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Theocracy Alert!
The bible is replete with instructions. Our laws of our land come from the bible. It's frightening to think how lawless this land might be were we not to have guidance given in that book.
Bill Clayton, Common Council member in Rapid City, S.D., where FFRF sent a letter of complaint about meeting prayers
Rapid City Journal, 2-6-13
Introducing our brand new website: When firewalls fail, rely on the Holy Spirit. No antivirus software protects your computer for the full 100%. There's always a chance something unforeseen strikes down. We designed a label that keeps your computer from any digital harm. The label was blessed by the Archbishop of Seville, hometown of the Internet's own patron saint, St. Isidore.
Online blurb for Leo Burnett ad agency in Brussels
leoburnett.be, 2-8-13
There is no other county in Florida that has even talked about or even done anything about prayer in schools. But maybe we can revitalize [prayer] and be proactive versus reactive.
Flagler County School Board member John Fischer, Bunnell, Fla., calling for prayers in schools and at board meetings to counteract "all this hate"
Daytona Beach News-Journal 2-8-13
Praying for our president, who today will place his hands on a Bible he does not believe to take an oath to a God he likely does not know.
Tweet by Mars Hill Church Pastor Mark Driscoll, Seattle, on President Barack Obama taking the oath of office
twitter.com, 1-21-13
Stand Up America Now is calling for a nationwide burning of effigies and images of President Hussein Obama to express our disgust for him, his policies and his continuous lying to the American people. He is destroying the moral and financial fiber of our country.
Florida Pastor Terry Jones, Dove World Outreach Center press release, in which he asks for similar treatment of effigies of former President Bill Clinton
standupamericanow.org, 1-4-13
Do you have to tell that you once had diarrhea? It's embarrassing but nobody's business.
Chabad Rabbi Manis Friedman, dispensing advice on whether to admit child sex abuse to a girlfriend
Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 2-1-13
There are predators lurking among us, trying to sow the bacteria of civil marriage in Lebanon, but they should know that the religious scholars will not hesitate to do their duty and prevent the passage of such a bill.
Fatwa issued by Sunni Grand Mufti Shaikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani in Beirut
Gulf News, 1-29-13
God, without knowledge of you, they cannot possibly lead with the righteous rule. We ask you, God, to change hearts and where hearts refuse to change, we ask you to replace these people.
Former South Dakota state senator Gordon Howie, now CEO of the conservative Christian Life & Liberty Group, leading prayer at the State Capitol during a two-hour Restoration Prayer Rally
Rapid City Journal, 1-12-13
He rewards those who diligently seek Him, not just for one moment, or one day, but for every moment, and every day. As Christians, we place our faith in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus Christ. But so many other Americans also know the close embrace of faith —Muslims and Jews, Hindus and Sikhs. And all Americans, whether religious or secular, have a deep and abiding faith in this nation.
President Barack Obama, speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton
whitehouse.gov, 2-7-13
Do you think using an iPad bible app for a New Jersey firefighters swearing-in ceremony breaks too much from tradition?
Question posed at the end of a news story on the oath of office taken at City Hall in Atlantic City by new fire captains and battalion chiefs
inquisitr.com, 2-10-13
[Answering whether she thinks gays have a purpose in life]: No, I honestly don't. Sorry, but I don't. I don't understand it. A gay person isn't going to come up and make some change unless it's to realize that it was a choice and they're choosing God."
Diana Medley, Indiana public high school special education teacher, speaking at a church in favor of a ban on lesbians and gays at a neighboring district's prom
On behalf of Americans everywhere, Michelle and I wish to extend our appreciation and prayers to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Michelle and I warmly remember our meeting with the Holy Father in 2009, and I have appreciated our work together over these last four years. The Church plays a critical role in the United States and the world, and I wish the best to those who will soon gather to choose His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI's successor.
President Barack Obama, statement on the pope's resignation
whitehouse.gov, 2-11-13
We want to give this message to our youths that in an environment where devilish civilization is hoodwinking the Muslim women in the name of so-called freedom, we should be steadfast to guard the culture of modesty.
Asadullah Bhutto, head of Jammat-e-Islami, Pakistan's largest Islamic party, urging celebration of Hijab Day instead of Valentine's Day
onislam.net, 2-13-13
Luke 22:36 very clearly — and this is Jesus speaking — said, quote: "If you have a purse take it and buy a bag, and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."
Washington state Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley, imagining at a committee hearing what Jesus would say about proposed gun violence bills
Seattle Spokesman-Review, 2-13-13
Ten truths about Easter - Brian Bolton
The foundational belief of Christianity is that Jesus was resurrected from death, an event that is commemorated at Easter each year. As the most important celebration in Christendom, Easter is focused on the risen savior as a guarantee of everlasting life for believers.
The 10 themes enumerated below provide the historical, cultural and theological context for understanding the Easter observance.
• The name Easter derives from the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring — Eostre or Ostara — whereas the Christian festival that celebrates Jesus' resurrection developed from the Jewish Passover and includes prominent vestiges of Roman paganism.
• The annual Christian commemoration of the resurrected savior is held on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after March 21 and before April 25, a method of calculation that was decreed by the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.
• The Easter celebration evolved from the Jewish Passover observance, which was adapted from earlier Canaanite festivals that included the slaughter of a lamb, which was related by the Hebrew priests to deliverance of the Jews from bondage in Egypt, i.e., they were saved by the blood of the lamb.
• Jesus died on Passover after sharing a "Last Supper" or Passover meal with his disciples, thereby serving as a redeeming blood sacrifice represented as the Paschal Lamb or the Lamb of God. Jesus instructed his followers to observe the Lord's Supper on that day in remembrance of him.
• The Christian observance also incorporates major elements of the festival of Attis, which was celebrated in March by Roman pagans. The yearly ritual included the crucifixion of an effigy and the enactment of an empty tomb, demonstrating that Attis was resurrected and providing assurance that devotees would achieve immortality.
• Crucifixion was invented by the Phoenicians and subsequently adopted by the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians and later by the Romans. The original procedure entailed securing the criminal to a vertical stake and allowing him to die slowly of thirst and exposure.
• Some scholars assert that Jesus was crucified on a vertical stake, not a cross, because the Greek words used in the bible translate as "torture stake" or "execution stake." Christian tradition says it was a cross because a dozen pagan savior gods were crucified on crosses, two of them between two thieves.
• The cross was a widely used religious symbol found in various early cultures, including Egyptian depictions of their gods, as well as by Hindus in India, Buddhists throughout Asia and by some American Indian tribes. There is no evidence of use of the cross by early Christians.
• The empty tomb story presented in the Gospels is not the first report of the Easter event, nor is it conclusive evidence of the resurrection claim. Two decades earlier, Paul described a series of appearances of the risen Jesus to more than 500 followers.
• Jesus' resurrection was not a unique biblical occurrence, because at least eight and possibly 10 or more scriptural characters died and were subsequently restored to life by Jesus, his apostles, Hebrew patriarchs or some unspecified agent. Of course, the dozen pagan savior gods were also resurrected.
Brian Bolton, Texas, is an FFRF Lifetime Member who is a retired psychologist, humanist minister and university professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas. He endows FFRF's graduate/mature student essay contest.
In the News
Mormons sponsor most Boy Scout troops
According to the Feb. 4 Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Boy Scouts' decision whether to accept gays would affect many churches. About 70% of Scout troops are sponsored by churches. The three largest religious sponsors are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (37,000 units), the Methodist Church (11,000 units) and the Catholic Church (8,000 units). The most outspoken criticism of the proposed change has come from Baptist churches (4,000 units).
Own attorney causes church fetal pain
Catholic Health Initiatives and St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City, Colo., said Feb. 4 it was morally wrong for their attorneys to defend a malpractice case in the death of unborn twins by arguing Colorado law doesn't consider fetuses to be persons, the Denver Post reported. CHI operates 170 health facilities in 17 states.
The state's three Catholic bishops called for a review of litigation over the death of Lori Stodghill. She died while seven months pregnant with twin sons on Jan. 1, 2006. Stodghill's husband, Jeremy, filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging the on-call obstetrician didn't answer a page and didn't tell the emergency room staff to perform a caesarean section, the Colorado Independent reported Jan. 23
Lori Stodghill, 31, died less than an hour after arriving at the hospital when a pulmonary artery became blocked, causing a heart attack. The twins died in her womb.
Attorney Jason Langley argued in a defense brief that the court "should not overturn the longstanding rule in Colorado that the term 'person,' as is used in the Wrongful Death Act, encompasses only individuals born alive. Colorado state courts define 'person' under the Act to include only those born alive. Therefore Plaintiffs cannot maintain wrongful death claims based on two unborn fetuses."
State/Church Bulletin
Governor eyes dropping parish exemption
On Jan. 30, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation published an analysis of Gov. Deval Patrick's FY 2014 tax proposal, reported Religion Clause. "Among the 44 personal exemptions and deductions the governor proposes eliminating from the state income tax is the exemption for the rental value of parsonages provided to members of the clergy. It is estimated that the elimination of the parsonage allowance will increase state revenues by $2 million to $2.5 million."
FFRF filed a suit in federal court in 2011 to challenge the parish exemption, which gives preferential tax benefits to "ministers of the gospel." U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb ruled last Aug. 29 that FFRF had standing to challenge the 1954 law.
Resident successful
in stopping prayer
Ricky Smith, Danville, Ky., stated publicly he's the person who met privately with Boyle County Judge-Executive Harold McKinney about Judeo-Christian prayers at public meetings. As a result, county magistrates voted to change the invocation to a "moment of silence."
Smith, 46, was profiled in the Jan. 27 Central Kentucky News. He's lived in the county all his life.
"Being expected to pray just to be a part of local government is not going to work for me, nor would it work for Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, pagans or Wiccans," Smith said.
He's also tried unsuccessfully several times to meet with Danville's mayor about prayers at city commission meetings. Although he worked behind the scenes, Smith was "outed" online. He's had a few harassing phone calls. "They're getting downright mean," Smith said.
"I've become a better person since I realized I was an atheist," Smith told the paper. "I am much more tolerant now."
Iceland boosts secular groups' status
Iceland's parliament, the Althing passed a law Jan. 30 giving secular groups the right to apply for equal legal status with religions.
"For the first time in Icelandic history, the government recognizes and guarantees equality between secular and religious life stances," said Hope Knutsson, president of Sidmennt, the Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association. The law also provides that newborn babies will no longer automatically be registered into the religion of the mother, but rather according to the religious or life stance registration of both parents, and only if the registrations match.
Sidmennt members said it's a human rights violation for government to be involved at all in registering people's religious affiliations. The Evangelical Lutheran State Church enjoys special legal and financial status in Iceland.
Christians continue
war on yoga
The National Center for Law & Policy, a law firm focusing "on the protection and promotion of religious freedom, the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, parental rights and other civil liberties," is suing the Encinitas [Calif.] Union School District for its Ashtanga yoga program. NCLP President Dean Broyles, is representing plaintiffs who have children in the district.
"This is frankly the clearest case of the state trampling on the religious freedom rights of citizens that I have personally witnessed in my 18 years of practice as a constitutional attorney," Broyles said.
The lawsuit alleges that the yoga program, which includes two 30-minute classes per week, is pervasively religious, with roots in Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist and metaphysical beliefs and practices.
"We're not teaching religion," said Superintendent Timothy Baird. "We teach a very mainstream physical fitness program that happens to incorporate yoga into it. It's part of our overall wellness program. The vast majority of students and parents support it."
Misguided Virginia
bill appears dead
Sen. Bill Stanley "reluctantly" sent his resolution ensconcing prayer rights in the Virginia Constitution back to committee Feb. 5, where it likely will die, reported the Richmond Virginian-Pilot.
Stanley claims a constitutional amendment is necessary to preserve Virginians' "right to free exercise of their religion as they see fit in public and private places."
The newspaper said the amendment would ensure the right to pray on government property and allow clergy to pray before public boards. It specifies public school students are free to express religious beliefs in prayer as well as assignments and would exempt them from doing assignments which violate their beliefs.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia said the amendment is unconstitutional.
Appeals court denies girl's prayer claim
The U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals on Jan. 30 denied a 2010 free speech claim by a New York eighth-grader who was barred from including a religious blessing during her school's Moving-Up ceremony. According to Religion Clause, "the court concluded that the ceremony was a school-sponsored expressive activity and that the student's speech would be perceived as being endorsed by the school."
In a deposition, the girl said some of her classmates weren't religious.
"[I]t's my job to talk about God and see if they like it. In God's word, it says that I should — well, I was put on this Earth for a purpose and my purpose was to talk about God and try to get as many people to follow him."
Two cities tie for
'least bible-minded'
The American Bible Society, partnering with the Barna Group, has identified America's most "bible-minded" cities, based on "highest combined levels of regular bible reading and belief in the bible's accuracy."
Most bible-minded was Knoxville, Tenn. Tied for "least bible-minded" were Providence, R.I., and New Bedford, Mass.
Others in the top 10 "most" category (in descending order): Charleston, W.Va.; Huntsville, Ala.; Roanoke/Lynchburg, Va.; Charlotte, N.C.; Springfield, Mo.; Jackson, Miss.; Birmingham, Ala.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Shreveport, La.
Others in the top 10 "least" category (in descending order): Buffalo, N.Y.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Phoenix, Ariz.; San Francisco; Boston; Hartford/New Haven, Conn.; Portland, Maine; Burlington, Vt.; and Albany, N.Y.
FFRF's home base of Madison, Wis., was No. 56 in the "least" category. [We wuz robbed!]
Sharing the Crankmail
This crank mail, printed as received, is dedicated to the ones they love to hate:
Separation of synagouge from State: You are a Christ-murderer or the tool thereof- Deicidists: Jews guilty of Christ-denial! — Matt Wykoff, Austin, Texas
religion: if you and your people hate religion then maybe you people should move to russia,also i dont hear any of you cowards say anything about the islam faith,why is that,i have put up a manger every and cross everyyear and will continue to and you people can complain as much as you want.
— conservative ln Buffalo
Hate Crimes: So you are all a bunch of atheists, ey? Well, that does not bode well for your afterlife. Why must you continue to perpetrate hate crimes against America and people of faith? Shame, shame shame. Just think, after you've toiled your whole life attempting to kill faith and religion, thinking that you will simply close your eyes and slip off into nothing, only to open your eyes in eternal damnation and judgement. — Noneya Bidness, "1600 Pennsylannia Ave."
X-Rated Book: I saw on the news today that the FFRF was going to distribute an article called "An X-Rated Book: Sex & Obscenity in the Bible". I am a follower of Jesus Christ and want to air my objection to this. I respect your freedom of choice. I simply want to stand and say this is WRONG! Please do NOT release this to children. — Thanks, Kacy.
Shut up! I watched you on oreilly and you sound like a complete pompous ass regurgitating info you learned from an idiot liberal professor in college. Watching you made me want to hit you over the head with the same bible you want to do away with. You obviously hate what America is based on just like our president. I wish people like you would leave this country you incredible jerk.
— Cory Rosenberg
freedom: Hello,I saw your sagment on the news about the bible at the inaguration. I dont have a strong religious belief but cant believe what you are trying to do is serious,if you really wanted free of religion you would be going after the practice of the kosher lable on food that we all pay for includeing you everytime you or anyone else buys food or other things with the kosher lable on them. — bob d
Atheist: It is partly because of people like you, that such things as Columbine, Sandy Hook, etc. happen. When you or one of your parents,wife,children, or friends,come down with a terrible disease such as incurable cancer, I hope you have enough sense or remorse to ask, for Gods forgiveness, and mislead thinking, such as what you just exhibited on Bill O'Reilly! — D.Whiteley, Chief of Police, Poplar Bluff, Mo.
Suck: Removing the bible from the inauguration, Andrew? Thanks! I am waiting for you down here! — Satan (signed by Bill Covault)
IN MY OPINION: IT IS PEOPLE LIKE ANDREW SEIDEL, WHO PURPORTS TO BE AN ATTORNEY REPRESENTING YOU...WHO ACTUALLY REPRESENTS YOUR EGOCENTRIC, ARROGANT, IGNORANCE. YOUR ORGANIZATION IS "THE ASSHOLE OF AMERICA!" — Stan Knowles
What do you stand for? I just saw your "spokesperson" on The O'Reily Factor. As a REAL American, all of us know what you clearly stand for. Pure evil. I pray for everyone involved in your organization. Poor slobs. — David Farmer
Your foundation: GO TO HELL YOU BASTARDS! FUCK YOU, ANDREW SEIDEL, YOU PIECE OF SHIT! FUCK EVERY ONE OF YOU EVIL BASTARDS AND CITIZENS OF HELL!
— Thomas Greene
YOU: Youi folks are a disgrace to Americans!!! I understand you're in Wisconsin.. Please.. STAY YOUR ASS THERE.. NO ONE IN AMERICA wants you ..cept maybe for that fool of a man that has the silly GOP show on TV. You're sorry ass people.... and do not deserve to live in ourcountry! — Bruce Oliver, South Carolina
Lawsuits against God: You people are the ones ruining this country. Before you had God taken out of schools, you never heard of shootings in schools. Now the devil is running wild in schools. I guess we all know where your going when you die. — Marion Tierney
You all are the biggest pieces of shit on the earth. You are violating the peoples constitutional right by denying them inspirational figures. I would not be suprised if your group was pushing for a new world order to usher in your own agenda with one of your satan worshipers at the head. — Joe Mullins
God can not be mocked! Remember, you are just a speck of dirt standing on a speck of dirt spinning in vastness of the Almighty's creation! Be careful, be very, very careful! — Roger Kobleske, Wisconsin
Hey: GET A FUCKING LIFE YA DUMSHITS!
— Kram Ufflernot-REAL "free thinker".
You: You are in violation of God's Word. Repent so you don't burn in hell forever. Your Idiots! People should have the right to pray and if the majority of the people want to pray before a meeting then it should be the majority that decides! Not you and your Attorneys! Stay out of South Dakota cause we do not want ya! — Brice Molitor
Quincy CA.: Piss Off Don't Mess with Quincy, Ca. — Rick Drudge, California
Stay Away: How about you mind your own business and stay out of Rapid City business. I invite you to knock on my door and we can talk about my views and your views. People like you make me sick. Idiots.
You people make me sick-it is because of organizations like yourselves that people have become cattle. — Terry Cook
Bible Belt: Why cant you all just leave us all alone in the south we are nothing but good god fearing hard working people and some jack asses like ya'll have to come down here and mess with us. First you target Soddy Daisy, Then Ridgeland, Then the university of chattanooga,and now lakeview middle you all nee to get off the power trip.
— Joseph Brown, Chickamauga, Georgia
Portrait Of Jesus in Ohio School: Please put down your crack pipes. A portrait of a person hanging on a wall is in no way advertising a religion or anything else. It's just a picture of someone admired by many. Get over yourselves and find a worthwhile cause like banning Gays or something! — John Dick
other: I am a college student in Dalton, GA and I feel as if this subject of the teacher singing religious songs to her students hits very close to home for me. I was raised in a very christian home, and I had a teacher that was teaching evolution, i refused to study it, and i recieved the grade of "F". Why is it that those who are afraid if the truth of the Everlasting, Almighty God can get away with pushing thier incoreect beliefs on the public, but when a CHRISTIAN, yes, I said it, CHRISTIAN, even brings up religion and faith, we are shushed?
— Erin Hooks, Dalton, Georgia
Drop Lawsuit To Remove Jesus Portrait: I thought I was in the Twilight Zone when I saw that you had filed a lawsuit on behalf of 1 'unidentified' student that the Jesus portrait unconstitutionally promotes religion, even though it's been on those walls since around 1947. Why don't you quit doing Satan's work? — Mark Peterson, Grand Forks, N.D.
Idiots: There's a great book out that scientifically proves creation and disproves, scientifically, evolution. It's titled "Evolution, A Fairytale for Grownups." You jerks should read it. — Charles U. Farley, California
opinions: When I was 9 I onfessed Jesus the Christ as Lord. When I was 14 God gave me a vision of the Lord Jesus the Christ seated on his throne with a gold sceptor, veiled in a cloud, yet the shape was without any doubt that of our King Jesus the Christ. The Lord Jesus the Christ is my very best friend. I am 64 now & all that God has revealed to me is as fresh in my mind as though it happened last week. — Sherry Burdette, Evansville, Indiana
Please Stop Harrassing Public Schools: As a Veteran of the US Navy, I have served my country which is founded on the strong belief in GOD. I hereby request that you stop forcing me Home state of Ohio to bow down you and stop honoring Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I find it very hard to support a group who use the freedoms I have guaranteed them to oppress your fellow man. — Respectfully, Glenn Gerber DCFN USN, Cape Coral, Florida
I'm Sorry: This is the saddest site I have ever seen - you have every reason to be sad though. No hope. — J Raleigh, Oregon
Portriat: I think you athiest should move to hell, and leave the Jesus picture where it is. If you dislike it so much Take your ass somewhere else. — —J.C., Anytown, Montana
Lawsuit in Jackson Ohio: Am I overly religious no. But I believe and my life is not without virtue or morales. Yeah I know you have heard it before and don't care about anyone's rights or opinions but your own. — Debra Plybon, Argillite, Ky.
To whom it applies: I want to voice my disgust about the Freedom From Religion Foundation going on witch hunts all over the nation trying to take crosses and other religious pictures and items down on public lands and schools all in the name of "Separation Of Church and State." Shame on you! Our country (the USA) has been around for 237 years. Many of the Founding Fathers were religious and it didn't destroy the country. Yes the Founding Fathers didn't want a particular religion to be favored in Government. They wanted religion to make its own way. But neither did they intend for irreligion to be made into a state church. I have remained silent before. But your organization has awoken the sleeping giant in me and I must express my displeasure about your organization.
— Brian Williams
FFRF fights Big Mountain Jesus
FFRF filed a brief Feb. 15 fighting the federal government's motion in support of a permanent shrine to Jesus in the Flathead National Forest, leased at no cost since the 1950s to the Knights of Columbus. The statue is near Kalispell, Mont.
"A permanent Catholic shrine on public land is prohibited by the Establishment Clause, every bit as much as a Catholic church would be," begins the brief by attorney Richard L. Bolton, on behalf of FFRF.
"The suggestion that a permanent shrine with a six-foot statue of Jesus Christ, standing by itself in the forest on federal land, does not convey a religious impression is unsupported by evidence or common sense."
The Forest Service permit itself notes the permit is "for the purpose of erecting a religious shrine overlooking the Big Mountain ski run."
"Enforcement of the Establishment Clause does not evince hostility to religion," FFRF points out.
The brief details how local FFRF members have come into unwanted exposure to the statue, conferring associational standing upon FFRF. FFRF member William Cox, previously noted he has skied past the shrine many times and continues to ski on Big Mountain. During a fall 2012 deposition, Cox called the statue "religious in nature and offensive."
Two other FFRF Montana members coming into contact with the shrine submitted declarations, including Doug Bonham, who lives close to Big Mountain and first encountered it about seven years ago while skiing past it.
"My immediate reaction was that the statue was grossly out of place and an oppressive reminder that Christians are a controlling and favored group in the Flathead Valley." His daughter, 15, now regularly skis on Big Mountain and also considers it "ridiculously out of place."
The statue "literally and figuratively looms over the Valley" and is "perceived as a reminder of the Christian religious values that the majority in the Valley promote," Bonham declared.
Pamela Morris, a third-generation Montanan and daughter of the founder of Showdown Ski Area, first encountered the shrine in 1957 at age 15 as a member of a ski team. Although she was then part of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, "the statue felt startlingly out of place: intrusive. Since then I have avoided the area: I backpack, fish and camp where nature has not been so violated in Montana."
Morris noted she would enjoy skiing Big Mountain again, "if it were a welcome site for all who love nature." A Unitarian and FFRF member, she added: "I would support any religious group's efforts to build on private land, including a mosque in my neighborhood, but I oppose any building on public land."
FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor notes in her declaration the "number of vitriolic" phone calls and threatening emails received by the FFRF office after its complaint over the Jesus Shrine went public and each time the case gets publicity. Many messages warn, "Don't come to Montana."
"As a co-founder who has been an active part of FFRF since the beginning and who became co-president in 2004, I have personally observed that the public reaction to requests to end Establishment Clause violations often devolves into ad hominems, hostility and veiled or unveiled threats to FFRF and members who are state/church separation advocates."
Federal officials are alleging "no one" ever complained about the Big Mountain Jesus before. Gaylor noted, "It is my experience that, over the years, government officials often ignore or may fail to keep or hold onto complete records of Establishment Clause complaints."
She gives as an example the claim in the Supreme Court decision in Van Orden v. Perry that no one except Van Orden had ever complained to the government about a Ten Commandments monument at the Texas Capitol.
Gaylor entered into the record her personal knowledge that both Madalyn Murray O'Hair, as head of American Atheists, and Anne Nicol Gaylor, as FFRF president, had previously complained.
One of FFRF's several complaints asking for removal of the religious edicts, a letter Annie Laurie Gaylor herself wrote to Texas Gov. Rick Perry in 2001, is entered into the record.
The federal government and the Becket Fund, a Roman Catholic legal society representing the Knights of Columbus, claim the Jesus statue and setting are similar to the facts in Van Orden, in which the Ten Commandments monument on the Texas statehouse grounds was approved by the high court, because they likened it to a "museum."
FFRF's legal brief puns: "Treating a ski slope as a museum would be a dangerously slippery slope."
The case, FFRF v. Chip Weber and U.S. Forest Service, CV 12-19-M-DLC, is in the courtroom of President Obama appointee U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen.
New suit documents 'alarming history of violence, threats'
Below is an excerpted version of the memorandum in support of a motion to use pseudonyms and request a protective order for plaintffs in Doe v. Jackson City School District, a federal lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio by FFRF and the ACLU of Ohio in early February. (Deleted are numerous legal citations. You can read the entire legal memorandum:
ffrf.org/uploads/legal/Jackson-Jesus-Complaint.pdf. The judge granted the order.)
The memo references many FFRF members such as Richard Rohrer or activists who have received FFRF awards, as well as Doe v. Porter, an important victory won by FFRF in Dayton, Tenn. The decision barred religious instruction in public schools and was upheld by the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in 2004. It also cites the harassment of the McCollum family in winning their landmark lawsuit, upon which the other religion-in-school Supreme Court precedent rests. March 8 marks the 65th anniversary of the McCollum decision. Jim McCollum, on whose behalf his mother Vashti brought the case, is now a Lifetime Member.
Plaintiffs have filed this lawsuit using pseudonyms rather than their true identities. As alleged in the Complaint, the individual plaintiffs are citizens and residents living in or near Jackson County within the Jackson City School District (JCSD). The suit is also brought on behalf of a minor plaintiff who is a student enrolled within JCSD. Plaintiff Sam Doe 1 is the parent of a minor currently enrolled at Jackson Middle School. Plaintiff Sam Doe 2, is a minor and a student currently attending Jackson Middle School. Plaintiff Sam Doe 3 has children currently attending a public elementary school within JCSD and Plaintiff Sam Doe 3's children expect to attend Jackson Middle School in the future. The Plaintiffs fear for their safety if their identities are disclosed.
Jackson Middle School, a public school in Jackson, Ohio, has displayed a portrait of Jesus Christ in one of its hallways for some years. Plaintiffs bring suit to challenge the portrait of Jesus hanging at the middle school. Due to the highly personal and sensitive nature of the religious matters involved in this case and the potential for retribution against the Plaintiffs, Plaintiffs seek to proceed pseudonymously.
Generally, pleadings must disclose the identities of the litigants. While there is a presumption of open judicial proceedings pursuant to this rule, there are exceptions when the issues involved are of a sensitive and highly personal nature. Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c)(1) allows a court to issue a protective order that allows Plaintiffs to proceed under pseudonyms and protects against the public disclosure of the Plaintiffs' personally identifiable information. Courts have granted such protective orders when there is a concern that the privacy and safety of the Plaintiffs will be threatened if their names and identities are disclosed to the public.
The Sixth Circuit identified factors a court must weigh to "determine whether a plaintiff's privacy interests substantially outweigh the presumption of open judicial proceedings." Doe v. Porter, 370 F.3d 558, 560 (6th Cir. 2004) [Editor's note: Doe v. Porter was a victorious lawsuit brought by FFRF]. These factors are:
"(1) whether the plaintiffs seeking anonymity are suing to challenge a governmental activity; (2) whether prosecution of the suit will compel the plaintiffs to disclose information 'of the utmost intimacy'; (3) whether the litigation compels plaintiffs to disclose an intention to violate the law, thereby risking criminal prosecution; (4) whether the plaintiffs are children."
In this case, the Porter factors weigh heavily in favor of pseudonymity and a protective order. The Plaintiffs are suing a governmental entity; they will be forced to reveal information of the "utmost intimacy;" and one of the Plaintiffs is a minor child. The other Porter consideration — whether litigation compels Plaintiffs to disclose an intention to violate the law — is not applicable in this case.
I. The Doe Plaintiffs Are Challenging a Governmental Activity
The Doe plaintiffs are suing Jackson City Schools. As averred in the Complaint, Jackson City Schools is a public school district in Jackson, Ohio. Since at least 1947, Jackson City Schools has posted a portrait of Jesus Christ, known as Head of Christ, in the Hall of Honor at Jackson Middle School. Plaintiffs are challenging the posting of religious iconography in a public school and are suing to remove this religious imagery from the walls of a public school.
II. The Doe Plaintiffs Will Be Forced to Reveal Information of the "Utmost Intimacy"
The Plaintiffs will be forced to reveal information of the "utmost intimacy," in particular their religious beliefs, or lack thereof, and their views on separation of church and state. Courts have recognized that "religion is perhaps the quintessentially private matter." The "preservation and transmission of religious beliefs and worship is a responsibility and a choice committed to the private sphere." Lee v. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577, 589 (1992).
Even if the Plaintiffs would not have to "directly state their religious affiliations, or lack thereof," Plaintiffs will nonetheless have to explain their injuries — a requisite element to prove standing — which will necessarily "require [them] to reveal [their] beliefs concerning the proper interaction between government and religion." "The court recognizes that such concerns can implicate privacy matters similar to those associated with actual religious teachings and beliefs."
In Doe v. Porter, a case in which the Plaintiffs sought to enjoin a public school district's decision to allow religious instruction in its schools, the Sixth Circuit aptly noted the uniquely controversial aspect of religious issues involved and found that forcing the Plaintiffs to reveal their identities could "subject them to considerable harassment."
The Plaintiffs in this case face a unique risk inherent in Establishment Clause cases, which typically involve highly charged matters relating to religion. "Lawsuits involving religion can implicate deeply held beliefs and provoke intense emotional responses."
A. Establishment Clause Plaintiffs Routinely Face Harassment and Threats Including Physical Violence
Plaintiffs would like to draw to the Court's attention the alarming history of violence and threats of violence against Establishment Clause plaintiffs. Vashti McCollum brought a suit in 1945 objecting to the practice of allowing public school students to attend religious classes held in public school classrooms. See Illinois ex rel. McCollum v. Bd. of Educ., 333 U.S. 203 (1948). Ms. McCollum's house was vandalized, she received hundreds of pieces of hate mail, and her sons were physically attacked.
In 1981, Joann Bell and Lucille McCord filed suit to block religious meetings and the distribution of Gideon Bibles in their children's schools. See Bell v. Little Axe Indep. Sch. Dist. No. 70, 766 F.2d 1391 (10th Cir. 1985). The plaintiffs' children were consequently branded as "devil worshipers." "An upside-down cross was hung on thirteen-year-old Robert McCord's locker," and the Bells received threatening phone calls. "More than once a caller said he . . . was going to break in the house, tie up the children, rape their mother in front of them, and then 'bring her to Jesus.' " The threats were far from empty: The Bells' home was burned down.
In 1994, Lisa Herdahl brought an action challenging prayer practices in her children's schools. See Herdahl v. Pontotoc Cty. Sch. Dist., 887 F. Supp. 902 (N.D. Miss. 1995). As a result, her children were called "atheists and devil worshipers" by their classmates. Other children were threatened with beatings by their parents if they were caught talking to, or playing with, the Herdahl children. There were reports that a boycott would be organized against the convenience store where Lisa Herdahl worked. Herdahl gave up her job "because of threats against her children." She received death threats and threats that her home would be firebombed.
The son of the plaintiff in Chandler v. Siegelman, 230 F.3d 1313 (11th Cir. 2000) (a challenge to prayer at school-related events), was "harassed at school almost daily." And even though she was not a plaintiff but merely a vocal opponent of the school prayer policy challenged in Santa Fe Indep. Sch. Dist. v. Doe, 530 U.S. 290 (2000), Debbie Mason received threatening phone calls and was followed home by persons trying to scare her. Eventually, her husband and children became unable to find work in the town where they lived.
Tammy Kitzmiller, the lead plaintiff in a high-profile case challenging a Pennsylvania school district's promotion of intelligent design, received death threats, among other hate mail. "Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial" (PBS "NOVA" television broadcast Nov. 13, 2007); see generally, Kitzmiller v. Dover Area Sch. Dist., 400 F. Supp. 2d 707, 721-22 (M.D. Pa. 2005). New Jersey high school student Matthew LaClair also received a death threat after he tape-recorded and publicly objected to his history teacher's frequent proselytizing of students. After speaking out, LaClair was quickly ostracized by his classmates.
In the case of Wynne v. Town of Great Falls, 376 F.3d 929 (4th Cir. 2004), the plaintiff suffered extreme harassment at the hands of her neighbors after she sued to enjoin a town council from opening its meetings with sectarian prayers. Individuals unhappy with the suit broke into the plaintiff's home and beheaded her pet parrot, leaving behind a note reading, "You're next." In addition, several of the plaintiff's pet cats were killed and her pet dog was beaten.
Tyler Deveny, the eighteen-year-old plaintiff in Deveney v. Board of Education, 231 F. Supp. 2d 483 (S.D.W. VA. 2002), endured a beating of his own after successfully challenging the invocation planned for his high school graduation ceremony. A group of eight teens evidently displeased with the outcome attacked Deveny in a public place, with one saying, "Oh, you hate God," before striking Deveny in the face.
Unlike Deveny, the Dobrich family — plaintiffs in Dobrich v. Walls, 380 F. Supp. 366 (D. Del. 2005) — did not suffer physical violence after challenging their public school district's practices of permitting teachers to proselytize and distribute bibles to non-Christian students and of rewarding students who attended school-sponsored bible clubs. But the harassment, anti-Semitic taunts, and veiled threats the family endured from fellow community members ultimately drove them to move to another county.
And in a case from the Seventh Circuit challenging the display of Christian paintings by the City in a public park, Judge Cudahy gave this description of events surrounding the substitution of a new, anonymous plaintiff for the original, named one:
The record indicates that the original plaintiff in this case, Richard Rohrer, was, in effect, ridden out of town on a rail for daring to complain about the City's conduct. The present plaintiff has concealed her identity to avoid suffering the same treatment. However much some citizens of Ottawa [Ill.] may disagree with the position that the Plaintiffs have taken, however much they may think the Plaintiffs annoying and overlitigious, the conduct of some of them has been deplorable. Doe v. Small, 964 F.2d 611, 626 (7th Cir. 1992) (Cudahy, J., concurring in the judgment).
Finally, just recently in a similar case over religious iconography in school, the publicly identified high school student plaintiff, Jessica Ahlquist, faced "bullying and threats at school, on her way home from school and online." Ahlquist v. City of Cranston ex rel. Strom, 840 F. Supp. 507, 516 (D.R.I. 2012). After filing the lawsuit, Ahlquist was "subject to frequent taunting and threats at school, as well as a virtual on-line hate campaign via Facebook." Id.
B. Plaintiffs in this Case Have a Reasonable Fear of Facing Harassment and Threats Including Physical Violence
"To proceed anonymously for fear of retaliation and harassment a 'plaintiff must demonstrate that . . . retaliation is not merely hypothetical but based in some real-world evidence; a simple fear is insufficient." As discussed below, the Plaintiffs in this case have a reasonable fear of facing harassment, retaliation, and threats including physical violence based on commentaries made on the Internet, in news media accounts and on social media networks.
The issues involved in this case have already elicited a considerable amount of public outcry and will only elicit further community outrage directed at the Plaintiffs. Here, there has been a bombardment of Internet-based speech against those who oppose the continued hanging of the Head of Christ in Jackson Middle School. On Facebook and in online commentary to media accounts, individuals have expressed the desire to suppress minority viewpoints, and have alluded to a desire for those in disagreement to leave Jackson, Ohio, or have the students go to another middle school. The comments also show veiled threats of physical violence. Thus, it is reasonable that Plaintiffs fear social ostracism, harassment, intimidation and other threats including physical violence. The following demonstrates that this fear is not based on the hypothetical, but rather based on the comments made by real persons online.
Social media sites appear to be the hotbed of this threatening and harassing activity. In addition to comments on public Facebook pages, particularly news stations' fan pages, residents of Jackson have expressed their displeasure with the opposition on their own Facebook pages.
Comments posted on Facebook have demonstrated veiled threats of physical violence. For example, John Davis commented on Lacey Williams Sturgell's Facebook page, "Hunt down whoever complained and get them," to which Ms. Sturgell replied, "John Davis if they remove the picture I think it might get a little ugly in this small town & it will turn so quickly they won't have a chance 2 get away! I can't stand people like this!"
Another Facebook commenter, Steve Hayburn, commented, "Find out who complained about it and settle this out in the parking lot." Glen Smith commented, "But, alas, I believe in freedom of speech unconditionally unless it lessens or severs my Liberties and Freedoms . . . in which case I must invoke my 2nd Ammendment [sic] Rights upon you and your unjust endeavors."
Equally alarming are the attempts already to find the identities of the attorneys involved. Commenters have targeted the attorneys representing the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which first contacted Superintendent Howard about the constitutional concerns regarding the portrait in January 2013. FFRF attorneys are co-counsel in this matter. CARL_IN_OHIO suggested, "Why not post the home addresses of these lawyers in Wisconsin? Let's send THEM cards, phone calls, and emails."
Adding to the mob mentality, many commenters espoused a "you're either with us or against us" philosophy. On the Telegram News Facebook Page, J Matthew Thomas commented, "Support us. Or else." On her own page, Lacey Williams Sturgell commented, "If they do remove it, I would say its not gonna be so happy go lucky in this little town of ours bc so many ppl I know disagree with removal."
Others suggested those opposing the portrait were Satan worshippers or the "Anti-Christs." Posting in response to an article on www.theblaze.com, Cyber Geezer commented, "It's about time someone stood up and told these anti-Christ nut cases to take a flying leap off a tall building! This is such a fine upstanding group to be challenging what we do. They are all so proud of their beliefs that they keep a low profile so that no one in their own communites even know they are one of the Anti-Christs and self-glorifying atheists!"
Another woman posted "What a shame, This group That wants It taken Down Is Of Satan."
Many commenters suggested those opposing the portrait of Jesus in Jackson Middle School leave the country or find another school. Samantha Ostrander commented on Ms. Sturgell's Facebook page, "I am not even a huge Christian and believe the complainer and this so called 19,000 member cult are Fucking crazy. If they don't like it, go to school somewhere else." Hannah Nichelle Vance commented on Lauren Schmoll WSAZ's Facebook page that "No one told you that you had to look at it. If you have a problem with it then don't go into the middle school."
"Pardon my French but these assholes need to get away from our schools PERIOD . . . get the hell out of our states, our region and our schools!" stated Sam Songer on WOWK13's Facebook page. In addition to suggesting the Plaintiffs leave Jackson, some commenters wished eternal damnation upon the opposition. Pat Grochowski Mihaly commented, "To those who want it down, when you die I hope God sends you 'down'. You wacko, sicko liberals are denying others their constitutional rights! Go find a deserted island and start a Liberal Colony. You are as much wanted in GOD'S COUNTRY as the lepers."
The Plaintiffs have stated in declarations included with this filing that they fear experiencing social ostracism, harassment or threats. The Plaintiffs are aware of the online commentary directed at those opposing continued hanging of the Head of Christ at Jackson Middle School. Under these circumstances, it is unsurprising that Plaintiffs fear social ostracism, harassment, intimidation, and physical violence should their association with this lawsuit become known.
III. One of the Doe Plaintiffs is a Minor
The potential harm to children in Establishment Clause cases is great and thus, courts have frequently allowed minor Plaintiffs to proceed using pseudonyms. In Doe v. Porter, the Sixth Circuit noted, "this case is brought on behalf of very young children, to whom we grant a heightened protection."
As a minor, Doe 2 is particularly vulnerable in this litigation. Recognizing the vulnerabilities of minors in litigation, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure require minors to be identified by their initials. This measure of protection is not sufficient in this case, however, due to the highly publicized nature of the controversy and the size of the school and city of Jackson, Ohio. Because the Plaintiffs are drawn from such a small pool of individuals, even the use of initials for the minor plaintiff would make the Plaintiffs easily identifiable.
Sam Doe 2 is a minor child in this litigation and is thus deserving of "heightened protection." Doe 2 will not participate if identified. Additionally, Sam Doe 3 is the parent of minor children. Doe 3's anonymity is necessary to protect Doe 3's minor children, not party to this lawsuit, but nevertheless affected by it should the identities of their parents become known.
Pseudonymity Traditionally Granted when Plaintiffs Uniquely Vulnerable to Stigma
Pseudonymity has traditionally been granted when Plaintiffs are uniquely vulnerable to stigma. For example, pseudonymity has been granted to: a bipolar plaintiff, a plaintiff seeking an abortion, and a gay plaintiff challenging a sodomy law. The Plaintiffs in Porter who were challenging religious education in public schools were vulnerable due to the fact that they espoused a minority viewpoint in their small, rural town. So too, Plaintiffs in this case are particularly vulnerable to stigma for espousing what appears to be the minority viewpoint in their small, rural town and for being individuals on record to challenge this religious display. Plaintiffs clearly fit within the traditional purpose of pseudonymity.
For the foregoing reasons, plaintiffs respectfully request that their Motion for Leave to Use Pseudonyms and For Protective Order be granted.
A portion of the information for this brief was compiled and graciously shared by the American Civil Liberties Union.
FFRF legal victories
College agrees coach's prayers unconstitutional
Coaches at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., have been instructed to stop proselytizing student athletes after getting a Nov. 8 complaint letter from FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott.
Football coach Jerry Moore, had been inviting preachers to give sermons and pray in Jesus' name at pregame dinners, which all football players attended. Moore also led a bible study class and encouraged players to attend.
Elliott wrote Chancellor Kenneth Peacock, asking him to "discontinue the practice of instituting team prayers, sermons and bible studies for ASU football players."
ASU's general counsel responded Feb. 6 that Moore's proselytizing has "no legitimate place in the University's athletic programs" and that a student could see the coach's "religious observances" as coercive.
"It is highly unlikely that a coach would look favorably upon a student athlete who walked out of a team meeting when a preacher, at the coach's invitation, began to deliver a sermon or a team prayer," the response letter said. "In these circumstances, it would not be unreasonable for a student athlete to consider the atmosphere created by such religious observances coercive."
Moore has left ASU for "unrelated" reasons, but the school's attorney said ASU has reminded all coaches that proselytizing is unacceptable.
FFRF ends Texas
coach-led prayer
Religion was forced to take a knee in the Pottsboro [Texas] Independent School District after FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell's Feb. 6 letter of complaint that the football coach was leading players in pregame prayer. The football games of both the middle school and high school also featured a prayer addressing god and Jesus over the loudspeaker.
Cavell's letter to Superintendent Kevin Matthews outlined the constitutional violations.
Legal counsel responded the next day to say that the school had discussed its policy regarding staff-led prayer with all coaches and will discuss the issue with stadium personnel before the next football season starts.
School ditches religion for positive choices
Ohio's Wauseon High School will now have an inclusive spring assembly instead of a proselytizing Easter assembly.
Previous Easter assemblies encouraged students to accept Jesus as their Lord and savior and pressured them to sing Christian songs. A group of students protested the sermon-like assembly by walking out of last year's.
FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt sent Superintendent Marc Robinson a letter last May 7, asking him not to schedule religious assemblies in the future.
Robinson responded Feb. 7 that the district had asked the high school principal to change the nature, speakers and format of the assembly. He said the spring assembly will focus on positive student choices.
Religious music scratched from schools
Choir concerts at grade schools in Ocean Springs, Miss., no longer include Christian worship songs and are held at the school instead of a church. A concerned parent contacted FFRF after their child participated in a school concert held at a Baptist church, where six of 14 songs were religious.
Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote to Superintendent Bonita Coleman-Potter on Nov. 12. Schmitt found one of the songs, "Joshua Fit the Battle," particularly worrisome because it proudly recounts a battle in which Joshua is instructed by his god to commit genocide on the people of Jericho. Schmitt quoted Chapter 6 of Joshua where "they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword."
On Feb. 14, FFRF was informed the school's choir and band held a fall concert, which in previous years was called a Christmas concert, on Dec. 3. The concert was held in the school's auditorium and featured entirely secular music.
Georgia teacher warned about religious songs
A sixth-grade science teacher at Lakeview Middle School in Rossville, Ga., will no longer sing Christian songs during instructional time to students.
FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote a Feb. 1 complaint letter and a Feb. 11 follow-up letter to Catoosa County Public Schools Superintendent Denia Reese. He expressed concern that several co-workers reported the teacher's behavior to administration, but that she allegedly continued to impose her beliefs on students.
District legal counsel responded that the teacher admitted singing inappropriate songs to children. Administrators discussed the law with her and instructed her to stop proselytizing.
FFRF ends Indiana staffer's proselytizing
An elementary school principal in Ligonier, Ind., will no longer push his religious beliefs and judgments on other district employees through religious newsletters and prayers at staff lunches. A newsletter the principal sent to staff read: "People may be able to take away the symbols of Christmas, but they can never take away the meaning of Christmas; that a Savior was born to save the world."
FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott called the principal's actions inappropriate in a Dec. 19 letter to West Noble Schools Superintendant Dennis VanDuyne.
VanDuyne responded Jan. 28 that the principal will apologize to his staff and stop promoting religion. VanDuyne added that district policy on separation of church and state will be reviewed by all principals at the next administrators' meeting.
Bible handouts ended at Georgia school
Bible distribution is out at S.L. Mason Elementary, a public school in Valdosta, Ga. The Gideons set up a table in the main hallway. When one girl and her friend refused to take a bible, other school children told them they were going to hell.
On behalf of a concerned parent, FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel contacted Valdosta City Schools Superintendent William Cason in a Feb. 12 letter. "The public schools should protect the personal conscience of students, especially those students of a very young age who were given bibles at the elementary school."
FFRF was informed by the parent complainant that Cason personally contacted her to apologize. Cason said he would update school administrators to let them know the Gideons and other groups are not allowed to enter schools and distribute bibles.
Because the florist Marina Plowman no bouquet of roses wanted to deliver a 16-year-old atheist, she was now being sued by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Twins Florist, a florist business and family business since 1951, in the small town in Cranston, Rhode Iceland wants people really just be fun.
Online translation of a German story about FFRF suing over a florist's refusal to deliver to Jessica Ahlquist
translate.google.com, 1-31-13
I was a Brownie in 1978 and wanted to become a Girl Scout. It was not to be. I had a hard time fitting in as a kid. My Sunday school teacher's eyes shot daggers at me when, after a lesson on the Virgin Mary, I asked, "Was Joseph a virgin, too?" I just didn't take to the religion thing. Alongside my bible, I read Bulfinch's Mythology, and I much preferred the Greek gods. They fell in love and had adventures and didn't seem to take themselves so seriously. There was laughter in heaven. Jesus was sort of OK — I liked some of his sermons. But the bible seemed filled with harsh de-sert people (mostly men) morbidly obsessed with death and suffering. What had they to do with me?
Lynn Stuart Parramore, "I was an atheist child, and the Girl Scouts didn't want me"
salon.com, 2-10-13
When I think of an army sporting a Christian cross, I think Crusades. Neither my country nor my army force me to swear allegiance to Odin, Jesus, Buddha or Horus. Freedom from religious oppression is pretty much the reason why the United States was founded.
Email from Afghanistan by Sgt. Joel Muhlnickel, objecting to a cross and steeple, which was ordered to be removed, at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E
NBC News, 1-24-13
CNN hasn't flagged this iReport as inappropriate, but some community members have. This is a divisive topic, however it does not violate our Community Guidelines, so we ask people to please stop flagging it.
Daphne Sashin, producer, on a column by Texan Deborah Mitchell headlined "Why I Raise My Children Without God"
As a Christian, I have no personal issues with a prayer being said at a public meeting. But we are elected to serve the public. We need to make the public meeting a comfortable environment for all those that wish to attend.
Councilman Jason Jones, Mount Holly, Pa., questioning Mayor Richard Dow's insertion of a Christian prayer into the meeting without consulting the council
phillyburbs.com, 1-30-13
They operate like the Mafia. They walk into a store and say it would be a shame if your window was broken or you lost your clientele. They might tell the father of a girl who wears a skirt that's too short and he's, say, a store owner, "If you ever want to sell a pair of shoes, speak to your daughter."
Rabbi Allan Nadler, director of Jewish studies at Drew University in Madison, N.J., on "modesty squads" operating in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods
New York Times, 1-30-13
A few heavenly sources speculated the catalyst for the Divine Creator's most recent bout of existential anguish may have come earlier this month, when one of His routine tsunamis claimed the lives of 6,000 people in the Indonesian port city of Kupang, causing Him to question the meaning of existence in general.
God, quoted in "God Freaks Self Out By Lying Awake Contemplating Own Immortality"
The Onion, 1-31-13
I did not believe my participation to be an act of joint worship, but one of mercy and care to a community shocked and grieving an unspeakably horrific event. I apologize where I have caused offense by pushing Christian freedom too far, and I request you charitably receive my apology.
Pastor Rob Morris of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Newtown, Conn., who was asked to apologize by the president of the Missouri Synod for taking part in "joint worship with other religions"
Reuters, 2-6-13
Our best estimate is that 700 people give up reading the bible every single day.
Paul Caminiti, vice president for bible engagement at Biblica [formerly the International Bible Society], Colorado Springs, Colo.
Mission Network News, 4-6-12
A number of courses and their instructional materials incorporate pseudo-scholarship, including claims that the bible provides scientific proof of a 6,000-year-old Earth (young Earth creationism) and that the United States was founded as a Christian nation based on biblical Christian principles. At least two districts' bible courses include materials suggesting that the origins of racial diversity among humans today can be traced back to Noah's sons, a claim that has long been an important element of some forms of racism.
Mark Chancey, professor of religious studies at Southern Methodist, in a report on bible courses in Texas public schools
Texas Freedom Network, 1-16-13
Hey Catholics, news flash — if the pope can quit, it's OK for you to quit, too. ... Every poll of American Catholics shows they find most Vatican teachings to be irrelevant. Catholics use birth control, they get divorced, they have premarital sex, they masturbate, sometimes all in one night.
Entertainer Bill Maher, suggesting Hillary Clinton as a replacement for Pope Benedict because she "knows how to handle a guy who can't keep his hands to himself"
"Real Time With Bill Maher," 2-15-13
Percentage of freshmen at four-year colleges who declare "Roman Catholic" as their religious affiliation: 26. Who declare "None": 25.
Harper's Index, October 2012
The real reason for the bill is to allow certain religious or political groups to reject gay or lesbian students with the commonwealth's blessing. It's cut from the same mold as legislation passed last year to send taxpayer funds to adoption agencies that discriminate against prospective parents on the basis of religion and sexual preference.
Editorial calling on Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to veto a bill passed by the House of Delegates and the Senate allowing religious and student groups to enforce discriminatory membership practices
The Virginian-Pilot, 2-19-13
FFRF sues florist in Rhode Island
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is suing a Rhode Island florist in Superior Court in Providence for refusing to deliver FFRF's order of a dozen red roses to Cranston teen Jessica Ahlquist after she won a court case in January 2012.
The complaint, filed Jan. 25, alleges that Marina Plowman, owner-operator of Twins Florist in Cranston, denied FFRF "full and equal access to public accommodations by refusing to fulfill a flower order on the basis of religion (nonbelief), in violation of Rhode Island General Laws."
FFRF filed a previous complaint in January 2012 with the state Commission for Human Rights. A preliminary investigating commissioner determined in October that "probable cause" existed to believe that Plowman violated state law.
FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor asked for the following message to be delivered with the roses, "Congratulations, and hang in there. With admiration from FFRF."
At the time, the defendant told ABC 6 television reporter Alexandra Cowley, "It's my freedom of speech. I refuse orders when I want and I take orders when I want."
The parties could have engaged in more conciliation with the commission, but the defendant chose to move the matter to Superior Court.
The suit notes that FFRF feels responsible "to expose the perceived discrimination by notifying the media of the defendant's refusal, as well as the refusal of the other flower shops, in order to educate the public on matters related to nontheism and to defend the civil rights of nonbelievers."
FFRF filed a similar complaint with the commission about Flowers by Santilli's refusal to fulfill the order. Flowers by Santilli chose to pursue mediation through the commission. A hearing is set in March in that case.
Attorney Katherine Godin of Warwick is FFRF's local counsel in the lawsuit.


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'Ryan Miller was a wall in net all night for the Sabres and the team defense was strong but the hero was Jason Pominville and his short handed series winning goal. It was only the 6th short handed overtime goal in NHL history and just the 2nd by a rookie.'
Welcome to Pominville and the Conference Finals!
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text:
For Jerusha Hess, directing her first film adapted from Utah author Shannon Hale's book "felt pretty empowering to be these little Utah girls making a movie."
Now Hess, the Salt Lake City-based filmmaker, and Hale will see their collaboration, "Austenland," receive its world premiere at home in Utah at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
"Austenland" was picked as one of the 16 U.S. Dramatic Competition entries at this year's festival, the Sundance Institute announced on Wednesday, Nov. 28.
The festival announced 66 films in the dramatic and documentary competition categories for both U.S. and World Cinema, as well as 10 films in the Next program dedicated to micro-budgeted films. The films in the Spotlight, Frontier and Park City at Midnight categories will be announced Thursday, Nov. 29, the Premieres section will be revealed Monday, Dec. 3, and the short-film program will be announced Tuesday, Dec. 4.
"The Hesses never get tired of getting that phone call from the Sundance programmers," Jerusha Hess said on Wednesday.
When Trevor Groth, the festival's programming director, called with the news just before Thanksgiving, "I started crying immediately," Hess said. "[Groth] said it was a burst of energy. It was so flattering and lovely. I don't remember much, because my brain was spinning."
Hess and her husband Jared received a similar call when their comedy "Napoleon Dynamite" which Jared directed and he and Jerusha co-wrote was selected for the 2004 Sundance Film Festival.
"It's a little different now, because we're not starving students," she said. "At that point, there were like tears for weeks. We were like, 'We get to live!'"
"Austenland," which Hess and Hale adapted from Hale's novel, centers on a "Pride & Prejudice"-obsessed woman (played by Keri Russell) who visits a Jane Austen-theme park in England hoping for a Regency-period romance of her own. "It's a really funny film that will get a huge reaction," Groth told the Tribune.
The festival's 113 feature films reflect a thriving independent-film community, said festival director John Cooper. "They have an immediacy," Cooper said. "I think that comes out of a fearlessness in the filmmakers, to go head-on with difficult subjects."
In the U.S. and World Cinema Dramatic competitions, those subjects include sexual relationships, teen rebellion, murder and self-discovery. Among the documentary competition entries, the topics range from politics to education, and from murder to music.
"There are a lot of documentaries that question the nature of contemporary politics, and are even critical of the current Obama administration," Groth said. Those films include an examination of America's covert wars, a profile of the conservative financiers the Koch brothers, and a collaborative movie made by 99 contributing filmmakers about the Occupy Wall Street movement.
For those interested in seeing movie stars, the competition titles won't disappoint. On-screen will be Daniel Radcliffe, Kristen Bell, Jessica Biel, Jane Lynch, Josh Radnor, Bill Pullman, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Casey Affleck as well as recent breakout stars Rooney Mara ("The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"), Octavia Spencer ("The Help") and Shailene Woodley ("The Descendants").
The festival will continue its recent tradition of playing four competition films on opening night, Thursday, Jan. 17, in Park City. The four films are: The cross-cultural wedding drama "May in the Summer," directed by and starring Cherien Dabis (whose "Amreeka" played Sundance in 2009); the documentary "Twenty Feet From Stardom," Morgan Neville's look at the lives of back-up singers; Sebastian Silva's Chilean drama "Crystal Fairy," starring American actor Michael Cera; and Marc Singer's British-made documentary "Who Is Dayani Cristal?", which tracks a mystery of a dead body in the Arizona desert.
"Austenland" may stand out in contrast to the dark fare familiar to Sundance audiences. "It's just a happy romp," Hess said. "It's so easy, it's so light, it's so accessible, and just fun. Like all of our movies, it's quirky. It's the movie for the girls, finally. I wanted to make the quirky movie for the girls."
With "Austenland," Jerusha Hess hopes to develop her own reputation in the movie business. "I've been kind of in Jared's shadow which I love to be in," she said. "When we first started writing and got into this business, people would always be like, 'What do you do? Do you just type the script?' There's some misconceptions of what a writing partner is, or what the wife does."
She added: With "Austenland," "it's nice to finally [have people] think that Jerusha also is the funny one, also is a competent filmmaker."
It was Hess' appreciation of Hale's young-adult books that led to their meeting. "I really loved the Princess Academy books," Hess said. "I didn't know anything about authors I thought they were really fancy. But she was so normal and sweet, and an amazing person."
The two met for lunch in 2009, and Hale gave Hess a copy of Austenland. "I didn't know that the 'Napoleon Dynamite' and 'Nacho Libre' creators were in Utah," Hale said.
After Hess read Austenland, she called Hale almost immediately and said, 'We need to do this.'" "It was literally 24 hours later," Hale said.
The movie was shot in 2011 in England, and Hale said being on the set was "like walking into my book."
Hess said every step of directing the film had its challenges. "It was so fun to write with Shannon," she said. "In production, I'm sure I barfed a couple of times on set, it's so nerve-wracking."
And the editing stage was hard, because as a filmmaker she just wanted the project to be completed.
Now the "Austenland" team has to prepare for Sundance when it arrives, Jan. 17 to 27, in Park City and at venues in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at the Sundance resort. "I don't even know how to get tickets," Hale said. "I need to work on that."
Sundance announces competition slate
The competition films for the 2013 Sundance Film Festival were announced Wednesday, Nov. 28. A list can be found online at sltrib.com/entertainment.
The non-competition films in the Spotlight, Park City at Midnight, and Frontier categories will be announced Thursday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m.
The Premieres slate will be announced on Monday, Dec. 3, and the short-film selections will be revealed on Tuesday, Dec. 4.


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[Date Index]
[Thread Index]
[Author Index]
How to get labels correctly plotted
I'm switching over to a Mac version of Mma and find that
the FrameLabels are not printing correctly. They don't
rotate the characters correctly. Anyone know how to
correct this? either a postscript hack or in Mma?
Thanks for any help.
Also, there was a thread once on how to conserve memory when
doing lots of calcs. Can someone point to an archive or
send me a summary of that? Thanks.
email is preferred.
Chris E. Forest
forest at ananke.mit.edu


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Bright Quinceañera Dresses!
You're guaranteed to make a statement in this fun, polka-dot moto jacket, but go the extra style mile with a bold, red lip! This modern twist on a vintage vibe is great for everything from the first day of class to a weekend kickback.
Polka-Dot Jacket, $118, bcbgeneration.com
Topshop Lips in Trigger, $16, topshop.com
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Lily Collins Spills Her Fashion Faves...And Flops!


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Chevy 350 build help?
I have a Chevy 350 in good running order. block casting 3970010 heads casting 1401416, Edelbtock performer intake, Edelbrock performer carb 1405, headers as well. I was looking for more information on the block casting 3970010? I would like to build a 350(not a 383!!) with a balanced rotating assembly roller rocker roller camshaft and newer heads. I have spent some time looking at summit. Has any one every order a balance rotating assembly? Are summits's heads, Hydraulic Roller Liftes,Camshafts, and intakes any good? I would like to make 350hp to 400hp. I see summit has many top end kits with heads cam lifters intake. Should I buy a top end kit. I was hoping for some suggestions. I hear Vortec heads or RHS are way to go.
The 010 block is a widely used generic block.....trucks, cars, muscle cars etc. If you would google that number and the head casting number you will find all the info you need. As far as a balanced rot. assembly it all depends on what you want to use it for.
If your engine is worn out and needs a complete build then yes buy a GOOD rotating assembly or use your crank and rods if you can......then whichever you use take it to a GOOD balancing shop and have them do the balancing. I would never buy a supposed "balanced" rot. assembly and take their word for it, also they don't have your flywheel/ flexplate or harmonic damper to balance to the new parts. I paid $175 to get my 507" Cadillac balanced to within 1/2 gram....well worth the peace of mind.
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Posted by Holger Kisker on October 21, 2009
How Many Legs Does An Elephant Need?
While Oracle's acquisition of Sun Microsystems is still pending there has been a lot of speculation about which IT giant will take the next big acquisition step in response.
Is there a rule of cause & effect that fuels the spiral of acquisitions?
· Know your enemy and know yourself


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About Harriet
- The Poetry Foundation's blog for poetry and related news.
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Beggars' Cant…. August 20, 2013: …be choosers? Oh no wait, sorry wrong punch-line. In fact, as a recent article in the New York Times reveals, there are numerous ways that one can conceal one's true[-ish] tongue within [...]


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Title: Los Pueblos Del Manglar
Publisher: Grupo Editorial Partenon
Publication Date: 2005
Binding: Hardcover
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First Edition. 1,000 copies of the first edition printed. Library rebound the book into hardcover. Minor library wear. Text in Spanish. Bookseller Inventory # mon0000004477
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Source: http://my.mmo site.com/694a3db6d48b5a0ee1a04d23b4b0816f/blog/item/1950b2f907fdaa1c5d073715984f0ba3.html
The title says everythingEvery single major pay to play MMORPG from World of Warcraft to the more obscure Nexus: Kingdom of the Winds has an MMORPG free trial. Gamers today can practically play ANY MMORPG for free, including the pay to play ones, even if its just for a short while. Heck, I tried out both Pirates of the Burning Sea and Poxnora the other day. I didnt really like either, but after trying those games I wanted to give NCSofts newest title Aion a try, but to my surprise they dont offer a free trial. NCSoft offers a free trial for their other games including Guild Wars and City of Heroes, but they dont offer a free trial for Aion. Thats absolutely nuts. Theres no way Im going to fork over $30+ to purchase Aion without at least trying the game first.
Ive actually paid for numerous MMORPGs in the past. Ive held a subscription for Ultima Online and Dark Age of Camelot for years. Same with World of Warcraft. I got into both of these MMORPGs through free trials. World of Warcraft, Ultima Online and Dark Age of Camelot all offer 14 day free trials which let gamers get a good feel for the game. I honestly think NCSoft is losing out on some serious cash as well as players by not offering a free trial. Ive seen so many awesome HD trailers for Aion, but Ill never give the game a chance because it doesnt have a free trial.
Seriously though, what on earth is NCSoft thinking? Even obscure pay to play MMORPGs like Alganon, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures and Star Wars Galaxies offer free trials. NCSoft needs to wake up and step it up. Come to think of it, Star Trek Online doesnt have a free trial either. How dumb is that? Thats another game I wanted to try, but I cant. Theres no way ill buy a game without trying it so, Atari is also screwing themselves over.


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Seems that this subject has been pretty much ignored here, how come?
I sure most of us have been keeping an eye on things, and it seems to me that there cruising for a bruising in both Iran and Korea.
I know Kim Jon Ill is a nut job, with his son being obviously ,, one step higher on the "nut job scale". Where in Hell do these people like him and I'ma nuta job keep coming from?
I've got a suggestion for them both,, they'd better damn well think about it real careful!! Even though the current POS administration can't seem to get there shit together on this, and hold firm,,,,the American people won't be quite so much of a pushover as they may think should they try anything stupid. If they think the reference to a Wolverine being,, bad ass,, in that old movie is a joke,,, they ain't seen nothing yet,,,,,,, go ahead and,,,
just keep fucking with us !!!
The leaders of this country may back down and play games,,, but many of us won't!!!! Just let them touch foot here and they'll find out in no nu-certian terms what the patriots of this country are made of !!!
Of course the administration don't seem to get it either,, we have countries threatening us with nuke weapons, while all the the time the current crop of politicians are trying to disarm us,,,, WTF??? Now is the time to be More Prepared!! A time to stand together as a nation.
Don't waste your time,,, it ain't going to happen no matter what illegal laws or executive orders you try to pass in Washington!! The Constitution is what it is,,,, take your "Change" and stick it up your ass!!!! obummer, palosi, reid, clinton,,,,ect. ect. ,,,,, You'll get no help from me. If they keep trying to disarm the people they'll just seal our fate in becoming another third world dictatorship, this will not happen, there's to many patriots that will not allow this to happen in this country.
Weather they know it or not ,,,There's already an underground army that will protect this country no matter what this current crop does. We're called patriots and veterans and we won't stand by while our country is snatched out from under us or will we allow our country to be turned into a dictatorship. It's called honor, duty and responsibility to this country and it's people that have fought for this country sense it's founding and there are still ones of us that will honor this commitment we made to this country and will meet any challenge to the principals this country was founded on,,,, head on. No quarter given!
Weather that attack comes from abroad or from with-in this country, I'll be there to defend those principals. So If anybody has issues with me saying what I say or with my determination in keeping this country free ,,, we'll have issues too,, be them Foreign or domestic terrorists. They are all our enemy's, have no doubt!!.
Am I sticking my neck out by saying so,,,, probably,, but I've never shirked my duty to the Constitution nor the principals this country was founded on ,, nor will I start now. Weather or not some agent is listening in or not.
I've fought for those principals and will again should someone threaten these principals. I've been in combat zones fighting for the freedoms of other countries people and I have seen what has happened there, and as long as I draw breath,, I'll not allow that to happen in this country, period. The heads of my brothers and sisters,,, will not be lining the sides of the roads in this country,,, like it was in Nam and Cambodia,,
it will be lined with the heads of the enemy's of freedom and of this country!! :rant:
Semper Fi :troops:


text: Arguments in the MTA challenge to the Stand for Child petition can be viewed online The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments in the MTA challenge to the Stand for Children ballot initiative on Tuesday, May 8 at 9 a.m. A webcast will be aired at the time of the arguments and be archived online at http://www.suffolk.edu/sjc/. The lawsuit, Flynn vs. Coakley, filed by the MTA on behalf of seven different plaintiffs, asked that the initiative petition be barred from the November ballot on the grounds that it violates the state constitution. The initiative is opposed by a long list of organizations. For further information on the Stand initiative, please visit www.massteacher.org/stand.


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Low-Carb Diet
While its popularity has waned a little, the low-carb plans still have loyal followers.Top Rated Diet Shakes of 2017
They say history and fashion repeat themselves. And apparently the same is true for diet trends. What we now know as the carb-fad, first came out in the 1970s. It caught just as much criticism then for potential health risks as it in recent years. With more research and science backing the idea than ever before, low-carb diets are popular and more acceptable.
We saw how Dr. Robert Atkins devoted his life to showing the benefits of practicing a low-carb lifestyle. A low-carb diet can most notably shed pounds, but followers have also found their cholesterol to decrease and that they have more energy. With Atkins as the flagship low-carb diet, there are many others promoting the positive, lasting effects including The Zone, South Beach and Carb Addicts.
While each of these low-carb diets puts their own spin on the program, they're all rooted in the same principles: limitation of carbs and inclusion of fat and protein.
By eliminating carbs from your diet, you're effectively decreasing the production of glucose, which is involved with regulating blood sugar and weight. When there are no new carbohydrates entering the body, it is forced to start relying on storage. When these carbs are burned, water is produced. This results in loss of water weight. Once the body has used up all the stored carbs, it turns to fat for energy. This fat is then burned off to give your body the energy it needs. That's when you see the anticipated results.
Do You Know the Best Diet Shakes of 2017?
- It's become more acceptable with mainstream healthcare experts.
- There are studies that show low-carb diets produce positive results for those seeking to lose weight and manage their cholesterol.
- There are still critics who contend that the high consumption of fat during a low-carb diet can be detrimental to your health in the long run.
With a low-carb diet comes the dismissal of stand-by, starchy favorites. You'll say goodbye to bread, pasta, potatoes, cookies and so much more. The flip side is that you can indulge in all the butter, bacon, eggs and cheese you can eat. Each plan varies slightly, with some less strict plans allowing produce and whole grains.EXERCISE
Depends on the plan, but most have accompanying exercise recommendations.CONCLUSION
There are plenty of low-carb approaches you can choose from. But they all share the basic principles of eliminating certain carbs and stressing proteins and healthy fats. While there are still critics, most of these plans aren't as drastic in the long run as you may think.Common Misspellings
low carb, low carb diet, low-carb deitHow Does Low-Carb Diet Compare?
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Has Good Appetite Suppressant
- Has Only Natural Components
- Good Taste
- 18Shake
(Editor's Choice)
- 97/100
- Yoli YES
- 92/100
- Isagenix
- 83/100
- Ideal Protein
- 71/100
- Vega One
- 66/100
- Low-Carb Diet
- /100
User Feedback(Page 1 of 2, 31 total comments)
whoah this blog is wonderful i love reading your posts. Stay up the great work! You know, lots of persons are looking round for this information, you could help them greatly.
I have lost 20lbs in 7 weeks! And still losing. I now have energy to last me all day. I'm thrilled with the results. I run 5 days a week. My usual day of eating is breakfast: a hard boiled egg with coffee without sugar & sugar free cream. I also take vitamins: b12, iron, multi-vitamin & fish oil. Lunch: salad, with grilled chicken, light ranch & cheese. Snack: carb master yogurt (low carb yogurt). Dinner: slim fast low carb shake. I don't eat dinner late or snack afterwards. Atkins isn't just eating fat. You can do low carb, low calorie, high fiber, high protein. Be smart & live well.
Can not do the greasy foods people are taking about, stomache ses NO! I have seen great success with low carb, stick to under 50 a day. DO NOT eat a ton of meats, there is plenty to eat, just be creative and watch your food groups.
It works, I lost 2 kg within 10 days. I decided to eat green vegetables even during induction phase, further meat (chicken, pork, fish), milk products-yogurt, cheeses and eggs. At first it was difficult to live without bread and potatoes but the results persuaded me. You need not to keep the strict version without any vegetable at all, with low carb veggies (pepper, cucumber, brocoli...) it works as well
I went on a low carb diet and lost 15 pounds in exactly one month and 3 days.
i am starting the diet today will keep update wnt to lose 25lbs crossing fingers.....ur reviews hv helped alot
Calorie restricted diets often fail because your always hungry using portion control. Low Carb life style allows you to eat foods that curb hunger and reduce the amount of insulin secreted from the pancreas that causes weight gain. It's good science and works to prevent the diabetes.
Didn't Robert Atkins die of heart failure? (btw: Jesus Christ is the ONLY "king"!)
Just eating meat alone i have lost 6 lbs in 2 days no sweets or carbs i keep my carb below 10 grams everyday. love it
Low carb diets defiantly work if you stick to it. You have to do a lot of research on your foods to find what is right for you to eat. I have been on a low carb diet for about 2 weeks and have lost 7lbs. I also do 45 min. of cardio 5 times a week. I eat eggs for breakfast but I use egg beaters because they are lower in calories and not as high in cholesterol. I will have a big salad for lunch with lots of ham, turkey, cucumbers, cheese and black olives. At dinner time I will have my meat and I tend to stick with pork, chicken or turkey but sometimes I will have red meat. I will have cauliflower or broccoli and another side dish. It�??s hard to get past temptation but just keep in mind what results you will have at the end!!!
I am angered when people don't read about it and assume its an all meant, no vegetable diet.
I heard of a man who had "severe bowel issues" (a friend of mine) who only thought it was just high meat. I told him to buy the book. He gave up because he would have to read a $20 book, yet I used to sell South-Beach hardcover books far more often than the Atkins one. It amazes me that people post thoughts without taking the time to educate themselves even a little before posting. I was on Atkins, stopped (wish I didn't) and got back on, and now I find I don't want sweets.
I was on this diet for a year and lost a lot of weight, I felt great until my kidneys stopped working. I was really strict and didn't go off the diet at all.
IT DOES WORK! and you can eat all the salad you want which is very good for you! Other things like eggs, cheese, chicken, steak etc. Also certain salad dressings. Lets face it most of us aren't eating tons of fruits and veggies on a daily basis so cutting them out completely for even a month isn't going to kill anyone. Obviously this diet isn't for those with high cholesterol or low will power.
and as for butter is high in saturated fat!
there has been proven facts that this type of diet can damage your arteries! why would you want to go o a diet based on bacon and eggs? with limited vegetables thats a recipe for disaster and if you do lose weight it wont last long! duh. just eat your complex carbs eat your vegetables and healthy fats. its not hardl
Many people simply don't understand this diet. For the first two weeks the diet allows you an abundance of fats so you can make it through the withdrawl from carbs process. Fat without carbs can not raise your insulin level, a raising of your insulin level is what causes high cholesterol not saturated fat alone, it simply does not. The problem with people who claim their cholesterol levels are high on this diet are cheating, simple as that. In addition, after the first two weeks you are allowed to add certain fruits and plenty of vegetables, no potatos or corn or starch, but should you really be eating that stuff anyway if you have a tendency to pack on the pounds? Just saying. It works.
i have been on the low carb diet for about a week now (eating about 40g a day) but i am stuck at 5 lbs. i dont seem to be loosing anymore! any tips? i am a vegetarian and excersise about 4-5 days a week. And i love yogurt but it is so high in carbs can you recommend any replacements similar to yogurt? thanks!
I agree, I eat way more healthy veggies when I cut out unhealthy types of carbs.
I LOOOOVEEE it! it amazes me! It takes alot of will power.. but when you see your losing 5 pounds a week you dont feel tempted to eat the bad foods!
the best diet , works, do not stay hungry, nails and hair healthier, lost 16 pounds in less than 2 months
Featured Diets and Supplements
Related Diets: Atkins Diet, Dr. Gott's No Flour No Sugar Diet, South Beach Diet, Atkins Advantage, The New Atkins for a New You
Low-Carb Diet?


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Welcome aboard.
Hang on to your hat. Your about to get a truck load of info.
First and best advice will be to get yourself and your wife to a range to test fire as many different handguns as they will rent to you, in as many different calibers (but stay away from .50's for now).
.22 seems to be easy to shoot, and a good place to start, especially if you know it will only be your first gun.
If you are looking at semiautos:
Bersa .380 seems to be real popular, inexpensive gun that most women can handle, and is a little better in the self-defense arena.
Anything 9mm is a step up in terms of self-defense and recoil. It is probably the cheapest ammo (aside from .22's) to buy, and something to consider if you plan on practicinig a lot and getting good.
.40 caliber is popular with police agencies right now. It has a bit more "snap" and recoil.
Don't be afraid to try shooting .45 ACP.
Some will point you toward revolvers, as well. Revolvers tend to be easy to understand, easy to maintain, and very reliable.
I would stay away from a snub-nosed for now, because they can have a lot of recoil.
Lots more to come.
Good luck, and enjoy the hunt!


text:
By Nick Teale
Arsenal's Faye White will captain England Women in the European Championship Final.
The defender missed the Semi-Final against Holland with a fractured and dislocated cheekbone, but will wear a protective mask enabling her to line-up against Germany on Thursday evening.
England last took place in a major final in 1984, when they lost to Sweden in the European Championships.
Gunner Katie Chapman will line-up alongside White, as the Three Lions look to claim the European crown.
Laura Bassett is also in the squad and will be hoping to have a role in Hope Powell's side for the Final.
England's opponents Germany are world champions, and have claimed the last four European titles.
The big game takes place in Helsinki Olympic Stadium at 5pm (UK) on Thursday.Copyright 2017 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source


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Click for "Microbes After Hours" videos
MicrobeWorld visits the Marian Koshland Science Museum for "Microbe Lab," a free day of activities for the general public.
In this episode we interview Erika Shugart, deputy director of the Koshland Museum, about "Microbe Lab" and the Crack Koshie's Curious Case: A Disease Detective Mission activity. Next, we talk with Nagla Fetouh, Education Program Manager for the Koshland Museum, who led a disease exchange activity that teaches people about ways to control the spread of infectious disease by participating in a simulation that shows just how fast illness can spread. Finally, Eric Flem, Communications Manager for Nikon Instruments, Inc., led us through a demonstration of Nikon's Coolscope. A state of the art microscope used by clinicians and educators that has the ability to broadcast images live on the internet.
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