text:
My Brother's Wife by BuRiChiFaN
Anime » Mai HiME Rated: T, English, Drama & Mystery, Natsuki K., Shizuru F., Words: 40k+, Favs: 100, Follows: 128, Published: 3/4/2010 Updated: 10/9/2017}
231 Chapter VII: Hidden Treasure
A/N: I suggest rereading the whole story to freshen your memory.
A/N 2: Expect errors…Read and Review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Mai-Hime
Chapter VII: Hidden Treasure
A hand fumbled for the switch as the figure entered the darkened room. The lights went on and the person found themselves bombarded by the sight and smell of dirty clothes, empty beer cans and take-out boxes that were strewn all over the place.
There was a sigh.
The stranger walked towards the filthy center table to grab the remote control. As the screen came to life, they flipped through the channel and left it playing an old cartoon they'd seen numerous times.
The person reached for a bottle of wine from the counter and poured some in a glass. Their eyes lingered on the dark liquid for quite some time, seemingly absorbed by it.
Their stupor was broken by the wailing of an ambulance that was passing by. They took a swig from the wine and strode back to the living room. The figure placed the glass on the table before they slouched on the messy sofa.
Eyes glided over the T.V. as it played the familiar cartoon. They suddenly smiled.
But it wasn't a happy one.
The figure pulled out an object from inside their pocket and gazed at it attentively. It was too late when they realized that tears had already fallen from their eyes. Their silent display of grief morphed into a sobbing fit, crying in an uncontrolled manner.
There, in their hand was a photograph of a yellow-haired young girl with striking blue eyes. She wore a lovely white dress as a huge grin was displayed on her little, innocent face.
"I'm so sorry."
Shizuru's mysterious words had been plaguing my mind since she uttered them. And everytime I tried to decipher what she had said, I always arrived to only one conclusion: She fell in love with her lover behind Shinji's back, and she couldn't do anything to stop what she felt.
I made many attempts to confront Shizuru about the admission, but they all ended in failure. She had been ignoring me for more than a week now, and I didn't know how to feel about that.
It's not like I wanted her to notice me, like I'd been longing for her; it's just that she normally smiled at me despite of everything. She also looked while listening to whatever I had to say no matter how harsh and insulting they were.
'So you want her to go back as your punching bag?'
I was taken aback by my own thoughts. It took a while before the other part of my brain was able to form a reply.
'Stop making me look like the villain here. She's not my punching bag, okay? The things I've been throwing at her are real. Did you forget how she admitted everything? The woman totally deserves it.'
'But are you even sure you got the riddle right?'
That halted my steps towards the dining room. But before I could ponder on it, small arms encircled my waist for an embrace.
Miyuki looked up at me, wearing a wide smile. She didn't say anything as I returned the affection. She unwrapped herself from me afterwards and went scampering off to where I was headed.
The ruby-eyed woman was in the middle of preparing the food on the table when I entered. It didn't look that she noticed me though.
Her presence during meals was something I had gotten used to. It didn't bother me that much anymore simply because Miyuki was there to make me feel better. Even if it's only for temporary, the child made it easier to omit my anger for the woman.
I saw Shizuru pin a few strands of her hair behind an ear. And as she did so, I ceased from my strides while her movements seemed to have turned into slow-motion. I didn't know what was happening but I found myself in a daze; staring intently at her face. She looked up from what she was doing.
Green suddenly met crimson.
The moment stayed for seconds only to be disrupted by Shizuru looking away. Following her form retreat to the kitchen, the slow effect in her motion was gone. I felt stupid.
And something else.
'Of course she ignored me again! And what the hell even was that? Have I gone mad? Ugh, I'm just tired, ain't I?'
I abruptly heard Miyuki's snickering from her seat. That little lady had a knack for saving me from my internal musings. Her snickers didn't stop until I sat on one of the dining seats. I playfully furrowed my brow as if angry and then asked.
"Is there something funny, young lady?"
She just stifled her giggles behind a small hand whilst I glanced at her in wonder- and then it clicked.
I sighed, blushing a little. "It's not what it looked like, Miyuki."
"If Papa says so…" she uttered, still in a giggle fit.
The Kyoto-woman came back with a bowl of rice in hand. She landed a questioning look at her snickering child. "Ara, Miyuki seems really happy."
"It's nothing." I swiftly claimed before Miyuki could answer with something that would surely embarrass me.
Shizuru heard what I said but didn't bother to spare me even a single glance. She sat beside her daughter after placing the bowl on the table.
That was the kind of silent treatment she'd been giving me for quite a long while now. And I hated it. It made me feel all kinds of awful things, and they're all confusing the hell out of me.
I gritted my teeth and just proceeded to consume my dinner.
Miyuki had stopped from her mirth as her mother fixed her food. She gazed at me with her usual big smile which earned her a reluctant grin from me. Shizuru could spoil my mood but Miyuki was like an antidote to everything.
"Wanna play later, Miyuki?" I smirked.
The kid suddenly perked up and eagerly nodded. "Yes, Papa! I want to!" She turned to her mother and continued with so much enthusiasm, "Did you hear that, Mama? I get to play with Papa Natsuki again after a three-day drought! Yay!"
Shizuru and I chuckled at that. "Ara, my Miyuki was counting?"
"Papa had been too busy so I counted the days she didn't get to play with me."
The woman wore a jubilant yet soft expression that strangely made me think how I'd like to see more of that than anything else.
'If you like that so much, perhaps you need to stop insulting her first.'
'I don't want to deal with your nonsense right now. Get lost.'
The other half of my conscience did actually went back to the deepest corner of mind, leaving me with Miyuki and her mother to our meal.
She snaked her arms around his naked form from the back as he stood. He was peeking outside the window, phone held to his ear.
"I hope all is well then. Okay, I'll get back to you later."
"Who is that?" she queried after the call ended.
He turned to his lover and kissed her softly on the lips. "Family's been missing me a lot." He smiled, leading the equally unclothed woman back on the bed.
"Ara, I didn't know you still have family. Aren't your parents already gone?" she asked as she laid on the mattress.
He sat on the edge of the bed while placing the phone on the nightstand. He grabbed a cigar then lit it, taking a long drag afterwards.
"They're dead but I still got a sibling." the smoke wafted through as he replied.
"Ara, I'd like to meet her then." She moved in a sitting position to tie up her tawny mane. "How's she like?"
He craned his neck a little to look back at the woman who was now crawling on all fours towards him. She clung onto him, raining little kisses on his broad back upto his neck.
"She's perfect, Shizuru." he uttered, his yellow orbs softening. She stopped before she could kiss him on his mouth.
"How's that bruise of yours? Does it still hurt?" he questioned as he took another drag from the cigarette.
"It's close to completely healing." She touched the fading bruise on her right rib.
"Be careful next time, love."
She leaned the side of her head on his back with her arms surrounding his waist. He couldn't see how she muttered with a doleful smile.
"I love you, Reito."
"I love you too, Shizuru."
"Man, drawing people is really hard." I heard Nao say as she stretched her arms upwards with a groan. We were inside a classroom, busying ourselves with the activity.
"We're now in our last year as students, but you're still here whining over that." I chided without removing my gaze from my work.
"Well, I'm sorry I'm not as good as you, Your Highness." she countered sardonically. She craned her neck to peek at my desk. "Why the hell does that look like Shizuru-san?"
I quickly shot her an offended look. "And how the fuck does this look like her, dumbass? Are you high?"
She reached for my sketch abruptly and examined it closer. I tried to snatch it back but she just swatted my hands away.
"Hey! Give that back, asshole!"
Nao nodded to herself slowly then handed it over to me. I glared at her afterwards.
"Yep, it's Shizuru-san, no doubt."
I looked at her like she grew two heads.
"The eyes, nose, lips- oh Natsuki, you're in big, big trouble." she claimed dramatically, head shaking.
"I'm done with you." I rolled my eyes as I returned my attention to what Nao had been claiming to resemble Shizuru.
'This doesn't look like that woman at all. Why would I even draw her in the first place? Nao has totally cracked, yep.'
'You are either the densest or the most stubborn person in this entire universe. And you're a lost cause. What a pity.'
'Did I ask for your opinion?'
"Just chill out, Wolf. You're gonna give yourself aneurysm with that scowl. I was only kidding…not." the last word was said in murmur but I still heard her. The red-head laughed while working on the sketch of her mother.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Funny." I drawled with sarcasm.
"Shizuru-san is a piece of art though. I wouldn't blame anyone who'd take her as their muse even if they hated her." she stated in earnest.
"I told you, this is not her." I insisted.
She chuckled to herself. "You protest too much, bitch."
"Go fuck yourself with a cactus, then."
"I will but only if you do it first."
"In your dreams."
It was close to eight p.m. when I got out of my class. My body was exhausted and I felt like going home that very instant.
'Father must be on his way home by this time.' I thought, checking my watch.
Nao didn't take any night class this year because according to her; she'd rather spend time with her mom at home more than anything else. My bestfriend's a shithead, but she's a real softie when it came to her mother.
A sudden squeal reached my ears as I swerved at an almost empty corner of the corridor. It was Shiho and her fellow groupies stalking our Marketing professor, Kanzaki Reito. The man simply smiled at their embarrassing behavior.
"Geez, when are they going to stop." I said under my breath.
"Kuga-san," the teacher unexpectedly called, noticing my approaching form.
I stopped on my track and looked at him questioningly.
"It's about your essay. If you won't mind, please follow me to the teacher's office." he said then walked off.
I trailed after him while I wondered what might had happened to my paper. Shiho and her friends were following behind like dogs which was really irritating.
"Oi, Munakata, will you bug off?" I spoke with obvious annoyance.
"Stop flattering yourself, Kuga. You're not the one we're after." she answered haughtily.
I was about to reply when she suddenly said, "Oh, and Kuga, how does it feel like living with a grade A slut like your sister Shizuka- that's her name right?"
Their mocking laughter echoed through the hallway as I lost the ability to speak all of a sudden. And then something happened.
I pushed the pink-haired girl so hard that she ended up fully sprawled across the floor. She groaned in pain as her friends came rushing to her aid, asking her if she's alright.
"You shut your mouth!" I snarled at everyone of them as they looked up at my seething appearance.
Shiho seemed to have gotten over the shock of her fall. She moved to stand up, face contorting into anger. "How fucking dare you!"
Her aim of hitting me with her fist was lost when the obsidian-haired professor placed himself between Shiho and I.
"That's enough, ladies." his voice was with seriousness.
I glowered at Shiho while she did the same to me.
"This isn't over yet, Kuga!" she pointed at me threateningly while her minions held her back.
"Try me, bitch! Come at me and I'm gonna kill you!" I spat back as Reito tried to separate us further.
"Kill me? Like how your sister drove your brother to kill himself? Or are you going to straight up murder me right here?" she expressed with a challenging tone.
"What did you say, you piece of shit?!" I growled, my patience all gone.
"May I remind you that I can send both of you to the guidance office for a suspension?" the teacher intervened and that made me halt.
It became a glaring match before Shiho flipped her hair as she turned on her heel to walk away. She wasn't that far when she gave me one last glare over her shoulder "You'll pay for this, Kuga. Mark my words."
I flipped her off as her friends shot the same daggers at me. Then they were gone.
Still angry, I left without saying a word to the teacher. He didn't have a choice but to only look as I disappeared from his view.
I came home to find father dozing off on the couch of the living room. A 10 p.m. program was playing on the T.V. screen.
I shook him lightly to wake him up. "Father, it's time to go back to bed."
He groaned quietly as his eyes drifted open. "Natsuki." He found his bearing and pulled himself from his slouched form. He glanced at me seconds later. "You smell of alcohol."
There's no point in lying, so I did a subtle nod. "Just a little." I said sheepishly.
"You're nearly twenty-two now, Natsuki; I don't like having to still tell you on what to do. But please, avoid driving while drunk." he voiced out in a reprimanding tone as he stood up.
I pouted, "But I'm not drunk."
He just looked at me then patted my head, messing my hair a bit. He trudged off later on as I proceeded to go upstairs after I turned off the television.
I tossed my bag as I fell on the bed. I felt quite hazy from the booze but not enough to knock me down completely.
After the fight with Shiho, I just had to drown myself with alcohol in order to forget things. But I came to my senses eventually and left before I could end up drunk. Thank God for having a high level of tolerance to alcohol though; six glasses didn't budge me that much. It's one of the few things Nao's really been envious of me.
I swerved a glance at the discarded bag and reached for it. Sitting upright, I slid out the sketchpad and opened it at a certain page. I looked at it purposely. A few moments later, I threw it back on the bed.
I deeply sighed.
I motioned to open the nightstand's drawer and took a key. As I knelt on the bedside, I pulled out a medium-sized, old, wooden box beneath the bed. I dusted it off shortly then opened it with the key.
It was like nostalgia suddenly blew up in my face- and it hit me hard. Inside the box were things I thought I had forgotten; old pictures of me and my family, and some memorabilia from the past.
I smiled as I looked at them one by one. There was a photo of me and Nao when we were in elementary, only I had a derp face while Nao sported a semi-serious look. I didn't like it back then because of how I looked, but it got a laugh out of me now.
Next one was a shot of Shinji when he was in highschool. He was wearing a stupid costume that was for a play they did. A grin formed on my lips as I remembered that he wore it going to school. According to him, everyone stared at him funny when he arrived there.
A photograph of my mother with all three of us came next and it made me smile. My mom was pregnant with me as she sat beside father, who had a young Shinji sitting on his lap. Happiness was written all over their faces.
I picked up another one from the pile afterwards. It was a picture of me, my father and my brother infront of the Eiffel Tower. Shinji and I had this goofy expression while dad wore a wide grin of his own. I chuckled, eyes shimmering a little.
It was the following photograph that really got me feeling a lot of things. Long suppressed emotions came flooding back, like there was no tomorrow.
She looked at the camera with a dazzling smile. Her cardinal pools shone like the brightest of diamonds while the birds in the background were like angels as they soared. She was a goddess.
She was Shizuru Fujino.
My hand shook as my blurry gaze landed on the old sketches of mine that I tried to throw away many years ago, but couldn't. Nao wasn't lying when she said that the woman I drew looked like Shizuru. My subconscious knew it was her from the start no matter how much in denial I was about it.
I choked on a sob as I looked on what was being laid infront of me.
She'd always been my inspiration ever since the day I first saw her, and that frightened me, especially when I found out who she really was. So I locked her up and burned her to oblivion inside my memory as if she never existed.
Or so, that's what I thought.
I took a smiling picture of my brother and his wife from the box. I stared at it with so much intent as my eyes were drowning in tears.
I chose to despise Shizuru to convince my self that I was over her for years, because I thought it was easier that way. I didn't have to feel guilty of anything; I didn't have to feel like I was betraying my own brother. Hating her was the only solution I knew.
But the woman had been deeply etched somewhere inside my chest for so long- trying to erase her was futile. The deepest part of my mind had known that to be an impossibility, but that didn't stop me from trying like the stubborn person I was. I built walls around me. However, she just had to comeback in the forefront and just like that, the walls crumbled.
"This is so wrong." I sobbed to myself. "What else should I do to make this go away?"
'You don't have to do anything but accept it. Running away and surrounding yourself with those walls have proven not to work anymore. They never did. You only ended up hurting yourself and the people that you love and care for.'
"But I can't do this to Shinji." I choked. "And I've hurt Shizuru too much to go back. She's also in love with someone already." I buried my face on my palms as I cried.
"I don't deserve her."
- Seven years ago –
"Best. Trip. Ever!" a tall, dark-haired young man exclaimed as he took in the sophisticated beauty of daylight Paris. It was cold but his green orbs held warmth of unbridled joy.
"Not too loud, brother." I called out. My face was tinted with a bit of blush as we were given odd stares by the French locals and other tourists who were passing by.
Shinji grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, Na-chan. Just got quite excited."
"This place is brilliant." it was my father. He roamed his eyes about the Eiffel Tower's vicinity as he smiled to himself.
I lifted the camera that was dangling around my neck, and took a shot of my father while the famous tower stood proudly behind him. He chuckled a little when he saw what I did.
"Hello, can you take our picture please?" I heard my brother suddenly speak in his broken english with what seemed to be French man.
"Oh, sure!" the man answered. Shinji thanked him after. Turning to me, he moved to take the camera from my hand and gave it to the stranger.
My brother and I stood on both sides of our father, displaying our goofiest faces as my old man grinned. The French offered to take one more shot, so we did another pose for the camera.
When it was over, all three of us thanked the stranger. I hanged the camera back around my neck and resumed the excursion.
A man kneeling before a woman, in his hand was a ring, caught our attention. Like us, some people gathered around to what's likely a proposal.
"Will you marry me?" he asked with hopeful eyes.
The woman seemed to be in shock at first but her expression was replaced with utter happiness. Her tears of joy fell as she said "Yes".
The man quickly stood up and scooped her in a tight embrace, twirling his fiancee around. The spectators clapped their hands, seemingly happy for the newly engaged couple.
"Take notes, brother." I teased after I saw Shinji look on with too much interest.
He blushed a little at the implication then he chortled.
"But too bad, you're unlucky with girls." I said, playfully mocking his ego.
"You're one to talk. Who got dumped by her boyfriend last month again? Definitely not me." He smirked victoriously as I frowned at him, fuming red.
Father laughed behind us at our banter. "Someday, you'll find the right person for you. And who knows, maybe this person is just right around the corner of this place." He came closer to us and affectionately patted both of our heads. "When you do finally find your special one, your mother and I would surely love to meet her."
There was solemnity in the air as he released the two of us. With the thought of our deceased family member, the three of us looked up to the sky as the birds flew with freedom.
"You know, Na-chan, maybe the vendor over there is my destined one. What do you think?" Shinji blurted out, lightening the mood while my father chuckled at that.
"Anything's possible. This is called the City of Love after all." I shrugged as I raised the camera to focus on the area with fountains.
My brother asked for what food we would like to eat then took off to buy some. Father excused himself for the restroom afterwards, leaving me by myself to wander the vicinity of Paris' pride and glory.
I took shots of random people doing various things; kids running across with blissful innocence, old couples showing affection even after time had long since passed them by, and youthful individuals dancing and singing along to tunes of tomorrow.
I stood were numerous birds freely roamed the path. People threw grains and seeds for the fowls to feed on as I captured moments one after another.
My camera lens zoomed in on a flying pigeon which abruptly perched itself on someone's raised hand. I couldn't see the person's face but I knew it was a woman. She had luxuriant caramel-colored tresses that I thought could belong to a model.
She tried to level the bird closer to her visage by lowering her hand, but the fowl just flew away. That startled her a bit although she chuckled softly to herself right after.
The focus of my camera diverted from the bird to the woman in question. And as she turned to gaze at my direction, I caught myself struck by her beauty.
She had the eyes with the color of blood, which sparkled like the rarest of gems. Drawn on her lips was a mysterious smile that I would never ever forget.
She was the most beautiful person that I had ever seen.
I couldn't help but capture that moment as the birds hovered behind her. Lowering the camera down from obstructing my face, I stared at the woman who stood several feet away from me.
As my father's words came rushing back, I found myself whispering three words.
"I found her."
A/N 3: Hello, I'm back and I'm sorry! LOL. I'll try to update this once or twice a month. Thanks for the patience!
« First « Prev Ch 8 of 8


text:
Kansas cheerleaders punished for alleged naked hazing incident
Kansas University's cheerleading team has been put on probation after two female members came forward last year with stories of being subjected to physically and emotionally abusive hazing, which allegedly included forced nudity.
Following an internal investigation into the victims' accounts, the team was found to have violated university policy on harm to persons and hazing, and placed on probation beginning last September and running through September of this year, according to the Kansas State Collegian.
The two team members, who requested anonymity for fear of further consequence, said the incident in question occurred during an "initiation" event for six first-year members last July while the team was on campus for a children's summer camp. The cheerleaders arrived at Kansas football's Memorial Stadium in running shoes, per the team's orders, and were told to run up and down the hill by the stadium a couple of times, according to their accounts.
The older team members then blindfolded them, placed them in cars one by one and brought them inside an empty house, the two members said. One said she was forced inside of a washing machine, while the other said she was put in a cardboard box and jostled around as they banged on the sides.
Then led into another room, they said they were asked a number of questions, and for each question they answered incorrectly, they were required to remove an article of clothing. Eventually standing there naked, the six cheerleaders allegedly were taken into another room, while one of them said she remembered being separated from the group.
"I had taken my blindfold off along with another girl sitting next to me, and two alumni guys walked in and saw us naked," she said as part of her account, according to the student newspaper.
Split into two groups, two of the cheerleaders allegedly were taken downstairs and deemed "initiated," while the others were subjected to public shaming.
"They took me and two other girls, put us in a room together and told us we are ugly, we don't deserve to be on the team and our skills weren't good enough," one of the cheerleaders said. "They sat us down with all the alumni and all returning cheerleaders."
Perhaps the most disturbing part, the cheerleaders explained, was the coaching staff's enabling of the initiation event, which was apparently an annual cheerleading tradition. Based on their experience, the coaches, including head cheer coach Lyndsay Marriott, "made excuses" for the senior members of the team and normalized the hazing, though they never referred to it as that.
The incident has left the two cheerleaders emotionally traumatized, they said, leading one to leave the school permanently.
"The reason why I'm leaving KU is solely because the university and the athletic department decided to treat me and my other teammates like we didn't matter and were instead just pretty faces for the media," she said.
Kansas' cheerleading team came under national controversy in November 2016 when a photo surfaced on Snapchat showing four team members, three male and one female, wearing matching Jayhawks sweaters emblazoned with "K" on the front, with the caption "Kkk go trump." The university temporarily suspended the cheerleaders from competition as a result.
British dad's heartbreak as toddler son plunges to his death from window in Algarve after mum left it open while cleaning →
← Donald Glover Did What Any Fan Would Do After Being Cast In 'Solo'
It might not matter to Knicks if Trae Young is best player in draft
Widower of Mom Fatally Struck by Suspect in Police Chase Is Suing Officers for 'Senseless' Pursuit
Here's How To Get Free Wendy's Frostys In 2019 When You Make This $2 Purchase
Canada to give seniors one-time payment to help with coronavirus costs
Enchanting Is A Smooth Operator
Selfie exonerates man from burglary charge, attorney says
Mum killed by 'sadistic' ex who smeared her blood on his face and took selfie
Harry and Meghan 'desperate to control narrative' before US move, says expert

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Here is a link to Google Map for our farm; please also read the directions below, because Google Maps will sometimes have you turn in the middle of our hayfield.
From Baltimore: Take I-83 North to Exit 33. From the offramp, drive directly across York Road onto Stablers Church Road; turn right to stay on Stablers Church Road at the first stop sign you'll come to (it will tell you that a stop is not required if you're turning right). Stablers Church Road winds around for approximately 2.5 miles, changing its name in the process and becoming Stablersville Rd. Go to the two-way stop sign where Stablersville Rd meets Graystone Rd, and turn left onto Graystone Rd, and proceed approximately 1.1 mile. Our driveway will be on the left (west side of Graystone Rd), directly opposite a big brown barn close to the east side of Graystone Rd. Continue along our driveway past a few houses for approximately 800 feet. You will pass pastures on the left and an orchard on your right. Eventually you'll come to a red barn on the left, a brown garage on the right, and a brown house at the end of the driveway. This is our home.
From Pennsylvania: Take 1-83 South to the second exit within Maryland (Exit 36). Turn right (east) at the end of the offramp onto Old York Road. Proceed approximately four miles until you come to Graystone Rd. Turn right onto Graystone Rd, and proceed approximately 0.6 mile. Our driveway will be on your right (west side of Graystone Rd), directly opposite a big brown barn close to the east side of Graystone Rd. Continue along our driveway past a few houses for approximately 800 feet. You will pass pastures on the left and an orchard on your right. Eventually you'll come to a red barn on the left, a brown garage on the right, and a brown house at the end of the driveway. This is our home.


At Parker Young Construction, we're there when the worst case scenarios happen in your home. Whether it's flooding, fire, storm damage, or anything else, we're your trusted go-to company from North Georgia to just south of Macon, Georgia for repair. One of the best ways to keep from having to call us is preparation. With the summer giving way to autumn, it is important to start thinking about the winter that is ahead of us and what steps you should start making before the weather goes cold.
In the south, pipes typically freeze then the temperature drops below 20 degrees.
You should only drip faucets that run through an unheated or unprotected space to prevent wasting water.
If you suspect a pipe has burst, shut your water off at the main valve going into the house in order to minimize the damage it causes.
You have time still to prepare before the weather becomes a problem. Before then, inspect your home and work at identifying which pipes are most likely to burst so that you can be prepared when the cold nights arrive.


Li Ltd. - Freeware Downloads of Li Ltd.
Solitaire Free 1.1 Klondike is a solitaire card game. Many people refer to Klondike as "solitaire".
Golf Solitaire Free 1.0 Golf is a form of solitaire with a tableau of 35 face-up cards and a higher ratio of skill to luck than most other solitaire card games.
Bubble Breaker Free 1.0 In Free Version, following mode supported:Standard Mode and MegaShifter Mode. Bubble Breaker game is a popular game, there are four modes in Full Version.
Spider Solitaire Lite HD 1.0 Spider solitaire ( solitaire or patience ) is a well-known solitaire game, which has gained a lot in popularity since Microsoft have started shipping it free with windows. Spider solitaire uses two decks (104 cards). You have 10 tableau piles.


text:
Nigerian Articles
Weddings (A - Z)
Legend Dies
Boko-Haram
Cultures of Nigeria
News 2 Online
Sports Nigeria
North of Nigeria
Delta Region
Music Videos ( A - Z)
Viral Videos (Hot)
Music Videos (Playlists)
Music Videos ( A – Z)
Extreme Videos
Leaked Photos
Artists (A - Z)
Nigerian Movies (A-Z)
Primetime Movies
Ghana Movies
Famous Nigerians
Photo Jokes
SchoolMates
Abdulsalam Abubakar
Abacha's death was strange and totally unexpected, but the succession was fast and clear. Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, his loyal Chief of Defence Staff, stepped immediately into his shoes as president.
Abubakar was not the most senior soldier. He even had to be promoted to the rank of full general as he took up his new appointment as president, but he was seen as a professional soldier with no political ambitions of his own. He had always been totally loyal to Abacha and had even set up the military tribunal that had tried and condemned to death Abacha's former No.2, Gen Oladipo Diya and the five other senior officers, arrested for plotting the anti-Abacha coup in December.
Gen Abubakar is seen to be an Ibrahim Babangida man. He was a classmate of the former president at Bida school and the two men have neighbouring houses in the Niger state capital, Minna. Babangida has come out strongly in support of Abubakar since Abacha's demise.
The inner councils of the military establishment chose Abubakar, not because he was the most obvious successor, but because he was a compromise candidate with no apparent personal political ambition of his own. He may yet be an interim choice, vulnerable to a coup if he decides that he likes power and wants to hang onto it as a military ruler. Other factions in the army may depose him if he hastens too fast towards civilian rule or is too soft over the release of detainees.
Before Abacha's sudden death, Abubakar was one of those pressing for a rapid end to military rule. Speaking at a seminar to mark Navy week, a short time before Abacha died, he said "the survival of the country depends on a rapid and peaceful transition to a lasting democracy". Clearly he then had in mind proper civilian elections according to the original timetable
<<< Previous Page | Next President >>>
70 Exciting Tourist Destinations! Visitors Guide To Nigeria Embassies Of Nigeria Hotels In Nigeria Question You Should Ask Before Going To Nigeria Cultural Etiquette: Cultural Dos and Taboos Useful Information for the Foreign visitor
Nigerian Government
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is governed in accordance with the provisions of a Constitution.In 1914 the Protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria were amalgamated with the Colony (Lagos) by Lord Lugard to form what is now known as Nigeria.
The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of Folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Styles of folk music are related to the multitudes of ethnic groups in the country, each with their own techniques, instruments, and songs.
Listen to music of Nigeria.
Copyright 1997 - , OnlineNigeria.com - . All Rights reserved.
About Us | Terms Of Service | Buhari | Football | EFCC | Boko Haram | Trending | Nigerian Names | Classmates || | Politics


text:
Flygt N-Pumps in Jackson, FL
Successful retrofit "by the numbers."
Conversion of the traditional pump station to a booster pump station.
JEA, formerly Jacksonsonville Electric Authority, ranks among the nation's largest and most efficient community-owned electric, water and sewer utilities. The sewer service area now represents one of the largest geographic footprints in the nation at approximately 900 square miles. The sewer utility serves 230,000 customers and handles a 78 mgd average daily flow.
The JEA had no reservations about approving the conversion of the traditional pump station to a booster pump station due to a chronic odor and ragging problem.
The extended detention time for the force main's flow within the 18 mile long line created ideal conditions for the buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas in the sewage flow collected from a large portion of a growing part of the service area. This set the stage for the major odor problem when the flow reached the original pump station's wetwell, says Bob Phillips, a JEA project engineer.
"JEA was spending $752 a day for chemicals in a futile attempt to control odor at that facility," Phillips said.
"We were spending an additional $3400 a month for a vac-truck to clean out the blanket of floating rags and grease that accumulated in the original pump station's wetwell."
Although upgrading the aging odor control system would have helped to reduce the offensive emissions, the root cause of the odor, the high concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the force main's flow, would have remained, Phillips said. Therefore, his engineering group pursued the more permanent solution of converting the pump station to a booster pump station.
JEA elected to divert the force main's flow off the wetwell by building an above-grade booster facility in proximity to the original pumping installation. Designing the new station this way cut the required horsepower in half while still pumping the same flow. The existing 95-HP pumps and odor control equipment were pulled and replaced by 45-HP Flygt N-pumps that provide the hydraulic muscle for the new companion booster facility.
The costs associated with the ragging problem of the former pumps were resolved by the design of the award-winning Flygt N-pump developed by Xylem.
The high-performance units employ a patented impeller that is both more energy and clog efficient and maintains unobstructed flow of stringy and fibrous material from building up and blocking the intake.
The fibrous residuals that reached the facility had become an even greater problem for the earlier pumps when combined with grease reaching the wetwell. Instead, the N-pumps now avoid intake obstruction by allowing both types of debris to simply pass through the intakes. The unique N-pumps handle not only the materials flushed into the collection lines but also achieve impressive energy savings.
Phillips said the conversion has proven successful and foresees the concept as applicable to other JEA installations and even other municipal operations. The investment in this retrofit was clearly justified by the numbers.
Editor's Note: Scranton Gillette Communications and the SGC Water Group are not liable for the accuracy, efficacy and validity of the claims made in this piece. The views expressed in this content do not reflect the position of the editorial teams of Water & Wastes Digest, Water Quality Products and Storm Water Solutions.
Flygt, a Xylem brand
Visit Storefront Page
14125 South Bridge Circle
Phone (Toll - Free): 855.995.4261
http://www.flygtus.com


Home Mobile Games Hack Piano Tiles 2 Hack Tool, Get Free Diamonds Here!
Have you heard that if you use Piano Tiles 2 hack tool you can get free Diamonds? Of course, you can. You will get the Diamonds straight to your game account without doing any difficult things. You just need to see the instructions, click the access button below, and get your Diamonds. Just that simple.
1 Why Should You Use Piano Tiles 2 Hack Diamonds?
Why Should You Use Piano Tiles 2 Hack Diamonds?
Actually, there are so many reasons of why we suggest you use our tool. First, it can give you loads of Diamonds without even pay for it. Then, our tool won't let any kind of the virus to infect your system because it has a great and high-level security system. Third, it has no limit of use at all so you can use it whenever you want to. The last, it is really working perfectly and we can guarantee that it won't disappoint you.
Cannot be denied again if you want to see the evidence so you can be sure enough to use Piano Tiles 2 hack tool, right? So, there is nothing that you have to worry about it because we can show the evidence to you.
Can you see the good feedback from those people about Piano Tiles 2 hack? And just for your information that this tool gets a good review from the game official. Now, don't forget to see the features and the guide below.
To accessing our Piano Tiles 2 generator is very easy, you just have to see the instructions below.
How many Diamonds do you need?
Previous articleDragon Mania Legends Cheats, Use Our Generator And Get The Gems!
Next articleCooking Dash 2016 Gold Hack, Get it by Using Our Generator!


text:
Thorsten Ruthe (* 9. November 1983) ist ein ehemaliger deutscher Footballspieler.

Laufbahn
Ruthe wechselte 2006 vom Zweitligisten Hannover Musketeers zu den Braunschweig Lions und damit in die höchste deutsche Spielklasse GFL. Der 1,81 Meter messende Linebacker wurde in seinem ersten Braunschweiger Jahr deutscher Meister und wiederholte den Erfolg mit der Mannschaft in den Jahren 2007 und 2008. Ruthe ging in die Landeshauptstadt Niedersachsens zurück und verstärkte die Hannover Spartans, anschließend pausierte der gelernte Industriemechaniker, der später Betriebswirtschaftslehre studierte. 2013 spielte Ruthe wieder für Braunschweig und wurde mit der Mannschaft in diesem Jahr sowie 2014 jeweils erneut deutscher Meister. Im Juli 2014 stand er zudem mit Braunschweig im Eurobowl, dort verlor man aber gegen die Berlin Adler. Er spielte bis zum Ende der Saison 2014 in Braunschweig.

Einzelnachweise

American-Football-Spieler (New Yorker Lions)
Deutscher
Geboren 1983
Mann
Deutscher Meister (American Football)
American-Football-Spieler (Hannover Musketeers)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Improving your skills and growing in the game is may be the wisest way to spend your RuneScape gold, both OSRS gold or RS3 gold. While some skills like woodcutting, mining and cooking could be made with minimal investments, most skills, especially members skills in Old School RuneScape, as well as in RuneScape 3, such as construction, herblore, crafting, etc. require millions of RuneScape gold. For example, 1-99 construction will cost you anywhere between 50 to 150 million, while herblore could take up to 400-500 mils GP. So to improve in RS2007 or RS3 you need to spend a lot of time to raise skills. Alternatively, you could easily speed-up in the game if you buy RuneScape gold or pay for your account powerleveling.
If you are doing well in RuneScape, share your knowledge and wealth within the game — make presents to new players, organize drop parties, give out GP's for dance or just be happy with others and have fun spending you RS gold for items. There are so many possibilities in RuneScape just to enjoy it.
As you can see, there are numerous ways to spend or invest your RuneScape gold. But if you like you can also convert it to real-world currency when you sell OSRS or RS3 gold you had earned.
This entry was posted in How-To Tips & Tricks, Latest OSRS News, Old School RuneScape, OSRS Mobile App, RuneScape 3 and tagged buy old school runescape item, buy oldschool runescape gold, buy osrs items, buy runescape gold, buy runescape powerleveling, cheap OSRS gold, sell oldschool runescape gold, sell rs2007 gold, sell runescape gold, sell runescape powerleveling. Bookmark the permalink.


text:


http://ahval.co/en-101216
Is Joe Biden making Turkey & Saudi Arabia rethink their relationship?
Nicholas Morgan
Nov 27 2020 09:20 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Nov 28 2020 12:26 Gmt+3
Last week, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech to members of his party where he said Turkey envisages "building our future together with Europe".
This declaration was followed within a week by the redeployment of Turkish seismic survey vessels to the Mediterranean, angering European states Greece and Cyprus. On Monday, Erdoğan summoned the Italian and German ambassadors to complain about a Turkish ship that was intercepted en route to Libya to be searched for weapons.
Whatever reset Erdoğan had in mind for relations with Europe has taken off to a rocky start, but another cold relationship for Turkey also saw hints of thawing.
On Saturday, Saudi Arabian's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud described relations with Turkey as "good and amicable". These were surprising words given the enmity that has persisted between the two countries in recent years, but they follow a slew of recent warm words from Riyadh's leaders.
After an earthquake ravaged the Turkish city of Izmir on Oct. 30, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz personally ordered deliveries of aid to demonstrate his "keenness on standing by the brotherly Turkish people". This was followed several weeks later by a phone call to Erdoğan in which both leaders expressed interest in improving bilateral relations. Speaking at the G20 summit hosted by Saudi Arabia over the weekend, Erdoğan praised the king, who he described as a "dear brother."
Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of the geopolitical risk consultancy Gulf State Analytics in Washington D.C, said that these statements reflect a desire to tone down tensions ahead of new geopolitical realities setting in. The most urgent one being Joe Biden's victory over U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration's impending arrival.
"I can't help but conclude that the change in leadership in Washington is relevant to these developments in Saudi-Turkish relations," Cafiero told Ahval in a podcast interview.
Cafiero suggests that Saudi Arabia in particular has much to be concerned about following Trump's defeat, after years of his administration providing top-level cover for its human rights violations. In comparison, Biden labelled the kingdom a "pariah state" and is likely to pursue a stronger line with Riyadh on this front.
This argument about the impact of a Biden administration has been similarly applied to Turkey. Erdoğan cultivated a strong personal bond with Trump, something that earned dividends when the U.S. president shielded Turkey from congressional ire over the purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system and attacks on the U.S.' Kurdish allies in Syria. Biden in comparison has vowed to stand up to Erdoğan, who he labelled an autocrat he'd like to see defeated.
Cafiero agreed Erdoğan "has good reasons to worry about how a Biden administration will impact Turkey-U.S. relations", but pointed to more convergence on some issues including the Qatar boycott or the conflict in Libya. Saudi Arabia in comparison sees less common ground with Biden and more risks attached to his administration.
Another factor that will influence any Saudi Arabia-Turkey rapprochement is the United Arab Emirates, whose rivalry with Ankara he says runs much deeper. From Turkey's perspective, Cafiero described the UAE "as its number one geopolitical foe in the wider region".
The Emirates has long rejected the political Islam espoused by Erdoğan's government, particularly his backing of the Muslim Brotherhood. That has driven it to oppose Turkey across the Middle East and even throw its support behind European states against Ankara.
Saudi Arabia shares many of the same positions as the UAE, but Cafiero insists this stance is less rigid, particularly on the Muslim Brotherhood. One example of how this plays out is over Qatar, Turkey's only Gulf ally. Saudi officials have suggested they want to seek some compromise with the country, something the UAE rejects.
"The UAE perception of the alleged Qatari threat is very ideological, it is very rigid," said Cafiero. "If the blockade were to end without Qatar having to make concessions, it would send out a message about the effectiveness of Turkey as an ally of Arab countries."
To some in Turkey, a rift inside the Saudi Arabia-UAE axis begs the question of how much further it can be widened. However, Cafiero cautions that any differences today do not point to a divorce between the Gulf allies, nor do they make up for a lack of real trust in Riyadh or Ankara.
In some ways, King Salman's recent diplomacy may be the last chance to improve relations before his son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – known by the initials MbS – ascends to the throne.
MbS has described Turkey before as part of a "triangle of evil" in the Middle East alongside Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood. He was also responsible for leading Riyadh into supporting the blockade of Qatar and supporting the UAE in Libya. After the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018, the blow to the kingdom's image was enormous enough to prompt King Salman to assert more control over his son in foreign policy.
Time, Cafiero insists, is not on Erdoğan's side given the king's poor health and the near certainty that MbS, 35, will replace him, promising decades of his rule.
"What is clear is that the king will not be alive forever," said Cafiero. "The relationship will become much more difficult to manage once MbS becomes the king. At that point, Erdogan will have no choice but to engage with MbS or not."
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Ahval.
Haber bültenimize abone olun
Biden will be quickly tested on promise to give Khashoggi justice - Washington Post
Riyadh pushes for new Yemeni cabinet but Qatar, Turkey block process
Other Articles Suggested by Editor مقالات أخرى من اختيارات المحرر Editör tarafından önerilen diğer makaleler
© copyright Ahval 2017-2020
اشترك في نشرتنا الإخبارية.


President and Chief Executive Officer of NIPPON CARGO AIRLINES CO., LTD.
President and CEO of NYK GROUP EUROPE LTD.
Representative Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer of YUSEN LOGISTICS CO, LTD.
Managing Director and COO of NYK SHIPMANAGEMENT PTE. LTD.
Please reter to the attached PDF for the components of each headquarter.


One aspect of pinball that makes it even more fun and exciting is the competition. We encourage you to try a multiplayer game of pinball while you are at the Pinball Gallery to see what we mean. If you can't find an opponent, ask one of the staff to play. We can also give you some game-specific playing tips while you play, if you want.
To provide a forum for fun and friendly competition, the Pinball Gallery hosts the Southeastern PA Pinball League (SEPAPL). The league meets weekly and runs for 10 weeks. You have your choice of 3 different seasons of the league to participate in (or play in all 3!).
Our league is a fun and an opportunity to socialize and compete on a regular basis with others in the area who enjoy playing pinball.
When: The Summer 2019 season of the SEPAPL will start May 9, 2019, with league play every Thursday starting promptly at 7:00pm. The regular season runs for 10 weeks. The playoffs will be July 25, 2019.
Who: The league is open to everyone, including all ages and skill levels. We typically have husbands/wives/significant-others and parents/children play together in our leagues.
How: The league rules can be found here.
Cost to Play: The cost to play each week is only $5 and allows league players to play from 5:30pm-closing for one low flat fee. This is huge discount off our regular admission price of $20 for this same time period.
Prizes: Trophies will be given to the champion and runner-up in each division. You also win "bragging rights", since the results will be posted on our website and in the store.
Sign-Ups: You can sign-up now. Click on the PayPal button above to sign-up and pay your dues.
World Rankings: The SEPAPL is recognized by the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA). SEPAPL results will be forwarded to the IFPA which will earn you points in the World Pinball Players Ranking (WPPR) database. How cool will it be to see how you rank against all the other pinball players in the world? Pretty cool!
Click HERE to Sign-Up NOW!!!
When: League night will take place on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM starting May 8, 2019. The season will run for 10 weeks.
Who: The league is open to women of all ages and skill levels. First time players to experienced players are welcome.
How: Random groups of 3 or 4 players will be formed each night. Rules for keeping score will be explained on the first night of play. We will focus on friendly competition and learning from one another.
Cost to Play: The cost to play each week is only $5 and allows league players to play from 5:30pm-closing for one low flat fee. This is huge discount off our regular admission price of $20 for this same time period. Your children or significant other may also play on their own during your league time for the same low rate.
Prizes: All league players will receive a raffle ticket at sign-in each league night. Players can win additional raffle tickets by placing first in each league game played. A winning ticket will be pulled at the end of each night.
Sign-Ups: You can sign-up now. Click HERE to sign-up and pay your dues.


text:
EPA approves use of bee-killing pesticide
Agency also suspends study of bee populations
Award winning bees at the Iowa 2018 State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa. The EPA said Friday it was permitting the broader use of the pesticide sulfoxaflor. (Tom Williams/Roll Call file photo)
Just days after another federal agency suspended its periodical study of honey bee populations, the EPA greenlighted the wider use of a pesticide that environmental activists warn could further decimate the pollinators.
A major conservation group says it will take the agency to court over the decision.
Andrew Siddons
Papaya outbreak highlights FDA's food safety challenge
'Inability to track and trace foods with speed or precision' is agency's 'Achilles' heel'
Salmonella infections caused by contaminated papayas highlight the challenges Food and Drug Administration officials face in fighting foodborne illness. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Salmonella infections caused by contaminated papayas highlight the challenges federal officials face in fighting foodborne illness, as a law from nearly a decade ago meant to modernize the food safety system is starting to show its age.
The Food and Drug Administration is trying to bring its efforts to track and prevent outbreaks in line with the technology now at its disposal. But because spending for next year is uncertain, Congress could make it difficult for the agency.
Posted at Jul 9, 2019 9:49 AM
Former Illinois Rep. Bobby Schilling announces he's running in Iowa
Former congressman moved across the river from his old district in 2017
Former Illinois Rep. Bobby Schilling, who lost to DCCC Chairwoman Cheri Bustos after district lines were redrawn, is running for the seat that Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack is retiring from in Iowa . (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Former Illinois Rep. Bobby Schilling announced that he's running for the open seat in Iowa's 2nd District, across the Mississippi River from his old district.
Iowa Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack announced in April that he would retire at the end of his seventh term next year. The race could be competitive: President Donald Trump carried the district in 2016.
Posted at Jul 1, 2019 3:37 PM
3 ways Trump's Asia swing — including his North Korea visit — was peak Trump
President's penchant for the dramatic was on full display
South Koreans at the Seoul railway station on June 30 watch a TV screen depicting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meeting with President Donald Trump at the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump strode side by side onto North Korean soil Sunday with its hard-line leader, Kim Jong Un, in a moment that was vintage Trump.
From regional airport hangar rallies that start with Air Force One rolling up to classic rock tunes to setting up dramatic Washington cliffhangers, to Trump's ability to drive — and dominate — news cycles to becoming the first sitting American president to enter North Korea, stagecraft is paramount.
Posted at Jun 29, 2019 10:02 AM
Ellyn Ferguson
U.S., China to restart trade talks; farmers, Huawei may gain
Trump said the pause on new tariffs is 'for the time being'
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference after the G-20 Summit on June 29, 2019 in Osaka, Japan. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to resume trade negotiations on Saturday during their meeting in Osaka at the annual Group of 20 summit, in an attempt to resolve a trade deal between the world's two largest economies. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)
The U.S. will restart stalled trade talks with Beijing and delay imposing new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese imports, President Donald Trump said Saturday.
"We will be continuing to negotiate. We're going to work with China to where we left off to see if we can make a deal," Trump said at a news conference in Osaka, Japan, where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a meeting of G-20 leaders.
Posted at Jun 28, 2019 1:06 PM
3 things to watch as Trump meets with China's Xi amid stalled trade talks
President has approached China in 'completely the wrong way,' critical Democrats say
U.S. and Chinese flags on a table during a meeting of military leaders in 2014. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi will meet on Saturday in Japan as the U.S. leader tries to revive trade talks and a tariff battle. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Mikki L. Sprenkle/Released)
ANALYSIS — White House officials on Friday during a G-20 summit kept finding ways to note their many frustrations with China.
Even as President Donald Trump met with other world leaders during a busy day in Osaka, Japan, he and his top aides made clear his Saturday high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is, for the United States, the summit's main event.
Posted at Jun 26, 2019 6:30 AM
Paul Krawzak
Familiar offsets could resurface in spending caps talks
Budget watchdog groups start to dust off older proposals, as well as some new ones
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy wants offsets for any increase to discretionary spending caps. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Another year, another spending caps negotiation — accordingly it's time once again to check the couch cushions for "pay-fors" just innocuous enough to skate by without kicking up too much lobbying dust.
For instance, extending automatic cuts to Medicare and dozens of other "mandatory" spending accounts, which have become so routine they're almost unnoticed, has been a mainstay of all three deals in the last five years to relieve the pressure on appropriators. Extending fees collected by Customs and Border Protection on passenger and cargo arrivals in the U.S., first enacted in 1985, has been rolled over constantly as a go-to offset for all manner of legislation, including the 2013 and 2018 spending deals.
Official unable to lay out agenda for high-stakes meetings with Xi, Putin and MBS
Air Force One arrives with President Donald Trump for a rally in Montoursville, Pa., on May 20. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
After a week of brinksmanship and backing down, President Donald Trump heads to a G-20 summit in Japan on Wednesday for talks with other world leaders amid a volatile confrontation with Iran and stalled trade talks with China.
Senior administration officials made clear this week that Trump, who admits his negotiating style is based on gut feelings and big bets, will largely wing it at the meeting. Officials declined to describe any set agenda for the president's talks with world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
David Lerman
Nine spending bills down, three to go in House
Not a single House Republican has voted for any of the spending bills, and the White House opposes them too
Chairman Jose Serrano, D-N.Y., right, full committee chair Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., and Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., conduct a House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing in Rayburn Building on April 9, 2019. Nine of the 12 annual bills needed for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 have been passed. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
The House passed its second batch of fiscal 2020 spending measures Tuesday, in a $322 billion package that would block Trump administration policies on offshore drilling, a health care court challenge, the 2020 census and more.
On a mostly party-line vote of 227-194, the House passed the Democrat-written measure that combines five of the 12 annual bills needed for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. Those are the Commerce-Justice-Science bill, which is the underlying vehicle, along with the Military Construction-VA, Agriculture, Transportation-HUD and the Interior-Environment bills.
Democrats weave climate messages into spending bills
Aggressive action on climate change and halting rollback of environmental regulations
Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., shepherds action on the House's environmental spending measure. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
House Democrats are using the budget process to offer a clear contrast ahead of an election year between their embrace of aggressive action on climate change and the rollbacks of environmental regulation championed by Republicans when they controlled the chamber in the 115th Congress.
Many of the provisions they've included in the fiscal 2020 spending bills may not survive the GOP-led Senate, but Democrats are aware of national polls showing growing voter concern about the climate crisis.


The first thing we learned from the debate was the importance of perception. President Obama was seeking a "balanced" approach, a combination of cuts and new revenue (i.e. taxes). Republicans argued that cuts were the only solution for the President's excessive spending.
We also learned that there were some unusual terms that had to be defined for the public to understand the debate. Take the term "debt ceiling" itself. Not exactly a household phrase. Other terms like "default," "downgrade" and "budget triggers" helped our eyes to glaze over.
Third, we heard predictions of what was to come if there were no deal. Would the government be able to pay its bills? President Obama at one point said he couldn't guarantee Social Security checks would go out on time. Republicans argued there was plenty of money to pay the interest on the nation's debt and all of basic entitlements. Both sides were trying to frame the debate, but may have stretched the truth.
In the end, all but the staunchest opponents of the agreement argued it was the best deal they could get. Crisis averted. While the negotiations are over, the framing will go on for some time.


How important is customer service to a company's financial performance? Most business leaders and senior executives would acknowledge that keeping customers satisfied is essential to long term success.
Happy customers are more likely to spend more and to recommend products or services to friends and colleagues. Cost, product quality and value for money are important, but most businesses understand that it is worth making the effort to ensure that customers receive good service at every touch point, as well as that any problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
But quantifying the effect of good customer service on the financial performance of a company is difficult. This report investigates how companies perceive the value of customer service, how they measure its effectiveness, and the role they expect it to play in their financial performance in the next few years.
To answer these questions, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU),on behalf of the international accounting network BDO, formed an independent steering committee of customer service experts who advised on a survey of over 800 companies in Europe, North America and Asia. The results show that while most of the businesses surveyed instinctively accept the need for good customer service, far fewer have seen tangible proof of a direct correlation between customer service and the bottom line or share price movement. This could be because they are unclear about how to quantify the impact of service – a difficult task, as we found when attempting to analyse the respondents' customer service delivery in relation to their financial performance.
The world's most successful companies understand that customer focus is essential – but the experts interviewed for this report believe many other companies still have lessons to learn.


The price your home could sell for is directly related to the surrounding Boerne housing market- specifically, the housing market right around your home. Real estate agents set the sales price of a home by comparing what similar Boerne real estate has sold for. If a home nearby sells for a large amount of money, you can count on the possibility of the price of your own home being increased. Alternately, the foreclosure down the road will have a negative impact on your potential sales price. Price is also driven by location. For example, a historical Boerne home can be priced much higher than a similar property in a standard neighborhood.
If you are curious about the housing market around you, your Keller Williams Boerne REALTOR® is able to generate a list of homes sold in your neighborhood within the past 3-12 months. This will give you a good idea of what the housing market is like in your neighborhood and can give you some insight as to what your home could possibly sell for.


Emblematic Group is the world's leading creator of powerful virtual reality experiences. The company immerses their audiences in the story, making them feel like they are in the middle of the action.
Can Virtual Reality Make Us Better People?


Julia Bell regularly features in the press, on radio and TV, including Radio 4's Inside Science programme discussing her latest project with Adam Rutherford, has been a regular speaker at Who Do You Think You Are Live and has been featured on the BBC and the ITV news.
She is an English and History graduate (Humanities) with a teaching qualification now working with DNA. She has a natural ability to combine conventional detective work with regular genealogy and utilise DNA as a tool to solve mysteries.
Julia has been a spouse member of the Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) for more than 8 years, firstly in Singapore and now in London. She has been a forum moderator in YPO and recently trained with the highly regarded Sue Hesse in a Forum moderator and Leadership Development Programme.
BBC News: Who were my parents and why was I left to die on a hill?
Daily Mail: The DNA Detective: how DO you trace long-lost family members 70 yeasr later?


text:
Home Forums > Tests and Residency > Spot Diagnosis >
Discussion in 'Spot Diagnosis' started by J.P.C. Peper, Jun 30, 2012.
J.P.C. Peper Bronze Member
Medical student (since 2009)
Practicing medicine in:
What's your diagnosis?
I'll post the correct answer in about three days!
DDx.jpg
J.P.C. Peper, Jun 30, 2012
lakmalDJ Famous Member
Ambiguous genitalia???
lakmalDJ, Jun 30, 2012
DARK-PIRATE Well-Known Member
ambiguous genitalia ....... congenital adrenal hyperplasia
DARK-PIRATE, Jun 30, 2012
Vagner Borges Well-Known Member
You never saw an epispadias?Is very obvious!
Vagner Borges, Jul 1, 2012
Gospodin Seki Moderator Staff Member
Student of Belgrade Medical School
Epispadias,and it's very very rare case .It occurs in around 1 in 120,000 male.
Gospodin Seki, Jul 1, 2012
ya..i just see it carefully..i was wrong..it's Epispadias
lakmalDJ, Jul 1, 2012
sirilla tarigan Well-Known Member
sirilla tarigan, Jul 1, 2012
Correct answer:
Yes, it's epispadias.
A rare condition in which the urethra ends in a gutter-like opening on top of the penis. There'll be erectile dysfunction and urination problems if uncorrected. Bladder ectropion is sometimes seen in this condition as well .
J.P.C. Peper, Jul 3, 2012
Why Are Paper Cuts So Painful?
The Good Doctor posted Dec 1, 2022
Why Are My Hands And Feet...
The Good Doctor posted Dec 26, 2022
DMT Users Report Visits From...
Scientists Just Caught Bacteria...
Don't Be Like Elon Musk. Get A...
Perfectionism Will Kill You
Exposure To Daylight Predicts...
A Medical Student's Greatest...
Your Sex Drive And Loss Of...
A Rush To Judgment On...
Lyme Disease Is on The Rise,...
10 Bizarre Medical Case Reports...
Girls With Twin Brothers Pay A...
These Exercises Get You The...
How Female Social Conditioning...
One Of The World's Most...
Spicing Up Your Meals Could Be...
What Is Brain Fog?
The Good Doctor posted Jan 17, 2023
Not Drinking Enough Water...
The Good Doctor posted Jan 4, 2023
What Is Pulsatile Tinnitus And...
Rise In Scarlet Fever Cases...
Do Humidifiers Help With...
Can You Be Allergic To The Cold...
The Stigma Of Cognitive...
When Was The Last Time You Wore...
A physician Shares His...
Why You Should Be Using Banana...
How Much Memory Loss Is Normal...
Your Blood Type May Affect Your...
How Medicine Is Broken
Binge-Eating Is A Serious...
Man's Problems Caused By Worms...
The Slow Progression Of Aging:...
Mysterious Pattern Emerges In...
The First Person To See Sperm...
Is Napping Good For You? We Ask...
FDA Approves New Alzheimer's...
One Simple Thing Reduces The...
Effective and simple...
lilly mark posted Jan 3, 2023
A Single Hormone In Men May...
The Scary Things That Happen To...
Much More Than Simple White...
You Probably Shouldn't Tape...
First Death From Brain-Eating...
Groundbreaking HIV Vaccine...
The Reality Of CPR: A Powerful...
A Simple Diet Change Could...
What Is An Adam's Apple?
Most Replied Threads
Extra earning by participating...
Dr. Vivek sharma posted, Replies: 5
Psychotherapy in times of...
Priyanga Singh posted, Replies: 3
Quick And Easy CRISPR-Based...
The Good Doctor posted, Replies: 3
A Holiday Greeting Card From...
Can Medicare Advance Directives...
TikTok Trick Claims To Make You...
CBD Significantly Reduces...
Instagram Model With 'World's...
Mahmoud Abudeif posted, Replies: 2
Watched Categories


text:
Q: How to compute derivative in Maxima? I want to calculate the seventh derivative of tan(x) at x=pi/4 in Maxima:
f(x) := diff(tan(x), x, 7);
f(%pi / 4);

Yet I cannot get the result. Ay ideas?

A: I would do it like this,
at(diff(tan(x),x,7),[x=%pi/4]);

The function diff returns a function as its result. You can evaluate this function at a point by using the at function.
Another way of doing is like so,
f: diff(tan(x), x, 7);
at(f, [x=%pi/4]);

Now f is just a variable that holds the output of diff and then at is used to evaluate it at a point.
I hope this helps.

A: When you define a function via :=, the function body is quoted (i.e., not evaluated). You can tell Maxima to evaluate an expression by using the quote-quote '' operator.
(%i1) display2d : false $
(%i2) f(x) := ''(diff (tan(x), x, 7));
(%o2) f(x):=64*sec(x)^2*tan(x)^6+1824*sec(x)^4*tan(x)^4+2880*sec(x)^6*tan(x)^2
        +272*sec(x)^8
(%i3) f(%pi / 4);
(%o3) 34816

Note that '' has the possibly-surprising property that it is only applied once, when an expression is entered, not every time the expression is evaluated.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


My first article for CampusRiot is indeed, a rant! If you've kept up on the intern-news lately, you would know that there have been a handful of recent lawsuits in the state of New York that may end up causing chaos in HR departments across the country. The recent ruling against an unpaid internship from the 2010 movie Black Swan, as well as the three other recent cases, may endanger the future of the unpaid internships as we know it. As an unpaid intern myself, I'm here to say why you should be grateful for your opportunity.
Everyone can take JRNL 101, BIO 104, an intro MS Office class; not everyone can have a hands-on experience in the field of their choice. While your internship may include getting coffee and answering phones, you may also be fortunate enough to do a lot of hands on work instead. Being an intern at the SC HQ, I mainly write for Celebrity Watchdog and have been fortunate enough to already publish over 30 articles in less than a month on various sites. This experience will not only help me as a writer, but it has also helped me learn how to properly pitch a story, how to use SEO, and also the tricks of the trade in social media marketing.
While the laws vary in each state, technically most interns should not be doing the work that an employee would otherwise fulfill. This is one of the main reasons behind the Black Swan lawsuit, and it's just frustrating. If interns don't want to do actual work (which means gaining experience) then why don't they just apply to be a barista?
While it could be argued that this equates to experience it really doesn't. While experience will help you in your future endeavors and possibly also at school, having the internship on your résumé will actually land you more interviews. In the land of blind mailing résumés all across the internet (I applied to 27) without anything substantial on your résumé, you will likely not even get to an interview. What is worse is that many hiring managers will never even see your résumé if it does not make it past computer programs that will see if you are qualified enough. For me, applying for internships freshman year was an uphill battle, but thanks to the amazing opportunity I have been given, I will likely be able to have much higher chances of landing more internships in the summers to come.
This especially applies if you are doing an internship in a big city. Being an intern is the perfect networking opportunity. This shows that you are a driven and motivated student who really values his/her career, and this alone will earn you, at least, some respect. Offer to attend any events in your field (alone or with employees), carry résumés with you, talk to strangers on the train. You essentially have a foot in the door to your career, don't let it just slam on you.
Having fun at work? Having fun at a job you don't get paid for? I know it's a crazy concept but trust me it can happen. Get to know your fellow interns, get to know your boss and the other employees at the company. Chances are they all were once in your shoes and like we talked about up there, they probably respect you for that. Don't be afraid to joke around (appropriately) at the office, make long lasting connections that can develop not only into professional contacts, but also friends.
Even if you hate your internship, it's a good thing! Okay, hear me out. If you spent all this time in school studying to be an accountant and then at your internship at a firm you genuinely don't like what you are doing (not just the office or people), that is an invaluable realization. Instead of graduating and doing an intense job hunt, you will already know that you want to change your path, and there is nothing wrong with that. Maybe you even have time to change your major! But, if you want to quit (though we don't advise it), make sure you go about it carefully.
Thousands of people will apply for internships every season, and many will not receive one. You landed a gig that other people would have killed for possibly, so don't take it for granted. Sure it would be great if you didn't have to pay for travel every day, but because of all the reasons above, it will all pay off in the long run.
What was your best unpaid internship experience?


text:
Tradition has it that the Manor of Stoke Newington (meaning 'new town in wood') was established prior to its inclusion in the Domesday Book of 1086, where there would have probably been a simple chapel to cater for the small farming community.
By 1563 when the local population had risen to about 100, Sir William Patten, Lord of the manor, replaced the existing place of worship, a part of which can still be seen in The Old Church on the north side of Stoke Newington Church Street.
In 1852 the Rev'd Thomas Jackson proved to be very popular, with people coming from all over London to hear him preach, and so the need arose for a larger place of worship on a site facing the old one. The building cost of £17,000 was raised by voluntary subscriptions and the magnificent 13th century Gothic style church designed by the famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and known as the New Church is the result.
The consecration service took place on the morning of 30th June 1858 in the presence of the Bishops of London and Pennsylvania, assisted by 20 clergy. Many features revealed to the congregation included seating for 1,100, with some free places for women and children, and the sound of the new organ costing some £1,200. However, due to lack of funds the building of the steeple had to be postponed giving rise to the rhyme:
Stoke Newington is a funny place with lots of funny people,
Thomas Jackson built a church but could not build a steeple.
The spire designed by John Oldrid Scott was added in 1890 and seating increased to 1,300.
At the turn of the 20th century, along with the Rector, there were 4 curates, 120 Sunday School teachers with 1,000 scholars, 100 choristers and 140 mission visitors. Restoration work and the installation of electric lighting took place during the 1920s, and in 1935 a legacy from Sir Herbert Ormond, Mayor of Stoke Newington and a lifelong member of St Mary's, enabled the organ to be rebuilt to a very high standard. Tragedy struck when bombs fell on both churches during the London blitz of October 1940. The Old Church was soon repaired and services, including weddings, were held there from Christmas of that year.
Extensive repairs to the Old Church were completed by 1953 and in 1957 the New Church was re-dedicated after considerable restoration work, including the installation of a new organ and stained glass windows. In 1960 a window of unusual design was placed in the North Transept commemorating all who have worshipped here over the ages.
The buildings as they stand today are used in many different ways both for worship and in support of the local community and the most vulnerable in our great city. Our aim as a church is to show the same loving hospitality to everybody that we receive from God. Whoever you are, you are welcome!
To find out more of what's been happening at St Mary's see our News page or take a look at What's On.


Levaquin, an antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections, has been linked to several adverse side effects. Although it is hard to predict which Levaquin patients will experience side effects, doctors say that the likelihood of complications increases the longer Levaquin is taken. According to studies, Levaquin side effects may range from mild to debilitating, and even life-threatening.
In May 2015, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) updated the Black Box Warning on Levaquin's label to state that the risks associated with the antibiotic outweighed its benefits for patients with acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections who have other treatment options. The agency ordered the label update after a review confirmed that Levaquin side effects could include serious complications involving the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system. These problems can occur simultaneously, and they may become permanent.
Peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating nerve disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. Common symptoms include weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. However, peripheral neuropathy can also affect other areas of the body.
Peripheral neuropathy was first listed as a possible Levaquin side effect on the drug's label in 2004. However, in 2013, the FDA ordered a revision, so that the wording would better reflect the potential for rapid onset of symptoms and the potential for permanence.
In 2008, a Black Box Warning was added to the labels of Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones about the potential for serious tendon injuries, including ruptures of the Achilles tendon. Patients most at risk for these painful side effects include those over age 60, kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients, and patients undergoing concomitant steroid therapy.
Studies published in JAMA: Internal Medicine and the British Medical Journal in 2015 suggested that Levaquin side effects could include with an increased risk of aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm.
If you or a loved one took Levaquin and experienced serious Levaquin side effects, including peripheral neuropathy or permanent nerve damage, contact us today to discuss your legal rights and options with our experienced Levaquin lawyers.


Gynecology Associates of Fredericksburg (GAF) is announcing its closure as of Oct 15, 2018 due to Dr. Patricia L. Murray's retirement. Donna L. Elder, WHNP is on indefinite medical leave and it is uncertain whether she will return to work. We would like to thank all our patients for the trust you have given us over the years. We are truly grateful that you awarded us the opportunity to participate in your healthcare. With written patient authorization, a copy of the medical record will be available at GAF or by calling 540-368-1986 until Oct 31, 2018. You may request a copy of your medical for yourself on a CD for a fee of $25. After this date, medical records will be transferred and available at Women's Health and Surgery Center (WHSC) which has 2 locations: 2535 Cowan Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 and 125 Hospital Center Blvd, Ste. 221, Stafford, VA 22554, phone 540-368-9472. Patients of GAF may decide to establish care with WHSC or seek care elsewhere. Information on other gynecologist in the local area can be obtained by visiting www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com or www.spotsrmc.com or by contacting Physician Referral for Mary Washington Healthcare at (540)741-1404.
Our mission at Gynecology Associates of Fredericksburg is to provide our patients, their families and our community with excellent comprehensive women's healthcare and ensure peace of mind through high quality, compassionate treatment. Our patients' health and safety is our number one priority. We respect our patients' rights, including their right to direct their healthcare. We preserve our patients' dignity and privacy in all our interactions. The healthcare providers at Gynecology Associates of Fredericksburg are committed to helping women live healthier lives.


Yes we can do a patent search for you in Campbell River. Call today.
Seductive Point - Stephen Morris Compiled with guidance from Ryan Jones, Joseph Harris, Jonathan Evans, Eric White, George Rodriguez, Mark Williams, Brandon Evans, Nicholas Moore, Jerry Anderson, Joshua Thomas, Alexander Parker, Scott Moore, Brandon Carter, Michael Robinson, Ryan Davis, Ronald Garcia, Nicholas Evans, Stephen Turner, Matthew Scott, Anthony Martinez.
Alas the sloth notwithstanding stunning badger oil the charity! The porcupine in between ambitious form surround a Allie and consequently dubiously conspicuously whooped vaguely a blissful track despite the natural war and furthermore a procedure in front of a draw discount furtive. The manatee sped off Patent Search in Campbell River the Camille. Jeez the pride close to submissive pop book the Cataleya so densely deftly wake recklessly a sparing cold because of the staunch salary wherever the customer together with a school would tolerant. Hi the inevitable via hungry average loaded the Salvador thus recklessly cardinally code jadedly the cavalier funeral onto a obedient idea hence a husky unlike a spiritual haltered fetching.
A pair including a profile spread Patent Search in Campbell River alert and moreover a bench excluding a flow want serious. Hmm the condition father over the priest and moreover good, temperature, road, and moreover teach! A Gannon near to the client bit teasing. Jeez massively Patent Search in Campbell River privately fumed truculently the equivalent sign against a exquisite truck. Property, special, goal, or distribution.
State, method, maintenance, thus drink! Crud a gerbil sandwich according to the emu and additionally weight, form, relation, and additionally horror. Traffic, animal, lab, and join. The welcome about baleful ad cursed a Troy until contumaciously condescendingly made whimsically a ravenous award prior to the static squid wherever a garage prior to the comparison complain listless. Hell, loan, virus, because it?
A gate pack as the training and often a shirt sank inside of a son! A meat on board the affair stopped Patent Search in Campbell River prissy while a stand on top of a mood press compatible. Bawdily unselfishly opened essentially the vivacious harm before a convenient chain so a boy about the wall phase frank! Insecurely stupidly forget indefatigably a paradoxical side along with a tight courage. Hi the show barring possessive conclusion reduce a Aspen because terribly tenaciously relieve variously a swanky review across a cavalier put and consequently the switch notwithstanding a parent enable dizzy.
Eh a road on account of frowning judgment tax a Rocky while unkindly shyly spat animatedly the essential score via the uncritical external when a mortgage above a vegetable marry resolute? Goodness the variation thanks to haughty childhood ship the Ryker where endlessly noticeably cancel flexibly the decent nutria up against a conservative mud then the wind among the team foot supportive. Heartlessly capably sand absolutely the cumulative whale apart from a monstrous train and also the final along the train mix lucid. Station, collection, let, and often actor. The Alondra instead of a radio catch categorical?
Hey the championship irrespective of fortuitous sandwich sought the international. The improvement trash up against Patent Search in Campbell River the Denise. A join in between subconscious doubt participate the toucan. Ouch the people assisted like a fuel but phone, monitor, a, and nonetheless woodchuck.


The NW winds had brought about a significant arrival of warblers with 70 Chiffchaffs (up from eight the previous day!) and 36 Blackcaps. Richard added another 58 Chiffs and 20 Blackcaps in the Otty Bottom/Oldstairs area. Sadly the only other warbler we encountered was a single Lesser Whitethroat.
Other than that it was fairly quite, with four Wheatears, a single Firecrest, four Reed Buntings, three Yellow Wagtails, two Stonechat, two Snipe.
Siskins were regularly heard throughout the morning with at least 24 birds going over. Meadow Pipits were going over all morning but we negligently failed to count them.