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BioLogos Basics Video #8: Genetics
Some of the strongest evidence for the common ancestry of all life forms comes from genetics.
The Resource Finder has powerful filtering features — check out the tutorial to learn more.
Some of the strongest evidence for the common ancestry of all life forms comes from genetics.
In this video originally featured in March of 2012, Dr. David Finch, a biologist at New York University, discusses his thoughts on both Creationism and the effects of "new atheists" like Richard Dawkins.
It should be noted that indeterminacy does not imply that God does not have foreknowledge of future events. Christians ought not to be uncomfortable with the idea of God interacting with his creation through chance.
In this talk, Professor Plantinga addresses the fact that many contemporary thinkers—including many theologians—believe that God cannot perform miracles, providentially guide history, or interact in the lives of people, as these activities would be contrary to science. Plantinga, on the other hand, makes the case that this popular view is mistaken; excluding divine action in the world is not a central feature of natural science itself, but a philosophical or theological preference that has been added on to science (and can just as readily be removed). Plantinga concludes that it is completely logical to accept the miracles of the Bible and support contemporary science.
This BioLogos videocast addresses the idea of randomness as a part of natural selection, and whether it challenges the possibility of God using the evolutionary process as a means of creation.
In today's video, Dr. Rick Colling states that evolution is not merely the imposition of death and destruction and survival of the fittest. Rather, it is about second chances.
In today's video, Oxford physicist Ard Louis discusses the famous debate between renowned evolutionary biologists Stephen Jay Gould and Simon Conway Morris over the idea of evolutionary convergence.
For many, the importance of apparent randomness in evolution can be a major stumbling block when considering whether God could have created through an evolutionary process.
In our first Distinctions video -- featuring biologists Sean Carroll and Kerry Fulcher, Smithsonian Human Origins Program director Rick Potts, and Old Testament scholar John Walton -- we look at the concept of randomness.
Scientists become fairly comfortable with a certain level of uncertainty within scientific data, notes Kathryn Applegate, but that is not the case for most people, especially where faith is concerned
This article provides an overview of genomics evidence for common ancestry and hominid population sizes, and briefly discusses the implications of these lines of evidence for scientific concordist approaches to the Genesis narratives.


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subset: commoncrawl


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HEAD Racquet Rebel Novak Djokovic has returned to World No. 1 after winning his second Wimbledon title with a 6-7 (7), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-3 defeat over Roger Federer. Djokovic, who endorses the HEAD Graphene Speed, spent almost four hours in securing an exhausting victory against the seven time champion from Switzerland.
Djokovic missed a set-point in the first set and finally lost in the tie-break but could win the next two sets. In the fourth set Djokovic led 5-2 but was overhauled as Federer levelled at two sets each after saving a match point with his 25th ace. The HEAD player held on though, and claimed his title with a break in the final game to add to his first Wimbledon trophy from 2011. "After the fourth set, it was not easy to recoup the loss and compete well," said Djokovic", but I found my energy and was able to win in the fifth set. Quality wise from the first to the last point, it was the best Grand Slam Final I was part of", added the Serb.
In women's doubles, there was another HEAD victory as Roberta Vinci, and partner Sara Errani, defeated fellow HEAD player Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic 6-1, 6-3. "This is unbelievable, there are no words for us," said Vinci, who has also won the Australian Open over the last two editions plus Wimbledon and the US Open in 2012. The winners did not commit even one unforced error in the final and became just the fifth team in history to complete the doubles career Grand Slam.
Nenad Zimonjic, who promotes the HEAD Graphene Speed, and partner Samantha Stosur had competed together just once before, but collective experience was undoubtedly a factor as they combined to claim the 2014 Wimbledon mixed doubles title with a 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Max Mirnyi and Hao-Ching Chan. Zimonjic is a three-time Major men's doubles champion and had claimed every other Grand Slam mixed doubles title except Wimbledon. "I'm glad Sam said yes to the partnership," Zimonjic said. "Glad we took this chance. This is the Slam that I missed."
At the end of a HEAD-to-HEAD boys' singles final, American Noah Rubin held just a slight edge in power and composure over his compatriot Stefan Kozlov and emerged a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 winner. Kozlov was the tournament's No.6 seed, while Rubin – who has played just one other junior event this season, at Roland Garros – was forced to qualify simply to take his place in the main draw. Eight wins later, he is a Wimbledon Champion. With Taylor Harry Fritz, a third Junior HEAD Racquet Rebel entered the semi-final against Rubin who bet him in two straight sets.
Three more HEAD players could celebrate a Wimbledon triumph in the girl's and boy's doubles: Tami Grende from Indonesia and Qiu Yu Ye from China, captured the title against Marie Bouzkova and Dalma Galfi while Brazilian Marcelo Zormann and Orlando Lzu won the final against Kozlov and Andrey Rubiev in three strong sets.


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How do I get to use stock widgets (like email) on HTC Sensation 4G running on ICS and Sense 3.6 with Apex Launcher Pro?
Take the 2-minute tour ×
Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system. It's 100% free, no registration required.
These widgets are not standard widgets. They use non-standard APIs of the Sense launcher and thus that other launcher's don't have and thus, they can't use them.
This is why, you can't use Sense widgets with custom launcher.
Most widgets can be added by going to the Widgets section in the App Drawer and long pressing them, then selecting an empty area of the homescreen to place it. You will see all standard widgets there, except for the HTC ones. Those widgets are made specifically for and locked to the HTC Sense launcher, unfortunately.


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Happy birthday Bro have a great day.............
Happy birthday Bro have a great day.............
Very very happy B-day to my Land of Entrapment brotheren.....
Time for a night at Billy's Long bar? I used to live within walking distance...what a great damn bar that is!!!
Take care Locke
I go to that bar every once in a while. It's the only place left in the city that you're allowed to smoke in, so it's always pretty packed. I'm not sure how long it's been since you've visited, but breweries have been popping up all over the place here. We're second only to Colorado for the number of breweries per capita now. I'll probably hit up a few of them these evening with the wife and some friends. Pretty low key night, but I'm getting too old for anything else I think...
Happy birthday Locke!!
Yep, it has been a very long time since I went drinking in ABQ. I did have a mini- High School reunion there about 5 years ago. It was actually at a friends house in Rio Rancho, so that doesn't really count I guess.
Billy's was awesome cause you could spend an entire evening seriously tieing one on, start at a tap on the wall...drink like 30 beers and never have the same one twice lol
Used to endulge in the Yard's there as well. Do they still have the football game where you pay for a pin on the field, drink yards, earn first downs (10 yards = free yard) and IF you ever scored a TD you got the silver engraved mug?
Ahhhh Nostalgia.
Last edited by The Confessor; 07-02-2012 at 06:28 PM.
Happy belated birthday to the latte liberal professor! Hope it was fulfilling. Did you celebrate with any new tats?
When one of these days roll around downroad you and Bobby Humphrey should get together and hoist a few in celebration considering it's also Canada Day!
Happy belated!
2015 Goals:
1) Win the next game.
2) See goal #1
"The problem with internet quotes lies in verifying their authenticity."
-Abraham Lincoln
Happy Birthday !!!


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MINNEAPOLIS - Kemba Walker's jumper with 0.7 seconds left lifted the Charlotte Bobcats to an 89-87 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
Walker finished with 22 points, five assists and four rebounds, and his 19-footer over the out-stretched arm of Alexey Shved helped the Bobcats to their first three-game winning streak in nearly 20 months.
Byron Mullens had 12 points and 15 rebounds and Ramon Sessions had 18 points and six rebounds for Charlotte, which has won three straight games for the first time since March 2011.
Andrei Kirilenko had 26 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who used a 16-2 run to tie the game with 12.3 seconds left.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Sun's out. A lovely mountain road. A car full of good friends: Lindsey, Julia, Ted, Simon, Jon, Aksel, Bode and the new HEAD REV. Everything seems just peachy. But in reality, they are in the eye of the storm. They know a decision must be made. And in the end there can be only one.
A film with a star-studded-cast. A story about people who are used to winning. A tale about fate, the love for sport and about friendships taken to the test: Introducing «ONE FOR ALL», the new HEAD clip!
But not only can the viewer laugh and cry with our heroes, on facebook.com/headski, HEAD gives everyone the opportunity to challenge the HEAD Pros and come out a winner himself.
And this is how it works:
Visit facebook.com/headski and like the page. Every month you can challenge a new HEAD Pro at Rock-Paper-Scissors: Lindsey Vonn in November, Simon Dumont in December, Aksel Lund Svindal in January and Julia Mancuso in February. Choose your weapons wisely! Or you will be bombed. But with a good hand you can win a Meet & Greet with one of our team riders and a new HEAD REV ski.
Check out the video on http://www.youtube.com/headski
Want to play our Pros and take your chance to win a Meet & Greet? Check out "Rock, Paper, Scissors" on http://www.facebook.com/headski/app_451511188228815


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Comic 288
Link: Comic 288
Translations: http://www.beaverandsteve.com/wiki/images/8/8f/Finnishflag.png Finnish, http://www.beaverandsteve.com/wiki/images/5/52/Frenchflag.png French, http://www.beaverandsteve.com/wiki/images/5/57/Polishflag.png Polish, http://www.beaverandsteve.com/wiki/images/0/04/Danishflag.png Danish, http://www.beaverandsteve.com/wiki/images/7/79/Italianflag.gif Italian
Title: it's all relative - part 4
Date: June 22, 2007
Summary: Steve finishes his black hole and unwittingly destroys his birthday party.
Cast: Beaver, Steve, The Shoe Bear, Mr. & Mrs. Condiment, Blimpy, Prince Pup, Signor Mysterioso
Onomatopoeias used: "FIDDLE", "ADJUST", "CLICK!", "SWIRL!", "FWWIIII...", "..IIIIP!,"
Number of panels: 7
Panel 1
Steve: "Hmm.. insert tab P into slot Q..."
Steve FIDDLEs, ADJUSTs, and finally CLICK!s something while reading a page of instructions.
Panel 2
Steve: "There, finished!"
The black hole SWIRL!s.
Steve: "Now to see if it works..."
Panel 3
[Seconds later...]
Beaver comes in holding a cake.
Beaver: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE! See – waiting a week wasn't so hard, was it?"
Steve: "Oh no Beaver, the time just flew by...hee hee!"
Panel 4
The black hole begins to suck the cake in with a FWWIIII...
Beaver: "Whoops"
Panel 5
The cake disappears with a ..IIIIP!
Panel 6
Steve's friends (The Shoe Bear, Mr & Mrs Condiment, Blimpy, Prince Pup and Signor Mysterioso) appear.
Steve's Friends: "SURPRISE!"
The Shoe Bear: "Hey Steve! All your friends are here for a surprise party! Happy..."
Panel 7
Steve's Friends get sucked into the black hole.
The Shoe Bear: "Birthdaaaaaaaaay"
Steve: "I think I might have noticed a slight flaw in my plan."
Fun Facts
- Neither Beaver nor Steve appear to be affected at all by the black hole's gravity.
- Steve has only one candle on his cake.
- Steve does have friends besides Beaver and Emotibot.
- It looks like Black Hole was made in China (or Japan).
- Steve can read hieroglyphes.
- There is a special hieroglyph for "Black Hole" which looks just like Black Hole.
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January 14, 2014
Polling Institute Director named as one of PolitickerNJ.com's "Winner of the Year" in NJ politics.
November 22, 2013
This marks the fourth year in a row that Murray has appeared on the list.
November 04, 2013
Bright Ideas!" Presentation on the Future of LED lighting on December 3
November 01, 2013
Polling Institute Director Patrick Murray was featured in U.S. News and World Report on October 31.
October 18, 2013
Superstorm Sandy One Year Later: Looking to the Future is a day-long conference taking place on October 29 at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ on the one-year anniversary of the worst natural disaster ever to hit New Jersey, will address three critical questions about the Sandy recovery process: What have we accomplished? What have we learned? What do we still need to do?
October 17, 2013
The independent Monmouth University Polling Institute conducts regular surveys of both the nation and New Jersey.
October 07, 2013
The purpose of the class is to stimulate students' academic curiosity about world hunger and overall issues related to the world, and to help them as they transition into academic university life.
September 25, 2013
Event set for Sept. 27
August 21, 2013
Polling Institute Director Patrick Murray was interviewed on NJTV's NJ Today on August 13.
August 13, 2013
The Monmouth University Polling Institute was featured in a New York Times article on August 9.
August 05, 2013
June 17, 2013
Three Secondary School Teachers Honored at Monmouth University
June 13, 2013
June 10, 2013


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Church retreat in 1966 backfired
Name: Dan Nerren.
Where I live: Sand Springs, Okla., a Tulsa suburb.
Where and when I was born: Tupelo, Miss., 1948.
Education: B.S. in education, Southwest Missouri State University, 1971.
Occupation: Retired railroad worker.
Military service: U.S. Army, 1971-73, Wurzberg, Germany.
How I got where I am today: Life is much about unlearning incorrect ideas. Unfortunately, many people never see this. Few there be who have a sense of their own acculturation.
Person in history I admire: Carl Sagan.
A quotation I like: "For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring." (Carl Sagan)
These are a few of my favorite things: Playing piano, reading, volkswalking [noncompetitive, 5K or 10K outdoor walk].
My doubts about religion started: I spent the summer of 1966 working at a church retreat in New Mexico. I was exposed to many sermons. It was there that I began to question the whole scheme.
Ways I promote freethought: I've been a Foundation member since 1989. I'm active in a local Unitarian Universalist congregation, Church of the Restoration, so named to indicate the congregation's desire to bring restoration to the Greenwood District of Tulsa. Greenwood was destroyed in the infamous 1921 race massacre in north Tulsa, where vigilantes took to the skies in aircraft to strafe the helpless black citizens below.
I was instrumental in founding the American Humanist Association chapter in Tulsa in 1988. I later organized an atheist meetup group and stay active in other freethought groups. My next project will be leading a Unitarian Progressive Book Club discussion group, starting with Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States.
Editor's note: Dan also performed an invaluable service for FFRF several years ago by indexing and binding 10 years' worth of Freethought Today issues. This is a tremendous resource for research and for the legal staff.
Dan Nerren's secular invocation
On Thursday, Aug. 30, Dan Nerren treated the Tulsa City Council to a first — the first atheist "invocation" at a Tulsa council meeting.
For months the council had refused to stop praying to open its meetings, then eventually agreed to let previously excluded groups address the council. A local Americans United member asked Dan if he would give a secular address.
"I went to the Internet to see what was out there and soon discovered a secular invocation written by Andrew Lovley of the South Maine Association of Secular Humanists, which he had used to speak to his local governmental body. I adapted Lovley's words to the Tulsa situation."
The speaker is also expected to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. A TV reporter noted Dan omitted "under God."
"Had he been listening carefully, he would have discovered another change I made to the pledge," said Dan. "I closed the pledge not with 'with liberty and justice for all' but with 'with liberty and justice its goal.' Liberty and justice have not become a reality for many citizens. My son, watching from his home on the cable access channel, caught my change."
In what could be called a sad commentary, extra security was in place for the meeting because it was announced beforehand that a godless person was giving the invocation. However, Dan said, "There were no problems, no protesters. Everything went smoothly."
The invocation:
Let us open our hearts to the welfare of all people in our community by respecting the inherent dignity and worth of each person, and realize that our differences of race, religion and party affiliation are merely superficial. Our common humanity unites us all, and may we recognize that through our interdependence we share a common fate.
In order to achieve the greatest good as citizens of Tulsa, it is important for us to maintain an open mind, and honor and respect the human rights of each other. We should consider the benefit provided by differing perspectives, and be willing to question assumptions that serve only to obstruct our path to progress.
Rather than bowing our heads and closing our eyes in deference, we should open our eyes widely to face the reality that confronts us, without losing sight of our ideals of what we could achieve.
Through the prudent use of reason and compassion, we can ensure the success of this great city.
Lastly, we must remember that in the face of adversity we need not look above for answers, but instead recognize the proven potential within ourselves and in each other to overcome any challenges we face.
Thank you.
Finding secular alternatives to AA
By Henry Steinberger, Ph.D.
When people have a problem with addictions, where can they turn? Most people can name only Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups. Most treatments centers and courts refer people to them, but many people have a problem with this.
Though some people manage to take the helpful fellowship and ignore the higher-power/god talk, many of us who reject theism and supernaturalism will forgo help rather than seek a so-called "spiritual awakening" and accept a "higher power," who, if prayed to in the right way, removes one's "defects of character."
Worse, when a person rejects the 12 steps for all of these legitimate reasons, they are accused of being in denial about their problem and receive threats that they will end up in jail, insane or dead if they don't accept the 12-step solution, as if there is no other path to recovery.
U.S. courts have consistently ruled that 12-step programs are religious for purposes of the First Amendment and forbid their mandated or coerced imposition. Further, research has demonstrated that although participation in these groups is usually helpful, regular attendance and real participation were more likely when the individual's degree of religiosity was congruent with that of the group (Atkins and Hawdon, 2007).
But accurate information about secular options rarely comes from the underinformed and biased sources often unwillingly providing it. After all, religious movements have a commitment to winning new converts, not providing alternatives.
But secular alternatives do exist.
SMART Recovery (SR) has built its science-based, self-empowering, abstinence program on empirically tested methods. Besides the mutual support found in its almost 800 face-to-face meetings worldwide and daily online meetings, SR offers recovery tools proven effective in research. Its Four Point Program aims at (1) motivation to abstain, coping with cravings, managing problems such as negative emotions, and finding a life with balance. Like AA, lifetime abstinence is the goal, and meetings and help are free. Unlike AA, lifetime abstinence need not require lifetime attendance at meetings.
SMART stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training and is not claiming to be smarter than other groups. It's recognized by many professional health organizations and governmental agencies, which are listed and linked at smartrecovery.org/linkpage.htm.
SR's website (smartrecovery.org) provides links to other secular groups, which do not always reciprocate. SR's tag line is "Discover the Power of Choice." That includes the choice to quit using and the choice of one's recovery path.
Other secular recovery
These recovery programs are also secular and free:
Women For Sobriety aims for abstinence and offers volunteers the opportunity and training to become meeting "moderators." Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick started WFS out of dissatisfaction with AA's focus on lessening hubris — more of a problem with men, whereas women (and minorities) often need to be empowered rather than further humbled.
Her "New Life" program is based on positive thinking and metaphysics, so it may not meet everyone's definition of secular, but it's not a theistic spiritualism. The website (womenforsobriety.org) doesn't link to other groups or list its meetings (perhaps for security), so you have to contact the central office to find a group.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (aka Save Our Selves) is affiliated and supported by the Center for Inquiry of Los Angeles, thus affirming its humanist credentials. A dominant figure, James Christopher, started SOS. Meeting leaders are all recovering people.
The program might be described as the 12 steps minus the god stuff. The website (cfiwest.org/sos) provides a list of meetings but no links to other programs.
LifeRing started when Martin Nicolaus, head of SOS publishing, broke with that organization to start a group "not affiliated" with any other (like CFI). He claims that each person creates their own program, but his books provide theory and structure. Volunteer "conveners" are all recovering people. The website (lifering.org) lists meetings but does not link to other groups.
Moderation Management, unlike all the other groups, is not abstinence-based. The secular, science-based program is not for alcohol-dependents (alcoholics). MM provides safer responsible drinking limits and guidelines. It's a 9-step program to help people cut down or quit, and either outcome is considered a success.
Volunteers include people who have never had an alcohol problem. The website (moderation.org) lists live and online meetings and links to other programs.
For the "never addicted" reader who wants to help, SMART Recovery volunteers include both never-addicted and recovering people, all of whom receive training in facilitating meetings.
Rational Recovery is often mistakenly offered as a secular alternative to AA, but RR stopped offering free self-help meetings in the mid-1990s. It's a for-profit company that sells seminars, DVDs and some fine secular self-help books, but it's not a self-help group.
Why am I interested in providing secular options?
My step-grandfather, Jacob Benjamin, who wrote "Did Jesus Ever Live or Is Christianity Founded Upon A Myth?" under the pseudonym Historicus, was a devout atheist and science-minded for his time, but he engaged in secret maintenance drinking during the day and a family-destroying binge every night. He ruined my mother's life and his own, which revealed to me a societal need.
I believe he might have been helped if there had been a secular alternative available back then. It is my hope that with this information more people in our FFRF and related communities will support and volunteer to help offer these secular options.
Dr. Steinberger, an FFRF Life Member, is a licensed psychologist. He holds the Certificate of Proficiency in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders from the American Psychological Association and is a past member of the SMART Recovery board of directors. He's the editor/author of The SMART Recovery Handbook (2nd Ed., 2004) and is a volunteer adviser to SMART. He specializes in science-based, secular approaches to addiction treatment.
Michigan atheist makes a difference
By Tim Earl
In the fall of 2011, after hearing one too many invocations praising Jesus at our City Council meeting in Portage, Mich., I decided to do something about it.
I was still thinking about it when Dan Barker spoke at a Center for Inquiry event in Grand Rapids. Afterward, as Dan was signing my copy of Godless, I mentioned it to him. He encouraged me to address the issue with the council.
When I said that I had tried without success to find a "secular leader" to give a secular invocation, Dan suggested that I offer to do it myself. So, in my letter to the council, I did make that offer. They did not address it at the next meeting, but it was on the agenda for the one after that, but unfortunately I was out of town on business and couldn't attend.
I watched the video later and was told by the city clerk that I would be scheduled to give a secular invocation at a later date. (In November, I received a copy of the 2012 invocation schedule which included my name for a July meeting, with a form letter thanking me for serving the community by participating in the process).
When I attended the next meeting and thanked them for considering the matter, one council member came up to thank me for bringing it up, saying she thought on occasion that the invocations went too far.
It was interesting to watch the video of the council's discussion about my letter. The city attorney said that he felt the council was not violating any law. One council member asked if there were invocation guidelines given to people, for example, to avoid overly sectarian language. The attorney advised the council against doing that, fearing it would become de facto policy and open the city up to a lawsuit for violating it later.
Here is the text of my invocation:
"I represent no congregation or denomination. But I appreciate the invitation to give this invocation on behalf of the nonbelievers in our city, which includes those who do not subscribe to any particular religious sect and those who deny the existence of a god altogether.
It can be easy to forget or pretend that we don't exist because we are a small minority, but we are a rapidly growing minority, so we do appreciate the chance to get our seat at the table.
We include doctors, lawyers, teachers and people of all walks of life who live moral lives and contribute to the welfare of our community. As a veteran, I can even assure you that there are indeed atheists in foxholes. With that said, thank you again for the opportunity.
And so, while I would prefer that the practice of invocations be discontinued, I recognize that that is unlikely to happen here in the near future, so I thank you again for this opportunity to represent a minority viewpoint.
And so, without appealing to a higher power which I do not believe exists, I ask each one of you to put forth your best effort to listen intently, resolve differences, find common ground and advance the progress and prosperity of our community.
Because with or without prayer, that's what needs to be done, and prayers don't pay the bills, or maintain the roads, or do any of the work that this council and our city manager do so effectively on our behalf. As human beings, all we can do is use the talents and wisdom which nature, our education and experience have given us to overcome the challenges we face.
And when the task before you is difficult, I ask that you not to look upward for guidance from some higher power which is most likely an outgrowth of our own fear of mortality, but instead look inward to your own sense of morality and reason, and also look outward to the members of this community who come forward to lend their support and assistance.
Only through a spirit of cooperation and unity can we continue to make the city of Portage such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise our families.
In closing, it's important to remember that you don't need a god to hope, to care, to love or to live. And we don't need one to help conduct city business.
Thank you.
During the meeting, the council approved four churches as polling places (out of 21 precincts). I told the council I opposed "forcing citizens to enter a house of worship to exercise their most cherished democratic right." I noted studies that have shown a link between how people vote and where they vote.
After the meeting, a council members thanked me for coming and said she was going to share the video with her atheist friend. She asked about alternative voting locations. The mayor and others joined in and we had a nice discussion. They gently suggested that, having brought it up, I should be willing to help find a solution. I'm still working on that.
Two interesting things happened at the next meeting two weeks later. Before the meeting, the mayor took the Catholic priest scheduled to give the invocation aside and appeared to ask him to avoid sectarian language (which he avoided). I'm not sure if the mayor did that because he saw me there or not, but I found it encouraging.
Then, as I was leaving, a man asked to speak with me. (He was a police detective, I learned during the conversation. City policy is to have at least one officer at every meeting.) He said he found my invocation at the previous meeting offensive. He felt that I had insulted religion in general and Christianity in particular.
We had an interesting discussion, which brought out all the same tired old arguments like "the minority forcing the majority to accept their position." I shot them all down. After about 10 minutes, he said we would never agree but said he felt better talking about it.
FFRF member Tim Earl was born and raised in Detroit by a non-practicing Protestant father and a "pre-Vatican II" Catholic mother and attended Catholic schools K-12, including an all-male Christian Brothers high school. He served in the Navy from 1996 to 2004, including service as chief engineer of the destroyer USS Fletcher in the opening months of the 2003 Iraq War.
"Part of what finally pushed me over the edge to nonbelief was being exposed to Islam firsthand while in the Middle East. Seeing how passionate these people were about their beliefs, I started thinking about the mutual exclusivity of the world's major religions. I finally finished this journey of self-discovery when I read The God Delusion. I realized that I was indeed an atheist and that there was nothing wrong with that. When I told my wife, a secular Jew who had never really discussed religion with me, she said, "It's about time. Welcome to the club." We now raise our two daughters, ages 4 and 7, with no religious tradition.
Help fund FFRF's work through CFC
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has once again qualified for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).
The CFC is the only officially sanctioned program for soliciting federal government employees on behalf of charitable organizations. The CFC conducts annual campaigns in the workplace and allows federal employees to make donations through payroll deductions or other forms of payment to an approved list of charities. It's part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
FFRF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was first included on the CFC list of eligible charities in 2008. "Federal workers had contacted the Foundation in the past, noting the many religious charities on the listing, and wishing there were a nontheist alternative," said Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor.
"We're delighted to announce now again in 2012 that our activities throughout the United States, including the many scholarships we grant students, helped FFRF meet the rigorous eligibility criteria," Gaylor said.
To FFRF's knowledge, it's the only freethought group on the list, which includes hundreds of religious groups. All dues and donations are deductible for income-tax purposes.
"Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc." will appear in the listing of "National/International Independent Organizations" that's published in each local campaign charity list in the early fall.
The solicitation period for 2012 campaign donations is Sept. 1 through Dec. 15. Deadlines vary by region. The CFC code that donors will use to designate their contribution to FFRF is 32519.
CFC donors contributed more than $63,000 to FFRF in 2010 and more than $88,000 in 2011.
Another way to give is via matching grant donations, which have become a significant boost to FFRF in recent years. Many companies offer to match (fully or a percentage of) their employees' donations to charitable nonprofits. These matches multiply the impact of the initial donation to further FFRF's goals.
Gaylor added, "It is recommended that all CFC donors check the box to include their name and mailing address (in addition to your email) with the donation. Donors will receive an acknowledgment from FFRF when we receive pledge notification (throughout the year). If you do not receive that acknowledgment, please contact FFRF to be sure we have been given your name and information about your pledge."
Charity Navigator gives FFRF its highest rating of four stars, which means "exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its cause."
Meet a militant atheist
Name: R. Kelly Wagner (the R stands for Rebecca Ann, or possibly for Robot if one happens to be an Asimov fan).
Where I live: Columbia, Md.
Where and when I was born: In Chicago, 50-"mumble" years ago, raised on Long Island around Levittown.
Family: Oh heavens, too many siblings to mention, most of whom are Catholic. The one person I would like to mention would be my late husband, Steve Harsch, who was also an FFRF member until his death in 2010. No kids, lots of pets.
Education: B.S. in accounting, Northeastern University, 1978; MBA with concentration in federal income taxation, St. Edwards University, 1988. I've also taken coursework toward advanced degrees in dispute resolution, actuarial science and educational technology. My CPA license is currently on inactive status.
I'm a lifelong reader. I'm always learning something new. I take knitting and quilting classes, too.
Occupation: Before I retired, I worked as a CPA doing taxes in the 1980s, then spent 15 years as a financial analyst for the Texas Department of Insurance, doing solvency monitoring of property-casualty companies, which was a lot more fun than it sounds to most people. I taught introductory computer science courses at St. Edward's University in Austin for six years.
How I got where I am today: Let's not start too early, but let's go with getting diagnosed with congestive heart failure in December 2002 and my husband and I deciding to move someplace closer to my family, with better medical care and more culture in 2005. Maryland suited our politics much better than Texas ever did (though Steve was born there and I lived there for 24 years), and it's a lot easier to be an atheist here than it ever was in Texas. As for all the stuff prior to that, I'd say the short answer is whim and random turns of fate!
Where I'm headed: Various attempts to improve my heart failure via surgery haven't worked out, so mostly I'm spinning my wheels rather than headed anywhere.
Person in history I admire and why: Has Isaac Asimov been dead long enough [1992] to count as history? And do I even need to explain why?
A quotation I like: "Do not let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you must, with the same weapons of reason that today arm you against the present." (Marcus Aurelius)
These are a few of my favorite things: Luxury knitting yarns, small pets (especially guinea pigs), playing the saxophone in community bands, sleeping in till noon on Sundays, autumn leaves, public libraries, the hope for universal health care and the Udvar-Hazy Center (part of the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum, a great example of science and reason).
These are not: The guy at the supermarket who tried to tell me about Jesus last week; slow progress on new treatments for chronic illnesses; long waiting lists at the library for books I want to read right now; people who brag about being bad at math; people who "don't believe in" vaccinations (and people who don't believe in paying for public schools and libraries and recreation centers, but then it sounds as though I dislike all libertarians, and I've met a few that I do like).
My doubts about religion started: When I was 15. My family was Catholic, and I was depressed, and the oppressiveness of a god who would deliberately inflict depression on someone, and a religion that considers women second-class, started to weigh on me.
Why I'm a freethinker: Getting rid of organized religion was a start on lifting my depression; getting rid of the idea of gods who can do good things for human lives but arbitrarily, capriciously, and cruelly choose not to, really gave me a boost. Life is so much easier to explain, and so much less cruel, once we know that evil is the acts of humans only, and that prayers don't fix it, only good works by other humans do.
It's like free speech: The answer to speech you don't like is more free speech; the answer to religion is more freethought.
Ways I promote freethought: I fill in "militant atheist" as my religion on forms that ask. I openly discuss my atheist views with anyone who asks. I wear my "Friendly Neighborhood Atheist" T-shirt, and I'm working on a piece of music for concert band that will be called "Freethinkers' March." When it's done and I get one of my community bands to play it, you'll get a recording of it and rights to it — next spring, with any luck!
FFRF florist complaint gets green light
In early October, the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights notified FFRF's local attorney Katherine Godin that "a Preliminary Investigating Commissioner carefully reviewed and considered the information gathered during the course of the investigation by members of the Commission staff. The Commissioner has determined that there is 'probable cause' to believe that the respondents have violated the Rhode Island Hotels and Public Places Act. . ."
FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert filed a complaint in January after four florists refused its order of flowers to congratulate Jessica Ahlquist, the Cranston, R.I., teen who had just won a major ruling in her favor by a federal judge, who agreed a prayer banner in her high school's auditorium was unconstitutional. FFRF had to contract for the services from a Connecticut florist in order to get the flowers delivered. FFRF filed the complaint against two of the Cranston florists.
FFRF alleges "illegal discrimination based on religion" for failure to fill the order. Markert cited the state law that says it's unlawful for a place of accommodation to deny services "on account of religion."
The commission's preliminary finding further states, "Since the finding of probable cause, the parties [FFRF, Twins Florist and Flowers by Santilli] have begun conciliation endeavors. Should the parties not come to an agreement or settlement, the Commission will order a hearing to determine whether the statute was violated. Either party also has a right to request a transfer of the case to Superior Court."
They Said What?
We believe the best way to ensure religious freedom is to protect all religious references and symbols; including those on public buildings, lands, or documents. This includes prayer in public schools, thanking God in a graduation speech, and religious symbols being placed on public property during their appropriate holiday season. . . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Republican Party of Wisconsin . . . believes that school boards should have discretion as to the teaching of intelligent design within their districts.
Wisconsin GOP platform
wisgop.org, 5-13-12
Somehow or another there's this, ya know, steel wall, this iron curtain or whatever you want to call it, between the church and people of faith, and this separation of church and state is just false on its face. We have a biblical responsibility to be involved in the public arena proclaiming God's truth.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, participating in a conference call with evangelicals preparing for Rev. Rick Scarborough's "40 Days to Save America"
Dallas Morning News, 9-19-12
I grew up in a religious environment, and I'm proud of it. I was going to be a priest; I'm proud of it. And I thank God I believe in God, or I would probably be enormously angry right now.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, public interview at the National Archives on the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution
New York Times, 9-17-12
State/Church Bulletin
Buddhist stupa ordered out of park
A 10-foot-tall Buddhist stupa was removed in September from New Mexico's Petroglyph National Monument after an opinion from the Department of Interior's solicitor general that it endorsed religion.
The agency bought the stupa, a mound-like structure housing relics, when it acquired park land in 1990. It will be donated to the Buddhist community in Albuquerque.
School avoids prayer ban by singing
Republican state Rep. Justin Harris told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Sept. 29 that in order to get around a ban on religion in state-funded preschools, he will have children sing prayers at the school he operates through Growing God's Kingdom in West Fork, Ark.
A new rule, which went into effect Oct. 26, allows religious music under certain circumstances. Records show Growing God's Kingdom has received $2.6 million from the state since 2005.
No coach-led prayer, says Portales, N.M.
Coach-led prayers will not be allowed in Portales, N.M., city league sports, the Portales News-Tribune reported Sept. 13.
League Director Mike Doerr told coaches he's watched them leading prayers. "We have multiple ethnicities, nationalities and religious backgrounds involved in our city leagues. As much freedom as everyone has to express religious views, we must have the courtesy to respect the views of others."
Players still have the freedom to pray or observe a moment of silence at practices and games, Doerr said.
Delaware vote for Psalm 23 is 3-2
The Sussex County Council, Georgetown, Del., voted 3-2 on Sept. 11 to substitute Psalm 23 for the Lord's Prayer to open meetings.
Four county residents had sued to stop the Lord's Prayer. U.S. District Judge Leonard Stark ruled in May that the plaintiffs would likely win the case because use of a Protestant version of the prayer "constitutes government endorsement of the Christian faith."
County attorney J. Scott Shannon explained the perceived legal difference to the Sussex Countian: "Because The Lord's Prayer is from the New Testament, the judge in this case found that it was specifically Christian and therefore not permitted under the Constitution. Psalm 23, on the other hand, is a recognized prayer in Judaism and Christianity and also is acknowledged in Islam, so it meets the Supreme Court's test."
2 of 3 Pussy Riot sentences upheld
One member of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot had her sentence overturned by a Moscow appeals court Oct. 10, but the court upheld two of her bandmates' sentences for "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred."
Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, was freed after serving six months. She and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, and Maria Alyokhina, 24, were sentenced to two years in August for a "punk prayer" on the altar of the city's main cathedral. The prayer asked the Blessed Virgin to rid Russia of Vladimir Putin.
Defense lawyer Mark Feigin told Reuters the only difference was Samutsevich spent 15 seconds at the altar compared to 45 seconds for his clients.
"We did not want to offend believers," Alyokhina told the court. "We came to the cathedral to speak out against the merger between spiritual figures and the political elite of our country."
Wisconsin board votes against cross logo
The combined Catholic and public school Messwood football team in Shorewood, Wis., replaced a religious logo on players' helmets after the Shorewood School Board on Oct. 9 unanimously agreed after a district parent complained to the district that a Christian cross on the logo violated separation of state and church.
The new logo has "2012 PLAYOFFS" in red set on a blue football and replaces the old one. The Catholic Messmer High School and the public Shorewood High School have co-oped in football for 12 seasons.
"It's clearly a Christian cross," board member Michael Mishlove said. "I think it's inappropriate to have on a uniform or any sort of school-authorized clothing, as I think it could be viewed as an endorsement," reported Shorewood Now.
"We are not happy about it," Brother Bob Smith, Messmer president, told WTMJ Radio. He called the decision "hurtful for the team."
Pastor banned from Ind. school lunchroom
The Associated Press reported Oct. 20 that the Southwest Allen County School District, Fort Wayne, Ind., has banned a youth pastor from addressing students in the lunchroom.
It announced the policy less than an hour after John and Linda Buchanan, whose 11-year-old daughter attends Summit Middle School, sued in U.S. District Court. The family is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana.
The minister, from a nondenominational church called The Chapel, was allowed to hand out materials and move from table to table, talking with children, the claim stated.
Linda Buchanan, 44, said her daughter brought home religious anti-abortion literature. "We're not a bunch of heathens," she said. "We're not anti-religion; we're anti-religion in public school."
In the News
Pew: 1 in 5 'nonreligious'
The U.S. for the first time ever does not have an adult Protestant majority, according to a new study by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. The percentage of Protestants has fallen to 48%.
Contributing to the decline, The Associated Press reported Oct. 9, is the fact that about 20% of adult Americans say they have no religious affiliation. That's up 5% from five years ago.
According to Pew, the category includes people who say they pray or consider themselves spiritual but not religious. "Still, Pew found overall that most of the unaffiliated aren't actively seeking another religious home, indicating that their ties with organized religion are permanently broken, AP reported.
In 2007, 60% of people who said they seldom or never attended religious services still identified themselves as part of a particular religious tradition. In 2012, that statistic fell to 50%, according to the Pew report.
Pew predicts more growth in "nones," saying that one-third of adults under age 30 have no religious affiliation, compared to 9% of those 65 and older.
Man kills rather than spoil his child
Benjamin Edetanlen, sentenced to 18 years in prison Oct. 11 in DeKalb County, Ga., for killing his 5-month-old son and beating his two other children in 2004, blamed the bible.
Assistant District Attorney Dalia Racine told the court that "The defendant stated that he disciplined the children according to the Book of Proverbs in the bible."
Edetanlen told authorities that Proverbs 13 taught him "Spare the rod, spoil the child."
Italian churches losing tax exemption
The Catholic Church in Italy will be forced to pay taxes starting in 2013 after the European Union pressured the government to pass a law stripping the church of its property tax exemption, La Repubblica daily newspaper reported Oct. 12.
Historically, all church property, even if used commercially, (for a bed and breakfast with a chapel in it, for example) has been tax-exempt.
The move will net estimated annual revenues of 500 million to 2 billion euros.
Einstein 'God' letter sells for $3 million
A handwritten letter in which Albert Einstein questioned the existence of God sold for $3,000,000,100 to an anonymous bidder on eBay. The minimum acceptable bid was $3 million for the online auction held Oct. 8-18. Only two bids were received.
Einstein wrote the so-called "God letter" in German on Princeton University stationery, a year before he died in 1955. It said, in part, "The word God is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honorable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation, no matter how subtle, can (for me) change this."
The letter and envelope last sold in 2008 for $404,000.
Ahlquist not buffaloed by family institute
Rhode Island freethought activist Jessica Ahlquist, 17, spoke Sept. 18 at York High School in Elmhurst and at two other Illinois high schools despite pressure from the Illinois Family Institute to get schools to cancel her speeches during Constitution Week events.
FFRF sent an Action Alert to members Sept. 17 urging their support of Ahlquist's efforts to bolster the First Amendment.
The Elmhurst Patch reported students were eager to ask her questions. "Why did it bother you so much? Couldn't you just look away?" one student asked.
"Because it's illegal," Ahlquist said. "Because it's my right and I feel strongly about my rights and I feel other people should too."
Charles Ovando, social sciences division chairman, said the discussion was more about Ahlquist being threatened, which was a good message for students to hear.
"When you talk about exercising your constitutional rights, that sometimes comes at a cost. It's not just a joy ride to speak up."
Former Tiller clinic reopening in Kansas
The Wichita, Kan., clinic formerly operated by the murdered Dr. George Tiller has been bought by an abortion-rights group and will reopen as a family and women's health center that will offer abortions and other services.
Julie Burkhart, executive director of Trust Women Foundation Inc., said the nonprofit bought the clinic in August. An attorney for Tiller's widow, Jeanne, confirmed the sale Sept. 26 to The Associated Press.
The state has been without abortion services except for the Kansas City area since religious zealot Scott Roeder fatally shot Tiller in church, where he was ushering, in 2009. Tiller was wearing body armor because of death threats but was shot in the head.
Property tax records online listed the property's appraised value at $734,100. Burkhart said she was unsure when the clinic would open. "Thousands of women right now have to travel three hours-plus for medical services. It's a burden on women. It's a burden on women's families."
Scouts forced to open 'perversion files'
About 14,500 pages of Boy Scouts of America detailing sex-abuse allegations from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s were made public Oct. 18 by an Oregon court, including internal reports of alleged child molestations by more than 1,200 U.S. scoutmasters and other adult volunteers. The records, formally called the Ineligible Volunteer Files but commonly known as "the perversion files," were submitted as evidence in a 2010 lawsuit.
Kelly Clark, a Portland attorney who won the landmark 2010 suit, told The Associated Press that the documents show that even though the Scouts have been collecting the files nearly since the Boy Scouts' founding in 1910, the organization failed to use them to protect boys from pedophiles.
The decades-long cover-up is being compared to the failure of churches, the Catholic Church in particular, to report sex abuse allegations to police. In fact, many Scouting troops were sponsored by and met in churches. Pastors were leaders in some instances.
Religious Right groups' coffers overflow
The top 10 Religious Right groups have total revenues of $1.177 billion, according to a new study from Americans United for Separation of Church and State. [FFRF's annual budget is less than $2 million.]
The revenues, in parentheses, come from official IRS filings and other reliable sources.
. Jerry Falwell Ministries/ Liberty University/Liberty Counsel ($522,784,095)
. Pat Robertson Empire ($434,971,231)
. Focus on the Family ($104,463,950)
. Alliance Defending Freedom ($35,145,644)
. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (Lobbying expenditures: $26,662,111)
. American Family Association ($17,955,438)
. Family Research Council ($14,840,036)
. Concerned Women for America (Tim and Beverly LaHaye: $10,352,628)
. Faith & Freedom Coalition ($5,494,640)
10. Council for National Policy (founded by Tim LaHaye: $1,976,747)
Taliban targeting Pakistani girls
A British hospital in Birmingham is treating Malala Yousufzai, a 15-year-old Pakistani girl shot in the head on a school bus Oct. 9 by the Taliban in Mingora in retaliation for championing education for girls. She was alert after surgery and is expected to live but the extent of her recovery is uncertain. Another girl was slightly injured in the attack.
A Taliban spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan, said the girl's activism needed to be stopped: "This was a new chapter of obscenity, and we have to finish this chapter."
Malala received Pakistan's first National Peace Award in 2009 for publicizing violence by hardline Islamists against education, The Guardian reported.
Another girl, 17-year-old Hina Khan, has received Taliban death threats and has had a red cross painted on her family's home twice because of her views on female education.
Scandal topples D'Souza at Christian school
Dinesh D'Souza's conservative Christian "family values" reputation took a big hit in past weeks amid rumors the married 51-year-old was having an affair with a woman in her late 20s. The shoe dropped Oct. 18, when he resigned as president of King's College, a small Christian university in Manhattan, reported The New York Times.
The school announced the resignation two days after a Christian magazine reported he had checked into a South Carolina motel with a woman he introduced as his fiancée. The magazine reported he filed for divorce the same day its reporter contacted him. D'Souza and his wife Dixie, 44, live in southern California and have one daughter.
He's also the director and co-producer of the conservative documentary currently in theaters, "2016: Obama's America."
His fiancée, Denise Odie Joseph II, 29, is also married and has written extensively about the importance of so-called family values.
Mothers 'maimed and forgotten' in Ireland
"The imperative to bear as many children as possible crippled hundreds of Irishwomen," Marie O'Connor writes in a column titled "The maimed and forgotten mothers" in The Irish Times. Catholic hospitals encouraged doctors to treat difficult childbirths with a symphysiotomy, a procedure that severs the pelvic joint, instead of doing a caesarean section.
According to O'Connor, the church preferred the symphysiotomy because it could widen the pelvis, "enabling an unlimited number of vaginal deliveries.
"But when it went wrong, which was often, the women suffered chronic pain and incontinence, and many could barely walk. . . . Doctors in every other Western country shunned the operation, but in Ireland it was performed on some 1,500 women between 1944 and 2005. About 200 victims survive today, most of them disabled. Yet they can't seek redress in the courts, because it only recently became public that these operations were unnecessary, long after the statute of limitations expired."
Judge chastises pandering Pennsylvania House but dismisses FFRF suit
U.S. District Judge Christopher Conner on Oct. 1 dismissed the Freedom From Religion Foundation's lawsuit against officials of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for declaring 2012 as "the Year of the Bible," while at the same time chastening state officials for "premeditated pandering" for religious and political purposes and expressing alarm that it passed unanimously.
FFRF sued in March after the House passed the resolution Jan. 24 that exhorted citizens and government officials to "study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures." It challenged the resolution for violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, section 3 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
In his Oct. 1 decision, Conner ruled that FFRF and its local plaintiffs had standing to sue, "which is a major victory in itself these days," commented FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. Conner also ruled that House officials had absolute legislative immunity. Conner, who was appointed to the federal bench in 2002 by President George W. Bush, has notably also ruled against the Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Barack Obama.
While granting the defendants immunity for a "legislative act," Conner noted that the immunity "should not be viewed as judicial endorsement of this resolution. It most certainly is not."
Conner wrote, "At worst, it is premeditated pandering designed to provide a reelection sound bite for use by members of the General Assembly. But regardless of the motivation. . . its express language is proselytizing and exclusionary. . . . The court is compelled to shine a clear, bright light on this resolution because it pushes the Establishment Clause envelope behind the safety glass of legislative immunity. That is passed unanimously is even more alarming."
The resolution passed 193-0, although several members soon expressed regret that they voted for it. It was included in a stack of "noncontroversial" resolutions that are usually approved pro forma.
The "blatant use of legislative resources" contravened "the spirit — if not the letter — of the Establishment Clause," Conner wrote scathingly.
He concluded, "At a time when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania faces massive public policy challenges, these resources would be far better utilized in meaningful legislative efforts for the benefit of all of the citizens of the Commonwealth, regardless of their religious beliefs."
"The Establishment Clause, prohibits all government speech endorsing religion — without or without coercion. The government is precluded from taking a position on the merits of religion, contrary to the clear import of the Year of the Bible Resolution in this case," said Barker.
The lawsuit was filed by attorneys Lawrence M. Otter, Doylestown, Pa., and Richard L. Bolton, Madison, Wis., on behalf of FFRF and 41 named Pennsylvania members.
In a related story, the House on Oct. 17 approved another "noncontroversial" resolution that was introduced Oct. 15 declaring October in Pennsylvania as "Prayer Month for the purpose of setting aside time to pray. . ."
FFRF sent out an Action Alert but the resolution passed 189-2.
"It's absurd to declare that a month of prayer should be observed by all citizens, including many who never pray or certainly don't say Christian prayers," said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. "Even more absurd is that they didn't pass the resolution until the month was more than half over. I guess we should at least be thankful for that."


text:
May 7, 2013
Strategic risk management (SRM) can be a good indicator of positive shareholder returns in the automotive supplier industry, with top performers cumulatively generating a 520% increase in shareholder value over 10 years, according to a report covering a survey of more than 210 automotive suppliers conducted by Deloitte & Touche LLP and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association. Understand the tenets of an effective SRM framework and its competitive advantage.
Please note: The Wall Street Journal News Department was not involved in the creation of the content above.
The CFO Report provides original real-time reporting, analysis and commentary on news and trends of critical importance to chief financial officers and other senior corporate finance executives: accounting, tax, regulation, capital markets, banking, management and strategy. The CFO Report is a core component of CFO Journal, which aggregates articles and data from The Wall Street Journal and other premium sources. Contact our editors with news items, comments and questions at: email@example.com.
Learn about the CFO Journal editorial team.


text:
Retirement Products & Solutions.
The 2013-14 edition of this study takes a deeper look at important financial considerations and priorities for African Americans, and introduces the Prudential Financial Confidence Index.
This study explores Asian Americans' attitudes and behaviors regarding retirement savings and expectations.
This groundbreaking study takes a comprehensive look at the financial priorities of Hispanic Americans, the fastest growing demographic in the United States.
Provided courtesy of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, this guide provides a review of the program, its financing problem, and the leading proposals for eliminating the shortfall.
Provided courtesy of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, this guide will help you with the most important financial decision you'll likely make.
Updated for 2012, this paper includes claiming strategies that divorced or widowed individuals can use to maximize their lifetime Social Security benefits. A short video summarizes the strategies outlined in the paper.
Four Pillars of U.S. Retirement
This paper, using research provided by Ernst & Young's Insurance and Actuarial Advisory Services practice, discusses the impact that increased longevity, market uncertainty, and an extended period of low interest rates can have on retirement income. It finds that retirees can experience significant income shortfalls if income is not protected against these risks.


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|Walpole, MA
|High School:
As a Junior in 2010:
Named to the All-Northeast Conference First Team … Started in all 18 games … Tied for the team lead with seven goals and added three assists for a total of 17 points … Tied for the team lead in goals and points … Scored the game-winning goal against Colgate on Sep. 12 … Tallied a goal at Maine on Sep. 24 … Scored two goals in a win over Lafayette on Sep. 26 … Recorded two goals in a win over Brown on Oct. 5 … Tallied an assist in a win at Sacred Heart on Oct. 10 … Assisted on a goal in a win at Robert Morris on Oct. 24 … Scored a goal in a win over Siena on Oct. 31 … Recorded an assist in the NEC semifinal game at Rider on Nov. 5.
As a Sophomore in 2009:
Started in 13 games for the Bobcats… Scored four goals and collected nine points… Notched her first career multi-goal game against on Robert Morris on 10/30/09, tallying two goals against the Colonials.
As a Freshman in 2008:
Named to the 2009 New England High Performance Training Squad...Appeared in all 18 games for the Bobcats on defense...Started in 10 games.
Before Quinnipiac:
Four-year letterwinner in field hockey and track at Walpole (Mass.) High School...Also played three years of varsity softball...Three-time All-Star First Team selection from 2005 through 2007...2007 Division I Player of the Year...2008 Walpole High School Outstanding Female Student-Athlete of the Year...2007 All-American...2006 Junior Olympic Player...2007 Field Hockey Senior Captain...2008 Softball captain.
Daughter of Debra and Paul Cunniff...Has one sister: Amy, who previously played for Quinnipiac; and two brothers: Paul and Kevin...Born in Walpole, Mass.


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Cost of Running Hydronic System
Discussion in 'Boiler Forum' started by Oregon Heat Seeker, Feb 7, 2012.
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Here is your chance to own a piece of Patrick Roy history. This poster was produced in 1990, after Roy's fifth straight brilliant season. It is a strikingly attractive poster, with the sharp red background practically jumping off the wall. It features no less than five fantastic action shots of Patrick in the prime of his career, including a rare mask-off shot (bottom left). One of the nicest Patrick posters ever published, and one of the few you will ever see still available from his Montreal days, this is both a fantastic collector's item, and a beauty for your wall! Don't miss out on this one - long out-of-print, only a limited quantity remains in our warehouse. Once they're gone, they're gone forever!
Product Specifications:


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Lil Jojo Dead: Rapper Born Joseph Coleman Died in Chicago
Chicago rapper Lil Jojo was gunned down Tuesday night (Sept. 4) while riding a bicycle in the city's South Side. According to the Chicago Tribune, the fledgling artist, born Joseph Coleman, died on the scene from a gunshot wound. Officers found him unresponsive on the street.
A witness told aut


text: Thru the recent run of below average Dolphins football, there are a ton of fans out there that love this team. I'm one of them...I stood them thru a 1-15 season, so this 3 season slide we're in isn't going to stop me from supporting my team however I can. Look at the Lions, the 2008 and 2009 teams we're still averaging 50,000+ attendance numbers even in the midst of going 0-16 and 2-12 during those miserable seasons. That's determination...and now they're starting to turn things around after DECADES of futility.


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Happy Birthday to me. :) Hello 34! I kicked off my birthday but running 6x800M intervals at a 7:19 pace, with 200M recovery intervals in between (total of five miles). Kicked my butt and felt great. Then I did my strength training and now I have tomorrow off to rest up for my 30 miles I need to get done this weekend. Woo hoo!
Today is the day I give away my surprise book. Thanks to all of you who played along with my IPOD playlist game. The most picked on songs were definitely Beach Boys' Barbara Ann and Phil Collins' Dance into the Light. I did get lots of great ideas for songs to add to my playlist. Thanks again to all of you who played. :)
Now for the prize! The book I am giving away is "Once a Runner" by John L. Parker Jr. It is a novel about a runner trying to become a champion and it is such a great read. I really, really enjoyed this book. Dave Langlais from Runner's World said that "Once a Runner" is, "The best piece of running fiction around. Beg, borrow, or buy a copy and you'll never need another motivator." Sounds fun, right? Anyone else out there ever read it?
Random.org chose lucky #6 as my winner which is Colleen of Cupcake Nation! Colleen, send me an email at fullhousemom at g mail dot com and I will get your book out to you. congrats!
Hope you all are having a great day. More soon!
The daily adventures of a mom of 12 who loves to run and is training hard to see just how good I can be.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
6 comments:
- Colleen said...
Happy Birthday! The sixth is my birht date, so I guess it's my lucky number.
Thanks & I hope you had a wonderful birthday? So do you get to have birthday picks? :)
- March 24, 2011 at 1:32 PM
- Meredith said...
Happy Birthday to you!! You are just 2 weeks ahead of me! I'll be 34 on April 8th. Hope you have a wonderful wonderful birthday!
- March 24, 2011 at 1:36 PM
- Emz said...
- March 24, 2011 at 2:04 PM
- BabyWeightMyFatAss said...
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- March 24, 2011 at 2:29 PM
- Penny said...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Hope you have a great day.
- March 24, 2011 at 2:48 PM
- Mallory said...
Hope your birthday was great!!!
- March 27, 2011 at 6:41 AM
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dog.com > Grooming > Clippers & Accessories > Item # 190664
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Millar & McNiven's 'Nemesis' Headed to Hollywood, Tony Scott Onboard to Direct
Most folks would consider four issues of a comic a solid storyline. For Mark Millar, it's just another movie deal.
In what should come as no surprise to anyone who's been paying attention to Millar's career to date (and let's be honest, it's hard not to pay attention to Millar these days), Bleeding Cool has announced that "Nemesis" -- his ultra-violen


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This story was updated at 3:23 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2012.
Montgomery County police are investigating a vehicle/pedestrian collision in Gaithersburg that left a 34-year-old man dead as a homicide.
At 1:17 a.m. Dec. 5, Gaithersburg and Montgomery County police responded to a report of a pedestrian struck on West Diamond Avenue, according to Officer Rebecca Innocenti, a Montgomery County police spokeswoman.
Police said a 34-year-old man told them that he and his brother — the deceased victim — were given a ride to a spot near the Gaitherstowne Plaza at Route 355 and Chestnut Street by people in a black Honda Civic earlier that morning. As the two men were walking west on West Diamond Avenue shortly after they were dropped off, they were struck by a black Honda Civic, Innocenti said.
The surviving man told police he believes it was the same car that he and his brother had been riding in a few minutes earlier, Innocenti said.
Shortly after arriving at the scene, officers found an unoccupied black Honda Civic in the Gaitherstowne Plaza which had damage consistent with a pedestrian collision, Innocenti said.
Police have since identified the driver and are coordinating with the State's Attorney's Office to determine appropriate charges, Innocenti said, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.
The surviving man was treated at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
The accident shut down West Diamond Avenue until about 9:30 a.m. The Avalon School, located nearby at 200 Avalon Ave., was also shut down for the day, according to Richard McPherson, the school's president.
"Police called the school at 4 o'clock and asked us to close the school," he said.
A few teachers tried to show up but couldn't get in, he said.
"It was quite a thing," he said. "My phone was buzzing off the hook from about 6 to about 8:30 a.m."
Police are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 866-411-8477. Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest or indictment for this crime.


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Nb: infants must be under the age of 2 and
children must be under the age of 12 at the time of
Residence "Aravis", 7 storeys. In the centre of la Croisette, directly by the skiing area. In the house: lift, storage room for skis, central heating system. Roofed, parking, public parking 50 m on the road. Shop, supermarket, shopping centre, restaurant 50 m. Skisport facilities 20 m, ski school 50 m, ski-kindergarten 200 m. Please note: the photograph shows a typical example. There are more similar properties for rent in this same residence. 3-room apartment 50 m2 on 2nd floor, renovated, very beautiful furnishings: living/dining room with flat screen, radio and DVD. Exit to the balcony. 1 open room with 2 x 2 bunk beds (80 cm). 1 large room with 1 double bed (2 x 80 cm). Open kitchen (oven, dishwasher, 4 induction hot plates, microwave, raclette grill). Bath/WC. Large balcony, south facing position and west facing position. Deck chairs (2). Very beautiful panoramic view of the mountains and the ski run. Facilities: hair dryer. Ski locker: level 1 (ground floor, behind the mail boxes).
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This conversation is closed.
Do enough people, espescially children, know that we are living in an extinction event caused mostly by us?
Of all the chaos going on in the world I cannot think of one more disturbing than the fact that we are decreasing the diversity of life by an estimated factor of 150 species per day.
Why is this not a more prominent topic?
Andy Eppy
Apr 4 2013: I suggest that there is substantial doubt (doubt arising from the lack of evidence to the contrary) that we are living in an extinction event, and if we are, that it is caused mostly by us.
- +1
Our inability to answer these questions directly correlates to the degree of understanding by the majority.
'If' these questions are answered affirmatively, let us hope that the time it takes to perfect our understanding of the dilemma does not leave us with insufficient time to remedy it, if indeed such a remedy is possible (too late of course for the 150 species per day that have perished in the meantime).
Furthermore, I suggest that a decline in biodiversity of 150 species a day (whilst shocking to me), is not especially high when taken from a total perspective of the history of life on Earth. As I understand it there have been extinction events in the past which eradicated 98% of all life on Earth, and that all life today is descended from the 2% that made it. And yet we live in a world of unimaginable biodiversity, all descended from that meagre 2%. Nature finds a way to go on. Whether mankind will is of course another debate entirely, and for all manner of reasons aside from the 'messing in our own back yard' argument.
In short I believe the assertion that we are living in an extinction event is disputable, and even more so that it is of our own making, and that the quoted decrease in biodiversity is in anyway linked to this asserted event.
Such events have happened in the past of course, which were obviously not caused by us, and that being the case then, what arrogance is it of man's to believe that we are either a contributor to, or possess the power to avert such events when they occur?
Apr 4 2013: What points can you make that bring you to your skepticism?
scott lee
Apr 6 2013: The question of whether we are in a mass extinction event is contentious, but mostly for political reasons. It is not a question of whether its happening, or whether we cause it, it is a question of how much extinction qualifies a time period as being an "extinction event".
- +1
When considering this we have to remember that industrialization is still only a blink of an eye in geological time frames and we can only truly understand how much extinction we have caused after we have reached some sort of equilibrium with the ecosystem and the extinctions return to a normal level.
Lawren Jones
Apr 3 2013: Beyond a few particular examples, what evidence can you submit that we are responsible for the extinction event at large?
- +1
Apr 3 2013: Well there is plenty of literature about it. I wonder do you have any evidence that the extinction event at large is not human induced?
Lawren Jones
Apr 4 2013: The burden of proof is on you, Brian. Please cite a report claiming that the extinction event is anthropic in nature.
- +1
Apr 4 2013: Ok. Do you doubt that it is antropic?
http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Root_Causes_Of_Biodiversity_Loss.html?id=haIGoPpqTRgCApr 4 2013: Yes, I do doubt that it's anthropic. The sources you cited either do not state the source is anthropic, or that the cause is global warming, for which there is also sketchy and conflicting evidence for an anthropic cause.
Apr 4 2013: Clearly you have not spent much time looking at the material. Global warming is not the main point on any of those.
Do you believe species can survive habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, habitat alteration, exploitive hunting/fishing?Apr 4 2013: You still haven't answered LJ's question, BR.
What credible sources can you show that cite this supposed extinction event is anthropic?Apr 4 2013: I do not think the burden of proof is on you Brian, at least no more than the burden of proof is on the contrarians who maintain 'business as usual' is what we should follow. I get comments like what you got when I mention planetary boundaries and Johan Rockstrom's work on that. Humans are a single species and there are only bacteria more populous than humans on earth. Some 20 years ago, as a single species it was appropriating close to 40 % of ALL global photosynthetic produce.
I think fish don't discuss about the water they swim in.
Apr 4 2013: Bacteria are NOT the only species to outnumber humans.
Ants and termites, to name just 2 invertebrates account for c.3500M tons of biomass alone
Not to mention krill, marine fish, chickens...........Apr 3 2013: All successful species become successful to the detriment of other species. It's called evolution. At some stage in the future an as yet unknown species will become successful at our expense.
Apr 4 2013: No species in its natural habitat drives another species to extinction. Have any examples?
Invasive species are a different story.
Your line of argument excuses our guiltiness for massive species loss because other species (creatures that don't have close to the mental faculties as humans) do it naturally like evolution?
Apr 4 2013: All the plants and animals we only know from fossils were driven to extinction by other species who either competed with or predated on them. Remember when we say a species evolved into a new species what we really mean is that the offspring of one individual had an advantage over the rest of the species. The new species evolves by causing the extinction of the old species.
Apr 4 2013: There is a natural background extinction rate. I am guessin this is what you are talking about.
Humans have caused an extinction rate many times the natural background. Habitat loss, introduction of species to ecosystems, over consumption, ecosystem alteration, and arguably climate change are all human induced species loss.Apr 4 2013: The natural background rate varies considerably and is much higher then you think. When the first photosynthetic organisms started spewing oxygen into the atmosphere and hydrosphere, what do you think the extinction rate was for species of anaerobic bacteria that dominated at the time. When flowering plants first appeared what happened to all the gymnosperms and ferns that used to populate the worlds forrests? How many species of insect became extinct after the amphibians crawlled out of the swamp?
Apr 4 2013: You have good examples of some species inadvertently gaining advantage over others and replacing them.
There has never been anything like what is happening today. Unless there is evidence that one species has driven to extinction many on every continent of the world.Apr 4 2013: what do u mean? we do. what do you think your not in your natural habitat?theres only predator and prey.
Apr 4 2013: I would like to see some evidence of any other predator that prevents other species from survival so that their species can gain access to food or other.Apr 4 2013: usually ,that species is the food and sometimes they get eatin to extinction. im sure your aware of that.
Apr 6 2013: Of course humans are in their natural habitat. The question is is our activities and exploitation of other species "natural." I contend that one culture that today nearly dominates the globe put us in the very unnatural relationship we have today with the rest of life on earth.Apr 6 2013: I thi nk what comes to mind is harmony, cause evrrything thing that's happening right now in the universe is the natural order of things.technology is a part of nature.humans aren't above or below that. but you are correct. I remember watching a special on this species of ocean creature called"crown of thorns" . theyve had a cycle for thousands of years most likely,pf eating parts of the barrier reef leaving and by therenext return the reef had ample time to regrow the part that was eaten.due to rain washing the nutrients and supplements for "beefier" crops into the sea,it turned the crown of thorns into Eating machines that actually threaten the barrier reefes existance in the long run. very delicate the balance of nature is.
gale kooser
Apr 3 2013: I, and several of my friends, make it a point to inform, not only children but adults too about the extinction of various species & the impact it will have on all of us. We start out with Phytoplankton & go right up the food chain. The students are very attentive when we talk & they ask great questions, but then go right back to their daily lives without another thought about what we said.
- +1
Sadly, humans are concerned with only their lives & not the other species that make up the circle of life. Humans stepped out of that circle a long time ago. Greed is their flag and human DNA must have it hardwired in it.
There will come a time very soon, when folks will wonder what went wrong! It will be far too late by then. And maybe that is as it should be. The earth will heal quite well without us.
Apr 3 2013: I hope that it is not in our genes but rather a cultural belief system that drives us to acquire more and more without caring about the consequences.
Apr 3 2013: Ever since humans fell out of the trees-Greed has been a leading force.
When something has been around for that long, Our DNA imprints on it in varying degrees.Apr 4 2013: @ Andy : Please read.
http://mahb.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1986_Vitousek.pdfApr 4 2013: if we dont change ways it will be detramental to our own existance. pull out the gasmasks , its gonna be lookin like soilant green wishing u could eat a strawberry!....nah.......seriously though.Apr 4 2013: Materialism and entertainment is taking too much space.
I'm glad that entertainment is booming (if not, how would I earn a living?)
Production capacity and practices that causes environmental degradation are responsible for most of the extinction.
It is hard to compete against money, especially so much of it; that is why so many people dont care, and the people who care dont seem to matter.
More should be done in terms of raising awareness about practices that are harmful to the ecosystem.
I think children should the taught the basics of taking care of the environment, but they should not be burdened by the details of how terrible things are or could be.Apr 3 2013: This would be different in different geographic locations, but where I live, this subject is a focus of study at various points in grade school (timely, particularly as kids almost always seem to care deeply about animals) and in high school biology. It was not part of the curriculum for my son in middle school.
Apr 3 2013: I remember in middle school a biologist who had traveled to the Amazon showed our class pictures of the rainforest destruction. It shook my world view. From there on I was curious about the impacts humans were having on the environment.
Apr 3 2013: My son became passionate about Amazon rainforest preservation when he was younger than that, and it has stuck with him.Apr 3 2013: No,I don't think children really know we are living in an extinction event caused mostly by us.By the way I think it should be adults know well it in advance.Children needn't u to teach,they always can learn fast from adults.Apr 3 2013: I totally agree with you. It's not only that species are declining due to over exploitation, they are declining due to a massive fall in the carrying capacity of our planet.
Kids know the planet is in difficulty, but they easily go into denial - after all the problem appears too big to deal with and the problems are not always that obvious within their lives - unless they happen to be impacted in some way.
In one lifetime it is not always possible to see the steady environmental degradation. This is why TV is so important. The back catalogue of anthropological and natural history programmes are a huge resource for baseline research. One example springs to mind - Lake Nakuru in Kenya used to support hundreds of thousand of pink Flamingos - today the flocks have declined considerably, but without film evidence people would not believe their decline. The same is true of human diversity - in a globally linked world humanity is becoming homogeneous.
The only way forward is to drastically reduce the human population. In my life it's doubled, from 3.5 billion to 7 billion. How can we do this?
Apr 3 2013: Stop increasing the food supply.Apr 3 2013: People are walking around in the slumber and stupor
that comes from being brainwashed.
They are mental robots, rendered into a condition of artificial intelligence.
They not only do not want the truth, they can no longer recognize it.
And, they worship lies which reveals a serious split from reality.
They want lies more than anything else. Certainly more than the truth.
They are now Manchurian Citizens who vote for Manchurian Candidates.
When these humans reach the point where fixing something or keeping it the way it is
and making a profit is their choice, they will blindly, while in that stupor, choose profit.
The main effect of brainwashing is a dulled ability to reason.
The second main effect is an impeded ability to act. (to act upon learning the truth, seeing the truth, hearing the truth,
reading the truth or even experiencing the truth.)
The first effect is why those in the U.S. are virtually slapped right in the face with lies, out-in-the-open corruption, blatant breaking of laws and the Constitution while falsely, wrongly and even secretly passing new laws that only benefit those in power, destroying the people's options to help themselves, stealing their liberties, their money, their privacy, their sense of safety, fighting so hard to take away their right to bear arms and defend themselves, warrantless searches, GPS tracking, well the list goes on more than the allotment of 2000 characters, while demonizing others and threatening those they rule over with more lies, AND THE PEOPLE DO NOTHING!
Oh, they might say, "I can't believe they are doing this!"
Yes, a dulled ability to reason and an impeded ability to act.
Action is what is needed now, immediately and continually until the people win.
Apr 3 2013: It's hard to get a person to look outside of their own life to make a difference let alone another species. I'm pessismistic about our resolve
W. Ying
Apr 3 2013: .
- 0
They don't
or don't believe it
because they don't know "be happy validly".
(For details, see the 1st article, points 1-3, 14, at
.Apr 3 2013: No - it is mentioned all the time, but people try to avoid dwelling on bad news. What can we do? The people who don't care can always divert and mislead us. Misdirection is the key to magic.
W. Ying
Apr 3 2013: .
- 0
And "invalid" happiness is the key to "Misdirection".
(See ibid just above)
Apr 4 2013: I am not disagreeing I think. I am just saying that some selfish people mislead and misdirect us through advertising and propaganda. This is becoming a real problem in America. Maybe it always has been, but it is becoming obvious.


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Jim Sturgess Gossip
Jim Sturgess gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
Ending with Jim
Seems a good way to kick off the weekend, call it a day. Jim Sturgess is in Dubai still promoting The Way Back. I think someone gave him a pair of new shoes. At least those look like new shoes. And he was probably like – oh look, new shoes, I'll just wear them now, which is why they don't exactly match. Full Story
Jim + Colin on TV
A joint interview on Chatty Man. The best 13 minutes of my day. It's worth 13 minutes of your day too. They are promoting The Way Back. They are really, really cute together. Opposites. Jim the quiet, unassuming, reluctant movie star and Colin in the spotlight, always. He even concedes to this at the end, when watching childhood home video. Full Story
2 & 4 side by side
The other day at a London press conference for The Way Back I noted that there were no photos of Jim Sturgess and Colin Farrell, numbers 2 and 4 on my Five List, standing next to each other...and that was good for self preservation. Last night at the Spanish premiere of the film though, they did indeed go shoulder to shoulder. Full Story
2 & 4 together
How will I focus the rest of the day? Jim Sturgess and Colin Farrell, numbers 2 and 4 on my Five List, just showed up together at a presser for The Way Back in London. They did not pose side by side. In a way I'm thankful for it. Remember last week when Ryan Gosling and Jake Gyllenhaal stood next to each other and exploded your lady business? This can be dangerous, non? Here's an example of how Quiver can take on different forms. Full Story
Emma & Dexter in New York
The stars of One Day were in New York last night promoting separate projects. First my sweet Jim Sturgess at a screening for Heartless – the trailer is below – looking, as always, a little out of place and confused. It's adorable. Heartless, though directly by promising horror genre auteur Philip Ridley, probably won't get much attention. Full Story
November 2, 2010 Smutty Shout-Outs
This is for Emily G in Halifax who is missing her Nan. Shawna B requested for you some Jim Sturgess but specifically as Dexter and it appears I didn't get 'round to posting these shots of Jim back when they were shooting One Day in Paris: Dexter in his jammies meeting up with his ma, played by the indomitable Patricia Clarkson, brilliantly cast. Full Story
Jim, Owls, Colin
This is Jim Sturgess with his girl Mickey O'Brien last night in London at the Legends of the Guardian: The Owls of Ga'Hoole premiere. MUCH better hair this time over last time. Sigh. I love him. And I love Colin Farrell. And their film is finally arriving in theatres at the end of the year. Full Story
Bad hair and sh-tty posing with Jonas thighs
If you told me yesterday I'd be able to write about my #1 and #2 on the same day, I would have never predicted that my reaction would be as it is: decidedly disappointed. This is my problem: I am too objective sometimes when it comes to quiveration. I lack the loyalty required to be a true fan. Full Story
These pictures are making me weak. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess are back at it in Paris this morning on location for One Day and, well, see for yourself. They're making it happen. And that is a good movie kiss. The makings of a great movie kiss: some tension off the top, then she initiates, and he tries to resist with his hands in his pockets but ends up overcome by emotion and totally goes for it with his fingers around her neck and his shoulders hitched up, and their foreheads meet at the very end with, hopefully, some tender words exchanged to seal it. Full Story
Monsieur Dexter
Have you read One Day yet? Please do soon. Because I always forget to alert for spoilers and it's so hard especially when set shots are being released and besides, what's the delay anyway? It's one of the best books of the summer (my review is here Full Story
Happy Anne & Beautiful Jim
Anne Hathaway seems to be really, really enjoying this shoot. Good. I am newly optimistic about her playing Emma Morley in One Day – click here if you missed yesterday's article and review on the book – and if she's happy at work it must mean that she likes the work and if she likes the work than hopefully the work is good. Full Story
Emma, Dexter and my Summer Book List
It's Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew. And it really, really is, non? Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess were photographed in Edinburgh this weekend working on One Day. Look at them them! They totally ARE! Jim's hair. He's gorgeous. Like so much. And Annie's clothes, the way she looks in glasses, even her gait a little bit. Full Story
Cute on a bike
Isn't he? This is Jim Sturgess, #1 on my Freebie Five, in Montreal the other day on the set of Upside Down. Kirsten Dunst (who was in New York for the weekend) co-stars in the independent film that's been described as part sci-fi, part romance: Look up towards the sky and rub your eyes because you won't believe what you see: cities, forests, and oceans with their own inverted gravity, only an arm's length away, yet completely unreachable. Full Story
Annie running
I'm not one to rag on a bitch's workout gear. Whatever. It's sometimes worse when she's head to toe in matching pink Lululemon and a blowout with totally inappropriate footwear. Or the "last chance at love" cougar and her gels nails wafting perfume all over the cardio section hoping to bag a young stud. Full Story


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The Oregon National Guard signed a pact with Vietnam as part of the State Partnership Program during a Nov. 27 ceremony in Hanoi.
Army Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard, signed the agreement with Vietnam Lt. Gen. Tran Quang Khue, vice chairman of the National Committee for Search and Rescue.
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear; Oregon Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Todd Plimpton, assistant adjutant general (Army); Oregon Air National Guard Col. Mark Crosby, Oregon's State Partnership Program director, and other officials were on hand for the signing at the Ministry of Defense Guest House.
The agreement comes as the United States begins ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Events and commemorations to honor era veterans and casualties are scheduled in both countries through 2025.
The State Partnership Program reflects an evolving international affairs mission for the National Guard, emphasizing its unique state-federal and civil-military characteristics to interact with both the active and reserve forces of foreign nations, interagency partners, and international non-governmental organizations.
State partners participate in a broad range of security cooperation activities to include homeland defense/security, disaster response/mitigation, consequence/crisis management, interagency cooperation, border/port/aviation security, combat medical, fellowship-style internships, and bilateral familiarization events that lead to training and exercise opportunities.
The State Partnership Program currently supports 65 partnerships between states and nations.
The Oregon National Guard is also partnered with Bangladesh.


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A down-and-out New Yorker (Kevin Kline) travels to Paris to liquidate a huge, valuable apartment he has inherited from his estranged father. In Paris, the man finds a refined old lady (Maggie Smith) living in the apartment and discovers that she and his father were lovers for more than 50 years.
104 minutes; Rated PG-13
Magnolia at the Modern is an ongoing series featuring critically acclaimed films. Tickets are $9; $7 for Modern members; $6 for Reel People. The Sunday noon show time is half price. Advance sales begin two hours prior to each show.


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IMLS Press Contact
Giuliana Bullard firstname.lastname@example.com
Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting applications in each of its museum grant programs. The application deadline for each of these programs is December 2, 2013.
For more information about these funding opportunities, including program guidelines, contacts, and webinar access information, click on one of the following links.
Webinars with Program Staff
IMLS staff members are available by phone and email to discuss general issues relating to these funding programs. A pre-recorded webinar detailing important information about IMLS funding opportunities is accessible through the links above.
Potential grant applicants are also invited to participate in one or more of the live pre-application webinars listed below.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.