text:
June 2, 1945
New York Times.
As we very gratefully acknowledge, venerable brethren, the good wishes which the venerable and beloved dean of the Sacred College has offered to us on your behalf, our thoughts bring us back to this day six years ago when you offered your congratulations on our feast day for the first time after we, though unworthy, had been raised to the See of Peter.
The world was then still at peace: but what a peace and how very precarious!
With a heart full of anguish, perplexed, praying, we bent over that peace like one that assists a dying man and fights obstinately to save him from death even when all hope is gone.
The message which we then addressed to you reflected our sorrowful apprehension that the conflict which was ever growing more menacing would break out-a conflict whose extent and duration nobody could foresee. The subsequent march of events has not only justified all too clearly our saddest premonitions but has far surpassed them.
Today, after six years, the fratricidal struggle has ended, at least in one section of this war-torn world. It is a peace if you can call it such-as yet very fragile, which cannot endure or be consolidated except by expanding on it the most assiduous care; a peace whose maintenance imposes on the whole church, both pastor and faithful, grave and very delicate duties: patient prudence, courageous fidelity, the spirit of sacrifice!
All are called upon to devote themselves to it, each in his own office and at his own place. Nobody can bring to this task too much anxiety or zeal. As to us and our apostolic ministry, we well know, venerable brethren, that we can safely count on your sage collaboration, your unceasing prayers, your steadfast devotion.
In Europe the war is over: but what wounds has it not inflicted! Our Divine Master has said: "All that take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Matthew xxvi, 52).
Now what do you see? You see what is the result of a concept of the State reduced to practice which takes no heed of the most sacred ideals of mankind, which overthrows the inviolable principles of the Christian faith. The whole world today contemplates with stupefaction the ruins that it has left behind it. These ruins we had seen when they were still in the distant future, and few, we believe, have followed with greater anxiety the process leading to the inevitable crash.
For over twelve years-twelve of the best years of our mature age-we had lived in the midst of the German people, fulfilling the duties of the office committed to us. During that time, in the atmosphere of liberty which the political and social conditions of that time allowed, we worked for consolidation of the status of the Catholic Church in Germany.
We thus had occasion to learn the great qualities of the people and we were personally in close contact with its most representative men. For that reason we cherish the hope that it can rise to the new dignity and new life when once it has laid the satanic specter raised by National Socialism and the guilty (as we have already at other times had occasion to expound) have expiated the crimes they have committed.
While there was still some faint glimmer of hope that that movement could take another and less disastrous course either through the disillusionment of its more moderate members or through effective opposition from that section of the German people which opposed it, the church did everything possible to set up a formidable barrier to the spread of ideas at once subversive and violent.
In the spring of 1933 the German Government asked the Holy See to conclude a concordat with the Reich: the proposal had the approval of the Episcopate and of at least the greater number of the German Catholics.
In fact, they thought that neither the concordats up to then negotiated with some individual German states nor the Weimar Constitution gave adequate guarantee or assurance of respect for their convictions, for their faith, rights or liberty of action.
In such conditions the guarantees could not be secured except through a settlement having the solemn form of a concordat with the Central Government of the Reich.
It should be added that, since it was the Government that made the proposal, the responsibility for all regrettable consequences would have fallen on the Holy See if it had refused the proposed concordat.
It was not that the church, for her part, had any illusions built on excessive optimism or that, in concluding the concordat, she had the intention of giving any form of approval to the teachings or tendencies of National Socialism; this was expressly declared and explained at the time (Cfr L'Osservatore Romano, No. 174, July 2, 1933). It must, however, be recognized that the concordat in the years that followed brought some advantages or at least prevented worse evils.
In fact, in spite of all the violations to which it was subjected, it gave Catholics a juridical basis for their defense, a stronghold behind which to shield themselves in their opposition-as long as this was possible-to the ever growing campaign of religious persecution.
The struggle against the church did, in fact, become ever more bitter: there was the dissolution of Catholic organizations; the gradual suppression of the flourishing Catholic schools, both public and private; the enforced weaning of youth from family and church; the pressure brought to bear on the conscience of citizens and especially of civil servants; the systematic defamation, by means of a clever, closely organized propaganda, of the church, the clergy, the faithful, the church's institutions, teaching and history; the closing, dissolution and confiscation of religious houses and other ecclesiastical institutions; the complete suppression of the Catholic press and publishing houses.
To resist such attacks millions of courageous Catholics, men and women, closed their ranks around their Bishops, whose valiant and severe pronouncements never failed to resound even in these last years of war. These Catholics gathered around their priests to help them adapt their ministry to the ever changing needs and conditions. And right up to the end they set up against the forces of impiety and pride their forces of faith, prayer and openly Catholic behavior and education.
In the meantime, the Holy See itself multiplied its representations and protests to governing authorities in Germany, reminding them in clear and energetic language of their duty to respect and fulfill the obligations of the natural law itself that were confirmed by the concordat.
In those critical years, joining the alert vigilance of a pastor to the long suffering patience of a father, our great predecessor, Pius XI, fulfilled his mission as Supreme Pontiff with intrepid courage. But when, after he had tried all means of persuasion in vain, he saw himself clearly faced with deliberate violations of a solemn pact, with a religious persecution masked or open but always rigorously organized, he proclaimed to the world on Passion Sunday, 1937, in his encyclical "Mit Brennender Sorge" what national socialism really was: the arrogant apostasy from Jesus Christ, the denial of His doctrine and of His work of redemption, the cult of violence, the idolatry of race and blood, the overthrow of human liberty and dignity.
Like a clarion call that sounds the alarm, the Papal document with its vigorous terms-too vigorous, thought more than one at the time-startled the minds and hearts of men. Many-even beyond the frontiers of Germany-who up to then had closed their eyes to the incompatibility of the national socialist viewpoint with the teachings of Christ had to recognize and confess their mistake. Many-but not all! Some even among the faithful themselves were too blinded by their prejudices or allured by political advantage.
The evidence of the facts brought forward by our predecessor did not convince them, much less induce them to change their ways. Is it mere chance that some regions, which later suffered more from the national socialist system, were precisely those where the encyclical "Mit Brennender Sorge" was less or not at all heeded?
Would it then have been possible, by opportune and timely political action, to block once and for all the outbreak of brutal violence and to put the German people in the position to shake off the tentacles that were strangling it? Would it have been possible thus to have saved Europe and the world from this immense inundation of blood? Nobody would dare to give an unqualified judgment.
But in any case nobody could accuse the church of not having denounced and exposed in time the true nation of the National Socialist movement and the danger to which it exposed Christian civilization.
"Whoever sets up race or the people or the state or a particular form of state or the depositaries' power or any other fundamental value of the human community to be the supreme norm of all, even of religious values, and divinizes them to an idolatrous level distorts and perverts an order of the world planned and created by God." (Cfr Acta Apostolica Sedis, Vol. XXIX, 1937, pages 149 and 171.)
The radical opposition of the National Socialist State to the Catholic Church is summed up in this declaration of the encyclical. When things had reached this point the church could not without foregoing her mission any longer refuse to take her stand before the whole world.
But by doing so she became once again "a sign which shall be contradicted" (Luke ii, 34), in the presence of which contrasting opinions divided off into two opposed camps.
German Catholics were, one may say, as one in recognizing that the encyclical "Mit Brennender Sorge" had brought light, direction, consolation and comfort to all those who seriously meditated and conscientiously practiced the religion of Christ. But the reaction of those who had been inculpated was inevitable, and, in fact, that very year, 1937, was for the Catholic Church in Germany a year of indescribable bitterness and terrible outbreaks.
The important political events which marked the two following years and then the war did not bring an attenuation to the hostility of National Socialism toward the church, a hostility which was manifest up to these last months, when National Socialists still flattered themselves with the idea that once they had secured victory in arms they could do away with the church forever.
Authoritative and absolutely trustworthy witnesses kept us informed of these plans-they unfolded themselves actually in the reiterated and ever more intense activity against the church in Austria, Alsace Lorraine and, above all, in those parts of Poland which had already been incorporated in the old Reich during the war: there everything was attacked and destroyed; that is, everything that could be reached by external violence.
Continuing the work of our predecessor, we ourselves have during the war and especially in our radio messages constantly set forth the demands and perennial laws of humanity and of the Christian faith in contrast with the ruinous and inexorable applications of national socialist teachings, which even went so far as to use the most exquisite scientific methods to torture or eliminate people who were often innocent.
This was for us the most opportune-and we might even say the only-efficacious way of proclaiming before the world the immutable principles of the moral law and of confirming, in the midst of so much error and violence, the minds and hearts of German Catholics in the higher ideals of truth and justice. And our solicitude was not without its effect. Indeed, we know that our messages and especially that of Christmas, 1942, despite every prohibition and obstacle, were studied in the diocesan clergy conferences in Germany and then expounded and explained to the Catholic population.
If the rulers of Germany had decided to destroy the Catholic Church even in the old Reich, Providence had decided otherwise. The tribulations inflicted on the church by national socialism have been brought to an end through the sudden and tragic end of the persecution! From the prisons, concentration camps and fortresses are now pouring out, together with the political prisoners, also the crowds of those, whether clergy or laymen, whose only crime was their fidelity to Christ and to the faith of their fathers or the dauntless fulfillment of their duties as priests.
For them all of us have prayed and have seized every opportunity, whenever the occasion offered, to send them a word of comfort and blessing from our paternal heart.
Indeed, the more the veils are drawn which up to now hid the sorrowful passion of the church under the national socialist regime, the more apparent becomes the strength, often steadfast unto death, of numberless Catholics and the glorious share in that noble contest which belonged to the clergy.
Although as yet not in possession of the complete statistics, we cannot refrain from recalling here, by way of example, some details from the abundant accounts which have reached us from priests and laymen who were interned in the concentration camp of Dachau and were accounted worthy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus. (Acts v, 41.)
In the forefront, for the number and harshness of the treatment meted out to them, are the Polish priests. From 1940 to 1945 2,800 Polish ecclesiastics and religious were imprisoned in that camp; among them was a Polish auxiliary bishop who died there of typhus. In April last there were left only 816, all the others being dead except for two or three transferred to another camp.
In the summer of 1942 480 German-speaking ministers of religion were known to be gathered there; of these, forty-five were Protestants, all the others Catholic priests. In spite of the continuous inflow of new internees, especially from some dioceses of Bavaria, the Rhineland and Westphalia, their number, as a result of the high rate of mortality, at the beginning of this year did not surpass 350.
Nor should we pass over in silence those belonging to occupied territories, Holland, Belgium, France (among whom the Bishop of Clermont), Luxembourg, Slovenia, Italy.
Many of those priests and laymen endured indescribable sufferings for their faith and for their vocation.
In one case the hatred of the impious against Christ reached the point of parodying on the person of an interned priest, with barbed wire, the scourging and the crowning with thorns of our Redeemer.
The generous victims who during the twelve years since 1933 have in Germany scarified for Christ and his church their possessions, their freedom, their lives, are raising their hands to God in expiatory sacrifice. May the just Judge accept it in reparation for the many crimes committed against mankind no less than against the present and future generation and especially against the unfortunate youth of Germany, and may He at last stay the arm of the exterminating angel!
With ever-increasing persistence National Socialism strove to denounce the church as the enemy of the German people. The manifest injustice of the accusation would have deeply offended the sentiment of German Catholics and our own if it had come from other lips. But on the lips of such accusers, so far from being a grievance, the accusation is the clearest and most honorable testimony to the strong, incessant opposition maintained by the church to such disastrous doctrines and methods in the interest of true civilization and of the German people; to that people we offer the wish that, freed now from the error which plunged it into chaos, it may find again its own salvation at the pure fountains of true peace and true happiness, at the fountains of truth, humility and charity flowing with the church from the heart of Christ.
A hard-learnt lesson surely, that of these past years! God grant at least that it may have been understood and be profitable to other nations!
"Receive instruction, you that judge the earth!" (Psalm ii, 10.)
That is the most ardent wish of all who sincerely love mankind. For mankind, now the victim of an impious process of exhaustion, of cynical disregard for the life and rights of men, has but one aspiration: to lead a tranquil and pacific life in dignity and honest toil. And to this purpose it hopes that an end will be put to that insolence with which the family and the domestic hearth have been abused and profaned during the war years.
For that insolence cries to heaven and has evolved into one of the gravest perils not only for religion and morality but also for harmonious relations between men. It has, above all, created those mobs of dispossessed, disillusioned, disappointed and hopeless men who are going to swell the ranks of revolution and disorder, in the pay of a tyranny no less despotic than those for whose overthrow men planned.
The nations, and notably the medium and small nations, claim the right to take their destinies into their own hands. They can be led to assume, with their full and willing consent, in the interest of common progress, obligations which will modify their sovereign rights.
But after having sustained their share-their large share-of suffering in order to overthrow a system of brutal violence, they are entitled to refuse to accept a new political or cultural system which is decisively rejected by the great majority of their people. They maintain, and with reason, that the primary task of the peace-framers is to put an end to the criminal war game and to safeguard vital rights and mutual obligations as between the great and small, powerful and weak.
Deep in their hearts the peoples feel that their rule would be discredited if they did not succeed in supplanting the mad folly of the rule of violence by the victory of the right.
The thought of a new peace organization is inspired-nobody could doubt it-by the most sincere and loyal good will. The whole of mankind follows the progress of this noble enterprise with anxious interest. What a bitter disillusionment it would be if it were to fail, if so many years of suffering and self-sacrifice were to be made vain, by permitting again to prevail that spirit of oppression from which the world hoped to see itself at last freed once and for all!
Poor world, to which then might be applied the words of Christ: "And the last state of that man becomes worse than the first." (Luke xi, 24-26):
The present political and social situation suggests these words of warning to us. We have had, alas, to deplore in more than one region the murder of priests, deportations of civilians, the killing of citizens without trial or in personal vendetta. No less sad is the news that has reached us from Slovenia and Croatia.
But we will not lose heart. The speeches made by competent and responsible men in the course of the last few weeks made it clear that they are aiming at the triumph of right, not merely as a political goal but even more as a moral duty.
Accordingly, we confidently issue an ardent appeal for prayers to our sons and daughters of the whole world. May it reach all those who recognize in God the beloved Father of all men created to his image and likeness, to all who know that in the breast of Christ there beats a divine heart rich in mercy, deep and inexhaustible fountain of all good and all love, of all peace and all reconciliation.
From the cessation of hostilities to true and genuine peace, as we warned not long ago, the road will be long and arduous, too long for the pent-up aspiration of mankind starving for order and calm. But it is inevitable that it should be so.
It is even perhaps better thus. It is essential that the tempest of overexcited passions be first let subside: Motos praestate componere fluctus (Virgil, Aeneid 1, 135).
It is essential that the hate, the diffidence, the stimuli of an extreme nationalism should give way to the growth of wise counsels, the flowering of peaceful designs, to serenity in the interchange of views and to mutual brotherly comprehension.
May the holy spirit, light of intellects, gentle ruler of hearts, deign to hear the prayers of His church and guide in their arduous work those who in accordance with their mandate are striving sincerely despite obstacles and contradictions to reach the goal so universally, so ardently, desired: peace, a peace worthy of the name; a peace built and consolidated in sincerity and loyalty, in justice and reality; a peace of loyal and resolute force to overcome or preclude those economic and social conditions which might, as they did in the past, easily lead to new conflicts; a peace that can be approved by all right-minded men of every people and every nation; a peace which future generations may regard gratefully as the happy outcome of a sad period; a peace that may stand out in the centuries as a resolute advance in the affirmation of human dignity and of ordered liberty; a peace that may be like the Magna Charta which closed the dark age of violence; a peace that under the merciful guidance of God may let us so pass through temporal prosperity that we may not lose eternal happiness (cfr collect third Sunday after Pentecost).
But before reaching this peace it still remains true that millions of men at their own fireside or in battle, in prison or in exile must still drink their bitter chalice. How we long to see the end of their sufferings and anguish, the realization of their hopes! For them, too, and for all mankind that suffers with them and in them may our humble and ardent prayer ascend to Almighty God.
Meanwhile, venerable brethren, we are immensely comforted by the thought that you share our anxieties, our prayers, our hopes; and that throughout the world Bishops, priests and faithful are joining their supplications to ours in the great chorus of the universal church.
In testimony of our deep gratitude and as a pledge of infinite mercies and Divine favors, with sincere affection we impart to you, to them, to all who join us in desiring and working for peace our apostolic benediction.


text:
Download 30-day trial Read more...
* The trial lets you try all the features of Analyse-it (including bland altman software) with no commitment to buy. Your privacy is assured.
We've been developing intuitive high-quality statistical software at an affordable price, backed up by fast friendly customer service for over 25 years...
Read more about us
Privacy policy
Contact us
Phone: +44-(0)113-247-3875
Office hours: 9am-5pm GMT Mon-Fri

subset: commoncrawl


text:
…a people worshiping and growing in faith. We welcome you and your family to our parish and we hope that you will find a "home" with us — and that as we grow in God's Spirit we may help one another experience the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.
It is the greatest gift anyone can give.
Mass and Confession Schedule
Mass Times
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m.
Saturday Evening: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Saturday: 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.
By Appointment: 732-370-0500


text:
, in particular the Hindu genocide since Hindu Kush. These need to be ropily documented now as I explain below:
The massacre of 6 million Jews by Hitler and the persecution that Jews suffered all over the world in the last 15 centuries has been meticulously recorded after 1945 and has been enshrined not only in history books, but also in Holocaust museums, the most famous one being in Washington DC. It has not been done with a spirit of revenge: look at Israel and Germany today, they are in the best of terms; yet, the facts are facts and contemporary Germany has come to terms with its terrible actions during Second World War.
Hindus have suffered also a terrible Holocaust, probably without parallel in human history. Take the Hindu Kush for instance, probably one of the biggest genocides of Hindus. There is practically no serious research ever done about it and no mention in history books. The Hindu Kush is a mountain system nearly 1000 miles long and 200 miles wide, running northeast to southwest and dividing the Amu Darya River Valley and the Indus River Valley. The Hindu Kush has over two dozen summits of more than 23,000 ft in height and historically its passes, particularly the Khyber Pass, have been of great military significance, for they provide access to the northern plains of India. Most foreign invaders have used the Khyber Pass: Alexander the Great in 327 BC, Mahmud of Ghazni, in 1001 AD, Timur Lane in 1398 AD, or Nader Shah in 1739 AD.
Yet, in the first millennium before Christ, two major Hindu kingdoms, those of Gandhaar (Kandahar) and Vaahic Pradesh (Balkh of Bactria) had their borders extending far beyond the Hindu Kush. The kingdom of Gandhaar, for instance, was established by Taksha, grandson of Bharat of Ayodhya and its borders went from Takshashila (Taxila) to Tashkent (corruption of 'Taksha Khand') in the present day Uzbekistan. In the later period, the Mahabharat, one of India's greatest epics speaks of Gaandhaari as a princess of Gandhaar and her brother, Shakuni as a prince and later as Gandhaar's ruler (the last Hindu Shahiya king of Kabul, Bhimapal was killed in 1026 AD). Then came in the 3rd century B.C. Buddhist emperor Kanishka, whose empire stretched from Mathura to the Aral Sea (beyond the present day Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Krygzystan) and under his influence Buddhism flourished in Gandhaar. The two giant Buddha sandstones carved into the cliffs of Bamian, which have been destroyed by the Taliban, date from the Kanishka period.
In Persian, the word 'Kush' is derived from the verb Kushtar – to slaughter or carnage. Encyclopaedia Americana says of Hindu Kush: The name means literally 'Kills the Hindu', a reminder of the days when Hindu slaves from Indian subcontinent died in harsh Afghan mountains while being transported to Moslem courts of Central Asia. Encyclopaedia Britannica for its part mentions "that the name Hindu Kush first appears in 1333 AD in the writings of Ibn Battutah, the medieval Berber traveller, who said the name meant 'Hindu Killer', a meaning still given by Afghan mountain dwellers. Unlike the Jewish holocaust, the exact toll of the Hindu genocide suggested by the name Hindu Kush is not available. "However, writes Hindu Kush specialist Srinandan Vyas, the number is easily likely to be in millions".
A few known historical figures can be used to justify this estimate. Encyclopaedia Britannica recalls that in December 1398 AD, Timur Lane ordered the execution of at least 50,000 captives before the battle for Delhi; likewise, the number of captives butchered by Timur Lane's army was about 100,000 . Encyclopaedia Britannica again mentions that Mughal emperor Akbar 'ordered the massacre of about 30,000 captured Rajput Hindus on February 24, 1568 AD, after the battle for Chitod, a number confirmed by Abul Fazl, Akbar's court historian. Afghan historian Khondamir notes that during one of the many repeated invasions on the city of Herat in western Afghanistan, which used to be part of the Hindu Shahiya kingdoms "1,500,000 residents perished". "Thus, writes Vyas, it is evident that the mountain range was named as Hindu Kush as a reminder to the future Hindu generations of the slaughter and slavery of Hindus during the Moslem conquests".
Since some of the Moslem conquerors took Indian plainsmen as slaves, a question arises: whatever happened to this slave population? The startling answer comes from New York Times (May-June 1993 issues). The Gypsies, who used to be wandering peoples in Central Asia and Europe since around the 12th Century, have been persecuted in almost every country (the Nazis killed 300,000 gypsies in gas chambers). Until now their country of origin could not be identified, as their language has very little in common with the other European languages. Recent studies however show that their language is similar to Punjabi and to a lesser degree to Sanskrit. Thus the Gypsies probably originated from the greater Punjab. The time frame of Gypsy wanderings also coincides with early Islamic conquests; hence most likely their ancestors were driven out of their homes in Punjab and taken as slaves over the Hindu Kush.
Why does not the Government of India tell Indian children about the Hindu Kush genocide? The horrors of the Jewish holocaust are taught not only in schools in Israel and USA, but also in Germany, because both Germany and Israel consider the Jewish holocaust a 'dark chapter' in the history. Yet, in 1982, the National Council of Educational Research and Training issued a directive for the rewriting of school texts. Among other things it stipulated that: 'Characterization of the medieval period as a time of conflict between Hindus and Moslems is forbidden'. Thus denial of history, or Negationism, has become India's official 'educational' policy. Fortunately, the present Government of India ill soon initiate, it is hoped, a rewriting of History school books, although this policy will surely come under attack as "a dangerous saffronization" of history.
This is why Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism (FACT), which I started, has opened the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History in Pune, which shows Indian History as it HAPPENED, not as it has been written. It records not only the genocide of Hindus at the hands of Muslim invaders, but also the terrible persecutions by the Portuguese (also hardly mentioned in Indian History books). We also included the British – nobody knows that 20 millions Indians died of famine between 1815 and 1920, a genocide, as the English broke the agricultural backbone of India to get raw materials which they needed, cotton, jute etc. the plight of the Kashmri Pandits etc.without speaking of the plunder of India by them.
Please tell your friends in Pune and Mumbai to come and visit this Museum, it's 12 minutes from the Pune airport, past the Air Force base, past Lohegaon village, 300 metres on the right after the Marathwada College of Engineering.
Francois Gautier
Recent Posts
Twitter Updates
- RT @Swamy39: TV Channels are screening the bashing of a Muslim by rogues for alleged cow stealing and blaming BJP. But where did the ghastl… 1 hour ago
- RT @OpIndia_com: After Smriti Irani's historic victory in Amethi, her close aide Surendra Singh shot dead at his residence https://t.co/q9e… 1 hour ago
- RT @Chellaney: Modi has reduced corruption and cut the proverbial red tape by streamlining regulations and reining in the bureaucracy. His… 1 hour ago
- RT @subhashkak1: India is soon to be world's 3rd largest economy and BJP is its dominant party. What happens in India has worldwide implica… 1 hour ago
- truth always comes out twitter.com/neha_aks/statu… 1 hour ago
Page Visits
- 896,602 hits


text:
11 days Trek via Machame Route + Luxury Safari - Brief Description
Enjoy an alpine start under the starts as you begin the challenging ascent to the highest point on Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet. Breathe in with satisfaction, capture the feat with summit photos, and begin your descent as the cold and high altitude take their toll. Enjoy views of the whole eastern sky, lit up by the golden, fiery glow of the sunrise.
Descend Kilimanjaro and set out on a grand safari through the heart of Tanzania. Start out in Tarangire National Park, set among the ancient baobab trees, famous for countless herds of elephants. Stay overnight at a luxury safari tented camp or lodge where you can spend the evening relaxing under the stars and listening to the sounds of Africa. Rise early for a sunrise safari to the infamous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This volcanic caldera is home to one of the largest populations of lions on the planet. Be surrounded by wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, buffalo, and much more!
Arrange your flights so that you can arrive in Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha on or before this day. A One World representative will greet you upon arrival and transport you to your lodge. This will be your rest, relaxation and acclimatization day. Those who arrive earlier in the day or prior to this day will have the opportunity to add a cultural excursion such as a visit to a Maasai village or waterfall hike to their trip or just enjoy a relaxing day at the lodge pool. In the late afternoon or evening (time to be arranged), meet your One World Safari Tours Team of Mountain Guides to ensure you have all of your personal gear required for the climb (a full packing list will be sent out well in advance). If you are missing anything – gloves, gators, sunglasses, rain gear, etc. you will be able to rent these items from the One World office.
Dinner and overnight at Rivertrees country inn lodge or similar
You set off from the Machame Gate (1800m), around 11:00, climbing through rainforest with giant ferns and moss covered trees, to the first campsite. The Machame camp, like all campsites on this route, is a shared campsite open to all registered climbers. Basic facilities include pit toilets and ground pump water. Dinner and Overnight at Machame Hut Campsite.
Elevation Gain: 840 meters
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
After an early breakfast and tea, you head on a steep and twisting path into sparser terrain. At the en route lunch stop, you are treated to fantastic views of the eroded peaks of Shira thrusting the moorland ridges into the wispy cloudline. At the top of the Shira ridge the highest point for the day is reached (3840m), before you take a slight descent to Shira camp. Shira Cave Campsite offers fantastic views in every direction; the soft light of the sunset reveals Shira's peaks and plateau, Mt. Meru in the distance floating in a golden sea of clouds, and shimmering reflections off Kibo's ice fields. Dinner and overnight at Shira Hut Campsite.
Shira Camp (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,900m)
Elevation Gain: 690 meters
Elevation Loss: 580 meters
Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours
After breakfast at Shira Camp, you start the day climb walking directly towards Kibo up a broad rocky ridge. The barren looking Shira plateau stretches out to your left and the snow-capped summit looks noticeably closer. Vegetation disappears as you climb over 4000m into the desert zone. The highest point of the day is reached at Lava Tower, a 50m high mound of solidified lava sticking up from the rolling ridges around the summit cone. From the tower you take a gentle descent to the Barranco Hut Campsite. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Hut.
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Start the morning with a fun and challenging climb up the Barranco Wall. This steep, but rewarding climb will be the most technical of your trek. Once you reach the top, take a moment to enjoy the view and congratulate yourself on a job well done. Then take the rest of the short hike out of the valleys and up a steep boulder strewn path to Barafu Ridge. Arrive at Barafu Hut Camp mid-afternoon. The leisurely day at camp will give you time to acclimate and will give your body time to rest for the final push early tomorrow. The cloud shawl around Kibo and Mawenzi peaks usually clears by mid-afternoon, revealing spectacular views in all directions. An early dinner is prepared at 5pm, after which you can retire to get some sleep before your wakeup call at 11pm. Wake up arrives with tea. Pre-summit rest at Barafu Hut Campsite
Barafu Camp 15,125 FEET (4,610m) to Uhuru Peak 19,341 FEET(5,895m) to Mweka Camp 10,171 FEET(3,100m)
Hiking Time: 11-12 hours
In the darkness you will pass Rebman Glacier and Mawebzi Peak. At Stella Peak you will be rewarded with awesome view of the extinct volcanoe's huge crater with the ash pit rising up in the center. As the sun rises over an endless sea of clouds, its light reaching in all directions around you and broken only by the smaller peak of Mt. Meru in the distance, you begin the final hour ascent around the gently sloped crater rim towards Uhuru Peak. Upon reaching the highest point of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 meters, you can finally say that you are on the "Roof of Africa". You breathe in with satisfaction, sign the elite summit log, capture the feat with some pictures, and soon begin your descent, as the cold and high altitude take their toll. The whole eastern sky is lit by a golden, fiery glow.
The horizon is visible so far in either direction that the curve of the earth can be clearly seen. Physical relief comes as high altitude discomfort is soon dispelled by the quick 2 to 3 hour descent to Barafu and the air is warmed by the exposed sun. There you are rewarded with a short nap and a hearty lunch, before you continue your descent to Mweka Hut Campsite (3100m), approximately 3 hours. This comfortable altitude around the cloudline will allow you to get some much deserved rest. Dinner and Overnight: Mweka Hut Campsite.
Mweka Hut (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1800m) (Approx. 4 hour walk)
On your final morning on the mountain, after breakfast, start to descend from the camp. Discretional tipping of your guide, cook, and porters is customary at this time. Descend through the rain forest. Our One World Safari Tours Team will be at the gate to greet you with celebratory libations, your elite climbing medals, and loads of congratulations. After your short celebration, sign out at the park office and receive your summit certificates. A shuttle will be waiting to take you back to your lodge in Arusha for showers and rest. Overnight at Rivertrees country inn lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast at the lodge, you'll head off on a game drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its countless herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees. Spend the day learning about the elephants, spotting lions, and taking in the breathtaking views of this vast park. Stay overnight at Maramboi luxury safari tented camp or similar, where you can spend the evening relaxing under the stars and listening to the sounds of Africa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. Locally grown coffee, tea, water, and snacks available at any time
Safari to Ngorongoro crater
Awake early for a sunrise safari to the infamous Ngorongoro Crater, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This volcanic caldera has its own ecosystem and is home to a vast array of wildlife, including one of the largest populations of lions on the planet. Be surrounded by hundreds of wildebeests, come within yards of zebras, ostrich, hyenas, buffalo, and, yes, even lions! All the while keeping a watchful eye out for the rare and elusive black rhino. Continue on an afternoon drive before retiring to your Endoro luxury lodge for the evening around Ngorongoro crater rim
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. Locally grown coffee, tea, water, and snacks available at any time
Safari to Lake Manyara National park
Meals: Breakfast and lunch provided. Locally grown coffee, tea, water, and snacks available at any time
After breakfast at the lodge, proceed to Lake Manyara National Park, a great salt lake that is home to flamingos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and hippos. After a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic viewpoints in the park, your driver guide will take you back to your Arusha lodge. Overnight at Rivertrees country inn lodge or similar
Charity visit
After breakfast at the lodge, depart for a visit to the local charity or village your trip has supported. Spend time visiting the school, orphanage, community or health center, or remote village, which has been funded by a portion of your safari. After your visit, depart for the airport or relax for the afternoon in Arusha prior to your evening or late night transport to the airport for your return flight home.
Karibu tena Tanzania yetu nchi nzuri, (Welcome again to our beautiful country Tanzania)
More Details
Camp in sturdy and cozy mountain tents in dramatic settings on your Kilimanjaro journey.
Comfortable, stylish accommodation in permanent Tented Camps and semi luxury safari lodges
Reliable Electricity and Hot Showers
Restaurant, Picnic, & Buffet meal service of Swahili - continental Food
A sample menu
Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
Toast, Biscuits with margarine, jam, peanut butter
Eggs, meat, sausage
Fresh fruits: mango, banana, avocado, watermelon, oranges
Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
Chicken or Vegetable Soup
Bread, Biscuits or Pancakes with jam, peanut butter
Sandwich with meat or cheese, boiled egg
Snack: Peanuts, popcorn, cake, cookies
Fresh fruits and vegetables, or fruit salad: tomato, cucumber, onion, carrots
Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
Chicken or Vegetable Soup
Bread, Biscuits or Pancakes with jam, peanut butter
Roasted chicken, beef or fish
Potatoes, rice, or pasta
Fresh Vegetables: carrots, peas, tomato, beans
- Airport pick up and drop off
- All national park, climbing and camping Fees
- Mandatory mountain rescue fee
- Accommodations (3 nights safari lodge, 5 nights tent camping & 2 nights luxury lodgin while on safari)
- Meals and water as indicated on your itinerary
- Private mountain guide, cook, and park ranger while on mountain
- 3-4 porters per person (required)
- All camping equipment, including mountain tents, subzero sleeping bags, deluxe sleeping mats, camp pillows, etc.
- Transportation to and from mountain
- Summit completion certificate
- Champagne toast upon descent
- Celebratory snacks after the climb
- Passport/visa fees
- Single supplement
- Gratuities
- Personal travel or baggage insurance (recommended)
- Meals or drinks not specified by itinerary
- Any costs not specified as included
- Sodas, alcohol or other drinks at lodge
- Laundry services
- Personal clothing and gear, i.e. backpack
- Additional cultural excursions, safaris, or beach holidays prior to or after climb
- Add 3 more days to Serengeti national park on safari to make a total of 6 days/5 nights - Ask in advance, price $1,250
- Zanzibar beach holiday after the clymb - Ask in advance
- Waterfall hike $95
- Coffee plantation tour $50
- Day with Maasai $150
- Tribal excursion (overnight) $250
- Mto wa Mbu cultural walk $50
- Biking tour Lake Manyara area $75
- Night game drive in Serengeti $40
- Balloon with breakfast $550
- Zanzibar extension ASK


text:
Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2006
Publication Date: 5/1/2006
Citation: Coblentz, W.K. 2006. Baled Silage for Livestock. Progessive Hay Grower. 7(3):13-18.
Interpretive Summary: Storing forage crops as baled silage or 'balage' offers many advantages over other harvesting methods for many producers. These include: 1) eliminating the need for wilting to a low moisture content before baling; 2) less reliance on weather conditions, thereby increasing the potential for harvest at the proper maturity; 3) enhancement of flexibility because baling equipment can be used for silage or dry hay; 4) easy expansion of the system to accommodate as much forage as necessary; and 5) flexibility to handle small quantities of forage, which is much more difficult with larger silo types. Good techniques and management are essential for satisfactory preservation of forages as balage. Essential aspects of management include: 1) close monitoring of plastic wraps to maintain the integrity of the silo plastic; 2) wilting to proper ensiling moisture (45 to 65%); 3) prompt sealing of individual bales; 4) proper handling of wrapped bales; 5) good storage site preparation and maintenance; 6) and use of high-quality plastics with appropriate amounts of inhibitors of ultraviolet light, which are known to cause deterioration of silage plastics. Using baled silage in animal feeding programs can improve profit by reducing concentrate costs, minimizing forage losses from rain, and enhancing nutritive value relative to rain-damaged or excessively mature hays.
Technical Abstract: Storing forage crops as baled silage or 'balage' offers many advantages over other harvesting methods for many producers; however, a number of key management issues must be addressed to ensure satisfactory fermentation and stable storage prior to feeding. These management issues are discussed in detail, along with some of the scientific background that supports typical recommendations made to producers that should optimize performance in the field.
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #202124
Title: Baled Silage for Livestock Author


text:
Powered by PornMD
Exotic beauty Agnes Mirai (AKA Agnes, Li-Mei) is an absolutely stunning Asian porn starlet hailing from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Scholars of erotic films will no doubt make note of the rarity of actresses from this region, comparing her to Tolly Cristal, but most viewers will have trouble caring about anything but the incredibly sexy and beautiful Agnes getting nailed on video. She's been making sex movies since 2007, when she was an ambiguous 22 years old, and she drops new flicks infrequently enough to keep us horny viewers on the edges of our seats, dicks in hand, ready for the next one.
One of her first films was Big Toys No Boys 6 with Anita Queen. The flick gave us a pretty good idea of what Agnes Mirai is into - namely toys and other lesbians. Secrets Of The Suburbs, also starring Black Angelika, exposed some secrets I hope to one day uncover in my own seemingly boring town, and My Sexy Kittens 31 shows Agnes getting off all by herself. Well, not entirely by herself if you count all the viewers who had no choice but to blow a few loads to the scene.
With such a winning combination of good lucks, sexual appetite and ability, it's obvious that Agnes keeps a low pornographic profile by choice. While most of us will wish for much more, we'll certainly be happy with what we have and what she chooses to keep giving us. If you're not already a regular viewer of Agnes Mirai clips, it's probably because you haven't discovered her yet.


text:
|Record Label
|Prem's Spew
|George Abdo and his Flames of Araby Orchestra
|Belly Dance!|The Best of George Abdo and his Flames of Araby Orchestra
|Smithsonian Folkways
|a collection of George Abdo's recordings from the mid- to late-1970s featuring an amalgam of Middle Eastern and Western influences, drawing from the cultural backgrounds of his band's musicians from Syria, Israel/Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Armenia, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, and beyond; these performances were geared to the audiences of the Middle Eastern supper clubs of the period in the US and were accompanied by belly dancers--however, the material on this CD stands its own ground even without the visual stimulation of the dancers and features a myriad of Middle Eastern and Western instruments including oud, guitar, bouzouki, dumbek, violin, oboe, bongos, congas, darabukkah, qanun, trumpet, finger cymbals, drumset, claves, bass guitar, tabla, timpani, and baglama in quirky arrangements (even a bolero!)...all accentuating Abdo's lush vocal textures
|Acid Mothers Temple & the Melting Paraiso U.F.O.
|Electric Heavyland
|three epic tracks worth of blistering psychedelic rock laden with thundering guitar riffs reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, dark atmospheres, heavy jam sessions, schizoid wails, panning echoey electronic backgrounds, gnome-like ethereal voices and more; the pace of each of these tracks varies greatly, from droningly meditative to meticulously convoluted to awe-inspiringly throb-ulicious, once again brought to us by Kawabata Makoto and friends of Osaka, Japan
|Composer: Luciano Berio
Performers: Kim Kashkashian, Robyn Schulkowsky, & Radio Symphonieorchester Wien
Conductor: Dennis Russell Davies
|ECM Records
|on this, one of the final recordings of this late virtuoso, a violist, a percussionist, and a symphony orchestra circumambulate Sicilian folk music, drawing inspiration from its simplicity and integrating it into movements that vary from majestic to melancholy, contemplative to unsettling, consonant to dissonant--and included on this disc between the two main orchestral pieces are five old raw recordings of Sicilian folk musicians focused mainly upon Sicilian folk singing as augmented by the mouth harp and zampogna, or reed-pipe; in the second orchestral piece, the voice of a pre-recorded Italian vocalist is interposed, initiating a peculiar and captivating interplay between the taped voice and the violist that blurs the distinction between 'popular music' and 'art music,' a distinction for which Berio was never known to have had much respect [2001 release]
|Tim Berne
|The Sevens
|New World Records
|performances of Berne's compositions featuring Marc Ducret on acoustic guitar, the ARTE Quartett (Beat Hofstetter/Sascha Armbruster/Andrea Formenti/Beat Kappeler) on saxophones, David Torn on electric guitar and as remixer...and on the album's epic track, Quicksand, Berne himself joins in on saxophone; these pieces range in character from reservedly contemplative to torrid, sometimes modified by David Torn's electronic sound sculpting, and the tracks involving the saxophone quartet bring to mind some of the quirkier material of ROVA Saxophone Quartet while Ducret's acoustic guitar performances inspire comparisons with some of the darker works of Marc Ribot
|Brother JT3
|Drag City
|Brother JT (John Terlesky) teams up with a few pals to churn out an engaging set of psychedelic rock tunes, each with its own personality and wit; whether or not he intends these songs to elevate you to a spiritual plane is, um, debatable, but with their wealth of memorable riffs and choruses and their easygoing, quirky character it's hard not to be moved to forget about your worldly concerns for a little while to sit back and indulge yourself in the melodies of the moment
|Buffalo Daughter
|Emperor Norton
|an undoubtedly poppy offering this time around, steering clear of some of the more experimental leanings of Buffalo Daughter's earlier releases and instead indulging in bubbly choruses, airy (and sometimes eerie) synths, and ethereal strings once in awhile; there's a heavy presence of European feel-good 1960s pop here, but with computerized rhythms mixed in as a contrast to the drums and with departures into robotized vocals and wah-wah style guitar...even a bit of disco (???)...but it all manages to hold together beautifully and seamlessly for a dreamy listening experience [2001 release]
|Dan Cantrell
|Divided Loyalties
|Odd Shaped Case
|the soundtrack to the film of the same name, Divided Loyalties examines the musical traditions of the island of Cyprus as well as the Turkish, Greek, and Bulgarian roots of those traditions to reflect the mixture of joy and sorrow of those who have resided there over the course of history; from a bouncy ceremonial wedding jig to a melancholy taqsim, many different forms appear here involving santur, violin, doumbek, tanbur, clarinet, accordion, guitar, oud, daf, vocals and more [2001 release]
|Srikanth Chary
|Tiger + Silk
|Dhwani Productions
|crisp, rich ragas focused upon the veena, an ancient stringed instrument in some ways similar to the sitar but with an earthier, less metallic tone; unlike the sitar, an instrument most commonly associated with the Hindustani music of North India, the veena is prevalent in the South Indian Carnatic music which Chary has mastered with intricate improvisation and beautiful gamakams, or bends in pitch characteristic of this music, as well as elegant rhythmic accompaniment (or talas) provided by musicians performing on the mridangam, ghatam, and kanjira (the percussion instruments of Carnatic music)
|DJ Cheb I Sabbah
|Krishna Lila
|Six Degrees Records
|this release tends far more towards the classical music of both North and South India than one might expect, given the DJ/remix connotation, and modern elements such as electronic rhythms and reverb/echo effects are employed very sparingly; several live groups are featured on this recording, involving the Carnatic music of South India and employing vocals and related instruments such as the veena, ghatam, mridangam, violin, as well as the Hindustani music of North India implementing vocals and instruments such as the tabla, bansuri (flute), daf and sarod and featuring such well-known musicians as Karsh Kale, among others--also, Bill Laswell adds his signature basslines on some of the tracks, making this an excellent blend of ancient and modern
|Clarinet Trio Two
|Translucent Tones
|Leo Records
|Gebhard Ullmann (bass clarinet), J�rgen Kupke (clarinet), and Theo Nabicht (bass clarinet) team up to fashion some of the most free-flowing and (dare it be said) FUN avant-garde works to be found for clarinet trio--or any ensemble, for that matter--as each clarinetist here circumambulates the others, musically speaking, but with such grace that the effort never seems forced or strained as the myriad influences of each player work their way into the interchange during both the compositional phases and the improvisational phases of each piece; some tracks squeak and quiver in a goofily playful manner (two such tracks by Nino Rota, incidentally), while other tracks adopt a more solemn (though never stolid) guise
|The Nels Cline Singers
|stark performances that bring together elements of rock and jazz with avant-garde developments and unusual time signatures; Cline's intricate guitar work shifts back and forth between contemplative introspection and aggressive riffage, occasionally evoking the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, while Scott Amendola and Devin Hoff keep pace on drums and acoustic bass, respectively, countering with equally unpredictable percussion flourishes and plucked basslines or weepy bowed bass-scapes (and just in case you're wondering...the instruments are the "singers")
|The Consumers
|All My Friends Are Dead
|In the Red Records
|blazing punk rock recorded back in 1977 (and being issued for the first time on CD) with lightning-paced dual guitar attacks that incorporate riveting rhythms into the syncopated riffs, while a prickly vocalist sounds like he's about to stick his head out of your stereo and bite you; too bad the eleven tracks on this release clock in at under 19 minutes long total--another 15 minutes would have been more than welcome! [2001 reissue]
|Johnny Dowd
|The Pawnbroker's Wife
|yet another album of warped, wryly bitter country/blues/folk-flavored rock from this cantankerous coot, seething with suppressed inner turmoil and disingenuousness; Dowd plays one of the meanest guitars in the business, though this release leans a bit more heavily on creepy bass synths than on previous albums, and Dowd's penchant for unsettling female backing choruses reveals itself more powerfully while other elements (such as a sitar?!?!) turn up unexpectedly in the musical gumbo
|Mark Dresser Trio
|an exploration of the lower end of the sonic spectrum, dominated on the darker pieces by Dresser's somber bowed bass textures and unusual harmonics (generated using what he calls a 'giffus'--an alternatively-placed pickup) and on the brighter pieces by his bouncy basslines and/or walking bass, which bring to mind a stroll on a breezy autumn afternoon; the accompaniment on this disc further distinguishes it, introducing eerie passages on the rarely-heard contrabass flute (as well as perkier flautistry from a variety of flutes, as played by Mathias Ziegler) and a panoply of scrapes, clanks, buzzes, and jangles from the prepared piano of Denman Maroney (who occasionally transitions to sounds more commonly associated with the piano), which when experienced as a unit makes your spine tingle
|Jewlia Eisenberg
|from operatic choruses to gnomish musings to wails and moans, Eisenberg carefully sculpts the human voice on this mostly a cappella release, employing the peculiar relationship of Walter Benjamin and Asja Lacis (two 'radical Jews') as a foundation for the lyrical interplay while applying Bulgarian choruses, doo-wop structures, hymn-like intonation, some African hand percussion, and the recurring beat-box rhythms of Frank Grau; Eisenberg's peers from Charming Hostess appear on this release (as do guests from Faun Fables/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum), but the primary focus is upon the voices of Eisenberg, Carla Kihlstedt, and Nina Rolle [2001 release]
|Electro-Magnetic Trans-Personal Orchestra
|Electro-Magnetic Trans-Personal Orchestra
|Pax Recordings
|outwardly structured yet inherently cryptogenic improvisation for an ensemble of strings, reeds, tuba, guitar, and accordion with an occasional unstructured vocal; each track included here ranges from meek to mercurial, often with phases of blitzkrieg bowing countered with reservedly nippy woodwinds, delivering a scintillatingly gripping though uneasy listen
|Fred Frith
|Fred Records/Cuneiform
|mind-warping collages of shrieking electric guitar, gutteral croaking, jarring radio static, gloomily moaning church organ, a variety of clickety poppety mouth noises, gyrating power tools, mysterious whispers, bassy throbbiness, and a few orchestral instruments thrown in here and there for good measure; although at first glance the aforementioned components might, in sum, seem abhorrently unlistenable, Frith diabolically employs awkward structures, aberrant rhythms, and dissonant harmonies to coax these factors into musical coagulation [2001 release]
|Composer: Fred Frith
Performer: Rova Saxophone Quartet
|Freedom in Fragments
|smoothly jagged, jaggedly smooth compositions for multiple saxophones, witnessing moments of jabbery convolution, flowing quasi-exposition, and surreptitious collusions of both; Frith, never one to follow the well-traveled path, strays into the woods on this release, but remains within walking distance of civilization--these compositions, though by no means mainstream, temper the shocking dissonance and grit for which some of his recordings are known
|The Hunches
|Yes. No. Shut It. (CD) + Got Some Hate/Lost Time Frequency (7")
|In the Red Records
|a barrage of punk rock with revved up blues lying just beneath the surface--a harsh, jarring performance featuring screaming guitar, a heavily distorted howling male vocalist, chugging bass, slamming drums, screeching feedback...and two vacuum cleaners running in the background of every track (nope, it ain't a lie--vacuum cleaners...); the 7" contains a b-side (Lost Time Frequency) that can't be found on the CD, but shouldn't be missed
|The Japonize Elephants From Zorlock, Land of the Lost
|40 Years of Our Family
|TZME Productions
|once again the Zorlockians weave together a fabric of diverse threads from the realms of bluegrass, gypsy music, blues, jazz, folk, and more--all imbued with the characteristic kookiness for which they've come to be known; banjos, xylophone, accordion, violin, guitars, horns, junk percussion, and bowed saw aplenty, among other things, as well as a guest appearance from Dawn McCarthy and Nils Frykdahl of Faun Fables
|Joan Jeanrenaud
|New Albion
|on Jeanrenaud's first solo release since her departure from Kronos Quartet, her cello often becomes the medium of exploration into the darker realms of the human psyche, as several of the six compositions found on this release (composed by Jeanrenaud, Steve Mackey, Hamza El Din, Karen Tanaka, Philip Glass, and Mark Grey) were written in contemplation of somber subject material or as reflections upon memories of environs destroyed by fate; she accompanies herself on several tracks with looped cello layering and on others with electronics or real-time computer sound analysis and feedback--but never in a technophilial manner--and each rendition sweeps into and out of heavier and lighter phases both gracefully and decisively
|Jeff Kaiser/Brad Dutz
|The Order of Her Bones
|a captivating sonic jumble of jittery brass exclamations from Jeff Kaiser (on trumpet/flugelhorn) and the percussive equivalent of feigned conspiratorial psychobabble from Brad Dutz (on a plethora of percussion instruments, most notably the marimba, vibraphone, gongs, bells, drums, and more--as well as on several non-percussion instruments); the pieces hold together, however, and bring to mind the free-form exploration of the Art Ensemble of Chicago
|The Lost Sounds
|Rat's Brains & Microchips
|raging space-freak punk rock with a tinge of goth, hosting rapid-fire guitar/bass/synth, pounding drums, and howling vox (both male and female); each of the tracks here refuses to stick to any one scheme for too long, but rather grasps you by the earlobes and continually jerks your unsuspecting brain into some kind of concussive dementia with raw yet manipulatively mutating rhythms, seemingly Frankenstein-inspired riffs, and lyrics that would serve well as the plot for an apocalyptic sci-fi flic
|Mat Maneri featuring Joe McPhee
|Thirsty Ear
|lingering, melancholy compositions and improvisation with a spectral feel, featuring Maneri on viola/electric viola, McPhee on soprano saxophone, William Parker on upright bass, Gerald Cleaver on drums, and Craig Taborn on piano/keyboards; some tracks focus upon single instruments--Alone (Origin), Alone (Construct), Alone (Unravel), Alone (Cleanse), and Alone (Mourn) feature Maneri, Taborn, Parker, Cleaver, and McPhee (respectively) individually creating haunting tapestries--while the other tracks bring the players together in a fascinatingly dreary confluence
|Maneri Ensemble
|Going to Church
|Aum Fidelity
|captivating jumbliness certainly not intended for adherents to the easy listen, the three considerably extensive tracks (one longer than 31 minutes) on this release steer you through the swells and troughs of a turbulent sea of sounds emanating from Roy Campbell's trumpets, Joe Maneri's saxophones, Mat Maneri's viola, Matthew Shipp's piano, Barre Phillips' bass, and Randy Peterson's drums; in each track moments arise when two or more players focus on a theme, and then disperse to regroup with other players to focus upon other themes which spontaneously arise, as though the players are members of several pods of dolphins--none mutually exclusive of the others--which interact while navigating the depths
|Man Or Astroman?
|A Spectrum of Finite Scale
|[self-released--available only at live performances]
|not the power surf you might expect from this band, but rather a project that tends far more toward the electronic leanings of Man Or Astroman?--as a matter of fact, the band doesn't even function as a band here at all, since each track is performed by only one or two members at a time, with guests on a few cuts; weird synthy atmospheres play a large part, with science-fiction-inspired music/voices and rockin' electric guitar here and there...and one track that sounds like it was composed by a photocopier [2000 release]
|Musical Monogram
|TZME Productions
|hard jazz/rock with elements of klezmer and Eastern European folk carefully woven in; for those who enjoyed the harder material of The Vandermark 5, this release will bring back fond memories with its blaring saxophones, twisted time signatures, and heavy rhythm section--but here, the time signatures reveal underlying gypsy/klezmer roots rather than, say, prog rock or the like, creating a unique amalgam that's both radical and traditional at once
|Return of the Loving Dead
|Hellcat Records
|raging electric guitar, flyin' rockabilly bass pluckin' & drum chops, and a singer whose growly voice sometimes sounds like some kind of psychopathic Elvis make up the guts of this release, which dips into elements of 50s rock as disguised by creepy whispers, dungeon laughter, and a variety of ghoulish sounds; this album holds together surprisingly well in spite of its cornball pretext, with a host of well-developed choruses and lots of unexpected departures into areas into which one might not expect a kooky band such as this to venture
|Ustad Mohammad Omar featuring Zakir Hussain
|Virtuoso from Afghanistan
|Smithsonian Folkways
|now released commercially in full for the first time, this live performance from 1974 brought together two masters--Mohammad Omar, master of the rabab (a lute heard frequently in Afghani traditional and classical music) and Zakir Hussain, who even in his early years had already risen to the upper echelons of the tabla players of India and hence shone brightly through the intricate rhythms and tapestries he wove into this performance; as Afghani music is heavily influenced by the musical traditions of North India and Pakistan (as well as ancient Persia), Mohammad Omar and Zakir Hussain bonded instantly, establishing a fluid musical rapport steeped in the shared influences of their two cultures, even though they had never before met one another and did not even speak a common language
|The Quails
|perkily punchy rock from this trio, with a growling, fuzzy bass guitar skulking ominously beneath the bouncy vocals, synths, and guitar; the female vocalist's high register and in-your-face, choppy singing style immediately bring to mind The Need (if you're familiar with that band), except that an equally boisterous male vocalist also sings on some of the tracks as a contrast, and that the rhythms here don't get quite as haywire as The Need's
|Roger Reynolds
|All Known All White
|three extensive and unsettling compositions, the first from 1978 and the second two from 1968 and 1969, respectively, which combine live performances with electronics and/or pre-recorded sounds in real time; all compositions feature the piano prominently in a dark context, enwrapped in layers of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and/or live electronics/taped material and involving the type of algorithmic complexities one might associate with John Cage
|Jason Robinson
|Accretions Records
|if such a thing as "death jazz" truly exists, you'll encounter it here as Robinson (usually on sax, but sometimes on flute/electronics/clarinet) pairs up with the other eight musicians featured here (on trombone, piano, contrabass, guitar, percussion, and a sea of electronics and analog synthesizers) for sessions of meningeal scouring and mercilessly carcinogenic improvisation; speak softly, and carry a big sax
|Jimbo Trout and the Fishpeople
|It's Breaktime! Live! With Jimbo Trout & the Fishpeople
|live indeed--rowdy performances of traditional folk classics as well as a bluegrass composition by Bill Monroe, a swing piece from Lester Young, and other tracks from a variety of influences (George & Ira Gershwin, Jim Jackson, Vassar & Millie Clements, more); the original trio of Trout on guitar/banjo, Steve Neil on bass, and Jimmy Sweetwater on washboard percussion has now expanded to include saxophonist/clarinetist Greg Laakso and fiddler Chad Clouse, providing a fuller backing for Trout's "high lonesome sound"
|Xiu Xiu
|Knife Play
|5 Rue Christine
|a dark, creepy, excursion into the bleak realm frequented only by goth bands, with the characteristic "I'm slowly dying" style vocals and murky synth atmospheres; this release differs from the others, however, given the unexpected variety of influences and instruments shrewdly wrapped into these tracks, from gamelan percussion to dark noizjazz textures, from gongs to bass accordion to harmonium on this cryptically creative offering
|Xiu Xiu
|Chapel of the Chimes
|Absolutely Kosher
|this EP is similar in many ways to 'Knife Play' (see above), featuring lugubriously spooky vocals which augment harsh percussion soundscapes and dissonant synths to coagulate into a toxically vicious yet viscous liquid, seeping slowly into the dark recesses of your subconsciousness; one should note that 'Chapel of the Chimes' is the name of a commercial chain of funeral homes, mausoleums, columbariums, memorial parks and cemeteries in Northern California


text:
Lets do this thing! #blizzardofoz
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Bringing in all the cattle off wheat pasture and sending them to the feedyard ahead of a potential winter storm.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Got my "goop" girl adding pipe sealant to some pipe fittings. Getting the planter all plumbed and ready to plant corn. I can get use to this.....
Saturday, February 9, 2013
This is what it's all about. Our own Diamond Rock rib eyes. Soon to be sold at Prairie Harvest in Newton Kansas. No hormones used, just a whole lot of locally grown grass and grain from the flint hills of Kansas.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Pombo v. City of Providence (2015)
Category: Free Speech
This lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court by ACLU of RI volunteer attorneys Shannah Kurland and John W. Dineen, is on behalf of Manuel Pombo, a 62-year-old local street musician (or "busker") who has been arrested once, and threatened with arrest on numerous other occasions, for playing his saxophone on sidewalks and street corners in Providence. The license not only prohibits him from soliciting donations for his performances, it allows him to perform solely at the unbridled discretion of police officers. This is the third time in five years the ACLU of Rhode Island has sued the City of Providence for interfering with the exercise of free speech rights on the City's streets and sidewalks. When the suit was filed Mr. Pombo said: "I love to play the saxophone and I know that it has brought joy to many people. But I now live in constant fear of being arrested for playing my music, and it takes a physical toll on me. This is not the way a city that claims to be arts-friendly should treat anybody."
In January 2016, a settlement was reached. As a result of the settlement, the City of Providence can no longer order Pombo to stop performing on public property or require him to obtain a permit to perform on public property absent violation of any other valid ordinances. The settlement agreement further stipulates that "because soliciting donations is protected speech under the First Amendment," the City cannot stop Pombo from soliciting or accepting donations for his performances. The City also agreed to pay compensatory damages.
Related Documents
Related News Releases
- Jan 06, 2016 - Providence Street Musician Can Perform Without Interference In Settlement of Free Speech Case
- Jul 14, 2015 - ACLU Sues Providence To Defend Street Musician's Right To Play In Public


text:
Hello my locked ones! Chastity devices are like my shoe collection: so many to choose from, and each has their pro's and cons! I mean, I love my sky high stilettos, but also love the comfy, warm uggs. At this point it may be hard to think of your device as "comfy" but perhaps broken in?
Have you looked in to all the different kinds of chastity devices? It is important to find just the right fit, and one to fit your lifestyle. And size. Yes, size really does matter, as we all know. cb600 has a s model for short. The birdlock has a mini for your mini me. Mature metal does precise measurements, so you are fit to size.
Which one suits you?
I can help you with that, but we need a long conversation to determine which one is best. Then once we determine which one is the best fit (hehe) you will need to learn chastity care. That is another important aspect of being caged.
Hygiene is important, but its not like you can whip it out and wash. And I would hate to put temptation in your hands. The combination of warm, sudsy water and handling your cock and the next thing you know our chastity program has gone to hell and out of my hands!
Big decisions
So take your time, read the reviews and the blogs here. I am happy to help you figure it out and answer questions along the way. I think chastity is really awesome kink and this is why I am love being a chastity Mistress…I love putting you on a chastity program, coaching you and owning your orgasms. I love all aspects of it, even the frustration you go through when you think you can't go another day. And yet…you do!


text:
Night-time security is necessary to have because criminals will usually choose to act beneath the cover of darkness. Installing the dead bolts throughout the hinges will bolster your door's strength. This means it is possible to check up on the house from anywhere inside the world by having an internet connection cctv power splitter or cellular reception, whether you happen to be at any office or holidaying in Dubai. But when these are typically programmed, there is really a chance the crucial moments is going to be missed out when the system was recording the incorrect view time.
If that you are considering getting a perfect wireless security camera on or around your commercial and property, there aren't many most important cctv africa youtube tips which could help you. Cameras may be placed wherever it can be necessary for surveillance to happen. If you've knowledge about probability theory, most likely you'll be able to expect success. With multiple features consolidated into one particular device, the TESTER-CCTV-P is ideal for any wide selection of applications. 2) Cele mai multe televizoare furnizeaza "bucla prin" intrări, care sunt oprite.
As suggested by experts, these security devices somehow instill self-discipline likewise. The cameras will must be connected into a total New York City mesh that's able to deliver effective coverage along the whole with the city itself. All functions for instance detection, tracking, and measuring of several parameters are finished without any operator's interference or inputs. By setting up surveillance cameras, DVRs and remote viewing capabilities within the surveillance system, owner of a house associations get yourself cctv quotation pdf a.
There certainly are a few routes you may take, from security lighting to intruder alarms, but none can be as effective as CCTV equipment. The service providers in this particular segment most of which 1 – 5 person teams are increasingly emphasizing CCTV Products catering mostly to business through know contacts. Pay just as much attention as you may to his schedule, and then try to resist all of his efforts to disorient you.
If you are interested in some everyday peace of mind in your home then the spot light cctv xwlb that doubles up like a camera and recorder may very well be ideal. For the CCTV surveillance for being successful, it truly is necessary that perpetrators know in the location in the cameras. In the initial times of CCTV technology there is not much choice but to make the decision for an analog DVR to record security information.
The lag time is additionally reduced (however exists for matter of moments or milliseconds, depending on the CCTV system). You can control this camera from anywhere from the world also it makes for easier use than the usual traditional analog CCTV video system. A quantity of times, machine operators get hurt in the remote section with the facility without someone shopping for them. They are going to be able that can help you find the best one to protect your property or office while staying with your budget.
So, here is often a list with the year 2014, which may help you do not just get aware, but get prepared for working with cyber attacks and threats more efficiently. They will likely be able to help you cctv with audio discover the right one to protect the house or office while staying within your allowance. Since 24 karat gold should be to soft to make jewelry, it needs to get hardened by mixing a few other metal alloys. As it may very well be expected, there isn't a bright line rule with courts in numerous states rendering different rulings and liability always hinges within the particular facts of every case.
Market is flooded with some other kinds of security devices which could get placed in your house and corporate building get ensured of full security. It can be a known idea that cctv security helps many corporate and public utility offices keep their buildings safe. , makes certain that clients receive full 100 % infrastructure or data center uptime. Sure, he tells his wife he's just keeping track of the girls. It's role in documenting historical events is beyond reproach.
Both types have their unique strengths and weaknesses along with the latter present you with more hi-tech and special features. These sorts of cameras for security are certainly common in industries that handle dangerous material like chemical as well as other nuclear industry. Security and surveillance could possibly be the main purposes for having cctv handheld monitor cameras positioned in key locations within a space.


text:
Happy New Year, everyone! It is a little hard to believe that so much has happened in the last year. At this time in 2012, I was still in school working on my thesis. I invigilated exams and worked at a coffee shop. Going to the forests of Ontario and New Brunswick was a distant dream, and all I knew about the Dominican Republic was that it was on an island in the Caribbean. 2012 has been really good to me, and I hope to all of you as well!
In my correspondence with people back home, I am still asked, three months in, what exactly it is that I am doing on my internship here. I think that attests to both my poor record in communicating with people while away, as well as my failure to update this blog sufficiently. So, without further ado, here's a little taste of intern life in the Dominican Republic.
Most of our work has been in the area of documenting enda's existing projects in order to promote them to the wider community. Most of the existing documentation is very technical in nature – number of trees planted, areas under management, that kind of thing. Our work has been to promote some of the stories of the people involved in the reforestation project on the Model Forest website. We've also been working on a new design of the website, which we will have online soon. A big part of the website project has been training people to take over the website once we interns leave. This is a bit of a daunting task, since I have been learning this stuff more or less on the fly.
A secondary project for me has been working on an upcoming project that enda will be working on in the forestry sector. A bit of background: the Dominican Republic is in a special situation as far as forestry goes. Given its tropical, humid environment, a variety of valuable, quick-growing tree species are available. However, it is very difficult to obtain permission to harvest wood for lumber. Ever since the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo (1931-1961), there have been extremely restrictive laws around the felling of trees – it is sometimes said that a person would be punished more severely for killing a mahogany tree than for killing a person. The result of these laws has been positive on the one hand, since the Dominican Republic has been spared the massive deforestation that has afflicted some of its neighbours, most notably Haiti. However, it has crippled the local lumber industry, to the point that the Dominican Republic imports an immense quantity of wood for construction and furniture making. Since the supply of Dominican wood is so scarce, few sawmills have been able to operate in the country. Those that do mainly sell very basic products, such as untreated, green wood that few customers outside of the countryside would want to buy.
The project that enda has envisioned for the forestry sector is one that works with woodlot owners and small sawmills to upgrade their production – increasing the volume and quality of their product while maintaining a sustainable yield. Recently, I attended the first meeting of the newly-formed wood producer's co-op, and helped put together a funding proposal for some of the initial workshops. In the new year, we should be starting with new meetings and workshops, and working on business plans with some of the companies that are interested. Here, again, the work is a mix of things I am familiar with and things that I had never imagined myself doing, which keeps the work exciting.
As well, the new year should hold some more good old-fashioned environmental monitoring work, on forest plantations and some of the older agroforestry sites. We've put the fieldwork side of things on hold since early November because other projects took priority, so it will be good to get back out there soon!
In any case, that's the kind of thing that I've been doing for the last few months, and will continue into 2013! Once again, the very best to all for the new year!


text:
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 Digital Camera available in Black or White features an 18.2MP BSI Exmor R CMOS Sensor along with a powerful 30x optical zoom lens. The combination of the BIONZ X image processor and the image sensor provides sharp images and quick autofocus speeds. The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 30x optical zoom lens has a 35mm focal length equivalency of 24 thru 720mm covering a full array of shooting situations from wide angle thru telephoto. Additionally, the camera also features 60x digital zoom to let you effectively double the optical zoom for distant image capture.
The WX500 also provides Full 1080p HD video acquisition at 60p, 60i, and 24p. In both still image and video modes, the camera offers Optical SteadyShot Hybrid image stabilization to help diminish shake and blur by countering camera movements along 5 axes, resulting in more stable still images and videos even at long focal distances.
Included Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity allows you to move images from your camera to your tablet, computer, or smartphone instantly. With the Sony PlayMemories App which is included you can also employ your smartphone as a remote control device and viewer and send images directly to social media sites.
Pause Slideshow
Know the Sony digital camera you are looking for?Go directly to the camera by using the drop-down menu below


text:
Mortgage Calculator Hopes The American Dream
Mortgage Calculator Hopes: the American Dream
A family and a home of my own .
These are the dreams of millions of little girls .
The harsh reality of adulthood can push those dreams done .
Many times it's just because there seems no way .
a mortgage calculator can crunch the numbers fast and show what it really takes to into a home .
Savings, time and planning can make it happen.
A mortgage calculator is simple to use .
You just fill in the right bits of information, and then ask it to calculate the end result .
You already have the information, such as the selling price of that house you've fallen in love with, and the interest rates that a variety of mortgage lenders are offering .
Then you input different variables into the mortgage calculator to see what kinds of payments you would need to come up with each month.
Use different mortgage calculators to find out whether a fixed rate, or adjustable rate mortgage would be better in your financial situation .
Use a comparative mortgage calculator to see a clearer picture of what each would mean in the terms of real money each month .
Perhaps you need steadier control over your expenditures now .
a fixed rate mortgage would be best to start with the expectation of switching to an adjustable mortgage when your finances are more settled .
Take a look at the length of time you want to be paying your mortgage .
Have the mortgage calculator give you the monthly payments for a variety of different options .
It's possible that a slight increase in monthly payment could substantially reduce the amount of time you're paying for your home .
This is as ideal use for a mortgage calculator as you consider options.
In conjunction with a mortgage calculator, use a home budget calculator to work out the kind of budget you realistically have to work with .
Although it might seem that you can afford this home of your dreams, the reality might be very different .
It sounds okay to think that you'll go without a vacation this year .
Or you could make gifts for Christmas and switch to cheaper brands of groceries in order to be able to live in this house.
But this isn't just for one year; this is going to quite a long term commitment .
You must seriously think about emergency situations .
What would happen to your home if you suddenly became ill and couldn't work, for example? Do the figures you're using with the mortgage calculator allow for homeowner's insurance? What about property taxes?
While you are using the home budget calculator, input a few figures that would be an rough estimate of monthly utilities for the new home .
If it is substantially larger than the one you live in now, you might expect your monthly payments higher than your current ones .
By using this total together with the mortgage calculator total, you can get a fairly accurate picture of what your monthly expenses would be on the new home - and whether or not you are able to afford it without putting it at risk if your finances suddenly decrease!


text: quality-directory.net Login Register Toggle navigation Home HomeSubmitSubmit ArticlesSubmit BusinessSubmit ImagesSubmit LinksSubmit VideosCategory AdsThumbnail AdsSidebar Text AdsSponsor AdsSponsor BannerLatestLinksArticlesImagesVideosBusinessTop ReviewsLinksArticlesImagesVideosAboutAbout usTerms of ServicePrivacy PolicySocial Media RegisterUser AccountsEditor AccountAffiliate ProgramTelemarket quality-directory.net / World Wide Web / Chat Category And Link Type World Wide Web\Chat Site Spotlight MX-Tech High Performance Suspension Innovation, motocross, supercross, Offroad, suspension, accessories, service. Popular Categories Business Advertising Health Concrete and Masonry Computers Entertainment Marketing Travel Education Finance Recent Comments May 04: Ralph M said on Footprints Eco Resort and Spa Do not book this place. We booked and took a long and expensive cab ride, and found absolutely... May 02: Ryan O said on The Art of Space The Art of Space is a wonderful artbook collecting artworks that have been created about space by... Apr 25: Henry F said on Hotel Felix, A Chicago Boutique Hotel Once again I have to ask if the more negative reviews are really about this hotel. Or have... Apr 25: Marla B said on Legends Restaurant Let's face it - you're only going to eat here if you're staying at the hotel,... Apr 25: Karen T said on Attache Resort Motel My family and I have been staying at the attaché for 12 years! We come with a large family group... Stats Active Articles: 5281 Active Business: 2782 Active Images: 3347 Active Sites: 10775 Active Videos: 1 Active Items: 22186 Todays Listings: 0 Main Categories: 24 Sub Categories: 1555 My Account Login Register Switch Template Template 04 responsive Template 03 responsive Breaking News New trial for Baltimore officer in Freddie Gray death set for June SpaceX launches rocket 6 months after accident, then lands Ericsson signs patent deal with Apple, shares soar BMW hit with $40 million U.S. penalty for safety lapses Oil prices hit eleven-year low as global supply balloons BROWSE: All Content Articles Business Images Links Videos Chat 3 Ways to Create a Personalized Experience With Live Chat Jan 13, 2015 | Chat Remember those days in the late nineteen nineties when the Internet was in its infancy, websites took a century to load, and the only way you could deliver top flight customer service was either ... Read more Chat Rooms on the Web Dec 18, 2014 | Chat The World Wide Web was a passive source of infinite information when it was created. Chat room services brought to life a more dynamic and interactive environment as compared to a computer machine ... Read more Online Chat Rooms That Are Used By Millions Of People Dec 18, 2014 | Chat The internet chat rooms are unquestionably fantastic if in case you plan to find yourself a date or perhaps a partner. Generally in an internet chitchat room could certainly be found diverse sort of ... Read more Crucial Details on Free Chat Rooms Dec 18, 2014 | Chat The chat rooms are dependable spots for one to break the boredom and meet new folks. The introduction of the world wide web noticed the introduction of a variety of social networks and trustworthy ... Read more Free Webcam Chat - Your Perfect Companion to Stay in Touch Dec 18, 2014 | Chat With the advent of World Wide Web, we have seen a revolution in the #communication era and free webcam #chat is one such example. It is an excellent service to share information through real time ... Read more How to Get a Girl's Attention in a Chat Room Dec 18, 2014 | Chat Thanks to the World Wide Web, it is now possible to take part in chat rooms where you can talk to and make friends with people your own age. What should you do if you want to get a girl's attention in ... Read more XtreemConneX Chat Oct 24, 2007 | Chat provides free and easy to use java chat rooms for users aged 16+. chat categories include teen chat, general chat, singles chat and local chat. ... Read more HomeHomeSubmitSubmit ArticlesSubmit BusinessSubmit ImagesSubmit LinksSubmit VideosCategory AdsThumbnail AdsSidebar Text AdsSponsor AdsSponsor BannerLatestLinksArticlesImagesVideosBusinessTop ReviewsLinksArticlesImagesVideosAboutAbout usTerms of ServicePrivacy PolicySocial Media RegisterUser AccountsEditor AccountAffiliate ProgramTelemarket234 Main Road, USA, G52 75LS(123) firstname.lastname@example.com connectedTwitterFacebookDiggVimeoYouTubeSkypePowered By: PHP Link Directory. Great collection of free web templates and design services


text:
God loves you. That's right, I'm talking to you. You and nobody else. Forget about the people that you think I might be talking about, other than you, because I'm not talking about them right now, just You. God loves you.
Loves you. When He sees you, he smiles. A big, warm, tender smile. He delights in watching you and hearing what you have to say. He's quiet sometimes, but I'm beginning to think that's because he's so focused on you that he likes to listen more than talk. He's proud of you too. Proud like a daddy. A really proud daddy. Or maybe proud like a grandfather. I imagine him getting out his wallet and showing all of his golfing buddies your picture for the thousandth time, and I imagine them all groaning, "Not again! Every time we get together it's all about your precious kid! We know you're crazy about them, let's just golf already!" But I imagine that he shuts them up and continues to tell them all of your merits anyway. Because he's crazy about you.
When he sees your sadness, I know it hurts him. I know he's just desperate to give you a big hug and tell you how much it saddens him to see that someone hurt you. Or that you hurt someone else and are struggling to know how to move on from that. He is right there with you in that pain. He understands pain so well.
But he doesn't like to live in sadness. Really, he's so joyful. Sometimes he tells you to cheer up because it's going to be okay. Because he really is in control of all things and he really does love you enough to work things out for your good in the long run, and he really does care enough to go to great lengths to keep his promises. And he's pretty awesome at exceeding all of your expectations just to surprise you. Because he's joyful and playful and creative. And he loves you.
God also believes in you. You know, that you can do amazing things because you have a ton of unique characteristics that make you totally unlike any other person in the world. Different personality, interests, taste, talents, and past. After adding the perfect ingredients to make you just the way you are, God hand-mixed the dough that is you, and smiled. "This one's gonna be good." Your looks, mindset, heart, and life are just as he planned. No random stars aligning in the universe, or chance or whatever, when it came to making you, he was intentional. Because he loves you, he believes in you. He has good works set apart for you to do that no one in the world can do as well as you can. He thinks you have unlimited -and largely untapped – potential.
Not only does he believe in you that you can do amazing things, he's also rooting for you. Cheering you on to greater and greater. He wants you to succeed. To achieve great things and be happy and most importantly, to love deeply. He's hoping you will break through the things that set you back, and run on to victory, and when you find victory, he's hoping you will find joy there too. He's not just sitting on the sidelines and screaming at you either, he's running alongside you and encouraging you and patting you on the back, saying, "You can do this! I am here with you and I will not let you fail!" And he's running tirelessly with you to refresh you with the water he brought along, and the sugar water to energize you for the length and toughness of the terrain. He's not making you go this alone, he's working harder than you to see you succeed. He's doing the carrying, and he's talking while he's running. All you have to do is focus, knowing that he will not let you fail. If you fall, he will pick you back up. He will see you through to the end. He is on your side and is fully committed to your victory.
He loves you. He forgives you too. Very eagerly. You may think that because you messed up one too many times, or in that way, that he is angry with you. That he's holding a grudge against you. But he's not. He's not keeping track of your wrongs. He's forgiving you as soon as you come to him with, "So, I messed this one up again…" God is rushing you with a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek, and while you pause to take a breath in the middle of your rehearsed "I don't deserve to be your kid anymore…" speech, he is yelling to everyone that you're back and we all need to throw you a big party because you are restored to the place you had before. He's not concerned with the fact that you don't deserve to be his kid anymore, your opinion on that makes no difference to him. He's just glad you're back. Because he loves you.
He desires intimacy with you too. To know your heart and your thoughts, and to be invited into the sticky places of your soul that you are ashamed of. That you think if people knew about they would reject you automatically. He actually likes being invited into that. He already knows it's there – he sees all – but he really wants you to trust him enough to invite him into your ugliness. He loves you as you are. And he also desires to bring a little or a lot of his light into those hidden spaces to make them less. I don't think they'll ever really go away in any of us (this side of heaven) but I think they are less powerful over us if he is there too. Like a couple of newlyweds who begin to open up to each other in trust, God tenderly invites you to open up to him. Without shame or fear of rejection, just…honestly. Slowly, if that's what it takes, but actually. Because he loves all of you.
And he doesn't just love you, he likes you too. He really, really, really likes spending time with you. He actually gets jealous when you spend too much of your time doing things without inviting him. But not because he's petty or needy, just because he likes you. He enjoys your sense of humor. He likes your taste. He likes hearing your opinion, and sometimes he likes to change your opinion to help you become even more awesome. He thinks that your quirkiness and individualism are just right, and sometimes he gets confused that you would want to be someone else. I mean, don't you know he really likes you as you are? Don't you know he made you who you are? And if he made you who you are, don't you think that you remaining who you are is important to him? I used to think that in order to live pleasing to God I needed to be someone I'm not, but the more I get to know God, the more I wonder if it's more important to God that I live as I am, but with him. You know, in his company.
God loves you. He knows you're not good enough to be in his presence, so HE came to YOU. He did the good things you're not good enough to do, and he invited you into his goodness. If you came into agreement with him about your lack, and you agreed to let him meet you where you are, He claimed you for eternity and put his soul into you so that you can know him forever in full oneness and intimacy with him. Just as we in America pay earnest money when we put an offer in on a house to show that we truly are serious about buying that house, God put earnest money on you. But not money. He put HIMSELF in you to show his seriousness. He is completely sold out on this idea of hanging out with YOU forever. So sold out, in fact, that he even went so far as to die for you. I mean, what more could he do for you?
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31-39, emphasis mine)
God. Loves. You.


text:
Two very different views on enlightenment from two contemporary spiritual masters - Eckhart Tolle and Andrew Cohen.
Binaural Intro Featuring Eckhart Tolle - Obi-nine/RadioKosmos ; A Buddhist Podcast Promo - A Buddhist Podcast ; Surrender - Chemda ; Surrendering to the Now - Eckhart Tolle; The Emerald Valley - Cynthia Jordan.
Please note that binaural beats work best through headphones.
You can also subscribe to BPOD via FeedBurner:
We're on Faceook too:
"A Sangha is a community of resistance, resisting the speed, violence and unwholesome ways of living that are prevalent in our society. Mindfulness is to protect ourselves and others. A good Sangha will lead us in the direction of harmony and awareness. The substance of the practice is most important. The forms can be adapted."~ Thich Nhat Hahn


text:
It's our name, and it is the underlying principle we pursue with a vengeance every day.
We are an innovative, multi-disciplinary marketing group made up of ANALYSTs, strategists and creatives—a dynamic symbiosis of three fundamental elements of the marketing mix.
We believe the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts—that insight, strategy and brand should coexist seamlessly to create truly powerful marketing outcomes.
Start to finish, and all under one roof, we develop strategy forged from analysis and insight, to inspire compelling brand communication.
It's what makes concerto...well, concerto.
We believe that knowledge trumps supposition every time. It's why we are so committed to gaining an intimate understanding of the audience.
Strategy should always be the bridge between insight and action, because research without strategy goes nowhere and a brand without strategy struggles to go anywhere. Certainty is gained from the synergy of all three.
Only when we really understand the audience, and the course is set, do we contemplate a creative platform that inspires, focuses, and ultimately filters targeted creative direction and pinpoint execution.