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Give Your Wealth Away: An Argument For a Secular Tithe
Published on - December 13th, 2009 (by J.D. Roth)
This is a guest post from Sierra Black, a long-time GRS reader and the author of ChildWild, a blog where she writes about frugality, sustainable living, and getting her kids to eat kale. Previously at Get Rich Slowly, Black told us about sweating the big stuff and the pitfalls of buying in bulk.
My mother's family is Catholic. They're working class people from Buffalo: nurses, drugstore clerks, steel mill workers. Even though they never had a lot of dollars, they always gave 10% of what they had to the church. Like taxes, that 10% was just something they paid out before spending a dime on themselves.
As an adult I became the first college graduate in my family and adopted the position most of my educated, liberal peers seemed to hold toward charity: give a little, when you can, and feel guilty about not doing it most of the year.
For most of my 20s, I was living beyond my means. With every dollar being spent before it was earned, giving even a few dollars felt like a huge pinch in my messy budget. I was haphazard and frankly not very generous with my giving.
Overall, liberals tend to give less to charity than conservatives. Religious people like the ones I grew up with give more than my secular humanist friends. The working poor are, as a class, the most generous group in America, reliably giving away 4.5% of their income. The middle class are the least generous, giving just 2.5% on average.
In addition to making me and my friends look bad in the conservative press, statistics like that are, as George Will put it, "hostile witnesses" to the idea that "bleeding-heart liberals" actually care more about the poor and disadvantaged than our conservative counterparts.
According to the American Enterprise Institute, the single biggest predictor of a person's charitable giving is religion. People who go to church every week give more money, more consistently.
I think it's time to make secular tithing a middle-class trend. Those of us who don't go to church every Sunday may not have the easy, deeply ingrained tradition of giving my great-grandmother had when she put her little envelope in the offering plate each week. That's no excuse for not giving our share. It's not right for the affluent and secure to let responsibility for maintaining the social safety net rest on the backs of those most likely to need it.
Last year, when I got serious about straightening out my spending habits, I wanted to make charitable giving, like saving, a key part of my financial future.
I adopted something akin to the "balanced money formula". Instead of allocating 30% to wants, though, I drew up my formula like this: 50% for needs, 10% for charity, 20% for savings and 20% for wants.
My money is not balanced. I'm working hard to repay a pile of credit card debt and continuing to fine tune a frugal lifestyle. My needs and debts suck up most of our income. Because all the "extra" money goes into savings and debt repayment, I'm still living as if we were on the edge financially. Giving hurts. I do it anyway. Every week.
I'm not tithing yet, but I am moving towards it. Here's how:
- As our income increases, I spend the new money in a "balanced" way. A year ago, my husband and I were living on one salary — his. As I've added income to our household with my freelance work, I've allocated 10% of those dollars toward charitable giving, 20% to savings, 20% wants and 50% to needs.
- As our debts decrease, I'm beginning to split our debt snowball. Snowballing debts is great. I've seen some people argue for splitting the money that's freed up when a debt is paid off between paying down the next debt and adding to an emergency fund. I'm doing this with giving too. This month, I pay off a credit card that had a $35/month payment. I'll put $3.50 into my charity fund, $7 into savings and the rest toward the next debt I'm attacking. I do this with frugal changes too: split the saved money between charity, savings and debt reduction.
- I make the giving automatic. Remembering to do stuff is not my strong suit. To stay consistent with my giving, I've signed up for recurring automatic withdrawals from my bank account. There are organizations, like Just Give, that will help you coordinate automated or one time gifts to many different organizations.
- I'm teaching my kids to give. My kids use jars to split their allowance into categories for giving, saving and spending. They're too young to tell yet what lasting impact that might have, but I'm hoping it will get them into the habit of giving some of their money away every time they get paid. A habit it took me 30 years to grow into.
- Giving small counts big. Charities can use their membership rolls and total numbers of donors to solicit large grants from individuals and foundations, and to earn matching grants. Because of this, the difference between giving $10 to a charity and giving them nothing is a lot bigger than the difference between $10 and $20. I make a lot of small donations to different organizations I like, to spread out my impact.
There are many good organizations doing vital work in the world that depend on charitable gifts to run their operations. These range from the Red Cross to the World Food Program to local groups.
The end of the year is often a time charities need dollars most. To encourage holiday season giving, many have created fun holiday gift programs. My favorite is Heifer International's famous gift catalog, which lets you "give" a cow or a beehive or another livestock animal to a family in the developing world. In reality, of course, what you give them is the money to run their organization, which then distributes livestock to needy families at a local level. It's fun to read their catalog though, and Heifer has one of the lowest overhead ratios of all the large charities.
In closing, a note: Expressing concern about what a charity is going to do with your money is a terrible excuse for not giving. Very few charities are outright frauds, and even the inefficient ones will put more of your dollars toward a good cause than your bank will. If you want to be sure you're getting the most bang for your charitable buck, though, you can investigate organizations at a charity watchdog site before giving.
Note: Get Rich Slowly does not take a stand on religious or political issues. Respectful discussion of these topics is fine; please keep the comments up to their usual high-quality standards.
This article is about Giving
Okay, I'm going to take offense at the commenter that suggested that being raised a Christian and is now a liberal is contradictory. Liberals can be Christians too. Many Christians would tell you Jesus was the biggest liberal of all depending on which church you attend. It's just like the statement "Conservatives are only Republican". There is no black and white label that can define a whole group of people.
It doesn't matter which organization you donate to, as long as you do your research and believe in the organization. Some people mentioned that the non-profits can be poorly run, thus wasting your donation. How is that different from investing your money in a company that is poorly run or hosts lavish parties (think Tyco)?
@K.Goodman – we have the same family pairing! I'm a social liberal and my boyfriend is a moderate republican. The difference is that he won't donate a cent, but he will be glad to volunteer his time at different places.
This is an excellent post today. My family gives 10% of our gross income as tithe to our church. We also give above and beyond to the church for other special items. I am lucky to be involved in a church that also goes out and donates time and money to secular causes such as food banks, children's centers, etc. We have been greatly blessed, and it is our calling to give to those in need. I encourage those of you who currently go to church to tithe. God will bless you greatly for it, and meet all your financial needs.
i agree ppl should use charity watchdogs to decide who to donate too. i don't necessariyl agree with the whole conservatives "give more". they give more to churches and christian organizations that feed the poor in exchange for poor ppl converting to their religion. there's generally an ulterior motive (prosleytying) behind these types of charities. even charitynavigator.org gives them low rankings as the money is used inefficiently, most of it going to admin costs rather than helping people. use charity navigator and pick a charity that ranks 4 stars!
I think 94 hit the nail on the head. Many (middle class) people plan many parts of their financial picture, but do not have a plan for giving. That's me. In the past, my giving has been very haphazard, $40 here and there for multiple agencies which is probably spent sending me additional mailings asking for more money. So, I think every person, or in our case every family needs to figure out what their values are, and to support that. The kids love animals? Help the local non-kill shelter, or sponsor a spaying. Into environmentalism? As far as making it automatic, my job allows me to designate organizations and deduct my contribution from each paycheck. It is a small amount now, but want to including giving in my financial plan so it is doable.
This article talks a lot about how to give but it seems to assume that giving is most always a good thing. Why? Why should I "give my wealth away" to someone who hasn't earned it? Why is the morality of altruism assumed to be the correct moral stance?
The point of this post was lost to political divisiveness and moral sentiments.
I guess I should also state I agree with poster 101 that questions why being christian and liberal are somehow contradictory. I can think of many examples in the people I know that that's not the case. If anything I think it's a little suspect when a person has to profess/advertise their faith when doing acts of caring or charity. On the opposite, side, I bet you could do an analysis that "liberals" often choose less lucrative careers that are involved in helping people (peace corps, social workers, teachers, etc) than "conservatives". But I guess what you devote your life to isn't considered charity.
I don't understand why so many people have gotten so worked up over this post. Facts are facts. If you don't like the facts, then do something to make them different in the future – i.e. donate more if you are a liberal non-religious person.
Why I give:
I was born white in North America, to a loving family committed to my well being. I am healthy and reasonably intelligent. My family provided for my education and continues to provide me with a safety net should the worst happen.
I earned none of these things, yet I benefit from them daily. It is important to me to share those unearned benefits with those who lack my considerable advantages.
Why you should give:
Human beings are social animals, reliant upon one another. If you have some unearned advantage over your fellow being, and if you're reading this you do, then it is only decent to share some portion of that to your mutual benefit. There IS a way that works for you; it is up to you to find it.
It's a work in progress.
Thanks JD and Sierra, this is an excellent topic and an excellent discussion.
Your parents were obligated to provide for you. If they hadn't they'd be acting immorally because they chose to have you (lets just assume that anyway for the sake of argument).
Why is it your obligation to share what your parents gave you, by way of earning it themselves, to those who have not earned it? If you want to, well that is your prerogative, but not your obligation.
As soon as someone else's need becomes a moral claim on an another individual's life (read: means of survival, the product of their work, their wealth). Then that second individual no longer owns their life. They must surrender it to anyone comes a long shedding a tear and begging on the grounds they didn't get a "fair" hand.
Need is not moral justification. To say so leads you down the historically dark path of the morality of self-sacrifice.
"If men have grasped some faint glimmer of respect for individual rights in their private dealings with one another, that glimmer vanishes when they turn to public issues – and what leaps into the political arena is a caveman who can't conceive of any reason why the tribe cannot bash in the skull of any individual if it so desires." — Ayn Rand from "The Virtue of Selfishness".
Of course… in the end we will all die. At least that seems to be the current trend.
I'm 22 just out of college and trying to start my own business. I give to my local church as well as Christian missions agencies. I also drop cash into donation boxes at nature preserves and other places I enjoy because of someone else's diligent work in preservation, in hopes that others can continue to enjoy them.
It's still giving. It's still money I don't have to spend on me stuff. The argument that just because someone gives according to their political or religious views it shouldn't be considered giving is blind. Turn it around on yourself and your own giving. Is giving to the Sierra Club somehow more noble than giving to a YMCA?
Our giving should line up with what we value and believe is important. Of course those who disagree with you with donate to different causes and groups. You donate to different groups than them too.
Now – those who say you're willing to pay more in taxes to support charitable causes do you give the extra amount you're willing to pay in taxes? Does your pocket book back up your words? It's one thing to say you think everybody (especially the "rich") should pay to help feed the world and quite another to back up your supposed valuation of that through the dedication of your own money, or life to that purpose. "Giving" through taxes could better be defined as forcing your world-view and oh so charitable spirit onto those around you. Really forcing it on them, like they go to jail if they don't kind of forcing.
For those talking about leaving politics and religion out of financial discussion… That works when the discussion is about the practicality of how to save money, invest money or make money… but when it comes to the why it doesn't work. Politics and Religion are at the very heart of the WHY of money whether you believe your purpose in life is to "die with the most toys", "preserve the earth", or "save souls".
In the now politics has everything to do with whether you believe that abstinence education or free abortions is a charitable cause. Politics also has a lot to do with whether you believe a church run hospital or a government run hospital is a more effective and less corrupt provider of medical services to those who can't afford them.
But, on a grander scale… I have a hunch that someday everyone of us is going to die, and the very first question you might want to ask does life really matter? …if so (cause most people sound like they think 'it' does) does it matter how much money you had, is what you did with it more important? A discussion of religion is a good place to start in answering that question.
@ Russ, it's not an obligation. There is no "have to" and need doesn't enter into it. I said it's only decent. And I'm not talking about lazy jerks with sob stories. I'm talking about people who could use a hand up, which I can provide. I'm talking about the innocent – animals for example, which have not asked for their lot in life. I'm talking about the Earth, which we all need to survive.
Ayn Rand died a bitter and lonely woman. Hers is not a philosophy I would choose to emulate. Is there really no one and nothing that is worth it to you to give a tiny bit of yourself?
"If men have grasped some faint glimmer of respect for individual rights in their private dealings with one another, that glimmer vanishes when they turn to public issues – and what leaps into the political arena is a caveman who can't conceive of any reason why the tribe cannot bash in the skull of any individual if it so desires." — Ayn Rand from "The Virtue of Selfishness".
Maybe I'm dense, but I thought that's what governments and laws are supposed do, say it's NOT ok to bash people's heads in. Or am I suppose to correlate someone asking you to contribute to a charity to bashing your head in?
This is an interesting topic. My boyfriend and I (both atheist, extremely educated liberals) have made the decision only to support charities that benefit animals (whether benefitting individual animals through adoption, like Humane Society, or to organizations that support legislation on animal welfare, like the Animal Legal Defense Fund). We just feel that since animals are utterly at our mercy both individually (food and companion animals) and as species (wild animals whose habitat we are destroying without their knowledge or permission), they are more deserving of our help than people are.
That being said, we would support an even more aggressive progressive tax system whereby a lot of the causes that benefit people would be taken care of by the government rather than by charitable organizations. I'd also love to see a tax system whereby the amount you were taxed was determined by the code, but what percentage of your taxes went to what was determined by you. Probably not in super-specific terms, but having a checksheet on the tax form with broad categories like defense spending, offense spending (which I regard as two different things), the national debt, healthcare, green energy, etc. would really let Congress know where our priorities actually lie.
I did appreciate the point being made by the commenter who said that those who support a more aggressive tax system should be donating the difference between the current tax system and the system that they think is ideal and donating it to charity. At the moment, though, my boyfriend and I have a total of $200K in student loan debt and $45K in credit card debt so that just isn't feasible. About 50% of our income goes to debt repayment.
Why I Give: Because I appreciate a warm bed and a solid meal. Because I see homeless people all the time, and never give them money, because I have become suspicious of what they'll do with it. Because I hate feeling suspicious about people who may genuinely be in need.
What I Give: I've tracked my spending for 2 1/2 years, and I really only give a little bit. I've pushed myself to give a bit more each year. This year I vowed to give 1% of my take-home. Do the math: it's not much.
Where I Give: I give as my values dictate, mostly locally: to my local NPR station and to a local food bank.
I have never missed the money, which clearly indicates I could give a bit more! Next year I'm going for a whopping 2%.
On the subject of secular giving: One year I decided to budget $1000 for random donations. Every time someone asked me for money for a worthy cause, I gave them $100. It was a blast! Such a small amount makes a huge difference to a kid participating in a jog-a-thon to benefit another needy student, for example. At the end of the year, I gave the balance to my favorite cause. It was fun waiting for the next need to arise, because I knew I was prepared for it and could help in a meaningful way.
Look, ma! No politics!
My question then is: Why is it the decent thing to do? If I chose not to give am I being indecent? Am I being immoral?
As to your question "Is there really no one and nothing that is worth it to you to give a tiny bit of yourself?" I guess you'd have to clarify what you mean by "give". But there are plenty in my life whom I love dearly and to whom I'd sacrifice a great deal for. My reason for doing so would not be sacrifice in and of itself. Sacrifice of a lesser virtue for a greater one is not really sacrifice at all.
The article touches on giving out of guilt, and talks about giving without providing any rationale for doing so (other than guilt). Which begs the question – why are you guilty in the first place? Guilt is a response to a set of moral values. I'd simply ask that everyone would think long and hard about what their moral values are and why they hold them.
Rand's philosophy of objectivism does not depend on her ability to be happy. Judge it on it's merits, not on what may or may not be true about Ms. Rand herself.
As I say over and over again, this is one of many cases in which giving TIME is virtually ignored as a charitable measure. A great number of non-profit groups are desperate for volunteers.
Some have mentioned taxes as an alternative to giving. The problem I have with this is one of extra cost and inefficiency.
I buy a blanket for $10 and give it to Good Will. They now have a blanket.
$10 in taxes to buy a blanket is reduced because you are introducing more hands simply to pass the money along.
It seems so simple but many just want other people to take care of problems when it is not the best way to attack a problem.
I will not join in the fracas between religion and nons as it gets everyone in a tizzy nor between conservatives and liberals because both of those groups tend to be hypocrites and I would not want to be classified as either one.
@Rita in 109: the point people are making is that these are NOT facts. Don't mindlessly swallow whatever you hear from some vague group with hidden agendas.
About the "religious people give more" research: religious people give more because they give it to their church, but the vast majority of a church's funds are spent to the benefit of the membership, not as charity to non-members. So I'm not sure it's fair to paint secular people as more selfish because they spend money on therapists, restaurants, or secular community-gathering places (parks? theaters? coffee shops? country clubs? bars?), while religious people spend money on their pastor and their church building and community.
I give to my religious organization, so I'm not knocking doing that, I just know that most of the funds I'm giving are really for me (for services and music I enjoy, a beautiful place to have gatherings with friends, free classes, free counseling, etc.), and that only a small percentage is used for charity programs for outsiders.
Several studies show the same general type of data. Just because the data cited in this article is partisan, doesn't mean the data is incorrect.
Here is a little test done by ABC:
Interesting New York Times article:
@ Diane, #117 – LOVE IT! What a great idea, and a fun way to do it. I'm stealing that for next year.
@ Russ, I'm afraid I can't explain why it's decent to take care of your fellow human beings as and when you can. Nor can I tell you whether you are being indecent or immoral; only you know that. I can tell you there's no guilt involved, and no sacrifice either as I can easily afford what I currently give (time and money). If my family needed something from me I would absolutely provide it. Since they don't, I provide instead for causes I value.
Morality is not grey, either I am being immoral or I'm not. Granted that it's not a fair question to ask without specifics. Could you clarify though, are you saying that I can decide for myself what is moral and immoral? Or are you saying that altruistic morality is the correct moral stance, and that I'm being ridiculous for rejecting it?
Also, how do you determine how much giving/taking care is enough. What basis do you use to make these decisions? (I'm not asking in jest, I'm seriously curious.)
@ Russ, morality is extremely gray. There are very few things, if any, that everyone on earth would agree are moral or immoral. Giving is personal. If you're using your logic and philosophy to defend not giving, when you know giving is the right thing to do, you are being immoral. But if you think it is immoral to give aid, that it is better to die than to succeed by strength other than one's own, then not giving is completely appropriate.
Sorry, there is no right answer. I give because I think it's right. I try to balance it with everything else I do with my money and time, and I'm sure I could be doing more and better. I try to pick the right people to contribute to, the ones who are going to provide the most value for my dollar. Maybe I found them, maybe I didn't.
Funny, it's like everything else JD talks about on this site: the perfect is the enemy of the good, and it's better to do some small thing than nothing at all.
Well played, E.
@ Rita, I have to laugh a little at ABC's test. Salvation Army openly opposes homosexuality and they think they can measure generosity in San Francisco? Not very scientific.
Love the NYT article though.
I found this post extremely offensive on many levels.
I am not religious, I did not grow up in the south, I am a liberal. Most of the people I know and have known over the years are the same.
My experience has been quite the opposite of what this author states as the "truth". I now live in the south and am surrounded by conservative religious folks… who are shocked at the amount of money and time I give to charities. The only thing they all seem to agree about giving money to is churches. Other charitable organizations? Forget it.
Why on earth did this blog have to introduce politics into what could have been a very interesting and pleasant subject? I'm really disappointed that this financial blog was used as a platform to push political views.
Please stay on topic and get rid of the politics. If I want to read about politics, there are much better (and more informed about facts) sites to go to.
Nice post, I like the variety this site offers.
I'm not sure I understand your reasoning. You say:
"if you're using your logic and philosophy to defend not giving, when you know giving is the right thing to do, you are being immoral."
What other basis do we have to determine what is moral and what isn't? Are you saying that your morality is based on your feelings? How am I supposed to know it is the right thing?
Further, just because their are many different viewpoints on what is and isn't moral, it doesn't follow that morality is grey. That just means that some people are right and some wrong. We're debating who falls where. To say that morality is grey is to say that in a very specific circumstance one action can be both right and wrong at the same time. I'm not sure that is what you meant?
To Russ: "To say that morality is grey is to say that in a very specific circumstance one action can be both right and wrong at the same time."
Exactly. For example, that is the subjective reality I live in. Depending on a view point and system of values, the same action can be viewed as right and wrong at the same time. Ethics and morality have changed over time and culture, and will continue to change.
It's like math, the most logical and objective construct ever, correct? Parallel lines do not cross – but if you are on a sphere, they do. The same axiom is both right and wrong depending on which geometry you are using – and both spherical and conventional plane geometries are applicable to our everyday world.
2 arguements: (1) liberals may give fewer total dollars to charity than conservatives, but they give a higher percentage of their total income–so that's MORE. (2) giving money to a church is NOT charity: it supports the organization, the minister, the political lobbying of that church, NOT NEEDY PEOPLE–so that does NOT count as charitible giving to me. (IT SHOULD NOT BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE, JUST AS MONEY TO PACS AND LOBBYING ORGANIZATIONS AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS IS NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE.)
While I totally support this conversation regarding charity and tithing, I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed in a few points in this article. First, there are no citations for where the author got her data. Second, she equates liberalism with secularism and conservatives with church-going. Third, she infers that most church-goers & conservatives live in the South and are culturally more inclined to give. As a faith-based liberal living in the South, none of these facts are a given – at least in my experience. Perhaps statistically they are born out, but I'm disappointed that there are no citations to follow up on.
Specifically regarding the idea of charity – given that I'm still working my way out of debt, I have chosen not to give financially but I have made it a priority to give in physical ways. I consider it a "time tithe" in a sense – I try to give x amount of hours per month to working in charitable ways. I also have found a local charity that takes used items and provides them for free to those in need (not reselling like Good Will). In this case, I appreciate that my old clothing or housewares go for free to those who can use them.
@IngaG: To say that morality is subjective is to do away with morality altogether. To disagree on what is right and wrong is not the same as saying that 2 opposing viewpoints are both correct. In the latter case everything is permissible.
@IngaG: In order for that axiom to be both true and false you have to change your basic premise. If you're looking for a counter example you'll have to come up with something that is both true and false under the same premise.
… Anyway this is a 2 cigar conversation and I think we're hitting the limits of the level of conversation that is possible on a message board. I think you get my point and where I would go with it.
I understand what you mean about assessing under the same premise.
To me, the practical solution has been to follow the value system aka premise I believe in – while recognizing that there are other belief systems and consequently to others, some of the things I believe to be right, could be very wrong. Attitudes to sex are a vivid example of such differences.
I always thought that this approach is what moral relativity or subjectivity is about. I guess we have different definitions. But the conversation is indeed reaching its limit as we probably both understand its current direction and points.
I just can't help but share one last thought. We're getting to the point where you can begin to talk about where the moral basis comes from. Are you suggesting that all belief systems are equally valid? You say your morals will differ from those coming from a different premise. I agree. Now, this allows us to think about which belief system (premise) is valid and which ones aren't. This is extremely difficult to do and I don't take it lightly.
For the sake of example if someone's morals are religious in nature they presumably come from a set of truth statements about history that are either true or false. If they are true, then they should be able to derive a morality from it that is also true. If the premise is false, well then it's a house of cards that comes tumbling down rather quickly.
The beliefs have to be rooted in something. If they aren't, as I can only guess is the case for "Mr. E" (see comment #132), then we really don't have much to talk about. Feelings, whims, and random desires cannot be used as a moral basis simply because their direct result is a system where any and everything is permissible, which is the antithesis of morality.
Thanks for your thoughts, Sierra. I believe practicing GENEROSITY as a priority with our money is one of the untold "money secrets" when it comes to the full financial picture of one's life. I also liked your practice with your children. I'm with you 100% when it comes to providing kids with multiple piggy banks (one for saving, one for spending, one for giving and one for investing) to demonstrate the FOUR USES OF MONEY. We must help our kids get into the simple habit of allocating and managing their money, otherwise, they may get into the habit of regarding their allowance as only money they can SPEND and CONSUME – not a realistic view of money. If we can help train our children early, then as adults, they will have a much greater chance for financial success. I am a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual and for years I have provided my clients and their children with the PENNY THE PIG bank – this four-slot piggy bank: http://www.thesimpledollar.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/mspig.gif, is a great gift to help kids develop smart money habits early on in life. Thanks again for your insight!
It's amazing how people views differ on what is "giving" and what is not.
I set aside a small percentage of my income for charity – i was setting aside 10% this summer, but right now it's a paltry 2% because I decided I needed to focus on saving up money to pay off my college expenses for the next couple of years. The more money I save up now, the less I'll have to pay in interest later, and the more I'll actually be able to donate in the long run. I'm also giving my time to a number of organizations, which is something I have slightly more of.
Nice post.
I am currently in a financial tiz but am considering my charity quota for next year. I have given to street beggars and tin-shakers but not formally to a charity the way some people do. I also shop at charity thrift stores and have bought the odd fund-raising pen or so.
Some major charities have adopted political positions I dislike or find untenable. I may be able to disregard their views if I find an item of clothing at their thrift store occasionally, but I will not donate officially.
I have already chosen one good cause I would like to give to regularly, and will select another four or five to which I can donate small amounts from ten to thirty dollars. If I'm relaly doing well, who knows ?:).
Good causes arise all the time, so I'll have plenty to choose from! Many people forget that there are so mnay small charities/causes/issues they can donate to – you don't need to automatically slot in the major charity players.
Hunt around, it's amazing how many valuable charities and foundations there are.
Enjoyed the article thanks – got me thinking:-)
Definitely think that giving is important on so many levels least of which, IMHO, has to do with helping other people.
Our desire for possessions is what is causing many of the problems we see in the world today and by making a concerted effort to give some of our disposable income away can reduce this while helping those who are in basic need.
I would however like to suggest that just giving to a charity or letting a payment go off an account is not the most effective way to do either of the above.
As a thought: what if everyone helped just one other person in need until they were self-sustaining and then helped that person to do the same for someone else….?
@Beth (#134):
"Liberals may give fewer total dollars to charity than conservatives, but they give a higher percentage of their total income–so that's MORE."
Huh?!? Are you suggesting that liberals have lower incomes than conservatives? Surely that's not what you meant to say. I'm going to assume you simply expressed yourself poorly, and you didn't really mean to say something that silly.


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May 29th, 2012Appetizers
The addition of the low fat cream cheese makes for a very creamy filling for these deviled eggs – you won't even miss the mayo. 1 egg is more filling that you would think. Have next to a lunch salad and you'll feel full for the whole afternoon !
12 servings
120 cal per serving (1 whole egg)
12 hard boiled eggs
4 oz. low fat cream cheese, room temperature
3 T light mayo
2 t dijon mustard
2 t white vinegar
1/2 t sugar
1/4 t paprika
salt and pepper to taste
Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and remove yolks to a bowl. Mix yolks with all the rest of the ingredients other than the paprika. "Stuff" eggs with spoonfuls of filling or "Pipe" filling into eggs with a ziploc bag made into a pastry bag. Sprinkle with paprika just before serving.Tags: appetizer, cream cheese, deviled eggs, deviled eggs with cream cheese, egg yolk, eggs, mustard, vinegar, yolk
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This is a very traditional dish that has been skinnied up – but don't think it's short on the flavor !
4 servings
275 calories per serving
4 5 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 c shredded Swiss cheese
2 T low fat cream cheese
1/4 c breadcrumbs
1 T chopped parsley
4 t oil, divided
1/4 c chopped ham
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Mix swiss and cream cheese. Mix some pepper with the breadcrumbs and parsley then add 2 t oil. Heat 2 t oil in an oven proof skillet and cook the chicken 2-3 minutes per side to brown it. Move chicken to a baking sheet sprayed with Pam and spread with cheese. Sprinkle with ham and breadcrumbs. Bake 7-8 minutes or until done.Tags: breadcrumbs, cheese, chicken, chicken cordon bleu, cordon bleu, cream cheese, Dinner, ham, low fat cream cheese, swiss, swiss cheese
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March 5th, 2012Dessert
The creamy, decadent topping is what makes this pie super special. This one is just a little sweet and a lot yummy
12 servings
287 calories per serving
1 1/2 lb sweet potatoes
1/3 c skim milk
145 oz can fat free sweetened condensed milk, divided
3 T brown sugar
2 T butter, melted
3/4 t ground cinnamon, divided
1/2 t vanilla
1/4 t salt
2 eggs
1 frozen pie crust bottom, thawed (or you can use refrigerated dough)
1/2 c low fat cream cheese, softened
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap potatoes in foil and bake 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until very tender (you can also jump start these by piercing and microwaving for 5 minutes). Let cool a bit and then scoop out flash and mash. Add milk, 1/4 c condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, 1/2 t cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Mix well then add eggs 1 at a time. Pour into thawed pie crust and bake 45 minutes or until set. Mix the rest of the cinnamon with the cream cheese and beat with a mixer then add 1/2 c plus 2T of the condensed milk and beat on medium. Pour over the pie and let stand 15 minutes then serve.Tags: brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, condensed milk, cream cheese, Dessert, pie, sweet potato, sweet potato pie, sweet potato pie deluxe, vanilla
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February 24th, 2012Dinner, Kid Friendly, Sides
Velvety. Smooth. Rich. Creamy Rice !
8 servings
170 calories per serving
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 c fat free Zesty Italian Dressing
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
14.5 oz. vegetable broth
1 c frozen peas
2 c instant white rice, uncooked
4 oz. low fat cream cheese, at room temperature
1 t grated lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c parmesan cheese
Heat a skillet and add dressing – heat 30 seconds. Then add onions and cook 5 minutes or until tender. Then add mushrooms and cook another 4 minutes or until tender. Add broth and peas and bring to a boil then stir in rice and cream cheese and cover. Remove from heat and let stand for 8 minutes then stir in zest, salt and pepper and parmesan.Tags: broth, cheese, cream cheese, creamy rice, Dinner, dressing, instant rice, Kid Friendly, lemon zest, low fat cream cheese, mushroom, onion, parmesan, peas, rice, side, white rice
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February 6th, 2012Appetizers, Asian, pork
These are the perfect little appetizers. You don't really taste the cream cheese, but it's there for the onion flavor and to keep the pork moist. These would also be great dropped in hot chicken broth and boiled for 5 minutes or so. Serve a few next to a big green salad with ginger dressing for a nice light dinner.
16 servings (1 serving = 2 wontons)
120 calories per serving
8 oz. Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
1/2 lb. ground pork, cooked, well drained
1 t minced ginger
1 t sesame oil
32 wonton wrappers
2 t sesame seeds
2 T soy sauce
1 T rice wine or water
1 T water
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix pork, cream cheese, ginger and oil and place 1 T of mix onto each wonton wrapper. Fold into wonton shape (see the video below for easy to follow instructions). Spray a baking sheet with Pam and place wontons on sheet. Brush wontons with water and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown Then lower oven to 350 and bake another 5 minutes. Mix soy, rice wine and 1 T water and serve with wontons as a dipping sauce. Alternately you can serve with prepared ginger soy sauce.Tags: appetizer, asian, chive and onion cream cheese, cream cheese, crispy wontons, ginger, ground pork, pork, sesame oil, sesame seeds, soy, soy sauce, wonton wrapper, wontons
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November 28th, 2011Dinner, Kid Friendly, Sides, Vegetables
I like when you can take a healthy vegetable and disguise it enough that you can get a picky kids to eat it This one has enough cheese and crumbly topping to make it disappear !
8 servings
120 calories per serving
3 c water
2 c baby carrots, cut in half
4 c broccoli florets (very small pieces)
10 whole wheat Ritz crackers, crushed
3 T grated parmesan cheese
1 T butter, melted
4 oz. light Velveeta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 oz. light cream cheese
Preheat broiler. Boil water and add carrots. Simmer for 8 minutes then add broccoli and simmer another 3 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl.
Microwave Velveeta and cream cheese on high 1 minute then stir and cook another 30 seconds or until completely melted. Pour on top of veggies. Mix crackers and parm and butter and sprinkle on top of the veggies and cheese and place under broiler for 2-3 minutes to brown the crumbs.Tags: augratin, broccoli, broccoli augratin, butter, carrots, cheese, crackers, cream cheese, Dinner, Kid Friendly, parmesan, Ritz crackers, side, vegetable, velveeta, whole wheat ritz
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October 7th, 2011Appetizers, Lunch, pork
These are a great quick appetizer but they also make a great lunch ! Add in any herbs you like to the cream cheese.
1 serving
43 calories per serving
2 slices turkey lunchmeat (thin sliced, lean – Hillshire Farms prepackaged lean meats are great)
2 slices lean ham lunchmeat (thin sliced, lean – Hillshire Farms prepackaged lean meats are great)
2 t non fat cream cheese
Chopped herbs (basil, parsley, dill)
Add herbs to cream cheese and spread on ham slices. Top each ham slice with a turkey slice. Roll up like a jelly roll and slice into pinwheels . Refrigerate up to 3 hours or serve immediately.Tags: appetizer. lunch, cream cheese, deli, deli meat, ham, hillshire farms, lunchmeat, pork, turkey lunch meat
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October 1st, 2011Dinner, Kid Friendly, Sides
A perfect side – so simple, yet so special. These will disappear as quick as you can make them !
16 servings
139 calories per serving (1 piece)
4 oz. low fat cream cheese at room temperature
1/2 c low fat parmesan cheese
2 cans low fat crescent rolls
¼ c chopped parsley
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cream cheese and ¾ c of parmesan cheese until well mixed. Separate crescent rolls and spread 1 1/2 T cream cheese mix onto the dough and roll as directed on the package Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with the remaining parm. Bake 15 minutesTags: cheese, cream cheese, crescent roll, Dinner, dinner roll, Kid Friendly, parmesan, parmesan cheese, parmesan roll, parsley, side
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Adding cheese and fresh herbs transforms regular chicken thighs into a restaurant worthy dish. You can really change these up by just adding different herbs to the cream cheese. I always use fresh herbs for a crisp, fresh flavor. But dried herbs will do in a pinch !
6 servings
247 calories per serving
6 4 oz. boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 t fat free cream cheese
7 basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat small skillet and add Pam. Saute garlic 2 minutes. Add garlic and basil to cream cheese. Chicken thighs are usually folded over in the package. If they are not, or if you are using chicken breasts instead, then you will need to make a deep slit in the meat so that later you can stuff them. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and place in a baking dish sprayed with Pam. Cool 35 minutes. Remove and carefully place 2 t of the cream cheese mix in the pocket (either the folded over section or the slit that you cut). Put chicken back in the over and bake another 5 minutes or until done throughout. Cool 5 minutes then serve.Tags: basil, cheese, chicken, chicken breasts, cream cheese, Dinner, fat free cream cheese, garlic
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May 22nd, 2011Dinner, Kid Friendly
Take regular old store bought pierogi and turn them into a meal fit for a king ! The cheese sauce on top of these is out of this world good when mixed with the potato and cheese pierogi filling.
4 servings
281 calories per serving
1 16 oz. package or frozen pierogies
2 lean bacon slices, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 oz. low fat cream cheese
½ c chicken broth
½ c shredded low fat cheddar cheese
¼ c sliced scallions
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place pierogies in a bowl and cover with hot water to defrost. Drain well. Spray 9×13 pan with Pam and add pierogies. Heat a skillet and cook the bacon the remove and set aside (crumble it when it is cool enough). Add garlic to pan and sauté 30 seconds then add cream cheese and cook 1 minute. Whisk in broth and then pour over the pierogies. Add the cheese on top and bake 20 minutes or until heated. When done, sprinkle with bacon, scallions, salt and pepper.Tags: bacon, baked pierogi, cheddar cheese, cheese sauce, chicken broth, cream cheese, Dinner, Kid Friendly, pierogi, Polish, potato, scallions


text: Docstoc Legal Agreements This Sales Representative Agreement is a legal contract between a company that sells, manufactures, or distributes a product or service and a salesman who will sell their product or service in exchange for commission. This agreement requires that the representative s sell the company� products, but not on an exclusive basis. It includes many customizable features to fill in the pricing, delivery, and other information to suit the needs of the contracting parties. As drafted, the company also agrees to provide the sales representative with business cards and other marketing literature. This document can be useful to a company located in Minnesota seeking to expand sales by using a sales representative. ® DISCLAIMERS: ALL INFORMATION AND FORMS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING AS TO THEIR LEGAL EFFECT AND COMPLETENESS. They are for general guidance and should be modified by you o r your attorney to meet your specific needs and the laws of your state. Use at your own risk. Docstoc, its employees or contractors who wrote or modified any form, are NOT providing legal or any other kind of advice and are not creating or entering into an Attorney -Client relationship. The information and forms are not a substitute for the advice of your own attorney. Use of this document and our service are deemed to be your acknowledgement and agreement to the following: The disclaimers and links on this page and the back page(s); our Terms of Service (http://www.docstoc.com/popterm.aspx?page_id=15), and read more here (http://www.docstoc.com/popterm.aspx?page_id=114) for additional disclaimers and more. You also agree that if you are not the person using the document and services that you will provide such person(s) who will be with these front and back disclaimer pages. This document is not approved, endorsed by, or affiliated with any State, or governmental or licensing entity. Entire document copyright © Docstoc®, Inc., 2010 - 2013. All Rights Reserved NON EXCLUSIVE SALES REPRESENTATIVE AGREEMENT THIS NON EXCLUSIVE SALES REPRESENTATIVE AGREEMENT (hereinafter "Agreement") is effective as of _____ [Month] _____ [Date], 20_____, by and between ________________________ [Instruction: Insert the name of company/entity], a ________________________ [Instruction: Insert the type of entity] having its principal place of business at ________________________ [Instruction: Insert the address of company] (hereinafter "Company") and ________________________ [Instruction: Insert the name of sales representative] with its principal office at _______________________________________________[Instruction: Insert address of sales representative] (hereinafter "Representative"). WHEREAS, Company is engaged in developing, marketing and sale of certain materials, products and/or services; WHEREAS, Representative wishes to sell materials, products and/or services developed by the Company in exchange for a commission and other forms of compensation; WHEREAS, Company desires to appoint the Representative and the Representative agrees to act for the Company as its non exclusive sales Representative NOW THEREFORE, each of Company and Representative wish to enter into this Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth below: 1. REPRESENTATIVE AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS: a. To represent and sell only those materials, products and/or services, developed by the Company, in the geographic area as specified in Exhibit A hereunder; © Copyrig


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Lamborghini Aventador Roadsters take over Miami airport
The new Aventador Roadster does 210 mph with police watching.
Lamborghini kicked off its 10-day Aventador LP700-4 Roadster media launch and dealer-education program on Monday, and it started off with a bang. Actually, with a roar.
Five new Aventador Roadsters took to the south runway at Miami-Dade Airport, one of the busiest United States airports, for a photo shoot, some video and some fun.
The marque received special authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration and a go-ahead from Miami-Dade County. The Bulls exceeded the passenger-jet takeoff speed, which on a runway is 150-180 mph. The Lambos clocked 210 mph.
The company was quick to point out in its press release that "due to integrated planning on behalf of Miami-Dade officials and the FAA, there was no impact on flight arrivals and departures."
Personally, we'd taxi on a plane all day if the runway festivities included watching five Aventadors play on the tarmac.
The cars also posed for a photo shoot in front of a Boeing 777.
The party began with an unveiling at Lummus Park in Miami Beach, then the ceremonies continued with a 50-vehicle parade down Collins Avenue before heading to the airstrip.
"It has been a great pleasure to work with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and South Beach teams on today's amazing demonstrations. I have never seen something similar at a Lamborghini event," said Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. "The Aventador Roadster is our most exciting production car ever, and I can think of no better place to celebrate its launch than here in Miami."
The Aventador was revealed in Geneva in 2011. It uses 700-hp V12 for motivation, achieving a top speed of 217 mph. We drove the car last year and found it to be stunning, to say the least. Our own Mark Vaughn will be at the Miami event with complete coverage to come.
-- Jake Lingeman
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Programme Synopsis
The study of psychology provides an insight to the study of human nature and behavior. Psychology is a fascinated systematic study of behavior and experience about what we see, hear, and think and not just about what we do. Psychology is based on the study of mind and mental processing and between thought and human behavior
The aims of the course are to enhance students' knowledge of psychology theory and to develop a broad understanding of theories applied to practical aspects of social and cognitive psychology, child development and adaptive behavior. The course also teaches research methods and interpretation of research data. You will develop a deeper understanding of psychological theory and methodology, cultural motivations that drive us to do what we do, and how to think about psychological issues logically and responsibly.
This programme is highly recommended for school leavers who wish to pursue a career in psychology and for those who work in the fields of social science, education, healthcare settings, human resource management, counselling and other related fields.
Programme Structure & Duration
The Specialist Diploma in Applied Psychology is 24 months (full time) and 36 months (part time) programme.
Full time students will be enrolled in three modules and part time students will be enrolled in two modules per term basis. Each term comprises of 12 weeks. Students have to attend classes twice per week. Each session = 3.5 hours.
We have day time and evening classes. The Specialist Diploma in Applied Psychology will award you 240 Credit Accumulation Transfer (CATS) points to gain the Diploma awarded by IPMA UK.
Aims & Objectives
Understand the major philosophical issues in psychology.
Describe the historical development of the field of psychology.
Understand the general principles of psychological research.
Describe the major school of psychology, their proponents and their ideas on the study of psychology.
Describe the steps involved in scientific research.
Explain the meaning of statistical significance.
Understand the function of the brain and its components.
Describe basic general principles of growth and development.
Understand the cause of mental disorder.
Describe the treatment for mental illnesses.
Describe the theory of evolution, cognition, perception, sensation, conditioning and caused of abnormal behaviors.
Describe the perspective of learning and remembering.
Understand the cultural and social aspects of behaviors.
Understand the states of consciousness
Understand the psychology of aging
Describe and apply the basic psychological biases that can interfere with rational thought and sound decision-making.
Entry Requirement
It would suit professionals and graduates with 3 GCE "O" Level with credit in English, or relevant certificates or equivalent. Applicants with other experiences and / or qualifications will be considered.
The diploma programme is open to students who do not qualify under the above entry requirements may be granted entry if they are of mature age (21 years of age) and have relevant working experience
School leavers will NITEC/'N' level have to complete the Diploma in Counselling Psychology awarded by IPMA-UK for admission.
Admission to the programme is subject to panel interview from Mind Map Business School and approval of The International Professional Managers Association (IPMA), United Kingdom (UK).
Compulsory Modules
PSY 3101 - Introduction to Psychology
PSY 3102 - Life span developmental Psychology
PSY 3103 - Research Methods in Psychology
PSY 3104 - Psychology of Human Sexuality
PSY 3105 - Abnormal Psychology
PSY 3106 - Organization & Industrial Psychology
PSY 3107 - Counselling & Psychotherapy
PSY 3108 - Psychotic & Organic Disorders
PSY 3109 - Neuropsychology
PSY 3110 - Social Psychology
PSY 3111 - Evolutionary Psychology
PSY 3112 - Psychology of Childhood & Adolescence
PSY 3113 - Psychology of Aging
PSY 3116 - Statistic Research Methodology
PSY 3117 - Motivation & Emotion
PSY 3118 - Environmental Psychology
PSY 3119 - Psychology of Sensation & Perception
PSY 3120 - Memory, Intelligence and States of Mind
PSY 3121 - Psychology of Learning
PSY 3122 - Drugs & Human behavior
PSY 3123 - Psychology of Decision Making
PSY 3124 - Psychology of Sociology
Fee Structure
Full Time Fee S$700 per module
Part Time Fee S$600 per module
Registration Fee S$100
Study Material S$250
Academic Progression
The programme is also geared towards the preparation of entry-level pathway for Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology, The International Professional Manager Association (IPMA) United Kingdom (UK)
Assessments Methods
Students of this programme will be assessed by a combination of assignments, examinations, test, class participation, presentations, projects and/or role-play. Each module would have different assessment weightage depending on respective programme requirements.
Career Opportunity
Graduates of this programme will be able to serve in the diverse settings, from social service sectors to business/organisations.
Information / Enquiry
For more information & further enquiry, please contact us at Tel: 6339 8446 or email: email@example.com
We are most delight to hear from you and to assist you in any way we can.
Please Click here for Schedule for 2008


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Genuine GE part. GE brands include General Electric, Hotpoint, RCA, and others. See all items in Refrigerator Drawer, Shelf, Pan.
GE also makes various appliance models for Sears / Kenmore.
Check your model number or use our Cross Reference Tool to determine if this part will work with your appliance.
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Part Number WR21X10232 (AP4981560) replaces 1812320, AH3487893, EA3487893, PS3487893.
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ETA International
Passive Intermodulation Testing
5 Depot Street, Greencastle IN 46135
Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes Renewal Required? Every 1 Year(s) Renew through Continuing Educational Units(CEU)? YesRenew through Re-Examination? NoRenew through Continuing Professional Development(CPD)? NoDoes applicant have choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)? No


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Visitors are welcome to tour the museum during school hours, normally Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. Groups can request a guided tour (for which a donation is appreciated).
Inquiries about the collection can be directed to Phil Bollinger, curator, Evangelical Seminary, 121 S. College St., Myerstown, PA 17067; phone: 717-866-5775; e-mail: email@example.com.
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Check out your links after the jump.
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Visual Bits #376> Oddly Vintage: Photographs & Ads
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The Eames Lounge Chair TV Debut in 1956
It's now considered a masterpiece of the modern design world – perhaps even one of its most recognizable items – but in 1956 the Herman Miller Lounge Chair was "quite a departure." Here it is featured for the first time on national television, making its debut on NBC's "Home" show with Arlene Francis. There to introduce the chair are none other than designers Charles and Ray Eames. [Read more...]
Stereoviews from Old Japan Converted Into GIFS
Do you remember staring at those Magic Eye pictures, hoping to see an image revealed once your eyes reached that perfect blur? Well that magical phenomenon of stereographs was created long before the 1990's craze, dating back as far as the 1840's. Double lensed stereoscopic cameras allowed people to capture 2 moments at once and stereoscopes made the prints come to life as they appeared to pop off the page in 3D. [Read more...]
Visual Bits #369> A Colorful Time: Vintage & Retro
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Paper from the Past: Collage by Lars Henkel
Maybe it's a stretch, but something about the linear and technological elements in Lars Henkel's excellent collages reminds me of Marcel Duchamp's famous The Bride Stripped Bare By Her Bachelors, Even. Perhaps it's the fact that the technical elements in his work don't quite make sense (many aren't even connected to anything), or that there is a distinct lean towards early 20th century imagery and a beige color palette. The many levels of detail certainly lead us to believe that there is more going on than meets the eye. [Read more...]
A Remixed Taxonomy of the Animal World
If combined groups of birds, mammals, insects and fish managed to converge on one point at high speed, the resulting collision might create something like the work of Penelope Kenny. After the fur, scales and feathers had settled, you'd be looking at perfectly formed remixes of the animal world: cockatoos with rabbit heads, hummingbirds with grasshopper bodies and one deer with a bouncy kangaroo torso. Perhaps the strangest part of all this: the animals would look surprisingly beautiful. [Read more...]
Visual Bits #347 > A Love For Vintage
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Happy Vintage New Year!
It's that time of year again… one where tomorrow is next year. Starting at the islands of Kiribati and Samoa, the world begins to welcome in the new year, beginning its march from time zone to time zone, finally ending in Hawaii. The traditions and celebrations each nation practices are varied. Mexicans celebrate New Year's Eve, by eating a grape with each of the twelve chimes of a clock's bell during the midnight countdown, while making a wish with each one. In Italy, New Year's Eve is celebrated by the observation of traditional rituals, such as wearing red underwear. In Ecuador it's a tradition for men to dress as women representing the "widow" of the year that has passed. [Read more...]
Famous Photographs Recreated With Legos
We're continuing our love of Lego remixes today with some seriously well made retakes on classic photography. Taking the ubiquitous miniature figurines from his Lego set and recreating iconic scenes from classics like Robert Capa's "Death of a Loyalist Soldier" and John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1969 "Bed-In", english artist Mike Stimpson has a passion for using toys to create photographic remakes of famous photographs. [Read more...]
Hilarious Technology Ads From Yesteryear
When we look at the smart phones in our pockets that can do everything and so much more than the first computers which took up an entire room, it's hard to believe that there was a time when floppy disks were the latest, greatest invention! We can get so impatient when a website seems to be taking too long to load, but if we think back to the time of dial-up where we had to wait for our computers to call a server- sometimes several times unsuccessfully- that minute doesn't seem so long anymore! This collection of retro technology ads is quite hilarious to see, but each one was a necessary step in getting us to the amazing technology we have today. It's funny to think that in twenty more years we will be looking at the gadgets we currently have in the same way. [Read more...]


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Black 1950s diner phone
Item No.3040293603
Get a splash of American retro in your home with this 1950s diner phone from Wild & Wolf. Offering a unique style to make you the envy of all your guests, this phone is a stylish finish to your home.
This black classic diner phone from Wild & Wolf simply plugs into a standard phone socket.
Deliveries are between 8am - 6pm, Mon - Sat.
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International Delivery £7.00 to £15.00
Debenhams is happy to exchange or refund your purchase within 28 days providing the goods are in a fully resaleable condition (including tags) and not within the exclusion policy*. This policy does not affect your statutory rights. You can return unwanted items either by visiting your local store (the fastest way to get a refund), by arranging a courier collection or returning by post. Exclusions apply to selected products. For instructions on how to return products and information on Debenhams refund policy visit the returns and refunds section of the website.


text:
Events at Loews Hollywood Hotel
National League of Cities
The Congressional City Conference brings together more than 2,000 elected and appointed city leaders to focus on the federal policy issues that are important to local governments. Your partnership with the National League of Cities ensures the nation's cities a seat at the decision-making table with members of Congress, the White House, and federal agencies looking for solutions to addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Additionally, you'll learn about the federal programs, funding opportunities and resources available to implement the most innovative practices at the local level.


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stuff i write about me & my literature
what's up in my world...
Story of my life...
(please state your name/penname, how you know of me, and main reason/subject of the message in the subject/titlebox of the email or i will delete your mail)
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Week 3 - Reading: Chapther 15 - Text: Mooring Against the Tide & Story: Rainy Days and Mondays - Text: A Cat, a Hat, and a Piece of String by Joanne Harris
Mooring Against the Tide Ch 15
From Harris text:
Rainy Days and Mondays
By now you will be coming to understand point of view and how the vantage point a story is written from will affect you as a reader. Ask yourself how you respond to the point of view in this week's stories. What pulls you closer and what pushes you further away? Do you find that you have a favourite point of view as a reader? How might identifying this affect your own writing?
Chapter 15 of Mooring Against the Tide, talks about Point of View which is commonly known by it's abbreviation POV. POV is defined as a standpoint, a perspective on which a story is told. There are 5 kinds of POVs: First Person POV - where the narrator is also the protagonist; Second Person POV - where the reader is directly involved/addressed in the story, though there are not many stories in this perspective; Third Person Multiple POV - where the narrator is kind of like an observer that's seeing what is happening from different angles; Third Person Limited POV - where the narrator is similar to a tiny person who is perched on a characters shoulder, telling us how he sees the story unfold when that character he is a perched on is involved; and Third Person Omniscient POV - where the narrator is basically similar to a god, who can see everything. Our stories this week were both in first person POVs and so were the previous stories.
Honestly, I prefer third person POV, cause the story is told more as a whole, than just from one person's view point. If you ask me which third person POV, I would say Omniscient but it doesn't make much of a difference to me if the story is told in 3rd person limited or 3rd person multiple cause they are all POVs where the narrator is an observer and not a character who is biased to how he/she only sees things. However, it depends if the story is well told/written - I mean if it is well written, it doesn't really matter what POV it is written in cause the plot and the characters are well relayed. As a writer, I prefer and lean towards writing in any of the 3rd person POVs; but mostly it's my character who tells me what to write and not I. So however my character dictates the story should be told, I write it that way - I'm more or less just a medium, because I have little control on how I want my stories to go.
The first story entitled "Rainy Days and Mondays" is about a rain god who happens to be a human named Arthur. Arthur lives in Manhattan, New York. He falls in love with a woman named Sunny. Sunny as you could have guessed had a very uplifting personality which contrasts greatly with Arthur's personality. Basically the story circles around this premise and is told by Arthur/the rain god's perspective. What I dislike about this is that readers don't get an idea of how Sunny feels toward Arthur - Does she return his feelings or not? Does she think the weather is odd(cause Arthur is just changing it for her sake)? Is she herself, maybe also a god (cause there is that possibility)? If this story were told in 3rd person POV, we would have more of a sense of how Sunny feels about the story and the story would no longer be centered on Arthur's perspective. I think it would be better, if told in 3rd person POV. Mondays are awful enough on their own, add in the weather condition of rain - it's a dreary start to the week. I think the title fits the story very well. I did not like how the short story involved gods cause I felt that the gods have this history which is not being told and readers are only getting a glimpse. I would like to learn more how the gods came to be in human form, why are they in human form, how many and what kind of gods are there, do the gods know of each others' existence, how do their powers really work - do they only control a certain area with their powers, and why are they not seen as gods by the normal people anymore. Other than that, I love it's fictional, fantasy feel cause the reader knows that the story is not happening in the real world but in another world - I am bias though about fiction and fantasy based stories.
3 comments:
- AnonymousOctober 21, 2013 at 11:13 AM
Nic, a careful reading of Mooring and one of the stories. I suggest that you look again at the difference between third person limited and omniscient. It's large. Multiple third povs are common in novels: think LOTR, for example. There's lots of space to wander. It's less common in short stories, but certainly can be done. The trick is to switch for a specific amount of time, usually a minimum of two to three pages. It takes energy for the reader to switch. Nothing points out a poorly-written piece of fiction faster than having slips into one person's head for a paragraph or so. I'm not sure you're getting this.ReplyDelete
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The following are the regular, ongoing projects of the house. For details on this week's schedule, go here. We welcome volunteers – whether for a one-time visit or a regular commitment for any of the projects listed below. We can also tailor-make volunteer opportunities that would benefit our community if you have certain schedule restrictions. For more information, call or email us – 352-371-4695 or gvillecw(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Breakfast@theGreenHouse – Several days a week, we serve a light breakfast with coffee and tea and provide a warm, welcoming place for people to start their day.
Green House Knitters - Weekly gathering (women-folk only) to learn to knit, teach knitting, work on a project of your own, or use our stash of beautiful, donated yarn to create warm things for people out in the cold this winter. Also crochet rugs made from old T-shirts to sell to help support yourself or the work of the house. Crocheters welcome too!
Dorothy's Farmers Market Cafe - A simple, free, healthy, home-cooked meal every Wednesday at the Green House of the Gainesville Catholic Worker. A team of chefs-in-training prepare the meal (contact us if you would like to sign up for a month) with dining from 12-3pm, and clean-up ongoing. We welcome groups to sponsor a cafe (provide food and volunteers) on a regular basis – once a week, once a month, once a semester, etc., – or sign up to just lend a hand in the afternoon. Regular volunteers who can commit for the semester are especially helpful!
Weekly and monthly workdays at Black Acres Microfarm - Join us at this urban microfarm just a few blocks from UF. In partnership with the GCW, we help provide regular volunteers to the microfarm and the produce from the microfarm is shared with our friends and neighbors at the cafe and through distribution. Volunteer all morning or for an hour or whatever suits your schedule. Call Jade at 352-275-4661 or 352-337-0817 to get directions and let him know you're coming!
Art for All - Part art-therapy, part cottage industry, part opportunity to create and have fun, local artists teach community members, guests, friends and volunteers to create crafty works of art for personal use or to sell through our Art for All boutique at the house.
Prep work and distribution of food gleaned from 441 Farmer's Market – Join us to help prep food we have gleaned from the Alachua County 441 Farmers' Market on Saturday morning. Depending on the amount gleaned, we also need help distributing it to friends and neighbors who lack access to healthy, nutritious, fresh food.
House Hours - The house is open for visits, hospitality, donation drop-off, etc. Friends come by to use the phone, get out of bad weather, rest, have a cup of coffee, etc.
House Dinner - Each evening members of the house community gather for a simple meal. Guests are welcome; call or email us ahead of time to let us know if you will be joining us.
Green House Gardens – We co-opted some space from the city in our neighboring parking lot to plant raised-bed gardens to produce food for the house and our neighborhood. Email us to let us know if you'd like to help out with ongoing chores or work regularly in the garden.
New Community Prayer Service and Potluck, first Sundays of each month, 4-7pm, locations to be determined - A group of folks, including some of us associated with the GCW, have committed to forming an intentional community. Once-a-month, we'll gather at various people's homes, in the spirit of the early church, to pray together and share a meal. The gathering is open to anyone who would like to join us.
Check out the "This Week" tab for a weekly update that features these and other special projects that may come up during the semester.


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Art Studio in a Penske Truck
Moving Week: Sponsored by Penske Truck Rental
Ten years ago, artist Dave Ford was working a day job as an art handler. Tasked with delivering art from New York to Miami, he wanted a way to create art during his road trip. Suspending a pencil-tipped water bottle over a piece of paper in the passenger seat of the truck cab, Ford made his first Truck Drawings, images created by the movement of the truck along highways and byways: "It started to all make sense to me," Ford recalls. "It was mirroring what was going on outside. The drawings had a map-like quality to them."
Since then, Ford has dedicated himself to making Truck Drawings, now using the entire bed of rented Penske Truck Rental trucks. Rigging webbing across the bed, he suspends water bottles filled to various levels, tipped with different weights of lead, so as to control the angle, pressure, and darkness of each. He then drives various routes around the country, creating unique abstract images that each represent a particular geographic, topographic and temporal journey.
(Images: 1 Heriberto Ibarra; 2 & 3 Dave Ford; 4 & 5 Andrew Griego; 6 & 7 Jodi Morton; 8 Chrissy Kleberg; 9 Armando Alvarez)
More posts in this series
Penske Moving Week
6 Comments
I really want to like this, but I can't, quite.
I just feel meh about it.
Maybe he could try some colors.
I love this work, it blends into any room in any home, I especially love it over the fireplace and the desk! Beautiful work Dave Ford!!!!!!
This is fab. I do love it when art world and real world collide. The guy made art while moving art. It's beautiful, really.
I love this. Seriously. I may take a special interest since my parents are Penske agents :) If I ever move cross-country, I'll have to try on a small scale!
Not the most eco friendly art but creative.
Hey these are great tips. mind if I share these on my moving blog on my louderback moving services website?


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Lowry, Minnesota is located in Pope County. Lowry has a population of 296 and has shown 5.3% growth since 2000. Of the 121 households in Lowry, 63.8% are owned, 17.4% are rented and 19% are not currently occupied. The median age of homes in Lowry is 29 years and 12.0% of the homes have been occupied by the same residents for more than 5 years. Learn more about Lowry, Minnesota real estate at coldwellbanker.com.
Crown, Realtors
625 Broadway


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Feb 16, 2011
6 notes
6 notes
030. The House of Mirth (2000)
Gillian Anderson, Dan Aykroyd, Terry Kinney, Laura Linney
I'm probably just a sucker for tragedy, but this was so, so lovely. I adore the high society of the early 20th century and the way it's portrayed. Despite all the negativity I kinda wish I lived in that era, in that society… Currently reading the book by Edith Wharton and enjoying it a lot.
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twenty ◦ junior ◦ drama major
I'm slightly weirded out that my roommates can't wait to meet 'the guy I had a baby with', but I have a feeling this is going to be a very interesting couple of days.
Ooooh. Oh, right. Well, do you want to hear about my race from last week?
Yeah sure; you could have told me anything. I just needed us to get off of that particular subject.
Yeah… that's probably the best.
I don't think that's what makes you a good teacher since kids are there to learn.


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Tito Polo
Educational Background:
B.S. in Electrical Engineering--San Jose State Universi
Experience and Interests:
My work experience has been in the semiconductor industry. I worked in the Hartnell Math lab for three years. I am currently working toward my masters degree in electrical Engineering. My non-professional interests include soccer, home improvements and traveling.
Course being taught spring semester 2009:
EGN-6 Lab TH 6:00--8:50 PM in M-8
EGN-2 Lecture M,W 1:00--2:15 PM in T1


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American Classic Limousine, Inc can offer its customers comfort, cleanliness and competitive pricing with a wide variety of services and vehicles. The fleet of well maintained vehicles is driven by a team of professional chauffeurs to get you were you need to go on time. Whether you are going to dinner, a Red Sox Game, Patriots game or other event there is plenty of room for your whole party with choices that include Lincoln Series L sedans, (white or black) Lincoln Limousines, SUV's, and vans. Don't forget we also offer packages for weddings, proms and concerts. If you are going on vacation don't take your car to Logan. Have us take you door to door. We will go as close as Massport allows and in most cases it is about the same amount of money as Massport is going to charge you to park or cheaper. We didn't forget about business customers; with our array of corporate services designed specifically for them.
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"Courteous Professional Service with a Personal Touch"
781-939-0755 or 800-664-0023 (outside MA)
firstname.lastname@example.com for information
firstname.lastname@example.com for reservations


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|Product Type: Portable Air Conditioner
|Lowest Temperature: 62 Fahrenheit
|Timer Covers 24 Hours: Yes
|Number of Air Directions: 3
|Hose Type: Single
|Locking Wheels: Yes
|Assembly Required: No
|Product Warranty: 5 years
|Highest Temperature: 90 Fahrenheit
|Auto On and Off: Yes
|Washable Filter: Yes
|Finish: Black
|Degree Increments: Two-degree increments
|Clean Filter Alert: Yes
|ASME Compliant: Yes
|Additional Parts Required: No
|CSA Certified: Yes
|cETL Certified: Yes
|Powder Coated Finish: Yes
|ETL Certified: Yes
|Gloss Finish: Yes
|cUL Listed: Yes
|Material: Plastic
|UL Listed: Yes
|EISA Compliant: Yes
|Number of Items Included: 6
|Energy Star Compliant: No
|Pieces Included: Air conditioner, remote control, flexible exhaust hose, window venting kit, manual, and warranty
|Greenguard Certified: Yes
|Fire Resistant Housing: Yes
|NEMA Certified: Yes
|BTU Cooling: 12000 BTUs
|Amperage: 10.8 Amps
|Wattage: 1200 Watts (W)
|Number of Operating Modes: 2
|Operating Modes Available: Air Conditioner; Fan
|Quiet Mode: Yes
|Remote Included: Yes
|Window Compatible: Yes
|Window Adapter Included: Yes
|Thermostat Included: Yes
|Programmable Timer: Yes
|Auto Restart: Yes
|Digital Display: Yes
|Number of Cooling Speeds: 3
|Number of Fan Speeds: 3
|Oscillating: Yes
|Voltage: 115 Volts (V)
|Frequency: 60 Hertz
|Maximum Coverage Area: 600 Square Feet
|Noise Level: 55 Decibel
|Moisture Removal: 70 Pints
|Maximum Air Flow: 163 Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)
|Adjustable Air Direction: Yes
|Wall Sleeve Kit: Yes
|Air Filter Included: Yes
|Portable: Yes
|Refrigerant Type: R410A
|Vented Outside: Yes
|Water Supply Connection: Yes
|Auto Drain Function: Yes
|Hose Included: Yes
|Wheeled: Yes
|Residential or Commercial Use: Residential
|Eco-Friendly: Yes
|Country of Manufacture: China
Questions & Answers
Honeywell 12,000 BTU Air Conditioner
Cannot handle 95 degree heat
WKRP from Ohio
Ran this thing for about 18 hours and got maybe 4 degrees of cooling. Worthless. I'll stick to my window unit. It's not made by Honeywell either. I guess someone just licensed the name and stuck it on some poorly made junk.
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