The Bone Witch extract – When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she's a bone witch, a title that makes her feared and ostracised by her community. But Tea finds solace and guidance with an older, wiser bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training.
I mean why wouldn't you want to read it after that!
I did have some initial reservations. I have an awful habit of checking Goodreads reviews before picking up a book and this one had a mixed bag. Most of the negatives revolved around the amount of descriptive detail. This wasn't my impression however. I think with any fantasy novel you NEED a certain level of detail. Without it how is the author supposed to get across enough information for the reader to fully understand the world that's being created.
The book reminded me strongly of Memoirs of a Geisha, a favourite book of mine, which I read as a teenager. Although Chupeco has crafted her own fantastically detailed fantasy world, it relies heavily on Geisha and Maiko rules and culture, which rather than being a negative, really helps the reader understand more about the characters and storyline.
The story is told via two POV's which I absolutely loved. Firstly in the present by a bard, which is how the books starts, and how each chapter is introduced, and secondly in the past by Tea herself, which is where a majority of the book is played out. I really enjoyed the "present" sections, as they often left you intrigued and wanting to read more of the "past" in the next chapter to figure out what present day Tea did to end up in her current predicament.
I also loved that despite the detailed descriptions, a majority of the present day plot remains unexplained and the two timelines are yet to meet. It kept me guessing and the fact that I still don't fully understand what happened to Tea means I want to read more.
I did however have two slight problems with the book. Firstly was the "lull". The beginning of the book is very fast paced, and I loved that, but towards the middle, it did lose it's way a little. Story progression stayed still and didn't move for a while which I found frustrating.
My second issue is with Fox, the aforementioned "resurrected brother". Throughout the story I was expecting some sort of plot arch that really made his appearance in the book worthwhile, and yes, without giving spoilers, there is a kind of point to him, just not enough of a point for me not to wonder why on earth the author has bothered to include him in the first place. Who knows maybe the sequel will see Fox come into his own.
Talking of sequels, I'm really looking forward to seeing how the story pans out, as it really was a fun and enjoyable read. Predictably the story ended in the present on rather a large cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
When and where can you buy it!
This sounds so interesting, I'm definitely going to give it a read!
I have thought of reading this, No idea when but I will.
I was thinking of read it as an e-book, but the cover is so nice that I wish to purchase the book in the future.
This does have a gorgeous cover! Seems like a gripping read! You wrote a great review!
So what did you think of The Heart Forger? I can't wait for the third to come out! Also, great posts about Shanghai Disneyland. I lived in Shangers for 4 years up until June 2018 and your advice was spot on for visiting the parks.


At Downton, we recognise the contribution of PE to the health and well-being of our pupils. We believe that an innovative, varied PE curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities have a positive influence on the concentration, attitude and academic achievement of our pupils. Physical Education and sport clearly contribute to the holistic development of young people and through participation in sport and physical education, the pupils learn more about key values such as teamwork, fair play and respect for themselves and others.
There is significant evidence to show the positive effects of sport and exercise on pupil's health, growth and development. Furthermore, sport also provides a healthy environment for young people to learn how to deal with competition and how to cope with both winning and losing.
Our aim is to use the Sports' Premium Grant to ensure that our staff are equipped with sustainable skills and the necessary school-based resources to lead high quality PE. We work in close partnership with Premier Sport who provide us with highly skilled coaches, they work alongside our staff with the expectation that over time, the teachers will lead these activities themselves. Sport Premium funding is secure in the short-term, but we cannot rely on this and as such, the school is ensuring that all teachers are skilled in the delivery of the curriculum.
The government announced that it was providing funding of £150 million per annum from 2013/14, to provide new and substantial primary school sport funding. The funding has been jointly provided by the Department for Education, Health and Culture, Media and Sport. The objective of the grant is to improve the quality of sport and PE for all pupils.
At Downton our overall aim will be to improve the quality and breadth of PE provision for all pupils, raising achievement and ensuring a lasting impact. Our new playgrounds offer increased capacity for sports facilities and after school exercise.
Prior to the funding there was a scheme of work which met the requirements of the National Curriculum. However, quality of teaching was inconsistent depending on the level of skills and subject knowledge of the teacher concerned. Gymnastics was identified as a particular development need along with provision and staffing of after school sports clubs.
We are committed to ensuring that Sport Premium Funding has a lasting impact at Downton. We fund additional Sport Premium release time, from the Sport Premium grant to enable teachers to prepare our children to enjoy sport competitively and to support the monitoring of PE teaching.


Generously sized, elegant jumpsuit that falls gracefully with the weight of the tencel.
V-front neck with bound edge, sleeveless with intentional oversized palazzo leg. For those who wish, this item can also be reversed for a high front neck and v-back.
shoulder to hem: 51" inseam: 24.5"


In Part 1, I talked about how Anime has been a huge influence on me as an artist. As I continued watching anime through middle school, I discovered more opportunities to practice my craft. The next major turning point for me was when I got a Wacom Bamboo Fun Tablet for my birthday. This simple digital tablet, pen, and mouse allowed me to start familiarizing myself with digital art and photo-editing. Once I got the hang of drawing with it, my tablet allowed me to create fully composed pieces in the fraction of the time it would take me to create them traditionally.
A Photoshop license was included with the tablet when I bought it, so I naturally began to experiment with the different capabilities and functions of Photoshop. Using my Bamboo got almost easier than drawing on paper! I learned the importance of using layers to compose digital pieces and got to do very detailed and precise photo edits thanks to the pen. I also learned how to upload sketches in order to use as a framework for a digital portrait or composition. I practiced doing portraits of different avatars on the website Gaiaonline, which really helped me gain experience with using my tablet. I drew in a cutesy chibi anime style back then.
When I got to high school, I started taking art classes starting in my Sophomore year (because I was in band, scheduling didnt allow me to take art my first year). There I learned some very important components of art, such as the rule of thirds, color theory, and the elements of art and design. I also learned various drawing and painting techniques. I got to explore all kinds of different media from charcoal and colored pencil drawings to watercolor to melted crayon. We did a lot of still life drawings and were encouraged to try not to draw from pictures. When I got to Art 3 in my senior year, we were assigned Artist specific studies in order to help us properly develop a sketchbook and find inspiration. Some of my inspirations were Keith Haring, Minjae Lee (Greno), Georgia O'Keeffe. I took a liking to oil paints and pastels because of how easy it was to blend colors and keep the image vibrant at the same time. I also decided to take an AP Art History class in order to get educated on the artists of old and new.
Outside of school, band, and dance class, my favorite thing to do would be exploring acrylic painting and doing collages. I would use my mom's old acrylic paints that I had scrounged up from the basement and old magazines from the garage for the collages. I would say color is the driving factor in the majority of my pieces. I had a lot of fun exploring where my creativity would take make!
I would like to encourage anyone who has an interest in art to try it out! The more you practice something, the better it gets, so don't be discouraged if something doesn't turn out "how you liked". Go with the flow, learn from your experiences, and build on them to improve your skills.
In Part 3 I will talk about my art journey through college and to the present. Stay tuned for more art and culture related content!
Like, comment, share, and subscribe! Have a lovely day.
Thanks for sharing. I love the way you express yourself. It's felt how true and passionate you are about your art. Keep on.


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Air Force Deploys B-1Bs to Guam
The Air Force last Friday (July 17) deployed two B-1B bombers to Guam as the Navy continued its dual-aircraft carrier operations in the contested South China Sea.
Both services described the operations as routine, but they follow a U.S. State Department announcement Monday explicitly embracing a 2016 decision by an international tribunal that rejected China's claim of sovereignty over certain reefs and isles in the South China Sea.
The pair of Lancer bombers — from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 28th Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. — will conduct bilateral bomber task force operations out of Andersen Air Force Base, the Air Force said in a statement. They will train with allies, partner nations and other U.S. services. The deployment also supports "strategic deterrence missions to reinforce the rules-based international order in the region," the Air Force said.
About 170 airmen also deployed from Ellsworth to Guam in support of the bomber mission, according to the statement.
Blue Angel 9
Mode-S/ADS Milcom Intercepts 29-30 June 2020 - Bra...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


NBC recently concluded a three-part investigation into California's workers' compensation program from the perspective of injured claimants. Disturbingly, it found what many of us have known for quite some time: that securing benefits is increasingly difficult, leaving many deserving workers without the care and relief they need.
The first part of NBC's investigation focuses on the complaints of 68 injured San Jose firefighters that claim that, since 2014, they've been denied care they were promised under their workers' compensation insurance. Fortunately, in this case, the city intervened and compelled Athens Administrators—the company hired to review the claims—to overturn nearly all of the rejections.
According to California Professional Firefighters, what happened in San Jose is just one happy ending among many serious issues with firefighter claims across the state. The organization polled departments statewide about their experience with workers' comp claims and received overwhelmingly negative responses. "It's just a small sample of what the problem is," says CPF President Lou Paulson, "but unfortunately it just validates that we've got a big problem with the system."
In its third part, NBC's investigation delves into California's use of independent medical reviewers: anonymous, third-party medical professionals who review appealed claim rejections. These reviewers, which were established under Senate Bill 863 in 2013, are isolated from the rest of the appeals process. Previously, claimants could make their case before a judge. Now, this review policy puts the decision-making power in the hands of someone whose only familiarity with the case comes from the provided medical paperwork.
Even more disheartening is the fact that independent medical reviewers are very likely to uphold a rejection of a workers' compensation claim. NBC found that from 2013 to 2015, independent reviewers overturned a mere 59,697 rejections. A total of nearly 600,000 claims were reviewed over that time.
You can read more about this investigation at the NBC site.
You do not have to face this intimidating process without a knowledgeable advocate by your side. Contact a Fresno workers compensation lawyer today at (888) 298-6753 today.


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Wong Chak-ming, 13, draws attention to the hot, suffocating conditions in his partitioned home in Sham Shui Po, on July 2. Photo: David Wong
No more coffin homes: how Hong Kong families waiting for public housing can benefit from cheap, NGO-run subdivided units
Ho Hei-wah says having NGOs operate approved subdivided units will mean better-managed and inexpensive housing for Hong Kong's underprivileged, and the government's proposal is a welcome one
Topic | Hong Kong housing
Ho Hei-wah
Published: 3:23pm, 24 Jul, 2017
Ho Hei-wah is a veteran social activist whose work focuses on protecting the rights of the underprivileged communities in Hong Kong. Over the decades, he has advocated for better policies to improve livelihood and housing conditions, and alleviate poverty. He is currently the director of the Society for Community Organization and a non-official member of the Hong Kong government's Commission on Poverty.


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Conservatives Say Trump Caved, but Confident He'll Get Wall
Trump insists he didn't cave to anyone and said the standoff with Democrats was far from over
By Deb Riechmann and Steve Peoples
Published Jan 26, 2019 at 5:57 PM | Updated at 4:30 AM PST on Jan 27, 2019
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, with Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., right, heads into a House Republican strategy meeting with Vice President Mike Pence ahead of President Donald Trump's speech on funding a wall on the US-Mexico border, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019.
No retreat, no surrender is how President Donald Trump frames his decision to temporarily reopen the government while still pursuing a border wall deal.
Some of his conservative backers have a different take: "pathetic" and "wimp."
Other Trump supporters seem willing to give Trump the benefit of the doubt, yet they insist that any ultimate government funding deal the president signs must include money for a wall.
Trump defended himself Saturday from the conservative backlash to his decision to end the 35-day-old partial government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — without money for his promised border wall. He said if he didn't get a fair deal from Congress, the government would shut down again on Feb. 15 or he would use his executive authority to address what he has termed "the humanitarian and security crisis" on the southern U.S. border.
NBC released footage in its archives from 1992 of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein at a party at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. The video shows them laughing and pointing as they appear to talk about women at the event, NBC News reported. Trump has said he knew Epstein, but "was not a fan" and they have not spoken in 15 years.
After he announced his decision, a New York newspaper headline dubbed him "CAVE MAN."
Conservative commentator Ann Coulter, a big wall supporter, called Trump the "biggest wimp" ever to occupy the Oval Office. A conservative news outlet, Breitbart, dubbed Trump's announcement on Friday a "short-term surrender to Democrats."
Trump insists he didn't cave to anyone and said the standoff with Democrats was far from over.
"Negotiations with Democrats will start immediately," Trump tweeted on Saturday. "Will not be easy to make a deal, both parties very dug in. The case for National Security has been greatly enhanced by what has been happening at the Border & through dialogue. We will build the Wall!"
Earlier, Trump tweeted: "This was in no way a concession. It was taking care of millions of people who were getting badly hurt by the Shutdown with the understanding that in 21 days, if no deal is done, it's off to the races!"
While some of Trump's backers have lobbed insults at the president, others are willing to give him more time to negotiate.
Congress Condemns Trump's 'Go Back' Comments
The House of Representatives has passed a resolution that formally condemns President Donald Trump's so-called racist comments about four Democratic congresswomen of color.
"I'm a pragmatist. I understand when you're fighting a battle like this you have to do what's necessary to keep certain parts of the government moving," said Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University and a Trump confidant. "I think you have to do things like this to achieve a greater goal in the end. I believe that's what he's doing."
Falwell encouraged Trump to declare a national emergency if Democrats haven't agreed to wall funding by the time the current deal expires.
Another evangelical leader with Trump's ear, Family Research Council president Tony Perkins, said the president was smart to end the shutdown, even if some conservatives are angry.
"In this Round 1, the president was the one who appeared to be the more reasonable one. He was willing to negotiate and willing to compromise," Perkins said. "There is wisdom here in what he did."
Yet Perkins, like other more forgiving Trump supporters, acknowledged that the president must ultimately craft a deal that includes funding for the border wall.
Dan Stein, the president of a hardline immigration group called Federation for American Immigration Reform, put the onus on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, who pledged to negotiate once the government was reopened. "The ball is now in Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer's court," Stein said.
Sparks Fly Between Sen. Warren, Mark Esper Over Ties to Defense Contractor at Confirmation Hearing
During a confirmation hearing for Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Senator Elizabeth Warren said because of his ties to lobbying for defense contractor Raytheon and refusal to recuse himself, he is not fit to be Secretary of Defense.
(Published Tuesday, July 16, 2019)
In many ways, Trump's announcement in a chilly Rose Garden on Friday and the subsequent conservative backlash was a rerun of last month's theatrics in the political standoff.
In December, when Trump offered signals that he might be willing to back off his threat to shut down the government over funding for a wall, conservative allies and pundits accused him of waffling on his campaign promise. Rattled by criticism from his own supporters, the president told House Republican leaders he would not sign a short-term government funding measure because it didn't include money for the wall.
At the time, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., cheered Trump for digging in his heels, saying that the time to fight the fight for a wall had arrived. This time, Meadows backed the president's decision and warned: "Executive action is still very much under consideration."
But California-based conservative leader Mark Meckler, who helped found the tea party movement, called the president's decision to sign off on a deal without wall funding "pathetic and disgusting."
Trump badly damaged his credibility with grassroots conservatives across the country, Meckler said. During the shutdown, he said he and other conservative leaders had been aggressively defending the president's hardline approach. At the request of the White House, he said they made repeated media appearances, but they got no warning he was about to "surrender."
"No way would I go on the radio anytime again in the future and say 'The president' and 'I believe,'" Meckler said. "Certainly, he did not fulfill his promise to the base and I'm appalled. More importantly than me is what I'm hearing from the grassroots. They're appalled."
House GOP Leadership Defends Trump's Tweets: 'No,' Not Racist
Republican leaders in the House responded Tuesday to the outcry over President Donald Trump's tweets during a weekly news conference to address the media. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said he didn't believe Trump's comments about four Democratic congresswomen of color were racist and Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., claimed GOP opposition to Democrats is based on policies and not "race or gender or religion."
"He brought his troops on the battlefield with an absolute promise. And then he walked away," he said. But he added that he didn't think it would prompt his supporters to vote for Democratic candidate over Trump in the 2020 presidential election.
Peoples contributed from New York.


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Ms Victoria Hinks-Sleep
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Ms Victoria Hinks-Sleep is Postgraduate research student within English at the University of Southampton.
I have completed an MA in English Literary Studies at the University of Southampton and hold a BA in English and Sociology from St Mary's University College. I have chosen to pursue my research interests at Southampton because of the newly launched Southampton Centre for Nineteenth-Century Research (SCNR).
My research interests include Gothic Horror and Science Fiction and the interrelationship between these two genres. My MPhil/PhD project at Southampton is on the historiography of Mummy fiction written in the long Nineteenth-Century. Mummy fiction aims to explain ancient history, but also shows a fascination with what would happen should the Mummies find themselves re-awakened in Victorian and Edwardian society. A desire to understand and control, sparked by seeing life in an unnatural state of preservation, converts the archaeologists of these fictions into mad scientists playing with a concoction of medicines and electricity as the definitive resurrection tools. Mummy fiction thus becomes a barometer of the period's changing attitudes and fears towards science.
The thesis, provisionally entitled 'Science, Pseudoscience and Paranormal Entertainment: Crossing the boundaries between life, death and resurrection in Mummy fiction during the long Nineteenth-Century', will focus on science, pseudo-science, paranormal entertainment, and the crossing of boundaries between life, death and resurrection. I will examine the Victorian and Edwardian fascination with the afterlife and how spiritualism and mesmerism were accepted alongside scientific developments to investigate mortality. My aim is to explain the direction Mummy fiction takes and how, by the turn of the century, these burgeoning 'scientific' fields drive increasing levels of violence within the texts.
Faculty of Arts and Humanities University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Southampton SO17 1BF United Kingdom
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Moorestown Friends School Puerto Rico 2019
This morning our excited group of 19 seniors, juniors, and sophomores ventured off to take on Puerto Rico. We all arrived at school around 5:30 and boarded our American Airlines flight at 8:40. The four hour flight was a breeze and we finally arrived in Puerto Rico to humidity and sun compared to the cold New Jersey weather. After we had a chance to meet our Global Works leaders, Lindsey and Fabricio, we were picked up by a coach bus and were on our way to San Juan, Puerto Rico. While touring old San Juan with our native tour guide, Alvin, we learned about the history and background of the rich port known as Puerto Rico and the diversity that forms the indigenous population.
We had a chance to visit some of the oldest churches and residences in the Western Hemisphere such as the Catedral Metropolitana Basilica. As a group, we also had a chance to tour the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, an older fortress ran by the National Park Service after lasting two World Wars. After a long day in the sun, we had some time to eat a lunch of rice and beans and then we went shopping at the local artisan craft stores. Afterwards, we commenced our day with our ride to the big yellow house in Cerro Gordo where we are staying for the next four days of our service trip. We are very much looking forward to the days to come and the service we will be able to accomplish in Puerto Rico!
Today we started our day with a lovely breakfast. Afterwards, we loaded up the bus and headed for the worksite. There, we met Noel, Angel and William, who led the project. Sonia (and Calvin) did an excellent job translating for us while William gave us his welcome speech. We then packed up our snacks and gloves from the bus, and were put to work making concrete from cement, water, rocks and sand. There were iron rods and pipes already set up, so we had teams scooping the components for making concrete and putting it in the mixer, teams putting the finished concrete into buckets, and an assembly line to pour it. Half way through the work day, we trekked to Maria's (Angel's wife) house, where a delicious FEAST was waiting, consisting of beans and rice, and chicken. After lunch, we gained momentum and began to work in a fashion that was more efficient than ever. We were able, much to the surprise of everyone, to finish laying the foundation for the floor. The owners of the house were very grateful for our work. For them, it wasn't just a floor. This floor was the beginning of the addition of a new room which would allow the wife's daughters to move back in with her. Once we returned back to the house, we headed for the beach where we enjoyed the refreshing and clear water. Afterwards, we enjoyed a nice dinner and a great birthday celebration for Rebecca! She's 16! For our final activity we sat in the common area, doing a recap of the day and shouting out specific things we noticed and wanted to appreciate. We all agreed that today was most definitely a success!
By Calvin B., Will K., and Jack B.
Today we went to Villa Del Río in Vega Alta again but we worked on Bolo's home. We continued to make concrete but today we focused on making columns. We had a group shoveling materials to make the concrete, a group shoveling the concrete into buckets, and a mass line passing the buckets to Angel and other men who filled the columns on the roof. We also had a new job, the bucket catcher, who passed the empty buckets to the concrete shovelers. We had the mission to complete the job by lunch time and we were more motivated than ever. We filled and passed our buckets enthusiastically. We had a little set back when we ran out of cement, but we quickly received more and were able to not only finish the columns but help work on another home. After that, we had a nice chicken and rice lunch at Maria's and made our way back to the yellow house. We all went to the beach and had fun swimming in the water and playing football. It was a great day. We finished our night with a pizza dinner and a documentary on Puerto Rico and we couldn't be more excited for our last work day tomorrow.
Courtney, Safia, Jack
Today we started our last day of service in the town of Vega Alta. We quickly ate breakfast, which included french toast, eggs, and fresh fruit, and in high spirits headed to the work site. Today, we would be working on Angel and Maria's house. Angel has been helping with all the other projects and Maria has been cooking our lunch everyday, so it was really nice to be able to help them today. Unlike the past couple days where we had a machine mix the cement, today we had to mix the cement by hand. This was a very tedious process that William took a lot of time explaining.
First, we had to pass up 10 buckets of sand, 3 bags of cement, 8 buckets of rocks, and 5 buckets of water by a human chain. After each ingredient was added, we had to meticulously mix it, making a moat for the water. Once this was completed we would pass the filled bucket of cement up to the other workers. We ended up making 10 batches of cement and filled 5 columns and beams.
It wasn't all hard work, though; during our breaks we turned on the music and sang and danced with Angel, Maria, Willy, and the other workers. They were particularly enthralled by Hunter and Christian's dancing, with Maria secretly recording Hunter and Christian busting down. Finally, after a little bit of work after another great lunch cooked by Maria, it was time to say our goodbyes. The night before Sonia had helped us prepare something in Spanish to say to the workers to express our gratitude. Willy, Angel, and Maria also expressed kind words thanking us for our working and saying that they will never forget us. We took many pictures (and selfies!!) with everyone. They gave us Puerto Rican bracelets to remember them by, but we all know that this was an experience we will never forget.
After an exhausting first half of the day, we used the time when we got back to just chill. Some of us watched Drake and Josh while others were outside playing football. Tonight's dinner consisted of leftover pizza, potatoes, chicken, and beef.
Finally, it was time for the long awaited Salsa dances. We partied up and began the lesson. At first we were a little stiff, but after we began to feel the music we began to loosen up. After practicing our routine for almost an hour, switching partners every so often, it was time for our final dance. Girls were in the middle of the circle while guys were on the outside. After doing the routine with your partner, the girls would turn to the next boy. By the end, we had it down. Catch us at prom with our newly learned moves.
We ended the night by making ice cream sundaes and watching Big Time Rush. Tonight is our last night in the Big Yellow House before moving to our next hostel. We had some amazing times at the Big Yellow House, but it is time to pack up and move on to our next adventure!
By Micaela, Jules, Kendall
Today was our last day in the Big Yellow House. We packed everything up and ate breakfast around 8 a.m. We left the house at around 9:00 to head to El Yunque rainforest. On the way to the rainforest we stopped in the little town of Palmer, where we shopped at the Caribbean Trading Company. We walked on the Angelito trail, a short 15-minute walk through the rainforest to the Mameyes River. We were able to cool off in the Las Damas pool where there were many rocky pools of water that we climbed through, swam through, and even sometimes fell on. The water was so refreshing.
Afterwards, we drove back down to Los Kioskos at Luquillo Beach and had lunch at Terruño. We enjoyed a nice breeze at a restaurant that was right on the beach. The beach had clear blue water for miles out.
We then traveled to Casa Coral, where we were staying for the night. There was a pretty beach with a river. There was plenty of music and rocking hammocks. Dinner was rice, beans, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas from a local Mexican restaurant.
After dinner, a bus tricked out with flashing lights and loud reggaeton music picked us up and took us to a park in Fajardo where we boarded kayaks for a night paddle to a bioluminescent lagoon. There are only five in the entire world and three of them in Puerto Rico. Any movement activated the plankton and made them glow. After kayaking through a channel lined on either side by hurricane-ravaged mangroves, we all regrouped in the Las Croabas Lagoon by lining up our kayaks side-by-side. The tour guide talked to us about the bioluminescence and then answered our questions. He gave us a few minutes to play with the glowing water, and then we kayaked back through the canal to board our ostentatious bus. It was our last full day in Puerto Rico but definitely was one to remember.
By Michael, Hunter, Christian, Jordan E.
Please go to the MFS Intensive Learning blog for more updates, photos, and videos!
Polly Moriarty
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Comics have always had a bit of a rebellious streak.
Whether it was the myriad of ways publishers conceived to get around the Comics Code, the cultural criticism found in some of the medium's most acclaimed books, or even the fact that superheroes operate outside the law, comic books have never shied away from breaking the rules and have always been a voice against oppression and injustice.
SCARLET, the popular Jinxworld series from Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, fully embraces this tradition. With its story of a new American Revolution and its fourth-wall breaking protagonist, Scarlet has never been a series about doing what you're supposed to, a tradition that continues today as the book returns with a new issue #1 and a new publishing partner. Scarlet is technically the second Jinxworld comic to be released since Bendis became exclusive to DC, but it's the first Jinxworld book that had life before DC. Today's SCARLET #1 is technically the eleventh issue of the series. There's no reason that you can't start with it, but you might want to know a bit more about this timely piece of revolutionary fiction before you do.
Considering today's world of mass protests and resistance, it's not hard to imagine a story like Bendis and Maleev's actually coming to pass, and interestingly enough, Scarlet was partially inspired by a real-life incident, as well as the famously progressive city that Bendis calls home.
"Right now, we're a Portland book," he shares. "It takes place here. And why it takes place here is that in Portland, we care. I was startled by how often the city would be shut down by protests into the deep night. I'm talking about pre-Obama, and during Obama, and now. People have now seen headlines. It was the idea that if the new American Revolution ever happened, and we woke up and learned that it started here in Portland, we wouldn't be surprised.
The series first debuted eight years ago, in 2010, but it's become more relevant with time, something the creative team is very aware of. Scarlet Rue is a fictional heroine who isn't based on anyone in particular, but considering how much anger can be found in modern day society, it's not hard to imagine someone a lot like her emerging in real life.
But Scarlet isn't just forward thinking in its story—it's entire presentation aims to move the comics bar forward. Maleev's color palette is muddied and dim, fitting for its battlefield setting. However, he uses brighter color to really add impact to important characters or moments, whether it's an explosion, a spurt of blood or Scarlet's crimson hair. Even more noteworthy, however, is the way that Scarlet breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the reader (indicated by square word balloons and italicized text). While other comics that break the fourth wall usually use the technique for comedy, Bendis and Maleev rely on it to really give the reader an understanding of who Scarlet is and why she's doing everything she's doing. You get to know her really well, really quickly.
It's something that Bendis had been interested in and experimenting with for a while, ever since he saw a similar technique used extremely effectively in an Aaron Sorkin play. However, to use it in a superhero comic didn't feel right.
In short, Bendis and Maleev have created one of comics' most engaging protagonists and set her in an entirely gripping—and all-too-plausible—scenario. Scarlet asks the age-old question of what happens when someone finally gets pushed too far, only to take that person in a surprising direction. For readers who might be tired of playing by the rules, both in life and in comics, it offers much to consider.
SCARLET #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev is now available in print and as a digital download.
scarlet, Jinxworld, Brian Michael Bendis, alex maleev, brian michael bendis interview, scarlet interview, portland, american revolution, social issues, Thriller, suspense, war comics, creator owned comics, who is scarlet?


text:
Buyside News
Well Paired
Behind the Counter
SuperValu to Acquire Unified Grocers
This $375 million acquisition will grow the retailer to 24 distribution centers across 46 states
by Robert Schaulis
MINNEAPOLIS, MN & COMMERCE, CA
SuperValu and Unified Grocers announced this week that they have reached a definitive merger agreement; under the terms disclosed, SuperValu will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding stock for Unified Grocers for $114 million in cash and the assumption of approximately $261 million in debt—for a combined $375 million.
"We're thrilled at the opportunity to bring together these two great organizations," said Mark Gross, President and CEO of SuperValu, in a company press release. "By acquiring the Unified business, including gaining a wealth of expertise and talent, we will become a stronger and more efficient organization. The transaction will enhance our ability to help our customers better compete in the evolving grocery industry."
The deal will bring together the two companies' highly complementary grocery wholesale organizations—with combined sales of approximately $16 billion in 2016. Together, SuperValu and Unified operate 24 distribution centers supplying customers in 46 states and serve a combined customer base of over 3,000 stores.
"We believe this transaction will benefit the Members and customers of Unified Grocers as they look for new and innovative ways to serve the communities in which they operate," said Unified Grocers President and CEO, Bob Ling. "SuperValu and Unified share a common vision of providing best-in-class services and products to the independent grocer. The cultural fit between SuperValu and Unified well positions the combined company to pursue a shared dedication and commitment to growth and innovation, providing increased value to customers."
The newly-merged company, the press release notes, will be uniquely positioned to serve a broad range of independent customers, offer a diverse array of value-added services, and help customers more efficiently compete in an increasingly demanding grocery environment.
"We're also excited to serve Unified's dynamic retailer base," said Gross. "Unified's members and customers operate some of the country's most exciting and progressive Hispanic and multiple other ethnic formats, specialty, gourmet, natural/organic, price impact and traditional stores. They complement our existing customer base and we look forward to facilitating collaboration and innovation across such an impressive collection of creative merchants."
The acquisition will provide new growth opportunities across the country, including the expansion of Unified's Market Centre division, a growing business providing specialty and ethnic products to independent customers.
"We appreciate the experience, intelligence and dedication of the Unified team, and look forward to welcoming Unified associates to SuperValu and supporting them as we continue the important work of contributing to the growth and success of our customer network and helping to deliver value to our stockholders," Gross added. "We will make a great team together."
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text:
Užupis
The Republic of Užupis
Find sources: "Užupis" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (October 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
St. Bartholomew Church in Užupis
Užupis (Yiddish: זארעטשע, Belarusian: Зарэчча, Russian: Заречье, Polish: Zarzecze) is a neighbourhood in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, largely located in Vilnius' old town,[1] a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Užupis means "beyond the river" or "the other side of the river" in the Lithuanian language and refers to the Vilnia River;[2][3][4] the name Vilnius was derived from the Vilnia.[5] The district has been popular with artists for some time,[6][7] and has been compared to Montmartre in Paris and to Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen,[8][7] due to its bohemian and laissez-faire atmosphere. On April 1, 1997, the district declared itself an independent republic (The Republic of Užupis).[2]
3 The Republic of Užupis
3.1 Constitution of Užupis
4 Angel of Užupis
5 Notable residents
6 In creative works
Užupis is quite small and isolated, being only about 148 acres (60 ha) in size;[3] it has around 7,000 inhabitants, nearly 1,000 of which are artists.[1] On one side it is separated from the Old Town by the Vilnia River, on the second there are steep hills, and on the third side it borders on an industrial area built under Soviet rule. The first bridges across the river were built in the 16th century, at which time the district's inhabitants were mostly Jewish.
Graffiti on one of Užupis' buildings
The district contains the Bernardine Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city.[9] Most of the district's Jewish population were killed during the Holocaust, and later the old Jewish Cemetery uphill would be destroyed by the Soviets. The houses left abandoned were later occupied by marginal elements of society, mainly the homeless and prostitutes. Until Lithuania's declaration of independence in 1990, it was one of the most neglected areas in the city, containing many run-down houses, many without utilities. The district has been a common haunt of artists and bohemians since Soviet times, and even today many young artists are squatting in abandoned buildings near the Vilnia River.
The Republic of Užupis[edit]
Flag of the Republic of Užupis
Sign at the border of Užupis
In 1997, the residents of the area declared the Republic of Užupis, along with its own flag, unofficial currency, president, cabinet of ministers, a constitution written by Romas Lileikis and Thomas Chepaitis, an anthem, and an army of approximately 11 men.[10][2] The army has since been retired.[2] The residents of the self-declared republic celebrate this independence annually on Užupis Day, which falls on April 1.[2] Artistic endeavours are the main preoccupation of the Republic; the President of the Republic of Užupis, Romas Lileikis, is himself a poet, a musician, and a film director.
The Republic has granted several notable individuals honorary citizenship, such as the 14th Dalai Lama, who visited the Republic in 2013.[11]
Artūras Zuokas, a former mayor of Vilnius, lives in Užupis.[12] Užupis does not house Internet-cafes, kiosks, big malls, or governmental institutions (except Užupian), and there is no embassy to Lithuania.
It is unclear whether the statehood of the Republic, recognised by no government, is intended to be serious, tongue-in-cheek, or a combination of both. The decision to place Užupis Day on April 1 (April Fools' Day) may not be coincidental, emphasising the importance of humor and non-importance of "serious" political decisions. The flag of the Republic contains a palm of hand in a white background. The palm emblem is painted in a different colour each season: Winter - blue, Spring - green, Summer - yellow, Autumn - red.[13]
Constitution of Užupis[edit]
The Munich version of the constitution of the Republic of Užupis including an additional article about artificial intelligence (no. π).
Copies of the 38 articles of the Republic's constitution and 3 mottos - "Don't Fight", "Don't Win", "Don't Surrender" - in 23 languages, can be found affixed to a wall in Paupio street in the area. Sanskrit and Hindi versions of the constitution were added on 25th May 2017. Some of these articles would be unremarkable in a constitution; for instance, Article 5 simply reads "Man has the right to individuality.". Others are more idiosyncratic; a typical example can be found in Articles 1 ("People have the right to live by the River Vilnelė, while the River Vilnelė has the right to flow past people."), 12 ("A dog has the right to be a dog.") and 37 ("People have the right to have no rights."), each of which makes an unusual apportionment of rights. There are a number of paired articles, such as Articles 16 ("People have the right to be happy.") and 17 ("People have the right to be unhappy.") which declare people's right to either do or not do something, according to their desire.[14] Minister of Foreign Affairs Thomas Chepaitis, Ambassador H. E. Max Haarich and AI-Expert Alex Waldmann formulated an additional article for the Munich Embassy: "Any artificial intelligence has the right to believe in a good will of humanity." This makes the Užupian constitution the world's first constitution to mention artificial intelligence. In September 2018 the constitution was blessed by Pope Francesco during his visit in Vilnius.
The Užupis Constitution
Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.
Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.
Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
Everyone has the right to be unique.
Everyone has the right to love.
Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.
Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown.
Everyone has the right to idle.
Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.
Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies.
A dog has the right to be a dog.
A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of nee[d].
Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties.
Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
Everyone has the right to be happy.
Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
Everyone has the right to be silent.
Everyone has the right to have faith.
No one has the right to violence.
Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance. [In Lithuanian this reads Everyone has the right to realize his negligibility and magnificence.]
No one has the right to have a design on eternity.
Everyone has the right to understand.
Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
Everyone has the right to be of any nationality.
Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
Everyone shall remember their name.
Everyone may share what they possess.
No one can share what they do not possess.
Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
Everyone may be independent.
Everyone is responsible for their freedom.
Everyone has the right to cry.
Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
No one has the right to make another person guilty.
Everyone has the right to be individual.
Everyone has the right to have no rights.
Everyone has the right to not to be afraid.
Do not defeat.
Do not fight back.
Do not surrender.
Angel of Užupis[edit]
The Angel of Užupis
The earlier sculpture of an egg before the Angel of Užupis was erected in its place
On April 1, 2002, a statue of an angel blowing a trumpet was unveiled in the main square. The idea was developed from a desire to erect an angel in memory of animator and caricaturist Zenonas Šteinys. It became a symbol of the revival Užupis. The funds were raised by selling miniature copies of the sculpture.[15] The sculptor, Romas Vilčiauskas, is also the creator of the Užupis Mermaid.[16]
Previously, a temporary sculpture of an egg stood in its place.[9] After being replaced by the larger statue of Gabriel, the egg was sold at an auction for 10,200 litas and now stands on Pylimo street.
Notable residents[edit]
Notable people who have resided in Užupis include:
Felix Dzerzhinsky, also known as Iron Felix— Soviet Bolshevik revolutionary and secret police founder
The painter and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis
Polish romantic-comic poet Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński lived here in 1934-36
Jurgis Kunčinas, author of 2 novels about Užupis, and translator from German
Artūras Zuokas, former Vilnius mayor
In creative works[edit]
The Republic of Užupis, a 2009 novel by the South Korean author Hailji, chronicles the journey of an Asian man named Hal visiting Užupis to inter the ashes of his father, believing the "Republic" to be his ancestral homeland.
Užupis was the topic of a 2015 piece of music by The Mighty Sieben, featuring the three mottos, "Don't Fight", "Don't Win", "Don't Surrender".
^ a b "Arty, hipster and a country within a country: Welcome to the Republic of Užupis". Metro. 2018-09-11. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ a b c d e Rhone, Erin. "Užupis: A tiny republic of free spirits". Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ a b "The country that lives for a day". www.baltictimes.com. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ www.gaumina.lt, e-solution: Gaumina. "Užupis | A Neighbourhood in the Capital". www.lithuania.travel. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ Tourism, Vilnius (2011-08-30). "The Legend of the Founding of Vilnius | Vilnius Tourist Information Centre". Vilnius Tourist Information Centre. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ Crabb, Jon. "Užupis: How 12 Lithuanian Artists Created an Independent Republic in Vilnius". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ a b "The second renaissance of Užupis has come to an end - Ober-haus.com". Ober-haus.com. 2016-09-13. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ "The identity crisis of self-declared nations | International Semester – semester projects". final16.mediajungle.dk. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ a b Georgian, Elizabeth. "The Best Things to See and Do in Užupis, Vilnius". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ "Zappa lives in Lithuania". Rolling Stone.
^ Vidunas, Vytis (2015-07-07). "Friends of Tibet in Lithuania Celebrate the Dalai Lama". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ Bernstein, Roslyn (2016-06-14). "Arturas Zuokas and The Happiness Factor: A Lithuanian Perspective". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
^ http://www.umi.lt/en/
^ Link to English translation of Uzupis Constitution
^ http://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/vilniaus-miestas/simbolis-uzupio-angelas-iskilo-mazu-kopiju-240395
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Užupis.
Connolly, Kate (January 29, 2000). "They tore down Lenin's statue - and raised one to Frank Zappa". TheGuardian.com.
Rhone, Erin (October 15, 2018). "Užupis: A tiny republic of free spirits". BBC Online.
"Vilnius Old Town: Uzupis - Paupys Case study 2000 - 2001". ensure.org. Archived from the original on February 4, 2012 – via Wayback Machine.
Video report about Vilnius, featuring a lot of scenes filmed in Užupis : Locks on bridges, the Republic and the Constitution
1 April is Užupis' Independence Day! VilNews e-magazine 5 February 2019
List of micronations
Aerican Empire
Aeterna Lucina
Akhzivland
Aramoana
Atlantium
Austenasia
Avram
British West Florida
Bumbunga
Freetown Christiania
Elgaland-Vargaland
Elleore
Enclava
EnenKio
Grand Duchy of Flandrensis
Filettino
Forvik
Freedonia
Frestonia
Ganienkeh
Glacier Republic
Global Country of World Peace
Hajdučka Republika
Kingdom of Hay-on-Wye
Republic of Hout Bay
Hutt River
Jamtland
Kugelmugel
Lagoan Isles
Republic of Molossia
Morac-Songhrati-Meads
M'Simbati
Murrawarri Republic
Naminara Republic
Neue Slowenische Kunst
North Dumpling
Nova Roma
Nutopia
Outer Baldonia
Other World Kingdom
Parva Domus
Perloja
Peščenica
Pontinha
Poyais
Rainbow Creek
Repubblica di Sbarre Centrali
Romanov Empire
Republic of Rose Island
Saugeais
Seborga
Talossa
Tavolara
Vikesland
Wallachia
Wanstonia
Westarctica
Whangamomona
Wirtland
Sovereign Yidindji Government
Zaqistan
Micronations: The Lonely Planet Guide to Home-Made Nations
How to Start Your Own Country
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Užupis&oldid=903938630"
Artist colonies
Neighbourhoods of Vilnius
Holocaust locations in Lithuania
EngvarB from March 2019
Articles needing additional references from October 2018
Articles containing Yiddish-language text
Articles containing Belarusian-language text
Articles containing Russian-language text
Articles containing Polish-language text


text:
Week in Politics
What we talk about when we talk about history
Yogesh Raj explains why history shouldn't be about scoring political points
GYANU ADHIKARI May 12, 2014
@saatdobato
I follow Yogesh Raj inside Martin Chautari's library, passing through the narrow alleys the bookshelves make, until we open up into what formerly was a cataloguer's room. This has been turned into an office. "Should I open the window?" he asks, rhetorically, and opens the window. The "office" is really a book cave: a desk, two chairs on either side of the desk, musty copies of Economic and Political Weekly and Seminar in the case, and newer arrivals piled up at a hand's reach. Raj is wearing a kurta. There was a storm last night. The May air is cool. It's quiet. Soon it'll be evening.
As far as meeting rituals go, there's going to be no tea.
I explain why I'm here. I've wanted to meet him for a long time. Raj is a polyglot scholar, he speaks in seven languages. In addition to Maithili (mother tongue) and Nepali (first language), he's versed in Newari, Hindi, Bengali, English, and German. His academic life would make any scholar envious. His first degree was in mechanical engineering and his latest was a PhD in the history of science, technology, and medicine from Imperial College, London. His body of work is already impressive: there's the book titled, History as Mindscapes, which offers an account of the peasant movement. (A good book, but mind the typography.) Then there's his work on Newar death rituals, and a booklet on historical ruptures and repairs, an approach he has recently developed. He's dug deep into the British Library archive, like a treasure hunter, to discover the journals of George Kinloch, who was sent by the East India Company to rescue the Malla king under siege by PN Shah. Kinloch never made it. Had he, there probably would not have been a Shah-Rana regime in the hills, or present-day Nepal for that matter.
I'm here to ramble about history.
Yogesh Raj, 2014. Prajwal Tulachan/The Record
I tell Raj I've heard there are no new students enrolled in Tribhuvan University's history department. Is it true? Is history in decline? Should we worry?
The answer is an emphatic "No." It isn't true that no student has signed up for history at Kirtipur this year. One has enrolled, he's been told. Funny thing, the university has announced vacancies for nine teaching positions in the same department. But TU is hardly an exciting place to look for history anymore. History is thriving beyond the exclusive club, Raj says, more articles are published in more diverse journals than ever. More books are written on historical matters. More period films are made. The public's appetite for the past remains strong.
This is the first of many misconceptions I have of history that Raj is going to burst, without even unfolding his arms.
I recently read the book, Blood on the Throne, an English translation of Baburam Acharya's Aba Yesto Kahilyai Nahos. It's a gruesome chronicle of a succession of conspiracies, murders, and massacres. Dark Age stuff, much about bloodthirsty rulers, little about the common man. Why is that?
"The object as well as the originator of history has always been the state. But, in itself, this is not necessarily an evil start. Even in a statist story, there are points of departure. Enough, say, for a history of labor or a history of the roads. The non-statist narratives are in dormant forms."
I ask him to repeat the quote so I can write it down correctly. It sounds deep. It is deep. "Statist" is the key word here, I discover. The history you are taught is the history the state wants you to know, he says. The past you read about in schools is the past the state wants you to remember. The state-sponsored chroniclers are thorough in their tasks; they tend to include everything the state does. But in their zeal, they leave traces of the ruled. You need to learn the way they don't want you to.
But how much of non-statist history, the common man's history, has actually been written?
Does it matter, the question bounces back, whether you talk about people or kings? I think it does. But Raj says it doesn't. You can write about kings as common folk and scavengers as kings. What matters is whether the historian has written interestingly, done her job well, treated her characters in a rich and credible manner. He gives examples of non-statist orientations by historians you'd think are statists. Baburam Acharya wrote about Newari, and Gautamvajra Bajracharya wrote about the mingling of Newari and Tamang languages. If you talk to Mahesraj Pant (who runs the journal Purnima), he'll tell you about ordinary Brahmins in the medieval Newar kingdoms, something Janajati activists obsessed with the notions of a pure state might find puzzling.
By this time, I'm pleased to note that Raj has unfolded his hands. But his gestures are mild.
What does he think of the Janajati charge that some historians, like Ramesh Dhungel and Saurav, distort history to suit their political leanings?
That charge is double-edged, it cuts both ways, Raj says. Some Bahuns don't accept the Janajati version of things, some Janajatis don't accept Bahun version of things. Some Bahuns don't even endorse views of other Bahuns and neither do some Janajatis. This should not be about castes. In fact, the conflict is inevitable and understandable. The right question to ask is why have historical claims become so frequent and controversial at this precise point in time? For example, newspapers have run a sort of debate between Saurav and Krishna Bikram Nemwang on whether Imansingh Chemjong was right. A section of reading activists keenly follows it. The passion involved is, however, more unsettling than what is at stake in the debate.
I mumble that newspapers tend to dish out whatever they think it is the readers want. That it's the market that governs. I remind him of another controversy in the media that crops up every winter about whether a vengeful PN Shah slashed off Kirtipurey noses. Saurav has called it the white-historian's slander of the "great man." Is it true?
Even if PN Shah did it, it's not exceptional, Raj says. This account of PN Shah cutting noses comes from Father Joseph, an Italian missionary. Its English version circulated widely among the East India Company officials. John Shore, who later became the Governor-General of India (1793–1797), reported it to the Asiatic Society, and it was published in the Society's journal, Asiatic Researches. Around 1832, the Company published an abbreviated version of that report in a digest. The volume was intended to prove that the Indians, especially the Hindus, were uncivilized, and the Gorkhalis were barbaric. Among others, Tulsiram Vaidya brought that version to his Voice of History piece.
But the account of nose cutting is also in Sanskrit. Lalitavallabh, one of the Pundits of PN Shah, has mentioned it in passing.
So did he or did he not cut the noses? I ask. Raj doesn't want to give a straight answer. Sometimes it's as hard to get a yes or no answer from an academic as it is from a politician.
You're trying to pin me down, he says. The debate shouldn't be whether it happened (it might have). This discussion is not about history. It's about scoring points. It's a politics of history, where politics has become dominant, history minor. Historians, and the public, need to grow up, and out of it. History needs to be written for mature adults of all genders.
The Janajatis, too, need to grow out of it, he says. They are going after a history that's a reaction to the statist history told by the elite Khas-Bahuns. They seek a statist story of their own elites. Thus the clamor to find a Tharu kingdom, a Tamang palace, or a Limbu rule in the past. They have fallen into the trap of a particular logic of history: if they can prove they had a state, it'd legitimize claims to their state now.
He quotes Raghubir Sahay, a poet who wrote in Hindi.
If you use the weapon your enemy uses to defeat him, you'll turn yourself into your enemy.
I go back to Acharya's stories. Some call the Rana period the Dark Age. Was there a counterpart, some sort of a Golden Age? The textbooks used to say the Licchavi period was that. We had to answer the Lok Sewa Ayog–type questions in class. Question: What was the golden period in Nepal's history? Answer: Lichhavi.
Nonsense, Raj responds. People imagine things. And the state had a certain interest in promoting a particular imagination. It wanted you to believe that there was a country called Nepal, almost as big as it is today, that it was unified, peaceful, prosperous, and glorious. Historians often played chorus in the state's vision of its ancient past. They wanted to instill in you a value. Values arise if you can make others believe in the complete truth. Truth is not an issue here. Completeness is. This is what Derrida called "totalizing temporality," a narrative that pretends to tell all that happened, that there was nothing outside of it. But that's not possible; you always have someone outside the world the narrative describes.
It seems only a fool would speak of a Golden Age. Or a bad historian, neophyte, insecure, statist. Raj fights the tendency to attach a value to a past time, or event, primarily and regularly with himself.
Here's an example. Think of Jayadev Dwitiya's inscription in Pashupati. So and so historian think [he rattles off a few names, most of them with the surname Pant] the language used there is the best Sanskrit. But what does that tell you? Does it mean that Sanskrit education was the best at that time, or that most people understood the language, or that Sanskrit was the court language, or that Anuparam, the inscription composer, was a master of the language? To say any of these you need more evidence than a plate of stone. Try not to impose values on the past. Resist value judgments. Relentlessly.
To speak about the Golden Age is not the academic's rigor. When it comes to values, the average person may be wiser than a talented academic. As René Girard said—Raj paraphrases the first principle to start his enquiry—if the academics and the scholars are saying one thing, and the average person says another, go with the average person. Then begin analyzing it.
With that qualified praise to the proverbial average man, our meeting ends. I thank Raj for his time, and he escorts me out of his cave, the library.
History as Mindscapes: A Memory of the Peasants' Movement of Nepal. Martin Chautari. 2010.
Krambhanga ra sambhar: Nepali Itihaslekhanma hastachhepka naya sandarbha-bindu. [Nepali.] Martin Chautari. 2012.
Sandhya-Samrachana: An Analysis of Death Consciousness of the Hindu Newars. Martin Chautari. 2013.
The Journals of Captain Kinloch Related to the Nepal Expedition: August 26 – October 17, 1767. Jagadamba Prakashan. 2012.
Cover photo: Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Prajwal Tulachan/The Record
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Gyanu Adhikari
Gyanu Adhikari is a co-founder and the editor of The Record.
No longer at ease
Laprak was heavily damaged during the earthquake; its fate now hangs in the balance
Five incidents from the Anglo-Nepal war
IRINA GIRI
Gorkhalis put up a tough fight but a change in British strategy brings about a decisive turn of events
KP Oli's early life and influences
DAVID N GELLNER AND MRIGENDRA BAHADUR KARKI
An interview with KP Sharma Oli on 29th November 2003
The maharaja and the monarch
SAM COWAN
Two visits to the United Kingdom in different eras
All rubble on the road to China
Slow progress on the Rasuwagadhi route revived after the earthquake
Breaking Nepal blames white writers for Nepal's ills and here's why it's completely wrong
SHUBHANGA PANDEY
The judgment of events past—the conquest of Gorkhali empire two centuries ago for example—still divides Nepalis. For the critics, the legacy of the conquests are far more indicting than just the brutalities of the battles, evident in the two centuries of state formation, from an extractive agrarian bureaucracy to a communal legal code. Social forces […]
Nepal-China railway will not change geopolitics in South Asia
AKHILESH UPADHYAY
An interview with China expert Andrew Nathan on China and its neighborhood
Antisystemic Movements, Yesterday and Today
IMMANUEL WALLERSTIEN
Immanuel Wallerstien was an influential sociologist best known for his analysis of capitalism as an integrated "world-system." He argued that the capitalist system relied on the exploitation of countries in the global south by countries in the global north, and his unique body of work linking nations, political economies, markets, households, and identity groups had […]
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The Frankenstein legend as you've never seen it before, as told by New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White! You will not be able to put down this stunning and dark reimagining of the Mary Shelley classic told from the point of view of Elizabeth, Victor Frankenstein's adopted sister, timed for the 200th anniversary.
Elizabeth Lavenza hasn't had a proper meal in weeks. Her thin arms are covered with bruises from her "caregiver," and she is on the verge of being thrown into the streets . . . until she is brought to the home of Victor Frankenstein, an unsmiling, solitary boy who has everything--except a friend.
THE DARK DESCENT OF ELIZABETH FRANKENSTEIN is a stunning reimagination of the classic, speaking to the fears we all bury deep inside.


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Link between how old you look and age-related health issues
by Nic Paton 16 Jan 2023
by Nic Paton 16 Jan 2023 Photo: Shutterstock
How old you look could be a window into your risk of age-related health issues, research has suggested.
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology has shown a link between how old a person looks (their perceived age) and their risk of age-related health issues, including cognitive decline.
This suggests that as our bodies and minds age this is reflected on our faces, the authors have argued.
The study involved 2,679 men and women (with an average age 65.8 years) from the Rotterdam Study, an ongoing large population-based cohort study.
High-resolution facial photographs, from the front and the side, were taken of each person, with any cosmetics, creams or jewellery removed.
An independent panel was then asked to estimate the age of each of the participants using these photographs, with no other information. Each image was scored by 27 assessors on average.
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The perceived age of the participants was scored by taking the difference between their actual age and the age guessed by the independent panel.
For example, somebody with a perceived age score of seven looks seven years younger than their actual chronological age. The higher the perceived age score the younger the person looks.
The researchers, from the Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam and Unilever Research and Development, then grouped participants based on their perceived age scores and reviewed lifestyle and health data.
The lifestyle factors included body-mass index (BMI), ultraviolet (UV) exposure, smoking status, and 'pack-years' (or how much people have smoked over time).
The health data included renal, cardiovascular and lung conditions since these are strongly associated with age. The researchers also looked at muscle and bone health issues, eye health issues, age-related hearing loss, and a measure of cognitive impairment (adjusted for education level).
The youngest-looking group was estimated on average five years younger than their chronological age and was predominantly male (61%), less often a smoker, and had the highest BMI (probably due to the filler effect of facial fat).
Looking younger was linked with higher cognitive function and a lower risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (even after adjusting for smoking status and pack-years), osteoporosis, cataracts, and age-related hearing loss, the research concluded.
No link was found between perceived age and osteoarthritis, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or glaucomatous visual field loss (GVFL).
The researchers argued that the concept of perceived age could be used as a diagnostic clue in clinical settings and could even be used to create easy-to-use models that map shared causes of ageing across different organ systems.
Professor Tamar Nijsten, of the Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam and the lead author of the research, said: "This research builds on previous studies looking at how visible age can predict health outcomes.
"We specifically investigated the link between looking young and various common age-associated health issues and found that youthful looks are linked with lower measures of systemic ageing. In other words, if you look younger than you are, then the health of your organ systems, body and mind are likely to reflect this.
"Although this study didn't examine specifically why this is, it is likely that factors which cause changes to tissue structures in the face which make us look older, such as the reduction of subcutaneous fat and the development of wrinkles, also impact tissue at other sites around the body and are linked to corresponding changes in bone density.
"This is not a definitive study, but it is probably the best study so far providing evidence that perceived age also reflects internal ageing. The study clearly demonstrates that something is going on, likely on a biological level and beyond the usual lifestyle factors such as UV exposure or smoking," said Professor Nijsten.
Matthew Gass of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), said: "This study makes a strong case that looking young is not just a matter of vanity, it can be a tell-tale sign of the underlying state of one's health.
"While some factors which contribute to looking older relate to our environment and lifestyles, sun exposure and smoking being the most obvious, some are just down to the natural ageing process.
"In some cases, the link between looking younger and certain health conditions will likely be a combination of external factors and natural ageing, for instance in the case of glaucoma. However, for some conditions, such as COPD, the link between looking younger remained even when controlling for lifestyle factors."
However, as a caveat, the BAD pointed out that one of the key limitations of this study is that the Rotterdam Study group predominantly comprises people from a north-western European background.
Future research therefore might explore if the findings of this study hold true in different population groups, it added.
Nic Paton
Nic Paton is consulting editor of OHW+. One of the country's foremost workplace health journalists, Nic has written for OHW+ and Occupational Health & Wellbeing since 2001, and edited the magazine from 2018.
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The Wayz
Inspired Facilities
Calfridus Way, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 9ET
Home » What's On » Clubs » Bracknell » The Wayz
25th Jul '19 DriveStart
31st Oct '19 DriveStart
About The Wayz
The Wayz is a safe and pleasant place for young people in the local area to attend, where there are numerous projects available which cater for a wide cross section of young people. The Wayz enables and empowers young people to be engaged and actively participate in a variety of activities and opportunities. This provides an arena to help support young people gain the confidence and understanding when dealing with current issues and challenges in their lives.
The work of the detached team in Bracknell has been recognised by local stakeholders as making a real difference. Berkshire Youth sits on the key local decision-making groups; including the Bracknell Town Regeneration ASB group, Braknell Against Crime Group, Local Safeguarding Children's Board Communications and Community Engagement Group, Sexual Exploitation Missing and At Risk Committee and the Early Intervention Hub. We also have bi-weekly meetings with loal police at the ward level.
Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
The Wayz Youth Centre was one of three voluntary groups in Berkshire to gain the 2018 Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of providing services and support to young people and adults to enable them to volunteer within their local communities.
A record 250 voluntary groups from across the UK will receive a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for their work in their communities. This is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise exceptional service within their communities.
The Wayz provides the following youth sessions:
Juniors: Tuesdays 5.30 - 7.00pm, for ages 8 years old - end of Year 6
Inters: Tuesdays 7.30 - 9.00pm for Year 7,8 and 9
Seniors: Wednesdays 7.30 - 9.00pm, for ages 14 - 19 years
Chillout: Fridays 5.00 - 6.30pm, for ages 12 - 16 years living with moderate learning difficulties
Hangout: Firdays 7.15 - 9.00pm, for ages 16 - 25 years living with moderate learing difficulties
Feedback from young people attending sessions at The Wayz
Juniors sessions:
'I get 1 and a half hours away from my brothers where I can relax and see friends!'
'I love The Wayz because they have fantastic sweets and activities.'
'It is fun here! I love going to the Park'
'The Wayz is really fun and you can get candy!'
'The Wayz is a great place to make new friends and meet new people.'
'I like to play here and I like the coffee bar and games in the TV room.'
'I can be with my friends.'
'The Wayz is really fun, it's really relaxing – I can relax here.'
Inters Sessions:
'I get bored at home. I like Paige & Jess and I get away from my little sister and brother.'
'I like The Wayz because it's fun. It's better to be here than at home, plus you make new friends!'
'The Wayz gives me something to do.'
'It's just fun. Something to do on week days, I don't do anything usually.'
'I get to see my friends. It is good to get away from my family for peace and quiet!'
'I started coming because I heard my friends were going. I like how much fun I have here, especially outside. I want to go outside more.'
Seniors Sessions:
'I come to Seniors because it is fun and something to do. I volunteer because when I'm older I want to work with young people and it is good direct experience and I meet nice people.'
'I came here because it's fun, it makes me feel confident. I enjoy coming to my session and volunteering.'
'I can relax here and I can be social and still be indoors.'
'I come here to unwind after work. I enjoy beating Gareth at FIFA. It's helped me with my confidence.'
'It gives me time to relax and it has helped with my confidence. Volunteering has helped me to decide what I want to do with my future, working with children.'
'It gets me out of the house and I get to meet new people.'
Got what it takes to be on the team?
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This top-of-the-table clash was watched by a sizeable crowd at Mgarr Ground. The game was keenly contested and played at a very fast pace. Kirkop are now sole leaders having maximum points from 7 games six more than their closest challengers Birzebbuga who also have played seven games.
The first action was created by Kirkop when Karl Caruana served George Aquilina in the area and a defender cleared the ball to a corner which was taken by Aquilina and Asin Scerri failed to get his head to the ball to apply the killer touch.
In an action by Birzebbuga, Christopher Mangion served Alex Muscat in the area and Kirkop keeper Malcolm Attard foiled him with a timely sortie.
Kirkop opened the score in the 9th minute when Brandon Farrugia was fouled outside the area and Scerri scored a beauty with a rising shot in the top right hand corner from 35 metres.
Another two actions were then created by Kirkop. Caruana was fouled on the right flank and Scerri missed the upright from the free kick and Caruana was then fouled on the right flank and Scerri drove slightly over the bar from the free kick.
In another action by Birzebbuga Jean C Cassar released Mangion on the right flank but he drove well off target from outside the area.
In the last action before the break, Ishmael Mizzi was fouled on the left edge of the area and from Scerri's free kick the ball thumped the bar with Birzebbuga keeper Karl Abela beaten and the ball finished out.
The second period was also action-packed with the first two actions being created by Kirkop. From a flag kick by Aquilina, Scerri drove over the bar from inside the area and the same palyer drove over the bar from a free kick after Caruana was fouled outside the area.
In the first action by Birzebbuga substitute Nicolai Tabone was fouled on the left flank and Christopher Cutajar drove high from the free kick.
In the 55th minute Birzebbuga came very close an equaliser when Clayton Camiller entered the area after beating two defenders and after the ball was deflected from his shot Attard had to dive and save the ball.
Birzebbuga equalised in the 65th minute. Jean C Grech served Cleaven Camilleri with a cross from the right flank and Attard saved his header from inside the area to a corner which was well-taken by Cassar and Cutajar scored with a header in the top left hand corner.
Kirkop then mounted another action as Caruana served Aquilina with a cross from the right and his header from inside the area missed the upright.
A minute before the end of normal time Kirkop scored the winner as Scerri released Caruana on the right flank who then served substitute Alexander Tanti with a cross who scored with a hard rising shot from the edge of the area as he was left un-marked.


Alex Trebek, the much admired host of the longest-running game show in the history of television, was born as George Alexander Trebek on July 22,, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario. His mother, Lucille Trebek, was of French-Canadian descent, and his father, George Trebek, a Ukrainian immigrant was a chef at a local hotel. Alex was a very bright and insightful child, he attended the Jesuit school which he quit at the age of 12 when he decided to attend the University of Ottawa High School. He graduated from high school in 1957, and pursued a degree in philosophy at the University of Ottawa. After graduating in 1961, Trebek decided to shift to journalism and pursue it as a career.
He got his first job as a fill-in reporter and newscaster at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CBC TV. Even though he met with appreciation for his composed and relaxed presence on-screen, in 1966 he made another career shift from journalism to the more profitable field of hosting game shows. His first shot at hosting game shows came when he was offered to host the Canadian quiz show 'Reach for the Top', which held academic competitions between high school teams. In 1970, Trebek's fame grew and he was offered to host the more applauding nationally televised Canadian game show 'Jackpot'.
Alex Trebek was not yet satisfied with his mediocre success and in 1973, he decided to leave Canada and pursue his dreams in the glittery and glamorous world of Hollywood. He landed his first American television gig as host of the NBC game show 'The Wizard of Odds'. The show was short lived, lasting only one season, however, in 1974 Trebek was signed to host its replacement, another game show called 'High Rollers'. He hosted the show for two-year runs on NBC, from 1974-76 and later from 1978-80. Meanwhile, he also signed up to host other games shows such as 'The $128,000 Question' (1977-78) and 'Pitfall' (1981-82). The shows did not meet with significant success but Trebek's mild-mannered demeanour won the approval of the viewers and his fame as a game show host increased.
His big break came in 1984 when Merv Griffin, the creator of the famous show 'Wheel of Fortune' offered him to host the revival of the unique game show 'Jeopardy!' which was going to do wonders for his career. Jeopardy! was an exclusive show which grabbed the attention of the public by its distinctive format where clues were given in the form of answers and the participants responded in the form of questions. Trebek won immense approval for his version of Jeopardy! and it instantly became one of the most watched game shows in television history. Trebek's fame took flight and he became a pop culture icon winning five Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host and the show remained on air for more than 27 years. In 2011, Trebek and the show 'Jeopardy!' were also awarded the Peabody Award for "encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge".
Alex Trebek is an active philanthropist and spokesman for various organizations such as World Vision and Smile Train, which work to improve the lives of poverty-stricken children all over the world. He also took part in 13 USO tours to visit the American troops overseas. In 2010 he was awarded the Royal Canadian Geographical Society's Gold Medal for his services to improve the standards of geographic education and the study of geography. Despite achieving the heights of success, Trebek remains to this day a modest and unpretentious man who not only entertains his viewers but also takes up initiatives to make the world a better place.


The statistics are sobering. The average person checks their smartphone more than 150 times a day or every 6.5 minutes on average, and a quarter of us spend more time online than asleep, putting us at higher risk of stress, anxiety, burnout and depression.
This is why the need for a new type of detox – a digital one – is now being taken seriously by an increasing number of individuals as well as high-profile companies. A 'digital detox' is another name for turning off your smartphone, tablet and computer for a period and going 'cold turkey'. Instead, you use the time to reduce your stress and begin to socialize in the 'real world'.
One solution to tech overload is already offered by car giant Daimler, which has introduced an 'out-of-office' auto-delete option, whereby all emails that are received when employees are on vacation are automatically deleted and must be resent on their return. Google offers another antidote to digital burnout by running courses for its staff to encourage 'mindfulness' at work or 'being in the now.' The desired effect is that employees become more energetic and focused within their working hours by switching off from technology for a period of time.
A way to avoid the compulsive lure of technology, therefore, might be to take a purifying digital detox vacation, where participating resorts proudly promote their lack of Wi-Fi and phone signal.
Another successful digital detox was carried out by employees at Transport for London who underwent a mindfulness program that resulted in days off sick due to stress, anxiety and depression falling by 70% and absences for all health conditions falling by 50% in the three years following.
"Choose when to use your digital devices and when not to." She suggests that next time you leave your office or home, leave your phone in your pocket or bag for half an hour. Talk to the people around you or simply watch what's going on.
After a contraction in 2008–2009, the technology industry bounced back to 13% growth in 2010, and growth is expected to continue at an average rate of 5% to 6% through 2014, though short-term volatility will remain.


A would-be farmer settles for a collection of rare antique tractors, including a 1931 Allis-Chalmers Monarch 50.
This unrestored 1931 Allis-Chalmers Monarch 50 tractor is still in very good condition.
Robert Lefever's Monarch 50 tractor.
This 1931 Allis-Chalmers Monarch 50 tractor has an Allis-Chalmers engine, different from the original Stearns engine in the Monarchs produced by Monarch Tractor Co., Watertown, Wis., and Springfield, Ill.
Robert says his 1931 Allis-Chalmers Monarch 50 tractor gives a bumpy ride, as most tractors with crawler treads do.
"Little brother to the big tanks." Monarch Tractor Co., in a March 1919 ad in Tractor and Gas Engine Review.
Robert's unusual General tractor, which shares similarities with the Hoke.
Instead, he settled for watching the engineers at one of the oldest tractor shows in the country, the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Located near Harrisburg, the show marks its 102nd year in 2018.
That sufficed when he was young, and in the long run, he says, it probably worked out for the best. After working in a family petroleum business for years, he bought a 33-acre farm where he can house his unique tractors and produce sheet metal fenders and hoods for antique tractors.
Robert bought his first tractor, a 1929 McCormick-Deering 10-20, in 1964. "At that time, it was socially unacceptable to buy old junk like tractors, but I was interested in it, so I bought it as a toy to play with, at a time when they were cheap," he says. "After a few years, collecting tractors got bigger." Noticing a shortage of sheet metal parts for tractors, he began producing them commercially.
About 15 years ago, he noticed a 1931 Allis-Chalmers Monarch 50 tractor for sale at a Missouri auction. Knowing he didn't have a Monarch in his collection, Robert asked a friend to take a look at it, and, if it looked decent, to buy it for Robert.
Even after a year in storage, the Monarch springs to life after Robert primes it with a bit of gasoline. He remains intrigued by the crawler, but he says he wouldn't have bought it for regular use.
Robert's Monarch 50 has the same engine as an Allis-Chalmers Model E tractor, a 4-cylinder with a liquid-cooled vertical I-head, of 510.5 cubic inches. In Nebraska Test No. 179 (June 27-July 3, 1930), the A-C Monarch developed the claimed 50 hp on the drawbar, pulling 6,000 pounds.
That information was pretty much the same as Nebraska Tractor Test No. 147, for the Monarch 6-Ton tractor, in 1927. That Monarch was built in Springfield, Illinois, at the Monarch Tractor Co. plant, and was almost identical to Robert's Model 50. After Allis-Chalmers purchased Monarch Tractor Co. in 1928, the Monarch 6-Ton tractor was renamed the Monarch 50.
Other differences included the use of an Allis-Chalmers engine in the new Monarch 50, compared to the Stearns engine that Monarch Tractor Co. had used. "You don't see them around very often," Robert says.
A two-plow tractor with a Waukesha engine, the Hoke was manufactured in South Bend, Indiana, by Hoke Tractor Co. John I. Hoke launched his first tractor in 1912, in Washington, Indiana. He was granted a patent for his universal tractor design, and moved to South Bend a year later. The company only lasted to about 1918.
Because Robert regularly buys tractors overseas, he sometimes faces challenges in getting his purchases home. "The tractors I buy overseas are put in shipping containers, loaded on a ship and eventually they show up here in Pennsylvania," he says.
For more information: Robert Lefever, 879 Goshen Mill Rd., Peach Bottom, PA 17563; (717) 548-4131; email: RL17563@aol.com.
Tracking the Monarch Tractor Co.
"This tractor is of the flat-wheel or creeper-type and lays its own track over sand, mud, freshly plowed soil, swamps or any sort of footing that might be difficult for a round wheel type of tractor to work on. The weight of the tractor is distributed over this long wide surface so that the tractor does not bed down in soft soil. The pressure on any one part of the driving surface of the creeper is less than the pressure of a man walking and far less than that of a horse's hoof.
"It is claimed by the makers of the Monarch that the creeper type of drive makes it possible for all the power delivered through the transmission to the driving wheels to be utilized in doing useful work, there being no loss through slippage. The drive wheels ride like gears in the creeper belt. They cannot slip, regardless of where you are driving the tractor, for they always are riding over a perfect roadbed.
"Ease of operation is one of the big claims made for the Monarch tractors. This tractor will turn around in its own length and turn much more quickly than it is possible to turn a team of horses. The steering is by means of an automobile-type steering wheel and the mechanism is so constructed that the tractor responds readily under the handling of the operator.
"All Monarch tractors are designed to burn kerosene. They are equipped with a combination carburetor and governor control. The usual practice is followed by heating up the motor on gasoline and, when thoroughly heated, shifting over to the kerosene fuel. It is necessary in all gasoline-kerosene burning engines to be sure that the motor is good and hot before switching to kerosene. Otherwise the kerosene will not be burned satisfactorily.
"The motor used is of heavy duty, slow-speed type. Three piston rings are used on each piston. The combination of gasoline and kerosene carburetor is provided and the governor is flyball sensitive control. A combination of splash and pump lubrication is used, which provides an efficient lubrication to all parts. The ignition is high-tension magneto with impulse starter. No batteries are necessary for starting. The cooling system makes use of a circulating water pump and a Perfex bronze radiator.
"The transmission gears are enclosed in dust-proof case and running oil. The gears are cut steel and hardened. The transmission throughout is equipped with high-grade anti-friction bearings. This eliminates much of the care and attention required by the ordinary old type of plain bearings. It does away with the rebabbitting and refitting of boxes. It is the boast of the Monarch people that Neverslip tractors are built from the very best material, with high-grade workmanship throughout, with heavy bronze bearings and the best type of anti-friction roller and ball bearings wherever required, with proper lubrication protected against dirt, grit, sand and dust.
The Flash-in-the-pan Hoke Tractor Co.
In 1912, John I. Hoke invented a universal-type tractor. The Washington, Indiana, man named it after himself, as the Hoke, and received a patent for it. "The new tractor showed promise," says C.H. Wendel in the Encyclopedia of Farm Tractors. Hoke Tractor Co. was formed in South Bend, Indiana, in 1913 to build and market the machine.
Rated at 12-24, Robert's 1918 Hoke was sold as a 2-plow machine recommended for a 24-inch thresher. It had a turning radius of 12 feet, a Waukesha L 4-cylinder engine, vertical, and a 4-1/2- by 5-3/4-inch bore and stroke. It had two fuel tanks and ran on gasoline and kerosene. The transmission was of the company's own make. It measured 16 feet long, 56 inches wide and 66 inches high, and weighed 3,800 pounds.