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The Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) that Macedonia and the European Union are going to sign on April 9 in Luxembourg was presented Friday to the Macedonian Parliament Commission for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration by Macedonian Foreign Minister Srgjan Kerim and Vice-Premier Zoran Krstevski. The session was also attended by representatives of the EU member countries and of the Macedonian institutions. The Stabilization and Association Agreement is a historic chance for Macedonia to join the European family. By this Agreement Macedonia and EU create a synthesis of its partnership and presents Macedonia's strategic interest in its efforts to get closer to the EU. The Agreement is significant for prevention of the stability and improvement of democracy and interethnic relations. It is also a proof that the EU and all other international factors consider Macedonia as friend and partner, not as a case.
"The forthcoming signing of SAA is a historic act and finalization of the main preoccupation of Macedonia for getting closer to Europe," Kerim said, adding that there was a general and national consensus on the need Macedonia to become part of the EU. According to him, the Agreement directions are basically the three pillars of the Macedonian foreign policy - good neighborly relations, regional cooperation and getting closer to the EU. Pointing out that Macedonia completed the negotiations for signing of the Agreement for a very short time, Kerim said the stabilization was mentioned only as EU need to have stabilized situation in the region, which would enable a beginning of regional cooperation. "The association is essential for Macedonia's approach to the EU, as the country will acquire the EU association status on April 9. Such a status is the last and decisive step to full EU membership, " Kerim said. Considering the Balkan environment and the decade of wars, a new generation of agreements between EU and the countries in the region was necessary, Kerim said, underlying that Macedonia would be a first country form the region to sign the Agreement as a result of its own achievements. "April 9 is the day when Macedonia and the EU will create a synthesis of its partnership, Kerim said, adding it would open perspectives and obligations for Macedonia. In that respect, he pointed out the necessity for carrying out reforms in Macedonia, so that the country would have more efficient economy, attract more foreign capital and strengthen its fragile democracy. "Therefore, Macedonia is trying to create a European region from the area "Mala Prespa", including the Greek and Albanian parts," Kerim said, pointing out that projects with European content should be developed. Kerim also referred to the actions of the extremist groups on Macedonian territory, saying they were an attempt to threaten not only the security but also the interethnic coexistence in the country. The attempt could have had deep consequences, if not prevented by political, diplomatic and security means, Kerim said. "If we had not succeeded, I believe that signing of SAA would have been postponed, which most probably was someone's wish. But the EU reacted as a true partner, trusting in Macedonia's credit it has created for the last 10 years investing in democracy, interethnic relations, human and minority rights, shortly in the European standards, " Kerim said. "What we have achieved for the last few weeks, is not a victory in a battle against extremists and terrorists but defense of the European standards," Kerim said. Referring to the Macedonian Government efforts to improve the interethnic relations, Kerim said it would be done not because of the shootouts in the mountains but because of the desire of the Governmental coalition and of all parliamentary parties to do something more for the coexistence in the country in close cooperation with the international institutions, such as EU, Council of Europe and OSCE, i.e. to provide financial resources for the Southeast Europe University in Tetovo, to establish the Macedonian TV third channel, which is to broadcast programs in the national minorities' languages and to improve the position of local self-government, Finally, he announced the restructuring of the security forces, which would replace the army in border control. "All of the mentioned projects are part of the SAA implementation, and above all part of Macedonia's goal, determined by its basic policy in these spheres," Kerim said. He also expressed hope that the Agreement ratifying procedure would be completed in a very short time.
Macedonian Vice-Prime Minister Zoran Krstevski said in his address to the members of the Commission for Euro-Atlantic integration that the Association and Stabilization Agreement is a strategic interest for the Republic of Macedonia in regard to its efforts for approach and integration in the EU. He pointed out that the relations between Macedonia and EU at this moment are regulated by the Agreement for cooperation, which became operational on January 1, 1998, as well as with the agreements for transport and textile. "Crown in the relations between Macedonia and EU is the signing of the Association and Stabilization Agreement," he stressed, adding that with this agreement, Macedonia joins the family of countries - candidates for EU membership, which will enable building of a society according to the highest democratic standards, certainty for the citizens and social justice. On an economic field, the Agreement opens a door to one of the most powerful and biggest economic markets in the world, urges reconstruction of the society and provides opportunities for social development of the Republic of Macedonia. Krstevski reminded that the Association and Stabilization Agreement was initialed on November 24th, 2000 at the Zagreb Summit and made an overview of the more significant dates since the beginning of the building of Macedonia-EU relations. "All three compositions of the Macedonian Parliament and all governments participated in the construction of the relations with EU, meaning that this is a collective effort of all political forces and institutions in the country," he stated. He underlined the significance of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, whose goal is to provide peace, prosperity and stability in the region, as well as regional cooperation and implementation of the European option and perspective. Vice-Prime Minister Krstevski stressed that through the Southeast Europe Cooperation Process, the EU offered to the countries from the region opportunity for European integration based on progressive and individual approach through the agreements for association and stabilization. Main goals of this process are the development of regional relations based on agreements, development of lasting economic and trade relations and respect for the main European principles for democratization, civil society, education and institutional upgrading. Krstevski stressed that the Association and Stabilization Agreement is consisted of preamble, ten chapters, seven annexes, five protocols and joint unilateral statements. As he said, the preamble refers to the joint intentions of the two parties - signers of the agreement, such as establishment of lasting relations between Macedonia and EU based on political, economic and institutional association, increased political and economic freedoms, establishment of legal state and observing of the human rights and the principles of free market economy. "Main element of the Association and Stabilization Agreement is Macedonia to adjust its legislation according to the principles of the European Union," Krstevski stated. The preamble also includes an "evolution clause", by which the EU expresses readiness to integrate Macedonia to the highest extend in the political and economic currents in Europe, which makes Macedonia potential candidate for gaining an EU membership. The fifth chapter of the Agreement includes the main principles, which give advantage to the regional model of cooperation between the SEECP member countries, but still takes into consideration the individual achievements of every particular country, from a political, economic and democratic point of view. The fifth chapter defines the lasting period of the Association and Stabilization Agreement, and reads that complete association is expected after the end of the transitional period of ten years. "Four years after the implementation of the Agreement, the Council for Association and Stabilization should give an evaluation on the achieved progress and will set the period for the second stage," Vice-Prime Minister Krstevski stated. The political dialogue which will be led on a level of ministers in the framework of the Council and on a parliamentary level within the Parliamentary Committee will be regulated in the second stage. The third chapter regards the regional cooperation based on Macedonia's commitments for promotion of good neighborly relations. Signing of a Convention for regional cooperation is also planed, which will include political dialogue, establishment of free trade zone, joint concessions for movement of labor force, establishment of enterprises, provision of services, free movement of capital and cooperation in other areas of joint interest. The Convention is to be signed latest two years after the implementation of the Association and Stabilization Agreement. Cooperation with the countries that already have agreements for association with the EU is also planed. The free movement of goods is regulated in the fourth chapter, which according to Krstevski is of paramount importance, because it provides free export of Macedonian goods to the EU markets, with exemption of the wine and lamb meat. According to this provision, Macedonia will gradually open its market to the EU and in a period of 10 years a free trade zone between Macedonia and EU will be established. The fourth chapter will become operational on June 1, 2000. The fifth chapter also regulates the movement of labor force, founding of enterprises, provision of services, the ongoing payments and the movement of capital. The chapter six refers to the coordination of Macedonia's legislation with the one of the EU. Krstevski pointed that Macedonia needs to coordinate 130,000 pages of regulations and 50,000 pages of standards. The obligation for coordination of these documents comes on power starting from the day of signing of the Agreement. Chapter seven refers to the justice and internal affairs. In that context, Krstevski pointed out that Macedonia is the first country whose Agreement with EU includes such provision, based on the Amsterdam agreement and it will regard the cooperation in the field of strengthening of the institutions and ruling of the law, then the visa regime, border control, exile, migration, prevention and control of illegal immigration, struggle against money laundering and against crime, as well as against other illegal activities. The chapter eight regulates the economic, statistic, industrial, cultural and social cooperation, as well as the cooperation regarding the banking sector and financial services, promotion and protection of investments, small and medium sized enterprises, tourism, customs, tax collection, education, information, communications, transport, energy, regional and local development, research and technological development and environmental protection. The goal of this chapter is to provide institutional connection and transfer of EU policy in Macedonia and development of compatibility of all systems. "The chapter nine includes the provisions regarding the financial cooperation and lists the sorts and conditions for this sort of cooperation," Krstevski stated. He mentioned that this cooperation would be realized through granting of non-refundable funds, loans, macroeconomic assistance and direct support to the budget. He also stressed that within the KARDS program, Macedonia will receive assistance in amount of Euro 42 million. Chapter 20 regulates the institutional, common and closing provisions, regarding the establishment of institutions for monitoring of the Agreement implementation, such as Association and Stabilization Council, Committee for Association and Stabilization and Parliamentary Committee for Association and Stabilization. At the end of his speech, vice-Prime Minister Krstevski referred to the already implemented documents regarding the Association and Stabilization Agreement, as well as to the documents that are in a development phase. Referring to the adopted documents, Krstevski pointed to the system of management and coordination of the European integration processes, methodology for harmonization of Macedonia's legislation with the one of the EU and the Strategy for EU training. Speaking about the documents that are under construction, he mentioned the following: the Action Plan for implementation of the agreement for association and stabilization, National Program for approximatization of the legislation, Strategy for informing the public for the process of European integration and the National Strategy for EU integration. Vice-Prime Minister Krstevski pointed out that the following bodies are engaged with the coordination of the association and stabilization process: Working Committee for Euro-Atlantic integration, Sub-committee for Euro-Atlantic integration and for approximatization of the legislation, Governmental department for European integration, the EU sector in the ministry of foreign affairs, Macedonia's mission in the European communities in Brussels, the Center for European Integration, and other institutions such as the Customs Department, State Statistics Bureau, Agency of Information, Chamber of Commerce and the trade unions. "The Agreement is a legal act, consensually adopted by all political subjects in the Republic of Macedonia, which determines the political and economic future of our country. The agreement will enable better living standards to all citizens," Krstevski said, adding that this is a historical chance for Macedonia to become part of the European family.
Skopje, April 6 (MIA) - Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski received Friday Adnan Kahil, president of the Democratic Party for Turks movement in Macedonia. President Trajkovski has been introduced with the views and positions of this party regarding the situation in the country. They gave support to the policy of the Macedonian top officials that firmly opposed the terrorist attacks. A special respect for President's determination for intensifying of the political dialogue for improvement of the situation in the country has been given. Macedonian President reiterated his determination for improvement of the multiethnic life in the Republic of Macedonia in the institutions of the system. In that direction, he said that the Turks in the Republic of Macedonia confirmed to be citizens engaged in the prosperity of the country.
AP Top News
KONSTANTIN TESTORIDES AP Top News SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) -- Macedonian authorities rounded up 35 ethnic Albanians on Friday in a mop-up operation against insurgents who battled government troops last month, police said. The men were detained for illegal possession of weapons near Tetovo, Macedonia's second-largest city and an ethnic Albanian stronghold, police spokesman Stevo Pendarovski said. Officers seized bombs, explosives, bullets and hand grenades, he said. Seventeen were released shortly after. The rest were being investigated for taking part in an armed rebellion that has threatened to escalate into a major new conflict in the Balkans. Government forces have mostly suppressed the rebels, who claim they are fighting for greater rights for the country's ethnic Albanian minority, who are outnumbered three-to-one by Slavs. The government, comprising the Slav majority and some ethnic Albanian parties, considers the rebels ''terrorists'' linked to militants in the neighboring Serbian province of Kosovo. Foreign Minister Srdjan Kerim pledged Friday to further integrate the restive minority into state administration, police and media. He denied that the changes were a concession after weeks of armed clashes that have left a dozen dead and many more injured. ''The enhanced dialogue is not a result of the shootings in the mountains, but a result of government's effort to do much more,'' Kerim said. He outlined plans to support an Albanian-language university in northwestern Macedonia and to increase the minority's presence in police units, state television programs and in local governments. Kerim spoke before the Macedonian Parliament's Commission for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration in preparation for April 9 signing of the Association and Stabilization Agreement between Macedonia and European Union. The agreement is meant to bring Macedonia closer to EU standards and regulations. Among other reforms, Kerim mentioned more multiethnic police units to patrol the country's tense border with Kosovo, where local ethnic Albanians have enjoyed a de facto independence since the 1999 NATO military intervention in the Serb-Albanian conflict over territory. Kosovo is considered the key staging area for rebel attacks into Macedonia.
The cabinet will deliver arms and munitions to Macedonia without a mandate of parliament. The MPs included the extraordinary rights of the ministers in the agreement for assistance with Macedonia. Yesterday it was ratified by Parliament. However, the mandate concerns only extra quantities of the already agreed aid. Concerning them, the government will sign annexes to the agreement. Skopje will pay for the munitions and arms, but will receive logistics aid gratuitously. The prices and quantities are inseparable from a classified document. On the insistence of the BSP the text on the mandate was taken out of the transitional and concluding provisions of the Law, for ratification. For its part, UDF gave up insisting on more powers for the cabinet without their being bound to the base agreement. On first reading, the law was approved by 180 votes without anyone against or abstained, and on second - by 137. Elena Staridolska
In a special statement that he made today in his palace in Vrana, Czar Simeon II announced he would participate in the elections with a National Movement Simeon II that he is going to establish. He also said to News.bg Agency and to almost 100 Bulgarian and other journalists the following: "I am doing this in order to fulfill my historic debt to Bulgaria in a time, which is crucial for my homeland and for me." The purpose of the new movement will be the implementation of a quick and qualitative change of living standard in Bulgaria by turning Bulgarian economy into functioning market economy according to the European Union criteria and increasing inflow of foreign investments to Bulgaria. He said he would propose a scheme of economic measures and social-economic partnership to change live in Bulgaria within 800 days.
Union of Democratic Forces welcomes the decision of Czar Simeon II to participate in the elections, the UDF Deputy Chairman Dimitar Abajiev announced after consultations of Union of Democratic Forces leaders that took place in the cabinet of the Chairman of Bulgarian Parliament Yordan Sokolov today. He added that the purposes that Czar Simeon II had stated implied values that are common with those of the Union of Democratic Forces, including economic reform and integration in European Union and in the NATO.
The leader of the parliamentary group for dialog and partnership Hristo Biserov said that the positions of Czar Simeon II deserve unconditional support, although nobody has any right to bind this support with political calculations. He confirmed that the group would stand behind Czar Simeon II.
Czar Simeon II and Queen Margarita will celebrate Palm Sunday in Botevgrad, the Czars press secretary Mrs. Galya Dicheva reported for News.bg Agency. During its visit to the town, the royal family would also meet local dignitaries, Mrs. Dicheva also said, but refused to give more details about the visit.
By Steve Crawshaw in Tetovo 06 April 2001 The main Albanian leader in Macedonia's ruling coalition warned yesterday of renewed violence if the government refused to negotiate in earnest and called for an amnesty for armed Albanian rebels. Speaking after a meeting in Tetovo with Robin Cook, Britain's Foreign Secretary, Arben Xhaferi said: "If we do not open dialogue the violence will return very easily. Because of the rigidity of the Macedonian side, we can again have a crisis here." Recent fighting between rebels and Macedonian forces in the hills surrounding Tetovo has raised fears of a fifth Balkan war. Mr Cook was cheered by a small crowd that gathered to welcome him in the central square of this mostly Albanian town. But the welcome may have been based partly on a misunderstanding. Mr Cook is perceived by many Albanians as a hero because of Britain's hawkish role in Kosovo in 1999. On Macedonia, however, Mr Cook while emphasising the need for dialogue between the two sides has seemed more eager to placate the Macedonian side. After talks with President Boris Trajkovski and the Prime Minister, Ljubco Georgievski, he lavished praise on the Macedonian authorities. Referring to the National Liberation Army, which is closely linked to the Kosovo Liberation Army, he said: "I admire the democratic and multi-ethnic values of Macedonia. We want to help Macedonia defeat the terrorists." Mr Xhaferi, though a declared opponent of the NLA, firmly rejected Mr Cook's use of the word "terrorist". He said: "They cannot be terrorists, because they have uniforms and a front line they haven't attacked civilians. We have an uprising." Mr Cook is the latest high-profile minister to visit Macedonia (the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, will be in Skopje next week) to encourage the Albanian parties to discuss ways of reducing the tension. But even Mr Xhaferi, whose party has agreed to take part in the peace talks, sounded contemptuous. "They want coffee-table discussions," he said. Mr Cook promised British aid, in the form of global positioning systems equipment, remote devices for detecting and destroying bombs and booby traps, and body armour. A Macedonian delegation goes to Luxembourg on Monday to sign a stabilisation and association agreement with the European Union, giving the country more-favoured status in its relations with the EU. For the moment, however, Macedonia is anything but stable. Albanian anger is strong in the words of one unemployed factory worker waiting in the square for a glimpse of Mr Cook: "Things have to change. It's the same syndrome here as it was in Kosovo. In the old Yugoslavia, things were much better for us."
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NORTH LIBERTY– The North Liberty Community Food and Clothing Pantry, in collaboration with HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) Food Reservoir and other area food pantries, are hosting a public forum, "Focus on Hunger," on July 21 from 12 to 2 p.m. at North Liberty First United Methodist Church, 85 N. Jones Blvd., North Liberty.
The public forum will include guest speakers and representatives of area agencies speaking on topics such as hunger in Iowa, the impact of commodities programs on hunger, and the difficulties of making up for lost commodities funding.
NORTH LIBERTY– The City of North Liberty now has an attorney on staff.
He's a familiar face; Scott C. Peterson has served as North Liberty's City Attorney since August 2006. Until now, Peterson has been a contractual employee. It is a common practice, particularly in smaller cities, to obtain certain services through contractual agreements, including those of an attorney, an engineer, and even law enforcement officers.
In North Liberty's case, said City Administrator Ryan Heiar, it was a good idea, as well as a cost savings, to bring Peterson on as a regular staff person
OXFORD — There could be a major changing of the guard as four of seven seats of the Board of Directors for the Clear Creek Amana School District are up for election this September.
Board president Tim Hennes (Oxford), Betsy Momany (Amana) and Kathi Huebner (at-large) are seeking re-election. Kevin Kinney has decided not to run again.
NORTH LIBERTY– North Liberty Food Pantry Executive Director Tina DuBois is concerned the pantry's inventory could be pared down considerably, if federal legislators continue to trim agriculture-related appropriations spending.
SOLON– The Lady Spartans are starting to look a lot like their counterparts on the next field.
Mel Breza, Kara Misel and Casey Musgrave hit home runs (Musgrave's first, see story below) for the Solon varsity softball squad last week.
The Lady Spartans moved to 22-7 on the season and 13-2 in the WaMaC East, going 5-1 against No. 8 West Delaware, Vinton-Shellsburg, Mid-Prairie and No. 6 Keokuk. Solon is sixth in the Class 3A rankings released June 24 by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.
SOLON– Solon's varsity baseball team picked up its first two losses of the season last Friday hosting No. 9 Davenport Assumption.
The Spartan bats hit a quiet spell, and that was enough to drop both ends of a home doubleheader, 1-4 and 4-6.
Marshall Koehn went 2-4 in the first game, during which Solon was limited to six hits. Nick Day contributed the lone RBI. Ryan Butler pitched well, striking out seven batters over six innings, but picked up his first loss of the season taking his record to 4-1.
SOLON– The display window at the Solon Public Library has a new exhibit – "World Café"– to celebrate the foods of the world. The display takes us on a journey to sample international flavors and is part of the summer reading program "One World, Many Stories."
Wed, June 29: Herbed chicken breast, mashed potatoes w/LS gravy, diced beets, peach banana gelatin.
Thu, June 30: Liver & onions, mashed potatoes w/sour cream, spinach, Mandarin oranges, cheesecake bar. BINGO.
Fri., July 1: Roast turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, broccoli, cottage cheese orange salad, warm apples & raisins. CARDS
Mon., July 4: Independence Day
Tue., July 5: LS beef & noodles, oriental vegetables, three bean salad, orange apricot salad. BINGO
Wed., July 6:
Groups and organizations that use the meeting room on a regular, ongoing basis are now required to update their meeting room application each year and file a new deposit check. Reservations can be made starting July 1 for the following year (July 2011–July 2012). Reservations will not be accepted further out than one year, or through July 31, 2012.
Reservations are handled on a first come, first served basis. Please get your application in as soon as you know your group's scheduling needs for the upcoming year. Our goal is to accommodate as many groups as possible.
Thanks to patrons donating My Coke Rewards Points we now have "Martha Stewart Weddings" available at the library. If you would like to contribute points for magazines, "My Coke Rewards" points are printed inside the bottle caps or cartons of Coke products. A collection box for "My Coke Reward" points is located near the copy machine as well as a list of magazines available through the program. Suggestions are welcome for the magazines patrons would like to see added.

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Challenging The Norm - Reflection
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P1 - Birth to Death & Back
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Challenging The Norm
A part of old Egyptian fashion consisted of clothing
which exposed the women's breasts.
In present society, any attempt to reproduce this action,
will be both immediately rejected,
and detrimental to the reproducer.
This contradiction states that society has become more conservative over the last 3000 years.
Reviewing present day actions, gives the impression
that society wants to return to its past outlook.
The questions raised are, how long will it take
before our attitudes reverse themselves?
In the next 1000 years, what will become the accepted norm?
Is all of our concern about appearance futile?
Does this fluctuating pattern represent everything we do?
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Recovering the Original King James Gospel
Life Group Questions
1. The Apostle Paul spent 3 weeks in Thessalonica, but the entire empire was infected by their faith. Pastor Wade shared that it was due to the nature of the gospel he shared. Wade stated that the assignment and annoucement has been tampered with. What kind of gospel are we sharing when we share about Jesus?
2. The first reason the gospel was more effective was the proclamation of the gospel based on the Scriptures. Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God is now. The Kingdom involves relationship; it is not real estate, but a real state that we live in presently. What excites you most about not having to wait until you die for your reward? How will this change the way you tell others about Jesus and His Kingdom?
3. The second reason the gospel was more effective was that there was amazing demonstration of the power of Jesus. There was supernatural power for salvation, as well as, supernatural exhibition of power of Jesus through signs and wonders. Share about a time where you have experienced supernatural demonstration of the power of Jesus. Why do you believe people are attracted to the exhibitions of this power and need this in their lives?
4. The third reason Paul's gospel was more effective was that the replication of the process reproduces more like him! Disciples making disciples were people who experienced miracles of grace through salvation and then mimicked these men of God following their model or pattern. They were true disciples, not just deciding to follow Jesus, but following those who lead others to Christ. You are a disciple; who are you focused on making a disciple? Name 3 people that are in your realm of influence right now. Take a minute to pray outloud for each one of these specifically. Be the megaphone to sound forth the gospel into their life.
5. The final difference that Wade shared was the jubliation that surrounded the gospel in Thessalonica. It is centered on Jesus--who He is and what He does in lives. When people look at you what do they see that they want? Be specific--positive attitude; loving, uplifting to be around; smile; magnetic; joy in the Lord in spite of circumstances; hopeful, etc...?
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We've got another SummerHouse birthday to celebrate today! Our sweet and wonderful Elish turns 26 this year!
It was a nice little break from the workday to sing Happy Birthday and enjoy some
chocolate covered goodies with our favorite fashionista!!
Many thanks to Elish for all she does around SummerHouse.
We're all so thankful that she's a part of the SummerHouse team!


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There is always support, just embrace it - Renee Vos de Wael
Embracing your day is not always easy. Sometimes there are so many things happening at the same time. You loose control this can create all kinds of emotions happing at the same time. We begin to overthink and this can go as far at having a panic attack. A panic attack often feels like a heart attack. Your heart rate elevates, your throat muscles constrict, your thoughts race, and the "fight or flight" chemicals course through your body. (If you think you're having a heart attack, you must sick medical help.) Once anything more serious has been ruled out try this recipe. It will help you reduce stress. Essential oils can help calm you down, which is the number one goal during a panic attack. 2 drops frankincense oil 2 drops lavender oil 2 drops ylang-ylang oil 1 wet cloth Apply the oils to a clean, damp, warm cloth. This recipe is a great way to end a panic attack or a stressful day. Just place the cloth on the back of your neck and take deep breaths. If you are guiding someone else thru a difficult moment, stay with them at ask them to calmly breath in and out. The essential oils in the recipe will help with relieve of irritability and nervous tension. Related
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2015 SCRA Paddle dates are set for June 13 through June 19, 2015.
The official route will be announced later in the fall. We hope you'll plan to join us! If you haven't already, please sign up to receive paddle updates by email.
Check out the great photos taken by our 2014 paddlers to get a feel for what the paddle is like! Visit scraphotos.org/2014-St-Croix-Paddle.


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Stem cell therapy shows promise for paralyzed victims
By April Cunningham, Associate Editor
New stem cell research is "a step in the right direction" for those suffering from spinal cord injuries, says Toronto critical injury lawyer Dale Orlando.
A literature review by researchers with the University Health Network and the University of Toronto shows cell therapy, or the implantation and regeneration of cells, is "a promising treatment approach."
According to research published in the journal Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, cell therapies have shown "modest" improvements in functional recovery, and even a slight boost in sensation and function can have a substantial impact on the patient.
Orlando, partner with McLeish Orlando LLP, represents many plaintiffs with spinal cord damage from motor vehicle accidents or sporting injuries resulting from someone else's negligence. He says the trauma suffered by these plaintiffs is some of the worst because they are acutely aware of the impact the injury has on their life.
"That's not to say that people with significant brain injuries aren't also in a terrible situation, but those with spinal cord injuries are living with the realization of the extent of their injury every day, and it's unrelenting," he tells AdvocateDaily.com.
While there are incremental advancements in stem cell therapy when it comes to spinal cord injuries, Orlando says even the smallest development moves the research forward for those suffering from the life-altering diagnosis with no cure.
"Ultimately there will be a breakthrough and once researchers determine how to regenerate myelin and bridge the gap in the spinal cord — whether it is a complete severance, a crush injury or a partial dislocation — quadriplegia and paraplegia will be a thing of the past," he says. "It's a step in the right direction."
Some people who suffer from these injuries often start out with an optimistic viewpoint, Orlando says, and many remain strong, striving for the best quality of life despite the catastrophic nature of their injuries.
"But if your spinal cord has been completely severed, at some point a physician will walk into your room and tell you that you will never walk again. That's devastating to hear."
New research and developments can provide hope to those who are in the early stages of treatment, he says.


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Hurricane Harvey's devastating property damage toll will easily be counted in the billions of dollars, but insurance industry experts say they shouldn't have an impact on property insurance rates in hurricane-prone Florida.
AIR Worldwide, which advises companies on managing risk, estimates that Harvey caused between $1.2 billion and $2.3 billion in wind and storm damage. Another analytical firm, CoreLogic, forecasts between $1 billion and $2 billion. Risk Management Solutions says the total could be $6 billion but likely will be less.
But that's just the hit for property and casualty insurers. Flood damage could be tens of billions more.
Lynne McChristian, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, an industry organization, said that Florida homeowner insurance rates shouldn't be affected for one simple reason: rates are set at the state level and are based on what happens within the state. "What happens in Florida stays in Florida, what happens in Texas stays in Texas and that is the way it works in every state," she said.
The organization's website, www.iii.org, includes a chart that shows average insurance rates across all states. Those reflect the risks inside each state's borders.
The lowest insurance rates in the U.S. are Idaho and Utah, she said. "That's primarily because you don't have hurricanes there – or major flooding. And, there is not the population density of more disaster-prone states."
That's not the case for the struggling National Flood Insurance Program, because that is regulated at the federal level, she said.
Jay Neal, CEO of the Florida Association of Insurance Reform, also said he doesn't expect Harvey's toll to impact Florida homeowner rates. Still, he said, the devastation in Texas should be a wake-up call for the estimated 1.4 million Florida homes vulnerable to storm surge but not currently covered by flood insurance.
"People still don't understand that storm surge is not covered by their homeowner policies," he said. "People need to wake up and look at Texas. This could happen here."
In a statement, William H. Stander, executive director of the Florida Property & Casualty Association, said the organization can't speculate on how Texas losses could impact Florida rates: "More importantly, all Floridians should recognize the importance of buying flood insurance, which is not covered under your homeowner's insurance policy," he said.


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T. Chase to Dr. Edward Getsinger c87 1p. Springfield, 3 Jan. 1903 Chase is in Springfield. Getsinger wrote him and asked to apologize. Chase says there is no need. Lua is visiting with `AB; Chase asks Edward to send his love to her. T. Chase to I. Br-ham 1p. Chicago, 4 Jan. 1903 M. Barakatu'llah can't be used as a translator [`AB said so] but we may be able to use him in the future. They say we don't need his help; we have enough translators. And they ask about his "nationality and native locality." T. Chase to C. M. Gates copy 81 7p. Chicago, 14 Jan. 1903 The inner significance of everything is love. "The practice of `occultism' in its many branches... is not at all required in the teachings. I do not know that they are anywhere forbidden, but they are looked upon rather as the efforts of man to attain by self-evolved and arduous paths that which is either not well for him, or which in this new Day may be received by him as the Gift of God to whomsoever it is fitting." "I have tried to express the idea that the proper occult exercises, intelligently pursued, may be of assistance to one in service for God, if he seeks the will of God only, but that the tendency of such a pursuit is to fill the inner `ego' with pride and keep him from seeking God's way only, without regard to him own personal attainments." Definition of a Baha'i. "The whole body of believers is called the `Assembly'" "We are in the condition of the earliest Christians, poor, humble ones..." T. Chase to I. Brittingham c87 1 p. Chicago, 18 Jan. 1903 It is rumored that Badi`u'llah has repented. Its causing people in Kenosha to abandon Dr. Kh. "This report has already had the effect of causing some of the Kenosha believers to leave Kh. and come with those who are loyal to the Master." (p. 1). "Mrs. Miller" [Mariam Miller Kheiralla?] and Mrs. Herron: "She talks about the same as Mrs. Herron, telling of the things done in the Holy Household, which show that their life `is not the highest' such as smoking, etc." Wrote a letter to Mrs. Newton of "Fayette, I'a [IA]." One Madame Mountford soon leaves for Jerusalem. She hopes to meet `AB. Zella Fuller is holding a meeting tomorrow evening; Chase will speak. Five seekers are expected. Mrs. Fuller: "She was a lecturer (McGraw, I think), recently married a Mr. Fuller." T. Chase to unknown 11p. Chicago, 18 Jan. 1903 This may be the letter to Mrs. Newton of Fayette, IA; see Chase to I. Br-ham, same date. T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant copy 8 p. Chicago, Sun. 18 Jan. 1903 The letter was composed on the 19th and 20th of Jan as well. The problem of fixing Baha'i dates in the solar calendar. Chase tries to get all the dates right. He isn't sure whether `AB's birthday is 23 or 24 May, 1844. Browne gives a date too. Kh. is losing followers because of the defection of Badi`'ullah. The defections are especially in Kenosha. Mrs. May Maxwell is a "saint." Madame Mountford, a lecturer on the Bible, is much interested in the Faith, and is on her way to Jerusalem. Abu'l-Fadl's book is badly translated. Ali Kuli Khan was the translator. He refers to the Exordium. Aqdas is not yet published; this is because of wisdom. Chase gives as a reason opposition to Moses when He came down from Sinai; Biblical reasoning. He quotes that we shouldn't cast pearls before swine, also. "guided yet natural" selection" -- Chase accepts evolution! Teaching--the effort to teach brings knowledge and ability. Abandonment of self is the key--Chase discusses the theme on p. 7. In Chicago there are 10-12 weekly meetings in homes. The House of Spirituality is arranging a downtown meeting. T. Chase to "Seek of Truth" c87 Chicago, 18 Jan. 1903 An essay Mrs. A. M. Bryant to T. Chase 7 p. Colorado Springs, 23 Jan. 1903 Probably in reply to Chase's letter. Personal, no significant content. Fannie G. Lesch to T. Chase 1 p. Chicago, 24 Jan. 1903 She's sending him another installment in "Mrs. Herron's notes." They're biblical notes; possibly of Abu'l-Fadl's lectures. Mariam I. Haney to T. Chase 2 p. New York, 31 Jan. 1903 Re. Dealy's book of lessons. T. Chase to I. Br-ham c87 4p. Chicago, 1 Feb. 1903 Chase has been ill and in a sanitarium for 2 weeks. Mrs. Bryant is in Denver. "The group meetings have been an open door for the machinations of Mrs. H. [Herron?] and she is using Mrs. Miller insidiously among the ladies, meeting one and two and three at a time, here and there and poisoning them.... An example of the method pursued: Mrs. Kelting (and daughter I suppose) gave a little `tea', and invited Mrs. True to come." But she remained firm. "Even Doxey stands as firm as a rock against the wiles of Mrs. H." Chase invites Mrs. Br-ham to come to Chicago and speak, as she is firm and may counteract the Covenant Breakers. Only a woman can do this. The women are being effected by Covenant Breakers Herron and Miller. The House of Spirituality is strong, tho. Mrs. Fenno has become a Baha'i. More on Barakatu'llah: he can't be employed. No mention of `AB's command. Sister Sanghamitta is in Akka, taking extensive notes. T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha 4 Feb. 1903 Mrs. Herron and Mrs. Miller are "seditious spirits" "sowing the seeds against the Holy cause of El-Abha in Chicago." Chase asks whether he should go back to Chicago. T. Chase to I. Br-ham c87 2p. 8 Feb. 1903 Mr. Gates has become a Baha'i as a result of Chase's letter to him. The Chicago community hopes to begin regular Sunday meetings on 22 Feb. 1903, in the evenings. Sunday 22 Feb. 1903 is his birthday (p. 2). T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant c87 5p. Chicago, 9 Feb. 1903 A very inaccurate article has been published in the Denver Times on the Babis [Baha'is]. An article on the Faith in the Chicago Times, 2 Feb. Chase has been in a sanitorium for 2 weeks--he doesn't say why. He's been "under the weather." Ameen Fareed is very overworked. Chase speaks highly of him. Ishqabad Temple news. T. Chase to I. Br-ham c87 4p. Chicago, 10 Feb. 1903 "I think there has been a great improvement, deepening, and getting away from self- purposes, etc. in Mrs. T [True] this year." Chase urges Mrs. Br-ham to come to Chicago--he fears bad effects of the Covenant Breakers. Mr. True is giving Mrs. True a lot of trouble. He is against the Faith. Chase leaves for St. Louis tomorrow for one week. Abraham Haddad is a problem--he fools people into buying goods from him. He says he was sent by the Master. 25 attended a Chicago feast at Mrs. Waite's. "Coming back a long ride on the elevated, I had a good talk with Mrs. True, concerning your coming, conditions, etc." True says Covenant Breaking is not that serious among the women. She says the Keltings are firm. Mrs. Olsen has translated the Hidden Words [into Danish]. She is a "large, matronly, gentle woman." T. Chase to I. Br-ham copy 82 6 p. Chicago, 21 Feb. 1903 Chase was in Louisville, Kty [presumably since 10 Feb. 1903 letter]. I. Brittingham is not coming to Chicago right now. The problem of preserving tablets sent to believers all over the USA. Ameen won't give out even general parts of tablets to others. Miss Buikema and Miss Lesch provide copies of tablets if asked--a massive job! "I love him [Asadu'llah] very dearly" Great station of women. Chase describes the Holy Spirit in feminine terms. Chase is very humble--he isn't sure whether he is "one of the chosen." (p. 3). Madame Mountford has become a Baha'i. Chase compliments Mrs. Harrison. Chase speaks of Mr. Gates and his belief in occultism. Mirza Abu'l-Fadl to T. Chase 3 p. 2 Mar. 1903 "You have been the source of the Spread of the Cause of God in these lands. God willing you will also be the source of illuminating other regions through the light of the Covenant." "Will you please offer my love and devotion to our spiritual friends Messrs Greenleaf, Dr. Bartlett, Agnew and the other revered members of the Spiritual Meeting..." The probable translator of the letter is Ali Kuli Khan. T. Chase to Mirza Abu'l-Fadl copy 83 1p. Chicago, 4 Mar. 1903 A letter of love and encouragement to Abu'l-Fadl. Abu'l-Fadl is ill, he can't speak English, and is mostly alone. T. Chase to Mr. C. M. Gates copy 82 2 p. 4 Mar. 1903 3rd para--The fast began on Mar. 2. Many in good health are "observing [the Fast] with pleasure." Chase describes the laying of the cornerstone of the Temple in Ishqabad. It will take three years to complete. 1800 were present and the cornerstone laying. He describes an auxiliary building as having 19 rooms. Chase is going away on business in a few weeks. Mr. Khan's translations--Chase doesn't like them. Sunday meetings have begun at the Athenaeum Building in Chicago. A women's "nineteenth day meeting" on the same day (22 Feb.), so they held theirs at the Athenaeum in the afternoon, and stayed for the service. House of Spirituality to `Abdu'l-Baha copy 81 no date A letter in response to the 7 Mar. 1903 meeting, asks to build the Mashriqu'l- Adhkar. T. Chase to Mirza Abu'l-Fadl c87 2p. Detroit, 13 Mar. 1903 Abu'l-Fadl is still in Wash. D.C. Chase's wife attended a meeting there, the first meeting she had ever attended. The only Baha'i in Springfield, Mass (where she had been staying) was O. S. Greenleaf, uncle of Mr. Charles Greenleaf of Chicago. Mrs. Chase was pleased. Regular Sunday meetings at the Athenaeum; 60 are attending, which is good when one considers the weather. There are twelve meetings weekly in Chicago right now. The community is getting stronger; there is no disharmony now. The members of the House of Spirituality who have returned to the meetings are not causing disunity, but are harmonious. T. Chase to Ali Kuli Khan 2p. Detroit, 13 Mar. 1903 Chase is selling Mishkin Qalam's calligraphy in the USA--he's amazed at how little the Baha'is will pay. They don't realize how long the calligraphy takes. Khan translated the Ighan [Iqan]. Chase hopes it will soon be published. T. Chase to Isabella Br-ham copy 3p. Detroit, 29 Mar. 1903 Reference to severe troubles at work--he is accused of things unspecified. They center, apparently, on his non-business activities. Chase is thinking of looking for another job. Chase went to Chicago for Naw-Ruz. Chase refers to another letter from Br-ham, dated 19 [Feb?]. Separate Baha'i meetings are held on Sundays in Chicago by a Baha'i group--the women? There is reference to Mrs. Harrison and Mr. and Mrs. O. But there is no disharmony in Chicago now. Kheiralla is still around--Chase says he held his own Naw-Ruz celebration. Mr. and Mrs. Kelting went to it--Chase is suspicious of them. Ref. to Badi`u'llah's confession. Chase confesses his utter unworthiness. Mrs. Fenno declared on 12:10 AM on 1 Jan. 1903. Chase praises Mrs. Br-ham. T. Chase to Mishkin Qalam Chicago, 29 Mar. 1903 Chase sold a pair of cocks cheaply to Dodge. Thank you for the one sent for Chase himself. T. Chase to House of Spirituality 1p. Detroit, 3 Apr. 1903 He has heard the House of Spirituality is about to receive a tablet from `AB. T. Chase to Mr. Finey (?) 4p. Chicago, 7 Apr. 1903 A non-Baha'i. Chase's letter answers his questions and offers the Faith. T. Chase to Mr. John A. Frey 3p. Chicago, 27 Apr. 1903 Mr. Frey lives in Milwaukee, Wisc. Chase has returned from a southern trip. A non-Baha'i, Frey has asked why he should believe in God. Chase replies using an analogy with the sun. No one can look straight at the sun, except when its obscured by clouds; and then it isn't really the sun. Chase argument is very clever, and similar to one `AB would use. The letter has a handwritten comment on the back: "Keep. Existence of God. Good. H.B." H. B. is probably Helen Bishop. who with the Bosches went through Chase's papers. This is evidence they did indeed selectively destroy some items. A. Dodge to T. Chase 1 p. New York, 5 May 1903 About some correspondence school lessons of Dodge's--I guess on the Faith. T. Chase to House of Spirituality Denver, 7 May 1903 Also in House of Spirituality papers. T. Chase to Mirza Asadu'llah copy 81 6p. Denver, 12 May 1903 Chicago news. Mrs. Br-ham is in Chicago and is speaking at meetings. Why have women been chosen to exceed men in teaching the Faith? Ameen Fareed is praised. Chase taught the Faith to Mrs. A. M. Bryant in Denver two years ago. T. Chase to Mirza Asadu'llah 1p. Chicago, 17 May 1903 Chase sends him copies of two letters that he wrote to seekers. One has been printed; he wants to print the other, but is submitting it to `AB first for His approval. Chase asks Asadu'llah to have the letter translated and present it to `AB. T. Chase to Mr. Frank E. Osborne, Brooklyn, N. Y. 2p. Chicago, 18 May 1903 Chase has hoped for months to visit New York, but has been unable to do so. He goes on the road again tomorrow. Osborne sent Chase some of his tablets; he wants them printed as a booklet. All disharmony has faded away now in Chicago. The women will soon sponsor a celebration of `AB's birthday for everyone. Sunday meetings are well attended. T. Chase to Mr. Steigner Alphonso, New York City c87 1p. Chicago, 18 May 1903 Just returned from a business trip in the west. Chase leaves tomorrow for Minneapolis, then for Manitoba. Chase's family is still away from Chicago. Mrs. Br-ham is a "rare woman and a wonderful teacher." Alphonso is a musician, apparently. Chase apologizes for not being able to arrange a recital for him in Chgo. T. Chase to Ahmad Yazdi c87 1p. Chicago, 24 May 1903 Please forward a letter to Asadu'llah for me. Chase praises Fareed. T. Chase to Frank Durbon Clark of Oswego, N. Y. c87 3p. Chicago, 19 July 1903 Clark is a Baha'i. Chase notes the Bahai Publishing Society looses money on every publication it puts out, and that they have few means. The album of phots of the Holy Land can not be reissued because the plates were "spoiled in the color process" and "can never be reduplicated." Mishkin Qalam to T. Chase 2 p. rec'd 9 Sept. 1903 Mishkin Qalam is sending Chase a pair of calligraphic cocks and pair of parrots; they are to be sold for $25.00 each. If Chase doesn't want one of them, sell it to another believer or return it. Mrs. A. M. Bryant to Mrs. Lua Getsinger c87 1p. Sept. 1903 No notes. T. Chase to Mrs. Mariam Haney 1p. Chicago, 22 Sept. 1903 "I start for the West tomorrow." [Chase] Business matters discussed; it involves an inventor, a company to develop his invention, and investments. Chase encloses a talk by Br-ham and says they are more articles than lectures. T. Chase to Putnam's Sons, Publishers Chicago, 24 Oct. 1903 The spelling of Beha/Baha. T. Chase to Edward G. Browne Chicago, 29 Oct. 1903 "It is over nine years since the spring of 1894 when the writer came to the knowledge of the appearance and teachings of Baha'u'llah." T. Chase to Mrs. Moon 1p. Louisville, Kty, 2 Dec. 1903 On ringstones. She wanted a ringstone with the Greatest Name on it; Chase got her one from Dodge in NYC. T. Chase to Madame Mountford Louisville, Kty, 3 Dec. 1903 No notes. T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant c87 3p. Cleveland, 11 Dec. 1903 She wrote to him a month ago. Chase was in Louisville Kty on 29 Nov. The House of Spirituality and the Woman's Assembly are worshiping together weekly. Seventy-five attend the weekly worship service; 200 attended the Feast of the Master celebration. Mr. Phelps's book uses the spelling Beha--Chase doesn't like that transliteration. The book has now appeared; Chase has bought a copy. It can be ordered. There are two Baha'is in Cleveland, the Nobles. He thinks they're the only ones. The Dodges have been visiting Chgo for 3 or 4 weeks. The mails to the Orient are disturbed; Ameen wrote his mother weekly, and recently got a letter from her saying that she hadn't heard from him in six weeks and was worried! Sister Sanghamitta wrote the Bahai Publishing Society; he quotes the letter. She says she has accepted BH as the "new messiah." Chase was out of Chgo when she visited there. Mrs. MacKinney has "made the step toward the Master." T. Chase to Fred E. Coe copied 87 3p. Cleveland, 11 Dec. 1903 Fred Coe is probably a non-Baha'i. Chase describes how Baha'is teach the Faith: "We offer what we have (some of it), and, if we find that it seems at all welcome, we try to offer more, but if it is of little or no interest to the listener, we do not seek him strongly or urge him overmuch." Chase is very pleased with Phelps's book. It is well-adopted to western tastes. Chase says the teachings of the Faith can be best summarized by one word--LOVE. T. Chase to Edward G. Browne Chicago, 14 Dec. 1903 No notes. T. Chase to Myron Phelps c87 4p. Chicago, 19 Dec. 1903 The spelling of Baha'Ullah. Chase praises Phelps's book; he discusses its strong points. Kheiralla "knew but little of the teaching, and was not skilled in language. He soon became acquainted with `The History of the Bab' (Browne)...." Pronunciation of Baha'u'llah in New York is incorrect. Its BE-ha-OO-llah. Mirza Ameen Fareed is 21 years old; he is the best translator available. He has graduated from school (the Lewis Insititute). He's now enrolled in a medical school. T. Chase to Sister Sanghamitta, Countess M. de S. Canavarro c87 3p. Chicago, 19 Dec. 1903 Chase details how he taught Mrs. Bryant. Chase writes her concerning the spelling of Baha/Beha, as she helped on Phelp's book. A friendly letter, with general news, and a list of all the times the two of them have just missed meeting each other. T. Chase to Mr. C. M. Gates 1903 Occultism--the Faith does not forbid it, but Chase says they are a distraction, not an aid. Chase is right, here. Chase defines a Baha'i as one who believes in Baha'u'llah, `AB, and obeys the laws. There are 1-12 meetings in Chicago per week. "The whole body of believers is called an Assembly." There are no general city-wide meetings at this time. Chase describes the duties of the House of Spirituality.
T. Chase to Mrs. Frank Fenno 1p. Springfield, 3 Jan. 1904 Chase spent Christmas in Springfield, Mass; the first time in twelve years. He must go to Portland, Maine, then spend two more days in Springfield, then go west. Next year his family (Mrs. Chase and Chase Jr.) will probably move to Chicago; probably next summer. T. Chase to I. Br-ham c87 4p. Chicago, 8 Jan. 1904 p. 4 -- Chase says he is not a Chicagoan, but only living there temporarily. Mrs. Chase is living there with him. She is not a Baha'i but is studying the Faith. She attends the women's nineteen day meetings. "I am glad to hear of the good work being done by Mrs. Getsinger. I have heard that she has changed greatly during the past two years. How could it be otherwise, dwelling in the presence of the Master!... I know naught of Mr. Kheiralla since he was in Kenosha a few weeks ago with Shua'u'llah, the son of Moh. Ali. God will protect His Cause in truth from all the efforts of the puny man." Sunday meetings "fairly well attended" -- "ladies nineteen day meetings are always well attended" "good work is being accomplished by and through them." Mr. Winterburn's pilgrimage notes. Mr. and Mrs. MacNutt, Abu'l-Fadl are going on pilgrimage; Abu'l-Fadl is in Naples. "wherever I go, and know of any friends, I seek to meet them. That is in fact about the only thing I am permitted to do for the Cause, and I do not know that that is of any moment, but I long to offer what little I am permitted to the friends everywhere." Mrs. Chase hosted the last nineteen day women's meeting. T. Chase to Sister Sanghamitta c87 2p. Chicago, 9 Jan. 1904 Chase's wife hosted the last nineteen day ladies' meeting. "The greatest difficulty here of which I know arise from the strong inclination of several toward psychic phenomena...." Edward G. Browne to T. Chase 4 p. Newcastle-on-Tyne, 13 Jan. 1904 A reply to Chase regarding the spelling of "Beha" instead of "Baha." Browne favors "Baha" also. T. Chase to Mirza Asadu'llah c87 2p. Chicago, 27 Jan. 1904 Chicago has no discord right now. Chase gives general news of the meetings. Chase praises Ameen Fareed (to his father). Fareed is living with Chase. Chase is concerned about preserving `AB's guidance in his tablets to individuals. [Firesides] every Monday and Thursday evenings in Chase's and Fareed's house. The House of Spirituality meets tonight. T. Chase to Edward G. Browne 1p. Chicago, 14 Feb. 1904 Chase had received a reply from Browne about transliteration. This is his letter of thanks and apologies, in case he was seen as too forward to request the advice he asked. T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha copy 5p. Chicago, 17 or 27 Feb. 1904 Chase prays to `AB for help to overcome self. `AB appears to have promised to send Chase a photo of Baha'u'llah! Chase describes the spiritual state of America. Peace reigns now in the Chicago Baha'i community. But no one knows the size of the community; and all cannot meet at once. There are no public meetings; private meetings only. If someone speaks at a public meeting jealousy will result and all will want to speak. Reference to "Brother Dodge." Baha'is have abandoned the churches, followed occultism, etc., then became Baha'is, but kept their former beliefs. "Psychics are more important to some than is the life." New Thought--a loose association of various societies, including Baha'i. Reference to Mrs. True. Chase's employers won't let him go on pilgrimage. Chase wants to retire and serve the Faith full time. A beautiful closing, in which Chase devotes himself totally to Baha'u'llah and `AB. Five Baha'is are "associated" with the New Thought Executive Committee: Agnew, Lesch, Harrison, True, Chase. True, Chase addressed a gathering of all New Thought people last night, apparently about the Faith. Nothing about the independent nature of the Faith in the letter. T. Chase to Mr. Clarence Smith of Honolulu c87 2p. Chicago, 18 Feb. 1904 Agnew, Greenleaf, Chase meet at Kimball's restaurant for lunch daily. Chase met Miss Alexander at Green Acre in 1902. Isn't Mr. Phelps's book useful? T. Chase to Mr. Lincoln Smith, Zanesville, Ohio 3p. Chicago, 18 Feb. 1904 No notes. T. Chase to I. Br-ham 1/2 copy 82 2p. Chicago, 26 Feb. 1904 Many tablets of `AB are not preserved for posterity; Chase is concerned about it. The House of Spirituality should keep copies, and individuals should be able to state how the tablet may be used. Cincinnati--Br-ham is there. "Our dear Cincinnati friends have a hard battle to fight, the battle of enduring patience, and a few `have fought the good fight' most nobly." T. Chase to Dr. Edgar M. Webster, Chicago 1p. Chicago, 29 Feb. 1904 Chase is leaving for Denver later this week, then maybe he'll go to the Pacific Coast. T. Chase to Arthur Agnew c87 1p. Denver, 9 Mar. 1904 Chase spoke to 27 on Sunday and 30 "last night" in Denver. The Faith is "spreading finely now" there. Some House of Spirituality business, which is unspecified. Chase spoke at a New Thought meeting. He sends a corrected copy of his talk to Agnew, to give to a Mr. Whetmore, who may print it in a New Thought periodical. We must write to `AB about our problems; otherwise He won't know about them. Chase quotes someone that `AB is "under the law." T. Chase to I. Br-ham 1/2 copy 82 3p. Denver, 9 Mar. 1904 Efforts now being made to keep instructional portions of tablets to individuals in a public file. The problem of bad translation is serious. Chase cites instances of translations done in New York City. One tablet is circulating that is in terrible shape. Ameen Fareed ia the only good translator available. Chase implies the network of circulating tablets, too. The Faith is spreading well in Denver under Mrs. A. M. Bryant. Last sunday 27 were at her house for over 2 hours. On Friday evening some sent supplications to `AB. T. Chase to Carl Scheffler M27B2F43 (CHS) (also TC) c87 2p. Denver, 9 Mar. 1904 We must write to `AB about the hindrances to spreading the Cause. He is "under the law" and must be informed. A tablet to Dodge is in circulation that is poorly translated. The H.of S. will ask `AB about it. Chase addressed 25 at a Denver meeting last Sunday. Last night 30 were present. Apparently he will be there next Sunday too. "On Friday evening the `friends' meet, those who have accepted and supplicated the Master..." T. Chase to Ameen Fareed 1p. Denver, 10 Mar. 1904 Cover letter for following letter. T. Chase to House of Spirituality 1p. Denver, 10 Mar. 1904 Chase reminds them that "Nawrooz" can be celebrated Sunday night, 20 Mar. -- it would be more convenient, and that is the way it is celebrated in the Orient. Chase probably will go to Texas next. [But he didn't until later.] Chase notes that 20 March is the last day of the Fast. T. Chase to Mrs. Chase copy 4p. Denver, 12 Mar. 1904 A letter re. guardianship over Joe's inheritance. Reference to several previous letters by him to her, and one from his wife insinuating dishonesty over the guardianship idea. Mrs. Chase is temporarily in Springfield--Joe is in school there. Chase will meet with the "friends" tomorrow night; 27-30 at previous meetings. Tuesday Chase goes to Pueblo. Thursday Chase goes to Ogden, Utah. Portland, OR, 14th to 19th. Chase then goes to Seattle. San Francisco, 20th-27th. Los Ang. 28th to 31st. Arizona. Then El Paso, Dallas, Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit. Then maybe Chase will go to Springfield. Chase complained he has many more letters to answer. T. Chase to Mrs. Haney 1p. Denver, 13 Mar. 1904 Denver news; 27 attended a meeting at Mrs. Bryant's last Sunday; 30 on Tuesday. Chase met with ten believers last night. Chase will be back in Chicago in about four weeks. "You know this was my old home for so many years, and I was permitted by God to sow the first seed here with Miss Clark and Mrs. Bryant, about three years (a little more) ago." Chase spoke to a gathering of 16 New Thought societies on Sunday 28 Feb. in Chicago. It had good results. T. Chase to Mr. Haney 2p. Denver, 14 Mar. 1904 Chase is on his way to the Pacific. Thirty-two attended a meeting at Mrs. Bryant's yesterday. T. Chase to Mrs. Louisa Ruddiman, Goblesville, Mich. c87 2p. Denver, 14 Mar. 1904 She offers Ameen Fareed a copy of Gray's Anatomy, and a skull for his medical studies. Chase describes `AB's station using biblical verses and Baha'i titles. T. Chase to Ameen Fareed 3p. Denver, 15 Mar. 1904 Chase is leaving for the Pacific coast; he will return to Chicago probably in April. Tomorrow he leaves for Pueblo for a day or two; thence to Ogden, Utah, for 1 day; Portland OR for 3 or 4 days; Seattle; San Francisco; Los Ang.; Phoenix; Dallas; Kansas City; St. Louis; Louisville; Chicago. Lots of business dealings in it [the letter?] Mr. Phelps calls Asadu'llah "`our dear teacher' as we called him, a lovely soul." Fred E. Coe to `Abdu'l-Baha c87 1p. 20 March 1904 Coe's supplication to the Master. Chase taught him the Faith and he is thankful. He's a Denver Baha'i. T. Chase to Arthur Dodge 1p. Chicago, 2 May 1904 Just returned from a 2-month trip to Pacific coast. Denver, Los Ang., San Francisco. He comes to New York soon; he will visit then. T. Chase to Mrs. Louisa Ruddiman c87 4p. Chicago, 2 May 1904 Chase left Chicago on 5 Mar, traveling. Went to the Pacific Coast. "Just arrived here." She wrote Chase because of statements in Phelps's book that seemed at variance with what Asadu'llah taught her and what `AB has written. Chase reconciles the statements. He writes an essay on the purpose of life and the nature of death. T. Chase to Mrs. Mariam Haney c87 3p. Chicago, 6 May 1904 Chase leaves for Detroit Monday night; then Massachusetts, Portland (Maine), back to Springfield, maybe New York City, in three weeks. Chase was away out west for three months. "What went ye out for to see?" is to be printed and available. Haney is distributing typed copies of it to people. `AB has received it, read in translated form, and had it sent to Persia. T. Chase to Louisa Ruddiman c87 2p. Chicago, 8 May 1904 Mrs. Ruddiman's mother apparently has gone senile. Chase consoles Ruddiman that her soul is not damaged. T. Chase to Mr. J. P. Cook copy 81 1p. Springfield, Mass., 12 May 1904 Chase writes from Springfield. Cook is a delegate of the "circle of light" in Chicago to the New Thought Federation. Chase says how much he deplores the emphasis on healing and other lives, whgile the laws of God and how one should live are ignored. But he sees a change in attitude for the better in the more recent New Thought conference he has attended. T. Chase to Mirza Asadu'llah c87 4p. East Coast, 20 May 1904 Chase has received a promise from the President of Union Mutual Life Insurance Co. that he may have a two month vacation "in a year or two." Chase has been traveling for the last five months; 13,000 miles in the last three months. Denver -- four Baha'i meetings in Mrs. Bryant's home in eight days. At one of them, 30 were present. Nine Denver Baha'is attended a Baha'is-only meeting. Chase visited San Francisco and Los Ang. Nine of the "friends" met him in L.A. He will be in New York City "Sunday or Monday." Sunday evening commemoration of the Birth of the Bab. Baha'is never gather into large communities; they are always moving, establishing new centers of activity. Ameen Fareed is now in Akka. Asadu'llah has "physical trouble" -- Chase says he hopes he will improve. Chase yearns for release from his material cares. He wants just to serve the Faith. He even yearns for death, because of his current situation. And then he crosses out the part of the letter where he expresses his emotions. Chase wants to buy land in the Holy Land. But he still doesn't have the money; he alludes to Cornelia's estate, and legal problems over obtaining what is rightfully his. Arthur Dodge to T. Chase 1 p. 28 May 1904 The letter is on "International Correspondence School of Prophecy and Bible Study" stationary, and gives as its address what I assume is Dodge's home. No notes on body of letter. T. Chase to Mrs. Haney c87 2p. Louisville, Kty, 2 June 1904 A Mr. Hall is running for Congress [probably Albert Hall; he was taught the Faith by Mrs. Haney and Chase knew him]. He's very busy; Chase was in town and never had a chance to meet him. Hall gave up his church, which Chase regrets. "My faith in N. Y. [New York] as a fruitful field is not great." "What went ye out for to see?" is now printed. T. Chase to Prof. Harold Hume of Raleigh, N.C. Louisville, Kty, 3 June 1904 Cuban oranges -- how well do they ship and related business questions. Roy Wilhelm to Ameen Fareed c87 2p. 23 July 1904 Wilhelm is providing Fareed with $15 per month and $25 for a summer trip, and will provide more for postage and clothing. Wilhelm hopes to go to Europe on business about 1 September, then on pilgrimage via Port Said. T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant c87 3p. 8 Sept. 1904 Extract from a letter; a mystical essay by Chase. T. Chase to George Winterburn c87 1p. Chicago, 12 Sept. 1904 Winterburn is living in Berkeley. His pilgrim's notes made quite an impression in Chicago. Chase is sending copies elsewhere. T. Chase to Mrs. Charlotte Morton, Milwaukee, Wis. 2p. Chicago. 23 Sept. 1904 No notes. T. Chase to Bernard Jacobsen copy 81 1p. Sept. 1904 Reference to Chase's visit to Kenosha in the days of Vatralsky. Mrs. Rosa V. Winterburn to T. Chase 1 p. Berkeley, Cal., 2 Oct. 1904 The Winterburns have just returned from pilgrimage. Apparently the letter accompanies tablets Chase is sending to them. House of Spirituality to Mirza Abu'l-Fadl copy 82 Chase papers 2 p. Chicago, 29 Oct. 1904 A goodbye letter to Mirza Abu'l-Fadl. The letter mentions his problems and his personal strengths. His health is bad, too. T. Chase to Dr. George B. Charles 1p. Louisville, Kty, 3 Nov. 1904 Chase will probably be in Denver on 21 Nov. He will be traveling and will not be in Chicago. He will return to Chicago by next week. The letter is about citrus fruits; Charles is an expert. T. Chase to Mrs. Mariam Haney c87 3p. Chicago, 8 Nov. 1904 Peace reigns in the Chicago Baha'i community now; two women have made their peace, so Chase is happy. Translating of the Hidden Words, Words of Wisdom, Communes. It is to be published as one book. The New York Board is also approving publications. Mirza Abu'l-Fadl is a wonderful man, but hampered by a lack of good translators. He's a "saint, that old man. He has suffered and endured in absolute silence far more than we have conceived. Neglect, insult, misrepresentation and deliberate deception have been added to the trials of loneliness, illness, and inability to speak a word to those around him." Chase found some believers who had accepted `AB only; when told of Baha'u'llah, they left the Faith! "What do you think of that? It was an `eye opener.'" T. Chase to Clarence Smith, Honolulu c87 3p. Denver, 19 Nov. 1904 Chase is replying to Smith's letter of 29 July! Chase was at Green Acre on 29 July for two days only. Mr. Winterburn is now in Los Ang. Both he and his wife are artists, Chase thinks. They became Baha'is in Paris, then went on pilgrimage. Chase's wife and boy are now living with him in Chicago. Good news from Chicago. Chase's son is a student at the Morgan Park Academy, "a preparatory branch school of the Chicago University." T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha c87 Chicago, 26 Nov. 1904 Chase begs to go on pilgrimage: "The heart of this servant is sustained by hope that the visit to the Holy Centre of the New Jerusalem may be attained within the year..." The letter was carried to `AB by Mrs. Haney, who is going on pilgrimage. T. Chase to Jonathan Barnes copy 81 2p. Chicago, 6 Dec. 1904 Barnes is a Springfield, Mass lawyer. The letter is about Cornelia Chase's estate. Part of the property is owned by Eleanor Chase, and part by other heirs. This makes sale of the property difficult. Chase wants to buy the whole thing so he can sell it as a whole. He explains his offer to Barnes. T. Chase to Jonathan Barnes 1p. Chicago, 6 Dec. 1904 About the certificate of title of the property.


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We tend to think of independent productions in Atlanta being run by locals. Sure, the big studios are coming here from all over because of the tax incentives, but low-budget and independent films are all made by Georgia residents, right?
To prove otherwise, Atlanta Film Chat talked to Gleb Osatinski and Danielle Ellen, creators of the upcoming short film The Quantified Self. They are currently raising funds on Kickstarter and hope to shoot the project in the ATL. Why? Listen to the episode and find out!
They also talk about the science behind the film (both Gleb and Danielle have science degrees), the writing process, past films, and much more. This is also the first Skype episode since the filmmakers are currently up in New York, so make sure to let AFC know what you think!
Grab or listen to the episode below:
Produced by Zombie Cat Productions, Atlanta Film Chat is a podcast dedicated to going behind the scenes with the talented & hardworking folks in the Atlanta film community. Look for us on iTunes!
Follow the Chat on Twitter: @ATLFilmChat
Like us on Facebook: Atlanta Film Chat


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Migraines, Cluster Headaches: Remote Control Help? (Video)
Migraines and cluster headaches are not your average headaches. They can lead to debilitating pain (especially cluster headaches), lost work productivity and a poor quality of life. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy … Read More


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In the late 80's and early 90's a couple of awesome people decided to found a television network based solely on science fiction! It took a few years to get the channel launched, but I think we can all say thank you to them now. Sure there have been quite a few stinkers of shows/movies, but they have also provided some of the most interesting shows, i.e. Battlestar Galactica! That's really the only example I need to provide to justify the creation of this network.
I hope you enjoy the brief history of this tv station and the song I wrote about it!


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Our Lady of Good Voyage in the seaport; Our Lady of the Railways at South Station
The airport chapel is just one of several workmen's chapels Archbishop Cushing built across the city in the 1950s and 1960s.
Our Lady of Good Voyage in the port is another example opened on the Boston Fish Pier on December 7, 1952. According to a Boston Globe article at the time, the chapel was "intended for the special use of seamen and waterfront workers, including personnel at the Army Base, Commonwealth Pier and warehouses in the area." A statue of Our Lady of Good Voyages stood in front of the chapel with a ship in her arms and mass was held regularly there for many years. In the early 1980s Rev. Walter J. Martin SJ became the Catholic chaplain for Boston's waterfront. He held a Saturday midnight mass at the chapel for night workers and special masses for fishermen, police, and other groups. This chapel was relocated in 2016 when John B. Hynes III built a 22 story-office building and built a new chapel on the corner of Seaport Boulevard and Sleeper Street.
Unknown to many younger Bostonians, Our Lady of the Railways opened at South Station in 1955. It was the nation's first railroad station chapel, located in an air-conditioned space formerly used as a movie theater. Father Chris Griffin was the longtime chaplain. Annual masses for journalists were held at the chapel in addition to daily and weekly masses. A reunion was held in 1959 for commuters who had met through the chapel which closed in September of 1972 when South Station was renovated and expanded.
Historical photos and documents shared courtsey of the Archdiocese of Boston Archives


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News Hub
New casino plans can benefit from money and ticket counters
Money and ticket counters are a boon to both established and new casinos alike. The purpose of these machines is efficiency. With gamblers demanding better customer service, especially with so many choices out there in terms of w to play, having quick service to clear out one's winnings is essential. A ticket-based system for video slots or gaming can be very helpful, since it doesn't require filling up on tokens in each machine. As a result, not only are fewer materials required to run the casino efficiently, but people have to only carry around paper scrip instead of large amounts of coins just to get what they won at the machines.
A new casino could prove its customer service through TITO ticket readers
New casinos are appearing everywhere, with many municipalities looking to earn revenue off the money of tourists and local gamblers. It can also serve as the foundation to other tourism-based and civic infrastructure, such as convention centers, hotels and real estate development. Newark, New Jersey, the largest city in the state, is now pushing to build their own casino as well. According to NJ.com, the city announced an effort to build a casino within its limits. It has the backing of several officials, the most important of them being Mayor Ras Baraka.
However, the effort requires a lot of political weightlifting. The State of New Jersey forbids gambling operations outside of Atlantic City in its constitution. Ralph Caputo, a State Assemblyman, is pushing to have a constitutional amendment be put to a statewide referendum in November in order to address this issue by allowing casinos in Essex, Bergen and Hudson. Currently the bill is being mulled by the State Assembly. It needs to pass with a 60 percent majority from the Assembly by August 3 for the public vote to happen.
At the same time, the proposal faces hostility not only from the southern parts of the state supported by Atlantic City but also from competitors that are looking to stake a claim at their own casinos in other parts of North Jersey, including Jersey City and the Meadowlands. With such fierce competition imminent, the Newark casino could benefit from standing out by having high-quality customer service first and foremost. Money and ticket counters can help achieve this by making the process of recovering winnings easier, quicker and less error-prone. Gamblers come out happy with their hard-won money, while casinos gain loyal customers as a result.
July 10, 2015


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A question I get asked a lot is, "How did you get your illustrator?" Many people think writers find someone to illustrate their book before they send it off to a publisher. Not true. Unless the writer is also an illustrator, the manuscript will go to an editor as simply text. And unless there's some part of the text that can't be understood without explanation, the text will stand alone–no illustration suggestions included. Editors who find a manuscript they like will have their own vision for the book. They'll have their own ideas of who they'd like to illustrate it and what they hope it will look like in the end.
Here's an example of how a writer's vision and an editor's vision might vary: When I wrote Goodnight, Dragons, I was thinking of a medieval setting.
After all, there are dragons. The horse and wagon I wrote about were, in my mind, a real horse and a farm wagon. But my editor at Disney*Hyperion, Abby Ranger, saw a pretend horse who was really a dog, and a little red wagon.
Now I think, Of course! Why didn't I think of that? But in the beginning I was surprised that we imagined such different books.
Abby's first choice for an illustrator was Pascal Lemaitre. An editor doesn't always get her first choice. Factors include timing (it takes a long time to illustrate a book, and the illustrator's schedule may be full), payment, and whether the illustrator is interested in the project. We were fortunate that Pascal was willing and able to illustrate Goodnight, Dragons. I love what he did with it. And it's also cool to me that he's international. Pascal was born in Belgium and divides his time between Brussels, Brooklyn and Trouville. I'd love to meet him sometime and say, "Bonjour."


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Roads to nowhere – Mabibi to Bhanganek
Nestled between Lake Sibaya and the incomparable coast of Northen-KwaZulu Natal lies Mabibi, and its community owned campsite that sits on a stretch of beach that wouldn't look out-of-place in a beyond my pay grade brochure offering paradise.
Some folks will tell you the road down to the campsite is bad, i'll tell you if you pick the right route (there appear to be several) that its pretty good, sure its rutted in places and beach in others but for the most it's pretty decent.
The campsite is hidden in what must be one of the last and best coastal forests on the East Coast, shaded by Milk Berries, Common Resin Tree's and Milkwoods with a soft sandy beach feel to the rest, it ranks right up there with epic campsites that i have crashed in.
The facilities are good, the showers hot, the water is not potable and you can hire fishing guides, guides for the lake etc at reception.
To be honest, we ( Krusto Haussmann was still on the journey ) did the place no justice, we sat under the marvelous trees and waxed lyrical about aliens, pyramids, travel destinations and marveled at what at the time we felt was mans greatest achievement – the travel fridge that was churning out cold beers like a mechanized factory.
The beach is expansive and a short one hundred step walk from the campsite (They are numbered, there may be more, it was hazy.) It runs to the horizon in both directions, sheltered by huge dunes covered with dense forest.
After two days of sitting under the tree's we figured with the weather getting iffy, we should check out Lake Sibaya, It was underwhelming. Getting there was fun, the area is a maze of tracks and "roads" and to get somewhere around these parts you kind of point in that direction and set off. Maybe we should have organized the guide. But we got there and it was a lake. Being unprepared was not paying off as expected, its on the revisit list.
So we decided to pack it in and head north up a little track which winds its way up the coast, through the southern most part of the iSimagaliso Wetland Park, you need a permit which can be bought at the gate, get there early, they only let 5 vehicles in per day.
There are a few day stops that are pretty run down, but enough to visit the john and have a braai – but this is all about the deserted beaches you encounter, except for a few remnants of humans – we saw no-one. There were a few lodges ( We didn't bother to visit ) along the routes, but i suspect they are for fish killing people. (I am strictly don't catch anything or if by some miracle i do, i release.)
As the day wore on, the single track soon became a lottery, literally road junctions every 100 metres – where you just randomly choose left or right and as long as you are vaguely pointing north you're making progress. It's a fun drive, challenging in places, bumpy in others and just random everywhere.
Eventually you will arrive at the Southern end of the Kozi Bay Lakes at a little lalies – Bhanganek, there are a couple of camps to stay at – we only checked out the one on the beach and ended up staying a couple of nights at 300 per person for a tent – there was a nice central kitchen area which got owned by the cliche of cliche fishkillers – from the mustaches, the rugby shorts and the bad taste in music they insisted on playing in the evenings despite being in paradise.
But despite our neighbors, it was hard not be cowered by the beauty of the spot, walking on to a deserted pristine beach, watching the sunrise, with nothing but the sounds of the sea lazily rolling on to the beach.
Visit. Be quiet. Avoid the visitors, support the locals. Its paradise.


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"Can You See It" - Unrecognizable Nudes
"Art at the Blake" in The Old Blake Museum, 106 E. Walnut, Independence, MO 64050 features the artwork of Betty Key and Ted Stillwell. You can view their photography (traditional and digitally altered), paintings (watercolor, acrylic, and oil), fiber, and artwork constructed from found objects in the upper level gallery. This on line gallery features items from the show: "Can You See It? - Unrecognizable Nudes. These photos are of actual nude people, but are done with odd angles and the color has been changed - that serves to "trick" the mind. See if you can recognize any body parts. There's only one photo with an almost "naughty part" in it and the photo itself has been altered on that one. Framed photos are available from the Blue and Grey Book Shoppe, 816-252-9909, Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Read More


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Is the Koran Grammatically Correct?
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Have not looked at the video yet, but linguistic research I've read, as well as studies of coins and inscriptions, certainly suggests that 1) a large percentage (up to a third) of the Koran's language is imported from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Syriac, and 2) the Koran was not compiled until the late 700s at the earliest. The transformation of coins from using Christian symbols, to Jewish and anti-Byzantine (as a response to the Council of Nicaea and growing Arab separation from the Byzantine Empire) and then Arab/Islamic is fascinating.
- douglas said...
Haven't watched the video yet either, but if I were trying to defend it, my response would be that there is no such thing as perfect grammar as it's a human construct, and Allah is perfect, and his transmission to Mohammed is perfect, you could even say Mohammed is perfect, but grammar is itself fluid and, as a human device, imperfect, as are all who hear or read it. But you can't say that because then it opens a can of worms about the perfection of the text itself (which I believe is untenable without blind faith). They claim perfection in an imperfect world.


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|RAISE THE WOOF on Jackson County's First Animal Shelter
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13 March 2016
The Dilemma
13 March 2016
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Special Teams Spotlight - Drop Pass Loop Entry
One of the topics I will cover later on is the power play entry drop pass, an interesting strategy in that it is exclusively used on the power play. You don't see teams dropping the puck in the neutral zone at even-strength, largely because with aggressive forechecks it could potentially lead to disaster. I know there are people out there who have strong opinions about the drop pass in this context, and the sample size of my data isn't big enough yet to give a conclusive result regarding its effectiveness (stay tuned), but I like the play in theory because it accomplishes one of the big goals of a breakout, which is to approach the line with speed — the receiver of a success drop pass has gained speed leading up to his reception of the puck — while freezing the defenders, who have been approaching the entry as though they need to close down and gain an angle on F1, only to see the puck dropped back and the dynamic change completely.Most drop pass plays can be categorized as either what I call a "Drop Pass Individual," in which the player who accepts the drop pass carries directly into the zone, a "Drop Pass Wide," in which said player dishes the puck to a player hugging the boards on either side, seeing how the defenders are likely now flat-footed near the center of the ice, or a "Drop Pass D-to-D," in which the pass receiver has another skater alongside him, also gaining speed, who accepts a second pass and hits the line opposite where the defenders have now adjusted towards.
The New York Islanders, however, created an added wrinkle that I find intriguing. The following video is composed of a few entries the team has attempted using a play I call a "Drop Pass Loop," which combines some of these principles. Some of the entries in the video weren't executed particularly well, but there have been others instances in which the passing and movement has been more crisp, and you can imagine what the play looks like at its cleanest.
Essentially F1, usually Kyle Okposo, approaches the blueline from the right. He fakes a dump-in, which causes the penalty killers, especially those on the opposite side, to turn and chase. At the last second, F2, who is positioned at the right blue line, skates back towards center ice with speed, picks up the puck and circles back towards the middle. He then hits D1, who approaches from the left with speed, and usually has room to skate the puck in with ease, as defenders were either frozen in place or significantly past the blue line to recover the expected dump-in. I diagrammed the play for easier comprehension.
I find it interesting that the Canadiens seemed to adopt the play, or at least something very similar, on one occasion this year. I'm curious to see what Doug Weight comes up with next, and whether the Islanders can clean up this play so that it works at maximum effectiveness.


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Review: The Night Never Sleeps (2012)
Directed by: Fred Carpenter
Written by: Michael A. Lovaglio
Genre: Action/Drama/Crime
MPAA: Not Yet Rated (But does contain Nudity, Violence, Language, and Rape)
Released: 13 July 2012 (USA)
Starring: Dan Brennan, Eric Roberts, Russ Camarda, Armand Assante, Robert Clohessy, Stephanie Finochio, Jose Hernandez Jr.
Synopsis: Set in New York City and written by career cop Michael Lovaglio, "The Night Never Sleeps" follows the journey of New York Street Crimes Sargent Thomas Cavanaugh (Dan Brennan) during the course of one night as he and his partners Rourke (Stephanie Finochio) and Jablonsky (Robert Clohessy) hunt down murderers of one of their task force.
Review: 7/10
My Thoughts: George Orwell once said "Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because tough men stand ready to do the violence on their behalf." When the sun sets and the average working stiffs clear out, the animals come out to play. The drug dealers and prostitutes, the muggers, the peddlers and psychos, the streets become their playground, and all that stands between us and the injustice that lurks about are those whom put others before themselves.
Written by career cop Michael Lovaglio, "The Night Never Sleeps" follows the journey of a New York Street Crimes Sargent investigating a murder linked to multiple crimes which is quickly spiraling out of control during the course of one unfortunate night. Every officer's worst nightmare is encountering that moment, that one defining moment on the force when the bad escalates into the unimaginable… For Sargent Thomas Cavanaugh (Dan Brennan) tonight will be that night. Similar in tone and narrative of the crime dramas of the 70's and 80's, TNNS offers an honest look at the gritty and morally corrupt streets of the big apple after hours. I'm not going to lie to you here: I've seen so many crime/cop dramas over the years, especially dealing with New York that the crime genre itself no longer strikes me with the level of appeal like it once used to… but I digress; Michael A. Lovaglio's screenplay was something I found quite intriguing. It doesn't try to be bigger than what it is, nor does it attempt to give you some kind of hidden message; it's straightforward and to the point. It's a story about vengeance and redemption of past mistakes, it's about a cop going the extra mile and doing what must be done to put an end to madness, adding that with Fred Carpenter's blunt gritty film style and the results were the perfect combination for a classic cop drama.
The film is mostly split between officer Cavanaugh (Brennan) and Iceman (Camarda). What's interesting is how opposite these two are: Cavanaugh is a dead to rights honest cop just trying to keep the sickos and scumbags off the streets the best way he can, though his methods on how to deal with crime could be viewed by some as a tad bit extreme as for as procedural protocol dictates. Still, Cavanaugh has his reasons. However, Iceman on the other hand, has no reasons; he's not killing for money or the drugs, though those are bonuses for the line of work. He murders, steals and rapes simply because he can, and because he can, he will. The level of extreme that Iceman's personality tip toes on was a fine line between anarchy and madness. What I admired most about the film was the atmospheric tone it had, the brute honesty in the way it presents itself on screen, from the blunt unadulterated rawness of the city, to the way each and every character is presented on screen; it's very alluring to get lost in the moment at times. Now mixing that with the composed work of jazz musician Vincent Nigro, "The Night Never Sleeps" is an impressively well done movie. My only real complaint with this movie was that a few scenes weren't entirely needed and only slowed the pacing down a tad bit in certain areas.
As for the acting: the acting is where the TNNS really excels. The cast consisted of some fine veteran actors of the 80's and 90's both mainstream and indie which included the talents of Robert Clohessy, Armand Assante and Eric Roberts, whom did magnificent in their performances. Their presence added a touch of nostalgia that was very much appreciated. Dan Brennan, the film's lead, did a fantastic job as officer Cavanaugh. Having seen Brennan in "The Video Guys" and "Maggie Marvel", I already knew what to expect out of him performance wise. However, I was really impressed to see him pull off a less comedic-more serious character role for a change; it was different yet enjoying. I've heard of stuntwoman Stephanie Finochio by reputation for her remarkable work on so many different projects over the years, but TNNS is the first time I got to see her performance as an actress. And I must say, she handled herself on screen pretty well as Officer Rourke, her and Brennan definitely have good on-screen chemistry going as partners.
Robert Clohessy did pretty well as Detective Jablonsky, his performance was well done for the role. Now anyone who's watched their fair share of films from the 80's and 90's will easily remember Armand Assante. Armand, whom is classically known for his tough guy roles, did great as Inspector Romanelli. He brings a sense of authenticity to the film with his tough as nails New York attitude. Eric Roberts proved satisfactory in the role of slumlord/pimp Hector, the thing about Eric as an actor, is he fully enjoys playing the part of the bad guy, you can see he's most comfortable being the villain to a degree where he embraces the role entirely. His performance was noteworthy.
But the main attraction for the film was Russ Camarda, who delivered an extraordinary performance as Iceman. I found myself fully engulfed into the film every time Russ' character appeared on screen, you loved to hate him and hated yourself for wanting to see more of him in the film. His actions are irredeemable and unforgiving. The Iceman is a strong representation of, in a lack for a better work, humanities' dark side. Now adding that with Jose Hernandez Jr. performance as Vargas, Iceman's laid back business partner, and the end result is a yin & yang style character chemistry that blends well together.
Finale Say: The Night Never Sleeps was a very enjoying film; while it did have its fair share of flaws, mostly dealing with pacing issues, it was still a well done film all things considering. I recommend it.


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A dramatic late night rescue happened in North Wales after the Carrier cargo ship ruptured and then ran aground in high winds and rough seas.
In the footage shown here the high risk rescue was fraught with danger as one of the rescue helicopter's winch broke midway through the operation. Luckily when five of the crew were off the ship and then the Rescue co-ordinators had to dispatch a second helicopter to collect the remaining two crew members.
The ship is in one piece after hitting a rock in rough seas near a quarry jetty at Llanddulas, near Colwyn Bay, but has not yet been secured. The vessel was carrying 40.000 litres of fuel and there are concerns the fuel may leak into the sea, and with this in mind Salvage and pollution experts are on their way to assess the damage.