#limestone support columns

[gallifreyfallsnomorre]

Pathway - Traditional Landscape Photo of a large traditional front yard garden path.

[mineralsrocksandfossiltalks]

Monday's Musings: The Development of Biomineralization

William Buckland first noted the seemingly rapid appearance f fossils in Cambrian strata in the 1840's.

And Charles Darwin discussed the then inexplicable lack of earlier fossils as one of the main difficulties for his theory of descent with slow modification (natural selection) in his 1859 book which you've probably heard of.

This seemingly sudden appearance of fauna raised three big questions: was there actually a mass diversification of complex organisms over a relatively short time during the early Cambrian? What caused such rapid change? What does it imply about the origin of early animal life?

Edward Lhuyd, the curator of Oxford Museum in 1698, first discovered Cambrian fossils in the forms of trilobites. From that point on, trilobites became some of the most important fossils for dating Paleozoic rocks (these are called index fossils). Buckland recognized that a dramatic step-change in fossils occurred near the base base of the Cambrian thanks to trilobites and Adam Sedgwick and Roderick Murchison used them for dating Cambrian and Silurian strata.

Charles Walcott suggested that there was an interval of time prior to the Cambrian fauna that did not preserve fossils or was simply not in the fossil record (maybe the rocks had eroded away before Cambrian deposition).

Today, we have fossil evidence that the earliest like goes back 3.8 billion years ago. Rocks of that age in Australia contain stromatolites,

colonies of microorganisms called cyanobacteria.

Fossils of more complex eukaryotic cells called Grypania have been found in China and Montana in rocks dating 2.1 billion years old.

Rocks from about 600-541 Ma have also been found to contain fossils that we now call the Ediacaran Biota but that deserves a post all on it's own.

A reevaluation of the Burgess Shale fauna in the 1970's sparked a renewed interest in the explosion.

Harry B. Whittington realized that many of the animals Walcott had found were just as complex as modern animals but they were also very different. He noted that Marella was clearly an arthropod but not a member of any known class.

He also noted that animals like Opabinia and Wiwaxia were so different than anything alive that they must belong to their own phyla.

Now, we know that there was complex life at the end of the Proterozoic Eon so the Cambrian is not the "beginning of life" like we used to believe. So, why is the Cambrian explosion still so important?

Biomineralization. This is the time period where hard parts began to develop. This is the process by which living organisms produce minerals often resulting in hardened or stiffened mineralized tissues. An example you probably don't think about is your own skeleton. Your skeletal tissues are made up of collagen and calcium phosphate. Other types of biomineralization include silicates in algae and diatoms (these often create chert in limestone) and carbonates (such as chalk) in invertebrates.

Why did hard parts start showing up in the early Cambrian and not before? One hypothesis is that atmospheric oxygen was finally high enough to allow metabolisms to work efficiently enough to create collagen, a protein made of amino acids that provides structural support in connective tissues.

Another hypothesis is an increase in the concentration of calcium in seawater. Animals that create hard parts from calcium carbonate do so in a very specific way. First, carbon dioxide gas must be dissolved in seawater. It then reacts with the water to create bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. That bicarbonate then reacts again with the water and creates carbonate and hydrogen ions.

Calcium is also an ion just floating about in the water column. Animals then absorb these ions.

The calcium ions bond with the carbonate ions to form calcium carbonate crystals inside the shell.

This increase in calcium could also have caused a high rate of erosion (a thought for another Monday).

A final hypothesis is that of predator-prey competition. There is evidence of predation in the Ediacaran fauna such as holes drilled into animals called Cloudina. While the appearance of predation wouldn't trigger hard part development, an increase in predators probably would. In the Burgess Shale alone there are dozens of carnivorous worms, anomalocarids and other arthropods, carnivorous molluscs, lobopods and early jellyfishes that would predate opportunistically.

Likely, it was a combination of all these things that led to the rapid development of hard parts. And hard parts stuck around too! Thank goodness or my job would be even harder than it already is.

Fossilize you later!

[ancientegyptdaily]

ANCIENT EGYPT BY TRAIN (2023) — 1.01 Alexandria

ROMAN THEATRE (Kom El Deka (كوم الدكة), Alexandria) The small Roman theatre was used for various forms of entertainment. It was constructed in the 4th century and ran until the early 7th century, with a remodeling around 500. Its early use may have been for city council meetings as well as entertainment. Graffiti in the seats from the 6th century shows support for the Blue and Green factions, popular teams of charioteers, though the theatre was not large enough for racing. The exact forms of entertainment at the theatre are unknown, but there is evidence for musical performances and wrestling. After the construction of the academic complex, the theatre may have also hosted academic activities such as public orations and rhetorical speeches. The construction of the theatre is an extended hemicycle with raked auditorium seats. The seats are made of marble recycled from older structures. The walls and vestibule are made of limestone. At its top are a row of unmatched columns, recycled from other structures. [x]

[blueiscoool]

Ancient Roman Forum Unearthed in Spain

A Spanish Farmer Long Believed a Roman Forum Once Stood on His Land. He’s Now Proven Right

Researchers have identified the Roman ruins in Ubrique as a large venue for public gathering.

In the late 1700s, Juan Vegazo, a farmer and amateur historian in Ubrique, in the southern Spanish province of Cadiz, had a grand theory: buried within the rock and dirt of a nearby hill lay the remains of an ancient Roman forum.

News from the excavations at Pompeii was reviving interest in Roman culture across Europe and inspired Vegazo to buy up the limestone hills and begin excavating. He uncovered inscriptions related to second century emperors, a name for the city, Ocuri, and laid the foundations for future archaeologists to uncover defensive walls, baths, and a mausoleum.

Still, Vegazo’s vision of the past remained incomplete. Until now. More than 300 years on, Vegazo has been vindicated by a team of archaeologists from the University of Granada. In coordination with the town of Ubrique, researchers have uncovered architectural elements in Ocuri that point to a large, public forum that would have served as place of gathering, socializing, and speechmaking. The finding infers that Ocuri was larger and more significant than previously believed.

Key to the discovery is a 50-foot-long wall that is believed to have enclosed the Roman forum as well as architectural elements of large and public buildings. Among these buildings is a large ceremonial site, as offered by the discovery of a monumental altar, column shafts and bases, and statue pedestals. Researchers believe the site supported religious practices related to water that mixed Roman and local customs.

“The excavations outline a space that is crucial for understanding the arrival and consolidation of the Romans in the southern Iberian Peninsula, as well as their hybridization with the communities that had already settled in the area,” the University of Granada’s Department of Prehistory and Archaeology said in a statement.

With its strategic hilltop position, it’s long been believed that a settlement pre-dated the Romans with researchers suggesting the absorption was both physical and cultural. Researchers now believe the site was inhabited until the end of the 4th century C.E. based on coins that were discovered—in particular, one marked with a Christogram, which is among the earliest forms of Christian iconography and was deployed by Constantine I in 312 C.E.

This continued presence in the southern reaches of Hispania, as the territory was known following its annexation in 19 C.E., was partly due to the trade advantages it offered, as it connected the coast to the interior parts of the province. Along with showing Ocuri’s size, the discovery of North African goods, including ceramics, suggests a strong and enduring (through the late 3rd century at least) economic links across the peninsula.

Aside from Roman discoveries, researchers also found evidence of medieval defensive structures.

By Richard Whiddington.

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Common Acorn Barnacles on Call

Semibalanus balanoides, more commonly known as the common acorn barnacle or the northern acorn barnacle, is a widespread species of barnacle found all along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America and the intertidal zone of Europe-- though it is notably absent from the Bay of Biscay. Its range is limited by the temperature of the water in which it breeds; in the winter, they require water as cold as 7.2 °C (45.0 °F), but throughout the rest of the year they can tolerate much warmer climates.

Like many barnacle species, S. balanoides is hermaphroditic, meaning it has both male and female reproductive organs. Once the water reaches the optimal temperature, typically in November or December, the barnacles begin to breed. An individual will reach out with a penis that can be up to 7.5 centimetres (3.0 in), and inseminate a nearby barnacle; this process may be repeated up to eight times between a single pair. After insemination, the penis disintegrates to be regrown the following year.

In the meantime, the fertilized barnacle will produce up to 10,000 eggs that are stored in a special sac within the shell cavity. The common acorn barnacle releases its eggs between February and April, in concert with warming waters and the spring algal bloom. The eggs then hatch into miniscule larvae, which spend several weeks feeding on plankton in the water column and going through a series of molts. Following the sixth molt, the larvae stops feeding and seeks out a suitable place on which to anchor itself. Once it has found a surface, the larval barnacle 'crawls' along the surface until it encounters one of its own species. At this point, they will attach themselves with a cement-like glue which is capable of supporting up to 3,200 kg (7,000 lbs) Here, a single northern acorn barnacle may live anywhere from one to seven years.

Adult S. balanoides are identified by the white, six-sided limestone casing with which they protect themselves. However, one unique feature of this species is the way in which they attach themselves to their chosen surfaces; unlike other barnacles, which have a hard calcified shell base, the northern acorn barnacle has a membranous base. Within their shells, they have rather soft bodies, including a set of feathered appendages called cirri with which they use to breathe and collect food.

The common acorn barnacle is a filter feeder, consuming microscopic plankton and bits of detritus from the water column. Though their hard shells deter most predators, adults are vulnerable to other predatory invertebrates like dogwelks, nudibranches, and sea stars, as well as fish like the shanny that are specialist feeders of barnacles.

Conservation status: The common acorn barnacle has not been assessed by the IUCN. The species is extremely common and very resilient, and in fact has been in existence since the Jurassic period. However, rising ocean temperatures may negatively affect their breeding period.

If you like what I do, consider leaving a tip or buying me a kofi!

Photos

Neil DeMaster

Oregon State Parks and Recreation

Kim Hanson via Wikimedia commons

[dabiconcordia]

The Trestle It was the perfect place for boys, the trestle, the faltering remains of stone columns that once supported the steel beams and rails of the Blue Jay Lumber Company Railway. Stones worn smooth on the edges, our own Sphinx slowly crumbling to sand in the currents of Beaver Creek. The velvety limestone tops served as diving platforms, sun-tanning lounges and classrooms, as older boys parted the sea of confusion and led the young. While others split the water with nut-crushers, I pawed through some shale, twisted it apart like an Oreo. Inside was an immaculate black fern. I cupped my hands over it and sniffed. I wanted to taste the same air as the dinosaurs. by Steve Meador

[miscellaneous-art]

''Two monumental lions with a 2nd century Roman carving on reverse, c. 1200-1250, Central Italy. 58 x 92 x 30 cm (lion with carving on reverse); 60 x 85 x 29 cm (second lion); metamorphic limestone.

These two monumental stylobate lions are carved in a recumbent pose, their backs supporting bases that would have originally carried columns. Lions, without doubt the most widely depicted animals in Romanesque sculpture, were drawn from a broad spectrum of liturgical, textual, and visual sources. The menacing lions framing a large number of church portals were intended to banish the evil influences from the church.'' © 2024 Sam Fogg

[almacambiondaughterofsaleos]

What do you think of the prolog for my 1st chapter, is it good?

link to the main fic (https://archiveofourown.org/works/56033533/chapters/142316074) in case you want to comment, TW for semi-sexual content:

It was a clear day in the Northern Isles, as the reddish-orange sun shone brightly on the cloud-covered, muted teal-gray sky. 

SIXTEEN YEARS AGO

Darcy, even in her teenage years, bore the unmistakable mark of otherworldly grace. Her skin was a canvas of stark duality; half cloaked in the deepest vantablack that swallowed light whole, and the other half radiant with a pulsating white light that seemed to defy the very essence of shadow. This contrast was not just skin deep—it mirrored her nature, a being balanced between the cosmic and the human. Her youthful features softened her appearance, yet even then, she carried a regal air, her every movement and glance hinting at the profound power she was destined to wield. Her short hair was made of living flames, styled half black-and-white. She wore a black jacket, a white-and-purple striped shirt, and ankle boots. Most of her other features noticeable when she is an adult were either not there yet or hidden.

She rode on her Siamese cat palisman and out of the sky into a cobblestone street in the middle of a snowy forest. A zeppelin with a steampunk aesthetic zoomed overhead. 

The school building is a Gothic structure that is easily recognizable due to its distinct pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. It features ornate stonework, which includes tracery on the windows and decorative finials at the pinnacles. The façade of the building is adorned with a series of tall and narrow lancet windows with pointed tops, which is typical of Gothic architecture. It can be assumed that the building has gargoyles or grotesques serving as waterspouts projecting from the roof. There is a cloister-like covered walkway supported by columns with capitals featuring intricate carvings, likely floral or foliate designs, which lead down to an arched portal. The roof is steeply pitched to aid in water runoff, and it is possibly covered with slate tiles, which was common in such structures. 

The building has several levels, with the upper floors likely containing a gallery or clerestory windows, which are designed to bring light into the interior. The buttresses are robust, providing structural support to the walls, allowing them to reach impressive heights and maintain large windows. The masonry work suggests the use of cut stone, possibly limestone or granite, which were frequently used in Gothic architecture for their durability and workability. Each stone would have been carefully shaped and placed, contributing to the intricate patterns and textures on the building's surface. 

The school has a parking lot for all staff in case they aren't needed for the lessons, and the walls are perpetually colder than the inside of a medieval fort so students must wear thick clothing to stay warm... unless they're learning ice magic.

She parked her palisman in a nearby rack and pulled out her bag for the day, she chewed on a maroon-colored candy bar that melted in her mouth.

“Hey Dorkcy!” A snobby voice called.

Darcy mentally groaned. Ugh, not HER again!

The girl in question stepped forward with an air of confidence, introducing herself as a witch with fair skin and a stature of medium height. Her vibrant ginger hair was neatly braided into playful pigtails, adding a touch of whimsy to her appearance. Freckles sprinkled across her cheeks like constellations in the night sky, enhancing the mischievous glint in her eyes. As she spoke, her eyelashes fluttered down to the bottom of her eyelids, framing her gaze with an enigmatic allure. A subtle gap in her top teeth peeked through her smile, hinting at a hidden depth behind her seemingly innocent demeanor.

Her name was Maggie, and to Darcy… she was a pain in the arse.

“Whatcha eatin'? A magical goop bar?” Maggie jeered, her voice dripping with mock curiosity. She leaned in closer, her eyes scanning Darcy’s snack as if it were an alien artifact rather than a candy bar. “Or is it one of those special treats from the dark side of the fridge?”

Darcy rolled her eyes, the flames in her hair flickering slightly with her irritation. She kept her voice cool, almost icy.

“It's not a goop bar, Maggie. It’s a bocadillo, a traditional snack made of guava jelly and panela.” She started smiling,  “Mom made it for me ‘cause it's my birthday!” She proudly announced. 

Maggie deadpans, “Oh, well happy birthday.” 

Before giving a mean smile, “GIMME THAT!” She tries to pull the snack away. 

“Get your own mom to make you a nice treat, Maggie,” Darcy retorted sharply, trying to fend off the bully, her grip tightening on the bocadillo. “This isn’t for sharing, especially not with you.” Her words were punctuated by a slight tug, pulling the snack closer to her chest.

They continued tussling until a voice rang out, distinctly male and sharp.

“Hey, Margo!” 

Rock music filled the air as a teenage Blitzo, sporting braces, a black tank top emblazoned with the word "Mammon" in bold yellow letters split into "Mam" on top and "Mon" on the bottom, a spiked collar, green-yellow pants, heeled black boots, and a leather jacket adorned with spikes. He had his hands on his hips and looked at the fight with a glare.

"Leave her alone!" he growled, glancing back to see a student seated in the bleachers of a nearby courtyard. The student had stylishly dyed purple hair that partially covered his face.

Blitzo smirked, "Nice guitar solo, by the way."

"YEAH!" yelled the student, who flashed a rocker sign in response to Blitzo's comment.

Maggie blushed a darker shade of red, as she retorted to Blitzo. “Or else what?!”

“Or else you can forget to come to an awesome pool party in Temperance next week, Archangel Raphael and everyone is going to be there, ” She turns her face to clearly fake upset, even checking midway through that Maggie is falling to her will, “It'll be really sad when the whole class is enjoying the party,” Blitzo almost seems to enjoy his game with his shit-eating grin.

“Without you~,” He said in a sing-song voice.

Maggie felt defeated as she realized that Darcy was of Morningstar royalty, being the daughter of God, the Radio Demon, and the Root of all Evil. If this little scandal ever got out, especially if Blitz told the Elders of Heaven who are Darcy's older siblings, Maggie could face a penalty, warning, or detention for a few days.

“Jeez Blitzo, I was just playin’,” She gave him an awkward smile before returning the snack to Darcy, punching her in the stomach. “Here you go… clumsy bitch.” She growled and went into the entrance of the academy, not before saying: “Have fun with your private clown dancer!” 

Ignoring the comment, Darcy looked at Blitzo and smiled. “Thanks for the save, Blitzy.”

"No worries," Blitzo replied, his tone lightening as he glanced at Maggie retreating into the school building. "You just gotta speak their language." He gave a mischievous smirk, then changed to a warmer, more genuine smile. "But never mind that. Happy birthday, girl!"

The two burst into delighted squeals, Blitzo twirling Darcy around in a spontaneous celebration and showering her freckles with kisses. Their joyful moment was abruptly cut off by the sharp ring of the school bell, signaling the end of their brief respite and the start of another day at the academy.

The duo walked inside and were thrust with a wind of cold air as a manner of different cryptids walked around, the hallway later opened to an atrium, numerous students walking around.

As the bell's shrill echo screamed through the halls, signaling the imminent start of classes, Blitzo grabbed Darcy's hand, a mischievous glint in his eyes. With a swift movement, he pulled her towards an empty locker, and they quickly ducked inside, the metal door shutting them away from the chaotic rush of students.

Inside the cramped, dimly lit space, Blitzo's face was inches from Darcy's, his breath warm against her cool skin. His eyes sparkled with excitement, the close quarters amplifying the intensity of the moment.

"Guess we're playing hooky on your birthday," Blitzo whispered, his voice low and playful. His hand gently brushed a strand of her flaming hair behind her ear.

Darcy's heart raced with the thrill of the moment and the proximity to Blitzo. She smiled, her eyes lighting up with affection and a hint of daring. "Best birthday gift," she murmured, reaching up to trace the contour of his cheek with her fingertips.

Blitzo leaned in closer, the small space between them charged with anticipation. "I could stay here all day," he confessed, his tone softening.

"Wouldn't that be a sight?" Darcy teased, her breath hitching slightly as she felt his lips just a breath away from hers. "The feared Blitzo and Darcy, hiding out in a locker."

"Feared, huh?" Blitzo's lips curved into a sharp-toothed smile just before he closed the distance, his kiss capturing hers in a gentle, yet impassioned embrace. The world outside the locker seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of their synchronized heartbeats and the quiet rustle of their close contact.

They began to move closer and closer together...

Darcy's fingers inched up Blitzo's tank top, revealing his chiseled chest. Her cheeks flushed: the dark side of her face glowing white and the white had her cheek going darker to a shade of ebony, and her words tangled on her tongue. She covered her face with her ears, giggling softly in disbelief. Blitzo couldn't resist; his toothy grin widened as he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.

"What's the matter, princesa~?" he crooned, using one of Darcy's native languages (along with Hebrew/Yiddish for God & Creole/French for Alastor), used by her mother Roo, most of the time. To top it all off, he said it in a perfectly smooth accent.

His voice dripped with playful mischief. "Never seen a devilishly handsome imp before?"

Darcy stammered, peeking through her fingers as she tried to steady her voice. "Y-You're too much," she mumbled, her wings instinctively flaring up to hide her face. She resembled a Seraphim from ancient human paintings, shrouded in the elegance of her heavenly plumage. Her tail wagged a little, Blitzo did notice but was indifferent.

Blitzo laughed lowly, droplets of sweat trickling down his face and dripping onto her. He gently traced the contours of her neck, his fingers sliding down to the edge of her blouse. "Let's see how much you can handle," he murmured, slowly pulling off her shirt and revealing her glowing dual-toned skin.

Darcy's wings fluttered, and she shuddered in bliss. Her laughter was breathless and sweet as she struggled to keep her composure. "Blitzo," she gasped, unable to finish the thought, just drawing out the 'o' in the Harlequin-Pierrot's name, though that type of clown didn't exist in the circus he came from—and where they met, they had made it a reality together... when Blitz started doing performances for her in their sleepovers, clumsily tripping over his props just for her.

And her alone.

She could feel his breath against her collarbone, his touch igniting every nerve as he loomed over her, his shadow casting her in darkness. Faint red symbols and dark electric energy enveloped his aura... framing him like a halo of darkness. 

That's odd... no one could have the sort of dark and chaotic aura unless— She was cut off with a buttery voice, that sounded like a hypnotic cadence... yet, they'd never do that sort of thing, it was always an idea... but, it would be saved for later...

"And what about that authority of yours, angelic princess?" The imp's tone grew softer but no less teasing, his gaze piercing into her as he leaned in closer. "How's it feel to be at the mercy of an imp? That your kind could so easily defeat." With a firm yet careful grip, he threw Darcy down onto the cramped space, bags, and piles of paper acting as a sort of "mattress" for her, his weight pressing her down as he loomed over her, looking gigantic, almost god-like in the dim light.

Darcy writhed beneath him, her breath hitching in delight as her wings curled around his shoulders. "Blitzo," she whined, her voice thick with wanton need. Her tail wagged even more, and in an effort, she transformed her fluffy black-and-white scut (deer tail) into a long, vantablack devil's tail. This tail is distinct, extending long with seven spikes culminating in an arrowhead tip, decorated with a glowing white diamond in the center, as it coiled around Blitzo's tail.

Blitzo only chuckled, his lips brushing against her ear. "Relax, sweet little angel," he said softly. "Blitzy's got you." He leaned back, his sweat-slicked chest glistening as he gazed down at her, a playful smirk curling on his lips, bucking his hips against Darcy. "Now, let's see what you're made of, hmm?"

As they prepared for the next part, the sound of clicking heels appeared to grow louder as they stopped and did their best to try and clean themselves and put their clothes back on, spraying themselves with deodorant and Darcy's exotic perfumes, that her Father made for her, in case she wanted to attract any men or women, or BOTH!

It was Headmistress Bouvier herself, and she was in a bad mood today. She had bright yellow skin, and tall blue hair in a tall beehive hairstyle and usually wore a tube-style black funerary witch dress, ankle boots with heels, and a red pearl necklace that glowed as she walked.

A diminutive demon was spotted strolling through the deserted hall. She is a petite round white demon sporting large blueish eyes set in a yellowish sclera, a notably prominent nose, and long red hair. Additionally, she possesses two off-white buck teeth. Essentially, she appears as just a head without a body, her limbs extending directly from her head.

She saw the Headmistress, who said to her, “You should be in class, young lady!”

The diminutive demon's whimpering voice broke through the tension, echoing off the stone walls as she produced a crumpled hall pass from her side. "But Headmistwess, I have a hall pass..." Her large eyes brimmed with tears, her voice quivering with fear.

Headmistress Bouvier, however, was not swayed. Her face remained stern, and with a flick of her wrist, black inky arms erupted from a hole in the floor. The small demon shrieked as the arms tangled around her, dragging her screaming into the abyss below. The Headmistress simply snorted a disdainful "Hmph!" and continued her patrol.

Upon encountering Blitzo and Darcy, the usual strict demeanor of Headmistress Bouvier softened unexpectedly. Her voice, always hoarse-voiced, took on a surprisingly gentle tone despite its rough, rhotic accent. "Well, well, what do we have here? A little birthday celebration in a locker, eh?" Her voice carried a warmth that contrasted sharply with the scene she had just left behind.

She leaned closer, her tall blue hair almost brushing against the locker's top. "I ought to make this little escapade of yours into a movie and show it to the whole school," she teased, her voice laden with mirth rather than malice. "Imagine the hit it would be, eh?" Her smile was genuine, and it was clear she held a soft spot for these two despite their rule-breaking.

Blitzo and Darcy exchanged nervous glances, their earlier anxiety melting away under her unexpectedly kind demeanor. Blitzo managed a sheepish grin. "That'd be one blockbuster I'd rather not star in, ma'am."

Marge chuckled, the sound raspy but affectionate. "Just make sure you two keep out of trouble, at least for the rest of the day. And Darcy," she added, her tone turning tender, "Happy Birthday, dear. Make it a good one."

With that, she straightened up, her necklace glinting as she turned on her heel and strode away, leaving a trail of echoing clicks from her ankle boots as she disappeared down the hall. The sound of her laughter echoed softly back to them, a reminder of her unexpected leniency and the small joys she still found in her role.

The duo of teenagers managed to run into their classes and get ready for another day in their lives… well, at least before Blitzo had to go back to the circus to keep up appearances.

Eventually, they would pause their relationship after Blitzo had a crush on Fizzarolli, later on, but had a mutual breakup with Darcy and had always kept her and the hidden secrets of Heaven and the Omniverse a secret from then on, no one, even the one who thought they knew him dared have a clue of the secrets he held… that not even the truth gas could reveal.

~Though who is to say if these two have to stay apart for long, am I right?~

Also, which would be better in your opinion, Stoliz or this couple?

Awesome. It's better for this couple to happen.

[brooklynmuseum]

This week’s Dig Diary will be mostly about restoring the column in the Mut Temple’s East Porch. The work is painstaking and requires skill and concentration, as you can in the faces of Abdel Aziz and Mohamed Jad. But we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves.

Last week we showed you the fallen column in the East Porch. We eventually had to move the column drums to excavate beneath them, so this is how the area looked until this year.

On January 30, Mr. Sa’adi Zahi Abdullah, head of restoration for Luxor/Upper Egypt (left); and Mr. Mohamed Jad Ahmed Jad, head of restoration for Karnak (beside Sa’adi), came to the site to study the column to see if restoring them was feasible. They agreed it could be done and have undertaken the project.

First we had to remove the fragmentary column drum from the base and clean up the area around it so that the restoration work could begin. Like many ancient Egypt columns, the base is made of two semi-circular blocks, which are easier to deal with than large, round ones.

The lowest column drum in the East Porch is missing, so new rectangular stone blocks were brought in from East Karnak. (We thank Mustapha Saghir, SCA Director for Karnak, for making this stone available to us.) On Sunday morning, a truck brought the stone to the precinct gate, but from there it had to be wheeled in by hand.

Master stonemason Sayid Ahmed Mohamed Sebbak and his assistant use both an electric saw and a hammer to rough-cut the blocks to approximately the right size. Then Sayid used a string and pen to scribe the diameter of the finished block.

Using only a heavy, toothed chisel, Sayyid shaped the rough block into a precise semi-circle. This is all done by eye. With the right angle (leaning against the block) he makes sure that the corner where the straight edge of the block meets the top and bottom is precisely 90°. Modern Egyptian stonemasons are every bit as skilled as their ancient counterparts.

By noon on Sunday, both halves of the new column drum were in place and Sayid was almost ready with the first stone of the next course. The blocks are lifted into position using a siba: a winch supported by a metal framework along with the blocks can be moved.

By the end of the day on Monday the second new column drum was in place. Getting the first of the ancient column drums up was more of a challenge as it probably weighs a couple of tons and is not exactly easy to move. In fact, it was so heavy that the siba had to be reinforced by another metal bar, being held in place by one of the workmen.

By now the column was too tall for the siba, so on Tuesday the conservators and workers built a scaffold to lift the remaining blocks. The third ancient block went up on Wednesday morning.

And the fourth block was lifted into position on Wednesday afternoon after we had left for the day. We thank Abdel Aziz for this photograph of the block being lowered into place. As you can see, some of the blocks are quite damaged. They will be repaired once all the column drums are up.

While all this was going on, the digging continued. In the north square, Mamdouh has cleared all the limestone rubble and we can now definitely confirm that we have a sphinx base. You are looking northeast across the square as it was on Thursday afternoon. The sphinx base is clear, and we have later sandstone paving in the southeast corner and just to the west of the limestone. A second patch of limestone is appearing in the northwest corner of the square, but we don’t know what it is yet.

Ayman has cleared the corridor for much of its length, as you can see in this view to the east. Regrettably no paving or flooring is preserved, the whole space being filled with broken sandstone and limestone blocks, some decorated but most not.

Jaap is holding one of the blocks from the corridor, showing the lower part of a face. He and Richard are discussing the sculpture’s date; they have not come up with a decision yet.

This is the view of Karnak that we see every day as we walk to work along the avenue of rams. The whole expanse of Karnak is now visible, from the First Pylon on the left to the southeast corner of the enclosure (just out of the shot – sorry). It’s a spectacular view!

Posted by Richard Fazzini and Mary McKercher

[dumpsterrentmo]

dumpster.rent

Nestled in the heart of Missouri lies Columbia, a vibrant city renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and bustling community. Founded in 1821, Columbia has evolved from a small frontier town into a dynamic hub of education, healthcare, and entertainment.

Columbia's history is intricately linked with the growth of education in the United States. Home to the University of Missouri, established in 1839, the city boasts a strong academic tradition. The university's picturesque campus, adorned with historic columns and red-brick buildings, stands as a centerpiece of Columbia's cultural landscape.

Beyond academia, Columbia thrives with a vibrant arts scene. The North Village Arts District serves as a haven for artists and creatives, showcasing galleries, studios, and vibrant street art. Each year, the True/False Film Festival draws cinephiles worldwide, celebrating documentary filmmaking amidst Columbia's eclectic downtown backdrop.

Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic vistas, Columbia offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Stephens Lake Park, featuring a tranquil lake and scenic trails, is a beloved spot for picnics and family outings. The Katy Trail, a 240-mile rail-trail passing through Columbia, provides cyclists and hikers with a picturesque route through Missouri's countryside.

South of the city, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is renowned for its natural beauty and geological wonders. Visitors can explore limestone caves, sinkholes, and the iconic Devil's Icebox, a natural tunnel system formed by underground streams.

As Missouri's fourth-largest city, Columbia thrives as an economic center. In addition to its educational institutions, the city hosts major healthcare providers, including the University of Missouri Health Care system. Its diverse economy spans manufacturing, technology, and agriculture, reflecting Columbia's role as a regional hub for commerce and innovation.

What truly distinguishes Columbia is its strong sense of community. Throughout the year, the city hosts a plethora of festivals and events, from the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival celebrating local cuisine to the Heritage Festival highlighting cultural diversity. Residents take pride in Columbia's welcoming atmosphere, actively supporting local businesses and initiatives.

In conclusion, Columbia, Missouri, offers a distinctive blend of history, culture, and natural splendor. Whether exploring its historic downtown, partaking in a festival, or hiking through scenic parks, Columbia warmly invites visitors to experience Midwestern hospitality in a setting that embraces both tradition and innovation.

Featured Business:

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Contact: dumpster.rent 711 Spring Valley Rd, Columbia, MO 65203, United States WJWR+F7 Columbia, Missouri, United States (660) 247–3972 https://www.dumpster.rent

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[sehetep-shenwer]

Em hotep y'all,

My birthday was fun and I was proud (pun fully intended) to have helped my friend @lainbike013 at a pride event doing tarot readings. So now I wish to devote this poem/hymn/whatever you'd like to call it to the Gods and Goddesses I hold dearest to my heart:

As the moon waxes while I lay in bed,

My soul at ease after a rejuvenating day.

I reflect on my time with my earthly friends,

Knowing I'll see them again soon, hopefully.

And then, I begin to thank my netjeru,

My divine protectors and guardians.

I am too weak to cry tears of joy right now,

But if or when I do, I shall weep for them.

Weep because I couldn't be more blessed,

More lucky to be in such gracious company.

I let my mind drift to a pristine temple,

Limestone columns support it's roof.

Just as I have ate and drank with friends,

I wish to do the same with the Gods.

For many of them are masters of merriment,

And are not afraid to indulge themselves.

I shake a sistrum with the gorgeous Hathor.

Dua Hathor!

I dance playfully with the kind Bastet.

Dua Bastet!

I devour meat with the mighty Sobek.

Dua Sobek!

I drink wildly with the fierce Sekhmet.

Dua Sekhmet!

I exchange dreams with the mystic Neith.

Dua Neith!

I muse on tales with the wise Thoth.

Dua Thoth!

I crack jokes with the mischievous Set.

Dua Set!

I breathe sacred air with the proud Horus.

Dua Horus!

I reflect on life with the protective Anubis.

Dua Anubis!

This may only be a visualization to me,

But I owe it to my Gods and Goddesses.

I devote my birthday to Them with praise,

And sing my thanks for Their love!

[unproduciblesmackdown]

behind the scenes shots ft. akd as the adjudicator, from this article about the cinematography

“In Hollywood, action filmmaking was kind of looked down upon until The Matrix, and then people realized that action could also be part of the story,” [director] Stahelski notes. “I come from a place of loving dance and theater and fine art — action can be all of those things — and one of my favorite painters is Caravaggio.” When he was looking for a cinematographer for John Wick: Chapter 2, Stahelski recalls, “I asked myself, ‘Who paints with light?’ The answer is Dan Laustsen.” In strictly cinematographic terms, Parabellum functions less like an action movie and more like a Hollywood studio musical. The film’s first battle is a close-quarters knife fight in an antique weapons shop, where the camera cuts from wide shot to wide shot, sustaining the action in long takes so that the audience can better appreciate the physical prowess of Reeves’ performance — an elaborate fighting style that combines Japanese judo and jujitsu, Brazilian jujitsu, Russian sambo, Filipino kali, and Muay Thai, more for the benefit of show than for self-defense.  “Ninety-nine percent of high-level stunt work is dance — not pirouettes, but how you move your body,” asserts Stahelski, who continues to train stuntpeople with Leitch through their company 87eleven. “I love the aesthetic of motion. A lot of our shots [in Parabellum] are lifted straight from Singin’ in the Rain and West Side Story. We’re mixing Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin with Hong Kong cinema from John Woo, Jackie Chan and the Shaw Brothers.” “We wanted to go wider than Hollywood action films normally do and really show off the choreography,” Laustsen agrees. “When the camera, lighting and actors are all moving together, it really is a dance.”

“After we made Chapter 2,” Laustsen notes, “we discussed how we could make 3 even more visually powerful. The main setting was still New York, but we wanted to bring out the city even more forcefully. We decided to shoot all at night, with rain as much as possible. Rain is fantastic because it gives a third dimension to the picture, but it is a challenge to do it, especially in a city like New York.”

The Master Anamorphics’ low-distortion design also prevents dramatic, streaking lens flares, and so the technicians at Arri Rental in Secaucus, N.J., fashioned a flare filter — comprising three strands of nylon fishing line stretched across an empty filter frame — for the XT’s and Mini’s Internal Filter Modules. When a front-of-lens filter produces a flare, Laustsen observes, it “just looks like the light is catching on a piece of flat glass in front of the lens. It’s more beautiful when the flare comes from the lens itself” — and that’s the effect that was replicated with the behind-the-lens nylon lines. “With the filters inside the camera,” the cinematographer adds, “it was also easier for first assistant Craig Pressgrove to do the lens changes.”

The exterior of the Continental was shot in lower Manhattan, but the hotel’s interiors were filmed in downtown Brooklyn, in the former Williamsburgh Savings Bank tower — which now serves as an event space —whose glass-and-wrought-iron front doors open to a 128'-long vaulted banking hall with limestone facing, marble floors, carved teller stations, and a 63'-high ceiling supported by Romanesque columns. For its role as the Continental’s lobby, the hall was furnished by Kavanaugh with two round settees crowned with statues of the Roman war gods Bellona and Mars, a fully-stocked bar, and a lounge on the mezzanine. 

Parabellum’s stages were located at Gold Coast Studios in Long Island, N.Y. The first of the production’s two notable stage-bound sets is the Continental’s terrace, for which the Rockefeller Center rooftop garden was used in Chapter 2. The schedule didn’t allow for much time to shoot Parabellum’s scene, which takes place at sunrise. “You cannot make the sun rise [for] a movie,” Laustsen notes wryly. “It’s one or two shots, and then you have daylight, and then you’re fighting to control the light.”  So, for more control, the scene was moved onstage, where the set was surrounded with a sectional 45'x350' bluescreen lit with SkyPanel S120s; a 120' black velour curtain was used to control blue spill coming from off-camera. Early-morning ambience was provided by 176 overhead SkyPanel S60s, and the light of the rising sun was simulated by a 20K tungsten Fresnel and a 24K Dino light with medium bulbs, both gelled with 1⁄2 CTS. The other key set built at Gold Coast was the “manager’s office,” a labyrinthine two-story glass-and-steel structure meant to represent the top floors of the Continental, with a 270-degree view of the adjacent skyscrapers. It’s in this space that Wick and Zero ultimately face off mano a mano. “The concept was to create a space where everything is exposed, a place where there are no secrets,” Kavanaugh explains.  To help him integrate the lighting into the design of the set itself, Laustsen worked with a virtual-reality computer model based on Kavanaugh’s design. “Chad, Kevin and I had discussions about color — cool lights inside, warm light outside,” says the cinematographer, who wanted what he describes as an “organic” light element for both spaces. The art department therefore added a 35'x14' LED wall to the set’s second floor and a 28'x12' LED billboard to the rooftop; the latter was positioned between the glass structure and a 40'x440' Rosco SoftDrop that was backlit by 150 SkyPanel S60s through Magic Cloth sourced from The Rag Place.  Almeida and his rigging crew installed more than a mile of LiteGear Chroma-Correct RGB-Daylite LED LiteRibbon into the glass and steel set, using aluminum profile and plastic diffusers provided by Kavanaugh’s art department. Cues were orchestrated from an ETC Ion Xe console operated by Kent Arneson; Laustsen took advantage of that control to increase the intensity of the light over time — until the very end of the fight, when the two combatants are photographed primarily in silhouette against the LED walls. 

Wick literally fights his way through the set — alternately smashing his opponents and being smashed through glass pedestals, walls and floors — until he comes face to face with his nemesis. “We filmed this sequence with a [Chapman/Leonard Hustler IV] dolly and a Libra head, a Steadicam, and a couple of crane shots [with a MovieBird 45 and Aerocrane jib],” Laustsen details. “We didn’t want to go handheld because of all the straight lines. It would be a much more powerful look for the film if the frame was always parallel to the set.” “When we did bring in lights for the close-ups, we used Arri SkyPanel S60s and Astera AX1 LED tubes that we could attach virtually anywhere using magnets and clips,” Almeida adds. “The Astera tubes worked out great because they’re easy to hide, and if you saw a reflection, it just looked like the lighting that was built-in already.”

[stoneartwala]

Revamp Your Space with High-End Luxury Stone Cladding Solutions

In the world of architecture and design, the materials you choose can make or break the aesthetics and value of a space. Among the various options available, luxury stone cladding stands out as one of the most sought-after materials for both residential and commercial projects. Known for its timeless elegance, durability, and versatility, luxury stone cladding has the unique ability to transform any space—be it interior or exterior—into a visually stunning and sophisticated masterpiece.

What is Luxury Stone Cladding?

Luxury stone cladding is the application of a thin layer of high-quality natural stone to the surface of walls, facades, and other architectural elements. This technique offers the aesthetic appeal of solid stone but at a fraction of the weight and cost. Available in a wide variety of natural stone materials—such as marble, granite, limestone, and slate—stone cladding adds a rich, textured look to spaces without the need for extensive structural support.

The term "luxury" in stone cladding refers to the premium quality of the stone used, along with its meticulous processing, cutting, and installation. Whether you're looking to update your home’s exterior, give your office a modern facelift, or create a luxurious interior design, luxury stone cladding offers a range of benefits that elevate the overall look and feel of your space.

Benefits of Luxury Stone Cladding

Aesthetic Appeal One of the primary reasons designers and homeowners choose luxury stone cladding is for its visual impact. Stone cladding provides a natural and elegant appearance that instantly enhances the curb appeal of any building. The texture, color, and sheen of natural stone bring warmth, depth, and character to any space, creating an upscale, luxurious atmosphere.Whether you prefer the rugged look of stacked stone, the smooth sophistication of polished marble, or the rustic charm of slate, luxury stone cladding comes in numerous styles and finishes to suit any design preference.

Durability and Longevity Natural stone is one of the most durable materials available. Luxury stone cladding is highly resistant to weathering, fire, moisture, and pests, making it an excellent choice for exterior walls and facades. Unlike other cladding materials that may degrade or lose their color over time, stone cladding maintains its beauty and structural integrity for decades, ensuring a long-lasting investment.When properly installed and maintained, luxury stone cladding can withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as heavy rain, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. Its robustness ensures that your space will retain its premium look for years to come.

Versatility in Design Luxury stone cladding offers unmatched versatility in design. It can be used in both traditional and contemporary settings, seamlessly blending with other materials such as wood, glass, or metal. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications, including:

Exterior facades: Transform the look of your building’s exterior by adding texture and dimension with stone cladding. It can also be used to create striking entranceways and columns.

Interior walls: Luxury stone cladding is not limited to exteriors. Interior accent walls made of stone can add a sense of grandeur and sophistication to living rooms, bathrooms, or office spaces.

Fireplaces: Stone-clad fireplaces exude warmth and elegance, becoming the focal point of any room.

Feature walls: Use luxury stone cladding to create stunning feature walls that draw attention and add visual interest to your space.

Increased Property Value The addition of luxury stone cladding to your home or commercial property can significantly increase its market value. Stone cladding is often seen as a premium upgrade, which appeals to prospective buyers and tenants who are willing to pay more for quality and style. Its durability and timeless appeal make it a worthwhile investment, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your property.

Low Maintenance Unlike other materials, luxury stone cladding requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking its best. Natural stone is resistant to stains, scratches, and fading, and it doesn’t require regular painting or sealing. Occasional cleaning with water and a soft brush is usually enough to maintain its pristine appearance.Additionally, natural stone cladding is eco-friendly and sustainable. Many types of stone, such as limestone and granite, are abundantly available and can be sourced with minimal environmental impact.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Stone cladding provides excellent thermal insulation, helping to regulate the temperature of your space. In warmer climates, the natural stone absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly at night, keeping interiors cool. In colder climates, stone acts as a natural barrier against harsh winds and low temperatures, making your space more energy-efficient.Additionally, luxury stone cladding can improve the acoustic performance of a building by reducing noise transmission. The density of natural stone helps block external noise, creating a quieter, more serene environment.

How to Choose the Right Luxury Stone Cladding

When selecting luxury stone cladding for your project, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure the best result.

Material Selection Choose a stone that complements the overall style of your building or landscape. For a classic and timeless look, opt for marble or granite. If you prefer a more rustic or natural appearance, consider slate or limestone.

Color Palette Stone comes in a wide variety of colors, from soft neutrals to bold and dramatic hues. Make sure the stone’s color harmonizes with the existing design elements of your space, such as the roof, window frames, or landscaping.

Texture and Finish The texture of the stone can greatly affect the overall look and feel of your space. Smooth, polished finishes offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, while rough, textured surfaces create a more rugged, natural vibe.

Installation Quality Proper installation is critical to ensuring the longevity and beauty of luxury stone cladding. Work with a professional installer who has experience with stone cladding to ensure that the materials are applied correctly and securely.

Conclusion

Luxury stone cladding is a powerful design element that can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home or commercial property. Its combination of beauty, durability, and versatility makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to revamp their space with a high-end, sophisticated touch.

Whether you're looking to create an elegant outdoor façade, add a statement feature wall, or improve the overall value of your property, luxury stone cladding provides a timeless solution that will never go out of style.

[kamdhenucementind]

Choosing the Best Cement: Why Kamdhenu Cement is the Ideal Choice for Quality and Durability

When it comes to construction, the quality of cement plays a vital role in determining the strength and longevity of a structure. Whether you are working on residential housing, commercial buildings, or large-scale infrastructure projects, selecting the best cement is crucial for ensuring safety, durability, and performance. Kamdhenu Cement, a leading cement brand in India, stands out as a reliable and trusted choice for builders and architects. This blog will delve into why Kamdhenu Cement is considered the best cement and what makes it a preferred option for construction professionals across the country.

The Hallmarks of Kamdhenu Cement's Quality

Kamdhenu Cement has gained its reputation as one of the best cement brands in India through its unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. The company’s rigorous production standards and innovative practices ensure that every bag of cement delivers top-notch performance. Here are some key factors that define Kamdhenu Cement's quality:

High-Quality Raw Materials: The foundation of Kamdhenu Cement’s superior performance lies in its selection of high-quality raw materials. The company sources the finest limestone, clay, and other minerals, which are thoroughly tested and screened to meet stringent quality standards. These high-grade materials contribute to the cement’s strength, setting it apart as the best cement for various construction applications.

State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facilities: Kamdhenu Cement employs advanced manufacturing techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to produce its cement. The use of automated processes and precision machinery ensures that the cement is manufactured with consistent quality and optimal particle size distribution. This results in better workability and bonding properties, making Kamdhenu Cement ideal for both structural and aesthetic applications.

Strict Quality Assurance: Quality assurance is a top priority for Kamdhenu Cement. The cement undergoes multiple stages of testing and quality checks throughout the production process. From raw material inspection to final product testing, each batch of cement is scrutinized to ensure it meets the highest industry standards. This rigorous quality control process guarantees that Kamdhenu Cement consistently delivers reliable and durable products.

Why Kamdhenu Cement is the Best Cement for Your Construction Needs

Kamdhenu Cement’s dedication to quality and innovation has made it a top choice for construction professionals. Here are some reasons why Kamdhenu Cement is considered the best cement:

Superior Strength and Load-Bearing Capacity: Kamdhenu Cement is known for its high compressive strength, which makes it ideal for constructing load-bearing structures. Whether used in the foundation, beams, columns, or slabs, Kamdhenu Cement provides the structural integrity needed to support heavy loads and resist external forces. This strength is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of buildings.

Excellent Durability and Longevity: One of the standout features of Kamdhenu Cement is its durability. The cement is formulated to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, heat, and chemical exposure. Its resistance to wear and tear ensures that structures built with Kamdhenu Cement remain intact and safe for years to come, reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.

Enhanced Workability and Finish: Kamdhenu Cement offers excellent workability, making it easy to mix and apply. Its fine texture allows for smooth application and a flawless finish, which is essential for both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. This workability also makes it easier for construction workers to handle, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.

Crack and Shrinkage Resistance: Cracking and shrinkage are common issues in construction that can compromise the strength and appearance of a structure. Kamdhenu Cement’s unique formulation enhances its resistance to cracking and shrinkage, ensuring that the cement remains stable and intact over time. This property is particularly important for projects in areas prone to temperature fluctuations and seismic activity.

Applications of Kamdhenu Cement

Kamdhenu Cement’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of construction projects. Its high performance and reliability have made it the best cement for various applications, including:

Residential Construction: For building homes, Kamdhenu Cement provides the strength and durability needed to ensure the safety and comfort of residents. It is ideal for use in foundations, walls, roofs, and other critical structural elements.

Commercial Buildings: Kamdhenu Cement is widely used in the construction of commercial buildings, such as office complexes, shopping malls, and hotels. Its high strength and load-bearing capacity make it suitable for multi-story structures that require robust support.

Infrastructure Projects: From bridges and highways to tunnels and dams, Kamdhenu Cement is a preferred choice for large-scale infrastructure projects. Its durability and resistance to environmental factors make it capable of withstanding heavy traffic and natural forces.

Renovation and Repair: Kamdhenu Cement’s excellent bonding properties make it ideal for renovation and repair work. Whether patching up cracks, resurfacing walls, or reinforcing existing structures, Kamdhenu Cement provides reliable and long-lasting solutions.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Kamdhenu Cement’s reputation as the best cement is not only due to its high-quality products but also its commitment to customer satisfaction. The company offers:

Expert Guidance: Kamdhenu Cement provides expert consultation services to help customers select the right type of cement for their specific projects. This personalized guidance ensures that builders and developers achieve the best results.

Accessibility and Availability: With a wide distribution network, Kamdhenu Cement ensures that its products are easily accessible to customers across India. This widespread availability makes it a convenient choice for construction professionals.

Affordable Pricing: Despite its superior quality, Kamdhenu Cement is offered at competitive prices, making it an affordable option for various construction needs. This cost-effectiveness, combined with its performance, provides excellent value for money.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cement is a critical decision in any construction project, impacting the safety, durability, and longevity of the structure. Kamdhenu Cement, with its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, has established itself as a leader in the cement industry. Its superior strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors make it the best cement for a wide range of construction applications. For builders, architects, and developers seeking reliable and high-performance cement, Kamdhenu Cement is the ideal choice.

[whitepolaris]

Afterglow Vista

Most people think family cemeteries, particularly ones in the western United States, consist of a couple of tumbledown marble or wooden headstones surrounded by a rotting picket fence. Sad to say, this is mostly true, but there are exceptions. Take, for example, the family plot of the McMillins in Roche Harbor.

John McMillins owned the local lime works and was active in local and state politics. He believed he owed much of his success to his religion, personal philosophy, and family, and he wanted to express this through the construction of a family tomb that was full of symbols that would be rich to him and to others. The meaning of many of the tomb's symbols has faded, but visitors can find several places in Roche Harbor that have maps to the tomb and pamphlets explaining the design and purpose of the magnificent structure.

The mausoleum is located near Roche Harbor and can be found by following a trail in the in the local cemetery leading through a green, overgrown wood; a sign reading AFTERGLOW VISTA marks the entrance.

After going through the gates, visitors must walk up three flights of stairs. The steps symbolize many things, especially to Freemasons. The first light has three steps, which represent the ages of man. The second has five steps, which represent both the five orders of classic architecture and the five senses. The last flight of seven steps represent the seven liberal arts and sciences and also symbolizes the seven days of the week.

Once up the stairs, visitors reach a raised platform on which several pillars support a domeless roof. In ancient times, pillars lined the western entrance to any house of worship. At Afterglow, one of the western pillars was installed broken to symbolize the way death breaks the column of any man's life.

Perhaps the most striking feature of Afterglow is the large limestone table on the platform, which symbolize the entire McMillin family meeting in unity over dinner. Around the table are chairs for each family member, with the corresponding names written on the chair backs. A hollow niche inside each seat serves as the place in which the family member's cremated ashes rest.

Besides the family, one other person is buried here: Ada Beane. She was McMillin's governess and more like family than an employee. After she died, she was cremated, and the family kept her ashes, which were later interred in the family crypt.

Unfortunately, vandals turn up even in remote places like Roche Harbor. A few years ago they attacked the McMillin crypt, damaging one chair back and removing another completely. Even so, the place still has a peaceful aura. As the sun goes down on summer evenings, the light shines through the trees on the tomb. Some people believe that when it does, the shadows change, and the McMillin family meets again to have a ghostly dinner together in the afterglow.

[todoinke]

Selecting the Ideal Cement: An In-Depth Manual to Premier Cement Brands and Varieties in India

JSW Cement is committed to producing innovative solutions that enhance building strength while prioritizing environmental sustainability. We strive to bridge the gap between consumer satisfaction and eco-efficiency through our range of cement products.

Cement, a finely powdered substance primarily composed of limestone, clay, and other minerals, undergoes calcination—a chemical reaction occurring at high kiln temperatures. This process yields clinker, subsequently ground into fine powder and mixed with gypsum to produce cement.

Cement serves as a versatile material in construction, finding applications in various forms:

- Concrete: Integral to constructing foundations, walls, columns, roofs, and floors, concrete is admired for its strength, durability, and adaptability across diverse projects.

- Mortar: Cement combined with sand and water forms mortar, used for binding bricks, stones, and other masonry materials.

- Stucco: Employed for exterior building surfaces, stucco—utilizing cement—creates a resilient, weather-resistant finish.

- Grout: Cement-based grout fills gaps between tiles or masonry blocks in construction.

- Roads and Bridges: Cement contributes to robust foundations and supports in infrastructure projects.

- Precast Concrete: Cement is integral to producing precast concrete items like pipes, blocks, and panels for various construction needs.

- Decorative Uses: Cement's versatility extends to decorative purposes, enabling textured surfaces, artistic sculptures, and colored concrete finishes.

At JSW, we offer a range of cement types tailored to diverse construction requirements:

1. Concrete HD Cement: Designed for concrete-based construction, JSW Concreel HD offers superior cohesiveness, improved chemical resistance, and quick setting, enhancing structural integrity.

2. Compcem (Composite Cement): Incorporating silica, highly reactive slag, and premium clinker, Compcem delivers high strength, improved workability, and durability for demanding applications.

3. Power Pro Cement: Conforming to eco-friendly standards, Power Pro Cement offers durability, high strength, and resistance to chemical attacks, ideal for heavy-duty construction needs.

4. Portland Slag Cement (PSC): Blending Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), PSC ensures enhanced durability, resistance to chemical attacks, and reduced thermal cracks.

5. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): OPC is widely used in concrete construction, providing quick setting, early strength, and compatibility with various mineral admixtures.