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An evaluation of the Insanity Workout

Regular workouts are one of the greatest lifestyle improvements for any health-conscioius person to adopt. Although not each workout line up is the same, obviously enough. We may be making a considerable oversight if we concluded that working out more time is even healthier for fitness than working out a little, though it’s true that any exercise is better than a total lack. Actually the two most significant aspects are your exercise intensity and the sort of workout you execute. If you’re looking for a best-selling workout online, the Insanity Workout DVD has attracted a bunch of attention.

The Insanity Workout was made as a result of Shaun T. Shaun T is previously a well-liked character in the web based fitness world. He launched the Hip Hop Abs and Rockin Body workouts. Shaun T. is famous not online as well. Folks such as Mariah Carey, Val Kilmer, and even the Elephant Man took dance and fitness lessons from Shaun T. His enterprise clients comprises Marc Jacobs, the LA Lakers, and Nike, amid other well-known businesses. You would not be exaggerating if you thought he’s competent as well as skilled.

Max Interval Training is the name of the workout line up given on the Insanity Workout DVD. The simple line of attack is for you to act upon maximum-length intervals at the maximum intensity with only short-lived rest periods in between. Conventional interval work is not at all the same because it includes only short periods of near-maximum intensity and much more time spent on moderate intensity exercise. This will help you perform precisely as much exercise as you are capable of doing. Every exercise involves cardio workouts, sports training, and plyometrics. You cycle amid these activities as regularly as you can for the duration of your workout and let yourself take a few minutes to take it easy between each cycle.

Evaluations of this workout are tremendously confident. Masses of these confirmed surveys even appear to be by people who are not affiliates of the course, so that’s a good sign. Quite a few constructive assesments show up in a simple Google search, so it’s not merely the interpretation you’ll locate on the sales site that look good. This encouraging response can be explained because many persons find that when subjected to this ultra-intense workout regime their bodies really do thrive. You’ll discover a number of exceptionally intense workout plans near the top of the best-seller list. Be watchful that you don’t just look at affiliate sales sites when you research for truthful reviews of this exercise DVD, because they may not be unbiased.

The Insanity Workout DVD is pricey. It costs more than a hundred dollars and that can feel like quite a huge amount of funds to be spending, especially since you can buy workouts for far less in other places. You do get a pretty good value, though, because there are bonus materials in addition to the main course. There is also a thirty day money back guarantee which will help us have faith in this program.

In summary, this accepted training plan has a few minuses and many pluses. You may not be athletic enough to spring into this workout with both feet right away, so be sure to take that into account.

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What Causes Kidney Stones?

One of the most common health problems in the modern world is kidney stones. Calcium stones are the most prevalent variety of kidney stones, but there are others as well. If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney stones, you can try to determine what caused them, and the follow are some of the possible causes. While not every case has an obvious cause, there are some factors that often can be pinpointed, which can help you avoid kidney stones in the future.

Lack of exercise can be a contributing element in kidney stones, as well as poor health in general. Being too sedentary can reduce how effectively your kidneys do their job of detoxifying your body. Another factor that can cause kidney stones is being overweight, and not exercising also makes this more likely. Exercise, then, is one way to avoid kidney stones, or to get rid of them faster if you already have them. Of course, if you have a severe case right now, you should find out from your doctor when it’s safe to start exercising and what you’re able to do.

Not taking in enough water is one of the of the major factors in developing kidney stones. The most common mindset is to drink at least eight glasses of water each day but that is just a minimum. There are all sorts of things that can cause your body to be dehydrated like eating too many salty foods, drinking lots of alcohol or caffeinated beverages or failing to take in enough water when you exercise. If you don’t get enough water into your body, your kidneys will become too acidic and that will make kidney stones start to form inside of the kidneys. Whether you have this problem now or want to prevent it in the future, make sure you drink plenty of water every day, especially when you’re active.

Consuming large amounts of alcohol can be a risk factor for kidney stones. Dehydration is often a cause of kidney stones, and heavy drinking can lead to this. Consuming alcohol moderately, though, may actually be beneficial when it comes to preventing kidney stones, as well as other disorders such as high blood pressure. This isn’t really a paradox, as research indicates that alcohol has benefits up to a certain point but is harmful when people overindulge. Recent research shows that alcohol has a variety of benefits, but only when taken in moderation. You also have to take into consideration your own weight and tolerance to determine what amounts are safe for you.

This article has talked about a few of the causes and risk factors that lead to the development of kidney stones but there are lots of others too. If you suffer from this condition, your doctor can help you figure out the exact cause, how to control it and how to keep it from coming back. In some cases, if you know a certain type of food, action or medication is the cause, it’s not very difficult to stay away from it.

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The Right Cape Town Accommodation To Suit Your Budget

Cape Town isn’t only the largest city in South Africa (by area) and also the No.1 international tourist destination on the continent but very likely one of the most beautiful cities in all the world. It is a verdant, lively, cosmopolitan city with a number of the world’s finest beaches and the spectacular beauty of Table Mountain Nature Reserve emerging from its very centre. If you have never visited Africa, there are few better introductions than Cape Town.

## I know next to nothing about Cape Town but I’ve always dreamt of seeing Africa. What’s Cape Town’s history?

Known to early explorers such as Vasco da Gama as early as the fifteenth century, Cape Town started out as a supply depot for the Dutch East India Company in the seventeenth century and was the first permanent European settlement in all of South Africa. It changed hands numerous times during the Napoleonic Wars and was eventually ceded to the British in the Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1814. Cape Town was made the legislative capital of the Union of South Africa in 1910 and then the Republic of South Africa when South Africa was granted independence from the UK in 1931. It is one of three South African capitals; Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Executive) & Bloemfontein (Judicial)

## I think of Africa as being very hot. What’s the climate like in Cape Town?

In reality the climate in Cape Town is fairly temperate. During the summer months (which is to say January to March) the average temperatures are between 15 and 26 degrees Celsius. The South African summers are quite dry with over 60% of annual precipitation falling between May and August. It is worth pointing out that Cape Town lies farther to the south than every major Canadian cities lie to the North.

## How easy is it to get there?

Cape Town International Airport is the third busiest on the continent with many international routes to major cities including London (via Heathrow), Istanbul, Amserdam, Buenos Aires and Singapore to name but a few. Cape Town is also a major cruise ship destination.

## What about accommodations?

Well, Cape Town, being a major tourist destination has a wide variety of options from which to choose. If you’re looking for Cape Town accommodation there are obviously a full range of hotels and resorts to suit almost any budget. There are also many fine holiday apartments in Cape Town and self catering cottages for rent if you’re planning a longer stay in the city and are searching for something less generic.

Most likely the best way to secure the ideal Cape Town accommodation nowadays is on the internet. There are several good Cape Town sites catering to the tourist trade and you may well be able to secure a beautiful apartment, villa, guest house or lodge. Google “Cape Town accommodation” and start planning your trip today.

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Things To Do In Knoydart (Scotland)

Knoydart in Scotland is a destination that many find to be an attractive choice. There are a lot of different things that you can do there. If you are getting ready to take a vacation to this area, then you will need to find out what there is to do. The good news is that there are many options for you. In fact, there are so many that you may not have time for everything. Plan your trip in advance so that you will be able to do the things that interest you the most.

Many people really enjoy the wildlife in Knoydart. By touring the wilderness you are able to capture amazing pictures of the deer and other wildlife in their prime habitat. There are even some great tour groups and guides that will ensure that you visit the most spectacular areas. There are many different scenic routes that you will be able to take. Some of the pictures you will be able to capture will be breathtaking.

Some people may want to take some of the nature trails. There are a lot of trails within this area that will take you through the wilderness where you will see a lot of different birds and other animals. You can either take a guided walk, or choose to guide yourself. How far you choose to venture on the trail will be up to you. Decide if you are ready for an adventure. There are also some great mountain bike trails that you may enjoy. If you have a passion for biking, then this is the perfect getaway for you. Whether you are a seasoned biker, or a newbie- you are sure to find a trail that you can enjoy.

Knoydart takes a lot of pride in their wildlife and beaches. There are a lot of different groups that will hold volunteer days so that their tourists can help with cleaning up beaches and other areas. This may be something that will interest you as well. It is especially fun for those that love wildlife conservation.

As you can see, there is really something for everyone to do when visiting Knoydart in Scotland. When you are planning your agenda, keep these things in mind. You are sure to have a great visit and will soon plan your next vacation. The activities and the sightseeing will have you coming back time and time again.

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Ulama – the Mesoamerican Ball Game

Played for thousands of years, the Mesoamerican ballgame was first introduced by the pre-Columbian peoples of Mesoamerica and has been played since at least 1000 B.C. The sport had many reiterations over the ages and was played in many different regions. The modern version of the ballgame is called Ulama.

Ancient ball courts have been discovered across Mesoamerica and have a wide range of sizes and styles. These courts have been found from Nicaragua to Arizona. The one commonality that all the courts share is that they all have long narrow alleys with side-walls against which the balls could bounce.Large ball courts have been found at Copan, Uxmal, Xochicalco, Monte Alban, Toluquilla and at the Chichen Itza sites.

While the actual rules of the game are unknown, the basic premise was similar to some modern ball games. The object was to keep the ball in play, by bouncing the ball off various parts of the body. There was a later addition of stone rings that were placed high on the walls through which the ball could pass in order to score points.

Typically, players struck the ball with their hips, although some versions allowed the use of forearms, rackets, bats, or hand-stones. The ball was made of solid rubber and weighed up to 4 kg (9 lbs) or more. The size of the ball differed greatly over time or according to the different versions played.

It is believed that the ballgame had very strong ritualistic aspects, Popular belief is that competing teams from other cities or regions would engage in ceremonial matches. The captain or leader of the losing team could be decapitated and have their head placed on a spike as an offering to the gods. The game was also part of the everyday culture of Mesoamerica and was enjoyed by women and children.

The origins of the game come from the Popol Vuh (“Book of the People”). The Popol Vuh’s prominent features are its creation myth, its diluvian suggestion, its genealogies and its epic tales of the Hero Twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque.

In one version, the Hero Twins find the ballgame equipment in their father’s house and begin playing, but annoy the Lords of Xibalba. The twins are summoned to play the ballgame amidst trials and dangers. In a notable version, Hunahpu is decapitated by bats and his brother must use a squash as Hunahpu’s substitute head until his real one, now used as a ball by the Lords, can be retrieved and placed back on Hunahpu’s shoulders.

While some scholars debate the origins of the game or the significance it has played in the Mesoamerican cultures, all agree that it is the oldest recorded sporting event and that its influence can be seen in even today in all modern ball games.

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Crystal Cave of Giants in Mexico

Hidden deep beneath the surface of the Earth is one of the greatest natural marvels on the planet: a giant crystal cave with megalithic crystals. Dubbed as the “Sistine Chapel” of crystals this Naica Mine of Chihuahua, Mexico, is a working mine that is known for its extraordinary crystals. This cave contains some of the largest natural crystals ever found: translucent gypsum beams measuring up to 50 feet long, 5 feet in diameter and weighing up to 55 tons.

The Naica mine was first discovered in 1794 south of Chihuahua City by early prospectors that struck a vein of silver at the base of the Naica hills. In the language of the indigenous Tarahumara natives, “nacia” means “a shady place”. From that discovery, until around 1900, the primary interest was silver and gold. Around 1900 large-scale mining began as zinc and lead became more valuable. The mine carries a huge repository of lead, zinc, and silver where gigantic voids in the earth were discovered containing gargantuan crystals of gypsum; the same common mineral used in drywall.

Naica is one of the most productive lead mines in the world, and a huge supplier of the world’s silver. In 2000, two miners found the cave more than 1,000 feet below the town of Naica in Mexico’s mineral-rich Chihuahuan desert. The miner’s light illuminated a cavern the size of a football field filled with the largest natural crystals in the world.

It is speculated that the crystals developed to such gigantic proportions due to being submerged in a narrow chamber filled with the abundant mineral anhydrite and staying at a prolonged temperature around 136 F. The giant crystals found in the caves at Naica were discovered to be softer than a human fingernail. The largest crystal found at Naica is 500,000 years old.

But this cave of giant crystals is deadly as well. The temperatures of this scorching cavern could kill humans in less than 15 minutes of exposure. The Naica cave’s deadly heat comes from the depths of the Earth. Naica sits on a set of fault lines. A magma chamber a mile and a half down heats the water flowing through the mountain.

The fragile, icy-looking selenite crystals belie the cave’s deadly heat. Temperatures in the tunnels can hover at around 95F. Within a few steps from the tunnel to the opening of the Naica principle cave “Cueva de Los Cristales” the temperature rise to 113F and 100% humidity.

At over 150 degrees with 100-percent humidity, it is impossible for humans to survive more than a few minutes. When temperatures rise above 113 degrees, the body tries to shed heat. But in 100-percent humidity, sweat cannot evaporate. The heat is trapped inside the body. Within five minutes, cells start to die. One after the other, organs fail and death becomes imminent.

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Legends of Mexico – Part 4

El Callejon Del Beso (The Alley of the Kiss)

Ana was a beautiful young maiden; virtuous and pure as an angel. Carlos was a young man of the best moral character, hard-working, honest and handsome.

One fateful evening, as Carols was returning from work he happened upon Ana standing on her balcony radiantly bathed in the light of the full moon. Carlos was awe stuck and as soon as their eyes met they became enamored with each other.

From that night on Carlos would pass by Ana’s balcony every evening after his job was completed. Ana would wait for Carlos on her balcony in a beautiful manila dress that her father gave to her. She looked as beautiful as Don Quixote’s Dulcinea. Every night when Carlos passed by her house she would give him a beautiful smile and a loving look in her eyes.

As the weeks passed, Carlos mustered his courage enough to greet her and expressed his desire to court her. Ana accepted him with a gentle smile. They began their courtship honorably. They shyly and politely exchanged promises of love to each other. Soon Carlos asked Ana to marry him.

Carlos and Ana went Ana’s parents to ask for their blessing. Ana’s mother, Madame Matilde, was a virtuous and dignified mother that had accepted the relationship between Ana and Carlos and gave them her blessing. But Ana’s father did not approve. He had already promised his daughter to a rich noble who worked with the Spanish military.

Being an honorable woman, Matilde did not wish to disobey her husband’s wishes, so she decided to tell to her husband about the romantic meetings between Ana and Carlos from Ana’s balcony.

Soon after, Ana’s father saw the two lovers talking and strongly forbade Carlos and Ana from seeing or speaking to his daughter. Ana was told that if she spoke or even looked at Carlos again, she to be sent to a convent.

Heartbroken and angered, neither Ana nor Carlos accepted the marriage that Ana’s father had arranged with the Spaniard. Carlos and Ana continued to see each other without his approval. So Carlos rented a room in the house next door which had a balcony so they could continue to could talk without being seen. It was from their balconies that they transpired to escape and find happiness together. As the weeks passed, the two continued hiding their courtship from the sun and Ana’s parents. They only looked at each other in the moonlight from their balconies while Ana’s father slept.

One night Ana’s father woke up to see the two whispering to each other. In a blind fury, he took a knife from his bureau and went to the balcony of his daughter and buried the knife deep into her chest. Ana’s body fell to the alley below. In agony and despair, Carlos ran to her and held her nearly lifeless body.

Carlos took his lover’s pale white hand and two bitter tears fell. Ana died in her lover’s arms in the white moonlight. With a long passionate kiss, Carlos said good bye to his eternal love; Ana who died in the Alley of the Kiss, and was never seen again.

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Vacation Adventures – The Dominican Republic

For those who are into extreme sports, enjoy nature or just like to challenge themselves physically and live in a location with a regular winter (snow, dropping temperatures and “cabin fever” are all synonymous with wintertime in many north American climates), the months between November and April can be stifling. Day after day of bitter cold, having to wear multiple layers of clothing just to leave the house.. it can really wear on one’s resolve. And unless you’re inclined to winter sports like skiing, skating or snowboarding, it’s almost like having to endure a prison sentence to be denied access to the beloved outdoors for weeks and months on end. No biking. No hiking. No golfing. No swimming. You get the picture.

So, what’s the solution? There may be some indoor facilities near you that can accommodate some of your favorite outdoor activities in the winter – but without seeing actual blue sky and feeling a warm breeze, it’ll only ever be a temporary substitute for your beloved outdoors. Next possible solution? Winter vacation. Some place warm, sunny, tropical -and- with all of your favorite outdoor past times at your immediate disposal. Sounds too good to be true? No, not at all. The place you’re looking for is the Dominican Republic.

Barvaro and Punta Cana are the two most popular locations on the island, and with good reason. Their perfect beaches beckon with enticing white sand, a calm warm breeze and clear blue water lapping the shore. But you aren’t going to want to lay around in the sun doing nothing once you get up to speed on what the island has to offer.

There are numerous water related sports and activities to keep you occupied – like snorkeling? You can do that. Diving and marine life exploration? Got that too. Para-sailing, jet-skiing, you can do all of it if you choose. Some more traditional sports activities, such as golf, soccer, horse riding and baseball are also available, all can be experienced with a breathtaking tropical backdrop around you.

Some great adventures can be had in Punta Cana – Mountain biking only became widely recognized in the Dominican Republic about 15 years ago, and in that time it has become a fantastic location for the extreme biking enthusiast. There is plenty of variety too, you can choose an informative tour of the countryside or opt for the single track adventure tours available in one of the country’s national parks, and just about everything in between.

If you prefer your thrills and spills out on the water, there are class II and class IV rapids to traverse via the Rio Yaque del Norte River. There are numerous stops along the journey through the Dominican Alps to stop and swim and cliff dive. This type of activity is for people with a firm swimming background.

There are also cave and waterfall tours (“cascading tours”) to embark on. Some of the trips allow for cliff diving and swimming, others offer rappelling with ropes and opportunity to traverse a waterfall from above. Cave trips are based on the Cave of Wonders, a remarkable local attraction that functions as a natural museum of ancient art related to the Antilles region, all located at a depth of 25 meters underground.

By land or by sea, the Dominican Republic has much to offer for the adrenaline junkie looking to escape the dead of winter. Adventures of all stripes, and umbrella drinks, await you in Punta Cana! Put away your snow shovel and parka and start planning your escape now.

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Legends of Mexico – Part 3

Two Gods become Moon and Sun

In time immemorial, there were four suns for the each of the epochs of man. Each one was created and destroyed before the present epoch of man.After the destruction of the fourth sun, the gods were only voices in an unending darkness, devoid of light with no sun or moon.

After many years of living in darkness the great gods came together in the place called Teotihuacan. They asked of the other gods: “Who will give light unto the world?” The god Tecuciztecatl responded to the call and said: “I shall give the light unto the world.”

But when the gods asked: “Who shall be the other to give light?” none answered the call of the gods. The gods were fearful and afraid to offer themselves to be the second light. But then there was a quiet god called Nanahuatzin; one who did not speak but who listened. The frightened gods asked of him: “Be the one that will bring light to the dark” and he obeyed.

Tecuciztecatl & Nanahuatzin prepared for their anointed sacrifice by placing themselves in penance for four days. They built a fire in a rock which was named Teotexcalli. The two gods made offerings with objects of beauty and in order to prepare themselves for their sacrifice of bringing light to the world.

Tecuciztecatl who was handsome and vain prepared himself by dressing in jewel-encrusted robes and by making offerings of remarkable treasures such as quetzal feathers, coral incense and gold balls.

Nanahuatzin was a humble, unassuming god who was homely, having been disfigured by severe skin afflictions throughout his life. Nanahuatzin, offered green sugar canes tied three-by-three and all together they were nine. He offered hay balls and maguey thorns. Instead of copal, he offered scabs and used cactus thorns to offer his own blood. Two pyramids of the Sun and of the Moon were built in their honor and they continued making paying their penance there.

On the fourth day of their penance, the two discarded their gifts and when midnight arrived all the gods gathered together at Teotexcalli, which had been burning for four days.When the time for their sacrifice came, Tecuciztecatl rushed to throw himself into the flames first, but suddenly reeled away in panic and fear once he felt the full heat of the flames.

After Tecuciztecatl tried four times to summon his courage to jump in to the flames and could not, Nanahuatzin stepped forward and without hesitation, strode straight into the flames. Just as the other gods were amazed by Nanahuatzin’s wondrous courage, so was Tecuciztecatl shamed by it and it was this shame that, at last, gave him the resolve to throw himself into to the flames as well.

Sometime later, the darkness gave way to light of dawn. The gods waited to see where the light Nanahuatzin would rise. Some thought from the north, others thought that he would rise at midday. The gods thought he could rise from everywhere because there was light everywhere.

The god Quetzalcoatl, the god of the wind, and Ttec who was the lord of the coast lands and the red Tezcatlipoca looked at the east and said: “Here, the sun will rise from this part” and so it did. When the sun rose it was red but none could see it as it was very bright. Then the moon appeared from the same part of the sky and they rose in the same order they entered the fire. Then the gods said: “It is not possible that both have the same intensity”. So the gods decided to. One of the gods then smote the face of Tecuciztecatl’s with a rabbit. Tecuciztecatl lose his glorious brilliance and his face forever had the shape of the rabbit upon it. This is why even today the moon is called “Conejo en la Luna,” or “the Rabbit in the Moon.”

When Tecuciztecatl and Nanahuatzin left the orbs of fire, they orbs did not move. It was determined that the two gods must die to make them move. After the gods died, the wind started to blow and moved the sun so that it lights during the day and the moon rises in the night.

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Legends of Mexico – Part 2

Don Juan Manuel

Don Juan Manuel was a very wealthy nobleman. He married the love of his life; a beautiful young woman. After many years of trying to have children Manuel became saddened and distressed, for he could not have any children. Thinking that he was being punished for his sins, he chooses to become a holy man, hoping that the lord may still grant him children. He asked his nephew to come to him from Spain to handle his estate while he was on a sabbatical.

But Don Juan Manuel was convinced his wife was being unfaithful and became filled with hatred and loathing, feeling that God has forsaken him. Then the devil came to Don Juan Manuel and said that he would gain solace by killing his estranged wife’s lover. The devil then told him to kill the first man he saw on the street at eleven, and he would kill his wife’s lover. So Don Juan would roam the streets. He would come to men and ask them: “What time is it?” To which they would answer, “Eleven o’clock.” As he delivered his fatal blow he replied: “Lucky is he who knows the time of his death!”

Then one fateful night, the victim was his own beloved nephew from Spain. As penance and in order to be forgiven by God, Don Juan Manuel to pray every night. But one morning his Don Juan Manuel’s body was found hanging from a tree. Some believe angels hanged him; others say it was the devil.

La Calle de la Quemada (Burned Woman Street)

Doa Beatriz was the most beautiful woman in the village and for many miles around. She easily charmed and had her choice of any man. Many suitors came to her and pleaded for her to become their wife. Many men she declined; she felt no love for any of them.

Then one fateful day she met an Italian man named Martin Scipoli, who she fell deeply in love with. Scipoli was an extremely jealous lover and constantly fought against all those who he thought wanted to take his woman.

Fearing that Scipoli only loved her beauty, Doa Beatriz decided to test his love. She covered her eyes with a wet handkerchief and buried her face into red hot coals until her beautiful face was burned and disfigured. When Don Martin saw her he did not recoil from her. Instead of expressing disgust over her disfigured face, asked her to marry him.

Don Martin continued loving her and she loved him very deeply. Neither one of them ever feared for the others love ever again. After they died, the street where they lived came to be called “La Calle de la Quemada” or the Street of the Burned Woman.

The Basilica de Guadalupe ghost

Many people visiting the new Basilica of Guadalupe at night and the homeless who sleep on the stairs tell frightful tales of an iridescent woman that drifts across the courtyard from the old basilica. She holds aloft a candle in front of her that does not blow out in the wind or rain.

She then disappears through the walls of the new basilica where she then leaves the candle as if in an offering. She prays and then mysteriously vanishes. It is rumored that she is a lost soul obeying a commitment she hasn’t fulfilled, or that she is mourning for her love who never returned to her.

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