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- Ayla Ford
- Bloomington, IN
- United States
This conversation is closed.
Does everything that we do in life revolve around finding a mate?
Being a senior in high school, I have observed my actions and the actions of those around me and something interesting has caught my attention. From the very moment we wake till we go to sleep at night we are planning our lives around what appeals to the opposite sex. I was wondering can we move past our animalistic nature and be forward thinking on our own or are we always to be caught in the rut of companionship? I caught myself forming life goals around a man that I have yet to meet, my plans to travel have already been stifled by the notion that in my pursuit of world travel I might miss out on my "one true love."
Apr 27 2013: Ayla, I'm a old guy (70) and have a opinion ... an that is all it is .. an opinion. Many people are falling into the marketing trap. Ads, movies, books, and pressure from peers and family all leads us down a road we are "expected" to follow. Traditionally it was the "job" of the woman to marry and reproduce. How many times does a grandparent ask about when your going to make them a great grandmother. Ads are everywhere ... wear this and the next scene is in a bar with a guy hitting on you ... buy this and you will be walking on the beach with a hunk ....
IMO that is some of the reason that many marragies break up. The partners are following the charcter in a book, movie, or thinking the ads were right .... we met in a bar so why are you mad I still go there ... his body was great but you found out his head was empty ...
So here is the old guys advice. Be yourself. Lies will catch up and destroy your chances. Don't spend time looking .. let things happen naturally. Marry someone you can be friends with .. because that will always be your best friend. Build on friendshi[p and respect ... those are the rock foundations of any relationship. If you can't talk to each other then the road will be very difficult.
In high school and college men reach for the apples that are low on the tree. Whe selecting a wife we reach for the best apple ... the one high on the tree.
I didn't look for a mate ... I looked for a life partner and found my wife and best friend all in one.
I wish you well. Bob.
Todd Cee
Apr 30 2013: Bob, that was beautiful! Brought a tear to this old man's eye, you really are a "Winner!" :-)
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God Bless
- Todd C.Apr 29 2013: Well - interesting and honest question..even brave!
I think this is about hope and uncertainty - this is about future...which mean no harm in thinking or being vigilant about yourself, your feelings and hoping for love and care now or in future - this is good thing. However, your life should revolve around only one person that is YOU...with time you will learn people, friends, close friends, and even lovers will come and go but this shouldn't change the fact that you remain the most important person of your life...I mean to say you shouldn't be delaying anything thinking I'll do this once I'll have a partner...too much dependancy made us needy and no one likes a needy person! Thus, I think our world shouldn't revolve around anyone as this way someone else will control us and this never brings happiness in any way.....Apr 27 2013: Ayla, that is such a beautiful question!
And my answer to your question is absolute not! You can not seek your mate. If you do, you may well push him away. You must live your life for yourself, and in the process of doing that you may find yourself falling in love with someone you probably had no idea you would meet.
For a visual metaphor, imagine trying to catch a butterfly. If you chase it too hard, he will fly away. You need to be yourself, and then the butterfly may well land on your nose.
Michael Haws
Apr 27 2013: its more important in being the right person then finding the right person...
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Kareem Fahim
Apr 26 2013: 'Does everything that we do in life revolve around finding a mate?' No. I believe there is much more about life than finding 'the girl'
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Although our culture and society continuously pushes us to do so...
Fritzie -
Apr 25 2013: I have not seen this phenomenon in my girls. They both focused very much on pursuing their interests. My younger daughter graduated from college last year, and her little group of girlfriends similarly were not focused on young men. They are all in graduate school now in the fields that caught their imaginations.
- +3
This observation leads me to the hypothesis that what girls focus on depends on their social milieu- what their families and peer groups cultivate.
This is not at all to say that these girls are only career minded and not family minded. It is only to say that they are not doing everything in life, or even a majority of what they do, to find a mate.
I also don't really think there is one true love out there for everyone. I think there are likely many people with whom you could fall in love and make a life.
Apr 25 2013: I agree Fritzie.....I don't observe many young people adapting their life around finding a mate. My kids (in their 40s now) pursued their own interests through high school and college and had lots of friends.
I also agree that there are probably many people with whom we can love and create a life together:>)
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Apr 25 2013: I understand the point you are making ZX. Now that my "kids" are in their 40s, I'm hearing quite a bit of information that I did not know about when they were teens! LOL:>)
Nothing earth shattering, and I think your point is that they do not tell us everything as teenagers? I agree!
I did know them pretty well though because we shared a lot of time, talk and activities together, which was GREAT! They had lots of activities and groups of friends in high school and neither one of them had a special person. They both had very large groups of kids that all hung around together, mostly doing sport, music, and theater activities. I don't know as much about the college days because they were not living at home. I DO know that they continued with the large group of friends routine because they brought a LOT of them home:>) Neither one got married until their 30's, so apparently they were not in a big hurry!
I agree....some people can be more special than others:>)Apr 24 2013: No. You do what you need to do to survive. Learn a skill, educate your self, and do what is necessary to maximize your chances at living a long and happy life. Stay healthy, learn all you can, and take advantage of the FREEDOM you now have to focus just on what you want to do. The time will come when others need you to survive and you freedom becomes limited by responsibility.
That being said, perhaps the biggest decision you have to make is who you choose to spend your life with. Do not make it in a rush or without a lot of thought. However, stressing out over some kind of time table or master plan will reduce your quality of life at a time when you have other big decisions to make. Have fun and just be the best YOU you can be. Intelligence, honesty, and doing what seems natural to you are pretty seductive qualities and will probably do you well in the long run.
Nature is a pretty powerful force to overcome relative to the desire to find a mate and start a family. Hundreds of years ago, these desires were pretty much the driving factor in relationships. However, in today's society, you need to know more to survive and raise a family, so the ones that seem to do the best are the ones that are able to defer gratification or somehow prevent a family from becoming a reality until you are ready to support them with your mate.
It is great to have a plan for your life. It permits you to take on the big issues pro-actively and with thought rather than re-actively in a crisis. However, realize that much of life is unpredictable, with opportunities, situations, and circumstances that you must somehow navigate around, through or over to go forward. This demands you to be flexible and responsive to these situations as they occur to pick the best path. Do not let a good long term plan drive you to bad short term decisions, or prevent you from enjoying life.
Smile, be happy, think positive and look for ways to do nice things for people.
Your life will be amazing!
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Apr 25 2013: Robert and Kate,
I wholeheartedly agree! I also enjoyed living my life to the fullest, pursuing the things I was interested in, and I agree Kate....it attracts lots of possible partners:>)
I love your last paragraph Robert...so true:>)
"It is great to have a plan for your life. It permits you to take on the big issues pro-actively and with thought rather than re-actively in a crisis. However, realize that much of life is unpredictable, with opportunities, situations, and circumstances that you must somehow navigate around, through or over to go forward. This demands you to be flexible and responsive to these situations as they occur to pick the best path. Do not let a good long term plan drive you to bad short term decisions, or prevent you from enjoying life."
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Apr 25 2013: Hi yourself gorgeous....thank you:>)
Regarding your other comment....TOTALLY AGREE...
I don't need a partner just to fit in with societal expectations either! I also SO enjoy dancing to my own tune....well said gorgeous Kate!
Actually, I think statistics show that there are a LOT more people these days who PREFER to be single:>)Apr 29 2013: Hi Ayla, I've travelled to 17 countries, many cities etc. mostly to have fun with myself. I've met so many lovely people I otherwise wouldn't have. These included some lovers, but so many more life-long friends. I think I've improved my odds considerably of finding happiness because I probably have such a broader definition of it.
I think I've cared to have a stronger sense of myself, rather than "find a mate", but at every improvement I make--the quality of potential mates (incidentally?) gets better! :) Sitting around waiting for a miracle dude who lives within 20 city blocks is not nearly as fun. Low hanging fruit is everywhere, it's not The One, IMHO.Apr 28 2013: Seeking companionship--following reproductive urges--may be "natural," but in our overpopulated and unsustainable world, it is illogical and irresponsible. Like many before me have said, be true to yourself and your goals, but I urge you. Subordinate your own happiness, and simply aim to brighten the lives of others-- advance scientific, reasoned, moralistic, cooperative, compassionate humanity. Take care of this earth and those who are already struggling among their 7 billion brethren... happiness will find you. Unfortunately, if you are willing to sacrifice a traditional notion of belonging and purposed proliferation for the good of mankind, then I would recommend that you become a parent to pass on such values! Joseph Heller would understand this predicament.
Apr 30 2013: [My english speech is bad... Patience]
[My intention is a Healthy discussion, so, Peace :) ]
[Please, read it with a relaxed "tone", since reading with angry emotions may project them as mine in your mind]
Don't think "Seeking Companionship" is just to follow reproductive urges, there is more to it, even if we discard the social thing (what is nearly impossible, since people are molded by it.) there is the somewhat natural human tendency for the companionship need. (Or "empathy" and "rapport" need, if you prefer.)
Reproduction is illogical? Is it not just your beliefs and feelings speaking? And about "irresponsible", didn't you forgot some premises to be able to state it? Is not it just emotional thinking?
[Emotional Thinking, a.k.a.: Assume that some thoughts are the absolute truth just because they support your feelings or you think they match them.]
I do agree with you in the rest (with some reservations (: )
May 1 2013: No worries Filipe. I agree, seeking companionship is a beautiful, complex thing. Also, reproduction is definitely logical-- I wish I had been clearer haha! The main point I was trying to make is that we, as a species, are dangerously abundant. I am happy to share the planet with almost every soul that is here now, but I worry that our natural reproductive instincts and personal desires will soon begin to cause more harm than good. That is where the tidbit of illogic, selfishness, and irresponsibility comes into play. By blindly following urges, it seems that we do not pay enough respect to the sustainability of our ecosystem. Also, I am concerned that many people make "finding a mate" their primary goal in life, and I simply prefer that they attempt to advance humanity instead of inflating it!
Emotion, beliefs, feelings... all undoubtedly involved. But, I hope that you can uncover at least a trace of logic this time around!
May 1 2013: Now I can feel the logic! :P
This things you speak of are consequences of the inefficient way of education and thinking that we are forced into, as well as the "inefficient life" that put people more in "inflating" than in "evolving".
If we really started to talk deeply about it, at some point it would fall in my favorite discussion, the human mind.
If you are willing to discuss, I'm here.
Good Night.May 1 2013: Absolutely, education is vital. Could you clarify what we are forced into? I agree that we inflate and stagnate instead of evolving at times. Human evolution has become much more complex than passing along successful traits. I would be glad to discuss anything-- definitely the human mind.
May 1 2013: The inefficient way of education is one.
The inefficient way of thinking makes two.
And both are almost the same.
Our parents, believing that it is the best for us, put us in schools that "kills" the creativity in the students. (Ironically enough, the "failures" are acclaimed as geniuses years later when they use their creativity in a "smart" way.)
Schools that prioritize our memory, but do not teach us how to efficiently use it.
There are the "cultural" feelings and thoughts that generates an quite intriguing recurring thought that I often encounter in people I talk to that I baptized "What should I feel now?", and even others.
The way we live made our emotions uncalibrated, or, in a more specific way, created patterns of thinking that make our emotions rise when they should not. (Like be angry at something that does not affect [in a dangerous way] you, but you think it does, maybe it does in a way, but that way bothers you? why? Most would not accept their own answers, because they know it is not really right.)
With the Snowball effect, these misfitted and inefficient thoughts just stack up, since people run away from "incongruities" within their own minds. (Thanks to the same thoughts.)
There are too experiences that generate feelings that act like a filter to the thoughts and the perception, a really good example is "vengeful people", EVERYTHING in their lives is to get their revenge, they "miss" a lot of other things because everything pass through this filter.
Sujit Malik
Apr 28 2013: Hi Ayla, bingo you are dot on the point. It couldn't have been more correct. The question you asked is actually a statement, a fact (change the symantics). It is actually the law of nature and going against is going against the law of nature. I have seen myself and everyone around doing things pointed at this very pursuit, irrespective of age, status and gender, but could never actually formally acknowledge it. At the same time seeking companionship is not something that we should not be doing or feel guilty of doing. But the problem is when it becomes an obsession and our life plans only revolves around it. And it is proven historically more than once. Having said that, how do you see your life without that inner urge or that 'animalistic nature' of finding that 'mate'? Not very interesting, I am sure.
- +2
Salman Asad
Apr 28 2013: You have gotta love women. Be it anyplace in the world, the only question that really matters to them in those beautiful years is will i find him. Will i finally be able to meet him? I find this rather amazing that this female creature we men love to spoil is since childhood, a nurturing spirit which really blossoms when it becomes a mother.
- +2
Ayla, you know you are in that state emotionally, physically and mentally, where the whole wide world is open to you. I was thinking about that animalistic and nature stuff you said. You really can't fight nature Ayla even if you fight it the hardest. Nature always takes its course. But not everything in life is about finding a mate. Life is also about self discovery and enlightenment. So keep living in the moment. Don't look too hard for your soul mate because believe me, he would be looking for you too. Maybe your one true love is to be found in your travels. So, do not obsess but do not miss the opportunity when it knocks. Have a good blessed life.
Kohl Dothage
Apr 27 2013: I think humans are more complex than biology would really like to say. We can be trained to think and feel all sorts of ways, and I think our current culture is definitely training young people to shy away from finding long-term, monogamous relationships. Instead they are encouraged to pursue careers and look into self-development, and because the need for intimacy and sex is still present, we see this huge hook-up culture forming, as well.
- +2
On top of that, many people my age came out of broken homes. Being a child of divorce can definitely shape your view of the institution, and with nearly half of all marriages failing, I can't really blame my generation from just wanting to avoid the hassle all together.
Personally, I have never made my plans around finding love. I was just going my thing and happened to stumble upon it. I am currently in a very happy, long-term relationship, but both he and I continue to make choices and plans that don't revolve around each other. He recently took a very good job 5 hours away, and in the fall I'll be attending grad school nine hours away. We very much love each other, but, to us, that means letting the other one pursue their dreams.Apr 27 2013: If we didn't consciously look for a mate then one would automatically appoint itself unto us.
Its the instinct versus conscious phonomena that is man.
CheersApr 25 2013: Hello Ayla,
Scientists find that the human mind has two constitutional components, the incancience, and the side of consciousness, the percentage of unconsciousness is enormous compared to the other. like the percentage of dark matter in the universe.
Unconsciousness is a spiritual building where is the database for the functioning of the human.
I think the need of the other sex, and the search for the love from it, is very deep, and a high priority in this spiritual building.
For that we find this sentiment very influential on our lives.
Very deep and priority, yes, but I think that is not the deepest. This is not the first in our spiritual base construction.
Thank you. :)Apr 25 2013: no (yes)Apr 25 2013: I don't know if one can truly get passed the notion of finding another to love and to share life's journey with. It is an honest and natural desire. I'll share a thought using the analogy of you driving a car, the car being your life. What I would suggest is that you place this desire in the "passenger seat" ,close by for I would imagine this does speak to your heart. You remain in the "driver's seat", the pilot pursuing your goals and dreams. As you journey you will learn much about yourself, you'll grow in many ways gaining a clearer understanding of your morals and values, you will find happiness and strength of character, a clearer understanding of who Ayla "is". As you journey, opportunities will present themselves meeting all sorts of gentleman along the way. One day you'll know when you cross paths with "him" for you'll have a clearer understand of yourself and will no longer be clouded with fear. If you remain open, it will happen and for the right reasons!
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Apr 25 2013: well said Don. For it truly is "an investment worth making;growing wealth"
thank you for your comments and sharing your wisdom !
Mary Ellen
Apr 25 2013: Me too!! (like the look of the hillside....)
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Beautiful.Apr 30 2013: [My english writing is kind of bad, so... Patience.]
Well, Ayla, I don't know you, and even with my ability to know the patterns behind the people mind, I cannot be 100% precise, so forgive me if I speak something "off the mark". (and correct me, please :D )
First of all, I suppose that your "basis" revolves in the Social influence in your mind and the mind of the people around you.
I think that when you talk "we are planning our lives around what appeals to the opposite sex" it's not whole in the sexual [relations] way, although I get the impression that is mostly in that way. ("Happiness through 'sexual sucess'", maybe? haha)
The "goals around a person you have yet to meet" is a recurrent way of thinking because the social pressure insert in our minds the thought "Be Married to be Happy" (Kinda hypocritical if you analyze it more deeply, but still, recurring.) or even "One True Love".
It's human nature to meet one partner, or even more. Plan your life revolving them (if you did not met.) is just a social thing. (Based on emotions built with time, though.)
You can get rid of it. How easy it will be, depends on you.
Sorry if I did not help the way you wanted, I am a bad teacher with "Mold Your Mind", so I would not be able to explain all the process in a topic.
Good Bye.Apr 29 2013: Hi Ayla,
I don't know if accommodating a future partner is such a 'wrong' thing... if anything, it will then become clear to you if there is even room for a partner in your life or not. I know quite a few women who knew a long time ago that they were going to remain partner-less, and have wonderful, fulfilling lives.
Personally, I was not looking for my partner when I found him, and was not planning to be with him forever when we started dating, and neither was he.
What I did do, was follow my own passion, music. He was following his passion, which also happened to be music. Our paths crossed while we were both active in music, and here were are, more than 15 years and 2 kids later.
Our mutual passion is what brought us, and keeps us, together. If we had let go of our passions to find each other, we probably never would have.
Apr 29 2013: Hello Lizanne,
"Finding happiness alone" is a philosophical debate. But, I think that Christopher McCandless found the answer after an exceptional experience.
Apr 30 2013: Hi Abdelhakim,
I agree that 'finding happiness alone' is a philosophical debate, and never meant to imply it as fact in my comment. I was merely saying pretty much the same as a lot of folks here, that I found my partner when I wasn't looking for him.
Who is Christopher McCandless, and what was his exceptional experience?
Apr 30 2013: Hi Lizanne,
Yes, I agree too "I found my partner when I wasn't looking for him."
This is "Christopher McCandless" page on wikipedia:
I note well that:
Christopher McCandless found that "happiness does not exist, only if it is shared"
Thank you Lizanne :)
John Harlow
Apr 29 2013: You won't find your one true love sat in a box and waiting.
- +1
Does everything revolve around a mate? That depends, in hindsight and in a loving relationship - it could easily seem that way.
I would argue that there are individuals for whom 'finding a mate' isn't a concern, and would list Nikolai Tesla as a first example in this category.
Michael Haws
Apr 27 2013: i like this question. simply answered truth is wrapped into one. finding your soul mate eventually leads on a journey which helps you to know who you are. final Destination is a place that you want to share that with. getting really close to somebody and remaining close to them through all the experiences of this life, sacrificing, forgiving learning sharing, becoming, moving forward. i feel relationships are the greatest thing out there. the first is with god then others then yourself. but should you center your life on finding a relationship, no they just happen as a product of living principles in life. focus on priciples and the rest shall fallow.
- +1
Sri Vatsan
Apr 25 2013: Not everything.....
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Some of our actions are geared towards improving our place in society and a lot of our actions like travelling, listening to music etc. are for personal satisfaction...
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Apr 25 2013: ZX, I enjoyed learning where you got your name from.
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I'm glad you did not loose your senses over this conversation....Apr 25 2013: Hey Ayla.
I've had to rewrite this now a few times, but am going to keep it short!
1. You've contradicted yourself. Your life partner loves you for who you really are. Clearly you want to see the world. Isn't that you? Don't alter yourself to be someone you're not or you may mislead others (or even yourself) and forget who you are.
2. A mate doesn't have to be a sexual partner, it could be a friend. A best friend, a 'worthy companion'. If you have a boy or man in mind, perhaps explore the idea of going travelling with them.
3. You are you. You believe in soul-mates. Don't lose that. He/she will show up one day and you will just know. You both will just know. But follow your passions. They lead to greater things and don't be scared.
I do wonder, is there other pressures/expectations TELLING you to find a soul mate?
Be you. You're the best at it.
Apr 25 2013: This is SO true Henry!
A partner will be attracted to us for who we really are. It does not make sense to "alter" ourselves or our plans to try to please someone, because eventually, that will be detrimental to a relationship.May 1 2013: Thinking of companionship is part of our humanity , no body likes to be alone , that's why we keep thinking of finding the one who would be part of the team .
Forming life goals around somebody is a huge mistake ; life is a journey through which we meet many people , some of them stay , others go away , so if we gonna have our life goals formed around somebody then we should realize that there's a possibility that this person might be of those who aren't meant to be in our life .
Your life should revolve about you , not in a selfish way , but in a way that makes you the only person who controls your happiness .May 1 2013: After 62 years, I can say that life is full of ups and downs. Being down and alone is not very pleasing. Neither is being weak and being alone. If there is no one to help you when you are in the ruts of life, you continually want a helpmate. This feeling may dissipate when you are on top of things.
I like the idea of relationships being thought of as a team effort.
Never lose touch with the "you" part of "us". Never be afraid or uncomfortable with being alone, otherwise you can become dependent on others for your comfort.
I good hobby helps to deal with being alone and can make it quite pleasurable. Before I would join with someone else and form a life long team, I'd find a hobby I enjoy. I have several.
I enjoy being married. My wife and I are a team. I think that describes our relationship very well.Apr 30 2013: js best of luck for finding your trye man....Apr 30 2013: No, I'm 68 and married LOL
I do, however, remember a time ages ago that this may very well have been the case. And why not? Most people seem quite happy to find and go through life as a team. It also helps if you want kids.
What we also believe is that, after death, this spiritual team of husband and wife become one angel.Apr 29 2013: Ayla,besdides socially would this also apply biologically?Apr 29 2013: No not everything, I am pretty sure my interest in science fiction and roleplaying games doesn't help much in finding a mate, in my country it may even decrease my chances depending on who you talk to ,but if it does, did I really miss out on my "true love"? or another random love that just enjoy mutual attraction?
And what is it about "One true love" , we often fall in love or have a crush based on initial attraction+ some imagination that may prove untrue , so One True Love is a somewhat deceptive concept that can only be realized after years of togetherness..
I think the most interesting part about your post is that you believe that travelling the world will make you miss out on love when for many people it tends to be the other way around, they meet someone during their travel.
My Father and my Mother are from different countries
My Uncle who was dutch and Aunt who is swedish met while they were both visiting in my country and now they both live in Sweden.
My other Uncle who married my Father's sister is Canadian in origin.
My Sister Married a dutch guy she initially met online.
and so on... so its more like the other way around, in your pursuit of world travel you might find your "one true love".Apr 28 2013: I think pretty much everyone becomes obsessed with finding their "one true love." It pretty much crosses everyone minds at some point in their lives. People form their lives around the thought of a person that they might not even have met yet. I'm not saying it's wrong to, it's just what comes naturally. Why do you think there's so many dating shows nowadays? People want to be loved and cherish and they don't want to wait for it. I don't think you have to search for it though. Things come naturally and you don't have to go out of your way to get it. Just be happy!Apr 27 2013: I hope not - I'm single by choice and am living a very busy and productive life. If you live your life by what you think someone else wants you'll end up being very miserable.
1) you never know for sure what anyone wants or likes
2) you'll come across as fake and so you'll not attract anyone worth having
3) if is does work, and you date that person, you'll have to remain fake for the duration of the relationship - what a strain and a waste of time!
Be true to yourself - even if that means being really uncool whilst at high school. You'll be free and you'll attract other genuine people who really are worth knowing and loving.
Apr 30 2013: You have to be fake to have a relationship with someone? That's news to me.
Apr 30 2013: No that's not what I wrote - if you live your life only to find a mate you'll end up being shallow and fake.Apr 26 2013: You know, I don't believe in the concept of "one true love." There are many people you could love and be loved by. At the same time, I also believe that a healthy, strong marriage will bring you more happiness in this life than anything else. There's a lot of people saying that they don't need marriage. Sure, maybe you don't need it to live. But why not? Assuming you do it right, (which is a big if I freely admit) you have someone you can trust completely. They trust you. They will always help you and you will always help them with anything. You'll grow together and practically become a part of each other. Nothing requires more work. Nothing requires more unselfishness. And that's why it brings the most joy. I know that in practice many if not most people don't achieve this ideal, but I think the reason for that is that most people don't seem to have this ideal in mind as a goal. If you want it, it's definitely within your reach. I'm getting married in a month and I'm ecstatic about it. It's going to be awesome.Apr 26 2013: Everything?
A lot, probably.
Suicide doesn't help find a mate does it?Apr 25 2013: No. I also participate in TED conversations !
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Apr 27 2013: :) Hi Kate,
No, I mean I don't think everything that I do in life revolve around finding a mate. I was being cheeky suggesting that participating in TED is one such activity for example.
I'd like to tell Ayla that the meaning and significance of the word 'mate' keeps on expanding with life. At a particular point it may appear that finding a mate is the most important purpose all activities but at some other point of life it may appear that the activities are more interesting such that a mate will find one who is in action.
My partner and I do things vastly different and share the substance of our experiences over dinner.Apr 25 2013: Hi Ayla Ford,I am wondering about the question too.Why do we in life revolve around finding a mate?Yes we do,but why?sometimes I think it doesn't mean find a mate,but love,communation,and what'love,communication' are they?The most wonder journey in our life is to learn what they really are:love,hatred,kindness,anger,happiness...we won't stop till we die?
W. Ying
Apr 25 2013: .My answer:
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It is, in your present stage.
After that, around:
... getting married,
... having kids,
... parenting,
In one word, keeping our DNA alive or happy validly.


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- 2 cups cornmeal
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The Saddleback Mustang Association held its 14th Annual Saddleback Mustang Stampede at Santa Margarita Ford. It was also the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and a sense of American pride was shared by all. There were several American flags being displayed throughout the Mustang Stampede car show and a very respectful moment of silence was held to honor those who lost their lives.« Back to 2011 Saddleback Mustang Stampede


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In the News
Faith-healing parents get prison terms
Herbert Schaible, 45, and Catherine Schaible, 44, a faith-healing husband and wife from Philadelphia, were sentenced Feb. 19 to 3½ to seven years in prison for the 2013 death of their son, the second child they have lost to pneumonia. Brandon Schaible, 8 months, died of of treatable pneumonia but was never taken to a doctor.
Instead, the couple, who pleaded no contest to 3rd-degree murder, and other members of First Century Gospel Church, prayed for God to heal him.
In doing so, they defied a court order to get medical care for their children after their son Kent, 2, died of bacterial pneumonia in 2009. They were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years' probation.
"April of 2013 wasn't Brandon's time to die," said Judge Benjamin Lerner said. "You've killed two of your children. . . . Not God. Not your church. Not religious devotion. You."
Their pastor, Nelson Clark, blamed Kent's death on a "spiritual lack" in the parents' lives, reported The Associated Press. The eldest of their seven surviving children is 18.
Ulster council reverses bible play ban
The Newtownabbey Borough Council in Northern Ireland reversed a controversial decision made Jan. 22 to ban the comedy play "The Bible: The Complete Word Of God (Abridged)" by the Reduced Shakespeare Company as blasphemous. The board backed off on the ban five days later.
Mayor Fraser Agnew supported the ban "because they are poking fun at the bible, they are poking fun at Christ."
The ban was the "worse type of censorship," said Councillor Gerry O'Reilly. "This is clearly an example of certain councillors forcing their religious views onto everyone else in the constituency. What the councillors are basically saying is that they can dictate what type of dramas people can view."
Given the worldwide publicity the ban garnered, several dates on the U.K. tour are sold out, the Belfast Telegraph reported Jan. 29.
'Messiah' judge loses Tennessee job
Child Support Magistrate Lu Ann Ballew of Newport, Tenn., has been fired in the wake of her court order last August to change a toddler's name over the parents' objection. Ballew threw out the child's birth name of Messiah and ordered his first name to be Martin, which is his mother's surname. Another judge overruled Ballew's order as unconstitutional.
"The word 'messiah' is a title, and it's a title that has only been earned by one person, and that one person is Jesus Christ," Ballew told a TV reporter in August.
O. Duane Slone, Fourth Judicial Circuit presiding judge, terminated Ballew's appointment Jan. 31 without giving a reason, Reuters reported. Ballew was cited earlier by the state Board of Judicial Conduct for inappropriate religious bias. A hearing is set March 3 on that.
FFRF filed a formal complaint with the board Aug. 14.
Orlando church goal: Overcharge city?
A Florida judge ruled Jan. 31 that the Orlando City Council can use eminent domain to acquire the property of Faith Deliverance Temple if negotiations with the church fail. The church is the last parcel needed to build an $84 million Major League Soccer stadium, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
City officials tried to negotiate the purchase without going to court and offered $1.5 million, more than twice the appraised value. When the family that owns the church countered by asking for $35 million, the council voted to file eminent domain.
U.N. clergy abuse report stings Vatican
In a Feb. 5 report, the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child accused the Vatican of "systematically" adopting policies and a "code of silence" that let clergy molest tens of thousands of children over decades.
The Associated Press reported that the panel also severely criticized the Holy See for its attitudes on homosexuality, contraception and abortion. It recommended changes in canon law to ensure children's rights and access to health care. The Vatican promptly objected.
Austen Ivereigh, coordinator of Catholic Voices, said the report was a "shocking display of ignorance and high-handedness."
'Science guy' meets
'pie in the sky'
About 900 audience members watched Bill the "Science Guy" Nye debate Creation Musem founder Ken Ham on Feb. 4 at the museum in Petersburg, Ky
Misty Brewer of Tulsa, Okla., told USA Today she has "traveled my journey to atheism" and drove 12 hours to bring her son to the event. "I think the believers will stay believers," Brewer said. "No one's going to walk out of here saying, 'I changed my mind.' "
"The bible says God created man. It doesn't say evolved," said Diana Yokum, Akron, Ohio. "I really believe those who believe in evolution will have their eyes opened tonight."
"Your assertion that there is some difference between the natural laws that I observe today and the natural laws of 4,000 years ago is extraordinary and unsettling," Nye told Ham, noting kangaroos don't live in the Middle East, where Noah's Ark supposedly ran aground.
Ham focused on "observational science" [how do you know if you weren't there?]. "The battle is really about authority. It's about who is the authority, man or God," said Ham, who wants to build a $60 million Noah's Ark theme park in Grant County, Ky.
Religious freedom bill falters in Virginia
A Virgina House subcommittee in Richmond tabled a student religious freedom bill Feb. 5 that had passed the Senate 20-18, the Lynchburg News & Advance reported. No subcommittee member favored advancing the bill to the full House.
The bill "[c]odifies the right of students to (i) voluntarily pray or engage in religious activities or religious expression before, during, and after the school day in the same manner and to the same extent that students may engage in nonreligious activities or expression; (ii) organize prayer groups, religious clubs, 'see you at the pole' gatherings, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other activities and groups; and (iii) wear clothing, accessories, or jewelry that display religious messages or religious symbols in the same manner and to the same extent that other types of clothing, accessories, and jewelry are permitted."
The bill would have required every school division to let students express religious views at any school event in which students are allowed to publicly speak, said the Roanoke Times.
Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, said the bill would create "a patchwork quilt" of local policies. "If this bill is passed, it almost guarantees litigation. Do we really need to spend time and money and effort litigating different school districts' policies that are established under this bill?"
Missouri bill allows evolution opt out
Missouri Rep. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, has introduced a General Assembly bill to make schools notify parents about the "basic content" of any instruction students are getting about evolution. It would also let students opt out, with parental consent, of "any part" of that instruction.
Brattin told KCTV that public schools teach Darwinian theory as fact and that students who question it are ridiculed.
"I definitely think parents should be notified if evolution is taught because I believe in creation," said Tina Decavale of Drexel.
Brandon Eastwood, of Harrisonville, went further. "Evolution is not taught in the bible so it shouldn't be taught in the class. Even if I had to spend some time in jail, I wouldn't subject my kids to that nonsense."
The Daily Beast online publication said Oklahoma, South Dakota and Virginia have similar bills circulating, from "teaching the controversy" to including so-called "intelligent design' theory in biology courses.
On "The Daily Show," host Jon Stewart referred to the Missouri bill and called state legislatures "the meth labs of democracy" for even considering such legislation.
Gay discrimination
bill dies in Senate
The Kansas House approved a bill 72-49 on Feb. 5 that would let individuals, groups and businesses discriminate against same-sex marriage or civil union couples by refusing to provide services. Anti-discrimination lawsuits also would be barred.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Charles Macheers, R-Shawnee, responds to the possibility that a federal court ruling could invalidate the state constitution's ban on same-sex marriages, the Wichita Eagle reported. Government agencies would still be required to provide services, but individual clerks could refuse to participate based on their religious beliefs.
Then on Feb. 18, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Jeff King, R-Independence, said the bill won't advance in the Senate. "We're not working House Bill 2453," King told The Associated Press. He said he will still have hearings on whether Kansas needs to enact other "religious liberty" protections.
[Fr. Benjamin Kneib] had called me the day of the rosary and said he wouldn't be able to give us communion because of our same-sex relationship.
Carol Parker, Chillicothe, Mo., on a Catholic priest's phone call the day before her mother's funeral
The Raw Story, 2-7-14
Ariz. gov vetoes bill singling out gays
In a room packed with media Feb. 26, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed Senate Bill 1062 in the wake of national outcries, including some from Republicans and business interests, over a bill that would allow discrimination against gays for religious reasons.
The Legislature gave final approval Feb. 20 to a bill that lets businesses and individuals refuse to provide goods and services to gays. Similar "religious protection" legislation has been introduced in Ohio, Mississippi, Idaho, South Dakota, Tennessee and Oklahoma, but Arizona's plan is the only one that has passed, The Associated Press reported. Similar efforts are stalled in Idaho, Ohio and Kansas.
The law "could divide Arizona in ways we cannot even imagine and no one would ever want," Brewer told a room packed with media.
Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, a Religious Right group, said that "by vetoing this bill, Governor Brewer is saying she supports government discrimination against people's religious freedoms."
Brewer denied such claims. "As governor, I have protected religious freedoms when there is a specific and present concern that exists in our state. Senate Bill 1062 does not address a specific and present concern related to religious liberty in Arizona. I have not heard of one example in Arizona where a business owner's religious liberty has been violated."
Before the 33-27 vote in the House, Democrats called the bill "state-sanctioned discrimination." Democratic House Minority Leader Chad Campbell said the law would be "horrible for our economy." Opponents predicted the law would also bring boycotts of the 2015 Super Bowl in Glendale.
Republican Rep. Steve Montenegro defended the bill, commenting, "Please, I will accept you because you are a child of God, I love you because you are a child of God. But please don't ask me to go against my religious beliefs."
According to the Arizona Republic, enough lawmakers oppose the bill now that it's certain there will be no veto override.
Rattler bite fatal for Pentecostal pastor
The ninth time was not the charm for Jamie Coots, pastor of Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus' Name in Middlesboro, Ky., who died at home Feb. 15 from a rattlesnake bite that night at church.
Coots refused to be taken to the hospital or get treatment at home. His son Cody said he'd been bitten eight times before. "We're going to go home, he's going to lay on the couch, he's going to hurt, he's going to pray for a while and he's going to get better. That's what happened every other time, except this time was just so quick and it was crazy, it was really crazy," Cody Coots told WBIR-TV.
Coots was profiled on the National Geographic show "Snake Salvation."
Cody Winn, Full Gospel co-pastor, and Andrew Hamblin, another "Snake Salvation" participant, saw the rattler bite Coots on the hand. "Andrew said he looked at him and said 'sweet Jesus' and it was over," Winn said. "He didn't die right then, but he just went out and never woke back up." Church members took him home.
Uganda anti-gay bill signed into law
On Feb. 25, a day after Uganda passed even harsher anti-gay laws, the Red Pepper tabloid newspaper printed a list of 200 people it called the country's "top homos," according to CNN.
President Yoweri Museveni signed the bill, telling CNN, "They're disgusting. What sort of people are they?"
Homosexuality is illegal in 38 African nations, CNN reported.
NPR reported statements that the bill was composed with the help of American evangelicals with close ties to its Ugandan sponsors. "There are these factions of the evangelical community in the U.S. that believe they've more or less lost the fight against 'the homosexual agenda,' " said Malika Zouhali Worrall, co-director of the documentary "Call Me Kuchu." (Kuchu is a word for "queer" in Uganda.) "Therefore, they're trying to preempt it in other countries."
More states fight marriage discrimination
Oregon officials notified a federal court Feb. 20 that the state will no longer defend a ban on same-sex marriage. Similar switches in Nevada and Virginia were announced recently.
Pennsylvania is still officially defending its ban, but some officials see it as unconstitutional.
The Oregon filing came in one of two consolidated cases challenging the 2004 voter-approved ban that passed by 57% to 43%.
Scotusblog.com reported 17 states and Washington, D.C., now allow same-sex marriage. Federal judges have struck down bans in Oklahoma, Utah and Virginia, but those rulings are on hold pending appeals.
A lawsuit, Wolf v. Walker, was filed Feb. 3 in U.S. District Court in Madison by lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the law firm Mayer Brown on behalf of four same-sex couples from Milwaukee, Eau Claire and Madison.
"These families simply want the security and recognition that only marriage provides," said Larry Dupuis, ACLU of Wisconsin legal director.
The suit also seeks a permanent injunction to block a state law that makes it a criminal offense for a Wisconsin resident to leave the state to obtain a marriage that would be prohibited in Wisconsin. Maximum punishment is nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Also in Wisconsin, Democrats have introduced a bill to repeal the state's constitutional gay marriage ban. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told WISN that he doesn't expect it to even get a hearing.
"Unfortunately, I think at the end of the session, people are doing this much more based on a political answer than trying to find anything else," Vos said.
Wisconsin Family Action, a socially conservative evangelical group, is vigorously lobbying against the bill as an assault on "religious freedom."
FFRF compiles state/church victories
Wash. school benches praying 'All Pro Dad'
FFRF stopped White Bluffs Elementary School in Richland, Wash., from promoting religion. Meetings in the school sponsored by All Pro Dad, a private group focusing on religious programming, were advertised in fliers sent home with students.
The fliers failed to indicate the event was not school-sponsored. The meetings were also noted in the calendar along with official school events.
"The circumstances surrounding 'All Pro Dad' events would lead a reasonable observer to view it as school-sponsored," wrote Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel in his Jan. 14 letter to Superintendent Rich Schulte. "Because of the religious aspects of the programming, Richland School District must take measures to address parental concerns regarding school involvement in this event."
The district responded in late January, calling the promotion a clerical error and saying it would be removed from the school calendar. Staff will also be informed on the policy barring distribution of religious materials and announcements.
Teachers' religious symbols removed
FFRF was informed that a teacher at Southside Elementary School in Pulaski, Tenn., prominently displayed several religious images in her classroom. Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter Dec. 17 to Giles County Schools Superintendent Timothy Webb:
"When a teacher puts up crosses and images of Jesus, they have unconstitutionally entangled the school itself with a religious message, specifically a Christian message. To avoid continuing to violate the Establishment Clause, we ask the teacher to remove the crosses and images of Jesus from her classroom."
Webb responded two days later with a copy of the memo he sent to principals and supervisors: "The situation mentioned in the complaint has been addressed. Please remind your staff of the federal requirements in matters such as this."
• • •
A teacher in Rusk, Texas, will no longer be displaying religious iconography after FFRF was contacted by a concerned parent of a Rusk High School student. A classroom poster read, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God the salvation of everyone who believes. Romans 1:16." At the bottom it said, "This poster is illegal in 51 countries."
Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell wrote the district Dec. 13 to note the constitutional violation while adding that a public school teacher has no free speech or free exercise right to proselytize.
Superintendent Scott David replied Jan. 9: "All campus principals and department directors will be reminded of our constitutional duties as public school employees with regard to the separation of state and church."
• • •
A local complainant alerted FFRF that a classroom in Bernard Campbell Middle School in Lee's Summit, Mo., displayed a religious poster prominently on the wall facing students. The poster read, "Blessed are the people who know the joyful Sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance. Psalm 89:15."
Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent a letter Feb. 20 to Superintendent David McGehee about the egregious, obvious violation. "When a school teacher places religious posters in the classroom, she unconstitutionally entangles the school with a religious message. It is also a usurpation of parental authority — parents have the right to direct the religious, or nonreligious, upbringing of their children."
McGehee called FFRF the next day to say he agreed that the poster shouldn't be allowed in the classroom and that it had been permanently removed.
School Good News Club gets bad reviews
After Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel's Jan. 24 letter of complaint, FFRF was informed that an elementary school secretary in Sanford, Fla., will no long-er be involved with Good News Club permission slips.
Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Florida had distributed registration forms to Geneva Elementary students to promote the club. The form told students to return forms to the secretary.
Seidel said, "Despite the appropriate disclaimer, students might presume that Good News Club is sponsored by the school because of the apparent role of school personnel in facilitating the club's activities by collecting registration forms. While the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Florida is entitled to host meetings, there are limitations on adult involvement."
The Seminole County School Board's attorney responded Jan. 28 that the district agreed that the club, not public school employees. was responsible for collecting forms,
Charter school's church graduations end
The Academy for Academic Excellence in Apple Valley, Calif., will no longer hold its graduation ceremony in a church. According to the complainant, AAE, a K-12 public charter school operated by the Lewis Center for Educational Research, held graduation in churches where crosses, bible verses and other religious symbols were displayed.
AAE reportedly held a baccalaureate at a second church, advertising it on AAE's calendar and listing the school's vice principal as "coordinator." Many school officials, including the principal, attended.
Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a November letter to Superintendent Thomas Hoegerman: "Religious faith and worship are an intensely personal choice. The government cannot make attendance at a secular school's graduation ceremony contingent on entering the holy ground of a particular religion." He also lodged objections to mandatory baccalaureate attendance.
Gordon Soholt, chief academic officer, responded Nov. 20: "It is anticipated that both ceremonies will be held in the new gymnasium in the future, thus removing any potential First Amendment issues. The previously named 'baccalaureate' has been renamed to reflect its intent, which is issuance of senior awards and scholarships."
No more forced pledge for Florida student
A student at Southwest Middle School in Orlando, Fla., will no longer be coerced into reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
After refusing to stand for the pledge, the student was taken aside by a teacher and was told by the school's attendance dean to stand and recite it or face reprimand.
Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote a letter Nov. 20 to object: "Faced with the choice of either reciting the pledge or being punished by the school, this student has relented, but now only recites the pledge out of fear of being punished. Students should not be singled out, rebuked, told they must stand, or otherwise penalized for following their freedom of conscience. It is illegal to reprimand a student for choosing not to stand during the recitation of the pledge."
The student sent an email response on Jan. 25, "I am so thankful for your help. Thanks to you, I'm now able to sit during the pledge without punishment!"
FFRF has a lawsuit against the Orange County School District regarding literature discrimination.
To make things worse, the accuser claims Burrell used anointment oils during the act. After the incident, they then worked on [installing bathroom] tiles for a few hours before Burrell took him back to the home, saying, "What happens at the church stays at the church."
Teen's testimony at the trial of Pastor Bobby Burrell, whom he accused of masturbating in front of him in Lawton, Okla.
I am facing my imminent death. [Why are people in other states] able to die with dignity and I am not? This should be a basic human right.
Robert Mitton, 58, a Denver man with a terminal cardiac condition, favoring a proposal to authorize prescriptions for lethal doses if two doctors agree a patient will die within six months
New York Times, 2-8-14
At present the Religious Right has a tremendous amount of power, but they are getting older. Surveys show young Americans are rejecting institutional religion because they identify it with the Religious Right and values that they find off-putting, and frankly, immoral.
Dan Linford, Virginia Tech Freethinkers president and graduate student in the philosophy of religion
The Telegraph, 2-10-14
An ordained psychotherapist who has treated many pedophile priests in Britain wrote to me: "In all those cases of clerical abuse I dealt with, the sacrament of confession was used by the molester to discover vulnerability and groom candidates for abuse."
John Cornwell, author of The Dark Box: A Secret History of Confession
The Daily Mail, 2-8-14
Not all prisoners are religious, and I wanted them to know that to turn your life around and be a good and productive member of society does not require a belief in God.
Leslie Zukor, Seattle, founder of the Freethought Books Project, which distributes reading material to inmates across the U.S.
USA Today, 1-25-14
Just as gay marriage is not a threat to straight marriage, atheism is not a threat to religion.
Column by atheist journalist Cindy Hoedel, "Let 2014 be the year we start accepting atheists"
Kansas City Star, 1-18-14
Just as there are laws guaranteeing the division between church and state, there must be national guidelines to separate education and religion.
Op-ed by Veronica An, sophomore narrative studies major, "Prayer should be left out of public schools"
USC Daily Trojan, 1-27-14
I feel very sorry for teachers when the children who come here start guessing if what they're being taught is wrong.
Phil Jardine, a paleobiology graduate student touring the Creation Museum, Petersburg, Ky.
phys.org, 1-30-14
This is exactly what I was concerned about. Maybe the only thing that hasn't happened yet is any particular group saying, "We haven't been represented here and now we want to sue you." That's the only thing that hasn't gone wrong yet.
Mark Senmartin, Marathon [Fla.] City Council, refusing to stand for pre-meeting prayer and objecting to a pastor's "creationist" invocation
Florida Keys Keynoter, 2-5-14
The new generation of Iraqis are tired of religious extremists and politicians, who are responsible for the ongoing sectarian divide in the country.
Nawaf Al-Kaabi, 23, Basra, on how violence is turning young Iraqis away from religion
Al Bawaba, 2-5-14
Megachurch will settle with FFRF plaintiffs
Holly Huber and Mitch Kahle at the 2011 FFRF annual convention in Hartford, Conn., where Kahle received the Freethinker of the Year Award.
New Hope Church agreed to pay $775,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by Hawaii FFRF members Holly Huber and Mitch Kahle. Three branches of the international megachurch apparently were getting sweetheart deals for years on rentals of school space from the state.
The suit was filed under the state's False Claims Act, which rewards whistle-blowers for exposing fraudulent billing.
The payments were disclosed in court filings by New Hope's parent organization, the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, Hawaii News Now reported in early February.
Most of the money will go to the state Department of Education, but as much as $200,000 will go to the plaintiffs, who allege that New Hope shortchanged the state $4.6 million over six years.
Kahle noted that state rules setting rent amounts were undermined by Board of Education Chairman Donald Horner.
Honolulu Civil Beat reported Feb. 14 that Horner declined to comment except to say the board was not a party to the case. Horner is a licensed pastor with ties to New Hope, the paper reported.
The plaintiffs' attorneys plan to file an amended suit against One Love Ministries and Calvary Chapel Oahu, alleging that the two churches' underpayments total about $1.1 million. An earlier claim was dismissed in January.
FFRF'er in talks to settle prayer suit
Attorneys representing the city of Eureka, Calif., and Eureka resident Carole Beaton (an FFRF Lifetime Member) are working on a settlement of Beaton's prayer lawsuit against the city.
At a case management conference Feb. 18 at the Humboldt County Courthouse, City Attorney Cyndy Day-Wilson told Judge Bruce Watson that she and Beaton's attorney Peter Martin are "currently negotiating a settlement," which is expected in about 60 days, the Times-Standard reported.
Martin filed the suit on behalf of Beaton in January 2013, asking the council to stop holding invocations before meetings and for Mayor Frank Jager to stop promoting the annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.
Watson ruled Dec. 24 that nonsectarian invocations at council meetings are legal but said Beaton can still pursue her claim against Jager's prayer breakfast.
Neither party is discussing potential settlement details. "I want to say that the lawsuit was not against prayer and was not against religion," Beaton told a reporter. "It was against the mixing of church and state. A city or any other government entity should not be sponsoring a religious event."
The suit alleges use of city resour-ces in promoting the breakfast. Jager downplayed the city clerk's involvement.
The next case management conference is set for April 30.
FFRF appeals Montana mountain Jesus to 9th Circuit
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has asked the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to overturn a federal district court decision approving a shrine to Jesus on public land near Whitefish, Mont.
"A permanent Catholic shrine on public land is prohibited by the Establishment Clause, every bit as much as a Catholic church would be," asserts FFRF's appeal brief, filed Jan. 28.
The 6-foot-tall shrine sits on a 7-foot pedestal on Big Mountain in the Flathead National Forest, which is owned by the U.S. Forest Service. Since 1953, the Forest Service has issued a permit at no cost allowing the Knights of Columbus, a conservative Catholic men's group, to place a "Shrine overlooking the Big Mountain ski run," whose purpose is "to erect a Statue of our Lord Jesus Christ."
In response to initial objections to the shrine, the Knights of Columbus claimed "that our Lord himself selected this site."
FFRF wrote the Forest Service in 2011 to object to permit renewal. When Chip Weber, forest supervisor, agreed, determining it was "an inappropriate use of public land," he faced blistering criticism and renewed the permit in January 2012.
FFRF is suing on behalf of its 100 Montana members, including three who have come into unwelcome contact with the shrine. William Cox, who has long been personally opposed to the shrine, has frequent and unwanted exposure to it when he skis on Big Mountain many times each winter. FFRF member Doug Bonham found the shrine "grossly out of place" when first encountering it, and his 15-year-old daughter, who often skis on the mountain, considers it "ridiculously out of place."
Likewise, FFRF member Pamela Morris, a third-generation Montanan, first encountered the shrine as a teenager in 1957 at age 15 as part of a ski team, when she found the statue "intrusive" and "startlingly out of place." She has since avoided the area, choosing to backpack, fish and camp where nature has not been violated.
The record shows a decision by the Forest Service to emphasize the shrine's "historic" ties to development of the ski hill over its religious nature. The government argues that because the violation is longstanding, the shrine has become "historic." FFRF counters that if courts followed such logic, segregated public schools and bans on interracial marriage would still prevail.
"The Government's argument, reduced to its essence, otherwise would mean that religious iconography on public land is acceptable if supported by popular interest groups. The Establishment Clause, in other words, would be subject to majoritarian or popular demand. That, however, is not the lesson of our Constitution — nor a paradigm for historical success, as worldwide religious conflict attests. Religious icons on public land cannot be constitutionally salvaged by local celebrity status."
Richard L. Bolton, of Boardman and Clark, Madison, Wis., is litigation attorney, with Martin S. King and Reid Perkins of Worden Thane, Missoula, serving as local counsel.
Sign up to receive FFRF news releases and action alerts by request at . Read more about the case at ffrf.org/legal/challenges.
Church intervenes in FFRF pulpit politicking suit
A court decision allowing an obscure Milwaukee-area church to intervene in FFRF's nationally significant lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over church politicking has placed the litigation "on the front line," said FFRF's litigation attorney, Richard L. Bolton.
"This will put everything in play, including the churches' argument that the politicking restriction violates the First Amendment — using the Citizens United argument," he added.
Although FFRF and the government defendants opposed the intervention, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman in Milwaukee ruled Feb. 3 that Fr. Patrick Malone and the Holy Cross Anglican Church of Wauwatosa, Wis., could intervene. (The congregation left the Episcopal Church in 2008 in reaction to a series of decisions, most prominently the ordination of a gay bishop, and joined the more conservative Convocation of Anglicans of North America.)
"The intervention by the clergyman and church, which openly admit in their brief that they don't obey the electioneering restrictions applying to tax-exempt organizations, puts all the cards on the table," said FFRF Co-President Dan Barker.
The church argues it has a "legal right to participate in political campaigns without forfeiting their tax-exempt status," and cites the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as well as the free speech, free exercise and establishment clauses of the First Amendment. Incidentally, FFRF calls RFRA unconstitutional in its amicus brief, written by attorney Marci Hamilton, in the Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
FFRF filed its suit in November 2012, taking the IRS to court over its failure to enforce electioneering restrictions that require 501(c) tax-exempt entities to refrain from endorsing political candidates.
FFRF recently prevailed in its federal challenge to an IRS policy that benefits clergy. The government has appealed that ruling on the parish exemption to the 7th Circuit.
FFRF has a third challenge of the IRS in federal court over the fact that churches are exempt from filing the same financial accountability reports, the Form 990, required of all other 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
FFRF ousts bibles at 2nd public university hotel
Building on its success removing bibles from University of Wisconsin hotel rooms in December in Madison, the Freedom From Religion Foundation scored another victory for secularism on an Iowa public college campus.
The Memorial Union at Iowa State University in Ames agreed to remove Gideon bibles from its hotel rooms on March 1.
FFRF received a complaint about the religious propaganda on state property. "If a state-run university has a policy of providing a Christian religious text to guests, that policy facilitates illegal endorsement of Christianity over other religions and over nonreligion," said Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott in a Jan. 29 letter to the university. "Permitting members of outside religious groups the privilege of placing their religious literature in public university guest rooms also constitutes state endorsement and advancement of religion."
Elliott added, "Individuals, not the state, must determine what religious texts are worth reading."
Union Director Richard Reynolds responded Feb. 13: "The concern you raised about the availability of bibles in the guest rooms of the Memorial Union has been taken under advisement and, effective March 1, 2014, the bibles will be removed from the hotel rooms."
"We're delighted to see reason and the Constitution prevailing. We can all sleep easier knowing secularism is being honored at our public universities," said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor.
"Many nonbelievers greatly object to its primitive and dangerous instructions to beat children, kill homosexuals, atheists and infidels and that it sanctions the subjugation of women, who are scapegoated for bringing sin and death into the world," Gaylor added.
"Imagine the uproar if someone found a Quran or atheistic literature such as Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion in their state-supported hotel room. Government can't take sides on the religious debate."
FFRF's victory received widespread Iowa and national coverage. Elliott appeared on national Fox News coverage and Gaylor was invited to debate Sean Hannity on Fox. (View the video on YouTube with the search terms "Gaylor FFRF Hannity.")
John McCarroll, executive director of university relations, told WCCI News 8 in Des Moines: "It's a public institution and we do have certainly responsibilities on the separation of church and state. We thought it was appropriate to put the bibles in the browsing library."
Gaylor noted that as long as there are a variety of books of varying views, and the library is not solely religious, that is a satisfactory resolution. FFRF, which has more than 20,000 members, represents nearly 150 in Iowa.
Illegal crosses rise again for Easter
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is once again calling out an Ohio town for the constitutional violation of putting Christian crosses on public property.
FFRF, a state-church watchdog based in Madison, Wis., complained April 8 in a letter to village of Stratton attorney Frank Bruzzese about crosses on the Municipal Building.
FFRF, which has 20,000 nationwide members and about 560 in Ohio, successfully got the village to earlier remove crosses from the building and the water tower, but had to threaten to sue to accomplish that.
Mayor John Abdalla recently ordered crosses to be put back on the Municipal Building, which has happened, according to a photo and story in the Steubenville Herald-Star and a local complainant.
In FFRF's April 8 letter, Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert cited legal precedent and took on Abdalla's false claim that it was constitutional to display religious imagery during holidays such as Easter: "While the permanent display of these crosses by the village is indisputably unconstitutional, the seasonal display of the crosses in recognition of Easter, the Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection, is no less illegal."
FFRF wants immediate removal of the crosses from the front of the building and for village officials to "be reminded of their constitutional obligation to remain neutral toward religion."
Stratton, an Ohio River town with a population of about 300, already has its name on one U.S. Supreme Court case, Watchtower Society v. Village of Stratton. In 2002, the court ruled 8-1 that the village couldn't make door-to-door canvassers or solicitors get a permit. The ruling applied to religious proselytizing, anonymous political speech and handbill distribution.


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If you are looking for something to do outdoors, Illinois Beach State
Park has something for you! Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan,
Illinois Beach is a unique and captivating natural resource for all to
enjoy. It stretches for six and a half miles along the sandy shore of
Lake Michigan in Northern Illinois. The park consists of two separate
units which allow visitors to choose from many options for outdoor activities.
Our 4,160-acres of beauty provide visitors with an opportunity for swimming,
boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping or just enjoying the beauty
of nature.
Beach State Park also has a unique historical background. Once a huge
glacier occupied our present location. This glacier eventually melted
leaving a large lake called Lake Chicago. This large lake began to recede
and left behind five smaller lakes. These have become known as the Great
Lakes. This gradual recession of the lake left dramatic ridges and swales
of dune, sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life
and vegetation. Illinois Beach State Park encompasses the only remaining
beach ridge shoreline left in the state.
A portion of the south unit of the park was dedicated in 1964 as the
first Illinois nature preserve. In the nature preserve, you can see more
than 650 species of plants, including a multitude of colorful wildflowers.
The Dead River winds through the preserve creating a unique wetland habitat
for many endangered species. Nature walks and guided tours through the
preserve are available to the public on the weekends all summer long.
School or special interest groups may arrange for field trips led by a
park naturalist. For additional information on activities in the Nature
Preserve contact a park naturalist at (847) 662-4811.
Illinois Beach State Park also offers camping in a beautifully wooded
campground where both tent and RV camping are welcome. All of our 244
Class A sites are equipped with electricity and firepits. Water is available
throughout the area. Two bath houses offer hot showers, running water
and flushable toilets. Handicapped sites are also available. Camping is
$11 a night and reservations will be taken after January 2 for the following
year, in person or by mail only. The campround is located in our South
The Illinois
Beach Resort and Conference Center was recently renovated and is now
open to the public. It is located on a portion of our South Unit beach
to provide guests with a great view over the waters of Lake Michigan.
It offers a restaurant, pool, gift shop, and weight room. For more information
call the resort at (847) 625-7300.
So, why dont you stop by? Were located just South of the Wisconsin
border on Lake Michigan. Take I-94 to Rt.173 east. Follow Rt. 173 to Sheridan
Rd. To reach the South Unit, turn right onto Sheridan Rd., then turn left
on Wadsworth Rd. and follow the road into the park. To reach the North
Unit, turn left on Sheridan Rd., then turn right on 17th St. and follow
the road into the park.
Contact Duane Ambroz for more information on guided hikes.


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Oscar Shaping: SAG nominations & Leo > Fassy
December 14, 2011 16:17:27 Posted at December 14, 2011 16:17:27 Photos:
Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Here are the 5 actors nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award: George Clooney, The DescendantsDemian Bichir, A Better Life Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar Jean Dujardin, The ArtistBrad Pitt, Moneyball Missing?Michael Fassbender. Leonardo DiCaprio, who'd been losing so much momentum, who barely factored in any of the critics' selections, suddenly just. Full Story


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Campus Information | About the School | Contact
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
The Curriculum Overview and Outcomes
Curriculum Overview:
This curriculum uniquely prepares students by integrating basic and clinical science throughout all years of medical education, by providing students the flexibility and time to take advantage of the university's myriad opportunities including dual degrees, and promoting participation in community service and global health experiences.
The program relies on small group sessions, a team approach and self-directed learning to prepare graduates for the rigors and realities of medicine today. Students leave with the analytical tools and flexible attitudes needed to pursue careers of leadership and excellence in all areas of medicine.
Student education is also enriched by having the undergraduate school and twelve graduate schools integrated on one campus in one geographical location which enables students to participate in university courses, activities, and partnerships.
Penn gives students an advantage known at few other medical schools — time and flexibility to customize your medical education to meet specific interests and career goals as well as limitless opportunities for career development.
Curriculum Outcomes:
Residency Placement - Our graduates receive positions at the nation's top medical academic centers in all specialties.
USMLE - The mean score of our graduates exceed the 90th percentile.
External Scholarship/Awards - Forty percent of the students receive external funding by extending their education into the fifth year.
Global Health - Twenty-five percent of our students spend time studying medicine abroad.
Community Initiatives - Students can participate in more than ten community partnerships.
Research Recognition - About one fifth of our students speak by invitation at major national medical meetings.
Page Updated: 11-Sep-2013


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Book your room at Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica - All Inclusive
Please enter your travel dates.
Get an overview of this hotelAll-inclusive Jamaican resort with private beach
+VIP Access™ Hotel
We carefully hand-picked this hotel based on its dedication to service and excellent guest reviews.
Expedia +gold members receive free room upgrades and +gold and +silver members get other perks upon availability at check-in.See details
Pueblo Principe
The Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica - All Inclusive is located on the beachfront in Runaway Bay, a beautiful natural area mixing mountains, lush flora, white sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Private beach, pools
The hotel has a private beach, 5 restaurants, 6 bars, and 3 interconnected lake-style swimming pools. A children's club supervises play activities.
Balconies, minibars
Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica - All Inclusive guestrooms have furnished balconies or patios to enjoy a sea or garden view, as well as a minibar, satellite TV, and complimentary bottled water.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
All-Inclusive Details
This resort is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).
Gratuities and taxes
Gratuities and taxes are included.
Food and beverages
- All buffet and à la carte meals, snacks, and local beverages included
- In-room minibar (some restrictions)
- Limited gourmet or à la carte dining
Activities and facilities/equipment
All non-motorized water sports are included.
Water activities
- Kayaking
- Rowing/canoeing
- Snorkeling
Land activities
- Fitness facilities
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Kids' club
- Supervised activities for children between 4 and 12 years old
- Onsite entertainment and activities
- Access to onsite clubs
- Onsite live performances
- Theme parties
Not included
- Golf green fees
- Use of golf cart
- Use of golf equipment
- Miniature golf
- Motorized water sports
- Scuba-diving certification
- Scuba-diving excursions
- Snorkeling excursions
- Windsurfing equipment
- Premium food items
- Premium and/or non-domestic beverages
- Airport transfers
- Childcare
- Laundry/dry cleaning services
- Spa/beauty facilities and services
- Wireless Internet access
- Activities and services offered by independent operators
- Offsite tours
- Transportation to offsite activities
Hotel Amenities
This all-inclusive Jamaican hotel with direct access from the property to a private, white-sand beach offers 5 restaurants and a swim-up bar, which is one of 6 bars on site. Pueblo Principe, a Jamaican-style shopping and entertainment center, sits at the entrance of the hotel.
The hotel has a business center, currency exchange, and wireless Internet access (surcharge) is provided in the lobby. A health club with fitness equipment is on site. The hotel also offers 5 conference rooms for a total of 1694 square feet of meeting space.
Bahai Spa, the hotel's on-site spa, offers a wide range of services sure to rejuvenate any adult guest, including aromatherapy treatments, body scrubs face and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, and individual and couples massages. The spa offers 13 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, and spa tub. Reservations for massages and treatments are required in advanced.
Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica - All Inclusive has a children's club that offers supervised play activities. Varied activities for adults include aquagym, water polo, pool volleyball, dance classes, and even bingo and darts. Musicians perform in the lobby. In the evenings guests can dance to live music and enjoy numerous shows. Guests can stroll each day in Pueblo Principe and shop for souvenirs in the local craft stores. Complimentary parking is available during guests' stay.
- 24-hour front desk
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Children's club (free)
- Supervised childcare/activities (free)
- Coffee shop or café
- Conference space
- Business center
- Total number of rooms - 840
- Number of floors - 7
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Elevator/lift
- Number of bars/lounges - 6
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Express check-out
- Full-service spa
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Hair salon
- Health club
- Billiards or pool table
- Tours/ticket assistance
- WiFi (surcharge)
- Number of outdoor pools - 3
- Laundry facilities
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Meeting rooms
- Nightclub
- Garden
- Poolside bar
- Porter/bellhop
- On private beach
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Conference space size (meters) - 1694
- Number of meeting rooms - 5
- Tennis on site
- Year Built 2007
- Number of restaurants - 5
- Conference space size (feet) - 18234
- Free self parking
- Beach umbrellas
- Beach sun loungers
- Beach towels
- Snack bar/deli
- Sauna
- Shopping on site
- Number of buildings/towers - 9
- Spa services on site
- Spa tub
- Steam room
- Children's pool
- Swim-up bar
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- On private beach
- Outdoor pools
- Children's pool
- Supervised childcare/activities (free)
- Children's club (free)
- Snack bar/deli
- Laundry facilities
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- Playground on site
- Sofa bed
Available in all rooms: WiFi (surcharge)
Available in some public areas: WiFi (surcharge)
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Furnished balcony or patio
- Ceiling fan
- Air conditioning
- Free bottled water
- Coffee/tea maker
- Minibar (stocked, free items)
- Daily housekeeping
- Hair dryer
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- Satellite TV service
- Iron/ironing board
- In-room safe
- Cribs/infant beds available
- WiFi (surcharge)
- Minibar
- Private bathroom
- Separate sitting area
- Shower/tub combination
- Sofa bed
- Pillowtop mattress
- Sofa bed size
- Hydromassage showerhead
Where to Eat
The resort's restaurants gather the experience of different world cuisines in different theme restaurants, such as Japanese, Italian, gourmet and steak house (grill) cuisine. You'll enjoy specialities from all over the world in the buffet and the delicacies of fast food in the snack bar or the convenience of 24-hour room service (only in the Golden room) with snacks.
Orquídea Restaurant, international cuisine buffet (main restaurant):
Breakfast, lunch and buffet dinner with traditional dishes from international cuisine.
Theme dining nights by country.
Smoking is not permitted.
The Garden Grill Steak House Restaurant:
À la carte restaurant where you'll find the authentic flavour of grilled meats with their original seasonings.
Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant:
À la carte restaurant where you can enjoy conventional Italian cuisine.
Don Pablo Gourmet Restaurant:
À la carte restaurant where guests can enjoy experimental cuisine and modernist design.
Mikado Japanese Restaurant:
Restaurant with tepanyaky grills where our chef prepares Japanese cuisine, combining new and traditional recipes with original seasonings.
All the food and drinks in the buffet and 4 à la carte dinners in the speciality restaurants are included in the price of your reservation. Remember that booking is required and formal dress is necessary, long trousers for men.
In all the bars you'll enjoy the all-inclusive package with a wide selection of alcoholic drinks, beer and soft drinks.
We have 6 bars, in the hotel lobby, with live music at night, a bar in the pool, a wet bar in the water, a beach bar, a bar in the amphitheatre and a Snack Bar with American-style fast food.
And in Pueblo Príncipe, a shopping and leisure centre where you'll find several bars, like the Sports Bar, the piano bar and our Ska discotheque.
Nearby Things to Do
Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica - All Inclusive Resort makes it easy for the entire family to have fun, exercise, and relax. Guests can bask in the sun or swim in the pool, take in a more adventuresome water sport such as kayaking or snorkeling, or stay on dry land for a great game of golf or volleyball-many choices await guests here. Children's club provides activities for younger family members. The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
Sports for every taste
• Children's activities in the Mini-Club (4-12 years)
• Sports - Soccer, Volleyball
• Gym
• Stretching
• Aerobics
• Dancing classes
• Beach Volleyball
Non-motor water activities (One hour free per day)
• Snorkelling
• Kayaks
• Catamaran
• Windsurfing
• Try the scuba diving equipment in the pool
Motorised (with charge)
• Snorkel diving tour
• Scuba diving courses
• Fishing trip
• Jet skis
- Golfing nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Personal motorized watercraft on site
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Aerobics on site
- Kayaking on site
- Playground on site
- Snorkeling on site
- Volleyball on site
- Windsurfing on site
Spa Services
In our Spa you'll relax and feel totally disconnected from the world. We have a great variety of massages, treatments and services, as well as a comprehensive thermal circuit, with saunas, ice fountain, sensation shower, foot bath, cold water pool and indoor pool. And for beauty treatment there is a hairdresser's and manicure and pedicure service.
Come and relax, you're in the heart of Runaway Bay!
Highlighted treatment
The Relaxing Jamaican Massage with Ganja Oil:
Irresistible massage with ganja oil, typical plant and native from the country with moisturizing and antioxidants properties.
- Steam room in spa
- Number of treatment rooms 13
- Couples treatment rooms
- Massages on beach
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy treatments
- Sauna in spa
- Spa tub in spa
- Massages
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
No pets or service animals allowed
- Late check-out fee: USD 10
- In-room safe fee: USD 6 per day
We should mention
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the resort prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.


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Hudson's on the Bend Restaurant Week
went to tonight and enjoyed our meals.
We had the duck diablos, chipotle & lobster bisque to start. The duck was very good and great presentation. The bisque was nothing special and had too much chipotle all you tasted was that & the sherry. No lobster flavor to speak of.
We had the venison (super tender), pecan crusted snapper (very moist) and the ribeye. The overall favorite with green peppercorn sauce.
Desserts included chocolate mousse, fudge brownie sundae and berry compote.
All 4 of us opted to include the wine parings that included a glass with each of the 3 courses.
I think for the small pours, you're better off ordering bottles.
Service was great and we all felt like we had received a good value.
THumbs up!
re: amykragan
Thanks for the review and the photos. I'm going next week, so I will avoid the lobster bisque.
re: txgrl99
The also had a quail appetizer that sounded interesting. Duck was really good!
re: amykragan
Amy, you are far too thin to eat so well... :)
We plan on going for Restaurant Week next week. Thanks for the photos and other information. It's unfortunate that you can't recommend the bisque as I love well done bisque but I definitely trust your judgment.
re: amykragan
My companion ordered that and it was oddly sweet.
I ordered the duck diablos, the ribeye, and the berry compote. My companion ordered the bisque, venison, and mousse (which was very rich and dark chocolate-y).
I loved the diablos; tasty crunchy little bites that they were. The ribeye was nicely tender and I mopped up all of the green peppercorn sauce; it was very delicious. The only portion of the meal that I didn't much care for was dessert; I wish I had gone with the brownie sundae instead.
Now to figure out how to reproduce that skillet bread. It reminded me a little of bisquick dumplings.


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Nimnicht Chevrolet, Serving Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, Green Cove Springs and St. Augustine, is Home to All Your Chevrolet Needs
New & Used Chevrolet in Jacksonville, FL | New & Used Car Dealer Serving Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, Green Cove Springs, & St. Augustine
At Nimnicht Chevrolet in Jacksonville, FL, we offer a comprehensive selection of new 2015 Chevrolet cars, trucks and SUVs to our customers from the greater Jacksonville area. Whether you're from Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Green Cove Springs or anywhere else in the Florida First Coast, we want Nimnicht Chevrolet on Cassat Ave. to be the last new Chevrolet dealership you'll ever need to visit. Make sure to stop by our new Chevrolet specials page for the latest discounts and deals on new Chevrolet vehicles!
We also offer a great selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs from a wide variety of manufacturers, so finding the vehicle that fits your everyday needs is easier than ever. Feel free to browse our used car inventory, and then check out our used car specials to find even more savings! However, if you don't see the vehicle you're looking for, you can use our convenient CarFinder tool so we can do all of the hard work for you. Additionally, we offer a fantastic lineup of Certified Pre-Owned GM models, all of which come with the benefits of the GM Owner Care Program.
Chevrolet Auto Financing and Lease Options | Get Car Loans & Chevrolet Lease Near Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, Green Cove Springs, & St. Augustine
The professional staff members in our Finance Department are eager to provide financing for your new Chevy, used car or Certified Pre-Owned GM model. You can begin the process online by filling out our quick and convenient online finance application, or you can visit our dealership to begin the process in person. We also offer an online car loan calculator, so you can determine an instant car loan rate for your purchase!
From Certified Auto Car Parts to Car Repair & Auto Service, Nimnicht Chevrolet in Jacksonville Has it All!
The Service Department at Nimnicht Chevrolet staffs highly-qualified technicians who are eager to provide exceptional service in a timely manner. From oil changes to transmission replacements, we are dedicated to maintaining top-tier customer service for both new and pre-owned car buyers. Whether you purchased a vehicle from us or not, allow our service staff to demonstrate our commitment to excellence. We service all makes and models, so schedule your next service appointment today. Plus, at Nimnicht Chevrolet, we also offer the GM Preferred Owner Program! At no cost to you, the Preferred Owner Card is our way of rewarding our best customers and saying thank you for your loyal business and friendship. Earn generous rewards to use on your next visit or to be saved and accumulated over time.
Visit Our New Chevrolet and Used Chevrolet Dealership in Jacksonville, FL
Thanks for visiting our website! We value all of our customers from Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, Green Cove Springs and throughout the Florida First Coast. Feel free to contact us directly, or stop by our dealership at 1550 Cassat Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32210.
We look forward to seeing you soon!


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Saturday, September 04, 2004JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 4, 2004) - In their first meet of the 2004 season, the East Tennessee State women's cross-country team finished fifth while the men's team placed seventh at the Festival in the Fields, hosted by Virginia Tech Saturday morning in Blacksburg, Va. Junior Peter Dalton (Dublin, Ireland) had an impressive performance for the Bucs in the men's 6K race, leading ETSU with a third-place finish in a time of 19:40.73. Josh McDougal of Liberty won the event with a time of 18:55.91. "Peter had a very solid run today, he has really improved from last year" said ETSU head cross-country coach Dave Walker. "I am very pleased with the leadership he has shown so far." Freshman Jordan Ladd (Lyn, Ontario) finished 27th with a time of 20:44.25 while junior Joshua Hicks (Riceville, Tenn.) finished 29th and a time of 20:46.84. "I feel good about the way our top three performed well today," said Walker. "Unfortunately, the others in our group did not perform to our expectations. From a team perspective we did not run as well as we needed to in the back of our group to break into the top half of the meet." In the women's 4K race, senior Jennifer Habbestad (Tampa, Fla.) was the first Buccaneer to cross the finish line in 16:15.69, for a 25th place finish. Junior Christine Ward (Candler, N.C.) finished 27th with a time of 16:26.51 while senior Tiffany Collier (Atlanta, Ga.) took 35th place and sophomore Maggie Hunter (Roanoke, Va.) finished 39th. "I am just delighted for Jenny (Habbestad)," assistant cross-country coach Michelle Byrne commented following the meet. "She has really made a commitment and it is starting to pay off. Christine (Ward) had a little bit of an off day, but she worked through it." Trish Nervo (unattached) won the women's race in 14:45.76. "We are pleased, it was a good, solid run for our team to begin the season," said Byrne. "It gives us an idea of what our strengths are and what we need to work on." East Tennessee State cross-country returns to action on Sept. 18 as both the men's and women's teams compete in the Lou Onesty Invitational, hosted by the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. Men's Results: Virginia Tech Festival in the Fields 3. Peter Dalton, 19:40.73 27. Jordan Ladd, 20:44.25 29. Joshua Hicks, 20:46.84 68. Josh Gibson, 22:33.71 73. Graham Foster, 23:55.59 77. Towett Benard, 24:50.21 Women's Results: Virginia Tech Festival in the Fields 25. Jennifer Habbestad, 16:15.69 27. Christine Ward, 16:26.51 35. Tiffany Collier, 16:57.12 39. Maggie Hunter, 17:02.38 49. Tatiana Arriaran, 17:42.52 53. MacKenzie LaBonte, 18:01.74
|Copyright ©2015 East Tennessee State Athletics. All Rights Reserved.


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WOODSTOCK, Vt.
Florence "Lorrie" Merrill, of Woodstock, Vt., died peacefully Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
She was born Florence Bernice Wilkens to Frederic Hermann and Gertrude Emma (Bansemer) Wilkens on Nov. 24, 1928, in Sandusky. Florence graduated from Sandusky High School in 1946, attended Robinwood Hospital School of Nursing in Toledo, and graduated as a registered nurse in 1949. She joined the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps and served until December as an ensign. She married U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. W. Dean Merrill in Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Sept. 6, 1951.
So was born -- a military wife. With a (disputed) 12,000 moves in 18 years, Florence became the epitome of the little known, but very abundant military issue -- the serviceman's wife. Wife and mother to three little dependents, she transferred and resituated her family, famously "making a house into a home in three days," many times over. In 1967 after 16 years, Florence and family retired to Enfield Center, N.H. Then in 1969, they moved one last time to Woodstock, Vt.
Florence was employed at MacHughs Clothing Store in Woodstock Village before tending to Sheila Barton's antique store, The Lamp Shop.
Life with Dean meant many road trips to visit family, friends and beef-related activities. Florence spent many an hour as navigator while reading, listening to books on tape and knitting something for a lucky recipient. She wore out knitting needles at the same rate they wore out their Saabs.
A proud 1946 graduate of Sandusky High School, Florence returned many times to her alma mater to reunite with her classmates, many who remained close friends for her entire life.
Florence was deeply involved in the activities of her church, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hanover, Vt., alongside Dean.
Florence is survived by her husband, Dean of Woodstock; two daughters, Janet Duefield of Grafton, N.H., Laurel Merrill of Merritt Island, Fla.; and son, F. Dean Merrill of Bethel, Vt.; four grandchildren, Lisa Green of Enfield, Jeffrey Gerhart of Wilmington, N.C., Sgt. First Class Morgan Merrill of Fort Riley, Kan., and Kristin Merrill of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; and one great-grandson, Cameron Green of Enfield.
A celebration of her life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hanover with a lunch reception following. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5 Summer St., Hanover, NH 03755, or the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock.