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Guidance to help you make sure that your business is complying with the law when it comes to employing staff to work in the UK.
It is a criminal offence to employ anyone who does not have an entitlement to work in the UK. We provide an overview of the documentation required to ensure that your business does not fall foul of the law. If you are an employer in the Camberley area we, at Campbell Courtney and Cooney, can provide you with assistance or any additional information required.
In line with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, it is a criminal offence to employ anyone who does not have an entitlement to work in the UK, or undertake the type of work you are offering. Any employer who does not comply with the law may face a fine of up to £20,000 per offence. Further, if employers knowingly use illegal migrant labour it could carry a maximum five year prison sentence and/or an unlimited fine.
In addition, since December 2016, section 38 of the Immigration Act 2016 allows immigration officers to close a business for up to 48 hours if there is a reasonable suspicion that they employ foreign workers illegally and they have previously committed specific offences of illegal working. The closure notice might then be cancelled or an illegal working compliance order could be sought, one result of which could be closure of the premises for up to 12 months.
Here we provide an overview of the documentation required to ensure that your business does not fall foul of the law.
The increasing trend of illegal immigrants entering the UK has led to a rise in forged documentation, as well as grounds for certain employers to take advantage of cheap labour.
To combat this, the Home Office reviewed the law in this area and regulations were introduced on 1 May 2004.
Right to work checks have been temporarily adjusted due to coronavirus (COVID-19). This is to make it easier for employers to carry them out.
As of 30 March 2020 the following temporary changes have been made:
Checks continue to be necessary and you must continue to check the prescribed documents of any one or combination of the original documents included in List A or List B (Group 1 and 2). It remains an offence to knowingly employ anyone who does not have the right to work in the UK.
Because of COVID-19, some individuals may be unable to evidence their right to work. During this period, you must take extra care to ensure no-one is discriminated against as a job applicant or employee because they are unable to show you their documents.
An employer must obtain and retain a certified copy of any one, or combination of the original documents included in List A or List B (Group 1 and 2). Those validated from List A will require no further checks, however, documents provided from List B must be followed up when the document or notice expires.
An official document giving the person's permanent national insurance number and name, plus
The Government has introduced a merit-based points system for assessing non-EEA nationals wishing to work in the UK. The system consists of five tiers, each requiring different points. Points will be awarded to reflect the migrant's ability, experience, age and when appropriate the level of need within the sector the migrant will be working.
The five points-based system tiers consist of:
Highly-valued skilled workers with exceptional talent, for whom no job offer or sponsoring employer is required (for example, doctors, scientists and engineers);
Skilled individuals with a proven English language ability who have a job offe, to fill gaps in the UK labour force (for example, nurses, teachers and engineers);
Low skilled workers filling specific temporary labour shortages (for example, construction workers for a particular project);
Students; from outside the EEA, who wish to study in the UK.
Contains six sub-tiers including: youth mobility and temporary workers (for example, musicians coming to play in a concert).
You will usually need a sponsor licence to employ someone to work for you from outside the UK. This includes citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland who arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020.
This includes unpaid work, like running a charity.
You will not need a licence to sponsor certain groups, for example:
The licence you need depends on whether the workers you want to fill your jobs are:
You can apply for a licence covering one or both types of worker.
A 'Worker' licence will let you employ people long-term or permanently. It is split into:
A 'Temporary Worker' licence will let you employ people on a temporary basis. It's split into:
Fees for sponsorship (licences and certificates) will continue to apply in the same way as they do now. Fees for a sponsor licence depends on the size of the company and the route they apply under. For example, under the Skilled Worker route, for small and charitable organisations the fee is £536; for medium or large business the fee is £1,476.
Employers who sponsor non-EU migrant workers under Tier 2 (General) and (IntraCompany Transfer) will be required, as now, to pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), unless a specific exemption applies. Employers must pay £1,000 per skilled worker for the first 12 months, with an additional £500 charge for each subsequent six-month period. Under the Points-Based System the ISC is applied to sponsoring employers in respect of both EU and non-EU migrant workers. Discounted rates of £364 per sponsored worker per year will apply as they do now to charities and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Identity cards for foreign nationals are currently issued to some categories of foreign nationals from outside the EEA and Switzerland. Other immigration applicants continue to receive a sticker (vignette) in their passport.
With effect from 1st January 2014, EEA nationals from Bulgaria and Romania who wish to work in the UK no longer need an accession worker card or registration certificate.
Since July 2013, EEA nationals from Croatia were able to move and reside freely in any EU State. However, the UK is applying transitional restrictions and as such, Croatians wishing to work in the UK will need to obtain an accession worker authorisation document (permit to work). Before starting employment, employers will need to make document checks to confirm if the Croatian has unrestricted access to the UK labour market as they are exempt from work accession or they hold a valid work authorisation document allowing them to carry out the type of work in question.
If you are licensed to sponsor skilled workers or students from outside the EEA or Switzerland under the points-based system, you can use a migrant's identity card - which provides evidence of the holder's nationality, identity and status in the UK - to check their right to work or study here.
The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 ended free movement between the EU and the UK on 31 December 2020 (11pm). This means that EEA and Swiss nationals (and their families) arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021 onwards will do so under UK immigration laws and not under EU free movement. There is a grace period of six months which began immediately after the end of the transition on 31 December 2020 and will end with the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) application deadline of 30 June 2021. Right to work checks for EEA nationals will not change until after 30 June 2021. Until then, EEA nationals can use their passport or national identity card to evidence their right to work.
The following checks must also be carried out to ensure that each document also relates to the prospective employee in question:
To ensure that there is no discrimination, it is recommended that all potential employees are asked to produce original documents indicating they have the right to work in the UK.
If you have any doubts as to whether documents are genuine or sufficient to prove an employee's entitlement to work in the UK you are encouraged to access the Employer Checking Service, which is provided through the Home Office's Employers' Helpline: 0300 1234 699, or online service www.gov.uk/employee-immigration-employment-status.
If you are an employer in the Camberley area we will be more than happy to provide you with assistance or any additional information required on legal working in the UK. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Campbell Courtney and Cooney.


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From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...For the next few weeks, the recipes I'll be highlighting are for dishes that I call grandma food. We are vacationing and surround by family, so the food I'll be featuring throughout July will be simple and family oriented. I'm going to try and scale back the recipes I post to just six servings, but should you suddenly have a gang to feed and want to expand them, a simple double or triple of ingredients is workable and will do the trick. The tortilla pie I'm featuring today is really meant for the peanut gallery. All moms and gradmoms have to deal with the dreaded "It's too spicy" wail at dinner time. While we have one imp who thinks oatmeal is too spicy, this pie should help with the general population. It can be made completely without heat for the little ones and revved up for fire eaters who share your table. Obviously, the fire here is controlled by the amount of red pepper flakes that are called for in the recipe. The Silver Fox calls this his pseudo-Mexican pie. However, I'm duty bound to report that, in reality, it is Martha Stewart's pseudo-Mexican pie, but it is equally important that you be told her pie makes a really nice, though light, meal for a family. It is a simple dish to make and requires no special equipment, save for a springform pan. The world, by the way, will not end should you have to substitute some other type of dish. I made this for lunch today in a foil lasagna pan, so, obviously, the recipe can be adapted to circumstance and location. If you are looking for a light family entree, I hope you'll giver this dish a try.There's nothing here not to like. Here's how the tortilla pie is made.
Tortilla Pie...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Martha Stewart
4 flour tortillas (10-inch)
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for pan
1 cup chopped onion
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 pound ground beef sirloin
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 package (10-oz.) frozen corn kernels (shoepeg corn if possible)
1 (6-oz.) package fresh baby spinach, torn into pieces
2 cups (8-oz.) shredded Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Sour cream (optional)
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using a paring knife, trim tortillas to fit a 9-inch springform pan (use bottom of the pan as a guide). Assemble pan with bottom upside down; lightly oil bottom and sides. Set aside.
2) In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, cumin, and red-pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper. Cook until onion has softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste. Raise heat to medium-high; add beef and garlic. Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon until no longer pink, 4 to 6 minutes. Add corn and spinach; stir until spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes.
3) Place one tortilla in the prepared pan. Spreading evenly, top with 1-1/2 packed cups beef mixture, then 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat with two more layers. Top with last tortilla, and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
4) Bake pie until top is lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan; remove sides. Using two wide metal spatulas, lift pie from bottom of pan, and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into wedges. If desired, serve with cilantro and sour cream. Yield: 4 to 5 servings.
Cook's Note: Turning the bottom of the springform pan upside down makes it easier to remove pie after baking.
One Year Ago Today: Sour Cherry Crumb Cake
Two Years Ago Today: Rosemary Aioli
Three Years Ago Today: Shrimp Toast

subset: commoncrawl


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The founder and chief executive officer of the major Internet retailer Amazon.com made an impassioned plea to Princeton's graduating seniors on May 30 to pay close attention to the choices they make in life, as they will dictate not only success, but happiness.
"When you are 80 years old, and in a quiet moment of reflection narrating only for yourself in the most personal version of your life story, the telling that will be the most compact and meaningful will be a series of choices you have made," said Jeff Bezos, a 1986 Princeton alumnus, speaking at this year's Baccalaureate ceremony. "In the end, we are our choices."
Bezos spoke slowly and emphatically, almost as if he were engaging in a heart-to-heart with each graduate at the ceremony, which is an interfaith worship service, and one of Princeton's oldest traditions. He related an emotional incident from his childhood that drove home for him the lesson about the power inherent in making right -- and wrong -- decisions.
On a long road trip with his beloved grandparents, a 10-year-old Bezos decided to impress his grandmother with his talents for calculations, informing her that her intensive cigarette smoking would take nine years off her life. When instead of praising his mathematical prowess, she wept, his grandfather took him aside and gave him one of the great lessons of his life.
"My grandfather looked at me, and after a bit of silence he gently and calmly said, 'Jeff, one day you'll understand that it's harder to be kind than clever,'" Bezos said. Cleverness is a gift, Bezos told the graduates, and kindness is a choice. "You can seduce yourself with your gifts if you're not careful, and if you do, it'll probably be to the detriment of your choices," he said.
Gazing at the students, Bezos acknowledged the group's giftedness and envisaged that those talents would be employed by many coming marvels. "We'll invent ways to generate clean energy and a lot of it," Bezos predicted. "Atom by atom, we'll assemble small machines that will enter cell walls and make repairs." Alluding to recent advances in synthetic biology, he said those experiments would probably continue to the point where humankind will not only synthesize life, "we'll engineer it to specifications." It may even come to pass, he said, that science will bring society to the verge of fully understanding the human brain.
"Jules Verne, Mark Twain, Galileo, Newton -- all the curious from the ages would have wanted to be alive right now," Bezos said.
The coming opportunities, he said, will require the world's future innovators to employ their gifts and make important choices. "How will you use these gifts?" he said. "And will you take pride in your gifts or pride in your choices?"
Bezos graduated with highest honors and Phi Beta Kappa in electrical engineering and computer science. He founded Amazon.com, now the leading online retailer, in 1994.
Before starting Amazon.com, Bezos worked at the intersection of computer science and finance, helping to build one of the most technically sophisticated quantitative hedge funds on Wall Street for D.E. Shaw & Co. He also led the development of computer systems that helped manage more than $250 billion in assets for Bankers Trust Co.
Deciding to start his company 16 years ago was one of the most difficult choices of his life, he said. He had a wonderful job with a great boss and colleagues. But he had an idea that wouldn't go away. He had read that Web usage was growing at 2,300 percent a year. "I'd never seen or heard of anything that grew that fast, and the idea of building an online bookstore with millions of titles -- something that couldn't exist in the physical world -- was very exciting to me," he said.
Bezos' wife, MacKenzie Tuttle Bezos, a 1992 Princeton alumnus, told him she would back him up if he quit and started his company. The audience laughed when Bezos described his boss' reaction. "He took me on a long walk in Central Park, listened carefully to me, and finally said, 'That sounds like a really good idea, but it would be an even better idea for someone who didn't already have a good job,'" Bezos said.
Bezos, however, decided to pursue his passion. And he is proud of his choice.
In her introduction of Bezos, Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman praised him as "a dreamer and doer, entrepreneur and engineer" and "refreshingly unassuming even in the face of unimaginable success." She also lauded him for "his exceptional ability to marry commerce and technology in creative ways" and "his sheer inventiveness and willingness to take the risks inherent in this process."
Jack Breslauer, a Woodrow Wilson School senior, said he was touched by Bezos' words. "He was incredibly sincere," Breslauer said. "I really was struck by the fact that a person with his sort of astounding success was urging kindness and consideration of others. It resonated with me."
Tani Brown, a senior religion major, appreciated Bezos' directness and his air of humility. "He was speaking to us as fellow Princeton students," she said. "It's not so much that we shoulder a burden as that we bear a responsibility. And he was speaking to that and reminding us of that."
Princeton's Baccalaureate service is an end-of-the-year celebration focused on members of the senior class. It includes prayers and readings from various religious and philosophical traditions. The earliest recorded Baccalaureate address -- titled "Religion and the Public Spirit" -- was delivered by President Samuel Davies in 1760 to the 11 members of the graduating class. Since 1972, the address has been given by a speaker chosen by the president after discussion with class leaders.
The May 30 service was webcast live and will be available for later viewing. End-of-the-year activities will continue with Class Day on Monday, May 31, and Commencement on Tuesday, June 1.


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Nursing Tops
Nursing Tops come in a variety of styles and prints to accommodate your shape and allow you to nurse with ease. Many Nursing Tops are made with enough roominess that you can also wear them during pregnancy. Our Nursing Tops are made by top maternity fashion designers such as Japanese Weekend, Olian and Maternal America.


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In an age where technology rules and the competition is tough, HughesNet has still managed to come out on top as America's top choice for satellite Internet.
HughesNet Satellite Internet, look at some of the benefits of joining the HughesNet family:
Those who are looking for reliable and fast high speed internet will find that HughesNet is one of the best options available. The satellite internet that this company offers has been rated very highly among its own customers and is available even in rural areas throughout the state of Alabama as well as a number of other states. While there are a lot of different companies that offer high speed internet, this company is different because of the satellite technology they use, which is precisely why it is so incredibly fast and consistent.
Cable and DSL broadband internet is quickly becoming a thing of the past as satellite technology becomes increasingly more common for this particular application. HughesNet provides millions of subscribers with lightning fast satellite internet that is exponentially faster than DSL and dial-up. Those who want to surf the web or play video games without lag will definitely be interested in what this company has to offer. It is the satellite technology that makes HughesNet such an incredibly popular choice among both individuals and businesses alike. In fact, this company has been regarded as the fastest internet provider in the entire country.
There are a number of different benefits associated with choosing HughesNet above all other internet service providers, starting with the fact that they offer cheap wireless internet for a reasonable monthly price that almost anyone will be able to afford. Those who live in rural areas will find that they too can benefit from the kind of high speed internet this company has to offer. While not everyone across the country will be able to get internet service from HughesNet, they do serve a lot of different areas in a number of states.


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All Category
Product | DW 213 High Black |
Price | $23.00 |
Seller Product Code | DW_213a_HIBK |
Manufacturer | LUTS CREATION |
Country of Origin | KOREA |
Reward Points | $0.23 (1%) |
수량 |
Discounted amount of your subtotal will appear when you place your orders.
ITEM | DW-213 (High Black) - Heat Resistant Fiber |
SIZE | 9~10inch |
MATERIAL | Heat Resistant Fiber |
COMPATIBLE | Baby Delf, Delf, Senior Delf, Super Senior Delf, Dolls using 9-10 inch wigs from other company |
MODEL | Senior Delf KARIS |
* Please understand that there might be slight difference of style depends on the size of head, even though the dolls are known as the similar size.
* Please consider that minor color differences between the image and actual product will not be regarded as damage.
* Heat resistance fiber is usually thinner than the ordinary one.
* Wig cap can be shown between/through the fibers, particularly in the case that wig is manufactured with the light colored fiber.
* When you apply the heat to the Heat resistance fiber, you can make the wig as your own style.
* Wig might be treated with chemicals, depends on the wig. But it will not be smeared to your hand or other products.
* When you put the wig on doll's head for excessively long time (specially dark colored one), it may stain other items or doll's body.
* Please kindly use silicon head cap to reduce this risk.
1. PayPal (firstname.lastname@example.com)
2. Credit card (PG:Eximbay)
3. bank transfer (Please send Bank transfer fee 30USD together)
* The payment for order is confirmed once a day, in 10:00~11:00 a.m. of business day.
* It takes 1~2 business days to confirm your payment using PayPal. Bank transaction takes 1~2 weeks. Credit card payment is confirmed immediately.
* When the payment is confirmed safely, the order status would be 'Payment confirmed - order in process'.
* Payment should be sent within 7 days since order is made (including holiday), unless the order is automatically canceled.
Shipping Method : Parcel Service
Shipping Area : Worldwide
Shipping Costs : International Shipping Fee
Shipping time : 5 - 14 days
Shipping Information : We use EMS service under the contract to ship your products. In your country, EMS service can be changed local carrier service. We offer our shipping service all over the world.
To check the shipping process and detail, please refer to our CUSTOMER GUIDE (Click!)
Some South American and African area, other countries such as Italy, Kuwait, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Guam and so on is categorized as 'EMS PREMIUM' zone.
The shipping condition can be changed by the country. In such case, we will contact your email, please check your email for order is correct.
Please remember that we do not have responsibility on any accident from condition of delivery handling and tariff.
If you have any problem on our product, please contact us through Q&A board immediately.
You MUST contact us WITHIN 5 DAYS since you receive item. (Based on EMS Tracking arrival date)
If there is shipping accident / product defect, free exchange & return can be offered. Otherwise, return / exchange cost can be charged.
On detail of our return and exchange policy, please refer to our GUIDE
1. Item return & exchange policy (Click!)
2. Damaged item return & exchange policy (Click!)


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Alice In Wonderland Drink Me
$ 9.25
Pocket Mirror, Magnets, or Pinback
All are handmade using a hand press machine, so they are very sturdy.
This design is available in all 3 different backings: Pocket Mirror, Magnet, Pinback
This design is available in all 3 different backings: Pocket Mirror, Magnet, Pinback
When ordering please be sure to select the type of back you want with this design by clicking on the drop-down menu above, as well as the quantity
Also note: Prices vary between the different back types.
Pocket mirrors, magnets or pinbacks are wonderful and affordable gifts for the special people in your life...or just indulge in yourself! They make a wonderful idea for bridesmaids and weddings, baby showers, and/or birthday parties favors. As well as, anniversary gifts, teacher gifts, holiday gifts, and even fundraisers!
★ Pocket Mirror, Magnet, Pinback measure 2.25"
★ The pocket mirror is real glass (true reflection!)
★ The magnet is flat on the back giving it a smooth finishing.
★ The pinback is securely embedded, so the pin will never come out.
★ Your item(s) will come nicely packaged.
★ Original design is covered by protective mylar
★ One side is the design; the other side is mirror, magnet or pinback
★ There are so many designs to choose from!
PLEASE NOTE: Watermarks shown in the photos above will not appear on the final product sent to you. _________________________________________________________________________________________
To view more Alice in Wonderland Theme Designs: CLICK HERE


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Yes, I'm one of "those people" now...
Just a few short weeks ago I was a different person. I had other interests! I could talk about current events or exotic travel or good design or a few other adult topics. And while those categories still pique my interest somewhere way back in my mind, they aren't occupying much brain power lately.
In other words, I've become that insufferable new mother who is completely preoccupied with baby. And guess what? I'm not even a little apologetic about it! So what I live in yoga pants and haven't slept more than a few straight hours since she arrived? So what I have nothing interesting to talk about anymore? She is my world and that is okay with me for now.
Despite the roller coaster the past few weeks have been, I'm feeling especially blessed to have my sweet little girl, a husband who I couldn't love more and a comfortable home to enjoy the the precious weeks my maternity leave. I don't want to miss this opportunity to enjoy it.
I know I'll be back to the land of the living at some point in the near future but for now I'm going to soak up babyland for as long as I can! My friends in real life don't seem to mind (or at least they have the good sense not to say anything about it) so I hope my dear blog readers will bear with a few more baby posts as I adjust to this new me.
For the mothers that have been through it all: I'd love to hear your words of wisdom on how to best enjoy this time while becoming a normal person again (eventually!). What are you happy you did and didn't do? What do you wish you had done differently?
67 comments:
- Megan Thorne10:22 AM
I don't think you're meant to go back to your old normal after you have a child, and each subsequent kid has the same effect: total transformation. That's ok. Because, as everyone will tell you, it's fleeting. I honestly have no idea where the last 12 years of my life as a Mom have gone. It's been the longest and shortest time in my life. Maybe it's because just when you think this stage is the absolute best, the next one comes along and your capacity to love this little human gets even stronger.
My only advice (and I am far from expert) would be to steal a few moments to remember who your old self was. Maybe just an hour alone here and there. And hang on to the little moments with Agatha... and take a zillion pictures because one day you won't believe she was ever this little!
www.nutmegandcompany.blogspot.com Soak it up my friend! It's such a special time and it will pass all too soon (except that saying 'the days are long, the years are short' will make a lot of sense in your new life as a Mom, but don't you worry about all of us - we're so excited for you and can't wait to watch your daughter grow!
Kate- Lauren10:48 AM
I'm happy I was able to take a long maternity leave and soak up every moment of my son's newness. I'm happy that I didn't worry about housework or laundry while he was so tiny. One thing I wish I'd done differently is take more photos of the two of us. I'm the photographer of the family and while there are plenty of photos of my son alone or with my husband, we have very few of just the two of us. I really regret that :(
ReplyDelete - Gina10:49 AM
I am so glad you posted this. I had to start following you on instagram just so i could catch a glimpse of her! She really is beautiful. So feel free to blog about baby as much as you want because chances are many of your readers want to hear about your life with her. My little boys are 4 and 23 months so I miss those times where all I could do and wanted to do is snuggle with my newborn. Take pictures of everything because she will never be that small again. Document everything. I didn't get to do that with my first son, now I wish I had written down the date of his first tooth, the first time he sat up, or even his first smile. Get used to talking about her all the time because that is your new normal. There is nothing wrong with that! Congrats!
ReplyDelete - Mrs. W11:07 AM
She's so sweet! Don't worry as a new mom myself I completely understand. The days go by fast. Everytime she smiles at me I try to memorize her sweet face at that exact moment just so I can remember it. It's such a bittersweet feeling. Try to live in the moment, forget about chores and to do lists. I try to take as many pictures as I can to be able to relive those sweet moments with my baby girl.
ReplyDelete - Erin11:13 AM
Please keep posting about your little lady A! My daughter is 3 now-- I got a leather bound journal for a shower gift with instructions to write letters to her on a regular basis. I've written everything from big events like her birth story to little things like the first time she waved goodbye. It is such fun to go back and read what was going on in our lives! It's also a great way for me to tell her over and over we love her. Although I'm the primary write, my husband writes a letter every year on her birthday telling her how blessed he feels to be her dad. I am so thankful for the gift of that leather journal! I'd highly recommend! I plan on giving it to her when she leaves home.
ReplyDelete - ajcasey9911:22 AM
Precious and beautiful! My advice? Do exactly what you are doing! Enjoy every minute. Yes, sleep when possible. The dishes/laundry/vacuuming/etc can wait (for weeks!). Hold, cuddle, and love your bundle as much as possible (although, feel free to put her down when you need some time for you). They are so tiny for such a short time. enjoy!
ReplyDelete - Mary11:48 AM
Aww! Happy for you. Just enjoy it. My kids, Holly and Will, are 11 and 9 now. Even though I was home with them and in the thick of things for years, sometimes, I can't remember what their little baby faces used to look like. Some nights, I'll sit on their beds and look at their big professional baby picture on the wall (pre social-networking, pre-iphone and before people shared 100s of pictures) and ask myself why I didn't enjoy it more. The thing is--I did. I just took it day-by-day and it flew by. She's beautiful. Congrats.
ReplyDelete - JenK12:37 PM
I for one love the baby posts! Keep them coming! Likely many of us readers are in or have been in the same sweet place as you are now. As for maternity leave, take her out! Obviously not in this FREEZING weather, but go on dates. If you get used to it when you have the time to run back home because you forgot the diaper bag or God forbid her pacifier, it's no big deal. Plenty of time to make mistakes and get used to your new partner in crime. I loved meeting girl friends for coffee, roaming the nice shopping streets and generally taking in all that was around me. When you are back to work things get hectic and those things just don't happen as frequently. enjoy your beautiful bundle of sleepless joy!
ReplyDelete - Tracie O'Brien12:40 PM
don't miss a second of it. It goes by so fast. I used to watch my sons sleep!! I couldn't get enough of those tiny features. and I didn't even like babies before!! My bundles of joy are now 18 & 21 and tower over me. Soak every,single,second,in. Agatha is beautiful! Congratulations
ReplyDelete - Lauren @ chezerbey1:12 PM
I would also recommend getting out of the house! At this stage it can be easier to take them places so we met up with friends all the time for coffee, dinner, whatever. (Also, here in Seattle some of the breweries allow minors (since they're not actually a bar) and we've found this to be a great meeting place with friends!) Plus, you don't have to worry about if your house is clean or now. :)
ReplyDelete Bless you she's gorgeous. You know what just enjoy this time it goes by in a flash, take a million photos/videos and enjoy your precious girl. My daughter turns 10 in a month and it's all gone by in a heartbeat. Exotic travel, design etc will all still be there when you're less sleep deprived, don't worry xx
ReplyDelete- Holly1:52 PM
13 years ago I gave birth to my first born. Here I am now with 4. At times I have wondered where certain friendships have gone. I have thought "I must be boring" as my main focus is my kiddos which probably dominates my conversations and most likely has pushed some to exclude me. I have been lonely and had to start making new friends. I am happy that my focus has been on making sure that they have the best childhood I can give them because now they share their joys and lives fully with me. They are smart, happy, kind individuals. I wish I hadn't tried so hard to have a perfectly clean home. It exhausted me and it's time I'll never have again.
ReplyDelete - Michele Favaro2:10 PM
Oh, I forgot to add something else. Recently Scott pulled out all of our video recordings because my mom wanted us to look of ones with Gregory in them. He started to put them all on a hard drive and off those 2003 type tapes. Well honestly, I was in awe of my babies all over again. I have TONS of photo (some you even took LOL) but to HEAR their voices, hear the phrases that I forgot they used to say everyday, hear them say "Mommy", see them jumping on the bed in their character underwear or playing in the bathtub..I was crying many times because I forgot what they sounded like as a baby/toddler/pre-K. So take video of her moments, sounds, eyes...someday you will look back in wonder.
ReplyDelete - Polly2:25 PM
I remember being slightly alarmed that my newborn would only sleep when being held. I let the books and collective "sleep police" bully me into being afraid she would never sleep in a crib and we would be those odd family bed people. Of course she learned to sleep in her crib and now that she's six, I would love to go back go those days of holding her for hours. If only I had known how fleeting it all is. Hold her as much as you can because she will be crawling, walking, and running (away from you!) before you know it! Enjoy these days...
ReplyDelete - J.3:17 PM
I agree with Polly... even if she does learn to only fall asleep in your arms, it won't last forever. They grow so independent as they get older! Hold her close, because it IS such a short, sweet time. That first year was the longest and shortest year of my life-- so much happened, it amazed me that it had all taken place in one year; but it flew by oh so quickly. The one year mark is bittersweet...
And about getting out more often-- I know everyone is different. I had my baby in the winter, and we stayed at home for the first month. It felt like we were cocooned in a warm little cave; I really treasure that time we had as a family of three. - Jennifer@TheChroniclesofHome4:18 PM
I was, and still kind of am, a sleep drill sergeant, but I am glad that I brought my first baby into bed with me after she woke every morning at 6. I'd feed her then we'd sleep together for another couple hours - with the covers down at my waist, my head thrown way back, and my arms in a sort of brace shape because I was worried about smothering her! It doesn't happen with subsequent babies and I'm so glad I had those sweet morning sleep snuggles while they lasted.
ReplyDelete - Jen Y4:45 PM
You're very brave - or crazy! ;o) to ask us moms for advice...
My baby is almost 20 & I've learned not to regret. Do the best you can with what information you have & then move on. Yes, you'll make mistakes & wish you had done things differently but you are making the best choices you can with what you know now. Any mistakes are what develop our character as well as our child's. Learning to love means learning to accept each other without conditions, mistakes & all. As you do that with yourself she'll be a much more content women she is 20.
What I would change - I'd hold my baby more & say yes more to simple things. I'd also 'play' work more together. I was not very good about letting my child work with me around the house. I'd just want to get things done. So I'd let her pretend work with you as much as you can. That's it! - Audrey5:27 PM
I wish someone would have told me that they are only newborns for about the first six weeks. It goes by so fast. Don't worry if they will only sleep when held at first. It won't last forever. As a freelancer, I wish I had said no to all projects the first few months instead of having lingering things (however small) that I had to do that were work related and took my focus off of enjoying the first precious moments with my little guy. I wish I had taken more videos the first few days/ months even though it seemed there wasn't much to video because he wasn't "doing" anything. I love the few videos I did take and wish I had more... If you have time now, read "French Kids Eat Everything" by Karen Le Billon now so you will have some ideas for when it's time to introduce solid food. Enjoy these moments!
ReplyDelete - Aissa6:38 PM
I too am a new Mom, and I can completely relate! I rarely put on makeup and forget about jeans. I can't fit into mine so I'm stuck with sweats 7 days a week. We're lucky if we can even get at least 3 to 4 hours of sleep at night! My instagram, facebook and iphone pics are now filled with baby pics. Congrats on baby Agatha. She is precious! Look forward to sharing this "mom" journey with you!
http://lovetenfold.blogspot.com - Debe L9:37 PM
Enjoy every moment! She is beautiful and don't apologize that she now lives in your heart. It happens...they go from your womb straight into your heart! Mine are now in their 30's & I don't know how that happened and when. Just follow your instincts! That is why God blessed women to have babies....our instincts were his gift too. Just know that bad, crazy, sleepless times will pass and you will not remember them. You know they happened but they fade....the sweet times stay......blessings!
ReplyDelete Take all the time you need. Everything else will still be there when you're ready. Hold that baby as much as possible. They grow so fast it's unbelievable. Take a gazillion pictures and videos. I had forgotten what my four year old was like as a baby and going back to the pictures and videos is so amazing. Definitely sleep when she sleeps. The first time around I felt like I had to keep everything up but now I realize that nothing is that urgent. And you need your sleep to keep your sanity;). You'll make mistakes along the way, we all do. Don't sweat it. And don't compare your babies accomplishments to others. Every child goes at their own pace. One thing I wish I had done is go to those mommy and me classes. It would have been nice to meet other moms with babes the same age.
ReplyDelete- traci zeller designs11:21 PM
She is beyond beautiful!! Congratulations!! I wish I hadn't been so obsessed with keeping my house "perfect" in those early days. I should have slept more and cleaned less. Little did I know that it is easier to keep it in order while they are babies than as they get older! And here's another vote for the pure truth of "the days are long but the years are short." xoxo, Traci
ReplyDelete - Lisa2:45 AM
Congrats on the little bambino - she is an absolute doll! Time flies so quickly after they're born...enjoy every little moment. Everyone will try to give you advice on what is "right"...take it with a grain of salt ;) Hold her and hold her always. With my first, everyone said I held her too much. I don't think there is such a thing. I was also a career woman, but turned SAHM - best decision hands down! Enjoy your time and capture the memories :D
ReplyDelete - Sarah10:42 AM
Lovely photos, Stef! Not sure I've ever resumed normal life and (as you know), my boys have been here for quite a while! I started working part-time last year for the first time since they were born, and I really enjoy it -- not just for the work itself, but also because there I am someone besides Thomas & Alexander's Mom. Also I am really really really glad to have figured out (and followed) the boys' sleep cues from a pretty early go (2-3 months old). Sleep is transforming for the whole house!
ReplyDelete Oh I didn't mean to give the impression I wasn't going back to work. As much as I would love to be a SAHM, that is not the right decision for us. Although I'm not sure how Im going to be able to go back to work.
Ps: I love your work! Any tips for newborn photos taken by mom? I'm definitely struggling getting her into position or good lighting conditions on the fly.- Heather12:09 PM
Take every single moment you can to hold and love on that baby...she's gonna grow up in a nanosecond. It will go SO fast. Laundry, dishes, dirt and such will still be there. But it's hard to snuggle a ten year old! And take more pictures of her little features...you'll cherish them in years to come!!! Enjoy! Heather, mom of three girls
ReplyDelete - Moxxie5:47 PM
Another regular reader who is loving the baby posts!
My advice, for what it's worth, is to spend at least the first 3 months listening to what both you and your baby need and going with it. Don't worry about routines and sleeping and all that - they call it the 4th trimester for a reason.
And don't listen to what anyone else says about their babies - it's all lies! They are NOT sleeping through the night, composing their first concerto or any of that.
I'd agree with all the others who said get out and about. At this age babies are very portable, and I found interacting with other adults key to maintaining my sanity when the sleep deprivation was at its worst. - Angie6:02 PM
Pure blessedness! My children (14 and 21) love when my husband and I reminisce about the different things they did and said since the time they were born. We have repeatedly spoken of precious moments and milestones, but I wish I also had a written record for them. That's what I would do differently, record those moments in writing. Some we have on video and in photos, but much of the funny, cuteness was just everyday living sort of stuff. She will amaze you! Congratulations!
I am thankful I had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home Mom. I realize not everyone has that option. I was able to make a switch and work in the evenings for the first six years of raising our firstborn. We had to make a financial adjustment since it was an entirely different position, but it was so worth it. God Bless You and Your Precious Family! Just enjoy it! My son is now 17 months old, already I can barely remember those first few months as they go by so quickly! So just immerse yourself in it - as you are doing!
17 months on I now have a lovely balance (I think) I enjoy my son and watching him grow, but I am also back to enjoying my other hobbies, like sewing and reading blogs.
♥♥♥- mrsyellowhat9:16 PM
She's darling!! * Oh, the first month fog... * Sleep, drink a lot of water, cuddle her, enjoy that newborn baby smell, figure out breastfeeding if you're doing that (if you can make it the first month, you'll be fine), sing and read to her, sleep some more and never forget that no matter what advice you're given {throughout her life}, you're the best mother she'll ever have...God chose YOU to be her mama. Blessings!!
ReplyDelete - Aliisa7:14 AM
Blah, where did my first comment go? Just wanted to say your baby is very lovely and sweet and beautiful. Really she is one of the most beautiful babies I've ever seen. I'm a reader from faraway Finland. I love your blog, and I don't mind the baby posts. She's really gorgeous :)
ReplyDelete - Lisa Currie-Gurney11:51 AM
With 4 grown children of our own, I can celebrate with you as you begin this journey of the heart. It will be like NO other you have ever been on, none like you could have ever expected.
Remember just a few things: well, maybe 4. ;)
~Keep your life simple. Less stuff, commitments, and outside pulling of your time will keep you close to home where you want to be.
~ She will grow up at the speed of light! (or so it seems). So take heed, and re-read my first suggestion.
~Love and respect her Daddy deeply, and let him love and care for you, passionately
How you two treat each other is the blueprint for what your baby girl will one day look for in her relationships. Which leads me to my 4th and final suggestion.
~ Spend time together without her. Yes, without her. Find a trustworthy sitter/family member whom you can rely on to push you out that front door for, couple time. If you have taken suggestion 1 seriously, and learn early to practice it, you will need and be renewed by suggestion 4. ;)
Hugs From My Heart - Stovesand Style1:13 PM
My oldest son returned to his freshman year of college after being home for five weeks for the holidays. For some reason it is harder this time because I know how quiet the house will be. He is happy and loving school so who could ask for more? Don't stop obsessing because before you know it they are off on the new adventures you have been preparing them for.
ReplyDelete - tricia9:07 AM
I am also a new mom. I recently tried to get my 4 month old daughter on some sort of schedule. It didn't work and I started reading books on what to do. (Note, the only book I ever read while pregnant was What to Expect When You're Expecting and I stayed away from the internet.) My conclusion... throw out the books and let my daughter lead the way. I went back to just putting her down every couple of hours when she was tired and I can already tell she is sleeping better and happier. I've realized you can't force things, so don't try to. And now I'm enjoying motherhood more than ever. I'm "one of those people" too. :) Another thing I wish I would have done differently... I was so consumed with my daughter at the beginning that I forgot to take pictures. Take lots of pictures. Enjoy and congratulations!
ReplyDelete - Rebecca2:33 PM
Congrats, she's beautiful! Others have mentioned it, bit I'll say it again. Go out with her and meet up with other moms. Its so important to have a support group of other women. I miss walking arround with my now 13 month old in the sling as she slept or watched the world go by.
ReplyDelete - Emily M10:41 AM
The best thing I did was slowly get back into work. I went back part time at first to ease the transition and it made all the difference. I have friends who took a longer maternity leave and then had to go straight back to full time and it was HARD. Other than that, just soak up every precious moment and be sure to get photos and videos so you can remember it all later cause it goes by sooo fast.
ReplyDelete - Jessica at Lavender and Lilies10:18 PM
Enjoy every minute and every minute from this point on. She's going to change and grow so fast so let yourself be enthralled. You will never be the same but your interests will return and new ones will pop up. Just process and deal with this time however you want because it only happens once. You will find a new you on the other side. Congrats!
ReplyDelete - Anonymous7:03 AM
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! She is beautiful! I just had a baby in 2011, which explains why I didn't know you were expecting! As a new parent, my blog reading suffered - ha! Anyway, love love love the nursery, her name...it's all beautiful!
As for advice, a few game changers for me...Babywise, the book. It worked for us. We both slept and were better people for it!
Secondly, we hired a nanny at 3 months. We went back to our home in the British Virgin Islands when our little baby was about 2 months, and I went from having family 20 miles away to 2,000 miles away. I went almost three straight weeks without being separated from my baby...not a single grocery run, or anything. It was time to get a few hours away, here and there. It was good for my soul - to have a moment to breathe, collect my thoughts, and think about something other than baby.
I'm afraid to put these thoughts in the "advice" column, because everyone is so different. Just follow your gut and don't apologize for doing things "your way." Your way is the right way. So, maybe that's my advice: OWN IT. BE CONFIDENT. YOU MADE THIS BEAUTIFUL BABY, AND YOU KNOW WHAT IS BEST! Well, first of all....she is so perfect!! I have a 16 month old baby girl, and I still don't feel like I am out of that "baby admiring phase". To be quite honest, I don't know that I will ever be. I feel like the moment I held her, EVERYTHING shifted for me.
As far as advice goes...You just need to know that you are so equipped to take care of her every need, and you should trust your instincts. Don't sress....its so not worth it. Also, I think becoming a mommy makes you feel so empowered and beautiful in its own way....bask in that! :) My husband and I would just laugh at the fact that we would just sit there and stare at her for hours on in. I don't regret it. Nobody told me how quickly the "baby baby phase" goes by. When Amara got to be about 9 months, she started really having a mind of her own. I miss the baby cuddles so much, and the fact that we could just lay in bed together for as long as we wanted. It sounds like you are already trying to soak it all up. I love your blog, and am so happy for your new addition. You have a beautiful family!!Your little one is adorable! As a mum to three boys now 25, 18 and 17, looking back on that time when my babies were tiny I wish I had enjoyed it more. Don't rush to back to your 'previous life' enjoy the time as much as you can - without guilt! The years will pass so fast as it is - don't wish it upon yourself. And yes maybe you will bore some people, but those who matter will love you for being a beautiful, caring mum.
And if you slow your pace down to your baby's you can immerse yourself fully in the moment and enjoy and cherish every little thing...because really they are the things that matter. xxxIt's ok to just spend hours staring at her. Do it now, because very soon she will be running around won't sit still long enough to get a good look at her. Spend as much time as possible just holding her and studying her fingers and shapes of her mouth and eyes. You'll be happy you did and all those things on your to do list really don't matter all that much. You can never get this time back. Enjoy every minute!
ReplyDeleteI too am a working mom who had only 12 very short weeks of maternity leave...just soak it all up. Every second. My son is 8 months old now and I miss my maternity leave every day. Of course there were times when I was overwhelmed or felt like I should be back to "normal" by x weeks, but really, that time is so short. So cliche, but so true. Enjoy the milk drunk, baby sleeping on you, time. It. goes. so. fast.
I don't regret those blog posts I didn't write, but I wish I could have squeezed in a few more snuggles.It really is such a special time and they grow so fast that you want to hold onto those little coo's and sleepless nights (as crazy as it sounds). And you'll look back at them fondly in a year or two (I know sounds strange again) but you really just enjoy every single moment - even the ones that don't seem so fun. We're expecting our second and I'm really looking forward to bringing our second baby home with us. I know it's going to be different than the first time just in a different more beautiful way. I remember the first few weeks being a huge emotional roller coaster and I remember kind of feeling alone, but then I soon realized that I was not alone at all - I had so much love surrounding me. Enjoy this special time!


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General Limitations
Warranty is void for the following conditions:
1. Any product modification by dealer, consumer, or other parties not authorized by Signature Design by Ashley, Inc., Inc. will void this warranty.
2. Floor samples sold or products designated "AS IS" at the time of purchase are not covered by the warranty.
3. This warranty covers furniture intended for residential use only, does not cover any industrial, commercial, institutional, or rental use.
4. Dissatisfaction due to buyer's remorse.
5. Normal wear and tear.
6. Damages incurred during transportation or assembly or maintenance.
7. Furniture that has been abused exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity or direct sunlight.
For an extended warranty please click here
How much do you charge for delivery?
HomeGalleryStores.com is strictly an online furniture retailer. We have built relationships with furniture manufacturers from all over the world, to be able to offer a wide variety of furniture, for our customers from the convenience of their home at the very best prices.
How would my furniture be delivered?
The majority of items offered on our website will be delivered and set up in your home with a professional furniture delivery company. You will be contacted in advance to schedule a delivery appointment. At the time of delivery, your furniture will be brought to the room of your choice, assembled, and we will remove the packaging materials when we are done. If you see "FREE DELIVERY AND SETUP" on the product page to the left of the "Add to Cart" button, you can rest assure this service will be included with your order at no additional cost! You will be thankful when we are hauling in that new 500-pound china cabinet, not you! We obviously pay a lot more for this service then our competitors do, whom only drop the furniture at your curb. We simply believe it is worth the extra expense to make sure that our customers are happy and that furniture arrives right the first time. Home Gallery Stores will work tirelessly to make sure that you have a positive experience working with us.
Smaller items (and office furniture from Bush and Bestar as well as all TOV orders), that list "FREE DELIVERY" will ship via FedEx, UPS, or LTL service. If assembly is required it will be the customer's responsibility to assemble the furniture. Only a small percentage of our orders ship this way, however, we do offer items that it's simply not economical to do a white glove delivery.
Where do you deliver?
We deliver anywhere in the continental 48 states. Delivery is currently not available to Alaska or Hawaii. However, we have many international customers who heard about us, or found our great deals online. Home Gallery Stores will work with your selected freight forwarder, and will deliver your order to them at no charge!
How long does it take to receive my furniture?
In-Stock items usually ship within 2 to 7 days. Delivery time to your home is generally 2 to 4 weeks from when your order is placed (based on where you are located). We have over two dozen distribution centers, and if you are fortunate to live near one of them it is very possible that you will receive your order in less then 2 weeks! Since Inventory changes frequently we will provide an estimated ship date when you place your order. We will send you updates via e-mail as soon as they are available and keep you updated as the order moves along.
For more information on delivery, please call our friendly staff at (804) 249-4444 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to answer any questions or assist you in placing your order.


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Today I have to write about a topic far more important, as it relates directly to my personal health and well-being. This is an open letter to any members of the general public who frequent the Chicago public transit system.
If you recognize the image below, you may skip this post.
If not, I need to speak to you.
On the basis of far too many harrowing train rides in the past two weeks, it seems to me that a large segment of the metropolitan population is losing its grip on the concept of personal cleanliness.
Time was when my greatest olfactory ordeal while commuting was the occasional man or woman who felt naked in public without a cloud of Brut or Windsong surrounding them like a mediaeval saint's nimbus.
Now, however, instead of being stuck in a wheeled box for two hours each day with a flower garden, I am making the same trek with a pig farm. The final straw came this morning, when I was forced to endure the proximity of a woman whose personal aroma was sharp enough to cauterize wounds.
I don't know what's going on. A poor soul who has to live on the street, without access to santiary facilities, may be forgiven for being somewhat whiffy. But the folks who have been curling my nose hairs are very obviously not only not homeless, they're employed. And yet their body odor hits one like a poke in the eye.
People, wash yourselves. Every single day. It's not impossible, I swear, or even time-consuming. You can easily do it and still get over to the Jerry Springer studio in time for taping.
You still need persuading? Okay, how's this. Britney Spears does it. You wouldn't always know it to look at her, but she does. That get you going? Yeah, I thought it would.
Now. That picture above? Let's see it again.
This is called "soap." It is readily available at many fine retail establishments, including drug stores,* convenience stores,** and grocery stores.*** It can be had for mere pennies, and a single bar can often last a week or more.
Go buy yourself some "soap," right now, and then come back. I'll wait.
Do you have your "soap"? Good. Now, read the following instructions carefully before you go any further. I will walk you through this, while trying my best not visualize you doing it.
- Remove all your clothing. (Clothing should also be washed with its own form of "soap," but that's another post. We must crawl before we can walk.) I would recommend you lower your shades, if any, before doing this.
- Go into the bathroom (you're about to learn why we call it that, isn't that exciting?). Locate the bathtub. You may have to push the stacks of old TV Guides aside in order to find it, but it's there. Look for something like this:
- Empty the tub of debris. The spare tires for the pickup truck and your comprehensive archives of the National Enquirer will have to go elsewhere for the time being.
- Find the little hole at one end of the tub and plug it by any means necessary, then turn on the water. You want hot water. That's the knob with the "H" on it. The "H." That's the letter that looks like the Olsen twins shaking hands. Yep, you got it.
- Get into the water. No, it won't melt you. The Wizard of Oz was all made up. They did that with special effects. No, seriously. We can talk about the flying monkeys later. This is not the time. Focus.
- Notice how the water just turned black. That's bad. Water should be clear. This is where the real fun begins.
- Pick up your "soap." Dip it in the water. Now, rub it all over yourself. Visualization may help. Pretend this is a music video and you're Christina Aguilera. Right. Sure, you can also be Lil Kim. Or Billy Idol. You pick.
- The "soap" will begin to bubble. Do not be alarmed. This is perfectly normal.
- Once you have run the "soap" over every part of your body (even, and especially, including your goodies) let the water out of the tub and rinse yourself all over with new water.
- Repeat steps five to nine until you can touch the water without making it change color.
- You are now clean. You need to dry off, but as that requires a clean towel, this may be an issue for you. I'm sorry, I guess I didn't think ahead. I can't be the one to always think of everything. No, I don't want to discuss this on Jerry Springer.
**Where you get your monthly copy of Juggs.
***Where you get your Funyuns and diet soda.


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Just war
Just war doctrine attempts to define situations in which the waging of war becomes a moral necessity. It lays out criteria by which a Christian is intended to determine whether or not a specific war was entered into and is conducted in a virtuous manner, so that killing would become a moral necessity. Although the Orthodox Church has used something like a "just war" doctrine to determine when a state or empire may engage in armed conflict, it has nevertheless always considered killing even in such cases to be a sin, and has thus required the therapy of repentance.
Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Church
Many sociologists are intrigued with examining the formation and results of wars in order to gain understanding of why war continues to reoccur throughout the world.
The Greek philosopher Heracleitus believed war to be the "father of all...."
The Church teaches that God is the "Father Almighty."
Holy Scripture and the Tradition of the Church
In St. Paul's epistle to the Romans, God is referred to as a "God of peace" (Romans 15:33). The development of a war is a result of a separation from God, which is also a separation from peace and love. Since God is the source of our existence, separation from God leads to chaos and destruction.
- "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword…" (Isaiah 1:19-20).
- "…for all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52).
- "…for the authority (civil) does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:4).
Christians are focused on peace and must work towards preserving a loving attitude that is not separate from God.
- "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews" (John 18:34).
- "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another" (John 13:34).
- "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
The Tradition of the Fathers and the Early Church
The Church during the first centuries was very negative towards the participation of Christians in war. Origen was completely against the idea of Christians participating in any form of military duty, while Tertullian believed that Christians should participate in military duty. Many of the Saints were involved in military duty and many Christians were members of St. Constantine's army. The Church has always upheld her fundamental resistance towards war and does not allow clergy to be involved in any military activity.
Latin Fathers
Neither St. Ambrose nor St. Augustine accept the "just war" theory but recognized the reasons that lead to it – the defense of those unjustly treated. Never has the Church presented nor accepted a theory of "just war," but it has tolerated it to protect greater standards. War promotes its participants to murder one another and encourages all of the participants to bring victory to their side. It is difficult to have peace on earth when a man with a violent inclination has the potential to cause devastating destruction to the world.
Greek Fathers
According to Fr. Stanley Harakas, there is no ethical reasoning for war in the writings of the Greek Fathers. Fr. Harakas states that the fathers wrote that only negative impacts arise from war. Even in unavoidable circumstances, Fr. Harakas mentions that the fathers thought of war as the lesser of greater evils, but none the less evil. Fr. Harakas declares that the term "just war" is not found in the writings of the Greek Fathers. The stance of the Fathers on war is pro-peace and an Orthodox "just war" theory does not exist.
St. Athanasius
"Although one is not supposed to kill, the killing of the enemy in time of war is both a lawful and praiseworthy thing. This is why we consider individuals who have distinguished themselves in war as being worthy of great honors, and indeed public monuments are set up to celebrate their achievements. It is evident, therefore, that at one particular time, and under one set of circumstances, an act is not permissible, but when time and circumstances are right, it is both allowed and condoned" (The Letter of St. Athanasius to Amun).
- Fr. John Anthony McGuckin|John McGuckin]] says that this argument is misleading since it does not deal with justifying killing during war. According to Fr. McGuckin, this letter was regarding sexual activity and uses a "rhetorical example of current opinion to show Amun that contextual variability is very important in making moral judgements." For further information, please refer to the Rudder or the Letter of St. Athanasius to Amun.
St. John Chrysostom
"Christians above all men are not permitted forcibly to correct the failings of those who sin. Secular judges indeed, when they have captured malefactors under the law, show their authority to be great, and prevent them even against their will from following their own devices: but in our case the wrong-doer must be made better, not by force, but by persuasion" (St. John Chrysostom, "On the Priesthood").
The Canonical Tradition of the Orthodox Church
Any act of violence contradicts the ethics and principles of the Kingdom of God. St. Basil states that although the act of violence may be required for the "defense of the weak and innocent…it is never justifiable."
Canon 13 of St. Basil
"Our Fathers did not consider the killings committed in the course of wars to be classifiable as murders at all, on the score, it seems to me, of allowing a pardon to men fighting in defense of sobriety and piety. Perhaps, though, it might be advisable to refuse them communion for three years, on the ground that they are not clean-handed."
- St. Basil references the beginning of this canon to St. Athanasius in order to clarify and accurately interpret what was meant in his Letter to Amun (The Rudder). St. Basil the Great did not count the "shedding of blood" committed during wars as murder, but he does require the penitent to abstain from partaking of the Eucharist for three years. Although three years may seem harsh to us today, Fr. McGuckin states that this "was actually a commonly recognized sign of merciful leniency in the ancient rule book of the early Church."
Canon 83 of the Holy Apostles
"If any Bishop, or Priest, or Deacon is engaged in military matters, and wishes to hold both a Roman (i.e.; civil) and a holy office, let him be deposed. For "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21).
Church and State
Christianity is responsible for first introducing the belief of non-violence. A true Christian would rather be killed than to kill. However, it is the civic duty of a Christian to obey the civil authority, not only because of fearing punishment, but since it is ethically and honorably conscience. It is inevitably understood that the will of the civil authority will conflict with God's will over time, and it's important to understand that "we must obey God rather than any human authority" (Acts 5:29).
The Church and the Roman (Byzantine) Empire
In the Byzantine Empire, the enemies of the State were also the enemies of the Church. So the defense of the State also became the defense of the Church. The State was considered to be protected by God since it was connected to the Church. The Church has upheld its position on war and has never deserted its stance. Emperor Nicephoros Phocas of Byzantium (963-969) requested the Church to recognize the people dying at war to be classified as martyrs.
- The response was "How could they be regarded as martyrs or equal to the martyrs those who kill others or die themselves at war, when the divine canons impose a penalty on them, preventing them from coming to Divine Communion for three years."
The Church has always condemned war, but has always been tolerant of the Christian soldiers that served in a military unit. War may be necessary under certain circumstances to protect the innocent and to limit even greater evils.
Orthodoxy Today
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I
Address in Athens, Greece on May 24, 1999
- As declared by Patriarch Bartholomew, "...the irrationality of war is evident from its effect on humanity and on the natural environment."
- Through spiritual vigilance and focusing on safeguarding the world from destruction, war and the causes of war must be addressed and eliminated. Peace can only be upheld if the causes of war and hostility in our times are being addressed. Some of the causes of war relate with discrimination, subjugation, hostility, and depressing social conditions. As the causes of war intensify, our chances of upholding peace in the world fade away. For these reasons, we must use all of our resources on a global scale to eliminate these causes. The uncontrollable issues that are the strongest contributors to war deal with nations overemphasizing preparations for war and increasing the manufacturing initiatives of military ammunition.
Address in Novi Sad, Serbia on October 22, 1999
- Patriarch Bartholomew states that "War and violence are never means used by God in order to achieve a result. They are for the most part machinations of the devil used to achieve unlawful ends. We say "for the most part" because, as is well known, in a few specific cases the Orthodox Church forgives an armed defense against oppression and violence. However, as a rule, peaceful resolution of differences and peaceful cooperation are more pleasing to God and more beneficial to humankind."
- In addition to the aforementioned statement, Patriarch Bartholomew references St. Paul's epistle to the Romans, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
- Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch
- Cosmic Grace, Humble Prayer: The Ecological Vision of the Green Patriarch Bartholomew I. Ed. Fr. John Chryssavgis. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 2003.
- Fr. Stanley Harakas
- Mantzarides, George. Christian Social Ethics: An Abridged Translation by Fr. George Dion Dragas. 2001. Brookline, MA.
- Fr. John McGuckin
- The Rudder. Agapios a Hieromonk and Nicodemos a Monk.
Additional Reading
Orthodox References
- Fr. Alexander Webster
- The Pacifist Option: The Moral Argument against War in Eastern Orthodox Theology and more recently
- The Virtue of War: Reclaiming the Classic Christian Traditions East and West
- "War and Peace: What does Orthodoxy Teach Us?"
- Fr. Steven Tsichlis
- Orthodox Peace Fellowship
- Jubilee Bishops' Council of the Russian Orthodox Church in August 2000 (Moscow, Russia)
Non-Orthodox References
- The Sounds of Religion in a Time of War by Richard John Neuhaus, First Things, 133 (May 2003): 76-92
- Moral Clarity in a Time of War by George Weigel, First Things 128 (January 2003): 20-27


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Atlantic University offers an online and distance education accredited Masters Degree Program in Transpersonal Studies that includes a number of courses relevant to parapsychology including "Principles of Parapsychology" currently taught by Loyd Auerbach. Faculty members, Doug Richards and Loyd Auerbach are available to mentor a parapsychology-focused Culminating Project. For more information: www.atlanticuniv.edu.
The Holmes Institute offers many of the same distant learning courses as the University of Philosophical Research (see below). This institute is accredited by Distance Education and Training Council and offers a distant learning masters degree for students planning for a career in the ministry of the United Church of Religious Science. Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD, teaches the Psi Research course for the Holmes Institute. Messages of inquiry sent through the university's website will be forwarded to Dr. Mishlove if the sender so specifies.
Saybrook Graduate School offers non‐residential, accredited Masters and PhD programs allowing students to design their own degree in psychology with an emphasis on parapsychology. Stanley Krippner and Dean Radin can supervise research in parapsychological topics. For more information: www.saybrook.edu
University of Edinburgh - Dr. Caroline Watt offers an introductory online course on parapsychology. It is a non-accredited course, so there is no formal assessment or qualification gained, though regular participation is expected for award of the certificate. The programme consists of a 'familiarisation' week, followed by ten weekly modules covering key topics in parapsychology. The course aims to provide a balanced approach and stimulate critical thinking on each topic. It includes contributions from leading parapsychologists and critics, including Prof James Alcock, Prof Stephen Braude, Prof Chris French, Prof Harald Walach, Dr Dean Radin, Prof Jessica Utts, Prof Richard Wiseman.
University of Philosophical Research (UPR) offers distant learning masters degrees in Consciousness Studies and in Transformational Psychology. These programs are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council . Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD, who is Dean of Programs in Transformational Psychology, teaches a course in Psi Research and also supervisors theses for the masters degree. Messages of inquiry sent through the university's website will be forwarded to Dr. Mishlove if the sender so specifies.
The Parapsychological Association is an international professional organization of scientists and scholars engaged in the study of psi (or 'psychic') experiences, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, psychic healing, and precognition. First established in 1957, the PA has been an affiliated organization of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 1969.
The mission of the PA is to:
As a non-profit, non-adjudicating organization, the PA endorses no ideologies or beliefs other than the value of rigorous scientific and scholarly inquiry. There is a level of membership for everyone interested in the scientific and scholarly advancement of parapsychology. Join or donate today.


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1 pound of large shrimps/prawns
3 tbsp of cornstarch
4 cloves garlic – finely chopped
2 sprigs of curry leaves
4 bird eye chilies – cut small
3 tbsp butter
½ cup oat/or nestum
2 egg yolks
2 tbsp of milk
1 1/2 tsp of chicken granules
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Use a pair of scissors to cut off all the legs of shrimps. Cut alone the back and remove the black vein. Leave the head and shell intact. Pat dries the shrimps and seasons it with a bit of salt and pepper.
2. Lightly dredged the shrimp with cornstarch. Heat up some oil to deep fried it (I actually pan fried it) Remove them once they turn pink on both side.
3. Remove all the oil in the pan. Wipe clean. Beat the egg yolk and add in the milk. Stir and mix well. If you are using oats, toast it lightly in a 375 degree F oven for 3-4 min.
4. Add in the 3 tbsp of butter to the frying pan. Swirl in the egg yolk and stir constantly. At this stage you will see lots of bubbles appearing in the pan. Add in the garlic, chilies and curry leaves. Continue to stir fry until fragrant.
5. Add in the oatmeal. Continue to stir and toss. Add in the chicken granules, sugar, pepper and salt.
6. Toss in the shrimps; continue to stir fry until the shrimps are well coated with the oatmeal. Dish out and serve.


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A government agency in Quebec, Canada, has come under intense criticism after attempting to get pasta stricken from a restaurant's menu. The move had nothing to do with the food: Officials said Italian words such as pasta, calamari, and antipasto should be replaced with French words to conform with the law.
After Quebec's office that enforces the predominance of the French language sent an official notice of infractions against Quebec's Language Charter to the Buonanotte restaurant earlier this month, co-owner Massimo Lecas posted a photo of his menu, with "pasta" and other offending words circled.
The incident led to disbelief, outrage, a barrage of jokes, and eventually, a promise from Quebec Language Minister Diane De Courcy that her agency would review how it enforces a law requiring that no language takes precedence over French.
In a separate incident, officials also asked a Montreal restaurant named Brit Chips to rename its signature dish — fish and chips — poisson frit, et frites.
For its part, the Quebec government has admitted that its agents had acted with an "excess of zeal," although it maintained that they were responding to complaints from citizens. The agency now says Italian words such as "pasta" can be allowed on menus.
"If it's only the name of the dish, if it's an exotic name in the language of origin, that wouldn't be a problem," OQLF spokesman Martin Bergeron told the CBC. That could open the possibility of exceptions for some dishes, the report concludes, provided they have exotic names such as "fish and chips."
The flap sparked a flurry of news stories. And on Twitter, the #pastagate hashtag attracted everything from serious debate to jokes about the language police "gnocching" at people's doors.
To many of his supporters, Lecas tweeted a standard response: "Grazie...oooops MERCI!"
Monday, Lecas said that he received an official letter — in French, of course — notifying him that the inquiry into his restaurant's menu was now closed.
Despite the agency's retreat from its initial position, the publicity generated by "pastagate" led other restaurateurs to come out with their own stories of the government's efforts to cleanse them of languages other than French.
At Brasserie Holder, owner Maurice Holder tells the CBC that the Quebec agency faulted a grocery list, written on a kitchen chalkboard. While words such as salade, oeuf, and sucre passed muster, "steak" would need to be replaced by bifteck, he was told.
"The restaurateur said he was also asked to cover up print on a hot water switch that read 'on/off,'" the CBC reports."When a first layer of opaque tape failed to cover up the English words, Holder said he was told to add a second layer of tape."
"I love Quebec... but it's not getting any easier," David McMillan, owner of Montreal's Joe Beef, tells National Post. McMillan speaks both English and French. "My wife is French, my business partner is French, my children go to French school, but I just get so sad and depressed and wonder, what's wrong with these people?"
As Canada's CTV reports, an agency's analysis of media coverage of "pastagate" led to "60 times more coverage in news reports outside the province than a recent trip where Premier Pauline Marois tried to drum up foreign business for Quebec."
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Welcome to Dragon Cave! Dragon Cave is an online adoptables game. Collect eggs, raise them to adulthood, and then breed them to create interesting lineages. New dragons are added regularly!
Spinel Wyverns are small, sleek dragons that zealously collect spinel gemstones to line their nests. They are very affectionate with those they bond with, and will happily spend hours grooming a dragon of a different species if allowed to. Spinels are well-known for their even temperament, but when offended, they are very slow to forgive and will never forget. These wyverns will readily perform tasks in exchange for spinels, and occasionally other stones. Occasionally, they can be born with iridescent pale green scales instead of the usual rich red-violet.
Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling's wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.


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Yet another shark attack in Hawaii, this time leading to the death of a man off Maui. It comes just three days after a woman survived a harrowing shark attack on the same side of the island.
The Associated Press reports that a shark bit the dangling foot of Patrick Briney, 57, of Stevenson, Wash., as he fished from a kayak between Maui and Molokini, a small island that is a popular diving and snorkeling spot.
The AP says:
"Briney's fishing partner tied a tourniquet on him and sought help from a nearby charter tour boat. The boat took them to shore, and Briney was then taken to a hospital, the state agency said. It's unclear when he was pronounced dead.
"The kind of shark involved [was] not immediately available."
Monday's attack marks the 13th in Hawaii this year, with many occurring in the same general area off Maui.
In August, a German tourist was killed by a shark just a few miles from the location of Monday's attack. In April, we reported on a kayak fisherman whose heart-stopping encounter with a large tiger shark off Oahu was caught on video.
"We are not sure why these bites are occurring more frequently than normal, especially around Maui," Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairman William Aila Jr. tells AP. "That's why we are conducting a two-year study of shark behavior around Maui that may give us better insights."
Over the past 20 years, Hawaii has averaged about four unprovoked shark incidents per year, the state said, according to the news agency.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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We have learned a lot recently about how the Universe evolved in 13.7 billion years since the Big Bang. More than 80% of matter in the Universe is mysterious Dark Matter, which made stars and galaxies to form. The newly discovered Higgs-boson became frozen into the Universe a trillionth of a second after the Big Bang and brought order to the Universe. Yet we still do not know how ordinary matter (atoms) survived against total annihilation by Anti-Matter. The expansion of the Universe started acceleration about 7 billion years ago and the Universe is being ripped apart. The culprit is Dark Energy, a mysterious energy multiplying in vacuum. I will present evidence behind these startling discoveries and discuss what we may learn in the near future.
This course is offered in English.


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HARD FOUGHT VICTORY–Rep. Rhonda Fields, left, D-Aurora, and Rep. Lois Court, D-Denver, embrace after Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed gun control bills into law at the Capitol in Denver on March 20. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, Pool)
by Ivan Moreno
Associated Press Writer
DENVER (AP) — The governor of Colorado signed bills Wednesday that put sweeping new restrictions on sales of firearms and ammunition in a state with a pioneer tradition of gun ownership and self-reliance.
The bills thrust Colorado into the national spotlight as a potential test of how far the country might be willing to go with new gun restrictions after the horror of mass killings at an Aurora movie theater and a Connecticut elementary school.
The approval by Gov. John Hickenlooper came exactly eight months after dozens of people were shot at the theater, and the day after the executive director of the state Corrections Department was shot and killed at his home.
The bills require background checks for private and online gun sales and ban ammunition magazines that hold more than 15 rounds.
Two ballot measures have already been proposed to try to undo the restrictions.
At the signing ceremony, Hickenlooper was surrounded by lawmakers who sponsored the bills. He looked around with a solemn expression before signing a measure requiring buyers to pay fees for background checks.
Each time he signed a bill, applause erupted from lawmakers and their guests, who included Jane Dougherty, whose sister was killed in the attack at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn.; Sandy Phillips, whose daughter was killed in Aurora; and Tom Mauser, whose son was killed in the 1999 Columbine shooting in Colorado.
Phillips, who lost daughter Jessica Ghawi, reminded Hickenlooper that it was the eight-month anniversary of the theater rampage.
"You've given us a real gift today," she told the governor.
Later, Phillips added: "Thank you so much. You're leading the entire country."
Dougherty thanked Hickenlooper with tears in her eyes. Mauser also expressed gratitude.
"I knew it would be a long haul," he said. "But I had faith in the people of Colorado."
Democratic Rep. Rhonda Fields, who represents the district that includes the theater, said the governor had signed "common-sense legislation that reduces gun violence in our communities by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, domestic violence offenders and the seriously mentally ill."
The shootings led Hickenlooper and other state Democrats to take on the issue of gun control. They succeeded while members of their party stumbled in other states.
Washington state's Democrat-controlled House failed this month to pass a universal background check bill. A bill requiring background checks at gun shows in New Mexico also stalled in that Democrat-led Legislature.
The measures signed by Hickenlooper were the centerpieces of a package of gun bills introduced this session in Colorado.
Under the laws, gun sales and transfers between private parties and purchases conducted online will be subjected to background checks. Ammunition magazines that hold more than 15 rounds will be banned and subject to criminal penalties. Both bills take effect July 1.
Lawmakers debated firearms proposals after the Columbine High School shooting, and began requiring background checks for buyers at gun shows. But nothing they did then was as sweeping as the proposals they took up this year.
Republicans have warned that voters will punish Hickenlooper and other Democrats who voted in favor of the measures.
"I'm telling you, they have overreached, and there are going to be electoral consequences," said Republican Sen. Greg Brophy.
Republicans have said limiting magazine sizes will drive jobs from the state, and ultimately won't prevent criminals from getting larger magazines in other states.
One Colorado-based manufacturer of ammunition magazines disclosed plans to relocate because of the new restrictions.
Some county sheriffs opposed the new background checks, arguing the move is unenforceable and endangers Second Amendment rights.
Associated Press Writer Kristen Wyatt contributed to this report.
Find Ivan Moreno on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IvanJourno


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Institute For Paralegal Education
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Brigham And Women's Hospital Creates Live Replica Of Van Gogh's Ear For Display In German Museum
A German museum has put on display a copy of Vincent van Gogh's ear that was grown using genetic material provided by one of the 19th-century Dutch artist's living relatives.
The Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe said artist Diemut Strebe made the replica using living cells from Lieuwe van Gogh, the great-great-grandson of Vincent's brother Theo.
Using a 3D-printer, the cells were shaped to resemble the ear that Vincent van Gogh is said to have cut off during a psychotic episode in 1888.
"I use science basically like a type of brush, like Vincent used paint," Strebe told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Tuesday.
The U.S.-based artist said the ear, which was grown at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital, is being kept alive inside a case containing a nourishing liquid and could theoretically last for years.
Convincing Lieuwe van Gogh to take part was easy. "He loved the project right away," said Strebe.
Lieuwe and Vincent van Gogh share about 1/16th of the same genes, including the Y-chromosome that is passed down the male lineage.
But hopes of using genetic material that belonged to the post-Impressionist master himself were dashed when DNA extracted from an envelope turned out to belong to someone else. "The postman messed it up," Strebe joked.
Still, work is underway with a female relative to include mitochondrial DNA — passed down the mother's line — for future installations.
The exhibition, at which visitors can speak into the ear through a microphone, lasts until July 6. Strebe said she plans to display the ear in New York next year.