrument had been in place for 20 minutes. He also believed that the armpit was a much less reliable locale for accurate measurements compared to the mouth or rectum. And, when he examined the accuracy of the instrument’s readings, Mackowiak found them to be several degrees off.
In his 1994 paper revisiting Wunderlich’s findings, Mackowiak cited a 1950 study that noted differences in quote-unquote normal temperatures in the morning and at night, neither one of which was as high as 98.6. In Mackowiak’s own analysis of 700 temperature readings from 148 adults at the University of Maryland, only 8 percent of the readings were 98.6. In this group, he wrote, “98.6°F was not the overall mean temperature, the mean temperature of any particular time of day, the median temperature, or the single most frequently recorded temperature.” Any similarly rigid standard for body temperature in Celsius, without accounting for healthy variation, would be similarly misleading.
And recent studies have pointed to another potentially confounding variable. Human beings may be literally cooling over time. A 2020 paper looked at body temperature databases from the Civil War era to 2017 and found a drop of .03°C per decade. According to New Scientist, it’s possible that “modern people have fewer infections, thanks to vaccines and antibiotics, so our immune systems are less active and our body tissues less inflamed.”
I should note that we’re still in the early stages of research and not all experts are convinced the trend is real.
3. Misconception: All humans have 206 bones in their bodies.
You’d think that something as fundamental as the number of bones in a human skeleton would be easy to figure out. You would be wrong. Scientists have been counting our clavicles and tallying our tibias for thousands of years, but they haven’t always been able to agree on what that total number is. According to a communication in the journal Clinical Anatomy, medieval Europeans thought there were 248 bones. In 1543 the Padua surgeon Andreas Vesalius revised that to a little over 300. In 1732 the best estimates pegged it at 245, and then, in 1858, we finally got to the modern 206 thanks to Henry Gray of Gray’s Anatomy. The reference book, not the TV show.
You could write all that off as scientific progress—we had an erroneous idea and supplanted it with better information, that people have 206 bones. But as the dreamy doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital could no doubt tell us, not every human has 206 bones. Far from it.
Babies are born with more than 300 soft bones, mostly made of cartilage, connected by a tissue of cells called osteoblasts. These cells emit a sticky goo of collagen and sugar molecules that traps inorganic minerals. When enough of the minerals are caught in the gluey tissue, they harden and form compact bone, the type that provides our skeleton’s structure.
As they grow, an infant’s cartilage-based bones will dissolve and be replaced by clumps of osteoblasts that foster bone growth. Many cartilaginous bones will fuse through the process of mineralization, reducing the total number of bones in the process. In the limbs, bone formation continues through childhood and adolescence, and finally ends when the bones have reached their adult length.
You may know that a newborn’s skull consists of several sections that fuse together. If you look at an adult human skull, you can see the lines, called sutures, where these plates meet.
So that’s how we go from 300 or so rubbery baby bones to the usual 206 mature bones. But not even every adult has that exact number.
For example, people can be born with an extra set of ribs accompanying the normal 12. These “supernumerary ribs” are usually found along the lumbar vertebrae—those in the lower back—and typically go unnoticed until the person is X-rayed or autopsied. There’s no scientific consensus on how common these extra ribs are, with estimates ranging from less than 1 percent to as much as 16 percent of the population having them.
Another phenomenon in which humans sport extra bones is polydactyly, or extra digits. You might have heard of Ernest Hemingway’s famous polydactyl cats, which have six toes instead of five on their front paws. Polydactyl humans can have an extra finger or toe on one or both extremities, usually due to mutations on one of several genes. The extra digits are most often located next to the outer digit—the pinky finger or little toe—though supernumerary thumbs and other fingers have been documented. These digits can sport extra bones, though not always a full set.
Polydactyly is surprisingly common—it affects about one in every 700 to 1000 babies. Devendra Suthar of India holds the Guinness World Record for the most supernumerary digits with 14 fingers and 14 toes.
4. Misconception: We have five senses.
For much of human history, humans were believed to have five senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch. This idea can be tied to Aristotle. In his treatise on the nature of the soul, titled De Anima and written around 350 BCE, he argued that humans have five special senses, divided into two categories. He considered touch and taste to be senses that were perceived through direct contact. Sight, smell, and hearing were accomplished through a medium, in Aristotle’s understanding—either air or water— which corresponded to two of the four elements that ancient Greeks believed made up the universe. In addition, Aristotle noted that each sense had its own designated organ, such as the nose for smell, which he felt further supported his theory of exactly five senses.
Today, scientists believe humans have many more senses than the basic five. Proprioception, for example, is the sense of knowing where our body parts are and what they’re doing. This sense makes it possible to run without staring at our feet or to pick up an object without looking at it. Equilibrioception is basically our sense of balance, which allows us to stand upright and bend over without falling, not to mention the ability to walk tightropes. Chronoception is our sense of time passing.
And like the number of bones in the human body, the different senses can sometimes join or overlap. Synesthesia is a well-known phenomenon in which people say they can see sounds, hear shapes, or even feel mathematical equations. Research suggests that synesthesia runs in families, pointing to a genetic component, but its cause is still not well understood. As much as 4 percent of the population has gene variants that might be connected to synesthesia—including such famous synesthetes as novelist Vladimir Nabokov and musician Duke Ellington, along with, perhaps, artist Vincent van Gogh.
This article has been updated from its original version.


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Today’s topic is no less disturbing, and it concerns farmed fish, which Dr. Mercola refers to as “one of the most toxic foods in the world.”
Nicholas Daniel created a documentary called “Filet-Oh!-Fish” that takes a scathing look at the fish industry with footage from fish farms all around the world. The scenes depicted are a far cry from what you see on shows like Deadliest Catch.
The documentary brings to light several reasons to avoid salmon, which I will explore in detail today.
Reason #1 – Overcrowding
Norway has a massive presence in the global fish industry. As far away as Canada, they control 92% of all salmon farms.
And that’s pretty concerning when you consider the dire state most Norwegian fish farms are in.
A single salmon farm in Norway can hold more than 2 million fish in a very small space. A Norway study found that this crowding stresses the fish, which affects their flesh quality.
One report found that salmon crowding often results in fish having “humpbacks” and bleeding eyes.
Further, as you can imagine, 2 million fish produce a ton of waste. This leads to disease that can spread rapidly due to the small space these fish are crammed into. Pancreas Disease and Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus are two of the diseases especially common to Norway fish.
And salmon isn’t the only fish that’s overcrowded. UK trout is even worse; they’re often kept in spaces that equate to roughly 27 trout being kept in a bathtub of water.
Reason #2 – The chemicals used in fish production harm both the environment and humans.
It’s not like the fish farming industry is doing nothing to prevent the spread of disease among their fish. They actually use tons and tons of pesticides and chemicals.
As a result, Farmed and Dangerous says that fish farming is one of the most harmful aquaculture processes. Open net cages are placed in the ocean, which allows the chemicals and pesticides to seep into the various ecosystems therein.
Further, natural predators such as sea lions and seals die in large amounts when they eat the chemically laced farmed fish that manage to escape their pens.
Can you imagine what these chemicals do to humans?
You don’t have to imagine because it’s well documented. Mercury and nervous system-disrupting PCBs are just two of the chemicals in fish that harm humans, as PETA reports.
Reason #3 – The fish produced on farms are genetically mutated.
Biotechnology is commonly used in the fish industry to produce what is known as triploid fish. These fish are unable to reproduce, and their sexual maturity is delayed. This causes a reduction in flesh quality as well as spinal deformities and low blood hemoglobin levels.
Further, fish farms subject their salmon to sex reversals by hormone treatment to ensure that only female fish are hatched. This maximizes profits; in the trout industry alone, tens of millions of eggs are produced each year in the UK.
Reason #4 – Fish farming is incredibly inhumane.
As many as 110 billion farmed fish are killed each year for human consumption. This does not include the fish that are killed for bait or the predators that die after eating chemical-laden farmed fish.
The number of salmon and trout killed in the UK alone works out to more than the amount of pigs, sheep, cattle and turkeys combined that are killed.
And while that number is shocking, what’s really appalling is the way farmed fish are killed. Normally, they are starved for about 7-10 days before they are killed.
Slaughtering methods include suffocation on ice, which prolongs the suffocation process. Fish are aware of what’s happening to them for as many as 15 minutes after they’re removed from the water.
Five years ago, the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council recommended that these procedures be banned, but they are still in wide use today.
And then there’s carbon dioxide stunning.
Fish are often placed in a bath of carbon dioxide-saturated water that causes them to thrash around for about 30 seconds, after which they are still conscious even as their gills are being cut with a knife.
All of this information has led many experts to state the need for reform in the fishing industry.
There is no shortage of information available on the topic of how dire the fish farming industry has become. You can watch the entire documentary “Filet-Oh!-Fish” here. It’s disturbing, but you’ll be glad you did.
To learn more, take a look at the video below!
The post 4 Disgusting Reasons Why You Should Avoid Farmed Fish! appeared first on DavidWolfe.com.

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The family-friendly Moody Gardens contains enough attractions to keep kids of all ages busy for a long weekend. The 242-acre destination in Galveston, Texas, is a resort, a theme park and a convention center.
Long before you reach the property, you’ll see a trio of glass pyramids. We toured the 10-story Rainforest Pyramid with more than 1,000 plants and animals found in the rain forests of Asia, Africa and the Americas. Many of the animals — like the white-face saki monkey — roam free.
The Aquarium Pyramid underwent a $37 million renovation. Boasting it’s the largest aquarium in the Lone Star State, the popular attraction contains sea lions, seals, sharks, fish and penguins. A Discovery Museum with changing exhibits, as well as 3-D and 4-D films, engage viewers with stories about nature and history.
The property’s hotel has 433 guestrooms and a little more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space. For those looking for some invigorating physical fun, there’s golf, a jogging track, sand volley board court, a zip line, a ropes course, heated outdoor pool, indoor lap pool and a 24-hour Fitness Center.
Complimentary shuttles make getting around the grounds easy. On weekends, guests can arrange a trip to Galveston’s beaches or the historic Strand, known as “The Wall Street of the Southwest” during its heyday.
During our two-day visit, we stayed in a wheelchair-accessible guestroom with a roll-in shower. The 500-square-foot room, with two double beds, had views of the 26-acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Guestroom amenities included a mini fridge, coffeemaker, complimentary WiFi and bathrobe.
Cafe in the Park serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual setting. For upscale fine dining, make a reservation at Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks. We recommend going early and watching the sunset from the bar —located on the opposite side of the 11th-floor restaurant. Allow plenty of time for a leisurely dinner. The service was outstanding and the food delicious.
Seven Hope Blvd.
tel 409 744 4673
This month, tribal leaders and state officials joined Visit California at the future Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza to unveil a new statewide initiative. This initiative aims to showcase California’s native communities and cultural tourism experiences to domestic and international travelers. At the announcement, tribal leaders from across the state shared with journalists a sampling of the state’s vast array of offerings.
From 24-Hour Butler Service to a Sky Pool: Boutique Luxury Awaits at Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences in Los Cabos
Set on a seaside bluff overlooking Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas, Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences is a Baja paradise specializing in serene vistas and impeccable hospitality, offering a Pacific coast lifestyle with authentic Mexican touches. Guests can now earn a fourth night free at the stunning resort, plus a $100 resort credit, when booking through March 20, for travel through June 15.
Longing for a destination steeped in romance and enchanting stories? In Southwest Germany, a collection of soaring castles and resplendent gardens offers connections to tales of true love. Take a trip to Sepulchral Chapel on Württemberg Hill in Stuttgart, overlooking the Neckar Valley.
ToursbyLocals, the private tour marketplace connecting travelers with certified local guides for customizable tour experiences, conducted a proprietary travel survey to determine travel trends for 2023. The company features more than 44,000 guides in almost 200 countries, allowing a comprehensive study to reveal what’s in store for next year.
Experience the beauty of Alaska and save 60 percent off cruise fares on your second and fourth guests. Plus, drinks, WiFi and tips are all included.
Hyatt recently announced plans to open more than 20 luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts in Latin America and the Caribbean through 2024. Some of these new openings include expansion of Hyatt brands into new markets.
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants' Ocean Prime brand plans to open its first Las Vegas restaurant, and 18th location, in 2023 as the anchor restaurant within 63, a new, multilevel retail and hospitality complex. CMR plans to invest nearly $20 million into Ocean Prime’s new flagship location, centered at the bustling and iconic corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue.

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text: George Herbert, remembered as one of the greatest of the Metaphysical poets, was born on April 3, 1593 in Montgomery, Wales. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge. Herbert was a Fellow of Trinity, a public orator, the canon of Lincoln Cathedral and a rector in Bemerton. Herbert died on March 1, 1633. On his deathbed, he gave a manuscript of verses called The Temple to his friend, Nicolas Ferrar. Although Herbert wanted the manuscript burned, Ferrar had it published. The poems contained in the manuscript exalt God, but Herbert believed he was committing a sin of pride by creating an artistic work.

domain: artistic


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THE TENNESSE MEMORIAL WALL
We were indeed fortunate to have the Tennessee Memorial Wall, which honors those from the Volunteer State who paid the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam, on display at the hotel in conjunction with our reunion. It also honors those who's service brought them some of the highest honors that our nation bestows. This display is done in a very realistic and impressive manner, including the representations of items left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in DC. Some of us were fortunate in being able to help set up this fine display.
I'm not sure that everyone was aware that Garry Miller of Chattanooga, who conceived, constructed and who brought the display to our reunion, is one of us. This display is a part of his efforts on behalf of his VVA Chapter. We are pleased that he took his time and made the effort to share it with us. THANKS, GARRY! WELL DONE!
We wish that Garry and his wife and friends could have joined us for more of our activities during the reunion; but we are pleased that the response of the public, who came to view the display, was such that they were kept very busy.
May the following rest in peace; as they rest forever within the hearts and minds of their comrades-in-arms:
|Michael Fleckenstein: ||Minnesota||Died February 1998||B/G/1-29 '67-72|
|Walter Miller:||Georgia||Died June 21,1998||E-41 '71|
|Larry E Luman: ||Ohio||Died 1980's||E-41 '70-71|
We wish to thank the ladies who ran the Chinese Auction at this year's reunion. Job well done! Our thanks also to all who donated the many fine items and all who bid on these items. It is a fun activity and contributes to our finances also. Think ahead this year and try to get people and/or businesses back home to donate items that you can bring to be auctioned. We're looking forward to a bigger and better auction in Baton Rouge!
Our 1/2 Pot Winners at Knoxville were: Bruce Geiger and Lou Block. Congratulations! Thanks to all who helped and all who participated!
We wish to acknowledge the contribution of Rick Clyde, nephew of Randy King, who produced the durable, colorful bumper sticker and sent them to us on consignment. He has returned his share of the proceeds as a donation to the organization! We join proud DQS'er Randy in thanking his nephew for his support!

domain: history


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Monday, February 26, 2018
The Last Gasp of the American Taliban?
The other day I was on Facebook and it's getting scary when it comes to America. I didn't expect to be living under a religious right resurgence at this late age. Some of us fear Christian fundamentalists turning militant. My status as an ex-Christian may make things even more sticky for me. It's funny in all my IFB churches, they talked about the persecution of Christians, now I fear persecution from another angle.
I had this Republican friend dissing Native American Heritage Month and Black History month. He is married to another friend. His mostly conservative friends all cheered this. What could I say? I asked them "How come celebration of different cultures is bad to you folks?" They got angry. One lady who looked and acted just like Betty Bowers got strident. I wrote, "So celebrating other cultures is evil now?" and she wrote to me, "Political correctness must die!" and "It's a waste of time to argue with your ilk!"
I wrote an article, I regret now on this blog: Putting Down One Group Won't Elevate Another.
While I retained some liberal views during my sojourn into fundamentalist Christianity, their viewpoints affected me too. I was seeped into the alt-right world and fundamentalist churches. How can I even explain how right wing news and even alt-right conspiracy crap affects people's minds? The constant fear-mongering is extreme. They do train people to be afraid of everything including other races. It puts out this world view that is really pretty sickening. Even if I rejected the Republican party and some of it's extremes, it affected me even as I fought with myself inside. By the way because I was in the bible prophecy, fundie Christian world, I believe I have lost some of my old Christian and conservative readership even here since the deconversion. Many have left since I left the faith. I have to go where life and my own mind has taken me. Watching Trumpsters shout against cultural celebrations tells me the racism is alive and well and Trump has given it permission to come out in full force.
Breaking away from fundamentalist religion has cleared my head a lot. Other people who deconvert from Christianity often deconvert from it's poisonous politics. I am one of them. What is weird is as all these Republican people on Facebook dissed Native American Heritage month, is that people have asked me if I am part Indian or Native American. I don't know what I am until I get the 23 and me or Ancestry.com money together. I don't want to claim I am an ethnic group I am not, but it makes me wonder. If people are going to reject even the celebration of a culture so important to America, with it's dances, art, pow-wows and more, what am I to think? They are just mean. They want life to to be this narrow world. I have noticed that most people with these views are all self-avowed Christians especially of the evangelical and fundamentalist variety.
The racism is definitely coming out.
My views have since changed I wrote the "Why Do Some Liberals Think All White People are Rich? . While I still understand that neo-liberalism in the Democratic party has made it more akin to the center-right in other nations and there is elitist support of the oligarchy. I didn't understand what exactly the term "white privilege" meant in both articles. I still worry about division between races being made worse , but it is obvious since Trump has brought out racism that laid dormant that those who warn about "white privilege" definitely have good points to make and I started listening. If anything all the racism pushed by the right, will serve to keep everyone economically oppressed. It's all intertwined, the racism, the prison system of mass incarceration, that gives almost free labor to endless corporations, the sexism and the endless authoritarianism.
One thing that woke me up, is on Facebook, while I held these attitudes, I was openly protesting police brutality against black suspects on Facebook. One case that really got to me is when they strangled a man with asthma whose only crime was selling cigarettes without tax stamps. The cruelty was astounding. His name was Eric Garner. What frightened me as I filled my then wall protesting deaths of black suspects via police brutality, is I noticed only my liberal friends seemed to care. The Christian friends weren't answering. Some even posted things in defense of police, and memes that seemed to infer that the people who died "deserved" what they got. This growing cruelty really upset me. It is one of those many puzzle pieces that built up to my deconversion. Conscience took me out. I couldn't follow a cruel god of a cruel religion anymore.
And it still goes on today, this line between people with no empathy. The American Taliban is inherently racist. I wrote about the growing meanness in my old small rural town. Why is there so much contempt for the poor in a community full of poor people? One reason I did not move back there, is I feared going back no longer being working class but more poor. It looks like my instincts were correct.
Sometimes I feel like some conservative, fundamentalist, right wing/Tea Party Baby Boomers [yes there are liberal Baby-Boomers too], want to burn this place down as they shuffle off this mortal coil. I have hope in young people who may finally stand up. I hope they do. Generation X has been too silent in the face of too much nonsense. Maybe our hope will be in millennials or Generation Y. They are far less religious. I hope they realize a better world is possible instead of giving up for the dystopian world so many of the Christians seem to picture that is based in fear and control.
Have you ever wondered about that? When I was young, one still imagined the future as having flying cars, and cured diseases and hope. Today especially in right wing circles, it's like all darkness. Like getting old isn't hard enough, I have to be marched off at gunpoint to the FEMA camp to be guillotined for not taking the mark of the beast? But even for the non-bible prophecy extremists, on the right, hopeful futures are wiped away, it's all about the money masters and their control of you. Young people are all "entitled snowflakes" who don't deserve everything certainly no liveable wages and no happiness. The politics of resentment and no hope rule on the right and in the America. They are angry. Instead of wanting better for young people they want WORSE.
And here's one question too, What's wrong with social justice? I always see memes where they mock social justice warriors, so social injustice is something good? Sometimes I wonder if you see God ready to smash you with a fist from heaven ordering genocide after genocide in the Old Testament, that anyone who wants to stand up for humanity is seen as the enemy against God. This is about holding out for power and the status quo of society. If your God is cruel, mean, perfectionist and cold, you will demand more prisons then parks. That's why the religious right loves to lock everyone up. This is why they have no problem with mass incarceration or the new Jim Crow.
There's a reason that show: The Handmaiden's Tale got so popular. Some of us worry that is the future in America. When I started having doubts while still attending churches, I knew people who lived the Quiverful life, who didn't believe in birth control for women. One man at a Calvary Chapel I attended published an alternative magazine calling for Patriarchy and for men to rule and for women to stay at home barefoot and pregnant. There's a reason why so many people homeschooled and said public schools were evil. One strange thing that happened to me, is watching all these Christian girls at these churches train to be midwives, I kept thinking about that book, "The Handmaiden's Tale" which I read in the 1980s even before the Netflex series came out.
One thing that is scary for me, is when I was a Christian, I wrote against Dominionism on Christian websites, as an "antichrist" force and told other Christians not to trust the Republican party. I was a lone voice shouting against the wind and then hadn't questioned the very foundations of the religion yet. I have read books like "The Family" and know about groups like the Council For National Policy. Trump is in with all those Dominionists and they helped give him power. One book, I wish everyone could read is the book "The American Fascists: The Christian Right and It's War on America by Chris Hedges.
With Trump's election, they have gone fascist on many aspects. Rolling back the ADA, giving tax cuts to their billionaire friends, the list goes on and on. Pence is even more overly uber-fundamentalist then Trump who can do no wrong in many evangelical Christian eyes even though he's been married three times and brags about grabbing women on their private parts. Chris Hedge's warnings are coming true. Hell my own warnings on Christian message boards and websites as I wrote against Dominionism are coming true. Trump wanted his militarized parade, I am not sure if that is still going to happen. They have become more authoritarian,and more crazy. So many in my old small rural town have fallen completely under their spell.
Racism, sexism, authoritarianism, militarism, police brutality and many things are growing to make their dystopian dreams a reality. Some believe the system will self correct, and this is the last gasp of people who are aging, and knowing their power is waning but one thing anyone who is a student of history knows even a dying group who is aging out and still holds the reigns of power, can do incredible damage. Even though the Moral Majority are entering their 60s and 70s, that still gives them time to do a lot of harm to people. Why are our states turning redder by the minute? My own is purple and ready to fall. They already passed laws destroying worker's rights.
My fellow liberals and many young people don't realize how backwards and theocratic some places have grown, they don't know this culture from the inside. I was inside it, lived it and I am scared. They don't realize the true agendas that are desired and would be even more horrific for the poor, minority races and gay people. They have become more radicalized, I see the changes even in my old small town that are extreme. Even if young people are more secular by far by the numbers, many of our democratic institutions are in danger. Remember what I wrote regarding what Carl Sagan warned of and the growing antipathy against science in religious circles in America. Trump and his followers have made these things government policy. This is why the EPA was defunded.
I do fear a war or other disaster growing their influence. Worsening economic distress could be used to grow their insanity. All they need is a spark to set it off, and we could all be in big trouble. Just look at the history of Iran, read a graphic novel like Persepolis, religious groups take over nations all the time. We have Southern states while places implode passing laws requiring that "In God We Trust" be put on school buildings that just got shot up with dozens murdered.
Americans forget that one must be watchful of freedom. We are looking a power grab now that could turn into a potentially violent power grab to gain full control. Some of us dream of Trump being impeached. Groups like "Duty to Warn" and the resist movement have questioned his ability to be a fit president, but he has many followers who wouldn't like this. The pastors all praise Trump from the pulpit that makes him sound like the Second Coming. I know what is said about liberals in religious circles and the dehumanizing approach of religious right politics. Polarization is growing in this country and sadly it's leading to more extremism. I do hope that some sanity comes back. We need it. I am seeing more extreme radicalization among old church members, my old town and just very poisonous and uncaring rhetoric. Lack of empathy is being advanced society wide with the narcissists and head sociopaths using these things for more power. This country needs a positive future, not a hellscape borne out of nationalism and extreme religions, that seeks to censor all but the most powerful and wealthy. It's scary, comparing today to the actual future I envisioned when young and disappointing too. Please vote and get involved as much as you can.

domain: politics


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These invitations are just gorgeous!! Even better in real life and not just for Weddings (I had mine for a Birthday celebration).
Claire is so lovely and easy to deal with. So looking forward to receiving my menus, placecards and seating plan.
Thank you so much- you're amazing!! ðŸ˜ŠðŸ’—
Claire was so helpful and prompt with our order of these lovely invites for our outdoors wedding in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. We also organised the cutest little map inserts to accompany as well as customising the address labels. We were especially pleased with the service and production as we were on a tight timeline. From when we said 'go' on the proofs, they arrived before we new it! We are so happy with the invitations, we would use Lilykiss again and recommend to all our friends. Thank you Claire!
I recently ordered theses gorgeous invitations and they are perfect for my rustic small wedding on a farm! The quality of the paper and the colours available for matching stationary are of top quality. Claire was so easy to deal with and any enquiries or questions were answered promptly. In fact, from the time we ordered a sample to receiving the actual invites was only about three and a half weeks! Lilly kiss comes highly recommended :-)
A cute brand new Lilykiss wedding invitation. This is a very sweet design that definitely has that much sort after rustic, vintage charm. We designed this invitation for a wedding fair we did recently in Byron Bay. We had fun getting back to basics using watercolours and cute popping florals, sculpted carefully into a funky wreath to create a special piece. The combination of hand watercolours and crisp computer illustration has created the perfect melting pot for that wanting something whimsical and unique. Topped off with some fun, folky fonts. This invitation definitely has a fun and romantic feeling and will have your guests calling you to gush as soon as they open this paper prettiness! The layers of hand painted watercolours sit so perfectly on our lightly textured card stock. The banners are the perfect finishing touch. Please note that the messages you see here on the banners can be changed - to anything you want for no extra charge. Put your own personalised message up there - or use ours, a great way to have fun with your wedding invitation and show your personality. Tied up with rustic twine and our cute tag with your date and a recycled brown envelope - very much on trend this invitation will be one that everyone just loves! It's gorgeous!
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I won this book from Goodreads First Reads.
I have to say I had hopes for this one. Great cover and something new to try. But I’m giving up on it for now after 128 pages. The story seems to jump around everywhere without much progress or sense to it. I was a bit concerned with the several pages at the start listing a ton of characters and after reading as much as I have I seemed to be right in thinking there isn’t much character development in the actual story. Jumps from one thing to another and gets too much to keep track of for my taste. I may return and give it another try someday and would revise my review if I change my mind but for now this is disappointment to me.

domain: literature


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In today's highly competitive business landscape, organizations are increasingly recognizing the immense value of investing in robust employee benefits programs. While these programs are commonly seen as a means to attract and retain top talent, their impact extends far beyond mere employee satisfaction and loyalty. In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve deeper into the hidden return on investment (ROI) of employee benefits and shed light on their multifaceted and far-reaching impact on businesses. By gaining a thorough understanding of these benefits, industry professionals can make informed decisions about implementing effective employee benefits programs that yield significant returns for their organizations.
Enhanced Productivity and Performance
One of the key hidden ROI factors of employee benefits lies in their ability to enhance employee productivity and overall performance. A well-designed benefits program that addresses the diverse needs of employees promotes their overall well-being, leading to increased engagement and motivation. For instance, offering comprehensive healthcare coverage ensures that employees have access to essential medical services, enabling them to prioritize their health and focus on their work without the burden of worrying about medical expenses. Additionally, benefits such as flexible work arrangements, including remote work options or flexible hours, can contribute to better work-life balance and increased productivity. Employees who feel supported by their organization through these benefits are more likely to dedicate their time and effort to delivering high-quality work, resulting in improved productivity and higher quality outputs.
Reduced Turnover and Recruitment Costs
High employee turnover can be a significant drain on an organization's resources. The process of recruiting, training, and onboarding new employees entails considerable costs and time investments. However, a comprehensive employee benefits program can play a crucial role in reducing turnover rates by fostering a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees. When employees feel valued and supported through benefits such as competitive healthcare plans, retirement savings options, and professional development opportunities, they are more likely to remain with the company for the long term. This, in turn, leads to substantial savings in recruitment and training costs, ultimately bolstering the organization's bottom line.
Improved Employee Health and Well-being
Employee well-being is a critical factor in the success of any organization, and a robust benefits program can have a transformative impact on this aspect. By offering access to preventive care, wellness programs, and mental health support, employers can proactively address health issues before they escalate. When employees are provided with the tools and resources to prioritize their physical and mental well-being, they are less likely to face health-related challenges that may hinder their work performance. Healthy employees are also less likely to miss work due to illness, reducing absenteeism rates and ensuring continuous workflow. Moreover, a culture that prioritizes employee well-being fosters a positive work environment and increases employee morale, resulting in higher job satisfaction and lower rates of burnout.
Enhanced Employee Engagement and Loyalty
Employee engagement is closely tied to the success of any organization. An engaged workforce is more likely to go above and beyond, exhibit increased loyalty, and contribute to the company's overall growth. A comprehensive benefits program that aligns with the needs and aspirations of employees plays a pivotal role in driving engagement and loyalty. When employees feel that their employer genuinely cares about their well-being and invests in their personal and professional growth, they develop a stronger emotional connection to the organization. Benefits such as recognition and rewards programs, opportunities for career advancement, and a positive work environment foster a sense of belonging and reinforce their commitment to the organization's success.
Positive Company Culture and Employer Branding
In today's highly competitive job market, attracting top talent is a constant challenge for organizations. A robust employee benefits program not only helps retain existing employees but also serves as a powerful tool for attracting new talent. A company that is known for its comprehensive benefits offerings stands out among competitors, showcasing its commitment to employee well-being and professional development. This positive employer brand fosters a desirable company culture, which not only attracts high-quality candidates but also reduces recruitment costs by attracting more qualified applicants. When organizations prioritize employee benefits as an integral part of their overall company culture, they send a strong message to potential employees that their well-being is valued and that their growth and development are prioritized.
A positive company culture, driven by a comprehensive benefits program, cultivates a sense of pride and satisfaction among employees. They feel a deeper connection to the organization's mission and values, leading to increased engagement and productivity. Moreover, employees who are proud of their workplace culture become ambassadors for the organization, spreading positive word-of-mouth and enhancing its reputation as an employer of choice.
The comprehensive analysis of employee benefits also extends to the financial impact on organizations. While the initial investment in employee benefits may seem substantial, the long-term returns outweigh the costs. By providing competitive healthcare plans and preventive care options, organizations can effectively reduce the financial burden associated with employee healthcare expenses. When employees have access to preventive care and wellness programs, the likelihood of serious health issues arising decreases, resulting in lower healthcare costs for both employees and the organization.
Additionally, employee benefits programs that include retirement savings options, such as 401(k) plans or pension schemes, contribute to employees' financial security in the long run. When employees have peace of mind about their financial future, they can focus on their work without distractions or concerns about financial stability. This financial security translates into increased productivity and reduced stress levels among employees.
Furthermore, employee benefits programs can have a positive impact on the overall organizational climate and employee relations. By providing opportunities for skill development and career advancement, organizations foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees. Employees who see a clear path for growth within the organization are more likely to invest their time and energy into their work, knowing that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded. This, in turn, leads to higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and a stronger, more cohesive workforce.
The hidden ROI of employee benefits extends far beyond traditional cost-benefit analyses. Investing in comprehensive employee benefits programs yields numerous advantages for organizations, including enhanced productivity and performance, reduced turnover and recruitment costs, improved employee health and well-being, enhanced employee engagement and loyalty, and the cultivation of a positive company culture that strengthens employer branding efforts.
Recognizing the significance of these hidden returns, industry professionals must prioritize the development of robust employee benefits strategies. By partnering with experienced consultants like Global Healthcare Resources, organizations can ensure they are implementing the most effective and tailored employee benefits programs for their specific needs.
To unlock the full potential of employee benefits, optimize productivity, and strengthen your organization's position in the industry, reach out to Global Healthcare Resources' wellness consulting services today. Visit their website at https://www.globalhealthcareresources.com/wellnessconsulting to learn more about their offerings and take the first step towards transforming your organization's employee benefits program into a strategic advantage.

domain: sociology


The Green Bay Packers fans stepped up and showed their commitment to football and their support for the team by selling out tickets to a practice, per Tyler Dunne. A PRACTICE. Allen Iverson would be trippin’ about this situation, but the fans showed that some people do care about practice. People are hungry for football.
The practive takes place on AUgust 2nd. 73,000 tickets have been sold and parking will cost $5 per car. This is the 8th time in 14 years that this event has been sold out. The fans are ready to see their team on the field and they are looking forward to having Aaron Rodgers leading the charge on offense.
If fans were unable to get tickets, the event will be telecasted state wide. The people of Wisconsin love their Packers and want to see as much of them as possible. It will be exciting to get football running again. There still is some time, but the calendar switches flips tomorrow. We will be moving into July. Just another step closer to seeing the pigskin.
Tags: Green Bay Packers


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Today, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe fans have 8 new DLC tracks to check out thanks to wave 3 of the game's Booster Course Pass. That alone would be worth celebrating, but Nintendo has also added a free new feature that all players can experience! Following today's update, players can now customize the items that appear in online and offline matches. Hate that freaking Blue Shell? Boom, gone. Wanna play with all Fire Flowers? You can do that now! The option is long overdue, and it should shake things up in a very big way!
Nintendo's Tweet announcing the new feature can be found embedded below.
With Custom Items in #MarioKart 8 Deluxe, you can even allocate specific items to each team in Team Races and Battles. Question is, which team gets the Spiny Shell?!— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) December 7, 2022
Download the free update and try it out today! pic.twitter.com/dQinsgzzJf
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling game on Nintendo Switch, selling 48 million copies on the platform. The game is a massive success, and the recent Booster Course Pass has given many players an incentive to revisit it if they haven't played in a while. So far, the Booster Course Pass has added 24 tracks spanning the Mario Kart franchise, with another 24 set to release in 2023. While all of the tracks are modified versions of existing ones, many exclusively appeared in the Mario Kart Tour mobile game. As such, this is the first time many of them have released on console!
It will be interesting to see if Nintendo continues to add additional features to the game! There are a lot of ways Nintendo could expand on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in addition to the number of courses offered. At this point in the Nintendo Switch's lifespan, it seems very unlikely that a new Mario Kart game will release until the launch of the company's next console. Nintendo tends to stick to one major Mario Kart release per system, so fans probably won't see Mario Kart 9 until the company is ready to reveal a Switch successor. For now, fans will just have to settle for these types of content updates!
Do you plan on checking out this new feature for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Have you purchased the game's Booster Course Pass? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts directly on Twitter and on Hive at @Marcdachamp to talk all things gaming!

domain: entertainment


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(Bloomberg) — Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. submitted an increased preliminary takeover bid for German chemical company Covestro AG and offered concessions to pave the way for the start of detailed due diligence, people with knowledge of the matter said.
State-owned Adnoc made a fresh proposal of about €60 a share, valuing Covestro at around €11.3 billion ($12.4 billion), according to the people. Adnoc previously made informal bids of €55 and €57 that Covestro viewed as too low.
It also pledged job guarantees for several years as well as about $8 billion of investments after closing the deal, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.
Covestro is pondering its response, some of the people said. A representative for Adnoc declined to comment. A spokesman for Covestro pointed to a statement from early September saying the company is in open-ended discussions with Adnoc and declined to comment further.
Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that the Middle Eastern energy giant was working on such a move that would please at least some of Covestro’s shareholders.
Covestro rose 0.4% to €53.80 at 10:48 a.m. in Frankfurt.
Union Investment, a German fund manager that’s among the top 15 investors in Covestro, on Tuesday called on company management to grant Adnoc access to due diligence following Bloomberg’s report of plans for a potentially improved bid.
“In our view, such an offer fulfills the prerequisite for the board to enter into in-depth takeover negotiations,” Arne Rautenberg, a fund manager at Union Investment, said in an emailed statement.
(Updates to add stock move in sixth paragraph.)
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domain: economics


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If there's a cinematic alchemy award to be given this year director Bill Condon deserves to take it home after magically turning the tedious Twilight franchise into entertainment gold. 2011's Part 1 was a horror camp romp that turned the supernatural love triangle — the naval gazing trio of Bella Edward and Jacob — on its head. Breaking Dawn - Part 2 continues the madcap exploration of a world populated by vampires and werewolves mining even more comedy thrills and genuine character moments out of conceit than ever before. The film occasionally sidesteps back into Edward and Bella's meandering romance (an evident hurdle of author Stephenie Meyer's source material) but the duller moments are overshadowed by the movie's nimble pace and playful attitude. Breaking Dawn - Part 2 will elicit laughs aplenty — but thankfully they're all on purpose.
Part 2 picks up immediately following the events of the first film Bella (Kristen Stewart) having been turned into a vampire by Edward (Robert Pattinson) to save her life after the torturous delivery of her half-human half-vampire child Renesmee. She awakes to discover super senses heightened agility increased strength… and a thirst for blood. One dead cougar later Bella and the gang are able to focus on the real troubles ahead: Renesmee is rapidly growing (think Jack) and vampiric overlords The Volturi perceive her a threat to vampiric secrecy. Knowing the Volturi will travel to Forks WA to kill the young girl (a 10-year-old just a month after being born) The Cullens amass an army of bloodsucking friends to end the oppression once and for all.
Packed with an absurd amount of backstory and mythology-twisting plot points (some vampires can shoot lightning now?) Condon and series screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg mine revel in the beefed up ensemble of Breaking Dawn - Part 2 and thanks to a wildly funny cast it never feels like pointless deviation. Along with the usual suspects Lee Pace adds swagger to the series as a grungy alt-rock vampire Noel Fisher appears as a hilarious over-the-top battle-ready Russian coven member and Michael Sheen returns has Volturi head honcho Aro and steels the show. Flamboyant diabolical and a steady stream of maniacal laughter Sheen owns Condon's high camp vision for Twilight and he lights up the screen. There are a few throw away nations of vampires — the oddly stereotypical Egyptian and Amazonians sects are there mostly there to off-set the extreme whiteness — but the actors involved bring liveliness to a franchise known for being soulless. Even Stewart Pattinson and Taylor Lautner give personal bests in this installment — a scene between Bella and her dad Charlie (Billy Burke) is genuinely heartfelt while Jacob's overprotective hero schtick finally lands.
Whereas Breaking Dawn - Part 1 stuck mostly to the personal story relying on the intimate moments as Bella and Edward took the big plunge into marriage and sex Part 2 paints with broader strokes and Condon has a ball. Delving into the history of the vampires and the vampire world outside Forks is Pandora's Box for the director. One scene where we learn why kids scare the heck of the Volturi captures a scope of medieval epics — along with the bloodshed. Twilight might be known for its sexual moments but Breaking Dawn - Part 2 will go down for its abundance of decapitations. The big set piece in the finale is something to behold both in the craftsmanship of the spectacle and in its bizarre nature.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 had the audience hooting hollering and even gasping as it twisted and turned to the final moments. There's little doubt that even the biggest naysayer of the franchise would do the same. No irony here: the conclusion of Twilight is a blast.
Frida Kahlo (Salma Hayek) is a mischievous and sexually liberated student and aspiring painter in Mexico City when she first spies the much older prominent muralist Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina) cavorting with one of his models. Frida lives with her loving parents--Mexican mother German-Jewish father--and is intimately involved with her boyfriend. Tragedy strikes when Frida is gravely injured in a trolley crash and she never fully recovers. When her boyfriend takes off for Europe Kahlo focuses more on her paintings and boldly approaches Rivera for an honest appraisal of her work. Rivera well known for his marital infidelity and womanizing immediately recognizes Kahlo's talent and takes her under his wing as a protégée rather than a lover. An ardent Communist with a zest for socializing he introduces her to his artsy and progressive circles where Kahlo easily fits in. The pair soon become lovers and believing they have a special understanding of each other decide to marry. The union is immediately threatened when Kahlo learns that the hotheaded Lupe (Valeria Golino) one of Rivera's ex-wives occupies the apartment above theirs. After Rivera is awarded several commissions in the U.S. he and Kahlo begin their tour in New York and enjoy life as minor celebrities. Kahlo exercises her promiscuity by carrying on with one of Rivera's lovers and Rivera exercises his political intransigence with a fateful confrontation with Nelson Rockefeller (Edward Norton) who hired the artist to paint a mural in the Rockefeller Center lobby. The dust-up causes the loss of another commission and the couple returns to Mexico where they become hosts to fugitive Communist Leon Trotsky (Geoffrey Rush) and his wife. Kahlo has an affair with the legendary figure but when it threatens his marriage they move away and Trotsky is assassinated soon after. Rivera and Kahlo divorce but remarry when Rivera returns to his partner who is now impoverished and desperately ill.
The acting here is outstanding. Salma Hayek as the wild and quietly creative Kahlo is in practically every frame and dazzles in a variety of moods and situations. Alfred Molina in the more subtle role of Rivera is every bit as marvelous managing to charm and delight as a character who is essentially dissolute yet warm and lovable. Valeria Golino is another standout in the lesser role of the fiery Lupe. Geoffrey Rush makes a credible Trotsky and Ashley Judd pleases as a jovial Mexican party girl with a taste for mischief. Antonio Banderas does a neat cameo as a heated Communist and Edward Norton plays a very decent Rockefeller not shy about saying who pays the bills. Brits Roger Rees convincing as Kahlo's loving father and Saffron Burrows as Kahlo's loving diversion add heft to their supporting roles.
Julie Taymor best known for some very showy previous works like Broadway's The Lion King her feature debut Titus and a number of critically acclaimed operas proves again with Frida that she's an incomparable visual stylist. Taymor engages the eyes with a dazzling palette of Mexican colors and iconography and episodes of magical realism and mixed media invention that convey the intoxicating world of her subjects and the dramatic signature events of their lives. But Taymor (who also delivers a seductive majestic soundtrack) never loses sight of the fact that it is her beguiling characters who matter most.


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Begin your day trip with a pickup from your central Tel Aviv hotel. Board your air-conditioned coach and travel through the plains and mountains of the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea.
Along the way, hear about the region’s ancient past and pass the site of the Inn of the Good Samaritan, thought to be the location of the much-loved biblical parable.
Glimpse the ancient city of Jericho in the distance and catch sight of the shimmering Dead Sea as you descend to this extraordinary salt lake. Located at the lowest point on Earth — around 1,312 feet (400 meters) below sea level — its waters are over 10 times saltier than sea water and contain a rich blend of natural minerals.
Arrive at a Dead Sea set by the water’s edge and enjoy ample free time to relax and enjoy your surroundings as you wish. Take a ‘swim’ in the salt-rich waters, lounge on the shore, and enjoy refreshments (own expense) at the café. Perhaps enjoy a mud bath in the world's richest source of natural salts or indulge in the therapeutic mud treatments (own expense) at the spa.
Your tour then ends with a hotel drop-off in Tel Aviv.


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7T's second major update is that it comes with a new "30T" Warp Charge AC Adapter. According to OnePlus, the new charger is 23 percent faster when charging the phone than the Warp Charge 30 power adapter that comes with the OnePlus 7 Pro. The company says it can get 7T Pro to about 68 percent charge in 30 minutes.
Otherwise, the 7T Pro is mostly the same unit that OnePlus released earlier this year. It has the same main camera set, pop-up selfie camera and 6.67-inch screen with a resolution of 1


A couple of weeks back I had the windshield replaced on my Toyota Yaris. A little stone had struck the old windshield, and the large crack was too big to fix. Well this morning (after the car had been parked since Friday at our hotel in Dunedin), I noticed that something in the car was not right. This (see image below) is not where the rear view mirror is supposed to be -- note that it's resting down in front of the gearshift, where it really offers little useful purpose.
So once we were home, I popped over to Autozone and paid $5 for a kit of rearview mirror adhesive:
I should mention that I did very briefly consider calling the company that had replaced the windshield, and have them fix this. But that would have involved more than $5 worth of inconvenience. OK, back to the task at hand. That big black dot near the top of the windshield (above my Florida Sunpass sticker) is where a small (maybe 1 inch at longest edge) piece of flat metal should be glued. The metal piece is grooved around the edges, and the mirror assembly slides over it. I scraped the residue of the old glue from the windshield and from the metal piece (should have taken a pic, but wanted to get this done!), and then opened the blue packet from the kit. I have no idea what chemical cleaner that thing held, but one wipe on the windshield removed any remaining trace of glue.
I followed the instructions from the kit and waited 2 minutes after the cleaning before continuing. Then came the (mildly) stressful part. The glue from the kit is super strong. One drop is all that is applied to the metal piece, then that is immediately pressed to its former location on the windshield. Although I pressed/held it in place for a minute as instructed, I could tell that it was already stuck there and was not going to move. After another 15 minutes of letting everything set up (again, as per instructions), I slipped the mirror back on over the grooved metal tab, and (for now anyway!) all again looks proper. Hopefully it will stay this time! If not, I'll call the folks who'd replaced the windshield :)


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ELIZABETH – A Roselle man who worked for Union County as a crisis intervention counselor was arrested Friday and charged with sexually abusing four children, Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow announced Monday.
Jerry Jones, 49, who works for the Youth Service Bureau, allegedly had sexual relations with four children ranging in age from 6 to 14 years old. Three of the victims are male and one is female, prosecutors said.
Authorities launched an investigation after one of the victims told his parents that Jones had assaulted him, prosecutors said. The investigation uncovered the additional victims.
Jones was charged with three counts of first degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second degree sexual assault and one count of second degree endangering the welfare of a minor, said Romankow. Jones is being held at the Union County Jail on $500,000 bail.
Prosecutors are asking anyone with information regarding Jerry Jones to contact Sgt. William Brennan or Det. Roger Hutchins at (908) 245-9200.
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It has been only nearly two months since the Mishras of TVF show Gullak took us into the heart of small-town India and their bittersweet struggles and wins. Relatable and real, the show managed a tightrope walk between what is personal and universal for the fourth season in a row. Now, TVF’s another masterful presentation, Panchayat Season Two, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, gives dollops of lived-in moments and a heart-warming experience that is bound to stay with the audience long after they have watched it.
The same village, the same actors, and the same theme music, but nothing that feels humdrum — that’s the beauty of Panchayat 2. You get as emotionally invested in the lives of the residents of the village, Phulera, as you were in the first season. And, there are enough laughs on the way.
The first season of Panchayat, with eight episodes, focused on the fresh-out-of-college Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar). His government job takes him to a small Uttar Pradesh village Phulera as Panchayat Sachiv. The city boy struggles to settle in a village with its drastic change of pace, power cuts and a different socio-economic reality. He focuses his attention on passing CAT exam so that he could flee Phulera. In his journey, he is joined by Pradhanji (Raghubir Yadav), his wife Manju Devi (Neena Gupta), who is the real pradhan, grams of sevak Vikas (Chandan Roy) and up-pradhan Prahlad (Faisal Malik). All of them together make his life easier, and by the eighth episode, Abhishek is finally settling in at Phulera.
Cut to season two, where, in the early scenes, Abhishek is grinning while getting work done from the laborers in Phulera, clearly hinting at him acclimating to the village life. Through an exquisite grip on the story, writer Chandan Kumar and director Deepak Kumar Mishra’s subtle handling of the lives of inhabitants of Phulera very much propels the lived-in feel of the show.
In one instance, when his guests insist that Pradhan Ji (Yadav) should also eat the dessert at his daughter Rinky’s birthday party, he responds, “Abhi toh bohot bachaa hai, hum toh subah bhi ye hi khayenge (there is a lot left, I will have to eat it in the morning also)”. This reminded me of times when I got to eat the leftover food from a party at home until it got over or stale. Another hilarious and relatable moment is when one of the characters sits on his scooter only to immediately jump up as the scorching sun has turned it into a saucepan. How could you not relate to it while living in Delhi’s 49 degrees temperature?
The creators of Panchayat 2 have projected Indian hinterland like nothing we are accustomed to see on screen. It is no Mirzapur with its guns and gangs, neither are you greeted by our hero and heroine are dancing in sarso ke khet. Instead, it’s a village dealing with relevant issues like open defecation, alcohol addiction and installation of CCTVs, but with a dash of humor.
The one spearheading these issues is Abhishek, who has no plans of bringing about big changes in the village, but is only bound by duty and doesn’t want to be reprimanded by his senior. He looks into the matter of open defecation only when he is alerted about a ‘surprise’ inspection. This typical administrative approach of a government employee is not new to Indians. Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek is brilliant. He portrays the frustration of an aspiring youth stuck in the wrong place and the concerns of a goodhearted human, in equal amounts. Kudos to the creators for not giving us an ‘aadarshwaadi‘ government official, as we are not habitual of having one.
Besides Jitendra, the entire cast, including actors Chandan Roy, Faisal Malik, Sunita Rajwar, Durgesh Kumar, and Shrikant Verma, has taken a well-written, crisp, and a simple yet charming script, a notch higher with their towering performances.
Among all of them, the real scene-stealer is Manju Devi, played by a perfectly cast Neena Gupta. She, despite being the village pradhan is happy catering to her to-do list as a housewife. Her husband Brij Bhushan Dubey (Yadav, another actor par excellence) is the de factor Pradhan here. But that does n’t mean she is incapable of taking on her official duties, or she is happy to follow her husband’s every command.
It is fascinating how she does what she feels is right, whether it is finding a groom for her daughter or negotiating the price of mud as the village pradhan. At one moment, she even tells Brij Bhushan’s friend, who has come home, to pick up the plate he has eaten in and keep it away. She is not even afraid of the callous MLA who insults her husband and others close to her and shows him his place in her inimitable style. It’s good to see Gupta getting more screen time this season, for she brings so much rawness and nuance to her performance.
The only hiccup comes when the narrative meanders to a tragedy-struck Prahlad in the last episode. But it can be overlooked in front of the nourishing experiences that the show gives us to cherish. The strength of Panchayat 2 lies in how it never takes itself too seriously and slips into the situational comedy effortlessly.


This article suggests the use of the value of the thermo-stressed state in the turbine steam input stage as one of the key parameters characterizing the start-up reliability of the turbine plant cycle. The authors present the principles of the development of the steam turbine rotor warming model for continuous monitoring of its thermo-stressed state, using a personal computer in real time. The research conducted on the thermo-stressed state of the rotor using a universal CAE programme allowed the hypothesizing of the maximum thermo-stressed states as can be calculated with sufficient precision by ‘characteristic’ temperature differences inside the rotor. It is proposed to evaluate the thermo-stressed states using regression dependence on the ‘characteristic’ differences of the real-time temperature field. Samples for the regression analysis are obtained from preliminary results of CAE programme calculations. An example is given for the whole range of the necessary computational research to produce modules of a control device for the steam turbine T-110/120-130. The modules are tested in the MATLAB Simulink environment.
automation, finite element method, model, modelling, personal computer, real time, steam turbine rotor, thermo-stressed state
 Plotkin, E.R., Leizerovich, A.S. & Berkowitz, Ya.D., Information support of the operator when starting the turbine 228 MW. Power Station, 10, pp. 14–21, 2013 [in Russian].
 Goloshumova, V.N., Brodov, Yu.M. & Smirnov, A.A., Simulation of the temperature field of the rotor of the steam turbine control systems for its thermal stress state. Reliability and Energy Security, 4, pp. 59–64, 2013 [in Russian].
 Goloshumova, V.N., Smirnov, A.A. & Brodov, Yu.M., Controlling the startup modes temperature steam turbine rotor condition. Heavy Engineering, 3, pp. 40–43, 2011 [in Russian].
 Smirnov, A.A., Goloshumova, V.N. & Brodov, Yu.M., Simulation of temperature field of the rotor of a steam turbine in real time. Reliability and Energy Security, 2, pp. 30–36, 2012 [in Russian].
 Goloshumova, V.N., Brodov, Yu.M., Klyainrok, I.Yu. & Smirnov, A.A., Controlling the startup modes of cogeneration steam turbines operating as part of combined – cycle power plants. Thermal Engineering, 12, pp. 1–9, 2012 [in Russian].
 Berkley, J., Turkiyyah, G., Berg, D., Ganter, M. & Weghorst, S., Real-time finite element modeling for surgery simulation: an application to virtual suturing. IEEE Transactions Visualization and Computer Graphics, 10(3), pp. 314–325, 2004. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2004.1272730
 Ehrsam, A., Schreier, T, Brunneur, P. & Mitra, A., Steam turbine start-up optimization tool based on ABAQUS and python scripting, Simulia Customer Conference, London, 2009, pp. 1–8, available at http: www 3ds.com/products-services/simula/resource- center/by-inductry/.
 Leyzerovich, A.Sh., Steam turbines for modern fossil-fuel power plants, Fairmont Press, 2008, p. 550.


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Red Bull Music Academy’s RBMA Radio has re-launched as a 24-hour linear broadcasting service with programming from six continents, bringing local music scenes from across the world to you. Tune in now on the web or download the app for iOS and Android phones.
RBMA Radio celebrates the best in music and culture with hosts you know and respect, from artists like Tune-Yards, Earl Sweatshirt, Kindness, Chelsea Wolfe, DâM-FunK, Mixpak and Teklife to music journalists and longtime Academy team members like Vivian Host and Shawn Reynaldo, hip hop scholar Andrew Noz (Cocaine Blunts), Frosty (Dublab) and Sam Hockley-Smith (New York Times Magazine, The FADER). Whether it’s the latest dancehall out of Kingston, techno from Berlin or old soul gems – you’ll know what you were looking for when you hear it.
RBMA Radio also zeroes in on local scenes in four key US cities: The Slice profiles the sounds that are shaping New York City right now; Bizarre Ride cruises through the freeway-ready funk, blistering gangsta rap and rampaging guitar rock of Los Angeles; Cruisin’ in the ATL meets Atlanta’s hottest artists and blasts the latest in Southern rap; and Deepest Dish spotlights some of the brightest minds in Chicago music. For a more global perspective, Scenery beams out daily reports on the local music scenes in cities as far-flung as Cairo, Nairobi, Sao Paolo, Shanghai and Tokyo.
The RBMA Radio team has been celebrating its updated platform with pop-up stations around the country, including New York City and Detroit in May and an upcoming weeklong broadcast from Atlanta in August. For the next two weeks, RBMA Radio is in the heart of the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, broadcasting live interviews, DJ mixes and special performances from the city’s diverse musical landscape, plus LA-centric episodes of current programs.
RBMA Radio also provides exclusive access to events around the world, including live streams from Red Bull Music Academy festival stages at Sonar in Reykjavik and Barcelona, Movement in Detroit and Mutek in Montreal, and intimate, sold-out sessions with such luminaries as Spike Lee, Madlib and Pharaoh Sanders with Kamasi Washington and the Sun Ra Arkestra. The station is also home to breaking music news, with artists like Blood Orange, D’Angelo and A$AP Rocky premiering new songs live on air. Check out the full schedule at rbmaradio.com, because you need to hear this.
About RBMA Radio
Since its first broadcast in 2005, RBMA Radio has grown into one of the world’s largest and most reliable sources of pioneering music, offering an unrivalled selection of exclusive mixes, documentaries and live recordings from leading club nights and festivals around the world, plus interviews with the great musical thinkers of our time. RBMA Radio is now a 24/7 linear channel that broadcasts under the mandate: You need to hear this. We play only what deserves to be heard and bring you exclusive stories you won’t find anywhere else. We can’t promise you’ll like it, but we know you’ll respect it.
About Red Bull Music Academy
The Red Bull Music Academy is a global music institution committed to fostering creativity in music. We celebrate music, its culture and the transformative minds behind it. Begun in 1998, the Academy has taken the core principles that underlie its annual workshop for selected participants and applied this curatorial approach to events, lectures and citywide festivals throughout the year.
The 18th edition of the Red Bull Music Academy will take place in Montreal in 2016, bringing together 70 carefully selected producers, vocalists, beatmakers, instrumentalists and DJs from around the world. The Academy also applies its legacy of acclaimed original programming to its annual festival in New York City, which explores and celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage while spotlighting the modern music landscape.


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I was out to meet my friend who lived nearby when I found this ravaged mannequin head. Her exquisite hazel eyes and pencilled brows, lifted towards the sky as if mannequin heaven was there.
In reality her mutilated head lies in the tall grass. A used beer bottle leans against her face, an empty red cigarette package nearby.
If she was alive I think she’d be wondering how she ended up here? Why she wasn’t the modelesque mannequin in the window display for Holt Renfrew or at least for H&M. Who had tossed her out like refuse and left her to this fate?
Thanks to Bikurgirl for hosting One- Hundred – Word Wednesday.
The frost on the grass is a warning; it heralds winter’s time. It’s sunny and bright walking outside in the late morning, yet I can feel the bitter chill of the snow storm approaching, numbing my skin
There’s a distinct bitterness in the air and it tastes like freshly fallen snow that doesn’t melt, but freezes your tongue. It’s a nip of coldness which makes you shiver long after you’re snuggled by the warmth of the fire indoors.
I know by night, the great pines and paved trail will be frozen and covered in cotton mounds. The frost will becomes a blanket of white remaining until spring seeps into the frozen north.
The future awaits as I stand behind the swing hesitating. It reminds me of when I was a small girl, riding the swing and pumping my legs back and forth. Often, I would end up flipping the swing, riding it too high. My mom would be so upset at yell at me for scaring her each time I flipped the swing.
Today I sit down on the swing which is aggravatingly difficult with all these layers of tulle, silk, and lace. I don’t want to grass stain my gown before my big moment down walking down the aisle. I rock and swing my body using my barefoot and I’ve taken off my couture Jimmy Choos wedding shoes.
I swing softly and think and I wonder what my future will be like when the weddings over? The truth is no one knows what the future will bring, especially not me. I see the light of sun shining down upon my dress, to me on this day, this light is my hope. Such a brilliant sun could only mean a beautiful life ahead.
My girl sits on the swing, rocking back and forth gently, her veiled head leaning against the rope on one side of the swing. Weddimg guests begin to gather sitting in white wooden chair. Some of the guest gaze back at the bride who thoughtfully swings, humming a familiar tune. I wonder what’s going on in her confounding mind and then she peers back at me and smiles brightly.
I’m not supposed to see her in her white dress yet, so I grin and pretend to cover my eyes as she laughs, telling me to go away. That we’ll be married before we know it. Through my fingers I stare at her, she’s so beautiful. I can feel my heart thumping against my chest –I seem to be nervous after all.
Years later, I think back to that moment when our whole lives were before us. Holding each other’s hands and murmuring our wedding vows. Now I cling to her thin hand in the hospital bed as my love seems to disintegrate before me. One never knows what lies ahead and I think that’s a gift. If we knew what our future was, we would never move forward.
But I see the light of heaven shining upon my wife. I feel this warm healing light on my own body and we stare at each other and smile as the Lord calls us both home. The next morning the nurses find us, our bodies cold. We have already gone onto better things. We left holding hands, the same way we began.
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks/things you can think up if only you try!”
― Dr. Seuss
Alice was growing older and she hadn’t been to Wonderland in years. Yet, she had not forgotten the lessons she learned there.
She was an imaginative girl, so much so her mother could not figure out where Alice came up with her fanciful ideas.
But Alice’s mother adored her daughter so she let her creativity run free, including playing outside and having tea with her imaginary friends.
While having tea, Alice talked to the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, the Door Mouse, and March Hair. Often, she talked to a smoking Catipillar, whom her mother naturally disapproved of. But Alice only laughed at her mother saying:
” Why the Caterpillar needs the medicine he smokes. He’s in a great deal of pain becoming a butterfly.”
Alice’s mother had been making ice tea in a pitcher as it was summer. Alice didn’t know what to do at first, her friends enjoyed hot tea. But she determined after a while, they would have to make do with ice tea. She poured the cold tea into her prized teapot.
She brought the tea to the marigolds and dandilions in the field by her house and poured the cold tea at the base of all her flower friends. She even brought them a few cookies, which she crumbled around their stems.
Sometimes Alice liked to sit out in the field and read. She brought out a fancy white cushioned chair from the parlour to a field of grass and flowers. She sat there considering life and paging through a novel. She was wearing a hat her grandma had given her to keep the sun from her face.
Alice fell asleep outside in the chair and dreamed she was in Wonderland. She dreamt she had eaten bread to make her big and tall.
She found herself next to a curious house with the appearance of a giant 🍐 pear ; it had a small red door with steps going down to the grass below.
There was a handsome Raven sitting on the house, opposite of where Alice stood. She placed her ear against the house, trying to hear if anyone was inside.
“You won’t find anyone in there,” the Raven told Alice.
“But why wouldn’t they be at home?” Alice asked. “Its Wonderland, creatures here don’t go to work even if they’re adults. Besides, wouldn’t a mother or wife be at home?”
“I wouldn’t quite call them adults and it’s presumptuous to think all women should stay at home.”
“If they’re not adults, how come they have a house?” Alice wondered. She looked back to the Raven, “I only thought the wife or mother might be home because she could be like my mother who stays home.”
Alice sat down, reaching towards the small red doorway of the pear 🍐 house; it was locked up tight. “Why is the door locked? Who would break into their home here? My father never locks our door.”
The Raven chuckled in the weird way birds do, “I think they are avoiding unwanted guests of giant proportions.”
“Also, I think you’re forgetting everyone needs something to do in the day, work or otherwise. We all have tasks, seasons of life to experience, even in Wonderland.”
“Seasons of life?” Alice asked confused. “Well, what season am I in? I don’t feel young, but I’m certainly not old. I’m only nine. But since coming to Wonderland years ago, I think of things adults don’t even consider.”
The Raven squawked, continuing to chuckle.
“Hmmm,” Alice said, “It only occurred to me, no one ever told me why a Raven is like a writing desk?”
The Raven ignored Alice but began to whistle a discordant tune.
“That’s awful,” Alice said but he continued his song.
When he stopped he peered with little black eyes at Alice, “See everyone has a song to sing. Not everyone thinks their neighbour’s song is pretty, but it’s theirsong and so they must sing it.”
“It is the same with the creatures in this pear 🍐 house. They are off singing their life song, doing what they feel they are meant to do in life, in this season.”
“Each part of life has a song,” the Raven said. “I hear you singing your song when you’re out in the fields having tea with your Wonderland friends, using your imagination. You’re in the spring of life and your song is lovely and new.”
“But,” continued the Raven, “I am in the Winter of my life. I’ve had many children and I am old, but I sing mysong anyways. Even when we are old, we have a purpose and must sing our own song.”
Alice thought a long while about the seasons, singing, and what the Raven told her. Then she smiled, ” I understand what you mean now. But do you think you and the owners of this pear 🍐 house would mind joining my other Wonderland friends and myself for tea?”
The Raven cawed laughing at Alice. He nodded his little black head and flew away.
The next moment, Alice awoke and found herself sleeping in her mother’s plush parlour chair out in the grassy field. Her mother looked down on her gently and smoothed Alice’s hair:
“Alice there you are. Oh, my good chair. It’s white and you’ve got dirt and grass all over it,” mother said sternly.
Alice sleepily smiled and said,” I was in Wonderland and talking to a Raven about the songs we each sing in life in different seasons. I’m sorry about the chair Mama.”
Her mother shook her head sighing and ruffled Alice’s hair, “Oh you and Wonderland. Will you ever grow out if it? Little girls will be attending school again in Fall.”
Alice sighed and helped her mother bring the chair back into the house to be cleaned. She decided to visit the roses in the backyard later.
Aluce had told her mother many strange stories about red roses. So much so, Alice’s mother gave her the job of watering and caring for the roses in the garden; she babied her roses. She didn’t want anyone to think she’d been painting her roses and that they weren’t truly red — that always led to problems.
She wondered about what season of life the roses and all the flowers in the field were in? What was their purpose except to be beautiful? Alice began to hum the particular song of the flowers, watering her roses and caring for them.
Suddenly, she remembered it was her birthday in a week. She would be ten-years-old; how could she forget? She must go inside the house and remind her mother she needed more bowls to match her tea set.
For a moment Alice sighed thinking about school beginning soon. Children at school didn’t understand her much. Often, they knew less about things than many adults. Girls at school sang their own songs and Alice as usual, sang a unique tune.


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Post-Tropical Cyclone Fiona brought rough surf and wind to Cape Cod on Saturday, September 24, as the storm battered Atlantic Canada.
Video filmed by Keeler Near shows the conditions at Ballston Beach in Truro, Massachusetts, on Saturday afternoon.
The parking lots at Ballston Beach and Longnook were closed from Friday to Monday due to storm conditions, Truro officials said.
The storm was downgraded from a hurricane late on Friday but was still producing “hurricane-force winds, storm surge, and heavy rains” in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said. Credit: Keeler Near via Storyful