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Mineral Gray Metallic 2020 BMW X2 xDrive28i AWD
Experience BMW of Bloomington, Your Complete Satisfaction is Our Top Priority, Courtesy Service Pick-Up and Delivery, Courtesy BMW Loaner Vehicles, Courtesy Weekly Car Wash, No-Cost Scheduled Maintenance, Call 309-661-2691 for Complete Details.
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•Finance Credit - $2,000
•Lease Credit - $1,750
•BMW Loyalty - $1,000
•BMW Conquest - $750
•USAA - Up to $1,000
•College Grad - $1,000
BMW of Bloomington is dedicated to serving drivers in Bloomington, Normal, and Champaign by providing the ultimate client experience wherever you find yourself in the car-buying journey. We promise to deliver all of the services and world-class amenities you expect from a premium Bloomington BMW dealership.
*Plus taxes, title fees and $300 documentation fee.
*Number of views in last 30 days
† Based on 2020 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
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(309)-661-2691Call Now
1604 Commerce Pkwy • Bloomington, IL 61704Get Directions
Open Today! Sales: 8:30am-8pm
Open Today! Service: 7am-6pm
Open Today! Parts: 7am-6pm
Phone: (309)-661-2691http://maps.google.com/?q=1604%20Commerce%20Pkwy%2C%20Bloomington%2C%20IL%2061704


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Guest post by Anna Guest-Jelley.
Taking it All as a Blessing
My dad passed away several months ago. A few days after the funeral, my mom and I had to clean out his office at work. We waited until nearly everyone was gone for the day, and then we went in – holding our breath as we did.
He'd worked for his company for 35 years, and he always worked long hours. If ever there was a home away from home, this was it. Even though I'd only been to this particular office once before, the experience was highly visceral – walking the path he'd walked hundreds of times before from the front door to his office.
I didn't let myself lean into tears at that time (although, looking back, I wish I would have). Instead, I set about the work of getting the task at hand done as fast as humanly possible. That is, until I walked around to the back side of his desk.
There's something oddly intimate about the back side of a desk. A person spends so much time there; it's easy to tell how they work – where the notes are, how the pens are arranged, when they couldn't find a piece of paper and jotted down a note on their desk calendar.
My dad was a big fan of Flannery O'Connor. He even wrote his college honors thesis about her work. I think he was into Southern Gothic because, well, it probably felt a bit like home. He grew up inSouth Carolina and had a childhood that I could easily imagine captured by the likes of O'Connor or her peers: Faulkner, Welty, Williams.
Although I knew about this, I was still surprised to find a quote about her in his office. His desk faced the door, nearly filling the small office. And on one of the drawers (facing him, that no one else could see), I found this:
"an event perceived by the stricken
girl as a sign of God's grace
equivalent to 'a bullet in the side.
'I can with one eye squinting take
it all as a blessing.'"
Well, knock me down with a feather.
Bullet in the Side
It wasn't too difficult to assume what my dad's bullet was – his cancer. But I wasn't yet sure what O'Connor's was. As soon as I got home, though, I looked it up. The quote was actually from Joyce Carol Oates in a piece she wrote about O'Connor for The New York Review of Books. The event she refers to?
O'Connor's father's death.
And so I kinda began to feel like I was in a Southern Gothic myself.
There was something about the violence of O'Connor's language that stopped me in my tracks. She described her own loss with the force I was feeling mine. I felt strangely as though my dad, O'Connor and I had entered into the same conversation, outside the bounds of time, space and the written word. As though somehow our shared experiences – all of us losing our fathers too young (my dad was only 15 when he lost his) — were commingling in a place where the only way to cope with a loss so staggering is to start looking for the good.
I wouldn't say that I'm super great (read: at all great) at taking things as a blessing that I perceive to be bad. I certainly didn't do that with my dad's illness. As soon as he was diagnosed, I was outta there – and onto the internet, looking for any scheme I could to spare him.
And after he died, all I wanted was for everything to be over with: meeting with the funeral director, talking to people I'd never met at the visitation (or, worse, ones I had), looking for a Kleenex to hand to my mom. I methodically went from one task to the next – all towards the goal of getting away, closing the door, going to sleep, shutting down.
As I've pondered this quote since, I realize how my dad lived both sides of it – identifying as both the subject and object of loss. And when I thought about how he held both of those together, something spacious began to open up inside me. My awareness shifted from a single-minded focus on pain to an expanded field where pain coexists with pleasure, darkness with beauty, loss with blessing.
One Eye Squinting
As I peeled away the quote my dad had taped to his desk, I noticed how old the tape was. And how faded the paper it was printed on was. This clearly wasn't a new addition – nor a haphazard one. It was neatly taped in line with the edge of the desk drawer, adding a certain symmetry to an anything but neat situation.
One of the things that makes O'Connor's work compelling is her contrasts – violence amidst an everyday backdrop, the wrath of god equaled only by the love. In the midst of this experience that defied classification, my dad chose to find his daily inspiration in the gray areas, taking the good with the less good. Feeling fully the weight and slowly the gift.
As the realization of my dad's choice sunk in for me, I realized how I might be able to do it, too – shifting what I'd wanted to stay in the margins into the center. Letting this experience break me open and redefine me in a way that left me more compassionate, more loving and more wholehearted.
Our cleaning task ended up taking hours. It turned out that my mom had the opposite reaction to me; she wanted to stay as long as possible. The last thing we had to do, which I could hardly even look at, was turn out the light and walk away. As we did, my eyes had to adjust to the brightness of the rest of the building.
With one eye open and the other slowly making its way to join it.
|Anna Guest-Jelley is the Founder of Curvy Yoga, where she writes and teaches about yoga and embodiment as the foundations of a live well-lived (and body well-loved). Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

subset: commoncrawl


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A MOTORCYCLIST suffered suspected leg injuries after his bike collided with a car near Belmont.
The man was airlifted to hospital after the accident in Crookfield Road, off Belmont Road, between the villages of Belmont and Abbey Village.
Ambulance, police and fire services were all called to the scene at 4.10pm today and the road was closed while the incident was dealt with.


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220B Creax Road
Axis, AL 36505
Looking for a new home in Axis? It is a great time to buy real estate in Axis and our site is a great place to begin your search. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you are already familiar with the home buying process, you can be assured that you have the best tools and the perfect agent available to help with your Axis home search.
Type anything you want here and we will see what we can find in the property descriptions. Maybe a name of a golf course you want to live by or a term like fixer upper.


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World Premier of the Clarence Lai Cup (2009-06-05)
Hosted in Manila, Philippines at the PAPI indoor firing range Clarence Lai (aka Airsoft Surgeon) in conjunction with PAPI (Precision Aiming Philippines Inc.) hosted the World?s first Clarence Lai Cup!
Not only was this event a big deal for Clarence himself, but for the entire Airsoft Practical Shooting world as well, as the Clarence Lai Cup is the first Airsoft Practical Shooting Competition to have been sanctioned from a recognized IPSC club, the PPSA (Philippines Practical Shooting Association). With all the range officers on site provided by PPSA themselves!
Classified as a level 2 sanctioned match by PPSA over 85 shooters of all ages participated in 3 separate divisions over 10 IPSC styled courses in the Clarence Lai Cup. From teenage Airsoft shooters to professional IPSC shooters well into their golden years the competition lasted over the weekend of April 24th to 26th to a spectacular finish on the Sunday evening amid trophies and prizes presented by the Airsoft Surgeon himself!
Due to the huge success from the 1st ever Clarence Lai Cup, Airsoft Surgeon with support from Redwolf Airsoft plan to continue to host the Clarence Lai Cup in the Philippines, and in the near future expand to other countries.
Due to the successes of the 1st ever Clarence Lai Cup, Clarence Lai aka Airsoft Surgeon, in conjunction with Redwolf Airsoft, is offering to provide courses on how to set up your own airsoft practical shooting clubs in your very own countries.
For more information, please contact email@example.com.


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Actress Emma Watson has taken aim at the media for tearing apart Kristen Stewart following her cheating scandal last year (12), insisting everyone is entitled to make mistakes.
On one hand, I can understand why it happened people felt really involved in her relationship with Robert Pattinson
Stewart hit the headlines after photographs of her kissing her married Snow White and The Huntsman director Rupert Sanders went viral and she was forced to issue a public apology for the "indiscretion", which caused a brief break-up of her romance with Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson.
Tabloid editors continued to blast the actress for months over her messy love life, but Watson felt nothing but sympathy for Stewart because she had to struggle through her personal problems in the glare of the media spotlight.
The Harry Potter actress tells Italy's Vanity Fair magazine, "Those who criticized her are the same people that think that being rich and famous is like being covered in some kind of magic powder that makes life perfect Nothing can go wrong in your wonderful world. For these people, Kristen deserves all the bad things that have been thrown at her because she had an amazing life and she ruined it.
"I thought that the media picked on her in a very horrible way. Kristen is human, just like everybody else, and she's so young. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone. It's not fair to consider them matters of public interest.
"On one hand, I can understand why it happened people felt really involved in her relationship with Robert Pattinson. But it's also true that they both have done everything in their power to keep their relationship as far from the public eye as possible".


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Nameless Kx (Feat. Young Buck, Young Nobles & Prentice) - Here To Stay Remix [Label Submitted]
"Currently in the studio working on his first
official mixtape, Nameless Kx caught up with Young
Noble of the Outlawz and Young Buck to put
together this exclusive remix for "Here To Stay"
from the debut album "Nameless Begins / Endz". The
Track is produced by SINIMA. The original version
of this track can be found on the album and
features Young Buck. The remix version may find
its way to the mixtape. Who knows lol keep it
locked. Make sure you cop that album on Itunes!
Check this official video, its hot!.
Support Canadian Hip Hop, support real music
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nameless- Kx/45545113309"
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.


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BP's Alex Carnevale collects quotes from Rick Morrissey's Juan Pierre-Dayan Viciedo story:
"I might lose some respect from the players. People believe in Juan. They know he's our leader. I'm not afraid to bench a guy that's not producing, as long as I have something else better or equal. But I think he plays the game right. He works. A lot of people look up to him. Our players love him."
-White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on why he does not plan to bench outfielder Juan Pierre.
"I will not and have not put one player on this team that the coaches and Ozzie haven't had input in and haven't discussed because they know—and I know this better and mostly because I've been in this dugout—they know the pulse. They know whether there's cohesiveness, lack of cohesiveness, fight or non-fight."
-White Sox general manager Kenny Williams.
"I always say it's about winning; I don't care about feelings. But you have to be careful. You have to be careful how you treat your players, how your players are going to respond. If I do that to Juan, well, I never did it to anybody else. A lot of people have struggled, and I say, 'I'm not going to bench you.'"
"Joey just talked to Viciedo yesterday and I say someone tell Viciedo I don't hate him because I don't have space for him here."
–Guillen on bench coach Joey Cora's discussion with Triple-A IF/OF Dayan Viciedo.
"I wish I had 25 Juan Pierres, with all due respect to Konerko, Rios, Dunn. If you ever manage Juan Pierre, you appreciate the way this kid goes about his business. Maybe he'll be 0-for-100 in the next 20 games. I don't care. He's playing."
"I appreciate Ozzie saying he has my back, but I've been benched before, I've been booed, I've batted ninth, I've dropped balls—I've done all this stuff in my career. So this stuff doesn't shake me when I do get the boos or the media talk bad about me. I'm used to it."
–Juan Pierre. (Rick Morrissey, Chicago Sun-Times)


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Coolmine Equestrian is a top class horse riding facility located near Saggart village on the foot of the Dublin Mountains. This family run farm boasts fantastic views over Dublin City to the bay and as far North as the eye can see. Coolmine Equestrian has been awarded with Safety Standards, Customer Support and Tourism approval from The BHS, AIRE and Failte Ireland.
We offer various equestrian services at our equestrian facility centre from lessons for adults and children to leisurely trail rides and education.
Coolmine Equestrian Centre is situated in an idyllic Dublin setting located within 20 minutes driving from Dublin City Centre or 20 minutes from Dublin Airport.
• We specialise in providing top class horse riding activities for all ages and skill levels
• We provide livery stables and great care for your horse or pony
• We provide a variety of career training with full time and part-time training courses
• We host regular shows, clinics and workshops
• Our BHS, AIRE and Horse Sport Ireland qualified staff are professional equestrians and have extensive equestrian skills, not to mention first aid, child protection training and are individually vetted by the Garda.


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70805 The Lego Movie Trash Chomper
- Out of stock
Lego The Movie 70805 The Trash Chomper
Rebuild the 2-in-1 garbage truck into a flying Trash Chomper!
Rise up against the robots by converting the garbage truck with opening trash masher into a flying Trash Chomper with gobbling mouth, wing cannons and garbage-can exhausts. But watch out! The Micro Manager is preparing to fire its hidden flick missiles at the helpless citizens, so hurry! Includes 3 minifigures with assorted accessories: Garbage Man Grant, Garbage Man Dan and the chef, Gordon Zola.
Includes 3 minifigures with assorted accessories: Garbage Man Grant, Garbage Man Dan and the chef, Gordon Zola
Features Trash Chomper with snapping mouth, wing cannons and garbage-can exhausts
Convert into a garbage truck with opening trash masher
Accessories include 2 garbage cans, shovel and a broom
Open the garbage truck loader and empty the garbage cans
Flip up the Micro Manager's side wings to reveal 4 the hidden flick missiles
A brilliant 2-in-1 building experience
Includes building instructions for both models
Watch The LEGO® Movie to see all your favorite characters in action
Regular garbage truck measures over 3" (8cm) high, 5" (15cm) long and 3" (9cm) wide
Flying Trash Chomper measures over 5" (14cm) high, 5" (15cm) long and 7" (19cm) wide
The Micro Manager measures over 2" (6cm) high, 2" (7cm) long and 1" (4cm) wide.
Suitable for ages 8 to 14 years.


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Kim Kardashian recently told V Magazine that she'd like to be the first reality star to land on Hollywood's Walk of Fame:
I think there was a quote where somebody said that reality stars will never get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. So, of course I'm so competitive that I think that it would be a huge achievement and a goal that anyone would want. I would love to break that mold.
Naturally, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce scoffed at her aspirations (along with the rest of us):
She has not been nominated. She is a reality star. We don't do reality stars. She needs to get a real acting job then come to us.


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Who wanna battle? 16's. Peace!
Who wanna battle? 16's. Peace!
word is born light enters the ready like fight psalm
Incite the calm endevour mentor it on steady then sight gone
If right wrong, Hell and Love the difference, what is given?
in armageddon keeping lifted heads assistance isn't system
It's a prison and we live it, progress halted in this heaven
Zion stilted, rhyme uphill kidd to be seven, God is memory
and deviant from pastor's preachin it, I keep in it I seeking
self and reaching heathens kidd, remind the demons guilt
is bliss and redemptions the key to cysts that are more cure
than being missed by radars peak and loving shit that isn't
weak run with the gift that ancients speak of in the nation's
guide that kissed the word of God but ran asaunder, shift
the power balance harder there's no martyr without truth
no concentration given proof there's only rule, creation's
roof , the destination asiatic black and skinless find, it's truth
trust in the mind I have no time there is just time there is no time
Reason beaming harder, feeling deep when seasons cauterize
the pain, burn I old name with wisdom, water remove gain
errode the stain of being pure, corrode the shame I have incurred
release the cain from killing earth, release the same from being
worth and being worse to reconcile the dirt and trees with something
vile, dirt mcgirt might last a while but the God goes on in style, utter
knowledge accentuate the shirt from off the back I see inert, see
demonstration calm the curse, Cee Born Equality I flirt
and find in numbers jewels and words, Cee Y the Lord has only herbs,
creation, lines and being curt when 10% arrive to serve the purpose
given by a word not of Lord God but skimming songs and limits on
the land, Qu'ran, inhibits God from being all, as if the object isn't stalled
by fact, nothing stand lone intact without the stack of power backed
divine, erect the slack to bring the mind more sign of God and Louder
kick the heavy shit devour those that ready to encounter rhymes that
maybe keep it shrouded
cancel doubt and shout it
How king? live in heaven
Don't vote 60051 tho, -Lord Joker JAH king Infinite


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~The new puppy needed a soft place to lay while inside her crate. With so many dogs it is easy for her to become overwhelmed. Also she is in the chewing puppy stage. She likes to grab whatever she can and destroy. So, a crate/kennel was needed. I couldn't just let her lay on the hard plastic, so I dug out a piece of leftover patchwork and added a few pieces, put batting in and finished it with some Perle cotton quilt ties.
~It was soft and cozy~
~A running stitch kept it all nice and contained~
Too bad Annabelle tore it all up, naughty puppy.
Now she has an old cutter quilt in the bottom of her crate.


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Homa Sabet Tavangar
Photo: © Michael Spain Smith
About the Author
Homa Tavangar has 20 years' experience working with governments, businesses, international organizations and non-profit agencies in global competitiveness, organizational and business development and cross-cultural issues.
She has lived in the Middle East, East and West Africa, South America, and throughout the United States. In addition to English, she speaks Persian (Farsi), Spanish, Portuguese, and rudimentary French and Swahili. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in International Economics, and International Development and Public Affairs from UCLA and Princeton University. Her religious heritage includes four of the world's major faiths, and she has family living on every continent.
Homa has been researching Growing Up Global since spending the first anniversary of 9/11/01 in China, while she served as Special Advisor on International Business Development for the City of Philadelphia. From January through April 2007 she lived in West Africa with her children, where they spent a school term and she blogged their experience for the Philadelphia Inquirer. She is married and the mother of three girls, ranging in age from 5 to 15. She is active with their public schools in suburban Philadelphia and serves on the Boards of several international organizations. This is her first book.


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CCleaner v3.26
Happy Christmas/Happy Holidays from everyone here at Piriform! As the holiday season has started, we're releasing the latest version of CCleaner a few days early, so it'll be ready for those of you expecting some nice new hardware on the 25th. :)
We've focused this release on fine-tuning the browser Add-on management, and adding cleaning for the latest Microsoft and Adobe products.
Download now
Or for all our supporters who have bought CCleaner Professional, your installation will update automatically.
- Improved Firefox add-on management.
- Improved Google Chrome extension management.
- Optimized directory analysis algorithm.
- Added cleaning for Office 2013.
- Added cleaning for Adobe Reader 11.0.
- Fixed minor issue with Windows 8 installer.
- Updated unicode translations.
- Minor GUI improvements.
- Minor tweaks and bug fixes.
Download now from www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner
Follow us on Facebook
At facebook.com/Piriform
Follow us on Google+


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Happy New Year everyone! I wish you all the best and I hope that you enjoyed the holidays! For New Year's eve I chose to wear something more special. Total black with silver details seemed to be a perfect decision.I wore my black full skirt with my crop top from Female Collection and I added some accessories to make it more formal. Of course the color shade I chose for both nails and lips couldn't be other than red that makes the look more chic. I hope you had an amazing time at New Year's eve just like me!
Kisses, Eva
top: Female / skirt: Female / bag: Zara / boots: Tsakiris Mallas / sunnies: Asos


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New VPI Application for 2020-2021. You may apply now!
Espanol Aplicacion 2020-2021
Emily Altizer - Administrator of Literacy Programs and Preschool
Phone (540) 382-5100, extension 1044
Email: email@example.com
The Virginia Preschool Initiative began in 1994 as a part of a program to improve educational achievement. This initiative serves at-risk four year olds who are not being served by Head Start. Students must be four years old by September 30 in order to be eligible for the program.
Preschool programs are located in eight elementary schools in Montgomery County:
Each preschool classroom serves no more than 18 four year olds with one teacher and one highly qualified aide providing a staff/child ratio of 9:1. Classes meet on all school days and students ride the school bus with other elementary students. Students must attend the preschool in the elementary school where they will attend kindergarten.
The Virginia Preschool Initiative emphasizes collaboration among the home, school and community to provide a quality program which fosters the development of the whole child. A safe, nurturing environment is provided at each location which promotes active exploration, curiosity, and an excitement for learning.
The links to the right will provide additional resources for parents and teachers interested in more information about the preschool program.
For further information, please contact Emily Altizer, Administrator of Literacy Programs and Preschool , at 540.382-5100, extension 1044 or Lori Phillips, Administrative Assistant for Literacy Programs, at 540.382.5100, extension 1045.
Montgomery County Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs and activities for reasons of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, age, or on any other basis prohibited by law. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:
Director of Human Resources and Assistant Superintendent for Operations 750 Imperial Street SE, Christiansburg, VA 24073 (540) 382-5100


text: All About 'Rockwood Mosaic' Our stunning tile & stone collections allow you to unleash your creativity with endless combinations. Designed to mimic the natural textures, like quarried slate, travertine and limestone, these looks embody flooring sophistication. Shaw tile & stone is available in ceramic, porcelain and stone and includes eco-friendly options to meet your various project needs. Shaw Floors recommends this product in the following areas: Walls Floors Exteriors Product Specifications Flooring Type Tile & Stone Style CS54L ROCKWOOD MOSAIC Color 00730 GLADE Collection ROCKWOOD Product Type Glazed Porcelain sq.ft.per 0.97 Slip Resistant NO Frost Resistant NO Made in the USA NO Country Of Origin Turkey Downloads Rockwoo Features Download PDF Rockwood Porcelain Selling Sheet Download PDF


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ACHS Partner
The PhD Project - A calling. A purpose. And a career that rewards tenfold. BECOME A PROFESSOR.
The PhD Project is an alliance of foundations, corporations, universities, and professional and academic organizations dedicated to increasing minority representation in the business world. Our expansive network of support helps African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and Native Americans attain their business Ph.D., become business school professors and serve as role models to attract the next generation of minority business leaders.
Some facts that may influence your decision to pursue a career in business academia:
- Virtually all universities do NOT charge tuition and DO provide stipends for business doctoral students.
- You do NOT need an MBA to enter a doctoral program.
- Academic salaries are VERY attractive.
- Experience and maturity gained in the corporate world are highly valued.
What are the Benefits to You?
- You will have a Channel for your Passions and Interests
- You will experience Maximum Opportunity for Work-Life Balance
- You will have the Rare Opportunity to Mentor a Generation
- You will enjoy the Collegiality of an Academic Environment and Lifestyle
- You will realize excellent Earnings Potential
- You will enjoy a Stimulating, Lifelong Career
Our Results are Impressive:
When The Project started in 1994, there were just 294 minority business professors throughout the U.S. Today this number has more than quintupled to over 1,500 and is increasing every day principally through out efforts.
Think about it.
The deadline for our annual conference is September 30th. For more information on the conference or application, contact Cristina Pazos at [email protected], 201-505-6184
If you have general questions about The PhD Project Doctoral Students Associations, would like to become a member, or have news to share with our network (defended comps, proposal, dissertation) please contact Myrna Varner at [email protected] or 201-307-7628.
To learn more about the journey to Professor, visit us on Facebook at:
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/thephdproject
To connect with our members, visit www.MyPhDNetwork.org
We invite your company or organization to join us and make a noticeable contribution to increasing diversity in the business world. Click here for a list of our Sponsors and to learn how you can join us. Contact Bernard J. Milano at 201.307.7662, or email [email protected].


text:
Set of Two Portrack House Garden Tables in Gold
- H 21.75" x W 14" x D 14"
Please allow 1-2 weeks to ship out and receive tracking.
Aidan Gray features authentic designs and products that exude European Grandeur. Each item is made by hand and with authentic materials such as solid wood, rustic metals, antique mirror, old painted finishes and silk appointments. Seven years after its founding, the company continues to streamline its look and feel with an ever expanding line of exceptional quality and detail-oriented products.


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On the streets of Oakland, new hope for black infants
In the roughest neighborhoods of Oakland, Sandra Tramiel carries a baby scale in her knapsack as she undertakes a profound mission: saving Alameda County's black children from death before their first birthday.
Tramiel is a public health nurse, a foot soldier in a decades-long battle waged here and across the country to reduce the disproportionately high death rate of African American newborns.
In Alameda County, which has the highest proportion of African Americans in the state, there is new evidence that efforts like Tramiel's home visits are paying off.
The rate of black infant deaths is on the decline, having dropped to 8.05 per 1,000 live births between 2007 and 2010, one of the lowest rates in the state.
The statewide black infant mortality rate of 9.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2010, the most recent year for which data is available, is still agonizingly high, but for the first time the number is below double digits. The state saw a 21 percent drop from 2008 and 2010.
While researchers say they want to see the statewide decline sustained for several years before declaring it a trend, these gains – and other similar declines across the country – could have powerful health and social significance for the state's African American population.
"It's exciting around the country to see these places that have been successful. Boston has seen success. Washington, D.C., has seen success. … Alameda County has certainly been a major leader," said Fleda Mask Jackson, a member of the Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality.
Still many deaths
State health officials are proud that California's infant mortality rate now ranks fourth-best among all states in the nation.
Yet they also point out that California's black infants continue to die more than twice as frequently as white children, whose infant mortality rate stands at 4.1 deaths per 1,000 live births.
And in a global context, California's improved African American death rate is roughly the same as that in Sri Lanka, Botswana and a host of other developing nations.
Convinced that their work is helping to erase the long-running racial disparity, Alameda County deploys Tramiel and 14 other staff members as part of a federally funded, $2 million-a-year campaign to educate and support at-risk mothers and mothers-to-be.
Tramiel remembers her first case nearly a decade ago. A 2-month-old girl named Tatiana died of sudden infant death syndrome as she slept in her mother's bed.
"I'd never seen a tiny coffin before. I remember how hard it was for the family to pull together," she said while driving through Oakland on her rounds.
Tramiel was assigned to work with the grieving mother, Laurie Lawson, now 28. Among the topics they discussed: the importance of cribs. Due to some traditions and sometimes the cost, use of cribs has lagged in the African American community. Although there is some debate, SIDS has been linked to babies sleeping in parents' beds.
Tramiel, 66, said she told Lawson about how she had lost a child six months into her pregnancy when she was in her 20s.
"It wasn't coming from a place where I was applying book and theory to the situation," she said.
Lingering success
The bond the two women formed continues. Lawson says she changed her sleeping habits, and now she has two healthy children: Amaya, 8, and De'jon, 5.
Recovering from the loss of Tatianna was difficult; dealing with the blame from her family only compounded her grief, Lawson said.
"I had my husband and (his) mom saying, 'You killed my daughter, my granddaughter,' " said Lawson, whom authorities cleared of any wrongdoing. "Even to this day, sometimes I still have this fear of sleeping."
With Tramiel's support, Lawson stayed with her husband, Thurmond Hollins, through their daughter's death and even as he served five years in prison for robbery.
Since his release, Hollins has found a union construction job. He credits Tramiel, marriage counselors and his incarceration to changing his perspective.
He no longer blames his wife.
"I really can't do her like that," said Hollins, 31. "She already has a lot of guilt, stress, hurt and blame."
These outreach programs are only one reason infant mortality rates have dropped. In the 1930s, death rates were almost 10 times higher. Medical advances, improved prenatal care, fewer mothers who smoke, child safety seats and reductions in teen pregnancy have led to significant declines in infant deaths.
The national rate for all infants, which topped 50 deaths per 1,000 births in 1935, has fallen to 6.8. Yet gains have slowed over the last decade, and the United States' rate has fallen to 50th in the world, one of the worst among developed countries, according to U.N. data.
Moreover, the racial disparity in the United States has been growing for much of the last century.
In the 1930s, black infant deaths were 50 to 60 percent higher than white deaths; by the end of the 20th century they had become 150 percent higher.
Experts like Mask Jackson say that infant mortality rates reflect a community's access to health care, and its social, economic and environmental well-being.
"This is really is one of the barometers of equality," added Mask Jackson, who is also president and CEO of Majaica, an Atlanta think tank focused on America's uneven birth outcomes. "Each community is not going down at the same rate. There is still a disparity."
Federal assistance
Alameda County has chipped away at the black infant mortality rate since 1991, when 17.7 deaths per 1,000 live births the previous year qualified it for the national Healthy Start program.
The Healthy Start program, established by President George H. W. Bush with 15 startup programs including Alameda's, now encompasses 105 projects nationwide.
The programs focus on reducing barriers to health care, providing prenatal care and promoting better health behaviors. They address needs like nutrition, housing, counseling and career support.
"Certainly, we're very hopeful," Dr. Michael Lu, the federal administrator of Healthy Start, said of reductions in infant mortality. "But on the other hand, there's still a lot of work to be done. There's still more than a two-fold gap" in racial disparities.
Known as the Improving Pregnancy Outcomes Program, Alameda County's Healthy Start effort is financed with about $2 million a year from the Department of Health and Human Services.
With a staff that includes nurses, community outreach workers, health educators and support workers, it reaches as many as 400 families a year.
"I think that where our program has been set apart from other programs of this ilk is we are very grounded in the community," said Kiko Malin, Alameda County's director of maternal child health programs.
"We're listening to women, and responding to their needs," she added.
In-home care offered
Malin's nurses enter homes in black neighborhoods with the highest infant mortality rates, an area that covers nine Alameda County ZIP codes.
Office visits are also part of the program.
Aminah Robinson, an Alameda County Community Health Outreach worker, meets regularly with Mori Franklin, 22, whose obesity and diabetes puts her pregnancy at risk.
Like a stern sister, Robinson prodded Franklin about her diet during a recent session in San Leandro.
Franklin has a way of smiling and agreeing in a singsong voice, implying she is following the nutrition plan outlined for her. But with a few extra questions, Robinson discovered that the chicken she's been having for dinner was covered in gravy, and the greens she's been eating were fried.
Robinson reminded Franklin that she's not just eating for herself. She turned to a section from "Life Unto Life," a pamphlet health workers give to mothers so they can understand how a fetus develops, week to week. She reads from weeks 28 to 30:
"The fetus has the ability to breathe air in and out of its lungs," Robinson read. "The brain enters a period of rapid growth … The eyes can now open, close, and blink."
Franklin promised to work on her diet.
Baby showers
The Alameda County program identifies its mothers though referrals from other public agencies, but more often locates them through contacts with churches, hair salons and walking the sidewalks.
Three times a month, the county health department holds Club Mom baby showers for pregnant women.
The showers can draw more than 60 women on a weekend day. They are advertised with flyers and other means, but mostly through the work of "peer health leaders." These community ambassadors make $125 a month for finding and documenting contact with 20 women.
They are expected to attend two meetings a month as well, and receive their payment in grocery store gift cards.
Many of the ambassadors have attended the showers, which often draw repeat visitors.
At the gatherings, baby games are played. Men are discussed. There's laughter, and a few tears.
There are also sessions on new ways to track the health of your child. A recent one showed expecting mothers how to "kick count."
The women placed their hands over their bulging bellies and were told to find a quieter setting later, then feel for 10 fetal kicks, rolls or other movement within a 2-hour period.
The American Pregnancy Association reports that kick counting is important for women with high-risk pregnancies and could prevent stillbirth.
Tramiel led a recent session. She asked the women, many of them newcomers: "How many of you are doing kick counts?"
None raised their hands.
She took note, then followed up: "How many of you are going to do kick counts?"
Every expecting mother raised her hand.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story quoted Laurie Lawson as saying that her mother was among family members who initially blamed her for the sudden infant death of her child. Rather, it was her mother-in-law who initially blamed her, Lawson said.
Trở thành người đầu tiên bình luận cho bài viết này!


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Sister Joan Chittister famously said, "We are each called to go through life reclaiming the planet an inch at a time until the Garden of Eden grows green again." Reflecting on that journey -- a blog at a time -- is the focus of this site.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
These are a few of my favorite ...
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." -- Desmond Tutu
"All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions." -- Adlai E. Stevenson
"I'm so glad Mary didn't wait for the formulation of a Doctrine of the Incarnation before she said 'Yes' to God." -- Ed Bacon
"Justice is the corporate face of God's love." – John Hines
"Faith is what you're willing to die for. Dogma is what you're willing to kill for." – Robert Shahan
"History belongs to the intercessors, who believe the future into being." – Walter Wink
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." – Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Nothing changes the past. Everything changes the future." – Joan Chittister
28 comments:
- Brian F said...
Susan - thank you for your post of your favourite quotations. There are two that I would take exception to however. Firstly on Ed Bacon and Mary, I fear that he has got it around the wrong way - it is because Mary said yes to God that we now have a doctrine of the incarnation according to the account in Luke's gospel 1:26-35, whereby we can know from the apostle's teaching (or doctrine or dogma, whichever word you prefer to use) that Jesus Christ is the incarnate Son of God, both fully human and fully divine. Without that historical fact and the ensuing doctrine, our Christian faith falls into a heap.
Secondly, about Shahan and faith/dogma. He sets up a false dichotomy between faith and dogma, or doctrine or teaching. No belief system in the world is devoid of a body of teaching which defines that faith system. Doctrine or dogma, are both related to the same word Greek word didache, and come from the Latin doctrina, simply means teaching. Is teaching bad? Of course not, otherwise we wouldn't send our kids to school or to Sunday School. Teaching in the church informs Christians about what we believe and why we believe. It is part of being transformed in our minds to acknowledge the truth of God and his ways, and to rationally and reasonably discern his will for us (Rom 12:2-3). Faith without teaching, doctrine or dogma is a faith devoid of understanding, and is irrational. If you are an ordained minister, then at some point in your career you will be involved in teaching others about your faith, as I am. That is labelled unfortunately as in"doctrin"ation by those who might disagree with what we teach, but nonetheless, it is teaching the basic foundations of the Christian faith, which distinguish Christianity from other belief systems. Does that mean I am motivated to kill someone if they reject my teaching? Of course not, how utterly absurd and utterly unbiblical, ungoldy, unChristian. It does mean however, that if I am willing to die for my faith, then I am doing so rationally and reasonably, because my faith has been informed by my doctrine. Some others however may be willing to kill other people for their faith (ie radical fundamentalist Muslim per 9/11) and that is because their faith is informed by erroneous doctrine. In their case both their faith and their doctrine are wrong.
I do wish you would stop perpetuating this false dichotomy between faith and dogma, as if teaching the faith is unnecessary and even undesirable. This quotation is actually quite antithetical to authentic Christianity.
- LGMarshall said...
Thank you Brian F. for your Biblical Christian perspective. I'm praying that Ed Bacon will follow Mary's example and also say 'Yes' to God.
Re Faith/Dogma....there are plenty of examples in God's Word where the Faithful followers were asked to kill... so that argument goes out the window too. Is it always wrong to kill? Of course not -- that's absurd.
Men can utter useful & clever sayings and they may hold some weight, but, I would never bet my life on them.
It's telling that Susan didn't include any of God's 'quotes' in her favourite sayings.
- SUSAN RUSSELL said...
"God's Quotes?"
You mean Her literal words from the inerrant Canon of Holy Scripture?
You're kidding, right?
(And ... in point of fact ... I consider God to be ably quoted in the words of Martin King, etc.)
Onward and upward ...
- IT said...
Oh, come now Susan.
Everyone knows God spoke plain English.
- uffda51 said...
But Brian, why is it that so many conservatives refuse to admit that dogma, or doctrine, or teaching, changes over time?
Dogma changed after Paul, after Constantine, after Nicea, after Luther, after the American Revolution, after the Civil War, after Vatican II, and on and on. It will continue to do so.
There is a direct line between the faithful and God. Sometimes, however, the faithful have obscured God with dogma.
- David said...
Susan - Thank you for these! Dr. King's is one of my favorites as it remains so applicable and is a reminder the constant call of God to us to make justice a reality.
I lifted three of them to add to my Facebook page. I believe Sr Joan's may be my favorite!
- Brian F said...
LGMarshall - I believe also that there is a place for killing in warfare, if that war is well supported by the international community to preserve justice in the world and to defeat evil. We just need to be so cautious in how we define evil and to honestly assess how severe a risk it presents, while always acknowledging that evil always exists in this fallen world, before we embark into warfare.
I would not extend that "permission to kill" though to allow me to kill anyone to preserve my faith or religion or to enforce anyone else to accept my faith and religion. Killing abortion doctors for example is not called for, despite the utter abhorrence of abortion. The weapon?/tool/instrument Christians are to use to overcome evil or to promote truth, righteousness, peace and goodness in our community is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, not perverted as it is by some false teachers.
And uffda51 - institutions may change their doctrine as much and as often as they like, but if the church changes its doctrine to such an extent that it departs from the teaching of the apostles and prophets, as ECUSA seems to be in the process of doing, (see note below) then it ceases to be a Christian organisation, because it has shifted to a different foundation (ref Eph 2:20)
1. as it redefines the nature of God ("Her" susan? - I don't suppose that you would mind being called Mr Russell then?), or the person and work of Christ including his incarnation, atoning death, bodily resurrection and glorious return - I am referring to the work and writings of the Jesus Seminar including John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg, which seems to have well penetrated the seminaries of ECUSA and changed people's understanding of who Jesus is, and significantly diverted the church's teaching away from the apostolic witness in other areas of human sexuality and ethics as well.
- SUSAN RUSSELL said...
Brian F ... the "nature of God" involves testosterone? Really?
Wow ... the things you learn on blogs.
As for the Mr. Russell, actually, it's Rev. Russell. Thanks for asking.
- Brian F said...
Dear Susan - if it doesn't bother you to dishonour God by refusing to refer to Him as He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture, then why do you get so precious about the way others might refer to you? Are you greater than God? And BTW, I never mentioned anything about testosterone, since I don't believe that the sex hormones of either gender are applicable to God. According to Gen 1:26-27 both human genders, male and female were created by Him in His image. So obviously God's "He"ness is not to do with the male sexual identity, since females have equal status with males of being created in His image. Yet God in His infinite wisdom has chosen to reveal Himself to us using the masculine pronoun. Who are we to reassign Him to being her?
- SUSAN RUSSELL said...
Brian ... Bless your heart. Today is actually my day off so I'm just going to acknowledge your taking time to post and then get on with my day.
(She said, sipping her coffee from her "God Is Not A Boy's Name" coffee mug.)
Suffice to say, since I don't buy the "in His infinite wisdom He revealed Himself" part, the rest of your argument doesn't hold.
Have a great weekend,though.
- WilliamK said...
Yet God in His infinite wisdom has chosen to reveal Himself to us using the masculine pronoun. Who are we to reassign Him to being her?
Right, indeed! How dare Mother Susan refer to God using feminine terminology! Why, she's doing just like that arch-heretic, St. Augustine of Hippo, who wrote, "Deus mater est, quia fovet et nutrit et lactat et continet" (Exposition of Ps. 26.2.18, PL 36:208). How dare he have done such a thing???? And then there was that revisionist, St. Anselm of Canterbury, who penned this prayer: "But thou also Jesus, good Lord, art thou not also Mother? ... Truly, Lord, thou art also Mother.... Thou, therefore, soul, dead of thyself, run under the wings of Jesus thy Mother and bewail under her wings thy afflictions. Beg that she heal thy wounds, and that healed she may restore thee to life. Mother Christ, who gatherest thy chicks under thy wings, this dead chick of thine puts himself under thy wing" (Oratio ad Sanctum Paulum, PL 158:981f.). What blasphemy!!!! How dare St. Anselm refer to Jesus as "she"???!!!
What's the world coming to when Anglicans refer to God the way St. Augustine and St. Anselm did?
WilliamK ... running under the wings of Mother Jesus
(Enjoy your day off, Mother Susan!)
- uffda51 said...
Could it be, Brian, that an ancient patriarchal society created a god in its own image? Can the ground of all being be reduced to a pronoun? Can the peace that passes all understanding be reduced to pearly gates, streets of gold, and harp-playing angels?
- Brian R said...
Brian F is a priest in the diocese of North West Australia. It is a huge diocese in area but only has 18 parishes. It is supported by the homophobic GAFCON diocese of Sydney and a large number of its priests (Not Brian F) were trained there.
Its Bishop David Mulready (originally from Sydney) said in an interview.
"Women are prohibited from leadership in the Anglican Church, he said, because the Bible says so.
He quoted this passage, from Paul's first Letter to Timothy: "Women should learn in silence and all humility. I do not allow them to teach or to have authority over men; they must be quiet." The passage goes on to say: "For Adam was created first, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and broke God's law."
But he adds kindly: "But a woman will be saved through having children, if she perseveres in faith and love and holiness, with modesty."
He boycotted the installation of Australia's first women bishop (in his own province) last year and has announced she will not be allowed to officially visit his diocese. He claimed it was the first step on the ladder towards gay priests.
Some of the parishes in Sydney (so I assume also in NW Australia) do not allow women to speak (even read the lessons) if men are present.
It is a wonder Brian F does not feel he is made impure by just visit Rev Susan Russell's blog. His view of the nature of God relegates all his views to the dark ages but then I thank the previous comment for informing me that even in those times some of the divines were far more enlightened.
The sooner these types leave the Anglican communion the better in my opinion.
- SUSAN RUSSELL said...
Goodness me! Context may not be EVERYTHING, but it's certainly on the list!
Thanks for the "back story," Brian (R)!!!
- MarkBrunson said...
Brian F is a priest in the diocese of North West Australia.
And has an unhealthy need to meddle in TEC . . . in which he still has no say.
It must gall him to not be able to put you in your place, Mother Susan.
- Brian F said...
Thankyou Brian R for that attempted exposure of me on Susan's blog. I would appreciate if you had contacted me prior to making erroneous allegations against me. If you had, you would have learned that I regularly have women reading the bible in our services, and leading us in intercessory prayer, and involved in a number of other ministries in the parish, which I highly value, and would appreciate your prayers for their success.
Furthermore, I do regard Susan as a fellow sister in Christ - why should I feel impure by visiting Susan's blog? Are we not all sanctified by the Holy Spirit as He dwells in us, so our purity is not determined as the Pharisees believed by who we associate (or communicate) with.
And WilliamK - while Augustine and St Anselm wrote some great things, they were not infallible - they were not divinely inspired as the prophets and apostles were. And anyway, Paul refers to himself as being like a nursing mother to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 2:7), but clearly he was male and not at all confused about his gender identity, nor did he have gender reassignment surgery for a few verses. Clearly some passages of the Bible must be taken metaphorically - and maybe that's what Augustine and St Anslem were doing in the passages you quoted. All of us have to engage our brains when interpreting the Scriptures, and I for one do not take everything written in the Bible literally. However, that does not give us a licence for referring to Jesus as Mother as PB Schori has done without any context, or for referring to God as Her just to stir up offence among the brethren.
And uffda51 - if the god we worship was created by an patriarchal community then He is no god at all (how could such a god raise a man crucified dead and buried to new life?), and we are all wasting our time here. I could be earning a fortune doing other things in my previous career.
- uffda51 said...
I doubt if PB Schori refers to God as "Her" just to stir up offence among the brethren. I suspect she is trying to remind us of the all-encompassing nature of the God who created and loves us all.
Conservatives believe that women should not be priests because none of the apostles were women. Nor were any of the apostles Irish
BrianF, could you tell us about the day when you chose the faith tradition in which you would be born? (Was it the same day you chose your sexual orientation?) Does God determine before birth which souls will be born into the One True Religion and which will be condemned to Hell for all eternity?
Are our choices in life really reduced only to "my God is greater than your God" versus "earning a fortune?"
- WilliamK said...
Father Brian (F),
I believe you misunderstood the point I was making in my post. I was pointing out that Mother Susan's use of a femine pronoun to refer to God,and PB Jefferts Schori's reference to "Mother Jesus," are not modern "politically correct" innovations; rather, they draw on and reflect deep and authentic sources in our tradition.
I was certainly not claiming infallibility for either St. Augustine or St. Anselm (I happen to disagree with both of them on several issues); I was citing them to indicate that MEN of undisputed orthodoxy in our tradition felt comfortable referring to God and Our Lord Jesus using feminine language. Like those saints, I'm not a strict "biblicist"; I don't think what we say and believe must be limited only to what the Bible itself says. I accept Holy Tradition ... and referring to God using feminine language is part of Holy Tradition... just as referring to God as a Trinity is! If you reject Holy Tradition, that's "okay"; but surely you do understand that we are now replaying one of the good old tensions in Anglicanism? I get it. You're an "Evangelical." Father, I'm not... as my address to you as "Father" probably signals!
I'm not sure I understand what you are claiming when you refer to confusion about gender, gender reassignment, etc. ... unless you really are taking the masculine language about God that is dominant (but not exclusively so) in Scripture LITERALLY? To quote Scripture, "God is not a man." Any anthropomorphic language used of Her is necessarily metaphorical. To say otherwise is to embrace paganism, which had genuinely male and female deities who were genuinely sexual (think randy Zeus and virginal Athena). Referring to God as "She" is not about subjecting God to sex-reassignment surgery. It is a case of using a different metaphor to broaden our understanding of how God relates to us and we relate to God. That's exactly what St. Augustine and St. Anselm were doing ... not to mention Blessed Julian of Norwich (whom PB Jefferts Schori was drawing on in her sermon), and (as I recently learned) the late Pope John Paul I, who early in his lamentably brief pontificate said, "God is also Mother."
When I refer to God as "She" I am not thereby asserting that God IS female. I genuinely hope that when you refer to God as "He" you are not thinking of God as male.
...or for referring to God as Her just to stir up offence among the brethren.
I really don't think it is appropriate to attribute motives to people you don't really know. In any event, I must confess that I had a chuckle at "offence among the brethren"! I wondered, what about the "sistern"???!!! But, seriously, this IS the problem that is being challenged by Mother Susan, PB Jefferts Schori, and others who advocate for inclusive and expansive language to refer to people and God: the tendency of traditional Christianity (so far) to make MALES the primary focus and essential default in all things. Yes, I know, "brethren" is a biblical expression. But I don't believe we must be limited to the language of Scripture, especially if slavish use of it actually goes against what Scripture actually affirms. As Scripture itself says, "The Letter kills; the Spirit gives life." If our language excludes, thereby stirring up offense among the brothers and sisters, then we ought to change it... and we can do so fully in accord with our deep and rich tradition.
May God our Mother encourage, nourish, nurse, and hold you.
P.S. My verification word is "nolis". Some message in that, I think???
- Brian F said...
WilliamK - just because other saints in the past have referred to God as "Her" or Jesus as "Mother" in the past does not make them right in doing so, or make us right in following them, if it has no Biblical support. There are and have been many things in the church's tradition which have erroneously crept into the church against Biblical revelation, and need to be weeded out. The Protestant church is a reforming church, always examining our practices and traditions in the light of Scripture, NOT in the light of our present cultural context. If you hold to all things in earlier traditions, then do you still practice or believe in selling indulgences? if not, why not? It's in the tradition.
I don't have a problem with inclusive language where it is appropriate - for example in many places in Scripture, "men" are referred to when "people" is what is meant - therefore the biblical translators ought to use "people". Similarly with "brothers" - and I wondered if brethren was a more gender neutral term rather than brothers or sisters, since there is no corresponding word which is explicitly feminine. Other times however, men are specifically referred because it is the males who need to be addressed. Therefore that ought to be preserved. Again, I do not accept that such gender neutral langauge can be applied to God when he has chosen to reveal himself to us in the masculine - not because he is a man, but because that is what he has done.
- SUSAN RUSSELL said...
"... God when he has chosen to reveal himself to us in the masculine - not because he is a man, but because that is what he has done."
Really? And the fact that only men had the power to control the language and how the story of that reveleation was recorded didn't have any influence at all?
My, My, My!
Take two Phyllis Tribles and one Rosemary Radford Reuther and call me in the morning!
- WilliamK said...
Brian F wrote:
...just because other saints in the past have referred to God as "Her" or Jesus as "Mother" in the past does not make them right in doing so, or make us right in following them, if it has no Biblical support.
Okay; "Biblical support":
"...and God's Spirit hovered/brooded over the face of the waters" (Gen 1:2) ... the noun (ruach) AND the verb (merachefet) are FEMININE: God the Holy Spirit is designated with a grammatically feminine noun and verb in the second verse of Scripture.
This is just ONE of several examples of feminine language used of God in Scripture.
- WilliamK said...
St. Anselm was inspired by this verse of Scripture in his prayer that I quoted:
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing" (Matt 23:37)
The Bible's God-metaphors are rich and complex, and the Spirit urges us to draw from this deep well. I believe we should heed Her call!
- LGMarshall said...
"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit" -- sounds Paternal to me. And I believe there is a GOOD reason for God to present Himself in the way He has chosen to.
Do I know what that reason is?? No, I don't.
... but I'm willing to set aside my feminist upbringing and accept the reality of what is.
There is something different about LOVE from the FATHER.... perhaps bloggers should expound on the differences of Fatherly Love & Motherly Love?
For me.... since we are born of woman... that Love is a 'given'. Maybe when the Father Loves us --- that carries an extra ever deepening type of love, that allows us to Grow up and Thrive in this Fallen World? (Of course our Mothers loved us!) Would the parable of the Prodigal Son have the same impact (on women or men), if the repentent Son ran into the arms of his Mother?
I have an unproven theory -- Fatherly love (or lack thereof) , has far an above more impact on our lives than Motherly love (or lack thereof).
Again... It's not arbitrary that God has given us the Father & the Son -- it's what we can relate to most, and it's what is best for our development into the Servants he asks us to be.
- MarkBrunson said...
If you keep arguing with Fyffe and Marshall you are simply prolonging the fallacy that they have a valid point. That's doing no service to them.
- WilliamK said...
If you keep arguing with Fyffe and Marshall you are simply prolonging the fallacy that they have a valid point. That's doing no service to them.
It must be nice to know with such certainty who has a valid point and who doesn't.
I'm afraid I don't have such certainty....
- MarkBrunson said...
It must be nice to know with such certainty who has a valid point and who doesn't.
It is.
A lot of it comes from the realization that you can keep your mind too open and your brain'll fall slap out!
- WilliamK said...
One thing I am fairly certain about: arrogant conservatives and arrogant liberals are... arrogant.
- MarkBrunson said...
Here's another couple of certainties for you:
Humility that is certain of it's righteousness, is a false humility.
Arrogance sees arrogance in others' certainty.
Tolerance of evil - particularly for the sake of being seen as a "good guy" - is to cooperate with evil.


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Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Meow!
Archives for December 2009
Lucy Sez
Today's Achievements
Unpinned and Ready for Action
The Talisman shawl has been released from bondage! Here it is, being worn by Gwendolyn.
A couple of you asked when the pattern would be available. I'm working on it as we speak. 🙂
And a couple of you were spot-on about what my new project is:
Ishbel, by Ysolda Teague.
Yeah, I don't knit a lot of things by other designers, but this is my Christmas break knitting. 😉 I'm not designing, just happily following a pattern.
I am using a lovely lovely yarn from Dragonfly Fibers called Dragonsock:
The colorway is called "Green Riptide." It's pretty much heaven in a skein for a lover of all things green, like me.
I bought two skeins of it when I visited Fibrespace last month, with the thought of using it for a shawl or shawlette. So I've got 780 yards, which is plenty for the larger-sized Ishbel.
I'm using a U.S. size 4 needle and am loving the fabric that makes on the stockinette section.
In other news, I went into work today. The government was offering unscheduled leave for today, but today was my last day at work before my holiday leave — I'm off until January 4 — and there were a few loose ends I needed to tie up. The commute went fine as the streets around me are pretty much clear. The only issue was the train station parking lot. Black ice on asphalt in the dark makes me extremely nervous. I crept along and got to the sidewalk without any slipping or falling, so all is well.
And now I'm home, home, home. Not that I'm happy about that or anything.
Just for fun, here is a photo of a chair full of stuffed animals.
Or is it?
A Free Day
I was pretty much gobsmacked yesterday afternoon when OPM announced that the federal government in the D.C. area would be closed today but hey! I'll take it!
Here's the view from this morning:
The sun was coming out. Yay!
Things are looking good down on the street. I went out and ran some errands. The streets were fine. The parking lots, not so much. Very icy.
I also finished this:
My Talisman Shawl. It sure doesn't look like much in that photo, does it? The pre-blocked dimensions are 48″ by 24″.
Blocking achieved this miracle:
After blocking, it's 64″ wide by 34″ down the center back. Knit from one skein of Wollmeise, with just 14 grams leftover.
Here's a close-up of the lace pattern:
Here's what I started today:
Care to hazard a guess as to what it is?
Miss Lucy slept through the blocking of the Talisman Shawl today. I'm sure she's kicking herself that she missed out on helping me. But I turned the heat on this past weekend and she's been happily sleeping through the most exciting events.
Snow Day
It started snowing here Friday night. When I got up yesterday morning, this was the view out my window:
By late morning, there were white-out conditions from my view on the couch:
Looking down at the street:
Our building engineer and his crew kept shoveling the walks all afternoon:
And at least one foolhardy soul took a car out:
I spent a few entertaining minutes watching them push said car.
I spent the day doing this:
And this morning the sun came out!
I could hear snowplows through the night — they did a great job of clearing out.
Lucy is feeling frisky today, so I gave her an early Christmas gift — a straw ball sent to her from Anne Marie in Philly.
Boy, does she ever like it!
It's very lightweight and moves well when she bats at it.
And there is a second ball, for when she bats this one under the fridge or something. 😉
Thanks, Anne Marie!


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MN Attorney General Asks Feds To Investigate HumanaMinnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says a federal investigation is needed to look into business practices at one of the nation's largest private Medicare insurers. On Friday, Swanson sent a massive file of complaints against Humana to the federal agency charged with overseeing that part of Medicare. She's asking the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to look into more than 27 complaints on file.


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Home >> Course Descriptions >> College of Arts and Sciences
Colonial America: From the Age of Discovery to 1763
Three semester hours. (FL-Odd)
An examination of the political, social, economic, ideological, religious, and institutional development of America from the age of discovery and early settlements to the end of the French and Indian War. The course will emphasize the regional geography, folkways, and culture of the Chesapeake colonies, Puritan New England, the Lower South, and the Mid-Atlantic societies.
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Value Line provides investors with the most accurate and independently created research information available, in any format they choose, and teaches them how to use it effectively to help meet their financial objectives. For seventy-five years Value Line has been synonymous with trust, reliability, objectivity, independence, accurate information and proven performance for investors.
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Value Line publishes more than a dozen print and electronic products which we think are used by more than half-a-million investors for timely information on stocks, mutual funds, special situations, options and convertibles.


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Franck Marchis
Recipient of one of the 2004 Grants in Honor of Professor Henri Chretien (AAS, September 2004)
In April 2007, the asteroid numbered 1989SO8 was named "(6639) Marchis" in honor of his work in the field of multiple asteroids.
Dr. Franck Marchis is a Principal Investigator at the Carl Sagan Center of the SETI Institute since July 2007. He joined the institute for a full time position in June 2011 after having a joint appointment with the department of astronomy of the University of California at Berkeley.
Over the past 15 years, he has dedicated his research to the study of our solar system using mainly ground-based telescopes equipped with adaptive optics. The solar system is characterized by considerable diversity of its constituent bodies. Franck Marchis' first involvement in the study of this diversity started in 1996 while working at the UNAM Astronomy Department in Mexico City. He made the first ground-based observations of the volcanoes on the jovian moon Io, using the first Adaptive Optics (AO) systems available on the European Southern Observatory (ESO) 3.6 m telescope at Chile's La Silla Observatory. After a brief stay in London and four years in Chile at ESO, he completed in 2000 his PhD in a French university (Toulouse III) even if he has conducted his research in these three countries. His doctoral research described the application of adaptive optics to the study of the solar system.
He continued this explorative work at U. C. Berkeley where he had the opportunity to use the W.M. Keck 10 m telescope and its revolutionary Laser Guide Star AO system. In collaborations with astronomers of the Observatoire de Paris, he searched for, and studied moons around asteroids. In 2005, this team discovered the first triple asteroidal system composed of Sylvia, a 280-km size irregular asteroid, surrounded by two kilometer-size satellites named Romulus and Remus. The existence of multiple asteroid systems provides direct clues about the collisional past of the solar system and the formation of major planets. The direct measurement of the bulk density of an asteroid available when the moon's orbit is well constrained give indications about the composition and distribution of material in the asteroid. In 2006, his group published in Nature the first density measurement of a Jupiter Trojan asteroid (617) Patroclus, which is similar to the density of comets and icy outer asteroids. This work implies that Trojan asteroids could be captured transneptunian objects due to the migration of the giant planets.
More recently Franck has been also involved in the definition of new generation of AOs for 8 -10 m class telescopes and future Extremely Large Telescopes. He has developed algorithms to process and enhance the quality of images, both astronomical and biological, using fluorescence microscopy. His currently involved in the development of the Gemini Planet Imager, an extreme AO system for the Gemini South telescope which will be capable of imaging and record spectra of exoplanets orbiting around nearby stars.
His research involves both undergraduate and graduate students. Marchis is eager about contributing to the diversity of our science community and educating a new generation of researchers.


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The 1981 Buick Regal and figure skaters (specifically Icecapades star Charlie Tigner) had a lot in common, at least that was the premise of this strange vintage advertisement.
Both had "sleek aerodynamic lines and plenty of power". Only one of the two looked like they belonged anywhere near a skating rink.


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One of the biggest problems salespeople for SolarCity is convincing homeowners they're not scam artists. What they offer seems to be too good to be true: Solar panels on your house for less money than you're paying PG&E for electricity. And Google's playing a role in this low-cost play.
Take my house, for example. I pay a staggering $260 a month for electricity - for this I blame my children. SolarCity did a site survey on my home and estimates solar panels would cut my electric bill to just $50 a month, leaving $210 savings. From that savings, SolarCity gets a payment of $165 per month to lease the panels. I come out $45 ahead each and every month. And I'm helping the environment.
The deal just got better, thanks to new funding. US Bancorp and Mountain View based Google just handed more than a quarter billion dollars in cash to SolarCity, giving the company enough liquidity to offer the entire deal to homeowners for nothing down.
U.S. & World
"This collaboration with Google will enable us to provide solar power to thousands of homeowners at or below the cost they currently pay for electricity." SolarCity vice president Benjamin Cook said in a press release.
SolarCity has about 14,000 customers, most of which finance their solar panels. The company was founded by Lindon Rive and funded in large part by his cousin, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk.


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Siberian Husky Breeders in Rhode Island
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Unfortunately we don't have any Siberian Husky breeders registered with us in the state of Rhode Island. Please check back in the future or try searching another state.


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Lorenzo 2 Door 2 Mirror Corner Wardrobe
Product Code: 558420004
- Part of the Lorenzo furniture collection
- 2 mirrored door hinged corner wardrobe
- Interior shelving and rail fittings
- Choice of two colour options
- Sleek chrome coloured handles
- Natural linen look interior finish
- Assembly required
- 1 year guarantee
With it's contemporary design, monochromatic colour scheme and smart storage solutions, the Lorenzo range makes a stylish statement, bringing sophisticated modern glamour to your bedroom. Available in two colours, including Alpine White High Polish or Metallic Grey, finished with minimal chrome handle fittings.
Taking advantage of that potentially lost corner space, the Lorenzo 2 door mirrored corner wardrobe makes a feature of what would normally be a forgotten space. Dual full length mirrors doors reflect light back in to the room making the room appear larger, while internally this clever blend of storage and style boasts 5 storage shelves and clothing rail with overhead storage.
We would advise saving between 101cm on the left-hand side and 103cm on the right-hand side. Depth of the wardrobe is approximately 53cm.
As practical as it is sophisticated, the full Lorenzo range is designed to not only keep your space clutter-free but sit alongside each other to give a fitted look and bespoke feel. Additional shelf and storage options are available for selected wardrobes within the Lorenzo range, so that you can build our furniture around you and your bedroom. Simply look out for our Classic and Premium packages.
Complete the look with the full Lorenzo collection, which you can find here.
Assembled Dimensions
- Height - 212cm
- Width - 101cm x 103cm
- Depth - 53cm
Door width approx. = 50cm
FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £100 - all beds, mattresses and furniture items are also delivered, not just to your front door, but to any room of your choice. Don't worry, we'll take every care carrying your new bed through your home (but we also recommend that you move valuables such as vases and wall hangings out of the delivery path). You can check out our home measuring guide here for advise on how to measure your home prior to your delivery.
Please be aware that our Standard delivery times are on Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm depending on your location within the UK. You will receive a call from our Customer Services team to arrange your perferred time slot.
For divan beds, we can also professionally assemble your bed for you. For £20, We will unpack and fully assemble your new divan bed plus assemble and fit your new headboard (if purchased and delivered with your bed). We'll also clear away all unwanted packaging and recycle it to ensure you're ready for a good night's sleep:
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your delivery you can call us FREE on 0333 222 6800 or email us on email@example.com.
For complete assembly instructions in PDF document format, please click here to download.
We recommend that two people assemble this furniture.
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Finance options are available on basket order total of £300 and over Credit is available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Bensons For Beds Retail Ltd is an appointed representative of Product Partnerships Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Product Partnerships Limited's FCA registration number is 626349 and its address is Salts Piazza Offices, Salts Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, BD18 3LA. Bensons For Beds Retail Ltd acts as a credit broker not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders who may be able to offer you finance facilities for your purchase. We will only introduce you to these lenders. You may be able to obtain finance for your purchase from other lenders and you are encouraged to seek alternative quotations. If you would like to know how we handle complaints, please ask for a copy of our complaints handling process. You can also find information about referring a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) at financial-ombudsman.org.uk Bensons For Beds Retail Ltd
Purchase Price: £600
Representative APR 0%
Annual interest rate 0% fixed
Total Amount payable: £600
Interest Free Finance (10 Months)
Duration of the loan: 10 months
10 Monthly Payments of £60
Interest Free Finance (6 Months)
Duration of the loan: 6 months
6 Monthly Payments of £100


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Rentokil Specialist Hygiene offer a range of specialist disinfection services. Find out more
Call us for a quote on 0800 218 2210
Wherever you need help with Pest Control throughout the UK, Rentokil Pest Control have local technicians based near you. If you are looking for Property Care Services, we also have specialist property surveyors and technicians all located in local Property Care branches near you.
For more than 90 years, Rentokil have been market leaders in pest control solutions in the UK. Our strong nationwide approach ensures we have a local presence to support our residential and commercial customers with their pest control needs.
Rentokil Specialist Hygiene offer a range of specialist disinfection services. Find out more
Find out more about our Property Care services.
Intelligent digital pest control, providing 24/7 monitoring and rodent control
Professional, effective, safe long term solutions to get rid of rats from your property.
Over the past 90+ years, we have gained an extensive amount of knowledge and experience in dealing with various types of pests across the entire UK. We carefully integrate this knowledge with our understanding of local areas and seasonal pest trends. Our local BPCA qualified technicians have all been specially trained to provide the best possible service, tailored to your particular property.
Living in the Glasgow area? Don't worry, our technicians are never too far away
Find your local Pest Control branchPlease try again...
Across the UK our qualified surveyors and technicians have worked hard to understand and to cater to a whole variety of properties from homeowners to business' needs. As long term members of the property care association we are trusted to provide the highest quality of service. Damp and rot in properties has been an ever-growing problem, so throughout our 90+ years experience we have dedicated ourselves to gaining the knowledge and skills to address the matter quickly and efficiently in all of Rentokil's 40+ branches.
We have a number of branches across Greater London so you can always be sure a surveyor is never too far away.
Covering the West Midland, our Birmingham branch professionally rectifies damp, rot and woodworm problems.
We have experts all across Manchester and the surrounding areas, ready to help fix your home or business.
Click to take a look at the many locations that we provide specialist property care services to across the UK.
Find your local Property Care branchPlease try again...
Discover the quickest and most effective way to get rid of mice in your property.
Ensure your home or business is flea-free with effective, pet safe treatments.
As the world's largest Commercial Pest Control company, supporting businesses and their brand reputation is paramount. Our constant innovation in IoT (Internet of Things) and pest management solutions at our Global Research Centre in the UK, ensures we continually lead the way in integrated pest management, risk management, auditing and health & safety. Protecting UK businesses from pests is what we do.
Find out more about food safety regulations & standards and the types of food-borne illnesses
Rentokil Property Care have protected UK properties for over 60 years from damp, rot and woodworm. With our UK climate and the spread of urban housing, we work closely with homeowners, property developers, housing associations and listed buildings owners to protect and preserve buildings for future generations. As long term members of the Property Care Association, we provide professional solutions and service guarantees for all our work, providing you with confidence in our damp, rot and woodworm treatments.
Find out more about our Property Care services.
If you suspect a woodworm infestation within your property we advise you seek professional before it's too late
We offer professional, fast and effective damp proofing treatments tailored specifically to your needs


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NYC Vets Parade Helps Storm Victims
11.09.12 1:09pm
New York City vets collect coats for storm victims
Participants at New York City's Veterans Day Parade will collect coat donations for Superstorm Sandy victims and others in need.
Marchers along the Fifth Avenue route on Sunday will collect the donations for the New York Cares Coat Drive. The coats will be deposited in trucks at the parade.
Grand marshals at the parade will include former Mayor Edward Koch. He served in the Army during World War II and worked on behalf of Vietnam Veterans as mayor.


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Each Wednesday, blogger Matt Vensel will highlight five statistics that really mean something for the Ravens.
137.7 -- Joe Flacco's passer rating during Baltimore's three straight touchdown drives in the AFC title game.
At halftime in the Ravens' 28-13 win over the New England Patriots a week and a half ago, Ravens coach John Harbaugh told offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell to open up the offense. And after another tentative drive to start the third quarter, the Ravens wisely asked quarterback Joe Flacco to let it rip. Working exclusively out of the shotgun with three wide receivers on the field, Flacco led the Ravens on three straight touchdown drives, in the process leading them to Sunday's Super Bowl. On those three drives, Flacco completed 14 of 18 attempts for 136 yards and three touchdowns. His passer rating during that 14-minute hot streak was 137.7.
one -- career sacks for Aldon Smith with Justin Smith off the field.
San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith has been a beast in his first two NFL seasons, racking up 35.5 sacks, including 19.5 this season. But Smith hasn't sacked a quarterback in his past five games. Might the torn triceps that 49ers defense end Justin Smith, who usually lines up beside him, have something to do with the lack of production? Smith missed the final two regular-season games and is not at full strength in these playoffs. According to ESPN Stats and Info, all but one of Aldon Smith's 35.5 career sacks came with Justin Smith on field. And in the 141 dropbacks that Aldon Smith played without Justin Smith, he had only one sack. Justin Smith will play in the Super Bowl either way, but Aldon Smith is probably hoping he is much healthier and effective after the Super Bowl bye week.
1,342 -- defensive snaps the Ravens have played this season.
The Baltimore defense has been on the field for 1,342 plays this season, including the playoffs, which is the most that any defense has played since 2001, according to ESPN Stats and Info. The Ravens defense has played an average of 85.3 snaps in the postseason -- 17.4 more than their regular-season average. No wonder they are allowing 415 yards per game in the playoffs. But statistically speaking, they have actually been more efficient, allowing fewer yards per play in the playoffs (4.9) than they did in the regular season (5.2). Oh, the only other defense to play more than 1,300 snaps? Last year's New York Giants, who won it all.
5.2 -- yards per carry for the 49ers between the tackles in 2012.
While piling up an average of 164.6 rushing yards per game this season, including playoffs, the 49ers did a lot of their damage between the tackles with Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore, who leads the 49ers with 1,423 yards in 18 games. According to Pro Football Focus, Gore and the 49ers have averaged an impressive 5.2 yards per carry between the tackles this season. However, they have averaged just 4.4 since Week 15 -- not as good, but still above the league average -- and the Ravens have allowed just 3.7 yards per carry between the tackles over the same span. Strength versus strength, expect some loud collisions on Super Sunday.
7-0 -- Baltimore's playoff record when Flacco doesn't throw a pick.
As I wrote in this space last week, Flacco's passing numbers this postseason are on the verge of being historic. Elite passer or not, Flacco has eight touchdown passes and zero interceptions this postseason, and he can tie Joe Montana's postseason record if he gets to 11 touchdown passes. Cool stat, but don't discount the lack of interceptions. According to Cold Hard Football Facts, the Ravens are 7-0 in the postseason when Flacco does not throw a pick. They are 1-4 when he does throw an interception, and the win was the game in Foxborough in 2009 when he attempted just 10 passes. It's a no-brainer stat, but re-emphasizes the value of ball security.


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Why Choose Us
Market KnowledgeWe offer a deep knowledge of the real estate market to both buyers and sellers. We invest a substantial amount of time researching unique campus housing situations in order to best serve each and every one of our clients.
With over fifteen years of experience, our brokers understand the complexities of the constantly changing real estate market and can offer sound solutions based on previous results. Each of our campus housing real estate brokers enjoys a strong reputation among clients and other brokers in each of their markets.
RelationshipsClient satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us, which is why our brokers make it their personal responsibility to deliver sound results to each one of our clients. We pride ourselves on being honest, trustworthy representatives on our clients' behalf, which is why we have been able to maintain professional relationships with clients for almost two decades now.
ResultsWe are a results-driven, cost-effective, specialty brokerage team that is dedicated to meeting the needs of our clients and ensuring their individual satisfaction.
"Jim and Sarah work with us to find deals that we can acquire and they are very good at it! They are certainly always responsive, they know the business extremely well, and most importantly are fun to work with."Jason Costello, Cabrio Properties
"Upon a "second" building recommendation from John Porth, we have found a building for EDSS and are very happy. John is a detailed professional, easy to work with and has been available at any given time to accommodate our schedule to look at buildings. John worked with us on exactly what we wanted and found the right fit for EDSS. Five years ago, John found us our current building and now this year, we have a new home. We thank him for his expertise and dedication to EDSS, his client."Sonja Berry, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Energy Design Service Systems (EDSS)
"A friend suggested that I use Jim Porth if I wanted to sell my 3 properties in Ann Arbor quickly, and that he did! One weekend after listing the properties, we had an offer and signed the deal. There were a number of issues with financing on the buyer's side but between Jim and Sarah, all things worked out to our satisfaction and we closed last week! It took less than 90 days…That's pretty nice! "David MacKool, former Ann Arbor property owner
"Jim has really been terrific to work with. He has come through for us in tough situations and he helped affect a positive outcome on numerous occasions. I highly recommend Jim and his team to anyone."John Langs, Magellan Properties
"We were satisfied with the services you provided and would recommend you to a friend. You kept us up to date on the showings and the status of the deal and your willingness to kick in a point on the commission to get the deal done was key to us agreeing to the deal."Tom Munley
"Jim goes above and beyond for his clients. He is smart, straight up, and sincere. I would highly recommend Jim, and will most definitely use him in the future."Heather Dupuis, Co-Owner of Vie: Fitness & Spa
"It has been a real pleasure working with Jim. My partner and I recently developed one of the largest projects in Ann Arbor to happen in years (Arbor Hills). We opened over 95% leased in part due to the hard work of Jim. We currently have other sites tied up, Jim has been, and will continue to be heavily involved. I cannot say enough about Jim's tenacity and professionalism. I also cannot imagine working with anyone else in the market."Max Reiswerg, Owner of The North Shore Properties Group
"If you want to buy or sell any commercial property, you should reach out to a team that will get the job done. Sarah and Jim are hardest working realtors that I know. They got me the best offers for the properties I sold, and they will find me the properties that I am looking for at the right price. I strongly recommend them without any hesitations."Dr. AJ Farha
"In my experience in working with Jim, he has been consistent in his level of professionalism, honesty and integrity. He is always responsive and fair in his real estate dealings, always putting his clients #1."Joe Schimizzi, Acquira Realty Holdings
"Two years ago I negotiated a lease using an attorney and dealing with the landlord for the bulk of the negotiations and it was so stressful. This year, I had Jim Porth negotiate two leases for me and it was a breeze. I could do this all day if Jim handled it for me and it would actually be fun. His many years of experience and creativity were fantastic. I highly recommend him! Can't wait for the next one!."Dr. Nicole Teifer, Orthodontist and Founder of Today's Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry at Canton and Novi
"I have had numerous real estate transactions in the past ten years, both as a buyer and as a seller. Jim and Sarah have worked closely with me on all of them , developing creative solutions to some very challenging situations. They have always come through. I highly recommend them."Sam Falk, Allstar Wireless
"Sarah and Jim gave me excellent customer service with a high degree of professionalism, and followed up on all my matters for property settlement. They worked with my bank closely to get my property financed. I highly recommend them."Dr. Mohammed Arsiwala, Michigan Urgent Care
"It is a pleasure working with Jim. I have always found him to be candid and forthright in his practice of real estate…"Larry Zahn, RE/MAX Commercial Brokers
"Jim and Sarah were a pleasure to work with. They were very diligent in their search, but also very patient with me. I look forward to a continued relationship and working with them again."Dennis
"I was extremely impressed with the service I received from Jim and Sarah. I have been involved in real estate for over thirty years and would rate them in the top 10% of all the agents I have worked with. They got me the price that I wanted, effectively worked through the inevitable issues that arise on the way to a closing and were a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend them."Larry Nisson
"Selling a building is not an easy task. John and Jim Porth were so helpful and wonderful to work with. They handled everything. I was able to focus on running my personal business and not the building so I could continue doing what I do best and clearly let them do what they do best. The sale was a success. A world of thanks to them both!"Kathy Nohr, Nohr & Associates
1825 Hill
The Thomas Duke Company & Campus Property Investments
recently sold two (3) student housing rentals located at 1825
Hill, 319 Catherine, and 723 Church St. Jim Porth and Sarah
Grabinski were contracted by and represented the Purchaser.
Working together, they were able to locate a suitable
investment that met his criteria.
The locality of the houses to central campus, the U of M
Stadium & athletic fields, as well as being in excellent condition
and well maintained were all key factors in the purchase and
standards of the Buyer.
The houses are a good foundation to build a portfolio of investment student housing. If you find
yourself entertaining the idea of investing or you want to sell your properties in a seamless manner
please feel free to contact us for an evaluation.


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Willie Nelson returns to Pavilion
Country music legend Willie Nelson returns to perform this summer at the Charlottesville Pavilion. The pony-tailed musician played there in 2006 and 2008 and highlights a trio of acts announced Friday morning, with the others being Al Green and Lady Antebellum. Tickets for Nelson's show–- which takes place Saturday, July 24–- range from $32.50 to $52.50. (file photo by Mitchell Jarrett)
10 comments
Who cares... Stoner fool...
Bob, I'm sure Willie doesn't have a clue..........
Willie hasn't saved a town yet..........
I've seen Willie several times and its usually a greatest hits package with 2 or 3 "Newer" songs thrown in. Very little chance of seeing any of the really cool 70's stuff from the Phase and Stages era
Does anyone have an idea of what the set list might be like? Is it going to be some traditional stuff or mostly his experimental "re-interpretation" of non-country type music?
i hope they hurry up and legalize pot IN SCOTTSVILLE... then willie could play the old tire plant and save the town.
Don't sit in the lawn area to see Willie. Went last year and hadn't sprung for a reserved seat, so was forced to sit in the back. Could barely hear the band over the knuckleheads partying around me who were clearly there to socialize and couldn't given a hang about hearing the man play. Left fairly disgusted and promised myself not to make the same mistake again. Will definitely pay the extra $ to sit closer.
Awesome. Now bring back Dwight Yoakam!
Y'all must not be very good fans or realize the American treasure we still have with us. He won't be around forever folks! left behind had it pretty well right. Willie's shows today go about 90 minutes and cover 25-30 songs, always starting with the "traditional" "Whiskey River" and ending with a rousing Spiritual. In between are many hits and known songs with a couple of the latest[Country Music album releases] included. The great "Family" band is always highlighted here and there too. If'n y'all haven't seen Willie, do it, if'n ya have, see him again. It's medicinal. His kind won't be coming around again.