text:
Get updates on collections, products, news and inspiration.
Perfumes Loewe, S.A. is the processing controller of your data. For more information about the processing of your personal data and to know your rights, please consult our Privacy Policy here.
No products
Prices are tax included
Check out
Sign in
Forgot your password?
The minimum purchase order quantity for the product is 1
Warning: Last items in stock!
Availability date:
Free shipping
Exclusive packaging
Two free samples
Secure payment
Be the first to know
Blossfeldt photos © Karl Blossfeldt Archiv / Ann and Jürgen Wilde / Cologne, Germany / Artist Rights Society (ARS), NY.


text:
Spring 2020 classes have resumed online.Please visit
dcccd.edu/coronavirus for additional information and to
learn how to prepare for online classes.
Campus Map
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Sign-In & Lite Continental Breakfast (El Paso Hall)
8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
General Session - Fannin/Performance Hall (F102)
Dr. Kay Eggleston, President, Richland College
Dr. Joe May, Chancellor, DCCCD
"Starting at the Roots: How Curriculum Process Drives Student Success, Learning Outcomes and Completion"
Dr. LaQueta Wright, Ollivetta Hill, Anabel Juarez
9:15 - 9:30 a.m.
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Breakout Session I
Liberal Arts/Academic
"Curriculum: The Roots and Foundation"
Wichita Hall (WH103)
Career and Technical (CTE)
"Foundation of Pathways"
Fannin/Performance Hall (F102)*
11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Lunch - Guadalupe Hall, Large Gym (G101)
Note: Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options are available.
12:45 - 1:00 p.m.Break
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Breakout Session II
"Pathways Development and Career Paths Mapping: Process and Progress in Guided Pathways"Fannin/Performance Hall (F102)*
2:00 - 2:15 p.m.Break
2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Breakout Session III
Continuing Education - CEDel Rio Hall, Room D276
2:15 – 4:00 p.m. Curriculum and Discipline Committee Meetings
All curriculum and discipline committees (Career & Technical Curriculum Committees and Liberal Arts/Academic Discipline Committees) are encouraged to host their first committee meeting in the afternoon immediately following the workshop to discuss any recommendations for curriculum changes that may be needed in their discipline area.
*Important: Food and drinks are not allowed in the Performance Hall (F102).

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Floor Mats
Keep your car looking new. Protect the floor from dirt, stains, spills and harsh conditions with durable and attractive Floor Mats.
Seat Cushions
Soft, supportive and stylish cushions give you added comfort for a smooth and relaxing ride.
Steering Wheel Covers
Get a good, comfortable grip on steering wheel covers that protect your hands from hot and cold with style.
Air Care
From a new car smell to a fragrant floral, you can freshen the air for your ride with a selection that's just right for you.
Sun Shades
When it's hot and bright outside, cool down your interior and block damaging UV rays with fun and fashionable Sun Shades.
Vehicle Covers
Whatever the environment dishes out, you can protect your car with a soft and breathable Rain-X® cover. Your car will love you for it!


text:
Jan Landwehr necesitaba un nuevo diseño de otro y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 43 diseños de 13 diseñadores freelance.
No particular brand
We are a scientific research institute at a small university that does research on car design. In particular, we would like to understand how people process elements of a car front that resemble human facial characteristics. That is, we examine the effects that occur when people anthropomorphize a car front due to its given similarity to a human face where the lights are interpretated as eyes and the grille is interpretated as the mouth.
We need the car sketches as scientific stimulus material that we would like to use in a study where we ask participants several questions about the designs. In particular, we are interested in the best liked design configuration and the associations that are elicited by this design.
We need four variants of the attached picture of the Audi Sportsback concept car. If you take a look at the attached picture, you will (hopefully) recognize that the headlights (the "eyes") have an aggressive expression and the lower grille/air intakes ("the mouth") has a friendly expression (it looks like a smiling mouth). I hope that you can agree on these two impressions because they are the basis for successfully accomplishing our project.
Your task is to take the attached picture of the Audi Sportsback and to manipulate the headlights and the lower air intakes in four consecutive steps in a way that the impression of aggressiveness in the lights and friendliness in the grille is further increased. That is, we would like to have four variants of the existing picture that look more and more aggressive and friendly in the respective features.
It is up to you how to accomplish this task but in principle it might be possible to build just one very extreme car with respect to these two features and to use morphing technology to build the three cars in between. But this suggestion should just further clarify what we need and it's completely up to you how to achieve our requirements.


text:
Hi, I'm Annalise and I love to bake! Here you'll find recipes, baking tips, and more.
more about me »
Subscribe to get new recipes via email:
Baking your pie crust until it is partially or completely set helps keep the bottom of the crust from getting soggy while it bakes. This is particularly helpful in recipes with a very wet filling. I'll show you how to do it!
subscribe to get new recipes via email:


text:
The Gift of Christmas Tour Comes to Springfield Friday, November 22
This Christmas give your family the gift of Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker at the Gillioz Theatre in Springfield! Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic as you and your loved ones journey with Masha and her Nutcracker Prince through the Snow Forest. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds, Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is the family tradition perfect for all ages! Celebrate this cherished Holiday experience set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score and create memories that will last a lifetime. Get tickets in Springfield for family and friends today!


text:
An intense and atmospheric shooter, Faith and a .45 features a heavy focus on characters, co-operative gameplay, road movie storytelling, and cinematic aesthetics.
Faith and a .45 tells the story of Luke and Ruby -- two outlaw lovers destined to go down in history. The duo battles an oppressive enemy force, led by a ruthless, corrupt oilman who's out for their blood. Set in an original take on the Great Depression, one of the darkest periods in US history, the game is a gritty, cross-country epic -- a road journey with guns, a dark army of steel-plated vehicles, and armor-clad pyromaniacs.
NOTE: This game has been announced as a project in development for next-gen systems, but it is unknown whether it will be released on this specific platform. Please check back for official info.
Also known as: Faith and a 45, Faith & a Forty-Five
Release Region: United States
Release Date: Canceled
Publisher: TBA
Release Region: United Kingdom
Release Date: Canceled
Publisher: TBA


text:
The contenders for the FIFA Ballon d'Or for the best player of 2012 and the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year 2012 awards have been announced at a press conference held at the Anhembi Convention Center in Sao Paulo. It was attended by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, L'Equipe and France Football CEO François Morinière, and legendary Brazilian players Ronaldo and Marta, who won the FIFA World Player of the Year and FIFA Women's World Player of the Year awards three and five times respectively.
In alphabetical order, the FIFA Ballon d'Or nominees are Cristiano RONALDO, Portugal, Andres INIESTA, Spain and Lionel MESSI, Argentina, while MARTA, Brazil, Alex MORGAN, USA and Abby WAMBACH, USA will contest the women's award.
The candidates for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football and FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women's Football awards were also announced. In alphabetical order, the contenders are: Vicente DEL BOSQUE, Spain (Spain), Pep GUARDIOLA, Spain (FC Barcelona) and Jose MOURINHO,Portugal (Real Madrid) for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football award, and Bruno BINI, France (France), Norio SASAKI, Japan (Japan) and Pia SUNDHAGE, Sweden (USA) for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women's Football award.
All the nominees were confirmed after a poll in which the captains and head coaches of the men's and women's national teams, as well as international media representatives selected by France Football, voted for candidates.
The shortlist of 15 forwards for the FIFA FIFPro World XI was also announced, completing the final shortlist of 55 players featuring five goalkeepers, 20 defenders and 15 midfielders. See the full list by clicking on the link to the right.
In addition, the three nominees for the FIFA Puskás award for the most beautiful goal of the year were announced. They are: FALCAO (América de Cali-Atletico Madrid, 19 May 2012), NEYMAR (Santos-Internacional, 7 March 2012) and Miroslav STOCH (Fenerbahçe-Gençlerbirliği, 3 March 2012).
All the awards will be presented at the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on 7 January 2013 during a televised show to be streamed live on FIFA.com and FIFA on YouTube.
In addition to the above awards, the recipient of the FIFA Presidential Award and the FIFA Fair Play award will also be revealed during the gala.


text:
WASHINGTON — Former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. was sentenced to 30 months in prison Wednesday for using $750,000 in campaign money for living expenses, clothes and luxury items.
Jackson and his wife, Sandi Jackson, used campaign funds as a "personal piggy bank," U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson told him. "There may be gray areas in campaign finance This case did not come near to those areas."
"As a public official, you are supposed to live up to a higher standard of ethics and integrity," said Jackson, no relation to the former congressman.
The sentence was handed down during a hearing where Jackson tearfully admitted wrongdoing.
"I take responsibility for my actions and for everything I have done," Jackson said, sobbing openly in court as his family looked on.
Jackson's crime and likely punishment mark a dramatic fall for a man once viewed as a fast-rising political star in his home state. Jackson, 48, is the son of civil rights leader and former presidential candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. The senior Jackson and other members of the family were in the courtroom.
The sentence was less than the four-year sentence sought by prosecutors Jackson who pleaded guilty in February to misusing campaign funds.
Court filings show Jackson treated donors' money as his own, spending lavishly on luxury goods and services, including a $43,350 gold-plated men's Rolex watch, $5,687 for a "holistic retreat" in Martha's Vineyard and more than $5,000 on capes and fur parkas. He also used campaign funds for more commonplace expenses, such as dry cleaning and toothpaste purchased from Costco.
His lawyer Reid Weingarten pleaded for leniency, saying Jackson is a "good person" whose judgment was impaired by his bipolar disorder. The crimes are serious, Weingarten said, but "there are not widows and orphans surrounding the courthouse wanting his head."
He asked for much lighter punishment. "The goddess of justice would not weep at an 18-month sentence," Weingarten said.
Weingarten noted that lawmakers in the 1980s were permitted to use campaign money for personal expenses. "If you took a microscope and looked at all these campaign (reports), you would find a lot of gray," he said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves said the case "strikes at the integrity of the campaign-finance system" and warranted punishment.
STORY: Report: Jesse Jackson Jr. reaches plea agreement
His wife, former Chicago alderman Sandi Jackson, has pleaded guilty to falsifying the couple's tax returns over a six-year period. Prosecutors sought an 18-month prison term for Sandi Jackson, but not to be served as the same time as her husband. The couple has two children, ages 13 and 9.
"My heart breaks every day with the pain it has caused my babies," Sandi Jackson said during a tearful appearance Wednesday. .
Jesse Jackson Jr. also pleaded with the judge Wednesday to spare his wife prison time, saying if probation is not available for his wife, "give me her time."
Graves, the prosecutor, said Sandi Jackson was not an unwitting accomplice to her husband's crimes. "The facts show that she stole and that she stole a lot of money," he said.
Sandi Jackson used a campaign credit card to pay for $171,000 in personal goods, Graves said. He ticked off a string of expenses paid for with campaign funds, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, school fees and a trip to Walt Disney World.
Jackson Jr. was first elected to Congress in a 1995 special election to replace Mel Reynolds, a Democrat who resigned after he was convicted of having sex with a teenage campaign worker.
Jackson won re-election by a wide margin last November, despite the federal investigation and his absence from both his congressional job and the campaign trail. Jackson had been on extended medical leave. He resigned from Congress several weeks after Election Day.
STORY: Ex-congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. makes prison requests
In a court document, U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen argued instead that Jackson was driven by "greed and entitlement" to steal. To bolster their call for prison time, prosecutors filed a letter Tuesday from Federal Bureau of Prisons officials, saying the agency had sufficient staff and facilities to "provide appropriate care" for Jackson's illness.
Jackson's lawyer this week asked Jackson to be assigned to a minimum-security federal prison camp on Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala., or Butner-Low, a low-security facility near Raleigh, N.C. (Ponzi scheme mastermind Bernard Madoff currently is imprisoned at a medium-security facility that is part of the Butner complex.)
The judge can recommend a prison placement, but the Bureau of Prisons makes the final decision.
Jackson, stopping to wipe his tears and blow his nose, asked the judge to be sent to the federal prison camp in Alabama to "make it inconvenient for everyone to get to me."
Even after the sentencing is over, the case will not be over. Jackson still will have to forfeit $750,000. Weingarten, said Jackson is "breaking his head" to make that happen. "My client wants to be able to feed his children," he said.
Follow @fschouten at Twitter


text:
During our latest meetup, Decoded Fashion's showcase: Rising Social Discovery, we introduced three fashion websites that will captivate you, Polyvore, Lyst and Bib & Tuck. All three have made fashion more accessible to the online user, while also creating a fashion community where users can share styles and surround themselves with trustworthy fashion aficionados.
Polyvore, a fashion platform where users can mix and max their favorite items from any e-commerce site on the web, has grown quite a lot since it started in 2005, but co-founder Jess Lee (Skyping in above) said that collaborating with brands was one of the most influential moves. She explained that it has attracted more shoppers—around 20 million users monthly—along with valuable partnership that have contributed to its popularity. Building brand ambassadors was also stressed, and the company's main focus is still to remain loyal to their customers and always show how important they are to them.
Lyst, which brings together hundreds of brands and retailers' ecommerce sites into one place to make shopping more personalized, also stressed the importance of building partnerships, be it with brands or bloggers. Lyst has reached out to inspirational style celebrities and popular bloggers, such as Nina Garcia and Sincerely Jules. Vice President of Business Development Hilary Peterson advised that a partnership is always a great way to get started. If the option is there, take it. Lyst now has partners in over 120 countries, but Peterson noted that the main growth comes from mobile visits—exactly why the Lyst app drops in two weeks.
Bib+Tuck, launched in November 2012, relies on building customer loyalty rather than brand partnerships, as the site specializes in vintage resale. The site allows women to "shop without spending." How does this work? Users can post pieces they no longer want and sell them to other community members for Bib+Tuck currency, Bucks. Then, these Bucks can be used to buy a different item on the site. It's a virtual clothes swap.
Since the site is still fairly new, their goal at this point is to create a brand identity and personality, understand who their customers are in order to target that specific user. Co-founder Sari Azout expressed their devotion to putting as much attention to the customers as to the company, making the customer feel like they belong to a community, not a marketplace.


text:
It was designed by Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 International Exposition and has become a design classic.
Height: 41,5 cm | Width: 62 cm | Depth: 60 cm
Materials and finishing:
A polished stainless steel frame and fire retardant foam cushion upholstered with italian leather. The cushion is fixed to the base with hand sewed leather buttons.
Colour: apple green
Guarantee: 3 years
It is a high quality Mies van der Rohe´s Barcelona ottoman design inspiration.


text:
As a graduate of Wright State University you have access to a valuable network of Dayton and Lake Campus alumni who continue to be influential leaders in their professional roles. The Lake Campus Alumni and the Wright State University Alumni are here to help you stay connected to your fellow graduates and to provide events and opportunities to enhance your professional skill-set.
In addition to Lake Campus and Wright State University Alumni opportunities, you can also stay connected with the campus community through our social media platforms. With your help, we will continue to grow our student and alumni network, in-turn creating a lasting impact for future Lake Campus students.
Keep in mind that you don't have to be a Lake Campus alumnus to become involved with our mission! We are a campus that was founded by the community, for the community, and we remain steadfast in that mission. If we have not yet met you – come say hello! For those that we have met – please, stay connected! With your help, we will continue to do great things at the Lake!


text:
Master Captain's License 25/50/100 Ton
(Digital Edition)
The 25/50/100 Ton Master License is required to carry seven or more passengers on an inspected passenger vessel. In order to carry seven or more passengers "under sail," a Sailing Endorsement is also required.
Mariners Learning System™ has developed an intuitive learning approach that's direct, clear, and effective. By providing a methodical, well-organized program of professionally produced, on-demand lectures, videos, and companion materials, our students are able to absorb and retain what they have learned.
This edition includes online and on demand access to the following training materials:
One year's access to our award-winning Internet based narrated lecture and interactive learning system. Included with each Mariners Learning System™ course is 24/7 access to our online instructors. In the rare event that an online instructor cannot answer your question, toll free telephone support with one of our Staff Instructors will be provided.
MLS iVideo Training Series
- So You Want to be a Captain?
- Navigational Rules of the Road
- Piloting and General Navigation
MLS Digital Online Study Guides
- Navigational Rules of the Road
- Seamanship for the Mariner
- Navigation for the Mariner – Two-volume set
- Maritime Law – Inspected Passenger Vessels
- (1) Full sized Long Island Sound Training Chart – 12354TR (Shipped via USPS)
Course Overview
Course Subjects Include:
- Navigational Rules of the Road
- Aids to Navigation
- Electronic Navigation
- Characteristics of Weather Systems
- Lifesaving Equipment & Safety
- Basic Seamanship Skills
- Tides and Currents
- Marine Radio Operation
- Pollution Prevention
- Vessel Handling Skills
- Emergency Procedures
This course satisfies the examination requirement for the 25-ton, 50-ton or 100-ton Master License. The tonnage level of a Master's license issued will be based on the size vessel on which you have your sea service experience. Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded a certificate that will be accepted in lieu of the standard Coast Guard examination!
Sea Service
For this license, a day of sea service is defined as at least 4 hours underway on any given calendar day and can be counted back to your 15th birthday. You do not have to know the exact dates - just the number of days each year.
License Operating Area
This license can be issued for the Great Lakes, U.S. Inland Waters or U.S. Near Coastal waters (depending on where you gained your experience).
Included with each Mariners Learning System™ course is 24/7 access to our online instructors. Each instructor is a USCG Licensed Master that has gone through a rigorous approval process meeting the standards of the United States Coast Guard to become a certified instructor. They bring a level of knowledge, experience, and professionalism that adds to the total learning process. In the rare event than an online instructor cannot answer your question, toll free telephone support with one of our Staff Instructors will be provided.
Once the student completes the course quizzes and online Module Exam they make an appointment to take their final proctored exam with Mariners Learning System™. No testing at the Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers. The grading standards are:
The student must pass all modules to receive a certification of completion. If a student fails one or more modules, he or she may retest twice more without delay on the failed modules. Those who do not pass an exam module after three attempts must wait a period of 45 days to retest. The student will be required to complete the entire course prior to being allowed another three attempts at each module. In this case the student must retest and pass all online Exam Modules.
License Requirements
The USCG Master License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that is certified (authorized) by the USCG to carry more than 6 paying passengers plus crew must have a Boat Captain who holds a 25/50/100 Ton Master license. Ferry boats, harbor tours boats, whale watch boats are examples of inspected vessels.
There are 4 different Master Licenses a mariner may qualify for such as the Master Inland or Master Near Coastal. Both the amount of sea service time and the size vessels you have been on will influence the license you are eligible for. Master licenses are tonnage rated at 25 GT (gross tons), 50 GT, or 100 GT.
The tonnage you are awarded is determined by the size vessels you've gained experience on in the last 3 years - it's called "recency experience." You are not required to advance through the different licenses one at a time. If you meet the USCG requirements for the master 100GT Near Coastal, you'll get that license as your first license. The 4 types of up to 100GT Master licenses are listed below along with the requirements:
Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 15; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years. Completion of approved Course and Test.
Master Inland/OUPV: 360 days underway experience since age 15; 90 of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 90 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of the Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved Course.
Master Inland/Mate N.C.: 360 days underway experience since age 15; 90 days of those 360 days in the last 3 years; 180 of those 360 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of the Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved Course.
Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 15; 90 of those 720 days in the last 3 years; 360 of those 720 days outside the boundary lines. Completion of the Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved Course.
Additional Requirements Include:
- Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card)
- Minimum age: 19 years old
- Pass a Physical Examination
- Take a Drug Test unless enrolled in a USCG - approved random drug program for at least 60 of the last 185 days, and with no failure or refusal to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs
- CPR/First Aid Card
- U.S. Citizenship
- Provide Three Character References
- Completion of Mariners Learning System™ USCG-approved Master 25/50/100 Ton online course
- Completed USCG Original License Application Package
Lesson Plan
Module I - Navigation Rules of the Road
- Part A - General
- Section I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
- Section II - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
- Section III - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
- Part C - Light s and Shapes
- Part D - Sound and Light Signals
- Differences between International and U.S. Inland Rules of the Road
Module II - Deck Safety
- Fire Fighting
- Marine Engine Operations
- Marine Radiotelephone
- Lifesaving Equipment
- Pollution Prevention
Module III - Deck General
- Basic Seamanship
- Characteristics of Weather systems
- Ship Handling
- Emergency Procedures
- Maritime Law
Module IV - Piloting and General Navigation
- Piloting
- Compasses
- Plotting
- Tides and Currents
- Approaches to Anchorages and Harbors
- Electronic Navigation Equipment
Module V - Seamanship
- Purchases, Blocks and Tackle
- Vessel Handling in Rivers and Estuaries
- Dragging, Clearing Fouled Anchors
- Maneuvering for Launching of Lifeboats And Lifeboats in Heavy Weather
- Receiving Survivors from Lifeboats or Lifecrafts
- Towing Operations
Module VI - Boat Characteristics
- Principles of Ship Construction
- Trim and Stability
Module VII - Fire Prevention and Firefighting Appliances
- Fire Prevention and Chemistry of Fire
- Basic Fire Fighting - Extinguishing Agents
- Organization of Fire Drills
- Fire Fighting Systems
- Fire Fighting Equipment and Regulations for T-Boats
Module VIII - Ships Business
- Rules and Regulations for T-Boats
- Shipment, Discharge and Manning
- Certificates and Documents Required
- Load Lines
Module IX - Shipboard Management and Training
- Ship Sanitation
- Principles of Damage Control Including Vessel Alteration and Repair
- Shipboard Safety Management
Module X - Lifesaving
- Survival at Sea
- Lifesaving Appliance Regulations and Operations for T-Boats
Test Sites
We currently offer testing in the following states:
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Rhode Island
South Carolina
What You Need to Know About Testing...
Mariners Learning System™ has Coast Guard approved testing facilities located throughout the country. Each student wishing to complete one of Mariners Learning System™ Coast Guard approved courses is required to pass a proctored exam to receive a Certificate of Completion. This Certificate of Completion will be accepted by the Coast Guard in lieu of taking one of their exams for licensing purposes. If a student fails one or more modules, he or she may test twice without delay of the failed modules. Those who do not pass an exam module after three attempts must wait a period of 45 days to retest. The student will be required to complete the entire course prior to being allowed another three attempts at each module. In this case the student must retest and pass all exam modules.
To sit for a proctored exam you are required to have a confirmed date and seat in the Mariners Learning System™ proctored exam room. Without this electronic confirmation you will not be permitted to test.
Testing dates/locations close 14 calendar days before the scheduled test date, therefore you must register more than 14 calendar days before the scheduled test date.
Students testing for the first time and also retest students must register via the online registration.Only students who are currently enrolled in a Mariners Learning System™ Course are permitted to register to take a Proctored Exam.
When you arrive to take the proctored exam you will be required to provide the proctor with a copy of the electronic proctored exam enrollment form, a legible copy of your Coast Guard recognized photo identification, and your online final exam completion letter(s). These copies will be retained for our records per USCG requirements. The list of acceptable forms of photo identification includes:
- U.S. Military identification card
- U.S. drivers license
- U.S. Passport
- Official identification card issued by a State, or local government.
- Official identification card issued by the Federal Government.
- Law enforcement credential, with photograph of the applicant, issued by Federal, State or local government
- Merchant Marine Document issued after February 3, 2003
- Foreign Passport


text:
Saturday ⤴
05 April
06 April
07 April
08 April
09 April
10 April
11 April
Submit a Still Add your own still and we'll feature it here.
Not Coming to a Theater Near You is a film resource that assumes a bias towards older, often unpopular, and sometimes unknown films that merit a second look. Read more about us or Get in touch.


text:
Gallery Review
A gallery dedicated to super-cooled molten sand in all its glory
In September, Lowe and Burge swung open the door to a business that promotes their aesthetic. Boro Gallery—"boro" is short for borosilicate, the kind of glass both artists work with—sits on the corner of Third Street and Gold. The Downtown gallery is comprised of two main rooms, with the front showing off works from local artists. This month, it's devoted to Taos artist Maye Torres, whose science- and mythology-influenced bronze sculptures and graphite drawings line the walls.
The back room is home to Lowe and Burge's work, which packs two large display cases. The owners still sell pipes, but much of their focus is on jewelry. Their newfound freedom has also lent itself to more unusual pieces. Lowe's in the middle of making a chess set—a fact that makes him smile every time he mentions it.
Even though the glass sits primarily in the back, it's still the gallery owners' focus. Most of the gallery's revenue comes from their blown glass, which includes custom work such as wine goblets for weddings. The highlight of the store is an impressive, 6-foot, 4-inch-tall vase that sits by the entrance. Constructed with a network of winding, clear, tentacle-like tubes, it was made by Burge and Niles Mahlman and took home a blue ribbon at last year's state fair.
The highlight of the store is an impressive, 6-foot, 4-inch-tall vase that sits by the entrance. Constructed with a network of winding, clear, tentacle-like tubes, it was made by Burge and Niles Mahlman and took home a blue ribbon at last year's state fair.
Burge, who's 27, discovered the craft seven years ago as a collector of blown glass. He was enrolled in a bachelor's program in wildlife management at CNM when he found himself drawn to the art. "As soon as I touched a torch," he says, "I fell in love."
They knew they wanted a Downtown gallery because of the area's nightlife. Boro doesn't open until 5 p.m., when many other businesses are closing. Because it's up late (until 11 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday), Lowe and Burge see a lot of foot traffic from the bar crowd. That also frees their day up for making art and going on sales trips. It adds up to 14- to 16-hour shifts, but "it's a battle that's worth it," says Burge.
Night hours also open up the gallery concept to a younger demographic. "We want people of our generation to know they can come in and hang out," says Burge. "We want people to buy stuff, but it's not just about that." What it's about is helping create a Downtown community, he says.
Other businesses in the neighborhood have been supportive of their fledging enterprise, especially galleries. "It's nice to know that in some realms, they're not going to hate us just because we have a similar business," adds Burge. Lowe agrees, and chimes in, "They can't believe we're two young dudes doing it."
317 Gold SW


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
I was just reading through this thread. I liked the fact that Peter compared the results of the long cold fermentation process to those of using a natural starter. I've had some really good success with the NY Lehmann (best of the NY styles I've tried), and want to mix it up a bit and play a bit with long ferments, etc.Peter - given so much time has passed in this thread, as well as so many experiments, would you suggest I just follow the original recipe/technique as written, or were there some key learnings made since 2006 that would be worth noting? I will be looking to scale the recipe up to 3x14" dough balls.
I noticed in your original photo set a pic of the dough after 7 days. It looked like there are little black dots in the dough. Is this something I should expect to see? One thing I am worried about though letting these ferment for a week is the fact that my temperature may not be consistent (kids in and out of the fridge). How would I know if my dough has reached a fermentation max before 7 days are up?
Sorry but I have another question... I usually use EVOO when a dough recipe calls for oil. I noticed I was out so I replaced it with vegetable oil. While searching to see if this was a valid substitution, I noticed on the dough calculator that it says EVOO is not recommended.Am I ok with the vegetable oil? What's the issue with EVOO?


text:
Whether it's silly or artistic in nature, put any sorts of forum activities in here.
Use this control to limit the display of threads to those newer than the specified time frame.
Allows you to choose the data by which the thread list will be sorted.
Order threads in...
Note: when sorting by date, 'descending order' will show the newest results first.
Forum Rules


text:
BURNABY, British Columbia – For most of the players present at Whitecaps FC training camp, the chance to play in Major League Soccer is a new experience. For others, it's a second chance to prove that they belong.
Among the latter is center back Greg Janicki, a Michigan State alum who has had an up-and-down career so far.
A solid season with the USL-2 Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2008 sent the burly defender on loan to D.C. United. He returned for the 2009 season but was released after only seven MLS starts.
"Last year was tough with injuries and trying to stay sharp," Janicki said. "It was the first time in my career that I hadn't been getting steady time on the field."
Janicki eventually landed in Vancouver, seeing an opportunity to regain the form that originally caught the attention of former D.C. United head coach and current Whitecaps FC director of soccer operations Tom Soehn.
"What I wanted to get out of this year for me personally was to get my confidence back and play 90 minutes game in and game out," Janicki said.
The Michigan native had a strong season with the second-division Whitecaps, and he was named 2010 USSF-D2 Defender of the Year.
"The award is nice to have, but it doesn't lock you up for next year," Janicki said. "I've still got to keep getting better."
Jay Nolly took a different path to MLS, but experienced similar results. The 6-foot-3 goalkeeper had a standout college career with the Indiana Hoosiers, winning back-to-back NCAA Division I titles in 2003 and 2004 before being drafted by Real Salt Lake in the second round of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft.
After two seasons of limited action in Salt Lake, Nolly was traded to the nation's capital. But like Janicki, he had trouble finding playing time and was released in January 2008.
"When I was first in MLS, the only experience I really had was college," Nolly said. "I never really got an extended chance."
Three seasons of starting experience with the D2 Whitecaps has given Nolly the confidence to believe that he is now ready for the demands of MLS.
"I've improved a lot as far as experience," Nolly said. "I've gotten to play over 100 games here and I think that's prepared me well."
The native of Littleton, Colo., was named team MVP the last two years and was also honored as USSF-D2 Goalkeeper of the Year this past season.
"They're going to have to look to better every position, and goalkeeper is one of them" Nolly said of the competition to make the Whitecaps MLS roster. "I know I'm going to be fighting for the spot."
With the Nov. 24 Expansion Draft bringing MLS veterans into the fold, the time is now for both Janicki and Nolly to prove that they can translate their second-division performance into MLS success.
"I'm feeling pretty confident in myself and I'm looking to prove that I can still play at that level," Janicki said. "This training camp coming up is going to be big."


text:
Dawks Surname Ancestry Results
Our indexes 1000-1999 include entries for the spelling 'dawks'. In the period you have requested, we have the following 9 records (displaying 1 to 9):
Try these...
dawidowicx dawidowicz dawidski dawidziuk dawie dawill dawin dawing dawins dawite dawke dawker dawkes dawkin dawkince dawkind dawking dawkings dawkins dawkinson dawkyn dawkynessone dawkyns dawlby dawler dawles dawley dawlin dawling dawlinge dawlings dawlish dawll dawlling dawlow dawlton dawly dawlye dawlyng dawman
These sample scans are from the original record. You will get scans of the full pages or articles where the surname you searched for has been found.
Your web browser may prevent the sample windows from opening; in this case please change your browser settings to allow pop-up windows from this site.
Want to be alerted about new results for this search?
Subscribe to this web feed
Research your ancestry, family history, genealogy and one-name study by direct access to original records and archives indexed by surname.


text:
If you stayed absolutely indifferent after reading the heading, something must be wrong with your perception. I apologize for such a mean assumption, but you will have exactly the same opinion when I elaborate on the logic behind this statement. I am pretty sure that every single lady aged in the 15-50 range is well aware of what Prada is. Unless you inhabit one of those deserted lands in Sub-Saharan desert, you are supposed to nod right now. And actually, in this world of globalization, we can assume that the bottom line for the age limit goes somewhere towards 10. For those women who don't fall into the above category, the other key word should be familiar as well. Doesn't your Granny love to share with you the numerous pieces from her antique jewelry collection? Men would also react to this post in a certain way: negatively, to be more precise. The reason is that these smart creatures know very well that after checking out such a wonderful collection, any woman will have a very determined idea on her mind. And who will be her target? Now that you caught up with my reasoning, it is quite the time to take a look at the marvelous jewelry collection by Prada.
Prada Jewels To Blind You: Spring/Summer 2014 Collection
Looking at these mind-blowing pieces, you can tell it is a spring collection. The color palette is so adorable and engaging, that I can feel my mouth watering and hands shivering in excitement. Green, turquoise, coral, burgundy, yellow, red, pink, light blue and orange are shades that have an ability to hypnotize you right away. I personally fall in love with items that feature unique design and great style, and Prada's new collection definitely goes under this category.
Prada offers to forget about boring jewelry pieces and try out the new comers in a very engaging way. It is impossible not to fall for these breath-taking creations of the Italian fashion house. The Spring/Summer 2014 collection includes 12 bracelets of different width and design and four pairs of earrings so far. But I am very positive about the other pieces that are to come yet. Plus, these are not the bracelets in their classic understanding: Prada has created incredible cuffs and banlges that will match any of your outfits!
My favorite piece of this saucy line is a bracelet that features two hibiscus flowers in turquoise, coffee, yellow and coral. Although the flowers are not made out of the precious gemstones, the item is still very appealing. I like the color combination, as it immediately draws a pretty image in my mind, making connection to the bright sun and warm days.
A pair of earrings that will surely blow your mind deserves to be checked out. A myriad of tiny sparkling gemstones might blind your eyes for a second, but if you move your attention downward, you will spot a beautiful stone in coral framed by even more of the shining crystals. I bet this piece is quite heavy to wear around, but beauty always requires some sacrifice, doesn't it?
Prada Spring/Summer 2014 Jewelry Collection offers beautiful items which are totally worth to be called masterpieces. If you were looking for some kind of inspiration to guide you through the following three months of frost and wind, this is your jackpot. Gold and palladium are the words that will definitely convince you to fall for these items. Take a look at all the pieces and may your weekend be as bright as Prada jewels!
- yhs-default
- prada jewelry
- prada jewelry collection


text:
Public stage with technical space
1st prize in invited competition for design of Brotorget in collaboration with Karavan Landskap
Location: Brotorget, Bollnäs, Sweden
Client: Municipality of Bollnäs
Photographer: Johan Fowelin
Nominated to the Siena prize 2017
Brotorget stands at the city's heart, a place that caters both to the everyday and special events. Brotorget features an open and flexible area that hosts activities such as streetside markets, ice skating, performances, and events. The square is styled after aspects of the surrounding areas with a floor patterned in modern designs derived from regional traditions. It's a floor that represents an identity and reflects the square's significance as an important meeting place. The red stage is a crucial aspect of Brotorget and becomes a strong reference point. The stage is designed without a backside framed with graceful birch trees. The walls and roof are made of red tar in a shape that draws from the rolling mountainscape of Hälsingland. The timber floor of the stage works also as a sheltered place to sit. Integrated in the stage is a music system that can be controlled from your phone so that the stage can be a place to dance or hold spontaneous performances. The south side of the stage presents a sunny stairway where many can sit together. The stage is accessed from two points


text:
One of these years I will get myself together and actually acquire a CMJ pass. This year was not that year. That said, while I only saw two CMJ sets, they were very good sets.
The event I attended was the CAA Showcase in the Studio at Webster Hall, and the first band was Beast Patrol, from Brooklyn. Beast Patrol are much heavier, aggressive, and face-melty live than they are recorded. Seriously, the music they have on-line is a shadow of their live show. They can shred.
Sample track:
Disbeliever by beastpatrol
And then, switching genres at CMJ's traditional breakneck speed, it was time for JJAMZ, of Los Angeles, who were their usual delightful power-poppy selves:
Sample track via their latest video, which I love because it is a lyric video with French subtitles that uses mashed up footage from B-movies and anti-drug PSAs from the '50s and '60s:


text:
|Are you ready for the next challenge? Gear up and explore
Pokemon Infinity Online
|Try the new on-the-go game that is based on the wonderful world of MonsterRanch!
Click here to visit it
All PBA admin/moderator announcements (read only for users)
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


text:
Uh oh. I'm not sure who gave the green light to go from "fun and playful" Kinect hacks to "terrifying Predator-vision drone" Kinect hacks. But after watching this video, it's clear that that person has clearly doomed us all.
This quadrocopter uses Kinect as a 3D radar to track objects, avoid them, and (eventually, I assume) eliminate them with all due force. It's a healthy reminder that you may enjoy watching after your Kinectimals—but they're watching you right back. [Engadget]


text:
When stewing with stress, it's hard to believe that anything will make you feel more comforted than a pound of chocolates, a family-size pizza and/or a tub of Half Baked ice cream.
Unfortunately, the high from high-fat, calorie-chocked and sugary foods doesn't last long and the aftermath can wreak havoc on your mood, health and waistline. Luckily, Mother Nature can hook you up and lower your stress.
We've indentified six stress-busting food superheroes, all designed to strengthen your immune system, regulate stress hormones, lower blood pressure and keep junk food at bay.
Stressed out? Try reaching for:
1. Bananas. This fruit is packed with vitamin B, a heavy hitter when it comes to regulating stress. By keeping nerves and brain cells healthy, this nutrient keeps blood pressure and stress hormones in check during high-tension situations that trigger a fight-or-flight response.
2. Leafy greens. Chock full of calcium and magnesium, which studies show relax muscle fibers, these super vegetables can have relaxing, calming effects on the body. If you still hating eating your veggies, um, you can grow up, or look to whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes (like beans), which are also great sources of the nutrient. Shoot to have a big salad loaded with magnesium powerhouses for dinner and you'll likely sleep better that night.
3. Fatty fish. Oily fish like mackerel, salmon and sardines are loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids, which boost happy brain chemicals like serotonin and regulate stress hormones like cortisol. You only need to have two or three servings per week, plus daily supplements if your doctor advises.
4. Nuts. Nutrient-dense nuts are amazing stress fighters thanks to high levels of magnesium, zinc, vitamins B and E and healthy oils. Almonds (raw, roasted or in butter) boost the immune system thanks to a kick of vitamin B, while other varieties like almonds, pistachios and pecans have been shown to reduce blood pressure, boost energy and lower stress hormones. Studies have shown that eating several servings of nuts per week can cut heart attack risk in half. Mix them into your diet to maximize your stress benefits (but watch your portion sizes so you don't add pounds, too).
5. Mangos. People think of oranges as being the vitamin C powerhouse, but half a mango has about 95 milligrams, while the average cup of orange juice has about 65 milligrams. The nutrient naturally helps to regulate stress hormones and blood pressure. One study out of Germany showed people who upped their intake to 1,000 mg a day had significantly lower blood pressure and levels of stress hormone cortisol, plus reported feeling more calm when taking supplements. The FDA recommends shooting for 60 milligrams of vitamin C a day, but studies suggest the number should be more like 200 milligrams daily. Other great sources of the nutrient? Broccoli, kiwi, tomatoes and peppers.
6. Avocados. We'll take any excuse to make guacamole, including that avocado lowers blood pressure thanks to high contents of potassium and healthy fat (monounsaturated). Not to mention, it's almost as smooth and creamy as your favorite pint of gelato (but at a fraction of the calories), so this green snack can curb cravings fast.
Related Stories:
Stress, Work and How to Relax
Stress: Don't Let it Spin You Out of Control
Stress Less With Joint Finances
—For the best rates on loans, bank accounts and credit cards, enter your ZIP code at BankingMyWay.com.


text:
Looking at this highly modified Elise, it's hard to imagine the owner of this Lotus started out looking for a fuel-sipping econo-mobile because he's ended up with a race-winning track weapon.
For a living, Dr. Edward Park makes breasts look good. But at the weekend, his mind is focused on the whine of a supercharger and a revving Toyota motor as he ran neck-and-neck with his good friend on the final lap of the 2011 Lotus Cup at Willow Springs Raceway.
Coming down the straightaway before the final turn, Park braked late and ducked inside his friend, stealing the checkered flag after a frantic duel with other supercharged Lotus in the Cup class.
"Before the Lotus I had an BMW M3, M6 and Range Rover, all of which were gas guzzlers," Park said. "I was researching cars with the best gas mileage and was surprised to see the Lotus on the list!"
At this point, you might be inclined to think Dr. Park is good at finding loopholes, but in 2008 he purchased this Chrome Orange Lotus Elise from its first owner. "The moment I test-drove the car, I was smitten. It was like a go-kart on steroids. The visceral experience was unmatched by any street car I'd driven before!"
Park bought the car on a Friday and by Saturday was at the track to "lose his Lotus virginity," as he put it.
"I had no track experience whatsoever but fortunately I'd hired an instructor. And from that day forth, I was hooked," he said.
Being a plastic surgeon, cosmetics were high on his list of priorities for the car. So Park started by pursuing Colin Chapman's theory about adding lightness with lots of carbon fiber parts. This included door sills, race seats, a splitter, scoops, etc. He also had Specialty Car Craft paint the car in a custom matte orange, making it one of a kind.
With the car looking fast, Park knew it was time to back it up with a BWR S/C supercharger. Once installed it took the horsepower to 227hp at the rear wheels. "...Not bad for a modification under $5000," Park said. Of course, this was what he thought before the next track, whereupon he promptly blew the engine's top-end.
That experience left him desiring not only more speed but reliability. His search led him to Dynamic Racing Solutions (DRS) in La Habra, CA. They fitted new Eibach valve springs to avoid the previous problems, adding Bosch 550 injectors a new fuel pump and fuel pot.
With a healthy heart, DRS also installed a BWR sway bar along with two-way adjustable Ohlins shocks. These were enhanced by Volks wheels - 15" fore, 16" aft with 205/50 and 225/45 Hankook Z214 C71 tires respectively.
With the motor now making 250whp, Park went on to make light work of the field at the next Lotus Cup race, finishing first in the race and claiming second overall in the series.
Park has since sold the Elise, satisfying his need for speed as the proud owner of a Lotus 211, perhaps the ultimate trackday tool and a guarantee of more racing silverware.
Tech Spec
2005 Lotus Elise
Owner: Edward Park
Occupation: cosmetic surgeon
BWR S/C Supercharger
Tubular GT3 exhaust
Moroso oil pan
Eibach Springs
Bosch 550 injectors
ProAlloy radiator by Sector 111
APR CF splitter
APR CF side sills
APR Raceview mirrors
APR rear wing
Gut spoiler
Reverie CF 5 element diffuser
Reverie CF side scoops
CF mirror
Custom turn signal delete
Custom rear gills delete
Reverie CF steering wheel
Reverie CF seats
Schroth Profi harnesses
CF binnacle
CF door sills
CF door panels
CF console
RTD brace
Hawk HT10 brake pads
Stainless steel lines
Ohlins two-way adjustable suspension
Volk CE28's 15/16
Toyo R888's


text: Next Friday sees the release of one of the more unlikely sequels this year, "Silent Hill: Revelation 3D". In preparation, I plan to watch walkthroughs of the early games on Youtube this week. I mean, I'd probably do that anyway because I'm mentally ill but at least this way I can chalk it up to "research". Here's one of the latest stills, featuring the series' trademark sexy nurses. I mean, I guess they're supposed to be gross dead nurses, but they're clearly sending mixed signals here... just sayin.


text:
The Abigail Wardrobe features two convenient drawers at the bottom for easy to access hideaway storage. One mirrored door opens to reveal able storage space that be customized to your needs. The Young America Abigail Collection combines Old World charm with gentle feminine lines to deliver you quality furniture that you will enjoy for generations to come. Expertly crafted and American made using only the safest materials, you can sleep soundly knowing that all paints and stains used are non-toxic and low-VOC. Over sized molding, scalloped details and intricately carved romantic appliques establish a thoroughly regal tone.
Would you like us to help you find a similar item? Talk with our Design Consultants toll-free at1-800-927-5164.
*Shipping transit time varies based on destination. Free shipping offers are limited to the 48 contiguous states of the USA.
International Customers (including Alaska and Hawaii) please contact a Customer Service Representative if you have any questions about placing an order with PoshTots.
Some assembly required. Assembly service available upon request.
This item is custom made especially for you upon order.Click here for our policy on custom made items.
Promotion codes cannot be used for sale item purchases.
*Free shipping offers are limited to the 48 contiguous states of the USA.


text:
Grant Morrison on Final Crisis #2
With apologies for the delay, we're happy to once again to present our conversation with Grant Morrison about the latest issue of Final Crisis, #2.
With the issue, Sonny Sumo made his return (?), we met Morrison's long-promised Japanese super heroes, saw the troubled young Monitor trying to remember the multiverse, the investigation into Orion's death…and then things started hitting the fan, fast and furious – both Dan Turpin and Alpha Lantern Kraken were taken over, and Batman was taken by Darkseid's forces. And Clayface blew up the Daily Planet offices.
What's going on?
That's what we asked Morrison.
Newsarama: Grant, you opened this issue with your Japanese super heroes. You first mentioned these folks back in the very early days of 52. What kept you from getting to them until now?
Grant Morrison: It was just a case of finding a story that really suited them. Originally, there was going to be a strand in 52 with these characters coming to the US to participate in Lex Luthor's Everyman program but we found ourselves concentrating on other stuff and that plot fell by the wayside. Since I wanted Final Crisis to have a huge scope that would take us across time, space, and the dimensions of the Multiverse as well as spotlighting the diversity of DC's international superhero community, Super Young Team allowed us to see something of the pervasive pop influence of superhero culture, and also made sense as a way to get us into the Sonny Sumo/Forever People strand of the story. The super Young Team get a much bigger and better part to play in Final Crisis than they would have in 52, so I'm glad I spared them.
NRAMA: You wrote a fairly extensive backstory for the heroes in the Final Crisis Sketchbook. Could you give the ultra thumbnail version of the history of Big Science Action? As you implied, it's essentially the super-hero equivalent of the culture that parallels Western culture in Japan, correct?
GM: Big Science Action is a team of characters inspired by various archetypal heroes from Japan's own 'Silver Age' of animation and monster movies. Imagine a Japanese Justice League made up of Ultraman, Astro Boy, Marine Boy, Gigantor etc fighting Godzilla and Mothra and you have some idea of the type of role we wanted Big Science Action to play.
Big Science Action were Japan's greatest heroes once, back in the day, but that day has passed and a new generation is on the scene.
I only really intended to use them for one panel of Final Crisis but at the same time, I figured someone else might be intrigued enough to want to play with them elsewhere in the future, so I had to make sure they were fully-fleshed out, as I do with any of the background characters I create. I also threw in Goraiko, the 'Nuclear Totoro' character I created for the Ultramarine Corps back in the JLA days and changed his colour as a little tip of the hat to gray Hulk/green Hulk (speaking of which, I'm surprised no-one noticed the bouncers on the door of the superhero club on Page 1 of Final Crisis #2!)
Super Young Team, on the other hand, are the young pretenders. They're teenagers/early 20s who've never really had to prove themselves in a serious battle, so their elders tend to see them as work-shy wasters and dilettantes in that time-honoured way the older generation have tended to view young people of any given era.
The idea for this bunch came from spending some time in Tokyo a couple of years ago and me being a big fan of Japanese indie crossover pop acts like Cornelius, Kahimi Karie, Pizzicato 5 and others. In the 90s, these musicians, and many others since, took inspiration from Western pop records, but mashed up genres, beats, lyrics and imagery in a way that resulted in music that was both oddly familiar and radically modern. Then, of course, there are the elaborate Lolita, Goth, storybook and manga-influenced costumes displayed by teenagers in Harajuku and Shibuya, so it wasn't hard to imagine a culture of image-conscious hero wannabes recombining familiar elements of American superhero costumes into a fashion/youth cult designed to make them famous. We decided to create a team of superheroes whose look was based on recognisable, cut-up and rearranged motifs from western superhero costumes. The superhero or sci-fi uniform as fashion or couture is an idea that resurfaces now and again in the real world - see clothes by Paco Rabanne, Jean-Paul Gaultier or Thierry Mugler, for instance - and we thought it would give Super Young Team a distinctive look and agenda that would really set them apart from other young superhero teams like the Titans or Infinity Inc.
NRAMA: Grant, is being fantastic really a superpower in and of itself as one of Super Young Team attests?
GM: I like to think so! Superbat isn't actually telling the full truth here, however. He reveals his true 'superpower' in issue #5.
NRAMA: Sonny Sumo - the last we saw him (at least in the Kirby canon), back in Forever People #7, he was stuck in the past, having escaped Darkseid in his own way. He knows of Mother Boxes and the New Gods...is he, were the Forever People untouched by the War in Heaven?
GM: Sonny's appearance in the book is an early clue as to what's really going down behind the scenes. Another clue is 'the mysterious new Aquaman' who makes his debut in Final Crisis #3. As I said before, the Monitors are the elephant in the room of Final Crisis and I couldn't do a Crisis without the alternate Earths of the Multiverse playing a fundamental role.. The presence of Sonny Sumo on 'New Earth' is another big red flag that something is going wrong with the machinery of the entire Multiverse. Darkseid is only the first hint of the real threat. There's a Clark Kent scene in Final Crisis #3 which leads directly into Superman Beyond, and that's where the big Multiverse plot really starts to catch fire.
Superman Beyond is also where we find out what the 'red skies' really mean, and how it all ties in to Warren Ellis' ideas about 'The Bleed' space between universes as well as the origins of the Carrier from The Authority, and the horrifying secret origin of the Monitors. I don't really think readers have grasped the scale of Final Crisis yet but it should start to become clearer by the time Superman Beyond and the other 'skip month' books come out. Sonny Sumo, who by all rights, went back in time and lived and died in feudal Japan is suddenly running around with a Shilo Norman, who doesn't remember being Scott Free's apprentice. What gives? Well, read on…
NRAMA: Back to Big Science Action and Super Young Team...how far out and how far back have you figured out their story? Could you say, sketch out a series with these characters and run with it for a length of time? Would you, perhaps, if people rose up and demanded it?
GM: I worked out a detailed backstory for the history of superhero culture in Japan and I could easily write a long-running series on all of these characters but, apart from Batman, Final Crisis is my last DCU book for a while, so there are no plans for me to go back to these guys just yet. Who knows ? Anything can happen in the future.
NRAMA: That said, though - the backstory of the Japanese teams - why? It's obviously not going to see much play in the series itself, but yet, there it all is in the Sketchbook. Was it a by product of the larger process for you, something that just had to come out so you could better understand the characters, or was it a fully conscious decision to put together their entire history before moving on?
GM: I find it hard to just throw a bunch of arbitrary background characters onto the page because I draw the stories out first in thumbnail form and end up doing meticulous little costume designs for even the most throwaway characters. From costumes come names, from names come origin stories and alter-egos and whole potential epic adventures until I have pages of notes on some background cipher who'll never be seen or heard from again.
As an example, the upcoming Superman Beyond book has a couple of scenes where we get glimpses of different 'Crises' that are going down on various alternate Earths, so I found myself coming up with an entire 'Earth 20' history along with a pretty original idea for an ongoing book I could happily write, all based on one panel image I'd drawn of 'Doc Fate.'
NRAMA: Larger picture wise, what effect is the "rebirth" of the New Gods having on the earth itself? Does the general population feel that something weird is going on?
GM: Oh yeah. I'd imagine the DCU is starting to feel a little more like our own dear 'Earth Prime' around now: life on the streets and online maybe feels a bit angrier, more irritable. There's a horrible, widespread public determination to expose, emphasise and fixate on the flaws in people's personalities, in how they look, in what they say, or sing or think or do for a living and so on. Ordinary kids are cynical and self-harming, while whole nations are still at one another's throats when by, all rights, they should have moved on to a global commonwealth space faring society. Cities are under siege from demented weather and frightened bureaucrats. There's an increased paranoia and hostility, driven by media, an unmistakable, growing sense that something wrong has begun to pervade the zeitgeist. There are bad things about ourselves that we need to acknowledge and overcome if the human project is to prosper in the coming century and Final Crisis is an ambitious attempt to frame some of that serious stuff in the context of a big, daft adventure story.
But, let's face it, weird shit happens all the time in the DC Universe so everyone expects the heroes to take care of it. Nobody has realised yet just how terminal this situation is becoming - not until issue #3.
As we find out, the only New God to be reborn is Darkseid himself. Based on what Jack Kirby himself established, we know that Darkseid has the power to recreate his whole court - Glorious Godfrey, Granny Goodness, Kalibak and the others - from nothing more than memories. As we know, he's able to restore them all to life even after they've been killed, so what we're seeing in Final Crisis is something similar. I'm playing Darksid's allies more as emanations of His Will, like shades in the spectrum of his absolute Evil.
NRAMA: Superman's eulogy for the Martian Manhunter- there at the end, so simple, and yet so logical - "And Pray for a Resurrection." The characters are aware of the kind of world they live in, after all. How broken up should they get, really? After all, four of the circle nearest to the coffin have been "dead" at one time or another...
GM: That's exactly what I thought. We're way past any time where a superhero death can ever be considered final - they even brought back Rita Farr! - and I wanted to show that 'meta' funerals would have to acknowledge this. In its own way, this line also foreshadows the book's conclusion and hints at a major theme which will be played out as the series progresses.
NRAMA: When does that self-awareness of the kind of world they live in become a double-edged sword, though? What happens when you make your characters too smart for their writers or, worse yet, their marketers, who depend on "Someone Dies!" to sell copies?
GM: If it forces the marketers (are there such things ?) to stretch their imaginations a little next time, it can only be a good thing!
Increasing self-awareness and sophistication has never hurt superhero stories. There's no reason why superhero death scenes can't and shouldn't be moving or dramatic if they're done well but there is definitely a well-justified suspicion these days that even the deadest of dead characters will eventually make the return trip from the grave, so why pretend his friends wouldn't be aware of that ? As long as the 'returns' are as good as the deaths, I don't mind how it all plays out. It's the big sprawling ongoing soap opera of the DCU that's exciting to me. In the old Batman stories, the Joker had to appear to die in every adventure, only to be brought back by some plot contrivance. It's how superhero comics work.
Given that Death has the annoying habit of being irreversible in the real world, I'm delighted we can play things a bit differently on the comics page. Like I say, this particular aspect of superhero comics is a big theme in Final Crisis. In many ways, now that I think about it, the whole story revolves around Superman's 'Pray for a resurrection' line.
NRAMA: Over to the villains - does Luthor really not trust Libra despite the delivery on Manhunter, or is he just miffed that he wasn't able to pull it all off, and spite is now motivating him?
GM: A little bit of both. Luthor's career is a record of failure and disaster, so he's not too keen on the new kid on the block coming in and making it all look so effortless. At the same time, Luthor suspects there's more to this upstart than meets the eye, and his alarm bells are ringing. Possibly too late. See Final Crisis #3.
NRAMA: Do all the villains have themed cars?
GM: I wish! I did a search for villain transport and the results are pretty disappointing so J.G. and I had to make these cars up. We gave Sivana a smart car, Captain Cold (presumably) is using the Frosty's ice cream truck and Vandal Savage has a limo but otherwise we couldn't unearth any cool or dumb evil mobiles to use.
The Shadow Thief travels to work by concrete pillar, of course. And take a look at Mirror Master talking about Doctor Light's date with Giganta!
NRAMA: With the Green Lanterns - at the crime scene, what sound was Opto commenting upon when he arrived?
GM: The same sound he hears again in the next panel - the faint, distant, mocking cymbal clash of the little Guardian plasma construct that's been created to divert his attention onto the next page.
NRAMA: You've jumped into the larger Green Lantern mythology that Geoff has worked to establish with the use of Alpha Lanterns and the rest - what is it about what Geoff's done that you dig?
GM: Where to start? Green Lantern is my current favourite comic book, which is purely down to Geoff's talent, as I was never a big Hal Jordan fan and always preferred Kyle Rayner or John Stewart as Green Lantern. It's smart, it's inclusive, it's exciting, the characters are great and the story just keeps peaking and peaking through crescendo after crescendo. It's a masterclass on superhero world-building and a constant inspiration to me, so I felt it was important to provide a meaty role for the Green Lantern characters in Final Crisis.
NRAMA: Along with the Alpha leading the investigation, you also showed Kraken's takeover - can you explain what a takeover by a New God's essence is like, as you envision it?
GM: It's like having foul toxic water poured into your soul. The God attaches itself to whatever part of you that's dark, unconscious and hidden. It latches onto the negative feelings we all have to deal with and begins to feed, eating the victim's consciousness from within, until there is only a shell, a host. It's a forced entry, a true 'possession' and it's necessary for the Evil Gods to gain a foothold in our reality. The Anti-Life Equation is then brought to bear and when you hear that, it's really all over - it erases your free will and turns you into an extension of Darkseid's desires, a mere glove puppet worn by the Master of Evil! Once the Anti-Life Equation is deployed, the Gods of Apokolips become more or less unbeatable.
NRAMA: How hard and fast are the rules of the Gods' possession of humans?
GM: The rules are fairly simple. When the Anti-Life Equation is unleashed at the end of Final Crisis #3, Darkseid takes control of the planet Earth. It's the End of the World as we know it…
NRAMA: As Kraken/Darkseid points it out: they're taking out earth's "strongmen," and they started with Batman. In your eyes, why go with him first?
GM: It actually started with J'onn J'onnz. Then they took down John Stewart and Hal Jordan, then Batman, then Superman. In issue #3, it's Wonder Woman's turn when she confronts the corrupted Mary Marvel. All the big guns are brought down with surgical precision. Although Batman's not as physically strong as other heroes, his moral strength, his brilliance and his will and determination make him an important early target
NRAMA: Who's inside Turpin? Is it anyone specific, or still, just Darkseid?
GM: That'll be Darkseid.
NRAMA: The tiger on the table of the operating room - that's not Talky-Tawny is it?
GM: No, it's not but nice guess. That's Kalibak's new body - mentioned by Godfrey on the previous page - and we'll see it again in issue #4. It's already been established that the genetic labs in the Command-D bunker have been used to engineer fearsome animal hybrids. Command-D also bred the giant Dalmatian dogs ridden by the Atomic Knights (see Final Crisis #3), which suggests an immediate connection to the Dog Cavalry of Apokolips. Here, they've spliced human and tiger material to create a savage new form for Kalibak. Darkseid's son will lead a squad of tiger-men into battle in issue #5, and that's where he'll be running into poor old Tawky Tawny (who first appears in #3).
NRAMA: Where are Highfather and the New Gods of New Genesis in all of this?
GM: Dead. Gone. Only Metron got away because, as Kirby wrote, Metron is 'something -- different! Something unforeseen!! On New Genesis -- or here!!' Metron, the god of science, is the key to the resistance in Final Crisis.
NRAMA: And towards the end of the issue - given their experiences, Flashes have an almost inherent higher understanding of time and dimensions as well as frequencies and vibrations...but we, as readers, don't. So where is Barry running in from at the end?
GM: Barry has been in the Speed Force, beyond life and death. Keep reading for the answers to these and other mysteries.
NRAMA: Finally Grant, since we spoke last, it's been announced that Carlos Pacheco will be stepping in to assist J.G. on art for the series starting with #4. Did that change anything for you on your end, or does that do anything to the momentum of the series as you see it?
GM: It hasn't changed the story we're telling at all. Carlos was my first choice to back-up J.G. when we drew up contingency plans for Final Crisis last year so given the circumstances, I couldn't be more pleased. Carlos has been at the top of my list of artists I've wanted to work with for ages, so I'm very happy he's been able to step into the breach. I think it's okay for a book like All-Star Superman to take its own good time but we felt that an event book like Final Crisis needs to come out on a regular schedule or risk losing momentum. No-one wants to still be reading issues of Final Crisis this time next year, especially when all the other books will be taking place in a post-Crisis world, so we made the choice to roll out the story on time.
Check back shortly (shorter than the time it took for this interview, at least) after Final Crisis #3 for our next conversation with Morrison, and in the meantime, check out his website atwww.grantmorrison.com, specifically the "HEAD" blog, which is updated weekly, and currently features Morrison's first thoughts on The Dark Knight and Watchmen movies, among other things.
Grant Morrison on Final Crisis #1
Carlos Pacheco Joins Final Crisis


text:
Here are details of the event that you selected in the calendar. To return to the calendar, click on your Back button.
November 17, 10:00am: Sunday Service
All are welcome at our Sunday services, held at 10 a.m. For more information, see our Sunday Services page.
This is a recurring event: Every Sunday


text:
Nothing says I hate democracy like this White House petition started by Michael E. from Slidell, LA the day after Obama was elected President of the United States of America.
we petition the obama administration to:
Peacefully grant the State of Louisiana to withdraw from the United States of America and create its own NEW government.
As the founding fathers of the United States of America made clear in the Declaration of Independence in 1776:
"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."
"…Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and institute new Government…"
And whining cry babies in eighteen other states have joined them in stamping their feet and declaring that they don't want to be our friends anymore because their candidate wasn't victorious. Texas had to brag that their state is the 15th largest economy in the world and Oregon added that they still want to remain an ally, but for the most part the wording on the majority of the petitions is similar to Louisiana's. Even if one of these petitions happens to get the 25,000 signatures needed, it's doubtful that they are going to receive any response from the White House other than, "No!" Which is appropriate to tell any child having a temper tantrum.
But in case the secessionist path doesn't work, the Obama haters have another petition out there as well from Jana W., APO, AE.
we petition the obama administration to:
Recount the election!
It has become blatantly obvious the voter fraud that was committed during the 2012 Presidential elections. In one county alone in Ohio, which was a battleground state, President Obama received 106,258 votes…but there were only 98,213 eligible voters. It's not humanly possible to get 108% of the vote!
If ID laws had been enforced (which the administration is completely against because that meant they would lose) then this wouldn't be an issue.
Recount NOW!
108% of the vote?! That didn't sound right to me so I did a little more checking. According to clashdaily.net this astounding vote total happened in Wood County, Ohio so I checked their vote counts and found that 31596 votes were cast for Obama, a percentage of 50.9%. Once again the wing nut echo chamber has pulled some lie out of their ass and found almost 10,000 people gullible enough to sign a White House petition based on this phony story. For anyone who thought the right-wing bubble might finally burst and let a few facts in, these asinine petitions should put that idea to rest.


text:
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, August 1st, 2018 at 11:03 am and is filed under .
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
Name (required)
Mail (will not be published) (required)
Susie's Sunsations is proudly powered by
Pure WP Theme by Celestial StarEntries (RSS)
and Comments (RSS).
Hosted by Sonic.net


text:
JOHN MACARTHUR: Well today it's a wonderful privilege that comes to me and that is to introduce to you Jeffrey Williams. Jeffrey Williams is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and maybe more notable than that, he is a NASA astronaut and what a tremendous privilege and opportunity to share in that incredible experience.
Jeff also is a Christian. He knows and loves the Lord Jesus Christ. And I first found out about Jeff in a most amazing way. It was in the year 2000, it was the month of May, and he was taking off in the Atlantis Space Shuttle to do a mission in the international space station. And he notified us to let us know here at Grace To You that he was going to be taking a very special...well a very special item with him into space and it turned out to be the MacArthur Study Bible. And we were all in a state of shock. We knew that MacArthur Study Bible had a very extensive capability potentially, but we never had any idea it would get into space. And with that, we found out that Jeff had been a listener to Grace To You maybe since back in 1988 and that the Lord had used our radio ministry to shape his life and to have an impact on his marriage and on his family. And so, since that time we've interacted a little bit here and there and we've kind of planned for this special day to come about, when I could personally introduce you to Jeff. And that's my privilege today. And I just want to welcome you, Jeff, great to have you here in the studio.
JEFF WILLIAMS: It's an honor to be here, John.
JOHN: Well thank you. And we had the privilege today of meeting Jeff and meeting his wife Anna Marie and at least one son, Brad, and Jason's not here today but we're so thankful for what the Lord has done in your family and what the Lord has helped our little family at Grace To You to contribute to that. That's just a special joy for us.
Well let's just get to a little conversation between the two of us and talk about some of the things that I know our listeners would really be very interested in. I suppose one of the dreams that many young boys and girls as well have is to get into space and to be an astronaut. I just wonder if that started early in your life. Where did you really begin to want to do that and take some steps to make it happen?
JEFF: Well I think as early as grade school I had a very strong interest in science and aviation and technology and engineering kinds of fields. But I grew up in a small farm in northern Wisconsin and didn't know about opportunities out there. Coming out of high school I received an appointment to the military academy at Westpoint and that was the first door opened along the path to become an astronaut. Subsequent to graduation I went into Army Aviation, became a pilot, later a test pilot, got a degree in engineering, an advanced degree, a Master's and all of those things qualified me for NASA's program and my interest only increased over those years.
JOHN: So this went way back. I mean, as a kid you were watching the launches on television and saying, "Some day I want to do that."
JEFF: Sure...sure, I remember the moon race and the landing on the moon...I was a kid then.
JOHN: Well I tell you, when I first came to Grace Community Church, the year was 1969, I was a kid in my twenties. And it was later that year, I think, that the moonwalk occurred, or was it 69? So all of us have grown up with that and the incredible, incredible abilities that God has given to man. When we say man is created in the image of God, there is this amazing adventurous spirit, there is this amazing challenge to discover things. And that's how man has unlocked the riches of the planet. I mean, God made a planet just filled with riches and it's that exploration that has released those riches and He made a universe filled with the same thing. And I think you feel that that's why man goes out there. That's why NASA exists, really in the end, because it's there.
JEFF: Sure.
JOHN: And you've got to explore it.
JEFF: It's human exploration, it's something in our nature that wants to seek beyond what we know.
JOHN: And I always remember the first Russian who went into space and came back and said he didn't find God out there. But you did, didn't you?
JEFF: Oh yeah...yeah.
JOHN: What did you see out there that clearly revealed God to you?
JEFF: Well the details of the earth and the details of the cloud formations and the currents around the planet and across the oceans and what not, at night time when we were looking down at the U.S. we could see the patterns of thunder storms and the rippling of lightning across the way. We got some great views of the southern aurora, the aurora australis as we passed over southern Australia, looking out into the heavens, in the dark you could see the magnificent star field, an infinite number of stars, far more than you can see from the ground. You could actually see the Milky Way out there as a solid faint background behind the star field.
JOHN: Backing up a little bit, we'll talk more about that mission in a moment. Your parents were okay with these kinds of aspirations as a kid?
JEFF: Yeah, well it's my father especially, was very supportive of my aspirations along the way. My mother, of course, was supportive but a little bit more nervous. She wanted, as most mothers do wanted to shelter her son a little bit more but they've been great supporters all through the years.
JOHN: Somewhere along the line you met Anna Marie, your wife.
JEFF: Yeah, we met while I was a cadet at Westpoint. I was in my junior year. She had just come back from a year and a half in Saudi Arabia with her parents where her father was on assignment. And we met shortly after that, began dating and about two years later we were married.
JOHN: And that marriage didn't always go the way you had hoped, right?
JEFF: No it didn't. We lived what I would call secular lives. About seven years into our marriage it essentially came to a point of crisis and it was out of that crisis that in God's providence He led us to Him.
JOHN: And from what you told me, you were taken away for a five-month period for some special training at that crisis point of your marriage.
JEFF: Right, I had just moved the family to a new community where they didn't know anybody and then the Army had sent me out for five months for flight training.
JOHN: And while you were gone, Anna Marie came to know Christ, right?
JEFF: She did. Through the witness of neighbors.
JOHN: Neighbors...and, of course, you're gone and this dramatic change takes place and you're talking by phone but you know something's happened.
JEFF: Something dramatic happened to her and I couldn't figure it out.
JOHN: Well you figured it out because she started sending you things and...
JEFF: Yeah, she tried to explain it to me and send me tracts and to me they were propaganda but I had an uncanny confidence in the Bible. I didn't know what was in there but I began reading it and studying it and measuring the tracts against what I found in Scripture. And I spent several months studying primarily the book of Romans and John.
JOHN: You know, that's really a very, very important thing for people to understand. Where does a secular guy and a guy who is self-sufficient, self-confident, motivated, self- directed like you, would have to be to achieve the kind of things you achieved? Where do you get this almost inexplicable trust in the Bible? And the answer to that is that is the work of God.
JEFF: Absolutely.
JOHN: I have never believed that you can take apologetics or any kind of argument, rational argument and bring light to a dark mind and bring life to a dead soul just on the basis of human reason. We work hard sometimes at trying to defend the faith and defend the Bible and the truth of God and all of this, but in the end, and I've seen it again and again, I've seen it with staunch life-long atheists, all of a sudden there is this amazing awakening to the truth of Scripture. And I really believe that is the work of God.
JEFF: I absolutely believe it too, that He miraculously removed my heart of stone and replaced it with a heart of flesh.
JOHN: And that was the beginning of that regenerating process that brought you to the knowledge of Christ. And the Lord through that brought your marriage together. How many years ago would that be now?
JEFF: Thirteen years ago. We just celebrated our 20th anniversary in December.
JOHN: Oh, that's so wonderful...that's so wonderful. Let's talk a little bit about what was called STS 101, that was the mission that you were on. But I understand there are many more astronauts than those who actually get on a mission.
JEFF: Well there are about currently 160 to 170 active duty astronauts. Of course, the typical crew is anywhere from five to seven on a space shuttle. Every crew is a mix of experienced astronauts and rookies so everybody eventually flies. In the meantime, everybody is embedded out into either the space shuttle program or the space station program, helping to develop the hardware and the capabilities and the procedures for future missions.
JOHN: So you're sort of in the pile of 160 or 170 people and what happens when you get a call and they tell you you're going?
JEFF: I'd say that's a big day...it's a big milestone when you get surprised with that phone call. And, of course, it turns your whole world upside down personally with the family, the extended family, all the people that have supported you over the years and what not.
JOHN: Now do they pick you or do they pick your team that you've been on?
JEFF: They pick you individually to be among a crew of five to seven, so each individual will be called and assembled to compose the crew.
JOHN: And what was the goal of your mission?
JEFF: Our mission objective was primarily to take equipment to the International Space Station and also to repair some failed equipment both inside and outside the Space Station.
JOHN: Now the Space Station exists, as I understand it to collect data. Is that right?
JEFF: Yeah. It's primary purpose is to help us develop the technology required to go beyond earth orbit, to go back to the moon or on to Mars, it's also given us a lot of experience in long duration space flight and the impacts it has physiologically on people.
JOHN: So it's sort of a stepping stone.
JEFF: Sure.
JOHN: It's a starting point to go beyond that.
JEFF: Absolutely.
JOHN: And you, I'm sure, were given a specific job. What was your task?
JEFF: For the ascent and entry I served as the flight engineer for the shuttle. During the flight I was the lead space walker and we did one space walk outside the Space Station where we repaired some equipment and also assembled a crane that will be used for future space walks.
JOHN: I mean, that's got to be just absolutely the most staggering experience that a person could have in a human realm to be walking around in space above the air, at what altitude?
JEFF: We were about 200 miles.
JOHN: Two hundred miles and you're just floating around out there looking down at the blue Earth.
JEFF: That's right. Just floating around, very busy, but having a moment or two to stop and just pinch yourself and imagine this is where I am, I'm actually here doing this and to survey the Earth below and the stars above. It was absolutely incredible.
JOHN: I think all of us have gotten up in the morning one time or another and watched those early morning launches. It was about six o'clock in the morning. What was it like on May 19 the year 2000 for you?
JEFF: It was, I don't know how to describe it, of course it was the combination of many months of preparation. There was a part of me that didn't believe it was really going to happen. Part of me was excited. Part of me wanted to be very focused on the task at hand. Obviously you want to pay attention to what's going on during the ascent and the insertion into orbit and the beginning of the mission is a little bit of anxiety not over what you might expect but more so over not knowing how your body is going to react when you get there. You know, you don't want to be sick, you want to hit the ground running, figuratively and get the work done.
JOHN: By the time you launch though, I mean, you have been in similar situations, simulated experiences like that, so you essentially know what to expect. You can't get the same kind of adrenalin rush or the same kind of thrill as the real thing but you can certainly anticipate. And then you add to that the complexity, I mean, certainly while the passengers in the back of a commercial airplane might get a little nervous on take off, the pilots have much more to do than to get nervous. I mean, it's a very complex kind of thing.
JEFF: You bet. I felt very prepared for the mission and any kind of nervousness I had wasn't there at the time of launch and I was able to do my job. The crew was able to do their job in total and we had a very, very successful mission.
JOHN: You know, it's not much different in preaching. If I'm prepared, I don't have any fear if I'm not prepared, I look out there and see all these people and I could frankly crash and burn, you know. So I do have that fear occasionally.
In the launch, I guess I would wonder is it loud? I mean, is it deafening? Or are you muffled somehow with equipment?
JEFF: You're muffled because you're wearing a suit and you have a helmet on and you have head gear on with a communication system. You hear the sound definitely but more so, more than that, you feel the dynamics, the shaking, and the power...the energy and the...
JOHN: So you can feel the power.
JEFF: Oh yes. You can feel the G's, you feel the dynamics and the shaking and the rumbling of the solid rocket boosters as you leave the pad.
JOHN: And you're hoping that that thing doesn't spring a rivet somewhere.
JEFF: You want everything to work as designed, that's for sure.
JOHN: This was your first time into space.
JEFF: Yes it was.
JOHN: What was the most surprising? What you never might have anticipated?
JEFF: Well I felt very prepared for everything we had to do. I had heard a lot of talk about what you can view from space, viewing the Earth and what not. But you can't get prepared just listening to people talk about it, it is absolutely spectacular. Puts new meaning in the phrase "out of this world." But transcending all of that, transcending all the events of the mission, I was surprised by the overwhelming nature of the awareness of everybody watching and encouraging and vicariously taking so many people along with me. And the prayers that not only for me but for the family during the endeavor were very obvious and very apparent and put us all at peace.
JOHN: Well we were all of Grace To You people were praying for you as you went.
JEFF: And I was very much aware of it.
JOHN: And as you think about that, tell us a little bit about what prompted you to take what you took? I know NASA let's you take a few little things up there.
JEFF: Right, we were able to take some things for personal use, for family. We were able to take a little bit of entertainment, although I don't know why because I didn't find a whole lot of time for entertainment.
JOHN: It's intense, isn't it?
JEFF: It is.
JOHN: You sleep and when you're not sleeping you work.
JEFF: That's right. It's a very aggressive schedule. But I had the opportunity to take some CDs, primarily music CDs and I used that opportunity mostly to fly CDs for those that prepared us for the flight, our trainers, to give them something, to give them something back.
JOHN: Sure.
JEFF: But one of the things I wanted to fly was a study Bible. So I flew the study Bible on CD as well.
JOHN: The MacArthur Study Bible in the CD form. And that is such an interesting, interesting thing to think that you would take that. Tell us, and I think our listeners will appreciate this, tell us how you came to be connected with our radio ministry and how God has used it in your life.
JEFF: Well coming out of the crisis in our marriage and Anna Marie becoming a Christian first, and after several months of study of Scripture me committing myself to Christ, I started searching for ways to grow and to grow in my understanding. And one of those ways, of course, was Christian radio. And I spent a lot of time listening to Christian radio trying to sort out the different programs there, and I eventually migrated and stuck to the Grace To You program and became a faithful listener. It woke me up every morning. In those days it aired twice a day and woke me up and I went to bed by it as well.
JOHN: And you have developed in your heart a real passion for His Word and His truth.
JEFF: Yes He has.
JOHN: I understand that. You and I have that in common and it doesn't get any less, it doesn't diminish through the years, it just gets more intense.
JEFF: That's right, it only grows.
JOHN: Yeah and what really helps it grow is what you're doing right now and that is you're teaching...aren't you?
JEFF: Yes I am.
JOHN: You're teaching the Word of God regularly in your church.
JEFF: Yes.
JOHN: Well that's just wonderful to hear that. Back to the Study Bible for just a moment. When you got up into orbit and you had this Study Bible up there, what use did you find for it?
JEFF: We carried some lap top computers that were very critical to the early part of the mission, but once we undocked from the Space Station, their criticality was reduced. So I gained permission from the ground from Mission Control to load the Study Bible on one of the lap tops...
JOHN: So you had to have a conversation with Mission Control, "May I please load The MacArthur Study Bible.
JEFF: Yeah, well I think I actually did it via e-mail.
JOHN: Oh via e-mail....
JEFF: Sent an e-mail to the ground and got permission and I really wanted to do it because the day before landing was our day off, quote/unquote, where we really had an opportunity to view the Earth and spend time in the windows and look at the sunrises and the sunsets and all of the details of God's creation. So we spent that time, we loaded up the Bible and spent the time, a couple of us on the crew, doing searches on words like Earth and creation and related words reading the passages as we viewed God's creation below us.
JOHN: That's just absolutely wonderful. How do you...and I suppose this needs to be asked to everyone, but yours would be such a unique answer, how do you see your relationship with Christ? Influencing your job or giving you opportunities to communicate the gospel that are unique?
JEFF: Well I have found that when you are an astronaut that you get an undeserved audience with many people. And there's just two sides of that. I'm frankly and personally very uncomfortable with that, however, I realize there's a duty to get the Word out to the public, to the tax payers of our country. It's also a great opportunity to demonstrate if not actively passively, if you will, a Christian witness and somebody that understands a vocation and calling outside the church, if you will, and to dedicate everything I do to the glory of God and to be His instrument in that calling, in my service, in my public service in the space program, in all walks of life. So my prayer for years has been to be God's faithful instrument in all I do and that I would submit to His will in wherever He sent me and He's given me this great privilege.
JOHN: And He's sent you to some unusual places. Well I think that it's safe to say you would view your Christian life the way the Bible would want us to...God would want us to view it, but the primary goal of your life is to glorify God...
JEFF: That's right.
JOHN: And the means to that is through your career as an astronaut.
JEFF: That's right.
JOHN: That opens the doors. That allows you to live your Christian life in a unique environment surrounded by pilots and engineers and military people and scientists and you live your Christian life there and when God gives you that platform because of your unique role to communicate His gospel...that's a special privilege as well.
JEFF: Yes it is.
JOHN: And, you know, I really think...and I've said this for years...I mean, we're all essentially in full-time Christian ministry. I mean, it's our life, isn't it? It's not a part of our life, it is our life...
JEFF: It is our life.
JOHN: From start to finish. And all of a sudden, everything you do takes on that eternal...that eternal consequence, how I live my life in every opportunity God gives me to communicate the joy of Christ. Maybe the last and appropriate question to sort of end our whole conversation here is what do you think about the future? Do you have any plans to get back up there?
JEFF: I hope to go back. I am willing. It's a matter of whether NASA's willing to send me. I look forward to going back and I look forward after that even to go back for a long duration flight for several months in the space station. I believe in human exploration of space. I believe in the program, what we do. I believe in the future. I am honored to be a participant in it. And going in long duration is just the next step.
JOHN: Well we're very honored, Jeff, that you're a part of our Grace To You family and while you represent a very, very, very small group of people on the face of the Earth, I'm sure there are other Christians among the astronauts...
JEFF: Absolutely!
JOHN: Who see the glory of God in a way that those of us who are down here on the Earth are going to have to wait for in the Rapture.
Listen to the 2007 GraceLife Conference, "The Heavens Declare" with guest speaker Jeff Williams.
This article is also available and sold as a booklet.
This sermon series includes the following messages:
Please contact the publisher to obtain copies of this resource.Publisher Information