Flint

Flint is a hard, sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz, categorized as a variety of chert. It occurs chiefly as nodules and masses in sedimentary rocks, such as chalks and limestones. Inside the nodule, flint is usually dark grey, black, green, white or brown in colour, and often has a glassy or waxy appearance. A thin layer on the outside of the nodules is usually different in colour, typically white and rough in texture. From a petrological point of view, "flint" refers specifically to the form of chert which occurs in chalk or marly limestone. Similarly, "common chert" (sometimes referred to simply as "chert") occurs in limestone.

Origin

The exact mode of formation of flint is not yet clear but it is thought that it occurs as a result of chemical changes in compressed sedimentary rock formations, during the process of diagenesis. One hypothesis is that a gelatinous material fills cavities in the sediment, such as holes bored by crustaceans or molluscs and that this becomes silicified. This hypothesis certainly explains the complex shapes of flint nodules that are found. The source of dissolved silica in the porous media could be the spicules of silicious sponges. Certain types of flint, such as that from the south coast of England, contain trapped fossilised marine flora. Pieces of coral and vegetation have been found preserved like amber inside the flint. Thin slices of the stone often reveal this effect.

Flint station (Michigan)

Flint is an inter-modal transportation center in Flint, Michigan. It is served by Amtrak's Blue Water route, and doubles as the intercity bus station for Greyhound Lines and Indian Trails, as well as the local city bus service, the Flint Mass Transportation Authority, who owns the station.

Baggage cannot be checked at this location; however, up to two suitcases in addition to any "personal items" such as briefcases, purses, laptop bags, and infant equipment are allowed on board as carry-ons.

History

This is at least the fourth station along the Grand Trunk Western Railroad (GTW) line through Flint. The railroad arrived from Port Huron in 1871 and originally a wooden structure served as the passenger station. A 1905 stone and brick station was moved to Muskegon in 1927. The third GTW depot, located at 120 East 14th Street, was used by Amtrak until 1989 and demolished thereafter. The current station on Dort Highway provides easy access to I-69.

The International Limited was operated jointly by Via Rail and Amtrak between Chicago and Toronto. The service, which had started in 1982, was discontinued in 2004.

Flint (surname)

Flint is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:

Vacation

A vacation or holiday is a leave of absence from a regular occupation, or a specific trip or journey, usually for the purpose of recreation or tourism. People often take a vacation during specific holiday observances, or for specific festivals or celebrations. Vacations are often spent with friends or family.

A person may take a longer break from work, such as a sabbatical, gap year, or career break.

The concept of taking a vacation is a recent invention, and has developed through the last two centuries. Historically, the idea of travel for recreation was a luxury that only wealthy people could afford (see Grand Tour). In the Puritan culture of early America, taking a break from work for reasons other than weekly observance of the Sabbath was frowned upon. However, the modern concept of vacation was led by a later religious movement encouraging spiritual retreat and recreation. The notion of breaking from work periodically took root among the middle and working class.

Etymology

In the United Kingdom, vacation once specifically referred to the long summer break taken by the law courts and then later the term was applied to universities. The custom was introduced by William the Conqueror from Normandy where it facilitated the grape harvest. In the past, many upper-class families moved to a summer home for part of the year, leaving their usual home vacant.

Vacation (The Go-Go's album)

Vacation is the second studio album by the American rock band The Go-Go's, released in 1982 on the I.R.S. Records label. The album reached No. 8 in the U.S. Billboard 200, and was certified gold. The title track was a U.S. summer smash, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard pop singles chart. The Go-Go's were riding high at the time of the album's first release, their future to all outward appearances looking bright. Future problems were beginning to take shape, as the members' drug use and internal fighting began to escalate.

Besides the title track, two more singles were pulled from the album at the time: "Get Up and Go" and "This Old Feeling", which were minor hits in the United States. A fourth song featured on the album, the cover version of the 1960s hit "Cool Jerk", appeared as a single in 1991 to promote the band's first compilation album, Greatest. The single "Vacation" was also issued as what was perhaps the first cassette single ever.

The song "Speeding," which is not on the album, is a Caffey/Wiedling composition that was used as B-side of the single for "Get Up and Go," and is also part of the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack.

Vacation (2005 film)

Vacation is a 2005 Indian Malayalam film, directed by K. K. Haridas and produced by AJ Shahar. The film stars Amitha, Harishree Ashokan, Indrans and Lalu Alex in lead roles. The film had musical score by Dr G Santhosh and Kaithapram Vishwanathan Nambudiri.

Cast

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Dr G Santhosh and Kaithapram Vishwanathan Nambudiri.

References

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