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DRAMA OF THE LOST DISCIPLES #12 by Georage Jowett (1961) THE GLORIOUS CAVALCADE HUMAN nature can be very perverse on occasion, being completely oblivious to experience and sound judgment. It is surprising to hear of people with intelligence so easily victimized by suave tongues and extravagant claims deliberately conceived to misinform and misguide. This human weakness might possibly indicate that people are more prone to accept fiction than truth. Perhaps this is what has given rise to the old slogan that 'truth is stranger than fiction'. To such an extent does this condition exist that truth becomes a matter of serious education in constant conflict to disprove the untruthful who are ever seeking to prove their spurious claims. Christians are so indoctrinated with the scriptural apostolic records, rightfully, that they would never dream of arguing the point that the Apostles preached Christ in Jerusalem, Egypt, Greece, Rome and Asia, but to mention that they taught in Britain is to tax their credulity. To state that Christianity was brought first to Britain is almost to have them inquire as to the state of one's mental health. The average person is so well inoculated with the belief that Christianity was first established by the Roman Catholic Church at Rome, and that Britain first received the faith through St. Augustine, A.D. 597, that they take it for granted. Incredulity is quickly dissipated when one asks, "What happend to Christian teaching during the centuries that followed the death of Christ, to the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church in the fourth century?" This church was not founded until years after the death of Constantine the Great. Then there is the period that followed to the time when Augustine arrived in Britain. One has but to turn the pages of the Bible and ask what became of most of the original Apostles, on whose lives Scripture is silent. Where did the unrecorded ones go and where did they die? What of the seventy elect and the following one hundred and twenty elected in Christ and the many that followed, stemming from the teachings of the original Christian multitude? The Biblical travel record of the elect is but briefly given. They all had to be somewhere and achievement certainly followed the sowing of the seed, otherwise where did the Roman Catholic Church obtain the substance to found its own organization? It is only in recent years that the Roman Catholic Church began to scoff at the British record and its claim to priority, but they are 'hoist upon their own petard'. For nineteen hundred years the Roman Catholic Church was the stoutest champion of British priority. It is futile at this later date for them to dispute priority and apostolic succession. The mass of documentary evidence supplied by their greatest ecclesiastics and historians, and even the Popes, substantiates the facts, refuting all modern challenge. For fifteen hundred years the Popes and the ecclesiastical councils sustained British priority whenever it was challenged. For more than six hundred years after the founding of Avalon by Joseph, until the time of the famous Oaks' conference, and the equally famed Whitby Council, when the first official cleavage took place between the two churches, the British and the Roman church existed as sister churches, with Britain accepted as the elder sister, for approximately three hundred years. Though the British church steadfastly refused to recognize the recently instituted authority of the Pope, A.D. 610, flatly denying the worship of Mary or the use of the term 'Mother of God', proclaimed by the Roman church A.D.431, at the Council of Ephesus, or the doctrine of Purgatory, established by Gregory the Great about the year A.D.593, they shared the same communion. The Mass had not as then been developed. It was not introduced into the Roman church as an obligatory attendance until the eleventh century. The British church still retained its primitive interpretation of the Christ faith, vehemently declaring in the two councils mentioned that only Christ was the Head of the church and the only means of intercession between man and God, and with no recourse to Purgatory. Though the worship of images and material concepts were being introduced into the church through Roman influence, it still retained a great deal of the original primitive simplicity of worship. (To say as the author does, that the British church and Roman church were "sister churches" is to either deny historical facts, or is a case of gross mis-education and/or bias. The two "churches" had MAJOR differences as I've given you in other studies on this website - Keith Hunt) The first six hundred years following the Passion of Christ can truly be called the Golden Age of Christianity, in spite of the fact that these centuries were saturated in drama, romance, tragedy and sacrifice. The brief glimpse we have taken of the perilous wars and of the violence of the persecutions that swept the sea-girt Isle, leaves us in no doubt as to the invincible courage and unbendable determination of the Christian elect in carrying out the work of our Lord, regardless of consequences. In World War II we were daily thrilled with the heroic exploits of the patriots of the oppressed nations who comprised the Underground. Comparing this record with that of the Apostolic Crusaders of the Cross of that glorious era, the Christian heart must be thrilled through and through as we realize that theirs was no underground operation. Surrounded by evil foes and forces they walked openly into the midst of their enemies, declaring the Word with resonant voices to friend and foe alike, and only too often paying the supreme price, but fearlessly. The record tells us of an endless flow of men and women pouring into Avalon to be converted and baptized, then remaining for instruction to go forth preaching the Word in hostile territory and replacing the glorious ones who had fallen. Some idea of how great was the multitude of converts who remained for instruction can be gleaned from the record which states that from Gaul alone Philip sent a total of a hundred and sixty disciples to assist Joseph and his companions. 1 That there were others that came from other sources we know, apart from the mission that formed the second church in Britain, sent by St. Paul into Wales. Their fiery zeal was kept aflame by the frequent arrival of others of the Lord's original Apostles, who stayed awhile before setting forth into other lands. Not all of the Bethany band that arrived at Avalon stayed on with Joseph. Some of the most illustrious of his companions he sent back into different parts of Gaul to assist Philip in founding churches, as others qualified to take over their place on the Isle of Avalon. LAZARUS The first man to be sent back to Gaul by Joseph was Lazarus, but not before the man whom Jesus had raised from the dead had left his timeless imprint on Britain in the work he wrote outlining his rules for living the Christian life. In Celtic MSS. they are known as "The Triads of Lazarus." No better memorial could he have left to prove his identity with Britain. Nowhere else are his laws recorded and nowhere else but in Britain was the word 'Triad' employed, not even in Gaul. The word is Celtic for Law. The "Triads of Lazarus" are still preserved in the ancient Celtic records of Britain. He went direct to Marseilles, where he had first arrived at Gaul in the drifting boat with Joseph, and their other companions. Roger of Hovedon, writing of Marseilles, remarks "Marseilles is an episcopal city under the domination of the King of Aragon. Here are the relics of St. Lazarus, the brother of St. Mary Magdalene and Martha, who held the Bishopric for seven years." ...... 1 Capgrave, "De Sancto Joseph ab Aramathea," quoting ancient manuscript and the "Book of the Holy Grail." ...... The ancient church records at Lyons confirm the same facts 'Lazarus returned to Gaul from Britain to Marseilles, taking with him Mary Magdalene and Martha. He was the first appointed Bishop. He died there seven years later.' It is further stated that Lazarus was Bishop of Cyprus before he made the voyage to Britain. This would indicate he was teaching at Cyprus, before the exodus from Judea, A.D.36, and having returned to Judea became a member of the Bethany group who occupied the oarless boat on that fateful voyage. He was the first Bishop of Marseilles and built the first church on the site where the present cathedral stands. 1 In the few years he lived to teach at Marseilles he founded other churches. His zealous preaching and kindly disposition left a deep impress in Gaul, to such an extent that he is better remembered in France than is Philip, regardless of the latter's long sojourn in Gaul. In many quarters he is regarded as the Apostle of Gaul and his relics are greatly treasured to this day. At Marseilles, Lyons, Aix, St. Maximin, La Sainte Baume and other places there still remain numerous monuments, liturgies, relics and traditions to his immortal memory. He was the first of the original Bethany band associated with Joseph to die. As the records state he died a natural death seven years after returning to Marseilles. His stay in Britain is reported to have been short, which would place the date of his death between A.D.44 and 45. An interesting report was published in the London Morning Post, May 28th, 1923, marking the date of the annual pilgrimage of the French gypsies to St. Maries de la Mer at the mouth of the Rhone. Their tradition maintains that the barque of Lazarus came ashore therewith three holy women who remained. From time immemorial to present times the French gypsies make their annual pilgrimage to this sacred spot to venerate the relics of Marie Salome, Marie Jacos and in particular their black servant, Sara. MARY SALOME Mary Salome was another member of the original Josephian band who had been sent forth to preach the Word, known in the British record as St. Salome. Her two other women companions were probably among the unrecorded converts who went to aid St. Salome on her mission. Evidently, as the name suggests, Marie Jacob was also a Judean refugee who had drifted to Gaul and Britain. Mention of the black Sara is quite interesting. At odd intervals her name crops up, and in each case shows she was held in special esteem. We note that while the French gypsies made their annual pilgrimage to the spot ...... 1 J. Burr, "Remarkable Biblical Characters." See "The Coming of the Saints", by J. W. Taylor, p.239, for the inscription in the Church of St. Victor. ...... to venerate the memory of the three women missionaries, Sara, the black maid, is the one to whom they paid especial consideration. As will be seen by the record it is stated that Mary Magdalene and Martha went with Lazarus from Britain to Marseilles to begin their missionary work in Gaul. 1 There is an interesting statement made by one of the early Bishops of Mayence who said, referring to the many arriving in Gaul from Britain, that each went forth to specially appointed places in Gaul, where they taught and founded churches. Under the direction of St. Philip each followed out their particular assignment in the service of our Lord. Consequently we can understand why Mary Magdalene and Martha did not remain at Marseilles with Lazarus. Martha, the practically minded head of the Bethany household, which had been the favourite resting-place of Jesus and point of assembly for His disciples at Bethany during His Mission, was directed to Arles. With her went the faithful handmaid, Marcella. Martha did not remain long there. TROPHIMUS Trophimus was sent to Gaul by Joseph and, under the direction of Philip, replaced Martha at Arles. He was consecrated the first Bishop of Arles and there performed an outstanding service. He was energetic, practical and an intelligent organizer. His Christianizing endeavours embraced a large area which formed the district of Narbonne. He became the first Metropolitan of the Narbonne, with Arles as his Bishopric. For centuries it continued to be a prominent stronghold of the Chrisian faith in Gaul. MARTHA AND MARCELLA Martha and Marcella moved to Tarascon where they settled, spending the rest of their lives preaching, teaching and administering. They both died a natural death, Martha being the first of the two to pass on to her everlasting reward. The record states, 'Marcella was with Martha at her death.' A few years later Marcella, the faithful handmaiden of the glorious Bethany sisters, and their brother Lazarus, entered into her well-deserved rest. She, too, had waited on the Lord in the pleasant Bethany home in Judea. She had seen the miracle performed on Lazarus and watched the Crucifixion. Her devotion to her mistresses had carried her with them to Gaul, thence to Britain, and back again to Gaul where she helped Martha to plant the Cross of Christ and nurture it with their love. The early records show Maximin, Eutropius, Trophimus and Parmena leaving Britain for Gaul, joining with those already mentioned. Parmena is not listed among the original companions ...... 1 The identity of Magdalene with Mary of Bethany is a subject of controversy, but the French Church regards them as one. ...... of Joseph at Avalon. The other three are named among the twelve companions. As we have seen, Trophimus joined with Martha at Arles, where she later left for Tarascon. Maximin is described as joining with Mary Magdalene at Aix where both spent out their life. Both died a natural death. Maximin was the first Bishop of Aix, and there are found numerous memorials and relics of Maximin, and particularly of Mary Magdalene. The area is saturated with her memory. Mary's classic beauty and her rich voice, extolled in reverence and pleasure by all who knew her, endeared her so deeply to the hearts of the people among whom she laboured that she was adored as a Saint before she died. Her undying devotion to her Lord throbbed through her teachings of the Word. The most hardened soul melted to her preaching, and she converted, as we are told, 'multitudes to the faith'. The ancient documents resound with her glory. One, if not the most outstanding document treating of her life, was written by the famed Maurus Rabanus, Archbishop of Mayence, 1 A.D.776-856, "Life of Mary Magdalene." This precious MS. is owned by Oxford University, where it is preserved and treasured in the College Library bearing her name, the Magdalen College Library. There are many manuscripts older than the Rabanus MSS., some written about the same time, but none as illuminating. In his Prologue the eminent Archbishop states that his information was written 'according to the accounts that our fathers have left us in their writings'. In his work he supports all the earlier records of the gathering in Caul, the Josephian entourage arriving in Britain, confirming the date. He tells of the many of Joseph's companions returning to Gaul to preach and teach. He writes: "Therefore the chief, St. Maximus, the blessed Parmenas, the arch deacon Trophimus and Eutropius, bishops, and the rest of the leaders of his Christian warfare, together with the Godrenowned Mary Magdalene and her sister, the most blessed Martha, departed by way of the sea ... They came near to the city of Marseilles, in the Vienoise province of the Gauls, where the river Rhone is received by the sea. There, having called upon God, the great King of all the world, they parted, each company going to the province where the Holy Spirit had directed them, presently preaching everywhere, 'the Lord with them'; and confirmed the Word with signs following." Eutropius was the first Bishop of Aquitaine. ...... 1 Mainz. ...... EIGHT AND OTHERS Here we have eight of the original Josephian band that arrived in Britain back in Gaul, after receiving their final instructions from Joseph, who consecrated them before they left the sacred Isle of Avalon. Some are inclined to think that Marie Jacob, one of the thre venerated women to whom the French gypsies paid reverence at St. Maries de la Mer, was none other than the Mary Cleopas, recorded in the British Bethany band. It is quite possible. We note in the Biblical records that names are changed and interchanged. Mary was the wife of the Roman whom Jesus converted. Since there is no record of him, following the exodus, he probably had died, in which case it was not uncommon for a woman to revert to her ancestral family name. Being a Judean and a near relative of the Virgin Mary, her claim could be of the family branch of Jacob, and so be known as Mary Jacob. If this is the case, this would make nine of the original Bethany band sent forth by Joseph to preach and found missions and churches in Gaul. The Gaulish and Celtic chronicles affirm that most of the ancient French Bishoprics were founded by the companions of Joseph, other Culdees and former neophytes, all stemming from the sacred sanctuary at Avalon. Sidonis, Saturninus and Cleon are reported as teaching in Gaul on various occasions, supporting other missionaries and returning to Britain. Joseph also contributed in like manner and his name is well associated with the founding of the church at Morlaix and Limoges. It is stated that St. Martial, of the elect twelve, was the only one who never left Avalon to go abroad. He remained throughout his lifetime converting and teaching neophytes, as the right hand of Joseph. 1 In the same report it is interesting to note the statement that with Martial there remained at Avalon his parents, Marcellus and Elizabeth, and also St. Zacchaeus. The mention of the latter three names proves the illustrious assemblage of faithful Judeans finally domiciled in Britain, aiding Joseph at Avalon in his great work while great battles between Britons and Romans were being fought around them. From time to time we find other Judeans, many relatives of the twelve disciples of Jesus, arriving at the sacred stronghold in Britain, bending their efforts in the evangelizing mission. Parmena, who accompanied Maximin, Eutropius and Trophimus into Gaul from Britain, was a disciple of Joseph. He was appointed the first Bishop of Avignon. Drennalus was also a disciple of Joseph. ...... 1 Old French Cantique refers to "Eutrope et Martial, Sidonie avec Joseph." ...... He first went to Gaul in company with Joseph to found the church at Morlaix. This done, Joseph appointed Drennalus to Treguier, where he remained after being installed as the first Bishop of Treguier. BEATUS The British crusaders in Christ were not limited to Gaul. They journeyed into other lands founding missions and erecting churches. Three of Avalon's missionaries were responsible for founding the three great mother churches in Gaul, Helvetia (Switzerland) and Lotharingia. The illustrious Beatus, who founded the church in Helvetia, received his baptism and education at Avalon. He was the wealthy son of a prominent British noble, his pre-baptismal name being Suetonius. It is of interest to note that Beatus was baptized at Avalon by St. Barnabas, the brother of Aristobulus, sent in advance by St. Paul to Britain to represent the Apostle to the Gentiles. In the scriptural record he is referred to as Joses, the Levite, who changed his name to Barnabas, meaning 'Son of Consolation', the same Barnabas who, together with St. Paul, founded the church at Antioch, A.D.43 (Acts 11:22). Barnabas combined with St. Paul, Joseph and his brother in expanding the church in Britain, particularly in Wales. His stays were short but effective. It was on one of these excursions into Britain, after his brother Aristobulus 1 was martyred, that he baptized the noble Beatus who, on finishing his novitiate, was consecrated a Bishop. He selected Helvetia as his missionary field. Before he left Britain he disposed of all his wealth and used it to ransom prisoners of war on the continent, making his headquarters at Underseven (Unterseen) on Lake Thun. Beatus introduced Christianity into Switzerland, erecting hospitals and churches, building a band of devoted missionaries who continued his great work throughout the centuries. It was in the humble dwelling he first built on his arrival in Helvetia that he spent his last days. He died in his cell, A.D.96. This ancient cell is preserved and can be seen today on the shore of Lake Thun. The Venerable Bede and Cardinal Alford mention his noble missionary work in their writings, and he is commemorated in the Roman Martyrologies. MANSUETUS Another extraordinary British zealot who graduated from Avalon was Mansuetus. He went to Glastonbury (Avalon) from Hiberna (Ireland) where he was born, a member of the Celtic aristocracy. His evangelistic career was profoundly notable. He had journeyed to Avalon three years before the Claudian campaign began and ...... 1 St. Ado, Archbishop of Vienne, "Adonis Martyrologia," March 17. ...... according to Arnold Mirmannus, Mansuetus was converted and baptized by Joseph, A.D.40. At Avalon he became closely associated with the intrepid St. Clement, also forming a great friendship with St. Peter, when he sought sanctuary in Britain, A.D.44. Only death was to break these endearing connections. Later he was sent to Rome with St. Clement on his first mission. On the request of St. Philip he went to Gaul where he founded the great Lotharingian Church, frequently referred to as the Mother Church of Gaul. Cardinal Alford, in "Regia Fides Britannica," writes that Mansuetus was consecrated the first Bishop of the Lotharingians A.D.49, with his See at Toul. He also founded the church at Lorraine. His missionary zeal was indefatigable. He travelled far and wide, meeting a great number of the original Apostles and disciples of Christ, with whom he laboured. Probably for this reason he is referred to as 'the friend of all the disciples, and their pupil', and as 'a disciple of St. Petel'. Mansuetus had mingled with the royal Silurian families while at Avalon, therefore it is but natural to know he was a constant visitor at the Palace of the British at Rome after Claudia had married Pudens. He was a friend of Linus, the first Bishop of Rome, and brother of Claudia. After the death of St. Clement, Mansuetus became the third official Bishop of the British Church at Rome. Thus we have three disciples of Avalon, instructed by St. Joseph, to become, in succession, Bishops of Rome. Mansuetus extended his preaching into Illyria, where he was martyred A.D.110, thirty years before the last member of the royal family of Claudia Pudens was slain. This record is reported in "Mersaeus De Sanctis Germaniae" and confirmed by L'Abbe Guillaume. 1 The Natal Day of Mansuetus is given in the "Gallican Martyrologies" as September 3. ST. CLEMENT The eminent St. Clement, in the British Bethany record named St. Clemens, was another outstanding British missionary, stemming from Avalon, and the friend of Mansuetus, already referred to, with whom he was associated in the early evangelizing of Illyria. He perished long before Mansuetus received his martyrdom. St. Clement succeeded Linus as the second Bishop of Rome. In this document there is a curious record of succession which states: "Clemens became Bishop twelve years after Linus." Iltigius, in "De Patribus Apostolicis," quotes St. Peter as saying 'Concerning the Bishops who have been ordained in our lifetime, we make known to you that they are these. Of Antioch, Eudoius, ordained by me, Peter. Of the Church of Rome, Linus, ...... 1 L'Abbe Guillaume, "L'Apostolat de S. Manouel," p.38. ...... son of Claudia, was first ordained by Paul, and after Linus's death, Clemens the second, ordained by me, Peter.' 1 In every case but one the records of succession as given above have all agreed that Clement was the second Bishop. The one exception states 'that Cletus succeeded Linus and agrees that Clement followed twelve years after Linus was martyred, as the third Bishop of Rome.' While the twelve-year gap is commonly sustained, yet all other references place Linus, Clement and Mansuetus as first, second and third, and with no mention of Cletus. My conclusion in the case is that Cletus, functioning in the British church at Rome, along with the children of Claudia Pudens, was not in an official capacity due to the grave Christian disturbance at that time. The three related were officially appointed by apostolic consecration. After Clement was lodged in Rome he became known as Clemens Romanus and is the one referred to by St. Paul in his Epistle. 2 All records state he was ordained by St. Peter. The life and works of St. Clement are referred to in the Oxford edition of "Junius in Son of Claudia," and by Iltigius. MARCELLUS Another noble Briton, born to the Silurian purple, was Marcellus. He received his conversion and baptism at Avalon, a number of years after Joseph had passed on to his eternal rest, by the hands of those who followed. He also went to Gaul, and there founded the church at Tongres, being its first Bishop. He later founded the princely archbishopric at Treves, over which he ruled. For centuries this diocese dominated the Gallican church. Some records confuse this Marcellus as being the teacher of Linus before the latter went to Rome as one of the royal captives with his father Caractacus. This is a mistake, as the date is far too late. Linus was taught at Avalon by Marcellus, the father of Martial of the original Bethany band. Marsseus and Pantalin both state that Marcellus the Briton was martyred A.D.166. The Tungrensian Chronicles confirm this fact. The Gallic records state that for centuries the Archbishops of Treves and Rheims were all Britons surplied by the mother church at Glastonbury-Avalon. ST. CADVAL St. Cadval, another famed British missionary, going out from Glastonbury, founded the church of Tarentum, Italy, A.D.170. The cathedral at Taranto is dedicated to him and his achievements are reported in the "Vatican Catalogue of Saints." 3 ...... 1 Apostolic Constitutions, 1:46. 2 Philippians 4:3. 3 "Moronus de Ecclesia Tarentina." ...... It is impossible to catalogue the list of devoted British disciples and missionaries who went out of Avalon to preach the Gospel in other lands. Their names are legion, many of them laying down their lives in the final sacrifice, to be buried in unknown graves in foreign lands. During the golden Christian era, centuries after the Roman Catholic Church was established, the British missionaries comprised the bulk of the Christian army of crusaders. They, more than any others, established the Christian faith on its firm foundation, and against the deadliest opposition and persecution on record. Their fiery zeal flamed across the known world like an unquenchable fire. As one fell a hundred more were ready to step into the martyr's footsteps proclaiming the faith with a challenging insistence. Despite the fierce conflicts that raged throughout Britain against Roman tyranny, Avalon was ever a safe sanctuary for apostle or neophyte. To this hallowed haven many of our Lord's original disciples came: Lazarus, Barnabas, Zaccheus, James, Luke, Simon, Paul and Peter, of whom we have positive record, leaving only three not definitely chronicled, Matthew, Mark and John, though it is recorded that at the death of Mary all the living original band were present at her request. Their names were unmentioned in the record but we know Stephen and James, the brother of John, could not be present. Judas Iscariot had been banned on his betrayal of his Master and had committed suicide. Stephen was the first martyr, being stoned to death at Jerusalem, A.D.33. James, brother of John, both sons of Zebedee, was beheaded A.D.44, 1 by order of Herod Agrippa. It is ironic to believe that the executioner of James was probably Herod, King of the Chalcis, the father of Paul's companion and co-worker, Aristobulus. 2 Of James the just, the brother of Jesus, Flavius Dexter, quoting the ecclesiastical Benedictine historian, Cressy, in his "Church History of Brittany," states: "In the one and fortieth year of Christ (A.D.41) St. James, returning out of Spain, visited Gaule and Britain." Other records confirm this date of his first visit to Britain, and some records claim he was present at the death of Mary at Avalon, A.D.48. James was the first Bishop of Jerusalem, calling together the first Apostolic Church there. This is the first Council of the Appointed on record. The next Council was called by Constantine the Great, three hundred years later. James was closely associated with Paul, preaching to the Gentiles. While the record and his ...... 1 Acts 12:1. 2 Prof. W. H. S. Hewin in "Royal Saints of Britain," p.29. ...... memorial tablet states he worked mostly among the Greeks, he is given credit for founding the Spanish Church. 1 One can readily note his great interest in working among the Gentiles by reading the Acts o f the Apostles. In Acts 21:18 it tells how Paul meets James, the brother of Jesus, to whom he speaks of the great works God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. The text in Acts 15:14 is of curious interest. James tells his brethren that Simeon had said, 'God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name', and so had declared the prophets. James was stoned to death at Jerusalem by the Jews nearby where Stephen met the same fate, A.D.62, four years before Paul suffered martyrdom. 2 Of St. Luke, Professor Smith in "Dictionary of Christian Biography," says that St. Luke taught in Gaul, Dalmatia, Italy, Macedonia, principally in Gaul, and that he made frequent trips to Britain, visiting the sainted company at Avalon. The Rev. Morgan, in his marvellous work "The Saints in Britain," gives a remarkably detailed insight into the travels and work of the apostles and disciples as they came in contact with Britain and laboured there. Barnabas was to meet his death in Cyprus, where he was stoned to death. He was buried by St. Mark, his young kinsman, outside the city. The record says that, as he laid Barnabas in his grave, Mark placed on his breast a copy of the Gospel of St. Matthew. Each life is a part of the indestructible chain of 'The Way', welded link by link by the unswerving devotion and fearless sacrifices of the apostles, the disciples and the countless followers of Christ. Forged on the anvil of persecution and purged in the crucible of Christian blood, this golden chain links us with the marvellous past with the assurance that God still reigns in the heavens and Christ is ever the bond between our Father and His earthly children. It is strange to note the passage in Martyrs o f the Colosseum, by the Roman Catholic priest, A. J. O'Reilly, wherein he states that St. Ignatius is recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as being the first Christian martyr, A.D.107. St. Ignatius was a disciple of St. John, who consecrated him the third Bishop of Antioch. It is he who is supposed to have been the child Jesus took on His knee when He made the reference to becoming as little children, related in Matthew 18:3. St. Ignatius was martyred on the order of ...... 1 Sant Iago, Patron Saint of Spain. 2 Josephus, Antiquities, xx, 9:1. ...... Trajan, cast to the wild beasts in the Colosseum and devoured. The claim made by the Rev. O'Reilly is incongruous. Nowhere does the Roman Catholic Church support the statement. What about all the other Christians murdered in the Colosseum? What about the martyrdom of all the Apostles and disciples recorded herein and those not recorded? What of the martyrdom of Pudens and his children? What of Peter and Paul, whom the Roman Catholic Church claim to be the foundation of their church? They, too, were brutally martyred. What of the early martyrs catalogued in "The Vatican Catalogue of Saints," "The Roman Martyrologies," "The Ecclesiastical Annals of Cardinal Baronius," "Regia Fides" by Cardinal Alford, and the many others? The records herein of those who died for the faith are all supported by the official documentation of the Roman Catholic Church and its top-ranking authorities. It shows how in some cases the Reverend Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church are as ignorant of the historic record as many of the Protestant ministry. Such ignorance reminds one of the recent polls taken of the students in the American universities, asking them to name the Fathers of the Revolution and other outstanding historic events in American life which one would expect to be commonly known. The answers were an appalling record of ignorance. Only too plainly it teaches us how easily those raised in the indulgent security of a prosperous age forget their national heritage to such an extent as to rate it almost meaningless. It would seem only when the glory has departed from them do people remember, when it is too late. To remember is to appreciate and stoke the fires of loyalty. ST. PETER Little known, or little remembered, as the related incidents in this book may be, probably the knowledge that St. Peter laboured in Britain with the Josephian-Jerusalem Mission as Avalon is less known. There is an interesting and curious record chronicled by Cardinal Baronius, who writes: "Rufus the Senator received St. Peter into his house on Viminalis Hill, in the year A.D.44." One is apt to confuse the name with that of Rufus the Senator who, nine years later, on his return from Britain to Rome, married Claudia, the adopted daughter of the Emperor Claudius, the natural child of Caractacus. The latter went to Britain with his commander at the beginning of the Claudian campaign, A.D.43, and remained there until A.D.52. Therefore, he was absent in Britain when St. Peter visited his parental home A.D.44. As we have seen, after his marriage to Claudia he forsook his parental home on Viminalis Hill, and also his estates in Umbria, to live at the Palace of the British. He also became a Senator, but in this record it is obvious that St. Peter visited the father of the younger Rufus. This is curious, as we recall that, while in Britain, Rufus the younger donated the land at Chichester for the pagan temple, evidence that he was not then converted. Under these circumstances one can reasonably ask why Peter went to the parental house on Viminalis Hill? The answer is obvious. The royal British family, not having then been taken into captivity, were not resident at Rome. Peter would go at least to visit the home of a friend, while Rufus Pudens may have been an indifferent supporter of the Roman pagan religion, as indicated by his second marriage. Priscilla, the wife of Rufus, would be known to Peter as the mother of Paul and sympathetic to his visit. We know later she is recorded as a Christian in the household of her son at the Palatium Britannicum. It is an interesting record, more so since it was in that year Peter first arrived in Rome. It was also the year of the banishment decree when all Jews in Rome were forced to flee to escape the Claudian persecution administered to them as well as to the Christians. Peter fled direct to Britain. This is affirmed by Cornelius a Lapide in his work "Argumentum Epistolae St. Pauli ad Romanos," in which he answers the question as to why St. Paul does not salute St. Peter in his Epistle to the Romans. He replies: "Peter, banished with the rest of the Jews from Rome, by the edict of Claudius, was absent in Britain." Peter, acting as a free-lance missionary, stemming from Avalon, preached in Britain during the Caradoc-Claudian war. While in Britain he became well acquainted with the members of the two branches of the Royal Silurian House of Arviragus and Caractacus. He knew the children of Caractacus years before they went into Roman captivity. Years after, when the British family became well established in Rome, he was naturally attracted to the home of the Pudens at the Palatium Britannicum. The visits of both Peter and Paul, with the family of the Pudens, is referred to in Scripture. Other ancient records state that the children of Claudia and Rufus Pudens were raised at the knees of Peter and Paul and other disciples, particularly naming St. Paul, for reasons stated in a former chapter. There is plenty of evidence to show that Peter visited Britain and Gaul several times during his lifetime, his last visit to Britain taking place shortly before his final arrest and crucifixion in Nero's circus at Rome. In Gaul Peter became the Patron Saint of Chartres, by reason of his preference to preach in the famous Druidic rock temple known as The Grotte des Druides. This is considered to be the oldest Druidic site in Gaul, on which is built the oldest cathedral in France. Of his visits in Britain we have the corroboration of Eusebius Pamphilis, A.D.306, whom Simon Metaphrastes quotes as saying: "St. Peter to have been in Britain as well as in Rome." Further proof of Peter's sojourn in Britain was brought to the light of day in recent times when an ancient, time-worn monument was excavated at Whithorn. 1 It is a rough hewn stone standing 4 feet high by 15 inches wide. On the face of this tablet is an inscription that reads: "Locvs Sancti Petri Apvstohli" (The Place of St. Peter the Apostle). The eminent Dean Stanley, writing in his works of the beloved Apostle, claims that the vision that came to St. Peter, foretold his doom: "Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hast shewed me" (2 Peter 1:14), appeared to St. Peter on his last visit to Britain, on the very spot where once stood the old British church of Lambedr (St. Peter's), where stands the present Abbey of St. Peter, Westminster. Shortly afterwards Peter returned to Rome, where he was later executed. The first church dedicated to Peter was founded by King Lucius, the British King, who was the first by royal decree to proclaim Christianity the national faith of Britain at Winchester A.D. 156. The church was erected A.D.179, to the affectionate memory of St. Peter, in commemoration of his evangelizing labours in Britain. It is still known as "St. Peter's of Cornhill" and bears the legend on its age-worn walls relating the historic fact and dates by the order of King Lucius, the descendant of Arviragus, preserved to this day for all to see and read. During his lifetime Peter was the Apostle who suffered most for his Master. One can believe how his heart must have ached with remorse whenever he recalled the tragic scene in the Garden, the shocking betrayal by Judas, and the realization of his Master's prophetic words that before the cock crowed he would have denied Him thrice. In his heart he had never denied his Lord. He loved Jesus too dearly. We can only believe that in the panic of the fearridden events the weakness of the flesh momentarily prevailed. We ...... 1 Candida Casa, Celtic Christian settlement. ...... fellow humans, possessing the same seeds of frailty, can understand and better admire and love Peter as he rose above all storm and persecution, spiritually and physically triumphant, vindicating his verbal lapse of loyalty. The anguish he endured as a spectator at the infamous midnight trial in the Sanhedrin must have been soul-wracking and the disappearance of the body of Christ from the tomb must have stunned him as he looked in on its emptiness. How gloriously he redeemed his character. As he took leave of the sceptred Isle of Britain to return to Rome to climax the last chapter of his splendid life, emotion must have touched him as he said his final farewells to the beloved Joseph and the remaining old Bethany comrades at Avalon. He feared not what might occur to him in the remaining time. He weighed the glory of his reward in soon being with the One he adored and his life magnified. In the long period of incarceration that followed his arrest at Rome he was to suffer dreadfully. Maliciously condemned, Peter was cast into the horrible, fetid prison of the Mamertine. There, for nine months, in absolute darkness, he endured monstrous torture manacled to a post. Never before or since has there been a dungeon of equal horror. Historians write of it as being the most fearsome on the brutal agenda of mankind. Over three thousand years old, it is probably the oldest torture chamber extant, the oldest remaining monument of bestiality of ancient Rome, a bleak testimony to its barbaric inhumanity, steeped in Christian tragedy and the agony of thousands of its murdered victims. It can be seen to this day, with the dungeon and the pillar to which Peter was bound in chains. This dreaded place is known by two names. In classical "history it is referred to as "Gemonium" or the "Tullian Keep." In later secular history it is best known as the "Mamertine." At this time it is not out of place to pause in our story to describe this awesome pit, if only to provide us who live so securely today with a slight reminder of what the soldiers of Christ suffered for our sake, so we may be quickened the better to appreciate the substance of our Christian heritage. The Mamertine is described as a deep cell cut out of solid rock at the foot of the capitol, consisting of two chambers, one over the other. The only entrance is through an aperture in the ceiling. The lower chamber was the death cell. Light never entered and it was never cleaned. The awful stench and filth generated a poison fatal to the inmates of the dungeon, the most awful ever known. Even as early as 50 B.C. the historian Sallust describes it in the following words: "In the prison called the Tullian, there is a place about ten feet deep. It is surrounded on the sides by walls and is closed above by a vaulted roof of stone. The appearance of it from the filth, the darkness and the smell is terrific." No one can realize what its horrors must have been a hundred years later when Peter was imprisoned in its noisome depths. In this vile subterranean rock the famed Jugurtha was starved and went stark raving mad. Vereingitorix, the valorous Druidic Gaulish chieftain, was murdered by the order of Julius Caesar. It is said that the number of Christians that perished within this diabolic cell is beyond computation - such is the glory of Rome. One can re-read the denouncing words of the noble Queen Boadicea, with profit. She branded them for what they were. These people of the Roman purple, who scorned all their enemies as barbarian, were the greatest and most cruel barbarians of all time. How Peter managed to survive those nine long dreadful months is beyond human imagination. During his entire incarceration he was manacled in an upright position, chained to the column, unable to lay down to rest. Yet, his magnificent spirit remained undaunted. It flamed with the immortal fervour of his noble soul proclaiming the Glory of God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. History tells us the amazing fact that in spite of all the suffering Peter was subjected to, he converted his gailers, Processus, Martinianus, and forty-seven others. It is a strange and curious circumstance that the chair, or throne of Pius' IX, at the Vatican Council, was erected directly over the altar of Processus and Marinianus. Peter, the Rock, as he predicted, met his death at Rome by the hands of the murderous Romans, who crucified him, according to their fiendish manner. He refused to die in the same position as our Lord, declaring he was unworthy. Peter demanded to be crucified in the reverse position, with his head hanging downward. Ironically enough, this wish was gratified by the taunting Romans in Nero's circus A.D.67. Such was the timbre and mettle of the valiant, glorious cavalcade of saints who permeated the hallowed Isle of Britain, with their presence and their devotion to Christ. Amid the tragedy of wars and persecutions in which the bloodiest battles for Christendom were fought on British soil, repelling the hated Romans, the carnival of blood and death in the Roman arenas reached abnormal proportions. The popular sport of the Roman pagans was the torture, mutilation and destruction of the Christians. They screamed with moronic delight as the famished lions tore and mangled the kneeling, praying Christians, old and young, women, children and babies in arms. They made wagers on the staying ability of the British warrior in his fight to the death. As one Roman Gladiator was slain another took his place until, overcome with fatigue from continuous combat, the British Christian warrior was finally butchered. Roman writers reporting these carnivals of murder wrote that the courage of the Briton was indomitable. With their dying breath and last mite of strength they would hurl them selves upon their foe in a last superhuman effort to avenge. They stated that it was not an uncommon sight for Briton and Roman to die together, impaled on each other's weapon. The teachers of the faith, the elderly, the women and children, met their end serenely with quiet prayer on their lips, proudly defiant. It is said that the mothers would push their children forward to die first, so that they following were sure life was extinct and their children spared the agony of being dragged around the arena by the mauling animals. The courage of the women awed the Romans, causing them to whisper, "What women these Christian Britons have. What women!" The sadistic Roman could never understand or analyze the cold, remorseless courage of the Christian British with its silent, savage ferocity. It made their craven hearts quaver. Not understanding immortality, they could not understand a faith that made its believers "fearlessly indifferent to death," as Julius Caesar wrote. The valour of the British evoked Roman admiration and at the same time increased their fears which forbade them to offer one mite of mercy. The pitiless nature of the Roman against the Briton was born out of cowardly fear more than anything else. In Christianity the Roman Caesars began to see the handwriting on the wall, proclaiming their imperial doom, and it was the Britons that sealed it by their faith. Following the death and interment of Mary, the mother of Jesus, at Avalon, it became a passionate desire of the disciples, holy men, pilgrims, kings and other notables to be interred within "the hallowed acres of Glastonbury" (Avalon) where, with Mary and the other apostles and disciples, it is recorded that they: "Especially choose to await the day of resurrection." There are many records still in existence reporting the claim that many of the martyred were brought to Britain to be buried in the sanctified haven at Avalon and elsewhere in Britain. The heroic Constantius, of Lyons, who saved the city of Clermont, in Auvergne, from Euric, the Goth, A.D.473-492, tells in his work "Life of St. Germanus," how he took the relics of all the Apostles and martrys from Gaul, to place in a special tomb at St. Albans in Britain. This record is of particular interest, supplying the one link missing in earlier records and confirming to a point much later records. The earlier records are cited by Maelgwyn of Avalon, who writes: "Joseph of Arimathea, the noble decurion, received his everlasting rest with his eleven associates in the Isle of Avalon." Here, as can be seen, is one missing. Twelve companions arrived in Britain and thirteen if we count Marcella, the handmaid of Martha, as reported by Cardinal Baronius. Which one is missing? It is thought to have been Lazarus, who was the first of the illustrious band to die. The later records say that all of them were interred in Britain, which would indicate that the missing one was among the relics of those whom Constantius returned to Britain from Gaul, where Lazarus had died at Marseilles. But what of Peter and Paul? Did they remain buried at Rome, in the grave where the loving hands of Claudia, Pudens and their children had placed them? We do know that the martyred Pudens family were never disturbed from their final resting-place beneath the floors of the first Christian Church at Rome, which before was the famed Palace of the British. Of Peter and Paul there is confusion, mystery and deliberate misinformation concerning the place where their bodies found their last resting-place. The Martyrologies inform us that the Pudens, after retrieving the body of Paul, interred it on their estate on the Via Ostiensa road. We know from the historic records of the Emperor Constantine, first Christian Emperor of Rome, that he, knowing where the mutilated body of Paul lay, caused it to be excavated. He had it placed in a stone coffin, and over the spot built a church, still known as St. Paul's without the walls, meaning the church and his body are outside the city walls of Rome. The original church perished and a larger one was built on the site. Fire destroyed this in 1823. In the present church built after the fire, but still bearing its ancient name, a Benedictine priest is ever on guard before a grille on the floor of the High Altar. On occasion, for the benefit of special visitors, the priest moves the grille, lowering a light through the floor into a cell beneath, revealing to the eyes a crude slabstone on the floor bearing the name 'Paui'. But there is no stone casket to be seen. What happened to it and to the body? The positive answer is found in a document written by Pope Vitalian to the British King Oswy, A.D.656. The letter is still in existence. Probably to the astonishment of many, the letter states that Pope Vitalian permitted the remains of the bodies of St. Paul and St. Peter, with the remains of the martyrs St. Lawrence, St. John, St. Gregory and St. Pancras, to be removed from Rome to England and re-interred in the great church at Canterbury. This historic record is beyond refutation. From St. Pancras, one of the large railroad terminals in London, is named St. Pancras Station. At one time on this site there stood a cross erected to the memory of St. Pancras who preached on that same spot. The full facts concerning this amazing incident are related by the Venerable Bede, A.D.673-735, in his "Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation." 1 Learned British historian Bede was held in high esteem by both the British and the Roman Catholic Church. While he was a sincere advocate of the novel papal faith, introduced by St. Augustine, A.D.596, he was dogged in his support of the British church and to its claim of priority in establishing the Christian faith first in Britain, a fact not disputed by St. Augustine nor by Pope Gregory at Rome. Bede is recorded as the "Father of English learning," being the first to translate the New Testament into English. All Christians are familiar with the beautiful story of Bede translating the last chapter to his scribe as he lay dying in his barren cell, expiring within a few minutes after concluding the last verse in the Gospel of St. John, reciting the "Gloria." Regardless of the preservation of the letter sent from Pope Vitalian to King Oswy, Bede, being a man of devout character and erudition, would never make a false report on such an important matter as the transfer of those saintly bodies from the care of the Roman Catholic hierarchy at Rome to England if it were not so. His stature in the Augustinian church is noted in the record that the Venerable Bede is a canonized saint in the Roman Catholic Calendar. ...... 1 Book 3, ch.29. ...... The common belief was, and still is among the Roman Catholic laity, that the body of St. Paul rests beneath the high altar in the cathedral at Rome, erected to his honour; but it is well known in the high places in both Christian churches that for many centuries only his empty stone sarcophagus remains in the vault. Professor Kinnaman, the learned American scholar and achaeologist, in recent times has in his book "Diggers for Facts," this reference to St. Paul's life work, writing: "The real earthly remains of the Apostle to the Gentiles sleep in the soil of England beyond the reach of the arm of the Roman law." What of the tablet seen in the vault at St. Paul's Without-the-Walls? Is it the lid of the stone coffin, supplied and inscribed by order of Constantine? The stone sarcophagus is in St. Paul's Cathedral at Rome, but his body rests with St. Peter and the many other saints in England, described by historians as "the most hallowed ground on earth." .......... To be continued with "St. Paul's Mission in Britain"
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text: 15 Lego Hacks To Improve Your Life Legos gives children and grown ups alike infinite possibilities, but not only in terms of entertainment. People have quickly realized they can use the tiny plastic pieces to improve their daily lives. Here are 15 Lego hacks to improve yours! Jun 26, 2015 Hypnotoad Art, Design, Gadgets, Kids Read more »


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CodeNotary authenticates any type of download on a registry of trusted software.
The extension allows you to recognize original files from malicious copies so that you don't run the risk of installing any malware.
You can check your download files either with a simple drag&drop on the web-based interface or automatically by the browser. For automatic verification, enable the "Allow access to file URLs" checkbox on the extension details page.


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- Contact information
- For information on the wildlife areas, contact:
- Wildlife Management
Deer Creek Wildlife Area
COVID-19 Update
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, please visit our COVID-19 information webpage for the most up to date information on property access, building closures, camping cancellations, event cancellations and more.
Deer Creek Wildlife Area is located in northeast Waupaca and northwest Outagamie counties in the townships of Deer Creek and Matteson. The wildlife area is approximately 1,500 acres in size.
The property is comprised of rolling uplands of fine sand, which surrounds a central peat bog. Open fields, swamp conifer, lowland shrub, bog, pine plantations and aspen/oak forests make up the habitat types of the land. The wildlife area drains to the Embarrass River, which is two miles to the west. The Wolf River lies to the east of the property.
Find Deer Creek Wildlife Area five miles west of Leeman off of Highway F. There are three parking areas providing access to the property. Two are located on county Highway I near Hanson Road and the other is found on the corner of Birch Road. There is an easement on the end of Spruce Road providing access to the property.
- Management
The Deer Creek Wildlife Area is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation while protecting the qualities of the unique native communities and associated species found on the property. Current management objectives include maintaining and protecting the open bog and black-spruce-tamarack forest through water level maintenance. The aspen and oak cover types are maintained where currently found and opportunities to regenerate both types are pursued through timber management. Where feasible, populations of invasive species are controlled or eliminated by cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide treatment and/or bio-control.
The Lower Wolf River Bottomlands Natural Resources Area master plan was completed in 2012 and guides the long term management of this property. Progress toward achieving the goals of the master plan are tracked through annual monitoring reports.
- Recreation
The Deer Creek Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities.
- Birding
- Cross country skiing (no designated trail)
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting
- Snowmobiling trail
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
- Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
- Useful links


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Ideal for golf outings, outdoor events, and club giveaways
Pricing is per single unit and includes 1-color imprint, 1 location on outer package only.
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All pricing in US Dollar.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (Show/Hide)
Ideal for golf outings, outdoor events, and club giveaways
Includes: 10 unimprinted 2-3/4" Tees
1-color imprint, 1 location on outer package only
Colors displayed are for reference only. Colors on computer screens may vary based on the graphics card and monitor used with your system.
600D polyester, wood
Components come in assorted colors. Assorted colors include: white, yellow, red and natural.
BIC Graphic cannot quote, sell or ship this product outside of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Any orders shipping to locations outside these territories will not be processed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Pending tariff implications and associated impacted on raw material costs, BIC Graphic reserves the right to change prices at any time without notice, if necessary.
This product can be found online only
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Tips on how to naturally boost testosterone levels…
Mr T aka BA Baracus from the film and TV series The A Team is a real action type of guy (well, that is until it comes to getting onto planes!). Maybe the 'T' stood for testosterone! BA certainly seemed to be full of the hormone – he was after all well muscled and not one to back down from a confrontation.
Lets take a look at testosterone as a crucial 'fitness' hormone and show you how to naturally boost testosterone production, by including the 'right' workouts in your training and give you some dietary tips that will boost your testosterone levels.RELATED: RECOMMENDED PLANS FOR YOU
Testosterone is an anabolic (growth promoting) hormone, it's the male sex hormone, but it's also found in women. Boosting its production will pay dividends in creating a lean, defined, muscular and sexy physique (ladies don't give up reading now, as its benefits are yours too!).
Hormones, like testosterone are 'chemical messengers', they act as catalysts for cellular reactions. In males testosterone is responsible for secondary male sex characteristics such as muscle mass, bone density, strength, fat distribution, hair growth, voice deepening, libido and mental and physical energy.
Although present even before we are born in a fetus, it's when we hit puberty that we will really notice its affects – in terms of for example, growth spurts, hair growth and acne (caused by greater skin oiliness). However, testosterone is crucial throughout the rest of our training and non-training lives. Testosterone is primarily released from the testes in men and on a more limited basis the ovaries of women.
Its release is stimulated through natural growth i.e. maturation and crucially by exercise in both men and women (of, which certain types have a greater effect than others – of which more later. Testosterone can have such a potent affect on our workouts and on our general health, vitality and well-being that we need to know how to optimise its production.
Among so many positive benefits are that it can keep us strong, hold back the ageing process, aid recovery from injury, reduce osteoporosis, help cancer sufferers and even keep our brains in tip-top condition as we enter older age. Testosterone is measured via a blood test, although this can also be done through saliva concentration – its level is normally produced by combining both free and bound levels in the body.
The former refers to the testosterone that is bioavailable and the latter that is not. Although subject to great variation – and reflexive of the testing procedures used – normal levels are seen to be between 300- 1000 nanograms per decilitres in males and 15-70ng/dl females(1) . For every molecule of testosterone a non-enhancing hormone epitestosterone is also produced. The normal male ratio of the two hormones in 1:1.
How to Boost your Testosterone…
Intensity rules
Although all exercise has a hormonal response (and as noted, this can be negative in terms of cortisol), it appears that the more intense a workout is the greater the testosterone (and other androgen) response will be (provided these workouts allow for adequate recovery and follow certain protocols).
Sample Testosterone Boosting Weights Workout
Exercises: squat, dead-lift, bench press, clean, lunge 4 x 8-10 reps x 3-4 sets – weight to lift 70-85% 1 rep max. Recovery between sets 1-2min
This type of workout, using these compound multi-joint lifts, will kick testosterone production into over-drive. This is because you will need to be really focussed and energised to complete the workout in order to target your lean muscle builders par-excellence – your Type II, fast twitch (speed, power and growth promoting) muscle fibres.
These are the ones that will build leaner calorie burning muscle tissue during your time away from training. Intense resistance training breaks down muscle tissue and these re-grow and repair stronger and larger through protein synthesis during recovery (as we will see rest and a planned training programme are also key to maximising the benefits of testosterone). Even in the untrained resistance exercise can boost testosterone levels significantly in the 15-20 minutes post exercise.
Sprints are another great testosterone booster. Virtually every muscle in your body will fire into action as you propel yourself as fast as you can over a short distance (30- 60m), overcoming 2-3 times your body weight on every stride. It's a recipe for fast twitch muscle recruitment and testosterone production. Sample workout 5 x 60m sprints with 3min recovery.
A note on CV activity
Endurance workouts also release testosterone, however their effects can be more negative in terms of giving your body a positive hormonal boost. This is because intense CV workouts, such as short recovery circuit training and regular high mileages will break down muscle protein and produce the catabolic hormone cortisol. Additionally and negatively for testosterone production, research has shown that during a marathon testosterone levels fall below resting values. If you are after maximising testosterone production intense and long CV should be avoided.
More tips to follow in Part 2.


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The Dickinsons and the King George VI Chase were a favourite festive double of the late 1970's and early 1980's. Between 1978 and 1985 the Dickinson family, Tony, Monica and Michael won the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on six occasions and the 1981 race was abandoned because of frost and snow.
The Northern family based at Harewood stables in Yorkshire, transformed National Hunt racing during that period with Michael becoming champion National Hunt trainer for the first time in 1981/82.
In our latest blog we asked Michael a series of questions about his memories of the King George and the Christmas holiday period.
What was your first recollection of the King George VI Chase?
Arkle winning in effortless fashion. The race was always the target for any of our top chasers from the beginning of the season. The King George is a Championship Steeplechase in its own right. Nearly as important as the Gold Cup and far more important than the Whitbread Gold Cup (now Bet 365) and the Hennessy Gold Cup (now Ladbrokes Trophy) which are all handicaps after all is said and done. The King George is a close second to the Gold Cup and should not be viewed merely as a trial. I don't think anybody views the Ascot King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes as purely a trial for the Arc. The King George is a Grade I Steeplechase on its own merit.
Arkle won the race in 1965.
Were you ever close to a ride in the race?
Unfortunately not. I was looking forward to riding Broncho II in the race. He was one of my 5 winners as a jockey at the Cheltenham Festival.
Prior to the Dickinson family's raids at Kempton very few Northern horses used to run in the race. Why was that?
Going back 80 years ago it has always been difficult for the Northern trainers to compete with the Southern trainers. They did not have the rich owners to buy them the best horses. It wasn't really until Peter Easterby, who was champion trainer three times, that Northern trainers got any respect at all.
Peter Easterby was Champion National Hunt trainer in 1978/79, 1979/80 and 1980/81.
What were the attributes of each of the Dickinson's winning horses; Gay Spartan, Silver Buck and Wayward Lad?
Gay Spartan would have won a Cheltenham Gold Cup on heavy going.
Silver Buck was a lovely horse. He didn't like being in front too long that is why he never won his races by very far. He was a very kind horse and a true champion.
Wayward Lad was probably the best jumper of a fence I've ever seen. Time and time again he would gain lengths in the air.
On 27 December 1982 you had a world record 12 winners. Had you always planned to run 20 horses and could you explain the logistics of the operation?
On November 1 in 1982 our horses were running well. Having had 2 glasses of wine over dinner I announced to my parents and Sandy Dudgeon, who was staying with us at the time, and who is now a Senior Steward Elect at the Jockey Club, that we were going to break the world record of number of winners in a day. At the time my father was hugely embarrassed that I come out with such a statement in front of Sandy and his reply was "You never know what the silly boy is going to come out with next". We only had 55 horses and we picked 28 horses who I thought had a winning chance for a race on Boxing Day. I failed to get 8 of the horses ready to race on 27 December but ended up running 20. 12 won and only 1 wasn't in the first 3. It was relatively easy because we had a fantastic team of boys at that time. We had 22 working in the yard of which 17 had ridden winners so it is fair to say I had a lot of help.
The 12 winning horses were: Wayward Lad (King George VI Chase), Delius and Happy Voyage at Wetherby, W Six Times and Fearless Imp at Market Rasen, Brunton Park, Prominent Artist and Slieve Bracken at Wolverhampton, Marnik and Thornacre at Huntingdon and Londolozi and B.Jaski at Sedgefield.
Which of the King George VI Chase winners do you feel was the most impressive?
I'm not going to pick one. They are all special for Dad, Mum and myself.
Gay Spartan won the race in 1978
Silver Buck won the race in 1979 and 1980 and was 3rd in 1982
Wayward Lad won the race in 1982, 1983 and 1985 and was 3rd in 1984.
On King George VI Chase day do you still wish you had a runner and make a point of watching on television?
I always try and watch the race on television but I don't hanker on a return because there are so many good trainers around now armed with lots of ammunition.
Blog by Stephen Wallis, Visitor Services.
We would like to thank Michel Dickinson for his help with this blog.
Photos courtesy of George Selwyn (Silver Buck), Alpha Press (Group shot with Silver Buck and Wayward Lad) and Provincial Press (Gay Spartan).


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The Cover-Roll® Stretch Adhesive Fixation Dressing 45547 by BSN Medical has extra stretch to conform and adapt to body contours. It's latex free and its flexibility adds light compression to the primary wound dressing . It is available in a variety of sizes found in the family page. This variety offers a 2-inch width on a 2 yard roll to customize to the wound size. It's simple to cut to size using its paper-backing gridlines. The backing peels back when ready to apply. BSN uses a polyacrylate adhesive that firmly adheres and can be removed using regular rubbing alcohol if any residue is left behind.
Cover-Roll® Stretch conformable dressings are non-woven with a permeable barrier to maintain a moist wound environment. Moisture vapor is released to prevent maceration and promote faster healing.
Features and Benefits:
- Gridlines to Cut to Size for Less Waste
- Stretches to Conform Well
- Firm Adhesion
- Radio-Transparent
- Easy Size with Gridlines
- Light Compression
- Maintains Moist Wound Environment
- Protects and Secures Primary Dressing
- Gentle to Skin
Product Specifications:
- Manufacturer: BSN Medical
- Brand: Cover-Roll®
- Item Number: 45547
- Width: 2 Inches
- Yards: 2
- Quantity: Each, Case of 12
- Shape: Roll
- Color: White
- Non-Woven
- Radio-Transparent
- Latex-Free
- Adhesive: Polyacrylate
- HCPCS Code: A6448
- Application: Secures Primary Dressing and Conforms Well in Flexible Regions
- Additional Information
Additional Information
Manufacturer BSN Medical Brand Cover-Roll
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- Reviews
- Manuals & Documents
Manuals and Documents
- Community Q&A


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Necrons: First Thoughts
Overlord - Competent HQ choice. Same as before but I2. Phase shifter is way expensive. Command Barge and Warscythe ("Overmissile") seems the obvious choice.
Destroyer Lord - No Invulnerable save is going to hurt him, but you're most likely taking him to keep a Ressurection Orb nearby fast moving units. Does this well and is as close to a combat character as we get.
Royal Court - Lords are a bit meh (they won't save you in CC), but can carry Ressurection Orbs. Crypteks are the stars of the show, with Destruction Crypteks looking like the obvious choice against most opponents.
Flayed Ones - No. Just no. Not even for how cheap they are.
Triarch Praetorians - Anti-Terminator firepower good, six inch range bad. One attack in CC for an assault unit? Pass. Not enough attacks to make use of alternate Entropic and Rending loadout.
Lychguard - With Warscythes are begging for a Night Scythe transport to wreck up parking lots / MCs. Add in the Dispersion Shields and you have a nice combat unit with a 4++ and an awesome model. Unique "deflection rule" makes them interesting. No leadership rules means you WILL die if you lose combat. Don't. Potential "Thunder-Bubble" unit?
Triarch Stalker - AV13 walker with a two-shot multimelta and markerlight. Good. Very good. Wade in close and cause trouble. No model yet.
C'Tan Shard - Expensive and vulnerable MC. Can take some game-changing special abilities, but need to be carefully considered and supported for their cost.
Deathmarks - 24" rapid fire snipers. In this edition they aren't worth the points, but rumours have them coming into their own in sixth.
Warriors - They're warriors. Now only have a 4+ armour save but are much cheaper. Can take a Ghost Ark which is half transport half repair station. Solid choice, and no longer MEQ (yay!).
Immortals - 3+ save warriors, equipped with either rapid fire Heavy Bolters or Tesla Carbines. Unsure as to which works out best.
Fast Attack
Wraiths - Good before, good now. Can reduce enemy to I1, have rending and two wounds, but have I2 and no self-repair.
Scarabs - Awesome. Cheap, easily spammed and will literally eat tanks. What they were good for before they're even better at now.
Tomb Blades - Immortals on jet bikes. No thanks, unless I missed something.
Destroyers - Better against MEQ, worse against hordes. Can be upgraded to Lascannon-wielding Heavy Destroyers for some missing long-range punch.
Heavy Support
Doomsday Ark - Long-range, non-ordnance Vindicator. Expensive. Pass.
Annihilation Barge - Cheap AV13 Rifleman. Not as good at destroying vehicles as the Rifleman, but can severely annoy light armour (often to death). For the points a very good unit. Shame it isn't "Fast".
Monolith - Still durable, but short-ranged. Primary purpose is to allow Necron reserve manipulation, which is does very well. Teleport tricks are still its goal.
Spyders - Unsure here. Could be good, could be a lot of points for not much power. Techmarine upgrade doesn't seem worth it as the open-topped, quantum-shielded nature of our vehicles means we're not often going to be crippled without being destroyed. Ability to make Scarabs is their main deal. Really poor and over-costed psychic defence upgrade too.
Doom Scythe - This thing looks amazing. Very powerful but potentially short-ranged gun, along with the same armament as the Annihilation Barge. Can fire all weapons and move 12". Can move up to 36". Downside is that it's an expensive AV11 unit, and it WILL attract all the firepower your opponent can throw at it.
Command Barge - IC transport with under-slung anti-infantry gun. Allows the embarked character to swipe at units he passes over. Sounds good, yet to see it on the table.
Ghost Ark - Ten-man Warrior transport with repair abilities and independently-targeting anti-infantry firepower. Not a "Mhetal Bawks", do not use as such.
Night Scythe - Almost worth the price of admission just for the guns. Fast-moving but vulnerable transport. Needs Monolith support or risks losing transported unit back into reserve.
Overall I'm happy. We're a midfield army with more staying power than Grey Knights, but less combat punch. Nothing obviously broken, a couple of inefficient units but still a lot of choice. Can't wait to put them to the test.
2 comments:
Nice summary. Good to hear about this in a no-nonsense way. I'm planning to field lots of cheap warriors. Lords for HQ and Monolith for some heavy support. Looking to add other units. Your write-up helps - still in my decision mode.ReplyDelete
@Maxstar - I'm not convinced about foot horde warriors. Played about half a dozen games now using two Ghost Arks with nine warriors and a destruction Cryptek and that works better than I had expected. 4+ armour save isn't hard to kill in droves, and we still pay 13points per warrior so it's hard to truly horde.ReplyDelete
The Monolith and I have really fallen out - it's too slow to get into range, and really easy to kill once it's there. I've swapped mine out for some Spyders and Wraiths.
I'll be writing an article on my experiences within the next few days.


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A fast paced and thrilling private investigating drama with a personal relationship interwined!
Hunters Season 1 Episode 1
A series filled with mystery and aliens! Plus Cole is in it for all you Charmed lovers! An interesting addition from Syfy!
Idiotsitter Season 1 Episode 2- Sundae Bloody Sunday
So who needs a 'discipline cheerleader' i think Ken does in new EP of Idiotsitter! LOL!
Idiotsitter Season 1 Episode 1
The Idoitsitter weird and so hilarious you will laugh your head off! It's just a lol show!
Colony Season 1 Episode 1
A mysterious dystopian SCI-FI tv show with a man with a past that you are trying to solve the mystery behind it!
Blunt Talk Ep4- A Beaver That's Lost Its Mind
Continuing on with Walter's hilarious life! This time it's all about his recent son Bertie and Moby! Lol!
A Family Thing – Private Practice S2 EP1
The toughest episode in Private Practice ever but will the team survive is the question! Here are my thoughts!
When the Men Fight! :Private Practice Season 1 Ep9
The men find their fight in this episode and boy is it thrilling! Here are my thoughts!
Private Practice Season 1 EP8
An episode filled with telling the truth will set you free! Here are my thoughts!


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At first, play therapy may sound like a strange concept, but researchers have found that playing is essential for human happiness. Adults might seem skeptical of sending their child to therapy to "just play," but play therapists can help children just as much as a traditional therapist can help adults. Similar to counseling for adults, play therapy lets kids express themselves in a more comfortable way. Children often can't find the words to explain how they're feeling, so they can instead convey emotions while playing with toys.
What Happens During Play Therapy?
Therapist Susan Scheftel, Ph.D., says that she allows children to play with any of the toys she has in her office, including board games, dolls, blocks, and crayons. She says that watching children engage in play is often a look into what they're feeling and that when kids can "play it out," difficult behaviors often disappear. For example, a child who witnessed their parents fighting may create peaceful, happy scenes with dolls in a dollhouse. A child who might act out at school may become calm and patient after playing.
Scheftel does mention that every child is different, so bringing your child to more than one session of play therapy is crucial. It takes time to understand each child's communication methods and for the child to feel comfortable with the therapist.
What Kind of Children do Therapists Work With?
Play therapy can be used for people of all ages, with even some adults embracing elements of play therapy, but most commonly it's used for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Play therapists help children develop more appropriate behaviors to tough situations, manage their emotions, socialize properly with others, learn better coping skills, and express their own feelings.
Play therapy is also one of the most effective methods of helping children manage mental illnesses and learn how to cope with difficult life events. If your child has experienced a major life crisis or was diagnosed with a mental disorder such as depression or anxiety, they will likely experience the multiple benefits play therapy has to offer.
Pros of Play Therapy
Play therapy is often between just the therapist and the child, allowing them to freely express themselves without worrying about what their parents are thinking of their behavior. This type of private interaction can help build a child's trust with their therapist and eventually get to the root of their difficulties. Parents who don't understand why their child is experiencing certain behaviors or if their child's problems are unknown, play therapy can be a huge help. In some cases, the family may be involved in sessions of play therapy, or the therapist may suggest how the family can use techniques of play therapy at home. The Association for Play Therapy also lists the following benefits play therapy can have on children:
Potential Negative Impacts of Play Therapy
Like with any profession, not all therapists are created equal. The experiences your child will have in play therapy will mostly depend on the abilities of their therapist. If your child doesn't like the therapist or the therapist isn't able to connect with your child, play therapy will seem ineffective. Take the time to shop around for a great therapist before scheduling an appointment for your child. Finding the right therapist for your child is the most important part, but there a few potential drawbacks of play therapy:
For more information on various therapy methods, visit Oakville Wellness Center.
By: Dr. Syras Derksen
Registered Psychologist
Mental illness can affect people of all ages, but the symptoms may appear differently in children. It can be difficult for parents to tell if their child is just "going through a phase," because signs like irritability or mood swings may be chalked up to adolescent hormonal changes. Childhood depression can be "masked" by different behaviors, such as angry outbursts or defiance, so parents should learn the common warning signs of depression before dismissing uncharacteristic behaviors as a sign of normal adolescent development.
What Causes Childhood Depression?
Like most mental illnesses, depression can be caused by a variety of reasons, but there are some factors that may increase the risk of developing the illness. Research has shown that depression has a genetic component because children who have a parent with depression are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder themselves. Other risk factors for depression include traumatic life events, a dysfunctional home life, financial troubles, or being bullied at school. Children with physical conditions and learning or cognitive problems are also more likely to suffer from depression as well.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Children
Children with depression experience many of the same symptoms that adults with depression have, but they may express these symptoms differently. Symptoms of depression can manifest in ways that might make your child appear to be lazy or unmotivated. For example, depression often causes people to experience fatigue, so if your child is often "too tired" to complete homework or other tasks, try not to assume they're just procrastinating. Look for other symptoms of depression, such as:
What to Do If Your Child Shows Signs of Depression
If you've noticed that your child has displayed symptoms of depression for at least two weeks, schedule an appointment with your child's doctor. While there is no specific test to diagnose depression, your doctor can rule out other potential causes for your child's symptoms and use tools like questionnaires to get a better understanding of your child's condition. During the appointment, the doctor will probably do a complete physical check-up and may ask to talk to your child alone.
If your child receives a diagnosis of depression or a similar mood disorder, your child's doctor will likely have several different resources and treatment options for you to consider. Psychotherapy is recommended for most children suffering from depression because a well-qualified therapist can help them understand their feelings and learn how to manage their symptoms. Your child's doctor may also suggest antidepressants because depression is best treated with both therapy and medication.
Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior
Although it's rare, children under the age of 12 may attempt suicide. Children may be more at risk for suicidal behavior if they've experienced violence, abuse, or have a family history of alcoholism. Some red flags that your child might be suicidal include:
How You Can Help
Childhood depression might improve with just therapy and medication, but having family support can make a huge difference in your child's mental health. Depressive symptoms can last for months and your child might need to try different medications and therapists before finding the right fit for them. Know that there is no "quick fix" for depression, or any other mental illness, but you can help your child combat depression by:
For more information and guidance, visit Dr. Syras Derksen or Oakville Wellness Center.
By: Dr. Syras Derksen
Registered Psychologist
Navigating Postpartum Depression
Having a baby is a complete overhaul of your life. Such a big change is enough to stress out even the most prepared of us. Add on top of that the sleep deprivation and chaotic hormone changes and many new moms find themselves feeling a little down at times. It's completely normal and extremely common. In fact, this phenomenon has its own name: the baby blues.
The Baby Blues
Most mothers experience at least some symptoms of depression following the birth of their child. The following are not uncommon experiences for new mothers.
If the baby blues are going to hit you, it's likely to begin a day or two after childbirth. The exact causes of the baby blues are not fully understood, but it is thought to be the combination of the extreme hormone variations that come with childbirth, coupled with stress and lack of sleep.
The baby blues are regarded as normal and unconcerning. The symptoms can usually be minimized by a healthy diet, some exercise, and a few hours of quality relaxation time. And they should clear up in a couple of weeks.
Postpartum Depression: when the baby blues are unmanageable or last too long
It can be tricky to differentiate the normal ups and downs of postpartum life from postpartum depression, at least at first. The biggest indicator that your baby blues are actually depression is the duration of their stay. If it's been significantly longer than two weeks and the symptoms are still persisting, then the situation is no longer normal. The other big warning flag that your baby blues are something more serious is if they are unmitigatable. If you're feeling like you can't cope or your symptoms are interfering with your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, then what you are going through may be something more serious than the expected baby blues.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
The symptoms of postpartum depression overlap greatly with the baby blues, but there are some unique identifiers as well.
With postpartum depression there is also usually a constant fear of being an inadequate parent that intertwines itself with all the other symptoms. While it's normal to worry about your child and be a little judgemental of yourself, it is cause for concern if you can't seem to see anything positive about how you and your baby are doing together.
Postpartum depression may not be immediate. It could creep up anytime in the first year, so don't avoid getting help just because it's been "too long" for your symptoms to be postpartum depression.
Treating Postpartum Depression
The biggest mistake people make is waiting too long to talk to a doctor or psychologist. Schedule an appointment and go in as soon as you think your depression is more than just the "normal" amount. Follow these steps to get the best help possible from your physician.
By: Dr. Syras Derksen
Registered Psychologist
Managing and coping with dyslexia in school is a challenge for many students, but what about the challenges adults with dyslexia face? After graduating high school, there aren't as many resources for adults with dyslexia, and they might worry about how they'll manage college or responsibilities in the workplace. If you have dyslexia, or think you may have undiagnosed dyslexia, you may be relieved to hear that there are options available to help make your life a little easier.
Dyslexia in Higher Education
At the Yale Center For Dyslexia And Creativity, researchers asked college students with dyslexia what to do in order to succeed and thrive in higher education, and their answers could put your mind at ease if you're planning to attend college. A few of their best tips include:
Dyslexia in the Workplace
No matter what career path you're pursuing, there's always going to be some reading and writing involved. Adults with dyslexia may also find it challenging to stay organized, remember important information, and manage their time while at work. However, there are some ways to manage your dyslexia and avoid getting overwhelmed in the workplace:
Common Symptoms of Dyslexia in Adults
Dyslexia affects about 1 out of 10 individuals, yet many adults have never been diagnosed. They may have done well hiding their dyslexia throughout their school years, or only had mild symptoms. When those with dyslexia get older, most have developed strategies to help them read and write, but they may deal with other symptoms such as:
If you believe you could have undiagnosed dyslexia, visit your doctor for an assessment.
What Resources are Available?
If you have a diagnosis of dyslexia, you can request accommodations at school and in the workplace. A formal diagnosis ensures that you can take the time you need to complete exams in college and be successful at work. There are also free resources online to help you learn how to read and write more effectively. With the help of technology, workplace accommodations, and college writing centers, adults with dyslexia can feel confident and prepared for their future.
By: Dr. Syras Derksen
Registered Psychologist


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How to write a personal essay about oneself – Going to live in the USA
In this post I intend to showcase how to write a personal essay. A personal essay fits in the category of Creative nonfiction writing. You can use pseudo names to represent real people.
Creative nonfiction writing definition is not fixed because of the evolving nature of this genre.
Gutkind, L. describes creative nonfiction as the voice of the nonfiction genre packed with news, long-form essays that blend style with substance, writing that pushes the traditional boundaries of the genre, notes and crafts.
I HEARD through the grapevine that my former college-mate, Sanders, is now permanently living in America. The entire neighbourhood seemed awash with this rumour.
The beautiful, state-of-the-art mansion, Sanders is reported to have built for his parents, was on everyone's lips. Not only had there been a noticeable shift in his parents' lifestyles, but a significant change, leaving them being counted among the highest echelons of society.
Those with privileged access to Sanders's information, also divulged that he is the actual owner of a popular restaurant situated at Norton Centre. However, Sanders had been smart enough to put the Z-Brothers in the forefront to run the business for him.
Looking back on all the things Sanders was said to have achieved, I could see his move to a foreign country made a lot of sense. Regardless of being the hardest decision to make, it had been the best he had ever made in his life.
If I told people that I was together with Sanders at the University of Zimbabwe studying Psychology, no one would believe me. Simply because we were now living in worlds apart. Despite being 'highly educated'I had nothing tangible to point at, in terms of having my own assets.
I had spent 15 years in employment. I feel those years just went down the drain because I never reached a point of feeling satisfied with what I had achieved. I had not been actually there, to have gathered enough money to buy myself a decent house. Let alone a car.
In my category of university leavers, none would dare boast of earning a salary commensurate with their educational level. Access to basic provisions seemed virtually sealed. I guess those who had managed to get there, did so through crooked or clandestine means.
Now that the US dollar was within Sanders's easy reach, what possibly could stop him from chasing his dreams? We all know how things work out in our society. He who has the fattest pocket gets the platform to influence important decisions in life.
That made me suddenly realise I had a lot at stake. I had to act swiftly to change my life or risk dying a pauper.
Instinctively, I went to seek advice from Sanders's parents. I needed to know where exactly he lived in America. Getting this information was easier than I had anticipated.
His parents had no intentions whatsoever, to withhold such information from me because I was not a stranger to them. They had known me since the old days I was together with their son at college.
Without knowing it, things began to unfold and progress smoothly. The following week, I contacted Sanders. Within a short space of time, I had managed to sort out all the necessary travel arrangements including getting a visa, as well as the air ticket.
Time flew quickly. Finally, the day I had been waiting for arrived. I couldn't wait to join Sanders in the dreamland, a place I envisaged as flowing with milk and honey.
Zimbabwe Landscape
Before my departure, I made one more final thing. I equally distributed my few belongings among my sibling brothers. I had no reason to cling to any of my possessions since I was not yet married. Strangely enough, I have remained very single up to this present day.
I threw a farewell party on the last Saturday before my departure. I invited everyone I liked and respected. The venue was a dilapidated old city council hall, the only place I could afford. Attendance was great and the hall was fully packed, making it an unforgettable get-together event.
On landing at Philadelphia International Airport, I found Sanders waiting for me. Before we hugged each other, I knelt down and kissed the ground where I stood. I did this to fulfil an old myth I have repeatedly heard.
As the myth goes, kissing the ground symbolised a welcoming and initiation ceremony. It was a moment of introducing the visitor to his new environment and its inhabitants.
As such, a gesture like this was seen as essential to inviting auras of success and having a breakthrough in the new land.
Ironically, little did I know that this marked the beginning of a new strange life. The beginning of a new type of struggle that I had never imagined. A cry of an immigrant.
For the first three months, I stayed with Sanders at a flat he was renting in Philadelphia. That helped me a lot in getting settled. However, there were certain things I had to sort out by myself.
On top of my priority list, was finding a reliable job. Also, getting my own accommodation since Sanders was sharing the flat with his partner. Honestly speaking, three people living under the same roof makes it a crowd.
In my country of birth, Zimbabwe, I was rated as an eloquent English speaker. But the problem I got confronted with in this part of the globe was unfathomable.
Almost everyone I spoke to, struggled to hear or understand what I was saying. They kept saying, "Pardon! Pardon!" How I hated it!
In other words, they were telling me in no uncertain terms that I was speaking an alien language. Probably from another planet. It was not the type of English they all knew.
The implications were not that simple. It meant I had to work very hard on polishing my accent.
Otherwise, I would make myself a target of all sorts of ridicule. The greatest challenge which remained was how I was going to achieve this?
According to a Speech Therapy textbook I once read, it's highly impossible for a person to successfully switch on to a different accent once they have gone past the prime age of learning, 11-13 years of age.
No matter how much effort they put in the panel- beating the accent, there would always be some traces or hints to give it away. I made up my mind. I decided I was not going to throw in the towel yet. It had to be proven though.
Analysing my life in the diaspora, this year is my eleventh year of stay. It has been practically impossible for me to survive on just one job.
The salary is not adequate compared to the huge demands of my life. I have bills to foot every now and then. Bills for rentals, gas, car insurance, medical aid, council tax, to pick a few. To be honest, the money is just not enough.
On top of that, I receive numerous requests from back home. They come flooding in from all directions. In a family of 7, I shoulder the sole responsibility of looking after our parents, as if I am the only surviving child.
Four of my brothers are now married but they often plead with me, to pay tuition fees for their kids. In fact, the upkeep of almost every member of the family revolves around me.
I've tried to be strict, but it's easy for them to capitalise on the chaotic situation prevailing at home these days. I often get told of the acute shortages of basic commodities like medicine in hospitals, which are paramount to someone's survival. I wouldn't dare say no to appeals that are illness-related. Would I?
The problem with folks back home is that they think people living here in the other part of the globe sit on top of silver and gold. They are completely ignorant of the plain truth that money here is earned through strenuous work, which most immigrants are exposed to.
Immigrants can't exercise much choice in terms of choosing a job since the job market is flooded with labourers.
However, helping folks back home is like tying yourself with a tight knot of the dependence syndrome. Once it gets hold of you it takes years to untangle yourself from the complexities of its grip.
The time I arrived to live in Philadelphia, I thought to myself, I had made a huge breakthrough. At last, I had managed to get myself out of the financial crisis I was living in.
Since then, I have worked hard night and day, without proper rest. In the process, I have compromised my social life. I hardly can spare a few hours off work to have a dinner date.
I have tried relationships, but they all have given in to the insurmountable pressures in my life. They all have come crumbling down.
From the salary I earn from 2 both jobs, I still can't afford the luxuries that go with lubricating a healthy lasting relationship. Let's face it, ladies simply enjoy being spoiled to show them affection. I'm not blaming them but that's the reality – they need that constant attention.
We all know that flowers and cosmetic shops run dry on Valentine's Day.
To lubricate your relationship with a loved one, being generous with gifts, treats every now and then constitute the magic.
In the past 10 years, I've lived here in the USA, I have failed to strike a single relationship with a decent lady. Will I ever find a suitable girlfriend to settle down with for life?
The time I came over here, I felt so energetic and full of life. I don't think I still have that kind of strength to carry on unless I risk having a stroke.
Looking back home, my brothers are said to be doing very well. They have settled and now have families of their own. Their children are attending private and expensive schools. And all live in desirable residential areas.
If only I had known. If only someone had fully explained to me what life is like living here in a foreign country, I would have made some informed decisions.
I doubt if I would have gone ahead to migrate. I would have remained in my home country instead. Eventually, I would have found a suitable lady to marry to start a family with. My name would have been passed on to my children, the rightful heirs of whatever wealth I would have managed to scrounge around in the land of my forefathers.
Now I know it's not money alone which counts in life. If money is pursued in isolation, it can be a source of all troubles and untold melancholy.