Making good violins is even harder.
An excellent violin is a real work of art.
Perhaps that explains why the design of classical violins has remained virtually unchanged during the past 400 years. Violinists, and violin makers, regard it as something sacrosanct.
But about 50 years ago, I started to wonder why we can't use modern materials, modern design ideas and modern production techniques to make excellent new violins to meet the needs of modern players.
People want different things from a violin nowadays than they did in the 17th century.
or "I want a five-stringed fiddle".
It would seem like sacrilege to do that kind of thing to an excellent classical violin.
I was fascinated by the fact that a violin looks symmetrical from the outside but not on the inside (just like us human beings). I started wondering how the vibrations of the violin's strings are transformed into sound. And I made my first asymmetrical violin in 1966 (see photo above). It looked nice, I thought, but it didn't sound that great. It took me more than forty years to find out why. In the meantime, CAD/CAM techniques had been developed.
Could they help to solve my problem?
Can you make a good, and perhaps an excellent, violin with fewer parts and less effort?As good as an classical violin, but different. An instrument to extend the range of violin players, not just a replacement.This question is crucial for the kind of violin I had in mind.
but apply (with appropriate changes) to any bowed instrument.
The sound is produced by the elliptical movement of the strings when they are bowed. This movement makes the top of the bridge move slightly from side to side. The arrows indicate the resulting movements of the top plate and back. It is these vibrations of the top plate and back that generate the sound you hear when the violin is played.
The Dutch Violin is asymmetrical.
The ribs are massive but light, the back and the top plate are made of spruce, cedar or any other lightweight tonewood – though designs using any other lightweight material or membrane are also possible.
One leg of the bridge is connected to the bass bar mounted under the top plate.
The other leg of the bridge is connected to the sound post, which rests on the bass bar mounted on the back of the violin.
The sound post passes through a hole in the top plate.
The back and top plate vibrate in opposite directions. As a result, these vibrations enhance one another, providing a greater effective vibrating surface area.
This means that the top plate does not have to vibrate as hard as in the classical design.
The new design converts the movement of the strings into sound more effectively.
This benefit can be used to improve and shape the sound in different ways, for example by varying the type of wood used, the curvature of the top plate and the back, and the size and positioning of the bass bars.
The strength of the construction largely depends on that of the ribs.The massive ribs used in this design can also house any electronics or other add-ons included.
The use of modern digital techniques such as computer numerical control (CNC) makes the design and production process much more flexible.
You can just choose the design variables you want to change in your search for the optimum design.
CNC-made parts are more or less identical, and thus interchangeable.
CNC makes the design process more flexible (for example, you could make a mirror violin).
CNC files make it possible to produce anywhere in the world, using uniform digital data and locally sourced materials.


text:
Q: Mysql join gives duplicate rows I have 2 tables and i am using join to get common records from those 2 tables. i have used the following query but my problem is i am getting the records doubled. The query is as follows
SELECT * FROM pos_metrics pm INNER JOIN pos_product_selling pps ON
pm.p_id=pps.p_id WHERE pm.p_id='0' AND pps.pos_buying_id='0' AND pm.type=1

pos_metrics table:

pos_product_selling table:

Output:

EDIT
When I tried to use GROUP BY and DISTINCT together I am not getting duplicates but the value from the second table is repeated. Any other solutions ?

A: Add a primary key in the pos_metrics table and introduce it to the pos_product_selling table, then do a JOIN based on the primary key as well as the other criteria. You won't get these duplicates then.
The reason you have duplicates over here is because there is no possibility of an unique comparison to be done on both tables based on a value.

A: To eliminate dups, use distinct:
select distinct * from ...

But I've a feeling your question is about something else -- and that you'd need to post the specific code for more help.

A: Try something like these
GROUP BY pos_product_selling.metrics

A: try this:
SELECT DISTINCT * FROM ...
GROUP BY pm.metrics

A: SELECT * FROM pos_metrics pm, pos_product_selling pps
Where pm.p_id=pps.p_id AND pm.p_id='0' AND pps.pos_buying_id='0' AND pm.type=1

try the above query

A: After reading this subject I could not think there was something going on. I had the same issue and nailed it down to one table which was
CREATE TABLE `$dbname`.`$table` (
`prtcatid` INT NOT NULL,
`prtcat` VARCHAR(45) NULL,
);

The only difference between this table and all the others was there was no primary index.
the code was changed to
CREATE TABLE `$dbname`.`$table` (
`prtcatid` INT NOT NULL,
`prtcat` VARCHAR(45) NULL,
PRIMARY KEY (`prtcatid`)
);

the doubling of the rows then ceased. This solution was prompted by the suggestion in an previous answer above.
Hope this may help others.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Unless you've been living under a rock on the farthest corner of Venus, you've probably heard about GDPR.
And, like me, your inbox has no doubt been flooded by companies you've forgotten about – asking you to remember them and let them into your life.
It's perhaps the one time that everyone in marketing is sending the same email!
What it does provide though, is a good chance to see just how creative your favourite brands can be when tackling the same thing.
I know there are some subject lines I've seen that have stuck out in the battlefield of my inbox!
By the way, if you're looking to read one book before the end of the year make it Seth's "Purple Cow".
It's super short, super concise and super informative.


Created by MFA alumni, Soohye Jang, this document is a guide for U.S. artists to become more familiar with international performance and exhibition opportunities. Along with a collection of resources, Jang gives personal advice based on her experience as an international curator and liaison.
Hi, I am an international performing arts liaison / journalist based in Seoul, Korea. I've curated international artists from Europe, Asia, US, and so on. Unlike the European funding model (Paris $3.544mil Public Funding, $158mil Individual/Foundation) or Asian funding model ( Seoul $905mil Public Funding, $153mil Individual/Foundation/Corp Funding), the US model has a different structure (NY alone, $587mil Public Funding, $1,639mil Individual/Corp/Foundation Funding, sources from World Cities Culture Forum).
While European, South American, African, and Asian countries are expanding their international exchange opportunities, it is challenging to see any American artists touring abroad. I saw many good performances when I lived in Seattle, WA, but it was hard for me to invite them back to perform in my city. When I offered opportunities for US artists, I would always hear back, "We can't afford flight tickets" or "Pay is too small." I then assumed that they weren't interested in international touring or exchange opportunities.
My assumption was wrong and I am happy to assist in helping artists who are willing to try. I have gathered some basic, but useful tips about funding opportunities and marketing/PR for US performing arts artists. If you (US artists) are still interested, read through.
First, international curators can't always come to see you perform which is where marketing comes into play.
Most curators pick artists from international festivals or markets. But there are certain types of arts being presented in international festivals that are often found boring. Thus, curators exchange information with others about who and what they find most interesting. Having an updated portfolio and website with images and videos will help curators find your work more effectively.
A strength of the arts in the US is the promotion of local arts. Artists can survive and become famous without really leaving their own cities or having themselves being compared to the other global artists' excellence. (Perhaps the biggest opportunity for them is to tour to NY, Chicago, or LA?!) The downside of US arts is that the perspective can be narrow and their artistic choice is based on the issues that are not universal but local. I believe that US artists have so much more potential if they can accept this fact.
When an international institution invites you, they will offer a budget that will be spent in their country (inviting side) such as a per diem, hotels, performance fee, or any other marketing/production budget. Sometimes, you will get paid really well, but most nonprofit institutions have limited budgets. When a commercial theater invites you, you might get profit sharing too (very rare). Therefore, international curators are also taking a big risk by inviting you. Most times, international institutions won't pay for production staff if you are bringing them along or your flight ticket. (I know artists love working with people who they trust. But trust me, you will easily find supportive and well-skilled local staff members if you can only bring the clear tech rider. You should know how to be flexible too. Or get more funding for your fellow technicians.) You may think that this is a waste of your time and energy, but think of this opportunity as an investment for your growth, just like what Trevor Noah said: "Travel the world. See another place. Discover a different point of view. Traveling is the antidote to ignorance." I promise it will be a great lesson for you.
How do you get flight tickets then? Grants!
There are specific grants and or private funding opportunity for US artists going abroad! Just ask for an invitation letter to inviting curators or official institutions. Here are a few foundations and organizations that may help.
The Compton Foundation supports organizations that help artists engage with social and environmental change.
The Pulitzer Arts Foundation offers a robust roster of programs that bring together leading figures from fields such as art, architecture, design, urban planning, social work, technology, and science. Such initiatives have for instance included Marfa Dialogues / St. Louis (2014) - a collaborative summit on global climate change with St. Louis as a case study.
The Thriving Cultures program of the Surdna Foundation is based on a belief that communities with robust arts and culture are more cohesive and prosperous, and benefit from the diversity of their residents. The Foundation encourages cross-cutting proposals that connect to the work of the Foundation's Strong Local Economies and Sustainable Environments programs.
Alliance for Artists Communities have resources for residencies in visual arts, writing, composing, architecture, and more.
This grant program supports performances by American artists at important cultural festivals and arts marketplaces around the globe. Committed to the presence of US based artists on world stages, USArtists International provides grants to ensembles and individual performers in dance, music and theatre invited to perform at significant international festivals.
American Dance Abroad is a national organization that connects U.S. choreographers and dance companies with international presenters and dance professionals on every continent. Its mission is to strengthen the export of American dance artists and companies by helping them to build international relationships.
Theater Communications Group Global Connections was designed by TCG and is funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Robert Sterling Clark Foundation for US-based theatre organizations and individual artists. For instance, Global Connections—On the Road: This initiative will award 12 grants of up to $5,000 each to foster new relationships with international colleagues that will inspire each other's work and aesthetics by creating opportunities for cultural exchange.
NALAC – Transnational Cultural Remittances Program was launched in 2008 with support from the Ford Foundation. The Transnational Cultural Remittances (TCR) grant program supports exemplary cultural exchanges that promote grassroots artistic collaboration and strengthen social networks between the United States, Mexico and Central America.
U.S. Department of State Fulbright Program is committed to providing opportunities for American and foreign artists, writers, poets, filmmakers, and musicians to showcase their creativity. A large number of Fulbright grants are offered to applicants in the performing and visual arts each year.
Artists from Abroad is sponsored by the League of American Orchestras and Association of Performing Arts Presenters.They provide a guide for immigration and tax issues presented to artist from abroad.
Cultural Mobility Funding Guide for the USA: The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center is creating, in collaboration with the European cultural mobility information network On the Move and the U.S.-based grassroots international network Theatre without Borders, a free and user-friendly guide to funding for international exchange for artists traveling to and from the USA. This guide builds upon On the Move's existing guides for artists and cultural professionals in Europe, Asia, and Arab countries.
Foundation for Arts Initiatives is a private foundation, independent of any governments, agencies, NGOs, or their related agendas, which supports contemporary visual arts and culture. It provides support to new and alternative forms of institutions for operations, projects and research, and makes grants to individuals for research and travel. Individuals may submit an inquiry for a Fund for Arts Research grant of $7,500 for research and travel. You can apply at any time, but grant review can take up to 6 months.
The Open Society Fellowship supports individuals pursuing innovative and unconventional approaches to fundamental open society challenges, in any of the 5 issues identified by the Open Society Foundations (Health, Education & Youth, Governance & Accountability, Media & Information, Right & Justice). Applicants should possess a deep understanding of their chosen subject and a track record of professional accomplishment. Past and current fellows have included journalists, activists, academics, and practitioners in a variety of fields.
The Prince Claus Fund's Ticket Fund supports the cross-cultural exchange of artists and cultural practitioners by covering travel costs, in particular for artists and cultural practitioners living in Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, non-EU Balkans and non-EU Eastern Europe who wish to travel within these areas. Priority is given to individuals up to 35 years old and/or within the first 10 years of their career.
UNESCO International Fund for the Promotion of Culture(IFPC) was established in order to give greater prominence to culture in the development of individuals and societies and of strengthening international cultural cooperation, as well as to provide assistance for artistic creation and cultural activities. The Fund will provide financial support on the basis of a call for proposals opening once a year. Priority is given to young artists/creators (18-30 years old) and to projects benefitting youth.
Third, you are not just a touring artist, but a cultural ambassador now.
Think of a way to collaborate with local artists in the visiting city. Funding opportunity gets higher if the piece is a premiering piece and has a long-term goal. When the institution invites you, make sure to invite the international artists back to your own city in the future as well. Just like what I explained above, each city has funding opportunities for their own artists' flights and lodging. You will only have to find an opportunity in your own city to perform, get performance fees, and invite a bunch of local audience members!
For my city, we communicate among international curators a lot. When we invite international artists, we try our best to book them in different stages, or suburb cities in Korea (Arts curation is too focused in the Seoul that we try to decentralize the performing location.) For this, it is possible that you will have a week and a half of full schedule rehearsing, teaching, and performing in Seoul, then travelling to Busan, Deagu, and Jeju. Often, international artists will collaborate with local artists during this process and will invite the piece back to their own countries. So, you are acting as a cultural ambassador who embarks on foreign exchange opportunities. Also, don't forget to plan in advance at least 1-3years before.
Lastly, leave your mark. Because the chance is so rare, foreign media loves to highlight this kind of work. When I curate international artists, I will always spread the PR material to media and will often get TV interviews, news articles, etc. This is not only good for us curators, but also good for your own funding opportunities in the future. Same goes for international artists visiting your city. Think of a way to publish or record your collaboration. How do you measure the success? We all know arts don't equivalent money. Leave your mark. This will at least be a stepping stone for the funding in future.


text:
Show more Show more Hazard / Impact
Newfoundland and Labrador (15)
Consortium (1)
Federal (29)
Show more Show more Source
Modelled (2)
Adaptation planning (18)
Data files (3)
Graphical (1)
Scientific synthesis (6)
Decadal (2)
Clear all Clear all Temporal resolution
Adapting to Climate Change in Coastal Communities of the Atlantic Provinces, Canada: Part 1 Guidance for Selecting Adaptation Options (Opens in a new Window)
This guide aims to familiarize decision makers in the Atlantic provinces with strategies and tools to manage climate change-driven sea level rise and coastal flooding and erosion. This resource includes a description of expected and observed climate change impacts in Atlantic Canada, characterization of coastal environments and an overview of appropriate land use planning and engineering adaptation approaches.
Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions Association, Natural Resources Canada
Adapting to Climate Change: A Risk Based Guide for Local Governments (Opens in a new Window)
This guide helps local governments identify, assess and communicate climate change risks.
Government of Canada: Natural Resources Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Related Links Page (Drought Watch) (Opens in a new Window)
This webpage links to numerous sources of information on agroclimate monitoring, analysis, and forecasting.
Government of Canada: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Scientific synthesis
BC Agriculture Water Calculator (Opens in a new Window)
The BC Agricultural Water Calculator uses 10 years of historical climate data, from 2001 to 2010, to calculate how much water farmers should need for their farm in the "new climate normal", which farmers can reference in their water licence applications. Government of BC staff involved with water authorizations also use this calculator when reviewing applications. Data are available for individual land parcels in tabular format.
Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia, Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, Investment Agriculture Foundation, Okanagan Basin Water Board
Canada in a Changing Climate: National Issues Report (2021) (Opens in a new Window)
The report provides a national perspective on how climate change is impacting our communities, environment and economy, and how we are adapting to reduce risks. It includes chapters on topics that are of national importance or that benefit from a pan-Canadian perspective, along with case stories featuring examples of adaptation in practice
Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada
Canada's Changing Climate Report (Opens in a new Window)
This report is about how and why Canada's climate has changed and what changes are projected for the future. It is the first report to be released as part of Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action. Released in 2019.
Government of Canada: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Canadian Communities Guidebook for Adaptation to Climate Change (Opens in a new Window)
This guidebook provides a decision-making process for climate change adaptation at the community level that combines sustainable development, adaptation and mitigation. It includes case studies, examples of adaptation actions and an appendix of analytical methods.
Government of Canada: Environment and Climate Change Canada, University of British Columbia
Climate Change and Sustainable Forest Management in Canada: A Guidebook for Assessing Vulnerability and Mainstreaming Adaptation into Decision-Making (Opens in a new Window)
This guidebook helps forestry resource professionals apply the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers' approach to vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning for sustainable forest management.
Climate Lens: General Guidance (Opens in a new Window)
This is a directive intended to be applied to infrastructure design to identify opportunities for reducing greenhouse gases and to ensure the infrastructure is resilient and prepared for potential climate impacts.
Government of Canada: Infrastructure Canada
Climate-Resilient Buildings and Core Public Infrastructure: an assessment of the impact of climate change on climatic design data in Canada (Opens in a new Window)
The report provides an assessment of how climatic design data relevant to users of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC 2015, Table C-2) and the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC/CSA S6 2014, Annex A3.1) might change as the climate continues to warm.
Government of Canada: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pacific Climate Impact Consortium, National Research Council

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Attenborough class have been designing and creating their own planets linked to our 'Space' Topic from last half term.
We have had two 'Art' days where the chilren have been able to draw and design their very own planets. They have come up with ideas such as a 'mushroom' planet, 'pinata' planet. 'marshmallow' planet and a 'galaxy' planet.
As you can see from the pictures in our gallery the children have very much enjoyed being creative and learning how to use different media to create the effects they want.


Perhaps years ago having someone in to clean your house could have been considered a luxury, this really is no longer true. Having someone come in and do your house cleaning in Las Vegas is now almost a necessity. When you begin to look for this "someone" you will find there are plenty of choices; you can hire someone direct or you can deal with an agency that will take responsibility for their people.
Cleaning company: You may pay a little more but it is well worth it due to the benefits. When you arrange house cleaning in Las Vegas through an agency or company you will get flexible scheduling as well as backup in the event your regular cleaner cannot work on the scheduled day. Your house will always be clean, this is not necessarily so when you deal with an individual direct.


text:
package net.sourceforge.easyml.marshalling.java.time;

import net.sourceforge.easyml.InvalidFormatException;
import net.sourceforge.easyml.marshalling.AbstractStrategy;
import net.sourceforge.easyml.marshalling.MarshalContext;
import net.sourceforge.easyml.marshalling.SimpleStrategy;
import net.sourceforge.easyml.marshalling.UnmarshalContext;

import java.time.LocalTime;
import java.time.format.DateTimeFormatter;
import java.time.format.DateTimeFormatterBuilder;
import java.time.format.DateTimeParseException;
import java.time.temporal.ChronoField;

/**
 * LocalTimeStrategy class that implements the {@linkplain SimpleStrategy}
 * interface for the {@linkplain LocalTime}. This implementation is thread-safe.
 *
 * @author Victor Cordis ( cordis.victor at gmail.com)
 * @version 1.5.1
 * @since 1.5.1
 */
public final class LocalTimeStrategy extends AbstractStrategy implements SimpleStrategy<LocalTime> {

    /**
     * Constant defining the value used for the strategy name.
     */
    public static final String NAME = "localtime";
    /**
     * Constant defining the singleton instance.
     */
    public static final LocalTimeStrategy INSTANCE = new LocalTimeStrategy();
    private static final DateTimeFormatter TIME_FORMATTER = new DateTimeFormatterBuilder()
            .appendPattern("HH:mm:ss")
            .appendFraction(ChronoField.NANO_OF_SECOND, 0, 9, true)
            .toFormatter();

    private LocalTimeStrategy() {
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc }
     */
    @Override
    public boolean strict() {
        return true;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc }
     */
    @Override
    public Class<LocalTime> target() {
        return LocalTime.class;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc }
     */
    @Override
    public boolean appliesTo(Class<LocalTime> c) {
        return c == LocalTime.class;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc }
     */
    @Override
    public String name() {
        return NAME;
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc }
     */
    @Override
    public String marshal(LocalTime target, MarshalContext ctx) {
        return TIME_FORMATTER.format(target);
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritDoc }
     */
    @Override
    public LocalTime unmarshal(String text, UnmarshalContext ctx) {
        try {
            return LocalTime.parse(text);
        } catch (DateTimeParseException dtpX) {
            throw new InvalidFormatException(ctx.readerPositionDescriptor(), dtpX);
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The pilot plant will be running the in the Alfara Waste Treatment Plant, operated by TETMA, with a current Municipal Solid Waste capacity of 120.000 ton/yr.
A new concept of municipal waste treatment will be created.
Development of a pilot plant of the proposed technology with a waste processing capacity of 450 tn/yr, producing 128 tn/year of liquid fuel. The liquid will be used by the own fleet of waste collection trucks and by other kinds of equipment that are often operated in a landfill (such as wheel loaders, excavators, generators, compressors, etc), for validation purposes.
Creation of at least 10 jobs, direct and indirect.
Development of a certificate of biofuel's performance in order to generate trust for potential ursers.
Replication of the technology in other 3 Waste Treatment Facilities.
More tan 300 visits per year to the pilot facility.
Replacement of 100% of diesel fuel used by TETma trucks by the biofuel generated during the Project.


The Middle East is a region centred on Western Asia with a long history dating back centuries. The main commercial centres in the Middle East and the countries with a thriving ex pat population are the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Egypt and Bahrain.
Living and working in these countries offers a variety of opportunities. The area is expanding rapidly with a rich history and natural resources. This offers the chance to experience fascinating cultures and new cuisine.
With tax free salaries, you are able to save a large sum of money working in the Middle East whilst also being in an ideal location for further travel and exploration in neighbouring countries. There is an abundance of activities to do in each country from one of the largest indoor Ski slopes in Dubai, the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, the pyramids in Egypt or the many mosques across the region.
Opportunities for teachers are huge. We recruit for British Curriculum schools, IB curriculum schools as well as local schools. Schools range from Early Years all the way through to the 'A' Level and IB syllabus with students often going on to some of the top performing Universities around the world.
Click here to search all teaching vacancies currently available in the Middle East with Servoca Education International.


Here at Bathroom Renovations Melbourne, we are able to offer you our years of expertise in addition to a huge array of home remodeling and construction projects. You do not want just anybody servicing your house; you are able to rely on our team to look after you and your loved ones's construction and bathroom renovation goals.
Our crew is educated in all areas of Bathroom remodel and have passed thorough testing programs so you can be certain you are employing the absolute best.
We are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for our customers. Morning or evening, phone us and let us address any trouble you might have.
If you have avoided thought and feelings of renovation or bathroom construction because of price worries, fear not. We are able to accommodate any budget, and our costs are fair and reasonable.
Bathroom Renovations Melbourne offers a wide range of home renovation and construction of services. Finding the best general contractor can be challenging, that's why you needn't look any further than here. Take a look below at all the services our company provides.
Laminate flooring is very easy to set up, easy to take care of and looks exactly like genuine hardwood, natural stone or ceramic tile. Let our talented contractors install lovely laminate floors for you, and make your next-door neighbors green with envy!
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Our company of contractors will come out to your residence to talk to you about your plan, assess the project location and provide you a complimentary estimate to get the ball rolling.
As soon as the project has started our staff will deal with all of the demolition and remodeling work. We realize that you still have to inhabit your home during the course of the project, so we will make it as hassle-free as possible for you.
After we finalize your project, we will make sure to tidy up the mess. We will take out all of the demolition and building and construction mess that is left behind, and if the job is inside your home, we will make certain to tidy up the spaces we have renovated.
Demand only the finest in your house. We have many years of experience in the field, specialising in delivering total bathroom remodellings in Cranbourne South and surrounding areas. From the initial design consultation through to after sales service, our clients are thrilled with our service. What's more, we offer a warranty on all workmanship.
Our primary goal is to help you develop the space of your dreams. Let us reveal you how easy it can be to bring your ideas into reality. Whether you're searching for customized bathroom installation or want to revitalize your space in a little but significant way, we can help you.
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Our bathroom designers understand that our clients reward quality of workmanship, so we guarantee to partner with only the best bathroom contractors and renovators in Cranbourne South.
Bathroom renos are also a fantastic way to increase the worth of your house ahead of a sale. Possibly get thousands more on auction day with a little lit of help from our experienced renovators and installers. A new bathroom could be an affordable and attractive way to drive interest in your property and increase your chances of an effective sale.
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Good plumbing is the foundation of any bathroom and ought to use a perfect balance of style and functionality. We understand the obstacles you're likely to face with your small bathroom renovation and offer truthful suggestions that will help you stay within your spending plan and timeline.
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There is a lot to think about in a bathroom renovation in Cranbourne South! The bottom line to develop first is what do you require from the renovated bathroom? A bathroom can be a declaration or it can be purely for function. Who is utilizing the room; elderly people, little kids, teenagers etc. Do you need a bath to accommodate their requirements? How much area do you have? Are you able to move the toilet from one side of the room to the other? What design of bathroom do you desire and does it fit the home? It might look funny setting up an ultra-modern bathroom in a federation house.
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The Length Of Time Does A Bathroom Reno In Cranbourne South Take?
Obviously it will vary depending on what is done, nevertheless you should enable 3 weeks for a complete standard remodelling from removal to being able to use it once again.
# 1 – Picking a quote simply on price. This is an issue as cheap quote frequently suggests a poor quality bathroom and possibly more on-going bills as the rate didn't consist of items that higher quotes did.
# 3 – The big one is letting your tiler perform the complete remodelling including the pipes and electrical. This happens routinely and you need to understand that it is illegal for any trade to conduct plumbing and electrical work without the right qualifications and professionals license.


text:
Online MSW
CMSW Programs
MSW vs PhD in Social Work
MSW vs MFT in Social Work
MSW vs LPC in Social Work
MSW vs PsyD in Social Work
MSW vs LCSW
Doctorate DSW Programs
MSW MBA Dual Degree
MSW MPA Dual Degree
MSW MPH Dual Degree Social Work
PhD in Social Work
Online MSW Degree
›› More
Salary Outlook
Home » State »
Minnesota Masters in Social Work (MSW) Programs
Minnesota Masters in Social Work (MSW) Programs MN
University of Minnesota Masters in Social Work Programs
The University of Minnesota has been around since 1851. Today it has campuses in five locations throughout the state and a variety of research and outreach programs as well. The University enrollments run around 30,000 students every year. The College of Education and Human Development offers social work degrees through its School of Social Work.
Masters in Social Work
The Masters in Social Work degree program at the University of Minnesota has been around for almost 100 years. Students that enter this program take a variety of classes in areas such as mediation and conflict resolution, psychopathology and social practice, diverse populations, human behavior, social work in schools, fundraising, social worth work ethics, and social welfare policies.
Address: School of Social Work, 105 Peters Hall, 1404 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108
St. Cloud State University Masters in Social Work Programs
St. Cloud State University is one of the larger universities within the state of Minnesota. It has been around for over 100 years. The school offers dozens of academic programs for students from many backgrounds. The Department of social work offers degrees at both a bachelor's and master's level.
St. Cloud State University offers its Masters in Social Work degree program to qualified students. For those students that already hold a Bachelor's in Social Work, they can aim to enter the advanced standing program. Students take classes in areas such as human behavior of the social environment, social work with marginalized populations, social welfare policy, practice with vulnerable individuals and families, and practice with changing communities and organizations.
Address: Department of Social Work, 720 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498
Minnesota State University at Moorhead Masters in Social Work Programs
Minnesota State University at Moorhead lies in the northwest region of the state of Minnesota. It is directly across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota. Students can select from a variety of academic programs including 14 graduate degree programs. The College of Education and Human Services offers graduate level degrees through its School of Social Work.
Minnesota State University's School of Social Work offers a master's degree program for qualified students. Students enjoy contact with faculty with a diverse selection of social work practice experience. They take classes in areas such as family treatment, policy analysis, social work research, and domestic violence.
Address: College of Education and Human Services, School of Social Work, 11047 Avenue South, Moorhead, MN 56563
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We all know ice and aircraft don't mix. Anyone who's spent any time in the sky understands that ice forms on the propeller before anywhere else on the plane, which causes a loss of power and can eventually ground your plane – sometimes permanently. Prior to World War II, icy weather consistently grounded planes, causing air travel to come to a complete halt during the worst of the winter months. If there was ice, it simply wasn't safe to fly.
Pilots would begin each chilly day by checking to see if their plane was free of ice on the ground. Whenever there is visible moisture in the air icing can occur quickly on leading edges. So in flight, all pilots could do was avoid the altitudes where there were freezing temperatures. America's entrance into the war and the soaring popularity of commercial flights increased the need for dependable flights, making icing an obstacle that needed to be overcome to fly safely through the skies.
Over the years varying levels of de-icing techniques have been tried to keep planes in the air. Today, it's now possible to prevent propellers from icing through a variety of techniques and applications. Electrical heat or chemical anti-ice fluids turned on before entering icy conditions can actually prevent ice from forming on your propeller. Blades like those we provide for many Cessna models include an electric de-ice option that can keep the leading edge warm enough to prevent the accumulation of ice.
Additionally, propellers can be fitted with anti-ice technology such as the type we offer with our Travel Air 2-Blade. These blades can be fitted with nozzles that use centrifugal force to send alcohol down the leading edge of the blade and prevent ice from forming on it.
The proper parts and equipment are critical for safe operation of your aircraft, especially in inclement weather. If you have any questions about de-ice or anti-ice options for your specific propeller blade, contact us.


Jim Nantz called the Al Jazeera documentary linking Peyton Manning to human growth hormone "a non-story" Sunday — but the CBS football play-by-play announcer failed to mention that he runs in the same circles as the NFL star.
Nantz is represented by influential sports broadcasting agent Sandy Montag, who has represented Manning in some of the off-field deals that have made the Denver Broncos quarterback the league's most marketable quarterback for most of the past decade.
Montag also helped Ari Fleischer, hired by Manning a day after Al Jazeera's "The Dark Side" became public, launch his White Plains sports communications firm in 2004 after the former White House flak left President George W. Bush's administration. Sports Business Journal reported in 2014 that the Montag Group, the agent's consulting firm, would team up with Ari Fleischer Sports Communications to offer joint services.
Fleischer, who has also helped Major League Baseball and steroid-stained slugger Mark McGwire navigate doping crises, told the Daily News Monday that Montag's relationship with Manning and Nantz was not a factor in the broadcaster's decision to ignore the Al Jazeera report during Sunday's telecast of the Broncos' 27-20 victory over the San Diego Chargers.
""I didn't even know Sandy represented Nantz and in all cases, I haven't asked Sandy to do anything on this," Fleischer said in an email.
Nantz has also appeared in advertising for Sony and Papa John's Pizza with Manning.
During an interview with Mike Francesa on WFAN Sunday morning, Nantz was asked whether he and broadcast partner Phil Simms would discuss the Al Jazeera documentary, "The Dark Side," during the Broncos-Chargers game. Nantz emphatically said "No."
"Why would we? If we talk about (the documentary) we would only continue to breathe life into a story that on all levels is a non-story," Nantz told Francesa. "Why add another layer to it?"
Broadcasters on other NFL pregame shows and Sunday game broadcasts also declined to discuss the Al Jazeera report that claimed an Indianapolis anti-aging clinic called the Guyer Institute had shipped HGH to Manning's wife, Ashley.
"The reason that Jim did not rehash this eight-day old story during the broadcast was based on the actual news value of it," a CBS Sports spokeswoman said in an email.
But the HGH allegations seemed relevant in Sunday's Broncos-Chargers game after Manning, sidelined since mid-November with a foot injury, took over for Brock Osweiler in the third quarter and led his team to 20 points and a comeback win. Manning was visibly angry and upset during his last national television appearance, a Dec. 27 interview with ESPN in which he denied the HGH allegations.
Did "The Dark Side" fuel Manning's competitive drive? Nantz never addressed the issue.
Manning denied the Al Jazeera report on Dec. 27 and told ESPN that he was strongly considering a lawsuit against Al Jazeera, but Fleisher told the Daily News Monday the Broncos star will wait until after the season to decide on litigation.
Montag, a WME-IMG agent for three decades, declined comment to the Daily News. Montag's clients also include Bob Costas, Mary Carillo, Mike Tirico, James Brown and John Madden. Tom Coughlin, who resigned from the Giants head coaching post Monday, is also a Montag client.
It's not clear what impact, if any, the Al Jazeera report will have on Manning's appeal as a pitchman. Forbes reported in October that Manning, who has endorsement deals with Buick, Nationwide and Papa John's, was expected to take home $12 million in off-field earnings in 2015, tops in the NFL.


A new living room is usually low on the list of options when homeowners consider an attic extension but, as long as you are not desperate for another bedroom, it is something you may like to think about.
As we shall see there are several advantages to utilising the roof space for another reception room and more and more homeowners are becoming receptive to the idea.
The first essential for a living room should be a large window or two.
Regardless of whether your property is in the city or countryside the views from an attic extension can be breathtaking and the best reason to consider this style of loft conversion.
Perched high above everyone else watching the sun rise or stars sparkle can be magical.
As is watching a storm splattering the windows above you while you recline on the sofa with a bottle of wine in your cosy new loft room.
Making good use of the available space is essential and accurate measuring will enable you to place stylish and contemporary furniture in your loft room.
Two seater sofas are wonderfully versatile and great space-savers and, together with subtle lighting and stylish modern furniture can help create an elegant living area.
Crisp and clean decoration is the key and I guarantee that your new room will be a wonderful place to entertain (and to show off to) friends.
This kind of loft conversion can become a private retreat and, although it's probably only psychological, being at the top of the house just makes the rest of the world, and its worries, seem so far away.
A loft living room really is the ideal place to relax and unwind. The downside? It's a heck of a long way downstairs to answer the door bell only to find another cheesy double-glazing salesmen on your doorstep.


Miami Dolphins quarterbacks Chad Henne and Pat White were each hurt during Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.
Henne apparently suffered an eye injury during the first half and watched from the sideline in the third quarter as White took a devastating helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor.
<p>White laid motionless on the Pittsburgh sideline after the blow, which came at the end of a scramble late in the third quarter. Steelers players immediately called for medical personnel.
After remaining on the field, White was taken to the locker room on a cart and was seen moving his hands.
Tyler Thigpen, Miami's emergency quarterback, took the field in the fourth quarter.


Dinner was surprisingly nice. Tommy was kind of nervous that Scarlett and his dad would start fighting again, but they were both pleasant to each other. Jason borrowed Arnold's guitar and played the song he wrote about Tommy for his parents, and Tommy's mother even cried a little.
"You really wrote that after what these three told you about him?" asked Tommy's dad.
Arnold stared sadly at Tommy.
Tommy nodded excitedly and began rambling about how Cash and Greyson's classmate made the best chocolate milkshakes.
"When do you two wanna go camping?" Jason asked Greyson and Arnold.
Arnold nodded and looked at Jason, who suddenly looked shy.
"Well," Jason began, "I've got a job interview on Sunday morning.
Regardless of his whispering, everyone heard Cash anyways. Scarlett rolled her eyes.
After dinner was over, Scarlett offered to help Tommy's mother with the dishes. There were a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, until Scarlett decided to finally break the awkwardness.
Tommy's mom made a noise of acknowledgement and continued to wash the place she was holding.
Scarlett hadn't realized it, but she started to cry. Tommy's mom noticed and hesitantly pulled her into a hug, which Scarlett clung to.
Tommy ran in and Scarlett shoved his mom away.
Halfway through the movie, Tommy passed out on Scarlett's shoulder. Arnold carried him upstairs and the teens and Jason left to go home. They all decided that monthly dinners would become a thing.
As the months went on, Tommy's family, in a way, adopted the three troubled teens. When they graduated, Tommy and his parents were there to cheer them on.
Scarlett left to go to a state college, but gave Tommy her scrapbook she had been working hard on before she left. It was full of all of the different memories they shared. Scarlett and Tommy wrote letters back and forth, and Tommy's parents would send her care packages once a month.
Cash, inspired by Jason, decided to join the army. He left almost right after graduation, but still sent out letters and pictures to everyone when he could.
Greyson had successfully quit smoking and went to a community college. He stayed in town, and still hung out with Tommy when he could. However, because of his grades, he was able to get a top-notch internship so he kept busy.
Jason got the job, and was able to save up enough money to buy himself a small apartment in town. He went to Tommy's house for the holidays and was able to keep in touch with the three teens.
Tommy was disappointed that he didn't get to see everyone as much, but he was happy they were still able to keep in touch. He eventually made new friends that were his age, but he still considered Scarlett, Cash and Greyson his best friends.
Tommy's dad was able to quit drinking and repaired his relationship with Tommy and his wife. To celebrate, they renewed their vows and took a big family vacation. Everyone was happy.


According to the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), a 'twisting tall building' is higher than 90 meters, and "progressively rotates its floor plates or façade as it gains height". Approximately 30 such buildings currently – or will soon – adorn various urban skylines around the world.
URBAN HUB takes a look at some of these buildings, and examines the reasons behind this growing trend in high-rise urban construction.
The twisted or twisting tower first appeared in 2005, in Malmö, Sweden with the Turning Torso. Architect Santiago Calatrava modeled his award-winning, 190m (623ft) residential tower on the human body in movement. Consisting of nine five-floor cubes, the waterfront tower turns 90 degrees from its base, and can be seen as far away as Copenhagen.
The tallest twisted tower – as well as the second tallest building in the world – is the Shanghai Tower. Rising an impressive 632m (2,073ft) – 31m higher than the Makkah Clock Tower – the Gensler architectural firm used wind-tunnel testing to create its unique curves. The mixed-use structure offers plant-filled interior atriums inspired by traditional courtyards and plazas to encourage social interaction among building occupants.
As far as twists go, however, the Diamond Tower in Jeddah will be the first to turn a full 360 degrees as it ascends, once it is completed in 2019. The 432m (1417 ft), mainly residential skyscraper will offer unobstructed views of the Red Sea, not least from its top-floor revolving restaurant. Honorable mention in twisted buildings goes to the unique 236.4 m (776 ft) F&F Tower – a helix-shaped landmark in Panama City since 2011.
Ole Scheeren is back. After winning awards in 2015 for his "Interlace" building in Singapore, he more recently completed the 314m (1,030ft) MahaNakon in Bangkok in late 2016. Though not exactly twisted, it is clearly inspired by the trend.
The mixed-use MahaNakon makes a dramatic addition to the Bangkok skyline, and not simply because it is the tallest point in the city. A three-dimensional, 'pixelated' band winds around the entire tower, revealing a glimpse of the life inside and giving the impression of a twist. The MahaNakon is another example of how the new design trend is affecting tall building construction.
Prohibitively expensive – or physically impossible – until recently, twisted tall buildings are now achievable because of advances in materials, engineering and architectural software. Thinking has changed as well, as architects and customers look for new ways to distinguish their buildings.
The days of the traditional glass and steel rectangular skyscraper may not yet be over. But now that model has competition. Software is the key. Increased computing power has enabled the development of sophisticated new design software. Architects are learning how to write code, and adapt software to their individual visions.
Meanwhile, these new design possibilities have liberated the 'bottom line' from dependence on standardized construction components. New techniques such as 3D printing and modular manufacturing are reducing production costs and making individualized batch orders economically feasible. New materials such as composite concrete add strength without weight, and advances in structural engineering have made it possible to compensate for the immense torsional forces at work in a twisting tower.
Of course, being possible isn't the same as being desirable. But in this case, the mutual inclinations of architects and customers to attract attention and admiration have come together. Twisting tall buildings are eminently eye-catching, and provide a new 'twist' to the challenge of creating an instant landmark for a company, a city or even a country.
The benefits of twisting towers go beyond aesthetics though. This type of design can make a building more aerodynamic and energy efficient. For example, the twist in the Shanghai Tower reduces wind-load by 24% (compared to a similarly sized rectangular building). That feature reduced structural construction material requirements by 20,000 metric tons of steel – and costs by approximately USD 58 million (400 billion Chinese Yuan).
In addition to aesthetics and cost savings, sustainability will be a key ingredient in turning twisting tall buildings from a trend into a tradition. For instance, those twists can lower energy consumption in a building by placing windows in such a way as to reduce solar heat gain.
And most of the latest sustainability technologies are 'agnostic' when it comes to a building's shape. Shanghai Tower was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, for instance embedding 270 wind turbines in its energy-saving double façade.
By using such techniques as Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the planning, new materials and innovative structural engineering in the construction and green technologies such as Intelligent Building Management Systems (IBMS) and state-of-the-art water conservation methods in a building's day-to-day life, twisting towers may soon be popping up in your city, too.
Technological advances are allowing architects and builders to think and move well beyond traditional design models of skyscraper construction. Twisting towers are just another sign of the ongoing urban evolution of our times. Besides pointing optimistically toward exciting things to come, they remind us that the most beautiful or the most efficient line between two points is not always a straight one.


text:
Home International Rugby League News France Wales name squad to face France
Wales name squad to face France
Williams to captain Wales on landmark appearance
Rhys Williams will captain Wales when he makes a record-breaking 31st appearance for his country against France on Sunday.
Williams will set a new record for appearances for the men's senior side, surpassing former teammates Jordan James and Ian Watson. He already holds the record for most tries scored by a Welshman at men's senior level, with 22.
There are ten possible debutants in the 21-man squad travelling to Albi. Luis Roberts has represented Wales at both under 16 and under 19 level, while there could be first caps for Will Evans and former Wales under 19s captain, Cobi Green. The duo represented Wales in the international Nines competition in 2019 but are yet to feature in a full international.
Wales head coach, John Kear, has also drafted in two players not in the original 30-man squad named last week. Prop, Luke Thomas, has represented Wales at age-group level and is now part of the Warrington Wolves squad. Kyle Evans is a former rugby union winger for Scarlets, who recently joined Wakefield Trinity. The 31-year-old spent three seasons in the Welsh Premiership with Llanelli where he scored 27 tries in 57 games and earned a call up to regional duty with Scarlets in the LV Cup. He later played for Merthyr and the Cardiff Blues Premiership Select side. His most recent rugby union experience came at Doncaster Knights.
Bailey Antrobus, Jude Ferreira, Tom Hopkins, Owen Restall and Lewis Hulme are also included for their potential first Wales appearances.
Anthony Walker is in the squad having been forced into retirement on the eve of the 2017 World Cup. A scan showed an abnormality in his brain that had been there since birth, and denied him the chance of being part of the tournament. He received the all clear and began playing once again in 2020. The game will be the first full international for Wales' men in more than 1,300 days, since beating Ireland to qualify for the upcoming World Cup.
The squad in full: Bailey Antrobus* (York City Knights), Joe Burke (West Wales Raiders), Chester Butler (Huddersfield Giants – on loan at Bradford Bulls), Michael Butt (Swinton Lions), Connor Davies (Workington Town), Curtis Davies (Workington Town), Will Evans* (Whitehaven), Ben Evans (Bradford Bulls), Kyle Evans* (Wakefield Trinity), Jude Ferreira* (Hull FC – on loan London Broncos), Matty Fozard (Widnes Vikings), Dalton Grant (London Broncos), Cobi Green* (Rochdale Hornets), Tom Hopkins* (Barrow Raiders), Lewis Hulme* (Widnes Vikings), Elliot Kear (Bradford Bulls), Owen Restall* (Oldham Roughyeds), Luis Roberts* (Leigh Centurions), Luke Thomas* (Warrington Wolves), Anthony Walker (Bradford Bulls), Rhys Williams (c) (Salford Red Devils). *Uncapped
Match details: France vs. Wales, Stadium Municipal d'Albi. Kick-off: 3.30pm local time, 2.30pm BST.


BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — We're not going to engage in a war over semantics, but another website is claiming that it's tops when it comes to engagement in Boca Raton news. To be clear: "engagement" is a made up word by people who believe that Facebook views mean something. They don't. They aren't monetized. They aren't sellable. And at the end of the day, it's Facebook that benefits.
BocaNewsNow.com has enjoyed nearly a quarter million page views this year, holding its spot as the top ranked hyper local news website in the area. This isn't a job, it's a hobby. The website doesn't attempt to make money, but it does. We don't advertise. You've come here on your own.
To be clear: we couldn't care less about Facebook. Our content is auto-copied to Facebook as a convenience to those who spend their lives there. We don't promote it. We just don't care. We also appreciate yet don't care that we have 2,441 twitter followers to another local site's 433. What we do care about is that BocaNewsNow.com has impact. Our articles have led to hirings and firings. They've incited exonerations. They made the comfortable uncomfortable.
If you want a local news site that boasts about "Facebook engagements," this isn't your site. If you want a site that actually has impact, we say both "welcome" and "thank you" for being a loyal BocaNewsNow.com reader.


text:
WBGZ (1570 AM) is a radio station licensed to Alton, Illinois. The station carries a talk radio format. The station has been broadcasting for almost 75 years. The station also broadcasts on translator W296DR 107.1 in Alton.

History
WOKZ began broadcasting Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1948. Studios were located in the Stratford Hotel in downtown Alton. It was owned by the Illinois-Alton Broadcasting Company.

References

External links
WBGZ official website

BGZ
News and talk radio stations in the United States

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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@interface AnalyticsWrapper : NSObject <GANTrackerDelegate> {

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+ (AnalyticsWrapper *)sharedWrapper;
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- (void)setup;

- (void)trackPageview:(NSString *)pageID;
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- (NSString *)trackingGroup; // for use when users are segmented into groups
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@property KGOAnalyticsProvider provider;

@end


Mike Doherty, Matt McCarthy, and Alex Badger took the lead on anchoring this week's show.
I love to listen to your commentary on the Rec games. It fills me in on some of the stuff I just can't get to and listening to you guys break it down makes me feel like I was there!


She had a feeling that things were going to change. She didn't know what, exactly, but she could see herself trotting down that path, day after day. Something was coming up on the road she had been traveling, but what it was, exactly, she couldn't tell. It scared her. And she was never scared.
"Ah still don't understand why ya have to take me into the Everfree Forest!" The orange cowpony complained to her pink companion, who was hopping up and down as they walked through the thick trees.
"I told you already, you silly silly filly," the pink one said. "We have to get to Zecora's so we can get some of the super fun stuff she created for the party we're throwing in Ponyville tonight!" The orange one sighed.
"Rainbow's busy clearing the clouds today," Pinkie said, not losing her exuberant energy one bit. "Besides, she's not nearly as strong as you are! And we need all the strength we can get from one pony!" Applejack merely groaned as they continued to trot. She stopped, however, once Pinkie turned an unexpected turn into a darker patch of trees; one that Applejack had never been through.
"Iiii found a shortcuuuuut~!" Pinkie proclaimed in a sing-song voice, interrupting Applejack's statement. "Seriously; this way takes tons less time than that old, boring path! Plus, it's a lot more funnerific!" Applejack glanced from her friend to the well-worn path; then back to Pinkie, and then to the trail again.
"Well, ah-" But Pinkie had already started walking, singing a song about trees as she did so. Nervously, Applejack followed her into the darkness.
"Did AJ ever say where she was goin'?" The red stallion asked. He had been plowing for the majority of the day, not minding the extra work that had been thrust upon him due to his sister's sudden absence, and was now resting underneath a large apple tree. The filly he had addressed was studying a book that her class was assigned to read under a tree next to him. The cover was a simple blue, and the story was a simple tale of two ponies that would simply fall in love and had to overcome all sorts of not so simple obstacles in order to simply end up together. And then they would die.
"Ah still don't understand why we have ta read this stuff…" She mumbled, flipping the page of the book she was so bored with.
Big Mac grunted unhappily as he stood up on his sturdy hooves. "It's prob'ly important work. She wouldn't have left the farm today if it wasn't important. Don't matter. Besides, you have work of your own to be doin', little filly." He began to trot off and resume his day of work "…And ah don't like that Everfree Forest," he added in a quiet mumble.
She knew this would happen. Applejack banged her head against a tree in frustration. She just knew that they'd get lost.
"Ooh, it's that tree!" Applejack looked up to see Pinkie staring at one of the many trees surrounding them.
"Oh right, silly me; we have to keep going this way!" Pinkie rushed ahead of Applejack as she bounced off. Applejack followed quickly. At long last, they had reached a clearing, and the source of the sound Applejack had heard earlier.
The stream ran wide and fast. It also appeared to be very deep; the two ponies noted that it wasn't the same river as the one occupied by the sea serpent several miles off. Maybe an estuary of that one, perhaps, but not the same exact one. "Huh. Don't remember this being here," Pinkie said as she began to walk off, looking for the way to Zecora's; something to trigger a memory.
She saw him standing several hundred feet away, farther down the water. He was small; maybe a year or two older than Apple Bloom. His body was tinted a bright and lively shade of green; not a bit of him looked sickly or pale. He was built much like Big Macintosh, Applejack noted. The pony was taking a drink from the still stream. He looked up and saw the mare staring at him. She wanted to look away, embarrassed, but she couldn't. Something kept her gaze fixated on the colt. He smiled at her.
"I found it!" Applejack looked back to find Pinkie Pie running back to the edge of the stream. "Applejack, what are you doing all the way out there in the water? Ooh, is this a new game?" The cowpony looked away from Pinkie and back to the- where was he?
The pony from before was gone. She slowly made her way back to the ground, shaking the water off of her. "…Anyway, I found the way to Zecora's! Come on!" Pinkie bolted away, with Applejack trotting slowly behind her. Applejack looked back one final time at the river before disappearing into the trees again.
Something was wrong. Something had been changed.
Applejack woke up very early that morning with a smile on her face. She wouldn't let her lack of sleep that past night dampen her exuberance. The sun hadn't begun to peak over the hills yet. She walked through the large abode in which she lived happily, looking at the pictures hanging on the wall of her entire family with joy; however, she focused on the photos that captured her immediate relatives. Her parents had died several years ago, and Granny Smith had passed on a month or two ago due to old age, but with Big Mac being the man of the house, they never had anything to fear. She knew that the four of them had lived on Sweet Apple Acres for years without a problem, with extended family visits never unexpected and always welcome. Though, they hadn't had a reunion in quite some time.
'Maybe we should have one soon…' she thought, smiling at the pictures. 'But then again, who needs the rest of them? We're the perfect loving family, so adoring. And I love them every day of every week. So, my little brother raises hell, my older one is boring, and my sister, though a genius, is a freak.' She sighed. 'Still, I help them love each other. Colts and fillies; sisters, brothers, cheek to cheek.' She was broken from her reverie when she heard a noise from the kitchen. Nervous, she walked inside, seeing Apple Bloom sitting at the table, a large textbook sitting on top of it. Her eyes scanned the content of the pages tiredly. "Sugarcube, is everything alright?" Applejack asked gently. Apple Bloom looked over at her older sister, startled by the noise. "It ain't even time to get ready for school yet." The yellow filly yawned loudly.
"Everythin's fine, AJ," she said, rubbing her eyes. "But it is mah last year studyin' at school here; ah need to work real hard if ah wanna get to go to Canterlot." Applejack remembered; Apple Bloom had been going on about it for several months now. There was a special, selective two week program at Canterlot for young ponies who had just finished their primary school studies and wanted to pursue learning. And Apple Bloom, who - along with her two friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle - still had not gained her cutie mark, wanted to get in so that she could find out what it was that she was meant to do. Applejack smiled.
"Alright, just don't work yourself too hard," she said. "Take some time for yourself… you're growin' up so fast. Ya only live once, remember that.' Apple Bloom muttered something, acknowledging what her sister had just said, as Applejack left the room.
"Much obliged, li'l sis," Big Mac said, stretching his legs as he yawned. Applejack smirked at her brother, planted a small kiss on his cheek, then left for the kitchen once more.
When she returned, she found Apple Bloom sleeping, drool leaking onto the open pages of the book she had been studying moments before. Applejack wiped up some of the liquid with a nearby towel, letting the filly get at least a little bit of sleep in before she had to go to school. She moved over to the coffee pot and began to get a cup of joe ready for her older brother.
"Hey, sis!" She turned around and saw the green colt trot in, a smile on his face. Smirking back, she gave him a peck on the cheek like she had done to Big Mac before.
"What're you doin' up so early?" She asked the pony. He groaned in response.
"I couldn't sleep that well," he said.
"Ah, yes, and today's winner is?" An apple from the counter made its way into her younger brother's mouth.
"Because that happens," he sarcastically commented, biting into the apple expertly.
Rolling his eyes, he spun around. "How can I sleep, when I have to be babied for my whole life? Come on; I'm a whole year older than Apple Bloom!" He pointed at the sleeping filly to make a point. "Why do I always have to be treated like I'm the little one?" He asked, huffing. Applejack chuckled softly.
"Would ah lie ta you?" She asked, hugging him closely. "But only if ya work hard out on the farm. Now git!" Applejack gave him a pat on the back as he chuckled and started toward the kitchen door. The slow trotting of hooves on the stairs above them caused him to stop. "Hurry up," she continued.
"Why does he hate me?" He asked, looking up. Applejack raised a hoof to her chin in mock thought. She shrugged her shoulders.
The other one smirked. "You can't call me a mule," he said. Apple Bloom mumbled in her sleep, opening her eyes for a brief second before closing them again. "Morning, sunshine." With that, he left, heading outside toward the trees as Big Macintosh trundled into the kitchen.
As if on cue, the pot of coffee began to boil.
Just the four of them.
She had forgotten to take the pills that day.
She found herself in the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. The mirror, which was above the sink. The sink, which was next to the toilet. The toilet, which was next to the doorway. The closed doorway. She examined the bags under her eyes. The cowpony hat on top of her neatly brushed mane. The completely average - if not slightly toned - physique. Everything was normal. Nothing had changed.
Or so she had hoped. She recalled what had happened over the last month.
It had started with a conversation.
"AJ, are ya alright?" The pony tossed the bale of hay into the barn and looked over her shoulder to see Big Mac standing behind her. She flashed a phony smile as she began to walk past him.
"So you're graduating in a few months, right?" The purple baby dragon asked Apple Bloom as they sat down in front of the tree that acted as the library of the town.
"Next month, as a matter ah fact, Spike," Apple Bloom replied. Spike whistled.
"I think you need to take some time to relax," Spike said.
"So, Spike," Apple Bloom started, wanting to change the conversation, "how're things goin' with ya an' Rarity?" The mentioning of the pony of his dreams caused him to chuckle slightly.
"Eh, I've abandoned all hope," he said, waving his hand through the air. "She'll never see me the same way I see her." Apple Bloom playfully hugged Spike.
The two laughed in unison as they enjoyed each other's company.
"…And that's all that happened." The purple unicorn listened intently as she stared at the pony opposite her. Applejack had come over to the library to talk with one of her best friends, Twilight Sparkle. Applejack had been feeling unwell, and, not wanting to go to the hospital and having to deal with those pesky, annoying nurse ponies, opted to talk with her magical friend. Twilight had asked her about the last few months, wanting to know if this sort of thing had happened before. She recounted her journey with Pinkie into the Everfree Forest.
"Anything else you remember out of the ordinary from that trip?" Twilight asked. Applejack shook her head.
"I'm sure it isn't that bad, Applejack," Twilight lied. The pony before her had noticeably lost weight over the past few weeks, and her lack of energy only made her worry even more. But she didn't want to have Applejack worry too much. "All you need is rest!" Applejack scoffed at the comment.
"Applejack, you've never been fond of me using my magic before to help you. Remember? 'That's not how we do things 'round here in Ponyville'?" Twilight put on a southern accent in a poor attempt to imitate the other.
"How is it different?" Twilight asked, raising her voice a touch.
"Because this is somethin' much more than just… gatherin' apples or… plantin' seeds," Applejack said.
"Much more. This is family." Applejack looked down, trying to avoid Twilight's gaze. "Ah'm… the glue. Ah could lose them. And ah don't want to lose what ah have." She looked out the window of the library, and could see Apple Bloom talking with Spike. The two of them laughed, and began to run off out of sight. "She needs me. They need me. An' now ah see her feel the fire. Now ah know she needs me there to help." She chuckled hollowly. "Ah'm nowhere." Applejack turned back to Twilight. "You understand, don't ya?" Twilight sighed.
"But…?" Twilight looked at her friend with sad eyes.
"I can't let my best friend do that!" Twilight said, backing up in frustration. "There's no telling what side effects there could be to these things! I don't know; Zecora doesn't know!" Applejack looked deep into her friend's eyes and could see that she was holding something back.
"A few weeks," Twilight mumbled. Applejack inched closer.
"Please, Twilight," she pleaded. "Ah can't let mahself go crazy. Big Mac… Sweet Apple Acres… they mean all of Equestria to me." Twilight groaned in defeat.
"Don't ya need to study for them tests comin' up?" The little one scoffed.
The effects were already becoming evident. Applejack was much more calm and subdued. She'd go about to do her daily work, as would Big Mac, and would help prepare dinner for the family when they were both done.
But she felt like something was missing.
She was standing in front of the mirror. The half empty containers of pills were in the open medicine cabinet.
"Applejack?" Turning, she saw her younger brother in the doorway. "It's half past midnight; is something wrong?" She felt as if she hadn't seen him in weeks. He yawned while waiting for a response.
"Sorry, sugarcube," she said. "Ah'll be back to bed… in a few minutes. Don't ya worry none." Unconvinced, her younger brother walked in and looked at the pills in the cabinet.
"You know, I think these are doing something to you," he said, closing the cabinet. "You don't need them," he whispered before leaving the room.
She thought of the days of her youth wistfully, closing her eyes and remembering a time when she would run around with her only care being tending the farm. And to her family. "An' all the while the wild wind blows, stainin' you with snow, an' soakin' you with rain. Ah miss the pain." Opening her sad eyes, she gazed at her reflection once more. A hollow chuckle escaped her mouth before she continued talking to her brother.
"Mountains make ya crazy! Here it's calm, and mah hooves are on the ground. Everythin' is balanced here and on an even keel. Everythin' is perfect!… Nothin's real!" With that statement, she forcefully re-opened the medicine cabinet and removed the two bottles with her mouth, setting them on the sink. She opened up the toilet seat cover. "Nothing's real!" Applejack reached up with her hooves and, in a flash, took her hat off her head and threw it aside. She didn't bother to look over at the doorway to see that her younger brother was no longer standing there; didn't bother to notice that she was speaking to herself. Her hooves and head had begun to shake erratically, trembling at random. It was as if a shock of electricity was coursing through her body.
With lucid eyes, she looked at the final bottle of white pills. Trembling, she picked it up with her mouth, and dumped its contents into the toilet as well. With a shaking hoof, she flushed them down the drain, watching them disappear.
She waited to feel again.
"I should be the one asking you that question!" The laughing pony said. "I heard that you've been a little unwell." The smile disappeared from Applejack's face, replaced with one of fear.
"Eh, nothin' much," she said. "Just that you've been a little under the weather." The other thanked Celestia profusely inside her head.
"Good to know. And I'm doing great!" Rainbow Dash spread out her wings to emphasize the point. "I hear the Wonderbolts are gonna come to Fillydelphia sometime soon, and since that's not far off, I'm thinking I'm gonna go out there and show them my stuff!" The mentioning of the famous aerial team made the other chuckle in appreciation and admiration.
"Ah'm happy fer ya, sugarcube," she said.
"Actually… I have. All of them. We've done stuff, but… it's just not the same without you. We miss you." Applejack could almost tell that Rainbow Dash was hiding something more, but she brushed it aside.
"We'll do somethin' before ya leave," she said, the smile returning to her face. "Ah promise ya." With that, she continued on her way back to the farm, leaving a discontent pegasus pony behind her.
The acres were quiet as dusk began to settle over the farm. The sky was a myriad of oranges, reds, and pinks. Soon, they would give way to Princess Luna's illustrious night, where only the darkest of blues and blacks would appear. The solitary sound that could be heard was that of three voices, singing in unison inside the living quarters of the house.
Smiles were on every face as the apple cake was placed on the table in front of the birthday filly. Six candles were ablaze.
She began to inhale, even before the singing had finished.
As soon as the last note was hit, clopping of hooves and soft cheers began to echo throughout the room. Apple Bloom blew out all six candles in one breath.
"And like I said, you need to live a little!" Spike said, giving her a pat on the shoulder.
"Which is whah we're havin' this little celebration right now," she responded. "All ah need is fam'ly." Her smile illuminated her face. Meanwhile, Big Mac was looking around the kitchen for his other sister.
"Now where did AJ run off to?" He thought aloud, moving out of the room in search for the missing pony.
"Thanks fer comin', Spike," Apple Bloom said, serving Spike a small slice of the cake. It had been Apple Bloom herself that had insisted on bringing Spike to the small party.
"Now what's this here?" Apple Bloom asked, feigning curiosity. "Spike? Actually concerned 'bout manners?" Hearty laughs escaped from her mouth. "Wow, ain't that a surprise!" Spike raised his eyebrows slyly.
"S-s-stop!" Apple Bloom cried out in between fits of giggling. "Ha ha h- OOF!" The game was interrupted as the two of them came tumbling down, Apple Bloom falling backward off the chair, and Spike, losing his balance, falling with her. Their fall was broken by the soft carpet beneath that section of the dining room, with the dragon landing on top of the filly in a very uncomfortable position. After several moments, he pulled himself off of her as he blushed, muttering a small "sorry". She straightened herself out as she got up, putting the chair back into an upright position.
Not a moment had passed since the chair was fixed that Applejack walked into the room tiredly. "Whah, ah never," she muttered to herself. The two children spun around and froze, as if Applejack had caught them doing an unthinkable act. "Ah can't believe yer brother, little sis." The two breathed a sigh of relief.
"What's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked.
"What's wrong?" The older sister echoed. "Whah, he didn't even come down to sing ta ya! But don't you worry none, sugarcube; Ah'll make sure he makes it up to ya." Apple Bloom simply stood still, a confused look frozen on her face.
"What're ya talkin' about? Big Macintosh was here," she said, matter-of-factly. As if controlled by some supernatural power, the stallion in question trotted into the dining room at that moment.
All action in the room ceased, as if everything had been frozen in both time and ice. Big Macintosh appeared like he had just seen an apocalypse unfold before his eyes; a look of shock and fear adorned his face. Apple Bloom merely remained silent and unmoving, her mouth agape slightly. Spike was only growing more and more confused by the second.
"AJ…" Big Mac whispered, his eyes growing misty. Applejack looked at him inquisitively.
"What?" She asked, as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on around them.
"I didn't know you had a younger brother," Spike whispered to the filly next to him. Apple Bloom snapped back to reality, and slowly turned toward him.
"What in tarnation are y'all whisperin' about?" Applejack snapped, looking wildly from the two younger ones back to her brother.
"Horsefeathers," Apple Bloom muttered with disdain. Big Mac momentarily broke his stare with Applejack to address the comment.
"Dead…?" Applejack asked, still in a state of confusion. She felt like the whole world was crashing down around her.
"I think… I should go," Spike said, preparing to exit the room. Before he could leave, he saw Apple Bloom's pleading eyes. "…We should go." They walked away. The two remaining ponies could hear the shut of a door, signaling that they were now alone.
"Define normal. Ya don't know what it's like to go through all this." As Applejack spoke, he shook his head, trying to make sense of all that was happening.
"Ah… ah don't know, Spike." The two found themselves sitting on a nice patch of grass under a large, overgrown apple tree. "Ponies 'round these parts can be strange folks. An' ya heard mah brother." She let out a chuckle, devoid of happiness. "Seven years. Ah don't know why she's only doin' this now." Her voice began to crack. "Ah mean… did she always think he was here? Does she care about him more than…" She couldn't finish the sentence as tears began to silently stream down her face. "Oh, Spike, ah don't know what to do!" Her sobs became open now as she pushed her face into the ground. Spike nuzzled next to her and held her head, stroking it softly, hoping not to make matters worse.
"Shh, shh," he said, trying to act more mature than he knew he was. "There, there. Everything's gonna be alright, you'll see." Apple Bloom raised her head long enough to look the dragon in the eyes.
"Whah do ah believe you?" The tired pony rested her head on his lap as he continued to pet her. She wanted to ask, "why do I feel so safe with you?", but she couldn't bring herself to. Instead, she remained in his tender embrace.
"Luna really outdid herself tonight," he whispered, looking at the beautiful nighttime sky presented to them both.
"…Everfree. When ya go into that Everfree Forest, where do you go?" Applejack tilted her head quizzically.
"Where do you go?!" Big Mac repeated stoically, slamming his hooves firmly on the ground for emphasis. Applejack walked backwards, frightened by her brother's sudden outrage.
"Ah don't remember!" She shouted back, tears filling her eyes. "Ah don't know!" Her brother sighed, putting his hooves up on the table and closing his eyes, trying to relax and concentrate. He exhaled slowly.
"AJ," he said after a moment of silence, "ah want to help. Ah know yer hurtin'." Applejack had backed herself into the corner of the room, her eyes wide as saucers.
"Yeah. Ah'm hurtin' too." Applejack took that statement as clearance to walk forward.
"Do ya wake up in the mornin' and need help to lift yer head? Do you know?" She asked, continuing her advancing assault. "Ah said, do ya know? What it's like to die alive? Do ya know what it's like to feel that Equestria once had color, but it's faded to white and grey and black? Or when tomorrow terrifies you, but you'll die if you look back?" The cowpony shook her head vigorously. "You don't know!" An accusing hoof was pointed at her brother as her face twisted in pain. "Ah know ya don't know. Ya say that yer hurtin'!" She guffawed. "Well, it sure doesn't show! An' it lays me so low when ya say let go and I say ya don't know!" Now Big Macintosh was the one who was backpedaling.
"The sensation that yer screamin' but ya never make a sound," she went on. "Or the feelin' that yer fallin' but ya never hit the ground. Ya don't know what it's like to live that way!" Her voice bounced off the walls as she approached the table. "It's like some dark horse is after me, and ah've done somethin' wrong. If it gets me it'll kill me, but ah don't know what ah've done!" With that, her hooves moved erratically, knocking off all the silverware on the table in one sweeping motion. Big Mac, fed up, strutted forward with determination plastered on his face.
Applejack just wanted to disappear. She shut her eyes, thinking that when she would open them, she'd be somewhere else. However, when she did lift her eyelids, she was still in that same room, with her older brother staring at her from across the room. But one thing had changed... she noticed another figure begin to enter the room. "Hey guys, it's me," he said. Her eyes lit up with joy as she saw her younger brother walk into the dining room. "Sorry I couldn't sing for Apple Bloo-" He quickly noticed the tension in the air. "What's wrong?" Applejack gulped, hoping Big Mac wouldn't notice the other pony now in the room.
"'Cause ah'm the one who's helped you, an' ah'm gonna help us get through all this pain." Applejack returned her attention to her older brother, who was now only inches away from her. She looked at him with derision.
"I won't let go," the voice from behind her whispered in her ear.
"You say that ya know!" She shouted, backing away.
"You don't know…" Big Mac whispered as he reached out for his sister, helpless as he watched her walk away. He sat down at the table, defeated. Applejack felt her younger brother's hooves around her as she retreated from the area.
"No, you don't know," she could hear him say. She felt her hooves carry up the stairs. The door was locked behind her.
Luna's moon was brighter than usual that night.
Big Mac stared at Twilight; a worried look was plastered onto both of their faces. Twilight had known the stallion before her to be calm, cool, and collected. Now, he was in her library demanding answers. She remained silent.
The silence permeated the room for what seemed like hours. They could hear the soft giggling of some ponies outside the library. The chirping of birds sounded through an open window. Twilight got up and closed the gap to the outside world before divulging unto Big Mac the answers that he was looking for.
"I'm sure you'll find a way," Spike replied. "You always do." He sat down on a chair that was positioned at the desk, while a laughing Apple Bloom rested on the bed. She soon became quiet and grew solemn.
"Ya know how it is… them parental figures." A nervous chuckle came from Apple Bloom.
The filly's laugh died off and was replaced with a quizzical look on her face.
"I… never really knew my parents," Spike muttered. "All my life, all I can remember is… life in Canterlot. Being put into the service of Princess Celestia. Twilight's the closest thing to family I have. And you guys, of course," he added hastily.
Apple Bloom opened her mouth to respond when the door swung open wildly. The two backed away from each other instantly, looking at the entering Applejack. "Apple Bloom!" She said breathlessly. "Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are here ta see ya!" Awkward and stiff, she left just as soon as she had arrived. The two remaining simply stared at each other.
"Are they datin', or what?" The stairs creaked under Applejack's hooves as she asked the question. She watched as Apple Bloom left the house with her two friends.
"Yeah. But what does he approve of?" With that, he left. Applejack had been watching him go when the sound of the front door opening caused her to spin around. She forced a smile as Big Mac entered.
"Ah'm home," he said to no one in particular.
"Had some business in town," he responded, walking into the kitchen. Applejack followed.
"A certain Miss Twilight Sparkle," he said. A gasp caused him to look at Applejack; her smile had fallen.
"Y'all think ah'm crazy," Applejack repeated.
"Are ya sure?" She asked, doubting.
Applejack couldn't remain angry after the true statement rang in her ears. Her grimace subsided, and she sauntered slowly toward her older brother. The two embraced.
He didn't bother to note the yellow filly with the pink mane he had run into on the way back.
Rainbow Dash hated to wait.
Yet when everypony else had left, she remained. She trusted that she would come. But, as the night went on, it became apparent that the cowpony would not be showing up. A roar of thunder in the distance caused the filly to jump a little. A sigh came forth. With a grunt, she lifted herself into the air with her wings, heading to her home in the sky, a plan formulating in her mind.
The waiting would soon be over.
Magic Gladden - or Madden, as he was not so affectionately referred to by others in his workforce - had gained a notable reputation by those in the medical and scientific fields at Canterlot. However, that reputation was not one of bravery and heroism; rather, his was one shrouded in infamy.
During his first demonstration of his newfound technique, those watching reacted with vehement fervor.
When Big Macintosh had been told about this pony by Twilight, he was skeptical at first. However, the strain on his family that had resulted from Applejack's problem was a larger weight on him than that of his curious doubt. Twilight assured him that she would make sure that Madden would not try anything on Applejack that they did not agree with. Reluctantly, he decided that it was for the best.
The day the pony entered town, he told Applejack various things; he neglected to tell her about the particulars of this pony's past.
She merely nodded her head in acknowledgement before receding into her private world.
Apple Bloom stared out her window in complacent pondering. She watched pegasi move the clouds above her in the sky, setting them so that the weather might bend to their will.
In a few brief seconds, she found herself trotting outside her room and into the hallway by the stairs. Her eyes filled with anger and betrayal as she saw Applejack in front of her. She lost her cool.
Apple Bloom stared in disbelief as her sister looked off and above her head, seemingly staring at something behind her. She didn't bother to turn around; she knew there was nothing there.
The sky was still dark when Applejack and Big Mac arrived at Twilight's tree. They had made it in time to see the unicorn herself exit the front door. "He's in there waiting," she stated matter-of-factly. Big Mac let out a small "humph" of acknowledgement, having been told a few days prior that the doctor would be staying with her. "Spike's not in there. It'll just be you." Twilight trotted away as the remaining two let themselves into the tree.
The main floor of the library was clean as a whistle. Two comfortable-looking, plush chairs were positioned in the center of the room so that one was facing the other.
A blue coated unicorn peeked his head out from the door to the kitchen. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you come in," he muttered. He grinned as he adjusted his glasses and shuffled into the larger room. Applejack's eyes became fixated on the pony's cutie mark; a pair of glasses - not unlike the pair he was currently wearing - with a small spark of lightning behind it. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she gazed into his piercing pale eyes.
"Hello, doctor," Big Mac said as he trotted forward to greet the new pony.
"Please, call me Madden," he insisted. "It may have rustled my mane in the past, but I've grown accustomed to it." One of his hooves ran through his silver hair as he said so.
Hesitantly, Big Mac nodded and turned around, taking a quick glance at Applejack over his shoulder before leaving the library. "Ah'll see ya… uh…" He paused as he looked at the doctor, then his sister; and back at the doctor. He let out a soft grunt as he exited. The door shut behind him.
Applejack sat still as the doctor stood behind his own chair on his hind hooves, leaning on it complacently. She raised an eyebrow.
"Would that be the next step for me?" She asked skeptically.
"Hard to go about this," Applejack muttered, leaning her forehead on her hooves. Madden's horn glowed as a nearby clipboard and pen rose toward him. He began to scribble quickly.
Applejack told him about the feelings she had been devoid of while taking the pills. She told him about how everything felt so plain when she was drugged, but at the same time, how miserable she was before she had seen Twilight about it. Her hair stood on end as she continued to spout out what was on her mind. 'Stupid honesty,' she would later tell herself.
The pen stopped. The clipboard floated away to some far corner of the room.
Applejack's ears perked up at this.
The two made their way toward the front door of the library.
It dawned on her as she opened the door. The sun which had not even come close to rising upon her entering the library was now setting beyond the horizon. The time passing unnerved her. She spun around with her mouth opened, preparing to speak, but the doctor had disappeared.
Applejack resigned with a sigh. "Whatever ya say, Rainbow." A satisfied smirk spread across the pegasus's face.
"I'll pick you up around five!" She shouted as she took off into the sky. A rainbow trail was left behind in the dark of night.


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