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Scribbling Women ~ pt. 4.3
Westward Journey
Excerpt from "Mable Vaughan" 1857
By Maria Cummins
The morning of departure came. The landlord of the hotel had been summoned, and on Mabel's expressing her regret that her funds were only sufficient for her present wants, had cordially assured her of his perfect readiness to wait Mr. Vaughan's convenience for the settlement of his accounts and had himself accompanied her to the steamboat. Mrs. Hope was there with shawls over her arm, and parcels in her hand, Jack was there with a huge basket of cakes and candy, provided by his thoughtful mother, Lydia was there, her eyes red with crying, and her hands busy in giving the finishing touch to Murray's curls, and Owen Dowst was at the further end of the wharf attending to the baggage.
At length they took their places, Mabel and the boys in the centre of the deck, where they were protected by an ample awning, and Owen modestly choosing a seat at the stern of the boat, where, without intrusion, he could keep the little party in sight. The bell rang and they moved off, -- Jack waved his cap, Mrs. Hope cried out "Good-bye," and Lydia timidly threw a kiss, -- not at Mabel, however, or the boys, but in response to one from the stern of the vessel, where Owen stood, leaning over the railing, and looking backward with a tear in his honest eye.
The first day's journey passed without any important incident. The weather, which had promised to be fair, soon became dull, and at length a pouring rain drove the passengers to the cabin, where for many successive hours, they were crowded together, deprived of fresh air, and with no prospect of being able to venture on deck again.
Here all Mabel's powers were called into action, for the diversion and entertainment of Murray, whose restlessness could ill brook the restraint to which he was subjected in the ladies' saloon, and who continually threatened to stray beyond its limits. Fortunately, however, Owen, who had stationed himself in the vicinity of the door, contrived to decoy him to a place on his knee, and amused and entertained him there until the bell-sounded for dinner. While watching the good-natured youth, as he cut an apple into a fanciful shape, or whittled a figure from a bit of wood, the child was completely happy, an Mabel was freed from all anxiety concerning him.
These ingenious and friendly devices, however, though not lost on Alick, had no power to win him from his position beside Mabel, where, with the basket of provisions at his feet, and his arm passed through the handle of the carpet bag, he sat upright and firm as a sentinel at his post. Whether Father Noah's exhortation, to "behave like a little man" still influenced him, or whether he felt a proud and instinctive consciousness of being in some degree his aunt's protector, he manifested no sign of weariness, and never once during the day uttered a single complaint.
They dinned and supped on board the boat, the thoughtful Owen having secured a seat, and recommended them to the care of one of the waiters, whom he chanced to know, and with whom he afterwards took his own repast at the second table.
But although the gentle motion of the boat, the comparative privacy of the ladies' cabin, and the respectful devotion of her attendant, contrived to render the first day's experience satisfactory to Mabel, and soothing to her anxieties, the interval between the arrival of the party in Albany and their departure in the night-train for Buffalo, was replete with those incidents which constitute the trials of the traveler, and render journeying an uncertain and hazardous experiment. The boat was late at the wharf, there was some delay and difficulty in the distribution of baggage, noise and confusion prevailed in every direction, and before Owen could collect his own boxes and Mabel's trunks, the carriages, loaded with passengers for the cars, had all driven off. Among the coaches that remained, all had one or more occupants bound in a different direction, and none of the drivers would agree to reach the station in season for the western train. Mabel's countenance betrayed her agitation and alarm, Alick looked piteously from one rough face to another, and Murray, dimly comprehending that something was the matter, as usual began to cry.
"Look here -- I say," cried Owen, catching a burly, round-faced fellow by the button, and glancing significantly towards Mabel, "do not disappoint that lady, now, -- it's too bad, -- her folks were hurt, -- one on 'em killed by that bad accident last week, -- and she's a goin' out there to her father, -- don't you be the means of her losin' the train."
What a revulsion of feeling such an appeal will oftentimes produce. "Do tell," said the man. "Now that's a case. Hullo, Sam, have those trunks up here, will yer? Give a hand, boy, -- her father" (in his turn nodding at Mabel) "was killed on the cars last week. Look here, you," speaking to a gayly dressed fop inside, who, seeing his valise unceremoniously thrown to the sidewalk, was already preparing to alight, "this gentleman," (waving his hand toward Sam) "will take you up to the hotel, I'm bound to get these 'tother folks down to the Buffalo cars, in with you, Bub," and he lifted Alick, basket, carpet-bag and all, into the carriage, Mabel and Murray followed, Owen sprang up outside and they were off.
There are few things more trying to the patience, and more exciting to the nerves, than driving through the crowded streets of a city, with the apprehension that every minute's delay may be fatal to one's hopes. During the ten minutes that they were hurrying and rattling over the pavements, Mabel endeavored in vain to quiet her disturbed feelings, and strove, with equal want of success, to soothe the weeping Murray, while Alick silently watched his aunt's countenance, as if it were the dial-plate of destiny. They were barely in season after all, there was just time for the luggage to be thrown hastily on board, and the last bell was sounding as Owen entered a car, with Murray in his arms, followed by Mabel and Alick, almost breathless with the haste they had made and carrying between them the basket and traveling bag, which Alick could not transport alone, but which the sturdy boy was unwilling to relinquish.
This little incident served at once to excite Mabel's anxieties for the future, and to impress her with a sense of her dependence on Owen. She felt sick at heart, as imagination conjured up the possible disasters and delays which might ensue before the termination of the journey, and, as the darkness of the night came on, and a thick gloom settled over every object, an undefined dread took possession of her, and when Murray exclaimed with convulsive sobbing, "Auntie, Murray is tired, -- Murray can't ride all night," she was tempted to fold the child to her bosom, and weep with him over their multiplied misfortunes.
Her weakness was rebuked, however, by the confiding tone in which Alick responded to his brother's complaint, -- I ain't tired, Murray," said he, -- "I wouldn't mind going anywhere with Aunt Mabel."
"I would," said Murray. "I want to go home."
"Let me take him a little while, Miss Vaughan," said Owen, who had observed his fretfulness, "I see he's getting pretty uneasy. Will you come and sit by me, Murray?"
The child hesitated, too thoroughly weary to have any preference.
"I'll coax the little fellow off to sleep." said Owen, lifting him in his strong, arms, and bearing him to his own seat at the further end of the car, where, wrapped in a heavy pilot-cloth coat, and with his head resting on Owen's shoulder, he soon fell into a quiet slumber. Two or three hours passed away. Alick, despite his efforts to the contrary, had fallen asleep, though still sitting as upright as a grenadier, and Mabel had once or twice forgotten her anxieties, and enjoyed s moment's repose, when a bright light shone in their faces, and suddenly awakening, they discovered that the train was stopping at a place of some importance, if one might judge by the bustle which pervaded the platform in front of the station. Murray, also, awakened by the noise and lights, ran to his aunt, rubbing his eyes, and petitioning her for something to eat.
"Milk, too, Auntie -- I must have some milk." he cried, as she proceeded to open the luncheon basket.
"No, Murray, I have no milk for you," was the reply, "a cake will do without milk, won't it?"
"I can get him a glass of milk, or some water, at least, Miss Vaughan" said Owen, who was about to leave the car, and paused to offer his services. "the train stops here five minutes -- plenty of time, Miss. I'll hand it in at the window."
"Take my purse, Owen," said Mabel, "and pay for it, if you please."
The milk was brought to the window in a pitcher. Owen had a tumbler in his hand, and all were by turns refreshed with the sweet wholesome beverage. There was still a moment or two of delay at the station -- ample time for the young man to return, pay for the milk, and take-his place in the car. Still, the bell rang, and the train proceeded on its way without his having made his appearance. Mabel looked back with some anxiety, but supposing. that he had entered a rear car and would soon make his way to them, she did not feel any positive alarm and was therefore wholly taken by surprise when a few minutes after, the conductor, as he passed with his lantern in hand, held it up to her face and said inquiringly, "Wasn't that young fellow in the pilot-cloth coat with you, ma'am?"
"Yes," answered Mabel. "why?"
"He got left behind at the last station." said the man coolly.
"Got left!" exclaimed Mabel, repeating his words in astonishment and fright, while Alick groaned aloud and Murray set up a shrill and prolonged cry.
"Yes, they took some of his boxes out there by mistake, so the baggage-master says, and he caught sight of 'em and sprung off the platform just as we were starting."
"Couldn't you stop for him?" asked Mabel, in a tone of mingled appeal and reproach.
"Couldn't, nohow," said the man, though speaking in a tone of regret. "we're behind our time now. If there's any mistake it ain't our fault, he couldn't have had his things marked right in Albany, He'll come tomorrow, I reckon."
"To-morrow," thought Mabel, "but where shall we be by that time?" and at the same instant the remembrance flashed upon her that he was in possession of her purse, containing all the money she had in the world.
"What shall I do?" was the involuntary exclamation which burst from her lips as, trembling with agitation, she started up impulsively, then in a despairing manner sank back into her seat.
"Can't we go on without him, Auntie?" asked Alick anxiously, while Murray continued to cry, loudly threatening, amid his sobs, to "beat that old conductor, and make him go back for Owen."
"Oh, I do not know, Alick, what we shall do." said Mabel, the self-command which she had hither-to maintained in the presence of the children forsaking her at this unforeseen crisis.
The interest and compassion of the other passengers were evidently awakened. Many outstretched forms were suddenly raised from recumbent positions, and many sleepy eyes turned in the direction of our little group of travelers, while a murmur of inquiry and response ran through the car. The conductor, however, had passed hastily out with his lantern, and as feeble and expiring light from an ill-trimmed lamp above afforded little satisfaction to curiosity, most of the weary company soon subsided into their former dreamy state of unconsciousness.
"God will take care of us, Auntie," said Alick, in a comforting tone, "that old minister said so, and I believe him."
"So do I." answered Mabel, drawing both children as closely to her as possible, and feeling for the second time, rebuked by Alick's childlike faith -- first in her and now in a higher power.
At the same instant, a voice proceeding from the seat directly behind them, addressed Mabel in a tone of gentle but earnest inquiry. "I have been asleep, my dear, but, if I understand right, your servant has got left at Utica."
"Not my servant, except by free-will, ma'am," answered Mabel, her face as she turned being brought close to that of the person who was leaning forward to speak to her, but whose features were undistinguishable in the dim light.
"Oh, I was mistaken, then," said the lady, apologetically. "I only judged from appearances, when you came into the car at dusk."
"Yes, ma'am, it is not strange," said Mabel, "I don't wonder at it, he was so kind to the boys and so civil to me. He was a good friend, and we depended upon him, and now, -- now --."
Her voice choked, she could not go on.
The old lady -- for the stranger was advanced in years -- quietly rose, to come forward, and taking the seat beside Mabel from which Alick had risen in the moment of excitement, said kindly, "And do you need a friend now, my dear?"
Mabel could not answer except by putting her hand into that of the old lady, who pressed it tenderly.
"Little brothers?" said she, drawing Alick toward her, and gently soothing Murray with the words, "Poor boy! There, don't cry!"
"She's our auntie." said Alick, proudly.
"And where's mama?"
"She's gone to another world." answered Murray, promptly.
"She died last Saturday." whispered Alick.
Their new friend uttered an exclamation of pity, and, grieved at the result of her natural inquiry, forebore all further questioning.
"Poor little fellows! you must both be tired," said she. "Come, I will put you to bed." And rising, she beckoned to a woman just behind them, and with her assistance proceeded to carry her purpose into execution. "Don't stir, we will make them very comfortable," she added as Mabel proposed to assist her. And taking advantage of some vacant seats opposite, she spread upon them her own and the women's surplus supply of shawls, and in a few moments the exhausted children were disposed of for the rest of the night.
"My child, you have seen trouble, I fear." said the benevolent lady, as resuming her seat by Mabel, she passed one arm around the young girl's waist, and drew her head upon her shoulder.
Mabel had in some degree, steeled herself against the hardships and trials which she might encounter, but this unexpected kindness wholly overpowered her, the floodgates of her soul were opened, and her tears poured forth like rain. Her judicious comforter did not attempt to restrain her. She well knew the relief it sometimes is to weep, and without interrupting her by a word, suffered her feelings to have vent.
"Lie still, dear." said she, as Mabel, having at length become more composed, made a movement to sit upright.
"You are very good, but I shall fatigue and distress you."
"Do not disturb yourself on my account," was the reply. "I only require a few hours sleep, and I have had that already. I want to see you take some rest."
"Oh, I cannot sleep," said Mabel, "I am too unhappy."
"Perhaps I can help you," said the old lady. "There are two sides to trouble, -- let us try and look at the bright side."
"I never gave up so before," said Mabel, "and I know ought not to now, but this seemed too much."
"Was this young man so essential to you, then, that you cannot get on without him?"
"He was very considerate and kind," said Mabel. "I shall miss him, and so will the boys, but that is not the worst, -- he has got all my money. I gave him my purse to pay for some milk for the children just before he left the cars."
"Well, that is bad," said the old lady, "but not beyond remedy. How far are you expecting to travel?"
Mabel named the town and county in the eastern part of Illinois, which were her destination.
"And you were to take the steamer at Buffalo?"
"Yes, to-morrow night."
"There is no boat until the night following, "said the old lady, confidently. "I have made particular inquiries, as I am to pursue the same route myself. So you see Owen will have to join you, and, meanwhile, you shall be under my care, and afterwards, too," added she, "If you can feel confidence in an old lady who is a stranger to you, but who has seen much of the world, and is an experienced traveler."
Mabel thanked her heartily in her own name and the children's.
"Do not thank me," said her kind friend, "the benefit will be mutual. I am fond of young people, and am glad to be of use in the world. If my three score years and ten can afford you comfort and protection, then I have not grown old in vain."
"Oh, I cannot tell you the relief it will be, if you will only let me keep within sight of you." exclaimed Mabel, eagerly. Then, as she recalled the lady's previous allusion to her being a stranger, she added, with simple candor, at the same time lifting her head, and speaking with great earnestness, "But you are very good, Ma'am, to feel confidence in me. It must seem strange to you, that I should be traveling so far, with the charge of these children, and dependent myself upon a young man who is not of my own station in life."
"Yes, a little singular, perhaps," answered the lady, "but no more so than many things which admit of an easy explanation, or, even if I were still left to wonder at the circumstances, it would not deter me from offering my aid to one who seems to need it."
"May I tell you how it happened?" asked Mabel.
"Certainly, my child, if you please to do so. Tell me anything that you feel willing to confide to one old enough to be a safe, but not too old to be a sympathizing friend."
Thus encouraged, Mabel suffered her head to drop once more upon the shoulder of the tall and strongly-framed, though venerable lady, and in the darkness of the night and amid the hush which prevailed among the sleepers who were stretched around, she poured into her willing ear, in a low and broken voice, the story of her recent family bereavements, and the sufferings, responsibilities, perplexities, which had ensued. Her bitterest grief and anxieties were such, indeed, as can be breathed only in the ear of Heaven, but the partial revelation which she made was enough and more than enough to excite all the tender compassion of her aged friend, as was evidently from the gentle expressions of condolence which escaped her, and the affectionate solicitude with which she drew a cloak around the, weary girl, and now and then pressed her closer to her side. So sweet, indeed, was this welcome assurance of protection and sympathy, that, at length, the tale being ended, and the aching heart, in some measure, relieved of its burden, tired nature asserted its claims, and a soft and refreshing sleep stole over Mabel's senses.
It was daylight when she awoke. The sun was streaming through the car most of the passengers were sitting bolt up-right in their seats, their firm attitudes seeming to defy anyone who should accuse them of having slept a wink on the journey, and the whole scene was so different from that which had prevailed a few hours before, that Mabel could not for a moment realize where she was, or whether the events of the previous night had not all been a dream. There could be nothing imaginary, however, in the friendly shoulder on which her head was comfortably pillowed, nor could anything be more kind and cordial than the smile which reassured her, as starting up she suddenly exclaimed, "Why, how long have I lain here! How I must have tired you!"
"No, you have not tired me in the least. I am rejoiced that you have slept so long, how do you feel this morning, my dear?"
But Mabel did not seem to heed the kind inquiry. Her eyes were fixed earnestly on the face of her new friend, while a glow of pleasure radiated her features. There could be no mistaking that benevolent countenance, that dignified form, those silver curls peeping from the snowy fluting of the widow's cap, above all that cheering and animating smile, and, snatching the hand of the good lady, Mabel pressed it to her lips, exclaiming, "You are not a stranger after all! I have seen you before, you are Mrs. Abraham Percival!
"Do you know me then?" was the reply, "That is pleasant, I have been studying your face, my dear, and thought it seemed familiar, but you must help my memory a little. I cannot recall the name."
"Mabel Vaughan, but perhaps you have never heard the whole name."
"We shall soon be in Buffalo, my dear." said Madam Percival at length, leaning forward and laying her hand on Mabel's shoulder, to attract her attention.
Mabel, thus suddenly roused from a sad and painful reverie, into which she had fallen, a train of thought superinduced no doubt by the disclosures and coincidences of the morning, started, turned, and said, in an abstracted manner, "Yes, and what shall we do then?"
Whatever you like, my poor, tired child, you need rest and refreshment for body and mind. I was thinking where we could best find it."
"Wherever you please" Said Mabel, "I shall be only too contented and thankful to stay with you."
"Have you ever been to Niagara?"
"Never, ma'am," answered Mabel, with a slight tremulousness in her voice, at the mention of a spot she had once so yearned to visit, but which was now associated with many a bitter memory.
"We shall have twenty-four hours to spare before the steam boat leaves," said Madam Percival, "I have consulted my little friend here (and she tapped with her spectacles the railroad guide which she held in her hand), and find that we can, if we choose, proceed directly to Niagara, and remain there until within a few hours of the boat's sailing, It will be an uncomfortable night in the city, I am well known at the Cataract House, and we shall be sure of every outward comfort, to say nothing of the inexpressible pleasure of having a glimpse at the Falls. Do you like the plan?"
"I do not know," said Mabel, hesitatingly. "I would rather you should decide."
"You can scarcely be expected to have any preference under the circumstances, my dear," said Madam Percival, laying her hand anxiously on Mabel's flushed cheek, "but I am convinced there could be, no better prescription for you than the one I recommend." The boys require rest and fresh cool air to invigorate them after the journey, but you need something more, it is the tired heart and brain which sends this feverish blood to your cheek, rather than physical fatigue, though you have had your share of that. You are my guests for the present, -- my adopted children I would say, -- -and so l feel myself at liberty to study your wants, and endeavor to supply them. Besides," added she, with a persuasive smile and tone, which made it almost appear that she was begging, instead of conferring a favor, "we old folks, who pride ourselves on our experience, love to try our favorite remedies, so, if you leave the decision to me, we will keep on to Niagara, and risk the additional fatigue in consideration of the benefit we hope to derive from the effort."
Comprehending at once the disinterestedness of the scheme to divert her troubled mind from the contemplation of its sorrows, Mabel hastened to deprecate the idea of her aged friend's incurring any unnecessary fatigue on her account, but Madam Percival assured her that she never suffered from the affects of traveling, and that in the present case, the necessity for one day's delay rendered the temptation to visit the Falls irresistible, apart from the satisfaction it would be to introduce her young friends to one of the grandest wonders of nature, in which, as Americans, they had all a common birthright.
So the excursion was determined on, and night found them established in a comfortable hotel, where, within hearing of the roar of the mighty cataract, they all experienced the welcome refreshment and repose which weary travelers crave.
At an early hour, the next morning, a pleasant voice was heard outside Mabel's door, saying, softly, "Are you awake, my dear?" and was answered by Mabel's presenting herself, already dressed and equipped for going out.
"You are on the alert, I see," said Madam Percival, who also wore her bonnet and shawl, as if prepared for a walk. "I thought I heard your step in the room, or I would not have disturbed you, how have you slept?"
"Very soundly until daylight, but then I awoke, and hearing the noise of the Falls, could not resist going out to see them before breakfast."
"Ah, you are a girl after my own heart," said madam Percival, drawing Mabel's arm through hers. "I have left word with my woman, Mrs. Patten, to go in and attend to the children's wants, whenever they awake, so you need feel no anxiety about them." and the old and the young lady left the hotel together.
"This is the direction leading to the bridge over the rapids," said Madam Percival, when they had gained a side street. "I see an old acquaintance of mine, that Indian woman, just opening her little store of wares over opposite -- she knows me," and Madam Percival bowed in kindly recognition to the dusky squaw, whose face was full of eagerness. "I must go and speak to her. Do not wait for me, I will overtake you." Thus speaking, Madam Percival crossed the road leading to bridge, and Mabel proceeded alone.
How tumultuous and how mingled was the rushing tide of thought which assailed her during that short, lonely walk! The time the place, the solitude -- how suggestive were they all! How many of her childhood's hopes, her girlish anticipations had centered around Niagara! How fondly had she looked forward to this fulfillment of her early dreams! How little had she foreseen the cruel chain of circumstances which had brought her to the spot at last, disappointed, forsaken, and bereaved. A moment more, and, in the stillness of the morning, for the sun had not yet risen, she found herself alone on the bridge, beneath which flowed the angry torrent. Panting from exercise, breathless with her own agitating reflections, and dumb with astonishment and awe, she stood, with parted lips, gazing up that gigantic slope, down which, in wild and frantic speed, the waters were hastening to their fearful plunge. Whence came they and whither did they go -- those mad, triumphant waves -- which, scorning all opposition and beating down all obstacles, seemed like the very messengers of doom! An instinctive dread took possession of Mabel's mind, as, gazing long and fixedly at those witnesses to God's power and majesty, she saw in them types of those recent events which, bearing down like a mighty flood and overwhelming her beneath a torrent of trouble, had left her to struggle helplessly with the current. "All They waves and Thy billows have gone over me, Great God." she exclaimed aloud, at length withdrawing her gaze from a scene whose sublime and solemn grandeur was, to the excited girl, almost lost in a nervous sense of terror.
Then, as the roar still continued sounding in her ears, an irresistible impulse seized her to hasten on and witness the end, which, at the present, she could image to herself only as a dire catastrophe, and, as if fearful that, by a moment's delay, she should lose something of the awful spectacle which she half longed, half dreaded to behold, she commenced running, and without pausing to take breath, continued at the same rapid pace until she suddenly gained an elevated point, where, at a glance, she could discern the two rival divisions of the far-famed cataract. She gazed for an instant only, at the dark and angry waters, on which the sun, now just below the verge of the horizon, had not yet shed his beam, and which, as they plunged down the fearful vortex, seemed to her bewildered senses to utter only a message of stern and angry wrath, then throwing herself on the ground, with her face hid against a huge overhanging rock, she burst into a fit of passionate and uncontrollable weeping. Her excited feelings having thus found vent, however, and her strained nerves being relieved by this free and natural outburst, she soon became more calm, and at length lay quite still, listening, without terror, to the roar of the waters, when, suddenly, she heard, close beside her, in measured and familiar accents, the solemn words, "And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying Alleluia, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth."
There was a pause, then a long-drawn sigh escaped Mabel, and attracted the attention of Madam Percival, who had not until then perceived her.
"What! Are you here before me, and in my favorite spot, my child?" exclaimed she, then seeing the despairing attitude and covered face of Mabel, and at once conjecting that, in the weak state of her nervous system she had been overcome by the scene, she sat down beside her and said in a self reproving tone, "Ah, I should not have let you come here alone."
"It frightens me," said Mabel, with a shudder. "I should not have minded the fall so much, -- but those dreadful rapids!" and again a slight shudder passed over her frame. "It seemed as if everything were pouring down at once just as -- just as --."
"Just as trouble comes upon us poor mortals, as you would say, my dear."
"Yes, I could not help thinking of myself."
"I have often had the same thought," said Madam Percival, soothingly, "but I have also found here a lesson of faith and hope, which has fortified me in the hour of trouble, and which I trusted you would have learned here, too. Often we are borne through the rushing waves of anxiety, suspense, and pain, and plunged at last down the gulf of a mighty sorrow, but let us not be faithless or despairing. He who has meted out the bounds of the earth has said to human suffering, as to the mighty torrent, 'Thus far shalt thou go and no farther,' and even amid the shock of a great calamity we know that the raging torrent of affliction is spanned by the rainbow of his love. Look up, my dear, look up."
Mabel lifted her head quickly, as her attention was thus earnestly claimed, and above the watery abyss, which a few moments before had been so dark and fearful, a glorious rainbow danced and quivered in the beams of the newly-risen sun, and, as the glittering spray caught and reflected the rays of light in the new forms of radiance, another and another brilliant arch stretched its graceful curve across the foaming flood.
A smile of joy flashed out from Mabel's face, effecting in it a transformation scarcely less striking than that which had so suddenly been wrought in the face of nature, she clasped her hands, and stood for some moments in a rapt and serene silence.
Madam Percival watched the play of her features with affectionate interest and as the anxious and troubled expression of her countenance was gradually superseded by a glow of a Heavenly peace, she said in a low and fervent tone, "Ah, my child, it is only when the light of the Sun of righteousness comes to illuminate our darkened hearts, that we can comprehend the love of Him who is continually confirming His ancient promise -- It shall come to pass when I bring a cloud over the earth that the bow shall be seen in the cloud."
"I have realized it many times," said Mabel, eagerly, "I realize it now."
"It is shining in your face, my love," said Madam Percival. "come, let us go back to the hotel, and cheer with it the little orphan hearts which must look to you hence forward to be the sunshine of their lives."
"Is it not grand? Is it not encouraging and ennobling?" said Madam Percival, when, some hours later they sat together on the flat surface of Table Rock, watching the gigantic waters of the Horse Shoe Falls. "In the course of a long life, I have visited this spot many times, and I have invariably gone away refreshed and strengthened, as if I had been listening to the voice of a sacred oracle. Especially when the chastening of God's providence was heavy upon me, have I been cheered by this glorious proclamation of the truth that His power goes hand in hand with His love."
"I cannot thank you enough for bringing me here," said Mabel -- "it is a remembrance for a life-time."
"I confess," said the old lady, "my first thought was merely to divert your mind from dwelling too fixedly on your recent trials. I did not realize how fully you were open to impressions from nature. Now I cannot be too thankful for the prompting which bade me lead you to the school of high thoughts and noble purpose. God grant, my child, that your young life, sanctified by the divine blessing, may flow on in as strong, deep, and tranquil a current, as that of this noble river, whose strong waters, hence forth forward, with only now and then a temporary interruption, sweep calmly on to the eternal ocean. You, indeed, need moral courage and strength, my child, for it is a noble mission which you have before you."
"You mean the care of the children." said Mabel, observing that Miss Percival's eye was fixed upon the boys, who were playing at a little distance.
"Yes, -- the training of these young minds and hearts is an office of true dignity and greatness, and one in which you have all my sympathy. I, too, have 'educated boys, and my work is not yet finished. If I read those little fellows' characters right, your responsibility is as great as your influence is unbounded. That eldest child loves you with a devotion which I have rarely seen equaled in one of his years. It is through that love that he must learn to cherish those universal sympathies, in which I suspect him to be deficient, and that happy, affectionate, beautiful, spoiled plaything yonder, who is at this moment attracting the attention of strangers will develop impulses and propensities of so wide a range, that all the ardor of his nature must be early taught to concentrate itself on the pure, the elevated, and the good. Remember, my dear that your counsels may rule in many generations of hearts, and if the thought will add sanctity to your office, cherish the belief that the principles you instill, may help to mold the future fortunes of this free republic."
A shade of earnest thought and holy resolution was stamped on Mabel's attentive face, as, with her eyes intently fixed on the children, she listened to the solemn charge of her experienced and venerable friend. It would have been difficult to pronounce which was the nobler countenance of the two, that of the benevolent and Christian matron who uttered the words of warning and of wisdom, or that of the enthusiastic and truth-loving girl, into whose heart they sunk with a deep and lasting power. Madam Percival gazed into the earnest face of Mabel, and her heart warmed anew towards her, as she read in every expressive feature a hopeful prophesy for the future, a prophecy which after years saw gloriously fulfilled.
We pass over the departure from Niagara, after a visit which, though brief, was memorable to at least two of the little company, between whom there had, then and there, been sealed the compact of a friendship, rendered the more sacred by the wide difference in their years, All were refreshed and strengthened for continuing the journey and the joy of the children, and the relief and satisfaction of Mabel were complete, when, at the steamboat wharf at Buffalo, they met Owen, who, poor fellow, had suffered the most intense anxiety on their account, and who at once became a sharer in their gratitude to Madam Percival, as was evident from his clumsy but honest expression of thanks, and still more from his unwearied and deferential services to her during the remainder of the journey. "Upon my word, ma'am," said he, "when I found they were off, and nobody to see to 'em, I was e'en a'most crazed, and when, to crown the whole, I found Miss Vaughan's purse in my pocket, I believe I went clean mad. Why, I'd fired one of the engines and come after on my own hook, but t'was no use, I just had to cool down and learn patience by waitin'. But I see, and bless the lord for it, too, the young lady wa'n't without a protector, nor never will be in this world, I've a notion, -- sartin not if she has her deserts, and I make bold to thank you for your goodness on my own account, ma'am, and for the relief it is to my conscience," and taking off his hat and bowing, as he had been wont to bow to Rosy, he drew back a step and added, "Owen Dowst's your servant for life, ma'am!" Madam Percival was one who could appreciate the simplicity and worth of Mabel's humble escort, and before their travels together were at an end, he had learned to look upon this lady, as almost everyone did who came under her influence, as a reliable friend. She talked intelligently with him of farms, stock and crops, gave him much valuable information regarding Western life, and when he finally ventured to consult her with reference to the investment of his little property, she entered into his scheme with as ready an interest as if she had been a professed land-agent and he a wealthy speculator.
Thus all went on happily and harmoniously, and Mabel, with Madam Percival for her counselor and friend, Owen as the devoted attendant of herself and the children, and Mrs. Patton, who shared all the interests of her beloved mistress, to minister to her wants, and relieve her of little cares, found her formidable journey drawing to a safe conclusion, and almost sighed as she thought how soon she must part from these valued and tried friends of her adversity.
The last night of their sojourn in each other's company was passed on board a canal-boat. The children had gone to sleep in the cabin, Mrs. Patton was watching beside them. Owen, at the stern of the boat, was giving voluntary aid in the stowing of some freight, and Madam Percival and Mabel were seated on the deck, holding the last of those pleasant and valuable conversations which they had enjoyed together.
"I am glad you like this Western country," said Madam Percival, "and that you do not feel discouraged by its yet rough and undeveloped character. It is a great field, and one in which comparatively little has been accomplished. You will find much that is strange, uncouth, and utterly at variance with all your preconceived ideas, but to a noble mind there is a satisfaction in overcoming difficulties, and every effort is sure to find its reward in a land which makes such a rich return for the labor bestowed on it."
"It excites all my enthusiasm," said Mabel. "I have felt, a hundred times on our journey, as if I would gladly stop short at any given point, and remain a year or more, to watch the progress which could almost be seen in passing, and of which I hear such wonderful accounts on every side."
"Say rather," said Madam Percival, "to take part in that progress, do not consider yourself excluded by your age or sex from exerting an active influence on the growth and true civilization of any spot in which you are either temporarily or permanently a resident. In a country whose physical development is so unexampled as this, too much effort cannot be made to insure a proportionate advance in moral and spiritual growth. It may be that your influence and example must be confined to a narrow circle, but do not forget that, however restricted may be your sphere, it is woman's peculiar privilege and province to exert that softening, elevating, purifying spirit, which sanctifies the ruder labors of life, and sheds abroad in the community a nobler ambition than that of building cities in the wilderness, and subduing the elements to human will. Above all, my dear, do not consider your life in the West a period of exile, This is but a part of your mother country, destined, in tine perhaps to become in its influence, what it already is in its locality, -- the centre and heart of the republic."
"I am already accustoming myself," said Mabel, "to look upon it as my future home, for such it may eventually become."
"Make it a home, my dear," said Madam Percival, "for yourself and your family, at least, while you remain in it, give it your affection and your best efforts, -- it is the only way to render it a happy residence or a useful one. I have homes in several parts of our country, and it would be hard for me to say which I love best, it is now fifteen years since I accompanied my husband into this unsettled region. He was one of the pioneers of civilization, and the affection which I then conceived for this Western valley has continued in full force ever since. It has been with great satisfaction that I have made successive pilgrimages hither, and now that I have come to finish my days, perhaps, in this land of promise, I do not feel willing to consider it the home of my adoption but simply my native soil."
"If you were only to be near me," said Mabel, "it would be such a comfort, your counsel would be so precious."
"Forty miles is not counted a very great distance in this part of the world, my dear, and that, as nearly as I can judge, is the distance between your father's estate and that of my son. My hand, owing to one of the infirmities of age, has recently been disabled from writing, but I shall find a way one of these days, to communicate with my young friend, and shell always be rejoiced to hear from you in return. But, good night, I will not keep you up any longer to listen to an old woman's preaching."
Before morning they had reached the bustling Western city where their united route terminated. Mabel and the children took passage in the clumsy carriage in which they were to commence their last day's journey, Owen set out for another part of the country, and Madam Percival, having seen her adopted charges on their way, proceeded to the house of a friend, where she was to await her son's arrival in the city.
It was a cold, rainy, and uncomfortable evening, when, with the horses weary and steaming, and the children exhausted with cold and fatigue, Mabel, almost hopeless of ever reaching their destination, which had seemed all day to recede as they advanced, at length heard from their driver the joyful words, "That 'er's Mr. Vaughan's house where you see the light over there."
"Don't Cry, we are almost there, Murray!" she exclaimed encouragingly, to the poor weeping child, who, sadly feeling the want of Madam Percival's shawls and Owen's pilot-cloth coat, was shivering with the cold, from which all Mabel's care could ill protect him, and who, hungry, dissatisfied, and out of humor, had complained and cried bitterly for the last half hour. "Look over there, beyond the river -- that is grandpa's house, you will soon see him and Uncle Harry."
"I don't want to see them! I hate this place! I won't stay here!" sobbed Murray.
"It will be better than riding all night, though, Murray, won't it?" said Alick, in the same patient, philosophical tone which the little man had maintained from the commencement of the journey.
"Ye'll have to get out here and step up a piece," said the driver, halting within a few rods of the house, "My road turns off here to the post-office, and these horses are dead beat, that's a fact."
Mabel needed no second bidding, she was only too glad to trust to her own feet, to which eagerness lent wings, and in an instant more, with Murray in her arms and Alick close beside her, she hastened in the direction of the light, opened the unlocked door of the house, and entered. She found herself in a dark passage, and was groping for the inner door, when it was suddenly thrown open, and with a cry of joy, she set Murray on the floor, and flung her arms around the neck of her astonished brother.
Had it been the ghost of Mabel instead of Mabel herself, it could have created no greater surprise and consternation. Mr. Vaughan, who was sitting in an arm-chair by the fire, turned his head-as Harry uttered her name, and seeing his daughter before him, became pale, tried twice to rise from his seat, then sank back as if seized by sudden giddiness, while a look of deep distress passed over his haggard features.
"Mabel here!" was his exclamation.
"The Scribbling Women"
Copyright ~ Estate of Andre Norton
Donated by - Estate of Andre Norton
Digitized and edited by Jay Watts aka: "Lots-a-watts" ~ May 2015
Duplication (in whole or parts) of this story for profit of any kind NOT permitted.
Rusted Armor
Scribbling Women
Star Man's Saga
Telling of Tales
Touchstone Stars
Trouble in Mayapan


Urbain Ghislain Joseph Jean Vaes (1896-1967) was a Belgian professor of business who spent most of his career at the University of Louvain/Leuven. After completing his undergraduate studies at Louvain, he received a scholarship to move to Philadelphia to study business at the University of Pennsylvania. The collection includes materials relating to the German occupation of Belgium, likely collected by Vaes during the war.


02-25-2013: Let's look at the Villains For Hire Team Dial!
Click below for larger image!
WK missed a keyword on Tattooed Man. During the Final Crisis series, Black Canary granted him Justice League membership. I know it was only one story, but considering this is probably the only version of this character we will get, WK should have given him Justice League as a keyword.
Does anyone know if the sculpt in this base relates to something from the series? Was not a fan of this new direction of the comic and did not read it.
cost: Tattooed Man costs 133 points to field as a piece for your army.
What I am wondering is if the ability to be played as part of a team dial makes the point cost higher than it would be if he did not have this ability.
@superfriend: I get you on duos. I have fun playing some of them (Cable/Deadpool comes to mind), but I can see where you are coming from.
duo figures - I just really like to pick the individual characters on my teams. A duo forces me to use that pair as a pair. I'd usually rather only play one of the two characters and someone else. To me one of the joys of the game is making a team of whomever I want. Duo figures restrict that choice.
cost - My guess is that the cost in terms of army build points is split between the team base and the individual figure. I was wondering how much. Since it is an ability not available to all pieces, it makes sense that it should impact the point cost.
@superfriend: Did I misunderstand your comment about much the team dial adds to the point cost. Or were you saying you wonder if they cost more because they can be played on the team dial as well.
And really no duo figures ever? I get not doing Split/Merge, but not using them at all?
@annoyinglizardvoice - exactly one of my points.
@zack - I understand it has multiple point values, I just don't play colossals or duo figures, so the idea of an expanded duo figure does not excite me.
The thing that really disappoints me about this one is that the characters who are available in boosters are the ones that have already been clixed twice each recently.
I also see these individual figures as being ridiculously expensive on the secondary market as people will want 2 copies of the pieces so they do not have to bother doing the switching.
Now that I've seen all 5, I really like all 5 dials. But I wonder how much the team dial adds to the point cost. I wish Tattooed Man was cheaper, but I am sure being able to choose between all those powers is expensive. I would have also liked to see him with a longer range as his tattoos have been known to fly off (birds) and attack characters a distance away. IMO, a range of 4 or 5 would be reasonable.
I really wish the 3 with the team dial were in the main set, and I would not have to buy the team dial to get the individual pieces. I just never see myself running a team dial in an event.
I agree, the running man symbol is arbitrary. To me the colored squares make sense, matching up with the various terrain outlines on the maps. To me, the black circle is a single figure heroclix base viewed from above.
@superfriend I would have less problems with Improved combat if it was more intuitive, which it currently is not. For example, rather than a black circle, it should be an icon that looks like a person -- that in itself makes more sense because it means it has something to do with other characters. As it stands now, the Improved Combat system is a MESS with ARBITRARY ICONS that makes no sense.
Unfortunately, this preview means that the 3 characters I want from this are in the super booster box with the base, which I do not care about.
Le, the improved movement system is not that bad. If you think of the colors as matching terrain types on the map, the improved movement becomes a condensed form of exactly the wording you are suggesting. Its like realizing that Green attack = Super Strength and Dark Blue attack = Psychic Blast and knowing what that means without needing to write it out on every card.
Improved targeting? Even with all the recent archer figures, Sharp shooter seems to have covered most of them. Have not seen very many figures with that yet.
Wow, this might be the most broken dial ever. I foresee this thing getting nerfed shortly after it is released.
Excited to see new characters. Unexcited by the fact they will probably be SRs or packaged with the base, making them harder to get. The Titans Tower is a cool piece of DC landmark. This feels forced. I'd like 3 of the 5 - Tattooed Man, Cinder, Cheshire. The other two I have enough recent versions of.
I wonder if they are going to have a nice arsenal that is Villains for Hire key worded for 300 point games.
Holy cow!! This is the first WOW figure(s) that they have shown from the set. I need all of these!


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Our patented formula of gel polish top coat assures long lasting wear and high-gloss shine that protect colors from fading and color changes over time. This soak-off gel polish top coat will cure in 30 seconds under LED lamp or 2 minutes under UV lamp.
Looks good and sets fast... so far it's holding up!


Valentine's Day is known for one thing - CHOCOLATE. And lots of it. It just wouldn't be Valentine's Day without it. When I was little and we lived in Chicago, on Valentine's Day morning I'd wake up to a little present on my breakfast plate. It was usually a box of Fannie May candies, Vanilla Buttercreams - my absolute favorite. Usually accompanied by a Chocolate Lollipop as well. But, it was always chocolate. For my bother, a man who doesn't like chocolate (how, I have no idea?!) he had a little bag of Fruity Gummies and a Caramel Lollipop. But, my mom always got us something that we loved from our favorite candy shop. And for me, it wouldn't be Valentine's Day without a little chocolate candy. Because if I'm going to eat candy, it is definitely chocolate!
Valentine's Day is just over a week away. Are you looking for something fun and easy to make? Don't worry, I got you covered. This week I was feeling nostalgic for those Valentine's Day mornings from my childhood, and those Chocolate Lollipops. But I realized lollipops are really fun and easy to make! All you need is lollipop sticks a lollipop mold, which you can find on Amazon. I prefer to use a silicone one because the lollipops come out so easily, I have linked the one I have here.
We don't have Fannie May in Mammoth, and they're not even on the West Coast. We have Sea's Candy out here, but it really just isn't the same for me. Plus, even though Fannie May is a thing of my childhood, they don't have anything organic. While, if I had the opportunity I would cheat and eat some but instead, I make all my own candy these days. So of course I wanted to make a Chocolate Lollipop. The Chocolate Lollipops from Fannie May were pretty plain, just milk or dark chocolate. And sometimes they were shaped like a heart or a bunny, depending on the holiday. I don't have a fancy mold, so I thought to make these lollipops a little more festive I'd add some pink sprinkles. I also added unsweetened fine shredded coconut, because you all know I LOVE coconut. Plus it's snowing a ton right now and while Valentine's Day is in the middle of winter, these lollipops would be fun to make all winter long even if you omitted the sprinkles or used a different color. You can even wrap them in a little cellophane and tie with a ribbon to leave as a gift for someone you love.
Have lollipop mold ready with sticks.
In a double boiler, add 80% of the milk chocolate. Melt until it reaches 110 degrees on a chocolate thermometer. Remove from heat.
Add in remaining milk chocolate, stir to combine completely. Allow temperature to reach 89 degrees on a chocolate thermometer.
Pour chocolate into lollipop molds.
Sprinkle coconut and pink sprinkles on top.
Place in fridge to set, about 1 hour.
Remove from fridge and remove from molds.
Package or eat immediately. Store in a cool dry place.
High Altitude – Follow the recipe exactly as noted.


Arrive in Xining, meet the tour guide at airport and transfer to hotel.
Visit the Ta'er Monastery. Transfer to Lanzhou by train. Meet your guide upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Continue to visit the Gansu Provincial Museum.
Visit the Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves by boat.
Take a coach to Xiahe. Visit the Sangke Prairie. Visit a Tibetan family on the prairie to have a taste of the traditional Tibetan food and learn about the unique custom.
Visit the Labrang Monastery and watch the morning devotion. Take a coach back to Lanzhou.
Take a coach to Wuwei. Visit Leitai Han Tomb and the largest Confucius Temple in northwest China.
Continually travel by Coach to the Jiayuguan. Visit the famous Jiayuanguan Pass, the First Fire Tower of Great Wall, and the Wei Jin Art Gallery.
Travel by Coach to Dunhuang, and then go for a camel-ride along the Echoing-Sand Mountain.
Visit Mogao Caves, Buddhist statues and Dunhuang Museum. Take an overnight soft sleeper train to Turpan in Xinjiang.
Visit the Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto), the Karez Well, and the Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta).
Visit the Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves, the Ancient City of Gaochang and the Flaming Mountain. Travel to Urumqi by coach.


text:
Ideal is a posthumously published 2015 novel by Ayn Rand.

The July 7, 2015 first edition of the novel was published featuring the book version along with the 1936 Ayn Rand play Ideal.

Plot
Millionaire Granton Sayers is killed on the same evening that he has dinner with famous actress Kay Gonda. Gonda goes on the run, and both the police and journalist Morrison Pickens are searching for her. Pickens visits Gonda's publicist, Mick Watts, who is drunk and rambles about Gonda being on a "great quest". Gonda has taken with her six letters written by fans in the Los Angeles area. She visits each of the letter writers seeking their help to hide, but she is repeatedly disappointed.

The first fan, George Perkins, initially offers to hide Gonda, but changes his mind when his wife objects. The wife of the second fan, Jeremiah Sliney, is more agreeable, and they offer Gonda a room for the night. Afterwards, Gonda hears the couple plotting to turn her in for a reward, so she flees. Dwight Langley, an artist who claims in his letter to have drawn Gonda's face many times, does not recognize her when she comes to him. The next fan she visits, Claude Ignatius Hix, is very religious. He urges Gonda to turn herself in and confess her sins. The fifth fan, Dietrich von Esterhazy, says he would be honored to protect her, but then attempts to rape her.

The final fan Gonda visits, Johnnie Dawes, is the only one who lives up to what he had written to her. As they talk, Gonda repeatedly tries to destroy the admiration Dawes expressed for her in his letter. She tells him that she has slept with "every man in the studio", and suggests that he should try to exploit her for her money and connections. Dawes tells her that she has already given him everything he ever wanted from her. She tells him that she did kill Sayers, although no one else witnessed it. Dawes gives her his bed for the night. The next morning, he tells Gonda he has a plan to save her. He tells her to drive away from the city and come back the next evening. When Gonda returns, she learns that Dawes has committed suicide, leaving a false confession to the murder of Sayers. Sayers's widow reveals that her husband had also committed suicide; Gonda had nothing to do with his death.

Watts, now sober, confronts Gonda, saying she caused Dawes to commit suicide by pretending to have killed Sayers. Gonda responds that her deception "was the kindest thing I have ever done."

History

Rand wrote Ideal in 1934. She was 29 and had been in the United States for eight years after emigrating from the Soviet Union, where her strong anti-Communist opinions had put her at risk. She was living in Los Angeles, where she had worked in Hollywood as a junior screenwriter for Cecil B. DeMille, and later in RKO Studios' wardrobe department. Ideal is one of several projects from the early days of Rand's writing career that were not published during her lifetime.

Rand rewrote Ideal as a play of the same name in 1936, but she was unable to find a producer for it. The text of the play was first published in 1984 as part of The Early Ayn Rand, an anthology of Rand's previously unpublished fiction, but this volume did not include Ideal in its novel form.

Reception
A review in The New York Times by critic  Michiko Kakutani drew parallels with Rand's other novels, saying it displayed the negative qualities of her work, including didactic speeches by characters and "contempt for ordinary people". Kakutani says the novel is "a reminder of just how much her didactic, ideological work actually has in common with the message-minded socialist realism produced in the Soviet Union, which [Rand] left in the mid-1920s and vociferously denounced." The Guardian panned the novel as poorly written and lacking dramatic conflict. In Time, Rand biographer Anne Heller said the novel displays self-righteousness and dislike for ordinary people, but not Rand's skill at embedding ideas into interesting plots. Kirkus Reviews said it was only of interest to students of Rand's writing.

References

External links

2015 American novels
American novels adapted into plays
Novels by Ayn Rand
English-language novels
Novels published posthumously
New American Library books

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Today, the Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") promulgated an Emergency Temporary Standard ("ETS") requiring that the total incombustible content ("TIC") of the combined coal, rock, and other dusts in underground coal mines be at least 80%. 75 Fed. Reg. 57,849 (Sept. 23, 2010). In addition, the ETS requires that where methane is present in any ventilating current, the TIC of such combined dust shall be increased 0.4% for each 0.1% of methane. The ETS revises the existing standard, 30 C.F.R. § 75.403, which permitted TIC of combined dusts to be 65% in areas of a mine other than return air courses.
Charleston, W.Va., Sept. 17, 2010 – Jackson Kelly PLLC was ranked in the first-tier of the 2010 Best Law Firms rankings released this week by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers. Of particular note, the firm's mining practice was one of only six firms ranked in the first-tier nationwide, and the only West Virginia-based firm to achieve that distinction.
Jackson Kelly PLLC, one of the 250 largest law firms in the country, has announced the opening of new office in Indiana. The Indianapolis, Indiana, office will initially be staffed by Edward L. ("Skipp") Kropp, a member of the firm's Environmental Practice Group, with additional attorneys to be added in response to client demand. To read more about the new office opening, click here.
A group of more than 2,000 coal miners and supporters from Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia traveled to Washington, D.C., on September 15, 2010, for a pro-coal rally at the nation's capital. FACES of Coal (the Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security), the Kentucky Coal Association, the West Virginia Coal Association, the Virginia Coal Association, Friends of Coal, the MTM Coalition, Coal Operators and Associates and other interested parties facilitated the pro-coal rally and press conference in order to show opposition to the Obama administration's environmental and permitting regulations. Rally participants accused the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of trying to shut down the coal industry through ever-increasing regulations. The miners oppose the Obama administration's environmental and permitting regulations which threaten thousands of jobs across the Appalachian coal mining states, both in and out of the coal fields.
On Thursday, September 9, 2010, MSHA announced that it will hold three public hearings in October 2010 to gather information about effective comprehensive safety and health management programs at mines.
In January 2010, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to list the Eastern Small-Footed Bat and the Northern Long-Eared Bat as threatened or endangered species and to designate critical habitat concurrent with a listing decision. With white-nose syndrome ravaging populations of bats in the East, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reported at a recent seminar on Indiana Bats that it is greatly concerned about the populations of all bats in the East, including the Eastern Small-Footed Bat and the Northern Long-Eared Bat.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Draft FY 2011-2015 Strategic Plan for public review on June 18, 2010 (Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OA-2010-0486). The comment period ended July 30, and the Agency plans to transmit the final FY 2011-2015 Strategic Plan to Congress by September 30, 2010.
On August 26, 2010, MSHA issued Program Policy Letter ("PPL") No. P10-1V-1, which addressed the applicability of 30 C.F.R. § 56.9300 to elevated truck scales at metal and nonmetal mines. Section 56.9300(a) requires that berms or guardrails be provided and maintained on the banks of roadways where a dropoff of sufficient grade or depth exists that could cause a vehicle to overturn. The standard further requires that the berms or guardrails be at least mid-axle height of the largest self-propelled mobile equipment that usually travels the roadway. 30 C.F.R. § 56.9300(b).
According to a report from Margaret Bauman in the Seward Phoenix LOG, Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, recently introduced a bill to remove the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA") ability to veto a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ("Corps") decision regarding permits under the Clean Water Act.
On August 26, 2010, the Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") reminded the mining industry that the Mine Act prohibits giving advance notice of inspections conducted by MSHA inspectors. MSHA issued Program Information Bulletin No. P10-15 ("PIB") which emphasizes that Section 103(a) of the Mine Act prohibits "any person" from giving advance notice of inspections. The PIB also warns the mining community of the potential consequences for anyone who violates the advance notice prohibition. Among the sanctions available to MSHA are:a civil action in federal court to obtain an injunction prohibiting future violations;a criminal action in federal court with fines of up to $1000 or imprisonment or both;a civil monetary penalty against the mine operator; andsimilar sanctions against agents of mine operators who knowingly permit or order the advance notice of inspection activity.


A senate bill is being proposed to make sure everyone is paying their fair share for using the roads, and some drivers have an issue with how it will impact them.
Brian Kopp of Dickinson, ND drives a Tesla Model 3, and he said his electric car saves him about four times the amount of money he would pay per mile for gas, if he drove a regular car.
"You plug it in every night, and thats a lot cheaper per mile, because an electric car is a lot more efficient, " said Kopp.
He said he can get 300 miles when his battery is fully charged, and it adds about $20 on to his electrical bill every month, compared to the hundred or so dollars he would pay every month at the gas pump.
However, Kopp and other electrical car drivers may soon feel a pinch in their fuel cost savings, because there is a bill in the state legislature aimed at creating an annual fee for electric and hybrid cars, which Kopp is in support of.
"We need to pay our fair share, because we use the roads too".


Teaching with those three little letters can either rev up or rev down a classroom in minutes. D for Document, B for Based and Q for Question is how educators provide standards-based assessment connecting students to a broad range of primary sources and a broader range of perspectives. As a teaching tool it intends to present an essay template for analysis, but producing this in a set amount of time causes students to eye it with loathing. I have had to resort to presenting the DBQ, its rich content, the diverse voices, and the histories that are often overlooked in textbooks, in a variety of settings in order to draw interest and wonder from students.
I teach AP World History students how to prepare and write an essay in 40 minutes. They are given 7-9 short documents, 10 minutes for review and notetaking, and 30 minutes to write an argument to argue how each document attends to the overarching question. Students must note patterns of similarity and analyze the influence of a few Points of View (POV) in relation to the thesis. The grand finale is to argue for an additional document or a missing voice that would lend meaning to the research. With so many pieces at stake, the most frequent argument by students is that it is impossible to write meaningfully in such a short amount of time. For some students it goes against everything they know of research and the time spent editing or exploring a truly exciting idea. On the other hand, students who love the challenge express genuine curiosity, "I never knew this history existed." To learn snippets from so many voices about one particular topic is a refreshing move away from content crammed textbooks. Teaching becomes less about knowing everything in history and more about knowing how to read a document.
CLOSE reading strategies must be honed when teaching students how to read primary sources. The first problem students face is over simplifying the essay question. Setting aside the timer, I start class with the DBQ projected on the board while students open the documents on their iPads. By circling each word of the question and listing the variety of possible ways to address each part of the question, I work to prevent students from writing too quickly, addressing only part of the question. By breaking down the question, they can develop annotation codes which they can then write next to each document. If the question asks for cause and effect of an economic action, students can use a "C" next to a "$" sign for each document and the specific corresponding evidence. Students can look for details in an image or art piece, they can read words slowly and carefully, shouting out when they find something interesting or a word that causes confusion. I model note-taking and annotation on the projected documents and students can follow suit.
Expertise. Sometimes I like to have students review a DBQ quickly. I give them 30 minutes to take notes, developing a rough essay and a thesis. I then ask each student to take one of the multiple documents home for closer analysis. I provide a graphic organizer with CLOSE reading questions and suggestions for research specific to their document. I include museum links or sources other than Wikipedia. When individuals understand just the history associated with one document, including the background information about the author, they become confident experts that a classroom group will become reliant on. During the next class, I give students time in smaller groups to share their findings. They can choose to continue to rewrite individual essays or present one group essay. As a result there is a tendency to have a shared experience with successful analysis of Point of View.
Curation. Students will spend an entire class sorting through images and documents pertaining to a particular exciting event. I present students with a lectures and notes on a period in history and then give them a large collection of images, letters, memorandums, maps, economic indicators, etc., to sort through. The task becomes a scavenger hunt. Students use a general outline and set thesis to develop reasons for choosing their own curated collection. Presenting and defending not only the documents they choose but the documents that they reject helps build confidence and reasoning skills while giving students a break from writing.
Picture Walks. I have a long hallway near my classroom that separates two wings of our high school. I hang documents on the walls for viewing during and after we develop analysis of an era in history. Class begins with an inquiry question and a lecture based on an outline. Students develop assumptions about what they would expect to find from particular documents before beginning their search. Sometimes a list of quotes, ideas, and points of view provide the incentive of a scavenger hunt. A set time in which to walk through the documents is important to keep classroom time for shared discussion and summation. I will scribe their brainstorms on the board and then give the option of writing in depth about a smaller selection of the documents in relation to the essay question. This tends to draw the longest contributions from students. They write in order to miss not a single detail and with great criticism or concern for the impact of the POV on the overall research. I also let them practice asking for a document that they know exists in order for students to practice writing a meaningful request.


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Investigative journalism is the aspect of journalism that deals with special investigation into special issues, events that is of high significance, such crime, corruption, political issue, terrorism, and others especially about people in political positions or people of high profile. This aspect of journalism is considered to be tedious, tactful and dangerous adventure because many investigative journalists tend to be exposed to kidnapping, killing, raping, threaten and the popular case is that of Dele Giwa who was killed on the 19th of October, 1986 in his house (No 25, Talabi Crescent, off Talabi street, Adeniyi Jones Avenue) by a letter bomb which was said to be delivered by Buba Marwa, a former military administrator of Lagos State.
His death came as a result of investigating a drug case involving Nigeria and the US. Dele Giwa was a famous and renowned journalist in Nigeria. He was the founder and Editor-in-chief of the Newswatch magazine which was established alongside journalists like Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed in 1984.
Dele Giwa was known to be a journalist who sticks unto the truth and also take his time in exposing the corrupt and illegal deeds of the government, and this earned him the people's recognition, ultimate support and trust. The government saw Dele Giwa as an impediment and a threat to its obnoxious activities and saw his elimination as the only way to avoid being exposed. www.wikipedia.com.
In its 1956 history, the Nigeria news media has evolved from endorsing colonial missionary catechism through the spirited advocacy of the struggle for Independence and moved its post indigene mission and defining its role with the state, it is imperative to note that press had played and is still playing a key role in Nigeria. The mass media is therefore the bedrock on which the government fabric is built. Mass Media is the channel through which the military and civilian government expresses their policy. Alex (2000).
Since 1960, the press has been asserting its relevance to the evolution of the Nigeria state although 29 of those forty seven (47) years, it has operated under the malevolence of increasingly repressive military regimes.
It is vital tradition of lively reportage. Remarkable on the African content was natured within a political culture that tolerated dissent, especially as a mechanism for balancing various ethnic and political forces battling for the centre of the Nigeria state. Up till date, conflict between the media and the state were resolved through back door negotiation or judicial intervention although many journalists have been lined and others jailed for carrying out their civic and constitutional responsibility, some decreases were promulgated by the military government Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) whose members include government and independent press. Ogungbamigbe (2004).
Again, the military regime, Babangida particularly targets the Nigeria media in their classic role as public watchdog and instrument of check and balance against government excesses. In a sophisticated carrot and stick strategy, the government, corrupted many members of the press, terrified some and sent some in exile, it was under this kind of military regime that top editor, Dele Giwa was assassinated with a letter bomb in 1986 and various publication were prescribed by the executive decree. Dare (2000).
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In the latest Heritage Magazine (Issue 151 Summer 2018 ), is an article by Kennedy Warne entitled "The Taniwha's backscratcher".
The Taniwha in the article is Ureia - the Hauraki's Taniwha. Stories about Ureia abound, including the story that the taniwha escorted the Tainui waka when it arrived and anchored at Te Anaputu, a rocky outcrop north of Tararu, Thames Coast.
On the right is "This carving of the taniwha Ureia is in the Hotonui meeting house, formerly at Thames but now in the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Ureia was a powerful taniwha living at Tīkapa (Firth of Thames). The taniwha is in the marakihau style – with a serpent-like body and hollow tongue."
The 'new' Kopu Bridge also includes an etching of the taniwha Ureia on the piles. The essence of a taniwha is explained in Warne's article and explained that taniwha's can be seen as 'kaitiaki' "a deep concept that is approximated by ideas of guardianship and stewardship of the natural world.
Death of Ureia. Newspaper article 1927 and another in 1931.
Te Anaputa-o-Tainui. The name today is Tainui Cove, 6km north of Thames. It remained a place of shelter for centuries, but has mostly been destroyed following the goldmining and widening of the road. Further reading page 151-152 Te Takoto o te Whenua o Hauraki by T Turoa and Te A C Royal.
Description of Ureia. The above book also has an appendix on Hauraki Taniwha and Tupua. Said to be a giant reptile that was said to be lured away from the Waikato River by a Hauraki tribe. At the entrance of the Hauraki Gulf, Ureia assumed the shape of a dolphin and guided the Tainui canoe and people to safety. Famed for his deeds, the Hauraki tribe are said to have become the envy of their neighbours, which later contributed to the 'death' of the legendary taniwha.
A descriptive board at the east end of the Kopu Bridge features information on the Taniwha known as Ureia.


Select space rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. Space rugs will be moved and replaced simply, permit you to upgrade and modify the type of your house anytime you want. As well as, area rugs can be cleaned rapidly when they are stained; generally they will even be put in the washing machine. In case your front garden features a big, full tree, you possibly can add upward-dealing with outside accent lighting to emphasize the beautiful texture of the leaves and trunk. Upward lighting can be a good choice to intensify details like trellises or archways. Outdoor accent lighting also adds vital value to the house.
A easy way to improve your lavatory is by repainting it. At all times use a satin/eggshell or semi-gloss paint, as that is more mold resistant than a flat paint, and will also be wiped down more easily. When choosing a shade, take into account the dimensions of the lavatory. If it is rather small, then opt for a light color. If the ceiling is of low or common height, then contemplate painting it a shade lighter than the walls. This may create the illusion that the ceiling is greater.
Learning the best way to remove a sink trap is a precious skill. It could help you remove anything that has been dropped down the drain which isn't an unusual prevalence. When you do drop one thing down the drain don't run water in it till you may take away the lure. Increase your properties efficiency to improve your private finance. A number of the heat you pay for is escaping out of cracks in doorframes, windows, and through poor insulation. By investing in methods to make your property extra efficient, you can lower your payments down tremendously. LED Gentle bulbs are another straightforward approach to save extra money.
Arranging your books by color will make your area seem refined.
Quite than permitting a spare bed room to sit down empty and unused, why not turn it into your own personal library? Even if you do not feel that you simply sufficient books to warrant a library, you can too fill its cabinets with DVDs, CDs and your favourite magazines or paper. Add a plush rug and a excessive-backed chair for an additional contact of sophistication. If you are hiring somebody to carry out your private home improvement work, be certain that to get a number of bids for the venture. Although it may be somewhat time consuming, this process ensures that you're getting one of the best deal on your project, and it helps you grow to be extra aware of the trade and what to anticipate from your contractor.
Don't be ashamed to call in an expert. Understanding you probably did all your home repairs your self could be rewarding. That delight may include a steep price ticket though. Generally it is best to offer in and simply call in a handyman. Relying on the situation, they might have the ability to do it sooner and for much less cash than you could possibly. Prepare for DIY projects by purchasing high quality provides and tools. Purchasing prime quality tools might be pricey, however it's a very worthwhile funding. Cheap tools and materials can break or wear down quickly. Tools like drills, saws and even hammers could set you back a hefty sum; why spend all of that money repeatedly?
If you end up advancing in direction of a new house improvement undertaking, that you must cease and take into consideration what you actually know and what you must know. In case you do not really understand what's involved in home repairs and transforming, or even if you aren't up-to-date on techniques and skills, you may lose out on the good advantages to achieve from doing home improvement projects by yourself. The following pointers are just the beginning of the numerous issues you must and would like to know.
Updating an outdated kitchen could possibly be as straightforward as changing the cabinetry. Start your own home improvement projects right now with the tips introduced here.


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Star Wars Episode IX
HBO Max Planning More DC Comics Series for International Markets
By JK Schmidt - December 3, 2020 07:20 pm EST
WarnerMedia just announced massive plans for the future of HBO Max, revealing every 2021 film from Warner Bros. Pictures is set to debut on the streaming platform the same time they'll premiere in theaters; this includes the highly anticipated James Gunn DC Comics film The Suicide Squad. The streamer also has plans for future shows including Gotham Central and Green Lantern Corps, but it sounds like those plans will be expanding globally in the near future. A recent interview with Casey Bloys, the Chief Content Officer for HBO who recently expanded his reach to HBO Max, indicates that the new streamer will take a page from the Netflix playbook.
HBO Max has already taken on DC Universe shows like Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn, and Titans. They also announced new plans for The Suicide Squad spinoff Peacemaker, The Batman spinoff Gotham Central, and Green Lantern Corps, but there will be more in the works.
"We're also going to work to see DC content in other countries outside of the U.S.," explained Bloys at the Web Summit. He added, "One of the big themes of bringing HBO Max together was breaking down the silos between HBO, Warner Bros and TBS and TNT. I'd say one other silo was international."
This could be an attempt to copy Netflix's strategy as a major international powerhouse, as they have also had success creating content for specific regions. The sci-fi series Dark, produced in Germany, has earned critical acclaim and crossover appeal in the United States. Spanish shows such as Elite and Money Heist have also garnered similar praise. Netflix has also catered to different regions with reality TV offerings for shows like Nailed It, The Circle, Crazy Delicious, and more.
With HBO Max digging into DC Comics' deep library of iconic characters for international audiences, there's a lot more potential to take advantage of their strong fanbase. Using its diverse slate of heroes to cater to specific regions could prove fruitful in expanding the service's popularity.
"One of the things that we're going to do with Max is that all of our international productions will eventually live on Max and we're going to do a much better job of coordinating between all of the folks programming in Europe, Latin America and Asia so if there's anything that we're developing that has real cross-border appeal, we'll be able to highlight that," said Bloys.
What kind of international series would you want to see featuring DC Comics heroes? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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I highly recommend reading his fascinating blog post about what he learned by tracking his coffee habits over an entire year. You can find that here. Will also used his new found love of data collection to steer him to his local QS Meetup. Way to go Will and thanks for letting us learn from your data!
We got such great feedback on the orignal NFATW post that we decided to turn it into a regular feature. Every few weeks be on the lookout for new posts profiling interesting individuals and their data. If you have an interesting story or link to share leave a comment or contact the author here.


Last week, we spoke about hard brushes and when (and why) to use them. If you missed it, you can catch up here. This week, we're covering medium hair brushes. After speaking with wavers in the community, most would agree that no matter the texture of your hair, you should have a medium hair brush in your wave rotation. Just like hard brushes, medium hair brushes come in different shapes and sizes. We're going to break them down again into three parts: bristle composition, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make better decisions about the tools you use to style your hair.
Most medium brushes are made with 100% boar bristles. When you feel the bristles they should feel firm but not as firm as reinforced boar bristles. Some brands also come with a mixture of boar and flex bristles.
The main advantage of using medium brushes is the versatility. There are some medium brushes that are harder than others; this gives you the option to substitute your hard brush with your hardest medium brush. Medium brushes also puts less stress on the hair and scalp than hard brushes, allowing you room to brush for longer periods if you like without damaging your hair or wave pattern. Depending on your texture you could also use medium brushes as a shower brush, but I would only recommend that to wavers with low haircuts and those that might have a problem with thinning hair. That way, you can protect the follicle and not pull on your hair as with a hard brush.
Being that texture varies from person to person, this could go both ways. Once you start wolfing, you'll notice over time your medium brush will start to feel like a soft brush on your scalp. This is a clear sign you might need a hard brush or a harder medium brush to serve its purpose in your rotation. Having more hair also decreases the effectiveness of your medium brush being used as a shower brush. This is where using a brush with synthetic bristles could come into play.
Understanding how medium brushes work is key to building the proper rotation that suits your texture. You'll probably spend more time using your medium and soft brushes than your hard brush. It's always good to remember, the brushes you put the most work in with will be the brushes that's going to make or break your progress.
We're starting to see submissions for #WaverWednesday on Instagram, you guys look great out there, keep up the good work! Next week we'll talk about soft brushes and get you ready to decide on what's the best rotation for you. See y'all next week and remember: keep those brushes moving!