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Talacker 41, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland, Phone: +41 43 443 72 00, Fax +41 43 497 22 70,
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Chamber in the Media
Key Topics
we are
About us
How to join
Our Members
Regional Chapters
Setting up a business
CH-US Treaty
Legal ACC
Setting up a business
Forms of Business Organizations
Founding a company
USA Immigration and Visa Rules
Labor and Employment Law
Product Liability in the U.S.
Being sued in the U.S.
Intellectual Property Law
Corporate Governance, SOX
Patriot Act
Security Laws
Arbitration in the U.S.
Website Liability
Treaty, agreement, convention
Further legal information sources
Applicable Law
Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visas
Visa Waiver
B-1 Business Visitor Visa
B-2 Tourist Visa
H-1B Visas
L-1 Visas: Temporary (Nonimmigrant) International Corporate Transfers
E-1 Treaty Trader & E-2 Treaty Investor Visas
O-1 Visas
F-1 Foreign Students
J-1 Visas
Business Trainee Visa Options For Up To 24 Months
Legal Permanent Residents (Green Cards)
First Preference (EB-1): Managers and Executives
Second Preference (EB-2): Exceptional Ability and Advanced Degree Professionals
Third Preference (EB-3) for Professionals holding B.S. or B.A. Degrees,
skilled workers (requiring 2 or more years of experience) and other workers
Green Cards For Investors
Adjustment of Status/Consular Processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links
Site history
December 2002
Prepared by:
Eliot Norman, Partner, Business Immigration Group
Reed SmithLLP
Riverfront Plaza
West Tower 901 E. Byrd St., Suite 1700
Richmond, VA 23219
+1 804 3443427
(804) 344-3410
U.S. immigration law divides all individuals seeking to enter the United States generally into two categories: immigrants and nonimmigrants. "Immigrants" are individuals who are intending to remain permanently in the United States. "Nonimmigrants" are individuals coming for only a temporary stay. Those allowed to enter the United States as immigrants are permitted to have the intent to remain permanently and to abandon all foreign residence. Individuals admitted as nonimmigrants must demonstrate that they have a residence abroad which they have no intention of abandoning. There are certain nonimmigrant categories that are exempted from the foreign residence requirement which will be discussed in greater detail below, such as H-1B pro-fessional employees, and L-1 intracompany transferees.
All of the technical details, regulations and procedures regarding immigration cannot be explained in this brief Outline. However, the highlights discussed below show that workable strategies exist for establishing and expanding foreign business operations in the U.S. Current U.S. visa rules, labor and immigration laws, and bilateral trade and investment treaties offer many opportunities to transfer essential foreign personnel to U.S. operations.
Applicable Law
U.S. federal law and regulations govern the issuance of visas and permits authorizing Swiss citizens and citizens of other countries to be admitted, stay and work in the United States.
Bi-lateral Trade and Investment Treaties between Switzerland and the USA govern the issuance of E-1 and E-2 Treaty Investor and Treaty Trader Visas.
Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visas
Visa Waiver
Citizens of certain countries may enter the U.S. as visitors without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Swiss Nationals of the following countries do not need visas to visit the U.S.A. for ninety (90) days or less for limited business or tourist purposes.
Each year several million travelers use this "no visa" program. The visitor simply shows his round trip ticket and fills out the Waiver Application on the airplane. Effective October 26, 2004 all VWP applicants must have machine readable passports. For information on future changes in the VWP program consult www.world-visas.com.
No Visa Waiver visitor can perform local productive employment or receive a salary from a U.S. source. Visitors can perform certain work-related services similar to a B-1 visa holder, discussed below. Visitors who work must remain on the payroll of a foreign employer, although they can be advanced expenses by a U.S. affiliate.
As a general rule, no extensions or changes to another visa category are allowed in the U.S. and the visitor must return abroad (not to Canada or Mexico) before reentering the U.S. again for 90 days on the Visa Waiver or in another visa category.
B-1 Business Visitor Visa
The B-1 visa is designed for temporary business activities which promote international trade, commerce or investment. The B-1 visa holder can train, consult with business associates, take orders, participate in meetings, negotiate contracts, or look for sites for investments.
B-1 visas are generally issued for a year or more (sometimes up to ten years). Entries are generally limited to six months.
A B-1 visitor can apply to extend his/her stay beyond six months without limit. However, the visitor must continue to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent.
A B-1 visa holder may change to another status. However, if an application for change is made within 30 days of entry, the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) presumes that the B entry was fraudulent, and was made with the intent to stay.
Business visitors on a B-1 visa cannot be paid a salary by a U.S. company and cannot engage in local skilled or unskilled labor (productive employment). There is a limited exception to this rule for honoraria at academic institutions, discussed below.
The regulations explicitly bar B-1 visa holders from performing skilled or unskilled labor. However, the USCIS and State Department have approved use of the B-1 visa for some limited types of work where the activities are temporary in nature but are not covered by any other visa category. Engaging in unlawful work in the U.S. can result in serious consequences for both the employer and the individual employee (including fines, deportation of the employee and inability of the employee to re-enter the U.S.).
The following are activities which are permitted using a B visa:
Attend a meeting of the board of directors or perform other functions resulting from membership on the board of directors of the U.S. Corporation.
Undertake training for a limited duration. To do so, the employee must continue to receive a salary from the foreign employer and receive no salary or other remuneration from a United States source other than an expense allowance or other reimbursement for expenses (including room and board). The consular officer must be satisfied that the intended stay in the U.S. is temporary and is indeed training and not productive employment. Foreign nationals, often students, who seek to gain practical experience should consider more appropriate nonimmigrant classifications, such as an F, H, or J visa.
Observe the conduct of business or other professional or vocational activity.
Participate in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences, or seminars.
Install or maintain equipment produced abroad, or train workers on the equipment, if installation, maintenance and training were part of the contract of sale with the B-1 visitor's foreign employer.
B-2 Tourist Visa
This is similar to a B-1, but allows entry strictly for tourist purposes. No business activities are allowed.
H-1B Visas
Using an H-1B visa, U.S. employers are permitted to hire foreign professional employees (for example, professors, researchers or technical personnel) who have at least a four (4) year college degree, if they will work in a position requiring a college degree.
H-1B visas are available to persons with a 4 year Baccalaureate Degree or the foreign equivalent; or (2) persons who can show by expert affidavits that their combination of education and qualifying experience is the equivalent of at least a U.S. four year B.A. or B.S. degree in the field.
An H-1B visa is valid initially for up to three (3) years and can be extended an additional three (3) years for a total of six years, regardless of the number of employers during that time. Extensions beyond six years are available in limited circumstances.
There are many technical requirements, including payment of a prevailing wage and the filing of a Labor Condition Application, for successful processing of an H-1B. Failure to comply with all of the H-1B regulations can result in the employer being disqualified for one year from hiring any additional H-1B specialty occupation workers, as well as other fines and penalties. Quotas on the issuance of new H-1Bs need to be considered in planning for the use of this popular visa category.
L-1 Visas: Temporary (Nonimmigrant) International Corporate Transfers
Using an H-1B visa, U.S. employers are permitted to hire foreign professional employees (for example, professors, researchers or technical personnel) who have at least a four (4) year college degree, if they will work in a position requiring a college degree.
H-1B visas are available to persons with a 4 year Baccalaureate Degree or the foreign equivalent; or (2) persons who can show by expert affidavits that their combination of education and qualifying experience is the equivalent of at least a U.S. four year B.A. or B.S. degree in the field.
An H-1B visa is valid initially for up to three (3) years and can be extended an additional three (3) years for a total of six years, regardless of the number of employers during that time. Extensions beyond six years are available in limited circumstances.
There are many technical requirements, including payment of a prevailing wage and the filing of a Labor Condition Application, for successful processing of an H-1B. Failure to comply with all of the H-1B regulations can result in the employer being disqualified for one year from hiring any additional H-1B specialty occupation workers, as well as other fines and penalties. Quotas on the issuance of new H-1Bs need to be considered in planning for the use of this popular visa category.
5. L-1 Visas: Temporary (Nonimmigrant) International Corporate Transfers
When a Swiss company has a related U.S. company (branch, parent, subsidiary or affiliate), U.S. immigration law allows temporary transfers (no longer than 5 or 7 years) of (1) managers, (2) executives and (3) persons with specialized knowledge to the related U.S. company under the L-1 visa category.
To qualify as an L-1A manager or executive, the employee must show that the employee has day-to-day decision-making authority and supervises other personnel of the company or manages an important function of the business.
To qualify as an L-1B employee with specialized knowledge, the employee must show that s/he has specialized proprietary knowledge of the company's "product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management or other interests" as it applies to international sales and markets.
New office L-1 visas can be issued for small companies lacking the capital to qualify under E-2 Visa Treaty Investor Regulations (see discussion below regarding E-2 visas).
Unlike E-visas, the employee need not be of the same nationality as the foreign company. However, the employee must have worked for the overseas parent at least one full year within the 3 years preceding their first entry into the United States.
L-1 visas are issued for an initial period of 1-3 years. The maximum time limit of L-1A visas for managers and executives is seven (7) years. L-1B visas (for specialized knowledge employees) can be renewed in two-year increments for a maximum of five (5) years.
USCIS regulations require that decisions on L-1 visas be made in thirty (30) days or less. However, without payment of an extra fee of $1000.00 for Premium Processing, it is unlikely that a decision will be made within this time frame. Individual petitions are filed in the U.S. by the U.S. subsidiary or branch office. Approval is cabled to the U.S. Consulate in the employee's home country for your employees to pick up their visas.
"Blanket Petitions" can also be filed for large organizations or those having transferred at least ten (10) employees under the L-1 program during the previous year. Blanket Petitions further streamline the process by allowing the company to issue its own certificate of eligibility which the employee takes directly to the U.S. Consulate, allowing L-1A and L-1B visas to be issued in two weeks or less.
Like the H-1B, L visa holders can permissibly have the intent to remain permanently in the U.S., which means that they can apply for a green card without jeopardizing the L-1 status.
During the adjustment process, individuals on L and H visas can continue to work using those visas, and to travel in and out of the United States using the L or H visa. Other visa holders cannot travel outside the United States during the pendency of the adjustment application without an advance parole document (application Form I-131). In addition, adjustment applicants in visa categories other than H and L should apply for work authorization (application Form I-765) in order to work during the pendency of the adjustment process. Depending on where the application is filed, advance parole can usually be obtained within several weeks; work authorization must be issued within 90 days of filing.
E-1 Treaty Trader & E-2 Treaty Investor Visas
Citizens of certain countries, including Switzerland, may gain entry to the United States for trade or investment using E-2 Treaty Investor and E-1 Treaty Trader visas. Because these visas can be renewed in five-year increments for 10, 20 or even 30 years or longer, they remain excellent options for many foreign businessmen.
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows you to move your entire business to the United States, or to start a new business in the U.S. if you are not now in business, or to establish or expand a U.S. branch, affiliate or subsidiary of your foreign company, or if you are a foreign owned business, to transfer to the U.S. personnel of the same nationality as the company.
An E-2 applicant must be of the same nationality as the foreign company or investor, and the nationality must be one of the treaty countries.
There is no minimum required investment for an E-2 investor visa. In the case of small businesses, as a general guideline, an owner investor can usually obtain E-2 status if he will (1) actively manage the small business; (2) put at risk, including borrowed funds secured for personal assets, a substantial investment in capital and/or equipment; and (3) plan to employ at least several U.S. workers. The amount of the investment varies depending upon the nature of each investment. U.S. State Department guidelines suggest that the smaller the business, the greater percentage of its value must be invested to qualify. The key is that the business cannot be "marginal," that is, designed just to provide a living for the owner and his family.
The E-2 visa is available to Swiss citizens under U.S. bilateral treaties or treaties of commerce and navigation.
To qualify for an E-2 visa, the applicant must be entering the U.S. to perform either managerial or executive functions, or functions requiring essential skills. Examples of essential skills functions may include:
A Swiss technician for a Swiss company coming to the U.S. to maintain specialized equipment for a U.S. subsidiary.
A German accounting specialist coming to a U.S. branch of a German company to ensure that the books and records are maintained according to German accounting standards.
A technical translator for a Japanese company coming to the U.S. to translate technical documents regularly sent from the Japanese parent company.
The E-2 visa is usually issued for an initial period of 2-5 years. There is no limit to the number of renewals.
The spouse and children of an E-2 investor or employee also receive E-2 visas. They can also obtain work authorization in the United States under that category.
There is a companion visa to the E-2, the E-1 Treaty Trader. To qualify, the following requirements must be met:
The trader's U.S. office must engage in substantial trade with the foreign country of its shareholders. "Substantial trade" is not measured just in dollars. Frequent and continuous trade in goods or services of small dollar value may also qualify for E-1 visa treatment.
At least 50% of the trade must be between the U.S. business applying for the E-1 visa and the foreign country of which the employee is a citizen.
The U.S. business must be at least 50% owned by persons holding the same nationality as the visa applicant.
Swiss citizens are qualified for E-1 visas. Export and import firms can qualify, as do manufacturing companies purchasing most of their equipment and parts from their parent firms. The trade does not need to be in goods. Technical know-how, blueprints, accounting advice or software engineering services, just to name a few, can qualify as trade in services for E-1 visa purposes.
The E-1 can usually be obtained in less than thirty (30) days from most U.S. Consulates, will be valid for two to five years and can be renewed indefinitely. The immediate family members of the holder of an E-1 visa can come to the U.S. Once here, they can apply for work authorization in the United States, as long as the foreign venture partner can exercise veto control over key business decisions.
A small, family-owned business engaging in frequent trade with the country of its foreign owners may qualify for an E-1 even if no U.S. workers are employed.
O-1 Visas
O visas are temporary visas available for aliens of extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics. O visas require employer sponsorship. An O visa is an excellent alternative to the H-1B for university professors and researchers and for some corporate researchers or business persons.
F-1 Foreign Students
Foreign students are permitted to attend U.S. colleges or universities as long as they show they have the resources to support themselves and cover all tuition and expenses and they have an intent to return to their home country. Foreign students will need a completed Form DS-2019 (issued by a university) to obtain valid F-1 status. F-1 students may be eligible for several different types of employment opportunities and very specific rules apply to each. Foreign student may be permitted to work under certain circumstances in the United States for Swiss or U.S. corporations, including full-time employment for practical training purposes for up to one year after graduation from a U.S. university.
J-1 Visas
This visa is based on cultural exchanges between the United States and a foreign country and is a comprehensive visa covering several different categories: students, trainees, teachers, professors, international visitors, alien physicians, government visitors, researchers, short term scholars, specialist, camp counselors and au pairs. Most of these categories permit full-time work authorization for varying time units. Swiss citizens are eligible for all of these categories. Businesses find that the J-1 practical training program, which authorizes productive employment as part of a training program of 18 months duration to be quite useful in introducing foreign employees to US operations.
Business Trainee Visa Options For Up To 24 Months
U.S. and foreign companies often wish to provide training on new or existing technologies to foreign workers. Several visas exist which allow for the training of foreign employees who do not have college degrees or specialized knowledge or cannot otherwise enter under H-1B, L-1B or E visas:
A J-1 trainee visa can be obtained through an international exchange program authorized by the Department of State. This category allows the trainee to work for a U.S. firm and engage in productive employment as part of her training for up to 18 months. Unlike many of the other visa options, the spouse of the J-1 trainee can be granted work authorization.
An H-3 training visa requires a detailed training curriculum set up by the employer. This visa allows the trainee to engage in productive employment only if it is incidental to the training. The H-3 is valid with extensions for up to two years. Specialized immigration law advice is usually needed to establish and obtain approval for an H-3 training program. Spouse and children (under 21) can enter with an H-4 but cannot work.
A B-1 visa can be used for short term training of less than one year. The trainee must be an employee of a foreign company. The employee must be compensated (except for expenses) by the foreign firm. Spouses and children of B-1 trainees can accompany the trainee but cannot work in the United States.
F-1 student visa allows for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if the training part of the student's degree program. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available for up to 12 months during an academic program or 12 months post-graduation. Use of CPT for 12 months or more will void eligibility for OPT.
Legal Permanent Residents (Green Cards)
Many foreigners coming to the U.S. desire to obtain permanent resident "Green Cards." A green card allows the holder to work for any employer and to travel freely in and out of the U.S. Possessing a Green Card eliminates the need to request extensions of visas, and allows the spouse and children of the Green Card holder to work or to attend college under the lowest U.S. tuition rates. Essentially, a green card gives the holder all rights of a U.S. citizen, except the right to vote and sit on juries. A green card can be revoked upon conviction of certain crimes or upon absence from the U.S. for prolonged periods (more than six months).
As a general rule, Green Cards can be obtained on the basis of family relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, employment or business activities; unique skills or abilities or D.V. lottery. This Outline focuses on employment Green Cards.
The green card application (I-140 and supporting materials) must be approved by USCIS. The beneficiary must then apply for adjustment of status (if in the U.S.) or apply for consular processing (if abroad) in order to obtain the green card. Adjustment of status or consular processing involves obtaining a criminal background check, a medical exam, and verification that there are no grounds for excluding the individual from permanent residence.
First Preference (EB-1): Managers and Executives
First Preference green cards are available to (a) Multinational Managers/Executives, (b) Persons of Extraordinary Ability in the arts, science or business or (c) outstanding researchers and professors. For most Swiss businesses, the Multinational Managers/Executives is the category of most interest to persons transferring to the USA.
Persons who qualify for this preference category can obtain a Green Card without the lengthy delays involved in the normal Labor Certification process. Multinational Manager and Multinational Executive Green Cards can be very valuable to existing or new companies doing business in the U.S.A. As many as 40,000 manager/executive visas or "Green Cards" can be issued annually. This category has never been oversubscribed.
Requirements to qualify for this "fast track" Green Card:
The U.S. company must be related to the foreign company as a branch office, affiliate, parent or subsidiary. Franchisees will not qualify as related entities. The foreign company can be a joint venture with a U.S. company so long as your foreign company exercises "negative veto control" over its operations, which usually means at least 50% ownership. This strategy works well for new companies that need an established business partner in the U.S.A.
The applicant/employee must have full-time managerial or executive experience with the foreign company for one (1) year during the three (3) years prior to entry into the U.S.A.
F-1 student visa allows for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if the training part of the student's degree program. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available for up to 12 months during an academic program or 12 months post-graduation. Use of CPT for 12 months or more will void eligibility for OPT.
The spouse and children under age 21 of the Multinational Green Card manger or executive also receive Green Cards and can work and reside permanently in the United States.
Second Preference (EB-2): Exceptional Ability and Advanced Degree Professionals
This category is reserved for persons holding advanced degrees (M.S., Ph.D., J.D., M.B.A., M.A.) or who can demonstrate exceptional ability in the sciences or business. Green Cards in this preference category can be issued to employees of U.S. operations who have no prior experience with the parent company abroad.
Third Preference (EB-3) for Professionals holding B.S. or B.A. Degrees,
skilled workers (requiring 2 or more years of experience) and other workers
Labor Certification is required for the EB-3 category. In order to sponsor an employee for a green card through labor certification, the employer must show that adequate recruitment has been conducted by the employer and that there are not enough qualified U.S. workers available to fill the positions available for the job offered. This can be a lengthy and complicated process. Proposed changes in regulations may speed up the process.
After the DOL issues a labor certification, the employer files a green card petition (form I-140) with USCIS. USCIS reviews the application to see that the foreign applicant in fact qualifies for a green card by meeting all of the requirements demanded of U.S. workers.
Assuming the I-140 is approved, the employee is now eligible for a green card, and can apply to "adjust status" to permanent resident if a visa number is available. This involves fingerprinting, a medical exam and numerous forms.
Under current law, full-time employees in jobs not requiring two years experience or training can still qualify for Green Cards provided that a testing of the job market under Labor Certification procedures shows that there are no U.S. citizens or permanent residents meeting minimum qualifications for the job.
Green Cards For Investors
Another Green Card option is the Job Creation or "Million Dollar" Investment Visa.
To be eligible for this important Permanent Resident Visa, you must:
Invest in and actively manage or establish policies for a "qualifying commercial enterprise" which will employ at least ten (10) U.S. workers; and
Be in the process of investing or have invested a minimum of $1,000,000. Certain "targeted areas" (rural or high unemployment) require an investment of only $500,000. Your State or local economic development agency can provide you with a list of rural and urban areas qualifying for the lower $500,000 investment rules.
A "qualifying commercial enterprise" can be any of the following:
the creation of a brand new or original business; or
the purchase of an existing business and "simultaneous or subsequent restructuring or reorganization such that a new commercial enterprise results;" or
an investment in an existing business which increases its net worth and number of employees by 40%, resulting in at least ten new jobs and a new net worth which is 140% of the pre-expansion net worth; or
an investment in a troubled business which has been in existence for at least two (2) years and has incurred a net loss equal to at least twenty percent (20%) of its prior net worth, and the investment saves at least 10 jobs.
The capital investment can be a combination of cash, inventory, equipment or loans, so long as borrowed funds are not secured by the assets of the new or existing enterprise. Qualified corporate/immigration counsel can assist you in properly structuring your investment and in reducing the amount of cash required. The investment capital can be from a U.S. source, such as a commercial bank, or from overseas.
The investor can take up to two years to create the required ten (10) full-time employment positions if he submits a comprehensive business plan. A new Pilot Program liberalizes the job creation rules for investments in export related industries in "Regional Centers" approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service ("USCIS").
A qualifying Investor and his spouse and children under 21 will receive Conditional Permanent Residence for two (2) years and then Permanent Residence (Green Card) based upon the continued viability of the investment.
Adjustment of Status/Consular Processing
The final step in obtaining permanent residence is either adjusting status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad. Both processes are designed to determine if there are any grounds for excluding the beneficiary from permanent resident status. Grounds for exclusion can include certain types of diseases, criminal background, affiliation with the Nazi or Communist parties, sale or trafficking in illegal drugs, terrorist activities, etc.
Adjustment of status applications can be filed concurrently on I-140 petition or anytime thereafter by presenting a copy of the I-140 receipt notice. Consular processing, on the other hand, cannot be filed until the I-140 petition is approved. There are pros and cons for each type of processing, so you should consult your immigration attorney to see which one is right for you.
A foreign national is eligible for citizenship five years after obtaining a green card based on employment, or three years after obtaining a green card based on marriage. The citizenship application can be submitted up to 90 days prior to the five-year (or three-year) anniversary. The applicant must have "resided" in the U.S. for at least five years (three years in the case of marriage to a U.S. citizen), and must have been physically present in the United States for at least half of that period of time. Absence from the United States for more than six months creates a presumption of lapse of continuous residence. Absence for one year or more creates an absolute bar, and the five-year (or three-year) clock must begin again. There are mechanisms for preserving continuous residence which are beyond the scope of this handbook. Switzerland recognizes dual citizenship for its nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit the United States?
Swiss citizens can visit the USA for business or tourist purposes for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they have a machine readable passport and a roundtrip airline ticket.
What visas are best for opening a branch office of a Swiss company in the USA?
Generally, Swiss companies use the L-1 Intracompany Transfer and E-2 Treaty Investor Visas in starting up branch offices in the USA.
How much does it cost to obtain visas?
The website of the U.S. Embassy advises on fees for visa issuance, which in most cases are $100.00. For many visas, however, an application must be made first in the USA with the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). Filing fees in the USA for applications or petitions for temporary business visas can range from $1500 to $2500. In addition, you can expect to pay fees to immigration lawyers in the range of $2000 or more for temporary visas; and $5000 or more for Green Cards (legal permanent residence).
I have heard that the new Department of Homeland Security is imposing new restrictions on the issuance of visas?
There are still many pro-business options available under U.S. immigration laws. But the rules dealing with working without permission and overstaying, even on tourist visas, are now being strictly enforced. Interviews are now required before visas are issued. You should check the website of your closest U.S. Embassy for advice on changes in visa procedures. Do not assume that the visa or procedure you used in 1999 will work in 2005. When in doubt, you should consult a U.S. immigration law expert before you apply for the visa.
If I transfer to the USA, can my spouse work?
There are a number of corporate visas, including the L-1 and E-1/E-2 which authorize employment by the spouse. Often, the spouse can independently qualify for a work visa through use of the J-1 (practical training) and H-1B (professional or specialty occupation) categories. You should consult your immigration law advisor before making the decision to come to the USA if employment of both spouses is a critical part of your decision making process.
Useful Links
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
US Embassy
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red sox
Selasa, 06 Maret 2012
Fair Trade In Thailand
This week in THE NATION Subhatra Bhumiprabhas wrote a controversial article arguing that many of Thailand's sex workers are safe at their workplace and are in no need of rescue. "Being a sex worker these days isn't what it used to be, at least for those whose rights are backed up by the Empower Foundation. Much has improved - no more pimps or mamasans, and fewer punches thrown their way. Being "rescued", though, causes them all sorts of problems."The writer contends that anti-prostitution laws are more harmful to the sex workers than their supposed exploiters at the beer bars, go-go palaces, massage parlors, and brothels.Even Empower Foundation contends that "We have now reached a point in history where there are more women in the Thai sex industry being abused by anti-trafficking practices than there are women exploited by traffickers."This statement may be true for the women working Nana Plaza, Phuket, or Pattaya, but few NGOs are welcome in the clandestine brothels servicing the low-end of the market. The girls at this dens of inequity are still subject to abuse by the owners and customers. The Empower Foundation is working hard to right this situation for working girls in Thailand and around the world.Empower's survey has determined that:- Today's sex worker provides enough income to take good care of the family.- Their workplace - usually an evening entertainment venue - has regulations, covering work schedule and monthly salary paid according to skill level. Thus, sex workers are employees.- Gone, for the most part, are the days of random arrest, regular violence, pimps, the prostitution mafia and the "green harvest", when girls are recruited upcountry. In their place are helpful "older brothers" - the motorcycle-taxi or tuk-tuk driver, the bar manager.- Sex workers now have hi-tech tools like smart phones and the Internet, and they're also skilled at using them.Sex.It's good for business.It's good for women.It gives them power.To read more about Empower Foundation please go to the following URLhttp://www.empowerfoundation.org/index_en.html
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subset: commoncrawl


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Players Worth More Today Than Babe RuthFebruary 22, 2013
Players Worth More Today Than Babe Ruth
When people think about baseball, there are two things that pop into nearly everyone's heads.
The first is the legendary Babe Ruth, whom everyone knows as a symbol of America's greatest past time.
The second is the outrageous amounts of money thrown towards today's players.
This sparked an idea: If Babe Ruth played today, how much money would his salary have been worth?
Also, which players are making more than him today and are they really worth it?
With a bit of research and an inflation calculator, I was able to find out a few things.
First, there are many players making more than Ruth would today.
When Ruth was first traded to the Yankees after the 1919 season, he doubled his salary from $10,000 a year to $20,000. In today's dollars, Ruth would have been getting paid about $226,655 when the infamous trade happened.
He was traded for $125,000, which roughly translates to just over $1.6 million dollars today.
At his highest salary in 1931, he was making $80,000. In 2012, that would've been worth just under $1.2 million dollars.
So as you'll see, lots of today's players are making more money than the most legendary baseball player of all time.
Here's a list of a few just to put into perspective how worthy certain players are of their contract.
Yonder Alonso: $1.4 Million
Exactly my point.
Alex Rodriguez: $30 Million
It may be obvious that Alex Rodriquez makes much more today than Ruth would have, but that's why I'm throwing him in here.
A-Rod's contract will go down as one of the worst contracts of all time.
Since he's gotten to New York, the Yankees have won only one World Series. He's also been a part of steroid accusations twice and has been disliked by nearly everyone in the sports world outside of his inner circle.
He does have the numbers to back up the fact that he is one of the best players in the MLB right now, being a career .300 hitter with 647 home runs in 19 seasons, but Ruth crushes his average, being a career .342 hitter.
Is A-Rod worth nearly 30 times what The Great Bambino was worth?
Definitely not.
The Entire Philly Infield: $62.3 Million
With an infield consisting of Ryan Howard ($20 million), Chase Utley ($15.2 million), Jimmy Rollins ($11 million) and Michael Young ($16.1 million), the Phillies are dishing out an incredible $62.3 million to their infield in 2013, or more than the Padres, A's, Royals and Astros entire payrolls in 2012.
With this kind of money thrown at their infield, the Phillies better have high expectations.
Ruth was able to lead the Yankees to the World Series in seven different years, winning four of them.
Missing the playoffs for a second straight season with this kind of money out there will surely make Ruth turn in his grave.
Vernon Wells: $24.6 Million
Yeah, Wells is actually making that much money for hitting .230 and under.
For the record, Ruth only hit under .230 twice; in his first season and in his last.
Wells just might be the most overpaid player in the league right now.
Nyjer Morgan: $2.35 Million
Alright, we'll step away from the ridiculous contract numbers and start looking at those more in the ballpark of Ruth's $1.2 million a year.
In comes Nyjer Morgan, who today is getting paid almost twice what Ruth would have been paid.
It might be better if he never finds that out or his mouth might not ever stop yapping about it.
Coco Crisp: $6 Million
While Coco has one of the best names in baseball, made one of the best catches of the season last year and isn't a terrible player, he'd never be put on the pedestal next to Ruth
Sergio Romo: $1.5 Million
Only worth $300,000 more than Ruth would have been today, but it's most likely because of how his beard was able to replace "The Beard" in San Francisco.
Jason Bay: $18.1 Million
All you need to do in order to see if Jason Bay's worth $18.1 million is ask anyone on MLB Memes. The fact he's worth $17 million more than Ruth is laughable.
Melky Cabrera: $6 Million
The 2012 All-Star Game MVP is apparently worth more too, even though he wasn't around for the second half of a season that saw the Giants to the World Series again.
Ty Wiggington: $4 Million
Wiggington is listed as a 3B for the Cardinals this year, where he'll likely back-up their other third baseman, David Freese, a former World Series MVP who will be paid $500,000 this season.
Ironically, Freese was also given the Babe Ruth Award in 2011 for his performance in the 2011 postseason.
You can't make this stuff up.
Ian Stewart: $2.2 Million
Surprisingly, Stewart is the only Cubs infielder who's making more money than Ruth would have.
He also has only hit for .156 and .201 over the past two seasons.
Yu Darvish: $5.5 Million
The latest Japanese hype was immediately worth more than Ruth in the eyes of the Rangers. With 16 wins and a 3.90 ERA in his first season, he seemed pretty good.
But it's also worth noting that when Ruth pitched he had a career ERA of 2.28.


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We Happy Few Preview
We Happy Few turned a lot of heads during Microsoft's E3 presentation in June. While most of the conference made me feel proud to own an Xbox One in 2016, We Happy Few made me feel something I didn't expect: discomfort. Who can forget the eerie and unsettling piñata moment when it was revealed the masked characters were feeding off a dead rat? While a lot remained unclear as to what sort of game it actually is, the trailer most definitely left a notable impression on myself and many others.
Now, the talented folks at Compulsion Games are putting We Happy Few up on Steam's Early Access and Game Preview for Xbox One. After spending some time with the alpha build on Xbox One, I can confidently state that We Happy Few took me by surprise, but not always in a good way. It doesn't have a lot going for it in the story department so far, but it surprised me more than I imagined with its deep and system-driven survival gameplay. While the trailers may have hinted at it being a linear narrative experience, this is so much more than that.
Right off the bat, you are captivated. For those not familiar, it's set in a dystopian version of England in the 1960's. Something catastrophic has happened and the world at large is trying to suppress the horrors by popping a new drug called Joy. It's undoubtedly an interesting premise, and the opening ten minutes (which is the same as the E3 demo) are immediately gripping. You play as Arthur, who oversees the daily news in Wellington Wells . He's caught off guard when a story hits close to him, which results in him choosing not to take his medication. It isn't long after that he is accused of being a "downer" — someone who isn't taking the drug — and is chased, caught, and placed in an underground bunker somewhere outside town. This is where We Happy Few officially starts and, sadly, where the story elements end in the alpha. Compulsion Games is clearly still working on details and will be updating the game regularly until its final release in 2017.
"The alpha does a poor job on telling you where to go or how all of your loot can benefit you, so the first few hours can be frustrating."
What's immediately apparent once you gain control is the survival aspect. Helpful hints pop up now and again reminding you to keep tabs on your hunger, thirst, injuries, and fatigue. In order to do that, you'll have to scavenge for items and tools throughout the procedurally-generated levels. The alpha does a poor job on telling you where to go or how all of your loot can benefit you, so the first few hours can be frustrating. It's even more challenging when you throw in the fact that enemy "downers" are quick to fight you at random times. If you're starting out with We Happy Few, I'd urge everyone to take off permadeath and replace it with the "second wind" feature. It took me a long time to figure out what I needed to do, and I died a lot in the process. Sometimes it gets overwhelming trying to complete an objective while keeping your vitals topped up.
As is the case with any rogue-like, those who are persistent and determined to see We Happy Few to the end will ultimately get the most out of it. Sooner or later, you'll find your own rhythm to the gameplay. Only by taking risks and experimenting was I able to finally grasp some of the intricacies of the mechanics. It's safe to say that We Happy Few isn't the easiest of games, and there were a few times when my patience grew very thin. Encounters with the Wellington Wells police force are particularly challenging, and even with permadeath turned off, it was still maddening every time I was clubbed to death almost instantly.
The heavy focus on surviving has me a bit worried. It often expects a lot out of the player without offering much explanation. While it is still very early in development, I have faith that the developers will be listening to feedback from the community and press. What We Happy Few has going for it, however, is a striking visual style and a compelling story to accompany it; although, it's still early to tell how all of the pieces will come together. The survival aspect might turn off some players who just want to experience the narrative but Compulsion Games definitely has a solid experience here. If they play their cards just right, then this could definitely be a must-play title when it's out next year.


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Scott Robinson joins Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty
On: January 4, 2017 Filed Under: Member News
Scott Robinson has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty as a Realtor®.
Scott will specialize in residential and commercial sales in Cumberland County and surrounding areas.
Scott attended the University of Pennsylvania and is a CPA.
Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty has 27 offices serving Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The Central Penn Business Journal ranks Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty the #1 homeseller in central Pennsylvania.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty is the #1 homeseller in south central Pennsylvania, according to the Central Penn Business Journal. RISMedia's Annual Power Broker Report ranks Berkshire Hathaway Homesale as the 25th most successful real estate company in the U.S. Leading industry publications also rank Berkshire Hathaway Homesale among the top realtors® in the country in combined delivery of home services. Those home services include realty, mortgage, settlement, insurance, property management, warranty, relocation, builder/developer services, career services, and a complete customer care center. Our 27 offices serve 11 contiguous south central Pennsylvania counties plus Maryland's Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Carroll County with a core purpose: "We help people achieve their dreams." For more information, please visit www.Homesale.com.


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Just a little background for those of you who don't know: We are in the process of adopting Jephte, a 14 year old boy from Haiti. I met Jephte while in Port-au-Prince last May. Our dossier is in IBESR in Haiti at the moment awaiting approval from the Haitian government to proceed with his adoption.
It costs a LOT to adopt internationally. There are the costs of preparing paperwork on the US side (about $2,000 so far). There is the adoption fee ($9,000). There is the cost of visas, passport, etc. (IDK for sure, but definitely a minimum of $1,200) Once the adoption is final, there is the cost of travel for both Jim and I to go to Haiti for all the necessary USCIS interviews and then bring him home. (At least $2,000 with airfare and hotel both stateside and in Port-au-Prince). It's a BIG chunk of change.
This morning, I've spent some time online trying to find adoption grants to apply for. There is not a lot of help out there. There are a lot of people who want to adopt, but not a lot of money to help out. But, love requires sacrifice, right? So, what I've done is research ways to raise money 0urselves. I'm not sure what to do. I've got lots of information to sort through. I'll keep you posted.


text: Anyone else noticed that Subaru really tries for an Australian image? They have absolutely nothing to do with Australia, yet all the commercials are shot to look like they were done in Au, all of the actors have Au accents, and now the model names are au-related("Outback") Wouldn't surprise me if half the US now thinks Subaru is an Australian product...and wouldn't surprise me if half of Australia is mildly irritated about it :-) I guess a bunch of Subaru exec's visited Australia(I hear they're the #1 tourist group there?) and loved it... Brett ---- Brett Dikeman Network/System Admin Artel Software 617-451-9900 381 Congress Street 617-451-9916(fax) Boston, MA 02210 http://www.borisfx.com


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And now: Oscars on Acid, brought to you by my multitude of Photoshop filters.
Amy Adams welcomes you to the day-glow marathon experience of wealthy, successful entertainment-industry professionals, sitting, clapping and smiling.
Jessica Chastain is our "it" girl for new experiences. You are experienced, aren't you?
Whoa, Jennifer Lawrence, slow down! Your career trajectory is spinning out of control!
Phew, time for some old-guard, larger-than-life Hollywood Royalty. Bow down to Michael Douglas and his fair maiden, Catherine Zeta-Jones, floating by in a glitz bubble of epic proportions!
Sally Field has got it going on.
For all we know, George Clooney could very well be on acid right this moment. He's pretty laid back.
Is all of this just a cartoon? Hugs and kisses to Daniel Radcliffe and Melissa McCarthy—classy yet approachable.
What's Kelly Osbourne doing here? My mind can't process this (even when I'm not on Photoshop acid).
Whoosh! Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman make a dashing couple.
Zoe Saldana has such a lovely name. Zoeeey Saldaaannaaa...
Marcia Gay Harden can really pull off red.
Losing focus, Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts! It's not your fault—you both can act and don't need to even be here to promote yourselves.
Amanda Seyfried reminds me of the 19th century. She's dreamy.
I must be really tripping hard at this point.


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The Hermeneutical Connection Between Creation and Eschatology
As I've shared before, my first understanding of millennialism, Israel and prophecy was at a Reformed church that promotes preterism, amillennialism and Church Replacement Theology. Before that I had only experienced mainline Protestant churches (Presbyterian) that really didn't say anything either way about these subjects, only teaching of the basic gospel message. The way I came to consider and learn about premillennialism and Calvinist-Dispensationalism was directly because of the local pastor's anti-young-earth creation (Progressive Creation) view, a subject for which I understood the plain sense of language and the literal grammatical historical hermeneutic (even if I didn't know that particular term at the time).
How ironic it is, then, to find a few modern-day professed believers who hold to dispensationalism and yet insist on an Old Earth view, specifically the Gap Theory. Such is clearly a case of inconsistent hermeneutics, and demonstrates the same reasoning as those who hold to other ideas such as amillennialism, preterism, etc.: abondoning the literal grammatical historical hermeneutic, along with the appeal to human authority, the otherwise respectable preachers who held to the Gap Theory.
Granted, the Gap Theory is less of a compromise than other ideas that came up later, such as Theistic Evolution and Progressive Creation. As the first of the compromise ideas that developed in the 19th century, it makes more of an attempt to hold to true scripture, not directly saying that the six days of creation are really symbolic of indefinite, vast ages of time. Instead it says a "gap" occurred between verses one and two, during which untold millions of years of events occurred.
Still it is a compromise, one of those ideas not thought of until relatively recent times when secular scientists said the earth was extremely old. Spurgeon, too, at least in his earlier years, accepted what the scientists said and didn't give the matter much thought. When it comes to consistent application of hermeneutics, though, one might as well be trying to defend Covenant Theology, preterism, and amillennialism as defending the Gap Theory.
Some creationists at least understand the hermeneutical connection, as for instance the founders of ICR, the Institute for Creation Research. Consider this excerpt from Ronald L. Numbers' "The Creationists" (available through Google books):
[M]ost flood geologists (in America at least) came from churches awaiting Christ's soon return to earth. And for Christians expecting the imminent end of the present age –whether premillenial Baptists and Adventists or amillenial Lutherans and Church of Christ members –Whitcomb and Morris offered a compelling view of earth history framed by symmetrical catastrophic events and connected by a common hermeneutic. "If you take Genesis literally," reasoned Morris, "you're more inclined to take Revelation literally." Ronald L. Numbers, The Creationists, p. 339
Ironically, Answers in Genesis does not see this hermeneutical link, in their emphasis on the physical evidence for creation, as in this audio clip (1 1/2 minutes) from Ken Ham in which he makes it clear that he sees eschatology as something different than the issue of creation: because, he says, we also have the scientific physical evidence for creation, and the creation compromises came about from people responding to external ideas about evolution and old-earth. Whereas, he claims, schatology is only dealing with the words of scripture themselves, apart from any external ideas.
How wrong he is on that point, actually, and it's likely that he is unaware of the extrabiblical (Greek philosophical) influences that brought about the ideas of non-premillennial eschatology. Both old-earthers and amillennialists approach scripture through their extra-biblical presuppositions and human authority. Old-earthers appeal to the secular scientists' claim to vast amounts of time (an extra-biblical presupposition) as well as to the 19th and early 20th century preachers who held to old-earth ideas (human authority). Non-premillennialists likewise appeal to the secular presupposition of Greek philosophy and allegory (see this paper for instance), the Greek view of physical material as evil and non-physical spiritual as good; and then they appeal to the human authority of Augustine who invented amillennialism in the early 5th century.
In closing, S. Lewis Johnson's first message in his Genesis series contains his analysis of the Gap Theory and what verses are said to support it. As one who originally held to the Gap Theory, because he was taught it by his mentor Donald Grey Barnhouse, he well explains the appeal of the Gap Theory. He then goes on to point out the biblical problems with it, including Exodus 20:9-11. A brief excerpt (read the transcript for his much longer commentary on the matter):
And so they tend to say well, you can put all of that between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 and you have no problem. But really you do have a problem. In the first place, because geologists don't accept the guess or cataclysmic theory, they are generally evolutionary uniformitarians, and so therefore you cannot have any ultimate harmonization with them. In addition you have theological problems because by accepting the geological aid system the Bible scholar is thereby accepting the Bible record, which identifies these ages. Fossils are dead things. They speak clearly of a world in which suffering and disease and death often violent and widespread death were universal realities. They speak of a world much like our own, a world containing sharks and jellyfish, dragonflies, cockroaches, turtles, crocodiles, beavers as someone has put it — further dinosaurs and other animals that are now extinct.
But Peter says the world that then was, perished. If that world existed prior to this pre-Adamic cataclysm, then it existed before the sin of Satan, which brought on the cataclysm. That is, suffering and death existed for half a billion years before the sin of Satan and the subsequent sin of Adam. How can you explain such deaths? Do you not see that you have theological problems with that theory too? So, I'm persuaded in spite of the fact that, I confess, I used to be persuaded by that theory — that we are rather to read Genesis as a straightforward account of the creation in six days.
December 16, 2012 at 11:06 pm
I couldn't agree more. Thank you for realizing the truth about what scripture says in context, and not letting external "un-biblical" "un-tested" views influence and corrupt the truth GOD wanted to tell us about. I was indoctrinated by a church group with this lie as I went through their "bible college" as if it were a scriptural fact. Now I do realize that that was no more, no less compromise with the lies of the devil to cause man to NOT believe in the BIBLE story and it's originality. Because of that lie(THE GAP-Theory), many Christians today struggle with trusting in God's word as a whole.


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Thank you for your wonderful support towards Paint For Freedom.
It really was a fabulous day! Many people came to enjoy the painting and the fun atmosphere! It was such a happy and colourful day!
Thank you for making it all possible! To view more photos, please click here.
Together with your support the event raised just over HK$7,000 (after costs) and donations are still coming in! This will go towards supporting our 'children's receiving home'. Children who are rescued from corrupt orphanages are put in our care. We provide health care and counseling and then work hard to track down their families and begin the process of family reunification. Our aim is to track down the children's families and get them home - to get them out of a life of darkness and back into a life of love with their families!


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ACTUALLY..... President Obama has tried working with the House speaker, John Boehner, on a variety of projects that would have helped spur economic growth, but that was like talking to a wall. He has a plan that would create millions of jobs and at the same time benefit the stock market and, yet again, the Republicans are blocking it.
So, the President has had to go it mostly alone. He has cut taxes for all working Americans and put $1,000 back in the pocket of the typical working families. He has passed 18 small business tax cuts that encourage hiring and job creating investments in machinery and equipment.
In March, 2009 the President said "We cannot, and must not, and we will not let our auto industry simply vanish. This industry is like no other, it's an emblem of the American Spirit, a once future symbol of America's success". Now, do you remember who said "let Detroit go bankrupt", you're exactly right it was Gov. Mitt Romney. What a horrific mess that would have been. The emergency loans to save the auto industry saved more than 1.4 million middle class jobs, not only at GM and Chrysler, but also at parts and equipment plants across the country. GM and Chrysler have begun hiring thousands of workers and are building fuel-efficient models. The big 3 auto companies (Chrysler, GM and Ford) are profitable for the first time in ten years.
President Obama passed a Wall Street reform that put an end to taxpayer-funded bailouts, and holds Wall Street accountable. It ensures that if a financial company fails, it will be Wall Street that pays the price - not the American people. It allows the government to shut down failing companies that threaten our economy.
The new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will work to ensure that consumers are protected from unfair and financial practices, including hidden credit card interest rate hikes and mortgage payment costs and increases.
These are certainly only a few of President Obama's accomplishments. What we need now is to be sure that he gets re-elected, to finish what he's started. He has a plan and he knows how to do it.
Are you registered to vote? Get out there in November and make your choice known. OBAMA-2012!!!


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For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.
But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever.
Taking on the identity of father and son, Griffin and Basil forge a special bond where honesty and trust go hand in hand to secure Griffin's destiny as a Terrae Angeli. Griffin's belief in himself and the love of a mortal girl are the perfect combination in overcoming the darkest days of his life. But will it be enough for him to succeed?
For Griffin, it's time to angel up.
Today, I have the pleasure and honor to feature an interview with Darby Karchut, author of debut novel Griffin Rising. In a young adult world dominated by coming of age heroines and bloodsucking heroes, Darby Karchut presents a story where the main character doesn't creep on girls at night and doesn't grow fur when trouble strikes. Our boy Griffin is an angel—a Terrae Angeli in fact. You like angel stories right? Of course you do. That's why you're sneaking fond glances at your copy of Hush, Hush stowed in your bag under the table. Well today you can go grab a copy of Darby Karchut's gem Griffin Rising at your favorite local or online drug—*cough*—excuse me, I mean bookstore.
To celebrate the release of her debut, I have Ms. Darby here to answer a few questions.
Griffin Rising was inspired by a text from the Middle Ages. Terrae Angeli and Tiro are Latin terms. Your work includes aspects spanning from Irish mythology to the Plains Indians of North America. Can you elaborate on your interests in world cultures?
I've always been fascinated with the mythologies and religions of various world cultures, hence my bachelor's degree in anthropology. When I started writing Griffin Rising, I knew I wanted an "angel" series that was not necessarily based strictly on the Judeo-Christian belief system. So I pulled from cultures/religions as diverse as ancient Babylon, Islam, the Bronze Age Celtics, and even Great Britain's Royal Air Force during World War Two. In the next book in the series, I am even pulling in aspects of the Cold War between the U.S.S.R and the United States.
What appeals to you about the hero's journey type of story?
What's your favorite hero's story?The fact that the archetypal hero is found in every world culture, which means it is primal to all humans. We all see ourselves in the hero and his journey and the lessons we can learn from it.
Gosh, there are so many, but right now, my current favorite is The Ranger's Apprentice stories.
Are any of your characters directly or loosely based on people you know?
Griffin has a bit of me in him, perhaps more than I care to admit. His insecurities are mine to some degree. But certainly many of his traits and affectations are pilfered directly from the many students that grace my classroom from day to day. (I teach junior high social studies.)
Basil is a blend of the best of good men I have known in my life: my husband, my dad, and my step-dad.
How have your students responded to you getting published?
They've been awesome! They insisted that I autograph their books when school is back in session this coming fall. And my school is hosting a book signing party on August 31st – how cool is that?!
What was the strangest inspirational moment? (Ex: Did a caterpillar inspire a critical scene?)
I don't know if there was any strange inspirational moments. But there was a funny I-am-way-too-wrapped-up-in-my-characters moment: One day, I was dashing through Target and skidded to a stop by the young men's section because I spied a tee shirt Griffin might wear.
And bought it.
And took it back because it was the wrong size.
Griffin Rising is your debut. Can you talk about your road to writing a book and getting it published?
I have never written a thing until I wrote Griffin Rising. Never even wanted to be an author. But I read all the time, especially fantasy. I eat books. And you know the old sayings: you read and you read, and then one day, you throw up a book. Inelegant, but true.
So one day, the idea of warrior angels who live among us while training their apprentices simply slammed into my head. Like an avalanche, you might say.
So on July 17, 2009, I started writing the first of over thirty drafts of the book. Then about six months later, I began querying agents and editors. In June of 2010, I sold it to Twilight Times Books. I am still giddy with delight! The next book in the series will be released in April 2012.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Read. Read everything, but especially in your genre. Fill your mind with good writing. There is nothing like studying the masters to improve your own craft.
Do you write to a playlist? Further, what is your writing environment and schedule like?
I am one of those authors who need silence to write, so I often wear earplugs. I write on a laptop and have trained myself to write whenever I have a fifteen minute block of time: during lunch, after school, evenings, weekends. I'm not too proud to say I have a work ethic that make the Puritans look like slackers.
Did you jot your ideas down in a notebook or did you keep everything in your head?
I actually type ideas as I work on the rough draft and highlight them. So my draft version on my computer has these islands of canary yellow all over it. (*Smacks forehead with hand* Did I just say "islands" and "canary" in the same sentence? Sheesh-what a geek!)
Annnnyway, I find that system works best for me. However, I do carry a permanent marker pen with me while I work out because some of my best ideas hit me while I running the trails by my house. The only weird part is holding my hand open while I jog so my sweat doesn't smear the ink.
What? We all sweat! Get over it!
Thanks so much for having me here on your blog, Amelia. You asked the bestest questions ever!
Now if you're not convinced that she's a pretty awesome lady, click out of this blog right now. Oh, you heard a threat? I'm glad you aren't deaf. ;)
About that "Ranger's Apprentice" part. That's by John Flanagan and the first book you should go read (since it's an extensive series right now) is Ranger's Apprentice: Ruins of Gorlan. Yeah. Carry on.
All her life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled Darby Karchut. A native of New Mexico, Darby grew up in a family thatvenerated books and she spent her childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another. Fascinated by mythologies from around the world, she attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a degree in anthropology. After moving to Colorado, she then earned a Master's in education and became a social studies teacher.Drawing from her extensive knowledge of world cultures, she blends ancient myths with modern urban life to write stories that relate to young teens today.Darby is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Pikes Peak Writers Guild. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, where she still teaches at a local junior high school. She enjoys running, biking, and skiing the Rocky Mountains in all types of weather.Griffin Rising is her first novel. She is currently working on the sequel, Griffin's Fire.


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The first person people normally think of when they hear "South Carolina" is senior Sindarius Thornwell. The SEC Player of the Year can do everything for the Gamecocks, and he certainly has been responsible for several wins this season.
However, there were a couple of players who stepped up behind Thornwell during the monumental, 93-73 victory over Marquette in the first round of the NCAA Tournament who were extremely valuable.
Duane Notice's great defense on Marquette's Andrew Rowsey and P.J. Dozier's aggressive offensive mindset were huge for South Carolina in the first NCAA Tournament win for the program in 44 years.
'You couldn't tell it was a neutral site:' Gamecocks thankful for fan support
Notice has been the Gamecocks' best on-ball defender this season, but he's been overlooked because of some of his offensive struggles. However, he was instrumental in South Carolina's victory over the Golden Eagles.
This was the second time that Rowsey faced off against the Gamecocks. The first time came in 2014 when he was with UNC Asheville. South Carolina won that game, but Rowsey dropped six 3-pointers and 30 points.
Rowsey began Friday's game with a four-point play, but Notice hassled him all night, and Rowsey finished with just 13 points on 3-of-9 shooting. Marquette has several players who can knock down shots, but South Carolina's defense, led by Notice, stifled the attack.
"It's just pride," Notice said of why he puts so much work in on defense. "I knew my role, and my role wasn't always to get the ball and play isolation. I take pride in guys not scoring on us. At the end of the day, you have to score the most points."
What streak? Gamecocks win first NCAA Tournament game in 44 years
On the offensive end, Dozier was electric and looked like the player he was earlier in the year. The 6-foot-6 guard continuously drove the lane against Marquette's smaller defenders and had several dunks and layups.
He ultimately set the tone on offense and finished with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting. It was an important performance from a player who's had his ups and downs this season.
"The coaching staff continues to tell me to stay aggressive (and) attack the rim," Dozier said. "Being 6-6, that's what you have to do. You have to put pressure on the rim, and I feel like that's when I play my best basketball."
The Gamecocks will need big performances again from that duo if they hope to knock off No. 2 seed Duke on Sunday. Tipoff between the Gamecocks and Blue Devils in Greenville is set for approximately 8:45 p.m. and can be seen on TNT.
**Story by Kyle Heck/photo by Artie Walker**


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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists
Title: A MOM'S ULTIMATE BOOK OF LISTS
Author: Michelle LaRowe
Publisher: Revell
January 2010
Genre: Nonfiction/parenting
A MOM'S ULTIMATE BOOK OF LISTS is the handbook that parents through the ages have been waiting for. I wish this book had been available twenty years ago when I was expecting my first child. Full of invaluable advice, and all kinds of lists covering tons and tons of subjects, this book will be referred to time and again, whether you are expecting your first child or if your baby is four years old.
Some of the lists included in A MOM'S ULTIMATE BOOK OF LISTS are:
1. When to call the doctor
2. Questions to ask before choosing a pediatrician
3. Sleep training your baby
4. Top toys for the first year
5. Activities that toddlers love
6. Ten life lessons to teach your toddler
7. What belongs in a first aid kit
8. Six lullabies (including words!) for baby
9. Things you think you need but don't
10. Developmental signposts for the first year
A MOM'S ULTIMATE BOOK OF LISTS is written by a certified nanny and parenting consultant. This is the book that moms through the ages have waited for, and it is a book that should be in every new parents library. If you are looking for something to give a new mom at a baby shower, this is something to consider. It will be used. (Unless, of course, the mother-to-be has five kids already, and then she will be pretty much an expert at this stuff and only look at the book to see how her thoughts compare.)
Don't A MOM'S ULTIMATE BOOK OF LISTS. This is a must have for 2010. $13.99. 336 pages.
International "Nanny of the Year" shares 112 of the most practical parenting lists
that answer everything from pregnancy through preschool.
As a professional nanny for more than 15 years and now as a mother herself, Michelle LaRowe has seen it all. She was even recognized as "Nanny of the Year" by the International Nanny Association in 2004, and the following year, President George W. Bush praised her for her dedication to in-home child care.
Now she shares her vast knowledge and expertise with moms everywhere, in her new book A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists, in which she provides the most sought-after and up-to-date information for parenting children from birth to age 5 in one easy-to-navigate resource. Also included is a special section dedicated to pregnancy.
In compiling this collection of 112 of the most practical lists for moms to live by, LaRowe ruthlessly sorted through the most reliable sources and tried-and-true recommendations for raising healthy and happy children.
Organized in an easy-to-find format, her book offers mothers the chance to find all the answers to their most pressing parenting questions in one resource. No more having to wade through outdated books, make sense of conflicting expert opinions or search for reliable information online: LaRowe has done all the meticulous research, combined with her professional know-how and experience, so that mothers can spend their time doing what they love best: Being a mom.
A sampling of the lists LaRowe provides in her book includes:
Preparing for Baby
o What's safe and not safe during pregnancy?
o What to include in your birthing plan
o Key components to include in your maternity-leave proposal
The First Year
o Introducing solid foods
o Top toys for baby's first year
o Sleep training your baby
The Toddler Years
o Guilt-free DVDs for your toddler
o 10 life lessons to teach your toddler
o The best bedtime routine
The Preschool Years
o 6 steps to a successful preschool playdate
o Teaching children to share, step-by-step
o The preschooler's library
Family Life
o 10 house rules for every home
o Age-appropriate chores for young children
o Feeding a picky eater
Health and Safety Information
o When to call the doctor
o The top 12 safety mistakes parents make
o Hidden household poisons
Saving Time, Money & Sanity
o 10 time-management tips for moms
o Common children's clothing size guidelines
o A week's worth of quick, family-friendly meals
LaRowe shares her professional wisdom, insights and advice in her practical, one-stop resource:
A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists: 100+ Lists to Save You Time, Money, and Sanity.
Michelle LaRowe is a national speaker, parenting consultant, and author of the Nanny to the Rescue! series and Working Mom's 411. The 2004 International Nanny Association "Nanny of the Year" and a credentialed career nanny who has specialized in working with multiples for more than fifteen years, Michelle has also been lauded for her dedication to improving the quality of in-home child care. www.michellelarowe.com
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.
"Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
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Contact a manager at Tranio.com, and we will find you a suitable Apartment or property from among our
Apartment – Estepona, Andalusia, Spain
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9,848 € /m²Mortgage calculator
Total area: 66 m² Land area: 56 m² 1 bedroom 1 bathroom
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- Total rooms: 2
- Balcony or terrace
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You can see more apartments for sale in Estepona elsewhere on our website.


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I finally got my fall mantle and valances done. I had the pumpkins and sunflower garland, but I needed something else, so I decided to make a scarecrow to finish it off.
This guy was really easy to make.
I took a medium size brown paper bag and stuffed it with wadded up newspaper and tied it closed. I used markers for his face and hot glued on raffia for his hair. I made his hat and shirt from some fall fabric I had and hot glued them in place. I finished him off with a piece of rope tied around his neck. To get him to stand, I stuck a dowel rod into his neck and pushed the other end in a small clay pot that had a piece of Styrofoam in it.
I think he turned out pretty good and my grandsons liked him too.
My Fall Valances
Shortly after we moved into our home, I had my husband build me two wooden valances for the windows in our family rooms. Rather than build one with a top, all he did was nail two side pieces to a front piece and attached it to the window with L brackets. He stained them to match the window trim and they looked great! I hung blinds (gets the west sun) inside the window casing and used tension rods to hang my sheers. I really like these valances because I can either leave them as is or cover them for a different look.
For my fall valances I found this fabric tablecloth at Big Lots. It was a 60" X 102" rectangle and only cost $10… that's almost 3 yards of fabric! I really liked the leaf design and the colors go good with our beige furniture. I also made a table runner with some of the leftovers.


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An area of concentration within the field of geography is urban geography, the study of cities and their genesis, location, form, and evolution over time. Peter Lloyd, a professor of geography at the University of Liverpool, is an urban geographer interested in the cycle of change affecting Liverpool.
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I've just finished up the 7th child advantages tables when an idea struck me. Let's say you're playing a girl of 16 who just happens to be the 7th child of a 7th daughter mother. Seems that of the six siblings before her one was a boy.
Then it seems that somebody, a deity maybe, decided your mom would be getting another child, a girl. This making her the 8th child and the 7th daughter of a 7th daughter.
Naturally you, being the 7th child of a 7th daughter, and so having certain gifts, are assigned the task of keeping an eye on your little sister so she doesn't get into much trouble, and instructing her as best you can on how to use her gifts.
She's also an 8 year old, and there are creatures out there on the look out for children her age and with her gifts. You've got adventures ahead of you. 🙂


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Layer Love
Paint, scares me, but I want to love it. If you go way back with this blog, you might know that. But I love the depth that paint can add to a mixed media piece and desperately want to learn how to add layers like one Ms. Julie Prichard at The Land of Lost Luggage.
That is why I am considering signing up for her amazing new online class, Layer Love. Want to learn more? Want to watch an amazingly giggle worthy promotional video? Ya, you do.
Mixed Media Painting with artist Julie Prichard from Julie Prichard on Vimeo.
So what are you waiting for?! Sign up for Layer Love now!
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MARK O'HAIRE (@MarkOHaire) highlights the EFL Cup value from Tuesday night's second round games.
Blackburn v Crewe | Tuesday 19.45
Crewe haven't won a second round League Cup for eight years but the circumstances could be right the Railwaymen to end that sorry record when they travel to Blackburn on Tuesday night.
Steve Davis' men have responded to League One relegation by going five matches unbeaten in 2016/17 and were disappointed not to have taken three points at Newport on Saturday.
The Alex could make changes here but even so they look a little underrated against a club that could be playing in the same division as them next season.
Blackburn have been eliminated from five of their last six League Cup ties against lower-ranked opposition, the exception being their first round 2-1 triumph at Mansfield.
Owen Coyle's men were slightly fortunate to collect a point at home to Burton at the weekend – their first of the Championship season – and the hosts are vulnerable favourites.
Shane Duffy and Elliott Ward are both fit and available again for Rovers and a victory is essential to avoid mounting doom and gloom levels but I'd prefer to oppose Blackburn at the prices.
I'll take Alex with a +1 Asian Handicap start at 21/20 with Bet365 with a nibble on the 6/1 away success with BetVictor.
Exeter v Hull | Tuesday 19.45
Hull may have only 13 senior professionals on their books but the Tigers became only the second-ever newly-promoted side to record back-to-back Premier League wins at the start of a season when seeing off Swansea on Saturday.
Mike Phelan now looks odds-on to land the vacant manager's position on a full-time basis but the former Manchester United assistant won't have fancied a long trip to Exeter this midweek for his teeny-tiny squad.
On Saturday Hull host Manchester United and although youngsters Greg Olley, Josh Clackstone, Jarrod Bowen and Greg Luer are in contention, Phelan said he won't be mixing his threadbare squad up too much. Either way, the Tigers are unlikely to be close to full tilt and I'll get the Grecians onside.
We called Exeter right in our Football League column on Saturday as a 2-1 success at Accrington gave under-fire Paul Tisdale room to breathe.
Despite a tough encounter with Portsmouth on the agenda this coming weekend, plus an improving injury crisis of their own, the Devon outfit are worth backing to avoid a 90-minute exit.
Exeter have never beaten a Premier League opponent in the League Cup (W0-D0-L2) and whilst nine of their last outings in this competition have been at home, a W2-D0-L7 return is far from profitable, I've seen enough to suggest the Grecians can lift themselves here.
Again, I'll take an Asian Handicap approach with the +0.50 at 19/20 with Bet365 standing out, and I'll also have an interest in the 10/3 on a home win with the same firm.
Northampton v West Brom | Tuesday 19.45
West Brom boss Tony Pulis said, "I won't be making a lot of changes at Northampton because we haven't got a lot of changes to make" during his pre-match press conference for this match but talk is the Baggies will give James Morrison a first start since January and may include 16-year-old Kane Wilson, new signing Brendan Galloway, as well as Jonathan Leko, Boaz Myhill and Rickie Lambert.
We certainly shouldn't expect a full first XI from the visitors, and even if we were to see Albion at full-strength, I'd still be happy to find a way to oppose the visitors here. WBA have been outplayed in both Premier League games this term, relying on set-piece situations for goals.
The Baggies don't have a particularly rich recent history in this competition, either. Last year, West Brom needed penalties to beat Port Vale at home before a limp effort in defeat at Norwich, while in 2014 they squeezed through on penalties against League Two opponents before eventually succumbing to Bournemouth.
Pulis has shown a willingness to make multiple changes in cup competitions and under his tenure Crystal Palace were beaten by lower-league opposition in the FA Cup.
At Stoke, a Pulis-led team lost to Swindon and Rochdale at this stage of the League Cup, required extra-time against Leyton Orient and edged past Cheltenham.
Northampton haven't lost a home fixture since December 2015 and whilst Jak McCourt, Raheem Hanley, Brendan Moloney, Lawson D'Ath and Rod McDonald are short of match fitness and included in Rob Page's squad, the Cobblers are an awkward beast under the former centre-half's charge.
Town have drawn all four of their League One matches since promotion and again look worth support in the Asian Handicap market with 9/10 available on the +0.50 start. And of course, I'll have an interest in the 29/10 (Bet365) for the hosts to progress with a win in 90 minutes.
QPR v Rochdale | Tuesday 19.45
Rochdale currently sit joint-bottom of League One with a solitary point from their four-match troubles but Keith Hill's troops shouldn't be discounted to provide a cupset at Loftus Road on Tuesday night.
You know, it's standard QPR procedure to exit cup competitions early and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's men only survived their first round tie in London against Swindon thanks to a first-ever penalty shoot-out win on home soil.
The Dutch boss rotated his small squad against the Robins and has confirmed he'll follow suit for the visit of Dale.
Rangers have only progressed to the third hurdle of cup competition four times in 19 years (thanks @Ratings_Mike) and were dumped out by Rochdale here in 2011. In fact, the R's have fallen at this stage in each of the last three seasons, each time against opposition from a lower tier.
The visitors are looking to reach the third round for just the third time in their history and were unfortunate to lose at home to MK Dons at the weekend. A stoppage-time winner denied Dale a point but you'd assume the underdogs will be bang up for a response in the capital and deserve our faith.
Rochdale can be backed at 17/4 (Bet365) to win and at 9/10 (Bet365) with a +0.75 Asian Handicap start.
The former worked in our favour with Swindon at QPR in the first round and sees us profit should Dale avoid defeat and only losing half of our stake if the Hoops win by exactly one goal.
Best Bets
Blackburn v Crewe – Crewe +1 Asian Handicap (21/20 Bet365)
Blackburn v Crewe – Crewe to win (6/1 BetVictor)
Exeter v Hull – Exeter +0.50 Asian Handicap (19/20 Bet365)
Exeter v Hull – Exeter to win (10/3 Bet365)
Northampton v West Brom – Northampton +0.50 Asian Handicap (9/10 Bet365)
Northampton v West Brom – Northampton to win (29/10 Bet365)
QPR v Rochdale – Rochdale +0.75 Asian Handicap (9/10)
QPR v Rochdale – Rochdale to win (17/4 Bet365)
World Cup 2018: The Ultimate Betting Guide
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Dear Readers,
As we work diligently to try and update all the data in The Grid, we still need your help to keep this data current. If you happen to see anything that may be wrong, please send us an email and we will be glad to address it. This month we had a lot of updates and there are more to come next month.
Additionally, we added a new section at the beginning of our Aviator Bulletins section just for Pilot Hiring Numbers. If you don't see your company there, be sure to send me an email with that information.
Fly Safe,
Craig Pieper
We gladly accept and encourage letters to the editor. These letters will be reviewed and published at the sole discretion of the Editor. Please limit your letters to the Editor to a maximum of 200 words. You can email you letters to email@example.com. Please include a city and state. All questions emailed may or may not be published. Aero Crew News assumes no liability for the information contained in letters to us that are published.


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Okay, okay. I know I promised to turn a corner here on Sojourner of Truth, but I'm feeling like I've left a huge stone unturned. There's some unfinished business that I'm needing to tend to. So hang with me here, and I promise that soon and very soon I will begin my next series of blogs about people that have, and continue to, change the world.
On Thursday my husband Anthony and I had the privilege of participating in an online discussion of The Help with our directional pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, Mark DeYmaz. A leader in the multi-ethnic church movement, Mark discusses issues of race and the church every Thursday at noon CST through Mosaix, a network of church leaders in pursuit of a multi-ethnic church for the sake of the gospel. (Click here to listen to this program) It was fast-paced, exhilarating -- and a little unnerving in the beginning -- to be perfectly honest. But I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and our discussion brought up a lot of interesting points.
The issue that we continually revisited was: so what can -- and should -- the Church of Jesus Christ do about this issue of race?
I'm so glad you asked. In last Saturday's post, The Help: Let's Talk About It, I shared a few thoughts on the church and its response to the issues of race brought to the forefront in The Help. Well, I'd like to add to those thoughts.
I'll begin with the obvious point that members of my current church, Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas and my former church Strong Tower Bible Church, would wholeheartedly agree with. First of all, we've got to address the issue of segregation in our Christian churches. Now, let me begin with saying that I applaud any church where Jesus is uplifted as Savior and Lord and where the Word of God is taught unashamedly. I hope to be the last person to bash any godly church body, or pastor, for that matter.
But who are we kidding, folks? Our churches are still largely the most segregated entities in our country. Our government is diverse. Our public schools are diverse. Our businesses are diverse. The entertainment world is incredibly diverse. And although there's lots more room for minority people in all these arenas -- especially in the back offices of owners and decision-makers -- they are still pretty diverse.
However, if you walk into the majority of churches today, you'll be hard-pressed to find a person that looks different from the majority of members. If you do, they are usually a very small minority. And that's true in African American churches, Caucasian churches, Hispanic churches and Asian churches.
Check out the point Ed Stetzer, Vice President of Research and Ministry Development for Lifeway Christian Resources, makes in his blog post entitled, "Race Relations, Affirmative Action, and the Church: More Reflections on the Help."
So instead of leading the trend in diversity, the Church is sadly lagging behind. Stetzer reports (from statistics compiled by Dr. Michael Emerson, author of Divided By Faith) that over 92% of churches in the US are racially segregated, with 80% or more of the congregation comprised of a single race or ethnic group. I believe this grieves the heart of God.The church is trailing society in an area where we should be setting the pace. Followers of Jesus Christ, for whom there is "no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" should be leading the nation in racial reconciliation, not being dragged kicking and screaming by unbelievers into a life the Kingdom anticipates. Too often, the church trails the culture. For that matter, too many "Christians" were holding the hoses at Selma, not standing for equality. The church still trails.
So what am I proposing? Should all churches become heterogeneous? Is it sinful for a pastor to lead a church with 85% or more of its members belonging to the same race? Is it sinful for you to belong to this kind of church?
I don't believe so. Like I said when I began this discussion, I praise God for any church boldly teaching the Word of God and encouraging its leadership and members to live according to the Word. So no, my desire isn't to bash homogeneous churches.
But I do believe there are things every church should be doing in the area of racial reconciliation. I do believe that every believer must examine his or her heart, asking God to expose any residue of the racism prevalent in our country's history. I do believe there's room for repentance for most of us.
I do believe that every church can make major strides in the multi-ethnic movement through intentional actions, such as:
- Have an open heart to people of different races, excited and welcoming when they visit and pursue membership.
- Tailor the worship service in a way that people of different races may feel more welcomed there. And this especially includes the music. It's not impossible. I've seen it done in two churches now. People of different races sing on the worship team together, where the music selection includes various musical genres. Trust me. This can be done!
- If there is at least a handful of people of different races, prayerfully seek out people of the minority race to serve in leadership positions, such as deacons, elders, worship leaders, etc. This kind of leadership search must be intentional. People identify with leaders that look like them.
- Reach out to another church in the same town with a different racial mix. Host joint potluck meals -- held in both churches. Hold prayer meetings together. Share in a service project or missions trip. Nothing bonds people quite like the mission field, be it around the corner or on the other side of the world. Visit a Civil Rights historical site together and encourage open dialogue afterward.
- Encourage your members often to be open and intentional about beginning relationships with people of a different race. In 2011, there are still people -- Christian people -- that have never had a close friend from a different race. They've had coworkers and neighbors of different races, but not friends. Encourage and model for the members genuine relationships with people from different cultures and backgrounds. And pray for authenticity, so there's a desire for this kind of relationship. Over time it should become a lifestyle, not a "church program."
I believe if the Church is going to be effective in this 21st Century, we've got to display the diverse Kingdom of God more than MTV and Dancing with the Stars.
To bring it back home to The Help, we've got to break through prejudice, past offenses and our painful history to change our future. Like Skeeter, we've got reach out to those that just happen to be darker in skin color. Like Aibileen, we've got to grasp the hand of those that just happen to be lighter in skin color. It works both ways. No one's off the hook on this one.
So what's it going to be? Will you help me change the future?
Speaking The Truth In Love,


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All of us feel good when we look our best and we get compliments for our beautiful looks. Many of us think that it can be achieved with the help of some highly expensive branded beauty products. However, this is not true and you can get that gorgeous look at home. There are several homemade beauty treatments which work wonders on your skin, and without spending a fortune.
Friday, 28 October 2011
Friday, 21 October 2011
Using Aromatherapy for glowing, radiant skin
Our skin endures the most damage from overexposure to the sun and the contaminants we put in our bodies like alcohol and junk foods.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Indulgent Bathing
Enjoy the indulgent, healing powers of essential oils in the bath.
Placing essential oils into the bath enhances to soothe, calm, relax or rejuvenate the body by allowing you to breathe the amazing aromas as well as absorbing the oils through your skin.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Perfume - The accessory that goes with any outfit
Get the most out of your fragrance purchase with these tips:
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text: Stop at Andamar Luxury Villas to discover the wonders of Bali. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour room service, express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas are there for guest's enjoyment. Comfortable guestrooms ensure a good night's sleep with some rooms featuring facilities such as internet access - wireless, private pool, non smoking rooms, air conditioning, desk. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. No matter what your reasons are for visiting Bali, Andamar Luxury Villas will make you feel instantly at home.


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Our workout room called and said it was ready to be a workout room again. We mustard up enough strength to put it back together and we're glad we did.
We also cleaned out the garage. IT LOOKED LIKE A BOMB WENT OFF and everything was covered in 1/2inch thick of sawdust. Muy mal.
By cleaning out the garage, we were able to move our camping gear down so that it was a little more accessible. It was handy to pull it right off the shelf and not forget everything. The only problem is that it's no longer conveniently located by our cars. I'm an American and I'm going to think about the least strain on my body.
How do you like how Micah set up her little workout station on the stool? It's so funny when she says she's going to go exercise. I think she does a whole two bicep curls and then asks for the iPad.
The basement got a couch. After using it as our family room during the remodel, we felt it deserved more. It definitely gets used more and it's not just a wasted room to heat.
I had to laugh at Gretchen for sitting in the blankets basket when you have an entire sectional to sit on. Oh vey!
We also debated between a profector or a big TV. We opted for the big TV because with a projector we'd have to cover our windows downstairs if we wanted to watch something during the day. A TV let's you watch it anytime. I felt kind of embarrassed when I bought the big 80" from Costco. Three Costco ladies asked me if I had an upgraded membership. For the third time YES!!! Believe me Costco ladies and gents, I have spent loads more on groceries than I will on this TV.
Now we veg and it is so nice. We haven't touched a project since. We're tired.


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