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Presidential Candidate Michael Bloomberg Campaigns In Aurora On Gun Control
By Shaun Boyd December 5, 2019 at 11:59 pm
Filed Under:Aurora Movie Shooting, Aurora News, Campaign 2020, Michael Bloomberg, Tom Sullivan
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) – A week after announcing he's running for President, Democratic Candidate Mike Bloomberg made one of his first campaign stops in Aurora. The 77-year-old launched an unconventional primary campaign, bypassing the early voting states and focusing on Super Tuesday states, including Colorado.
Michael Bloomberg (credit: CBS)
He met with survivors and victims of gun violence in Aurora, less than a block from the theater where State Representative Tom Sullivan's Alex was murdered.
"I have witnessed the actions Mike has taken since Alex was murdered," Sullivan said as he endorsed Bloomberg for President. "I'm confident survivors and victims of gun violence will have an ally in the White House."
Tom Sullivan (credit: CBS)
Bloomberg has been a champion of gun control for 15 years. He suggested his opponents have only come around recently, "I believe we need a President with a track record of taking on the NRA and winning. I've done it."
He promised the victims and survivors of gun violence he met with that he'll do even more as President.
He laid out an ambitious agenda, "As President, I will attack gun violence from every angle."
Bloomberg's proposal would not only require all gun buyers to pass a background check, but get a permit, wait 48 hours, be 21 years old, and in some cases undergo a mental health screening. It would also ban assault style weapons, enact a federal red flag law and remove immunity for gun makers and dealers in civil lawsuits.
"We just have to do something about this folks."
Bloomberg is betting his gun control message will resonate with suburban women who decide elections and young voters who grew up in an era of mass shootings. But, he comes to the race with lots of political baggage, too. Some Democrats see him as the New York City mayor who championed stop and frisk and the billionaire businessman who has criticized the wealth tax.
Bloomberg says he entered the race because he was worried that Joe Biden's campaign was losing steam and because he thinks Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders can't beat Trump.
He's already spent $30 million on ads. Like Trump, Bloomberg is wealthy, from New York and switched parties. He went from Republican to Independent to Democrat while Trump went from Democrat to Republican.
Shaun Boyd
Shaun Boyd is CBS4's political specialist. She's a veteran reporter with more than 25 years of experience. More from Shaun Boyd


Nice apartment on the sixth floor of a building with elevator in the neighborhood of Gros, ideal to go to the beach Zurriola or get lost in the area and taste the gastronomy. It is only ten miinutes walking from the city centre and the Old Town.
The apartment has two bedrooms, one with double bed and the other with twin beds, a living room with dining area, a kitchen and a bathroom with a bathtub. In addition, air conditioning in the livingroom and Wi-Fi.
A great apartment in a great location – more than one mirror would be helpful with 4 people staying!


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Now Hiring: Development & Communications Manager
Position Available:
Development & Communications Manager (Full-time)
Extended Deadline: February 7
Open House New York seeks an energetic, entrepreneurial, and highly organized professional to serve as Development & Communications Manager. This position plays a central role in supporting and growing OHNY's fundraising, outreach, and organizational visibility.
This position requires 5+ years of fundraising experience across a range of activities, including special events, individual giving, membership, sponsorship, and grant-writing plus a proven ability to draft clear and compelling messages across platforms and audiences, from donor correspondence to social media and press releases. The successful candidate will also bring a Swiss Army knife skill set, a desire to collaborate and build systems, and an aptitude for engaging diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of Salesforce is a must; fluency in Adobe Creative Suite is highly desired.
The Development & Communications Manager will be an integral part of a small but growing and ambitious team. This position will best suit a detail-oriented self-starter who is able to problem-solve and effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously. A sense of humor and optimism alongside ideas about New York's future will also be important for this role.
The position is an ideal platform to explore themes and issues around the civic, physical, social, cultural, economic, and environmental future of cities in general and New York in particular. This is a unique opportunity to work at a fast-paced civic non-profit committed to catalyzing access, transparency, and equity across the five boroughs.
Primary responsibilities include:
Support core fundraising activities including: membership, individual giving, special events, sponsorship, and grant writing
Manage donor research, tracking, and correspondence through Salesforce—database experience is a must
Maintain organizational and data systems to support membership, fundraising, and finances
Coordinate logistics and production for special events, including Spring Benefit and OHNY Weekend Launch Party
Author or co-author content for website, digital newsletter, donor materials, social media, and other communications platforms
Recruit and manage volunteers to support special events as needed
Respond to public inquiries (particularly around membership)
Leverage communication strategies to expand and diversify OHNY's audiences
Additional administrative and operational duties as needed
Experience and Qualifications
5+ years of experience in fundraising required
Track record of successful donor engagement, from prospect research to solicitation to stewardship
Experience coordinating a variety of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale galas
Demonstrated track record growing audience on social media
Ability to manage multiple projects at once and work independently
Ability to initiate and maintain relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders including: Board members, donors, members, and program partners
Must be both a strategic thinker and detail oriented
Fluency with Microsoft Office, WordPress, and team platforms (Asana, Slack, etc.)
Familiarity with online video conferencing platforms including Zoom, GoTo, etc.
Ability to attend events in the evening and some weekends
Must bring a commitment to racial equity and the principles of diversity, openness, and access
Curiosity and passion for New York City
Please email a cover letter and resume as a single PDF to jobs@ohny.org; please include Dev/Comm Manager + "Your Name" in the subject line. No phone calls, please. The deadline to apply is February 7, 2022. The anticipated start date is mid-March 2022.
Salary is commensurate with experience, in the range of $60,000—$75,000. Full benefits provided, including health insurance and retirement contribution. Open House New York encourages candidates from any and all backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities, gender identities, and lived experiences to apply. We are an organization that is committed to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, most importantly our team.
About Open House New York
Open House New York promotes broad, unparalleled access to the city—to the places, people, projects, systems and ideas that define New York and its future—and fosters civic dialogue about how the city functions and who it serves. Through year-round programming and the annual OHNY Weekend, which ranks among the largest public design festivals in the nation, Open House New York offers a citywide platform for public education and engagement. For more information, visit ohny.org.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Julius Caesar and the Queen – Conflicting Perspectives Essay
Book: Julius Caesar
Topics: Essay
An individual is seen as the dominant power in society, often associated with politics and official leaders. The ability to influence others comes from power and status.
In some instances the people of power have opposing views and conflict presents itself. Conflicting perspectives comprise a variety of issues of consequence relating to both society and the individual. For characters in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and Stephen Frears' film The Queen, the point of view of two individuals influences the perspectives within society. Power can be used to sway people's attitudes and opinions.Often people can be steered in different directions by different people.
In Julius Caesar the crowd, or mob of citizens, seem to have no direct purpose in the play. Brutus easily manipulates their thoughts of Caesar before and at the time of his death. At the funeral of Caesar the crowd initially agree with Brutus' perspectives on Caesar. In Act 3, Scene 2, one citizen calls out "Let him (Brutus) be Caesar. " They continue to call out to Brutus in favour of his actions.
However, when Antony arrives their position changes. When Antony speaks and suddenly Caesar is noble and the crowd swear revenge on the assassinators.Antony is able to sway the crowd with his persuasive and emotive speech where he begins by describing Brutus as 'honourable' and 'noble'. His use of repetition creates a reflective mood and is used to emphasise his thoughts of Caesar. He then goes on to recall Caesar's great qualities and thus begins to turn the crowd. This conflict between powerful figures in society is projected in society in a controlling way.
The interpersonal conflicting perspectives in Julius Caesar are conveyed in the language and action of the characters. Status also plays an important part in the manipulation and gaining of character's trust.For instance Cassius has great power over the other conspirators and easily manipulates them into doing his bidding. He is able to convince Brutus to join the group, despite Brutus' known admiration for and friendship with Caesar, by encouraging his value of democracy. As expected, the conflicting perspectives over Caesar's ambition lead to war. The irony of Antony's opinions of Cassius are shown to us in Act 1, Scene 2 when he says to Caesar, "Fear him (Cassius) not… …He is a noble Roman and well given.
" Opposing this, Caesar says, "I am not fearful, but he should be feared. Although the conspirators are powerful as a group and Brutus is an assertive leader, Cassius goads Brutus and is seen as an authoritative figure. After the death of Diana, Princess of Wales on the 30th August 1997, the whole world went into a phase of utter sadness and grief. The 2006 film The Queen highlighted the story of Queen Elizabeth and Tony Blair's heated relationship and the affect that this had on the public. The use of original footage in the film induced a greater emotion in the viewers, as it accentuated the sadness and horror that the people of the world felt towards Diana's death.
The public placed a lot of their anger on the Queen who they felt was being blatantly insensitive. Tony Blair intuitively recognised this grief and anger and felt it his responsibility to alert the Queen. The Queen, from Stephen Frears interpretation, unfortunately felt differently about the situation and shrugged off Blair's suggestions. These discussions were held over the telephone and a sense of distance was created between the two, both physically and judgementally.
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When people reach their senior years, age-related deterioration of their balancing reflexes means that they are more likely to fall over. Less ability to absorb nutrients from food also means that bones become thinner and prone to fractures. Falls cause more than 200,000 hip fractures every year in the U.S.
Bathrooms can be particularly dangerous for seniors because of wet surfaces and difficulty in climbing in and out of the tub. A quarter of all hospital admissions in over 65's involve falling accidents, many of them in the bathroom.
There is one way you can reduce the risk of bathroom accidents – get a walk-in bathtub for the elderly.
No Climbing – A watertight door in the bath means the person can just walk in and out instead of having to climb over the side of the tub. Some models of a bath can accommodate wheelchairs and have outward opening doors. The design means they may be able to bath independently.
Portable – Walk-in tubs can be portable and used in conjunction with a sink unit so it can be set up in any room. It also means that a regular bath or shower can remain for other members of the household.
Non-Slip Surfaces – Walk-in tubs come with integral non-slip surfaces for extra safety. Grab handles can also be added. These are useful when mobility is limited or after surgery.
Spa Treatment – Some bath models come with an aromatherapy spa option. The user can sit in warm, bubbling water to ease arthritis and other age-related conditions.
For more information on bathtubs for the elderly and how they can preserve independence or discuss different types of an accessible bathtub, see a provider's website or ask for a brochure.
How Can You Make Your Yard Look Bigger?


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One in four children grow up in a single-parent family – so why is there still a stigma?
December 4, 2019 7.22am EST
Nicola Carroll, University of Huddersfield
Nicola Carroll
Researcher and associate lecturer in Sociology, University of Huddersfield
Nicola Carroll does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Just the two of us. shutterstock /LightField
Given that one in four children now grow up in one-parent homes and that 42% of marriages end in divorce you might expect prejudice against single parents to be a thing of the past. Yet a 2014 poll found that 75% of single parents had experienced stigma.
Indeed, Boris Johnson has recently been confronted about a column he wrote for The Spectator in 1995 which described the children of single mothers as "ill-raised, ignorant, aggressive and illegitimate". When pressed on the comments by callers on LBC radio, Johnson said this was written before he was in politics.
It's maybe not surprising, then, that mothers who took part in my research interviews described feeling isolated, stigmatised and frustrated with negative stereotypes.
In fact, most participants in the study said they wouldn't tell someone they met for the first time they were a single parent, viewing it as a "label" which they automatically associate with "being judged". Some told me about critical remarks made by relatives, colleagues or acquaintances. Others spoke of being "dropped" from their social circle after their divorce or not being invited when couple families got together for meals and outings.
Judged and shamed
Stereotyping was by far the most common symptom of stigma raised by mothers from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. Unsurprisingly, The Daily Mail and Jeremy Kyle Show were named as prime culprits for portraying "teenage mums deliberately getting pregnant so they can scrounge off the state" and "single mums who don't know who the fathers of their children are".
Interviewees believed these images are perpetuated in the media because it attracts larger audiences than reflecting realities of their own lives such as balancing work and childcare. They were angry that programmes portraying single parents as irresponsible then prompt "nasty" social media posts.
Parents also discussed the impact of stereotypes on their self-esteem. As one explained:
I fell into that whole stigma of broken families … I was judging myself because I'd listened to opinions out there in society … the media and policies at government level.
Why the stigma?
Where psychologists have focused on cognitive processes entailed in stereotyping, sociologist Erving Goffman examined stigma as a manifestation of broader social relations. His seminal 1963 essay described how so-called "normals" are respected for meeting cultural expectations while those who "fall short" of the criteria become "discredited".
Goffman argues that having a "spoilt identity" hinges on what is deemed socially desirable at a particular time and place, rather than a person's attributes. This explains why non-marital birth and divorce have lost their stigma in Western society. But this doesn't tell us why single parents, who now number 1.8 million in the UK, still face stigma.
Sociological researchers Bruce Link and Jo Phelan have built on Goffman's insights to show how labelling and cultural beliefs cause "us and them" distinctions, leading in turn to status loss, discrimination and disadvantage. Where Goffman concentrated on personal interactions, Link and Phelan view wider economic, social and political power structures as essential to the reproduction of stigma. And analysis of these forces may indeed shed light on why single-parent stigma continues.
Looking first at finance, mothers without male partners through history have been both poor and branded as immoral. Medieval villagers would throw stones and use crude instruments to "make rough music" outside the doors of unmarried pregnant women – who they saw as an economic burden on the parish.
Church records from the 16th-century detail disputes over financial responsibility for "bastards". Tabloid attacks on single parents could then be seen as a modern equivalent of medieval "rough music" – coupling concern over resources with moral condemnation.
Researchers have demonstrated how stereotyping of single mothers is also inextricably linked with gender inequalities and class caricatures. Policies of successive governments have reinforced single-parent stigma. Research shows how "workfare" policies, austerity and "broken families" rhetoric has influenced public attitudes and shamed lone parents who are unable to access suitable jobs. And welfare reform means young single parents, who meet with most disapproval, receive £780 a year less than those over 25.
Ending unhelpful cliches
For stigma to stop, the media need to look at the facts, rather than recycling unhelpful cliches. Indeed, 70% of single parents work, some 10% are fathers. And the average age of a single parent is 39.
Research also shows that having a single mother has "insignificant" effect on children's development and being a young parent can be positive. Ironically, children's fiction and comedy series often seem to depict lone parenting in a more rounded way than journalism can manage.
Public policy must also do more to understand the practicalities of lone parenting – given the fact that single parents are more likely to be wrongly sanctioned than other benefit claimants. One of the mothers in my study with eight year-old twins and no support described being negatively "judged" for not working, yet unable to take a cleaning job starting at 5am, which she was advised to apply for. Recognising such predicaments would be a major step towards breaking the stigma cycle.
Single parenthood


Located in the Hertfordshire countryside, this signature private development is surrounded by greenery and finished with style.
A collection of two, three and four bedroom homes, set amongst tree-lined avenues with private gardens and garages, just 24 minutes to Liverpool Street station.
Come to view our Show Home and discuss your move.
*Travel times and distances stated are approximate, calculated at optimum travel times and using google.co.uk/maps, trainline.com, tfl.gov.uk and walkit.com. Computer generated images are indicative and for illustrative purposes only.


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FS Italiane signs two Memoranda of Understanding with the Russian and Japanese Railways
Joint construction and modernisation projects are to begin with the company Russian Railways
Reciprocal cooperation agreement of a technical nature for railway progress and development with the Japanese Railway company (JR East)
The CEO and General Manager of FS Italiane, Renato Mazzoncini, has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with representatives of Russian and Japanese railway companies.
Within the agreement with Russian Railways development of joint projects for the construction and modernisation of railway infrastructure, in addition to the supply of products and services for logistics and the transport of goods and passengers is envisioned.
At the heart of the agreement there is also collaboration for the construction of high-speed lines in Russia, in addition to joint projects for the construction of railway infrastructure in other countries.
Instead, in the Memorandum of Understanding with Japanese Railways (JR East) emphasis is given to reciprocal cooperation of a technical nature in the field of services and railway technology, also through the reciprocal exchange of personnel.
(Source: FS)
88th General Assembly of the worldwide railway association UIC was held in Rome UIC and the European Investment Bank (EIB) sign Memorandum of Understanding New UIC Report: "Carbon Footprint of Rail Infrastructure" UIC participates in meeting on railway developments in Argentina France: Creation of SNCF's digital and information systems branch Germany: DB Schenker forges ahead with digitalising logistics services Canada: VIA Rail expands its network through Maritime Bus Australia: Research Giving Rail a Brighter Future Russia: New TEM28 diesel shunting locomotive to undergo tests in Penza United Kingdom: New Plotr online world lets young people explore careers in transport
e-News articles with keyword International Agreement
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between UIC and the St. Petersburg State University of Railways of Emperor Alexander I (PGUPS) (16 September 2020) The European Federation of Museum and Tourist Railways (FEDECRAIL), the World Association of Tourist Trams and Trains (WATTRAIN) and UIC sign an MoU (9 May 2017) UIC and the European Investment Bank (EIB) sign Memorandum of Understanding (12 July 2016) FS Italiane signs two Memoranda of Understanding with the Russian and Japanese Railways (12 July 2016) Memorandum of Understanding signed with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (10 May 2016)


Given that the G2 art space is located in the up-and-coming East German town of Leipzig, it is fitting that the inaugural exhibition, opened in March 2015, focused on works by artists of the 'New Leipzig School'. Most of these, including Neo Rauch, Matthias Weischer and Tilo Baumgärtel, have studied at the renowned local art school 'Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst,' and their figurative paintings have since gained an international profile. Collector Steffen Hildebrand, a property investor based in the city, was an early supporter, and now the art works he has brought together will be displayed in a generous space in the center of Leipzig. Over the next few years, changing exhibitions - complemented by international loans - will showcase other parts of his continuously growing collection, which also includes other German and international artists working in a range of mediums. G2 is also planning projects with up-and-coming artists.


UF Health Shands Children's Hospital is the CMN Hospital for the Gainesville/North Central Florida, Tallahassee/South Georgia and West Palm Beach areas.
CMN Hospital's founding pledge – to keep all donations in the area in which they were raised – remains at the core of its philosophy. Throughout the year, a coalition of hospital employees, media partners, civic organizations and volunteers conduct fundraising events, working together to ensure the health of kids in their communities.
The mission of CMN Hospitals is to build awareness and raise funds for hospitalized children. The purpose of the organization is to help advance health care for children in our local community.
Visit the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals National website.
We would love to talk about how you can make miracles happen for UF Health Shands Children's Hospital. Contact our office to learn more.


Trans-am is a specialist in USA traffic, our US regional branches are Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) approved by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and we are a NVOCC Participant in the sea Automated Manifest System of US Customs complying with the 24-Hour Rule. These prove the professionalism and the strong financial background of Trans-Am. Furthermore, we have also been developing vigorously for traffic in the European market as well as other parts of the world.
With the powerful strength of Trans-Am's average cargo forwarding capacity, we have lined-up with numbers of carries such as Evergreen, OOCL & MOL. Indeed, we perform a volume of more than 2000 TEUs per month, including 55% from Hong Kong, 40% from China, and 5% from other South-East Asian countries. Secure and sufficient shipping spaces are allocated to Trans-Am all year round, so that we are able to meet with the demand and necessities of our valuable customers.
Recognizing the rapid economic growth and the burgeoning business development in China, Trans-Am has continued to put much of an effort in expanding the market in China, both Northern and Southern. In coping with the operational regulation in China and ensuring appropriate codes of content, we registered with the Ministry of Communication (MOC) of the PRC so that we are legitimately approved to provide ocean logistics intermediary services (ex. ocean shipments from China to Worldwide areas).
Under the regulations of MOC, all licensed NVOCC must issue Bill of Lading, which has registration with MOC. Such filing has been done for the Bill of Lading of Trans-Am Sea Freight (HK) Ltd. to fulfill the requirement of the customers in order to obtain our own Bill of Lading in China.
Having a group of experienced staff and a team of experts, Trans-Am offers professional services to our customers, not only limited to shipping process but providing consultation and valuable opinions for freight budgeting and routing. Furthermore, our well-trained staff members are manageable to handle project shipments, such as moving equipment for concerts/film production between countries and forwarding exhibition items for world fairs.
TRANS-AM Sea Freight (HK) Ltd.


This release succeeds v0.2.8, which was released 15 July, 2016. There are no backwards-incompatible changes, but certain default behaviors have changed (see changes below). Support continues for ECMAScript 3+.
This is a minor release introducing transparent Error subtyping.
This release succeeds v0.2.7, which was released 26 October, 2015. There are no backwards-incompatible changes; support continues for ECMAScript 3+.
no backwards-incompatible changes; support continues for ECMAScript 3+.
This is a minor release, focusing on a single compatibility issue.


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Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies in the Building Sector - Final Phase
Contract partner: GNHC / RGoB - Gross National Happiness Commission - Royal Government of BhutanCountry: Bhutan Funding amount: € 1.100.000,00Project start: 01.07.2020End: 30.06.2023
The expected impact of the project is wider adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency through demonstration and promotion of solar thermal systems to the wider public and industry
Outcome 1: Contribution to the generation of 3 MegaWatt (MW) equivalent of energy from solar thermal systems by year 2025.
Outcome 2: Application and testing of green and energy efficient measures in existing buildings based on the products, standards and capacity built [during Phase I (2017 – 2019)] towards the promotion of green and energy efficient buildings.
Beneficiaries: 20 policy/ decision makers of Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Works & Human Settlement and the Gross National Happiness Commission;
155 technical professionals from the implementing agencies, contractors, plumbers and suppliers;
53 beneficiaries of solar water heating systems [33 public institutions, 10 residential (domestic households), and 10 commercial]; and 60 faculty lecturers and students of technical training institutes and colleges.
The Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) is the contractual partner while the overall project coordination and the management will be vested in the Department of Renewable Energy (DRE) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) in collaboration with the Department of Engineering Services (DES) under the Ministry of Works & Human Settlement (MoWHS).
Develop a cost-effective subsidy scheme for Solar Water Heating (SWH) installations;
Commission 53 SWH schemes targeting 10 residential, 10 commercial buildings and 33 institutions;
Increase awareness on SWH technology with 4 outreach and awareness interventions;
Strengthen institutional capacity on SWH technology.
Retrofit 1 existing public building with energy efficiency (EE) measures;
Developed guidelines and standards for EE buildings;
Enhance capacity for EE Building Technologies;
Increase awareness on EE buildings.
Concern over energy security, the economic impacts of high energy consumption, and growing awareness of climate change have led Bhutan to put greater emphasis on developing policies and measures that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The overall development objective of this Project is to contribute to achieving the National Key Result Area (NKRA) 6, which aims to enhance a Carbon Neutral, Climate and Disaster Resilient Development in Bhutan during the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP) (2018 – 2023).
sector Energiegewinnung, -Verteilung und -Effizienz, allgemein
modalityProject-type interventions
marker Environment: 2, Climate change mitigation: 2


Prepare yourself for DUNDEAD 2019! Our horror film festival returns for its ninth year with a terrifying mix of brand new previews, a thrilling world premiere, creepy vintage scares and a special selection of cult classics from 1999.
Fill your Easter holidays with fun and find out what other family activities we have going on this April.
As part of our ongoing 20th birthday celebrations we're sharing 20 Stories for 20 Years of DCA.
The latest films with subtitles, audio description, and Relaxed screening options.
A flying elephant, an exciting Western, a must-see horror and a whole slew of films at 1999 prices celebrating our 20th birthday!
The Tashkeel Residency Programme aims to facilitate dialogue and exchange of experience, knowledge and skills across various disciplines of contemporary art and design.
Join us for lots of family fun as we celebrate our 20th birthday!
This year DCA is 20 and we're kicking off the celebrations in March!
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we're here to help you make the perfcet date night plan.


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White House Says It Will Veto Bill to Approve Oil Pipeline
The move is expected to be the first of many confrontations over energy and environmental policy between Congress and the President.
Wed January 14, 2015 - National Edition
Dina Cappiello - ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON (AP) The White House on Jan. 6 threatened to veto the first piece of legislation introduced in the Republican-controlled Senate, a bill approving the much-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline, in what was expected to be the first of many confrontations over energy and environmental policy.
Hours after supporters of the bipartisan bill, which is sponsored by all 54 Senate Republicans and six Democrats, announced its introduction, the White House said for the first time that President Barack Obama would veto it.
"If this bill passes this Congress, the president wouldn't sign'' it, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, saying legislation shouldn't undermine the review process under way at the State Department or circumvent a pending lawsuit in Nebraska over its route.
It's "premature to try to evaluate the project before something as basic as the route of the pipeline has been established,'' he said.
The two main sponsors, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said they had enough votes to overcome a filibuster of the bill but not a presidential veto. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in one of his first acts, moved to put it directly on the Senate calendar. The House was expected to vote and pass a bill approving the $5.4 billion project, which was first proposed in 2008, on Jan. 9.
"The President threatening to veto the first bipartisan infrastructure bill of the new Congress must come as a shock to the American people who spoke loudly in November in favor of bipartisan accomplishments,'' McConnell said.
Hoeven said if the president chooses to veto the bill, he would work to attach it to a broader energy package or must-pass spending bills.
Manchin, whose office reached out to the White House earlier in the day, told reporters the veto threat was a surprise that "slapped down'' a bipartisan effort before it even got started.
"It's just wrong. It's just not the way you do business,'' said Manchin, the only Democrat remaining in the West Virginia delegation. "If this is the start of things, it is a sad beginning.''
The bill is identical to one that failed to pass the Senate by a single vote in November, when Democrats were in control and Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana pushed for a vote to save her Senate seat. She lost to Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy, who sponsored the successful House bill approving the pipeline.
But now the odds of passage are much improved with the Republican takeover of the Senate. The bill also will test Republicans' commitment to more open debate. Hoeven and Manchin said they welcomed additions to the bill, which they hoped would increase support.
In a letter to Democrats from their leadership obtained by the AP, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan said the Keystone bill was "the first opportunity to demonstrate that we will be united, energetic, and effective in offering amendments that create a clear contrast with the Republican majority.''
Among the ideas suggested in the letter were measures to prohibit exporting the oil abroad, to ensure American iron, steel and other goods were used in the pipeline's construction and to match every job created by the pipeline with an investment in clean energy.
In recent months, Obama has been increasingly critical of the project, and has resisted prior efforts to fast-track the process. At his year-end news conference, Obama said the pipeline would benefit Canadian oil companies but would not be a huge benefit to American consumers, who are already seeing low prices at the pump due to oil prices, which on Jan. 5 dipped to a nearly six-year low and were sharply down again Jan. 6.
That view contrasts sharply with Republicans and other pipeline supporters, who say the pipeline would create jobs and ease American dependence on Middle East oil. A government environmental impact statement also predicted that a pipeline would result in less damage to the climate than moving the same oil by rail.
"After years of manufacturing every possible excuse, today President Obama was finally straight ... about where he truly stands,'' said House Speaker John Boehner. "His answer is no to more American infrastructure, no to more American energy, and no to more American jobs.
The project would move tar sands oil from Canada 1,179 miles south to Gulf Coast refineries. Environmentalists, who have held repeated protests against the pipeline and have framed it as a test of Obama's commitment to acting on climate change, applauded the veto threat.
"President Obama continues to show real climate leadership by pledging to veto attempts by Congress to circumvent the process and we're more confident than ever that he will reject this dirty, dangerous pipeline once and for all,'' said Tiernan Sittenfeld, senior vice president of government affairs for the League of Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group.
In an unexpected twist, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., objected to the Senate energy committee holding a hearing on the bill, prompting the committee to cancel it for Jan. 7. A spokesman of Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who will chair the committee, said it should not slow the bill down.


Laundry. Doesn't it seem like it quadruples with babies in the picture? Don't you just wish that baby things would just keep themselves clean? Well, I've got news for you - there actually is such a thing as self-cleaning baby products, well, sort of. Let me introduce you to Cuddle Smart, creators of baby products that are engineered from Argent 47 antimicrobial silver yarn that eliminates odor causing bacteria and prevents mildew, mold, and fungi.
Cuddle Smart products are made right here in the USA without any chemicals or harmful dyes. It's a natural choice for baby and a time saver for your laundry room because you only wash them when they are soiled or stained. The antimicrobial Argent 47 silver yarn that is incorporated into all Cuddle Smart products is safe, natural, and proven to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
We received the Fitted Crib Sheet ($54.99) for review and we love how soft it feels. It is plush and perfect for contact with baby's delicate skin. It fits great on our standard crib size mattress (it will fit one anywhere from 4" to 6" thick). This material helps keep baby cool in warm weather and warm when it is cold - that's just another natural benefit of silver's thermal properties. As you can see in the photo, Baby T approves of it!
Perhaps the only thing I would change for this fitted sheet is maybe make the fabric content to be organic cotton with the Argent 47 antimicrobial silver yarn, instead of polyester (if that's something that's even possible). Cuddle Smart already incorporates organic cotton into some of their products such as the hooded bath towel and the wash cloths.
In addition to the fitted crib sheet, infant and toddler hooded bath towels, and wash cloths I already mentioned, the Cuddle Smart product line also includes a changing pad cover, activity mat, bassinet sheet, and portable changing pad. They also have infant and toddler gift baskets available - a perfect gift for a baby shower or other occasion.
One of you will win a product of your choice from Cuddle Smart!
Disclaimer: I did not receive payment for this post. I was provided a sample of the product for review purposes. All opinions are genuine and my own.
I learned that Silver has a long and documented history as an antibiotic in human health care, and has been one of the most sought-after materials globally for centuries. Silver has been seen in use as an anti-microbial as far back as 300 B.C. in ancient Greece.
I like the crib sheet and the hooded towel.
Love the hooded bath towels!
Cuddle Smart products contain no chemicals or dyes and requires fewer washings as the silver keeps bacterial odors away. Additionally, silver's natural thermal properties will help cool baby when hot and keep warm when cold.
Love the Antimicrobial Hooded Bath Towel!
I would love a fitted crib sheet since he spends lots of time in there!
I like the Antimicrobial Wash Cloth Set!
I like the antimicrobial activity mat in blue gingham.
I really like the Antimicrobial Activity Mat.
I would LOVE the Antimicrobial Hooded Bath Towel for Infants!!!
I like the Antimicrobial Hooded Bath Towel for Toddlers!
I would like the changing pad the best!
The gift set is wonderful! I would love to take that to a new mom.
I'd love the activity mat as well.
The fold n go changing pad is a great idea! Places reserved for changing diapers in public can look pretty germy to me, I'd like to know that at least my changing pad is antimicrobial to put me at ease a bit more!
I learned that "Silver has long been used as a natural and proven antimicrobial against bacteria, fungus, mold and mildew"
I like the hooded toddler towel!
I love the Antimicrobial Activity Mat! It would be perfect for my 18 month old!
I like the fitted crib sheets!
I really like the activity pad, my daughter is not the perfect house keeper and my newest granddaughter was a preemie so this would really be a great benefit, thanks for the giveaway chance.


text:
<?php

use Fadion\Sanitizer\Sanitizer;

class SanitizerTest extends PHPUnit_Framework_TestCase
{
    public function test_sanitize_inputs()
    {
        $inputs = [
            'name' => ' john',
            'surname' => 'smith '
        ];
        $sanitizers = [
            'name' => 'trim|ucfirst',
            'surname' => ['trim', 'upper']
        ];

        $expected = [
            'name' => 'John',
            'surname' => 'SMITH'
        ];

        $sanitizer = new Sanitizer;

        $this->assertEquals($expected, $sanitizer->run($inputs, $sanitizers));
    }

    public function test_invalid_sanitizer()
    {
        $this->expectException(Fadion\Sanitizer\Exceptions\InvalidSanitizerException::class);

        $inputs = ['name' => 'john'];
        $sanitizers = ['name' => 'invalid_filter'];

        $sanitizer = new Sanitizer;
        $sanitizer->run($inputs, $sanitizers);
    }

    public function test_no_sanitizers()
    {
        $inputs = [
            'name' => ' john',
            'surname' => 'smith '
        ];
        $sanitizers = [];

        $sanitizer = new Sanitizer;

        $this->assertEquals($inputs, $sanitizer->run($inputs, $sanitizers));
    }

    public function test_sanitizer_with_argument()
    {
        $inputs = ['registered_at' => '2012-12-12'];
        $sanitizers = ['registered_at' => 'date:m/d/Y'];
        $expected = ['registered_at' => '12/12/2012'];

        $sanitizer = new Sanitizer;

        $this->assertEquals($expected, $sanitizer->run($inputs, $sanitizers));
    }

    public function test_closure_sanitizer()
    {
        $inputs = [
            'name' => 'john ',
            'surname' => 'Smith'
        ];
        $sanitizers = [
            'name' => ['trim', function($value) {
                return ucfirst($value);
            }],
            'surname' => function($value) {
                return str_replace('Smith', 'Cena', $value);
            }
        ];

        $expected = [
            'name' => 'John',
            'surname' => 'Cena'
        ];

        $sanitizer = new Sanitizer;

        $this->assertEquals($expected, $sanitizer->run($inputs, $sanitizers));
    }

    public function test_custom_sanitizer()
    {
        $inputs = [
            'name' => 'John',
            'surname' => 'smith '
        ];
        $sanitizers = [
            'surname' => 'trim|cena'
        ];

        $expected = [
            'name' => 'John',
            'surname' => 'Cena'
        ];

        Sanitizer::register('cena', function($value) {
            return 'Cena';
        });

        $sanitizer = new Sanitizer;

        $this->assertEquals($expected, $sanitizer->run($inputs, $sanitizers));
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
enum IpfsPinType { DIRECT, RECURSIVE, INDIRECT, ALL };

class IpfsPin : public QObject
{
    Q_OBJECT
public:
    explicit IpfsPin(QObject *parent = 0);
    virtual ~IpfsPin() {}

    void add_pin(const IpfsHash &hash, bool recursive = false);
    void ls_pin(IpfsPinType pin_type = DIRECT);
};

#endif // IPFSPIN_H


What an amazing meeting we had last Friday. 148 people and a talk by Dr Paul Delgano on the story and history of Black Holes. Very engaging and obviously an interesting topic for many people. We ran out of chairs!
Thank you to all our visitors for coming – you were most welcome.


Many spiritual seekers have personally encountered people who are manipulative, controlling and whose minds are very closed to seeing what they are doing. The articles in this section explain that many of us have volunteered to have personal relationships with fallen beings. You will also learn how to deal with such people in a way that does not abort your own growth towards Christhood.
Many of the spiritual people on earth have embodied in close relationships with those in the fallen consciousness.
There is no better way to pass the last initiations than to be in personal relationships with fallen beings.
The key to passing this initiation is that you do not allow the fallen beings to change you.
If you allow yourself to believe that you need to change a person who is in the fallen consciousness, you are making your ascension dependent on the choices of another self-aware being.
People trapped in the fallen consciousness want to control others.
Notice if people have a sense of ownership over you.
Some have put down the Christ in themselves to such a degree that they think they have the right to put down the Christ in others.
You do not want to be in an action-reaction game with them for there is no end to it, no ultimate outcome is possible.
The ultimate outcome is the judgment of Christ, but that happens only when you can meet the fallen beings and their accusations with complete non-attachment.
It is not your personal task to convert or change or awaken those in the fallen consciousness.
There is no ultimate argument that will convince these people.
Even God and his angels cannot show an undeniable sign for the fallen consciousness can deny anything.
On the cross, Jesus saw that the crucifixion and his mission was never about changing the fallen beings.
It was about changing his own attitude and outlook so that he could be completely non-attached to the fallen beings and leave them behind.
The vision that you need to do something that depends on the choices of other people, especially those in the fallen consciousness, becomes your personal cross.
It is vanity to think you can change those in the fallen mindset.
People who are close to manifesting Christhood often become attached to helping a specific person.
In pursuing this impossible goal they neglect the fact that there are many people that they could help.
Let go of that spirit that is focused on changing or saving or judging the spirits of the fallen beings.


A new study from the University of British Columbia finds that vitamin A deficiency in newborns or even while in the womb can lead to Alzheimer's disease later in life.
Essential for growth and development of the body's immune system and vision, Vitamin A deficiency in the early years is a global health problem, affecting 250 million preschool children worldwide. The World Health Organization includes Vitamin A on its list of Essential Medicines and says an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight.
But Vitamin A, which actually comprises a range of fat-soluble organic compounds including retinol and beta-carotene, and its effects on learning and neural development are still being explored, with past studies on rodents showing that Vitamin A supplementation given to Vitamin A-deficient rodents improves learning and memory and can help combat cognitive declines associated with aging.
The UBC study goes one step further and traces the origins of the neurodegenerative impairments known as Alzheimer's disease and dementia to Vitamin A deficiencies in the womb and just after birth.
"Our study clearly shows that marginal deficiency of vitamin A, even as early as in pregnancy, has a detrimental effect on brain development and has long-lasting effect that may facilitate Alzheimer's disease in later life," said Dr. Weihong Song, professor of psychiatry at UBC and Canada Research Chair in Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers found that mice deprived of Vitamin A in the womb had increased production of amyloid beta, a protein implicated in the development of plaque and neuron death associated with Alzheimer's disease. These Vitamin A-deprived mice were also found to perform more poorly on learning and memory tests.
Interestingly, mice who had been deprived in the womb and later given a normal diet as pups ended up performing poorer on cognitive tests than mice who received a normal intake of Vitamin A in the womb but were deprived after birth, thus showing the integral role that Vitamin A plays at the very earliest stages of development.
An estimated 564,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia, with 25,000 new cases being diagnosed every year. An aging population means that the number of people living with dementia in Canada is expected to double in 20 years.
Dr. Song cautions readers of the new study that Vitamin A deficiency is a relative rarity in the industrialized world and that taking too much Vitamin A can potentially be harmful, especially for pregnant women. Vitamin A is found in foods such as liver, eggs, carrots, broccoli and leafy greens.


text:
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#WalkTogether
Sparks of Hope
MamaYe-E4A
Scale the capability for crowd-sourced local evidence collection to be used to inform regional and national healthcare systems.
Freedom for Health
Ensuring mothers and babies survive pregnancy and childbirth
Every day, around 830 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, and 99% of these deaths occur in developing countries. In Nigeria alone, 109 women die each day. The country has the fourth highest maternal mortality ratio in Africa and infant deaths are strongly linked to the care their mothers receive.
MamaYe-E4A believes that maternal and newborn health can be substantially improved when government, civil society organizations, the media and healthcare professionals come together to review and make decisions based on evidence. They work to make pregnancy and childbirth safer by ensuring that the right information reaches the right people and by promoting best practices to improve maternal and newborn health. MamaYe-E4A uses evidence to engage policymakers in improving allocation of funds to the health sector; to increase provision and availability of essential medical supplies; and in establishing functional blood banks. This evidence is translated into a simple format scorecard displaying health sector performance and used by the State Led Accountability Mechanism to advocate for policy makers to make better decisions. The scorecards have been used in a number of ways such as tracking availability of drugs, use of family planning, and monitoring of maternal and perinatal deaths.
MamaYe-E4A also supports communities to encourage pregnant women to deliver in safe health facilities by training key community members as Super Activists. In each State where MamaYe-E4A works, a launch event takes place where community members pledge their commitment to save the life of a mother and/or a baby. These inspiring supporters are then trained to become Super Activists.
Mr Bolaji Seriki from Lagos State is one of them. As a Super Activist, he identified the reason pregnant women and mothers were not able to access healthcare services in his community, was the long distance separating patients from the closest healthcare provider. Bolaji responded by donating a part of his house to be used as a community health post, where nurses and community health workers could provide services for women and children in the area.
MamaYe Super Activists encourage pregnant women to utilize health facilities for antenatal care and delivery, instead of relying on traditional birth attendants; they also engage the public in making positive contributions, such as encouraging blood donations for pregnant women. Roughly 26% of maternal deaths that occur due to bleeding in sub-Saharan Africa are directly related to lack of availability of blood for transfusion. MamaYe super activists advocate for voluntary blood donation in order to increase access to safe blood and to raise awareness on its importance for the survival of pregnant women and newborns. A database of voluntary blood donors who have pledged to donate blood is kept in areas without functional blood banks.
These efforts, alongside the reforms made by State governments have made huge strides towards safer childbirth in Nigeria. MamaYe-E4A in Nigeria is part of a multi-country programme led across sub-Saharan Africa through a combination of evidence, action and accountability. By working together, MamaYe wants to ensure that maternal and newborn survival becomes a greater priority in the region.
Show you #WalkTogether with a #SparkofHope. Each Spark of Hope represents one of 100 Ideas for a Freer, Fairer World that the #WalkTogether campaign will present to world leaders later this year, recognising all supporters who post a video.
#WalkTogether and share a #SparkofHope
# WalkTogether
Continue Mandela's long walk to freedom
The Elders © 2020. The Elders are independent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.
The #WalkTogether campaign is an initiative of The Elders Foundation and is funded philanthropically, without affiliation to political or commercial interests.
For more information please see our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.


Develop a professional/user friendly web site detailing chapter history, chapter activities, chapter highlights.
Visit local nursing homes and adult day care centers quarterly.
Grow relationships with veteran coordinators at local colleges and universities.
Develop relationships with local National Guard and reserve units.
Further relationships and activities at the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Set up a permanent site at the DAV "Trift" Store for member recruitment/and chapter information.
Develop a professional/user friendly web site detailing chapter activities.
Use paid advertisement/flyers highlight the chapter and the chapter's resource center.
Explore alter days and times for chapter meetings and executive board meetings that may be attractive to working members and younger members.
Research probability of establishing remote chapter meetings in other communities within our defined area.
Proactive engagement in public affairs, and in veteran issues.
Utilization of all available local media.
Expand membership committee to include issues of membership committee.
Expand Budget Committee to include Commander, Adjutant, 1 Vice Commander, and one ad hoc chapter member.
iii. Quarterly dinners for E-Board members and exceptional/outstanding chapter members.
v. Mileage reimbursement for designated chapter activities.
a.The committee will develop quarterly fundraising events to support the Chapter General Operating Fund and to supplement the Service Fund as deemed necessary.
One Forget-Me-Not Drive before and on Memorial Day in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and other communities as estimated by the committee to be effective.
Chapter fund raising booths at the Prescott Rodeo and the Yavapai County Fair.
Expand Veterans Appreciation Day at Golden Corral to Veterans appreciation week.
Further utilize sound management principles to increase "Trift" Store income and to reduce "Trift" Store expenses.
Other fund raising events as recommended by the funding committee.
Continue monthly luncheon at the Golden Corral with CLC clients.
Continue and expand veteran assistance programs that provide assistance for clothes, household items, furniture to veterans and their families that may be in need.
Initiate a visitation program to hospitalized veterans.
Restart program to provide refreshments at the VA Hospital's hospice units.
Outreach to other VSO's, treatment programs, or other community service organizations the availability of a meeting facility. Provide refreshments to these users.


BlueVenn reveal new Adestra email connector, enabling marketers to leverage best-of-breed technologies to create and execute customer-focused marketing campaigns.
Bristol, UK & Boston, MA – June 29, 2017 – Leading MarTech providers BlueVenn and Adestra have announced today that they have formed an alliance to combine the Single Customer View, analytics and segmentation capabilities of the BlueVenn Customer analytics and real-time customer journey automation platform with Adestra's email marketing solution.
The partnership allows for collaboration across the two businesses supported by joint marketing initiatives and co-innovation in the data, analytics and automation space to address the challenges faced by modern customer-focused marketers.
The announcement is accompanied by today's 2017.2 release of BlueVenn on June 30th and a new connector that provides a two-way flow of data between the two solutions, as well as the ability to trigger Adestra email campaigns directly within BlueVenn.
The new two-way integration allows for the seamless transfer of analytics-driven customer segments into Adestra's enterprise email marketing platform to execute highly targeted campaigns, bringing the resulting data from the campaigns back into the BlueVenn Customer Data Platform for further analysis and insight.
Over the coming months, the BlueVenn and Adestra teams will continue to work closely on providing vital capabilities for multi-brand organizations, with a particular focus in the retail, publishing and leisure sectors. The collaboration helps solve the unique problems that multi-brand organizations face in the process of becoming First-Person Marketers and reaching their customers in a hyper-personalized way, at scale, throughout the customer journey.
"This technology partnership is particularly interesting for us due to the nature of Adestra's multi-brand capabilities. We already share some fantastic clients where they require both insight and marketing automation capabilities across more than one brand, so deepening our existing relationship makes sense.
For more information about BlueVenn's connectors, get in touch with marketing@bluevenn.com. Alternatively, you can a demonstration of BlueVenn and Adestra by contacting BlueVenn directly (US: 617 207 8685. UK: 0117 943 5800), or fill out the form here.
The BlueVenn Customer Data Platform unifies all your marketing data to create unified customer profiles and achieve the elusive Single Customer View. Moreover, with powerful integrated analytics, predictive modeling, reporting and omnichannel customer journey automation it provides everything the modern-day marketer needs to transition to true 1-to-1 marketing. Understand your customers better, uncover patterns in behavior that drive sales growth and utilize real-time marketing capabilities to personalize web and email experiences based on all your known and anonymous data.


The month of February has many important days. Here are just a few.
Feb. 3 is Four Chaplains Day. This day commemorates the events of Feb. 3, 1943, when the troop ship USAT Dorchester sank. The Dorchester left New York on the morning of Jan. 23, 1943, carrying 4 Chaplains and about 900 others as a part of a convoy of three ships. It was torpedoed by a German submarine U-223 of Newfoundland at 12:55 a.m. When the Dorchester began to sink, the Four Chaplains of different religions – George L.Fox (Methodist), Alexander D. Goode (Rabbi), Clark V. Poling ( Baptist) and John P. Washington (Catholic) – were helping to calm down the men and organize an orderly evacuation. The life vests were passed out to the men, but the supply ran out before each man had one. The Four Chaplains gave their own vests to others and helped as many men as they could into the boats. They then linked their arms together, saying prayers and singing hymns, as they went down with the ship.
President Abraham Lincoln's Birthday, Feb. 12; Valentine's Day, Feb. 14; Coast Guard Reserve's Birthday, Feb. 19; Presidents' Day, Feb. 20; George Washington's Birthday, Feb. 22.
On Monday, President Trump initiated a 90-day federal hiring freeze until the Office of Management and Budget can develop a long-term plan to reduce the size of the federal government's workforce through attrition. The executive memorandum does allow the head of any executive department or agency to exempt any position that is deemed necessary to meet national security or public safety responsibilities. Military service members are specifically exempt from the temporary freeze, but the Defense Department's 750,000 federal civilians are not; nor are the 350,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Acting VA Secretary Robert Snyder said he would continue to hire medical staff and other front line personnel, and the VFW fully expects Trump's VA nominee, Dr. David Shulkin, and DOD to do likewise. Long time federal civilian personnel experts have called the temporary freeze a prudent step that many new administrations exercise in order to assess what they have before moving forward.
President Trump nominated businessman Philip Bilden this week to become the new Secretary of the Navy. Bilden served from 1986 to 1996 in the Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer, including a stint at the Defense Intelligence Agency. He is the son of a career naval officer and his mother also grew up in a Navy family. His eldest son graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2015, and his youngest is in the Class of 2018. Bilden now joins former Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.), the new Air Force Secretary nominee, and Vincent Viola, who was picked for Army Secretary. Wilson graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1982 and served until 1989, when she left to join the National Security Council as its director for European defense policy and arms control. Viola graduated from West Point in 1977, and served in the 101st Airborne Division. Their Senate confirmation hearings have yet to be announced.
Thanks to the advocacy of VFW members, VA is now authorized to provide fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to veterans with service-connected disabilities that resulted in the inability to procreate without the use of such treatments. Last week, VA announced that it will begin providing IVF treatments for eligible veterans and their spouses. Veterans with service-related infertility who wish to explore IVF options should schedule an appointment with their local VA health care facility for eligibility determinations, clinical evaluation and consultation. The law also authorizes VA to reimburse veterans for the cost of adoption, but VA has not announced when it will begin adoption reimbursements.
Till next week, praying for all service members.


text:
Home World news JoJo Siwa ditches signature ponytail, rocks dress and heels for 'first time'
JoJo Siwa ditches signature ponytail, rocks dress and heels for 'first time'
This is a whole new look for JoJo Siwa!
The 18-year-old pop star and influencer wore a black gown and stilettos as she walked the red carpet at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.
JoJo Siwa AMAs, American Music Awards 2021 (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic)
"I am in a dress and heels the first time in my life," she told People. "When I knew I was coming to the AMAs, I was like, 'Oh, what am I gonna wear,' because I have had this transition while being on 'Dancing with the Stars' where I've gone from dressing like I normally dress to looking more adult."
She added that she wanted to "branch out" of her comfort zone with her AMAs ensemble.
It was a major style shift for the former "Dance Moms" star, who is known for her ponytails, oversized bows and neon-colored outfits covered in sequins or glitter.
Siwa looked beautiful in her off-the-shoulder gown, which featured a skirt with tiered ruffles divided by sheer panels. She wore her blond hair in loose waves in a half-up, half-down style and accessorized with a few delicate silver necklaces.
2021 American Music Awards – Fixed Show (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for MRC)
One of the necklaces spelled out "DWTS30," most likely a reference to the fact that she is a finalist on season 30 of "Dancing With the Stars" along with pro partner Jenna Johnson.
Siwa shared a close-up photo of her sparkly heels in an Instagram story. (itsjojosiwa / Instagram)
Siwa revealed that her sparkly Christian Louboutin heels had been a gift from Johnson earlier that day. The former Nickelodeon star shared a close-up photo of the shoes in her Instagram story, thanking Johnson for her "first real heel."
Johnson and Siwa made history as the ABC dancing competition show's first same-sex pairing, and they are one of four couples who will compete in Monday night's final.
One of Siwa's co-finalists, "The Talk" host Amanda Kloots, gushed over the teen's style transformation on Instagram, commenting on one of Siwa's recent posts, "LOVE THIS LOOK ON YOU!"
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text:
Turos the Mighty
The battle started the next day when the enemy began to launch boulders into the city from all directions. Rather than use tension launchers to attack the walls of the fortifications, they use massive counterweight launchers to pound the terraces, hoping to collapse them and destabilize the fortifications. The Barbidons responded with their own minor bombardment, but the enemy army was still out of range, and they only succeeded in setting fire to a few fields between them and the enemy.
Turos spent most of the day in the spire with the Tawg, Tawgjug, Prince Hifur, Chief Oholohono, and Wet Zet, watching the bombardments progress. They were completely surrounded on the south and east, but did not yet have any enemy sailing toward them from the west, or approaching toward the river to the north.
Around noon, Tawg Tishatov became frustrated. "These dark legions are better equipped than anticipated," he growled. "I have never seen such massive launchers, or I would have ordered them constructed for our own defenses."
"Where did they get them?" Prince Hifur asked. "Nazada is built on a barren ice-covered plain, so there are no trees for them to have built them there. Sometimes I wonder how they even manage to feed their soldiers down there."
"The former pirate Overlord was allied with the Dark Lunari," Turos answered. "I did not find out until recently, but he had been building massive ships and sending them south from this land. It is quite conceivable that he may have also supplied lumber and food."
"The lumber is most likely from our own forests," Tawgjug Rushalot said. "It is much easier to build those machines on the spot than transport them a distance of eighty-five or more ar'nura, not considering the mountains they'd also need to cross."
"What's an ar'nura?" Wet Zet asked.
"It's the standard unit of Barbidon measurement," Prince Hifur answered. "Seven ar'nura is equal to ten nura. If this world is six thousand nura in circumference, then it is only four thousand two hundred ar'nura in circumference."
Chief Oholohono had an idea. "The enemy is all within a quarter nura from our outermost defenses. Would it be possible to send out forays of archers to perform hit-and-run strikes instead of waiting for the enemy to come to us?"
"Father, I would like to lead the strikes if you decide it's a good idea," Tawgjug Rushalot said.
"Small teams could do it," Wet Zet said, "but they'd need to find their own cover if the enemy employs their own archers. I'd go myself, but I am still recovering from a previous wound that would keep me from moving fast enough."
Tawg Tishatov made a decision. "Rushalot, go tell Gorchov to send out his archers in small teams. You'll find him in the third terrace. You are welcome to accompany one of the teams, but only if Gorchov goes with you."
"Thank you, father," the younger Barbidon said. He eagerly left them and hurried down the stairs.
"Do you think it wise to send your son off to battle at this point?" Prince Hifur asked the Tawg.
"He would have had to fight by the end of this battle," Tawg Tishatov said. "I'd much rather send him out to fight while his will to fight remains strong, rather than keep him protected until the final moment when all hope is lost and he would only fight out of desperation. What would you do if your son asked to go to battle?"
"Previously, I would have said no since he has no heir to succeed him," Prince Hifur answered. "However, he has spent more than a year living apart from the royal family. I can no longer make decisions for him. I may not wish to see him fight, but I will not prevent it."
"Likewise, I will not make decisions for Rushalot," the Tawg said.
By evening, most of the lower levels of Lajolaine were in shambles. The terraces were pulverized to the point where parts of the hill were now shaped like a slope rather than a staircase. Buildings were reduced to piles of rubble. Fortunately, the Barbidon soldiers had been mostly capable of avoiding the bombardment, and their ranks were scarcely damaged. They then spent the evening digging trenches and building new fortifications, all while attempting to continue dodging the continuing bombardment. Unfortunately, the darkness meant they would be unable to see the coming projectiles and there would be many more casualties. Out beyond the damaged defenses, the archers were still engaged in their small-scale attacks. It would be dark, or almost morning before the first of the teams returned.
The next morning, Wet Zet awakened Turos. "You had better come and see what is happening," he said urgently.
Turos followed Wet Zet from the tent and to the defensive wall around their camp. He looked down toward the outer sections of the city and saw a slow procession making its way up the slope toward the palace. Barbidons lined the path, although they moved from their positions when enemy projectiles came at them. "What is going on?" Turos asked.
"I don't know," Wet Zet answered, "but we should probably go to the palace and find out."
Turos agreed and the two of them left the camp and went to the palace. There they found the Tawg on his knees, weeping. "What happened," Prince Turos asked.
One of the other Barbidons pulled them to the side. "Tawgjug Rushalot died in battle when his team of archers rushed into a team of enemy archers. Only two Barbidons in his team escaped, and they went back and retrieved his body. Rushalot is now a hero, and will be remembered in much song."
"I've never considered dying to be heroic," Turos muttered.
Wet Zet slapped him. "Be quiet," he softly hissed. "You're being disrespectful to the dead!"
Prince Hifur stepped into the room and Turos pulled him to the side. "Tawglug Rushalot was killed in battle," he explained. "I don't think the Tawg is taking it very well."
"I wouldn't take news like that very well, either," Prince Hifur replied. "I know what it is like to be marching off to war only to learn that one of your sons has been killed."
"I'm sorry," Turos said. "I did not mean anything demeaning by that. Perhaps you should talk to the Tawg, though."
Prince Hifur nodded and walked toward the crying Barbidon. "Tawg Tishatov," he said, "I understand the heartbreak you are experiencing. It would be best for you to mourn your son, and leave the cares of battle for your commanders."
The Tawg scowled at Prince Hifur. "What strategy do you propose my commanders follow if I were to mourn my son in private?"
"A defensive strategy is our best hope at this time," Prince Hifur answered. "We must continue to hold out while they bombard the city, and then wait for them to come closer before we bombard them back."
"So be it," the Tawg said. "Bring my son to my chamber, and let the rest of you care for battle." He turned and walked into another room.
Prince Hifur frowned. "It will be a long tedious day for us. Let us hope the enemy decides to move closer so we can begin our bombardment." He turned to leave, and grabbed Turos by the arm and pulled him out the door. Wet Zet followed behind them.
"We need to do something to turn the tide of this battle," Prince Hifur said. "The courage of the Barbidons is wavering from this constant bombardment and the loss of the Tawgjug."
"Use the wind," Wet Zet suggested. "Start a fire along the west shore of the Lake of Lajolaine and let the wind fan it east through the enemy ranks. Even if the enemy avoids it, there will still be that fire between them and us to provide a little extra cover."
"That's easier said than done," Prince Hifur said. "The easiest way to do that would be to use flaming arrows from a ship, and all the ships have already been destroyed to prevent the enemy from using them. Keep in mind; we do not have rum like you had in Irata."
"Don't give me that excuse," Wet Zet replied. "The Barbidons may not have rum, but they have plenty of similar drinks. Launching a few flaming barrels should be enough to start a decent fire."
"I'll have my soldiers give it a try," Prince Hifur said. "We can use one of the Barbidon launchers that have not already been destroyed. You two go try finding some barrels and bring them to your camp. I'll have my soldiers retrieve them there."
Prince Turos and Wet Zet went off to do as ordered. After searching for three hours, they finally managed to find a few unbroken casks of an obscure Barbidon brew in the rubble of a building that had been partially demolished. After enlisting the help of a few soldiers, they managed to bring the casks to their camp.
Chief Oholohono met them. "I don't think your father knows it yet, but the Barbidons just demolished the bridge over the Lower River of Lajolaine," he informed them. "A single Barbidon ran across from the other side, and apparently he convinced them to destroy the bridge."
"Then the enemy is advancing from the north now," Prince Turos said. "How long ago did he arrive?"
"It only just now happened," the Chief answered. "The Barbidon is still on his way to the palace."
"Then go find my father and tell him to hurry to the palace," Turos said. "The Tawg already lost his son today, and there is no telling how he will react to more bad news."
The Chief nodded as Turos grabbed Wet Zet and ran toward the palace. They arrived about the same time as the Barbidon that had crossed the bridge, and went inside.
The Tawg came out to see what was so urgent. "Chog gegret wilgthelgor wu?" he asked.
The Barbidon bowed. "Wu ig Gogwelch. Wu shivesh levshot shashthu holshig shol a je rog," he answered. "Lamarjolaine igesh vuthgar. Rutwulg itoth chagho hovwog holshig levjor. Wilgel gish a hug ig hoj. Wu rutla lejhorwulg shivesh jenoshwilgel."
Tawg Tishatov clenched his fists and looked up at the ceiling. He roared loudly in his anger. "Holshig shotojwulgel tetech vuthgar hocheth Barbidonor tetech vuthgar. Wel itoth heth hio holshig shotojwulgel chaglig wel. Rutwulgel Lamarjolaine tetech huvgosh ashgol elhoj levjorwel chegcharg."
Turos looked around confused. "What did he say?" he asked one of the Barbidons standing at the edge of the room."
"Lamarjolaine was destroyed," the Barbidon explained. "As many as possible boarded the ships and escaped to Elgwith Island, but there were too few ships, and many Barbidons were killed. The wife and daughter of the Tawg were also killed in the attack. Now we will take the fight to the enemy and avenge this loss."
Turos stepped forward. "That is a bad idea," he shouted loud enough for everyone to hear. To throw away your lives by rushing an enemy that outnumbers you is no way to remember and memorialize those who have been lost. I say let the enemy come to you and save your anger for then."
Tawg Tishatov glared at Turos. "Rishla woth jenoshav hio gesharv ig shashtho vewgah. Your words and suggested actions do nothing," he growled.
Turos stepped back, surprised. "What did he just say to me?" he quietly asked the Barbidon.
The Barbidon bent down. "Roughly translated, the Tawg said that warnings to be cautious only serve to hinder. There is nothing you can say or do to convince the Tawg to take your advice."
"Then this battle is lost," Turos muttered.
"Perhaps," the Barbidon replied, "but perhaps not. When our army advances, pull your armies back to the palace. We may all be killed, but we will first cause extensive damage to the enemy."
"I suddenly wish I had stayed in Irata," Wet Zet said.
By the time Prince Hifur and Chief Oholohono reached the palace, Tawg Tishatov was putting on his armor. "What is going on?" Prince Hifur asked Turos.
"Lamarjolaine was destroyed, and the Tawg's wife and daughter were among the civilians slain," Turos answered. "Now the Barbidons are going to attack the enemy rather than stay within what defenses we have left."
"This is madness," Chief Oholohono said. "They must be stopped!"
Prince Hifur stepped in front of the Tawg. "Tawg Tishatov, I urge you to reconsider this decision," he said. "We are fighting a war against an enemy that outnumbers us, and we must take care not to make rash decisions. Now, I understand if you're bereaved by the loss of..."
"I will decide what is and is not a rash decision in my land," the Tawg roared. He put on his helmet. "You people can hide in the ruins of this city, but the Barbidons will hide no more." He picked up his large sword and walked to the door. The other Barbidons in the room readied their weapons and followed him from the palace.
"Turos, Chief Oholohono, bring Ro'Ana and Jo'Ana to the palace, and guard them with your soldiers. I'll pull back my brigades and a few launchers as well. If the Barbidons are going to abandon us, we must stick together to be a more formidable foe." He paused briefly as he was about to step from the room. "Turos, after the Barbidons attack, pull down their flag over the palace, and raise your own. The enemy has fought against my banner before, but seeing the flag of a new adversary may make them more cautious." Prince Hifur ran out the door without saying anything else.
"I'll go bring the soldiers and decide their positions," Turos said. "Chief Oholohono, you bring the women to the palace and stay with them as a guardian. Wet Zet, you deal with the flag. If you wish to stay up in the spire, feel free, but keep in mind that they may move the launchers closer when the Barbidons are destroyed." The three men then ran back to the camp to carry out their plans.
By late afternoon, Princes Hifur and Turos had their soldiers at the top of the hill, surrounding the palace. They had joined Wet Zet in the spire to watch as the Barbidons prepared for their attack. Ro'Ana and Jo'Ana also joined them.
"We are witnessing the greatest battle this world has yet seen," Prince Hifur said. "They will charge the enemy, and we will be left to deal with however many remain."
Several loud cheers rang up from among the Barbidon ranks as they prepared. They marched to the outermost edge of the defenses. Their long spears glistened in the afternoon sun. Farther away, the enemy prepared to receive the Barbidons. Their archers lined up with swordsmen to guard them. The Barbidons would have to pass through their lethal shots while they charged.
Tawg Tishatov thrust his sword in the air and gave the command. The Barbidons began their assault. The units began to march forward, slowly speeding up until they were running as fast as they could. Their sharp spears pointed ahead of them, directly at the enemy. They raised their shields over their heads to protect against the enemy arrows as they raced forward. Ro'Ana and Jo'Ana looked away when the Barbidons reached the enemy so they would not have to see the carnage.
Having been ineffective, the enemy archers and their defending swordsmen were overcome by the charging Barbidons. A few of them fled, but the thick spears cut most of them down. The Barbidons then passed among the many launchers of the enemy, destroyed many of them along with the soldiers that operated them. The next line of the enemy defense was their main infantry. The frenzied Barbidons rushed straight at the enemy units with no regard for their own lives.
Carried forward by their momentum, the Barbidons succeeded in pushing through some of the units of enemy infantry, but they soon slowed to a stop. The Barbidons resorted to their swords. The large heavy pieces of metal swung by the muscular Barbidon soldiers easily cut through the men of the enemy army, but they were still horribly outnumbered. Bodies, both Barbidon and enemy, soon littered the ground, and despite their best efforts, the Barbidon attack was stopped.
Turos frowned. "How long do you think we have until the enemy advances against us?" he wondered.
"It doesn't matter," Prince Hifur said. "The Barbidons have left us with this ruined city, so we must immediately prepare it as best we can. I've got launchers ready to be used, and it might be a good idea to start some fires throughout the city to give them more obstacles to navigate."
"Save the casks for the enemy attack," Turos said. "A fire can easily be put out, but burning soldiers can no longer fight. If we must start fires, I suggest it is done with a torch."
"Very well," Prince Hifur decided. "I have the most soldiers, so I will have some of them start the fires. He turned to Chief Oholohono. "I am under the impression that the Olo soldiers are all good archers. My soldiers have arrows, but we have few decent archers. Feel free to take as many arrows as you need, and we will resort to our spears and swords."
"We will gladly use as many arrows as we are given," Chief Oholohono said, "but we did not bring any more poison to coat the ones we did not bring with us."
"Every little effort helps," Prince Hifur said. "Turos, I know how much you like to lead from the front, but this battle is one of the few where I must forbid it. Stay beside your woman and protect her instead."
"Prince Hifur, It seems you expect to lose your twelve brigades and my two hundred soldiers," Chief Oholohono observed. "Is there anything optimistic you can also say?"
"Don't forget, we also have about fifty pirates fighting with us," Wet Zet added.
Prince Hifur grinned at Wet Zet. "A whole fifty pirates? That's very reassuring!"
"Just you watch," Turos said. "These pirates can be very resourceful in times of need."
"I'll believe it when I see it," Prince Hifur said. "The only thing that reassures me against these odds is that we were brought here by the words of the Lunari. If they expected failure, then I doubt they would have sent us here."
"We could discuss the nuances of the Lunari knowledge of the future and their interference with our lives all day long without conclusion," Turos said, "but now is the time for battle, not talk."
"I agree," Chief Oholohono said. "Ro'Ana, Jo'Ana, I must take you to a safer place."
"And I need to get my troops prepared," Prince Hifur said.
The four people left the spire, leaving Wet Zet and Prince Turos looking out toward the enemy. "What do you think fifty pirates will do for us?" Turos asked.
"Hack and slash," Wet Zet answered. "They've all been in fights with the royal fleet, and in those fights the pirates are always badly outnumbered. Some pirate ships are defeated, but a few have been victorious through multiple battles. I'd sooner throw in my lot with a bunch of desperate pirates than with the most professional armies of the world."
Turos smiled. "I'll keep them close. Raise the flag, and then come down from this spire. It's too great a target if the enemy brings some launchers closer."
Wet Zet nodded and pulled out the flag. "You go on down. I'll be there as soon as I get this up."
Turos went down the stairs and out of the palace. He found the others preparing a defensive position made of large stones a short distance from the palace to avoid any falling rubble if it collapsed under bombardment. The twelve brigades formed their own positions outside the area, with the Olo archers standing in front of them. The gaps between the brigades provided pathways for the Olo archers to retreat from the front lines when the enemy came too close. Turos had the fifty pirates assist the others where needed, but expected them all to fall back to the center defenses when the enemy attacked. Jo'Ana and Ro'Ana were in a small area surrounded by three large blocks of stone and a number of shields. They had weapons, but hoped not to have to use them. Throughout the city, various soldiers were setting fire to piles of rubble. Smoke soon filled the air and blocked the view of the enemy.
Turos sat down in the entrance to the makeshift shelter for Jo'Ana and Ro'Ana. His spear was propped against one of the stones, and he started sharpening his sword. "Now all we can do is wait," he said.
"I'd rather wait with you than anyone else," Jo'Ana said, sitting down beside him.
Turos smiled. "I'd rather die for you than anyone else, but I hope it doesn't come to that," he replied. "If we survive what is coming, I am taking you with me to Atalan and you will be my queen."
Jo'Ana smiled and ran her hand through his hair. "You may be the Great King one day, but you will always be a pirate to me."
"I thought you didn't like pirates," Turos said.
"I don't," Jo'Ana admitted, "but you aren't like any other pirates I've known."
Turos turned his head and looked at her. He didn't say anything, but leaned in and gave her a quick kiss before standing up. "I need to find out why Wet Zet has not yet returned," he said.
Turos returned to the palace and back into the spire to look for Wet Zet. The flag with the two arrows was flying, but the man was not there. He went back down the stairs and began checking through the various rooms. He called Wet Zet's name several times, but there was no answer. There was a loud rumble from one end of the palace, and Turos knew the enemy bombardment had begun again. He rushed through the hallways, briefly glancing in all the rooms he passed.
"Prince Turos, come here," he finally heard the man respond to his calls.
"Where are you?" Turos called back.
"Go to the end of the hallway, turn left, and come down the stairs," Wet Zet answered. Turos obeyed and soon went down the dark stairs. He found Wet Zet carrying a torch down a dark tunnel. "I think I found a way out of here," Wet Zet said.
"That's assuming the palace doesn't fall on top of us," Turos replied, shaking his head. "The enemy has resumed their bombardment."
"This tunnel goes through solid rock," Wet Zet said. "I cannot see an end to it, but even if it is a dead end, pulling the enemy into a chokepoint like this would give us an advantage."
"We can tell the others about it," Turos said, "but first we need to leave the palace until the enemy ceases their bombardment."
Wet Zet returned to Turos and frowned. "Very well, we can do that."
He quickly followed Turos back up the stairs and down the hall. Several stones in the ceiling collapsed behind them as another rock of the enemy bombardment struck the palace. They were fortunate that the structure remained intact until they returned to the rest of the soldiers. Minutes later, the palace collapsed into a pile of rubble.
Wet Zet found Prince Hifur. "I found a tunnel in the palace," he said. "If we can find it in the rubble, it may lead us out of here."
Prince Hifur grinned and shook his head. "That is a tunnel alright, but it only goes down to an underground well. There is no way it would be safe for us. Now grab your bow and guard my son!"
Wet Zet nodded and ran back to where Turos and Chief Oholohono stood near the stones protecting the two women.
"The enemy will attack as soon as this bombardment stops, and then we'll have our work cut out for us," the Chief said.
"And you'd better do a good job of it," Ro'Ana shouted out at them.
They did not have long to wait. The bombardment soon ended and the enemy began to advance up the hill and through the burning rubble. One of Prince Hifur's soldiers retrieved the flag of Prince Turos, and soon it was flying in the center of their position on the top of the hill.
The fighting was fierce along the front lines and the two armies grinded away at each other. Spears and arrows flew both directions. Swords dulled and shields shattered. Armor was slashed and battered. Flesh was pierced and torn. Rivulets of red slowly trickled downhill, staining the dirt and rubble of the city ruins. The twelve brigades of Prince Hifur and the enemy army were growing smaller.
The sun was beginning to sink by the time the twelve brigades were down to their last few ranks. The pirates and the Olo soldiers readied their weapons. Prince Hifur held up his sword and gave another cry to rally his soldiers to stand their ground. An arrow struck him in the arm. He dropped his sword and clutched at his wounded arm.
Turos left his spear and rushed forward when he saw his father's sword drop. He slung his shield over onto his back and pulled out his sword as he ran to protect his father. "Turos go back," Prince Hifur protested.
Turos shook his head as he reached his father. "You go back instead. There is nothing more you can do here." He reached down with his left hand and picked up his father's sword. "Go back and have Wet Zet take that arrow out of your arm."
Prince Hifur smiled and Turos and turned and left. Minutes later, the final rank of the former twelve brigades fell, leaving Turos alone to deal with the enemy. He turned and ran back to the Olo soldiers. Several arrows struck his shield as he ran, but none of them pierced through its protection. The Olo army opened to let him pass through their ranks and closed behind him.
"Stand firm," Chief Oholohono shouted to his soldiers. "Retreat will only take you willingly into the hands of the enemy."
The valiant Olo stood their ground and fought their best fight against the impossible odds. Still the enemy came and the Olo were slowly overcome. Night fell and the battle continued chaotically in the dark. Groups of Olo soldiers began to be cut off from the others as the enemy continued to press on.
Lightning flickered, lighting up the sky to the west, and a strong wind began to blow across the hilltop. A storm was brewing and was soon upon them. Buckets of rain fell on the fighting men. The hilltop turned to mud. The remaining Olo fell back to be reinforced by the pirates. A battle that had begun as a fight between units was now reduced to a massive melee with no coordination or unit cohesion.
Several of the enemy pushed through and attacked the three men in the center. Chief Oholohono's sword cut majestically through the air, and through the enemy. Wet Zet quickly ran out of arrows and resorted to his malinoa-laced dagger.
One of the enemy soldiers stepped forward toward Turos. He wore a black cape and carried a long sword. Turos had no doubt; this had to be the commander of the enemy army. He held both swords in front of him, ready to defend or attack.
"Do not pretend you can stand against me, even with two swords," the enemy commander sneered. "They call me Bozorg the Bad because I do bad things to my enemies, and you will soon see that for yourself."
"I may only be one man, but one man with two swords is better than two men with one sword," Turos growled. "You may be called Bozorg the Bad, but you will fall before TUROS THE MIGHTY!"
Turos lunged, and attacked with all his might. Lightning flashed across the sky and thunder shook the ground. The battle was going ill with the wind and rain raging across the large hill. Turos soon found himself lying on the ground with both swords falling from his hands and Bozorg crouched over him.
"I said I do bad things to my enemies," the enemy commander said with an evil grin. "Now you will find out." Turos struggled to escape, but the enemy commander leaned up, lifted his sword, and prepared to strike.
A number of shouts rang out across the hilltop. Two arrows struck Bozorg in the chest and he fell to the side. A Barbidon rushed past Turos and attacked one of the enemy soldiers. Several other Barbidons followed behind him.
Turos pushed the enemy commander's corpse off him and sat up. He looked behind him and saw Wet Zet standing there with his bow. "Did you do that!?" he asked.
Wet Zet nodded as he fitted another arrow to his string. "Don't worry," he said. "I know you had it all under control, but I felt a few extra arrows in his body wouldn't hurt."
Turos laughed. "I just found it strange that you used two arrows instead of one." He looked at the battle around him. "Where did all these Barbidons come from?"
"I don't know," Wet Zet replied, "but they're very welcome to join us!"
Turos picked up his sword and stood up. "Come on, Wet Zet, the battle isn't finished yet!" He charged into the thick of things and fought until the final enemy soldier was vanquished.
When the battle was over, one of the Barbidons approached Turos. "You appear to be the man in charge here," he said. "What happened to the Tawg?"
"Tawg Tishatov and the others were all killed earlier today when they attacked the enemy in response to the death of the Tawgjug," Turos answered. "I am Prince Turos. My father and many others that fought with us have been injured. Do you have doctors with you?"
"We do have doctors, and they have most likely already begun to treat your wounded," the Barbidon said. "I am Hugvolsh, commander of these five hundred Barbidons. We were stationed near the eastern foothills of the Tanikwa mountains at the far reaches of the Upper River of Lajolaine when we received the summons to return to Lajolaine with haste. That was six months ago, and we have marched across the lands south of the Lake of Lajolaine, following close behind the enemy and attacking any stragglers. I am sorry we are late to battle."
Turos shook his head. "I am pleased you were late to battle. If you had arrived on time, you would have joined the Tawg in his hasty attack and been killed. Instead, you are late, and have saved the day for the rest of us. Thank you, Hugvolsh."
The Barbidon bowed. "I am glad to be of service. Are there any other enemy groups that you know of in the area, or did we just defeat the last of them?"
"There may be a group of them across the Lower River of Lajolaine," Turos said, "but the bridge was destroyed earlier today. We heard about them from a messenger from Lamarjolaine who claimed that city was destroyed and the enemy army followed him here."
Hugvolsh frowned. "This is bad weather for scouting. We will have to wait for morning to see if they are a threat to us. It is too bad this city has been demolished; we could really use some shelter."
"Look through the rubble for overhangs," Turos suggested. "We could also use cloth to improvise shelter." He looked around at the few pirates and Olo soldiers remaining in the area. "You look after your soldiers and I'll look after mine," he said. "Tomorrow we will discuss what comes next."
The Barbidon bowed and disappeared into dark rain. Turos bent down and pulled the cloak off the corpse of the enemy commander. "Scavenge the dead," he shouted. "Take anything you need since they no longer need it!" He turned and walked back to the three stones protecting the two women. Draping the cloak overhead would help keep out the rain as they weathered out the storm.
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