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Step 1. Learn What to Do
To file for bankruptcy, first you need to learn enough to know where to start.
This site helps you do that. It will give you an overview of the bankruptcy process and connect you with a wide variety of resources (information, products, services, and lawyers) that can help you through the bankruptcy maze.
This site is free. Unlike other bankruptcy sites, you don't need to register or provide any identifying information to use the means test calculator. If you want to contact an advertiser, that's up to you, but this website isn't after your name or email address.
Do you need to file for bankruptcy?
You may not need to file for bankruptcy.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the neutron bomb of debt management and asset protection. A Chapter 7 is quick (a few months), and quite complete when it comes to wiping out unsecured debt like credit card and medical debts. You may want to save it for when you really need it--you can use Chapter 7 bankruptcy only once every seven years.
On the other hand, your particular combination of debt, income, and property may be a perfect fit for bankruptcy protection. The vast majority of people who end up filing for bankruptcy really do need it.
A lot has been written lately about whether bankruptcy makes sense for people, in light of the economic downturn, including these articles:
- NPR/Talk of the Nation: Sometimes, Filing For Bankruptcy is Best - (April 20, 2009. Jane Bryant Quinn explains why it makes sense to go bankruptcy to preserve your retirement accounts and other exempt assets. Know your rights!)
- The New York Times: Debt Settlers Offer Promises but Little Help (April 19, 2009)
- The New York Times: Bankruptcy as a Step to Solvency (Jan 23, 2009)
- Jane Bryant Quinn in Newsweek: When Bankruptcy Makes Sense (Jan 3, 2009)
- Credit Slips Blog on "Should I File for Bankruptcy" (Jan 23, 2009) ('rules of thumb' about when it's appropriate to file).
- More news...
Tasks involved in filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Talk to a Local Bankruptcy Attorney
Enter Your Zip Code or Call (855) 410-1378 to Connect with a Lawyer In Your Area
The typical bankruptcy filer is a person already in fragile economic circumstances, often with large amounts of credit card debt, who then suddenly faces a spate of hard luck (loss of job, injury, divorce, uninsured medical expenses), resulting in mounting penalties and an unpayable amount of debt.
Bankruptcy law is designed to help people just like this, who need assistance in making a clean break -- a "fresh start" on life, rather than spend the rest of their lives being crushed by the burden of unpayable debt.
Even if you're facing unpayable debt, you still may not need bankruptcy to protect your assets. Under the Exemption Laws of Texas, you may already be "judgment-proof." If so, you need not fear credit card companies simply because you owe them. Unsecured creditors (like credit card companies) can't take your stuff if it's exempt. If there are harassing phone calls, you can stop them with a simple phone call or letter. (However, interest and penalties on your debt will continue to accumulate and bankruptcy will put a stop to that.)
But exemption laws do not protect property from all types of debts or all types of creditors. For example, exemption laws typically do not protect you against collection of child support or tax debts. And if you bought property and pledged it as collateral for the purchase-money loan (for example, a car loan or mortgage), the lender can take the property regardless of any exemption law.
Finally, there are some kinds of debts that bankruptcy simply cant get rid of. These are called "nondischargeable" debts. This generally includes child support, most student loans, and most tax debts.
Where to Find More Information
There's much more to be said about this topic than can be said on a Web page. Any decision to file for bankruptcy versus other alternatives requires a thorough, systematic review (by you or someone you hire) of your income, debts, and property.
For less than $30, you can purchase and/or download Nolo's book, How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, which I wrote with attorney Steve Elias and Robin Leonard. Chapter 1 will walk you through a self-analysis of your situation and explain your options in plain English. The rest of the book offers step-by-step discussions of exempt property, keeping your home, and how to prepare and file your bankruptcy forms. The book includes line-by-line instructions for the official bankruptcy forms, complete with filled-in examples. Throughout the book, you are alerted to situations that are particularly troublesome and should not be handled without an attorney. (See Amazon.com reviews [here] and press reviews [here].)
This website supplements the information in the book by providing quick access to local (county-by-county) information and services.
For more money, there are other types of help available:
If you just need help with preparing the forms, you can hire a bankruptcy petition preparer.
If you want legal advice and analysis of the details of your specific situation, you can hire a Texas bankruptcy lawyer to advise you. You'll find listings in the Lawyers section of this site. These listings are not endorsements. They are simply designed to help you quickly connect with service providers in your area.
Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire professional help, this site will help you become a smarter, better-informed consumer and help you steer clear of shoddy services.
Info is not advice
This site will point you to numerous books, articles and services that can help you figure out whether it makes sense for you to file for bankruptcy.
However, this website cannot answer whether you, specifically, should or should not file for bankruptcy.
If you have questions about whether bankruptcy is right for you, you may want to seek credit counseling from a reputable agency or consult a lawyer. A free or low cost consultation with an experienced credit counsellor or attorney can help you identify the relevant factors of your specific financial situation that ultimately determine whether bankruptcy is an appropriate, financially prudent option at this point in your life.
Talk to a Local Bankruptcy Attorney
Enter Your Zip Code or Call (855) 410-1378 to Connect with a Lawyer In Your Area
What kind of bankruptcy do you qualify for?
There are two main types of bankruptcies for consumers:
Chapter 7 allows you to eliminate most unsecured debts in a matter of months in return for giving up all "non-exempt" property -- if you have any.
Most people who file for Chapter 7, have no available non-exempt property or equity. Whatever they still own by the time they file is either protected by exemption laws, or pledged to a secured creditor as collateral for a debt, and therefore not available to pay off unsecured creditors.
These are known as "no asset" bankruptcies, and most Chapter 7s are of this type.
Chapter 13 takes 3 to 5 years. Instead of giving up property, you repay a portion of your debts and live within a strict budget that is monitored closely by the bankruptcy court trustee. If you can't make the required monthly payments, your Chapter 13 bankruptcy fails and your debts will remain (unless you convert to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy).
Chapter 13 is commonly used by people who are behind on secured debt payments (e.g., mortgages) and want to propose a Chapter 13 plan to catch up on these payments over time.
Under the new bankruptcy law, which took effect in October 2005, a mathematical formula called the "means test" establishes an initial determination of the kind of bankruptcy you qualify for: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or either. This formula takes into account:
- your monthly income
- the amount and kind of your debts, and
- other aspects of your financial situation.
If your annual income is less than the Texas median income for your household size, then you can file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, (assuming you meet other qualifications). If your income is higher than the state median, you must first complete a long list of expense deductions to estimate what your 'disposable income' will be over the next five years. The result of this calculation determines whether you can file for Chapter 7, or are left with Chapter 13 as your only option.
Although this form is rather long and complicated, the free, online Bankruptcy Means Test Calculator on this website can do the math for you and tell you how you would fare under the means test. This calculator is free and anonymous; you do not need to disclose your name, your email address, or any other identifiable personal information.
Texas Median Income
Median Income standards effective May 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019
|Persons in Household
Source: U.S. Trustee, U.S. Department of Justice (for bankruptcy cases filed on or after May 1, 2020)
Note. The means test is but one of several hoops you must jump through. Even if your income is low, a judge can prevent you from filing Chapter 7 if it appears that you have enough income to repay a substantial portion of your debts in a 3-year Chapter 13 plan.
More info & resources...
- Means Test Calculator for Harris County (based on Official Form 22A; helps determine whether you meet the threshold requirements for Chapter 7? (most people do..) and incorporates official spending allowances used in the bankruptcy means test for Harris County)
Talk to a Local Bankruptcy Attorney
Enter Your Zip Code or Call (855) 410-1378 to Connect with a Lawyer In Your Area
Where to file for bankruptcy
If you have lived in Texas for at least 91 of the past 180 days (six months), you may file at the court described below. If you've moved recently, you may have to file at the court that served your old zip code.
The 77001 zip code and all of Harris County are in the jurisdiction of the
Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court
Most of your interactions (including the filing of your forms) can be done by mail. However, you will need to go the courthouse, in person, at least once for a meeting with the bankruptcy trustee. (There's more about that meeting in Chapter 7 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.)
See the list below for more information about your court, including addresses and maps to the courthouse(s).
Check the court website for updates to this information before relying on it.
5401 Bob Casey United States Courthouse 515 Rusk St. Houston, TX 77002
Corpus Christi
1133 N Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Old Laredo Courthouse 1300 Matamoros Laredo, TX 78042
P.O. Box 2300 Galveston, TX 77553 Clerks office: 601 Rosenberg Room 411 Galveston, TX
General Information
Official Website for the Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court:
What to look for there:
Here are a few basic things to look for on any court website:
- The local rules
- Local forms
- Some kind of web page, or downloadable plain English information about bankruptcy in its most general terms.
- Some kind of plain English information about court filing requirements.
- Specific instructions on how the court wants you to prepare and format a "mailing matrix" of creditor addresses.
Is your court willing to help someone without a lawyer?
Most bankruptcy court websites make some effort to help non-lawyers and provide important information in plain English. .
Talk to a Local Bankruptcy Attorney
Enter Your Zip Code or Call (855) 410-1378 to Connect with a Lawyer In Your Area
Steps 2 & 3. Buy What You Need & Get Help If You Need It
What bankruptcy costs
The cost of filing for bankruptcy is more than just the filing fee. There are fees for:
- mandatory pre-filing credit counseling
- mandatory debt management 'education'
- advice and information to help you decide whether to file
- preparing your forms for filing, making the required number of copies, and assembling them in the proper order
- other court procedures that may be required or beneficial.
Here's a rundown of the costs you're likely to incur:
Time and Money for ...
$0 to 35
Research (Figuring Out What You Need to Do)
It's what you're doing now -- surfing the Web for information.
Surfing the Web is fine, but not all that efficient. To get up to speed faster, you can buy a step-by-step book that lays out the bankruptcy process and includes worksheets and forms.
Depending on where you live, you might be able to get some free bankruptcy help and information from the court, specifically for people filing bankruptcy without an attorney. An increasing number of courts offer such materials and you'll find links to those resources on the bankruptcy court page. Most bankruptcy courts used to offer little or no real help to non-attorneys. (There were a few happy exceptions to this general rule, but only a few.)
Even so, this information goes only so far. Court clerks still can't answer most questions or offer advice, but most now do offer some sort of self-service packet or people filing without an attorney, or who are at least curious about what is involved, before they decide to hire an attorney.
You may want to consult a bankruptcy lawyer early on, if you can get a free consultation.
Many people find that it's cost-effective to do some combination of both:
- First, spend few bucks on a high quality book. Take an evening or two to learn about bankruptcy. Learn what bankruptcy can and can't do for you, and what a bankruptcy attorney can and should do for you.
- Then use the free consultation with the attorney do discuss the more difficult aspects of your case that the book couldn't answer.
This approach helps you make the most of your time with the attorney, and helps you evaluate whether the attorney really knows bankruptcy law.
Bankruptcy is a specialized area of law. If you hire a lawyer, you want want one who really knows the subject and is familiar with local bankruptcy court rules and customs.
More Info:
Chapters 1 through 5 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Books :: Websites :: Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court
$25 to $100*
* If your income is low, the bankruptcy law says that you are entitled to free counseling or reduced rates but the law doesn't say who pays for it.
Mandatory Pre-Filing Credit Counseling
Before you file for bankruptcy, you must participate in a credit counseling session and get a certificate proving that you have done so. This typically costs around $50 to $75 and takes about 90 minutes, and can be done online or over the phone. If you are planning to file jointly with your spouse, you can both attend the same counseling session, but each of you must get a separate certificate.
The new bankruptcy law states that these agencies must provide credit counseling services without regard to a client's ability to pay and must disclose the possibility of a fee waiver or fee reduction before beginning the counseling session.
Many critics of the new bankruptcy law see the credit counseling requirement as just another bureaucratic obstacle for already-desperate debtors. Perhaps so. But try to make the most of this 90-minute session by getting as much free information as you can. Use it as a way to get a second opinion about your financial situation, to gauge whether bankruptcy is, indeed, the right choice for your situation. However, by law, a credit counselor cannot actually advise you whether you should file for bankruptcy.
So far (since the credit counseling requirement began in October 2005), counselors are reporting that of the vast majority of the debtors they're seeing are in such dire financial shape that bankruptcy is the only realistic option left for them.
More Info
Chapters 1 and 6 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
$35 to 1,800*
* If you qualify for legal aid or have a legal plan through your union or employer, they will fill out the forms for you.
Preparing and Assembling Your Bankruptcy Papers
Filing for bankruptcy requires you to fill in 50+ pages of forms detailing all of your current debts, assets, income, and expenses, as well as your intentions regarding loans that are secured by collateral (such as car loans).
In addition to providing this information, you're required to make decisions about what you plan to do about your secured debts (that is, debts that are secured by property you own).
The cost of this phase depends on whether you hire professional help.
Do-it-yourself - under $30
With some diligence, you can prepare all these forms yourself... but if you're not the careful, diligent type, self-help might not be for you. Bankruptcy rules can be unforgiving, and became more so since the passage of the 2005 law. There was a time when incomplete filings could be easily amended once the errors were called to the filers attention.
Under the new law, it's extra important to have all your ducks in a row before you file -- and there are quite a few ducks... in the form of many pages of forms to fill in and supporting documentation that you must gather and organize before you're ready to file.
You must be willing to take the time to read a good step-by-step instruction manual and follow the instructions carefully. Such materials cost under $30.
Professional Help - $150 to $1800
If you prefer not to handle it yourself, you can find listings of local bankruptcy lawyers on this website, in the yellow pages and on online lawyer directories, such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA).
In a few areas you may also find businesses run by non-lawyers, known as Bankruptcy Petition Preparers (BPPs), who can fill out your forms but not offer legal advice.
More Info
Chapter 6 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy Forms :: Local Filing Requirements ::
Step-by-Step Instruction Books :: Bankruptcy Petition Preparers::| TexasLawyers
$150 - $2,500*
* If you qualify for legal aid or have a legal plan through your union or employer, they will fill out the forms for you.
Getting Professional Legal Advice
As mentioned in the previous section, at some point in the bankruptcy process, you may decide to hire someone to help you. If you just want help with the mechanical task of completing the forms and do not need legal advice, you can hire a Bankruptcy Petition Preparer (BPP).
If you have questions about how to interpret a particular form, or want an opinion about how bankruptcy law, state exemption laws or federal tax laws apply to your particular situation, you may want to hire a bankruptcy lawyer, at least for an initial consultation.
A good bankruptcy lawyer should be able to advise you on strategies to maximize the economic benefit of your bankruptcy filing, and be familiar with the local practices of the court. On the other hand, if your bankruptcy is a simple matter of too much unsecured credit card debt, and all of your assets are exempt, you may not need all that much help to get through your bankruptcy.
When you go for credit counseling, ask your counselor whether your situation seems routine, and what risks you face in fling for bankruptcy -- in your particular case. They're prohibited by law from giving you advice about whether you should file, but you may be able to get a pretty good sense of whether your case is simple or unusual, and whether your situation is so dire that bankruptcy is your best remaining alternative.
More Info
Chapter 10 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
See also, this study of the effect on bankruptcy reform on attorneys fees which documents attorneys fees in every judicial district in the US.
Services Directory
| Bankruptcy Petition Preparers | Texas Bankruptcy Lawyers |
* Low income households may qualify for fee waivers or reduced fees.
Filing Your Papers With the Bankruptcy Court
There are several fees to pay when you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy:
- $245 filing fee
- $46 administrative fee
- $15 trustee surcharge.
Chapter 13 is slightly less.
- $235 filing fee
- $46 administrative fee.
More Info
Chapters 6 and 7 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
| Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court | Fee Waiver Application |
| Texas Bankruptcy Forms | Local Filing Requirements |
Other fees
Audio Recording
Amended Bankruptcy Schedules
Record Search
Adversary Proceeding Fee
Document Filing/Indexing
Title 11 Administrative Fee
Record Retrieval Fee
Returned Check Fee
Notice of Appeal fee
Lift/Stay Fee
Meeting with Trustee and Creditors (341 Meeting)
Within 20 to 40 days after you file your papers, you'll have a "meeting" with the bankruptcy court trustee. It's not a meeting in the traditional sense. You show up at a certain time, with a bunch of other people who have their meeting that day, and sit and wait for your name to be called.
At this meeting the trustee can ask you questions about the information you put on on your forms. Creditors can ask questions and object to or challenge the applicability of exemptions you are claiming.
More Info
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7: Handling Your Case in Court (Routine Bankruptcy Procedures, Amending Your Bankruptcy Papers, Filing a Change of Address, Special Problems)
Tampa, FL Bar Association video walks you through the filing process and including the 341 hearing. Now also includes versions of the video in Spanish and Creole.
Before he recenly passed away, Arizona attorney Joseph C. McDaniel made an excellent series of videos about the bankruptcy process including this one about what to expect at the 341 hearing. These videos are still available, as part of his "bankruptcy homework" series. Parts of it are specific to Arizona (like the exemption amount you'd get if the trustee sells your car free and clear).
Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court :: Courthouse Address & Map ::
Talk to a Local Bankruptcy Attorney
Enter Your Zip Code or Call (855) 410-1378 to Connect with a Lawyer In Your Area
Filing Motions & Responding to Creditor Objections
Depending on your circumstances these are two things you may or may not need to do.
Filing Motions (Requests) With the Court
There may be some liens (creditors' claims against your property) that you can have removed by filing some extra paperwork after your original bankruptcy forms have been filed. (More information on this subject in Chapters 6 and 7 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy)
Responding to Objections
Creditors or the trustee have 30 days after the 'close' of the creditors' meeting object to something on your forms. You may (but are not required to) respond before the court has a hearing on the matter. Depending on the objection you may need to hire some lawyer to properly respond to it.
Tip: If you are hiring an online service to prepare your bankruptcy papers, be sure to ask whether the standard fee includes filing motions for lien avoidance, or responding to the trustee's or a creditor's objection, or whether that costs extra.
More Info
Chapters 6 and 7 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court :: Local Rules ::
Mandatory "Debtor Education" Debt Management Course
As if you don't have enough hoops to jump through already, when you've completed all the other parts of your bankruptcy, you still don't get that magic piece of paper called the "discharge" until you complete a course in debt management.
This is yet another requirement motivated by Congress's assumption that people who file for bankruptcy wouldn't be broke if they weren't so careless with their money. Chances are, you really are broke, so you should see if you qualify for free or reduced rates. The law says you're entitled to it. Demand it.
More Info
Chapter 7 of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
| Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court |
to $2,500
Total Cost to File Bankruptcy
The actual total cost of your bankruptcy will depend on:
1. Whether you qualify for a fee waiver.
2. Whether you are lucky enough to qualify for free legal aid services that happen to be available where you live.
3. Whether you handle the form preparation and filing yourself or pay someone to help you or do it for you.
4. How complicated your financial situation is -- for example, whether you're facing imminent foreclosure, whether your debts involve child support or back taxes, and whether you have valuable assets that are not fully protected by an exemption, such as a home.
The costs listed here do not include the value of any property you may need to give up in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or the amount you would have to pay over three to five years into a Chapter 13 plan. This is only the cost of going through the filing process.
More Info
How to File for Chapter 7 BankruptcyHow to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Renauer & O'Neil :: Nolo, 2017)
Talk to a Local Bankruptcy Attorney
Enter Your Zip Code or Call (855) 410-1378 to Connect with a Lawyer In Your Area
Where to Find These Resources
To simplify your search for the bankruptcy resources you need, whatever they might be, this website offers of a wide range of free information, tools, and links to useful bankruptcy products and services.
Free Bankruptcy Forms and other info from the Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court
Listings of required forms and links to free downloadable files all federal bankruptcy forms.
Other info from the Texas Southern District Bankruptcy Court
Links to local rules and information from your court specifically designed for non-lawyers. Free downloadable files all federal bankruptcy forms.
Means Test Calculator
Based on Official Form 22A, this calculator will give you a sense of whether you qualify for bankruptcy based on the official formula stated in federal law (11 U.S.C. 707(b)). The calculator applies local expense standards published by the U.S. government.
Texas Bankruptcy Laws (Property Exemptions)
When you fill out your bankruptcy forms, you are asked what property you claim as exempt -- and the citation for it. This page gives you those citations and exemptions in summary fashion.
Professional Services
Step 4. Get on With Your Life
Congress changed the bankruptcy laws to make it harder for people to file. I created this website to make it easier.
The "Bankruptcy Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2005" (BAPCPA) is a bad law. Some lawyers and law professors have taken to calling it the "Bankruptcy Abuse Reform Fiasco" (BARF). It's based on false assumptions about why people get into financial trouble and imposes additional rules and paperwork on people already overwhelmed by bad luck and unpayable debt.
Despite these new obstacles, bankruptcy law still provides valuable benefits to those who need it. It helps you get on with your life. Indeed, "getting on with your life" is the whole point of bankruptcy -- to put your debts behind you and go forward with a "fresh start." This website helps you learn about the benefits of bankruptcy and how to obtain them. It lists relevant and affordable products and services that can help you file for bankruptcy with a minimum of expense and hassle.
Information is not advice. Although this website will give you a lot of information about bankruptcy law and procedure, it does not -- and cannot -- tell you, specifically, how this information applies to your exact situation. Nor can it advise you which course of action is right for you.
Likewise, the listings of bankruptcy products and services are not endorsements. They are intended to expose you to the full range of tools and services that can help you file for bankruptcy. Think of these listings as a phone book, not a referral. It is up to you to evaluate the quality of those products or services and make your own purchasing decisions. If there are third-party reviews of products or services, I attempt to quote or link to them.
Remember to bookmark this website if you have found it helpful so far. You won't find a more comprehensive collection of bankruptcy resources and information anywhere on the Web. Make it your starting point for your bankruptcy research. And tell your friends.
Best of luck to you as you traverse your financial troubles,
Albin Renauer
co-author of How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, (Renauer & O'Neil :: Nolo, 2017)


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Cherrybrook Technology High School
Imaginarium explores the concepts of life and aspects of life, viewed through an altered perspective. The six pieces were created digitally using Photoshop and Illustrator as the primary tools. Initial ideas where sketched by hand and then scanned into the computer for a mock assembly. From this point I digitally constructed and painted the artworks from vector shapes that I had drawn. It was the flexibility and freedom of this medium that helped aid my creativity and allowed me to further explore the concepts I had planned.

subset: commoncrawl


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Cloud computing allows organizations of all sizes to access vast amounts of computing power, but not everyone wants to use this power for good, the CSA warned. For example, an attacker could use an array of cloud servers to crack an encryption key in minutes.
Cloud providers need to consider how they can detect people abusing their service, how they define abuse and prevent it, the report advised.


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http://www.mobileapptelligence.com – Mobile application development has seen a great surge worldwide over last few years. Mobile app development and mobility solutions are a part of global marketing and branding strategy for leading businesses. Mobile technologies & app development are turning to be the pivotal point of IT in India, United States and United Kingdom.
Hire Mobile Development Company India – Get a Project Quote – http://www.mobileapptelligence.com/enquiry.html
According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India, number of mobile Internet users is to touch 185 million by June 2014. Digital industries such as ecommerce and digital advertising are on the rise. As data charges and price of smartphones come down, and as mobile internet and smartphone penetration rates rise hugely, mobile app development market is expected to have a value of Rs 2,700 crore by 2016. Every month, Indians download 100 million apps, ranging from music to spirituality. Mobile apps have become a part of Indian life. A need of 300,000 more mobile app developers is predicted for the next five years. MNCs have begun to enter India's mobile app market, with large IP portfolios. Since most of the Indians now access the Internet through their mobiles, there is a surge in demand for mobile-friendly web sites too. Now the mobile app development companies in India have brisk business in making web sites mobile-ready.
USA and United Kingdom, where the usability of mobile apps is very high, has seen some of the top product based mobile app development companies growing to next level because of surging demand.
Despite of the fact that growth of mobility solutions has been great, mobile application developers face a few problems too. Vast variety of handsets, including those from China, sold in the country compel the application developers to make large investments in testing the application across oodles of handset models. They have to develop applications for all major mobile apps development platforms, from J2ME to iPhone. But the entrepreneurial Indian developers take this as an opportunity. They are becoming world experts in cross-platform apps in the mobile apps development sector.
As a business strategy, organizations worldwide is outsourcing their mobile apps requirements to companies in India the mobile app development companies in India are proving their mettle in this sector. 2015 seems to be a great year for the global mobile application development companies. Business based in India, United States and United Kingdom will propel the demand.
Author is a senior business analyst and an expert in native mobile app development.


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51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed..."Death has been swallowed up in victory."
55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Happy Easter!


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Event will honor Colorado Heroes, including many first responders and firefighters; Colorado's own Missy Franklin and other Olympians to attend match vs. Portland
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Tuesday, August 28, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer will honor heroes from throughout the state of Colorado during the team's September 5 match at 7:00 p.m. at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The Rapids will host and celebrate local first responders and firefighters who responded to tragedies in Colorado throughout the summer, as well as several Colorado Olympians, including swimmer Missy Franklin.
"This year, we all witnessed the bravery and dedication of the police, firefighters, paramedics and others who work tirelessly to keep us safe," said Rapids President Tim Hinchey. "We were also inspired by the talent and athleticism of so many Coloradans in the London Olympics, who showed the heights that can be achieved through hard work.
"We have had many occasions this year to celebrate the spirit that makes us all so proud to live, work, and play in this great state. Our match on September 5 gives us a chance to honor many of our Colorado Heroes."
"Colorado Heroes Night" will include special check presentations to the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Foundation and the Denver Center for Crime Victims, each for $20,000, from fundraising throughout the summer by Rapids fans and Kroenke Sports Charities.
Fans interested in attending the match and participating in the fundraising can purchase special discounted tickets, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Kroenke Sports Charities, at http://www.rapidstix.com/ColoradoHeroes or by contacting Rapids representative Alex Teal at 303-727-3724 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Among the many local and state agencies who will be attending the match are paramedics, police officers, firefighters, and medical workers from the city of Aurora, including those who were among the first responders at the scene in the theater tragedy on July 20. The Rapids are also hosting firefighters from throughout Colorado who have battled wildfires in the state during an especially difficult season. For those first responders interested in attending, please contact Lesley Linscott at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Olympians in attendance will be honored in a special pregame ceremony on the field, celebrating their achievements in reaching the pinnacle of their various sports. For more information on Olympians at the Rapids match, contact David Lindholm at email@example.com.
The Rapids visit the Portland Timbers this Friday before returning to Dick's Sporting Goods Park to face the Timbers again on Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. MT. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 303-825-GOAL or visit www.ColoradoRapids.com.


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Welcome to United Agencies Small Business Insurance Division
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Dana Coates
As a member of United Agencies, we provide virtually all forms of insurance services
Small Business Insurance Quick Coverage:
Small Business Insurance Policy coverage can be arranged in a short period of time through quality insurance carriers. Even though we have the buying power of a $200 million dollar company, our focus is on Small Business Insurance, and we specialize in this area.
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Book your Train ticket to CardiffUnited Kingdom
#1 distributor of train tickets and rail passes
The simplicity of one-stop-shopping
European experts
The new welsh wonder
Cardiff, a 2000 years old history is waiting for you
Cardiff is known for its city-centre castle, elegant Victorian shopping arcades and smart new waterfront. The Welsh capital is beginning to define itself on the European map, not just the British one.
Cardiff has a rich history that you can discover through a visit of its 2000 years old castle in the heart of the city. Nearby the castle stands a modern symbol of the rugby world: the Millennium Stadium which welcomed, among other events, the rugby world cup. If you are fond of art you should rush to the Welsh National Museum to feast your eyes with one of the most beautiful collections of Impressionist paintings. Cardiff offers a splendid waterfront, the Cardiff Bay, where you can let yourself be tempted by water-based attractions. You will finally reach the Mermaid Quay: its large choice of restaurants with menus from around the world, lively pubs and stylish boutiques.
Getting to and from Cardiff
|From London
|To London
|To Portsmouth
Train Station(s)
Trains are a convenient way of reaching many towns and cities throughout Europe. The majority of cities in Europe have a minimum of one train station, while larger, more populated cities have two or more stations. Train stations, in general, are located in the heart of the city. Review the map below to get an idea of where the train station(s) in Cardiff can be found.
While you're there
Travel forum
From our travel community
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I have been designing and building award-winning homes for more than thirty-five years.
In addition to being a registered Architect and a member of prestigious Royal Institute Of British Architects, I have also built sixteen of my original designs in Washington, Alaska and Vermont, an area rich in architectural tradition and where I was awarded the Home of the Year, twice. These years, on the job in challenging climatesĀhave influenced me to design buildings that are practical to build, strong, and warm.
My small practice, Michael Tranfo - Architect, located on San Juan Island in Washington State, offers a client personal attention and a full range of Architectural services including site development, professional design and building engineering, preparation of blueprints and other contract documents, and construction administration.


text: Hello, I'm retired Navy and a massage therapist living in Eugene OR now. Photography is my new passion. I love playing with different mediums for photo-manipulation pictures. Two surgeries on my right elbow has left me with enough of a tremor that I cannot draw free hand anymore. The photo-manipulation gives me a new outlet for my creative side. Slowly learning more and more about Photoshop so I can use its capabilities to help evolve my pictures. My pictures are all one of kind in one way or another as I do not record how I make them. I take so many different paths that I can't even go back and recreate what I did, but I like it like that though.


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As the weather gets warmer we happily shed our bulky extra layers of clothing. For men, Untuckit, a new company making beautifully tailored shirts, offers an ingenious sartorial solution for guys looking to sport a more relaxed look, with or without a jacket. "We started Untuckit because we realized there were literally millions of men who struggled like we did to find button-down shirts that looked good untucked," says founder Chris Riccobono. "Most shirts that guys wear untucked are too long, too bulky or [cringe now) square bottom. "
No details have been spared in the Untuckit collection of button-downs—luxe fabrics with high thread counts in an array of textile choices from solids to ginghams and bold plaids. Ladies, you have no idea how great these shirts look on your guys—stylish but effortless. Gents, get an Untuckit shirt stat! T-shirts, polos and knits are in the works and we can't wait.


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Nicole's Chic Studios School of Makeup Artistry located in the D.U.M.B.O. section of Brooklyn has already produced 13 graduating classes since the studio opened its doors in January, 2009.
Nicole describes her "passion for fashion and being creative" as her motivation for entering into the fast-pace world make-up and beauty.
As a youth, Canadian-born Nicole enjoyed playing sports and being active. At the age of 18, she went on to attend college in Calgary, Alberta, where she studied marketing and management, two subjects that would eventually aid her in launching her own beauty school.
Nicole began her career as a part-time makeup artist in 2000, initially glamorizing wedding parties and friends. For five years Nicole traveled to fashion-wealthy cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego where she worked with celebrities, reality TV shows and enrolled in numerous makeup artistry-training courses.
"I found a gap in makeup training," said Nicole, who credits her time spent traveling from city to city as inspiration to open her own beauty school.
"I wanted to develop something that would give [students] the foundation and confidence to get a job," said Nicole, who opened Chic Studios in 2005 in Calgary before moving the company to Brooklyn early last year.
"New York is definitely one of the capitals of fashion," said Nicole, who refers to Los Angeles as a more entertainment based venue, rather than high fashion.
Nicole maintains that her 93-hour program supplies graduates with the tools they need to be successful in an industry that's "constantly evolving."
"We give [students] a realistic standpoint on their careers," said Nicole, who revealed the key to being a good makeup artist is to apply the learning, utilize ones talents, and stay inspired.
In the years to come, Nicole plans on growing Chic Studios' credibility, building it as a brand, and developing students into prominent artists in the industry.
One of Nicole's favorite aspects of the industry is its volatility, "This is an industry that allows you to bring something to the table, to change it."


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State of the Oceans Forum II: Facing the Crisis: Reasons for Hope
Join TED prize recipient and leading oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle at the Explorers Club for a discussion on how we can and must save the world's most crucial natural resource ? the living ocean ? while there is still time.
In early 2009, a panel of top scientists led by marine toxicologist Dr. Susan Shaw and Dr. Earle came together to convey a powerful message about the enormity of the crisis facing the world's oceans at the first State of the Oceans Forum. Now, these Explorers return for a follow-up forum about the innovative solutions, leadership and resources required to make a difference for future generations. Join them at the Second State of the Oceans Forum: Facing the Crisis: Reasons for Hope on Monday, December 7, 2009, 7:00-9:00pm at the Explorers Club's World Center for Exploration in New York City.
Read more


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That reality show, 16 & Pregnant has made it so easy for young girls to think teen pregnancy is ok. Not only does that show make it seem ok, but the fact that instead of getting a fierce beating from your parents when you turn up pregnant at 16, you get a reality show. And nowadays, kids think that reality shows = celebrity status.
Like HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With Black Pop Culture!
Pregnant teenagers are starting to take to Facebook to post photos of their personal pregnancy pacts. Not only are these girls making the worst decisions for their young lives, but they're also being validated by their peers. Commenters on Facebook support their young pregnant friends by saying, "Kute pic thoe," or "Get it ladies."
Smh. What is happening to our world? Teen pregnancy is more of a fad than it is a problem. What do you think about this issue? Sound off in the comments below.
Click Through This Gallery For The Hottest Celeb Pics Of The Week!
Listen To This Playlist That Will Hopefully Help These Young Girls Do Better!
Related Links:
"Love & Hip Hop's" Yandy Smith Opens Up To Mashonda About Becoming A Mom


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If Wednesday night's non-conference softball game was based on a movie, then South Alabama Jaguars starting pitcher Hannah Campbell would have earned the starring role.
Campbell went the distance against the Nicholls State University Colonels, striking out 10 batters while allowing four hits in the 7-1 Jaguars win at Colonels Diamond in Thibodaux.
For second-year Nicholls coach Angel Santiago, the game provided an opportunity to see how his young team stacked up against one of the best team's in the country.
South Alabama is receiving votes in the Top 25 poll. Unfortunately, it was a test the Colonels (4-6) could not pass.
"I think the biggest thing we need to understand is that if we are going to play with the big girls, then we need to step up," Santiago said. "Nearly 50 percent of our outs were strikeouts, and we don't train them to do that. It's really going to come down to get this thing a heck of a lot better than where we are at. If these girls want to turn things around at Nicholls then it's time to step up."
In addition to the pitching performance, the Jaguars (9-1) used timely hits, error-free defense and efficient base running, going 6-for-6 on stolen bases, to keep the Colonels from gaining any momentum.
"I was a little frustrated that we left eight people on base but I thought we played well in all phases," South Alabama coach Becky Clark said. "We have a good mixture of power and speed, so when we have a chance to move them up we do. We did a great job of getting those extra bases."
The Jaguars started the game capitalizing on one of the two Colonels errors on the night.
A first-inning line drive by Meghan Collins bounced off the glove of Colonels shortstop Courtney Vanlandingham, which allowed Stephanie Pilkington (1-for-2, RBI) to cross the plate for the early 1-0 Jaguars lead.
Neither team allowed much of anything until a three-run fifth inning helped South Alabama pull away.
After Pilkington drew her second walk of the night, she successfully stole second before Blair Johnson (1-for-4, RBI) belted a double to left field, scoring Pilkington and putting South Alabama on top 2-0.
A single by Brittany Fowler eventually lead to a two-run single by Haley Fagan (2-for-4, two RBIs) two batters later to give the Jaguars a 4-0 lead.
However the Colonels seized an opportunity to cut into the lead in their half of the fifth inning after a single by Vanlandingham (1-for-3) and a walk drawn by Cari Spain led to an RBI single by Ashley Bertot (2-for-4, RBI) that cut the Jaguars lead to 4-1.
Campbell (3-1) struck out Danielle Phillips to halt the Colonels rally and end the inning.
South Alabama answered with an RBI double in the sixth inning by Pilkington to take the 5-1 lead.
The Colonels had a runner in scoring position but failed to convert in the sixth. It was the sixth stranded runner the Colonels left on base.
Leaving runners on base and missing out on opportunities were signs of just how young and inexperienced the Colonels are, Santiago said.
"When you get down to the nuts and bolts of things you really can't second guess what you are doing," Santiago said. "The talent is there, it's just teaching them what to do with it. We can be a good team. We just have to learn from this."
A two-run single by Alex Breeden (2-for-4, 2 RBIs) in the seventh scored the final two runs of the night and gave South Alabama the six-run lead.
Hannah Haydel (1-2) took the loss for the Colonels after she pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on six hits.
Colonels fall to South Alabama
If Wednesday night's non-conference softball game was based on a movie, then South Alabama Jaguars starting pitcher Hannah Campbell would have earned the starring role.


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A Contrast: Holy Prophet vs Pakistan – #Blasphemy twitter.com/MuslimIT/statu…
— مسعود ناصر (@MuslimIT) May 30, 2013
A Contrast – Quran vs Jamaat-e-Islami
A Contrast – Quran vs Jamaat-e-Islami #Pakistan #Islam twitter.com/MuslimIT/statu…
— مسعود ناصر (@MuslimIT) May 29, 2013
Jews could learn a few things from Muslims
This is a guest post on my blog by a Muslim lady in response to Western Wall's rabbi endorses plan that would allow women and men to worship together at holy site
Jews could learn a few things from Muslims. Despite supporting gender segregation, Islam's holiest site – the Ka'aba in Mecca and all the other associated sites of the pilgrimage are open and equally accessible to both genders. The philosophy and wisdom behind this is that not all places or occasions require equal observance of religious norms. The Pilgrimage is a most sacred and sacrosanct occasion. It is a time for controlling one's own desires and instead concentrate fully on the All-Powerful God. As a result the atmosphere created should be one where the highest level of piety and righteousness is observed.— M. Ahmad
Congratulations to Pope Francis I and to Catholics across the world
AMJ International Twitter reported that Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has congratulated Pope Francis and the Catholic Church.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has said:
"I would like to offer congratulations to Pope Francis I and to Catholics across the world. May the appointment of the new Pope prove to be blessed not just for Christians but for all people across the globe. May the new Pope lead the Church towards the true teachings of Christianity.
I hope and pray that in the forthcoming era the Pope uses his influence to develop peace and harmony in the world. In terms of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, we have always been at the forefront of promoting inter-faith harmony and striving for peace."
The full statement in a Press Release has been posted.
Office of Religious Freedom is an expression of Canadian solidarity with the oppressed
By: Lal Khan Malik Published on Mon Mar 11 2013 in Toronto Star
The word "empathy" is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as "the ability to understand and share the feelings of another."
Following the announcement last month of the long-awaited Office of Religious Freedom, columnists and pundits throughout the country offered an array of varying views and opinions about the new office. Some wrote in favour of its noble objectives, while many others criticized its establishment for various reasons.
But all of the analyses, whether supportive or critical, seem to be missing an important factor central to the whole subject: empathy.
I feel a dearth of empathy from the arguments of the various pundits who have criticized this initiative and feel that in order to assess this matter more appropriately, it's important to understand and give weight to the human side of this whole affair. As Ambassador Andrew Bennett put it, "It's a human issue".
While it is hard to imagine what it means to be a hated and helpless minority living amid hardline persecutors, we must strive to be truly cognizant of the suffering our fellow brothers and sisters around the world endure.
It is in the void of empathy that arguments against the office bemoaning its $5-million budget as a waste of money are born. In our country of great affluence, whose federal expenditures amounted to more than $275 billion in 2012, it is nothing short of strange to denounce the new unit, whose lofty mandate is to strive to relieve the plight of those who are oppressed and persecuted for their beliefs, on the grounds that $5 million is too high a budget.
The only reason that I can think of that would lead people to hold such views is a lack of true awareness of the gravity of the suffering that these persecuted people experience.
Basking in the freedom and prosperity of arguably the world's greatest country can have that effect, especially if you have never experienced any such repression yourself.
That's why I consider myself fortunate to have known both sides. Living in Canada for the last 25 years, I have experienced the sweet freedom that our country offers, yet it was not always so for me. As an Ahmadi Muslim who migrated from Pakistan, I am intimately aware of the fear and apprehension that can become a part of one's daily life in an atmosphere of cruelty.
But I experienced both freedom and repression even in Pakistan, for although I was born in Pakistan a Sunni Muslim, I decided to become an Ahmadi Muslim when I was about 20 years old, and started to truly realize way back even then just how tough it was for Ahmadis there.
I had lived my whole life in peace and security yet — overnight — I went from that state of safety to being among the hunted; from being among the strong majority to among the repressed minority.
In 1974, 12 years after I became Ahmadi, Pakistan amended the constitution to declare Ahmadis non-Muslims. From that point on, it was hard even to exist there as an Ahmadi, much less live freely. Till this day, if I were to go to Pakistan, by law, I would not be able to greet others with the traditional Islamic greeting "Assalaamo alaikum," or call myself a Muslim, or discuss my religion with others, or call my place of worship a mosque. If I were to do so, I could be punished by imprisonment or even death. Even if I hid my faith, there is still nothing preventing a hate-filled fanatic from hopping my fence at night and stabbing me to death as was the case with a certain Ahmadi — among others — who was recently martyred in Pakistan.
With ample support for this oppression from the government and society in general, such tyranny goes unpunished and even unchecked. The police turn a blind eye, and the media must overlook it for fear of the extremist mullahs who control the masses behind all the violence. This is no exaggeration; this is reality for Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan.
Be it Coptic Christians in Egypt, Baha'is in Iran, or the monks of Tibet, this bleak, hopeless and life-threatening existence is everyday life for millions and millions of religiously persecuted people all over the world, for whom there is no way out and for whom there is no ally near or far.
The words of Jean-Jacques Rousseau ring true as ever, "Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains."
The fact is that for the countless people who live in such tragic circumstances, countries like Canada (there aren't many like us by the way) are the only hope they have. If we don't move into action, then surely some blame lies on us too. As Edmund Burke so famously once said, "All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."
Therefore we must recognize the importance of this undertaking — the unqualified need to raise our voices against tyranny and become "a voice for the voiceless." That is what this Office of Religious Freedom is about. It's about showing our own people and the people of the world that we are dedicated to this ideal and that we will spend our time, effort and resources on this because this matters to us.
So as Canadians, we must foster that empathy within ourselves to recognize the extent of the struggles and torment fellow members of our human family are going through.
Ultimately, it is our level of empathy that will determine whether or not we oppose this office, because we all know that the cause is worthwhile and that there are costs and considerations to be made in any endeavour, but that, regardless of everything, there are some things that we cannot sacrifice, no matter the cost.
Therefore my fellow Canadians, rest assured that our government made the right choice in taking this stand, because, in the words of Prime Minister Stephen Harper:
"The cause is just."
"The need is urgent."
"And our responsibility is clear."
Lal Khan Malik is national president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada.
"Deception, taqiya, and lies are essential to advancing Islam (according to the unflushable Koran.)" –Pamela Geller
Another common allegation Geller makes — with references to the writings of Spencer — is that Muslims engage in the practice of taqiyya, which she defines as the practice of lying to non-Muslims in order to advance the cause of Islam (though most Sunni and Shiite scholars define it as concealing one's beliefs explicitly to avoid physical harm). She levies this allegation against any Muslims speaking for peace, reconciliation or rationality. This exposes her inherent hypocrisy, as she criticizes Muslims for not being loyal to the U.S., but when they do pledge allegiance to the U.S., she claims it is deception (as she did with our Muslims for Loyalty efforts).
As with most of her accusations against Islam, there is indeed truth to be found in the writings and actions of some fanatics, but Geller conflates their words with Islam. Advancing the scholarship of Robert Spencer, she advances the theory that deception and dishonesty are permitted to Muslims to advance their faith, although no verse from the Quran is provided as a clear instruction for this practice.
As part of its effort to revive the teachings of Islam, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community entirely rejects the claim that Islam permits deception or lying. Quite to the contrary, the Quran clearly articulates honesty as incumbent upon Muslims when it says, "And confound not truth with falsehood nor hide the truth, knowingly" as well as "Most hateful is it in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do." Muslims have also been warned repeatedly to avoid language that may have double meanings in any situation and to, rather, employ straightforward and clear speech when dealing with members of our own household, neighbors or even enemies.
Allah continues in the Quran by instructing Muslims to be truthful even if doing so will harm them, their family or the community.
"O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even through it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both that you are. Therefore follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do."
Thus is every Muslim instructed to bear true testimony even if it is against themself, other Muslims, children, parents, kin, etc. Even if our honor or property is at stake, we are required to be fair, just and honest. The very idea that believers may legitimately deceive unbelievers when under pressure is patently absurd and not grounded in the teachings of the Quran.
Source: Muslim Sunrise
Freedom of speech and violent reaction – More respect needed
My letter published in Calgary Herald and the full version in The Barrie Examiner as Letter of the Day under title "Mocking religious leaders is not freedom of speech"
When freedom of speech was first advocated in the 18th and 19th century it was intended to lead to truth and morality. The cartoons and movies to mock religious leaders achieve neither. Freedom of speech always conflicts with other values in society, such as peaceful coexistence, and must be balanced. That is why modern democratic governments in one form or another place limits on freedom of speech.
As a Muslim I condemn the violent reaction by Muslims in some parts of the world. They have acted against the very teachings of Prophet Muhammad in whose honour they were protesting. Once returning from expedition, a hypocrite used insulting words against the Prophet. Muslims were upset and one suggested to kill him. The Prophet did not permit anyone to do so. This incident clearly indicates to Muslims how they should respond. Personally, I have not watched the anti-Islam film because Muslims have been instructed in the Quran "When you hear the signs of Allah being denied and mocked at, sit not with them until they engage in a talk other than that…".
Islam values freedom of speech in a respectful way. Quran says "Revile not those whom they call upon beside Allah, lest they, out of spite, revile Allah in their ignorance…" This one principle can establish peaceful co-existence. Furthermore Prophet Muhammad instructed his followers that "A believer does not taunt, or curse or abuse or talk indecently."
If we want to live peacefully in this global village call earth we must learn to respect each other.
Declaration when getting passport in Pakistan – A new Kalma created in Islam
Most sensible people know about the subject matter and agree what a political stunt it was when Bhutto government declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims without even discussing the topic of Khatam-e-Nabuwwat on the basis of which they made the constitutional amendement, but there are still some ignorant souls who try to justify it even though it is completely against the teachings of Quran and Sunnah. A little comment I posted after glancing through this ignorant's post and comment
Holy Prophet (saw) said that 72 will be separate and hell bound and one will be on his path. You may try as much as you want but you can't reverse that Hadith now. The munir inquiry report of 1953 is enough to show the true face of non-Ahmadi scholars and their definition of Muslim. Come up with one definition for God sake!
And congratulations to Pakistani Muslims on their new Kalma and creating your own new creed! What should we call it now? Pakistani Islam version 1974? Obviously it can't be called the Islam of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) after all the changes it has gone through.
And as for the hadith you quoted on agreement, it does not apply since Ahmadis are not part of that decision. Nice try but total failure.
Murders a shame to Islam
An excellent Letter to Editor in Dallas News
The murder of U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens is an abhorrent and inexcusable crime.
Murder has no place in Islam. Nowhere in the Quran is anyone permitted to harm, riot or kill anyone for speaking against Islam or Prophet Muhammad. The very actions the rioters took violate the example set by Prophet Muhammad.
When a mob was about to attack a man for urinating in the mosque, Prophet Muhammad replied, "Leave him alone and throw a bucket of water over his urine, for you have been raised to deal with people gently and you have not been raised to deal with them harshly."
As a Muslim-American and member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, I strongly condemn the actions of the rioters in Libya and Egypt. Their actions do not reflect the teachings of Islam and cause disrespect to Prophet Muhammad more than any Geert Wilders film ever could.
Azhar Hussain, Plano
Qadianis as non-Muslim minority?
This is in response to the article in a Pakistani newspaper The News about Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
The author of this article forgot to mention some very important points.
- In the 13 days of discussion in the special committee of National Assembly of Pakistan in 1974 the topic of Khatam-e-Nabuwwat (Finality of Prophethood) was never brought up. I have read the entire question/answers from the official proceedings published recently by the National Assembly. This proceeding is supposed to be available in the Library of National Assembly as well. Everyone should try to get hold of the copy and read it to find that "Khatam-e-Nabuwwat"was never discussed and in fact Attorney General Yahya Bakhtiar presented the "popular" Muslim belief that Jesus son of Mary in his second coming will be a prophet and agreed with Ahmadiyya view.
- Mirza Nasir Ahmad, the 3rd Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at never agreed that the National Assembly of Pakistan can be a judge that can decide who is a Muslim or not. This is evident from the Mahzarnama (The Memorandum) that was submitted to National Assembly's special committee. It clearly states this in the opening pages of that important document and Attorney General Yahya Bakhtiar argued over this for first several days! Mirza Nasir Ahmad was obeying the law as he was called by the government to be present in person and answer the questions on behalf of the community.
- The belief in Khatam-e-Nabuwwat of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at is exactly same as other sects. That is why it was never discussed. So presenting this point as if Ahmadis do not believe in Khatam-e-Nabuwwat and were declared non-Muslim on this basis is a conscious lie by the author. The laws 298B/C of 1984 XX ordnance by dictator Zia-ul-Haq were a coward act to suppress the viewpoint of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. If we did not have belief in Khatam-e-Nabuwwat it would have been very easy to allow our literature be published and every Pakistani could decide for himself/herself by looking at it or listening to our views. But since this is not true, the Mullahs had to use force of law to suppress the truth.
- The question of whether Ahmadis consider other Muslims outside Islam was also discussed thoroughly in that special committee. If you read it you will find the answer that all sects have the same belief and declare others outside Islam except Ahmadis who consider everyone as Muslim as far as the Ummah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) is concerned. Other sects have very severe fatwas of Kuffar so much so that the words cannot be repeated in a civilized discussion. The fact of the matter is that the 1953 Munir Inquiry Report had already concluded that no two religious scholars agreed on the definition of a Muslim. And this fact still remains as true as was in 1953. There was never a need for 1974 meeting in lieu of 1953 inquiry. It was a staged drama. The Rabwah incident never happened the way it was presented in media propaganda. It was all pre-planned and was followed through meticulously. Samdani tribunal report, which was constituted to look into the Rabwah incident, was never published.
- The question of offering funeral prayer of Qaid-e-Azam was also discussed in National Assembly and if you read the response you will have to declare rest of the Pakistanis as non-Muslim as well including some prominent Muslim political leaders of that time (and their entire sects/parties as well) who did not read the funeral prayer. On all seriousness it was the Imam, Shabbir Ahmad Usmani, who was leading the funeral prayer who had on record called Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarullah Khan as Kaffir (infidel). How could he stand behind him in the prayer? Only someone who has no faith and only wants the world to praise him would have read the prayer behind someone who calls you kaffir. Funeral prayer in Islamic jurisprudence is "fard-e-kafaya" meaning it is not obligatory on all to pray. Ahmadi Muslims pray the funeral prayer of any Muslim who does not have any other Muslim to pray. One such incident from Denmark was presented to the special committee as well.
- 7th September is indeed a remarkable day in the history of Pakistan as the author has pointed out but it is remarkable for proving the truthfulness of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) who prophesied that "my people will be divided into 73 sections, all of them will be in the fire except one". The prophecy is about 72 vs one community. The leading Urdu newspaper reported that "Excluding Qadianis all the 72 sects are considered to be Muslims". This fateful day the 72 sects gathered and declared they are The 72 and Ahmadis are the One.
There are some other points in the article which are written with prejudice and ignorance and I'll briefly touch on them in the end, e.g. "Qadianis working against Pakistan" but the fact of the matter is that Ahmadis world-over are praying and fasting regularly for the safety of Pakistan.
The author also claims that this is "unanimous" decision of Ummah that anyone who claims to be a prophet is not Muslim but the fact is that Holy Prophet (saw) himself prophesied a prophet in the Ummah in the latter days. The fatwa of the Muslim scholars today has no status against the teachings of Holy Quran and Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Great Islamic scholars of the past also agree.
Author also fails to recognize that in religious matters there is no copyright. Allah belongs to all and so does all other good things including prophets. If Christians around the world decided one day to ban Muslims and Holy Quran because it calls Jesus their prophet, will he accept this verdict?
Moreover, a political government, or majority population has no right to decide a religious matter, otherwise every prophet will have to be declared a false one at the very start on that principle. This self-concocted criteria is against the clear teachings of Quran and religious history.
Lastly if you have any love for truth, publish the proceedings of 1974 in public domain along with the case in Federal Shariat court. We are all ready to sacrifice the last drop of our blood to up hold the truth. Insha'Allah


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AXIS Indoor Fixed Housing
Protect your Axis Network Cameras
Discontinued product.
- Outdoor installation
- IP65- rated protection
- 24 VAC heater and blower
- Side hinge for easy access when servicing
The AXIS Indoor Housing provides protection for Axis network cameras in both hot and cold climates. The housing was designed to meet IP65 standard of protection.
The body is constructed of an attractive white finished aluminium with black end caps. The housing is without electronics. For outdoor housing including heater and blower, see AXIS Outdoor Fixed Housing.
The IP rating system
- IP stands for Ingress Protection
- The rating's first digit e.g. IP65 relates to the ingress protection against dust (6 means dust tight, see the table below)
- The second digit e.g IP65 relates to the ingress protection against water (5 means protected against water jets, see the table below
Protection against solid objects
|1st Digit
|No special protection
|Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm
|A large surface of the body such as the hand (no protection against deliberate access). Solid objects exceeding 50mm diameter
|Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm
|Fingers or other objects not exceeding 80 mm in length. Solid objects exceeding 12 mm diameter
|Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm
|Tools, wires, etc of diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm. Solid objects exceeding 2.5 mm diameter.
|Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm
|Wires or strips of thickness greater than 1.0 mm. Solid objects exceeding 1.0 mm
|Dust protected
|Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment
|No ingress of dust
Protection against liquids
|2nd Digit
|No special protection
|Protected against dripping water
|Dripping water (vertically falling drops)
|Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º
|Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15º from its normal position
|Protected against spraying water
|Water falling as spray at an angle up to 60º from the vertical shall have no harmful effect
|Protected against splashing water
|Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect
|Protected against water jets
|Water projected from a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect
|Protected against heavy seas
|Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities
|Protected against the effects of immersion
|Ingress of water in a harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time
|Protected against submersion
|The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions, which shall be specified by the manufacturer


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Oscar Nominee"Land of Mine" One of the Best Films I've Ever Seen
One of the greatest pleasures of being a film critic is stumbling upon a work of pure cinematic art that will rock your world and stay with you forever. I just had that experience with the Danish Oscar Nominated film "Land of Mine" which I feel is one of the best films I've ever seen IN MY LIFE. And it was totally unexpected, so it had tremendous shock value. Including suspense that didn't let up, once it started. And I LOVE suspense. It's so hard to create a real thriller diller, and I can't tell you how sick and tired I am of World War II movies. But "Land of Mine" blew all those preconceptions about war movies totally out of my head. I couldn't stop watching it. I was on the edge of my seat, to the point where I felt like was STANDING, perched mid-air agog at all the atrocities of war crimes that were being perpetrated on this group of young German POWs, aged 15-18.
The premise is staggering, and it's also true. That the Germans planted something like two million land mines on the beaches of Denmark, where they thought the alllied forces were going to land first. They never did, thank god! Or they would've been blown to smithereens, as many of these hapless young boys, and others, are during the course of this brutal, but brilliant film.
The Danish director/writer Martin Zandvliet is new to me, but his talent is up there with the greats. And so is his great co-collaborator Camilla Hjelm Knudsen, DFF, who is his wife and cinematographer. "Land of Mine is filmed on a beautiful, pristine beach, where there is no civilization in evidence to spoil the view, except the roiling blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
Danish actor Roland Moller is superbly frightening as one of the most sadistic villains the screen has ever seen.He is constantly yelling at his captives in both guttural Danish and German. Telling the boy soldiers that this fate is just what they deserve, being Germans. He never lets up and he never feeds them.
Zandvliet is smart enough, as a screenwriter, however, to give him multiple dimensions. His Captain Rasmussen is simply a solider doing this dreadful duty as part of his job. And while he loves being a soldier. we come to see he hates the horrifying assignment he is tasked with.
He has to make these teenage German P.O.W.s (This is right after WWII. ends), clear the nearly two million land-mines that are on that beautiful, wind-blown beach. And the boys, of course, do not know how to do this at all. They have no training whatsoever, and are completely lost in every imaginable way possible. Some of them are crying for their mothers
And yes, many of them are blown to bits. The lucky ones die. And Rusmussen keeps cruelly telling them, that whenan they clear the beaches of these deadly land mines, they will be sent home. They are more apt to be sent to heaven.
But Zandvliet plays his cards very close to his vest, and never lets us, the audience, know WHEN it's coming, though we know WHAT's coming. And he surprises us at every turn.And of course, it's more horrifying than you could possibly imagine.
The boys start off as faceless, pale, ghostly figures, seemingly dead already, but as they film goes on several of them begins to emerge as three-dimensional characters as Rasmussen does. There are two twin brothers who are heartbreakingly protective and dependent on each other.They are both astonishingly first time actors, Emil and Oskar Belton.
A very complex wise-guy who looks almost Jewish is played grippingly by Joel Basman. There is one compelling scene where he is constantly being slapped in the face. And astonishingly he starts off laughing, and he keeps being hit and hit and hit again, until well, he is crying. Reduced to tears by the brutality of this violent assault. And dirty and foul-mouthed and repulsive as his behavior is, Basman just kills you, If this was an American film, he'd be nominated as Best Supporting Actor.
It's wonderful that this horrifically violent but beautiful film has managed with very little fan-fanfare to land an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film in a very crowded, competitive year, it is hardly being talked up at all. It's up to audiences to discover it and I'm sure they will. They never will be able to forget it. "Land of Mine" is one of the greats.
#Land of Mine, #German, #Best Foreign Film Nominee, #War Film, # Boy Soldiers, #Martin Zandvliet,# Twins


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Of hobbits dwarves and an unexpected journey
Labels: Dwarf, Hobbit, jewelery, knitting, Unexpected journey
A place for a Kiwi, New Zealander to yarn about her knitting, family and life in general. But especially her knitting!!!
Labels: Dwarf, Hobbit, jewelery, knitting, Unexpected journey
I have been slowly knitting a piece to mount in a box as I am doing another course in a couple of weeks and we need a piece of weaving or embroidery to mount in the lid. So decided to do a piece in pearl cottons. It has taken a couple of goes to get it right. Not too happy with the colours but it will "do". Other than that and slowly plugging away at edging samples for my city and guilds have been rather slack in the knitting department.
I am in the middle of trying to arrange a trip to Washington DC next year some time. A friend is planning on going to the US open tennis champs [ in New York ] so we are hoping to travel together. So perhaps can plan some side trips to Soar, or Stitches or Rhinebeck I will have to see.
Knit on all, hope you are all having a great weekend.
I have been doing knitting, just incase you thought I had forgotten my pointy sticks. I have been working through my sample knitting for city and guilds and am currently doing edgings. This time I am making a concentrated effort to make enough samples without going over board. I am trying tho to draw up some of my own designs rather than just using ones from books all the time.
The week is a time of leaning, inspiration and a chance to meet with other artists from around the world and hear them talk about their work, lives and inspirations. We had Alexander from Russia, Glenis and Carolyne from Australia, Mary from USA and Pauline from the UK.
So it has been a great weekend, The physio won't be pleased as I have "tweeked" my back moving stuff in the garage but much better to day so hopefully it will get better quick.
Eek is that the time... better away to bed.
Knit on all >^..^<
Labels: Aoteroa textile fibre forum, knitting
And last but not least saw this on the way to the car. See the blue covered construction... well that is a building being built on top of a bridge between two other buildings!!!
Not sure who approved this but I sure wouldn't want to be any where near this in an earthquake, and Wellington sits on top of several fault lines... and they say we are long overdue for a big one.
Now the fun bit , I was tagged thanks Diantee to reveal 6 random things about me and to pass on the favour. [ Tagging a strange title, hmm are we grafitting the web...!! Just a thought]
I guess that random facts are more intesting if [a] I haven't mentioned them here before and [b] have nothing to do with knitting.
So here goes....
1. I was born in Wellington hospital and lived most of my early years in Upper Hutt where I attended Trentham primary and Upper Hutt College.
2. I married young, at 18 and moved to Australia for 6 months where I lived and worked in Brisbane. For a while I lived in New Farm. I also travelled as far north as Carins and Green Island and as far south as Melbourne. It was meant to be the start of a work around the world trip but as I got pregnant with son #1 we came back to NZ where I have lived ever since. By the way I worked a couple of months at the Golden Circle canning factory.
3. Hence at nearly 55 I already have a 35 year son. Who lives in Washington DC and I haven't seen for 4 long years. So I am planning a trip to the States some time. Next year if I can get the money and leave together. I figure it would be best to go when something else is on eg Rhinebeck or Stitches East.
4. Hmm this is getting hard... let me see.... Ah I am hard of hearing as in I wear two hearing aides. You wouldn't know if you met me as I cope well with it. I have been deaf most of my life and they thought it was English measles but as son #2 and my DGS have the same hearing loss pattern they now think it is genetic. This leads to fact....
5. I have very long hair as in down to my waist at this point in time. It used to be down to my hips but has been shorter for a while now. Reason why you wouldn't see the aides. I do tend to wear it up at work and with Wellingtons winds .....!!! This is my Grandmothers fault as she had long hair when younger and when as a child I saw the pics of her wanted long hair as well. I wasn't allowed until I could look after it myself as I wasn't very good about brushing. As a result once I turned 13 grew it and it has been long ever since.
6. I am a second generation NZ on my mothers side as her parents arrived from Scotland in 1929 and on my fathers side they arrived from Scotland in 1852 on one of the first 3 settlers ships to arrive in Canterbury. My mothers great greats supported Bonnie Prince Charles and fled to France with him so have some french in the mix as well. As a result one of my must visit countries is Scotland and would love to go to the Shetland islands as I have been a passionate lace knitter in the past.
Anyway enough about me it is now your turn.
The rules are as follows.
1 Link to the person who tagged you. Diantee
2 Post the rules on your own blog.
3 Write 6 random things about yourself.
4 Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
5 Let each person know they have been tagged.
6 Let your tagger know via comment to their post you have passed it on.
So without futher ado these 6 have been tagged, hope you don't mind too much!!
Jean, Gillian, Jenla [ hm does this count as two?] , Ann and Kay [ another two! ]
Ok this will have to do for now most of my links are at work and I need to leave will have to link some more later.
Have fun and knit on.... >^..^<


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Anderson wins Patriots Sprint Triathlon near Williamsburg
September 8, 2013 | Williamsburg, Va.
Liberty University junior Joseph Anderson, who became a professional triathlete this year and trained in Kampala, Uganda, over the summer, finished first out of more than 500 competitors at Sunday's Patriots Sprint near Williamsburg, Va.
Anderson completed the course in 59 minutes, 31 seconds. His splits included a time of 8:43 for the 750-meter swim in the James River, 31:28 for the 20-kilometer cycling stage along Route 5, and 16:46 for the 5K run on a path parallel to the bike course.
"He was first out of 298 men, who were mainly age-groupers and he's gone pro now," Liberty triathlon head coach Beth Frackleton said.
Anderson's transition time between the swim and cycling stages took 2:02 and his transition between the bike and run required just 34 seconds. His closest competitor was Jack Smith, 27, from Kutztown, Pa., who crossed the finish line in 59:40.
Anderson won his previous race, the Aug. 18 Luray Sprint, a Virginia Triathlon Series event, by more than five minutes in 1:17:42.
Saturday's Patriots Sprint, which started and ended at Anniversary Park near the site of America's first settlement in Jamestown in 1607, was an open race, unlike the upcoming Liberty University Collegiate Triathlon on campus on Sept. 21. But it did attract many collegiate athletes, including 18 from Liberty and several more from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. It was considered part of the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Triathlon Conference series that includes schools from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
Liberty teammate Robert Weisbach placed 26th overall in 1:05:35, completing the swim in 8:59, the bike ride in 35:32 and the 5K in 18:04, and Josiah Slaydon came in 36th in 1:07:36, finishing the swim in 9:56, the bike ride in 35:20 and the 5K run in 19:01. Also for the men, Jake Ingersoll took 116th in 1:14:56 (11:45 swim, 36:40 bike, 21:58 run).
The Lady Flames' top female finisher was senior Kathryn Mullaly, who placed 100th in 1:13:34, (10:51 swim, 36:42 bike, 22:30 run). Other top women's competitors were junior Hannah Baldino, who placed 198th in 1:20:49, Bethany Jenkins, who finished 201st in 1:20:53, Ashley Fouse who crossed the finish line 213th in 1:21:47 and Zoie Dobrzanski, who followed a split-second later, taking 214th in 1:21:47. Elizabeth Vernon placed 222nd in 1:22:41 and Ginny Mitchell was 233rd in 1:23:10.


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Calorie Free: R.W. Knudsen Sparkling Essence Drinks
Sometimes we're tired of just drinking water, but also don't want a super-sweet soda—whether it's sweetened with HFCS, or sugar, or something artificial and calorie free. So we were curious about R.W. Knudsen's new(ish) line of flavored sparkling drinks. Would they be lightly flavored, refreshing options? Or oddly-infused experiments?
Here's how they fared.
The lemon version is the winner of the bunch. No, it's nothing earthshaking (what happens when you add lemon extract, lemon flavor, and lemon juice concentrate to carbonated spring water? You get...lemon water) but tasty and well-balanced, with just enough lemon tartness and bitterness. It's a bit more like sparkling water with a twist than sparkling water with lemonade, but that's fine with us. No fake sweetener, mildly interesting flavor. We sometimes get bored with plain seltzer, but we'd happily drink this, especially on a hot day, and the flavor tastes a bit more natural than most lemon-flavored seltzers we've had.
The lime flavor is a bit more robust, with a strong limey aroma that reminded us more of lime peel than fresh juice. It's more zesty than tart, and we wished for a sour kick.
But that's where this lineup started going downhill. When we cracked open the cucumber flavor, one of our tasters immediately said, "Whoa. This is uncanny." It's pretty intensely cucumbery, which is sort of refreshing but sort of bizarre, and some tasters found it a bit too vegetal and bitter.
We'd definitely skip the rest. The blueberry flavor smells exactly like the blue Mr. Sketch markers, which is kind of fun. ("Those were the best markers!" reminisced AHT editor Robyn Lee.) But the flavor is a little weak and tart, unsatisfying in the way that fruit-flavored teas often are. The mint version is oddly sour and spearmint-scented. Unless you feel the urge to swallow your mouthwash, this mint water is not for you. (Has anyone found an actually delicious mint water, really? This is a trend we just don't really understand.)
Finally, the coconut flavor has a blast of coconut (suntan lotion) scent, but the addition of lemon extract makes it for a confusing beverage. You expect coconut water or something sweeter, but the drink is pretty sour and not very coconutty. We couldn't finish a glass full.
About $22 for 24 cans, sample provided for review.
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