text:
Personal Essays, Reviews, & Journalism
If you watched the Academy Awards last month, you might have noticed a different kind of pairing on the red carpet. Where nominees typically bring romantic partners or family members, Manchester by the Sea star Michelle Williams was accompanied by her best friend, Busy Philipps. Philipps, who has two children with her screenwriter husband, has said she and her female friends talk about forming a commune and raising their kids together, without men. And they may be onto something. Today, fewer American women in their early 30s are married than at any other point since at least the 1950s. The US marriage rate overall hit a record low in 2015, seeming to confirm an earlier study that found 55 percent of singles are not looking to get married. With women increasingly marrying later or not at all, the supporting companionship once provided by husbands is now often being provided by friends.
Those of us who were raised the only child of a single parent know how intense the relationship can be. Different days you may play the role of child, parent, sibling or emotional crutch — some days all at once. As you get through it, you try to find space for yourself, to become someone outside the all-enveloping world that your parent has provided. This is the main struggle driving iO Tillett Wright's debut memoir, "Darling Days."
It's a universal truth that relationships take work, but there's little precedent for what that work may involve when one's partner comes out as transgender. For couples who remain together through a gender transition, it can provoke a complicated reckoning with just how much—and who—has to change.
Childhood memories of my grandmother's house have a distinct flavor that never fades.
If you were to see me in the Target parking lot near my home in Massachusetts with my blue Subaru Outback and my two school-aged kids, you'd probably never guess that I had an unconventional upbringing...
Since moving to West Cambridge almost five years ago, we've been coming to your diner about once every week or two, but I never explained exactly what these outings mean for my family, and it is time that I do.
Before I had children I didn't think I would care very much about their looks, certainly not in any remarkable way. Doing so would reveal a gross degree of superficiality, a collusion with a society that already places too much emphasis on attractiveness.
Rachel Israel has done something I've never seen before on film. In her award-winning short, "Keep the Change", she's made a feature centering on the romance between two people on the autism spectrum, starring actors on the spectrum.
A mother is suing after she and her daughter are kicked off their flight home. It could have just as easily been me.
As the daughter of a gay man in the 1970s and '80s I learned how to pass early in my life. I observed that, by behaving in certain ways and omitting certain details of my home life from casual conversation with kids and their parents, they might think I was like them.
I was nineteen years old when I first read Sylvia Plath's poem Daddy. I was studying, my junior year abroad, sitting on my bed in a drafty chambre de bonne in the west end of Paris, when I hungrily opened a letter from my dad and discovered, on the back, the faint photocopied poem...
In his 1950 novel, "Requiem for a Nun," William Faulkner famously wrote, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." Rita Zoey Chin, in the prologue to "Let the Tornado Come," her often devastating debut memoir, describes this idea in another way: "[A]s resounding and complete as any present moment is, one side of it is always touching, even in the gentlest of ways, the past, where there is always a story inside the story waiting to be told."
In her third and latest memoir, "New Life, No Instructions," Gail Caldwell offers the kind of wisdom and grace you'd wish a friend, sister, or mother might deliver when you're circling the drain. "Any change that matters, or takes," she explains, "begins as immeasurably small. Then it accumulates, moss on stone, and after a few thousand years of not interfering, you have a glen, or a waterfall, or a field of hope where sorrow used to be."
Ours is a family that celebrates the silly and praises spontaneous dancing and singing. At dinner we're allowed to leave the table for only two reasons: (1) to go to the bathroom or (2) to rock out if we are moved to do so.
Which feels more true: a memoir told in fits and starts, stutters and sighs, a blend of sensual details and analytic asides? Or one that hews to the conventions of narrative with a beginning, middle and end? All memoirists know order is a contrivance, but readers also rely on the writer to create art by organizing the mess of life...
When cartoonist Alison Bechdel published Fun Home in 2006, it made nearly every best-of-the-year list. Her story of growing up lesbian in small-town Pennsylvania with a closeted gay father forever restoring his Victorian funeral home (a.k.a. the "Fun Home") was praised for its ability to push the boundaries of both memoir and graphic novel.
Americans fear the startling rise in autism diagnoses—one in 88 kids is diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—but few understand the experience of those caring for an autistic child.
I was raised by a single, gay father in the 1970s. I wish he had lived to see the Supreme Court's decision.
When I bumped into Jeff at a friend's birthday party, I noticed how he went out of his way to introduce himself, and how, later, his large blue eyes lingered on me as he walked out into the cold New York night. I'd just turned 29 and had spent most of the past decade breaking up and reuniting with Jason, a Bradley Cooper look-alike whose laconic moodiness I confused with depth. Newly single, I asked Jeff out..
Within the past year, my husband and I stopped showing up in the many drawings and cards our five-year-old daughter, Annabel, brought home from school. Instead nearly every creation was made for him: her "baby"; her "cutie boy"; her brother, Finn.
The 2012 fall TV season may be remembered as the season the gay fathers stormed primetime. According to The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation there are a record 111 openly LGBT characters on TV and a number of these are fathers. In ABC's Emmy-winning Modern Family, now in its fourth season, ensemble cast members Mitch and Cam are the same-sex parents of an adopted daughter. And this fall, NBC introduced The New Normal about a gay couple, Bryan (Andrew Rannells) and David (Justin Bartha), who decide to start a family with the help of a surrogate mother...
I first called him Da-da. Sometimes my poor little Da-da. By the time I was 4 or 5 he became Daddy and this is what he remained, until I was 13 and then he was plain old Dad.... Read more
Only Child: Writers on the Singular Joys and Solitary Sorrows of Growing Up Solo
Edited by Deborah Siegel and Daphne Uviller
Out of the Ordinary: Essays on Growing Up with Gay, Lesbian, & Transgendered Parents
Edited by Noelle Howey and Ellen Samuels
Out of the Ordinary won the 2000 Lamda award for Non-Fiction Anthology, and Young Adult Non-Fiction


text:
Nominations without objections
Nominations with objections
Jean-Luc Picard
The Jean-Luc Picard article is very detailed, including lots of references, images and a timeline of events, as well as relevant quotes and detailed background information. I would like to nominate it for FA status. TrekFan 12:09, 12 June 2008 (UTC)
- Oppose: My main objection to this being a featured article is the quote which has come and gone several times from the top of the article; in fact, that single quote has sparked at least three edit wars. This is not the marking of a featured article if agreement cannot even come to what quote we should have up there. Not to mention there is frequent editing on this article and it is not all that stable with reverts, pasting, and removed-readded material appearing and disappearing quite frequently. I do like the article, but alas I must object for now. -FC 03:30, 18 June 2008 (UTC)

subset: commoncrawl


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Focus on the Family
|Helping Families Thrive
|James Dobson
|Tax ID no.
|Area served
|Key people
|Jim Daly, President
Focus on the Family (FOTF or FotF) is an American parachurch organizations that rose to prominence in the 1980s.
Focus on the Family's stated mission is "nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths worldwide."[2] It promotes abstinence-only sexual education; adoption by married, opposite-sex parents;[3][4][5] creationism; school prayer; and traditional gender roles. It opposes abortion; divorce; gambling; LGBT rights, particularly LGBT adoption and same-sex marriage;[6] pornography; pre-marital sex; and substance abuse. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social scientists have criticized Focus on the Family for misrepresenting their research to bolster FOTF's political agenda and ideology.
The core promotional activities of the organization include a daily radio broadcast by its president, Jim Daly, and his colleagues, providing free resources according to Focus on the Family views, and publishing magazines, videos, and audio recordings. The organization also produces programs for targeted audiences, such as Adventures in Odyssey for children, dramas, and Family Minute.
- 1 History and organization
- 2 Ministries
- 3 Political positions and activities
- 4 Recognitions and awards
- 5 International associates and regional offices
- 6 Headquarters
- 7 References
- 8 External links
History and organizationDonald P. Hodel became president and chief executive officer, tasked with the day-to-day operations.[7] This left Dobson as chairman of the Board of Directors, with chiefly creative and speaking duties. Focus on the Family aims to equip families "through radio broadcasts, websites, simulcasts, conferences, interactive forums, magazines, books, and counseling."
In March 2005, Hodel retired and Jim Daly, formerly the Vice President in charge of Focus on the Family's International Division, assumed the role of president and chief executive officer.[8]
In November 2008, the organization announced that it was eliminating 202 jobs, representing 18 percent of its workforce. The organization also cut its budget from $160 million in fiscal 2008 to $138 million for fiscal 2009.[9]
In February 2009, Dobson resigned his chairmanship,[10] He left Focus on the Family in early 2010, and subsequently founded Family Talk as a non-profit organization and launched a new broadcast that began airing nationally on May 3, 2010. He is no longer affiliated with Focus on the Family.
Marriage and family
Focus on the Family sees its primary ministry as the strengthening of what it considers traditional marriages and families, based on an evangelical view of Biblical teachings.[11] The group strongly opposes same-sex marriage.[12] Their website offers online tracts on topics regarding marriage[13] and parenting.[14]
Love Won Out
Focus on the Family formed Love Won Out, an ex-gay ministry, in 1998 and sold it to Exodus International in 2009. (Exodus ceased activities in June 2013, issuing a statement which repudiated its aims and apologized for the harm their pursuit has caused to LGBT people.[15])
Wait No More
Focus on the Family's Wait No More ministry works with adoption agencies, church leaders and ministry partners to recruit families to adopt children from foster care.[16] The program co-sponsors several adoption conferences throughout the country each year. Since November 2008, more than 2,700 families have started the adoption process through Wait No More.[17] In Colorado, the number of children waiting for adoption dropped from about 800 to 350, due in-part to the efforts of Wait No More.[18] Focus on the Family's efforts to encourage adoption among Christian families is part of a larger effort by Evangelicals to, in their perception, live out what they see as the "biblical mandate" to help children.[19] Focus on the Family supports laws to prevent couples from adopting who are cohabiting together outside of marriage as well as homosexual couples.[20]
Option Ultrasound Program
Focus on the Family's Option Ultrasound Program (OUP) provides grants to qualifying crisis pregnancy centers to cover 80 percent of the cost of an ultrasound machine or sonography training. As of October 31, 2014, the program has provided 655 grants to centers in all 50 states and Bucharest, Romania. Focus on the Family began OUP in 2004 with the goal of convincing women not to have abortions. FOTF officials said that ultrasound services help a woman better understand her pregnancy and baby's development, creating an important "bonding opportunity" between "mother and unborn child".[21]
The Option Ultrasound Program reported in 2014 that it has helped prevent more than 270,000 abortions since 2004. A study released in February 2012 shows that ultrasounds do not have a direct impact on an abortion decision.[22] In 2011, FOTF President Jim Daly announced that while FOTF will continue to fight for the overturn of Roe v. Wade, in the meantime he would like to work with pro-choice groups like Planned Parenthood who state they want to make abortion "safe, legal and rare" towards the shared goal of making abortion less common.[23] Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) introduced a sonogram bill in 2011 and — citing Focus on the Family — told Congress that "78 percent of women who see and hear the fetal heartbeat choose life." She was later corrected by Focus on the Family, which released a statement saying they did not release such data.[24]
Radio Theatre
Focus on The Family Radio Theatre is a series of audio dramas adapting classic literature, mystery mini-series and biographical productions, extending its reach to the mainstream as well as the Christian audience. The endeavor began through the efforts of Adventures in Odyssey producers Dave Arnold and Paul McCusker, along with casting director Philip Glassborow based in England.
Radio Theatre began in 1996 with a 90-minute radio drama based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which was produced and aired as a broadcast special. The drama continued with historical biographies of Squanto ("The Legend of Squanto"), Jesus ("The Luke Reports") and Dietrich Bonhoeffer ("Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom"). In 2003, Focus on the Family Radio Theater released an audio dramatization of C. S. Lewis' epic novel series The Chronicles of Narnia, with David Suchet providing the voice of Aslan, and over 100 English actors rounding out the cast. Lewis' stepson, Douglas Gresham, serves as host—sharing his personal stories at the beginning of each audio drama.
Radio Theatre also released an original miniseries, the Father Gilbert Mysteries, which tells of the spiritual mysteries encountered by Louis Gilbert, a cop-turned-Anglican-priest, who lives in Stonebridge, Sussex, and ministers to the people of the town from St. Mark's Church. Nine episodes have been produced in four volumes available on cassette and CD.
FOTF also produces a children's radio drama entitled Adventures in Odyssey. It began in 1987 as Family Portraits, starring John Avery Whittaker (aka "Whit"). It was renamed "Odyssey USA" in November 1987 and took on its present name, Adventures in Odyssey, in April 1988.[25]
FOTF also produced a radio miniseries based on their videos, The Last Chance Detectives.
In 2009, FOTF's Radio Theatre produced an audio drama of C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, starring Andy Serkis (who played Gollum from the Lord of the Rings movies) as the voice of Screwtape. The audio drama was also accompanied by the release of www.screwtape.com, the only site authorized by the C.S. Lewis estate to represent The Screwtape Letters.[26]
Boundless.org is Focus on the Family's website for young adults[27] featuring articles, a blog, a podcast, and a conference. The website covers topics such as singleness, [29]
Day of Dialogue
The Day of Dialogue is a student-led event which takes place April 16. Founders describe the goal of the event, created in opposition to the anti-bullying Day of Silence, as "encouraging honest and respectful conversation among students about God's design for sexuality." It was previously known as the Day of Truth and was founded by the Alliance Defense Fund in 2005.[30]
National Day of Prayer
The Evangelical Christian religious observances each year on the National Day of Prayer. The website of the NDP Task Force states that "its business affairs are separate" from those of Focus on the Family, but also that "between 1990 and 1993, Focus on the Family did provide grants in support of the NDP Task Force" and that "Focus on the Family is compensated for services rendered."[31] Shirley Dobson, wife of James Dobson, has been chairwoman of the NDP Task Force since 1991.[32]
Other ministries
Focus on the Family has a number of additional ministries. Many are aimed at specific demographics including teenage boys and girls, children, college students, families, young adults, parents, while others are aimed at specific concerns, such as sexual problems, entertainment, and politics. Many have their own regular publications.
Political positions and activities
Focus on the Family's 501(c)(4) social welfare group, CitizenLink has fewer political lobbying restrictions. FOTF's revenue in 2012 was USD $90.5 million, and that of CitizenLink was USD $8 million.[34][35]
Focus on the Family supports teaching of what it considers to be traditional family values. It advocates school sponsored prayer and supports corporal punishment.[36] It strongly opposes LGBT rights, abortion, pornography, gambling, and pre-marital and extramarital sexual activity.[37] Focus on the Family also embraces and reflects the wider political agenda of its audience, for instance promoting a religiously-centered conception of American identity and the support of Israel.
Focus on the Family maintains a strong [38][39]
Focus on the Family broadcasts an eponymous national talk radio program hosted by Dobson or his aides. The program has a range of themes, such as Christian-oriented assistance for victims of rape or child abuse; parenting difficulties; child adoption; husband/wife roles; family history and traditions; struggles with gambling, pornography, alcohol, and drugs. Listeners often respond to programs dealing with civic issues by contacting political leaders.
Focus on the Family has been a prominent supporter of [43][44]
2008 Presidential campaign
In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Focus on the Family shifted from support of Mike Huckabee to not supporting any candidate, to finally accepting the Republican ticket once Sarah Palin was added to the ticket. Prior to the election, a television and letter campaign was launched predicting terrorist attacks in four U.S. cities and equating the U.S. with Nazi Germany. This publicity was condemned by the Anti Defamation League.[45] Within a month before the general election, Focus on the Family began distributing a 16 page letter titled Letter from 2012 in Obama's America, which describes an imagined American future in which "many of our freedoms have been taken away by a liberal Supreme Court of the United States and a majority of Democrats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate."[46] According to USA Today, the letter "is part of an escalation in rhetoric from Christian right activists" trying to paint Democratic Party presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama in a negative light.[47]
Focus on the Family Action supported Senator [48]
Opposition to same-sex marriage
Focus on the Family works to preserve its interpretation of the biblical ideals of marriage and parenthood, taking a strong stance against LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage. Dobson expressed great concern for the institution of marriage in a 2003 letter to the Christian community. In reference to the same-sex marriage movement, Dobson says that the institution of marriage "…is about to descend into a state of turmoil unlike any other in human history." Focus on the Family believes that marriage should be defined as only being between a man and a woman. Dobson supported the failed Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, preventing courts and state legislatures from challenging this definition.[49]
In the same letter, Dobson says that traditional marriage is the cornerstone of society, and he states that the goal of the gay and lesbian movement is not to redefine marriage but to destroy the institution itself. "Most gays and lesbians do not want to marry each other…the intention here is to destroy marriage altogether." Dobson argues that, without the institution of marriage, everyone would enjoy the benefits of marriage without limiting the number of partners or their gender. Focus on the Family views allowing same-sex marriage as "…a stepping-stone on the road to eliminating all societal restrictions on marriage and sexuality."[49]
Focus on the Family asserts that the Bible lays out the correct plan for marriage and family. Dobson says that "God created Eve to complement Adam physically, spiritually, and emotionally". Dobson also uses the biblical figure Paul to affirm his views on marriage. He states that Paul maintained that men and women mutually complete each other, and to exchange a "natural relationship for an unnatural one is sinful".[49]
In reference to same-sex marriage and same-sex couples with children, Dobson states, "Same-sex relationships undermine the future generation's understanding of the fundamental principles of marriage, parenthood, and gender." He also stated that the alleged destruction of what it considers to be the traditional family by permitting same-sex marriage will lead to "unstable homes for children".[49]
Focus on the Family became more active in the same-sex marriage opposition movement after the Supreme Court of Canada declared that restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples is a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 2003.[49]
Dobson spoke at the 2004 rally against gay marriage called Mayday for Marriage. It was here for the first time that he endorsed a presidential candidate, George W. Bush. Here he denounced the Supreme Court rulings in favor of gay rights, and he urged rally participants to get out and vote so that the battle against gay rights could be won in the Senate.[50]
In an interview with Christianity Today magazine, Dobson also explained that he was not in favor of civil unions. He stated that civil unions are just same-sex marriage under a different name. The main priority of the opposing same-sex marriage movement is to define marriage on the federal level as between a man and a woman and combat the passage of civil unions later.[51]
Civil rights advocacy groups identify Focus on the Family as a major opponent of [52] described Focus on the Family as one of a "dozen major groups [which] help drive the religious right's anti-gay crusade".[53]
Focus on the Family is a member of ProtectMarriage.com, a coalition formed to sponsor California Proposition 8, a ballot initiative to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples, which passed in 2008,[54] but was subsequently struck down as being unconstitutional by a federal court in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, with the ruling currently stayed by the 9th Circuit Court.
Misrepresentation of research
Social scientists have criticized Focus on the Family for misrepresenting their research in order to bolster its own perspective.[55] Researcher Judith Stacey whose work Focus on the Family used to claim that gays and lesbians do not make good parents, said that the claim was "a direct misrepresentation of the research."[56] She elaborated, "Whenever you hear Focus on the Family, legislators or lawyers say, 'Studies prove that children do better in families with a mother and a father,' they are referring to studies which compare two-parent heterosexual households to single-parent households. The studies they are talking about do not cite research on families headed by gay and lesbian couples."[57] FOTF claimed that Stacey's allegation was without merit and that their position is that the best interests of children are served when there is a father and a mother. "We haven't said anything about sexual orientation" said Glenn Stanton.[56]
James Dobson cited the research of Kyle Pruett and Carol Gilligan in a Time Magazine guest article in the service of a claim that two women cannot raise a child; upon finding out that her work had been used in this way, Gilligan wrote a letter to Dobson asking him to apologize and to cease and desist from citing her work, describing herself as "mortified to learn that you had distorted my work...Not only did you take my research out of context, you did so without my knowledge to support discriminatory goals that I do not agree with...there is nothing in my research that would lead you to draw the stated conclusions you did in the Time article."[58][59][60] Pruett wrote a similar letter, in which he said that Dobson "cherry-picked a phrase to shore up highly (in my view) discriminatory purposes. This practice is condemned in real science, common though it may be in pseudo-science circles. There is nothing in my longitudinal research or any of my writings to support such conclusions", and asked that FOTF not cite him again without permission.[61]
After Elizabeth Saewyc's research on teen suicide was used by Focus on the Family to promote conversion therapy, she said that "the research has been hijacked for somebody's political purposes or ideological purposes and that's worrisome", and that research in fact linked the suicide rate among LGBT teens to harassment, discrimination, and closeting.[62] Other scientists who have criticized Focus on the Family for misrepresenting their findings include Robert Spitzer,[63] Gary Remafedi[61] and Angela Phillips.[63]
Football advertisements
In 2010, Focus on the Family bought ad time during [65][66]
Women's rights groups asked CBS not to air the then-unseen ad, arguing that it was divisive. United Church of Christ (which wanted to run an ad that was pro-same-sex marriage). However, CBS stated that "we have for some time moderated our approach to advocacy submissions after it became apparent that our stance did not reflect public sentiment or industry norms on the issue."[70]
Focus on the Family produced another commercial which ran during the second quarter of the January 14, 2012 Denver Broncos-New England Patriots AFC Divisional Playoff broadcast on CBS,[71] featuring children reciting the Bible verse John 3:16.[72] The game, given the months of preceding hype and media exposure for Tim Tebow (who now played for the Broncos), was seen by more than 30 million viewers, making it the most-watched AFC Divisional Playoff in more than a decade.[73] The ad did not generate nearly the amount of controversy that surrounded the Super Bowl commercial. It did get some national media attention, though, with Jim Daly telling USA Today its purpose was to "help everyone understand some numbers are more important than the ones on the scoreboard."[74]
Recognitions and awards
In 2008, Dobson's "Focus on the Family" program was nominated for induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.[75] Nominations were made by the 157 members of the Hall of Fame and voting on inductees was handed over to the public using online voting.[76] The nomination drew the ire of gay rights activists, who launched efforts to have the program removed from the nominee list and to vote for other nominees to prevent "Focus on the Family" from winning.[77][78] However, on July 18, 2008, it was announced that the program had won and would be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in a ceremony on November 8, 2008.[79] Truth Wins Out, a gay rights group, protested the ceremony with over 300 protesters.[80]
International associates and regional offices
New Zealand
Focus on the Family New Zealand is an organisation promoting a conservative Christian ideology. It has a similar agenda to the Focus on the Family organisation in the United States. Focus on the Family supported a Citizens Initiated Referendum on the repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961.[81]
Other countries
- Australia: Focus on the Family Australia, Clayton, Victoria
- Canada - Focus on the Family Canada
- Latin America Region: Enfoque a la Familia, San José, Costa Rica
- Middle East Region: Focus on the Family Middle East, Cairo, Egypt
- Indonesia: Fokus Pada Keluarga, Jakarta
- Ireland: Focus on the Family Ireland, Dublin
- South Korea: Open Family Korea, Seoul
- Malaysia: Focus on the Family Malaysia, Selangor
- Singapore: Focus on the Family Singapore[82]
- Africa Region: Focus on the Family Africa, Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Taiwan: Focus on the Family Taiwan, Taipei
- United Kingdom: Care for the Family (formerly part of Christian Action Research and Education)[83]
The Singapore branch of FotF came under mounting criticism in October 2014 for being sexist and promoting gender stereotypes during their workshops on managing relationships for junior college students. The workshop received a complaint from both a Hwa Chong Junior College student, as well as negative feedback from the college management as being 'ineffective' and will stop by the end of the year.[84]
The Focus on the Family headquarters is a four building, 47-acre (19 ha)[85] complex located off of Interstate 25 in northern Colorado Springs, Colorado, with its own ZIP code (80995).[86][87] The buildings consist of the Administration building, International building, Welcome Center and Operations building (currently unused), and totals 526,070 square feet.[88]
Focus on the Family moved to its current headquarters from Pomona, California, in 1993, with 1200 employees. In 2002, the number of employees peaked at 1,400. By September, 2011, after a number of years of layoffs, they had 650 employees remaining.[89] Christopher Ott of Salon said in 1998 that the FOTF campus has "handsome new brick buildings, professional landscaping and even its own traffic signs" and that "The buildings and grounds are well-maintained and comfortable. If there is any ostentatious or corrupt influence here, it is nowhere in sight."[86]
While visiting the Focus on the Family complex, a couple had asked the staff if handling the sightseers in the main building was a distraction. The staff told the couple that it was a distraction; afterwards the couple donated $4 million to have a welcome center built. A visiting family donated 7 miles (11 km) of wood trim from the family's Pennsylvania lumber business so FOTF could build its administration building. As of 1998, James Dobson, in his welcome center film, compares his decision to build the headquarters in Colorado Springs to the founding of the temple in Jerusalem.[86]
- ^ "FY 2011 IRS Form 990 Federal Tax Return". GuideStar. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
- ^ "Focus on the Family's Foundational Values". Focus on the Family. Retrieved 2010-02-08.
- ^ by Focus on the Family Issue Analysts. "Our Position (Adoption)". Focus on the Family. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
- ^ Culver, Virginia (5 February 2002). "Adoption plan stirs controversy Gays applaud doctors' stance; Focus on Family denounces it". The Denver Post.
- ^ Draper, Electa. "Adoption initiative halves numbers of kids needing families". The Denver Post. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
- ^ [1] SPLC on anti-gay groups
- ^ "James Dobson no longer a manager, just an orator". Reading Eagle. May 17, 2003. p. A9.
- ^ "Hodel retiring as president of Focus, succeeded by James Daly". Baptist Press (
- ^ Bill Reed. "Focus on the Family eliminating 202 jobs". Colorado Springs Gazette.
- ^ Dobson steps down as FOF chairman. Washingtontimes.com (February 27, 2009). Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "About Us". Focus on the Family. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
^ Nieves, Evelyn (August 17, 2003). "Family Values Groups Gear Up for Battle Over Gay Marriage". Washington Post.
Focus on the Family, which Dobson...began 25 years ago to strengthen and promote the traditional family unit using conservative Christian interpretations of scripture.
- ^ "Marriage & Relationships". Focus on the Family. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
- ^ "Parenting". Focus on the Family. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
- ^ "I am sorry". Retrieved 2013-06-20.
- ^ 17-year-old beats the odds and finds a home | year, amanda, last . Colorado Springs Gazette (November 9, 2011). Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ http://icareaboutorphans.org/whatwedo/waitnomore/
- ^ Focus on Family gives foster kids a day at ballpark. Colorado Springs Gazette (May 15, 2010). Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ Riley, Naomi S.. (2010-09-24) "Adoption Season for Evangelicals: A Biblical Mandate to Help Chilrdren, Especially Those in Foster Care". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ [2] FotF on Adoption
- ^ "Focus: Donations of ultrasound equipment stopped 100,000 abortions since 2004". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "Ongoing study shows ultrasounds do not have direct impact on abortion decision". The American Independent. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
- ^ Focus on the Family welcomes unlikely ally | koaa.com | Colorado Springs | Pueblo |. koaa.com. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ Michele Bachmann's misstatements may be catching up to her . Los Angeles Times(October 23, 2011). Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "Adventures in Odyssey online". Retrieved 2007-10-11.
- ^ Official audio drama website. Screwtape.com. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/07/is-god-going-to-hook-me-up-online-assessing-christian-mingle-and-soul-mates/
- ^ Restless, Reformed, and Single. Christianity Today (July 31, 2009). Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ [(3)http://www.boundless.org/podcast-section/2011/behind-the-scenes-of-online-dating-episode-189]
- ^ Focus to sponsor anti-gay observance for students. Colorado Springs Gazette, November 11, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ National Day of Prayer Task Force website - FAQs. Nationaldayofprayer.org. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ National Day of Prayer Task Force website - Shirley Dobson bio. Nationaldayofprayer.org. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "Election Year Activities and the Prohibition on Political Campaign Intervention for Section 501(c)(3) Organizations".
- ^ Focus on the Family Form 990 tax filing. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
- ^ CitizenLink Form 990 tax filing. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
- ^ Focus on the Family Defends Parents' Right to Discipline Archived May 1, 2004 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Social Issues". Focus on the Family. Retrieved 2014-04-10.
- ^ Sanctity of Human Life. Heartlink.org. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ The New York Times > National > Church Groups Turn to Sonogram to Turn Women From Abortions
- ^ Inferior Design Chris Mooney. The American Prospect Online, September 2005
- ^ Expert Witness Report Barbara Forrest. Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District. (PDF file)
- ^ Unlocking the Mystery of Life Stephen C. Meyer and W. Peter Allen. Center for Science and Culture July 15, 2004
- ^ Feature Articles Focus On Social Issues - Origins. CitizenLink, Focus on the Family
- ^ Recommended Reading List Focus On Social Issues - Origins. CitizenLink, Focus on the Family
- ^ "CNN.com Video". CNN. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ [3]
- ^ Gorski, Eric; Zoll, Rachel (2008-10-28). "Christian right's mailings depict disastrous future under Obama". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ Chambliss got help from Focus on the Family, as well as Musgrave. Coloradoindependent.com (December 3, 2008). Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e
- ^ KirkPatrick, David D. (October 16, 2004). "THE 2004 CAMPAIGN: SAME-SEX MARRIAGE; Rally Against Gay Marriage Draws Thousands to Capital". New York Times. p. 12. Retrieved 2010-01-25.
- ^ Rutledge, Kathleen K. (January 2005). "Dobson on the Gay Marriage Battle".
- ^ "Southern Poverty Law Center: LGBT Rights".
- ^ "A Dozen Major Groups Help Drive the Religious Right's Anti-Gay Crusade".. Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ Hubbell, John M. (April 28, 2005). "Coalition seeks male-female marriage definition / New ballot push for constitutional amendment". San Francisco Chronicle. p. B.3.
- ^ Steinbeck, Robert (July 20, 2011). "U.S. Senator Catches Anti-Gay Testifier Misrepresenting Study".
^ a b Paulson, Steven K. (2006-08-17). "Gay Rights Group: Dobson Manipulated Data". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
A Focus on the Family official denied the allegation... Focus on the Family spokesman Glenn Stanton cited other research including an article co-authored by Mary Parke, a policy analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy, that shows that children need a mother and a father, regardless of the parents' sexual orientation. "We haven't said anything about sexual orientation," he said.
- ^ "Dobson's FOF Distorts Research, Says NYU Sociology Professor". Church & State. September 2006.
- ^ "James Dobson Slammed for Distorting Facts on Gay Families in Time Magazine". Edge Boston. December 15, 2006.
- ^ Truth Wins Out: James Dobson Slammed By Professor For Distorting Her Research In Time Magazine Article On Mary Cheney's Pregnancy. "[A] letter to Dobson, obtained exclusively by Truth Wins Out," December 14, 2006.
- ^ O' Leary, Mary E. (February 12, 2007). "Yale expert says group misused his words".
- ^ a b Birkey, Andy. "Minnesota researcher claims Focus on the Family misrepresented his work". The Minnesota Independent. The American Independent News Network. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
- ^ Gorham, Beth (June 19, 2006). "B.C. researcher says American group distorting her research on teen suicide". Canada Press.
- ^ a b Besen, Wayne (December 28, 2006). "Science Strikes Back". San Francisco Bay Times.
- ^ a b Richardson, Suzy A. (October 7, 2007). "Coaching character". The Gainesville Sun. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2007.
- ^ Abcarian, Robin (February 8, 2010). "Tebow ad falls short of the hype". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
- ^ a b Clark-Flory, Tracy (January 28, 2010). "The truth behind Tebow's tale". Salon.
- ^ Davidson, Amy. "The Tebow Defense". The New Yorker. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
- ^ McCarthy, Michael (February 4, 2010). "Planned Parenthood responds to Tim Tebow Super Bowl ad". USA Today. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
- ^ Snyder, Whitney (March 31, 2010). "Tim Tebow Super Bowl Ad May Be Based On Falsehood, Lawyer Claims". Huffington Post.
- ^ James, Meg (January 27, 2010). "CBS defends decision to run politically sensitive Tim Tebow ad during Super Bowl". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
- ^ Electra Draper, "The Denver Post", January 14, 2012, "[4]", January 24, 2012
- ^ Focus on the Family, "John 3:16", January 14, 2012, "[5]", January 24, 2012
- ^ Post Staff Writer, "New York Post", January 17, 2012 "Tebow-Brady tiff sets soft ratings record", January 24, 2012
- ^ Cathy Grossman, "USA Today", "Focus on Family has another Tebow-related commercial", January 24, 2012
- ^ Williams, Devon (2008-05-01). "Dr. Dobson's Broadcast Nominated to Radio Hall of Fame". Citizenlink.org. Retrieved 2008-07-25.
- ^ Barna, Mark (2008-07-21). "Dobson garners hall of fame honor".
- ^ "Dr. Dobson Blasted by Gay Activist". Citizenlink.org. 2008-07-11. Retrieved 2008-07-25.
- ^ Besen, Wayne (2008-07-09). "TWO Launches Drive to Keep James Dobson Out of the Radio Hall of Fame".
- ^ Cuprisin, Tim (2008-07-20). "FCC commissioner wants more concessions in satellite merger".
- ^ "Religion News in Brief". Associated Press. 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2008-07-25.
- ^ Focus on the Family (2007-05-17). "Lobby group offers help through smacking mess".
- ^ Sexist' workshop for students to cease by year-end: MOE"'". AsiaOne. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
- ^ Modell, David (May 17, 2008). "Christian fundamentalists fighting spiritual battle in Parliament". London: Daily Telegraph. Retrieved December 15, 2011.
- ^ Lee, Pearl. "'"Hwa Chong: Workshop staff 'ineffective. My Paper. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
- ^ Martin, Claire. "Fun is the focus Three-story slide gives kids a thrill." Denver Post. April 23, 2000. F-07. Retrieved on September 17, 2010. "Focus on the Family's sprawling headquarters four buildings on 47 acres of land[...]"
- ^ a b c Ott, Christopher. "God's own ZIP Code" Salon, July 9, 1998. Retrieved on September 17, 2010.
- ^ "How do I contact Focus on the Family?." Focus on the Family. Retrieved on September 17, 2010.
- ^ Focus on the Family. "[6]." Retrieved on October 18, 2012. "What is the square footage of your buildings?"
- ^ Draper, Electra. "[7]." Denver Post. September 16, 2011. Retrieved on October 18, 2012. "Focus on the Family announces more layoffs"
External links
Media related to at Wikimedia Commons
- Focus on the Family
- FOTF Programs via Streaming Audio
- FOTF Commentary info on ABC Radio
- Focus on the Family New Zealand
- Boundless Webzine
- Day of Dialogue
- Use mdy dates from May 2012
- All articles with dead external links
- Articles with dead external links from May 2012
- Articles with dead external links from May 2010
- Coordinates on Wikidata
- Cumulus Media Networks
- Focus on the Family
- 1977 establishments in Colorado
- Evangelicalism in Colorado
- Political organizations in the United States
- Evangelical parachurch organisations
- Intelligent design advocates
- Non-profit organizations based in Colorado
- Organizations that oppose same-sex marriage
- Organizations based in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Christian organizations based in the United States
- American pro-life organizations
- Religion in Colorado Springs, Colorado


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We are so grateful for your visit!
Aloha Andalene!
We are so grateful for your visit! Home life has been amazing! My kids aren't angels but what a change it's been. We have control and some days we don't even have to do timeout because they're obedient. Even Zion's preschool teachers have noticed a huge change and they're very interested in meeting with you. I will definitely share that you're coming back in August! Thank you so much!
Nalani – Hawaii


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text: In this episode of the Vegetable Gardening Show, Michael Podlesny chats with Leslie Bennett, the founder and owner of Pine House Edible Gardens and author of the book, The Beautiful Edible Garden. "Leslie fills us in on all kinds of great information on how you can arrange your vegetable garden to not only be productive but aesthetically pleasing as well. From there she will give you some ideas on which plants are great for front yard gardens, fruit trees and how to keep weeds at bay. This and so much more, this week, on Vegetable Gardening!" Enjoy!


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Buck Poacher In Washington County
There's a $1,000 reward being offered by The Upper Hudson River Valley Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association.
It's for some information about a person that allegedly poached a buck sometime last week.
In a story that I saw on News 10 ABC, a farmer in Washington County discovered the buck near his home. According to the QDMA, whoever did this poached a nine point buck. The head was taken and the animal's body was left to rot.
If the person that did this is found, they may have to pay some hefty fines and doing community service. If they have a hunting license, it will be revoked. You can find out more information about the details of the reward by checking out the group's Facebook page.
The New York State Department Of Conservation has a phone number to call if anyone has information to share, and to report the person. It's 1-800-TIPP-DEC (1-800-847-7332)


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Americans are paying the salaries of over 200 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees not to process tax returns or to assist confused taxpayers but to perform labor-union tasks, and two congressional Republicans are trying to pry the details of this legal-but-shady arrangement out of the agency.
Last month, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, Americans for Limited Government (ALG) obtained documents from the IRS showing that the agency has on its payroll 201 employees who, while they have job titles indicating that they do IRS work, actually spend all their time on the job taking care of union business. (The IRS has other employees who do union work only part of the time, but ALG did not inquire about them.)
"A lot of people are not aware that under federal law, a federal agency is allowed to enter into a collective bargaining agreement with a union that has provisions where employees of the agency, in this case the IRS, are allowed to do union work on the taxpayer's time and get paid for it," ALG president Nathan Mehrens told the Daily Caller.
The practice, known as "official time," was added to the U.S. Code as part of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 — not coincidentally, a year in which Democrats controlled both houses of Congress and the presidency.
"Official time is seen by supporters as compensation for the fact that unions are required to handle labor issues related to all employees, not just union members," Fox News explained in 2011. "When union officials negotiate with federal managers over work rules, like appropriate attire and other human resource requirements, those functions are carried out under official time."
Opponents, however, consider official time to be an affront to taxpayers.
"It is a subsidy to a private entity to do the private entity's job," Mehrens told the Daily Caller. "Why should we as taxpayers be paying for this? It is not as if taxpayers are paying to subsidize my organization."
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) agree. In a letter to acting IRS commissioner Daniel Werfel, they wrote: "While the IRS continues to request more funding to further close the ... tax gap, especially under the current budget crunch and sequestration, it makes little sense to use taxpayer resources to pay for union work. This kind of practice takes place only in the government — in the private sector, union work and staff are paid for by union dues."
"The IRS has shut down on certain days, and required employees to take unpaid furloughs, due supposedly to the effects of sequestration," the legislators observed. "However, the IRS is also planning to pay out $70 million in employee bonuses, and pays more than 200 employees to work for the union, instead of fulfilling the duties described in their positions of record."
Coburn and Gingrey pointed out that "more than 40 of these employees … are paid over $100,000 a year." One, according to the documents obtained by ALG, makes over $138,000 annually.
The two lawmakers asked Werfel to provide them with specifics on the IRS' "100 percent official time" employees and the agency's policies with regard to them. They are seeking such things as the number of such employees over the last decade, what these employees actually do, how the IRS gets these employees' government work done, and how it evaluates their performance.
"Are any employees on 100 percent official time involved in the processing of refunds?" they ask, following up with an even more pointed question: "How many taxpayer refunds for the 2012 tax year were late?"
They also request a tally of all official time for which the IRS has paid over the last 10 years — and its total cost.
Official time in all federal agencies over the past decade is estimated to have cost taxpayers $1.3 billion, according to Gingrey's blog. "The Office of Personnel Management revealed that in 2011 — the most recent report available — bargaining employees at all federal agencies spent a total of 3,395,187 hours performing representational work, at a cost of approximately $155 million," the Daily Caller reported.
The Veterans Administration (VA), to take just one more egregious offender, has over 250 full-time official-time employees, among them at least 85 nurses and dozens of other medical and security personnel. The VA, meanwhile, is trying to fill open nursing positions and has a backlog of nearly 900,000 disability claims. (Coburn, along with Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), is also trying to get some answers about these 100-percent official-time employees from VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.)
Gingrey, for his part, isn't merely interested in discovering the details of federal employees' official-time activities; he wants to put a stop to them altogether. In January he introduced the Federal Employee Accountability Act, which would repeal the portion of the 1978 law that permits official time. That bill remains in committee.
If he can't end official time, however, Gingrey at least wants to force the government to inform taxpayers of how much union activity they are being fleeced to fund. To that end, he is cosponsoring a bill introduced in February by Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.) — who, as it happens, cosponsored Gingrey's bill — to require the Office of Personnel Management to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number of employees engaged in official time, how much time they spent on it, and how much they cost taxpayers. That bill, the Official Time Reporting Act, has made it out of committee and is awaiting a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives.
"At a time when our country is more than $16 trillion in debt, we need to ensure that we are cutting all wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars, no matter for which political side the union employees are advocating," Ross said in a press release at the time he introduced his bill.
"Addressing government-wide use of official time would improve oversight of taxpayer dollars and create more efficiency in the federal workforce," Gingrey said in the same release. The bills he and Ross introduced, he argued, "will help restore fiscal responsibility, increase transparency, and end the union practice of draining public coffers for political gain."
One or both of these bills might pass the House, but getting either one past the Democrat-dominated Senate and a Democratic president is considerably less likely. Still, it's worth a try if only to expose the scam that is official time.
IRS Pays 201 Employees to Do Full-time Union WorkWritten by Michael Tennant
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Americans are paying the salaries of over 200 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees not to process tax returns or to assist confused taxpayers but to perform labor-union tasks, and two congressional Republicans are trying to pry the details of this legal-but-shady arrangement out of the agency.


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HUGS never age! They are one size fits all and meant for all ages.
Check out this moving and beautiful short video showing what happened when children interacted with the elderly at a care facility.
We visited an aged care facility with our children and were overwhelmed at what happened. We were advised by a Diversional Therapist that one particular resi...


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The secret of Sulmon's success taking his PADI IDC in Gili Trawangan
It is a well-known fact that diving is one of the biggest industries in the Gili Islands and there are very few Indonesian instructors who are actually from the Gili Islands. With this in mind Sulman decided that he wanted to not only be one of the few local instructors, but wanted to be the first ever homegrown PADI Instructor from Gili Meno Island.
The common problems Local people face when taking their IDC in Indonesia!
The PADI Instructor Development Course is not designed to be easy for anyone to complete, net alone those whose first language is not English. So for Sulman to achieve his goal he knew he would come up against numerous obstacles.
Firstly there was the "oh so common" problem of time. Being in full time employment at Blue Marlin and his commitment to the family business meant that he would have to take time off to sit through the course. Blue Marlin was happy to allow Sulman to sit through the Instructor Development Course with Platinum PADI IDC Course Director Holly Macleod in Gili Trawangan, and therefore allowed him the time off. However this obviously comes with a small financial sacrifice and a temporary loss in wages. Of course with the family business the work is never done and during the Instructor Course Sulman could often be found spending his break time's on the phone talking to family members about various aspects of the business for example bookings, menus, transport etc.
Another barrier faced is that of education. Although Sulman is well educated within his community and is most certainly an extremely intelligent and business savvy guy, he has most likely never studied physics and physiology to this extent and therefore almost certainly going to find that he will need to do a lot of additional self-study just catch up with basic terminology.
Last but not least was the biggest obstacle of Language. Again Sulman speaks perfect English, having worked within the tourism Industry for many years, but when it comes to sitting through IDC lectures he knew he would have to maximize his concentration and listen to every word, and of course would be need to use a dictionary from time to time to clarify certain scientific words.
Although the PADI Professional Level Material is available in a multitude of languages, these are currently only really reserved for English and the Latin based languages. None of the materials are available in Bahasa Indonesian and therefore all of Sulmans materials, study aids and practice exams were supplied in English.
Classroom teaching presentations were also delivered to an extremely high standard. Although sulman water skills and open water/classroom presentations were excellent he still had to tackle the theory portion of the course.
"After the IDC Course has finished its a great feeling knowing your ready to sit the Gili Islands Instructor Exam"
After spending many days and endless late nights working on his dive theory Sulman was feeling confident with the theory and was able to gain full marks in his practice exams, but still need help to understand the phrasing of some of the questions i.e. once the question was simplified and rephrased in English, he was able to go on and translate the question and in most cases would know the answer immediately.
With the assistance of a translator, Sulman was confident that he would not only pass the PADI Instructor exam, but would "ace it" and most likely get full marks for everything. Unfortunately, the night before the exam Sulman was let down by his translator who apparently had been offered to chance of a bit of work and after some hesitation and a great deal of disappointment he decided to sit the exam anyhow.
Sulman did indeed "ace" every portion of his instructor exam in English without the use of a translator and in fact received far higher scores than most of his native English speaking peers; so I guess the phrase "every cloud has a silver lining" seems to be most appropriate for this case as Sulman has been able to achieve his dreams against a multitude of barriers and of course has managed to achieve it by himself in a language that is not his native tongue.
So now the only thing to do is to congratulate Sulman and wish him well in his new career as a PADI Instructor "teaching the world to Dive".
The PADI IDC ASIA Pacific runs once a month here at Trawangan Dive and we are very proud of all are instructor candidates, but we are particularly proud when it makes a difference with our local community and would very much like to see more people from the Gili Islands shape the local diving infrastructure. In fact our Platinum PADI Course Director Holly has trained many non-native English speakers to go on and gain rewarding and successful careers in teaching recreational PADI programs. Her program is run on an 11 day schedule plus 4 days of pre-IDC preparation workshops.
Courses are entirely conducted by our Platinum PADI Course Director at the only PADI Career Development Center in Gili Trawangan. If you're interested in PADI Instructor check our PADI IDC Asia program in the Gili Islands.


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The Good, The Board, and the Ugly #139: Unique Mechanisms in Heavy Games
Episode 139 Unique Mechanisms in Heavy Games
Ever played a game and thought "This feels like nothing else I've ever played?" In this week's episode of the Good, the Board, and the Ugly Andy, Trent and Joe discuss games in a league of their own in the field of heavy games.
Joe S.- Escape Room in a Box: The Werewolf Experiment
Trent - NMBR 9
Andy- For Ex
Andy- Pendragon
Joe S.- That's a question
Trent - Arkwright: The Card Game
Big thanks go out to our sponsor Games Surplus: Bringing the world of games to you! Find them at http://gamesurplus.com
Join the Good board ugly BGG guild here: https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/2173
Twitter: @goodboardugly
Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/goodboardugly/?ref=aymt_homepage_pane


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If you can breathe, you can heal.
Healing through Breathwork
Breathwork is an energetic experience that works with specific breathing techniques to facilitate deep healing. Through manipulation of the breath we move outside of the thinking brain and into the energetic and emotional bodies.
Breathwork is an accessible technique for anyone at any age seeking clarity, emotional release, physical healing, and overall increased energy.
Come as you are. Leave the session having shifted something from the inside.
Contact me for rates, availability and initial consultation.
One on One sessions
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Corporate Programming


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This week I'm beyond excited to share with you a recent elopement I photographed at Holy Family Church in Brentwood, Tennessee!
Valerie and John had a small elopement with their parents and Valerie's brother there to witness this special moment. I loved that this ceremony was very intimate and personal, really focusing on the couple and their love for one another.
Although it was a rainy day, we made the best of it! The weather let up for a few minutes -- just long enough for us to get a few outdoor photos!
Valerie and John are a super sweet couple and I wish them all the love and happiness the world can offer!
Congratulations you two!
~ Mandy
Ceremony Location: Holy Family Church in Brentwood, TN
Makeup: Stephanie
Dress: David's Bridal
Suit: Jos. A. Bank
Flowers: Accent Flowers
Violinist: Travis Patton
Contact an Elopement Photographer in Nashville, TN!
Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!


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Jerusalem Park Equips Donkeys With Wi-Fi
For all those times you wanted to dress up in biblical outfits and tour Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, but declined because you couldn't check your email in the desert, you may want to rethink your next vacation plan.
Historical amusement park Kfar Kedem, or Village of Yore, is now providing Wi-Fi access for texting, tweeting, emailing, and photo uploads while bouncing on a burro.
The slow rollout has only hit five of the park's 30 available donkeys, according to the Times of Israel, which explained that a wireless router is attached to the animal's body to offer real-time Internet access. More donkeys may be equipped with routers "as necessary," park manager Menachem Goldberg told the Times.
Visitors to the Village of Yore can reenact the life and times of people living in the days of the Old Testament, with one simple twist: You can surf the Web.
Bringing a bit of the 21st century back into the First Century, Goldberg hopes that integrating old and new will help entice the younger generation to learn more about ancient Galilee life, while sharing the experience instantly with friends, the AP reported.
Israel isn't the only location with new Wi-Fi hotspots.
In July, New York City payphones were updated to provide free public Wi-Fi. The pilot program launched at 10 locations in three boroughs two in Brooklyn, one in Queens, and seven in Manhattan.
Similarly, Big Apple subway stations will receive Wi-Fi-based Internet services over the next five years, Boingo announced in May.
Whether or not the Village of Yore will benefit from its new technological advancements will remain to be seen, but at least visitors can rest assured that if their donkey strays from the tour, a few clicks of the Google Maps smartphone app can point them back in the right direction.
For more from Stephanie, follow her on Twitter @smlotPCMag.


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Cahore South Beach
© David Quinn and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Cahore's South beach runs down the coast from Cahore Point. For all intents and purposes this vast, sandy beach goes on for ever!
Much of the length of Cahore beach is backed by an extensive sand dune system, which In places reach over 50 feet in height. There are also wetlands, lagoons and grasslands beyond which form some important habitats. For this reason the "Cahore Dunes & Polders" have a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designation.
If the beach here looks strangely familiar to you then it might be because much of the filming of the D-Day landings in the movie Saving Private Ryan took place here.
Type of beach
Lifeguard service
Dogs friendly beach?
We do not have information on this beach but restrictions may apply (usually from Easter until the end of Summer)
County Wexford dog friendly beaches »
Submit a correction


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The Freeride Team Chases Snow into British Columbia
Photos and words by Dominic Rinaldi
Mountain Sports Freeride team is back in action! After weeks of no snow in Colorado a small group of seasoned Mountain Sports Freeride athletes and two coaches packed up the van and headed north searching for soft snow and skiable terrain. We left Gunnison around 12:30 PM on Saturday driving past Blue Mesa enjoying the colder weather. As we got closer to Salt Lake City the snow came in thick and news from back home that it has started to snow. The driving was slow but we knew the storm we were driving through had just covered the mountains at Whitewater and Revelstoke, BC. The sun set as we got to salt lake where we picked up the Ice Cream Team (Elle and Tucker). After grabbing In-N-Out Burger we started the remaining 13 hour drive to Whitewater, BC Canada.
Waking up in the van at 8:00 AM, finally entering the Canada border to a bunch of fresh snow we can quickly found out the border was not going to be a quick ordeal. Leaving the border by 11:30 we scrambled up to Whitewater resort to catch a half day of all the fresh snow and oh was there fresh snow! Monday morning brough 10cm of fresh snow and we were finally able to hit some of the features we had scouted the day prior. In Whitewater there are amazing pillow lines and interesting fall line drops that made the new snow so enjoyable.
After this awesome day we headed four hours north to Revelstoke Mountain Resort to compete in the IFSA Four* event. Tuesday consisted of inspecting the day one venue and getting familiar with the snowpack and different terrain. Coming from Crested Butte with only 30" of snowfall up to this point seeing cliffs with landings and a good amount of snow to land on was refreshing. Wednesday morning was a 8:00 AM gondola load for the first day of competition. All the competitors got to the top of the Stoke Chair to find ski patrol telling everyone to cram into the warming hut at the top and wait for further instructions from the judges. Two hours later, the judges called for a weather day due to fog. The team took off and had a great day of free skiing.
The next day was another 8:00 AM gondola load. The day was clear and everything was a go. They started men skiers first and Tucker Volbrecht was 4th on the start list. His first two airs were great and he hit them exactly how he wanted to but on the final air of his run he got a little friendly with a tree and ended up losing a ski. Riley Moser came next and out of his top air he had a little hip check and high side but hit the second air big and landed perfectly. A little rattled up he didn't quite ski the rest of his run how he wanted but still hit some cool features at the bottom. Dominic Rinaldi was 10 people after Riley and executed his top two airs to plan but missed the windlip after the second cliff. He finished his run with a 360 through the trees and a mute 360 at the bottom.
Rhianna Borderick was the first of the Western girls to go, she took off out the gate and hit her two first airs with speed, skied to the wind lip and ripped to the bottom of the venue. Elle Truax was next up and came out of the gate with big turns. She hit the wind lip and carved to the bottom of the venue. After all the girls went it started to snow quite a bit so we went and checked out the finals venue and skied around before calling it a night.
We started making dinner but headed up to the riders meeting where they handed out the results for the qualifying day. They only ended up taking 16 male and 10 female to the finals so unfortunately no one made the cut. The next morning we had a relaxing day of skiing around Revelstoke, adventuring and finding new terrain. At the end of the day we packed up the van for the last time and started our 24 hour drive back home to Gunnison. Even though none of the Western athletes made finals we were all so excited to experience skiing this mountain and getting familiar with the competition scene this year.


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Home >> Course Descriptions >> College of Arts and Sciences
Developmental Biology
Four semester hours.
A study of the molecular and cellular events that lead to the generation of a multicellular organism from a fertilized egg. Emphasis on cell differentiation, development of an entire organism from a single cell involving several stages of differentiation and cell interaction. The course will investigate the cellular and molecular processes involved in generating an embryo, in creating various tissues and organs. Prerequisite: BIOL 3413. Lab Fee: $30.
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In a recent report by the Academy of Medical Sciences, it states that only about a third (37%) of the public trust evidence from medical research, compared to approximately two-thirds (65%) who trust the experiences of their friends and family.
The new report highlights the significant difficulties patients and some healthcare professionals face in using evidence from research to judge the benefits and harms of medicines, and calls for concerted action to improve the information patients receive.
Report Chair, Professor Sir John Tooke FMedSci, said:
"It is startling to hear that only about a third of the public trust medical research, and that patients are struggling to make sense of the information they receive from their doctor, the TV, the internet and their friends and family about medicines."
Professor Dame Sally Davies DBE FRS FMedSci, Chief Medical Officer for England, said:
"Medical science is progressing at an unprecedented rate, opening up opportunities not only to cure certain diseases, but potentially to prevent them from ever occurring. Yet it is vital that we find the best possible ways to use and communicate scientific evidence, so that progress may be translated into benefits for patients."
Silvia Kirk, mum of two who participated in the Academy's 'Best Evidence' public dialogue programme said:
"I've often left my doctor's surgery with a prescription unsure why I needed the medicine, how it would make me feel and exactly when I should take it. This has left me confused about why the medicine is important for my health and unprepared for any side effects. It is really hard to think of the right questions to ask in an appointment, especially as you usually visit the doctor when you aren't feeling well."
The new report urges the public and medical professionals to make better use of medical appointments, and launches a set of questions for patients to discuss with their doctor to help them make better informed decisions about whether to take a medicine. Active involvement in decision making about their own health has been shown to improve outcomes for patients.
The report also recommends that some patients taking multiple medications for long-term conditions will need longer appointments with health professionals to make informed decisions."


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This multi-tool from Jason Brous packs a lot of great features into such a compact, good looking package. Useful tools such as key ring to attach, strap cutter, bottle opener, hex wrench (multiple sizes), flat head screwdriver and mini pry bar along with a thoughtful user design. Measuring 2.75″ overall, it is made from 1/8″ thick heat treated D2 steel so you know it's tough as nails. Check out the next evolution of the keychain multi-tool at www.knifecenter.com.
Leatherman Rebar Full Size Multi-Tool
Tim Leatherman is the father of the modern multi-tool and has become a household name in the tactical equipment field. Leatherman started the company in 1983 with the original Pocket Survival Tool and today has over 30 different models which are considered top of the line for multi-tools. The Rebar is the newest Leatherman model for 2012 and it utilizes the same platform as their extremely popular Super Tool 300. It has 17 different tools, a high quality nylon belt sheath, unprecidented 25 year warranty, and a conveniently compact design in which all the tools are accessed from the interior of the Rebar in the open position and do lock in place. If you're looking for a tool that can do practically everything which is comfortable and light enough to carry around all day, the Leatherman Rebar is a great choice for soldiers and civilians alike. See the Rebar and all the rest of Leatherman's products at www.knifecenter.com.
More about Leatherman: Continue Reading
Gerber Fit Light Multi-Tool
Gerber Fit Light Multi-Tool
Gerber Tools has created another unique multitool. It has some great features at a really great price. Even Gizmodo likes it and featured it on their page! Here's what they said: "Can you believe this multi-tool costs just $30? With its sleek looks, nine tools plus a 25-lumen LED, it's bloody good value for those late-night fumblings as you try and break into your own house." (quoted from Kat Hannaford )
Here is Gerber Knives' Information: Continue Reading
Boker Plus Vox VAT Access Tool, Titanium $26.95
Boker Plus Vox VAT Access Tool, Titanium
This is one of the coolest non "knife" tools to come out in 2011. The Vox Access tool does all the other prying, opening, pulling tasks that you should NEVER actually use your knife for. Maybe Boker should have called it the un-knife? Regardless of what it is called, it is a great tool to have clipped onto your keys or your bag. It will make itself useful a million times over—and keep you from breaking your knife!
Here is the information from the Boker Knife Company: Continue Reading
Leatherman's Got STYLE- Multitools, that is
New from Leatherman, the Style Series of multi-tools. Leatherman knows their multi-tools. In Leatherman's time-honored tradition they have miniaturized the most important features. Both Styles are made of 420HC steel and have a blade, scissors, file, flat head screwdriver, and a pair of tweezers. The Style has a great key ring feature while the Style CS comes with carabiner. Just think, you can now handle life's everyday emergencies with Style, and 5 little tools. They are available in black, red, pink, or blue so add some color to your keyring. These tools are so Stylish, its a shame to keep them in your pocket or purse. This new product brings Style and flair to any keyring for an unbelievable price. You can see them and their features at www.knifecenter.com.
Here are the specifications from Leatherman: Continue Reading
Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multi-Tool with Sheath
Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multi-Tool with Sheath
Leatherman Tools has re-released the Supertool. These were the most popular multitool back in the 1990's and this new version looks great. They are still priced at about the same level. This new model is very large, has locking tools and replaceable cutting blades inside the pliers. You can see this great Leatherman Tool at the page: www.knifecenter.com
Here is the information from Leatherman Tools: Continue Reading
Buck X-Tract Essential™ Multi-Tool
Buck X-Tract Essential™ Multi-Tool
The Buck X-Tracts have been hits for the last several years. This new model scales it down to an easy-to-carry item with just the essentials – hence the name "The Buck Essential".
We like being able to carry just the blade, screw drivers and a scissors. It may still be a little thick, but we think it is the best of the series for most of us.
Here is Buck's description and SPECS: Continue Reading
Columbia River Get-A-Way Driver™
Columbia River Get-A-Way Driver™
Yes, Inspired Design works.™
A carabiner screwdriver, bit carrier and LED flashlight designed to be part of the I.D. Works™ tool system.
At Columbia River Knife & Tool® (CRKT®), they're inspired by great design. Their I.D. Works™ products are not tools you will find anywhere else. They're motivated by design that is both inspired and functional, as created 500 years ago by painter, sculptor, architect, and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, who said "observe everything" in nature. They've partnered with the best and brightest designers of today who share this vision of putting functional art in your hand. They are organic and ergonomic shapes, sometimes whimsical, always useful. These unique tools make up our growing I.D. Works™ line. Put them to use, enjoy them, and always remember what inspires you!
The Get-A-Way™ Driver is another creative design by Launce Barber and Tom Stokes which is designed to be an integral part of our I.D. Works™ tool system.
The tool itself is a screwdriver; flat and Phillips hex bit carrier with four standard hex bits, two flat and two Phillips; a specialty wrench; bottle opener; and LED flashlight with carry carabiner.
Launce and Tom have designed this multi-tool to be as compact and lightweight as possible. Handle length is only 3.75", and weight is only 1.9 ounces. Continue Reading
Gerber Artifact Multitool with Folding Blade
Gerber Artifact Multitool with Folding Blade
A small multitool that fits the lifestyle of many. It has just a few tools but they are well placed and easy to carry. Minimalist design makes the Gerber Artifact lightweight pocket-size tool the perfect companion when you just want the basics. The Artifact features an exchangeable/removable #11 hobby blade, cross driver, small and medium flat drivers, wire stripper, pry bar/paint can opener and lanyard/keychain attachment hole. Simplicity is timeless.
* Overall Length: 4.80″
* Closed Length: 3.50″


text: After a Secret Singers experience we get so many amazing comments from guests including "I never saw it coming", but probably my fave is "That was just the perfect time to bring some excitement and energy to the celebration!". We really do pick everyone up and get them involved with our shows. Including this weekends wedding surprise.