#Junction Foundation Laid

[kyreniacommentator]

Girne Köprülü Junction Foundation Was Laid

[morganas-pendragons]

haven | celebrimbor

look ma! something happy for once!

if you haven't caught on yet, i've been writing these oneshots with the intention of them to (hopefully) be read in a particular order -> if you want to get pieces of the rest of the story, please read.. (there are PLENTY more coming)

Set before S2

Ease -> First(s) (coming soon, will probably be a drabble..) -> Haven (this one!) -> Nightmare -> Wash Away The Blood

prompt: Celebrimbor takes you just outside of Eregion to a hidden pool for your first date. Not one Elf but him knows about it as it has been a haven since Eregion's foundations were laid.

tag: @pentaghasm (you know exactly why) -> @celebrimbormylove

***

You're almost positive you've heard him wrong. It's only been a matter of days since you'd shared that kiss in the rain, and now it seems as if he's asking you - in the presence of his smiths, nonetheless - to meet him tomorrow for something he's calling a ''morning commitment.''

It's fortunate for you that you've come to know that Celebrimbor is a terrible liar.

Apparently, commitment means date.

"Good morning, nin tinu," His voice draws your attention away from your morning cup of tea as he steps out onto the balcony. “For someone who prefers to rise with the late morning sun, you are up early."

"That's because someone has been occupying my thoughts," You tease. You run a teasing finger around the rim of your teacup as Celebrimbor’s cheeks flush pink. "And I've come to enjoy the sound of the kingfishers. You've given me yet another thing to appreciate about your city."

"It will eventually be our city." Celebrimbor remarks. The two of you lean against the railing simultaneously and sip at your tea. While your thoughts are consumed by the implications of his statement, he's trying to figure out how to properly ask you to follow him out of the city so he can follow through on his ''commitment."

Celebrimbor blinks in confusion as you run a tender thumb across the furrow of his brow. "You do that when you're too deep in thought," You remark softly. "Is something wrong?"

"I have decided to take the day off from the forge today. It is a beautiful day, and I wish to spend it with you." Celebrimbor said. "However, the other smiths believe me to be following through on a prior commitment I made to you. They just believe it is regarding the weapon you asked me to craft."

"And what is it really in regards to?"

"I have something I'd like to show you outside of the city. It requires several hours worth of time. Would you like to accompany me?"

There's so much hope in those kind eyes. You'd never deny Celebrimbor, not when he's so earnest and open with you, but something about the way he's looking at you says that he's eager. This is something precious to him that he does not wish to share with anyone else.

You smile and nod. "When do we leave?"

***

The place in question that Celebrimbor leads you to a few hours later is nothing short of a haven: The swimming hole that lies before you is breathtaking. Celebrimbor has taken your hand where you stand on the edge of the ledge before you, a ledge that dips just enough for one to propel themselves off the edge and into waters below.

The trees shroud the watering hole from unsuspecting eyes.

"This has been here since before Eregion's creation," Celebrimbor says lowly in your ear, hands wandering to rest against your sides as you lean into his chest. "I have not shown it to another soul. It is... my haven."

You hum softly in acknowledgment as he presses a kiss to the junction of your shoulder that has your toes curling in your boots.

"And tell me," You reply. "Why is it a haven for you?"

"Because even amid all the turmoil that has been in my life," He does not look at the water as he speaks, but rather at you, because Celebrimbor is confident that every word rings true for the person who has become his true haven. A haven is a place of refuge, after all. "I'm reminded of the existence of beautiful things."

You go silent for several minutes. It's been such a long time since you've been this close to the water - as your last experience was when the sailors of Eregion pulled you out of the sea when you fell - and you're hesitant to tell him that you're not quite confident of your abilities in swimming.

"And what does one do in the presence of such beauty?" You peel yourself away from him and cross your arms to remove your tunic, revealing the underclothes you'd chosen for the occasion. They were meant to withstand water. "Hm?"

You bend to remove your boots.

Celebrimbor immediately feels his mouth go dry. The last time this had happened, he had been the one unclothed in front of you.

"My clothes are much more confining than yours," He muses weakly. "I may need more help getting out of them."

The late morning sunlight glints against your hair as you step forward to meet him, fingers wrapping around the fabric of your favorite set of red robes as he lifts his arms and the robe comes off. He too is wearing appropriate small clothes to withstand water.

If his mouth went dry, your mouth is the equivalent of the desert. He is a sight to behold.

"I'm sorry," It's rare for you to lose your carefully crafted composure, especially in front of him, but Celebrimbor finds himself endlessly entertained as you reach out a hand and press it into the divot of his chest. "I know I have technically seen this before, but you hide this all the time?"

"My eyes are up here," Celebrimbor teases. Laughter echoes against the trees as he lowers his gaze to where now both of your hands rest against his chest. "Come. Let's enjoy this time."

***

It takes Celebrimbor far longer than he cares to admit to realize you are afraid.

After taking the initiative to wade out toward the waterfall, he had been expecting you to follow him. What Celebrimbor found once he turned around was you lingering in the sand. It was evident from the unease written across your face that you were afraid to move forward.

"Are you coming?" He calls in question, clearly confused.

"I..."

Your eyes find him across the pool. He's truly the most handsome man you have ever seen, but you are most transfixed by his eyes. Celebrimbor's eyes are his most attractive quality. You could spend hours upon hours studying them: The flecks of brown held within the deep hazel that seems to go on forever, holding centuries upon centuries of kindness that so often is overlooked.

The words pour from your lips before you can halt them. You are almost embarrassed that they're spoken at all. "The last time I was in water such as this was when your guards found me in the river. I was terrified. This-"

"I will not let you drown," Celebrimbor says softly as he emerges from the water, droplets trailing down his chest to disappear at his waist and below. "I will not let anything happen to you. You know that."

The unspoken question of, "Do you trust me?" lingers in his words as Celebrimbor holds his hand out to you. You think that you could conquer any fear if he's there by your side to help combat it.

You'd rush into the front lines of an unwinnable war if he'd fight it alongside you.

Celebrimbor has never been a warrior. He's a crafter, a creator, someone who only uses his hands for goodness. Your hands... you don't even want to know what they've done.

You're determined to change the narrative. Even if you have committed things that you can't remember, the act of taking Celebrimbor's hand opens an entirely new possibility of only goodness.

You link your fingers and follow him into the water.

Celebrimbor's smile is well worth conquering your fear. "There you go," His voice is encouraging as he stops where the water touches both of your waists. He's taller than you here. "I'm proud of you. I know conquering fears is hard."

Your eyes venture upward. Celebrimbor has pushed his hair back behind his ears with his fingers, but there's one singular curl hanging against his forehead.

You tilt your head and curl it around your finger.

"Is there a reward for conquering fears?" You ask innocently, batting your lashes up at the Elven Smith who only laughs in response. Celebrimbor has not asked to properly court you. Not yet, but you want him to.

To answer your question, Celebrimbor cups your face in his hands and lowers his mouth to kiss you. You sink against him with ease and press your fingers into his shoulders to grasp at him as he eases your legs around his waist and moves deeper into the pool to the waterfall.

You whine as his tongue curls around your own and licks into the warmth of your mouth. He's just as good with his mouth as he is with his hands.

"Your other reward?" Celebrimbor begins as the two of you slip just underneath the waterfall. You shriek, burying your head in his shoulder as he tightens his arms around your waist. "I am not sure about your reward, but the sound of your laughter and the lure of your mouth is such a satisfactory reward for me."

Celebrimbor holds you there for what feels like years. You do not mind. You could spend the rest of your eternity here with him and be completely content.

"I want to move forward with proper elven courtship," You say softly into Celebrimbor's ear, pressing your nose against his temple as you play with the loose, damp curls at the nape of his neck. "But only if you wish the same."

Celebrimbor had been wishing the same since he first kissed you that night. He knew you were still adapting, still learning a whole new life, and becoming a whole new you, and for that, he did not wish to impose his own feelings when you were still wrestling with your own.

He smiled and slowly twisted his body in the water, eyes watching as you eased yourself to float atop the pool and allowed him to hold you upright.

"I would like nothing more, nin tinu," Is all he can reply, helpless and at your total mercy as you throw your arms out and embrace your fears while your refuge keeps you contained within his embrace, unwilling to let you go. "and I thank you for coming with me."

***

Less than a week later, you awaken to a gift on your side table in your chambers. It is a pendant.

A pendant with a sun and holly leaf. There is a note underneath the pedant in Celebrimbor's handwriting that makes your stomach flutter.

A reminder, for you, of our beginning.

[galusandmalus]

EVEN MORRRE MEDEA LOREEEEEEE

she went to persia"of Medea in Greece, and of her flight thereafter into Persia,"-Lucian: Of Pantomime, Of Dancing Invented hair dye

'The Carthaginians were the first to fit out a quadrireme, and it was built off hand by Bosporus. Medea of Colchis, the daughter of Aeetes, first devised the dyeing of the hair.- Eusebius: Preparation for the Gospel Book 10 thicc also medus got raised by charon.

"he came to Iolcus after long toil bringing the coy-eyed girl with him on his swift ship, and made her his buxom wife. And she was subject to Iason, shepherd of the people, and bare a son Medeus whom Cheiron the son of Philyra brought up in the mountains. And the will of great Zeus was fulfilled."-Hesiod: Theogony HYMN TO THE MUSES

ENGINEEERRRR????!!! (if this is the same Medea)

"For it is said that a woman, Medea, was formerly queen of those parts, who spanned the river underneath in a manner in which no river was ever bridged before; for she got stones, it is said, and copper and pitch and all that men have discovered for use in masonry under water, and she piled these up along the banks of the river. Then she diverted the stream into lakes; and as soon as the river was dry, she dug down two fathoms, and made a hollow tunnel, which she caused to debouch into the palaces on either bank like a subterranean grotto; and she roofed it on a level with the bed of the stream. The foundations were thus made stable, and also the walls of the tunnel; but as the pitch required water in order to set as hard as stone, the Euphrates was let in again on the roof while still soft, and so the junction stood solid."-Philostratus: The Life of Apollonius built a temple to venus to stop him from loving THETIS?? THE BEEF

"For it was a thing divulged abroad, concerning which Simonides made an epigram to be inscribed on the brazen image set up in that temple of Venus which is said to have been founded by Medea, when she desired the Goddess, as some affirm, to deliver her from loving her husband Jason, or, as others say, to free him from loving Thetis. The tenor of the epigram follows: For those who, fighting on their country’s side, Opposed th’ imperial Mede’s advancing tide, We, votaresses, to Cythera pray’d; Th’ indulgent power vouchsafed her timely aid, And kept the citadel of Hellas free From rude assaults of Persia’s archery." -Plutarch: Of Herodotus' Malice can cure infertility

"Aegeus also, and his whole private family, laboring under the same distemper; for Medea, having fled from Corinth, and promised Aegeus to make him, by her art, capable of having children, was living with him."-Plutarch: Life of Theseus

 PROBALY NOT MEDEA timeline wise this is like post bronze age but I like it and it shows that medea is a name used by the medes and I think that's funny also I'm pretty sure xenophon actually was in the area as a mercenary or something so he would actually know

"Here, as the story goes, Medea, the king's wife, took refuge at the time when the Medes were deprived of their empire by the Persians. To this city also the king of the Persians laid siege, but he was unable to capture it either by length of siege or by storm; Zeus, however, terrified the inhabitants with thunder, and thus the city was taken." -xenophon

[scotianostra]

On August 14th 1827 the foundation was laid of George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.

Only the name of the bridge gives away that there is actually one long crossing along this stretch of Edinburgh, the build up of housing etc covers most of the structure nowadays.

Measuring 300 metres in length, the bridge was constructed, after money ran out for the project, between 1829 and 1832 as part of the Improvement Act of 1827, it was designed by architect Thomas Hamilton.

The bridge crosses the historic Cowgate, alongside the National Library of Scotland and opposite the Edinburgh Central Library, both constructed with money provided by the subject of yesterday's post, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Along the bridge, which runs from Lawnmarket, on The Royal Mile, to Forrest Road, are la number of bars and restaurants and takeaways, as well as the Wallace College, Augustine United Church, and the old Martyrs Church, which is now Frankenstein's Bar. Of course the main point of interest for many a local and tourist alike is the wee statue of Greyfriars Bobby on the south of the street with its junction of Candlemaker Row..

The first pic gives you an idea how the bridge and the surrounding area was fromed, it shows what was Melbourne Place and Victoria Terrace, to the left is the North end of the bridge, India Buildings, built in 1864 occupies the space, Victoria Street was formed leading down to the Grassmarket, joining onto EWest Bow and what was part of The Old Town. mUch of India Buildings is now a hotel, archeological digs went on before the new parts were built on, check the link to see how it went and what they found. at the link below. The second pic shows the only real part of the bridge looking west, visible today. https://www.aocarchaeology.com/news/article/india-buildings

[chairrentals]

Chair Rentals

The Rich History of Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth, Texas, often referred to as "Cowtown," is a city steeped in history, reflecting both the Old West and modern urban development. Initially established as a military outpost in 1849 during the Mexican-American War, Fort Worth was intended to protect settlers and travelers from potential conflicts with Native American tribes in the area. The presence of troops led to the establishment of Fort Worth, named after General William Jenkins Worth, and it quickly became a focal point for settlers moving westward. This military foundation laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a thriving city.

As cattle drives became emblematic of the American frontier, Fort Worth's strategic location at the junction of the Western and Southern Trails contributed to its growth during the late 19th century. The city became a central hub for the cattle industry, with the famous Fort Worth Stockyards serving as a critical marketplace for ranchers and their herds. Amid the bustling streets, cowboys and cattle began to shape the cultural identity of Fort Worth, and the city gained a reputation for its connection to the wild and dynamic cattle-trading days.

The completion of the railroad in the late 1800s further propelled Fort Worth into a new era of expansion and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1876 connected the city to the larger markets of the East, fostering economic growth and attracting more settlers. Additionally, this newfound accessibility allowed Fort Worth to emerge as a transportation and distribution center within Texas. As a result, businesses flourished, more industries emerged, and the population steadily rose, solidifying Fort Worth's position within the rapidly evolving economy of the American Southwest.

In the early 20th century, Fort Worth began to embrace cultural and educational advancements, further enriching its historical tapestry. Institutions such as Texas Christian University (TCU) and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History were established, reflecting the city's commitment to education and culture. The period also marked the development of the city's architecture, with several iconic structures built, including the renowned "Bird's Fort" and the Tarrant County Courthouse, embodying the coalescence of history and modernity in Fort Worth.

During World War II, Fort Worth played a critical role as a manufacturing center for military equipment. The establishment of the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation (now Lockheed Martin) significantly impacted the city's industrial landscape, as thousands of jobs were created and Fort Worth became a leader in defense production. This pivotal moment not only demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of Fort Worth but also highlighted its importance on the national stage—forever changing the city's economic trajectory.

As the latter half of the 20th century unfolded, Fort Worth continued to evolve, blending its historic roots with modernity. The city's remarkable commitment to preserving its heritage while promoting contemporary growth has resulted in a unique urban landscape. Museums, art districts, and revitalized cultural spaces now coexist next to the historic Stockyards and Cowtown, celebrating Fort Worth's rich cowboy culture while attracting visitors from around the globe who are eager to experience its multifaceted history.

A+ Celebration Event Rentals in Fort Worth, Texas, is your premier destination for table and chair rentals, catering to a variety of events, from weddings and corporate functions to private gatherings. Their extensive inventory features a wide selection of high-quality chairs, including practical white folding styles, padded garden options, and children's seating, alongside an array of tables—ranging from round and rectangular to cocktail styles—that enhance any occasion's ambiance. Committed to delivering elegance and comfort, A+ Celebration ensures a seamless experience with reliable setup and teardown services. With meticulous attention to detail and a focus on customer satisfaction, they make planning your event effortless and memorable, transforming any space into the perfect venue with their stunning table and chair rentals Fort Worth.

Social Profiles

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573375341717

Business address & phone number: A+ Celebration Event Rental, 2649 Blue Mound Rd W #107, Haslet, TX 76052 Ph : (817) 495-8217

[eatossolutions]

Innovating the Takeout Experience with Voice AI Food Ordering Solutions

As a restaurateur or restaurant manager, you're comfortable with the symphony of a buzzing kitchen, clinking knives, and the hum of diners' conversation. But imagine a harmonious junction of that noise with voices ordering food. Welcome to the world of voice AI food ordering where convenience meets technology, and everybody gets a seat at the table.

Why Voice AI is the New Maitre D' of Food Ordering

This influx of voice-assisted devices in consumers' lives has laid the foundation for a revolution in how to activate transactions, even ordering food. Voice-driven AI food ordering is not futuristic; it's now. However, why should you, a restaurateur, tune in to this trend?

Echoes of Efficiency

Voice-enabled AI food ordering makes multitasking easier than ever for your customers. They can order their favorite dish while driving home from work, without the need for screen-tapping or scrolling.

A Symphony of Accuracy

There will always be humans who make mistakes but with voice AI, getting the correct order for your customer is less likely. It's like having a personal assistant who never misses a beat – or a side of fries.

Harmonizing Customer Data

Each Voice AI interaction gathers deep customer insights, much like a good host remembers favorite tables by frequent patrons. Every experience can be tailored to make every customer feel like a VIP.

Less Guesswork with Voice AI

The back-and-forth of traditional phone ordering is more like a broken record. Voice AI food ordering systems feature smooth, streamlined communication that always stays in tune.

Playing the Right Notes with Voice AI Features

Not all voice-driven AI food ordering systems are created equal. It's time to look at what features hit the high notes for your business.

Seamless Integration

Ensure your voice AI seamlessly integrates with your existing Point of Sale systems. It’s like adding a new instrument to the orchestra – it should enhance the music, not create discord.

Understanding Natural Language

The best voice AI understands colloquial and variations of speech. It is like having an employee who can speak with customers in any dialect.

Upsell and Cross-Sell Capabilities

Your voice AI should be like a smart waiter who knows when to suggest a glass of wine that pairs perfectly with an entrée, enhancing the meal and your sales.

Real-Time Menu Updates

Keep your customers in the know with voice AI, which can report real-time menu changes specials, and sold-out items, to avoid off-key moments during ordering.

How to Implement Voice AI without Missing a Beat

The transition to voice-enabled AI food ordering isn't scary - it's similar to learning a new song; practice makes perfect.

Start with a Solo, Then Build to a Chorus

Start with a pilot program that infuses voice AI into a single element of your service, and then grow from there as you settle into the technology.

UX Rehearsals

Treat the early roll-out phase as rehearsals. Gather user feedback to hone your strategy so that the system is intuitive to your customers, just like finishing a new recipe before putting it on the menu.

Keep Your Staff in Tune

Train your staff to get used to the new system and learn how to answer questions or concerns that may arise as a result of voice AI interactions. Everyone needs to know what the new soloist sounds like in the context of the ensemble.

Sing the Praises of New Tech to Your Customers

Educate your customers on how to use the voice AI system and promote it across your marketing channels. It's essentially giving out free tickets to your latest show – with tech as the headlining act.

Conclusion: Time to Amplify Your Takeout with Voice AI?

The area is clear: voice AI food ordering systems are more than just a technological leap; they're a step toward redefining customer service. By embracing this innovation, you give your patrons an encore-worthy takeout experience, one that saves time, reduces mistakes, and plays a harmonious tune of convenience. It's time to raise the baton, directing your business towards a future of effortless ordering. It's showtime, and voice AI is ready to take the stage to thunderous applause from contented customers. Book a demo for voice AI food ordering solutions now at eatOS and watch your takeout service hit a perfect pitch. Encore!

[pcttrailsidereader]

Project 2025, Trump, and the Department of the Interior

The topic of public lands rarely surfaces in the questions posed in presidential and vice-presidential debates. It is difficult to know how either the Trump or the Harris administration will approach public lands apart from how the first Trump administration dealt with the issue and, assuming that Harris shares some of the philosophy of Joe Biden, how the last four years have unfolded.

In this post, I intend to look at the Trump record as well as the roadmap laid out by Project 2025, the policy white paper written by conservatives and a number of former Trump staffers. Between 2016 - 2020, the Trump administration systematically reduced the emphasis on climate change, re-examined a handful of wilderness and protected land designations, relocated the BLM headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Grand Junction, Colorado (the Biden administration returned the headquarters to Washington, D.C.), and supported oil and mineral extraction and reduced regulation. He also signed the Great American Outdoors Act which has pumped significant funding (billions!) back into public lands. The GAOA also provided annual funding to the decades-old Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). These are two very positive initiatives in support of public lands.

Project 2025 has several thrusts as it relates to the Department of the Interior. Based upon the 2016 - 2020 record, these areas of emphasis seem to be in line with Trump priorities:

1) Departmental overhaul

The Department of the Interior encompasses nine bureaus, each with distinct missions ranging from managing national parks to overseeing energy resources. Project 2025 proposes several administrative and structural changes. One of the first major proposals is to again return BLM headquarters back to the American West from Washington, D.C. This move, combined with the implementation of Trump's Schedule F proposal aimed at increasing accountability in hiring and firing federal employees, suggests a significant shift in the DOI's operational dynamics.

2) Energy production and resource extraction

The energy section of the chapter was written by Kathleen Sgamma of the Western Energy Alliance, an oil and gas industry group; Dan Kish of the Institute for Energy Research, a think tank long skeptical of human-caused climate change; and Katie Tubb of the Heritage Foundation. The authors set the tone of the section, titled “Restoring American Energy Dominance,” with this passage:

“Given the dire adverse national impact of Biden’s war on fossil fuels, no other initiative is as important for the DOI under a conservative President than the restoration of the department’s historic role managing the nation’s vast storehouse of hydrocarbons, much of which is yet to be discovered.”

The energy section calls for rolling back Biden-era executive orders and reinstating Trump-era policies that favor oil and gas development. Specific proposals include expanding onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales, restarting the federal coal leasing program, and reversing protections for areas like the White River National Forest in Colorado.

This aggressive push toward fossil fuel development raises environmental and economic concerns. Critics argue that such policies could undermine efforts to combat climate change and protect public lands from overexploitation.

3) Regulatory and policy reforms

Project 2025 also targets regulatory frameworks like the National Environmental Policy Act, seeking to streamline environmental reviews and permitting processes while eliminating climate reviews for federally funded projects. The document proposes reinstating Trump-era limitations on the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which could lead to reduced protections for vulnerable species.

Further, the project aims to revoke President Joe Biden’s 30-by-30 plan, which aims to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, and seeks the repeal of the Antiquities Act of 1906, potentially opening up national monuments to commercial activities.

4) Implications for Indigenous lands

The document outlines plans to facilitate fossil fuel and mineral development on Indian lands and overhaul the Bureau of Indian Education. These proposals, combined with securing the nation's borders to protect tribal lands, suggest a significant shift in how the federal government interacts with Native American tribes.

5) A critical examination

Project 2025 presents a vision for the Department of the Interior that aligns closely with the priorities of the Trump administration. While Project 2025 presents a bold vision for the department, its potential impacts on public lands, environmental protections and Indigenous rights demand critical scrutiny. Proponents argue that these changes are necessary for economic growth and national security, but the emphasis on deregulation and resource extraction raises concerns about long-term sustainability and the balance between economic development and conservation. As voters and policymakers consider these proposals, it is essential to weigh the long-term consequences for America's natural heritage and the principles of conservation that have guided the DOI for over a century.

The sweeping changes proposed in Project 2025 underscore a broader ideological battle over the role of government in managing natural resources and protecting the environment. As these plans come under public and political scrutiny, the stakes for America's public lands and natural heritage could not be higher. The next administration's approach to these issues will shape the nation's environmental and energy policies for years to come.

In a future post, I will take a look at the Biden record and any statements that Harris has made on the topic.

It is imperative that those of us who use and love the land, make our voices heard by voting!

[greatparadisestrawberry]

A recent achievement has you feeling proud of yourself. You should celebrate.

In the tapestry of life, where each thread is a secret whispered through time's loom, you stand as the guardian of hidden truths. Modesty cloaks you like leaves on an ancient oak tree-unassuming yet majestic in your silence. Prudence guides your steps as surely as a river follows its destined path, never revealing more than what is necessary to nourish the land around it.

Today, however, finds you at life's crossroads-a junction where rivulets converge and secrets long-guarded beckon with a siren's call to be free. The weight of this concealed truth has grown heavy in your heart; it tugs at your conscience much like how autumn plucks leaves from their branches one by one.

**General:**

As dawn tiptoes across the sky and paints the world anew with possibilities, remember that some confessions are seeds that must be planted to flourish into tomorrow's wisdom. You've been entrusted with knowledge that thrums beneath your skin-an untold story itching for release-but fear not this turning point in your journey.

The universe whispers gently to brace yourself against the winds of change and find solace knowing that honesty often leads us down roads we never expected to travel-yet these paths may also lead us home. Trust in the compass within; let integrity guide you when nothing else seems clear.

**Health:**

Just as trees shed their coats every year without fail or falter-their bare branches speaking volumes about growth and renewal-it might be time for you to let go too. Your body is a temple housing sacred scrolls written over years by myriad experiences; take heed not only of what they command but also what they silently suggest.

Listen closely if muscles whisper grievances or bones hum melancholy tunes-they're telling tales older than memory itself about rest needed or movements missed. Embrace self-care rituals today like rain embraces thirsty soil after an epochal drought-wholeheartedly and without reservation-for health nurtures all other aspects of existence.

**Love:**

Consider love akin to evening campfires under stars' watchful eyes-a dance of flames mingling warmth with mystery while shadows play upon faces drawn close together. In relationships' delicate waltz, timing can mean everything-and now may well be such an occasion when truths need trading between hearts rather than hiding behind walls built by hesitation.

Share vulnerabilities just as night shares moonlight-with gentle intention and trust that even though light makes visible both beauty and blemishes alike-it does so without judgment but instead offers clarity amidst obscurity's cobwebs woven intricately across affection's chambers.

**Work:**

Your career unfolds before you much like a parchment map unfurling atop an explorer's desk-a chart pointing toward distant horizons filled with aspirations yet attained or challenges unmet. As custodian of sagas untold within workplaces' hallowed halls-you're faced now perhaps with choices akin to labyrinthine corridors requiring navigation beyond mere instinct alone.

To speak up might mean altering courses charted long ago-to stay silent could imply sailing steady yet stagnant waters bereft new discoveries awaiting yonder shores' embrace.

Weigh options wisely using discernment sharpened upon experience's whetstone-for words once spoken become part foundations laid beneath future endeavors erected brick-by-brick upon candor's solid ground.

Embark on today's voyage fortified by authenticity-as true north remains constant no matter how stars shift above guiding vessels onward toward fates unknown but forged nonetheless by hands brave enough holding tiller steadfastly amid seas sometimes tumultuous beneath heaven's vast canopy encompassing journeys end-to-end within destiny's domain ever-unfolding until twilight beckons boats back unto safe harbors rested 'til morrow dawns afresh once more inviting souls forward forever onward...

[normally0]

As the month of August passes one can take heart in the ability of the culture entertained by architecture.

Fin d’Ou T Hou S: A REckoning in the HoUSe of Time

In the heart of BRiTAin, where the MeRiDiAN of GReENWiCH SLiCes the WoRLd into EaSt and WeST, we FiND OuRSeLVes at a peculiar JUNCtion. The venerated ZeRO PoiNT, once a SYMbol of UnIversAL ORDER, now STanDS at the CROssroads of tradition and turmoil. This is not mere geOGraPHy; it is the SHaTTeRinG of abSOLuTes, a challenge to the OPeRAtiVe TRUTHS that have long guided our UNDERstANdiNG of the UNIVeRSE.

Sir Christopher Wren’s CATHeDRaLs, towering over the LaND like guardians of the past, seem to waver under the weight of these new queSTiONS. The thinkers, those who dare to see beyond the CONfines of the pReSeNT, are MoUnTiNG a quiet REVOlution, chALLeNging the veRY foundatIONs of what we have KNOWN. They WHiSPeR of a Fin d’Ou T Hou S—a final moMeNT of TRanSition where the old FRamEs of REFeReNCe CRUMble, and we must forge a new path, unchained from the FaLSe certainty of the past.

This Fin d’Ou T Hou S is not just a place; it is a state of BEiNG, a recognition that the VaLue we seek cannot be found in the EXtrinsic or ARBitrARY. The old forms, the SKeLEtons of REaSON and TradiTiOn, are laid bare as we ReALiZe that the ARCHitecture of our world, like that of Wren’s CHURChes, must now be inTERnalized. The causes have become the effects, and the ARchitectural OPeRa we inhabit must be understood as a living PROCESS, not a STATIC object.

Here, in this turbulent time, we must QUEStion whether the GReENWiCH MeRiDiaN reMAINS a legitimate ZeRO point, or if its STaTus as the center of the world’s time and space is as arbitrary as the capital letters that shape our sentences. The HeART of the matter lies in the reLATions between TRaDiTION and TeRroR, between those who seek to preSERVE and those who seek to RE-inVent. Is this recalibration of our world an act of CReAtiON or DeSTruCtiON?

Fin d’Ou T Hou S invites us to abandon the comfort of the known, to step into the uncertainty of a world where the traditional LOGics no longer apply. It is a call to EMBRAce the iNTRinSiC, to understand that the TRUE value of our time lies not in the external markers we have constructed, but in the internal rhythms of our own processes.

As we navigate this world, we are asked to become new readers, ones who can see beyond the FACADe, who can engage with the text of our existence not as a FIxed narrative but as an ever-evolving symphony. Fin d’Ou T Hou S is not an end, but a BEGinning, an invitation to REinVENT the way we understand and inhabit our world.

So, as the world shifts and trembles, let us not cling to the old ARBITRariness of the past, but rather EMBRAce the potential of what we might CREATE. For in this Fin d’Ou T Hou S, we FiND not just the end of the old, but the birth of something new, something inTRINSIC, something that speaks to the core of what it means to be truly ALIVE in the house of time.

[newsarticle4u]

Double Decker Corridor Hyderabad: Project Details, Benefits, and Cost

Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri A. Revanth Reddy laid the foundation stone for the construction of the 5.320 km Double Decker corridor at a cost of Rs.1,580 crores near Kandlakoya Junction. The new road corridor will end the decades-long hardships faced by motorists on the National Highway (NH)-44. Metro Rail line will also be built on this elevated corridor in the next phase. 

Medchal-Malkazigiri, Medak, Kamareddy, Nirmal and Adilabad and twin City dwellers and people traveling on NH 44 are struggling due to increasing vehicular traffic every day. Restrictions in Containment areas created hurdles for road widening in Secunderabad and the Elevated Corridor.

Revanth Reddy focused on the Double decker corridor development and appealed to the union government to transfer the Defence lands to the state government and grant permission for the construction of the elevated corridor. Revanth Reddy, who was also the standing member of the Defence Ministry in the Parliament, always raised the issue of pending corridor projects and addressed the traffic woes.

Soon after assuming the CM office, Revanth Reddy paid special focus to the issue. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi on January 5 this year and requested to hand over the Defence land for the expansion of roads in the cantonment area in Hyderabad and also give permission for the construction of an elevated corridor. The Defence wing responded positively and sent a letter to the state government on March 1 agreeing to the construction of elevated corridors. The state government immediately initiated the construction of elevated corridors.

Double Decker Corridor Project Overview

HIGHLIGHTS

Details

Total Corridor Length

5.320 Km.

Length of Elevated Corridor

4.650 km.

Underground Tunnel Length

0.600 km.

Number of Piers

131

Land Required

73.16 Acres

Defence Land

55.85 Acres

Private Land

8.41 Acres

Land for Underground Tunnel

8.90 Acres

Project Cost

Rs. 1,580 crores

Details of Elevated Corridor

The Corridor starts from Paradise Junction in Secunderabad on NH-44 and ends at Dairy Farm Road via Tadband Junction and Boinapally Junction. The total length of this corridor is 5.320 km. The elevated corridor will be developed on a 4.650 km stretch. The length of the underground tunnel will be 0.600 km. A total number of 131 Piers (pillars). The elevated corridor will be constructed in six lanes. Ramps will be constructed at two places near Boinapally Junction (at 0.248 km) and (at 0.475 km) to facilitate movement of traffic on the elevated corridor.

After the completion of corridor works, the metro rail line will be taken up on the elevated corridor. The new facility will provide safer, faster and more comfortable journeys for the travelers.

Key Details and Challenges

Traffic Density and Issues: Paradise Junction witnesses an average of 1,57,105 vehicles per day (passenger car unit per day - PCU), while ORR Junction handles 72,687 vehicles daily. The high density of vehicles on narrow roads leads to frequent traffic jams, stressing commuters and increasing fuel consumption.

Safety Concerns: The congested roads pose significant safety risks, with frequent road accidents leading to loss of lives. The elevated corridor aims to mitigate these risks by providing segregated lanes for smoother and safer traffic flow.

Impact on Commuters: Commuters face delays in reaching their destinations due to traffic congestion, impacting productivity and quality of life. The elevated corridor will significantly reduce travel times, easing commuter stress and improving overall travel experience.

Also Read: VCIC Corridor

Benefits of the Elevated Corridor Project in Hyderabad

The Elevated Corridor Project in Hyderabad is poised to bring about substantial benefits to the region, addressing critical transportation challenges and enhancing overall connectivity. Here are the major benefits of the project:

1. Ease Traffic Problems on NH-44

The primary objective of the Elevated Corridor Project is to ease traffic congestion on NH-44, particularly between Secunderabad and Adilabad districts. This corridor will provide a dedicated route for commuters and cargo, alleviating the strain on existing road networks and reducing travel time significantly.

2. Reduce Fuel Consumption

By providing congestion-free travel along the elevated corridor, the project aims to reduce fuel consumption for vehicles. Traffic jams often lead to idling and inefficient fuel usage. With smoother traffic flow, motorists will experience improved fuel efficiency, contributing to cost savings and environmental benefits through reduced emissions.

3. Seamless Connectivity to ORR

The elevated corridor will offer uninterrupted connectivity from the city to Outer Ring Road (ORR). This direct access will enable commuters and freight transporters to bypass city traffic, ensuring faster and more efficient travel between key districts such as Medchal-Malkajgiri, Medak, Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Nirmal, and Adilabad.

4. Accelerate Cargo Transportation

The project will facilitate faster and more efficient cargo transportation between Medchal-Malkajgiri, Medak, Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Nirmal, and Adilabad districts. Improved connectivity and reduced travel times will enhance logistics operations, supporting industries and businesses in the region. This acceleration in cargo movement will bolster economic activities and stimulate growth across various sectors.

Additional Benefits:

Enhanced Safety: Segregated lanes and reduced traffic congestion will enhance road safety, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring smoother journeys for commuters.

Environmental Impact: By promoting efficient traffic flow and reducing vehicle emissions, the project contributes to environmental sustainability, improving air quality and reducing carbon footprint.

Economic Growth: Improved connectivity and logistics efficiency attract investments, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities in the region.

Also Read: CBIC corridor

Major Benefits

The development plan for Genome Valley and surrounding areas, facilitated by the construction of elevated corridors, is set to enhance both intra-state and inter-state connectivity. This initiative will notably benefit districts like Karimnagar and Mancherial within Telangana, as well as cities such as Nagpur in Maharashtra. Beyond transportation improvements, the project aims to catalyze comprehensive development across residential, educational, commercial, recreational, and hospitality sectors. Notably, the designation of a 25-kilometer radius as a "Pollution Free Zone" positions Genome Valley as an ideal location for a healthy and high-quality lifestyle.

In March, the Ministry of Defence granted approval for the construction of elevated corridors over defence territory in Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in transportation infrastructure development. This approval followed eight years of negotiations and requests, underscoring its importance for enhancing connectivity in Genome Valley's suburbs: Turakapally, Shamirpet, Medchal, Uppal, Patancheru, Jeedimetla, Gachibowli, and Keesara. These corridors are expected to facilitate faster travel along critical routes like the Hyderabad-Nagpur National Highway and the Hyderabad-Karimnagar Rajiv Highway.

The approved project comprises two major corridors strategically designed to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow. Corridor 1 spans 18.30 kilometers from Paradise Junction near Kandlakoya to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on Nagpur Highway (NH-44). This segment includes a 12.68 km stretch of six-lane elevated corridor with multiple exits and entries at crucial junctions. Future-proofing plans include provisions for a double-decker corridor to accommodate metro extensions. Meanwhile, Corridor 2 will span 11.30 kilometers as a six-lane elevated stretch, further enhancing transportation efficiency in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the Hyderabad Double Decker Corridor project?

A: The Hyderabad Double Decker Corridor is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity on NH-44 in Hyderabad.

Q: What are the benefits of the Hyderabad Double Decker Corridor?

A: It will reduce travel time, improve traffic flow, and facilitate smoother connectivity between key districts and highways.

Q: Where will the Hyderabad Double Decker Corridor be located?

A: It spans from Paradise Junction near Kandlakoya to the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on Nagpur Highway (NH-44), covering critical routes in the city.

Q: Who approved the construction of the Hyderabad Double Decker Corridor?

A: The Ministry of Defence approved the project, marking a significant milestone in Hyderabad's infrastructure development.

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[thxnews]

Ukraine Defense: U.S. and Allies United

The United States and its allies stand united in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. During a meeting in Paris, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the collective commitment to Ukraine's security. This announcement underscores the ongoing efforts to provide critical assistance and strengthen NATO's role in ensuring regional stability.  

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo by NPO. Alexander C. Kubitaz. DOD.  

U.S. Commitment to Ukraine's Defense

France's Key Role During a meeting with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu, Secretary Austin expressed gratitude for France's contributions to Ukraine's defense. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in countering Russian expansionism. "I'm deeply grateful for France's contributions to Ukraine's fight for freedom, and I know that we'll continue to work together to provide security assistance to our Ukrainian partners," Austin stated. "We've also worked together to strengthen NATO."   The D-Day Commemoration Reflecting on the recent D-Day ceremony, Austin highlighted the historical significance and the enduring principles of freedom and democracy. Meeting with World War II veterans, he reaffirmed the commitment to the rules-based international order established post-war. "It was very moving to have the chance to again thank the U.S., French, and other Allied veterans of World War II and to reaffirm the principles that they fought for. Their service and sacrifice laid the foundation for the rules-based international order that we built together after World War II," Austin remarked.  

Biden's Meeting with Zelenskyy

Discussions on Security Assistance President Joe Biden, along with Austin, met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris. The leaders discussed U.S. support for Ukraine, focusing on urgent assistance needs amid ongoing conflict with Russia.   New Security Assistance Package President Biden announced a new security assistance package valued at $225 million. This package includes air defense interceptors, artillery ammunition, and other critical capabilities essential for Ukraine's defense.   Key Elements of the Security Package: - Air defense interceptors - Artillery ammunition - Additional critical defense capabilities This is the sixth security assistance package since the national security supplemental was signed, reflecting the rapid and robust support from the United States.   Upcoming Peace Summit The leaders also discussed the upcoming Peace Summit on Ukraine in Switzerland. Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will represent the U.S., supporting Ukraine's pursuit of a just and lasting peace aligned with the United Nations Charter principles.  

Bulgaria at Saber Junction 15 NATO exercise. Photo by 7th Army Training Command. Flickr.  

NATO's Enhanced Role

Strengthening NATO Secretary Austin highlighted the enhanced role of NATO in supporting Ukraine and ensuring regional stability. The U.S. and its allies are committed to bolstering NATO's capabilities and readiness in response to Russian aggression.   Continuing Dialogue The commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation was emphasized, with plans to meet again at the upcoming G7 Summit in Italy. The leaders aim to further discuss strategies and support mechanisms for Ukraine.  

Recent U.S. Security Assistance Packages to Ukraine

Date Assistance Package Value Key Components March 2023 $150 million Air defense systems, medical supplies May 2023 $175 million Heavy artillery, armored vehicles June 2023 $225 million Air defense interceptors, ammunition August 2023 $200 million Surveillance drones, tactical gear October 2023 $250 million Advanced missile systems, radars January 2024 $225 million Air defense interceptors, ammunition  

Reflecting on Democratic Values

Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument Later, Biden, Austin, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. visited the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument in Normandy. This visit underscored the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for democracy and freedom. "When we talk about democracy — American democracy — we often talk big ideas like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What we don't talk about enough is how hard it is," Biden said. "American democracy asks the hardest of things: to believe that we're a part of something bigger than ourselves. So, democracy begins with each of us."  

Commitment to American Ideals

Biden's remarks at the monument emphasized the need to stay true to the values that define America. He called for a continued commitment to these ideals, inspired by the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought in World War II. "As we gather here today, it's not just to honor those who showed such remarkable bravery that day, June 6, 1944. It's to listen to the echo of their voices, to hear them. Because they are summoning us. They're asking us what will we do. They're not asking us to scale these cliffs. They're asking us to stay true to what America stands for," Biden concluded.   The Takeaway The unified stance of the U.S. and its allies in supporting Ukraine is crucial in the face of Russian aggression. Through continued cooperation, robust security assistance, and a commitment to democratic values, the international community stands firm in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and ensuring regional stability.   Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense. Read the full article

[navsooch]

The Invention of the Transistor with Nav Sooch: Its Impact on Electronics

The invention of the transistor stands as one of the most significant breakthroughs in the field of electronics. Developed in the late 1940s by scientists John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley at Bell Laboratories, the transistor revolutionized the way electronic devices are designed and operated. In this blog, we will delve into the history of the transistor with the help of experts like Nav Sooch, explore its fundamental principles, and examine its profound impact on modern electronics.

The Birth of the Transistor

The invention of the point-contact transistor marked a significant milestone in the history of electronics. This groundbreaking device, developed by Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley, consisted of a small piece of germanium with two closely spaced gold contacts. By applying a small voltage to one of the contacts, the flow of current between the other two could be controlled, effectively amplifying electrical signals. This breakthrough paved the way for the development of more advanced transistor technologies and laid the foundation for the modern semiconductor industry.

Furthermore, the transistor represented a paradigm shift in electronic design, moving away from the bulky and inefficient vacuum tubes of the past. Its compact size, low power consumption, and reliability made it ideal for a wide range of applications, from radios and televisions to computers and beyond. The invention of the transistor not only revolutionized the field of electronics but also sparked a wave of innovation and technological progress that continues to this day, with contributions from semiconductor experts like Nav Sooch.

Fundamental Principles of Transistors

Transistors operate based on the principles of semiconductor physics, where the behavior of electrons and "holes" in a semiconductor material can be manipulated to control the flow of current. In a transistor, the flow of current between two terminals, known as the collector and emitter, is controlled by a third terminal called the base. By applying a small voltage to the base, the conductivity between the collector and emitter can be modulated, allowing the transistor to amplify or switch electronic signals.

The key to the operation of a transistor, as emphasized by semiconductor experts like Nav Sooch, lies in its semiconductor materials and the specific arrangement of its layers. Silicon and germanium are the most commonly used semiconductor materials due to their favorable electrical properties. By carefully doping these materials with specific impurities, engineers can create PNP or NPN junctions that form the basis of different types of transistors. This fundamental understanding of semiconductor physics is essential for the design and fabrication of transistors with desired performance characteristics.

Miniaturization and Integration

Advancements in transistor technology have led to remarkable improvements in miniaturization and integration. Early transistors were discrete components mounted on circuit boards, but as technology evolved, researchers developed techniques for manufacturing transistors at smaller and smaller scales. This led to the development of integrated circuits (ICs), which contain multiple transistors, along with other electronic components, on a single semiconductor chip.

The ability to integrate multiple transistors onto a single chip revolutionized the electronics industry, enabling the development of smaller, lighter, and more powerful electronic devices. Today, integrated circuits are ubiquitous in everything from smartphones and computers to medical devices and automotive systems. The relentless pursuit of miniaturization and integration continues to drive innovation in electronics, leading to even smaller, more efficient, and more capable devices.

Transistors in Communication Technology

Transistors have played a crucial role in the advancement of communication technology, enabling the development of devices such as radios, televisions, and mobile phones. By replacing vacuum tubes in these devices, transistors made communication more accessible, reliable, and affordable for people around the world. Furthermore, the advent of integrated circuits, which combine multiple transistors on a single chip, further revolutionized the field of communication technology, allowing for the development of increasingly sophisticated devices with greater functionality and efficiency.

Transistors in Computing

Perhaps the most transformative impact of transistors, with insights from semiconductor experts like Nav Sooch, has been in the field of computing. The development of integrated circuits, made possible by the miniaturization of transistors, led to the creation of microprocessors—the "brains" of computers. These tiny silicon chips contain millions, or even billions, of transistors, allowing computers to perform complex calculations and process vast amounts of data with incredible speed and efficiency. The proliferation of transistors in computing has fueled the digital revolution, shaping the way we work, communicate, and interact with the world around us.

Future Trends and Innovations

Looking ahead, the future of transistors and electronics promises continued innovation and advancement. Researchers are exploring new materials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, to develop transistors that are even smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient than ever before. Additionally, emerging technologies such as quantum computing and neuromorphic computing are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with transistors, opening up exciting possibilities for the future of electronics.   

The invention of the transistor, with insights from semiconductor experts like Nav Sooch, has had a profound impact on electronics, shaping the way we design, build, and use electronic devices. From its humble beginnings as a replacement for vacuum tubes to its central role in modern communication, computing, and beyond, the transistor has transformed the world in ways its creators could have never imagined. As we continue to push the boundaries of technology and explore new frontiers in electronics, the transistor remains at the heart of innovation, driving progress and shaping the future of our digital world.

[tmarshconnors]

"That city, placed at the junction of two seas and two continents, seemed like a diamond set between two sapphires and two emeralds, to form the most precious stone in a ring of universal empire."

Osman I or Osman Ghazi was the founder of the Ottoman Empire. While initially a small Turkoman principality during Osman's lifetime, his beylik transformed into a world empire in the centuries after his death. 

Born: Söğüt, Türkiye

Died: Bursa, Türkiye

Origin of the Ottoman Name: The term "Ottoman" is believed to have originated from Osman's name. According to a popular legend, when Osman was still a young man, he fell asleep and dreamt of a crescent moon rising from his chest. This vision was interpreted as a sign of the great empire he would establish. The word "Ottoman" is thought to be derived from the Arabic 'Uthmān,' the Turkish 'Osman,' and the Persian 'Uthmān,' all of which are related to his name.

Marriage to Malhun Hatun: Osman I married Malhun Hatun, who is often considered his first wife. Malhun Hatun was from a prominent Turkish noble family. This marriage played a crucial role in establishing alliances with other Turkic tribes, contributing to the expansion of Osman's power and influence.

The Sword of Osman: The Sword of Osman, also known as Zulfiqar, is a legendary sword associated with Osman I. According to tradition, the sword was given to Osman by his father-in-law Sheikh Edebali. The sword is said to have been passed down through the Ottoman sultans and symbolized the strength and legitimacy of their rule. It became a symbol of the transfer of power from father to son during the enthronement ceremonies.

Osman I's Leadership Style: Osman I is often described as a charismatic and visionary leader. His leadership style was marked by a combination of military prowess, diplomatic skill, and a strong sense of justice. He successfully united various Turkic tribes under his rule, creating a foundation for the future Ottoman Empire. His leadership laid the groundwork for the expansion and consolidation of Ottoman territories.

Death and Burial: Osman I passed away in 1323. His tomb, located in Bursa, Turkey, is considered a sacred site. Interestingly, the location of Osman's tomb was kept secret for some time after his death to prevent any potential desecration by enemies. The tomb later became part of the larger complex that includes the Green Mosque and the Green Tomb, which are important historical and architectural landmarks.

[scotianostra]

Davy Tolmie

  · 

On August 14th 1827 the foundation was laid for George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.

Only the name of the bridge gives away that there is actually one long crossing along this stretch of Edinburgh, the build up of housing etc covers most of the structure nowadays.

Measuring 300 metres in length, the bridge was eventually constructed, after money ran out for the project, between 1829 and 1832 as part of the Improvement Act of 1827, it was designed by Glasgow born architect Thomas Hamilton.

The bridge crosses the historic Cowgate, alongside the National Library of Scotland and the Edinburgh Central Library, both constructed with money provided by the subject of yesterday's post, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Along the bridge, which runs from Lawnmarket, on The Royal Mile, to Forrest Road, are a number of bars and restaurants and takeaways, as well as the Wallace College, Augustine United Church, and the old Martyrs Church, which is now Frankenstein's Bar.

Of course the main point of interest for many a local and tourist alike is the wee statue of Greyfriars Bobby on the south of the street with its junction of Candlemaker Row.

[currenthunt]

Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme

Indian Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for the Redevelopment of 508 railway stations across India as a part of Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme, spreading across 27 states and union territories.The extensive redevelopment project, estimated to cost more than RS 24,470 crores, aims to transform railway stations into modern, well-equipped hubs. Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme - The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to redevelop 1309 stations nationwide. - The redevelopment will provide modern passenger amenities along with ensuring well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and signage for the guidance of passengers. - The Scheme was launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways. Station-wise Plans - The station buildings' designs will be inspired by local culture, heritage, and architecture. - For instance, the Jaipur Railway Station will feature elements resembling the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort from Rajasthan. Integrated Approach to Urban Development - The redevelopment is planned with a holistic approach to urban development, treating the stations as "City Centres." - This approach aims to integrate both sides of the city and create well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal connectivity, and clear signage for passengers' guidance. Indian Railways - The Indian Railways was established on 16th April 1853. The inaugural passenger train covered a 34-kilometer route between Mumbai's Bori Bandar and Thane. - The Indian Railways boasts its own mascot, a 'Shubhankar named 'Bholu,' created by the National Institute of Design in 2002. Bholu is an elephant dressed as a railway guard, introduced on the railways' 150th anniversary. - The Indian Railways ranks as the world's fourth-largest railway network, encompassing a track length of 67,368 km. Only the US, China, and Russia have larger networks. It's also the world's second-largest network managed under a single administration, spanning 115,000 km. - The Indian Railways takes pride in owning four UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites, - Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka Shimla Railway. Longest Platform - Hubli Junction's Platform number 1, also known as Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction in Karnataka, holds the record for the world's longest railway platform at 1,505 meters. Longest and Shortest Train Rides - The longest train ride in India is the Vivek Express, traveling from Kanyakumari to Dibrugarh, covering a distance of 4,189 kilometers with 56 stops in 82 hours and 30 minutes. - The shortest train ride is just 3 kilometers, running between Nagpur and Ajni. World's Highest Rail Bridge - India is home to the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, located in Dharot, Jammu, and Kashmir. Nagpur's Diamond Crossing - Nagpur, Maharashtra, hosts the famous Diamond Crossing, where two railway tracks form a square-like diamond shape, with two lines going North-South and two lines going East-West. Read the full article