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How to dismiss harassment like a French woman
A few weeks ago, Catherine Deneuve wrote an open letter, signed by a hundred other French women, calling the #MeToo campaign a "witch hunt." Brigitte Bardot also attacked the movement, claiming that actresses who complain of sexual harassment are only looking for publicity. "The vast majority are being hypocritical and ridiculous," Bardot told the magazine Paris Match.
Would you like to be able to dismiss an epidemic of sexual harassment just like these powerful French women? Here's how!
The Future Of Human Resources
French women don't publicly demonstrate their dismissal of how women have historically been treated by men in power by making one giant hashtag statement. They make dozens of small, idiotic statements throughout the day.
Be Multilingual
Unlike Americans, many of whom speak only English, the French woman knows multiple languages. So, while an American might naïvely think that "no means no," the multilingual French woman knows that nee means no, and nein means no, and non means no, but, most important, "no" generally means "Unless you insist—I don't want to seem like a prude!"
Quality Counts
A French woman would never blame a victim of harassment for wearing a low-cut blouse or a tight skirt. She would blame her for wearing a low-cut blouse that is a poly-cotton blend.
Go Fresh-Faced
The French woman embraces minimalism: minimal makeup, minimal hair product, minimal standards for appropriate behavior by men in power.
Read more at The New Yorker.
The book that completely changed the way I approach my life and career
- The majority of people spend most of their week working and looking forward to free time outside work hours.
- However, it is important that the time we invest in our professional lives is also rewarding and enjoyable.
- In order to maximize our time in life, we should ensure that each pursuit we engage with— from business to leisure — brings happiness and fulfillment.
One of the biggest mysteries in modern day life is something that we're all guilty of.
Please answer me this: Why do we work 8–9 hours a day so that we can earn free time, while we endlessly waste that hard-earned free time?
Have you ever looked at it this way? It's an absurd way of living. And yet, everyone with a traditional job lives that way.
I remember the moment I realized that vividly. It was about three years ago. At the time, I worked at an IT Research firm in London while working on my own business in the evenings and weekends.
I was sitting on the train to home after a day at the office. And I was reading "On The Shortness Of Life" by Seneca. That book is famous for causing a shift in thinking for a lot of people.
I've met (and read about) many people who say that Seneca had an impact on the way they live. I don't know why, but the simplicity and directness of Seneca's writing hits you hard.
So I was just sitting there on the train like the millions of other folks who commute daily in London. It sounds like I'm setting the scene of a cheesy drama movie about an alcoholic who decides to better their life.
Believe me, my situation wasn't that dramatic. It was just an ordinary day. A day that you forget you ever had because it's similar to the day before … And the day before that. Do you know that feeling? Sometimes life feels like an endless deja vu.
But this specific section from On The Shortness Of Life made me think:
"It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it. Life is long enough, and a sufficiently generous amount has been given to us for the highest achievements if it were all well invested."
I thought about how I invested my time: About two and a half hours on the train each day, working a job I wasn't passionate about and spending my free time drinking in the pub with coworkers, watching TV shows or gossiping at work.
We all work hard to earn two things: Money and free time that we can spend on leisure activities. Sounds pretty normal, right? But the s—– part is that we end up wasting that time on bull—- activities. Seneca continues to talk about time:
"But when it is wasted in heedless luxury and spent on no good activity, we are forced at last by death's final constraint to realize that it has passed away before we knew it was passing. So it is: we are not given a short life but we make it short, and we are not ill-supplied but wasteful of it … Life is long if you know how to use it."
Read more at Business Insider.
My Woody Allen problem
On the morning of the Oscar nominations, I was chatting with a stranger about movies, as one does. The conversation turned to Woody Allen. "My son has seen all his movies, and he thinks he's innocent," she said. "I've seen all his movies, and I think he's guilty," I said. There was not much else to say.
There is a lot more to say. The words we chose weren't quite the right ones. Innocence and guilt are legal (and also metaphysical) standards, but when we talk about the behavior of artists and our feelings about them, we are inevitably dealing with much messier, murkier, subjective issues. It's not just a matter of whether you believe Dylan Farrow's accusation of sexual abuse — reiterated a few weeks ago in a television interview — or the denial from her father, Mr. Allen. It's also a matter of who deserves the benefit of the doubt.
The charge that Mr. Allen molested Dylan Farrow surfaced in 1992, in the wake of his breakup with Mia Farrow. That rupture was caused by Mia Farrow's discovery that Mr. Allen was sexually involved with Soon-Yi Previn, who was her adopted daughter, though not Mr. Allen's. His defenders (including his and Mia Farrow's adopted son Moses) suggest that the allegation of abuse was the invention of a spurned woman lashing out against the man who had humiliated her.
The severity of that accusation, and Mr. Allen's steadfast denial of it, had the curious effect of neutralizing what might otherwise have been a reputation-destroying scandal. "The heart wants what it wants," he famously said, and what his 56-year-old heart desired was a 21-year-old woman he had known since she was a child. He married her, kept making movies, and the whole business faded into tabloid memory.
I remember the debating points vividly, which is to say I remember invoking them in arguments with friends at the time. Ms. Previn was not a minor. Mr. Allen and her mother had never lived together. He was not Soon-Yi's father, or even her stepfather, even if he was the father of her half-siblings. And besides, Mr. Allen's love life was personal, and therefore irrelevant. What mattered was the work.
For more than two decades, Mr. Allen's credibility as an artist was undiminished. The reception of his movies fluctuated, but critics (myself included) often enough found reason to hail a return to form after a fallow period. He won awards, and actors clamored for the chance to appear in his films. Only now has that started to change.
The old defenses are being trotted out again. Like much else that used to sound like common sense, they have a tinny, clueless ring in present circumstances. The separation of art and artist is proclaimed — rather desperately, it seems to me — as if it were a philosophical principle, rather than a cultural habit buttressed by shopworn academic dogma. But the notion that art belongs to a zone of human experience somehow distinct from other human experiences is both conceptually incoherent and intellectually crippling. Art belongs to life, and anyone — critic, creator or fan — who has devoted his or her life to art knows as much.
Read more at The New York Times.
Age of Folly: America abandons its democracy
A history of America from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of Donald Trump, by the editor of Lapham's Quarterly.
In twenty-five years of imperial adventure, America has laid waste to its principles of democracy. The self-glorifying march of folly steps off at the end of the Cold War, in an era when delusions of omnipotence allowed the market to climb to virtual heights, while society was divided between the selfish and frightened rich and the increasingly debt-ridden and angry poor. The new millennium saw the democratic election of an American president nullified by the Supreme Court, and the pretender launching a wasteful, vainglorious and never-ending war on terror, doomed to end in defeat and the loss of America's prestige abroad.
All this culminates in the sunset swamp of the 2016 election—a farce dominated by Donald Trump, a self-glorifying photo-op bursting star-spangled bombast in air. This spectacle would be familiar to Aristotle, who likened the coming to power of a government to the rise of a "prosperous fool"— an individual so besotted with money as to "imagine there is nothing it cannot buy."
Available for purchase at the Lapham's Quarterly Bookstore.
2000 Years of The Art of the Erotic – a book by Phaidon
The erotic is a realm where desire and imagination meet.
This is the statement Rowan Pelling used to describe the subject of The Art of the Erotic, a Phaidon Editors book for which Pelling wrote the introduction. The Art of the Erotic examines the phenomenon of erotic art through a timeless prism, providing us with insights into human sexuality throughout the ages.
With over 1,500 titles in print, Phaidon is the leading global publisher of the creative arts headquartered in London and New York City. They collaborate with the globe's most influential artists, writers and thinkers who help Phaidon produce innovative books on art, photography, design, architecture, fashion, food and travel.
The Art of the Erotic
The sexual desire of one human being for another is probably the most basic, universal and consistent instinct of our society. From ancient to the present times, artists have tirelessly sought to represent and invoke erotic impulses via their artworks and Phaidon will be attempting to put this fact into its true perspective.
Published in October 2017, The Art of the Erotic is a chronological publication which confirms human sexuality and art have always gone hand in hand with each other. The book covers more than 2500 years of human history, starting with hand-painted Athenian cups and mosaics from Pompeii, and going two and a half millenniums ahead to recent works by Wolfgang Tillmans and Anish Kapoor, covering everything in between.
Read more at WideWalls
The Aziz Ansari debate is really about what women deserve to expect from sex
Aziz Ansari is a comedian and writer who has made a career out of exploring the nuances of love in the 21st century. But he turns out to be an awful date.
Over the weekend, online publication Babe published a piece in which a 23-year-old woman recalled a date she had with the 34-year-old Hollywood star, whom she had met at an Emmys afterparty. As Grace (a pseudonym to protect her identity) describes it, once they got to his apartment, Ansari behaved "like horny, rough, entitled 18-year-old," aggressively trying to have sex with her and ignoring the words and actions that signaled her discomfort and lack of consent. Ansari confirmed that he had gone on a date with the woman and engaged in sexual activity with her, which he said "by all indications was completely consensual."
The Babe story was inexpertly reported and edited—an act of irresponsible journalism, made worse by the fact that the publication pursued the story, rather than Grace bringing it to them on her own. Because of this, much of the debate has centered on whether Ansari deserved to have intimate details of his sex life exposed this way. But while not criminal, Ansari's behavior does warrant scrutiny. It arises from the deep-seated sexism that permeates modern dating culture, conditioning men to disregard women's comfort, desires, and expectations.
There's a reason Ansari behaved the way he did: Misogyny.
Read more at Quartzy.
Read this before joining as employee 1 to 20 at a startup
It's week six in your new job at a bootstrapped startup, and the founder asks you: "Create a prototype of our software to share with investors. We don't have a company name yet. And I need it in two days." If this sounds familiar, chances are you've been an early employee at a startup. If this is your precise scenario, you're Stacy La, Clover Health's Director of Design.
When La first started with Clover Health, it was just the founders, head of product and a data scientist. She was its first designer and the company hadn't raised any money. Now she leads an eight-person design team, Clover is 500+ people-strong and the startup has raised over $425M. Though La was a seasoned design leader (Yammer, Microsoft) before Clover Health, it was her first time as a very early employee forged in the crucible of a fast-scaling company.
In this exclusive interview, La reduces nearly every motion of an early employee to flexing one of two muscles: ruthless prioritization and high-return troubleshooting. For the former, she outlines a sequence of time management milestones to expect as an early employee in year one. For the latter, La asserts that every challenge must produce double the return in takeaways — and gives examples of that principle in action.
Ruthless Prioritization as a Timeline
From the list-making apps like Asana and Things 3 to hyperfast email like Superhuman, there are many tools that can help generate greater efficiency. Then there are philosophies from productivity aces like Getting Things Done's David Allen or Lifehacker's Gina Trapani. All these resources can be valuable for the overworked, under-resourced early employee, but according to La, time management operates as a unique frequency for a startup's first employees.
"At the start, it was fun taking the leap and deciding to get involved as an early employee. I was back together with people I had worked well with before," says La. "But then it got daunting very quickly. The magnitude of the task ahead hit at once: my hybrid doer/leader role for a functional area, my learning curve in the health insurance space, and all the opportunities that Clover could go after in the market. Suddenly, spinning up felt more dizzying than galvanizing."
Read more at First Round.
Why Trump's tax plan may spur more divorces
Republicans may pride themselves on upholding family values, but their new tax law could soon lead to a surge in married couples calling it quits.
Lawyers are counseling couples considering divorce to do it this year — before a 76-year-old deduction for alimony payments is wiped out in 2019 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
"Now's not the time to wait," said Mary Vidas, a lawyer in Philadelphia and former chair of the American Bar Association's section on family law. "If you're going to get a divorce, get it now."
Potential divorcees have all of 2018 to use the alimony deduction as a bargaining chip in their negotiations with estranged spouses.
The deduction substantially reduces the cost of alimony payments — for people in the highest income-tax bracket, it means every dollar they pay to support a former spouse really costs them a little more than 60 cents.
The change is an example of how the tax law is having far-reaching consequences beyond its corporate and individual tax cuts, in some cases by quietly overturning decades of tax policy.
Read more at Politico.
10 CEOs predict what we'll all be talking about a year from now
We asked CEOs across a wide range of industries to put on their futurist hats and predict which issues and ideas we'll be debating by this time next year.
New Applications For Blockchain And Cryptocurrency
By the close of 2017, says Tricia Martinez, CEO of Wala, a blockchain-powered personal finance platform, blockchain and cryptocurrency were "just beginning to touch the masses." In the next 12 months, she expects those technologies to go fully mainstream. "More companies are building on top of blockchain technologies, and anyone can issue a token now. I believe more banks, governments, and individuals will embrace crypto and everything it has to offer," she says.
ea Arthur, CEO of The Difference, an artificial intelligence company, is a little more circumspect. "In most parts of the country, it's still an unknown," she observes. "And if our government was paying attention, they would have regulated the shit out of it by now." But Arthur suspects that the growing applications for blockchain and cryptocurrencies will compel regulators to ease the way for wider adoption. "I think next year, we'll be exploring its utility and legality," says Arthur.
The Future Of Human Resources
Next year, Matt Straz, CEO of HR platform Namely, believes "the conversation around how data and AI is changing work will continue to ramp up," especially after last year's upheavals like the "Google memo," Uber's various meltdowns, and rampant sexual harassment allegations.
"Given the public HR nightmares that have come to light, companies are beginning to understand just how much a diverse and inclusive workplace is critical for success," says Straz. "Data has the potential to help implement checks and balances, so that HR challenges are addressed sooner rather than later." Adds Marah Lidey, co-CEO of wellness app Shine, "Last year showed us that our existing system is broken. We've heard account after account of leaders abusing positions of power, discriminating against marginalized communities, and so forth. In tech, we're finally asking ourselves: What's changing at the top?"
Read more at Fast Company.
5 Super Achievers who were once dismissed as hopeless failures
You're not alone in facing a chorus of doubters. So did Steve Jobs, Oprah, and other superstars.
"If people aren't laughing at your dreams, your dreams aren't big enough," some guru once said (the internet can't seem to decide which). It makes an awesome meme, but I wonder if just hearing this sort of uplifting but generic encouragement is enough to help people persevere when they're surrounded by doubters.
Thanks for the sentiment, you might think, but perhaps the universe is trying to tell me something with this chorus of derisive laughter. Maybe all these people smirking at my dreams are right and I really am wasting my time.
If that's you and the usual rah-rah quotes aren't cutting it, you need some stiffer medicine to help you persevere, I suggest a recent campaign from British insurance marketplace Go Compare (yes, this is totally an unlikely source of inspiration).
To buck up those who feel beaten down by their detractors, the company gathered up incredibly harsh burns superstars received early in their careers. If even these icons faced such incredibly negative feedback, maybe there really is a pretty poor correlation between random other people's opinions and eventual success.
Read more at Inc.com
The follower factory
The real Jessica Rychly is a Minnesota teenager with a broad smile and wavy hair. She likes reading and the rapper Post Malone. When she goes on Facebook or Twitter, she sometimes muses about being bored or trades jokes with friends. Occasionally, like many teenagers, she posts a duck-face selfie.
But on Twitter, there is a version of Jessica that none of her friends or family would recognize. While the two Jessicas share a name, photograph and whimsical bio — "I have issues" — the other Jessica promoted accounts hawking Canadian real estate investments, cryptocurrency and a radio station in Ghana. The fake Jessica followed or retweeted accounts using Arabic and Indonesian, languages the real Jessica does not speak. While she was a 17-year-old high school senior, her fake counterpart frequently promoted graphic pornography, retweeting accounts called Squirtamania and Porno Dan.
All these accounts belong to customers of an obscure American company named Devumi that has collected millions of dollars in a shadowy global marketplace for social media fraud. Devumi sells Twitter followers and retweets to celebrities, businesses and anyone who wants to appear more popular or exert influence online. Drawing on an estimated stock of at least 3.5 million automated accounts, each sold many times over, the company has provided customers with more than 200 million Twitter followers, a New York Times investigation found.
The accounts that most resemble real people, like Ms. Rychly, reveal a kind of large-scale social identity theft. At least 55,000 of the accounts use the names, profile pictures, hometowns and other personal details of real Twitter users, including minors, according to a Times data analysis.
"I don't want my picture connected to the account, nor my name," Ms. Rychly, now 19, said. "I can't believe that someone would even pay for it. It is just horrible."
These accounts are counterfeit coins in the booming economy of online influence, reaching into virtually any industry where a mass audience — or the illusion of it — can be monetized. Fake accounts, deployed by governments, criminals and entrepreneurs, now infest social media networks. By some calculations, as many as 48 million of Twitter's reported active users — nearly 15 percent — are automated accounts designed to simulate real people, though the company claims that number is far lower.
In November, Facebook disclosed to investors that it had at least twice as many fake users as it previously estimated, indicating that up to 60 million automated accounts may roam the world's largest social media platform. These fake accounts, known as bots, can help sway advertising audiences and reshape political debates. They can defraud businesses and ruin reputations. Yet their creation and sale fall into a legal gray zone.
"The continued viability of fraudulent accounts and interactions on social media platforms — and the professionalization of these fraudulent services — is an indication that there's still much work to do," said Senator Mark Warner, the Virginia Democrat and ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has been investigating the spread of fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms.
Read more at The New York Times.


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Charlotte L. Pacheco
Steps for submitting an obituary
Charlotte L. Pacheco, also known as "Charlie" and "Mom," of Dededo, died at the age of 85.
Family viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon March 6 at Ada's Funeral Home.
Viewing and Last respects may be paid from 9 to 11:30 a.m. March 8 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Piti. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at noon. Interment services will immediately follow at Guam Veterans Cemetery, Piti.
Read or Share this story: https://www.guampdn.com/story/obituaries/2019/02/28/charlotte-l-pacheco/3013111002/

subset: commoncrawl


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Awesome old time gym. Clean, great music, definitely good vibe.
John Flanders
Best gym around! It's not too big, not too small. The staff is amazing and so friendly and the equipment is excellent. The personal training is top notch and they go over the top in helping you succeed and reach your goals. Todd is top notch as a trainer and has been helping me see gains and goals like never before. Can't thank this staff or Mike and Tammy the owners enough for doing what they do. Love Johnny and his Facebook motivation as well.
Tom Blessie
Awesome gym and great staff. My son usually will not go in child care but at WTF he has no problem with the ladies that work in the children's room and most of the time he doesn't want to leave.
Jason Parker
First visit to this gym was amazing, the staff was friendly and informative, also very helpful. The equipment and facility was clean and in great condition. Thanks to a couple of friends that introduced me to this gym, I will be signing up indefinitely.
Ryan Abel
I absolutely love this gym! The equipment/weights are very well maintained. They offer a variety of classes with convenient times. My kids love the childcare along with the ladies who staff it. Although it is a small gym they have a lot to offer and it's never over crowded. Everyone here is so very helpful and always wearing a contagious smile! Out of all the gyms in Surprise this one is hands down the best.


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Autumn Bird Photo Safari in Finland
What you will do
If you want to get different birdimages – this is the tour for you! Birds are on autumn migration and many species are visiting the feeders already. Highlights of the tour will be Golden Eagles and White-tailed Eagles visiting our baiting site, Goshawk visiting forest feeder, large flocks of Eurasian Cranes and Whooper Swans, Waxwings and Nutcrackers. During the autumn you will definately get different images of birds with autumn colors.
Group size: 5-6 photographers
Day 1: Arrive to Oulu
The tour will start this afternoon at Oulu airport, from where we will make our way southeast to Utajärvi, around an hours drive away, our base for the next two nights. We will have an evening photographic excursion on arrival.
Day 2 - 3: Utajärvi
All day photo sessions in the Utajärvi pro- hides for Golden and White-tailed Eagles. Common Ravens also abound at the eagle hides.
Day 4 - 5:
We will spend the next two days in the forests and wetlands of the Oulu region where there are numerous possibilities and targets will depend on what is around at the time of our visit. Possibilities include wetland hides at Liminka Bay for Common Cranes, Whooper Swans and Hen Harriers and forest hides for Northern Goshawk, Nutcracker, Crested Tit and Brambling. In the wider forest area opportunistic photography could produce Black and Hazel Grouse, Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker, Black and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Bohemian Waxwing and, if we are lucky, Hawk Owl and maybe even Great Grey and Eurasian Pygmy Owls.
Day 6:
After a final morning of photography the tour will end at Oulu Airport in the afternoon.
Price includes: Finnature guiding throughout the journey. All meals and all land transportation from Oulu airport. All overnights in shared double rooms with private facilities.
Accommodation: Merilä manor in Utajärvi for 2 nights and Airport hotel Vihiluoto in Oulu for 3 nights.
Food: Local restaurants
Leader: professional wildlife photographer Jari Peltomäki
Possible extensions: Brown Bear, Wolverine & Wolf photography in Kuhmo. Whooper Swans, Siberian Jay and Siberian Tit in Kuusamo
9 - 14 October
5 days
Location Note
Oulu region
Provided byFinnature
Company's owner Jari Peltomäki is awarded International Bird Photographer, public speaker and Bird Photography Mentor. Finnature Ltd was started in 1993. During the last about 20 years of operation in ecotourism, we've established a vast and reliable network of businesses dealing with nature tourism.
For Finnature guides birds & nature is our passion! Our guides will do their very best to ensure every member of the group to have unforgettable experiences during the trip. The company currently employs around ten top nature guides with expertise in birds, mammals and plants. Finnature Ltd. aims to be a part of preserving Finland's unique natural heritage for future generations through co-operation with environmental organizations.finnature.com
Terms & Conditions
- The coupon will be valid for 12 months from the purchase date.
- General cancellation policy applies.
- This coupon is under general terms and conditions.


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South Carolina Novel Prize
Every other year, the South Carolina Novel Prize recognizes one of South Carolina's exceptional writers.
The contest is highly competitive, and the winner is provided a book contract with Hub City Press. Submissions will be read anonymously by our readers and judge. Winner is awarded publication by Hub City Press in the form of a printing of no less than 2000 copies to be nationally distributed to the trade in 2021. This can bring recognition that may open doors to other resources and opportunities in the literary community.
The S.C. Novel Prize is funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission, Hub City Press, and South Carolina Humanities. The South Carolina State Library is a founding partner.
S.C. Novel Prize entries are submitted online only. Multiple file types are accepted, including Word and PDF. No paper applications will be accepted.
Submission Period Opens: January 2, 2020
Submission Deadline: Now March 23, 2020 after extension
The Award
The winning author will receive:
- a book contract with Hub City Press, an award-winning independent press in Spartanburg, South Carolina;
- a $1,000 advance against royalties upon successful execution of the contract with Hub City;
- and Hub City will publish at least 2,000 copies of the book, which includes a book for every public library branch in the state.
The winning author will also receive invitations from the College of Charleston, South Carolina Humanities, and the South Carolina State Library and to appear and sign books at significant events.
Hub City Press will promote the book through social media and by mailing galleys and news releases to national and regional reviewers and to key booksellers. Additionally, Hub City will set up author appearances at book festivals, bookstores, colleges and libraries. The S.C. Arts Commission will promote the winner and the book to media outlets, on the agency's websites, and through social media; the South Carolina State Library will purchase a book for each public library branch in the state; and South Carolina Humanities will promote the winner and the book on its website and at special events.
March 23, 2020 is the deadline to submit a manuscript(s).
Manuscripts and résumés must be submitted online before 5 p.m. no later than the stated date.
Summer 2020
The applicant must:
- Be a legal resident of the U.S. and S.C. with a permanent residence in the state for one (1) year prior to the application deadline (twelve consecutive months);
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application;
- May have published a novel, a book of nonfiction, short stories, poetry or children's literature.
- Simultaneous submissions are accepted, as long as winning author is willing to withdraw it from consideration elsewhere upon accepting the S.C. Novel Prize.
- Only manuscripts between 150 and 400 (single-sided) pages are eligible;
- Submission must be an original work of which the applicant is the sole author.
Other Information
- We cannot give reasons for refusal or enter into correspondence or make suggestions, edits, or recommendations about submitted manuscripts.
- No entry fees will be returned.
- We will accept multiple entries from one author (no more than three [3] novels will be accepted).
- The winning author will agree to at least five public appearances/book signings around the state.
The S.C. Novel submission process is an easy, online-only process.
Clicking the button below will open Submittable, where you can sign in or create a user name and password. You will then complete the application page, upload your manuscript and résumé, and enter your credit card information.
Filing Fee
Hub City Press reserves the right not to publish any of the submissions that have been solicited. Each submission must be accompanied by a processing fee of $35, payable by debit/credit card with online submission. No entry fees will be returned.
Application Materials
Applicants must submit a manuscript and résumé online. Manuscripts submitted separately will not be processed.
- Upload one copy of your manuscript. Multiple file types are accepted.
- Name your manuscript using the novel's title, NOT your name.
- The title of the novel must appear on the upper right-hand corner of each page of the manuscript.
- Applicant's name and address MUST NOT appear anywhere on the work submitted. This includes the title page, headers and footers.
- Manuscripts must be double spaced on 8 ½ by 11 pages. Pages must be numbered.
- Font must be no smaller than 12 point.
- If you are submitting more than one novel for consideration, please complete a separate online upload for each novel. No more than three (3) manuscripts will be accepted.
Current Résumé
Résumé must not exceed three pages in length. The résumé will be used to prepare biographical information in the event the applicant is selected as winner of the competition. Résumés are not submitted with manuscripts for review.
Applicants' works are reviewed anonymously by panelists who make their judgments on the basis of artistic merit. Three to four novels will be judged by author Stephanie Powell Watts.
Stephanie Powell Watts won the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence for her debut story collection, We Are Taking Only What We Need (2012), also named one of 2013's Best Summer Reads by O: The Oprah Magazine. Her short fiction has been included in two volumes of the Best New Stories from the South anthology and honored with a Pushcart Prize.
Ms. Powell Watts's stories explore the lives of African Americans in fast food and factory jobs, working door to door as Jehovah's Witness ministers, and pressing against the boundaries of the small town, post-integration South. Her debut novel, titled No One Is Coming to Save Us, follows the return of a successful native son to his home in North Carolina and his attempt to join the only family he ever wanted but never had. As Ms. Powell Watts describes it, "Imagine The Great Gatsby set in rural North Carolina, nine decades later, with desperate black people."
Born in the foothills of North Carolina, with a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri and a bachelor's from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, she now lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where she is an associate professor at Lehigh University.
Provided photo by Bob Watts.
The South Carolina Arts Commission
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources.
Hub City Press
Hub City Press was founded in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1995 and since then has emerged as one of the South's premier independent presses. Focused on finding and spotlighting new and extraordinary voices from the American South, the press has published more than 80 high-caliber literary works, including novels, short stories, poetry, memoir, and books emphasizing the region's culture and history. Hub City is interested in books with a strong sense of place and committed to introducing a diverse roster of lesser-heard Southern voices. For more information, visit www.hubcity.org or call 864.577.9349.
College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is home not only to a cadre of nationally and internationally recognized writing faculty, but also houses one of the country's premiere literary journals, Crazyhorse, published since 1960 and consistently ranked as among the top publishing venues in the nation. The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program provides students an immersion in a world of prose and poetry and the practical aspects of establishing a career in the arts. Students from across the country have the opportunity to study writing, literature, publishing and the arts at large and to build a community of life-long relationships with the art of writing at its center. For more information, please visit www.cofc.edu or call 843.805.5507.
The South Carolina State Library
The South Carolina State Library develops, supports, and sustains a thriving statewide community of learners committed to making South Carolina stronger. The Library serves the people of South Carolina by supporting state government and libraries to provide opportunities for learning in a changing environment. It is the primary administrator of federal and state support for the state's libraries. In 1969, as the result of action by the General Assembly, the State Library Board was redesignated as the South Carolina State Library and assumed responsibility for public library development, library service for state institutions, service for the blind and physically handicapped, and library service to state government agencies. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Library is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and other sources. For more information, please visit www.statelibrary.sc.gov or call 803.734.8666.
South Carolina Humanities
South Carolina Humanities is the state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. South Carolina Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflect sensitivity to a diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations. For more information, visit www.schumanities.org or call 803.771.2477.
Scott Sharpe of Eastover received the prize in 2018 for his manuscript, Whispering in the Wind, released by Hub City Press in 2019 under the name A Wild Eden.
Brock Adams of Spartanburg won the 2016 First Novel Prize. His novel, Ember, was published by Hub City Press in September 2017.
James McTeer's 2014 winning novel, Minnow, received starred reviews in Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews and favorable reviews in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Los Angeles Review of Books. The book is now in its second printing.
Susan Tekulve won the 2012 First Novel prize with her book In the Garden of Stone. Tekulve's book has sold thousands of copies and was reviewed in national magazines and journals. Her book tour included four states and several book festivals. Tekulve's work is now represented by a New York agent.
Matt Matthews of Greer was the winner of the 2010 competition. His book, Mercy Creek, was published in 2011. Brian Ray of Columbia was the winner of the inaugural novel competition. His book, Through the Pale Door, was published by Hub City in June 2009. Both books have been widely and favorably reviewed across the Southeast.


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Few things are more enraging than when an illegal immigrant takes the life of an American citizen.
It would be one thing if we had strong enforcement, but what makes it so absurd are the leftist policies that have given these criminals safe harbor.
Not only that, they receive special treatment and pro bono legal protection at the expense of the taxpayer.
So when one of the Left's special pets commits a heinous crime, you better believe that it's just to point out that the blood is on THEIR hands.
As reported at the Daily Mail, an illegal immigrant, who has been removed from the United States seven times, had consumed '12 beers and was driving at 100mph' when he crashed his van and killed a father of three.
Nemias Garcia-Velasco, 32, who is from Mexico, was going over 100mph when he lost control of his 2001 Dodge Ram work van and crashed, killing 58-year old Silvano Torres.
Prosecutor Ryan Lindberg said Garcia-Velasco was blazing down Interstate 80 around 1 in the afternoon on Wednesday when the horrific crash occurred.
Garcia-Velasco admitted to officers he had consumed 12 beers the night before and into the morning hours before the crash.
During the murderer's hearing, Lindberg revealed that the man had been deported a ridiculous 7 times, 2 of which were forced and the other 5 "voluntary."
Garcia-Velasco was also convicted of falsifying his citizenship papers just days before the crash.
At the hospital, Garcia-Velasco's blood-alcohol level registered at .243, far above the legal limit.
The man he killed, Torres, was actually riding unrestrained in the van with him. Another passenger, Jesus I. Gonzalez, 16, was treated at the hospital and released the day of the crash.
Garcia-Velasco suffered from severe burns to his face and was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center at the time, the evidence of which can be seen in his mugshot.
Torres was a father of 3 and was legally in the country, unlike his counterpart. They were heading home from the job-site when the crash occurred.
As a result of all this, Garcia-Velasco has been charged with motor vehicle homicide in the death of Torres, with bail set at $2 million.
These crimes are so tragic. Anyone might commit them, citizen or not, but it's especially heinous when an illegal is the perpetrator.
Because for all intents and purposes, they shouldn't be here in the first place, so who knows how history plays out if immigration laws were properly enforced and the incentives for their invasion removed.
We shouldn't have to wonder anymore.
With Trump in office, the policies he promised must be enacted, so we can see for ourselves what a nation that takes its borders and immigration seriously looks like.
Source: Daily Mail


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By: domenique | February 07, 2015
These runners were extremely brave for running during a blistering snow storm in Illinois. Could you have survived a challenge such as this?
Comment! We would love to know your thoughts!
Category: Snow Removal
Tags: Snow storm, Running, Brave
By: domenique | December 30, 2014
Avoid weather related accidents that costs time and money.
Whether you are a seasonal property manager or a full-time property owner, protecting the safety of your employees and patrons are always priority. Likewise, protecting your company is just as important. Employing a winter contract for your property will not only save time and money, but it will eliminate the headache of dealing with legal matters of an avoidable slip and fall accident.
2. Receive professional results with no harm to your property.
There are many instances where properties are damaged during snow and ice removal sessions. But hiring a reliable snow removal company eliminates damages like signs being knocked over and/or concrete indentations. Professional...
By: domenique | December 23, 2014
We will be turning a new year in approximately 10 short days. For most of us, conversations about the new year includes resolutions, de-cluttering our offices, and finalizing business plans for 2015. Hypothetically speaking, if we had a conversation with Mother Nature, it would probably discuss her explanation for a late snow date.
Warm winter temperatures are raising questions about if there will be any snow accumulation before the new year at all. For the rest of the week (Dec.22-Dec.26), temperatures will reach low-mid 50's and a high of 61 degrees on Christmas Eve.
These temperatures certainly aren't normal and is the reason for wondering just what mother nature is up to. Our predictions are that we will see the bulk...
Category: Snow Removal Philadelphia
By: domenique | December 20, 2014
When shopping for winter equipment, we look for durability and reliability. With confidence, we picked up a new Boss VBX Spreader to tackle our winter contracts. Most of our clients have driveways and parking lots that needs salting services during icy weather conditions. Boss products has a reputation to deliver toughness in any weather condition. This spreader is equipped with stainless steal components to resist corrosion and ease maintenance. The Boss VBX Spreader will perform with our 4X4 dump truck. We're ready to salt any size commercial parking lot or driveways this winter.
By: domenique | December 11, 2014
Reliable snow removal equipment results in reliable snow removal. We recently added a 2015 Fisher snow plow to our 4x4 dump truck. Fisher has never steered us wrong with purchasing the perfect plow for our trucks. Our equipment is maintained year round to decrease any chances of mechanical failure - increasing our readiness.
Checkout our Youtube video below to hear the owner of DSR talk about our new Fisher Snow Plow.
Category: Snow Removal Philadelphia
Tags: Winter, Storm, Fisher, Snow Plow, 2015, Fleet, Philadelphia


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Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
from $6,995.00
18ct Gold, Princess Cut Diamond, set in 4 claws, on a band channel set with princess cut diamonds and bead set with round brilliant diamonds on the side.
This ring can be custom made starting with a 0.50ct centre diamond. Ring shown features a 1.25ct centre diamond.
Product Code: 035-00306
Make an Enquiry


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S.J.Res.102 - A joint resolution to designate the months of October 1993 and October 1994 as "Country Music Month".103rd Congress (1993-1994)
|Sen. Sasser, Jim [D-TN] (Introduced 06/15/1993)
|Senate - Judiciary | House - Post Office and Civil Service
|Latest Action:
|10/12/1993 Became Public Law No: 103-107. (All Actions)
This bill has the status Became Law
Here are the steps for Status of Legislation:
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Subject — Policy Area:
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- View subjects
Summary: S.J.Res.102 — 103rd Congress (1993-1994)All Information (Except Text)
There is one summary for S.J.Res.102. Bill summaries are authored by CRS.
Shown Here:
Introduced in Senate (06/15/1993)
Designates the month of October in 1993 and 1994 as Country Music Month.


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If you're setting up or running a business, chances are that you will need commercial property. For the vast majority of companies, that will involve leasing a property, rather than buying one. But what should you think about before you sign a commercial property lease?
A recent article for Business Matters Magazine offered some advice on the things to look out for.
Firstly, you need to work out the total cost of taking on the lease. This will often include costs additional to your rent, including VAT on the payments, service charges, insurance costs and utility bills.
If all of that adds up financially, the publication strongly recommends having a building survey carried out, just to make sure there aren't any nasty surprises. Once you've reached this stage, you also need to check things like the length of the lease, what deposit you have to pay and whether there are any break clauses.
You may well also want to personalise your new business premises with on-site paint spraying, so make sure you're allowed to do so under the terms of your lease. Check that you'll have the right to renew the lease when it comes to an end too so that you don't spend too much time and money fixing up a property you'll have to leave in just a few years.
Should the property need any repairs to be carried out, make sure that you have a schedule of condition.
As a landlord, you'll want to attract the best tenants to your property, which may mean you need to spend a bit of money yourself. Ensuring there's a fast broadband connection and that the property is energy efficient will pay off when it comes to finding good tenants for your property.


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Destiny Combo Reading
Natal Chart Reading & AstroCartoGraphy Map Reading
DESTINY READING – 90 minutes $600
1) Know Your Best Place to Live anywhere in the world
2) Personalized AstroCartoGraphy Maps
3) Natal Chart and Update Reading
Included in Your Destiny Reading:
- 12 page personalized world AstroCartoGraphy locations with my written evaluation.
- Clarity on your AstroCartoGraphy world locations. You need more than just 'good ACG' lines to be successful in a place; the location that I recommend will match who you are and what you want and need for a happy and productive life, including community, work, creative expression, family, and friends.
- Personalized comments on YOUR places to visit for travel, spiritual retreats, and past lifetime locations. Sometimes there are places that I recommend you avoid! Your reading is customized to your needs and concerns.
Natal Chart and Updates. This reading also addresses your birth chart and updates. This information identifies your most fortunate time periods, as well as your most challenging ones. You'll also get a keepsake decorative copy of your natal chart.
Your reading is recorded.
Schedule your Destiny READING HERE
This is my most popular reading and it includes your personalized AstroCartoGraphy maps.
Click here to learn more about what AstroCartoGraphy is.
Good astrology is about your TRANSFORMATION, and I am passionate about speaking in a language that makes sense to you. This reading is about you finding the best place for you to DO and BE your best!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This is what people have to say:
The part you said about attracting a mentor and teacher is also true. I just bumped into a mentor in Minneapolis who is also a Libra born on Oct. 4th, 1946 and met with him on Sept. 14th. We seem to be almost clones of each other. It was really weird meeting Tom. We have so much in common it is kind of scary. Having several planets in the 8th house definitely makes me attracted to the unseen world of life after death. I always wondered why I am fascinated by that.
The communication part is involved in the evolution of my next phase because that is how I will find the partner I am looking for. The AstroCartoGraphy is also very interesting to help market my products. I have always liked the Rocky Mts. area, Arizona and San Diego. I will now concentrate on the L.A. area.'
Corky Newcomb, VP Marketing
Mirror Lake, New Hampshire


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(This thread began in rdf interest) OK, my understanding is deepening I think, but I also think there is still be a problem here. In my *rdf* document I write <http://example.org/somepage#MotorVehicle> rdf:type <http://example.org#HtmlFragment> In my *html* document at http://example.org/somepage, i can write (stupidly perhaps, but perfectly legally) model t ford type thing and in the header on the same page (as suggested at http://www.w3.org/RDF/FAQ#How ) <rdf:Description rdf:ID="MotorVehicle"> <rdf:type rdf:resource="http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#Class"/> <rdfs:subClassOf rdf:resource="http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#Resource"/> </rdf:Description> Now: 1. My html document is referred to from an rdf document and so treated as an rdf document. (stated in http://www.w3.org/TR/rdf-concepts/#xtocid103660 ) 2. As an rdf document a reference to http://example.org/somepage#MotorVehicle refers to whatever the owner of http://example.org says it is - her car perhaps. 3. Her car is not an HtmlFragment - so we have a category error. So I don't see how I can reliably reference an html fragment from an rdf document. Common sense might tell us what was meant, but I don't see the rules that let a machine decide. Anyone see a way out of this? Paul Prescods post Re: a URI is a name (tel uri scheme and VCARD RDF) on rdf-interest suggests we don't need 2 URIs because we can use rdf to distinguish the meaning. If we cannot actually reference the fragment reliably, this is not true. C > -----Original Message----- > From: Brian McBride [mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com] > Sent: 25 November 2002 11:10 > To: Dave Beckett; Chris Catton > Cc: seth; www-rdf-comments > Subject: Re: "Resource" (RDF vocabulary definitions) > > > Response not crossposted: > > At 10:06 25/11/2002 +0000, Dave Beckett wrote: > > [...] > > > > Does this mean that if I represent a graph in rdf/xml inside an html > > > document by putting some triples inside rdf tags it has a completely > > > different meaning to a graph expressed in exactly the same way but > > served as > > > an .rdf document? > > I said somthing like that once and Graham Klyne pointed out my > error to me. > > If I have some HTML containing say: > > <rdf:Description rdf:about="http://example.org/something#foo"> > ... > > The issue here is about what http://example.org/something#foo names. The > meaning of this is not dependent on the mimetype of the referring > document, > e.g. text/html, but on the mime-type of the *retrieved* document. > The RDF > specs are saying that for determining the RDF meaning of this > uriref, it is > the meaning that would be assigned by retrieving a document of mime-type > application/rdf+xml. > > Embedding in a document of mime-type text/html does not affect this. > > Brian >Received on Monday, 25 November 2002 08:22:34 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Friday, 17 January 2020 22:44:01 UTC


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Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the field of dentistry. I believe it is the perfect blend of art and science, which were my two favorite subjects in school. Frequent innovations in research and technology make dentistry a very exciting and challenging field, one which I am proud to be a part of. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with an amazing team in a state-of-the-art facility at Woodland Dental Center, and it is my goal to provide the highest quality oral healthcare to all of my patients based on their individual needs.
A healthy smile can go a long way, and it is very rewarding to make a difference in someone's life through their oral health. I take great pride in my work and always strive to treat each patient with the same level of respect and compassion that I would give to my own friends and family. I realize that the dental chair isn't most people's favorite place to be, but it is my goal to make each visit as painless and comfortable as possible.
Education and Continuing Education
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry – Whitworth University, Spokane, WA
- Doctor of Medical Dentistry – Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, Glendale, AZ
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving field of dentistry, I believe it is extremely important to stay current on the most accurate and up-to-date research and technology. Having studied in a high-tech dental program with some of the most modern equipment available, I feel very confident that my skills and techniques along with the technology and materials utilized at Woodland Dental Center give our patients access to some of the best, cutting edge, high quality dental care in the country.
Outside the Office
I was born and raised in Chewelah, a small town in northeastern Washington, and moved to Puyallup after finishing dental school in Arizona. My wife, Jenny, is my high school sweetheart. We welcomed our first child, Audrey Belle, in March 2016, followed by our second girl, Emma Jane, in November 2017. We also have two very entertaining cats, Rajah and Luna. Outside of dentistry, I've always enjoyed sports; especially football, which I played in college. I still enjoy playing sports whenever possible, including basketball, golf, softball, flag football, and soccer, and have coached many youth sports teams over the years. In our spare time, Jenny and I can be found hiking, camping, fishing, or cheering on our favorite sports teams like the Seahawks and Mariners.


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In 1991, a record price of $264,000 was paid for a Quilt at Sotheby's auction.[1] The quilt, created by Lucinda Ward Honstain in 1867, was comprised of 40 separate individual blocks that were sewn together to create a magnificent piece of American History. Each block acted as a "mini historian" to the many encounters in the artist's life, whether from social, political, or cultural setting. The quilt would later be named the "Reconciliation Quilt".[2] The quilt today is greatly admired by scores of people, as it gives an insight to the past and a snapshot of what life was like during the time of the artist from her own personal perspective of being alive and present during that age in history. While this man made article is indeed a national treasure and encapsulates early American History, a much greater work is seen in the early history of the Jewish people. While blocks of fabric are weaved together to create an inanimate object of great value, it is the lives and stories of the Patriarchs and other Jewish personalities from so long ago that are the foundation of that beautiful and priceless strand of the Human family known as the Jewish race. To understand the history of God's majestic work in the Jewish past, is to understand with greater certainty, the authority and sovereignty of His work yet remaining in the future.
Perhaps no other human name is better recognized throughout all of history than that of Abraham. Though he possessed great wealth and riches in the eyes of the world, he also possessed something far greater in the eyes of God- faithfulness. Abraham's deep desire to depend on God is certainly one of the defining qualities that God saw when He chose this man to be the non binding party in a Covenant that would guarantee Land, Nationhood, and Blessings (Genesis Chapter 12, KJV).[3] Originally known as Abram, or "exalted father", God changed his name to Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude" in Genesis 17 that foretold one of the key aspects of the Covenant to be made with him- the fact that he would indeed be the forefather of a vast multitude of people (Genesis 17:5, KJV). God's grace is demonstrated in the life of Abraham very profoundly in the details of the Abrahamic Covenant. The fact that the covenant was an unconditional covenant, requiring absolutely no effort or commitment on Abraham's part for its fulfillment is quite amazing. Abraham, as well as his descendants, were given the promise of land by God Himself. The fact that only 30,000 square miles of the 300,000 square miles promised has been possessed is not a problem for God. He has promised the land, and His promises will come to full fruition. The Covenant also called for a Nation (Genesis 17:4-8, KJV). Abraham would be the father of many nations as well as have many kings come from his lineage- including Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Along with Land and Nationhood, there was also the bestowal of blessings to any who would bless Abraham and his descendants, as well as a stern warning of curses that would abide on any who would curse him. Abraham was indeed chosen by God to birth the Nation that would be known as Israel. Abraham, with a faith and dependence on God, is a wonderful example for believers today, as well as a very important thread in the tapestry of early Jewish history.
The next great figure in early Jewish history would be that of Isaac, Abraham's son. As a test of Abraham's total loyalty to God, he is asked to sacrifice Isaac and proceeds to do so without argument until God stays his hand at the very moment he is about to kill Isaac on the altar. This is another great example of trusting God completely on Abraham's part, but Isaac must also be given credit for believing in God's plan as well. Isaac was a young man at this time, and would have no doubt been taught the major aspects and blessings of the Covenant made with his father. He had also been taught from an early age that the line of promise would continue through his seed as promised to his Father by God (Genesis 21:12, KJV). This early foundation of God's Word built into his young life without question gave him the faith and courage to answer the test just like his father. While Abraham held the knife, it was Isaac who allowed himself to be bound and laid on the altar in obedience.
Isaac's mission in the Jewish nation was to continue with the Covenant began with his father, Abraham, almost a century earlier. God appears to Isaac and confirms this promise and continued agreement (Genesis 26:1-5, KJV). Although Isaac was abundantly wealthy from his inheritance passed down from Abraham (Genesis 25:5, KJV), including a solid spiritual foundation, he is not without fault and mistakes. God's grace is evident in Isaac's life amid such failures, such as when he follows the half truth of his father and claims his wife to be his sister to keep from being killed (Genesis 26:9, KJV). The failures of Isaac show his humanity, yet his successes through God show his tender heart toward serving Him. Isaac, as his father Abraham, frequently built altars and "called upon the name of the Lord" (Genesis 26:24, KJV). Isaac desired to know and do the will of the Lord. It is that holy ambition and zeal that makes his thread so valuable in the tapestry of Jewish history.
The third personality, in what is so often referred to as the "Patriarchs", is Jacob. Over 30 times in God's Word, the names of "Abraham, Issac, and Jacob" appear together, many times directly from God as He is speaking (Exodus 2:24; Exodus 3:6,15; Exodus 4:5; Exodus 6:3,8; Exodus 33:1; Leviticus 26:42; Deuteronomy 6:10; Deuteronomy 34:4; Jeremiah 33:26; Matthew 8:11, KJV). God puts much emphasis on the fact that the Abrahamic covenant was instituted with Abraham, passed down to his son Isaac, and reaffirmed once more with his grandson, Jacob. It is interesting to note the differences in Isaac and his son in regards to their birth. Isaac, meaning "laughter", was born after years of promise and much anticipation on the parts of his parents, Abraham and Sarah. Abraham had stumbled in trying to speed up the promise of offspring by having a child with Sarah's maiden, Hagar. He learned that God's timing is always right, and that God had another heir in mind for the continued promise, that being through the seed of Isaac. Perhaps Isaac had seen the struggles and heartaches that are associated with making decisions outside of God's will and in the flesh. No doubt this would have given him the foresight and patience to allow God to do His will, in His way, in His time. Twenty years later Jacob is born, but the circumstances of his birth are not without problems. Rebekah learns that two nations are within her womb awaiting birth (Genesis 25:23, KJV). Jacob, meaning "supplanter", or "one who grasps the heel", would be the youngest of the two, yet would be the one to whom God would bless and entrust the Covenant relationship.
Jacob, like his father, Isaac, and grandfather, Abraham, would be one to follow God and obey His commandments. He had a close relationship with God, and relied on Him for protection in order that he may continue to live and serve Him (Genesis 28:20-22, KJV). While Jacob trusted the God of his forefathers, he also felt the need to assist God in getting what had been promised to him. Grace abounds in the life of Jacob through the fallacies of his misdirections. Perhaps the biggest failure on Jacob's part was indeed the "buying" of the birthright from his older brother, Esau (Genesis 25:33, KJV). Jacob attempted to buy something he had already been promised by God, but was not accepting of God's timing. To further compound the issue, Jacob and his mother would trick his father Isaac for the blessing reserved for the elder brother (Genesis 27, KJV). Through all of these mistakes, God allowed Jacob to continue with the promise that he would still help fulfill the covenant and continued to bless him and his descendants. In addition to the intense struggle that would ensue with his brother Esau (Genesis 27, KJV), Jacob would also struggle with his father in law, Laban (Genesis 29-31, KJV), and then ultimately with the Lord, Himself (Genesis 32:22-27, KJV). One of the biggest blessings seen in the life of Jacob would certainly be the confrontation with the Lord and the changing of his name to "Israel", which translates, "a prince of God" (Genesis 32:28, KJV). God had given Jacob what he did not deserve- a chance through God's wonderful grace to be found usable in the service of the King! A moment in God's plan where He once again shows that "the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29, KJV). If God's faithful Sages of early Jewish History are the threads He used to bind Israel's tapestry together, then without a doubt, the obedience and faithfulness of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be the foundation in which everything is secured.
As the called out body of Christ, the Church is made up of born again believers. These believers, according to Romans, chapter 12, have many different functions, but act as a whole. Just as each Christian is a "member" of the body and may serve different purposes within the body, so is the case with early Jewish history, as God would choose some of His leaders to take on different roles than what is perhaps expected, but that would, in the big picture, accomplish the furthering of His master plan. One great example of this is seen with the next personality- Joseph. Joseph would be Jacob's favored son, but more importantly, Joseph would be God's favored servant in the line of promise. While Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew the immense privilege and blessing of communing one on one with God through His audible voice, this is not the case with Joseph. It would be through dreams that God would choose Joseph and relay His will for Joseph's life (Genesis 37, KJV), which no doubt required a greater amount of faith and courage on Joseph's part! Joseph's relationship with God, however, was not weakened in the smallest amount due to the lack of physical signs by God to prove he was chosen for a purpose. No matter how rough and unfair the times and challenges may have seemed, the Scripture gives no record of Joseph ever becoming bitter or dismayed that God had lost control of the situation. On the contrary, Joseph handled himself with integrity and humility as he was rejected by his brothers and sold into slavery (Genesis 37:28, KJV); falsely accused by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:14, KJV); unfairly imprisoned by Potiphar (Genesis 39:20, KJV); and forgotten by Pharaoh's chief butler (Genesis 40:23, KJV). Joseph is indeed a picture of a faithful man of God who may not understand God's methods, but always trusts His plans. God's grace abounds in the life of Joseph through all of these ordeals. Joseph faithfully completes the task given to him by God, to continue the line of promise and to protect the family. Further proof of his faithfulness and God's blessing is found in his offspring, which would include such wonderful and mighty leaders as Joshua, Deborah, Samuel, Gideon, and Jephthah.
While Joseph would be a leader sent ahead to save the children of Israel and prevent annihilation from famine, Moses would be a different type of leader, who would be used by God to deliver the Israelites out of a different situation altogether- Egyptian bondage. A new king had risen up who "knew not Joseph" (Exodus 1:8, KJV) and became very hostile toward the children of Israel and took them into bondage to prevent being overcome by them. Moses, through the divine appointment and protection of God, would be born to Jewish parents, escape an ultimatum from the Pharaoh to be killed, be preserved through the ordeal of being hid and alone in the river's edge, and be delivered into the Palace to live as the Pharaoh's son (Exodus 2, KJV). This "reeds to royalty" childhood would place Moses in the peculiar circumstance of seeing his fellow Israelites beaten, abused, mocked, and made to labor intensely without mercy until one day, while seeing a brother beaten, Moses retaliates and kills the Egyptian. This would set off a series of events that would ultimately drive Moses to the wilderness where God would be waiting. God had not forgotten His people, neither had He forgotten His promises. It would be through the circumstances of Egyptian slavery that Israel would turn again and seek the face of God, and God would "hear their groaning and remember His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob (Exodus 2:24, KJV). Moses had a very faithful relationship with God, yet he felt inadequate, at best, for the task. God's grace is seen in Moses as He tenderly leads him to be the kind of deliverer God needs. Ultimately, Moses' temper and disobedience would prevent him from entering the Promised Land, yet God would lovingly take him up to the mountain top so that he might get a glimpse of what he had desired to achieve for God. While he would not enter the Promised Land, Moses still had the amazing privilege of delivering God's law to the people; introducing the feast days to the nation of Israel; overseeing the building of the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and all of it's furnishings; and being the vessel used by God to pen the first five books of the Bible. Moses was definitely a golden thread in the tapestry of Israel's history.
After the death of Moses, God would need another strong and faithful man to lead His people. That need would be filled in the man of Joshua, who is chosen and commissioned by God in Deuteronomy 31:23. Joshua had received "on the job training" under Moses as his assistant, soldier, and scout. He had also been exposed to the rebellion of Israel as he would witness first hand the hardened hearts of God's people. Joshua's mission would be to continue to lead God's people and carry them in to the Promised Land. Grace is seen through Joshua's story in the strong leader that God allowed Joshua to become. He would take over leadership of a rebellious people after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years with Moses. Courage would be the cry of the hour, and Joshua would answer the call with a tremendous faith in his God. His relationship with God would be one of total reliance, as he would seek to do God's will and lead with a spirit of wisdom given by God (Deuteronomy 34:9, KJV). Joshua would be a valuable part in Israel's history.
Israel would once again defy God and be rebellious upon Joshua's departure from the scene. God's Word says that the time following Joshua that "there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25, KJV). To protect His people from possible total destruction, God showed grace once more in the practice of raising up Judges to serve as the person to rebuke, but yet deliver, Israel from her horrid sins and spiritual adultery. God's Word says that "the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the Lord because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them" (Judges 2:18, KJV).
God, being a gracious and merciful God, provided the way for Israel to return to Him and to live righteously and be His people. He provided the leadership, wisdom, boldness, and strength in the personage of Judges. The judge would deliver Israel out of the hands of the oppressors and once again set their eyes upon God. Unfortunately, "when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way" (Judges 2:19, KJV). Victory for God's people was short lived. Their hardened hearts were all to quick to return to a sinful state of humanity when no Godly leader was present. Gideon would be a judge that God would raise up in times such as this. God chose Gideon to judge Israel, and to deliver Israel from her enemies, the Midianites. For seven years, the Midianites had fought and conquered Israel, causing Israel to live a defeated, and cowardly life. Israel was so trodden down and oppressed that they "made dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strongholds" (Judges 6:2, KJV). Israel had nothing that the Midianites had not taken from them: land, food, livestock, shelter, and riches had all been robbed from Israel's coffers because of their defiance of God. Alas, a prophet is sent by God to announce deliverance when Israel cries out unto the Lord for help (Judges 6:6-10, KJV). Gideon is visited by an angel of the Lord and given the charge to deliver Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6:11-13, KJV). Gideon's relationship with God could be classified as "weak" in the fact that he is quick to make excuses and offer God other alternatives than himself to bring the people into battle. His insecurity in himself created eventually a deeper dependence upon God. It took great courage for Gideon to fulfill his Godly charge, and God allowed him to hone his spiritual muscle in the first task given to him in destroying the idols of his father's house. (Judges 6:25-32, KJV). God's grace is also seen in the patience God shows with Gideon as he works through his own insecurity, unbelief, and even fear. Perhaps one of the most applicable lessons from this historical Jewish figure is the fact that God does allow him to ask "why" (Judges 6:13, KJV). There is a vast chasm of difference between a humble and reverent cry to God why things happen, versus the disrespectful and prideful heart that demands a response from God. God no doubt recognized the hurt and discouragement in Gideon's own heart, and was gracious with him to allow him time to realize it was truly God speaking to Him. Gideon would indeed deliver Israel from the hands of the Midianites, and would serve as Judge for forty years over Israel (Judges 8:28, KJV). A timely character is found in Gideon. Another great example that no matter how weak the man or common his background, God can raise up His man for the job in any age, under any circumstance.
Judges would continue to rule Israel for over 300 years. Israel would continue to rebel and follow false gods after the death of the judge, until God would allow them to be delivered and conquered by her enemies until she would once again turn to God and cry out for help. Samson is another great Jewish character who is God's answer to those cries. Israel had rebelled against God and had been delivered to the Philistines for forty years (Judges 13:1, KJV). God appoints Samson to be the deliverer of His people before birth (Judges 13:5, KJV). As Samson would grow up, he would try to do a lot on his own, apart from the power of God. Included in his downfalls would be a temper problem and his weakness to not allow his personal desire overcome his devotion to God. Samson's mission was indeed to deliver the Israelites from the hands of the Philistines, but Samson's anger and the results of it would prevent that from happening. The Nazarite vows that were placed on Samson would become, over time, less important to him in his quest for personal glory and satisfaction. His willingness to disclose to Delilah one of the sources of his power (Judges 16, KJV) would be the ultimate mistake that would sever God's power from his life for a time. Imprisoned, with eyes gouged out, Samson would once again find God in the darkness. Grace is seen in Samson's story in the fact that all who will return to God can be forgiven and restored. God later used Samson to mount a great defeat of the Philistine leaders as he would destroy them in the ruins of their false god's house (Judges 16:23-31, KJV) which would grant a partial freedom to Israel. The tapestry of Israel's history is rich with "second chance" warriors for God, and a great comfort to all who have ever fallen in service of the King and have been restored.
The last man to be used as a Judge over Israel was Samuel. Born to Hannah and Elkanah, Samuel would be an answer to a prayer of infertility (I Samuel 1:1-28, KJV). In thankfulness of the magnificent blessing of a son, Hannah returns Samuel to the Lord to be of service to Him in the temple. It is while growing up under the leadership of Eli that Samuel would be called by God to serve Him (I Samuel 3, KJV). One of the first trying tasks would be to deliver judgment on Eli for the lack of disciplining his wicked sons. This would give Samuel great courage and confidence in the Lord, and he would remain close to God all through his life. He was faithful in service in that he "did let none of his words fall to the ground" (I Samuel 3:19, KJV). Along with being the last Judge for Israel, other missions for Samuel would include turning Israel from idol worship, defeating the Philistines (I Samuel 7, KJV), placing Saul, Israel's first King, on the throne (I Samuel 10, KJV), and later anointing David, God's chosen King, for the throne of Israel (I Samuel 16, KJV). Grace is seen in the life of Samuel, as he is a great picture of what any person can attain in total surrender to God. Samuel was used mightily from his youth to accomplish many victories for God. He loved Israel, but yet he was always faithful to deliver the message to the people whether it would be accepted or not. No compromise can be seen in the life of Samuel and his standing for the Lord. God's Word declares that "Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life" (I Samuel 7:15, KJV). A rich and deep study can be found in the person and life of Samuel. A mighty man used of God that faithfully accomplished his tasks and became a most valuable thread in the tapestry of Jewish history.
Perhaps one of the hardest tasks Samuel had in his life was to anoint a King who God was not ready to place over His people; but, due to the insistent cries and complaints of the children of Israel to be like like all other nations, would allow them to have what they so desired. Saul would be anointed to be King by Samuel and would be Israel's first earthly king. Saul's mission and mandate from God would be to lead Israel in the right path (I Samuel 12:23, KJV). Saul's relationship to God was broken at best. While he was indeed allowed to be King by God, his disobedient, impatient, and arrogant attitude would prevent him from continuing in the throne. God had provided leadership, security, and fellowship with Israel, but Israel had rejected Him. They wanted a physical, human "warrior" to be a representative to the nations. Grace is seen through these events in that, even with the rejection of God Himself by His own people, God would not forsake them in the days ahead (I Samuel 12:22, KJV). God would also lovingly and mercifully through Samuel set forth the requirements to have a successful and long lasting kingdom: "If ye will fear the Lord, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the Lord your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against your fathers" (I Samuel 12:14-15, KJV). This would be very clear in the life as Saul as his impatience while waiting for Samuel to offer a burnt offering overcomes him and he breaks God's law and performs this task himself. In this act of rebellion, God announces judgment through Samuel to King Saul: "Thou hast done foolishly: thou has not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue…" (I Samuel 13:13-14, KJV). While Saul would have the honor of being the first earthly King of Israel, sin would keep Saul from fulfilling God's plan.
One of the most richest and valuable properties of God's Word is that of balanced disclosure. It is within the pages of Scripture that one reads the magnificent accomplishments of human vessels in the service of God and is also privy to the failures of those same human vessels. God, in giving the Word, opens grace and mercy in its pages to show people generations removed from the actual accounts, that God chooses to use human people to accomplish His will. These humans remain the same as humans of today- prone to failure and mistakes in the service of the Lord. One of the greatest people in all of God's Word to have such an open life before the reader is that of David. While David would be prone to failures in his personal life, it is without a doubt that God chose him to be king of Israel: "the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people" (I Samuel 13:14, KJV). It is with David whom the Lord would establish the Davidic Covenant declaring "thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16, KJV). Through early beginnings as a shepherd boy, David would be chosen by God to be His King (I Samuel 13:13-14, KJV). His mission would be to lead God's people and begin a prophetic covenant that still has a futuristic fulfillment. David's heart as a victorious warrior would show great courage and dependence upon his God. As a Psalm writer and poet, he would share his victories, his failures, and his despairs with the reader. David, as a natural man, endured all the emotions of men today. Unfortunately, these emotions would lead to adultery and even murder. Grace is seen in the life of David through all of his misdirections, and his tender heart towards God. Amidst the many trials and stumbles in his life, God still chooses to call him a man after His own heart. Countless pages could be written on this early Jewish personality. As King of Israel, he would serve the Lord faithfully, and would give honor and glory to Him before his people. His heavy involvement in war would prevent him from building God's temple, yet he would father the next strand in the rich tapestry of Jewish history.
Wisdom is a valuable quality. Godly wisdom is a priceless gift. Solomon, David's son, would be a man who was blessed to possess both. Such wisdom would still not perfect Solomon to the point of being without sin and failures in his life, as he was yet still a man. He was chosen by God through Nathan the Prophet for a Godly mission- to reign upon his father's throne and continue the will of God for the nation of Israel. Just as any other government that rules a people, there would be power struggles. Solomon would see the promise of his kingdom attacked before he would ever take the throne in the plots of Adonijah, another of David's sons (I Kings 1:5-9, KJV). This attempt would be put down as David would call for Solomon to be anointed King while David was dying (I Kings 1:30-40, KJV), and would be placed on the throne after his death (I Kings 2:12, KJV).
Solomon would be a man who loved the Lord, and desired to follow Him. When asked by God what Solomon desired of Him, his reply was to "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad…" (I Kings 3:9, KJV). God was pleased by Solomon's request and answered, "I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days" (I Kings 3:12-14, KJV). The grace that God had shown to his father David, would now be extended to Solomon. Scripture records that Solomon indeed enjoyed the gift of wisdom that was unchallenged throughout his reign, and that people from all over the earth came to hear his wisdom and counsel (I Kings 4:29-34, KJV). A product of this wisdom would include mercy in his judgments and in his dealings with Israel. While Solomon would not refrain from warfare and capital punishment to defend his kingdom, he would also grant mercy, giving ample chance for a window of correction, such as in the case of Adonijah's attempt to take the throne promised to Solomon (I Kings 1:52-53, KJV).
The largest task given to Solomon by God would certainly be the building of the Temple. There was a great promise that was attached to its completion and continued obedience to God by Israel and her king: "Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform thy word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel" (I Kings 6:12-13, KJV). Solomon would complete this task, and would also receive yet another confirmation of the covenant promised to his father David of an eternal kingdom upon Israel forever (I Kings 9:1-5, KJV). Solomon, like his father David, sought to please God and do His commandments. While he would yet falter in his personal life like his father with fleshly desires, God would chasten him in love and continue to use this willing servant to fulfill the covenant began with his father.
Israel's history is rich with those who chose to be used by God for His work. A common thread that runs throughout the lives of each individual is the fact that they were indeed human vessels with imperfections just like people today. Nothing qualified them over any other human being in a worldly sense other than their relationship with God and their willingness to perform the tasks assigned to them. The tapestry of early Jewish history is so very rich in promises, and warnings, that can be spiritually applied to the church and individual believer today. The same power that rested upon these early characters remains available to the believer today if one is willing to follow God and obey His Word. Today's believer has the wonderful grace and blessing of having the entire counsel of God's Word set before them to be ingested at a moment's notice, and not having to wait for a prophet to deliver a message from God.
If one would desire to study and appreciate the Reconciliation Quilt today, they would have to drive to Lincoln, Nebraska and view it in a museum. If that same individual would desire to study and appreciate a much older and precious work in the antiquity of the Jewish Nation and its people, they would simply need only to pick up a copy of God's Word and begin to read its pages. The quilt holds no spiritual merit and will eventually return to dust. God's Word is alive and waiting to reveal an eternity of beauty and grace to all who will receive.


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Stick the Dots on Arabic Letters Activity
Categories: Arabic, Kids Printables, Preschooler
Arabic alphabets are so much about putting the right dots on the right place! Help your child differentiate between letters such as Baa and Noon with these activity sheets. Cut out through the dotted lines so that you have one letter at a time. I suggest getting multiple copies of these sheets so that your […]Continue Reading → Leave a Comment (1) →


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Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear is one of several Jewel Quest games produced and developed by iWin and GSP. The game actually comes with not one, but two games on one DS cartridge, the second appearing as a bonus title called Mysteryville. With a rather large amount of puzzle games on the DS already, does this Jewel Quest title do anything really different to appease gamers?
The game actually starts out with an intriguing cutscene whereby adventurers are sent to locate a mysterious jewel known as the Emerald Tear; the search begins in Egypt. The story from here on is presented in a book format which players are encouraged to read through as they progress and as more chapters are unlocked. The premise isn't actually all that bad, though certain elements do seem a bit dull in places. Unfortunately the way it's presented can be all to easily ignored by players. Mysteryville on the other hand portrays its story in a far different manner by dialogue interaction with various members of a small town. Of course, the story is even more weird in the fact that players are trying to solve a case involving a load of cats mysteriously vanishing.
The story in both games obviously leaves much to be desired as while they are quite in depth, it's glossed over far too easily in its presentation. The gameplay however doesn't remedy this fault either, as while the Jewel Quest puzzles themselves are actually quite entertaining, they are split apart by numerous "Quests". These may initially seem quite different, but they are extremely repetitive and full of faults. They essentially involve picture searches where players are greeted with a list of items and must locate them with the stylus on a picture cluttered with various objects. Aside from the fact some objects are obscure and very difficult to distinguish against the background, there is a penalty introduced for random clicking that reduces the amount of time players have to find the objects.
There are several different backgrounds spanning four different locales, but it doesn't really differentiate the gameplay enough. After a while some objects will be asked for multiple times on a similar screen and simply the gameplay comes down to memory recall. If it wasn't for the fact that later these quests need to be done three times in succession before a jewel board game appears, it might have been a bit more forgivable. It also begs the question why some objects are in fact in Egypt or any other countries visited for that matter, as some fit very much more westernised locations.
The two other puzzles are 'Early Jewel Board' and 'Jewel Quest Puzzle'. The former of the two involves turning all the squares to gold by placing several jewels or coins in the correct locations. Some of these puzzles do present a minor challenge later on but they are realistically very easy as the amount of time given to complete them is far too copious. This also applies to the Jewel Quest Puzzle, although the gameplay is far better as players must connect at least 3 jewels in a row vertically or horizontally, and can only do so by moving one adjacent jewel into a position of three. The same thing applies with turning the tiles to gold to complete the puzzle, and later the shape of the board changes to make doing this a lot more challenging. Also with the addition of jewels encrusted in rock, meaning that players are restricted to trying to get jewels into a specific position as these rocks are unmovable until broken by a connection.
The Jewel Quest Puzzle is actually the most fun element of the game, although it does seem a bit luck based later on with regards to trying to get the final couple of squares. It's actually the one element of the game that doesn't really suffer from becoming too repetitive. Mysteryville on the other hand has none of these puzzles as is solely based on picture searches. These do involve a lot more variation than the Emerald Tear versions, but at the same time they are all too similar and once a player has managed to get through around half of them it starts to get very monotonous.
The specials in Jewel Quest that are used in the picture search, can be upgraded by collecting jewels to spend, but realistically they aren't really worth upgrading. The only one worth investing in is increased time limit, however, the time limit is already extremely forgiving with the amount given to a player in the first place - so again it's rather redundant.
There is a rather nice art style to the game, in terms of the large amount of backgrounds used. They are varied and some are quite nice to look at, however the amount of cluttered objects on top of them are as mentioned before indistinguishable at times. The sound on the other hand is one of the better aspects of the game. The music is very fitting with each locale and scene, and changes throughout. The music starts to suffer from being too repetitive though, as it's heard far too frequently throughout the game.
As far as replay value goes the game will actually take players a while to get through, purely because of the vast amount of picture searches which will eat up a substantial amount of time. However, once complete, aside from playing through Mysteryville there isn't any real reason to return. There are highscores but realistically coming back to do better isn't worth the time.
Final Thoughts
While Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear isn't a bad puzzler with regards to the Jewel Quest Puzzle element, the rest of the game is highly repetitive and unchallenging for the time invested into it. The locales are pleasing to look at and the story isn't that bad, but it's far too easy to simply forget the story is even ther. Mysteryville adds to the amount the game has to offer in content, but at the end of the day it's just repeating itself more and more.


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Cherokee Nation Businesses Use Cultural Art, Technology to Enhance Entertainment Experience
ROLAND, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Businesses is preserving and promoting Cherokee culture at each of its tribally owned properties by utilizing themes and technology to immerse guests in Cherokee art, language and history.
The tribe's newest gaming and hospitality property, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, highlights the company's ability to enhance the entertainment experience by embracing technology and sharing the tribe's history and culture. The venue's design represents earth, wind, water and fire and is evident throughout the casino.
"Our Cherokee heritage is unique and beautiful," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. "Adorning our entertainment properties with cultural elements, brilliant works of Cherokee art and even subtle design motifs allows us to preserve and share our tribal culture while creating memorable impressions that invite visitors to return time and again."
More than 25 years ago, Cherokee Nation opened its first gaming operation, a simple bingo hall, on the same property as the current casino resort. At the time, much of the technology used today was nonexistent and only conceivable within science fiction or futuristic television shows and movies.
The technological advances in gaming, security and surveillance have transformed Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland into the region's leading entertainment destination.
The tribe's business arm used new methods to match the property's increased focus on technology and art, including an animated TV wall featuring art with moving elements and audio across three separate monitors and a mosaic TV wall displaying the casino and hotel's entire art collection.
Holographic greeters offer patrons a quick and factual education in Cherokee culture and language while also depicting the tribe's history within Sequoyah County. The greeters feature the appearances and voices of actual employees who currently work at the property.
"It's an honor as both an employee and as a Cherokee Nation citizen to work in an environment that expresses so much of our tribal history and culture through numerous displays," said Chad McReynolds, general manager of Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland. "Our guests appreciate the art and are interested in hearing the stories behind each piece. The art team really did a wonderful job with this project."
Cherokee culture is represented throughout CNB and CNE properties by using both historical and modern mediums. The Roland location features the distinct works of 28 Cherokee artists, including eight Cherokee National Treasures: Bill Glass Jr., David Scott, Donald Vann, Jane Osti, Luther Toby Hughes, Noel Grayson, Shawna Morton Cain and William Cabbagehead.
The property boasts three-dimensional works ranging from basketry to ceramics by Shawna Morton Cain, Jane Osti and David Scott, photos by renowned Cherokee photographer Jeremy Charles, and a ceiling centerpiece reflecting the four directions on earth created by Bill and Demos Glass.
Honeysuckle baskets, woven and hand-built pottery, a historic sugar bowl and handmade hunting and fishing tools used before European contact, as well as 8-foot-tall panels displaying Ron Mitchell's piece Art of the People are also on display.
"It is very important that we continue to preserve our culture and support Cherokee artists," said Gina Olaya, director of cultural art and design for Cherokee Nation Businesses. "Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland exemplifies the many ways modern technology helps us share and enjoy Cherokee history, language and art, while simultaneously creating an entertainment experience unlike anything else in the area."
Cherokee Nation and its businesses rely on Cherokee artists and their works to bring an unmatched authenticity to all of the tribe's properties. A catalogue of the tribe's collection is accessible through an online art database at http://cnart.pastperfect-online.com.
CNB works alongside partnering businesses such as James R. Childers Inc., Flintco LLC and Cooper Construction & Design Inc., all of which brought their company's skills and expertise to Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, to design and create facilities that correctly reflect Cherokee culture while ensuring the practicality and efficiency of each design.
The company's cultural art department is actively involved in the process of conceptualizing, planning and opening of each CNE property. The department's staff and art committees select each piece of art and serve an integral role in selecting culturally appropriate designs, materials, textures, colors and themes to ensure Cherokee culture, language and customs are represented accurately.
In accordance with tribal law, new construction and renovation projects fund the procurement, preservation and exhibition of cultural artifacts and artwork. The law calls for those funds to be used for any form of art deemed historical, cultural or traditional, including crafts, paintings, beadwork, sculptures and landscaping. It also allows for the expense of preserving, installing and displaying such art.
CNE operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa; eight Cherokee Casinos, including a horse racing track; three hotels; three golf courses and other retail operations.