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War in Heaven, War on Earth: A Study in Revelation 12 - Part I
By: Sam Storms
Having described the seven trumpet judgments, but before explaining the seven bowls, John inserts three parenthetical chapters (12-14). The purpose of chapter 12 is to provide us with a deeper perspective on the spiritual conflict between the world and the church. It develops, interprets, and expands on a number of the principles already articulated in chapters 1-11. At the heart of its message is that, although Satan is the principal source of the persecution of God's people, he has been decisively defeated by Christ, a victory in which we now share even in the midst of suffering and martyrdom.
The chapter consists of three scenes: vv. 1-6, vv. 7-12, and vv. 13-17. The first and third of these each portrays the conflict between Satan and God's people together with the sovereign spiritual protection of the latter. The middle section "provides the central interpretation and theological underpinning of the first and third" (Beale, 624).
Chapter 12 also introduces a new series of visions which end at 15:4. Many commentators have discerned seven sections within these chapters by noting the repeated introductory vision formula "and I saw" or "and behold". The seven sections are:
(1)the conflict of the dragon/serpent (Satan) with the Woman and her seed (12:1-17);
(2)persecution of the church by the sea-beast (13:1-10);
(3)persecution of the church by the land-beast (13:11-18);
(4)the 144,000 standing with the Lamb on Mt. Zion (14:1-5);
(5)the proclamation of the gospel and of judgment by three angels (14:6-13);
(6)the Son of Man's great harvest of the earth (14:14-20);
(7)the victory of the saints over the beast and the song of Moses (15:2-4).
A.The Woman, her Child, and the Dragon (12:1-6)
There are numerous accounts in ancient literature of a usurper appointed to die at the hand of a yet unborn prince who plots to gain control of the throne by killing the child at birth. One of the more famous myths concerns the birth of Apollo (son of Zeus). As his mother, the goddess Leto, reached the time of delivery, the dragon Python sought to kill them both. With the aid of winds sent by Zeus, Leto fled to the island of Delos where she safely gave birth to Apollo who only four days later found Python at Parnassus and killed him. A similar myth emerged in Egypt concerning "Set the dragon who pursues Isis, the pregnant mother of Horus. When the child is grown, he too kills the dragon" (Johnson, 116). These stories, notes Johnson, "were living myths in the first century and were probably known to both John and his Asian readers" (116). However, this is not to suggest that John drew from them to tell the story of the conflict between Satan and the Christ child.
vv. 1-2
A "sign" (cf. 12:3; 15:1 for semeion in the singular; 13:13,14; 16:14; 19:20 in the plural, all the latter in reference to false miracles performed by the beast, the false prophet, or demonic spirits) appears to John in the same "heaven" he had been viewing in 11:19, "which is the otherworldly dimension in which he receives all of his visions" (Beale, 625). The task before us is to determine who the "woman" is who constitutes the focus of this chapter.
(1) A few have argued that the woman is Eve, whose offspring was to be the serpent's great enemy (Gen. 3:15).
(2) Roman Catholic commentators, as expected, have generally argued that the woman symbolizes Mary, the literal birth mother of Jesus. This view did not arise until well into the 6th century a.d. Not all contemporary RC scholars embrace this view. As Keener notes, "one may also doubt that Mary was specifically persecuted after Christ's enthronement, requiring protection for 1,260 days" (314).
(3) Various cults have claimed that the woman is one of their own number (the Christian Scientists insist that the woman is Mary Baker Eddy, the child = her unique doctrinal teachings, and the dragon = the modern mind that disdains and seeks to destroy her influence!).
(4) Some have identified her with the bride, the heavenly Jerusalem of Rev. 19:7-8; 21:9-10.
(5) Others have said she is exclusively OT Israel (see Walvoord, p. 188).
(6) Still others argue that she is exclusively the NT Church.
(7) The most probable interpretation is that the woman symbolizes what we might call the believing messianic community: both OT Israel and NT Church. Later in the chapter we read that when the woman is persecuted she flees into the wilderness and has other children who are described as faithful Christians. In other words, the woman is both the community of faith that produced the Messiah and the community of faith that subsequently follows and obeys him. John clearly envisioned an organic and spiritual continuity between OT Israel and the Church. They are one body of believers.
In the OT a woman often represents Israel (see Isa. 52:2; 54:1-6; 61:10; 62:1-5,11; 66:7-13). This imagery is also used of the Church in the NT (see 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:31-32; 2 John 1; cf. Rev. 21:2,9; 22:17). The imagery of a woman in the pains of childbirth is also a common one in the Bible, and is used often of Israel in distress. See Isa. 21:3; 26:17-18; 37:3; 51:2-3; 54:1-3; 65:9,23; cf. 66:10 and 22; Jer. 4:31; 6:24; 13:21; 22:23; 30:6; Micah 4:9). Isa. 66:7 is especially vivid, for there we find the metaphor of Israel bearing a child to indicate the arrival of the period of salvation and restoration.
Some have pointed to the fact that in certain Jewish writings the 12 signs of the zodiac represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Perhaps this was to suggest that Israel on earth had a heavenly identity of some sort. Aune points out that "the zodiac appears on a number of mosaic floors of Jewish synagogues in late antiquity" (2:681). Others contend that the "sun", "moon" and crown of "twelve stars" appear to be an echo of Jacob, his wife, and the eleven tribes of Israel who bow down to Joseph, the twelfth, as found in the latter's dream in Gen. 37:9. In other ancient Jewish writings Abraham, Sarah, and their progeny are symbolized by the sun, moon, and stars respectively. At minimum, the 12 stars would seem to stand both for the 12 tribes of Israel and the reconstitution and continuation of true Israel in the 12 apostles of the church.
The woman is pregnant and suffering birth pangs. On the one hand, this represents the longing expectation and anticipation of the Messiah's birth on the part of those in the OT community of faith (cf. Luke 2:25-38). But it is also a symbolic reference to the persecution of the covenant community and the messianic line during the period of the OT leading up to Christ's coming.
That persecution is in view is evident from the word translated "in pain" (basanizo). This term is used in the NT of suffering, punishment, trial, and persecution (Matthew 8:6,29; 14:24; Mark 5:7; 6:48; Luke 8:28; 2 Peter 2:8) and in Revelation of torment inflicted by demons (9:5) or by God (11:10; 14:10; 20:10). As Beale points out, "the idea of persecution is also highlighted by the fact that basanizo is not attested anywhere in biblical or extra-biblical literature with reference to a woman suffering birth pains" (629). Caird brings together both ideas when he says that "the agony of her labour is the suffering endured by the loyal people of God as they waited for their anointed king" (149).
John then sees yet another "sign" in heaven: a great red dragon with seven heads, seven diadems, and ten horns. The word "dragon" (drakon) is used in the OT (LXX) for the evil sea monster that symbolizes kingdoms that oppose and oppress Israel (especially Egypt and Pharaoh). See especially Pss. 74:13-14; 89:10; Isa. 30:7; 51:9; Ezek. 29:3 (where Pharaoh is called "the great dragon"); 32:2-3; Hab. 3:8-15.
But the "dragon" in Rev. 12 is more than an evil kingdom(s). It also stands for Satan, the one who both represents and energizes all individual and corporate opposition to the kingdom and persecution of the people of God (see 12:9; 20:2,10).
More has been said about the 7 heads and 7 diadems and 10 horns in my studies of chapters 13 and 17. Be it noted, however, that the sea-beast in chp. 13 also has seven heads and ten horns, only his diadems are on the latter rather than the former. At minimum this indicates "that the devil performs his oppressive will against the church and world through his kingly representatives on earth" (Beale, 634). That there are "7" heads and "10" horns probably should not be pressed (after all, how do you distribute 10 horns onto only 7 heads?), except to indicate and emphasize the fullness of his oppressive power. The diadems or crowns probably point to the earthly kings and rulers through whom the devil works. Although it may be tempting to find specific meaning and historical referents for each head, horn, and crown, Alan Johnson is probably correct in saying that this is simply "a picture of the fullness of evil in all its hideous strength" (119).
The picture of the dragon sweeping away one-third of the stars of heaven is probably taken from Daniel 8:10. There we read of a "little horn" that "grew up to the host of heaven and caused some of the host and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it trampled them down."
The "little horn" is clearly a reference to Antiochus Epiphanes IV, eighth ruler in the Seleucid line, 175-164 b.c. (he died in 163).
The best description of the rule of Antiochus and his oppression and persecution of the Jews is provided in the apocryphal work of 1 and 2 Maccabees (esp. the former; see the Preface, 1:10-15,20-24,29-35,41-50,54-64 (cf. 2 Macc. 6:1-6 and all of 7); 4:36-59; 6:5-16.
In view of the statement in Daniel 8:24, most likely the reference to the "host" and the "stars" in 8:10 is a symbolic allusion to the people of God as shining lights or glorious ones. Some contend that only the priesthood is in view. In any case, "an attack on the Jerusalem temple, the people of Israel, and the priesthood is presupposed to be implicitly an attack on the God worshiped there and on his supernatural associates who identify with Israel [in particular, Michael and his angelic hosts]" (Goldingay, 210). Antiochus's persecution of the Jews began in 171 b.c. with the assassination of the high priest Onias III and ended in 163 b.c. with the death of Antiochus himself. The "prince" of v. 11 ("commander" in NASB) has been taken as a reference either to Onias or, more likely, God. In 167 b.c. Antiochus ordered that all ceremonial observances to Yahweh were forbidden. The "place of His sanctuary" may refer to Jerusalem, but more likely is the temple itself.
The phrase "on account of transgression" (or, "because of rebellion") in Daniel 8:12 has been taken in one of two ways. Some say it refers to the sins of the Jewish people themselves who abandoned God for the ways of their Greek captors and thus incurred divine judgment (cf. 1 Macc. 1:11-15,43). Others insist it refers to the sins committed by Antiochus against the Jews.
The point of this is that the "stars of heaven" in Rev. 12:4 which Satan throws to the earth are probably not those in the angelic host who fall with him in a primordial rebellion and subsequently constitute the demonic hosts of which we read in both the OT and NT. Thus the "stars" of v. 4 are not to be identified with the dragon's "angels" in vv. 7-8. Rev. 12:4 is probably describing the persecution by Satan of God's people, perhaps even their martyrdom.
In addition to the background in Dan. 8:10, two other facts support the view that Rev. 12:4 is not talking about the rebellion of formerly holy angels. First, the time of 12:4 is immediately before the birth of Jesus, whereas most believe that the angelic rebellion occurred prior to creation, or at least no later than the events of Genesis 6. Second, Beale makes this important point:
"The observation that the 'tails' of Satan's demons afflict people on earth in Rev. 9:10 and 9:19 also points to the idea that the tail of the dragon here is afflicting people and not merely or primarily angels. This is confirmed further by the close relation of 12:4 to 12:1. The portrayal of the stars in v. 4 must have a close relationship with the 'twelve stars' only three verses earlier. The falling stars must symbolize an attack on Israel, since the twelve stars in v. 1 represent the heavenly identification of the true Israel . . . . Though ultimately protected . . . genuine Israel, nevertheless, will still suffer Satanic attack" (637)
That a "third" of the stars are thrown down reminds us of the earlier references to a "third" of earth, trees, the sea and its creatures, the rivers, and the heavenly luminaries being affected by divine judgment. In each case it refers to a relative fraction of the total or a significant minority, always short of complete destruction.
I should also briefly mention another interpretation of the "stars" in v. 4. Some have suggested the "falling" of these "stars" refers to the deceived in Israel who apostatize from the faith and were therefore never fully identified with the 12 stars of v. 1.
The second half of 12:4 points to Satan's determination to kill Jesus upon his birth. Although Herod's slaughter of the infants in Matthew 2:1-18 is surely in view, so too are the events of Luke 4:28-30 and perhaps the countless times during his earthly ministry that Satan attempted to thwart Jesus' work. The cross itself is also very much in view (although not explicitly mentioned in Rev. 12:4).
Here we have a synopsis or snapshot of Christ's entire life. Such abbreviations are not uncommon in the NT (cf. John 3:13; 8:14; 13:3; 16:5,28; Rom. 1:3-4; 1 Tim. 3:16; see also Rev. 1:5,17-18; 2:8). The deliverance in v. 5b is not protection from death but resurrection and ascension. The allusion to the prophecy of Ps. 2:7-9 indicates that whereas this will be consummated at the end of the age (see Rev. 19:15), an inaugurated fulfillment has already begun (see Rev. 2:26-28). Jesus has "already" received the authority spoken of in the Psalm but has "not yet" manifested that authority in its fullness.
In the ancient near east, the birthday of a king was not the beginning of his physical existence but the day of his accession to the throne and the taking of regal power. Thus the day on which the "Son" is "begotten" is the resurrection, the day of his glorification and subsequent exaltation to the right hand of the majesty on high (see Acts 13:33)
Some, mostly preterists, have taken this as a literal, physical escape of Christians to Pella (modern Tabaqat Fahil, 20 miles south of the Sea of Galilee) as they fled the Roman seige of Jerusalem in 66 a.d., a view that is obviously only as good as the argument for a pre-70 a.d. authorship of the book.
Whereas the woman in v. 1 was primarily the covenant community of believers prior to the incarnation of Jesus, the woman in v. 6 is the covenant community of believers subsequent to his resurrection. But it is the same, one people of God, the one olive tree, predominantly Jewish in v. 1 (in its OT manifestation) and a glorious, universal mixture in v. 2 (in its NT manifestation).
Dispensational pretribulational premillennialists, i.e., those who hold to an exclusively futurist interpretation of the book, contend that whereas v. 5 speaks of events in the first century, v. 6 speaks of events at the end of the age. I agree with Beale that "such a temporal hiatus can be read into the text only by a prior end-time scheme that an interpreter brings to the text" (642; emphasis mine).
The imagery of the woman's flight into the wilderness in both v. 6 and v. 14 is clearly based on and alludes to Israel's exodus from Egypt in the OT. On this see especially Exod. 16:32; Deut. 2:7; 8:3,15-16; 29:5; 32:10; Joshua 24:7; Neh. 9:19,21; Pss. 78:5,15,19; 136:16; Hosea 13:5. Indeed, "the two wings of the great eagle" (v. 14) clearly alludes to Exod. 19:4 ("I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to Myself"), as well as Deut. 1:31-33 and 32:10-12. The imagery of finding protection beneath God's "wings" is well-attested in the OT (see Pss. 17:8ff.; 36:7-8; 63:1-2,7; 91:4,11-13; 57:1; 61:4; 55:3,6-8,12-15,21-22. Also see Isa. 40:31 "which predicts that in the future Israel 'will mount up with wings like eagles' in the process of returning through 'the wilderness' (Isa. 40:3) to their land in the second exodus from Babylon" (Beale, 670).
Steven Gregg mentions Hal Lindsey's futuristic interpretation of v. 14 and "the two wings of the great eagle." Says Lindsey: "Some kind of massive airlift will rapidly transport these fleeing Jews across the rugged terrain to their place of protection. Since the eagle is the national symbol of the United States, it's possible that the airlift will be made available by aircraft from the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean" (179; !!!). Says Keener, "fortunately for both Lindsey and other Americans, Ben Franklin failed in his attempt to make the national bird a turkey" (329)!
In the OT the "wilderness" or "desert" often pointed to an uninhabitable place of evil and judgment (see Lev. 16:10; Isa. 13:20-22; 34:10-15; Jer. 9:10-12; 12:10-12; 50:39-40; Lam. 4:19; Ezek. 6:14; 29:5; etc.). On the other hand, Israel's end-time restoration is often described in terms of yet another exodus or deliverance out of the sinful conditions and oppression of the world and her pagan enemies and into the protective place in the "wilderness" prepared for her by God where she would be nourished and sustained. See Isa. 32:15; 35:1; 40:3; 41:18; 43:19-20; 51:3; Jer. 31:2; Ezek. 34:25; Hos. 2:14-15.
The point of all this is that the protective deliverance and nourishment provided by God on behalf of his people, the church, during this present age in which Satan seeks her destruction is likened by John unto yet another, indeed, consummate exodus. The protection is not necessarily physical, for many will suffer martyrdom. Rather, like Rev. 11:1-2 it is a spiritual preservation in the midst of terrible trial and tribulation instigated by the dragon/devil and those on earth through whom he works.
For arguments why the "1,260 days" = the entire inter-advent age, and not some chronologically precise 3 ½ year period at the end of history, see the first of the two studies on Revelation 11.
To be continued . . .
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My makeup can be seen on the actress in this video.
"For the first time in 400 years, Redefining Juliet is a unique re-telling of Romeo & Juliet casting six diverse Juliets, tall, small, big, deaf and wheelchair-using but each owning Shakespeare's iconic feminine heroine for themselves."
"Erica's desperate to burst Paul out of his Depression, but on the first day he takes medication, she pushes too hard."
Bubble has so far won the Nottingham International Microfilm Festival Audience Choice award and (***).
Written and directed by Katie Hogben.
Working with the incredibly talented Ceila Francis and Tobias Peppersack to film their dance routine to the song 'Human'. Videography and Photography by Joe Gillibanks.
Working as part of a team to create the hair and makeup looks for the 2017 summer graduate show. Below is a film from the university of the catwalk.


There is something special about the third level of Brunswick Square and the little fashion boutique called Baubles. As you walk down the hall and peek around the corner into the shop, you will know why. The genuine smile and wave from owner Sandy Teed always adds a little something to ones day and more often than not, is an undeniable invitation to come in and see what's new in her shop.
Baubles is a fashionista's dream. With trendy clothes, jewelry, hosiery, hats, and all things to – not only make your look complete – but to step it up and show your personality through your outfit. Sandy is a beautiful, timeless lady who we are lucky to have grace our uptown and lend her talents to all who are love style and fashion.
I was born in Saint John. I grew up and currently live in the Kennebecasis Valley.
I have been part of the uptown scene for 8 years.
My favourite season is Fall. I love the weather and of course the Fall fashions. Cozy Sweaters, rich fabrics and textures.
I have two cats. Tigger and Oliver.
Harbour Passage! There is nothing better than going for a walk along Harbour Passage on a beautiful sunny afternoon. We are so fortunate to have it!


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Bicycle Bags and Bag-packs Market is Expected tpo Grow at a CAGR of 5.6%, end of 2029 | FMI
December 7, 2022 December 7, 2022 ankush
The global bicycle bags and bag-packs market during the anticipated term, additional growth prospects are anticipated. According to Future Market Insights, the market will develop rapidly between 2019 and 2029, with a CAGR of 5.6%.
The number of young people on extended bicycle journeys has significantly increased globally. The main causes of the rise in cycling long tours are the expansion of bike tourism and long tours undertaken for charitable purposes. Long trips necessitate the use of several types of luggage to transport the necessary items.
Cycle carrier bags are specifically designed to be mounted onto bicycle frame so as to relieve the cyclists from carrying weight on his back. Cycle carrier bags lowers the centre of gravity of the bicycle that makes controlling the bicycle much easier with compact transportation of the gear such as food, clothing, and biking tools. Consequently, there is a growing demand for cycle carrier bags globally.
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https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-11176
Key Takeaways from the Bicycle Bags and Bag-packs Market Study
Asia Pacific region is at forefront for cycling globalization. There is a considerable young population in this region. The benefits of cycling to maintain a healthy lifestyle is a major factor influencing the millennial. Government in this regions are taking initiatives to promote cycling activities such as development of cycling tracks, cycle sharing spots, and arranging cycling events.
According to Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Asia region is extremely active in hosting major cycling events. Currently, there are 40 UCI Continental Teams registered in Asia, which is more than twice of 2009 having 17 teams. Also, a significant number of manufacturers of bicycle bags and bag-packs is present in this region.
Considering all these factors, Asia Pacific regions holds potential opportunities for bicycle bags and bag-packs market. Association of manufacturers with governmental initiatives is anticipates to generate new opportunities in this region. E-commerce sales channel is estimated to generate high revenue in the forecasted years for the bicycle bags and bag-packs market owing to increasing internet usage among consumers.
"Manufacturers are developing bicycle bags and bag-packs by targeting the growing number of women cyclists such that the bags cater its basic function in a fashionable way. The low awareness among consumers about Bicycle Bags and Bag-packs when compared with other personal care products is major barrier of the market growth. Consequently, effective advertising is essential for the rapid growth of bicycle bags and bag-packs market." says an FMI analyst.
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Celebrity Endorsement to Inspire Consumer's Buying Behaviour
An emerging trend in the bicycle bags and bag-packs market is the increasing number of key players appointing various celebrities from the field of sports and films to endorse their products, with an objective to influence consumers to adopt the same. This is winning trust of the customers and attracting them to use of bicycle bags and bag-packs instead of conventional bags.
Who is winning?
Some of the key players operating in the bicycle bags and bag-packs market are as Shimano, Inc., Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Merida Industry Co Ltd., Wiggle Ltd., BROOKS ENGLAND, Recreational Equipment, Inc., Ortlieb USA, Topeak, Trek Bicycle Corporation, Velotransit, MAINSTREAM-MSX, Madden Equipment, Lone Peak Packs, Inertia Designs, Deuter Sport GmbH, and others. Several leading market players are engaged in partnership with other companies to increase their product offering across the world. Moreover, companies are engaged in celebrity endorsement and product innovation.
For instance, the BLS Group features famous professional cyclists such as Mariske Strauss, Nate Koch, and Jolien D'hoore as brand ambassadors.
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BICYCLE BAGS AND BAG-PACKS MARKET TAXONOMY
The global bicycle bags and bag-packs market is segmented in detail to cover every aspect of the market and present a complete market intelligence approach to readers.
Cycle Carrier Bags
Bag-packs
South Asia & Pacific
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Iago Aspas was thrilled to score on his Spain debut in Tuesday night's international friendly draw against England at Wembley and described the occasion as "a dream come true."
Aspas, 29, has scored six goals in 11 La Liga games for Celta Vigo this season, and continued that impressive form when he came off the bench and hit a left-footed strike late in the game to help Spain come from two goals behind to draw 2-2.
The former Liverpool player, who was called up as a late replacement for injured Chelsea forward Diego Costa and did not feature in Spain's 4-0 win over Macedonia in last Saturday's World Cup qualifier, told Onda Cero radio: "I don't like to lose.
"I'm thrilled to have scored and to have made my Spain debut. For me it was already a reward to have trained with the national team.
"To have made my debut at a venue like Wembley and to have scored is a dream come true. I hope this is the first of many."
Iago Aspas celebrates after scoring for Spain against England at Wembley.
Tuesday's game and the goal was extra special for Aspas, who felt he had a point to prove after a disappointing spell at Liverpool.
Celta sold Aspas to Liverpool for £7 million in the summer of 2013 but he scored just two goals for Liverpool in 16 appearances before accepting a loan switch to Sevilla, who later bought the player permanently.
Aspas, who returned to Celta in the summer of 2015, said: "It was special for many reasons.
"I didn't have the season that I would have liked at Liverpool, but from a team standpoint we did fight for the league title and the other strikers scored goals.
"For someone who likes to play like me, to spend almost a year without scoring was tough and I opted to return to Spain."
Another former Liverpool player who left Wembley with a big smile was Pepe Reina.
The 34-year-old Napoli goalkeeper started against England and captained Spain from the 77th minute after Sergio Busquets was substituted.
Reina had not played for La Roja since a 3-0 win over Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
He told Onda Cero radio: "It's beautiful after more than two years.
"I've been very fortunate and very proud to have warn the captain's armband. It's something that it's unlikely to happen again and I will remember forever."
Reina applauded his teammates for their never-say-die attitude in a game that saw England lead 2-0 for 89 minutes.
"Things started badly," he said. "We showed a lot of character. We didn't want to lose and there is a lot of hunger to succeed in this group.
"It was important to take a positive result at Wembley.
"The important thing is that this team has personality."


text:
Тексты песен BABY NAMBOOS - Play With Me
Текст песни Play With Me
One-two-three-four-five-six-seven . . .
B-a-d d-a-y
Spells bad day forseen
Ouiji board, jump aboard
It's calling our sweet name
The souls we woke have made the law
And now they've come to play
Down,down
Coming around
As in sounds, so be down
Down,coming around
Corporation is a must
You see the streets are paved with gold
While you see me through the dust
(down)
(coming around)
Run, you can't run
Run, you're in trouble
Run, you shouldn't meddle
Ouiji board, overboard
(1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
(a,b,c,d,e)
(b-a-d d-a-y)
(spells bad day forseen)
And now they come to play
He said, he said, who said, he said-who?
(he said that way, not forever)
He said, who said, he said, he said-who?
(he said that way, no not forever)
(he said that way, never ever)
Who said, he said, he said, he said-who?
(who said that way, never ever)
(who said that way,no no never)
Who said, he said, who said, he said-who?
(who said that way, no no forever)
(you can't run)
(run, you're in trouble)
(ouiji board, jump aboard)
(run, you can't run)
(run you shouldn't meddle)
(it's calling our sweet names)
(the souls we woke have made the law)
(and now they've come to play)
0.0021791458129883 - 2021-01-22 03:33


South West Creative Technology Network are looking to invest in prototypes that use creative technologies to deliver original immersive processes, experiences, products or services. The making phase will run through April, May, June with showcasing at the end of June 2019. We anticipate awarding grants of between £20k and £40k.
South West Creative Technology Network are excited about innovative uses of technologies that engage users in immersive experiences that are brave, ethical, connect us to one another and create value. The network is rooted in the creative industries but aims to make connections into other sectors. The programme is designed to build creative capacity, generate shared knowledge and maximise potential for specific commercial impact.
Get in touch with Hannah Brady, Producer at Watershed (hannah.b@watershed.co.uk) if you have any questions or want to talk to her over the phone or on Skype.
Watershed and the Pervasive Media Studio aim to be as inclusive as possible and work to accommodate all access requirements.
Applications welcomed from BAME, LGBTQI, Deaf and disabled practitioners.
The South West Creative Technology Network (SWCTN) is a £6.5 million project to expand the use of creative technologies across the region. The network will offer three one-year funded fellowship programmes around the themes of immersion, automation and data. The grant is part of Research England's Connecting Capabilities Fund, which supports university collaboration and encourages commercialisation of products made through partnerships with industry.


Why Is Mahama Eager To Comeback With All The Past Corruption Records And Gross Economic Mismanagement ?
The predicaments of the opposition NDC are getting out of hands, particularly with the election of former president John Dramani Mahama as the party's flagbearer aboard 2020 presidential elections. It is a fundamental principle in life, to note that you cannot eat your pie and still have it. Absolutely impossible!
Indubitably, the highest office of the land in our jurisdiction is the presidency, and under no concrete moment should it be lowered as an office for the correction of 'errors' orchestrated by the same person who wants to correct them. Never trust a person again provided he betrayed and ridiculed the trust you reposed in him in the past.
Given the very harsh socio-economic standards of living under the erstwhile president Mahama's administration, I am least surprised with the general skepticism, disgust and anger arousing over the decision of the former president, who disgracefully led the NDC party to a historic defeat, to lead the party once again in the 2020 general election. On his decision to run for the presidency once again, the former president said, "I've prayed diligently about the task ahead and I believe I owe a duty to God and my country to take our great party back into government, to write the wrongs of the past and to put an end to the cries of the people under the current dispensation". Did I hear the former president say 'to write the wrongs of the past'? This is very unfortunate coming from the man who seriously needs power again to enrich himself and family as did before.
Undoubtedly, never before had Ghana witnessed so much corruption, looting, gross incompetence and abysmal socio-economic performance by an elected president as it happened in the erstwhile former president Mahama's administration. His credentials and readiness to serve this country with the seriousness it deserves has dwindled permanently. It is therefore in the right direction when a leading member of the NDC, a former member of Parliament and an aspirant for the party's flagbearer position, Sylvester Mensah said, "the presidency is not a place where you go and make mistakes, come back and ask to be given another chance to amend your mistakes. I think that, you must be ready and prepared to get to the seat of the presidency, and when you are there, there should be minimum errors but if you go there and commit errors and just come back to the public and say that, I made mistakes, I am now coming back to correct my wrongs, it simply means you were not prepared then and even now Mahama is not prepared". Presidency is about applying your level of experience to improve your country nurtured through one's wisdom but former president Mahama seems to lack such characteristics needed to grow our country.
You might think persons seeking to lead the highest office of the land will come in to convince electorates with the good they did in the past, but to tell them to give you another opportunity to go back and correct your wrongs is mind boggling and deceptive and this has been the current case which leaves much to be desired from them(NDC). And it is definitely what happens when one has no cumulative evidence of track records of progress, growth and development in the past.
It will be a great service to God and country if the former president can elucidate on some of the wrongs he did that he wants to correct. Is it the bloating of contracts or the dead goat syndrome attitude; is it the longest dumsor that bedeviled this nation or the comatose NHIS with colossal arrears; is it the skyrocketing interest rates or the cancellation of nurses and teacher trainee allowances; is it the restoration of SADA mess or taking oil rich country like Ghana into the IMF in 2017 or is it the Free SHS that he said is impossible?
Maybe, the meatless born he left has seen some improvements under the selfless and determined government so he sees the need to come again and create, loot and share as he did before.
It is still very evident the former president Mahama is bereaved of ideas to progress this country. He is excellent at ways of ensuring retrogression in all facets of our socio-economic matters.
Without any shred of doubt, I am more convinced, like many Ghanaians are, that, the former president, Mahama is in to cause more grievous harm, which thankfully have been resolved and worked at by the best president, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo and his administration.
I am still waiting for a single objective reason from the former president that suffice why he wants to be president again, it is obvious he is hungry for power.


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Spider-Man Has Gone Missing in 'Morbius' Reshoot Set Photos
Spider-Man Has Gone Missing in Morbius Reshoot Set Photos
Reshoots have been ordered for Morbius the Living Vampire and they're taking place in Los Angeles.
Kevin Burwick
— February 9, 2020
Morbius reshoots are currently under way. A few leaked images from the set bring yet another Spider-Man connection to the upcoming movie. The first trailer has a few shout outs to Peter Parker, including a cameo from Michael Keaton's Vulture and an image of Sam Raimi's take on the webslinger. Sony is making it abundantly clear that the movie takes place in the same universe as the projects with their partnership within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Will Tom Holland make an appearance in Morbius?
These leaked images are from Morbius, this week Tyrese confirmed that they were filming more scenes. pic.twitter.com/GiqcyR5A8b
— MORBIUS ???? (@MorbiusUpdates) February 9, 2020
RELATED: New Morbius Release Date Moves Jared Leto's Superhero Horror Thriller Closer to Halloween
New exclusive set photo from Marvel Sony's Morbius in downtown Los Angeles featuring a Spider-Man easter egg #marvel#spidermanhttps://t.co/lxRKr3AuOdpic.twitter.com/3AjQCuuGQF
— Mando Man (@maskedmandoman) February 9, 2020
The reshoots are currently taking place in Los Angeles. Morbius star Tyrese also recently revealed that the reshoots were on the way. As for the images from the set, they feature New York City buses with a "Where is Spider-Man?" sign on them. They appear to be from the Daily Bugle, which could tie into the fact that Peter Parker is in hiding after the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home. This would make a lot of sense.
However, with Spider-Man being missing, this would lead us to believe that he will not have a physical appearance in Morbius. Mysterio was able to successfully frame Peter Parker at the conclusion of Spider-Man: Far From Home. The character is going to have to lay low for a while in order to figure out a way around what Mysterio revealed to the world, so seeing him hanging around New York isn't really the greatest of ideas. With that being said, working off of the last movie is a clever way to give Jared Leto's Morbius character some time to shine.
Earlier in the year, we received the first Morbius trailer . So far, it looks dark and mysterious, which is the way that Sony wants it. The spin-off also looks like it will not include the humor from Venom. While the Tom Hardy-starring movie was a box office success, it was not welcomed by Marvel fans and critics, with many pointing to the comedic aspect of the movie to be a problem. Fans wanted a darker story, which is believed to be the goal of Venom 2, which is also in production currently.
We know that Spider-Man will eventually have a meeting with Venom, but it's unclear when. Sony has said more than once that the two characters will meet up on the big screen, which could also happen with Morbius too. For now, we'll just have to wait and see. Adding to the speculation about Peter Parker coming aboard the spin-off movies is the fact that Tom Holland is now finished shooting his upcoming movie with the Russo Brothers. Since he's seemingly free for a few months, he could very well go do cameos for both movies. You can check out the latest images from Morbius below, thanks to the Morbius Updates Twitter account.
Topics: Morbius the Living Vampire, Spider-man
No Time to Die, F9, Morbius and More Expected to Be Delayed Again
Morbius Is a Big, Fun Popcorn Movie That's a Little Scary Teases Jared Leto
Morbius Is Part of an Expanding Marvel Universe Teases Jared Leto
New Morbius International Trailer Arrives with Jared Leto Introduction


Criminal activities within the gambling industry are no casino news and today, there have been six persons arrested in Spain for slots games theft. The individuals are of Chinese nationality and one of Spanish origin and the civil guard has dismantled a criminal group, established in the provinces of Malaga and Sevilla, which was dedicated to the professional slots games. The group has been using fraudulent methods to seize money from them.
These procedures consisted physical manipulation of the gaming machine using metal rods introduced into grooves of the coins or by a bore in a key point of the apparatus. Also, inserted through the method 'catch', 20 Euro banknotes handled previously by cutting and plastic reinforcements.
With this formula, consisting of placing a thread on one end of the ticket, one could recover after the play and get the rest of the money exchange. They also used an external electronic device that probably no physical trace left on the robbed slots games and that facilitated emptying them.
There was also a potent small computer with a microprocessor that incorporates a destruction system program to be used when opening the device.
Besides the seven people arrested, the Meritorious agents have made four raids in homes and vehicles where involved computers, electronics, plastics trimmed prepared for handling notes, 27 metal rods for use on machines, machines for the manufacture of rods, several jars of cyanoacrylate glue, and 2,200 euros in cash, plus various documents related to the acquisition of different models of gaming machines where seized. The Spanish department of justice is currently analyzing this evidence.
At the time of the arrest, the key players returning to tour the provinces of Murcia, Valencia, Alicante, Barcelona, Gerona, Huesca, Zaragoza, Guadalajara and Madrid with the purpose of acquiring specific models of slots games for transportation to the province of Málaga , which would be considered by the organization to find out the methods of breach of security mechanisms or tricks on getting awards.


Who needs to cement their place and who could be a hero for the home side?
The Ashes start this week and there are careers on the line not just the prized urn a the Australian side look to exact a measure of revenge over the all-conquering English.
After being able to put up a fight for a sessions or so during the recent tour, the Aussies will be out to show they are not going to a doormat for another win by Alastair Cook and his men on hostile soil.
fanatix looks at five Australian players who will need to have massive performances this summer if they are not only to cement their place in the side, but also help them get the Ashes back.
As fascinating an enigma as you find will in international cricket today, Mitchell Johnson gets another reprieve to his international Test career after being called into the current squad.
Despite showing good pace and, more importantly, line-and-length during his performances in India, Johnson still has that worrisome combination of being a match-winning fast bowler and not knowing if the ball will head towards second slip.
Johnson could be the X-factor the Aussies are looking for this summer or his form could be a worrying distraction they don't when they need almost everything to go right if they are to win against the odds.


The Vice-President for the Economy, Tareck El Aissami confirmed a temporary occupation by the national government of 21 slaughterhouses, which had violated the agreed pricing policy. This measure will last 180 days and can be extended if necessary. The aim is to stop the flagrant abuses of pricing policy being committed on a daily basis by the owners of the abattoirs and ensure access to meat products for the Venezuelan population.
This measure is in response to irregularities committed by the owners of slaughterhouses after the government announced 100 days ago the cost structure of the meat industry as agreed with the owners. Retail meat prices are currently selling at almost ten times the agreed retail price.
El Aissami also requested the Attorney General's office to initiate a criminal investigation to determine the responsibility of the owners of slaughterhouses for various crimes being committed in the meat industry. These crimes include diverting meat supplies to intermediaries to increase the selling price of meat products as well as extorting primary producers to pay in US dollars which he described as "economic blackmail". El Aissami guaranteed job security for the workers of those slaughterhouses being occupied and investigated, and stated that their wages will be provided by the national government. "These measures will be taken to prevent meat from becoming a product of speculation and resale and to ensure that it reaches the Venezuelan family", he concluded.
Reports from Venezuela say the footwear industry there is working at only 20% of its full capacity. The president of national footwear industry association Cavenal, Luigi Pisella, has said companies are finding it impossible to restock inventories because of high levels of inflation in the South American country. In recent comments to a national radio station, Mr Pisella said manufacturers faced a doubling or even tripling of the price of raw materials in a single month and were unable to buy in what they need.
As a result, he said the consumption of footwear in Venezuela has fallen from three pairs per person per year in 2012 to just 0.5 pairs now. He said this would correspond to a fall in the total number of pairs purchased by around 75 million pairs per year.
The most recent census put the population of Venezuela at around 31.5 million. With a similar level in 2012, footwear consumption nationally that year would have been 94.5 million pairs. And with the same level of population in 2018, current consumption rates would point to a total this year of under 20 million pairs.


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Spring at the Silos canceled amid growing coronavirus concerns
Magnolia Market to operate with normal hours
By: KXXV Staff
Spring at the Silos has been canceled amid growing coronavirus concerns.
Magnolia announced in a statement it is canceling the festival in its entirety. Magnolia Market, Magnolia Press and Little Shop on Bosque will continue to maintain their normal hours of operation.
The health and safety of our guests, our employees and this community is our top priority. After careful consideration, we have decided to cancel this year's Spring at the Silos festival in its entirety. Out of an abundance of caution—given the rapidly evolving nature of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases—we felt this was the most prudent course of action. All ticketholders will be issued full refunds and all vendors will be given the option to receive a full refund or a credit for a guaranteed spot at Magnolia's next vendor fair. Magnolia Market, Silos Baking Co., Magnolia Table, Magnolia Press and Little Shop on Bosque will continue to maintain their normal hours of operation, respectively.
Ticketholders will be issued full refunds and all vendors will be given the option to receive a full refund or a credit for a guaranteed spot at Magnolia's next vendor fair.
The festival, which was set to begin Thursday, March 12, was set to bring in thousands of visitors from across the state and country.
Spring at the Silos is the most recent festival to be canceled as coronavirus cases and concerns spread across the country. The Houston Stockshow and Rodeo announced Wednesday it will be canceling remaining events.
25 News had mixed opinions on possibly canceling the events. Some said the festival should be canceled due to coronavirus risks, while others said the event should go on and people could choose to attend.
This article was written by Sydney Isenberg for KXXV.
Coronavirus Resources and Information
San Luis Obispo County COVID-19 Statistics San Luis Obispo County Testing Information San Luis Obispo County Vaccine Information Santa Barbara County COVID-19 Statistics Santa Barbara County Testing Information Santa Barbara County Vaccine Information Tracking COVID-19 in CA


Scripturae canonicae sunt & [autarkeis] & [autopistoi]. ; Nemini licet fine externa vocatione exercere ministerium ecclesiaticum.
Academic disputations--England --Cambridge --Early works to 1800.
College verse, Latin (Medieval and modern)--England --Early works to 1800.
Latin poetry, Medieval and modern--England --Early works to 1800.
Bible--Canon --Early works to 1800.
Vocation, Ecclesiastical--Early works to 1800.
General note Text partly in Greek; bracketed words in title are printed in Greek characters.
General note Place and date of publication suggested by STC (2nd ed.).
General note Printed on uncut sheet with STC (2nd ed.) 4474.22 following.
General note Reproduction of original in: Bodleian Library.
Genre/form Broadsides England 16th century.
Other title Nemini licet fine externa vocatione exercere ministerium ecclesiasticum.


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Fall of the Dragon Prince (The Forgotten Heirs Trilogy #1) by Dan Allen
King Toran is greatly admired for uniting the 5 realms and bringing peace to the land. When the King dies, his throne stands empty. It is rumored that he left 5 heirs throughout the land, however their identities remain a mystery.
The story is told from several character's point of view. Reann is a 17 year old ward of the castle that is working as a servant until her guardianship ends. She is the self-appointed librarian and has been secretly searching for clues to the lost heirs. She hopes that if she finds one she will gain a permanent position at the castle and not be cast out when she turns 18. A mysterious man arrives at the castle who is also secretly searching for the heirs, but can he be trusted?
Terith is a young dragon rider in a different part of the realm. He fights to protect his land from a horde of invaders called the Outlanders. Much of his story centers around the champion challenge. The winner is deemed the new ruler of the land and is also allowed first pick of the eligible maidens for marriage. The competition is fierce and he wants to win not only to rule, but to have first choice of the woman he loves.
The story starts off pretty slow and although there is some fighting and battles, they are more confusing than exciting. The worldbuilding is very slight and at times I didn't really understand everything that was going on. There is a horde of "Outlanders"that the realm must fight every year, but there is no information given as to who they are, where they come from, and why they keep invading year in and year out.
There are apparently 5 realms, but we only really read about 2 of them. The others are causally referred to when discussing the rumors of the location of the heirs. It is presumed that Toran is dead, but there is no real answer as to whether he is or not. There seem to be significant time jumps between some of the stories, but the reader is left to guess as to what these are. There is no information given as to why the castle is still running, who is in charge while there is no heir and how the realms continue to work together with no apparent government.
With regard to Terith, apparently the people that he lives with have some kind of magical power called the "awakening", but there is little description of what this is, what different kinds there are or where it comes from. There are several kinds of dragons but the descriptions of them raise more questions than provide answers.
Normally I devour fantasy books quickly, but it took me quite awhile to read this book. That's not a good thing. I do think the series has a lot of promise if the author can provide more worldbuilding in the next book. I will probably check out the next book in the series.


Living: The bavarian mountain hound is not suited for city life. he needs space and exercise.
The Bavarian Mountain Hound"s head is strong and elongated. The skull is relatively broad and slightly domed. It has a pronounced stop and a slightly curved nosebridge. The muzzle should be broad with solid jaws, and its lips fully covering mouth. Its nose is black or dark red with wide nostrils. Its ears are high set and medium in length. They are broader at the base and rounded at the tips, hanging heavily against the head. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall and slightly raised at the rump. The neck medium in length, strong, with a slight dewlap. Topline sloping slightly upward from withers to hindquarters. Chest well-developed, long, moderately wide and well let-down with a slight tuck-up. It has a long, fairly straight croup and solid back. While its tail is set on high, medium in length and hanging to the hock, carried level to the ground or hanging down.
Bavarian Mountain Hounds are calm, quiet, poised and very attached to their masters and family. When hunting, they are hard, single-minded and persistent. Courageous, spirited, fast and agile, they are at ease on a rugged terrain, with a superb nose and powerful hunting instinct. They need a patient, experienced trainer.
The Bavarian needs a considerable amount of exercise. It is unadvisable to allow him to roam off-lead as he is an ardent tracker and his nose may lead him into trouble or danger, but if a securely fenced area can be found for him to run and explore this will keep him mentally alert and satisfied as well as meeting his physical needs. Otherwise he should be given long daily walks on lead to keep him fit and to provide interesting sights and scents for his mental well-being. Tracking is the obvious canine sport for this breed. It will provide him with exercise and allow him to do what he has been bred for decades to do - follow his nose.
The coat is short, thick and shiny, lying very flat against the body and moderately harsh. It is finer on the head and ears, harsher and longer on the abdomen, legs and tail. Its coat can come in all shades of black-masked fawn or brindle.


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Awesome credit card bonuses often come with a catch: a minimum spend requirement. Here are 23 practical ways to meet it so you can collect the bonus.


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How reliable are at-home COVID tests? Here's what we know
If you test negative, but you have symptoms, you might want to test again
By Nicole Karlis
Published January 4, 2022 3:48PM (EST)
COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits are given away during a drive-thru event at the Hollywood library on December 30, 2021 in Hollywood, Florida. Broward County began distributing a limited supply of the kits to residents while supplies last. The distribution started today and runs through tomorrow at drive-thru sites outside of nine county libraries.	(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
As the omicron variant continues to spread across the United States, at-home COVID-19 antigen tests have become an in-demand item.
During the holiday season, at-home tests became stocking stuffers. Some families required that family members take such tests before attending gatherings. Yet because of high demand, such tests are in short supply — and across the country, there have been multiple reports of shortages at stores.
Meanwhile, some municipalities have chosen to give away free at-home tests as cases surge following holiday gatherings. In Connecticut, demand far outweighs supply. In the county of Los Angeles, public health officials have established a program offering free, at-home COVID kits via mail to all county residents who have symptoms or have been exposed.
Given the scarcity of tests, and their relative lack of controversy compared to vaccines or mask mandates, the call for free or discounted COVID tests is a politically popular idea. Indeed, President Joe Biden recently announced new measures to ensure Americans have access to free testing. As part of this initiative, the Biden administration promised to buy half a billion at-home tests to be provided to Americans for free this winter, starting in January.
Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter The Vulgar Scientist.
Yet just as with any medical test, taking one outside of a controlled medical setting can sometimes lead to mistaken results — as a layperson is not as careful of an administrator of medical tests as, say, a nurse or phlebotomist. Fortunately, many experts agree at-home COVID tests are generally quite accurate, assuming the taker follows instructions carefully. In an interview on NBC's "TODAY" show, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told the audience that they are both sound as well as "helpful."
"Antigen tests are really helpful for things like testing to stay in school, where we're getting an antigen test every day, or every other day, or where they're using them in higher education to screen students every several days, that's where they perform really quite well, as well," Walensky said.
"But what we would reiterate [is] that if you have a negative antigen test and you have symptoms, then you should go ahead and get that PCR test," Walesnky said.
At-home COVID tests that do not need to be sent back to a lab are antigen tests, which work by detecting the presence of substances called antigens that stimulate an immune response against COVID-19. The presence of antigens is an indicator that a patient has the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Polymerase chain reaction tests, also known as PCR tests, are considered the gold standard for detecting the virus — but these require much more time and support, which ultimately makes it so that PCR tests can detect even the smallest trace of the virus. The samples for PCR tests can be taken at home, but they must be analyzed in a lab setting.
In any case, the key advantage of at-home antigen testing is its ability to give a result in 15 minutes. While they vary by brand, at-home tests generally work like this: a person swabs their own nostrils and then exposes the sample to a liquid chemical, which will then determine if they are positive or not by detecting the presence of the antigen being tested. There are a handful of these tests on the market, including the Ellume Covid-19 Home Test, the Abbott BinaxNOW, and the Quidel QuickVue At-Home Covid-19 Test.
While it is accurate to say that PCR tests are more accurate than at-home antigen ones, antigen tests still play an important role — especially as omicron spreads.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center, told Salon that in deciding on which test to take, it depends on the reason.
"There are two questions to ask a COVID-19 test: 'Am I safe to be around other people? Or what am I sick with?' Those are the two questions that any tests will answer for you when it comes to COVID," Adalja said. "When it comes to the person getting tested, if they're just testing asymptomatically to understand whether or not they can be around other people, an antigen test is perfectly sufficient," he said. "If you are positive, that tells you that you have enough virus in your nose or your mouth to be able to infect other people; if it's negative, that tells you you're not a danger to other people at that moment."
At-home antigen tests such as BinaxNOW or QuickVue have an accuracy in the range of 85 percent, meaning they miss about 15 out of 100 people who are infected. However, they are known to be good at detecting an infection when a person has a high viral load, meaning the point of illness that someone is most likely to infect others. The test is more likely to produce a false negative than a false positive (though false positives can happen, as the MIT Technology Review found). If one tests negative, yet is showing symptoms, Adalja said that person should press on with trying to uncover why they are sick.
For those who are ill with COVID-like symptoms but test negative on an antigen test, "you don't want to expose other people just based on that first negative test," Adalja said. "You want to repeat it, and you may need to get another test; you might need to get a formal antigen test at an urgent care center or or a PCR test; or you could have influenza."
Adalja emphasized that PCR tests do not measure contagiousness.
"A PCR test picks up minute amounts of virus — so you might recover from COVID 10 weeks ago and still be positive on a PCR test, but you're not a danger to others," Adalja emphasized. "I think that antigen tests and PCR tests are both extremely valuable and both have their own roles; if you're trying to decide whether or not you are contagious, whether you are a danger to other people, the antigen test is a first line test if you have symptoms."
What if you test positive for COVID-19 on an at-home COVID-19 test?
"If you're positive, then you have an answer on an antigen test at home," Adalja said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you do test positive on an at-home test, it's time to quarantine.
"A positive self-test result means that the test detected the virus, and you are very likely to have an infection and should stay home or isolate for 10 days, wear a mask if you could have contact with others, and avoid indoor gatherings to reduce the risk of spreading disease to someone else," the CDC states on its website. "A negative self-test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you may not have an infection, but it does not rule out infection."
As for at-home antigen tests detecting the omicron variant specifically, U.S. health officials recently said early data suggests they may be less sensitive at picking it up. However, the agency still recommends them as a way to test at home.
"The FDA continues to authorize the use of these tests as directed in the authorized labeling, and individuals should continue to use them in accordance with the instructions included with the tests," the FDA stated. "Antigen tests are generally less sensitive and less likely to pick up very early infections compared to molecular tests."
Omicron's rise:
The omicron variant came out of left field. Will there be more like it in the future?
The double-vaccinated are barely protected from omicron — but those with boosters are in good shape
As omicron explodes in New York, hospitals aren't seeing a corresponding rise in patients
Nicole Karlis
Nicole Karlis is a staff writer at Salon. Tweet her @nicolekarlis.
MORE FROM Nicole Karlis
Antigen Tests At-home Covid Tests Covid-19 Pandemic Pcr Tests Reporting


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Chapter 50-3 FIRMS, PARTNERSHIPS, CORPORATIONS PROPER NAMES - ARCHITECTS
Rule 50-3-.01 Titles
(1) Any person who holds a current certificate of registration issued by this Board is authorized to employ the title "Architect" and to use the word "Architect" or various constructions thereof, in describing or identifying the architectural services he offers or executes in the built environment.
(2) No person, firm, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company, except as otherwise provided below, may employ the title "Architect" or constructions of the word "Architect" to describe persons or services in the built environment.
Rule 50-3-.02 Practice
(1) No firm, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company will be registered to practice architecture.
(2) Architectural practice by firms, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies is permissible upon compliance with Code Section 43-4-10 and this Chapter.
(a) Such practice is permissible only if it is performed under the responsible control and authority of a Georgia registered Architect who is:
1. In the case of a corporation, a director who is employed full-time at the premises where the architectural services are performed; or
2. In the case of a partnership a partner; or
3. In the case of a limited liability company a member; or
4. An employee with an ownership interest who has been designated in writing as holding a position of authority within the firm.
(b) "Responsible Control" as used herein means that the licensed architect under whose authority such practice is performed has personal knowledge and ultimate authority for all architectural decisions in connection therewith. In the case of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or employee with ownership interest, the licensed architect under whose authority such practices is performed shall be identified in any contract for architectural services. Any documents prepared in such practice must be the individual signature and seal of the architect under whose authority the documents are prepared. In a partnership which includes more than one licensed architect partner, the partner who has responsible control as defined herein shall sign and seal the documents as required in Code Section 43-4. The administration of construction contracts shall be under the responsible control of the licensed architect under whose authority such work is undertaken or any other architect principal of the firm.
(c) When architectural drawings, documents, and specifications are prepared outside of the sealing architect's company, responsible control shall be demonstrated by contractual relationships, appropriate financial records, and time sheets that indicate a substantial and continuous participation in the coordination of consultants and creation of the work. Prototypical drawings shall be prepared in accordance with Board Rule 50-2A-.01(7)(c) and 50-2A-.03.
(d) A Georgia registered architect may seal a submission prepared by a Georgia registered interior designer in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 43-4-33(b).
(e) Reviewing, or reviewing and correcting the final technical submissions after they have been prepared by others does not constitute the exercise of responsible control because the reviewer has neither control over nor detailed professional knowledge of the content of such submissions throughout their preparation.
(3) Foreign corporations are cautioned that in order to do business in Georgia, they must also conform to the legal requirements applicable to foreign corporations as administered by the Office of the Secretary of State.
Rule 50-3-.03 Names
The statutory authorization for registered individuals, firms, sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations offering to the public the practice of architecture or the rendering of architectural services is not an authorization to hold out as an architect any person who is not a licensed architect. For that reason, the following rules govern the manner in which registered individuals and those firms, sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations otherwise lawfully engaged in the practice of architecture may hold themselves out to the public.
(a) Firm names composed of the real name or real names of living persons preceded or followed by the words "Architect" or "Architects" or any words, letters, figures, or constructions thereof indicating or intended to imply that the business of the firm is the practice of architecture, shall include only the name of architects currently licensed in Georgia (except as provided in Paragraph (f) below) and practicing in accordance with Code Chapter 43-4. Firm names that include the name or names of retired or deceased architects may be continued provided the requirements of Paragraphs (c), (e), and (g) below are met.
(b) Firm names composed of the real name or the real names of living persons, preceded or followed by such words as "Architect and Engineer","Architects, Engineers, and Planners", etc. or any words, letters, figures, or constructions thereof indicating or intended to imply that the business of the firm is the practice of architecture and any one or more of the allied professions, shall include only the names of architects currently licensed in Georgia, except as provided in Paragraph (f) below, and practicing in accordance with Code Chapter 43-4 and the names of allied professionals, practicing in accordance with all applicable codes that govern the practice of the respective allied professions. Firms names that include the name or names of deceased architects or allied professionals may be continued provided the requirements of Paragraphs (c), (e), and (g) below are met.
(c) Firm names that include or are composed of the name or names of retired or deceased persons, who at the time of their retirement or demise were Registered Architects, may be continued provided the requirements of Paragraphs (e) and (g) below are met.
(d) Any organization engaged in the practice of architecture in this State under any business title other than the real name or real names of persons as set forth in Paragraphs (a) and (b) above, shall comply with the requirements of Paragraphs (e) and (g) below.
(e) If a firm's principal business is that of offering architectural services to the public or rendering architectural services and the firm name is composed of any business title other than the name or names of living persons or includes the name or names of living persons who are not licensed to practice architecture, the firm letterhead must include the identity of the architect or architects currently licensed to practice in Georgia in accordance with Code Chapter 43-4. All other names that appear on the letterhead as "supplemental" information shall bear the true identity and status of each person whose name so appears.
(f) In the case of Practice in Georgia by an architectural firm whose principal or base office is not located in this state, the firm practice in Georgia shall comply with all requirements of Code Chapter 43-4 and Chapter 50, with the exception that a minimum of one person (in Cases (a), (b), (c), (d) above) shall be an architect currently licensed to practice in Georgia; and that person shall:
1. be the architect under whose responsible control the Georgia practice shall be conducted; and
2. shall be identified as Georgia Registered on all firm letterheads, public identification, and instruments of service by such designation as "John J. Doe, Architect - Georgia Registration No. 0000."
(g) In the case of establishment or maintenance of a branch office in this state by an architectural firm whose principal or base office is not located in this state, such branch office must be under the full-time responsible control of an architect licensed to practice under Code Section 43-4 and who is a permanent resident of Georgia residing in the locale of such branch office.
(h) Each office regularly engaged in the practice of architecture shall have an architect duly registered with this Board, in full authority and responsible charge, having personal knowledge and supervisory control of such work.


text:
AAA to Roll Out Local Roadside Bicycle Assistance
AAA Mid-Atlantic will formally announce that it is now offering roadside assistance for D.C. area bicyclists Friday morning.
The announcement is timed to coincide with Bike to Work Day and will be made at a Bike to Work Day pit stop in D.C.
"To encourage bicycle commuting, which is growing exponentially across the region, AAA Mid-Atlantic will debut the addition of its new roadside assistance service for bicyclists," the organization said in a media advisory Thursday.
"Starting on Bike To Work Day, the AAA bicycle service will be immediately available to nearly four million AAA Mid-Atlantic members within the club's Mid-Atlantic footprint, which includes the entire Washington Metro Area, and it applies to all bicycles and bicycle rentals."
The service is already being advertised on the organization's website.
A number of other regional AAA branches across the country, including in the Pacific Northwest and New England, already offer the service.
UPDATED: Pothole Problems Reported Across Arlington
ARLnow.com March 11, 2015 at 10:45am
(Updated at 11:20 a.m.) Arlington roads are chock full of potholes after a snowy winter with plenty of freezing, thawing and refreezing.
Pothole-filled roads have been reported around the county and there have also been scattered accounts of flat tires and other pothole-related damage.
Arlington County has an online form for reporting potholes. Yesterday, we asked readers to report, via Twitter, the location of some of the worst potholes in Arlington. Here are some of the responses:
"All of Wilson Blvd heading towards Ballston from 7 Corners to Glebe. It's like off-roading." (@isaachulvey)
"Sycamore between 26th and Lee Highway" (@aoadair)
"Courthouse Rd from Clarendon Blvd leading down to 50. Was only it last night and there's literally craters from 14th down" (@mel_shoe)
"Veitch St. right near Corner Bakery, nearest cross street is Clarendon Blvd. Absolutely horrendous potholes in a couple spots" (@vizzle311)
"George Mason and N Pershing, same pothole comes back each time they fill it" (@RobertoClaure)
"Old Dominion from Glebe to Williamsburg Blvd" (@JohnVasapoli)
"Henderson Road and Thomas Street has become a nightmare over the past week! 3 potholes in the same stretch, no way to dodge" (@eablack)
"Spout Run Pkwy between Lee Highway and GWPkwy, both ways" (@michbttx)
"Construction zone on Glebe from just south of Columbia Pike to the post office. 6+ months now, no improvement. Maddening." (@Ariadnes_Thread)
"Nash St in Rosslyn, btwn Key Blvd and Wilson is atrocious. It is just one big pothole after another." (@kylekeller)
"The N-B stretch of S. Shirlington Rd. off 395N has been a disaster for over a year." (@KyleFisherMBA)
"Four Mile Run Rd between Geo Mason and Col Pike" (@dtwynn)
"On Barton at 10th, heading toward 9th. As you head up hill, giant trench. Part fixed, but huge hole still there to right side." (@samerfarha)
"Fillmore between 10th and Clarendon Blvd. there are 4-5 huge ones!" (@emilylynnwalsh)
"Corner of 28th Street S and 26th Street S" (@spencer4fsu)
"On Carlin Springs Road by the bridge over George Mason Dr. Both sides" (@GusMacker1)
We'll add another to the list: the stretch of S. Joyce Street in front of Pentagon Row. However, as of 11:15 a.m., county crews were out patching the pockmarked road.
One more big problem spot of note: the George Washington Parkway, near Spout Run Parkway, which was partially shut down this morning for repairs after "over a dozen cars" were damaged by potholes.
Arlington County says crews are now tackling potholes on major roads, with plans to get to neighborhood streets a bit later in the spring. From Dept. of Environmental Services spokeswoman Jessica Baxter:
It's been a rough winter season on our roads, particularly with the amount of frozen precipitation and sustained periods of extreme cold temperatures. As we enter this spring season, it is our priority to get crews out there to make potholes repairs. We will do so for the next two months beginning with major arterials. This will include working late into some evenings on non-arterial streets, as well as scheduling teams for Saturday work when weather allows.
AAA Mid-Atlantic issued a press release this morning, suggesting that drivers should file claims for pothole damage against local governments. The press release (reprinted, after the jump) also has tips for avoiding potholes.
AAA Thanksgiving Travel Forecast — About 1.1 million Washington area residents will travel 50 more more miles this Thanksgiving holiday, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. That's up 3.1 percent over 2013. About 90 percent of those travelers will journey to grandma's house via automobile, AAA says. The lowest gas prices since Dec. 2010 are helping to drive some additional travel this year. [Reston Now]
What's Next for the Pike? — Now that the streetcar is dead, articulated buses may be next for Columbia Pike. But that would require reinforcing the roadway and building a new bus depot. [Greater Greater Washington]
Beyer Joins 'New Democrat Coalition' — Arlington's newly-elected representative in Congress, Don Beyer, has joined the House New Democrat Coalition, a group of pro-growth Democrats. [Blue Virginia]
Moran Laments Loss of Earmarks — Outgoing Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) says earmarks, while demonized by the media and some politicians, actually helped the legislative process. The loss of earmarks has slowed Congress to a crawl, Moran said. [InsideNova]
Flickr pool photo by Erinn Shirley
ARLnow.com September 29, 2014 at 9:00am
GOP, Democrats Support Amendment — The Arlington County Republican and Democratic committees agree on at least one thing: they both support a proposed Virginia constitutional amendment that would exempt the the principal residence of a fallen U.S. servicemember's spouse from taxation. [InsideNova]
Chamber Launches Program for Young Entrepreneurs — The Arlington Chamber of Commerce has launched a local affiliate of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy program. The program will help students ages 11-18 develop entrepreneurial skills after school. [Patch]
AAA Warns of Sun Glare — AAA is warning that sun glare could make the evening commute more hazardous for east-to-west commuters through the end of daylight saving time on Nov. 3. "Motorists should take additional precautions to avoid being blinded by the light including wearing sunglasses, cleaning their windshields, slowing down, and altering their commutes whenever possible," said AAA Mid-Atlantic's John Townsend.
Photo courtesy @jdsonder
ARLnow.com September 2, 2014 at 9:15am
Today Is Terrible Traffic Tuesday — AAA Mid-Atlantic has again dubbed today Terrible Traffic Tuesday. With vacations over and kids back in school, rush hour trips are expected to increase in length by 26 percent today, on average. Washington, the auto club says, has the worst rush hour traffic in the nation. [AAA Mid-Atlantic]
Fairfax School May Be Model for Arlington — Fairfax County unveiled a new five-story urban-style elementary school, with tech-laden and light-filled classrooms. The school, in the Seven Corners area, may be a model for a future school in Arlington, which is struggling to find enough open space for new schools. [InsideNova]
Shuttleworth Wins Pie-Eating Contest — Bowen Shuttleworth, the son of former Congressional candidate Bruce Shuttleworth and an emerging track champ, emerged victorious in the pie-eating contest (photo, above) at the annual Arlington County Democratic Committee Labor Day chili cookoff on Monday. The cookoff itself was interrupted by thunderstorms.
Flickr pool photo by Alan Kotok
AAA: Daylight Saving Time May Make for Drowsy Drivers
ARLnow.com March 7, 2014 at 10:00am
Daylight Saving Time officially begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, when clocks should "spring forward" one hour.
The change will result in an extra hour of daylight in the evening, but will come at the cost of darker mornings and an hour of lost sleep.
AAA Mid-Atlantic warns that the change can leave drivers drowsy on Monday morning. The automobile association issued the following press release, urging drivers to make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
Come Monday morning, many drivers may have lost a spring in their step and may not be fully alert as they travel to work and school.
What's more, many motorists may now be faced with a darker morning drive or sun glare from a rising, as well as setting sun depending on their commuting times, advises AAA Mid-Atlantic. Losing an hour of sleep and the change in daylight hours means motorists may potentially experience drowsy driving and added distractions of the road. In addition to the change of daylight, children, pedestrians, joggers, walker, bicyclists and motorcyclists will likely be more active outdoors. For safety's sake, it behooves motorists to keep a watchful eye for all highway users as the days become longer.
"Each spring we go through the ritual of setting our clocks forward one hour. While some believe 'just an hour' of lost sleep is not significant, many people, who are already sleep deprived going into the weekend, are more likely to be impaired from an attention and safety standpoint," said Mahlon G. (Lon) Anderson, AAA Mid-Atlantic's Managing Director of Public and Government Affairs. "A change in time can affect people physically and drivers can be more tired than they realize."
To prevent this, AAA Mid-Atlantic recommends people, especially motorists, prepare in advance for the time change by increasing their sleep time in the days ahead and getting a good night's sleep on Sunday." An estimated 17 percent of fatal crashes, 13 percent of crashes resulting in hospitalization, and seven percent of all crashes requiring a tow involve a drowsy driver, according to a 2010 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes a year. The actual figure may be higher because police can't always determine with certainty when driver fatigue results or is a contributory factor in a crash.
"You are getting sleepy, very sleepy." AAA Mid-Atlantic advises motorists to make sure they get adequate sleep before getting behind the wheel of their vehicle. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that most adults get 7-9 hours of sleep to maintain proper alertness during the day. Studies show that sleep needs vary by age group.
Around Town, Traffic
AAA Predicts Increase in Holiday Travel
Katie Pyzyk December 19, 2013 at 4:30pm
If you're preparing to travel during the holidays, you're in good company. AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts nearly half of the residents in the D.C. metro region will leave the area in the next few days.
Nearly 2.4 million people, or about 41 percent of the metro region's population, are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the time period from this Saturday, December 21, through Wednesday, January 1. That's a small increase of 0.1 percent over last year. This will be the fifth consecutive year for such an increase, and the highest recorded travel volume for the winter holiday season.
"Unfortunately, a number of Washingtonians sat out three of the first four holiday travel periods of the year as an upshot of all the political drama in the nation's capital and the economic stress it engendered. But they will not be denied nor deny themselves or their families during the Christmas and New Year's holiday travel period," said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic's Manager of Public and Government Affairs.
Air travel is expected to slightly decline to 129,300 travelers, compared with 130,400 last year. The number of people traveling by train or bus is also down this year, by about two percent. Automobile travel, however, is expected to increase by 0.3 percent, to more than 2.1 million people.
D.C. metro area residents plan on traveling an average of 965 miles for the holidays. That's up from 805 miles last year.
Traffic, Weather
AAA Urges Safe Driving in Rainy Weather
ARLnow.com October 11, 2013 at 1:00pm
Numerous accidents have been reported around Arlington today as continued rainy weather is making for slick conditions on the roads.
AAA Mid-Atlantic is reminding motorists to drive carefully in wet weather.
The association sent out the following press release this afternoon.
As the coastal storm continues through the Washington metro area today, motorists will face hazardous driving conditions during their evening commute due to rain and standing water, warns AAA Mid-Atlantic. The auto club is advising motorists to exercise caution when driving.
"Commuters heading home tonight will face the same hazardous weather conditions as this morning's drive to work," said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic's Manager of Public and Government Affairs. "When driving in wet weather remember to buckle up, slow down, and keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Also, remember, it's the law in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia to turn your headlights on if your windshield wipers are in use."
To minimize the hazards associated with wet weather driving, AAA Mid-Atlantic recommends the following precautions for navigating in heavy rain, reduced visibility and slick pavement:
Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase. On dry pavement, a safe following distance permits two to three seconds for stopping; that should be increased to eight seconds on slippery roads. Train your eyes farther down the road than normal, so you can anticipate changes and adjust your course gradually.
Do not attempt to drive through standing water on the roads that look too deep. Avoid bridges and roads that are known to flood. When driving on pothole-filled roads, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control. Just a few inches of water can turn your vehicle into a boat, and could put your life, and the lives of those around you, at great risk. Turn around; find another way to get to your destination.
Watch out for hydroplaning. No car is immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces, including four-wheel drive vehicles. Just because brakes work under normal conditions doesn't mean they will react the same on slippery roads where tires roll with far less traction.
Alert drivers behind you that you're slowing with your brake lights. Without anti-lock brakes, squeeze the brakes until they are about to lock up and then release. With anti-lock brakes, use the same move – but don't pump the brakes, which would work against the operation of the ABS system. Slow down as you approach a pothole. However, do not brake when your vehicle is directly over a pothole.
Use the central lanes. When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where the water collects at curbside.
Use low-beam headlights to help other drivers see your car and increase visibility.
Use your defroster with your air conditioning to keep the air dry and prevent windows from fogging.
Do not drive around barricades. Many lives have been lost when drivers disregard official orders and find themselves trapped in rising waters.
Turn off the cruise control in wet weather driving. The use of cruise control on wet roads can cause hydroplaning.
If conditions worsen to the point where there is any doubt about your safety, take the nearest exit and find a safe location. Don't just stop on the shoulder or under a bridge where you may feel less anxiety. If your visibility is compromised, other drivers may be struggling too.
Watch for slick spots on the road. Fumes and oil leaks that build up on dry pavement rise to the surface of the road when it rains, making the road far slicker than it may seem.
AAA: Expect More Labor Day Travelers This Year
ARLnow.com August 27, 2013 at 11:00am
More than 800,000 D.C. area residents are expected to leave town for Labor Day, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
The organization estimates that 811,500 people will travel at least 50 miles this weekend, a 2.6 percent increase from 2012. Of those travelers, 707,000 — or 87 percent — are expected to travel by car. About 8 percent will travel by air and 5 percent will travel by train, bus or boat, AAA projects.
AAA says the average traveler will journey about 600 miles, which is close to the national average. Gas prices are "unlikely to be a major factor for people in determining whether they will travel this Labor Day," even though most consider the current national average of $3.54 a gallon "too high," according to AAA.
"Call it summer's last fling," said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic's Manager of Public and Government Affairs. "After staying put throughout the summer, Washingtonians are yearning for travel, so they are getting the heck out of town for Labor Day. In fact, this is the fourth year of increases in local Labor Day travelers in the Washington metro area."
"The effect of sequestration is still felt locally," Townsend continued. "However, local residents can now gauge its full impact on their discretionary budgets with the recent announcement that the number of civilian furlough days has been reduced from 11 to six. That's enough unanticipated good news to put folks around here in the mood to travel."
News, Traffic
AAA: Furloughs May Ease Traffic Congestion
Katie Pyzyk July 8, 2013 at 4:45pm
Department of Defense furloughs went into effect today and AAA Mid-Atlantic suggests that may mean less traffic congestion.
In Virginia alone, nearly 72,000 DoD employees are affected by furloughs, which require one unpaid day off per week for 11 weeks. The state is expected to be particularly hard hit by the cuts due to the Pentagon being housed in Arlington.
It's too early to definitively claim furloughs will ease traffic congestion, but AAA believes fewer people on the road could lead to less gridlock and fewer accidents. In fact, the organization suggests commutes could resemble those of July and August, when the region experiences its lowest traffic volume and rate of accidents.
"For all other workers, the morning and evening commutes to the daily grind could look like it does on any of the ten federal holidays in the Washington metro area or on Fridays, when federal workers use their flex-time schedules or compressed work weeks (AWS) to take time off," said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic's Manager of Public and Government Affairs.
AAA predicts Metrorail and Metrobus ridership may be affected as well. According to WMATA, nearly half of peak period commuters are federal employees and 35 Metrorail stations serve federal facilities, including the Pentagon in Arlington.
Rep. Jim Moran (D) took to Twitter earlier today to express his displeasure with the furloughs. He also sent the following statement to ARLnow.com:
"Due to sequestration, today marked the first of 11 furlough days for 650,000 DOD civilian employees. This 20 percent pay cut is the unfortunate and shameful result of Congress' failure to work together to find an appropriate way to reduce the federal debt and deficit. I voted against the Budget Control Act that set up sequestration not only because it focused solely on cutting discretionary spending at the expense of increased revenues, but I feared that the Supercommittee could not find compromise. Congress must make tough choices, but we cannot balance the budget on the backs of our federal workers."
ARLnow.com June 20, 2013 at 9:15am
Sietsema Skewers La Tagliatella — Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema has delivered a devastating half-star review of La Tagliatella, the European-based Italian restaurant chain that recently opened in Clarendon and is planning to open in Shirlington. The restaurant "makes a strong case for hazard pay for restaurant critics," Sietsema wrote, and future locations (like Shirlington) "have my condolences." In a subsequent online chat, Sietsema said that La Tagliatella was several notches below the Falls Church Olive Garden in terms of the overall dining experience. [Washington Post]
AAA Predicts Lower Gas Prices — Gas prices in Virginia will fall 6 cents after July 1 thanks to the bipartisan transportation package that passed the state legislature this year, AAA predicts. Another byproduct of the legislation: the state sales tax in Northern Virginia will rise from 5 to 6 percent. [Sun Gazette]
Forum on Transportation Projects — Arlington's Transportation Commission will hold a public forum next week to review projects under consideration for funding by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Projects proposed by Arlington County include the Columbia Pike Multimodal Improvement Project, the Crystal City Multimodal Center, ART fleet expansion (Silver/Blue Line mitigation), and a new Boundary Channel Drive interchange. [Arlington County]


Government agencies today are dealing with a wider variety of data at a much larger scale. From satellite imagery to sensor data to citizen records, petabytes of semi- and unstructured data is collected each day. Unfortunately, traditional data warehouses are failing to provide government agencies with the capabilities they need to drive value out of their data in today's big data world. In fact, 73% of federal IT managers report that their agency not only struggles with harnessing and securing data, but also faces challenges analyzing and interpreting it1.
Fortunately, Databricks Unified Analytics Platform powered by Apache SparkTM provides a fast, simple, and scalable way to augment your existing data warehousing strategy by combining pluggable support for a broad set of data types and sources, scalable compute on-demand and the ability to perform low latency queries in real-time rather than investing in complicated and costly ETL pipelines. Additionally, Databricks provides the tools necessary for advanced analytics and machine learning, future proofing your analytics.
Part 2: How to simplify ETL and change data capture (CDC) processes to support your data engineering and data science initiatives.


text:
Pine Hills Nature Preserve
Natural Areas: Pine Hills Nature Preserve
National Natural Landmark [1968]
State Designated Nature Preserve [#1; 1969]
Devil's Backbone. Click to enlarge
Pine Hills Nature Preserve is one of the finest in our state, but your initial impression isn't likely to reflect that. Beginning in Shades State Park, you'll cross Indiana 234, then climb over a fence stile. The trail heads off to the northeast, meandering along old roads through woods that are nice enough. Eventually you'll arrive at a small clearing and a sign that says Turkey Backbone. This is where things start to get interesting. Wooden platforms and steps traverse a narrow ledge that features sheer drop-offs to either side, with a creek lying far below.
Stream view from above. Click to enlarge
Continue walking, and you'll pass through a dense, often dark hemlock grove before arriving at the top of two sets of stairs. The trail tees at the bottom of the second; turn right. You'll transit a short stretch of flood plain forest, rich with ferns, then emerge along the creek bank. Mill Cut Backbone rises high above, across the creek. Continue along the trail, following the course of the creek, until you arrive at The Slide, a steep rock face that regularly sloughs stone into the stream below.
The Slide. Click to enlarge
Further on, you'll pass through another hemlock grove before emerging at the confluence of two creeks. Honeycomb Rock, named for the thousands of voids in its face, looms overhead. I recommend exploring the creek banks in this area, particularly upstream along the larger creek, where one side of the Devil's Backbone rises precipitously, and trees cling tenaciously to fissures in the rock.
Rock Formation. Click to enlarge
When you return to the trail, it will climb through hemlocks to the Devil's Backbone. This is not a good place for small children, or those who fear heights. In places, the backbone is as narrow as six feet, with sheer drops of maybe a hundred feet to either side. One stretch is a relatively smooth slab, doubtless slick after a rain. Others have been here before, as testified by the numerous carvings, some bearing dates from the 1800s. There are even two large bird carvings that some speculate represent passenger pigeons. Stay awhile, but please don't add to the "artwork". On reaching the other side of the backbone, the trail descends sharply toward the creek; from there it's a relatively straightforward return to the entrance. This is one of the most spectacular destinations in Indiana, and certainly one of my favorites.
Montgomery County. Access to Pine Hills is via Shades State Park (fee). Take the first right after passing the Shades gatehouse and follow it all the way to the Trail 10 parking area. Trail 10 heads east, soon crossing IN 234 and entering Pine Hills.
GPS: N 39 55.977 W 87 03.706 (Trail 10)
None, though adjacent Shades State Park has a few.