#Mound Key capital

[blueiscoool]

1,500-year-old Byzantine Artifacts Found Under a Peach Orchard in Turkey

In the world-famous historical city of Iznik, which was the capital of four civilizations, a farmer found coins and historical artifacts in his peach orchard. The artifacts are believed to belong to the 1,500-year-old Byzantine period.

Özkan Yılmaz, a farmer, artifacts found in the orchard that resemble a tablet with a cross and figures of children on them.

“Iznik has been the capital city of four civilizations and such historical pieces are proof that our land is full of historical treasures. I was digging for peaches here and came across a shining object with some small coins next to it. I was surprisingly happy and excited when I realized what these objects are,” said Yılmaz.

Yilmaz said that he will deliver the historical artifacts to the museum as they enhance national history, and believes it is a moral duty to preserve treasures.

İznik is a city on the eastern shore of the same-named lake and is 86 kilometers (km) northeast of Bursa. Iznik was built between olive groves, vineyards, and orchards and is encircled by 2,000-year-old walls that are about 5 km long. The Cicekli, Karadin, and Cakırca mounds, which are close to the city, contain the remains of a civilization that existed 2,500 BC. The established settlements was named as ‘Helikore’ before the migration of Thracian tribes in the 7th century BC Khryseapolis (Gold City) name is read on the printed coins.

The city is renovated by Macedonian emperor Alexander’s general Antigonus in BC 316 years and the city is referred as Antigoneia. After the death of Alexander, the battle between Antigonus and the generals Lysimakhos is resulted with Lysimakhos’victory and he named the city after his wife Nicaea – the daughter of Antipatros.

An important city in early Christian history, İznik (known in ancient times as Nicaea) was the site of the First and Second Councils of Nicaea. These councils established key tenets of Christianity such as the Nicene Creed and sainted how Christians should interact with icons.

By Oguz Kayra.

[hblogisticinbangladesh]

Heavy Equipment Rentals for Construction Projects in Bangladesh

The rapid growth in infrastructure and urbanization has induced ever-growing demands for Heavy Equipment Rental Services within Bangladesh's construction industry. Be it a road, bridge, commercial space, or residential complex, it is heavy machinery that generally plays the most important role in the successful execution of such mega projects. However, purchasing such machines or equipment is very costly, and for small to medium contractors, this could put a lot of pressure on the budget. That's where heavy equipment rental solutions come into play, offering a practical and cost-effective alternative for construction companies.

Why Choose Heavy Equipment Rental for Construction?

Heavy equipment rental solutions are changing how construction project management goes in Bangladesh. Instead of purchasing, construction companies can enjoy the advantages of renting:

Reduced capital investment: Heavy equipment on a rental basis does not tie up big capital in advance. Thereby, contractors can make use of more resources in other areas that are vital for their projects and improve cash flow to facilitate proper financial planning.

Access to Latest Equipment: Rental services, on periodic intervals, renew modern advanced equipment within their inventories, thereby giving construction firms an opportunity to use the latest technologies at no ownership cost.

Flexibility and Scalability: From an excavator deployed for as short as a few days to several machines needed over several months, rental firms have solutions that can address both the requirements of short-term and long-term contracts.

No Headache over Maintenance: It takes away the cost and maintenance headache related to keeping the equipment in good condition. The rental provider ensures all its equipment is properly serviced; it promises support or replacement if there are breakdowns.

Key Equipment for Construction Available for Rent

Some of the heavy machinery one can get on rent in Bangladesh to fulfill the demands for construction projects in various ways are as follows:

Excavators Excavators come in handy for digging, trenching, demolition, and earthmoving. For land clearing or digging up the foundation of the building, this versatile machine will be needed on each construction site.

Cranes Cranes are of great assistance in lifting heavy materials, mainly in high-rise building construction and other large infrastructural installations like bridges and towers. Cranes may be classified based on project requirements into mobile cranes, tower cranes, and crawler cranes, among others.

Bulldozers Bull dozers are utilized for grading land and moving mounds of dirt or huge amounts of rubble. They can also be used in site preparation works, road construction, and clearing of land.

Backhoe Loaders Backhoe loaders are flexible types of equipment employed during minor to medium-sized construction projects. This is due to the fact that backhoe loaders can be used to dig, lift, and move materials from one point to another.

Loaders Wheel loaders and skid steer loaders are great pieces of machinery for loading and moving around nearly any type of material, including dirt, sand, gravel, and debris. Their compact design makes them apt for tight construction spaces.

Concrete Mixers On most large-scale construction sites, concrete mixers are a common requirement for the mixing of concrete in an effective manner. Renting a concrete mixer will ensure that proper consistency of concrete is provided on the ground to the construction team.

Benefits of Renting Heavy Equipment for Construction Work

Cost Savings Most of the construction companies in Bangladesh find buying and maintenance of heavy equipment very costly as it digs deep into their budgets. Renting provides a highly cost-effective solution that allows access to quality machinery at low costs. The contractors pay only for the usage when equipment is needed, and this releases more money to be utilized for other functional needs.

Greater Efficiency in Projects Having the proper equipment at the right time is key to determining project completion on schedule. As such, rental allows the construction company to have the proper machinery throughout each stage of the project, thereby increasing overall efficiency and productivity.

Costly Storage and Maintenance Costs are Eliminated

Owning heavy equipment also means providing storage space for the same equipment and frequent maintenance to keep it in a good working state. If it is rented out, all of this will be removed.The rental company will deal with the major headache of maintenance for the equipment, while you return the equipment once you are through with the job.

Immediate Availability The different rental services in Bangladesh offer immediate, easy access to heavy equipment, enabling the contractor to respond quickly to the project demands for more machinery or owned-equipment breakdowns. Safety and Compliance

The reliable heavy equipment rental companies in Bangladesh make sure the fleet is always maintained to optimum levels of safety and compliance. This cuts down the chances of accidents at the construction sites and ensures that all types of machinery operate at peak performance levels.

Choosing the Right Heavy Equipment Rental Supplier in Bangladesh Not all rental providers are created equal, and there is a right way to go about choosing an agency that fits your specific construction needs.When choosing rental services, pay attention to the following points:

Reputation and Experience: A well-established rental company with years of experience in the industry can provide high-quality service with reliable equipment.

Diversified Fleet: The rental should have a diversified fleet of construction equipment to handle varied types of project demands.

Customer Service and Technical Support: A good rental would ensure that there is continued support and technical support available to minimize any downtime. Please inquire with our customer service.

Flexible Rentals: Renting service has to allow for flexible periods of renting and flexibilities in payments to suit the timeline for completion of the project and its budget.

Well-Maintained Equipment: The equipment provided needs to be inspected and maintained regularly to avoid breakdowns during operations.

Conclusion

Heavy equipment rentals are a game-changer in the fast-growing construction of Bangladesh. The rental option of required machinery decreases the capital cost and increases flexibility for a construction company, enhancing project efficiency without economic stress from ownership. Virtually all types of heavy machinery are available for rent-from excavators to cranes, bulldozers, and concrete mixers-according to the needs of a specific project.

[dilawarmughal980]

Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers Match Player Stats

On June 10, 2024, Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers Match Player Stats showcased an impressive performance. This game not only highlighted the Tigers’ offensive prowess but also demonstrated the effectiveness of their pitching staff. As we delve into the Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers match player stats, it becomes clear that several key players made significant contributions to the outcome.

The Tigers’ lineup was filled with impactful hits and timely home runs, while their pitchers effectively stifled the Brewers’ offensive efforts. In contrast, the Brewers struggled to find their rhythm at the plate despite notable individual performances. The detailed breakdown of the Detroit Tigers vs Milwaukee Brewers match player stats reveals the dynamics of this exciting contest.

Game Overview and Key Highlights

The Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers match on June 10, 2024, was a thrilling contest marked by explosive action. From the first inning, the Tigers took control with Riley Greene’s double and Justyn Malloy’s sacrifice fly, setting the tone early. The fifth inning was a turning point, with Gio Urshela, Zack McKinstry, and Jake Rogers contributing key hits.

Rogers’ three-run homer was especially notable, electrifying the crowd. Meanwhile, the Brewers struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, with only Brice Turang and Andruw Monasterio driving in runs. This game showcased the Tigers’ superior offensive depth and effective pitching, underlining the dynamics revealed in the Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers Match Player Stats.

Detailed Brewers Hitting Performance

The Brewers had a tough night at the plate against the Tigers. Key hitters like J. Ortiz and C. Yelich were shut down, combining for zero hits. Though R. Hoskins managed a single, it wasn’t enough to spark a rally. W. Adames showed patience with a walk but lacked support. 

Notably, G. Sánchez and B. Perkins each contributed a hit, but scoring was minimal. Turang’s triple in the seventh was a highlight, yet the team struggled to string hits together. These detroit tigers vs milwaukee brewers match player stats reveal a challenging game for Milwaukee’s lineup.

Standout Tigers Offensive Contributions

The Detroit Tigers’ offense was spectacular in this Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers Match Player Stats analysis. Wilmer Perez led the charge, going 2-for-5 and scoring twice. Riley Greene was a standout performer, contributing two hits, including a crucial RBI double.

 Gio Urshela’s two-run single in the fifth inning solidified the Tigers’ lead. Zack McKinstry and Andy Ibáñez added clutch hits, driving in multiple runs. The highlight was Jake Rogers’ three-run homer, which electrified the crowd. These players’ performances played a key role in shaping the impressive Detroit Tigers vs Milwaukee Brewers match player stats.

Brewers Pitching Analysis

The Brewers’ pitching staff faced a daunting challenge against the Tigers’ potent lineup. Starter Bryse Wilson struggled, allowing seven earned runs over 4.1 innings. His command issues led to two walks and only four strikeouts. Hoby Milner’s brief appearance was equally troublesome, conceding three runs without recording an out. 

Ethan Small and Kevin Herget stabilized the situation, pitching a combined 2.2 innings without allowing any runs. However, the damage was already done. Jake Bauers provided a bright spot, pitching a scoreless inning to close the game. These performances highlight the difficulties Milwaukee faced on the mound.

Tigers Pitching Dominance

The Tigers’ pitching was dominant in the Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers Match Player Stats. Tarik Skubal set the tone, throwing 6.2 innings of one-run ball. He struck out ten batters, making the Brewers’ lineup look overmatched. Wily Peralta then took over, efficiently retiring the next batter.

Joey Wentz and Mason Englert followed suit, keeping Milwaukee off the board. The bullpen’s lockdown performance was critical, as they allowed just one more run late in the game. These Detroit Tigers vs. Milwaukee Brewers match player stats highlight how effective Detroit’s arms were, outclassing their opponents convincingly. The Milwaukee Brewers vs Detroit Tigers match player stats showcased a well-rounded, dominant effort by Detroit’s pitchers Read More

[allovertheworldblog]

Gyeongju, South Korea

I’d been in Busan for about a week.

I stayed there so long as I wanted to get a handle on Korea. 

I wanted to move on though to see what else Korea had to offer. 

I left the hostel and caught a bus to Gyenongju, the former imperial capital of Korea.

My guidebook to Korea was at stage proving as reliable as a sundial at night.

The former imperial city is a hodge podge, a mix of some older buildings, all low rise and many ugly 1980’s shops thrown into the mix.

It’s quite low key.

But of course the architecture isn’t the reason to visit the place, it’s the tombs and historical sites.

Emperors were entombed in burial mounds which were covered hills. They make for a striking sight. 

When you see a double mound that’s where an Emperor and his Empress have been entombed. 

The first night I’m there I stay in a courtyard guesthouse that could be in the countryside it feels that relaxed.

It was a great break from the hustle and bustle of Busan. 

I have to move the second night as they’re full, so I head to the only hostel in town.

It has a nice mix of guests.

At night they have a roof top Korean style barbecue accompanied with a mix of native drinks that we each contribute. 

There’s an Italian guy staying there who’s been to 130 countries in the world.

He stayed in the same guesthouse as me in Port Of Spain in Trinidad & Tobago, it is a small world we live in!

Not sure where to go the following morning I consult my guidebook.

Not wanting to go to Seoul just yet, which will probably be my ultimate destination in Korea, I head to Jinju.

The other option I had was the popular holiday island of Jeju.

Unable to find accommodation on Jeju I pick Jinju.

Jinju turns out to be a place that doesn’t have too much to attract backpackers.

Leaving the bus station I go to find somewhere to stay.

None of the staff in the hotels and motels I check out can speak English.

Some of them put the palms of their hands together and rest their head on their hands to signify sleep. I nod.

Some display prices, some don’t.

One younger woman holds up a 10,000 Won note and four fingers to say that a night’ll cost me 40,000 Won, no way, I move on.

One older lady in a decent looking motel tells me ‘30,000’. I thank her and walk away. '25,000’; she’s open to compromise.

I agree, pay up and she hands me the key, no names, no pack-drill. 

It’s the early evening and I go to find the famous fortress for which the town is known.

The sun is going down and the streets have a pleasant end of the day feel to them. 

A sign at the gate says that the fortress closes at 18.00.

By now it’s 19.00.

A man hanging around the gate who wasn’t working there told me to head on in.

As it turns out the place is busy with people enjoying the evening, families and older people exercising energetically. 

The following morning I have to take a taxi from the InterCity bus station I got in on to the Express bus station, where there are more options.

Every city has both an InterCity and an Express bus station.

It’s a bit of guess work trying to figure out which one will have the bus going to the place you want to get to.

At the Express bus station I can’t figure out where I’m going to.

Initially I think of Gwangju but decide on Seoul on impulse. 

[xtruss]

The unassuming entrance to Oweynagat cave, in Rathcroghan, Ireland, belies its central role in ancient Irish history. It‘s known as a gateway to the demon-filled underworld and the birthplace of the Samhain festival, the traditional roots of Halloween. In 2021, Ireland applied for UNESCO World Heritage status for the archaeological site. Photograph By Ronan O'Connell

Inside The Irish ‘Hell Caves’ Where Halloween Was Born

Go in search of the ancient royal capital that spawned our favorite night of the dead.

— Story and Photographs By Ronan O'Connell | September 26, 2023

In the middle of a field in a lesser known part of Ireland is a large mound where sheep wander and graze freely. Had they been in that same location centuries ago, these animals might have been stiff with terror, held aloft by chanting, costumed celebrants while being sacrificed to demonic spirits that were said to inhabit nearby Oweynagat cave.

This monumental mound lay at the heart of Rathcroghan, the hub of the ancient Irish kingdom of Connaught. The former Iron Age center is now largely buried beneath the farmland of County Roscommon. In 2021, Ireland applied for UNESCO World Heritage status for Rathcroghan (Rath-craw-hin). It remains on the organization's tentative list.

The current archaeological site of Rathcroghan displays an artist’s impression of the temple that once stood there. It was the main meeting place of the Connaught kingdom 2,000 years ago. Photograph By Ronan O'Connell

Rooted in Lore

Spread across more than two square miles of rich agricultural land, Rathcroghan encompasses 240 archaeological sites, dating back 5,500 years. They include burial mounds, ring forts (settlement sites), standing stones, linear earthworks, an Iron Age ritual sanctuary—and Oweynagat, the so-called gate to hell.

More than 2,000 years ago, when Ireland’s communities seem to have worshipped nature and the land itself, it was here at Rathcroghan that the Irish New Year festival of Samhain (SOW-in) was born, says archaeologist and Rathcroghan expert Daniel Curley. In the 1800s, the Samhain tradition was brought by Irish immigrants to the United States, where it morphed into the sugar overload that is American Halloween.

Dorothy Ann Bray, a retired associate professor at McGill University and an expert in Irish folklore, explains that pre-Christian Irish divided each year into summer and winter. Within that framework were four festivities. Imbolc, on February 1, was a festival that coincided with lambing season. Bealtaine, on May 1, marked the end of winter and involved customs like washing one’s face in dew, plucking the first blooming flowers, and dancing around a decorated tree. August 1 heralded Lughnasadh, a harvest festival dedicated to the god Lugh and presided over by Irish kings. Then on October 31 came Samhain, when one pastoral year ended and another began.

Rathcroghan was not a town, as Connaught had no proper urban centers and consisted of scattered rural properties. Instead, it was a royal settlement and a key venue for these festivals. During Samhain, in particular, Rathcroghan was a hive of activity focused on its elevated temple, which was surrounded by burial grounds for the Connachta elite.

Those same privileged people may have lived at Rathcroghan. The remaining, lower-class Connachta communities resided in dispersed farms and descended on the site only for festivals. At those lively events they traded, feasted, exchanged gifts, played games, arranged marriages, and announced declarations of war or peace.

Festivalgoers also may have made ritual offerings, possibly directed to the spirits of Ireland’s otherworld. That murky, subterranean dimension, also known as Tír na nÓg (Teer-na-nohg), was inhabited by Ireland’s immortals, as well as a myriad of beasts, demons, and monsters. During Samhain, some of these creatures escaped via Oweynagat cave (pronounced “Oen-na-gat” and meaning “cave of the cats”).

“Samhain was when the invisible wall between the living world and the otherworld disappeared,” says Mike McCarthy, a Rathcroghan tour guide and researcher who has co-authored several publications on the site. “A whole host of fearsome otherworldly beasts emerged to ravage the surrounding landscape and make it ready for winter.”

Thankful for the agricultural efforts of these spirits but wary of falling victim to their fury, the people protected themselves from physical harm by lighting ritual fires on hilltops and in fields. They disguised themselves as fellow ghouls, McCarthy says, so as not to be dragged into the otherworld via the cave.

Despite these engaging legends—and the extensive archaeological site in which they dwell—one easily could drive past Rathcroghan and spot nothing but paddocks. Inhabited for more than 10,000 years, Ireland is so dense with historical remains that many are either largely or entirely unnoticed. Some are hidden beneath the ground, having been abandoned centuries ago and then slowly consumed by nature.

That includes Rathcroghan, which some experts say may be Europe’s largest unexcavated royal complex. Not only has it never been dug up, but it also predates Ireland’s written history. That means scientists must piece together its tale using non-invasive technology and artifacts found in its vicinity.

A hillside path leads to Keshcorran Caves in County Sligo, which, according to Irish legend, were gates to hell and connected to Oweynagat. Photograph By Ronan O'Connell

While Irish people for centuries knew this site was home to Rathcroghan, it wasn’t until the 1990s that a team of Irish researchers used remote sensing technology to reveal its archaeological secrets beneath the ground.

“The beauty of the approach to date at Rathcroghan is that so much has been uncovered without the destruction that comes with excavating upstanding earthwork monuments,” Curley says. “[Now] targeted excavation can be engaged with, which will answer our research questions while limiting the damage inherent with excavation.”

Becoming a UNESCO Site

This policy of preserving Rathcroghan’s integrity and authenticity extends to tourism. Despite its significance, Rathcroghan is one of Ireland’s less frequented attractions, drawing some 22,000 visitors a year compared with more than a million at the Cliffs of Moher. That may not be the case had it long ago been heavily marketed as the “Birthplace of Halloween,” Curley says. But there is no Halloween signage at Rathcroghan or in Tulsk, the nearest town.

Rathcroghan’s renown should soar, however, if Ireland is successful in its push to make it a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Irish Government has included Rathcroghan as part of the “Royal Sites of Ireland,” which is on its newest list of locations to be considered for prized World Heritage status. The global exposure potentially offered by UNESCO branding would likely attract many more visitors to Rathcroghan.

But it seems unlikely this historic jewel will be re-packaged as a kitschy Halloween tourist attraction. “If Rathcroghan got a UNESCO listing and that attracted more attention here that would be great, because it might result in more funding to look after the site,” Curley says. “But we want sustainable tourism, not a rush of gimmicky Halloween tourism.”

Those travelers who do seek out Rathcroghan might have trouble finding Oweynagat cave. Oweynagat is elusive—despite being the birthplace of Medb, perhaps the most famous queen in Irish history, 2,000 years ago. Barely signposted, it’s hidden beneath trees in a paddock at the end of a one-way, dead-end farm track, about a thousand yards south of the much more accessible temple mound.

Visitors are free to hop a fence, walk through a field, and peer into the narrow passage of Oweynagat. In Ireland’s Iron Age, such behavior would have been enormously risky during Samhain, when even wearing a ghastly disguise might not have spared the wrath of a malevolent creature.

Two millennia later, most costumed trick-or-treaters on Halloween won’t realize they’re mimicking a prehistoric tradition—one with much higher stakes than the pursuit of candy.

[holidayspackagesglh]

Seoul-ful Escapes: Tailored South Korea Trip Packages for Your Dream Vacation

Are you yearning for a getaway that blends rich cultural experiences, breathtaking natural beauty, and modern urban wonders? Look no further than South Korea! This dynamic East Asian gem has something for every traveler. The key to unlocking its magic lies in choosing the right South Korea trip package tailored to your preferences. In this blog post, we'll guide you through a range of South Korea trip packages, ensuring your dream vacation becomes a reality. From bustling Seoul to serene Jeju Island, let's explore the endless possibilities of customized South Korea trip packages.

Discovering Seoul: Your Gateway to South Korea

The capital city, Seoul, is often the starting point for travelers exploring South Korea. With its lively street markets, historic palaces, and trendy neighborhoods, it's a bustling metropolis that never sleeps. South Korea trip packages for Seoul enthusiasts can include guided city tours, culinary adventures sampling mouthwatering Korean barbecue, and immersive visits to iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Don't miss the chance to stay in one of Seoul's luxury hotels, ensuring a comfortable and memorable urban experience.

Exploring the Korean Countryside: Beyond Seoul

For those seeking a more tranquil South Korea experience, countryside excursions are a must. Choose South Korea trip packages that take you to the picturesque countryside towns and villages. Immerse yourself in the country's rich traditions, including tea ceremonies, temple stays, and the chance to witness local artisans at work. Be sure to explore Gyeongju, often called the "museum without walls," where ancient history comes to life through its temples, burial mounds, and museums.

Island Getaway: South Korea Trip Packages to Jeju

Jeju Island, located off the southern coast, is a tropical paradise that deserves its own spotlight in South Korea trip packages. Known for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and unique lava tubes, Jeju offers a getaway like no other. Active travelers can hike Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak, while those seeking relaxation can soak in natural hot springs or lounge on sandy shores. Tailored South Korea trip packages to Jeju often include scenic tours, water sports, and the opportunity to explore traditional Jeju culture.

K-Pop and Beyond: Customized Seoul Experiences

If you're a K-Pop fan, Seoul is the epicenter of this global phenomenon. South Korea trip packages for K-Pop enthusiasts can include exclusive experiences like attending live performances, visiting entertainment agencies, and even dance workshops to learn some iconic moves. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Korean pop culture by exploring Gangnam's entertainment district, shopping for K-Pop merchandise, and sampling the latest Korean street fashion trends.

Culinary Adventures: Savoring South Korean Delicacies

One of the most exciting aspects of a South Korea trip is the cuisine. Korean food is renowned for its flavors, with dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and bulgogi gaining international acclaim. Tailored South Korea trip packages for foodies can include cooking classes where you'll learn to prepare these delectable dishes, food tours to bustling markets, and reservations at renowned local restaurants. Don't forget to sample street food favorites like tteokbokki and hotteok!

Temple Retreat: South Korea Trip Packages for Spiritual Seekers

South Korea's deep spiritual heritage is reflected in its temples, and tailored South Korea trip packages for spiritual seekers offer the chance to immerse yourself in this rich tradition. Consider staying overnight at a temple for a serene and introspective experience. Explore the ancient rituals of Buddhism, practice meditation with monks, and enjoy vegetarian temple cuisine. Be sure to visit temples like Bulguksa and Haeinsa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Adventurous Escapades: South Korea Trip Packages for Thrill-Seekers

For adrenaline junkies, South Korea has plenty to offer. Whether it's hiking in the rugged Seoraksan National Park, paragliding off the cliffs of Busan, or white-water rafting on the Nakdong River, there's no shortage of thrilling adventures. South Korea trip packages for thrill-seekers can be customized to include a range of heart-pounding activities, ensuring you get your daily dose of excitement while exploring this beautiful country.

Family-Friendly Fun: South Korea Trip Packages for All Ages

Traveling with family? South Korea is incredibly family-friendly, offering a wide range of attractions for all ages. From the high-tech wonders of Lotte World in Seoul to the enchanting fairy tales brought to life at Everland, there's no shortage of amusement parks to choose from. South Korea trip packages for families can also include visits to interactive museums, the Seoul Zoo, and cultural experiences like wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) for a memorable family photo session.

South Korea Trip Packages: Your Dream Vacation Awaits

In conclusion, South Korea offers a diverse range of experiences, and the key to unlocking them lies in choosing the right South Korea trip package. Whether you're an urban explorer, a nature lover, a K-Pop enthusiast, a foodie, or a family on the go, there's a tailored South Korea trip package waiting for you. Don't miss the opportunity to create lasting memories in this captivating and culturally rich destination. Start planning your dream vacation today, and let South Korea's charm and hospitality leave a lasting impression on your heart.

So, why wait? Explore our customized South Korea trip packages now and embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this extraordinary country. Your Seoul-ful escape awaits!

Must Read: South Korea Trip Packages: Your Gateway to Korean Culture and Beauty

[awesomeexcellon]

Cloud-based DMS for Improved Dealer Management Systems

Modern businesses employ substantial human capital and organizational efforts to ensure that day-to-day activities are being monitored and managed adequately. Operational efficiency is the key to the functioning of any modern enterprise. Thus, operations management requires significant investments in human resources expenses, fixed assets, inventory upgrades and staff/solutions to manage these resources adequately.

 Significant investments, however, are only possible or profitable for some enterprises. Therefore, enterprises need to employ an efficient Dealer Management system with a significantly lower investment and more accessible workforce training that can boost business process transformation. This makes for easier Management and expansion of any business's operations scale. Additionally, an effective DMS employs cloud computing platforms and helps transform existing business processes to perform better at a significantly lower cost.

 An effective dealer management system can deliver some key business transformational advantages to firms; some of these are enumerated and discussed below briefly.

 • Accessibility on the Move

To ensure smooth operations, the data must be available in a format that can be moved easily with minimal cost and zero data loss. Or it needs to be open even from a remote location whenever it is required. Storing data on stand-alone servers and on-location devices defeats this very purpose. Cloud mobility of the modern dealer management systems ensures that the data is available whenever, wherever.

 • Centralized Management

A cloud-based ERP solution combined with the features of an effective dealer management system specializes in providing you with the most accurate and real-time data that can be accessed using a primary Internet connection from anywhere and at any time. This opens up a new avenue for centralized branch management for proprietors and dealers. You can access priority information in real-time using laptops, tablet devices, or smartphones. This means complete centralized connectivity even when you are travelling or telecommuting. From making dashboard changes to tracking the work done by employees in your company, an ERP-based solution allows you to do it all.

 • Easy and Quick Expansion & Deployment

A cloud base dealership system is low cost, easy to deploy and helps quick expansion of the scale of operations. A cloud ERP requires no additional hardware, main servers, or additional costly IT infrastructure. Deployment can be done simultaneously across multiple regions, branches, divisions, and subsidiaries. All these advantages lead to high costs and time savings for your dealership.

 • Customized Reporting Solutions

Effective dealer management systems provide reporting and analytics with graphical representations of facts and figures, enabling businesses and business leaders to get a detailed overview of all business transactions. Updated automatically, the analytics are entirely customizable. Instead of manually searching through mounds of data, systems now offer features like easy grouping, filtering, and sorting of accurate data according to your requirements.

[obmains]

Supercal petunia

#SUPERCAL PETUNIA SERIES#

The location is open to visitors by appointment until Aug. And if you didn't make it to CAST, there's still time to see what Benary has to offer. He is the author of the newly released book “The Horseshoe Virus'' which along with telling his story of being elected to fight for immigrants in Arizona, painstakingly connects some on the far right and far left of working together to kill any comprehensive immigration reform in Washington DC.Ĭheck out some of the highlights from Benary's California Summer Trials offerings below. Worsley’s entrepreneurial enterprises span three decades, beginning in 1989 with the founding of SkyMall - which he later sold to Rupert Murdoch 13 years later - to his new startup, ZenniHomes, which builds state-of-the-art micro homes of the future. Worsley served in the Arizona Senate from 2012 until 2019, where he advocated on issues such as immigration, technology, and energy, while gaining notoriety for beating former Senate President Russell Pearce. The 2021 Summit will feature a program of subject matter experts, Congressional champions for the industry, and meetings with lawmakers to discuss important issues impacting the green industry and participants’ own business.īob Worsley, former Republican State Senator (AZ), entrepreneur, innovator, and author, will deliver keynote remarks on the challenges of the current political divide and how it affects efforts for comprehensive immigration reform. as industry leaders return to the nation’s capital to hear from dynamic speakers about key issues while educating Congress on our challenges and priorities. It grows to 14-18 inches high and 20-24 inches wide.ĪmericanHort announced the 2021 Impact Washington Summit, Sept. It performs well in high heat and stands out in large containers or landscape plantings. This new color in the Profusion line is an AAS award-winner.

#SUPERCAL PETUNIA SERIES#

This series offers bright, vibrant colors in Blue, Red Bicolor, Scarlet and White. Its long harvest window extends its shipment season and its higher density production offers growers more chances for profit. Lighthouse comes in Blue, Pink, Rose, Yellow and Mix.Ī new series of cut flowers, Gemstone’s blooms grow to be 4 inches, perfect for holiday promotions. Constant blooms with great shelf life and ideal for retailers. Its compact, uniform habit means no PGRs are required, and longer stems reduce the risk of botrytis. Sakata is hoping that this new series with move the primula market to the East and improve early sales options. Unique, small flowers with an explosion of blooms on top of stems. It comes in Red on Green and Rose on Green. It’s 10 days earlier than Dragonweed and grown from seed. It’s all-weather resistant, growing 20-24 inches tall and 35-39 inches wide. Growers can purchase the combinations from liners and grow with strong uniformity.įor use in hanging baskets, combinations and as a bedding plant, this new series has an abundance of extra-large blooms on top of glossy foliage. While Sundance Lantana can be used alone, Sakata is promoting its use in combinations, especially with SunPatiens. This new series features strong, semi-mounding plants with outstanding heat tolerance. With larger flower spikes and strong, sturdy stems, it grows to 12-16 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide. This new Angelissa series offers uniformity and complementary colors perfect for mixed containers. Sweetheart White is new, while White is improved. It’s ideal for cooler regions because of its quick-growing nature. New breeding has brought new vigor, better branching and better heat tolerance than the first generation of Sunpatiens. SuperCal Premium has bigger flowers than SuperCal and a more mounding habit, so Sakata is dropping a few SuperCal original varieties and introducing new options like SuperCal Premium Sunset Orange (seen above), Purple Dawn, Pearl White and Yellow Sun. Sakata is relaunching the program with unique fall colors to help expand the sales window for petunias. Not only is it heat-tolerant and rain-tolerant, it’s cold-tolerant to 25° F. This intergeneric calibrachoa-petunia cross offers performance that regular petunias can’t offer.

[jthurlow]

In Search of the Calusa 2

In Search of the Calusa 2

-Ed, Estero Bay, Lee County, FLIn Search of the Calusa 2-Mound Key to Marco Island, May 8-13, 2022. In Calusa 1, Ed, Mindi, and I learned about villages of the Calusa that once existed right in downtown, Ft Meyers. Soon after, we visited an even more remarkable remnant, the Mound House seven miles away on Ft Meyers Beach. Continuing our journey, we headed south along Estero Bay, an aquatic…

[blueiscoool]

The 2,000-Year-Old Tomb of Emperor Wen of Han Discovered in China

After years of study, a more than 2,000-year-old grand tomb in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, was confirmed to be the mausoleum of a famous emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), the National Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Tuesday at a news conference in Beijing.

Liu Heng (203 to 157 BC), or Emperor Wen of Han, was the third emperor of the Western Han Dynasty. He was famed for diligence and thriftiness.

The reigns of Emperor Wen and his son Emperor Jing were hailed by historians as the Rule of Wen and Jing, the first period of general stability and prosperity during China's imperial years.

Ancient documents roughly indicated the location of Emperor Wen's mausoleum, known in history as Baling, but its specific whereabouts had remained obscure.

Also called the Jiangcun Grand Tomb, the newly confirmed mausoleum site was found in 2006. In 2016, some areas surrounding the site were raided by tomb robbers, and a rescue excavation was later launched by archaeologists.

Based on excavations at the tomb site since 2017, the structure and burial objects that were unearthed have revealed the extraordinary identity of who is buried there, according to Ma Yongying, a researcher with the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology.

"Its format and large scale fit the highest-level tomb of the Western Han Dynasty," he said. "The idea is also supported by our investigations of the outer burial pits around the tomb."

More than 110 burial pits were scattered around the tomb. According to Ma, though only eight burial pits have been excavated, over 1,000 pottery figurines that "guarded" the emperor were found. Thousands more artifacts made of pottery, iron and bronze were also unearthed.

Some of the bronzeware pieces were decorations for horses and chariots, and a group of Western Han officials' seals were also among highlights of the discoveries.

"It showed these pits may mimic an entire system of government," Ma said. "The emperor wanted to rule his country even in the underworld."

Researchers once faced challenges in looking for Baling, because no towering mound was erected to seal Liu Heng's mausoleum due to the emperor's preference for a simple lifestyle.

Archaeological investigation in the area began in the 1960s. Preliminary excavations were also made in the 1980s and around 2000.

A site about 2 kilometers north of the Jiangcun tomb was previously thought to be Baling. However, follow-up research there was fruitless, prompting archaeologists to switch their focus to the current site.

Ma said that the discovery of the graves of Liu Heng's empress and his mother further indicated that the grand tomb in the center should be the emperor's long resting place.

"It is the earliest Western Han royal graveyard in which the emperor's tomb was put in the center and was surrounded by burial pits," he said.

The discovery of Baling also means that the whereabouts of all 11 Western Han emperors' mausoleums in or near Xi'an, then the national capital known as Chang'an, have been confirmed, Ma said.

The grand tomb was a milestone in the evolution of Chinese royal mausoleums, said Liu Qingzhu, an archaeology researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The emphasis of previous rulers' mausoleums was more on connections within their own families. For example, royal couples were often buried together.

"But Liu Heng's tomb reflected that the country, represented by the emperor's power, was the priority," he said, adding that studies of the tomb also are a key to understanding the forming of China's national identity.

By Wang Kaihao.

[skellebonez]

Since it's been a while since I prompted you, 38/51 for Traffic Light Trio and Spicynoodleshipping?

It’s also been a while since you... sent this... I am getting through my prompts slowly but surely! Hopefully the wait was worth it, it has been a while since I have written TLT or SpicyNoodles alone so this was really enjoyable! I apparently missed this more than I realized as this is quite long! (There are references to a past fill as well, but this can be read stand alone.)

If you move from that spot, so help me, I will tie you down/Can you two save the kissing for later?

“For the love of- stop trying to get up Noodle-Brain!” Red Son snapped, albeit more with exasperated worry than anger this time. “You’re only going to make it worse!”

“No, really, I’m fine!” Xiaotian insisted, moving to once again attempt to stand.

He was not fine and his face soon came into contact with an impromptu date with Red Son’s open palm, catching him before he landed on the floor instead. Normally Xiaotian would have pulled his face back with a muttered "sorry" or "thanks" or "wow Red that was shockingly nice of you".

Instead he groaned and allowed himself to just kind of... hang there, his weight being held by that palm that probably felt oddly normal temperatured to him at the moment. Understandable given that his face was flushed red and that even to Red's naturally warmer body temperature touch he felt overheated in fever.

This was not quite the sight Red Son had expected to see when he had ventured out into the city on his own, just wanting to have some kind of time away from his work to gather his thoughts about... well, a lot of things. Ever since the entire fiasco with the Lunar New Year festival his mind had been wandering back toward when he worked with Xiaotian and Xiaojiao and things that happened afterwards.

He still had the phone he had accidentally kept from the green dragon and they had talked a few times. More than a few times. ... ok, maybe they had been texting near daily and had calls every other night and maybe he started watching her streams out of curiosity, and maybe he had been added to a group chat with the Noodle Boy and started to text him too, but he didn't really have anyone else to talk to outside of the his parents and Bull Clones! They were still enemies, just friendly ones! Frenemies! And it had been... nice. To talk to someone who seemed interested in what he wanted to say. And maybe understood him a little. Maybe possibly... didn't actually dislike him as much as he had believed initially.

... and maybe Red Son was deluding himself when he said he didn't actually like either of them, but that was neither here nor there! His thoughts were getting away from him!

The point was thus- he'd gone into the city for a break with the intention of heading to his private apartment he had for such occasions, happened upon one Noodle Boy laying face down on the seat of his (otherwise empty and clearly not being used for work that day) delivery vehicle looking absolutely miserable and burning up, and against his better judgment he took him back to said apartment. That was shockingly easy considering Xiaotian was pretty much passed out due to the high fever combined with his moving around and the fact Red Son could lift the vehicle himself if he wanted to (he didn't, he just took the keys with them so no one would make off with it).

And so that was how Red Son found himself in this predicament. In his apartment with the AC on just enough to be slightly uncomfortable, one sick Monkie Kid doing his best to remove himself from his couch with a cold compress on his forehead while insisting he was fine when he clearly was not, debating on whether or not he should have taken this dumbass to the hospital instead. If only because he was being frustrating to keep still.

"You are most clearly not 'fine', now lay back down," Red Son said with a warning growl, pushing his rival (gently, he wouldn't be so callous as to kick someone while they were down like this) back into the mound of pillows he had laid out for him. He never had visitors so he may as well make the best of this and pull out what he had in storage so they could be used for once. "If you move from that spot, so help me, I will tie you down."

"... ok," Xiaotian finally acquiesced, closing his eyes and laying back into the plush around him and looking even worse than he had before he had been trying to convince the other he was fine. (Though had he not looked clearly sick the sight would have been almost cute to-NO! Red was not going to think that.)

Red Son didn't know what precisely was wrong with him, though based on his symptoms and reactions it was likely a basic but now out of control flu (regardless, he knew he himself was in little to no danger of most human illnesses) and helping him recuperate here (because no one except Red Son was allowed to defeat the Monkie Kid, not even an illness!) was looking like a more reasonable idea now. But he couldn't help but wonder how had the other man allowed himself to get this bad. Why had he even gone outside in his state? He wasn't working, his lack of normal uniform or delivery orders was evidence enough of that, so it wasn't as if he had been forced to go out by his boss. Was he just too stubborn? Did he think he would be ok for a few minutes and not realize he was this ill? The delivery boy was of no help in that regard, brushing off every attempt from the fire demon to learn the answers to those questions. He wasn't delirious, he just refused to answer!

So instead of trying to push again Red Son sighed and stood up. When Xiaotian opened his eyes to look at him in curiosity he frowned at the deep dark bags under them (had he ever been sleeping?) and the dull sheen they seemed to have before he held his hand up in a "stop" motion.

"You stay right there. I meant that threat. I am going to be back in 10 minutes. Do not test me..." Red stood, lifting both his arms for a moment before giving the other another glance. "And don't, uh... die, I guess."

And then Red was gone in a wave of his arms and a flash of fire.

~

He landed at the entrance to a nearby convenience store, not somewhere one would normally think he would frequent but convenience was convenience. And they had very good coffee to grab when he ran out in his apartment. Yes, he was a Villain with a capital V and could just torment the staff for free goods... but he knew that if he did that long enough the stores would start causing him trouble or close down and that would negate the convenience.

No, it wasn't because the first cashier that greeted him was willing to pay for his goods believing he had forgotten his wallet and thus felt guilty for his first attempt at doing so. And he would deny that until the day he died.

That wasn't his goal for the day, however. Red Son may not get ill the way humans did, but it felt useful to him to know how how to treat the more common ailments in the event his family may be forced to work with one. So he grabbed a basket and made a quick beeline straight for the nearest aisle with medicine.

In even less than the 10 minutes he cited he had a basket filled with flu medicine, more cold compresses, soup broth, and much more. Yes, all of this was absolutely necessary. He didn't care that much about his nemesis, he just wouldn't let an illness make him weak. Nope. That was the only reason. Nothing else. He totally wasn't caring for someone he considered a friend, he didn't have friends, not even Xiaojiao was a-

"Red?"

Crap.

"What are you doing standing in line at a convenience store?" Xiaojiao asked, and as Red turned back to her he saw that she had... some very similar items in her own basket, plus some comics. At his eyes widened in realization she looked down at his own basket and sighed. "... either this is a very interesting coincidence or Xiaotian did something he shouldn't have."

~

Red entered his apartment through the door, the noise rousing the apparently lightly sleeping man on his couch.

"Red? You're back alrea-!?" Xiaotian snapped his mouth shut as he turned his head and opened his eyes to see the wide smiling face of a, clearly to someone who knew her well, angry Xiaojiao. "... I'm in trouble aren't I?"

"Oh you have no idea," she replied lightly, setting down the snacks and books and other assorted items she had purchased while Red made his way into the kitchen with his purchases. "I told you I would be at your apartment with stuff after I finished covering your shift for you, so would you like to explain why Red Son found you nearly passed out in your tuk-tuk half way to the nearest store?"

Though her words were sharp and snappy, it was clear to the listening Red that they were so in genuine concern for her friend. There was a mutter from Xiaotian and a questioning sound from Xiaojiao before the man cleared his throat and repeated himself.

"You already helped me out... I just wanted to try to get that stuff myself so you wouldn't have to do more. I was feeling pretty ok until I drove for a while..."

Ah. So that explained it. Xiaotian had just been going out for medication himself. Not the best idea with a fever of his magnitude, but understandable if he believed he could handle something that simple. Red had begun to wonder if he had been trying to head to Flower Fruit Mountain with bow evasive he was being, but this was a much less disastrous answer.

"Xiaotian, you're my best friend," he heard Xiaojiao say in a much softer tone, and there was the sound of the shuffling on the couch. "I wanted to help you, it didn't matter to me how much it was. I've helped you get to Flower Fruit Mountain and kick demon ass! A delivery shift or two and a convenience store run is something I'd do in a heartbeat. Now open your mouth, I grabbed a thermometer so we can see how bad off you actually are."

There was an agreeable sound and a chuckle, then silence as Red continued what he had been doing. Taking out a dose of medication and preparing something for Xiaotian to eat. Or, rather, drink along side the tea he was also preparing for himself and Xiaojiao. It was little more than chunks of tofu and soup broth with some mild flavoring, something simple and easy to make and eat while sick and-

Red Son held his face in his hands and groaned softly as he waited for the broth to warm. What was he doing? His greatest enemies were in his living room, one sick with fever, and he was preparing medicine and food for him. Frenemies? Only he could defeat them? Is that really what he was telling himself to justify his actions? That they were friend-enemies and they were his to beat?

That was a bold faced lie and he knew it. Had known it for a while. Maybe since he first called Xiaojiao just to speak with someone who would listen to him. Maybe since he first watched her stream in curiosity. Certainly, though, since he accepted being added to the group text she had named "Traffic Light Trio" (really? What kind of name that that?). He would have never done that had he not considered them his friends, he knew that deep down. He just didn't want to admit it (and he super did not want to admit that he maybe felt his own face warm up when they complimented him or that he had butterflies in his stomach the off times they called him by nicknames).

As he turned off the now lightly boiling broth and set it to the side to cool, Red Son began to admit to himself that maybe he was just as much of a dumbass as the Noodle Boy. It seemed that out of the three of them Xiaojiao had firm hold on the only available brain cells when it came to interpersonal relationships.

But that train of thought was not helpful at the moment, so he pushed it down (deeeeeeep down) as he gathered everything up and made his way to the couch again.

The sight that greeted him gave him pause Xiaojiao sitting on the arm of the couch and running a hairbrush through Xiaotian's tangled hair, Xiaotian looking slightly better thanks to the compress against his forehead and smiling softly against the pillows.

There were those butterflies. Oh. Red Son had it bad.

"So?" He asked, drawing their attention to himself as he sat everything on the nearby table. "How bad is it?"

"Not enough to take him to a doctor yet," Xiaojiao answered with a chuckle as she hopped down. "Though I think what you did before helped with that."

Red flushed a bit himself in response, grumbling under his breathe as he shoved the medicine and a cup of water into Xiaotian's hands. "WELL. Take this and. Maybe it’ll stay that way!" He attempted to sound as snappy as normal but the looks on both his guests faces told him he failed miserably in that regard.

"Thanks, Red," Xiaotian said with an earnest smile, and the butterflies were back and Red Son couldn't help the slight sparking of his hair in response.

"Don't mention it. Ever." He grumbled a bit, taking the cup before sighing and helping Xiaotian sit up straighter. "You shouldn't eat half laying down." He maneuvered the pillows to make a little wall between Xiaotian and a space next to the arm of the couch. A space he quickly occupied himself before handing him the bowl of broth over his shoulder. "So you don't have to move more."

The other two looked at each other with surprise on their faces before Xiaojiao smiled and sat on the other arm as they grew silent. Xiaotian eating, Xiaojiao playing on her phone, and Red... well. He tried to look like he was doing something on "his" phone, the one he took from Xiaojiao and replaced the old case with a showy flame covered one. But in reality he was just sitting there staring into space thinking "holy crap this is happening what have I done what happens next oh crap".

"Hey Red?"

"YES!?" He asked far too loud and quick with a squeak in his voice as his hair flared at Xiaotian's words, clearing his throat before repeating himself in a much more appropriate tone (only to earn a giggle from Xiaojiao).

He felt the other man lean back against him, and before he could even begin to fight his flush on his face he heard him chuckle as well. "I appreciate your help."

"L-like I said... don't mention it..."

Xiaotian chuckled again in reply and sighed, leaning completely against Red Son and as he looked over and down he saw his relaxed face and flushed deeper and... it felt nice.

He wondered why he ever pushed down his feelings before.

Xiaojiao grabbed the dishes with a knowing smirk, heading into the kitchen with a few parting words.

"Can you two save the kissing for later? Maybe when Xiaotian isn't sick?"

Both men flushed as deep as they could and sputtered out denials in response, and if that wasn't an indication that Xiaotian maybe felt similarly to Red as Red did to him...

[cinebration]

Written in DNA (Booker x Reader) [Part 12]

Booker deals with the aftermath of losing you.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Epilogue

Tagged: @lucy-sky​, @city-of-weird​, @all-the-right-regrets, @alannister-always-pays-her-debts​, @fleetwoodsmacabitch​

Warnings: none

Gif Source: captaindelafere

The immortals brought Booker to a different safe house. While they restrained Quynh and sedated her, he paced the front room, agonizing. He could still hear the crack of the gunshot, your body collapsing to the asphalt.

He should’ve gone back to you.

Andy and the others emerged from the back room to see Booker rummaging through cupboards for liquor. He found a half-empty vodka bottle. Scrambling to unscrew the lid, he lifted it to his mouth.

Hesitated.

Drinking wouldn’t solve this problem. He knew that he would need all his wits.

He slammed the bottle down on the table, the alcohol untasted, and raked both hands through his hair, roaring with frustration. Only then did he notice the others were watching him.

“Quynh alright?” he asked.

Andy nodded slowly.

“Then I’ll leave.” He snatched up his jacket.

“Where will you go?”

Booker didn’t meet Nile’s curious gaze. “I’m going after her.”

“Why?” Joe asked.

Booker tried to answer, found he didn’t have words. Why? He couldn’t put it into words, not when he didn’t really know himself. But he managed, “When I found her, she was all alone in a room. For ten years.”

A hushed silence fell over the room.

“She isn’t an immortal, but she did this for me. To…” To let me be with you all. He slipped on the jacket. “I’m not letting someone else down.”

He scurried away before anyone could say anything, averting his eyes.

~~

It took him a week to gather enough intel to even consider making a move. Booker sat in a cheap motel room surrounded by it, mounds of printed schematics and schedules, a paper trail guaranteeing nothing but destruction. Despair crept in, anxiety taunting him. The bottle called to him. It took all his energy to not succumb to it.

His research had found you had been returned back to the same location, only there was no guarantee you were in the same room he had broken you out from. Security had been tightened, and his face was in their system now, picked up by one of the cameras inside that he had missed on the way out.

Booker nearly pulled his hair out. No matter how he examined the problem, he couldn’t crack it. Not without getting captured in the process or getting you killed.

Assuming you weren’t dead already.

He hadn’t yet been able to determine whether you were alive or were being dissected. Every bad movie he had seen about brainwashing and mad scientists played on repeat in his head as he imagined the horrors you were being subjected to.

Nine days after you had taken the fall on the tarmac, he decided it was worth the suicide mission. He didn’t have a full plan, and as much as that frighten him, he was going to go ahead anyway.

Dressing in black once more, he armed himself with a tactical knife, a FN SCAR, and a Beretta. He brought only two clips for the handgun and three for the assault rifle. He would have preferred a crowd-control method, but everyone else would be armed to the teeth. He couldn’t risk it.

Steeling himself, he left the motel under cover of darkness, headlights doused until he reached the road. He ran the plan through his head again and again, ignoring the flaws, telling himself all he had to do was get to you. From there, escape would be inevitable. It had to be.

His cellphone buzzed in his pocket. He fumbled it out, saw the number was unknown. He hesitated, then answered.

“Booker?” Andy’s voice rang clearly through the phone.

“Andy?”

“We’re on your tail.”

He glanced up in the rearview mirror. Headlights flashed twice.

“We’re here to help,” she said.

Tears pushed at Booker’s eyes. “Thank you.”

“What’s the plan?”

“I need a distraction. A massive one.”

~~

Booker waited for it. The night breeze tickled his cheeks, toying with him. Crickets had gone silent around him, as though in anticipation.

BOOM!

The sky exploded into flame, huge gouts licking the darkness. Alarms blared, soldiers scrambling to the scene.

Booker sprinted in the opposite direction, into the compound. He pushed past the security checkpoints, capitalizing on the chaos to go by unnoticed. Following the same path as before, he made his way to the basement levels.

He had to shimmy down the elevator shaft. Without the key card to call it up, it was the only way down. Climbing through the access panel in the elevator’s roof, he muscled open the sliding doors and slipped out into the long hallway. He hurried to the far end and shot off the doorknob, allowing him to enter.

Empty.

His heart plummeted into his stomach. He swept the room, double-checking. All your personal effects—the books, primarily—were gone.

Booker fought the urge to scream. He stepped out of the room, kicking himself. The gunshot rang in his ears again, the image of you collapsing flashing before him. He leaned against the wall, raked his hand over his face.

“FUCK!”

He punched the wall, broke his hand. The pain reminded him of the first time he had been here. Tears burned in his eyes.

A faint tapping reached through the pulsing in his ears as he struggled with his grief. Through his addled mind, he recognized the beats and pauses of Morse code.

He straightened.

Here, the code tapped.

Booker faced the wall behind him, heard the code repeat. Scrutinizing the wall, he found a near-invisible seam ran from ceiling to floor. Booker ran his fingers along it, trying to find purchase. Pulling out his knife, he slid the tip along the edge, flaking away concrete. The knife snagged on something. Through the crack, he saw metal glinting.

The tapping resumed. Lock.

Mind racing, Booker retreated into your cell and came back with one of the chairs. He started ramming it at a fort-five degree angle against the wall, tearing at the concrete.

Cement dust filled the air, choking him. It covered his skin as he tore chunks out of the wall, revealing the locking mechanism. Rather than attacking where the lock engaged, he found where it had been anchored into the wall and tore it loose. Grunting and heaving, he yanked the lock out of the jamb.

Fingers reached through the hole, pulling on the door. Booker shoved his shoulder against it, pushing it slowly open.

Light fell through the darkness beyond the door, illuminating your dust-covered face. Booker nearly choked with relief. You stared up at him in disbelief.

“I’m here to get you out,” he said. “Again.”

You grinned, your lips trembling. Squeezing through the gap, you stumbled out into the bright light, blinking furiously.

“Let’s go.”

“Wait.”

“Wait?”

Your face hardened. “There’s something I have to do first.”

Booker nodded. “Tell me how to help.”

[dilawarmughal980]

Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats

Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats is a highly anticipated showdown on June 30, 2024, delivered an electrifying atmosphere as both teams battled fiercely at Petco Park. In this thrilling encounter, the Red Sox emerged victorious with a final score of 4–1, showcasing their resilience and skill. Fans were treated to standout performances that will be remembered as part of the Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats.

The game featured impressive pitching, particularly from Chris Sale, who dominated on the mound, and pivotal moments at the plate, highlighted by Rafael Devers’ crucial home run. As we delve into the Red Sox vs Padres match player stats, we’ll explore the key highlights, analyze player performances, and reflect on the strategies that defined this unforgettable matchup.

Game Overview

The Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats reveal a game full of thrilling moments. The Red Sox struck early, setting the tone from the first inning. Mid-game, both teams showcased strong pitching, creating a nail-biting standoff. Chris Sale’s mastery on the mound was a highlight, striking out nine batters and dominating the Padres.

The eighth inning saw Rafael Devers’ impactful home run, a defining moment in the player stats of the Red Sox vs Padres match. Despite solid efforts from the Padres, including Yu Darvish’s eight strikeouts, their offense struggled to convert opportunities. Enthusiastic fans witnessed a strategic and competitive

First Inning Brilliance Sets the Tone

The Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats began with an electrifying start. Right from the first inning, the Red Sox displayed their prowess. The early moments saw the Red Sox capitalizing on opportunities. They scored a crucial run, instantly putting pressure on the Padres. The Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats reflected the Red Sox’s sharp focus and strategic gameplay.

Fans saw a well-coordinated effort from the Red Sox’s batting lineup. This initial brilliance set a challenging tone for the Padres. The Padres struggled to counteract the early momentum. The first inning was a game-changer, showcasing the Red Sox’s intent to dominate.

Mid-Game Standoff Highlights Exceptional Pitching

The mid-game standoff between the Padres and Red Sox showcased exceptional pitching that kept the score tight. As fans anxiously watched, the Red Sox vs. Padres match player stats highlighted the duel on the mound. Chris Sale for the Red Sox and Yu Darvish for the Padres traded strikeouts and groundouts.

The tension was palpable as neither side could gain an advantage. Sale struck out nine batters, showing his command. Darvish responded with eight strikeouts of his own, demonstrating resilience. During this period, Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats reflected the pitchers’ dominance, making each at-bat a high-stakes battle.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

First Inning Run:

The Red Sox set the stage early with a critical run in the first inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and an initial misplay by the Padres’ defense.

Sale’s Dominant Third Inning:

Chris Sale showcased his pitching prowess, striking out the side in the third inning and demoralizing the Padres’ lineup early.

Sixth Inning Bogaerts Double:

Xander Bogaerts delivered a pivotal double in the sixth inning, driving in a run that extended the Red Sox’s lead and applying more pressure on the Padres.

Devers’ Eighth Inning Home Run:

Rafael Devers blasted a solo home run in the eighth inning, giving the Red Sox an insurance run and dampening the Padres’ comeback hopes.

Barnes’ Perfect Ninth:

Matt Barnes closed the game with a flawless ninth inning, securing the save and ensuring the Red Sox’s 4–1 victory.

Fans’ Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats ignited a whirlwind of reactions on social media. Red Sox fans took to Twitter to celebrate Rafael Devers’ clutch home run. Hashtags like #RedSoxWin and #DeversDominates trended rapidly. Padres supporters, despite the loss, praised Yu Darvish’s resilience.

Instagram saw a flood of game-day photos from Petco Park, capturing the electrifying atmosphere. TikTok featured fan reactions, with many highlighting Chris Sale’s dominant performance. The Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats became a hot topic on sports forums, sparking debates about key plays. Overall, the engagement was a testament to the game’s excitement.

Conclusion About Padres Vs Red Sox Match Player Stats

The June 30, 2024, game was a thrilling contest showcasing stellar performances and strategic gameplay. The Red Sox vs Padres match player stats highlighted Chris Sale’s dominant pitching and Rafael Devers’ crucial home run Read More

[blackberry-gingham]

i’m just imagining shy reader had a really bad day and on top of that is stuck at school when the weather is raining/snowing (maybe their ride never came) and theyre freezing.

then teddy boy john sees the poor little reader upset, cold, and tired and asks if they’re okay. but the reader has heard rumors about john, and their wary and scared of him. but john ends up convincing them to come with him,, so he takes them to his house to warm them up and provide some comfort for them after a long day 🥺🥺🥺

SJSKSKSKSK TEDDY!JOHN?? READER COMFORT?? AND A HIGH SCHOOL AU??!??!

I swear you guys literally can read my mind, like you all be sending in stuff I would've just written myself at some point 🥴

Here we go!

---

You scan up and down the road for the seventh time now. Class let out nearly an hour ago, and with good timing too. Something of a snow storm has taken over the town and as you've been waiting for your ride, a delicate frost has clumped your eyelashes together and snow has begun accumulating on your hair and shoulders.

With a sigh, you pace the side walk by the parking lot where your brother was supposed to be picking you up. You kick a mound of snow in frustration. It doesn't appear that he's coming.

A bitter wind blasts past, chilling you to the bone, even through your winter coat. You hunch up your shoulders and scuttle over to a little bench so you can hunker down.

You shovel off a patch of snow from it so you can sit. Not that it matters, you think to yourself, considering you're already practically soaked. Absent mindedly, you kick your feet out in front of you. Your socks are saturated with snow, and you're worried your mother will kill you for getting your nice leather riding boots soping wet.

She did tell you to wear your rain boots after all.

A few more minutes pass and by now you're ready to try and walk the several miles it'll take you to get home. You stand up, deciding you've finally had enough, only to jump as one of the old metal school doors slams several feet off in the distance.

Quizzically, you turn to look after the noise. You thought for sure everyone had gone home by now...

There, heading now towards the same parking lot you yourself are waiting at, trudges the John Lennon. Considering where he's just come out from and, well, who he is, you immediately know he's just got done serving some detention time. You crinkle up your nose and turn away, hoping he doesn't try to interact with you.

Typical teddy boy. Your mum warned you about boys like him.

You stand frozen in place, trying your best to look purposeful, until the gentle crunching of John's boots pass you by. They stop just behind you.

"Oi, what are you doing out here?"

For a moment, you consider ignoring him. But unfortunately, you were raised with manners. Curses.

You turn around on a dime, a stoic look on your face to convey that you are not to be messed with, "I'm waiting for my ride, thank you". You shift your weight beneath you, hoping it doesn't come across as nervous energy. You've just now realized you can't really feel your toes...

John surveys the empty parking lot and then the desolate school grounds around you.

"Doesn't look like they're coming, eh"

"W-well, if they're not here soon, I'll just w-walk", a violent shiver overtakes you. You immediately stiffen, and stare at John, terrified. He looks back at you with his little, shark like eyes, and suddenly you feel very vulnerable and alone.

"Nah, can't have that. Look at you, you're freezing love. Here, uuuh...", John takes off his flat cap and scarf and hastily secures them onto you. He takes a minute to appraise his work, but he must've come to the conclusion that his efforts are insufficient.

"Say, my bike's over there", he points to a little motorcycle, covered in snow, "how about you can come with me and I'll take you home?"

"N-no one's home... Mum's out visiting and dad's at work. I-I don't have a key...", Your voice starts to shake and you find you feel very abandoned right now. A tear rolls down your face, soon followed by another and another. You're just so cold, and tired, and scared, you can't seem to help yourself anymore.

John jolts, looking a bit scared himself. "U-uh, there there now, don't cry love", he checks his pockets for something, perhaps a handkerchief, and comes up empty. Instead, he takes the tail of the scarf he gave you and wipes your tears with a surprising gentleness.

"I-I'll tell you what! How's about you come home with me and wait until your mum or dad gets back, and then you can call home from my phone", he smiles at you nervously, and you can tell he's trying very hard to stop your crying.

You shiver again, and sniff. The tears have stopped for now and you figure it's time to weigh your options. He is right you know, you're quite cold. Far too cold to make it home without catching something. And certainly too cold to wait on your doorstep for someone to come let you in. But also... You've heard bad things about John and teds in general practically all your schooling days.

John looks at you with eyes full of concern. He shifts the weight of his school bag, but otherwise waits patiently for you to make up your mind.

With a soft sigh you look up the road one more time for any sign of your brother's car, then imagine the long, long distance home to walk.

Finally, you turn to John with your big, wet eyes and nod.

"Capital! Let's get you warm, eh?" he takes your hand and helps you through the thick snow on the way to his bike, "I can make a cuppa you know! O-or hot cocoa if you like! My Aunt Mimi is out too, but she won't mind of you come over for a bit. Er, maybe that is"

John situates you on the backseat behind him, then starts up the motor. You don't respond, but you do at least feel a bit better. You lean against his back and hold tight as he speeds off. He's surprisingly warm, you note.

As promised, you arrive at John's house in no time at all. He lets you in and relief washes over you as warmth seeps into your frozen bones. John leads you into the living room and directs you to the couch.

"There now... I can take your coat and boots if you'd like. Then I can start the kettle and we can watch the telly!"

You thank him and shed your soaked layers. John hangs them up on the coat pegs in the hall, then disappears into the kitchen.

In the meantime, you look around the space. It looks just like any other house. Clean, a few nice decorations, and a welcoming atmosphere. The couch you're on is clearly old and worn, but it's still rather comfy. There's a fuzzy blanket drapped over the back. It's much newer looking, and you pull it down to wrap yourself in.

It smells a bit like John.

Nearly as soon as you're settled, you can hear John taking off his own jacket and boots, before plodding into the room. "Kettle's on", he says as he leans over to turn on the telly. He tunes it to a funny little show and then joins you on the couch.

This is one of your favorites, and you instantly feel your mood elevate. You didn't expect a guy like John would like it too...

The two of you watch and laugh on occasion until the water comes to a boil. John hops up and asks if you want tea or cocoa.

"Cocoa please"

He nods and scurries off. When he returns, it's with two piping hot mugs and a look of proud satisfaction. "Careful now...", He hands you a mug and then carefully sits besides you.

Feeling courteous, you move the blanket so he can join you under it. He smiles, and inches closer.

The two of you sip and watch in silence, but you've begun to get lost in your thoughts.

John's been awful nice to you through all this. He's done so much to put you at ease, when he could've just ignored you completely and went on home. You cast a glance his way, and then quickly back at the screen. What if... he's not as bad as you've been led to believe?

Suddenly, John gives a big yawn and stretches for the sky. Next thing you know, his arm is strategicly draped around your shoulder.

You smile to yourself.

"John...?"

"Yah?"

You lean in and give his cheek a little kiss. "Thank you"

[tlatollotl]

Beginning roughly 2,000 years ago, the Calusa enjoyed centuries of dominance as the undisputed rulers of southwest Florida. Theirs was a complex society with trade routes spanning hundreds of miles; a powerful military; and built works including wide canals, islands made of shells and towering buildings.

Unlike the Maya, Aztecs and Inca, the Calusa built their kingdom, which stretched from modern Tampa Bay to Ten Thousand Islands and as far east as Lake Okeechobee, without agriculture.

Researchers have long wondered how a society that collected all of its food by fishing, hunting and gathering was able to secure enough food to support its ambitious construction projects and military might. Now, a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals details of how the Calusa stockpiled live fish in massive holding pens, or “watercourts,” built out of oyster shells. The idea that these watercourts held fish is not new, writes George Dvorsky for Gizmodo, but the paper is the first to conduct a systematic analysis of the ancient structures.

The remains of these watercourts—the largest of which is seven times larger than an NBA basketball court—are located near Fort Myers in Mound Key, where the Calusa’s capital city of Calos stood for 500 years.

Mound Key is quite an accomplishment in and of itself. A human-constructed island made primarily of shells, the island’s building materials, by volume, could fill 200 Olympic swimming pools, Victor Thompson, lead author of the new study and an anthropologist at the University of Georgia, tells Haaretz’s Ruth Schuster. The Great Pyramid of Giza is made of roughly 1,000 swimming pools worth of stone, but as Thompson points out, “The ancient Egyptians didn’t eat the stones before they built it.”

The watercourts flanked a 100-foot-wide canal that bisected the entire island. Each one had a roughly six-foot-long opening onto the canal. The researchers speculate that this feature may have been used to drive fish into the pens before sealing them inside with a gate.

Atop a 30-foot-high shell mound, the Calusa constructed an expansive manor capable of holding 2,000 people, according to Spanish records. Fish stored in Mound Key’s watercourts may have provided the food resources needed to complete the project. (Florida Museum / Illustration by Merald Clark)

For the new study, researchers analyzed two watercourts to determine when and how they were built, how they worked, and whether their appearance mirrored other significant developments in the Calusa kingdom. The team used core samples, excavated fish bones, radiocarbon dating and remote sensing to probe the watercourts for answers.

Radiocarbon dating placed the construction of the watercourts between 1300 and 1400 A.D. This timeframe coincided with the second phase of construction of Calusa king Caalus’ manor—a massive building that could hold 2,000 people at the time of its completion, according to Spanish documents.

The watercourts could also have been an innovation prompted by a drop in sea level that occurred around 1250, potentially impacting “fish populations enough to help inspire some engineering innovation,” says Karen Walker, study co-author and an archaeologist at the Florida Museum, in a statement.

Bones and scales excavated from the ancient holding pens belonged to mullet, pinfish and herring, all schooling species that might have been easily herded inside.

Remote sensing yielded a 3-D map of the island’s surface that features what appear to be ramps leading from the watercourts to two shell mounds—perhaps facilitating the transport of food.

Excavations found ancient ash and other evidence pointing toward the presence of racks for drying and smoking fish, according to the statement. And core samples from the watercourts contained a layer of dark gray sediment that appears to be on par with ancient pond scum. The researchers say this suggests the water inside of the structures did not circulate much, and that the walls were tall enough not to get flooded by high tide.

“We can’t know exactly how the courts worked,” says Michael Savarese, study co-author and a geologist from Florida Gulf Coast University, in the statement. “But our gut feeling is that storage would have been short-term—on the order of hours to a few days, not for months at a time.”

The Calusa built their entire way of life around the ocean and estuaries of the Gulf Coast, creating a vast empire by learning to manipulate their environment. Though eschewing agriculture once led some researchers to assume that the Calusa were less sophisticated, it also made them innovative and unique.

“The fact that the Calusa obtained much of their food from the estuaries structured almost every aspect of their lives,” says Thompson in the statement. “Even today, people who live along coasts are a little different, and their lives continue to be influenced by the water—be it in the food they eat or the storms that roll in on summer afternoons in Southwest Florida.”