Today is day 153 of the year, so 10
facts about the number 153.

The
British Rail Class 153 Super Sprinter are single-coach
diesel-hydraulic railcars intended for service on rural branch
lines.
There
was also a 153 series of trains in use in Japan from 1958 until
1983.
The
third time Jesus appeared after his resurrection, it was to the
disciples, who’d been fishing all night and had caught nothing. As
soon as Jesus arrived on the scene, they caught 153 fish (Gospel of
John (chapter 21:1–14)). Jerome, a fourth century A.D. Catholic
priest and theologian suggested that these represented all species
of Fish and the meaning was that there is room in the church for all
races. 153 could also be seen as a symbol of God’s abundance.
153
was considered by St. Augustine to represent seven gifts of the Holy
Spirit and ten requirements of God.
The
A153 is a road entirely in Lincolnshire in the east of England.
153
Hilda is a large Asteroid discovered by Johann Palisa in 1875, from
the Austrian Naval Observatory at Pula, now Croatia. The name was
chosen by the astronomer Theodor von Oppolzer, who named it after
one of his daughters.
London bus route 153 runs from Finsbury Park Interchange to Liverpool
Street Station.
Shakespeare’s
sonnet 153 begins: “Cupid laid by his brand and fell asleep: A
maid of Dian's this advantage found, And his love-kindling fire did
quickly steep; In a cold valley-fountain of that ground.
Untitled
#153 is a colour photograph made by American visual artist Cindy
Sherman in 1985. In 2010, a print was auctioned for $2.7 million,
making it one of the most expensive photographs ever sold. It’s a
self-portrait, depicting a woman lying in the ground covered with Mud.
The
numerology energy of 153 is tolerant and idealistic. It is a
philanthropic energy constantly alert for hints of new ways to help.
It is inspiring, creative and appreciates beauty. It is tolerant of
ideas, religions, and thoughts contrary to its own.
Beta
(Combat Team Series #2)
Steff was abducted by an evil alien race, the Orbs, at fourteen. Used as a weapon for years, he eventually escapes, but his problems are just beginning. How does a man support himself when his only work experience is a paper round and using an Orb bio-integrated gun?
Warlord is an alien soldier who knows little but war. When the centuries-old conflict which ravaged his planet ends, he seeks out another world where his skills are still relevant. There are always wars on Earth, it seems. However, none of Earth's powerful armies want him.
Natalie has always wanted to visit England and sees a chance to do so while using her martial arts skills, but there are sacrifices she must make in order to fulfil her dream.
Maggie resorted to crime to fund her sister's medical care. She uses her genetic variant abilities to gain access to the rooms of wealthy hotel guests. The Ballards look like rich pickings, but they are not what they seem. When Maggie targets them, little does she know that she is walking into a trap.
Hotel owner Hamilton Lonsdale puts together a combat team to pit against those of other multi-millionaires. He recruits Warlord, Natalie, Maggie and Steff along with a trained gorilla, a probability-altering alien, a stockbroker whose work of art proved to be much more than he'd bargained for, a marketing officer who can create psionic forcefields, a teleporting member of the landed gentry, and a socially awkward fixer. This is Combat Team Beta.
Steff never talks about his time with the Orbs, until he finds a woman who lived through it, too. Steff believes he has finally found happiness, but it is destined to be short-lived. He is left with an unusual legacy which he and Team Beta struggle to comprehend; including why something out there seems determined to destroy it.