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If you want BS or Political Correctness you have come to the wrong place. FAQ How can you be an atheist Jew?
If you want BS or Political Correctness you have come to the wrong place.
FAQ How can you be an atheist Jew?An atheist is one who disbelieves in (or denies) the existence of God, Gods, and other supernatural beings. A Jew is any person whose mother was a Jew, or any person who has gone through the formal process of conversion to Judaism.
April 29, 2006
Does Rabbi Marc Gellman get paid for the crap he recently wrote for Newsweek as a "columnist?" He wrote an article entitled Trying To Understand Angry Atheists, yet he didn't quote any "angry" Atheists, and most importantly he made prejudicial blanket statements as to why he "thinks" Atheists are angry. He is completely out to lunch.
Even if he just wanted to interview Atheist Jews, he has plenty to choose from. More than one third of Secular Jews in America and Israel are either Atheist or Agnostic. There is even a Society for Humanistic Judaism , which "embraces a human-centered philosophy that combines the celebration of Jewish culture and identity with an adherence to humanistic values and ideas."
I think many Atheists are frustrated, and this sometimes leads to anger.
Instead of going the interview route, Rabbi Gellman makes statements like "So we disagree about God." No Rabbi, this is not what sets Atheists off. Personally, I find it frustrating that seemingly intelligent individuals believe in the story of Noahs Ark. I only get angry when they try to prove it, or try to push it as learning material in school. Yes, the idea of fairy tales being taught in science classes pisses me off.
Then he goes off on a tangent stating that "I am tempted to believe that behind atheist anger there are oftentimes uncomfortable personal histories. Perhaps their atheism was the result of the tragic death of a loved one, or an angry degrading sermon, or an insensitive eulogy, or an unfeeling castigation of lifestyle choices or perhaps something even worse."
Rabbi, you are a MORON. Where did you pull this crapola from? Atheists often appear angry when we see God and the State holding hands. Why was Howard Stern pulled from mainstream media? Why did Janet Jackson's nipple slip cause major television networks to skulk around like a dog who just did an accident in the living room? Why are their court cases trying to get creation into science classes?
He goes on to say that Atheists are lacking the demand to constantly be good because we "believe nothing." Newsflash Rabbi Idiot, Atheists believe in things that are REAL. Yes, we do believe. And as far as the possibility that we have no Moral guidelines, well whether one wants to say that Morality is objective or subjective, the reality is that the only evidence out there is that the 10 Commandments were written down by man for man. Objective moralists believe there is always a right action, while a subjective moralist believes that an individuals morality is a combination of evolution, societal norms and the individuals sympathy. Either way, we don't need God to be "more moral" than a believer.
He adds "I can humbly ask whether my atheist brothers and sisters really believe that their lives are better, richer and more hopeful..."
I didn't realize this was a competition. Since when does anyone become an Atheist to lead a better?, richer, and more hopeful life? Atheists do not believe in God, because there is NO GODDAM EVIDENCE THAT GOD EVER EXISTED. This isn't a lifestyle choice. It is a realization made by observation of facts and realities and common sense.
And then he starts on about religion giving hope. Who cares? Atheists play the cards dealt to us, by the laws of nature.
I'll deal with what is real and believers can cling on to fairy tales to give them hope.
Just keep your fairy tales in your own homes and your own houses of worship.
And to answer his question "Why do nonbelievers seem to be threatened by the idea of God?."
We are not threatened by a non existent being. We are threatened by Fundamentalists, whether they are Muslim, Christian, or Jewish. Those who try poison the state with lies, propaganda, their ideals, and in most cases their denial of scientific evidence.
We are threatened by their actions, which are based on their interpretations of a book of fairy tales.
For other Atheist POV's check Hellbound Alleee, The Secular Outpost,
Deep Thoughts, The No God Blog, Betty Cracker, and especially Unscrewing the Inscrutable
Rabbi Gellman should check these out, maybe he will become more learned, and less ignorant.
34 comments:
Good post!ReplyDelete
You seem to imply that any people who believe in God also support creationism or have a very simpleminded view of the Bible (which Bible, of course? Whose translation? The original Hebrew?). Of course some Christian fundies do but that's not all religious people.ReplyDelete
Judaism opposes creationism -- see, among others sources, the book Genesis and the Big Bang by Gerald Shroeder, Ph.D..
Thanks Donna.ReplyDelete
Amechad, many Orthodox views believe in Young Earth Creation, but mostly that is a Christian Fundy phenomenon.
The Ark story is nonsense (no scientific proof, and most importantly it is an improbable story), and many Jews believe it to be fact.
I don't have a problem with those who don't throw out scientific fact or try to spin scientific fact. And it is not those people who upset Atheists very much. Read again who I say upsets Atheists. And it is the Rabbi who brings Christian Fundamentalists out as examples in his garbage piece.
"Why was Howard Stern pulled from mainstream media? Why did Janet Jackson's nipple slip cause major television networks to skulk around like a dog who just did an accident in the living room?"ReplyDelete
I'm not totally sure on this one, but I don't think God ever said, don't put Stern and breasts on TV. The Supreme Court is the one who made the ruling on obscenity. Whether you believe in God or not, there are things that probably shouldn't be in the mainstream media. If you want CBS to routinely show nudity, that is your opinion, but to try and pin it on Christians and make it a "God and the State holding hands" issue is disingenuous and incorrect.
By implying that the aftermath of the Superbowl incident was a result of our God-centered morals, you certainly weakened your case for atheists having any morals at all. I happen to know atheists who I consider to be moral people, but your comment seems to imply the opposite. Perhaps if you become a lawmaker we can all look forward to Gang Bang Hour every Thursday night on ABC Family.
Flamingo, Howard Stern got pulled from public radio thanks to the FCC (The Federal Christian Commission). He is still around, you just have to pay.ReplyDelete
Why should I have to pay? It is either legal or it isn't.
A nipple slip is not a big deal and it is not equivalent to a gang bang hour on TV. It was only a friggen nipple.
If you don't think it was the Fundies who came down hard on the networks for this one you are sadly mistaken.
I personally you should have to pay to see preachers on TV. I shouldn't have to turn my channel and watch their scams and lies for even a second, even if I flip the stations and mistakenly see it.
Talk about obscene.
And what God centred morals do you have? The bible is a book of incest and perversion. Way more obscene that Janet's nipple.
I have never considered pushing any sort Atheist propaganda as I have believed that this system does not have any imperial schemes of crusades and Jihads.ReplyDelete
I will certainly object of religious folk just comes over my turf and try to take over the Earth.
this Rabbi has no idea what we have went through, except that in one moment we just all opened our eyes and realized the supernatural does not matter to us. what is matter thats what matters.
On morality, I have always took a difinitve stance on that which is Nihilism. I have my own views that morality is baseless and the entire thing is just passed down through us by the Ubermahn who Neitzche explained well. I have no theological gun at my head telling me what is right and what is wrong.
Instead I choose to do things to my own likeness. I'm not a pacifest because I'm all saintly I just firmly believe that within Pacifism and all it stands for will benefit me more.
That's the whole thing is about them being the Masters trying to impose on us the "slaves" their distinct out of date set of codes or honour.
In this life and age I think Science has replaced Religion. Morality is just what religions were invented for.
Even Prophet Muhammed have said "It only to complete the ethics and vitues, that I was sent for".
I appreciate all the work that religion has provided us. We cannot deny they played a certain role in our mental evolution.
Come on, You're god is a relic, no matter who you are now, you're just a false prophet.
"You're god is a relic"ReplyDelete
While I am honored that you consider me God, I'm afraid I can't take credit.
Make no mistake, this comment has nothing to do with the fact that I believe in God, it has to do with the fact that I feel the author is making dishonest arguments.
If you want to tell me that atheists have a great set of morals (which I believe many do), that is fine, but don't say in the next breath that it makes you mad that "fundies" are trying to hold people to a higher standard of morals than you feel they should be.
"And what God centred morals do you have? The bible is a book of incest and perversion. Way more obscene that Janet's nipple."
Again, a fine thing to say, but earlier in the post you criticized fundamentalists for coming down too hard against obscene material and making a big deal about Janet's nipple. If both those statements were true, then "fundies" must have invented a higher standard of morals themselves, because you obviously believe that Bible and God-centered morals are not good ones at all. Atheist or not, I would certainly think that most people essentially agree on what should and should not be shown on basic cable (CBS for example).
I enjoy many of your posts, and even I link to you on my page, but I found this article rife with contradictions. I commented on it not because because you are an atheist, but because I felt some of your arguments were false.
You made statements about why people are atheists ("we believe in what is real," etc.) but I do think that just like believers, unbelievers have individual reasons for not-believing. I was raised in a fundy family and over the course of my life (47 now) became gradually more sceptical and now I consider myself "an agnostic who probably is an atheist." For me it really is quite simple: I simply don't believe and couldn't make myself believe. I don't think one chooses what to believe--you either do or don't. Anyway, that is my personal situation. Maybe if God ever actually made direct communication I could believe, but it seems to always be through another human. If he is so powerful why can't he just get real and talk directly to us? When I try to get real quiet and here him talk to me I just hear myself.ReplyDelete
Flamingo, I don't see my contradictions.ReplyDelete
And again, I believe morality is something we evolved mostly as a way of surviving and carrying on our species.
Man just wrote down what made sense and lied by saying godidit. I didn't say Atheists or believers have superior sets of morals. But I do think that there is an inevitable right and wrong for every dilemma depending on the person, sometimes it is a coin toss.
As far as basic cable goes. No, you won't get agreement, just like you won't get agreement on abortion, or the death penalty.
In Canada, I was raised on TV that featured late night nipples. It is not a big deal. The slip up was just that, a slip up. The only repercussions from it should have been an enquiry to see if it was done on purpose, because yes I do agree that it wasn't something that was suitable for kids and parents to watch without proper warning.
But the issue is proper warning and the Christian Rigtht want to take away programs with warnings. That isn't right. Get a vchip and when it comes to Howard Stern, don't listen to his station, but don't cry that it is on.
Duane, I don't think atheism is a choice either. I don't know why you think I implied it. Atheism is as natural as breathing air.ReplyDelete
Flamingo, oh yeah, I added you to my blogroll as I do with anyone who blogrolls me.ReplyDelete
And again, just reading over your last comment. The point I'm making is the bible is full of things far worse than a nipple on TV. And I'm not opposed to either being on TV, but I'd rather see the nipple.
I completely agree with you as far as Howard Stern is concerned. Though an entire show filled with dick jokes and orgasms isn't exactly my thing, I have no problem changing the station when I want to listen to something else.ReplyDelete
I was not brought up watching nipples, although I wish I was. They would have made all that time spent in the crib a lot more enjoyable.
I felt the major contradiction in your comment was your saying that fundamentalists went after the station with their God-centered morals (although you used the term "God and State holding hands"), and then stating that God-centered morals are perverse. I just don't think that those two statements can go together without one being false. I do think that too big a deal was made over a nipple barely visible to even the most astute viewer, but I don't think it was a Church and State issue. I think it was some people, atheist and theist, who felt that the display was out of line, and perhaps went too far with their displeasure.
I really enjoy your blog here, even though I may not agree with the title belief. I feel that the internet in general and blogs in particular are one of the best ways for us to get to know about a group of people we don't necessarily agree with. I see that as important because ignorance is where prejudice and hatred begin, and the ignorance of a Rabbi is what spawned the article from you in the first place.
I made a point that Christians are hypocritical when it comes to what is moral and what isn't. If listening to someone quote the bible is acceptable, so is Janets nipple, as long as the viewing public is warned about either.ReplyDelete
I do think it was a Christian Rights issue and not an issue with Secularists who put the pressure on the major networks. I can't prove it at this time, however, this is not an issue in places like Sweden and Denmark that have very high Atheist/Agnostic populations.
Bacon: You are smokin' my man--way to Go! You gave him a "zets" where he rightfully deserved. You the man!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 30, 2006 11:00 AM
Hey BEAJ!ReplyDelete
I SO admire you passion- which, I dare say borders on a "belief" system of its own.
I completely agree with you about the dangers of fundamentalism- scary Christians, Moslems and Hindus- even a few fundy Jews- creep me out.
Nevertheless, there is some evidence that a "great flood" of some kind may have occured in the black sea as the Bosporos gave way to the Mediterranean. That would explain why virtually all Indo-European speaking peoples and those they came in contact with have lengends about such a thing. I would agree that looking for a boat is absurd, but the sea bit may be evidence of some real event right? Also there seems to be scientific evidence that Cohanim are all descended from the same family about 3,000 years ago. So maybe some of the Torah is true.
And while I agree with you that there is no direct evidence that there IS a God, do you have any hard proof that there isn't? After all there was no direct proof that atoms existed when Democritus came up with his theory right? And yet here they are. Perhaps the same is true of the divine?
Not that I'm trying to get you to change your mind or anything :)
Be well BEAJ!
I disagree that most Christians are hypocritical. I think most people will try to "practice what they preach" when it comes to morals. I will concede that it is possibly easier for a Christian to become a moral hypocrite, as many believe they must hold a high standard of morals, but some are unable to do so.ReplyDelete
My original point still stands, however, you attacked Christians as the reason for the Howard Stern move and the nipple issue, and yet you just stated in your last comment that you have very limited to no evidence to back it up. You put it out there like a fact, and use it to attack the belief system of a large group of people, but when it comes down to it, the only thing you can say to defend the point is by saying it isn't an issue in Sweden and Denmark.
If you fail to see the dishonesty of this point, and the contradictions in your previous comments, I am afriad I can do no more to help you understand.
Amishav, here is a concise page on why the flood is crapola.ReplyDelete
And as far as God goes, no, I can't prove God doesn't exist, nor can I prove 500 Gods don't exist. There is no hard proof that my dog isn't God. But why even believe in something that has no evidence? I don't need to.
Flamingo, I guess I didn't look for proof. But here is some.ReplyDelete
- Apikoros baal korchoApril 30, 2006 1:08 PM
I can't see how calling someone whose opinions are different a moron indicates any level of tolerance. Clearly a rabbi and an atheist are not going to have a lot of common ground. One person represents a religious belief; another represents a belief that is based on tenets that are not grounded in religion at all. If the rabbi is misinformed -- and he obviously is -- calling him a moron isn't going to help.ReplyDelete
As my screen name indicates, I'm not in the rabbi's camp at all, so don't see my words as coming to his defence. However, I do believe that tolerance has to be the ultimate goal unless jihad is the desired result -- and it's not what I find desirable at all.
Thank you for providing evidence for your claim. While I may still not agree with the assertion that the issues you mentioned were Church and State issues first and foremost, I now understand where you are coming from.ReplyDelete
Apikororos, I'm assuming the Rabbi felt good about writing this uninformed, non factual, and prejudicial article(rant). Whether he did or not, I feel better calling him a moron, and that is what counts with me.ReplyDelete
He doesn't appear interested in understanding. I don't have tolerance for people like that.
Flamingo, thanks, and I'm glad you got it.
The Morons are an offshoot of the Idiots, one of the Lost tribes of Blithering Idiots. Morons wandered the earth for thousands of years, setting down roots in far-flung areas of the world. Every so often, a Moronic prophet appeared with an hallucination to share. In sociologic terms, the followers of these disparate systems of belief can be gathered under the umbrella term of 'Imbecile' -- or, in medical parlance, the 'Brain Dead'.ReplyDelete
I would say that doctorboogaloo is correct.ReplyDelete
Great post beaj. Gellman is indeed an ignorant moronic idiot and so is his Catholic counterpart.
"Atheists do not believe in God, because there is NO GODDAM EVIDENCE THAT GOD EVER EXISTED. This isn't a lifestyle choice. It is a realization made by observation of facts and realities and common sense."ReplyDelete
Heh heh heh...this is why I like you so much...:)
As for the "more hopeful"? I am more hopeful than most people. More hopeful that people will get a clue and come to reality, especially those "really smart people" who make decisions about our countries... oy
- liberalrationalChristianMay 01, 2006 10:00 AM
A couple of factual errors mar what has been a pretty good conversation about the problems in communication between atheists and "God believers".ReplyDelete
Factual error no. 1: The assumption that most religious believe that the Noah/Ark saga is factually based. Only literalist readers of the Scriptures make that mistake. Mainstream and liberal Christian theologians all agree that the Noah saga is a reshaping of an earlier tale from Babylon.
Factual error no. 2: Howard Stern was not "removed" from mainstream radio. He was offered a huge chunk of money to go satellite, and he went for the cash. Yes, he was being harassed by the FCC, but they really hadn't created that much havoc for him. He made a calculated decision that he would rather not deal with the hassle of the FCC and went satellite. Candidly, although I find him not in the least bit funny or interesting, I wish he had stayed and gone toe to toe with the FCC. He would have made himself into a hero and ultimately would have prevailed.
Just my two cents.
Doctor, looks like you have the makings of a new version of the bible.ReplyDelete
Thanks Atheologist.
Lisa, luckily Canada has less Fundies and more Atheists/Agnostics. We don't seem to have the same dumbing down of the country that America experiences thanks to the Fundies control.
Liberal, sure Stern did well financially, but he was constantly being threatened and the fines were getting very steep. I'd say he was forced to make the move.
As far as the Ark is concerned, yes I realize it is the literalists who buy the story hook line and sinker, but they make up 45% of the American population, and they are the ones who make atheists frustrated and angry.
Wow - what a post. Okay - I'll just pick one thing that made me laugh:ReplyDelete
" Personally, I find it frustrating that seemingly intelligent individuals believe in the story of Noahs Ark. I only get angry when they try to prove it, or try to push it as learning material in school. Yes, the idea of fairy tales being taught in science classes pisses me off."
For the love of SCIENCE, bacon!!! What on earth are you saying here? I'd rather they spin their wheels trying to prove it and never prove it, than to be sheep following the heard. It's the ones who do do the research that you have hope for.
Now, trying to push it to be taught in school - ehhhh, you know where I stand on that. No way should anything religious that isn't proven be taught in school. It just doesn't make sense. If you want that taught to your children then teach them at home, have them teach it at Sunday school, or better yet - send them to private school. Do not push it on the rest of us.
Flamingo - religion plays a major role within American society. I believe American is the most religioius country in the world. Bacon - I think you had info on that somewhere. Now - it isn't even just about Christian fundies - it is about a lot of religious fundies. Often times, people who come to America that hadn't believed in god, become religious, start practicing the faith that they were born into. It is a trickle down affect of Christianity being pushed down everyone's throats, one tends to turn back to their own roots, become informed, start practicing. I often wonder if this is due to our need to associate ourselves with likeminded individuals or if this has become some sort of safety net for people afraid of the big bad fundie christians.
Anyway - I got a little off track here - it's not just the xtian fundies, it is the moderate - extreme muslims, christians, jews, hindus, budhists etc, as most secular societies - if they don't have an opinion - will agree with an extreme for the sake of "better be on the safe side".
Take a look at other established countries around the world - it won't be unusual to run accross nudity during prime time shows, nudity in reputable newspapers. America can be quite the prude at times.
Next subject - atheists and morality. Right now religion is the basis for values and morals. I mean, as far as I know the only requirement of being an atheist is that one does not believe in god. There is no place for bad atheists and good atheists after death, I mean all you are left with is a dead atheist. So how does a dead atheists funeral go anyway? What I'm getting at here is even an atheist is measuring their morals and values up against the religious folks morals and values.
What if atheism becomes oh so successfull and we are left with no religion? All we will be left with are laws to keep us in check. You gotta admit that having some sort of fear beyond this world - like burning in hell for eternity is a little more to be scared of than spending some time in jail. Keep in mind that all people are not as "smart" as the atheists are - what are you going to do when the dummies have nothing to fear?
Pimpette, the ones who try to prove the Ark existed aren't using recognized peer reviewed studies. I don't mind anyone doing research or studies. But until it becomes a scientific fact or a plausible scientific theory, don't teach it or attempt to teach it in science class.ReplyDelete
As far as morality goes, you don't need to base morality on religion. That might be your choice. You don't have to do things on the basis of an afterlife reward, there are other rewards too. Morality has a lot to do with sympathy, we don't do certain things because we don't want to feel bad. Morality is also innate and has actually evolved in our brain. Man knows inheritantly if he acts like a tyrant and rapes, pillages, etc, his chances for survival are greatly diminished, and many rewards can be reaped by being a "moral" person.
And the religious basis for morality is man made as any atheist will tell you. They are rules based on our instinct for surival.
Bacon - I agree with you on not teaching it in school.ReplyDelete
Even if the religious basis for morality is man made - I believe that people are more likely to follow those morals in which they feel they may have to pay a price in the after life than those who only have rewards to reap by following them here on earth.
If no religion exists, you will be left with the law only. What scares you more: Rob bank go to jail. Rob bank, go to jail, face satan, burn in hell?
Let's face it - there are a lot of people that need that extra face satan while burning in hell theory.
It's just a little theory I got about the whole thing. In the event that religion became obsolete, Atheism would have to evolve to become something else, but what?
- angloamericanMay 02, 2006 2:36 PM
Far from being the source of morality religion is often used to override man's innate natural goodness. Religions have simply hijacked natural human behaviour and called it their own and in many ways have perverted it for their own ends. It is only in recent times that the followers of sky fairies in the West have ceased their burning of witches, human sacrifice, slaughtering of heretics, mutilating children, stealing and pillaging and suchlike. Anyone who felt queasy about such practices could rest assured that it was not just sanctioned by their faith but demanded by it.ReplyDelete
Of course in the Middle East such practices still occur. What is a young suicide bomber if not a child human sacrifice? Heretics, adulterers and homosexuals are murdered, children's genitals mutilated, all based on religion.
Religion means you don't need to feel bad about such things. It assuages the conscience whereas an Atheist might be tormented by his crimes to his dying day with no one to blame but himself.
angloamerican, I disagree. Even if religion didn't exist - you would still have suicide bombers - it just wouldn't be a religious war. It would be a territorial war or a war over needs and survival.ReplyDelete
You can replace any of these so called religious wars with wars of human nature.
I agree religion is an excuse for many things - it doesn't mean that those things wouldn't happen without religion.
Outside of Kamikaze pilots, I think you'd be hardpressed to find suicide bombers. And Kamikaze pilots went after military targets not innocent people.ReplyDelete
Suicide bombers is one of the only inventions to come out of Islam in the last 1400 years.
- AnonymousJuly 08, 2006 2:42 PM
What does not make sense about this among other things,is the fact you brought church and state holding hands like it is something new,are country was founded on that and it was here way before you was thought of ,ridiculous,and also you say atheist stand for reality and truth but they have found noah's ark and not just recent its been found by different explorers all through history,now of course you will find something to justify cause you would rather have the lie of no God.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 03, 2009 11:56 PM
Beliefs & Ideas
are up to the
I have no major opinion/offence/compaint,
I personally choose to accept that there is something beyond this fragile flesh.
That somehow our minds/spirit/soul,
May Transcend,
This entire, massive universe can not be here for no reason.
Or someone has a really
sick & appreciated
sense of humour...


text:
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The Possible Future of Orthodox Unity in America
In late May a meeting of potentially enormous significance for the Orthodox Church in America will occur in New York City.
By Peter Marudas
Behold now, what is so good or so joyous as for brethren to dwell together in unity? - Psalm 132
In late May, a meeting of potentially enormous significance for the Orthodox Church in America will occur in New York City when all Orthodox Bishops in good standing in North and Central America convene for a first-ever Episcopal Assembly. This unprecedented gathering has received little attention in most Orthodox circles and virtually none in the wider religious and secular media.
Nevertheless, its implications for the future of Orthodox Christianity in the Americas are both hopeful and controversial. The historic Episcopal Assembly will take place shortly after the Great Feast of Pentecost – the Kairos - when the Holy Spirit inspired the disciples to establish the Church.
Until 18 months ago, the mere contemplation of such a meeting would have been considered unthinkable in view of long-standing and entrenched official opposition to even discussing the question of closer intra-Orthodox relations. In recent years, a few Orthodox hierarchs with some support from clergy and laity openly but unsuccessfully championed unity initiatives. But with the exception of Orthodox Christian Laity, no group has consistently or aggressively pursued Orthodox unity in America. In October, 2008 the unity landscape experienced an earthquake, when His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew convened in Istanbul, a Synaxis (gathering) of the leaders of all Autocephalous (independent) Orthodox Churches; the entire leadership of world Orthodoxy.
At that meeting, Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a remarkable address about the dangers of division among the Orthodox in the so-called Diaspora and the pressing need for these believers to unify themselves in a way consistent with church tradition. Immediately, the assembled Orthodox leaders unanimously endorsed a communiqué calling for a process to address Diaspora issues - and to the shock of many - for the convocation of a Great and Holy Council of Orthodoxy; an encouraging announcement for those seeking greater Orthodox unity both here and abroad.
The Swiss Gambit The Church leadership further directed their individual representatives to convene two meetings at the Patriarchal complex in Chambesy, Switzerland in June and December, 2009 to formulate specific plans for implementing their declarations regarding the status of the Orthodox in traditionally non-Orthodox lands. These deliberations expeditiously produced guidelines which required the formation of Episcopal Assemblies in a number of geographical regions and the Orthodox Church in uncharacteristic fashion managed in a matter of only 18 months to move from Istanbul to New York via Chambesy and convene this unprecedented meeting whose assignment is to chart the Church's future course in North and Central America.
This sudden change of heart and mind by Orthodoxy's leaders - all centered abroad - about Orthodox unity in the Diaspora has naturally provoked ecclesiastical and political commentary. Irrespective of such speculation, we can reasonably conclude that Orthodox leaders for whatever reason clearly decided to put aside any disputes in order to reach unanimous agreement on this unity initiative. Their actions should also be measured in the context of related developments, most notably the reunification of ROCOR (The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) with the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia, which ended a bitter schism generated by the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. This reunion meant that the membership of SCOBA (The Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of America) for the first time included all recognized Orthodox jurisdictions. In that respect, there is already serious talk that one likely result of the upcoming Assembly is that SCOBA, whose membership is limited only to church heads; will dissolve to be replaced by a new entity.
While local Orthodox cooperation has generally been limited, national Pan-Orthodox organizations such as OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Center,) IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities,) OCF (Orthodox College Fellowship,) OCN (Orthodox Christian Network) and other groups continue to flourish and build strong bridges of intra-Orthodox collaboration of bishops have never publicly commented about Orthodox unity in the Americas, although some have called for an independent American church while others have expressed strong opposition to any change in present ecclesiastical arrangements.
As the regional representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Dimitrios will have the honor and critical responsibility of chairing this meeting. Perhaps the Assembly should be compared to our the Constitutional Congress where delegates had to organize themselves, create and adopt rules of procedure and then decide on an agenda which in this instance could be a topic of prolonged discussion and debate. Skeptics with some historic basis, but also with what some critics called hasty prejudgment, contend that the Episcopal Assemblies are merely a ploy by "Old World" Patriarchates to sidetrack any real progress toward unity.
They cite past actions by overseas Orthodox centers, which stifled efforts to seek unity and assert that the "church establishment" is deliberatively downplaying public attention on the Episcopal Assembly as a means of minimizing expectations and maximizing control. Others believe that such speculation, however, seems premature, as are more optimistic expectations that the Assembly would declare on the spot a united Orthodox Church in America, Canada and/or Central America. At this point, no one can with any certainty predict, given the unprecedented nature of this meeting, what will happen.
How Much American Involvement? A wait and see attitude is certainly in order but the Bishops might give a hint about their intentions when they organize relevant committees to carry forward the Assembly's work. Under the rules, the Bishops may form committees comprised of their own membership but also open to clergy and lay participation. Whether these committees and other Assembly organs reflect legitimate, real and broad-based lay participation in the spirit of Orthodox conciliation and American inclusiveness and transparency may reveal how much. How the Bishops approach this task and what plans they have for a broader dialogue within the entire church will be crucial indicators, those close to the church believe.
Orthodox Christian Laity and other advocates of Orthodox unity (Full disclosure: I am an OCL board member) support the process established by the Istanbul and Chambesy meetings and view the Episcopal Assembly as the fullest and most tangible expression yet of a united Orthodox presence in America.
Any results or decisions emanating from New York are unlikely to have any immediate effect on the Orthodox faithful but the meeting itself will raise questions, such as:
•Will the move towards Orthodox unity deliberately weaken ethnic affiliations and lead to the imposition of an English language liturgy?
•Will church-related ethnic language schools be abolished? That's a question not just limited to the Greek Orthodox. No such actions are likely but in the months and years ahead the Bishops and the entire church must be prepared to deal seriously and honestly with these and many other similar, provocative questions. Clearly the mosaic of Orthodoxy in the Americas is dramatically different from the immigrant-dominated Church of the early Twentieth Century. Recent immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Middle East still enter the Church. But most members are descended from earlier immigrants and it is their marriages - many of them inter-faith – that have produced new members. These worshippers have also been joined in recent decades by an increasing number of Americans who have converted to Orthodoxy; sometime with families and friends. These developments pose challenges but also offer opportunities to acquaint the broader American community with historic Orthodox theology and practice.
One very current and extremely encouraging example of how Orthodoxy is preparing to engage the religious dialogue in America is expressed in the theme of the forthcoming St. Vladimir's Seminary Summer Symposium, "Hellenism and Orthodoxy (June 10-12.) Not only will Archbishop Dimitrios deliver the symposium keynote but the Very Rev. Dr. Archimandrite Elpidophoros Lambrianiadis, Chief Secretary of the Holy & Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate will discuss Hellenism and Orthodox Identity in North America.
The symposium will feature an impressive array of younger and thoughtful Orthodox speakers - panelists from America and abroad who will discuss how Hellenism, a critical component of Orthodox tradition, transcends conventional and generally narrower nationalistic perceptions. The seminar represents a working Pan-Orthodoxy at the highest theological and intellectual levels and perhaps could even eventually reach all the faithful.
Clearly something is stirring in world Orthodoxy. It was evident at the Synaxis of October, 2008, which forthrightly called for a Great and Holy Council- the last was held in 1872. It was also expressed at the subsequent Chambesy meetings and now is emerging in the regional Episcopal assemblies scheduled to convene around the world. These actions, unprecedented in both scope and speed, demonstrate to some that the Orthodox peoples are finally and confidently emerging from centuries of suffering and martyrdom to engage each other in the light of God's freedom. Strengthened by their sacrifices they are now able to bring the Orthodox message to the entire Oikoumene.
As these developments unfold, it is instructive to observe that as Orthodoxy embarks on what could be an unprecedented step toward unity in America, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism - in sharp contrast – have been and are consumed with fierce feuding involving both secular and faith matters; many of them so-called hot-button issues. This should signal caution to the Orthodox as they phase out from Old World divisions and into newer realities and many believe they must remain steadfastly faithful to the Church's theological and liturgical tradition and ever vigilant to avoid the fads, factionalism and rampant individualism, which regretfully constitute much of what they believe, passes for so-called contemporary American Christianity. On the other hand, they said that the Church, as it evolves, should seek to incorporate those practices of institutional integrity and collective and individual philanthropy, which distinguishes the many beneficent aspects of American religious life.
Perhaps guidance may also be found in the sentiments expressed by the late Dr. Jaroslav Pelikan, the Twentieth Century's pre-eminent historian of Christianity who late in life left the Protestant Church of his childhood to become Orthodox. Following a lecture in 1998 at Baltimore's prestigious St. Mary's Seminary and University, he was asked why he had become an Orthodox? He initially declined to respond but then replied by stating he would provide his questioner with what he called a Western Answer: "What was de facto is now de jure," an obvious allusion to his long time sympathy for Orthodoxy and Western Christianity's preoccupation with legal definitions and theological precision. That could be an example as perhaps the Eastern Orthodox Bishops have already unified de facto by Liturgy and The Eucharist may also, in the spirit of Dr. Pelikan produce a de jure response at their May Assembly and maybe even produce the beginning of a clear path to ecclesiastical unity in America.
This article appeared at Orthodoxy Today.
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The newest Kardashian wedding is upon us America and it is all the tabloids can talk about!
Pushing those has-beens Khloé and Lamar out of the way is the K2 wedding. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' engagement which is already plagued by cheating rumors, gossip, and prenuptial agreements will not be deterred, as Kim is happy and excited to be planning her money making venture wedding.
Kim reveals she wants her wedding to be: "something that's special and intimate for my family and friends." Does that mean the glitter ponies won't be making a re-appearance? She is also planning to change her name – well kind of – telling Us Weekly: "I think at home and privately, for sure [I'll be 'Mrs. Humphries'.]Maybe I will make it Kim Kardashian-Humphries, but I think I will always have Kardashian for work. But at home, Humphries."
As part of the wedding planning Momager, Kris Jenner has definitely not neglected the most important detail – the prenup! K2 have apparently already signed it and go figure Kim is not about to lose a cent if it turns out she in fact cheated if things don't work out between the couple.
Us Weekly is also reporting the details of the prenup, which an 'insider' (named Kris Jenner) leaked: "Kim's Beverly Hills home and all of her assets are protected. Additionally, she keeps anything she earns during the marriage." The also reported that Kim allegedly made 12 Million last year according to Forbes – triple what fiancé Kris did. So what does Kris get if things don't work out? Regret and that's it! "He does not receive anything if the marriage fails. He agreed to that. He's not worried."
So what else is Kim planning besides the wedding? Babies! In Kardashian Baby Talk round 3 Zillion, as soon as the Royal Wedding big day happens, Kim is expecting to be expecting: "Well, I won't have [a baby] by the end of the year, but maybe we'll start trying by the end of the year. After the wedding," she reveals. So providing things go well for the couple we can anticipate "A Baby For Kim! This Time It's For Real!" magazine covers!
In other Kardashian news, Khloé is responding to those pesky rumors that Kim cheated with Bret Lockett and she is on the defense, telling E! News: "Honestly, this guy, it's so funny, I've never heard of him, this person is, I think, crazy. It's so weird that people these days can just say, like complete strangers, 'Oh my god, he's been seeing her for five months,' and this and that, he's crazy, I think it's very…it's sad." In fact Khloe is so sure poor fame-seeking Bret Lockett is krazy she thinks he imagined his whole fling with Kim: "I think he really believes that he's been with her." I guess this guy is either really, really ridiculously into Kim or maybe… it happened?
So what do you think about the big wedding? Are you excited for Kim or do you think its just another Kardashian money making venture? Do you think Kim cheated?


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Nashua board members renew call for delay of Common Core testingBy Barbara Taormina
Union Leader Correspondent
April 01. 2014 8:56PM
NASHUA — As students in city schools participate this week in a trial run of the Smarter Balance assessment tests based on the Common Core standards, members of the Board of Education are again exploring options for a two-year delay in the official start of the online testing.
The Smarter Balance assessments, scheduled to begin in spring 2015, will test students on newly designed curriculum, which is being implemented throughout the district. Classroom teachers who have taken the tests, the Nashua Teachers Union and parents have called for a two-year delay to give teachers and students more time to adjust to the new Common Core standards and curriculum, which is described as more rigorous and advanced than prior academic standards and programs.
At Monday night's BOE meeting, Sandra Ziehm proposed delaying the start of Smarter Balance for two years. The board rejected a similar motion made by David Murotake in December.
"This will give us more time to prepare and acquire new technology," said Ziehm, who added that a delay will also bolster confidence in the tests.
But Superintendent Mark Conrad said the district cannot delay Smarter Balance and substitute another test without putting federal educational funding at risk.
"If you are considering this, I would suggest that you ask for an opinion from an attorney to know what your options are under state law," said Conrad.
While a majority of members of the board expressed support for the delay, they also felt they needed more information. The board voted to table Ziehm's motion until they could hear from a lawyer on the legal consequences of delaying the Smarter Balance tests and using an alternative assessment in the interim.
New Hampshire is one of 22 governing members of the Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium, a multi-state organization that was created with $160 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Under the Consortium's memorandum of agreement, signed by officials at the New Hampshire Department of Education, the state has agreed to "fully implement statewide" the Smarter Balance tests by the 2014-15 school year.
The agreement also allows member states to opt out of the consortium at any time as long as they provide a written explanation of the decision to leave. A number of states, including Florida, Pennsylvania and Indiana have already pulled out, and others are debating whether to continue with the organization.
"In my mind, the N.H. Board of Education has overstepped its authority," said Ziehm. "Unfunded mandates are illegal and just on that alone they can't force us to take (this test.)"
Ziehm went on to question who was running Nashua's school district.
"I think this board needs to take a stand and say this is what's best for our kids," she said.
While the lack of public participation and the loss of local control over school districts has been a key concern among opponents of Common Core and Smarter Balance, several members of the Nashua board focused on the effect the tests would have on students, teachers and the school district.
"I do not believe Smarter Balance is a good thing for the district," said BOE Vice Chairman Kim Muise. "I just don't understand testing on something you haven't taught yet."
Other board members expressed similar concerns.
"I don't see what value it could be to give a test when students are just learning these things this year," said Elizabeth Van Twuyver. "The Department of Education isn't listening to our teachers."
But other members of the board felt concerns about local control were standing in the way of progress the schools might make through the Smarter Balance testing.
BOE Chairman George Farrington said he was troubled by the conflicting information and the motives behind delaying the tests.
"I'm not sure what we are trying to do with this," said Farrington. "Are we trying to prove to Concord that we have local control?"


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A Frankford woman and her teenage daughter were injured Saturday morning in a multi-vehicle crash near Selbyville.
A Frankford woman and her teenage daughter were injured Saturday morning in a multi-vehicle crash near Selbyville.
Denise Rines, 43, and her 16-year-old daughter were taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md., with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
According to state police, the crash occurred on U.S. Route 113 about a half-mile north of McCabe Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. when a southbound 2009 KW Dart tractor-trailer, driven by 51-year-old Ambler, Pa., resident Cornell D. Tate attempted to change lanes.
While moving from the right lane to the left lane, the tractor-trailer came into contact with a 2010 Honda Civic, driven by 21-year-old Ocean View, N.J., resident Leah Barr, forcing the car across the median and into the northbound lanes of the highway.
It was there that Rines' 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe struck the Honda on the passenger's side, police said.
Barr and her 21-year-old passenger, Nikia Jawor of Villas, N.J., were initially taken to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes before being transferred to Christiana Hospital. Their status was not immediately available.
Tate was not injured in the collision.
Police said the crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.


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Introducing Zoya's FALL Collections: Cashmeres & Satin!
My favorite time of year is coming…… FALL! I love most everything about fall. Apples, baking, leaves, colors, and believe it or not – FALL polish colors! I love the darker colors, I much prefer them over the bright and peppy summer colors. I'm not really a bright and peppy kind of girl.
Zoya has just launched their two GORGEOUS new Fall Collections: Cashmeres and Satin!
First up, Satin! Zoya Fall 2013 Satins Sampler contains the following: Neve, Giovanna, Channing, Claudine, Mason and Maria Luisa
Color Family Blues, Purples
Color Finish Cream
Color Intensity 5 ( 1=Sheer – 5=Opaque )
I LOVE these colors! How fun!
Next up is Cashmeres. Zoya Fall 2013 Cashmeres Sampler contains the following: Livingston, Sailor, Hunter, Louise, Flynn and Pepper.
Color Family Blues, Purples
Color Finish Cream
Color Intensity 5 ( 1=Sheer – 5=Opaque )
Color Tone Cool
These colors are SO fun. I love them! I can't wait to try each and every one out!!
Get your own individually – or as a set – HERE!


text: The author discusses six lessons that readers can learn from Communist China concerning America and the church. The first lesson being on corruption, if uncontrolled, leads to tyranny. The second and third lessons focus on change. The forces in the world during that time (namely Communism) and the methods they used exceeded what people thought was possible in history. The fourth lesson deals with the power structure and how it is used in the "cultivation of emotion." The final two lessons are concerned with the manipulation of people's will and the use of the church to achieve the means of Communism.


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The cover of "Darth Vader and Son." (Jeffrey Brown / Chronicle Books)Link
What if Darth Vader had been a loving and devoted father? Comic writer and artist Jeffrey Brown answered that question last year with his charming book "Darth Vader and Son," which imagined the endearing Sith Lord's struggles and tender moments with young Luke Skywalker. Now Princess Leia is getting the same treatment in "Vader's Little Princess," due out Tuesday.
Brown, whose previous work includes "Clumsy," "Bighead" and two adorable cat books, received an Eisner Award nomination for best humor publication for "Vader and Son." Unlike that book, which focused on Luke's early childhood years, "Vader's Little Princess" follows Leia through her adolescence and rebellious teen years, leaving Vader to worry about his daughter's wardrobe, driving (should we say piloting?) abilities and boyfriends, including one scruffy-looking Han Solo.
"I think part of what was so fun about this idea is like, as a parent, there's things you just kind of have to put up with," Brown told Hero Complex last year. "They can be really frustrating. So the idea of this dark master, lord of the Sith, having all that power, and in the end, here's this 4-year-old who can be, 'Eh, no Dad. I don't want to do it.' And he's powerless against it. He's gotta maintain that presence of power in the universe, but when it's his own son, he has to rein it in a little bit. That tension is what was fun to play with."
Brown and "Book of Sith" author Daniel Wallace are answering questions over on the Star Wars blog and publisher Chronicle Books' blog on Wednesday, May 1, at noon PDT. Fans can submit their questions for the authors in the comments of the announcement blog post.
In the meantime, Hero Complex caught up with Brown to talk about the inspiration behind "Vader's Little Princess." Read the interview below, and click through the gallery above for a peek at both books.
HC: Congrats on the Eisner nomination. How does that feel?
JB: It's pretty exciting. It's my first nomination, and I'm really happy to be recognized for humor.
HC: When we last spoke, you mentioned that you drew inspiration for Luke's relationship with Vader from your 4-year-old son. Where did you find inspiration for Leia?
JB: I managed to look to a lot of places. I have a few friends with teenage daughters,who provided some observations, and I also thought back on my own teenage years and what I saw from the girls around me. Listening to stories from my wife has also helped, and even my editor from Lucasfilm, J.W. Rinzler, chipped in with a few real-life situations inspired by his daughters. It was a challenge to keep it from being clichéd while not having a daughter, but hopefully it works.
HC: In "Darth Vader and Son," we saw only a pint-sized Luke. What made you decide to depict Leia through her adolescent and teen years as well?
JB: Part of it was that I'd used so much of the prime 4-year-old material, so I had to change the age for new material. Especially with Leia, there was a lot more unexplored territory with parenthood, particularly with the issue of dating and watching your child grow up and head out into the world.
HC: You have some really fun gags with the Ewoks and with Leia's relationship with Han. Did you go back and rewatch the movies to find these moments for humor? What's your favorite little inside joke in the book?
JB: I re-watched the movies multiple times, at first taking notes and then just as background while I worked. Sometimes I was looking for the right scene in the movies to pair with an idea I had, and sometimes re-watching a scene while thinking about the book would spark some new thought for a gag. I think my favorite inside joke is when Vader sees Leia and Han kiss.
HC: What's next for you?
JB: I've got another graphic novel about parenting coming out this summer, albeit in a much different vein — "A Matter Of Life," which is an autobiographical look at fatherhood and religion. And this fall will see the release of my next Star Wars book "Jedi Academy," a book from Scholastic that's part comics, part illustrated text and takes a look at middle school as it would be in the Star Wars universe.
– Noelene Clark | @NoeleneClark
What if Darth Vader was a good dad?
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Jedi padawans enroll in lightsaber school
New 'Star Wars' coming every year starting in 2015
'Star Wars': Patton Oswalt reveals his dream plot
'Star Wars': Larry Kasdan wants film to 'start fresh'
J.J. Abrams set to direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII'
'Star Wars': Watch Harrison Ford evade questions
'The Star Wars!' Lucas script gets comic book


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Find a hotel or hostel for your budget and taste.
Shop online now for the best deals available.
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text:
State Rep. introduces bill to make bullying a crime
Mother of victim plans to testify
State Rep. introduces bill to make bullying a crime
Mother of victim plans to testify
New Mexico state Rep. Mary Helen Garcia hopes to make bullying a crime. If the legislature passes the bill, it could mean jail time for bullies.
Garcia defines bullying as a pattern of intentional conduct that creates a hostile environment and interferes with another person's physical or psychological well-being.
Kathy Herson plans to testify in front of the Legislature on the measure. She didn't know how to stop the bullying her daughter faced.
"My daughter's doing well right now," she said. "I'm very happy with her. She's in ROTC. I couldn't be much prouder of her right now."
Herson said when she testifies, she will say she's doing this to help stop bullying in all of New Mexico.


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Obama nominates Lew to lead TreasuryWire services
January 10. 2013 8:07PM
WASHINGTON - President Obama nominated White House Chief of Staff Jacob J. Lew to lead the Treasury Department on Thursday, saying the longtime Washington operator and unassuming budget wonk would focus on the battles over the federal budget that are likely to consume the much of Obama's second term.
In brief remarks in the East Room, Obama highlighted Lew's past experience negotiating budget deals, first as an aide to Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr. and then as budget director for President Clinton.
Noting the balanced budgets in the Clinton era, Obama said, "For all the talk out there about deficit reduction, making sure our books are balanced, this is the guy who did it - three times."
Lew served as Obama's budget director before coming over to the White House early last year to calm one in a series of transition periods in the West Wing. Lew, a longtime Washington aide known for his low profile, is Obama's fourth chief of staff.
"One reason Jack has been so effective in this town is because he is a low-key guy who prefers to surround himself with policy experts rather than television cameras," Obama said. "And over the years, he's built a reputation as a master of policy who can work with members of both parties and forge principled compromises."
The President made only a passing reference to Lew's other relevant item on his resume - his three-year tenure as an executive at Citigroup Inc. The relatively thin experience with Wall Street and markets has left some guessing as to how he might handle Treasury's increased regulatory role or negotiations over continued economic uncertainty in Europe.
But Obama's remarks made clear that Lew's top challenge is one closer to home. A year-end budget deal with congressional Republicans set up a series of future fights over taxing and spending, debts and deficits, and Treasury will be closely engaged in the negotiations.
Obama said he was confident Lew shared his priorities -and a commitment to protecting the social programs Obama has resisted overhauling.
Describing Lew, who is an orthodox Jew, Obama said, "Most importantly, as the son of a Polish immigrant, a man of deep and devout faith, Jack knows that every number on a page, every dollar we budget, every decision we make has to be an expression of who we wish to be as a nation, our values."
As the face of Obama's fiscal priorities, Lew has critics. As Obama announced his choice, a handful of Republicans on Capitol Hill argued the president was signaling that a big compromise on entitlement spending and deficit reduction would remain elusive.
"As the country struggles with a painfully slow economic recovery, Washington needs leaders who are willing to support reforms that will put us on a sustainable fiscal path," said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. "It virtually guarantees the president will not compromise on entitlement reform, and assures that the White House will fight to maintain the status quo of our deeply dysfunctional system."
House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, said the change at Treasury "won't improve our economy or save our nation from impending bankruptcy."
Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., ranking Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, said he would oppose Lew's nomination.
"We need a secretary of Treasury that the American people, the Congress and the world will know is up to the task of getting America on the path to prosperity, not the path to decline. Jack Lew is not that man," Sessions said.
Still, Lew is considered a far less controversial pick than Obama's other recent nominees for top posts_former Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., or Homeland Security adviser John Brennan. And he's not likely to raise the ire of liberals who bristled at Obama's selection four years ago of Timothy Geithner, then president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, for the Treasury job.
At the announcement, Obama praised Geithner's work and ethos_captured in the motto "no peacocks, no jerks, no whiners," Obama said.
The president credited Geithner with helping to restore stability in the financial markets after the 2008 crisis. "So when the history books are written, Tim Geithner is going to go down as one of our finest secretaries of the Treasury," Obama said.
The president did admit to one reservation about his personnel decision. Lew's many-looped signature, which would grace the currency if he's confirmed, gave him pause, he joked.
"When this was highlighted yesterday in the press, I considered rescinding my offer to appoint him. Jack assures us that he is going to work to make at least one letter legible in order not to debase our currency," Obama said.


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Summerlander wrote:"hmmm... come to think of it, that Summerlander was right."
I have no problem admitting when I am wrong. I'm not that prideful to maintain an ignorant view when I know deep down my own view was flawed. And the more we talk about it, the more I see your position and how likely it is. It certainly does make sense, what with the time travel example.
But as someone who has always striven to better himself, I like to take credit for who I have become and what I have done and will do, claiming that it is and will be because I chose to become the best man I could be, not that I was fated to be who I became (My pride does allow me to do that much). So I am kind of stuck in between viewpoints here. While I acknowledge that my subconscious controls much if not all of what I do and think, I feel there is another part of me that influences my subconscious and allows me to evolve intellectually and philosophically.


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First of all thank you for serving your country. We are pleased that you are considering admission to Thomas More College. Thomas More College is demonstrating our continuing commitment to America's veterans through our participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program of the Post 9/11 Veteran's Educational Act of 2008. The Yellow Ribbon program is part of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill legislation. In general, the maximum tuition and fees benefit available under the bill is capped at the level of the in-state undergraduate charges at the most expensive public university in that state. The "Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program" covers the situations where an institution's tuition and fees exceed the maximum public in-state amount. Thomas More's contribution toward the difference in expense allows most Yellow Ribbon- eligible veterans to attend Thomas More College at no cost.
The Yellow Ribbon program is designed to help students avoid up to 100 percent of their out-of-pocket tuition and fees associated with education programs that may exceed the Post 9/11 GI Bill tuition benefit.
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program is a provision of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The program is designed to help students avoid up to 100 percent of their out-of-pocket tuition and fees associated with education programs that may exceed the Post 9/11 GI Bill tuition benefit. This benefit will pay up to 100 percent of the public in-state tuition, but it only covers up to $17,500 a year for private colleges and universities. Your actual tuition & fees costs may exceed these amounts if you are attending a private school or are attending a public school as a nonresident student. This is where the YRP can help.
Like the other Post 9/11 GI Bill programs, Yellow Ribbon benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued before that date.
To qualify to receive the Yellow Ribbon benefits you must meet the following criteria:
- Served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
- Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and they served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
- Are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran's service under the eligibility criteria listed above.
To search for approved schools go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/ch33/yrp/yrp_list_2012.htm
For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (859)344-3332.


text:
Find Pizza Restaurants Near You
Find your nearest pizza place with easy search and maps.
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Please note: we are not associated with any of the above companies and we cannot guarantee accuracy but we have done our best to get the locations correct and we hope you find this free site for pizza lovers useful.
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In the South-West? Here is a guide to local Bristol places for great pizza.
Sorry, we couldn't find any pizza restaurants in that area.


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A series of short stories from those friends and family Bella was forced to leave behind. How is everyone coping with her absense? And how are their lives progressing without her?
1. Ben and Angela: Part 1
Rating 5/5 Word Count 5654 Review this Chapter
Façade: Chapter 1
Angela and Ben (Part 1)
x x x
'Deceiving others...That is what the world calls a romance.'
--Oscar Wilde
x x x
It was pouring the day Ben and I caught a taxi to the Seattle airport, the rain coming down so hard on the windshield that I didn't know how the cab driver was able to find his way along the winding roads. Somehow, though, we made it. We were dropped off at the curb of the departures lounge with our luggage, and so we made our way inside quickly - where it was substantially warmer - and headed for the check-in counter. Ben was muttering the whole time under his breath about how stifling the rain was, and I couldn't help but laugh. The rain never bothered me, and I knew why. It always reminded me of home. When it rained in Seattle, I was never homesick. When I saw 'Port Angeles' roll lazily across the departures board, I couldn't help but smile.
Ben noticed. "Someone's happy to be going home," he said with an easy grin.
"Of course," I replied, beaming at the thought. "I haven't seen my parents and friends in almost a year. Aren't you excited to be seeing everyone again?"
"Yes," he agreed. "But with reservations. I think you remember how overbearing my parents can be at times, Ang." He winced slightly as he thought about that, chuckling despite himself.
I tried to give him what I hoped was a sympathetic look in return. I did remember. Sometimes Ben's mother and father did forget that their son was legally an adult now, and did baby him about often, but I always thought that was just because they cared about him so much - he was there only son, after all - and didn't want him getting into any kind of trouble. They were some of the nicest people I'd ever known, and they were always so kind to me.
"It'll be interesting to see who else has come home for the summer," Ben continued as we loaded our luggage onto the conveyer belts and collected our tickets. "I wonder how everyone's doing?"
I had to think about it for a moment. "I know Jessica, Lauren, Tyler and Eric are going to be there. They emailed me last week to let me know. Mike's been helping his parents out with their shop, so he's still in Forks. I haven't heard from anyone else." I frowned when I remembered exactly who it was that I would have liked to hear from the most. I hadn't seen or heard anything from Bella and the Cullen's since they all packed up and left after Edward and Bella's wedding almost a year ago. I didn't have her phone number, and every time I tried to send her an email, it bounced back.
"Did you ever hear anything from the Cullen's?" Ben asked, echoing my thoughts.
I shook my head, and I could feel my frown deepening. "No, not a thing."
"That's a little strange," he continued, looking confused. "I know the Cullen's weren't particularly social, but Bella doesn't seem like the kind of person who would just disappear."
"That's what I think," I said, nodding. "But it doesn't matter. I'm sure she's just been so preoccupied with college and Edward that she's just forgotten to let us know she's okay. And besides, Chief Swan will know where she is."
"You're right," Ben agreed, wrapping his arm around me and giving me a quick peck on the cheek. I automatically flushed. "In fact, Bella and the Cullen's are probably on their way home just like the rest of us are."
It wasn't a long flight to Forks and as soon as the plane landed, the mild excitement I'd been feeling about going home for the summer suddenly exploded inside my chest. I'd get to see my mom, dad and the twins again! I couldn't believe how strange it actually felt to be coming home. I thought that perhaps it had something to do with having lived in a city for so long...coming back to a small, isolated country town - even if this was my home - seemed a little arbitrary. I felt bad for thinking it as soon as we disembarked and I saw my family waiting for me off to one side in the arrival's lounge.
"Mom! Dad!" I almost screamed, throwing myself eagerly into their waiting arms. I felt the twins wrap their arms tightly around my waist.
"Hi, sweetie," my dad said in his usual quiet voice. "How was your time in the city?"
"Great!" It was difficult to talk. The twins were already jumping up and down and pulling at my clothes, clamouring for my attention. I smiled reassuringly at my mom just before she was about to tell them to calm down, and then I turned around and swooped them both up into my arms and hugged them as hard as I could. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Ben had found his parents, too. He met my gaze with a visible cringe, and I smiled ruefully back. At least his mother was happy to see him - she was crying so much that Ben's father, Mark, actually had to sit her down for a few minutes until she calmed down.
"Ready to go home, sweetheart?" my mom asked when the twins finally let me go.
She pulled me into the circle of her arm and kissed me on the forehead as we walked out to the car. I hugged her back with as much strength as I could muster. I could only think about one thing as my parents drove the very familiar road back to our house - the twins already fighting in the seat next to me - and helped me take my luggage up to my room...
It was so good to be home.
x x x
It was a few days later when I was organized enough to meet up with my friends from high school. Ben and I had arranged to meet Mike, Tyler, Eric, Austin, Lauren and Jessica at First Beach; a sort of nostalgic reunion, as I liked to think of it. The weather had been good lately, and we didn't want to wait too long, for fear that it would disappear if we didn't hurry. And it was already starting to disappear, I saw when I drove into the small parking lot. Huge, dark grey clouds sat ominously on the horizon, despite the sun shining overhead.
Mike still looked the same as ever; his short and spiky blonde hair was painstakingly styled into a careful disarray. He'd certainly grown since I'd last seen him - a foot at least. And he was still all smiles and jokes. Austin was busy catching up with Ben, so I didn't get to see him much, but Lauren and Jessica seemed happy to talk to me at first. Lauren had outgrown her pixie cut; her incredibly light golden hair was almost down to her shoulders now, and beautifully layered. Jessica's brown curls were as wild and long as they ever were, and personality wise, Jessica hadn't changed one bit. She was babbling at me before I was even in earshot.
"...I mean, California is totally amazing, Angela. You'd love it! The sun is shining all the time - not like here in Forks or Seattle, where it never seems to stop raining - and there was the cutest guy in my HR class. I swear to God, he was just the most wonderful person I'd ever met! He offered me a ride home after class that day, and then we had the most fantastic first date that I've ever had in my life! He took me to this beautiful restaurant..."
"Hey, Angela," Lauren greeted me, cutting Jessica off in the middle of her story. Jessica frowned at Lauren, but Lauren ignored her.
"Hey guys," I said with a tentative smile. "How have you been?"
"Pretty good," Lauren said in her nasal voice, looking around the shore of the beach. "Are we expecting anyone else?"
"Not that I know of," I said uncertainly, following her gaze. "It seems only a few of us have come home for summer."
Lauren breathed a loud sigh of relief. "That's good. I thought I'd have to endure the company of Mr and Mrs Cullen for three months," she said scathingly. "Ugh. Can you imagine anything worse, Jess? Married at eighteen! She's probably already had a baby by now." She scoffed.
Jessica made a show shuddering and pretending to be sick. They both laughed. I just walked away. I couldn't stand listening to them berate my best friends.
I didn't stay much longer after that. I checked in quickly with everyone else. Tyler was at Peninsula Community College, doing some kind of social science. I found out from Mike that Lauren was doing Journalism at some university in Phoenix, and Jessica was attending HR classes at a college in Sarentino. Eric had gotten a part-time job nearby in order to wait for Katie to graduate before they went off to College together, which I thought was incredibly sweet. Mike said business was the same as always - busy in the summer and slow the rest of the year. He asked after Bella, but I told him exactly what I'd told Ben. He seemed more disappointed than I thought he should have been, but we had a laugh and then after checking in with Ben, I left. I'd ask him about Austin later. No doubt he'd seen some awesome kung-fu movies since they'd last met up, I thought with an internal cringe.
As soon as I got in the car though, I knew I didn't feel like going home. It was only early afternoon, and the twins would be causing an uproar in the house right about now, just before they went for their nap. And the more I thought about it, the more I could see Lauren and Angela had probably brought up Edward and Bella just to get a reaction out of me. I glared at them through the windscreen, watching as they both flirted with the boys and laughed loudly at some joke.
I couldn't get out of there fast enough.
And so feeling rather irritated and unsatisfied with my day, I started to make my way home. I took the long route, in the hopes that by the time I walked into the house the twins would already be asleep. It was just when I was about to turn out onto the small main road back to my house that I saw the little cream-colored, two bedroom house with the 1950's Chevy truck and police cruiser sitting out in the driveway. I pulled over quickly and jumped out of my car without even thinking about it. I'd heard nothing from anyone about Bella and her new family's being in town, so that led me to assume that she hadn't come back to Forks for the summer like I'd hoped. Her truck was still there, but then I remembered she never took it with her when she left, saying she'd need it to use when she came back for holidays...
The clouds were well and truly swirling overhead now-the sure sign of a storm. A sudden gust of wind sent my hair lashing against my face, and so I quickly ducked back into my car and reached across the passenger seat for my jacket, before I dashed up onto the porch of Bella's house. As soon as I'd slipped into my jacket I knocked, anxious as I waited to see who would answer the door. Chief Swan answered it a few moments later, his rather glum looking expression softening with a smile when his eyes finally came to rest on me.
"Angela Webber!" he said, clearly surprised. "How are you, hon?"
"Pretty good, thanks, Chief Swan. I hope I'm not bothering you."
"Please, call me Charlie," he said with another easy smile. "And you're never a bother," he reassured me.
"Charlie," I said, smiling back. "Is Bella home for the summer?"
As soon as I said the words, I already knew the answer just by reading his face. His smile faded, and the sadness in his eyes intensified. "I'm sorry, sweetie. She isn't here, but why don't you come in and I'll explain everything to you over a cup of hot chocolate or something, eh? You look like you could do with a warm up."
"I'd love to." Charlie stood aside to let me through, and I made my way into the small lounge room and sat down on the couch.
It was only then I realized that I'd never been to Bella's house before in the whole two years I'd known her. It was a neat little place, and even though the furniture wasn't new, it still had a very homey feel. The shelf above the tiny little fireplace was filled with pictures - pictures I remember Bella making her father put away while she was living here. He'd obviously put them back out again now that she'd moved out, and as my eyes scanned the tiny living room, I saw some on the walls as well. The ones above the fireplace were easy enough to guess at, because my parents had mine laid out in exactly the same fashion: Bella's school photo's every year, leading right up to her graduation portrait. There were a few extra ones I spotted as well. Obviously what was Charlie's wedding photo. I'd met Bella's mother, Renee, before when she attended Bella's wedding. I had marvelled then at how much she'd looked like her daughter. Seventeen years ago, the resemblance was even stronger.
What reinforced this even more was that beside Charlie's wedding photo, hanging on the wall directly in-line with it, was his daughter's wedding photo. Bella had looked so beautiful, I remembered with a sigh...and so happy. I'd never seen someone so euphoric before. It was almost as if, over the two years they were together, they'd kept their affection for each suppressed somehow. Not that anyone who watched those two could doubt how very much in love they were but...On their wedding day, the way they looked at each other had blown everyone away. Love like that...I'd never seen it before.
"Here you go - Oh, sorry, Angela. Didn't mean to scare you." I'd jumped about a foot of the couch when his loud voice cut through the silence of the house.
"That's okay," I told him, gratefully taking my hot chocolate and eagerly wrapping my cold hands around it. "Thanks."
Charlie sat down with a grunt in the chair across from me, his expression unreadable. It was quiet for a few minutes, as he seemed to be gathering his thoughts. I looked away for a second to take a swig of hot cocoa.
"So how's life in the big city?" he asked me suddenly. "You enjoying college?"
"Life's great, and I actually really like living in the city. It's very convenient. College is going well, I suppose. Law is hard, though." I winced openly when I thought about my finals. I hope I hadn't messed them up too much.
"I'm sure you did just fine, kiddo. Your father always tells me what a bright girl you are."
"Thank you," I said nervously. I couldn't figure out what embarrassed me more; the fact that my dad talked about me to all his friends, or Charlie's compliment.
It was quiet after that, and the silence started to turn uncomfortable. I'd been waiting for Charlie to tell me about what was happening with his daughter of his own accord, but I was strangely anxious, and more than a little worried for some reason I couldn't explain.
"So, Charlie," I started, "How's Bella been doing lately?"
"She's not been too good these past few weeks," he said, starting to look just as anxious as I felt. "Seems she caught pneumonia, of all things."
"Pneumonia?" I repeated in shock.
"Yeah." Charlie sighed heavily. "Carlisle assures me that she'll be alright, and that she's being looked after to the best of his family's ability, which I don't doubt. All the Cullen's seem to be very fond of Bella." His eyes darted away, to the pictures hanging on the wall. It was awhile again before he spoke. "I talked to her on the phone a couple of days ago, and she sounded horrible. Her voice was real raspy, and she kept groaning all the time. I asked her if she wanted me to come visit - I have nearly twenty years of sick leave I've never used - but she said not to worry, which was a little hard, considering how she sounded. Mind you, if I was worried, Bella's mother was almost hysterical. I was on the phone to her for almost two hours on Bella's behalf, trying to get her to calm down." He chuckled, and then sighed. "I know that Carlisle will do whatever it takes to get her better. He's probably the most selfless person on the planet." He snorted. "Don't know if I could say the same thing about his son, though."
So it was just as Bella had said when she'd told me she was engaged. I was so happy for her, but Charlie had made no secret to anyone of how he felt about his daughter's wedding. I'll admit, it was a little early, but it was impossible to doubt how those two felt about each other. I shook my head, amazed when I remembered how Edward watched her. You'd think he was a blind man seeing the world for the first time. It was incredible. I never doubted for even a second that she wouldn't be looked after.
But I did always felt like there was some secret world hidden underneath their enigmatic smiles, like there was so much more meaning to their words then everyone else thought there was...and it seemed only Bella ever really knew what they were talking about, or what was happening. The Cullen's had never sort attention of any kind, so I was more than a little surprised when they started talking to Ben and me...And while at first they seemed rather intimidating with their extraordinary beauty, I soon began to realize that I'd never met kinder people in all my life - especially Alice, I thought with a smile. They deserved none of the hostility they used to receive from everyone at school on a daily basis. The Cullen's just cherished their family's privacy above everything else, and I had always considered that a remarkable trait, because it showed just how much they all cared about each other.
"So what's Bella been studying?" I asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from Edward. It didn't seem to put Bella's father in a very good mood.
"She's been studying psychology of all things, if you can believe it," Charlie said, clearly warming to this particular topic of conversation quite quickly. His eyes brightened as he looked at me, and it was then with a sudden burst of intuition that I realized just how proud Charlie was of his daughter - how much he loved her...and as much as he'd tried to hide it earlier, how lonely he was now that Bella was gone. No matter how justified Bella's absence was, I could also see he was extremely disappointed about not having her around for the summer. I remembered that Bella had been worried about how her dad would cope after she left. She'd seemed more upset about the idea than I thought she should have been. I mean, it wasn't like she'd never see him again or anything, right?
"...Didn't think she'd been into that kind of thing," Charlie continued, oblivious of my riviere. "But then she's always managed to surprise me." He stopped for a second after that, and then continued hesitantly. "Edward's doing some kind of Medical degree. I still don't know why he wouldn't go and do it at Harvard or Dartmouth when he had the opportunity." He looked away then, and I in no way believed for even a second that he didn't know the answer to that question. It was blindingly obvious to anyone who knew him why Edward hadn't chosen an Ivy League education.
"How's Alice?" I asked eagerly.
"Good, good. The sweet little thing was accepted into some fashion design school up there in Juneau. Other than that she's the same as ever, or so I hear." He laughed. "That girl never does things halfway. I'll always be grateful to her for doing Bella's wedding. It was really...nice."
"Yeah, it was," I agreed wholeheartedly. I downed most of my hot chocolate then, sensing that the conversation was coming to a close. There were just a few more questions I wanted to ask before I left.
"Uh...Charlie, you wouldn't happen to have Bella's phone number, would you?"
"I don't believe I do," he admitted after a moment. "Bella checks in regularly, and while I would like to have a phone number, I can completely understand why the Cullen's don't have one."
When he saw my confused expression, he started to explain. "You remember what that family was like," he told me softly in his gruff voice. "Hiking all the time. From what they've told me, they always lose their cell-phones, and are always buying new ones. They've never had a permanent number where they live. Esme said she won't have one because she doesn't like people harassing Carlisle all the time; he's busy enough as it is right now. Can't say that I blame her, either," he went on, lost in the explanation. "It wouldn't surprise me if people tried to take advantage of him. He always puts everyone else before himself."
"Oh." I'd never thought of it that way. When he said it like that, it did make sense.
"Does she have an email address?" I continued hopefully.
"As far as I know, she email's her mother. I'll see if I can get her address for you the next time she calls."
"Thanks," I said in earnest. "I'd really appreciate that." And now that I knew what was happening, I just had to hope that Bella would get better quickly and be back here in time for Thanksgiving. I really did miss her a lot. I must have looked more anxious than I thought, because Charlie seemed to pick up on it.
"I wouldn't worry about her too much, sweetie. She'll be better in no time...or at least, I hope so. I know I should be respecting Bella's wishes and staying away unless she wants me to go and visit her, no matter how much I miss her - she's married, now and has her own life. You can't hold onto them forever..." his voice suddenly became thicker. Heavier. "...But letting go is harder than I thought."
"Do you think Bella will be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas?" I asked lightly, hoping to distract him. My voice sounded incredibly fake in my own ears.
It worked though. Charlie looked back at me again, snorting. "Who knows? Like I said, that family loves travelling. From what Bella's told me, she's already seen most of America and even some of Europe." He shook his head, clearly amazed for a second before his face shifted into a more sombre expression. "Of course I would love it if she did come for Christmas or Thanksgiving, but I don't want her to feel like she has to, either. Besides, I usually work holidays." He shrugged. "Someone has to."
"Oh. Okay. Well, if Bella calls...can you tell her I said 'hi' for me? And tell her I can't wait to see her again."
He smiled. "Sure thing."
Charlie watched and waved as I hopped into my car and drove away. I was feeling beyond relieved now that I knew Bella would be okay, and that I would see her again. I enjoyed the rest of my summer with Ben and my family, and before I knew it, I was heading back to Seattle to start another year of college.
But when Ben and I returned to Forks for Thanksgiving, Bella and the Cullen's weren't there. They didn't show up for Christmas, either. I couldn't deny how disappointed I was, because it seemed that I'd always hoped they'd be there, even when I'd told myself repeatedly not to be surprised if they weren't.
I didn't check in with Charlie this time, but news of the Cullen's absence and the reasons behind it travelled quickly in this small town. My mother told me that Bella and Edward had accelerated their studies - attending summer school and extra classes in the hopes of graduating sooner. I was happy for her - she really was working hard to get her life in order. And that completely explained why she hadn't been able to see her family. She'd been so busy, and I was also pleased to find that she'd recovered from her pneumonia as well. I was optimistic about this new information. If the Cullen's had been working this hard at their studies, then they were bound to come and spend a bit of time in Forks before they found themselves full-time jobs. I'd finally get to see them all again.
Time continued to fly by, and every year for the next three years I went home every summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas, only to find that Bella and Cullen's never came. When I checked on Chief Swan, he told me Bella's calls had become less and less frequent, and now he was lucky to hear from her every few months. Bella and Edward had found jobs straight out of college, and were living in England, now. Bella was a full-time therapist, and Edward was working as an intern in a hospital in London; following in his father's profession.
It bothered me that Bella and the Cullen's didn't seem inclined to stay in contact with anyone other than their family, but they were obviously incredibly busy, and my mother had always told me that high school friends drifted apart. It was an inevitable part of moving on with life, she'd said. It was true enough; I had a couple of great friends at university - including Ben's wonderful support-but I did still always wonder now and then how Bella was doing.
And it seemed that before I could even blink, I was graduating from college, too. The Vice Chancellor handed me my Law degree, and then everyone was clapping so loudly that I couldn't hear a thing. My parents were rushing forward to give me a hug and congratulate me and then...and then...
Ben proposed. I was engaged.
I found a job almost straight away in a medium-sized firm close to Seattle, and after the small friends-and-family-only ceremony Ben and I had for our wedding and the honeymoon in Hawaii, we bought an apartment together for easy commuting to and from work. Ben worked for an advertising agency on the other side of town, so we tried to get as close to the city as we possibly could. Our life fell quickly into a comfortable routine and we were very happy.
Tonight was just the same as every other night. I'd gotten caught up in my work again until well after 9pm, and just like it always was in Seattle, it was pouring rain outside. I packed up as soon as I finished, and locked up the building. The sudden roar of the rain was strangely comforting after the dead silence of my office and as soon as I found my umbrella, I began the five-block walk back to the apartment. The street was oddly quiet, tonight; the only thing I could hear was the sound of the rain slamming against the pavement, and as I rounded the corner and started heading past the huge, forest-like park, the rain was suddenly engulfed by the trees and crickets, becoming only background noise. The look of the forest in the dark always made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and so I hurried past as quickly as I could, finally allowing myself to relax a little when my apartment was within site.
The feeling didn't last long, though. A huge, booming laugh sliced through the uncomfortably quiet night. I instinctively gasped at the noise...and instantly knew that it was too loud. The laugh cut off abruptly into a low, quick hiss. I knew then that it wasn't just one person. It was a group; a few other voices joined in the harsh whispering, though I couldn't understand w word of it over the roar of the rain. I started walking much faster, then; I was almost running in my desperation to get out of there. It wasn't easy in the heels I was wearing - I almost tripped several times - and while they didn't appear to be following me, I didn't want to be taking any chances.
"Watch out!" one of them called suddenly - a girl - and before I could even look around to see what she meant, my feet slipped on the wet pavement and I lost my balance. I fell sideways, my arms reaching out instinctively to catch my fall, the umbrella in my hand forgotten. I felt the snap as soon as my palm hit the cement, and cried out as the pain shot its way up my right arm. It had to be broken. As I struggled to my feet in the pouring rain, I tried to wipe the soaked hair from my face so I could find my handbag and my phone.
I couldn't find it anywhere.
The indistinguishable muttering behind me started again, sending my heart thudding erratically against my rib cage. What were they going to do to me now that I was hurt? Would they take the opportunity to mug me, or would they leave me alone? A little voice in my head told me that people standing around in parks at this hour usually weren't after money, and probably wanted something much, much worse.
I was so terrified of all the possible scenarios, that when one of them of them appeared suddenly in front of me, my automatic response was to scream.
"Shhh, it's okay," she said in a very soothing, velvety voice, bending down on her knees to meet me face to face. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help. Your apartment is just up here, right?"
"Y-yes," I stammered, trying unsuccessfully to make the woman's expression out. It was covered by a dark hood with her long and wet dark hair plastered to the sides of her face. She kept her eyes hidden in the shadow of her cloak. It was the same girl who had called out after me before I fell, I assumed. The only thing I could see clearly under the lamplight was that she had very pale skin - her arms were as white as snow.
"Can you get up by yourself?" she asked in that melodic voice again. When she spoke like that, it made it impossible to be afraid of her.
"No. I think my wrist is broken," I murmured.
I didn't know how she heard me over the roar of the rain, but she replied easily enough. "Alright then. Let me help you up."
I watched as she reached out toward me, her arms curling around my torso and lifting me effortlessly to my feet. I shivered violently underneath her touch - her hands were colder than the rain.
"Th...Thank-you," I stuttered when I could stand straight. I shuddered again.
"I'm sorry," she said, though I couldn't imagine what for. She almost sounded angry for some reason. "You're freezing because of me. Hear -" In one fluid movement she slid out of her full length hood and cloak and wrapped it tightly around my shoulders. At first, I didn't notice anything else other than the fact that inside the coat - though it was dry - was just as cold as her hands had been. I was even colder than I was before. It wasn't until a few moments later when I started to warm up that I actually looked at the face I couldn't see before.
It had to be a dream.
My mouth fell open with a little popping sound when I recognised who it was. Standing there under the lamplight, looking more like she was a model posing for a fashion add with her now-soaked chocolate hair hanging beautifully around her sharply defined and incredibly pale face, was the girl who had been my very best friend through all of high school. She looked so different and yet still the same. She looked exactly like...but I didn't know how that was possible.
She smiled at me, flashing some very white teeth. Impulsively, I took a few steps back.
"Hello, Angela."
- Author
- Warui Usagi
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- 15 Mar 08
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- 23 Jun 08
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