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About IECA
History of IECA
History of IECA
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) is a non-profit educational organization serving the worldwide erosion and sediment control industry. IECA is supported by individual memberships as well as corporate sponsors. Erosion control is a young industry, one that is evolving as a significant player in the environmental arena. And as the industry is maturing, so too is IECA.
In the Beginning There Was a Conference
IECA began more than 40 years ago in 1971 when a Washington state hydroseeding and tree service contractor, Mr. George Harrison, polled a group of contractors to determine if any interest existed for creating an erosion control contractor's group.
The result of his efforts was the first erosion control conference, held on January 15, 1972 in Portland, Oregon. Eleven contractors from four states attended, along with representatives from seven product and equipment supply companies. The total attendance was about 35 people.
This event was a historic one, for it established from the onset one of IECA's greatest strengths—bringing people together to solve problems. This first meeting addressed the pitfalls of the erosion control contracting business, which at that time was very much a young and raw business.
Creating an Association
The first conference concluded with a discussion of creating an association of erosion control specialists. The group agreed there was a need for such an association, and the creation of IECA was underway. Later that year, Mr. Gordon Christiansen of Western Processed Fibers added some important vision to the developing association. He promoted the idea that an entire industry should be involved, not just one segment such as contractors. Therefore, he urged that the membership should include a much broader range of professions.
Gordon and George collaborated to schedule the second conference, which was held in Oakland, California, September 2 & 3, 1972. Although the attendance was only 46 people, the group was diverse—including state highway personnel, utility companies, national park and forest service staff, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors. This diversity led to an immediate atmosphere of cooperation and enthusiasm, which grew stronger throughout the two day meeting. The small group's resolve grew steadily to create a single voice for all erosion control endeavors.
Formation of the National Erosion Control Association
Organizing committees were quickly formed and on November 20, 1972, today's leading erosion control association was born as the National Erosion Control Association. The first Board of Directors, under the leadership of the first President, George Harrison, quickly added more vision to the association by aspiring to include professionals from all over the world.
Original Goals
Collection and dissemination of information
Encouragement of research
Promotion of professional skills and education
Development of industry standards
Name Changes to Reflect Global Emphasis
On February 18, 1973, the association's name was officially changed to the International Erosion Control Association. The original filing documents included goals that IECA still follows today: the collection and dissemination of information; encouragement of research; promotion of professional skills and education; and the development of industry standards.
Early Growth
The leaders of the early years of IECA led with vision, despite a relatively small membership and an even smaller budget.
In 1974, the first IECA conference Proceedings were published.
In 1975, the Board discussed the utility of a directory of soil erosion control people as well as the development of a standard set of specifications to be used by all government agencies.
In 1976, the Board created the first IECA newsletter, the REPORT which served members through 1993.
The concept of an IECA Buyers Guide was explored in 1978.
In 1980, IECA was invited by Honorary Board Member Mauricio Porraz from Mexico City, to participate in the International Week of Engineering which was held in Mexico City. As a result, IECA created the Honorary International Director position to include Mr. Porraz and Clodaldo Gomes from Brazil.
Throughout the 1980s, IECA's activities focused primarily on its annual conference, whose venue gradually pushed eastward across the U.S. from Denver to Dallas to New Orleans and finally to Washington, D.C. in 1990.
In 1987, IECA adopted its first Long Range Strategic Plan and discussions began on the development of national and international chapters.
By 1988, state representatives were selected to initiate Chapter development.
1989 Breaks New Ground
1989 was a landmark year for IECA on several fronts. Internationally, IECA held two non-U.S. meetings. The annual conference and trade exposition was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and in an effort to develop a European Chapter, IECA held a symposium on soil erosion control in London, England. Two other historic events occurred this year including the formation of IECA's Committee on Standards and the publication of IECA's first Products & Services Directory.
Growth Accelerates in the 1990's
In decade of the 1990's, IECA emerged as the leading association for erosion and sediment control professionals. New programs, motivated leadership and a steadily growing membership base added depth and dimension to the world's best resource for erosion control information.
Today and Looking Into the Future
Today IECA is keeping pace with the demand for fast, convenient communications and technology transfer. Important announcements, documents and schedules can be easily retrieved by visiting IECA's website where membership applications, training course schedules, calendar of events, scholarship details, conference programs and useful industry and association news can be accessed. A searchable Member Directory links problems to solutions via the extensive expertise network of IECA. Members can also communicate with IECA using email, fax and phone.
Improved member management databases will enable IECA to link members to each other to solve specific problems. Technology sections will provide topic specific information and benefits. Specialized conferences will be held that focus on issue oriented topics—erosion control economics, performance standards, new regulations, design technology and more. Regional meetings will become more common including Chapter conferences and even regular conferences on all major continents.
A greater range of professional development courses are available, driven by member and industry needs. Training will occur internationally and offer multi-lingual education. A greater emphasis will also be placed on developing college level curriculums, field schools and research centers.
Performance standards will become a reality providing greater consistency and utility of erosion control technology for design professionals, manufacturers, regulators and contractors.
A foundation for member directed research and scholarship will shape future leaders and technology. A market reporting system will enable IECA to better profile the industry and provide valuable information for IECA business leaders.
IECA has pledged its continued compliance with the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) standard. This is a huge step for IECA's education and development. The goal is to eventually have all IECA education, including online training, vetted through the process and eligible for CEU credit.
IECA engenders a sense of belonging to its members. In turn, members are empowered to participate in a dynamic and exciting profession—and to help guide the association into the future. New frontiers of learning and problem solving await those who grasp the opportunities. IECA will continue to be the leading association for erosion and sediment control professionals around the world. Don't miss the journey!


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Exercitation ullamco laboris nis aliquip sed conseqrure dolorn repreh deris ptate velit ecepteur duis.
We're JTI, Japan Tobacco International and we believe in freedom. We think that the possibilities are limitless when you're free to choose. In fact, we've spent the last 20 years innovating, creating new and better products for our consumers to choose from. It's how we've grown to be present in 130 countries.
But our business isn't just business. Our business is our people. Their talent. Their potential. We believe when they're free to be themselves, grow, travel and develop, amazing things can happen for our business.
That's why our employees, from around the world, choose to be a part of JTI. It's why 9 out of 10 would recommend us to a friend. And why we've been awarded Global Top Employer status, six years running.
So when you're ready to choose a career you'll love, in a company you'll love, feel free to #JoinTheIdea.
Learn more: jti.com
- A competitive pay (together with annual bonus) and an attractive benefits package including medical care,
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- Wide variety of projects and tasks, ambitious goals and independence in achieving them
- Flexible working conditions
- Modern office in a convenient location
- Ownership of GBS R2R processes from the data collection to posting initiation and reporting in the area of General Ledger (IFRS and Statutory accounting and reporting, entity planning)
- Preparation of draft IFRS and Statutory reporting timely and in accordance with the IFRS and Local Accounting legislation
- Perform key account balances reconciliations such as accruals, accounts payables, prepayments, fixed assets, intangibles and intercompany balances
- Management of R2R master data for the entities within the cluster (CoA parameters, CC/PC, CIT codes, etc.)
- Execute J-SOX and Polish SOX controls
- Maintain detailed GBS transactional documentation for the market in charge and update it to ensure Core Services are executed in line with Corporate and market local accounting requirements
- Have an University degree (Accounting or Finance)
- A professional qualification of ACCA, CPA, etc. is a plus
- Knowledge of IFRS
- Min 2 years of experience in a multinational company (preferably in a Shared Service Centre multifunctional role (i.e. AR/AP/CM/GL))
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- Project management experience is a plus
- Knowledge of SAP (FI/CO SAP modules (SAP certification a plus)) and MS Applications
- Fluent English (written and spoken)
- High integrity and ability to work with different cultures, excellent communication skills


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Though much of the media focus has been on NBA decisions over the last few days, one thing that has slipped under the radar is the fact that the Big Ten will be opening a New York City office by June 1st. This comes in line with the Big Ten's new East Coast focus with the additions of Maryland and Rutgers over the summer.
This may not seem all that important, but it could go a long way to increase the Big Ten's presence in the nation's biggest city and help attract major recruits out of the area. Last year, the state of New York had 7 players ranked in the Top247 for basketball, yet just 1 (Mike Williams) committed to a Big Ten school (Rutgers). Perhaps that tide can shift in the coming years.
Here is the full statement released by the Big Ten:
Rosemont, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference announced it will open a second office in New York City to help serve the needs of its 14 member institutions. The Big Ten New York City office will be located at 900 Third Avenue and will be fully staffed and operational by June 1.
The office is located in Midtown Manhattan, with easy access to airports and other transportation, and will feature both office and meeting space. Three Big Ten staff members working in branding, championships, communications and compliance will be based in the New York City office to provide expanded coverage and service, while Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany and senior staff will maintain a presence in both the New York City office and the conference's current headquarters located in Rosemont, Ill. In addition, other conference and institutional administrators will utilize the space as necessary when conducting business on the East Coast. The Big Ten and its member institutions will also have access to satellite office space in Washington, D.C.
"We are excited to be on the East Coast and to open a second office in New York City," Delany said. "With the addition of Maryland and Rutgers, we have become a conference with a significant presence in two regions of the country. While the space will be utilized full time by Big Ten staff, it will also be open to our member institutions conducting business in the city. New York is one of the world's greatest cities, and this provides an opportunity for connecting with our many conference partners, media and alumni in that area."
"As we look forward to officially joining the Big Ten, we're thrilled that the conference has opened offices on the East Coast to strengthen the bond with our institution," Rutgers University President Robert L. Barchi said. "Rutgers University has a significant presence in New York City with alumni, students and business partners, and we're happy that the Big Ten and its member institutions will be joining us in the metropolitan area."
"The Big Ten has been a terrific partner as we have prepared to join the conference. The establishment of offices on the East Coast is just another example of their ongoing outreach efforts," University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh said. "The University of Maryland draws students from across the country and the world, but the region between College Park and New York City is especially important to us. We're glad that the Big Ten will have an expanded presence on the East Coast."
"Indiana University is thrilled that the Big Ten has given member institutions office space in New York City," Indiana University Director of Athletics Fred Glass said. "It is a strong display of commitment to our new members and a substantial investment in the eastern part of the conference's expanded footprint. New York has one of the largest concentrations of IU alumni in the country, and it is terrific that we now have a home base of operations in the nation's largest city."
"The Big Ten now stretches from the Atlantic Ocean across the Missouri River, and establishing a base of operations in New York City for all 14 institutions is a natural next step," Northwestern University Director of Athletics Jim Phillips said. "As a university with a large alumni population in New York, and one that recruits students, faculty and student-athletes from throughout the Northeast, we're very much looking forward to what will be a home-away-from-home in Manhattan."
The Big Ten has made a series of announcements highlighting the conference's increased presence on the East Coast, beginning with the addition of Maryland and Rutgers as future conference members in November 2012. Last June, the Big Ten announced the acceptance of Johns Hopkins University as the conference's first sport affiliate member for men's lacrosse and also announced an agreement to take part in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, sending conference football teams to play at Yankee Stadium on an annual basis.
Maryland and Rutgers are set to officially join the Big Ten on July 1, 2014, giving the conference more than 520,000 total students and 5.7 million living alumni. The broad-based athletic programs of the 14 institutions will feature almost 9,500 student-athletes on 350 teams in 43 different sports. With the debut of men's and women's lacrosse during the 2014-15 academic year, the Big Ten will sponsor 28 official sports. Maryland and Rutgers are already members of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, an academic consortium of Big Ten universities and the University of Chicago that is a model for effective and voluntary collaboration among top research universities. In 2012, Big Ten institutions produced over $9.5 billion in research expenditures.


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Dear colleagues,
It is our pleasure to announce the 5th International School-Conference on Catalysis for Young Scientists "Catalyst Design: From Molecular to Industrial Level" which will be held at N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry RAS (Moscow, Russia) on May 20-23, 2018. This event continues the established tradition since 2002.
The School-Conference is directed to young researchers, Ph.D. students and undergraduates involved in different fields of catalysis research. Catalysis is a fast developing multidisciplinary area facing the challenges of novel chemical technologies. This event will provide the students with approaches for acquiring a deep know-how and a strong background on the fundamentals of catalysis. The lectures of leading scientists will be focused on recent advances in the basics of preparation, characterization and modeling of new catalysts, catalytic systems and catalytic processes. Particular attention will be paid to the role of catalysis in fine organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and environmental protection - the research areas attracting much attention of modern scientific society. Participants will have a unique opportunity to discuss their own research with leading experts in various fields.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the School-Conference!
Organizing Committee


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Pandemic poverty and disease
Environmental degradation
The proliferation of weapons and violence
God's people and God's planet suffer;
God's people cannot remain silent.
Answer the Call
God's creation is in crisis. This beautiful natural world is a loving gift from God, the Creator of all things seen and unseen. God has entrusted its care to all of us, but we have turned our backs on God and on our responsibilities. Our neglect, selfishness, and pride have fostered poverty and disease, environmental degradation, and the proliferation of weapons and violence.
Despite these interconnected threats to life and hope, God's creative work continues. Despite the ways we all contribute to these problems, God still invites each one of us to participate in the work of renewal. We must begin the work of renewing creation by being renewed in our own hearts and minds. We cannot help the world until we change our way of being in it.
The bishops of The United Methodist Church urgently call all United Methodists and people of goodwill around the world to confront these global threats to God's good creation. How? Use this resource to raise awareness through worship and congregation-wide study; encourage individuals to get involved and respond to the call that leads to transforming change.
Death and destruction do not have the final word.
Will you participate in God's renewing work?
The Pastoral Letter – read aloud in worship, classes, gatherings, and at events
The Pastoral Letter for Liturgical Settings – the pastoral letter with congregational responses included, created especially for congregational worship
The Foundation Document – in-depth background on the urgent issues of our time that affect God's creation
Guide for Group Study – a six-week study guide for use with small groups of adults or older youth
Guide for Teachers of Children – ways to help children learn the joy and responsibility of caring for God's good creation
God's Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action is a pastoral letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church. Hopeandaction.org


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There is no shortage of resume writing advice - and some of the advice is contradictory. A good example pertains to the advice that resumes should be no more than 2 pages in length. While it is true that many hiring managers will look heavily at the 2 R's, the Recent and Relevant information; it is rarely viewed as a negative for technical people to have long resumes and include all of the detail about their earlier work.
For those with a long work history it is far better to focus on making the resume easier to read than to cut out important technical detail. For instance, you might consider using bullet points as this often makes resumes easier to scan quickly.
Another common technique used to help capture a lot of technical experience is to prepare a chart. For every technical skill that you have used you can convey your skill level, years of experience, and the year that it was last used. This typically helps the hiring managers see that you meet the minimum years of experience required for the job. Including a chart like this can sometimes make the difference in whether you are moved forward beyond the resume review step.


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The Battle Castle is in the south east of the Battle Frontier. The method of battling within this battle facility is that unlike the other facilities, your Pokťmon do not get healed.
As usual, there are three different selections you can go in with; Single or Double Battles & Wireless Mixed. Single allows for 3 on 3 and Double allows for 4 on 4. So if you have teams primed for each particular aspect, then feel free to use your prime selection here
Once you've made your Pokťmon selections, you can go on through where you get greeted by the Butler. Whenever you win battles in the battle castle, you earn Castle Points. As you cannot heal your Pokťmon, you can exchange the points here for certain perks for use only within this Battle Facility, heal your HP, PP or get an item. The better choices are worth much more Castle Points so its always best to save. The items you buy and the rank ups remain throughout your streak so you do not have to keep doing it after every 7 matches. You CP total also stays throughout your streak.
The options for your own Pokťmon are as follows. You also have the ability to check you're Pokťmon's current stats, hold item, HP & PP in this screen;Healing
There is also an option for you to to attach items to your Pokťmon for a C.P. As items are removed from your Pokemon as you go in, its good to get these for your best competitive strategy. First here are the rank ups for the Items & Berries combined;
You can also get specific items for use within the Battle Castle as well
|Opponent's Pokťmon
You also have the opportunity to see your opponent's Pokťmon and the specific stats regarding them. They also cost and are as follows
Once done, you go in and battle away. Like the other Battle Facilities, they are done in streaks of 7 before you can exit. Try to get the best streak you possibly can.
Battle Castle Frontier Brain
|First Battle
Once you reach a streak of 21 in the Battle Castle, when you go to have your 21sth Battle, you will be challenged by the Frontier Brain of the Battle Castle; Darach. His Pokťmon's level match your own. The team he has is not the strongest you will face, but based upon your past battles, if you do not spend CP to heal, you will struggle. Beat him and you get the Silver Medal
Continue in on the streak and continue to beat all the Pokťmon. Now you have the option to skip battles for 50CP, you may be able to get through it even quicker, should you earn points wisely anyway. As always, the trainers get stronger so you have to be prepared. Once you hit your 49th battle, Darach will re-appear. Beat him to get the Coloured Medal


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Google Earth is probably the most appreciated Google software and it's based on Keyhole, a commercial software that's now free. When it was acquired, Google said "with Keyhole, you can fly like a superhero from your computer at home to a street corner somewhere else in the world" and that's true. Google Earth allows you to view the world from your armchair, to discover secret corners and to explore dangerous places. It's like being Phileas Fogg from the famous book by Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days. But Google Earth is also valuable from a scientific perspective, as it creates a 3D interface for geographic information. Spiegel explains how Google Earth is changing the science and our life as well:
"Google Earth wasn't really intended for scientists. The Google search engine's extraordinary globe, which is made up of hundreds of thousands of satellite photos and aerial images, was initially meant as a game for virtual hobby pilots. Users discovered that it was fun to fly over their own homes, swing up into space and, within seconds, swoop back down into the depths of the Grand Canyon. But now the scientific community is discovering how useful the software is for their own work.
With a single keystroke, biologist Born superimposes colored maps over the Arctic. The maps show him where the ice sheet is getting thinner and the direction in which the pieces of floating ice on which walruses like to catch a ride are drifting. All of the ice data, which comes from satellites and measuring buoys, is available on the Internet. [...]
Google Earth played an unexpectedly useful role in the wake of last summer's disastrous flooding in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Within just a short time after the hurricane struck, Google Earth had already added 8,000 post-disaster aerial photographs of flooded areas taken by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA). The images allowed disaster relief workers to scan areas on the computer and search, for example, for passable roads."
Create running routes with Google Maps
New in Google Earth 4
Google Earth reveals Iran's nuclear sites
August 2, 2006
Google Earth Helps Science
Posted by Alex Chitu at 8/02/2006 12:08:00 PM
Labels: Google Earth
3 comments:
- AnonymousAugust 2, 2006 at 12:42 PM
Off-topic, do you know how I can add this site to my live.com page? I've tried everything.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 2, 2006 at 12:43 PM
Got it!!! Cool.ReplyDelete
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New Gear: Olympus PEN E-PL7 Interchangeable-Lens Compact Camera
A new sensor, improved connectivity, and Selfie Mode come to the PEN series cameras
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
The pre-Photokina camera announcement parade marches on today with Olympus E-PL7 interchangeable-lens compact camera.
The E-PL7 shares a lot with the E-PL6 that came before it, but it borrows the same 16.05-megapixel, Micro Four Thirds sensor and 3-axis VCM image stabilization found in the OM-D E-M10. The AF system has also gotten an upgrade, now using 81 AF points for what Olympus claims is their fastest autofocus system ever. If you want AF tracking, you can get roughly 3.5 fps, but if you don't need to track your subject, you can get 8 fps for up to 20 raw files.
While there are some performance upgrades, many of the updates seem to focus on sharing and, ahem, selfie capturing. The 3-inch, 1.04-million dot LCD flips down to face forward so taking selfless is easier. They even call it "Selfie Mode" because a shutter button appears on the touch screen to make it easier to get a shot of yourself.
Built-in Wifi also brings it expanded sharing and control capabilities. You can sync the camera with a smartphone by scanning a QR code on the camera's screen from inside the Image Share app. From there, you can control the camera, including some more advanced controls like a self-timer and interval shooting.
In addition to the new camera body, they're also announcing a black version of the M.Zuiko Digital 12mm F/2 lens For $799.
The E-PL7 will be available in late September (2014) for $699 if you want the kit (bundled with the 14-42mm F/3.5-5.6 zoom lens) or $599 for the body alone.
Overall, it seems like a pretty straight forward upgrade over the E-PL6. There's nothing really ground breaking happening, but the E-PL6 was an excellent little camera, so bringing it up to par on the Wifi and AF fronts seems like a worthwhile pursuit. We're looking forward to getting it in our test lab to see how it performs.
Full Press Release Below:
_CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 28, 2014 — Olympus makes it easier than ever to shoot and share your stories in brilliant detail with the new PEN E-PL7®, an interchangeable-lens camera in a portable, compact and lightweight body, with a premium design. Featuring a new 180-degree downward flip touch LCD, Selfie-dedicated mode and built-in Wi-Fi®, combined with the enhanced Olympus Image Share app (OI.ShareTM), the PEN E-PL7 gives users the power to easily upload and share images instantly using their mobile devices.
Outstanding Image Quality
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 features much of the same technology as Olympus's award-winning OM-D® line of cameras for a level of performance that rivals that of high-end interchangeable-lens cameras. The TruePic VII image processor combines with a 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor and M.ZUIKO® lenses to deliver beautiful image quality with high resolution, superior color reproduction and high sensitivity, all in a portable, compact and lightweight body, with the same high-level design and build quality of the PEN flagship, the E-P5.
The in-body 3-axis VCM image stabilization system is derived from the Olympus OM-D E-M10®. This powerful technology compensates for horizontal and vertical angular shifts (yam and pitch) as well as camera shake along the optical axis (roll) which is especially common in one-handed shooting scenarios._
_With the in-body image stabilization mechanism, camera shake can be prevented with any lens, allowing users to take beautiful, dynamic images, all the time.
The on-board FAST AF is Olympus's fastest-ever AF system and uses 81 points that cover the whole image. Small AF Target and Super Spot AF modes make it possible to zoom in and focus accurately on small sections of the frame. The E-PL7 is also capable of capturing high-speed action with 8fps sequential shooting, the fast processor supports continuous capture of up to 20 RAW frames or an unlimited number of JPEG frames, and the Continuous Auto Focus with Tracking mode accurately tracks and captures moving subject as fast as 3.5 fps.
One-Touch Self Portraits
The 3-inch, 1.04 million-dot high-definition touch LCD monitor automatically turns into a mirror display and activates into its "Selfie Mode" when tilted downward in the 180-degree position, perfect for one-touch selfies. The shutter-release button appears on the screen so subjects can frame the image appropriately, shooting one second after the button is touched, and capturing beautiful selfies that could not have been captured with a smart phone alone. Selfie interval shooting provides a fun way to capture images with a custom self-timer switching button that defaults to deliver three shots at one second intervals, giving subjects time to strike different poses. When an electronic zoom lens is attached, the zoom automatically adjusts to the wide-angle position so that the user can quickly take their shot, incorporating the background as well.
The E-PL7, paired with the bundled external flash, helps users take beautiful selfies against nighttime backgrounds, and e-Portrait can be activated with a single touch for more beautiful skin textures. iAuto has also been enhanced with selfies in mind: Portrait settings have been added to common scene modes to automatically detect 42 types of scenes to match the subject and optimize for the ideal image.
Easy Smart Phone Connection
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 includes built-in Wi-Fi, and connecting to a smart phone is simple. Using the Olympus Image Share app, along with a smart phone, and quickly scanning the QR code displayed on the camera's LCD, the smart phone syncs with the Wi-Fi network created by the camera. OI.Share shooting functions have evolved, making it possible to easily operate the custom self-timer for sequential and selfie interval shooting. Live View can be displayed on the smart phone, and the camera can be controlled by touching the smart phone display as if it were the camera itself, then users can send selected images to their smart device for immediate sharing on social media sites.
Expanded OI.Share Capability
OI.Share has been enhanced with a number of remote shooting functions to expand the use of a variety of selfie options. Settings for single, sequential high and sequential low switching button, as well as controls for the timer bar and interval shooting, can all be easily accessed remotely on the user's smart phone. A new movie button lets you quickly record a movie at customized settings, including customized time length for each movie clip. Live Bulb has been added to OI.Share, allowing users the ability to control and monitor the bulb photography process on a smart phone while the shutter is released. Images can also be geotagged through the OI.Share App, giving users a record of all of their adventures.
Camera Creativity
The PEN E-PL7 is equipped with several new creative features, including two new Art Filters. The "Vintage" art filter transfers everyday images into a photo that looks to have withstood the test of time, and "Partial Color" enables users to utilize an intuitive color ring to leave certain colors in an image while other colors are converted to monochrome to emphasize specific parts of a photo or subjects (18 colors are available). "Shade Effect" is a new art effect that adds bands of shadows on the left and right, or top and bottom of the image. Photo Story has also been expanded to include Layout mode for a photo album-style arrangement. "Panning" is a new scene mode that matches the E-PL7's movement to the subjects so users can track it for the optimal panning effect. And finally, a new movie effect, "Old Film Effect," records video to look like old movies shot on film by adding noise, scratches and dust effects.
For photographers who prefer composing their shots using an eyepiece, the E-PL7 is compatible with the optional high-definition VF-4 viewfinder that provides an impressive 1.48X magnification, a 2.36 million dot LCD, eye-detect to turn it on at the right time, and intuitive functionality that enables real-time viewing of shooting conditions.
New Micro Four Thirds® Lens and Accessories
Olympus is also introducing a black version of its popular M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12mm F2.0 lens. This high- speed, single-focal-length, wide-angle lens, which was previously only available in silver, is ideal foe shooting high-quality, dramatic landscapes and street scenes in low-light conditions. It has a beautiful full-metal body and a snap ring that enables photographers to pan focus with a distance indicator.
A genuine leather body jacket made especially for the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL7, the CS-45B, will also cover the camera's grip. In addition to the utility of protecting the camera body from damage, it also offers a robust feel, thanks to the luxuriousness and craftsmanship that comes with the use of genuine leather._
_The jacket is available in light brown, brown, and black, and matches the new Genuine Leather Lens Cover LS-60.5GL (compatible with the M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ lens) and is a great complement to the Genuine Leather Neck Strap CSS-S109LLII, which is already available. The special snap buttons are used to attach the jacket to the body, making the jacket smooth and easy to remove. The jacket can also be quickly removed when you want to use a tripod or insert or remove batteries or an SD card. You can also take selfies even with the jacket attached.
A waterproofing case optimized for the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL7, the PT-EP12, rated to handle water pressure down to 45m. works with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ, M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2.0, M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f1.8, M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f1.8, and M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f1.8.
Compatible with the external flash bundled with the E-PL7, you'll be ready for underwater photography with the PT-EP12. You can also now switch to underwater mode using the arrow pad, allowing you to concentrate on taking photos stress-free even underwater. An even greater variety of underwater photos can be taken if you use the Underwater Macro Converter PTMC-01 or the Underwater Wide Converter
PTWC-01, both of which can be attached directly. A brand new dedicated underwater flash, the UFL-3, operates with high-performance, is compact and reaches a guide number of GN22. With a charging time of approximately two seconds, this flash is pressure resistant to water at a depth of 75m. It's compatible with the wireless flash controller and is bundled with a dedicated diffuser. This is a next-generation all-in-
one underwater photography system that condenses all of the options needed for underwater shooting in a compact body.
A new lithium-ion battery BLS-50 with increased capacity, from 1150 mAh (BLS-5) to 1210 mAh (BLS-50), replaces the BLS-5. The BLS-50 is the same shape as the BLS-5 and can be used in Olympus models that support it.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 will be available in late September 2014 in the following configurations:
Estimated Street Price
$699.99 Body in Black or Silver with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42 mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens
$599.99 Body only in Black or Silver
Lens Pricing
$799.99 M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12mm f2.0 lens in Black
Accessory Pricing
$59.99 Body Jacket (Available in October)
$44.99 Leather Lens Jacket (Available in October)
$749.99 PT-EP12 Underwater Housing (Available in October)
$499.99 UFL-3 Underwater Flash (Available in October)_


text:
A Free Salvation
"Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."—Isaiah 55:1
You see, I have something to sell this evening, I have to invite you to come and buy that which, in the gospel will this night be proclaimed. Now, it is usual when persons have anything to sell, to exhibit the article, to describe its character, and speak of its excellencies, for until persons are made aware of the nature of that which you exhibit, it is not likely that they will be prepared to buy it. That shall be my first business this evening Then the man who has aught to sell, in the next place, endeavors to bring those who hear him up to the price at which he desires to sell. My business tonight is to bring you down to the price—"Come buy wine and milk without money and without price." I shall then conclude by addressing a few sentences of earnest persuasion to those who despise that glorious salvation which it is our privilege to preach, and turn away from those generous stipulations—"without money and without price."
I. In the first place, then, I have to preach, to-night, WINE AND MILK—"Come buy wine and milk." There we have a description of the gospel—wine that maketh glad the heart of man; milk, the one thing and the only thing in the world which contains all the essentials of life. The strongest man might live on milk, for in it. there is everything which is needed for the human frame—for bone, for sinew, for nerve, for muscle, for flesh—all is there. There you have a double description. The gospel is like wine which makes us glad. Let a man truly know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and he will be a happy man, and the deeper he drinks into the spirit of Christ, the more happy will he become. That religion which teaches misery to be a duty. is false upon the very face of it, for God, when he made the world, studied the happiness of his creatures. You cannot help thinking, as you see everything around you, that God has sedulously, with the most strict attention, sought ways of pleasing man. He has not just given us our absolute necessities, he has given us more, not simply the useful, but even the ornamental The flowers in the hedgerow, the stars in the sky, the beauties of nature, the hill and the valley—all these things were intended not merely because we needed them, but because God would show us how he loved us, and how anxious he was that we should be happy. Now, it is not likely that the God who made a happy world would send a miserable salvation. He who is a happy Creator will be a happy Redeemer, and those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious, can bear witness that the ways of religion "are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace." And if this life were all, if death were the burial of all our life, and if the shroud were the winding-sheet of eternity, still to be a Christian would be a bright and happy thing for it lights up this valley of tears, and fills the wells in the valley of Baca to the brim with streams of love and joy. The gospel then, is like wine. It is like milk, too, for there is everything in the gospel that you want. Do you want something to bear you up in trouble? It is in the gospel—"a very present help in time of trouble." Do you need something to nerve you for duty? There is grace all-sufficient for everything that God calls you to undergo or to accomplish. Do you need something to light up the eye of your hope? Oh! there are joy-flashes in the gospel that may make your eye flash back again the immortal fires of bliss. Do you want something to make you stand steadfast in the midst of temptation? In the gospel there is that that can make you immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. There is no passion, no affection, no thought, no wish, no power which the gospel has not filled to the very brim. The gospel was evidently meant for manhood; it is adapted to it in its every part. There is knowledge for the head; there is love for the heart; there is guidance for the foot. There is milk and wine, in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And I think there is another meaning in the two words "milk and wine." Wine, you know, is a rich thing, something that requires much time to manufacture. There has to be vintage and fermentation and preservation before wine can come to its full flavour. Now, the gospel is like that, it is an extraordinary thing for feast days; it gives a man power to use a vintage of thought, a fermentation of action, and a preservation of experience, till a man's piety comes forth like the sparkling wine that makes the heart leap with gladness. There is that, I say, in religion, that makes it an extraordinary thing, a thing for rare occasions, to be brought out when princes sit at the table. But milk is an ordinary thing; you get it every day, anywhere. If you just run out into the farm yard there it is; there is no preparation required. it is ready to the hand. it is an ordinary thing. So is it with the gospel: it is a thing for every day. I love the gospel on Sunday, but, blessed be God, it is a Monday gospel too. The gospel is a thing for the chapel, and it is a thing for the church, there it is like wine. But it is a thing for the farm yard, it is a thing which you may observe behind the plough, and hum behind the counter. The religion of Christ is a thing that will go with you into your shop, on to the Exchange, into the market, everywhere. It is like milk—an everyday dish—a thing which we may always have, and upon which we may always feast. Oh! thank heaven, there is wine for that high day when we shall see the Saviour face to face; there is wine for that dread day when we shall ford the stream of Jordan—wine that shall remove our fears and bid us sing in the midst of the dark billows of Death: but thanks be unto him, there is milk too—milk for everyday occurrences, for every-day actions, milk for us to drink as long as we live, and milk to cherish us till the last great day shall come.
Now, I think I have explained the figure in my text; but still some will say, "What is the gospel?" Well, the gospel, as I take it, can be looked at in various ways, but I will put it to night as this—the gospel is the preaching of a full, free, present, everlasting pardon to sinners through Jesus Christ's atoning blood. If I understand the gospel at all, it has in it a great deal more than this; but still this is the substance of it. I have to preach to night the great fact that while all have sinned, Christ hath died, and to all penitents who now confess their sins and put their trust in Christ, there is a full, free pardon—free in this respect, that you have nothing to do in order to get it. The meanest sin-stricken sinner has simply to pour out his plaintive griefs before God; that is all he asks. There is no fitness needed;—
"All the fitness he requireth,
Is to feel your need of him:
This he gives you;
'Tis his Spirit's rising beam."
There is no need to pass through years of penance, of hard labor, and of trial; the gospel is as free as the air you breathe. You do not pay for breathing; you do not pay for seeing the sunlight, nor for the water that flows in the river as you stoop to drink it in your thirst. So the gospel is free; nothing is to be done in order to get it. No merits need be brought in order to obtain it. There is free pardon for the chief of sinners through Jesus Christ's blood. But I said it was a full pardon, and so it is. When Christ does anything he never does it by halves. He is willing this night to blot out every sin and cleanse every iniquity of every soul present who is now prepared by God's grace to seek his mercy. If now, sinner, God hath put it in thine heart to seek him, the pardon which he is prepared to give thee, is a full one; not a pardon for a part of your sins, but for all at once:—
"Here's pardon for transgressions past,
It matters not how black their cast,
And, oh! my soul with wonder view,
For sins to come here's pardon too."
Here is pardon for your drunkenness, pardon for your oaths, pardon for your lust, pardon for your rebellion against heaven; for the sins of your youth and the sins of your old age, for the sins of the sanctuary and the sins of the brothel, or the tavern. Here is pardon for all sin, for "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." But again, the pardon we have to preach is a present pardon. If you feel your need of a Saviour, if now you are enabled to believe in Christ, you shall be pardoned now. Those who have ordinary hopes say they hope to be pardoned when they come to die. But, beloved, that is not the religion we preach. If you will now make confession of sin, now seek the Lord, you shall be pardoned now. It is possible for a man to have come in here with all his sins hanging about his neck like a millstone, enough to sink him lower than the lowest hell, and yet to go out of this door with every sin blotted out. If now he is enabled to believe on him, he may this night receive perfect pardon from the hand of God. The pardon of a sinner is not a thing done when he is dying, it is done when he is living—done now. And there be some here I trust, and they not a few, who can rejoice to night in the fact that they are pardoned. Oh! Is it not a magnificent thing for a man to be able to tread God's earth with this for a song in his mouth, "I am forgiven, I am forgiven; I am pardoned?" I think it is one of the sweetest songs in all the world—scarcely less sweet than that of the cherubim before the throne—
"Oh. how sweet to view the flowing
Of his soul redeeming blood!
With divine assurance knowing,
He has made my peace with God."
Oh! what would you give for such a salvation as this, ye mourning souls? It is preached to you without money and without price, and I am bidden to cry "Ho! ho! Every one that thirsteth; if you feel your need of Christ, if you are now ready to confess your sins, come and take it freely without money and without price." But the best remains for the last. The pardon which is proclaimed to-night, is not only a free, and full, and present, but it is a pardon that will last for ever. If the Queen pardons any one—grants a free pardon—it is impossible that man should be punished for the same offense. Very often, however, the Queen grants a reprieve that is not a full pardon. There are cases in which persons are so far pardoned, that they are not executed for the crime, but confined during Her Majesty's pleasure. Now, our Lord never does that; he makes a clean sweep of it: there is not one sin that he allows to remain. When he does wash a soul, he washes it whiter than the driven snow. God doth things perfectly. But the best of it is, that what he does once is done for ever. This is the very glory of the gospel. If you get pardon to-night, you are saved now, but you never shall be condemned. If a man believeth in Christ with all his heart, his salvation is secure beyond hazard; and I always look upon this as the very jewel of the crown of salvation, that it be irreversible. If I commit my soul into the hands of God,
"His honor is engaged to save
The meanest of his sheep.
All that his heavenly father gave
His hands securely keep.
Not death or hell shall e'er divide
His fav'rites from his breast;
In the dear bosom of their God
They must for ever rest."
God does not make you his child to-day, and turn you out to-morrow; he does not forgive you to-day, and then punish you the next day. As true as God is God, if thou gettest thy pardon to-night Christian, the earth may melt away just as a moment's foam dissolves into the wave that bears it and is lost for ever; the great universe may pass away and be like the hoar-frost before the morning sun; but thou never canst be condemned. As long as God is God, he who has got his pardon signed and sealed, is beyond the reach of harm. I would not preach any other—I dare not. It would not be worth your receiving, it would not be worth my taking the trouble to preach; but this is worth any man's having indeed, for it is a sure investment. He Who puts himself into the hands of Christ has a sure keeper, come what may—and there may come strong temptations and strong affections, and there may come strong pains and hard duties, but he that hath helped us bears us through, and makes us more than conquerors too. Oh! to be pardoned once, with the certain assurance that we shall be pardoned for ever, beyond the hazard of being cast away!
And now again, I will just preach this salvation, for this is the wine and milk which is proclaimed without money and without price. Beloved, all this is to be gained by faith in Christ—whosoever believeth in him who died upon the tree, and groaned away his life for us—shall never come into condemnation: he is passed from death unto life, and the love of God abideth in him.
II. And now, having thus exhibited the article, my next business is to BRING THE BIDDERS UP TO THE AUCTION BOX AND SELL IT. My difficulty is to bring you down to my price, as old Rowland said. He was preaching in a fair, and he heard a man selling his goods. "Ah!" said he, "as for those people over there, their difficulty is to bring people upto their price; whereas, my difficulty is to bring you down to my price."
Now, here is a gospel fully preached, without money and without price. Here comes some one up to the sacred desk, transformed for the moment into an auction box, and he cries, "I want to buy." What will you give for it? He holds out his hands, and he has such a handful; he has to lift up his very lap with more, for he can hardly hold all his good works. He has Ave-Marias and Paternosters without number, and all kinds of crossings with holy water, and bendings of the knee, and prostrations before the altar, and reverence of the host, and attending at the mass, and so on. In French, they call the mass the messe, and a mess it is and no mistake, but there are a great many people who trust in it; and when they come before God, they bring all these things as the ground of their reliance.
And so, Sir Romanist, you are coming to get salvation are you? and you have brought all this with you. Friend, I am sorry for thee, but thou must go away from the box with all thy performances, for it is "without money and without price," and until thou art prepared to come empty handed thou canst never have it. If thou hast anything of thine own thou canst not receive it. "But," says he, "I am no heretic. Am I not true to the Pope? Do I not make confession and get absolution, and pay my shilling?" Do you my friend? Then because you pay your shilling for it, it is good for nothing, for that which is good for something you can have "without money and without price." The light we pay for is a sickly thing, but that which we get from heaven for nothing, is the rich healthy light which makes the heart glad. So the pardon that comes from Christ is "without money and without price."
Then another comes up and says "I am glad you have served the Romanist like that. I hate the Church of Rome, I am a true Protestant, and desire to be saved." What have you brought, sir? "Oh, I have brought no Ave-Marias, no Paternosters; I abhor the names; I do not like those Latin names, not I. But I say the collect every Sunday; I am very attentive to my prayers I go to church almost as soon as the doors are open," or (if he is a Dissenter) "I go to chapel three times on the Sabbath. and I attend the prayer-meetings and beside that, I pay everybody twenty shillings in the pound. I had rather pay twenty-one shillings than nineteen. I would not like to hurt anybody. I do not tread upon a worm if I can help it, I am always liberal, and assist the poor when I can. I may make a little slip just now and then. I may turn aside a little; still, if I am not saved I do not know who will be. I am as good as my neighbors, and I think, sir, I certainly ought to be saved, for I have very few sins, and what few there are do not hurt other people; they hurt me more than any one else. Besides, they are mere trifles; only one or two days in the year I break loose, and a man must have a little amusement after all. I assure you I am one of the best, most honest, and sober, and religious people going." Well, my friend, I am sorry to hear you quarrelling with the Romanist, for I do not like to see twin brothers disagree. You are both of the same kith and kin, believe me, for the essence of Popery is salvation by works and ceremonies. You do not practice his works and ceremonies, but then you hope to be saved by your own, and you are just as bad as he. I will send you away; there is no salvation for you, for it is "without money and without price;" and as long as you bring these fine good works of yours you cannot have it. Mark, I do not find any fault with them, they are good enough in their place, but they won't do here to-night, and they won't do at the judgment bar of God. Practise those things as much as you like, they are good in their place. but still, in the matter of salvation you must leave them out, and come for it as poor guilty sinners and take it "without money and without price." Says one, "Do you find fault with good works?" Not at all. Suppose I see a man building a house, and he were fool enough to lay the foundation with chimney-pots. If I should say, "My dear man, I do not like these chimney-pots to be put into the foundation," you would not say I found fault with the chimney-pots, but that I found fault with the man for putting them in the wrong place. Let him put good solid masonry at the bottom, and then when the house is built he may put on as many chimney-pots as he likes. So with good works and ceremonies they will not do for a foundation. The foundation must be built of more solid stuff. Our hope must be built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, and when we have built a foundation with that, we may have as many good works as we like—the more the better. But for a foundation, good works are fickle and feeble things, and he that useth them will see his house totter to the ground.
But see another man. He is a long way off, and he says, "Sir, I am afraid to come; I could not come and make a bid for the salvation. Sir, I've got no larnin', I'm no scholard I can't read a book, I wish I could. My children go to Sunday-school; I wish there was such a thing in my time, I can't read, and its no use my hoping to go to heaven. I goes to church sometimes, but oh dear! it's no good; the man uses such long words I can't understand'em, and I goes to chapel sometimes, but I can't make it out. I knows a little of the hymns my child says, about
'Gentle Jesus meek and mild,'—and
'Oh! that will be joyful, when we meet to part no more.'
I wish they would preach like that, and then, maybe, I could make it out. But I'm no sholard, sir, and I don't think I can be saved." O my dear friend, you need not stand over there at the back. Come along with you. It wants no scholarship to go to heaven. The more you know the better it will be for you on earth no doubt, but it will be of no particular use to you in heaven. If you can "read your title clear to mansions in the skies," if you know enough to know yourself a lost sinner, and Christ a great Saviour, that is all you want to know to get to heaven. There is many a man in heaven that never read a letter on earth—many a man that could not, if his life depended on it, have signed his name, but was obliged to write a cross as "Tom Stiles's mark" and there he is among the brightest. Peter himself has not a brighter place than manly poor ignorant souls who looked to Jesus Christ, and were enlightened. I will tell you something to comfort you. Don't you know that Christ said, the poor had the gospel preached to them and besides that, he said, "Except a man be converted, and become as a little child, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven." What does that mean, but that we must believe the gospel like little children? A little child has not much learning: he just believes what he is told, and that is what you are to do. You are to believe what God tells you. He says, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. That is no hard thing, is it? You can believe that; and if you can, it you are destitute of all human knowledge, you shall without doubt, know hereafter what you know not now.
Now, I see a man come up to the stall, and he says, "Well, I will have salvation sir, I have made in my will provisions for the building of a church or two, and a few almshouses, I always devote a part of my substance to the cause of God; I always relieve the poor, and such-like; I have a pretty good share of money, and I take care not to hoard it up; I am generous and liberal, I try to set up poor trades-people, and so forth. Won't that carry me to heaven?" Well, I like you very much, and I wish there were more of your sort. There is nothing like generosity and liberality certainly, where it is exhibited towards the sick and the poor, the destitute and the ignorant, and in the cause of God; but if you bring these things as your hope of heaven, my dear friend, I must undeceive you. You cannot buy heaven with gold. Why, they pave the streets up there with it. Are we not told in the book of Revelation, that the streets of the city were all of pure gold like unto transparent glass. Why, if you had twenty thousand pounds you could not buy a flag-stone with it. Baron Rothschild could not buy a foot of heaven if he spent all his money for it. It is too precious a place to be bought with gold and silver. If all the wealth of the Indies could be shot out in order to buy one glimpse of heaven, it would be useless. There is no man that could get so much as a distant peep within its pearly gates for all the gold that heart could conceive or covetousness desire. It is given away for nothing. Christ will never sell it—never—because there is nothing that can be brought at all equal to its value. What Christ bought with bloodyou cannot buy with gold. He redeemed us not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with his precious blood; and there is no other price that can ever be allowed. Ah! my rich friend, you are just on a level with your poorest laborer. You may wear broadcloth, and he fustian, yet he has as good an opportunity of being saved as you. Ah! my lady, satin has no preference in heaven above calico or cotton.
"None are excluded hence but those who do themselves exclude."
Wealth makes distinction on earth, but no distinction at the cross of Christ. You must all come alike to the footstool of Jesus, or else not come at all. I knew a minister who told me he was once sent for to the dying bed of a Roman who was very well to do in the world, and she said, "Mr. Baxter, do you think when I get to heaven Betsy my servant will be there?" "Well," he said, "I don't know much about you, but Betsy will be there; for if I know any one who is a pious girl, it is she." "Well," said the lady, "don't you think there will be a little distinction? for I never could find it in my heart to sit down with a girl of that sort, she has no taste, no education, and I could not endure it. I think there ought to be a little difference." "Ah! you need not trouble yourself, madam," said he, "there will be a great distinction between you and Betsy, if you die in the temper in which you now are; but the distinction will be on the wrong side; for you will see her in Abraham's bosom, but you yourself will be cast out. As long as you have such pride in your heart, you can never enter into the kingdom of heaven." He spoke to her very plainly, and she was mightily offended. But I believe she preferred to be found out of heaven to submitting to sit with her servant Betsy. Let us respect rank and title here, if you please: but when we preach the gospel we know no such thing. If I preached to a congregation of kings, I would preach just the same gospel that I would preach to a congregation of clodhoppers. The king on his throne, and the queen in her palace, have no gospel different from you and me. However humble and obscure we may be there stands the gate of heaven wide open; there is the king's royal highway for us. The highway is as much for the poor man as for the rich man; so is the kingdom of heaven—"without money and without price."
Now I hear my friend the Calvinist over there say, "Well, I like that, but still I think I can come, and though I can say with you,—
'nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.'
Yet I can say this—I have had a deep experience, sir, I have been led to see the plague of my own heart, and I have felt a great deal. When I come to Christ I rely a great deal upon my feelings. I do not think you are right in calling all kinds of sinners to come to Christ, but you are right in calling me, for I am one of the right sort. I am one of the publican sort; I am pharisaical enough to think that; I think that I most certainly have a special commission to come, for I have such an experience that if I were to write my biography, you would say, 'This is a good experience; this man has a right to come to Christ.' " Well, friend, I am sorry to upset you, but I shall be compelled to do so. If you bring your experience to Christ when you come to him, you are as bad as the Romanist who brings his masses and Ave-Marias. I like your experience very well, if it be the work of God's grace in your heart, but if you bring it when you come to Christ, you put that before Christ, and it is an Anti-Christ. Away with it! away with it! When we have been preaching to poor sinners and tried to describe their state by nature and their feelings, I have been afraid after all, that we were fostering a spirit of self righteousness, and teaching our hearers to think that they must get certain feelings, before they can come to Christ. Let me just, if I can, preach the gospel in the broadest way possible, and that is the most truthful way. Christ wants your feelings no more than he does your money, and that is, not at all. If you want good experience you must come to Christ:—
"All the fitness he requireth, is to feel your need of him."
Yes, but stop—
"This he gives you, 'tis his Spirit's rising beam."
You are to come to Christ to get everything. You are not to say, "Well, I will believe first, and then come." No; go to Christ for faith. You must look to the cross even to get a sense of sin. We do not feel our sins so much before we see the cross, but we feel them most afterwards. We look to Christ first; then repentance flows from both our streaming eyes. Remember, if you go anywhere else to find a Saviour, you are on the wrong track. If you try to bring anything to Christ, to use a homely proverb, it is like bringing coals to Newcastle. He has plenty—he does not want any of yours, and what is more, as soon as he sees anything in your hands he will turn you straight away. He will have nothing to do with you until you can say—
"Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling."
I have heard of a negro who was convinced of sin, and at the same time his master was under conviction. The negro found peace with God, but the master was a long time seeking without any hope; and at last he said, "I cannot make out how it is that you found comfort so soon, and I cannot get it at all." So the negro after asking his master to excuse his speaking plainly, said, "Massa, I tink it is just dis. When Jesus say, 'Come along,' he say, 'I give you a righteousness dat cover you from head to foot.' I, poor negro, looks down at myself, covered all over wid filthy rags, and I say, 'Lord, clothe me, I am naked,'—and off go my rags. Now, massa, you not so bad as dat. When he say, 'Come along,' to you, you look at your coat, and you say, 'Well, it wants a little mending, but I fink it will wear a little longer. Dere is a great hole here, but a little darning and stitching will do it up again.' So, massa, you keep your old coat; you keep on darning and stitching, and you never get comfort. But if you would take it off, you would get comfort at once." That is just it, we will be trying to get something before we come to Christ.
Now I dare say in this congregation I have a hundred different phases of this singular fatuity of man—the desire to bring something to Christ. "Oh," says one "I would come to Christ, but I have been too great a sinner." Self again, sir; your being a great sinner has nothing to do with that. Christ is a great Saviour; and however great your sin, his mercy is greater than that. He invites you simply as a sinner. Be you big or little, he bids you come to him and take his salvation "without money and without price." Another says, "Ah! but I do not feel it enough." Self again. He does not ask you about your feelings he simply says, "Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth." "But, sir, I cannot pray." Self again. You are not to be saved by your prayers; you are to he saved by Christ, and your business is simply to look to Christ. he will help you to pray afterwards. You must begin at the right end by clinging only to his cross and trusting there. "But," says another "if I felt as So-and-so did." Self again. What business have you to talk so? Christ is where you are to look, not to self. "Yes," you say, "I think he would receive anybody but me." Please, who gave you any leave to think at all in the matter? Does he not say, "Him that cometh unto me I will in nowise cast out?" Why, you are thinking your soul into eternal ruin. Give up thinking, and believe. Are your thoughts as God's thoughts? Remember, his thoughts are as much higher than yours as heaven is higher than earth "But," says one, "I have sought him and I have not found him." Dear friend, can you truly say that you have come to Christ with nothing in your hand, and have looked alone to him, and yet he has cast you away? Do you dare to say that? No, if God's Word be true, and you are true, you cannot say that. Ah! I remember how that struck my heart when I heard my mother say it once. I had been some years seeking Christ, and I never could believe he would save me. She said she had heard many people swear and blaspheme God, but one thing she had never heard—she had never heard a man say he had sought Christ, and Christ had rejected him. "And," said she, "I do not believe that God would permit any man to live to say that." Well, I thought I could say it; I thought I had sought him, and he had cast me away, and I determined I would say it, even if it destroyed my soul: I would speak what I thought was the truth. But, I said to myself, "I will try once more" and I went to the Master, with nothing of my own, casting myself simply on his mercy; and I believed that he died for me:—and I have never said that, and blessed be his holy name, I know I never shall. Nor will you. Oh, do try him.
"Make but a trial of his love;
Experience will decide
How blest are they, and only they,
Who in his love confide."
If you will come down to this price, and take Christ for nothing, just as he is, "without money and without price," you shall not find him a hard Master.
III. Now, I have to use a FEW ARGUMENTS with you, and may God apply them to your hearts! I would first speak to some of you who never think about these things at all. You have come here to hear the Word today, because it is preached in a strange place; otherwise you might not have been in the house of God at all. Very seldom you vex yourselves with religious questions; you do not ask yourselves many questions about it, because you feel it would be an awkward thing for you if you were to think much of religion, you feel there would be a necessity for a change of life in you, for thoughts about religion and your present habits would not suit well together. My dear friends, bear with me a moment if I press you very much home. Did you ever hear of the ostrich? When the hunter pursues it, the poor silly bird flies away as fast as it can, and when it sees that there is no way of escape, what do you suppose it does? It buries its head in the sand, and then thinks it is safe, because it shuts its eyes and cannot see. Is not that just what you are doing? Conscience won't let you rest, and what you are trying to do is to bury it. You bury your head in the sand; you do not like to think. Ah! if we could bring men to think, what a wonderful thing we should have done! That is one of the things, sinner, that, without Christ, you dare not do. Do you think? We have heard of men afraid to be alone half an hour because of thoughts too terrible for them. I challenge any of you without God, to spend one hour on that heath, or in this balcony, or in your own house at home, and just chew these thoughts, masticate them—"I am an enemy to God, my sins are not forgiven; if I die to-night, I am damned to all eternity; I have never sought Christ, and never found him to be mine." I defy you to keep at that an hour. You dare not, you would be afraid of your shadow. The only way sinners can be happy is by thoughtlessness. They say, "Cover it up; bury my dead out of my sight." They put such thoughts away. Now is this wise? Is there anything in religion? If not, it will be consistent in you to deny it; but if this Bible is true, if you have a soul that is to live for ever, is it rational, is it sensible, is it prudent, to be neglecting your eternal soul? If you suffered your bodies to starve, you would not want much argument, would you, to induce you to eat? But here is your soul perishing, and yet no mortal tongue can persuade you to attend to that. Ah! is it not strange that men are going to live for ever in eternity, and yet they have never provided for it. I have heard of a certain king who had a fool in his court, who made a great many merry jests, and the king gave him a stick, and said, "Keep that till you find a bigger fool than yourself." At last the king came to die, and when he lay a-dying, the jester came to him and said, "Master, what is the matter?" "I am going to died said the king." "Going to die—where's that?" "I am going to die, man, don't laugh at me now." "How long are you going to be there?" "Well, where I am going I shall live for ever." "Have you got a house there?" "No." "Have you made any preparation for the journey?" "No." "Have you got any provision whatever, as you are going to live there such a long time?" "No." "There, take the stick; fool as I am, I have made preparation. I am not such a fool as to have to live in a place where I have not got a house." Christ has prepared for his people a mansion in heaven. There was much wisdom in the jester's language. Let me speak to you, even though it be in his language, but very seriously. If men are to live for ever in heaven, is it not a strange, wild, frantic freak of intolerant madness, that they never think of the world to come. To-day they think, but for ever—they put that away. Time, and its poor baubles and its toys do fill the heart; but eternity—that hill without a summit, that sea without a shore, that river without an end, over which they are to sail for ever—they never think of that. Will you pause a moment and recollect that you have to sail for ever, and you must sail o'er the burning waves of hell, or else o'er sparkling streams of glory. Which shall it be with you? You will have to consider this soon. Before many days, and months, and years are gone, God will say to you "Prepare to meet thy God," and it may be that the summons shall come to you Then you are in the death struggle when the stream of Jordan is chilling your blood, and your heart is sunken within you by reason of fear. And what will you do then? What wilt thou do in the swellings of sin in the day when thou art spoiled? What shalt thou do when God shall bring thee into judgment?
And I have now the pleasing task of closing by addressing men of another character: Ah! friend; you are not careless. You have many thoughts, and they pain you; but, although you would be glad to get rid of them, you would be afraid to do so. You can say, "Oh! I do feel it were well for me if I could rejoice in Christ—I do feel I should be happy if I could be converted." Friend, I am glad to hear thee say so. Where God has put the work of an impressed heart, I do not think he will leave it till he has finished. Now, I want to speak to you very seriously to-night, but for a minute. You do feel your need of a Saviour. Remember, Christ died for you. Believe that—will you? There he hangs upon his cross, dying; look into his face, it is full of love, it is melting with forgiveness; his lips are moving, and he says, "Father forgive them." Will you look to him? Can you hear him say it, and yet turn away? All he asks you is simply to look, and that look will save you. You do feel your need of a Saviour; you know you are a sinner. Why tarry? Do not say you are unworthy. Remember, he died for the unworthy. Do not say he will not save you. Remember, he died for the devil's castaways; the very dram and scum of the world Christ has redeemed. Look at him. Can you look at him and not believe him? Can you see the blood streaming from his shoulders, and trickling from his hands and side, and not believe him? Oh! by him that liveth and was dead, and is alive for evermore, I entreat you to believe on the Lord Jesus; for thus is it written, "He that believeth on the Lord Jesus, and is baptized, shall be saved."
Once when Rowland Hill was preaching, Lady Ann Erskine happened to be driving by: she was in the outer ring of the circle, and she asked the coachman, what all the people were there for. He replied, "They are going to hear Rowland Hill." Well, she had heard a great deal about this strange man, accounted to be the very wildest of preachers, and so she drew near. No sooner did Rowland Hill see her, than he said, "Come, I am going to have an auction, I am going to sell Lady Ann Erskine." (She of course stopped, and she wondered how she was going to be disposed of.) "Who will buy here " Up comes the world. "What will you give for her?" "I will give her all the pomps and vanities of this present life; she shall be a happy woman here she shall be very rich, she shall have many admirers, she shall go through this world with many joys." "You shall not have her; her soul is an everlasting thing; it is a poor price you are offering, you are only giving a little and what shall it profit her if she gain the whole world and lose her own soul? Here comes another purchaser—here is the devil. "What will you give for her." "Well" says he, "I will let her enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, she shall indulge in everything her heart shall set itself unto; she shall have everything to delight the eye and the ear; she shall indulge in every sin and vice that can possibly give a transcient pleasure." Ah! Satan, what will you do for her for ever? You shall not have her, for I know what you are; you would give a paltry price for her, and then destroy her soul to all eternity. But, here comes another—I know him—it is the Lord Jesus. "What will you give for her?" Says he, "It is not what I will give, it is what I have given; I have given my life, my blood for her; I have bought her with a price, and I will give her heaven for ever and ever; I will give her grace in her heart now and glory throughout eternity."
"O Lord, Jesus Christ," said Rowland Hill, "thou shalt have her. Lady Ann Erskine, do you demur to the bargain?" She was fairly caught; there was no answer that could be given. "It is done," he said, "it is done; you are the Saviour's; I have betrothed you unto him; never break that contract." And she never did. From that time forth, from being a gay and volatile woman she became one of the most serious persons, one of the greatest supporters of the truth of the gospel in those times, and died in a glorious and certain hope of entering the kingdom of heaven. I would be well pleased if I might make a match of some of you this night; if you would now say, "Lord, I will have thee," Christ is ready. If he has made you ready he is never behind hand himself. Whosoever is willing to have Christ, Christ is willing to have him. What sayest thou? wilt thou go with this man? If thou sayest "Ay," God bless thee! Christ saith "Ay" too, and thou art saved, saved now, saved for ever!


text: Von Morris is a manufacturer of extraordinary architectural hardware including specially designed suited trim, knobs, levers, rosettes, turn piece trim, collars, push plates, specialty locks, hinges, and hardware accessories. The suited trim line consists of Art Deco, Bamboo, Beaded, Ribbon and Reed, Moorestown, and Weave styles. Specialty locks for many uses include cremone bolt locks, screen door locks, deadbolts, mortise locks and pocket door locks. Hinge styles include brass full mortise, olive knuckle, paumelle and cabinet hinges. Hardware accessories include handrail brackets, bolts, and door hardware. Products are offered in thirty available finishes.


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|Thread Tools
|3rd March 2005, 15:02
Join Date: May 2002
Location: 7090/Belgium
Posts: 79,019
More and More Software Being Tailored for 64-bit, Says Intel
With microprocessors that can execute both 32-bit and 64-bit code natively available in mass quantities, their volumes growing, pricing declining and software that takes advantage of 64-bit execution emerging the industry seems to be ready for massive transition to 64-bit computing.
According to an Intel Corp.s presentation at Intel Developer Forum Spring 2005 major software and hardware companies are either ready with their x86 64-bit capable applications or committed to deliver them relatively shortly. Among the mentioned are Ample Communications, ATI Technologies, Cakewalk, Emulex, HP, IBM, Dell, Hyperion, Microsoft, Micro Focus, Mellanox Technologies, Marvell, LSI Logic, NVIDIA Corp., Qlogic, Red Hat, TimesTen, Softimage, Transitive and UGS. Additionally, there are other software companies that expressed interest to support x86-64 platforms about two years ago.
But the main catalyst for 64-bit transition is Microsofts 64-bit Windows XP operating system possibly due next month. According to the exec of Microsoft, the company aims to ship desktop/workstation version of Windows XP Professional x64 in early April, 2005, with x86-64 flavour of Windows Server 2003 leaving the building in Redmond, Washington in late April, 2005.
According to Microsofts Jim Allchin, x64 native apps can bring more than 35% performance gain for applications, while the Windows XP x64 can even accelerate 32-bit software by 15% - 30%.
While the worlds top software maker is not usually accurate with release dates for its upcoming products, the statement concerning 64-bit desktop and server OS gives some backing to Intels recently announced desktop chips that support 64-bit capability. Besides that Microsofts representative also applauded Intels forthcoming innovations multi-core processors as well as virtualization technology.
Microsoft originally planned to release its operating systems (OSes) for computers powered by x86 processors with 64-bit capability in late 2003 or early 2004. However, in mid-October 2003 the worlds largest software maker said it would only be in a position to ship the new products only in Q4 2004. April, 2005, release would put the final launch of Microsofts x64-64 operating systems into Q2 2005.
Microsoft and its products have historically been a major driving force for technology progress. In the past, the new versions of the companys operating systems encouraged customers to switch to newer hardware. In case this happens with the OS update that does not exactly bring any tangible benefits for end-users just now, both Advanced Micro Devices, who pioneered the x86-64 technology back in 2000, and Intel Corp., who recently unveiled a lineup of IA32 64-bit products, may enjoy an uptick in microprocessor sales, which may also catalyze higher demand for hardware from other makers.
|Thread Tools


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An English driver has beaten a 98 MPH speed camera ticket by re-purchasing his Honda Civic and paying a firm to test the vehicle. The Civic's top speed as tested? 85 MPH.
21-year-old Dale Lyle was shocked to receive the ticket for going 98 MPH in the mail not only because he has a perfect driving record and no longer owned the car in question anymore, but because his 1.3-liter Honda Civic could barely get up to highway speed, much less do nearly 100 MPH.
The penalty for the ticket could have been a fine of as much as $1,400 and a six-month driving ban.
Dale told the Daily Mail, "'I've never driven my car over the speed limit, let alone at 98mph. It's such a small car I wouldn't feel safe."
Determined to beat the charge, Dan took out a loan to buy the Civic back from his friend, then turned it over to an independent expert who verified the Civic's 85 MPH top speed on Millbrook's high-speed banked oval. The same one used in many Top Gear episodes.
Presented with the results, the Crown Prosecution Service had no choice but to drop the case. Dale will now seek compensation for the $1,700 and many hours of his own time that it took to prove his innocence.
Dale's advice to other motorists? "The video evidence the CPS sent me was just appalling. They are just picking on innocent motorists. It makes you wonder how many people say, "Fine, give me the points", when they are not guilty." Fight the power, Dale. [via The Daily Mail]


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A Video of Total Emotional Breakdown Caused By Police Harassment
Many videos, from Rodney King onwards, have captured the physical violence of police brutality. Rarer is a video that captures the psychological trauma of someone suffering a complete emotional breakdown in the face of police harassment.
The video below popped up on Facebook yesterday, and has already been shared thousands of times. It shows a man who, according to the person recording the video, was pulled off of a bus in the Bronx by police. He's seated on a low wall, and two cops are questioning him, while holding onto his chest. He protests that he has a bus ticket and an ID, and that he has been stopped for no reason. (The cameraman says this is true, for what it's worth.)
The man grows more and more upset that the police refuse to take their hands off him. Eventually, he tries to stand up. More cops appear, and he is tackled to the ground, protesting his innocence the entire time.
One can argue about what may have happened before the video began, or that the man should not have tried to stand up. But what is undeniable is the raw psychological pain of a man who just wanted to ride the bus, and has now been pushed past the limit of what he can tolerate. The video is painful to watch. How many incidents of police harassment had to happen in the past for this man to reach his breaking point on that Bronx sidewalk?
[There was a video here]
[Photo: AP]


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Feast: October 1
Born at Staves in the county of Namur, towards the end of the ninth century; died at Brogne or St-Gérard, 3 Oct. 959. Related to the family of dukes of Lower Austrasia and to Stephen, Bishop of Liège (not clear whether he was a Saint as well, but one assumes so!), the young Gérard, followed at first the career of arms. His piety, however, was admirable amid the distractions of camp. He transformed into a large church a modest chapel situated on the estate of Brogne which belonged to his family. About 917, he went to live at the Abbey of St-Denis, where he was so struck by the deifying lives of the monks that, at the conclusion of his work there, with the consent of the Count of Namur(his employer) and Bishop Stephen, he returned to St-Denis, took the religious habit, and after eleven years was ordained priest. He then requested to be allowed to return to Brogne, where he replaced the lax clerics with monks animated by a true religious spirit. Thereupon he himself retired to a cell near the monastery for more austere mortification. From this retreat he was summoned by the Archbishop of Cambrai who confided to him the direction of the community of St-Ghislain in Hainault. Here also he established monks instead of the canons, whose conduct had ceased to be exemplary, and he enforced the strictest monastic discipline. Gradually he became superior of eighteen other abbeys,and through his efforts the Order of St. Benedict was soon completely restored throughout this region. Weighed down by age and infirmities, he placed vicars or abbots in his stead, in the various abbeys with which he was charged, and retired to that of Brogne. He still had courage to take a journey to Rome in order to obtain a Bull confirming the privileges of that abbey. On his return he paid a final visit to all the communities which he had reorganized, and then awaited death at Brogne. His body is still preserved at Brogne, now commonly calledSt-Gérard.
Reflections: Today's readings, point to great historical moments in our Faith history. Moments driven by the vision of great men with a deep deep love for God. I feel that these days, we seem to be heading towards another one of those great moments of historical transition thanks to our Pope. He and St Gerard seem to share some traits in common. Both seem(ed) committed to their vision, and are (were) wiling to labor for it until the end. You can feel History being made by both figures, as they quietly -or in Francis's case sometimes, rather loudly- pave the way for small, but important reform.
This same historical mood of importance is captured in Nehemiah, as Ezra and Nehemiah work to restore, not only the dwelling place of the Israelites who have just returned from exile, but their entire faith. There are a lot of poignant moments as the people gather as one to hear the Words of the Lord. They are absorbed by the teachings, moved to tear by their own failings to live out these precepts, and finally told that they should not be grieved for 'the Joy of the Lord is their strength'. This is a powerful message for us today as well. We some times get caught up in the bleakness of our world, with intolerance and hatred always spreading in the world, from Quebec to the Middle East and beyond, with our environment deteriorating every year, and more social problems than we could ever know what to deal with. Yet, in the midst of this, is the spirit of God who rejoices at the small victories in our lives. God's joy, IS our strength.
Finally, we have Jesus, sending his disciples and others on their own for the first time. It's a powerful moment. Unfortuantely, it takes a negative turn near the end, as those who don't receive the Gospel, the good news, are basically cursed. Fortunately, It seems these days, Pope Francis is focusing more on God's deep joy and affection for us, more than he is the condemnation we see in the Gospel reading. He'd probably tell us 'don't focus on the condemnation...focus on the 72, going out into the world with God's fire in their heart. That moment is a moment of great faith for all of us to learn from.' It's not always easy to face the journey ahead, especially one that embraces humility and poverty, but we must trust that God's Joy, and consequently, God's strength will overcome all our fears.
Nehemiah 8: 1 - 12
1And all the people gathered as one into the square before the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the LORD had given to Israel.2And Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month.3And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.4And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden pulpit which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithi'ah, Shema, Anai'ah, Uri'ah, Hilki'ah, and Ma-asei'ah on his right hand; and Pedai'ah, Mish'a-el, Malchi'jah, Hashum, Hash-bad'danah, Zechari'ah, and Meshul'lam on his left hand.5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people; and when he opened it all the people stood.6And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God; and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.7Also Jesh'ua, Bani, Sherebi'ah, Jamin, Akkub, Shab'bethai, Hodi'ah, Ma-asei'ah, Keli'ta, Azari'ah, Jo'zabad, Hanan, Pelai'ah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places.8And they read from the book, from the law of God, clearly; and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.9And Nehemi'ah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law.10Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."11So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved."12And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
|Psalms 19: 8 - 11
|the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
|the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
|More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
|Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Luke 10: 1 - 12
1After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come.2And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.3Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.4Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road.5Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!'6And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you.7And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house.8Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you;9heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.'10But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say,11`Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.'12I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town.