text:
Today, Cameron University President Cindy Ross has announced her plans to retire this summer.
"The arrival of the new year always brings a time of reflection for me. As I reflect on the fall semester and the preceding 10 years, I am amazed at the transformation of Cameron University," Ross says.
"Much has been accomplished through the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff coupled with our supportive and generous community. Reflection also brings with it a responsibility to understand when it is time to move to the next chapter. I believe that time has come for me and for Cameron University. The university is flourishing; it is strong academically and financially with solid enrollment. The university's future could not be brighter."
"It is with the deepest admiration, thanks and best wishes for her future that the Board of Regents hesitantly accepts the retirement of President Cindy Ross," University of Oklahoma, Rogers State University and Cameron University Board of Regents Chairman Leslie J. Rainbolt-Forbes says. "I have had the good fortune that Dr. Ross has provided the Cameron University leadership during my entire tenure as a Regent. With her guidance, Cameron has experienced enrollment growth and an all-time high in fundraising as well as a physical transformation of the campus and increased economic development in the community and region. She has set a high standard for all University presidents in the state."
Since becoming president in August 2002, Ross has enhanced the reputation and visibility of the university. Under her leadership:
- Cameron has become the "University of Choice" for students graduating from high school in Southwest Oklahoma, resulting in consecutive years of historic enrollment growth boasting more than 6,000 students this fall.
- Cameron has received national recognition for affordability four consecutive years from U.S. News and World Report. Last year, the university was number three out of 626 universities in the nation with students graduating with the lowest debt – 68 percent of Cameron students graduated without any debt.
- In 2010, the university received the best accreditation report in its history earning a 10-year unconditional accreditation. The HLC review team called Cameron a "role model institution" nationally and noted that "student learning is at the center of what it does and despite significant statewide budget cuts, the institution was able to redesign itself to meet changing student needs."
- Cameron's centennial observance in 2008-09 included a year-long celebration of its rich history and the largest, three-year private fundraising campaign of any regional university in Oklahoma raising over $12.5 million, almost 50% above the goal.
- More than $60 million in construction has transformed the physical appearance of campus. New or renovated state-of-the-art buildings include the McMahon Centennial Complex, Business Building, Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (Phases I and II), Cameron Village, and the Academic Commons. New additions to campus include the Bentley Gardens, Charles S. Graybill M.D. Courtyard, and Veterans Grove, and just over 600 trees have been planted throughout campus.
- Three five-year strategic plans and two campus master plans have been developed and implemented including ambitious goals and objectives and actions to aggressively move the university forward.
- The university has received record private contributions including one gift of $4 million and four donations of $1 million or above. The university boasts the largest number of endowed faculty positions of any Oklahoma regional university.
- New student services have been provided including a Student Wellness Center offering counseling and acute medical care, an Academic Advising Center, new and renovated athletic facilities, and expanded student activities and organizations.
- The university has been recognized nationally for its commitment to veterans, service members and their families being named to multiple honor roll lists by military organizations and publications.
- Requirements for faculty have been increased, and academic programs have been strengthened with many receiving regional and national recognitions, including the university's ROTC program being named one of the top three programs in the nation in 2011; the Department of Education receiving a "perfect" re-accreditation report, and the Department of Physical Sciences earning approval from the American Chemical Society to grant ACS-certified degrees in chemistry. Even with record enrollment growth, class sizes remain small.
- More than 100 enhanced or "smart" classrooms have been added, bringing the latest technology to the learning environment.
- Online course offerings have increased more than 275 percent in courses offered and 286 percent in students enrolled.
- New traditions have been created including re-introduction of the university mascot, Ole Kim, the holiday tree lightings, the Athletic Hall of Fame and reinstatement of a Homecoming bonfire and pep rally, and the addition of fireworks following commencement.
- Cameron University is the only university in the state and one of the few in the nation to provide a guarantee on the quality of education graduates receive.
Ross, who is fond of saying "I have the best job in the world," states, "It has been a distinct honor to work with the talented faculty and staff, an absolute joy to interact with the students, and a unique privilege to be a member of this vibrant community."
Related to her future plans, Ross notes, "Cameron University is part of me and always will be. In retirement as I pursue other interests and activities, foremost among them being 'Googie' to my granddaughter, my commitment to and pride in Cameron University will continue." In characteristic fashion, Ross continues, "Now, there is much to be done during the second half of this academic year; it's time to do it."
Chairman Rainbolt-Forbes indicated that the Board of Regents will be initiating a search process to seek another outstanding leader for Cameron University.


text:
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March 30, 2013: Johnny Spampinato drops by!
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|Little Jr. Jesse & the Tear Drops
|Give Your Love To Me
|You Gotta Be Loose
|Don Rich
|Love Bug
|Robert Parker
|C.C. Rider
|Jackie Mittoo
|Rocksteady Wedding (Get Me To The Church On Time)
|Spampinato Brothers, The
|A Bear Is A Bear Is a Bear
|Fireballs, The
|Good Morning Shame
|Tommy Collins
|Poor Broke Mixed Up Mess Of A Heart
|Meters, The
|Incredible Casuals, The
|On The Beach
|Lonnie Mack
|Steve Earle and the Dukes (and Duchesses)
|Love's Gonna Blow My Way
|Louisiana Red
|Red's Dream
|Marcos Valle
|Os Grillos
|Incredible Casuals, The
|Be Here Now
|Gestures, The
|Run Run Run
|Jerry Lee Lewis & Linda Gail
|Earl Hooker
|Walking The Floor Over You
|Blame It On The World
|Chris Montez
|Some Kinda Fun
|Buffalo Springfield
|Go And Say Goodbye
|Jerry Reed
|The Claw
|Rufus Thomas
|Ride Your Pony
|Scotty McKay
|All Around The World
|Thumbs Carllile
|Springfield Guitar Social
|Sir Mack Rice
|Coal Man
|M. Osman & Orkes Nirwana
|Kisah Disampang (A Tale from the Street Corner)
|Incredible Casuals, The
|Don't Tell Me
|Johnny Spampinato
|Live In The Studio
|Spampinato Brothers, The
|Don't Loose It
|Johnny Spampinato
|Live In The Studio
|Spampinato Brothers, The
|Spampinato Brothers, The
|Ghost In My Amp
|Johnny Spampinato
|Live In The Studio
|Sandler & Young
|Ray Charles Singers, The
|A Toy For A Boy
There's some controversy about the coin toss that decided who would get seats in the plane that crashed on February 3, 1959 and killed Buddy Holly, Richie Vallens & Big Bopper. CLICK HERE for "An open Letter & Challenge to Dion from Tommy Allsup" then CLICK HERE for Dion's version from "The Wanderer Talks Truth"
CLICK HERE to explore & watch a short film on The Cosimo Code, an attempt to catalog every Cosimo Matassa 45!
CLICK HERE for the Top 100 Alternative Albums of the 1960s!
CLICK HERE to hear The Ramones comment on Phil Spector!
CLICK HERE for a great time waster.
CLICK HERE for Actual Audio from Michelle Shocked, March 17 in San Francisco.
CLICK HERE for: Freddie Blassie Cooks for Regis.
CLICK HERE for Lance Shabazz's super cheaply made JOE TEX documentary!
CLICK HERE for a wil Wilson Pickett live show!
CLICK HERE for "The Beatles - 12 Hours To Please Me!" from the BBC - featuring some interesting stuff AND that thing that drives me nuts - contemporary folks covering the Beatles - some ok, some blah!
CLICK HERE for proof: destruction of the Death Star was an inside job.
I'm a huge Sonny Curtis fan. CLICK HERE for a recent interview.
CLICK HERE for The History of the Boombox.
Paul Lukas asks "Would You Buy a $70 Flannel Shirt from John Fogerty?" CLICK HERE!
CLICK HERE for an Eddie Kendricks Documentary
CLICK HERE for a nice Spin piece on Jerry "Swamp Dogg" Williams
CLICK HERE for a video about Wealth Inequality in America
CLICK HERE for info on why Brian Wilson is the devil!!
CLICK HERE for the rise and fall of music delivery formats
CLICK HERE for Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me - OFFICIAL TRAILER
CLICK HERE for "I Was a Teenage Fake Zombie"
CLICK HERE and enjoy the part that starts 2:25 in.
CLICK HERE for Unsung -- Full Episode: Disco: The genre of disco music and its biggest stars are discussed in this 2 hour special.
CLICK HERE for Los Shakers - Siempre tú
CLICK HERE for "Chuck Berry Performs "Roll Over Beethoven" during the 1994 Hall of Fame Inductions Ceremony" and it's lame
September 21st, 1939, radio station WJSV in Washington, D.C., recorded their entire broadcast day -- CLICK HERE to hear it!
CLICK HERE for Albums that never were (but should have been!)
CLICK HERE for info on an amazing new drug: Unpretentiousil!
CLICK HERE for Stories About Prince!
CLICK HERE for the trailer to Dave Grohl's movie about Sound City studios.
CLICK HERE for info session guitarist Vincent Bell.
CLICK HERE for Paul Anka's famous post-gig turned into a short film!
CLICK HERE for Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby's "Do You Remember That" Official Video !
CLICK HERE for info and a trailer for a new documentary on the Muscle Shoals sound!
CLICK HERE for The dB's live on World Cafe!
CLICK HERE for some info on Gabriel, the genius behind "Buzzard Lope" !
CLICK HERE for Long Bets.
CLICK HERE for "Drifter Kills Guy With A Hatchet The Gives INSANE Interview".
CLICK HERE for The Intriguing Passports of 20 Famous Artists and Writers !
CLICK HERE for "The Story of Pat and Lolly Vegas" - former guest Pat Vegas drives around L.A. and talks about their history.
CLICK HERE for a great video of Frank Howard & the Commanders.
CLICK HERE for an recent Montclair Times article on Michael Shelley!
CLICK HERE for some minor key songs reworked into major keys.
CLICK HERE to check out the new WFMU signal coverage map "91.1fm in the NY-NJ metropolitan area, 90.1 in Orange County, NY and 91.9fm in Rockland County NY"!
CLICK HERE to read how Big Star's "September Gurls" was recorded at Ardent Studios
CLICK HERE to read a really bad review of a reissue of Keith Moon's "Two Sides of the Moon"
CLICK HERE to see Beastie Boy Mike D's lovely $9 a square foot wallpaper!
CLICK HERE to read "The Beatles and the Art of the Tambourine"
CLICK HERE to watch a robot band cover The Ramones
CLICK HERE to read Carol Kaye review of "The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock and Roll's Best-Kept Secret"
CLICK HERE for a great Herman's Hermits Interview from the Oklahoma Historical Society!
CLICK HERE for a short film "The Life & Death of the American Arcade"
CLICK HERE for "Sony Releases Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn't Fucking Work" !
CLICK HERE for an article about Sandy Hook truthers who think they've found "absolute proof" that the Newtown shootings were a hoax.
CLICK HERE for a short film "Moon Hoax Not"
CLICK HERE to find out who played bass on some of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
CLICK HERE for a great Beach Boys Interview from 1964 (starts @ 1:30).
CLICK HERE for seven minutes of David Bowie getting pissed off during interviews.
Apparently Bowie offered "Golden Years" to Elvis Presley - but The King declined. CLICK HERE former guest Stevie Riks nails the Elvis/Bowie duet version.
CLICK HERE for a short film which explains how Mellotrons work.
CLICK HERE Led Zeppelin vs The Beatles - Whole Lotta Helter Skelter !
CLICK HERE for Chuck Berry's 1980 thoughts about The Sex Pistols, Talking Heads and Clash records.
CLICK HERE for Famous Album Covers Revisited Using Google Street View .
CLICK HERE to go to a useless website like THIS ONE.
CLICK HERE for a reminder that you have to be 恋のホワン・ホワン! (or HERE, or HERE , or HERE , or HERE, or HERE!)
CLICK HERE for info on an odd e-book "Nick Lowe: A Long Career That Never Gets Stale." It is 4 pages long and "sells" for $1.99. The same author has one about Dean Martin that was reviewed like this: "This pamphlet was complete gargbage. A sixth grader could have written a better essay. All of this author's works should be removed from Amazon."
CLICK HERE for a similar 156 page "Book On Demand" titled "Nick Lowe" that boasts being made from "High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles!" What is the world coming to? Only $19.95.
CLICK HERE for the FREE download of "No Good To Cry" by The Explorers Club!
Listener comments!
Sat. 3/30/13 11:06am
David in ATL from NJ:
Don't get no better than that!
Sat. 3/30/13 11:15am
really? what did you tell your daughter about us?
Sat. 3/30/13 11:18am
Phelger Nank:
God's Own Drunk by James Buffet, another Bear song, would be an excellent follow-up.
Sat. 3/30/13 11:25am
Jon Graboff:
Lloyd Green on pedal steel on that Tommy Collins track BTW
Sat. 3/30/13 11:30am
Phelger Nank:
Don't know this band, but they've got #1 Hit slathered all over them, like some sort of aural sunscreen.
Sat. 3/30/13 11:33am
Dr. Goot:
I am overwhelmed with the plethora of links and #1 hits. Great Show Michael, thanks!
Sat. 3/30/13 11:36am
If any of you get the chance, and it's well worth it, the Wellfleet Drive-In on Cape Cod (at least they used to) shows an amazing promo for the Incredible Casuals before the main feature. It must have been shot on 16mm, and is OLD.
Sat. 3/30/13 11:38am
Dr. Goot:
Ha Ha! - www.youtube.com...
Sat. 3/30/13 11:39am
ken in denver:
When I became a Tommy Roe fan: www.youtube.com...
Sat. 3/30/13 11:39am
I suspect they do a slide show because they want to maximize the number of "clicks". A text list is only one click.. and besides, requires reading more than 5 lines of text.. something the kids of today find difficult.
Sat. 3/30/13 11:40am
P.S. I hope that somehow Steve Earle hears what you said, and cans that guy.
Sat. 3/30/13 11:41am
ken in denver:
Steve Earle can be great when he gets off his soapbox.
Sat. 3/30/13 11:46am
Phelger Nank:
In concert, I've seen Jackson Browne & esp. Billy Bragg fillibuster longer than Earle
Sat. 3/30/13 11:46am
r edgerton:
valle does this in english on another one of his records
Sat. 3/30/13 11:54am
joe papaleo:
hi johnny, when are you coming back to the ocean county library in toms river nj...is there "bad blood" between you and joey with terry?...
Sat. 3/30/13 11:57am
love this song!
Sat. 3/30/13 12:01pm
Every song I've heard of Montez's sounds the same - fortunately that "same" = great!
Sat. 3/30/13 12:02pm
do you still have and play the rickenbacker guitar you used on the conan o'brien show?
Sat. 3/30/13 12:04pm
Jimmy Wipper:
Great Springfield track.
Sat. 3/30/13 12:11pm
Paris, Texas?
Sat. 3/30/13 12:13pm
i miss tommy ardolino!
Sat. 3/30/13 12:16pm
Love these guitar name-dropper records.
Sat. 3/30/13 12:21pm
Richard from Venezuela:
Great set.
Sat. 3/30/13 12:25pm
Incredible Casuals - huzzah! Been a fan since the days of Travis, Shook, and the Club Wow.
Sat. 3/30/13 12:26pm
Ask Johnny if they are planning any midwest dates.
Sat. 3/30/13 12:32pm
joey is one of my favorite song writers and bass players...
Sat. 3/30/13 12:32pm
I grew up in Forest Hills. I remember that photo booth!
Sat. 3/30/13 12:36pm
joe p:
i thought you guys were from the bronx?
Sat. 3/30/13 12:38pm
joe p:
yesss, my favorite drummer of all time!
Sat. 3/30/13 12:51pm
Jon Graboff:
Compliment Johnny for keeping the interview clean. He doesn't need to work blue!
Sat. 3/30/13 12:54pm
David in ATL from NJ:
Michael, snag a copy of that Tommy disc so you can play some more of those tracks!
Sat. 3/30/13 12:55pm
joe p:
have you read the chapter about tommy ardolino in penn jillette's new book?
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Fail Not to Obtain the Grace of God
From Gospel Translations
By John Piper About Suffering
Part of the series Hebrews
Hebrews 12:12-17
Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. 14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.
Last Week's Verses: 3-11
Notice the word "therefore" at the beginning of this passage in verse 12. This means that what we saw last week in verses 3-11 is part of the basis for the exhortations in verses 12-17. The main point of last week's text was:
· the pain and trouble you are experiencing is not a sign of the hatred of God, but the love of God. Verse 6: "Those whom the Lord loves he disciplines." · Your persecution is not a sign of God's treating you as enemies, but as sons. Verse 7: "It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons." · Your suffering is not meaningless, but designed for your good and your holiness. Verse 10: "He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness."
Therefore . . .
Since the fatherly love of God designs your pain for your good and your holiness . . .
- therefore (verse 12) "strengthen your weak hands and feeble knees . . ."
- therefore (verse 13) "make straight paths for your feet" and don't meander around in the Christian life; run the straight race . . .
- therefore (verse 14) "Pursue peace and sanctification;" that is, pursue the holiness that God is pursuing in you by his discipline! . . .
- therefore (verse 15) "don't fall short of the grace of God; don't let a root of bitterness spring up and defile . . ." God is working grace for you through discipline; don't miss it.
- therefore (verse 16) don't be like Esau who sold his birthright for a single meal and after that could not repent. Don't trade the pain of God's discipline for the delights of the world.
All of these commands for us to do something are rooted in something God is already doing for us and in us. So just like chapter 11 taught us, we are to do these things "by faith" - that is, with the assurance that God is for us and is working for those who trust him. We are not being commanded here in this text to do things that will get God to adopt us as his children. We are being commanded to act like people who are utterly persuaded that we are already adopted through faith, and that our omnipotent Father loves us, and that the most painful adversities of our lives are expressions of his loving discipline and not his hateful vengeance.
That's what the "therefore" means at the beginning of verse 12: God is ruling over the lives of his people. The persecution and sickness and adversity we endure are part of God's sovereign design for our good and our holiness. Therefore, be strengthened by this truth, and join God in pursuing the holiness he designs, drink in this grace; don't throw away your birthright as a child of God by saying, "To hell with these sufferings; if that's the way God is, I'm going back to Egypt" (see 11:25-26).
Is God's Discipline Punishment?
Now maybe it will help this stick if I try to answer one of the questions that people asked me from last week's message. The most common one was, "Does the discipline of God in verses 3-11 mean punishment? Are we being punished when we are persecuted or when we are sick or troubled?"
Answer: this book teaches that Christ died to bear our sins. Hebrews 9:28: "Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many." Christ bore the punishment for our sins. As Isaiah 53:5 says, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities." Therefore it would be wrong to think of the pain that happens to us now as God's punishing our sins a second time: as though they get punished once in Christ's suffering and once in our suffering. That view of our suffering would dishonor the suffering of Christ.
Instead we ought to think that the suffering of Christ for us has changed our suffering into something utterly different from ordinary punishment. Just as the death of Christ for us has changed our death into something utterly different - "O death where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (I Corinthians 15:55) The death of Christ for us has taken the sting out of our death; and the suffering of Christ for us has taken the punishment out of suffering. What then is left of discipline if the punishment has been taken out of it? The answer is that purifying is left, and training and deepening and sobering and refining.
This is why we ended the service last week with the verse from "How Firm a Foundation:"
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
God's Goal for us is Deeper Faith and Holiness
In other words, God's design in discipline is not to hurt ultimately, though it does hurt temporarily (Hebrews 12:11). His aim is not punitive; it is not vengeance; it is not retributive justice; it is purification and refining. How should we then feel when we are persecuted or betrayed or inflicted with disease? We should feel that God loves us and that he knows the best therapy for purifying and refining and deepening and strengthening our faith and holiness. There are, no doubt, particular habits of sin that need to be rooted out of our lives. But the pain may be more generally designed just to take us into deeper faith and a deeper holiness.
I say this partly because of Hebrews 5:8 where the writer says of Jesus, who was sinless (Hebrews 4:15), "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." The design of God in the suffering of his Son was not only that he might bear our punishment, but that he himself might learn depths and dimensions of faithfulness and obedience that could not be learned any other way. If it was true for the Son of God, how much more true for us.
Take an illustration from the life of Paul: In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, he described a painful experience he had in Asia: "We do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead." Now this illustration shows the design of God in Paul's affliction.
What is it? This has happened he says, "In order that (notice the purpose or the design) we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead." Here the "discipline" of God is not connected with any sin Paul committed. It is connected with a deepening of faith. We are all prone to trust in human resources for our sense of security and happiness. So God sometimes strips us (or someone near us) of all those resources, as Paul says, "beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life itself." The aim is not punishment, but utter, radical resting in God alone for our hope even in the face of death. The last aim of God's discipline in the moment of death is simple, humble, childlike trust in "the God who raises the dead."
So the answer to last week's question is: No, God's discipline is not the same as punishment.* The whole point is, again, that God is the Father of his people; he loves us unimaginably; he is not looking on passively while we get lacerated, and then fixing our wounds in the emergency room of life; he is the infinitely wise surgeon designing how he will operate on us to deepen our faith and make us holy.
Understanding God's Discipline Helps Us Run our Race
Now why are we told all this? It is more than some people want to know about God. It is troubling to some and causes problems in their minds. The answer is that God means for us to be helped by it in our running the rough race of radical Christian living. Notice that last week's text (12:3-11) is sandwiched between exhortations to run well and run straight and not to be worn out or hindered. It's meant to help us run.
Recall Hebrews 12:1b, "Let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." So the Christian life is a race to be run, and there are sins to forsake and encumbrances to shed. The danger this church is facing is mentioned in verse 3: "Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart." They were growing weary and losing heart. Why? Because life is hard. There is persecution and there is adversity of every kind and there is sickness.
That's why verses 3-11 exist. God wants us to understand one crucial reason life is hard. Why adversity? Why imprisonment (11:34)? Why atrocities against the people of God? Why sickness? Why doesn't God just fix it? Without verses 3-11 this writer thinks weariness and discouragement will get the upper hand. Notice the connection between verse 3 and verse 12 (to see the sandwich). In verse 3, the exhortation is that we not "grow weary and lose heart." In verse 12, the exhortation is that we "strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble." It's the same concern before and after the teaching on God's discipline.
And notice the connection between verse 1 and verse 13. Verse one calls us to "run with endurance the race that is set before us," and verse 13 says, "Make straight paths for your feet." In other words the aim of all this teaching about God's discipline in our suffering is so that we will not give up the race - that we not fall exhausted in discouragement or take a detour into some easier path.
The assumption is that knowing what God is up to in our suffering - that it is in fact the loving, sovereign God who is at work for us in it all - is the key to pressing on in the race of holy Christian living.
How Does God's Discipline Help Us Press On?
He gives a couple of examples of how the two are connected - how God's design in our suffering and our pursuing the race are connected. Take the one in verse 14: "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification [= holiness] without which no one will see the Lord." Notice the words, "peace" and "sanctification" (or "holiness"). Running the race means pursuing peace and pursuing holiness. That is the straight path that leads to life - to seeing the Lord.
But how does the discipline of God in our lives through suffering help us press on with that? Look at verse 10b: [God] disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness." Holiness is what God is pursuing in us through our suffering. And holiness is what we are to pursue in our race. And the connection is "therefore" (verse 12). He pursues our holiness; therefore we pursue holiness. We are not doing this on our own. God is at work in us (Hebrews 13:21) and we are to join his sovereign design. We are to be mightily encouraged to do this (see Philippians 2:12-13).
And notice verse 11, "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." See the word "peaceful" or "peaceable." This parallels the exhortation in verse 14, "Pursue peace with all men." And what's the connection? "Therefore!" In all your adversity God is at work designing a peaceable fruit of righteousness. Therefore, pursue peace. Not the other way around. God is at work, so you take heart and work. God is pursuing your peacefulness and your peaceableness. So you strengthen your hands and pursue peace.
Trusting that God is Already at Work in Us
This is close to the essence of the Christian life. The commands of God are not given to us so that we might get God to act for us. They are given to us so that we might trust that - even in our hardest times - God is already at work for us to accomplish the very things he commands us to do. I am designing to bring about your holiness in all your pain . . . therefore pursue holiness. I am designing to bring about your peace in all your pain, says the Lord . . . therefore pursue peace.
Or as verse 15 says: I am pouring grace into your life through my fatherly discipline . . . therefore don't fail to receive it. Don't miss it.
Which is followed by the warning of Esau: He missed it. Verse 16b: "[Esau] sold his own birthright for a single meal." That is, he looked down the straight path that leads to life and he saw adversity and hunger, and instead of believing that God was in it and working for his good - as a loving, disciplining Father - he sold it for a single meal and left the race. And the terrifying thing is, he could not return. Verse 17, "You know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears."
He tried to repent and could not. He had gone too far (see 1 John 5:16). God will forgive all genuine repentance no matter what you've done. But there is a hardening against God that goes over the line and can no longer repent. And this is meant as a very sober warning.
Lay Aside Every Encumbrance to Running the Race
So here is the sum of the matter: Hebrews 12:1 says, Run the race of the Christian life no matter how hard the course. To that end, lay aside every encumbrance and every sin. Pursue peace. Pursue holiness. Don't let your suffering discourage you and make you fall or tempt you to leave the race track. Don't forget that in all your suffering your Father is in charge and loves you and designs for you and in you the very things he is calling you to pursue. Don't be like Esau who would not lay aside even a single meal, but traded away his soul.
So here is how we want to close this service and these last three sermons on the adversities of our lives. There are "sins," "encumbrances" and "single meals" that we need to be renounce. I invite you to take a moment and seek God's insight into what they are in your life. Write them on the leaflet of the worship folder, commit yourself to this renunciation, pray for God's grace in a time of need, and symbolically drop them in the receptacle on your way out.
May God give us the deep, unshakable faith in his loving sovereignty so that we run and not grow weary.


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Macmillan Organiser
Designed to help you keep track of your symptoms, food intake, appointments, and medication.
Order a free Macmillan OrganiserDownload the app
It's important to know the common signs and symptoms of cancer.
Knowing what your breasts normally feel and look like can help you to notice any changes early.
Cervical screening can find cell changes in your cervix early on. Finding these changes earlier can help prevent cancer developing.
The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures levels of PSA protein in the blood.
'In a way, when you're the patient, it's easy. You don't have time to be scared.'
'I did the typical bloke thing of ignoring it.'
'It was just such a shock because I felt so fit and healthy.'
'I took it in my stride and just tried to deal with things as they happened.'
Order or download free, reliable information that is easy to understand. Our booklets cover signs and symptoms, diagnosis, cancer types, treatments and living with cancer.
Waiting to hear the results of tests can be a worrying time. You can talk to us about anything that's concerning you.
If you're deciding which charity to support with your fundraising, talk to us. We want to be there for everyone affected by cancer, and we need your help.
What's happening near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you are.
Read about ways in which our Community users managed their emotions following their diagnosis. They talk about yoga, meditation and counselling.
Cancer can be emotionally draining, but sharing your feelings can help you and others in your situation. Talk about it here.
We rely on a number of sources to gather evidence for our information. If you'd like further information on the sources we use, please feel free to contact us on: email@example.com
All our information is reviewed by cancer or other relevant professionals to ensure that it's accurate and reflects the best evidence available. We thank all those people who have provided expert review for the information on this page.
Our information is also reviewed by people affected by cancer to ensure it is as relevant and accessible as possible. Thank you to all those people who reviewed what you're reading and have helped our information to develop.
You could help us too when you join our Cancer Voices Network – find out more at: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancervoices
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Mapquest is great--that is, as long as construction doesn't render it useless! That's what happened on my way to the headquarters of Gold's Gym International in Dallas. I tried to access the North Central Expressway from the exit Mapquest had mapped for me, but construction in the area made that impossible. Although it was my first visit to Dallas, I am an "expert" map reader (or so I like to think), so I figured I could "map" my way onto the expressway. Unfortunately, I just kept getting more turned around in the downtown area. In fact, I got so turned around that I ended up driving on what I thought was a nice brick road, only to realize it was the tracks for DART--the light rail system. I quickly veered off that road once I spied the two trains sitting at stops about 200 yards away. After I caught my breath and admitted to myself that I was officially lost, I tried to find a spot to pull over so I could call Dave Reiseman, the communications director at Gold's Gym, to let him know that I would be late and to get directions. Unfortunately, my search for a place to pull over led me onto Highway 75 north.
I was then able to reach Dave and he turned the phone over to a woman in the office who gave me very clear and precise directions. Unfortunately, I had gone far enough on Highway 75 north that I ended up being an hour late for the meeting with David Schnabel, CEO of Gold's Gym. He was very polite in accepting my apologies and in staying late to accommodate the interview.
I'm glad he did, as the interview turned out to be a good one that we'll feature in our April issue in our Executive Insights column. David talked about growth plans for the company, the company's new Legacy II agreements for franchisees, how the company is working with franchisees more closely through the Gold's Franchise Council, partnerships the company has entered and licensing plans for the Gold's brand. To find out more, stay tuned for our April issue, where we will feature a shortened version of the interview. A longer version will appear online in mid-April.
At the end of the interview, the two Daves were nice enough to review my Mapquest directions to my hotel and, through the windows of David Schnabel's corner office, point out the streets I needed to take to get onto the correct highway. Their guidance was right on target, as I had no problem getting onto the highway and to my hotel.
Despite Mapquest failing me just once on this trip, I think all of my future rental cars will be equipped with GPS. --Pam


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Fuku, the Buddha sculpture-centerpieced Asian restaurant on downtown West Palm Beach's Clematis Street, is double-timing its $5 happy-hour deal, rolling it over into late night.
Five-buck late-night bites hit the red-lacquered scene at Fuku (215 Clematis St.; 659-3858) a few days ago. A trio of them is offered Mon.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-midnight, and Fri. and Sat., 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
Items change nightly, ranging from sushi rolls to pot stickers, dim sum, calamari and/or rock shrimp, among others.
If you're not an after-dinner-hours grazer, here's a reminder about the aforementioned $5 happy-hour deal, offered 5-7 p.m. daily at Fuku: Specialty drinks, select wines by the glass, sushi rolls and appetizers are $5 each.


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U.S. stocks are on pace to close a volatile January in the red, after posting the best yearly gain in 16 years.
With less than two hours until the end of trading Friday, the was trading around 1790, down just over 3 percent for the month. It is on track for its first January loss since 2009, and the largest monthly decrease in eight months.
Similarly, the Dow is off by almost 5 percent this year, while the Nasdaq has fallen 1.5 percent.
As January goes, so goes the year?


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Victoria Brown
Professor Brown has been a member of the Grinnell History Department since the fall of 1989. She has chaired the History Department and the Gender and Women's Studies concentration, been an active participant in the Center for Prairie Studies, and served as chair of the Social Studies Division.
Brown received her B.A. in American Institutions from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Ph.D. in History from the University of California at San Diego. She is the author of The Education of Jane Addams (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004) and Going to theSource: The Bedford Reader in American History (Bedford/St. Martin's, 2004, 2007). She appeared on the PBS series "American Experience" in documentaries on Woodrow Wilson and on the history of Chicago. She has served as the book review editor of the Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era and the subscription website "Women and Social Movements." In 2000-2001, Brown was the Ray Allen Billington Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Huntington Library and Occidental College. She is currently working on a history of the American grandmother in the 20th century.
Education and Degrees
B.A. in American Institutions from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Ph.D. in History from the University of California at San Diego


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Beginner's guide to mountain biking, part 1
All the gear you'll need to get started
Have you ever wondered what equipment you would need to start mountain biking? Or even where to go? For people who love the sport, these kinds of questions are second nature. They already have all the kit and know the best venues and routes for their skill level.
What about absolute beginners though? Those of us who want to get into mountain biking, yet have no idea where to start? Sure we can ride a bike, but the second the trail starts to look anything less than flat it all gets a bit too scary.
Well, this series is for you. Over the next year we're going to take you through all the basics, help you progress to intermediate level and then teach you some of the 'secrets' of advanced level mountain biking. No longer will you find yourself standing in a bike shop wondering what everyone's talking about!
Lesson one: You and your kit
There are several essential bits of kit for mountain biking that we would recommend buying straight away, plus a number of other items that are worth investing in if you get the biking bug.
Essential equipment
1 Bike
The bicycle is a complicated machine, but when it comes to choosing one all you need are some basic measurements – your height and inside leg – and a trip to your local bike shop (LBS).
Yes, you can find some cheap deals online, but it's all too easy for a beginner to make a bad choice and end up with an unsuitable machine. Your LBS will be able to help you find a bike that fits you properly and is suitable for the sort of riding you'll be doing.
Most shops are run by biking enthusiasts who are only too happy to answer all of your questions. John's Bikes in Bath were brilliant at helping us find the right bike for this series and I'm sure your local shop will be able to help you in the same way.
The first question you should ask is' what is the best starter bike for me?'. There are three main types of mountain bike:
1 Rigid: A rigid bike has no suspension. This saves weight, cuts down on maintenance and means there is less to think about when you are learning to ride off-road. But on rocky or rooty tracks your comfort and control will suffer. A rigid bike is always preferable to a bike with poor suspension, so they're a good buy if you can only afford a couple of hundred quid.
2 Hardtail: As the name suggests, this is a bike with a hard – ie. un-suspended – back end and a suspension fork at the front. This type of bike helps you tackle more technical terrain. They're heavier than similarly priced rigid bikes, but cheaper, lighter and have better handling than entry-level full-suspension bikes. For a new bike with a decent budget fork you should be looking at paying upwards of £400. This is the type of bike we've chosen for the start of this series.
3 Full-suspension: Full-suspension bikes have suspension at both the front and rear, which improves comfort and helps you ride more technical terrain. The downside is increased cost – it's difficult to find a decent new bike for under £800, except in the sales – and weight, plus more moving parts to break or wear out.
Once you've decided what sort of bike you want and how much you're willing to pay (you may be able to save money if your employer offers a Cycle to Work scheme), the choice is down to personal preference – although checking out the reviews here on BikeRadar and our Buyer's Guide to Mountain Bikes may help you make up your mind.
It's important to buy the right size frame – your LBS should be able to work this out using the measurements you took earlier – and we'd always recommend taking the bike for a test ride. One thing to watch out for on mountain bikes is standover height – the space between the top tube of the frame and your crotch. If you need to dismount in a hurry, you don't want to get tangled up in the frame.
You can tweak several parts of the bike so it fits you better, and the shop should be able to help you with this. See our beginner's guide to setting up your mountain bike for more details.
For the start of this series we'll be riding a Trek 6700 women's hardtail
2 Helmet
Mountain biking is a great sport but it can also be a dangerous one so we would always recommend wearing a helmet. Different brands have different fits so it's important to try the helmet on before you buy it.
Your helmet should be level on your head and fit fairly snugly. It shouldn't obscure your vision or cover the tops of your ears, nor should there be any excessive movement if you pull the helmet back and forth. The chin strap should be secure and the straps leading to your chin strap should go either side of your ears and not cover them. If you are unsure, ask questions. For more help, check out our Buyer's Guide to Cycle Helmets.
This mid-range Specialized Tactic helmet is ideal for beginners
3 Gloves
Not all mountain bikers wear gloves but it's a good idea when you're starting out because of the high likelihood of crashing. They also help reduce soreness caused by vibrations from the bike.
You can get fingerless mitts for the summer but for winter riding you'll find full gloves are much better. There are many brands on the market with different levels of padding and insulation. Again, try them on to make sure they fit – your fingers shouldn't feel cramped and there shouldn't be any bunching of material on the palm.
We'll be trying out these SealSkinz' Ladies All Weather Cycle Gloves over the winter
4 Pump, puncture repair kit and multi-tool
Punctures are inevitable but need not slow you down for long if you're prepared. The trusty pump and puncture repair kit are two important bits of kit not to be forgotten. It's also worth buying a multi-tool so you can carry out basic trailside repairs. Your local bike shop should be able to advise you on what to buy.
Recommended kit
Although you can ride in just shorts and a T-shirt, there are several items of cycle-specific clothing that are worth considering if you have the budget, because they will make your riding more comfortable and enjoyable.
1 Sunglasses
There's nothing more annoying than riding along and suddenly being hit in the eye by a fly or some other foreign object – that's why so many riders wear eye protection.
Clear glasses are great because you can wear them all year round and you aren't plunged into darkness when you enter a wooded section, like you can be when wearing sunglasses. Many come with interchangeable lenses, including a yellow one for overcast or poor light conditions.
Spiuk Ventix Carbon Lumiris II glasses have light reactive photochromatic lenses
2 Cycling tops
T-shirts are fine until they get wet – either from rain or your own sweat – when they soon become cold and clammy. A riding-specific top will not only fit better when you're sat on the bike but will also help draw moisture away from your body.
There are tonnes of different clothing ranges out there so shop around depending on how much you're willing to spend. Just keep in mind that it must fit your body shape and be comfortable when you're sat on a bike. Make sure you can stretch upwards and the sleeves don't end up round your armpits, and if you bend over the back doesn't ride up leaving you with a cold midriff.
The top you go for will depend on the weather. Right now we're at the crossover between autumn and winter so you'll want something to keep the chill off and yet not roast you like an early Christmas turkey! It's also a good idea to invest in a decent windproof or waterproof jacket – see our Buyer's Guide to Weatherproof Jackets and Buyer's Guide to Winter Layers.
Ground Effect's Popsicle top is ideal for autumn
3 Cycling shorts/tights
The same rules apply to bottoms as tops. You must be comfortable riding in them so try them on. Everyone has a different body shape so what works for one person may not be what's best for you.
There are lots of different styles out there, from body-hugging Lycra to more casual baggy shorts and trousers, but remember that a bit of padding can go a long way.
As a beginner your body won't be used to sitting in a saddle for any length of time. This is something that you'll get used to but at the start it can be quite uncomfortable. Padded shorts or tights feel odd when you first try a pair on but once you're sat on the saddle they suddenly become your new best friend.
For more information, see our Buyer's Guide to Lycra Shorts and Buyer's Guide to Baggy Shorts.
For the start of this series we're wearing Ground Effect Witches Britches knickers
4 Hydration pack/water bottle
It's important to stay hydrated when you're riding so get a water bottle for your bike or, better yet, invest in a hydration pack – effectively a bladder full of water stored in a rucksack with a long straw so you can drink on the move. These packs have a plethora of pockets so there's plenty of room for all your extra bits and pieces – pump and puncture kit, cash, a phone and first aid kit. Check out our Buyer's Guide to Hydration Packs for more information.
Gelert's Hydro Force hydration pack has a water bladder and plenty of pockets for tools, etc
5 Socks
Socks are important for the same reason that gloves are – they help protect your feet from getting blisters and from getting cold. Bike-specific ones will generally have padding in the right places and be made of breathable materials that help carry moisture away from your skin. Some are even waterproof, so you can wade through a stream and still have dry feet.
Ground Effect Toe Rags are great in dry conditions
We'll don waterproof SealSkinz Lightweight Socklets when conditions go downhill
You're now up to speed on all the basics, so go out there and see what kit suits you. Learn from the experts, ask lots of questions and get ready for next month's article, when we'll tell you what else to check before you go out riding and how to cope with your first puncture.
Word from the author
The staff of BikeRadar, Mountain Biking UK and What Mountain Bike have vast amounts of knowledge on mountain biking and I'm always left wondering how these guys are so clued-up. Where did they start?
As a complete novice, I had very little idea of what I needed to start riding, or even where I could go to learn how to ride. So I decided it was time to get knowledgeable.
For this series I'll be riding and writing from a complete beginner's point of view. I'll visit a variety of locations and take part in skills courses, and then tell you honestly what I've learnt.
Follow me through the series and by the end I'll be aiming to take on the massive challenge of riding down Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. This will be the ultimate test of the skills and knowledge I've acquired, and it'll prove that mountain biking isn't just for the elites!


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New Products
Portable, High-Speed Plasma-Cutting Power
Like other PowerCut models, the new PowerCut 1300 and 1600 machines offer high-speed cutting and thickness capabilities as well as high duty cycles.
New is a tool-less quick-disconnect torch that disconnects from the machine without the use of wrenches or special tools, allowing simple disassembly for storage, repairs or replacement or to attach a mechanized torch for mechanized applications. A new digital-readout display is simple to read and shows the exact pressure or amperage. The display also shows help codes to assist in troubleshooting minor errors and minimize downtime.
The PowerCut 1300 cuts steel to 1.25 in. and severs to 1.5 in. The PowerCut 1600 cuts 1.5 in., and severs 1.75 in.
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products: 843/669-4411; www.esabna.com
See also: ESAB Welding & Cutting
Related Enterprise Zones: Fabrication
Reader Comments
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Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger scored in the third period, Corey Crawford made 20 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in the opener of their second-round playoff series Wednesday night.
Chicago dominated the final two periods in its first game in the Western Conference semifinals since it won the Stanley Cup in 2010. Marian Hossa scored the opening goal, and Patrick Sharp had an empty-netter and two assists to give him nine points in the playoffs.
Jimmy Howard finished with 38 stops in a terrific performance, but Detroit still lost to rival Chicago for the eighth straight time dating to last season.
The series resumes on Saturday afternoon at the United Center.
The 75th all-time playoff game between the Blackhawks and Red Wings was tied at 1 after two periods, and Howard made a great stop on a breakaway by Dave Bolland 4½ minutes into the third.
Chicago kept working and went in front to stay on a heady play by Oduya. He drifted in from the point and sent Sharp's pass past Howard on the glove side with 12 minutes left. Kruger then jumped on a loose puck and sent a backhander into the upper right corner to make it 3-1.
That was more than enough for Crawford, who caught a break when Damien Brunner's rebound attempt went off the crossbar and straight down before it was swept away with about three minutes left.
The opener of the 16th playoff series between the Original Six teams was the first game for Chicago since it eliminated Minnesota last Thursday. Detroit closed out Anaheim with a 3-2 win in Game 7 on Sunday night, taking the final two games of the series against the second-seeded Ducks.
Despite the long break, there was no sign of rust for the Blackhawks. And the Red Wings skated right with Chicago despite all that travel in the first round and the thrilling conclusion to the series against Anaheim.
This one was fast and frenetic from the start. Two similar teams more than familiar with the other's style, energized by their first playoff meeting since Detroit beat Chicago in five games in the 2009 Western Conference final.
The Blackhawks struck first, taking advantage of the first power-play opportunity of the game. With Gustav Nyquist in the box for hooking, Sharp forced a turnover along the boards and Jonathan Toews sent the puck to Hossa, who one-timed it past Howard at 9:03.
Detroit needed less than two minutes to respond, tying it when Brunner poked in a rebound for his third career playoff goal. The rookie center also contributed three assists in the first round against the Ducks.
The Blackhawks killed off two power plays created by penalties on Andrew Shaw. They killed off another one when Nick Leddy was sent off for delay of game in the second period, making them a perfect 20 for 20 on the penalty kill in the postseason and sinking Detroit to 1 for 18 on power plays against Chicago, including the regular season.
After Leddy's penalty, the Blackhawks controlled most of the action for a while. They had a 17-5 advantage in shots in the period. They just couldn't solve Howard, who made a great glove stop on a wide-open Hossa with 6:39 remaining. Detroit also killed off two Chicago power plays to keep it tied headed to the third.


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Stacy Keibler Gossip
Stacy Keibler gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
OVER HERE, George Clooney!
Wenn, Jason Merritt/ Michael Buckner/ Getty
Stacy Keibler is pregnant. I'm not sure that George Clooney knows this. She might not know if he knows this. So here she is at the ELLE Annual Women In Music celebration in LA last night trying her best to belly-cup her baby bump. This may be a world record. For what? The earliest in her pregnancy that a woman has ever attempted to belly-cup. Full Story
The new Power Couple
After Stacy Keibler and George Clooney broke up, I wondered whether or not I'd ever write about her again. On her own, Keibler isn't a story. But Keibler isn't on her own anymore. Check it out -- she's on holiday with Naomi Drama. It's the new power couple: supermodel and supergirlfriend, and they're both single. Full Story
There's no drama when there's compensation
Sharky/ Splash, INF
Sorry I'm running late today. It's been a busy week at my tv job, and I'm also co-hosting CTV Morning Live in Vancouver during my last official week as a resident here. So the timing's been a bit tight and I apologise that your gossip is delayed. Trying to make it up to you now with new photos of George Clooney who is in Paris, all smiles and single, heading into the Nespresso store. Full Story
George Clooney's telephone send-off
So it's over between George Clooney and Stacy Keibler because she wanted marriage and babies, according to PEOPLE. According to US Weekly, they hadn't been spending any time together, with him in Europe shooting a movie and her in America trying to build a career hosting reality tv shows and attending video game launches. Full Story
Stacy's not going back to Como
Jason Merritt/ Getty
Back in March, US Weekly reported that the "end is near" for George Clooney and Stacy Keibler. George evidently didn't' like that US was all up in his business so he denied it and flew Stacy over to Germany for a few photo opportunities. Click here Full Story
George & Stacy's Independence Day
e-pics/ Splash
It's summer. Which means George Clooney is in Lake Como, Italy, where he spent the Fourth of July. Here are some blurry shots of him getting on a boat last night. Stacy Keibler? She tweeted a photo of a beach and some flowers, no locations indicated. Full Story
George & Stacy bbq
Stacy Keibler is hosting a new show on Lifetime called Supermarket Superstar. I guess it's like Dragon's Den or Shark Tank where contestants pitch their food ideas to food experts and if they win, their product will be distributed at the supermarket. It was announced Full Story
George and his ex ...without Stacy?
Wenn, FameFlynet
George Clooney spent the weekend in London. On Saturday night he hit up Loulou's, a club in Mayfair. Here he is, leaving with his security team shortly before closing. Shortly after, two women were also seen exiting the venue. And one of them looked a lot like Monika Jakisic. They call her the Croatian Sensation. Full Story
George in London, Stacy in Cannes
George Clooney was photographed in London last night after dinner with friends. UK gossips have suggested that he seemed unsteady on his feet. I believe it. I've seen it. It's a good time when George goes out. For the last few months, George has been directing The Monuments Men. Full Story
It's Como Time
Franco Villa/ Splash
George Clooney, his producing partner Grant Heslov, and Matt Damon have been shooting The Monuments Men in Germany the last couple of months. Evidently they needed a break. So they spent a few days in Italy... It's almost summertime. Which means it's Como Time. At least it is for George, who has no wife and children to go back to during his down time. Full Story
MET Most Surprising: Stacy Keibler
Brad Barket/ Larry Busacca/ Dimitrios Kambouris/ Getty
I don't hate it. Not at all. It's far from the worst of the night. Or the most boring. Or the most Try. It's not a mega standout but that's OK too. It wouldn't have been possible for Stacy Keibler, without George Clooney, to rise to the top anyway. But middle of the pack is about right. Full Story


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If you think that gambling is a potential way to wealth and prosperity, think again.
Virtual reality has far more value than entertainment and escape. It has practical applications, too.
What's one of the most sought-after commodities in human history—the only rock we eat because it's so essential to life?
We were designed to seek food to satisfy our hunger, and we seek fame to satisfy our desire for immortality.
I encourage Christian students to challenge their teachers respectfully with pointed questions.
God's perfectly revealed truth rings an apocalyptic death knell for man's "perfectly primitive" imagination.
How did it happen? How did museums become the secular temples of our day?
No results found in .
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.


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My friend Marla and I decided to head down to Fountain Square and check out some of the restaurants that have popped up. Rather than Skyline - we decided to try The Elusive Cow and Tom + Chee.
I've heard so much about Tom + Chee so really wanted to try that...but Marla wasn't in the mood so she decided to try the menu at Elusive Cow. The lines weren't too bad...and it wasn't yet so blazing hot like it is now!
Tom + Chee does lay out their menu for all to see each day. They had a couple of salads, soups (not on display) and a variety of grilled cheese. The one in the lower right is the donut grilled cheese - I passed on that one!
I got the combo of sandwich + salad. This is the tomato mozzarella basil salad. I liked it but it wasn't perfect. The mozzarella didn't have much flavor and was a bit grainier than I like.
This was the grilled cheese with bacon and I - again - wasn't thrilled. It was just kinda greasy and nothing special.
I know half of the Tom + Chee is tomato soup - but it was warm enough that I wasn't in a soup mood. I hear that's better.
Marla had something from the Elusive Cow...
She got a burger with a side of cucumber salad. This wasn't anything special either - the burger was pretty flavorless (I snuck a bite).
Why Should You Go? Well - I'm not sure you should. Maybe this winter I'll head back on a cold day for the soup.
Don't forget - there's still time to enter my Qdoba giveaway - I've got 5 gift cards with 4 entrees each - ready to giveaway!


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"MANA Home Birth Data 2004-2009"
New Home Birth Study from the MANA Statistics Dataset Shows That Planned Home Birth with Skilled Midwives is Safe
for Low-Risk Pregnancies
The study was published in two articles in the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health:
1. "Outcomes of care for 16,924 planned home births in the United States: The Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project, 2004 to 2009."
2. "Development and Validation of a National Data Registry for midwife-led births: The Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project 2.0 dataset."
Read CfM's summary of the articles' findings and some considerations for consumers regarding the data's results
View CfM's one page fact sheet of the study's results
As of January 2014, this is the largest study of planned, midwife-led home birth in the U.S. to date. Outcomes are reported for nearly 17,000 women who went in to labor intending to deliver at home between 2004 and 2009. Results for low-risk mothers are consistent with most studies of planned homebirth.


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"Republic is the first content marketing agency we have bought but will not be the only one we have," Dyson told PRWeek.
"I think long-term we will build some pretty nice content marketing businesses across the group. Some of them will be spin-offs from our current businesses and some will simply stay within our current businesses."
Republic Publishing produces mainly digital content for clients including Nokia, Sharp and Red Bull, such as the mobile handset maker's official UK blog NokNok.
Next Fifteen bought 51 per cent of the company in January in a performance-related deal, worth a maximum of £5m, that includes the option to purchase the remainder over the next two to six years.
Dyson admitted there was an argument that Next Fifteen did not need to buy in expertise given that it already had a lot of good content people.
But he said he had been convinced of the value of buying in specialists by Next Fifteen's experience four years ago of acquiring pure digital business Type 3 as part of creating Beyond.
"It was the combination that made Beyond as successful as it was as quickly as it was," Dyson said.
"We benefit from buying a business that does something well and learning a ton from that company so that when we do it ourselves we do it in the best possible way."
According to Dyson, Republic Publishing's specialist skills are bringing together experts across a broad range of content – writing, photojournalism and video; understanding how to publish that content in the right kind of vehicle; and how to use content to build communities.
He believes this is useful to Next Fifteen because its clients are starting to put more thought into content, having used social channels to become publishers themselves.
"The big change for us is getting our clients to build a community around a digital content channel," he said.
"If they want to do online engagement properly they have to have a constant dialogue with their customers and that has to be a meaningful dialogue."
Dyson said in cases where clients were doing this well Next Fifteen benefitted from steadier revenue streams from content production and analytics and insight provision.
He was speaking after Next Fifteen revealed its revenues for the six months to 31 January had increased by 6 per cent to £49.3 million.
For the first time more than half of its revenues were produced by digital activity.
Dyson claimed that financial analysts were now optimistic about the company again after its profits warning and the resignation of its finance chief in October.
Its share price, which dropped from 92 pence to 70 pence at the time, is now at around the 110 pence level.
"The underlying performance of the business has come back into focus," Dyson said. "The analysts were waiting to make sure of that case before backing the stock."
Next Fifteen plans to build around first content marketing acquisition
PR group Next Fifteen is planning to push further into content marketing after acquiring Republic Publishing, according to chief executive Tim Dyson.
"Republic is the first content marketing agency we have bought but will not be the only one we have," Dyson told PRWeek.


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Roast Overload
Scoop is crashed out in the spare bed room (known in the family as Scoop's room) with his paws straight up in the air. It's official: he is a fat kitty.
Old fuzzy had a whale of a time when he came in late Saturday night eating a thin slice of roast pork, and by conning us into thinking he hadn't had proper lunch, he dived into seconds yesterday as well.
There is a tiny smidgeon left to garnish his dinner but from this point on we're officially back to proper meals. And if I know Scoop, the return to normal means he'll soon be asking when Chinese New Year is kicking in....
PS here is Scoop in bed. Just look at that fat tummy!
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text: White's Mountain Subaru is pleased to offer a comprehensive library of Frequently Asked Questions for car shoppers seeking more information related to finance, insurance, parts, service and the trade-in process. Whether you're trying to determine the differences between leases and loans or want to know more about add-on accessories, White's Mountain Subaru's FAQ collection will answer your automotive queries. Simply choose your desired topic to browse the questions and answers within that category. If you cannot find a satisfactory explanation, please contact us via our online contact form or by phone at 307-237-2438


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The Black Series is the best thing to happen to Star Wars action figures since, well, forever. Even today, over 30 years on from the first toys, Hasbro's main line of figures sucks. But not these babies.
Three new lines have been announced in the series, consisting of eight new figures in all. In 2014 we're getting two Luke Skywalkers (Bespin & Return of the Jedi), a Darth Vader (with removable mask), a Chewbacca, a Sandtrooper, a Clone Trooper, a Stormtrooper, Anakin Skywalker and a prequel Obi-Wan.
They retail for $20, but I've got the Rebel Pilot Luke Skywalker, and they're worth every penny.


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BROOMFIELD, CO - March 20, 2013
Webroot, a leader in delivering Internet security as a service, today announced a new partnership agreement with Australian-based managed service provider Xari Group. The agreement will see Webroot® SecureAnywhere™ Business – Endpoint Protection deployed in conjunction with LabTech remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform to create a complete cloud-based managed antivirus solution that will simplify business endpoint security, lower overhead costs, increase network administrator efficiency, and significantly reduce the rate and impact of both known and unknown malware infection.
The partnership enables Xari Group to efficiently administer customer updates and address potential breaches using Webroot's unique cloud-based architecture that provides instant protection of all users and endpoint devices through its blazingly fast and smart cloud-connected security agents. The agents immediately protect businesses from new threats by extending their network protection to wherever users are located by linking them to the world's most powerful cloud-based security intelligence engine.
Unlike traditional security solutions, Webroot SecureAnywhere Business – Endpoint Protection installs in seconds, scans in less than two minutes, and never requires security updates or signature database downloads which consume network bandwidth and leave users exposed. Xari Group will also utilize Webroot's rapid rollback functionality to undo collateral damage from malware infections, reducing the need for network administrators to reimage machines and minimizing the impact on company staff and its clients.
"After a thorough assessment of our managed antivirus workflow, Xari Group chose Webroot for its superior speed and flexibility, its small install and scanning footprint as well as the revolutionary 'Rapid Rollback' functionality that greatly reduces the need for re-imaging and remediation," said Aaron Hawke, Xari Group CEO. "By implementing Webroot SecureAnywhere we expect to quickly see a significant reduction in the amount of time our staff spend addressing potential infections and in turn this will provide our customers with an even more seamless managed antivirus experience than our previous solution enabled us to."
"We're excited that Xari Group has joined our strategic channel program under this new agreement, and we see immense potential in this collaboration," commented Crispin Kerr, Webroot Managing Director APAC. "The industry leading features of Webroot Secure Anywhere Business – Endpoint Protection with LabTech RMM complement the needs of managed service providers perfectly, including Xari Group, to enhance and refine their outstanding managed antivirus service offerings into the future, as well as deliver better customer experiences in the process."
Xari Group is not just about technology - we're about people, solutions and relationships. At Xari Group, we believe success starts with understanding. Our focus is on long term relationships based on the evolving needs of your business and available technologies. This is how we achieve results that exceed the expectation of our customers and continue to move forward as a world leader in Managed Services and IT Solutions. This is strengthened by our relationship with our industry partners and commitment to continued education for our staff.
Xari Group specialises in Managed IT Services where our focus is on maintaining our customer's uptime and improving their computing. We deliver predictable and stable systems giving confidence in technology, which allows our customers to spend time running their business, not worrying about costly reactive downtime.


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Santa María de la Asunción Church-Procathedral
Contact details
Plaza Mayor s/n
12001 Castellón de la Plana-Castelló de la Plana, Castellón de la Plana, Castellón-Castelló (Region of Valencia)
Tel.:+34 964223463
- Autonomous region: Region of Valencia
- Province/Island: Castellón-Castelló
El Fadri Bell Tower.
The current church was rebuilt in 1939, which is why it only has Gothic doorways and a few Gothic features in its interior.
The old church was built in the thirteenth century, but was destroyed by a fire. The church was rebuilt in the 15th century in the Gothic style, but, once again, it was practically destroyed by war in 1936, so the its latest transformation was in 1939. The bell tower is separated from the main body of the church. This octagonal-shaped edifice was built in the sixteenth century. It is also known locally as 'El Fadri'. There are numerous valuable precious metal works of art. The north doorway maintains its original Gothic design while the other two doorways partially maintain their original Gothic design. There is also an original Ribalta painting and a Vergara carving.
- Construction: Cathedral
- Artistic period: Neo-Gothic
- Historic period: 13th century
- Setting: Royal Convent of the Capuchin Nuns.
Practical information
- From Jun 23 to Sep 23
From Monday to SaturdayFrom 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM From 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Public holidays and SundayFrom 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM From 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM
- From Sep 24 to Jun 22
From Monday to SaturdayFrom 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM From 5:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Public holidays and SundayFrom 8:30 AM to 1:45 PM From 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM
- Admission free


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Aisha Price
scored three goals in Harvard's season finale win over Bucknell
(photo Gil Talbot).
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Shannon Purcell and Aisha Price scored three goals apiece and goalies Ariel Dukes and Jasmine Griffin anchored the defensive effort as the Harvard women's water polo team cruised past Bucknell, 11-3, in the CWPA Eastern Championship seventh-place game.
The win was Harvard's fourth victory over the Bison this season.
Harvard opened the game with a two-goal lead, with tallies at the 6:45 and 4:57 marks of the first quarter. Purcell initiated the scoring and A. Price gave the Crimson a 2-0 lead with a man-up goal.
Monica Zdrojewski batted in a goal at 4:54 to extended Harvard's lead in the second stanza. After Julianne Valdes put Bucknell on the board to make the score 3-1, the Crimson offense went on a three-goal run in just over three minutes. A. Price, Purcell and Lizzie Abbott found the back of the cage to build a 6-1 and gain control of the game.
Bucknell scored to make the score 6-2 entering halftime, but Devan Kennifer quickly moved the lead back to five in the opening minute of the third period. Kennifer's tally was her tenth in four games at the tournament.
Harvard continued to score throughout the second half and Dukes and Griffin held Bucknell to one goal in the final 16 minutes. Shayna Price, Zrojewski A. Price and Purcell rounded out the scoring for the Crimson.
Dukes ended the game with seven saves, while Griffin denied a shot in the fourth quarter.
The Crimson ended the season with a 17-12 record, its second straight season over .500. It is the first time Harvard has accomplished the feat since 2004 and '05.
Harvard 11, Bucknell 3
Aisha Price 3
Lizzie Abbott
Shannon Purcell 3
Devan Kennifer
Monica Zdrojewski 2
Shayna Price
Aisha Price
Shannon Purcell 2
Devan Kennifer 3
Victoria Frager
Shayna Price 2
Aisha Price
Devan Kennifer 5
Elise Molnar 3
Monica Zdrojewski 2
Victoria Frager
Shayna Price 3
Ariel Dukes 7
Jasmine Griffin 1


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David M. Cross Law Office
David M. Cross Law Office
Attorney Profile
David M. Cross
Criminal Defense
Social Security Disability
Personal Injury
Email Form
Map & Directions
Albany, KY Law Firm Skillfully Handling Your Legal Issues Since 1985
Albany, Kentucky lawyers bringing more than 25 years of experience to your criminal, Social Security disability and personal injury cases
Established in 1985, David M. Cross Law Office has provided personalized and responsive legal services to businesses and individuals throughout the Clinton, Wayne, Russell, Adair, Cumberland and Monroe counties. Our law firm is a small-town, general practice with a focus on criminal defense cases.
Our lawyers
have more than 25 years of experience and have successfully represented clients in trial courts in Kentucky and also handle Social Security Disability cases in Tennessee. Our diverse clientele have included Clinton Tire Company, Winfreys Landing, Crudewell Drilling Inc., Porco Fertilizer, Mason Steel Erectors, Burch Drilling, Peoples Bank and Trust, Monticello Banking Company and United Citizens Bank.
Here to help clients through legal matters
Whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony charge, or are suffering an injury due to someone else's negligence, we are here to help you find a solution that protects your rights and makes the best out of a tough, and sometimes life-changing situation. With our proven courtroom and negotiation skills, we are experienced litigators who are prepared to zealously defend your life and liberty. As a testament to our solid counsel and representation, attorney David M. Cross has earned a
BV® Distinguished Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
for his professionalism and ethics.
The David M. Cross Law Office provides experienced and diligent legal services in the following areas of law:
General civil trial practice
Criminal defense
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Providing you with assertive trial and negotiation skills
Although we aggressively defend your interests in court, we place a strong emphasis on treating each of our clients compassionately and giving them the personal attention they deserve. The attorneys at the David M. Cross Law Office understand the sensitive nature of criminal cases and we make sure that their matter is handled in a confidential manner. From start to finish, we walk you through the steps to protect your rights and save you from costly mistakes.
Depend on an experienced and compassionate Kentucky law firm you can trust
Call the David M. Cross Law Office at 606.387.6638 or
contact us online
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Located near Lake Cumberland and Lake Dale Hollow, the David M. Cross Law Office serves clients throughout Clinton, Wayne, Russell, Adair, Cumberland and Monroe counties.
Areas of Practice
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Albany, KY 42602
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Rich in tradition, customs and symbolism, an Indian wedding ceremony is typically a magnificently choreographed undertaking that lasts for up to five days or more. The rituals have evolved a great deal since traditional times and of course, differ greatly from Western ceremonies. Modern Indian weddings are as diverse as the many regions throughout the Indian continent and can involve all the rituals of traditional ceremonies, or can be tailored by the bride and groom and their families based on their own traditions and backgrounds. This article covers the most important components of a traditional Hindu wedding to help you begin your planning so you can make your own wedding an authentic and memorable affair! For more information follow these links for or more detail on Hindu and several other regional Indian wedding ceremonies including Bengali, Gujarati, Kashmiri and more.
There are several important ceremonies that take place in the days before your wedding; the first is Misri – the ring ceremony. This will take place several days before your wedding and calls for seven married women to draw the sign of Lord Ganesha in red powder spread above a bowl of rock sugar. Prayers are said by you and your fiancée and your parents and you will exchange flowered garlands and gold rings with your beloved in the presence of your priest. The groom's parents will place in your lap a basket of fruit or other gifts to welcome you then feed your family misri – rock sugar – confirming the engagement and promising a life full of sweetness ahead.
The next ceremony, Mehendi, takes place the day before the wedding at a ladies-only afternoon tea. Intricate patterns drawn with mehendi (henna) are applied to your hands and feet and symbolize the deepening of bonds with your future husband. Often this ceremony will merge with Sagri – also known as the "acquaintance party", where the groom's female relations visit bearing gifts and flowers with which to adorn you.
At some point on the day before your wedding, your priest will perform the Nav-Graha Puja in both the groom and bride's homes, in which he will say prayers to the Gods of the "nine planets", thus bestowing the couple with their blessings. Next he will perform the Ghari Puja – a series of prayers combined with offerings of wheat, coconut, betel nuts, rice and spices for prosperity. Both mothers will don their wedding clothes and walk to the doorways of their respective homes with earthenware pots containing water on their heads – the water will be cut with a knife to ward off evil spirits, and relatives and friends will then adorn the parents with flowers and money. Next, it's time for you and your fiancée to put on old clothes which will be torn of with glee by family members, symbolizing the end of your single lives!
The fun is just getting started as you begin the next ceremony called Sangeet. This is a joyous nighttime party held the evening before the wedding and is an opportunity to enjoy the spirit of the moment with music, dancing and food. Just make sure you get some sleep – you have a big day tomorrow!
The day begins with the Haldi ritual, in which you are cleansed at your home with turmeric powder. This is followed by the Swagatam ceremony, in which your female relatives help you dress in your wedding sari. Your fiancée will also do the Haldi ritual and will be dressed in his wedding attire at his home before coming to your residence. When he arrives, at the threshold he'll place his right foot gently over yours to symbolize the support and protection he will provide and will then be invited inside for his feet to be washed in milk and water (if the ceremony is being held at your home) or you will then depart to the location where your wedding is to be held. In traditional times you would have ridden in an ornately decorated horse-drawn carriage – but don't worry, a limo is a perfectly acceptable mode of transportation and your priest will probably place a coconut under the tire before you depart, a symbol of the road-worthiness of your mode of transport!
At the temple or the grounds where you've chosen to have your wedding, the ceremony will take place under a Mandap, the symbolic four-pillared canopy that is typically decorated with bright and vibrant colors under which burns Agni, the sacred fire that is witness to the ceremony. The ceremony begins with Madhuparka as your fiancée receives gifts from your father. Mantras are chanted during Kanya Daan as your father presents you to your fiancée and he takes your left hand in his right in Pani Grahan as he accepts you as his wife.
The next ceremonial functions include Pratigna Karan, Shila Arohan and Laja Horma – in which you drop an offering of puffed rice over the sacred fire – and Lawan Phere, which legalizes your union as you walk around the sacred fire four times, touching a stone on each turn which represents your ability to overcome the obstacles you will face ahead. This is followed by the Saptapadi or seven steps ceremony, which involves a ceremonial knot to be tied between your sari and your husband's scarf, and a thread that has been blessed that will tie your right hands together. You will turn to the north and take seven steps as you recite seven mantras that symbolize: the abundance of food and a life that is noble and respectful; physical and mental strength; spiritual strength and blessings; happiness; the welfare of all living things and noble offspring; bountiful seasons and togetherness; and a life of understanding, loyalty unity and companionship as well for the peace of the universe.
There are a few more post-nuptial rituals and traditions that you and your family may chose to add after Saptapadi, and there are many additional rituals that typically carry on for a few days afterwards – the choice is up to you!
An Indian wedding provides a rich tapestry of color and vibrant images that lend themselves to create striking wedding photographs. You'll want to make sure your photographer captures close-up images of rituals like the Mehendi ceremony and the intricate patterns drawn with henna on your hands and feet. Pose for pensive portraits the morning of the wedding as you're getting ready for the arrival of the groom, and make sure to let your photographer know ahead of time if there are any specific rituals you want him or her to pay special attention to.
At the location of your wedding the elaborately decorated Mandap provides a stunning prop in which you will have many pictures taken. Simply relax and be in the moment – and let your photographer take care of the rest.
Bold colors such as red, burgundy, orange and gold are typical of Indian weddings – and even your sari will be bright and vibrant – so different from traditional Western white wedding gowns! Marigolds, jasmine, roses and other brightly colored flowers are used in Indian wedding flower arrangements, all of which will combine perfectly to make your Indian wedding a beautiful and visually stunning affair.
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An existing deck is transformed into an outdoor room with the addition of a new arbor and gracious set of stairs to the backyard.
"Outdoor room" has become quite a buzz phrase. But what does it really mean? You won't find it in the dictionary, because there is no true definition. An internet search, however, will bring you all sorts of interesting results. An outdoor room is really any exterior space that is furnished or outfitted around a specific function. It's a room with a purpose and a view!
Did you know that statistically, the average person spends in excess of 90 percent of their time indoors? For that reason I like to approach the design of outdoor spaces and rooms from the inside out, so to speak. Designs that integrate while capitalizing on views, circulation paths and functional relationships create a sense of cohesiveness and flow from the interior to the exterior, inviting us outdoors.
Planning and Design
Some outdoor rooms are truly rooms, with walls and ceilings that enclose them. These might be a breezy sunroom with lots of high windows and skylights, a conservatory, screened porch or veranda. Other designs might include decks or patios with columns, planters, benches, retaining walls or other architectural and landscape elements. Open and freeform layouts can create an implied sense of enclosure with the use of a more limited palette of design features. A change of material underfoot, for instance, along with nice furnishings and container plantings can define an area. For transitioning a steep slope, the use of multi-level terracing inherently solves challenging site conditions while creating found spaces for outdoor rooms. In any case, a well-designed outdoor room brings the best of both worlds together – our indoor comforts blended with a wonderful connection to nature.
Overhead structures give a strong sense of enclosure, whether they are solid construction or an alternative design. Imagine an arbor with the romance of a flowering vine wrapping through it, an architecturally built roof with columns, the flexibility of a retractable awning or of course, the open sky. Choosing a particular style or motif for architectural features and accents can set a strong design theme or lend a sense of exotic, faraway places. As always, the styles you choose will greatly impact the character of the completed design.
Lighting for outdoor rooms can have a conventional approach or may be avant-garde with fixtures hung from tree limbs, mounted to columns, posts, walls or in unexpected places. Light fixtures may be integrated into stairways or retaining walls for safety and interest. Lighting plays an important role in establishing a mood and creating visual movement. Accenting blooms and foliage of perennials, annuals and vines are just a few of the possible horticultural effects. Various design elements, although very nice during the day, take on a bit of magic when illuminated in the night. Your eye is always drawn to the light, and in turn to the specific features chosen for accentuation.
The arbor provides a structure for vines to climb, supplies shade and creates a lovely setting for colorful containers and hanging plants.
Outfitting Your Outdoor Room
Furniture options for outdoor rooms are continually being updated and expanded. One of my favorites is the double chaise lounge that has separate backs for flexibility so that one person can be sitting while the other is lying down. Sophisticated choices in outdoor furnishings and accessories have transformed the design of exterior spaces to a level that rivals the refinement of a well-appointed interior. The limitations of outdoor furnishings of the past have given way to stylish offerings in synthetic wicker, wrought and cast aluminum, teak and other sustainably harvested woods. Twig furniture lends a country and rustic feeling to a scene.
Furniture and fabrics have been re-engineered for durability and colorfastness. Exterior rugs now visually mimic their interior counterparts and offer new options in design. The use of color and pattern for visual pop, the addition of statuary or sculpture, perhaps the drama of billowing draperies – all of these elements add to the excitement and endless possibilities for creating an outdoor room. Let your imagination roam!
Many outdoor rooms incorporate the convenience of an al fresco kitchen. These kitchens can be outfitted with components that raise the bar for cooking and entertaining. Infrared grilling systems, power burners, built-in refrigerators, sinks and storage units offer flexibility in configuration and functionality. Often these units are integrated into low masonry walls faced with natural stone, faux stone or brick. Stainless steel and decay-resistant wood cabinetry are options for freestanding units. If budget permits, combining the kitchen with a fireplace, overhead canopy or bar seating creates a high-styled solution with substance. Countertops may be of natural stone, solid surface materials, granite or concrete. The materials and finishes should be chosen for durability and to coordinate and complement other outdoor features and style.
The newly created setting provides a beautiful and functional outdoor room while transforming the aesthetics of the entire backyard.
A favorite annual flowering vine is Ipomoea alba, or moonflower. The immense pure white flowers and lush deep green, large foliage complement the white arbor and railings. Moonflower is the nocturnal cousin of the common morning glory. Flowers open at dusk and are quite fragrant.
A water lily sits peacefully in this container that has been made into a small fountain. On the right is Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola').
The Featured Project
The starting point for the creation of this entertaining, dining and relaxation space was a large existing deck which had serious limitations for enjoyment. The original deck almost spanned the width of the home, but the only outside access was from the driveway on the far end of the deck. Equally problematic, from the back door of the house the rear yard could only be accessed by walking across the deck to the driveway and around. The flow was cumbersome and awkward. Even the family dog could not gain easy entry to the rear yard.
The first design priority was to modify the circulation by installing a new set of stairs from the deck into the backyard. The stairs were positioned directly across from the center of the home and the exterior door. This area was also identified as the natural placement for the dining table due to its appropriate size, convenience and great visibility from the yard and interior of the home. A new arbor creates three-dimensional definition and complements the architecture of the home. The arbor supplies shade and a lovely habitat for colorful containers, hanging plants and a structure for vines to climb. The newly created setting provides a beautiful and functional outdoor room while transforming the aesthetics of the entire backyard.
One of the final touches included installing a cleverly positioned plant shelf around the outside perimeter of the deck for display of an impressive collection of bonsai and other plants. The shelf elevated the plants out of harm's way and simplified access for maintenance.
Our outdoor spaces and rooms come alive when we join the scene. These spaces are created and intended, after all, to allow us to gain full enjoyment of all our surroundings, and to support and enhance our lifestyles. They are a backdrop for our lives. These spaces draw us to the fresh air, become the setting for celebrations and provide us with peaceful havens for retreat.
Nighttime brings its special magic for outdoor dining.
A version of this article appeared in Virginia Gardener Volume 8 Number 9.
Photography courtesy of Vicki O'Neal.


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FLIR A310 f Fixed Mount Thermal Imaging Camera
FLIR A310 f thermal cameras can be installed almost anywhere to monitor the condition of your critical equipment and other valuable assets. Designed to help safeguard your plant and measure temperature differences, they allow you to see problems before they become costly failures — preventing downtime and enhancing worker safety.
FLIR A310 f is ideal for various applications that require temperature measurement capabilities including: substation, transformer, waste bunker, and coal pile monitoring.


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By Connor Adams Sheets
More than 400 square blocks in the Auburndale area are included in a rezoning application the Department of City Planning expects to certify by April, according to Paul Graziano, an independent urban planning consultant in Flushing, who attended a closed-door community meeting on the issue last week with department representatives.
The plan represents the long-postponed fruit of a decade of advocacy work by Graziano and concerned residents and officials who say they want to see their residential neighborhoods protected from over-development.
The rezoning will go a long way toward protecting the character of parts of Auburndale, Kissena Park and Hollis Hills, Graziano said, but issues remain involving the plan for the Station Road, Oakland Gardens and Northern Boulevard areas.
"City Planning has moved in the right direction on everything except for a few major, major sticking points," he said. "For the most part, it's pretty good. All the issues pretty much focus on the Station Road area, all the other neighborhoods seem to be on board otherwise …. For the most part it's changing the zoning to better reflect the existing physical development pattern."
City Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) said he has had conversations with City Planning representatives and thinks the agency will address the Oakland Gardens and Northern Boulevard concerns, but not the remaining Station Road issue.
"They addressed 90 percent of what we wanted done. I don't see why this administration can't do 100 percent of what the community asked for, but that's the art of compromise," he said. "Out of the three outstanding issues, two of them can be addressed at this point, and I've had conversations with them and I think they will be, so at this point I think we'd have the consensus that we need to move ahead if these two issues could be addressed."
But the Station Road problem is significant, Graziano emphasized, who said the concerns about the other areas also must be adequately addressed. The manufacturing-zoned area near Star Nissan at Auburndale Lane is bothersome to nearby residents, who want it downzoned to residential, Graziano said, and the plan does so for only one-half of the site.
City Planning maintains that it has a longstanding policy to not rezone districts from manufacturing to residential if they are currently occupied by manufacturing uses.
But the city has accommodated nearly all of the residents' concerns, according to Graziano, and the plan will stop the creep of big development, which he said has been detrimental to northeast Queens in recent years.
"This rezoning will do a lot to stabilize these neighborhoods, but as I'm saying, the damage has been done, but not enough to change the outcome of the proposed zoning," he said. "It's still a strong character, but if something isn't done quickly, five or 10 years will go by and the character will be destroyed."
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at email@example.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.


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The caption that the photographer put under this photo:
"They eat pigeons and yappy rat dogs, hoo-ray for October!"
Image by harrytakesphotos.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Flying Skull
The caption that the photographer put under this photo:
Posted by Rot at 6:36 AM
Labels: flickr.com, ghosts, harrytakesphotos, photography, skull, skulls, tree ghosts
2 comments:
- crudedoodle.com said...
I love it. What's worse than a yappy rat-dog?
- October 14, 2010 at 7:41 AM
- Jay's Shadow said...
I need to borrow him. I have one of those yappy rat dogs next door....
- October 14, 2010 at 7:54 AM
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