text:
SSS and Education Brands Join Forces/
I was born in 1968, the same year that NAIS gained ownership of the School Scholarship Service (as SSS was known at the time). Flash forward nearly fifty years (yes, I'm that old) and NAIS has reached another milestone in financial aid history. We're excited to announce that the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) has entered into a strategic alliance with Education Brands to take the management of SSS to the next level of success for schools and families.
With this innovative collaboration, NAIS will continue its role as a thought leader in financial aid management by maintaining stewardship of the SSS methodology, enhancing services around access and affordability, and delivering relevant professional development that helps schools effectively address issues of pricing, access, affordability, and financial aid management. In turn, Education Brands will take control of the SSS product suite, enabling SSS to offer schools the best tools and service going forward, thus ensuring that SSS remains a market leader among financial aid software solutions. Education Brands will collaborate with NAIS to support annual methodology updates and its efforts to keep the methodology current and relevant.
While we believe this change is exciting and positive, I can imagine a few questions I might ask if I were working at a school:
Do I have new people to contact if I need customer support?
Schools that use SSS will continue to have access to the same tools, support team, and customer service they have today. You can still use "Cases" and "Ideas" in School Portal to submit ideas for improvements or report glitches to fix. And you can still call the Client Success Team or Business Development staff for any help you need, as you currently do.
Will the fees and pricing change for schools or families?
The fees previously announced for the upcoming academic year will not change for schools or parents. The agreement between NAIS and Education Brands even ensures that the PFS fee waiver program and the ongoing support of access organizations will continue to help keep the most-needy, low-income families in the application pipeline.
Will there be any downtime in the School Portal or the Parents' Financial Statement during the transition period?
Schools using the SSS School Portal and families completing the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) will experience no disruption to their day-to-day processes as a result of this alliance.
I want to register for this year's SSS Summer Series and Financial Aid Conference. Are you still planning to hold these events?
The professional development team is still intact and working to deliver the events as planned and described on the SSS website's Events page. You should expect no disruption to these learning opportunities as a result of this collaboration.
Understanding you may have questions and concerns about this change, we strongly believe that this unique alliance combines the strengths of NAIS with the strengths of Education Brands to expand the value of SSS to schools and to NAIS members. It also allows NAIS to drive wider adoption of our trusted aid methodology and to reinforce our position as the thought leader in financial aid and access issues for schools and families.
We're confident this new chapter in the SSS story will bring continued success to the schools that look to SSS to help them achieve their enrollment goals, and we look forward to working together with you, and with Education Brands, as SSS evolves through the next 50 years and beyond.
- Contact SSS directly by email or call (855) 230-7850
- For more information on Education Brands, visit http://www.educationbrands.com/


text:
In her second book, Vickie Musni teamed up with her brother, Kevin Burrill, to create Personalities for Educators. Between them they have over 30 years of experience working with students between pre-K and young adult in both traditional classroom settings, as well as other learning environments. Kevin has been a middle school teacher in Sacramento for 10 years and has a Masters degree in curriculum and education. Vickie regularly shares the message of personalities with educators with other professionals locally, nationally and internationally.
Here's a sample of what people are saying about Personalities for Educators:
You can read more reviews on Amazon but we encourage you to order here and use code NPFYH5BF for 20% off!
1 Comment
Looking forward to your newsletters.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
iBotz Robot Kits
The iBotz line of educational robot kits are an ideal introduction for children ages 8 and up wanting to investigate the fascinating world of electronics and intelligent machines. Developed with the help of the Open University in the United Kingdom, these kits have a strong focus on teaching not only how to build the robot, but how the robot works. Detailed explanations of the circuitry driving the robot are examined, as well as what role the individual components play in the robot's functionality.
These kits introduce the fundamentals of sensor technology and shows how sensors, electronic circuit boards, and motors can be combined with carefully designed mechanical gears and shafts to produce a robot that moves and reacts to its environment. When you have built and experimented with this robot, you will be ready to move on towards more advanced robots!
- Robots react to environment differently
- Easy to build in about an hour
- Only simple hand tools required
- No soldering skill needed for most kits
- Many different styles of robots
- Theory behind each robot explained


text:
Does anybody remember the universal solvent from basic chemistry? Water. Is it any wonder then that Jesus is called the Living Water? And deservedly so. It is His nature to dilute and even dissolve our problems. On top of that, He can wash us clean of sin, cool us when we're hot, satisfy us when we're thirsty, drown our sorrows, and put out life's fires. Like water, He takes the shape of whatever vessel He's in (namely your heart), He is essential for all life on Earth, and as God, He can be found in three common forms (not solid, liquid, and gas but Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). For the perfect solution, just add Jesus.
Category Archives: Creation
Universal Solvent
Posted in Christianity, Creation, Faith, God, Jesus Christ, Random Thoughts, Science, Truth
Tagged Chemistry, Jesus Christ, Science
Your Name is Mud: Part 1
Genesis 2:6-7 . . . but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground––the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
(The Hebrew for man, adam, may be related to the Hebrew for ground, adamah)
The Lord made the first man from wet ground, mud. Is it any wonder that science says that the human body is anywhere from 60-90% water (depending on the source) and that once our earthly vessels die, they can be put into the ground to decompose back into whence they came?
"What can be seen on earth points to neither the total absence nor the obvious presence of divinity, but to the presence of a hidden God. Everything bears this mark." — Blaise Pascal (1623-1620), mathematician and theologian
Genesis 3:19b ". . . for dust you are and to dust you will return." God said to Adam
Posted in Creation, God, Random Thoughts, Science
Tagged Creationism, God, Random Thoughts, Science


text:
Nissan TD42 a world famous for cracking cylinder blocks. Water being in the sump
At Noordeman Diesel we can machine out the parent bore and reapair your nissan as per the pictures below
Repair liners fitted to the cylinder block, a great practice is to leave a machined step at the bottom of the parent bore . This helps to prevent the repair liner from slipping or falling down if the engine every over heats or get to hot. Not that we ever mean too i Make sure you Engine shop does type or quality machining
When we fit the repair sleeve – we top the liners to be flush with the cylinder block
Once all the repair liners have been top. The cylinder block is decked then bored to suit every individual piston size. make sure you supply your pistons to you engine shop so they can individually measure each piston to ensure piston to bore clearance is correct . Its also handy if they have to top the pistons also if you do not have a lathe
Once the block has been bored, the final machining is required to get the exact piston to bore clearance. Alway make sure you Petrol or Diesel machine shop Plateau hones
Check out our facebook page for more samples of cylinder block repairs
check our other blogs on Honing – repair liners and much more


text:
TTIP is about a huge transfer of power from people to big business."
Posted by Québec de Droite in Libre échange, Mondialisation on samedi 4 juin 2016
4 Ways a Leaked TTIP Text Reveals Attempts to Undermine Environment and Health Protection Laws
The documents "unveil for the first time the U.S. position and deliberate attempts to change the EU democratic legislative process," says Greenpeace.
Greenpeace Netherlands has obtained 248 pages of leaked Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiating texts, which were published on Monday 2 May at 11:00 CET. The documents unveil for the first time the US position and deliberate attempts to change the EU democratic legislative process.
The classified documents represent more than two-thirds of the overall TTIP text as of April, at the 13th round of TTIP negotiations in New York. They cover 13 chapters addressing issues ranging from telecommunications to regulatory cooperation, from pesticides, food and agriculture to trade barriers.
Jorgo Riss, director of Greenpeace EU, said: "These leaked documents confirm what we have been saying for a long time:
TTIP would put corporations at the centre of policy-making, to the detriment of environment and public health. We have known that the EU position was bad, now we see the US position is even worse. A compromise between the two would be unacceptable."
Greenpeace identified four main issues of concern:
1. Long standing environmental protection is dropped
The "General Exceptions" rule, enshrined in the GATT agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is absent from the text. This nearly 70-year-old rule allows nations to restrict trade "to protect human, animal and plant life or health," or for "the conservation of exhaustible natural resources."
2. No place for climate protection in TTIP
If the goals of the Paris Summit to keep temperatures increase under 1.5 degrees are to be met, trade should not be excluded from CO2 emissions reduction specifications. But nothing about climate protection can be found in the obtained texts.
3. Precautionary principle is forgotten
The US wants the EU to replace the EU's hazard approach with 'risk management', disregarding the precautionary principle, which is enshrined in the EU Treaty but is never mentioned in the consolidated text. [The precautionary principle also covers consumer policy, European legislation concerning food and human, animal and plant health.]
4. Open door for corporate lobbying
The leaked documents suggest that both parties consider giving corporations much wider access and participation in decision making.
Jorgo Riss said: "The effects of TTIP would be initially subtle but ultimately devastating. It would lead to European laws being judged on their consequences for trade and investment – disregarding environmental protection and public health concerns."
This article originally appeared on Greenpeace.org. Reprinted with permission.
Noam Chomsky Blows the Lid Off the Latest Corporate Trade Deal (Video)
Does free trade even exist? Chomsky breaks it down., By Alexandra Rosenmann / AlterNet, June 3, 2016
Two weeks after Greenpeace released 280 pages on the TTIP trade agreement, Noam Chomsky spoke with Channel 4 about why he believes the new agreement has nothing to do with reducing tariffs, calling it "pretty extreme."
According to Greenpeace: "Whether you care about environmental issues, animal welfare, labor rights or internet privacy, you should be concerned about what is in these leaked documents. They underline the strong objections civil society and millions of people around the world have voiced: TTIP is about a huge transfer of power from people to big business."
"From an environmental and consumer protection point of view four aspects are of serious concern," said Sylvia Borren, Executive Director Greenpeace Netherlands, including the dropping of long-standing environmental protections; increased difficulty in taking climate action; ending of the "precautionary principle" that allows regulators to take preventive measures to safeguard public health; and opening the door for corporate takeover.
Chomsky points out that "the so-called free-trade agreements are not free-trade agreements. To a larger extend they're not even trade agreements. These are investor rights agreements." He continued:
There's a reason why they're kept secret from the public and as soon as you look at them you see why. They're not secret to the corporate lawyers and lobbyists who are writing the detailed regulation - of course in the interest of their constituents.
The investors are given the right to sue governments for their potentially future profits They go to private trade adjudiction groups made of largely corporate representatives. They're already going on with NAFTA and we can expect more of them. The major trading partners already have agreements that have reduced tariffs substantially with few exceptions—not many.
Chomsky also noted that the phrase "climate change" does not appear once in these 280 pages.
This entry was posted on samedi 4 juin 2016 at 07 h 01 and is filed under Libre échange, Mondialisation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response.


text:
One of the major things that changes when you become a parent is not being able to go out socialising as frequently as you once did (also without a pushchair and a suitcase full of essentials for the little one!)
To avoid becoming complete hermits, my Husband and I try to go around to our Brother & Sister in Laws - who also have Children - and sometimes as a treat when Livs gone to bed and I'm feeling lucky, I break out the laptop for a couple of games of online Bingo
It has saved me from some truly brain numbing evenings during football season *yawn* and even though I seem to have more bad luck than good (I must have smashed a mirror or two at some point!) it's still great fun to play and chat.
I haven't had chance to play since we visited the Donkey Sanctuary last month where we bought a lucky donkey shoe - here's hoping it does what it says!
Personally I am more than a little superstitious, my Husband thinks it is hilarious when I panic as he approaches the dining table with new shoes in his hand, yell at him in the street to avoid walking over 3 grids or stop yo salute a single magpie, although I think my Nana must have made up the new shoes one though because no one I know has ever heard of it!
My Nana was one of those hardcore Bingo Ladies who got cross if people were talking or heaven forbid - laughing! How times have changed - thankfully! No need to worry about that in the comfort of your own home!
Do you have any superstitions to avoid bad luck or anything you do/carry for good luck?
Leave a comment and share I'd love to know!


text:
November 27, 2013
FMT LETTER: From N Surendran, via e-mail
Since Nov 14, 2013, one opposition MP and two state assemblymen have been suspended by BN-dominated legislatures. The suspensions have been carried out in a high-handed and undemocratic manner, and without regard for justice, due process or requirements of the standing orders.
In none of these cases was the complaint referred first for investigation to the Committee of Privileges, as provided for under the Standing Orders, which is the norm in Commonwealth legislatures. Instead, BN abused the power of majority to mete out punishment without giving the elected reps an opportunity to answer baseless charges. It is a classic case of 'tyranny of the majority'!
The power of legislative chambers to suspend elected reps is intended only to prevent the obstruction of the legislature in the performance of its functions. It is a power to be used sparingly and only after an impartial investigation of the charges. But here, it has been abused by BN to silence legitimate criticism by opposition elected reps.
We have been punished not for obstructing the House, but for fairly criticising the speaker, the government and their policies. The trademark intolerance of the BN has now reached a dangerous new level!
The extreme lengths of the suspensions are tantamount to interfering with the right of the rakyat to send representatives of their choice to federal and state legislatures. Legislative bodies have no right to negate the people's choice by imposing lenghty suspensions. In the UK parliament, between 1949 and 2011 the longest suspension has been for one month. In contrast, I'm suspended for six months, Lee Chean Chung for up to one year and Chong Cheng Jien indefinitely!
The rash of recent suspensions is deliberate, and intended to intimidate and silence robust and principled opposition in our country. It shows the desperation of BN in the face of continiuing scandals and eroding support. It highlights the utter inability of BN to debate issues of national importance fairly and rationally without resorting to brute force.
The writer is Keadilan vice president and MP for Padang Serai


text:
Irrfan Khan As Porn Film Maker In Tigmanshu Dhulia 's Next
Uploaded by: MoviezAddA
on Fri, 27 Dec 2013 16:32:18 IST
Irrfan Khan has time and again proved his acting prowess with several films, be it with well accl... Show more
Irrfan Khan has time and again proved his acting prowess with several films, be it with well acclaimed hit Pan Singh Tomar or with his latest Lunch Box or Life Of Pi. So well, while we are on this subject and coming to the recent buzz, we now hear that Irrfan is all set to play a porn filmmaker in his next! Yes you heard that right! Wondering if Sunny Leone is playing the lead? Well just kidding... Coming to the story, reports suggest that filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia is touting plans on getting a film based on a porn director and has already titled it as The Killing Of A Porn Filmmaker. Starring Irrfan as the supreme sleaze, the film will further narrate the depths of sleaze and how Irrfan emerges as the real hero. In fact, making it a Hollywood affair, the film is also believed to cast an international actor alongside Irfan and touch upon the theme of racism! Whoa...seems to be an engaging plot! Stay tuned as we bring in some latest updates! Show less


text:
"Moss is no ordinary mortal, but one who has defined the design decade, who helped shape how we see objects." ...Metropolis Magazine 2012
Murray Moss is the founder and creative mind behind internationally renowned MOSS design gallery, established in 1994.
He conceived and curated over a hundred influential exhibitions, at Moss in New York and Los Angeles, as well as other venues, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, the Museum Fur Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt, Collective Design Fair and the Warhol Foundation in Pittsburgh.
Moss has written three books: Georg Jensen Reflections, (Rizzoli, 2014), Baccarat: Two Hundred and Fifty Years (Rizzoli, 2013), and Tertium Quid, August Editions (2013), and co-authored Please Do Not Touch (Rizzoli, 2018).
In the December 2011 issue of the international magazine, Art + Auction, Murray Moss was included in the magazine's list, "Most Powerful People in the Art World."
He has been honored with numerous awards, including the Chrysler Design Award, Russel Wright Award, House Beautiful's Giants of Design Award, Metropolitan Home's Modernism Award and was inducted into Interior Design Magazine's Hall of Fame. He has served on the Boards of the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids (DIFFA).
Murray Moss is a frequent guest speaker at art academies and universities, as well as cultural institutions around the world, including the TED Talks, the Neue Galerie, the Smithsonian, Cooper- Hewitt National Design Museum, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Wexner Center for the Arts, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Parsons School of Design, the Sackler Gallery in London, the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Hammer Museum, and Beijing Center for the Arts.
He is on the Graduate Faculty of the School of Visual Arts and is a Senior Presidential Fellow at the Rhode Island School of Design.
In addition to an Emmy, Franklin Getchell has received more than thirty other honors, including seven Emmy nominations, a Peabody, a Christopher, and the Japan Prize.
He is a senior executive with experience across a wide range of business disciplines.
To date, he has had four distinct careers. For ten years he was an actor, on stage and television, including commercials, plus print and radio advertising. Classically trained, in New York and the UK, including at the Royal Shakespeare Company, he toured the country, did musical theatre, and eventually went to Hollywood, doing episodic police dramas.
He is a writer. Of advertising copy, for two years, of television documentaries and drama, for twelve years, of newspaper and magazine articles and books, for thirty years, including co-authoring Please Do Not Touch (Rizzoli, 2018).
He is a producer, director and television programmer, for twenty five years. In the US, UK, France, Malaysia and Japan. He was responsible for over 800 hours of television, and in his tv career, had programming on PBS, NBC, CBS, ABC and HBO in the US, and on four cable satellite channels in the UK (one of which he created), as well as Discovery Channel Europe. For six years, he was in charge of Sesame Street.
He is a retail executive, for fifteen years as President of Moss.
And for the past five years, exploiting the experience and expertise gained from all that came before, he is a high level Consultant, and Advisor, over a broad range of topics and fields.
His professional expertise extends to marketing and branding, business development and corporate management. His own company, Getchell Intellectual, had clients in both the public and private sectors, and while in the UK, he had a regular column in Broadcast, the industry weekly newspaper. He was a frequent speaker at media conferences, festivals and trade shows.
He is a graduate of Harvard, and attended Columbia and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
"Moss--impresario, provocateur, and inventor of the store-as-museum concept--is the retailer most responsible for transforming Soho and taking high-end design mainstream." - Metropolis 2012
"Arguably the best design store in America" - The New York Times 2003
"Once in a hundred years, a shopkeeper may emerge with a vision powerful enough to alter the culture…. If a new design revolution results, it will have started at 146 Greene Street in the shop called Moss". - The Washington Post 2003
"(Moss) is a source of enlightenment to New Yorkers about the history and culture of furniture and designer objects. " - Intramuros (cover story) 2000
"Moss is the world's best design store for the simple reason that its owner, Murray Moss, treats it as a personal obsession." - Sunday Telegraph 2004
"...one of the most influential retailers in America." - Departures 2005
(Moss has) "become the best (and I've chosen that superlative carefully) design store in the world." -Alice Rawsthorne, International Herald Tribune 2007
"His shop and his New York gallery are considered the best of the United States." - Architectural Digest France 2009
"Murray Moss is the Pied Piper of avant-garde design, the Soho Savonarola of Sottsass, the Don King of Droog. For someone who is neither a designer nor a manufacturer, he exerts a profound influence on the elite New York design scene." - Interior Design 1999
New York Magazine THE CUT:
1stDibs Introspective Magazine:
Regarding Murray's lectures at RISD:
Modern Magazine


text:
Mid-West gets another jobs boost as Ballina firm announces expansion
THERE was a further jobs boost for the region this week following confirmation the medical devices company Technopath is to create 40 new jobs in Ballina.
Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton made the announcement following a €3m investment to scale its manufacturing capability and drive export activity.
The jobs are being supported by Enterprise Ireland, with the investment made in the firm's Quality Control Division.
This manufactures products for a number of multinational companies providing a diagnosis.
The company's products monitor the quality of hospital laboratory blood tests, for example cholesterol, cancer markers, cardiac markers) and prevent the reporting of incorrect results thus ensuring optimal patient care.
Mr Bruton said: "This is great news for Tipperary and the indigenous life sciences sector in Ireland.
"Through continued implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs, I am determined to ensure that we can see more announcements like this around the country over the coming years."
Co-founder of Technopath Malcolm Bell said the creation of 40 new jobs comes at the end of a research and development programme, for which the firm has invested €6m.
He said: "We have developed a number of proprietary technologies, launching our first product in this division less than four years ago. Our long-term growth strategy is to develop niche, innovative, breakthrough technologies and to deploy these technologies globally. With our current partners and channels we expect to bring the benefit of enhanced quality and significant cost savings to 20% of patients around the world in the next 24 months."
Based in Fort Henry Business Park, the firm currently employs 50 people.


text:
- Home
- California
- Bay Area
- Menlo Park
- Marquis
Sold Out
About the Community
Upscale living debuts at Marquis in Menlo Park, where a limited number of boutique townhomes will be near Downtown Menlo Park, the Caltrain station and Silicon Valley, while among the state's most academically prominent school districts. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy proximity to a variety of parks and recreation, combined with premier retail at the Stanford Shopping Center.
Tour the Community
The life you want to live is waiting for you at Marquis. Explore this community and see for yourself.
Area Details
About the Area
About the Area
Additional Features
- Within top-tier school districts statewide
- Minutes from Stanford Shopping Center and Hospital
- Close proximity to Caltrain station
- Less than 3 miles north of Stanford University
- Surrounded by high-tech and bio-tech Silicon Valley companies
- Easy access to Highway 101, I-280 and CA-84/Dumbarton Bridge
- Less than 20 miles south of San Francisco International Airport
- Shoreline Park boasts 750+ acres open space for boating, biking and hiking along the bay front
- Nealon Park features softball, tennis and a dog park
- Flood Park featues beautiful oak trees with a baseball field
- Fremont Park is a traquil, tree-filled space with benches
- Near Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
Build Quality Experience
Over 65 years of experience go into the building of every Pulte home, and our construction standards are set high to meet and exceed industry expectations. Learn more about our quality build process.
Why Build New
Home is where the heart is. And when you build new, you have the opportunity to put your heart and soul into the planning of your home. It becomes uniquely yours. From extra storage where you need it and a kitchen that works for you to the energy efficiency features in a new home, building new just makes sense.
(13) Nearby Neighborhood(s)
For Every Taste
Kitchens That Cook
When building a new home with Pulte Homes, explore our kitchen options and configurations to make your cooking zone truly your own.Let's Cook
Kitchen Innovations
Take a look at our 5 simple kitchen design elements that enhance functionality and make life easier.Read the Article


text:
Modern Parents and Everyone Else
Happy Saturday!
Stop. If you're not a parent, I don't want you to see this post and say, "Oh this doesn't apply to me." Whether you're a parent now, a future parent, or just a quirky fun person that loves to sugar coat your space with playful objects, this post applies to you. If you're not a parent, have you thought to scour websites that feature kids stuff for exciting additions to your own space? Lots of sites for children feature decor that appeals to parents and non-parents alike. I've found some great things at Pottery Barn Teen, like this Longboard Chalkboard, the Beadboard Message Center, a really neat Beadboard Magazine Rack, colorful Wall-to-Wall Frames, and a great budget table lamp called the Bubble. The Shadowbox Wall Frames are great for your home office, and I think the Dottie Storage Bins would make for terrific handbag storage in your closet (I love that you can insert a label or a photo of what's inside).
If you want to try shopping at some other kiddie stores, Yoya Shop is a cute stop on your list. They appeal to the kid in us all. I love the graphics on their Japanese Kaikai Kiki postcards and the Pan Chan elephants are just too cute. While you're out clicking around, hop on over to Boon for the cutest frog pod in the world, perfect for storing and scooping toys and soaps for your little one. If you don't have children, but frequently find yourself on babysitter patrol, you may want to keep a frog pod in your house. Available at Target for $24.99.
After hitting Yoya and Boon, click on over to Hive Modern for the perfect Pisellino Cotton Swab Holder by Alessi. Then you can visit Magic Beans for a cranberry lunch tote from Built NY. You're next stop on our list is Modern Mini, another adorable modern website for parents and kids. I love the wall candy stripes for $40 (so much easier than painting them!) and the colorware sets. Again, if you're not a parent, you can find lots of good stuff at most of these sites for yourself as well as sweet gifts for your friends.
Now, let's check out Modern Seed for a few fresh finds. If you love bright cheery books with fun graphics, Bruno Munari's ABC's may be a cute book to own. I think everyone should have a few good children's books because chances are, someone is going to visit you with their children at some point in your life and having a few books for the kiddies on hand will make their visit a lot more enjoyable and the kids will love you and think that you are just the coolest. Modern Seed also has a unique Nightlight Owl Baby Zoo Rug that promises you'll never fumble around again in the dark, ever. Last on the list, here's a budget find - the Spring Placemat Set. They're both hip and easy to clean, made of blonde plywood backed with cork featuring a screened print of trees, birds and flowers.
There are many more online shopping destinations for kids, but I'm sure those will keep you occupied for awhile. Oh, and if you're a proud parent, here are some fun websites you may enjoy...
Hot Moms Club (I'm not a mom but I love this site!)
Modern Mom
Baby Boy Blog
Swanky Moms
Giving credit where credit is due: Some of the above products were spotted on the ever so cute coochicoos blog. You simply must check them out. Ga-ga-goo!
If you have any sites you'd like to suggest that fall into this category, please comment below!


text:
- Home
- Newsroom
- Events
- NewsTrain
- Get Involved
- Contests
- Resources
- Ideas
- About Us
|And Finally...
Share |
New York Times: 50 years later, war on poverty is a mixed bag
By Annie Lowrey
To many Americans, the war on poverty declared 50 years ago by President Lyndon B. Johnson has largely failed. The poverty rate has fallen only to 15 percent from 19 percent in two generations, and 46 million Americans live in households where the government considers their income scarcely adequate.
But looked at a different way, the federal government has succeeded in preventing the poverty rate from climbing far higher. There is broad consensus that the social welfare programs created since the New Deal have hugely improved living conditions for low-income Americans. At the same time, in recent decades, most of the gains from the private economy have gone to those at the top of the income ladder.
Half a century after Mr. Johnson's now-famed State of the Union address, the debate over the government's role in creating opportunity and ending deprivation has flared anew, with inequality as acute as it was in the Roaring Twenties and the ranks of the poor and near-poor at record highs. Programs like unemployment insurance and food stamps are keeping millions of families afloat. Republicans have sought to cut both programs, an illustration of the intense disagreement between the two political parties over the best solutions for bringing down the poverty rate as quickly as possible, or eliminating it.
Read more:
AP: Report spurring anti-smoking crusade marks 50th anniversary
By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press
Fifty years ago, ashtrays seemed to be on every table and desk. Athletes and even Fred Flintstone endorsed cigarettes in TV commercials. Smoke hung in the air in restaurants, offices and airplane cabins. More than 42 percent of U.S. adults smoked, and there was a good chance your doctor was among them.
The turning point came Jan. 11, 1964. That Saturday morning U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry released an emphatic and authoritative report that said smoking causes illness and death — and the government should do something about it.
In the decades that followed, warning labels were put on cigarette packs, cigarette commercials were banned, taxes were raised and new restrictions were placed on where people could light up.
"It was the beginning," said Kenneth Warner, a University of Michigan public-health professor who is a leading authority on smoking and health.
It was not the end. While the U.S. smoking rate has fallen by more than half to 18 percent, that still translates to more than 43 million smokers. Smoking is still far and away the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. Some experts predict large numbers of Americans will puff away for decades to come.
Read more:
The Providence Journal: Online Immortality
By Paul Edward Parker
Journal Staff Writer
One snowy Saturday morning in 2010, Mason Boltrushek said goodbye to his girlfriend and headed to work, agreeing to get together when he got out, The Providence Journal reports.
He would never keep that promise. The 17-year-old lost control of his car on Route 102 in Burrillville. It spun across the center line, where a pickup truck plowed into it, killing Mason.
But, in this Internet Age, Mason has gained a measure of digital immortality.
Friends and family continue to post pictures and messages on his Facebook page. They recall fond memories. They bemoan his passing. They even seek his guidance and advice.
It's as if he's still around — somewhere out in cyberspace.
"It's like a piece of him is always going to be there," said Katie O'Connor, the girlfriend he left behind on Jan. 2, 2010. "It's the same as just sitting there talking to the air as if he's listening — without looking as silly."
Only there's one eerie difference: Sometimes, Mason posts messages on their Facebook pages.
Read more: http://www.providencejournal.com/business/content/20131214-ewave-family-friends-use-facebook-to-keep-burrillville-teens-memory-alive1.ece
Woman's 140K tapes of TV news to be digitized
A woman who faithfully taped 35 years of TV news with the hope that one day it would prove to be valuable, searchable historical material did not live to see her dream realized.
But the vision of Philadelphia resident Marion Stokes, who died last year at 83, will become a reality now that her 140,000 video cassettes are being archived in an online library.
The trove, which totals about a million hours of newscasts, is expected to arrive Tuesday at the Internet Archive in Richmond, Calif., where it will be digitized and made available to the public, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported (http://bit.ly/1ksefVO).
"We were awestruck by two things," said Roger Macdonald, the virtual library's director of TV archives. "One, the size of the collection. And two, the human story behind it, that one person could create so extensive a collection."
The massive collection, which was first reported last month by Fast Company magazine, include local news shows from Philadelphia between 1986 and 2012, and broadcasts from Boston, where she once lived, from 1977 to 1986. All the while, she also recorded national news and cable channels, leading to her to run several VCRs simultaneously 24 hours a day.
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/entertainment/television/Germantown-woman-videotapes-35-years-of-broadcast-news.html
AP: 'Trust me' doesn't cut it for many in the U.S.
By Connie Cass, Associated Press
You can take our word for it. Americans don't trust each other anymore.
We're not talking about the loss of faith in big institutions such as the government, the church or Wall Street, which fluctuates with events. For four decades, a gut-level ingredient of democracy — trust in the other fellow — has been quietly draining away.
These days, only one-third of Americans say most people can be trusted. Half felt that way in 1972, when the General Social Survey first asked the question.
Forty years later, a record high of nearly two-thirds say "you can't be too careful" in dealing with people.
An AP-Gfk poll conducted last month found that Americans are suspicious of each other in everyday encounters. Less than one-third expressed a lot of trust in clerks who swipe their credit cards, drivers on the road, or people they meet when traveling.
"I'm leery of everybody," said Bart Murawski, 27, of Albany, N.Y. "Caution is always a factor."
Does it matter that Americans are suspicious of one another? Yes, say worried political and social scientists.
What's known as "social trust" brings good things. A society where it's easier to compromise or make a deal. Where people are willing to work with those who are different from them for the common good. Where trust appears to promote economic growth.
Distrust, on the other hand, seems to encourage corruption. At the least, it diverts energy to counting change, drawing up 100-page legal contracts and building gated communities.
Even the rancor and gridlock in politics might stem from the effects of an increasingly distrustful citizenry, said April K. Clark, a Purdue University political scientist and public opinion researcher.
"It's like the rules of the game," Clark said. "When trust is low, the way we react and behave with each other becomes less civil."
Read more:
And finally .... Do we know exact words of the Gettysburg Address?
Gettysburg Address at 150: Reporter's story, scholars' research seek Lincoln's exact words
By ALLEN G. BREED AP NATIONAL WRITER It was the biggest assignment of Joseph Ignatius Gilbert's journalistic career — and he was in serious danger of blowing it.
On Nov. 19, 1863, the 21-year-old Associated Press freelancer was standing before a "rude platform" overlooking the still-ravaged battlefield at Gettysburg, Pa. Towering above him was an almost mythic figure: Abraham Lincoln.
By this time, Gilbert had been covering the president for two and a half long years of civil war. Three months earlier, he had written a dispatch about the Union rout of Gen. George Pickett from this very field, an event often called the "high-water mark of the Confederacy."
Lincoln had come to dedicate a portion of the battlefield — still strewn with equipment, clothing and horse skeletons — as a national cemetery. Gilbert was dutifully taking down the president's words in shorthand when something uncharacteristic happened.
He became star-struck.
"Fascinated by Lincoln's intense earnestness and depth of feeling, I unconsciously stopped taking notes," he would recall decades later, "and looked up at him just as he glanced from his manuscript with a faraway look in his eyes as if appealing from the few thousands before him to the invisible audience of countless millions whom his words were to reach."
Luckily for Gilbert, Lincoln graciously allowed his text to be copied while the ceremonies concluded. And "the press report was made from the copy," the AP man noted.
Brief as Lincoln's speech was, many newspaper reports paraphrased or outright butchered it. In his new book, "Writing the Gettysburg Address," Martin P. Johnson argues that the fledgling "wire service" played a key role in ensuring that most Americans experienced the true power and poetry of their president's words at a time when he desperately wanted to reach them.
"The Gettysburg Address was not necessarily going to be an important text, if the first version published had been such a truncated version," he says.
But 150 years later, the debate continues over exactly what Lincoln said that day — and why it matters.
"Four score and seven years ago ..."
The speech contains about 250 words. Today, a listener with a smartphone could polish it off in 10 tweets or simply post the raw video on YouTube.
But a century and a half ago, the news medium was a reporter taking notes with a pencil, most likely in shorthand.
Once finished, he would race to a telegraph office and hand over his dispatch to an operator, who would tap it out in Morse code. The story would travel to a newspaper office, where the series of dots and dashes were deciphered, then set in lead type.
For a great many papers, the source of that text was the AP, and its "agents" — men like Gilbert.
The goateed Gilbert was a "shorthand novice" in the state Senate at Harrisburg on Feb. 22, 1861, when he first heard the new president speak in the Pennsylvania capital. His dispatches appeared in the city's Evening Telegraph. As he moved on to The Philadelphia Press and AP, the young scribe would have other opportunities to report on "the care worn President whose shoulders, Atlas-like, were carrying the pillars of the Republic."
So Gilbert was an old hand at covering Lincoln when he joined the throngs assembling on Cemetery Hill in the fall of 1863.
"The battlefield, on that sombre autumn day, was enveloped in gloom," he wrote in a paper delivered at the 1917 convention of the National Shorthand Reporters' Association in Cleveland. "Nature seemed to veil her face in sorrow for the awful tragedy enacted there."
Lincoln was not even the keynote speaker that day; that honor fell to former U.S. Sen. Edward Everett, who spoke for two hours. Lincoln's address lasted barely two minutes.
There are five known drafts of the speech in Lincoln's own handwriting, each different from the other in some subtle or not-so-subtle way. The last, penned in March 1864, is the version chiseled in marble on the Lincoln Memorial.
In 1894, Lincoln's personal secretary, John Nicolay, published what he called "the autograph manuscript" of the Gettysburg Address. The first page was written in pen on lined stationery marked "Executive Mansion"; the second is in pencil on bluish foolscap.
Johnson, an assistant history professor at Miami University in Ohio, concludes that this is the delivery or "battlefield draft" Lincoln pulled from his coat on the platform that day. John R. Sellers, retired curator of Civil War papers at the Library of Congress, which recently put the pages on display, agrees.
But historian Gabor Boritt, author of "The Gettysburg Gospel," argues that a version discovered in 1908 among the papers of John M. Hay, Lincoln's assistant secretary, is the one from which the president read.
Perhaps the most important difference among the address's various permutations is the presence or absence of the phrase "under God."
Those words do not appear in either the Nicolay or Hay drafts, but they are present in the three other handwritten copies Lincoln produced for use in fundraising efforts.
They also appear in dispatches sent by Gilbert and shorthand stenographer Charles Hale, who was there for the Boston Daily Advertiser, leading Johnson, Boritt and others to conclude that Lincoln added them extemporaneously.
Lincoln told his good friend, Kentuckian James Speed, that he continued to work on the speech after arriving in Gettysburg and had not had time to memorize it. He also acknowledged that he did not stick to the script in his hand.
Nicolay said Lincoln referred to the AP report when reconstructing and refining the address for the later drafts. But which one?
Due to "inevitable telegraphic variations," says Johnson, there were almost as many versions in circulation "as there were newspapers that printed them." No definitive "wire copy" survives in AP files, says company archivist Valerie Komor.
Many, including Komor, believe the story that appeared the next day in the New York Tribune, represents the dispatch sent out from AP headquarters. But Johnson notes that the Tribune had its own reporter in Gettysburg that day.
Through some forensic calisthenics, Johnson believes he has succeeded in recreating the original AP dispatch.
Different versions either include or omit the word "poor" in "far above our poor power to add or detract."
"Poor" is missing from the Tribune version, Boritt notes. It's included in the story published in the Philadelphia North American, which to Johnson "appears to be the closest approximation of the AP version as it was telegraphed from Gettysburg on the day of the speech."
Unfortunately, Gilbert's personal account only muddies the waters. In the wire dispatches, the text is interrupted six times to note applause. But in 1917, Gilbert remembered no "tumultuous outbursts of enthusiasm accompanying the President's utterances," adding the cemetery was "not the place for it."
Boritt, director emeritus of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College, has concluded the recollection of the AP man, who died in 1924, "needs to be taken with a grain of salt."
In the end, does it really matter whether Lincoln said "the government" or just "government?" It certainly did to him.
"The exact words are important because they clearly reveal Lincoln's thinking about the importance of the Civil War and the world historical importance of the struggle that he was engaged in," says Johnson. "He was very clear about wanting to get the words correct, precise — because he knew that it was an important point."
Johnson says it is fortunate that the AP quickly reported the speech at full length.
"We'd probably always have the delivery text, but that might never have been published during Lincoln's lifetime," he says. "So the Gettysburg Address might never have become such an important, iconic text for us if the AP had not been there reporting it properly."
In a paper prepared for Northern Kentucky University's Six@Six lecture series, archivist Komor suggests that Gilbert's greatest contribution to our understanding of the speech is perhaps his recollection of how Lincoln delivered the final lines: "that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Many who recite the address place the emphasis on the prepositions "of," ''by" and "for." But Gilbert, no longer preoccupied with the mechanics of note-taking, was able to truly listen to what the president was saying, and how he said it — and he insisted Lincoln's focus was "the people."
"He served the people; he referred to them as his 'rightful masters,'" Komor writes. "On the morning of November 19, Lincoln beheld his masters lying dead by the thousands."
Milwaukee NewsTrain
10/25/2019 » 10/26/2019
Albuquerque NewsTrain


text:
inside front cover includes credits and photo from the movie.
contents page includes images of characters from interior story.
adapting the book by L. Frank Baum; based on the drawings by John R. Neill except where the MGM likenesses are continued
Roy Thomas explains that the Oz treasury will follow the visual look of the books but has permission to continue using the likenesses of the main characters as portrayed in the movie.
revision of map that appeared in the Marvelous Wizard of Oz Treasury
inside back cover includes an image from an Oz book by John R. Neil, information on his contributions and influence on Alfredo Alcala.


text:
|Biosequences .. Software .. Molbio soft .. Network News .. FTP
Hello, my name is Vladimir Dudinak. I study Pomphorhynchus laevis in present time. I´m looking for an answer on the question: Was found mature P. laevis in minnow (Ph. phoxinus)? If you know the answer, or you know a person who can know, please write me about it. Thanks. Vl. ---


text:
2013 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest/
Firestone Walker's second annual beer festival was held this past weekend and I was one of 4,000 or so fans lucky enough to have scored tickets to the event. Last year, this was my favorite festival and despite a feeling that this year's festival was a bit more crowded and the lines were a bit longer the organizers from Firestone didn't disappoint.
The festival featured 40 hand picked breweries from around the world, all of whom brought one smaller beer and a special or hard to come by beer. Brewers were also encouraged to serve their beers in person. In other words, the festival organizers didn't want the marketing team or booth babes serving beer, they wanted the brewers there to describe and talk about there wares. This strategy allowed festival goers a unique opportunity to meet and chat with the people who make their favorite beers. Walking around the festival I saw, Julian Shrago from Beachwood BBQ, Jesse Houk from Golden Road, Kyle Smith from Kern River, Nick Floyd from Three Floyds, Vinnie Cilurzo from Russian River, and of course Matt Brynildson and many others. It's these requirements and the brewers willingness to come out and serve their beer that make this beer fest such wonderful event. Where else can you meet with brewers of this calibre all in one place?
Add to the amazing selection of beer and breweries, the 22 food booths representing many of Central Coast/Paso Robles fine restaurants and the musical entertainment provided by Hot Buttered Rum, and The White Buffalo and the afternoon couldn't get much better.
The barrel aged trend dominated the festival's special offerings with many of the brewers showcasing incredibly rich, complex, and high alcohol beers. Southern Tier poured "Schizophrenia" a dark chocolate stout (14%), Alesmith brought "Barrel Aged Speedway Stout," Three Floyds brought their elusive and highly coveted "Barrel Aged Dark Lord" (15%) for which the line extended well across the festival grounds, Rahr and Son's poured "Barrel Aged Tenderfoot Barely Wine," Sierra Nevada featured "Barrel Aged Maple Stout with Coffee" and the list goes on. Unfortunately, the weather didn't agree with the heavy barrel aged selections.
I'm a firm believer that much of the enjoyment of beer, food, and wine is contextual. One's personal attitude, the surroundings, weather, and people involved effect the pleasure we derive from beer and this year's weather didn't agree with many of the big beers that brewers were showcasing. As I've said before, big, barreled aged beers aren't my favorite, but they have their place. For me, that place is sitting around a fire on a cool fall or winter evening, sipping these belly warmers from a tulip or snifter, not walking around a Central Coast fairground in temperatures in the triple digits. In that context I'm looking for summer beers, refreshing, hoppy, spicy and light. Not lawnmower beer, but saisons, blondes, pale ales, malty pilsners, and even a well balanced IPA/DIPA seemed more appropriate to the heat and festival vibe.
Not to worry though, Pale ales and IPAs made up quite a few of the taps. Pliny made an appearance (no, not that one "the Elder") as did Bell's "Roundhouse IRA," Birrificio Italiano's "Tipopils,"Three Floyd's "Dreadnaught," Revolution Brewing's "Dos Osos," Alpine's "Keene Idea" and "Hoppy Birthday," Odell's "Tree Shaker" (3000 lbs. of peaches in a DIPA), plus many others.
But my favorites were the cidery/winey sours, the belgian/farmhouse style beers and traditional small beers all of which seemed a better fit for the day's festivities. Top of my list were the surprisingly good sours from Bear Republic. Known for their heavily hopped "Racer 5," "Hop Rod Rye," and "Racer X," the brewers at Bear Republic also have a deft hand with complex, sour, lightly fruited beers. Their "Cuvee De Bubba," a spontaneously fermented, barrel aged beer was as complex, light, dry and slightly sweet as good sparkling rosé. The "Tartare," which they describe as an interpretation of a Berliner Weisse, was deliciously tart, light and refreshing. Rounding out their offerings was the light, spicy and floral Belgian single, "Cher Ami." Dogfish Head's "Sixty-One," a hop forward IPA brewed with Syrah grape must, was delightful and interesting. As was Boulevard's "Test: Nelson Grape Ale" brewed with pale malt, muscat grape must and Nelson-Sauvin hops. These along with more traditional Saisons from Funkwerks, Mikkeller, Nebraska Brewing, Lost Abbey, and New Belgium kept me quite happy. Of those, I especially liked Nebraska's "Apricot au Poivre Saison," where the fruit, pepper and barrel aging added to the character and complexity of the beer, but it remained a solid saison. Here too, I really enjoyed Pizza Port's (Ocean Beach) "In Bloom" a traditional saison lightly flavored with rosemary, orange peel coriander, sage and honey and Lost Abbey's "Le Carnevale."
By the end of the day, I was glad that many brewers are embracing small beer. Golden Road's "Cabrillo Kolsch," The Bruery's "Hottenroth Berliner Weisse," New Belgium's "Shift Pale Lager," Surly's "Bitter Brewer and Greenflash's "Citra Session" none of which weighed in over 5% alcohol were refreshingly good, thirst quenching-palate cleansers on such a fantastic summery day.
But then again, what do I know? If line length is any indication, the most popular beers were the biggest, heaviest barrel aged bombs. And as an added testament to their popularity, this year's people's choice went to Cigar City's Brandy Barrel Aged Hunahpu's Imperial Stout, a heavyweight that was as big as it gets.
The organizers are already hard at work on next year's festival. I encourage all beer lovers to follow Firestone Walker on twitter and be ready to pounce when next year's tickets drop. I know I'll be back.


text:
SEATTLE (Reuters) - Seattle, annoyed by selfish public transit riders who take up more than their share of space, has launched a transit manners campaign against so-called "manspreading," the practice of riders draping their legs across neighboring seats.
Joining a number of cities that have taken action, bus-and-train operator Sound Transit will add mounted placards in January featuring side-by-side drawings of an octopus, one with its tentacles rudely stretched onto a bordering seat and the other with them correctly clutched and dangling at its front.
"We agree, one body, one seat. No #manspreading," the agency Tweeted on Jan. 13 in response to a female passenger who reported standing-room only on a light-rail commuter train and two men who were "blithely spreading."
The space-violating scourge of urban travel has sparked shame-inducing outrage backed by photo evidence on blogs and Twitter from wary female subway passengers to stodgy etiquette experts in U.S. cities and beyond, including Toronto, London and Istanbul.
New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority said earlier this month it would begin putting mounted placards on subway cars and buses, including: "Dude ... Stop the Spread, Please" and "Keep Your Stuff to Yourself."
In Philadelphia, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's 2014 "Dude It's Rude" passenger-etiquette campaign used social media and placards to promote "common courtesy for your fellow passengers," said Heather Redfern, an agency spokeswoman.
"Some of you may remember the last systemwide campaign that took a lighter approach with cartoon-like characters," the agency said on its website. "Unfortunately we found that the messaging was too soft and we didn't see much change in overall behavior."
Last year, in Turkey, the Istanbul Feminist Collective sought to narrow jutting v-shaped legs through its campaign "Stop spreading your legs ... Don't occupy my space", which was so popular it made Twitter trending lists.
Sound Transit's campaign intends to discourage manspreading and other behaviors it deems rude, like using an adjacent seat as a footrest or scattering luggage on other seats and in the aisle, said Bruce Gray, a spokesman.
Reporting by Eric M. Johnson; Editing by Lisa Shumaker


text:
First of all, my apologies; If it feels like it's been a while since my last article, it certainly has. A couple of months to be exact. I wish I could say that there was some super-spiritual reason for it, some soul-searching sabbatical, or heartwarming volunteer work with those in need, but to paraphrase Samuel L. Jackson, "that just ain't the truth."
No, the absence has been purely vocational. Long work weeks have left little time for anything other than family. No complaints, as I truly enjoy the work, but the blog certainly suffered. With that.. this one has been on my mind lately. Enjoy!
Let me begin this article with a little story:
In 1930, a local art professor named Elias Garcia Martinez, in an act of gratitude to the little village where he spent his holidays, painted a small mural of Jesus, crowned with thorns, on the wall of the local church in Borja, Zaragoza, Spain.
Over time the mural, the face of Jesus, was taken for granted, and gradually began to fade. (Goodness, that's a blog post in itself.) Everyone seemed to be aware of the issue, and funds were raised to restore Jesus' image in the little church, but the church continued with little attention given to the the crucified Savior… but then……
A sweet little old lady, 80 year old amateur artist Cecilia Gimenez, stepped up and attempted to right the long-neglected Jesus. The problem? Senora Gimenez wasn't a trained artist. And the result?
What some have called "Potato Head Jesus".
Which brings us to the subject of this weeks article: "Sedes Doctrinae"
Sedes doctrinae is a theological term meaning, literally, "the seat of doctrine". In other words, it's where (and how) we find (and define) our doctrine. I think Ludwig Fuerbringer provided an outstanding definition in his "Theological Hermeneutics":
"Every doctrine of Holy Scripture is set forth at some place or other very clearly, in proper terms, as the main theme of the discourse."
In other words, any belief we hold must not only be found somewhere in the words of scripture, but must be found clearly, and in context. I know many of us have heard the tongue-in-cheek story of using scripture out of context:
A man was seeking to find guidance in scripture, so he randomly flipped his Bible open and, with eyes closed, pointed to a scripture and opened his eyes…. "and Judas went and hanged himself." (Matthew 27). Unsettled, he closed his eyes again, let the Bible fall open, and turned pale as his finger now pointed at… "go and do likewise" (Luke 10). Yes, it's humorous, but the point is serious; Scripture means what it means and what it means is given to us clearly, in context. You can't randomly take verses and force them into other context and still be true to scripture.
And that brings us back to the botched painting:
The untrained artist, Senora Gimenez, got the parts right; eyes, nose, hair, tunic.. but goodness, what a mess! While we ended up with something, it was so far from the real Jesus that it was an unrecognizable, grotesque caricature.
With that knowledge, let's apply this knowledge to a most unpopular and controversial area: "Women Pastors"
So, how do we know what scripture says about women pastors? Well, we look for the Sedes Doctrinae! Where does the bible speak most clearly, specifically, to this issue? Does scripture ever answer the question "Who can be a pastor?" How about "Who cannot?"
In this case, the bible most clearly speaks to this issue in what are known as the "Pastoral Epistles" (that would be a pretty good place to look, no?) What does God the Holy Spirit say through The Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy, where the qualifications for Pastors and Elders are most clearly laid out?
The following from Matt Slick:
"But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression," (1 Tim. 2:12-14 — all quotes from the Bible are from the NASB).
This passage has several interesting areas of discussion, but for our purpose we will focus on authority. At the very least, there is an authority structure set up by God. The woman is not to have authority over the man in the church context. But this does not extend to the political/economic world. In the Old Testament Deborah was a judge in Israel over men. Also, in the New Testament, Phoebe played an important role in the church at Cenchrea (Romans 16). There is no doubt that women supported Paul in many areas and were great helpers in the church (Acts 2:17; 18:24-26; 21:8-9). But what Paul is speaking of in 1 Tim. 2 is the relationship between men and women in the church structure, not in a social or political context.
When we look further at Paul's teachings we see that the bishop/overseer is to be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2) who manages his household well and has a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 7). Deacons must be "men of dignity" (1 Tim. 3:8). Paul then speaks of women in verse 11 and their obligation to receive instruction. Then in verse 12, Paul says "Let deacons be husbands of one wife…" Again, in Titus 1:5-7, Paul says, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward…" Notice that Paul interchanges the word 'elder' and 'overseer'.
In each case, the one who is an elder, deacon, bishop, or overseer is instructed to be male (See article There were deaconesses, so there can be female elders and pastors). He is the husband of one wife, responsible, able to "exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict" (Titus 1:9). We see no command for the overseers to be women. On the contrary, women are told to be "dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things" (1 Tim. 3:11). Why is it that it is the men who are singled out as the overseers? It is because of the created order of God that Paul references (Gen. 1-2; 1 Tim. 2:12-14). This is not merely a social custom that fell away with ancient Israel.
Additionally, in the Old Testament in over 700 mentions of priests, every single one was a male. There is not one instance of a female priest. This is significant because priests were ordained by God to hold a very important office of ministering the sacrifices. This was not the job of women. Therefore, from what I see in Genesis 1-2, 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 1, the normal and proper person to hold the office of elder/pastor is to be a man."
I've heard the arguments which seek to justify female pastors and deacons (though I've found that most churches which support female pastors rarely have a deaconate.)
The most common are some variation of the following:
1. There were women deacons in scripture! (i.e. Phoebe in Romans 16:1)
Incorrect. The greek term from which we get deacon (διάκονος/diakonos) is used over 30 times in the New Testament. While it is translated "deacon" it is also translated as "servants", "waiters", government official, and deacon/pastor. To show the wide semantic range of this term let's look at examples:
Paul is a diakonos (minister) of the gospel (Col 1).
Mary spoke to the diakonos (servants) at the wedding in Cana (John 2)
People serving tables were diakonos (waiters/servers) (Luke 17, Acts 6)
The government is called a diakonos (servant) of God (Romans 13)
So, unless the government is a pastor/deacon, the waiters in Luke and Acts were pastors/deacons, and the servants at the wedding in Cana were all pastors/deacons… we clearly have some more digging to do. And to begin, we use the primary tool… context.
Phoebe was a diakonos, a servant. A helper. Which is why every major translation (including those used by congregations supporting female pastorship) translate diakonos as "Servant" in Romans 16:1 (NIV, KJV, ESV, ASV, NASB, HCSB, NKJV).
So, do we see any clear teaching in 16:1 as to the role of Pastor? No, and certainly not even an argument as to the use/translation of diakonos here would supercede the sedes doctrinae found in 1 Timothy. 1 Timothy lays out the requirements for a Pastor/Deacon, while Romans 16 simply mentions a female servant/helper in passing.
2. Under Christ, Men and Women are equal!
Didn't Paul say something about, there is no male or female, greek or jew, or something?
Yep, Galatians 3:
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus,"
See? All are in Christ! Bam!
Well, let's look in context:
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ haveput on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[g] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring,heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:23-29)
The context is clear. Galatians 3 isn't about Pastoral qualifications, it's about salvation. In that sense, we are absolutely all one in Christ Jesus!
In summary, the case for female pastors must be made from either assuming a particular use of the term diakonos in Romans 16 and taking Galatians 3 out of context. Call me biased, but when I have to one day stand before God and defend how faithful I was with His word, I'm not super-comfortable with that combo.
The case for a male-only pastorate is both explicit, and in a context specifically speaking to this subject in both the affirmative and the prohibitive.
Affirmative: It doesn't get more clear cut than "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be…" (Galatians 3)
Prohibitive: " 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet." (Galatians 2) In fact, Galatians 2 lays out authority from God the Father, through Christ, for the Church, to the Apostle, to Pastors and Leaders.
At the risk of sounding snarky, which position looks like an accurate painting of Christ found in scripture, and which appears to be rough brushstrokes of "nose", "eyes", and "tunic"?
I'll close with this as we look at Sedes Doctrinae:
If someone, ANYONE, makes an assertion, something they say that God says or scripture says, look up what they are saying in scripture and *in context*. If someone is preaching about giving, or who can preach, or who is baptized, or what communion means, I plead with you to look to the scripture for where it most clearly, and most specifically speaks to these subjects.
And for your homework… what is it that is "pressed down, shaken together, and running over in Luke 6?" Feel free to post your answers in the comment section, on the marc5solas facebook page, or tweet them to marc5solas!
In Christ,
Note: 2 great articles by Matt Slick at CARM for further reading!


text:
Make your insurance work for you.
- Do we accept insurance? Yes.
- Are we in network? No.
At Healthy Minds NYC we strive to minimize your out of pocket costs by working with a variety of insurance companies. Your out of pocket cost will depend wholly on your particular benefits. Therefore, prior to your first appointment, we will contact your insurance on your behalf and confirm these benefits so that we can provide you with clear pricing. Contact us today to learn more about the coverage options available through your specific health plan.
If you do not currently have health insurance or do not have out-of-network benefits, our care coordinators will help you explore payment options that may better fit your needs.
I feel hopeful about the future.
"I came away empowered to begin making changes that have affected my emotional and physical well-being for the better!"— K.B.
Easy to talk to, sincere and trustworthy.
"I had an excellent experience with Dr. Dokun. He really provided good insight and a great listening ear. I highly recommend him!"
Great at normalizing the experience.
"I'd never seen a psychiatrist before and was just a bit nervous about what it would entail. But after the first session he then walked me through a series of options re: treatment so that we could come up with a plan that I felt really comfortable with."


text:
Dental Overview
The Trust's Dental Insurance Pool provides Members with high quality and affordable dental care. In partnership with Delta Dental, the program features excellent treatment and coverage through a comprehensive dental network with a variety of plan options that can be customized to meet the individual needs of each Trust Member. The pool features a strong focus on preventative care as a way to impact costs and improve patient outcomes.
Members of The Trust's Dental Pool enjoy a variety of benefits including:
- UNMATCHED VALUE & STABILITY - The Trust's Dental Insurance Pool is committed to providing the greatest value in dental benefits to Trust Members by controlling claims costs and leveraging the buying power of all participating Member entities, leading to lower administrative costs and greater premium stability.
- COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE - Members receive comprehensive coverage, with a strong focus on preventative care, through the Dental Insurance Pool. Preventative care is the best way to keep small issues from becoming bigger, more costly problems in the future.
- BENEFIT PLANS THAT MEET YOUR NEEDS - The Trust meets the needs of its Members by mirroring your existing dental plan design to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
- LARGE PROVIDER NETWORK - Access to the largest network of dental providers, both nationally and locally, is offered through The Trust's Dental Insurance Pool.
- MUNICIPAL GROUP PURCHASE—ONE-STOP SHOPPING - Many Trust Members enjoy the convenience of having all of their insurance needs covered by The Trust.
- PRE-TREATMENT ESTIMATES - Whenever a dentist recommends a high-cost treatment, a Member can request that the dentist file a pre-treatment estimate with Delta Dental before the procedure. A pre-treatment estimate helps Members make informed choices about dental care and helps control costs.
- BUDGET CERTITUDE - Members receive a guaranteed, fully-insured premium rate. (The Dental Insurance Pool itself, as a self-insured pool, absorbs the potential for adverse claims experience.)
- POOL SURPLUS BELONGS TO YOU, OUR MEMBERS - Dental Insurance Pool Surplus belongs exclusively to the Member-Owners to use for rate stability and premium relief, or for other cost control strategies.
- BENEFIT OF LARGE VOLUME BUYING POWER - Lower premium levels than identical coverage purchased directly through Delta Dental created by preferential administrative costs through the power of large volume purchasing.
- FINANCIAL SERVICES - The Trust internally generates monthly billing for the Dental Insurance Pool and applies retroactive billing adjustments, when necessary.


text:
I like Dad's new shorter hair style. He makes fun of it! I promised Emily a photo - the one on Amy's blog of Dad holding Micah is better.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Dad's new hairdo!
Posted by Grandma's Blog at 8:39 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The final result!!
Posted by Grandma's Blog at 7:17 PM 2 comments
Sunday, September 6, 2009
200 POUNDS of tomatoes
You read it right! I have 200 pounds of tomatoes sitting in my kitchen. Auntie Deb wanted to pick and can tomatoes this year. She picks every year, but has never canned. So Saturday Grandma Denslow, Deb, Dad and I went to Underwood farm to a "pick your own" and in half an hour we'd picked 200 pounds of beautiful tomatoes. Deb is coming back up Thursday, and on Friday we are putting them in jars until we are out of jars, then putting them in freezer bags. I gave Deb a tomato plant for her birthday the end of July and she has loved having fresh tomatoes to eat. Amy and Tammy & families are coming today and I think we are going to have Bruschetta - chopped up tomato, onion, garlic, olive oil on toasted skinny buns topped with mozzarella cheese melted over all. Will let you know how it turns out. Amy and Tammy don't like tomatoes, but I think this will be enough like pizza to fool them!!
Posted by Grandma's Blog at 2:30 PM 3 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
2010-2014 Ford SVT Raptor REVOLVER 2.0 Front Bumper
sold out
2010-2014 Ford SVT Raptor REVOLVER 2.0 Front Bumper
from 1,799.99
The Ford Raptor SVT REVOLVER Front Bumper is designed to support a 40" Radius LED Lighter along with a 20" Straight LED Lightbar below the valance. This streamline design hugs the radius of the front valance and brings the bumper in much closer for a better looking profile. These tough off-road bumpers can be customized and configured for functional lighting and winch options.
The REVOLVER is a stylish, clean, and functional bumper. It is a 100% Bolt-on bumper, and like all Rogue Racing products, it is 3D CAD designed and laser cut for tight, precision fitment, and ease of install.
The REVOLVER bumpers are available with Dimple Skins or Mesh Skins and come standard with our heavy-duty gussetted belly skid plate for extra protection.
Winch Mount:
Side Skin Options:
Upper Light Options:
Lower Light Options:
Side Light Options (Behind Mesh):
Add To Cart


text:
We now offer the full line of Tracker Off Road ATV's, Side-by-Sides, and Personal Transport / Golf Cart vehicles.
The NITRO® Z19 Pro gives you a host of the most popular high-performance upgrade options at an incredible value!
The Z19 Pro comes factory-rigged with a powerful Minn Kota® Ultrex® trolling motor to make moving the boat effortless. And you also get two flush-mounted Humminbird® HELIX™ fishfinders to help you find the fish—plus a generous package of additional tournament features to help you compete and win.
The basis of the Z19 is our NITRO® Vortex Technology™ (NVT™) hull—a design that uses a series of parabolic curves instead of traditional strakes, resulting in a hull that's faster, gives more lift while on plane and improves turning. And it rides proudly on a custom-matched trailer with GALVASHIELD® Impact corrosion and chip protection, tongue step, boarding handle and swing-away tongue.


text:
WACWC is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization aspiring to provide a more globally-informed
citizenry prepared to succeed in this changing global economy. With your help, WACWC can
accomplish this through providing forums, speakers, and educational outreach on topics
concerning foreign events, U.S. foreign policies, and different cultures and religions.
By contributing, or becoming a member today, you can help this fledgling organization fly. We are an IRS-approved 501(C) (3) not-for-profit organization. Because the benefits of membership are "intangible," we believe the membership fee is a tax deductible contribution. However, it is always best to consult your tax advisor to determine the deductibility of membership. In addition we are incurring expenses as we build this new corporation and would appreciate any contributions or membership fees you could make at this time.
Benefits of membership
- Enable WACWC to provide international, national, or local experts on current world topics
- Attend WACWC community events such as speakers and forums at free or discounted rates
- Receive e-mail updates and reminders of coming events
- Participate in educational outreach programs
- Learn about travel abroad opportunities
- Network with other members of the community interested in international issues
- Invest in the Western Colorado community by promoting a global perspective
- Actively participate in planning or expediting programs and education
To become a member, use the attached printable membership form below.
(Click here for Membership Form.)
Send dues to World Affairs Council of Western Colorado at PO Box 4924, Grand Junction, CO 81502.
$10 Student $25 Individual $50 Family
Donations appreciated
Or, fill out the following form and pay via Pay Pal.
Click "Buy Now" to use Pay Pal


text:
How Much Should You Cycle a Day to Stay in Shape?
Cycling offers an ideal balance of muscular toning and aerobic exercises, which makes it a great option for those looking to stay in shape. This sport is low impact, easy on the joints and is commonly recommended for those who have sustained injuries to help them stay in shape. One of the best aspects of cycling is that it can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the weather, thanks to both indoor and outdoor options.
Minimum Requirements
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, individuals need at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to achieve a healthy weight and to reduce the risks of some chronic diseases. Meeting this minimal daily recommendation is enough to lower the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and hypertension in individuals who are already at a healthy weight.
Weight Management
Maintaining weight requires an equilibrium of calories ingested compared to calories burned. According to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, physical activity plays a vital role for staying in shape and based on the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, you should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. In addition to just staying in shape, cycling offers a big calorie burn. According to MayoClinic.com, a 160-pound person burns approximately 292 calories an hour when cycling at a rate of 10 mph or slower.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that a moderate intensity cycling workout is one that is 10 mph or slower or at a heart rate that is 50 to 70 percent of a person's maximum heart rate. An accepted method for estimating a maximum heart rate is by subtracting a person's age from 220. For example, a 50-year-old's maximum heart rate is 170 beats per minute. The 50 to 70 percent goal would then fall between 85 to 119 BPM.
Safety Considerations
Although cycling provides a way to stay in shape, it does come with risks. When out riding, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear. Several states require cyclists to wear a helmet at all times. If out riding on the roads, learn the road rules in your area and make sure to be visible by wearing reflective clothing, especially in low-visibility times.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Physical Activity and Weight Control
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library: Maintaining Weight Loss
- 2008 Department of Health Physical Activity Guidelines: Active Adults
- Mayo.Clinic.com: Exercise for Weight Loss: Calories Burned in 1 hour
- CDC: Measuring Physical Activity Intensity
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images


text:
The battle for the top end of the world's bloodstock market raged both inside and outside of the Tattersalls sales ring in Newmarket, England this week.
Obviously interested in securing his dominance of the world bloodstock production, Sheikh Mohammed broke every known record as he went about an unprecedented splurge of the choicest lots in breeding. He has already spent in excess of $200,000,000 this year on some of the best male racehorses on earth, which will serve as future stallions in his worldwide operations, and the $74,000,000 he has spent on seventeen fillies and mares in the past fortnight is a further indication of his intent. The Ruler of Dubai's investments have not met with unreserved approval,however, with Kirsten Rousing, vice-chairman of the English TBA, suggesting that Sheikh Mohammed should be investigated by The Office of Fair Trade, for what she considers his monopolistic or anti-competition strategy.
The heiress to the Scandinavian-based Tetrapak empire, Miss Rousing is an independent woman obviously entitled to her own opinion and while her views may well be shared by her colleagues around the world, it's hardly what you'd call discreet for someone holding TBA office.
The Sheikh's relative lack of success at the races in the past few years, given his massive investment in horses, has been the subject of various jibes in the popular press of late. Yet Sheikh Mohammed is on record as saying that England is a free country with a free press, and people are at liberty to say what they wish. He is happy with his team, and their performances.
For a man who has contributed so substantially to the welfare of the industry worldwide, he will not have taken kindly to Miss Rousing's comments, even though there will be those who would consider his instance on purchasing almost everything of value at the top end of the market, as avarice.
People have short memories though and it's probably worth remembering that the very health of the strongest market in history is a product of the buoyancy that Sheikh Mohammed has brought to it.


text:
A licensed psychologist and graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Dr. Meehan has worked professionally in the child welfare arena for more than 20 years. For almost a decade, he served in a variety of clinical and management roles at Hawthorn Children's Psychiatric Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, eventually accepting the role of Director of Inpatient Treatment there in 2003.
Dr. Meehan entered the private sector early in 2004, serving in the role of Director of Children and Adolescent Services for Hopewell Center, a community mental health agency serving the urban poor of North St. Louis City. In February of 2005, he accepted the position of Associate Executive Director for Epworth Children and Family Services in Webster Groves, Missouri, serving there for nearly seven years before taking on the role of Executive Director at Good Shepherd Children & Family Services. An experienced teacher and lecturer, Dr. Meehan has served as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology for Maryville University St. Louis since 2000.


text:
Sign Petition
Stop Unfair Persecution of Medical Cannabis PatientsSign the pledge to stop unfair persecution of medical cannabis patients. Nick Diaz was handed an unprecedented five-year suspension and fined $150,000 stemming from a failed post-fight drug test on Jan. 31 at UFC 183 at the MGM Grand.Sign Petition
Join our advocacy group to stop the shaming, discrimination and persecution of medicinal cannbis patients.
Live Life
Do more of what you love and feel great
Shadow Mountain Medicinal Society is dedicated to the protection of medical cannabis patients. We support patients of our community who exercise their legal right to choose cannabis medicinally. Together, we stand for good solutions, good medicine and sound decisions. We will continue to stand until our right to choose this safe and effective medicine is both respected and protected.


text:
Contacting Buy Ford Racing
To contact us via telephone or USPS Mail:
Buy Ford Racing - Diversified Products Marketing
400 West Ann Arbor Road #173
Plymouth MI
To contact us via Email:
If you would like to contact us via email, fill out the form below and click on the Submit button. A company representative will respond to your enquiry within 48 hours.
The captcha you entered is incorrect. Please try again.


text:
EBYSU Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules – Extra Strength Appetite Suppressant Pills for Weight Loss – Cleanse & Detox Diet Supplement for Men and Women – ACV
With a singular devotion to creating premium supplements, EBYSU is the gold standard. Synonymous with quality, EBYSU insists on providing a high concentration of pure ingredients-produced in FDA-compliant facilities, using GMP to ensure excellence at every step of the process. There are cheaper supplements on the market, but our integrity demands we aim higher. With… Read More »


text:
April 4, 2001
More than 130 businesses will be out
in force on campus recruiting future employees at the annual
Spring Career Fair, April 4 - 5.
Representatives from local county, city and state government
agencies, as well as national and international businesses,
will set up shop in the University Union Ballroom in hopes
of hiring some of Sacramento's hottest young talent - CSUS
The annual Spring Career Fair is such a popular event that
attendees assemble outside the ballroom well before the 10
a.m. kick off time.
"Recruiters check in and set up by 9:45 a.m.," says
Carol Leigh Billing, CSUS career events specialist. "By
that time, students are already lined up to get in. By 10:15
a.m., the event is so packed it's not easy to move around
the aisles of recruiters."
The most exciting aspect of the career fair is watching CSUS
students strategize options for their futures, according to
"You can watch the recruiters talking to students and
it's just amazing to see the students making decisions and
laying the groundwork for their future right there,"
Billing says.
Some of the businesses that will participate in this year's
event are Abercrombie & Fitch, the Boy Scouts of America,
Caesars Tahoe, California Board of Equalization, California
Department of Corrections, Chevron Information Technology,
ChildCare Careers, Community Colleges Foundation, CSUS Alumni
Center, CSUS Aquatic Center, Edward Jones Investments, the
Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigations,
Frito Lay, Genentech, General Motors, the Internal Revenue
Service, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Japanese Teaching Exchange
Program, Jones & Stokes, Mercy Healthcare, Mervyn's, Nautica,
Naylor Publications, Naval Criminal Investigative Services,
Office Depot, the Sacramento Public Library, Sherwin Williams,Target,
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Peace Corps and
Wells Fargo Bank. The
complete listing.
For more information about the Spring Career Fair call 278-6872.
further information send E-Mail to email@example.com or
contact Public Affairs (916)
Index of Stories
Return to CSUS Home Page


text:
Weddings are set to become more high-tech affairs, with state of the art gadgets beginning to revolutionise the way couples tie the knot, bbc.co.uk reports.
One such example of ways in which couples are using tech in their ceremony is to have a bridal dress which displays messages and well-wishes from loved ones.
Much like the "tweet dress" as worn by X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger recently, the dress collects and displays messages from friends and family when the bride and groom kiss, thus giving the traditional book of messages a decidedly more modern spin.
It's not only bridal wear that has undergone a tech revolution. It seems 3D printing has also transformed the tradition of women wearing hats to the ceremony. Now, the process won't involve going to the shops and seeing what suits, as guests can commission their very own bespoke hat that not only fits perfectly but is also to the design and colour they want.
Not only that, as 3D printing is a relatively cheap process – once the printer has been bought – this can come at a fraction of the price of traditional bespoke millinery.
When it comes to invites and 'save-the-date' messages, these too have had a high-tech makeover. Now, QR codes and augmented reality can be used to help couples direct their guests to videos or messages stored online that will make their invite really stand out, newsrt.com claims. Soon, this could even work directly with calendars on mobile phones or tablets, thus importing the event straight away.


text:
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Travel Tuesdays: Take the City Bus, Not the Tour Bus
Taken from my journal:
Our son (name left out for privacy) was excited to take his first bus ride and we loved interacting with the locals. One morning, a nice, older couple boarded the bus and immediately began smiling at our son and talking to him in Italian. The woman motioned to ask if she could see his Pinocchio. Our son handed it to her. She smiled, pretended to make Pinocchio walk on her leg, then gave him back to our son. Then she asked to see his Tony the Tiger and was surprised he shared it, too. She called him "generous." She smiled, pointed at Pinocchio and said, "beautiful." Then she pointed at Tony and made a face to indicate he's not. (Note: Pinocchio is an Italian character).
Then she asked our son's name.
We told her and she got excited. Then she asked for his name in English. (He has a very Italian name). When we repeated his name she got really animated. (I guess she thought we had translated it to an Italian name for her benefit). She talked animatedly with her husband for a few minutes before turning to us again. She spoke limited English, so we varied between the little English she knew, the little Italian we knew, and a variety of gestures and facial expressions.
Essentially, this was the conversation:
Woman: Why (his Italian name) for an American?
Rick (my husband): Mi Italiano-Americano.
The woman turned to her husband and told him Rick is Italian. "Italiano! Italiano!"
Woman: Grandmother? Grandfather?
Rick: Grandmother, Napolitano (from Naples). Grandfather, Siciliano (from Sicily).
The woman smiled and clapped as she repeated it for the whole bus in Italian.
More people joined in.
A woman leaned in from behind me, waved her arms in the air and said, "Mi Siciliano!" and tapped her chest with both hands.
Arms waved as the story was repeated toward the back of the bus.
I looked up the word for "surname" then told them ours is Cusolito. The Sicilian woman smiled and gestured happily. By now, everyone around us was smiling.
It was such a wonderful conversation. They didn't care that Rick didn't speak Italian. To them, Rick is Italian.They were just as thrilled to talk to us as we were to talk to them.
We felt so welcomed by that friendly bunch of strangers.
For me, this story perfectly demonstrates why we don't take tour buses. What we experienced on that day was far more interesting and exciting than pressing our noses up to a window to see what a guide determined we should see.
How about you...Have you ever taken the local bus, tuk-tuk, jeepney, etc. in a foreign country? How was it for you?
Related Posts:
Travel Tuesdays: Keep A Journal
Travel Tuesdays: Top 10 Tips for Traveling with Children
Travel Tuesdays: Balleyara Market, Niger
Posted by Michelle Cusolito at 5:32 AM
Labels: city bus, Italy, local bus, travel with children
2 comments:
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.Flights to CairoReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
"Dangerous" Chrome for Big Rigs
We've noticed that a new theme that's emerged in truck decorating is the appearance of danger. It started a few years ago with the appearance of replica bullet chambers used as brake knobs. It's evolved since then into bullet casing toggle switch extensions, grenade air valve handles, and the newest brass knuckle dash knobs. If you're a fan of anything that wouldn't pass a TSA screening, this collection is for you!
Price: $59.99
Price: $24.99
Price: $35.95
Price: $34.99
Price: $16.99
Sold exclusively by our San Antonio location - see product description for more information
Price: $11.99
Price: $22.99
Price: $17.99
Price: $13.99


text:
Window Blind Cleaning
Venetian Blinds are very hard to clean. If you try to wipe them in place they can bend and be damaged permanently. ClearVue Professional Window Cleaning uses a professional blind cleaning system that cleans your venetian blinds leaving them spotless without any damage to them. The venetian blinds are removed from the windows by our professional technicians and taken outside to our mobile cleaning unit called The Blind Maid professional cleaning system. The technicians hang the blinds on The Blind Maid cleaning unit. The blinds are then washed on the unit with soapy water and a degreasing agent and then cleaned with a special brush made out of horse tail hair. The blinds are then rinsed and hung on a special rack made for venetian blinds which allows the blinds to dry very quickly and without water spots; it also pulls the static electricity out of the blinds so they tend not to attract dust as quickly. When dry, the blinds are replaced in the windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you provide services for commercial buildings and offices?
A. Yes! In addition to residential service, we can clean blinds used in commercial or industrial locations.
Q. What kind of chemicals do you use to clean the blinds?
A. We a biodegradable soap with a degreasing agent. This leaves you with sparkling clean blinds that you will thoroughly enjoy. Not only will they look clean they will also smell fresh. We then reinstall the blinds back to their proper windows.
Q. Does the cleaning method make a mess?
A. The process is very clean and efficient. Your home or office will not be affected because the work is all done outside.
Q. Is the cleaning really performed at my home or office?
A. Our blind cleaning service can now be done onsite at your location. Utilizing our mobile professional blind cleaning unit called "The Blind Maid" cleaning system our technicians carefully remove the blinds from your home or office windows and transport them outside onsite where all the blind cleaning is done.
- 2"Wood - If the blind is real wood, or a product that contains a real wood component we cannot get those wet, so they are cleaned in-place. Depending on how dirty they are, we may vacuum wood blinds first, and then we wipe down each slat, one at a time, by hand. We will clean them and polish them as well.
- Vertical Blinds - We only clean vertical blinds in-place since the brackets that hold them up are so susceptible to breakage. We wipe down one slat at a time with cleaning solution and a damp towel.
4. Fabric Blinds - We do not clean any type of fabric blind, at this time but we are looking into that for the near future.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee - Our certified technicians are knowledgeable, friendly and fast and professional! We know what we are doing!
Ask about our specials when you combine window blind cleaning with window cleaning and/or any of our other services!