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Fiona Shaw and Daniel Hay-Gordon to Perform THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER at the Old Vic Tunnels from Jan 4
According to the Daily Mail, Fiona Shaw and dancer Daniel Hay-Gordon are set to perform Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" at the Old Vic Tunnels from Jan. 4.
Read the original report here.
Produced by the Young Vic and previously seen at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival in August, the piece will be directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Kim Brandstrup.
Shaw recently appeared in the West End's Scenes From An Execution at The National Theatre. She starred alongside Alan Rickman in John Gabriel Borkman at Dublin's Abbey Theatre (which later transferred to NYC's BAM). Her other UK stage appearances include The Waste Land, London Assurance, Hedda Gabler, The Good Woman of Szechuan, Mother Courage and Her Children, Richard II, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Electra, Happy Days, The Taming of the Shrew, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, As You Like It, Machinal and many more.
She has also been seen in the New York world premiere production My Life as a Fairy Tale and Medea on Broadway. Shaw is well known for her portrayal of 'Petunia Dursley' in the Harry Potter films, as well as her role as 'Marnie Stonebrook' in HBO's "True Blood".
Photo Credit: Marie-Lan Nguyen


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We love providing you with daily scripture passages and quotes! Support this and all of Sojourners' work by giving your year-end gift today.
1. Holiday Deliveries — Tetris Style
Ever think about all the trucks that delivered all those holiday goodies? Check out this three-minute time-lapse video at just one UPS parking lot.
2. Fewer 'Toys from Hell' Under Christmas Tree this Year
This should be a relief as your kids play with all those new toys: There were only 31 toy recalls in fiscal 2013 — and none of them involved a lead violation, one of the most common forms of manufacturing trouble, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
3. 100 Things We Didn't Know Last Year
Top 10 lists are a dime a dozen, so the BBC has come up with a list of 100 "news facts" from the past year including that the name Lucifer is banned in New Zealand.
4. Myth of Christian Unity
Hollis Phelps wonders if "liberal Christians" and "conservative Christians" are worshipping the same God.
5. The Bible in 10 Minutes a Day
Justin Taylor gives tips on how to read the Bible in a year.
6. Was There Really a Star Over Bethlehem?
Physicist Aaron Adair, author of the new book, The Star of Bethlehem, says it's unlikely.
7. Brooklyn Church a Home for Arab Christians
The Salam Arabic Lutheran Church is a kaleidoscope of Middle East Christianity— Greek and Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Iraqi Chaldeans, Lebanese Maronites, Egyptian Copts and Greek Orthodox from the Galilee in northern Israel.
8. Farewell to Iconic Buildings
Among the buildings demolished in 2013 were several once considered futuristic, such as the Pan Am Worldport Terminal at New York's JFK International Airport and Houston's Astrodome.
9. Sojo's Top 10 Blog Articles for 2013
We looked back at our blogs of 2013 and found that these were the 10 most widely read Sojourners blog articles of the past year.
10. The Seven Best Articles You'll Regret Missing from 2013
Jim Wallis lists his favorite posts from the past year.
Have Something to Say?
"Weekly Wrap 12.27.13: The 10 Best Stories You Missed This Week"

subset: commoncrawl


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DANA POINT, Jim Harley: Two Sept. 13 news articles on the dangers of overdosing on
|MCT illustration
prescription pain medication do not make it clear who or what is to blame for this rise in overdose deaths ["Physicians lack education of opioids," and "Report: Prescription meds killed more in O.C. than illegal drugs," Sept. 13]. A casual reading might lead the reader to assume doctors are overprescribing opioid pain medication, or "drugs," as the articles would have them called. A closer reading shows that many of these overdose cases are teens who steal their parents' medications to get high and a growing black market for prescription medication that is similar to that for illegal drugs. I do not doubt that some doctors overprescribe for financial reasons, and these individuals are most likely drug addicts themselves.
A very worrisome unintended consequence of this type of reporting is that many doctors will hesitate or refuse to prescribe opioid drugs when they are really needed for serious pain. In my personal experience, there are situations for which no substitute will do.
If the Food and Drug Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration and state medical boards would actively monitor and enforce the laws and regulations already in existence, and, if parents were more attentive to their own children, caring medical professionals could continue without guilt to administer pain treatment for those of us who achingly need it.
SAN CLEMENTE, Jim Pace: Any death as a result of the abuse or accidental overdose of prescription opioids is tragic. However, the Register articles, while raising awareness of this important issue, didn't seem to acknowledge the fact that, for those with severe chronic pain, responsible opioid use is often an imperative to carry on normal life.
Most people don't know what pain is until they have suffered a life-changing event – either via accident or a long-term degenerative disease. The key is to take responsibility for one's own well-being and rely on the expertise of a medical doctor to help you manage your pain, no one else.
I'm not sure if the article was just providing awareness or whether its writer was probing for more government intervention. The awareness objective was well-addressed, but any intervention into what is right for a patient is not the government's concern.
The thought of someone filling out a questionnaire before being provided with a prescription pain killer illustrates how ludicrous government control could become. The article didn't espouse this, but did refer to it as an example of how abuse patterns could be potentially identified.
Our behaviors are shaped by one's own personal lens of seeing the world, and nowadays our lenses are clouded by our executive leadership, which believes in government oversight and intervention rather than insight and information.
We all need to take control and be responsible for our own lives and actions. I pretty much know what I am talking about when it comes to severe pain. I have degenerative disc disease: spinal stenosis. I have had two ruptured discs and two surgeries on my lower spine. I am in excellent shape but have days where I just have to take a painkiller to get by; it works.


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Republicans finally got their show trial with Hillary Clinton on Wednesday. It's more than a day late and a dollar short, most of us have forgotten how the crazy spiel even went. If memory serves, democrats, led by evil mastermind Barack Hussein Obama, covered up the possibility of Al Qaeda linked terrorists behind the attack in Benghazi that left two diplomats and two bodyguards dead. The purported motivation driving the cover up? I'm actually chuckling as I write this part: anything hyping Al Qaeda as a deadly terrorist organization hell bent on killing innocent Americans would have been so bad for a President's public approval rating that Obama had to have it suppressed (WE all remember how Bush's numbers nose dived after 9-11 right?). Things didn't go quite like conservatives fantasized:
Link – Citing a report by the department's Accountability Review Board on the security failures that led to the deaths of four Americans in Benghazi, Libya, during an attack last year, Clinton said the board is pushing for an increase in funding to facilities of more than $2 billion per year.
"Consistent shortfalls have required the department to prioritize available funding out of security accounts," Clinton told the Senate this morning, while again taking responsibility for the Benghazi attack. "And I will be the first to say that the prioritization process was at times imperfect, but as the ARB said, the funds provided were inadequate. So we need to work together to overcome that."
IOW, you teaparty idjits and your small government mythology is not just ignorant and duplicitous, it's fatal for people who depend on emergency government resources to survive. Expect a lot more people to die because of it. Like state department staff serving in lawless and notoriously hostile regions of the world.
The Benghazi conspiracy was cooked up during election season, but it never really caught wind and sailed under its own power. Republicans still went through the motions, they had to after pitching it so hard last year, but you can tell watching the video, most of them just weren't that into it any more. Think of a super low budget porn clip of poorly paid, talentless, bored actors and actresses trying to sell excitement and passion on the 35th take and you get the idea. There were a few stand outs though, this gift from Sen Rand Paul might have been my fave:
WaPo — "Had I been president at the time" and known that Clinton had not read cables from Libya asking for more security, "I would have relieved you of your post," Paul said. "I think it's inexcusable." Paul has said he is interested in running for president in 2016.
Buahaha! Oh, poor Rand Paul. Is it possible he really doesn't understand? Paul never had a chance to be President of the United States, and now the closest he will ever come was the few feet separating him from Hillary Clinton on the day he almost topped Dan Quayle's national televised idiocy: Senator Paul, you are no Barack Obama.


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National security adviser Gen. James Jones appearing Sunday on ABC's This Week indicated that the future of the military's policy barring gays serving openly in the military is not clear.
Asked by George Stephanopoulos directly whether "don't ask, don't tell" would be overturned, General Jones responded, "I don't know."
The statement runs in direct conflict with President Barack Obama's handwritten note to a lesbian soldier, 2nd Lt. Sandy Tsao, who will be discharged later this month from the Army under the policy.
In response to a letter from Tsao, President Obama wrote, "Although it will take some time to complete (partly because it needs congressional action) I intend to fulfill my commitment."
Asked for a clarification of General Jones's comments, a White House spokesperson said, "The president remains committed to repeal."
The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a group that lobbies for repeal of the gay ban, sent out an immediate response to Jones's appearance: "Jones's answer, along with Secretary Gates's remarks to the Army War College on April 16, make it clear that a calculated political decision has been made that the president is not going to take 'don't ask, don't tell' on publicly -- himself -- and instead his Defense team is doing it." Defense Secretary Gates has also indicated in previous remarks that repeal is still in question.
Many LGBT advocates familiar with the machinations of Capitol Hill agree with the assessment that President Obama has chosen not to spend political capital on overturning the policy.
One of the key questions they have been asking is why, if the president is serious about repealing the policy, has a bill not been introduced in the Senate? The Military Readiness Enhancement Act was dropped in the House in early March.
"If I were still advising the president, I'd tell him that it's essential, in order to make it clear where he stands and where the Democratic Party stands, that there be a bill repealing the ban introduced in the Senate right away," said Richard Socarides, who served six years in the Clinton administration and was a special assistant to the president on LGBT issues. "The fact is, it should have been done back in January. If the White House is telling Congress something else, well, there's no excuse for that. They are ceding policy control of the issue to the military."
Several LGBT lobbyists on the Hill have also suggested that it's impossible to build support for repeal without a bill.
"You can't go to lobby and say, 'Would you support this theoretically?'" said one lobbyist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "I know the top 20 excuses that staffers give and one of the top ones is, 'You're asking me to support something I haven't seen.'"
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN, indicated that a bill was unlikely to be introduced without support from the president. "Congress will likely not act without a nod from the commander in chief. Congress often defers military personnel matters to him. And Obama is the ultimate enforcer of 'don't ask, don't tell,'" he said.
A Democratic strategist who spoke on the condition of anonymity pressed the point a little harder: "No one wants to push this without the backing of the White House," he said.
But White House spokesman Shin Inouye said President Obama will work to overturn the policy. "The president has made clear that he wants 'don't ask, don't tell' repealed and he will work with the Pentagon and with Congress to make sure this happens," Inouye said.
To date, the White House has not given any indication of the steps that might be taken to repeal the policy or what a timeline might look like. LGBT groups appear to be in the dark too.
"The administration is probably working through a lot of different options right now, and we're interested to see what is the most expeditious and sustainable one," Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said during an interview last Thursday. "They could be working on a 'don't ask, don't tell' strategy that would take 18 months. I trust that this is something that's being worked on and they're looking at something more comprehensive and long-term than just putting out a statement [of support]."
Some activists, frustrated by what they view as a lack of action on the policy, are calling on the president to issue an executive order that would indefinitely suspend investigations and prosecutions under "don't ask, don't tell" while the military conducts a review of the policy.
"There has got to be an immediate moratorium on 'don't ask, don't tell' discharges," said Socarides. "It's well within the president's authority to do that. People's lives are being destroyed, their careers are being destroyed."
The idea of suspending the policy through executive order appears to be gaining steam among some legal scholars and lawmakers alike.
Rep. Rush Holt of New Jersey, an original cosponsor of the House repeal bill, wrote in an editorial over the weekend: "We have 140 cosponsors on this bill at the moment, more than enough to justify moving it expeditiously through the House Committee on Armed Services and to the House floor before the July Fourth holiday. In the meantime, the president could issue an executive order announcing a study of the current policy. During that time, there could be a moratorium on any investigations or prosecutions of LGBT soldiers."
A new study released Monday by a team of legal experts in military law made the case for use of an executive order. Aaron Belkin, political science professor and director of the Palm Center, a think tank that studies gender, sexuality, and the military, explained the crux of the rationale.
"The most important legal justification for signing an executive order is that Congress has passed a stop-loss bill which explicitly gives the president the right to retain any service member who is necessary for the national defense during a time of national security emergency," he said. "We are now, by law, in a period of national security emergency; therefore the stop-loss law is in effect and that gives the commander in chief the right to trump any other law having to do with military personnel policy, separation, and retention."
Still other activists familiar with the military policy question the viability of an executive order from the president.
Dixon Osburn, a Washington lawyer and former executive director of SLDN, said he studied the issue thoroughly while he was with the organization.
"We concluded that there was little legal precedent that definitively ruled whether the Constitution gave the president or Congress the plenary authority to regulate military personnel matters," he said, adding that the Constitution gives Congress the right to raise armies while it gives the president the right to nominate certain personnel for promotion.
"So, could the president issue an executive order concerning 'don't ask, don't tell?' Yes. Could Congress bring legal action challenging the president's executive order? Yes," he said.
The other argument often leveled at the executive order option is that it's impermanent and subject to the whims of whoever sits in the Oval Office. "A new president four or eight years from now could easily come in and reverse it," said SLDN's Sarvis.
But Belkin thinks incrementalism is exactly the right approach and would be harder to undo than people argue.
"It would be operationally and politically impossible to reverse an executive order once people see gays serving openly and legally," he said, noting the incredibly high polling numbers for allowing gays to serve in the military. "It's much more difficult to take away a right than to provide a right," he added.


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Patrols have been carried out in Askern, Doncaster, as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on nuisance bikers.
Officers are trying to stop the problem in and around Warren House Park.
And they revealed that only last month they seized a yellow off-road motorbike after police received numerous reports of a bike matching its description causing a nuisance in the area.
Officers are due to meet residents next month to decide whether to continue to treat the issue of nuisance off-road bikers as a priority in the Askern Safer Neighbourhood Team Area.
It will be discussed at the Partners and Communities Together meeting at Alexander House, Askern, at 10am on Friday September 12.


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We purchased this table and several chairs. Providence chairs and Portsmouth Chairs. Everything was excellent. Quality was beyond my expectations.
Dear Goldenteak, We just received our deep seating set and I had to write to tell you how pleased my husband and I were with the quality of the furniture. The teak color is a gorgeous honey and the cushions were very thick and of a wonderful quality. I had spent weeks looking at different home furniture websites and browsing high end home catalogs looking for teak furniture, but we just weren't ready to commit so much money on a sofa, loveseat, chair, coffee table and end table. My lucky day came when I found your site and decided to order. We can't recommend your products enough and we are so glad we ordered our items from you. The shipping was incredibly fast and the assembly was very easy. Thank you for such a wonderful set. We can't wait to have our company over this summer! S.H. PA


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Newcastle v Sunderland: Key Moments
Written by Newcastle Utd
Newcastle United FC
The big moments from a disappointing derby day at St. James' Park which saw Sunderland claim the honours
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Newcastle United 0
Sunderland 3 (Sessegnon 27, Johnson 74, Vaughan 82)
90+6mins: At kick-off, every single seat was full. Come the full-time whistle, many Newcastle fans have left after a humiliating defeat to their local rivals. United had chances, particularly in the first half, and had one gone in things could have been very different. But Paolo Di Canio's well-organised side scored three long-range goals to not only claim the bragging rights until next season but also ease their relegation worries. Sunderland haven't won here often in recent years but their fans are enjoying it now.
90mins: There will be six minutes of stoppage time but one gets the sense that Newcastle could play all day and not score - it has been that kind of match.
85mins: Ben Arfa arrives at the far post to send a volley towards goal but it's blocked by Colback. It's just not Newcastle's day.
82mins - SUNDERLAND GOAL (0-3): It's three and easy for the Black Cats now - everything they hit seems to be flying in. David Vaughan strikes from 22 yards and his fantastic drive soars into the top corner. Again, Elliot is helpless but it's three long-range strikes which have been Newcastle's undoing.
81mins: Sessegnon strikes way off target from outside the box but his first half goal looks like it will be one which sent Sunderland on the way to a famous victory.
80mins: A vital touch from Elliot prevents Sunderland from making it three as Alfred N'Diaye receives the ball from Sessegnon and shoots low across goal - that really would have rubbed salt into the wounds.
79mins: Gutierrez's potentially goalbound effort is blocked by his own man in Cisse and that just about sums up United's afternoon in front of goal.
74mins - SUNDERLAND GOAL (0-2): But it will go in for Sunderland. Adam Johnson runs at the defence, who back off and allow him to shoot, and he curls home a wonderful strike which gives Elliot no chance. Paolo Di Canio goes crazy and so do the away fans but the home fans are shocked into silence. Could Sunderland finally win at St. James' Park after a 13 year wait?
73mins: Sissoko tears down the left and cuts the ball back but Cisse side-foots wide. Newcastle are getting plenty of joy against Colback on that side of the pitch but the ball just won't go in for them.
72mins: Kader Mangane is on in place of Carlos Cuellar for Sunderland's third and final change.
71mins: A great chance goes begging as Marveaux jinks down the left and crosses for Debuchy to head back across goal; Ben Arfa connects but heads over the bar from eight yards.
70mins: Cisse's low shot takes a deflection to remove some of the sting from the ball and Mignolet gathers as Ameobi closes in looking for derby goal number eight.
69mins: Larsson's left-wing corner is met by Graham at the far post but his header is blocked by Yanga-Mbiwa - possibly with his hand although it was from point-blank range.
65mins: Now Sunderland make a defensive substitution as David Vaughan replaces James McLean.
63mins: Here comes Hatem Ben Arfa, in place of the somewhat quiet Cabaye, who gives his armband to Cheick Tiote.
61mins: A Marveaux free-kick from the left is headed on and poked home by Cisse but the flag goes up to cut short Newcastle celebrations. It looked like Danny Rose was playing him on and that could turn out to be a huge turning point. United were convinced that they were back on level terms.
60mins: Cisse expertly brings a high ball down and unleashes a half-volley from just outside the box which brings another fine save from Mignolet.
57mins: Rob Elliot is ready for action as Krul comes off, clearly in some pain. The keeper's first action is to confidently claim as Larsson corner and then distribute the ball quickly and accurately into the Sunderland half as United mount a counter-attack, although it fizzles out.
55mins: Sunderland replace Phil Bardsley, who is seemingly injured, with Jack Colback and perhaps Newcastle can exploit the makeshift right-back. However they almost trail by two as Krul palms away a cross and Danny Graham fails to divert his header into the empty net. However, Krul lands awkwardly and looks like he may have to come off.
52mins: A long clearance downfield causes problems for Debuchy, whose header back towards Krul is undercooked and allows Johnson to shoot. His attempted lob can't catch Krul out, though, as the keeper fields it well.
46mins: Shola Ameobi is on for Newcastle at the break, in place of Yoan Gouffran. Can he add to his tally of seven derby goals? United get the second half started, kicking towards the Gallowgate end.
45+3mins: Sunderland lead this Tyne-Wear derby at half-time. Newcastle have not been anywhere near their best but they will still feel they deserve to at least be on level terms as they head down the tunnel. However, Stephane Sessegnon's goal midway through the half is the difference, with Simon Mignolet in good form at the other end to keep the Magpies at bay. Click here for the half-time report.
45+2mins: After an almighty goalmouth scramble which United just can't force home, the hosts get the ball into the box again, with Taylor going for a ball he has every right to attack at the same time as Mignolet. The keeper comes off worst and Taylor is booked, but Mignolet then gets to his feet to carry on.
45mins: There will be three minutes of stoppage time and Newcastle almost score during the first as Tiote plays the ball down the line to Gutierrez, whose curling shot is tipped around the post by Mignolet.
43mins: Cisse goes into the book for a rash challenge on Bardsley, who knew what he was doing as he bought the foul.
42mins: Gutierrez rolls the ball to Cabaye, who goes for a shot 25 yards from goal but it swerves horribly wide and Newcastle look a little short of ideas at the moment.
41mins: Sebastien Larsson's corner from the left is met by Carlos Cuellar and it takes a very good save from Krul to keep it out. It was almost 2-0 to the visitors there and they do carry a threat from set-pieces.
37mins: Danny Rose dives in on Debuchy near the corner flag and referee Webb races over - but only shows a yellow card to the Black Cats man. That looked two footed and the left-back may well be lucky to still be on the pitch. Marveaux's free-kick is poor and Sunderland cope comfortably.
35mins: Danny Graham, Sunderland's boyhood Newcastle fan, gets in a shot under some pressure from Yanga-Mbiwa and Cheick Tiote and goes down hurt as Krul saves his weak effort. However, the striker is able to continue.
32mins: Debuchy crosses from the right and Gouffran gets in a header but it's straight at Mignolet. The Newcastle man and his marker, Phil Bardsley, both require treatment for head injuries as a result which will disrupt some of the momentum United are starting to build up.
30mins: Another fantastic save from the Sunderland goalkeeper preserves his side's lead but Newcastle have stepped it up since going behind. Sissoko cuts the ball back towards Cisse, who ghosts in towards the penalty spot and shoots low to Mignolet's left, but the Belgian gets down to save.
29mins: Newcastle almost respond as Gouffran prods the ball towards Papiss Cisse, who spins his man eight yards from goal but sees his effort pushed around the post by Mignolet.
27mins - SUNDERLAND GOAL (0-1): James McLean intercepts Jonas Gutierrez's pass towards Debuchy and finds Sessegnon, who drives at the defence before unleashing a crisp low drive from 18 yards which flashes past Tim Krul to send the away fans wild.
23mins: Gouffran attempts to shield the ball from Adam Johnson but overruns it and steps on the ankle of the former Middlesbrough and Manchester City winger to earn the first booking the the game.
14mins: Steven Taylor makes another of his trademark headers from ground level as he slips but still manages to make a vital interception as Danny Graham spins in the box. Moussa Sissoko looked to have been fouled just outside the Black Cats penalty area seconds earlier but Howard Webb disagreed and Sunderland were able to break through Stephane Sessegnon.
7mins: Newcastle break quickly from a Black Cats corner with Yohan Cabaye finding Marveaux, who slides the ball to Yoan Gouffran. The Frenchman twists and turns to try and get a shot in but he's forced slightly wide and his low drive is blocked. It's been a good, positive start from Alan Pardew's side.
6mins: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa plays a ball over the top which Papiss Cisse races towards and, with Simon Mignolet initially looking slow off his line, looks like he may get to. However, the Belgian keeper manages to just beat the striker to it and smother.
4mins: There's a fantastic atmosphere as Mathieu Debuchy wins a free-kick, which Sylvain Marveaux floats in. Steven Taylor gets up highest to meet it at the far post but he's 12 yards from goal and sends his header over the bar as he attempts to generate some power.
1min: There's not a seat to be had at St. James' Park as this Tyne-Wear derby kicks off, with Sunderland getting the game underway, attacking towards the Gallowgate end. Both teams are wearing their traditional colours on a bright spring afternoon in the North-East - but while the weather is pleasant now, only one set of supporters will be feeling sunny in a couple of hours.
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Tim Krul (Rob Elliot 57); Mathieu Debuchy, Steven Taylor, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Jonas Gutierrez; Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye (c) (Hatem Ben Arfa 63); Sylvain Marveaux, Moussa Sissoko, Yoan Gouffran (Shola Ameobi 46); Papiss Cisse
Subs not used: Massadio Haidara, James Perch, Vurnon Anita, Adam Campbell
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Simon Mignolet; Phil Bardsley (Jack Colback 55), Carlos Cuellar (Kader Mangane 72), John O'Shea (c), Danny Rose; Alfred N'Diaye, Sebastian Larsson; Adam Johnson, Stephane Sessegnon, James McClean (David Vaughan 65); Danny Graham
Subs not used: Kieren Westwood, Matthew Kilgallon, Jordan Laidler, Mikael Mandron
Referee: Howard Webb


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Reformer Christmas Stocking
The 76th annual Reformer Christmas Stocking is under way with this year's goal set at $90,000.
All donations go for the purchase of warm outer wear for children through age 15.
All contributions will be listed daily in the Reformer as requested by the donor. Contributions may also be read on the Reformer website at www.reformer.com. A form may be found in the paper each day or find information on how to donate on our website.
Contributions, which are tax deductible, and the form, may be sent to: Reformer Christmas Stocking, P.O. Box 703, Brattleboro, VT 05302-0703.
Donors may use their credit cards on PayPal for contributions by visiting www.reformer.com/christmasstocking. Type how you would like your donation to be listed in the Reformer in the "Purpose" line.
Contributions may also be brought to the Reformer office at 62 Black Mountain Road on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
In remembrance of Becky Barron who loved children. She would have been 108 on December 8th, $25.
Remembering Ann with love and thanks, Merry Christmas to all. Chuck, Chip, Hud, Pete and Jill, $100.
In memory of my father-in-law, John V. McEvily. Break a leg! Norm Bartlett, $100.
Michael Henry. Always missed. Pops. $50.
To keep the children warm, in memory of loved ones gone. Marita Martin, $25.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 5, $100.
In honor of all the support staff at Jamaica Village School. Jamaica School Club, $100.
In loving memory of Peggy. Mary Ellen, $100.
In memory of Irene Alexa. Love, Mary Ellen, $100.
Anonymous, $25.
Mary Ann Clarkson, $25.
To help keep the children warm and good inside and out. Ladies Church Circle, Townshend, $25.
Loving memories of Wayne Sr. and Dot Austin. Wayne & Andie Austin & Family, $50.
Happy Holidays! Eagles Auxiliary #2445. $50.
In Loving Memory of Shirley A. Fowler. Ron, Dawn, Evan, Hoon and Brittany, $25.
To Our Angel Forever, Caitlin. Mom and Dad, $100.
In Memory of Ernie Johnson who is sorely missed by the entire family. Lois Johnson, $50.
In Memory of Mary Liz Ratti, a dear, dear friend. Lois Johnson, $50.
Today: $ 1,100.00
Previous: $26,392.55
Total to Date: $27,492.55
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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An emotional solo theme in the genre of cinematic music played with a Rhodes electric piano to provide a moving background for diverse multimedia projects, corporate video presentations, and TV shows suggestive of romantic nostalgia, sadness, spiritual longing, and sincere hope; felicitates smooth intros, rests, pauses, and transitions between primary visual events.
2 versions of the track (114 BPM) are included: full-length (0:24) and seamless looping (0:17).
For more choice in the same music genre or application, please, see this public collection:
Intros & Logos: Electric Piano Solos
ALL PUBLIC COLLECTIONS by Kranto studijos


text: Andrew Durkin This course will offer a survey of major works,authors, and trends in Russian literature from the end of the eighteenth century to the latter part of the nineteenth, the golden age of Russian literature. Readings (all in translation) and discussion will focus primarily on masterworks of prose fiction, but some drama and poetry may also be included. Attention will be paid to the social and historical background of the readings, as well as to developments in other arts in Russia and to cultural relations between Russia and other countries. Authors whose work we will read include Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Dostoevsky, and others. Requirements: for section (COAS Intensive Writing): midterm and final test; four papers of six pages minimum for section: midterm and final; one paper of six pages minimum and shorter writing assignments R263/R563 N. Perlina Russian Literature of the First Half of the 19th Century Purpose of the Course: The course covers Russian literature from the beginning of the 19th century (Karamzin) to approximately mid-sixties (Dostoevsky). An introductory lecture will consist in giving the historical and cultural background; the early 19th century will be introduced only by Karamzin's story "Poor Liza". Each of the works rmentioned in the reading list will be submitted to close textual analysis, in addition to a general discussion of the author and his time. The authors to be covered show the evolution from Sentimentalism (Karamzin) to realism (the tendency that emphasizes the limitations that real life imposes on the individuals and shows the effects). Elements of literary criticism will be introduced in order to attain at a better understanding of the authors' intentions and artistic achievements. We will discuss the works' historical setting in order to see better how they represent the period's primary social forms, and how the authors portray the Russian polite society and the simple people. We will also treat the works' relation to human experience: how do the characters decide between their true "I" and the roles the society imposes on them? How do men and women reveal their feelings and affectations? How do social and philosophical problems find their way into the work of arts? Who is the hero/heroine of Russian literature of the 1800's-1850's? You will learn, how to discuss specific problems and how to express your critical opinions effectivelly. You will also learn, how to do bibliographical research and how to use auxiliary sources for your papers. You are encouraged to consult with me papers you will have to write. Attendance, Writing Assignments, Grades: You are allowed a total of three cuts during the semester. Since so much of the work of this course takes place in the classroom, any more cuts will affect your grade. You will be given questions which will help you to organize your readings and discussions of the works. You will have to write four papers for this course; you will have a choice of questions to write, but you may suggest your own topics as well. Deadlines for the papers are shown in the syllabus. There is no final exam for this course. The grades will be determined by the following: 10%---attendance and class participation; 20% ---first and second paper (each); 25%--third and fourth paper (each). Reading list (books are available from the IU Bookstore) Carl Proffer, ed. Russian Literature from Karamzin to Bunin A. Pushkin, Eugene Onegin M. Lermontov, A Hero of our Time N. Gogol, The Overcoat and Other Tales of Good and Evil I. Turgenev, Fathers and Sons F. Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment


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Earlier in the month, London 2012 released a new batch of aerial photos of the Olympic Park.
Click on the thumbnails above to see our pick of the best ones, including great views of
- The Olympic Stadium, which is now structurally complete with roof and lighting towers in place. Work is continuing on the field of play and installing the seats
- The Handball Arena, showing the structure is complete and weather-tight. The unique roof – fitted with natural light-pipes to illuminate the venue – is also finished. The top half of the building is now being clad in 3,000sq m of copper cladding
The Basketball Arena showing the venue's completed cladding, Inside, 12,000 seats are being installed, while the lifts, toilets and external service rooms are still being built
The Velodrome, which is now structurally complete and watertight, and the timber track is being installed
Find out more at www.visitlondon.com/2012 and www.london2012.com/olympic-park-aerials-show-progress


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Florida Highway Patrol is investigating two fatal crashes from Friday night in Lake County and in Orange County.
The Lake County crash left a father and his 3 children dead Friday. Troopers said the 2009 Mercedes was traveling on State Road 33 and Groveland Airport Road at around 6:45 p.m. when the 41-year-old Wilfredo "Willie" Malave lost control. The man, his two boys, 9-year-old Zion and 7-year-old Phoenix and little girl, 2-year-old Avaya were killed when the car hit several trees and a telephone pole, according to FHP.
Two of the children were taken to Southlake Hospital where they died. The father and one of the boys died on the scene.
Neighbors call the curve a dead man's curve, and say it is a very dangerous route.
"When we open up the door, all we saw were flashing lights. It's pretty bad," said 12-year-old Trinity.
"That curve is really dangerous, something needs to be done about it," said Gloria, Trinity's grandmother.
"We think that after he [driver] came out of the curve, from what witnesses were saying, he lost control after that," said FHP Sgt. Dan Willix.
The speed limit is 60 miles per hour and homicide investigators are working to learn how fast the driver was going. All were wearing seat belts, one child was in a car seat. Troopers say two of the kids had only the lap belt, but the impact was so strong it wouldn't have mattered.
The Medical Examiner will run tests to see if Malave was drinking before the crash, but the results could take weeks.
Local 6 found out that Willie Malave has been charged with drunk driving before. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office documents show he was charged with DUI in November 2010.
In Orange County, troopers said a driver crashed into a tree while driving on Colonial Drive and South Christmas Road at around 7:30 p.m. The car caught on fire, killing the driver, according to FHP.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Rihanna in Thailand: Monkeys, Elephants & Black Bikinis (Photos)
In Thailand to perform at Sunday's 2013 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Rihanna has been sinking her manicured nails into the Thai culture. When not enjoying the beach in one of her various svelte black bikini's, RiRi took to the streets and was entertained by some of Thailand's fauna.
Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour continues on to Australia and New Zealand through the beginning of October. She then heads to South Africa before wrapping things up back in the U.S. of A in November.
Check out photos from her adventures in Thailand in the gallery ahead.


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Discover a selection of top forums strike xiao on the internet. Come to share your passion on forums strike xiao and meet other fans of strike xiao. Then, why don't you create your own forum of strike xiao ?
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wbyp, roblox, forums, youtube, gaming, grand, theft, auto, games, free, giveaway, news, website, moderator, forum, pubg, player, unknown, battlegrounds, fortnite, csgo, counter, #strike, steam, payday, deadbydaylight
A place for SpongeBob fans to gather and converse without any censoring or harsh moderators.
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No Hidden Fees - No Credit Card Surcharges - Low Shipping Rates
Images shown may not be an exact representation of the actual product.You may contact us if you have questions about the exact specifications of this item.
Designing mounts for these tactical lights was a demanding challenge as they had to be every bit as compact and lightweight as the lights themselves. Our Tactical Illuminator Forearm Mounting Rail is machined from solid billet 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminum alloy using modern CNC machinery. The locking groove provides a reliable and stable point of retention. After being dehorned and bead blasted the mount is Type III hard-coat anodized matte black to mil-spec, so as to provide a hard combat proven finish.
The mounting rail for the M16/AR15 series of rifles can be easily installed by the operator with basic hand tools or purchased from us already installed on a new set of standard M16A2 or M4 handguards. If operator installed, we recommend that the rail be attached to the handguard in a location where both the momentary-on (rotate counter-clockwise) and constant-on (rotate clockwise) switch assembly can be reached by the index finger of the support hand. For a right-handed operator this will usually be on the front of the top handguard just to the right of the centerline.
Impact Guns is the gun shop for all your shooting needs. We offer a wide selection of firearms, including: handguns, shotguns, rifles, ammunition, rifle scopes and optics, as well as collectible machine guns and other NFA/Class 3 guns. Impact also services the needs of law enforcement and military with our wide variety of tactical weapons and accessories. Shop online through our 256-bit Secure Sockets Layer encrypted online gun store 24 hours a day!


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Jam-packed sets make entertaining gifts for film fans
This week, in preparation for the upcoming holidays, we offer our annual DVD holiday gift guide of attractive and available movies, movie collections, TV series and anything else that might interest a lover of varied home entertainment. Most of the following titles were released earlier this year but have been selected here for reminders.
The Best of Warner Brothers: 100 Film Collection (DVD) and The Best of Warner Brothers: 50 Film Collection (Blu-ray)
Undoubtedly the most impressive — and priciest — collection of the year came in April when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group celebrated the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Warner Bros. studio with these two collections, both of which include two new documentaries on the studio and its films.
The 100-film collection, on 55 discs, contains 22 winners of the Best Film Oscar. Among the hundred, the set includes The Public Enemy, Grand Hotel, Mutiny on the Bounty, A Night at the Opera, Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, A Streetcar Named Desire, Singin' in the Rain, Cabaret, The Exorcist, Amadeus, Seven, Inception and, obviously, many more.
Both collections come limited and numbered, along with various and abundant supplements, such as posters and art cards. Throughout the year, Warner also released sets of 20 films in selected genres, such as Best Pictures, Musicals, Romance, Comedy, Animation and Thrillers.
Clint Eastwood: 40 Film Collection and Clint Eastwood: 20 Film Collection
Warner Bros., the studio that has been home to Clint Eastwood since 1975, released these two collections covering the career of the prolific icon.
Both sets contain Eastwood's recent Trouble With the Curve (2012), as well as Richard Schickel's new documentary Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story, which features a perspective on Eastwood's career accompanied by interviews with such peers as Martin Scorsese, Morgan Freeman, Meryl Streep and others.
The 40-film collection holds such notables as Gran Torino, Dirty Harry, Mystic River, Bridges of Madison County, and, included on both sets, Best Picture Oscar winners Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.
Walt Disney Studios will release new holiday packages featuring two-disc sets of Little Mermaid and Muppets movies, as well as a 50th-anniversary special edition of Mary Poppins. Also arriving will be special editions of Mickey's Christmas Carol and Winnie the Pooh.
In the horror genre, Universal Studios Home Entertainment has packaged all six of the films from one of its favorite creepy franchises in Chucky: The Complete Collection Limited Edition.
What better way to select a film for someone than to have it specially made? From their vast library, the Warner Archive Collection offers the following engaging collections, all manufactured in demand: The Andy Hardy Film Collection: Volume 2, Forbidden Hollywood: Volumes 6 and 7, and The Philo Vance Murder Case Collection.
Collections of TV series past and present always are welcome to lovers of particular programs.
We begin with the arrival of one of the best reviewed programs of the last decade:
Homeland: The Complete Second Season
The sophomore season of one of TV's most critically praised dramas appears with 12 episodes on three discs. This season changes venues, with the more impending threat to national security seeming to come from Iran.
By now, Congressman Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) has been unmasked as a terrorist but wants to work for the CIA. Doubts shroud him all season until the finale that sees him trying to flee the country for various reasons. During his brief redemption period, however, disgraced and provisionally reinstated CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) wavers between thinking Brody guilty while also tangling with him romantically yet again.
This season, some major characters don't make it out alive, as each episode builds to its white-knuckle conclusion.
Not rated, 10 1/2 hours. The set includes four deleted scenes, a 16-minute featurette on the "making of" the season finale, Lewis' 11-minute film diary taken with his 8 mm camera, a brief prologue to season three, an eight-minute segment on the travails of shooting in Israel, and more.
In addition to Homeland, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment also released a variety of titles this year that might appeal to lovers of various TV series, such as the most reason season of Modern Family, as well as a boxed set of Burn Notice.
Fox also released an impressive list of rich movie titles that may have been overlooked during the year: The Way, Way Back; Turbo, The East, The Wolverine, Epic, Big: 25th Anniversary Edition and more.
Doctor Who: The Complete Series
BBC Home Entertainment has assembled all its various "Doctors" for this one huge set of 29 Blu-ray discs, which arrives complete with hours of bonus materials and odd attractions (like a "sonic screwdriver"). Separate sets of Doctor Who are also available for seasons 1-4 and seasons 5-8.
This year, BBC also finally assembled the four brief seasons of The Thick of It into a boxed set. This sublimely acerbic series served as inspiration for the film In the Loop and the HBO series Veep. During the year, BBC also released sets focusing on features from individual stars, such as the Daniel Day-Lewis Triple Feature and the Damian Lewis Double Feature.
Lionsgate Home Entertainment's contribution to the TV market is marked with a variety of series, old favorites and new, including season six of Mad Men and season one of Hannibal.
The company also offers complete collections of past series, including Weeds, Saved by the Bell and Boy Meets World. The first three seasons of Duck Dynasty are available in a packaged gift set. For military buffs, Lionsgate also offers a three-film collection, with three different perspectives, on World War II.
CBS/Paramount Home Media Distribution also released an impressive set of TV titles this year, all still available, such as the first season of Under the Dome as well as complete collections of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Dexter, Family Ties, Hawaii Five-0, Beverly Hills, 90210 and The Embraced.
This year, StarVista Entertainment/Time Life rescued a variety of vintage television curiosities that surely might interest fans of some past programs, such as the packaged complete series of more than 20 discs of China Beach and Mama's House, in addition to the 22 discs of chosen selections in The Carol Burnett Show: The Ultimate Collection.
And the supplements-filled The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts: Complete DVD Collection offers 54 toastings of some of entertainment's best-known names, along with the too-valuable-for-words 7-inch figurine of Dean.


text: Have you guys/gals heard of this brand? Tier One Sports? I'm currently testing their Tour Status in 17 and so far I like em. They're semi soft, good spin, and after about 4 hours they seem to be holding tension pretty decently. Best part is that they're affordable ($8). Check em out.


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What's the preferred Bengals forum for zoners?
What's the preferred Bengals forum for zoners?
Ryan the Reds Fan, The Burn, and 4 or 5 others post at mine (see below)...
I don't recommend the one I've hung out at some, Bengals Insider. Very crude, bad language, not much moderating. So if someone finds a good one, let me know.
Can't win with 'em
Can't win without 'em
I've browsed around at www.bengalszone.com, but haven't posted there yet. There are a few folks who seem to know what they're talking about, but a few rah rah types as well who talk like the Bengals are the second coming of the '72 Dolphins. It's not a bad place though and as soon as I come up with an appropriate screen name I'll probably show up there on occasion.
Huddles is probably the busiest Bengals board on the Web. I get frustrated by the lack of housekeeping, though. There are often three or four threads on the same subject. Trolling is tolerated more there than at RedsZone, as well. Pretty good site overall, though. It's the only Bengals site I visit.Originally Posted by Boss-Hog
Help stamp out, eliminate, and do away with redundancy.
Ditto.Originally Posted by macro
I took a look at it. It looks pretty good. Now to come up with a username...Originally Posted by Boss-Hog
How about OldRightHandedThrowingQuarterback? or OldRightFootedKicker?Originally Posted by OldRightHander
Help stamp out, eliminate, and do away with redundancy.
Ha ha. I was a kicker in high school, but I just went with my first name and last initial. If anyone sees a CharlesD over there, that's me.Originally Posted by macro
Originally Posted by TeamCasey
No married man could ever honestly claim that.Originally Posted by WilyMoROCKS
The Bengals Lair
Originally Posted by OldRightHander
I'm over there as ueberj
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.


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EventDV, The Authority for Event Videographers, is pleased to announce a new six-part video tutorial series for professional video editors looking to streamline their edits, hone their editing skills, and enhance the creativity they bring to their clients' projects. The tutorials will focus on industry-leading professional nonlinear editing application Grass Valley EDIUS 6, renowned throughout the postproduction world for its flexibility, versatility, and realtime performance. Hosting the series will be EventDV contributing editor, EventDV 25 all-star, WEVA Creative Excellence Award winner, and nationally renowned EDIUS instructor Philip Hinkle.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Philip on this series," said EventDV editor-in-chief Stephen Nathans-Kelly. "Having observed his production workflow first-hand from shot-planning to camera and mic placement through same-day edit production and delivery, I can see why he's achieved his stature in the videography industry and become a sought-after editing instructor all over the country. I've also seen how EDIUS' realtime capabilities have helped him streamline his workflow, and allowed him to break into the SDE game when no other videographers in our market were even considering it. Philip's creativity and editing acumen and proven track record with EDIUS make him a perfect match for this series."
The series will kick off this Thursday, June 23, with an in-depth look at one of EDIUS 6's signature new features, the ability to create custom masks directly in the timeline, which offers editors opportunities to create new and more compelling effects. Hinkle will explore 3 different ways to use and apply the filter, and explain how to use a freehand mask and keyframes in tandem.
The tutorials will continue to roll out on EventDV.tv throughout the summer. The complete schedule is as follows:
• Using the New Mask Filter, June 23• Super-streamlined HD Field Production with the Proxy Mode Editor (including seamless switching between Proxy and Full-rez editing modes): July 7• Efficient Multicam Editing with EDIUS 6: July 21• Syncing DSLR Video and Dual-System Audio with the Plural Eyes Plug-in: August 4• Seamless Creative Editing with Custom Filter Presets and Nested Sequences: August 18• Using the ISP/ROBUSKEY Keyer to Create Stellar Keys from Subpar Footage: September 1
Each new installment will go live at http://eventdv.tv at 9am EDT on the above dates. Watch EventDV.net for more details.
To learn more about the capabilities of Grass Valley EDIUS 6 and its key advantages for event and corporate video producers, see Philip Hinkle's February 2011 review, or visit http://www.grassvalley.com/products/edius_6 for more detailed information.


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Man, after reading the other comments before watching, that was a little sad and kinda gross. The noises she was making during the facial shouldn't be heard outside a special Ed classroom. And a few times she was obviously bored/not enjoying the scene. I know it's a job, but come on. Even Michael Jordan eventually retired.
now that shes old and washed out she takes loads in the face, should have done it before and she could have been great
like a lot older and...worse
she looks alot different.
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Just because she's Queen B doesn't mean she always needs royal treatment.
Beyonce proved that she can be down for the nitty-gritty and opted to bike to the last of three concerts at Barclays Center on Monday night.
The following day, she posted an Instagram pic to show her preferred method of transportation, captioned, "I biked to Barclays for my last show in Brooklyn!"
The pop diva singer couldn't just bike across the Brooklyn Bridge like anyone, however, so she sported shades and a sun hat to hide her identity.
PHOTOS: Check out more of Queen B's tour costumes
The Texas native has had quite an entertaining series of concerts this summer on her Mrs. Carter Show world tour, from concertgoers fainting to getting her hair stuck in a fan to having her butt slapped while performing.
And just a few weeks ago, she was surprised and affectionately smooched onstage at her Philadelphia concert by none other than her hubby, Jay Z!
PHOTOS: See the power couple's PDA moment on stage!
The rapper also took a break from his own summer tour with Justin Timberlake to make an appearance at the his wife's last Brooklyn show, performing "Tom Ford" off his new album Magna Carta Holy Grail.
And just a week before the duo's onstage PDA moment in Philly, the "Single Ladies" singer supported her hubby and J.T. at their NYC concert, where a tribute was paid to Trayvon Martin.


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© 2009 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.
Reds prospects to play in Futures Game
Heisey represents U.S., while Sulbaran suits up for World
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
TORONTO -- Two members of the Reds organization were selected this week to participate in the All-Star Futures Game in St. Louis. Double-A Carolina outfielder Chris Heisey will play for the U.S. squad, while Class A Dayton right-handed starting pitcher J.C. Sulbaran will be on the World team.
ARI - Parker, Septimo
ATL - Heyward
BAL - Matusz, Tilman
BOS - Kelly, Tazawa
CHC - Vitters, Castro
CWS - Flowers, Viciedo
CIN - Heisey, Sulbaran
CLE - Santana, Weglarz
COL - Young, Chacin
DET - Sizemore
FLA - Stanton
HOU - Castro, Lo
KC - Duffy
LAA - Reckling
LAD - Baez
MIL - Escobar, Lawrie
MIN - Tosoni
NYM - Mejia, Flores
NYY - Banuelos, Montero
OAK - Weeks, Carter
PHI - Drabek, Flande
PIT - Alvarez, Lincoln
SD - Latos, Durango
SF - Bumgarner, Villalona
STL - Jones, Wallace
SEA - Liddi, Gillies
TB - Jennings, Kang
TEX - Feliz
TOR - Perez
WAS - Espinosa
Futures Game
The 11th annual XM All-Star Futures Game, which pits the best Minor League prospects from the United States against the best from the rest of the world, will be held at Busch Stadium on Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m. ET. MLB.com will provide complete coverage before, during and after the game, which can be seen live on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD and followed live on Gameday.It's been a dominating season to this point for Heisey, who is batting .346 with 13 home runs, 40 RBIs and a .425 on-base percentage through 68 games for the Mudcats this season. The 24-year-old Heisey ranks either at or near the top of the Southern League in numerous offensive categories including average, hits, slugging percentage (.581), runs scored, homers and on-base percentage. Heisey was a 17th-round selection by the Reds in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft. This season with Dayton, Sulbaran is 2-1 with a 4.60 ERA in nine starts. He has 24 walks and 49 strikeouts through 43 innings. A Curacao native who is only 19 years old, Sulbaran was a 30th-round Draft pick in 2008 and is participating in his first professional baseball season. He already has international exposure from playing for the Dutch team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Pundits say that Hispanics, single women, young people, and blacks delivered a victory for President Obama's re-election. However, these are only external differences that do little to explain the internal unity that each group shares in their irrational devotion to secularism. The devotion is irrational because the reduced economic fruits (and social decay) it brings cannot be sustained, thereby threatening its ultimate survival.
Secularism is the worldview that elevates the state as a source of redemption. Secularists strongly adhere to a moral construct based upon moral relativism. Secularists favor government intervention in markets. They also believe in legal positivism (the Constitution is a living document that evolves based upon the interpretation of activist judges.) They also believe in social justice, a state intervention that exchanges freedom for outcome equality. This exchange has never ended well throughout history. It invites a form of utopianism. Students of history understand that utopianism always leads to tyranny.
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The irrational devotion to secularism in the 2012 Presidential election can be seen from the following facts:
1) When President Obama took office, the unemployment rate was 7.9 percent and stayed there for his term.
TRENDING: LiAngelo Ball Tells Truth About The Day He Said 'Thank You' To President
2) Real median household income has decreased over $4,000 during Obama's term.
3) When Barack Obama took office, the average price of a gallon of gasoline was $1.85. Today, the average price of a gallon of gasoline is over $3.71.
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4) Since becoming president, the number of long-term unemployed Americans has risen by 2.5 million.
5) For the first time in the post-World War II era, the employment-population ratio has not recovered after a recession. The percentage of working-age Americans with a job has been below 59 percent for three years in a row. The labor participation rate plummeted to almost 50-year lows.
6) The number of Americans on food stamps has grown from 31.9 million to approximately 47 million.
7) The U.S. government has run a budget deficit of well over a trillion dollars every year under Obama.
8) The U.S. credit rating was downgraded from AAA status for the first time ever.
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9) Since Obama took office, the U.S. national debt has increased by almost 60%.
10) The combination of high unemployment, increased debt, division based upon identity politics, establishment of an unprecedented number of czars that circumvent congressional review, the appointment of two progressive Supreme Court justices, the inability to submit a budget, the reverence for redistribution, the bowing before other heads of state, the denial of America being a Christian nation, the radical associations before taking office, the radical appointments after taking office, etc. all clearly suggest that President Obama is a secularist who believes that man was born good and simply requires the state to perfect his existence. He has even stated that he believes his salvation is tied to "collective salvation" based upon a utopian secular ideal. Despite stating that he is a Christian (with the doctrinal requirement that salvation is through Christ alone), President Obama has stated he believes his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham (an avowed atheist), is in heaven and that Christ may not be the only way to heaven. Obama's theological confusion arises from the fact that he is a secularist. He believes in the state.
Given the foregoing record of failures, it is difficult to make a case that this president has a better plan for the next four years than he did for the last four. Certainly, his re-election does not solve the problems in the economy. Why would people rationally vote for more of the same? The reason that he won the election is that a majority of Americans have now embraced the philosophical construct of secularism with its component attributes of government intervention and entitlements, as well as moral relativism. Some say it is a devotion to the man. Facts indicate it is a devotion to his worldview. This is why the Democratic leadership wrestled with the inclusion of God in its platform, elevated abortion to a state-funded right, and attacked the capitalism of the Republican nominee. This is why a secularist-controlled state of California just raised their state income tax rate to 13.3%, a decision likely to stimulate emigration, slow growth, and serve as a catalyst for economic despair. The Obama strategy is not about addressing the economic challenges overwhelming the country. It is not about targeting different demographics. It is about the promises of the secularist worldview, which is the unifying principle of these different groups. This strategy always leads to economic and social decline.
Unfortunately, this strategy was pursued by Europe over the past few decades with disastrous results. Secularism destroyed economies (and people) throughout the 20th century. America, for its part, had a brief affair with secularism after the Revolutionary War when the church-going population dropped substantially, prompting Thomas Jefferson to state that the evangelical religion would be replaced by Unitarianism. Within a short time of Jefferson's flawed prophecy, America entered the Second Great Awakening. Jefferson was largely secular in his worldview and was clearly no prophet.
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Recent Barna Group research indicates that approximately 19% of Christians have a biblical worldview, and Pew says that 73% of Americans are Christian. If 19% of 73% have a Biblical worldview, this equates to approximately 14% of Americans with a Biblical worldview. Recent Pew survey data indicates that approximately 20% of Americans are "secular." Consequently, it is clear that secularists (20%) exceed the number of Christians with a "Biblical worldview" at 14%. This explains why secularists are driving national elections and why Obama won re-election. It is also supported by the fact that secularism is pervasive in the Northeast and West Coast. Coincidentally, it is those two regions that substantially delivered a second Obama presidency. Furthermore, an increasingly secular education establishment, supported by media and judiciary institutions hostile to the Judeo-Christian worldview, explains why a troubled America has an irrational devotion to secularism. Secularism promises what it can't deliver, and the historical record confirms that freedom always declines in the face of secular advance.
Future success for conservatives does not depend upon targeting the "externals", i.e. the demography of different groups and making promises that can't be kept. It is about focusing on the "internals", i.e. worldview-graphics that reflect the common worldview of the many groups. The problem arises in that if Americans are truly secular in their worldview, it will be difficult for conservatives to win national elections from a population that is in the process of abandoning the Judeo-Christian worldview (which has dominated America for more than the past two centuries.) There may be local and state elections where conservatives can still enjoy electability, but they are unlikely to dominate the national election unless either concessions to secular interests are offered or the electorate returns to a biblical worldview.
There are many similarities between the formation of Israel and the formation of the United States. Both countries were established under the guiding principles of a transcendent and sovereign God. The Old Testament of the Bible is clear in its teaching regarding the relationship between God and Israel. The pattern goes something like this. Israel rebels. God intervenes with retributive justice. Israel repents. God rewards their repentance with restoration. Rebellion brings judgment, which yields repentance followed by restoration. If you believe that model is true and that America has become increasingly secular, it should be no surprise that God's judgment may be the next step in America's journey. Questions about what form would such a judgment take and when will it happen cannot be answered here and are for the reader to ponder.
The secularism that enabled President Obama to win re-election from so many groups interested in their own secular agenda (immigration amnesty, abortion rights, social justice, utopianism, etc.) may actually be his own undoing. He will not be able to satisfy their expectations. In fact, economic conditions are likely to deteriorate in a way that resembles other European countries such as Greece, Spain, etc. Economics has a way of sustaining or destroying a nation. The study of civilizations shows a relationship between economics and morality. Even the founding fathers knew that freedom required virtue, and virtue required morality. Secularism rejects absolute morality in favor of moral relativism.
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Conservatives would be prudent to consider worldview analysis in their political strategy if they seek to return to national prominence. All Americans would be prudent to examine their own moral condition and ask if the Bible is correct in Proverbs 14:34: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." It is unlikely that secularists (who survey the national landscape) would state that our nation is a healthy and righteous one. Secularists live off the social and economic capital that those with a Judeo-Christian worldview have built. Some argue that secularists are better stewards of the environment given to them rather than the social and economic capital they inherit. The latter clearly take precedence when examining the success and viability of civilizations.
Faith in secularism has reached a tipping point in America. Yet, it is a blind faith that secularists expressed in their re-election of President Obama. A successful faith depends upon the object in which the faith is placed. Placing that faith in a second Obama term, for economic and social advance, represents long odds that even gambling addicts would be hard-pressed to justify.
Photo credit: Dan Jacobs (Creative Commons)
The views expressed in this opinion article are solely those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website.


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If you buy something as a result of direct marketing, you get the right to back out of the deal without having to provide a reason, thanks to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
You have five business days in which to cancel the deal, in writing, for a full refund.
For example, if you agree to a cellphone contract when a telesales agent rings you up out of the blue, you have those five days in which to mull over the terms and conditions of the deal and decide whether or not you really want it.
And you get to cancel for no penalty, without having to provide a reason.
But if you initiate the "upgrade", you have no such option. Cancel and you'll be made to pay a hefty penalty.
The same should apply if you buy an air ticket in response to an e-mail from an airline advertising special offers – this makes it a direct marketing deal.
But this wasn't Zulekha Badat's experience with Mango Airlines. She made a return Durban to Johannesburg Mango booking on April 12 as a direct result of an e-mail from the airline advertising certain flights.
Within five business days she cancelled the first leg of her trip, in writing, at which point she was told she'd have to provide a doctor's certificate to support her claim of being ill, and that she'd be refunded only in the form of a voucher – valid only for three months – minus a R170 "admin fee".
So I asked Mango Airlines to justify this position, given its apparent non-compliance with the CPA.
Spokesman Hein Kaiser said that had Badat cancelled her entire booking, "we would agree that perhaps it may have been a decision made in haste based on direct marketing".
"However, Ms Badat chose only to use the one leg at her convenience and did not cancel the full trip.
"In such an instance Mango feels that it is entitled to charge a reasonable cancellation fee which covers our costs of the transaction.
"We do have products available, such as Mango Plus and Mango Flex, that offer flexibility and other benefits; these are sold at a premium and are available on our website."
To my mind, suppliers don't get subjectively to decide whether or not their customers deserve to benefit from the CPA's protections, and to what extent.
If a deal is concluded as a result of direct marketing, the consumer should have the full protection which the act provides in such circumstances, if they cancel within five business days – a no-questions-asked refund.
So I sought the views of David Railo, head of research at the National Consumer Commission (NCC), who has been tasked with the responsibility of investigating airlines' various contraventions of the act – particularly the continuing no-refund policy on budget ticket purchases. Railo agreed that Mango should have refunded Badat for the flight she cancelled – in full.
"We intend to come down hard on the airlines as soon as next week," he said.
Want to win? Give us your ID number
Reader "Marilyn" alerted me to the fact that magazine publisher Caxton is insisting that those who enter its promotional competitions provide their ID numbers.
"With so much fraud about, I find this shocking," she said.
So I raised the issue with Caxton Magazines marketing operations executive Reinhard Lotz, who said the CPA stipulated that "we need to keep a record of all identity numbers of prize winners, but a business decision was made by our marketing manager to request ID numbers upfront when the readers enter the competition".
I pointed out that the CPA regulations requiring companies to keep a record of the ID numbers of prize winners for auditing purposes do not entitle companies to demand ID numbers from all competition entrants, failing which their entries would not be valid.
But he wasn't about to budge. "The act does not state that these numbers may not be requested up front," Lotz said.
"As part of the entry a reader is requested to enter certain keywords and provide personal details. If a reader wishes to enter these promotional competitions in our magazines, they are required to send the requested information. If they do not wish to send these details, then the entry is incomplete."
I ran this past Railo, who said the regulations were specific: ID numbers had to be requested of prize winners, "not from all the competition entrants".
With identity fraud growing at an alarming rate, demanding ID numbers from competition entrants is prejudicial to them, and unwarranted.
l Last week the Department of Home Affairs launched a campaign to eradicate almost 30 000 duplicate identity documents.
To check the status of your ID, SMS the letter D followed by your ID number to 32551. You will get an SMS response, telling you if you are among those affected.
Getting it right
In response to my recent column about a Kia dealership which failed to provide a service book to the buyer of a second-hand, ex-rental company Picanto, until Consumer Alert's intervention more than a year later, Bruce Morrison of Cape Town felt compelled to write about his positive Kia experience.
"May I relate my experience of the wonderful, if somewhat surprising, service I received from the Kia Table View dealership," he began.
"Our daughter from Perth was coming to spend a month with us last December and we needed an extra car for the additional travelling around the Cape province. We saw an advert in November and made an appointment with Laurence Buchanan to test-drive a Golf 4 hatch they had just traded in."
They settled on a purchase price of R40 000, conditional on the aircon being re-gassed, the miss in the engine being eliminated and the car being fully serviced, roadworthied, valeted and available within a week.
But all didn't go according to plan. The aircon could not be regassed as the pump was faulty, so Kia paid for the repair. "The miss in the engine ended up requiring that the engine be completely overhauled and a noise in the gearbox also needed attention," Morrison said.
Total cost: R12 000.
"Kia took responsibility for all the above," he said. "I am overwhelmed by the service I received."
What an inspiring story. I can't say I get many e-mails about problematic used cars which pan out as well as that.
And here's another feel-good story, which, like the Kia one above, arose from a problem situation.
This one's from Christine Fettke, who booked flights, hotels and a cruise to Alaska for her and her husband at a Flight Centre branch last May.
Just a week after she'd paid for the package, her husband became ill and his doctors advised them to cancel the trip and not to travel for a year.
"After hitting a brick wall in our efforts to recoup our money for some months, we decided to approach the National Consumer Commission for help," Fettke said.
"Initially we also felt we were not going to achieve anything, but Thulani Mbete, who took over our case in January, was professional, knowledgeable, friendly and at all times kept us in the loop.
"He immediately contacted Ilse Grimbeek at Flight Centre's head office, and Angie Bridger, their client liaison officer, then approached us.
"Both had been unaware of the situation up to that point and proved very willing to go the extra mile."
A meeting was arranged at the commission's offices. "It proceeded on time and in a friendly atmosphere," Fettke said.
"Flight Centre had in the meantime agreed to refund us their portion in full, and through their efforts we also came to a satisfactory arrangement with the cruise company.
"This is such a good news story – the National Consumer Commission is such a worthwhile organisation working for and together with the consu-mer, free of charge, and so often not recognised for the valuable work they do."
To contact the commission, call 012 940 4500.


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Another Victorian mystery object from the late 19th/early 20th century.
What are the five little items carefully mounted in gold?
I have no idea, but feel sure that somebody out there does...
The small dents on them make them look like bones or maybe teeth.
A broach?
those are Otoliths
these look to be from a cod fish? (as are those in this pic)
they are bones found in the ears of fish and marine mammals like whales.
maybe these where collected by a fisherman, as a token for his loved one, and they where mounted in this broach as a way of displaying their love?
(sometimes i supprise myself! )
happy hunting
Thank you - they do indeed appear to be Otoliths, most probably from a Cod or similar sized fish
Some more can be seen here -
Excellent work Jam!


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For more on this topic, see the thread at http://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,12688.msg122425.html#msg122425. An interesting revelation is the use of IDY, separately and not as part of a premix.
Were the scraps in this tub just allowed to ferment at room temperature most of the day? Then used the next morning? I know you mentioned they were thrown out at the end of the day, but when were they generated, and when were they used? Was it just one roll to the next in the morning only? Or would these be used again at night? I assume the dough was made the night before? Also the way you describe it, there was no "mother scrap dough" that was continually used and replenished. Is that safe to say with a high degree of certainty? Thanks again!
current dough sheeting from Shakeys - access full arcticle here : http://nrn.com/article/franchisee%E2%80%99s-ideas-improve-shakey%E2%80%99s-efficiency#ixzz1dz75HZDbHere is a vid from Mexico (NO sound) you can see how thin the dough is and how craggy the edges are. It's a DRY dough. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRGpFs4QXEg
I have only tested low hydration doughs with my sheeter and as you state it just works. So I never felt the need to try anything higher. That video does portray what looks like a dry dough, but it just performs with a lot of slack. I have never been able to achieve that performance simply by running a lower hydration dough made with just flour and water. In fact, although I get good layering and bubble pockets at my current 48% hydration, the crust layers are dry. They are not soft and tender like a biscuit which is what I recall from the Shakey's style. Lightmeter's comments here about the yeast activity and the amount of water in the tubs does lend some merit that the hydration is higher than it appears. Any results or feedback here you could share? Say more in the 55-65% hydration range? Ever run doughs like that? Would one be able to tell the difference? Or would you suspect that there is some third substance in the premix which is conditioning the dough to perform like this on the sheeter? I referred to profit margin for the scraps based on Lightmeter's recollection. Without any poolish or "mother" scrap container kept into perpetuity, it just doesn't make sense why this would be done unless it was simply to increase margins. I can get a bubbly laminated crust without it, so I don't think it's really adding to the flavor or texture of the crusts. In fact, their addition might even have a negative effect on the dough since they were limited to making up only 10% of the dough. Lightmeter also mentions them as a source of hard "bits" in the skins. (Another source of inconsistency). Consistency is a huge problem here I agree. Even with appreciation for all the experiments and variables you test for in your process, I can imagine it's a constant struggle which you've come to know primarily based on "feel" from doing it so many times.
And one more thing....you can use almost any hydration rate you wish as long as your methods are correct, so use what is comfortable. When I make dough at home in my kitchen aid, i go for 45%, and I mix only until all the flour is picked up and a loose ball is formed.......I'll take some pictures.John
Dan,I did leave a question for Old Shakey's Cop in the Sauce threadhttp://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,518.msg173892.html#msg173892about the type of flour used. I have a question for you: did you bulk ferment the dough you baked last night?