text:
giveaway time!
- leave a comment on this post telling me what you would like to see Vanilla Sugar 'make or kick up a notch' (tell me as much as your heart desires)
- make sure you're a fan of the Vanilla Sugar Facebook page.
- and if you want to tweet about this giveaway that's good too, but I won't enforce it.
On Friday May 7, 2010 I'll select a random number using the random generator to see who will win. For obvious reasons, anonymous comments don't qualify--please make sure your name, email and/or website are visible in your comment. Good luck and happy cooking!
The above cupcake is my sweet potato & vanilla bean cupcake featured here.
186 comments:
Best giveaway ever! Except everything I want at Williams Sonoma is over $200. Hmmm...every little bit helps, right?ReplyDelete
I am going with a layered cheesecake. Then please send me a piece.
i'm already a fan on facebook! (adriana bon ramos)...ReplyDelete
i'm going to say... what about cinnamon rolls? or babka? or challah? i live in boston, i can come to cape cod to pick it up! j/k! anything would be great
I just want that cupcake. Ok and maybe the GC.ReplyDelete
No. No. Just the cupcake...
I've always wondered if there was a way to kick up a banana pudding recipe. Every time I make it, I make it the same way every time....ReplyDelete
French vanilla pudding (never used banana, I think it's gross)
chopped bananas
milnot canned milk
whipped cream (I whip the cream into the pudding mix)
and of course, the wafers
I do not bake it, just whip, add bananas and cookies and pop it in the fridge.
- Anonymous4/29/10, 11:05 AM
I would love to see more pastry recipes. I love to cook with it.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/29/10, 11:05 AM
I would love to see more pastry recipes. I love to cook with it.ReplyDelete
Hooray for giveaways! I would love to see a really good strawberry pie recipe. I have been looking for one and have yet to find a truly good recipe. I'm positive you would make a great strawberry pie.ReplyDelete
An unusual way to use all the strawberries out there right now!ReplyDelete
Can you really kick things up anymore? I am sure you will come up with something though, you always do! I love your breakfast sweets-muffins, scones, etc. but I love all of your recipes:)ReplyDelete
I love Williams-Sonoma! I also would love to see more crazy scones. I love scones like whoa.ReplyDelete
I would love to see a recipe for apple dumplings. My grandmother used to make wonderful ones and I've never found her recipe.ReplyDelete
I would love to see some light summery desserts. Fresh, seasonal fruit, not too dense or rich.ReplyDelete
And, okay, cupcakes.
I would love to see any spring desserts that you have been inspired to make!ReplyDelete
What a giveaway!!!! I don't do facebook, so I'm not sure I can enter but..I would like to see a few posts: 1. a list of your favorite treats you've ever made, 2. best of spring/summer/fall/winter posts, 3.a few recipes using spring berriesReplyDelete
- Nicole4/29/10, 11:26 AM
Great giveaway! I'm always on the lookout for great, go-to bar cookie recipe. They make a lot of goodies with minimal work. I make cookies for my husband's company to give away at Christmas and, of course, my own. It's also really great when the recipe includes instructions about how to cut the bar cookies so that they look pretty and perfect, without the top caving in, etc. Some need to be cut when they're warm, some need to be refrigerated....it's such a bummer to make a great tasting cookie and then mash the heck out of it trying to cut it into bars. My eaters don't seem to mind, but I just love a beautiful bar cookie!ReplyDelete
Nicole LaValle
Love the blog! And I would love $50 to Williams Sonoma! I would love to see more health info on your blog.....or maybe some healthier items every once in a while. My mouth waters at all your posts because I know they're forbidden in my land! But it would be nice to have my mouth water but actually be able to eat it!!ReplyDelete
- Nicole4/29/10, 11:26 AM
oopsies--here's my email!ReplyDelete
Nicole LaValle
I am a fan on Facebook, a stalker on Twitter and a regular gawker of this blog.ReplyDelete
I am going home to Indiana this summer for vacation and plan to return with as much of my favorite berry as I can haul: black raspberries.
I would love new recipes that make the most of the world's most perfect fruit.
Girl, you know I love everything you do! I agree, though - I'd like to see you rock some strawberries (when they're in season for you). And I'm already a FB Fan!ReplyDelete
I'm trying to like vegetables, so any good recipes with vegetables would be good!ReplyDelete
Great looking cupcakes. How about a yeast bread in a brioche pan. I just bought one and need to figure out what to make in it. I'm going over to "like" you on FB. Ciao Chow Linda also has a FB page.ReplyDelete
Definately something savory, maybe a kicked up bread? I love baking bread.ReplyDelete
How about something with a cast iron pan (dutch oven?) I just got one as a gift and I don't know what to do with it.
- Anonymous4/29/10, 12:01 PM
Pick ME!!!ReplyDelete
awesome... i love the non traditional flavor combinations, id like to see you work your magic on some of my favorite desserts bread pudding or tres lechesReplyDelete
I just love anything sweet in a shell, so how about mini-tarts with uncoventional fruit combos..or interesting spices.ReplyDelete
How about your take on baklava? I'm always looking for new ways to make it. Or creative dishes with tomatoes - the season is coming up!ReplyDelete
Great giveaway!ReplyDelete
Pastries are my favorite so new recipes are always good!
Fan on FB, too!
Macarons. I haven't gotten the courage to try my own yet, but I'd like to live vicariously through everyone else. : )ReplyDelete
Sorry, I don't have a fb page. Does that disqualify me?
Wow, cool! I am always a fan of more brownie and bar recipes.ReplyDelete
Do something with raspberries, dark chocolate and espresso. Then invite me over for taste testing. lol.ReplyDelete
I am already a fan on facebook and twitter. It is sad I even have those accounts but it is a way to chat with you, ha ha. Hope you are doing good. Miss you and get to baking!
I have to agree with someone else who posted. A nice soft and tender cinnamon roll would be great.ReplyDelete
More cheesecake! I've tried so many of your recipes, but I do love me some cheesecake!ReplyDelete
I'd love to see more of your cravings come to life! I always love seeing what you come up with. Ooh, or maybe something using up that chocolate I sent ya :-)ReplyDelete
Thanks for the giveaway Dawn!
I'd love to see you tackle more stuff with whole wheat.ReplyDelete
Thanks for the giveaway :)
Oh that 50 will surely get me closer to the La Creuset pot that I want.ReplyDelete
I would love to see a frozen yogurt recipe- any flavor is fine.
I will fan you on FB.
I love this frosting :)ReplyDelete
How supremely awesome! Personally I think you do everything fabulously but I would love to see some kind of bread pudding. Any kind of bread pudding. I think you would do it fabulously.ReplyDelete
I would love to see more ice cream recipes!ReplyDelete
- Kelly4/29/10, 1:27 PM
I'm not going to enter in the giveaway, but I would love to see you make Dulce de leche please.ReplyDelete
Hi lady, fabulous giveaway! You know i already stalk you via any media possible. I already love what you make (though my waistline may disagree), but how about some strawberry desserts? They are SO good and SO cheap right now!ReplyDelete
Nice. Hm, I think you should do something with masa. I still have like 3 pounds of it and need some ideas. ;)ReplyDelete
I just became a facebook fan!ReplyDelete
You should make...hmmm....whoopie pies! Any flavors you like!
And I would love to buy some new dishes from Williams Sonoma...
- Kiwinca4/29/10, 2:22 PM
ooh I love WS and I love your website too! ANYTHING sweet I say :) Actually what about coffee cakes?ReplyDelete
You know I love your sweet stuff, but something savory...in the form of pizza would be fantab!ReplyDelete
- Haley4/29/10, 2:57 PM
Yum! Every thing on your blog is so good-looking! Just keep doing what you're doing!ReplyDelete
What an awesome giveaway!ReplyDelete
I'm a stalker of the blog and a new follower of Facebook...would love to see raspberry recipes - my bushes are going to be overflowing and would love some new creations!
- Anonymous4/29/10, 3:14 PM
More fabulous desserts, please! What a great giveaway!ReplyDelete
I NEED that gift certificate! haha. I love all the recipes! I'd love to see new spring recipes!ReplyDelete
All right hoochie-mama..if I dont win, I am going to hunt you down and beat you with a spatula! ohh-la-la!ReplyDelete
You dont ned to kick anything up a notch at all. Everything you do is already over the top delicious!
Hmmm....what you should make...I'm thinking some kind of bread.ReplyDelete
I would love to see some scones or muffins. Any kind of breakfast food really.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/29/10, 4:18 PM
hmmm, that's a toughy... are you familiar with bienenstich? it's German "bee sting cake." a favorite, never attempted though.ReplyDelete
I would love to see some new desserts that take advantage of spring and summertime fruits! Maybe some fresh fruit tarts with the little Dawn twist.ReplyDelete
I love this kind of giveaway! I'm looking for a really good, moist chocolate muffin.ReplyDelete
Love the giveaway! i'd love to see a kicked up rhubarb recipe.ReplyDelete
Any good summer desserts! SOmething with berries...I'm impatiently awaiting summer BBQ's if you cant tell!ReplyDelete
mmmm, something caramely (is that a word?)!ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/29/10, 4:54 PM
I enjoy the photography but I was wondering if you would consider video tutorials?ReplyDelete
I would love to see you blog about cinnamon rolls!...what would make them even better would be with Caramel icing too!ReplyDelete
i would like to see something that does not require an oven. i live in savannah and it's gonna get hot here.ReplyDelete
hey dawn!ReplyDelete
thanks for including me in this fab giveaway!
i *heart* your banana espresso crumb cake sooooo much....it is a great recipe....
&...i also *heart* cheesecakes...any thoughts of banana espresso layered cheesecake...your creativity can take us to another level!
i don't know, dawn, your blog is already one of the most dynamic in my reader. if you kick it up much more, things might explode. :)ReplyDelete
I'd like to see you kick up some red velvet cake!ReplyDelete
Hello! My name is meag and I have been a reader for some time now.ReplyDelete
I am definitely a fan on facebook, as well as twitter.
I would love to see a delicious bread pudding. Maybe with chocolate and almonds?
P.s. I LOVE W&S!!
I'd love to see you kick up a tres leche cake...there's a Mexican restaurant that makes a fantastic one in my hometown - it's always a different flavor, different cakes marbled together, fruit...I haven't been able to find one/make one that matches it!ReplyDelete
I love everything you do! I wish some things were a little more figure-friendly, but then they wouldn't be so tasty or look so fab!ReplyDelete
Since summer is coming soon, how about some unusual ice cream flavor combinations?
ndshepherd at hotmail dot com
- Cori4/29/10, 7:07 PM
Hummingbird cake for sure. It's always been my favorite cake!ReplyDelete
- Lisa T.4/29/10, 7:28 PM
Sounds like a fun thing I can get in trouble with...ReplyDelete
Wow awesome giveaway!!ReplyDelete
I love your website but I guess I would say I love the dessert recipes!! Maybe some with Strawberries??
Can't go wrong with more chocolate and peanut butter!ReplyDelete
Wow this is great! I would love to shop at William&Sonoma :)ReplyDelete
I would like to see.. Maybe a mille fuille? Not sure if that is the right spelling though.. But that is my favorite pastry and would love to make it myself
Happy baking :)
- Beth4/29/10, 8:23 PM
How about a kicked up tiramisu? Or some more pancake recipes? I do love me some pancakes....ReplyDelete
It's really difficult for me to think of something for you! I find all of your creations and flavour combos incredibly interesting. Cookies???ReplyDelete
Maybe something with heirloom tomatoes? They should be getting here in about one month...ReplyDelete
Ooh! I hope I win!ReplyDelete
can you do something with bananas? I always have lots of extras and I'm tired of making banana bread and banana pudding.
- Anonymous4/29/10, 9:03 PM
I would love to see a kicked up Cannoli recipe. They are my absolute favorite. I moved from Detroit,MI to west MI and no one makes them here. I've tried to make them but they just don't come out the same. Excited to see what you come up with.ReplyDelete
I love your blog and photos--keep up the great work!ReplyDelete
I would be interested to see a kicked up trifle of some sort. Something really innovative and unique! Or, a rhubarb dish. I've never been a huge rhubarb fan, but I'd be willing to give it another try with a recipe you create!
Thanks for doing this giveaway! It's awesome!
- Anonymous4/29/10, 9:12 PM
Thanks for all you do...love it all! I'd like to see make ahead ideas, refrigerated fruit desserts, and breakfast ideas for company. In fact, make ahead breakfast ideas for company if possible.ReplyDelete
Hurray for this giveaway! Love love love your recipes!ReplyDelete
You've already mastered the Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies. How about a take on their dark chocolate chocolate chip version?
Already a fan on facebook!
I'd love to see a bread pudding "ramped up". Thanks for the giveaway!ReplyDelete
zekks at yahoo dot com
i love your wacky flavor combinations, like chocolate-covered cheez-its! id like to see more of thatReplyDelete
I would love to see an almond pear tart. What a generous give away...ReplyDelete
I'm a cheesecake and mousse lover so anything in those categories is good. What about a mousse with some sort of liquer> Now THAT'S kickin' it up, right? ;)ReplyDelete
Thanks for the chance!
ealguire at sbcglobal dot net
- email@example.com/29/10, 10:59 PM
Love your blog - lots of unusual recipes. Love Williams-Sonoma, but can't afford to shop there very often, so my fingers are crossed :) Thanks for offering this giveaway.ReplyDelete
I always have an overabundance of apples, so I'd love some apple dessert recipes beyond the usual pies. :)ReplyDelete
I'm a facebook fan!
I would love to see more quick breads/muffins. I really love a berry bran muffin or something with ginger in it! I love your recipes they're awesome! ThanksReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/29/10, 11:48 PM
those cupcakes look great. but the link doesn't work - any chance you could post the recipe w/ your modifications?ReplyDelete
jacquieastemborski AT comcast DOT net
Candies! Keep it up!ReplyDelete
Amazing blog!
I'm always looking for a simple but ridiculously decadent, moist, chocolate cake recipe. I have yet to find one... maybe you can help? :)ReplyDelete
Thank you for the giveaway!
I am focusing on pies and would love a william sanoma anything that would help me mast such!ReplyDelete
Love this site!
I love Williams Sonoma. I am originally from Australia so I would like to see you make something like lamingtons or a vanilla slice. I would love to see what kind of unique spin you could put on them.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4/30/10, 6:33 AM
mmmm...donuts would be good. Really kicked up delicious donuts!!!ReplyDelete
Just became a Facebook fan today!
Oooo.... how about a Babka? I need someone to give me a really good recipe so I can wow my future in-laws w/ it!ReplyDelete
I'm a fan on FB, but for some reason I your page won't come up on my FB app today! :(
I always welcome anything health-inspired! I'm always looking for recipes that I can actually use! :)ReplyDelete
I would love to see either a banana pudding recipe or a healthy dessert recipe.ReplyDelete
What a great idea!
Love everything on your blog! I especially like how appealing all of the pictures are and how organized it looks. It just looks so great.ReplyDelete
How about Key Lime Coconut Layered Cake?
I would love to see some recipes for summer with seasonal fruits and veggies. How about a great strawberry Shortcake or peach pie?ReplyDelete
Great giveaway! I love Williams Sonoma. I would like to see more desserts using fresh fruits like blueberries and strawberries, especially with spring and supper approaching. Thank you!ReplyDelete
Great giveaway!! I'm already a fan on facebook. And as far as something I would like to see on your blog...perhaps a good, easy coconut cream pie recipe.ReplyDelete
Of course I am a fan. Duh.ReplyDelete
What would I like to see you make? Hmmmmm... everything you do is amazing. How about the best birthday cake ever. Have you done that yet?
- Jennifer Boyd4/30/10, 12:53 PM
I just started reading your blog...but so far I'm loving it!!ReplyDelete
Jennifer Boyd
I would love to have a great cookie that ships well overseas. I bake for the troops and am never sure if they keep well. I know it sounds weird, but I would love to have a go to recipe. Thanks for the giveaway!ReplyDelete
Rhubarb, its in season now.ReplyDelete
More pie recipes...maybe chocolatey/fruity combinations to kick it up!ReplyDelete
Love the blog by the way :)
Great giveaway. I love, love, love Williams Sonoma. I would like to see a strawberry or fruit tart. The kind with the pastry cream in it.ReplyDelete
I think you could work your wonders on a doughnut.ReplyDelete
oh my lordie what a great giveaway this is.ReplyDelete
i would love to see what you could do with figs when they're in season. my favorite fruit by far.
Awesome blog and awesome giveaway! I'd love to see a recipe for banana cream pie and cream puffs.... kicked up any way you'd like!ReplyDelete
OK, of course this is the wrong season for it, but I'm always looking for new Thanksgiving desserts that are NOT pumpkin pie. I like pumpkin in muffins, breads, cheesecake, ice cream, etc., just not pie. I know, go figure. So what new way can you come up with to showcase pumpkin in a grand dessert that's NOT in a pie? ;)ReplyDelete
- Debbie4/30/10, 11:05 PM
Cupcakes.....I love to make them and decorating them.....any new ideas are always needed.ReplyDelete
- Debbie4/30/10, 11:08 PM
Cheesecake, cupcakes, and muffins are my passion....new ideas needed...ReplyDelete
What a fantastic giveaway!ReplyDelete
You do a damn good job on your own of kicking everything up a notch and a half. Any of the suggestions given above have my votes! 8-D
wowsa! so i'm not on facebook... but i just posted about your sweet potato cheddar cookies (loved), so maybe that'll count ;)ReplyDelete
girl, you always kick it up a notch, that's why i love everything you make! what about stuff beyond the sweets, maybe something savory some of the time? in the mean time, i'll just take one of those cupcakes!
oh Dawn this is good! ya know, I had a traditional 7 layer dip yesterday, which I love...but would love to see your "spin" on it!ReplyDelete
You know I'm a fan!! Love ya girl!
I love a good giveaway! I have no idea what you should bake for your blog. I love so many things. It is hard to be original , but you are doing a great job :)ReplyDelete
- Rachel5/1/10, 9:07 AM
Everything on your blog sounds (and looks) fantastic! I wish I could try them all. Maybe you could do some sort of veggie quiche (spinach, asparagus, who knows..) I don't think I've seen that one on here. Thanks for the giveaway.. and for your killer blog!ReplyDelete
Carrot cake cheesecake with your white chocolate ganache, that is what I would love to see. Great giveaway.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous5/1/10, 9:38 AM
I personally have really enjoyed every recipe I've seen, and can't even think of a thing to add to your recipe collection. Honestly.ReplyDelete
Love this giveaway!
I am going to many potlucks for children events and I am always looking for somthing a little different that takes it up a notch. Something that the parents will like and the adventures little eaters will like.ReplyDelete
Thank you for all the inspiration.
I love finding healthy twists on my family's favorite recipes. Oooo, and ice cream :) I'll friend you on FB!ReplyDelete
- Anonymous5/1/10, 3:00 PM
Great Giveaway!!! I've been a facebook fan from the beginning.ReplyDelete
Do you think you could kick up a chocolate cheesecake recipe because I made one and it came out pretty good, but it just needed something extra.
And I've also been wanting to bake something using fruit like berries or maybe even black cherries so if you could make something using any of those that would be really great :)
I would like something with chocolate and cinnamon! Love your blog, DebbieReplyDelete
awesome! what a beautiful blog! :)ReplyDelete
I love breads, the yeast kind and would love to see some on your blog. You have some fabulous photos!ReplyDelete
Awesome giveaway! I was just looking at the Williams Sonoma website yesterday.ReplyDelete
I don't have a Facebook account, so I'm not sure I can enter because I can't "become" a fan, though I already am in real life!
I'm always open for new cupcake flavors.
Just keep the sweets coming! I'm a fan on facebook!ReplyDelete
I am always up for something sweet. How about custard pie?ReplyDelete
I would love to see a good strawberry shortcake!ReplyDelete
Awesome giveaway! I would love to see some summer fruit recipes.ReplyDelete
Oh! I became a fan of the facebook page too!ReplyDelete
Sorry- forgot the email... gty46 at hotmail dot comReplyDelete
Keep the sweets posts. More summertime picnic desserts. Awesome GiveawayReplyDelete
More spring/summer desserts!ReplyDelete
I get inspired to try doing things with the less common herbs and spices. Perhaps you could look into a savory dish using lovage, or something that would highlight the citrus tang of sorrel. If I win that fine gift certificate to Williams-Sonoma here's my address: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Vivian5/2/10, 12:42 PM
Hmmm...not sure my last post registered after I did an edit. My comments again: (if it turns out a double post afterall, pls delete one...I wouldn't want to enter twice!) "I would like you to explore some of the lesser known herbs and spices. I have lovage and sorrel in my garden but haven't yet found any kind of recipes to use them in." Thanks, email@example.com
I love telling others about your blog. Especially that you love to mix peanut butter and chocolate - two of my favs.ReplyDelete
I am currently living in Denmark and I have a very, very small kitchen. I only have two burners and a toaster oven for cooking. If you have any recipes for desserts that work well for toaster ovens, I am all ears.
Keep the food porn coming!
I love telling others about your blog. Especially that you love to mix peanut butter and chocolate - two of my favs.ReplyDelete
I am currently living in Denmark and I have a very, very small kitchen. I only have two burners and a toaster oven for cooking/baking. If you have any recipes for main dishes or desserts that work well for toaster ovens, I am all ears. Sort of like kickn' it up a knotch creatively. :)
Since it is almost summer how about some ice cream, sorbet, or popsicle recipes!ReplyDelete
What a great giveaway!
Ice cream recipes!ReplyDelete
More ice cream recipes! I love to see how creative people can get with fab mix-ins.ReplyDelete
I would love to see more ca-razzyyy pancake recipesReplyDelete
I'd love to see more uses for over ripe banana'sReplyDelete
i would love to see more crazy pancake recipes!!!ReplyDelete
everything always looks so great... maybe a creative cookie?ReplyDelete
Hmmm... something blueberrilicious? Nice giveaway!ReplyDelete
Just discovered your amazing blog and I am a fan on FB! I would love to see you do something with this:ReplyDelete
I will say the recipe as is is too much cake and not enough crumb.
Baked treats that will travel!ReplyDelete
I have an ice cream maker that I have never used. I would love a recipe for caramel ice cream.ReplyDelete
I would like to see some tapas or recipes for brunch that are quick and easy.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous5/3/10, 11:36 AM
Okay, well I have to say that I find all of your recipes really interesting. I love the different flavor profiles!ReplyDelete
Great giveaway! I would love to see some more vegan recipes on your site. :)ReplyDelete
I would love to see more kicked up pizza ideas.ReplyDelete
flowerpower0097 at live dot com
How about a tall, layered chocolate mousse cake? Mmm.ReplyDelete
I'm already a fan on Facebook.
cookincanuck at hotmail dot com
I'd like to see a sabayon, maybe coconut! I already follow you! GREGReplyDelete
so fun! i love williams-sonoma. hmm, i love everything you make! maybe a few more breads!ReplyDelete
I second the chocolate mousse cake.ReplyDelete
Keep doing what you're doing! Everything looks yummy and thanks for the giveaway!
I would llove to see what you would do to kick-up a tiramisu! I've done it traditional, I've done it chocolate...but always love a new twist on such a decadent dessert.ReplyDelete
All of these ideas are so good....I would love to see something savory, too...or maybe a really great cheesecake?ReplyDelete
I joined your FB, too!
thanks for such a generous giveaway!ReplyDelete
hmm as for what to make, surprise me ;)
I'd love to see anything chicken. We raise chickens. I have cooked so many chickens that I'm no longer feeling inspired. Whaddya say?ReplyDelete
I just became a fan on facebook but have been following your blog for some time now. Your recipes always look incredible!ReplyDelete
I would love a simple pork recipe that I can prepare in my kitchen that won't take longer than 20 minutes to prep :)
And I am dying for that sweet potato cupcake! Yum!
lyndsylee (at) gmail.com
Anything you make is wonderful. I will read anything that you blog about. It all is great!ReplyDelete
I love Williams Sonoma! Could you concoct a chocolate confection that is airy and light, but still deep and chocolatey?ReplyDelete
Nice giveaway. I'd like to see some light ice cream / gelato / sorbet, especially if it's fruit based.ReplyDelete
I would love to see a kicked up dessert using either pears or plumsReplyDelete
Thanks ... Great give away!
Hommus, fatoosh...anything lebanese or exotic....already your faccebook fan :) Rae TeallReplyDelete
Boy, that is a tough one-your posts have run the gamut and are drool worthy. Hmmm, something with rhubarb? My plants are abundant and I have two go-to recipes, but the guys at work love to try new things.....ReplyDelete
I of course follow you on FB :-)
Just found your blog and you've definitely made my short list! Here's an idea for something that needs kicking up...key lime pie. I've tried to make my recipe stand out and I just can't seem to master it. I bet you have a scathingly brilliant idea on just how to do it. And when you do, I'll be the first one to try!!ReplyDelete
Love this giveaway!ReplyDelete
Something to be kicked up is a hard one as there is so many yummy things on here. But I'm going to go with breakfast casserole/strata/quiches with exoctic/different ingredients...
I came here through a link on the quarter pounder cookies, and homg, I think I'll eat the screen.ReplyDelete
I would love to see your take on the butter tart. i'm not Canadian, but man, do I miss those.
I am already a Facebook fan, so that is taken care of. As far as kicking it up...hmm, maybe something using rhubarb? This is the first year I get to harvest my plant, so I am gathering up interesting recipes. Thanks for a great giveaway!ReplyDelete
Ooh this site is fun! I am a fan!ReplyDelete
I am still trying to find a really good brownie recipe that tastes better than boxed brownies. Sadly, I have yet to find one.ReplyDelete
I would love to see your take on 'apam balik'!ReplyDelete
Hmmm, can you kick up Coconut Cream Pie?ReplyDelete
I would love to see you tweak some cinnamon rolls....ReplyDelete
And if you could deliver those to me in bed I would greatly appreciate it!
I'd love to see a recipe for gluten-free cannoli! :)ReplyDelete
Lemon meringue pie. I've made two good ones, and every one after that is bad, and I have no idea why.ReplyDelete
And I'm now a fan of your Facebook page!
Old fashioned apple strudel!ReplyDelete
How about healthy sweets? Is there such a thing?ReplyDelete
Hey Dawn!ReplyDelete
I'm gonna need to to kick up some ice cream flavors this summer that are out of this world, like: caramel & smoked sea salt swirl, cantaloupe & green tea mint...you know, stuff like that :)
Hey, kick it up a notch:ReplyDelete
White Cheddar Creamy Mac N' Cheese!ReplyDelete
Please! I have been desperately looking for a recipe.
- Megan5/27/10, 10:45 AM
I have a real sweet tooth and I'm always looking for recipes that aren't so full of fat and calories. But it cant skimp on taste. I made some lemon cream with tofu and it was forrible. But I have a recipe for chocolate silk pie that is made with tofu and I LOVE it!ReplyDelete


text:
A 2013 Jaguar XJ smart key
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Mhz . Use these numbers to confirm that your Smart key will match this product
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
AO DAY SC Nov 9th 2002
Gold Dragon Paintball is the Official Event field
See the field:
Highlight of the Hill Challenge Field
Paintball Inc. will be supplying PowerBall Pearl at $50 a case to you. Paintball Inc. is supplying some Raffle stuff too.
Ultimate Air field!!!! Our good friends down at Regulators Outpost in Dalton Georgia have stepped in after Paintball Inc could not supply a field and are bringing up an Ultimate Air kind of set up in a five man size. Great thanks to Tom Blevins for saving the day on this and to Rob Long for finding him for us. Visit Tom's site and lets support him for helping us out. Regulators Outpost Web Site
Clemson University Paintball Club and Daniel High School Paintball Club will provide refs, Field Judges and Volunteers for the event.
We hope to have a complete Tech station set up. I think that Brian Terry is going to do some of that.
Mel at Paintballistix will provide AGD products. Level 10's, Intelliframes, Warps and Retro Vavles will be on sale there.
And theAngelguy will be setting up his booth too and involved in Angel tech work as well.
More breaking news!!!!Yes!!!! Tom Kaye will be there!!!! Come meet the master of the Mag!
Breaking news! Bob is coming!!!! Yes! theAngelGuy himself!!! And he is maybe hinting about some cool Angel guy stuff to give away and doing some tech work. SO you Angel AO members turn out and meet Bob!
Inter-Forum Involvement! Styles *****ley (LOL the filter doesn't like your name!)he is the Co Admin from PBC and we got "Conqueror" a PBC Cocker Moderator and Cocker guru who is willing to tech those for us (we will need that huh? Snicker...Sorry just kidding!)and Nerobro a Moderator from PBN will be there!!!! This will be neat huh?
We are asking even more Celebrites for attendance and they will be announced as soon as we can. So far from AO we have Army, Sarah, Mel from Paintballistix, JonAGD (the Wang master himself) , theAngelGuy, Team Black Cell from NJ and of course FatMan and Cphilip! I have also invited Capo, and Bill and Dawn Mills and Odyssey Paintball Products and well many many more of our respected AO members. If we get a large pre-registration then I think we can snag some of them too. And as you know already a large contingent from NJ is planning to come. Follow the crazy hijinks of the NJ bunch here: NJ Bus Trip thread
Some tounge and cheek training and information for you Northerners heading South for this "Yankee Trainin" here
3 Man Tourney on one field only will be held and a small entry fee of $15 per team payable on the day of the meet will be seperate from registration. It will be only to cover trophies presented. Note that this leaves three speed ball fields and the woods open for rec play all the time. Tourney rules are being drafted and will be published long before you get here.
You do not need to shoot a Mag....but I expect you will be harrassed! And you do not need to already be an AO member to attend but we ask that you do join AO to complete the registration or be a guest of an AO member. It's free to join AO, The best Paintball site on the net!!!
Along with this, after the day of play, a nice Dinner Party with band at Explorer's Bar and Grill that night, after the play day, which *is included* in the registration. Featuring the Wild Hog Band. Again this is a complete take over and we own the place for the evening. Our own Bartender with cash bar, Pool tables and big screen TV. All this is included (except the bar) in your $25 registration fee. Menu is Wings, Chicken Tenders, Club Sandwiches, Veggies, Dips, chips, water and Tea included. Starts at 8:00 last call is 11:00. Dinner served around 9:00. did I say this was included?
All day Air and the field fee is also included in the registration.
Registration fee is $25 FOR EVERYTHING!!!
Note: except 3 man tourney. That will be additonal $15 a team payable on the day of the meet...and your paint...see above.
Registration info
Notice Register right now!!!!! we need to know numbers you can pay later see the directions within the registration link.
UPDATE ON REGISTERATIONS!!! OVER 80 showing and I know of about 30-40 more! HAVE YOU MAILED YOUR REGISTRATION MONEY? If so then fine... I will be updating you on those as soon as I can get back from Florida.
BUT if you have not please do so in the next day or so. Or...Bring Cash to pay the day of the event. NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY BUT BE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE CHECKS OR CARDS FOR REGISTRATIONS/DINNER THAT DAY!!!! CASH ONLY THEN!!!. We will be set up for Cards for paint sales.
SO EITHER MAIL NOW IN TEH NEXT DAY OR TWO OR BRING CASH THAT DAY for onsite registrations. But if you can please go ahead and hit the registration page anyway. JUST TELL US YOU WILL PAY CASH THAT DAY. But come on anyway but be prepared to pay the $25 in cash there
There will be preregistration for a fairly long period but due to the Dinner we will need to do this kind of thing. Non-refundable unless ample prenotice is given for hardship. If not then consider it a donation to the University Paintball Club. It will go to good use. All people at the event must come through the registration table even children and people not playing. we need you registered and a waver signed and you need to get your tickets for dinner as the Raffles will be based on those!
Registration Page: SC AO DAY Registration Form here
Please note that the budget and prices calculated for this event are not expected to generate revenue. However with a very large turn out (100 plus) they may, so we are going to contribute any proceeds to the University Paintball Club if they do.
Hotels/Motels (all within five miles of the field and located in Clemson SC 29631
Host Hotel is the Days Inn of Clemson SC
(864) 653-4411 Toll Free (800) 329-7466
20 rooms are blocked out for Automags Online - Microwave, Fridge and coffee pot in each room - Continental Breakfast - Evening Snacks - 2 Queen size beds per room - Group Rate is $49.00 for 2 people and $5 for each additional person (or $59.00 for 4 people). Block rates are for the nights of the 8th and 9th of November. Rate good until Oct 16th and after that based on availabiltiy.
I dentify yourself as "Automags Online" to get the rate!
Notice!!!! I have just been told that if you call the 800 number for the hotel doing the group rate, they know nothing about the special rates. You actually have to call the hotel directly at (864) 653-4411, to get that rate. Otherwise they will charge you the normal 59$ a night.
Additional Hotels:
Hampton Inn (864) 653-7744
Martin Inn (864) 654-9020
Sleep Inn (864) 653-6000
Lake Hartwell Inn (864) 654-4450
Ramada Inn - Clemson (864) 654-7501 (800)272-6232
Limited camping at the field. You need to email me and discuss that.
There will be more info as this progresses and I will get that up as it does...
Respectfully yours
Philip Carroll and Walter Ligon (aka cphilip & FatMan)
Co-Chairs of the "SC AO EVENT COMMITTEE" (self appointed )


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Home > Contributor Creations > The "Freaky Déjà vécu" Dress > freaky
Tempest Devyne is a Brit who loves rain. She was therefore exiled to the deserts of Arizona. She started tentatively sewing about 3 years ago to make her own burlesque costumes. She'd now like to make pretty clothes for herself that don't rely on velcro and poppers to stay on. She's self-taught with help from the internet and lots of books from the library.
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I remember when I was in Junior High, I had to have my Caboodle. It was something I wanted for my eleventh birthday, commemorating my step up from Elementary to Junior High. Then as I went on to High School, my Caboodles were must have necessities! I used them for my makeup, hair accessories, and basic jewelry. If I was going to be away for the night, I had to have one of my Caboodles stocked up with my basics that I had to have with me in order to be presentable, lol! I know that the majority of my friends had their Caboodles as well and they felt the same about them. I still have my makeup cases, my jewelry boxes, and my accessory case, but nothing will ever compare to the Caboodles I had growing up!! So when I was asked to do a giveaway for my readers on a great pack that included the new movie Monte Carlo and a Caboodle, I had to ask if I could get my own Caboodle as well! I was so excited when it came in. It brought back so many memories!! They still look the same inside and out, which I find to be classic! Now I did get a chance to watch the new movie Monte Carlo and I loved it. It is about a group of girls who are related by marriage. Two of them are also best friends while the oldest of the girls, has her life already planned out and set. She finds her sister and step sister to be very juvenile in their behavior and the way they live their lives. Well for the youngest girls graduation present the girls are given the chance to explore some of Europe! The trip was written out to be a very planned trip, but they soon find out that things dont always go as planned. The girls went with a tour group so they could see the sights of Paris, to find themselves left behind. This may have seemed to be a tragedy, but turned into an adventure that will change all of their lives forever!! They get a chance to go from a ordinary middle class lifestyle to a very high class, royal lifestyle! The girls take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity and live it up to the fullest!! I love this movie and the Caboodle is a perfect addition to make for a great prize pack to give to any young lady this holiday season!!!
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Roger Nichols has enjoyed his academic career at UAB. He has spent 5 years total at UAB, first pursuing his bachelor's degree and then his master's degree. This May he will receive his master of science in mathematics. His research focus is Random Schrödinger operators in mathematical physics.
When asked why he chose UAB for his graduate studies, Roger said, "The UAB Mathematics Department has a good reputation. I got acquainted with most of the mathematics professors here at UAB as an undergraduate, so choosing UAB for graduate studies was a natural choice."
Roger's academic awards while at UAB have been numerous. He has earned the 2006 Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Mathematics and the 2007 Outstanding Graduate Student in Mathematics.
Roger credits his advisor, Dr. Gunter Stolz, for being his greatest influence here at UAB. He adds, "Working with Dr. Stolz has been my most rewarding experience at UAB."
Roger plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics in order to attain a position in academia.
We wish Roger the best in his academic and professional careers.


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Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is the popular name for a sermon attributed to Jesus, as written in Matthew 5-7 . Many Christians consider it to be one of the greatest messages ever delivered, some even going so far as to considering it proof of the divinity of Jesus.
Sermon overview
The sermon is portrayed in the book of Matthew, chapters 5 through 7, though it parallels the Sermon on the Plain presented in Luke 6:17-49 as well as some passages from Mark. Scholars are uncertain about the precise origin of the sermon but the parallels between the synoptic gospels as well as non-canonical texts like the Gospel of Thomas have lead many to conclude that the shared material may have come from the hypothetical Q document.
The sermon begins with the beatitudes (a series of claims that many conditions which are discomforting in this life will be rewarded in the life to come), gives insight into Jesus' views on Jewish law and the Ten Commandments, gives instructions on prayer (including what is commonly known as the Lord's Prayer) and general instructions on how to live. These instructions are viewed by many Christians as a manual for living life as a "true Christian" — by following the specific instructions of Jesus.
Apologetic claims
One key element of Christian theology is that the Bible is divinely inspired or, to some, the literal word of God. A common apologetic claim used to establish the Bible as divine in origin and, therefore, authoritative is that the themes present in the book transcend the wisdom and intelligence of the era in which they were written. Some apologists cite the Sermon on the Mount as an obvious example of the divine nature of Jesus, asserting that one need only read and evaluate the sermon to see that these are the words of an unusually wise being.
While some of the passages in this sermon have been considered sage advice by readers of varying beliefs, the sermon includes many passages which seem to contradict the claim that the author was wise beyond mortal men. Many people have pointed out that rather than being the ultimate instructions for how to live life, the sermon contains several passages that would typically qualify as bad advice and projects some philosophical positions that are typical of the era and not indicative of a wise, transcendent being. A detailed, verse-by-verse look at the message in this sermon follows below.
As a whole, the Sermon on the Mount is, to put it bluntly, a bad sermon. Beyond giving some bad advice, it doesn't have any underlying theme. It is a hodgepodge of bottled wisdom. No section leads into another section, and often the advice within the sections are contradictory (Matthew 5:16 vs. 6:1 , Matthew 6:7 vs. 6:8-13 , Matthew 7:20 vs. 7:21-23 ). Some sections switch justification for the advice midstream: Matthew 6:25-26 suggest you don't need to worry about food because God even looks after the lesser animals, then later in Matthew 6:31-33 the suggestion is that God knows what you need and if you believe you will have them "added unto you". On the whole, the "sermon" is roughly as coherent as just reading all the aphorisms of Poor Richard's Almanac.
According to the two-source hypothesis the Sermon on the Mount is taken from the Q document, and primarily consists of bits taken from an unrelated non-gospel source. If this is the best Christianity can do, it seems rather ironic that it is likely borrowed from a different source.
Detailed commentary
Any exercise in Biblical criticism is bound to raise objections from believers, as there are many possible interpretations and an individual's understanding may be steeped in nuance and subtlety. In this commentary, we try to present orthodox views, common understandings and direct literal observations that, in our opinion, best reflect the text.
Due to copyright concerns, this analysis quotes the King James Version of the Bible. This seventeenth century text is not always easily understood by the modern reader and there are disputes over the authenticity and accuracy of a number of its passages. These issues lead to other problems, which may be addressed elsewhere. For the purposes of this commentary, we will attempt to clearly and accurately represent the meaning of difficult passage in modern English by appealing to other translations.
- Matthew 5:1-12
- 1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2And he opened his mouth, and taught them,saying,
- 3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- 4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
- 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
- 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
The first four beatitudes are found in both Matthew and Luke with the possible exception of verse 3 where the author of Matthew says "poor in spirit", while Luke simply says "poor". Luke includes two additional verses that are noticeably absent from Matthew - Luke 6:24-25 :
- 24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
- 25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
These verses put a decidedly different spin on the beatitudes. When considered alongside other verses, they stress poverty as a virtue and wealth (and not simply the seeking of wealth) as a vice.
Regardless of which version (if any) is correct, the first four beatitudes address traits and conditions that are generally undesirable or, in the case of meekness, taken advantage of.
The speaker (who, for expediency will simply be referred to as Jesus, as orthodoxy attributes these words to him) is essentially saying, 'Don't despair, no matter how bad this life is, the next one will be better.' These statements may provide comfort to believers, but they are, in fact, simply assertions without justification. In addition to comfort for believers who feel oppressed by the outside world, these verses serve to pacify those, like women and slaves, who are oppressed from fellow believers.
These verses set the tone for a common theme that runs through the sermon, a theme that betrays the very mundane nature of the speaker. Instead of offering useful advice on how best to live this life, the one life we're certain about, the speaker shrugs this life off as meaningless, focusing instead on the life to come. Even if we were to assume that an afterlife exists, there's no reason not to live this life to the fullest as well.
Any being which possessed the wisdom and compassion that would qualify as divine and benevolent should realize this. Instead of pithy dismissals of this life, we should expect deep insight into the human condition and guidance on how to improve our time here in addition to promises of an afterlife.
- 7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
- 8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
- 9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
While the first four beatitudes focused on negative traits, these next three focus on positive traits as a sort of instruction how to live. This serves as a sort of 'carrot' to guide people toward right behavior. We may do well to encourage people to be merciful, pure and seek peace, but promising recompense in an afterlife is only required for those who cannot understand that doing good for its own sake is its own reward.
These verses aren't bad advice; they're simply a naive way to develop a moral code. We should certainly expect something more from a divinely wise being.
It's also worth noting that Jesus, who advocates mercy, states in Matthew 10:33 "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." These don't appear to be merciful words.
- 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
These verses establish the second theme of the sermon: persecution and martyrdom are to be expected. Indeed, the verses tell believers to rejoice in persecution and it is no small wonder that Christians often consider any opposition to their beliefs persecution. These verses not only serve as justification for martyrdom but establish an implied protective barrier around Christian beliefs which helps believers compartmentalize them, keeping them safe from criticism.
This isn't "good advice" or "wise counsel" - it's bad advice. It encourages divisiveness by discouraging cooperation. There's no incentive for Christians to seek out cooperative societal relationships with non-believers...they're expecting to be ostracized and persecuted - and any perceived persecution only serves to reinforce their beliefs.
Salt and light
- Matthew 5:13-16
- 13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Salt cannot lose its flavor. This particular statement is a metaphor, but it's a horrible one. He might as well have said "You are the ocean of the earth. But if the ocean loses its wetness, how can it be made wet again?" This doesn't represent wisdom beyond the capabilities of the time, it's a poor analogy and it's unreasonable to assume that any wise, divine being would have made such a poor analogy. This error is similar to the one made by Jesus in referring to the mustard seed as the least of all seeds (Mark 4:31 ) - it isn't. These are errors of fact which are only possible if the speaker lacks knowledge or is intentionally deceptive, neither of which is consistent with claims of Jesus' divinity.
But, more importantly, what is the meaning of the metaphor? Is Jesus saying that people who don't have God in their lives are worthless?
- 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Here Jesus is instructing believers to do their good works in public. He'll be directly contradicting himself in the next chapter and the contradiction will be addressed at that point.
Jesus and the law
- Matthew 5:17-20
- 17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus here is stating that Jewish law will not be changed until heaven and earth disappear and anyone who breaks any commandment and teaches others to do the same will be called least in heaven. This is significant for several reasons...
- It doesn't say that breaking the commandments sends you to hell, it just says you'll be among the least in heaven
- This flies in the face of common doctrines regarding sin and hell. While apologists might state that Jesus is speaking to believers who aren't in danger of hell, he does talk about avoiding hell in this same sermon, establishing that the intended audience might be in danger of hell based on certain actions. This is a doctrinal contradiction without resolution.
- Jesus breaks a commandment and teaches others to do the same which, by these words, means he should be among the least in heaven. (He violates the Sabbath and then says that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath - Mark 2:27 ).
- Apologists often point out that Jesus, as God, is above the law. He makes the law, and may therefore break it when he likes. This does not settle the contradiction. What we have isn't simply a "Do as I say, not as I do" scenario; we have a direct contradiction: Jesus has said he hasn't come to change the law and no one should be teaching people to break it...and then he teaches people to break it—which represents a change in the law.
- He violates a number of other commandments; pardoning an adulteress (which carried the death penalty) in John 8:1-11 , declaring all food clean (violating kosher) in Mark 7:18-19 and disrespecting his mother in John 2:4 ...among others
- Jesus says he's not come to "abolish the law but to fulfill" - what he really does is expand the law which might count as alteration.
Murder and lawsuits
- Matthew 5:21-26
- 21Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Here Jesus establishes thought crimes and speech as equivalent to murder. While it might be good advice to suggest that people speak civily to each other, it is morally corrupt to establish that saying you hate someone is the philosophical equivalent to murdering them. Thoughts aren't crimes....actions are. While Jesus certainly didn't mean that we should put people to death for simply thinking about murder, his view here represents a naïve morality that builds a doctrine where those thought crimes should result in eternal punishment.
This simplistic morality is an echo of Old Testament morality, where the death penalty was prescribed for murder as well as working on the Sabbath or being an unruly child. It is expanded upon in the New Testament where infinite punishment is prescribed for finite crimes, including thought crimes - specifically the thought crime of disbelief.
He continues by establishing "thou fool" as the modern day equivalent of hate speech and stating that whoever says it is in danger of hellfire (the first of several references to hell, establishing the doctrinal issue in the previous note, and a problem for those who don't ascribe to a fiery hell). And yet, Jesus refers to people as fools on several occasions(Matthew 23:17 , Matthew 23:19 , Luke 11:40 , Luke 24:25 ). Is this just a case of "Do as I say, not as I do"? And does that sort of example represent a wise and benevolent deity?
- 23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Good advice, if we exclude the notes on sacrificing on an altar. It's good to suggest that people reconcile their differences. This would be an exceptionally good idea if we extend it to "anyone" instead of "brother". As it stands, this instruction really only encourages believers to reconcile with other believers - that's partially good advice, but surely we can expect a divine being who supposedly loves all of us to go the extra mile. This notion of believers reconciling with believers is a common theme in the New Testament that encourages an "us and them" mentality that only adds to religious tensions.
- 25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
This is a silly and pointless bit of advice with regard to the modern world. Civil and criminal issues are different, because our law is far more sophisticated than that of this religion. Secondly, advising people to settle out of court denies them the right to fight for their rights. It also encourages frivolous lawsuits. If Christians actually adhered to this verse, they'd be getting sued left and right by any non-Christian. They would have been sued into extinction.
Everyone knows this is bad advice which is why no one follows it. The only time this verse is referenced as binding is when one Christian wants to sue another...and has a weak case.
- Matthew 5:27-30
- 27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
More thought crime nonsense. Lust isn't adultery. Lust is the trigger for the vast majority of sexual relationships, healthy, holy or otherwise. You might take actions because of lust, and those actions might be crimes...but the lust itself isn't. It's doubtful that many Christian couples have met, fell in love and married without lust being a contributing factor. It may happen, but it's rarer than those who do lust after each other and build a healthy relationship.
Additionally, this verse is sexist. Which would have been normal for the time, but there's no reason for a God to be so chauvinistic. "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully" implies that it's not a sin to lust after a man.
- 29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Taken literally this is stupid advice. Taken figuratively, it's still bad advice. Essentially, he's saying that it is wise to deny your nature instead of working to understand it, change it or channel it into productive, positive results. Let's look at this verse in relation to the adultery one: if lust is causing you to sin (whatever that is), eliminate lust from your life because it's better to eliminate lust than risk going to hell.
That exact advice is what has encouraged countless monks to lead a celibate life. It works for some, but not for others. Some struggle forever because they've been told to eliminate lust rather than being taught how to live a healthy life that doesn't allow lustful thoughts to control actions. It's the reason we have problems with priests abusing parishioners and monks engaging in all manner of self mutilation, torture and abuse.
This isn't good advice. Good advice informs someone about how to improve their nature - not deny it. No advice this foolish should ever be considered evidence of a wise god.
Additionally, this is another verse that advocates "hell" as a real place that we should avoid. It promotes a very simplistic "do good or be punished" morality which is vastly inferior to one in which we are encouraged to do good because it is good.
- Matthew 5:31-32
- 31It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
More bad advice and more sexism. These verses only address men divorcing their wives, there are no instructions for wives, because they are considered inferior subjects, nearly (if not actually) equal to property.
The advice is bad even if it applied to both partners; stay with your spouse unless they cheat on you. No matter how unhappy you are, no matter how much sadness or violence, you made your bed and deserve to suffer for the rest of your life. What this tries to do is force folks to "work it out", but it's based on a naïve view of reality that ignores the fact that people change and some situations are simply not good marriages, even without infidelity. It should not be considered the word of a wise god.
It also encourages sexual infidelity. If you're miserable and want out - go sleep with someone else and NOW you can get a divorce.
Finally, it's another example of Jesus violating the law (Deut 24:1-4 ). For someone who claimed that he didn't come to change the law, he certainly seems to be doing a lot of that.
- Matthew 5:33-37
- 33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
This is, essentially, good advice. Most of us would be happy to live an honest life and feel no need to swear oaths by anything or on anything. There's no reason to think that oaths are evil, but speaking plainly and honestly seems to be good advice.
Unfortunately, Christians don't tend to live up to this. They're happy to be sworn in on a Bible (or a stack of them) for civil service. They're happy to pledge allegiance to the flag, the Christian flag and the Bible ... this is so important to them that they had to add the words "Under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America (an action which violates the U.S. Constitution as well as this passage.)
They may simply be ignoring the words of Jesus and using the apostle Paul as an example. It's recorded in Acts 18:18 that he swore an oath. We can hardly fault Paul for this, it's not the only thing about Jesus' life and ministry that he doesn't seem to be aware of.
Of course, if we were to do away with legal oaths, and rely on every imprecise word subject to interpretation being a legally binding contract, civil life would be far more difficult. Imagine every time you joked or exaggerated you were held as if you were swearing into a binding legal document. While it's good advice to speak honestly, doing away with contractual oaths is a recipe for disaster.
And this "wisdom" either borrows from or contradicts the Old Testament, where it suggests avoiding vows because as long as you don't swear something, you aren't obliged to follow through on it Deuteronomy 23:21-23 Jesus is either taking this to an extreme "let your oaths be none" or he is saying "let everything you say be an oath." Either way the effect is rather the same: contractual oaths are either devalued by their continuous use, or they are completely ignored and never implemented.
Honesty is a good idea, but getting rid of contractual oaths is legal suicide.
Eye for an eye
- Matthew 5:38-42
- 38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Here, shortly after saying he didn't come to change the law - he tries to change it, yet again. Doing away with the "eye for an eye" mentality is certainly a good move, but telling someone to turn the other cheek is also bad advice.
It discourages people from actually standing up to defend themselves and protect their rights and lives. Fortunately, when push comes to shove, Christians are quick to dismiss this verse and actually defend their rights....and then some.
- 40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
More bad advice. There's no good reason to set yourself up as an easily abused victim. A wise god would have taught people how to build a fair and cooperative society that didn't encourage victimization.
- 42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Everyone knows how bad this advice is. Encouraging charity is great, but no one takes this verse seriously; any Christian willing to give me an interest free loan regardless of my financial situation and credit rating - please e-mail me.
Love your enemies
- Matthew 5:43-48
- 43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
This might qualify as good advice. It would certainly be nice to encourage tolerance, compassion, cooperation and brotherhood. However, there are situations where loving your enemies is a very bad idea...and we all recognize this. Do we love Osama, or Hitler? Some might, but it isn't common and there's no reason to think that it's wise. Christians don't really love their enemies. None of us do. And apparently Jesus doesn't either, as he's planning on torturing his enemies forever.
Let's encourage more compassion - but this one passage doesn't really help, especially in light of other verses that encourage divisiveness. It's certainly overshadowed by the understanding that the speaker is planning on punishing his enemies - forever.
Do good to please God
- Matthew 6:1-4
- 1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Compare this to Matthew 5:16, above. He just told people to do their good works where they can be seen...and now he's contradicting that. Some apologists have claimed that this verse is about donating to charity and the other verse covers "other" good deeds. That seems to be simply word play to avoid the obvious contradiction. In any case, any being that might qualify as a god would surely have avoided any ambiguity that would lead to confusion - an observation that seems to apply to the bulk of the Bible and not simply this sermon.
- 2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
The general discussion of rewards implies a general "good deed" further eliminating the appeal to this idea of charity being separate from good works. Anyone arguing that there is no contradiction here is rationalizing to avoid facing the difficulties that are evident to any reasonable person. The same seems to be true of those who reconcile the contradiction by claiming that good deeds are to be done in public, but don't arrogantly broadcast it. This ignores the order to do thine alms in "secret" where only God can see.
This is also another passage that encourages a simplistic action/reward morality instead of encouraging people to do good for its own sake.
- Matthew 6:5-15
- 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
This may be the best verse in the entire sermon and, yet, very few Christians follow it. How much better would the world be if everyone's religious beliefs were a matter of private practice, instead of the constant attempts to push their beliefs on everyone else?
A proper adherence to this verse implies that prayer shouldn't be in school at all. It means that we shouldn't be swearing people in on Bibles, shouldn't open city council meetings with prayers, we shouldn't have Christian television networks, public prayer meetings, the National Day of Prayer...etc.
Christians who support those goals are hypocrites - they are willfully disobeying a direct order that they believe is from Jesus. It's not like they're disobeying Paul, or John...this is supposed to be the words of their savior, and they chuck it aside....proving that they are their own god, making their own rules.
Also, verse 7 basically says that you should pray what is in your heart, and avoid rote recitation and chanting... yet what do we have in verses 9-13?
- 9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
- 10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
- 11Give us this day our daily bread.
- 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
- 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer, something that is chanted and recited in nearly every Christian service on the planet. Catholics and Protestants alike have structured prayers and chanting - all in direct violation of what Jesus was saying. He provided a sample prayer about how to pray, and many joyously ignore his instructions and take it as an example of what to say. While this certainly isn't an admonishment of the passage, it's a clear indication that believers tend to pick and choose as it suits them.
- 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
This, setting aside the promise of forgiveness from a god, seems to be very good advice - forgive people. If we include the promise of forgiveness from a god, we have a potential path to salvation that seems to be largely ignored by fundamentalists. There are several occasions where Jesus discusses requirements for salvation and all of them seem to focus on deeds and actions.
- Matthew 6:16-18
- 16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Fasting is silly and dangerous. It's a religious ritual that only exists because someone discovered that if you torture your body by depriving it of food (or sleep or other necessities) you'll eventually weaken the mind and it'll be susceptible to "religious experiences", which really means hallucinations and programming. It's a way of making people pliable, not to the will of a God but to the dictate of any authority figure.
God shouldn't need people to torture themselves in order to communicate. It's patently absurd and unhealthy and, therefore, very bad advice.
Treasures in heaven
- Matthew 6:19-23
- 19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
These verses expand the theme begun in the beatitudes, shifting the focus away from this life and on to the promise of an afterlife. Instead of simply promising justice and an end to pain, these verses portray any attempt to succeed in this life as futile. This is bad advice, whether there's an afterlife or not. Why not enjoy this life? It is possible to acquire wealth and experience pleasure without being evil.
As we have no evidence that any life beyond this exists, it seems to be doubly bad advice.
Serving two masters
- Matthew 6:24
- 24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
This is a simplistic misrepresentation. It's almost true, but isn't relevant to life - because no one truly serves a single "master". Our lives are a complex dance of answering to various "masters" and we can define governing principles that allow us to serve all of them, to some degree.
It might qualify as good advice, in the limited sense of "don't let money run your life", but it might be better to go the "all things in moderation" route and say "don't let any one thing run your life"...including your religious beliefs.
Do not worry
- Matthew 6:25-34
- 25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
More bad advice, don't worry about food, drink, clothing etc. It's one thing to encourage people to be less greedy and less materialistic, but this passage sets up Christians to divorce themselves from their responsibility to see to their needs.
Fortunately, almost no one follows this advice either; we can see how bad it is.
- 26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
So, we should all be homeless and waiting around for God to feed us? Birds may not sow and reap, but the do scavenge and hunt. They actively seek to feed themselves and their offspring. In fact, their primary concern is survival - they're not simply fluttering around aimlessly waiting for God to drop food in their mouths.
This is horrible advice, it's a bad analogy, and it's a false portrayal of birds—and a wise god should know that.
- 27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
That may be good advice as long as it's talking about excessive worrying. Rational concern for one's well being (occasional worrying) is actually a good thing and it is what keeps us from giving up and deteriorating.
- 28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
More very bad advice. He's advocating that we be as driven to live as flowers, who do nothing. Comparing humans to a life form that doesn't think, move or interact does nothing to address the very real issues and concerns that people have.
- 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Don't worry about tomorrow. Don't save money, don't store food for the winter, don't plan for retirement... live for today and trust that God will make everything work out. This is some of the worst advice in the entire sermon, and it seems that most everyone recognizes it, even if they pay lip service to it. In much the way that Christians typically ignore Jesus' instructions to sell their belongings and give them to the poor, we all ignore this inane instruction to live without concern for tomorrow.
Do not judge others
- Matthew 7:1-6
- 1Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Amen. A piece of very good advice - don't be a hypocrite.
- 6Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
This verse has quite a few possible meanings and has been the subject of much discussion. Some consider it a cautionary warning to not waste effort on the ungrateful...that we should strive to do good for those who need it and appreciate it. That's probably pretty good advice. Others note that because Jews often referred to gentiles as "dogs", the statement might be meant as a warning by Jesus for his followers not to help non-believers. It's curious that someone who says "let your 'yes' be 'yes'" has to use such ambiguous language when he could have been more plain spoken.
Seek, find and the Golden Rule
- Matthew 7:7-12
- 7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Nonsense. It sounds good, but it's not true and we all know it. The only sense in which it can possibly be true is if we grant another appeal to "the next life" - which is useless.
I suppose it might be good advice if it's simply viewed as a "don't give up, keep asking, keep looking, keep hoping" but to promise that you'll actually find what you're seeking is false hope.
- 9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
The Golden Rule, which isn't original to Jesus (it's not even original to the Old Testament version that Jesus probably borrowed from), is pretty good advice. It's known as the 'ethic of reciprocity' and is foundational to many secular concepts of moral and ethical action. Jesus' version, while still fairly good, is actually one of the worst versions. "Do unto others what you would have them do to you" isn't nearly as wise as "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them".
For clarification, I might like someone to be brutally honest with me, but they might prefer that I sugar-coat my words. It's better to treat them in the way they want...and encourage them to treat you in the way you want.
There are other sayings that may be even better, like "Strive to do as much good as possible and as little harm as possible."
Why didn't Jesus say something like that?
Narrow and wide gates
- Matthew 7:13-14
- 13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The idea behind this may be good, but it's not always true. Sometimes it's very easy to do the right thing. However, as a method for encouraging people to do good even when it's difficult, it's very good advice.
False prophets
- Matthew 7:15-23
- 15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Horrible advice and logically flawed - so terribly flawed that no wise god could ever have said it. We're supposed to be on the lookout for false prophets, and how do we tell them apart? Take a look at their actions. False prophets (bad trees) cannot do good (bear good fruit). That's ridiculous to the point of being dangerous. In reality, all trees can bear good and bad fruit - and all people (or prophets) can do good and evil.
If we assume that there are true prophets, we're stuck accepting all of them until we catch them doing something bad.
- 21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
This contradicts the previous passage - by pointing out that you, in fact, cannot judge them by their fruit. Someone prophesied and drove out demons...which would mean they were truly doing God's work, but in fact they were not.
This raises additional questions about salvation as, apparently, there are people who sincerely believe that they're doing the work of God and believe that they will be saved, yet they won't. Certainly this contradicts notions that belief is a key element of salvation.
Don't build on sand
- Matthew 7:24-29
- 24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
It's a fun little parable, but as we can see from the previous analysis, Jesus' words aren't any more stable than the sand. That crowd may have been amazed...but there's no reason any of us should be impressed. Sages who came before and after him have been wiser and more foolish. There's nothing in this sermon that provides the great insight that we'd expect from a divine being and the mistakes and poor advice seem to eliminate any claim that Jesus was anything more than a normal man.
This sermon is a collection of some generic good advice, a couple of really nice ideas and a bunch of horrible advice that demonstrates a level of ignorance that isn't the work of any divine being. Instead of providing brilliant instruction on how best to live life, it dismisses life in favor of promises of a life to come. Instead of providing advice on how to cooperate and live together, it establishes divisive doctrines. Instead of offering insight onto the human condition and providing advice on how to have a healthy, thriving existence, it instead builds up an expectation of misery and persecution. It not only sets people up to accept their role as victim, it provides instructions on how best to take advantage of these willing victims.
While believers may claim to consider it the greatest message ever delivered, we need only look at their actions to see that they're just as likely to dismiss the silly notions and bad advice in this passage.


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Last July we read sensational stories about the city of Detroit's bankruptcy. The filing on July 18, 2013, was used in the media as a template for stories predicting bad things to come for all U.S. cities, as if all of them, big and small alike, would succumb to the Motor City's fate.
Photo essays showed Detroit's once magnificent buildings and prolific factories in advanced decay.
Meanwhile, the bad publicity seems have to have jolted Detroiters into action. I know this because of stories posted on Facebook by Lester Graham of Michigan Public Radio. You might remember Graham from his work at WNIJ-FM, public radio in northern Illinois.
Graham has been writing about Detroit and the stories have captured my interest — as you know I'm a cities fan. Graham has been reporting the saga of a badly damaged city that has decided not to give up, a city trying to transform itself from the ground up.
Other cities, including Rockford and Freeport, can learn from this process.
In 1950, Detroit had 1.9 million people. It is now at 700,000 and is continuing to decline due to the collapse of the old auto economy, where American companies made nearly all the cars and trucks sold in the U.S., many of them in Detroit.
When the auto economy went global, Detroit didn't try to diversify its economy. A series of corrupt mayors and other politicians who overspent made the problems worse. Finally, in March 2013 the city's dysfunctional government was taken over by Kevyn Orr, a financial manager appointed by Michigan's Gov. Rick Snyder. Orr has cut the $18 billion debt and believes the bankruptcy will speed Detroit's recovery.
In November 2013 Edward "Mike" Duggan, a hospital CEO, was elected mayor. Duggan got to work fixing basic infrastructure that people in most cities take for granted. Half the city's 88,000 street lights were out. Now, city crews are installing more than 500 LED lights a week that are brighter and cheaper to operate than the old sodium and mercury vapor lights. To get the same brightness as the old lights, the city will only need 65,000 new lights.
"The electric cost for these LED streetlights is 60 percent to 70 percent less because they use a lot less power," Graham wrote for the Michigan Radio Detroit Journalism Cooperative in a story published in the Detroit Free Press.
Another huge Detroit problem Graham reported on is abandoned buildings and houses. Thirty percent, or 70,500 of all the structures in Detroit, are blighted. Before Duggan there hadn't been a plan to wrestle that problem to the ground. Now there is: In May, Duggan created the Detroit Blight Removal Task Force and appointed Quicken Loan founder Dan Gilbert as co-chairman. By this fall the city expects to be removing 800 structures a month.
Public transport is another big problem. One-third of Detroit households don't have cars. But unlike most big cities, there's no subway, light rail or elevated rail system in the Motor City. Instead, residents rely on buses.
"Detroit needs 270 buses to properly serve its 100,000 passengers a day. The city has only 228 buses, and many of them are broken down," Graham reported. When Duggan took office, there were only 150 to 160 buses operating. It's now up to about 200, but to make much more progress the city will have to buy new buses, which takes money.
Residents are also pitching in to make Detroit better. They've formed mowing crews to clean out brush and mow the grass in city parks and vacant lots. Urban gardens and small farms are blossoming in some neighborhoods.
Detroit has also started to make non-paying water customers pay past-due bills by shutting off their water, a controversial move to be sure. But the city says turning off the water has caused a lot of people to set up payment plans and pay up.
Downtown is being reborn thanks in large part to private enterprise. Quicken's Gilbert, since 2011, "has purchased or taken out long-term leases on 60 properties," The New York Times reported Friday.
Detroit faces many more challenges than I have the space to report. But despite the bad publicity, Detroiters aren't giving up.
And that, as Paul Harvey used to say, is "the rest of the story." I'm sure Lester Graham will tell us more.
Chuck Sweeny: 815-987-1366; firstname.lastname@example.com; @chucksweeny


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|Episode Description
|Thursday, Jan 31, 2013 - 5:30 PM
"Simply Chicken"
Host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen to learn how to create a French classic, Chicken Fricassee, with test cook Becky Hays. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals the best cutting boards in the Equipment Corner, and science expert Guy Crosby uncovers the science behind emulsification and the human sense of taste. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make the Best Simple Roast Chicken. D
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Item Description
Letter, T. [Thomas] J. Marsh to George L. Stearns
Author: Marsh, Thomas J.
Date: December 18, 1857
Upon his return to the East (Boston), Marsh wrote to Stearns on December 18, 1857, to provide a relatively brief outline of his experience and accomplishments since leaving for Kansas Territory on committee business the previous June. He said others could be the judge of the success of the "mission," but "a Free State Legislature was secured by the election" and Governor Charles Robinson had been "quite complimentary" of Marsh in a letter to Amos A. Lawrence.
Location of Original: KSHS Call Number: John Brown Collection, #299, Box 1, Folder 30
Item Number: 102660 Number of images: 4
Keywords: Antislavery perspective; Cato, Sterling G.; Census; Conway, Martin Franklin; Election, Territorial Legislature, October 1857; Free State Party; Free state legislature; Grasshopper Falls Convention; Lawrence, Amos Adams, 1814-1886; Lawrence, Kansas Territory; Marsh, Thomas J.; Phillips, William A. (William Addison), 1824-1893; Robinson, Charles, 1818-1894; Steamboats; Stearns, Geo. L. (George Luther), 1809-1867; Tappan, S. F. (Samuel Forster), d. 1913; Territorial politics and government; Thacher, Timothy D., 1831-1894; Topeka, Kansas Territory; Travel; Walker, Robert J. (Robert John), 1801-1869; Whitman, E. B.
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House Bill 35, regarding background checks for private gun sales, made it out of committee with a seven-to-four vote, on wednesday and will now be presented for a discussion and vote on the House floor on Tuesday.
The House chamber at Legislative Hall was packed on Tuesday. The House Judiciary Committee had opened up the floor for public comment on House Bill 35, which proposes that background checks be performed not only when guns are purchased at a dealer, as Delaware law states now, but also be performed when guns are purchased from individuals or transferred from one owner to another, with the exception of transferring ownership to an immediate family member, in the private party sale of antique firearms, the return of a pawned gun or when the party involved is a qualified active duty or retired police officer. The proposed background checks would be performed by licensed firearms dealers and a record of these checks would be kept by those dealers.
The committee had allotted two hours for public comment, but so many members of the public turned out that it was not enough time for all who had signed up to speak.
Four speakers were called down at a time, two in favor and two against. A wide array of community members, including police officers, school principals and even Dover Mayor Carleton Carey spoke out.
Many of those in support of the bill argued that if passed, it would protect citizens from criminals who obtained guns through private sale.
"This legislation is in jeopardy of failing because we are looking for the perfect instead of the good," said Lt. Thomas Brackin, a Delaware State Police Trooper and president of the State Troopers Association. "This legislation closes a loophole. We all know that 98 percent of gun owners are law-abiding, responsible citizens, but there are, however, others that would take advantage of a system that says they can sell these guns. If this is passed and it persuades one law abiding person to go ahead with the background check, then that is one more gun that doesn't fall into the hands of the wrong person."
Others in support of the bill expressed the view that if stricter gun prevent just one crime, then it is worth it.
"I feel that as a whole we need more stringent laws in Delaware. I think that special emphasis should be placed on military style weapons and hand guns, as they pose the biggest threat, said Frank Cannon, a self-proclaimed gun enthusiast and resident of Seaford. "It would not offend me in the least if every gun purchased required a background check, especially if it means it might stop someone from committing a crime involving a firearm.
Those against the bill argued that the measure would not solve any problems, that criminals will always find a way to get guns and that this bill would infringe on Second Amendment rights.
"I strongly disagree with House Bill 35," said Cecil Faircloth. "It will not prevent any crimes. Criminals will just buy guns from criminals. Drug dealers are going to buy guns from drug dealers. None of those people are going to do background checks. All this is going to do is eat away at American citizens' Second Amendment rights."
One of the aspects of the bill that received a lot of criticism was the proposal to mandate that gun dealers keep a registration of guns that have been purchased.
"Registering guns for law-abiding citizens is not only putting a bullseye on our homes where illegal people will want our guns, but it's putting a bullseye on the people who don't have any protection," said Linda Bond, of Camden.
"Having guns registered leads to gun confiscation," said Beth Parsons, owner of Shooter's Choice in Dover.
The bill made it out of committee with a seven-to-four vote, and will now be presented for a discussion and vote on the House floor on Tuesday.
"I'm opposed to the bill," said Rep. Jeff Spiegelman (R-Hartly). "It doesn't keep guns out of the hands of criminals. One good point that I heard during the public comments was that we have yet to see numbers of privately sold guns in crimes."
Valarie Longhurst (D-Bear), House Majority Leader and primary sponsor of the bill, said she would create amendments based on some of the suggestions made during the public comment section. She wouldn't comment on which suggestions she was referring to, but said that the new amendments would be incorporated into the bill in time for its presentation on Tuesday.
She also responded to the suggestion that the premise of the bill was on Second Amendment rights.
"Saying that this bill is unconstitutional is a big misrepresentation," she said. "You have the right to bear arms, but the government has the right to say you can't walk down the street with your gun exposed."