Florida, North Carolina, Nigeria, Tunisia, Mexico, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Poland and Austria are among the places that have experienced flooding in the last month.

It's not a local issue. If you live in a potential flood zone, consider all your options, and prepare a go bag.

The thing about Orcs occupying former Elven fortresses is that Orcs are predominantly left-handed. This puts them at a disadvantage when defending: staircases, doors, and built-in furnishings were designed to free up the right hand of defenders, while obstructing the right side of attackers.

This is partly why Sam could so successfully storm Cirith Ungol. Having your dominant hand against the wall on a staircase is a huge impediment.

[File this under "shit Dan made up"]

The "floods" page of Wikipedia is scary AF, particularly for it's extensive spawn of floods with their own articles.

2021 floods has it's own disambiguation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floods_of_2021

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Puzzle #479
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Of all the horrific videos, photos, and stories coming out of Appalachia this week; the video(s) of Lake Lure are, for me, by far the most disturbing.

Peaceful, pleasant holiday lake, now a clogged trash pile. There's more than just splintered lumber and other items in there: there are bodies, both killed in the flood and floated up from graveyards; livestock and pets; and chemicals, sewage, and rotting foodstuffs.

How TF do you clean that up? Nightmare fuel.

I'm flattered that Ad Astra wants me to invest, but I'm uncertain what exactly is involved:

The convergence of thrifty and occasional drinks means I have handles of 4 different alcohols available: vodka, rum, whiskey, and tequila.
My younger self is pumping fists triumphantly. I'm wondering how many years I've got stocked.

Anyone else feel guilty for noticing the destruction in coal-mining areas from extreme weather driven by climate change? Schadenfreude.

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Puzzle #476
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@Alfred What are the permutations or equivalent ways of expressing E=M/C²?

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Puzzle #475
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Ok, she's complaining about how stupid the show is. Probably not going to be a routine view.

Whew!

Omg. My wife is watching "Dr. Odyssey", and I can hear the pitch meeting:

"It's 'The Love Boat' and 'ER', TOGETHER!"

Ugh. I can feel my brain shriveling.

This is very cool. Nerdy AF, but cool. Everyone hear of a "Thayer Tool"?

https://youtu.be/eid8viGnaSM

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Puzzle #474
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My favorite Maggie Smith role is Constance, Countess of Trentham in Gosford Park.

The movie inspired Downton, and Dame Maggie is a standout in the powerful ensemble cast.

She's always great, but Gosford Park is fantastic.

As recommended by Ru Paul on The Late Show: Rick Astley, "Take Me to Your Heart"
#CoSoMusic

https://youtu.be/eYuUAGXN0KM

Interesting.
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Puzzle #473
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@Alfred how can HPV be transmitted?