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Crediton Gel Fireplace
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Godless ideologies such as fascism, communism, racism and anarchism have brought destruction upon humanity and have encouraged hatred within societies.
Islam Denounces Terrorism
The Outlook of Islam on the People of the Book
God calls to the Abode of Peace and He guides whom He wills to a straight path. (Qur'an, 10:25)
Another important topic that has been on the agenda with the acts of terrorism against the United States is the relation between the Western and Islamic world. As is known, by the 90s, some intellectuals were falsely suggesting that a struggle would take place between the West and Islamic world in the near future. This is the basic theme of Samuel Huntington's well-known thesis "The Clash of Civilisations". However, this thesis – better called as "The Clash of Ignorance" by Edward W. Said – rests on an imaginary scenario generated by the exaggeration of the influence of some radical and ignorant factions to be found in these two civilisations. Actually, there can be no clash between the Western civilisation and the Islamic civilisation, because the beliefs of Judaism and Christianity, the tenets upon which Western civilisation is based, are in perfect harmony with Islam.
In the Qur'an, Jews and Christians are called the "People of the Book". This is because the members of these two religions abide by the Divine Books revealed by God. The outlook of Islam on the People of the Book is extremely just and compassionate.
This attitude towards the People of the Book developed during the years of the birth of Islam according to the principles in the Qur'an. At that time, Muslims were a minority, struggling to protect their faith and suffering oppression and torture from the pagans of the city of Mecca. Due to this persecution, some Muslims decided to flee Mecca and shelter in a safe country with a just ruler. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) told them to take refuge the Christian king of Ethiopia. The Muslims who went to Ethiopia found a very fair administration that embraced them with love and respect. The King refused the demands of the pagan messengers who had travelled to Ethiopia and asked him to surrender the Muslims to them, and announced that Muslims could live freely in his country.
These Christian attitudes of compassion, mercy, and justice, are referred to in a verse of the Qur'an which states:
… You will find the people most affectionate to those who believe are those who say, "We are Christians." That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant. (Qur'an, 5:82)
Common Beliefs and Values Shared by Muslims and the People of the Book
Christian and Muslim beliefs have many aspects in common. Judaism too shares many beliefs with Islam. In the Qur'an, God relates that Muslims share the same faith with the People of the Book and that they say to them "We have faith in what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to you. Our God and your God are one and we submit to Him." (Qur'an, 29:46)
All true adherents of these three great religions:
In the Qur'an, Christians and Jews are defined as the People of the Book, and there is a command to show respect, mercy and kindness to them. Both Christians and Jews believe in God and share the same moral values as Muslims.
In one verse, that Muslims make no distinction among prophets is related as follows:
The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him by his Lord, and so do the believers. Each one believes in God and His angels and His Books and His Messengers. We do not differentiate between any of His Messengers. They say, "We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord! You are our journey's end." (Qur'an, 2:285)
Today both the Muslims and the People of the Book are engaged in a broadening struggle against immoralities such as sexual perversions or drug addiction. Each of these three religions accepts chastity, honesty and selfsacrifice as the greatest virtues.
The beliefs of the People of the Book are in harmony with Muslims, not only in terms of faith-related issues, but also of moral values. Today, in a world where such immoralities as adultery, homosexuality, drug addiction and a model of egoism and self-seeking cruelty have grown widespread, the People of the Book and Muslims share the same virtues: Honour, chastity, humility, self-sacrifice, honesty, compassion, mercy and unconditional love.
Darwinism proposes a society in which conflict and violence are seen as means of development. But a study of its effects on society reveals that the Social Darwinist project has only brought pain and destruction.
Conversations with Adnan Oktar, en.a9.com.tr
Treating the People of the Book with Compassion and Affection Iss the Sunnah of Our Prophet (pbuh)
Adnan Oktar: The People of Israel are descended from the prophets, they are the grandchildren of our own prophets. And they follow the law of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and have preserved that law and faith from that day to this. Therefore, it is incompatible with reason and good conscience to leave these immaculate people without a state, to deprive them of their nation, to seek to exile them from their lands or deny them the right to life. Muslims are affectionate, compassionate and full of love. The Jews are our brothers and have the right to life. They are first-class human beings, who live, trade, make art and do science as they wish in the region. So why should they be forced from their lands or deprived of the right to a quite life? That is unacceptable to anyone. And unacceptable to me. Of course they will live in peace and happiness, and their lives will be guaranteed. They will live in plenty and abundance in the Turkish-Islamic Union. The words of the Qur'an are plain to see, as are the Sunnah and practices of our Prophet (pbuh). The People of the Book, the People of Israel, lived in complete ease in the time of our Prophet (pbuh). They also lived in Jerusalem at that time, in the region of Israel. They were happy and prosperous and were treated with love and affection. One can marry Jewish girls, sit down at their tables, eat food they have prepared, visit their homes and be friends with them. That was the practice in the time of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Sunnah. And it also applies to Christians. As you know, one of our Prophet's (pbuh) concubines was a Christian. She is our mother, someone we remember with the greatest respect. I am not talking about Judaism alone. Christians are also people we must regard as having a right to live in peace and happiness and plenty and abundance and the joy thereof. (The Gulf Today, November 2008)
Conversations with Adnan Oktar, en.a9.com.tr
Muslims Must Be Pleasant Toward the People of the Book
Adnan Oktar: First, aggression, shouting and screaming are no solution, neither are cowardice or quailing. A Muslim must be rational and act according to the Qur'an and behave according to how the Messenger of God (pbuh) behaved. He must base his behavior on what the Messenger of God (pbuh) did, on how things were in the time of the Companions. The Companions were very pleasantly behaved people. And our Prophet (pbuh) was the finest man of all. His moral values and behavior were perfect and highly consistent. He was very loving and protective toward the People of the Book. They were also highly impressed by our Prophet's (pbuh) moral values and became Muslims in whole groups, entire communities. How could Christians and Jews see his moral values if he never met with them? How could they ever develop such a desire if he did not treat them well? Therefore, as I have already described, every Muslim must learn the perspective adopted toward the People of the Book in the time of the Companions. (Kral Karadeniz TV, 25 January 2010)
The Common Opponents of the Muslims and the People of the Book
Another important fact that draws Christianity, Judaism and Islam together is the atheist philosophies that are so influential in our time.
Among the best-known and most harmful philosophies of our age can be cited materialism, communism, fascism, anarchism, racism, nihilism and existentialism. Many people who believed in the false diagnoses, deceptive descriptions and explanations of these ideas on the universe, society and man, have lost their faith or doubted it. What is more, these ideologies have dragged people, societies and nations into great crises, conflicts and wars. Their share of the blame for the pain and troubles that humanity suffers from today is immense.
While they deny God and creation, all the above-mentioned ideologies are based on a common framework, a so-called scientific basis; Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Darwinism constitutes the basis of atheist philosophies. This theory briefly claims –without having any scientific basis- that living beings have evolved as a result of coincidences and by means of a struggle for life. Therefore, Darwinism sends this deceptive message to people:
"You are not responsible to anyone, you owe your life to coincidences, you need to struggle, and if necessary to oppress others to succeed. This world is one of conflict and self-interest".
The social messages put across by Darwinist concepts such as "Natural selection", "struggle for life", "survival of the fittest" are a means of dangerous indoctrination. This evil morality advises people to be egoistical, self-seeking, cruel and oppressive. It destroys such virtues as mercy, compassion, self-sacrifice and humility, the moral values of the three great monotheistic religions and presents this as if it is a necessity of "the rules of life."
This Darwinist indoctrination is just the opposite of the beliefs of the People of the Book and the morality of the Qur'an. Consequently, the Darwinist indoctrination constitutes the foundation of a world which inherently opposes all the three divine religions.
This being the case, it is necessary for the People of the Book and Muslims to co-operate, since they believe in God and accept the morality that He teaches. The followers of these three religions should expose to the world the fallacy of Darwinism, which has no scientific basis, but which people are trying to preserve for the sake of materialist philosophy. They should co-operatively carry out an intellectual struggle against all other deceptive ideas (communism, fascism, racism) that serve atheism. Once this is realized, the world will, in a very short time, embrace peace, tranquillity and justice.
Antisemitism is a Racism Totally Contrary to Islam
In our times, antisemitism is an ideology which threatens world peace and targets the well-being and security of innocent people. This is racist hatred felt by some for the Jews.
In the 20th century, antisemitism signed its name to great disasters, one of the most horrible being the cruelty and murder inflicted on the Jews by the Nazis. In addition to this, in many countries authoritarian regimes have targeted Jews and subjected them to cruel treatment. Fascist organisations have harassed Jews and carried out bloody attacks against them.
So how should a Muslim regard antisemitism?
Muslims want Jews, Christians and themselves to live in peace and contentment, treating each other with understanding, friendship, respect and compassion.
The answer is obvious. Every Muslim must oppose anti-Semitism as he would oppose every other racist ideology. He must fight this hateful ideology and protect the rights of Jews, as of everyone else in the world. Every Muslim must recognize and defend the rights of all Jews in the world, be they in Israel or the diaspora, to live and worship in freedom, to protect their own identity and to self-expression.
Never subjecting a community to a blanket criticism is a command stated in the Qur'an, there is a need to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, the cruel ones and the innocent. In the Qur'an the moral perfection displayed by sincere Jews and Christians is stated as follows:
[However] They are not all alike. Among the People of the Book there is an upright community who recite the revelation of God during the night and fall prostrate before Him. They believe in God and the Last Day, enjoin what is right and forbid what is evil, and vie with one another in good works. They are of the righteous. And whatever good they do, its reward will not be denied them. God knows those who fear [Him]. (Qur'an, 3:113-115)
Antisemitism is an anti-religion ideology that has its roots in neo-paganism. Therefore, it is unthinkable that a Muslim would espouse antisemitism or feel sympathy for this ideology. Anti-Semites have no respect for the Prophet Abraham (pbuh), the Prophet Moses (pbuh) or the Prophet David (pbuh) who were blessed prophets chosen by God to be examples for humanity.
Antisemitism and other kinds of racism (eg. prejudice against blacks) have no place in true religion; they are perversions arising from various ideologies and superstitions.
Furthermore, when we examine antisemitism and other forms of racism, we see clearly that they promote ideas and a model of society that is totally contrary to the moral teachings of the Qur'an, for example, at the root of antisemitism lie hatred, violence, and lack of compassion. An anti-Semite may be so cruel as to support the murder of Jewish people, men, women, children and the aged, and condone their being subjected to torture. However, the moral teaching of the Qur'an enjoins love, compassion and mercy for all people. It also commands Muslims to show justice and be forgiving even to their enemies.
On the other hand, anti-Semites and other kinds of racists are opposed to living together in peace with people of a different race or creed. (eg. German racists (Nazis) were opposed to Germans and Jews living together) However, in the Qur'an, there is not the slightest distinction between races; the Qur'an advises that people of different faiths live together in the same society in peace and happiness.
According to the Qur'an, Muslims, Jews and Christians Must Live in Friendship
In the Qur'an, there is a significant difference between the People of the Book and those who have no belief in God. This is especially emphasised in the area of social life. For example, it is said concerning those who associate others with God: "(they) are unclean, so after this year they should not come near the Sacred Mosque." (Qur'an, 9:28) Those who associate others with God are people who know no divine law, have no moral precepts and who can commit every kind of degrading and perverse deed without hesitation.
But the People of the Book, while they rely basically on God's revelation, have moral precepts and know what is lawful and what is not. In the same way, permission has been given to a Muslim man to marry a woman from among the People of the Book. On this subject God commands:
Today all good things have been made lawful for you. And the food of those given the Book is also lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. So are chaste women from among the believers and chaste women of those given the Book before you, once you have given them their dowries in marriage, not in fornication or taking them as lovers. But as for anyone who disbelieves, his actions will come to nothing and in the hereafter he will be among the losers. (Qur'an, 5:5)
These commands show that bonds of kinship may be established as a result of the marriage of a Muslim with a woman from the People of the Book and that those on each side of the union can accept an invitation to a meal. These are the fundamentals that will ensure the establishment of equitable human relationships and a happy communal life. Since the Qur'an enjoins this equitable and compassionate attitude, it is unthinkable that a Muslim could take an opposing view.
The just and compassionate practices of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) towards the people of the Book set very good examples to Muslims. In the contract made with the Christians of Najran, who lived in the south of Arabia, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) demonstrates one of the best examples of compassion and justice. The contract included the following article:
The lives of the people of Najran and its surrounding area, their religion, their land, property, cattle and those of them who are present or absent, their messengers and their places of worship are under the protection of God and guardianship of His Prophet.19
By means of such contracts, the Messenger of God (pbuh) secured a social order for Muslims and the People of the Book alike, which was marked by peace and security. This order was a total manifestation of the following verse:
Those who believe, those who are Jews, and the Christians and Sabaeans, all who believe in God and the Last Day and act rightly, will have their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (Qur'an, 2:62)
The Constitution of Madinah is the most important contract that secured justice and peace among Christians, Jews and pagan communities.
The Constitution of Madinah was prepared under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) 1,400 years ago, that is in 622 AD, to meet the needs of people of different beliefs, and was put into practice as a written legal contract. Different communities of different religions and races that had harboured deep-seated enmity towards one another for 120 years became parties to this legal contract. By means of this contract, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) showed that conflicts between those societies, who had been enemies and quite unable to reach any form of compromise, could come to an end, and they could actually live side by side.
According to the Constitution of Madinah, everyone was free to adhere to any belief or religion or to make any political or philosophical choice. People sharing the same views could come together and form a community. Everyone was free to exercise his own justice system. However, anyone who committed a crime would be protected by no one. The parties to the contract would engage in co-operation with one another, provide support for each other, and would remain under the protection of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Conflicts between the parties would be brought to the Messenger of God (pbuh).
At the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), a just and compassionate policy was practised in relation to the People of the Book.
This contract was in force from 622 to 632 AD. Through this document, the tribal structures which had formerly been based on blood and kinship were abolished, and people of different cultural, ethnical and geographical backgrounds came together and formed a social unity. The Constitution of Madinah secured absolute religious freedom.
Monasteries, Churches and Synagogues Must Be Respected
Another important fact we learn from the Qur'an is that Muslims must respect Jewish and Christian places of worship. In the Qur'an, the places of worship of the People of the Book, ie. monasteries, churches and synagogues, are mentioned as places of worship protected by God.
… if God had not driven some people back by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where God's name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and destroyed. God will certainly help those who help Him – God is All-Strong, Almighty. (Qur'an, 22:40 )
This verse shows every Muslim the importance of respecting and protecting the holy places of the People of the Book.
Indeed, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also made contracts with pagans as well as the people of the Book. Pagans were always treated with justice, and when they asked to be taken under protection, their requests were readily accepted by Muhammad (pbuh). This meant that these communities sought the protection of the Messenger of God (pbuh) in the face of an attack or a wrongful accusation. Throughout his life, many non-Muslims and pagans requested protection from the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and he took them under his protection and ensured their security. In the Qur'an God advises that requests of pagans seeking protection be accepted by believers. Of this, God says the following:
If any of the idolaters ask you for protection, give them protection until they have heard the words of God. Then convey them to a place where they are safe... (Qur'an, 9:6)
All believers must pray for one another and be at unity.
Jews and Christians, due to their shared commonalities with Muslims are much closer to Muslims than those who have no faith in God. Each of these religions has its book, that is, they are subject to a book sent down by God. They know what is right and what is wrong, what is lawful and what is unlawful according to their scriptures, and all revere the prophets and messengers that accompanied them. They all believe in a hereafter, and afterlife where they will have to give an account to God for all their actions. So, there is a shared foundation from where we all can unite upon.
Rallying to a Common Formula
Concerning the People of the Book, God gives Muslims a command in the Qur'an; to rally to a common formula:
Say, "O People of the Book! Let us rally to a common formula to be binding on both us and you: That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than God." (Qur'an, 3:64)
This is indeed our call to Christians and Jews: As people who believe in God and follow His revelations, let us rally to a common formula – "faith". Let us love God, Who is our Creator and Lord, and follow His commands. And let us pray to God to lead us to an even straighter path.
When Muslims, Christians and Jews rally to a common formula this way; when they understand that they are friends not enemies, when they see that the real enemy is the denial of God, then the world will become a very different place. The wars in many parts of the world, enmities, fears and terrorist attacks will come to an end, and a new civilisation based on love, respect and peace will be established upon this "common formula".
There are important facts to consider for Muslims. What God teaches us in the Qur'an about different peoples and creeds is clear:
It is evident that some of the Jews who lived in the past have committed many errors which are stated and criticized in the Qur'an. But all this must not be taken by Muslims as a cause to feel hostility against all Jews. The crime committed by some Jews because of atheist ideologies cannot be ascribed to Judaism and the Jewish nation.
The evils in the world will come to an end when Muslims, Christians and Jews all worship God in unity, tolerating their differences of faith.
Again a basic vantage point prescribed in the Qur'an is not to make judgements about people just because they belong to a particular race, nation or religion. In every community, there are good people as well as wicked people. This differentiation is stated in the Qur'an. For instance, right after mentioning the rebellious nature – against God and His religion – of some people among Jews and Christians, there is reference to an exception and, said thus:
[However] They are not all alike. Among the People of the Book there is an upright community who recite the revelation of God during the night and fall prostrate before Him. They believe in God and the Last Day, enjoin what is right and forbid what is evil, and vie with one another in good works. They are of the righteous and whatever good they do, its reward will not be denied them. God knows those who fear [Him]. (Qur'an, 3:113-115)
After the attacks of September 11, people of every language and religion prayed to God in empathy and solidarity.
a) Muzammil Siddiqui, the President of the Islamic Society of North America, recited verses from the Qur'an at the Washington National Cathedral memorial service held in the aftermath of September 11.
b) Bush's visit to the Islamic Center in Washingon.
c) Above: Muslims and non- Muslims prayed together in a service in Dallas. Side: President Bush prayed next to a Muslim imam during a prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral.
In another verse, God commands:
We sent a Messenger among every people saying: "Worship God and keep clear of all false gods." Among them were some whom God guided but others received the misguidance they deserved. Travel about the earth and see the final fate of the deniers. (Qur'an, 16:36)
God revealed to all messengers that He is the Unique and that there is no one but Him Whom people must worship, serve and obey. The divine message, conveyed to the people by God through His messengers, has been communicated to people since the creation of man. Some societies have accepted the message and followed the right path while others have denied and swerved from it. This also holds true for the present day. Some people will side with the righteous, whereas some others will plunge into mischief. This is the law of God. Those who believe should also adopt such an outlook and never forget that there may be sincere, pious people who have fear of God among the members of all religions as well as those who are far removed from the religious tenets.
Our hope is that a world will be established in which people will be able to live together in peace, no matter what race or religion they belong to, in which every racist perversion will be rejected, everyone's rights will be safeguarded and everyone will be respected. The struggle that will have to take place on intellectual grounds against all anti-religious ideologies will hopefully establish the peace that has been longed for. Of this God relates the following in the Qur'an:
Those who disbelieve are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way (be friends and protectors of one another) there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption. (Qur'an, 8:73)
Would that there had been more people with a vestige of good among the generations of those who came before you, who forbade corruption in the earth, other than the few among them whom We saved. Those who did wrong gladly pursued the life of luxury that they were given and were evildoers. (Qur'an, 11:116)
Conversations with Adnan Oktar, en.a9.com.tr
God Even Wants Us to Forgive a Murderer
Adnan Oktar: About America considering (Muslims) as terrorists; there are two reasons; first of all, there is no terror in Islam, this is very obvious. Islam means love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness; even God wants us to forgive the murderer. There is the concept of retaliation for murder in the Qur'an but God says that it is more auspicious if we forgive. It would be very unwise to see the traces of terror in a religion that imparts this. Almighty God even wants us to forgive a murderer; this is a religion of peace and love. There is forgiveness everywhere in Islam; there is forgiveness in everything. Forgive, command what is good and forbid what is evil. Love, mercy, compassion and cooperation; they are all explained throughout [the Qur'an]. But also there are terrorists who engage in terrorism. He acts ignorantly and bombs civilians, for instance. He bombs a place where there are women and children. Is he a Muslim? It is open to question. I don't know if such type of people are Muslims. First of all it would be illogical to call them first Muslims and then to lament terrors carried out by a Muslim. First of all we need to determine whether these people are Muslims or not. In my opinion, if a person recklessly dares to kill a child, he can't be a Muslim. This is not something acceptable. Darwinist, materialist and Marxist young people consider Islam to be more interesting in time but they remain as Marxists or Darwinists. They carry out acts of communist terrorism in the name of Islam. That is to say, whatever he does as a communist, he does it in the name of Islam and he claims that it is more legitimate. The fact is however he has desire for terror and for violence in his soul. If he does not call himself a Muslim, he already carries out such acts as a Marxist. If not, as a fascist. He does it in all cases. That is to say, he has a sick soul. For this reason saying that there is terror in islam is having a flawed understanding towards islam. This is a grave error. Islam is the religion of peace as we can also understand from the meaning of the word 'islam' which is peace. For this reason nobody of sound mind would ever accept it. (Denge TV, 9 December 2008)
Adnan Oktar: How can terror exist in islam? Islam is water while terror is the fire. Islam is the water that extinguishes fire. Would fire burn water? Water extinguishes fire. Consequently since love, compassion, mercy, respect, deep thinking, sincerity, cooperation are in the essence of religion, it is unlikely for religion to support terror. This is absent in the structure of Islam. Indeed, when someone murders a person, God states the murderer to be forgiven. God says that it is more auspicious if he is forgiven. Can such a religion ever support terrorism? (Associated Press Of Pakistan, 6 September 2008)
The Prophet Muhammad's (Pbuh) Understanding and Loving Morality
Our Prophet's (pbuh) gentle consideration
Our Prophet (pbuh) was in constant contact with all sections of society and spoke to everyone, from those at the very pinnacle of power to prisoners of war, children and orphans. With people of all different social standings, lifestyles, natures and customs, he established positive dialogues, winning their affection and treating them all with kind patience and pleasant understanding.
As reported by those companions who were close to him, our Prophet (pbuh) was "most kind, morally above reproach, graceful, amiable and considerate." His words, "I have been sent to perfect good qualities of character" (Miskhat Shareef) are an expression of his lofty nature. Aisha, who knew him very well, described his pleasant morality in the following words: "The Prophet's (pbuh) nature was the Qur'an." (Sahih Muslim Hadith)
Anas, who was brought up in the Prophet's (pbuh) house and served him for years, describes his courtesy in these terms:
God's Messenger (pbuh), when he shook hands with anyone, he did not withdraw his hands till the other man withdrew his. Similarly, he did not turn away his face from anyone till that man turned his face to the other side. And he was never seen to put forward his knees in front of one with whom he was sitting. (Maulana Muhammad Manzoor No'mani, Ma'ariful Hadith, (Meaning and Message of the Traditions), Darul – Ishaat Publications, Karachi, Volume 4, p.334)
Whenever one spoke to him the other would keep quiet and listen till he would finish. (Shamaa-il Tirmidhi Contents, (334) Hadith Number 9)
Anas bin Malik (ra) says, 'I remained in the service of the Messenger of God (pbuh) for ten years. He never once spoke me a word of contempt. When I did something, he never asked me. "Why did you do so?" When I did not do a certain task, he never asked me why I did not do it. (Shamaa-il Tirmidhi, Islamic Book Service Publications, New Delhi, 2000, Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 2000, p. 362)
Throughout his life, our Prophet (pbuh) educated thousands of people. Through his influence, people who knew nothing about religion came to be considerate, willing to make sacrifices, have a pleasing attitude and possess a superior morality. Even now, centuries after his death, our Prophet (pbuh) remains the very best guide and teacher, whose words and morality continue to inspire billions.
Our Prophet (pbuh) advised the faithful to be full of love
Our Prophet (pbuh) declared it was particularly important for the faithful to love one another with sincere affection, taking no account of personal interests, and never to harbor negative emotions like hatred, anger or jealousy.
In the Qur'an, God commands His Prophet (pbuh) to say the following:
That is the good news which God gives to His servants who believe and do right actions. Say: "I do not ask you for any wage for this–except for you to love your near of kin. If anyone does a good action, We will increase the good of it for him. God is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Thankful." (Qur'an, 42:23)
Some hadiths regarding our Prophet's (pbuh) affection, friendship and brotherhood read:
A believer loves for others what he loves for himself. ((Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din The Book of Religious Learnings), Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 2001,Volume III, p.68)
God's Apostle (pbuh) used to accept gifts and used to give something in return. (Sahih Bukhari, Islamic Book Service Publications, New Delhi, 2002,Volume III, p. 597)
He who is presented with a flower of sweet basil should not reject it, because it is light in weight and pleasant in odor. (Riyad-us-Saliheen, Volume 2, Compiled by Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawawi Ad-Dimashqi, p. 1330)
Don't hate one another, don't envy one another don't sell over the sale to another, don't dispute with one another and don't back-bite one another. The servants of God are brethren to one another. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din (The Book of Religious Learnings), Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 2001,Volume III, p.124)
The habits of earlier generations have attacked you–envy and hatred. Hatred is shaving. You will not enter Paradise till you believe. You will not believe till you love one another. Shall I not inform you what thing will establish you on it? Spread peace among you. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din (The Book of Religious Learnings), Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 2001,Volume III, p.167)
The strong man is not the one who is strong in wrestling, but the one who controls himself in anger. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith)
Beware of envy, for envy devours good [deeds] as fire devours firewood. (Abu Dawud Hadith)
Muslims are brothers to one another. They should neither cheat, lie, nor humiliate each other. (Tirmidhi Hadith)
Our Prophet (pbuh) commanded justice
With the rules he gave to the Muslims; with his just and understanding attitude towards other religions, languages, races and tribes and in his equal treatment of everybody, rich and poor, our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a great example to all of mankind. In one verse, God tells him "But if you do judge, judge between them justly. God loves the just." (Qur'an, 5:42). The Prophet (pbuh) never made the slightest concession on that justice, not even under the most difficult conditions.
Many incidents from his life bear witness to the Prophet's (pbuh) exemplary attitude. In the land where he lived, a variety of religions, races and tribes all lived together. These communities found it very difficult to live together in peace and security, much less restrain those who wanted to sow dissent. However, our Prophet's (pbuh) justice was a source of peace and security, as much for these non-believers as it was for Muslims. During his lifetime, everyone on the Arabian Peninsula— Christian, Jew or pagan—was treated justly, with no discrimination.
Our Prophet's (pbuh) pleasing attitude, in conformity with the Qur'an, sets an example for those of different religions and shows how they should behave to one another. His justice brought about compromise between people of different races. In many of his addresses, even in his Farewell Sermon, he made it known that no one's race or class endowed him with any superiority. This lay only in godliness, as God has revealed in the Qur'an: "Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among you in God's Sight is the one with the most piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Qur'an, 49:13) The hadiths on this subject say:
You are sons of Adam, and Adam came from dust. Let the people cease to boast about their ancestors. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 41, Number 5097)
These genealogies of yours are not a reason to revile anyone. You are all children of Adam. No one has any superiority over another, except in religion and taqwa [faithfulness]. (Ahmad, 158/4)
Our Prophet (pbuh) always favored peace
Our Prophet (pbuh) never desired war and over the years he made great efforts to spread Islam by peaceful means. He was patient in the face of severe assaults and pressure. Only when dealing with such pressure became imperative did he give permission for war, in the light of a revelation from God. He never declared war so long as there was still the slightest possibility of peace, and as long as an enemy's attacks and pressure represented no mortal danger.
During our Prophet's (pbuh) lifetime, the Mu'tah Expedition was the bloodiest and most difficult waged by the Muslims. He appointed Zayd ibn Harithah to command the army and admonished the troops:
Wage war in the name of God, on the path of God, against those who deny God. Engage in no treachery. Do not cut off ears and noses and other parts of the body. Do not kill women and children, the elderly, and men of religion in their places of worship. Do not cut down date and other trees, and do not tear down buildings. (Bukhari)
Based on the prophetic orders on war, the following principles, which may be called "The Islamic Principles of Combat", are outlined by Muslim scholars:
The Treaty of Medina, signed by our Prophet (pbuh) and the Jewish and polytheist communities in the city, was also an important example of justice and mutual respect between different communities. The treaty, drawn up to establish a kind of constitution between communities of different beliefs and allowing each one to observe its own principles, brought peace to those who for years had been hostile to one another.
One of its most striking features was how it enshrined freedom of belief. The article on that subject reads:
The Jews of Banu 'Awf are one nation with the Muslims; the Jews have their religion, and the Muslims have theirs… (The Constitution of Madina, http://www.islamic-study.org/jews-prophet-p.-2.htm)
Article 16 of the Treaty of Medina reads, "The Jew who follows us is surely entitled to our support and the same equal rights as any one of us. He shall not be wronged nor his enemy be assisted." The Prophet's (pbuh) successors stayed loyal to that rule he agreed to, extending it even to Berbers, Buddhists, Hindu Brahmans and those of other beliefs.
One reason why the time of the Prophet (pbuh) was blessed with peace and security was his position of justice, so in line with the morality of the Qur'an. Foreign writers, too, have been impressed by his superior character and praise our Prophet's (pbuh) morality in their works.
In his book The Genuine Islam, George Bernard Shaw described these superior traits:
"I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him ... he must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness..." (Sir George Bernard Shaw in 'The Genuine Islam,' 1936, http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/9192 /mainquote2.html#shaw)
In our own time as well, abiding by the Qur'an's morality is the only answer to all the conflicts, fighting, and instability of the world. Like our Prophet (pbuh), never we should depart from the path of justice, and should always respect the rights of different communities and individuals, whatever their beliefs and identities may be.
Our Prophet's (Pbuh) Affectionate, Protective and Loving Attitude Toward the People of the Book
Our Prophet (pbuh) gave the Najran Christians permission to worship in the Masjid-i Nabawi
"A Christian Najran delegation came to Medina at the time of the afternoon prayer and entered the Masjid-i Nabawai. Arriving when our Prophet (pbuh) and his people were still peforming the afternoon prayer, the Christians turned to the East and prepared to worship. SOME COMPANIONS WISHED TO PREVENT THEM WORSHIPING, BUT THE PROPHET (PBUH) COMMANDED THAT THEY BE LEFT ALONE AND PERMITTED TO WORSHIP." (Tabarî, Ibn Kathir, Razî, Qurtubî; Qur'an, 3:1-61; Part of these commentaries dealt with the beginning of the Surah, and some with the 61st verse, known as the mubahala verse).(Hamidullah, The Prophet of Islam, trans.: Salih Tug, Ankara 2003, I, 920; Saricam, The Prophet Muhammad and His Universal Message, 278.)
Our Prophet (pbuh) spread out his cloak for the Najran Christians to sit on during their visit
In addition, according to some accounts, our Prophet (pbuh) attended their weddings, visited their sick, and was generous to them. THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) EVEN SPREAD OUT HIS CLOAK SO THAT THE CHRISTIANS OF NAJRAN WHO CAME TO VISIT HIM COULD SIT ON IT.
Our Prophet (pbuh) said that the People of the Book were entrusted to Muslims
In the agreement which our Holy Prophet (pbuh) decreed the articles to Ibn Harris ibn Ka'b, who is a Christian, and other Christians: "THE RELIGION, CHURCHES, LIVES, CHASTITY AND PROPERTY OF THE ENTIRE CHRISTIANS LIVING IN THE EAST AND THE WEST ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF GOD, HIS PROPHET (PBUH) AND ALL THE BELIEVERS. None of the people embracing the religion of Christianity will be forced to accept Islam. If one of the Christians suffers murder or injustice, Muslims are obliged to help him," he narrated the verse: "Only argue with the People of the Book in the kindest way…" (Qur'an, 29:46) (Ibn Hisham, Abu Muhammad Abdu'l-Malik, (v.218/834), as-Seerat an-Nabaweeyat, Daru't-Turasi'l-Arabiyye, Beirut, 1396/1971, IV/241-242; Hamidullah, Al-Wasaiq, s.154-155, No.96-97; Doğu Batı kaynaklarında birlikte yaşama, "Living together in Eastern and Western sources, p. 95)
Our Prophet (pbuh) made the homes of the Companions available for visiting members of the People of the Book to stay in
In the time of our Prophet (pbuh) envoys and delegations visited Medina in groups. Sometimes these groups – including the People of the Book – would stay for more than 10 days, such that the houses of some people such as Abdurrahman ibn Awf, Mugire ibn Sube, Abu Ayyub al-Ansarî and Ansar were made available for them. In addition, a tent pitched near the Masjid and where the People of Suffa, who acquired knowledge around the Masjid al-Nabawi, stayed would be prepared for the visitors.Our Prophet (pbuh) would give documents of privilege (written commands and instructions setting out rights and privileges bestowed on certain groups and individuals in agreements with foreigners)and official texts notifying the lands set aside for them. He would apppoint governors from among them to some regions. Again, in sending alms officials to Muslims, the Holy Messenger would also appoint Christians as non-Muslims capitation tax officials. In fact, these official delegations that arrived were all evidence of the whole Arabian peninsula's acceptance of the Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) prophethood and dominion. (Saricam, The Prophet Muhammad and His Universal Message, 356.)
On Matters That Were Not Revealed, Our Prophet (pbuh) Would Act According To The Behavior Of The People Of The Book, Not The Pagans Of Mecca
In Mecca, the Messenger of God (pbuh) opposed the Meccan pagans on subjects on which there had been no revelation, AND ACTED IN THE LIGHT OF THE BEHAVIOR OF THE POEOPLE OF THE BOOK.(Bukhârî, al-Libâs 70; Muslim, al-Fadâ'il 90)
Our Prophet (pbuh) sent Companions on hejira to the Christian Najashi
The first Christian country that attracted the interest of our Prophet (pbuh) before the Hejira and that he desired Muslims to migrate to was Abyssinia. In the face of the ruthless tortures and oppression on the part of the pagans of Mecca, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) desired the Muslims of Mecca to migrate to Abyssinia and he expressed those feeling in these words: "If you wish and have the means, seek shelter in Abyssinia. BECAUSE NOBODY IS PERSECUTED IN THE LANDS OF THE KING WHO RULES THERE. THAT IS A TRUE AND SAFE PLACE. STAY THERE UNTIL GOD MAKES THINGS EASIER." (MuhammadHamîdullah, al-Wasaik al-Siyasiyya, (trans.Vecdi Akyuz), Kitabevi, Istanbul 1997,p.115; Hamîdullah, The Prophet of Islam, I,297.)
Our Prophet (pbuh) rose to his feet as the funeral procession of a Jew came past
Narrated Jabir ibn 'Abdullah: A funeral procession passed in front of us and the Prophet stood up and we too stood up. We said, "O God's Apostle! This is the funeral procession of a Jew."He said, "Whenever you see a funeral procession, you should stand up."(Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 398)
Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila: Sahl bin Hunaif and Qais bin Sad were sitting in the city of Al-Qadisiya. A funeral procession passed in front of them and they stood up. They were told that funeral procession was of one of the inhabitants of the land i.e. of a non-believer, under the protection of Muslims. They said, "A funeral procession passed in front of the Prophet and he stood up. When he was told that it was the coffin of a Jew, he said, "Is it not a living being (soul)?" (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 399)
Our Prophet (pbuh) commanded that Dhimmis (non-Muslims) should not be oppressed
Our Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever oppresses a dhimmi or burdens a weight over him more than he can carry, I will be his enemy."
Our Prophet (pbuh) used to speak with Christians when the prophethood first came to him
... God's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid ... Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the Pre-Islamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as God wished him to write. ... (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 1, Number 3)
Our Prophet (pbuh) allowed nobody to interfere in anyone else's religion
Our Prophet (pbuh) implemented the verse La ikraha fee alddeeni"There is no compulsion in the religion," (Qur'an, 2:256) referring to frredom to choose one's faith, and in the year 630 he issued the following command to the envoys of the ruler of Himyar in order to notify them that they were Muslims:
"A Jew or a Christian are legally equal to believers if they are Muslims. WHOEVER WISHES TO REMAIN A JEW OR A CHRISTIAN, NOBODY SHALL INTERFERE WITH THEM."(Ibn Hishâm, as-Sîra, II, 586)
Our Prophet (pbuh) personally did business with Jews
One of the values on which the Messenger of God (pbuh) based his relationships with people is honesty. The fact that someone in whom he perceived thayt virtue was from another faith did not prevent him establishing business relations with them. He personally took foodstuffs and loans from the Jews of Medina.
When the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) died,the assets for the repayment of a loan he had received from a Jew were in an armored chest.
The affection our Prophet (pbuh) showed the Jews during the capture of Haybar
Among the spoils following the capture of Haybar were copies of the Torah in scroll form. The Prophet (pbuh) removed these texts from the spoils and ordered that they be restored to the Jews.
Again following the capture of Haybar, Muslim troops began eating from the vineyards and date gardens belonging to the Jews. The Jews complained to our Prophet (pbuh). And our Prophet (pbuh) commanded that nobody touches the belongings, vineyards or gardens belonging to the people of the region.
Through the constitution of Medina our Prophet (pbuh) said that nobody should interfere with the Jews' religion
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) allowed the Jews to become a party to the Constitution of Madinah signed with the Aws and Khazraj clans, which permitted them to continue living as a separate religious community. The basis for Muslims' compassion and understanding of the Jews' faith and traditions was laid down in the following article: "THE JEWS OF BANU AWF [NON-MUSLIM MINORITIES] ARE A COMMUNITY ALONG WITH THE BELIEVERS. TO THE JEWS THEIR RELIGION, AND TO THE MUSLIM THEIR RELIGION."
The Compact of Medina, signed by the Muslim immigrants from Mecca, the indigenous Muslims of Medina and the Jews of Medina is another important example of justice. An article of this constitution reads:
"The Jews of Banu 'Awf are one nation with the Muslims; THE JEWS HAVE THEIR RELIGION AND THE MUSLIMS HAVE THEIRS…"
Article 16 of the treaty reads: "The Jew who follows us is surely entitled to our support and the same equal rights as any one of us. He shall not be wronged nor his enemy be assisted."
The Prophet's (pbuh) companions remained true to that article in the treaty, even after his death, and even practiced it with regard to Berbers, Buddhists, Brahmans and people of other beliefs.
The agreement our Prophet (pbuh) made with the Christians of Najran said that they were under Muslims' protection
The privileges that the Prophet (pbuh) granted the People of the Book in the settlements of Adruh, Maqna, Khaybar, Najran, and Aqaba prove that Muslims both guaranteed these non-Muslims' lives and property and recognized their freedom of belief and worship. The following articles of the agreement between our Prophet (pbuh) and the Christians of Najran need to be pointed out:
No bishop shall be removed from his bishopric, nor any monk from his monastery, nor any priest from his priesthood, and they shall continue to enjoy everything great and small as heretofore... They shall not oppress or be oppressed. If anyone demands his right from you, justice will be maintained between you.Neither you will be oppressed, nor will you be allowed to oppress others.
Our Prophet (pbuh) bestowed many agreements on the People of the Book
Various agreements made at the time of our Prophet (pbuh) granted the Jewish and Christian communities certain privileges that guaranteed their rights and existence. The privileges granted to the monks of the St. Catherine Monastery at Mt. Sinai are examples of this. These documents guaranteed the legal, religious, and social rights of those Jews and Christians who came under Muslim rule or acknowledged Islam's sovereignty. Problems were resolved by referring to these documents.For example, the history books mention that the Christians in Damascus presented the documents recording their privileges to Caliph Umar when they encountered a problem and asked him to resolve the issue accordingly.
Conversations with Adnan Oktar , en.a9.com.tr
Muslims Must Adopt the Attitudes of Our Prophet (pbuh) as Role Models
Adnan Oktar: This stems from a difference of interpretation. Someone who has fully internalized the Qur'an, who fully understands the Qur'an, who loves God and has a huge passion for God is literally drunk on love. He loves God and looks at everything with love. He will never want to destroy, bomb or tear anything apart. Islam is based on winning people over. You win the other person over, and if you do not, he is free to persist in his own beliefs. It is clear there can be no compulsion in the religion. If you force someone to convert, he will become a hypocrite. A hypocrite is someone who will go to the lowest level of hell, the vilest creature possible. He is someone who has turned into a machine producing the vilest entities. So one must encourage people to be honest. If he does not believe, he must honestly say he does not believe, and that person is to be respected. All people are to be respected, because that is how God has created them and that is their destiny. You tell them the truth, and if he can understand he will understand, and if not, then he will not.
A person must defend himself in the same way that our Prophet (pbuh) did, as God sets out in the Qur'an. But to go and bomb women and children and leave them covered in blood, that is the vilest thing in my view, dishonest and a violation of good conscience. It is vile, nothing else. What kind of victory is it to leave women and children covered in blood? It is nothing more than wickedness. Because war has its own rules. You declare war and the other side say they are at war with you.
States declare war and you go to war, and whomever God bestows the victory on wins. The defeat are made captive and regarded as being under the control of the other side. Apart from that, you come to an agreement with the other side to live in peace, you make an agreement as a state, but if you then suddenly say I am going back on that agreement and am going to bomb you, to bomb women and children, then that is a violation of conscience, reason, faith and the Qur'an, obviously. Did our Prophet (pbuh) do any such thing? No. (Azerbaijan Ayna, 8 August 2008)


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Spin City
New York's deputy mayor plays politics with his staff.
Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear, Barry Bostwick, Richard Kind, Alan Ruck, Michael Boatman, Michael Fox, Lana Parrilla, Connie Britton, Alexander Chaplin, Victoria Dillard, Jennifer Esposito, Faith Prince, Alexander Gaberman, Carla Gugino, Taylor Stanley
Gary Goldberg (Executive Producer), Tom Hertz (Executive Producer), Reese Bryant (Writer), Ted Wass (Director), Robert Cornick (Writer), Tom Hertz (Writer), Hadley Davis (Writer), Bonnie Schneider (Writer), Stacy Traub (Writer), Bill Callahan (Writer), Philip Wen (Writer), Matt Drake (Writer), Michelle Nader (Writer), Mark Torgrove (Writer), Paul a. Kaplan (Writer), Chris Henchy (Writer), Hugh Webber (Writer), Jon Pollack (Writer), Tim Hobert (Writer), Mark Torgove (Writer), Stacy Taub (Writer), Bob Callahan (Writer), Peter Schneider (Writer), Paul Kaplan (Writer), Ted Hobert (Writer), Mark Banker (Writer), Michael Fox (Executive Producer), Jay Scherick (Writer), David Ronn (Writer), Andy Cadiff (Director), Philip Wenn (Writer), Tad Quill (Writer), David Rosenthal (Director), Dawn Urbont (Writer), Bill Lawrence (Writer)
We're sorry, there are no episodes of "Spin City" available to record on your "East Coast " lineup in the next 14 days.
New York Mayor Randall Winston needs help running the city. So, for much of the series, he counts on Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty to help him. Flaherty, usually a man who is calm and organized, can ``spin'' out of control when it comes to his personal life, the ditzy mayor, and his abnormal co-workers. For the show's final two seasons, Flaherty is replaced as deputy mayor by Charlie Crawford after Michael J. Fox, who played Flaherty, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and left the show.
Current cast
Charlie Sheen as Dep. Mayor Charlie Crawford
Heather Locklear as Caitlin Moore
Barry Bostwick as Mayor Randall WInston
Richard Kind as Paul Lassiter
Alan Ruck as Stuart Bondek
Michael Boatman as Carter Heywood
Michael Fox as Mike Flaherty
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21 Sep 2006
|Excellent Foliage Information Source
The state of Vermont Dept of Tourism has an excellent source of fall foliage progress throughout the state of Vermont. It's written by "leaf spotters" around the state and is highly reliable.
|posted by grunhaus at 12:31 | permalink
20 Sep 2006
|Northeast Vermont Foliage
The colorful fall leaves have arrived in good numbers throughout northern Vermont. We have been sendng our guests to such towns as Peacham , Danville, Craftsbury, Island Pond, North Troy, etc. The leaves throughout northern VT are not quite at peak yet but they are close and the sight seeing is excellent.
Peacham is a classic Vermont village. It has been photographed by magazine, newspaper and book photographers thousands of times. It has been called the most photographed town in New England. Yankee Magazine said of it: "Of all the villages in New England, Peacham (population 665) is unsurpassed." (Sept 2005).
Peacham is an unusual name for a town and no record exists of how it came to be called that. However, there are a few theories and you can read some interesting stories about the name here.
(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC
|posted by grunhaus at 23:09 | permalink
16 Sep 2006
|Vermont Fall Foliage Trip Planning
Vermonts famous fall foliage season is underway. It seems to me that it is a bit early this year. Usually, a few of the poplars and birches will start turning yellow in August especially if they have been stressed with heat and lack of rain. This year, we had a very cool August and few leaves started changing until September. But the poplars and birchesquickly caught up and individual maple trees here and there are turning orange/red ahead of normal years. Were still a week or so away from having large patches of color on the hillsides but its definitely on the way.
The last few days of September and the first two weeks of October are the best foliage periods in this area of north central Vermont. Southern Vermont and the Lake Champlain valley are about a week behind us. The leaves start changing at the upper elevations and in the northern part of the state and then work their way down the mountainsides and into the southern part of the state over a one month period. The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing web site has an excellent animated foliage map which demonstrates this. Note the Pause and Play buttons which allow you study the maps progress in detail. Also, you can click on the calendar dates alongside the map to make the foliage progress easier to understand.
Something new this year is the Lodging Forecaster . You can see where lodging will be easy or difficult to find according to date.
If you decide to come here without a reservation, keep in mind that the best rooms get taken first so you may not only have a challenge finding a place but also you wont get the best rooms. Each year, we have people drop in who have no reservations. Usually (but not always) you can find a last minute room on week nights but the weekends are another matter. As a result, these people without reservations spend a lot of stressful time trying to find a room. If you come here without a reservation, I suggest you start looking for a place in early afternoon rather than waiting until evening. However, if you want to have an enjoyable and relaxing time here during fall foliage, make room reservations before your trip.
(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC
|posted by grunhaus at 20:53 | permalink
9 Sep 2006
|Fly Fishing Vermont
This is a great time of year for fishing in Vermont. The weather is mostly cool and, instead of mosquitos, the bugs are mostly mayflies and other types that trout love to eat.
I managed to carve out some time the other day to go fishing with a guide I know. It was just my second time out this year. So, other than a very rusty casting technique, and slow reaction time to strikes, I had a great time fishing for rainbow trout in the riffles of the Winooski river just a few minutes from the inn.
I have been fly fishing for about 15 years but never got out enough to become good at it. However, it's still a source of great enjoyment. I once read a line that went something like "I fish for trout because they live in such beautiful places." That's how I feel so, even though I'm missing more fish than I catch, it's a great experience just to be on the stream.
Of course, you can be on the stream without a fishing pole if you just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery. But if you're standing in a stream without a fishing pole, you're gonna look pretty foolish. As the comedian Steven Wright points out, there's a thin line between fishing and standing in the water looking like an idiot.
Here is some advice I wish someone had given me years ago. The biggest mistake I made in fly fishing was becoming a gear collector. I should have spent more of that money on casting lessons and fishing guides. I would be a far better fisherman today.
Guides look expensive but they will save you years of trial and error type learning that is really more expensive. And you will learn the right stuff instead of just spending a ton of time teaching yourself how to do things incorrectly. And fishing with a good guide is fun too. A good quality rod is important (my personal favorite is a Sage rod) but beyond that, my advice is to scrimp on everything else and spend most of your money on instructors. Most people do it the opposite way which I know from personal experience is the wrong approach.
There are a number of guides and fly fishing shops in Vemont. The most famous shop is Orvis which is headquartered in Manchester VT, in the southwestern part of the state, close to the borders with NY and MA.
A favorite local fly shop is Green Mountain Troufitters. And for a guide, I recommend Lawton Weber. He is extremely knowledgable about habitat, trout, many rivers and streams in Vermont, casting, insect hatches, etc. He is the editor of the latest edition of Northern Cartographic's Vermont fishing book. His web site has excellent and honest stream reports. He likes Scott flyfishing rods and supplies them to his clients when guiding.
(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus
|posted by grunhaus at 19:19 | permalink
1 Sep 2006
|New England Blog
I ran across a New England Blog recently that is a wide ranging collection of articles about travelling throughout the northeast. The blog is part of New England Vacations Guide website which I found interesting and helpful. It's geared toward people planning a vacation but it makes great leisure reading too.
Also, there are some general articles useful for travlers such as what to expect at a bed and breakfast, and what the difference is between an inn and B&B.
This is a large website but it is well worth the time to go through and I'm sure you will find much to enjoy. In fact, this is one of the best web sites I've found about New England travel so I have added a link to it in the left column of this blog in case you want to come back here sometime to easily re-find the site.
(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC
|posted by grunhaus at 20:42 | permalink
24 Aug 2006
|Vermont Life Magazine
The latest issue of Vermont Life is out and it's another home run. This quarterly magazine consistently has excellent quality writing and photography, as well as extensive and reliable information such as events calendar and major news.
Vermont Life, which also has a website, is published by the State of Vermont. I think the annual subscription is around $15 per year for four issues.
If you cant travel to Vermont regularly, this is a great way to see the state and its inhabitants. The photographs alone will give you an instant urge to come for a Vermont vacation, and the articles will give you many ideas for all the wonderful places to visit.
(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC
|posted by grunhaus at 21:59 | permalink
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Hello – Welcome!
This site has recently been completely upgraded and a lot of links on the search engines will, for awhile, be pointing to pages that no longer exist under the same name. Rest assured that the content you were looking for is still here. Just go to the links above to get into the appropriate category and you will find what you were looking for. Thanks for your understanding, and I hope you have fun looking around. Always feel free to contact me if you don't find what you were looking for.
Ron King


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The Houston Advocate
A government watchdog and consumer affairs blog with Cindy George
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Riding a golf cart at the rodeo? You'll need to buckle up.
If you're a guest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo who catches a ride on a golf cart this year, you'll have to buckle up. Officials have retrofitted 70 six-seater golf carts for public use with seat belts. Do the math: that's 420 safety straps. "That golf cart will not move until the guest […] [Read More]


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The Giants are on the cusp of the Postseason again and we want to hear about your dedication to the greatest fan base in the Major Leagues. Whether you grew up watching Mays and McCovey or Cain and Posey, SFG Productions will be featuring the most loyal Giants fans in an upcoming episode of the Emmy Award Winning Series Inside the Clubhouse.
We want to hear your unique stories and experiences at Candlestick or AT&T Park, hear about your rituals or see your memorabilia collection that makes you part of the Giants Nation! See below for details on how to share your story with us and you could be featured!


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Disney to Buy Marvel Comics for $4 Billion
At one time Michael Jackson wanted to buy Marvel comics, but now that he's out of the picture a much bigger rat has moved in. Well, maybe that's more of a mouse than a rat. Disney, home of Mickey, is going to buy Marvel, home of Spider-Man,


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Ana was not overly disappointed to exit Wimbledon at the third round stage. It was, after all, only her third grand slam as a senior player and she has dozens more ahead of her.
"She played really well so I have nothing to be disappointed about," said Ana of her defeat by Mary Pierce. "This is a good result for me. This is my first year that I play grand slams and compete at this level so I'm really happy."
She did, however, have regret that she did not play better against Pierce. "I was really hoping I could go further but she just played really well and didn't give me many chances," she said. "But I'm really looking forward to coming back here next year."
It is easy to forget that Ana is still just 17-years-old. Expectations have inevitably risen since her quarter-final appearance at the French Open last month but it is important to realise Ana's youthfulness. Already she has comfortably exceeded her expectations for 2005. "My goal this year was to be top 50," she said.
"I've had some good wins against top players. It's made me more confident and I'm really happy with the way I'm playing. I'm practicing harder and trying to do better.
"I don't look at things ranking wise but my goal is to put my game on a higher level, to be more consistent and definitely to serve better. For example, in my match against Stephanie Foretz I served really well but against Pierce not so much. I want to improve physical preparation too."
Ana has played 11 of the 15 tournaments that the Women's Tennis Association's Age Eligibility Rules allow. She confirmed she will play the Tier I event in Toronto then the US Open, which will leave her two more tournaments during the European indoor season.
By Gavin Versi


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University of Notre Dame - Notre Dame Stadium
This panorama, taken by James Blakeway, features the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team playing on their home turf at Notre Dame Stadium against long-time rival USC. The Notre Dame USC rivalry has been played annually since 1926, except for a brief repose from 1943 to 1945, and is regarded as the greatest intersectional series in college football. The annual winner is awarded the coveted Jeweled Shillelagh, a war club adorned with emerald-emblazoned clovers signifying Fighting Irish victories and ruby-emblazoned Trojan warrior heads for Trojan wins. The University of Notre Dame, established in 1842, is located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, Indiana.
Product Specifications:


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Acclaimed saxophonist and former Nashvillian Kirk Whalum hosts a benefit concert for Nashville Rescue Mission on Sunday, Jan. 9, at Visions Production Studio.
A wide range of talented pals -- including James Otto, Michael Card, Rod McGaha, John Stoddart, The Wailin' Canes and Marcus Finnie -- will join in.
Whalum, now a Memphian, has been volunteering with that city's Manna House organization — a "life-changing" experience that he says made him want to put together a benefit for the homeless community in Music City.
Admission to the concert includes a pre-concert reception with light hors d'oeuvres at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Whalum's official site: www.kirkwhalum.com.
The show starts at 5 p.m., and Visions Production Studio is located at 609 9th Ave. S. Tickets are $55.


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My Account X
detailsback to top
The Aqua-Vu AV Micro is a complete underwater camera system that's the same size as a smartphone! This means you can take it anywhere and do a lot of different things with it. It works great for ice fishing, on the boat, or off the dock. It can also be used for a variety of uses on dry land, like looking into tight spaces or even as a back-up camera on your vehicle!
The Aqua-Vu Micro full-color camera comes with 50' of 22-lb. test cable attached. The camera is about the size of a quarter and can be rigged to look straight up and down or sideways when its underwater. It features a built-in light sensor that automatically turns two invisible infrared lights on and off depending on light conditions.
This camera is much smaller and stealthier underwater than traditional underwater cameras. The handheld monitor has a 3.5" diagonal display that's housed in a water-resistant case. On the back of the monitor case is a cable spool that neatly stores the camera cable. The monitor has a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery that powers the camera and display for up six hours.
Aqua-Vu Micro Features
• 3.5" LCD Screen
• Color Camera
• Infrared Lights with Auto Light Sensing
• 50' Cable
• Integrated Cable Management
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
• Fits Easily in Your Pocket
product reviewsback to top
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®by PowerReviews
- Compact (3)
- Easy to use (3)
Best Uses
Reviewed by 3 customers
Sort by
- Compact Design
- Easy Storage
- Easy To Use
- Safe
- Waterproof
Best Uses
Comments about Aqua-Vu AV Micro Underwater Camera:
just got camera took out twice very impressed with quality and picture could see crappies in murky water was very pleased.performs just as good or better than higher priced units cant wait till summer check out structure for walleyes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Compact Design
- Easy Storage
- Easy To Use
- Safe
- Waterproof
Best Uses
- Boating
- Personal Watercraft
Comments about Aqua-Vu AV Micro Underwater Camera:
how does the camera work
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about Aqua-Vu AV Micro Underwater Camera:
Christmas gift, immediate family, used three times & stopped working. Customer service person was easy to work with & refunded upon return. Reliability is very important and this camera did not possess this capability.
Service and delivery comments:
Delivery was prompt, product arrived in good condition & functioned well out of box, customer service was very satisfactory
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes


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This is a way, after about $25-$30 initial investment, to build sub-$10 Arduino-compatible boards with very little extra time investment on each.
Note that the basic idea here (Arduino on a breadboard) has been done for quite some time (e.g ITP Arduino Breadboard instructions); however the cable adapter build & usage instructions here help absolutely minimize the parts count for each core.
This project requires knowledge of soldering and basic electronics, and you should have at least some experience already with Arduino development. I don't suggest this as a first electronics project.
note: I pronounce uDuino "moo DWEE noh"
Added 02-05-08: (for pretty advanced folks) One of the tools I built with this is a logic capture tool -- kind of a basic logic analyzer. I developed this to troubleshoot communications links. Needs a gui interface, but doubt I'll get around to it any time soon. Still dang useful in the right hands.
Added 06-23-09: I'd like to point out the RBBB's from Modern Device for anyone who wants something with solder, but also super inexpensive -- especially if you get the bare boards and buy parts in bulk. Also their USB-BUB is a cheaper alternative to the FT232 cable.
Just a note to let you know I have added this ( a year ago ) to the instructable:
Comprehensive Guide to Electronic Breadboards: A Meta Instructable
>> http://www.instructables.com/id/Comprehensive-Gui...
Take a look at a bunch of ideas for using breadboards.
thank you for the response. I am trying to build a Lilypad with theATMega 168.
I am drawn to make one because it involves a minimum number ofparts and can be quite small. I make toys, so the smaller theelectronics the better. I was wondering if you could give me some clueson wire it and also how to bootload it. Since all the surface mountATMega 168 do not seam to come bootloaded already.
THanks so much!!!
(note that you can find schematics & eagle pcb files for thestandard arduino boards on the arduino site).
For bootloading you'll need a programmer -- e.g. the USBtinyISP (fromAdaFruit) or the AVRISPmk II which you can get from e.g. mouser.com) --I prefer the mk II just because i've had reliability issues with thetinyUSB in certain situations. with current arduino software,loading the bootloader is easy, pretty much just hooking the programmerto the ICSP connector, powering the board and clicking the "burnbootloader" selection from the arduino software (under"Tools"). You'll have to select the board type beforeyou do so to make sure it gets the right bootloader.
Is this the same chip as the one in the mini arduino. Would I be able to get the surface mount parts and wire the ATMega168 (square one)the same way? please let me know.
generally a good idea when laying out a board with an AVR to also add an in-circuit programming header. seewww.atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod_documents/DOC0943.PDF for the pinout on the standard connector. you can pretty much jump ahead and look at figure 2
Do you know if this could be used to programme ATtiny MCUs? There's a fellow who has modified the Arduino IDE to support these devices. (See http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1236434254).
im told the error im getting is a "generic" error, basically stating there is no connection between the chip and the computer
avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_disable(): protocol error, expect=0x14, resp=0x51
im using XP (tried on 2 machines same outcome)
i also tested on a mac using osx ...also didnt work...
im using a 2 pin 16mhz xtal with the pins going to the chip as well as being tied to ground via a 22pf cap on each. (couldnt find the 3 pin you used)
i was able to program the chip via ponyprog with my parallel programmer and the chip and parts seem to work just fine....
just cant get the darn thing to be seen with the ftdi cable/programming adaptor


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Views: 587
no, the first person to rob is whoever comes down the street when no one else is looking.!! Unless you walk around all the time with your gun in your hand., the aggressor always has the advantage. the scenario is simple; I shoot you without saying anything at all, no "stick um up" or give
me your money" i then take your money AND the extra gun you wont be needing any more!!
More guns are not the answer
folks, think about it, , the escalation that you have proposed, i.e. everyone armed will result in exactly this scenario. of course there will be anomlys, where the robber is overpowered , and probably some would be robbers will change their minds, but I am telling you the hard core / or marginal mental cases will escalate too!.
more guns are not the answer
more guns are not the answer
I challenge you to find anyone in this thread who claims that it IS the answer.
Sir, no one has at any point on this thread advocated more guns. No one has advocated everyone armed. You really should read the previous discussion here, because the more adamant you are, the less sense you make. Let's take your original post for example.
"mfg / import of them illegal" = lol x 1.0
"make mandatory life sentence any one using a hand gun in a crime" = lol x 2.0
"make modification of rifles illegal" = lol x 3.0
"melt every one yu get, by impounding or buying" = lol x 4.0
"the hunters they can still have rifles" = ULTIMATE LULZ
your ideas make no sense. You want to completely disarm the public while allowing high powered rifles~ make modifying them illegal? isn't shooting someone illegal anyways? So we'd have to assume that someone who is going to shoot you would have to be willing to break the law before hand.... That doesn't seem likely, does it?
Yes, lets get rid of guns~ that way crossbows, compound bows, and swords will be all the new rage.
LET ME MAKE IT SIMPLE, very few people will engage hand to hand , the hand gun allows anyone who get the drop on you to have their way.
the had gun is unique because most other hand weapons require close interaction and some level of strength and skill. if you come at me with a stick, knife,etc. i can engage you and or run away, if you are 2 feet from me pointing a glock with a big clip at me there is nothing i can do.
talk to any combat trainer if you dont believe me.
I know about the difference between melee and projectile~ I'm trained (at an intermediate level) to teach hand to hand combat in the military.
btw, melee weapons don't require skill to use; neither does a gun. Its not that "oh that guy is a good shot with a gun, and its pointed at me!" its about fear of the weapon. Removing guns for safety A. eliminates people (such as myself) who have used a firearm in self defense successfully and B. makes the guy with a knife the strong man. Have you ever looked at the surveys about firearms being used in defense? The statistics don't agree with you. Again, this discussion has already happened pages earlier.
btw, for you
its me with my certificate to train MCAP level 1. Level two is set for the summer.
I think we are being played by the arms industry. A mentality of fear and violence makes them richer by the day. The NRA is full of members who have been convinced those of us "non-members" are out to take their guns and freedom away from them. I live in an area of enormous poverty and some people hunt to eat. Even as a vegetarian I would defend their right to do so.
But I will not defend anyone's right to carry a gun to use on others for any reason other than the protection of life and castle. That is why we have trained police officers and enforcement agencies. That is why we are a nation of laws.
We supposedly learned that lesson back in the 1800s. Lots of innocent people were killed and maimed when everyone carried a gun and it was acceptable to use violence to settle disputes.
So, no, I don't think we have consensus here:O)
© 2015 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Richard Haynes.


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Happy National Help A Horse Day! We're celebrating this day for the first year ever, and we hope you'll join us.
The ASPCA wanted to take a day out of the year to draw special attention to the plight of horses in our country. We chose April 26 because in 1866 our founder, Henry Bergh, stopped a cart driver from beating his horse, resulting in the first successful arrest for the mistreatment of a horse on April 26. Horses were critical to our mission at the founding of the ASPCA—and they're just as important now.
Ready to get in the spirit? Check out our Top 10 Ways to Help Horses.
Today, horses need our help more than ever, so whether you've got horses of your own or just admire these majestic creatures, make sure to mark every April 26 National Help A Horse Day.
To hear more about what the ASPCA does for horses, visit ASPCA.org/horse, learn about the many cruelty issues facing equines today and read about a recent horse rescue in Montana.
Thank you for helping us get the message out about horse cruelty! Tell us why you stand up for horses in the comments or on Twitter.


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Venture 130
Introducing the very latest, greatest freeride boot on the hill. Its is strong and light and looking for you. The Venture 130 combines a shell with Ski-Tour Mechanism and a Vibram sole to provide the maximum grip – no matter if you are hiking on rocks or walk over the parking lot ice.
Úroveň Rychlost
Více Freeski Lyžařská obuv


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been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I know there are a lot of options for
treatment, but I'm leaning toward radiation. What are the advantages
and disadvantages of radiation?
Berger, MD, chief of Radiation Medicine at Bridgeport Hospital, responds:
Besides radiation, treatment options for prostate cancer include watchful
waiting, surgery, chemotherapy, and hormones. Which is best for you depends
on your age, the stage of the cancer, and any other medical conditions you
may have. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your physicians.
Here are the basics of the two most common forms of radiation therapy.
External Beam Radiation
Using a machine that produces high-energy rays, or beams, radiation oncologists
can, from outside your body, target and kill cancer cells quite precisely,
leaving most of the surrounding healthy tissue unaffected. This is called
external beam radiation.
Advantages: Anesthesia is not required during
external beam radiation. More importantly, side effects for external beam
radiation rarely include incontinence (inability to control urine), which
is certainly an advantage.
Disadvantages: The radiation is delivered in brief
sessions, usually once a day for eight weeks, and this may be inconvenient
for you. More seriously, impotence (inability to have an erection) eventually
occurs in about 40-50% of men treated with external beam radiation. About
8% of men have long term side effects in the rectum (bleeding, diarrhea) and/or
bladder (frequent urination).
In this highly effective form of radiation, ultrasound guidance is used to
image the prostate. A urologist or radiation oncologist positions hollow needles
at predetermined sites. The radiation oncologist then implants tiny radioactive
seeds through these needles into the prostate gland.
These seeds, because they are placed in the prostate, can deliver higher
doses of radiation than external beams can. The procedure is called brachytherapy.
(Brachy = short, referring to the short distance between the seeds and the
cancer.) Usually these seeds remain in place indefinitely, though they lose
their active effect in six to nine months.
Advantages: The one-time procedure, performed
with regional anesthesia to numb the area, takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours; you
can go home the same day, and recovery time is shorter than for surgery. Most
importantly, studies show that incontinence happens to only 1.5% of brachytherapy
Disadvantages: The chance of impotence is probably
comparable to external beam radiation. Other side effects, such as problems
with bowel movements and urinating too often or too slowly, may occur. Also,
seed implants are not recommended when the cancer has spread to other areas
of the body, or for those who have had, or may in the future need, prostate
Combined Radiation Therapy
Seed implants may be combined with external beam therapy. This combination
can be an effective way to target cancer cells
Advantages: Using both forms of radiation can
be a more aggressive way to treat the cancer. It can be used to give a higher
dose to the area outside the prostate as well as within the prostate
Disadvantages: Combining the two forms of radiation
is likely to increase the chances of the side effects mentioned above.
Your urologist, working jointly with colleagues specializing in radiation
therapy and other appropriate medical specialties, will determine which treatment
or combination of treatments will be best for you.
the name of an expert physician associated with Fairfield County's most-preferred
hospital, call our Physician Referral Program, 888-357-2396.
Find an expert physician using our online Find a Physician search form.
Blood Test


text:
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
MBA granting, level 24
Genasi, Shaman/Warlord, White Raven, Reincarnate Champion
Companion Spirit (Hybrid) Option: Elemental Spirit (Hybrid)
Hybrid Shaman Option: Hybrid Shaman Will
Warlord Leadership Option: Battlefront Leader (Hybrid)
Hybrid Warlord Option: Hybrid Warlord Will
Hybrid Talent Option: Spirit Boon (Hybrid)
Epic Vitality Option: Epic Vitality Intelligence
Elemental Manifestation Option: Sandsoul
Past Spirit Option: Past Spirit (Shadar-kai)
Past Spirit Option: Past Spirit (Halfling)
Auspicious Birth (Auspicious Birth Benefit)
Theme: Order Adept
AC: 41 Fort: 37 Ref: 37 Will: 40
HP: 155 Surges: 8 Surge Value: 38
Athletics +23, Heal +19, Insight +19, Religion +28
Acrobatics +13, Arcana +27, Bluff +17, Diplomacy +17, Dungeoneering +14, Endurance +15, History +23, Intimidate +17, Nature +16, Perception +14, Stealth +13, Streetwise +17, Thievery +13
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Order Adept Attack: Argent Rain
Sandsoul Genasi Racial Utility: Sandslide
Shaman Feature: Call Spirit Companion
Shaman Feature: Healing Spirit
Shaman Feature: Speak with Spirits
Warlord Feature: Inspiring Word
Warlord Feature: Battlefront Shift
Multiple Class Utility: Defender Aura
Paladin Attack: Righteous Radiance
Shadar-kai Racial Power: Shadow Jaunt
Halfling Racial Power: Second Chance
Shaman Attack 1: Spirit Infusion
Warlord Attack 1: Opening Shove
Shaman Attack 1: Great Watcher Spirit
Shaman Utility 2: Spirits of Battle
Warlord Utility 6: Rousing Words
Warlord Attack 7: Friendly Fire
Warlord Utility 10: Defensive Rally
White Raven Attack 11: Inspirational Assault
White Raven Utility 12: Order from Chaos
Warlord Attack 13: Blade Burst Trap
Warlord Attack 15: Call to Action
Shaman Utility 16: Faces of the Fallen
Warlord Attack 19: Exhorted Counterattack
White Raven Attack 20: White Raven's Gambit
Shaman Utility 22: Spirit of the World Healer
Shaman Attack 23: Spirit of the Ram
Level 1: Hybrid Talent
Level 2: Spirit of Vigor
Level 4: Mark of Warding
Level 6: Tome Expertise
Level 8: Squire of Righteousness
Level 10: Superior Fortitude
Level 12: Spirit's Step
Level 14: Last Legion Officer
Level 16: Elemental Spirit Adept
Level 20: Superior Will
Level 21: Mighty Spirit
Level 21: Champion's Countenance
Level 22: Protective Leadership
Level 22: Ghostly Rejuvenation
Level 24: Devout Protector Expertise
Bracers of Escape (heroic tier) x1
Boots of Free Movement x1
Demonskin Tattoo (heroic tier) x1
Backpack of Concealment
Exodus Knife
Adventurer's Kit
Climber's Kit
Disguise Kit
Identification Papers with Portrait
Inquisitive's Kit
Ghoul Candle
Delver's kit
Surveyor's gear
Broom of Flying
Avandra's Boon of Escape (level 13)
Chieftain's Trident +4 x1
Ring of Tactical Brilliance x1
Lesser Ring of Feather Fall x1
Cord of Divine Favor x1
Confusion Ray +4 x1
Shared Valor Ray Leather Armor +5 x1
Elven Chain Shirt (paragon tier)
Symbol of Gajz +5 x1
Foe Stone
Pouches of Shared Acquisition
Battle Standard of the Tides
Battle Standard of the Stalwart
Hag's Doorknob
Elixir of Invisibility (paragon tier)
Silver Sand (paragon tier)
Elixir of Water Breathing (paragon tier)
Potion of Cure Critical Wounds
Potion of Invulnerability (paragon tier)
Gloves of the Healer (epic tier) x1
Eye of Awareness x1
Elemental Ward Cloak +5 x1
====== End ======
I always make a worksheet to use during games for fast reference Below is that sheet. It is made for references and abbreviations that I understand. Hopefully you guys can decipher it easily.
· Shaman/warlord level 24
Heal stuff/Temp HP stuff
- When call spirit companion 1 ally adjacent gains temp HP equal to int mod (9) (feat) Within 2 squares of SC now
- When I use a healing power or grant temp HP's Add +2 for every ally within 2 squares of ME (PP)
- When grant temp HP I also gain half of those as temp HP's (armor)
- When allow surge ally can also shift 1 or gain +2 AC/Ref until start of their turn( Last Legion Officer feat)
- When allow Healing surge, 1 creature gains additional 2d6 (Gloves)
- When allow ally to regain HP add 4 (brooch)
- When use healing keyword power, 1 ally who was healed gains insubstantial /end of it's next turn (Ghostly Feat)
- When use Healing power each ally affected gains +10 resist against either Acid, cold, fire, lightning, cold or poison until end of my next turn (Holy Symbol)
- When allow ally to shift they also gain +2 to all defenses til end of their turn (Ring of tactical )
- Allies who can see me gain +3 to Fort/Ref/Will when I am at max HP (Champions Countenance Feat)
- Bloody allies who can see me gain +2 to all defenses (Protective leadership feat)
- Allies gain +2 to AC because I use a shield (Devout protector Feat)
- Resist 9 ongoing (Feat superior fortitude)
- When grant attack ally get's +1 bonus to hit (Trident)
- When call spirit companion 1 ally adjacent gains temp HP equal to int mod (9) (feat) Within 2 squares of SC now
- When SC disappears all allies in 2 squares shifts 1 free action (Spirit's step feat)
- When SC disappears me and allies gain +1 to hit against all enemies adjacent when it disappears (Elemental spirit Adept feat)
- Enemies adjacent to Spirit companion grant combat advantage (Tome Expertise feat)
- If start turn with 3 or more enemies adjacent can shift 3 squares as move action (item)
- All bonus granted to allies adjacent to spirit apply to all allies w/in 2 of spirit (Mighty Spirit feat)
- When grant bonus to defenses add +1 (Mark of Warding) Already applied on this sheet


text:
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)
Formerly known as Tennessee Technology Center (TTC)
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Division offers 18 one-year diploma programs and 5 certificate programs with a total of 52 faculty and staff, making it one of the larger divisions on the campus of Chattanooga State. The faculty members are dedicated full-time to teaching and advising students. They are well prepared to teach, with many having work experience in business and industry.


text:
In what has now become a basically annual or semi-annual occurrence, I'm actually writing a blog entry! Granted I'm almost two weeks late on my annual birthday blog but I'm still going to count it. I've written about my birthday at 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31. A bit less than two weeks ago I turned 32. So I guess this is like a state of the union sort of thing at this point.
My last few birthday blogs I've written about some of my strength goals. Here's the good news: I actually hit a major strength goal and then some! One of my life goals was to make a 227.kg/500lb deadlift. Which, for those of you unfamiliar with the movement, basically consists of grabbing a barbell sitting on the floor and standing up with it in your hands. It sounds simple and it is but with 500lbs in your hand it becomes difficult. So, on April 16th 2014, I did this:
And then a few weeks later on April 29th 2014, I did this!
The first one was 500lbs even. The second one was 529lbs (or 240kg). So not only did I meet my goal, I beat it! I was very happy to make that lift given that just five months earlier I was still struggling with a hip/back injury. Since that first 500lb deadlift, I've actually made that weight for a double (ie, two lifts in a row, much harder to do than a single one) and I've done at least 10 lifts of 500lbs or more. I'm hoping for a 250kg/550lb deadlift one of these days but my training has been minimal over the last six weeks because I spent 8 days in the Dominican Republic for Pan Ams and then I spent 12 days in Russia for Junior Worlds. So I'm not as strong as I was in mid May. But I will have the ability/opportunity to train consistently going forward so starting this week I'm going back on a program to get that 550lb deadlift.
Outside of training stuff, I am still working hard on hookgrip, my business/project related to Olympic-style weightlifting. Just one year ago, hookgrip's facebook page was at 17k likes. Now it's at almost 93k likes! That's a huge year-over-year step, I'm really curious where it'll be at next year! 200k, 300k? Who knows. I'm really not sure what's even possible given that it's kind of a niche market and there are only so many people who do this sort of weightlifting. Outside of facebook, I've also been working hard on growing the hookgrip reach on instagram and I'm happy to say that in under one year of regular posting, I've gone from a couple hundred followers to over 55k. Instagram posts routinely get over 1000 likes and a lot are hitting 1500+ at this point. Really encouraging!
And outside of just social media metrics, sales are really strong on the hookgrip store and I have two employees working for me full-time. They help with both content creation (ie, editing pics, selecting pics for albums, posting videos) and store management (counting stock, adding new items to inventory, photographing products, shipping items, emailing customers). I have a lot of new products in the works and I'm always on the lookout for cool new idea for products that no one else is doing. I've also entered into partnerships with a number of companies — including Rogue Fitness, the market leader for CrossFit-related products. Rogue now sells a couple of hookgrip items and we're probably going to expand that partnership down the line.
So I'm really excited about hookgrip. Beyond the crapton of content that I have already gathered that I still have to post, I am about to embark on a month-long trip that takes me to Salt Lake City, Beijing and Las Vegas. Salt Lake City is for the US National Championships, Beijing is for a training camp at the Chinese National Training Center (the Chinese are basically the best weightlifting country/system in the world — along with the Russians) and then a bachelor party in Las Vegas combined with a couple extra days to hang out with my good friend John Broz (and some of his lifters who I am friends with as well). It should be a great trip! Not just because it'll be fun but also because it should be great for hookgrip content. The content from the Chinese National Training Center will likely be the most popular content that I've even gathered for hookgrip. Although, until I see who is training there and what they're doing, I won't know exactly how good the content will be until I get there.
On the poker front, I've been seeing all of these posts from the WSOP on my facebook news feed and I have to say — it feels like a lifetime ago that I was out there in the hallways of the Rio. I think it was 2011 so it was only 3 years ago but I feel incredible far removed from it. I still see a lot of familiar faces winning bracelets and playing events though so that is nice — congrats to anyone who managed to pick up a bracelet in the prelim events this year. This past year I actually flirted with the possibility of returning to online poker in some form. A few of the new legal/regulated poker sites approached me and one got as far as making me an offer to come on board. But at the end of the day, it was not much money (under $100k/year) and I didn't want to have to move to Atlantic City or Las Vegas unless it was a really compelling offer. I never really investigated the company and work environment because I knew that I was not going to take a job for that level of compensation. The job did sound interesting in the few phone calls that we had but at this point in my career I am already doing things that I find interesting. So I need more than just an interesting job to make a career switch. It would need to be a hard-to-resist combination of interesting, money, upside, work environment, coworkers, etc. I'm not so sure that sort of opportunity will ever come from poker so I think I may be permanently past that stage of my life. We will see though! For right now, hookgrip is my full-time work and I occupy my spare time with dating, weightlifting, friends, etc. I'm happy with how things are going, 32 should be a fun year.
I guess that's it for awhile! Unless I find something compelling to write about in the meantime…