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Surprising Work of God, The: Harold John Ockenga, Billy Graham, and the Rebirth of Evangelicalism - eBook
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Vendor: Baker Academic
Publication Date: 2008
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"Garth Rosell has made one of the most significant contributions to the history of American twentieth-century evangelicalism. Not only does he bring to this project his gifts as a noted historian but he also brings the text to life with insights gleaned from his personal friendships and working relationships with Harold John Ockenga and Billy Graham. This is must reading for anyone who wants to know more about the phenomenon of contemporary American evangelicalism. And it is a fascinating and insightful read for those of us who call ourselves evangelicals and want to know more about the individuals and events that have shaped who we are during the past half century." -John A. Huffman, pastor, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach, California; chairman of the board, Christianity Today International
"The story of post-World War II evangelicalism, and of Harold Ockenga's role in its reconstruction, is here told with an insider's understanding, a historian's eye for detail, and diligence in the use of original sources. Rosell has plowed fresh ground and has given us ways of looking at all of these events that are fresh, authentic, and helpful." -David F. Wells, Andrew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
"As I neared the end of this book, I contacted our seminary students and told them that this is a must read. Much more than a history of the evangelical movement in the mid-twentieth century, Garth Rosell's The Surprising Work of God is a compelling charge for today's Christian leaders. Presented as the story of two friends, Harold John Ockenga and Billy Graham, this carefully detailed narrative (don't miss the footnotes!) tells of what happens when a rising generation commits to believe with biblical conviction and to move forward with courage. As I turned each page, I began to believe anew in how the sovereign work of God will once more surprise us as we, the people of God, set our agenda on building bridges, not walls, for his glory. It was a new day for Ockenga, Graham, and their band of brothers as they believed that nothing would be impossible through God. This book will leave you in that same realm of expectations for our generation." -Barry Corey, president, Biola University
"The American evangelical movement today owes its strong cultural presence and evangelistic vigor to a generation of men and women who are in danger of being forgotten. Garth Rosell offers us a family album filled with both panoramic views of a growing movement and intimate snapshots of those who rode the crest of the wave of revival that was about to break on mid-century America. It's an exciting story, and as the son of one of those early revivalists, Rosell is just the person to tell it." -Jennifer Trafton, managing editor, Christian History & Biography
"In this thoroughly researched book, Garth Rosell has put flesh on the dry bones of history. His deep immersion in the rich records left by Harold John Ockenga brings to life the critical developments that forged the modern evangelical movement. The result is a most valuable book." -Mark Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame
"Evangelicalism is said to be in the midst of an identity crisis. If so, it would be hard to imagine a more inspiring or compelling remedy than that offered by Garth M. Rosell in The Surprising Work of God. Rosell offers a fresh appraisal of the historical context, as well as the driving convictions and passions, that fostered the rebirth of evangelicalism in the mid-twentieth century under the visionary leadership of Harold John Ockenga, Billy Graham, and other likeminded, gifted individuals. Well-chosen quotations from the writings, speeches, and personal correspondence of Ockenga, Graham, and others reflect Rosell's extensive research and engage the reader with their brilliance, spiritual insight, and enduring relevance. Rosell's convincing admiration for his subjects is balanced, however, by many salutary reminders of how the heroes of his story, like their modern successors, struggled to live up to their convictions. Indeed, if modern evangelicalism is to resolve its identity crisis, it needs to recapture the vibrant and holistic faith of its founding fathers and, wherever possible, go beyond them not by undermining their vision of civility, social transformation, and cultural engagement but by attempting more faithfully to fulfill it."--Gordon P. Hugenberger, senior minister, Park Street Church, Boston; adjunct professor of Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
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Several Utah restaurants are ready to treat dad to a special dinner on Father's Day, which is Sunday, June 16.
Prices do not include tax or tip. Reservations suggested.
Christopher's Prime Steakhouse • 1122 E. Draper Parkway, Draper; 801-572-2639. Offering a Meat & Potatoes brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Include entrees and a buffet. Adults $22.99, children 10 and under $9.99.
Faustina • 454 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City; 801-746-4441. Open for brunch, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prices vary based on entree. Dinner served beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse • 20 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City; 801-355-3704. Offering a three-course brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adults $36.95, children under 12 $17.95. Fathers will receive a $25 dining card for a future visit.
Jasoh! • 195 Historic 25th St., Ogden; 801-399-0088. The Dad's Tasting Menu is a three-course dinner for $28, available Friday and Saturday, June 14-15..
Melting Pot • 340 S. Main, Salt Lake City. Serving a four course dinner with several entree options June 16-20. $39.95 a person.
Oasis Cafe • 151 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City; 801-322-0404. Brunch served from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner available as well.
Riverhorse on Main • 540 Main St., Park City; 435-649-2409. The restaurant is joining with Epic Brewery for a five-course meal paired with the local beer. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., $75 a person.
Snowbird Ski Resort• Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City; 801-742-2222. Enjoy a barbecue and brewfest, featuring nine local breweries. The brewfest runs Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The barbecue is Sunday only. Adults $21.95, children ages 6-12 $14.95, and children 5 and under are free. Aerial tram ride included with barbecue ticket.
Z'Tejas • 191 S. Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City; 801-456-0450. Dine on Father's day and get a $25 gift card for a future visit. Must purchase two entrees to get the card, which expires July 31. Open noon to 9 p.m. Brunch served until 3.

subset: commoncrawl


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|Topic Review (Newest First)
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
These stories of stay's breaking really lend credence to the idea that an extra halyard of sufficient strength (say Dyneema or Amsteel) is a very very good idea, especially for cruisers.
I'd planned on it loosely, that's firming up to a requirement now.
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
Just after we left Durban harbour last year we had a failure of the double tangs that attach our starboard lowers to the mast. This meant that both lowers clattered to the deck. Winds were 20-25 knots. Seas were not high, maybe 4-5 feet but quite confused. We immediately tacked which meant we were (sort of) hove-to). I have running backstays (Dyneema) that go only a few feet higher than the lowers. I ran one of these through a honking big snatch block through the top of the chain plate which is a loop and then took the line back to one of the cockpit winches and proceeded back to the harbour which was only a few miles. I asked port control for immediate entry to the harbour but she did not seem to understand what had happened and wanted me to wait for a large container ship to enter which would have meant killing about 20 minutes in conditions that were getting nastier in the shallow water near the harbour entrance. Talked to the pilot on the ship who had been listening to the radio and he instructed me to cut directly across the channel (we weren't close) and stay to the side of the channel on the way in. He caught up at the end of the channel and we all lived happily ever after.
- Guys who bring massive ships into busy harbours are pros
- It is great to have a massive mast section and we do especially with the internal main furling. With two shrouds down in bumpy conditions before we tacked, the mast was remarkably stable. Don't have the dimensions but when I was thinking to use Spartite, by my calculation two large kits might have been enough. I look at the mast sections of more modern boats and I am sure they are engineered to be strong enough when all the supports are there but if something breaks you wonder. This seems especially true for complex, rigs with multiple spreaders. Hood went with a single spreader system on the Bristol 45.5. The rig is just over 60' above the water. Seems sort of old fashioned, but strong.
- Think through contingencies before they happen. When you are cruising you have lots of time to say to yourself, what would I do if ... happened right now. I had thought about losing a shroud, even though the rigging was new in 2010, so there was not much hesitation in getting into action.
I don't want to give the impression that this sort of thing is routine and ho-hum. It is one of those where is the spare underwear moments, but they happen and you deal with them. BTW, I had done a full visual inspection of the rig after crossing the Indian Ocean and this happened only a month or so and 100 miles later. Maybe I need better eyes. Probably should have sent June up as she is more detail-focussed than I am.
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
Omatako, what kind of blocks failed? Was it a vang ? It would be interesting to hear what NOT to use in this situation. I keep a regular come-along on board which I'd probably try to use to quickly tension a broken stay. Another option is to keep some cheap 1/2" galvanized turnbuckles aboard just for emergencies like this. Another option: some locust deadeyes which could quickly be rigged into a 4:1 purchase. I've been looking for some pieces of locust to make a few deadeyes, an old but effective means of applying tension to rigging.http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...t/deadeyes.jpg
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
I had a forestay part right at the top of the deck turnbuckle. This occurred just a few seconds after the jib was furled on my 27 Catalina. The wind was woofing at about 20 at the time, and we were in a running mode with fairly heavy, following seas. The entire roller furling system fell into Chesapeake Bay, almost in slow motion and the only thing that saved it from sinking to the murky depths were the jib sheets, which had just been cleated off. The mast was saved from damage by quickly attaching the old jib halyard to a bow cleat, then winching the halyard tight with the jib winch. The main had already been lowered prior to the forestay failure.
The boat was motored 20 miles back to Perryville, MD at the head of the bay, and the following day it was motored across the bay to Tidewater Yacht Basin at Havre de Grace where repairs were quickly made. Despite some nasty bends in the aluminum sheaves of the Alado Roller Furling System, I was able to straighten them using a rubber mallet and a couple blocks of wood. Only a single sheave was damaged beyond repair, which I found amazing.
Good topic,
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
amazing story. ?what kind of boat where you on? ?What was the shroud design? Never experienced anything close- good on you for getting through it. I would not have thought the mast would work to that degree. What sail did you have up and on what point of sail to have the mast pumping like that? Thanks you just gave me something else to worry about tonight
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
I had a lower inner stay snap on a 36 foot boat during an Indian Ocean passage.
I used quite a heavy duty 4-1 block system (14mm line) and with a loop in the remains of the stay, I tensioned it up with a winch and I thought "Well done, that'll get me to the next port" (which incidentally was at least four days away). The sea state was quite boisterous and the SE trades were doing their normal 15 to 20 knots
During the night I started shipping large volumes of water into the boat past the mast partners and when I went up on deck I discovered that the one pulley in the block system had been totally destroyed by the tension and the mast was gyrating in the deck aperture.
Long story short, everything else I tried failed. Eventually the rubber packing in the mast partners came completely out and I had to winch the mast forward 3 inches until it was wedged firm in the front of the hole in the deck (used the anchor winch to do this). I cut up some old weather gear and made a sock around the mast and deck partners that stopped the boat from sinking.
This worked better than anything else and I eventually made a safe haven where I got the problem fixed.
But following this experience I have a profound respect for people who say that they use bits of rope, halyards and stuff to support their mast and carried on sailing. My problem was an inner stay, not even a main shroud. They obviously have talents/skills that waaaayyy exceed mine.
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
Originally Posted by jppp View Post
Should I assume deck stepped vs keel stepped would make a difference as to when a mast would fail?
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
Only so far as the lower end of the mast is more secure and less bending moment as being held at the base and the deck.Above the spreaders would see no difference. In a rollover type dismasting you are more likely to be left with a stub with keel step.A forestay or backstay failure under load I doubt there will be much difference to the damage except again u might see more of a stub.
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
Should I assume deck stepped vs keel stepped would make a difference as to when a mast would fail?
Re: What to do if a shroud or stay breaks
You might consider building in some redundancy. I just installed an inner forestay with running backstays that serve as a lower, independent triangular structure. Aside from that, PCP's reply about using spare halyards is the usual first response to a broken shroud or stay. After that, you can always make a quick repair by making an eye with a small compression tool. Having some spare Dyneema onboard is a good idea in order to use lashing to secure stuff. If a mast comes down, it may want to put a hole in the boat but I would think hard before just cutting it free. If you can get it secured, you can use it to jury-rig something to get you home. Carrying spare wire, turnbuckles, swageless ends, a come-along, copper compression sleeves, and sail mending materials may get you home avoiding the need to call for help.
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It took a month doing so, but the Buffalo Sabres have finally won a hockey game. In capping off what was a roller coaster week for the team, the Sabres beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 Friday night in HSBC Arena before their new owner-to-be Mark Hamister. The victory was a nice present to the future Sabres owner and was a big relief for Miroslav Satan, who had "guaranteed" a win over Columbus.
Sabres give Hamister a present
November 23, 2002 Submitted by
Via: Sabres Central


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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Can You Write With Noise?
I'm not the only writer who has found that a low level of noise can be very conducive for productivity. A few months back in The Atlantic, Conor Friedersdorf had an entire roundup devoted to exploring why so many people find themselves more productive in coffee shops.
His reasons jive with mine, including there being something about a certain level of distraction, working against closing time, and being out of the office making it feel less like work (he neglected to mention one massive reason: caffeine).
Personally a change of scenery can work wonders, but even when I'm home I like to have just the right amount of noise, which usually comes in the form of a sporting event droning in the background. But I've also known writers who lock themselves in a closet and must have complete and utter silence.
Which kind of writer are you? Do you like having a bit of noise or do you need to block everything out?
Art: "His Master's Voice" - Francis Barraud
91 comments:
- Becky Mahoney said...
I generally like absolute quiet when I write, but if there are conversations/constructions/etc going on, I will block it out with music. On the other hand, though, I can't brainstorm in absolute silence - I need my playlist to get my brain moving!
- February 22, 2012 at 10:26 AM
- funny in the 'hood said...
I can't draft with any noise whatsoever, but I can revise and edit with kids running around and the T.V. on in the background (as long as the volume isn't too high). I prefer silence for all stages of the writing process, but it's not realistic that I'll get it so I have to be flexible. I absolutely can't write in a coffee shop because the people watching would be too distracting.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:26 AM
- Wandering Quill said...
I personally cannot write without sound of some sort.
If I do not have theme music playing, or nature sounds that jive with my current setting, I find that everyday things distract me.
I can write in silence, but it stunts my productivity.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:30 AM
- DRC said...
Music. Must have music. I have a huge range from classical and movie scores to heavy metal. Each help to enhance moods that I'm trying to portray. I love my music. I also find a change in scene can work too. I remember a year or so ago I went on a cruise with my husband and took my laptop with me. The last two days were spent at sea sailing back to our final destination. Instead of sitting in bars spending money on drinks, etc, I sat next to our little window in our cabin, watched the sea roll by - and finished my novel...lol. I get distracted watching people too much when I'm out. I'm a people watcher
- February 22, 2012 at 10:34 AM
- Jory said...
I need a little noise, like ambiance or instrumental music, but if there is lyrics it has to be turned down so it is almost muted and I can't know the words or I'll start singing along. My favorite is listening to movie scores that reflect the mood of my writing.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:35 AM
- R. F. Long said...
I need some sort of noise. I have small kids and the absence of noise is deeply suspicious. I can write with the tv on, music playing and occasionally with a minor war breaking out on the sofa. I wish I was kidding.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:37 AM
- A. K. Fotinos-Hoyer said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:37 AM
- Rita Arens said...
I have to have music on low volume. I need music that speaks to what I'm writing about if I'm writing fiction. For work (I write for a women's website), I like swing/big band really really low so you can barely hear it, like in the old-timey movies. When I'm working on my current YA novel set in the nineties, it's all Journey all the way.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:38 AM
I finished my first novel to the sound of some japanese mech cartoon on continues loop. Sadly the computer was right next to the family tv and my brother was obsessed with this one video. I wouldn't recommend it, but for some reason it worked.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:39 AM
- A. K. Fotinos-Hoyer said...
Most people seem to write well to music, but I can't write at all when music in on unless the music doesn't have lyrics. Even then, its difficult. What doesn't make any sense though is that I can write really well with a TV on in the background - as long as its not too loud.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:39 AM
- Mieke Zamora-Mackay said...
I like to use quiet piano solos to drown out the excess noise wherever I am.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:39 AM
- Janice said...
Even in high school I studied with the stereo on. I still have the radio or TV on when writing although I absorb nothing from them. They become white noise for me.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:44 AM
- Kathleen Basi said...
I need absolute quiet--being a musician, I can't use music to block it out (I go into theory analysis mode). I have, however, been forced by the presence of small children, to learn to function without absolute quiet...but I'm never as productive.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:44 AM
- Suzie F. said...
A little background noise won't distract me while writing: the TV if it's on in another room, the kids talking, the birds if I'm on my deck. But I absolutely cannot write with music of any kind. My mind always wants to wander off with the lyrics or melody.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:47 AM
- AlvaradoFrazier said...
I feel like an oddball. I need quiet for writing and revisions. A coffee place is the last place I could write since I'm such a looky-loo that I get distracted by making up stories of people I see.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:47 AM
- Meghan Ward said...
I don't write well with noise. I used to write at my local Starbucks, but I wore headphones or earplugs because all the conversations and kids who would come in were so distracting. Now I have an office that is silent, and I love it. I just wish I could get there more than twice a week - only once this week with the holiday weekend.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:48 AM
- R. J. Kessler said...
I love to write while listening to lyricless music. Soundtracks, instrumentals, and cinematic music is all fair game.
But I also like to write in a droning environment. The slight hum of conversations floating about actually helps me to get into my own focused zone.
Although there is a point when it gets too loud and becomes a distraction. That's just frustrating.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:53 AM
- Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban said...
It depends. If I'm in a creative phase, I need total silence.
If I'm "stuck" background noise works better.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:55 AM
- Stephanie Reed said...
I'm home alone *and* I take out my hearing aids. Ahhhh...
- February 22, 2012 at 10:55 AM
- Ishta Mercurio said...
I need project-related noise, if anything. So, if I'm drafting a picture book, I like to be in a public place like a cafe or mall or restaurant where there are kids and other people around just doing what they do. If I'm working on a novel, I need some scene-related mood music to get me going, but then I really need quiet.
The most important thing, though, is that the noise not be of the distracting nature - my kids in the background, a TV show I'm a little bit interested in, anything like that. The noise needs to be tune-out-able.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:56 AM
- Richard Gibson said...
NPR is on all the time. The occasional times when something so interesting comes on that I must stop and listen are welcome and usually make me more invigorated to write.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:56 AM
- Anonymous said...
I like background noise for sure, especially a laundry machine or car traffic. But as an ex-barista I can't work in a coffee shop unless I have headphones in. I get too distracted by analyzing people's drink orders :P
- February 22, 2012 at 11:06 AM
- Josin L. McQuein said...
If by "noise" you mean white, red or brown noise, then yes - if it's the right frequency. But I cannot abide talking, music, or snoring doggies.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:08 AM
- Chudney Thomas said...
Mostly noise, though there are times when I have to have silence.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:08 AM
- Steven J. Wangsness said...
I'm the strong-on-silence type myself, though a quiet coffee shop is close enough. When I was writing my novel, I found the sessions at Starbuck's were pretty productive. (And I was drinking decaf.)
- February 22, 2012 at 11:10 AM
- Debbie said...
I've never been able to work in total silence. Coffee shops work okay, but if there isn't enough noise, I tend to key in on individual conversations. And there goes any chance of productivity.
If I play music, it has to be instrumental or I start singing along.
Over the holidays, I found that the food court at the mall worked great. There's a waterfall that gives just enough white noise so the conversations don't distract. However, they closed the coffee shop in January, so I'm back to searching for just the right place.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:14 AM
- D.G. Hudson said...
No, usually noise distracts me.
If I'm in a coffee shop or busy place, I tend to observe the people and activity, and produce little.
Some coffee shops here are now starting to limit the time 'writers' can spend sipping their coffee and writing. They want more turnover at the tables, to preserve revenue.
I prefer quiet in my study, with coffee or tea, especially in the morning OR when creating the first draft.
When editing, I can listen to low level music (usually jazz or blues instrumentals).
Nice to see a writing post, Nathan. BTW - hate the new word verification that a lot of blogs still have.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:20 AM
- abc said...
Coffeeshops work best for me because there is something about the atmosphere that makes me feel more creatively charged: the music, the conversations, the sound of the milk steamer. I don't know, I just want to get to writing. Quiet feels uncomfortable and lonely. Quiet feels stale. And then there is the nap problem.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:24 AM
- Mr. D said...
I'm a teacher in a Middle School so I'm used to noise, and I'm the father of two sons, aged 9 and 15, so I can overcome any distraction. I prefer quiet, but that's not the reality in which I live. So just get it done is my philosophy.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:37 AM
- Court Ellyn said...
Yep, I have to have ambient music playing in the background. Thank goodness for iTunes radio. Total silence and I start thinking, "I can't write! My brain is empty! I need background noise!" Now, people up and moving around? No way. Eye goes to the motion and the story on the computer screen vanishes. Do they make blinders for writers like they do for horses? :)
- February 22, 2012 at 12:10 PM
- Julie said...
I used to write best at my paying job during the most hectic parts of the day(in sales, not for me!)because I could turn the sounds of footsteps and sales being made into a buzzing hum and I'd rocket through chapters like nobody's business.
- February 22, 2012 at 12:30 PM
- Ryan said...
Last night I sat under a heat lamp at a bar's patio. I could hear the live music through the wall, the rain, and the wind. Toss in a bourbon and beer back and it was a winner. Was able to revise some short essays and put together most of a Powerpoint Presentation for an upcoming reading at Powell's (Yea! Fistpump! Squeee!)
- February 22, 2012 at 12:32 PM
- Alex Villasante said...
I must have music. I'm usually trying to drown out other noises while i write by listening to music. But I also find music to be a kind of 'engine' of writing. For me it's a forward movement that impels me to write. Maybe it's pavlovian, I put the music on and it's a signal that I'm ready to work. Editing though - totally different. I need silence.
- February 22, 2012 at 12:49 PM
- John "Ol' Chumbucket" Baur said...
I worked most of my professional life in newspaper city rooms, large, noisy rooms with people coming and going and shouting and talking. A few years back I got a job with my own office and it was TERRIBLE! So quiet I was always falling asleep or wandering the corridors looking for someone to chatter. I last almost two years. Writing at home, I have to have the TV on because the quiet is too damn quiet!
- February 22, 2012 at 12:49 PM
- Vera Soroka said...
Mostly in utter silence. Noise can be very distracting. I would watch people if I were in a coffee shop. Music plays a huge part for me when I want to create mood and can have that playing while I'm writing sometimes.
- February 22, 2012 at 12:51 PM
- CMR Prindle said...
For the most part I need some sort of ambient noise. Music is the least distracting distraction, but it has to be the right mood and something I know pretty darn well. New music tempts me to really listen to it, which is not what I'm going for, or makes me stop to switch, etc. As for the mood...it doesn't even have to be the "correct" mood for the scene. I have one, ever-growing playlist that I can and have written nearly any kind of scene to. It just puts *me* in the right mood for writing. When I was younger, I could work with the TV on, but I find that more distracting these days (maybe because I'm rarely alone when I'm watching TV and thus the distraction is the prsn I'm conversing with, not the television). Like Julie, though, I used to work in sales and can write through even the busiest part of the day, so long as no one wants me personally. Too much quiet tempts my mind to wander.
One inconsistency: If I really, really, really need to concentrate on writing a scene or finding the logical sequence flow (did I say they had been seated in the cafeteria, or are Bob's elbows being pushed off a table that magically appeared?) then I need quiet so I can bring my whole mind to bear on that one point. Then it's back to the music :)
- February 22, 2012 at 1:13 PM
I like white noise, subtle noise. I guess raising kids, having pets, a husband, and typical everyday noise (music, barking, road noisiness, etc) has automatically blurred the sounds into lower tones. I still hear them all but they're not in the forefront of my mind while I'm writing...unless something odd perks up my ears.
- February 22, 2012 at 1:14 PM
- Diana Hunter said...
Need the quiet.
Also need the laundry. I write in short bursts (45 min to an hour) and getting up to change over loads is a good break for me. I spend fifteen min away from the computer, get the blood running through my legs and then go back for another 45-60 min stint at the computer.
In silence.
- February 22, 2012 at 1:33 PM
- Sommer Leigh said...
This is interesting. At home, I can't write if there is music playing or the TV on or anyone around me talking. But every saturday I hit my local coffee shop for 2-4 hours of write time. The noise of the coffee shop is somehow perfect and I get more work done there than I can with the same amount of time at home.
- February 22, 2012 at 1:34 PM
- Janiel Miller said...
Silence. I must hear myself think. My brain is too hyper-curious and needs to investigate any sounds that creep up. Its a liability. I'd get more done if I could do it with my kids running across my face.
- February 22, 2012 at 1:59 PM
- Mira said...
Definitely silence for me.
I prefer not to, but I can write with background noise, although music with lyrics or distinct conversations jar me. Coffee shops are not a good place for me because of this.
On the other hand, once I'm really into it, a stampede of elephants could tromp by and I wouldn't notice.
But to start, what works best for my concentration is complete and lovely silence.
- February 22, 2012 at 2:06 PM
- Kära Syster said...
I like it quiet. Or my playlist (nothing with lyrics though). But most often I prefer it to be quiet.
- February 22, 2012 at 2:08 PM
- Rick Daley said...
I don't mind the silence of the early morning, when I can't turn on music for fear of waking my kids, but I also do well in a corner of the family room while my wife and kids are watching TV.
Actually, it's kind of fun when they are watching "The Voice" because I can't see the TV from my writing chair (where I camp out with my laptop) and if someone actually stands out I'll lean forward to take a look.
But when the winds blows or stops blowing, the two things that set my schnauzer into a neurotic barking frenzy at the front door, I get a wee bit aggravated (at the dog, not the wind).
- February 22, 2012 at 2:32 PM
- Criticus said...
If the noise is consistent (like white noise) and I know that there will be no interruptions, it's ok. But that's almost never the case in coffee shops! All things considered, I prefer absolute quiet or noise that I create and control myself.
- February 22, 2012 at 3:22 PM
- Gwen said...
I like background noise, and usually write to random songs playing on iTunes when I'm at home. At coffee shops, there's usually something playing over the speakers already.
- February 22, 2012 at 4:21 PM
- Imogen said...
I like to write with music playing, but I can also write with noise in the background, just so long as that noise isn't someone talking to me. I don't much like writing in silence. There's something spooky and creativity killing about it for me.
- February 22, 2012 at 5:02 PM
- Jane Pelusey said...
I find it hard to concentrate in absolute quiet. I think background noise eliminates some of the self talk and day to day thinking that goes on so I can concentrate on what I am writing. For me I usually have the tv or radio on in the background. I brainstorm best in an atmospheric cafe with caffeine of course.
- February 22, 2012 at 5:11 PM
- Kristin Laughtin said...
I can't write with music playing, but I do appreciate some noise. AS you said, there's something about slightly divided attention that helps me focus. I function better when I multitask, and perhaps that low level of noise pulls on my attention just enough to make me feel like I'm doing two things at once, even though I'm not really paying attention to the TV or other people. It's an illusion that works for me.
- February 22, 2012 at 5:12 PM
- Janet Fox said...
Total silence. And I love music - I make up character play lists - but while writing I need silence.
- February 22, 2012 at 6:25 PM
- Heather M Bryant said...
Yeah, I can't do it. I need zero distractions around me or nothing gets done. I even have to turn off my internet ever once and a while.
- February 22, 2012 at 6:52 PM
- Robin Coyle said...
I like quiet, but if there is noise around me I am good at tuning it out. I call it "turning off the world."
- February 22, 2012 at 7:03 PM
- Mollie Player said...
No noise for me! I do work in coffee shops because I love being there but the noise doesn't help.
- February 22, 2012 at 7:25 PM
- Charlee Vale said...
I need music. I make soundtracks for my WIPs and listen to pretty much exclusively that while I'm writing.
I find that a song that connects you heightens you're emotions to the place they need to be to reach out of the page and grab the reader.
- February 22, 2012 at 7:29 PM
I used to need music when I wrote. I couldn't write in silence, it drove me right to the edge and killed all my creativity to write in a silent room.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand then I gave birth to a child who needs to speak as much as he needs oxygen, and I found that I absolutely needed silence to write, and without it, I couldn't hear myself think. :)
- February 22, 2012 at 7:50 PM
- Sally Hepworth said...
No noise. Not a peep. Seriously, shut up!
- February 22, 2012 at 8:25 PM
- Backfence said...
If I have music in the background, I want to sing along which is definitely a distraction. Even instrumental draws my mind away from my work.
- February 22, 2012 at 8:40 PM
- Aziza said...
I like writing in coffee shops too, but I think for me it's about having the pressure of people around me potentially watching me that keeps me focused on my laptop rather than staring into space. I can generally block out the noises around me, so that part doesn't make a difference
- February 22, 2012 at 8:49 PM
- Reagan Philips said...
Red Wings games and movie sound tracks work great. Sometimes a CD, but occasionally I find myself stopping to sing . . . so no words is best. ;)
- February 22, 2012 at 8:51 PM
- Tiffany said...
Hmmm. I am finding that writing with no noise whatsoever has improved my ability to think about what I'm writing. Sometimes I write with music, lyrics and all, but I turn it down so much that it is barely audible. The problem for me is, when writing in silence, is the noise of my computer's fan. I really don't want to close out everything just so there aren't many processes going, so I'll throw the earbuds in and put something like dubstep or glitch on. I used to use yWriter5 and that had typewriter sounds which thrilled the geek in me (I use Scrivener for Windows now). Still, silence suits me better but that damn loud fan!
- February 22, 2012 at 8:51 PM
- Zequeatta Jaques said...
No way could I work in a public place. I have to work at home in my office and alone. I like to have music playing in the background but it isn't a requirement.
- February 22, 2012 at 8:51 PM
- Magdalena said...
Back and forth between music and silence. But never with other people around.
- February 22, 2012 at 8:57 PM
- wendy said...
Interesting question, Nathan :)
In the past when I wrote often and a lot, the words poured out if there was a low level of distraction. I always preferred writing in complete silence and this was the way I'd spend whole days lost in the story world. Having said that, on rare occasions it was also useful to have mood music playing in the background. This helped to focus on the feeling beneath the scene and gave extra empathy with the characters' emotional state. The scene was usually more evocative of the prevailing mood because of the music, too, I thought.
- February 22, 2012 at 8:58 PM
- WriteOnWendy said...
For me, it depends on what I'm writing. When I'm writing for business, it's coffee shop type low-level noise I need. When I'm writing super-technical, it needs to be silent. When I'm writing creatively, it's the music that fits the mood of the scenes.
- February 22, 2012 at 9:11 PM
- Susie said...
Another fun question. Nice to hear so many are like me. I can write anywhere, anytime...on buses, coffee shops (my favorite), or in front of the tv. My husband can't understand it! The only thing that makes me crazy is the sound of sports on tv, and I think that's just because the announcers have a distracting cadence.
- February 22, 2012 at 9:21 PM
- Robena Grant said...
Music. Instrumental for when I'm deep into the writing, but in the discovery stage music that tells me something about the character. Quiet if I'm revising/editing.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:58 PM
It varies, from one extreme to the other. Which can be a little aggravating when I've come out to the coffee shop and only then--amidst the din--do I realize it's a Quiet Day. True quiet (I have a family) is usually only achieved around 3 a.m.
For plotting and rough drafts, I'm usually most productive in the wee hours.
For dialogue, it's the coffee shop. Great lines, yeah. But just the rhythms of conversation. Descriptions, too, are better when I'm out and about.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:21 PM
- Cab Sav said...
Music for me too. Soundtracks and opera singers, of all strange things. Nothing with a beat, and no TV. I can't tune the TV out.
I too, work well in coffee shops. 90% of my writing is done at lunchtime in the noisy cafes around my work. Plus, as Nathan says, there's also the caffeine.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:28 PM
- Ron Gould said...
My preference is to write with instrumental music, preferably jazz playing at a background level - not loud enough to intrude into my awareness, but enough to mask the dogs barking, etc.
- February 22, 2012 at 11:46 PM
- Literautas said...
It's weird than I'm able to write in a coffe shop or in the train station, I don't care about noise there. But if I'm in my studio I need quiet, even the most little noise disturbs me. So I use an anti-noise ear muff XD
- February 23, 2012 at 4:30 AM
- @ilola said...
As for me, whether in noise or in quietness, once the inspiration is there, it rushes all out.
- February 23, 2012 at 4:52 AM
- Bryan Russell said...
I'm fine with whatever. With a little determiniation, you can make a habit out of almost anything. And necessity is the mother of invention.
- February 23, 2012 at 7:31 AM
- Traci Kenworth said...
Either really, but I prefer just a little background distraction. It helps focus my mind on what I'm doing. Too much--like I imagine I'd find in a coffee shop--wouldn't work for me.
- February 23, 2012 at 8:00 AM
- Karen A. Chase said...
I have found I can write anywhere. And sometimes what is happening around me makes it into the writing. When I was in Paris, two Americans discussing plastic surgery lead me to write my blog about it - it was part of a series that became a whole book. The original blog is here: http://bonjour40.blogspot.com/2011/05/day-27-may-17_17.html
- February 23, 2012 at 9:10 AM
- Wombat Crossing said...
When I'm writing I keep all the details of the story twirling around in my head at the same time like a plate spinner with a dozen plates whirling around on sticks. So any interruption causes all my plates to fall and crash on the floor. It takes a lot of effort to get all those plates spinning again.
Therefore, I plug in the earbuds and crank up the iPod with something loud.
- February 23, 2012 at 9:16 AM
I must have noise, whether I'm writing, studying, or working my day job. It helps me focus. In silence, my mind is wandering and I'll wind up singing to myself (and everyone around me - I have a loud voice).
- February 23, 2012 at 9:28 AM
- Nicole said...
I need music when I write. The ideas flow so much better! Coffee shops also have a great writing vibe for me.
- February 23, 2012 at 10:06 AM
- Jessica said...
I can, and I can't. I say this because if I'm listening to soft toned music that is soothing, relaxing and I can literally picture myself on a beach then yes I can write freely. But if my surroundings are loud or there are many distractions causing me to lose focus then I would prefer it quiet. It varies.
- February 23, 2012 at 10:13 AM
- Kevin said...
There's a fine line between background noise and distraction. For me, as a chronic eavesdropper, any sort of speaking is a distraction. I do my bet writing when I have my iPod on, with music playing just loud enough to block out everything around me, but not so loud as to block out my characters' voices. Coffee shops and sports on TV would just distract me from my work.
- February 23, 2012 at 12:39 PM
- Amanda said...
At work (I'm a copywriter) I hate being in a noisy and distracting space. I'm almost always listening to music to get the job done. I've gotten somewhat used to it though - you can't control your co-workers! I would be far more productive elsewhere, though, and sometimes step away from my desk and find a quiet corner to work.
When I'm working on my novel, I'm definitely a coffee shop writer. I only listen to my music when I find that the music of the space is too irritating or distracting. I never put any thought into why I like the coffee shops so much - I think it has to do with the caffeine and getting out of the house and office!
- February 23, 2012 at 12:51 PM
- K. C. Blake said...
I learned to write in a bowling alley, so it doesn't matter how much noise is around me at the time. I can still write. In fact I probably write better when it's noisy than when nothing is going on and it's too quiet.
- February 23, 2012 at 2:21 PM
- Chris said...
I prefer low-level music in the background, but have nothing against silence. I like a coffee shop or other public place for writing because I give myself no excuse NOT to write, as in "I didn't drive all this way (5 minutes!) to surf the web or read email. Doesn't always work, but it gets me away from the other distractions my house avails me--TV, books, eating, cooking, cleaning, fixing that squeaky door once and for all.
- February 23, 2012 at 4:40 PM
- Vicki Orians said...
I definitely prefer when it's silent. It helps me get into the minds and emotions of my characters. Which is probably why I prefer it when the hubby is at work. :)
- February 23, 2012 at 4:54 PM
- Daniel McNeet said...
Good to have you back.
I enjoy writing and listening to classical music. But if my concentration or the muse on my right shoulder is having trouble transcribing the activities of my characters, I transcribe in silence. Except of course, the sound of the keys in the keyboard.
- February 23, 2012 at 5:13 PM
- Christina said...
Depending on the day I write with blasting music, soft music, or no sound at all. It depends on what I'm writing and what type of mood I'm in. Some days I'll find that blasting music ends and I won't even notice.
The one thing I can't abide is talking while I'm writing. Music with lyrics? Great! Something with a beat? Sure! Talking? I will give you the death glare of doom, pop in some headphones, and turn my music up until I can't hear you anymore.
Music is music, so that works for me. People talking though...I guess I'd say it's like trying to have two conversations at the same time with two different groups of people on separate topics. It simply doesn't work.
- February 23, 2012 at 6:04 PM
- Savannah Chase said...
I love to write with music on...Silence is not my thing...I get inspired by music..
- February 24, 2012 at 4:55 PM
you can't, but you can. go contradict on a different post...
- February 25, 2012 at 12:46 AM
- Maria S McDonald said...
A bit of both, actually. I find that when I'm typing straight onto the computer, I need total silence. But if I'm handwriting, I can have nice, soothing music on the background.
- February 25, 2012 at 7:07 AM
- MThomas said...
I'm a writer in silence girl. However the tv may be on . . . muted of course.
- February 25, 2012 at 9:35 PM
- Annalisa said...
I prefer silence, but I can edit with noise. Writing, and any noise makes leads me to distraction.
- February 28, 2012 at 8:40 PM
- Alison Hill said...
When I'm writing fiction I have to play dance music reasonably loud, Paul Van Dyke is my favorite. It drowns out the rest of the world and cocoons me in my fictitious realm. However, when I'm writing non-fiction I prefer some quiet so I can concentrate. I guess when you're dealing with facts...Love your posts by the way. Great information.
- February 29, 2012 at 4:22 PM
- wosushi said...
Noise, preferably music.
I did my homework that way in school, I worked in office environments with music constantly playing, and now I write with it.
I also don't get terribly bothered by noises I can't control - like Barney blaring, or the kid throwing his wooden blocks against each other. When I write, I am so busy watching the story play out in my head that the noises are just background.
Silence, on the other hand, makes it difficult.
- August 16, 2012 at 10:44 AM


text:
Best of the Holiday Spirits to You!
This really is a gift: the funniest thing I've seen in ages. I should start a Tumblr dedicated to this rarefied art form: the inspirational fitness quote, overlaid on a photograph of someone determinedly working their way through a bender.
Originally stolen from TheChive.


text:
Security Checkpoint Locations
Security Travel Tips
Airline Locations
Where to Park
Flight Connections
Miami-Dade Airport Police Department (MDPD)
Crime Stoppers Phone: 305-471-TIPS (8477)
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Useful Government Links
Miami-Dade County
Miami International Airport (MIA) now offers Global Entry - a new program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States.
Participants will enter the United States by utilizing automated kiosks located in the Passport Control area. The average time for Global Entry processing is 40 seconds. The program targets those who leave the country at least four times per year, mainly airline personnel and business travelers. Those participating in the program benefit from being better equipped to make tight connecting flights. For step-by-step instructions on how to use the kiosks in each Global Entry airport, click here.
This program is available to U.S. citizens and legal, permanent residents and there is a $100 fee for a five-year registration. Apply online, or visit www.globalentry.gov for more information.
TSA Pre✓™ is an expedited screening initiative that is expanding to airports across the country. Implementing a key component of the agency's intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security, TSA Pre✓™ enhances aviation security by placing more focus on pre-screening individuals who volunteer to participate to expedite the travel experience.
TSA is partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as U.S. air carriers as part of this initiative. Certain frequent flyers from Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, US Airways and certain members of CBP's Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS who are U.S. citizens are eligible to participate.
TSA Pre✓™ is currently available for eligible passengers flying on participating airlines at these 16 airports.
TSA plans to continue expanding the TSA Pre✓™ concept to include additional airlines, as well as airports that participate in CBP's Global Entry program, once operationally ready. Read more.
- Airport Fire Rescue
- Airport ID Badging Information
- Airport Police
- Airport Rules and Regulations
- Airport Security
- Crime Stoppers
- Executive Leaders
- Security Travel Tips
- Site Map
- Traveling With Children
- Useful Links
- What's New @ MIA
TSA Videos


text:
I browse MidwayUSA every once and a while. Never had the courage to buy anything. I just wanted to know if anyone has had any bad experiences with them. Or should i go ahead and warm up my credit card.
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I browse MidwayUSA every once and a while. Never had the courage to buy anything. I just wanted to know if anyone has had any bad experiences with them. Or should i go ahead and warm up my credit card.
Midway is a great place to buy stuff. We buy a lot $$$ of gun parts, cleaning supplies and loading components every year. If you ever have a problem they'll fix it over the phone. :smt023
I've bought stuff from them without a single hiccup. Good service and prices. Get out the credit card and order!
I have ordered there several times.
We have a whole area dedicated to feedback/reviews on different vendors. There is a thread on Midway USA.
Check it out :smt023
Go here: http://www.handgunforum.net/feedback/
Ive ordered from them before and never had one problem. I will continue to shop with them.
I put down the wrong number on some mags one time. One phone call and about three days later my problem was solved. I have ordered a lot from them and they get the job done. Great company to deal with.
Yep, as others have noted, Midway is good to do business with. You can even round your order total up to contribute to the NRA. They let you know right away that they've received your order and when it ships. They note backordered items, also.
I like that they typically ship w/i a day of your order.
I've ordered a bunch of reloading components from Midway without any problem.
My most recent experience I ordered a box of Oregon Trail bullets, along with some other items. During shipping, the bullets broke open. I called and advised them of the fact. and they promptly offered me a $10.00 credit, even though I had not asked for that.
Good folks with which to do business.
Bob Wright
Never had any trouble ordering from Midway. They also give me the Dealer discount with my 03 C&R FFL.:smt023
Midway is definitely one of the good guys in the gun biz ;)
Last Oct I place my first order for all my reloading equipment, around 1k and up to now I have spent well over 3K. I only had to send one thing back and they took care of me +.
I had a little trouble with them, it took a while to sort it out. But in the end they made good on everything, and then some.


text:
Alex Laskey:
How behavioral science can lower your energy bill
What's a proven way to lower your energy costs? Would you believe: learning what your neighbor pays. Alex Laskey shows how a quirk of human behavior can make us all better, wiser energy users, with lower bills to prove it.
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The Possibilities of Abortion Reduction
By Jonathan Merritt
September 21, 2009
If the abortion debate had a tagline, it might go something like this: "Dividing America Since 1973." That was the year of Roe v. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court case, which legalized so-called "abortion-on-demand" in the United States. From that decision until today, abortion has been a battleground for those fighting the culture wars.
Perhaps no social or political issue produces more anger, more animosity and more anguish. Just utter the word "abortion" in mixed company and see if it doesn't ignite fiery arguments without warning. Today, about 42 percent of Americans call themselves "pro-choice" and 51 percent call themselves "pro-life." It is an ideological stalemate.
But despite most Americans' personal passion on the issue, many seem tired of the debate itself. The sound bytes are worn out and the rhetoric is often devoid of basic civility. "I think there is a lot of frustration that we don't try harder to find common ground on abortion, and I think that there is some common ground even among many irreconcilable differences," says Ron Sider, pro-life author of The Scandal of Evangelical Politics. "In general, there is a longing for people who listen to others who disagree with them and debate respectfully despite major differences." Sider and others like him believe that establishing this common ground will allow for progress while our current abortion laws exist.
Surprisingly, there are many commonalities on abortion among Americans. According to a 2009 Gallup poll, even though most Americans soundly reject the idea of overturning Roe v. Wade, a whopping 71 percent of Americans support some form of limits on abortion. And according to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 66 percent of Americans support finding "a middle ground on abortion laws."
Out of this hunger, pro-life Christians and pro-choice political progressives have struck a partnership. Their goal is to reduce the need for and occurrences of abortions in America, and their strategy includes providing additional aid for expectant mothers, increased access to contraception for low-income women and greater incentives for adoption. The "abortion reduction agenda," as it's called, is a new angle on America's most vicious debate, and one that resonates with individuals on both sides of the issue.
"Americans are tired of the rancor and name-calling. It has not only become non-productive, but it has almost become boring," says Joel Hunter, an abortion reduction proponent and pro-life pastor of the Northland megachurch in suburban Orlando. "People are not weary of the cause, but they are tired of the debate itself. Since overturning Roe v. Wade is not realistic in the foreseeable future, if you're pro-life, you have to find different ways to combat abortion. I've always been a person that thinks that employing many methods toward the same goal is more effective than employing one method. Any progress we can make is still progress."
Indeed, there is progress just in the breadth of support for the reduction agenda. On the one hand, conservatives like Randy Brinson of Redeem the Vote and Richard Mouw of Fuller Theological Seminary support the agenda. On the other hand, progressives like Jim Wallis of Sojourners and Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism support it.
Still, not everyone is equally enthusiastic. Some all-or-nothing advocates from both the right and left have responded with disdain. The founder of the Pro-Life Action League called abortion reduction a "sell out" and Douglas Johnson of the National Right to Life Committee called it the "burial ground" for the pro-life movement. Progressive writer Frank Clarkston claimed that the movement is rooted in "anti-abortion tactics" while Sarah Posner wrote in The American Prospect that it's "incrementalism masquerading as progressivism."
Abortion reduction proponents take exception with guilt-by-association comparisons as well as the idea that this common ground requires compromise. "A commitment to abortion reduction represents a tactical decision about the best political manifestation for the church's unapologetic witness regarding the sanctity of all life," says Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, who works to bring life issues to bear on foreign policy as director of the Two Futures Project. "To get things done in our deeply divided republic, people who disagree have to work together. Unfortunately, some Christians with a vested political interest in wedge issues seem to care more about the volume of their own polemic than they do about saving actual people—and that prevents a lot of the good that brothers and sisters could accomplish if freed from fear of demonization."
"The criticisms of abortion reduction strategies are an extension of the archaic modus operandi of the Christian right," adds Samuel Rodriguez, an abortion reduction supporter and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. "It is a political ideology rather than a religious ethos ideology. The religious right became a de facto extension of the Republican party. As a result, anyone who is moved to work with those outside of that party is seen as acquiescing. I get attacked from the extreme right and they say I am selling out, and yet I am more committed to our values than ever. We can find common ground without compromising any of our core values."
Despite the naysayers, most Americans support an abortion reduction agenda. According to a 2008 poll by Public Religion Research, 83 percent of all voters agreed that "elected leaders on both sides of the abortion debate should work together to find ways to reduce the number of abortions by enacting policies that help prevent unintended pregnancies, expand adoption and increase economic support for women who wish to carry their pregnancies to term." The poll found similar percentages among "pro-life" voters, white evangelicals and Catholics.
"You don't have just one side talking about it anymore," Hunter says. "You have reasonable pro-life people and pro-choice people—including those in power—talking about it." Hunter is a credible voice on what powerful people are talking about. He sits on President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
While delivering Notre Dame's commencement address this year, Obama's speech seemed to indicate Hunter is right. "Maybe we won't agree on abortion, but we can still agree that this is a heart-wrenching decision for any woman to make, with both moral and spiritual dimensions," the president said. "So let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term."
The president's opponents, however, don't buy what Obama is selling. They claim this is mere lip service from a president who has done nothing but push a pro-choice agenda since he took office in January. Bolstering their skepticism is the president's staggering record.
First, Obama repealed the Mexico City policy, which opened up American funding for international organizations that discuss, advocate and provide abortions. This proved to be the most unpopular decision of Obama's first 100 days. Next, the president revoked the "provider refusal" rule, which supposedly protected any healthcare professional from being forced to provide services like abortion that violated their consciences. Then, Obama nominated Kathleen Sebelius to serve as head of the Department of Health and Human Services. Sebelius is pro-choice and a Catholic, who has been condemned by her bishop for her positions. Finally, Obama reversed the Bush policy on embryonic stem cell research, which will permit the destruction of untold numbers of embryos in the name of science. This record doesn't scream "bridge-builder" and leaves many people skeptical about Obama's sincerity.
Yet in the face of all this, Christians can still have hope for and work toward life-affirming, abortion reduction policies under this administration. Obama is speaking about this in ways that are unprecedented for a pro-choice president. He has begun to refer to the unborn as "children" rather than "fetuses." And he has surrounded himself with pro-life advisors. "The bottom line is that there is a lot of pressure inside his administration to get something done on this," Hunter says. "He has fulfilled to our disappointment some of his campaign promises. But one thing about President Obama is that once he makes a promise, he does everything he can to fulfill that promise. And he has made a promise to work toward abortion reduction."
If Obama fulfills this promise, it could revolutionize the conversation. There are powerful implications to abortion reduction. For those who support abortion rights, it gives them a moral umbrella under which to stand. For those of us who are pro-life, it says our position is more than just the sum of our talking points. We must now begin working with people who are on the ground—real people in real communities—to do all we can to protect the unborn. Simply saying we're "pro-life" and voting accordingly is not enough—it's the easy way out. The hard work is translating belief into action, putting feet to our faith, transcending rhetoric and seeking solutions.
Finding common ground while still working to completely abolish abortion is something all pro-lifers should agree on. While our current laws exist, why not work to save lives? As Hunter says, "People who in the past have only been concerned with women's rights to choose are now willing to talk about reduction. I think that is a godsend."
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I am absolutely pro-life, and believe that life is precious and a gift from God. I wonder how many times we think about the mother facing the decision of abortion's life? We're so quick to call her a murderer and condemn her for being scared or incapable of raising a life when we aren't ourselves willing to take her by the hand and walk her through the pregnancy, and even still actually raising her new child. What about health issues?
I don't think killing a baby is the one-stop answer, not at all, but I do think this issue should be approached with compassion and an open-ness to the mother's circumstances. God cares about her too.
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Thanks for the article and thanks for the comment releveantryan. I'd like to ask how you get to understand the other side any more than that they are advocating murder. It's not a choice between jam and peanut butter but life and death. I think it deserves more urgency than just understanding. The pro-choicers have clearly defined views as shown by President Obama's record. Should we then pussyfoot around with people who're trenchant in their worldview? Just a thought.
This isn't something you find 'common ground' on.
This is murder. You make it illegal, just like all other forms of KILLING are.
Will it stop women from doing it? Surely not. That is something churches and families should be dealing with. Developing relationships with these women, and providing much needed support financially, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. But, abortion, as it stands, is murder, and should be treated as such. This article proposes another level of 'tolerance' which I cannot stand behind. Finding common ground is wonderful, but there is no common ground between what is right and wrong. It's either right, or its wrong. Sorry.
A couple of dear friends of mine just lost their 8 weeks unborn child that they really wanted last night. Reading this and learning about the unfortunate news from my friends I am even more aggravated with the abortion topic. I don't want to express my opinion too much on here, but I would like to point out that the people who practice abortion (whether providing this option or the ones who actually are getting it done all over the world), should consider those who actually have lost their babies unwillingly due to natural circumstances and are suffering because of it. And also, it is murder no matter what people say: the moment one is conceived, it is life that exists and it should be respected nonetheless.
William Wilberforce was once forced to take a similar stance. "Incrementalism" eventually led to the abolition of slavery in England. Chuck Colson has long held that perhaps the same approach will work with abortion. If there is no longer any real reason to have an abortion; if we make contraceptives cheap, adoption easy and help pregnant women to be better equipped to mother their babies, maybe the pro-death argument will be exposed as hollow and bereft of truth.
are all forms of killing illegal? killing in the name of the military is legal. killing in the name of political justice is legal.
it seems like there is a divide between being pro-life when it comes to babies, but not when people grow up from being a child.
I agree that abortion is a horrible thing and should be stopped at all costs. so yes, I am pro-life I suppose if I have to label myself. but I also think that just saving a person's life from this one atrocity, but doing nothing to fix an adoption system that is seriously flawed, or working for bettering the lives of most of the people who come face to face with this situation because of poverty and social systems and doing nothing in other areas of pro-life work seems sort of hypocritical.
so I think common ground needs to be found until people start becoming fully "pro-life."
it's very easy to stand up for the voiceless because they're much more abstract than it is to stand up for people who are also being oppressed in other situations, such as our "enemies" overseas, or the poor.


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Griffs Game Day - Presented by Buffalo Brewery District
Canisius (4-3, 1-0 MAAC) vs. Siena (3-7, 1-0 MAAC)
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2013
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Buffalo, N.Y. | Koessler Athletic Center
TV/Webcast: Golden Griffin Broadcast Network & MAAC.TV
Talent: Jay Moran (p-x-p), Dave Schofield (color) and Kyle Ferrara (sideline)
Live Audio: AM-1400 (Buffalo) & GoGriffs.com
Talent: Jay Moran (p-x-p), Dave Schofield (color) and Kyle Ferrara (sideline)
Live Stats: GoGriffs.com
Twitter: @Griffs_MBB | #Griffs; #MAACHoops
The Canisius College men's basketball team will close out its first weekend of MAAC play on Sunday when the team plays host to Siena in the Koessler Athletic Center. Tipoff on Family Day, presented by the Buffalo Brewery District, is set for 2 p.m.
• Canisius closes out its first MAAC weekend of the year here this afternoon when the Golden Griffins play host to Siena in the Koessler Athletic Center.
• The Griffs are coming off an 82-67 win over Saint Peter's Friday night. In that game, senior center Jordan Heath scored a career-high 28 points to go with 10 rebounds for his third career double-double.
• Canisius improved to 12-7 in 19 league games under second-year head coach Jim Baron with the victory over Saint Peter's on Friday. In the three previous seasons before Baron's arrival, the Blue and Gold had just 18 total league victories.
• This game today is the first afternoon game for the Griffs this season, and it also marks the 800th career game for Baron, who is in his 27th season as a Division I basketball coach.
• The Griffs come into tonight's game with a 4-3 overall record and a 1-0 mark in MAAC play. Canisius has now won back-to-back MAAC openers for just the third time since the school joined the conference before the 1989-90 campaign.
• Prior to this year and last season, the last time Canisius won its first MAAC game of the year in back-to-back campaigns was the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons.
• Senior Jordan Heath led the Griffs in their win over Saint Peter's on Friday with his third career double-double. Heath scored a career-high 28 points to go with 10 rebounds. He also set career highs in field goals made (11) and 3-point field goals made (4) Friday night.
• Siena enters today's game with a 3-7 overall record and a 1-0 mark in MAAC play after the Saints defeated Niagara Friday night by the score of 84-71.
• The Saints' win at Niagara on Friday ended the team's four-game losing streak. Siena went 0-3 in the 2013 Old Spice Classic Nov. 28-Dec. 1, in Orlando, Fla.
• Junior guard Rob Poole leads the Saints with his 14.9 points per game scoring average. He's also pulling down a team best 6.4 rebounds per game.
• Junior guard Evan Hymes is chipping in 10.9 points per game while freshman Marquis Wright is dishing out 5.6 assists per game, which leads the MAAC.
• As a team, Siena is averaging 69.1 points per game, which ranks eighth in the MAAC. The Saints have been called for a total of 257 personal fouls this season, the most of any team in the nation.
• Siena comes into today's contest giving up an average of 21.8 points per game at the free-throw line.
• This afternoon marks the 90th all-time meeting between these two schools, with Siena holding a 51-38 lead in the series.
• The Griffs beat the Saints 76-44 Jan. 19, 2013, in the last meeting between these two programs. That 32-point victory for Canisius is the program's second-largest win differential in series history.
• The Saints start today's game having won 13 of the last 15 meetings between these two schools, with the Griffs defeating the Saints just two times since 2006.


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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sally Hansen: I Found The New Ones!
L-R: Silver Lining, Ring My Shell, Dive Deeper, Hidden Tresures, Iced Coffee, Sea and be Seen, Pomegranate.
20 comments:
i saw the new polishes too! i picked up Hidden Treasures; i LOVE it! =)ReplyDelete
Ohhh nice!! Would you still possibly be able to swatch hidden treasures? The colour looks a beautiful opal shade, which I adore! XReplyDelete
You lucky lady! I can't wait to see them.ReplyDelete
I'm searching here and I've got my parents and brother searching for me back home..it will be mine!
LOL I hunted for these over the weekend, maybe it's time to make another round. I want several of these & thought I'd pick up that sparkly black of the line too, Midnght in NY I think it's called? Perfect base for HT
I really want to see Sea and be Seen & Pomegranate. Though since I'm taking party in the Zoya exchange, probably will have to hold off on buying these even if I can find them.ReplyDelete
Glad you found them!
- AnonymousApril 27, 2010 at 3:05 PM
They haven't hit the stores here, yet. I'm looking forward to seeing your swatches before it's possible for me to buy them, so I only get the ones good for me! They look interesting. Thanks, in advance, for swatching these! -JenReplyDelete
Super jealous!! I have been hunting Hidden Treasure like a mad woman!! I cannot wait to see the swatches (:ReplyDelete
I saw these too at my wal-greens. I only bought Sea and be Seen. But the other colors were lovely looking.ReplyDelete
I love this series from SH. Their brushes are amazing!ReplyDelete
we are sending U "I love your blog" Award
Klub Lakierowy Team
These are all awesome, great find! Don't suppose you know if these will be coming to the UK at all?ReplyDelete
You are lucky. I can't find Hidden Treasure for a while. It's always soldout.ReplyDelete
They're not here in NY yet -_-ReplyDelete
Hidden Treasures really stands out in your photo. Must get it! Hope my Walgreens has it.ReplyDelete
Silver Lining and Pomegranate immediately caught my eye :DReplyDelete
I'm going to get every single one except "Pomegranate" (just not my color)! OK, I HOPE to get them - haven't seen them yet.ReplyDelete
I want Hidden Treasure but it's not being sold here :(ReplyDelete
Wow, I'm only a week behind answering comments! I'm going to try and catch up a bit this morning!ReplyDelete
Katrina~I'm so happy you found it! You will get a lot of use and amazement out of it!
Katie S.~yes, I'll do that for you soon! I also want to swatch Chanel Illusion D'Or alone, because I think all I've ever done is layer that one too.
Jessica~I sure hope you're able to find it! It's such fun to play with :)
Colette~I think I picked up MN in NY last month, but have yet to swatch it. I think I saw on your blog where you've since found HT :)
Phyrra~I've swatched them all now, so have a look!
Anonymous~all done swatching now, so check them out. I'm pretty happy with the ones I bought, and even though there were a few I thought I might go back for, I think I'm done.
Delaynee~crosses fingers that you'll find it, it's fantastic.
Velvet~that's a good one too. I'm glad you were at least able to find them!
zuzu~this particular collection really has lots of nice shades. I had a difficult time choosing and narrowing down my selection.
KatiePL~thank you! I'm so far behind on my comments, I'm just now seeing this! I'll check it out.
JustMyNails~I'm not sure if they'll come your way or not. I'm not too familiar with which brands are available both here and in your country. You could try eMailing SH, but I've never gotten responses from them, so that may not work :/
MetroChic~aww, I hope you find it! I've seen the display several places now, and yes, the HT slot has been empty on all of them.
Nail Fanatic~they'd better show up there. You *need* this one!
Lucy~hunt it down, you'll be totally amazed and entertained :)
SilhouetteScreams~I love them both, and almost didn't get Pomegranate. I though I had others just like it, but I'm glad I bought it.
French Hen~I hope you find them! I really like Pomegranate, but I understand. Some colors just don't appeal to me either.
Suzanne~Oh no :( Do you have anything similar available? One of my NFU's is similar, but not identical.
- AnonymousMay 11, 2010 at 9:08 PM
Sally Hansen "Salon Manicure" line, Love the bottle with the grip ring! The formula is worth the extra price as even just one coat does so much as product claims ie. base, ridge filler, color and top coat all in one. Immediately noticed this gave polished pro look vs. other SH products. I purchased "Shell We Dance", it is VERY sheer/transparent, yet glossy :) will use as top coat. Next time will purchase one with more color. ie) Raisin!!Product takes a little longer to dry but end result is worth the time. Cheers.ReplyDelete
OOO the hunt is back on for Hidden Treasure!! I had just given up hope.ReplyDelete
Feel free to comment or just say hello! While I don't always have time to respond to each comment, I do read and appreciate all of them.


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"I love this gift tag. I use it on my baked goods that I give out but would be very cute for child OR adult birthday gift tag."
"While the sample makes this look like a label, I edited so there is a "to: " line and a from line (e.g. From: Matthew and Andrew). I love these as birthday present gift tags."
"I am having a child-like adults-only game night for my 30th birthday, and all my decor is dots and stripes. I wanted to hand out little favor bags [like for kids' parties] with miniature liquor bottles, so I was looking for some that matched my theme. Luckily, I came across these gift tags & the proportions were perfect to make my own little booze bottles (which ended up saving me money!). Because of the large area on the tags, I was able to turn them into a little thank you cards while still including my party info on them. I am extremely pleased with the end result, and the bottles look exactly as I wanted them to."
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Abuse associated with increased risk of death for older people
Mistreatment and neglect of older people are associated with a significant increase in their chances of dying, according to a groundbreaking study by researchers at Cornell University and colleagues at Yale University. The study, which traced the survival of a group of older adults, found that only 9 percent of those with a reported incident of mistreatment and 17 percent of those suffering from self-neglect survived during a 13-year follow-up period. Their experience compared with a more typical survival of 40 percent among older people in the study with no known history of mistreatment or self-neglect.
The study, described in the August 5, 1998, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), is the first to compare mortality of people who have been mistreated to that of their non-victimized counterparts. It is initial confirmation, investigator Mark S. Lachs, M.D., M.P.H., of Cornell's medical college, and colleagues say, of what they have long suspected -- that elder abuse and mistreatment may be an insidious threat to life. There were no direct, injury-related deaths in the group that was mistreated, Lachs found. Instead, the research suggests a more general association with increased risk of death. Even when adjustments were made to account for chronic diseases, social factors, and other conditions associated with increased death rates among the elderly, mistreated older people were three times more likely to die than older people who were not mistreated.
Scientists at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), which funded the research, said the findings are an important step in understanding and preventing abuse of older people. Sidney M. Stahl, Ph.D., of NIA's Behavioral and Social Research Program and project officer for the research, called the study findings "startling." He noted, "The fact that nearly one-tenth of the older people in a large study population had been referred to adult protective services is certainly cause for concern." In addition, Stahl said, the increased level of mortality among the mistreated elderly was greater than expected.
"We need to know more about elder abuse," Stahl said. In the future, NIA will be interested in examining: the prevalence of abuse among older people; risk factors leading to abuse and neglect, such as family dynamics; and the consequences of abuse and neglect in addition to death, such as those affecting general health status and family interactions.
The research linked data on 2,812 people age 65 and older participating in the Yale University, New Haven, Conn., Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) with records from the Connecticut adult protective services agency. The average age of the participants at the beginning of the study was 74. The EPESE population was divided into three groups: 1) those who were referred to protective services for mistreatment by another person, including abuse, neglect, or exploitation, 2) those who required protective services for self-neglect, and 3) people who had no referral to protective services. The study covered 1982, when the EPESE in New Haven began, through the 1995 EPESE follow-up period.
Researchers found that at any time during the follow-up period, people seen for mistreatment or self-neglect had a poorer survival and an increased risk of death. Mistreated elderly had a 3.1 times greater risk of dying than those with no reported mistreatment. The self-neglected had a 1.7 times increased risk. This increase in risk takes into account factors associated with death in older people, such as dementia, depression, chronic disease, functional problems, and socioeconomic status.
The NIA, part of the National Institutes of Health, leads the Federal effort to conduct and support studies on health and aging, including basic, clinical, epidemiological, and social and behavioral research.
Lachs also received support from the American Federation for Aging Research.


text: That's right. It's that time of the year and The Scotties had their Opening Day today w/some really impressive games during both Draws, but that team from Quebec really pushed Nova Scotia tonight. Really impressed w/them and I don't think anyone should make the mistake of underestimating them of their chances. I also hope the one player for Quebec isn't too badly bruised or banged up after that hard fall she took while sweeping a rock during the last couple of ends of the game. She laughed it off, but it was a pretty hard fall and she could have easily hurt her one knee as it looked like it took the brunt of the impact. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does...Yikes!!! So...Anyone already have a favourite picked? We'll be cheering for the Territories as usual, as well as our girls from Ontario. And not cheering for the Princess from Manitoba. So....Yeah, pretty much par for the course for this house come Scotties time. Also tomorrow is Sandra Schmirler Day and it's a pretty great cause the Foundation supports too. I hope the Annual Telethon's a huge success for them. And...Awwwwwaaaay we go!!!


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You have any good recipes for dressings for turduckens, my turducken man here closed up , so I will have to do my own from now on.
I have had several of dishes just like your recipes, I roomed in college with a coonass, lord the crawfish and redfish we ate, it was great, boudin balls, pistolettes, homemade alligator boudin, Cajun sausage, gumbo, etouffee.
It was all great!


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Organization Development at SUNY Plattsburgh coordinates The Multicultural Alliance, a partnership between student organizations and campus departments to develop educational programs and initiatives about multicultural issues. This office also provides advisement and support to multicultural clubs and organizations.
For more information about Organization Development at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
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Phone: (518) 564-4830