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Free MenTahar Rahim hates Nazis too
PlotOccupied Paris, 1942. Low-level black marketeer Younes (Rahim) just wants to keep his nose clean and avoid attracting the attention of the occupying Nazis. Gradually, though, encounters with an Arab resistance member and an Algerian Jew brings out a new side to him. Before long he's joining the struggle.
Review
Younes (A Prophet's Tahar Rahim), an Algerian immigrant eking out a living in Nazi-occupied Paris by smuggling contraband, undergoes a radicalisation from apolitical black market operator to freedom fighter in the second feature from the award-winning Ismaël Ferroukhi. Through Younes, a fictitious composite of Algerian/Arabic immigrant heroes of the French Resistance, Ferroukhi tells the true story of a nightclub singer (Mahmoud Shalaby), one of dozens of Jews who escaped the Nazis thanks to false papers provided by the Grand Mosque’s rector (Michael Lonsdale). The slow-building drama may prove flavourless for some, but the gripping final sequences suggest the next target in the heroes’ sights: freeing their homeland from the French.
VerdictIt may lack the punch of his turn in A Prophet, but Rahim again dominates the screen in an effective wartime thriller.
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Hearts of Iron IV Gameplay Reveal Trailer (HD)
Armies are massing as the world prepares to rewrite the greatest conflict in history, and Hearts of Iron fans can unlock exclusive rewards by winning over recruits to their side.
Simply by visiting the Hearts of Iron website at heartsofiron4.com, ambitious generals can join one of three factions: The Axis, the Allies, or the Comintern. The more members each faction recruits, the more rewards will ultimately be unlocked for all fans, and fans who recruit 20 or more soldiers will have the chance gain access to the Hearts of Iron IV beta. For more details, please visit http://pdxint.at/rushtothefront.
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Chinese & Brazilian Oil Giants Team Up in an Investment-Oil Exchange
Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras is close to finalizing a deal in which China National Petroleum Corp Ltd (CNPC) would make an investment in an oil refinery in exchange for crude oil. This could give the Chinese firm stakes in oil fields that it operates off the Rio de Janeiro coast as well as the right to use the new Comperj refinery. According to some sources, a similar deal could be only a few weeks away.
Some analysts familiar with the matter suggest that the refinery needed about $3 billion of investment to reach an initial capacity of 165,000 barrels per day, adding that it was unclear if the Brazilian company would foot part of the bill. Neither Petrobras nor CNPC commented. The negotiations highlight growing interest of China in the Brazilian energy sector, which has attracted billions of dollars from oil majors over the past year for rights to new exploration blocs as the government lowers barriers to foreigners. Chinese state companies have also taken a key role in Brazil’s electric grid, obtaining rights to important transmission rights, the country’s largest distributor and hydropower dams.
This deal would not be the first one in which Petrobras offered crude in exchange for Chinese investment. In 2016, it renewed a $10 billion credit line with China Development Bank that guaranteed Brazilian oil exports. China has been also active elsewhere in Latin America, when it has also, for example, provided more than $50 billion to Venezuela over the past ten 10 years under oil-for-loan agreements that helped China secure energy supplies for its fast-growing economy.
About the Author
Sarah J Cohen is a lawyer and analyst specialized in EU affairs and international finance. PhosphatePrice.com values the diversity of opinions and believes that the plurality of points of view is an asset that should be preserved.
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The Superman in your man
As promised here is today’s Daily image. I love being a bit extra so I’m adding these words of George Benson’s song – In your eyes to give you a push in the right direction…wink-wink.
“Even though the winds of time will change
In a world where nothing stays the same
Through it all our love will still remain
In your eyes, I can see the reasons why our love’s alive
In your eyes, we’re drifting safely back to shore
And I think I’ve finally learned to love you more” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DrXXMTH-BE
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> Thanks. Too bad, d_config is not available in that context. It is probably
> known somewhere by the callers. I guess such caller needs to pass a bool down
> to suspend/resume.
It seems nothing inside libxl knows about libxl_domain_config, only callers of
the public libxl_domain_suspend API do actually create it once. AFAICS only the
LIBXL_SUSPEND_* 'flags' would allow to pass something down to the relevant
code. But the resumer may not know about them...
Olaf
| 478 |
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Tuesday, 19 June 2012
The Morton Steam and Vintage Weekend, Lincolnshire, has been running for over 7 years. It is an event that is authorised by the National Traction Engine Trust www.ntet.co.uk and is one of many rallies held around the UK. This was the first time that I had run a stall as The Navigatrix, so I turned to the Etsy community, mainly to the group I help lead In Here Life Is Beautiful. I was delighted to get some thorough advice, drawn from experience (thanks all!) which helped me to be very well prepared.
The only thing I wasn't prepared for was that the organiser had been very thoughtful and, because of the weather, made a space for me in one of the main marquees. So, home went my gazebo with hubby, daughter and -oops- my banner. Luckily, since we live nearby my banner was restored to me at lunchtime on Saturday.
At this point, it only feels right to acknowledge all the help I had in getting there. A 'mummy friend', who had heard of my crafty inclination, approached me one day and told me that she used to make jewellery and had some boxes left over and would I like them? 'Yes please,' I replied, thinking she meant about ten or so. Just over sixty boxes came my way later that week. These were an absolute gift, helping me to transport my work and display most of the pieces in a very professional looking way. My uncle had access to a large folding table and brought the beautiful cloth and two strips of 'pleather' to cover it with. I used a glass sugar bowl I'd inherited for my business cards and my beautiful personal jewellery tree and matching candlestick for displaying earrings.
The plastic boxes for storing and transporting had come from home, emptied of other things and borrowed for this event. Two blue glass bottles my hubby had saved made good hat stands (I'm glad he hadn't listened to my pleas to recycle them after all!).
The orange boards used to display the felt novelty brooches were originally slat shelves from cheap clothes storage system shelves languishing in the garage, covered by stapled-on curtains given to us by my in-laws. I hope by now I'm giving a few people hope that amazing things can be achieved on a very tight budget, as long as you are willing to accept help from others and be unafraid to ask in the first place! Even my costume, the most expensive bit, was bought in instalments, long before the event, thus spreading the cost.
The fantastic custom-built goggles are by my brother Matt at www.etsy.com/shop/ArcaneArmoury . I had commissioned them but he surprised me by giving them as a birthday gift. {Hug} He also re-finished the mirror which used to belong to our Granny. Little personal touches meant a lot to me.
The Edwardian style Tea Hat fascinator I'm wearing, I made myself and will soon be available to buy at The Navigatrix, for a limited time only. Because it goes so well with my outfit....
The hairclip was the first item I made and the one that inspired my whole shop. You can now read about the origins of The Navigatrix on my new About page. Etsy continue to impress me with their innovative developments and abundant support. I'm glad to be a part of it!
My three and a half year old daughter was quitehappy to tell passers by to 'buy Mummy's prettyjewellery'.Bless her ♡
"When asked if one is a Time Traveller, the only proper reply is an enigmatic 'May be'"~Sophia Cardea
Overall, I had a very good experience, made quite a few sales and gave out a lot of business cards. The comments I received from people there were very encouraging. One of the most often heard was that my items were different and people loved my costume. This hat had quite a few admirers itself! I would encourage any local-ish traders whose items complement steam powered vehicles and vintage cars to get in touch with Morton Steam and Vintage on Facebook or their official website.
Friday, 1 June 2012
This interview was written in response to a thread in one of the teams I'm involved in. With any luck, it will soon also appear in a fellow team mates blog but I thought I might as well post it here for you:
1. How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?
I was putting together my first Steampunk outfit and made a couple of things to go with it, including a little feathery hairclip. I looked at it and had the sudden thought that people might like these enough to buy them. At the time, my brother Matt was just putting together the first items for his Etsy shop, Arcane Armoury. I hadn't really heard of Etsy before he and a mutual friend started talking enthusiastically about it. I asked Matt if I could put my items in his shop (not really understanding how Etsy works) and he said the immortal line 'Why not make your own shop?'
The name came from a couple of sources. Firstly, having researched a huge selection of Steampunk outfits, the name of one from Clockwork Couture contained a name that stuck...'Navigatrix'. I looked it up on the Urban Dictionary
and loved the description, especially the bit about navigating her way spiritually and personally. I'm a practicing Reiki teacher (Japanese holistic therapy) who loves personal development books, so it seemed to fit me to a tee! I love the femininity of the name and have also been told that it's sexy...
2. What do you create and do you have a signature product? If so how did it come to be?
I create Steampunk and neo-Victorian inspired jewellery and accessories such as fascinators, gloves, bags..there are one or two other ideas brewing, too.
My signature product, I suppose, is the Governess Choker
as that was one of my first pieces. It's on my banner and my avatar, too.
3. Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?
The guidelines for me are to create things inspired by Steampunk and neo-Victorian fashion; I never make the same thing twice (though I've made an exception for certain felt brooches). The reason for this is that, being a stay at home mum, beginning with limited resources, my materials have come from local charity shops and the bottom of family members' sewing kits. I occassionally buy new findings (earring wires, brooch pins) out of necessity but aim to support local shops as much as possible. However, I am 'upcycling' most materials and those are limited. This is why I'm not currently offering custom items - I've no idea from one week to the next what I'll have to work with!
So the materials themselves are often an inspiration. I'll have beads and wires, ribbons, fabric and bits & bobs laid out in front of me and suddenly I'll begin to see how certain things look good next to each other and how they can come together in a new way.
Apart from that, other inspirations have come from my background as an ex-professional modelmaker. I'm no history buff but I've always enjoyed science fiction and fantasy, so films have played a large part in informing my visual sense of cohesion (that feeling of 'does it look right? Ping! Yes!'). My brother Matt is a huge inspiration as we get to have Etsy meetings and design discussions now and again. Over cups of tea, of course. I wouldn't have a shop without him, so thanks, 'buv'!
4. What do you enjoy most about your craft?
Having the motivation to be creative again after a long respite. Allowing myself to follow my creative urge and be inspired by my materials and others' work. The fact that it fits fluidly into what little spare time I have is a huge bonus, too.
5. What is your best advice to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?
Do something every day; read as much as you can of the resources available on Etsy, in response to whatever aspect of your shop you are focussing on. Get involved in Teams. Keep doing what you do and list items as often as possible. Be courageous and open to learn. Listen to your intuition - does it feel good? Then go for it. If not, try a different route.
6. What are your top 3 favorite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?
Number one is easy - my brother's shop Arcane Armoury http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArcaneArmoury
because I am often in awe of what he can make!
...this isn't easy!... I'd have to include The Engineer and the Gypsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/engineerandthegypsy
I love the name, for one. The fabrics they use are wonderful (more women's clothes, though, please!) and I'd like to taste their teas. It's got a good feeling about it.
Another is Brute Force Studios http://www.etsy.com/shop/BruteForceStudios
The LRPer in me is in kit heaven! Perhaps one day I'll earn enough for one of their amazing creations (hubby is probably hoping I get the cog bra...hmm...)
8. Do you have any coupon codes / special sales / upcoming or current promotional events going on in your shop?
I've just finished one round of promotional coupon codes..but..every customer gets a special coupon towards their next purchase. I'm one of the Leaders of the 'In Here Life Is Beautiful' team and we're nearly at 100 members. When we reach that goal, there will be a special event to win donated items from other team members and I'm contributing to this. Apart from that, The Navigatrix is trading at a local Steam and Vintage weekend on the 16th and 17th of June. There may well be something to look forward to after that ;)
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How to use sub-menus on the content page.
I have a page with three lines of PAGE TEXT. I have now created three sub-menus under this page each having a few lines of text. Currently when I am clicking on the sub-menu my PAGE TEXT is disappearing. Is it possible to keep the main PAGE TEXT fixed, while showing different sub-menu items. Can someone please share the code and tell me where to place it. Thank you.
Thank you so much guys for reading this post. I have found a very simple solution to this. Add the following article code from Page.ss to SideBar.ss in the top area and place the aside unit size below the article code. Thats it! It works beautifully. Hope this helps!
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Post-prom bash at Oregon Ridge emphasizing fun, not alcohol Loch Raven High parent-sponsored party to have DJ, prizes, no booze.
May 24, 1991|By Meredith Schlow | Meredith Schlow,Evening Sun Staff
If it's a bribe, it's OK with Jenna Maguire.
In an effort to keep teen-agers from drinking at after-prom parties, parents of seniors at Loch Raven High School are hosting an after-prom bash at Oregon Ridge tonight that will include video games, a DJ, breakfast -- and door prizes.
"It'll be a fun evening -- and I would be psyched if I walked out of there with a mountain bike," said Maguire, 18.
With prizes such as mountain bikes, it's hardly a surprise that after their prom at the Hunt Valley Marriott, most Loch Raven seniors plan to head to Oregon Ridge for a night of alcohol-free fun.
And, although some say that attending a party hosted by their parents isn't exactly what they thought they'd be doing on prom night, it might not be so bad after all.
"No one's real excited about it, but they're going to make the best of it," said Elise Blanche, 18.
"It's something to do -- and I could use a new TV," agreed Andy Novak, 17.
Loch Raven parents spent three months raising more than $4,000 in donations for the party, which will include a breakfast paid for by the Baltimore County Office of Substance Abuse.
The breakfasts are "something we've been doing for a couple years, free of charge," said Michael Gimbel coordinator of the office. "These parents took our basic idea and carried it much further than I'd ever expected."
Charlene Volk, whose son, Brian, is a senior, said the idea for an after-prom party with prizes and games came from her sister-in-law who lives in Ohio.
"For the last five years the parents there have sponsored a casino party," she said. "We're basically fashioning ours after that one."
Upon entering tonight's bash, seniors will be handed a door prize ticket and $50,000 in play money. There will be a variety of casino and carnival-type games for them to play, and each $10,000 they save will buy another door prize ticket. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the evening, around 3 a.m.
Seniors admit that the prizes are the party's biggest attraction. And, of course, a free breakfast doesn't hurt.
"We're a bunch of moochers in our class," said Missy Compton, 17.
"As long as these guys are getting free food out of it, they'll go," agreed Alli Marcum, 17.
Although parents say they want to keep their kids from drinking and driving this prom season, they stress that they have another goal as well -- to show their children it's possible to have a good time on prom night without drinking.
But "it's a real struggle," Volk said.
"The traditional thing to do after prom is to go from party to party and drink along the way," she said. "We're just trying to give them another option."
This year, some seniors say, Oregon Ridge is their only option.
Parents' enthusiastic involvement in the after-prom party has led to the extinction of parties hosted by adults who may have allowed teen-agers to drink, seniors said.
"If you don't go to [the Oregon Ridge party,] you're going home because there's not going to be anything else to do," Marcum said.
"In a way, we're being forced," said Sue Steffey, 18. "But I guess it's a good force."
While students recognize the good in their parents actions, some said they think their class is being used as the guinea pig for an experiment that won't have long-term effects. Some said they expect their younger siblings will be drinking and partying after their proms in a few years.
"What [parents] want now is different than even what they did when they were seniors," said Marcum. "This party won't stop [drinking]. It'll just put it off for a while."
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Search All 1 Records in Our Collections
Welcome to the new Collections Search. You can still use the previous version of the site at this link.
The Museum’s Collections document the fate of Holocaust victims, survivors, rescuers, liberators, and others through artifacts, documents, photos, films, books, personal stories, and more. Search below to view digital records and find material that you can access at our library and at the Shapell Center.
Shmuel (Samek) Willenberg is the son of Perec Willenberg and Maniefa (nee Popow). He was born in 1923 in Czestochowa, where his father worked as a painter and teacher at the Jewish high school. His mother grew up as a Russian of Orthodox faith. She came to Poland during the Russian Revolution and converted to Judaism after marrying Perec. Shmuel had an older sister Itta (b. 5/9/1919) and a younger sister Tamara (b. 5/25/1936). After the outbreak of World War II, Willenberg volunteered for the Polish army. While fighting Soviet Army forces in Chelmno, he was wounded on September 25 and hospitalized for three months. After leaving the hospital, Shmuel made his way to Opatow where his family was now living, and his father was painting synagogue murals. In 1941 the Germans established a ghetto in Opatow. Shmuel lived in the ghetto. His parents had gone to Warsaw where they lived with false papers while his sisters were in Czestochowa.
In October 1942 the Nazis deported Shmuel to Treblinka together with the rest of the ghetto. When he arrived at the camp, Samuel met a friend from Czestochowa who told him to tell the guards that he was a brick layer. This advice saved his life; Willenberg was the only person from his transport to survive. He was put to work sorting through the belongings of those who had been killed. One day he spotted his sister's coat. In this way he learned that his sisters had been denounced and sent to Treblinka. They were killed on November 1, 1942. On August 2, 1943, the Jewish prisoner underground launched a revolt and massive prison break from Treblinka. Hundreds stormed the gate under Nazi fire. Though Willenberg was shot in his leg, he was one of fewer than 70 prisoners who successfully escaped. He made his way to Warsaw where he managed to locate his father who was hiding while pretending to be deaf mute so as to conceal his accent ans supporting himself by painting portraits of Jesus. His mother was living elsewhere also under an assumed name but came to visit on occasion. Shmuel hid under the name Ignacy (Igo) Popow, adopting his mother's maiden name. Shmuel lived for a time with his father but later had to evacuate the apartment building and slept instead in a manhole housing the local telephone exchange.
The following summer, Polish resistance groups launched an uprising in Warsaw on August 1, 1944. Shmuel joined the underground Polish armies and fought in the uprising. After the surrender of Warsaw and dispersal of the population, Willenberg escaped from the prisoner train and hid until the Soviet liberation. However, after the war he served another year in the army after he was drafted as a lieutenant. Shmuel finally was discharged in 1946. He then devoted his energies to assisting Zionist youth organizations. Through the Bricha, he led other Jews across the Alps to Italy en route to Palestine. Willenberg initially also planned to go for Palestine, but after he arrived in Rome, he learned that his father had died. Shmuel returned immediately to Poland. There he continued his work with Jewish organizations helping locate Jewish children who had been in hiding. In 1948 he married Ada Lubelczyk, a survivor from Warsaw.
In 1950, Willenberg left Poland and immigrated to Israel, together with his wife and mother. He worked as the chief surveyor in a development company in Jerusalem and a sculptor. Many of his works depict life in the Treblinka death camp. The Polish government bestowed upon Willenberg many of its highest national honors including the Cross of Merit with Swords, the Cross of Valor, Warsaw Cross of the Uprising, the Polish Army Medal and the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland .
Learn about over 1,000 camps and ghettos in Volume I and II of this encyclopedia, which are available as a free PDF download. This reference provides text, photographs, charts, maps, and extensive indexes.
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No one has been arrested yet in the hit and run case from over the weekend.
It’s the latest in a string of violent attacks in the area over the past month.
Community members say enough is enough.
Twice a week, a citizens patrol group walks the streets in the Ala Moana area, armed with graffiti erasers.
“We’re just eyes and ears for HPD.”
But lately, graffiti has been the least of their worries.
In just the past month in the Ala Moana area, there have been three stabbings and a hit-and-run crash. And all of them happened in the early morning hours, and started off with fights between two groups.
Larry Hurst is not only a citizen patrol, he’s also the Ala Moana – Kakaako Neighborhood Board Chair.
“One reason I got into the being a representative for the people is because so many people are afraid.”
When asked what’s his reaction to hearing about the recent hit and run in the area, he replied: “It just doesn’t surprise me.”
He says that’s because there are so many bars and night clubs in the area.
“Wherever these bars are is wherever these crimes are.”
The hit and run crash happened around 4 a.m. Saturday outside of a night club on Kona Street.
Patrick Akana was run over by a car, and is still recovering in the hospital.
“I honestly thought I was going to die or be paralyzed.”
The driver who did this to him is still on the loose.
Larry says it’ll take more than just a small group of people to wipe out crime in the area.
Witnesses say the car that fled was a white Volkswagen bug with a rear spoiler, but they didn’t get a license plate number.
If you have any information that can help investigators with this case, call HPD’s Traffic Division.
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Saving money with Medicare and the PBS
The RSI & Overuse Injury Association of the ACT invites you to our AGM on Tuesday 3 December.
Our speaker will be Suzanne Eastwood from Healthcare Consumers ACT who will explain how you can save money in our medical system with chronic disease care plans, Medicare and the PBS safety net schemes.
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Author
Date of Award
Document Type
Degree Name
School
Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary
Program
Religion, Old Testament Studies PhD
First Advisor
Randall W. Younker
Second Advisor
J. Bjørnar Storfjell
Third Advisor
Richard M. Davidson
Abstract
According to the biblical account the Transjordanian region was occupied with somewhat organized societies during the time of the Exodus (ca. 15th century B.C.). Unfortunately, archaeological excavations could not confirm this account, and as result, the biblical data have been dismissed as unreliable and historically inaccurate.
The purpose of this study was to provide the most recent archaeological data as well as to reinterpret the old data to see whether or not the biblical account bears any historical value. For this reason, this dissertation provides evidence from three fields: archaeological, anthropological, and biblical.
In spite of Glueck's claim that Transjordan was virtually uninhabited during the Late Bronze Age (time of the Exodus), it is now evident that the region was occupied not only by nomads who lived in tents but by sedentary people who lived in permanent settlements. This fact is supported by numerous archaeological surveys that have been conducted in the region, in addition to several excavations during the past few decades. This new evidence suggests that thepeople who lived there were organized in tribal communities, where some segments of a tribe lived as nomads, or semi-nomads, while others chose to live in permanent settlements as agriculturalists or craft masters (pottery, metallurgy, art, etc.).
It was earlier argued that tribal polity as a society is not capable of providing such resistance as the Bible seems to suggest. Because of its flexibility in nature, the tribal society was not only able to survive in hostile conditions, shifting from nomadism to sedentary and vice versa, but to consolidate into large units to meet various challenges and opportunities and to create a formidable force to protect their families, settlements, and land.
The Bible speaks of kings of Ammon, Moab, and Edom, and their kingdoms with cities. Thus, the biblical text with its terminology (king, kingdom, city) regarding the period in question needs to be reexamined. According to the literary evidence these terms are not restricted to urbanized societies with strong centralized governments, but are applicable to tribal societies as well. Therefore, the biblical account does not require strong monarchs with empires as their kingdoms, supported by strong, fortified cities, but allows the existence of tribal kingdoms with small settlements with a king (chief) at its head. In addition, theEgyptian evidence does not picture the people of Transjordan living in a state-level society, but rather supports the model of tribalism.
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Post navigation
We often repair and modify Jeep SUVs. The Jeep brand, after all, is a staple among off-road performance vehicles. Some Jeep owners, however, have cautioned other owners to be on the lookout for what they term the Jeep Death Wobble. This is an issue our auto repair crew has addressed on many occasions. We’ll discuss the Death Wobble and what to watch out for.
What Is the Jeep Death Wobble?
The Death Wobble occurs when the front part of the vehicle begins to shake due to a violent oscillation in the front axle. This makes the vehicle hard to control. The wobble occurs when the suspension system looses equilibrium and may be due to a number of reasons, such as:
The Jeep Death Wobble has especially been noted in the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee. The wobble has also been observed in non-Jeep models, such as older Dodge and Ford trucks.
Symptoms of the Death Wobble
Immediately bring your vehicle to our auto service and maintenance if you notice a wobble in the front area and difficult steering. Diagnosing the death wobble is not a DIY task unless you happen to be a savvy weekend mechanic. If you consider yourself as such, then jack your vehicle and examine for the following:
Loose tie rod and drag link ends
Loose bolts on the front track bar
Front tires that easily wiggle back and forth with a lot of lateral give
We’ll Fix any Wobble Issues
Bring your vehicle to NW Performance and Off Road if you notice even a slight wobble in your off-roader. The Jeep Death Wobble is an issue with serious safety ramifications if ignored.
These guy are amazing. My husband and I JUST left their shop and I had to immediately give a review. The time and effort they took to install our lift on our 4runner, was unparalleled to any other shop. We will be loyal customers and would recommend them 100% to anyone. We are very satisfied customers. It is hard to find people who are as meticulous as Jason. He has earned our trust and we could not be any happier with his work.
Cody
5 out of 5 stars
posted 2 months ago
I never write reviews. I'm writing this review for people, like myself, who over analyze everything. My hope is to convince you to just get your car in front of Jason. He'll look at it for no cost, be thorough, explain his thinking and educate you in the process. That's what we ALL want- give us a quick, transparent, knowledgeable session on what's wrong-what are my options and costs to fix it. Long story short, after my accident my insurance wouldn't pay for the awful steering grinding/vibrations that followed mechanically after the body was restored. I take care of my truck, I do minor maintenance(oil, spark plugs, brakes) and work on it often(almost entirely blacked out). I did a total PS flush(twice) and narrowed the diagnosis down to a bad steering pump, bad steering lines, steering shaft and/or rack/pinion replacement. Jason quickly put my truck on his lift and discussed the possible reasons and options to remedy the excessive shuddering. He ruled out the rack and pinion, which I mentioned and HE could of easily included this, but didn't.
This was the largest portion of my calculated costs (total quote from another mechanic $2k). My plan was to do the work myself if the price was too high again. This still would of been $800 in parts. I ended up paying way less than that, getting my truck back same-day. He also fixed my sunroof and checked my upper/lower ball joints and gave me the OK. Jason also installed a 2.5 leveling kit from MotoFab and the truck runs and looks like she's brand new. These guys are YOUR guys. Just bring it to them. Look, if you read the entirety of this lengthy novel review, you're almost there... Just do it.
lance Shaw
5 out of 5 stars
posted 1 month ago
Took my TJ in for a regear and air lockers since they quoted me $1200 less than the well known ring and pinion shop in town. That quote from the other ring and pinion shop did not include a compressor, plumbing the airlines or mounting the switches. Scott said Northwest offroad likes to do a great job and finish what they start. On top of saving $1200 on the price of the 4.56 regear and 2 locker installations , extra work plumbing airlines and wiring/mounting switches, and the compressor that northwest performance offroad threw into the deal they also noticed my breaks where worn and replaced them no charge. They adjusted my long arm lift, after installing myself I had the axels a few degrees off from where they needed to be. They put me on the road ready to hit the mountains the next day with no worries and $1200 saved in my pocket for more jeep parts. Scott and his guys are the only shop I have ever been to that gave me far more than I feel I paid for. Don't go to the other shops that give you the lest possible for your $. Take your jeep, car or truck to Scott and he will set you up and make your hard earned money go much farther. I just can't say enough for these guys. I don't like decals on my jeep but I will sport theirs.
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Rebecca Lowrey Stephens
Who You Work With Matters
Rebecca has been entrenched in real estate all her life. She not only comes from an entire family in the industry; she earned a finance degree with a real estate concentration in college (at The University of Alabama), and has been working full-time in the North Alabama market for over 20 years.
A huge amount of Rebecca's business comes from personal referrals. She is fully dedicated to taking care of all her clients' needs, armed with a vast depth of knowledge and breadth of experience that has included assisting buyers and sellers, extensive work in new construction, and all facets of real estate. If you're seeking a local expert, great listener, honest advisor and strong negotiator, look no further.
| 763 |
What is it about Friday home games that turn the Celtics into a mediocre team? The Celtics lost this game because of a lack of energy in the second half and too much one on one offense. In addition, the Big 3 struggled shooting the ball and Boston got very little production from their bench. Rasheed's ejection was a huge part of this. While I have been critical of him this year, the guy can dominate any second unit player in the league. I think in this case he had a right to be angry. At least 2 of the fouls called on him were touch fouls at best. I'm just glad this didn't happen in a meaningful game.
Tony Allen had a great game. Did I just say that? I will admit I've been quite impressed with Tony's play since his return from the injury. That doesn't mean I want him in the game in a tight situation, but he might be a serviceable player off the Celtics bench. Pierce had another sub par offensive game. He's still had a great year overall, but I think he needs a 35 or 40 point night to get him back up to steam. I thought they didn't exploit matchups enough. Garnett could score down low every possession if he wanted, but the C's settled for 3's. Also, Rondo needs to take more than 8 shots in a game. Don't get me wrong, I love his unselfishness. However, we need him to score in games when the Big 3 are off.
The 76ers have some good young talent, especially Marcus Speights who I didn't even know about before this game. Elton Brand also impressed me. With all the injuries he's been through it is good to see him back playing well. I think Philadelphia might actually be better without Iverson. While they lack talent, they seem to play pretty well together.
I guess this goes to show you that you can't take any team lightly, unless of course it is the Nets. The reasons for the Celtics loss are endless. Ray Allen missed a lot of open looks which he would usually hit. Pierce missed a game winner he normally would make. Rasheed was having a great game then got ejected. I think the Celtics may have been looking forward to their Christmas day match up with the Magic. There are a lot of excuses that could be used, but in the end a loss is a loss. In the grand scheme of things it really isn't a big deal. Boston just needs to make sure they come in and blowout the lowly Timberwolves on Sunday.
| 2,319 |
Chlorine Pills
Size: 1.8Kg, 3.6Kg
Chlorine Pills are granules compressed into pill form (contain 70% chlorine). This is a more convenient way of sanitising your pool, as pills are used in a skimmer or floater and require no pre-mixing.
USING CHLORINE PILLS
Always read the safety directions first (refer to packaging). Place the required number of 20g pills in the skimmer.
Daily Requirements
Test that your free chlorine level is between 1 - 1.5ppm. If not, then apply chlorine pills at the following rates:
For pools treated with stabiliser, add 3 pills per 10,000 litres of pool water
For pools NOT treated with stabiliser, add 4 pills per 10,000 of pool water.
Shock treat with Poolpride Chlorine Granules weekly or after heavy pool use. Shock treating your pool will ensure there is not a build-up of resistant algae or bacteria strains. Apply at the following rates:
For pools treated with stabiliser, add 100g per 10,000 litres of pool water.
For pools NOT treated with stabiliser, add 160g per 10,000 of pool water.
Superchlorination involves adding a very high dose of chlorine granules at the start of each season or when the pool is badly affected by algae. Treat your pool at a rate of 400g per 10,000 of pool water.
| 1,240 |
Showroom Hours
Search Inventory
JAGUAR vs ALL-Electric Competition
See for yourself how the new Jaguar I-PACE EV400 S stacks up against the
competition.
2019 Jaguar I-PACE S EV Comparison Chart
SPECIFICATIONS
2019 Jaguar I-PACE S
Tesla Model XLong Range
Audi e-tron Premium Plus
Base MSRP
$69,500
$84,990
$74,800
Destination & Handling
$1,025
$1,200
$995
Federal Tax Credit
- $7,500
- $1,875
-$7,500
Base Price with Tax Credit including destination and handling
$63,025
$84,315
$68,295
Coverage / Warranty
Jaguar EliteCare
5 years / 60,000 miles
4 years / 50,000 miles
4 years / 50,000 miles
0-60 mph (sec.)
4.5
4.4
5.5 (With boost engaged)
Estimated Range (miles)
234
325
204
Apple Car Play & Android Auto
Standard
N/A
Standard
Park Assist
Standard
Optional
Standard
Heads-Up Display
Optional
N/A
Standard
Leather Seats
Optional
N/A
N/A (Optional on other trim)
*Price shown is MSRP. Excludes destination/handling, tax, title, license, retailer fees and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for details. **Federal tax credit ranges from $0 to $7,500. Excludes tax, title, license and retailer fees. Actual savings from the federal government depend on your tax situation. Depending on the state in which you live, you could receive additional benefits. Consult with a tax professional to determine your exact tax savings.***EPA estimated all-electric range is 234 miles with fully charged battery and 80 city, 72 highway, and 76 combined MPGe. MPGe is the EPA-equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation. All figures are EPA estimates. Actual range and mileage will vary with driving conditions and style, and other factors.
The
I-PACE is equipped to accept up to a 100 kW DC charge rate -- this
means you can easily achieve a 0-80% charge in just 45 minutes* at one of over 160 stations nationwide (or in the comfort of your own home).
*Note: Actual charge times may vary according to environmental conditions and available charging installation.
The 90 kWh battery of the I‑PACE is made up of high-energy density, lithium-ion pouch cells. Its design and state-of-the-art thermal management system support longevity and periods of sustained maximum power.
EXQUISITE EXTERIOR
The Jaguar I-PACE
adapts the familiar Jaguar design language cues seen on our conventionally
powered vehicles and allows them to take on new function and shape to make
the most out of the all electric platform.Elements like the front grille have been reformed to direct airflow
over the vehicle instead of to a conventional engine bay to power an
engine.Keeping the front grille shape
allows I-PACE to have a more familiar, less polarizing look.
The Tesla Model X has adopted a front end
design with no grille, which creates a more polarizing look to consumers, on
an otherwise less evocative design than the Jaguar I-PACE.
INVITING INTERIOR
The Jaguar
I-PACE offers a warm and inviting interior filled with crafted
materials.Seating can be selected in
a variety of materials ranging from Luxtec to Windsor Leather or Premium
Textile and Suedecloth, as well as color choices.Choice of finishers compliment the interior
styling and allow customers to customize the look and feel of their
vehicle.I-PACE offers Gloss Black,
Aluminum, Wood or Carbon Fiber treatment along the instrument panel and
doors.
The Tesla Model X has a stark,
simple interior with very limited material and color choices available to
their customers.
TREMENDOUS TECHNOLOGY
The Jaguar
I-PACE comes equipped with the latest smartphone integration technology.Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
interfaces allow customers to simply plug in their compatible smartphone and
utilize a familiar interface via the 10" touchscreen to control various
apps on their phones. I-PACE offers an
optional Full Color Head-up Display, which projects important
information, such as Navigation instructions and vehicle speed, right in
the driver's field of view on the windshield.
The Tesla Model X
does not offer this type of smartphone integration, but does have built in
Google Maps navigation services and functionality as standard. Tesla does not offer Heads-up Display at all.
| 4,296 |
St-Eustache: Full Throttle Team race notes
FULL THROTTLE TEAM SCORES ANOTHER TOP-TEN FINISH
July 6, 2008. The Full Throttle/Logel's Auto Parts/
Challenger Motor Freight Dodge team were looking to continue the momentum
they had generated a week ago with another satisfying race result...
FULL THROTTLE TEAM SCORES ANOTHER TOP-TEN FINISH
July 6, 2008. The Full Throttle/Logel's Auto Parts/
Challenger Motor Freight Dodge team were looking to continue the momentum
they had generated a week ago with another satisfying race result as
teams returned for the make up date at the Autodrome St. Eustache and 250
laps of racing this past weekend.
The Full Throttle/Logel's Auto Parts/Challenger Motor Freight Dodge
team had their work cut out for them in the early going as practice did
not go well at first. But diligence and another solid team effort got
them back in the fight.
"I'm not really sure why but we struggled at the start of
practice, then we found some improvement at the end of the session"
said driver Brad Graham. Unfortunately for time trials we drew the
second spot and had to go out on a pretty green track and that set us
back. We were only off a couple of tenths but everybody is so close that
we ended up further back than we expected". Graham would start the
250 lap feature from the twelfth position.
Using the improved handling car Graham moved the Full
Throttle/Logel's Auto Parts/Challenger Motor Freight Dodge up into
the top-ten and continued to try and work forward. "The car was
definitely better we were just surviving, kind of minding our own
business. When we got our four tires on we had pretty good track
position and we were optimistic".
Following the tire change however, something was amiss with the Full
Throttle/Logel's Auto Parts/Challenger Motor Freight Dodge.
"I'm not sure if the tires didn't react as we expected
but the handling of the car just went away toward the end of the
race" said a puzzled driver. "In the last few laps we were
just hanging on, the car was not very good in the last fifty laps, the
car was pretty loose off the corners".
Graham would us all his skills as a driver and complete the race with a
ninth place finish. "A top-ten we'll take it, but we thought
we should have been better" said the always hungry for more success
driver. "I'm ready to get going out west; we had a race win
a couple of years ago at Sun Valley and our team likes racing there.
With the ninth place finish, Brad Graham and the Full
Throttle/Logel's Auto Parts/Challenger Motor Freight team move into
ninth spot in the overall championship standings.
The 2008 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series racing season will be back in action
on Saturday July 19th at Sun Valley Speedway near Vernon, BC with the
first of two events in Western Canada. This season teams will race from
coast to coast in Canada on challenging oval tracks, temporary street
circuits and road courses. For more information about the series log onto
www.nascar.ca and for more news information about the team go to
www.bradgraham.ca All races this season will also be broadcast on TSN.
| 3,094 |
Advanced Logic Pro Training
Become a Pro by Learning Advanced Concepts
This course will take you deeper into the concepts of Logic Pro. The built-in synthesizers and effects are explained and demonstrated. These advanced functions relating to editing, sound design, post-production dramatically improve workflow and help creativity.
| 334 |
Telus says Marshmallow update coming to the Galaxy Note 5 in March, Galaxy S6 in April
Telus has updated its software update schedule with a few notable devices set to receive upgrades to Android Marshmallow.
Over the next couple of months, Telus says that the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note 5 will receive Android 6.0 on March 9th, as the Nexus 6P will have its monthly security update.
In addition, the Galaxy S6 edge and LG G3 will receive Marshmallow a week later on March 16th. If you’re a Galaxy S6 owner on Telus, the date you are most interested in is April 13th, as this is the date that has been tentatively scheduled for your device to be updated to the latest version of Android.
Of course, Telus says in the update listing’s fine print that “all dates are approximate and subject to change.”
Good to know Marshmallow is coming to Canada. But when do I suppose to get update of my Samsung Note 4?
thereasoner
March or April release from Samsung, I can’t remember which they said but when your carrier gets it out is another story.
MBTechno
At this point, I wouldn’t really expect it before June. It’s taking so long for Samsung to update their devices this year.
Mo Dabbas
I’m actually surprised the Note 5, S6 edge plus, and S6 edge are all gonna have marshmallows before the S6. I thought the more feature added into a software the more complex it has been to update. Also historically the S series always used to get their updates before the notes.
Anaron
And about a month later too. That’s a lot of time in between the GS6 and GS6 Edge/Note 5.
h2oflyer
Was the S6 the biggest seller?….delay Marshmallow and get upgrade device sales on new $$$ plans.
Waqqas Khokhar
I wishfully hope that somehow translates into the GS6 getting 6.0.1 instead of 6.0 🙂
Scott
Probably using the Note and Edge phones as a test bed for the new o/s. I would think that the user base for those phone is less than the standard S6 so that could be the rationale.
Nundo
I have always neglected Samsung device until I decided to give in last year in September and purchase a Samsung Galaxy Note 5. It’s definitely been a great device. However the lack of updates are questionable. I’ve only received one update, which was a security patch and an app optimization feature which is honestly useless, but no major update … Why it’s taking so long I’m not sure, but as long as the upcoming update isn’t buggy they can take their time with it. But is it a Samsung or a carrier issue? Ummmmh
Jonah Emery
Even iOS only gets one major OS update per year. And so will you. The Note 5 is only 6 months old. I don’t understand what your problem is.
Sean-Paul
People just like to complain. You know first world problems
Nundo
iOS gets one major update a year, but roughly 3-4 minor updates/bug fixes a year, which is a good example of maintenance. But since we are talking about Android it’s different. You don’t see Apple release an update and not update iPhones 6 months later, I don’t understand why people continue to bring up iOS/Apple as an example on an Android discussion. I don’t have a problem with my Note 5, nor I mind Samsung taking it’s time for an update as long as it’s not buggy as stated above. It’s just questionable that the biggest Android vendor isnt updating it’s devices when LG, HTC, Sony and Motorola already started rolling it out.
Mo Dabbas
Ya. But the guy mentioned he got a security update. And now marshmallow is coming next month. That’s 2 updates in the 5-6 months of the phone time it hit the market. Doesn’t seem bad.
aaron
This andriod+carrier combo is crap. iOS is way better
StA
Hi troll. Try a Nexus FTW.
aaron
Hi the person calls me troll, I’ve had Galaxy Nexus, 4 and 5. lol
Ryan Whiteside
ios is for simpletons
Jim Thibault
If you owned Nexus devices then you know they get updates. FYI I owned an iPhone …. locked down, slaved to iTunes piece of junk. Never buy another iPhone.
DownwithRobellus
Owned a Nexus 5 and a OnePlus until I got tired of dabbling with roms just to stay on the latest version of android. Every release came with minor issues here and there but I jumped over to iOS just because it simply work! No restarts, no force closes, and a mediocre camera. I do miss certain parts of the Android OS but not enough to make me go back.
Jim Thibault
Look I know some people are too lazy (and iPhone works), like paying $200 to $300 more than an equivalent Android and like being told by Apple what to install or not install. They like iTunes…. etc…. Me I am just trying to figure out a way to stop Apple from spamming me, suggesting things I like to buy. I personally owned 7 Android devices over the years…. NEVER NOT ONCE HAD ANY ISSUES. I feel many times because people are free to load up their devices, customize or hack ….. they cause their own issues. Me I install just what I need, and I like vanilla Android ….. buy Nexus only.
DownwithRobellus
What spam are you referring too? Apple doesn’t have any apps that constantly tells you to buy something. One thing I found is that the weather app they provided doesn’t have one single ad whereas if I go to the Android App store, there is not one single weather app that doesn’t show an ad. Don’t tell me to buy the *pro version. Every app they provided just works and there is no denying that. I’ve used Sultan’s rom and I’ve been using android after tossing out the iPhone 4.
Jim Thibault
SPAM, you know emails. They sent me one today selling music. Yes I pay for Apps, if the app has ads I do not install it.
Mo Dabbas
Because custom roms are junk. All of them are buggy one way or another.
DownwithRobellus
They are buggy but unless you go with a device from Google your kind of out of luck and forced to wait until Sony or Samsung decides to update your phone.
Mo Dabbas
Ya. That’s why I haven’t changed from my Nexus 6 even though I tried the note 4, Galaxy S6, lg G4, and OnePlus two. In the end nexus runs the smoothest than all of these devices. and you know you’re getting thr best software support.
Ricardo Bravo
Yeah, you get updates in time. Sure your carrier or OEM doesn’t hold the updates for months. But yeah, (Say I don’t prefer getting a nexus) I’d rather have very late updates over a very locked down os that lacks customization and freedom and needs a freakin program just to put music, videos, pictures, etc from a computer to it. Yeah. Oh and don’t say that those timely updates don’t give some phone bugs or any problems. LOL
thereasoner
Bizarre that there’s a month between the S6 and S6 edge, they’re basically the same phone.
Scott
My guess is total number of users. Probably fewer Edge devices sold compared to the standard version. Samsung and the carriers might be using the smaller device footprint as a test market for the update before rolling it out to the majority of the Samsung devices.
Samuel Gomez Recuero
I still do not understand why these updates have to come from the carriers.
thereasoner
Because the carriers have their pre-installed bloatware on devices they sell and they need to configure it to work with Android 6 Marshmallow.
Arshdeep Singh Saini
What about s5?
bdap
Eventually. Samsung releases 2 Major updates per phone.
Ricardo Bravo
But why would the S6 get it last? Isn’t it the first device to be exposed to Marshmallow? To get the first beta? And why the hell would the Edge be ahead by almost a month? I wish the S6 was the first one to get it. This is just disappointing.
Scott
My guess is total number of users. Surely there were fewer Edge devices sold compared to the standard version. Samsung and the carriers are probably using the smaller device footprint as a test market for the update before rolling it out to the marjority of the Samsung devices.
Ricardo Bravo
Oh that could be on thing. My guess too is that since the S7 is nearing it’s launch here at canada, maybe they want to release the S7 first before the S6 MM update since the S7 will attract more buyers than the S7 edge (due to the size- rumoured to be 5.7″). This postponed update might force users (who are early adopters) to just go for the S7 rather than waiting for the update.. This would be my last sammy device… I might go for the nexus next time. Heck, even LG and Telus released the update for the G4 last february. So IDK.
Trek S
I got the Nexus 6P happy I never have to wait for any updates. It’s pretty ridiculous
Ricardo Bravo
I also got the Nexus 6P and tried it for a week. Decided to just stick with the S6 and just wait for the next nexus due to the build quality issues of the 6P. Might be worth it, but this update waiting is killing me. LOL
Malek
Ive had the same thing happen to me. Was getting ready to switch from the s6 edge to the 6p and held back because of the build quality issues. Every other day on reddit someone posts a bent 6p .
jhnsmth
Such a joke timeframe while you read about HTC and LG rolling out MM now. There is a bigger issue here, apparently LG and HTC had no problems with the carrier’s so I’m going to go ahead and blame Samsung, and I would like mobilesyrup to take them to task for the poor roll out of updates to Canadian’s. Not just for MM but their track history is garbage when other OEMS are seemingly on the ball.
John Stamos
Hilarious considering i have Marshmallow on my 4 year old Galaxy S2X…
Tornado15550
How’s the battery life?
bdap
Is it safe to assume Rogers will release the updates on the same or close enough dates?
| 9,615 |
Sy Olivia Smith-Peterson (born February 18, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and music producer. Sy Smith has released four albums and twenty singles during her career. She is also the president of her own recording label, Psyko! Incorporation. In addition, Smith has composed and written songs for many singers including Carlos Santana, Brand New Heavies, Mýa, Terry Lewis, and many other recording artists.
Smith has a soprano vocal range with the ability to utilize the whistle register. She is also known for her signature songs "Fly Away With Me", "Aquarius Rising", "Ain't Nobody's Bizness", and "Fa'Sho". She is known as The Underground Queen of R&B and Soul.[3][4][5]
Smith moved to L.A. in 1997 and signed with Hollywood Records in 1999. Later that year, she released her first single "Gladly", which charted at number 79 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In early 2000, Smith released the second single "Good N Strong". In April 2000, Smith released her first album, Psykosoul. In mid-2000, Smith released the third single "That Ring".
In 2001, Smith was dropped from Hollywood Records. In the same year, Smith made a cameo appearance in All About You as the restaurant singer. She has since written for Santana, sung backup for Whitney Houston and with Vonda Shepard on "Ally McBeal," and contributed vocals to commercials for The Gap, Procter & Gamble and Nissan. After talking to the proprietors of a coffee shop in Los Angeles' Leimert Park neighborhood, Smith established B!tchcraft in 2001. The monthly showcase ran for nearly two years. The showcase featured three to four female acts, unsigned and signed singers, and comedians. Between releases, Smith served as sometime lead singer for British funk outfit Brand New Heavies on their album We Won't Stop.[7] In 2001, Smith released a single "Welcome Back (All My Soulmates)", which later received an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Music and Lyrics".[8] In 2002, she released her extended play One Like Me.
In 2004, Smith received a minor role in The Seat Filler as Fitz (VJ). Smith also signed a recording contract with Kajmere Records and began recording her second album in 2004. Later that year, Smith starred as Rose in the independent film Black Rose. In early 2005, Smith began her own recording company, Psyko! Inc. In early 2005, Smith released the first single "Fa'Sho", which aired on BET's Soul Sessions. In September 2005, Smith released her second album, The Syberspace Social. The album featured contributions from R&BsingerAnthony Hamilton[9] and producers such as James Poyser and Victor Duplaix. In late 2005, Smith released the second single "Drop That". In December 2005, Smith released a deluxe edition of her first album entitled, Psykosoul Plus, which contained three additional songs. In the same year, she also appeared in the theatre If You Don't Believe: A Love Story. She received a NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Female - Local.[10]
In February 2006, Smith released "Aquarius Rising" as the third single. Sy Smith, along with Sharlotte Gibson and Kenya Hathaway, have been highly visible as featured background singers on American Idol. Smith also appeared on The Article 3, a 2006 EP release from bass guitar impresario Me'Shell NdegeOcello in addition to opening for the artist. In mid-2006, Smith recorded a single "Fill in the Blanks", which was featured on the Airpushers' Themes for the Ordinarily Strange. In 2006, Smith released a deluxe edition of her second album, The Syberspace Social. The album featured two additional songs. While embarking on her tour in 2006, Sy Smith released her first live DVD Sy Smith Live: Worship At The Temple, recorded live at Temple Bar in Santa Monica, California. She also appeared in the theatre Body Language in the supporting role "Holt". She received a NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Female - Local.
In mid-2007, Smith released a buzz single "Ain't Nobody's Bizness". In late 2007, Smith released another buzz single "Reach Down In Your Soul", which featured Wes Felton. Smith also released a music video for the song. In April 2008, Smith released her third studio album, Conflict, with "Fly Away With Me" as the lead single. The song "Fly Away With Me" charted at number 38 on the Top 40 Hot Adult R&B Chart. In September 2008, Smith and her band Deeznuts performed at Temple Bar's Farewell Show. Smith performed a seven track set-list. She also released the title-track "Conflict" as the second single and the music video premiered at Temple Bar. In late 2008, Smith's album Conflict received an "Album of the Year" nomination from Soultracks.
In February 2009, Smith released the third single, "Spies", and the music video aired on Logo. The music video also features the cast of TV-series Noah's Arc. In 2009, she made a guest performance at the Live in Boston show of Chris Botti where she sang the Burt Bacharach classic "The Look of Love". She also features on the DVD release of this concert and is seen in his tour in Europe. Sy Smith also serves as the voice actor of Aisha in the Saints Row video game series, recording three tracks as the character for the games' soundtracks. Sy Smith's "The Art Of You" appears on Independent Soul Divas 2 on UK label, Lola Waxx. In mid-2009, Smith released the fourth single, "B-Side Love Affair".
In May 2009, Smith auditioned for Michael Jackson's This Is It concerts. Although her audition was a success, the concerts never happened due to Jackson's sudden death. In June 2009, Smith toured with the singers Yahzarah, Conya Doss, and Maya Azucena on the Soulsista Tour. In June 2010, she appeared on Fox DC to promote her single "The Art of You".
In April 2010, Smith appeared on The Mo'Nique Show to perform her single "Fly Away With Me" and promote her album Conflict. She later announced that she was planning to release a new project in 2010.[11] In July 2010, Smith went on tour with Mark de Clive-Lowe. On August 5, 2010, she performed at the special event "Summer Concert Series" at "Baldwin Hill Censhaw Plaza" in Los Angeles, California. In mid-August 2010, Smith released a single "Truth" to iTunes. In October 2010, Smith received a Soultrack Readers Choice Award "Song of the Year" nomination for her song "Greatest Weapon of all Time". On October 26, 2010, Smith released her best of album, SyberSelects: A Collection of Sy Smith Favorites. In 2010, Smith began the recording sessions for her fourth album.
In December 2010, Smith confirmed in an interview, that she will be doing a jazz album. Smith stated, "I'm kind of closing the book on that part of me for a second, so I can embrace other things that I really want to do. I'm working on a jazz record that's more straight-ahead kind of jazz. I'm working to finish this synthy '80s throwback dance record...".[12]
In November 2011, Smith began touring with Sheila E. and the E Family. In December 2011, Smith announced her fourth album, Fast and Curious to be released on March 6, 2012.[13][14]
In January 2012, Smith and The Decorders released a remake of Minnie Riperton's song "Inside My Love". On March 6, 2012, Smith released her fourth studio album Fast and Curious. The album's lead single "Personal Paradise" is planning to be released to radio along with a music video. In May 2012, Smith began her tour with Zo! called Sy Smith & Zo! - The Mini Tour. During the week of July 15–20, 2012, Smith appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno substituting for Dorian Holley as the vocalist for the house band. She regularly appears as a guest soloist on tour dates for trumpeteer Chris Botti. In 2013, she performed regularly as a supporting vocalist for French musical icon Johnny Hallyday. Smith also re-joined Chris Botti as the featured vocalist for his tour.
Aside from her various hits, Smith is noted for her ability to sing in the whistle register. Smith possesses a five-octave vocal range. Smith's ability to enunciate in the high register sets her apart from most other whistle-register singers. This feature is most notably heard in the live performance of the song "Look to the Rainbow", where she sings "follow the fellow" in the whistle register. Whistle-register enunciation can also be heard in songs such as "The Primacy Effect" and "Star". Smith is also noted for her ability to sound almost mechanical or instrumental in the whistle register. In "Find My Way", she sings "Oooo" and then plays with her whistle tone for 26 seconds. She has also been credited for her ability to sustain notes in the sixth and seventh octave for long periods of time, as in "Would All The People From Compton Please Leave? (Minnie Reprise)", "The Primacy Effect", "Star", the live performance songs "Make Luv 2 Me" and "Ain't Nobody's Bizness" from the Sunstorm Tour. Having an innate ability to imitate many instrumentals (particularly horn sections) has helped Smith gain the notice of music critics.[15] In her recordings, Smith's highest recorded note reached in the whistle register was in the song "The Primacy Effect" from her album Fast and Curious.
Smith has also done scat singing on her records. This feature is heard in songs "Message from the Stars", "Find My Way", and "Nights (Feel Like Getting Down)".
Smith cites her biggest influence as Diana Ross and Sly Stone. In an interview with Fox DC, she jokingly stated, "I'm sorta like Sly Stone and Diana Ross had a baby, I'm like the lovechild of them".[16] She also told Soultracks in an interview, "Never realized how much I'm influenced by Minnie Riperton until recently when I started playing around with my whistle tone... But when I listen to her placements and her interpretation, I'm definitely inspired."[15] She also cites influences from Michael Jackson, Teena Marie, Sheila E., Prince, and James Brown.[17]
Although Smith has done many R&B influenced songs such as "Fly Away With Me", "That Ring", and "Broke My Heart", her primary musical style is heavily influenced by go-go, electronica, and funk music as displayed on her songs "Spies", "Nights (Feel Like Getting Down)", and "Bad on You".
| 10,128 |
Debt Battle Leads To Layoffs In Aviation And Beyond
Many factors have been holding down job creation this summer — everything from the extremely hot weather in many regions to the weak housing market in just about every city. Another factor dampening job growth has been the political battle over the nation's debt.
One example of how the Washington debate is hurting workers involves aviation. Amid the bickering over the debt ceiling earlier in July, Congress failed to pass a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration's budget.
As a result, on July 23, the FAA's budget authorization expired and the agency had to lay off some 4,000 workers. Now the disruption is rippling out to contractors at airports around the country. For example, in Las Vegas, construction of a new air traffic control tower at McCarran International Airport is on hold for lack of FAA funding. That disruption has caused a cascade of construction layoffs.
Across the country, roughly 70,000 workers are expected to be idled by this FAA budget mess.
Many economists fear that when the Labor Department releases its monthly unemployment report on Friday, it will offer new signs that the U.S. economy is sliding back toward recession.
IHS Global Insight, a forecasting firm, is predicting employers added only about 50,000 jobs during July, up from June's scant 18,000 new jobs. But even 50,000 jobs would be far below a level that would significantly improve the jobs outlook. About 14 million people are currently seeking jobs, so the economy needs to be adding hundreds of thousands of jobs a month to make a significant dent in the problem.
"We don't expect such a weak report as in June, [but] we look for another month of sluggish private employment growth and declining government employment," says IHS Global Insight's chief U.S. economist, Nigel Gault.
Even after the budget debates have settled out, government spending likely will be contracting at both the federal and state levels. That may mean fewer paychecks for all sorts of public-sector employees, from teachers to astronauts.
The debt-related uncertainty in financial markets is also indirectly hindering job growth by creating jitters among employers. Many of them are sitting on large amounts of cash, but are reluctant to plow it into expansions until they know financial markets will be operating smoothly in coming months and years.
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Happy Birthday to my bestie (in my head) and all around Parlour inspiration, Erykah Badu. Help us celebrate the Dallas maven with this cool mix of live performances, remixes and studio tracks featuring Badu from DJ Lynnee Denise. Groove out below and thank us (and her) later:–
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Snow
Those who who squint long enough through Mount Irem's blinding snow storms can see lights flickering high on its slopes. The people in the town below tell stories of a castle made of ice that glimmers at the high end of Tharg's run, but, when the weather is clear, no trace of it can ever be found. If it exists at all, it seems to exist only in the storm.
Snow is designed specifically for 5th - 7th level parties (depending on group size, magic items, all that) in Peryton RPG, Basic Fantasy RPG, and Labyrinth Lord, and should be easy to adapt to similar systems. Stats are also provided for Tunnels and Trolls. The T&T monster ratings in this adventure mostly range from 50 - 150. (Note for T&T players: several of the encounter tables use dice other than six-siders.)
It includes several new monsters and unique hazards in addition to the scenario, but this is still just a quick one-shot adventure of the sort you'd play at a convention. There's not much extra setting information to read. That's why the price is so low.
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The Johnson County War: 1892 Invasion of Northern Wyoming
The Johnson County War: 1892 Invasion of Northern Wyoming
On April 5, 1892, 52 armed men rode a private, secret train north from Cheyenne. Just outside Casper, Wyo., they switched to horseback and continued north toward Buffalo, Wyo., the Johnson County seat. Their mission was to shoot or hang 70 men named on a list carried by Frank Canton, one of the leaders of this invading force.
The invaders (as they came to be known) included some of the most powerful cattlemen in Wyoming, their top employees and 23 hired guns. The invasion resulted from long‑standing disputes between these cattle barons, who owned herds numbering in the thousands, and small operators, most running just enough cattle to support their families. The event came to be called the Johnson County War. Longtime Wyoming historian T.A. Larson ranked it “the most notorious event in the history of Wyoming.”
Numerous court records contain valuable information on the invasion, as do other government documents, especially land files. Most significantly, after the invasion--sometimes as many as 40 years later--the cattlemen and their allies published writings containing admissions that suddenly shone a bright light on contested issues. From this voluminous data, clear facts emerge from which the truth about the invasion and its causes can be determined.
Johnson County newspapers date back to August of 1883, when no one in Johnson County conceived of future astonishing events, and those newspapers are full of candid appraisals of the community. A reading of the Johnson County newspapers quickly dispels the notion, stated in other Wyoming papers and others around the nation, that Buffalo was “the most lawless town in the country,” or a haven for “range pirates” who “mercilessly” stole big cattlemen’s livestock.
The cattle barons planned, organized and financed the invasion, declaring beforehand and afterwards that they had no choice but to take drastic action to protect their property. They said they were the victims of massive cattle stealing in Johnson County, and local authorities were doing nothing to protect their herds. They further declared that Buffalo was a rogue society in which rustlers controlled everything— politics, courts and juries. Those juries, the cattle barons said, refused to convict on cattle rustling charges no matter how strong the evidence.
Johnson County people, on the other hand, largely believed that the real reason for the invasion was the big cattlemen’s determination to drive competitors off the open range that the stockmen illegally monopolized -- to stop those who might legally take up public land under the Homestead and Desert Land acts. And Johnson County residents said that cattle rustling was greatly exaggerated, as were difficulties with prosecution for livestock crimes.
The year of the invasion, 1892, was a time when many towns in Wyoming had two newspapers and a big town like Cheyenne had several, including three dailies. Two of those influential Cheyenne papers, however, were owned by cattle interests—as all Cheyenne papers were just a short while before 1892. Still, the newspapers of the time were full of revealing information.
Contrary to the cattle barons’ portrayal, Buffalo was a town full of ambitious young people who worked hard to build up their community and make better lives for their families. Johnson County people were not saints, but they bore little resemblance to the picture of criminality later forwarded by big cattlemen.
In the 1880s, the cattle barons in Johnson County and across Wyoming Territory ruled their customary ranges like private fiefdoms. Most had little concept of the true carrying capacity of those ranges, however, and overstocked them.
Cattle prices peaked in 1882, drawing more money to the business and more cattle to the land. Soon there was a beef glut. Prices began to fall, yet no one could think of anything to do but bring in even more cattle—weakening the ranges further and driving prices further down. Then bad drought in 1886 was followed by the terrible winter of 1886-1887.
Johnson County’s newspapers show that following that harsh winter, the Wyoming cattle industry was in bad financial trouble and that the owners of the big herds deeply resented those who might challenge their unfettered right to run their cattle on public land.
Such a challenge could become deadly. That was the 1889 fate of two homesteaders, lynched near the Sweetwater River in Carbon County by six cattlemen on July 20, 1889. Ellen Watson and Jim Averell had homesteads in the middle of the cattlemen’s customary range.
Sensational newspapers articles appeared immediately after the lynchings portraying Watson as a prostitute who accepted cattle for her favors. These articles, however, were written by an employee of one of the Cheyenne dailies owned by cattle barons, and recent authoritative writings show that they were false, created out of whole cloth.
That same year, 1889, Johnson County juries acquitted suspects in five cattle theft cases. Big cattlemen reacted in fury, stating publicly and in private correspondence that the acquittals proved it was impossible to present evidence to a Johnson County jury—no matter how compelling—that would produce a conviction.
A close review of contemporary newspaper articles and court documents, however, shows the cases brought against the accused men to be deeply flawed, seemingly motivated by huge reward money and a frantic determination by owners of big herds to punish owners of small herds who claimed rights to grazing on public land.
In 1891, several of the cattle barons resolved to take action against their tormentors.
The first step was the formation of an assassination squad of employees of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. This small group of men included Frank Canton, a former Johnson County sheriff and a stock inspector of the association. Their first action was to hang a man from Newcastle, Wyo., Tom Waggoner, who traded horses. They followed this with an attack upon Nate Champion.
Champion was a small man with a reputation as a formidable fighter. He ran a herd of about 200 cattle on one of the forks of Powder River. Champion’s stock grazed on public land, exactly as did the animals of the big cattlemen. He insisted that his cattle had as much right to grass on the public range as did the herd of any cattle baron.
Legally, Champion was absolutely right, but big cattlemen did not take well to his defiance. He was declared “king of the cattle thieves” by a newspaper reporter sympathetic to the cattle barons, although no charges had ever been brought against him. Indeed, after the invasion, Willis Van Devanter, the astute attorney for the invaders, stated there was no evidence at all to substantiate charges of cattle theft against Champion. Still, the prominent cattlemen wanted to punish Nate Champion.
In the early morning of November 1, 1891, members of the assassination squad burst into a cabin occupied by Champion and another man. The cabin was a tiny structure located next to the Middle Fork of Powder River in the Hole-in-the-Wall country about 15 miles southwest of what's now Kaycee, Wyo. Only two members of the five-man squad were able to squeeze into the cabin. Those two, however, held pistols on their two captives and demanded that Champion “give it up.”
Champion, he told the Buffalo Bulletin the next month, stretched and yawned while reaching under a pillow for his own revolver, and the shooting started. The intruders fired shots at point-blank range, so close that powder burns were left on Champion’s face. Amazingly, all the shots fired at him missed. Champion’s return fire, however, did not. One of the squad members was hit in the arm and the other was shot in the belly, a mortal wound. The assassination squad fled, but not before Champion got a good look at one of them.
Private and public investigations followed, and one of the assassination squad members was forced to admit the names of all the members before two witnesses. Those two witnesses were Powder River ranchers John A. Tisdale and, perhaps, Orley “Ranger” Jones. Johnson County authorities filed attempted murder charges against Joe Elliott, the attacker identified by Nate Champion, and local newspapers pushed for charges against the wealthy and prominent cattlemen believed to be the employers of the assassination squad.
About Dec. 1, 1891, both Tisdale and Jones were assassinated. The killings created an uproar in Johnson County and the movement to charge the “higher-ups” became the whole thrust of the community.
The means to arrest and charge complicit cattlemen were at hand. If Johnson County could obtain a conviction against even one of the assassins, he would probably name his employers to avoid a long prison term. On Feb. 8, 1892, a preliminary hearing was held in the case of State v. Elliott for the attempted murder of Nate Champion.
Champion gave dramatic testimony, and Joe Elliott, a stock detective of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, was bound over for trial in the district court on the attempted murder charge. Johnson County attorneys had amassed a great deal of evidence against Elliott and, with Champion’s testimony, seemed likely to convict him when his case came to trial. The big cattlemen promptly resolved, in early March 1892, to go north and invade Johnson County.
Only a month later, the invaders left Cheyenne and traveled to Johnson County. When they arrived in the southern tip of the county, one of their local spies told them that “rustlers,” including Champion himself, were holed up in a cabin at the KC Ranch, just a few miles north.
The invading cattlemen knew that with Champion’s testimony Johnson County had a strong case against Elliott, and upon Elliott’s conviction the trail would lead back to his employers. If Champion was not killed, these invaders would probably land in the penitentiary. After long argument the invaders took a vote. The decision was made to go to the KC Ranch and kill him.
They surrounded Champion. For hours he fought the 50 men, wounding three. Finally, during the middle of the afternoon of April 9, 1892, the invaders torched the cabin, forcing him out and shooting him down.
By then, however, the countryside had been alerted, and men all over the area rushed to confront the invaders. The invaders holed up south of Buffalo at the T. A. Ranch. There, they were surrounded by local citizens—a posse that eventually grew to more than 400 men. The posse conducted a formal siege, no doubt led by the Civil War veterans among them.
Over three days the posse slowly closed in on the invaders. On the morning of the third day, 14 posse members started moving toward the T. A. Ranch house, using a ponderous, movable fort called a “go-devil” or “ark of safety” made of logs on the running gears of two wagons.
The idea was that when the posse got close to the invaders’ fortifications, they would use dynamite to force the invaders out into the open. The running gears came from the captured supply wagons of the invaders, which contained dynamite intended for use against the people of Johnson County. But the posse never got the chance to use its new weapon. In the nick of time, soldiers from nearby Fort McKinney rode onto the scene and took the invaders into custody.
The governor of Wyoming, Amos Barber, had summoned the soldiers. Barber, according to accounts written years later by the invaders and their sympathizers, was thoroughly knowledgeable about and supportive of the invasion. When he learned that his cattlemen friends were in deep trouble, he telegraphed President Benjamin Harrison in Washington, D. C.
When the telegrams, for reasons that are unclear, failed to go through, Barber asked the two senators from Wyoming, Joseph Carey and Francis E. Warren, to go to the White House and pay a personal call on the president. Harrison was quickly convinced that there was an “insurrection,” as Barber’s first telegram had termed it, in Wyoming and agreed to call on Fort McKinney troops to suppress it.
Once the invaders were taken into custody, however, Governor Barber assumed control over them and refused to even allow them to be questioned; the governor completely frustrated the investigation and prosecution of the invaders by Johnson County authorities.
The costs for feeding and housing the prisoners, though, still had to be paid by Johnson County, not to mention the substantial charges for preparation and presentation of the criminal cases. The state provided no financial assistance whatever. Predictably, a travesty of justice was played out eight months later in a Cheyenne courtroom. The charges against all the invaders had to be dismissed because a jury could not be seated to try their cases, and Johnson County did not have the funds to pay the continuing expenses of prosecution.
The cattle barons were protected by a friendly judicial system, but that system could not protect these men from Wyoming voters. The Republican Party was closely associated with the cattlemen and their principal organization, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. One of the state’s two U.S. senators, Republican Joseph Carey, had recently served as president of the association.
Many Wyoming people were offended by the spectacle of the senators’ late night personal visit to President Harrison to rescue wrongdoers. (The senators had rousted the president out of bed). The invaders and their supporters did everything they could in the months after the invasion to suppress Johnson County and its advocates, including mounting a fervent attempt to have martial law declared in the state. President Harrison, however, apparently made cautious when great numbers of Wyoming people protested his earlier actions, refused to do that.
The 1892 election was a landslide in favor of the Wyoming Democratic Party. A Democrat was elected governor and another was elected to the U.S. Congress. At the time, U.S. senators were still elected by state legislatures; enough Democrats were elected to the Wyoming state legislature that no Republican could be selected for the U.S. Senate. Senator Francis E. Warren lost his seat.
Still, the 1892 election hardly proved to be an unalloyed good to Wyoming Democrats. Because of fears and resentments stirred up by the invasion, the 1893 legislative session was as bitter and partisan as any in the history of the state. Democrats now controlled the Wyoming House but Republicans retained control of the Senate.
But the state’s Democrats had made the mistake of running “fusion” tickets with the Wyoming Populist Party and, in the crunch, found that the two parties could not operate well together. No Republican was sent to the U.S. Senate, but because of the political incompetence of the fusion coalition, no Democrat was either. For two years, Wyoming had only one senator in the U.S. Congress.
In 1894, following the nationwide Panic of 1893, Wyoming voters threw out the Democrats, the party in power during that economic catastrophe. Francis E. Warren was returned to the U.S. Senate in 1895 and served there for the next 34 years.
Despite mixed electoral results, there were permanent and positive changes in response to the Johnson County War. Wyoming people had made it abundantly clear—by their votes and by strong resolutions to public officials reported in newspapers-- that they would not tolerate abuses like the invasion of Johnson County.
Perhaps most significantly, the organization primarily responsible for the Johnson County War, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, was changed forever. Plagued by continuing economic woes, the cattle barons in the association permanently altered this organization in 1893 when they opened their group to all the stock growers in Wyoming.
In what was a galling but necessary action, the small cattlemen of Wyoming, vilified such a short while before, were invited to join. This action abruptly halted the overwhelming hostility of the big cattlemen toward the smaller operators and stopped such programs as the confiscation, at point of sale, of suspected rustlers’ cattle by the Wyoming Livestock Commission.
After 1893, a measure of peace descended upon the Wyoming range, although it wasn’t until 16 years later that armed economic vigilantism was finally stopped in Wyoming. Cattlemen raiders —killing sheep and sheepherders—were convicted of serious crimes after the 1909 Spring Creek Raid south of Tensleep, Wyo., and were sent to the Wyoming penitentiary. Wyomingites could finally claim to have put frontier mob rule behind them.
Resources
Primary Sources
Searching the databases at Wyoming Newspaper Project for people, places and events connected with the Johnson County War produces rich results. One of the most vivid is Champion’s account of the November 1891 attack on him:
“Powder River Outrage: Champion Tells of the Attempt to Murder Him and Gilbertson.” Buffalo Bulletin, Dec. 17, 1891, 3.
Secondary Sources
Davis, John W. Wyoming Range War. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2010. A comprehensive overview of the invasion, the events leading to it and its repercussions, with close attention to how matters in the courts affected what happened.
Larson, T.A. History of Wyoming. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1965, 164-194, 268-284. A good overview of the boom and bust in cattle in the 1880s, and an excellent, if necessarily brief history of the Johnson County War.
Mercer, Asa. The Banditti of the Plains: The Crowning Infamy of the Ages. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1954. The first book written about the Johnson County War, it has been controversial since the day it was first published, in 1894. Mercer’s book espouses a strong point of view, bitterly opposed to the invasion, but it stands up surprisingly well after more than a century.
Penrose, Charles. The Rustler Business. Buffalo, Wyo.: Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum Press, 2007. First written in 1914. Penrose was a physician who accompanied the invaders, and was a friend of Governor Barber, who urged him to go on the expedition. This interesting account contains numerous admissions unthinkable immediately after the invasion, but cannot be viewed as anything like an unbiased historical treatment.
Smith, Helen Huntington. War on Powder River. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1967. Not until 1967 was an objective book-length presentation of the Johnson County War written. Prior to 1967 the author of every book about the Johnson County War ground an ax for one side or the other. Smith contributed an independent view of the invasion, finally providing readers with a narrative that allowed for a fair examination of the event.
Illustrations
The photos of Nate Champion, the T.A. Ranch, the Go-Devil or Ark of Safety and the group photo of the invaders are from the collections of the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in Buffalo, used with thanks.
Key Dates
The 52 invaders of Johnson County surround and finally kill Nate Champion and his friend Nick Ray at the KC Ranch in present-day Kaycee, Wyoming, an event that came to be called the Johnson County War. The invaders are eventually stopped and surrounded by a posse eight times their number, but are never brought to trial.
About the Author
John Davis has practiced law in Worland, Wyo., since 1973. In addition to Wyoming Range War, he has written A Vast Amount of Trouble, which chronicles the 1909 Spring Creek Raid, and Goodbye, Judge Lynch, which looks at the vexing troubles with vigilantism in Wyoming in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Additional Information
Field Trips
The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum at 100 Fort St. in Buffalo, features exhibits on Johnson County and regional history and an excellent bookstore and gift shop. Longtime Buffalo pharmacist Jim Gatchell built an extensive collection of western lore and artifcacts. After he died in 1954, his family donated the collection to the county. The museum is housed in Buffalo’s former Carnegie Library, on the corner where U.S. 16 heads west from Main Street toward the Bighorn Mountains. For more information, visit the website or call (307) 684-9331.
The drive north from Casper to Buffalo generally follows the route of the invaders in 1892. The site of the KC Ranch house, burned in April 1892 to roust out Nate Champion, lies just across the Middle Fork of Powder River from the Kaycee downtown area.
Following the Middle Fork upstream from Kaycee—southwest on Wyoming Highway 190—leads to the beautiful Hole-in-the-Wall country. Proceeding north from Kaycee on Wyoming Highway 196 takes a traveler past the T.A. Ranch, virtually unchanged from 1892, but not now open to the public. A few miles south of Buffalo, the highway also passes a historical marker at the site where John A. Tisdale was assassinated.
Sponsors
WyoHistory.org welcomes the support of the following sponsors. Contact us at [email protected] for information on levels and types of available sponsorships. For more information about our sponsors and the people behind WyoHistory.org, visit our About Us page:
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The baddest players in the galaxy collide in a funk explosion that is the next chapter in music history. Imagine if the people who made James Brown dance, Kool and the Gang “Celebrate”, and P- Funk’s Mother ship fly, all joined forces for a once in a lifetime collaboration. This is The Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown, arguably the most ambitious and most exciting music project of any genre, in decades. So vital and current, today’s chart toppers like Taylor Swift would never have conceived “Shake it Off” nor would Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson have brought the “Uptown Funk” without it.
Thank you for the opportunity to play with some of my favorite people in this round world
— Guitarist Vernon Reid of Living Colour
This is ridiculous! I can’t stop dancing long enough to write this damned review!
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I AM YOU | Being Her Darkest Friend : Part 1
After a short hiatus we are back to playing video games. This is the sequel to A Fragment Of Her. This game is much darker and deeper. As always you can watch the playthrough at the bottom of this post.
The last game ended with us smacking Mr Seligmann with our painting after he tried to force us into his office. Selina seems to now be stuck in a state of confusion and finds herself in a dark world. The first person we meet is Tomoko who if anyone else hadn’t realized, is actually a girl not a boy. Tomoko gives us the camera we had before, and we are tasked with going back to the university to get a picture of her favorite sitting spot. When we finish that Tomoko points to the right. We walk that way and find Mr Seligmann.
After Tomoko, it is time to face Mr Seligmann himself.The encounter we had with him is what LittleRocket believes sent Selina into this dark world of uncertainty. He gives us a paint brush. When we arrive at the university we find a group of students who admire Mr Seligmann. Our job is to show them his true colors. After showing all the students and getting back to the dark world, Mr Seligmann points to the left and some large eyes appear in the middle.
The picture you see above is what those eyes were attached to. Both Mr Seligmann and Tomoko are pointing at the monster as if to say watch out or behold. The monster tells us that they are our conscience but it on the other hand is us. This the Selina’s darkest friend. The dark side of her that she spoke of in the first game. We are apparently one in the same. This is where the episode ends.
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On Saturday, a Texas firefighter, Aaron VanRiper, responded to the scene of a horrific car crash only to realize that he knew the victims very well. They were his wife, Amber, and his 7-year-old son, ...
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SIOUX CITY, Iowa – “It is my hope that we chose to make a difference with our lives, a difference in the lives of others and ultimately a difference in the world.” It is this sentiment that drove debut author Linda Florke to pen her new thriller “September Woods” (published by Trafford Publishing). In the northern woods of Wisconsin, three characters lives intersect with chilling and long-lasting consequences.
“September Woods,” Florke believes, will inspire readers to find the courage to stand up for their own convictions. It will impress upon readers the value of family, the virtue of compassion, and will give hope to many who have encountered controversy in their own lives.
Stella is the main character; the story tells her struggle from childhood to adulthood and how the most catastrophic event in her life shaped her future and gave her life purpose. Dr. Graham Becker helps heal Stella after her tragedy, and tries to make her whole again, but never expected his feelings to grow for her. Randall Daggett, who like so many misguided people is merely the product of his environment, wreaks havoc on everyone and everything in his path.
Florke knows her work will find a ready audience. She touches on and explores too many of the important themes of today, such as the ever-present crimes against women, the cruelty and abuse of animals and the never-ending hope that love that will conquer all.
About the Author
Linda Florke has been an avid reader for over 40 years and chose to finally write her first novel. Florke has been married for 34 years and has three grown children, and three grandchildren. Florke enjoyed writing in college, as well as, analyzing literature, both which inspired her to create this story.
Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, Inc. author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an “on-demand publishing service,” and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford’s experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 1-888-232-4444 or visit trafford.com.
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]]>[email protected] (Author Solutions)Media & CommunicationsThu, 25 Apr 2013 13:51:47 +0000Social Media Marketing in Times of Tragedyhttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/social-media-marketing-in-times-of-tragedy/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/social-media-marketing-in-times-of-tragedy/If you’re using social media for marketing, what should you say following a tragedy like the deadly blasts at the Boston Marathon on April 15?
The horrific elementary school shootings in Newtown, Conn.?
The October storm that took lives and devastated communities across the Northeast?
Sometimes, nothing at all.
The age of digital marketing brings with it new challenges, including how to respond during a national tragedy. Remember, as recently as Sept. 11, 2001, we had no MySpace, much less Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Except for email, no vehicle for delivering instantaneous marketing messages existed. After 9/11, one of the most painful days in American memory, most of us had time to pause, reflect and put on hold print, radio and TV marketing campaigns that might be viewed as inappropriate or offensive.
In recent months, there has been lively debate on this topic in the marketing community, including how and when to tie – or not to tie -- a marketing message into the news of the day, a widely used strategy.
Gaffes can occur with the most innocent of intentions in any media content, marketing or not. Earlier in April, a new episode of the musical comedy “Glee” upset and angered parents in Newtown, Conn., because the plot featured a student bringing a gun to school, where it accidentally discharges.
"A lot of people were upset about it and that I feel horrible about,” Jane Lynch, one of the stars, told Access Hollywood Live days later. “If we added to anybody's pain, that's just certainly not what any of us wanted. … We're always rather topical and rather current."
Usually, however, simply applying your own sense of decency and good taste can help you avoid a blunder. Consider American Apparel’s notorious “Hurricane Sandy Sale – in case you’re bored during the storm,” advertised as tens of thousands of people endured freezing temperatures without power. Most of us wouldn’t have even considered such a ploy!
Here are a couple more suggestions for do’s and don’ts:
• If you use automated posts scheduled through a site such as HootSuite, turn them off immediately. If people don’t find them insensitive and uncaring or silly, they’ll likely conclude your messages come from a robot – not a real person – which is just as bad.
• Can you be helpful? Hours after the blasts in Boston, with cell phone service out in the city and family and friends desperately trying to connect with loved ones, Google.org launched “Person Finder: Boston Marathon Explosions.” There, individuals and organizations could share information about the status of marathon participants and spectators for those trying to find them.
If your community has suffered a tragic event, perhaps you have helpful information to share. Here in Florida, which is affected by hurricanes, people use social media to help evacuees and their pets find shelter, and to alert others to danger, such as downed power lines. Depending on your area of expertise, you may be able to provide more general information or commentary. For instance, an educator can share tips for answering children’s questions about the event. Philanthropists might comment on those selflessly step up to help.
• Of course, social media is also about reactions and, for many, that’s a sincere expression of sympathy for and unity with those affected.
If you want to post something and you’re unsure about what to say, take a look at what businesses and other brands are sharing, and how online users are reacting. You may decide to just say nothing for a day or two, or whatever time seems reasonable given the nature of the event.
Sometimes, saying nothing at all speaks volumes.
About Marsha Friedman
every Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. Follow her on Twitter: @marshafriedman.
]]>[email protected] (Ginny Grimsley)Media & CommunicationsTue, 23 Apr 2013 15:41:33 +0000In Book Publishing, Less Is The New Morehttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/in-book-publishing-less-is-the-new-more/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/in-book-publishing-less-is-the-new-more/The hottest book publishing trend today: less is the new more.
“The first time I saw a 73-page ‘book’ offered on Amazon, I was outraged,” says New York Times best selling author Michael Levin. “But I thought about how shredded the American attention span is. And I felt like Cortez staring at the Pacific.”
The trend in books today, Harry Potter notwithstanding, is toward books so short that in the past no self-respecting publisher—or author—would even have called them books. But today, shortened attention spans call for shorter books.
Levin blames smartphones and social media for what he calls “a worldwide adult epidemic of ADH…ooh, shiny!”
“Brain scientists tell us our brain chemistry has been transformed by short-burst communication such as texting, Tweeting, and Facebook posts,” Levin adds. “Long magazine articles have given way to 600-word blog posts. And doorstop-size books have been replaced by minibooks.”
This sudden change in attention spans changed the way Levin approaches ghostwriting. “Even five years ago, we aimed for 250-page books. Today we advise our business clients to do 50-page minibooks to meet impatient readers’ expectations for speedy delivery of information.”
Levin, who runs the ghostwriting firm BusinessGhost.com and was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, says that people are looking for leadership disguised as a book. “Today,” he asserts, “people don’t want you to prove your assertions. They just want to know that you have legitimate answers to their questions and that they can trust you. If you can’t get buy-in with 50 pages today, you won’t get it in 250.”
The trend toward shorter books caused Levin to offer what he calls the “Book-Of-The-Quarter Club,” which creates four 50-page hardcover minibooks a year for BusinessGhost’s clients. “This allows them to address four different major issues, or four different sets of prospects, and provides quarterly opportunities for marketing events,” Levin says.
Michael Levin, founder and CEO of BusinessGhost, Inc., has written more than 100 books, including eight national best-sellers; five that have been optioned for film or TV by Steven Soderbergh/Paramount, HBO, Disney, ABC, and others; and one that became “Model Behavior,” an ABC Sunday night Disney movie of the week. His new minibook, “The Financial Advisor's Dilemma,” teaches how to create trust and distinctiveness in the highly competitive marketplace.
Starting Monday, April 15, two new cultural and attraction passes will become available for checkout at the Rock Island Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branch Libraries. Patrons can now check out a free family pass for four to the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, or a pass for two adults and up to four children from Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley, in addition to the family passes for four already available for the Quad Cities Botanical Center, Rock Island. Passes check out for seven days, and must be picked up and returned in person at the issuing library branch. There is a $1 per day fee if passes are not returned on time.
Also on Monday, a new awareness service from Prairie State Legal Services starts at the Main Library, 401 19th Street. Trained volunteers from Prairie State Legal Services will be available from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays on the 2nd floor of the library to offer information and assistance with navigating public benefits for food, cash, medical assistance, disability and township assistance. Prairie State Legal Services volunteers cannot offer legal advice.
Special events and activities offered at the Rock Island Library during National Library Week include:
Monday, April 15:
6:30 pm, Vegetable Gardening: A Feast for the Eyes and Palate, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The free “liven up your landscape” program offers tips from Sandy Russell, of Tastes of the Rainbow, on how choosing organic or heirloom varieties can add color, nutrition and taste to a garden, from the flashes of gold of a Sunshine Cherry Tomato to the bright blue peppers of a Filius Blue pepper plant.
5:30 to 7:30 pm, Blues and Gospel film and discussion, Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The scholar-led discussion on Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Episode 1, Feel Like Going Home and Say Amen, Somebody, is the first of three Rock Island Library programs in the America’s Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway series. America’s Music is a grant-funded series of film viewings, discussions and performance events at Rock Island, Moline, Bettendorf and Davenport Public Libraries, River Music Experience and Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. For more events in the series, visit www.americasmusicqc.com
Wednesday, April 17:
10:30 am, Special “How I Became a Pirate” storytimepresented by Circa 21, Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Captain Braid Beard (Janos Horvath), from the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse’s new musical adventure, will stop by to help read stories, talk like a pirate and help with pirate crafts for ages birth to five. The musical is based on the popular children’s book of the same name, by Melinda Long.
4:00 pm: Lego Time, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Make something fun for display at the library with Lego-brand building blocks.
National Library Week highlights the importance of libraries, librarians, and library workers, and their commitment to the places where their patrons live, work and study. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.
All programs are free and open to the public. For more news about Rock Island Public Library events, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-7323 (READ) or follow the Rock Island Library on Facebook and Twitter. A monthly calendar of library events is available online and at Rock Island Library locations.
Van Barg has over a decade of marketing experience and has previously worked for Media Link, Inc., as well as Simon Properties Group, American Bank and Trust, NA, Lujack's Northpark Auto Plaza, and Living Lands & Waters.
"I am happy to be rejoining the Media Link team," said Van Barg. "Natalie Linville-Mass has built her advertising agency to the point where it is a key player in the advertising industry not only in the Quad Cities, but in the region and beyond. Her development of Media Link Software™ is bound to be a game-changer in the media buying industry nationwide."
"We are so excited to have Laura back on our team. She has incredible talent and tenacity and is truly a welcome addition to our team. We really need someone with her caliber to help us as we take this agency to a national level," said Natalie Linville-Mass, President of Media Link, Inc.
Media Link, Inc. is a full-service integrated marketing firm specializing in strategic media buying and placement. Media Link works with businesses in the Quad-Cities and around the country to develop and execute customized marketing strategies to help them more effectively reach their customers. Media Link, Inc. recently developed and launched its own media buying software system, Media Link Software™. This company is also one of the only marketing firms in the region to have obtained an 8(a) SDB certification, a designation of significance to clients who contract with the federal government.
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]]>[email protected] (Courtney Boothe)Media & CommunicationsWed, 10 Apr 2013 14:40:54 +0000WQPT has a New General Managerhttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/wqpt-has-a-new-general-manager/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/wqpt-has-a-new-general-manager/MOLINE, IL -- Mary Pruess, former president and general manager of WNIT in South Bend/Elkhart, IN, has been named the director of WQPT-Quad Cities Public Television at Western Illinois University, effective April 22, according to Joe Rives, vice president of the Quad Cities and planning at WIU.
She replaces Rick Best, who retired in June 2012. Jamie Lange, who has been serving as the station's interim general manager, will resume her work as WQPT's chief development officer.
Pruess served as the president and general manager of WNIT from 2002-2012. Previously, she was the chief content officer and general manager from 2001-2002 and as vice president (public television services) and station manager from 1993-2001 for WHRO in Norfolk; deputy director of TRAC Media (1991-1993); CEO of the Public Television Programmers' Association (1991-1993); a consultant (1988-present); program manager of KUHT-TV in Houston, TX (1988-1991); and served in numerous managerial positions at KAET-TV in Phoenix, AZ (1977-1988). Pruess has also held director and manager positions at KICR Radio at the University of Iowa.
"We welcome Mary to Western Illinois University. Her professional experience will serve WQPT and the University well. Mary's expertise in public broadcasting and community outreach will further enhance WQPT's outstanding level of service to the region," Rives said. "Rick Best, Jamie Lange and the rest of the staff have set a high bar for continued increases in local programming, community service and successful fundraising. It will be an exciting time as WQPT further enhances Western's contributions to the residents of western Illinois and eastern Iowa."
Pruess has taken graduate courses in public administration from Old Dominion University. She earned her bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Excelsior College (formerly Regents College of the University of the State of New York). She also holds certificates in executive fund development and non-profit management from the University of Notre Dame.
As Director of Sales for Eastern Iowa, Bitting is responsible for recruiting and developing sales teams and revenue strategies. He leverages Eastern Iowa’s programming resources throughout the region and company to create solutions for advertisers.
“Scott has a proven track record in radio, and we are grateful to have him on our team.” said Jeff Ashcraft, Vice President and Market Manager for Eastern Iowa, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “We are excited to utilize his talents and many years of radio sales experience across these three Eastern Iowa markets.”
Bitting comes back to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment after working in the Automotive and Television industry for the last several years. He successfully developed the sales staff into a cohesive team creating several new revenue generating projects while implementing strategies that resulted in gross sales growth.
About Clear Channel Media and Entertainment
With 243 million monthly listeners in the U.S., Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment serves 150 cities through 850 owned radio stations. The company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, Sirius/XM satellite, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company’s radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile application on iPads and smartphones, and used via navigation systems from TomTom, Garmin and others. The company’s operations include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment is a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at clearchannel.com, clearchanneloutdoor.com and ccmediaholdings.com.
On the third quarter of 2012, author Gerald Kramer published “Vanderbilt Reef,” a mystery novel that commemorates the sunken SS Princess Sophia’s maiden voyage. Not one to rest on his laurels, only six months after his successful debut novel, Kramer comes back with yet another mystery fiction that demonstrates that anyone can be put in jeopardy in a supposedly safe environment. Set in 1993, on the campus of a small university in a small town in the Midwest, his newly published book is titled The Dean’s List.
“I started this novel more than twenty years ago, because I found the university environment to be underutilized in mystery novels,” states Kramer. “All campuses are filled with characters who would easily fit into the genre. The story should appeal to readers who like the major characters to be more complex than cardboard figures who are pawns in keeping the plot moving.”
Two campus murders in less than a week shake a small university to its core. The deaths of the Dean of Business and Technology and a student leader have life-changing consequences for Roger Holt, a middle-aged professor who is pressured by top administration into assuming the duties and responsibilities of his late supervisor and to serve as the Interim Dean. Reluctantly, Holt complies because of his loyalty to Great Plains University.
Chet Evans, a detective on the police force, needs Holt’s knowledge of the campus and higher education in general to help solve the cases. Unfortunately for Holt, Evans is not alone in realizing that Roger may be an integral part of the solutions. Amid all this intrigue is the promising romantic relationship between Roger and an unexpected partner. Events spiral out of control until Roger is about to become the third victim.
Fast-paced and crime-centered while providing a realistic view of campus life, The Dean’s List is a book that sheds light on the attempted dominance of campus operations by external forces. The events and atmosphere described in the novel are an accurate reflection of Kramer’s 30 years of experience and the perceptions of many other experienced faculty members.
“A university setting could be threatened by greed and corruption and even violent actions. Optimism is vital for individuals and organizations to survive,” adds Kramer.
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author
Gerald Kramer is a retired college professor who also has worked as a human resource administrator, census-taker, clothing salesperson, and factory worker. He is an avid reader of mystery novels and lists Tony Hillerman, Ross MacDonald, and Michael McGarrity as favorite authors. Western and film noir movies from the 1930s and ‘40s are also popular with him. Vanderbilt Reef: Finding Daniel is his first novel and reflects his admiration of Alaska. He may be reached through his email address, [email protected], or through his Facebook page.
The Dean’s List * by Gerald Kramer
Publication Date: February 28, 2013
Trade Paperback; $15.99; 154 pages; 978-1-4836-0263-9
Trade Hardback; $22.99; 154 pages; 978-1-4836-0264-6
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4836-0265-3
]]>[email protected] (Author House)Media & CommunicationsWed, 03 Apr 2013 15:53:58 +0000Books for All Children: Author Fills Much-Needed Demandhttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/books-for-all-children-author-fills-much-needed-demand/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/books-for-all-children-author-fills-much-needed-demand/Need is the mother of invention, which is why Jeff Rivera decided to create a line of children’s books that emphasis diversity.
“I’m the uncle of 12 nieces and nephews who live everywhere from Costa Rica to Australia to all over the United States, which is no longer the only melting pot in the world,” says Rivera, author of “Um…Mommy, I Flushed My Brother Down the Toilet” and “My Two Uncles & Me,” (www.jeffrivera.com), which have been endorsed by comic book icon Stan Lee and legendary best-selling novelist Jackie Collins. “There are just not enough books for little kids that represent families with diverse backgrounds, like mine, so I decided to create them.”
There are still segments of society that do not embrace differences of race, culture, religion and sexuality, which is why it’s all the more important for children of different backgrounds to feel included, he says.
Rivera reviews a few reasons why major publishers should consider children’s books for diverse families:
• Something probably makes you unusual, too: “Some of us had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, dyslexia or emotional traumas. Some of us came from blended families, mixed-race families, or were adopted. Some of us had gay and lesbian family members, some of us were on food stamps and welfare growing up, or were homeless, like I was. There are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and atheists. Not everyone can be pegged into a nice square box, and our kids shouldn’t be,” says Rivera, a media personality featured in a variety of outlets.
• Together, ‘minorities’ become the majority: In the U.S., one out of five people has a learning difference; one in two children born are a minority ethnicity; and more than 14 million children have gay or lesbian parents. “When you add it all up, that’s easily the majority of people in our country,” he says. “It just does not make good business sense to ignore so many of us.”
• Overlooked entrepreneurs: American history is rife with examples of overlooked business opportunities. Just a few decades ago there was an emerging subculture created by inner-city youth. The most prominent feature? Hip hop, or rap music. For several years record company executives dismissed the budding genre, and all the while an under-the-radar entrepreneur named Russell Simmons helped present the new music to mainstream America and the rest of the world. As of April 2011, he had a $340 million net worth.
About Jeff Rivera
Jeff Rivera is a bestselling author, journalist and inspirational media personality whose work has been mentioned on TMZ, WABC, WNBC, WCBS, NPR and many other outlets. He is a full-time author whose humble beginnings living in poverty on welfare and food stamps as the child of a single mother, to his days living in his car and final success in media have inspired many.
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Monday, December 29, 2014
I have been looking for new activities to use with depressed children and adolescents and came across this activity in an MFT Facebook group that I am a part of.
This "DBT House" (DBT stands for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) is a mindfulness activity. It helps children to recognize their strengths, ways of coping, support system, values, and so forth. After doing some more research on how to create a DBT House and finding instructions at Kim's Counseling Corner, I created my own template for those children who don't wish to draw their own house.
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(Phoenix, Ariz. -- Nov. 17, 2010) Attorney General Terry Goddard today hailed the work of the newly formed Southwest Border Alliance and said it will "take the fight against organized crime on the U.S.-Mexico border to a whole new level."
Goddard, speaking at an Alliance meeting this week in Austin, Texas, told the group that it marks a high point in the effective coordination of law enforcement efforts. The conference was attended by top Mexican law enforcement officials as well as state, local and federal agencies, including senior officials from the U.S. Department of Justice and Treasury Department.
"The Alliance is our best hope to get ahead of the drug cartels and stop their reign of terror," Goddard said. "Now is the time to mount a maximum state-federal-local effort to block the steady flow of money that pays for their criminal operations on both sides of the border."
The Alliance was formed as a result of the historic, $94 million settlement between the Arizona Attorney General and Western Union last February. It is funded with $50 million from the settlement to combat border crimes and award grants to law enforcement agencies in the four Southwest border states: Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.
Goddard noted that the Western Union settlement also gives the Alliance new access to cross-border wire transfer data, which already has sparked several new investigations related to drug- and human-smuggling in California.
But he also pointed out holes in anti-money laundering defenses, including the lack of federal regulation of stored value instruments and poor oversight of bank accounts used to move money across the border. As the cartels grow more sophisticated and branch into other business lines beyond smuggling, they become more difficult to stop, he said.
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Why These HVAC Professionals?
Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. We scored hvac professionals on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analysed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best hvac professionals in Greenville, SC.
ReviewedCuratedTop Picks282215
Our Selection Criteria:
1. Reputation
A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.
2. Credibility
Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards.
3. Experience
Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.
4. Availability
Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.
5. Professionalism
Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect.
Air Command
Air Command is a family owned and operated, licensed contractor that specializes in the field of heating and air conditioning for homes and businesses, serving Piedmont, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas. Air Command services include installation, upgrade, and replacement of appliances, repair, and preventative maintenance, and air duct cleaning. Being a Maytag dealer, they can also offer their clients a wide variety of products such as air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, programmable thermostats, humidifiers, air cleaners, ventilators, and other products. Air Command offers extended warranties, free estimates, service agreements, and special promotions that can be located on their website.
Air Pro Heating & Air
Air Pro Heating & Air was founded as a small, family-owned company in 1990 and has since grown to be one of the most reliable and respected HVAC services in the entire Greenville area. Customers can call or contact the company on the website to schedule a free consultation and one of the company’s knowledgeable and experienced technicians will help assess their needs and choose the ideal new heating or cooling system to fit their budget and space. The company’s regular maintenance service can add years of life to any residential or commercial system, and technicians are standing by to respond to all types of repair emergencies, all for competitive rates without any hidden fees or gimmicks. For the finest repair, maintenance, and replacement service around, Air Pro Heating & Air is the place to call.
B & K Services
With over 20 years of experience, B & K Services of Taylors, SC, endeavors to provide superior air conditioning and heating repairs, maintenance, and installation in and around the greater Greenville area. Family-owned and operated, they work with leading manufacturers, like Goodman and Trane, to provide high-quality systems, units, and parts to create reliable energy service to their clients. In addition to their expertise with furnaces and air conditioners, they also design custom installations and build their own duct work. While based outside of Greenville, SC, B & K Services is also licensed in nearly every state throughout the southeast, from West Virginia to Florida, and they provide emergency 24-hour service to customers in need.
Bentley's Heating & Air
Bentley's Heating & Air offers heating and cooling repair and installation in the Greenville, SC and surrounding regions since 1991. The company has registered as an official South Carolina HVAC repair company and has membership in the League of Carolina Homeowners. The company technicians stay current with all the latest developments in the field, and all have experience working with a range of brands. Bentley’s Heating and Air provides service and installation on a wealth of products and systems from heat pumps and gas furnaces, to ductwork or sheet metal to geothermal underground systems and air quality testing. The company has long been a member of the Greenville Better Business Bureau.
Brothers Plumbing, Air and Electric
Brothers Plumbing, Air & Electric is an HVAC contractor that is based out of Greer, South Carolina. They have more than 25 years of experience and only hire certified technicians who have been drug tested and background checked. Brothers Plumbing, Air & Electric is committed to providing high-quality, affordable service and can respond to 24-hour emergency calls. They offer a wide range of services including heating system replacement, general diagnostics, heating and air repair, and heat pump repair. Brothers Plumbing, Air & Electric also offers air conditioning installation, service, and repair. They have received positive reviews on Yelp and Angie’s List for their efficient, dependable technicians and for their swift response to emergency calls.
Comfort Specialties, LLC
Comfort Specialties, LLC is a family owned business that has proudly provided the Greenville, SC and surrounding areas with quality HVAC services since 2005. They provide installation and maintenance for heating, air conditioning, air quality solutions, standby generators, and energy efficient options to their customers with professional service. They also provide duct repair and cleaning and pride themselves on recommending the right system for the customer at the best price. They offer 24-hour emergency services, free estimates, and their qualified customers enjoy financing options. With easy to talk to technician and installers, their staff helps homeowners understand their HVAC system and why good air quality is so important.
Complete Heat and Air
Located in Easley, South Carolina, Complete Heat and Air has been serving the upstate South Carolina area for over 15 years. Owner and founder Michael Esuary enjoys working with customers to find solutions to their heating and cooling problems and takes great pride in the success of his technicians. Customers can find a wide range of high-efficiency heating and cooling services that include repairs, system replacements and upgrades, seasonal check-ups, and preventive maintenance. Complete Heating and Air is committed to delivering high-quality work and going the extra mile to exceed expectations. Open communication is a top priority and they make sure to take the time to thoroughly address any questions or concerns.
Easy Air and Heat
Easy Air + Heat + Plumbing is an HVAC contractor that serves upstate South Carolina. They offer written guarantees to all of their customers and provide 24-hour emergency service. Easy Air + Heat + Plumbing can service and install all major brands of HVAC equipment including Coleman, American Standard, and Goodman. They are committed to providing quick, efficient service to their residential customers and can work with clients who would like to finance the cost of their HVAC repairs. Easy Air + Heat + Plumbing offers a wide range of repairs including air conditioning installation and repair, heating system repair, general HVAC maintenance, and plumbing services. They have received positive customer reviews for their exceptional customer service.
General Air
General Air, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is a family-owned and –operated HVAC company committed to providing reliable, affordable, comprehensive service for commercial and residential customers. They offer a wide range of options including evaluations, indoor air-quality testing, HVAC equipment service and repairs, and more. Technicians work with such major brands as Lennox, Carrier, Heating and Cooling Products, and Trane and can help select the best energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, estimates are free, and emergency service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Genesis Mechanical
Genesis Mechanical Inc. is an HVAC contractor that serves upstate South Carolina. They have more than 18 years of experience in the HVAC industry and are committed to helping their customers feel comfortable at home. Genesis Mechanical Inc. offers a wide range of services including tankless water heater installation, gas piping, air balancing, and general troubleshooting and repairs. They can design and install new duct systems for homes and are members in good standing of the Refrigeration Service Engineering Society. Genesis Mechanical Inc. has received positive reviews on Google Plus and Angie’s List for their caring, efficient technicians. Genesis Mechanical Inc. offers early morning appointment times for their customers’ convenience.
His Heating & Air, LCC
His Heating & Air, LCC is an HVAC contracting company in Greenville, South Carolina. Their service areas include Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson. His Heating & Air, LCC strives to deliver premier heating and air services and provides 24-hour service. Their 24-hour residential services include HVAC service commitment, heating, and air, repairs, ducts, and geothermal. His Heating & Air, LCC provides new systems and installation of personally designed systems. The company offers financing with zero interest plans available. His Heating & Air, LCC offers military discounts, free second opinion specials, and always provides free estimates. The company is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Palmetto Heating & Air, LLC
Palmetto Heating & Air, LLC is an HVAC contractor that serves the greater Greenville area. They are rated as a Comfort Specialist by Trane and are accredited through the Better Business Bureau. Palmetto Heating & Air, LLC only hires technicians who have a two-year degree in HVAC and then continues their training in-house after they are hired. They are committed to providing high-quality HVAC services and can work with clients who would like to finance the cost of repairs. Palmetto Heating & Air, LLC has received positive customer reviews for their efficient, dependable service. They encourage customers to contact them to request a free estimate. Palmetto Heating & Air, LLC can respond to 24-hour emergency calls.
Preferred Choice Heating & Air Conditioning
Preferred Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated heating and cooling company in Greenville, SC, serving commercial and residential customers for three generations. They aim to deliver quality service at all times, specializing in energy-efficient air conditioning and heating services. Preferred Choice Heating & Air Conditioning offers equipment replacement, planned maintenance, complete heating and cooling system installation, ductwork, and water heater replacement, installation, and repair. They also provide yearly planned maintenance, complete system tune-ups, and home automation or gas logs for commercial and residential clients. Preferred Choice Heating & Air Conditioning has highly trained technicians on staff with over 20 years of combined industry experience.
Upstate Service Solutions Inc.
Upstate Service Solutions Inc., in Pelzer, South Carolina, is a cleaning company that specializes in residential heating and air, plumbing and electrical services. They offer a wide variety of options such as drain service, fixture repair, water heater installation and repair, duct insulation retrofit, heating and air conditioning system analysis, programmable thermostats, solar attic ventilation fans, lighting automation and photocell controls, switch installation and repair, and more. The company is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and has been given an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Service extends to Pelzer, Piedmont, Anderson, Simpsonville, Williamston, Greenville, Fountain Inn, Easley, Mauldin, and Belton.
Victory Heating & Air Conditioning
With over two decades of experience in the industry, Victory Heating & Air Conditioning is a licensed, bonded, and insured HVAC company in Taylors that serves residential and commercial customers in surrounding communities of upstate South Carolina. Servicing all major brands, they provide such services as maintaining and repairing of air conditioning and heating systems, heat pumps, water heaters, outdoor units, thermostats, and furnaces. Prospective customers can receive free estimates on replacement work by calling or going online to their website, which contains more information about the company, their services, and how to schedule an appointment. Testimonials and reviews can be found on Yelp.
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Tumble dryer size plus will it change my life?
It's that time of year again when I yearn for a tumble dryer...Am trying to decide between 2. Have decided to go for fancy heat pump one and have seen 2 that are reduced in the sales so within my budget. Machine 1 is an 8kg Bosch. Machine 2 is a 7kg Vedette (good French brand, I'm in France). The Vedette is 150 EUR cheaper than the Bosch and at 7kg is also more economical to run. It has great reviews and I think I'm going to get it I'm just looking for advice about size.
I've never had a tumble dryer before so not sure if 7kg is big enough. We are a family of 4 (kids are 11 and 14 but quite small girls so don't have huge jeans or hoodies) and it feels like we do loads of washing but I suppose it is a normal amount. Get good weather in the summer so I line dry then. We have a 5kg washing machine but it's a Miele so has a biggish drum. If I fill it but don't overfill it with a mix of trousers, tops, socks etc the wet washing that comes out weighs between 6 and 7kg (weighed a wash the other day)
Will the cheaper slightly more economical 7kg machine be enough? And will it change my life?? 😀
I'm sick of airers cluttering up the house and things taking a while to dry.
I have a 9kg washing machine and 9kg dryer, and yes, I've found the dryer life-changing after never having one before. I would never be without one again.
We had a 5kg washing machine left in our house when we moved in and I had replaced it within a month! It was impossible to keep up with the washing around working full time. Now I do one big load a day, and I can have it washed, dried, folded and put away before bed. It's brilliant.
There will not be all that much difference in capacity I from 7 to 8kg drum, having had numerous dryers from 5kg up to 9kg.
The weight rating applies to dry laundry weight, as of course the clothes will end up dry in the machine at the end.
To be honest though, the weight way of determining what a machine will take is a con, it’s volume that matters, an example would be a duvet wouldn’t weigh anywhere near 8kg when wet, let alone dry, but it would completely fill a “7/8kg” drum because of its mass.
Yes it eill change your life, I have never not, nor would ever no5 have a dryer (same with a dishwasher), life is far far too short for fussing around with airers and pots.
OK thank you. I will check out drum size. I don't have plans to change my washing machine so perhaps 7kg is big enough.
I'm looking forward to having my life changed!
We have a pellet stove in the kitchen which is great for drying things in front on but it means the washing being in the middle of the kitchen. Or it goes at the top of the stairs where it dries OK but not very quickly.
It's ordered!Went with the 7kg vedette because I discovered that the Bosch, for energy saving reasons, only turns one way and people have issues with sheets getting balled up. Hopefully it will be a good choice. I had a vedette washing machine for years and it was a real workhorse so I'm hoping this will be the same. Went and looked at machines in a shop and the 8kg seemed ridiculously big compared to my 5kg washer. Can't wait to have it delivered and try it out!!
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This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
The government ratified the ILO Convention on collective bargaining, but public sector workers are not allowed to bargain, and the draft labour code has not passed into law. The single trade union system continues to exist. There were many strikes by migrant workers protesting terrible conditions. A standard labour contract was introduced for foreign domestic workers.
Trade union rights in law
Progress on new Labour Code?: The government has been promising since 1996 to introduce a new Labour Code in line with international labour standards but has still failed to do so. It has set up a tripartite committee to review the draft code and has sought the ILO's technical assistance to ensure it complies with international standards.
Single trade union system: The law provides for a single trade union system, with only one national federation, the Kuwait Trade Union Federation (KTUF), allowed. This restriction remains in the new draft labour code. At present there may not be more than one trade union per establishment, enterprise or activity, but this will change if the new code is adopted. The KTUF only organises public sector workers, including workers in some ministries, but is pressing the government to be allowed to organise in the private sector.
Barriers to organising: At least 100 workers are required in order to organise a trade union. The founding members must include at least 15 workers of Kuwaiti nationality. In effect, this restricts the workers from organising in the private sector, as the majority of workers are migrants. For a trade union to be officially recognised, the Ministry of Interior must deliver a statement certifying its approval of the list of founding members. All these provisions have been dropped in the new draft code.
Government supervision: Government authorities have wide powers of supervision over trade union finances and records, and the government subsidises up to 90 per cent of most union budgets. If a union is dissolved, its assets are turned over to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, although this provision will be eliminated if the new code becomes law. Trade unions may not engage in political activity, and the courts can dissolve any union that violates the labour laws or threatens public order and morality. The restriction on political activity remains in the new code.
Workers excluded from labour law: Domestic workers and maritime workers are not permitted to either found or belong to a trade union. The new draft does not change this.
Foreign workers, who make up about 80 per cent of the workforce, must have lived in Kuwait for at least five years and must obtain a certificate of moral standing and good conduct before they are allowed to join trade unions as nonvoting members. They are not permitted to run for any trade union posts. The restrictions on the role of foreign workers in trade unions have been removed in the new draft.
Migrant workers in Kuwait are bound by the sponsor system, a regulation that restricts their movements and puts them at the mercy of their employers. However, during 2005 the government said that it intended to change the law and to issue a guarantee for migrant workers, thus preventing their employer from taking advantage of their vulnerable position.
Collective bargaining: Collective bargaining is recognised in law, and in 2007 the government ratified ILO Convention 98 on the right to collective bargaining. According to the Civil Service Law, the government and its employees establish wages and conditions in consultation with the Government Workers' Union. Employers and workers in the private sector negotiate directly, subject to certain restrictions.
Restrictions on strikes: Strike action is only allowed in the private sector, which accounts for six per cent of the workforce. Compulsory arbitration is imposed if the workers and employers are unable to resolve a conflict. The new draft code still contains this provision, even though by international labour standards compulsory arbitration should apply to essential services only. There is no protection for strikers against retribution by the state. Nevertheless, several strikes and sit-ins were held in the country in 2007, without provoking serious incidents.
Trade union rights in practice and Violations in 2007
Background: There were a number of strikes, both by national and foreign workers during the year, and some labour organisations were threatened by the government as a result.
Organising: Despite the trade union monopoly imposed by law, some trade unions exist outside the KTUF, such as the Bank Workers' Union and the Kuwait Airways Workers' Union.
In practice, reports indicate that foreign workers have joined trade unions before they have worked in the country for the statutory five years. However, less than five per cent of the unionised workforce is foreign.
Strikes: Strikes are rare, not least because they are only allowed in the private sector, which is not organised , is very small and is mostly composed of foreigners whose stay in the country could be compromised.
Collective bargaining: Collective bargaining is rarely practiced in the public sector. Although the law allows for direct negotiations between employers and workers or workers' representatives in the private sector, the sector is not organised.
In response to the strikes, there have been calls for the government to remove the ban on collective bargaining in the public sector.
Migrant workers exploited: The government's policy of reducing its reliance on migrant workers has not been implemented. These workers are still exploited, even though the government has sought to improve their legal protection.
During 2007 there were newspaper reports of migrant workers housed in terrible conditions. In February, Indian employees of the Shuwaikh Cleaning Company went on strike to protest about the pay and conditions.
Domestic workers, mainly women, are particularly vulnerable. They are subject to prosecution if they leave their employers, who often confiscate their passports, and they are frequently the victims of physical and sexual abuse. It has been alleged that some underage girls enter the country on false travel documents in order to work as maids.
In response to scandals about the abusive treatment and conditions, in 2007 the government introduced a standard employment contract for domestic workers, but recruitment agencies try to get round it.
In 2005, the government created a special committee to examine the position of domestic workers, and the following year it asked the KTUF to examine the issues involved in establishing formal representation of foreign workers in Kuwait.
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Kids Play Free at Bing Maloney
At Bing Maloney Golf Course all Children 18 and under Play Free!
Children 17 and under can play the 9-hole Express 9 Golf Course FREE all day, every day. Play with family, friends or on their own – this is a wonderful opportunity for children to practice their game for FREE!
Bing Maloney for the perfect place to book your next tee time! A round at Bing Maloney in South Sacramento offers you a relaxing and friendly day of golf on a championship course with a unique history. Our par-72 18-hole course was designed by M.J. McDonaugh, an associate of the famed golf architect Alister MacKenzie.
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This week, Julian Fantino, the minister responsible for military procurement, for the first time indicated the Harper government was considering alternatives to the 9 billion dollar purchase of F-35 stealth fighter jets. Until now, the government has maintained there was no other acceptable plane and no alternative plans, as the cost of the fighter climbs and its production and performance problems mount. How big a development is this, and what might it mean? Why is the government changing its message?
2. Robocalls – The Latest:
At the end of the week, Elections Canada announced it has 700 concrete complaints concerning misleading or fraudulant automated or live phone calls to voters around the country. That, a few weeks after announcing it had received 31,000 “contacts” on the issue. What should we make of this latest development? Where is this issue going?
3. NDP leadership: The Final Stretch:
On March 24th, 131,000 NDP party members will choose a new leader to replace the late Jack Layton. We’ll look at the latest in the race among the 7 candidates.
About
Martin Stringer
Having covered the Canadian political scene for more than 25 years, Martin is as politically astute as he is savvy. He joined CPAC in 1996 and has covered leadership races, political conventions and federal elections, serving as PrimeTime Politics’ Hill correspondent daily and host of the show’s Friday edition. Martin began his career as a reporter for CBC Radio in Quebec City and also worked for seven years as national and international producer for CBC Radio’s flagship show, As It Happens.
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Twitter Loved Obama's 'Latte-Sipping' Liberals Comment
President Obama held his final press conference of the year on Friday, December 16, and discussed everything from the situation in Aleppo to Russian interference in the US presidential election.
The president dragged the media for its coverage of the election and hyper-focusing on leaked emails.
The White House on YouTube
President Obama also said he thought Hillary Clinton was treated unfairly during the election.
The president also ripped into Russia,
The Russians can't change us or significantly weaken us.
They're a smaller country, they're a weaker country, they don't produce anything that anybody wants to buy.
It's safe to say Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be a fan of these remarks.
The press conference was a testament to the convoluted array of forces that are currently converging upon the world. President Obama definitely has his hands full during his final weeks in the White House.
But the one quote everyone seems to be focusing on revolves around lattes.
Yes, lattes.
Speaking about what Democrats need to do to be successful in future elections, the president said,
I think that we have to spend the most time on — because it's the thing we have the most control over — is how do we make sure that we're showing up in places where I think Democratic policies are needed, where they are helping, where they are making a difference, but where people feel as if they are not being heard?
And where Democrats are characterized as coastal, liberal, latte-sipping, you know, politically-correct, out of touch folks.
We have to be in those communities, and I've seen that when we are in those communities, it makes a difference.
The "latte-sipping" line has seized Twitter's imagination. We really are simple creatures.
But it was kind of a funny thing for the president to say.
People can't get over the president's latte quote. The world is in shambles, but this seems to be one of the biggest takeaways from his final press conference. Perhaps this is why we're not doing so well in 2016.
Twitter
Twitter
Twitter
The president also took a sip of what appeared to be an actual latte during the press conference. If he was taking a jab at lattes with his statement, this is a little hypocritical.
Twitter
Twitter
Shoutout to all the latte-sippers out there. Don't let the haters (espresso-sippers and coffee-chuggers) bring you down. You do you. This is America.
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Augustine on the Psalms. Psalms 76 - 78
PSALM 76
1. The Jews are wont to glory in this Psalm which we have sung, saying, "Known in Judaea is God, in Israel great is the name of Him :" and to revile the Gentiles to whom God is not known, and to say that to themselves alone God is known; seeing that the Prophet saith," Known in Judaea is God." In other places therefore He is unknown. But God is known in very deed in Judaea, if they understand what is Judaea. For indeed God is not known except in Judaea. Behold even we say this, that except a person shall have been in Judaea, known to him God cannot be. But what saith the Apostle? He that in secret is a Jew, he that is so in circumcision of the heart, not in letter but in spirit.[2] There are therefore Jews in circumcision of the flesh, and there are Jews in circumcision of the heart. Many of our holy fathers[3] had both the circumcision of the flesh, for a seal of the faith, and circumcision of the heart, for the faith itself. From these fathers these men degenerating, who now in the name do glory, and have lost their deeds; from these fathers, I say, degenerating, they have remained Jews in flesh, in heart Heathens. For these are Jews, who are out of Abraham, from whom Isaac was born, and out of him Jacob, and out of Jacob the twelve Patriarchs, and out of the twelve Patriarchs the whole people of the Jews.[4] But they were generally called Jews for this reason, that Judah was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, a Patriarch among the twelve, and from his stock the Royalty came among the Jews. For all this people after the number of the twelve sons of Jacob, had twelve tribes. What we call tribes are as it were distinct houses and congregations of people. That people, I say, had twelve tribes, out of which twelve tribes one tribe was Judah, out of which were the kings; and there was another tribe, Levi, out of which were the priests. But because to the priests serving the temple no land was allotted,[5] but it was necessary that among twelve tribes all the Land of promise should be shared: there having been therefore taken out one tribe of higher dignity, the tribe of Levi, which was of the priests, there would have remained eleven, unless by the adoption of the two sons of Joseph the number twelve were completed.
What this is, observe. One of the twelve sons of Jacob was Joseph. ... This Joseph had two sons, Ephraim and Manasse. Jacob, dying, as though by will, received those his grandsons into the number of sons, and said to his son Joseph, "The rest that are born shall be to thee; but these to me, and they shall divide the land with their brethren."[6] As yet there had not been given nor divided the land of promise, but he was speaking in the Spirit, prophesying. The two sons therefore of Joseph being added, there were made up nevertheless twelve tribes, since now there are thirteen. For instead of one tribe of Joseph, two were added, and there were made thirteen. There being taken out then the tribe of Levi, that tribe of priests which did serve the Temple, and lived by the tithes of all the rest unto whom the land was divided, there remain twelve. In these twelve was the tribe of Judah, whence the kings were. For at first from another tribe was given King Saul,[7] and he was rejected as being an evil king; after there was given from the tribe of Judah King David, and out of him from the tribe of Judah were the Kings.[8] But Jacob had spoken of this, when he blessed his sons, "there shall not fail a prince out of Judah, nor a leader from his thighs, until there come He to whom the promise hath been made."[9] But from the tribe of Judah there came Our Lord Jesus Christ. For He is, as the Scripture saith, and as ye have but now heard, out of the seed of David born of Mary,[10] But as regardeth the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, wherein He is equal with the Father, He is not only before the Jews, but also before Abraham himself;[11] nor only before Abraham, but also before Adam; nor only before Adam, but also before Heaven and earth and before ages: for all things by Himself were made, and without Him there was made nothing? Because therefore in prophecy hath been said, "there shall not fail a prince out of Judah," etc.:[9] former times are examined, and we find that the Jews always had their kings of the tribe of Judah, and had no foreign king before that Herod who was king when the Lord was born. Thence began foreign kings, from Herod.[13] Before Herod all were of the tribe of Judah, but only until there should come He to whom the promise had been made. Therefore when the Lord Himself came, the kingdom of the Jews was overthrown, and removed from the Jews. Now they have no king; because they will not acknowledge the true King. See now whether they must be called Jews. Now ye do see that they must not be called Jews. They have themselves with their own voice resigned that name, so that they are not worthy to be called Jews, except only in the flesh. When did they sever themselves from the name? They said, "We have no king but Caesar."[1] O ye who are called Jews and are not, if ye have no king but Caesar, there hath failed a Prince of Judah: there hath come then He to whom the promise hath been made. They then are more truly Jews, who have been made Christians out of Jews: the rest of the Jews, who in Christ have not believed, have deserved to lose even the very name. The true Judaea, then, is the Church of Christ, believing in that King, who hath come out of the tribe of Judah through the Virgin Mary; believing in Him of whom the Apostle was just now speaking, in writing to Timothy, "Be thou mindful that Jesus Christ hath risen from the dead, of the seed of David, after my Gospel."[2] For of Judah is David, and out of David is the Lord Jesus Christ. We believing in Christ do belong to Judah: and we acknowledge Christ. We, that with eyes have not seen, in faith do keep Him. Let not therefore the Jews revile, who are no longer Jews. They said themselves, "We have no king but Caesar."[1] For better were it for them that their king should be Christ, of the seed of David, of the tribe of Judah. Nevertheless because Christ Himself is of the seed of David after the flesh, but God above all things blessed for ever? He is Himself our King and our God; our King, inasmuch as born of the tribe of Judah, after the flesh, was Christ the Lord, the Saviour; but our God, who is before Judah, and before Heaven and earth, by whom were made all things,[4] both spiritual and corporal. For if all things by Himself were made; even Mary herself, out of whom He was born, by Himself was made. ...
2. "Known in Judaea is God, in Israel great is the Name of Him" (ver. 1). Concerning Israel also we ought so to take it as we have concerning Judaea: as they were not the true Jews, so neither was that the true Israel. For what is Israel said to be? One seeing God. And how have they seen God, among whom He walked in the flesh; and while they supposed Him to be man, they slew Him? ... "In Israel great is His Name." Wilt thou be Israel? Observe that man concerning whom the Lord saith, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom guile is not."[5] If a true Israelite is he in whom guile is not, the guileful and lying are not true Israelites. Let them not say then, that with them is God, and great is His name in Israel. Let them prove themselves Israelites, and I grant that "in Israel great is His Name."
3. "And there hath been made in peace a place for Him, and His habitation is in Sion" (ver. 2). Again, Sion is as it were the country of the Jews; the true Sion is the Church of Christians. But the intrepretation of the Hebrew names is thus handed down to us: Judaea is interpreted confession, Israel, one seeing God. After Judaea is Israel. Wilt thou see God? First do thou confess, and then in thyself there is made a place for God; because "there hath been made in peace a place for Him." So long as then thou confessest not thy sins, in a manner thou art quarrelling with God. For how art thou not disputing with Him, who art praising that which displeaseth Him? He punisheth a thief, thou dost praise theft: He doth punish a drunken man, thou dost praise drunkenness. Thou art disputing with God, thou hast not made for Him a place in thy heart: because in peace is His place. And how dost thou begin to have peace with God? Thou beginnest with Him in confession. There is a voice of a Psalm, saying, "Begin ye to the Lord in confession."[6] What is, "Begin ye to the Lord in confession"? Begin ye to be joined to the Lord. In what manner? So that the same thing may displease you as displeaseth Him. There displeaseth Him thy evil life; if it please thyself, thou art disunited from Him; if it displease thee, through confession to Him thou art united. ...
4. "There He hath broken the strength of bows, and the shield, and the sword, and the battle" (ver. 3). Where hath He broken? In that eternal peace, in that perfect peace. And now, my brethren, they that have rightly believed see that they ought not to rely on themselves: and all the might of their own menaces, and whatsoever is in them whetted for mischief, this they break in pieces; and whatsoever they deem of great virtue wherewith to protect themselves temporally, and the war which they were waging against God by defending their sins, all these things He hath broken there.
5. "Thou enlightening marvellously from the eternal mountains" (ver. 4). What are the eternal mountains? Those which He hath Himself made eternal; which are the great mountains, the preachers of truth. Thou dost enlighten, but from the eternal mountains: the great mountains are first to receive Thy light, and from Thy light which the mountains receive, the earth also is clothed. But those great mountains the Apostles have received, the Apostles have received as it were the first streaks of the rising light. ... Wherefore also, in another place, a Psalm saith what? "I have lifted up mine eyes unto the mountains, whence there shall come help to me."[7] What then, in the mountains is thy hope, and from thence to thee shall there come help? Hast thou stayed at the mountains? Take heed what thou doest. There is something above the mountains: above the mountains is He at whom the mountains tremble. "I have lifted up," he saith, "mine eyes unto the mountains, whence there shall come help to me." But what followeth? "My help," he saith, "is from the Lord, who hath made Heaven and earth."[1] Unto the mountains indeed I have lifted up eyes, because through the mountains to me the Scriptures were displayed: but I have my heart in Him that doth enlighten all mountains. ...
6. "There have been troubled all the unwise in heart" (ver. 5). ... How have they been troubled? When the Gospel is preached. And what is life eternal? And who is He that hath risen from the dead? The Athenians wondered, when the Apostle Paul spake of the resurrection of the dead, and thought that he spake but fables.[2] But because he said that there was another life which neither eye hath seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it gone up into the heart of man? therefore the unwise in heart were troubled. But what hath befallen them? "They have slept their sleep, and all men of riches have found nothing in their hands." They have loved things present, and have gone to sleep in the midst of things present: and so these very present things have become to them delightful: just as he that seeth in a dream himself to have found treasure, is so long rich as he waketh not. The dream hath made him rich, waking hath made him poor. Sleep perchance hath held him slumbering on the earth, and lying on the hard ground, poor and perchance a beggar; in sleep he hath seen himself to lie on an ivory or golden bed, and on feathers heaped up; so long as he is sleeping, he is sleeping well, waking he hath found himself on the hard ground, whereon sleep had taken him. Such men also are these too: they have come into this life, and through temporal desires, they have as it were slumbered here; and them riches, and vain pomps that fly away, have taken, and they have passed away: they have not understood how much of good might be done therewith. For if they had known of another life, there they would have laid up unto themselves the treasure which here was doomed to perish: like as Zacchaeus, the chief of the Publicans, saw that good[4] when he received the Lord Jesus in his house, and he saith, "The half of my goods I give to the poor, and if to any man I have done any wrong, fourfold I restore."[5] This man was not in the emptiness of men dreaming, but in the faith of men awake. ...
7. "By Thy chiding, O God of Jacob, there have slept all men that have mounted horses" (ver. 6). Who are they that have mounted horses? They that would not be humble. To sit on horseback is no sin; but it is a sin to lift up the neck of power against God, and to deem one's self to be in some distinction. Because thou art rich, thou hast mounted; God doth chide, and thou sleepest. Great is the anger of Him chiding, great the anger. Let your Love observe the terrible thing. Chiding hath noise, the noise is wont to make men wake. So great is the force of God chiding, that he said, "By Thy chiding, O God of Jacob, there have slept all men that have mounted horses." Behold what a sleep that Pharaoh slept who mounted horses. For he was not awake in heart, because against chiding he had his heart hardened.[6] For hardness of heart is slumber. I ask you, my brethren, how they sleep, who, while the Gospel is sounding, and the Amen, and the Hallelujah, throughout the whole world, yet will not condemn their old life, and wake up unto a new life. There was the Scripture of God in Judaea only, now throughout the whole world it is sung. In that one nation one God who made all things was spoken of, as to be adored and worshipped; now where is He unsaid? Christ hath risen again, though derided on the Cross; that very Cross whereon He was derided, He hath now imprinted on the brows of kings: and men yet sleep. ...
8. "Thou art terrible, and who shall withstand Thee at that time by Thine anger?" (ver. 7). Now they sleep, and perceive not Thee angry; but for cause that they should sleep, He was angry. Now that which sleeping they perceived not, at the end they shall perceive. For there shall appear the Judge of quick and dead. "And who shall withstand Thee at that time by Thine anger?" For now they speak that which they will, and they dispute against God and say, who are the Christians? or who is Christ? or what fools are they that believe that which they see not, and relinquish the pleasures which they see, and follow the faith of things which are not displayed to their eyes! Ye sleep and snore,[7] ye speak against God, as much as ye are able. "How long shall sinners, O Lord, how long shall sinners glory, they answer and will speak iniquity?"[8] But when doth no one answer and no one speak, except when he turneth himself[9] against himself? ...
9. "From Heaven Thou hast hurled judgment: the earth hath trembled, and hath rested" (ver. 8). She which now doth trouble herself, she which now speaketh, hath to fear at the end and to rest. Better had she now rested, that at the end she might have rejoiced. Rested? When? "When God arose unto judgment, that He might save all the meek in heart" (ver. 9). Who are the meek in heart? They that on snorting horses have not mounted, but in their humility have confessed their own sins. "For the thought of a man shall confess to Thee, and the remnants of the thought shall celebrate solemnities to Thee" (ver. 10). The first is the thought, the latter are the remnants of the thought. What is the first thought? That from whence we begin, that good thought whence thou wilt begin to confess. Confession uniteth us to Christ. But now the confession itself, that is, the first thought, doth produce in us the remnants of the thought: and those very "remnants of thought shall celebrate solemnities to Thee." What is the thought which shall confess? That which condemneth the former life, that where-unto that which it was is displeasing, in order that it may be that which it was not, is itself the first thought. But because thus thou oughtest to withdraw from sins, with the first thought after having confessed to God, that it may not escape thy memory that thou hast been a sinner; in that thou hast been a sinner, thou dost celebrate solemnities to God. Furthermore it is to be understood as followeth. The first thought hath confession, and departure from the old life. But if thou shalt have forgotten from what sins thou hast been delivered, thou dost not render thanks to the Deliverer, and dost not celebrate solemnities to thy God. Behold the first confessing thought of Saul the Apostle, now Paul, who at first was Saul, when he heard a voice from Heaven! ... He put forth the first thought of obedience: when he heard, "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest," "O Lord," he saith, "what dost Thou bid me to do?"[1] This is a thought confessing: now he is calling upon the Lord, whom he persecuted. In what manner the remnants of the thought shall celebrate solemnities, in the case of Paul ye have heard, when the Apostle himself was being read: "Be thou mindful that Christ Jesus hath risen from the dead, of the seed of David, after my Gospel."[2] What is, be thou mindful? Though effaced from thy memory be the thought, whereby at first thou hast confessed: be the remnant of the thought in the memory. ...
10. Even once was Christ sacrificed for[3] us, when we believed; then was thought; but now there are the remnants of thought, when we remember Who hath come to us, and what He hath forgiven us; by means of those very remnants of thought, that is, by means of the memory herself, He is daily so sacrificed for us,[4] as if He were daily renewing us, that hath renewed us by His first grace. For now the Lord hath renewed us in Baptism, and we have become new men, in hope indeed rejoicing, in order that in tribulation we may be patient[5] nevertheless, there ought not to escape from our memory that which hath been bestowed upon us. And if now thy thought is not what it was,--for the first thought was to depart from sin: but now thou dost not depart, but at that time didst depart,--be there remnants of thought, test He who hath made whole escape from memory. ...
11. "Vow ye, and pay to the Lord our God" (ver. 11). Let each man vow what he is able, and pay it. Do not vow and not pay: but let every man vow, and pay what he can. Be ye not slow to vow: for ye will accomplish the vows by powers not your own. Ye will fail, if on yourselves ye rely: but if on Him to whom ye vow ye rely, ye will be safe to pay. "Vow ye, and pay to the Lord our God." What ought we all in common to vow? To believe in Him, to hope from Him for life eternal, to live godly according to a measure common to all. For there is a certain measure common to all men. To commit no theft is not a thing enjoined merely upon one devoted to continence,[6] and not enjoined upon the married woman: to commit no adultery is enjoined upon all men: not to love wine-bibbing, whereby the soul is swallowed up, and doth corrupt in herself the Temple of God, is enjoined to all alike: not to be proud, is enjoined to all men alike: not to slay man, not to hate a brother, not to lay a plot to destroy any one, is enjoined to all in common. The whole of this we all ought to vow. There are also vows proper for individuals: one voweth to God conjugal chastity, that he will know no other woman besides his wife:[7] so also the woman, that she will know no other man besides her husband. Other men also vow, even though they have used such a marriage, that beyond this they will have no such thing, that they will neither desire nor admit the like: and these men have vowed a greater vow than the former. Others vow even virginity from the beginning of life, that they will even know no such thing as those who having experienced have relinquished: and these men have vowed the greatest vow. Others vow that their house shall be a place of entertainment for all the Saints that may come: a great vow they vow. Another voweth to relinquish all his goods to be distributed to the poor, and go into a community, into a society of the Saints: a great vow he doth vow. "Vow ye, and pay to the Lord our God." Let each one vow what he shall have willed to vow; let him give heed to this, that he pay what he hath vowed. If any man doth look back with regard to what he hath vowed to God, it is an evil. Some woman or other devoted to continence hath willed to marry: what hath she willed? The same as any virgin. What hath she willed? The same as her own mother. Hath she willed any evil thing? Evil certainly. Why? Because already she had vowed to the Lord her God. For what hath the apostle Paul said concerning such? Though he saith that young widows may marry if they will:[1] nevertheless he saith in a certain passage, "but more blessed she will be, if so she shall have remained, after my judgment."[2] He showeth that she is more blessed, if so she shall have remained; but nevertheless that she is not to be condemned, if she shall have willed to marry. But what saith he concerning certain who have vowed and have not paid? "Having," he saith, "judgment, because the first faith they have made void."[3] What is, "the first faith they have made void"? They have vowed, and have not paid. Let no brother therefore, when placed in a monastery, say, I shall depart from the monastery: for neither are they only that are in a monastery to attain unto the kingdom of Heaven, nor do those that are not there not belong unto God. We answer him, but they have not vowed; thou hast vowed, thou hast looked back. When the Lord was threatening them with the day of judgment, He saith what? "Remember Lot's wife."[4] To all men He spake. For what did Lot's wife? She was delivered from Sodom, and being in the way she looked back. In the place where she looked back, there she remained. For she became a statue of salt,[5] in order that by considering her men might be seasoned, might have sense, might not be infatuated, might not look back, lest by giving a bad example they should themselves remain and season others. For even now we are saying this to certain of our brethren, whom perchance we may have seen as it were weak in the good they have purposed. And wilt thou be such an one as he was? We put before them certain who have looked back. They are savourless[6] in themselves, but they season others, inasmuch as they are mentioned, in order that fearing their example they may not look back. "Vow ye, and pay." For that wife of Lot to all doth belong. A married woman hath had the will to commit adultery; from her place whither she had arrived she looked back. A widow who had vowed so to remain hath willed to marry, she hath willed the thing which was lawful to her who hath married, but to herself was not lawful, because from her place she hath looked back. There is a virgin devoted to continence, already dedicated to God; let her have[7] also the other gifts which truly do adorn virginity itself, and without which that virginity is unclean. For what if she be uncorrupt in body and corrupt in mind? What is it that he hath said? What if no one hath touched the body, but if perchance she be drunken, be proud, be contentious, be talkative? All these things God doth condemn. If before she had vowed, she had married, she would not have been condemned: she hath chosen something better, hath overcome that which was lawful for her; she is proud, and doth commit so many things unlawful. This I say, it is lawful for her to marry before that she voweth, to be proud is never lawful. O thou virgin of God, thou hast willed not to marry, which is lawful: thou dost exalt thyself, which is not lawful. Better is a virgin humble, than a married woman humble: but better is a married woman humble, than a virgin proud. But she that looked back upon marriage is condemned, not because she hath willed to marry; but because she had already gone before, and is become the wife of Lot by looking back. Be ye not slow, that are able, whom God doth inspire to seize upon higher callings: for we do not say these things in order that ye may not vow, but in order that ye may vow and may pay. Now because we have treated of these matters, thou perchance wast willing to vow, and now art not willing to vow. But observe what the Psalm hath said to thee. It hath not said, "Vow not;" but, "Vow and pay." Because thou hast heard, "pay," wilt thou not vow? Therefore wast thou willing to vow, and not to pay? Nay, do both. One thing is done by thy profession, another thing will be perfected by the aid of God. Look to Him who doth guide thee, and thou wilt not look back to the place whence He is leading thee forth. He that guideth thee is walking before thee; the place from whence He is guiding thee is behind thee. Love Him guiding, and He doth not condemn thee looking back)
12. "All they that are in the circuit of Him shall offer gifts." Who are in the circuit of Him? ... Whatever is common to all is in the midst. Why is it said to be in the midst? Because it is at the same distance from all, and at the same proximity to all. That which is not in the middle, is as it were private. That which is public is set in the middle, in order that all they that come may use the same, may be enlightened. Let no one say, it is mine: test he should be wanting to make his own share of that which is in the midst for all. What then is, "All they that are in the circuit of Him shall offer gifts"? All they that understand truth to be common to all, and who do not make it as it were their own by being proud concerning it, they shall offer gifts; because they have humility: but they that make as it were their own that which is common to all, as though it were set in the middle, are endeavouring to lead men astray to a party, these shall not offer gifts. ... "To Him terrible." Let therefore all men fear that are in the circuit of Him. For therefore they shall fear, and with trembling they shall praise; because they are in the circuit of Him, to the end that all men may attain unto Him, and He may openly meet all, and openly enlighten all. This is, to stand in awe with others.[1] When thou hast made him as it were thine own, and no longer common, thou art exalted unto pride; though it is written, "Serve ye the Lord in fear, and exult unto Him with trembling."[2] Therefore they shall offer gifts, who are in the circuit of Him. For they are humble who know truth to be common to all.
13. To whom shall they offer gifts? "To Him terrible, and to Him that taketh away the spirit of princes" (ver. 12). For the spirits of princes are proud spirits. They then are not His Spirits; for if they know anything, their own they will it to be, not public; but, that which setteth Himself forth as equal toward all men, that setteth Himself in the midst, in order that all men may take as much as they can, whatever they can; not of what is any man's, but of what is God's, and therefore of their own because they have become His. Therefore they must needs be humble: they have lost their own spirit, and they have the Spirit of God. ... For if thou shalt have confessed thyself dust, God out of dust doth make[3] man. All they that are in the circuit of Him do offer gifts. All humble men do confess to Him, and do adore Him. "To Him terrible they offer gifts." Whence to Him terrible exult ye with trembling:[2] "and to Him that taketh away the spirit of princes:" that is, that taketh away the haughtiness of proud men. "To Him terrible among the kings of the earth." Terrible are the kings of the earth, but He is above all, that doth terrify the kings of the earth. Be thou a king of the earth, and God will be to thee terrible. How, wilt thou say, shall I be a king of the earth? Rule the earth, and thou wilt be a king of the earth. Do not therefore with desire of empire set before thine eyes exceeding wide provinces, where thou mayest spread abroad thy kingdoms; rule thou the earth which thou bearest. Hear the Apostle ruling the earth: "I do not so fight as if beating air, but I chasten my body, and bring it into captivity, lest perchance preaching to other men, I myself become a reprobate."[4] ...
PSALM 77
1. This Psalm's lintel is thus inscribed: "Unto the end, for Idithun, a Psalm to Asaph himself." What "Unto the end" is, ye know. Idithun is interpreted "leaping over those men," Asaph is interpreted "a congregation." Here therefore there is speaking "a congregation that leapeth over," in order that it may reach the End, which is Christ Jesus.[6] ...
2. "With my voice," he saith, "to the Lord I have cried" (ver. 1). But many men cry unto the Lord for the sake of getting riches and avoiding losses, for the safety of their friends, for the security of their house, for temporal felicity, for secular dignity, lastly, even for mere soundness of body, which is the inheritance[7] of the poor man. For such and such like things many men do cry unto the Lord; scarce one for the sake of the Lord Himself. For an easy thing it is for a man to desire anything of the Lord, and not to desire the Lord Himself; as if forsooth that which He giveth could be sweeter than Himself that giveth. Whosoever therefore cloth cry unto the Lord for the sake of any other thing, is not yet one that leapeth over. ... He doth indeed hearken to thee at the time when thou dost seek Himself, not when through Himself thou dost seek any other thing. It hath been said of some men, "They cried, and there was no one to save them; to the Lord, and He hearkened not unto them."[8] For why? Because the voice of them was not unto the Lord. This the Scripture doth express in another place, where it saith of such men, "On the Lord they have not called."[9] Unto Him they have not ceased to cry, and yet upon the Lord they have not called. What is, upon the Lord they have not called? They have not called the Lord unto themselves:[10] they have not invited the Lord to their heart, they would not have themselves inhabited by the Lord. And therefore what hath befallen them? "They have trembled with fear where fear was not." They have trembled about the loss of things present, for the reason that they were not full of Him, upon whom they have not called. They have not loved gratis, so that after the loss of temporal things they could say, "As it hath pleased the Lord, so hath been done, be the name of the Lord blessed."[11] Therefore this man saith, "My voice is unto the Lord, and He doth hearken unto me." Let him show us how this cometh to pass.
3. "In the day of tribulation I have sought out God" (ver. 2). Who art thou that doest this thing? In the day of thy tribulation take heed what thou seekest out. If a jail be the cause of tribulation, thou seekest to get forth from jail: if fever be the cause of tribulation, thou seekest health: if hunger be the cause of tribulation, thou seekest fulness: if losses be the cause of tribulation, thou seekest gain: if expatriation be the cause of tribulation, thou seekest the home of thy flesh. And why should I name all things, or when could I name all things? Dost thou wish to be one leaping over? In the day of thy tribulation seek out God: not through God some other thing, but out of tribulation God, that to this end God may take away tribulation, that thou mayest without anxiety cleave unto God. "In the day of my tribulation, I have sought out God:" not any other thing, but "God I have sought out." And how hast thou sought out? "With my hands in the night before Him." ...
4. Tribulation must not be thought to be this or that in particular. For every individual that doth not yet leap over, thinketh that as yet to be no tribulation, unless it be a thing which may have befallen this life of some sad occasion: but this man, that leapeth over, doth count this whole life to be his tribulation. For so much doth he love his supernal country, that the earthly pilgrimage is of itself the greatest tribulation. For how can this life be otherwise than a tribulation, I pray you? how can that not be a tribulation, the whole whereof hath been called temptation?[1] Thou hast it written in the book of Job,[2] is not human life a temptation upon earth? Hath he said, human life is tempted upon earth? Nay, but life itself is a temptation. If therefore temptation, it must surely be a tribulation. In this tribulation therefore, that is to say in this life, this man that leapeth over hath sought out God. How? "With my hands," he saith. What is, "with my hands"? With my works. For he was not seeking any thing corporeal, so that he might find and handle something which he had lost, so that he might seek with hands coin, gold, silver, vesture, in short everything which can be held in the hands. Howbeit, even our Lord Jesus Christ Himself willed Himself to be sought after with hands, when to His doubting disciple He showed the scars.[3] ... What then, to us belongeth not the seeking with hands? It belongeth to us, as I have said, to seek with works. When so? "In the night." What is, "in the night"? In this age. For it is night until there shine forth day in the glorified advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. For would ye see how it is night? Unless we had here had a lantern, we should have remained in darkness. For Peter saith," We too have more sure the prophetic discourse, whereunto ye do well to give heed, as to a lantern shining in a dark place, until day shine, and the day-star arise in your hearts."[4] There is therefore to come day after this night, meanwhile in this night a lantern is not lacking. And this is perchance what we are now doing: by explaining these passages, we are bringing in a lantern, in order that we may rejoice in this night. Which indeed ought alway to be burning in your houses. For to such men is said, "The Spirit quench ye not."[5] And as though explaining what he was saying, he continueth and saith, "Prophecy despise ye not:" that is, let the lantern alway shine in you. And even this light by comparison with a sort of ineffable day is called night. For the very life of believers by comparison with the life of unbelievers is day. ... Night and day--day in comparison with unbelievers, night in comparison with the Angels. For the Angels have a day, which we have not yet. Already we have one that unbelievers have not: but not yet have believers that which Angels have: but they will have, at the time when they will be equal to the Angels of God, that which hath been promised to them in the Resurrection.[6] In this then which is now day and yet night; night in comparison with the future day for which we yearn, day in comparison with the past night which we have renounced: in this night then, I say, let us seek God with our hands. Let not works cease, let us seek God, be there no idle yearning. If we are in the way, let us expend our means in order that we may be able to reach the end. With hands let us seek God. ... "With my hands in the night before Him, and I have not been deceived."
5. ... "My soul hath refused to be comforted" (ver. 2). So great weariness did here possess me, that my soul did close the door against all comfort. Whence such weariness to him? It may be that his vineyard hath been hailed on, or his olive hath yielded no fruit, or the vintage hath been interrupted by rain. Whence the weariness to him? Hear this out of another Psalm. For therein is the voice of the same: "weariness hath bowed me down, because of sinners forsaking Thy law."[7] He saith then that he was overcome with so great weariness because of this sort of evil thing; so as that his soul refused to be comforted. Weariness had well nigh swallowed him up, and sorrow had ingulfed him altogether beyond remedy, he refuseth to be comforted. What then remained? In the first place, see whence he is comforted. Had he not waited for one who might condole with him?[1] ... "I have been mindful of God, and I have been delighted" (ver. 3). My hands had not wrought in vain, they had found a great comforter. While not being idle, "I have been mindful of God, and I have been delighted." God must therefore be praised, of whom this man being mindful, hath been delighted, and hath been comforted in sorrowful case, and refreshed when safety was in a manner despaired of: God must therefore be praised. In fine, because he hath been comforted, in continuation he saith, "I have babbled." In that same comfort being made mindful of God, I have been delighted, and have "babbled." What is, "I have babbled"? I have rejoiced, I have exulted in speaking. For babblers they are properly called, that by the common people are named talkative, who at the approach of joy are neither able nor willing to be silent. This man hath become such an one. And again he sixth what? "And my spirit hath fainted."
6. With weariness he had pined away; by calling to mind God, he had been delighted, again in babbling he had fainted: what followeth? "All mine enemies have anticipated watches" (ver. 4). All mine enemies have kept watch over me; they have exceeded in keeping watch over me; in watching they have been beforehand with me. Where do they not lay traps? Have not mine enemies anticipated all watches? For who are these enemies, but they of whom the Apostle saith, "Ye have not wrestling against flesh and blood."[2] ... Against the devil and his angels we are waging hostilities. Rulers of the world he hath called them, because they do themselves rule the lovers of the world. For they do not rule the world, as if they were rulers of heaven and earth: but he is calling sinners the world. ... With the devil and his angels there is no concord. They do themselves grudge us the kingdom of Heaven. They cannot at all be appeased towards us: because "all mine enemies have anticipated watches." They have watched more to deceive than I to guard myself. For how can they have done otherwise than anticipate watches, that have set everywhere scandals, everywhere traps? Weariness doth invest the heart, we have to fear lest sorrow swallow us up: in joy to fear lest the spirit faint in babbling: "all mine enemies have anticipated watches." In fine, in the midst of that same babbling, whiles thou art speaking, and art speaking without fear, how much is oft-times found which enemies would lay hold of and censure, whereon they would even found accusation and slander--" he said so, he thought so, he spake so!" What should man do, save that which followeth? "I have been troubled, and I spake not." Therefore when he was troubled, lest in his babbling enemies anticipating watches should seek and find slanders, he spake not. ...
7. "I have thought on ancient days" (ver. 5). Now he, as if he were one who had been beaten out of doors, hath taken refuge within: he is conversing in the secret place of his own heart. And let him declare to us what he is doing there. It is well with him. Observe what things he is thinking of, I pray you. He is within, in his own house he is thinking of ancient days. No one saith to him, thou hast spoken ill: no one saith to him, thou hast spoken much: no one saith to him, thou hast thought perversely. Thus may it be well with him, may God aid him: let him think of the ancient days, and let him tell us what he hath done in his very inner chamber, whereunto he hath arrived, over what he hath leaped, where he hath abode. "I have thought on ancient days; and of eternal years I have been mindful." What are eternal years? It is a mighty thought. See whether this thought requireth anything but great silence. Apart from all noise without, from all tumult of things human let him remain quiet within, that would think of those eternal years. Are the years wherein we are eternal, or those wherein our ancestors have been, or those wherein our posterity are to be? Far be it that they should be esteemed eternal. For what part of these years doth remain? Behold we speak and say, "in this year:" and what have we got of this year, save the one day wherein we are. For the former days of this year have already gone by, and are not to be had; but the future days have not yet come. In one day we are, and we say, in this year: nay rather say thou, to-day, if thou desirest to speak of anything present. For of the whole year what hast thou got that is present? Whatsoever thereof is past, is no longer; whatsoever thereof is future, is not yet: how then, "this year"? Amend the expression: say, to-day. Thou speakest truth, henceforth I will say, "to-day." Again observe this too, how to-day the morning hours have already past, the future hours have not yet come. This too therefore amend: say, in this hour. And of this hour what hast thou got? Some moments thereof have already gone by, those that are future have not yet come. Say, in this moment. In what moment? While I am uttering syllables, if I shall speak two syllables, the latter doth not sound until the former hath gone by: in a word, in that same one syllable, if it chance to have two letters, the latter letter doth not sound, until the former hath gone by. What then have we got of these years? These years are changeable: the eternal years must be thought on, years that stand, that are not made up of days that come and depart; years whereof in another place the Scripture saith to God, "But Thou art the Self-same, and Thy years shall not fail."[1] On these years this man that leapeth over, not in babbling without, but in silence[2] hath thought.
8. "And I have meditated in the night with my heart" (ver. 6). No slanderous person seeketh for snares in his words, in his heart he hath meditated. "I babbled." Behold there is the former babbling. Watch again, that thy spirit faint not. I did not, he saith, I did not so babble as if it were abroad: in another way now. How now? "I did babble, and did search out my spirit." If he were searching the earth to find veins of gold, no one would say that he was foolish; nay, many men would call him wise, for desiring to come at gold: how great treasures hath a man within, and he diggeth not! This man was examining his spirit, and was speaking with that same his spirit, and in the very speaking he was babbling. He was questioning himself, was examining himself, was judge over himself. And he continueth; "I did search my spirit." He had to fear lest he should stay within his own spirit: for he had babbled without; and because all his enemies had anticipated watches, he found there sorrow, and his spirit fainted. He that did babble without, lo, now doth begin to babble within in safety, where being alone in secret, he is thinking on eternal years. ...
9. And thou hast found what? "God will not repel for everlasting" (ver. 7). Weariness he had found in this life; in no place a trustworthy, in no place a fearless comfort. Unto whatsoever men he betook himself, in them he found scandal, or feared it. In no place therefore was he free from care. An evil thing it was for him to hold his peace, lest perchance he should keep silence from good words; to speak and babble without was painful to him, lest all his enemies, anticipating watches, should seek slanders in his words. Being exceedingly straitened in this life, he thought much of another life, where there is not this trial. And when is he to arrive thither? For it cannot but be evident that our suffering here is the anger of God. This thing is spoken of in Isaiah, "I will not be an avenger unto you for everlasting, nor will I be angry with you at all times."[3] ... Will this anger of God alway abide? This man hath not found this in silence. For he saith what? "God will not repel for everlasting, and He will not add any more that it should be well-pleasing to Him still." That is, that it should be well-pleasing to Him still to repel, and He will not add the repelling for everlasting. He must needs recall to Himself His servants, He must needs receive fugitives returning to the Lord, He must needs hearken to the voice of them that are in fetters. "Or unto the end will He cut off mercy from generation to generation?" (ver. 8).
10. "Or will God forget to be merciful?" (ver. 9). In thee, from thee unto another there is no mercy unless God bestow it on thee: and shall God Himself forget mercy? The stream runneth: shall the spring itself be dried up? "Or shall God forget to be merciful: or shall He keep back in anger His mercies?" That is, shall He be so angry, as that He will not have mercy? He will more easily keep back anger than mercy.
11. "And I said." Now leaping over himself he hath said what? "Now I have begun:" (ver. 10), when I had gone out even from myself. Here henceforth there is no danger: for even to remain in myself, was danger. "And I said, Now I have begun: this is the changing of the right hand of the Lofty One." Now the Lofty One hath begun to change me: now I have begun something wherein I am secure: now I have entered a certain palace[4] of joys, wherein no enemy is to be feared: now I have begun to be in that region, where all mine enemies do not anticipate watches. "Now I have begun: this is the changing of the right hand of the Lofty One."
12. "I have been mindful of the works of the Lord" (ver. 11). Now behold him roaming among the works of the Lord. For he was babbling without, and being made sorrowful thereby his spirit fainted: he babbled within with his own heart, and with his spirit, and having searched out that same spirit he was mindful of the eternal years, was mindful of the mercy of the Lord, how God will not repel him for everlasting; and he began now fearlessly to rejoice in His works, fearlessly to exult in the same. Let us hear now those very works, and let us too exult. But let even us leap over in our affections, and not rejoice in things temporal. For we too have our bed. Why do we not enter therein? Why do we not abide in silence? Why do we not search out our spirit? Why do we not think on the eternal years? Why do we not rejoice in the works of God? In such sort now let us hear, and let us take delight in Himself speaking, in order that when we shall have departed hence, we may do that which we used to do while He spake; if only we are making the beginning of Him whereof he spake in," Now I have begun." To rejoice in the works of God, is to forget even thyself, if thou canst delight in Him alone. For what is a better thing than He? Dost thou not see that, when thou returnest to thyself, thou returnest to a worse thing? "for I shall be mindful from the beginning of Thy wonderful works.
13. "And I will meditate on all Thy works, and on Thy affections I will babble" (ver. 12). Behold the third babbling! He babbled without, when he hinted; he babbled in his spirit within, when he advanced: he babbled on the works of God, when he arrived at the place toward which he advanced. "And on Thy affections:" not on any affections. What man doth live without affections? And do ye suppose, brethren, that they who fear God, worship God, love God, have not any affections? Wilt thou indeed suppose and dare to suppose, that painting, the theatre, hunting, hawking, fishing, engage the affections, and the meditation on God doth not engage certain interior affections of its own, while we contemplate the universe, and place before our eyes the spectacle of the natural world, and therein labour to discover the Maker, and find Him nowhere unpleasing, but pleasing above[1] all things?
14. "0 God, Thy way is in the Holy One" (ver. 13). He is contemplating now the works of the mercy of God around us, out of these he is babbling, and in these affections he is exulting. At first he is beginning from thence, "Thy way is in the Holy One?" What is that way of Thine which is in the Holy One? "I am," He saith," the Way, the Truth, and the Life."[2] Return therefore, ye men, from your affections. ... "Who is a great God, like our God?"[3] Gentiles have their affections regarding their gods, they adore idols, they have eyes and they see not; ears they have and they hear not; feet they have and they walk not. Why dost thou walk to a God that walketh not? I do not, he saith, worship such things, and what dost thou worship? The divinity which is there. Thou dost then worship that whereof hath been said elsewhere, "for the Gods of the nations are demons."[4] Thou dost either worship idols, or devils. Neither idols, nor devils, he saith. And what dost thou worship? The stars, sun, moon, those things celestial. How much better Him that hath made both things earthly and things celestial. "Who is a great God like our God?"
15. "Thou art the God that doest wonderful things alone" (ver. 14). Thou art indeed a great God, doing wonderful things in body, in soul; alone doing them. The deaf have heard, the blind have seen, the feeble have recovered, the dead have risen, the paralytic have been strengthened. But these miracles were at that time performed on bodies, let us see those wrought on the soul. Sober are those that were a little before drunken, believers are those that were a little before worshippers of idols: their goods they bestow on the poor that did rob before those of others. ..."Wonderful things alone." Moses too did them, but not alone: Elias too did them, even Eliseus did them, the Apostles too did them, but no one of them alone. That they might have power to do them, Thou wast with them: when Thou didst them they were not with Thee. For they were not with Thee when Thou didst them, inasmuch as Thou didst make even these very men. How "alone"? Is it perchance the Father, and not the Son? Or the Son, and not the Father? Nay, but Father and Son and Holy Ghost. For it is not three Gods but one God that doeth wonderful things alone, and even in this very leaper-over. For even his leaping over and arriving at these things was a miracle of God: when he was babbling within with his own spirit, in order that he might leap over even that same spirit of his, and might delight in the works of God, he then did wonderful things himself. But God hath done what? "Thou hast made known unto the people Thy power."[5] Thence this congregation of Asaph leaping over; because He hath made known in the peoples His virtue. What virtue of His hath He made known in the peoples? "But we preach Christ crucified, ... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."[6] If then the virtue of God is Christ, He hath made known Christ in the peoples. Do we not yet perceive so much as this; and are we so unwise, are we lying so much below, do we so leap over nothing, as that we see not this?
16. "Thou hast redeemed in Thine arm Thy people" (ver. 15). "With Thine arm," that is, with Thy power. "And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?"[7] "Thou hast redeemed in Thine arm Thy people, the sons of Israel and of Joseph." How as if two peoples, "the sons of Israel and of Joseph"? Are not the sons of Joseph among the sons of Israel? ... He hath admonished us of some distinction to be made. Let us search out our spirit, perchance God hath placed there something--God whom we ought even by night to seek with our hands, in order that we may not be deceived-- perchance we shall discover even ourselves in this distinction of "sons of Israel and of Joseph." By Joseph He hath willed another people to be understood, hath willed that the people of the Gentiles be understood. Why the people of the Gentiles by Joseph? Because Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brethren.[8] That Joseph whom the brethren envied, and sold him into Egypt, when sold into Egypt, toiled, was humbled; when made known and exalted, flourished, reigned. And by all these things he hath signified what? What but Christ sold by His brethren, banished from His own land, as it were into the Egypt of the Gentiles? There at first humbled, when the Martyrs were suffering persecutions: now exalted, as we see; inasmuch as there hath been fulfilled in Him, "There shall adore Him all kinds of the earth, all nations shall serve Him."(1) Therefore Joseph is the people of the Gentiles, but Israel the people of the Hebrew nation. God hath redeemed His people, "the sons of Israel and of Joseph." By means of what? By means of the corner stone,(2) wherein the two walls have been joined together.
17. And he continueth how? "The waters have seen Thee, O God, and they have feared and the abysses have been troubled" (ver. 16). What are the waters? The peoples. What are these waters hath been asked in the Apocalypse,(3) the answer was, the peoples. There we find most clearly waters put by a figure for peoples. But above he had said, "Thou hast made known in the peoples Thy virtue."(4) With reason therefore, "the waters have seen Thee, and they have feared." They have been changed because they have feared. What are the abysses? The depths of waters. What man among the peoples is not troubled, when the conscience is smitten? Thou seekest the depth of the sea, what is deeper than human conscience? That is the depth which was troubled, when God redeemed with His arm. His people. In what manner were the abysses troubled? When all men poured forth their consciences in confession.
18. In praises of God, in confessions of sins, in hymns and in songs, in prayers, "There is a multitude of the sound of waters. The clouds have uttered a voice" (ver. 17). Thence that sound of waters, thence the troubling of the abysses, because "the clouds have uttered a voice." What clouds? The preachers of the word of truth. What clouds? Those concerning which God doth menace a certain vineyard, which instead of grape had brought forth thorns and He saith, "I will command My clouds, that they rain no rain upon it."(5) In a word, the Apostles forsaking the Jews, went to the Gentiles: in preaching Christ among all nations, "the clouds have uttered a voice." "For Thine arrows have gone through." Those same voices of the clouds He hath again called arrows. For the words of the Evangelists were arrows. For these things are allegories. For properly neither an arrow is rain, nor rain is an arrow: but yet the word of God is both an arrow because it doth smite; and rain because it doth water. Let no one therefore any longer wonder at the troubling of the abysses, when "Thine arrows have gone through." What is, "have gone through"? They have not stopped in the ears, but they have pierced the heart. "The voice of Thy thunder is in the wheel" (ver. 18). What is this? How are we to understand it? May the Lord give aid. When boys we were wont to imagine, whenever we heard thunderings from Heaven, that carriages were going forth as it were from the stables. For thunder doth make a sort of rolling like carriages. Must we return to these boyish thoughts, in order to understand," the voice of Thy thunder is in the wheel," as though God hath certain carriages in the clouds, and the passing along of the carriages doth raise that sound? Far be it. This is boyish, vain, trifling. What is then, "The voice of Thy thunder is in the wheel"? Thy voice rolleth. Not even this do I understand. What shall we do? Let us question Idithun himself, to see whether perchance he may himself explain what he hath said: "The voice," he saith, "of Thy thunder is in the wheel." I do not understand. I will hear what thou sayest: "Thy lightnings have appeared to the round world." Say then, I had no understanding. The round world is a wheel.(6) For the circuit of the round world is with reason called also an "orb:" whence also a small wheel is called an "orbiculus." "The voice of Thy thunder is in the wheel:" Thy "lightnings have appeared to the round world." Those clouds in a wheel have gone about the round world, have gone about with thundering and with lightning, they have shaken the abyss, with commandments they have thundered, with miracles they have lightened. "Unto every land hath gone forth the sound of them, and unto the ends of the orb the words of them."(7) "The land hath been moved and made to tremble:" that is, all men that dwell in the land. But by a figure the land itself is sea. Why? Because all nations are called by the name of sea, inasmuch as human life is bitter, and exposed to storms and tempests. Moreover if thou observe this, how men devour one another like fishes, how the stronger doth swallow up the weaker--it is then a sea, unto it the Evangelists went.
19. "Thy way is in the sea" (ver. 19). But now Thy way was in the Holy One, now "Thy way is in the sea:" because the Holy One Himself is in the sea, and with reason even did walk upon the waters of the sea.(8) "Thy way is in the sea," that is, Thy Christ is preached among the Gentiles. ..."Thy way is in the sea, and Thy paths in many waters," that is, in many peoples. "And Thy footsteps will not be known." He hath touched certain, and wonder were it if it be not those same Jews. Behold now the mercy of Christ hath been so published to the Gentiles, that "Thy way is in the sea. Thy footsteps will not be known." How so, by whom will they not be known, save by those who still say, Christ hath not yet come? Why do they say, Christ hath not yet come? Because they do not yet recognise Him walking on the sea.
20. "Thou hast led home Thy people like sheep in the hand of Moses and of Aaron" (ver. 20). Why He hath added this is somewhat difficult to discover. ... They banished Christ sick as they were, they would not have Him for their Saviour; but He began to be among the Gentiles, and among all nations, among many peoples. Nevertheless, a remnant of that people hath been saved. The ungrateful multitude hath remained without, even the halting breadth of Jacob's thigh.(1) For the breadth of the thigh is understood of the multitude of lineage, and among the greater part of the Israelites a certain multitude became vain and foolish, so as not to know the steps of Christ on the waters. "Thou hast led home Thy people like sheep," and they have not known Thee. Though Thou hast done such great benefits unto them, hast divided sea, hast made them pass over dry land between waters, hast drowned in the waves pursuing enemies, in the desert hast rained manna for their hunger, leading them home "by the hand of Moses and Aaron:" still they thrust Thee from them, so that in the sea was Thy Way, and Thy steps they knew not.
PSALM 78
1. This Psalm(3) doth contain the things which are said to have been done among the old people: but the new and latter people is being admonished, to beware that it be not ungrateful regarding the blessings of God, and provoke His anger against it, whereas it ought to receive His grace. ... The Title thereof doth first move and engage our attention. For it is not without reason inscribed, "Understanding(4) of Asaph :" but it is perchance because these words require a reader who doth perceive not the voice which the surface uttereth, but some inward sense. Secondly, when about to narrate and mention all these things, which seem to need a hearer more than an expounder: "I will open," he saith, "in parables my mouth, I will declare propositions from the beginning."(5) Who would not herein be awakened out of sleep? Who would dare to hurry over the parables and propositions, reading them as if self-evident, while by their very names they signify that they ought to be sought out with deeper view? For a parable hath on the surface thereof the similitude of something: and though it be a Greek word, it is now used as a Latin word. And it is observable, that in parables, those which are called the similitudes of things are compared with things with which we have to do. But propositions, which in Greek are called problhmata, are questions having something therein which is to be solved by disputation. What man then would read parables and propositions cursorily? What man would not attend while hearing these words with watchful mind, in order that by understanding he may come by the fruit thereof?
2. "Hearken ye," He saith, "My people, to My law" (ver. 1). Whom may we suppose to be here speaking, but God? For it was Himself that gave a law to His people, whom when delivered out of Egypt He gathered together, the which gathering together is properly named a Synagogue, which the word Asaph is interpreted to signify. Hath it then been said, "Understanding of Asaph," in the sense that Asaph himself hath understood; or must it be figuratively understood, in the sense that the same Synagogue, that is, the same people, hath understood, unto whom is said, "Hearken, My people, unto My law"? Why is it then that He is rebuking the same people by the mouth of the Prophet, saying, "But Israel hath not known Me, and My people hath not understood"?(6) But, in fact, there were even in that people they that understood, having the faith which was afterwards revealed, not pertaining to the letter of the law, but the grace of the Spirit. For they cannot have been without the same faith, who were able to foresee and foretell the revelation thereof that should be in Christ, inasmuch as even those old Sacraments were significants of those that should be. Had the prophets alone this faith, and not the people too? Nay indeed, but even they that faithfully heard the Prophets, were aided by the same grace in order that they might understand what they heard. But without doubt the mystery[7] of the Kingdom of Heaven was veiled in the Old Testament, which in the fulness of time should be unveiled in the New.(8) "For," saith the Apostle, "they did drink of the Spiritual Rock following them, but the Rock was Christ."(1) In a mystery therefore theirs was the same meat and drink as ours, but in signification the same, not in form;(2) because the same Christ was Himself figured to them in a Rock, manifested to us in the Flesh. "But," he saith, "not in all of them God was well pleased."(3) All indeed ate the same spiritual meat and drank the same spiritual drink, that is to say, Signifying something spiritual: but not in all of them was God well pleased. When; he saith," not in all:" there were evidently there some in whom was God well pleased; and although all the Sacraments were common, grace, which is the virtue of the Sacraments, was not common to all. Just as in our times, now that the faith hath been revealed, which then was veiled, to all men that have been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,(4) the Layer of regeneration is common; but the very grace whereof these same are the Sacraments, whereby the members of the Body of Christ are to reign s together with their Head, is not common to all. For even heretics have the same Baptism, and false brethren too, in the communion of the Catholic name.
3. Nevertheless, neither then nor now without profit is the voice of him, saying, "Hearken ye, My people, to My law." Which expression is remarkable in all the Scriptures, how he saith not, "hearken thou," but, "hearken ye." For of many men a people doth consist: to which many that which followeth is spoken in the plural number. "Incline ye your ear unto the words of My mouth." "Hearken ye," is the same as, "Incline your ear:" and what He saith there, "My law," this He saith here in, "the words of My mouth." For that man doth godly hearken to the law of God, and the words of His mouth, whose ear humility doth incline: not he whose neck pride doth lift up. For whatever is poured in is received on the concave surface of humility, is shaken off from the convexity of swelling. Whence in another place, "Incline," he saith, "thine ear, and receive the words of understanding."(6) We have been therefore sufficiently admonished to receive even this Psalm of this understanding of Asaph,(7) to receive, I say, with inclined ear, that is, with humble piety. And it hath not been spoken of as being of Asaph himself, but to Asaph himself. Which thing is evident by the Greek article, and is found in certain Latin copies. These words therefore are of understanding, that is, of intelligence, which hath been given to Asaph himself: which we had better understand not as to one man, but as to the congregation of the people of God; whence we ought by no means to alienate ourselves. For although properly we say "Synagogue" of Jews, but "Church" of Christians, because a "Congregation"(8) is wont to be understood as rather of beasts, but a "convocation" as rather of men: yet that too we find called a Church, and it perhaps is more suitable for us(9) to say, "Save us, O Lord, our God, and congregate us from the nations, in order that we may confess to Thy Holy Name."(10) Neither ought we to disdain to be, nay we ought to render ineffable thanks, for that we are, the sheep of His hands, which He foresaw when He was saying, "I have other sheep which are not of this fold, them too I must lead in, that there may be one flock and one Shepherd:"(11) that is to say, by joining the faithful people of the Gentiles with the faithful people of the Israelites, concerning whom He had before said, "I have not been sent but to the sheep which have strayed of the house of Israel."(12) For also there shall be congregated before Him all nations, and He shall sever them as a shepherd the sheep from the goats.(13) Thus then let us hear that which hath been spoken. "Hearken ye, My people, to My law, incline ye your ear unto the words of My mouth:" not as if addressed to Jews, but rather as if addressed to ourselves, or at least as if these words were said as well to ourselves (as to them(14)). For when the Apostle had said, "But not in all them was God well pleased," thereby showing that there were those too in whom God was well pleased: he hath forthwith added, "For they were overthrown in the desert:"(15) secondly he hath continued, "but these things have been made our figures."... To us therefore more particularly these words have been sung. Whence in this Psalm among other things there hath been said, "That another generation may know, sons who shall be born and shall arise." (16) Moreover, if that death by serpents, and that destruction by the destroyer, and the slaying by the sword, were figures, as the Apostle evidently doth declare, inasmuch as it is manifest that all those things did happen: for he saith not, in a figure they were spoken, or, in a figure they were written, but, in a figure, he saith, they happened to them: with how much greater diligence of godliness must those punishments be shunned whereof those were the figures? For beyond a doubt as in good things there is much more of good in that which is signified by the figure, than in the figure itself: so also in evil things very far worse are the things which are signified by the figures, while so great are the evil things which as figures do signify. For as the land of promise, whereunto that people was being led, is nothing in comparison with the Kingdom of Heaven, whereunto the Christian people is being led: so also those punishments which were figures, though they were so severe, are nothing in comparison with the punishments which they signify. But those which the Apostle hath called figures, the same this Psalm, as far as we are able to judge, calleth parables and propositions: not having their end in the fact of their having happened, but in those things whereunto they are referred by a reasonable comparison. Let us therefore hearken unto the law of God--us His people--and let us incline our ear unto the words of His mouth.
4. "I will open," he saith, "in parables My mouth, I will declare propositions from the beginning" (ver. 2). From what beginning he meaneth, is very evident in the words following. For it is not from the beginning, what time the Heaven and earth were made, nor what time mankind was created in the first man: but what time the congregation that was led out of Egypt; in order that the sense may belong to Asaph, which is interpreted a congregation. But O that He that hath said, "I will open in parables My mouth," would also vouchsafe to open our understanding unto them! For if, as He hath opened His mouth in parables, He would in like sort open the parables themselves: and as He declareth "propositions," He would declare in like sort the expositions thereof, we should not be here toiling: but now so hidden and closed are all things, that even if we are able by His aid to arrive at anything, whereon we may feed to our health, still we must eat the bread in the sweat of our face; and pay the penalty of the ancient sentence(1) not with the labour of the body only, but also with that of the heart. Let him speak then, and let us hear the parables and propositions.
5. "How great things we have heard, and have known them, and our fathers have told them to us" (ver. 3). The Lord was speaking higher up. For of what other person could these words be thought to be, "Hearken ye, O My people, to My law"?(2) Why is it then that now on a sudden a man is speaking, for here we have the words of a man, "our fathers have told them to us." Without doubt God, now about to speak by a man's ministry, as the Apostle saith, "Will ye to receive proof of Him that is speaking in me, Christ?"(3) in His own person at first willed the words to be uttered, lest a man speaking His words should be despised as a man. For it is thus with the sayings of God which make their way to us through our bodily sense. The Creator moveth the subject creature by an invisible working; not so that the substance is changed into anything corporal and temporal, when by means of corporal and temporal signs, whether belonging to the eyes or to the ears, as far as men are able to receive it, He would make His will to be known. For if an angel is able to use air, mist, cloud, fire, and any other natural substance or corporal species;(4) and man to use face, tongue, hand, pen, letters, or any other significants, for the purpose of intimating the secret things of his own mind: in a word, if, though he is a man, he sendeth human messengers, and he saith to one, "Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to his servant, Do this, and he doeth it;"(5) with how much greater and more effectual power doth God, to whom as Lord all things together are subject, use both the same angel and man, in order that He may declare whatsoever pleaseth Him? ... For those things were heard in the Old Testament which are known in the New: heard when they were being prophesied, known when they were being fulfilled. Where a promise is performed, hearing is not deceived. "And our fathers," Moses and the Prophets, "have told unto us."
6. "They have not been hidden from their sons in another generation" (ver. 4). This is our generation wherein there hath been given to us regeneration. "Telling forth the praises of the Lord and His powers, and His wonderful works which He hath done." The order of the words is, "and our fathers have told unto us, telling forth the praises of the Lord." The Lord is praised, in order that He may be loved. For what object can be loved more to our health? "And He hath raised up a testimony in Jacob, and hath set a law in Jacob" (ver. 5). This is the beginning whereof hath been spoken above, "I will declare propositions from the beginning."(6) So then the beginning is the Old Testament, the end is the New. For fear doth prevail in the law? "But the end of the law is Christ for righteousness to every one believing;"(8) at whose bestowing "love is shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which hath been given to us:"(9) and love made perfect doth cast out fear,(10) inasmuch as now without the Law the righteousness of God hath been made manifest. But inasmuch as He hath a testimony by the Law and the Prophets," therefore, "He hath raised up a testimony in Jacob." For even that Tabernacle which was set up with a work so remarkable and full of such wondrous meanings, is named the Tabernacle of Testimony, wherein was the veil over the Ark of the Law, like the veil over the face of the Minister of the Law;(1) because in that dispensation there were "parables and propositions." For those things which were being preached and were coining to pass were hidden in veiled meanings, and were not seen in unveiled manifestations. But "when thou shall have passed over unto Christ," saith the Apostle, "the veil shall be taken away."(2) For "all the promises of God in Him are yea, Amen."(3) Whosoever therefore doth cleave to Christ, hath the whole of the good which even in the letters of the Law he perceiveth not: but whosoever is an alien from Christ, doth neither perceive, nor hath. "He hath set a law in Israel." After his usual custom he is making a repetition. For "He hath raised up a testimony," is the same as, "He hath set a law," and "in Jacob," is the same as "in Israel." For as these are two names of one man, so law and testimony are two names of one thing. Is there any difference, saith some one, between "hath raised up" and "hath set"? Yea indeed, the same difference as there is between "Jacob" and "Israel:" not because they were two persons, but these same two names were bestowed upon one man for different reasons; Jacob because of supplanting, for that he grasped the foot of his brother at his birth:(4) but Israel because of the vision of God.(5) So "raised up" is one thing, "set" is another. For, "He hath raised up a testimony," as far as I can judge, hath been said because by it something has been raised up; "For without the Law," saith the Apostle, "sin was dead: but I lived sometime without the Law: but at the coming in of the commandment sin revived."(6) Behold that which hath been raised up by the testimony, which is the Law, so that what was lying hidden might appear, as he saith a little afterwards: "But sin, that it might appear sin, through a good thing hath wrought in me death."(7) But "He hath set a law," hath been said, as though it were a yoke upon sinners, whence hath been said," For upon a just man law hath not been imposed." s It is a testimony then, so far forth as it doth prove anything; but a law so far forth as it doth command; though it is one and the same thing. Wherefore just as Christ is a stone, but to believers for the Head of the corner, while to unbelievers a stone of offence and a rock of scandal;(9) so the testimony of the Law to them that use not the Law lawfully,(10) is a testimony whereby sinners are to be convicted as deserving of punishment; but to them that use the same lawfully, is a testimony whereby sinners are shown unto whom they ought to flee in order to be delivered. ...
7. "How great things," he saith, "He hath commanded our fathers, to make the same known to their sons?" (ver. 5). "That another generation may know, sons who shall be born and shall rise up, and they may tell to their sons" (ver. 6). "That they may put their hope in God, and may not forget the works of God, and may seek out His commandments" (ver. 7). "That they may not become, like their fathers, a crooked and embittering generation: a generation that hath not guided their heart, and the spirit thereof hath not been trusted with God" (ver. 8). These words do point out two peoples as it were, the one belonging to the Old Testament, the other to the New: for in that he saith, he hath implied that they received the commandments, "to make them known to their sons," but that they did not know or do them: but they received them themselves, to the end "that another generation might know," what the former knew not. "Sons who shall be born and shall arise." For they that have been born have not arisen: because they had not their heart above, but rather on the earth. For the arising is with Christ: whence hath been said, "If ye have arisen with Christ, savour ye the things which are above."[11] "And they may tell them," he saith, "to their sons, in order that they may put their hope in God." ... "And may not forget the works of God:" that is to say, in magnifying and vaunting their own works, as though they did them themselves; while "God it is that worketh," in them that work good things, "both to will and to work according to good will."(12) "And may search out His commandments." ... The commandments which He hath commanded. How then should they still search out, whereas they have already learned them, save that by putting their hope in God, they do then search out His commandments, in order that by them, with His aid, they may be fulfilled? And he saith why, by immediately subjoining, "and its spirit hath not been trusted with God," that is, because it had no faith, which doth obtain what the Law doth enjoin. For when the spirit of man doth work together with the Spirit of God working, then there is fulfilled that which God hath commanded: and this doth not come to pass, except by believing in Him that doth justify an ungodly man.(13) Which faith the generation crooked and embittering had not: and therefore concerning the same hath been said, "The spirit thereof hath not been trusted with God." For this hath been said much more exactly to point out the grace of God, which doth work not only remission of sins, but also doth make the spirit of man to work together therewith in the work of good deeds, as though he were saying, his spirit hath not believed in God. For to have the spirit trusted with God, is, not to believe that his spirit is able to do righteousness without God, but with God. For this is to believe in God: which is surely more than to believe God. For ofttimes we must believe even a man, though in him we must not believe. To believe in God therefore is this, in believing to cleave unto God who worketh good works, in order to work with Him well. ...
8. Lastly, "The sons of Ephrem bending and shooting bows, have been turned back in the day of war" (ver. 9). Following after the law of righteousness, unto the law of righteousness they have not attained.(1) Why? Because they were not of faith. For they were that generation whereof the spirit hath not been trusted with God: but they were, so to speak, of works: because they did not, as they bended and shot their bows (which are outward actions, as of the works of the law), so guide their heart also, wherein the just man doth live by faith, which worketh by love; whereby men cleave to God, who worketh in man both to will and work according to good will(2) For what else is bending the bow and shooting, and turning back in the day of war, but heeding and purposing in the day of hearing, and deserting in the day of temptation; flourishing arms, so to speak, beforehand, and at the hour of the action refusing to fight? But whereas he saith, "bending and shooting bows," when it would seem that he ought to have said, bending bows and shooting arrows. ... Some Greek copies to be sure are said to have "bending and shooting with bows," so that without doubt we ought to understand arrows. But whereas by the sons of Ephrem he hath willed that there be understood the whole of that embittering generation, it is an expression signifying the whole by a part. And perhaps this part was chosen whereby to signify the whole, because from these men especially some good thing was to have been expected. ... Although set at the left hand by his father as being the younger, Jacob nevertheless blessed with his right hand, and preferred him before his eider brother with a benediction of hidden meaning.(3) ... For there was being figured how they were to be last that were first, and first were to be they that were last? through the Saviour's coming, concerning whom hath been said, "He that is coming after me was made before me."(5) In like manner righteous Abel was preferred before the elder brother; so to Ismael Isaac; so to Esau, though born before him, his twin brother Jacob; so also Phares himself preceded even in birth his twin brother, who had first thrust a hand out of the womb, and had begun to be born: 6 so David was preferred before his elder brother:(7) and as the reason why all these parables and others like them preceded, not only of words but also of deeds, in like manner to the people of the Jews was preferred the Christian people, for redeeming the which as Abel by Cain(8) so by the Jews was slain Christ. This thing was prefigured even when Jacob stretching out his hands cross-wise, with his right hand touched Ephrem standing on the left; and set him before Manasse standing on the right, whom he himself touched with the left hand.(3)
9. But what that is which he saith, "they have been turned back in the day of war," the following words do teach, wherein he hath most clearly explained this: "they have not kept," he saith, "the testament of God, and in His law they would not walk" (ver. 10). Behold what is, "they have been turned back in the day of war:" they have not kept the testament of God. When they were bending and shooting bows, they did also utter the words of most forward promise, saying, "Whatsoever things the Lord our God hath spoken we will do, and we will hear."9 "They have been turned back in the day of war:" because the promise of obedience not hearing but temptation doth prove. But he whose spirit hath been trusted with God, keepeth hold on God, who is faithful, and "cloth not suffer him to be tempted above that which he is able; but will make with the temptation a way of escape also,"(10) that he may be able to endure, and may not be turned back in the day of war. ... Therefore these men have been thus branded: "a generation," he saith, "which hath not directed their heart."(11) It hath not been said, works, but heart. For when the heart is directed, the works are right; but when the heart is not directed, the works are not right, even though they seem to be right. And how the crooked generation hath not directed the heart, hath sufficiently been shown, when he saith, "and the spirit thereof hath not been trusted with God."(11) For God is right: and therefore by cleaving to the right, as to an immutable rule, the heart of a man can be made right, which in itself was crooked. ...
10. "And they forgat His benefits, and the wonderful works of Him which He showed to them; before their fathers the wonderful things which He did" (ver. 11). What this is, is not a question to be negligently passed over. Concerning those very fathers he was speaking a little before, that they had been a generation crooked and embittering. ... What fathers, inasmuch as these are the very fathers, whom he would not have posterity to be like? If we shall take them to be those out of whom the others had derived their being, for example, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, by this time they had long since fallen asleep, when God showed wonderful things in Egypt. For there followeth, "in the land of Egypt, in the plain of Thanis" (ver. 12): where it is said that God showed to them wonderful things before their fathers. Were they perchance present in spirit? For of the same the Lord saith in the Gospel, "for all do live to Him."(1) Or do we more suitably understand thereby the fathers Moses and Aaron, and the other elders who are related in the same Scripture also to have received the Spirit, of which also Moses received, in order that they might aid him in ruling and bearing the same people?(2) For why should they not have been called fathers? It is not in the same manner as God is the One Father, who doth regenerate with His Spirit those whom He doth make sons for an everlasting inheritance; but it is for the sake of honour, because of their age and kindly carefulness: just as Paul the elder saith, "Not to confound you I am writing these things, but as my dearly beloved sons I am admonishing you:"(3) though he knew of a truth that it had been said by the Lord, "Call ye no man your father on earth, for One is your Father, even God."(4) And this was not said in order that this term of human honour should be erased from our usual way of speaking: but lest the grace of God whereby we are regenerated unto eternal life, should be ascribed either to the power or even sanctity of any man. Therefore when he said," I have begotten you;" he first said," in Christ," and "through the Gospel;" lest that might be thought to be of him, which is of God. ... Accordingly, the land of Egypt must be understood for a figure of this world. "The plain of Thanis" is the smooth surface of lowly commandment. For lowly commandment is the interpretation of Thanis. In this world therefore let us receive the commandment of humility, in order that in another world we may merit to receive the exaltation which He hath promised, who for our sake here became lowly.
11. For He that "did burst asunder the sea and made them go through, did confine the waters as it were in bottles" (ver. 13), in order that the water might stand up first as if it were shut in, is able by His grace to restrain the flowing and ebbing tides of carnal desires, when we renounce this world, so that all sins having been thoroughly washed away, as if they were enemies, the people of the faithful may be made to pass through by means of the Sacrament of Baptism. He that "led them home in the cloud of the day, and in the whole of the night in the illumination of fire" (ver. 14), is able also spiritually to direct goings if faith crieth to Him, "Direct Thou my goings after Thy word."[5] Of Whom m another place(6) is said, For Himself shall make thy courses right, and shall prolong thy goings in peace"(7) through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose Sacrament in this world, as it were in the day, is manifest in the flesh, as if in a cloud; but in the Judgment it will be manifest like as in a terror by night; for then there will be a great tribulation of the world like as it were fire, and it shall shine for the just and shall burn for the unjust. "He that burst asunder the rock in the desert, and gave them water as in a great deep" (ver. 15); "and brought out water from the rock, and brought down waters like rivers" (ver. 16), is surely able upon thirsty faith to pour the gift of the Holy Spirit (the which gift the performance of that thing did spiritually signify), to pour, I say, from the Spiritual Rock that followed, which is Christ: who did stand and cry, "If any is athirst, let him come to Me:"(8) and, "he that shall have drunk of the water which I shall give, rivers of living water shall flow out of his bosom."(9) For this He spake, as is read in the Gospel,(10) to the Spirit, which they were to receive that believed in Him, unto whom like the rod drew near the wood of the Passion, in order that there might flow forth grace for believers.
12. And yet, "they," like a generation crooked and embittering, "added yet to sin against Him" (ver. 17): that is, not to believe. For this is the sin, whereof the Spirit doth convict the world, as the Lord saith, "Of sin indeed because they have not believed on Me."(11) "And they exasperated the Most High in drought," which other copies have, "in a place without water," which is a more exact translation from the Greek, and doth signify no other thing than drought. Was it in that drought of the desert, or rather in their own? For although they had drank of the rock, they had not their bellies but their minds dry, freshening with no fruitfulness of righteousness. In that drought they ought the more faithfully to have been suppliant unto God, in order that He who had given fulness unto their jaws, might give also equity to their manners. For unto him the faithful soul doth cry, "Let mine eyes see equity."(12)
13. "And they tempted God in their hearts, in order that they might seek morsels for their souls" (ver. 18). It is one thing to ask in believing, another thing in tempting. Lastly there followeth, "And they slandered God, and said, Shall God be able to prepare a table in the desert?" (ver. 19). "For He smote the rock, and the waters flowed, and torrents gushed forth: will He be able to give bread also, or to prepare a table for His people?" (ver. 20). Not believing therefore, they sought morsels for their souls. Not so the Apostle James doth enjoin a morsel to be asked for the mind, but doth admonish that it be sought by believers, not by such as tempt and slander God. "But if any one of you," he saith, "doth lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who doth give to all men abundantly, and doth not upbraid, and it shall be given to him: but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering."(1) This faith had not that generation which" had not directed their heart, and the spirit thereof had not been trusted with God."
14. "Wherefore the Lord heard, and He delayed, and fire was lighted in Jacob, and wrath went up into Israel" (ver. 21). He hath explained what he hath called fire. He hath called anger fire: although in strict propriety fire did also burn up many men. What is therefore this that he saith, "The Lord heard, and He delayed"? Did He delay to conduct them into the land of promise, whither they were being led: which might have been done in the space of a few days, but on account of sins they must needs be wasted in the desert, where also they were wasted during forty years? Anti if this be so, He did then delay the people, not those very persons who tempted and slandered God: for they all perished in the desert, and their children journeyed into the land of promise. Or did He delay punishment, in order that He might first satisfy unbelieving concupiscence, lest He might be supposed to be angry, because they were asking of Him what He was not able to do? "He heard," then, "and He delayed to avenge:" and after He had done what they supposed He was not able to do, then "anger went up upon Israel."
15. Lastly, when both these things have been briefly touched, afterwards he is evidently following out the order of the narrative. "Because they believed not in God, nor hoped in His saving health" (ver. 22). For when he had told why fire was lighted in Jacob, and anger went up upon Israel, that is to say, "because they believed not in God, nor hoped in His saving health:" immediately subjoining the evident blessings for which they were ungrateful, he saith, "and He commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of Heaven" (ver. 23). "And He rained upon them manna to eat, and gave them bread of Heaven" (ver. 24). "Bread of angels man did eat: dainties He sent them in abundance" (ver. 25). He brought over the South Wind from Heaven, and in His virtue He led in the South West Wind" (ver. 26). "And He rained upon them fleshes like dust, and winged fowls like the sand of the sea" (ver. 27 ). "And they fell in the midst of their camp, around their tabernacles" (ver. 28). "And they ate and were filled exceedingly; and their desire He brought to them: they were not deprived of their desire" (ver. 29). Behold why He had delayed. But what He had delayed let us hear. "Yet the morsel was in their mouths, and the anger of God came down upon them" (ver. 30). Behold what He had delayed. For before "He delayed:" and afterwards, "fire was lighted in Jacob and anger went up upon Israel." He had delayed therefore in order that He might first do what they had believed that He could not do, and then might bring upon them what they deserved to suffer. For if they placed their hope in God, not only would their desires of the flesh but also those of the spirit have been fulfilled. For he that ... opened the doors of Heaven, and rained upon them manna to eat," that He might fill the unbelieving, is not without power to give to believers Himself the true Bread from Heaven, which the manna did signify: which is indeed the food of Angels, whom being incorruptible the Word of God doth incorruptibly feed: the which in order that man might eat, He became flesh, and dwelled in us.(2) For Himself the Bread by means of the Evangelical clouds is being rained over the whole world, and, the hearts of preachers like heavenly doors, being opened, is being preached not to a murmuring and tempting synagogue, but to a Church believing and putting hope in Him. He is able also to feed the feeble faith of such as tempt not, but believe, with the signs of words uttered by the flesh and speeding through the air, as though it were fowls: not however with such as come from the north, where cold and mist do prevail, that is to say, eloquence which is pleasing to this world, but by bringing over the South Wind from Heaven; whither, except to the earth? In order that they who are feeble in faith, by hearing things earthly may be nourished up to receive things heavenly. ...
16. But as to unbelievers, being a crooked and embittering generation, as it were, while the morsel was yet in their mouths, "the anger of God went up upon them, and it slew among the most of them" (ver. 31): that is, the most of them, or as some copies have it, "the fat ones of them," which however in the Greek copies which we had, we did not find. But if this be the truer reading, what else must be understood by "the fat ones of them," than men mighty in pride, concerning whom is said, "their iniquity shall come forth as if out of fat"?(1) "And the elect of Israel He lettered." Even there there were elect, with whose faith the generation crooked and embittering was not mixed. But they were fettered, so that they might in no sort profit them for whom they desired that they might provide from a fatherly affection. For what is conferred by human mercy, on those with whom God is angry? Or rather hath He willed it to be understood, how that even the elect were fettered at the same time with them, in order that they who were diverse both in mind and in life, might endure sufferings with them for an example not only of righteousness, but also of patience? For we have learned that holy men were even led captive with sinners for no other reason; since in the Greek copies we read not enepodisen, which is "fettered;" but sunepodisen, which is rather "fettered together with."
17. But the generation crooked and embittering, "in all these things sinned yet more, and they believed not in His wonderful works" (ver. 32). "And in their days failed in vanity" (ver. 33 ). Though they might, if they had believed have had days in truth without failing, with Him to whom hath been said, "Thy years shall not fail."(2) Therefore, "their days failed in vanity, and their years with haste." For the whole life of mortal men is hastening, and that which seemeth to be longer is but a vapour of somewhat longer duration.
18. Nevertheless, "when he slew them they sought Him:" not for the sake of eternal life, but fearing to end the vapour too soon. There sought Him then, not indeed those whom, He had slain, but they that were afraid of being slain according to the example of them. But the Scripture hath so spoken of them as if they sought God who were slain; because they were one people, and it is spoken as if of one body: "and they returned, and at dawn they came to God" (ver. 34). "And they remembered that God is their Helper, and the High God is their Redeemer" (ver. 35). But all this is for the sake of acquiring temporal good things, and for avoiding temporal evil things. For they that did seek God for the sake of temporal blessings, sought not God indeed, but things. Thus with those God is worshipped with slavish fear, not free love. Thus then God is not worshipped, for that thing is worshipped which is loved. Whence because God is found to be greater and better than all things, He must be loved more than all things, in order that He may be worshipped.
19. Lastly, here let us see the words following: "And they loved Him," he saith, "in their mouth, and in their tongue they lied unto Him" (ver. 36). "But their heart was not right with Him, and they were not counted faithful in His Testament" (ver. 37). One thing on their tongue, another thing in their heart He found, unto whom the secret things of men are naked, and without any impediment He saw what they loved rather. Therefore the heart is right with God, when it doth seek God for the sake of God. For one thing he desired of the Lord, the same he will require, that he may dwell always in the House of the Lord, and may meditate on the pleasantness of Him.(3) Unto Whom saith the heart of the faithful, I will be filled, not with the flesh-pots of the Egyptians, nor with melons and gourds, and garlick and onions, which a generation crooked and embittering did prefer even to bread celestial,(4) nor with visible manna, and those same winged fowls; but, "I will be filled, when Thy glory shall be made manifest."(5) For this is the inheritance of the New Testament, wherein they were not counted faithful; whereof however the faith even at that time, when it was veiled, was in the elect, and now, when it hath already been revealed, it is not in many that are called. "For many have been called, but few are elect."(6) Of such sort therefore was the generation crooked and embittering, even when they were seeming to seek God, loving in mouth, and in tongue lying; but in heart not right with God, while they loved rather those things, for the sake of which they required the help of God.
20. "But He is Himself merciful, and will become propitious to their sins, and He will not destroy them. And He will abound to turn away His anger, and He will not kindle all his anger" (ver. 38). By these words many men promise to themselves impunity for their iniquity from the Divine Mercy, even if they shall have persevered in being such, as that generation is described, "crooked and embittering; which hath not directed their heart, and the spirit thereof hath not been trusted with God:" with whom it is not profitable to agree. For if, to speak in their words, God will perchance not destroy no not even bad men, without doubt He will not destroy good men. Why then do we not rather choose that wherein there is no doubt? For they that lie to Him in their tongue, though their heart doth hold some other thing, do think indeed, and will, even God to be a liar, when He doth menace upon such men eternal punishment. But whilst they do not deceive Him with their lying, He doth not deceive them with speaking the truth. These words therefore of divine sayings, concerning which the crooked generation doth cajole itself, let it not make crooked like its own heart: for even when it is made crooked, they continue right. For at first they may be understood according to that which is written in the Gospel, "that ye may be like your Father who is in the Heavens, who maketh His sun to rise upon good men and evil men, and raineth upon just men and unjust men."(1) For who could not see, how great is the long-suffering of mercy with which He is sparing evil men? But before the Judgment, He spared then that nation in such sort, that He kindled not(1) all His anger, utterly to root it up and bring it to an end: which thing in His words and in the intercession for their sins of His servant Moses doth evidently appear, where God saith, "Let Me blot them out, and make thee into a great nation:"(3) he intercedeth, being more ready to be blotted out for them than that they should be; knowing that he is doing this before One Merciful, who inasmuch as by no means He would blot out him, would even spare them for his sake. For let us see how greatly He spared, and doth still spare. ...
21. In the second place, that we may not seem to do violence to divine words, and lest in the place where there was said, "He will not destroy them,"(4) we should say, "But hereafter He will destroy them: "concerning this very present Psalm let us turn to a very common phrase of the Scripture, whereby this question may be more diligently and more truly solved. Speaking of these same persons a little lower down, when He had made mention of the things which the Egyptians because of them had endured, He saith, ... "And He led them unto the mount of His sanctification, the mount which His fight hand won. And He cast out from their face the nations, and by lot distributed to them the land in the cord of distribution."(5) If any one at these words should press a question upon us, and should say, How doth he make mention of all these things as having been bestowed upon them, when the same persons were not led into the land of promise, as were delivered from Egypt, inasmuch as they were dead? What shall we reply but that they were spoken of, because they were the self-same people by means of a succession of sons? ...
22. "And He remembered that they are flesh, a spirit(6) going and not returning" (ver. 39). Therefore calling them and pitying them through His grace, He called them back Himself, because of themselves they could not return. For how doth flesh return, "a spirit walking and not turning back,"(7) while a weight of evil deserts doth weigh it down unto the lowest and far places of evil, save through the election of grace? ... For thus also is solved this no unimportant question, how it is written in the Proverbs, when the Scripture was speaking of the way of iniquity, "all they that walk in her shall not return."(8) For it hath been so spoken as if all ungodly men were to be despaired of: but the Scripture did only commend grace; for of himself man is able to walk in that way, but is not able of himself to return, except when called back by grace.
23. I say then of these crooked and embittering persons, "How often they exasperated Him in the desert, and provoked Him to wrath in the waterless place!" (ver. 40). "And they turned themselves and tempted God, and exasperated the Holy One of Israel" (ver. 41). He is repeating that same unbelief of theirs, of which He had made mention above. But the reason of the repetition is, in order that there may be mentioned also the plagues which He inflicted on the Egyptians for their sakes: all which things they certainly ought to have remembered, and not to be ungrateful. Lastly, there followeth what? "They remembered not His hands, in the day when He redeemed them from the hand of the troubler" (ver. 42). And he beginneth to speak of what things He did to the Egyptians: "He set in Egypt His signs, and His prodigies in the plain of Thanis" (ver. 43): "and He turned their rivers into blood, and their showers lest they should drink" (ver. 44), or rather, "the flowings of waters," as some do better understand by what is written in Greek, taombrhmata, which in Latin we call scaturigines, waters bubbling from beneath. "He sent upon them the dog-fly, and it ate them up; and the frog, and it destroyed them" (ver. 45). "And He gave their fruit to the mildew, and their labours to the locust" (ver. 46). "And He slew with hail their vineyards, and their mulberry trees with frost" (ver. 47). "And He gave over to the hail their beasts of burden, and their possessions to the fire" (ver. 48). "He sent upon them the anger of His indignation, indignation and anger and tribulation, a visitation through evil angels" (ver. 49). He made a way to the course of His anger, and their beasts of burden He shut up in death" (ver. 50). "And He smote every first-born thing in the land of Egypt, the first-fruits of their labours in the tabernacles of Cham" (ver. 51).
24. All these punishments of the Egyptians may be explained by an allegorical interpretation, according as one shall have chosen to understand them, and to compare them to the things whereunto they must be referred. Which we too will endeavour to do; and shall do it the more properly, the more we shall have been divinely aided. For to do this, those words of this Psalm do constrain us, wherein it was said, "I will open in parables my mouth, I will declare propositions from the beginning."(1) For for this cause even some things have been here spoken of, which that they befell the Egyptians at all we read not, although all their plagues are most carefully related in Exodus according to their order, so that while that which is not there mentioned we are sure hath not been mentioned in the Psalm to no purpose, and we can interpret the same only figuratively, we may at the same time understand that even the rest of the things which it is evident did happen, were done or described for the sake of some figurative meaning. For the Scripture doth so do in many passages of the prophetic sayings. ...In the plagues therefore of the Egyptians, which are in the book which is called Exodus, where the Scripture hath been especially careful, that those things whereby they were afflicted should be all related in order, there is not found what this Psalm hath, "and He gave to the mildew their fruits." This also wherein, when he had said, "and He gave over to the hail their beasts," he hath added, "and their possession to the fire :" of the beasts slain with hail is read in Exodus;(2) but how their possession was burned with fire, is not read at all. Although voices and fires do come together with hail, just as thunderings do commonly accompany lightnings; nevertheless, it is not written that anything was given over to the fire that it should be burned. Lastly, the soft things which the hail could not hurt, are said not to have been smitten, that is, hurt with hard blows; which things the locust devoured afterwards. Also that which is here spoken of, "and their mulberry trees with hoar-frost," is not in Exodus. For hoar-frost doth differ much from hail; for in the clear winter nights the earth is made white with hoar-frost.
25. What then those things do signify, let the interpreter say as he can, let reader and hearer judge as is just. The water turned into blood seemeth to me to signify a carnal view of the causes of things. Dog-fly, are the manners of dogs? who see not even their parents when first they are born. The frog is very talkative vanity. Mildew doth hurt secretly, which also some have interpreted by rust, others black mould: which evil thing to what vice is it more appropriately compared, than to what doth show itself least readily, like the trusting much in one's self? For it is a blighting air which doth work this secretly among fruits: just like in morals, secret pride, when a man thinketh himself to be something, though he is nothing.(4) The locust is malice hurting with the mouth, that is, with unfaithful testimony. The hail is iniquity taking away the goods of others; whence theft, robberies, and depredations do spring: but more by his wickedness the plunderer himself is plundered. The hoar-frost doth signify the fault wherein the love of one's neighbour by the darkness of foolishness, like as it were by the cold of night, is frozen up. But the fire, if here it is not that which is mentioned which was in the hail out of the lightning clouds, forasmuch as he hath said here, "He gave over their possession to the fire," where he implieth that a thing was burned, which by that fire we read not to have been done,--it seemeth to me, I say, to signify the savageness of wrath, whereby even man-slaying may be committed. But by the death of beasts was figured, as far as I judge, the loss of chastity. For concupiscence, whereby offspring do arise, we have in common with beasts. To have this therefore tamed and ordered, is the virtue of chastity. The death of the first-born things, is the putting off of the very justice whereby a man doth associate with mankind. But whether the figurative significations of these things be so, or whether they are better understood in another way, whom would it not move, that with ten plagues the Egyptians are smitten, and with ten commandments the tables are inscribed,(5) that thereby the people of God should be ruled? Concerning the comparing of which one with the other, inasmuch as we have spoken elsewhere, there is no need to load the exposition of this Psalm therewith: thus much we remind you, that here too, though not in the same order, yet ten plagues of the Egyptians are commemorated, forasmuch as in the place of three which are in Exodus and are not here, to wit, lice, boils, darkness; other three are commemorated, which are not there, that is to say, mildew, hoarfrost, and fire; not of lightning, but that where-unto their possession was given over, which is not read of in that place.
26. But it hath been clearly enough intimated, that by the judgment of God these things befell them through the instrumentality of evil angels, in this wicked world, as though it were in Egypt and in the plain of Thanis, where we ought to be humble, until there come that world, wherein we may earn to be exalted out of this humiliation. For even Egypt in the Hebrew tongue doth signify darkness or tribulations, in which tongue, Thanis,(6) as I have observed, is understood to be humble commandment. Concerning the evil angels therefore in this Psalm, while he was speaking of those very plagues, there hath been something inserted, which must not be passed over cursorily: "He sent upon them," he saith, "an infliction through evil angels." Now that the devil and his angels are so very evil, that for them everlasting fire is prepared, no believer is ignorant: but that there should be sent by means of them an infliction from the Lord God upon certain whom He judgeth to be deserving of this punishment, seemeth to be a hard thing to those who are little prone to consider, how the perfect justice of God doth use well even evil things. For these indeed, as far as regardeth their substance, what other person but Himself hath made? But evil He hath not made them: yet He doth use them, inasmuch as He is good, well, that is, conveniently and justly: just as on the other hand unrighteous men do use His good creatures in evil manner. God therefore doth use evil angels not only to punish evil men, as in the case of all those concerning whom the Psalm doth speak, as in the case of king Achab, whom a spirit of lying by the will of God did beguile, in order that he might fall in war:(1) but also to prove and make manifest good men, as He did in the case of Job. But as far as regardeth that corporal matter of visible elements, I suppose that thereof angels both good and evil are able to make use, according to the power given to each: just as also men good and evil do use such things, as far as they are able, according to the measure of human infirmity. For we use both earth and water, and air, and fire, not only in things necessary for our support, but also in many operations superfluous and playful, and marvellously artificial. For countless things, which are called mhcanhmata, are moulded out of these elements scientifically employed. But over these things angels have a far more extended power, both the good and the evil, though greater is that which the good have;(2) but only so far as is commanded or permitted by the will and providence of God; on which terms also we have it. For not even in these cases are we able to do all that we will. But in a book the most unerring we read that the devil was able even to send fire from Heaven, to burn up with wonderful and awful fierceness so great a number of the cattle of a holy man:(3) which thing no one of the faithful would dare perchance to ascribe to the devil, except it were read on the authority of Holy Scripture. But that man, being by the gift of God just and firm, and of godly knowledge, saith not, The Lord hath given, the devil hath taken away: but, "The Lord hath given, the Lord hath taken away:"(4) very well knowing that even what the devil was able to do with these elements, he would still not have done to a servant of God, except at his Lord's will and permission; he did confound the malice of the devil, forasmuch as he knew who it was that was making use thereof to prove him. In the sons then of unbelief like as it were in his own slaves, he doth work,(5) like men with their beasts, and even therewith only so far as is permitted by the just judgment of God. But it is one thing when his power is restrained from treating even his own as he pleases, by a greater power; another thing when to him power is given even over those who are alien from him. Just as a man with his beast, as men understand it, doeth what he will, and yet doth not indeed, if he be restrained by a greater power: but with another man's beast to do something, he doth wait until power be given from him unto whom it belongeth. In the former case the power which there was is restrained, in the latter that which there was not is conceded.
27. And if such be the case, if through evil angels God did inflict those plagues upon the Egyptians, shall we dare to say that the water also was turned into blood by means of those same angels, and that frogs were created by means of the same, the like whereunto even the magicians of Pharaoh were able to make by their enchantments;(6) so as that evil angels stood on both sides, on the one side afflicting them, on the other side deceiving them, according to the judgment and dispensation(7) of the most just and most omnipotent God, who doth justly make use of even the naughtiness of unrighteous men? I dare not to say so. For whence was it that the magicians of Pharaoh could by no means make lice?(8) Was it not because even these same evil angels were not suffered to do this? Or, to speak more truly, is not the cause hidden, and it doth exceed our powers of inquiry? For if we shall have supposed that God wrought those things by means of evil angels, because punishments were being inflicted, and not blessings being bestowed, as though God doth inflict punishments upon no one by means of good angels, but by means of those executioners as it were of the heavenly wrath; the consequence will be that we must believe that even Sodom was overthrown by means of evil angels, and that Abraham and Lot would seem to have entertained under their roof evil angels;(9) the which, as being contrary to the most evident Scriptures, far be it that we should think. It is clear then that these things might have been done to men by means of good and evil angels. What should be done or when it should be done doth escape me: but Him that doeth it, it escapeth not, and him unto whom He shall have willed to reveal it. Nevertheless, as far as divine Scripture doth yield to our application thereto, on evil men that punishments are inflicted both by means of good angels, as upon the Sodomites, and by means of evil angels, as upon the Egyptians, we read: but that just men with corporal penances by means of good angels are tried and proved, doth not occur to me.
28. But as far as regardeth the present passage of this Psalm, if we dare not ascribe those things which were marvellously formed out of creatures, to evil angels; we have a thing which without doubt we can ascribe to them; the dyings of the beasts, the dyings of the first-born, and this especially whence all these things proceeded, namely, the hardening of heart, so that they would not let go the people of God.(1) For when God is said to make this most iniquitous and malignant obstinacy, He maketh it not by suggesting and inspiring, but by forsaking, so that they work in the sons of unbelief that which God doth duly and justly permit.(2) ... Moreover, those evil manners which we said were signified by these corporal plagues, on account of that which was said before, "I will open in parables my mouth,"(3) are most appropriately believed by means of evil angels to have been wrought in those that are made subject to them by Divine justice. For neither when that cometh to pass of which the apostle speaketh, "God gave them over into the lusts of their heart, that they should do things which are not convenient,"(4) can it be but that those evil angels dwell and rejoice therein, as in the matter of their own work: unto whom most justly is human haughtiness made subject, in all save those whom grace doth deliver. "And for these things who is sufficient?" (5) Whence when he had said, "He sent unto them the anger of His indignation, indignation and anger and tribulation, an infliction through evil angels;" for this which he hath added, "a way He hath made for the path of His anger "(ver. 50), whose eye, I pray, is sufficient to penetrate, so that it may understand and take in the sense lying hidden in so great a profundity? For the path of the anger of God was that whereby He punished the ungodliness of the Egyptians with hidden justice: but for that same path He made a way, so that drawing them forth as it were from secret places by means of evil angels unto manifest offences, He most evidently inflicted punishment upon those that were most evidently ungodly. From this power of evil angels nothing doth deliver man but the grace of God, whereof the Apostle speaketh, "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and l hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love:"(6) of which things that people did bear the figure, when they were delivered from the power of the Egyptians, and translated into the kingdom of the land of promise flowing with milk and honey, which doth signify the sweetness of grace.
29. The Psalm proceedeth then after the commemoration of the plagues of the Egyptians (ver. 51) and saith, "And He took away like sheep His people, and He led them through like a flock in the desert" (ver. 52). "And He led them down in hope, and they feared not, and their enemies the sea covered" (Ver, 53). This cometh to pass to so much the greater good, as it is a more inward thing, wherein being delivered from the power of darkness, we are in mind translated into the Kingdom of God, and with respect to spiritual pastures we are made to become sheep of God, walking in this world as it were in a desert, inasmuch as to no one is our faith observable: whence saith the Apostle, "Your life is hidden with Christ in God."(7) But we are being led home in hope, "For by hope we are saved."(8) Nor ought we to fear. For, "If God be for us, who can be against us"(9) And our enemies the sea hath covered, He hath effaced them in baptism by the remission of sins.
30. In the next place there followeth, "And He led them into the mountain of His sanctification" (ver. 54). How much better into Holy Church! "The mountain which His right hand hath gotten." How much higher is the Church which Christ hath gotten, concerning whom has been said, "And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?(10) (ver. 55). "And He cast forth from the face of them the nations." And(11) from the face of His faithful. For nations in a manner are the evil spirits of Gentile errors. "And by lot He divided unto them the land in the cord of distribution." And in us "all things one and the same Spirit doth work, dividing severally to every one as He willeth."(12)
31. "And He made to dwell in their tabernacles the tribes of Israel." In the tabernacles, he saith, of the Gentiles He made the tribes of Israel to dwell, which I think can better be explained spiritually, inasmuch as unto celestial glory, whence sinning angels have been cast forth and cast down, by Christ's grace we are being uplifted. For that generation crooked and embittering, inasmuch as for these corporal blessings they put not off the coat of oldness, "Did tempt" yet, "and provoked the high God, and His testimonies they kept not (ver. 56): and they turned them away, and they kept not the covenant, like their fathers" (ver. 57). For under a sort of covenant and decree they said, "All things which our Lord God hath spoken we will do, and we will hear."(13) It is a remarkable thing indeed which he saith, "like their fathers:" while throughout the whole text of the Psalm he was seeming to speak of the same men as it were, yet now it appeareth that the words did concern those who were already in the land of promise, and that the fathers spoken of were of those who did provoke in the desert. "They were turned," he saith, "into a crooked," or, as some copies have it, "into a perverse bow" (ver. 58). But what this is doth better appear in that which followeth, where he saith, "And unto wrath they provoked Him with their hills" (ver. 59). It doth signify that they leaped into idolatry. The bow then was perverted, not for the name of the Lord, but against the name of the Lord: who said to the same people, "Thou shalt have none other Gods but Me."(1) But by the bow He doth signify the mind's intention. This same idea, lastly, more clearly working out, "And in their graven idols," he saith, "they provoked Him to indignation."
32. "God heard, and He despised:" that is, He gave heed and took vengeance. "And unto nothing He brought Israel exceedingly" (ver. 60). For when God despised, what were they who by God's help were what they were? But doubtless he is commemorating the doing of that thing, when they were conquered by the Philistines in the time of Heli the priest, and the Ark of the Lord was taken, and with great slaughter they were laid low.(2) This it is that he speaketh of. "And He rejected the tabernacle of Selom, His tabernacle, where He dwelled among men" (ver. 61). He hath elegantly explained why He rejected His tabernacle, when he saith, "where He dwelled among men." When therefore they were not worthy for Him to dwell among, why should He not reject the tabernacle, which indeed not for Himself He had established, but for their sakes, whom now He judged unworthy for Him to dwell among. "And He gave over unto captivity their strength, and their beauty unto the hands of the enemy." The very Ark whereby they thought themselves invincible, and whereon they plumed themselves, he calleth their "virtue" and "beauty." Lastly, also afterward, when they were living ill, and boasting of the temple of the Lord, He doth terrify them by a Prophet, saying, "See ye what I have done to Selom, where was My tabernacle."(3) "And He ended with the sword His people, and His inheritance He despised" (ver. 62). "Their young men the fire devoured:" that is, wrath. "And their virgins mourned not" (ver. 63). For not even for this was there leisure, in fear of the foe. "Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows were not lamented" (ver. 64). For there fell by the sword the sons of Heli, of one of whom the wife being widowed, and presently dying in child-birth,(4) because of the same confusion could not be mourned with the distinction of a funeral. "And the Lord was awakened as one sleeping" (ver. 65). For He seemeth to sleep, when He giveth His people into the hands of those whom He hateth, when there is said to them, "Where is thy God?"(5) "He was awakened, then, like one sleeping, like a mighty man drunken with wine." No one would dare to say this of God, save His Spirit. For he hath spoken, as it seemeth to ungodly men reviling; as if like a drunken man He sleepeth long, when He succoureth not so speedily as men think.(6)
33. "And He smote His enemies in the hinder parts" (ver. 66): those, to wit, who were rejoicing that they were able to take His Ark: for they were smitten in their back-parts.(7) Which seemeth to me to be a sign of that punishment, wherewith a man will be tortured, if he shall have looked back upon things behind; which, as saith the Apostle, he ought to value as dung.(8) For they that do so receive the Testament of God, as that they put not off from them the old vanity, are like the hostile nations, who did place the captured Ark of the Testament beside their own idols. And yet those old things even though these be unwilling do fall: for "all flesh is hay, and the glory of man as the flower of hay. The hay hath dried up, and the flower hath fallen off:"(9) but the Ark of the Lord "abideth for everlasting," to wit, the secret testament of the kingdom of Heaven, where is the eternal Word of God. But they that have loved things behind, because of these very things most justly shall be tormented. For "everlasting reproach He hath given to them." (ver. 67).
34. "And He rejected," he saith," the tabernacle of Joseph, and the tribe of Ephraim(10) He chose not" (ver. 68). "And He chose the tribe of Judah" (ver. 69). He hath not said, He rejected the tabernacle of Reuben, who was the first-born son of Jacob;(11) nor them that follow, and precede Judah in order of birth; so that they being rejected and not chosen, the tribe of Judah was chosen. For it might have been said that they were deservedly rejected; because even in the blessing of Jacob wherewith he blessed his sons, he mentioneth their sins,(12) and deeply abhorreth them; though among them the tribe of Levi merited to be the priestly tribe, whence also Moses was.(1) Nor hath he said, He rejected the tabernacle of Benjamin, or the tribe of Benjamin He chose not, out of which a king already had begun to be; for thence there had been chosen Saul;(2) whence because of the very proximity of the time, when he had been rejected and refused, and David chosen,(3) this might conveniently have been said; but yet was not said: but he hath named those especially who seemed to excel for more surpassing merits. For Joseph fed in Egypt his father and his brethren, and having been impiously sold, because of his piety, chastity, wisdom, he was most justly exalted;(4) and Ephraim by the blessing of his grandfather Jacob was preferred before his eider brother:(5) and yet God "rejected the tabernacle of Joseph, and the tribe of Ephraim He chose not." In which place by these names of renowned merit, what else do we understand but that whole people with old cupidity requiring of the Lord earthly rewards, rejected and refused, but the tribe of Judah chosen not for the sake of the merits of that same Judah? For far greater are the merits of Joseph, but by the tribe of Judah, inasmuch as thence arose Christ according to the flesh, the Scripture doth testify of the new people of Christ preferred before that old people, the Lord opening in parables His mouth. Moreover, thence also in that which followeth, "the Mount Sion which He chose," we do better understand the Church of Christ, not worshipping God for the sake of the carnal blessings of the present time, but from afar looking for future and eternal rewards with the eyes of faith: for Sion too is interpreted a "looking out."
35. Lastly there followeth, "and He builded like as of unicorns His sanctification" (ver. 70): or, as some interpreters have made thereof a new word, "His sanctifying.:"(6) The unicorns are rightly understood to be those, whose firm hope is uplifted unto that one thing, concerning which another Psalm saith, "One thing I have sought of the Lord, this I will require."(7) But the sanctifying of God, according to the Apostle Peter, is understood to be a holy people and a royal priesthood.(8) But that which followeth, "in the land which He founded for everlasting:" which the Greek copies have eistonaipna, whether it be called by us "for everlasting," or "for an age," is at the pleasure of the Latin translators; forasmuch as it doth signify either: and therefore the latter is found in some Latin copies, the former in others. Some also have it in the plural, that is, "for ages:" which in the Greek copies which we have had we have not found. But which of the faithful would doubt, that the Church, even though, some going, others coming, she doth pass out of this life in mortal manner, is yet founded for everlasting?
36. "And He chose David His servant" (yet. 71). The tribe, I say, of Judah, for the sake of David: but David for the sake of Christ: the tribe then of Judah for the sake of Christ. At whose passing by blind men cried out," Have pity on us, Son of David:"(9) and forthwith by His pity they received light, because true was the thing which they cried out. This then the Apostle doth not cursorily speak of, but doth heedfully notice, writing to Timothy, "Be thou mindful, that Christ Jesus hath risen from the dead, of the seed of David," etc.(10) Therefore the Saviour Himself, made according to the flesh of the seed of David, is figured in this passage under the name of David, the Lord opening in parables His mouth. And let it not move us, that when he had said, "and hie chose David," under which name he signified Christ, he hath added, "His servant," not His Son. Yea even hence we may perceive, that not the substance of the Only-Begotten coeternal with the Father, but the "form of a servant" was taken of the seed of David.
37. "And He took him from the flocks of sheep, from behind the teeming sheep He received him: to feed Jacob His servant, and Israel His inheritance" (ver. 72). This David indeed, of whose seed the flesh of Christ is, from the pastoral care of cattle was translated to the kingdom of men: but our David, Jesus Himself, from men to men, from Jews to Gentiles, was yet according to the parable from sheep to sheep taken away and translated. For there are not now in that land "Churches of Judaea in Christ," which belonged to them of the circumcision after the recent Passion and Resurrection of our Lord, of whom saith the Apostle," But I was unknown by face to the Churches of Judaea, which are in Christ," etc.(11) Already from hence those Churches of the circumcised people have passed away: and thus in Judaea, which now doth exist on the earth, there is not now Christ.(12) He hath been removed thence, now He doth feed flocks of Gentiles. Truly from behind teeming sheep He hath been taken thence. For those former Churches were of such sort, as that of them it is said in the Song of Songs, "Thy teeth--are like a flock of shorn ewes going up from the washing, (13) all of which do bear twins, and a barren one is not among them." (14) For they then laid aside like as it were fleeces the burdens of the world,(15) when before the feet of the Apostles they laid the prices of their sold goods,(16) going up from that Layer, concerning which the apostle Peter doth admonish them, when they were troubled because they had shed the blood of Christ, and he saith, "Repent ye, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and your sins shall be forgiven you."(1) But twins they begat, the works, to wit, of the two commandments of twin love, love of God, and love of one's neighbour: whence a barren one there was not among them. From behind these teeming sheep our David having been taken, doth now feed other flocks among the Gentiles, and those too "Jacob" and "Israel." For thus hath been said, "to feed Jacob His servant, and Israel His inheritance." ... Unless perchance any one be willing to make such a distinction as this; viz. that in this time Jacob serveth; but he will be the eternal inheritance of God, at that time when he shall see God face to face, whence he hath received the name Israel.(2)
38. "And He fed them," he saith, "in the innocence of His heart" (ver. 73). What can be more innocent than He, who not only had not any sin whereby to be conquered, but even not any to conquer? "And in the understanding of His hands He led them home:" or, as some copies have it, "in the understandings of His hands." Any other man might suppose that it would have been better had it been said thus, "in innocence of hands and understanding of heart;" but He who knew better than others what He spake, preferred to join with the heart innocence, and with the hands understanding. It is for this reason, as far as I judge; because many men think themselves innocent, who do not evil things because they fear lest they should suffer if they shall have done them; but they have the will to do them, if they could with impunity. Such men may seem to have innocence of hands, but yet not that of heart. And what, I pray, or of what sort is that innocence, if of heart it is not, where man was made after the image of God?(3) But in this which he saith, "in understanding (or intelligence) of His hands He led them home," he seemeth to me to have spoken of that intelligence which He doth Himself make in believers: and so "of His hands:" for making cloth belong to the hands, but in the sense wherein the hands of God may be understood; for even Christ was a Man in such sort, that He was also God. ...
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Promises that are Kept
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Promises…. we make them all during our lives, some are well-meaning that never come to fruition – others we spend our years making sure that we keep them.
As children, my cousin and I made promises to each other. We promised that no matter what? we would always remain close. This is a promise that has been kept. Only a year apart, we grew up more like sisters than cousins, that hasn’t changed.
When we visited during holidays and summers? we always begged for just one more day…. a few more hours….and always left one another crying – and our mothers crying too. We just wanted to be together, just like our mothers did as well. We grew up in different states, but only a couple of hours drive away. Sometimes it seemed like we were thousands of miles apart. Kids don’t recognize miles, only the separation.
We made plans to travel together when we were adults (we were going to work for Delta Airlines) Our menu would be whatever we wanted to eat, and would always be night owls. Life was going to be easy/peasy. Little girls with big dreams. Well, as it goes? Real life happened.
After marriages and children… our distance only widened. Phone calls and brief visits were never enough but that is how it had to be. We suffered through expected and unexpected losses of both of our parents, hard life stuff… but we still tried to keep our promises of remaining close. Life hasn’t changed that part.
One of our biggest promises to keep would be this – One day, we would be by the ocean together. She had never seen it in all of her forty-something years. She saw it through my pictures and emails.. and even a phone call to hear the waves in the background. I would often describe how awesome it was, how peaceful and how vast the skyline appeared, but it wasn’t the same.
In 2014, she had the chance to go to the beach with one of her great friends. Finally, she would see it for the first time. Happiness for her was an understatement and just like I had always known? she fell in love with the sand and salt air just as I had at the age of 16. Yet, our promise of being together on the same beach was still waiting to be kept.
Hearing the news that she would be returning to the ocean again this year was even more exciting since it would be on the North Carolina coastline…my beach. This time, she was keeping a promise to her three grandchildren to experience it for the first time. So, I made plans to make the little two-hour drive to be with them for a couple of days during their vacation. I wanted to take pictures more than I ever have, to capture the moment for them as a family. Her daughter had captured this one.. precious!
I can’t tell you how fast those two days went by..it was quick, but in a sense? time stood still. Childhood promises had dissolved into an amazing reality for the both of us. Forty some years of a promise kept…the kind of happy that will always be a treasured moment.
We now add to our bond, the love of the ocean together… smelling the salt air, sand castles with her grands and long walks on the beach and of course, there was coffee on the screened porch and many moments that I fought back tears of happy, promises kept? you better believe it.Long after shaking the sand from our belongings upon returning home, we brought back some parts of the beach to our homes, but now? a part of our souls will always remain there – together, a promise kept at last.
I had once sent a quote from my sea glass book to her… but now she fully understands.. why we will always connected by the sea.
First I smell that smell and am overcome with a sensation of elation. Like a tight faucet turned open, everything floods from me. I scan the view, take a deep breath, and inevitably utter, “God, I love it here.” I stride quickly to where the sand is still wet from the previous tide and then, then I am gone. There is no thinking, just being. I have no awareness of myself. If I am searching for glass, it is rote, with no more or no less consciousness than a jellyfish searching for sustenance….. I am reduced to nothing, but part of everything. I am home, I am free, I am one with the sea.
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McLaren says Button-Renault story ‘nonsense’
McLaren has rubbished the theory that Jenson Button is weighing up a move to Renault next year to replace the Haas-departed Romain Grosjean.
“This article is nonsense,” a spokesman for the struggling Honda-powered team told us, after the speculation of a switch to Enstone for Button did the rounds.
Clearly, however, the threads of the story are all present.
Button and Ron Dennis are openly disputing whether a deal for 2016 is in place, Button says he only wants to be in F1 if he is “competitive”, and managing director Jonathan Neale said in Japan that McLaren would “respect” Button’s desire to go.
But Speed Week quoted Button as saying: “After so many years together, it would feel wrong to go somewhere else.
“If I am in formula one in 2016, it will be with McLaren-Honda,” he insisted.
The Button saga aside, another sign that McLaren-Honda is in turmoil is fresh speculation in the Spanish press that Fernando Alonso could decide to take a “sabbatical” in 2016 rather than spend another season at the back.
Former two-time champion Mika Hakkinen, referring to Alonso’s radio outbursts at Suzuka, told Finland’s Ilta Sanomat newspaper: “When development of the engine is very slow, it is a frustrating time for the driver.
“I remember it from my own career, when Mercedes came to McLaren,” he said. “But especially with these rules you cannot assume that engine manufacturers can take big steps at every race.”
Hakkinen continued: “Alonso and many other drivers are compensated really well for what they do, when they agree to support the team in good and bad times.
“Myself, I waited seven years for my first victory. Yes, Alonso is a double world champion, but he has only driven the McLaren-Honda for about half a year — yet already he has begun to complain about the engine manufacturer.
“Fernando should keep in mind that he signed up for this challenge,” Hakkinen concluded.
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Official Formula One information can be found at www.formula1.com
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The Perfect Fit, Pt 1
Having a bowling ball fit your hand properly is as important as a football player’s helmet fitting right, or a runner’s shoes fit right. Not having the correct fit can cause more problems than simply being uncomfortable. Let’s start by talking about hands in general.
Hands are like fingerprints or snowflakes, everyone’s hand is different. When we go to fit someone, we can’t just use blanket measurements or a generic approach, we have to examine each and every person’s hand while we are starting the fitting process. Some people have long fingers, some people have short fingers, some people have dry skin, some people have moist skin, etc. These things must be considered and factored into the fitting process. Hold your hand out like you’re holding a ball and look at the natural position of your hand. We will start with your fingers, look at the position they are in and the angles they are at. Conventional wisdom of the past was to drill the fingerholes straight down towards the center of the ball, and the idea behind that was that the more angle there was, the more lift you would be able to create. For some people who have flexible hands or who are double jointed, this may be necessary for a proper fit. However, for most of us, this isn’t the case. There are a few different problems this can cause. The closer the bottom of the fingerholes are to your palm, the further you have to wrap your fingers under for them to come in contact with the front side of the fingerholes, and that can cause finger pain, it can fatigue your fingers quickly, and trying to “dig in” to the ball can actually rock your entire hand forward on the ball and potentially cause thumb problems. If we angle the holes slightly away from the palm and in the direction your fingers want to lay, we can relax the hand and bring the front side of the fingerholes closer to your fingers. In the past, they would have said this would cause you to fall out of the ball or dump it, but this isn’t the case. In fact, it works very well for higher rev players to keep their hands from getting tired, and unless a significant amount of reverse pitch is used, it won’t negatively affect their rev rate.
Now take a look at your thumb. If your hand is relaxed, you should notice that your thumb points in relatively the same direction your fingers do. In the past, they would drill the thumb away from the palm thinking that it would make it easier to release the ball. While it sounds like a good argument, it can actually have the opposite effect. To start with, your thumb isn’t nearly as flexible as your fingers are. If you try to bend your thumb away from your palm, you will find that it won’t get very far. Angling the thumb away from the palm can cause one of the worst habits in bowling: gripping. While it may sound like more reverse angle would help you release the ball easier, what it actually does is make you grip harder to hold onto the ball during the entire swing. Then when you go to release the ball, the gripping can cause you to stick. Gripping can also lead to ball reaction issues.
Next we will talk about your span. All elements of fit are important, but errors in a few key areas can cause problems for an otherwise proper fit. For instance, a span that is too long or too short can cause finger or thumb problems, even if the finger and thumb fit is correct. Ideally, the span should allow you to keep your entire hand relaxed while your fingers are in the proper positions. A rule of thumb is to have enough room between your palm and the ball to slide a pen or a pencil between them. Your thumb “socket” (where your thumb meets the base of your hand) should be directly above the thumbhole, this allows your thumb to come straight out of the ball upon release. If your thumb is pulled out or pushed back because of an improper span, this can cause you to grip and can reorient your hand on the ball. The pads of your fingers also need to come into contact with the front side of the holes. If the crease at your first knuckle is the only thing contacting the hole, while the tips of your fingernails are contacting or rubbing against the back sides of the fingerholes, this is an indication your span is too long. However, if you have a tendency to really dig in with your fingers past the first knuckle, while your thumb socket is correctly placed above the thumbhole, this is an indication your span is too short.
Now we will talk about pitches, or the angles at which your finger and thumbholes are drilled. Similar to span, pitches that are wrong in either the fingers or the thumb can cause problems elsewhere. As I have touched on before, too much reverse in the thumb can cause you to grip the ball and/or shift your whole hand forward, while too much forward pitch can give you problems getting out of the ball and/or shift your whole hand back. Too much forward pitch in your fingers can rock your entire hand forward and/or cause finger pain, while too much reverse can shift your hand back and/or cause you to “dump” the ball or come out of it too early. Problems can also snowball if you aren’t careful. Improper fit can contribute to going further and further in the wrong direction trying to correct it if you or your pro shop operator can’t correctly identify and fix the core problem. For instance if your fingers are pitched too far forward, you hand slides up towards the fingers, the thumb slides slightly out of the thumbhole causing it to bend, and it results in gripping to hold on. Gripping causes release issues, such as a manufactured or incorrectly identified “sticking” of your thumb. If your thumb sticks, most people automatically assume there is an issue with the thumbhole. Assuming thumbhole issues, a correction will be wrongly made to the thumbhole, either in making it larger or adding reverse pitch. However, either of those, while at first seeming like a fix to the problem, will compound the problem by making you grip even tighter. An increase in thumbhole size or adding reverse pitch to the ball can also make the span feel short. If the span is lengthened, that can also feel “right” initially. However, it can strain your entire hand. Instead of adapting the ball to your hand, you actually start adapting your hand to the way the ball is drilled. Once your span is stretched out, your fingers will begin to change their orientation in the fingerholes. You will find that your fingernails will actually start rubbing against the backside of the fingerholes, and that the front edge of the fingerholes might start digging into your fingertips. A problem now compounded will take much more to fix than it would have if the problem would have been correctly identified to begin with. All these issues can cause your thumb to enlarge dramatically, and can even cause darkening in the tips of all your fingers. Excessive callouses can develop, and numbness while bowling is even encountered in extreme cases.
In Part 2, I’ll have a video illustrating and expanding on these concepts.
There are 5 Comments.
Luke: many pro shop operators, layout experts, etc., have opinions not shared by others and can justify their beliefs. your opinions/insights seem to be ‘right on the mark’. very informative/educational/thought provoking to read your items and watch your videos. your ‘fit’ and pitch comments are especially interesting and seem to also be ‘right on’. thanks. gc
seem to me to be as valid and logical/well thought out as any I’ve seen.
Thanks, appreciate it! For me it’s about explaining concepts rather than just saying, “this will work, trust me.” Sometimes it’s hard to work with something or hard to keep working at something if you don’t understand it. Fit corrections most of the time take a lot of work to adjust to, especially with breaking old habits. Some people get discouraged if they can’t adjust quickly, and if they don’t understand why the changes were made, it’s even more discouraging. It’s much easier to keep pushing for the finish line if you know exactly where it’s at and how far away it is, it’s a different story when you’re not even sure you’re going in the right direction. Again, everyone’s hand is different, but these concepts hold true for most people.
I also have a few trial videos up on my channel about this subject, but I’m in the process of creating a more concise, professional version. Thanks again!
I have recently gone back to bowling after many years off. I have just recently been fitted for a fingertip which I never threw before. I have had big troubles getting a fit right. Blisters opening up on third and fourth fingers…thumb…base, side and top. I have had dropping issues, sticking issues…etc. five times I have had a re- fit. In the past I had a ball drilled and that was it…no callouses, no blisters. I was in a conventional grip averaging from mid 170’s to 190. For some reason when I had the conventional grip drilled, I kept pulling something from mid knuckle third finger to the base. This is why they had me go fingertip. I have a small slight hand…with good form and timing. Now, I am all over the place trying to throw through pain and fear of dropping or sticking. Any ideas?? Help!! Thanks, Teresa
Unfortunately that’s a very common problem. The reason a conventional grip was most likely easier for you is that you don’t have to grip. All the fingers are usually pitched towards the palm to make it easier to hang onto. With conventional grips, no one is usually worried about trying to create rotation, so being able to hang onto the ball easily is the only concern. With a fingertip grip, people will manipulate pitches to try to create different release characteristics. However, most of the time these are based on theoretical thought processes that are apparently designed for zero gravity. Like I said in the article, people used to think that more reverse or away pitch in the thumb would allow you to get out of the ball faster, which theoretically sounds correct. However, they fail to consider the effect of gravity and the forces on your arm throughout the entire swing when they’re doing this.
I can tell by what you’re describing that you’re gripping the ball. This is most likely either a habit you developed due to a hole that was too big, or because of too much reverse pitch in the thumb. Saying that you either drop the ball or stick makes it sound to me like it’s too much reverse in the thumb. If you relax your grip, it falls off, but if you hang onto it, you can’t let go, right? If you have blisters on your fingers as well, you most likely don’t have enough reverse in them. Your span is also most likely too wide. Both of these things have the intent of stretching the hand out to create more hook. Both also don’t take hand strain or design into account. If you could let me know where you live, I could see if I could find a good shop in the area to help you out with this. Being that this fitting concept is fairly new, not many people have adapted. Most pro shop operators still hold to the old “tried and true” methods and will tell you that blisters and callouses are only natural and part of the deal. They aren’t. I’ve been bowling for years, and very frequently. My bowling thumb is exactly the same size as my non bowling thumb, and I have no blisters or callouses anywhere.
Here are a few trial videos on my youtube channel that explain all the things in the article in greater depth, hopefully they help!
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I'm Bianca. I hope to inspire thoughts and actions of simple and pure happiness, love, compassion, gratitude, and true beauty. Here, I speak my peace (with a few quirky post here and there) and hope it will lead.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Okay so I am so exited to share my newly perfected cookie recipe... BEHOLD: Egg Free, Dairy Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Spiced Cookies! These are dedicated to my best friend Kristi, and in spirit of her October birthday!
What you'll need:
3/4 cup of Earth Balance Butter (can be found at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods)
1/3 cup of pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin
1 cup of packed dark brown sugar
1 cup of flour
2 cups of rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 teaspoon of of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (alcohol free is best)
1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
Creating it:
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F. Combine room temperature EB butter and pumpkin puree in a glass bowl. Mix together with a whisk. Combine sugar, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Continue to stir mixture until completely smooth, no lumps. Next slowly add in flour and baking powder, whisk until smooth. Switch out the whisk for a large wooden spoon. Lastly, add oatmeal into batter by mixing it in a little at a time. Once all of the oatmeal has been completely mixed in, place entire bowl of cookie dough into the refrigerator to set. This last step will stiffen the dough so its easier to shape and isn't too sticky. You can either use the "scoop and drop" method or "roll and press" method. Both give you nice looking shaped cookies!
Scoop and Drop: simply scoop up a walnut sized amount of cookie dough and drop onto a metal baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes to get rustic looking cookies, with an unpredictable shape.
Roll and Press: take a walnut sized amount of dough, roll between hands, and press down to form a flat circle. Bake for 10 minutes for uniform and share-worthy cookies.
Let them cool for 5-10 minutes so they can get their crisp!
I hope this recipe is shared with good company, herbal tea, joy, love and happiness.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Some of my favorite ways to treat my self (this one's for you Annie) is to lather up in the shower with yummy soaps and scrubs. Now if you like to treat yourself often, this could get expensive with all those fancy scrubs and things to indulge with. I'm going to share a simple and inexpensive way to get your body polish on, by just looking in your kitchen cupboard!
My favorite and most used homemade body scrub: Coconut and Brown Sugar
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of brown sugar or white cane sugar
1 Tablespoon of Coconut oil (Olive Oil is a wonderful substitute as well)
Mix all ingredients to get a paste like consistency (add more baking soda if it is too fluid). Gently massage onto wet skin, and leave on face for 5 minutes. Rise off with warm water and pat skin dry. You will have soft, brightened skin all day!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Sleep is the best. It's one of nature's greatest gifts. A healing process and a getaway; sleeping well is very necessary for the body to function properly. I'm always a much more positive individual after a great night's rest. I feel happy, alert, and confident to take on the day in the best possible way. The recommendation for enough sleep is 7-9 hours each night, uninterrupted! So all that tossing and turning at night is preventing you from getting TRULY restful and beneficial sleep. Some simple and easy tips for getting to bed and staying asleep:
1. Stretch to promote relaxation: before bed, release all the tension and stress you built up during the day.
2. Turn the lights down low: Lower the lighting in your room and bathroom with candles or a small lamp. Lower lighting will promote the secretion of the melatonin hormone in the brain, which is the hormone that regulates your sleep cycle.
3. Skip out on the TV: Nightly television shows almost always keep me up longer than I planned on.. And after the show, I'm completely wired from the bright flashing screen and intriguing storyline and can't fall asleep.
4. Temperature: it's a huge factor in the quality of your sleep. It's the biggest reason why my slumber is disrupted. My advice is to keep the air around you cooler by cracking open a window or to leave a small, minimal noisemaking fan on through the night. It's better to be a little chilly and to pull over the covers then to wake up drenching in sweat, all hot and bothered.
5. Lastly: nighttime tea, aromatherapy, and warm showers! All relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable methods to help get you to bed.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Today, instead of going to my much sought out pumpkin festival, my breaks decided to give out on me while on my way to Santa Cruz and I was forced to put my poor car in the shop. My bf and his best friend's roommate Tyler was nice enough to pick me up. On the way back, we decided to go thrifting for us and the guys (who were at work). What luck we had! We found some beautiful treasures, including 1880s old post cards in mint condition, handmade ceramic mugs, beautiful fall sweaters, a vintage leather Members Only jacket and a can of Wilson's tennis balls, circa 1950. Everything was so cheap, yet so lovely. They told a story that I want to discover, that I want to dig up. Go explore your local thrift store, at least once a month. I guarantee you'll find something great... Cheers! Love, Bianca.
For some reason during this particular October, I'm especially fond of all things pumpkin! Pumpkin candles, baked sugar pumpkins, pumpkin spiced oatmeal cookies, pumpkin lattes, mini pumpkins, pumpkin pudding, pumpkin seeds and you get the picture...While searching online for some pumpkin recipes, I stumbled upon something even more exciting than a slice of warm pumpkin pie! Half Moon Bay, California is hosting their 42nd Annual Art & Pumpkin Festival on the 13th and 14th of October. The festival will include a world championship pumpkin weigh-off competition, lovely live music, expert pumpkin carvers, and of course amazing and delicious pumpkin foods! Admission is free, and the pumpkin party begins at 9am and ends at 5pm. (Art & Pumpkin Festival Website) Join the free festive fun this weekend if you get the opportunity! Cheers! Love, Bianca.p.s.- subscribe at the bottom of the page for daily lovelies!
Can't wait to see my boyfriend and friends tomorrow. It shall be a great evening, including my amazing vegan oatmeal pumpkin spice cookies (recipe coming soon), bubbly beers, lots of laughter, night beach walks, and getting cozy before bedtime with Netflix comedies on the big screen. The simplest of nights, with great people surrounding you, always seem the happiest! Hope Friday brings great joy, fun, and laughter to you!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Waking up to a gorgeous overcast morning is just what I needed. I opened the window to feel the cool ocean breezes coming up from the Pacific a couple miles away. I woke up my body with some stretching, had a cup of yummy green tea, chatted with my bests, and am so far having a beautiful and successful morning. It feels so great to begin a morning in a such a way. Morning time is usually the foundation for the rest of your day. Having a little time to treat your body and mind to a little TLC, is going to keep you positive minded and smiling through the day. Morning routine advice: 1. Starts the night before: Write down true things you are absolutely grateful for, things that you already have in your life. Friends, family, possessions, etc. Also create a small list of happy thoughts and reminders. This is for a morning time message to yourself.2. Wake up to a pleasant and exciting sounding alarm or song! Place the alarm source away from your bed, so you can't reach over during REM sleep and turn it off. This happens to me a lot, causing me to be super late (unnecessary stress)! This hopefully will get you up and out of bed without a struggle. 3. Read your list from the night before, smile, and carry that gratitude with you through the day. 4. Stretch to wake up your body, and after have a wholesome breakfast. Refined foods will only leave you hungry before its even lunch time! 5. Lastly, make a promise to yourself of something you will strive achieve today. My promise today: to stay positive through out my rigorous work day. Because as I pass all of the unemployed on my daily walk to work, I am truly grateful to actually be working.Cheers! Love, Bianca. p.s.- be sure to subscribe to A Lotta Love! thanks a million
I'm new to this sea of diversity. A San Francisco, California newbie. Its a lot to get used to. I'm from a small town in the California Central Valley, where dreams run high and opportunities fall low. So I came here, and I'm here... to begin my new journey. In a city full of opportunity, I was brought down with a lot of negativity. In my first months here I became a self-centered being. It seemed to be the overall attitude of many downtown locals. The workers in the financial district, the big shots, the women in their all black suits. I soon thought the job, the nightlife, and the clothes would be what would satisfy me here. Soon enough, I was left left unhappy, stressed, and lonely. My priorities were offset. Through this realization, I came to know that love, family, true friends, happiness, gratitude, and compassion are components of what I should have been surrounding myself with all along. I made love a priority, making sure my boyfriend would never feel neglected from our long distance relationship. I made sure my family knew that I cared for them, and that visits would never be rushed. My friends would know that my love for them was infinite, and loyalty untarnished. I began writing down all that I'm blessed with, notes of happiness, and things to be thankful for. Reminders of the everyday beautiful life that I had not been acknowledging. Yoga, kale, love, the ocean, chia seeds, laughter, kombucha, long walks, baking, friendship, and crafting are just a few of the simple things that made me smile big big big. I now want to share my happiness with everyone. And with A Lotta Love, maybe that'll be a possibility.
Cheers!
Love, Bianca.
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Chris Cook intercepts two, Quinton Patton catches eight
1. Chris Cook. His biggest weakness is defending the deep pass and he picked off two of those today. First he picked off a deep pass intended for Devon Wylie (Josh Johnson threw it), and then Cook picked off a deep pass intended for Chuck Jacobs (Blaine Gabbert threw it). Cook played both passes perfectly. Both times he turned his head and found the ball a couple of seconds before he caught it.
2. Darryl Morris. Intercepted a deep pass intended for Kassim Osgood. Just like Cook, Morris turned his head early which allowed him to play the ball. Morris also broke up a short pass intended for Bruce Ellington when they were lined up in the slot.
3. Perrish Cox. Intercepted Colin Kaepernick in the end zone during a red zone drill. That was the third time Cox has intercepted Kaepernick in camp.
4. Quinton Patton. Made eight catches during team drills. No one caught as many passes as Patton, the 49ers’ leading receiver in camp.
5. Carlos Hyde. Early in practice he took a carry that was designed to go off right tackle. Hyde spotted a hole back on the left side of the line and cut back. It was a jump cut, something you usually see from smaller, quicker backs. “Nice cut, Carlos!” Harbaugh yelled.
6. Chris Borland. Tipped one pass and intercepted one that Craig Dahl tipped. Borland seems to get his hands on the ball at least once during every practice.
7. Nick Moody. Played his best practice of camp. Knocked away two passes (one was in the end zone), and he sacked Josh Johnson once on a blitz up the middle.
8. Aldon Smith. Toyed with second-team left tackle Carter Bykowski. Sometimes Smith would bulrush Bykowski into the quarterback. Easy. And when Bykowski braced for that, Smith slapped his hands out of the way and ran around him. It looked like Smith didn’t even have to try.
9. Ahmad Brooks. Smacked the ball out of McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s hands when he was standing in the pocket, and then Brooks tagged Bethel-Thompson for a sack on the very next play.
10. The grass. Very springy. Good traction. Jim Harbaugh said it has a little bit more Bermuda in it than the grass on the practice field, which is good to know.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD
1. Blaine Gabbert. Threw two picks. First, he got picked off when he threw over the middle to Derek Carrier. Craig Dahl tipped the ball and Chris Borland caught it. Next, Gabbert got picked when he threw deep down the left sideline to Chuck Jacobs. Jacobs wasn’t open – Chris Cook was all over him and easily made the interception. Whenever Gabbert threw the ball he seemed indecisive, holding onto it for a long time, much longer than the other 49ers’ quarterbacks. Five or six times Gabbert hitched and hitched and hitched before he pulled the ball down and scrambled.
2. Jewel Hampton. Planted on his back by Patrick Willis on a run up the middle. Hampton also was targeted five times in the passing game – he dropped two passes and caught two.
3. Chris Culliver. Did not participate in team drills. Harbaugh said there was something bothering Culliver. Harbaugh did not say if Culliver was bothered by an injury or if he was bothered by getting kicked out of practice yesterday.
I’m impressed with the progression of Cook under Donatell. Being able to come under control without slowing and turning your head to locate the football while attacking it at its highest point is one of the most important abilities a cornerback has to have if he wants to survive in this league. Maybe Moody makes Skuta trade bait. Is Culliver right in the head?
Maybe that’s the angle that Boone and his agent should be attacking. If the gaping hole in the offensive line results in any significant injury to your franchise QB, you will be stuck playing Blaine Gabbert in real live NFL games and your season will effectively end at that point. I hate Boone’s approach to getting paid but I sure hope he gets back soon, one way or another.
Martin and Martin will be the two main backups at C, OG, OT if Boone stays away into the season. My guess is Ryan Seymour will also make it due to versatility. If Boone comes back, Seymour is out. I don’t think Snyder makes it this year under any circumstance.
Snyder isn’t that good as a pass blocking OT. Having to rely on him to start in case of injury gives me heartburn, but he might be the best they have right now. His versatility and experience work in his favor. If Boone isn’t there I’m pretty sure Snyder makes the 53.
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Watch Aim For The Sunrise - At Least I live As I Believe Hot Lyrics N Video
Aim For The Sunrise At Least I live As I Believe Hot Lyrics N Video
Show us, father.
make the stars fall for us.
Show us father.
we'll follow you.
Time's running out, and we've been gone for a long time.
we need a sign, bring in the cure.
lost in open water,this is a war, and we can't deny.
just take our hands and follow.
Ride the ship, but don't let it sink, I promise, it's not as hard as you may think.
jump on board,(jump on board) but don't let it fall (but don't let it fall), you can take us to the other side of the wall.
We've been caught in between, the venom infected our homes.
these creatures deserves a better place.
this walk can be the last.
In search for answers,we will find the conclusion.
the storm will make them bleed.
it will make em' believe.
so pull yourself together
what we'll do tomorrow is what we'll do forever
and this will be the last time.
Show us, father.
make the stars fall for us.
Show us father.
we'll follow you.
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Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Bruins have been one of the surprise teams this year, what with them having the best record in the league at the halfway point (few would have predicted this to be so). They also have the best goal differential, so it's not as if they've been lucky in the conventional sense by winning a lot of close games. However, just because a team's record is proportional to its goal differential doesn't necessarily mean that it hasn't been lucky.
This is a chart showing how the Bruins have fared in various game situations so far this season. The numbers are as of 01/07/08. A couple things can be said about these numbers:
1. The Bruins success appears to largely be a product of the percentages. They have the best shooting percentage in the league, as well as the best save percentage. This also holds true at even strength.
2. For a team with such a good record and goal differential, the Bruins are anomalous in that they're pretty average with respect to shot differential. In fact, they get outshot on average.
The Percentages
The problem for Boston is that there isn't a great deal of repeatability in terms of the percentages, particularly at even strength. This post by Tyler at mc79hockey demonstrates how the sum of a team's even strength shooting percentage and its even strength save percentage tends to regress to 100 as the season progresses. The Bruins currently sit at ~105. If I was a betting man, I'd place money on that figure significantly decreasing by April.
Are Boston's percentages at all sustainable?
We know from pastposts that, while fluctuations in the percentages do indeed have little sustain in the future, a team is able to reliably influence its shooting/save through shot quality. Shot quality is moderately correlated with the percentages and is substantially reliable. Thus, over a sufficiently large sample of games, there would still likely be team-to-team variation in the percentages, with this effect being mediated by shot quality.
In past seasons, the team that leads the league in shot quality for typically has a shot quality index of roughly 1.1. That is, that team takes shots that, on average, are 10% more likely to result in a goal than the average team.
Conversely, the team that leads in the league in shot quality against typically has a shot quality index of roughly 0.9. That is, that team allows shots that, on average, are 10% less likely to result in a goal against than the average team.
If we make the very conservative assumption that Boston currently leads the league in both shot quality for and shot quality against, then we can estimate the Bruins' expected shooting percentage based on these adjustments.
Therefore, even if we assume that Boston currently leads the league in both shot quality for and shot quality against, the Bruins' have still outperformed their expected shooting percentage and expected save percentage. While far from constituting definitive proof of good luck, it is suggestive of it.
In actuality, the Bruins have not been leading the league in either shot quality for or in shot quality against. Hockeynumbers tabulates data on shot quality that is periodically updated throughout the season. While the data is only available for specific game situations (EV, PP, SH), figures for overall shot quality can be obtained by dividing each team's expected goals for/goals against by their corresponding shots for/shots against total, and then expressing the resulting figure relative to the league average.In addition to having a negative shot differential, the Bruins are below average in both shot quality for and shot quality against, thus making it even less likely that they'll replicate their impressive shooting/save percentage in second half. Indeed, Boston is in the red in terms of its expected goal differential, as is nicely illustrated here
Boston's 'true' even strength shooting/save percentage
As displayed in the table at the beginning of the post, the fact that Boston has managed to lead to the league in both shooting and save percentage is largely tied to even strength play -- that is, the overall percentages are largely being driven by the exceptional even strength percentages. Therefore, the sustainability of Boston's overall percentages is critically contingent upon sustaining its high percentages at even strength. Boston's shooting/save percentage at even strength will likely fall to something more reasonable by the time the season has ended. At the same time, however, it's unlikely that its EV shooting/save percentage is merely average.
To illustrate this, assume that Boston's true underlying even strength shooting percentage is exactly league average (~0.084), with the same holding true for its even strength save percentage (~0.916). The Bruins have taken 890 shots at even strength so far this season, while allowing 920. If a team with a true EV shooting percentage of 0.084 takes 890 shots, the probability of shooting 0.109 or better by chance alone is remote (about 4 times per thousand). Likewise, if a team with a true EV save percentage of 0.916 has 920 shots against, the probability of having a save percentage better than or equal to 0.939 by chance is equally minuscule (about 5-6 times per thousand). Thus, Boston's underlying EV shooting/save percentage -- while almost certainly lower than what they've attained thus far -- is probably above average. Therefore, a complete regression to the mean is unlikely.
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WASHINGTON — What’s the holdup, House Republicans? During the Obama administration, you passed literally dozens of bills to repeal all or part of the Affordable Care Act — knowing that none had any chance of being signed into law. Now that President Trump is in the White House, why can’t you seem to pull the trigger?
That’s a rhetorical question, of course. Republicans see that they have two choices: They can snatch health insurance away from millions of people, or they can replace Obamacare with something that looks suspiciously like Obamacare-with-a-different-name. Wary of both alternatives, erstwhile anti-ACA zealots have spent the first month of the Trump administration doing little more than clearing their throats.
The framework laid out by House Speaker Paul Ryan and other GOP officials last week is part capitulation, part evasion. In no way is it worthy of being called policy.
The surrender comes in the promise to keep the most popular features of Obamacare, which are a guarantee of coverage for those with pre-existing medical conditions and a provision ensuring that dependents can remain on their parents’ insurance until age 26. Republicans accurately calculate that taking either of these benefits away would be politically suicidal — and that Trump, who has promised health care for “everyone,” probably would balk.
The evasion — let’s go ahead and call it dishonesty — is that the GOP framework promises not to “pull the rug out from anyone who received care” under the ACA’s expansion of eligibility for Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for the poor. But Republicans also plan to change Medicaid into a program of block grants to the states, with sharp reductions in federal funding.
In effect, House Republicans threaten to force states to do the dirty deed and strike millions from the Medicaid rolls. Governors from both parties are not amused.
The fundamental lie of omission in the GOP’s “repeal and replace” framework is the absence of any sense of what the new system would cost — or how it would be paid for. A plan without a budget is little more than a daydream.
Republicans do make clear that they want to eliminate Obamacare’s direct subsidies designed to help the working poor afford insurance. Instead, they prefer a system of tax credits, based not on income but on age. A 50-year-old billionaire would receive the same amount of tax relief as his or her 50-year-old gardener. Anything that makes our tax system even slightly less progressive warms the hearts of today’s GOP leaders.
But whether the federal government pays out more in subsidies or takes in less revenue because of tax credits, the reality is the same: Guaranteeing access to affordable health care is expensive. Republicans can decide it’s too costly and throw people off the insurance rolls, but if they do they will pay a grievous political price.
Make no mistake, this has been a bad patch for the ACA. The chief executive of one health insurance giant, Aetna, opined last week that Obamacare has finally entered the “death spiral” that Republicans have so gleefully predicted. And officials of another mega-provider, Humana, announced that the firm will not participate in the Affordable Care Act exchanges in 2018.
That is called self-fulfilling prophecy: Republicans predicted from the start that Obamacare would fail — and then did everything they could think of to sabotage the program.
But in one crucial sense, the Affordable Care Act succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams: It fundamentally changed the nature of the health care debate in this country. Access to affordable health care is now seen as a right not just for the elderly and the desperately poor but for all Americans; and government is seen as the guarantor of that right.
The fact that Republicans pledge to continue protections for those with pre-existing conditions, dependents up to age 26 and the 12 million individuals covered by Medicaid expansion illustrates how things have changed. The GOP once fought these provisions tooth and nail, calling them socialism disguised as compassion. Now the party embraces core elements of Obamacare as the new normal.
House Republicans have been hearing from constituents who would be bereft without the insurance they obtained under the ACA. A couple of GOP senators have even begun talking about repairing the law rather than replacing it. And whatever Congress eventually comes up with will have to pass muster with Trump, who promised to expand health coverage, not reduce it.
Republicans will win the battle over the “Obamacare” label. But Barack Obama already won the war.
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
AFRICA: BURUNDI: DOZENS OF CADAVERS DISCOVERED
Agenzia Fides REPORT– "It is a worrying situation that threatens to bring us back to the dark years of civil war," Fides was told by a source from the Church in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. For security reasons, the source wished to remain anonymous. A series of murders in some parts of the country is causing dismay among the population. In recent weeks, mutilated bodies of dozens of people were found along the Rusizi River, in the western part of the country. The area was the stronghold of the National Liberation Forces (FNL), the last guerrilla group to sign a peace agreement with the State in 2005."The government says that these violent acts are perpetrated by bandits, because the murders are accompanied by theft of livestock and destruction of crops, but the population knows from such actions that it must be a group of rebels," says our source.Between May and July, local presidential and legislative elections were held in Burundi. The elections were marked by attacks and the boycott of a dozen opposition parties, who accused the party of President Pierre Nkurunziza of fraudulent elections on May 24. Nkurunziza was elected head of state in the elections of June 28."I fear that the exclusion of various parties from the normal electoral competition has led the most radical opposition groups to resort to violence. After the elections, the bishops had declared that, as far as they could tell, through the Church's election observers, the elections had been regular, but urged the majority to seek dialogue with the opposition which had boycotted the vote," recalls our source.Agathon Rwasa, former head of the FNL, has appealed to the UN Secretary General to intervene to prevent Burundi from sinking back into civil war.Meanwhile, in the east a series of fires are threatening the ecosystem. In Cankuzo and in the Ruvuvu Park, the fire has destroyed entire hills. The fires are caused by severe drought but also by the negligence of man. "They are farmers who, in search of new pastures, burn the forest to make the grass grow back more quickly," says the source of Fides. Farmers have resorted to doing so, in part due to the fact that the army has closed some traditional areas of pasture, for use in military exercises for troops to be sent on peacekeeping missions abroad.
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A Disaster-Planning Primer for Healthcare
No matter what kind of crisis your healthcare operation is facing, the best way to manage it is to have a solid plan.
Run-of-the-mill healthcare kitchen crises are nothing new. We deal with them almost daily. Major disasters—fire, flood, tornado, snowstorm, power outage, chemical spill, even terrorism—are thankfully not commonplace.
What should be routine, however, is a crisis-management plan. Having one in place protects the safety and well-being of your patients, residents, guests, employees, and business.
Emergency plans, like disasters, come in all sizes. Government regulations at the national and local levels address basic emergency requirements, but each hospital, long-term care center, and residential community must craft its own plan to meet specific operational and regulatory needs.
In foodservice, three categories are essential: training staff to handle any situation that arises; having reserves of food and water to meet nutrition needs; and maintaining safe food handling, hygiene, and service standards.
Training includes everyone
“Each crisis is unique,” says Mary Rybicki, MS, RDN, LDN, a Massachusetts-based consultant and dietitian for healthcare operations. “Complying with the rules is important, but the most important factor is being trained.”
That’s because rules vary by location. Federal rules that call for a three-day supply of nonperishable foods are superseded in Massachusetts, for example, by state rules calling for a seven-day supply. Rybicki says those distinctions help places cope when a snowstorm paralyzes traffic for days, which happened last winter in Boston. What helps even more is training. A team approach that includes dietitians, foodservice directors, and other staffers allows care centers to endure weather- and other emergency-related food-delivery delays.
“Everyone on your staff needs either to be trained or have access to written instructions on how to feed people during an emergency,” Rybicki says.
Those plans include training nondietary employees to unlock the kitchen and implement a quick-start menu that can keep patients or residents fed. Written and clearly posted instructions are helpful, too, Rybicki says, especially when people are asked to perform unfamiliar roles.
“For altered, therapeutic or renal diets, proper feeding in an emergency can be a matter of life or death,” she says. “Knowing what to prepare and how to feed these patients is critical. Something as simple as having a hand grinder or mixer available to make food soft enough for patients to eat can make a difference.”
Most buildings, Rybicki notes, have backup generators for power outages, but that’s no guarantee that a kitchen will operate normally. A full freezer stays cold a long time without power. When it comes to refrigerators and appliances, know which outlets are connected to the generator, how long the generator will operate, and what to do if the generator fails.
“Plan to use refrigerated foods first, before the temperature warms up beyond the 41-degree safety zone,” she says. “Label food-storage and equipment drawers; it saves energy by reducing the time you spend opening the cooler or cooking the food.”
Practice makes perfect and saves lives
Weather emergencies usually come with some warning. Fire emergencies don’t. At Fairview Lodge, a long-term care center in Whitby, Ontario, staff training is credited with saving lives during a blaze that broke out at 9:35 a.m. on Oct. 27, 2014, ravaging a three-floor building and seven adjacent residential living areas.
Patients are told of drills and emergency plans through monthly resident council meetings. To simplify the response process, Fairview uses an emergency color-code system. On the back of each employee’s badge is an explanation of each color code. When the emergency coordinator declares a Code Orange, for example, the worker can quickly determine it’s a weather emergency and prepare accordingly.
“When the fire hit, we declared a Code Red and were able to evacuate all 192 residents before the fire department arrived,” Thaxter-Smith says. “Our staff moved everyone from our buildings to a nearby church; there was no hesitation because everyone was trained in what to do.”
The blaze made the Fairview kitchen inaccessible and the emergency food supply useless. But emergency training included a plan to get food from alternate sources, Thaxter-Smith says. Businesses also pitched in with food, and the church evacuation site’s refrigerator kept food cold.
“Once we had everyone evacuated, we were able to retrieve dietary and medicine information from our database,” Thaxter-Smith says. “We were prepared to feed everyone about an hour after we relocated.”
By nightfall, she adds, the residents were discharged to one of 44 other sites, each with information about medical and feeding needs.
Testing the waters
At NHC Healthcare Centers in South Carolina, Regional Dietitian Jenny Dies oversees 14 skilled rehabilitation centers and four assisted-living facilities. She says training at each site involves everyone from food and nutrition services staff to laundry workers, because you never know who will be called on to act when an emergency strikes.
In addition to training, Dies conducts official reviews at each center twice a year. The company also uses a manual that spells out a three-day cooked and noncooked meal plan. It also explains the order in which food should be used in case of a power outage.
These plans came in handy in October 2015, when torrential rains led to a flood emergency at NHC operations in Sumpter. Floodwaters surrounded a three-unit, 125-resident long-term care center and prevented regular food delivery.
Dies said power was never lost, but two days of the three-day emergency food supply was used at one operation and a boil-water emergency was declared for four days due to a tainted municipal water supply.
Emergency planning kicked in, and the foodservice team tapped into the ½-gallon-per-resident supply of potable water. Paper plates and napkins, foam cups, and plastic utensils were used to prevent the need for dish washing.
“Dishwasher water is hot, but it’s not boiling, so disposable products are huge timesavers,” Dies said. “The one thing we didn’t anticipate was how much water we would have to boil for coffee and tea.”
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Friday, June 21, 2019
Even If Trump Leaves, the Best Case Scenario Is Still Horrible
by Neil H. Buchanan
What will the country and the world be like if Donald Trump ever leaves the White House (voluntarily or otherwise)? How much permanent or long-lingering damage have he and the Republican Party already done to the country and the world? Joe Biden's fatuous claims that he can get us "back to normal" notwithstanding, what is realistic?
In my column yesterday, I described a best-case scenario for the mess that almost assuredly awaits us after the 2020 election results are in. Let me back up a step here to lay out some (but surely not all) of the possible circumstances under which Trump will eventually depart from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, in a somewhat logical order:
(1) Between now and November 3, 2020, Trump is impeached and convicted and leaves office. (Zero chance of this, unless something big happens soon -- and probably not even then.)
(2) Trump is impeached and convicted but refuses to leave office, at which point he is forcibly removed from office (with the acquiescence of the 20 or more Republican senators who voted to convict).
(5) Trump loses the election, refuses to concede, and Republicans back him (conveniently saving some of their own seats as well) by agreeing that the results were caused by voter fraud. He stays in office until one of the other scenarios plays out.
(6) Trump is declared the winner of the election, but there are all kinds of reasons to think that it is a tainted result, and Republicans step up and force him to go away. (Zero chance of this, even if the evidence of fraud is of the smoking-gun variety, e.g., Trump on video describing all of his team's fraudulent behavior.) A new election is held and a non-Trump becomes president.
(7) Trump legitimately wins the election, serves a second term, and leaves office in January 2025.
(8) Trump stays in office one way or another and refuses to leave in 2025, but Republicans (some of whom still want their turn as president) finally dump him.
(9) Trump stays in office until he chooses to leave or dies of old age/bad health.
Before continuing, we should all take a moment to consider just how shocking it is that this whole range of possibliities is even worth writing down. For any other incumbent president, there would be two options: Scenario 3 (lose and leave) or Scenario 7 (win, serve one more term, then leave). That longer list, and the reality that even nonpartisan journalists think to ask Trump about running for a third term, tells us everything we need to know about how different the world has become in the last two and a half years.
Let that reality wash over you, dear reader, and then continue reading.
As I have argued many times, I believe that we are already doomed to live through Scenario 5, no matter how big or small Trump's margin of loss is. Even if something better than that happens, however, what interests me here is how much damage has already been done and what we would be facing going forward.
Some of this, of course, would depend on Trump's post-White House actions (other than in Scenario 9). After all, if he leaves office one way or another but continues to be a disruptive force in whipping up hysteria and hatred, that is much worse than if he decides simply to go back to his old grifts and to leave politics behind.
So for the sake of argument, let us assume that Trump is removed from office in something like an orderly constitutional way (Scenarios 1-4), allowing us to say that "the system worked," and that he stays out of politics afterward. (In Scenario 6, Trump leaves office after the 2020 election, but only after inflicting so much damage on the system that we would be in a completely different sea of manure than we are already in.)
The point of this exercise is to determine what we could expect going forward into a post-Trump future. It is obviously not just about whether Trump will lose next year, although everyone is currently treating it that way. Even if everything goes well, there will be stains and scars and irreversible damage as we try to move forward. What might all of that include?
(A) We already know that all of the norms of politics have been shattered, but our constitutional norms and expectations have also been seriously compromised. For example, if Nancy Pelosi holds the line against impeachment proceedings, even she would admit that that this would set a bad precedent. Trump will have demonstrated that a president can ignore subpoenas, run an Administration with multiple offices either empty or filled by acting appointees, support a White House advisor who openly politics on the public's dime, and on and on -- without ever facing consequences (prosecution or impeachment).
The presidency's standards of conduct are being defined down to "whatever he wants to do, because at least a third of the Senate won't convict and the rest of the political actors decide that it's not worth it to try." There will be no remaining shred of hope that there is such a thing as nonpartisan adherence to the rule of law.
(B) The damage in the public's mind to the notion of a free and believable press is ongoing and cannot easily be rebuilt.
(C) The courts will continue to be filled by Trump/Republican rightest-of-the-right-wing hacks. The only way out of this will be either to impeach judges and justices or to add seats to the judiciary. Either route will result in at best tut-tutting from the likes of not only pompous prigs like George F. Will but most likely the editorial boards of The Washington Post and The New York Times. At worst, it will permanently politicize the courts in a way that even legal realists never contemplated.
(D) Foreign governments of all stripes (and their citizens) can never look at the United States in the same way again. There is a loss-of-virginity aspect to the Trump phenomenon. Before 2016 (and through Election Night), it was not imaginable that anyone like Trump could get near the presidency. Even if he is summarily dumped this year or next, and even if he goes quietly, no one can then confidently say, "OK, we know that that will never happen again."
This means that every foreign interaction, from trade to diplomacy to military action (both with enemies and potential allies) will be undermined by a sense of dread that any return to sanity after Trump will be followed by another swing of the pendulum and an even worse U.S. president in the future. Long-term planning thus becomes highly contingent and uncertain, with everyone making fall-back plans that would previously have been unnecessary, preparing to make defensive and mitigating moves at a moment's notice.
(E) This contingency planning will also have an economic cost. Although financial markets and U.S. manufacturers have thus far "priced in" the Trump circus, they are already facing the reality that they need to have their own fall-back plans. For example, the integration of the global economy has resulted in supply chains that cross borders, which is why Trump's threats against Mexico and China have freaked out so many business leaders and Republicans. The people who are directly being harmed by Trump's trade wars mostly include the farmers and white blue-collar workers who love him, but even if that were not true, the economy as a whole now has to adapt to a whole new set of possibilities.
And building back-up systems and other forms of insurance policies (not just literal insurance policies but figurative ones, such as putting money in mattresses or buying gold) is expensive. Indeed, economists would describe this as a "change in technology" in the sense that we will get a different (and lower) set of outputs from the same inputs, because so many of the inputs (brainpower, machines, and so on) will have to be diverted from production to dealing with a wider set of uncertainties than ever existed before.
The closest analogy to the aggregate impact of Trump, as far as I can see, is the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The pre- and post-9/11 worlds differ in any number of ways, but the unifying aspect of all such differences is that a slew of economic, political, law-enforcement, diplomatic, military, and social resources have been diverted into something that had simply never before been necessary. Trump's impact on the world -- most obviously his loud claim that "we need to be unpredictable," but going far beyond that -- is similar to 9/11 in that he has forced everyone to contemplate the once-unthinkable in all aspects of life.
And all of this, to repeat the point, will be true even in the very best of cases where Trump is gone soon and makes no waves thereafter. Every other possibility is worse, depending on how delayed or ugly (or both) his departure from the stage becomes.
After reading New;'s post, what might one do to have a great weekend? My suggestions:
Read this The Atlantic article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/the-mind-of-donald-trump/480771/written by a psychologist titled "The Mind of Donald Trump." Then watch the film "Dr. Strangelove" while thinking of Trump as C-I-C calling for military strikes on Iran "sights"for shooting down a US unmanned drone and then at the eleventh hour changing his mind.
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I am also facing issue auth not working after installing cordova-plugin-firebase-invites. If remove platform and uninstall the plugin for invite then after auth system is working perfectly.
returning below error.
2018-05-26 15:23:45.333437+0530 The Xavier’s Connect[5753:2255300] 4.13.0 - [Firebase/Core][I-COR000003] The default Firebase app has not yet been configured. Add [FIRApp configure]; (FirebaseApp.configure() in Swift) to your application initialization. Read more: https://goo.gl/ctyzm8.
2018-05-26 15:23:45.344879+0530 The Xavier’s Connect[5753:2254784] *** Terminating app due to uncaught exception ‘NSInternalInconsistencyException’, reason: ‘The default FIRApp instance must be configured before the default FIRAuthinstance can be initialized. One way to ensure that is to call [FIRApp configure]; (FirebaseApp.configure() in Swift) in the App Delegate’s application:didFinishLaunchingWithOptions: (application(_:didFinishLaunchingWithOptions:) in Swift).’
*** First throw call stack:
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Couldn't confirm presence of Flash 7 or higher because JavaScript was disabled.
We highly recommend that you install Flash 7 or higher and that you enable JavaScript.Get Flash --- I really do have Flash installed.
What follows is a plain HTML version of the puzzle.
Puzzle Challenge #97 February 23 - March 6, 2009
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Across
3. How wide something is between its two sides or edges.
5. The mention of something or someone in a conversation or in writing.
7. Someone who greets and shows someone around, or who entertains another.
8. The time of day at which food is eaten, usually three times per day.
9. To bow down and worship.
Down
1. The act of holding firmly in the hand, or to understand thoroughly.
2. Not flat or smooth; rough, bumpy.
3. A person who speaks, especially one who speaks a lot.
4. Lasting for a limited time only, not permanent.
6. A noisy or disturbed situation, an uproar.
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Saeima moves to keep Estonian booze-cruisers coming
Saeima deputies acted with lightning speed June 20 to reduce the amount of tax payable on strong alcoholic drinks in response to similar recent moves by Estonia, as previously reported by LSM.
Speaking against the proposals Lubova Švecova blasted the way the legislation had been pushed through by the government, saying it paid scant regard to knock-on problems related to alcoholism and the availability of ever-cheaper strong drinks.
Former Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis asked archly if low alcohol prices should be included as part of the national economic development plan and whether the government really wanted a situation in which the public regarded its greatest act as cutting alcohol prices.
Former Prime Ministerial contender Aldis Gobzems said Latvia has a big problem with alcohol and that drinking is "'not stylish". However, he added that he would vote for the excise drop "because taxes in Latvia are too high".
Amendments to the Law on Excise Duty were passed in their first reading by 61 votes to 8 and a special meeting of Saeima will be called for June 21 at which they are likely to be passed in a second and final reading so that they can come into force before July.
The changes to Estonia's own domestic rules would negatively affect the business of Latvian merchants and circulation of alcoholic beverages, especially in the border area of Estonia, according to the annotation of the draft law. The Ministry of Finance has predicted that such a situation would have a negative impact on the state budget of EUR 92 million, and to maintain competitiveness and the internal market, the current rate for strong alcohol should be reduced by at least 15 percent to reduce the negative fiscal impact to around EUR 32 million.
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Latest news
RITUALS AND ANALOGISM
2016-02-26
What are the semantics of ritual?
Lately, I have been involved in an immensely challenging and interesting project: building a grammar of rituals. This post is a series of thoughts I presented to my collaborators in this project. I figure they may be of (slightly) wider interest.
I think we have to reflect on how much we need to know about the functions of a ritual, and of each ritual action, in order to build something like a grammar.Grammar has categories and mechanisms only because it needs to express many things with a limited set of components; if we have no idea of what it attempts to express, or why its inventory is limited, it seems impossible to find and make sense of the rules.We can do superficial pattern-matching, but without knowing what the patterns signify and how they relate, the probability of finding the right parsing is ridiculously small (take e.g. genomics, which has infinitely more data than us, the support of chemistry and developmental experiments to test its hypotheses, and probably more papers/year than all humanities put together, and is still stuck on some fundamental definitional problems).
So, although it is not our purpose to come up with another grand theory of what rituals mean, we do need minimal hypotheses on what their rules are meant to encode. Once we discard every attitude on myth that is incompatible with intrinsic grammaticality (e.g. myth dramatization, as a script or template is not a grammar), it seems that anthropologists believe ritual actions are about establishing ties between different entities, and using these ties to move some of them across the bounds of their categories. I am hoping that I will learn soon if a mimamsaka would agree with that basic notion.
Chapter 5 of McClymond deals with the apportionment phase of ritual (dividing the offering, and instructions for acting upon the parts or giving them to certain participants). Like many others, she connects it to the analogical mode of thinking: each part of the offering is made to correspond to a part of the cosmos, and to a part of society, and so on, though it is often unclear why something is made to correspond with something else.
Descola argues that this (common but not universal) mode of thinking is rooted in an essentially dissociative worldview: each object is a singularity, made of singularities, and while resemblances can be found and categories drawn, they essentially unstable and open to negotiation. This negotiation proceeds by small increments, passing from neighbor to neighbor, because there are no "highways" of absolute ordering (e.g. even a yin object can be divided into equal yang and yin parts, there is no conservation of yin-ness). Each classification is not the but an ordering of the world, built poetically or pragmatically, and abundant contradictions are not a sign of irrationality or inconsistency. Levi-Strauss argues that, when associations are made, they are not associations of objects, but of contrasts between objects, which are more stable than the former.Let's believe all that, for now.
Clearly and crucially, we are not analogists: our culture has seen a triumph of philosophical materialism, which provides stable relationships between objects. There is no need to establish a tie if physical laws already provide it (e.g. X and Y are substitutable because they have the same substance), and if they don't, there is nothing we can do - the tie is only imaginary. Thus, at most, the intuitions of analogism can arise for us when we consider mental states, and possibly social states (those are still sufficiently "in the mind"), but not entities and essences. God does not play word association with the universe.
If we believe in this cultural shift, it should natural for us to think of the semantics of ritual as, for instance, a fluid mechanics or energetics of impurity, sacrality or some such affective/religious attribute - but this is perhaps not how they would have been perceived. We think in terms of communicating vessels and prices paid - conservation and conversion - and other abstract ordering principles. They were certainly available as analogies, but I don't think any of them would have been taken as universal or inviolable, and placed at the heart of every ritual in every culture. Though I can easily conceive that such principle would be consciously established as part of ritual science, as a reliable technique, rather than a property inherent to what is being manipulated.
So, putting all the threads together: under the hypothesis of grammaticality, every ritual action worth memorizing and transmitting, although it may not always have an overt meaning in itself (like grammatical words), should contribute alone or in combination to the expressive power of the sequence. Grammaticality allows repetition and ornament (e.g. for emphasis) but never redundancy; strictly useless or equivalent terms are always unstable.Under the hypothesis that ritual operates in the sphere of analogy, what is being expressed is a certain mapping between entities, and a negotiation of their categoric status. Part of that meaning is provided by semantic associations for a given act; these are "lexical" semantics, possibly arbitrary and beyond explanation (except e.g. by "etymology" or external referents such as myth or cooking).But a whole fraction of the semantics is embedded in the grammar: those are "casual" semantics, the meaning (i.e. analogical expressive power) of ritual categories and rules. This is what we probably need to posit or uncover as we investigate rituals, and before we delve into pattern-matching. Of course, each ritual language may have its own "case system"; but hopefully, there will be common features, the likes of adjunction, determination, predication, and so on.Though it would be enough for a start to find something that is not universal but very common and strikingly grammatical, e.g. active/passive.
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Hi. This is a small plea for help from those in the US (especially in or near Texas). I was hoping that those that frequent books stores or such could helpl me. Since it's impossible to buy from the kobo page I was hoping to find an Indie books store I could order from. I need the online ordering option since I am not actually in the US but do have a US shipping address where someone can receive it.
I tried using the "find a retailer" option but no go since the kobo site isn't that compatible with proxies (and if I just use it without a US proxy I get no results).
I hope it's okay to post this here and not the flea market as I'm not trying to do an individual transaction per se. Plus there were no Aura's on sale there
I tried searching a few of the stores that came up using an Austin zip code on http://www.kobo.com/indie and didn't see the Aura on their sites. Nor does Family Christian have it listed either. It would surprise me if the Indie booksellers have access to the device yet, IIRC with the Aura HD it took a few weeks (a month?) after the release before any had it available.
I tried searching a few of the stores that came up using an Austin zip code on http://www.kobo.com/indie and didn't see the Aura on their sites. Nor does Family Christian have it listed either. It would surprise me if the Indie booksellers have access to the device yet, IIRC with the Aura HD it took a few weeks (a month?) after the release before any had it available.
Thanks fro checking. Actually I made the request because someone had said that their local bookstore was carrying it and had set it aside for them. So if no one carries it other than kobo then tough luck for me, but hopefully someone will come across a seller that does =D
You can order from Indigo, yes, but what if you have to return it? And the shipping is relatively expensive. I had ordered with them, but cancelled it, and I'm glad I did, reading of all the problems with the screen. I'll wait a few months and get it from a US seller.
nightyume HI check out chapters indigo store on the net. They are in canada but have auras in stock and do ship to the US.
I'll check them out but I am afraid that booklover6 is most likely right. If the shipping from Kobo isn't cheap that means paying that shipping, possibly paying import fees as it'd be coming from a Canadian store, then paying another twenty or thirty dollars to ship it from the US, plus import fees again, and the mandatory insurance fee when shipping from the US . Frankly I REALLY want the Aura, but paying close to 300 dollars seems a tad excessive, which is what I'll end up paying if I get a friend to buy it from his local chapters and then send it to me directly. The upside is if I buckle and get my friend to do that he can at least check it for defects and try it out.
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Victory and the Damage Done Part 2: The End of the Rock Star
In a culture that venerates success, there’s a tendency to underrate the destruction it wreaks upon the victor. Similarly, the fact that a victory does not halt time at the pristine pinnacle of success — that life goes on — leads to disillusionment and disparagement when ongoing reality refuses to stay still. 1989-1991 was an era of victory and all the consequent worries, woes and uncertainties that comes with it — a powerful sense of “what next?”
The Sex Pistols had certainly dug a hole in the U.K.’s consensus — exposing and parodying its vile edge in which there’s nothing more than what you can grab from those who will buy — but only in the context of a wider economic malaise and the ongoing decline of Britain from an imperial peak which now made the U.S. the self-confident and true home of rock. While the U.S. embraced some fragments of punk squalor it was primarily theatrical and integrated well into the existing superhero template — Motley Crue, Ted Nugent, Guns n’ Roses; these were the nearest the mainstream came to punk until Nirvana.
The U.K. and Europe similarly possessed genuine socialist parties which acted as strong forces with an influence on the direction of national politics. In the U.S. this simply didn’t exist; open espousal of socialism let alone communism was a severely suppressed thread in politics. While in the U.K. and Europe feminism, gay rights, vegetarianism, anti-war protests and so forth were part of both the mainstream political mix and popular mass causes — in the U.S. these were viewed as left-wing, politically suspect and only of interest to non-mainstream activists and extremists.
The impact of this exclusion was to add these causes to the realm of deviance and non-mainstream interests in which U.S. punk fermented; all were minority activities focused around tiny self-defined communities of ‘outcasts’ and increasingly, as the Eighties went on, the punk scene fused with a strong political edge whether openly critical of the current political mainstream, or of law enforcement, or in favour of pro-gay rights, or of feminist politics. It was the same rooting around in the underground that led some to latch onto extreme racist nationalism, the other side of the coin to punk’s quest for rebel yells outside the vision presented by militaristic, flag-waving, ‘us uber alles’ supermen who infested the mainstream.
Nirvana’s rise didn’t take place in a vacuum; it coincided with the entire political order of the West shifting. Nirvana’s first European tour coincided with the collapse of the Warsaw Pact with the Berlin Wall commencing its fall on November 9, 1989 and Nirvana arriving in the city two days later as people continued tearing at the symbol of the entire post-war reality. Finally, following the attempted coup in August 1991, the Soviet Union itself ceased to exist on December 26, 1991 — just as Nirvana was exploding into mass consciousness.
The colossal weight of what was occurring was amplified and enhanced by the reality that this was the first global shift of the mass media era. The absence of the unifying enemy who had tethered U.S. culture for decades was a grave concern among governing circles after the collapse of the Soviet Union and with it the end of the last substantial external threat to capitalism. Francis Fukuyama’s book The End of History and The Last Man expanded was built on a 1989 article and essentially suggested that progress and time had now halted — that’s how deeply the narrative of Cold War had infected perceptions of reality and how hard it was to envisage a life without it. Fukuyama’s book has been long-criticised but its key point that the last fully functioning alternative to capitalism (in whatever gradation) had ceased and a single economic system now ruled almost the entire dialogue of world civilisation.
The shock of Nirvana’s emergence was so powerful within the U.S. not because of the music itself — debates over its originality and universal popularity are missing the point. Nirvana were the crest of a wave that had travelled far and was now breaking in so many directions. On the one hand, the extreme solipsism and air of defensiveness, indifference, negativity that many saw in Nirvana was an articulation of a new insecurity, a new vulnerability that arose because no one now knew who or where the enemy was. Simultaneously, the music acknowledged and empowered feelings that hadn’t been permitted under the old regime governed by the indestructible ‘rock star’; the need for the strong had gone away and Nirvana helped make it look ridiculous. Instead the marginalised could emerge blinking into daylight and with them all the causes that had been bred into the underground’s rising stars during the previous decade.
The switch in the music culture had been prefaced by an expanding roster of alternative bands on major labels prior to Nirvana’s emergence, there had been bands originating in the indie scene who had made the jump to major label record deals — but success was varied. Among the mainstream survivors, Metallica incorporated a touch more brooding into their major crossover success, Guns n’ Roses acknowledged the turn away from chest-thumping rock only in Axl Rose’s more solitary and sombre meditations, Nine Inch Nails were still to push the dial all the way to The Downward Spiral — while the move toward Cobain’s insularity had been foreshadowed by all this activity, there still wasn’t a superstar until his arrival who looked so firmly inward.
A similar explosion at that time was the twisted tale of the Black Metal scene in Scandinavia and particularly in Norway. Between 1991 and 1995, with a very young coterie of individuals egging each other on to ever more extreme and grim acts, the early scene erupted with over twenty churches burned, suicide, murder, general mayhem. In the book ‘Black Metal: Beyond the Darkness” there’s a quotation from one figure in the scene stating “it is interesting that Black Metal exploded in Norway immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union and the final demise of the idea that fighting against the bourgeoisie and capitalist conservatives, including Christianity, could be defeated by revolutionary socialism…It’s all part of an escape from reality.”
The Norwegian scene couldn’t follow the U.S. simply because Norway was never as fully integrated into the confrontational West versus East face-off. Socialism was a well-represented presence and a successful component of the governing mix within Norwegian politics bringing with it the kinds of policies that the U.S. alternative scene was then busy trying to articulate. The Black Metal scene was forced into a different reaction of similar extremity to the Nirvana effect. A core of individuals substituted a new overarching narrative and competition, one pitching Nordic (white) paganism against other races which were deemed to be diluting strong blood and simultaneously against Christianity on the basis that it had feminised national cultures, another reason why the scene was also homophobic, a further effeminate weakening influence.
Of course it was nonsense, but no more nonsensical than Ted Nugent, AC/DC or the trappings of cock rock that had achieved two decades of dominance in the U.S. It took the world to change for the rock star to die whether in Nirvana’s rain of sardonic laughter (“hi Axl! Hi Axl!”) or Norway’s reign of blood and fire.
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5 Things you get from a Distance MBA degree
Distance learning is becoming popular and has become an option for individuals of all ages who desire to get more than just a degree. There are many pros why people are opting for distance programs.
Flexible: Distance learning is very flexible in comparison to full-time or part-time options. Students who need to appear for other classes or work can do assignments at their convenience instead of being restricted to a schedule. This feature facilitates students with any time and anywhere learning.
Networking: Students who enroll in online programs get a wider range of networking opportunities. Instead of being limited to local networking, distance learning gives students a platform to interact with a more diverse range of people all over the world.
Choice: An online degree provides the opportunity to many advanced career-focused, learning and reach-out to programs which help the students in career transformation.
Scheduling: The schedule for distance learning programmes are more flexible in allowing students to take classes according to their convenience. Taking into account the ease of taking classes, this is better than the traditional MBA classes.
Selection of Professors: Distance learning programs enable students to learn from some of the most prestigious professors and guest speakers in each field.
No Sitting in Classrooms: Sitting in the classroom is not the best way for every student to learn. There is no pressure on the student as Distance MBA allows a student to learn at his/her own pace – a better option than what the traditional B-Schools offer.
Money: Online classes typically cost less than a full-time classroom environment. There is no strain on the student and their parents or even professionals to pay a hefty amount.
Traveling: A huge advantage is that you don't need to travel to college every day. Why waste time on traveling when you can get your classroom on your own personal devices like mobiles, laptops or tablets.
For experienced senior professionals considering an MBA education, full-time or part-time MBA courses may be ruled out because, they are usually well-settled with a family, and a break from work or relocation to a new place would be highly inconvenient.
Who Usually Chooses a Distance MBA Program?
Also, Executive MBA programs are quite pricey. One must also consider the additional costs involved in traveling to the class. This might not be a good option for many.
Considering that conventional options are ruled out, the most practical and economical alternative would be a distance MBA program.
Business Concept Application
You get to apply the business concepts that you have learned at your workplace sooner. Distance MBA programs help in career advancement as it broadens your knowledge base and provides you with business concepts, problem-solving skills, and a better understanding of various business statements.
Strong Networking
Networking is one of the best results of an MBA program. A distance MBA program offers unlimited networking opportunities. Check how much networking your MBA course can offer. Take up any residency opportunity available. Live sessions give an interactive platform for you to get familiar with the others and involve yourself in discussions. Group projects give an excellent chance to interact with your classmates and develop strong bonds.
Career Scope Widens
You can get a job promotion or salary hike after pursuing MBA in distance mode. For those seriously looking at a complete shift in career, choose a program that can help you make this transition easy. The brand of the university would be something recruiters might be interested in.
Better Opportunities
MBA teaches several skills, but the person who really wants to learn can do so from distance education/correspondence. Get a competitive edge to your personality over candidates who are just graduates. You will learn many other personality-improvement skills like interpersonal skills and teamwork which gives you a boost in your current job.
Saves Time and Money
There are extensive benefits to choosing MBA in distance mode while you are working. You do not need to quit your job just to study further while you can gain practical knowledge of management so that you can understand your job more. You can even be sponsored by your company so that the entire fee will be paid by them. One can study whenever they want and there are no strict rules. You will perform well in the exams, as you will have reliable knowledge on the subject. In this way, you save 2 valuable years!
There are a number of highly sophisticated offerings on the market now, and you can get numerous choices of institutions and models of programs. Ultimately personal preferences about the mode of study, the current state of your career, and the expectations you have after the MBA will drive your choice of program and school. However, it is probable that a good distance learning program from a reputed institution will add as much value to your professional profile as its full-time equivalent.
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10 Modern Bathrooms That Steal the Show
Aside from the kitchen, few spaces in the modern home take higher design priority than the spa-like bath. With details that range from sophisticated tile and swaths of regal marble to expansive glass-walled showers and tubs that double as works of art, these contemporary baths are sure to make a splash.
1 of 10 | Stunning Waterfront Condominium Home
On the prime northwest corner of a prestigious new full-service building in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this 2,495-square-foot, three-bedroom residence exemplifies youthful contemporary style and enjoys a breathtaking view, both from the interiors and from the private rooftop cabaña and garden. The master suite’s bath is finished with mosaic floors crafted from handsome hand-clipped stone, a freestanding tub, a contrasting wall clad in warming wood planks, a double shower behind an expanse of glass, and a two-sink vanity.
2 of 10 | Magnificent Modern Château
Designed by celebrated interior architect Lauren Rottet, this distinctive 8,159-square-foot home reinterprets a French country château through a modern lens. The crisp contemporary façade is softened by handsome rustic materials, from reclaimed wood to Texas limestone. In the master suite—one of five bedrooms—drawers and door frames of wood create a warm, welcoming touch in the accompanying bath, a bastion of refined modern style with a window-side soaking tub and a spacious glass-walled shower.
3 of 10 | The Carlton Mansion
A rarity in New York City, this newly constructed limestone townhouse elegantly marries modern style and conveniences with the classical grandeur of a Manhattan mansion. Perfectly sited between Madison and Fifth Avenues, it offers nearly 10,000 square feet of grandly proportioned rooms, including a master suite that occupies a full floor and features a luxurious bath, where clean white surfaces, striking black stone and wood, and expanses of mirrors unite in a space of consummate contemporary style.
4 of 10 | Modern Bay Area Masterpiece
Internationally renowned Robert Swatt designed this contemporary architectural tour de force, which encompasses approximately 10,700 square feet, six bedrooms, and seven and one-half baths. Each space is imbued with a sense of weightlessness and precise attention to detail. The master suite—on the upper level, reached via a floating staircase—features a sybaritic bath with an eye-catching variety of colors and textures, an oversized glass-walled shower, and a modern soaking tub sited for enjoyment of spellbinding views.
5 of 10 | Designer’s Private East Hampton Residence
On a gated acre near East Hampton’s Georgica Pond, this spectacular new home blends classic Hamptons style with eye-catching modern flair and smart-home technology. Its approximately 8,600-square-foot floor plan offers seven bedrooms, two of which are master suites. Each includes a luxurious contemporary en suite bath boasting dazzling radiant-heated stone tile, private water closets, relaxing spa showers flooded with natural light, and enticing freestanding tubs with striking modern style.
6 of 10 | Striking San Francisco Penthouse
Featuring the impeccable design of Edmonds + Lee Architects, this penthouse home on the eastern side of San Francisco’s Marina is filled with meticulous contemporary elements and enviable views of the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond. Among its three bedrooms and two baths is a stylish master suite that boasts a luxurious bath with tranquil natural hues, a Victoria & Albert soaking tub, a frameless glass-enclosed shower, and a dual-sink vanity.
7 of 10 | Significant Style
An exemplar of modern architecture and design, this refined retreat offers more than 5,400 square feet of stylish living space and floor-to-ceiling windows affording panoramic views of the city that stretch from downtown to the ocean. Beneath a unique circular skylight, a freestanding modern soaking tub anchors the sizeable master bath, ringed by a spacious vanity and an oversized shower that is a vision of stone and glass.
8 of 10 | Stylish Modern Serenity in Los Angeles
Sophisticated timeless design, generous proportions, and quintessential indoor-outdoor California living are hallmarks of this modern 6,288-square-foot hacienda, centered around a lush lawn and enticing swimming pool. In addition to a restful bedroom, dual closets, a warming fireplace, and access to a private balcony, the secluded and serene master suite enjoys a light-filled contemporary bath, where marble, wood, and glass combine to stunningly stylish effect.
9 of 10 | Modern Vineyard Estate
With its generous, airy proportions and floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, this 6,700-square-foot, seven-bedroom residence is a singular example of artful organic architecture and minimalist modernist design on approximately 20 acres in the heart of wine country. Nearly every room sets a new standard for modern living—in particular the sumptuous master suite, which exudes an ambience of spaciousness and light and includes a lavish spa-like bath replete with surfaces of honed Brazilian Luce di Luna marble.
10 of 10 | Pebble Beach Contemporary
This striking contemporary residence offers a California contemporary aesthetic while preserving the Monterey pines and terrain. Its effortless floor plan offers three bedroom suites, among them a sophisticated master retreat that includes a generous modern bath with a fireplace. Among its stylistic highlights are a stone and wood vanity, a distinctive tub and an open shower outfitted with sleek contemporary hardware.
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Lawyer
Souriya Kousonsavath, B.Sc., LLB.
I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After high school, I attended the University of Manitoba and obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc.). I then moved out west, attended the University of Alberta and obtained my Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB).
I currently operate a law firm in Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA. I provide legal services to clients from all backgrounds in Edmonton and the surrounding areas including, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, and Wetaskiwin.
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This can't be age appropriate! Bethenny Frankel posted an Instagram pic of her wearing her four-year-old daughter Bryn Hoppy's Hello Kitty pajamas, and the Skinnygirl mogul's followers didn't take too kindly to the pic.
On Sunday, July 13, the 43-year-old former Real Housewives of New York City star wrote: "This is my daughter's nightgown and PJ shorts. Think we're ready to start sharing clothes yet?"
The post garnered over 545 comments by Monday morning, many touting that the Naturally Thin author was sending a bad message to her young daughter. "This makes me sick to my stomach!!! #eatsomething," one commenter wrote.
Another message read: "I would just caution doing this as she gets more impressionable. She needs to develop a healthy self-image because she may not have all of your genes…and it won't be obvious to you, but it will look as though you are competing with her."
"Starting a complex early for your daughter," a commenter added of the pic.
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Not counting “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” movies about whales are usually aimed squarely at kids, teeming with mystical mumbo-jumbo about the intelligence of the giant creatures and their special connection with children and the close-minded adults who are too caught up in, oh, I don’t know, providing for their families to actually appreciate the marine mammals. In most cases, appreciation usually comes right before the credits roll. Throw in some big-time movie stars slumming in a movie their kids can watch and a goofy animal friend, like a dog that covers its eyes when something goes wrong or a seal that barks comically at the grumpy old man threatening to shut down the amusement park/aquarium/whatever, and you’ve got yourself a movie any third grader will love. Thankfully, “Big Miracle” avoids this formula.
“Big Miracle” is based on the true story of three gray whales trapped five miles from the open ocean underneath a sheet of Arctic ice and the international effort that arose to save them. Set fairly unconvincingly in 1988, the story opens with reporter Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) covering the local color in Point Barrow, Alaska. While out documenting a local’s less-than-spectacular snowmobiling stunts, Adam stumbles upon a hole in the middle of the ice, the frigid water inside regularly breached by the rostrums of the aforementioned whales surfacing to breathe. After Adam’s report on the trapped cetaceans goes national, the tiny frozen town is soon overrun with people looking to save the whales (nicknamed Fred, Wilma, and Bamm-Bamm), for both ideological and opportunistic reasons. Leading the effort are Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore), a strident Greenpeace activist, her frequent foil, Arctic oil baron J.W McGraw (Ted Danson, not the least bit convincing as an oil man), and the local Inupiat tribe, all of whom have their own motives for participating in the rescue effort.
Director Ken Kwapis, veteran of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and numerous TV series like “The Office” and “Malcolm in the Middle,” wrangles a large cast full of comedy ringers in tiny roles (Andy Daly, Rob Riggle, and John Michael Higgens, among others) into a surprisingly funny and wry family movie. While other films about sea-faring mammals tend to play down to kids and overdose on the treacle (I’m looking at you, “Dolphin Tale”), “Big Miracle” isn’t afraid to lay bare the real intentions behind the characters’ actions beyond “let’s save these whales!” Barrymore’s Rachel uses the occasion to call into question the environmental policy of the Reagan administration. Danson’s McGraw provides heavy de-icing equipment to put an environmentally-friendly face on his oil drilling operation. Krasinski’s Adam and Kristen Bell’s Los Angeles-based reporter Jill Jerard see the international attention as the big break their broadcast careers need. And the Inupiats see an opportunity to show the world they are more than culturally out-of-touch whale hunters.
While sometimes ungainly with too many characters fighting for too little screen time, “Big Miracle” ends up entertaining nonetheless. The real, honest laughs come from genuinely funny scenes, like an exasperated teacher in a classroom full of students doing identical oral reports on the whales, an icy helicopter ride wherein the pilot’s frozen eyelids are creatively defrosted, or winking reference to Alaska’s favorite idiot Sarah Palin, thankfully not from the typical family movie stabs at humor like a mugging pelican or beat-boxing otter.
In a typical romantic comedy it’s usually an unwritten rule that a best friend character is given just enough material to steal a scene or two and then spends the rest of his or her time providing sound advice or a shoulder to cry on. But in “Going the Distance” you don’t have to get too far into the film before it becomes evident who is really carrying the rom-com where it needs to go. It is unfortunate Drew Barrymore and Justin Long had to come along and cramp their style.
In “Going the Distance,” Barrymore and Long take a backseat to comedians Charlie Day (TV’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and Jason Sudeikis (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”), who play Dan and Box, the best friends of Garrett (Long), a record label employee living in New York City who falls for Erin (Barrymore), a newspaper intern, six weeks before she’s scheduled to finish up her internship and move back home to San Francisco.
Despite the short amount of time they have to spend together, Garrett and Erin start their cutesy courtship and first-time screenwriter Geoff LaTulippe makes sure to squeeze as much out of their clever personalities before they retire to opposite sides of the country. Before Erin departs, however, the two decide they want to try a long-distance relationship.
Alone in their respective cities, the new couple, through formulaic montages and rom-com romance revolving around text messages and Skype, Garrett and Erin journey through the vast emotions one would feel if their significant other was thousands of miles away. There to balance out all of Garrett’s jealously and loneliness are Dan and Box, who inject some much needed humor into all his pouty moments. Meanwhile on the West Coast, Christina Applegate plays Erin’s concerned sister Corinne, a character shamelessly cut from the same cloth as Leslie Mann’s in “Knocked Up.”
But like most wannabe Judd Apatowesque comedies, “Going the Distance” has neither the charm nor enough laughs to drag it from the trenches. Aside from the few secondary characters that brighten up all the lame lovie-dovieness that Garrett and Erin share both from afar and when they have the cash to fly in for a visit, Oscar-nominated documentary director Nannette Burstein (“American Teen”) just can’t make the profanity-laced script mesh well enough with eyelash-fluttering romance.
What’s left are gags about dry humping, pop culture references of “Top Gun,” and a mishap in a tanning salon that set the bar fairly low even for Long’s lack of slapstick-comedy prowess. Barrymore’s still as accessible as ever, but if she’s trying to find some edge in her roles she’ll have to travel farther than this.
If you don’t pick up the phone and call your mother and father and tell them how much you love them immediately after watching “Everybody’s Fine,” you just might be like that rotten ol’ Grinch with a heart three sizes too small. While there are moments in the Christmas dramedy that might feel familiar, the film’s sweet-natured doctrine – along with Robert De Niro’s reserved performance – is cozier than a pair of warm cotton socks.
In “Everybody’s Fine,” De Niro plays Frank Goode, a retired widower, who we learn has supported his family his entire life working in a factory where his job was to coat telephone wire to protect it from the harsh elements. In essence, Frank is one of the small cogs that make telephone communication possible across the country.
But while Frank has spent his life connecting families with each other, he can’t seem to break through to his own grown kids. All four of them – who live in different cities – have called at the last minute to cancel their trip to see him for Christmas. Instead of waiting around for the next holiday visit, Frank decides – against his doctor’s orders – to drop in an surprise each of them. Frank wants to know that everyone is fine. It’s going to take more than a phone call to convince him. He wants to see it for himself.
But as he make his one-man adventure, much like Jack Nicholson in “About Schmidt” but without the dark humor, Frank realizes there is something wrong although he can’t quite put his finger on what it is. His first visit to his son David in New York City comes up empty when he never finds him at his apartment. The rough start doesn’t let up as Frank continues his journey to visit his two daughters – Amy (Kate Beckinsale) in Chicago and Rosie (Drew Barrymore) in Las Vegas – and his other son Robert (Sam Rockwell) in Denver.
Each city brings with it its own letdowns. Amy’s home life isn’t perfect, Rosie’s dream to be a dancer has fallen short, and David isn’t the conductor of an orchestra like his father thought he was. They’re all revelations that had been kept from Frank since it was always his late wife his kids opened up to. Frank wonders what else his own children haven’t told him. “I tell you the good news and spare you the bad,” Amy tells her father during one scene.
There’s plenty of tonal indecision by Jones especially on a metaphorical level, but there is still a nice message that gets through all the excess baggage the script carries: No matter how hard you support and love your children, sometimes things don’t work out quite the way you anticipated. The central theme to “Everybody’s Fine” is a great one for the holiday season when families should always reevaluate their priorities for the New Year.
While former wild child Drew Barrymore proves to have some potential as a filmmaker, there’s still much to be desired in her directorial debut “Whip It.” She and author/screenwriter Shauna Cross (“Taking 5”) know the kind of hipster movie they wanted to make, but their ideas don’t translate into the edgy feminist bash they were hoping for.
In “Whip It,” Academy Award-nominated actress Ellen Page (“Juno”) leads the mostly all girl cast as Bliss Cavendar, a small-town Texas girl who decides she can’t bottle up her true personality any longer just to please her parents.
Bliss is not the type of girl who enjoys the beauty pageants her mother (Marcia Gay Harden) holds in such high regard, but she does them anyway because there’s really nothing else that interests her.
But when Bliss and her best friend Pash (Alia Sahwkat of “Arrested Development”) sneak away to attend a roller derby match in Austin, Bliss finally realizes what she’s been missing in her life: a stiff combination of roller skating and face bashing performed in front of hundreds of people. It only takes one night of the brutal sport for Bliss to stop her prim and proper charade and trying out for the punkish league.
What Bliss lacks in power she has in speed and therefore becomes the newest member of the last-place team known as the Hurl Scouts. But as soon as Bliss laces up her skates, puts on her helmet, and picks a witty skate-name (Babe Ruthless), the team starts to think they can win a few games. Even Iron Maven (Juliette Lewis), league bad girl and captain of the defending champs, notices a change in the misfits’ confidence and feels threatened.
It all leads to a predictable coming-of-age story that might have worked better if director Barrymore was able to actually capture the essence of the sport. On the track, there is entirely too much mediocre camerawork that takes us out of the action. We want to be riding on the skate straps of these bruisers, but instead Barrymore simply doesn’t know what angle to shoot from. Even worse than the lackluster skating scenes is when she tosses us in center ring with an unfunny Jimmy Fallon who cameos as the league’s play-by-play announcer.
The rest of the secondary characters aren’t much more exciting. Talented women like comedian Kristen Wiig (“Adventureland”), stuntwoman Zoe Bell (“Death Proof”), and even Barrymore herself are wasted and one-dimensional. Sure, they all look great doing their best Suicide Girl impressions, but Barrymore forces “Whip It” into a place reserved only for movies that 11-year-old girls would watch at slumber parties.
Just when you thought women couldn’t be portrayed more desperate and neurotic than Sarah Jessica Parker at the end of “Sex and the City: The Movie” (if you think Carrie Bradshaw taking back Mr. Big was romantic, then I really don’t understand the opposite sex), meet the ladies of “He’s Just Not That Into You.”
While Bradshaw showed at least some signs of independence in “SATC” (she is a single woman living in New York City after all), the unapologetically weak women of “HJNTIY,” led by the likeable Ginnifer Goodwin (“Walk the Line”), are so unbelievably hopeless, you can’t help to not feel one ounce of sympathy for any of them who might end up alone for the rest of their lives.
The relationship troubles in this cliché romantic comedy start with Gigi (Goodwin), a twenty-something young woman from Baltimore who is searching for Mr. Right and always coming up short. Along with running into relationship dead-ends, Gigi, like Charlotte York from “SATC,” is a hopeless romantic and doesn’t quite grasp the idea of a man blowing her off after an amicable date.
There to soften the fall after her last taste of rejection is Alex (Justin Long), a bar manager who plays the all-knowing love guru and attempts to explain the rules of dating to a wide-eyed and heartbroken Gigi. She, of course, isn’t the only one with relationship woes in “HJNTIY.” Spread thinly across a forgettable script penned by “Never Been Kissed” screenwriters Abbie Kohn and March Silverstein, other characters include Beth (Jennifer Aniston), whose long-time boyfriend Neil (Ben Affleck) doesn’t believe in marriage; Ben (Bradley Cooper), who’s in a sexless marriage with Janine (Jennifer Connelly) and gets involved with aspiring singer Anna (Scarlett Johansson); and Mary (Drew Barrymore) who complains about how technology is ruining her love life.
Between these stories, director Ken Kwapis (“License to Wed”) decides to add filler with mock testimonials from men and women about their personal experiences in the dating scene. While it worked in a film like “When Harry Met Sally,” in “HJNTIY” it’s phony and unimaginative.
“HJNTIY” feels like a therapy session with friends you haven’t talked to in a long time. They mean well when they give you advice, but what do they know about what you’ve been going through in the last few years? Who needs advice anyway, when you’ve got Justin Long teaching the dos and don’ts of dating anyway? Lesson No. 1: girls are clingy, psychotic, mentally unbalanced morons whose happiness is determined by the men they are dating. It may not be a great morale for those who chose to soak it up like scripture, but, hey, at least its got a cute cast, right?
It might be easy to dismiss the idea of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” if you associate the movie with heiress Paris Hilton carrying a pooch in her purse down Rodeo Drive or think of nothing but a bunch of talking mutts, but make no, er, bones about it, “Chihuahua” is surprisingly one of the best family films of the year not starring a trash-collecting robot.
In “Chihuahua,” Rachel (Piper Perabo) is left to dog-sit her Aunt Viv’s (Jaime Lee Curtis) most prized possession: her spoiled Chihuahua Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore). Treated like the furry queen of the castle, Chloe enjoys the finer things in life like designer doggie clothes, choice cuts of meat for dinner, and her time at the day spa. But when Chloe is dog-napped during Rachael’s spontaneous trip to Puerto Vallarta with her friends, she must fend for herself or become a four-legged casualty on the stray-filled streets of Mexico.
“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” is entertaining first and foremost because of the great voice work by some talented actors. As Delgado, a former police dog who saves Chloe from participating in an underground dog fight, Andy Garcia is fantastic. Who knew you could get so much enthusiasm to come out of mouth of a German shepherd? Edward James Olmos is also noteworthy as Diablo, a fiendish Doberman on a mission from his owner to hunt down Chloe and get his paws on the diamond collar she is wearing.
As a smitten Chihuahua named Papi, George Lopez brings a humorous “Lady and the Tramp”-like perspective to the film. Between serenading Chole with Spanish love songs and calling her “mi corazon,” Lopez’s Papi might be too flashy at times, but every story needs a little romance even when the suitor comes with a wagging tail. Cheech Marin is great as one of the very few non-canine characters, Manuel, a cunning mouse who works the streets as a con artist with his iguana friend Chico (voiced by Paul Rodriguez).
Not only does “Chihuahua” showcase some well-cast actors, there is a surprisingly sweet message that wins through without becoming intolerably stereotypical or corny. Sure, we could do without insubstantial one-liners like “Hold your tacos” and the always overused “We’re Mexican not Mexican’t,” but there’s plenty of value for kids and adults alike when “tiny but mighty” pups are teaching us about inner-strength.
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I know that a girl that’s a tease can be a pain in the ass at times but other times, a little tease is what it takes to get an old man rock-hard and this dwarf spinner, Delilah Daze, from Real Colorado Girl is the unspoiled teenage tease if an older man wants a rock-hard cock. In these free amateur sex shoot films, the super-cute brunette teenager flirts and teases an old man – showing off her sweet coed camel toe and even allowing the old man to pull her panties aside and peek at her glistening-wet coed muffin. Of course, the unspoiled tease always helps you reach a happy ending and the dwarf brunette with the cute smile and perky little boobies won’t disappoint you. Where would you dump your load? See where she likes it – only on Real Colorado Girls
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Vile Somerset paedophile cries as he's jailed for repeatedly molesting girl from age of 11
Paedophile Paul Gillman was sentenced to seven years in prison for repeatedly molesting a girl (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
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A vile paedophile who repeatedly molested a girl from the age of 11 wept in the dock as he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Depraved Paul Gillman, 46, of Leaches Close, Tintinhull, near Yeovil , subjected his victim to a horrifying ordeal over a period of nearly four years and on one occasion abused her while her mother was in hospital.
He forced his victim to keep his offending quiet by threatening her not to tell anyone about "their little secret" or he would get into trouble.
But the girl plucked up the courage to tell her mother and Gillman's perverted crimes - which took place over nearly four years - were exposed.
Gillman was arrested and subsequently admitted four counts of sexual penetration of a girl under the age of 13 and six counts of sexual penetration of a girl under the age of 16.
At his sentencing at Taunton Crown Court on Friday (January 10), judge David Ticehurst told Gillman that his "planned" and "appalling" assaults had blighted his victim's life for his own "perverted sexual pleasure".
'I can barely leave the house'
In a victim impact statement read out by prosecutor Donald Tait, the girl said she had been left with severe anxiety and depression as a direct result of Gillman's offending.
The victim's statement said: "My education has been severely impacted due to the anxiety that I have suffered and I have been home schooled as I find it impossible to connect with other people of my age.
"I have been left with no friends and unable to work in addition to being unable to take up education.
"The revelation of my abuse also caused my mother to have a mental breakdown and this led to feelings of guilt on my part.
"I now have severe trust issues around men, particularly those in their early to mid-forties.
"I can barely leave the house unless my mother is with me and as a result I began to comfort eat and became overweight, leading to increased anxiety.
"I have spoken to my GP about this and he has recommended counselling, but the thought of doing this causes me to have an anxiety attack."
Mr Tait added that Gillman had escalated the seriousness of the attacks over a period of time.
Today's top stories
'He was unable to stop himself'
Defending, Patrick Mason said Gillman had been quick to admit the offences when confronted.
He said: "He has been grappling with what he has done for the last few years.
"It is right to say that my client very much regrets what happened and it is right to say that he accepts he had what amounted to a devious attraction to the girl.
"What he was doing horrified him but he said he was unable to stop himself.
"When it did stop, he was appalled by his actions. He has been waiting to be punished and accepts he deserves to be punished."
'Perverted' sexual interest 'blighted' victim's life
Sentencing, Judge Ticehurst added: "For about four years you sexually abused and assaulted your victim.
"The effects that this had on her have been considerable, devastating and long-lasting.
"Her education has been affected, she suffers from anxiety and depression, and all of this for your perverted sexual interest in a child.
"This was no impulsive, one-off activity. It was planned and carried out over a number of years.
"You've blighted the victim's life and that of her family and no doubt that will stay with them for some time, all for your perverted sexual pleasure."
Seven years in prison
Gillman was sentenced to seven years in prison and will remain on licence for one year after his release.
He was also given a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and ordered to remain on the sex offenders register for life.
Following the sentencing, a spokesman for the NSPCC charity in the South West said: “The abuse Gillman inflicted on this young girl will have had a devastating impact on her that can take years to recover from.
“She has shown remarkable courage in speaking out about what happened to her to bring him to justice, and it is crucial she receives help and support to move forward with her life.”
| 4,617 |
Battleground Afghanistan and Eyewitness War are two new shows premiering on National Geographic Channel this July. Both reality dramas follow the firsthand experiences of soldiers on the front lines of combat, as they engage in battle and carry out a variety of missions for the American military. And although these shows have yet to begin, I’d like to pose some “guiding questions” for those who might end up watching them.
Mass media dramatically affect our understanding of war. Katy Parry’s review article on news images in war raises a relevant point: namely, “that footage of conflict often presented to viewers as ‘objective’ coverage actually participates in the legitimation of war” (2010, 419). In part, this may be due to the fact that images do not exist in a vacuum. For audiences to interpret imagery, they require some discourse that situates what they are seeing—who the heroes or villains are, where the combat is taking place, why the conflict is happening, etc. When the images seem to correspond with the hegemonic discourse about that war, they may lend credence to the official story.
So, will these new shows challenge or legitimate the American military presence abroad? Without seeing the shows, it is hard to know, but we can speculate. Perhaps reception of the show will be guided by the popular discourse of “the troops,” which seems to be rather bifurcated: first, the “support the troops” no matter what camp, which imply that, regardless of your stance on the war, you should refrain from criticizing it in order to show appreciation for the troops who risk their lives; or second, the (support the troops so) “bring them home” camp, which suggest that having the troops’ best interests in mind means ending war and returning troops to their families. Perhaps one of these will be the guiding narrative, providing audiences with an intended interpretation. But, audiences are not passive receivers; they use their own references and experiences to actively interpret what they see. Whatever the interpretation, it is clear that these images will not be innocent, cannot be innocent, when they serve to represent violence and power.
Images are tools, and can even be weapons. They do not simply depict the truth—they reflect, but also construct meaning. Significantly, with regard to these new shows, the images are highly manipulated, even as they appear to be “reality” TV. As Jelle Mast explains, “reality TV” is an incredibly complicated media, and as an umbrella genre, it encompasses many different forms of TV programming. One definition of the genre suggests several components, including: filming (or recreating and then filming) the experiences of groups or individuals, often with handheld equipment, and then packaging these into a TV program that can claim some veracity or authenticity. But at this definition implies, the images are molded—by producers, writers, directors, and even the individuals being filmed—into what we see as “real life.” It is interesting to note that the mediation that takes place to create a reality TV show is not much different than what takes place when creating a traditional “documentary,” where materials are also cut and assembled according to the subjectivity of the filmmakers (see Minh-ha, 1991 for more on this point).
Eyewitness War claims to show you “the dangerous missions and perils of war through the eyes of our brave American service members” in a way that is “[u]nfiltered, raw and intense” and Battleground Afghanistan “looks inside the latest chapter of the Afghan conflict as seen by American Marines.” What we will really be watching are technologically mediated images captured by a camera again another for soundtrack, perhaps even narration. Along the way, writers may be involved to create a coherent plot line out of the weeks or months of footage. Pieces are deleted or reconfigured to fit the plot; individual “talking heads” (where the people involved sit alone in front of a camera, and sometimes a producer, to describe the event and how they felt about it) may be added to create or solidify a narrative. All of this work, all of these levels of narrative and meaning, all to create the image of reality. And in this case, of war.
For those who tune in to these shows, the questions will be: what does this show say about the American presence in Afghanistan, or about war generally? What do we learn about the men and women (and masculinities and femininities) in conflict? What story(ies) do these shows tell us about the nation? And what can we learn about our society from the story being told, knowing full well that it is one made for, not revealed to, us.
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Sociology Lens aims to offer a lively and informative venue for faculty, graduate students and the wider public to discuss current issues in sociology. The site is a companion to the online review journal, Sociology Compass.
| 5,110 |
Project Blue Beam is a project to bring in a new age one world religion that the anti-christ will head. Phase one is engineered earthquakes and hoaxed archeological discoveries to dispute the divinity of Jesus Christ as well as every other religion on the planet. Also part of phase one is the psychological conditioning of the people through the media and various entrainment mediums to promote such ideas as friendly aliens, evolution, secular humanism, and breeding with fallen angels/demons/friendly aliens. If you take a look at how they slowly brought in the friendly alien theology with cute shows like ALF and movies like ET, and how they have moved on to openly singing about mating with the aliens to form a hybird race in recent times like Katy Perry’s ET song and movies like “The Preachers Wife”, “City of Angels”, or “Splice” you will see that the psychological conditioning has been underway for quite sometime.
A small side note about ALF: Do you ever wonder why ALF has a fascination with eating cats? I think it is a pun off of aliens wanting human women. I will not be vulgar about it though.
This is all pretty standard stuff, including the complete lack of any cohesion whatsoever, but something that confuses me is the "to dispute the divinity of Jesus Christ as well as every other religion on the planet" snippet. If Jesus was truly divine, then wouldn't that in itself dispute every other religion? If James is assuming such divinity, why would 'they' bother to dispute any other religion? I don't know why this bothers me, but it does.
Um, ALF was a sitcom. As in "comedy" and not meant to be taken seriously at all.
This conspiracy theory has a little bit of everything: One world government, mind control, engineered earthquakes, denying Jesus, breeding with demons/aliens, and movies and TV shows as reality. My only question is, where do chemtrails fit into all this?
You know, this whole thing is just... sad. For one thing, people like this guy have been claiming that WW3 and Project Blue Beam are just around the corner for over a decade, and secondly (and most importantly), the fact that the technology they used to recreate Tupac isn't even a secret kind of blows a huge hole in their alleged plan to catch people unawares with their UFO hologram. If anything, people would probably assume it was some kind of viral marketing scheme.
Actually, if you read the whole thing, he does mention chemtrails. Apparently, they're used to reflect the beams that cause earthquakes and will later be used as a projector screen for holograms to make people think the Rapture is happening, before God has a chance to do it.
Oh man, Project Blue Beam. That one is really out there. It also shows you just how fundamentalists think.
The conspiracy would only have even the slightest chance of working if it were done in a society which had no concept of technology. Anyone who actually thinks that people in the modern world, who have seen Hollywood movies their entire lives, would be fooled into thinking that what amount to merely special effects is an actual deity, clearly thinks that everyone is as stupid as he.
I remember hearing about 'Project Blue Beam' over a decade ago. When exactly are they going to move onto Phase One? Shouldn't we be at Phase Twelve by now? Oh right, they already did with the ALF TV show. Step One: Create lame sitcom. Step Two: Get people to eat cats (Or pussy). (Facepalm)
This is why CSTDT is my favorite of the trio. So much rampant, disgusting hate on the others. Then I come here and see theories that don't border on whimsical they buy land and build themselves a palatial manor of crank.
Is there a wiki that collates all the 'popular' conspiracy theories, but run by sane people so that those of us with functioning sense of reality can follow just what the hell these nutjobs are on about?
| 3,880 |
Go to a specific date
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Start Preamble
AGENCY:
Railroad Retirement Board.
ACTION:
Final rule; correction.
SUMMARY:
The Railroad Retirement Board (Board) published in the Federal Register of December 17, 2002, a document that simplified the procedures that govern requests for reconsideration and appeals within the Board. Sections 260.9(b) and 320.39(a) inadvertently contained inaccurate terminology. This document corrects that terminology.
DATES:
Effective on February 11, 2003.
Start Further Info
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Railroad Retirement Board published a document in the Federal Register of December 17, 2002 (67 FR 77152). That document simplified the procedures that govern requests for reconsideration and appeals within the Board. We discovered that inaccurate terminology was contained in § 260.9(b) and § 320.39(a). This document corrects that terminology.
In rule FR Doc. 02-31640 published on December 17, 2002 (67 FR 77152), make the following corrections. On page 77156 in § 260.9(b), in the first column (line 4 thereof), and on page 77157 in § 320.39(a), in the third column (line 21 thereof), remove the word “reconsideration” and insert in their place the words “hearings officer's”.
| 2,606 |
If you are looking for an OST for your Valentine's Day night with your date/wife/girlfriend/fiance or fvck friend, I've got two mixes for you that will nail it! Unfortunately, only one of them is free download for now, you can stream both of them from this post though! I hope this will help you score ;) Have fun kidz!
| 319 |
Concern over Detroit police handling of rape kits
BY Joe Swickard and Chris Christoff Detroit Free Press
DETROIT — Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy wants an independent investigation into what she says may be thousands of kits holding evidence of possible sexual assaults that were found in a Detroit Police Department evidence storage facility.
In a Sept. 8 letter to Police Chief Warren Evans, Worthy said there may be more than 10,000 so-called rape kits and hundreds of other pieces of evidence warehoused, unanalyzed, in a police "overflow property room." The situation raises fears that cases could be affected if the evidence is challenged in court, Worthy said.
| 676 |
Georgia vs Wales Rugby Live
at 2:30 P.M On 18 November 2017
Here you can watch Georgia vs Wales Autumn International Rugby 2017 HD live streaming on your smart devices across the world at a very cheap price. The Wales vs Georgia rugby match will be held at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday 18 November 2017 during the Under Armour Series, it is 2nd autumn internationals out of 4 which will be played by Wales in 2017.
In this rugby test match 1st time Wales have played Georgia, both teams will meet again in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Currently Georgia was played with Italy in the World Rankings and have placed their positions on playing in the Six Nations. So it will be the best test of those aspirations. Watch Wales vs Georgia rugby streaming live on your devices around the globe.
| 804 |
With summer just 85 days away, are you thinking of attempting any DIY projects before the heat hits? If so, you're in luck! HGTV host Bryan Baeumler joined me this morning to share tips on putting in a new deck, adding insulation into your home, purchasing multipurpose tools, and much needed DIY tips for beginners!
Candace Rose: With spring officially here; how can we get our homes ready for the season?
Bryan Baeumler: "Well, spring is probably my favorite time of the year- ... View the Post
| 496 |
Bet limit and bet amount
Slots have a particular way of computing your total bet. Namely, it isn’t as straightforward as it is for, say, blackjack. That is, when betting five euros playing blackjack, five euros is your bet amount.
For slots, the total sum you bet is your bet amount multiplied by the number of pay lines you are playing. Let’s say, for example, that your bet amount is € 0.50, and you play 20 pay lines. In this case, your total bet per spin is € 10. Namely, € 0.50 times twenty equals € 10.
Computing Betting Limits
The way described above can be used to compute betting limits. Even though betting limits are usually described on paytables, it is always advisable to calculate it yourself.
Namely, you are the one who determines how many pay lines you are going to play. When playing with the number of pay lines, you are altering your total amount bet. One can easily imagine that when playing all possible pay lines with the highest possible amount bet, it can quickly become expensive. To illustrate this: take the example of your bet amount being €10 and you play 20 pay lines. In this case, your total bet would be €200 per spin.
Bet amount
The amount you bet per pay line, per spin, is also up to you. Bear in mind that the bet amount is not the total sum you are betting. Multiply your bet amount by the number of pay lines to get the total amount bet, or, otherwise known as, bet limit.
| 1,436 |
With a degree in landscape architecture and city planning, Ralph S. Ellifrit was employed by architectural firm Hare & Hare. Ellifrit was responsible for the development of the pool and grounds in front of the City Hall Annex, Hermann Park, and...
Contains copies of the River Oaks Corporation advertisements ; house plans of River Oaks homes ; Annual report of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, 1935 ; McCall's Home of the Month, April 1936. Clippings from: October 1935 to January 1937.
Contains short essays on Houston public school buildings, detailing the personal lives of the people they are named after, the buildings' funding and beginnings, the buildings' locations, and highlights of the schools.
Pages 12, 13, and 37 cover the story, On the Boulevard, by Melanie Knight, which includes pictures and history of the neighborhoods of Bellaire. Also included is the cover, and page five of the magazine.
| 913 |
Hymn/Song Information
IT IS NO SECRET
The chimes of time
ring out the news,
another day is through,
Someone slipped and fell,
Was that someone you?
You may have longed
for added strength,
Your courage to renew,
Do not be disheartened
For I have news for you.
It is no secret What God can do,
What He痴 done for others
He値l do for you.
With arms wide open,
He値l pardon you,
It is no secret What God can do.
There is no night, for in His light
you値l never walk alone.
Always feel at home
wherever you may roam.
There I no power can conquer you,
While God is on your side,
Just take Him at His promise,
Don稚 run away and hide.
It is no secret What God can do,
What He痴 done for others
He値l do for you.
With arms wide open,
He値l pardon you,
It is no secret What God can do.
| 789 |
Gold Will Spend Most of 2012 Above $2,000: Trader
Despite the recent robust gains in gold prices, expect the rally to continue well into 2012, said Paul Sacks, principal gold trader at Aurum Options Strategies.
“The easy thing to say is that a selloff’s coming, but I don’t see it,” Sacks told CNBC, adding that he expects the precious metal to “go a lot higher” into the fourth quarter and into next year.
“Gold will spend most of next year over $2,000 an ounce,” he said.
Investors have been flocking to gold as a safe-haven play, amid global uncertainties and worries over a possible recession in the U.S. The precious metal reached another record highearlier Monday,near $1,900 an ounce. Gold prices have rallied about 17 percent this month, and more than 50 percent year-over-year.
Sacks advised investors to take positions in gold options and spreads, which will provide protection if gold happens to see a violent correction.
| 953 |
Talk:IOS/QA
I'm curious. How does starlet handle Wii mode and gamecube mode? Also, are there other modes, such as a difference in access rights between the wii menu, and a running game?
During Wii mode, the normal Starlet code ("IOS") runs -- during GameCube mode, a compatibility layer called "MIOS" runs. Yes, the system menu has special access rights that go beyond those of a normal game -- for example, it can see the files of all of the games (to allow you to back up save games), and it can initiate firmware updates. Bushing 05:22, 13 February 2008 (PST)
The reason why I bring it up, is because I'm curious what kind of barriers Nintendo has put up to flashing firmware from within a game. (I understand that a flaw has been found in the code dubbed 'BOOT1' which could provide a hole in the chain of trust and open the door for custom firmware which doesn't bother doing security checks. But, can the NAND even be accessed from wii game mode?)
The raw NAND (encrypted sectors) can be accessed by any game, but that is not useful unless you know the encryption key (which is hard to get). Aside from that, games can access certain parts of the filesystem on the NAND -- specifically, the files that "belong" to that game. Bushing 05:22, 13 February 2008 (PST)
Some games do firmware updates. 142.59.172.116 01:58, 13 February 2008 (PST)
No, they don't. Games specify their required IOS version in the TMD -- when the system menu detects that a game requires a version of IOS that you don't already have installed, it checks to see if the disc also contains an update partition. If so, it installs the contents of the update partition before letting you run the game. Games themselves do not have permission to modify firmware. Bushing 05:22, 13 February 2008 (PST)
Actually, the system menu will check the game's update partition first, which contains a file describing the updates included with the game. It will apply these updates as long as they're newer than the versions on your Wii, whether the game actually requires them or not. Marcan 08:18, 13 March 2008 (PDT)
I thought there were a lot of different IOS 'versions'. Games that asked me to update were generally only games that also had a lot more in their update partition then just newer IOS versions (a lot of IOS versions and many more update files). Along the same lines isn't the IOS that comes with Zelda (that Zelda uses) very basic allowing only fairly little things (i.e. no USB / Wifi). (signature here :))?
There are. For example, Super Mario Galaxy comes with IOS versions 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 21, 30, 31, 33, 35, and it requires 35. (It also comes with a bunch of channels, etc, but that's not relevant -- your observation about large vs small update partitions is just coincidence.)
Okay maybe this is something simple but I don't get how the different IOS 'versions' work. Is version 35 'newer' than version 33 like firmware 3.4 is newer than 3.3? Or should I view them as seperate modules which can all be installed/uninstalled without interference? In the first case I don't understand why there are so many versions used (why not all install the newest), in the latter case I don't understand why SMG comes with so many versions when it only needs 35. Foobar.fighters 10:20, 9 December 2008 (UTC)
Yes, Zelda uses an old IOS version (15? don't remember). AFAICT, WiFi support is in all versions of IOS, even if the games don't use it -- the system menu uses it, and it needs to be able to phone home to get system updates. Likewise, everything supports raw USB, because that's how it communicates with the Bluetooth adapter. The glaring omission in Zelda's IOS is USB keyboard support -- we'd either need to write our own driver for USB HID (yech) or preferably find an exploit in a newer game, if we want to be able to use the keyboard. Bushing 04:53, 14 February 2008 (PST)
Zelda uses IOS9. Time has gone by, and we can now reboot to a newer IOS, so USB keyboard support is not a problem as long as the user has an IOS that supports it. Marcan 08:18, 13 March 2008 (PDT)
So basically our injected code running inside the game isn't allowed to touch things like the firmware?
More or less. The games aren't allowed to touch it, either, assuming the Starlet does its job correctly.
If we got the key somehow, is raw writing to the NAND possible, or only reading the encrypted data?
Writing may be possible, but it doesn't help unless you get the key "somehow". (Hint: That's very hard to do)
Supposing we just refused to update the firmware (not connecting to the Internet and using ISOs with the update partition removed, etc), would these restrictions stop us from doing other fun things, or do we basically have free reign over the rest of the machine? 142.59.172.116 15:09, 13 February 2008 (PST)
Refusing to update the firmware serves no purpose unless Nintendo does something to prevent homebrew from running -- it's not clear that that is possible, or worth their time. That has nothing to do with the second part of your question -- we have "free reign" in the sense that we can do anything a game can do, but we are restricted from modifying the way the system works (patching the system menu, installing new channels, etc.) Bushing 04:53, 14 February 2008 (PST)
Let me know if I understand correctly. The key that is used to decrypt/encrypt the firmware is unique to each console, and is in the OTP area accessible by starlet only?
Yes. Well, the key used to encrypt BOOT1 is common, but that's irrelevant because we can't modify BOOT1 as it is checked against a hash in OTP. The key used to encrypt the NAND filesystem is unique to each console. However, firmware updates as delivered over the network and on update discs are, of course, encrypted with a common key. Marcan 08:18, 13 March 2008 (PDT)
That's too bad. I was really hoping to see a linux penguin on one of my channel icons some time soon :)
Oh, that may very well come. Newer games like WiiFit install channels. We can also assume the system menu's permissions now, using some newly discovered /dev/es calls. We just need to figure out how to make channels :) Marcan 08:18, 13 March 2008 (PDT)
If/when a future system menu update blocks truchasigned discs, could the Twilight exploit be used to downgrade to a Trucha friendly system menu?
So IOS38 comes with Animal Crossing, If I let the disc run it's update, will it also update other things, or does it just add IOS38?... And if no one knows, how can I find this out for myself? --NikoKun 18:40, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
I went and ripped the update IOS files off the disc, and the __update.inf is dated 2008/09/17, and none of the october updates are included on the disk, nothing beyond ios38, so no 51 or whatnot. So would I be correct to assume that this disc update does not remove the fakesign bugs out of the important IOS files, since it's so old? I know this probably isn't the best place to ask, and some direction would be nice, but if someone sees this, that understands it, could I get some advice?--NikoKun 01:58, 25 November 2008 (UTC)
Ok, so I ran the disc update (from animal crossing) after I was confident enough with my findings. And sure enough, nothing from the October update was added that I can tell, and it was a ridiculously fast/small update, only appeared to add IOS38. Yay me. Anyway, this little segment I posted can be deleted if it doesn't need to be here.--NikoKun 02:47, 25 November 2008 (UTC)
Are there a fixed number of "slots" for storing different versions of the IOS software (eg 256 or something like that)? Also, where is the space allocated to store all the IOS versions? --korg 06:13, 26 November 2008 (UTC)
There are 256 slots usually used to refer to IOS versions, and I think they are fixed. IOSes are stored in the Wii's system memory. --FSX 09:33, 19 March 2009 (UTC)
Replacing IOS's?
If the IOS's are replacable, what prevents us from replacing the newer IOS's that fix the fakesigning bug with older copies that do not fix the fakesigning bug? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Keybounce (talk • contribs) 16:27, 16 September 2009 (UTC)
Well, you do need to have at least one vulnerable IOS left, to install unsigned/fakesigned IOSes in the first place. .Hyper//Hacker 17:43, 16 September 2009 (UTC)
1. Only pirates need the trucha bug in all IOS, all others need it only in IOS36, if they need it at all. 2. Use the old IOS versions on a new Wii and enjoy a nice, not recoverable brick. 3. IOS37 and up never had the bug. Besides of that, you can't downgrade an IOS with normal methods, you need either an exploit for this, or you need to delete the IOS before downgrading. And deleting IOS requires an IOS with ES_Identify bug(and AnyTitle Deleter). PS: Deleting IOS is stupid and can brick Wiis easily. --WiiPower 20:33, 16 September 2009 (UTC)
Yeah. In summary, you can't downgrade an IOS to an older version without deleting it first; deleting it first is difficult. Even if you manage to accomplish this, that IOS may not run, depending on how new your Wii is, and it will get overwritten the next time you install an update. -- Bushing 11:11, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
IPC Question
The structure for an IOS IPC call has arguments. But each argument is only 4 bytes. Are these just pointers to the arguments, or something different?
| 9,345 |
George E. Pataki, Hail And Farewell
The announcement July 27 by Governor George Pataki that he would not seek a fourth term next year, thus ending his tenure as the state’s chief executive, caps his long and distinguished career as an excellent public official.
His steady and even temper and agreeable demeanor would appear to qualify him superbly for a diplomatic assignment from President George W. Bush. Whatever the future may hold for him on the state, national or international level, we wish him well.
Fittingly, his gubernatorial tenure ends in a year marked by several notable achievements in Albany. The governor played a leading role in the passage of several legislative reforms. Pataki also took the lead in reining in the excessive costs of the Medicaid program. At the same time, he set in motion actions for the expected expansion of senior retirement facilities.
Pataki must also be recognized for his leadership in the recovery from the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. He led the effort to build a fitting replacement for the Twin Towers, to secure our fair share of funding from Washington and to otherwise rebuild the Downtown area, notably the extensive Fulton Street mass transportation facilities and the new link to John F. Kennedy International airport from Downtown Manhattan.
Pataki never lost his enthusiasm for an efficient government in Albany and was ever mindful of his obligation to treat every area of the state and every citizen of the state with fairness, justice and compassion. We wish him a full life and continued success in whatever path he chooses to follow.
| 1,635 |
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
I'm not quite sure why peolple move so slow--and so abhorrently on purpose. Apparently they know that I'm in some sort of hurry and find joy in causing me to downshift my little legs from fourth (OK, maybe third) gear to first.
Simply wretched.
Have you ever gone to the mall, looking for one thing and then get stuck by a group of middle-aged women that walk in a group, taking up the entire hallway, all the while looking around the mall as if in there for the first time? I wonder if wat they do is purposeful as well...
Naa...
Another group that comes to mind is the stereotypical asian tourist group. You know, I've never been to a single asian country, but I'd bet that all they do (besides watching Yu-Gi-Oh!) is look at one-anothers' scrapbooks. Seriously. Have you seen how many pictures they take of the same place? I swear when I was in Italy the same girl with a british flag t-shirt was "holding" up the Tower of Pisa for like 45 minutes.
I also remember some street vendor that sold replaceable flashbulbs.
But I digress.
When thinking about these groups, I wonder if I don't take advantage of life's small beauties like they do. Sometimes I think it probably pays to take it easy and enjoy the lovliness around.
| 1,264 |
Get ready to play copilot to Hans Solo, when you dress up in this Super Deluxe Chewbacca Costume! What a wookie you'll look like, in this Chewbacca body suit and realistic mask, completely covered with hand-layered multicolored long hair fur to create an authentic "blended look." This costume comes complete with latex hands, as well as a bandolier and pouch for when Chewy's on the go!
| 387 |
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Why I caca'd on Earth Hour
I did not do Earth Hour. I caca'd* on Earth Hour.
My mom did Earth Hour. This is the same woman who runs her car for half an hour when it is -10 (Celcius, for you American readers) before she goes anywhere.**I did not consciously choose not to do it, nor do I have anything against environmentalism. In fact, I am quite conscious about my environmental footprint (that seems to be a popular phrase nowadays). I just think that the whole idea is a gimmick to help the world feel better about its polluting/energy-gluttonous self, while, in reality, doing nothing to help solve the increasing crisis that is global warming.
So you turn off your lights and TVs and computers for an hour. WOW! That will TOTALLY help the planet, and you may immediately resume driving your SUVs which you have never taken off-road, not even once, or your damn 3/4 ton pickups, in which you have never hauled anything other than groceries or the odd archaic mattress that your grandmother has had since she was a toddler.
Also, feel free to plug-in your car overnight when it is a whopping -5 (again, Celcius) outside. Please remember to run your car and really warm it up good before you get in. You wouldn't want your poor bottom side to catch a chill. And when you go to the store, it's ok to leave your truck running whilst you shop: you participated in Earth Hour. You deserve it.
You may think that I am bitter. I'm not. I just don't understand how so many people can claim to be conscious about the state of our planet and our energy gluttony while they continue to drive vehicles that get less-than-stellar gas mileage, or buy plastic Ziploc steamer-bags to cook their food in, rather than dirty a pot and have to actually wash any dishes. I do not understand why my neighbour creates 4 garbage cans of waste each week and one meager box of recycling, while we create 4 bins of recycling and one can of garbage. Or why people with one child feel it absolutely necessary to drive a mini-van. I also do not understand why people cling to the idea that clothes MUST be washed in hot water to be thoroughly cleaned. They don't. They come out just as well when washed in *gasp* cold water. Try it sometime. You'll be amazed. You may also be amazed at your lower utility bill next month. Especially if you turn off the lights in the laundry room when you're not there. And use compact fluorescent bulbs.
One of my husband's coworkers, looking to buy a new (used) vehicle, and asked him this:
"What would you buy: a truck or an SUV?"
"Neither," he replied. "You live in a city, you don't go off-road, and you don't have a job that requires you to haul anything. They're bad on gas and will cost you more to run than a little car. I would get a car."
I'm not telling everyone out there to go and buy a hybrid*** or a Smart car (although it would be super-duper). I just want people to think a little before they do things: if you really care about the Earth, it has to be more than just Earth Hour. It has to be a way of life: going beyond what you want and discovering how you can live comfortably in a manner that treads a little lighter on our planet.
So no, I didn't turn off my lights for Earth Hour. I did what we always do between 8 and 9 pm: we turned off all of the lights upstairs and retired to the den in the basement, where we flicked one light-switch, and relaxed.
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*If you are not familiar with the word "ca-ca'd", here's the best definition: Sacha says it right before he drops a bomb in his diaper. He points a finger at me and yells "caca!" when I let one slip at the grocery store. Or points to our cat's litter box and tells us that he sees "caca."
**Also, I love you, Mom. I just like to poke fun at you. Don't write me out of the will.
***By the way, hybrid SUVs do not count as hybrids. 25 mpg is NOT stellar: it is caca. My '89 Toyota Tercel got over 30 mpg. And it was 14 years old at the time. So to repeat, Hybrid SUVs: caca.
14 comments:
I totally agree with you! People need to do a lot more than switch their lights off for an hour to beat climate change.
I hope that you will continue thinking about the environment and do more to reduce your carbon footprint. One of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce your contribution to climate change is to stop eating meat and dairy products. Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of all greenhouse gases, that's more than all the world's transport systems!
A kilogram of beef is responsible for the equivalent amount of CO2 emitted by the average european car every 250 kilometres, and burns enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for nearly 20 days
There are other advantages of a plant based diet too. You can improve your health, save grain and crops to feed to starving people instead of animals and, of course, there are huge benefits to animals.
You are so right, especially about the SUVs, I really don't understand the people who just don't see a conflict between being environmentally conscious and driving an suv. When we first moved here I asked my neighbors about the recycling schedule and they didn't even know that our town recycled at all, which it does.
I agree with Bev. Earth hour is intense cuddle hour. Good reminder to get romantic at least one a year. If Valentine's day is not your thing. Which it isn't. Stupid roses.I did do earth hour, which was kind of funny, because it only involved turning off one light, anyway. Oh well. CUDDLE TIME!
I agree, one hour of lights out does not make a better enviroment. I was so glad you said something about those damn steamer bags. My mother likes them and I am like you can't dirty a pot to steam veggies for 2 people? They also like papaer plates, arghhhh. I say it laziness.
Well Sarah , I just want you to know that I have done my fair share of WALKING to where I needed to go when you three girls were little. I would dress all three of you, put you in the sleigh and pull, and pull, and pull all the way to the library to get you your favorite books so that when we got back home we could sit together and read for hours. I didn't just sit you down in front of a computer or the T.V. so that you would be out of my hair. When you girls wanted to play with special friends we WALKED over to their houses,often across town, and we always WALKED to get our mail. We WALKED to Baba's, we WALKED to Aunty Elsie's, Aunty Ann's and Aunty Mary's. and of course we WALKED to the park. Do you remember using SCRAP PAPER to write your little books or draw pictures or make cards. You probably didn't give it a second thought but because I did all my own baking and such , we didn't have all the garbage packaging that comes with store bought cookies and treats. You three girls often bathed together which conserved water. I planted a garden which produced lots of fresh vegetables, which meant that the vegetables you ate didn't have to be trucked in. Oh,I forgot you didn't eat vegetables. I now wash my tin cans, plastic bags, glass jars to recycle them. I recycle all my paper and cardboard and I was the one who started a cardboard recycling program at work. We are getting a wood stove so that we can use less gas to heat our house. Ed and I have always carpooled to work. Last summer we even rode our bikes to work a few times and this year we will do it more.I do not use paper plates,whether I have 25 people over for Christmas dinner or whether I'm relaxin at the lake. When I'm turning on the hot water tap,I collect the water in a jug until it gets hot, I don't let it run down the drain. I then use it for drinking water, running it through the brita filter first. Ed & I have always showered together,conserving water of course. You can keep poking fun,Sarah , I LOVE YOU TOO!
i totally agree. we try to do as much as we can here...recycling, cloth diapers, eco shopping bags, no chemical cleaners, detergents, carpooling, etc. right now we have a 2001 Nissan Maxima. it's not great on gas, but luckily i don't go anywhere, and Carlos carpools to work. so we don't drive it much. but we are looking towards getting a smaller hybrid (don't worry...not an SUV!)...when we have some money!!!
and just fyi, Ottawa has instituted a new anti-idling law. you can't idle your car for more than 3 minutes unless it's colder than 5C or warmer than 27C. i'm happy they've instituted this (and are enforcing it)...i can't stand watching people with their cars running for no reason!
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This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Enjoy! Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Enjoy! Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
TIMECODES LINKED BELOW. Strap in, this is gonna be a long one!
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analysis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Hey Houston, you got it wrong. It's actually "peace IN our time."
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Did this help you out? Make sure to tell me in the comments!
Listen to my funny and super-geeky podcast, Blockbusted: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
See the HP1 web-series, Hijacked Season 1:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvR3Umc8JJL39robuLP1R59gchop2zhEo
Go check out the best of Houstonproductions1: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvR3Umc8JJL3zVRh30W3L-yc_FmqOySgm
See the hilarious videos featuring a LEGO HATER!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?annotation_id=annotation_2649315915&feature=iv&list=PLvR3Umc8JJL3sXbP0vmwK5t0cCD4qZ_4t&src_vid=xtRvUDX4bg8
Go Visit my Instagram: www.instagram.com/houstonproductions1
Twitter Updates: https://twitter.com/hcoleyisnow
Check out Flickr, Too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/houstoncoley/
.......
All additional sound FX are provided by: http://www.freesfx.co.uk/
Music: Title Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Check out Video Game High School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JqR3GVqib4&list=PLsMtUWKCmBPRFzqglpk4YQlNFy8wzSXBN
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
VIDEO ESSAYS IN THIS VIDEO:
WILL SCHODER - David Foster Wallace - The Problem with Irony: https://youtu.be/2doZROwdte4
JUST WRITE - What Writers Should Learn from Wonder Woman: https://youtu.be/w-QhdzQo66o
KAPTAINKRISTIAN - Batman - Evolving the Legend: https://youtu.be/u5Cdguyut8s
BOBBY BURNS - How to Emotionally Manipulate Your YouTube Audience: https://youtu.be/NPhjRVji-WM
PATRICK (H) WILLEMS - Why Do Marvel's Movies Look Kind of Ugly: https://youtu.be/hpWYtXtmEFQ
LESSONS FROM THE SCREENPLAY - Rogue One vs. The Force Awakens - The Fault in Our Star Wars: https://youtu.be/gsIQa7sH5_Y
NERDWRITER1 - Passengers, Rearranged: https://youtu.be/Gksxu-yeWcU
ALEX MYERS - What Happened to Pixar: https://youtu.be/4Uo9PKnqQts
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Enjoy! Want more awesome LEGO Marvel MOCs (this time made by me)? Check out this cool Avengers Battle MOC from the new movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtdIeJfA1Tk
Here are Links to the Eurobricks and Flickr Accounts of the Creator of this MOC:
Eurobricks: www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=82642
SEE the NEW Hunger Games: Mockingjay Customs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npjmHvF1ZKk
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/
Enjoy! Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Check out Taylor's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXPhCiJiCWhFvBgVLzPjOQ
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Enjoy! Go watch the original short-film, The Red Balloon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSzDsvJE1mg
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Enjoy! Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Head over to my other channel, Spirit of Cinema, HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHcILYr5D5UpY3iItjXMYyw
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
See the HP1 web-series, Hijacked Season 1:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvR3Umc8JJL39robuLP1R59gchop2zhEo
Go Visit my Instagram: www.instagram.com/houstonproductions1
Twitter Updates: https://twitter.com/blockbustedpod
.......
All additional sound FX are provided by: http://www.freesfx.co.uk/
Music: Title Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Check out my second channel, Blockbusted:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX_WetH4Lq6zdbL9gRZuqtg
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music provided by Audio Library https://youtu.be/oIpjGVBY9AM
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Let's analyze the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is gonna be a long one. Timecodes in the comments.
Thanks to all the YouTubers involved!
Patrick (H) Willems: https://www.youtube.com/user/patrickhwillems
TheAtZShow:
https://www.youtube.com/user/AtZReviews
SayGoodnightKevin: https://www.youtube.com/user/saygoodnightkevin
AubreyStudios82: https://www.youtube.com/user/aubreystudios82
FrameByFrame:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FastFettReviews
Man-E-Kerr: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa9iSK3jnLR4uHHbYjphgFg
TheGeekWave:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-tedvoM8mswGdxkoWWEpww
Nitpix:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChz2g0uWjiqI_GROs-HUjxg
Be sure to hit up Patrick’s Marvel Color Grading Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpWYtXtmEFQ
Follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
Enjoy!
Check out new episodes of my Brickfilm series, The Studio HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvR3Umc8JJL30X7VX8l2CdIaBENWYlS5s
Listen to my geeky podcast, Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Head over to my other channel, Spirit of Cinema, HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHcILYr5D5UpY3iItjXMYyw
HoustonProductions1 is sponsored by Audible.com! Go to www.AudibleTrial.com/Blockbusted to get a free audiobook of your choice and a 30-day trial!
See the HP1 web-series, Hijacked Season 1:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvR3Umc8JJL39robuLP1R59gchop2zhEo
Go check out the best of Houstonproductions1: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvR3Umc8JJL3zVRh30W3L-yc_FmqOySgm
See the hilarious videos featuring a LEGO HATER!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?annotation_id=annotation_2649315915&feature=iv&list=PLvR3Umc8JJL3sXbP0vmwK5t0cCD4qZ_4t&src_vid=xtRvUDX4bg8
Go Visit my Instagram: www.instagram.com/houstonproductions1
Twitter Updates: https://twitter.com/hcoleyisnow
Check out Flickr, Too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/houstoncoley/
.......
All additional sound FX are provided by: http://www.freesfx.co.uk/
Music: Title Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
Become an HP1 supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=1017531
Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @blockbustedpod!
Check out the HP1 merch store on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/zLbhv4Ep35M
Listen to Blockbusted on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blockbusted/id1028775062
Check out my Letterboxd profile here: https://letterboxd.com/blockbustedpod/
This is my review/critique/analyis of the film and not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points about the film. My review is for purposes of commentary and criticism and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. My usage of the clips does not legally require the copyright holder's permission and I have every legal right to upload the heavily edited content. For further proof and information on Fair Use, please refer to: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf and additionally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S521VcjhvMA&t=28m14s
Thank you for taking the time to verify the clips to see that my usage does not violate copyright.
.......
Main Theme: Like Apollo by jimmysquare https://soundcloud.com/jimmysquare
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
HP1 Art by 97LegoManiac: https://www.youtube.com/user/97legomaniac
You know this world? This sad, doomed little world? It needs you. It needs every last Winchester it can get, and I will not let you die. I wont let any of you die. And I wont let you sacrifice yourselves, you mean too much to me! To everything! Yeah, you made a deal. You made a stupid deal, and I broke it. Youre welcome.
Castiel is an angel. He manifests on Earth inside his vessel, Jimmy Novak. He is the only angel that is shown to have been resurrected after having been killed, and he has been resurrected more than once.
Many angels laid siege to Hell to rescue Dean, but it was Castiel who ultimately pulled Dean out. According to Castiel, he did so "Because God commanded it." His hand print was burned into Deans left shoulder. Castiel is amongst a group of angels who manifest on Earth to stop the breaking of the the 66 Seals which will release Lucifer and start the Apocalypse. Over time he develops an empathy for the Winchesters, in particular Dean. When he learns that Michael actually intends for Lucifer to be released so he can kill him, Castiel tries to warn Dean, but is punished. Ultimately he breaks allegiance with Heaven to side with humanity.
With Lucifer free, and Castiel cut off from Heavens power, he decides to try and find the long absent God. When he learns God is not interested in intervening to stop the Apocalypse, he is devastated. He works to support the efforts of Sam, Dean and Bobby in stopping the battle between Michael and Lucifer.
After Sams sacrifice to defeat Lucifer, Castiel tries to rescue him from Lucifers Cage, but fails to retrieve Sams soul. In an attempt to prevent Raphael from restarting the Apocalypse, Castiel is tempted into an alliance with Crowley. The demon offers to help find Purgatory which can provide them both with great power. His efforts mean Castiel becomes increasingly distanced from the Winchesters as he hides his efforts from them, to the extent of breaking Sams mind in order to hinder their pursuit of him.
After taking in the souls of Purgatory, Castiel kills Raphael. He claims that he is no longer an angel, but the new "God." After smiting many people he considered to be doing evil in Gods name, he blacks out and loses control of his vessel, and his powers, to Leviathans possessing him. Conceding to Dean and Sams wishes, Castiel attempts to return all the souls and entities inside him to Purgatory.
After the souls leave Castiel, he apologizes to Dean, and pledges to find some way of redeeming himself. His plans are cut short when the Leviathans, who managed to hold on, take over his vessel. As the vessel rapidly deteriorates, the Leviathans march it into a reservoir, where it disappears beneath the water, releasing them.
Castiel is later found wandering naked in the woods near the water with no memory of who he is by Daphne Allen, who claims that God led her to him. She takes him home, he takes on the name Emmanuel Allen, and they marry. He discovers he has a gift for healing.
While searching for a way to help Sam, whose psychosis is killing him, Dean hears about Emmanuel from another hunter, and is shocked to discover it is Castiel. Castiel eventually regains his memories, and is horrified at what he did. He tries to heal Sam, but unable to do so, he chooses to take Sams madness into his own mind.
| 67,812 |
JavaScript is the most popular programming language in the world. But web applications are notoriously buggy. Kill the bugs and build smoothly-running apps on all JavaScript platforms with help from this Refcard.
Contents Include:
Basics
Common Problems
Debugging JQuery
Mobile Debugging
Debugging Tools … and More!
Refcardz are FREE cheat sheets made just for developers. It’s the easy way to stay on top of the newest technologies!
| 444 |
But things are on the move. And the brands pioneering the change, are the ones who will reap the rewards.
Nike is very much associated with pushing boundaries before others follow suit (let it not be forgotten it was they, and not Adidas, who first partnered with Kanye West to make those famous Yeezy trainers).
Their ‘If You Let Me Play’ campaign of 1995 was a moving beginning to the fight for letting girls get involved with sport.
They took to the subject again in 2008 with their ‘Here I Am’ adverts. The simple plea for female athletes to be seen took aim at the lack of coverage of women’s sport. But although the ads were powerful and showed powerful women excelling, it was very much in the spirit that female sport should be taken seriously as well: women were still the underdog of the athletic world.
A decade on however, and we’re finally starting to see some acceptance of female athletes as just athletes.
Nike’s #betterforit campaign, a recent campaign aimed at women, was entirely divorced from women’s role as ‘second best’ in the sporting world. Relatable women push through the mental barriers of working out and, having done so, find themselves ‘better for it’.
It’s refreshing to see sports often practiced majoritarily by women take centre stage (yoga, and spinning for example), and to see women working out not as extraordinary anomalies, but as regular people.
And with their celebration of Serena Williams, Nike didn’t just put women on a level playing field, or gender-specify their achievements, they confidently aligned their brand around a sporting icon whose achievements rival anyone.
The ‘Margot vs. Lily’ campaign jumped off right where #betterforit left off. Targeted specifically at millennials, this miniseries of 8 episodes about two very different sisters spoke a different language to most sports advertising.
It starts out almost like an anti-sportswear ad. Instantly likeable Margot—quirkily-dressed and recently-fired—is the antithesis of sporty Lily. Margot stays behind to drink wine while Lily goes off on a jaunty run, and she’s horrified when Lily buys her Nike gear for Christmas. Lily, on the other hand, is every bit the Nike goddess. When she’s not jogging through Central Park, she’s checking her youtube fitness account. But despite exuding the life that Nike seemingly promote, she’s unhappy: everyone finds her zealous love of sport annoying; she misses a New Year’s countdown because she’s doing planks; and she has no one to call a friend.
It was a bold move from Nike: sports and sports influencers alike are somewhat ridiculed for the entire 8 slots. But because of the way it levels with consumers (we don’t all love exercise, and that’s okay!) it’s winning big. Nike Women is expected to reach $11 billion in revenue by the end of 2020 (up from $5.7 billion in 2015).
Not only did Margot vs. Lily take all women as its subject (the ones who like sport, and the ones who don’t) but it changed the game on how adverts have to be. Directed by Tricia Brock (a director of the smash hit, female-centric show, ‘Girls’), it blurred the lines between advertising and entertainment and looked to engage a new audience. It was funny, heartwarming, cynical, and inclusive. Where most sports adverts are focussed on physical prowess and superlatives (fastest, hardest, strongest—titles that will always be held by men), it brought something new to the table.
It’s no wonder that Nike were one of the most named brands in our ‘Women in Advertising’ survey when we asked ‘Name a brand that really ‘gets you’ when it comes to their advertising.’
The Athleisure Chest
The rise of women-specific marketing mirrors what’s going on in Nike’s business model. While their men’s business grew 9% in revenue in 2015, it’s women’s revenue grew by 20%. It’s a trend that’s happening across the athletics industry, and it’s been a catalyst for the rise (and the staying power) of Athleisure.
No longer just a trend, the concept of gym gear being worn outside of exercise spaces is here to stay. As women break further and further from the stiletto-wearing, handbag-toting idea of workwear, and the skirts-and-dresses idea of home clothes, there is a huge potential audience looking for something comfier and more practical.
As a gender, women are pressing harder for change and, as a result, the rules are becoming more fluid. A glance around at the footwear on a rush-hour tube carriage is a microcosm of this.
It’s an important balance: it should look nice enough to wear around town, but the moment it strays into pure aesthetic territory is the moment brands lose their authenticity. Women don’t want to be sold anything less technically-excellent than men.
What’s more, Nike are working to extend the invite to all women. 2018 marks the first year of a whole new piece of apparel for their women’s collection. The Nike hijab, launched last December, is Nike looking to break down barriers that stop Muslim women from being able to take part in sports.
2017 also saw the launch of their first ever plus-sized range. It’s certainly overdue, but Nike is still one of the first athletics brands to venture into catering for larger women. Certainly there will be plus-sized women looking to work out (some to lose weight, some just to keep fit), and it’s almost paradoxical that larger fitness gear hasn’t previously existed.
It’s a pertinent example of where being inclusive is a win for both parties: these women are crying out for fitness gear that makes them feel good, and it’s a whole new market for Nike.
Nike are making steps towards marketing to women as individuals, rather than a monolith. It’s learning to cater for those who like exercise, and those who don’t. Those who like pink, those who practice religion, and those who aren’t skinny.
They’re expanding the scope of activewear to accommodate busy lives: wear it to the office; wear it at home; and, of course, wear it to the gym. All whilst doing what they’ve always done best: creating technically excellent products.
Conclusion
Whatever you’re making—be it sportswear or otherwise—if you spot an opportunity to expand your company’s vision to include previously-marginalised sections of the population, you open yourself up to audiences you hadn’t previously considered.
It’s important—and potentially life changing—for the marginalised groups that you invite into your brand, and in terms of revenue it’s simply good business. So go ahead and just do it.
If you want to go back to the drawing board and have a think about the people you’re not appealing to, and see how you might start, get in touch to find out how we can help.
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Hello,
I need someone from Croatia (best from Venice ) to write a blog article about Dubrovnik.
It is important that the bidder knows the city and its corners. The articles need to be written in English.
The article needs to contain following information:
1. Why should you visit Dubrovnik
2. What places to visit in Dubrovnik
3. Where to stay
4. Where to eat - also local specia...
We are looking for a skilled video animator to create a simple 90 second video for use across various advertising platforms with a version in 1920 x 1080 (horizontal standard video), 1080 x 1080 (square video) and 1080 x 1920 (vertical video).
The video will use our brand asset character, who you must animate and use three other stock characters to fit in with our storyboard (this can be sent a...
Hello Everyone,
We are launching this contest in search not only of an app icon, but also in search of talented designers who are eager to work long term on various mobile and web design projects.
Please take this opportunity to show off your talent!
Thank you for participating!
Ofir
FaceValue Ltd.
---------------------------------------
Design an icon for an ios and android app in ...
Hi Designers,
I am in need of a flat vector illustration of a dove similar to the example attached to this project. This illustration will be used for print so it is important that all elements are 100% unique and not sourced from premade stock and/or "royalty free" designs.
This illustration should use 3 colors with no gradients and/or shading.
Here are the colors ...
1) B...
Hello all,
I need a python script / function that would take as input a picture from disk ( pictures will be 1920x1080 ) and produce 10 most used colors in the picture arranged from most used to least in a list ( #hexa color codes, or RGB doesn't matter ) also needs to handle if the picture contain less colors then 10, for example if the image is pure white.. it would return only one color.....
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'Please understand': Ronaldo pens emotional letter to Real fans
Curtis Shaw
The transfer fee was not disclosed but Spanish media said Ronaldo had signed a four-year deal and had cost Juventus 105 million euros ($123.24 million).
"Today Real Madrid want to give thanks to a player who has demonstrated he is the best in the world and who marked one of the most brilliant periods in the history of our club and world football", Real Madrid said in a statement.
"But the blue shirt suits me well, so everything's fine, and staying doesn't bother me" added the winger when asked about a potential move, suggesting he could be interested in a transfer whilst firmly adding that staying with Chelsea would not be a problem for the 27-year old.
The signing of the latest Ballon d'Or victor and top scorer in the Champions League for the last six seasons represents a major coup for Juve, who have had a stranglehold on the Italian title since 2012 but have not won Europe's top prize since 1996.
One dead, 19 injured in Wonderboom plane crashJul 11, 2018 - 07:26
A spokesman for Martin Air said it had no information about the plane or the crash. "There are critical patients‚" Loubser said. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson Kabelo Ledwaba said their investigators were on their way to the crash.
England injury-free ahead of World Cup semi-finalJul 11, 2018 - 06:07
Southgate deserves a lot of plaudits for the team's performances. "They are a really young team and so nice. In the quarter-finals, France and Brazil would have been my pick for the favourites of the remaining teams.
UK's May names new foreign secretaryJul 11, 2018 - 04:44
May was asked by an opposition lawmaker Monday whether she would contest a vote of confidence if one came rather than resign. But in parliament, her words suggested she had chose to face down the dissenters rather than change her plans.
LA Lakers make LeBron James' arrival officialJul 11, 2018 - 04:44
It's not a stretch to say that Magic Johnson's No. 1 goal this summer was getting LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers . We'd been going through so many scenarios, also meeting with Jeanie, talking about what we thought would be important.
U.S. eyes tariffs on $200B more Chinese importsJul 11, 2018 - 04:25
Also Monday, German automaker BMW AG said it would raise prices on US-built SUVs exported China due to higher tariffs. The move comes just days after the U.S. and China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs of $34bn on the other countries' goods.
Netflix Debuts "Smart Download" Feature As Boost For BingesJul 11, 2018 - 03:22
This means it can automatically download the first episode of the next season once users have finished watching the season finale. But the service can determine with "high confidence" that you'll probably want to continue watching a show you've downloaded.
Pinoy, 4 daughters killed in United States auto crashJul 11, 2018 - 02:59
Following the tragic crash, Audi's brother, Daniel Trinidad , told the nypost that the family was devastated over the sudden loss. The driver of the pickup, a 44-year-old Maryland , was treated and released from the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
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CUP: Junior – Unfinished Business
Conventional wisdom held that Dale Earnhardt Jr., 38, would have at least one Sprint Cup championship by now. It hasn’t happened, of course, and the promise of Junior’s early years has been dampened by turmoil at his father’s former team and a slow-to-ignite partnership with team owner Rick Hendrick.
But, make no mistake, Earnhardt Jr. still has that unfinished business on his list.
“Absolutely,” he said when asked if winning the championship is his top goal. “With the way we ran last year and getting a real sense that we were starting to compete at that level as a team that had the opportunity to win the championship – that felt really good. It got really exciting.
“I think we have an opportunity. Our time is now. We have a chance if we can just find some more pieces and keep improving. We have steadily gotten better over the last couple of years. If we can continue to do that and keep applying ourselves and keep working and not get complacent about certain things, then we can be one of those teams that are sitting there in Homestead with a shot at it. I really believe that.”
Earnhardt Jr. made the Chase last year but was never a threat in the playoff part of the season. Then, he saw all hope for a possible title run disappear when he sat out a pair of races with a concussion. He finished 12th in points.
Still, Junior said the growth shown by the team last season is a positive as 2013 begins.
“To find motivation and excitement, I look back on how well we performed throughout the year,” he said. “How we were leading the points and now things were going mid-point in the season. How strong we were in the summer, which had been … a terrible time for me historically.
“For some reason last year we were really strong in the summertime. Just as a team we have improved ever since Steve (crew chief Steve Letarte) and I started working together.
“It was a disappointment not to finish as well as we had hoped in the Chase and really go for the championship. We felt like we were a strong enough team at certain parts of the year to definitely do that. We definitely have some unfinished business and feel like we can put forth the same effort and the same results this year.”
Mike Hembree is NASCAR Editor for SPEED.com and has been covering motorsports for 31 years. He is a six-time winner of the National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year Award.
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第5章 市場佔有率、競爭分析:整體市場
第6章 WAF家電部門
第7章 WAF服務部門
第8章 總論
第9章 業者簡介
Akamai
Barracuda Networks
Citrix
CloudFlare
F5 Networks
Fortinet
Imperva
NSFOCUS
Radware
第10章 附錄
目錄
Product Code: K026-01-00-00-00
New Technologies and Threats Collide to Create Expanded Opportunities
Businesses continue to spend billions of dollars each year to defend their networks. However, Web applications remain a vulnerable point in the defenses. The Web application firewall (WAF) is one security technology that can protect Web sites by analyzing and controlling application layer traffic and sessions. While the demand for WAF is unavoidable, the ability to properly deploy WAF has been limited to enterprise organizations. But the market is growing and evolving as vendors simplify the process to buy and deploy WAF.
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Bellissima! You don't have to be Italian to show your love for wine. Add this decorative art to the wall of your kitchen, rec room or wine cellar. Available in our Black finish. Produced in steel with a powder coat finish. Personalize with your own favorite wine varieties. See "Made just for U." 19W x 1D x 19H in.
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Run this variant of the recipe. Why does it fail? Wasn't cart declared in the earlier docstring?
How it works...
The doctest module looks for every docstring. For each docstring it finds, it creates a shallow copy of the module's global variables and then runs the code and checks results. Apart from that, every variable created is locally scoped and then cleaned up when the test is complete. This means that our second docstring that was added later cannot see the cart that was created in our first docstring. That is why the second run failed.
There is no equivalent to a setUp method as we used with some of the unittest recipes. If there is no setUp option with doctest, then what value is this recipe? It highlights a key limitation of doctest that all developers must understand before using it.
There's more...
The doctest module provides an incredibly convenient way to add testability to our documentation. But this is not a substitute for a full-fledged testing framework, like unittest. As noted earlier, there is no equivalent to a setUp. There is also no syntax checking of the Python code embedded in the docstrings.
Mixing the right level of doctests with unittest (or other testing framework we pick) is a matter of judgment.
Filtering out test noise
Various options help doctest ignore noise, such as whitespace, in test cases. This can be useful, because it allows us to structure the expected outcome in a better way, to ease reading for the users.
We can also flag some tests that can be skipped. This can be used where we want to document known issues, but haven't yet patched the system.
Both of these situations can easily be construed as noise, when we are trying to run comprehensive testing, but are focused on other parts of the system. In this recipe, we will dig in to ease the strict checking done by doctest. We will also look at how to ignore entire tests, whether it's on a temporary or permanent basis.
How to do it...
With the following steps, we will experiment with filtering out test results and easing certain restrictions of doctest.
Create a new file called recipe20.py to contain the code from this recipe.
Create a recursive function that converts base10 numbers into other bases.
How it works...
In this recipe, we revisit the function for converting from base-10 to any base numbers. The first test shows it being run over a range. Normally, Python would fit this array of results on one line. To make it more readable, we spread the output across two lines. We also put some arbitrary spaces between the values to make the columns line up better.
This is something that doctest definitely would not support, due to its strict pattern matching nature. By using #doctest: +NORMALIZE_WHITESPACE, we are able to ask doctest to ease this restriction. There are still constraints. For example, the first value in the expected array cannot have any whitespace in front of it. But wrapping the array to the next line no longer breaks the test.
We also have a test case that is really meant as documentation only. It indicates a future requirement that shows how our function would handle negative binary values. By adding #doctest: +SKIP, we are able to command doctest to skip this particular instance.
Finally, we see the scenario where we discover that our code doesn't handle 0. As the algorithm gets the highest exponent by taking a logarithm, there is a math problem. We capture this edge case with a test. We then confirm that the code fails in classic test driven design (TDD) fashion. The final step would be to fix the code to handle this edge case. But we decide, in a somewhat contrived fashion, that we don't have enough time in the current sprint to fix the code. To avoid breaking our continuous integration (CI) server, we mark the test with a TO-DO statement and add #doctest: +SKIP.
There's more...
Both the situations that we have marked up with #doctest: +SKIP, are cases where eventually we will want to remove the SKIP tag and have them run. There may be other situations where we will never remove SKIP. Demonstrations of code that have big fluctuations may not be readily testable without making them unreadable. For example, functions that return dictionaries are harder to test, because the order of results varies. We can bend it to pass a test, but we may lose the value of documentation to make it presentable to the reader.
How it works...
This version has a limit of handling base 2 through base 36.
For base 36, it uses a through z. This compared to base 16 using a through f. 35 in base 10 is represented as z in base 36.
We include several tests, including one for base 2 and base 36. We also test the maximum value before rolling over, and the next value, to show the rollover. For base 2, this is 1 and 2. For base 36, this is 35 and 36.
We have also included tests for 0 to show that our function doesn't handle this for any base. We also test base 37, which is invalid as well.
There's more...
It's important that our software works for valid inputs. It's just as important that our software works as expected for invalid inputs. We have documentation that can be viewed by our users when using our software that documents these edges. And thanks to Python's doctest module, we can test it and make sure that our software performs correctly.
Testing corner cases by iteration
Corner cases will appear as we continue to develop our code. By capturing corner cases in an iterable list, there is less code to write and capture another test scenario. This can increase our efficiency at testing new scenarios.
How to do it...
Create a new file called recipe23.py and use it to store all our code for this recipe.
In the previous screenshot, the key information is on this line: AssertionError: expected: 11/2 actual: 10/2. Is this test failure a bit contrived? Sure it is. But seeing a test case shows useful output is not. It's important to verify that our tests give us enough information to fix either the tests or the code.
How it works...
We created an array with each entry containing both the input data as well as the expected output. This provides us with an easy way to glance at a set of test cases.
Then, we iterate over each test case, calculate the actual value, and run it through a Python assert. An important part that is needed is the custom message 'expected: %s actual: %s'. Without it, we would never get the information to tell us which test case failed.
What if one test case fails? If one of the tests in the array fails, then that code block exits and skips over the rest of the tests. This is the trade off for having a more succinct set of tests.
Does this type of test fit better into doctest or unittest?
Here are some criteria that are worth considering when deciding whether to put these tests in doctest:
Is the code easy to comprehend at a glance?
Is this clear, succinct, useful information when users view the docstrings?
If there is little value in having this in the documentation, and if it clutters the code, then that is a strong hint that this test block belongs to a separate test module.
Getting nosy with doctest
Up to this point, we have been either appending modules with a test runner, or we have typed python -m doctest <module> on the command line to exercise our tests.
For a quick recap, nose:
Provides us with the convenient test discovering tool nosetests
Is pluggable, with a huge ecosystem of available plugins
Includes a built-in plugin targeted at finding doctests and running them
Getting ready
We need to activate our virtual environment (virtualenv) and then install nose for this recipe.
Create a virtual environment, activate it, and verify the tools are working.
Using pip, install nose.
How to do it...
Run nosetests –with-doctest against all the modules in this folder. If you notice, it prints a very short .....F.F...F, indicating that three tests have failed.
Run nosetests –with-doctest -v to get a more verbose output. In the following screenshot, notice how the tests that failed. It is also valuable to see the <module>.<method> format with either ok or FAIL.
Run nosetests –with-doctest against both the recipe19.py file as well as the recipe19 module, in different combinations.
How it works...
nosetests is targeted at discovering test cases and then running them. With this plugin, when it finds a docstring, it uses the doctest library to programmatically test it.
The doctest plugin is built around the assumption that doctests are not in the same package as other tests, like unittest. This means it will only run doctests found from non-test packages.
There isn't a whole lot of complexity in the nosetests tool, and...that's the idea!. In this recipe, we have seen how to use nosetests to get a hold of all the doctests.
Summary
In this article we saw ways to perform testing in Python using doctest.
Alerts & Offers
Series & Level
We understand your time is important. Uniquely amongst the major publishers, we seek to develop and publish the broadest range of learning and information products on each technology. Every Packt product delivers a specific learning pathway, broadly defined by the Series type. This structured approach enables you to select the pathway which best suits your knowledge level, learning style and task objectives.
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As a new user, these step-by-step tutorial guides will give you all the practical skills necessary to become competent and efficient.
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Friendly, informal tutorials that provide a practical introduction using examples, activities, and challenges.
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A collection of practical self-contained recipes that all users of the technology will find useful for building more powerful and reliable systems.
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Guides you through the most common types of project you'll encounter, giving you end-to-end guidance on how to build your specific solution quickly and reliably.
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Take your skills to the next level with advanced tutorials that will give you confidence to master the tool's most powerful features.
Starting
Accessible to readers adopting the topic, these titles get you into the tool or technology so that you can become an effective user.
Progressing
Building on core skills you already have, these titles share solutions and expertise so you become a highly productive power user.
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War Crimes in Syria: Marie Colvin, Abbas Khan and a Way Forward for Accountability?
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Nobody knows how many people have died in Syria. Several estimates place it at close to half a million people, but the U.N. gave up counting two years ago. The figures horrify, but do little to describe the war crimes rampant across the country. The bombings raining upon Aleppo testify the willingness and ability of the Assad regime to contravene international conventions. However, a legal case launched in the United States seeks to hold the Syrian government to account and could be emulated elsewhere.
In 1998 the International Criminal Court was established in response to the genocides in Rwanda and Bosnia. It was brought to U.N member states as the Rome Statute, signatory of which meant, by U.N rules, a state was bound by the obligations not to defeat the object and purpose of the treaty establishing the I.C.C. Syria signed the Rome Statute but never ratified the document. As a result the I.C.C has no independent authority to investigate or prosecute crimes that take place within Syrian territory. The United Nations Security Council is endowed with the power to refer jurisdiction to the court, however it is at the mercy of geopolitics. A 2014 measure to give the I.C.C jurisdiction in Syria was blocked by both Russia and China. Therefore, the case has been launched in the United States.
The plaintiff of the civil lawsuit is Cathleen Colvin, the sister of murdered foreign correspondent Marie Colvin. Marie was killed in Homs in February 2012 alongside French photojournalist Remi Ochlik whilst covering the conflict for The Sunday Times. The two had been staying in a house in Baba Amr, which had become a pop up media centre before it was shelled. The Syrian government deflected responsibility at the time suggesting they hadn’t known the inhabitants of the house, before suggesting they had died in an attack perpetrated by terrorists. The case alleges the Syrian regime bears criminal culpability for their murder.
The suit asserts that Colvin was tracked by the Syrian government from neighbouring Lebanon after receiving a tip that Colvin and her colleague Paul Conroy were planning to smuggle themselves into Syria. Once inside the country it is believed the plan to intercept Colvin’s communications, via her satellite phones, was maintained at the highest level of Assad’s regime – his special war cabinet. Created in response to the uprising, the Central Crisis Management Cell served to oversee the crackdown on opposition and included Bashir’s brother Maher, commander of the Syrian army’s Fourth Armoured Division, as a senior member. Having confirmed Colvin’s position with a female informant on the ground in Baba Amr, Maher is alleged to have instructed the building to be shelled. Fellow journalist Conroy, who previously served in a British Army artillery regiment, was wounded in the attack and described it as utilising the ‘bracketing’ technique – where multiple rockets are launched on either side of the target, drawing closer each round before hitting the target directly. Colvin and Ochlik were killed trying to flee the building while fellow journalists Paul Conroy, Edith Bouvier and Wael al-Omar were wounded.
Colvin was a veteran reporter who lost her right eye covering Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2001 and is credited with saving the lives of 1,500 women and children in East Timor. Besieged by Indonesian-backed forces, Colvin refused to abandon them, staying alongside a U.N force and reporting the civilian’s predicament in print and on television. They were all subsequently evacuated after four days. In the last report filed before her death, Colvin described the bombardment of Homs as the worst conflict she had ever experienced.
The case is possible due to research and documents obtained by U.S-based Center for Justice and Accountability, a non-profit human rights organisation campaigning to bring human rights violators to justice. Investigators working for the CJA have smuggled more than six hundred thousand government files out of Syria via defectors.
Abdelmajid Barakat, a defector who previously served as an administrator for the Crisis Cell, provided a large body of evidence, specifically to orders cracking down on dissenting voices. Barakat was responsible for writing summations of reports that could be presented to the Crisis Cell meetings. Following questioning by regime forces, Barakat fled into Turkey with implicating documents taped to his body. These documents make plain the extent of the violence ordered and implemented by the Crisis Cell, and form the basis of the evidence included in the lawsuit.
The Colvin case foreshadows a second war crimes case that could be brought against senior Syrian officials.
On December 16th 2013 Abbas Khan, a British orthopaedic surgeon from South London and father of two, died in regime custody. Khan was captured on November 22nd 2012 in Aleppo after travelling into the city from Turkey. Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad ascribed Khan’s death to suicide, ‘hanging himself with his pyjamas’. Just three days before, a Syrian government official told Dr Khan’s family that he would be released within days.
Khan’s testimony of prison conditions and widespread torture are corroborated by leaked documents, known as the Caesar files, provided by a defector. Caesar is a former military-police office who before the war documented crime scenes and traffic accidents involving military personnel in Damascus. Following the uprising Caesar photographed bodies in the morgue and surrounding garage bay of Damascus. Each body was given a unique number, scrawled next to or onto the body. Caesar began copying these files onto flash drives and escaped with them hidden in his socks in August 2013, three months before Abbas Khan’s death. The files were passed onto a team of international prosecutors and have since been used by families to identify loved ones caught in the web of Syria’s prisons. The photographs display in detail injuries consistent with the torture described by Khan in his letters and to Fatima. It has been reported that the Khan family believe it was impossible that Abbas would commit suicide. It seems a particularly farfetched claim given his impending release.
Throughout his detention, Khan was described by the Syrian regime as a terrorist element, travelling to Syria to join an extremist group. However a hearing at the Royal Court of Justice in London heard no evidence to support this and stated that Khan had sought to use his medical skills to help others. At the inquest the jury recorded a verdict of unlawful killing, noting that he had died in the care of the Syrian government.
Building on this verdict and using the plethora of documents available from the CJA should see a war crimes case brought against the Assad regime in regard to Abbas Khan’s death in custody.
The motivation for Colvin’s death was to prevent her reporting revealing the brutal crackdown on civilians by Assad’s regime. At the time of her death, Assad was using extreme violence to repress the uprising, just as his father had during the Hama uprising of 1982. Her reporting exposed the barbarity of the regime to the world and contributed to the growing momentum against his rule. This occurred before IS cut a swathe across the country and fragmented the opposition, changing the dynamics of the conflict.
Khan was likewise murdered to protect the regime’s crimes. Khan held powerful first hand experience of how Syria’s prisons acted as a network of torture and murder chambers. Had he returned home alive, Abbas would have served as vital evidence of how Assad mobilised the Syria state to extreme, often indiscriminate, detention and violence.
The conflict in Syria continues with no end in sight. Several political attempts to end the conflict have collapsed, and Assad has repeatedly stated he will only accept a military solution – his victory and reassertion of control across the country. In hoping for a Syria free of his regime and its overwhelming criminality the body of evidence must be employed to clarify in exacting detail and shame the regime. Little can be achieved without the physical removal of Assad. Whilst he maintains the unchallenged support, military and otherwise, of Russia he joins Sudan’s Omar Al-Bashir as a serial war criminal head of state. But prosecuting cases like these will at least serve the principals the international community is obliged to adhere by. They will serve as powerful precedents, particularly in evidence gathering, for the evolving prosecution of war crimes cases.
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Published by James Heyburn
M.A International Security graduate with an interest in foreign affairs, in particular the MENA region, defence and security.
This blog will serve as a (hopefully) regularly updated collection of my views and analysis on various issues from British domestic politics to conflicts ranging around the world.
Get in touch @jamesheyburn1
View all posts by James Heyburn
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It's safe to say the sun is always shining in California, but infusing a February wedding with the look and feel of a stunning garden affair is still no easy feat. That is, unless you have a team of wedding superheroes on your side. This Calistoga celebration is a testament to the beautifully crafted design by Jesse Tombs of Alison Events along with those pretty, pretty (did I mention pretty?) blooms by Charlotte & Daughters and all captured by Larissa Cleveland. You would swear it took place smack dab in the middle of Spring but nope. We've got a winter wedding California style on our hands and it's a stunner.
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From the Floral Designer ... A wedding in February is always a time of crossroads for flowers. We have our winter favorites still going strong, but it is also a thrilling time for florists because we start to see the first nods of spring at the flower market. For U-Wen and Mike's wedding we were able to bring in lots of bright seasonal flowers to create a warm, fun, relaxed, yet sophisticated feel to their celebration.
For her personal flowers, U-Wen wanted a more traditional style bouquet and some simple flowers for her hair. We used Romantic Antique and Juliet david austin roses in addition to poppies, Italian ranunculus, fritillaria, spray roses, hellebore, and freesia with a touch of greenery to create a soft pastel bouquet. Many of the boutonnieres featured local hellebore to add a darker contrast to the spring blooms.
Guests entered the home and were greeted with a grand arrangement featuring flowering branches, which connected with the large statement pieces in the cocktail area. The space had lots of big blank walls which were prefect for us to use tall flowering cherry blossom branches, paired with peach and pink flowers and lots of candles. The cocktail tables were adorned with exquisite hellebores in copper vases. We used some flowing ferns and greenery to connect with the ceremony pieces. Set in front of a stunning backdrop of the Napa hills, the outdoor ceremony needed little more than a simple addition of candles and two arrangements on either side of the couple.
The reception tables featured long ceramic boats filled with the bright flowers and flowering cherry blossom branches. Food was the central focus of the reception and we wanted to allow space for the full culinary experience, while adding interest, color and beauty to the tables.
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The doorbell rings. Your son goes to answer the door. From the kitchen, you hear a struggle and an unfamiliar voice. Your heart races as you rush out, holding your Glock 17 9mm.
“I have a gun!” you holler.
As you come around the corner, you see the male intruder: a stranger in shorts and a red shirt. He’s got your little boy in a tight grip.
You have three options: shoot, don’t shoot or use your pepper spray. Before you have time to think, the man pulls a knife.
You pull the trigger.
The simulated laser bullet tags the home invader in the neck, a lethal shot. You watch him collapse on the video screen on the wall. Your son is safe. Scenario complete, reads the caption.
This is just one of the thousands of scenarios at Virtual Safe Shot, a firearm training facility in Fair Oaks where students learn how to handle a weapon in a threatening simulation. The business launched in August, co-founded by James Keh, a former deputy with the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department, and three other retired deputies.
From police shootings to incidents like the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting, gun violence has been dominating news cycles in recent years. Additional virtual training could help civilians know how to respond in a hostile encounter, Keh says.
With technology designed for the military and law enforcement, Virtual Safe Shot puts you right in the middle of the danger: home invasions, school shootings, carjackings and office attacks, to name a few. There are no paper targets. There are no real bullets.
During each session, one instructor gives direction while the other is on a computer, controlling the interactive video in real time based on what you say and do. You learn when and where to shoot, but more importantly, how to diffuse tense situations with your weapon being a last resort. The guns weigh the same as real ones, with 70 percent of the recoil and custom-modified to shoot lasers that are accurate to the megapixel, a fraction of an inch.
“These are not toy plastic guns where you can miss by a mile,” Keh says. “This is not one of those game consoles. This is an experience they might not ever get in real life unless it’s life and death.”
“If we’re going to be able to ultimately compete with major urban hubs … we have to be able to demonstrate we don’t have just lower costs and greater quality of life, but also solid connections with key players.”John Gregory, Executive Director, Green Screen Institute
That word — experience — is one that pops up a lot in the expanding world of virtual and augmented reality. New technology immerses users in an artificial environment (virtual reality) or superimposes digital information on a real environment (augmented reality) in a way that transforms what you can see and hear. For startups like Virtual Safe Shot, these tools have become a pivotal part of the business. Since launching in the fall, Keh says, VSS has been increasing its customer base by 25 percent per month and now has eight staff members who handle onsite and offsite events. But VSS uses early-stage VR, more accurate than a videogame, but less immersive than some of the newer technologies. For a bigger glimpse of what the Capital Region has to offer in this arena, take a trip to Nevada County.
There, in the lush Sierra Nevada foothills on New Mohawk Road in Nevada City, you will find the Green Screen Institute, a multipurpose facility that opened last year with a core focus on VR and AR. In January, Jon Gregory, the institute’s executive director, flew to CES, the annual trade show in Las Vegas, on a mission to connect with hardware providers, content studios and software developers.
“If we’re going to be able to ultimately compete with major urban hubs like L.A., San Francisco and London,” he says, “we have to be able to demonstrate we don’t have just lower costs and greater quality of life, but also solid connections with key players.”
After decades of false starts, is this technology finally ready to seize the mainstream? And will the Capital Region play a pivotal role?
Big Picture
Pokémon Go, the location-based AR game, was a phenomenon that swept the globe last summer. Two years before that, Facebook made waves acquiring the Irvine-based virtual reality company, Oculus VR, for $2 billion. Overall, the figures do look bullish. According to Statista, the number of active VR users should reach 171 million by 2018. Forecasts show that revenues from virtual reality products will shoot from $90 million in 2014 to $5.2 billion in 2018.
But looking back on 2016, VR didn’t exactly take off like many thought it would. Why? Cost, for one thing. With the major VR headsets ranging from $600 to $800, the technology isn’t so easy to come by. Another issue is the dearth of available content, especially in comparison to streaming services. But with the ubiquity of mobile devices and bullish forecasts, this is definitely a space investors are keeping their eyes on.
Blacktop Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Sacramento, has reviewed companies in the VR space, but has yet to pull the trigger with any actual investments, says general partner Ben Brasher. Previously, he thought VR was only good for gaming. Now, he sees potential for VR (and more so AR) applications in other areas such as sports and news. But it’s still early. Really powerful VR and AR are still far from broad availability. Brasher wants to wait and see how startups develop and monetize this technology before he dives in.
Co-founder James Keh runs through an intruder simulation at Virtual Safe Shot.
“People much smarter than I are making big bets in this industry, like with Facebook’s acquisition of Oculus,” Brasher says. “Where we are, at early-stage investing, and it being the wild west of VR, it’s too speculative of an investment for us.”
In Nevada County, the future of VR stems back to the region’s video technology past. In 1968, the Grass Valley Group, a small research and development firm, had developed its “notable vision mixer,” a device used to create special effects for video. In the decades to follow, other tech companies sprouted in the area.
In the past 20 years, economic downturns have forced some firms to move or close, but Gregory saw Nevada County as fertile ground for his Green Screen Institute. The 27,000-square-foot facility has three components: a training academy, business accelerator and coworking lab for established companies. The idea is to develop the workforce needed for the influx of VR and AR companies.
In December at VRX, a tech summit in San Francisco, Gregory says he was the only exhibitor in attendance that wasn’t a technology company. He met with startups and corporations, showcasing what makes the institute unique. Gregory came out of the event with more than 200 LinkedIn senior level connections. “What we’re trying to overcome is distance,” Gregory says. “That’s why we have to create a virtual hub.”
This month, the institute is calling for startups worldwide to apply to its second business accelerator, a 10-week intensive course to help VR and AR startups go from prototype to workable product. Four startups were selected last year out of about 60 serious inquiries and 30 formal applications. This year, Gregory will be choosing five startups for the accelerator.
Citing the big advertising push for VR products this past holiday season, Gregory says “VR will be enjoyed by an increasingly mainstream audience very soon.”
Extreme Takeover
The Green Screen Institute’s first high-tech tenant is not a virtual reality company. Gyro-Stabilized Systems (GSS), a Nevada City-based company, designs, builds and supports stabilized camera platforms and systems. Jason Fountaine, co-founder and managing director, says he sees much potential for collaboration in this arena.
For instance, the camera systems they design could be used to make very realistic and up-to-date models of environments from both aerial and ground perspectives. This would serve the demand for AR situations that require more visual awareness than what people are used to seeing on TV. For example, visual overlays in sports broadcasts create a more dynamic experience for viewers. In hockey and golf, AR allows viewers to follow the puck and golf ball better.
“Virtual reality and augmented reality have so many other ways to integrate,” Fountaine says. “Not just in broadcast, but you can literally go and see buildings before they’re even built.” (See “Surreal Estate”)
GSS has been supplying camera rigs to Teton Gravity Research, an extreme sports media company based in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Founder Todd Jones has been using VR tools to immerse viewers in various experiences, from surfing to kayaking, to places like the Marshall Islands in the north Pacific Ocean.
“With surfing, you can put someone in a wave that they’ll never get to surf,” Jones says. “Or put them in an area they’ll probably never travel to. We’re trying to give them an overall experience.”
But overall, he doesn’t think VR has reached its true potential because the technology companies are the ones driving the content. “It’s all still internally in the VR world,” he says. “That’s led to a lack of continuous and great content. It hasn’t really gotten into the hands of great storytellers and directors, so it can’t really get into the craft and push the boundaries.”
Your Best Shot
At Virtual Safe Shot, Keh didn’t need to make up stories. He and his co-founders (Thomas Lee, Albert Lee and Ron Slusher) bring knowledge that comes from 25-plus years in law enforcement. For Keh, virtual reality has allowed for more enhanced levels of training, not just for novices.
“We have professional shooters that come to us and say, ‘Wow, this is nothing like we’ve expected,’” he says. “The experience they get out of it is much more than a shooting range. In real life, people freeze, people stress out. Do you really want to carry a gun if you’re not going to be able to do anything with it?”
Recently, a woman came to Virtual Safe Shot and told Keh she was a widower who lived by herself in a neighborhood that had been hit with a string of home invasions.
“She said, ‘I really want to have a gun to protect myself, but I’m deathly afraid of them because my husband committed suicide with his gun,’” Keh recalls.
Keh suggested she take a course. At first, she was jittery, not wanting to shoot anything. But with practice, the widower became more comfortable. She told Keh she felt empowered. She brought her daughter back to train with her a second time. By her third visit, the widower told him she intended to apply for a concealed weapon permit.
“That’s my success story from someone who needed protection,” Keh says. “The experience they get out of it is much more than a shooting range. If it will save one life, we’ve done our job.”
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Keene State building honored for efficient design
KEENE - Keene State College's new Technology, Design and Safety Center building has been awarded the maximum rebate of $150,000 from the Public Service of New Hampshire New Equipment and Construction Rebate Program.
The money will be used to further the building's energy efficiency by going toward the installation of a photovoltaic solar array on the TDS Center's roof this spring, said Keene State College Interim President Jay Kahn Thursday.
The solar array would increase the energy efficiency of the building by producing 15 percent of the energy used by the building, Kahn said.
"I do want to credit Public Service of New Hampshire for supporting a program that encourages large energy users to build energy saving features into their construction efforts and into their facility improvement efforts," Kahn said.
The efficiency rebate is the result of the heating, ventilation, lighting and air conditioning systems that were chosen for the TDS Center, Kahn said. "Our primary goal was to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of the new TDS Center," he said and the rebate was icing on the cake.
The TDS Center should save about $84,000 a year in energy costs because of the energy efficient features of the building, said Paul Hausmann, an account executive at PSNH.
PSNH has the program because it wants to encourage energy efficiency efforts, which arse good for the environment and decrease future power purchases, relieving PSNH of costly infrastructure expansion in the future, he said.
The $16 million Technology, Design and Safety Center opened last fall. The building unifies three of the college's leading academic programs: safety and occupational health applied sciences, architecture and sustainable product design and innovation.
The building was designed with removable panels so that design students can observe and test how a sustainable building functions.
The TDS Center building was built to replace the 1969 Adams Technology Building, which lacked insulation in the walls and roof, energy efficient windows, proper electrical supply, fire safety, accessibility, mechanical ventilation, and temperature and lighting controls.
In building the new center Keene State combined the old 1926 portion of the building, took off the 1960s addition and replaced it with a state-of-the- art facility that totals 53,000 square feet.
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Pastornicky didn't make his spring debut until March 21, having been delayed significantly at the start of camp due to his recovery from ACL surgery, but he beat the odds and managed to avoid the DL t...
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these figures in 2008 mean in the figures for today. let'ssayobamagetsagain 80% of the minority vote. let's say it again, to actually be competitive in this race, it would have to go up 18 points in this election. that turnout does not change despite the shift in eligibility. 26% as you can see on this chart. it is now based on a recent poll that came out. i think it is the gold standard for polls. no offense to anyone else in the room who had their own poll. they do it right and they have a 3000 person sample. it is pretty reliable stuff. they give you a lot of interesting demographic rates. this shows among likely voters that obama is leading by eight a point. if you look the averages, that is high relative to the average. the averages from about four points. probably up by five points, this is within the averages. the overall topline, look at the black black at the margin, 91 points, that seems identical with obama's margin in 2008. seventy-two among hispanics and it is not that far off. also 22 for romney. what it means is that the idea that obama could get 80% of the minority again i
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Alright, I’ve added a Geographical Map of Meribel in the World Information page. Go check it out! I guess I’ll add more maps and stuff to that area every now and then. Also, thanks to the very helpful Lysander, chapters one, two, and three have been edited. He pointed out to me grammatical and spelling errors which have now been fixed– so it should be easier to read through those!
I’m sorry about the lack of update last week, I was very busy and forgot. There will be a normal update sometime this weekend!
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Discover Britax Römer
Protecting children on the road since 1966
At Britax Römer we ensure that parents and their children are safe on the road. The company has been fully committed to this goal since it first manufactured safety equipment and accessories for cars in the early 1930s. Since the development of Britax Römer’s first child car seat in 1966, child safety has been our number one priority. For more than 50 years no costs and efforts have been spared to provide even more safety for little ones. Today, Britax Römer develops and manufactures child car seats, pushchairs and bike seats with 90% of our child car seats and bike seats being “Made in Germany” or “Made in Britain”.
Made in Europe
With our strong German and British heritage, Britax Römer is committed to manufacturing in Europe. In 2016 we moved to our new custom built headquarters in Leipheim, Germany. This new facility enables us to produce 90% of our car seats and all our bike seats in Germany or Great Britain.
Made with care
Our philosophy is to provide the highest quality products to our customers, going far beyond the legal standards for purity and cleanliness. From rigorous independent testing at multiple stages during manufacture, to minimum requirements that go far beyond the legislative guidelines, to the strict quality control standards we set for every partner we work with. The efforts we have made in this area over the past few years have been recognised by consumer tests such as Stiftung Warentest in Germany, where we continually receive the highest ratings in the chemicals category.
Tested to the highest standards
At Britax Römer, maintaining the highest safety standard possible is of the utmost importance to us. That’s why we’ve pioneered in-house dynamic testing and operate two world class facilities for car seats in Europe, and in 2017 launched one of the most modern and technically advanced crash test centres for child car seats worldwide.
Every pushchair model is tested extensively for various climate, temperature, weather and road conditions; squeaking and even a “bite” test on the bumper bar. In addition, we also set high restrictions to more than 500 chemicals carrying out tests by independent test laboratories according to our general test protocol, which covers all legal requirements such as REACH.
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Defining ships
A ship can be either a Cruiser or a Destroyer
Cruiser is drawn as the character 'C'
Destroyer is drawn as the character 'D'
Ships can be oriented ShipVertical or ShipHorizontal
>-- Type of ship>dataShipType=Cruiser|Destroyer>>-- what character is produced by the ship type>instanceProduceCharShipTypewhere> produceChar Cruiser='C'> produceChar Destroyer='D'>>-- How is the ship oriented on the board>dataShipOrientation=ShipVertical|ShipHorizontalderiving (Show, Eq, Ord, Bounded)
A cruiser is a square with a 'circle' at the one end (looks like an arrow)
A destroyer is a thinner square with 'circle' at either ends
Notice that we define the areas covered by ships using the Monoid append operator <> over Fill areas
The resultant Fill types produce respective ShipType values for the areas where they are defined
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Near Misses For Super Two Status
Some players with more than two and less than three years of service time go to arbitration, while others don't. Going to arbitration an extra time, the right earned by baseball's super two players, is a clear advantage; super twos earn more than others in their service class.
MLBTR's Tim Dierkes has learned that 19 players qualified for super two status this year. But what about the others, those who missed the cut by a couple of weeks or a couple of days? Here are the players who narrowly missed super two status in 2011 (I'm only counting those currently on the 40-man roster of an MLB team):
These players are now on track to go to arbitration three times and hit free agency after the 2015 season. However, many will be released and non-tendered over the course of the next four seasons.
Some players on this list bounced between the majors and the minors and just happen to have fallen short. Brian Burres, for example, has not been subject to service time manipulation. Others fell short for a reason. It's not a coincidence that McCutchen, Hanson and Beckham debuted within three days of one another in June, 2009. It's not a crime, either. Teams are operating within the collective bargaining agreement when they call players up strategically and service time is never the lone consideration for clubs.
Early in the 2009 season, before Wieters made his MLB debut, I explained why the Orioles might delay his callup until early June. "He won't accumulate more than 126 days service time. This would likely prevent him from becoming a Super Two and would likely save the Orioles millions of dollars in years ahead." As frustrating as it can be for fans to wait while MLB-ready prospects play in the minors, the Orioles weren't going to contend no matter what in 2009 and they are undoubtedly better off paying Wieters $500K than $3MM in 2012.
I bet the Pirates are insanely relieved that McCutchen missed Super Two. Same with the Braves for Hanson, D’Backs for Kennedy, and the O’s for Wieters. It’ll be saving those teams literally millions of dollars.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed gratitude towards the planet on the occasion of the International Earth Day, making a pledge
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed gratitude towards the planet on the occasion of the International Earth Day. Taking to Twitter, he pledged and urged others as well to work towards a healthier and prosperous planet. Along with it, amid the Coronavirus crisis, PM Modi gave a shoutout to all those people who are working at the frontlines to fight against the virus.
On International Day of Mother Earth, we all express gratitude to our planet for the abundance of care & compassion. Let us pledge to work towards a cleaner, healthier & more prosperous planet.
A shout out to all those working at the forefront to defeat COVID-19. #EarthDay2020
About Earth Day
International Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 to mark the importance of human beings and nature. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted the day in 2009 and a resolution was passed for the same. According to reports, the UNGA also recognized that it is necessary to promote and endorse the Earth and nature.
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