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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175684942018-03-06T01:38:46.109-08:00Kapcon RPG Convention, Wellington, New email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-69927104088664941882009-01-21T14:28:00.000-08:002009-01-21T14:30:54.296-08:00Judge's Report – Kapcon 18 Scenario Design ContestThis was a great year for the SDC with five entrants submitting 7 scenarios. The games covered a range of genre from futuristic horror to two fisted mystery to camp humour. The quality of the games was universally high and choosing a winning scenario was no easy task.

Aeon Angelus Necronomicon Evolution by Luke
This densely packed Cthulhutech scenario follows the emotional twists and turns of a group of youngsters who are pilots of giant biomechanical robots. Their fight against dark forces who threaten humanity's very existence is fraught with peril, angst and a tangling web of conspiracy. This beautifully presented scenario could easily be the basis of a campaign game, or a full-on rollercoaster ride of 3 hours. Recommended for GMs who are fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Rah Xephon and other highly melodramatic Mecha stories.

Lambs of a Nameless God by Luke
Another Cthulhutech scenario, this is a chilling tale of life in the ruins of a post-apocalyptic world, this scenario sees a group of teenagers struggling to survive in a world without adults. Can the characters survive the machinations of monstrous entities, the bleak prospect of life in a shattered wasteland, and the scheming of other survivors? Recommended for GMs who like futuristic survival horror.

Murder Most Mysterious by Donna
A gathering of the greatest detectives of the early twentieth century, in the manor house of an aging aristocrat. Simmering tension between characters who wish to prove once and for all that they are the best detective of the age. What could possibly go wrong? A Cluedo-like mechanic makes this murder mystery a fun romp with some great detective characters. Recommended as an easy pick-up game for GMs wanting to parody some classic detective stories.

Spirit of the Tentacle by Mash
Exciting Pulp Action! Two-Fisted Heroes! A City in Peril! Will a band of heroes be able to avert disaster? This 1920s New York scenario features a stellar cast of heroes plunged into a dastardly web of intrigue that they must overcome in order to save New York. Excellent and detailed PCs and a classic pulp structure make this a great scenario for the pulp fan. Recommended for GMs who love their action bold and their heroes bolder.

The 18:25 to New London by Sophie
A classic mystery on a train, this scenario is set in the near future in a world ravaged by global warming where Victorian values have returned. The players find themselves aboard and increasingly dangerous ride, trying to prove their innocence and avoid danger. Recommended for mystery fans.

The Tale of Robyn Hood and Her Merry Band of Maids by Jenni
A Best Friends scenario that takes the cheesiest 1950s Hollywood image of Robin Hood and tips gender on its head. Robyn and her Merry Maids struggle against the villainous Princess Jenny and Girl of Gisborne, and Fifi the Sheriff of Nottingham. Meanwhile Robyn is in love with Man Martin, the most beautiful man in England. The scenario contains character sheets, NPC lists, and enough story hooks for several sessions of gaming. Recommended for GMs looking for hilarious, player-focussed parody gaming.

To Kill a Lie by Luke
A Cthulhutech spy game where the PCs must tackle a potentially deadly cult. This scenario sees the characters unraveling a mystery that leads to an explosive climax, set against the glittering lives of Hollywood's elite. Recommended to fans of spy mission games, and the dark underside of Hollywood's faded lights.

This year's winner was Lambs of a Nameless God by Luke, with Spirit of the Tentacle a close second. Many of these scenarios will be available online shortly, and they all come highly recommended. It's great to see the already rich range of SDC entries growing, and I hope these scenarios are read and run by a range of GMs – they are well worth it :-)

Matt Cowens, K18 SDC email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-6313081849007923692009-01-15T11:50:00.001-08:002009-01-15T11:50:31.092-08:00Kapcon tomorrow + drinksHi all

as you may know KAPCON is tomorrow ( Saturday the 16th).
Registration opens at 8:00 for a 9:00 round one start.

for more details for the timetable and other games go to http://kapcon.rpg.net.nz/?q=timetable.

We are also having drinks at SYN from 7pm tonight ( Friday the 15th), please feel free to come along even if you can't make it to the con and catch up with gamers from round NZ .

cheers

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-86623831022620549002009-01-09T16:52:00.000-08:002009-01-09T17:00:19.136-08:00Kapcon 7 Days!!!We are seven days away from kapcon.

We are going to be having drinks the night ebfore the con( friday) at SYN on bond street.

 turn up from 7ish and we will hopefully be sitting out in the sun, having pizza and beers and making up new stories to tell the next day at the con.

Its not too late to sign up, go to Kapcon.rpg.net.nz to register.

see you all there

Paul
firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-52698734651830488992008-08-11T21:26:00.001-07:002008-08-11T21:29:55.091-07:00Fright Night - Wellington Horror ConComing soon is a ghoulish gaming con in Wellington - Fright Night 2.

http://frightnightwellington.blogspot.com/

Fright Night is Wellington's Horror RPG con.

It's a convention where we aim to raise the bar on Horror Gaming in Wellington, and present a whole evening of tingled spines and unsettling feelings. It is a small convention, with limited entries, and players who are hungry for the dark world of Vampires, Zombies, Serial Killers and things that can't be described in written words: they are unnameable.

There will be two rounds, each with 5 games. Pre-registered players only.

When: Saturday, October 25, 16:30 - 23:55
Where: Turnbull House, opposite the Beehive
What: Two sessions of horror gaming
How much: $15 players, $10 GMs
Who: firstname.lastname@example.com

Places are limited, so check it firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-89122214740517079832008-05-24T19:34:00.000-07:002008-05-24T19:35:29.916-07:00Seeking first-round GMsDeep under Wellington, something stirs...

KapCon has been dead but dreaming for the past few months, but is now beginning to stir to life to eat the minds of the puny fleshy things that walk the surface of the earth, never contemplating what horror lurks beneath organise next year's con. The first step: organise the first round GMs. We need to start early because first round game details go in the flyer, which we would like to have out in time for Buckets of Dice (or CONFusion at the latest). So, we're looking for some volunteers. At this stage, all we need is a title, a blurb, and most importantly, a commitment to be there and run. If you can do that, then please email us or chip in on the NZRaG discussion.Idiot/Savanthttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-36797226420121919572008-05-24T11:28:00.000-07:002008-05-24T11:34:16.155-07:00Kapcon Larp Jan 2009 - Mafia 2071We are pleased to announce that a LARP theme has been selected for Kapcon 18, with a team well underway with the planning and writing. January 2009 will see Mafia 2071, a rollicking fun game of Future Family Intrigue. More details will be distributed as the game takes shape, so keep an eye on the Kapcon website.

The call is out for first round GMs, too, so sign up at NZRaG or send an email to kapcon (at) gmail (dot) com to let us know if you're keen to run a game at Kapcon :-)

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-74025115655876127502008-01-08T19:12:00.001-08:002008-01-08T19:19:26.672-08:00Full games and new gamesThe following games are now full:

Round one:

 One Crowded Hour

 A Midsomer Night's Murder

 Horror on the High Seas

 A Fear of Dreaming

As a bonus, a space has opened up in Doom Town. Get it while the getting's good.

If you're wondering what you're going to play in, the Dingwell brothers (who last con ran the amazingly popular Penguin Harlequinade are back with Momento Mori, a gritty cyberpunk thriller which will be running in all six sessions. There's also Lashings of Ginger Beer, "a light-0hearted piss-take of the Famous Five", and a game based on Peter Pan (the book, not the movie).Idiot/Savanthttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-41764089648952923532008-01-08T19:11:00.000-08:002008-01-08T19:12:19.993-08:00Panic stationsKapcon preregistration closes on the 14th. But as of today we have more people pre-registered than pre-registered in total for any previous con - and we still have a week to go. So, I am officialy panicing.

(Cut to shot of Idiot running around the room like a muppet with his hair on fire, going "memememememememe"...)

If you are a GM, I'd like you to consider running an extra session. If you're not a GM, I'd like you to consider running something. We might only need you as backup, or it might be in sixth round, but I think we're going to need the extra cover.Idiot/Savanthttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-61279678923856349402008-01-02T04:39:00.001-08:002008-01-02T04:39:46.065-08:00MiniLARP: For the Honour of the Family"For the Honour of the Family" is a 14-player historical family intrigue/drama running in session 4 (Sunday morning). Since we'd like to fill it, we're taking signups. Just email the kapcon account, or mention it in the comments field when you register. If you want a specific character, please mention that too.

Seventh day of June, in the year 1826. For centuries the Cantacuzino family, as one of the great houses, have been at the centre of Wallachian politics. During that time, the Family have weathered many changes, and survived many attacks. The Balenu family (who in recent years have aligned with the Ghica family) have always manoeuvred in opposition - often in secret but on occasion openly. The Ottoman Empire, during their current reign of power and resulting oppression of Wallachia, have attempted to destroy important family members, but their efforts have been blunt and cumbersome. Built on a foundation of tradition and tight family ties, the Cantacuzino family has endured this (and much more) in its attempt to build, and ultimately profit from, a just and strong Wallachian society.

And now the Head of the House, Duna Cantacuzino, is dead. Following the old ways his body lay in state within the family home in Bucharest for a period of 100 hours, and is now being transported to the ancient Cantacuzino graveyard in Craiova for internment. With the funeral period over the rebuilding task can begin: starting with the selection of a replacement for Duna. As tradition dictates, direct family members will select the new Head of the House, by vote, before the next New Moon leaves the dusk horizon. On the final night those within travelling distance have gathered together for a final wake and to discuss the future. However, without much time a decision will have to be made tonight. And with the suddenness of Duna's death causing suspicions, a possible alliance with the Balenu family and the likelihood of yet another Russo-Turkish war to be fought through Wallachia; the future fortunes or fate of the Cantacuzino family is very much at stake.

Cast list:

Head of House Candidates

 Jelani Cantacuzino: Son of Duna. He is a passionate, decent man who wishes to marry for love, not his family's interests. An exceptional duelist.

 Gamyuka Cantacuzino: Brother to Duna. A military man, he is a rational intellect who is in the running at his wife's insistence.

Duna's Immediate Family

 Adanna Lior: Daughter to Duna. She supports her brother, and desperately wants to find out who killed her father.

 Iulia Cantacuzino: Mother to Duna and Gamyuka, she rules the clan with an iron fist. Is fond of Jelani, but disagrees with him on some issues.

 Jofranka Cantacuzino: A social butterfly and gypsy, she is Gamyuka's wife and wants him as Head. Is rumored to know 'magic'.

 Beniamen Lior: Husband to Adanna, he is a merchant and brought great wealth with him. His family is rumored to be heavily involved in alchemy.

Duna's Nephews and Nieces

 Kizzy Abijah: Daughter of Gamyuka, she takes after her mother a great deal. Supports Jelani's decision on marriage, but is still undecided on the vote.

 Chanoch Abijah: Husband to Kizzy, he is a well-respected Jewish scholar. He is fiercely proud of the Cantacuzinos, despite not being accepted by most family members.

Duna's Cousins

 Amadi Cantacuzino: Cousin to the family. Well-versed in the history of the family, but not overly interested in politics. Well-loved, but forgettable.

 Isoba Cantacuzino: Cousin to Duna, he helped arrange the marriage between Jeilani and a girl from the Balenu family. He and Duna were very close.

 Wadim Cantacuzino: Cousin to the family. As a banker, he is not very interested in the inter-family politics: he just wants to make connections. Has heard rumors…

 Danut Cantacuzino: Cousin to the family. Somebody here killed Duna, and it was definitely with the help of a vampire. Expose them and get help to destroy the abomination!

Others

 Serghei Popescu: Butler to Duna, he comes from an illegitimate family line that has served the Cantacuzinos for generations. He has his suspicions about Duna's death…

 Ahina Popescu: Housekeeper to Duna, she half-raised Adanna, Jelani and their siblings. Sister to Serghei, she may know something about Duna's death…

Costuming:

"Admired, not required".

I've played this LARP, and I highly recommend it.Idiot/Savanthttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-30926849785196695312007-12-31T18:56:00.001-08:002007-12-31T18:57:45.107-08:00New gamesEthel of Troy (Nick Cole - Scion)

As the Gods wage war against the escaped Titans in the Overworld, it falls to their mortal children to fight battles here on Earth.

The most beautiful woman in the world Ethel Wigglesworth of Troy, Idaho has disappeared and as the Scions of the Gods you are charged with finding and returning her safely.

Resident Evil : Desperate Measures (Gino Moretto - The Mountain Witch)

Five prisoners in a maximum-security facility are given a chance to redeem themselves and earn their freedom. They must brave the horrors of a ravaged Raccoon City and retrieve what could be the world's salvation from the clutches of the Umbrella Corporation. But everyone harbors a dark past which threatens to tear the mission, and each other, apart...

Fruits Basket (Jenni Dowsett - freeform)

The Sohma family is cursed, when hugged by members of the opposite sex they turn into the animals of the zodiac. Tohru Honda, an outsider has discovered their secret and wishes to help.

Based on the anime and manga of the same name, you will have your choice of many characters.

Idiot/Savanthttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-77819218600566402032007-12-28T02:58:00.000-08:002007-12-28T02:59:04.351-08:00MiniLARP: Graduation Day"Graduation Day" is a 9-player lighthearted fantasy LARP being run in session 5 (Sunday afternoon). In the hope of getting it filled, we're taking bookings - just email the kapcon account, or mention it in the comments field when you register.

The independent city-state of Tourmaline is ruled by the wizards of the White College. Prince Ambrose, the younger son of the King of neighbouring Arlandia, was sent to the White College to receive a gentleman's education. To the surprise of many he actually passed his final exams. Today Prince Ambrose is holding the traditional graduation feast to honour the College Masters.

Cast list

 Lord/Lady Agate: Archmage of the White Council. Head of House Tenebris. Has a reputation for espionage and intrigue.

 Lord/Lady Malachite: Holder of the Green Chair. Master of Earth Magic. Head of House Domini (rivals of House Tenebris). Controls an extensive merchant empire.

 Lord/Lady Cordite: Holder of the Red Chair. Master of Fire Magic. A former adventurer with a taste for danger.

 Lord/Lady Moonstone: Holder of the Blue Chair. Master of Water Magic. A prophet "gifted" with visions from the gods.

 Lord/Lady Amethyst: Holder of the Violet Chair. Master of Air Magic. A pampered dandy who spends more time on wine and poetry than magic.

 Prince Ambrose (M): Prince of Arlandia. About to graduate from the White College

 Azure: Prince Ambrose's mysterious foreign companion (Note: Azure is not a wizard, but is not entirely mundane either)

 Jasper di Tenebris (M): Son of Agate. Student at the White College and friend of Prince Ambrose.

 Crystella di Domini (F): Sheltered daughter of Malachite.

If you want to play a specific character, then mention that in your email.

Costuming

Admired, not required - this is meant to be a no-mess, no-fuss LARP. The GM will bring the Suitcase Of Surprises which should include some handy props for most characters (such as a fine collection of wizard hats). If you can be bothered, or have stuff just lying around, think fantasy wizards (robes, staff, pointy hats), with some renaissance Italy thrown in.Idiot/Savanthttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-60880880886886742372007-12-27T16:32:00.000-08:002007-12-27T16:34:00.291-08:00Three week warning

Three more weeks to go!
Three more weeks till Kapcon!
Three more weeks till the big fat gamer
sits at your table and
rolls your dice and
drinks your coke...
Three more weeks till Kapcon!

OK, so that's pretty bad. But it is only three weeks away, so if you haven't preregistered, its probably time to do so. Our webmonkey is back from the UK, so the website has finally been updated with lots of shiny new games to drool over. And some of them are filling fast. So if you want a spot, register now.

Speaking of games, we'd still like a few more. So if you've had a good idea over Christmas which you wish to inflict on some helpless victims, please let us know.

Finally, there will be two mini-LARPs running during the con: For the Honour of the Family (14 players) in session 4, and Graduation Day (9 players) in session 5. We want these to run at or close to their optimum number of players, so we're taking bookings for them too. Just drop me an email, or mention it in the comments field while registering, and I'll stick you on the list.

I have played both LARPs, and they are good.Idiot/Savanthttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-22026265034058593482007-12-06T13:54:00.000-08:002007-12-06T13:57:01.092-08:00Games updateSleeping Ducks and Doom Town in round one, and Best Friends, Cold City, and To The Manor Thorn in round two are now full. Despite what it says on the form, we do have other second-round games (listed here), so there's plenty to play in.

We've also had two new games come in:

The 18:25 to New London (Sophie Melchior)

The oceans have risen and the world is a changed place. You boarded the 18:25 train from the Scottish Isles to New London a mere 3 hours ago when a foul murder is uncovered. In three days you'll arrive at your destination. Will the murderer be uncovered before then? Or will they slip away into gaslight?

A neo-Victorian Horror run under Unisystem

One Crowded Hour

"Welcome aboard the Maxos Shipping liner Duchess Selene. During our one-week jump you will enjoy the luxury facilities only Maxos Shipping can provide. Relax and enjoy the entertainment system, gym facilities, or the services of our five-star chef, while our trained crew whisks you to your destination in safety and comfort."

"In the unlikely event of an emergency, please remain calm and follow the instructions of your crew. Emergency exits are located at the top of the ship, and are accessible from the transit lounge. In the event of cabin pressure failure, don the vaccsuit in your stateroom or enter the nearest rescue ball. If accompanied by a child or other person needing your assistance, don your own suit first. Remain in your suit until a crewmember advises you to remove it. If the order to abandon ship is given, please form an orderly queue in the transit lounge to await your space in the lifeboat..."

Interstellar travel is safe. Nothing ever goes wrong. There is no need to pay attention to the pre-flight safety briefing. It's just a routine trip, after all...

A Classic Traveller adventure, from Comstar games.

Our webmonkey should be back in a couple of weeks, so these games will appearon the website then.Idiot/Savanthttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-61688004437351890372007-12-03T09:59:00.000-08:002007-12-03T10:04:54.075-08:00SDC Closed and miscellanyThe SDC has closed, we will be working through them and sending them off to our judge soon.

remember to make sure that you prereigster for the weekend and you will be able to prebook your spots for the first and second round.

If you can get your t -shirt orders in Paul will be making the order soon, so we need colour , size and some moneys. Be in touch at firstname.lastname@example.com@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-75214340030681136342007-12-01T17:27:00.000-08:002007-12-01T17:28:18.935-08:00Let the rush beginIt's December, so time for the traditional pre-registration rush to begin. So, hit that form!

We've also had our first games fill: Sleeping Ducks in round one, and Best Friends in round two. We also have some new second-round games:

 Bump in the Night

 It's Glarlgle past Threep

 The Truckstop

 The City

 Last Action Hero

Details of some of these games are here.

Unfortunately our web-monkey is in the UK ATM, so we won't be able to update the website until he gets back in a few weeks, but if you want to play in any of these games in round two, just stick it in the comments field when you register.

We also have a pair of mini-LARPs: For the Honour of the Family (a 15-player family / political drama, which ran at ConFusion, to much enjoyment) and Graduation Day (a 9-player game set in the White College of Arlandia, a magical university). I've played in both, and they are both very good.

Finally, a reminder: if you were entering the SDC, send us your entry ASAP. You only have until Monday.Idiot/Savanthttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-85759535947161977222007-11-22T12:43:00.000-08:002007-11-22T12:50:10.995-08:00Kapcon LARP: Sanctuary - Second Round of CastingThe organising team (Naomi, Sean and Steph) are going to be meeting this Saturday (24/11) for the second round of casting. That means now is a good time to fill in that questionnaire (http://kapcon.rpg.net.nz/kapconXVII/cast.html). It looks like after this meeting half the characters will be cast, so if you can fill in the form before Saturday we will be able to consider you for a great deal more characters than those who fill in the quiz later on... People who've not been cast, and have already signed up are welcome to email us about any more thoughts they've had on what kind of character they'd like.

What we'll do for the (uncast) people who've signed up so far is:
- Consider your character questionnaire and any additional comments you've made to us.
- Suggest two or three characters that we think you'll like to play.
- Send you an email with a brief blurb about them.

What we expect back from the people who've been offered characters is a response something like:
- Yes, I'll have that one thanks.
- I'm still unsure, can you tell me more about X?
- I don't like any of them, what else have you got?
and we'll keep talking with you until you're happy with your character.

If you want to email feel free to use this address:
sanctuarylarp at email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-64501953078359195052007-11-18T03:07:00.000-08:002007-11-18T03:11:35.735-08:00This is your two month warningTwo months to go till KapCon, and the registrations are trickling in. This means the first round games are filling up, so if you want to play in "Sleeping Ducks", it might pay to pre-register now to nab the last slot.

We've also had a pile of new games come in. Our web-demon is in the UK, so we're unable to update the website, but here's a short list:

It's Glargle Past Threep (Ivan Towlson)

Join the Time Police, they said. It's a cushy life, they said, in the Women's Auxiliary of the Xenochronometry Division of the Standards Inspectorate. Snappy uniform, they said, government pension and nothing more laborious to do than fill out the occasional B11 Notification of Noncompliant Measurement Units (Revised).

Yeah, right.

Because since breakfast you've been shot at twice, erased from history six times, trapped in five temporal paradoxes and narrowly avoided having sex with your own grandfather. And it's still only glargle past threep. Again.

The Truckstop (Marcus Bone)

Area 51, Groomlake or the Dreamlands. Call it what you want, for the soldiers of the 8th Recon and Border unit it's just plain old Air Force Test Centre, Detachment 3. Here the day is just like any other Air Force Base, the same old food, the same old bunk beds, and the same old dull border security patrols.

Still, the buzz has it that something big is on it' way, perhaps another one of those hybrid jets or advanced Space Defence Initiative probes. Whatever it is, it's probably just as likely to be as boring as it was last week...

Or will it?

A Fear of Dreaming (Marcus Bone)

The year is 1940. The location, London, England.

Like so many others, you are about to be swept up in the great exodus of the young, who are leaving the only home you've ever known; heading out to the supposed safety and sanctuary of the English countryside.

But the world is a cruel and vindictive place, where those who say they'll look after you are often the ones to do you the most harm. Can you survive the horrors that await you? Will you ever be the same innocent child who left the city? Or will you too develop that FEAR OF DREAMING…

Cold Front (Michael Foster)

MacReady Base, a UN-run research outpost in the frozen depths of Antarctica. "Home" to 13 personnel, where they must live in close proximity to each other for months at a time. After a murder leaves one of their number dead, tensions are running high, not helped by the sudden arrival of unexpected visitors.

And there's a big storm closing in...

(This is a re-run from Fright Night, and its damn good).

Bump in the Night (Michael Foster)

Finding himself alone after Martha says goodbye, the Doctor travels about while he wonders whether or not to take on a new companion. Fortunately, or perhaps not, potential candiates seem to be popping up all over the place.

There are already more good games than I can possibly play in. But maybe if I join the Time Police, I can get around that...Idiot/Savanthttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-92214281588720860492007-11-11T01:24:00.000-08:002007-11-11T01:31:18.042-08:00Scenario Design Contest - 3 Weeks to go!(here's hoping this doesn't do anything weird to the LJ feed)

The deadline for the Kapcon Scenario Design Contest is about three weeks away. It's the first Monday in December, which is the 3rd of December this year (according to the calendar in my office, which as a picture of a cute fox on it).

Remember: you are invited to write a scenario or adventure for 4-6 (ish) players, to be run in a 3 hour timeslot. You can include as much detail as you like, use any game system (or make up your own), and you have totally free reign as to what you include. Send your entries to kapcon's gmail address (kapcon at), or post a hard copy to Kapcon, PO Box 24155, Wellington.

Good luck, and get email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-62691501705893016092007-10-02T18:41:00.001-07:002007-10-02T19:15:22.610-07:00Why we need you to GMThere's an interesting discussion over at GameTime on how we can encourage people to GM at KapCon, which has seen some numbers crunched on the way the GMing burden has shifted over the past few years. Five or six years ago, KapCon relied heavily on GMs who ran one or maybe 2 sessions. We heavily pushed the logic that 6 sessions of 6 participants each meant that on average everyone had to run a game, and so GMs made up ~40% of attendees. Unfortunately in recent years, we've seen a shift away from that, and towards relying on a smaller pool of people who GM 3, 4, 5, or even 6 games during the con, with the result that the proportion of GMs has fallen to 25% (it was ~22% in 2005 - 2006).

This is a trend we want to reverse. Partly this is because of long-term sustainability - relying on a small pool of people leaves us scrambling for GMs when some of those people can't make it. But its also an aesthetic preference. Part of the joy of KapCon is the wide variety of games and gaming styles on offer - and to provide that, we need a wide variety of GMs.

So, if you can GM, please think about trying your hand this year. If you need help, advice, or a playtest group to iron out the bugs in your game, we can help with that. If you want a relaxed atmosphere with no pressure, we can put you in the last session. But please think about it - KapCon needs you.Idiot/Savanthttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-64304873236091326752007-09-26T22:14:00.000-07:002007-09-26T22:16:51.167-07:00Kapcon T-shirtsEach year Kapcon sells t-shirts to commemorate the occasion. They're usually around $15 - $25, come in a range of sizes and colours, and most importantly need to be ordered in advance if you want to make sure you get one.

There'll be more details coming soon, but here's the current design:

email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-74747772322440730182007-09-09T01:04:00.000-07:002007-09-09T01:12:38.531-07:00Kapcon - PlaytestingOne way to make sure the game you're going to run at Kapcon will be as good as possible is to playtest it. To do this, you need to have your game/scenario (or at least a rough version of it) ready in advance of Kapcon, and get together a group of players who will play through the scenario and give you a little feedback afterwards.

In the past, I've found playtesting incredibly useful for identifying the good bits of the game, spotting areas that need beefing up, and for stealing cool ideas off the players to make the scenario better (especially at the end when I've asked for suggestions on how to make the game better).

This year Alasdair Sinclair, aka Mash, will be helping Kapcon GMs to find playest groups (as well as doing his best to get into some playtests, since he's going to miss out on playing in the rounds when he's GMing). To do this, he's going to use a tool called doodle. It's a really easy to use website calendar thingy for multiple people to use to indicate availability. Why use it? It gives you access to keen players other than your regulars, and might give you a chance to sneak into playtests you otherwise wouldn't have heard of.

Mash will no doubt have more to say on this, but here's the page for his Fright Night horror game playtest (this one's Wellington based):

http://www.doodle.ch/b3iyprdtmdpkvyhy

Check it out - it's incredibly easy to firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-56315783467622811702007-09-01T15:09:00.000-07:002007-09-01T15:19:20.026-07:00Kapcon First Round Games AnnouncedOver on the official Kapcon website, the first 11 games for Kapcon have been announced. Nine of them are in the first round, and registration is now active!

The following games are confirmed as part of the first round:

 * Doom Town - Alasdair Sinclair.
 * Horror on the High Seas - Liam Jones.
 * A Midsomer Night's Murder - Michael Foster.
 * Sleeping Ducks - Susan Harper.
 * The Last Action Hero - Dan L'Estrange.
 * PX Poker Night - Idiot/Savant.
 * Games on Demand - Mike Sands, Steve Hix, etc.
 * The Strange Affliction and Decline of Dieter Kozier - Grant Robinson.
 * Yesterday's Woe - Dale Elvy.
 * The Seven Samurai of P-ram - Andrew MacLeod.

Games on Demand is a new idea this year, a dedicated room where non-timetabled games will be played throughout the weekend, with a see-who's-there-and-who-wants-what organisational approach. In the words of Mike Sands and Steve Hix:

Games on Demand: We'll provide a big selection of games and we'll play or run whatever you're interested in. You can also bring your own game to run.

Second round games so far:

 * Best Friends - Jenni Dowsett (nee Sands).
 * Games on Demand - Mike Sands, Steve Hix, email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-33808697877374369302007-08-13T23:31:00.000-07:002007-08-13T23:37:07.119-07:00Kapcon Scenario Design ContestFor the past 6 years Kapcon has been running a scenario design contest. The challenge is to write a 3 hour con scenario (usually including pregenerated characters) which could be picked up and run by a GM at Kapcon with minimal preparation.

Usually, people who write SDC entries also run them at Kapcon, but you don't have to. In fact, you don't even have to come to Kapcon to enter the competition!

Examples of previous entries can be found at http://www.sdc.rpg.net.nz, the website of the scenario design contest.

Entries are due in on the first Monday in December, so if you feel like entering the sooner you can start writing the better!

More details available on the official Kapcon email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-52910468653760995342007-07-13T16:42:00.000-07:002007-07-13T16:43:16.172-07:00Looking for GMsWho is keen to run games this year?

Can you please either email email@example.com or post up here.

Name:
Blurb:
Facilitator :
Number of Players:
System :
System Knowledge? :
Genre :
Genre Knowledge? :
Style :
RPG Experience? :
Age / Maturity :
Classification :
Energy / Volume :
Scored :firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-17568494.post-47351487242047643862007-07-02T03:16:00.003-07:002007-07-02T03:16:44.623-07:00Fright NightWhen: Saturday, October 27, 2007. Venue opens 16:45. First round 17:00 - 20:00; second round 20:30 - 23:30.
Where: Turnbull House, opposite the Beehive, Wellington
What: Two rounds of horror roleplaying
How much: Players $20. WARGS members $15.

16 players only; register here.Idiot/Savanthttp://email@example.com


text:
2.2.2 Florence Foster
In 2000, Florence Foster was in her sixties. For a number of years, she had lived in a tenement in Dundee owned by a private landlord. As she describes in the programme, her accommodation was extremely damp and difficult to heat. There was green mould growing in the wardrobe in her bedroom, and all the window frames were rotten. She was dependent on electric fires for heating, which she had to pay for through a card meter. Her weekly income did not enable her to put sufficient cards in the meter to fend off the cold and damp, and her health suffered as a consequence. She moved to small flat in a sheltered housing scheme, where she was able to pay an all-in amount for rent and heating, an arrangement she preferred.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Anyone can claim to know the right way to reach an audience. Few can deliver as Function does.
We are award-winning creatives who live for the challenge. Branding, product launches, digital and more, we craft creative campaigns with credible content—powerful messages that fit seamlessly into your voice, stay with and move your target audience.
No matter the project scope or challenge, we are your partners in finding a creative solution.
washing away greenwashing
Armstrong Ceilings' launch of the Sustain portfolio of ceiling tiles needed a strong approach to telling their sustainability story without sounding like everyone else on the market. Working with the company's internal research team, Function developed, executed and analyzed a series of interviews and messaging tests to inform architects' attitudes around sustainably-manufactured products.
During the process, we uncovered a key insight: architects often feel forced to compromise important features when specifying sustainably-manufactured products.
Armed with this, we developed the Sustain[Able] campaign, highlighting that this product offers architects high-impact design, excellent acoustics, and all-around better spaces for their occupants – a message that resonated throughout the campaign.
Telling the story of strength
As an established and respected fasteners manufacturer, Simpson Strong-Tie leads the industry with products that are strictly tested and proven to perform. That dedication to reliability lies at the heart of the company itself. So when Simpson Strong-Tie needed to tell their story, Function crafted a narrative which showcases the history and values of the company through their trusted products.
Touching on different points in each annual has allowed Simpson Strong-Tie to share that deeper story with shareholders, and to keep their founding principles – to do it right, enjoy the work, and support customers in every way – at the forefront of everything they do.
Smarter sustainability
When Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) were introduced in 2014, they promised an unprecedented level of transparency into the environmental and health impacts of building products. However, this new wave of information quickly introduced more confusion than clarity for architects. As the first gypsum manufacturer to release EPDs and HPDs, CertainTeed sought to demystify the value behind the new standards.
Working closely with experts from CertainTeed and UL, we developed an educational campaign, the centerpiece of which was an interactive CEU that simplified the complexities of EPDs and HPDs, taught architects how to understand the documentation, and introduced strategies to apply this new information.
CertainTeed has continued to expand the campaign, successfully launching the industry into a new age of transparency and sustainability.
After over 14 years on the Boral Brick brand, Function was in a unique position to evolve the brand as they entered into a joint venture with Forterra. Combining and evolving the two brands successfully into a new company – Meridian – needed to be streamlined, strategic, and powerful. Starting with the naming process, Function worked collaboratively with both teams to foster buy-in and ownership. After extensive discussion, we realized that for the new brand to be successful it needed to represent both companies' history and strength in the market, while situating their merger as a more modern brick company. The Meridian logo visually represents this by combining the long-standing marks of both brands: the Boral flag and the Forterra stripes. "Be Bold. Be Brick." was established as the foundation to lead them into the future.
Bringing the strength of science to infrastructure
The complex engineering that goes into building, maintaining and repairing infrastructure demands solutions and product development rooted in science. Function knew that for their rebranding effort, Milliken Infrastructure's foundation of science and real-world testing would be the ideal basis upon which to create a distinct identity. This is also reflected in the organized and controlled treatment of content throughout the brand.


text:
Lucindia Ann West, 81, of Columbus, GA passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, GA. A funeral service will be held at Vance-Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road, Columbus, GA on Friday, February 1, 2019 beginning at 11:00 a.m. (EST). A private interment will conclude at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Vance-Brooks Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (EST).
Lucindia was born on February 28, 1937 in Charleston, WV to the late Grover and Pearlie Ann Pugh. She was a long-time employee of Captain D's. As a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Lucindia devoted her life to her family. She will be greatly missed but will forever hold a special place in each of their hearts.
Other than her parents, Lucindia is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Cecil West; daughter, Carol Ann Maine; sisters, Grace Hanner and Margaret Irvine; brothers, James Pugh and Clifford Pugh.
Survivors include her daughter, Sandra Dukes (Randolph) of Columbus, GA; sisters, Pearl Blackmond and June Miller, both of Charleston, WV; grandchildren, Nathaniel Dukes (Hayley) of Columbus, GA, Joshua West of Auburn, AL, Raymond Dukes of Columbus, GA, Michael Maine (Susan) of Columbus, GA, Kenneth Maine of Columbus, GA, Carly Maine of Columbus, GA, Nicholas Maine of Columbus, Ga, Holly West (Ronnie) of Richland, Ga; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Those so desiring to extend condolences may visit www.vancebrooksfuneralhome.net.


text:
Celebrate black history month with the Watford African Caribbean Association
The Watford African Caribbean Association is hosting a fun-filled family evening of entertainment to celebrate black history month.
The event, on Sunday, October 4, at Watford Palace Theatre, will include Britain's Got Talent finalist Gabz, traditional African storytellers, Kulture Afrik, the Rebecca Wine Dancers and local choir Gospel Arts Manna.
The pre-show poetry session featuring members of the association's United Friends Club starts at 4pm, the main performers begin at 5pm and post-show music is planned for 8.15pm.
Tickets are £8 each and £6 each for groups of four or more. The ticket price includes an appetiser.
For more information contact the Watford Palace Theatre box office on 01923 225671.


text:
This is Love ~ Sunset Engagement Photoshoot {Atlanta Engagement Photographer}
Who doesn't love a good sunset? Throw in a couple who are madly in love and you get magic! I just loved working with this sweet couple. Looking to book a fun & magical session of your own? Let me know! We'll focus on images that capture authentic emotion and love. Book today!
"Miriam did our engagement photos and it was such a great experience. She made us feel so comfortable and really made sure our photos captured 'us.' Miriam had a lot of great ideas to capture fun and different pictures, and gave us plenty of direction to get the best poses. She also has such a great vision to find the best lighting and an ideal setting. We were so pleased with the pictures and know we will cherish them for years to come!"


text:
Former White House communications director Anita Dunn, who led the Obama administration's critiques of Fox News during its first term and lobbied against the network as "opinion journalism masquerading as news," joined HuffPost Live Wednesday to discuss the changes how the network is adjusting to a new political and demographic environment.
Dunn told HuffPost Live host Alicia Menendez that going to war with Fox News was "a simple decision, given the fact that Fox News had really been the not-so-loyal opposition since the President had taken office," and said the network's strategy was to create news stories by blurring the lines between its news and opinion divisions.
"What you're seeing now with Fox is that that alternative Fox universe that they created for four years is crumbling," Dunn said in reference to its purge of controversial conservative pundits and possible attempt to find a new identity. "[Fox News chief] Roger Ailes, who is nothing if not an excellent television person and very smart executive, is realizing that the creationism of the past has to end. And so you see the Fox evolution."
Dunn said that her comments from 2009 are still true today, and added that any changes that Fox News is making amount to a "tacit admission that they had gone way too far to one side and were being seen by people not as a news network, but as a political organization."
Columnist and author Michael Wolff, whose 2008 biography of Rupert Murdoch The Man Who Owns The News discussed the relationship between Murdoch and Ailes, disagreed with Dunn's premise, insisting that the network is, above all, a television operation and not a political organization or a journalistic outlet.
"Fox is not in the political business," he told Menendez. "Fox doesn't really care who wins, who is president. What Fox and Ailes and the network care about is making very, very popular TV."
Wolff explained his analysis of the network's relationship with the GOP, saying that "Fox is not an arm of the Republican Party; more accurately, the Republican party is an arm of Fox."
Also on HuffPost:


text:
Choir. Long story. Bottom line they tried to make us just learn the melody, and we were all scratching our heads because it didn't make sense. Madrigal. They is fun, they is.
Because the melody doesn't make sense until you add the harmony.
I honestly thing this is one of the most beautiful carols ever written. It's also one of the few madrigal style songs still commonly sung in the modern age.


text:
Which Photographs Did You Miss?
There are so many wonderful moments to capture on our cameras each year as our children grow. All the obvious events, landmark birthdays, Christenings, 1st Communion. All the firsts, first smile, first steps, first ice-cream.
But what about the less noticeable ones. A moment when your child laughed at your joke, or shared a hug with their sibling.
The role of the me as your photographer is to capture also the moments that may not seem so obvious at the time, whilst letting you enjoy them.
This photo I love as it is a sweet moment of my two girls interacting, learning to hold hands and walk together. My girls don't love me being behind the camera as whilst I am there, I am not participating in their life. Often I find my children play up when I have a camera as I am not giving them my full attention.
When you hire me as your photographer, you are choosing to participate and capture.
You enjoy the moment, you walk along side your children and let me look out for these special moments.


text:
The Chess Nigeria Online Speedchess Championship 2018 has entered its knockout stages, with the 1st knockout match played today between Diran Ogungbola [Diransplace] and Ojo John Sunday [Chessbrand1]. The speedchess championship commenced about 4 weeks ago on the 3rd of February to be precise. The championship has had its casualties as highly rated players such as CM Charles Campbell, Jdcrux, Emmylarpovii NM Godbless, Talldove and a host of others have exited the championship.
The knock-out stages started with 16 players as seen below
Form the knockout stages 8 players qualified to move on the Quater-Final which will conclude on Sunday 4th of March 2018 with the showdown match between IM Dap Adu [Dapsay] and Kore Ettu [Kormega]. who is still basking in the euphoria of beating highly rated CM Charles Campbell
Here is the video of the match between Diransplace and Chess brand1
709total visits,1visits today


text:
In today's review we take a look at Garo Habano Fine Cigar's second sample that was sent to...
This week's review (although a little late) is Camacho's Corojo Monarca. Although I am an infused cigar smoker,...
1st Class Cigar Humidors
Scentsy Wickless Candles
Black Band Cigar Club
Cigar Brief
Cigar Craig
Cigar Inspector
The Cigar Nut
Cigar Photo
Leaf Enthusiast
Mike's Stogies
Nice Tight Ash
Stogie Review
Stogies On The Rocks
Straight Up Cigars
Tampa Cigar Examiner
Toasted Foot
Toms Cigars
Cigar Reviews, Cigar Ratings, Beer Pairings and everything in between from Tony Casas and Jeremy Hensley.
Copyright © 2013 Casas Fumando


text:
AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Corby Town face Emirates FA Cup replays after they were both held to draws in the preliminary round.
At Steel Park, the Steelmen had to stage an incredible second-half fightback to earn a second chance against Evo-Stik South League Division One Central rivals Dunstable Town.
Steve Kinniburgh's team conceded three goals in the last 11 minutes of the opening period with Arel Amu opening the scoring after a mix-up between Dean McBride and Sam Warburton.
Chris Wreh doubled the lead with a header and then looked to have ended the game as a contest when he curled a shot in off the post in stoppage-time.
But Corby were given a lifeline on 55 minutes when substitute Joel Carta converted from the penalty spot after Warburton had been fouled.
Wreh missed a golden chance in front of goal for the visitors and within 30 seconds, the hosts had gone up the other end and made it 3-2 thanks to Jordan Francis' low finish.
Dunstable then had Alex Taylor sent-off for a lunge on Jordon Crawford and Corby levelled with two minutes to go when Elliot Sandy headed home Gary Mulligan's cross.
The visitors finished the game with nine men when goalkeeper Will Hunt was red-carded for handling outside his penalty area but Corby couldn't find a winner.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds were held to a 1-1 draw at United Counties League side Deeping Rangers.
The hosts took a shock lead when Scott Mooney turned and fired past Ben Heath but the first half was marred by a dreadful injury to former Diamonds man Jason Kilbride, believed to be a broken right leg, after a strong coming together between him and Jack Ashton.
That caused the game to be held up for a while but Diamonds did level before half-time when Jack Bowen slotted home after Joel Gyasi's shot had been saved.
Diamonds had plenty of chances after the break with Tom Lorraine, Sam Brown, Ben Farrell and Blaize Punter all going close.
The two replays for Corby and Diamonds are now set to be played on Tuesday, September 4.
It was a disappointing day for the local United Counties League teams in the FA Cup as they were all beaten by higher-ranked opposition.
Wellingborough Town looked to be on course for an upset before they eventually went down 3-2 at Spalding United.
The hosts went in front through Leon Mettam but Adam Speight equalised before half-time and then Giuseppe Freitas gave the Doughboys the lead from the penalty spot with 17 minutes to go.
However, there was to be late heartbreak as Gary King made it 2-2 on 85 minutes and then Danny Brooks converted a penalty to send the Tulips through.
Rothwell Corinthians also lost 3-2 as they were beaten at Barton Rovers.
Victor Osobu's free-kick gave the hosts the advantage but Lewis Odell equalised before half-time.
Osobu struck again for the home side and Drew Phillips' solo effort looked to have made the game safe, although they were in for a nervy finish after Corinthians pulled another one back late on.
Desborough Town were also knocked out as they were beaten 3-0 by Kempston Rovers at the R Inn Stadium.
Ar Tarn hit the crossbar while the game was still goalless but Rovers scored either side of half-time through Shane Bush and Nathan Tshikuna.
And the visitors wrapped things up on 74 minutes thanks to Josh Crawley's effort.


text:
BOWLING: EHS bowlers lose to O'Fallon
Boys' team is in regional on Saturday
The postseason starts this weekend for the Edwardsville boys' bowling team, while the girls' regional is more than three weeks away.
But both squads faced a tough assignment on Wednesday at Edison's Entertainment Complex.
The O'Fallon boys maintained their lead in the Southwestern Conference with a 34-6 victory over EHS.
The O'Fallon girls cruised to a 38-2 win over Edwardsville. The Panthers, who also lead the conference, are 7-0-1.
The EHS girls, who have two more dual matches remaining, dropped to 3-7.
The dual match was the last of the regular season for the Tiger boys, who are 0-12 heading into Saturday's Triad Regional at Camelot Bowl in Collinsville.
The O'Fallon boys, who are 9-2, wrap up the regular season today against Alton at Bowl Haven Lanes in Alton.
Even with the boys' team not earning any dual match wins, Edwardsville coach Kimber Wilderman feels the Tigers have a shot at earning one of the top four spots in the regional and advancing to the Mount Vernon Sectional on Jan. 20 at NuBowl Lanes in Mount Vernon.
"The boys just need to have confidence because I've seen what I needed to see," Wilderman said. "It's just a matter of whether they can put X, Y and Z together to make that perfect formula for the regional.
"They're completely capable, but they've got a lot to think about to actually put it into play."
Zak Keiser had a team-high 556 series for EHS, including games of 170, 198 and 188. Eian Sims was right behind him with a 555 series, including games of 170, 176 and 209.
Spencer Gray had a 540 series, with games of 171, 193 and 196.
Andy Sill had a two-game total of 395 with a team-high game of 224.
Michael Jenkins had a 487 series (147, 203 and 137) while Hayden Meyer bowled 123 in his only game.
"Andy Sill has improved so much and for him, it was just getting that confidence," Wilderman said. "He spent a lot of time over the summer working on his game.
"Spencer Gray is getting his groove back. He had a little slump in the middle of the season and now he's kind of settling back down."
Eli Rosenberg had a team-high 649 series for O'Fallon, including a 288 game. Donny Richards was next with a 624 series.
Josh Herran had a two-game total of 480, bowling 246 and 234.
"The boys know coming out here that the shot is a lot tougher than most of the houses, but Edison's has done a good job of working with the school to come up with a shot that's competitive," O'Fallon coach Mike Imes said. "We got a chance to bowl some extra bowlers.
"Edwardsville is a growing program and Kimber is doing a great job with it. She's a got a young team and they've still got some more growing to do, but if they bowl like they're capable of bowling, they can sneak out of the regional."
In the girls' match, Sydney Sahuri led EHS with a 566 series and a team-high game of 202. Rachel McTague was next with a 455 series.
Other bowlers for Edwardsville were Maren McSparin (417), Rylee Langendorf (399) and Amy Malcharek (394).
The EHS girls finish the regular season with matches against Collinsville on Jan. 16 at Edison's and Belleville East on Jan. 23 at Bel-Air Bowl in Belleville.
The Tigers are in the Alton Regional on Feb. 3 at Bowl Haven Lanes.


text:
Donald Trump and stoking conflict
Sir, – Suzanne Lynch, remarking on "Trump's explosive intervention" in the debate about NFL players' peaceful protests, concludes that the "the president once again showed his talent for stoking conflict" ("Trump tackles yet another US institution with NFL outbursts", September 30th). Whether commenting on allies, enemies or athletes, he does always seem to have an angry opinion ready. Tweets indignantly channel narrow, nationalistic prejudices and avoid showing an appreciation for the wider issues. He doesn't read, claiming he doesn't have the time. Perhaps he also senses that cultivating a deeper understanding of the science of government would diminish his appeal. He needs to steer clear of reading to maintain his rage. In the world of populist politics, too many books spoil the wrath. – Yours, etc,
Templeogue, Dublin 6W.


text:
Nova Launcher - Review & Install Links
Nova Launcher: Highly customizable, performance driven, home screen replacement for Android. It means to be the best and favorite launcher for everyone.
Developer:TeslaCoil Software
Uninstall the app:
- Go to Settings menu
- Choose Apps or Application manager
- Touch the app you want to remove
- Press Uninstall
Features Review
Nova Launcher Features:
▣ Custom Grid
Configure the colums and rows to place apps and widgets.
▣ Scrollable Dock
Keep your favorite apps on the dock, with up to 7 icons on each page.
▣ Scorll Effects
Enjoy eye candy when scrolling your desktop and drawer. Effects like Cube and Cardstack are included.
▣ Infite Scroll
You can loop through your desktop continuously and keep close touch with your favorite page.
▣ Folder Icons
Customize your folder icons with backgrounds and preview styles.
▣ Backup / Restore
Export youe settings and layouts before you wipe out and reinstall.
About Nova Launcher:
☪ Nova Launcher is one of the most popular apps for enhancing your home screen. With this app, you can customize your home screen as you wish.
☪ It is welcomed by many people for the simple way to use it. It can help change the style of your home screen. And it is easy to learn. If your are a beginner, it is absolutely for you to grasp.
☪ There are two versions: free version and Prime version. Free version is enough for basic users. Prime version has more functions.
Content quality checked
Popular Apps
- YouTube
- YouTube Music
- Aptoide
- Google Play Games
- 9Apps
- VidMate
- Wells Fargo Mobile
- RetailMeNot
- YouTube Kids
Related Apps
- GO Keyboard
- Zedge
- Flash Keyboard
- GO Launcher
- BlockLauncher
- CM Launcher
- GO Locker
- APUS Launcher
- CM Locker


text: Ice cream lovers? I've got the dessert for you if you're willing to spend! The Golden Opulence Sundae is known as the most expensive sundae in the world according to Guinness World Records at the price of $1000.00. You can get this world class dessert at Serendipity 3 located in New York City and Las Vegas. This amazing sundae contains 3 scoops of rich Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla and covered with 23karats of edible gold leaf. That's not all, the chocolate syrup being used is melted Amedei Porcelana, one of the most expensive chocolate in the world from Tuscany, Italy. Topping the sundae with chunks of rare Chuao chocolate made with cocoa beans harvested by the Caribbean Sea by Venezuela's coast. Also topped with candied fruits from Paris, gold covered almonds, chocolate truffles, marzipan cherries, Grand Passion Caviar, and much more. Now do we have you drooling?


text:
Meslek: Commercial maintenance; Construction;
Öğretmenlik Deneyimi: I have 25 years experience doing voluntary teaching.
İlgi Alanları: I'm fascinated by aviation and I love restoring cars. I like history and I love being out in nature.
Eğitim: I attended school in Australia. After school I took a college course in construction and engineering.
Konuştuğu Diller: İngilizce (Ana dil), Almanca (Temel), İspanyolca (Temel)
Profil Videosu:


text:
Standards Details For:
Retrieving matching standards
(Describer) Beside four different-size different-color circles connected by lines, title: Career Connections. Surrounded by different color stripes, title: Fine Arts.
(Describer) Title: High School Art Teacher.
My name is Jenny Montgomery.
I teach art at The Dayton
Regional STEM School.
(Describer) In a classroom...
Each person works on a section,
then somebody puts it together.
My responsibilities include
teaching art content knowledge,
giving students
a variety of experiences
with different mediums,
It's important to give
students an experience
where they recognize themselves
as creative beings
and have that opportunity
to explore
that part of themselves.
My program is a little different
than a traditional art program.
At The Dayton Regional
STEM School,
we have a strong emphasis
on project-based learning,
and project-based learning is
really about engaging students
with work that is real world.
Ideally, we're working
with a partner
and figuring out
what their needs are
that our students can fulfill
while they're learning content.
We're doing a project
with the Newport Aquarium.
The education director
expressed these needs that he
had for educational materials
based on the next-generation
science standards,
so we were able to say,
"Our students can create this."
Sometimes it's very
and it arises
out of this specific need,
and sometimes ideas
just happen between teachers.
Right now our class is
creating wearable fashion
that incorporates technology,
so students are learning
how to make circuits
and using Arduino boards
and writing code
in order to control
lighting and sound
that's associated
with their garments.
(Describer) With a student at a table...
Snaps will be
on the outside.
So they have two snaps,
positive and negative,
and those will run down
the shorts.
We've finished a project
in which students
were creating kinetic mobiles
and worked with
a professional artist.
A lot of physics
was involved.
Some was new to me,
which happens
when we collaborate.
I'm not familiar
with the content,
but I can draw on the expertise
of other artists
or other instructors
in our school,
which is really wonderful.
(Describer) A woman speaks to the art class.
This might be where you say,
"I'll help you with that."
When I think about
myself as a teacher,
I feel like
more of a facilitator.
Those are the best days.
When I'm working with students,
I feel like a visiting artist
when I'm working alongside them
and working with them
and literally collaborating
with the students.
I have a bachelor's
in art education.
My bachelor's degree
was four years.
I did student teaching
at the end of that.
And then you take
a state board test
that you have to pass
for your certification.
I became an art teacher
because I really love
working with people.
I love collaborating
and the synergy
that comes from working with
other people and sharing ideas.
I love teaching art.
I feel lucky
to be in this position
because this is
such a wonderful school.
It's a unique learning
environment and opportunity.
Things that
I don't love as much,
there are moments
when I feel like a teacher
in a traditional sense,
where there's paperwork,
cafeteria duty, detention duty,
or a discipline issue
that I need to deal with.
But some of those duties
come with the job.
Some early careers that I had
were in social services,
but in a very progressive
that was really more about
community building.
They hired artists to do
community building through art.
Toward the end of college,
I started a visual arts gallery.
I directed that for three years
and was showing my work.
At the same time,
I was student teaching,
and I was working on projects.
The best advice I've had
is to teach what you love.
As art teachers, we can connect
with people at a critical time,
when they're forming
who they are.
Have you thought about any
accessories that work with this?
I was thinking about
a purse or something.
That's a great idea.
I have students
that say, "I'm not creative.
I can't do this."
There are different ways
that your creative capacities
can be expressed,
but it's also
a way of thinking.
It's about being able
to see differently
and think differently
and be open to different ideas
and connect ideas
to create something new.
If we can foster that
and connect people
with that innate creativity,
those are skills they can
utilize throughout their lives,
no matter what career
they choose.
(Describer) A student bends over a table shaping wire for a mobile.
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Copyright 2014.
Funding to purchase and make this educational program accessible was provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Contact the Department of Education by telephone at 1-800-USA-LEARN, or online at www.ed.gov.
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An art teacher at a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) school discusses her job and her passion for engaging her students' creativity. Part of the "Career Connections" series.
Runtime: 6 minutes
Career Connections: Accountant/Auditor
Career Connections: Admission and Financial Aid Counselor
Career Connections: Advanced Manufacturing Engineer
Career Connections: Advertising Director
Career Connections: Aerospace Engineer
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Published at Monday, September 17th, 2018 - 12:35:19 PM. Kitchen. By Riva Gracia.
The one wall kitchen layout is the smallest of all kitchen design layouts. There really is not work triangle as such for obvious reasons. This kitchen layout is ideal for smaller homes or as a secondary kitchen in a larger homes. This type of kitchen plan is best suited for an efficiency style of apartment and is often incorporated into loft style or open floor plans.
If your kitchen can be seen from the front door you are more likely to walk in to the kitchen when you enter your home and, if you are like me, head straight for the fridge. Ideally your kitchen should be well away from your front door. This however is easier said, or in this case written, than done. Assuming your kitchen can be seen from your front door and you do not want to completely remodel your home there is a very simple cure which is to keep the kitchen door shut. Proving my point that Feng Shui really doesn't have to be complicated.
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Nadex Q1 2016 Reports YoY Growth Exceeds 60%
CHICAGO, April 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American Derivatives Exchange (Nadex) announced today that its year on year growth, Q1 2015 to Q1 2016, exceeded sixty percent both in total volume and the total number of trades executed on the exchange, reflecting mainstream enthusiasm for exchange-traded binary options and spreads.
Monday, May 9, 2016 - 00:00
For more information, please read the full Press Release.
This information has been prepared by Nadex, a trading name of North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc., prepared by independent third parties contracted by Nadex or reproduced form third party news agencies. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. Nadex accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication.


text:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Office of Sponsored Programs News
November 19, 2015 - Grantee Publications
Mapping the Intersection of Interactive Documentaries and Digital Journalism
The wisdom and experience of journalists and documentarians in the interactive domain offer ways to achieve new levels of journalistic excellence and impact, according to a report by the MIT Open Documentary Lab. Read More
September 24, 2014 - Grantee Publications
Workshop Explores Changes in Public Science Engagement
Storytelling, standup comedy, and use of the arts are just some of the ways of mainstreaming science, according to a report about contemporary public science engagement. Read More
July 7, 2011 - Grantee News
Research on Benefits of Medicaid Enrollment
New research finds that expanding low-income adults' access to Medicaid substantially increases health care use, reduces financial strain on covered individuals, and improves their self-reported health and well-being. Read More
October 7, 2010 - Grantee Publications
Chicago's Public Housing Transformation
According to a new report by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Chicago's controversial efforts to overhaul its public housing have showed gradual improvement Read More
December 12, 2007 - Grantee News
Pathbreaking Series on Digital Media and Learning Released
The MIT Press today announced the publication of a new series on digital media and learning supported by MacArthur. Read More
December 12, 2007 - Speech
Remarks by Jonathan Fanton at the Announcement of MacArthur Series on Digital Media and Learning
MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton reviews new research on digital media and learning. Read More
June 19, 2007 - Commentary
Op-Ed by Jonathan Fanton: New Generations, New Media Challenges
In this Op-Ed published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton outlines how digital environments are changing the way young people learn. Read More
March 6, 2007 - Commentary
Interview with Jonathan Fanton on Democracy, Digital Learning, and Juvenile Justice in the 21st Century
Recently, Philanthropy News Digest spoke with MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton. Read More
October 19, 2006 - Speech
Remarks by Jonathan Fanton at the Launch of MacArthur's Digital Media and Learning Initiative, New York, NY
MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton announces a 5-year, $50 million initiative to investigate the role and impact of digital technology in the lives of young people. Read More
October 19, 2006 - Press Release
MacArthur Investing $50 Million In Digital Learning
MacArthur announced plans to build the emerging field of digital media and learning, committing $50 million over five years to the effort. Read More
October 19, 2006 - Grantee Publications
White Paper: Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century by Henry Jenkins
Henry Jenkins, Director of the Comparative Media Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology published this white paper that explores new frameworks and models for media literacy. Read More
April 14, 2006 - Press Release
MacArthur Invests $5.3 Million to Help Reduce Nuclear and Biological Weapons Dangers
MacArthur announced 12 grants totaling nearly $5.3 million to reduce the dangers posed by nuclear and biological weapons and materials. Read More
May 2, 2005 - Press Release
Exploring How Young People Use Digital Media and Potential for Improving Learning
MacArthur has announced two grants totaling $3.8 million in support of research to explore the effects of digital media on young people, particularly as it relates to learning and education. Read More
January 14, 2005 - Grantee Publications
Rethinking Global Security
Contents Containing the biological threat Cultivating a new generation of experts on science and security issues Director's Message Jefferson Science Fellows join State Department President's Message Working toward security in space Containing the biological ... Read More
August 18, 2003 - Press Release
MacArthur Launches $50 Million Science, Technology and Security Initiative
MacArthur will commit more than $50 million over the next six years to engage scientists and engineers at leading universities and research facilities in the U.S. and internationally in efforts to help reduce the threat ... Read More


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Struggle with sin?
This is controversial. That's your warning.
A few years ago I was reading through Romans in a very short period of time. I had never read it so quickly like that before. Something struck me as I got to chapter 7 that made me wonder if I was thinking heretical thoughts. What if, in Paul's famous, "I do what I do not want to do" passage, he wasn't talking about his struggle with sin as a Christian, but his struggle with the law as a Pharisee? Honestly, I kept this to myself for a good while since I was sure that I was either way off base or, at the very least, I would offend someone's theology.
This is the way this passage has been taught to me all my growing-up years: "You're always going to struggle with sin just like Paul did because of your sin nature. So, even though you may want to do right, you can't, you're just going to be naturally inclined to sin forever until you die." I'm sure many of you who are reading this have been taught the same way.
Let me propose a new perspective.
Chapter 7 starts off by talking about how laws only have a hold on someone until death. This is the, "till death do us part" that Paul is talking about in regards to marriage. If you're married to someone and they die, you are free to remarry without becoming an adulterer.
Then Paul continues, wanting to clarify that, although the Law highlights sin, it, in its self, is not evil. It just gives the opportunity for sin to show is total sin-ness. The Law invites sin to show its head so that it can be exposed, bringing the evil into the light.
Now, I'm no Greek scholar, but up until this point Paul is talking past-tense in all the translations I have been looking at. In verse 14, when he starts his "do what I do not want to do" craziness, he switches to present tense. So, of course, Paul is talking about himself, now, as a Christian. Right? Remember, he is talking about how the law and sin operate, hand in hand, to expose sin. He is still on the same subject and hasn't switched topics. Now, he is simply giving an example to illustrate his point of what it looks like to empower sin by living under the law. He uses himself as that example.
In verse 14 he says, "For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin." This is the message that has been preached in the church for many generations. "You are a slave to sin." Wait a minute… Can we back up for a second?
Chapter 6 verse 6.
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. (Bold-ifying mine)
So, which is it, Paul? Are we slave to sin or aren't we? What are you talking about?
Romans 6 verse 14.
For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6 verses 17 & 18.
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
Romans 6 verse 20.
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
Romans 6 verse 22.
But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.
How can we say that Paul is talking about his current condition as a believer?
Now, back to chapter 7 and our passage in question. Verse 16 says, "But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good." Here he is again adding to the example of the partnership between sin and the Law. Is he really applying the law to himself, as a believer, if a few verses earlier (verse 6) he said, "But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter."
Finally, Paul brings this all to a head when he says, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" He voices the frustration of trying to live under the law, and being unable to fulfill it and only empowering the sin to raise up within himself (Chapter 7:8-11). The more he tries to follow the law, the more sin is given opportunity to kill him. He is recognizing that he is powerless to fix himself and powerless to try harder to make things better. This very much sounds like the frustration of a Pharisee, living under the strictest laws and rules. This does not sound like someone under grace and free from the law, as he has clearly stated is the stance of all believers in Christ.
What is his solution then? Is freedom from the slavery of sin and the law found when we finally die and go to heaven? It is found when Jesus returns to earth? Is it found when he "raptures" us away so that we don't have to deal with the crap around us anymore?
No, the solution has already come. Romans 8 verses 1 through 4.
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
I want you to realize that many translations take the word "flesh" here and translate it as "sinful nature." This, I believe, is where our modern-day idea of this Christian sinful nature has come into play. Whether the word is flesh or sin nature, it doesn't matter, because we no longer live under that body of death.
Romans 8 verse 9.
You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
I contend that with all of this, it is not possible that Paul was talking about a Christian struggling with a sin nature, but rather a Pharisee struggling with the Law.
So, what's the point? Romans 8 verses 14 throught 17
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
You, if you have accepted Christ as Lord and savior, have been adopted. You are no longer a sinner, you are a son or a daughter of Abba. As such, we have an inheritance. Our expectation for the future is not a continuous sin struggle, it is suffering like Christ suffered for the lost and lowly and it is an expectation of glory.
Your past was sin. Your present is self-sacrificial love (and you can still choose to sin if you want to). Your future is glory.
If you haven't seen me in my new haircut, keep reading. I will make sure to post a picture. I have been in the military for nearly 9 years now. The craziest thing I have been able to do with my hair during that time is grow it out, un-touched, for a month (sometimes two) and let my facial hair grow wild in between drill weekends. I have grown fairly comfortable with my reserved, conservative, clean, non-rebellious, traditional hair.
So, why the mohawk off of a sudden? Well, for one, to celebrate being out of the military and free to do whatever I want with my hair now. But, as I was cutting it, I realized that there are a lot of underlying things here that have been an interesting and important process for me to think through and experience.
I would love to be able to say that I am not at all seeking attention with hair cut. I would hate to appear to be self-centered, attention-seeking and concerned about man's acceptance over God's (what my friends and I loving call the man-pleasing spirit). The truth is, though, that I am actually seeking attention. And, that's the hard part for me. It's not really the attention I want. I would rather be considered a brilliant theologian (I've got a way to go there), a respectable Elder, a mentor and leader in the church, a put-together young man, an experienced prayer counselor, a dignified teacher, or a mature husband and to-be father. But, this hair cut comes with certain assumptions that I have to be okay with. "Rebel", "Wild", "Immature", "Unstable", "Unintelligent", "Crazy", "Bold" (I like that one!), and "Insincere" are some of the terms that I could see easily being associated with this hair cut. Kind of crazy how many assumptions we can make about people based simply on their hair-style.
So, in fact, this hair cut thing is more of an attempt to kill the man-pleasing spirit than foster it.
Alas, I will have to cut the mohawk for my one last drill next month. Then… what? Anything I want to, that's what!
Okay, decided against a picture. This called for something more… something greater… something entirely inappropriate and hilarious! Enjoy:
Showers and progress
I have a rare treat for you: My own music video!… well, not really. It's more like me doing some continued work on my house put to some amazing music by Josh Garrels on his new remix EP. This entire album is free right now on his website by the way. Enjoy:


text:
Once upon a time, two college students met and fell in love at a salsa dancing class. It was sweet, quirky, and cute all at the same time. Here are some photos that depict how these two finally became a "happily ever after". All images were captured while assisting Joseph Jamello of Joseph Jamello Photography.
More Weddings


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Little Sprout™ Kids Long Sleeve T shirt Floral on Grey
Our long sleeve Ts are made in Canada with designer fabrics for your stylin' little.
These beautiful Ts coordinate with many of our Little Sprout pants and go perfect with jeans too!
- 95% cotton and 5% spandex
To avoid shrinkage wash on cold and hang to dry.
Made in Canada
C$19.59 In stock
Brand:Little Sprout
Type:T shirt
Country/Region of Manufacture:Canada
Shipping::Free within Canada
Gender:Boys / Neutral
Size 6-12 M (0) 12-18 M (0) 2 T (0) 3/4 T (0) 5/6 T (0) 7 Y (0) 8 Y (0) 9/10 Y (0)
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Atlantic General Hospital
Atlantic General Hospital, in partnership with Worcester County Public Schools and the Herschel S. Horowitz Center for Health Literacy at the University of Maryland, decided to tackle health literacy at the grassroots level. Under motivated leadership from all partners, a pilot curriculum was developed that integrated health messages into coursework already used by second grade teachers from an identified elementary school. Pre and post testing of student learning on instructed elements of health literacy yielded a significant increase in students' health literacy knowledge. This program is being expanded to include other grade levels in the 2014-2015 school year. Posted 2014.


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Growing in Grace: Prayer
A soldier in the middle of the battlefield. He radios in to his commander for strategy. The enemy is fierce and war is hell, but the solider knows that is commander is wise and will aid him in the fight. A bride who comes to her husband at the end of the day. It's been a rough 12 hours and she wants to share the burden with her loving spouse. A beggar approaching the wealthiest King in the world asking simply for some bread and wine. The popper has nothing to offer but his own incompetence and need, throwing himself completely on the mercy of his lord. A small child sitting on her father's lap. Safe in his arms, she chatters away because he loves her and protects her. The Bible gives us many different pictures of the doctrine of prayer.
Prayer is a multifaceted diamond that can be analyzed for ages and then turned slightly, only to find more undiscovered beauty. The text this morning is one of those pictures of prayer given to us by the Lord Jesus. Remember now, we're waist-deep in our series: Growing in Grace. We're taking these 1st 2 months of 2018 to thinking through sanctification together; how do we grow as Christians? Trusting Christ, joining a church, serving the church, these are all crucial components to growing in Christ. This morning we are considering prayer. You can only grow as a Christian if you're a praying Christian.
This parable in Luke 18.1-8 is an interesting pericope. It's interesting because we know exactly what it's about. So many of Jesus' parables are shrouded in mystery. They're inductive. He doesn't always reveal the meaning to us. That's why Christians have spent millennia debating the particulars of Lazarus and the rich man. But not this parable; Luke is kind to divulge its meaning right from the start. Verse 1 says, [a]nd he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. The point of the narrative is that Christians should always pray and never give up.
It's important to remember the context here in Luke's Gospel. Jesus had just spent verses 20-37 of chapter 17 teaching about the inaugurated nature of the Kingdom. The Kingdom is already here through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The kingdom of God is in the midst of you (vs 21). All of the OT promises to Israel have been fulfilled in the Christ event, but there is a "not yet" element to the Kingdom as well. A day is coming when Jesus Christ will return to raise the dead, judge the world, and make all things new. His coming will bring visible and final judgment to the enemies of God and salvation to his people.
And then we come to chapter 18. In the meantime Christians ought always to pray and never give up. Jesus says in verse 2, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man." Straight away we've figured out what kind of judge we're dealing with. As a 2nd Temple Jew, we would've known that this man is certainly not the protagonist. He neither feared God nor respected people. He's a living, breathing anti 10 commandments. In chapter 10 of Luke's Gospel, a lawyer asks Jesus how to gain eternal life. When Jesus asks him how he reads the law, the legal expert replied, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Jesus then affirms that if you do this, you will live. This judge, who was supposed to enforce the law, was a walking contradiction of the law.
And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' Notice that she has to keep coming to him. The implication is that he is continually ignoring her. Jesus doesn't give us the nature of her lawsuit, for it is not necessary to understand his point, but the bottom line is that she is being denied justice. There's not doubt that we've all got justice on our mind to one degree or another with the Larry Nasser conviction dominating the headlines. It's a national story, but it hits closer to home here in Michigan. We all know people who have attended or are currently attending MSU. Some of us even know girls who were patients of Nasser. Can you imagine if this story broke and a judge continually ignored these poor girls? Regardless of this widow's suit, she was being denied justice.
And then this unjust judge comes to a logical conclusion. For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.' For Christmas someone gave our boys a giant art kit. I'm talking one of these art kits with like 1,000 markers, crayons, pens, paint, etc. Jack and Alex have been bothering us for weeks now to open it and we have used every excuse in the book to keep it locked up, because, I mean, come on. Why would you buy this for my kids? If you buy my kids something that 1) makes noise, 2) has 1,000 pieces, or 3) needs to be assembled, I will pray imprecatory prayers against you. Anyway, after over a month of pestering, Jack finally broke us down, and we let them open it up last Friday.
This judge, even though he readily admits that he neither fears God nor respects people (he's basically an atheistic jerk), comes to the conclusion that his life will be easier if he just gives this widow her justice. She has been such a persistent pain in his butt that he would rather do the right thing than obey his personal creed of hate God and hate people. This widow was so steadfast in her nagging, so unwavering in her annoyance, so resolute in her irritation, so unyielding in her badgering that the judge finally gave her justice. This saint persevered; always pry and never give up.
And then Jesus says one of those Jesus things. "Hear what the unrighteous judge says;" We've got something to learn from this antagonist. We're not to draw the conclusion that God is similar to the judge, but we're to focus on the contrast. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? zWill he delay long over them? If this unjust judge, who hates God and people, if even he will give justice to this persistent widow, how much more will your heavenly Father. Will not God, who lovingly predestined his elect, will he not rejoice in justifying them? Jesus says, I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.
God loves justice because he is just. He is ultimately justice. Justice is just because it is measured against the very character and nature of God. And if this evil man will even give justice if he's pestered enough, will not the perfect loving God hear and answer the prayers of his elect? Jesus calls us to persevere in prayer. Notice that he assumes that we will experience injustice. Jesus assumes, because we live in a fallen world, that people will mistreat us, that we will get cancer, that natural disasters will destroy our homes. But he calls us to keep praying and never give up!
And then Jesus says, Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? Wow. What a buzz kill. Way to end a great story on a sour note, Jesus? What is he saying? Is he genuinely asking whether there will be any Christians when he returns? I don't think so. Jesus is clear in other places that the gates of hell will not stand against his church. His holy elect nation of priests will out last every worldly kingdom, including the current world power – the USA. What is Jesus saying? He's ending the parable by placing it in your lap. Do you have this kind of faith? Are you persevering in prayer, or do you give up too easily? How long do you pray for something before you assume that God doesn't care anymore? 1 week? 1 month? 1 year? Have you ever prayed for something for 10, 20, 50 years? Can God answer a prayer 50 years later?
Brothers and sisters, the call this morning is to keep praying and never give up. You grow as a Christian through prayer. Let me give you 3 practical tips that might help you if you've struggled to have consistent prayer in your life. First, make prayer a spiritual habit. It is a means of grace given by Christ to make you more like him, and you must practice prayer. That means praying when you don't want to, when you don't feel like you're on a spiritual high. One of our weaknesses as Protestants is that we value spontaneity, inconsistency, and feelings. We mock RCC for kneeling at specific times, responsive readings, and "doing the same thing over and over." And while their doctrine of justification by works is damning, their understanding of spiritual habit is commendable, I'd even say biblical. Jesus practiced the Jewish customs faithfully in his day, which required liturgical ceremony. Spiritual habits are helpful because they help us to inhabit the gospel story.
Praying only when you feel like praying will lead to an inconsistent prayer life. Don't trust your feelings, they are marred by sin. Make prayer a habit. Find a time every day to pray. Whether it's 1st thing in the am, or it's right before bed, or any time in between, make it a habit, so that you can train your heart to love prayer.
Second, pray out loud. We're used to this when we're praying with a group, but some of us may feel weird when we're alone. There's nothing wrong with praying in your mind, but it can be easier to get distracted. Pray out loud. View it as a conversation with God. It will help you stay focused, and you can actually end your prayer and not trail off into other thoughts.
Third, pray through substantial content. So often our prayers are dominated by us coming to God with requests. This is good and biblical, but ought not be exclusive. Martin Luther gives 3 helpful suggestions of content to pray through. (1) The Lord's Prayer: read through Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6 or Luke 11 and pray. I'm not advocating for mindlessly reciting the Lord's Prayer, but to pray it. Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name. Then meditate on God's holiness, his fatherly attributes, the glory of his name. Your kingdom come; thank God for the kingdom that has come in X and pray for conversions so that the population of the kingdom can grow. Pray through the Lord's Prayer.
Luther's 2nd suggestion is to pray through the 10 Commandments. Work through them 1 by 1 and praise God that there are no other gods other than him, that he can't be contained in an image, that his name is holy, that he has given us a Sabbath every Sunday morning at church. Pray through the 10 Commandments.
Luther's final suggestion is to pray through the Apostle's Creed. This great summary of biblical doctrine can aid you in meditating on truth about Christ. We believe in God the Father, we believe in Jesus X. I love that song. It causes me to worship. Try praying through the Apostle's Creed.
One final word of encouragement, prayer as a means of grace is not merely individual prayer. Prayer with the saints is just as important, if not more important than your personal prayer. That's why we dedicate so much time to prayer in our Sunday morning services. That's why we encourage every flock to spend time in prayer together. Even if you don't have time to study together in flocks, it's more important that you pray together than study. Prayer is a means of grace for God's people collectively, not just for each individual Christian. Give yourself to prayer with the saints.
Being a nagging old widow is just one aspect of a faithful prayer life, but Jesus encourages us here to be like her, for if even an unjust judge would finally justify her, how much more will our loving heavenly Father justify us? The great irony is that the one who told the parable of the widow's justice would receive injustice, so that we can be justified. Jesus persistently prayed that the cup of God's wrath would pass from him, but if it wasn't possible, your will be done. Jesus, who was the only just man who ever lived, received God's condemnation on the cross, so that we might be justified.
Because that's true, we can always pray and never give up. You will grow as a Christian through prayer. It is a means of God's grace to make you more like Jesus and prepare you for the new creation, where you'll speak with God face to face. Pray with the church; pray on your own. Pray. Whether you're a solider in the middle of a battle, a bride conversing with her husband, a popper begging for bread and wine, a small child sitting in her father's lap, or a widow nagging for justice, pray and never give up!