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Home > Hunting for the Origins of Humankind
Hunting for the Origins of Humankind
Lire en français [2]
Society [3]
Paleoanthropology [4]
-A [5] +A [5]
02.21.2017, by
Gael Cerez [6]
Surveying one of Drotsky's caves, Botswana. The cavity contains bone-bearing breccia trapped there in the distant past. This is exactly the type of context the scientists were looking for in Namibia, in the same range of hills, only a few kilometers away.
L. BRUXELLES/INRAP
In the spring of 2016, a team of French researchers headed for Namibia to look for human fossil sites. Read on for a day-to-day account of their first exploratory mission.
From April 25 to May 5 2016, geomorphologist Laurent Bruxelles and his colleagues Marc Jarry and Grégory Dandurand set off on a two-week expedition in Namibia. Their aim was to discover and explore caves, which, the scientists believe, may harbor human remains that could shed fresh light on the origins of humankind in Africa.
Monday 25 April: Arrival in South Africa
On a ridge overlooking the Kromdraai excavation site in South Africa, three men watch the sun go down behind the hills of the Bloubank River Valley. Geomorphologists Laurent Bruxelles1 and Grégory Dandurand, together with archeologist Marc Jarry, from the INRAP2 and the TRACES laboratory,3 are conducting the first exploratory mission in the 'Human Origins in Namibia' program.4 An expedition that is to take them to one of the wildest regions of Namibia, the Aha Hills range.
We're going to a completely unexplored region of Namibia to see if we can find new pieces of the cradle of humanity.
Before setting off for these remote hills, Bruxelles and his companions have come to "get a feel" for the cradle of humanity, near Johannesburg. Bruxelles, a specialist in karst, knows the site well. In 2007, he joined the team led by the South African paleoanthropologist Ronald J. Clarke, who discovered the famous fossil Little Foot. Last year, their collaboration enabled them to push back the age of Australopithecus. It has now been dated back to 3.7 million years ago, 500,000 years before Lucy, the Australopithecus afarensis co-discovered by Yves Coppens in Ethiopia in 1974.
With this find, South Africa was back in the race to elucidate human origins, a quest that Bruxelles intends to join as he sets out to uncover fossils in Namibia.
The Paleozoic limestones and marbles are strongly affected by dissolution. The entrances to caves and sinkholes are hidden in the midst of this jagged limestone pavement.
"The whole of Africa is definitely the cradle of humanity," he says. "What you have to look for are fossil traps, such as the Great Rift Valley in East Africa and caves in southern Africa. This is why we're going to a completely unexplored region of Namibia to look for caves, examine breccia, search for fossils and see if we can find new pieces of the cradle of humanity."
Thursday 28 April: Baobab camp
After taking off from Jo'burg, as South Africa's economic capital is dubbed, the plane taking the team to Namibia is caught up in a violent storm right over Windhoek, the country's capital city. The aircraft makes a rough touchdown on the wet runway but immediately takes off again, engines roaring. On board the plane, passengers start to panic, tightening their seatbelts and calling out to the flight attendants, while some even take out a Bible and start praying. After circling twice, the aircraft finally lands at Windhoek's small airport.
After a night's rest, Bruxelles, Jarry and Dandurand pick up a rented four-wheel drive and pack it with 400 kilos of material, food and water—enough for ten days of complete self-sufficiency out in the remote regions they are about to explore. Their 800-kilometer journey will take them across the country from west to east, including 300 km along straight, dusty trails. After a day and a half's drive, they are finally approaching their first campsite, now only thirty kilometers away. It's pitch dark. The trail peters out in the tall grass. Some hyenas cackle in the distance. The feeling of remoteness is so great that it is hard to believe there's a tiny village just one kilometer away.
Baobab camp. The team takes advantage of the early morning cool to practice abseiling techniques they will use to explore the Waxhu sinkholes.
[7] [10] [9]
In the morning, two men, accompanied by children and a dog, turn up at the baobab camp to collect payment for the night's stay. Better known by the colonial term, "Bushmen," the San people are the descendants of southern Africa's first inhabitants. Coffee and cigarettes are shared as conversation gets under way.
The three scientists then set off to inspect the nearby hill. Bruxelles and Jarry have already visited the site. During their brief survey a year earlier, they discovered feline footprints in a small cavity. Although their second expedition reveals neither cave nor fossils, Jarry, a prehistorian and specialist in Paleolithic population dynamics, is delighted. "There are several stone tool sites containing tools or flakes. They probably date from the Middle Stone Age, between 400,000 and 50,000 years ago. What we have here is a sort of tool factory, since the humans of that time could find the raw material they needed, in this case quartzite."
Two Middle Stone Age sites were discovered during explorations. They are located near sources of material used by Paleolithic humans to make tools.
These remains are not in themselves unusual, but Namibia is a very poorly documented country. "We're in a blank area, a map we're going to fill with dots," smiles Jarry. "That's why our project focusees on human origins in the plural, both ancient and more recent."
Sunday 1 May: Okavango
After three nights in the bush and two days of exploration advancing through acacias, scrub and spider's webs, the team decides to hit the road and head for a new destination, the Drotsky's and Waxhu caves in Botswana, where they hope to get some more observational practice.
In this region, there is only one border crossing, forcing them to make a long detour to the north. The three scientists make the most of it to extend their journey and visit the Okavango, one of the largest inland deltas in the world.
Science has to stop when there are lions around.
"This delta is the regional base level that acts as a foundation for the geomorphological evolution of the region, including the formation of caves," Bruxelles explains. A well-earned break in a lodge, with a hot shower, a good meal and a comfortable bed help the team recharge their batteries in one of Africa's most dramatic landscapes.
Monday 2 May: Drotsky's Caves
Around fifty kilometers south of the Aha Hills range, a long hill made of black rock rises above the acacia-covered dunes of the Kalahari desert. At its base, two caves called Gcwihaba ("Hyena's Hole") by the Sans are more commonly known as Drotsky's Caves, after the the first European— a local farmer—to have been shown them in 1934. A wealth of stalactites, stalagmites and draperies abound in this dried up labyrinthine network, but there's something even more impressive. As one goes deeper into the cave, the ground becomes covered with an ever-thicker layer of greyish powder. This blanket of excrement and crumbled rock is the centuries-old work of a colony of bats that cover the walls of the galleries.
We're in a blank area, a map we're going to fill with dots.
Here, where it is easy to lose track of time and space, Bruxelles, Jarry and Dandurand are studying concretions and rocks, hoping to find breccia, a natural concrete that can contain bones and stone tools or weapons. Near the exit, behind a stalactite, the red color of a bed of sand and clay gravel cemented by calcite indicates its external origin. On the other side of this breccia plug, back out in the open air, the three researchers search the scrub above the entrance looking for breccia laid bare by erosion.
And then they spot it: outcropping from the curved surface of a rock, a fossilized bone appears. This find lends weight to their hypothesis that bone-bearing breccia can be found in the caves of the Aha Hills.
Tuesday 3 May: Dancing Spot
The following day, the scientists continue their observations in the area's known caves. The two Waxhu sinkholes plunge down to a depth of 70 and 50 meters, respectively. South African speleologists explored them in 2010, without realizing their paleontological significance. To get to the deeper of the two sinkholes, the team has to make its way through two kilometers of extremely dense forest. Leading the way with a 100 meter-long rope over his shoulders, Bruxelles keeps an eye on the ground, looking out for snakes and roots. Behind him, Jarry and Dandurand carry the supplies and material needed to explore the caves.
During explorations, wild animals are all around. Although zebras are always a source of wonder for the researchers, they have to be very wary of other animals such as big cats and elephants.
Jarry suddenly freezes. The entrance to the sinkhole is only fifty meters away, but two big cats have just bolted into the bush. Their general appearance, their coats and the sudden musky smell carried by the wind leave little doubt: two female lions are somewhere close by. After a rapid discussion the group quickly turns back, making a wide detour to avoid any danger. "The lionesses have left, but there may be a lion and and its cubs. If we go down the sinkhole and they come back in the meanwhile, we won't be able to get back to our vehicle at sundown this evening. Science has to stop when there are lions around," Bruxelles concludes.
You can look for caves in vain for four days, and end up discovering a whole series of them on day five.
Disappointed, the three scientists fall back on Waxhu South, the smaller of the two sinkholes, which overlooks the Dancing Spot, a meeting place for the Sans. After two hours of hard work hammering in pitons all the way down the wall, the team abseils down the 52 meters of this vast chamber hollowed out of a hill made of marble. With a length of 40 meters and width of 10 meters, the cavity is so huge that the light from their lamps can hardly penetrate the darkness. At the bottom of the sinkhole, the researchers discover a freshly killed rattlesnake lying on the scree. Venom drips from its fangs, a sign that it may have fallen there when the scientists arrived. Just next to it, an intact bird skeleton attracts Bruxelles' attention. Almost completely buried, the bird has begun the long, delicate process that will, perhaps, convert it into a fossil thousands of years from now.
One final surprise awaits the group as they climb back up. Curled up under a rock, a python is using its forked tongue to sense the odor of the climbers as they pass by. Bruxelles, whose young son owns a specimen, takes a closer look at the snake. "It's not dangerous," he says. "It must have fallen there, and will probably starve for want of prey."
Ascending from the bottom of the Waxhu South sinkhole. This type of cavity is a typical example of a sinkhole-trap, in which bones may have accumulated over very long periods of time.
Even though it has no fossil-bearing breccia, the cave is the typical kind of cavity the three scientists are looking for. "We don't know how much material has accumulated at the bottom of the sinkhole, but it could be several tens of meters in depth," Bruxelles points out. "Traps of this type have probably always existed, and, depending on their history, could contain the remains of hominins such as Australopithecus."
Wednesday 4 May: Marula camp
The final stage of the expedition takes place a few kilometers away, on the Namibian side of the border. It takes another day's drive to reach the most remote campsite of the journey, at the end of a thirty-kilometer sandy trail .There is no cellphone coverage. No village nearby. Camping at the foot of a tall marula tree, whose fruit regularly thump onto the ground, the group's feeling of isolation is complete.
Until the following Saturday, the team explores three more densely vegetated hills—a painstaking, unrewarding task, as all they find is a small cavity inhabited by porcupines. Not that this discourages the scientists, who are used to the ups and downs of research. "You can look for caves in vain for four days, and end up discovering a whole series of them on day five," Bruxelles points out. "The paleontologist Michel Brunet explored Chad for fifteen years before he found the Toumai fossil in the Djurab desert. We have forty more hills left to explore systematically. There's no reason why we shouldn't find caves in this part of the range. For every specialist, Namibia is the place to look. The Aha Hills may well harbor one of these highly coveted fossils."
1. Laurent Bruxelles is joint director of the Pôle Afrique at the TRACES laboratory.
2. Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives.
3. Travaux et Recherches Archéologiques sur les Cultures, les Espaces et les Sociétés (CNRS / Université Toulouse Jean-Jaurès / MCC / EHESS / Inrap).
4. Mission funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Namibia [14] Humanity [15] Origin [16] Fossils [17] Humans [18] Aha Hills [19] Little Foot [20] Drotsky Caves [21] Dancing Spot [22] Australopithecus [23] Homo Sapiens [24] Homo Erectus [25] Neanderthal [26] Archeology [27] Cave [28] Fossil [29]
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The route is bolted now (29/10/18) with 12 bolts. Still possible to be climbed trad; possibility to set a belay half way but gear is needed. 1 bolt on top for belay, gear or rocks are needed to make a 2 points belay.


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GUEST POST: Deflating the American Bully – The World Raises Its Fists
April 22, 2014 cscadm	Leave a comment
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article was submitted to us by Mr. Brett Redmayne-Titley, a journalist/writer. You can follow Brett's work at his archival web site Occupeyes. This article provides a different look at how the world outside of American borders perceives the United States. Whether you agree with the content matter or not, it's certainly a poignant take on where the United States stands on the world stage.
Deflating the American Bully- The World Raises It's Fists.
By: Brett Redmayne-Titley.
-"Once you strip away that feeling of invincibility, he can be had." – Rocky Marciano.
Bullies historically, nationally, and American have all suffered from an arrogance born from remaining unchallenged after vanquishing weaker foes. Flush with the illusion of invincibility the world-wide bully, America, has reaped its terror on scores of the world's countries and their citizens. What all bullies fear most is a challenger. One that can expose his weaknesses, thereby giving renewed strength to his victims.
Post cold war USA has so far only picked on countries having little ability to defend themselves. From puny Panama and Grenada, to Iraq and Afghanistan, the world has watched this accelerating thirty year set of American economic plunder and social atrocity. While sanctifying,"Freedom", and, "Democracy," the US has manifested a more accurate definition in the minds its its victims; "Empire" and "Servitude."
Ukraine seemed an easy geopolitical target for the same American hegemonic script used since Vietnam. Finally the bully has finally met its match.
Enter Vladimir Putin.
– "The bitterest part of being bullied is the memory that you were once
happy." Perry Morgan.
Across the world, The Drone, America's image of wanton, ever-vigilant, terror is a metaphor for Freedom recognizable by all. Always circling, always vigilant, always willing to kill for its masters it provides constant threat and oppression. The citizens of the world
are now all Afghan villagers.
Long before American "exceptionalism" was recently quantified by the current puppet US president, US foreign policy was indeed the exception. An exception to humanity. From Argentinato Bolivia,, Honduras,Chile, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Columbia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Peru,the steely grip of freedom was thrust on free people.
Replacing US government "aid" was the Zionist American inspired International Monetary Fund (IMF) inflicting even more misery and economic despair, on these same countries. The social, economic, and environmental results have been disastrous.
Democratically elected leaders, like Daniel Ortega, current president of Nicaragua, remember well having their governments overthrown by the American Empire.Ortega and current populist leaders such as, Rafael Correa (Ecaudor), Evo Morales (Bolivia), Dilma Rouseff (Brazil), and Michelle Bachelet (Chile) remember well what American democracy truly means.
In Europe the Euro has proved to be American capitalism's economic noose around twenty-four separate population's neck. The European Central Bank (ECB), structured to serve Zionist banking interests in the mold of the US Federal Reserve and the UK's Bank of England, controls the Euro. Correctly, Europeans blame America.
World populations have been met with the traditional American response. Police brutality. In cities across the globe popular uprisings, are being put down with tear gas, bullets, stun grenades, and bloody intimidation by an authoritarian presence dressed in American made uniforms, carrying American made weapons, doing America's bidding.
US military personnel returning to the "Homeland", view a damaged landscape. What they were fighting for is not reflected at home. Military style brutality against their own citizens, restricted free speech, bold-faced propaganda, sanctified criminal corporate behavior, growing unemployment, a corrupt congress, paid for judiciary, Zionist controlled president, mounting inflation, pension cuts, slashed benefits, the rich getting richer and more powerful. The circle is complete.
The American bully understands that his victims are rising up. Oppressed populations have no choice. The bully has pushed too far. Taken too much.
" It's Not the Despair That Gets to You. It's the Hope." Todd Snider
The choice has never been more clear: A future of hope or a future of despair. Sanctioned opportunity or mandated misery. Why is it that America is surprised when populations rise up? Exceptionalism.
This week's UN General Assembly vote on Ukrainian "democracy" reveals that the lines have been drawn across the globe. The choice is Good versus evil, right versus wrong, happiness or despair, value for humanity verses the "exceptional."
Votes against Empire were predictable. Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, China, etc. The abstentions, however, showed where the line has been drawn. These fifty-four abstentions could be considered a "no" vote considering these are the countries actively promoting prosperity, happiness and a positive future through concern for their populations. Like Crimea they would prefer a Russian outcome, happiness, in Ukraine.
As Putin eloquently put it in a New York Times op-ed piece of Sept 11, 2013,
"Millions around the world increasingly see America not as a model of democracy but as relying solely on brute force, cobbling coalitions together under the slogan "you're either with us or against us."
Regarding American exceptionalism he concluded,
"It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation."
The world knows what America stands for. Elimination of popular democracy. Rigged elections. Restricted civil rights. Growing hypocrisy. Growing police brutality. False flag operations. Poisonous GMO foods. Destruction of the ecology. No more bees. Bank bailouts with citizen's money. Seizure of personal assets. Unemployment. Growing poverty. Growing military expenditures. Pollution. Deregulation. No corporate financial liability. Indemnification for the elite for their financial crimes. Legalized fraud. Media propaganda. Gutted social services. No savings. No house. No retirement. No hope. No future.
The world needs heroes more than ever. It needs leaders, real leaders who will stand up to the American bully.
Enter the natural enemy of the bully: the counter-puncher. Vladimir Putin.
Quietly, and with a metered confidence, forced to reluctantly defend himself, while putting up his fists Putin offers a one word challenge on behalf of his country, and on behalf of a beleaguered world. " NO!"
Putin has quietly strengthened his Russian national assets, economic, geo-political, and military. As a former lieutenant colonelhe has been studying his American adversary for more than fifty years.
With a skillful combination of jabs, dodges, weaves, lefts, rights, and quick maneuvers he has beaten America about the temples. Delivered in the form of speedy legitimate Crimean elections, a real pro- Russian populist rebellion, removal of Ukrainian subsidies, while holding the keys to the EU's energy supply and a UN Security council veto, Putin has the bully punch-drunk.
The world cheers!
The Vampire's Reflection.
When Putin gave Crimea back their sovereignty he did more than give Crimea a future. He offered the world a comparison of two worlds. A choice: a future of hope, or despair.
Crimea is more than a military buffer zone. It is the reflection of these two futures separated by one common border. By setting up a free trade economic zone in sovereign Crimea Putin has offered Crimeans just the opposite of a promised Ukrainian future. Now Crimea will see increased group global trade, incentives, loans, and foreign investment. Good old-fashioned, capitalism. Grow the country. Put people to work. Give them an economic future.
Across the border Ukraine's future is that of the Iraq present. This past week Moody's, the credit rating service, downgraded Ukrainian bond status to,
"Default imminent with little prospect for recovery."
IMF backed Ukrainian democracy guarantees austerity, contracting GDP, increasing unemployment, low paying jobs, loss of benefits, seizure of assets, and certain civil unrest. Ukrainian neo-Nazis currently in power have shown no reluctance for brutality.
Already much of Ukraine is making a seemingly obvious choice. From Donetsk to Horlivka the regions of Ukraine are demanding new referendums, i.e., a future.
The world is also making that choice. Referendums to leave behind a certain future of despair, and the empire, have been demanded in Scotland, Veneto, Italy, and Catalan, Spain. In California, Montana, and Texas Americans, too, want out of America.
Taking down the Empire… BRICS by BRICS.
Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and Russia have good reasons to fear America's victims of empire. As past victims, they now have the assets to control their futures. Already the BRICS nations have soared from 16% of global GDP in the mid-1990s to 27% in 2008. These countries have what America does not; an abundance of mineral resources, quickly growing GDP, stable governments, strong asset-backed currencies, substantial gold reserves, and an increasingly prosperous population. These countries and their leaders know the American Empire will not stop at their borders either.
They also know a secret. The sharp wooden stake to the American vampire's heart. The petrodollar.
While America has been adding debt in trillion dollar increments, the BRICS have taken a far more defensive economic position.
Now less reliant on petroleum, BRICS are by-passing American control by trading directly in their own national currencies, i.e., not using the dollar. More recently the BRICS, along with Iran began to purely trade, quid pro quo, an exchange of national goods and commodities without the exchange of currency at all.
America knows this will be disastrous. Ultimately America will suffer hyperinflation leaving the Empire to wallow in a pile of dirty, worthless money. With monstrous inflation, no funds for war, and massive internal insurrection from an enraged population, America will no longer have the tools for war.
In Ukraine the American bully continues to swing wildly hoping to strike renewed fear.
No. Not this time.
Over the shoulder of the Russian counter-puncher the bully sees first one, then another, then one more victim rise-up behind the challenger, raising their own fists. Standing close behind, edging ever forward they assume the challenger's courage, emboldened. Mad. Vengeful.
Now, more victims rise. Confident. Still more. Into his eyes the bullies sees the collective stares of his former victims piercing his mantle of terror. Together, all reveal that the American bully is in fact, a coward.
At ringside the world goes wild, cheering uncontrollably. Mocking the bully they hurl a lifetime of insults, throwing the memory of despair at the bullies lowered head. The roar becomes ever louder. Crumbled pieces of failed empire rain down on the bully. The ring shakes as the crowd pounds the canvas rattling the last remains of his failing arrogance. The crowd spits at his feet. He is done.
The bully turns. Goes home.
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Frans Van Cauwelaert
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Frans van Cauwelaert (10 January 1880 - 17 May 1961) was a Belgian Roman Catholic politician and lawyer. Van Cauwelaert was born at Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Lombeek. He was a member of the Flemish movement Professor of psychology at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven mayor of Antwerp and co-founder of the journal De Standaard. He fought for using Dutch at the University of Ghent together with the Socialist Camille Huysmans and the liberal Louis Franck.
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When is Frans Van Cauwelaert's birthday?
Frans Van Cauwelaert was born on the 10th of January 1880 , which was a Saturday. Frans Van Cauwelaert's next birthday would be in 353 days (would be turning 141years old then).
How old would Frans Van Cauwelaert be today?
Today, Frans Van Cauwelaert would be 140 years old. To be more precise, Frans Van Cauwelaert would be 51112 days old or 1226688 hours.
Are there any books, DVDs or other memorabilia of Frans Van Cauwelaert? Is there a Frans Van Cauwelaert action figure?
We would think so. You can find a collection of items related to Frans Van Cauwelaert right here.
What was Frans Van Cauwelaert's zodiac sign?
Frans Van Cauwelaert's zodiac sign was Capricorn.
♑
The ruling planet of Capricorn is Saturn. Therefore, lucky days were Saturdays and lucky numbers were: 1, 4, 8, 10, 13, 17, 19, 22 and 26. Brown, Steel, Grey and Black were Frans Van Cauwelaert's lucky colors. Typical positive character traits of Capricorn include: Aspiring, Restrained, Firm, Dogged and Determined. Negative character traits could be: Shy, Pessimistic, Negative in thought and Awkward.
Was Frans Van Cauwelaert gay or straight?
Many people enjoy sharing rumors about the sexuality and sexual orientation of celebrities. We don't know for a fact whether Frans Van Cauwelaert was gay, bisexual or straight. However, feel free to tell us what you think! Vote by clicking below.
0% of all voters think that Frans Van Cauwelaert was gay (homosexual), 0% voted for straight (heterosexual), and 0% like to think that Frans Van Cauwelaert was actually bisexual.
Is Frans Van Cauwelaert still alive? Are there any death rumors?
Unfortunately no, Frans Van Cauwelaert is not alive anymore. The death rumors are true.
How old was Frans Van Cauwelaert when he/she died?
Frans Van Cauwelaert was 81 years old when he/she died.
Was Frans Van Cauwelaert hot or not?
Well, that is up to you to decide! Click the "HOT"-Button if you think that Frans Van Cauwelaert was hot, or click "NOT" if you don't think so.
0% of all voters think that Frans Van Cauwelaert was hot, 0% voted for "Not Hot".
When did Frans Van Cauwelaert die? How long ago was that?
Frans Van Cauwelaert died on the 17th of May 1961, which was a Wednesday. The tragic death occurred 58 years ago.
Do you have a photo of Frans Van Cauwelaert?
There you go. This is a photo of Frans Van Cauwelaert or something related.
Photo by: Anonymous, License: CC-PD-Mark, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Frans_Van_Cauwelaert-1940-Limoges.jpg
Where was Frans Van Cauwelaert born?
Frans Van Cauwelaert was born in Belgium, Roosdaal.
Did Frans Van Cauwelaert do drugs? Did Frans Van Cauwelaert smoke cigarettes or weed?
It is no secret that many celebrities have been caught with illegal drugs in the past. Some even openly admit their drug usuage. Do you think that Frans Van Cauwelaert did smoke cigarettes, weed or marijuhana? Or did Frans Van Cauwelaert do steroids, coke or even stronger drugs such as heroin? Tell us your opinion below.
0% of the voters think that Frans Van Cauwelaert did do drugs regularly, 0% assume that Frans Van Cauwelaert did take drugs recreationally and 0% are convinced that Frans Van Cauwelaert has never tried drugs before.
Where did Frans Van Cauwelaert die?
Frans Van Cauwelaert died in Antwerp, Belgium.
When did Frans Van Cauwelaert retire? When did Frans Van Cauwelaert end the active career?
Frans Van Cauwelaert retired on the 27th of April 1954, which is more than 65 years ago. The date of Frans Van Cauwelaert's retirement fell on a Tuesday.
When did Frans Van Cauwelaert's career start? How long ago was that?
Frans Van Cauwelaert's career started on the 21st of April 1939, which is more than 80 years ago. The first day of Frans Van Cauwelaert's career was a Friday.
Who are similar office holders to Frans Van Cauwelaert?
Carmen Berríos, Manuel Quintas de Almeida, Gladys Carrion, Larry Householder and Vida Ognjenovi are office holders that are similar to Frans Van Cauwelaert. Click on their names to check out their FAQs.
What is Frans Van Cauwelaert doing now?
As mentioned above, Frans Van Cauwelaert died 58 years ago. Feel free to add stories and questions about Frans Van Cauwelaert's life as well as your comments below.
Are there any photos of Frans Van Cauwelaert's hairstyle or shirtless?
There might be. But unfortunately we currently cannot access them from our system. We are working hard to fill that gap though, check back in tomorrow!
What is Frans Van Cauwelaert's net worth in 2020? How much does Frans Van Cauwelaert earn?
According to various sources, Frans Van Cauwelaert's net worth has grown significantly in 2020. However, the numbers vary depending on the source. If you have current knowledge about Frans Van Cauwelaert's net worth, please feel free to share the information below.
As of today, we do not have any current numbers about Frans Van Cauwelaert's net worth in 2020 in our database. If you know more or want to take an educated guess, please feel free to do so above.


Water connects us all. Clean, healthy water is critical to our health, economy, and wildlife. Each of us can play a part in improving the health of the Delaware region's waterways, which in turn benefits our wildlife, their habitats, and each one of us.
Healthy water in Delaware depends upon what washes into it. A watershed is an area of land that drains in to a specific water body – everyone lives in a watershed. Delaware spans three watersheds – the Delaware, Chesapeake, and Inland Bays. What we do on land directly impacts the quality of our waters.
Clean, healthy water is essential and yet we rarely consider what it takes to keep our water clean and healthy. Delaware Nature Society believes that protecting and improving water quality through regulation, legislation, and education is critical to ensuring clean water for everyone.
Make protecting water part of your everyday life – small changes can collectively make a big difference to improve our environment. Whether it's collecting data on the health of a local stream or using and promoting water-friendly gardening practices at home or in your community, join us in taking steps that lead to healthier waters.


WARMER ECO RECYCLED CON NYLON WATER REPELLENT ED INTERNO IN PELLICCIA Eco recycled warmer realized with 10 plastic bottles. Both the nylon and the padding are sustainable and the fur is eco too. Characteristic upset Y on the back. Branded double zipper pullers.
PARKA CITY SUPER STRETCH WATER REPELLENT The City project of Esemplare for super light, stretch and modern garments.This caban is realized in a water repellent super light fabric with an high stretch performance also in the lining and the padding for a unique comfort. Padded hood and branded double zipper pullers.
PARKA ECO RECYCLED IN NYLON WATER REPELLENT ED INTERNO IN PELLICCIA Parka Esemplare eco recycled. Garment realized with 15 plastic bottles. The repet nylon is padded with Thermore carefull to the environment. Eco fur padding inside. Characteristic upset Y on the back Branded double zipper pullers Branded press buttons.
PARKA ECO RECYCLED IN NYLON WATER REPELLENT Parka Esemplare eco recycled. Garment realized with 15 plastic bottles. The repet nylon is padded with Thermore carefull to the environment. Lined inside and eco fur padding in the hood. Branded double zipper puller. Branded press buttons.
PARKA IN JACQUARD WATER REPELLENT E INTERNO IN PELLICIA ECO Parka in exclusive water repellent jacquard made with a black herringbone and night blue eco fur lining.The Esemplare techonoly meets the elegance of the modern women. Characteristic upset Y on the back. Branded double zipper pullers.
GIACCA CITY SUPER STRETCH WATER REPELLENT The City project born from the Esemplare laboratoryfor super light, stretch and modern garments.This caban is realized in a water repellent super light fabric with an high stretch performance also in the lining and the padding for a unique comfort. Hidden hood in the neck and branded double zipper pullers.
CABAN ECO FUR TERMICO Single-breasted coat made with eco fur padded with Ecodown thermore wadding warm at low temperatures with the elegance of the fur. Quilted inside and characteristic upset Y on the back. Branded double zipper pullers.
CABAN TECH-CACHEMIRE: TESSUTO LANIERO WATER RESISTANT AND WIND PROTECTOR Esemplare Tech Cashmere: from the Esemplare laboratory a cashmere woolly fabric bounded with the tecnhinicity of the neoprene. The union of these fabric makes a water resistant and wind protector fabric. The caban has a unique touch with a unique shape. Branded double zipper pullers.
CABAN IN JACQUARD WATER REPELLENT E INTERNO IN PELLICIA ECOLOGICA Herringbone water repellent jacquard fabric with night blue eco fur padding.Characteristic upset Y on the back.Branded double zipper pullers.


Industrial shops like stone fabrication shops benefit from a wide variety of industrial equipment. Air tools and power tools like bridge saws, polishers, and vehicles like fork lifts and booms are only part of the story though. There are other types of machines that could be classified as industrial filtration units as well. In this post, we will consider some specific types of filtration units that industrial shops like stone fabrication plants use while producing countertops, work surfaces, and even floor tiles and wall panels.
When it comes to stone fabrication, a number of important considerations come to mind. These occur when thinking about equipment, operations, and safety. Air filtration and water treatment is related to all three of those topics. In this article we look at why air filtration and water treatment is important to fabricators. We'll also briefly discuss some of the ways stone professionals are dealing with air and water in their work shops.


Every booking placed with Liberty Trails shall be bound by the following terms and conditions.
ii. Completing the Rider Information Form over the telephone with us.
When completing the booking form, the Client is required to provide full details which truly reflect the personal information and riding ability of all members of the party. On completion of the booking form the Client declares that the information provided is accurate.
On completion of this form the Client confirms that all members of the party agree to bide by the Terms and Conditions set out in this document. Further, the client confirms that they have appropriate travel insurance in place to cover their party booking. Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients booking a Liberty Trails organised holiday or event and customers must demonstrate that they have adequate cover.
A Contract will exist between the client and Liberty Trails as soon as the booking deposit has been received into the Liberty Trails bank account.
This Contract is governed by English law and in the unlikely event of a dispute both parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts at all times.
If full payment is not received on or before the due date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled and, therefore, apply cancellation charges as set out in clause 7 below. Should you make your booking within twelve weeks of departure then the full cost of the holiday will be due immediately.
Liberty Trails reserve the right to increase the price of your holiday in the event of exceptional cost increases which are out of our control. In the event of this occurring, we will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of the holiday price excluding any charges for alterations requested by you. Only amounts in excess of 2% will be surcharged. If this equates to more than 10% of your holiday price, you will automatically be entitled to cancel your holiday with the payment of a full refund of all money paid excluding alteration charges. Exceptional cost increases will include increases in transportation costs including fuel, taxes, (including VAT) or other fees payable for other services.
All itineraries clearly state what is included and excluded in the price of each holiday. In paying a deposit, the Client agrees to the itinerary and the price of the holiday.
A 'significant' change is a change in dates, a lower standard of accommodation for the whole or significant proportion of the holiday or a change to the whole or significant proportion of the riding programme. In the event of minor alterations and changes made by Liberty Trails , no refund or compensation will be given and if you cancel the holiday the provisions of clause 7 will apply. A minor change or alteration includes any change which is not a significant change. If we are aware of changes prior to booking, we will inform the Client before a booking is made. Please note that we do not accept responsibility under any circumstances for accommodation booked separately by clients.
Liberty Trails regret we cannot offer refunds or compensation in the event of cancellation or alterations as a result of force majeure. Force majeure is defined as war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, strike, lock-out, government action, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood and adverse weather conditions.
c) The deposit payment of £500 per person is non-refundable after a holiday has been confirmed by us.
Should you wish to make changes to your riding holiday after confirmation, Liberty Trails will use our best endeavours to make the requested alterations, although we provide no guarantee that this will be possible. An administration charge of £25 per person may be implemented at the discretion of Liberty Trails on each occasion when an alteration is made at your request. Further, all additional costs incurred by either Liberty Trails or our suppliers are payable by the client. Specifically if extra services are contracted by you during your UK riding holiday you will be charged for these services.
In completing the Rider Information Form, the Client and all members of the party accept that horse riding is classed as a high risk sport and being in the vicinity of horses poses risks. Whilst riding or in the vicinity of those horses which are in the care of the tour operator or guide on your holiday, you must comply at all times with their instructions. It is a condition of your booking that you accept that the tour operator or guide is entitled to insist that you dismount or to refuse you the right to ride for any reason including your inability, health or behaviour, if they consider you are endangering or may endanger the safely or welfare of any persons or horses including yourself. In the event of such circumstances, you will not be entitled to any refund or compensation.
Liberty Trails require that the Client and all members of the party wear suitable safety equipment including hard hats whilst in the vicinity of horses. We require that hats comply with relevant safety standards, are purchased from reputable suppliers and are fitted by qualified persons.
On completing the booking form, you accept our suppliers may require you to sign separate acknowledgment and personal liability forms before you commence your holiday. Refusal to sign such forms may result in your not being allowed to participate in riding or other activities. In those circumstances you will not be entitled to a refund or compensation from Liberty Trails.
Although Liberty Trails will use our best endeavours to forward any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot promise that any request will be complied with unless we have expressly confirmed this to the Client in writing. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed onto a supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until expressly confirmed in writing, all special requests are subject to availability. Please note that in general rides on hired horses carry a weight limit of 85 or 90 kg, if you are above this weight you need to check with us before booking.
If you have a complaint or are unhappy about any aspect of your Dartmoor riding holiday, you must immediately inform the guide or organiser of your holiday so that they can endeavour to put it right. If the matter cannot be resolved locally to your satisfaction and you wish to make a complaint you must Liberty Trails by telephone or fax at that time so that we may try and resolve the situation. If you are still not satisfied, you must notify us in writing, giving full details of the complaint, so that it reaches us not later than 28 days after the last day of your UK riding holiday. No proceedings instigated more than two months after your return date will be considered. If you do not comply with any of these requirements, we will not accept any responsibility for the matter giving rise to your grievance, having been unable to put it right immediately or to investigate it at the relevant time.
So that we may process your booking and ensure your travel arrangements run smoothly, we need to use the information you provide such as name, address, riding experience and any specific requirements. We take full responsibility for ensuring proper security measures are in place to protect your booking. We will not pass your details onto third parties not connected with your holiday. It is necessary to pass information provided by you onto the relevant suppliers. The information may also be received by security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs, immigration, if required by them or as required by law. Unless informed otherwise by you, we may use your information to provide you with future offers and information.
In compliance with the UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tour Regulations 1992, an insurance policy has been arranged to protect the monies paid in respect of the travel arrangements offered in respect of your holiday and to cater, where necessary (and subject to the terms of the insurance policy) for a refund of such monies.
Liberty Trails offers a comprehensive insurance policy that includes cover for personal belongings, cancellation, medical problems and it is, of course, valid for those participating in adventurous horse riding activities. We reserve the right to carry out a veterinary inspection of all horses bought on to one of our riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you and your horse. In the event of a serious accident, you grant us the power to execute the Vets recommendations in the best interests of your horse.


text:
package org.necros.util;

import java.io.IOException;
import java.io.Reader;
import java.io.StringWriter;
import java.io.Writer;

import org.codehaus.jackson.map.ObjectMapper;
import org.slf4j.Logger;
import org.slf4j.LoggerFactory;

public class JsonUtils {
	private static final Logger logger = LoggerFactory.getLogger(JsonUtils.class);

	private ObjectMapper mapper = new ObjectMapper();
	private ClassCache classCache;

	public String encode(Object obj) throws IOException {
		StringWriter w = new StringWriter();
		encode(obj, w);
		return w.toString();
	}

	public void encode(Object obj, Writer w) throws IOException {
		mapper.writeValue(w, obj);
	}

	public Object decode(String className, String src) throws IOException {
		Class<? extends Object> clazz = classCache.get(className);
		if (clazz == null) {
			logger.warn("Class for name [" + className + "] not found.");
			return null;
		}
		return mapper.readValue(src, clazz);
	}

	public Object decode(String className, Reader r) throws IOException {
		Class<? extends Object> clazz = classCache.get(className);
		if (clazz == null) {
			logger.warn("Class for name [" + className + "] not found.");
			return null;
		}
		return mapper.readValue(r, clazz);
	}

	public ClassCache getClassCache() {
		return classCache;
	}

	public void setClassCache(ClassCache classCache) {
		this.classCache = classCache;
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
<?php
	/**
	 * Private Messages message
	 * @since Version 3.8.7
	 * @package Railpage
	 * @author Michael Greenhill
	 */

	namespace Railpage\PrivateMessages;

	use Exception;
	use DateTime;
	use Railpage\Users\User;

	use Swift_Message;
	use Swift_Mailer;
	use Swift_SmtpTransport;

	/**
	 * Load an individual message
	 * @since Version 3.3
	 * @version 3.3
	 * @author Michael Greenhill
	 */

	class Message extends PrivateMessages {

		/**
		 * Message ID
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $id
		 */

		public $id;

		/**
		 * Message subject
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var string $subject
		 */

		public $subject;

		/**
		 * Message body
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var string $body
		 */

		public $body;

		/**
		 * Message date
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $date
		 */

		public $date;

		/**
		 * BBCode UID
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var string $bbcode_uid
		 */

		public $bbcode_uid;

		/**
		 * Message type
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $type
		 */

		public $type;

		/**
		 * Enable BBCode
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $enable_bbcode
		 */

		public $enable_bbcode;

		/**
		 * Enable smilies
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $enable_html
		 */

		public $enable_html;

		/**
		 * Enable smilies
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $enable_smilies
		 */

		public $enable_smilies;

		/**
		 * Enable signature
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $enable_signature
		 */

		public $enable_signature;

		/**
		 * Message author User object
		 * @since Version 3.8.7
		 * @var \Railpage\Users\User $Author
		 */

		public $Author;

		/**
		 * From user ID
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $from_user_id
		 */

		public $from_user_id;

		/**
		 * From username
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var string $from_username
		 */

		public $from_username;

		/**
		 * From user avatar
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var string $from_user_avatar
		 */

		public $from_user_avatar;

		/**
		 * Can we show if this user is online?
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var boolean $from_user_viewonline
		 */

		public $from_user_viewonline;

		/**
		 * Recipient user object
		 * @since Version 3.8.7
		 * @var \Railpage\Users\User $Recipient
		 */

		public $Recipient;

		/**
		 * To user ID
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var int $to_user_id
		 */

		public $to_user_id;

		/**
		 * To username
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var string $to_username
		 */

		public $to_username;

		/**
		 * To user avatar
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var string $to_user_avatar
		 */

		public $to_user_avatar;

		/**
		 * Can we show if this user is online?
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @var boolean $to_user_viewonline
		 */

		public $to_user_viewonline;

		/**
		 * Object ID
		 *
		 * In the case of multi-user PMs, or when a PM is directly related to another event (eg new download notification), this object ID forms the link between that event and the PM.
		 * @since Version 3.2
		 * @var string $object_id
		 */

		public $object_id;

		/**
		 * Hide from sender
		 * @since Version 3.2
		 * @var boolean $hide_from
		 */

		public $hide_from;

		/**
		 * Hide from recipient
		 * @since Version 3.2
		 * @var boolean $hide_to
		 */

		public $hide_to;

		/**
		 * Constructor
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @version 3.3
		 * @param object $db
		 * @param int $id
		 */

		public function __construct($id = false) {
			parent::__construct();

			foreach (func_get_args() as $arg) {
				if (filter_var($arg, FILTER_VALIDATE_INT)) {
					$this->id = $id;
					$this->fetch();
				}
			}
		}

		/**
		 * Fetch the message
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @version 3.3
		 * @return boolean
		 */

		public function fetch() {
			if (empty($this->id)) {
				throw new Exception("Cannot fetch PM - no message ID provided");
				return false;
			}

			$this->mckey = "railpage:messsages.message_id=" . $this->id;

			if (!$row = getMemcacheObject($this->mckey)) {
				if ($this->db instanceof \sql_db) {
					$query = "SELECT pm.*, pmt.*, ufrom.user_id AS user_id_from, ufrom.username AS username_from, ufrom.user_avatar AS from_user_avatar, ufrom.user_allow_viewonline AS from_user_viewonline, uto.user_id AS user_id_to, uto.username AS username_to, uto.user_allow_viewonline AS to_user_viewonline
								FROM nuke_bbprivmsgs AS pm
								LEFT JOIN nuke_bbprivmsgs_text AS pmt ON pm.privmsgs_id = pmt.privmsgs_text_id
								LEFT JOIN nuke_users AS ufrom ON pm.privmsgs_from_userid = ufrom.user_id
								LEFT JOIN nuke_users AS uto ON pm.privmsgs_to_userid = uto.user_id
								WHERE pm.privmsgs_id = ".$this->db->real_escape_string($this->id);

					if ($rs = $this->db->query($query)) {
						if ($rs->num_rows != 1) {
							throw new Exception("Cannot fetch PM - no PM found!");
							return false;
						}

						$row = $rs->fetch_assoc();

						$this->setCache($this->mckey, $row);
					}
				} else {
					$query = "SELECT pm.*, pmt.*, ufrom.user_id AS user_id_from, ufrom.username AS username_from, ufrom.user_avatar AS from_user_avatar, ufrom.user_allow_viewonline AS from_user_viewonline, uto.user_id AS user_id_to, uto.username AS username_to, uto.user_allow_viewonline AS to_user_viewonline
								FROM nuke_bbprivmsgs AS pm
								LEFT JOIN nuke_bbprivmsgs_text AS pmt ON pm.privmsgs_id = pmt.privmsgs_text_id
								LEFT JOIN nuke_users AS ufrom ON pm.privmsgs_from_userid = ufrom.user_id
								LEFT JOIN nuke_users AS uto ON pm.privmsgs_to_userid = uto.user_id
								WHERE pm.privmsgs_id = ?";

					$row = $this->db->fetchRow($query, $this->id);

					$this->setCache($this->mckey, $row);
				}
			}

			if (isset($row) && count($row)) {
				// Nasty way of doing it, but it should work for now.
				// Remember to extend BOTH open AND close when adding another bbcode to match
				$bbcode_preg_open 	= "@\[(img|url|list|b|i|u)\:([a-zA-Z0-9]+)\]@";
				$bbcode_preg_close 	= "@\[/(img|url|list|b|i|u)\:([a-zA-Z0-9]+)\]@";

				$this->id			= $row['privmsgs_id'];
				$this->date			= $row['privmsgs_date'];
				$this->subject		= $row['privmsgs_subject'];
				$this->body			= trim($row['privmsgs_text']);
				$this->bbcode_uid	= $row['privmsgs_bbcode_uid'];
				$this->type			= $row['privmsgs_type'];

				$this->enable_bbcode	= $row['privmsgs_enable_bbcode'];
				$this->enable_html		= $row['privmsgs_enable_html'];
				$this->enable_smilies	= $row['privmsgs_enable_smilies'];
				$this->enable_signature	= $row['privmsgs_attach_sig'];

				$this->object_id		= $row['object_id'];

				$this->hide_from		= $row['hide_from'];
				$this->hide_to			= $row['hide_to'];

				$this->setRecipient(new User($row['privmsgs_to_userid']));
				$this->setAuthor(new User($row['privmsgs_from_userid']));

				#$this->Author = new User($row['privmsgs_from_userid']);
				#$this->from_user_id		= $row['privmsgs_from_userid'];
				#$this->from_username	= $row['username_from'];
				#$this->from_user_avatar	= $row['from_user_avatar'];
				#$this->from_user_viewonline	= $row['from_user_viewonline'];
				#$this->Recipient = new User($row['privmsgs_to_userid']);
				#$this->to_user_id		= $row['privmsgs_to_userid'];
				#$this->to_username		= $row['username_to'];
				#$this->to_user_viewonline	= $row['to_user_viewonline'];
			}
		}

		/**
		 * Validate a message before committing / sending
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @version 3.3
		 * @return boolean
		 */

		public function validate() {
			if (is_null($this->object_id)) {
				$this->object_id = "";
			}

			if (empty($this->subject)) {
				throw new Exception("PM subject cannot be empty");
				return false;
			}

			if (!filter_var($this->id, FILTER_VALIDATE_INT) && empty($this->body)) {
				throw new Exception("PM body cannot be empty");
				return false;
			}

			if (empty($this->to_user_id)) {
				throw new Exception("Cannot send PM - recipient user ID is empty");
				return false;
			}

			if (empty($this->from_user_id)) {
				throw new Exception("Cannot send PM - sender user ID is empty");
				return false;
			}

			if (empty($this->enable_bbcode)) {
				$this->enable_bbcode = true;
			}

			if (empty($this->enable_html)) {
				$this->enable_html = true;
			}

			if (empty($this->enable_smilies)) {
				$this->enable_smilies = true;
			}

			if (empty($this->enable_signature)) {
				$this->enable_signature = false;
			}

			if (empty($this->privmsgs_bbcode_uid)) {
				$this->privmsgs_bbcode_uid = "sausages";
			}

			if (empty($this->bbcode_uid)) {
				$this->bbcode_uid = "sausages";
			}

			return true;
		}

		/**
		 * Send this message
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @version 3.3
		 * @return boolean
		 */

		public function send() {
			$this->validate();

			$data = array(
				"privmsgs_type" => PRIVMSGS_UNREAD_MAIL,
				"privmsgs_subject" => $this->subject,
				"privmsgs_from_userid" => $this->from_user_id,
				"privmsgs_to_userid" => $this->to_user_id,
				"privmsgs_date" => time(),
				"privmsgs_ip" => encode_ip($_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']),
				"privmsgs_enable_bbcode" => $this->enable_bbcode,
				"privmsgs_enable_html" => $this->enable_html,
				"privmsgs_enable_smilies" => $this->enable_smilies,
				"privmsgs_attach_sig" => $this->enable_signature,
				"object_id" => $this->object_id
			);

			if ($this->db->insert("nuke_bbprivmsgs", $data)) {
				$pm_id = $this->db->lastInsertId();

				$data = array(
					"privmsgs_text_id" => $pm_id,
					"privmsgs_bbcode_uid" => $this->bbcode_uid,
					"privmsgs_text" => prepare_submit($this->body)
				);

				$rs = $this->db->insert("nuke_bbprivmsgs_text", $data);
			}

			if ($rs) {
				// Send an email to the recipient if their settings say so
				try {
					$ThisUser = new User($this->to_user_id);

					if ($ThisUser->notify_privmsg == 1) {
						try {
							// Send the confirmation email
							//require_once('vendor/pear-pear.swiftmailer.org/Swift/lib/swift_init.php');

							global $smarty, $User;
							$smarty->assign("server_addr", "www.railpage.com.au");
							$smarty->assign("message_id", $pm_id);
							$smarty->assign("pm_from_username", $User->username);
							$smarty->assign("userdata_username", $ThisUser->username);
							$html = $smarty->fetch(dirname(dirname(dirname(dirname(__DIR__)))) . DS ."content" . DS . "email_pm.tpl");

							$crlf = "\n";
							$message = Swift_Message::newInstance()
								->setSubject("New private message on Railpage")
								->setFrom(array("rp2@railpage.com.au" => "Railpage"))
								->setTo(array($ThisUser->contact_email => $ThisUser->username))
								->setBody($html, 'text/html');

							// Mail transport
							$transport = Swift_SmtpTransport::newInstance($this->Config->SMTP->host, $this->Config->SMTP->port, $this->Config->SMTP->TLS = true ? "tls" : NULL)
								->setUsername($this->Config->SMTP->username)
								->setPassword($this->Config->SMTP->password);

							$mailer = Swift_Mailer::newInstance($transport);

							$result = $mailer->send($message);
						} catch (Exception $e) {
							printArray($e->getMessage()); die;
						}
					}
				} catch (Exception $e) {
					echo $e->getMessage();
				}

				return true;
			} else {
				throw new Exception($this->db->error);
				return false;
			}
		}

		/**
		 * Update a PM
		 * @since Version 3.3
		 * @version 3.3
		 * @return boolean
		 */

		public function commit() {
			if (!$this->id) {
				throw new Exception("Cannot commit changes to PM - PM does not exist!");
				return false;
			}

			$this->validate();

			// Theoretically nothing but the type should change. I'll leave the rest in for now...

			$dataArray = array();

			$dataArray['privmsgs_type'] 		= $this->type;
			$dataArray['privmsgs_subject']		= $this->subject;
			$dataArray['privmsgs_from_userid']	= $this->from_user_id;
			$dataArray['privmsgs_to_userid']	= $this->to_user_id;
			$dataArray['privmsgs_ip']			= encode_ip($_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']);
			$dataArray['privmsgs_enable_bbcode']	= $this->enable_bbcode;
			$dataArray['privmsgs_enable_html']		= $this->enable_html;
			$dataArray['privmsgs_enable_smilies']	= $this->enable_smilies;
			$dataArray['privmsgs_attach_sig']		= $this->enable_signature;

			$dataArray['hide_from']		= $this->hide_from;
			$dataArray['hide_to']		= $this->hide_to;

			if (filter_var($this->id, FILTER_VALIDATE_INT)) {
				// Update

				$where = array(
					"privmsgs_id = ?" => $this->id
				);

				$this->db->update("nuke_bbprivmsgs", $dataArray, $where);

				$data = array(
					'privmsgs_bbcode_uid' => $this->bbcode_uid,
					'privmsgs_text' => $this->body
				);

				$where = array(
					"privmsgs_text_id = ?" => $this->id
				);

				$this->db->update("nuke_bbprivmsgs_text", $data, $where);

				removeMemcacheObject($this->mckey);

				return true;
			} else {
				// Insert

				$this->db->insert("nuke_bbprivmsgs", $dataArray);
				$this->id = $this->db->lastInsertId();

				$data = array(
					'privmsgs_bbcode_uid' => $this->bbcode_uid,
					'privmsgs_text' => $this->body,
					'privmsgs_text_id' => $this->id
				);

				$this->db->insert("nuke_bbprivmsgs_text", $data);

				return true;
			}
		}

		/**
		 * Delete a message (hide it from the user)
		 * @since Version 3.4
		 * @param int $user_id
		 * @return boolean
		 */

		public function delete($user_id = false) {
			if (!$user_id) {
				throw new Exception("Cannot delete message - no user ID given");
			}

			if ($this->db instanceof \sql_db) {
				$dataArray = array();
				$dataArray['privmsgs_id'] 	= $this->db->real_escape_string($this->id);
				$dataArray['user_id']		= $this->db->real_escape_string($user_id);

				$query = $this->db->buildQuery($dataArray, "privmsgs_hidelist");

				if ($rs = $this->db->query($query)) {
					return true;
				} else {
					throw new Exception($this->db->error."\n\n".$query);
				}
			} else {
				$data = array(
					"privmsgs_id" => $this->id,
					"user_id" => $user_id
				);

				return $this->db->insert("privmsgs_hidelist", $data);
			}
		}

		/**
		 * Set the recipient of this message
		 * @since Version 3.8.7
		 * @param \Railpage\Users\User $User
		 * @return $this
		 */

		public function setRecipient(User $User = NULL) {
			if ($User instanceof User) {
				$this->Recipient = $User;

				$this->to_user_id = $this->Recipient->id;
				$this->to_username = $this->Recipient->username;
				$this->to_user_viewonline = $this->Recipient->hide;
				$this->to_user_avatar = $this->Recipient->avatar;
			}

			return $this;
		}

		/**
		 * Set the author of this message
		 * @since Version 3.8.7
		 * @param \Railpage\Users\User $User
		 * @return $this
		 */

		public function setAuthor(User $User = NULL) {
			if ($User instanceof User) {
				$this->Author = $User;

				$this->from_user_id = $this->Author->id;
				$this->from_username = $this->Author->username;
				$this->from_user_viewonline = $this->Author->hide;
				$this->from_user_avatar = $this->Author->avatar;
			}

			return $this;
		}

		/**
		 * Mark this message as read
		 * @since Version 3.8.7
		 * @return $this
		 */

		public function markAsRead() {
			$this->type = PRIVMSGS_READ_MAIL;
			$this->commit();

			return $this;
		}
	}
?>


text:
9 Podcasts to Escape Politics, Current Events, And The Pandemic
Kill time and save money with these deeply immersive podcasts about other worlds that will help you check out of 2020 for a while.
13 September,2020By Stillman Brown
Escapism is fine in small doses, especially when reality is so damn difficult.
The Great Depression in the 1930s saw an explosion of pulp novels and magazines, movies, and radio dramas for exactly this reason: people wanted to spend an hour somewhere else – anywhere else, as long as it wasn't here.
While internet, gaming, and prestige TV may appear vastly different from the pulp fiction of nearly a hundred years ago, it's basically the same thing. People don't watch GOT for the dragons; it's to be transported to a place where dragons are possible – at least for 50 minutes.
And let's not forget about podcasts.
The great thing about podcasts is you can spend anywhere from 20 minutes to 12 hours immersed in another world … for free.
So instead of adding another streaming bundle to your monthly budget, give your eyes a rest and tune into one of these deeply reported, story-driven podcasts that will draw you in and refuse to let you go.
This is the best-of-the-best – personally enjoyed and approved by Primer staff. Whether your thing is spies, whodunits, or history, we've got you covered.
1. Wind of Change
Did a rock song bring down the Berlin wall and end decades of cold war between the US and the Soviet Union? And was that song written not by a German hair metal group … but by the CIA?
This is the question that propels Wind Of Change through the twisted history of the cold war spy games, the birth of MTV, and even scenes of an insecure Tommy Lee (of Motley Crue) harassing innocent Russians on the streets of Moscow.
Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Stitcher | Listen on Google Podcasts
2. Crimetown
A series from the producers of The Jinx that was years in the making, Crimetown chronicles the rise and fall of old-school organized crime in Providence, Rhode Island.
The thread running throughout the show is Providence's long-serving, charismatic, and utterly corrupt mayor Buddy Cianci – a figure so above the law that he once tortured a local contractor for three hours with a smouldering fire place log … in front of a police officer and a sitting judge.
With dozens of memorable wise guys and classic heists, season 1 of Crimetown is a masterwork in the sweeping genre of The Wire. It's a gem, too. Season 2 doesn't carry the torch, in our opinion.
3. Dolly Parton's America
Out of left field from the producers of the long-running science podcast Radiolab comes a sweeping cultural history of American icon and genuinely nice human being Dolly Parton.
Ok, we admit this series does stray into politics – a bit – but in such a curious and genuinely heartfelt way that you won't mind. You'll discover Dolly Parton's journey from second fiddle to a powerful male performer to being the head of a business and cultural empire that stretches around the world … and hear some darn good music along the way.
4. Who The Hell Is Hamish?
Hamish Watson, Hamish Earle McLaren, Hamish Maxwell, Max Tavita … how can so many identities spring from just one man? It's easy when you're a globe-trotting scammer with a shark-like ability to charm and financially dismember innocent people.
This deeply researched investigative series tries to unwind the many seductions and crimes of Hamish, Australia's most prolific con artist. It's a genuine shock – and pleasure – to watch a master swindler at work … and uncover how he gets his comeuppance.
5. Serial, season 2
For a time, Serial was the podcast – the breakout series that took traditional media by storm with it's twist-and-turn investigation of the murder of a Baltimore high school student.
Less well known (and unfairly maligned) is Serial season 2, which takes on the Herculean task of figuring out what happened on the night of June 30, 2009 when Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl walked off his post in Afghanistan and was captured by the Taliban, setting off a political firestorm and the largest rescue search ever mounted by the US military.
By turns harrowing and heart-wrenching, Bergdahl's story is far more complex – and interesting – than the media coverage at the time would have you believe.
6. S Town
For podcast fans, S Town is like … Gone With The Wind, a mighty, problematic classic that uses – and perhaps distorts – southern culture for its own artistic gains.
The fact remains, however, that it's one of the most compelling whodunits in non-fiction audio and basically pioneered the format of laying a breadcrumb trail for listeners to follow, one clue at a time.
Plus, all the scenes of people just … hanging out? It's strange and wonderful in the age of COVID.
7. Deep Cover
At the height of the 1980s drug wars, an FBI agent goes undercover posing as a motorcycle gang member and follows weed, money, and corruption all the way to the top of the cartel – and an infamous central American dictator. It reads like a b-movie plot … but it's not. It actually happened, and journalist Jake Halpern talks to both the good guys and the bad guys – and in the end, you won't be sure who you're rooting for.
8. The Other Latif
The Other Latif runs on a simple premise: can a person ever truly be who they say they are?
This gripping investigative journey follows reporter Latif Nasser as he tries to discover the true identity of Gitmo detainee Abdul Latif Nasser – the titular "other" Latif. In many ways, the two men share a lot – faith and a bookish, nerdy background. In other ways, they couldn't be more different. Reporter Latif spent two years trying to figure out who his doppelganger really is … a deadly Al Qaeda explosives expert? Or a lost soul in the wrong place at the wrong time?
9. I Spy
While technically not a series with a single investigative arc, I Spy is – without question – the best spy podcast so far. Produced by Foreign Policy magazine, it features real spies and special operators telling their stories first person and uncensored.
Follow a CIA pilot who crashes deep in enemy territory and relies on the mercy of Congolese tribesmen to escape certain death. Or a rare book dealer who takes down a Russian spy ring in New Jersey. Or the heart-stopping overland escape of a CIA analyst from Libya in the wake of the deadly Benghazi attacks.
What are your favorite pandemic podcasts? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
Stillman Brown
Stillman Brown is a writer and TV producer who has created prime time content for National Geographic, Discovery, Travel Channel and many others. His interests span science & the natural world, personal growth, and food. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Post-Collegiate Drift: An Open Letter to My Long Lost Bro
Jack Busch 29 January,2014
How is it that our best friends are the ones we speak to the least?
You Fail Because You Lack Energy, Not Time: Lifehacks for an Energy-Efficient Brain
Jack Busch 19 March,2017
Got a big goal? Shift your focus to managing your energy and the time crisis will solve itself.
The 3 Essential Negotiation Tactics According to Researchers
Gordon Brown 7 July,2019
Bargaining tactics: These science-backed negotiating strategies will help you get what you want.


AstraZeneca's Mark Wigglesworth, Director in Discovery Sciences, talks to his co-authors, Dr Tom Ellis, a Reader at the Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, and Dr Graham Ladds, a Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, about this published research – its background, findings and implications.
This project shows the benefits of drawing on connections within and across fields, as well as bringing complementary expertise into a project at the right time in order to elevate the science to a much higher calibre.
Mark Wigglesworth: To introduce the background to this research – I have a long-standing interest in synthetic biology and GPCRs, and a few years ago I invited Tom to give a talk at AstraZeneca on this topic. One of our students on our MSc programme, William Shaw (the first author on this paper), was in the audience. After Tom's talk, Will came to me and said he was inspired to do a PhD around what Tom had presented. We discussed ideas and I reached out to Tom to make the connection. At the time our interest was focused on how we could sense and respond appropriately to generate cell systems that had the potential to modify disease. Will, Tom and I then successfully applied for a CASE studentship (funding for a collaborative academia–industry placement) for Will to undertake his PhD in Tom's lab at Imperial.
Mark: Tom, can you tell us about the ideas that led to the project we have now?
Tom Ellis: We know GPCR systems are used to sense most things in human cells – and we thought we could take them outside of the body and use them as biological sensors (or 'biosensors'). Harnessing this type of natural engineering could allow us to create systems with capabilities that would be difficult to replicate with something synthetic.
We started out by looking at which genes to knock down to isolate one GPCR pathway in yeast. We developed a toolset with CRISPR reagents to edit key genes; we wanted to delete any unwanted interactions outside the pathway of interest that could distort the picture.
It became apparent that having mathematical models would help us identify and target the parts of the pathway we needed to knock out. This was when you suggested bringing Graham on board.
Mark: Graham, please could you tell us about your part in this project?
Graham Ladds: My lab does mathematical modelling, and I also have experience expressing human receptors in yeast.
Tom and Will were trying to look at components that effected the cellular responses they are interested in. This is much quicker and easier to do using computational models than it is to do gene editing, so we used the models to find 'sweet spots' in the pathway to edit, before making the changes in vivo. We had previously created models of signalling cascades in yeasts, then we trained those models into Tom and Will's system.
This research truly was a two-way process, where the mathematical and biological data helped to refine each other.
Mark: And it's correct to say that in addition to the mathematical models supporting the biological data, the biological data also helped to refine the mathematical models?
Graham: Yes. Tom and Will could knock out genes in vivo based on what our model predicted would happen, and come back with results and see how these fit back into the model. This information based on what we observed in vivo was fed into our models to further improve them. This research truly was a two-way process, where the mathematical and biological data helped to refine each other.
Mark: And briefly, what were the key findings?
Tom: The key scientific finding was that there are key components in a GPCR signal transduction that can very reliably predict how the cell responds to a signal that it detects via a GPCR.
Using a combination of mathematical modelling work and experimental work to create a highly-engineered cell, we were able to demonstrate almost all the characteristics of how a cell responds to a molecule – including the cell can be tuned to respond to a specific concentration of the molecules that activated it, by changing the levels of a few proteins in the pathway.
Graham: What we have created now is live yeast, with one, isolated GPCR signalling pathway. This is the first such system of its kind, and combines the advantages of both in vivo and computational systems. We have complete control over every component as we do in a computational system, but everything we observe is happening in a living system.
Quite simply, the project would not exist for any of these organisations individually. Synthetic and pharmacological capability and experience have come together with mathematical modelling to make this.
Mark: It's very exciting. What do you see as the potential future directions for this type of work?
Tom: It is indeed very exciting, and this kind of system has broader biomedical implications and applications. In theory, we could define the sensitivity of these receptors by modulating parts of the signalling pathway, so they detect specific concentrations of molecules we are interested in.
Being able to examine the GPCR pathway at every stage could also allow us to better understand how patients respond to medicines, and why some patients respond better than others, despite appearing to have similar expression of receptors – it is likely to be due to differences downstream. GPCR signalling is involved in a lot of disease pathways, and therefore a lot of drugs act on GPCRs.
There are also gene therapy implications, where mutations and non-coding genetic aspects that may be present in an individual's genome could be targeted and help to refine precision medicine even further. This potential application could help build a better picture of which GPCR-related drugs may be appropriate for a certain individual, but this is much further down the line.
Graham: In the future, the work could involve looking at more complex, multicellular systems, including mammalian cells. We do realise this will be a complex task, purely based on how these cells interact within their environment. However, that's not going to stop us trying to recreate this work in human cells.
Mark: Collaboration often allows you to build something that's greater than the sum of its parts, doesn't it?
Graham: I love interdisciplinary research. Working with other people keeps your horizons broad. In this case, we all know what our skills are, and we can put our expertise together to make a really powerful package. I don't think we would be discussing a Cell paper if we hadn't come together to do this.
Tom: Quite simply, the project would not exist for any of these organisations individually. Synthetic and pharmacological capability and experience have come together with mathematical modelling to make this. And it also wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Will Shaw, who I want to thank for being such a dedicated and excellent student.
Mark: Thank you both very much for your time and discussing this exciting work with me. This project goes to show the benefits of drawing on connections within and across fields, as well as bringing complementary expertise into a project at the right time in order to elevate the science to a much higher calibre. It also sows the seeds for potential new treatment advancements.


PALMYRA, Mo. — Joyce Wagner knew about good, unique crafts -- she'd been buying them for years.
But the Palmyra resident never really made any of her own until last year when she spotted wooden roses at a fair in Fulton.
"People were walking by, and I thought 'Why aren't those wilting?' " Wagner said.
She tracked down the booth selling the long-stemmed roses and discovered that they were wooden, made from birch shavings.
Wagner bought eight dozen and gave them away, then decided to track down the supplier herself. Once she found the maker in Colorado, she ordered 3,200 the first time. She has placed similar orders three more times since June.
Wagner's venture with the roses, along with her other business of selling streak-free cleaning cloths, has proven so successful she's quit her full-time work. Every weekend, she heads somewhere for an event where she sells the roses.


Showing 1 to 5 of 98 articles.
Algina Kamara from Wandle, our LSE RIG host talks about why the meeting is so important for her..
Chief Executive, Jenny Osbourne describes the second best day of her life, receiving the MBE from HRH Prince Charles for services to tenant engagement.
Business Development Manager, Michael Hill blogs about his first few months in post at Tpas.
Last week Tpas had the pleasure of Chairing the second 'London and South East Resident Involvement Group (RIG) meeting which was all about digital engagement. Tpas established the group in January 2019 in partnership with Wandle Housing.
There was a lot of lively discussion around the use of tools that enabled greater engagement through digital tools. Future events are for Tpas members and the next meeting will be in June. We asked Rhian James from Colchester Borough Homes to tell us what she took away from the last group meeting.


Full spectrum medicinal hemp does contain THC which is the molecule that causes a "high" when heated and it is illegal in many states. To be legally grown, these hemp plants must contain .3% or less THC. The amount of THC is so low it is impossible to get "high" when it is consumed.
At CBD BioCare, our oil contains virtually no THC. Once the oil is first extracted, the THC is further isolated and removed. Most often our oil testing shows no detectable amounts of THC in our tinctures. But at times there are trace amounts present. This amount is so low it would be extremely rare to show up on any drug test.
It is important to note that when an employer is testing your urine, they can set the limits in terms of what constitutes a positive or negative result. Most companies follow the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines.
So, what all this means is that the possibility of someone failing a drug test because of the THC in CBD Hemp Oil is there, but it is extremely unlikely. But, just to keep everyone safe and clear, it is always our recommendation, if you have any concerns on the subject, to talk with whomever may be testing you prior to using any of the products, to ensure you don't have any issues. We have heard of numerous employer Human Resources departments allowing employees to use CBD Hemp products once they have had the chance to research them.


We have received for publication the following correspondence between a committee of the Franklin Street Synagogue, New York, and the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain. Our readers are perhaps aware that the members of that body are mostly natives of Great Britain; hence it was perfectly natural that they should seek the opportunity of Dr. A.'s installation to send him a congratulatory address, more so than other congregations in this country. Nevertheless, the reverend gentleman will have many others in America, who anxiously watch the good he may effect, as his ministration, if carried out in the proper spirit, cannot be otherwise than beneficial to American Israelites.—Ed. Oc.
New York, Tebeth 13th, 5606.
To the Rev. Dr. N. M. Adler, Chief Rabbi of the British Empire.
Rev. Sir—We, the members of the Franklin Street Synagogue, in the city of New York, U. S., avail ourselves of the first opportunity to offer you our sincere congratulation on your elevation to the exalted and important office of Chief Rabbi, an office, which, in its various ramifications, affects every Israelite, be he located in the torrid or frigid zone. Permit us, reverend sir, to unite our prayer with the orisons of your immediate flock, that Almighty God will afford you health and longevity, that the blessings of your ministry may be preserved to posterity, until the Redeemer may come to Zion.
The celebrity you have obtained, through your known piety, erudition, and conservation of all the rites and ceremonies of our faith, affords us the fullest conviction, that, as a shepherd of Israel's flock, your energy will be directed to keep all within that fence erected by prudence and caution; that you will not permit the lamb to stray from the fold; but by your persuasive eloquence and well-timed exhortations, remind innocence, and more mature years of the sacred and solemn duties they are commissioned to discharge.
S. M. Isaacs, Minister of the Congregation.
Committee appointed to draft a letter of congratulation.
N. Adler, Dr., Chief Rabbi.
To the President and Members of the Franklin Street Synagogue, United States.


My OP Business mobile Android app is working 100% in my XA2 SFOS but the application says the Android is rooted and that is preventing the use of mobile key. This key becomes mandatory next month so this becomes an issue. Is there a way / patch to make Android app not detect the Dalvik environment as rooted?
Actually your XA2 is rooted, not SFOS.
Something seems wrong with your app ascertaining that your Android is rooted : there is no su binary in the Android application compatibility layer (alien-dalvik) to begin with.
I would strongly suspect that the app makes a general "Is everything okay ?" test (e.g.: tries to run the SafetyNet feature), and displays this as a standard message whenever the test fail, because most often that's the problem (people installing some very suspect chinese spyware-ridden Android app to root their phones), nobody has made the effort to make a specific code to detect the relatively rare "You're running Sailfish OS" situation and display a corresponding message.
Maybe installing the official Google Play services (e.g.: using a source like openGAPPS) would solve the problem ? (make the Safetynet tester work ?) There are some tutorials here around on TJC to install this.
use the top-right "three dots" menu to go to advanced to select the server (3rd party or Google).
they also have a special container (look for microG DroidGuard Helper in FDroid) that can isolate the DroidGuard system used to sign request so the official Google SafetyNet server can accept them.
"The device has root user rights or apps that use root rights. We recommend that you remove the root rights or apps that use them"
message - that otherwise appeard before when the app starts - to disappear on subsequent run.
Note that I don't use that bank (I don't even live in Finland to begin with) so I can't test much further. My banks happen to not give a damn about SafetyNet or whatever and happily run their app on my phone even with SafetyNet disabled.
I did some really quick testing. It seems that after installing FakeStore, OP-mobiili no longer complains about being rooted. It still complains about Google Services though.
Did I understood right that you installed microG with just FakeStore? My app stopped opening after microG install. Tried installing other microG packages too.
I run into that issue (app stopped opening) as well. Removing and reinstalling the app helped.
Mine still says rooted. Have you installed microG and FakeStore from FDroid? Tried SafetyNet on and off, with and without DroidGuard.
Yes I have both microG and FakeStore installed (from FDroid).
DrYak gave a great explantion here. In short: you have options.


Helping us to improve this lyric "Take Care, My Bus - Jang Geun Suk (Ost. Mary Stayed Out All Night)".
Want this song, Take Care, My Bus - Jang Geun Suk (Ost. Mary Stayed Out All Night) to be embed in web, hi5, blog, myspace, facebook etc.


Michelle was born in London, England, and spent her childhood in Barbados, West Indies, and Muskegon, Michigan. She spent 15 years in advertising at Burrell Communications, the largest minority-owned advertising agency in America. She has appeared in numerous African movies, and is a recording artist and best-selling author of over 40 books. She is happily single, and is the joyous "mommy" of three Shih Tzu's; Matisse, Micah, and Laila. Michelle resides in Ghana, West Africa.


How many of us woke up to an "alarm" this morning? Most of us; isn't it? Have you really thought about why is it called the "alarm"? Come to think about it, what is alarm most commonly associated with? It is associated with a disaster to come, a danger ahead, isn't it? Have you ever thought about why would we want to wake up to an "alarm"? Why not an "opportunity chime"? Why not "It is going to be great day noise"? Ken Blanchard, in his book Lead Like Jesus says the "alarm" clock syndrome is the best testimony to our task oriented life. Come to think about it, you look at what we did this morning, we woke up to an alarm, we rushed through the day, we hurried to get ourselves ready, we hurriedly finished our breakfast, we jumped into the car, sometimes yelling at the children for making us late, we drove the cars as fast as we could, we got annoyed that when someone else slowed us down, we did not curse them only because it is a Sunday and we were headed to church. And yet we reached here late.. If this is a Sunday situation, think about a workday. It gets even worse isn't it? We start taking calls while we are driving, we are thinking constantly about work. We start thinking about the pending tasks and projects, and reports and deadlines. We start solving problems as we get up from our bed. We are constantly at it through the day. We reach home tired whatever time it is, and we have not time for anyone else who is waiting for us at home. It is truly an alarm that goes off in the morning, because what follows in most cases is firefighting, and problem solving and disaster management and crisis averting and meeting deadlines and resolving conflicts and among all this we have to take care of our social media life, we have to find time to look at the WhatsApp messages that we get, we have to answer and forward some of them atleast, we have to post something in our Facebook page and we have to look back to see if someone has liked it. the list can go on. We wake up to an alarm that declares that there are zillion tasks that we have to complete today.
Sounds familiar? It certainly sounds very familiar to me. If you wondered how I knew all this stuff, it is simple. I am only talking about myself and not any of you. I am a busy man. Mr Busybody. Holding two jobs, being invited to speak at different places, traveling very often. You bet I am a busy man. If you don't believe me, ask Leslie.
That brings me to the topic of today's message. Since the beginning of this year, I have been speaking here on the topic of EGO. Not the Freudian ego, but the EGO that is Edging God Out. Today the Lord has put it in my heart to examine yet another way we Edge God Out of our lives, through our busyness. And as is the case with most of my sermons, and more than any other sermon, this one is more for me than for yourselves. So please join me as we examine this topic together.
Those of us who are familiar with bible stories know that there are only few occasions when the angel of the Lord appears to people and predicts a child birth. In the Old testament it happens twice, once with Sarah and then with Manoah's wife. In the New Testament it happens to Zachariah and climaxes with Mary. There are other places where the birth of children are foretold by prophets, but by the angels directly is only in these occasions. So it is not a "normal" thing. It is a big thing. Let us study this story from two perspectives, one of Manoah, the man in the story and the other from his wife, who is unnamed in the story.
Well God has his sense of humor and he gives in to Manoah's prayer. He sends his angel once more to the woman. Again, Manoah is not with her when the angel appears. Where do you think he is? You guessed it again, he is busy at work, he is busy in his office. He doesn't have time to wait for the angel to appear, he has delegated that work to the wife. This time of course, the wife does not give him a call, she personally goes and drags him to the place. She wants to make sure that the Manoah personally speaks with this messenger of good news. Wise woman; isn't she? She doesn't want him to get any wrong ideas about the messenger. Once again, let us look at Manoah's reaction. He first confirms that it is actually the same dude who told her the great news. Once he has ascertained that fact, he wastes no time in niceties, he gets straight to the tasks ahead. No time to thank the messenger, no wasting time finding out how he knows etc. Manoah's immediate question is "12 Manoah said, "Now let Your words come to pass! What will be the boy's rule of life, and his work?" You get the drift don't you? Manoah's concern has already changed from "what they should do for the child" , to even further in the future, " What will be the boy's rule of life and his work". His work? The woman is not even pregnant, and our man Manoah is already thinking way ahead, not just which school he should put the child into? What subjects he should take, etc, but what work will he do? Will he be an engineer, will he be a doctor, will he be a consultant? Will he be an accountant? What will be his work? Manoah's mind is truly a one track mind about work , isn't it?
The Lord of course again, demonstrates His sense of humor. Instead of answering Manoah about the "task" ahead of him, the angel of the Lord just advises them to keep themselves pure. Keep the child pure. I would interpret the angel's response like this. "Hey don't you worry about what work the child will do, just keep him pure, and I will take care of the rest" . We don't know if Manoah got the message, but his mind has already switched to the next task. The task of honoring the messenger, first with some food, and then in some other ways , once the child is born. The angel of the Lord again humors him and instead of answering him directly, reminds Manoah that what he needs to do is to give thanks to the Lord through a burnt offering. Manoah has forgotten all about honoring God for this great gift, and was focused on tasks ahead of him, the tasks of getting through the pregnancy, the tasks of raising the child, the tasks that the child will do, that task of honoring the messenger. You see, he is a busy man indeed. He has Edged God out of the situation because of his busyness.
Finally, Manoah does offer the burnt sacrifice and that enables him to see the glorious sight of the Lord accepting the offering and the angel of the Lord ascending to the heavens along with the flames. He finally gets the picture. The bulb finally comes on. "Oh.. it was the Lord". And when he finally gets it, his immediate reaction is panic, because he knows that no one can see the Lord and live. He has already forgotten the message, his mind has switched back to the reality that he has seen the Lord and hence cannot live anymore. It once again, requires the wisdom of the woman to reassure him that if the Lord wanted them dead, He would have done that long time back. It was the wisdom of the wife that makes him aware that they were part of Lord's plans and hence it would have been foolish on God's part to have killed them.
As I analysed this story, I realised that Manoah was focused on tasks, he was a busy man. He had no time to feel the presence of the Lord, or to understand the magnitude of the promise that came through the messenger. His wife on the other hand, had time to spend listening to the Lord. I do not think it was accidental that the angel came to her both times. He was busy, she was looking for the Lord. She was probably in prayer and solitude and had time to listen to the Lord. Manoah's insecurity came from the fact that he had no time to suit at the feet of the Lord and cherish the presence. The Wife's confidence came from exactly the opposite. She had time to spend with the Lord and understood that she was part of His plans and hence she need not fear. Manoah was Edging God out through his busyness. The wife was Exalting God Only, by her solitude and connection with the Lord.
We have seen this in my earlier Sermons on EGO. The antidote to EGO is EGO. We can stop Edging God out of our lives through busyness, by Exalting God only through Solitude. The antidote to busyness is solitude.
Solitude is the art of being able to sit at the feet of the Lord without any agenda. It is not a prayer time. It is just being with Him, just listening to Him, just enjoying His presence without a list of things that needs to be asked or prayed for or completed. It is a time when we surrender all the concerns that we have at the foot of the cross. It is the time to let him speak to us through that still small voice. It is the time when we can lock out all the external and internal disturbances that separate us from God.
So I would like to encourage all of us to think back and see when is the last time, when we really had a one on one time of solitude with the Lord? If we can't remember that time, we have serious trouble. If it is some time back, we need to re-establish that as one of the priorities in life.
This morning, the Lord is asking us, whose example do we want to follow, do we want to continue to be so busy that we Edge God out of our lives, or do we set aside time before any big decisions, before the "alarm" goes off for every day, time to spend at His feet and seek His guidance?
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Dr. Madana Kumar studied the application of Servant Leadership in Indian NGOs for his doctoral thesis. This research paper is now available free for the visitors of this website. Download research documents.
God has given each one of us a very unique personality. Our responsibility is to understand that personality and use it for God's glory. We invite you to take the Menorah Personality Test to understand your unique personality.
The very first recorded words our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ are in Luke 2: 49. The very first "red letter" words in the bible.
Jesus knew very well why he came here. He knew very well why His Father sent the Word as flesh, to dwell among the sinners.