text:
Nagasaki, Nagasaki
Nagasaki, Nagasaki: translation
Nagasaki and Nishisonogi Peninsulas are located within the city limits. The city is surrounded by the cities of Isahaya and Saikai, and the towns of Togitsu and Nagayo in Nishisonogi District.
Nagasaki lies at the head of a long bay which forms the best natural harbor on the island of Kyūshū. The main commercial and residential area of the city lies on a small plain near the end of the bay. Two rivers divided by a mountain spur form the two main valleys in which the city lies. The heavily built-up area of the city is confined by the terrain to less than 4 square miles.
Medieval era
Founded before 1500, Nagasaki was originally secluded by harbors. It enjoyed little historical significance until contact with European explorers in 1542, when a Portuguese ship landed nearby, somewhere in Kagoshima prefecture. The Spanish Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier arrived in another part of the territory in 1549, but left for China in 1551 and died soon afterwards. His followers who remained behind converted a number of daimyo (feudal lords). The most notable among them was Omura Sumitada, who derived great profit from his conversion through an accompanying deal to receive a portion of the trade from Portuguese ships at a port they established in Nagasaki in 1571 with his assistance.
Due to the instability during the Warring States period, Sumitada and Jesuit leader Alexandro Valignano conceived a plan to pass administrative control over to the Society of Jesus rather than see the Catholic city taken over by a non-Catholic daimyo. Thus, for a brief period after 1580, the city of Nagasaki was a Jesuit colony, under their administrative and military control. It became a refuge for Christians escaping maltreatment in other regions of Japan.Diego Paccheco, Monumenta Nipponica, 1970] In 1587, however, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's campaign to unify the country arrived in Kyūshū. Concerned with the large Christian influence in southern Japan, as well as the active and what was perceived as the arrogant role the Jesuits were playing in the Japanese political arena, Hideyoshi ordered the expulsion of all missionaries, and placed the city under his direct control. However, the expulsion order went largely unenforced, and the fact remained that most of Nagasaki's population remained openly practicing Catholics.
In 1596, the Spanish ship "San Felipe" was wrecked off the coast of Shikoku, and Hideyoshi learned from its pilot (so says the Jesuit account) that the Spanish Franciscans were the vanguard of an Iberian invasion of Japan. In response, Hideyoshi ordered the crucifixions of twenty-six Catholics in Nagasaki on February 5 of that year (the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan). Portuguese traders were not ostracized, however, and so the city continued to thrive.
In 1602, Augustinian missionaries also arrived in Japan, and when Tokugawa Ieyasu took power in 1603, Catholicism was still grudgingly tolerated. Many Catholic daimyo had been critical allies at the Battle of Sekigahara, and the Tokugawa position was not strong enough to move against them. Once Osaka Castle had been taken and Toyotomi Hideyoshi's offspring killed, though, the Tokugawa dominance was assured. In addition, the Dutch and English presence allowed trade without religious strings attached. Thus, the hammer fell in 1614, with Catholicism officially banned and all missionaries ordered to leave. Most Catholic daimyo apostatized, and forced their subjects to do so, although a few would not renounce the religion and left the country as well. A brutal campaign of persecution followed, with thousands across Kyūshū and other parts of Japan killed, tortured, or forced to renounce their religion.
Catholicism's last gasp as an open religion, and the last major military action in Japan until the Meiji Restoration, was the
Shimabara rebellion of 1637. While there is no evidence that Europeans directly incited the rebellion, Shimabara had been a Christian "han" for several decades, and the rebels adopted many Portuguese motifs and Christian icons. Consequently, in Tokugawa society the word "Shimabara" solidified the connection between Christianity and disloyalty, constantly used again and again in Tokugawa propaganda.
The Shimabara rebellion also convinced many policy-makers that foreign influences were more trouble than they were worth. The Portuguese, who had been previously living on a specially-constructed island-prison in Nagasaki harbor called Deshima, were expelled from the archipelago altogether, and the Dutch were moved from their base at Hirado into the trading island. In 1720 the ban on Dutch books was lifted, causing hundreds of scholars to flood into Nagasaki to study European science and art. Consequently, Nagasaki became a major center of rangaku, or "Dutch Learning". During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate governed the city, appointing a hatamoto, the Nagasaki "bugyō", as its chief administrator.
Consensus among historians was once that Nagasaki was Japan's only window on the world during its time as a closed country in the Tokugawa era. However, nowadays it is generally accepted that this was not the case, since Japan interacted and traded with the Ryukyus, Korea and Russia through Satsuma, Tsushima and the north of Honshū respectively. Nevertheless, Nagasaki was depicted in contemporary art and literature as a cosmopolitan port brimming with exotic curiosities from the Western World.Cambridge Encyclopedia of Japan, Richard Bowring and Haruko Laurie]
In 1808, the Royal Navy frigate HMS "Phaeton entered Nagasaki Harbor in search of Dutch trading ships. The local magistrate was unable to resist the British demand for food, fuel, and water, later committing seppuku as a result. Laws were passed in the wake of this incident strengthening coastal defenses, threatening death to intruding foreigners, and prompting the training of English and Russian translators.
The "Tōjinyashiki" or Chinese Factory in Nagasaki was also an important conduit for Chinese goods and information for the Japanese market. Various colorful Chinese merchants and artists sailed between the Chinese mainland and Nagasaki. Some actually combined the roles of merchant and artist such as 18th century Yi Hai.
U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry landed in 1853. The Shogunate crumbled shortly afterward, and Japan opened its doors once again to foreign trade and diplomatic relations. Nagasaki became a free port in 1859 and modernization began in earnest in 1868.
With the Meiji Restoration, Nagasaki quickly began to assume some economic dominance. Its main industry was ship-building. This very industry would eventually make it a target in World War II, since many warships used by the Japanese Navy during the war were built in its factories and docks.
On August 9, 1945, Nagasaki was the target of the world's second atomic bomb attack at 11:02 a.m., when the north of the city was destroyed and an estimated 40,000 people were killed. According to statistics found within Nagasaki Peace Park, the death toll from the atomic bombing totalled 73,884, as well as another 74,909 injured, and another several hundred thousand diseased and dying due to fallout and other illness caused by radiation. [ Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VII) report to the National Academies of Science, 2007 ]
The city was rebuilt after the war, albeit dramatically changed. New temples were built, as well as new churches due to an increase in the presence of Christianity. Nagasaki is the seat of a Roman Catholic Archdiocese led by Archbishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami. [ [http://www.gcatholic.com/dioceses/diocese/naga0.htm GCatholic.com/Giga-Catholic Information: The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nagasaki, Japan] ] Some of the rubble was left as a memorial, such as a one-legged torii gate and an arch near ground zero. New structures were also raised as memorials, such as the Atomic Bomb Museum. Nagasaki remains first and foremost a port city, supporting a rich shipping industry and setting a strong example of perseverance and peace.
Nagasaki in Western music and song
Nagasaki is the title and subject of a 1928 song with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Mort Dixon. See Nagasaki (song). Nagasaki is also the setting for Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly. "Nagasaki Nightmare" is a song about the bomb by anarchist punk group Crass. Swedish crust punk group Totalitär has written a song entitled "Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Stockholm".
* You-me Plaza
* Hamanomachi Shopping Arcade
* AMYU Plaza
The city of Nagasaki maintains sister-city or friendship relations with other cities worldwide. [http://www1.city.nagasaki.nagasaki.jp/kokusai/exchange.html]
Within Japan
*Hiroshima
* Saint Paul, Minnesota United States - (1955) Oldest sister city in Japan
* Santos, Brazil (1972)
* Porto, Portugal (1978)
* Middelburg, Netherlands (1978)
* Fuzhou, People's Republic of China (1980)
* Vaux-sur-Aure, France (2005), sister city of Sotome since 1978
*Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
*Ground Zero
*Foreign cemeteries in Japan
*Gunkanjima
*Hiroshima (film) (about the decision process behind the dropping of the nuclear bombs)
*Kokura (Kitakyushu)
*Kazuo Ishiguro, the novelist, was born in Nagasaki.
* [http://www1.city.nagasaki.nagasaki.jp/index_e.html Official website]
* [http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/key-issues/nuclear-weapons/history/pre-cold-war/hiroshima-nagasaki/index.htm Nuclear Files.org] Comprehensive information on the history, and political and social implications of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
* [http://www1.city.nagasaki.nagasaki.jp/kokusai/exchange_e.html 'Nagasaki's Sister Cities]
* Nagasaki JALT [Japan Association for Language Teaching] [http://www.kyushuelt.com/jalt/nagasaki.html]
* [http://www.armageddononline.org/nuke.php Nuclear Weapons and Warfare]
* [http://www.dannen.com/decision/ Why Hiroshima And Nagasaki]
* [http://www.ngs-kenkanren.com/mlang/english/ Nagasaki Prefectual Tourism Federation]
* [http://nx2.jp/ Nagasaki Social Networking Service]
* [http://www.e-nagasaki.com/ Nagasaki Product Promotion Association]
* [http://www.nia.or.jp/english/gaikoku/index.html Useful information for foreign residents] , produced by [http://www.nia.or.jp/english/nia/index.html Nagasaki International Association]
* [http://www.benfsinger.com/Japan/nagasaki_city.htm A Foreigner's Guide to Nagasaki]
Panorama simple
fullwidth = 3599
fullheight = 870
caption = Panorama of Nagasaki.
height = 230
Nagasaki — geographical name city & port Japan in W Kyushu on East China Sea population 442,373 … New Collegiate Dictionary
Dejima — This article is about the artificial island. For the sumo wrestler, see Dejima Takeharu. Dejima and Nagasaki Bay, circa 1820. Two Dutch ships and numerous Chinese trading junks are depicted. Dejima (出島 … Wikipedia
August — For other uses, see August (disambiguation). January February March April May June July August September October November December … Wikipedia
Battle of Okinawa — Part of World War II, the Pacific War … Wikipedia
Õmura — geographical name city & port Japan in NW Kyushu on Õmura Bay (inlet of East China Sea) NNE of Nagasaki … New Collegiate Dictionary
Alfred Hitchcock — Infobox actor name = Alfred Hitchcock birthdate = Birth date|1899|8|13 location = Leytonstone, London deathdate = Death date and age|1980|4|29|1899|8|13 deathplace = Bel Air, Los Angeles resting place = Pacific Ocean birthname = Alfred Joseph… … Wikipedia
Akira Kurosawa — Infobox Actor name = Akira Kurosawa caption = Akira Kurosawa on set birthdate = birth date|1910|3|23|mf=y location = Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan deathdate = death date and age |1998|09|6|1910|3|23 (stroke) deathplace = Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan… … Wikipedia
August 9 — Events *48 BC Caesar s civil war: Battle of Pharsalus Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus and Pompey flees to Egypt. * 378 Gothic War: Battle of Adrianople A large Roman army led by Emperor Valens is defeated by the Visigoths in… … Wikipedia
Acupuncture — Intervention Needles being inserted into a patient s skin. ICD 10 PCS 8E0H30Z … Wikipedia
April 18 — Events*1025 Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. *1506 The cornerstone of the current St. Peter s Basilica is laid. *1518 Bona Sforza is crowned as queen consort of Poland. *1738 Real Academia de la Historia… … Wikipedia
Azores — This article is about the archipelago. For the area of high pressure, see Azores High. Coordinates: 37°44′28″N 25°40′32″W / 37.74111°N 25.67556°W … Wikipedia


Marie Claire Italia. Featured in "Green Trend" Online and in Print.
ELLE Decor Magazine. Trend Alert: Indigo.
Ghost Dancer Interview. "Man Maker" blog post.
pskaufman interview. "tell me more...neon zinn" blog post.
Long Island Pulse Magazine. "Hot Commodity " article.
Armoire Magazine. "Architectures of Wildness".
Desert Magazine. "Denim Dare" editorial.
Blush Magazine. "Una Tangible Fusion Entre Arte, Diseno, y Moda"
Seattle Magazine. "Seth Damm's Deconstructed Rope Jewelry".
Seattle Met Magazine. "Holiday Item of the Moment"
The Sche Report. "Rope Art by Neon Zinn".
She The Huntress. Online fashion blog.
The Craft Companion. 400 page hardcover book published by Thames & Hudson.


 03007906075 (+443007906075) - Who owns this number?
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Approximated location is Unknown. Possible phone number formats are 03007 906075, +44 3007 906075, +44-3007-906075, (3007) 906075, 00443007906075, +443007906075, 3007906075, 030 0790 6075, 0300 0790 075, 03007 079 075, 0044 3007906075, +44 3007906075, 03007906075.
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Many stew recipes call for cooking the meat and vegetables at the same time, leaving the latter overcooked and mushy. Instead, first braise the meat with onions in red wine and beef broth until a rich sauce develops. Then, after about an hour, add carrots, celery, and potatoes. By the time the vegetables are cooked, the beef will be tender, then just stir in some peas for a little freshness and color.


text:
Q: Feasibility of PowerPoint (Cooporate Design) Our marketing colleagues are working to improve an internal workflow to use the correct PowerPoint template (corporate design templates).
The main problem is that the employees tend to copy and modify old presentations rather than use the newest template.
Is there an opportunity that informs employees of the correct use of the corporate design with a visual message, hint or popup?
Is there a way or solution to influence on Microsoft products to
ensure the use of coorporate templates with PowerPoint?

A: It would possible to verify that an opened file has the correct template IF the user has an add-in installed in their copy of PowerPoint to do this.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
namespace media {

class DecoderBuffer;

// Maintains a queue of DecoderBuffers in increasing timestamp order.
//
// Individual buffer durations are ignored when calculating the duration of the
// queue i.e., the queue must have at least 2 in-order buffers to calculate
// duration.
//
// Not thread safe: access must be externally synchronized.
class MEDIA_EXPORT DecoderBufferQueue {
 public:
  DecoderBufferQueue();

  DecoderBufferQueue(const DecoderBufferQueue&) = delete;
  DecoderBufferQueue& operator=(const DecoderBufferQueue&) = delete;

  ~DecoderBufferQueue();

  // Push |buffer| to the end of the queue. If |buffer| is queued out of order
  // it will be excluded from duration calculations.
  //
  // It is invalid to push an end-of-stream |buffer|.
  void Push(scoped_refptr<DecoderBuffer> buffer);

  // Pops a DecoderBuffer from the front of the queue.
  //
  // It is invalid to call Pop() on an empty queue.
  scoped_refptr<DecoderBuffer> Pop();

  // Removes all queued buffers.
  void Clear();

  // Returns true if this queue is empty.
  bool IsEmpty();

  // Returns the duration of encoded data stored in this queue as measured by
  // the timestamps of the earliest and latest buffers, ignoring out of order
  // buffers.
  //
  // Returns zero if the queue is empty.
  base::TimeDelta Duration();

  // Returns the total size of buffers inside the queue.
  size_t data_size() const { return data_size_; }

 private:
  using Queue = base::circular_deque<scoped_refptr<DecoderBuffer>>;
  Queue queue_;

  // A subset of |queue_| that contains buffers that are in strictly
  // increasing timestamp order. Used to calculate Duration() while ignoring
  // out-of-order buffers.
  Queue in_order_queue_;

  base::TimeDelta earliest_valid_timestamp_;

  // Total size in bytes of buffers in the queue.
  size_t data_size_;
};

}  // namespace media

#endif  // MEDIA_BASE_DECODER_BUFFER_QUEUE_H_

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: How to use WC_Order class properly? I'm writing a Woocommerce plugin and I'm trying to get order information from the class WC_Order, and I get two different types of error.
In the first case, I'm using the following code:
public function woocommerce_loaded() {
    global $woocommerce, $post;
    $order = new WC_Order($post->ID);
}

And I get this:

PHP Fatal error:  Uncaught Error: Class 'WC_Order' not found in C:\wamp64\www\mysite\wp-content\plugins\tutorial-plugin\tutorial-plugin.php

In the second case, I'm using this code:
public function woocommerce_loaded() {
    global $woocommerce, $post;
    $order = $woocommerce -> WC_Order($post->ID);
}

And I get the following error message:

PHP Fatal error:  Uncaught Error: Call to a member function WC_Order() on null in C:\wamp64\www\mysite\wp-content\plugins\tutorial-plugin\tutorial-plugin.php

And for both cases, I'm hooking my function at my __construct() method with the following code:
add_action( 'woocommerce_init', array( $this, 'woocommerce_loaded' ) );

I also tried using this class with my orders id that I have access in the Woocommerce Orders page, but it didn't work either.
I'm new in this area, I don't know what I am doing wrong. I could use some help!
Here's the complete version of my plugin code:
<?php

//Make sure we don't expose any information if called directly
if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) exit;

//Check if Woocommerce is active

if ( in_array( 'woocommerce/woocommerce.php', apply_filters( 'active_plugins', get_option( 'active_plugins' ) ) ) ) {

//Check if a class with the same name doesn't already exist
if ( ! class_exists( 'WC_tutorial_plugin' ) ) {

    //Provide translation files
    load_plugin_textdomain( 'tutorial-plugin', false, dirname( plugin_basename( __FILE__ ) ) . '/' );

    //Plugin code
    class WC_tutorial_plugin {

        /**
         * Constructor for the WC_tutorial_plugin class
         *
         * @access public
         * @return void
         */

        public function __construct() {

            $this->id                 = 'tutorial-plugin'; // Id of the class
            $this->method_title       = __( 'Tutorial plugin' );  // Title shown in admin

            $this->init();
            global $woocommerce;
            $this->woocommerce_loaded();

            // called just before the woocommerce template functions are included
            add_action( 'init', array( $this, 'include_template_functions' ), 20 );

            // called only after woocommerce has finished loading
            add_action( 'woocommerce_init', array( $this, 'woocommerce_loaded' ) );

            // called after all plugins have loaded
            add_action( 'plugins_loaded', array( $this, 'plugins_loaded' ) );
            add_action( 'plugins_loaded', array( $this, 'init' ) );

        }

        /**
         * Initialize settings
         *
         * @access public
         * @return void
         */

        public function init() {
            // Load the settings API
            $this->init_form_fields(); // This is part of the settings API.
        }

        function activate(){
            //Flush rewrite rules
            flush_rewrite_rules();
        }

        function deactivate(){
            //Flush rewrite rules
            flush_rewrite_rules();
        }

        /**
         * Take care of anything that needs woocommerce to be loaded.
         * For instance, if you need access to the $woocommerce global
         */

        public function woocommerce_loaded() {
            global $woocommerce;
            $order = $woocommerce -> WC_Order(17);
        }

        /**
         * Take care of anything that needs all plugins to be loaded
         */

        public function plugins_loaded() {
            do_action('woocommerce_init', array($this, 'woocommerce_loaded'));
        }
    }

    //Finally instantiate our plugin class and add it to the set of globals

    if ( class_exists('WC_tutorial_plugin')){
        $GLOBALS['tutorial-plugin'] = new WC_tutorial_plugin();
        $plugin = new WC_tutorial_plugin(__FILE__ );
        $plugin -> woocommerce_loaded();
    }

}
}

//Activation
register_activation_hook( __FILE__, array($plugin, 'activate'));

//Deactivation
register_deactivation_hook( __FILE__, array($plugin, 'deactivate'));

A: I tried a lot to find the solution for this, and in the end I found two things that can be useful:

*

*we can use the init hook and put the priority to 100, and then use our function in it, if you can use your code this way then it is for you:

add_action('init', 'my_init', 1);
function my_init(){
    $order = new WC_Order(5273);
}

*The 2nd way is to fetch the order details directly from the database using the $wpdb. the order is stored in the post table and order details like all the default order meta are stored in the post_meta table

global $wpdb;
    // Get all customer orders
    $subscriptions = get_posts(array(
        'numberposts' => -1,
        'post_type'   => 'shop_subscription', // Subscription post type
        'post_status' => 'wc-active', // Active subscription
        'orderby' => 'post_date', // ordered by date
        'order' => 'ASC',
        'date_query' => array( // Start & end date
            array(
                'after'     => $from_date,
                'before'    => $to_date,
                'inclusive' => true,
            ),
        ),
    ));

I found this way much useful and also if you need to get the order custom meta fields then those fields are stored in the woocommerce_order_itemmeta table but to fetch these you need order_item_meta id which you can get from the table woocommerce_order_items, you can use the code below giving it the orderIds array containing the order ids:
foreach ($orderIds as $orderId) {
        $result = $wpdb->get_results($wpdb->prepare(
            "
                SELECT m.meta_value,i.order_item_name
                FROM {$wpdb->prefix}woocommerce_order_itemmeta as m
                INNER JOIN {$wpdb->prefix}woocommerce_order_items as i ON
                m.order_item_id = i.order_item_id
                WHERE `order_id` = %s and i.order_item_type = 'line_item'
                and m.meta_key = '_wapf_meta'

            ",
            "$orderId"
        ), object);
        $results[] = $result;
    }


text:
Italofile
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Rome to Pompeii: Book a Tour or Plan Your Own Day Trip to Pompeii from Rome
Hours Posted on 27 March 2019 21 May 2021 Hours Updated 21 May 2021 Categories Featured Articles, History, Itineraries, Naples & Campania, Rome & Lazio, Tours
Rome flights | Rome hotels
Is it possible to plan your own day trip to Pompeii from Rome?
Of course it is!
But many travelers would prefer to book a tour and have all the logistics planned for them.
This post will help you decide if you want to book a guided tour of Pompeii or do it yourself.
Best Day Tours to Pompeii from Rome
Plan Your Own Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii
Visiting the Excavations at Pompeii
Drawbacks of DIY Travel to Pompeii
Pompeii Alternative: Ostia Antica
There are several tour companies that will organize (almost) everything for you, including transportation and expert-guided tours of the Pompeii excavations.
Pompeii Tour from Rome with Amalfi Coast Drive. Walks of Italy offers a full-day small group trip to Pompeii plus a stop in Positano. Not only is this a great tour of Pompeii, complete with an expert guide and express entry tickets, it also gives you a chance to see the nearby Amalfi Coast and the town of Positano. Lunch is not included in the price, but there is free time to get your own meal in Positano and to go shopping.
Tour of Pompeii and Naples with Archeological Museum. If you want to go the exclusive route, then look no further than Context Travel. Context offers a private trip with a PhD-level guide to Pompeii in the morning with an afternoon visit to Naples and the Naples Archeological Museum (where many of Pompeii's most famous artistic treasures live). In sum, they put the whole tour into context. I have taken several very smart tours with Context Travel and highly recommend them.
Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Full-Day Archeology Tour. Another Context option is a full-day tour of the ruins at Pompeii and a hike up Mt. Vesuvius. This private tour can be tailored to your interests, including a stop at the other famous excavation site in the area Herculaneum.
Full-Day Pompeii and Sorrento. This tour from The Tour Guy has a fun package that pairs Pompeii with a side trip to beautiful Sorrento.
Pompeii Round-Trip Shuttle Bus from Rome. Enjoy Rome offers a 12-hour day trip from Rome to Pompeii that includes door-to-door bus service from a meeting point in Rome. This budget option takes care of the transportation logistics and gives you four hours to visit the archeological site on your own.
SEE ALSO: Seven Longobard Sites Newest Additions to UNESCO Heritage List
A crowded piazza in Pompeii in March. On a clearer day, you can see Mount Vesuvius.
The most practical way to go to Pompeii from Rome is by train.
Thanks to high speed train travel between Rome and Naples, planning your own day trip to Pompeii from Rome is a lot easier than it used to be.
It takes about an hour to zip down to Naples on one of Trenitalia's Freccia trains or with Italo Treno. Book your ticket to Napoli Centrale, where you will have to change trains.
You'll need about another hour to get to the ruins of Pompeii (aka Pompei Scavi) via the Circumvesuviana line. This narrow-gauge train line goes from Napoli to Sorrento, making stops at all of the archeological sites in between: Pompeii, Herculaneum, etc.
You can also skip busy Napoli Centrale and instead book your ticket to Napoli Afragola, a suburban station outside of Naples. Napoli Afragola station, designed by starchitect Zaha Hadid, opened in 2017, and has train and bus service to Pompeii. If you're a huge architecture buff, then tack on some extra time if you're choosing the Italotreno/Afragola itinerary.
A preserved body lies on a slab in a warehouse of relics found in the ruins of Pompeii
The Pompeii archeological park covers more than 160 acres/65 hectares–about the size of 160 connecting football fields–and is divided into nine sections (Regio I-IX).
The cultural heritage arm of the Italian government has done a lot to help visitors prepare for a visit to this UNESCO Heritage Site, offering downloadable maps, and providing guidance to visitors with special needs.
There is also online ticketing should you wish to get that step out of the way, but buying advanced tickets isn't necessary.
Pro tip: Admission to state-owned museums and archeological areas like Pompeii is often free on the first Sunday of the month.
SEE ALSO: On Being Lost in Italy
The Pompeii archeological park also provides audioguides for a small fee.
Visiting the Pompeii excavations on your own is doable. But it can be stressful. The site is huge, so you may miss seeing some frescoes or ruins or relics that you had hoped to see.
In this case, you'll want to consider booking a guided tour.
There are many reputable local and international tour guide companies that are credentialed to lead tours inside the ruins. One option is Campania Guide, which offers a 3-hour expert-led tour of the ruins.
You can also book tours with licensed guides from the information desk at the entrance.
They say the joy of traveling is the journey itself. But that time can be stressful, especially when you throw in a potentially stressful transfer time between Naples and Pompeii. Train station transfers can often feel chaotic, even for seasoned travelers who speak Italian.
The cost of the train can also be a drawback. The base cost of a round trip from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale is approximately 100 euros for one adult. Although the Freccia and Italo usually have discounts for traveling couples and families.
So, when it comes down to it, you may not save much money when compared to booking a tour. Add to that the time that you have spent planning everything and well…you know what they say: time is money.
Book a train with Italo Treno
Book a train with Save a Train
Want to do an overnight visit of Pompeii? I recommend Villa Diomede, which is just steps from the archeological park. Accommodations are clean and comfortable.
Ostia Antica, an Ancient Roman site much closer to Rome than Pompeii
Another idea. If you really want to see Pompeii but just can't figure out a way to fit it into your visit to Rome, consider a day trip to Ostia Antica.
SEE ALSO: Longer Hours for Rome's Municipal Museums
Located about 30 minutes by local train outside of Rome, Ostia Antica has some of the best-preserved ancient ruins in Italy. Ostia Antica didn't die the dramatic death that Pompeii did–the silting up of its outlet to the sea and rampant malaria drove its populace out. But it is still a beautiful, awe-inspiring, tour-worthy site with well-preserved Ancient Roman ruins.
Ostia is also near the beach, so you could swim in the morning and tour ruins in the afternoon or vice versa. Catch the train to Ostia and Ostia Lido at the Piramide station in Rome.
Post Tags: #ancient history#day trips#featured#Naples#Pompeii#Rome#tours#UNESCO
Melanie Renzulli
Melanie Renzulli has been writing about travel to Italy for more than 20 years.
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Better by Atul Gawande
Culture // Books
Heal thyselfA surgeon takes a hard look at how medicine is failing patients
Dr. Atul Gawande calls for diligence and more competition.LAURA HANIFIN/METROPOLITAN BOOKS
Books by physicians tend to be either advice for the layperson, memoirs of poignant or funny encounters with patients, or discourses on disease as the interface between life and death. Atul Gawande's new book has elements of all these, but it's also something more startling and radical. The modesty of its title, Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance, doesn't even hint at how controversial some parts of the book are.
"The paradox at the heart of medical care is that it works so well, and yet never well enough," Gawande asserts. A surgeon who teaches at Harvard Medical School, Gawande insists that in his profession, "good enough" is not good enough. After all, doctors, nurses and hospitals deal with questions of the quality of life, and often with matters of life or death. They must cultivate "a science of performance," a constant striving to improve the way they use the techniques, instruments, medicines and facilities available to them.
To that end, Gawande calls for a redirection of funding, a diversion of some of the money that's now spent on research into new cures toward an improvement in the way medical professionals use existing resources. He believes that "the scientific effort to improve performance in medicine can arguably save more lives in the next decade than bench science, more lives than research on the genome, stem cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and all the other laboratory work we hear about in the news."
His case in point: breast cancer. "The United States government and private foundations spend close to a billion dollars a year on research for discovery of new treatments in breast cancer," he says. But he believes some of that money could be better used to improve and encourage the use of mammography.
Deaths from breast cancer have fallen sharply since 1990, and increased screening by mammography is responsible for a significant part of that decline. But for a variety of reasons, only a small percentage of women get annual mammograms, even though "studies consistently show that more regular use of this one technology alone would reduce deaths from breast cancer by one-third."
Gawande also believes that perhaps even more than money, an attitude change is needed to make medicine more efficient, safer or, in the word of his title, better. He asserts that "better is possible. It does not take genius. It takes diligence. It takes moral clarity. It takes ingenuity. And above all, it takes a willingness to try."
Diligence can manifest itself in so simple a thing as making sure that everyone in a hospital washes his or her hands after each contact with a patient. Doing so can have an effect on the discomfiting statistic that "two million Americans acquire an infection while they are in the hospital. Ninety thousand die of that infection."
Ingenuity is often a matter of coming up with a simple idea, such as the Apgar score, the 0-to-10 measurement of a newborn's physical condition devised by anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar in 1953. As Gawande puts it, "if only because doctors are competitive, it drove them to want to produce better scores and therefore better outcomes for the newborns they delivered."
Gawande is a great believer in competition. Perhaps the most controversial proposal set forth in his book is that of former pediatrician Don Berwick, head of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, who believes that the performance of doctors and hospitals should be routinely compared and that their rankings should be made available to the public. Gawande examines how such a practice has affected one corner of medicine — the treatment of cystic fibrosis — with positive results. Greater competition has raised standards of performance across the board.
Of course, Gawande cites the obvious objections raised by doctors: "Will being in the bottom half be used against doctors? Will patients leave us? Will those at the bottom be paid less than those at the top? The answer to all these questions is likely yes." But he adds, "What is troubling is not just being average but settling for it. When the stakes are our lives and the lives of our children, we want no one to settle for average."
Parts of Gawande's book have been published before, as essays in the New Yorker and the New England Journal of Medicine, so there are some bumps in the continuity of argument, most notable in the section dealing with the second of Gawande's desiderata, "moral clarity." Here he discusses such thorny and near-intractable issues as medical-malpractice law and the participation of physicians in the execution of criminals. These are areas in which the morality is anything but clear, but Gawande's discussion of them, and the reporting he does in presenting all sides of the argument, are scrupulous and fascinating.
What does become clear in this book is that the cases he cites for the attention to improved performance, for the essentials of diligence, of the will to do the right thing, of ingenuity, are object lessons not only for his profession but for all professions and trades. In business or government or education, in law or journalism or the arts, "settling for average" may not have such lethal consequences as it does in medicine, but it's still pernicious. And this brilliant, persuasive and even inspiring book, with its crisp writing and its abundance of well-told tales, might well be taken to heart by any reader.
Charles Matthews is a reviewer and writer based in Northern California.
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A fully-featured billing and accounts receivable component that is fully integrated with all system accounting functions. Accounts Receivable subsidiary is maintained by customer; revenue accrued through billing is accounted for by service and by customer. User security allows for on-line access to current service contracts and billing information by client districts.
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An integrated budget development component that promotes a departmental approach to building the budget on-line across the entire organization. The budgeting process allows for compiling of proposed budget amounts from system-maintained salary and benefit data projections and from itemized budget requests.
Since all expenditures and revenues are accounted for by service, program-level accountability is maintained, and initial budgets can be monitored against actual billing and revenue to avoid overspending and facilitate utilization of available financial resources.
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WinCap utilizes the Crystal Reports® report-writer for system reports provided within the various subsystems. Crystal Reports® is an industry standard report-writer that is available for a variety of computer platforms. WinCap employs the most interactive version, which allows users to fully utilize the MS Windows® environment. Crystal Reports® dynamically reads the data files maintained within WinCap, so that data does not need to be exported to other software to design and run user customized reports. Capital Computer Associates also offers optional support services, through the WinCap Enhanced Reporting Module, to directly assist users in meeting their special reporting needs that are not directly addressed through the standard system reports.
A free run time version of Crystal is installed on all WinCap application servers so users are able to run the system reports programmed in Crystal. This will give all users access to certain enhanced output features, including the ability to save WinCap reports as files that retain the same attributes as when they are printed, and to save them in a variety of different formats (MS Excel® spreadsheets, MS Word® documents, pdf files, etc). There is no cost to WinCap sites to be able to run the WinCap defined versions of these Crystal Reports® and to take advantage of these enhanced output features.
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Carrie earned her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Kansas in December 2013 under the mentorship of Dr. Nancy Muma, investigating the ability of estradiol to accelerate the therapeutic effects of SSRIs for the treatment of depression. Following that, she moved to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas for her postdoctoral training, where she led a collaborative drug discovery project to identify and characterize novel small molecules for the treatment of substance use disorders under the mentorship of Dr. Kathryn Cunningham. Through her research at UTMB, she successfully competed for a place in ASENT's Neurotherapeutics Discovery Development Course for Academic Scientists (NINDS R25NS077582, 2015) and won numerous awards, including the Elizabeth Fitzgerald Sporar Prize for Distinguished Initiatives in Addiction Research Travel Award (2015), NIDA Travel Award (to attend the International Society for Serotonin Research meeting, 2016, where her poster presentation won third place), and Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Award (Clinical and Translational Research Forum, UTMB, 2016). Carrie also served on the inaugural leadership team for the UTMB Postdoctoral Association from 2015-2016.
In June 2016, Carrie joined Fannin Innovation Studio in Houston, Texas as an Entrepreneurial Fellow, where she is training to lead product development activities for early-stage life sciences startup companies. As Product Development Manager for Fannin's portfolio company BreviTest Technologies, LLC, she successfully completed an NIH-sponsored Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program in early-stage business model development, served as contact PI on an SBIR Phase I grant from NIDA to develop the BreviTest portable ELISA platform for the measurement of THC intoxication, and is currently managing another NIDA SBIR Phase I grant to adapt the BreviTest platform as a point-of-care device for the detection and monitoring of prescription opioid use.
In her free time, Carrie is working towards a goal of running a half marathon in all 50 states, and is a volunteer crew member on the ELISSA, a 19th-century historic tall ship in Galveston, Texas.
I am currently a fourth year Neuroscience student in Dr. Nancy Muma's lab. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat mood disorders. SSRIs are clinically effective after 2-3 weeks of treatment, the time it takes to induce desensitization of 5-HT1A receptor signaling. Estrogen treatment for 2 days causes a partial desensitization of 5-HT1A receptor signaling in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), as measured by a decrease in the release of oxytocin and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) in response to 5-HT1A receptor stimulation. The mechanism by which estrogen induces 5-HT1A receptor desensitization is unknown; however, our studies suggest that the recently identified membrane estrogen receptor GPR30 may be involved. My current work involves investigating the potential mechanisms by which GPR30 may mediate estrogen-induced 5-HT1A receptor desensitization.
McAllister CE, Anastasio NC, Stutz SJ, Hartley RM, Fink FH, Fongang B, Kudlicki A, Gilbertson SR, Chen Y-C, Neelankantan H, Watson CS, Moeller FG, Cunningham KA. (2016) "Investigating a putative protein:protein interaction between the serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) and 5-HT2CR." Oral Presentation. International Society for Serotonin Research, Seattle, WA.
McAllister CE, Anastasio NC, Stutz SJ, Hartley RM, Fink FH, Fongang B, Kudlicki A, Gilbertson SR, Chen Y-C, Neelankantan H, Watson CS, Moeller FG, Cunningham KA. (2016) "Exploring a putative protein:protein interaction between the serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) and 5-HT2CR." Poster. Keystone Symposium, Keystone, CO.
McAllister CE, Anastasio NC, Stutz SJ, Hartley RM, Fink FH, Fongang B, Kudlicki A, Gilbertson SR, Chen Y-C, Neelankantan H, Watson CS, Moeller FG, Cunningham KA. (2015) "Exploring a putative protein:protein interaction between the serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) and 5-HT2CR." Poster. Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL.
McAllister CE, Hartley RM, Zhang G, Fox RG, Anastasio NC, Wild CT, Zhou J, Cunningham KA. (2015) "In vivo evaluation of novel 5-HT2C receptor positive allosteric modulator CYD-1-79." Oral presentation: College on the Problems of Drug Dependence annual meeting. Phoenix, AZ.


This past week, the creepy "Homan Square" detention facility was revealed to the public, and the story has been trending heavily throughout the alternative media.
First person accounts of suspects being whisked away to the secret building without any official record of their whereabouts, with no access to a lawyer, while being subjected brutal interrogations, sounds like something you'd hear about from some 3rd world dictatorship.
But unfortunately, it's happening right here in America as we speak. And if this facility existed for so long without the public's knowledge, that begs the question: are there any more of these police run "black sites" that we don't know about?
Obviously, this doesn't inspire a lot of confidence for America's future. If they can get away with this today, what will they try tomorrow? I don't think any sane American thinks this will set a good precedent.
But more importantly, if you look at Homan Square from a historical perspective, the implications of its existence are far more gut wrenching.
Most despotic regimes utilize a wide variety of terror tactics to keep their people in line, but the ability to make someone disappear (which is exactly what this facility is capable of) is the most effective.
Why? Because it preys upon two of the most prolific human fears.
First of all, there is our inherent fear of the unknown. When someone disappears without a trace, our imaginations will eventually concoct the worst possible explanation.
And without knowing exactly how it happened, we have to accept the possibility that it could happen to us as well, and there is no way to stop it.
So if your government is capable of this, then you have every reason to follow the rules and stay in line. You never know when you might be next.
Which brings me to the second fear. It preys upon our fear of other people. There are plenty of phobias that humans are capable of, but nothing is more terrifying than what your fellow humans might do to you when nothing can stop them.
Snakes can bite you, bears can eat you, and water can drown you, but only your fellow humans are capable of torturing you, and only your fellow humans know what will hurt you the most. Combine that with the fear of the unknown, and you now have the most effective method of terror and control.
But there's also a third factor that makes this tactic so effective. Most people don't know it, because only those who have been "disappeared" know the awful truth.
For a better explanation, I'd like cite one of the most underrated historians of our time, Dan Carlin.
If you're a history buff and you've never heard of him, you don't know what you're missing. He doesn't just know what he's talking about, he knows how to relate history to our lives in the present.
In this short video, he explains why the Nazis and Soviets were able to convince millions of people to enslave and murder their countrymen.
When we think of the Nazis, we often believe their control was fostered by their propaganda efforts, but that was only one small piece of the puzzle.
In reality, their grip on the population was built upon their ability to make people disappear.
Keep that in mind when you read about Homan Square. If that place is an isolated incident, there may still be time to stop these secret facilities before they usher in a new age of terror.
But if there are already dozens of these "Homan Squares" out there that we don't know about, and they're just getting warmed up, we may have passed the point of no return.
If we ever become a country where everyone is afraid of disappearing for the slightest reason, then we are on the fast track to the kind of goose stepping tyranny that we've only read about.


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Courageous Bollywood films of black comedy genre which were absolutely refreshing
Bollywood Dhamaka brings you the list of black comedy films which were absolutely fresh, thought-provoking, and hilarious.
Black comedy genre is not favoured as much in Bollywood. The mass often likes opting for slapstick comedy films rather than looking at the harsh realities of the nation from a humouristic perspective-
Here we go:
This 2018 black comedy by Akshat Verma stars Saif Ali Khan in his element, Akshay Oberoi, Deepak Dobriyal, Vijay Raaz, Isha Talwar, and Sobhita Dhulipala. At the core of the convoluted story are random events that change the course of many lives. The protagonist Rileen (Saif) is an oddball who has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, and is now hell-bent upon living his repressed dreams. He gets high on LSD and wants to check all the boxes of his strange bucket list. There are multiple characters on their own trajectory and driven by greed, lust, and mindlessness, they collide, are caught in accidents, raids, shootouts, and improbable encounters. The mind-bending narrative ends with a final scene where Rileen shoots himself in the foot. In a way, this moment describes what the theme of this quirky, comedy of blunders is all about.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
This 1983 Kundan Shah directorial started the trend of black comedies in India. The cult classic is still the best example of how to get the genre right with an incisive take on contemporary reality with a sense of humour. The film paints the misadventures of two naive, unemployed friends who are now running a photo studio where nobody ever comes. A random photo one of them takes in a park captures a murder and opens a can of worms. A bitter and realistic comment on political corruption, bureaucracy, real estate sharks, rising unemployment and dishonest journalists, the film is packed with stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, Bhakti Barve and Neena Gupta. In scene after scene, 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' makes you laugh and think at the same time.
Brij Mohan Amar Rahe
Arjun Mathur, the poster boy of complex masculinity goes into unfamiliar territory in this Yoodlee production and plays Brij, the frustrated owner of a hosiery store. He has a messy personal life and is also being crushed by debt. Unable to cope, he cooks up a bizarre scheme to fake his own death and even ends up orchestrating a murder. What adds a comic element to this grim scenario is that there are no heroes in this tale and every character is flawed, morally corrupt, greedy, unscrupulous, and scampering to implicate the other. This Nikhil Bhat directorial also stars Nidhi Singh, Sheetal Thakur, Manav Vij, Sunny Hinduja, Vijayant Kohli, and Yogendra Tikku. Mathur's performance, the milieu, the sudden twists, and the writing all come together to create a black comedy worthy of both laughter and shock.
This 1987 silent comedy was released with different titles for different regions. 'Pushpak' was released for the Hindi film audience and the Singeetam Srinivasa Rao directorial was path-breaking not just because it had no dialogue but because it refined the black comedy genre to an art form. Kamal Haasan gave a masterful performance along with the ensemble cast of Amala, Samir Khakhar, Tinu Anand, K. S. Ramesh, Farida Jalal, Pratap Potan, Lokanath, P. L. Narayana, and Ramya. The film wove a compelling story of an unemployed graduate who is driven by greed to imprison a rich drunk so that he can live it up in the latter's five-star suite. A strange sequence of events brings him to his senses and he finds himself back in the long line of unemployed youth in the end.
Ishqiya
The highlight of this 2010 Abhishek Chaubey directorial is its cast. Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan, and Arshad Warsi play the three sides of a quirky triangle. Shah and Warsi are two small-time crooks whose chance encounter with a widow Krishna (Balan) leads them towards troubles they cannot yet see. Both men are infatuated and willing to do anything for Krishna and at some point realize, they have been used for a specific purpose by her. And yet, even with death breathing down their necks, they cannot help putting their own lives on the line to save Krishna. Vishal Bhardwaj's music, Gulzar's lyrics, and clever writing make this film an unusually engaging black comedy.
Related Items:Black comedies, Bollywood, BollywoodDhamaka, Brij Mohan Amar Rahe, Ishqiya, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Kaalakaandi, Pushpak
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Wallabies flanker David Pocock has made no apologies for his arrest following an environmental protest at the weekend, despite his employers issuing him with a written warning.
The Zimbabwe-born 26-year-old, who has been sidelined for the last two years by knee injuries, was among seven protestors who chained themselves to equipment at a blockade at Whitehaven Coal Ltd's (WHC.AX) Maules Creek mine in the Leard State Forest on Sunday.
All were granted conditional bail after arrest, while Pocock was also given a written warning for breaching their code of conduct by the Australian Rugby Union, which was endorsed by his Super Rugby side, the ACT Brumbies.
Pocock, who has spoken out previously on a number of social issues, including gay marriage, said he had no regrets about his arrest and felt it was imperative people spoke out on issues they were passionate about.
"My parents were always clear with my brothers and I when we were growing up that you have to have the courage of your convictions and that when you commit to something you must fully commit," Pocock, who returned to pre-season training with the Brumbies on Monday, wrote on the tumblr microblogging website.
"All around the world people are resorting to non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to highlight the deep inequalities represented by the climate crisis.
"While people may not agree with me being arrested, I hope they will see this as an opportunity to further the conversation about climate change and engage more people in helping to shape what is all of our futures.


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Musical Instruments in Worship: Biblical Evidence
July 2, 2018 by Dave Armstrong
Musical Instruments in Worship: Biblical Evidence July 2, 2018 Dave Armstrong
John Calvin's extreme position that music in worship is rank idolatry is wrong in light of the following biblical data.
With regard to musical instruments in a context of worshiping God, we have the model of David and others of his time worshiping God with harps, tambourines, etc.:
Psalm 33:2 (RSV) Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Psalm 71:22 I will also praise thee with the harp for thy faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to thee with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. (cf. 57:7-9; 81:1-2; 92:1-3; 108:1-3; 144:9)
Psalm 150:1-5 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty firmament!
[2] Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his exceeding greatness!
[3] Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
[4] Praise him with timbrel and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
[5] Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Many of the Psalms mention "stringed instruments" and in one case, "flutes" at their start, implying (or so it seems to me) that the Psalm was accompanied by instruments (e.g., Psalm 5: "To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David"; Psalm 6: "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments . . ."). Therefore, John Calvin's contention that a Psalm can only be properly sung is not even consistent with what the Psalms themselves teach (see also Psalms 4, 54-55, 61, 67, 76; cf. Hab 3:19).
We also have the evidence of the extensive musical instrumentation accompanying the ark of the covenant (where God was specially present, in a way somewhat like eucharistic presence at the Mass), as described in 1 Chronicles 15. There is no hint of disapproval in the text, as if this was something frowned upon by God as idolatry:
1 Chronicles 15:14-28 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. [15] And the Levites carried the ark of God upon their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD. [16] David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brethren as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy. [17] So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Jo'el; and of his brethren Asaph the son of Berechi'ah; and of the sons of Merar'i, their brethren, Ethan the son of Kusha'iah; [18] and with them their brethren of the second order, Zechari'ah, Ja-a'ziel, Shemi'ramoth, Jehi'el, Unni, Eli'ab, Benai'ah, Ma-asei'ah, Mattithi'ah, Eliph'elehu, and Miknei'ah, and the gatekeepers O'bed-e'dom and Je-i'el. [19] The singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were to sound bronze cymbals; [20] Zechari'ah, A'zi-el, Shemi'ramoth, Jehi'el, Unni, Eli'ab, Ma-asei'ah, and Benai'ah were to play harps according to Al'amoth; [21] but Mattithi'ah, Eliph'elehu, Miknei'ah, O'bed-e'dom, Je-i'el, and Azazi'ah were to lead with lyres according to the Shem'inith. [22] Chenani'ah, leader of the Levites in music, should direct the music, for he understood it. [23] Berechi'ah and Elka'nah were to be gatekeepers for the ark. [24] Shebani'ah, Josh'aphat, Nethan'el, Ama'sai, Zechari'ah, Benai'ah, and Elie'zer, the priests, should blow the trumpets before the ark of God. O'bed-e'dom and Jehi'ah also were to be gatekeepers for the ark. [25] So David and the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of O'bed-e'dom with rejoicing. [26] And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. [27] David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as also were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers, and Chenani'ah the leader of the music of the singers; and David wore a linen ephod. [28] So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.
2 Samuel 6:2-5 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Ba'ale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. [3] And they carried the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abin'adab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahi'o, the sons of Abin'adab, were driving the new cart [4] with the ark of God; and Ahi'o went before the ark. [5] And David and all the house of Israel were making merry before the LORD with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. (cf. 1 Chron 13:8)
1 Chronicles 16:37-42 So David left Asaph and his brethren there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD to minister continually before the ark as each day required, [38] and also O'bed-e'dom and his sixty-eight brethren; while O'bed-e'dom, the son of Jedu'thun, and Hosah were to be gatekeepers. [39] And he left Zadok the priest and his brethren the priests before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon, [40] to offer burnt offerings to the LORD upon the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, according to all that is written in the law of the LORD which he commanded Israel. [41] With them were Heman and Jedu'thun, and the rest of those chosen and expressly named to give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures for ever. [42] Heman and Jedu'thun had trumpets and cymbals for the music and instruments for sacred song. The sons of Jedu'thun were appointed to the gate.
1 Chronicles 23:5 four thousand gatekeepers, and four thousand shall offer praises to the LORD with the instruments which I have made for praise.
1 Chronicles 25:6 They were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God.
2 Chronicles 5:12-14 and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jedu'thun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with a hundred and twenty priests who were trumpeters; [13] and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever," the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, [14] so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.
Note that the glory of the Lord filled the temple in response to the praise of musical instruments and voices; thus it was pleasing to God. See also:
2 Chronicles 7:6 The priests stood at their posts; the Levites also, with the instruments for music to the LORD which King David had made for giving thanks to the LORD — for his steadfast love endures for ever — whenever David offered praises by their ministry; opposite them the priests sounded trumpets; and all Israel stood.
2 Chronicles 29:24-28 and the priests killed them and made a sin offering with their blood on the altar, to make atonement for all Israel. For the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. [25] And he stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, according to the commandment of David and of Gad the king's seer and of Nathan the prophet; for the commandment was from the LORD through his prophets. [26] The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. [27] Then Hezeki'ah commanded that the burnt offering be offered on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song to the LORD began also, and the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. [28] The whole assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.
2 Chronicles 34:12 And the men did the work faithfully. Over them were set Jahath and Obadi'ah the Levites, of the sons of Merar'i, and Zechari'ah and Meshul'lam, of the sons of the Ko'hathites, to have oversight. The Levites, all who were skilful with instruments of music,
Nehemiah 12:35-36 and certain of the priests' sons with trumpets: Zechari'ah the son of Jonathan, son of Shemai'ah, son of Mattani'ah, son of Micai'ah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph; [36] and his kinsmen, Shemai'ah, Az'arel, Mil'alai, Gil'alai, Ma'ai, Nethan'el, Judah, and Hana'ni, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe went before them.
[cf. Judith 16:2; 1 Maccabees 4:54; 13:51]
In all passages where cymbals are mentioned, it is in the context of a religious ceremony. For example:
1 Chronicles 16:4-5 Moreover he appointed certain of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the LORD, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. [5] Asaph was the chief, and second to him were Zechari'ah, Je-i'el, Shemi'ramoth, Jehi'el, Mattithi'ah, Eli'ab, Benai'ah, O'bed-e'dom, and Je-i'el, who were to play harps and lyres; Asaph was to sound the cymbals,
1 Chronicles 25:1 David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jedu'thun, who should prophesy with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. . . .
Ezra 3:10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the directions of David king of Israel;
Nehemiah 12:27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.
If musical instruments used to worship God were okay and approved by God then, they didn't suddenly become evil in the new covenant. If it wasn't (necessarily and always) idolatry then, it wasn't, by the same token, after Jesus, either. Idolatry resides in the heart, which is why an argument that a musical instrument is always idolatrous in a church setting is absurd. One can't possibly logically arrive at that conclusion (from the biblical data).
Moreover, there is an essential difference between judging voices alone to be appropriate or aesthetically pleasing and proper for a church service, minus instruments (as was apparently the case in the Catholic Church up until the early Middle Ages), and contending (as Calvin did) that any instrument used at church must be idolatrous and absolutely forbidden on those grounds.
It's the difference between musical and liturgical aesthetics and positive legalism or prohibitions based on an additional factor (supposed intrinsic idolatry). The first thing doesn't contradict the Old Testament record of instruments used in praise and worship; the second does. Since God doesn't contradict Himself, the entire "no instruments at church because they are idols" argument must, therefore, be abandoned.
[in the combox] There is no indication that God ever saw anything wrong with such worship [in the old covenant]. The things that were wrong in some Old Testament worship practices were sacrificing to other gods, or offering a wrong animal for sacrifice (say, a pig), or not having a proper attitude in the heart, or committing immorality and then presumptuously worshiping God, as if the two things were unrelated (spiritual pride and hypocrisy, or double-mindedness). That is what God condemned, not musical instruments.
Secondly, Old Testament worship can't be so easily separated from the new covenant, since we know that Jesus, Paul, and other apostles continued to observe the feasts and pray in the temple, and attend synagogue worship as well. Jesus observed Pharisaical customs, and Paul called himself a Pharisee after he became a Christian, three times. Therefore, there is no way to separate Old Testament worship completely from the new covenant period, saying it was "fulfilled". We have the Mass, but even that developed from the Old Testament Passover ceremony.
Calvin simply has no argument, and what he produces is flimsy as a wet noodle. The argument isn't merely that David had instruments, therefore it was accepted by God, but that there is no indication it was never not accepted as part of worship, or regarded as idolatry, and there is the instance of direct divine approval (1 Chronicles 23:13-14: see above).
Church Music & Hymns in the New Testament? [1-28-16]
(originally 3-22-10)
Photo credit: King David Playing the Harp, by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]
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Alchemy in the Kitchen: Guinness Chocolate Cake – a piece of this is your only man!
Guinness Chocolate Cake – a piece of this is your only man!
In true Irish style, Paddy's 'Day' 2016 is set to last 3 days. If you happen to be in Dublin, check out what's on and remember to knock up a quick batch of Guinness Chocolate Cake to keep your energy levels up.
You'll often see visitors to Dublin with what I call "Guinness face", poised over a glass of the black stuff, feeling that they must taste the local brew but reluctant to put their lips near something that looks like it might have been scooped from the nearby Liffey.
If you are a Guinness virgin, wait until you are in Ireland to try this beverage. Although there shouldn't be, there is a world of difference between the flat bitter stuff I've been served in bars in the UK or the States and a creamy mellow jar of the stuff in its native land.
Among the many pubs that pull a decent pint of Guinness are: Johnnie Fox's in the Dublin mountains; Kehoe's, just off Grafton Street; Davy Byrnes, also just off Grafton Street and a stopping point for James Joyce fans; and one of my favourites, The Stag's Head, (just off Dame Street) a tavern almost as old as Guinness, and probably as close as you'll get to a proper traditional Irish pub - not a shamrock or leprechaun in sight.
If you are unable to make it to the Emerald Isle to paint the town green on Paddy's Day, well then, a piece of this rich dark Guinness Chocolate Cake is your only man.
1 Lightly butter and base-line an 18cm x 26cm (9" x 13") baking tin.
2 In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
3 Place the oil, Guinness, beaten eggs and vanilla extract together in a large jug and whisk to combine.
4 Gradually add the oil mixture to the flour mixture, stirring together with a whisk until no dry mixture remains.
5 Transfer the mixture to the baking tin and place in the preheated oven for 35 – 40 minutes until well risen. To check if it is done, lightly press the surface of the cake with your finger. If it springs back it's done. If a small indent remains continue cooking for a further 5 minutes then test again. Alternatively, poke a cocktail stick into the centre of the cake and if it comes out clean (i.e. no damp batter clinging to it, it's done). Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin.
6 While the cake is cooling, make the frosting.
7 In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until combined. Add one-third of the icing sugar and slowly beat until smoothly blended. Add in the rest of the icing sugar, the Guinness and the vanilla extract and continue beating until light and fluffy. This will take about 3 minutes. Transfer to the cake using a spatula, or pipe in generous swirls.
Note: For the mini cakes shown in the photos, I carefully removed the cooled cake from the tin and stamped out 8 mini cakes using a 6cm (3") round cutter before piping on swirls of frosting. The scraps of cake can be used for trifle or cake pops.
Sorry Brian, sometimes a cup of tea is your only man!
They are just gorgeous and I'll bet they would also pair nicely with a pintof plain. Hope all is well in the East.
Thanks Mona, I'm green with envy at your London trip. It sounds like heaven!
Hi Jill, Welcome to a very rewarding activity!
I use photoshop for my collage pics, and basically copy and paste the images onto an empty background. You can download a free trial of photoshop. I've heard others rave about Adobe Lightroom which I haven't yet tried - it's also available on free trial. The very best of luck with your blog.
Hi Hester, thanks so much for the info!
These look gorgeous! Perfect for entertaining!
Ireland is on my must visit list, I'll wait for the good stuff. I think that these cupcakes would be a good substitute for a pint. You are making me both hungry and thirsty at the same time. Hope everything is well with you my dear.
This is really amazing, I feel like I'm missing out on the celebration! I definitely will do those muffins over the weekend so I wont feel so ancient by spending Arthur's Day in my fluffy socks :) I;m glad to see you're still baking around, I missed your recipes!
I've been to Ireland, but didn't try Guinness while I was there (I do miss the Cokes with lemon slices in them, though!)...Silly me! I think I need to add these to my list of things to bake whenever I have the time!
Hi Hester! Your chocolate cake has Guinness in it? WOW! I love these mini cakes and your icing looks so perfect... Have a wonderful weekend!
What a perfect little mouthful - a must on the menu for the next occasion. Pinned this one - no worries!
These look beautiful, Hester! While I don't drink Guinness, I love using it in baking, especially in chocolate goods! Your icing is perfect!
Gorgeous! Love the size of these. Perfect treat.
Funnily enough - I hate beer but if I do drink a beer I actually go for dark stouts/sweet porters so Guiness is one of the few I'll drink :) I'm a huge fan of using Guiness in recipes - and this chocolate cake looks absolutely delicious.
Oh my goodness, Hester! Those are very tempting. I wouldn't mind having a second bottle oh I mean a second piece of the cake. :) Have a wonderful weekend, Hester!
Mein Gott, this recipe is brilliant!
Two favorite things put together! I have to make for my man for sure, thanks for recipe!
This looks so good! I made Guinness gingerbread last Christmas and it was wonderful. I know I'd love it in a chocolate cake.
Guinness, Gracious, me, Hester... these look incredibly rich and with a guinness laced frosting (frothing?) it's perfect. Painting the town black? Love your sense of humour! Incredible - I had a guinness and chocolate combination planned soon for macarons. Now you've definitely inspired me to give it a go!
Hester, your mini "Guinness Chocolate Cakes" look so moist and delicious and, of course, they are quite cute (if I may say so) - I love small cakes and mini muffins, they always make for a wonderful presentation. The cakes have such an intensive dark brown color, I would love to have a taste! Wonderful post with great pictures!
I am ABSOLUTELY 100 percent beerlie desserts now :) Talk about adding an awesome depth of flavor! Your little cakes look gorgeous!
My husband loves Guinness so your Guinness chocolate cake will have him smiling from ear to ear.
i have yet to try desserts with beer! that sounds like a great idea. thanks!
They look absolutely perfect and if I ever visit Ireland I will most definitely try the beer!
Hester, these look so delicious! Guinness is a huge favorite of mine, either to drink, or to bake with. Yum!
Dear Hester. This is one delicious looking cake!! I am looking forward to trying it.
What an interest history of the Guinness. Thank you for telling it.
Los haré este fin de semana con mis hijas.


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Samsung's The Frame to Feature Masterpieces From the State Hermitage Museum through "The Art Store"
Samsung Electronics announced today its partnership with the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, which will provide digital versions of the Museum's artwork to Samsung's virtual Art Store on its lifestyle TV, The Frame. The State Hermitage will be the first Russian museum to feature its pieces in the Art Store collection, which is available to The Frame owners all over the world.
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WE HAVE SOME LATE AVAILABILITY DATES FOR 2019 SO WHY NOT COME & TALK TO US ABOUT WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU?
Combine our many years of experience with our award winning hotel and gardens, elegant function rooms, personal service and you have the perfect venue for one of the most special days of your life.
Situated between Preston and Clitheroe, in the heart of the Ribble Valley, we offer an individual and unique wedding service whether you are considering an indoor or outdoor wedding, summer or winter, Civil Ceremony and Wedding Breakfast or a Church Ceremony followed by a Wedding Breakfast. We are licensed to hold civil ceremonies throughout the year.
We are able to offer you a choice of venues for both your civil ceremony and/or your wedding breakfast depending on the time of year, weather, and size of your wedding party. In the summer months ceremonies can take place outdoors in the Bandstand, surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning scenery, or in the light and airey Orangery. The Cavalier Lounge is also available for the smaller more intimate civil ceremony.
In the winter ceremonies take place in either the Orangery or Cavalier Lounge.
The recently refurbished Conservatory, with its bifolding doors opening onto the terrace, is a 'room with a view' for your wedding breakfast and evening reception.
For the smaller more intimate wedding the Orangery or Cavalier Lounge offer ideal alternatives.
So whatever sort of day you are planning make sure you talk to us first.
We have wedding packages availabe but we also offer bespoke weddings; so do contact us to organise a visit to look around and discuss your requirements. If you would like a brochure please complete the Wedding Enquiry form and we will be in touch!
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All interested community members, service providers and professionals are invited to attend a workshop to assist and deepen their understanding and confidence in working with LGBTI people.
The workshop will focus on the experiences of LGBTI people in regional and rural Australia, the three critical points of an LGBTI person's mental health journey and practical strategies to improve everyday practice to work effectively in an effort to reduce *******. The workshop will include a screening of iNTERSExION to help participants to understand more about Intersex people and also people living outside binary genders.


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Mayor Weigh-In
High Wycombe, England
17th-century tradition of public weighing is met with boos or cheers depending on the Mayor's weight.
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Although public officials are met with far less rotten fruit and tomatoes, the annual Mayor Weigh-In in High Wycombe, England still draws a crowd ready to boo an increase in the mayor's weight.
Today, the Mayor Weigh-In is just a symbolic act. At the beginning of every mayor's term, their weight is taken publicly by men in period dress, using a scale from the 1700s. That weight is recorded, and kept for the next year, when the mayor is once again weighed in front of a crowd. This time though, a town crier announces whether the weight has gone up, down or stayed the same.
When it was first introduced in 1678, it was used as a real tool to measure corruption in the town of High Wycombe. By weighing the mayor each year, the citizens of the town could see if the mayor was "getting fat" off of the taxpayer's pound. At its inception, the mayor was in fact corrupt, and a drunk slob. But his slovenly time as mayor set a strange tradition into motion that is still celebrated each year 340 years later.
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Home » Kia 2022 Carnival is Fully Equipped and Here's What You Get
Kia 2022 Carnival is Fully Equipped and Here's What You Get
Kia 2022 Carnival is debuting this year as a replacement for the Sedona. It is a 7- or 8-passenger MPV (multi-purpose vehicle.) It's said Kia prefers that term rather than "minivan."
It has sliding side doors, three rows of seats, and an impressive cargo room.
Kia Carnival Has a Lot of Muscle
The Carnival is powering by a 3.5-liter V6 that sends 290 horsepower to the front wheels. It's plenty of muscle to get the Carnival moving. It is even fully loading with people and their things. It is even though there is no all-wheel-drive option. Moreover, the driving manners are good. There is precise steering and a suspension that absorbs bumps in the road for a smooth ride. However, is taut enough to feel nimble for such a family hauler. Therefore, the standard equipment is good. It includes a reasonable number of safety features and a touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
The Carnival does come with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty as with all Kias.
Four Trim
In fact, the Carnival prices range from $33,275 ($32,100 + $1,175 destination fee) for the LX up to $47,275 for the top SX Prestige. The prices are in line with the competition from both Toyota and Honda. Moreover, some models can be configuring with seven or eight seats. Though the top SX Prestige is a 7-seater only. The second row does include dual captain's seats rather than a 3-across bench.
The base LX Carnival seats seven and comes with keyless ignition, cloth upholstery, sliding and removable second-row seats, front and rear air conditioning, and powered sliding doors. Safety features include forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, driver attention monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear occupant alert.
Moreover, the infotainment is controlled by an 8-inch touchscreen and includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for multiple devices, six USB ports, and a 6-speaker audio setup.
Want the new Carnival as soon as possible? Our door-to-door auto shipping team will bring your new ride right to your door in a flash!
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Want to get your performance mojo back? Here's how to mix things up.
Why are pullups harder for women?
Pullups are more difficult for women - true. But this doesn't make them impossible.
It's all about technique, training and practice. Here's how to master the almighty pullup.
Improve posture, boost performance and protect against injury.
It's one movement repeated over and over again. Get it wrong and you're in trouble.