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Lockheed Martin notes that it was at least twice as fuel-effective as the preliminary jets that have been about. The efficiency can even hold up against some aircraft introduced in recent instances. Through ancient times they utilised the constellations as aspect of their calendar to tell them when to plant the crops, harvesting time, and when to prepare for the winter. In Latin it means “dragon” and it was one particular of the 48 ancient constellations. The sheer diversity of Constellation models today consists of just about just about every case material and mixture of components you can think about.
Signal, Caballero decided to search through a catalog of stars from the European Space Agency’s Gaia satellite to appear for probable candidates. Hopefully, this tiny introduction has been beneficial to acquire some reference for “star gazing” and “starry knowledge”. Be positive to download the poster and delight in studying about constellations and how to connect the twinkling stars subsequent time you go out for a evening walk. There are numerous next additional constellations in the night sky than we have listed right here. There are also a quantity of obtainable alternatives of on the web sources that can enable you determine the place and shapes of constellations. You can also use apps likeStarwalkto aid you discover the constellations in your neck of the woods.
He continued to be withdrawn as well as anxious (often making use of the mantra “I am Yoo Joonghyuk” to boost his personal self-assurance) well into adulthood. When undergoing Demon King Transformation, Kim Dokja gains a pair of black feathered wings and a pair of tiny horns. When he transforms in the course of Most important Scenario ten, his physique increases in size, becoming around 3 to four times bigger, and his muscle mass increases tremendously this change is not reflected in later transformations.
Southeast of Musca, you will uncover the even fainter constellation Apus, the Bird of Paradise. It has small of interest, save for the fine pair of red-orange stars δ1 and δ2 just north of γ. To the west of Apus lies the little constellation Chamaeleon, but it holds little of interest. Cluster for the reason that its two brightest stars resemble an owl’s eyes or the eyes of the extraterrestrial creature from the film of the exact same name. With an apparent magnitude of six.four, the cluster is just past naked-eye visibility, but it is visible in binoculars and via a telescope.
CoinGecko gives a basic analysis of the crypto industry. In addition to tracking value, volume and market capitalisation, CoinGecko tracks community development, open-source code improvement, major events and on-chain metrics. And when we moved into studying about the begins, we of course read a lot of books about stars and constellations.
The Hubble Space Telescope has told us substantially about the deep universe, the Planck Observatory as effectively . And thanks to Kepler and other exoplanet hunters, we have discovered more than 2000 planets orbiting distant and nearby stars to date. Any perceived standstill, which can only be attributed to the lack of mission comparable to Apollo 11, is the outcome of budgets, not interest in astrology.
To punish the humans for their arrogance, Poseidon sent his sea monster, Cetus, to destroy their city. If you are new about here and you want to get began with the hobby, check out our astronomy for newbies guide or the encouraged gear web page. I’m a journalist who has been into astronomy given that I was a kid. I founded this web-site to share guidelines and details about astronomy and telescopes. The most prominent star in Leo is Regulus, situated about 79 light-years from the Sun.
The constellation’s brightest star, Aldebaran , lies in the very same line of sight as the Hyades and marks a single of the Bull’s eyes. Aldebaran and the Hyades can be identified by following the line of Orion’s Belt in the path of Orion’s Shield. This coordinate program is main employed by astronomers for observations of solar system objects.
Men and women thought that stars represented mythological men and women, animals, gods, or objects. Under are the 20 largest constellations with their names, size, and meanings. The constellations-which means represent which pattern or symbol the set of stars kind. Whereas the constellation size represents an area in the form of square degrees.
Gemini is a single of the constellations of the zodiac and is situated in the Northern Sky. Gemini is the 30th biggest constellation in the sky, occupying an area of 514 square degrees. The constellation is named soon after the vain queen Cassiopeia in Greek Mythology, wife of the King Cepheus of Aethiopia.
Visible above the horizon through the northern hemisphere summer, the Teapot is located just next to a wealthy Milky Way field in the southern sky. Alnasl, the star at the tip of the spout, marks the Archer’s arrowhead and Kaus Borealis, Kaus Media and Kaus Australis outline the bow. Right now, zodiac constellations are most normally brought up in the context of western astrology, as the 12 constellations correspond to the 12 signs of the zodiac.
Enthralled with their beauty, the Mayans, Babylonians, Egyptians, Iranians, and Greeks were the 1st to create celestial study systems and resorted to making titles of stars to give an order to their advances. Nowadays, even astronomy aficionados continue the legacy of naming stars in space. Go on reading to find out far more about stars names and meanings.


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BA Summa Cum Laude, Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 2009-2013; MD Summa Cum Laude, University Texas Medical Branch, 2013-2017; Resident in Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, 2017-2020; Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of North Carolina, 2020-Present.
Ha Y, Liu H, Zhu S, Yi P, Liu W, Nathanson J, Kayed R, Loucas B, Sun J, Frishman LJ, Motamedi M, Zhang W. Critical role of the CXCL10/C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 axis in promoting leukocyte recruitment and neuronal injury during traumatic optic
neuropathy induced by optic nerve crush. American Journal of Pathology. 2017, Feb;187(2): 353-365.
Nathanson J, Swarr DT, Singer A, Liu M, Chinn A, Jones W, Hurst J, Khalek N, Zackai E, Slavotinek A. Novel FREM1 mutations expand the phenotypic spectrum associated with Manitoba-oculo-tricho-anal (MOTA) syndrome and bifid nose renal agenesis anorectal malformations (BNAR) syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics. 2013, Mar; 161(3): 473-478.
Nathanson J, Bernstein S, Diddams M, Cykert D, Dancel R, Heath J. (September, 2019). Resident training videos & iOS application development for ultrasound assisted procedures. UNC Resident Research Symposium; Chapel Hill, NC.
Nathanson J, Ha Y, Zhang W. (July, 2014). Loss of SIRT6 results in retinal neuronal dysfunction in adult mice. UTMB Medical Student Summer Research Program; Galveston, TX.

domain: literature


Iran Acknowledges Claim It Enriched Uranium to 84% Purity
Several new generation centrifuges on display for Iran’s National Nuclear Energy Day in Tehran, Iran, April 10, 2021. (Iranian Presidency Office/West Asia News Agency/Handout)
The Media Line Staff
Iran on Thursday acknowledged accusations by international inspectors that it has enriched uranium to 84% purity, in a news outlet directly linked to the regime’s most senior leaders. Weapons-grade uranium requires 90% purity.
The acknowledgement of the higher enrichment claim came through Nour News, a website linked to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, overseen by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Associated Press reported.
Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog, discovered uranium enriched to 84% purity during a visit to Iran last week, Bloomberg said, citing two unnamed senior diplomats.
In the wake of the report, the IAEA said it was in discussions with Iran about the detection of the uranium. Until the most recent inspection, Iran was only known to have enriched uranium to 60% purity, which has been doing since April 2021.
The IAEA now is working to determine if the higher enrichment level is an “unintended accumulation within the network of pipes connecting the hundreds of fast-spinning centrifuges used to separate the isotopes,” according to Bloomberg.
It is not known where the more highly enriched uranium was discovered.


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I wasn’t certain that Fox could bring Wolverine back after that dreadful stand-alone prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine. While The Wolverine may not bring the character back up to its previous heights, it has two very strong things working in its favor – a solid director and some perfect action sequences.
James Mangold is one of the only directors that I can think of that has tackled so many different genres and had success with each of them. He has made a solid police drama (Copland), a heavy drama (Girl, Interrupted), a chick flick (Kate & Leopold), a brilliant psychological thriller (Identity), an Oscar-worthy bio-pic (Walk the Line), a fantastic western remake (3:10 to Yuma), a fun summer popcorn blockbuster (Knight and Day) and now a stylized comic book movie.
The Wolverine places Hugh Jackman and his iconic X-Men character in a vulnerable position. X-Men Origins: Wolverine gave a prequel backstory to Logan/Wolverine, but The Wolverine gives us a post-X-Men: The Last Stand Wolverine. I was hoping that the writers would have ignored the existence of The Last Stand, but one line references the death of Jean Grey in it. Following that tragedy, Logan is now a mess. He has sworn off violence – that is, until he’s placed in a position that provokes him to fight back.
The film opens with a great WWII flashback of Logan saving a young Japanese man’s life. In present day, we learn that the Japanese man lived to become a wealthy, successful and very powerful businessman in Tokyo. Now on his deathbed, he wants nothing more than to thank the enigmatic superhero that saved him so long ago. As a token of his gratitude, he offers to replay Logan by giving him a cure to his curse – mortality. Of course, once in Tokyo, Logan is forced into the middle of a plot involving the kidnapping of his Japanese friend’s granddaughter and has to break his new no-violence code.
With his mutant Adamantium claws showing, Logan once again turns into the Wolverine to save an innocent life. The initial action scenes in Tokyo are brilliant, some of the very best to come out of any action movie in the last few years. Although the trailers have made the effects of the train sequence look less than impressive, don’t judge it by those snippets. What appears cheesy in the trailers actually makes up my favorite scene in the entire movie. The train sequence is the type that makes any fan of action movies giddy with excitement and tension.
Following the train scene, there’s a long-lasting lull. Action and tension is nowhere to be found. Instead, we get some great character moments – nothing as strong as what was accomplished with X-Men: First Class, but it’s still a nice change of pace for the Wolverine character. What follows is full of ninjas and loads of stabbing. You’d think that this ending would serve as a great climax, but it somewhat falls apart. The action is less impressive than previous scenes and the big reveal is a bit of a stretch. This third-act flaw doesn’t ruin the film, but it definitely keeps it from greatness.
If you’ve liked the X-Men movies thus far, then you ought to enjoy The Wolverine – even if you despised X-Men Origins. And if you want a lead-in tease to next summer’s X-Men: Days of Future Past, then don’t get out of your seats when the credit start rolling.
Photo credit: 20th Century Fox

domain: artistic


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Wheat field in Russia. Source: Lori/Legion Media
Australia's largest wheat exporter, CBH Group is planning to start operations to Russia and sell Black Sea grain in Asian markets, Reuters reported.
The grower-owned cooperative will open an office in Krasnodar and will use a local service provider to buy wheat and barley directly from Russian farmers, according to the World-Grain.com website.
“This new venture will supplement grain purchased from Australian growers by allowing CBH to better satisfy customer requirements through providing varieties of grain that are prevalent in the Black Sea region but currently not grown in Australia,” Reuters cited CBH as saying in a letter to its members.
Grants worth $23,000 to give Russian farmers a boost>>>
All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
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domain: agronomy


Methane is a hydrocarbon chemical that can be found in both liquid and gaseous states. Methane is represented by the chemical formula CH4, which means that every molecule of methane contains one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Methane is highly combustible and is often used as fuel in industrial applications. Methane is usually found in its gaseous state due to temperatures and pressures found naturally on earth. You must exert a large amount of pressure on methane, in addition to cooling it greatly, to convert methane into a liquid.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid nitrogen cryogenic tank
- Plastic gas transfer tube
- Pressure vacuum
Connect your canister filled with methane gas to the liquid nitrogen cryogenic tank with the plastic gas transfer tube. Turn the release on the methane canister to allow flow of the methane to the cryogenic tank. Close the shunt on the cryogenic tank after all of the methane has flowed into the tank. Remove the gas transfer tube.
Leave the methane gas to cool in the liquid nitrogen tank for at least 48 hours. Check the temperature on the cryogenic tank to verify that the contents are at least negative 150 degrees Celsius.
Transfer the cooled methane gas from the cryogenic tank to the pressure vacuum with a gas transfer tube. Open the shunt on the cryogenic tank and on the pressure vacuum. Close the shunts when all of the gas has moved to the vacuum.
Set your pressure vacuum to exert 46 bars of pressure on the methane gas. The methane gas will slowly condense and form a liquid at the bottom of the vacuum.
- "Organic Chemistry"; L. G. Wade; 2009
- "Experimental Organic Chemistry: A Miniscale and Microscale Approach"; John C. Gilbert and Stephen F. Martin; 2010
- "Experimental Organic Chemistry: Standard and Microscale"; Laurence M. Harwood, Christopher J. Moody and Jonathan M. Percy; 1999
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
Properties of Liquid Natural Gas
Liquid natural gas (LNG) is a natural gas that has undergone condensation to become a liquid. At an atmospheric pressure of 14.7...
What Is Methane Gas?
Methane is the simplest organic compound and hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH4 and molecular weight of 16.043 g/mol. Methane is the...
Why Is Methane a Gas & Hexane a Liquid?
Methane exists as a gas and hexane in liquid form at room temperature because intermolecular forces affect the molecules of these substances...
How to Safely Compress Methane Gas
Methane gas is a chemical compound, the simplest alkaline, and the biggest component of natural gas. Burning methane gas with oxygen produces...
How to Calculate Vapor Pressure
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Compressed natural gas is a pressurized form of the same type of natural gas that is used for heating. The natural gas...
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How to Test for Methane in the Water
Methane gas can be found in the water of many homes that get their water from a well. The methane naturally occurring...


Pyle® Compact Ultra-Low Noise Phono Turntable Preamplifier With 12 V Adaptor
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Not yet rated. Be the first toWrite a Review
Pyle Signal amplifier has the frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and converts phono signals to line level signals.
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- Includes 12-VDC 110V Adaptor
- Weight: 0.88 lbs.
- Warranty: 1 year limited
|Weight||Weight :||1.00 lbs. per Each|


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Yeah that LOFT one is insane, so so good! Our tastes seem to overlap quite a lot (massive fan of Habernam, SVN on Sued, etc.), only I’m a fan of the ‘Bone Sucka’ release too, especially the panning in the title track. Been digging the earlier Hessle releases of late too, kinda missed those when they came out, as I’m 22 now…
Since we’re talking recent faves in this area (read your post in the music writing thread), here are a few of mine:
This is the first collab of SW. and SVN outside of SUED I think (correct me if I’m wrong) and this particular track is a brilliant mix of euphoria and melancholy, and makes me think about ‘Skips Desk’ from that Pang release you posted above…
This is the other side of that SUED record, very cool 113 BPM groover.
Steevio just dropped a fantastic EP on Wisdom Teeth, including a slow and great remix by Batu.
Obvs there’s loads of great new stuff (Facta on Livity, Patina Echoes on Timedance), but for the last one I’d like to shout out the AMAZING new LP by Beta Librae, on Incienso. Fits perfectly in this UK strand of techno (just feel that low-end…)
Think we’ve kind hijacked this Jungle, D&B and breaks thread, but it’s all connected, eh?

domain: entertainment


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Actress Bhagyashree is charged under IPC sections 279 and 338 for rash driving and causing hurt. In November 2016, Bhagyashree’s Skoda rammed Mohammad Tausif Shaikh’s scooter after jumping a red light. Shaikh’s leg was fractured. He filed a late complaint as initially the actress and her husband Himalaya Dasani had claimed that a driver was behind the wheels. Later her husband, while offering to pay for medical expenses, admitted to Shaikh that the actress was driving. Police corroborated the story from eyewitnesses before charging her.
Source – Mid Day

domain: celebrity


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Pussy Cats In Distress (Call 911) - Eat the Cat
Strawberry? U crazy? : Cat Gif Page
Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium: the first week at the cat café...
Cute Kittens and Handsome Men Paired Up On Tumblr
Painted Cats by Heather Busch
Posted by on Sep 17, 2012 in |
10 Ways Cats Prepared Us For Parenthood
You Wanted Even MORE, So Here's Round 3 of Text Messages...
Give a cat a smartphone, he'll call on occasion. Give him unlimited data, and he'll text constantly.
A Dream Home For Cats - DesignTAXI.com
Patrick Kelley Savannah Cats For Sale and Savannah Kittens...
Pusheen the cat
=＾● ⋏ ●＾= Meow! I am Pusheen the cat. This is my blog. (more...)
White Kitten and German Shepherd Dog
If Cats Used Pinterest, What Photos Would They Pin?
Pictures of birds, to be sure. And cozy blankets and warm laundry, and don't forget that most forbidden place of all: kitchen countertops!
Tiny kitty in tiny litter box
A daily blog featuring the internet's cutest animals, kids, babies and loads of cute things to buy, eat and make.
17 Things Worth Knowing About Your Cat - The Oatmeal
Your cat has some pretty amazing powers.

domain: pet


Despite the busy interior and myriad options, the MINI's fun-to-drive personality shines through. Base Coopers get a 1.6-liter four-cylinder rated at 121 horsepower, a small rise over last year thanks to reduced internal friction. Cooper S models add a turbo to the standard 1.6-liter mill, gaining nine horsepower in 2011 for 181 hp total thanks to re-tuned variable valve timing controls. The John Cooper Works model stays put at 208 horsepower, using a higher-boost version of the Cooper S engine.
Fuel economy for the base Cooper is solid for a sporty hatch at up to 29/37 mpg, with the Convertible trailing by 2 mpg city and 1 mpg highway. Upgrade to the Cooper S and the turbocharged 181 horsepower engine still manages 27/36 mpg with the manual and 26/34 mpg with the automatic. Given the small fuel economy penalty, enthusiasts will choose the Cooper S for its livelier drive and exhaust note. A responsive and slick six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is optional, and offers paddle shifters on the Cooper S.
Front wheel drive and sitting on MacPherson struts up front and a central-arm rear axle, the MINI Cooper's suspension design is unusual for a small hatch, but the arrangement takes out some of the harshness while preserving sharp handling. Even with low-profile tires on 17-inch wheels and sport suspension, the ride isn't bad.
We find the Cooper's electric power steering to be less realistic and feedback-laden than we'd like, but it's still pretty good. Upgrades to the system for 2011 help reduce torque steer, as well. With the standard 15-inch wheels and tires, ride quality is fair, while the 16- and 17-inch options offer progressively stiffer feel. The Cooper S equips run-flats as standard, which compound the harshness over rough pavement.


Land For Sale
LAND FOR SALE-BUILD TO SUIT
Please view accompanying photos. SUBJECT PARCEL IS "K" which can be combined with Parcel "J".
The 5.15-Acre Site is located in Koppernick Corporte Park on I-275 north of Ford Road, Canton, Wayne County, MI.. Koppernick Corporate Park is strategically located midway between Ann Arbor and Detroit, 13 miles from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and approximately 17 miles from the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run..
All utilities are available including an existing subdivision detention pond.
Canton may offer tax relief for qualifying companies. Businesses in need of rail transportation could possibly have access with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.


text:
10 August 2018
Especially if you are in a long-term relationship your own sexual functioning is not a purely an individual matter but is bound up with your partner’s.
Previous research has looked at this dynamic, finding for example that people are generally happier with their sex lives when they have the perception that they and their partner are sexually compatible.
Surprisingly, however, before now the influence of your partner’s broader personality traits on your own sex life had not been studied.
A German study of nearly a thousand long-term couples (98 per cent of them heterosexual) is the first to look at this question.
Among the stand-out findings is that, for women, having a more conscientious partner was associated with having better sexual functioning and a more satisfactory sex life.

domain: sociology


text:
Gold fell 1% on Thursday, pressured by an overall uptick in appetite for riskier assets, as investors continued to position themselves for a sooner-than-expected interest rate hike from the US Federal Reserve.
Spot gold declined 1% to $1,749.61 per ounce by 1451 GMT and US gold futures fell 1.6% to $1,750.70.
“The Fed’s comments from Wednesday are overshadowing anything at this point,” said Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures, adding that the comments also outweighed any likely support from an unexpected rise in US weekly jobless claims.
“Unless there’s a major event, the path of least resistance in gold prices is down due to the hawkishness of the Fed,” Haberkorn said.
The US central bank said on Wednesday it will likely begin reducing its bond purchases as soon as November and signaled interest rate increases may follow more quickly than expected, as the Fed’s turn from pandemic crisis policies gains momentum.
Weighing on safe-haven assets, Global equities advanced helped by fading concerns over China’s Evergrande and as investors largely brushed off concerns over the Fed’s tapering plans.
Bullion also found little support from a retreat in the dollar, which usually buoys demand for gold since it makes the metal cheaper for those holding other currencies and as it competes with the precious metal as a safe-haven asset.
A Fed rate hike would increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, which pays no interest.
While higher rates usually impact gold negatively, investors will have a foot in gold’s door as a precaution given the continuing bubble in the equities and bond market, said Vincent Tie, sales manager at Singapore dealer Silver Bullion.
Platinum edged 0.1% lower to $995.50 per ounce, while palladium shed 1.7% at $1,989.64, after a two sessions of gains.
Silver fell 0.3% to $22.61.
(Reporting by Bharat Govind Gautam, Arundhati Sarkar and Eileen Soreng in Bengaluru; Editing by Amy Caren Daniel)

domain: finance


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UFC analyst Joe Rogan has revealed that Anthony Joshua was knocked down and hurt in sparring the week of his shocking loss to Mexican underdog Andy Ruiz Jr.
The boxing world experienced a huge shake-up on Saturday night, as unheralded heavyweight Andy Ruiz Jr (33-1, 22KOs) stepped in on short notice and produced a stunning seventh round TKO over England’s Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21KOs) in front of a packed crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The fight was billed as Joshua’s US debut and a chance for American audiences to witness his greatness in prime time, but the night belonged to Ruiz, an 11-1 underdog who’d never picked up a top-10 win prior to Saturday, and has since become the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight champion of the world.
Among those who have their opinion on Joshua’s lacklustre performance, which saw the previously undefeated Brit drop to the canvas on four separate occasions, is UFC analyst Joe Rogan, who chimed in on his theory as to why AJ simply wasn’t himself in the ring.
“I have it from a good source, that Anthony Joshua got dropped in sparring the week of the fight,” said Rogan on the JRE MMA Show with Kevin Lee.
- Andy Ruiz Jr's family won £21,000 on Anthony Joshua fight
- Tyson Fury is now ranked heavyweight number one
- Usyk and Parker's ringside reaction to Joshua's loss
“He got hurt real bad the week of the fight and he was very tentative and vulnerable coming into the fight…which makes sense.”
Ruiz is the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent and has lined himself up for massive paydays down the line, including the now confirmed rematch with Joshua which will be in November or December later his year.
This was a fairy tale story come to life, an underdog who shocked the world and now holds three out of four of the sport’s major belts within the division.
(Scroll to the 38:00 mark in the below video)
As for Joshua, the Watford-born slugger must go away and reflect on what was a bitterly disappointing night for the former champion.
After taking a vicious shot to the head from Ruiz in the third round, his legs began to shake and he lost all mobility in the ring, basically becoming a human punching bag for his Mexican opponent.
Adjustments must be made ahead of the eagerly anticipated rematch later in the year, where AJ will look to reclaim his throne atop one of the most competitive divisions the sport has ever seen.News Now - Sport News

domain: sports


text:
November 12, 2007
A Step In the Right Direction
Well we won, and looked fairly decent doing it. I am just glad that the defense played the way it was meant to. Dre Bly
finally came up with a big turnover after two horrible performances against Green Bay and Detroit. His pick really turned the game around for Denver and was the spark for the 14-0 run Denver went on at the beginning of the second half. Though the Broncos looked good in the second half, they were pathetic in the first half. What happened to the team that would score on their first drive and then pound the opposition with the run game. Luckily we were able to take a quick second half lead and pound the Chiefs with our run game. This game puts us only one game behind the Chargers who barely beat a Colts team that was trying to lose. http://www.nfl.com/standings
Next week the Broncos face a tough Tennesse team fresh off a loss. This game is key to the Broncos getting back to .500 and maybe taking the division lead if the Chargers lose to the Jags. Anyhow I feel Denver has a favorable match-up this week against the Titans. Our pass rush is notoriously weak, but that wont matter against Vince Young. As long as the front 7 shutdown the run the cornerbacks will have no problem forcing interceptions against Vince Young. The offense will undoubtly struggle, but with a wuick score they should be able to play pound the ball. This will leave the defense fresh, and the Titans scrambling. Oh yeah that was our first victory by more than 3 points.
Posted by jrmason at 09:44 AM
November 05, 2007
What A Game
I dont know where to begin. That loss to the Lions was humiliating. What happened to the good old days when Denver ran the ball down opponent's throats. Anyhow I learned alot about the Broncos, first and foremost, Patrick Ramsey sucks, I really felt that when he came in down 16-0 we still had a chance for victory, but he proved me wrong. I mean come on he had 2 turnovers resulting in 14 Detroit points. Not to say the rest of the team played well, but when the quarterback is responcible for more points for the opposing team than your own, that should send up a red flag. Really all I'm saying is that the score was not reflective of the true Broncos. Cutler left the game in the second quarter with the score 13-0, and the defense forced Detroit into a 3 and out in their opening possesion of the second half. If Cutler had been healthy this probaly would have been the start of an excellent come back, but he couldnt play. Hopefully Cutler and the other injured Broncos will be available for next weeks game against Kansas City. http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d803de5fd&template=without-video&confirm=true
The game against Kansas City next week is a big game for the Broncos. Somehow after losing 5 of the last 6 the Broncos are still only one game behind the division leadin Chiefs and Chargers. With a win over the Chiefs and a Charger loss Denver would take the division lead at 4-5, but thats a tall order. To beat Kansas City in Kansas City is going to be tough, but is necasary to preserving the season. To do so the Broncos will need to come out early and establish the run, with either Henry or Young. This will help whichever quarteback starts. The offense also needs to capitalize in the redzone, which will greatly help the defense. Out league worse run defense faces a strong run game in Larry Johnson, so it could get ugly. But luckily the Chief's passing game is lackluster, allowing the Broncos to stackan 8 man box to help prevent the run. By no means should this be an easy game, but the Broncos can pull off a victory even if Cutler doesnt start.
Posted by jrmason at 10:14 AM
October 30, 2007
Abismal Monday Night
The Broncos lost last night and it was ugly. They had every opportunity to win and just let it slip through their hands. Watching that game made me realize that Cutler is still a long way away from being a good quarterback. He makes bad decisions, like running on 3rd and 1, makes costly turnovers, like a fumble at the goalline, but having said this he didnt throw a pick and preformed fairly well. I'll let that game go down as inexperienced youth, and a bad performance by Bly. I look forward to next week to see if the Bly can improve his perfomance when he faces off against his former team the Detroit Lions. The Broncos should have no problems beating the Lions, but substandard play on the defense could result in huge gains for the explosive Detroit offense. The secondary of Denver should look fairly good, because the D-line should be able to pressure Kitna all day. Either way it should be a good game with Denver winning on a last second Elam Field Goal.
October 02, 2007
This is my opening blog on the Denver Broncos. Hopefully if you are reading this than you are a fan and as such, good for you. As of right now the Broncos are a miserable 2-2 but we have looked good, except against the Colts. If we keep running the ball we should be fine, but our defense definitely needs to step it up. I feel that the Broncos are definitely one of the top teams in the nfl, but they are not playing like it. It seems that the top experts share my opinions because they rank the Broncos as 10 out of 32 teams. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking?week=5&season=2007 To improve our rating the Broncos need to up their defensive play. They need to apply more pressure on the quarterback, which should help an already strong secondary. Besides overall defensive play the Broncos must also get the ball into the endzone. The offense as zero trouble moving the ball but come time to score they stall. I dont know how to fix this but most likely it will solve it self as Jake gets more experience.
TestHello, World http://nfl.com
Posted by jrmason at 09:04 PM


Many of the shots are like paintings come to life and are simply, for a lack of a better word, beautiful. The Golden Birdcage scene and Qingcheng’s first encounter with the goddess are two of the most lyrical moments in The Promise. But for every five shots that blow your mind, there will be one that stands out as a great disappointment. One would expect every last effect to be stellar. Many reek of being sub-par, if that. Moments seem too cartoonish, as if what we’re seeing are unfinished works at Disney. The buffalo stampede sequence (which takes place in a location similar to that of a John Ford western) itself looks like an extended scene from The Lion King—sans the Asians.
Somewhat empty along with the CGI is the plot. Director Kaige took a compelling story of forbidden love and passion and made it unnecessarily complex. The film tries to be smarter than it really needed to be, which truly takes away from what could have been one of the great Asian cinematic experiences.
But the movie is highly enjoyable despite its share of flaws. There are numerous exciting battle sequences, along with a few twists worth noting. Just don’t go in expecting another Crouching Tiger-caliber film.
7 Deleted Scenes (22:45), four of which are either extended or alternates. The others don’t offer much else, and were deleted by Warner Independent Pictures before its release presumably for pacing concerns.
And the Theatrical Trailer.


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Kindly select the exact QTY from the Metre scale and NOT from the Quantity in our fabric collection.
Premium bluish grey hakoba eyelet fabric for beautiful kurtas, chic salwar pants, regal upholstery and much more.
Fabric Width: 54 inches.
ONE CUSTOMER CAN BUY MAXIMUM 8 METRES OF FABRIC.
Fabric is non-returnable.

domain: fashion


Even if you don’t plan on pushing your truck to its limits, there are quite a few reasons why you should consider upgrading its performance. In addition to improving its fuel efficiency, many upgrades will also increase your truck’s lifespan. Here is a look at three mechanical projects that are sure to take your truck to the next level.
One of the most effective ways to add more torque and power to your truck is to install an aftermarket exhaust. When you add an aftermarket exhaust system, it will be much easier for air to flow out of the engine and through the catalytic converter. That could potentially boost the engine’s horsepower through all of the gears. While some bolt-on exhaust systems can be installed with nothing more than a few basic tools, you will most likely want to hire a mechanic if any welding is going to be involved.
Boosting your truck’s performance doesn’t need to be a time-consuming or costly process. Engine tuning chips are relatively inexpensive when compared to other upgrades, and they can improve almost every facet of an engine. Adding a tuning chip will be especially beneficial if you have made any other changes to your truck’s engine or drivetrain. As an added bonus, a tuning chip is also going to provide you with invaluable information on your truck’s primary mechanical systems.
As soon as you start upgrading an engine, you might begin to notice problems with the transmission. If you want to avoid those issues entirely, then you should think about installing something like the 5r110 transmission. That heavy-duty transmission will smoothly move between gears and limit slippage. It is going to make it much easier to tow trailers and boats behind your truck as well.
These upgrades will have a major impact on your truck’s performance, but you also need to remember to schedule regular maintenance with an experienced mechanic. A local mechanic can help you catch minor issues before they become expensive problems that bring your truck to a grinding halt.


100pcs Organic Giant Mushroom Seeds Healthy Funny Succulent Delicious Green Food For Happy Farming
Invite the magic of nature to your home with our Giant Mushroom Organic Vegetable Seeds. These 100pcs of seeds are your gateway to cultivating your own delicious and organic, giant mushrooms. Perfect for every gardening enthusiast, these seeds promise an easy and rewarding experience of growing your very own edible, green food.
Remarkably simple to cultivate, these seeds are perfect for a courtyard setting and thrive in subtropic climates. Despite their small size, they yield a perennial harvest of giant, succulent mushrooms that not only taste delicious but also help in air purification.
The joy of seeing your garden flourish with these novel plants is unparalleled. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these seeds offer a fun and interactive way to engage with nature. Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food, knowing it’s free from any harmful chemicals.
How to Plant Giant Mushroom Organic Vegetable Seeds:
1. Start by choosing a small-sized flowerpot suitable for outdoor plants.
2. Add a layer of compost or organic matter to the pot for nourishment.
3. Scatter the seeds evenly across the surface.
4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
5. Water gently to avoid displacing the seeds.
6. Place the pot in a location with indirect sunlight.
7. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
8. Patience is key. Wait for your delicious, giant mushrooms to sprout.
Experience the joy of turning a tiny seed into a thriving, delicious, and healthy mushroom. It’s more than just gardening, it’s a journey to healthy, organic living with our Giant Mushroom Organic Vegetable Seeds. Perfect for Taurus enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, these seeds make a great gift for those who love to cultivate their own food. Immerse yourself in the fun and rewarding world of home farming today!
– Latin Name: Agaricus bisporus
– Planting Season: Spring
– Germination Rate: 85%
– Grown Plant Size: Can grow up to 2-6 inches in height
– Time to Maturity: Approximately 4-6 weeks
– Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil
– Watering: Regular watering, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged
– Sunlight: Indirect sunlight
– Uses: Can be used in a variety of dishes or eaten raw
– Deer Resistance: High
– Pest and Disease Resistance: High
– Spacing Requirements: At least 6 inches apart
– Companion Plants: Can be grown alongside other vegetables like lettuce or spinach
– Harvesting Instructions: Harvest when the mushroom caps have fully opened
– Organic Seeds: Cultivated without any harmful chemicals
– Air Purification: Helps in purifying the air by removing toxins
– Easy to Cultivate: Perfect for beginners or seasoned gardeners
– Healthy and Delicious: Yields tasty and nutritious mushrooms
– Fun and Interactive: Offers a fun and interactive way to engage with nature
– Perfect Gift: Makes a great gift for Taurus enthusiasts and nature lovers
– Suitable for Subtropic Climates: Thrives in subtropic climates
– Novel Plant: Adds a unique touch to your garden
– Outdoor Plants: Ideal for outdoor planting
– Perennial Plant: Yields a perennial harvest of giant mushrooms
– Small Size: Despite their small size, these seeds produce giant mushrooms
– Woody Plants: Classified as woody plants
Please note: The flowerpot is excluded from the package.


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Seal Point Ragdoll: The Stunning Feline Companion You Need in Your Life
If you’re a cat lover, then you’ve probably heard of the Ragdoll breed. But have you ever heard of the stunning Seal Point Ragdoll? This feline companion is a truly unique and beautiful animal that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to meet one.
First, let’s talk about the breed. Ragdolls are known for their gentle nature and affectionate personalities. They’re a large breed of cat with long, silky coats that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re also known for their distinctive blue eyes, which are a hallmark of the breed.
The Seal Point Ragdoll is a specific pattern of coloring that features a dark brown or black “seal” point on the cat’s face, ears, tail, and legs. The rest of the cat’s body is mostly pale, with a creamy or beige color. This coloring is truly striking and makes the Seal Point Ragdoll a standout among other cats.
But beyond their stunning appearance, Seal Point Ragdolls are known for their calm and gentle personalities. They’re a relaxed breed that loves to snuggle and be close to their human companions. They’re also great with children and other pets, making them an ideal addition to any family.
In addition to their sweet personalities, Seal Point Ragdolls are also quite intelligent. They’re easy to train and can learn a variety of tricks and behaviors, such as walking on a leash or playing fetch. This intelligence also makes them great problem solvers, which can be both entertaining and helpful around the house.
If you’re considering adding a Seal Point Ragdoll to your family, it’s important to remember that these cats do require grooming. Their long, luxurious coats will need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting and tangles. They’re also prone to shedding, so be prepared to clean up after them and invest in a good vacuum.
Overall, the Seal Point Ragdoll is a stunning feline companion that is sure to bring joy and love to any household. Their unique coloring, gentle nature, and intelligence make them a truly special breed that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re looking for a new feline friend, consider welcoming a Seal Point Ragdoll into your life – you won’t be disappointed.
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Time is Money: Use Dell ProSupport to save time for your Small Business
When asking a panel of loyal ProSupport customers (many of whom have utilized Dell support services for nearly a decade) in a recent series of interviews, the primary reason for choosing ProSupport was resoundingly the same: It helps save time and money. Whether leveraging Dell’s expertise over the phone, online or in person, or simply using the self-service features of ProSupport, Dell’s customers tout the service as key to running a smooth, efficient IT operation with lower risk of potentially devastating downtime.
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You can choose the speed of response best suited for your users and IT environment. Whether you have Dell hardware or software issues you will have single point accountability and access to highly trained experts are available by phone 24x7x365, or onsite. We provide you with a focused efficiency through a tailored approach that will have your business running smoothly.


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Drones come in all dimensions, from the size of a lap dog to the monstrous ones flown by militaries. This one can fit in the palm of your hand.
Unbox Therapy posted a video on YouTube of what is claims to be world’s smallest drone, the Seresroad Cheerson CX-10:
This tiny drone can’t be flown outside because it is so small it would be blown away by wind, according to a report in BGR. Still, the blog points out, drones this small could potentially be useful for espionage. Or at least annoying your coworkers.
The hobbyist drone landscape has been getting increasingly competitive lately, with companies from DJI to Parrot all vying for customers’ business.

domain: aerospace


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Why we don't remember
This month 40 years ago, Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law — a conjugal dictatorship that plundered this country, killed hundreds, imprisoned and tortured thousands, reduced to penury so many businesses and abolished basic human rights. Just 40 years later, and we have forgotten this nefarious regime. The Marcoses are back, gloating over our credulity, unabashed and preening in media and in the murky corridors of power. Why have we forgotten what they did? Have they and their shameless toadies really succeeded in deodorizing their past? With Filipinos who have no memory, maybe they have. But they will never triumph for in the archives and libraries of the world their crimes against us and humanity are forever embedded.
Still, we must ask ourselves again, and yet again, why did we allow them to return? Why were they not punished? These are the questions friends abroad ask me to which I can only shake my head in embarrassment and shame. To tell them that they returned because we have no memory would denigrate us further. So I repeat, why can’t we remember? What is it in our genes that blots out our collective memory? Is the answer in our history?
I will now try to answer these questions with a personal reminiscence and hindsight.
My nephew, Associated Press correspondent Jim Gomez, is the son of my first cousin, Josefina Sionil. He dropped by the other afternoon and we started talking about our relatives. He suggested that I, being the oldest in our clan, should try and build a family tree.
I told Jim that tracing our lineage to as far back as I could recall was close to impossible. I was about seven years old when both my grandparents died. I can’t even remember their first names. As a child, I listened to their stories but as grandchildren, we called them affectionately by their nicknames — Ba-ac was my grandfather’s and my grandmother was Imbet. I knew they came from the Ilokos, that my grandmother’s family name was Villedo, and Sionil was my grandfather’s.
In the mid-1950s when I was with the old Manila Times, I journeyed to Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, where my grandfather came from. At the Catholic church there were still records of the births, weddings and deaths all elaborately handwritten in Spanish. I avidly scoured them but found no Sionil.
Much later, in the ‘90s, I met the brother of Jose Maria Sison, the communist leader now in exile in Holland. He is a very successful doctor in Beverly Hills, California, and was writing a history of Cabugao. There is no Sionil in that town, he told me. But there was a Saunil.
Sometime in the 17th century, to simplify identification of Filipinos who, at the time, had only one name, the Spaniards assigned letters of the alphabet to each town. For Cabugao, the letter was “S”; hence the natives there were baptized with family names like Somera, Soliven, Salazar.
What had happened to my grandfather’s name? I can only surmise that when he reached Rosales in their journey to Cagayan Valley, the clerk who registered his name probably heard it as “Sionil,” not “Saunil.”
Like so many poor Ilokanos, my grandparents left their village for it could no longer sustain them. The Ilocos is a narrow coastal plain where, so often, the mountain drops to the sea. Land hunger had always afflicted the Ilokanos and made them migratory.
At the turn of the 19th century, the Ilokano migration was well underway and the closest haven for them was the Central Plain. Read the diary of Colonel Villa who was the aide of General Emilio Aguinaldo. When they were fleeing to the north after the collapse of the Malolos Republic, they paused in San Carlos —that vibrant and progressive city in Pangasinan. Colonel Villa wrote that San Carlos then was still surrounded by jungle.
Another popular destination of the Ilokano settlers was the Cagayan Valley. They reached it by sailing to Aparri in the north, or they crossed the Cordillera at Tirad Pass or Bessang Pass some 20 kilometers below. These passes would allow only horses and carabao because they were too steep and narrow. The most convenient route was through the Santa Fe Trail in Nueva Ecija, wide enough to permit their bull carts. That was where my grandfather was headed — but he settled in Rosales instead for like San Carlos, Rosales was still surrounded by jungle for the settlers to clear.
Ateneo’s Fr. Bienvenido Nebres explained that one reason for our lack of memory, particularly among the lower classes, is the nature of our family system. Both father and mother are important in our lineage. This will then involve so many names, unlike in other societies where only the father is recorded.
I think it is more than this. Christianity doesn’t demand that we worship our ancestors. If we don’t remember our ancestors, then, in all likelihood, we cannot also recall the distant past.
Countries where ancestors are fastidiously worshipped are often afflicted with a tenacious caste system which orders that “people are born unequal, they live unequal and they die unequal.” Their lineage as recorded often obstructs their mobility. As it often happens, when couples get married, their origins are traced and such origins can easily prevent a marriage, ascendancy. This is the curse of ancestor worship.
Among the lower classes, particularly the peasants, the agrarian economy dictates their fate. A farmer who owns only a hectare of land will eventually be unable to support even a small family. When the children grow and start having families of their own, they have to leave the village for places where there is land for them. This was true for so many of my own relatives —the capitlo (third cousins), the capidua (second cousins) and even the casinsin (first cousins). Some went to Mindanao and I have lost contact with them. Some went to Manila in the continuing urbanization of the country, and thus, I am able to nurture my familial relationships, for instance, with Jim Gomez, and another niece, Fil Sionil of The Bulletin.
It is not so with the upper classes who manage to stay together as families, as clans, because they are landlords or wealthy urbanites. This is true of my wife, a Jovellanos, who has an ongoing family tree that is probably traceable to the Spanish playwright, Gaspar Jovellanos.
Another reason why we lack this historical memory is because we are a very young nation, with so many islands, so many ethnic groups. The process of amalgamation is ongoing; as the late Princess Tarhata Kiram of Sulu said, our problems —in her case, the continuing Moro recalcitrance — “will be solved in bed.” She married a retired military officer.
We forget even the injustices committed against us. Are we too forgiving? This is not necessarily so. We are just being pragmatic; those we loathe today may be the people who will be in power tomorrow, people who can help or harm us. This is elemental — it explains the segurista — during elections wherein one branch of a clan may support a candidate and the other branch will oppose him.
Not all Filipinos, however, follow the segurista code. Some of us are burdened with memories nurtured in blood. Such explains the ancient vendettas in the Ilokos, among our Moros — generational hatreds that could be resolved by marriage or political and commercial alliances.
We never had royalty, which explains the dynasties in Europe, regimes that sometimes bind a people together. At the most, we have affluent clans where intermarriage among them is common. They are sustained by memory that may be dissolved when the patriarch of the clan dies and a battle for inheritance ensues. If there is no such internal contradiction, the clan grows and prevails. Some of political clans have been intact for generations. How could they exist for so long? Patronage answers this question. Patronage also explains why most of them are corrupt, and in turn, why they corrupt their constituents.
How then do we build memory? How do we learn the lessons of history? A stern caveat here is necessary. Much of the history as we know it from textbooks is written by the victors, the powerful and the rich vindicating themselves. We should know history from below as written by the poor, the lower classes who, as my fictional Mabini said in Poon, are “the body, the corpus of a nation.” They are the shapers of history — “the farmers who produce the food — the foot soldiers who die in battle, not their generals who always find ways to save themselves.” In other words, we must know history as it is written in the soil, in the travail of the common man.
The educational system can do so much. Writers like Ambeth Ocampo should be supported in their popularization of history so that even schoolchildren can get to appreciate our past. Establish museums even in small towns — a public repository of artifacts, documents, records, so that even those not interested in history itself can connect to the larger community that is the nation.
Let our people be constantly reminded of our trials for it is these trials that all of us have experienced, which also unite us. Know our heroes — and there are so many of them from each ethnic group.
A Filipino diplomat — certainly not Rigoberto Tiglao — who served in Athens for many years, told me that the Greeks are hobbled by their past; that to this day, they wallow in “the glory that was Greece” and are numbed by their own history. I understand our diplomat’s insight. As a writer, I would most probably be shackled if I considered that Confucius, Chaucer and Homer were all looking over my shoulder. Thank God — we are a young nation, not paralyzed or beholden to the memory of ancient achievement and greatness.
How then may a laidback country or, for that matter, an empire in irreversible decline, recover and renew itself? Way back, I heard my South Korean acquaintances always declaring, “We will beat Japan!”
The Russian leader, Boris Yeltsin, told the Americans upon the dissolution of the Soviet Union, “I pity you. Now, you have no enemy.”
To rise from the rubble of history, we must fight this most insidious enemy — not with guns, but in the wider arena of competitiveness, in intelligence and creativity, in the building of institutions that promote justice — this malevolent creature is right here — for without knowing our past — and ourselves — we are our own worst enemy.

domain: history


Superchips Renaultsport Megane
Superchips-tuned version of hot hatch ups the pace
Few cars are as engaging to drive as the Renaultsport Mégane – and our biggest fear for this version was that increasing the power would detract from the addictive driving experience. Yet the talented chassis is more than capable of dealing with the added grunt, and there are rich rewards for anyone who opts for the remap. It also shows that if Renault wanted to launch a Mégane with extra power, there’s definitely a market for it.
You can read all about how the standard Renaultsport Mégane 250 fared in our twin test – but what happens when you turn the wick up? We tried this tuned version from Superchips to find out.
For an extra £445, the Stage One package remaps the car’s computer, boosting power from 247bhp to more than 300bhp. That gives the Mégane as much punch as a Ford Focus RS.
The transformation process revealed a surprise, though – when we put the car on a rolling road, it was already producing 275bhp! After remapping the engine’s electronics, power leapt to 317bhp, while torque was also increased to 405Nm.The effect on performance was obvious – the souped-up Mégane immediately felt more eager. While acceleration off the line was stronger, the biggest difference was reflected in gear, with the time from 50mph-70mph being slashed from 9.3 to 6.1 seconds.
You might expect the extra firepower to make the Mégane more unruly in corners – but, surprisingly, torque steer wasn’t a huge problem. Although you can feel the front end snatching around more than before, it’s easy to control, with small adjustments to the throttle making a big difference at the front end. Our Cup chassis-trimmed car was still very stiff and had a harsh ride, though.
The Superchips remap also includes a handheld ‘Bluefin’ control system, which saves the engine’s factory settings, and means drivers can dial in extra performance when required.
The enhanced pace doesn’t transform the Mégane, but adds to its strengths. Downsides are likely to be worse economy – if you use the performance all the time – plus increased insurance costs. Yet it does make for a more exciting experience.


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domain: travel


Blue Mind: Wallace J. Nichols
An inspirational book by marine biologist, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols.
What It Is
We are lucky enough to have a limited number of signed copies of this inspirational book by marine biologist, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols. We know instinctively that we feel and look better at the beach, but why? This fascinating book explains the scientific reasons why we change not only psychologically but physiologically near water and how being in, on or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected and better at what you do. Paperback.


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The 5th Portfolio Review aims to bridge the distance between photographers, curators, critics and editors who are based in different continents around the world. Photographers will meet the reviewers of their choice one-on-one for discussion, advice and guidance on their existing works and career development.
Each participant can meet up to five or eight reviewers of their choice over three days. Each individual review session is 20 minutes long. Participants will be selected based on their submitted portfolios.
For the first time in the history of SIPF’s Portfolio Review sessions, one portfolio will be chosen by the panel of reviewers to be presented with the CAPA Prize for Best Portfolio. The winner will be awarded a cash prize of SGD$2,000 and have his/her portfolio featured on CAPA Asia, the best-selling magazine on photo and camera in Japan.
The prize will be presented on 9 October (Sunday), at the final session of the Evening Presentation.
About the Reviewer
Huang Yunhe established Shanghai Guangzi Photography Co.,Ltd. in 2003. He established OFOTO Gallery and ANART in 2006 and 2009 respectively.
OFOTO Gallery is one of the fewest and earliest pioneer photography galleries in Shanghai, China. Since September 2006, OFOTO Gallery has collaborated with more than 60 artists and held over 50 exhibitions. The gallery has also invited both locally and internationally renowned professionals to curate exhibitions or host academic discussions. OFOTO strives to discover and cultivate emerging and young photographers who have both potential and individuality in concept and technique. With the aim of supporting these artists, the gallery provides a platform for them to showcase, communicate and develop themselves as a practitioner of the arts.
In December 2009, OFOTO opened a new space, ANART, for a more diversified display of art forms. ANART has collaborated with 20 artists and successfully held 20 exhibitions over the years. ANART has always been unique in its own artistic concept and will always be striving to present diverse, creative and high quality works to the local and international audience.

domain: photo


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The baby trips over his own feet, bumping his head on the pew ahead of us. As I scoop him off the floor, patting and shushing him, I catch my husband’s eye. Your turn or mine? my eyebrows ask as we do the dance of parenting two little ones at church …
The baby trips over his own feet, bumping his head on the pew ahead of us. As I scoop him off the floor, patting and shushing him, I catch my husband’s eye. Your turn or mine? my eyebrows ask as we do the dance of parenting two little ones at church. I get to stay, and as the sermon begins, our preschooler is plastering her notebook with yellow smiley-face stickers. I try to focus on what’s being said, but what runs through my mind is all that I noticed that morning.
My neighbor was enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee on the back deck, while I gulped mine over the kitchen sink before scooping up a child and heading to the car. A trim and athletic couple ran up the hill in our development with their chubby twins tucked happily in the double jogging stroller while I listened to “Toad Looks Funny in a Bathing Suit” for the tenth time this week. A family with smiling faces munched on blueberry pancakes at the local diner as we waited for the stoplight to change.
And I wondered, Why do I keep coming? Why do I even go to church?
It’s not just logistical issues that raise this question. In the current denominational climate, when it seems a lot of energy is being expended around an issue that pulls us apart rather than shows us to be like Christ, I wonder (and am often asked by peers who are fleeing), Why do I keep investing? Why do I stay?
I am weary of talking, listening and discerning. It’s hard to believe it is an authentic conversation with the hope of true discernment when it seems those identified as stakeholders have varying levels of commitment and investment. I am tired of being asked to participate, to wait and decide when the conversation seems to be guided toward predetermined outcomes.
Often, it feels like leaving the church would be an easier path. I don’t believe the primary call of my faith is to a life of ease. It seems one of the marks of faith is costly discipleship. Staying at the table, using our voices and sharing our gifts all require vulnerability, openness and risk.
As the ode of the oboe washes over me, as I join my voice with those around me, proclaiming the wideness in God’s mercy and beseeching the Lord for mercy, as I hear the admonition and challenge from the pulpit about sin and relationships, I know the answer to the why question that has been roiling around within me.
I stay with the church for the same reason I still invite people to my house for a meal, even if it’s hot dogs and potato chips. The ideal of two meats alongside seven sweets and seven sours was never a reality around our table. And the lesser goal of a hot and cold vegetable is now replaced with the reminder that it’s not about the food we eat but about being together. It’s about the laughter we share over the way a toddler is making sense of the world. It’s about the release that happens when we can share the anxiety we are carrying around—about breaking the pacifier habit of a preschooler, lending enough support to the coworker in crisis or balancing the demands of work and family.
I stay because of the relationships—the accountability and challenge the church community provides. It is within her shelter that I test and negotiate my insights and revelations. Within her wings I am encouraged and supported by other believers. The church is the place where the anchor of faith holds. When I feel overcome by darkness, the community is the one that holds the Christ light for me. When I am overflowing with joy, the community celebrates with me. When I am unsure of the next step on the journey, the community reminds me of where I have been and of God’s faithfulness. Then it helps me discern, asking and listening alongside me.
I stay with the church because it is God’s design for ushering in the kingdom. God’s work has always unfolded in the crowd of community. God has designed us for partnership, co-creation. Sure, it’s slow work. Yes—it’s messy business. I do not believe that God or the vision of the kingdom is limited by our ability to live as church.
However, I believe our ability to fully experience the kingdom and to reflect Christ is stunted by our ability to participate as believers in a wider community that continually seeks to be transformed by relationship with Jesus. The fruits of the Spirit must be evident in our own families and congregations before we can witness to a waiting world.

domain: christianity


Novo Nordisk's stand-alone environmental report is "well designed, externally verified [and] provides an open and honest account of environmental shortcomings," said an international judging panel. "In its approach to sustainable development and eco-efficiency issues," the judges said, the report "sets a standard and transmits a message...[that] should be followed by other organisations in their environmental reporting."
The European Environmental Reporting Award was organised jointly by professional accountancy associations from the UK, the Netherlands and Denmark. All three run national environmental reporting award schemes.
Thirteen winners and runners-up in the national schemes were entered into the European event. In addition to the winner, three organisations received commendations.
UK supermarket retailer J. Sainsbury was commended as the "best first-time reporter," and British Airways received a commendation for the "scope and depth of its environmental reporting. Dutch hospital Academisch Ziekenhuls Utrecht was awarded a public sector commendation and "acclaimed...as an example to be followed by other 'not-for-profit' organisations, which have to prepare environmental reports on relatively low budgets."
Voluntary environmental reporting by companies is a relatively new and still relatively rare phenomenon. But it is growing rapidly. According to the UK Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which runs Europe's longest-established national scheme and co-organised the European event, "approximately one in four large companies now issues a separate environmental performance report."
A world survey of corporate environmental reporting by the UN Environment Programme and environmental consultancy SustainAbility last year estimated that over 400 companies were issuing stand-alone environmental reports.
According to Roger Adams of ACCA, the European environmental reporting award will be repeated next year, and should cover more countries. "National environmental reporting schemes are also running in Sweden, Norway, Germany and Italy," he says. "We will now see if we can persuade other [professional accountancy] organisations to join us.
Speaking for the Federation of European Accountants, John Hegarty welcomed today's award. He said that the federation was encouraging other national associations to participate, and also to set up more national environmental reporting awards.
Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, tel: +44 171 396 6855; Koninkiljik Nederlands Instituut van Registeraccountants, tel: +31 20 301 0301; Foreningen af Stataustorieserade Revisor, tel: +45 33 76 33 33; Federation of European Accountants, tel: +32 2 231 0555.
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Rising star of Tamil Cinema Vijay Sethupathi has been having a constantly rising graph in Tamil cinema, ever since he had scored a blockbuster with Nanum Rowdythaan in 2015, following it with hits like Sethupathi, Kavan, Vikram Vedha etc, and is now a major force in the industry.
While his production venture Jungaa which released last month was a dud, he had ventured into production much before that with the realistic flick Merku Thodarchi Malai, which is directed by Lenin Bharathi, whom he had known when he was a budding actor itself, and now the movie was released to great reviews.
In this case, as a part of promotions, the movie used various celebrities to say a few words about the movie. They also planned to release them as TV spots. But Kajal Aggarwal said NO to that as she said she can't comment on a movie without watching it.
A Gap for Shruti Haasan! Shruti Haasan who was in an idle state recently bounced back and she is now working on her new Hindi movie. At the same time, she also keeps herself engaged with various other works. She works on several brand endorsements and keeps her on a hectic schedule.
- Sri Reddy is JEALOUS of TRISHA as she gets MORE ATTENTION
- Allu Sirish misses 19-Year-Old Actress
- Mehreen shows her tempting Milky White Waist Line before Cameras - PHOTOS INSIDE
- It's a Wrap for Amy Jackson
- RED HOT Kajal Aggarwal wearing such a Bright Red Costume before everyone - PHOTOS INSIDE
- Rakul's Sridevi Avatar...
- 'RX100' will now be remade in Hindi
- Director's controversial statement on Mammooty


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Although the federal government declared that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans would not be taxed at the federal level, the same cannot be said at the state level here in Minnesota. As it currently stands, thousands of business owners will be levied with substantial state tax bills and required to pay taxes on their PPP loans. This could be disastrous for many businesses who were already hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and set back the state's economic recovery.
Conformity to federal tax code is being advanced at the Minnesota Capitol right now, with legislation already having passed the Republican-led Senate. Democrats have yet to pass its companion in the House, however. AgriGrowth is working diligently with our members, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and other business advocates to champion this effort - not only to protect agri-food businesses who kept the food supply chain running throughout the pandemic, but also numerous other industries and businesses across our state devastated by COVID-19.
Last session, AgriGrowth and other key stakeholders helped successfully secure federal tax conformity with Section 179 in relation to the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017. The legislation provided much needed tax relief to ensure that Minnesota’s business climate remain competitive with our surrounding states. Now we’re once again advocating for state tax conformity in relation to PPP loans.
Just looking at the agriculture and food industry, a 2020 study commissioned by AgriGrowth shows that we contribute $37.1B in total value to the state economy. In addition to its notable economic impact, our sector is also responsible for $21.4B in household income, as well as 388,134 jobs throughout the state. The data found within the Agricultural Economic Contribution Study conveys not only an industry that provides significant revenue at the local, state, and federal tax levels, but one that has an impact statewide on employment, communities and the overall health of our state.
State taxes levied on PPP loans could be devastating to our industry, employers and employees in every corner of our state. Plus, with recent news that Minnesota has the 7th highest state and local taxes in the U.S., that will only compound the issue further for Minnesota businesses.
AgriGrowth is a strong advocate for a tax climate that supports small businesses, farmers, consumers, and numerous industry sectors who are eager to rebuild back the economy stronger and better than before. We are working hard to make sure our businesses aren’t taxed in Minnesota for their PPP loans.

domain: news


07 Sep 2021
Fraunhofer-developed system uses electrochromic and thermochromic materials that react to light, electricity and heat.
The building sector is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. According to the German Environment Agency, buildings are responsible for around 30 percent of the country’s CO2 emissions and 35 percent of its total energy consumption.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC) in Würzburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP) in Dresden have developed a sophisticated solution to this problem.
In the European Switch2Save project, researchers have been working on transparent coatings for windows and glass façades using electrochromic and thermochromic materials. These add a variable, transparent dark tint to the outside of the windows, which keeps the rooms cool.
The Fraunhofer Institutes have partnered with universities and industrial partners across six EU countries for this EU-funded research project.
“The electrochromic coating is applied to a transparent, conductive film which can then be “switched on”. Applying an electrical voltage triggers the transfer of ions and electrons, which darkens the coating and tints the window. On the other hand, thermochromic coating works passively. When a certain ambient temperature is reached, it reflects the heat radiation of sun,” commented Dr. Marco Schott, Group Manager of Electrochromic Systems at Fraunhofer ISC.
With electrochromic elements, sensors can be used to measure factors such as brightness and temperature, sending the results to control systems. This sends a current or voltage pulse to the conductive film, triggering the window to darken. The surface of the glass gradually darkens whenever the temperature or brightness level becomes too high.
This process stops rooms from becoming overheated and reduces the need for air conditioning, which is particularly useful in sunnier climes and buildings with large, glazed façades. It also serves as anti-glare protection on sunny days. On cloudy days and in the evening the windows will be kept in bright state.
Fraunhofer researchers have also thought about the suitability of the technology for everyday use. “The windows don’t turn dark suddenly, but are gradually tinted over a few minutes,” said Schott. Energy consumption is very low.
In optimal circumstances, electrochromic film only requires electricity for the switching process and a very low voltage is enough to initiate the tinting process. Thermochromic materials do not require electricity at all, instead reacting passively to the heat generated by the sun. They can be used to complement a switchable system or as an alternative, where a switchable solution is not required.
The Switch2Save initiative is intended to achieve significant energy savings in areas where outside temperatures are high, i.e., in southern European regions, by reducing use of air conditioning systems or removing the need for them entirely.
Dr. John Fahlteich, Switch2Save Project Coordinator and Head of the Research Group at Fraunhofer FEP, explained, “In warm regions of Europe, the cooling and heating energy demands of modern buildings can be reduced by up to 70 percent.” Savings are not so extensive in colder, northerly regions, but the systems could also be used here as anti-glare protection against direct sunlight.
“We are in the process of installing the technology in the Pediatric Clinic of the second-largest hospital in Greece, in Athens, and an office building in Uppsala, Sweden. In both buildings, energy consumption will be monitored and compared for a whole year both before and after installation of the new windows. By doing this, we can demonstrate the real-life performance of the Switch2Save technology and can continue to test and refine the technology for different climate zones,” said Fahlteich.
The researchers have also resolved challenges for manufacturing. The electrochromic coating is applied to a polymer-based film substrate. The thermochromic coating, on the other hand, uses a thin glass substrate. Wet chemical and vacuum coating processes are used in a cost-effective roll-to-roll manufacturing system.
The switchable components are then laminated under vacuum onto a 4 mm thick sheet of window glass, which is integrated to an insulating glass unit thereafter. The coating process is also economically feasible on an industrial scale. The switchable elements are just a few 100 μm thick and weigh less than 500 g per square meter. Thus, they hardly add any weight to the windows, which means that they can be retrofitted in existing buildings without needing to alter the building structure.


News Environment Artist's Viral Postcards Depict 50 American States in Climate Crisis These sobering postcards can be sent to your local representatives. By Kimberley Mok Kimberley Mok Twitter Writer McGill University Cornell University Kimberley Mok is a former architect who has been covering architecture and the arts for Treehugger since 2007. Learn about our editorial process Published October 28, 2022 11:00AM EDT Fact checked by Haley Mast Fact checked by Haley Mast LinkedIn Harvard University Extension School Haley Mast is a freelance writer, fact-checker, and small organic farmer in the Columbia River Gorge. She enjoys gardening, reporting on environmental topics, and spending her time outside snowboarding or foraging. Topics of expertise and interest include agriculture, conservation, ecology, and climate science. Learn about our fact checking process Share Twitter Pinterest Email Hannah Rothstein News Environment Business & Policy Science Animals Home & Design Current Events Treehugger Voices News Archive Postcards have a fascinating history: since their inception in the 1860s, they have been a low-cost way of exchanging brief messages, without the need for formal stationery, envelopes, and postage stamps. Even today, many travelers around the world still write out short missives on postcards depicting a picture-perfect version of the places they visit, before sending them off to friends and family back home. But what if a changing climate irreparably alters these beautiful destinations? What would these climate impacts look like in the postcards of an ecologically uncertain future? In a clever and sobering twist on a long-standing tradition, American artist Hannah Rothstein has created a series of thought-provoking postcards that would more accurately reflect the devastating changes that the climate crisis is wreaking upon each state. Titled "50 States of Change," the project was done in collaboration with Greenpeace USA, and is intended as a potentially Internet-viral alternative to writing a letter to one's elected representatives in various levels of government. As Rothstein tells us: "I wanted to give people an easy, impactful way to demand climate action from their politicians. Historically, folks might have written letters to their politicians, but taking the time to do this doesn't dovetail well with modern life. So I struck upon the idea of creating an instantaneous, updated version of political letter writing. '50 States of Change' achieves this by giving people powerful imagery to share on social media along with a caption that tags politicians and demands climate action. Over the past few years, we've seen how widespread online outrage can drive policy change, and it's my hope that this project will do that for climate issues." Hannah Rothstein Rothstein's postcards have all the usual elements of a postcard, but upon closer inspection, one sees that there are variations on the themes of human-induced ecological disasters: melting glaciers and permafrost in Alaska; increasingly severe wildfires in California, Idaho, and Montana; and more flooding in states like Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. Hannah Rothstein To create a sense of accuracy and urgency in these images, Rothstein says that she relied on scientific evidence that is widely available to the public: "Each state's postcard features an impact of climate change that the state is already experiencing. I wanted the postcards to feel hauntingly familiar and chilling in order to make climate change feel concrete and close. I referenced scientific research from National Climate Assessment, and news reports on recent natural disasters to decide which effect of climate change to feature in each postcard. In reality, however, most states will experience multiple negative effects due to climate change." Hannah Rothstein It took Rothstein about a year to complete the series of digital images. Though Rothstein had experience creating viral art for some years now, she needed help to craft an awareness campaign that would get people to actually send these provocative postcards to politicians, and to disseminate them on social media. Hannah Rothstein To that end, Rothstein partnered with Greenpeace USA to develop strategies on how these postcards might be used and shared more widely. As Greenpeace USA's senior communications specialist Tyler Kruse explained to Treehugger, art projects such as Rothstein's could help to inform the public and prompt more action at higher levels of government: "The most recent IPCC report showed that we have the solutions to slash more than half of global emissions in just eight years. Unfortunately, the report also showed that political willpower and urgency are still sorely lacking. We wanted to find a way to quickly show our elected leaders what they're doing by continuing to delay climate action. Hannah’s simple yet powerful art was something that did that." In conjunction with the postcard project, Kruse adds that Greenpeace has also launched other tools to give citizens and grassroots organizations more information: "So far we’ve created an interactive map that allows people to find climate impacts in their state. The tool has been useful for organizers as a one-stop spot for data. In the future, we're hoping to scale up a letter-writing campaign that targets key members of Congress." Hannah Rothstein Ultimately, Rothstein hopes that these postcards can be a visual reminder of what is at stake, and for people to use them as a vehicle to agitate for broader change: "It can be easy for people to put climate change issues on the back burner because these issues feel far off, non-urgent, and abstract. But through art, one can give a voice to data and numbers, and give science—which by nature must be presented in a neutral manner—the viscerality it needs to make an emotional impact. With '50 States of Change,' I'm trying to make climate issues feel as pressing and urgent as they actually are. If we don't solve them now, we'll face increasing natural disasters like those pictured in the postcards, and, ultimately, an uninhabitable planet." To see more, check out Hannah Rothstein, 50 States of Change, and Greenpeace USA's interactive map, and send a message to your local representatives to end fossil fuel subsidies. View Article Sources "History of Postcards." World Postcard Day.


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“Stop it.” Nakida plopped down next to me on the couch and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. “This isn’t your fault.”
Aaisha sat on the floor and leaned over the coffee table in front of her food. With one hand, she plunged her spoon into the juicy red watermelon that she cut in half this morning. With the other, she held a chicken wing that was coated in hot sauce. The juice and the sauce were smeared together on her lips. “Yeah, you didn’t know he was your daddy.”
I glared at her. “Do you have to keep bringing it up?”
She shrugged her shoulders, biting the chicken wing. “Everyone’s thinkin’ it. I’m just the only one who’ll say it.”
Nakida pulled me closer. “Don’t listen to her. Nobody is thinking about that.”
Aaisha raised a sharp brow, giving her a y’all-lying look, and turned back to her food.
“Samuel’s pack. Now,” Valerio said urgently through the mind-link.
My heart lurched. Samuel’s pack. We must’ve done the right thing by increasing security at his pack. If Valerio seemed this urgent, the Hunter must be there. I just hoped we could get to her before she escaped.
After ordering Nakida to make sure Aaisha didn’t cover this house in dirty daddy jokes when I was gone, I closed my eyes and teleported to his pack.
When I arrived in the backyard, Valerio was running from the woods to retrieve me. A deep gash laid across his face, spewing blood. The blonde fur on his back was stained red. I didn’t ask what happened, instead I followed him through the woods.
A group of Protectors had surrounded the small cabin that I stayed in when Damon died. It was the same cabin I had seen in my vision, the one that was surrounded by a sea of blood. And, just by glancing at all of my wolves, that sea of blood seemed and smelt so real.
Each wolf was wounded, some worse than others. The blood from their wounds was dripping off of them and soaking into the dirt.
I pressed my lips together. “Are any Protectors in there?”
“No, she is in there with three Challengers,” Valerio linked.
I stepped forward, ready to finally end this, but Valerio nipped at my ankle, holding me back. “Don’t just rush in there.”
For once, I stopped and carefully thought through a plan, the best damn plan I could create in less than a minute. I knelt to the ground and held out my palms, releasing Black and White. My fingers grazed against their snouts. “You know what to do.”
Black turned around, his tail swinging angrily. He bared his teeth and growled at the cabin. White stood by his side, tall and content.
After quickly splitting the Protectors into three groups, one that would continue to surround the house, one that would find and protect the pup or pups being drained inside of it, and one to fight with me. I slowly approached the door.
Valerio placed his ear to the door and nodded to me. I gazed back at the others. This was it. We were going to finally end this madness.
Within three seconds, Valerio forced himself through the locked door, breaking it off its hinges. Two Challengers who stood in front of the hallway sprinted toward us, but my Protectors eliminated them immediately.
We continued down the hallway. Valerio and I knew this place from the inside out. There was a door to the basement to our left, the bathroom to our right, and the master bedroom right in front of us.
I ordered two Protectors to check the basement for pups or other Challengers while Valerio quietly opened the bathroom door. A single pup was crouched in the corner of the bathtub, silent tears streaming down his face.
A Protector entered to take him to safety while we continued to the master bedroom. The stench of blood seeped under the door. My heart raced as I paused.
I was hoping that I was wrong about the conclusion I came to yesterday. I really, really wanted to be wrong. I didn’t want Luca to be behind this door. I didn’t want to see him ruthlessly murdering a poor pup. To go from an alpha who loved his people to someone who drained and slaughtered pups… that was heartbreaking.
Before I could stop myself, I pushed open and stared at Luca. In the center of the room, his hand was wrapped around a pup’s throat. His claws had lodged themselves deep within the boy’s flesh.
His gaze snapped to mine. Those eyes - those same green eyes from the wolf from the Oak tree - stared at me, except these eyes glowed brighter and harsher than I’ve ever seen. With their pure intensity and hatred, they burned into me.
I didn’t understand any of this. Why would he tell me where he was going to attack? Did she tell him to? Did she want me to come find her and fight her?
Luca growled at me. I shook my head. No. This wasn’t Luca. This was the Hunter.
She held the pup into the air like it weighed nothing as she glared at me. “Luna, after all these years, are you finally willing to fight me?” She cackled. “Why’d it take you so long?”
“Put the pup down,” I ordered, but I didn’t move. She was capable of snapping his neck and killing him without a care in the world. But I cared.
Suddenly, the skin on her shoulder began to harden into brown wood-like flakes, similar to bark. It quickly travelled down her arm, racing to poison the pup.
I lunged toward her, ripping the pup from her grasp and replacing his throat with my arm. Before I could save myself, the bark pierced my skin and slowly began infecting the surrounding area. I shrieked and pulled away. My arm was pulsing so violently that I could barely think straight. It almost stung worse than my entire ascension.
The Protectors pulled the child away, ushering him out of the room.
“Everyone out,” I demanded. Like my fight with Aeron, this was about to turn ugly. Nobody else was going to suffer for this.
Valerio stayed by my side. I didn’t spare him a glance. Instead I kept my eyes trained on the Hunter. “Out Valerio. Now.” When he didn’t move, I took a deep breath. “I’m not going to order you again.”
“I’m not leaving you,” Valerio said. “We’re a team.”
Her fingers glowed a bright green. Smoke slowly emerged from them.
A rush of power pulsed through my veins until my whole body was drowning in it. I would stop this.
With a single raise of her fingertips, the smoke rushed out of them and filled the space around her. And when the smoke - that aura - surrounded her completely vines emerged from her nails.
She pointed his finger at me, and a vine swung out from it. I ducked, letting the vine plunge through the wall behind me. She cursed and lunged forward, the green aura following her. Her finger-tips pointed around, trying to catch me, but each time I teleported out of the way.
But one of the vines caught me and wrapped around my chest, tightening and tightening until I could barely breathe. Valerio leapt forward, trying to stop her, but she flicked her hand toward him, and he went flying into the side of the wall.
Film after film of white light washed over my vision. From the corner of my eye, I could see Black quietly approach Luca from behind, ready to attack. Before my vision went completely white, I nodded to him.
A pain split through my chest and my mark glowed. The vine that covered it began to disintegrate. She screamed as the vine continued to disappear.
Black lunged forward and sunk his teeth into her back, avoiding any place that the bark affected. She howled, transformed into Luca’s wolf, and leapt through the window. Glass rained down onto Valerio who was still recovering from his push.
He growled as it sliced into his skin and made him transform into his human.
“White!” I yelled. She ran into the room and immediately began licking Valerio’s wounds. I didn’t spare a single second. Instead, I jumped through the window. When I made it outside, three Protectors were lying on the ground, one clutching his throat, another shaking his arm, the last with his throat hanging from his neck.
No Luca. No Hunter.
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