![]() ![]() It is one of the best photo masking software options out there for masking hair and more complex situations. If you’re having trouble masking out these areas exactly Topaz makes an advanced masking software called Topaz Mask AI (see our review here). I’m sure other photographers will find this feature useful as it lets you have finer control over where you want your edit to take effect. The option to add a mask to each layer that I had created is something I really appreciate. ![]() How cool is that? This makes the entire process non-destructive. And the best feature is how these multiple filters sit on top of each other as layers. You can even adjust the opacity of each of the filters to have granular control over how much effect each filter has on the image. In Topaz Studio 2, you can apply multiple filters to an image. It’s not like the way you apply a filter on Instagram. If you’re having trouble with noise in your images then check out our Topaz Denoise Review as you can remove it all in one click!Īnother impressive aspect of this software is the way it handles filters. The photo came out a lot sharper and a whole lot cleaner. While I made really subtle adjustments to my image subtle using this tool, the result was really noticeable. It must be the artificial intelligence that Topaz Labs has built into this tool that does the “magic” here. Essentially, this tool removes noise, enhances sharpness, and recovers lost details. Of all the adjustment tools that I tried out, I must admit how the AI Clear function blew my mind. And if you really want to get creative with your images, the stylistic section is where you’d want to head out. The creative section has some additional adjustments that let you play around with colors and blur. The essential section is where you can do most of the pro adjustments. The filters menu has three sections: Essential, Creative, and Stylistic. You can either start adding filters to the image or add a look. It simply presents you with two important features in the workspace. After launching the software and importing an image, it is pretty simple to understand what to do next. Working with Topaz Studio 2 was a breeze. You’ll love the ease of ease that is the highlight of this software. If you find yourself struggling to find the right adjustments and editing tools, consider giving Topaz Studio 2 a try. And the plethora of amazing looks meant that I had a one-click solution to creative photo editing. No fiddling around the image editor searching for hidden features meant that I was more efficient with what I was doing. All the adjustments and tools that I needed were right there in front of me. But that was not the case with this offering from Topaz Labs.Īfter using Topaz Studio 2, I found it to be simple to use photo editing solution to achieve professional-grade results. There are just too many features and options out there that I do not need which creates clutter. But, even with the hundreds of hours that I’ve spent with it, I still sometimes struggle to get my job done. In a market that’s dominated by Photoshop and Lightroom, why would I want yet another photo editing software? And I’m pretty sure most of you have the same question going around.Īfter my review of Topaz Studio 2, I can sum up the unique selling proposition of this software in one-word simplicity. There’s no doubt that Photoshop is powerful. Well, to be honest, even I had this question in mind when I came across Topaz Studio 2. References Why yet another photo editing software?.Why yet another photo editing software?.This saves you from a lot of hassle while providing you with a lot of filters and looks to choose from. With Topaz Studio 2, you pay for the software once upfront, and you’ll get the filters and looks bundled with it. The earlier version of the software was free, but you needed to pay for each of the premium presets. I also found the purchase model quite convenient with this version. This is something that Photoshop offers, but with Topaz Studio 2, it is much easier and more intuitive. It does not simply slap filters and adjustments onto the image, but also provides options to seamlessly mask the effects precisely where you want them. What I like the most about Topaz Studio 2 is that all the edits that you make are non-destructive. Also, now you just need to pay for the software upfront one time only. To start with, the interface is much cleaner and easier to go around. Compared to the earlier version, Topaz Studio 2 brings in some welcoming changes. After the time I spent with the latest version – Topaz Studio 2, I’d have to say that they’re spot on. Topaz Labs (the creators of Topaz Studio ) says that this software serves one purpose great: creative photo editing. ![]()
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![]() ![]() ![]() We also provide not only proven lottery-winning tips but the most recent results. Right after the draw, the results will be available on the New York Lottery’s official site and in the mobile app. Get your ticket and be ready for your great prizes!.Define the number of advanced draws in the corresponding field.Complete all the boards on your playslip if you want to play 10 games for $5.If you choose the Quick Pick option, the computer will be responsible for your luck. Find a retailer nearby and ask for a playslip.To have fun and to win, follow these Lotto rules: Still, that’s not the reason to be upset, as hundreds of games and prizes are waiting for you outside, on the best online lottery sites. Lotto is played within the state’s borders only.Find here Today’s New York Lotto winning Numbers for and the past 30 days winning numbers. Some devoted lottery players can opt for the online subscription. The winning numbers result on this page for today is the same as the NY Lotto results on May 24, 2023. You can purchase tickets for the game at the participating retailers.Also, we recommend that you look over our list of the best lottery software, which will come in handy no matter which US game you play. The official mobile app is a great utility that lets you scan your tickets, follow the results, search for retailers, and see the current promotions. ![]() The New York Lotto is waiting for you on Wednesdays and Saturdays.Please note that it is drawn within the second-chance play. You must match five numbers and the bonus number to win a better amount. There is the seventh Bonus Number for the second-tier prize.The 6/59 matrix is applied to the game.Both newbies and experienced players must be 18 years old or even older.We are sure you will hit the fantastic sum sooner or later! Study several proven lotto strategy systems, turn to the numerology lottery predictions, find out the most common lucky numbers, and never give up. Unfortunately, there are no multipliers for New York Lotto, so the only way for you to raise your winnings is the jackpot rush. Moreover, if you take advantage of our helpful tools (for example, our lottery odds calculator, lottery number generator, or others), you’ll boost your winning chances! Also, we recommend choosing one or several lotto apps for iOS or Android. See the latest results page if you’re looking for the most recent winning numbers, or view the draw information for a different time. If you want further details about a particular draw, select the relevant date in the table below. But this fact doesn’t make this game less exciting. This page features all the results from the midday and evening Numbers draws for 2023. If there are several winners on one of the tiers, they get equal amounts. Jackpot (75% of the prize pool or 30% of the ticket sales)ħ.25% of the prize pool (2.9% of the ticket sales)ĥ.5% of the prize pool (2.2% of the ticket sales)Ħ.25% of the prize pool (2.5% of the ticket sales)Ħ% of the prize pool (2.4% of the ticket sales)Īll the prizes are paid on a pari-mutuel basis. ![]() ![]() ![]() These additional costs can be significant, so families may want to consider opening an additional savings account to complement their 529 plan. However, there are some expenses a college student or prospective student may incur that are not considered qualified. (Up to $10,000 per year can also be withdrawn tax-free to pay for K-12 tuition.) You can also make student loan payments with money from a 529 plan. This includes tuition, fees, books, supplies equipment, and, in some cases, room and board. Qualified 529 plan expenses include costs required for the enrollment or attendance at an eligible college or university. Non-qualified 529 distributions may also be subject to recapture if a state tax deduction was claimed. Distributions used to pay for some college expenses are considered non-qualified and may be subject to income tax and a 10 percent penalty on the earnings portion of the withdrawal. Authorized parties should encourage their students to login and register their 529 payments as needed.529 plans are tax-advantaged accounts designed to save for college, but the tax benefits are only available when the funds are used to pay for qualified expenses. Please note, only students can log in and report the expected 529 payment with this form. This form is not required to submit payment, but can be used to notify the university of any payment delays. If it is anticipated that a 529 payment will not arrive to the university by the published semester deadline, students should notify Miami University of the arriving funds by completing the 529 College Savings Plan & Trust Form. If you wish to enroll in a payment plan, please check with your 529 Provider to have funds sent directly to the account used for your payment plan account.ĥ29 payments should be requested early to allow for processing and postal mail delivery prior to the published bill due dates. Please note: 529 funds sent directly to the University cannot be used for monthly payment plans. Check with your 529 provider to see if this option is available. Many 529 plans now offer electronic delivery, a faster and more secure alternative to mailed checks. Students may continue to receive reminders of their outstanding bills prior to receipt of the 529 payment. If the 529 Plan funds do not cover the entire balance, the student will be expected to pay the remaining amount due by the published date. The 529 Plan administrator then transfers the requested funds to the University for that term. ![]() To begin this process, the account holder must notify the 529 Plan administrator of the intent to access available funds. Students are encouraged to refer to IRS Publication 970 that provides further guidance on these qualified expenses in addition to eligible book supplies and technology item expenses. ![]() Room and board paid to a landlord (off-campus housing) can qualify up to the amount of the University’s room and board estimates for your cohort. For students attending half time or more, room and board directly paid to the University is a qualified expense. Tuition is a qualified expense for students attending half time or more. Qualified education expenses include tuition and fees, room and board, book supplies, and technology items. Students can use 529 College Savings Plans to pay their tuition for qualified higher education expenses. ![]() ![]() ![]() A customer picks up some to go food from Sweetie Pies owner Robbie Montgomery, center, and Montgomerys son. About Me & I Heart Recipes: Hey there, I'm Rosie - Welcome to my YouTube Cooking. Trial Begins in Killing of Miss Sweetie Pies Grandson. Price to us seemed to be the same price point all thru St Louis for a meal. Today I'm sharing one of my many cabbage recipes. The staff was fun and the time we spent the made our trip have a great memory. WE barely walked away because we were so full. We could not resist trying their cobblers, also a DDD was a sweet hint of heaven. The Mac-n-cheese was cheesey and kick of pepper as said on DDD. The flavor is amazing, unlike other buffet bars where all the food tastes the same, every item we have tasted amazing and had its own flavors. James 'Tim' Norman, one of the stars of the OWN reality series 'Welcome to Sweetie Pies', is facing new charges in an alleged murder-for-hire plot. You are served a slice of fresh corn bread. There was 2 of us and the Chicken was our choice but we both took different sides ( you get 2 sides) I chose mashed potatoes with chicken gravy and mac-n-cheese, my co-worker took sweet potatoes and ochra. The staff keeps people moving in a gracious manner and were very helpful. Welcome to Sweetie Pies Robbie Montgomery was one of the original backup singers for Ike and Tina Turner in the 1960s. Miss Robbie spent her early years singing backup as an Ikette for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue and various other acts, but after a lung. The setting is a mom and pop enviroment, probably was never meant to get a big as they have. Perhaps you’ve caught a glimpse of the 70-something (and drop-dead gorgeous) owner Robbie Montgomery on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network in the hit show with the aforementioned title. Served in a cafeteria type setting, setting area has wonderful feel to it. Commentary on a recent IG Live interview that Charles Crenchaw from the Welcome to Sweetie Pies series participated in with one of his friends. Hill has also pleaded guilty.Was at St Louis for Business and did some research and restaurants to try. He then used a friend to pay $5,000 to the shooter, Travell Anthony Hill, after Hill killed Montgomery. Louis Today, the evidence presented during the trial showed Norman paid $10,000 to Ellis to track his nephew’s location. to the location where he was executed.Įllis has pled guilty and will be sentenced next month Norman is said to have hired two conspirators, one of which is a former exotic dancer named Terica Ellis, who police say lured Montgomery Jr. There’s also speculation that Norman also orchestrated a break-in of his mother’s home and blamed his nephew. Louis-based reality-TV show Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for arranging the. Investigators claim Norman did so to collect on life insurance policies he took out on his nephew that totaled $450k and listed him as the sole beneficiary. ![]() Louis, Missouri, featured on OWN, closed its doors for good after Tim Norman was found. ![]() Jurors found Norman guilty of orchestrating the murder of his 21-year-old nephew, Andre Montgomery. Septemat 4:08 PM 2 min read The world-famous soul food restaurant Sweetie Pie’s in St. The Winter Luxury Heirloom Pie Pumpkin is. A post shared by Robbie Montgomery Norman to serve a potential life sentence for his crime Tokyo Bekana is a lovely Japanese cabbage, much smaller and more tender. ![]() ![]() ![]() ĭoes anyone here have experience weighing base set (shadowless) blister packs? If you want to know for sure, I’d buy it off you and open it. Relatively small sample size, of course, but it leads me to suspect that your pack is heavy. But that would mean that there are heavies out there in the 17.6x range, and I’ve never seen a Dragon pack in that range (and I’ve owned 15 or so). That said, is it possible that there are lights in the 17.5x range? Yes. 2 more than lights, and there were numerous lights in the 17.3x range). Re: the EX Dragon pack – those data points are from me, and indicate that that there should be heavy packs that exist in the 17.5x range (heavies typically weigh. Re: the Holon Phantoms pack – curve doesn’t indicate anything because there’s a reverse holo in each pack, and they have similar curvature as holos. I’d say I was 70% they’re holos but definitely not 100%. Worth noting is that I do not plan to open these just something to note as it makes the packs feel a little extra premium to me. Any assistants on the this will also be helpful. Same with packs in the 17.4 region so am I safe in saying 17.55 is a holo? I’ve also seen someone say that it maybe a different pack Variant with SS and RS if that’s the case they both hit holos of the same weight. I’ve read at points that a holo was pulled on 17.33 and other times not. The other pack is an ex dragon pack weighing in at 17.55. I was wondering if any of you guys or girls have opened or know of any data with packs weighed 17.04? Though next weight variant seems to be 17.30 which is quite a way off and is light so maybe mine is higher end of the other variant. I’ve looked on the spreadsheet and doesn’t appear to be one of this weight weighed. But the weights seem to be all over the place from this set. I have a lot of reasons for it to be a holo it’s slightly warped which from what I gather and help from science suggests it’s a holo. Hi, I have got two packs to discuss on here, one is a EX holon phantoms pack which weighs 17.04. It was a blast, but I am now pretty certain where the light and heavy packs are from these particular long stems. The heavy packs had a holo Ninetails, and a holo Hitmonchan, and the lighter packs had Electrode and Super energy removal. Pulled a reverse rare Fearrow and holo Slowbro from pack one, and reverse diglett and non-holo hypno on pack 2. The first two were 17.55 and 17.56, of which the lighter one had the holo. I have 4 more FireRed LeafGreen heavy packs (17.5+), and I will post results when/if they are opened.Įdit: I opened up two FireRed/LeafGreen packs tonight, and 4 base set long stems. I have pulled a holo out of a long stem team Rocket booster that weighed 20.69 and I have pulled non holos on packs weights at 21.11g. I will post a picture of these pulls below if I can… I also open many long stem WotC boosters and have found them extremely difficult to predict the mid weight packs. I recently opened a Heavy FireRed LeafGreen booster and pulled a secret rare Articuno! The pack weighed very very heavy at 17.84g (!!!) so I was relatively certain it was an ex or error pack. Hey Folks, new here, but not to the hobby- I love your work here on these forums and look forward to contributing at least some of the more interesting things I’ve found. ![]() ![]() ![]() Once we got there, 40 minutes later, they told everyone where the restrooms were so there was a long line at the restrooms (understandable). And, I'm pregnant so this made me very angry. I could feel myself going in and out of consciousness. I literally nearly passed out from the heat. Well, once we crammed everyone on the bus and started heading down the highway, we quickly learned that the air conditioning on the bus was not working and there was no way to put down any windows. There weren't enough seats for all of the passengers. It went all wrong from the very beginning and didn't get better until we arrived at the airport. We went on this trip as part of an excursion with a cruise ship company which gave us something to do before heading to the airport for our flight. Some might call this place a tourist trap, but it at least is not the worst one in the Everglades. I enjoyed seeing the variety of different crocodilians on display, instead of just the American varieties. The presenter stated that they don't wrestle them like most attractions as it puts them under stress. This show at least involved 4 grown gators. The Alligator show wasn't as bad as the one at the Everglades Alligator farm which only involved a guy in a t-shirt dragging around and wrestling 1 gator. A positive was that all who boarded the airboat were provided with complimentary ear plugs, which is not the norm everywhere. Guests were also asked to provide a $5.00 "donation" to hold the baby alligator after the alligator show. There were signs posted throughout the interior of the boat which stated that the guide works for tips, which I felt was tacky. I almost felt like taking over the tour and pointing them out to the rest of the tourists on the boat so they wouldn't be bored. I personally spotted other wildlife on the airboat ride that the guide missed and didn't point out such as a great egret, turkey vulture, baby alligator, swallowtail butterfly, yellow bellied slider turtles, etc. Oh really, all the mammals and birds too? I am very aware that wildlife in the Everglades comes and goes as it pleases, but I felt insulted to be told this excuse. I found the airboat ride enjoyable, though there were a few negatives: it rained during the boat ride (not the guide's fault) and the whole tour the guide only located and pointed out 1 animal, an alligator (and that one was right by the dock waiting for a handout) The guide stated that due to the heat most of the wildlife was underwater. Within seconds of getting our tickets, we were already being lined up to board an airboat, which is followed by an "alligator Show", baby alligator photo opportunity, and a stroll around the boardwalk area at your leisure. It is run basically like an assembly line. It was better than the Everglades Alligator Farm or Gator Park, but I don't know if that says much. Everglades Safari Park is one of the few attractions in South Florida I had never visited, so I was eager to check it out. ![]() ![]() This place has tried to pander to our every whim. If you can think of a dish, then there’s probably a swanky eatery to cater for it. What more could you need after 24 hour a day gaming?Īnd, for those hungry roulette lovers you’re spoilt for choice with a dizzying 15 eateries where you can join a smart buffet or eat all the Italian food you could dream of in Sinatra’s, or go local with New England’s mouth-watering seafood at The Oyster Bar. Or if you want to sweat your way back to winning form there’s even a fitness centre. Now if you’re exhausted by the grandeur and gaming, then fear not, prepare for an oversized dose of tranquillity at the world –class spa. As with many new slots, these games are coinless.Īnd of course, as with most American casinos, there’s a super scale poker room bursting with plenty of action and 88 tables. Slot enthusiasts will be excited to learn that this newly opened casino has upward of 3,011 electronic games to sate their slot appetite. The slot hall is located in a lavish room with tall embossed ceilings and a carpet that is on the unforgettably loud scale. There are also high limit rooms if you want to take your spending and winning sky high.įor those who love a touch of slot play, or simply want a taste of something new, prepare yourself for a royal spoiling. If you’re amongst those lucky gamblers who roll high and like to try their luck in more private surroundings, then there are six smart private gaming rooms. Tables are set amongst giant TV screens which broadcast live sporting events and more to keep you gaming and relaxing in equal measure. Roulette “en plein” never felt so luxurious. The Encore Boston Harbour has gone the whole hog and located table games on a fancy terrace that takes in the Mystic River. ![]() Other distractions for your gaming pleasure include craps, blackjack and baccarat.īut why play roulette in a first class gaming salon when you can take your gaming alfresco? Here amongst fancy furnishing you can make yourself at home to play on the impressive 144 table games including the king of them all, roulette. ![]() Table game lovers will find themselves ensconced in a glamourous table games salon located upstairs from the fantasy- land slot hall. You can take a break from the all too alluring gaming to recoup your energy at the massive hotel, a part of the complex. This place isn’t on the small size with gambling taking place on the 210,000 square feet of pure casino heaven. It’s hard to miss the shimmering bronze building which thrusts through the Boston skyline from a former industrial zone overlooking Boston’s famed Mystic River, part of the charming River Charles. Unsurprisingly the Encore has a perfect setting, some seriously glitzy looks, a solid gambling offer to spoil you with- and that’s before we even start on the eateries……. And it should be – this casino hotel development is rumoured to have cost $2.6 billion to build. The Encore Boston is a new gem in the Wynn Group of Casino’s already heavy crown of establishments. ![]() ![]() ![]() The 1500 SF cabin is a superb place for a weekend get-a-way, with a garage below and compact living space above. White and other lighter colors also better reflect light throughout the room, making the space. Painting your guest bedroom walls white will keep the room from looking boxed in or too busy, effectively making it look bigger in the process. Even Matt Rife said that people should not be paying that much for tickets. The Mazama Cabin is located at the end of a beautiful meadow in the Methow Valley, on the east slope of the North Cascades Mountains in Washington state. The color white, for example, is an expansive choice that is often practical for most small bedroom décor. 1,499 at West Elm Best Twin Birch Lane Wittrock Sleeper 1,394 at Birch Lane Most Popular Hashtag Home Warwick Velvet Flared Arm 376 at Wayfair So if you plan on hosting a few houseguests this. Kitchen, Nook, Office/Study, Laundry Area, Powder Room, Master Bedroom, Guest Bedroom. A lot of these websites are not legit, so make sure to be careful if you really want to get yourself to the show. (Circle one) Internet,, Referral, Other If other. Now, tickets are going for upwards of $2,000 on resale sites. There was no way I was going to get in and get out with those tickets. Entertaining is a breeze with the open kitchen, dining and great room, as well as on the screen porch with fireplace, cathedral ceiling and grill. At almost 3500 square feet, this home is stunning inside and out. All those items have to stay, and would like some added storage with a bookshelf or wall shelving. I also have a Murphy bed, plus our Exercise Bike. I’m having a hard time decorating my office as a combo guest room. It is all about creating a stylish, ergonomic and carefully curated environment where both settings feel perfectly at home. I hopped into the queue as soon as the clock hit 10:00 AM and I was the 7,442 person in line. Stone, shake, multiple metal roofs and gables all combine for a truly unique exterior. Combination Room: Office, Guest, Workout Room. The guest room-office combo is not just about putting a desk and bed together in a single space. Browse through some stylish guest room designs from Livspace to spark some inspiration for your next home renovation project or for your new home. The Paramount Theater in Cedar Rapids has approximately 1,690 seats and with two shows there would probably be around 3,380 total tickets. Your guest room is an extension of your hospitality and should be thoughtfully designed to make all your guests feel welcome and at home. Several days later, the general on sale lasted maybe 45 minutes. The Paramount Theater confirmed the next day that once the general on sale time came, that there would be a very limited number of tickets available for purchase AND there would be a four ticket limit per person. At approximately 5:10 PM, just over two hours later, I reached the front of the line only to find out that the presale tickets for both of the Cedar Rapids shows were sold out. ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts about playtime and achievements will be removed. Quality of the post will be determined by moderator discretion. ![]() This means a post with one sentence in the body is not acceptable. Giveaways are allowed but must follow the rules defined here.saying that you have an extra copy of the game). Do not bait people into asking for a copy of the game (e.g.Do not offer to trade for a copy of the game.This does not apply to in-game items! It only applies to items of real world monetary value.No begging, trading, or baiting for copies of the game. Detailed post about things that might be included in a future patch)ħ. Moderator discretion will be used to determine if there are any legitimately high-effort exceptions to this rule (i.e. If you cannot properly source a creation, you must still indicate that it is not your own. Reposting is acceptable, but you must provide proper attribution to the original artist, for instance by linking to the original or mentioning the user in a comment. Please make every effort to find the original author of a work, such as by reverse image searching. Sharing of your own content is allowed, but it must follow the reddit self-promotion rules.Īll builds/art/memes/etc.Refer to this page for more details, including how to use the flair system for posts.Do not include spoilers in the post title.Any posts which contain spoilers must use the “spoiler” flair.Rule applies to all of the content which was added in the latest update for the first 7 days.do not use FULLY CAPITALISED WORDS).ĭepending upon the severity of the offense a warning or instant ban may be given. Posts about controversial or political subject matterįollow the Reddiquette when posting and commenting (e.g.Explicit content, anything which is deemed NSFW will be removed.Personal attacks, harassment and threats.Homophobia, sexism, racism or any other derogatory language.Doxing (releasing personal information).This is an English speaking community, all non-English posts and comments will be removed.Pictures of real-life things or things from other games that resemble things found in Terraria are subject to moderator discretion ![]() ![]() ![]() Let's say you're feeling totally overwhelmed by a big research project at school. (Okay, we lied about the gum, but not the advice stuff.) Like a peaceful old granddad, it will give you some helpful advice and maybe a stick of gum before it sends you on your way. The TTC isn't going to judge you for that. No worries if you have zero interest in becoming a Taoist. We figure the thing that's given the TTC so much staying power is that there's a little something in it for everybody. You might not totally dig what it does, but you have to admire the way it just won't quit. The Tao Te Ching is kind of like Madonna. We figure if something has this kind of staying power, there must be something to it. Why should you care about the Tao Te Ching? Well, if the fact that this book has touched the lives of billions of people for thousands of years doesn't pique your interest, we're not quite sure what will. What is Tao Te Ching About and Why Should I Care? After all, the book is all about being humble and selfless, so why give a flip about which individual person originally put these ideas to paper? In a way, wouldn't be more Taoist if the great book of everything and nothing came from everyone and no one at the same time? (To which we again say." Whoa.") The thing is, though, that to a lot of Taoists, whether or not Lao Tzu wrote the TTC really doesn't matter. (We're guessing modern scholars are also suspicious of the whole guy-on-a-buffalo part.) Maybe a guy named Lao Tzu was one of them, maybe not. They figure the Tao Te Ching was probably put together over many years by a bunch of different people. These days, Western scholars especially doubt if there ever really was a Lao Tzu (party poopers). Lao Tzu said, "You got it, buddy," scribbled the TTC in no time flat, and then rode out of China forever on a water buffalo. ![]() Anyway, one day Lao Tzu was passing through a gate, and a guard begged him to write down everything he knew about the Tao. To him, the TTC was kind of a Taoism for Dummies, a condensed rundown of centuries of Taoist thought. ![]() That's right, Lao Tzu never claimed to have come up with this stuff. The most popular story is that Lao Tzu was a scribe/librarian for a king, so he had access to the knowledge of all the Tao masters that came before him. There's a ton of debate about when he lived and if he actually did, but he's a major figure either way. we know you're dying to ask, "Who came up with this stuff?" Well, legend has it that the Tao Te Ching was written by a wise old guy named Lao Tzu (or Laozi). To the TTC, the ultimate goal is to find simple oneness with the Tao by doing so, we'll discover enlightenment and lead fully realized lives. The Tao crosses off its universal to-do list without effort, so we should do stuff with the same kind of "unattached action" (a way of being and doing called wu wei). For example, the Tao doesn't go around bragging about how awesome it is, so we ought to be just as humble. The Tao Te Ching takes all its life-lessons from the Tao itself. ![]() Not only is it everything that exists, it's everything that doesn't exist too-to which we can only say, " Whoa." Usually translated as the "Way," the Tao is the mysterious, unnamable process through which everything in the Universe happens. The Tao Te Ching is all about the Tao, which is basically the great big flow of everything. So what gives? What's this book got going on that's kept the world a-buzzin' for so long? The TTC is actually the second-most translated book after the Bible, which is no small potatoes. On top of that, it's influenced folks from every other religion and philosophy out there: Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and even Christianity. For one, it's the "bible" of the two main branches of Taoism: the religious branch (which digs deities) and the philosophical branch (which leaves the gods out of it). The worldwide influence of these eighty-one short chapters can't be shortchanged. The Tao Te Ching (or Dao De Jing) has been blowing minds and changing lives for over 2,500 years. Are you ready for a heapin' helpin' of ancient Chinese wisdom? You couldn't have come to a better text, Shmooper. ![]() |
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