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Sand Art

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.burlingtonfreepress.com/amp/582174002 Scanner chatter has been non-stop about trees and power lines down in Clinton and St. Lawrence counties in New York. Lots of people left without power.

Well, I can tell you that we weren't protesting.

What talent and patience..I'm always amazed at these kind of art sculptures that are so good yet so short-lived..

New scientist may 3 2018.... Shocking news The universe just got even more confusing. Last week, the biggest ever 3D map of our galaxy was released as part of the second batch of data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite. The long-awaited measurements revealed the location and brightness of 1.7 billion stars in the Milky Way. But the first analysis of the data has also crystallised our confusion about the rate of the universe's expansion. We have two ways to determine this rate, expressed in a quantity called the Hubble constant, and they have always come up with different values. Some researchers had hoped that the Gaia data released on 25 April might lessen the divergence, but it has only got worse. One determination of the Hubble constant comes from the cosmic microwave background (CMB), a relic of the first light in the cosmos after the big bang. Researchers have used the now defunct Planck space observatory to examine this light and figure out how fast the universe was expanding back then. Those values can then be plugged into models of cosmic evolution to predict how fast the universe should be expanding today. The other method involves directly measuring the distances to stars called Cepheid variables. This lets us figure out how quickly objects in the local universe are moving away from us. The technique gives a Hubble constant more than 9 per cent larger than with the CMB method. In the past, we have only been able to measure a few Cepheids at a time, but Gaia pinpointed 50 of them. Adam Riess at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, and his colleagues analysed Gaia's Cepheid data to see whether the Hubble constant discrepancy would alter or vanish altogether. "Not only is it confirmed, but it's actually reinforced," Riess says. Prior to this analysis, he says, there was a 1 in 1000 chance that the apparent discrepancy was just a fluke – now, that has fallen to only 1 in 7000. If the discrepancy is real, it means that something is wrong with our models of the universe's evolution. And it's looking more and more real. Undetected particles out there could be undermining our models, or maybe our guesses about the nature of dark matter and dark energy are wrong, says Reiss. "When we say the Hubble constant should be lower, that's with models using the most vanilla, least interesting versions of dark matter and dark energy," he says. "But maybe there's a wrinkle. Maybe it's much weirder." Over 22 months, Gaia classified and measured the brightness of 500,000 standard candles – variable stars that can be used to measure distances to other astrophysical objects. The satellite also mapped the positions of 14,099 objects within our own solar system – mostly asteroids – as well as half a million distant galaxies and 12 dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. Closer to home, the Gaia data revealed a disturbance in our galaxy. The satellite galaxies that revolve around the Milky Way are gravitationally bound to it, so astronomers agree it is likely that some interacted with our galaxy in the past, perhaps smashing through its disc. Thanks to Gaia, we now have evidence that another galaxy perturbed the Milky Way's disc relatively recently. Teresa Antoja at the University of Barcelona in Spain and her colleagues analysed the motions of more than 6 million stars from the Gaia data set, and found patterns never seen before. Plots of these stars' velocities have swoops, arches and spirals, indicating patches of stars that are moving together (arxiv.org/abs/1804.10196). If the Milky Way were in equilibrium and hadn't been recently perturbed, those patterns would not appear. Their presence indicates that something has shaken up the stars recently enough that their orbits have yet to relax back to a stable state. The researchers found that the Milky Way was probably perturbed between 300 and 900 million years ago, which is also the last time an object called the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy is thought to have made a close pass. "This is just the beginning for Gaia," says Riess. "Gaia should be delivering data that's five or six times more precise than this in a few years." And for now, analysis of the deluge of data we have just received is nowhere near complete. This article appeared in print under the headline "Star map adds to cosmic confusion" Leah Crane

I mean what were the ‘so called’ “extremists” doing during all this? http://wgntv.com/2018/05/05/more-than-1600-arrested-in-russia-amid-anti-putin-protests/

Yeah and I can’t even draw a straight line let alone something like this. First thing that caught my eye was the seam on the pillow.

I just received invitations to help with a carpet project at the local Assembly Hall later this month. The project will take 4 weeks, Tuesday-Saturday from 07:30 to 5:00, a full 4 weeks is scheduled to prep and install new carpet. I checked BA and 78 volunteers have been invited to the project and most of them live several hours away. I haven't heard anything else about the project yet. This is going to be a huge project!

Meanwhile, Jehovah’s Witnesses are teaching their neighbours how to be good citizens and develop qualities such as love, joy, and peace.

New scientist May 3 2018 SOME types of bacteria don't just resist antibiotics, they eat them too – and now we have worked out their trick. Gautam Dantas at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, and his colleagues discovered this by accident10 years ago. They were growing soil bacteria in the presence of penicillin, expecting that it would stop them from growing. "But we saw exceptional growth on antibiotics," says Dantas. His team found that some strains were around 50 times above the threshold at which bacteria are normally classed as antibiotic-resistant, and that they were feeding on the penicillin. Now, Dantas and his colleagues have figured out how these bacteria do it, by focusing on the genes that became active in four strains. Deleting these genes and observing the effects revealed that the bacteria are able to thrive on penicillin using a cocktail of enzymes: proteins that catalyse chemical reactions. First, the bacteria use an enzyme to resist the antibiotic, so it doesn't stop them growing. Then they use a couple of enzymes to start breaking the penicillin apart, before deploying 10 or more enzymes that enable them to use the carbon in the degraded antibiotic as a food source. Giving genes for these enzymes to harmless E. coli bacteria enabled them to eat antibiotics the same way (Nature Chemical Biology, doi.org/cn23). Antibiotics have been around for millions of years, so it is unsurprising that bacteria have evolved to use them as a food source, says Matthew Avison at the University of Bristol, UK. Dantas hopes the findings will enable the creation of antibiotics that can't be broken down this way. The team's modified E. coli may also be useful as it could help deal with the antibiotics in sewage that later find their way into our tap water, says Jonathan Cox at Aston University, UK. This article appeared in print under the headline "How some bacteria snack on antibiotics" Jessica Hamzelou

april 18th picture from the Hubble telescope. Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

For those who want to learn sand sculpting, our resident sculptor gives lessons for a small fee. Our carts are near his site for the weekly market. This is his creation today. Older {still waiting for the 'Wiser'}

That is what is so hard for me to understand is all the time and effort put into these incredible works of art just to see them destroyed in a short time; tide comes in, rain, bratty kids kick it down..but it doesn't seem to matter to them...they are just happy apparently with their accomplishment. Of course, if pictures are taken, they will continue in posterity.....

I doubt that we will all have miraculous abilities automatically. I see a long learning/training curve before I can achieve the skill manifested in that sand sculpture. I may have an immediate advantage in the construction field, but may never become as good a cook as others as they will always have had a head start. Maybe after a thousand years, the margin of difference in skill level may not be readily apparent but my ability to boil water without burning will be greatly improved, I doubt I will ever catch up with Da Vinci when it comes to the artist abilities. I don't see an instant upgrade after Armageddon. This reminds me of a story. A young man got his fingers badly broken. He inquired of the bonesetter as to whether he would be able to play the piano when his cast was removed? To which the doctor assured him: "I don't see any problem." To which the young man smiled, "Good, I never could play the piano before."

Well, you'll just have to pick up the pace dear turtle .. On a serious note: well done volunteering on such projects!

well just got a letter so in Jan SSI said i would get 1,270 the litter i got today there giving me 1,002.00 and for now on i will get 1,136.00 cus i make to much you you got to love the system Not

I guess it's way better than watching TV..at least they're in the fresh air and sunshine..(except for the ice sculpture of course)

Personally I hope that we will finally receive the revised New World Translation in German next weekend, when we will enjoy the talk of a representative of the Governing Body. (Or at least in August, during our Regional Convention) I´m reading the revised version in Greek at present, and it´s such a great blessing! But as the languages are so different, it´s clear that in the German version OTHER verses will have been updated.

This "justice" is injustice and the seized moved is called steeling we can't wait the steeling of all orthodox churches and properties by the 10 horns of the wild beast then justice will prevail .... all liars and thieves will render account to the great Judge . but who knows this may give a big witness Let's see what happens next

They are also right, generally speaking, about the abundance of low quality information. It takes time and can be difficult to find high-quality, accurate information nowadays, ironically, in the "information age". Many people are lazy and only read clickbait articles that get them outraged over something or that supports their agenda. Sometimes I go to Yahoo.com just to see the outrageous sounding headlines that are really many times misleading, and I get a chuckle at just how our world seems to care less and less about telling the whole truth.

Just came back from Special Metropolitan Witnessing training day, lots of changes again...Sydney and Melbourne will have same scheduling system/software going. No longer literature oriented.

I echo the same sentiment as you Brother Kayode! Even though I enjoyed the novel, I do concede the "rolling of the eyes" when this particularly dark character attempts to present himself as an "angel". (IMO, this was the greatest deception in this scenario.) As I was reading this part, I asked myself why would the author portray "James" in such a way when ultimately James' goal is to do permanent harm to others. My personal thought is that, with STD being the greatest Deceiver of mankind, it's no surprise for us, as JW's, that his wicked influence permeates every facet of society everywhere in the world, so perhaps that same influence is incorporated into this STAY character. (I'm only guessing here!) Similarly, there are deceivers (i.e., apostates and/or opposers in Jehovah's organization masquerading as JW's whose goals are to deceive and cause spiritually harm to Jehovah's people.) And other than STD deceiving the First Woman, I believe there are other examples of deception(s) in the Scriptures (i.e. King Saul talking to "Samuel".) 1 Sam. 28:14-19. It should be very interesting how all this pans out in the end!

Because today is May the Fourth (be with you) TBS is showing Star Wars in story order. Currently, Return of the Jedi is on. It will be followed by The Force Awakens before the day ends. BTW - tomorrow is "Empire Day" - you know - Revenge of the Fifth It is also Cinco De Mayo

So Russian president will join already infamous list of Kings who were humiliated y Jehovah. As brothers stated: God will correct it in his due time I think KON is emerging in front of our eyes

Not a YT video, but thought this was the best place. Made me laugh.

If this is all part of the KOTN prophecy of Daniel, then don't forget the final sentence, Dan 11:45 "and he will come all the way to his end, and there will be no helper for him." Russia could be putting in the nails to their own coffin.

It appears you have uploaded a file, or linked to somewhere which leads to the download of the file, rather than a stream. To show a video, the URL has to be pasted into the chat from a place where the video was streaming (watchable online). However, a person can upload videos directly to the JWtalk too from their device, but I'm unsure if it would "show" as a video or just a file that you can download (which is what looks like has happend here).

took a bible study outside under his porch railing and asked him to spread his arms and pretend he was on a cross and let his weight hang. he did so and it stretched his arms. then i said he could hang there for days like that. next i had him cross his arms above his head and hang his weight. it nearly smothered him. he could not breath, forcing him to stand erect. i showed him the scripture where the other two had their legs broken so they would die. he got the point. still never done anything with it Sent from my SM-G892U using Tapatalk

People that have WAY too much time on their hands. 😏😏😏😏

Exactly, my thoughts too. Ice sculpture is another temporary one that makes me wonder what the reason is other than they just like using that particular medium to express their talent..

I always wondered how someone became a sand sculptor. There are some lessons online, and I imagine in person. It is fascinating, but I, personally, would not want to learn an art form that takes days or weeks to sculpt and is gone =poof!

Sorry for my English Stealing ....not steeling

Increasing the Hubbel constant would increase the effect of Dark Energy expanding the universe. This would make understanding Dark Energy key to understanding the universe. Unfortunately, Dark Energy remains very "dark". Could have interesting applications in the new order if it turns out to be a form of matter with antigravity properties rather than a property of the fabric of space. Would love to have an antigravity flying belt.

Really? it's so simple.... Let me put it for you in easy to follow "gentle" manner. Beginning for Gaia + Milky Way equilibrium - Hubble constant = expansion of Universe ... LOL Throw few donut galaxies in the mix, and your are fixed!

Some of these operations work in the Library app in the search feature. This app also have an "exact" statement reference.

Am halfway through with stay reading and I pretty much enjoy reading it until the idea of an angel. Oh c'mon that's facetious! Besides that, I really love his ideas of how the GT, the prior will play out and the significance of Matt 24.Oops, I'm afraid have giving too much info. So if there's one thing I learned from his book so far is that although we do our best to be obedient, expect the unexpected and trust in Jehovah's appointed ones taking the lead is genuinely important. The suspense is also what intrigues me most about his books. What a nice read so far. Am anticipating for this. Hope it's lit

The same operators are possible to use with the WOL.

The thought of people knowingly fighting Jehovah in this way makes me shudder. Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

I too am so saddened, but also reflective. Remembering that the USSR was the KOTN, and Russia is looking awfully like it is now too, I was thinking that the respite the brothers had in the intervening years since the close of the Cold War until this current wave of persecution has allowed so many tens of thousands to get the truth. Our brothers and sisters in Russia had a chance to "Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times" and now again back to "difficult times". 2 Tim 4:2. However the KOTN develops, Jehovah will always be there to back our brothers and give them extraordinary power to endure even the most unfairest trials and persecution. "And they will certainly fight against you, But they will not prevail against you, For ‘I am with you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘to save you.’” Jer 1:19

Hi Alexa, Nice topic you started Maybe a possible blessing that will happen, maybe even this year, is that Jehovah could maneuver things so that some of the countries that are presently restricting the preaching of the Good News will "open their gates". For example, 1 of the most restricted countries has been N.Korea, but if a peace treaty happens soon, then travel may be allowed between North & South Korea and many people will seek to find their relatives and family who they have been separated from for many years, decades. If peace happens, then S.Korean brothers and sisters will happily introduce their relatives in the North to Jehovah and the Kingdom! What a wonderful blessing that would be for the people of both countries who have endured so much. Many N.Koreans will need a lot of help spiritually since they have been politically indoctrinated since they were children. But Jehovah will give the S.Korean brothers/sisters and missionaries, "weapons...not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things.  For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God" (2 CO 10:4, 5)

Well, it was entertaining though... sipping coffee.... with donut

Saturday, May 5 You will find the knowledge of God.—Prov. 2:5. When we base our decisions on Jehovah’s thinking, we draw closer to him. (Jas. 4:8) We enjoy his approval and blessing. This, in turn, strengthens our faith in our heavenly Father. Therefore, let us be guided by Bible laws and principles, for they reveal God’s mind on matters. Of course, we will always have something new to learn about Jehovah. (Job 26:14) With diligent effort, however, we can even now acquire the wisdom, knowledge, and discernment needed to make wise decisions. (Prov. 2:1-5) The ideas and plans of imperfect humans come and go, but the psalmist fittingly reminds us: “The decisions of Jehovah will stand forever; the thoughts of his heart are from generation to generation.” (Ps. 33:11) Clearly, we can make the best personal decisions when our thoughts and actions are in harmony with the thinking of our all-wise God, Jehovah. w16.05 3:17

This could just as well have been my own post

I just finished reading Flee and then Stay. I enjoyed both as works of fiction.

I would remove "could" because Russia is putting huge nails to their own coffin I don't see situation to improve, and only Jehovah's confrontation will change the scene.

Courtship...Bird of Paradise style Looks like he's doin' the Darth Vader dance. http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2018/04/vogelkop-superb-bird-of-paradise/?

It’s called teamwork