#he said it was celebrated in the second month on the 15th 12th or 2nd and mentioned that the goddess of the apricot was for the second mont

[phasdraw]

happy birthday c:

[miracles-totally-come-true]

When I Will Be Gone (1/2)

Trigger Warning: Suicide

Pairing: Logince

Summary: Logan loves Roman with all of his heart. Logan can see that Roman wants to do more with his life. Logan can also see that his own life just isn’t working. Logan thinks he can fix both of their problems.

Roman only wants to spend his life with his boyfriend. He’s perfectly fine with giving up on his dreams if it means waking up every day to see Logan’s face.

Roman wishes he had said that sooner.

Ao3 link: (Tumblr isn’t letting me link it in a neat and simple way, so you get a large oversized link to the fic)

This was meant to be read as a oneshot, but since Tumbr doesn’t like me for some reason, here’s the second part

A quick note:

When anything is written in italics, this means that the text is part of Logan's recording. The recording takes place a few hours earlier than the story's present day.

—————————

By the time you are listening to this, I will be gone. Not dead, most likely, but gone.

January 18th, six years prior to the recording

Sunlight dancing through the trees, the scent of roses in the air. Logan and Roman sat on a checkered picnic blanket, hand in hand.

Roman, I love you more than the world, but I think we both know that I was always bound to fail as your boyfriend.

March 15th, six years prior to the recording

The last scene in the movie had come to a close, just as Logan finally stirred in his sleep, slowly waking up. Roman glanced down at his boyfriend, who was leaning on his shoulder, before pressing a kiss to his forehead.

I that thought I was helping you to achieve your dreams, but I now see that all I was doing was holding you back. I wish I had seen sooner.

November 3rd, six years prior to the recording

Roman quietly opened his boyfriend's bedroom door. He draped a blanket over the shoulders of the figure passed out at the desk and placed the cupcake he had carried in beside the mountain of paperwork.

"Happy birthday, my love," Roman whispered.

Roman, you are the most incredible human being I have ever met.

December 1st, six years prior to the recording

A smile fluttered across Roman's lips as Logan brushed a strand of hair out of his boyfriend's eyes.

The way your eyes light up when you smile fills me with a kind of joy that I did not think I had the ability to possess.

January 18th, five years prior

Roman grinned and leaned into Logan's arms

"Happy anniversary! I love you so, so much,"

The blush that dances across your cheeks when out eyes meet is nothing less than adorable.

January 31st, five years prior

They stared into each other's eyes. Moonlight just barely lit up the room. Roman hoped that it was too dark for Logan to notice how red Roman's face must be.

Watching you spin around the room laughing when your favourite Disney songs come on always ends with my cheeks hurting from smiling.

February 14th, five years prior

Logan's quiet laughter filled the air as his boyfriend pulled him up from the couch.

"C'mon specs," Roman pulled him closer. "Let's dance."

Listening to you talk about the things that you're passionate about always melts my heart. I love you so much.

March 21st, five years prior

"I GOT THE GIG!" Roman had applied for a job preforming stories for children at the local theatre. "Let's have a drink to celebrate!"

Logan looked at him in confused amusement as Roman grabbed a bottle opener. "....babe thats a bottle of soda, not exactly the kind of drink one would use to celebrate with."

And it's because of how much I care, that I must leave. I can see that you're hiding your emotions behind your smiles.

May 30th, five years prior

Roman wiped a tear off his cheek as he put on a fake smile. He stared at the figure in the mirror. Roman loved Logan more than he could even imagine. His boyfriend was the best thing to ever happen to him. It didn't matter that Roman had lost every job he had tried to keep. It would be okay.

You clearly want more than anything to follow your dreams but you don't. Why?

June 12th, five years prior

Roman pressed his lips to his boyfriend's knuckles. "I'd travel to the moon and back if it meant simply seeing your face."

So many hours were spent with me laying on my bedroom floor, trying to figure out why you refused to go out into the world and pursue a better life. Then it hit me. I am the problem.

Present day, Roman's perspective

Roman's jaw dropped and his heart fell as he listened to the recording that he had found in his and Logan's apartment. It had been addressed to him, and he had found it sitting beside a single blood red rose, and a golden locket containing a photo of him and Logan. It hadn't been long before Roman had put two and two together and figured out that there was something else going on here. This sounded bad.

As long as I stay by your side, you'll stay stuck in an unfulfilling life.

July 2nd, five years prior

They lay in a meadow, side by side, fingers entwined.

"I love you Logan,"

"I love you too,"

Please don't be sad.

August 15th, five years prior

Logan wiped away the tear rolling down Roman's cheek.

I would have told you all this in person, but I knew that I wouldn't be able to bare seeing your pain. I knew that I'd back out the second we stood face to face.

Present day, Roman's perspective

Roman picked up the rose. He ignored the thorns that pricked his skin.

"Logan, why, why why why," he could feel more tears forming.

I love you so much, Roman. I never would have gotten this far in life without you, but as they always say mall good stories must come to an end.

December 26th, five years prior

Roman closed the storybook, a smile on his face. He plucked the glasses off his sleeping boyfriend's face and set them on the nightstand.

I've hit the metaphorical dead end.

January 30th, four years prior

Roman glanced at Logan, who was sitting in the passenger seat,

"I-I think we're lost,"

"Now you admit it?" Logan raised an eyebrow. "Here, let me drive for a bit."

My family disowned me for my sexuality.

February 13th, four years prior

Roman's heart dropped as he saw the mess of tears streaming down the typically calm man's face. "You told them?"

"...I did."

I was fired from my job at the lab, simply because I argued that the animals being used as test subjects were not being treated fairly.

January 1st, four weeks prior

"They're fools for firing someone as intelligent as you,"

"No, they're right to do this. I tried to think with my heart instead of my head for once, and made the mistake of bringing emotions into a workplace,"

"Well either way, they just lost their best scientist,"

All of my friends left eventually because of how many walls I put up.

December 2nd, two months prior

"Did Virgil call?" Roman frowned when he saw the sad look on Logan's face.

"Yes, yes he did. I'd rather not talk about it though. How about we make dinner?"

My own cautiousness and inability to be overly emotional have been my own undoing. You are the last good thing left in my life.

March 14th, four years prior

"Logan, you are absolutely not just an emotionless robot! You're the sweetest guy I know. Don't you dare let any assholes tell you otherwise!"

I may not believe in soulmates, but I truly think that we are as close as it gets.

June 8th, four years prior

"Aw, you don't think that we're soulmates?" Roman said with a pout in his face. "Why not?"

"I simply said that I don't believe in such things," Logan pressed a quick kiss to Roman's forehead. "Now get sleep, we both have work to do tomorrow."

My story has come to an end, but yours is just beginning.

August 17th, four years prior

Roman gazed lovingly at the stacks of books lining the shelves that surrounded the place where Roman and Logan sat.

I know that I don't have the emotional capacity to be able to make an accurate estimation as to how long it will take for you to be able to get over this, but for both of our sakes, I do hope it will be quick.

October 6th, four years prior

Roman sighed. His boyfriend had obviously stayed up all night working again. When he peeked at the pile of notes on Logan's desk, his face lit up. From the looks of it, Logan had started teaching a course at a local college, which had always been something he had wanted to do.

I can tell that you're hiding sadness underneath all the smiles, you don't hide it very well.

December 31st, four years prior

Smiles. Grins. Laughter. Joy. Roman's entire life was based around joy. He couldn't just go tell Logan that he was sad about losing another job, that would ruin his whole facade. No, he would have to just get another job as quickly as possible.

I haven't seen enough of your genuine smiles lately.

January 14th, three years prior

Roman was so happy for the first time in what felt like ages. Logan had finally agreed to get a pet! Granted, it was a goldfish, because Logan claimed that neither of them had the time to take care of a puppy, but a pet nonetheless!

He named it Roman Jr.

You clearly want to do something more with your life, but you don't.

February 14th, three years prior

"Vegas would be a nice place to live one day, or LA. Ooh maybe London,"

"What, life isn't enough for you?"

"Never,"

And since I've heard you joke about me being the tether keeping you from being a star, it wasn't hard to realize that the only logical explanation is that I'm the one keeping you stuck in this small town where it is impossible for you to follow your dreams.

Present day, Roman's perspective

"I never meant it. They were nothing more than jokes. I would do anything to keep the small life we share," yet more tears rolled down Roman's face as he spoke to the empty room.

I say that you are the only thing left in this world for me, but if you can't be happy with the life we have, then I have truly failed.

April 7th, three years prior

They lay on a Roman's bed, a Disney movie playing on his laptop, long forgotten. Roman snuggled closer, savouring the moment.

The only way I can think of to fix this, is to completely disappear.

July 25th, three years prior

They sat under a cherry blossom tree, watching the petals fall around them.

"This is magical," Roman's voice was barely a whisper.

"There's noting out of the ordinary about the situation, except for the fact that the petals are dropping later in the year than they usually would," Roman merely grinned.

You're the only one who could possibly miss me, so I have three requests for you.

Next part

[nuclearblastuk]

MACHINE HEAD have shared another brand new song, ‘Circle the Drain.’

Listen here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To_4s0WE8vo and pick up your download here https://nuclearblast.com/mh-circlethedrain.

In March 2018, MACHINE HEAD frontman/guitarist and visionary, Robb Flynn began having ideas for a new song.  Over the following 6 months, a crazy series of events would lead to what would become this new track, but not without unsuspecting detours and downright sad events as the band in its ‘then current’ form, fell apart.  These two video diary clips document the ‘making of…’ ‘Circle The Drain’. 

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/Cz2clO10Lcs

Part 2 - https://youtu.be/EIYTQAEEH90

Guitarist / vocalist Robb Flynn describes the song as the anti-Valentine's Day song. "The song is inspired by an acquaintance of mine who returned from Afghanistan only to have his relationship fall apart with his girl. She had messed around on him, then got paranoid about him messing around on her, and drove him crazy. We had a conversation on Valentine's Day and he said to me "they were just circling the drain”… the phrase struck me. A few days later I incorporated it into the song I’d been working on. It was a strange parallel with my life at the time, having recently had two band members quit, and even more bizarrely, two long-time couple friends of my wife and I, also divorce. It was break-up season, and it played out with friends taking sides, people not being invited to certain events anymore, social and emotional pressure, and all the typical stuff that happens when a relationship goes bad.  Watching this guy pull through it, helped me pull through my own upheaval. The lyrics to 'Circle The Drain' came out of that frustrating time. It's a sad song about relationships gone bad, but accepting that it's over, and making yourself move on. I wrote it in a more metaphorical tone, as I didn’t want it to be about my life, but to be about anybody’s life who may be going through a rough time like that. It may not be a song that connects with everyone, especially those in a solid relationship, but if the day ever comes when your life goes awry, this song will be a lifeline for you, something to help pull you up out of that dark place.  The irony that he and I had the original conversation on Valentine's Day, and are now releasing it on Valentine's Day isn’t lost on me, it really is the anti-Valentine's Day song.” 

The song was once again produced by Robb Flynn (Machine Head’s Through The Ashes Of Empires, The Blackening, Bloodstone & Diamonds), and co-produced by Zach Ohren (All Shall Perish, Suicide Silence, Machine Head) at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland.  Joel Wanasek (Attilla, Bloodline) once again handled post-production duties, while Russ Russell (At The Gates, The Wildhearts, Dimmu Borgir) over at Parlour Studios UK handled the beefy, guitar-heavy song mix. Finally the track was mastered by the same gentleman who mastered “Through The Ashes Of Empires” Greg Grimaldi at Oasis Mastering.  “Circle The Drain" features the drumming of Navene Koperweis (Entheos, Whitechapel, Animals As Leaders, Animosity).

In late 2019, the band also dropped a video for the new song ‘Do Or Die’ through Imperium Recordings x Nuclear Blast. Watch and listen to that track here. 

MACHINE HEAD are currently on the last few dates of the US leg of their "An Evening With" Winter 2020 tour.  With increased demand for tickets, the band make a return to the UK and Europe for a second string of shows this Spring.  The current tour features three hours of music spread over two sets, while celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Burn My Eyes.  Part One features a battery of fan favourites from the band's vast catalogue, including "Imperium," "Halo," "Ten Ton Hammer," and "The Blood, The Sweat, The Tears."  This set features frontman/guitarist Robb Flynn and bassist Jared MacEachern, performing alongside new members, Vogg Kiełtyka and Matt Alston on guitar and drums, respectively.  Part Two of the show features the band's classic debut album Burn My Eyes played in its entirety for the first time ever on tour.  Taking the stage for this part of the set are original members and Burn My Eyes-era alumni, drummer Chris Kontos and guitarist, Logan Mader.

Tickets for the upcoming UK and EU dates are available now from  https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/machine-head-tickets.  A very limited amount of VIP packages per show are also available.  Click to http://machinehead.vip for details. 

MACHINE HEAD ON TOUR:

APRIL 2020

Sun 19th - Spain, ZARAGOZA, Teatro de las Esquinas

Tue 21st - Spain, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, Capitol

Thu 23rd - Portugal, OPORTO, Coliseu de Porto

Fri 24th - Portugal, LISBON, Coliseu de Lisboa

Sat 25th - Spain, MADRID, La Riviera

Mon 27th - Spain, MALAGA, Paris 15

Tue 28th - Spain, MURCIA, Gamma                                               

Wed 29th - Spain, VALENCIA, Republicca

 MAY                      

Fri 1st - Spain, BARCELONA, Razzmatazz

Sat 2nd - France, TOULOUSE, Le Bikini

Tue 5th - Germany, LUDWIGSBURG, MHP Arena

Wed 6th - Germany, WIESBADEN, Schlachthof

Fri 8th - Germany, HANNOVER, Swiss Life Hall

Sat 9th - Czech Republic, PRAGUE, Forum Karlin

Sun 10th - Slovakia, BRATISLAVA, Refinery Gallery

Tue 12th - Romania, BUCHAREST, Quantic Club

Wed 13th - Bulgaria, SOFIA, Universiada Hall

Fri 15th - Greece, THESSALONIKI, Fix Factory Of Sound

Sat 16th - Greece, ATHENS, Piraeus Academy

Wed 20th - Ukraine, KIEV, Stereoplaza

Fri 22nd - Russia, MOSCOW, Club 1930

Sat 23rd - Russia, ST PETERSBURG, A2 Green

Mon 25th - Finland, HELSINKI, The Circus

Thu 28th - Sweden, STOCKHOLM, Fryshuset Arenan

Fri 29th - Norway, OSLO, Sentrum Scene

Sat 30th - Denmark, AARHUS, Train 

                         JUNE                     

Mon 1st - Germany, HAMBURG, Grosse Freiheit 36

Tue 2nd - Netherlands, UTRECHT, Tivoli Vredenburg

Wed 3rd - France, LILLE, L’Aeronef

Fri 5th - UK, LONDON, Alexandra Palace

Sat 6th - UK, BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy

For more info on MACHINE HEAD, contact michelle@cosanostrapr.com or point your mouse at www.machinehead1.com

[bangkokjacknews]

Today is the start of BUDDHIST LENT

Buddhist Lent Day marks the beginning of the annual retreat for monks as laid down by Lord Buddha more than twenty-five centuries ago.

On that day all monks take a vow to stay in a particular place or temple for three months from the first Day of the Waning moon in the 8th Month to the 15th Day of the Waxing Moon in the 11th Month. It coincides with the rainy season during which the monks are not allowed to stay overnight anywhere else, except in exceptional cases based on reasons granted by Lord Buddha. Buddhist Lent day means the day on which the Buddhist monks take the vow to stay only at one particular place or temple which can shelter them from the sun, storms and rain. Significance For Buddhism and its followers, Buddhist Lent has the following important characteristics: 1. Buddhist monks who have been travelling from place to place have to take up shelter in a particular place, according to Lord Buddha’s discipline. 2. Buddhist monks who stay at a particular place for a length of time shall teach young boys who wish to be ordained in order to study the Buddhist Doctrine and preach to lay followers. 3. During the Buddhist Lent, lay followers refrain from bad actions, in particular drinking alcohol, taking drugs or leading an inappropriate life. 4. During the Buddhist Lent, laymen acquire merit, observe five or eight precepts, listen to sermons and sit in meditation in temples. Historical Background Lord Buddha’s Motives for Laying Down the Discipline of the Buddhist Lent When Lord Buddha was staying at Veluvana Temple in Rajagriha City of Magadha State, a group of people complained to Lord Buddha that the Buddhist monks did not act appropriately, as they kept travelling even in the rainy season, walking through the rice fields, and damaging the farmer’s paddies, while ordained people of other religions stopped travelling and took retreat. Lord Buddha held a meeting, the Buddhist monks discussed the matter, and in the end Lord Buddha formulated the rule enforcing all Buddhist monks to take retreat during the rainy season by uttering the following words "Anujanami Bhikkhave Vassang Upagantung.” Meaning, 'O Bhikkhus, I allow you to observe the Lent Retreat.' Buddhist Lent Day usually falls on the 1st Waning Moon Day of the 8th Month and the retreat ends on the 15th Waxing Moon day of the 11th Month, which is also known as the First Buddhist Lent Day (Purima Pansa). In some years, two Eight Lunar Months occur, and in that case, Buddhist Lent Day is postponed to the 1st Waning Moon of the 2nd Eight Month, or the 1st Waning Moon Day of the Ninth Month (Pajchima Pansa) until the 15th Waxing Moon Day of the 12th Month, which is the end of the Second Buddhist Lent (Pajchima Pansa). Practices for Laymen during the Buddhist Lent Retreat In the past, the majority of the Thai people were farmers. They began their work in the fields before the rainy season, and by the time Buddhist monks took the vow to observe the Lent retreat, all farmers were free and could go to temples. There were no modern means of transportation, and the rivers and canals were full of water which enforced a sedentary life upon the farmers, during which they observed five or eight precepts, made offering to the monks, listened to sermons and practised meditation. In the temples, which were located near the farmers’ houses, the monks would accept their offerings for their stay during the Buddhist Lent, and preach the Buddhist Doctrine, strengthen the faith of the people to acquire merit, observe the precepts and develop mindfulness by sitting in meditation. The Thai people have been known to observe Buddhist lent since the Sukhothai period, of which the stone inscription made in the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great is historical evidence. It reads as follows; "King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai together with his noblemen and commoners, both men and women from all walks of life, had great faith in Buddhism and observed the precepts during Buddhist Lent.” Besides observing the precepts, Thai Buddhists acquired merit during the annual retreat by observing local customs which were recorded in a book ascribed to the well-known Nang Noppamas as follows; "In the 8th Month a religious rite was held to mark Buddhist Lent, during which Buddhist monks stayed at their temples for the rainy season. At Royal temples, the King commanded his courtiers to look after the monks’ shelters, offer suitable beds, chairs, mats, bathing clothes, food, medicines, joss-sticks and candles, so that they could pay homage to the Triple Gem. The people of Sukhothai also made merit at the temples built by their ancestors.” The celebration of Buddhist Lent evolves around two important religious rites which will be described here : 1. The Candle Procession This tradition derived out of a need in the old society when electricity was not available to provide light for the large number of monks staying at temples, to say early morning as well as evening prayers and to promote religious study at night. Laymen, therefore, prepared large candles intended for use in temples throughout lent. These especially large candles known as Buddhist Lent Candles were also meant to be offerings to Lord Buddha. Before offering Buddhist Lent Candles to the temple, the laymen celebrate and take the big candles out in a traditional procession which is practised even today, particularly in the north-eastern region of Thailand. The significance of this traditional ceremony has been summarised in Nang Noppamas’ book as follows: 'On the 14th Day of Waning Moon of the 7th Month, the army and navy joined in a procession to carry the candles for Buddhist lent to the temples. In the army’s procession, the candles were carried on a palanquin painted with Thai designs, and in the navy’s procession the candles were placed in open-pillared wooden pavilions installed on Royal barges decorated with beautiful coloured flags. The procession moved to the sound of music from conch shells and the beat of drums. At the temple, the candles were offered to the monks, and placed in the Dharma Towers, in the main chapels, and the small chapels where the candles were lit to give light throughout three months.' This practice was followed even at commoners’ temples, and today, the procession of Candles for the Buddhist Lent is still practised in some provinces, especially in Ubon Ratchathani, where it is an important tradition. In Ubon Ratchathani, candle-making contests are organised every year, and the Candle Procession is an event that attracts many visitors to the province, especially from overseas who admire the intricate carvings and indigenous designs on the large Lenten Candles. 2. The Offering of the Rain-Bathing Cloth The tradition of offering the rain-bathing cloth dates back to the time of Lord Buddha, and was initiated by the Great Benefactress Visakha. One day when she was visiting the temple, it was raining, and Visakha saw many monks bathing in the rain without any clothing. She thought that this was not appropriate and asked Lord Buddha to allow her to make an offering of rain-bathing cloths to the Buddhist monks. It has become a tradition ever since to offer rain-bathing cloths to the monks on Buddhist Lent Day. The tradition is said to have been introduced into Thai society in the Sukhothai period more than 750 years ago. Therefore, on Buddhist Lent Day, Thai Buddhists take the rain-bathing cloths together with food and other necessities, for the monks’ life to be offered to the monks. Even today, the religious function is observed annually, and villagers’ leaflets often schedule in their programme the Offering of Rain-bathing Cloth (Vassikasadok), and other offerings at their Preaching Halls in temples near their homes. The Important Principles of Dharma to be Followed During the Lent Thai people practise Buddhist Lent by going to temples, offering alms to the monks, observing five or eight precepts, listening to the Dharma and practising meditation. The aim of the practice is to refrain from doing evil, increase good and purify one’s mind. One of the most important principles of Dharma that is contained in this practice is the abstention from evil, or "Virati.” The word Virati means to refrain from all kinds of sins and evil. That is an important virtue which leads to peace, happiness, safety and prosperity in life. Virati is divided into three categories as follows : 1. Sampattavirati meaning abstention from all kinds of sins and vices by feeling shamed of committing sin (Hiri) and by feeling frightened to do evil (Ottappa). Such feelings automatically occur in one’s mind. For example the person who has undertaken the precept, e.g. the fifth of the five precepts, not to drink any intoxicants, when invited by his friends to drink liquor, will refuse to do so. This is because he feels ashamed of doing so and frightened to do so, and as he is mindful, he knows that as a good Buddhist he must not drink alcohol during Buddhist Lent. 2. Samadanavirati meaning abstention from doing all kinds of evil by undertaking Five of Eight Precepts given by the Buddhist monks. A person who has undertaken the Five or Eight Precepts is mindful and has right effort not to violate or avoid any precept even when tempted to do so. He remains unperturbed and never feels victimized. 3. Samujchedavirati meaning absolute and permanent abstention from all kinds of sins and evil, which is the Virtue of Buddhist saints. Samujchedavirati may be practised by all lay persons who can refrain from sins and evil during Buddhist Lent, and after Lent they do not change their minds, they have reached absolute and permanent abstention from sins and evil. For example, if they took the vow to abstain from drinking liquor during the Lent, and hence stop drinking liquor for the rest of their lives, they have reached this stage of Virati. Objectives The objectives of observing the annual Buddhist Lent can be summarised as follows; 1. To educate the Buddhists and to encourage them to understand the significance of the Buddhist Lent, namely the three principles of Virati and its practice. 2. To encourage right thinking and right action among the Buddhists, including the ability to apply the principles of Virati Dharma in their daily lives for self-improvement and social development. 3. To promote among Buddhists right understanding of Buddhist Lent in order to realise the value of living in accordance with the three principles of Virati Dharma. 4. To motivate Buddhists to have firm faith in Buddhism and to thoroughly understand the significance of their own religion. 5. To encourage the Thai Buddhists to be qualified Buddhists and to do their Buddhist duties. Suggestions for Cultural Activities on Buddhist Lent Day 1. Cleaning the house, hoisting the national flag and the Dharmachakra flag, setting up an altar in the house. 2. Studying religious texts, and discussing the importance of Buddhist Lent, including the three principles of Virati Dharma as well as giving advice on relevant activities for the family. 3. Consultation among members of the family to prevent any crises and to solve problems with the help of Virati Dharma and encourage the family members to lessen, avoid and cease doing all kinds of evil. 4. Taking the Family members to acquire merit by offering alms to Buddhist monks and donating necessities to the needy. 5. Visiting temples to practise Dharma, observe the precepts and pray, listen to sermons and meditate. 6. Organising other appropriate activities. Activities for Education Institutions 1. Cleaning the vicinity of the school, hoisting the national flag and the Dharmachakra flag, setting up an altar. 2. Teachers and students jointly study the significance of Buddhist Lent Day, the three principles of Virati Dharma and give advice on practising the Dharma at the institute. 3. Teachers and students jointly organise exhibitions or make posters or picture books on the importance of the day or hold essay contests, quiz programmes and panel discussions on the Dharma. 4. Teachers assign students to write reports on good and bad behaviour in order to develop the students, ability to distinguish between good and bad behaviour, and to foster good behaviour in the society. 5. Announcement of awards to honour outstanding students as good examples. 6. Teachers accompany students to participate with other people in activities at temples to acquire merit by offering alms and donations, observing the five precepts, listening to sermons, joining conversations on Dharma, and sitting in meditation. 7. Organising other appropriate activities. Activities at Offices 1. Cleaning offices, hoisting the national and Dharmachakra flags, and setting up altars. 2. Public relations of the importance of the Buddhist Lent day, the three principles of the virati Dharma, and suggestions to practise Dharma at offices. 3. Organising panel discussions and conversation on Dharma. 4. Participation in Public activities, such as planting trees, and donating blood. 5. Executives allow their subordinates to take part in traditional merit-making. 6. Displaying posters on working ideals free from corruption and other misconduct. 7. Organising other appropriate activities. Social Activities 1. Temples, foundations, offices, organisations and the mass media create awareness of the importance of Buddhist Lent Day through publication in the mass media. 2. Publication of documents, such as leaflets and booklets about the significance of Buddhist Lent Day, and the three principles of the Virati Dharma and other Dharma practices to be distributed to the public in residential areas, and public places, airports, railways stations, bus terminals, Dharma preaching halls, department stores, and public vehicles. 3. Inviting people to take part in merit-making, Dharma practice, religious rites, offering alms, listening to sermons, observing the precepts and praying. 4. Campaign through the mass media to urge people to lessen, avoid and cease doing all kinds of sins, and to stop the sale of intoxicants and narcotics. 5. Announcement of awards given to persons for outstanding contributions to the society. 6. Organising environmental preservation, tree planting and cleanliness campaigns. 7. Organising contests to promote prayer recitation. Dharma lectures, composition of slogans, poems, and writing articles on Buddhist Lent. 8. Organising other appropriate activities. Expected Result 1. Buddhists will receive more knowledge on Buddhism, and understand it better, especially the three principles of Virati Dharma. 2. Buddhists will receive right understanding about Buddhist Lent Day and realise the value of living in accordance with the principles of the three Virati Dharma practice. 3. Buddhists will have a better faith in Buddhism and the right attitude towards Buddhism. 4. The Buddhists will be better-qualified to perform their Buddhist duties in a correct manner. Translated by Dr. Somboon Duangsamosorn and Dr. Suthira Duangsamosorn https://bangkokjack.com/2021/01/14/thailand-public-holidays-2021/ Read the full article

[wavenetinfo]

The Latest on the French Open (all times local):

———

Top-seeded Andy Murray is safely through to the second round of the French Open after beating Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.

Murray, who was runner-up at Roland Garros last year, has been struggling in 2017 and looked uncomfortable at times during the second set.

But the world No. 1 got into his stride and saw out the final set in just 27 minutes, sealing the match with a forehand down the line after winning eight successive games.

“Last year was a great year for me, you know it was the best I ever played,” Murray said. “Here at the beginning of my career I struggled. But each year I kept coming back and was trying a little bit better and last year was really good.

“And last year during Bercy that’s when I reached No. 1 for first time, so I’ve got very good memories from Paris last year, and I’ll try and have another good one year this year.”

The British player will face Martin Klizan in the second round.

———

6:00 p.m.

Thanassi Kokkinakis came short in his bid to win his first match at a major in two years.

Eighth-seeded Kei Nishikori had to work hard, however, to beat the 21-year-old Australian 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 on Court 1 at the French Open.

Kokkinakis’s promising career has been derailed by a shoulder injury that required surgery in December 2015. He was playing only his third singles match since then.

Nishikori’s next opponent will be Jeremy Chardy.

———

4:30 p.m.

Laurent Lokoli did not do honor to his wild card at the French Open.

Not only did the Frenchman lose in the first round, he also refused a handshake from his opponent.

After losing 7-6 (4), 6-3, 4-6, 0-6, 6-4 to Martin Klizan, Lokoli did not go the net to wait for the Slovakian player. As Klizan came over to the Frenchman, Lokoli gestured to make it clear he didn’t want to get near him.

Lokoli later said Klizan was the one who did not respect him because he kept simulating injuries throughout their match.

“He was not chasing drop shots and faked that his leg was hurting for more than two sets. Then he was running around like a rabbit in the fifth set,” Lokoli said. “And then he speaks to me about respect.”

The two men also traded barbs during the match after Klizan shouted his joy to celebrate a double-fault from Lokoli that gave him a 5-2 lead in the decider.

———

3:20 p.m.

On a day of upsets on Court Philippe Chatrier, ninth-seeded Alexander Zverev lost to Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 when their first-round match resumed.

Zverev, who is regarded as one of the most gifted players on tour, broke his racket during the fourth set.

The match was suspended on Monday because of darkness after the players split the first two sets.

The 20-year-old Zverev was one of the outside favorites after impressing on his way to victory at the Italian Open.

———

3 p.m.

Madison Keys ended a four-match losing streak by winning on clay for the first time this year, beating Ashleigh Barty 6-3, 6-2 at the French Open.

The 12th-seeded American held a 22-10 edge in winners, did not face any break points, and took advantage of Barty’s seven double-faults.

Keys, a 2015 Australian Open semifinalist, missed the first two months of this season after left wrist surgery.

Barty has now lost all nine career matches against top-20 opponents.

———

2:50 p.m.

Stan Wawrinka is safely through to the second round of the French Open after a 6-2, 7-6 (6), 6-3 win over Jozef Kovalik of Slovakia.

Wawrinka started his clay season poorly before emerging with a title at the Geneva Open last week. The No. 3 seed kept up his momentum in Paris.

“I enjoyed it very much,” said Wawrinka, who won at Roland Garros in 2015. “It was not necessarily easy after I played in Geneva until Saturday to get into gear. I’m feeling good, I’m playing good tennis and I’m happy to be back in Paris.”

———

2 p.m.

Johanna Konta got off to a flying start and then faded away as she bowed out of the French Open in the first round — for the third year in a row.

The seventh-seeded British player lost to 109th-ranked Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4.

Konta has never won a main-draw match at Roland Garros.

On Tuesday, she won 13 of the 15 first points on Court Philippe Chatrier but was unable to keep the same level throughout, ending with a total of 38 unforced errors.

Hsieh saved four break points when serving for the match and sealed her win when Konta made a return error.

———

1:23 p.m.

Nick Kyrgios of Australia beat Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in straight sets to reach the second round of the French Open.

The 18th-seeded Kyrgios hit 20 aces on his way to the 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory.

Kyrgios argued with the umpire in the second set when a key call went against him when he had a break point for 5-4, but he regained his focus to take the tiebreaker with an ace, on his third set point.

———

1:13 p.m.

Former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has won his first match in five years at the French Open.

Playing at the clay-court major for the first time since 2012, del Potro won an all-Argentine contest against qualifier Guido Pella 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.

Del Potro showed no sign of the shoulder and back problems that hampered him at the Lyon Open last week and did not face a single break point.

Del Potro’s best result at Roland Garros is the semifinals in 2009, the year he won at Flushing Meadows.

———

12:35 p.m.

Fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina hit a crosscourt forehand winner on match point to win the first match on Court Suzanne Lenglen and seal her spot in the second round of the French Open.

Svitolina converted all three break points and hit 25 winners to prevail 6-4, 6-3 over Yaroslava Shvedova, a two-time quarterfinalist in Paris.

Svitolina is coming off the Rome title two weeks ago and is an outside favorite in Paris, where she made it to the quarterfinals two years ago. The Ukrainian has won three other tournaments this year.

“I was very happy with the way I handled the pressure,” she said. “It’s the first time that I have won four titles and two big ones so it’s given me a lot of confidence.”

———

10:52 a.m.

After becoming No. 1 last year, Andy Murray has been struggling in 2017, but he’ll try to right himself starting in the French Open’s first round against Andrey Kuznetsov on Tuesday.

Joining Murray, the runner-up a year ago in Paris, in finally getting going on Day 3 will be 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka, who meets Jozek Kovalik.

The showdown of the day should be 15th-seeded Gael Monfils of France against Dustin Brown of Germany. Both hit highlight-worthy shots on a regular basis.

In the women’s draw, No. 3 Simona Halep is up against Jana Cepelova, and No. 5 Elina Svitolina plays Yaroslava Shvedova.

First up on Court Philippe Chatrier is seventh-seeded Johanna Konta against Su-Wei Hsieh.

———

More AP tennis coverage: http://ift.tt/2phrUN7

30 May 2017 | 4:45 pm

Source : ABC News

>>>Click Here To View Original Press Release>>>

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[cchantellemarie-blog]

Goals.

In two days from now, I’m going to be 28 years old. I am still not sure how I feel about that. I feel like your late twenties turn into a giant game of “Who the fuck am I, and what the fuck am I doing?” I hear around 30 is when you start to really know who you are, and boy, am I ready for that to happen.

What I do know, is that I’m blown away at how fast time is going. The fastest it has ever gone. I blinked and almost 11 months has gone by since I’ve left Illinois. I had all of these dreams, and goals, about what I wanted for my life in Oregon. Safe to say, it is nothing and everything I wanted it to be.

Here’s a timeline of my Pacific Northwest experience so far.

June 26th, I have left my little ‘ol town of Plan in Illinois.

June 27th, I made it to Yellowstone. i have only one negative thing to say about my trip to Yellowstone... That I wish I could have spent more time there. I stayed 2 nights at a campground in Yellowstone National Park.

I drove in the first day; down from Montana. I made a point to stop around Gallatin National Forest. Montana... oh Montana. The most beautiful countryside I have ever seen. If they didn’t get an unacceptable amount of snow there, I would consider residing there.

I made it to Yellowstone by sunset that day. It was everything I dreamed it would be.

I only really had one whole day, June 28th, to see all of Yellowstone. I’m telling you right now, It’s possible, but it was definitely a tease. i will be returning, and staying for at least 5-7 days. I also won’t be bringing my dog. He wasn’t allowed in the park due to wildlife dangers. He was allowed to be in the car, and on the main roadways, parking lots, and pullouts. But not on any of the trails. I did get to see the beauty of it though, in all it’s majestic glory.

On june 29th, I made my way to Seattle. I stayed for 2 nights, and made the whole trip about Joey. We went to pet, and vegan, friendly restaurants, 3 different dog parks, and walked all around. He loved it.

From Seattle I drop down into portland on July 1st, and then straight to my farm in Silverton. I worked my ass off here. I participated in a program called WWOOF, which is a work trade program. I worked on someone’s farm for 20 hours a week, and I got to stay there for free, and they fed me. It was definitely the easiest way to get my foot in the door, but allowing time to have time to check out the area, look for a job and somewhere to live, all without breaking the bank. I stayed in a yurt, which was surprisingly comfortable.

It was a big learning experience for me, and I loved all of it. Every drop of sweat, every bee sting, every lonely second... all of it. I got to learn a lot about Organic Farming, stay for free in beautiful countryside of Oregon, and meet a couple really cool girls.

July 14-17 was my first experience with String Summit, or Strummit as they say. I will be going back. It felt like home and I loved it. <3

Less than a month passes, and it was time for me to move on to the next adventure. Eugene, OR. I moved July 23rd.

Chase called me to tell me I was hired August 15th. My first official day of working at Chase was August 24th. And by August 31 I was moved into a new and improved living situation.

I had new roommates, and a new job that I loved, and life was great! I even climbed my first “mountain” Spencer’s Butte. <3

November 14th, My best friend moved here! <3

It got really cold here in Eugene. Colder than I thought it was going to get. Granted, the coldest it got was like 23 degrees which is nothing compared to the brutal negative 20 with the wind chill in Illinois. It had 2 days of crazy weather. The first “crazy” day was freezing rain. Everything, and I mean everything, had a 1/2 inch covering of ice.

The 2nd day of “crazy” winter weather in Eugene, was a snow day. They closed down most of the town, and school was called off, because we got 3-4 inches of snow. haha Even the locals said it was an abnormally cold and brutal winter. That gives me hope.

Everything seems like it’s going alright. There was some turbulance. My bike got stolen. My car died, so i had to junk it. I got $100 for it. I left my nice expensive cell phone on the bus... I just couldn’t catch a break. At the end of January, my house owner tells me they will be selling the house, and we have a couple months to look for a new place. This gave me the perfect opportunity to do what I came here to do. Be independent and live off on my own. That’s right, I moved into my very own, spacious studio apartment close to downtown. I signed the lease March 8th.

Things became a little stagnant after that. I was feeling pretty lonely. I was told this would happen around the 6 month hump. We were going on month 9; Month 6 with no car.. and riding the bus. So what else do you do when your so overwhelmed with finances and life stress?! That’s right, I took out a personal loan for $3000 to buy a piece of shit car that is in the shop right now as I write this blog. I bought it on 4/20. This craigslist ad is the only picture I have of it, because Since then, exactly a month ago, I have had it less than the amount of time it’s been in the hands of a mechanic.

In good news... My branch manager is so wonderful, because she finds me the hours, even though I’m only scheduled as a part timer. She has helped me in so many ways. I really do love my team, even if I have been feeling like I’m getting sucked in to climbing a corporate ladder, working for the enemy. But I like it and it gives me good benefits, decent pay, and volunteer work. On April 30th, I walked a 5k for Veterans with a volunteer program called Carry the Load.

Something even more exciting was that my mom and grandma came to visit me on May 6th. My mom had emailed me an itinerary. She meant business. So may 6th, when their plan arrived at 12, they would drive down from portland to Eugene. We would explore Eugene a bit, and I would show them around.

May 7th we left for Portland. We spent all day downtown, walking around, and seeing the city. I finally got to experience the Saturday Market.

May 8th, we went on a cruise around Mt. Hood, and visited the Gorge, Multnomah Falls, The Bridge of the Gods, and the majestic Mt. Hood herself. I actually got to walk around in the Hotel that the shining was based off of, and shot at.

May 9th and 10th, we spent in Seattle. We did every tourist attraction there is to do. My mom really hooked it up with the city perks. An underground tour, Harbor tour, Ride the ducks, Chihuly Museum, Space needle, the market where they throw the big fish... It was so wonderful. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to experience all that I did here.  

Our adventure continues on May 10th. We drove as far as we could up Mt. Rainier. there was 14 feet of snow towards the top still so the roads would be closed off for another month or 2. Still so beautiful.

Then on our drive back on May 11th we cruised the entire west coast from Aberdeen to Florence. It was jaw dropping. Absolutely mesmerizing. I love it. I can’t wait to go back to these places and really take my time enjoying them.

Mom left the following day on May 12th. The trip was great. I loved seeing a familiar loving face and hugging my loved ones. When you live close to them, It’s something that is taken for granted. I miss them so much, so it was heart warming to visit with them. Especially because mothers day was that following sunday, May 14th, was mother’s day. What a perfect way to celebrate it.

Now, it is May 20th, and the only thing that is changed is my mechanic. I have gone to 4 different mechanics since I bought the car. Hopefully this one is the winner. I am due for some good fortune. <3

It really is crazy how much time has flown by, and all of the things that I’ve actually accomplished, and done, and experienced. I am truly proud of myself for once in my life. I am still sober, Still smoke free (even though I had a minor slip up for a month or two.), vegan and down 40 lbs.

I can’t wait to see what else can happen in a year. I know that I have big plans for my life, I just don’t know how I’m going at attain them yet.

Until next time. <3