text:
My Random Thoughts
About Me
- Name: Morountodun
- Location: United Kingdom
A Naija Guy living (and loving) in the UK.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Nationality and Sport
Aba boy has written an excellent piece on why black people and immigrants would identify with the success of the French Team. The French team that started the match against Spain on Monday had seven black players in its starting line up. Of the eleven players who started, nine had parents who were not born on the French Mainland and were either first or second generation immigrants. Thierry Henry & William Gallas have parents that come from Guadeloupe while Lilian Thuram was actually born in Guadeloupe, Patrick Vieira's roots are Senegalese and is a naturalized Frenchman, Sidney Govou's parents come from the Republic of Benin, Florent Malouda was born in French Guiana, and Claude Makelele was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The French Manager has also stoked controversy by claiming that his team were subject to racist chants by Spanish fans before the match. This in addition to the awful comments the Spanish Manager Luis Aragones made in relation to Thierry Henry. Nkem at African Shirts said we are all Ghanian now, and yes early on Monday evening I was Ghanian, but from 8pm I became French.
On representing "your country" in Sporting Tournaments
Many Africans move to Europe and North America in search of a better life and many settle down in these places to raise families. The children of these immigrants then grow up as indigenes and for those who turn to sport may then end up representing these countries in whatever field they specialise in. An example of this is Freddy Adu, the teenage football prodigy who moved to the USA from Ghana at the age of eight. Barring injury or a totally unexpected dip in form, this teenager will probably be the Star of the 2010 world cup in South Africa while he represents the USA. (imagine my suprise in typing 'Adu' into google and the first entry is relating to Freddy? What happened to the global phenomena that is Sade?).
Other sportspeople face more complex decisions when choosing which country to represent as they may have moved to another country as an adult professional in search active support and development. Emmanuel Olisadebe represented Poland at the 2002 World Cup scoring for his adopted country while Nigeria failed to qualify for the second round of the tournament as we stuggled to cope with the aging talent of Nwankwo Kanu.
Francis Obikwelu born in Nigeria and after representing his country of birth in a couple of World Championships made a decision to run for Portugal because of neglect by Nigerian sports officials when he was injured while representing Nigeria. In the 2004 Olympic Games he won the silver medal in the 100m final for Portugal. When I watched that final I experienced complex emotions, pride for his acheivement, shame that he wasn't able to represent Nigeria and embarassment that I was 'claiming' a success that now belonged to Portugal.
In 2003 the BBC asked Does the Flag Matter? as many African athletes were representing and winning medals for other countries during the World Championships; Wilson Kipketer (800m) representing Denmark, Nigeria's Gloria Alozie (100m hurdles) for Spain and Sierra Leone lost silver medal winning heptathlete Eunice Barber to France.
Salomon Kalou was born in Cote d'Ivoire and moved to the Netherlands at age 17. Earlier this year he sought accelerated naturalization as a Dutch Citizen in order to play for Holland at this World Cup. This bid failed and he never got to play. Strangely enough the Netherlands and Côte d'Ivoire were allocated to the same group in the first round. If Kalou had become a Dutch citizen and was selected for the Netherlands, he could have played against his native country. Meanwhile in a case where reality is almost stranger than fiction his older brother, Bonaventure featured for Côte d'Ivoire in Germany. If the Côte d'Ivoire had the striking talent of the young Salomon perhaps they would have been the second African team in the Second round.
What is the future of African Sport when its best and most talented stars now choose to represent European and North American Countries? Should they retain a sense of patriotism despite the odds and continue to wave the flag of their countries of origin?
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Quick Post: Promiscuity and Nigerian Society
I came across a random piece of research into sexual behavior in Nigerian Society. In a study of 1000 young people in higher education institutions in Ilorin, Nigeria, it found casual sex to be more than 5 times more common among males than among females. What does this research actually tell us? I would probably infer that the Guys are being more truthful than the Girls. I showed it to my girlfriend who thinks that it means that there are a minority of girls who are letting the side down. Well methinks they are doing a good job of it as if the statistics are to be believed it means promiscuous girls are having five times as much sex as promiscuous guys (actually does 'promiscuous guys' qualify as tautology?).
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Spirituality and Soccer
Other avid watchers of the game will remember the stunned silence from German television commentators after the Brazilians knelt down together in a circle and prayed after winning the Confederations Cup. Fellow Nigerians will remember 'Brother' Taribo leading the Eagles in prayer before games in the 1998 World Cup. It has become a recognisable part of the sport with South American and African countries being particularly involved in collective prayer before and after games. Other football players have regularly attributed their success to prayer, while some when interviewed have admitted to praying before important matches.
In our everyday lives we pray to seek divine intervention in our human endeavour be it seeking good health, wealth, success in exams, improvement in the circumstances of an individual, group, country etc. In the majority of cases these interventions are for the advancement of an individual or group and not at the expense of another. The issue of prayer in Football is one that baffles me as if both teams are praying to the same God then surely one side will end up saying their prayers were not answered?. Isn't this selfish? I guess it would be okay if the prayers are seeking that the individuals involved perform to the best of their potential but when it comes to sport most of us believe its the success that counts and thus pray for the win.
The issue of prayer in sports was such a significant one that it was refered to the United States Supreme Court a few years ago where the Justices had to decide whether public school students should be allowed to lead prayers over the public-address system before football games.
UK residents will also be familiar with the antics of its tabloid newspapers regularly asking the nation to pray for intervention in the many football games or for the quick healing of someones metatarsal. In Mexico, Churches are leading their parishes to pray for the success of its team in the World Cup. Are we right to pray for success in football games? Surely God has more important issues to deal with.
Anyway I've blogged enough for one day, I'm off to bed now but must remember to pray for Ghana to beat USA on Thursday first though.
Friday, June 16, 2006
The Brazilian Wax
I had a not completely unwelcome suprise last night (well it was actually a very pleasant suprise if I'm honest). I won't go into the details but I'm sure you can guess from the topic what I'm talking about. I'm touched (and slightly worried) that my girlfriend went to these lengths to spice things up between us (I guess she needed to do something to take my mind off the football now I have a TV set and have paid the licence fee). But I've certainly started looking at her in a different light as having it done sounds like one of the most painful things on earth not to mention the obvious embarassment factor of exposing your bits to a stranger that isn't a doctor.
How to do the 'Brazilian'
It takes about 30 minutes for a thorough job to be done. There are quite a few beauty salons who do this 'procedure' in London but it may be pricey. An alternative is to go for the private waxers but you may have to find them through references from friends etc.
You will need to remove all clothing including underwear and lie on a table with clean paper or sheets. It is possible that you could be provided with a paper thong, but chances are you won't.
Because only about a quarter-inch of hair is needed for the wax to grab onto, your waxer will start by trimming your pubic (and anal) hair to the right length.
The best waxers are fast, which means less discomfort for you. The waxer will dip a waxing stick into a pot of hot wax & then spread it onto your skin & hair. She will then apply a cloth strip over the still-warm wax, pressing firmly so the cloth, hair and wax adhere to one another. When the wax has cooled, she will pull the strip off, in the opposite direction of your hair growth, pulling the hairs out by the root.
Most likely, your waxer will tweeze any stray hairs.
Waxing usually starts in the front & moves toward the back. Be prepared to move around in all sorts of odd positions in order for the waxer to do her job (would you rather have some random bloke do this?).
Once the waxing is over, the waxer will spread soothing lotion over the waxed areas. You should ask what to do in case of bumps, redness or ingrown hairs. Your waxer should be trained in this.
Don't forget to get the name of the waxer so when you make another appointment you can get the same person so you don't have to bare all for another complete stranger.
The procedure, like any waxing, can be very painful at first, but I understand frequent visits can cut down on the pain factor. I suggest taking a couple Ibuprofen at least 15 minutes before your procedure. You might want to take a shower first before going in order to ensure all the bits are clean and 'long hard day' funk free.
The major attractions of the full brazilian is that you won't have those clumps of hair sticking out of your bikini when on holiday (we all know Nigerians can be very hairy) and it can also be a major aphrodisiac.
The downside of a Brazilian wax while it lasts as much as 3 weeks, the hair will grow back & you'll have to do it again.
Another downside... hair has to be a certain length before it can sucessfully waxed.
Another down side... you might experience bumps or ingrown hairs.
Anyone interested?
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Church Attendance & Football
The second thing that struck me though was how empty that space was. I'm convinced the church could seat over a thousand people, but I doubt if there were more than 70-80 people in the service. I suppose the only way they could afford to pay the Reverend would be through central church funds. No big suprise that Churches are being converted to housing across the country.
Christian Country
In the 2001 Census, 72% of the population of Great Britain claimed to be Christians. This contrasts greatly with the reported only 8% of the population who attend regular church services. Indeed it is claimed that without the rise of Black Pentecostal Churches, attendance at church in the UK would be actually be falling.
Some Random thoughts & observations
Every week during the football season about 700,000 attend live football games in England (just the Premiership, Championship and leagues one and two) and another 1.25 million also watch the live games transmitted by Sky. This doesn't include the reported 4.5 million who watch Match of the Day. Some may remember World Cup 2002 where some churches put up screens for their attendees to watch the World Cup games on Sunday morning, others shifted their service times altogether to ensure they wouldn't clash with the football!. For those who live in the UK, I guess it will prove no big suprise that the figures suggest that Football is more popular in this country than the Church.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
TV Licensing, Superstitions and Football
Any follower of the game will know that last season was a poor one for Arsenal domestically. By the end of November last year, the team had lost more games than my blood pressure could handle. By Christmas when the losing trend hadn't abated I decided I couldn't handle the heat anymore so I gave my TV to my little cousin for his bedroom room and I cancelled my TV license. I'd convinced myself that by doing away with the TV I would no longer have to sit through Match of the Day and the frustrating action replays of our back four conceeding needless goals. I could also make positive use of my leisure time and enhance my social life.
The World Cup and TV Licensing
When I gave up my TV in Dec 05, it had always been my intention to acquire another one however temporarily to watch the World Cup. I also didn't know whether I would be able to handle not having a TV (imagine all those episodes of EastEnders I'd be missing!). Anyway the loss of a TV over the last few months has been cathartic and enabled me to wake up more alert as I no longer stay up till 1am watching re-runs of the Terminator on channel 4.
By the beginning of this month I had contacted my mate Steve to loan his extra TV for a month and I called TV licensing in a routine call to acquire a TV licence for a month to watch the World Cup. Imagine my suprise to find out the minimum period I can purchase a license for is a year! Awon Ole! After having a go at the Customer services rep at length I decided I wouldn't be exploited and chose to watch the games at my local pub. This obviously hasn't worked as my natural inclination to watch as many games as posible live has now meant I am on first name terms with the 7 bar staff, the manager and about 10-12 of the bar regulars. So today I relented and have called up TV licensing to set up a direct debit.
I have always been against the idea of a TV license on principle as I cannot understand why I should be forced to pay £130 odd just because the BBC can't be bothered to carry adverts and compete with the other commercial channels. One of my friends used to work for the BBC and her stories of the excesses of the senior staff and their charge accounts sets my blood boiling every time I think about it.
Lady Superstition
When watching football especially games I have an emotional attachment to, I have this strange irrational belief that my actions on my sofa can actually impact upon the results of the game. For the Champions league final vs Barcelona it was my fault Lehmann was sent off. I was hungry and Steve's beautiful wife offered me some aromatic and delicious J-Rice, what could a man do? I had to say yes, but I should have known better. I haven't eaten J-Rice during a game since 1998 when my J-Rice eating antics caused Nigeria to lose 4-1 to Denmark. I used to think this was a strange eccentricity of mine but one of my friends, an Arsenal mad Ghanian chick refuses to leave the country when Arsenal have home games as if she does so the team always loses.
Since relenting and buying the TV licence this afternoon (I swear once the World Cup is over I will cancel that Direct Debit and return the TV to Steve, those thieves at the BBC will not get more than the £26 first instalment from me), I went to Steve's place to pick up the spare TV and set it up and within 2 minutes of turning it on saw Tunisia equalise against Saudi Arabia. Now all I have to do is go root out my lucky Nike T-Shirt (which I haven't worn since December by the way) and settle down to watch the remaining 47 games. Perhaps the African countries will do better now as I have also sworn off J-Rice till 10th July.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Six Degrees of Separation
I discovered blogging less than three weeks ago. For those of you who have been at it for a few months/years now go on and say it a la Dr Cox, I am a "newbie". I discovered a couple of blogs, I liked the articles and thought to put up some random observations of my own. My parents are Nigerians who choose to settle in the UK in the seventies and have since reared myself and my siblings in London. I have had the fortune to also spend about 8 years in Nigeria and thus identify myself primarily as a Nigerian. Eva Hoffman once said "Every immigrant becomes a kind of amateur anthropologist" and it is with this dual viewpoint I observe the world around me.
One of the things that has intrigued me in the last few weeks is how similar my views are to some of the bloggers I have chosen to repeatedly visit their sites (I'm not stalking you guys, I promise). In the main the articles have been very well written by amateurs to this trade (apart from a couple of notable exemptions) and I am impressed at how articulate, humourous and intellectual my fellow Nigerians are. So far I have limited myself to blogs from people of the Nigerian Community, but I must admit that in the next few weeks I'm looking forward to exploring other options with blogs around my interests as opposed to just my background (any ideas for how to seek these blogs are welcome guys).
Degrees of Separation
I'm sure most of us have heard of the theory of Six degrees of Separation where everyone on the planet can be connected to another random person through six social acquantances. Its also called the small world phenomenon and there is a hollywood game named after this where you have to go from Denzel Washington to say Tom Cruise in the least amount of steps (Denzel acted in 'Philadelphia' with Tom Hanks who acted in 'The Terminal' with Chi Mcbride who once acted in 'The Practice' with Steve Harris who acted in 'Minority Report' with Tom Cruise - anyone got a shorter connection?).
I would argue that with the Nigerian community the number of steps required to jump from one Nigerian to another halves the number to about three despite the fact that there are over 150million of us. One of the things I've found interesting is how on visiting these blogs I've seen people who will know people I know (in 3 cases I've found my girlfriend or I know actually know the blogger, you might chose to ostensibly remain anonymous but its interesting how much you can reveal the more you say). We all go to the same schools (Buckingham, South Bank Uni etc) we go to the same parties/clubs and visit the same restaurants. Hell one of you guys reading this might have even been at the barbeque I was at in North London yesterday!
My Dilemma
I have spent nine years of my life in Universities in both the UK and in Nigeria. If I am going to include other Higher education such as A levels, Short courses etc I dread to think how high that number could go to. Its interesting that my current job doesn't necessarily require a University degree more my years of experience in the field, but thats another story. The reason I bring up University is that during my first degree, I met one of my closest friends lets call her 'Bola' (who ever said that men and women can't be friends lied). I've known her for over ten years and our 'relationship' has become a bit of a support system. Sometimes we don't see each other for months, other times she's in my place every other day and I'm in hers.
A couple of years ago Bola started dating 'David'. It so happens I knew David tangetially from my masters but wasn't involved in them getting together. Unfortunately Bola and David broke up a few months later and I heard all sorts of awful things about David from Bola that I never previously knew about. I bumped into David at the Bar-b-que yesterday and he practically blanked me. Chei? Wetin concern me inside? I asked one of my homeboys about it later and he reckons David holds me responsible for their break-up. How far? So right about now I'm in a bit of a dillema as whether to pick up the phone and call David (I'm sure I could get his number somewhere) or just leave it all alone. Man life hard O!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Identity Pt3: Language and Accents
In reading blogs of the Nigerian Community in the last couple of weeks I've come across quite a few A-Z Meme articles. From what I understand its one line questions A to Z which the respondent has to reply to in order to get some insight into their likes, dislikes and nature. Apparently when you have written yours you also need to 'tag' someone else (and no I'm not going to whinge right now about how I haven't been tagged and am feeling unloved, sob). The first item on the list is Accent. What I've found interesting is the amount of people who have either described their accent as 'Nigerian/British' or 'None' (how can you have no accent? none at all?).
An important element of personal identity is the way we speak, what language we speak in, any dialects and our accent. Anyone who has watched 'My Fair Lady' will know that most of us have regional inflections in our speech that may not be obvious to the 'neutral' observer but a trained professional would be able to pick out. It is argued that the 'Upper-class' have regionless accents but my counter arguement would be class in addition to region is another element of accent.Some of us are able to change the way we speak, especially we have had reason to move around from one region or country to the next, but most of us carry at least some trace of our accent and dialect origins with us all of our lives (some of us more than others).
On Faking the funk, Switching and Conc Naija Accents
On my first visit to New York in 1998, I stayed with a friend who had just moved to the states two years earlier. One of the things I noticed was how in speaking to me he would adopt a 'Naija' mode and when we went to shops etc and he had to interact with Americans he would 'switch' to an American accent that I couldn't distinguish from that of a native New Yorker. I asked him why he did this and his answer was he wanted to 'blend' and not stick out. Hmn.
I'm sure we have all come across 'Broda Kenny' who arrived in London last month for the first time and has already started spicing his every statement with 'init though' and 'yer know what I mean'. Why Broda Kenny is trying to 'blend' I have no idea as the Ibadan tribal marks on his face will always ensure that we know where he comes from. I call the Broda Kenny example 'faking the funk'.
In the last year I've taken to Naija Hip-Hop in a big way mainly on the back of the influence of my two favorite Nigerian bands Styl-Plus and PSquare. I must admit howver to prefering the music of PSquare as they are unpretentious and don't feel the need to 'blow Fhonee' on their songs (this is obviously my main gripe with some of the new naija hip-hop bands but thats another story).
I once worked for three months for the Employment agency and I worked with a guy called 'Ade'. This guy had one of the strongest Yoruba Accents I've heard on this side of the Atlantic. What impressed me about this dude is that he stuck to his guns and refused to fake the funk. Only ignorant people chose to act like they couldn't understand his English, but I found it no more convoluted than that of a 'Scouser' or a Mancunian. Fortunately he didn't do the Oyo thing where they stick the H in where there wasn't one and take it out where there was one, as in the "Enry, 'elp me 'ook my bra. 'Ook it. Ook it" fashion. Anyway Egbon Ade reminds me of the MC Lyte lyrics "...you can't be what you're not, so you better start living with what you got..." Nuff Respect!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Hoaxes, Satire and Confidence Tricks
In October 1938, a young and at that point relatively unknown theatre director Orson Welles deceived a nation into thinking that Martians were invading the United States. Whether this was something he did intentionally or not we will never know as in the subsequent furore he did conflicting news interviews relating to his original intentions. The radio play was "The War of the Worlds" a H. G. Wells novel that has recently been made into a film by Steven Spielburg featuring Tom Cruise. The show was presented as a series of news bulletins in a style which perpetuated the resultant confusion. In the climate of fear of the late 1930s in the lead up to the Second world war many listeners were taken in and in the hours following the broadcast there was confusion and panic in parts of the USA particularly the New York area.
I was listening to the radio last night and was fortunate to tune into Down the Line on BBC Radio between 11 and 11:30pm. The show was presented as a real life talk radio, with listeners able to call in to discuss the issues the host raised at the beginning of the show. As the show wore on it became clear to me that something funny was going on. The discussion was about equality and it touched on the issues of female drinking to excess and their ability to give consent when drunk. It finally dawned on me that the whole show was probably a wind up when Felix Dexter (formerly of the Real McCoy) came on in his Nigerian alter ego and asked for all women to be locked up indoors by their spouses. While the host dealt with him as an insane caller the spell was finally broken. Looking at the message board for the show there were loads of people who had similarly been initially taken in and thus felt the need to write in to complain about this act of deception by the BBC. Bill and Grace wrote in to say "This is just dreadful! I have signed up to the message board just to express my consternation. It was clear within two minutes of listening to this new programme that it is a spoof - (not sure of what). It is just very very boring. Have googled it, and it seems the BBC press department have promoted it as real live phone in - which it is absolutely not. I am flabbergasted at its awfulness! What ARE they trying to achieve? Sorry - I'll shut up now. But it really is bad."
Anyway this leads me to Osuofia's "I go chop your Dollar" that I commented about a few days ago. After putting up the article I got a response from Kunle stating the video was part of the publicity for a film called "The Master". This caused me to see if I could find out more information about it and have since realised that the video is an attempt at spoofing the issue of Confidence fraud. Since I came across the piece out of context, I think I should be excused for not realising that its a spoof that was done as part of the promotion for a film . However I suppose a simple google search for "I go chop your dollar would have lead me here. So I apologise, I obviously need to do more research in the future before I form and publish certain opinions. I think my zeal to ensure that Nigeria is promoted in a positive light by Nigerians caused me to lash out. Yes, our beloved country has problems that still need sorting out but if all we do to continue to focus all the negatives - and they are aplenty - then it will become increasingly difficult to attract external investment. Oh and by the way I find I'm not the only one who misinterpreted the video's intentions. See an article from the Chicage Tribune here.
Zadie Smith & the Orange Prize
Its third time lucky for Zadie Smith winning the Orange Prize for her novel "On Beauty". She had previously been shortlisted for her novels "the Autograph man" in 2003 and "White Teeth" in 2000. White Teeth was made into a TV mini series in 2002. The prize is for female writers and is accompanied by £30, 000. Our own Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was on the Shortlist in 2004 and missed out to the excellent book Small Island by Andrea Levy, one of my most recent favourites. I wish Chimamanda all the best with her next novel "Half of a Yellow Sun" which I have already pre ordered on Amazon - its out on September 12.
On Beauty is a very well written story of two academics who are bitter rivals, one the white, English and liberal Howard Belsey, the other Trinidadian right wing academic Monty Kipps. The book is about family relationships, dealing with spousal infidelity, an exploration of affirmative action and academia. Its not as funny as White Teeth but I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for an exploration of the issues of class, race and relationships.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
There ain't no black in the Union Jack...
If you live in London then its unlikely that you have missed the Cross of St George that has been hanging out of about 5% of the Cars on the Roads since the beginning of the week (my estimate based on a sample of made up of all the cars going down Streatham High Road last night in a fifteen minute period, yep I'm officially crazy!). By Saturday evening some of these cars will have an accompanying soundtrack (the Eng-er-land, Eng-er-land, Eng-er-land chant of the football supporter) hopefully celebrating a win over Paraguay in that tournament that will shortly be starting in Germany (my girlfriend says I should try to reduce the amount of times I mention its name) .
There has been a lot of writing about the ubiquitous nature of the flag in the last few weeks, Asda alone expect to sell a quarter of a million flags by the end of the tournament and Tesco recently had to do a U-Turn after previously banning their delivery drivers from displaying England Flags in their Cabs. Meanwhile in a recent survey of adults in England aged 18+, a whopping 80% did not know when St Georges Day is (April 23). Imagine this happening in Nigeria, this many people not knowing when independence day is? Uncle Sege would personally take out all the failed respondents and flog them himself. What Nonsense. However perhaps a more useful test for me should be to stop all the white van men and ask them when St Georges Day is. Will the percentage increase I ask myself?
Anyway I raised the issue of buying a flag to put on my car (as a sign of solidarity of the efforts of the English lads in Germany) with my girlfriend and she was dead set against it. Her feeling is that the flag has been too closely associated with the BNP for her to ever feel comfortable with flying it. I however pointed out that this was the Union Jack (the UK flag) and not the St George's Cross (the English flag) but she refused to accept the distinction. Now in 2002, I purchased a Nigerian flag (Bedsheet size) and draped it in my living room during the world cup -oops sorry darling it just slipped out - I only stopped short of putting it in my window as I feared getting my windows smashed (if you remember England played Nigeria that year). So I definitely consider myself patriotic. Unfortunately the Super Green Eagles are not in the tournament this year so I am having to realign my affiliations.
During my sojourn on Streatham High Road yesterday I only saw one black man with the England Flag and even he had his white girlfriend sitting next to him. So I guess it got me thinking how many Nigerians will be flying the England Flag over the next few weeks?
Oh and yes I know I've cheated with my title. The article is predominantly about the St Georges Cross and I've stuck up a title that refers to the Union Jack but I just couldn't resist it. "There ain't no black in the Union Jack" is the title of a Paul Gilroy book into race relations in the UK in the eighties, but before that it was used in a racist chant of the National Front in the 1970's.
Timothy Garton Ash of the Guardian in an article titled In our search for Britishness, we should put out more flags - or none argues that the Union Jack left him feeling cold and he discusses his resentment of what it represents to him but then goes on to argue for increased use of flags in the UK. So what is it like for Nigerians living in the UK? Should we feel unpatriotic for wanting to support England or if we are choosing to stay here for a long while should we be playing a part in reclaiming the flag from those that resent our very presence on these shores?
PS: I've just heard on Radio 4 that even Tessa Jowell (British Minister for Sport) has just put out a flag on her official car.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Identity Pt2: Race and Religion
I once attended a training course where the ice breaker asked all the delegates to describe themselves in seven words or phrases ie fun-loving, creative. Of the ten delegates all three black delegates chose to mention 'black'. None of the white delegates used their race to define themselves in the exercise. The one asian female in the room included 'muslim' in her description. Everyone mentioned their gender. Of course people said party-animal, mother-of-three etc but thats not really the area I'd like to focus on here. It was interesting discussing the results with the group and finding out why each of the elements was important to each of the individuals and why all the elements that make us minorities came up. I subsequently discussed this with a friend who is from eastern Nigeria and studied in the University of Lagos in the nineties. He said while in University he thought of himself as 'Igbo' but since living in the UK he has increasingly considered himself black.
In response to the first article, Sola Baale said "the Jews, over the years and centuries have lived in several places (Russia, Germany, Britain, everywhere in short), yet they tag themselves as Jews and perhaps prefixing with the place they live in e.g (Russian jew) to reflect influences and sense of belonging". Thus it seems they are Jews first and Russians, Britons etc second. Malcolm X opined in his autobiography how from visiting Mecca he had a sense of brotherhood with Muslims irrespective of their colour or place of origin. These sentiments have been echoed by some of my friends who are muslims who have stated they think of themselves as Muslims first before their nationality be it Pakistani, Indian or British.
The one-drop rule was developed in the American Southern States where even a single drop of "black blood" makes a person "black". It was initially conceived as a racist means of classification and also to ensure that the children of slaves by Slave owners would still be slaves. For African Americans, the one-drop system of racial classification became a tool for ethnic solidarity uniting blacks and people of mixed race background under the umbrella of Black. In South Africa during apartheid the population was classified into four groups: Black, White, Indian, and "Coloured". The coloured group was for people of mixed racial parentage and due to the flawed system of classification members of the same family could find themselves in different race groups. The term 'coloured' continues to be used in South Africa in the post-apartheid era. Over here in the UK some British people consider the term Coloured to be pejorative or, at least, out-moded (everytime I've been called coloured its been by someone over seventy who still believes they are being liberal). There is a collection of writing on some of the internal conflicts that take place within people of a multi-racial background who are more prone to being asked to choose which aspect of their cultural history they would mostly like to identify with. The term "identity crisis" was also coined to describe this internal conflict.
In the midst of the madness of my last 100 words I've been trying to explore how we think of our selves and how the world we live in perceives us. I remember recently when the BBC were exploring the results of the Macpherson report they were seeking an images that would portray black people as a visual with the narative as a backdrop and they used visuals of various club events. That really worried me as I'm sure if the researchers had even tried they could have come up with more positive images of black people (come on doesn't anyone go to church as much as black people!). Any Nigerian male that has been to clubs in Northern UK will be familiar with being asked if they have any weed for sale, Nigerian females tourists in Spain will probably be familiar with being followed in stores by the store detectives or being taken for prostitutes on the streets. We are probably all familiar with being expected to know all Bob Marley song lyrics 'jus cause we is black'.
To what extent is our appreciation of ourselves impacted upon by social stereotypes, how do the media depictions of 'black' culture impact upon our desire for equity, what is the effect of the corporate packaging of black culture as being hip, what image do we see when we look at ourselves in the mirror and would this image be different if we lived in a different country? All these questions and more are just running round my head right now and I just don't have enough time to put them all down.
Friday, June 02, 2006
I got up early this morning and chose to use the time before I had to depart for work looking at some videos on You Tube. I came across the Osuofia video above called "I go chop your Dollar". A friend tells me the video has been doing the rounds by email for a while so forgive me if you have seen it before. Osuofia for those who aren't that acquainted with him is the stage name for Nkem Owoh a Nollywood actor, reportedly one of the Nollywood crowd with the biggest profile outside of Nigeria, mainly due to the success of Osuofia in London which has been shown repeatedly on BEN TV and other external Nigerian TV stations.
The Video is attempting to be a hilarious look at 419 scams (Confidence fraud) from the point of view of the fraudster recognising that in the main people who are taken in are the greedy and the stupid. Personally I think its socially irresponsible for such a high profile Nigerian Celebrity to wade into this debate on the side of the fraudsters. At this critical time in our nations march towards progress and remarketing itself as a place to do business, its really the last thing that is needed. The scams are called 419 after the section of the Nigerian Criminal Code that covers Fraud. I'm suprised that Uncle Sege (alias Baba Iyabo) hasn't had him picked up already.


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The World of San Bernardino
The World of San Bernardino
It is not possible to live in Tuscany without becoming familiar with San Bernardino's emblem: its golden rays, encircling the monogram YHS, are still set on the front wall of the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena but they may also be seen in much less stately places: above the doorway of small country churches, over wayside shrines, on the wall of some crumbling farm or castle, or on the vault of what was perhaps once a chapel and is now a stable or a cellar. This is where San Bernardino came, the emblem tells; this is where he spoke.
His face, too, is almost equally familiar. He lived in an age of great painters and - since he was canonized only six years after his death and the cities and convents in which he had preached all wanted a picture or a statue of him as soon as possible - his portraits were painted by men who had known him by sight or, soon after, by artists who scrupulously followed these models. Sassetta, perhaps the most Franciscan in spirit of the Sienese painters, was working during San Bernardino's lifetime in the Convento dell'Osservanza near Siena which he had founded, and only seven months after the saint's death, painted a portrait of him in the oratory of the Ospedale della Scala, where he had nursed the plaguestricken in his youth. This, however, has unfortunately been destroyed and the only extant portrait certainly painted from the living model is the one by Sassetta's pupil, Pietro di Giovanni d'Ambrogio, when the saint, although only forty-six years old, had already the looks of an old man. (Plate 1). This, with a wooden bust by an anonymous contemporary and the pictures by Sano di Pietro and Vecchietta, are the models on which subsequent portraits of him were based. In all of them we see the same small spare figure, the straight thin neck above the wide cowl, the hollow cheeks -

subset: commoncrawl


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09/01/18: £7,119 boost for Weeting community facilities
Improvements to two Weeting community facilities can go ahead after grants totalling £7,119 were approved by Breckland councillors.
The £4,000 grant to Weeting Bowls Club will enable the toilets to be moved into the changing rooms, which are only used occasionally; this will create more space in the club area and provide improved access to a second fire escape. The toilets will also be refurbished and a new disabled toilet added.
Carol Newman, Treasurer of the Bowls Club said: "This is great news for the Club. We've had feedback from local users and visiting groups about the poor state of the toilets, so we're keen to get going with the work as soon as possible."
Cllrs William Nunn and Sam Chapman-Allen, Breckland Council ward members for Weeting with Broomhill said: "It's important that we support these community facilities, as they provide a central meeting place where residents can socialise and keep active. Providing modern and hygienic facilities as well as increasing the useable space will enable the club to attract new members and continue to thrive."
The £3,119 award to Weeting Village Hall will enable its failing heating system to be repaired and new radiators installed. Clubs currently using the hall include keep fit, knit and knatter, over 60's and a local drama group who stage shows there twice yearly.
Karen Scott, Treasurer of the Village Hall Committee explained: "There are around 20 local groups currently using the hall. Our existing gas heaters don't work properly so the hall no longer provides a comfortable environment for them in cold weather. This especially affects our older residents."
Cllr Mike Nairn, who lives in the village, supported the application: He said: "I came to Weeting in 1978 and I think that the system is the same as when I arrived. The village hall is a valuable asset within the village and wider community, and is used daily for events and activities, so I support this application wholeheartedly."
The cost of renewal is estimated at £6,238, which will provide a more eco-friendly and energy efficient system; £2,000 will be donated by the Friends of Weeting Village Hall with the balance made up from Committee reserves.
For more information about grants from Breckland Council, contact the Norfolk Community Foundation who administer the funds on Breckland's behalf - tel 01603 623958, email firstname.lastname@example.com or visit www.norfolkfoundation.com/funds/breckland-council-community-funding
Last updated: 30/04/2018 10:56:54


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On Monday, July 13, the Anishinabe women Water Walkers arrive at Victoria Island, on their 10th Anniversary of a 3,500 km walk from Matane, Quebec to Madeline Island, Wisconsin. They walk to celebrate the connection to the water and educate the public about the need to protect the integrity of the waterways along the route. Events are from 9am to 4pm. Details
at www.waterwalkersunited.com.
About this Page
Our goal is to inform members of the congregation, young and not so young, and members of the general public, about major issues related to the well-being of Aboriginal People in Canada. Local organization partners could include the Minwaashin Shelter, the Odawa Centre, Wabano Centre, and Inuit Tungasuvvingat Community Centre. This initiative was chosen by the congregation as its Social Responsibility focus for 2015-2017.


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Cultural Resources Management
- Meet the Kalispel Natural Resource Dept.
- Overview
- Agricultural Program
- Fisheries and Water Resources Division
- Wildlife and Terrestrial Resources Division
- Northern Pike
- Hunting and Fishing
- GeoData
- Staff Directory
- Links
- Photo Gallery
- Air Quality
- Caribou
- Indian Creek Community Forest
- 2018 Flood Preparedness
- Sxʷuytn (Trail) - Tribal Forest Protection Act
The Cultural Resources Division, which falls under the Kalispel Natural Resources Department (KNRD), is charged with the identification and protection of significant archeological resources. Through consultation and in collaboration with federal, state and private parties, the division seeks to identify historically significant places and assess their cultural and scientific contribution to the Tribe with the ultimate goal of protecting these resources for future generations.


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Eighteen of New York's top technology innovators from state and local governments were recently selected by the Center for Digital Government, a division of e.Republic, to be the recipients of its esteemed Best of New York awards. The annual awards recognize superior contributions and distinction in the information technology arena.
Eighteen of New York's top technology innovators from state and local governments were recently selected by the Center for Digital Government, a division of e.Republic, to be the recipients of its esteemed Best of New York awards. The annual awards recognize superior contributions and distinction in the information technology arena.
This year's winners were chosen from dozens of entries submitted for the 2008 Best of New York awards program. Final selections were made based on criteria that included collaboration among organizations, innovative uses of technology and projects that best advance services provided to the public.
"This year's Best of New York portfolio reflects another harvest of technological innovation that makes cyberspace more secure, communities safer and more connected, and commutes shorter," said Paul Taylor, chief strategy officer for the Center. "The public sector IT community solved some hard problems, helped green government operations and made a difference in the residents' experience with their government."
"New York can be proud of the innovation, creativity and collaboration evident in this year's award winners and nominees from both state and local government. This is an area of public service that gets far too little recognition, so it is particularly gratifying to see the spotlight shinning on these information technology professionals who make government work, and make it work better," said Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, chief information officer and director of the Office for Technology for the state of New York.
The following Best of New York recipients will be honored by the Center at a formal awards ceremony on March 19:
IT Championship Award
Martin F. Horn, commissioner, NYC Department of Probation & Correction
IT Governance Award
NYS Integrated Justice Advisory Board
Excellence in Technology Promoting Economic Development
Board of Directors, Finger Lakes Regional Telecommunications Development Corporation
Ontario County, New York
Excellence in Project Management
Brenda Breslin, director, NYS Enterprise Program Management Office, NYS CIO/OFT
Excellence in Rapid Project Delivery
Nancy J. Campbell, assistant director, IT Services, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
Excellence in IT Operations, Support and Service
NYSeMail Team, NYS CIO/OFT
Project Best Advancing Department/Agency Business Objectives
CIRIS - Critical Infrastructure Response Information System, NYS Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure Coordination
Project Best Advancing Service to the Public
Metropolitan Transportation Authority NYC Transit Trip Planner, New York City Transit
Traffic Ticket ePlead, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Project Demonstrating Best IT Collaboration among Organizations
NYCAPS - The New York City Automated Personnel System, NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, Department of Citywide Administrative Services, Financial Information Services Agency, Office of Payroll Administration, Office of Labor Relations, Comptroller and Department of Education.
NYSVoter Statewide Voter Database, NYS Board of Elections
Project Demonstrating Most Innovative Use of Technology
The VE-IT Virtual Economy and Backbone, CUNY's Kingsborough Community College Institute for Virtual Enterprise
TC3's Mobile Initiative, Tompkins Cortland Community College
Green IT Award
IT Greening Efforts, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Server Virtualization Project, NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications
Green Map Project, Westchester County, New York
Special Award for Excellence in Public Safety
NY-ALERT, NYS Emergency Management Office
Notify NYC, NYC Office of Emergency Management, Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, and the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit


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Welcome to USA FIT Tampa Bay! We are a training program designed with the goal of completing Half and Full Marathons. Our coaches are devoted to getting you in the best shape of your life in a non-intimidating, fun, and safe environment. Upon joining, you will receive day-by-day training schedules, Saturday morning group runs, access to trained coaches, informal seminars and a USA Fit Tampa Bay T-shirt.
Ask anyone who has completed their goal of getting in shape or finishing a half or full marathon, and I'm sure they will tell you it has truly changed his/her life. You will feel more fit, happier, and mentally much stronger; all in a short 25 weeks.
Whether you are a couch potato, walker, casual jogger, or marathon veteran, this marathon training program is the most enjoyable, most inspiring, and most efficient way to get in the best shape of your life. Join us!
- Easy-to-follow training schedule
- Seminars at most of our weekly training runs
- Knowledgeable and supportive head coaches and assistant coaches
- Saturday morning group runs
If you are on our mobile version and would like to register, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click "View Full Site"


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The INSIDER Summary:
• It's no surprise that the happiest place on Earth is a popular spot for honeymooners.
• Hooneymooners get a "just married" button, which in turn often gets them freebies and preferential treatment.
• Several travel agencies will plan your ideal Disney stay for you.
For some newlyweds, the honeymoon is all about some serious just-the-two-of-us quality time. Other couples, however, want to spend every day of their honeymoon with each other -- and about 50,000 other people. But not just any 50,000 people. They want to share their honeymoons with about 50,000 fellow Disney fanatics: Disney park-goers, Disney park and resort staff members, and Disney characters who are decked out in makeup and costumes. Honeymooners who sleep at Disney resorts, devote their days to Disney parks, and dine at Disney restaurants are known as Disneymooners, and they lovingly refer to their post-wedding vacation as their Disneymoon. But what is a Disneymoon, exactly, and how does it work? How does one (or, rather, how do two) go about planning a honeymoon-meets-Disney-extravaganza? We asked authorized Disney planners who launched into their "happily ever after" at Disney World to explain every step of the Disneymoon way.
Why Disney
If there's ever a time to indulge in some sexy, selfish, adult-only fun, it's the honeymoon, right? Many couples toast their union by luxuriating at a no-kids-allowed all-inclusive resort in some tropical latitude or by splurging on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to bucket-list destinations, like Fiji or the Maldives. So what, then, is the appeal of going a place where the bride or groom (or both) have undoubtedly visited countless times? A place swarming with adrenalized kids, exhausted parents, and uber-perky, real-life versions of childhood icons? One reason is Disney's famous obsession with details, which is applied to couples celebrating their wedding with as much devotion — if not more — as it is to families experiencing the park for the first or 15th time.
"There's something really special about a vacation where literally every detail can be planned out for you, with your pure enjoyment as the only driving factor," explains Meredith Wilcox, a Pennsylvania writer and photographer who Disneymooned in 2016. "My husband and I both work in customer service, so we really appreciate that attention to detail." Disney's tourist-friendly infrastructure and easy accessibility mean that there are fewer fine points for visitors to worry about, which opens up a lot of energy for, well, relaxing and having fun.
If a honeymoon is a celebration of new beginnings and a new life together, then going somewhere ensconced in both parties' personal pasts may seem backward on some level. But the nostalgia factor is a huge driving force for Disneymooners. "Disney World is my absolute favorite place on earth," says Nicole Patterson Smith, a travel agent with Starts With A Wish Travel. "Nowhere else can compare. My now-husband and I got engaged there in 2014, so it was a no-brainer for us to return to celebrate our marriage. We considered splitting up our Disneymoon by staying half the trip on a Disney property and then taking a week-long Disney cruise, but ultimately decided to stay a full 16 days in Walt Disney World."
Consider the sense of escapism you get from watching a Disney movie. In 90 minutes, you are transported to another world filled with lovable characters who face, then overcome, calamity. The settings range from ancient China to Victorian London to 1920s New Orleans, but one thing is for sure: there is always a happy ending. Couples who immerse themselves in the fantasy -- just days after they've exchanged vows -- are enjoying perhaps the ultimate form of escapism, but are also making a sort of pilgrimage to what could be considered the highest shrine of hope and everlasting optimism.
How to Plan a Disneymoon
Most Disneymooners are bona fide Disney lovers who know every nook and cranny of the park. After about 15 trips, Smith considers herself a Disney pro. And Wilcox describes herself as "one of those 'Disney people.'" She relied on her own Disney World knowledge from previous trips, but also Pinterest and Disney-focused blogs (Disney Tourist Blog is her favorite) throughout the planning process. "The free My Disney Experience app is absolutely crucial to have when planning a trip to Disney World," she says. "It helps you plan rides for each day using their FastPass system, plus you can even make all your meal reservations through it. We were never disappointed or unpleasantly surprised by a restaurant since we could see the entire menu, from home, months before we left." She points out that there are plenty of traditional assistance modes, too. "There is a concierge at every hotel, and kiosks throughout the parks with cast members who can help you plan out your entire day, ride by ride."
For Disneymooners who prefer a less DIY route, there are several travel agencies wholly dedicated to Disney. They help cut the guesswork — and prep work — by helping guests map out their days. Some, like New Jersey-based Academy Travel, also include extras like private dining, golf, VIP tours, and spa sessions in their itineraries. "Disney can be very overwhelming and frustrating if you don't know everything before you go," says Smith. Joleen Fernald, a senior agent at Key to the World Travel, points out that because "dining reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance, couples [should] start planning their trip around around 210 days (about seven months), so that Advanced Dining Reservations can be made as soon as that 180-day window is open." She cautions couples to work with authorized agencies that concentrate on Disney destinations (both Academy Travel and Key to the World Travel are authorized Disney Vacation Planners). "I heard about an agent who didn't specialize in Disney travel, and who didn't get FastPasses (during a very busy time of year) for her guests because she thought you just do it in the parks," she says. "This is a huge disservice to her guests who relied on her for expert advice. We take care of all the Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) and FastPasses as well as itineraries based upon least crowded parks for no additional charge [versus] what booking directly through Disney costs."
Where to Stay
"One thing I do regret was not splurging on a fancier resort," says Wilcox. "We went into the trip with the mentality that we would just be using the room to sleep and not much more, but in reality, we cut a couple park days short and just relaxed. That's when it would have been nice to have had nicer accommodations!"
Here are a few of our honeymoon-worthy hotel recommendations for (mostly) grown-up stays:
The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's crown jewel, is as elegant as it is expensive. Its upscale restaurants, full-service spa, and formal decor appeal more to adults than children.
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney's most unique resorts. It's modeled after an East African safari lodge -- giraffes and gazelles roam freely around the grounds. But keep in mind that it's farther from Epcot and Magic Kingdom than other properties.
Disney's Old Key West Resort offers a beautiful, riverside setting and apartment-style rooms not too far from the crowds and craziness of Disney.
Disney Port Orleans Resort - Riverside has a beautiful (even romantic) setting that makes it a great pick for the price. Smith and her husband stayed in one of the Royal Rooms for the duration of their 16-night stay. "This was by far my favorite resort we've ever stayed in. It was absolutely spectacular!"
Briana Hayes, a honeymoon specialist at Academy Travel, points out that on-site resorts come with plenty of perks, including special park hours, free airport transfers, free transportation within the parks, and free parking.
Famous Freebies: Fact or Fiction?
The post-nuptial perks at Planet Disney are somewhat of a fairy tale. "A misconception I read about quite often is that if you wear one of the 'I'm celebrating!' buttons from your Disney front desk (ours read 'Happily Ever After!' with our wedding date), proverbial magical doors will open to you," says Wilcox. "While we did get a few free perks — a dessert spread at Mama Melrose's in Hollywood Studios, free Champagne at California Grill — and cast members regularly congratulated us, that was pretty much the extent of any special treatment. And, that was okay! We didn't expect people to bend over backwards for us. It makes me a little sad that people sometimes leave Disney World disappointed when they have crazy expectations that aren't met."
"We were treated very well by other guests and especially cast members," says Smith, who, along with her husband, wore the "just married" button throughout her stay. "We were gifted many snacks and a FastPass, courtesy of Mickey. We even received a second ride on Dumbo — they just let us stay on and ride again." (Another way the Smiths publicized their newlywed status? Wearing their tux and wedding dress to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the annual Halloween celebration at the Magic Kingdom).
Regarding the impact of the just-married buttons, Fernald offers this explanation: "It is up to the discretion of the resort and cast members in the parks whether any additional upgrades or surprises are offered. This is very inconsistent and truly based upon the cast member."


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Did you get to see the most wanted bird in North America in early 2015? A beautiful adult Ivory Gull, a bird of the arctic north, was spotted on the Mississippi River near Quincy, Illinois in early January. Birders from across the Midwest raced to see the rarity. Did you get IVGU on your list in 2015? Commemorate this special bird with our original medallion-style design. You can customize this gift! Move the design around, change the background color or style, add your own personalized text or images. View larger image
Quincy Ivory Gull Stainless Steel Flask: Make traveling fun with this sturdy customizable flask. Made with 100% stainless steel, you can personalize this classic flask with your own text or images for a flask perfectly designed and fitted to your hip pocket. Makes a great gift for all occasions including weddings, birthdays, and special events! Check out other products with this design or view all drinkware.
Quincy Ivory Gull Stainless Steel Flask by Birder Gifts
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This flask with our Quincy Ivory Gull design is made-to-order by Zazzle.com. Zazzle offers 100% money back guarantee on our high quality Cute Union products. In case you are not happy with your purchase, you can always return your flask for an exchange or refund within 30 days of receipt. See customer service for more information.


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How was your weekend...do anything special or fun? Relax? Cook? We'd love to hear!
this comfortable and warm black and eggshell colored striped sweater (also: Dear Loft, have your sizes gotten smaller and smaller? I'm barely 5' tall and the small size looked like a child's sweater on me!) The sweater comes in a variety of striped colors, and I adore the sweet buttons on the shoulder, giving it a 1940s feel. I wore the sweater with black skinny pants (also Loft) and my old black boots. It was simple, but so warm!


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Ciracle Skincare Blogger of the Month (March 2015)
Oh yes! The Trend Boutique Official Blog surprised us with this feature! I feel so much LOVE :)
We made it in ESSENTIAL MACAU (AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 ISSUE)- the leading international luxury magazine in Asia
Click the e-magazine link http://www.calameo.com/read/0000279425a3881cf55c0 for my contribution (Page 119)
I also created this site for some interactive updates.. please do visit C & G Lifestyle Media!
Our very first sports blog focusing on the most elite sports - golfing! Visit Golf Lifestyle Asia for stylish golfing updates
Featured Blogger by iWhite on Facebook


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I was cleaning out my email inbox earlier today and saw a notice about the Mid-Michigan RWA Best Banter Contest. The contest, which closes in a few days (September 10th), is for published and unpublished authors. The requirements are simple: enter a scene (up to 1,500) words, along with an optional non-judged lead-in for the scene (up to 250 words), with your best banter.
"Do you have a scene with witty, fun dialogue between your characters? Show off your best story banter . . . enter the Best Banter Contest."
The contest sounds like fun and I have just the scene in my mystery manuscript that I think will fit the bill. Now to get it spruced up and submitted before I forget. Again!
Meanwhile, this has been a short work-week but there is still one more day (or less, depending when you read this) to go. I have lots of things on my ToDo list, including a few walks in the park with the four-legged friend who is currently visiting. After the work is done and we're back from our walks . . .I'll probably stare into space for a while . . .but once that's done, it will be time to pull out the old pen and paper and get some words on the page. I think I'll start by giving today's writing prompt and random words a try.
Care to join me? Continue reading


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Satan's Appeal to the Regulative Principle
denying infant baptism was made a cause of banishment [in Massachusetts], by men who knew that many who did so, did not hold the errors mentioned in this law. And Mr. Cotton said in those times,
"they do not deny magistrates, nor predestination, nor original, sin, nor maintain free-will in conversion, nor apostacy from grace ; but only deny the lawful use of the baptism of children, because it wanteth a word of commandment and example, from the Scripture. And I am bound in christian love to believe, that they who yield so far, do it out of conscience, as following the example of the apostle, who professed of himself and his followers, We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. But yet I believe withal, that it is not out of love to the truth that Satan yieldeth so much, but rather out of another ground, and for a worse end. He knoweth that now, by the good hand of God, they are set upon purity and reformation; and now to plead against the baptism of children upon any of those Arminian and Popish grounds, as those above named, Satan knoweth they would be rejected. He now pleadeth no other arguments in these times of reformation, than may be urged from a main principle of reformation, to wit, That no duty of God's worship, nor any ordinance of religion, is to be administered in his church, but such as hath a just warrant from the word of God. And by urging this argument against the baptism of children, Satan transformeth himself into an angel of light."*
* Cotton on baptism, 1647, p. 3
An Abridgment of Church History of New England, Isaac Backus
Christian Asceticism
Just an interesting note I came upon while using wikipedia as my primary source for studying for my islam final:
"Catholic versus Protestant asceticism
Medieval (Catholic) asceticism had implied a contemplative possession of the holy; Reformation asceticism represented devout action. The Catholic saw himself as a divine vessel; an "asceticism of duty." In its own way, worldly asceticism imposed upon the Protestant layman a discipline every bit as severe as that of the Catholic monk. Jean-Jacques Rousseau observed that Calvinists lived "like monks within the world."


text: OutCast offers a complete spectrum of live event video services including: webcasting, corporate kickoff and sizzle videos and multi-camera live-switched event capture. We equip you with a team of skilled production professionals who will work with you on-site to produce and stream your event. In addition, we provide pre-event consultation, web portal design for your webcast, content management and viewing reports. OutCast is a division of Studio B Films, Inc, a Bay Area full service production company. We serve the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley and beyond.


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Living Hope Sermon Series:
Pastor Clark and Pastor Tim believe that God uses the preaching of His Word to call His people to repentance, renewal and rejoicing. We believe the Scriptures are essential to the life of Living Hope so expository preaching has a central place in our corporate worship. The authority of preaching is found in authoritative Word of God. We believe that God uses the systematic preaching through various books of the Bible to establish and extend His authority. Our pastors strive by God's grace to prepare their sermons prayerfully and diligently seeking to bring the grammatical historical truths of the texts to the attention of the listeners in a practical, relevant way. The sermons are posted here to be used as appropriate: catch a sermon that was missed, as a mid-week review, or to pass along to others in order to encourage them. May God richly bless His Word to the heart of the hearer!
Podcast of our Sermons:
Subscribe using itunes or other.
|Loving God Means Loving Others
|John 21:15-25
|Tim Flora
2018 April 22 (Sunday Morning).
|A Third Appearance
|John 21:1-14
|Clark H. Brooking
2018 April 8 (Sunday Morning).
|Do Not Be Unbelieving; but Believing
|John 20:24-31
|Clark H. Brooking
2018 April 1 (Sunday Morning).
|Jesus Commissions the Church
|John 20:19-23
|Clark H. Brooking
2018 March 25 (Sunday Morning).
|Recognizing the Resurrected Savior
|John 20:10-18
|Tim Flora
2018 March 18 (Sunday Morning).
|The Tomb Is Empty
|John 20:1-9
|Clark H. Brooking
2018 March 11 (Sunday Morning).
|John 19:38-42
|Clark H. Brooking
2018 March 4 (Sunday Morning).
|All According to Plan
|John 19:28-37
|Clark H. Brooking
2018 February 25 (Sunday Morning).
|It is Finished
|John 19:23-30
|Clark H. Brooking
2018 February 18 (Sunday Morning).
|But God Intends it for Good
|John 19:10-22
|Tim Flora
2018 February 11 (Sunday Morning).


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Argument Preview: Considering the difference between being impaired and being unaware (and possibly revisiting Sager), in United States v. Brantley, No.17-0055/AR
CAAF will hear oral argument in the Army case of United States v. Brantley, No.17-0055/AR (CAAFlog case page), on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, after the argument in Ramos. A single issue questions the legal sufficiency of the evidence that an alleged victim was unaware of a sexual touching in a case where the prosecution's argument focused on the alleged victim's impairment:
Whether the government proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant knew or reasonably should have known that SR was "otherwise unaware" of sexual contact.
Private First Class (E-3) Brantley was convicted contrary to his pleas of not guilty, by a general court-martial composed of members with enlisted representation, of one specification of abusive sexual contact in violation of Article 120(d) by touching the alleged victim's breasts while she was otherwise unaware. The panel sentenced Brantley to confinement for 90-days, reduction to E-1, and a bad-conduct discharge. The convening authority approved the findings and sentence and the Army CCA summarily affirmed.
Brantley's conviction was of a statute that prohibits sexual touching of "another person when the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring." Article 120(b)(2). In United States v. Sager, 76 M.J. 158 (C.A.A.F. Mar. 21, 2017) (CAAFlog case page), CAAF concluded that the statute's enumeration of "asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware" creates three separate theories under which an accused may be convicted, and the court reversed a decision by the NMCCA that had held the language creates only a single theory of criminal liability based upon unawareness (the three enumerations being ways that a person may be unaware).
The prosecution of Brantley doesn't seem to involve the kind of error committed by the NMCCA in Sager. Rather, Brantley's brief focuses on the trial counsel's argument to the members (apparently without objection or correction by the military judge) that Brantley was guilty because the alleged victim was merely impaired (by a combination of alcohol and prescription drugs); a condition that is fundamentally different from being unaware and alone likely too vague to form a basis for criminal liability.
The trial counsel's closing argument included the following discussion that equated being impaired with being otherwise unaware:
Next we have the second element [of the Specification of Charge I] that the accused did so, and he did that contact but he knew or reasonably should have known that SR was otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring. This is really two things, panel members, that he knew or reasonably should have known, those are two different things. What is it that he needs to have known or reasonably should have known about? Well, that's the level of impairment. That she was otherwise unaware, that she was impaired.
What evidence do we have here? We have the accused's statement to CID Agent Hyatt, where he indicates that she was impaired and you have his in-court testimony today, where he again tells you that he knew she was impaired. Then we also have the reasons, he should have known.
When I cupped her breast, I knew she was drunk at that point. Yeah, she threw up for a couple of hours. You're drinking and taking medication that turned out to be Klonopin. That's how he indicates to us that he knew she was impaired.
App. Br. at 6 (quoting record) (emphases omitted). The trial counsel also showed the following slide to the members:
App. Br. at 7 (quoting record).
Based upon these arguments, Brantley asserts that:
The government attempted to prove SR was otherwise unaware by only presenting evidence she was highly intoxicated through a mixture of alcohol and Klonopin. (JA 26, 28, 70). The trial counsel then conflated the principles of impairment and awareness for the panel during closing argument, a misstatement of law which the military judge never corrected. (JA 280-281).
While impairment can contribute to a lack of awareness, a person can have diminished alertness and capacity but still have some realization, perception, or knowledge of their surroundings. Therefore, proof SR was otherwise unaware required much more than simply finding she was impaired. The government had to prove a more difficult theory of liability and fell short of meeting its self-imposed burden. Even if SR was impaired by alcohol and Klonopin, her actions and memories from that night show she still could have been aware the sexual contact was occurring. If the panel was left to believe that to convict PFC Brantley, it only had to find SR was incapable of consenting due to impairment, then it was applying the wrong legal standard to that element and the conviction is legally insufficient.
App. Br. at 13 (emphases added).
The Army Appellate Government Division's response – which was filed a week before CAAF issued its opinion in Sager – argues the conclusion that CAAF rejected in Sager:
After drawing every reasonable inference from the evidence of record in favor of the prosecution, a rational panel could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that the Appellant made sexual contact with Mrs. SR's breasts while she was "passed out," which is sufficient evidence of her being "unaware."
Gov't Div. Br. at 7. The Division's response also asserts that:
The words "asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware" constitute a descriptive list of various means by which a victim could be unaware and thus unable to consent, not separate theories of criminal liability. This Court need only look to the plain language of Article 120, UCMJ to make such a determination.
Gov't Div. Br. at 15. CAAF's opinion in Sager held that "under a plain reading of [the statute] the words 'otherwise unaware' mean unaware in a manner different from asleep and different from unconsciousness." Sager, 76 M.J. at 162, slip op. at 6.
The Division can't be faulted for failing to address an opinion CAAF hadn't yet issued (though it can be faulted for failing to file a corrected brief). It's brief, however, ends with a troubling argument:
The panel was instructed in accordance with the Military Judges' Benchbook to "use [their] own common sense and [their] knowledge of human nature and the ways of the world." (JA 327); Dep't of Army, Pam. 27-9, Legal Services: Military Judges' Benchbook, para. 2-5-12 (10 Sep. 2014). "Passed out" is a commonly used term in the English language that clearly and unambiguously describes a person who is not aware of what is occurring. This description would have been sufficient evidence to support the conviction here regardless of whether the charge stated "asleep," "unconscious," or "unaware." The fact finder in this case had evidence that Mrs. SR was "passed out" at the time Appellant touched her breast and found that she was "unaware" at the time the Appellant touched her breast. There is no legal sufficiency concern.
Gov't Div. Br. at 29-30 (emphasis added). This argument is troubling because it radically misrepresents the instruction. The Benchbook doesn't suggest that members should use their common sense and personal knowledge as a substitute for actual evidence (such as evidence about the meaning of the term passed out). Rather, it advises military judges to instruct the members to use common sense to weigh and evaluate the evidence:
Bear in mind that only matters properly before the court as a whole should be considered. In weighing and evaluating the evidence, you are expected to use your own common sense and your knowledge of human nature and the ways of the world. In light of all the circumstances in the case, you should consider the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence. Bear in mind you may properly believe one witness and disbelieve several other witnesses whose testimony conflicts with the one. The final determination as to the weight or significance of the evidence and the credibility of the witnesses in this case rests solely upon you.
Benchbook, ¶ 2-5-12 (emphasis added). The standard instruction also explains that "reasonable doubt . . . is an honest misgiving generated by insufficiency of proof of guilt." Id. (emphasis added). The suggestion that the members could use their common sense and personal knowledge to overcome a deficiency in the prosecution's evidence about the alleged victim's condition is contrary to the requirement that a conviction be based on proof.
The Government Division's brief doesn't address Brantley's argument that the prosecution conflated being impaired with being unaware. A reply brief highlights this:
After conceding the difference between the two theories of liability, [impairment and otherwise aware] appellate government counsel attempt to downplay the impact of trial counsel's erroneous argument that impairment and being otherwise unaware were equivalent. The government states, "while the trial counsel in this case emphasized the circumstantial evidence of intoxication supporting Mrs. SR's eventual unawareness, the charge of unaware remained unchanged." (Appellee's Br. 23). The trial counsel did not simply emphasize circumstantial evidence, he stressed that SR's level of impairment was the deciding element in the case by arguing, "[p]anel members, this case really comes down to just two things. Her impairment and his words." (JA 296).
The government's theme demonstrates its own misunderstanding of Article 120(b)(2) and highlights its erroneous interpretation of "otherwise unaware." On appeal, the government cannot run from the overarching effects the trial counsel's erroneous charging decision, presentation of evidence, and argument had on the court-martial.
Reply Br. at 5-6.
There is, however, another factor to consider: Brantley testified in his own defense and claimed that the alleged victim was aware and the touching was consensual. Gov't Div. Br. at 27. "An accused testifies at his own peril and his denials under oath may be rejected by the finder of fact and used against him when resolving his guilt." United States v. Adams, 74 M.J. 589 (A. Ct. Crim. App. 2015) (discussed here) (citing United States v. Pleasant, 71 M.J. 709, 712-14 (A. Ct. Crim. App. 2012), pet. denied, 72 M.J. 385 (C.A.A.F. 2013)). CAAF may well conclude that Brantley's testimony, his pretrial statements that were admitted (and inconsistent with his trial testimony and with themselves, Gov't Div. Br. at 9-14), and the other evidence (including the testimony of the alleged victim) are sufficient such that any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt (the test for legal sufficiency).
Yet I think there is also a strong argument that CAAF should summarily reverse and remand to the CCA for further consideration in light of Sager. There the CCA can also determine – based on a proper understanding of the law – whether it is personally convinced of Brantley's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt (the test for factual sufficiency; a review available only at the CCA).
Case Links:
ACCA opinion (summary disposition)
• Appellant's brief
• Appellee's (Army App. Gov't Div.) brief
• Appellant's reply brief
• Blog post: Argument preview


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(Disclosure: I received the products featured below for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% my own.)
It seems like there is always a long list when it comes to Christmas shipping for others. Sometimes I literally have no idea what to get certain family members, so this year I'm super excited to be changing it up with fun and unique Bleacher Creatures!
Do you have a sports fan or movie fan on your Christmas list this year? Let me introduce to your Bleacher Creatures, the true-to-life 10-inch tall plush figures of the greatest athletes, entertainment and inspirational icons!
The adorable and very cool Bleacher Creatures are the perfect gift to give this holiday season! You will find popular players from every major sports league as well as some of your favorite entertainment characters! From the Marvel's Avengers to the famous NASCAR drivers, even NFL and MLB players - plus a ton of others, Bleacher Creatures has them all!
I received two Bleacher Creatures for my children, I chose Yu Darvish from the Texas Rangers for Big Brother C and the DC Comics Batman '66 Catwoman for Little Sister C! My Big Guy adores baseball and we are all huge Ranger's fans, the Yu Darvish plush looks just like him - I couldn't believe it! The Catwoman plush figure instantly won over my daughter's heart, we love Batman so we were excited to welcome the awesome and real looking Bleacher Creature plush into our home!
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Listing information last updated on December 16th, 2019 at 1:47am MST.


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by: Shierly Mondianti
"It's disturbingly easy to write off a country you've never seen."
A month ago, we shared on Facebook a CNN article regarding the effects of climate change on the Marshall Islands. At WorldTeach we send hundreds of volunteers to the Pacific Islands. Many of our alums started the program with little to no knowledge of the pacific islands, but they left with invaluable memories of their daily interaction with the local community.
The telltale signs of a disappearing island is obvious. One of our WT alums shared this with us:
"I spent a year on Majuro with WT and lived with a family at Laura Beach. During that year we lost nearly 3 feet of beach to high (King) tides. It is a scary thought that beautiful place is surely doomed to be no one's home but simply a watery grave for the lost ancestors. Putting myself in their place I can't imagine how it must feel to be leaving my ancestors, my dead parents, grandparents and other family members. When you become elderly, as I am now, you have more past than you do future so memory fills much of your time…"
Hence, when CNN reported on how 2 degrees is all it takes for a country like the Marshall Islands to disappear, it becomes all the more urgent that we address the problem of climate change.
As outsiders who have no connection to places that are far away from us, it is very simple to brush off news about climate change in general. We don't see or feel the effects of climate change as those who are in the pacific islands. While they are losing their livelihood from constant flooding, we don't realize how our actions contribute to the catastrophe on the other side of the world.
Thus, it is important for us to be informed and to expand our horizons. Just because a country is out of sight doesn't mean that it is out of mind.
To read more about the CNN finding: http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2015/06/opinions/sutter-two-degrees-marshall-islands/
If you are interested in learning more about WorldTeach, check out our website at www.worldteach.org. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email us at firstname.lastname@example.com or give us a call at 857.259.6646!


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Rock Climbing Photos : Featured : Tim Kemple : Mill Creek, UT
Mill Creek, UT popular
There's so much that was cool about this day. First was that we were in Moab teaching a photo clinic with Rock and Ice, it was so motivating to be around so many psyched climbers and photogs. Secondly, the weather was gorgeous and we had just spent the night camped in a Yurt overlooking Castle Valley. Oh and the climbing was dope too! Katie Brown, 5.12c, Millcreek, UT -- 85mm f1.4 with bounced light.
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Holiday consumerism has increasingly clouded the true meaning of celebrations that come around nearly once a month, but how much has it really changed over the years?
Start by considering your personal holiday commitments. Have you made Christmas plans with your family? Worried about all those presents you'll have to purchase? Or maybe you're just getting someone a piece of card, putting it inside an envelope and shipping it around the world, when maybe a simple phone call and "hello" would suffice?
This might sound cynical…But if a simple card would suffice for your entire family, that probably wouldn't be that bad. It's the billions of dollars Americans spend on gifts, food and decorations for the holidays (that come up nearly every month), that has us screaming in the face of consumerism.
Valentine's Day roots back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15. Pope Gelasius I recast this pagan festival as a Christian day in the year 496, declaring February 14 to be St. Valentine's Day.
Pope Gelasius most likely didn't have the divine foresight to predict the consumerist depths to which the holiday has plummeted. Shops fill with all those red, pink and "gushing with love" but isn't it all just stuff? Meaningless fodder. A cheap representation of our deepest emotions?
What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green.
Again, is all that green and blatant alcoholism a direct representation of the holiday? It's now become more about wearing green, buying green decorations and an excuse to party than the acceptance and celebration of Irish culture. Is it all just a mess of green?
Easter, of course was formed as a celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, and Christianity's most important holiday.
The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionary to give as gifts. The Easter Bunny was designed as a mythical being who would visit children on the sacred day to deliver this chocolate.
So how did a religious celebration go from a hearty, protein-filled egg to an excuse to fill children up with sugar? It's a wonder predominantly-Christian countries don't have an obesity problem… oh wait.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints' Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain – a Celtic Festival. The evening before was known as All Hallows' Eve and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular community-based event that involved candy and child-friendly dress-up activities and was adopted all around the world. So history defines the holiday as the night before a celebration of saints and today the day after Halloween is a sore stomach for children, and head for many adults. Billions of dollars is spent on costumes and Halloween candy across the United States alone. Pumpkins, decorations, buckets of candy, is that what Pope Gregory III had envisioned?
Thanksgiving is most well known as the celebration of the first harvest in the New World in October 1621 by the Pilgrims. The feast lasted three days, and – accounted by Edward Winslow – it was attended by 90 Native Americans. This story has been told for generations, although, the story fails to highlight that the same Pilgrims slaughtered those Native Americans in the coming years. Some believe this is why we shouldn't celebrate Thanksgiving.
There's also the consumerism associated with Thanksgiving. In 2015 consumers spent $1.73 billion, 25 per cent more than in 2014 on Thanksgiving, the number continues to grow as Americans become further enticed by holiday spending.
Christmas Day is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed commonly on December 25 among billions of people around the world. The majority of the world knows and loves Christmas. As most know, Santa Claus is the jolly patron of Christmas, formally derived from the story of St Nicolas. Although, what many don't know is that the soda company, Coca-Cola, influenced the Santa narrative told to children today.
Many people are surprised to learn that prior to 1931, Santa was depicted as everything from a tall gaunt man to a spooky-looking elf. In 1930, artist Fred Mizen painted a department-store Santa in a crowd drinking a bottle of Coke. From 1931-1964 Mizen's Santa was shown in Coke ads all across the world. This is how Coca-Cola shaped the Santa we know today and consumerism started to take the true meaning of Christmas from the holiday. Christmas seems more about the presents, the food and the decorations than a true celebration of Christ.
So are all these holidays too commercialized? Too focused on materialistic goals rather than the true meaning of each celebration? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.


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Cloudflare's network powers internet connections to millions of websites, but most of the 2.8 billion people who use its network every month have never heard of the company. That is, until last August, when Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince made the controversial decision to cut off its service to white supremacist website "The Daily Stormer" in the aftermath of the Charlottesville violence, causing the site to go down.
Why it matters: Prince, the son of a journalist and an avid defender of free speech, took heat from some for acting as an internet gatekeeper and was praised by others for taking down neo-Nazi content. His decision fed into the larger debate over whether powerful internet players should have editorial control over how content is distributed online.
What's next: The next turning point in that debate comes on Thursday, when FCC Chairman Ajit Pai leads the vote that will erase net neutrality rules from the books.
We caught up with Prince after he'd met with Pai on the topic of internet freedom. Below are excerpts, edited for length and clarity.


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On Monday, EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström gave one more nudge to the EU boat when she reported her findings of the state of corruption within the EU member states. One number stood out : its cost (120 billion €/year), which indicates how much better we could do.
We are simply not doing enough. That is true for all Member States. Existing laws and policies are not enforced enough, and a firm political commitment to root out corruption still seems to be missing. Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs (Sweden)
Yet we have to be careful. While the Commissioner's recommendations are worth considering for future legal developments, most EU member states remain among the least corrupted countries in the world, according to Transparency International.
Why, then, is perception of corruption so high? Because it is just that: perception. In every single member state described in the report, there is a clear discrepancy between the number of people thinking their country is corrupted, and those having actually witnessed or taken part in an act of corruption.
We are arguably going through a period of economic and identity crisis. Its seriousness may depend on the country under scrutiny, but nonetheless affects the degree of confidence the population has in its direct environment.
Also, let's be real: corruption in Europe does not have the same definition than in some African or Asian countries. We are not talking about having to bribe an official to use a road or get a passport!
Key conclusions on corruption in France
- No nation-wide strategy to fight corruption
- Need for better control mechanisms for public procurement (55% believe the main problem is collusive bidding)
- Not enough regulation of lobbying. A good example: public servants do not have to report their contacts with lobbies. There is always the possibility to voluntarily register on a lobbying list (one for the Assemblée Nationale, one for the Senate), but relatively few lobbies actually do.
- Satisfying record in terms of prosecuting corruption practices within the country, but not in the case of international business transactions
- Good practice : the creation of specialized inter-regional jurisdictions ( judges focusing on organized and financial crimes and assisted by a team of experts coming from both the private and public sector). BUT need to better guarantee the independence of prosecutors in general
- "Crisis of trust" when it comes to the relationship between the French government and its population
Once again, these critics are valuable feedback, but this is actually nothing new: Transparency International has been publishing similar recommendations for a number of years.
Some figures to remember (country sheet)
76% of Europeans consider corruption to be widespread in their country, as opposed to 68% in France.
6% of French feel personally affected by corruption (EU average: 26%).
6 out of 10 French companies consider corruption to be an obstacle to business, as opposed to 4 out of 10 in the EU as a whole.
Click here to read the full chapter on France.


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Nov 28, 2012
Continental Book Club: Juliet Immortal
An overall enjoyable and fairly original update of Shakespeare's tale.
{ Photo from the author's website }
First of all: the superfluous comma on the cover! It's petty, but it really irks me. Now I've seen that some editions explain what's going on here in greater detail: "Romeo and Juliet, the greatest love story ever told, is a lie." This at least explains where the comma on this edition (which is the one I read) came from - I guess the full description ended up looking too patronizing.*
Sniping aside, I actually didn't hate the book. It's a relatively original update of the story of the star-cross'd lovers (with a paranormal dimension, as the title implies) and has more depth than your average teen romance. It discusses "big issues" such as life after death (again, see the title), and I appreciate the measure of moral ambiguity and unwillingness to strike a clear dichotomony between good and evil. And I'm a big fan of plot twists, of which the novel had plenty.
However: the book sets up a complicated (bordering on convoluted) mythology and sometimes gets overwhelmed by this. And especially towards the end, the plot falters under the story strands to wrap up. Several of the resolutions thus seems a bit pat, though at least one (which leads to the novel's sequel, Romeo Redeemed) is more promising. The portrayals of the characters and their relationships, from teenagers to the adults with whom they interact, oscillate between the verisimilar and sort-of-flat.
Verdict: not completely satisfying but nonetheless enjoyable. If you like The Vampire Diaries (as a guilty pleasure or unabashedly), this falls in the same general category. Sister 1 requested the sequel for Christmas, and I'm looking forward to borrowing it on December 26.
Now given that like the previous two books reviewed here I want to describe this as an "easy read" (sister 1 bought it on Friday, and we'd both finished it by Sunday afternoon), I should do my brain a favor and tackle something more challenging for the next installment.
* In fairness: the cover on Amazon is grammatically correct.
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