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God Has A Plan To Justify The Ungodly
Abraham believed the promise God gave him concerning Isaac because Abraham trusted in the Lord to be faithful concerning His word. And so it was Abraham's faith in the trustworthiness of God that lead him to believe. And by that faith, God was pleased to credit Abraham with righteousness.
Romans 4:3-5 (NKJV) **
3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
** All scripture is from the New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
This is the same process for anyone who is saved by the grace of God at any point in history. When a person receives a promise from God, and that person places faith (belief ) in God to fulfill that promise. They expect what has been promised will come to pass, and they put aside all doubt. The future promise of God is as certain as is the history of yesterday because we know the One Who promised is faithful to keep His word. As the writer of Hebrews says:
Hebrews 11:1-2 **
By Faith We Understand
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
This leads us to the second important theological point raised by this verse. What Hebrews does not say is, faith in Christ is what gained them a good testimony or approval.. It didn't define faith in terms of a specific idea, like believing in Christ. Throughout history the object of a saving faith has never changed and the object of our faith is always the Person of God and His faithfulness to keep His promises. Once again, Hebrews says it best:
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
So like Abraham, a Christian today has faith in God (Christ) to fulfill His promises to justify us and raise us from the dead. We place our trust in Him to keep that promise to us. And we base our trust in Him on the basis of the testimony and the power of God to keep His word concerning us. If you think about this cynically, you've probably said when you die everything is going to be fine and yet you can't prove it to anyone. You can't really even prove it to yourself although God testifies to us to the truth of what He said in our hearts. But in a more tangible way or in a secular sense, can you prove to anyone that you will be fine when you die? No, of course not. But we put all our eggs in that basket. Theoretically if we were wrong for example and we are not by the way Now, just talking in theory, if we are wrong, well we have no plan B. In fact, if someone has a plan B, they are not saved. If it is syncretism, such as you take a little of Jesus, take a little of Mohammad and let's throw them together and maybe one of them will work. Sorry, that is not saving faith because you have not done what the Bible has asked of you. To believe in God's promise to the exclusion of all else, which is the promise itself, requires that. So our faith is in a God who has made a promise and we believe He will keep it.
But while the object of our faith never changes, it is always in God, to keep a promise. The content of the promise has differed from age to age as God has worked to reveal more of His plan to humanity. So in the earliest times the Lord had revealed only the bare minimums of what His plan was to redeem mankind from sin. Men knew God was going to make a way to justify them, they knew they couldn't do it on their own. That God was going to be merciful and provide some solution. But that didn't mean they necessarily understood it all how God was going to bring it about. Noah, Abraham, David, and even the prophets only knew parts of this plan. So we could say the object of the faith is never different. But the content of what we believed in could vary over history. For example, Noah's promise was if you will build a boat you will survive a flood. Abraham was told he would have son in his old age and David was told he would always have an Heir Who would rule on the throne of Israel. The prophets were told that God would give His people a new covenant, write His Law on their heart and bring them into a kingdom one day where a Messiah would rule. Each of those is an elaboration on the prior one. Each one of those is a building out of the plan in greater detail. , In each case the content of God's promises differed, growing from generation to generation as God revealed more.
But in all cases the object of the faith remains the same. We remain convinced that God has a plan to justify the ungodly. Through some means even though we don't understand the whole plan. Can any of us really say we understand the full plan of what God has for us? We know just enough to know who to put our trust in. Today, God has revealed all He intends to this side of Heaven. And now that the full plan of God has been revealed in the word of God. The content of our faith today and the object of our faith today are one of the same. So, that is why the Bible refers to all the time of history after Christ's revealing as the last days. The Bible talks about living in the last days and in Hebrews we read:
Hebrews 1:1-2
God's Supreme Revelation
1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world;
Finally, the last point raised by verse 5 is that saving faith is a trusting in God to
justify the ungodly. The point there is that our faith in God begins with a recognition that we are unworthy. The Bible uses another term for that. The Bible uses the term repentance. In other words a precognition to believing in God into salvation is to recognize,we got a problem and He needs to solve it for us. We are not worth getting to Heaven on our own. We are in real trouble with a living God who will hold us accountable for our sin if we don't admit that and submit to His plan of redemption in place of anything we got on our own. Then we will never have that mercy. It is a willingness to recognize He is the justifier of a people who need justification. That is what we mean when we say repentance. Repentance is sometimes miss-characterized in the way we talk about it. We tend to think of it as a litany of sins we have to say I'm sorry for and if we get through the whole list with God and we have said I'm sorry for everything we've done, that then leaves us open to salvation. But this thinking is ridiculous because first of all I probably couldn't remember them all. Secondly, I've probably done things I don't even know. Thirdly, that would take forever. That;s a work in a sense, isn't it? Repentance unto salvation or repent and believe in other words is not a reciting of all you have done wrong and then saying you are sorry about it. That's not at all what it means. It means in a more fundamental sense, this idea, that I turn from any thought of self-righteousness of earning my own way into Heaven or deserving it for any reason at all. Putting all that aside. Turning from that and turning to the God. That justifies the ungodly, leaning on Him.
Romans 2:4
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Repentance is this personal awareness that I cannot get there on my own, so I am going to stop trying much like the prodigal son. And I am going to turn around and go back to the one that can get me there and appeal to His mercy for that solution. Trusting in God to justify the ungodly. So, Abraham was declared righteous because of His faith in God's trustworthiness to keep His promises and to justify him, an undeserving and ungodly sinner. And because of that faith, God did the very thing He wanted, Crediting Abraham's faith as righteousness. Notice, God did not make Abraham righteous. Rather God credited Abraham's Heavenly account with righteousness. So that at the moment Abraham died and stood before God following that death he was acquitted at that point, because when God looked at the ledger He said you can come in, I see that you are righteous. Your account has been paid in full.
The rest of the story of Abraham reminds us that this man was not sinless. If you know the story of Abraham broadly speaking from Genesis 12 onward and especially as it follows chapter 15. 15 is where Abraham is declared righteous. What does he do after chapter 15? Well, there are some real high-profile sins that come out of his life even after that fact. And yet the Judge's declaration of not guilty it's in effect it doesn't change, it's never reversed. It can't be reversed, because justification is not a description of his condition (i.e., it doesn't declare Abraham to be sinless). It's a declaration of God's judgment (i.e., He sees Abraham as guiltless for his sin).See the difference? He's not sinless, he is guiltless. And at one point in his life as we will all be one day, will be sinless. But for now it is a declaration of guiltlessness .
So Abraham's proof is this, that salvation is never by doing works because of when Abraham lived, that is before the Law. And having lived before the Law, he proves the Law is not a part of a plan that can save someone. Because he got saved without it.
Secondly, Abraham's example is proof of salvation without works because of how the Lord declared he was saved. He was credited, he didn't earn it. So works have zero bearing on our righteousness. And if this is true prior to being justified, then it remains equally true after you are justified.
And maybe this is the point the church should hear most these days. If you were not saved by your works coming in, then works have no part of your salvation afterward either. And that works both ways. In other words you didn't work your way into salvation. So you cannot sin your way out of salvation. Your works have no bearing on your standing before God. They were all bad to begin with. How much worse do you think you are going to be; than you were before you knew Him? Your works have nothing to do with this whatsoever, Your works are why you needed God to justify you. Because they were the problem to begin with. So, coming out of that moment, having been justified, there is no need now to start to add works to the formula or for that matter to abstain from sin just to stay saved. Now there are other reasons why you abstain from sin. Staying saved or being saved has nothing to do with works. It can't because of Abraham's example.
A Christian does not become more righteous because of good works after faith than he or she did before. Our righteousness has to come by other means Paul said. So, you might think Abraham's example petty much shuts the door on any question about works as a part of your salvation. And it doesn't which is why chapter 4 doesn't end after the verse 5. If the chapter had ended here, what cold have developed in our theology? While some could argue that God changed the rules after Abraham's day.They could agree with everything Paul just said and say, 'yes', but later God decided He wanted it differently. They would point to things like the Law coming into practice after Abraham's life. And the rules for salvation were updated to include now, the Law as a part of it. So following Moses now; now we have to follow the Law if we are to be saved. Before Moses it was different, but now with the Law we have to change. You may have heard some argue this point, even some who call themselves Christians and probably are in many cases, but somehow have been convinced that the Law in its arrival had some bearing on His plan of what He expected from His people in terms of salvation. Bottom line the Law only revealed man's sin nature and faith freed man from the bonds of the Law, which is by faith alone we are saved.
So Paul needs to continue in dealing with this through another Old Testament proof. A brief mention of a second major Old Testament example. An example of David which we'll pick up on the next post.
"The author's biblical interpretations and conclusions presented in this document rely on original teaching used by permission of Verse By Verse Ministry International (VBVMI). The author's views may not represent the views of VBVMI, it's Directors or staff. Original VBVMI teaching may be found at http://www.vbvmi.org."
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Isla Mujeres is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea, 13 kilometers off the coast from Cancún. It's a holiday destination known for beaches such as northern Playa Norte, resort hotels and for snorkeling and scuba diving on the surrounding coral reefs. At Punta Sur, the southern tip, there's a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple and a sanctuary for sea turtles.
Shortly after the Caste War broke out in the state of Yucatan, Mayan and Yucatecan fishermen settled on the island, founding the town of Dolores in the year 1850.
The Spanish Fermin Mudaca de Marechega, known as a pirate and slave trader, took refuge on the island after having fought against British ships in 1860. He settled in the southern part, occupying 40% of the total territory of the island, and founded the Hacienda Vista Alegre. He also organized the agriculture and animal husbandry on the island, consolidating a population in Isla Mujeres.
The Island is distinguished by its fishing activity which provides its exquisite gastronomy with seafood, as well as the production of handicrafts that the locals kindly offer the tourist.
Boat rides or rented transportation are highly recommended, as are the enjoyment of recreational areas, and the nightlife, which gives representative Caribbean shows.
You can not miss Punta Sur, a tourist site on the south end of the island, the viewpoint here is of the Caribbean Sea, its cliffs of rock, as well as sculptures, and more viewpoints that represent the sanctuary to the Goddess Ixchel.
- Reef Diving
- Adventure Diving
- Night Diving
- Cavern Diving
- Diving at Marine Park Punta Cancun
- Snorkeling at Marine Park Punta Cancun
- Whale Shark Snorkeling Encounter
- Sailfish Swimming and Snorkeling
- Contoy Island Tour
- Boca Iglesia Adventure Boat Tour
- Sport Fishing Trips
- Private boats
- Bikes Tour
- Golf Car Tour

subset: commoncrawl


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Blazer Alumni Achievement Award
The Blazer Alumni Achievement Award recognizes the collective achievements of one alumnus each year. Award criteria include:
- Alumni involvement with the school
- Volunteer involvement in their respective community
- Professional accomplishments
- Other personal accomplishments or success stories that exemplify Tolton's pillars of Spirit, Heart, Mind or Body
Nominations Accepted: Annually, December 15-January 31
Online Nomination | PDF Nomination
2019 Award Winner: Mary Cleek
Fr. Augustus Tolton Service Award
The Fr. Augustus Tolton Service Award recognizes extraordinary service to the Tolton Catholic community. Parents, friends, corporate partners and students are eligible. Award criteria include:
- Time and talent offered for the benefit of the school community (beyond required service hours), during the last calendar year
- Any consistent and/or selfless contributions that exemplify the nominee's commitment to Tolton's pillars of Spirit, Heart, Mind or Body
- Note: While financial contributions may be referenced in the application, they will not be considered by the selection committee for the purposes of this award
Nominations Accepted: Annually, December 15-January 31


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Taylor Wheatley
Age: 21 | Calgary, Alberta
- Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
- Your Relationship to Childhood Cancer. I had cancer and so did my mom 6 years after me
Type of cancer that has affected me or my family In 1995 I was diagnosed with acute lympnoblastic leukemia and my mom had ovarian cancer. Number of years on treatment I was on treatment for two and a half years
Number of celebrated years off treatment 13
My toughest challenge with childhood cancer Cancer changed my life. I wasn't able to go to a regular school with my friends. The year I was diagnosed I was to start grade one in the public system but I was enrolled at a private school instead because there were "less germs," less chance of catching an infection. In grade three, after two and a half years, or 29 months and 242 needles, my long journey ended and I moved into the big school with all my friends. But because I had missed so much school due to the treatments and the in and out of hospitals, I was behind in my school work. My parents made the decision to hold me back a year. I never really noticed the age gap between myself and my other peers until Junior high when I was getting my learners license long before anyone else, when I had my 16th birthday the summer after I finished grade 9 and when I came to my first day of grade 10 with my own car and no one else in my grade drove yet.
Describe some great things that have come about through your journey of childhood cancer. If there's one good thing that has come from being sick it would be the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta (KCCFA). They opened the door to meeting new people. And, if not for KCCFA, I would have never experienced CAMP! It is the one place where we are all equal. No one stares at you because you are bald, or because you have a limp due to surgery, or because you are missing a limb. It is an absolutely magical place! Camp is where I have met some of my best friends.
Describe your Best Day "Best day" and cancer really don't fit together. Or so you would think. But I can remember good ones, especially when my nurses would take the time to read me a story when tucking me into bed. Tell us about your Worst Day It was December 13, 2001. My mom was booked for surgery but I didn't know why. I came home from school and my dad was waiting for me. He told me that mom had ovarian cancer. I felt like I was in some other reality, like I was in someone else's body, thinking, "Why us, why my family—again?" I watched my mom go through everything I did—the chemo, the hair loss and the really bad days. But my mom was strong and she didn't give up. I thank her for that. I can't imagine life without her, my best confidant, my best friend.
Tell us what Coast to Coast Against Cancer means to me After participating in Tour For Kids Alberta this summer I have an extreme love and appreciation for the people who are involved behind the scenes and on the bike! The reason I am interested in being an ambassador is to give back to the foundation in an ongoing way by telling my story to others and to inspire others to join the fight against childhood cancer! In reality I bought my bike this past March and then started training for the phenomenal T4K Alberta and I would love for others to do the same. I know that this is a unique and healthy way to raise money for such special people and I want to be a part of ongoing CTCACF activities because of this!
Tell us what your message is to our riders, volunteers, sponsors and all Canadians The most important thing I have taken from my cancer experience is realizing how much we take our lives for granted. We need to take a step back and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Really…who chooses cancer? It could choose you tomorrow. You could wake up with a lump, or you could find out that the kid next door has cancer, or worse, your own child. In Alberta every year, more than one hundred children are diagnosed with this disease and thousands more are living with its after effects. Cancer kills more children than any other disease. Two out of every 10 children who are diagnosed with cancer loose the battle. But I want you to know that you are truly making a difference in the lives of children with cancer by inspiring others to give back to such an amazing community of children and young adults.
Share with us any other personal thoughts My oncologist, Dr. Coppes, told my parents: "Taylor has a 60 per cent chance of beating leukemia but there is really no 60 per cent, its either 100 or 0—you either make it or you don't." And that's the reality of childhood cancer. I was one of the lucky ones.


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Feedback requested! The public comment and feedback period for the new Reisterstown Facade Improvement Grant Pilot Program is open, and will run from Monday, June 18 through Friday, July 6 at 11:59pm. The preliminary draft guidelines can be found in PDF form attached to this message, and will be distributed to the various businesses and property owners within the Reisterstown Commercial Revitalization District (CRD). We need your feedback to determine if we've missed anything, or if there are any pieces we should change.
Thank you for your assistance!
Reisterstown Improvement Association
P.O. Box 856, Reisterstown, Maryland 21136
Copyright © 2018


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I've been binging on fiction lately. I'm not really into any TV shows right now, plus fiction is good when I needed a break from packing and purging and organizing and unpacking and purging. And it's summer. When Rachel naps at the pool in her stroller, I like to read whatever fiction book I have with me.
(Yes, you can have little kids and read books too. I've shared before how I manage to read books while mothering little ones. I will say, during the summer, I read more library books because it's hard to read my Kindle in the bright sunshine with wet kids near.)
In all of 2015, I read 21 fiction books. So far in the first six months of 2016, I've read 18. Binge fiction reading, I tell y'all. Although there has been some non-fiction reading, but that's happened at a slower pace.
(Here's my 2015 book list, if you need recommendations beyond this post. I keep an updated list of what I've read at Goodreads.)
- "Thin Ice" (Men of Valor #2) by Irene Hannon {Review}
- "Sanctuary Lost" (WITSEC Town #1) by Lisa Phillips
- "Sanctuary Buried" (WITSEC Town #2) by Lisa Phillips
- "Sanctuary Breached" (WITSEC Town #3) by Lisa Phillips
- "Cold Shot" (Chesapeake Valor #1) by Dani Pettrey
- "Tidewater Inn" (Hope Beach #1) by Colleen Coble
- "Rosemary Cottage" (Hope Beach #2) by Colleen Coble
- "Seagrass Pier" (Hope Beach #3) by Colleen Coble
- "The Inn at Ocean's Edge" (Sunset Cove #1) by Colleen Coble
- "Mermaid Moon" (Sunset Cove #2) by Colleen Coble
- "Honeymoon for One" by Beth Orsoff
- "Keep Quiet" by Lisa Scottoline
- "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
- "Firefly Lane" by Kristin Hannah
- "Fly Away" by Kristin Hannah
- "Magic Hour" by Kristin Hannah
- "The Good Girl" by Mary Kubica
- "Home Front" by Kristin Hannah
Non-fiction :: Parenting
- "Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World" by Kristen Welch {Related post}
- "Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses" by Wendy Speake & Amber Lia
- "Better Together: Because You're Not Meant to Mom Alone" by Jill Savage with Anne McClane {Review}
- "8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids" by Todd Cartmell {Review}
- "The Mother Letters" by Amber & Seth Haines {Review}
- "Coming Clean: A Story of Faith" by Seth Haines
- "The Gift of Friendship: Stories that Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments" by Dawn Camp {Review}
- "Looking for Lovely: Collecting Moments that Matter" by Annie Downs {Review}
- "Wild in the Hollow: On Chasing Desire and Finding the Broken Way Home" by Amber Haines
- "Everything You Ever Wanted" by Jillian Lauren
- "Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter" by Jennifer Grant
Non-fiction :: Christianity
- "None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us (and why that's a good thing)" by Jen Wilkin {Review}
- "You're Already Amazing" by Holley Gerth // Book // LifeGrowth Guide // LifeGrowth DVD // {Review}
What have you read lately that I should add to my never-ending list of books I want to read next?
Subscribe to get new posts in your inbox and a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable.


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India's Narendra Modi vows to eradicate corruption
The opposition candidate hoping to become India's next prime minister has said the government is too "addicted" to corruption to tackle the issue.
Narendra Modi vowed to eradicate the problem if he is elected to replace incumbent Manmohan Singh in 2014.
The right-wing Bharatiya Janata party candidate addressed thousands at a campaign launch rally in Delhi.
He blamed Mr Singh's Congress party-led coalition for making India a laughing stock through lack of development.
"The coalition is now addicted to corruption and instead of finding solutions to end the culture of graft, it stops functioning," Mr Modi said, according Agence France-Presse.
"India needs a dream team and not a dirty team in 2014 and people must decide that during the elections," he added.
Critics have called Mr Singh's government one of the most corrupt in India's history following incidents of bribery and other scandals that have prompted the resignation of several cabinet ministers.
Divisive figure
The BJP candidate also accused the prime minister of lacking the strength needed to tackle issues of cross-border violence, in talks on Sunday with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
Mr Modi, who made his name as the head of western Gujarat state, has emerged as a divisive figure in Indian politics.
He is credited with transforming Gujarat's economic fortunes with years of double digit growth, but as a Hindu nationalist he could cost his party millions of Muslim votes.
Mr Modi has denied allegations he allowed 2002 religious riots that killed more than 1,000 people, mainly Muslims, and rejected calls for an apology.
The BBC's Joanna Jolly, in Delhi, said Mr Modi's rousing speech was greeted enthusiastically by the thousands who had gathered to hear him.
She said the address marked the beginning of what is likely to become a fiercely-fought campaign ahead of the vote likely to be held before the end of next May.


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Discussion (13) ¬
The General has never looked more beautiful or more empathetic than in the last panel.
^ I agree, but my focus was more on Shanna and Jared. It reminds me of why both are two of my favorite characters. Jared's banter makes me miss Jones. Still my favorite "villain."
Also, ironic considering all the comments on the previous page about how ridiculous it is for the Hand of Justice to try and legitimize themselves this way.
^ Your not alone in alittle longing for Jones… He was an awesome Anti-Villain. Just pure awesome.
Here's hopin' that they find a way to win outcome with this event.
I gotta be with Jared on this one: AEGIS isn't the Science Fiction Club. The guys can't get away with taking matters into their own hands just because they're innocent, well-meaning kids anymore. AEGIS is part of the government, complete with official badges and tax payers' money. That is something that makes you quote Uncle Ben Parker. Will and Shanna have very valid points, of course, but they're wrong when they thinking AEGIS can face this villain group on *their* terms while still coming up smelling like a rose. There's always a third option…
Emo General is Emo.
@ MST: "That is something that makes you quote Uncle Ben Parker."
Instead of actually quoting it, which has been done to death. I approve.
I was thinking a possible third option might be to publicly ask the Hand of Justice to join AEGIS. To the public, this looks like a reward for their "noble" deed and would allow them to continue their "noble" deeds with official badges. It would help improve AEGIS's reputation at the same time. They could explain that they need more honesty in AEGIS, and the Hand of Justice would be just the sort of honest influence they need. All the while, it keeps the Hand of Justice under their thumb and under surveillance at all times. And politically, it puts the Hand of Justice on the defensive, because if they refuse, they will be the ones looking like they have something to hide. Not to mention the fact that this is not a superhero world, and it looks suspicious when a powerful team chooses to act as vigilantes instead of as agents of the law.
Will can't have them join AEGIS -> They are looking to destroy AEGIS, yes?
Official Mission #1 – They screw it up (intentionally), and blame Will. If they're lucky, they get some of AEGIS killed in the process.
Official Mission #2 – They succeed, but making it clear that the HoJ is not following the leadership of AEGIS.
I'd be surprised if, politically, Kath isn't forced to give the HoJ control of the AEGIS program right there. All our heroes are now working for the HoJ, and it's Days of Future Past!
… at least, if I was an evil mastermind, THAT'S how I would do it.
Even as a bluff, it would be a dangerous offer for Will to make, because what if the HoJ called him on it? It was near-tragic as it was when Jesse turned out to have been a persona created by Jayespin, but AEGIS at least couldn't have known that. Knowingly hiring such dangerous and malevolent vigilantes would be folly.
Let's not forget that an HoJ team member tried to kill Di, in an extremely brutal manner at that. If it hadn't been for the engineered healing properties of his blood… :O (That's leaving aside the fact that Di now has a permanent limp, which so far she's managed to conceal from Will and her teammates.) Really not something AEGIS can handwave.
Can the original storyline be linked to so I don't have to wade through the archives to find it?
Another possibility: Have someone OTHER than AEGIS (like, say, a group of time-travelers) show up to stop the HoJ.
so much FAAAAAAAAAAACE in this book


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From Newburgh, New York, USA:
My daughter's insulin pump failed and needed replacement one week after returning from travelling by air. Could the damage have been caused by a hand held scanner used at the security checkpoint?
No. Insulin pumps should not be sensitive to that level of radiation.
Original posting 26 Jul 2002
Posted to Insulin Pumps
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Last Updated: (none)
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Nick Czarniecki
ra, ncarb, leed ga
Nick works in NK's New York City office and has over nine years of experience with commercial and high-end residential projects in the NYC market. He is particularly adept at Revit and navigating NYC Zoning and Building Codes. Nick received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University, is a LEED Green Associate and is a member of NYCRUG (New York City Revit Users Group). He is proud of his participation in the construction administration of 432 Park Avenue, a supertall residential project in midtown Manhattan, and is currently involved with projects for The Chapin School.
Outside of the office, Nick volunteers his time assisting with exhibits and accessioning artifacts for the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society (www.bbhsmuseum.org). He enjoys surfing, gardening and concerts.


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A little about mercanix
mercanix is a spin-off of a 12 year-old enterprise software company in Toronto named ember ec3 inc.; both of which were founded by serial technology entrepreneur Mike Tobias and brought to life with long-time team members and collaborators. ember has developed and sold products to clients that include: IBM, Microsoft, Bank of Nova Scotia, Volvo, AGF, Bank of Montreal, Air Miles and Intel.
We built mercanix to scratch our own itch. That is, we wanted to continue to evolve as a company with our management and operational practices but kept feeling like we were being held back by our tools. So when we built what became beacon, we wanted to share it with other organization's who might be feeling the same way.
"Leaders often have the most positive impact when they help build systems where the actions of a few powerful and magnificently skilled people matter least. Perhaps the best way to view leadership is as the task of architecting organizational systems, teams, and cultures – as establishing the conditions and preconditions for others to succeed." Pfeffer & Sutton, Dangerous Half-Truths About Managing People
We hope it helps you and your team realize your potential.
Looking for a little more? Click here.


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The alphabet network (ABC) is finally returning to their miniseries programming roots with an 8-hour adaptation of Gregory McGuire's bestselling book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
While any reference to Wicked these days will result in many instantly referencing the Tony Award winning musical adaptation by Stephen Schwartz (Enchanted) and Winnie Holzman (My So Called Life), this miniseries will most certainly not be an interpretation of that record breaking stage show - which is only loosely based on McGuire's novel.
Instead, ABC is looking to produce a more faithful representation of McGuire's telling of the life of Elphaba Thropp, Oz's iconic Wicked Witch of the West. With no musical numbers and a much darker tone, McGuire's novel delves into such sensitive themes as political corruption, religion, racism and segregation.
With so many potentially controversial subjects contained within the source material, it'll be interesting to see exactly what elements make it into the final production. Although, considering Salma Hayek's Ventanarosa Productions (Frida) will be developing the miniseries with ABC Studios, I have a feeling that most, if not all, will remain – especially with the Emmy Awarding winning Erik Jendresen (Band of Brothers) penning the script.
For almost 40 years, ABC has had been creating some of television's greatest and most iconic miniseries (Roots, North and South, The Thorn Birds). Sadly, when Stephen McPherson took over as the president of ABC in 2004, he declined to produce any new miniseries – which, interestingly enough, included this miniseries based on Wicked. Fortunately, when ABC Family executive Paul Lee was promoted into McPherson's position (following McPherson's resignation) last July, Lee began reversing many of McPherson's poor decisions.
Considering ABC's viewer demographics and the proven popularity of Wicked, on both stage and in literature, there's no doubt that when this miniseries premieres, it will be a hit for the network – even if it's a terrible interpretation of the novel. The question now isn't whether it will succeed, but to what extent. For that answer, we'll have to wait until more information is released about the project… and confirmation that Salma Hayek's involvement in the Wicked miniseries will strictly be behind the scenes.
Of course, for all you Ozians patiently waiting to see Wicked: A New Musical make its leap from stage to big screen, you'll be happy to hear that Universal Pictures is currently developing a feature film adaptation of the musical masterpiece.
If all goes as planned, expect to see the 8-hour Wicked miniseries premiering on ABC in Fall 2011/Spring 2012.
Follow me on Twitter @anthonyocasioFollow Screen Rant on Twitter @screenrant


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Prior to creating a 14-inch size limit on black bass at Lake Lanier, both amateur and professional fishermen had voiced concerns about the declining fishing quality for largemouth and spotted bass. Though this decline was often blamed on the striped bass population, it is my expert opinion that the decrease was due directly to over-harvesting, especially by night tournament anglers during the warmer periods of the year. In fact, those of us who fish Lanier daily had been noticing numerous dead bass around boat ramps where these night "pot" tournaments were being held. Most sightings usually occurred about two days after one of these amateurish events that allowed 12 and 13 inch bass to be bounced around in livewells with nearly 90 degree water temperatures for up to 4 hours. These poor fish were then tossed into a plastic bag and held until they could be weighed. Finally, their stressed-out, injured bodies were dumped back into the lake in such poor condition that they died within days.
In an effort to address this problem, the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) conducted a fish tagging study on Lanier during 1997. Results of that study showed that a 14 inch size limit might improve the bass fishing over a period of time, and their foresight has already been paying big dividends to bass fishermen for a couple of years. During the next month, those of us who understand how to catch spawning spotted bass will be landing between 20 and 50 per day, and nearly 75% of those will exceed the 14-inch limit. Therefore, a 5 bass tournament limit of spotted bass this year could weigh more than 20 pounds.
As was the mistaken belief that stripers caused the decline because they were eating all of the bass, many anglers are now saying that the bass recovery is due to the growing population of blueback herring in Lake Lanier. This too is a poor assumption! No Lake Lanier records have been broken since the bluebacks were introduced by some idiot with his own self-stocking program. Instead of making erroneous postulations, these anglers should give the credit where it is truly deserved…to the farsighted planning of the excellent DNR biologists who oversee the fish populations at Lake Lanier!
Despite the much improved catches, the predicted improvement in bass catch rates should continue to improve. It takes time for a fish population to respond to size limits, and the response also depends on the natural death rate, which is controlled by Mother Nature and not by anglers or biologists. Nevertheless, indications are that Lake Lanier's black bass population has recovered nicely!


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Monthly Archives: March 2017
CONTACT 13: Another guardian charged with abuse
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – Another private guardian was charged with abuse of a vulnerable person on Thursday.
The young victim in the case was the first to come forward and talk with Contact 13 about corruption in the guardianship system.
Jason Hanson's guardianship case was supposed to end when he became an adult. But Contact 13 discovered the court kept it open for seven years after his 18th birthday. And during that time, several so-called professionals came in and out of his life while the money set aside for his care dwindled away.
Darcy: "Did you get lost in the system or do you think it's more sinister than that?"
Jason: "I don't know if I got lost in the system or if it was more underhanded than that. But the system definitely needs to change."
Article & Source:
CONTACT 13: Another guardian charged with abuse


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Brea and Mallory talk about the art of recommending books and interview podcaster and librarian Nnekay Fitzclarke! Use the hashtag #ReadingGlassesPodcast to participate in online discussion! Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!
Links -
Reading Glasses Facebook Group
Reading Glasses Goodreads Group
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
The Lady from the Black Lagoon Audiobook
On Kobo
On Audible
Nnekay Fitzclarke
Minority Korner
Books Mentioned -
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
Heart Berries by Teresa Marie Mailhot
Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro


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New Mexico Concealed Permit Certification Application Procedures Upon successful course completion, the certification entitles you to apply for a Concealed Handgun License from the State of New Mexico Department of Public Safety. The application for a concealed handgun carry card is $100.00. This includes $44.00 for Background Check/Fingerprinting and $56.00 to the State of New Mexico Department of Public Safety The state of New Mexico is 100% digital Background Check/Fingerprinting. You will need to register on the gemalto website and get your fingerprints done prior to turning in your paperwork to the state. Register and pay by credit or debit card online.
fingerprints and background check
You can register for the fingerprints and background check here:
There is also a list of fingerprint locations, on a state wide map, located on the cogent website. https://www.aps.gemalto.com/nm/Maps/MapFrame.htm
You can find out more information from the New Mexico DPS Office or their Website
NMDPS Concealed Handgun Carry Unit 6301 Indian School Rd NE Ste. 310 Albuquerque, NM 87110 Ph: (505) 841-8053 Office hours: Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM http://www.dps.state.nm.us/index.php/nm-concealed-carry


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A previous version of this column misidentified the source of a Jan. 3 quote about Amazon.com. The correct source is InvestorPlace.
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Is Amazon.com Inc. going to be known as the Netflix Inc. of 2012?
Last year, Netflix NFLX, -0.74% was the poster child for the public companies that couldn't get out of their own way. It callously raised prices for its content at a time when consumers were cost-conscious. When the customers protested, the company apologized but it was too late to put out the fire on Main Street, as 800,000 subscribers walked away. Wall Street noticed. Netflix's stock plunged 77% off its July high.
It would be precipitous today to suggest that Amazon should be designated as the new Netflix. But the stock market isn't known for fairness or sentimentality, and Amazon's recent performance has raised questions about its prospects.
If Amazon isn't careful about managing its reputation, it could begin to resemble One of Those Stocks, in which you kick the tires extra hard to make sure that everything is OK.
InvestorPlace on Jan. 3 published a piece with the telling headline of: "If You Don't Own Amazon, Don't Start Now." It suggested that Amazon's "current sky-high valuations" made it appear to be a "risky investment."
As recently as last Oct. 14, Amazon's executives must have felt like the royalty of Wall Street — and deservedly so. The company's shares had climbed to an all-time high of $246.71. It was a testament to convincing management and marketing strategy, as the online retailer showed it could continue to evolve and meet the demands of the of the digital revolution.
Within weeks, everything changed, though. Amazon's third-quarter earnings results severely missed Wall Street's estimates. The punishment was swift and decisive. The company's shares promptly tumbled 17% in after-hours trading. Through Dec. 30, Amazon's shares had plummeted 30% off their high point.
Further, Goldman Sachs has warned that Amazon could miss its fourth-quarter projections because of a deterioration in the growth of online shopping — even taking into account the impressive sales of Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet.
It would be a mistake to write off Amazon. Chief Executive Jeff Bezos has moved aggressively into the tablet arena, and has a reputation for steering Amazon beyond the simple three-month horizons of Wall Street and taking the long view.
So, what should investors make of Amazon? They'll have to decide whether Amazon is truly a well-managed company that has a foothold on digital technology or a cautionary tale for 2012.
MEDIA WEB QUESTION OF THE DAY: Is Amazon's stock a buy or a hold or a sell right now?
What do you think? Feel free to comment below.


text: Instructor. Rick Howell has spent almost thirty years as an HR professional performing most HR specialties in a variety of industries and is now the Principal of Howell Management Consulting, specializing and strategic planning and human resources. He holds his SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CCP credentials, and was among the first in the nation to earn the GPHR certification in 2004. Rick has also been an adjunct professor at Washington State University, Portland State University, and/or City University for the past twenty-five years. Rick started the WSU Vancouver Student HR Chapter. A two-time recipient of NHRMA's Distinguished Member award, he has served in various volunteer roles at the local, state, regional and national levels of SHRM. Rick resides in Vancouver, Washington with his wife, Lesa, and two children, Bryce and Nicole. He enjoys competitive swimming, scuba diving, flying, landscaping, and poker.


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Here is a video that we put together to show what we do in our intensive and Signature Series workshops. We want to create the best environment and talent to help you achieve your goals as a photographer, to help build your book and to allow you to have fun while doing it. For more information and to register for workshops check us out online at www.productionstudio.ca/workshops or www.meetup.com/ProdStudioTO
Don't forget that we can also assist you with all of your studio rental or commercial needs. You can find more information about that at www.productionstudio.ca


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Alright. Yesterday felt good to take a break from writing about all the disasters out there in our business. But as Michael Corleone said in the otherwise unmentionable Godfather III (I will do penance for bringing up III as I know it is heresy), "Just when I thought I was out…..they pulled me back in!" The ingenious plan being hatched to save the beleaguered monolines late yesterday was just too much to pass without some comment. I read about some rumblings earlier in the morning in the Financial Times and I just gave it the old hand wave, chuckled and moved on. Then it happened:
News Item: Banks, New York Regulator Meet on Bond Insurer Rescue!
Now, we here at Monkey Business have been saying this all along. The Street will do everything in its power to keep the fraud of the AAA monolines alive. Why, you should be asking? Forget all the munis these guys have guaranteed. I have a feeling if the ratings morons did their job, 99% of the munis would be AAA anyway. Hell, Moody's all but admitted it last month! The problem here is all those credit default swaps the monolines have on with the Street on CDO paper. Where the hell do you think all those hedges came from to keep some firms from "being battered" by the housing credit meltdown? Because the monolines are AAA they don't have to post initial margin. The have to mark to market, and pass mtm margin to the counterparties but it's that initial margin that is supposed to absorb the hit to the counterparty "should there be a problem". Well now there is a big fat problem and the second one of these guys can't come up with the cash, its game over. This thing will spiral out of control faster than poop through a goose. The Banks will lose many billions. This plan is about as intelligent and transparent as "Super SIV". I'm expecting Hank Paulson to come in and bless this thing at any moment. Anyway we had this nice exchange with Our Pal Fred:
Eric: UMMM, WHO ARE "THE BANKS" GOING TO GET THE CAPITAL FROM TO GIVE TO THE MONOLINES?
Our Pal Fred: The Treasury Dept. And they're gonna get it from drug dealers, and they're gonna get it from their custys who are stripping vacant houses for the copper plumbing.
Eric: That's Good!....and not to be outdone...
Our Pal Fletch: And then we'll need to build more prisons reduce crime rate, to create more jobs, spend more on "infrastructure" so our candidate can win AND PUT MONEY IN THE CONSUMERS POCKET..FISCAL STIMULUS!


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Spring is here! Now that the weather is better and the sun is out, we want to clean up a few things around the church.
If you're available, we'd love your help, both inside and outside the church. There's a number of things to take care of:
- Weeding, Cutting back blackberry bushes and pruning ferns.
- Planting flowers and spreading bark.
- Pressure washing, running the chipper, and washing the church van.
- Necessary repairs on the church building.
- Cleaning the Ed Moon Building and parts of the church
- Washing Windows
- Replacing lights
- Carpet Cleaning
If you can join us, we'd appreciate the help you can offer! Please sign up below and specify the area you'd like to assist in. We'll get back to you as soon as we receive your info.
Thanks for all you do!


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COLLEGEVILLE - Police are warning residents about an advertising scam after a Collegeville man almost fell victim to its empty promises.
According to police, the advertisement promises approximately $200 a week after people wrap their cars in vinyl that will display a logo for a company.
The advertisement, which ran in The Mercury, is similar to others displayed in papers in California and Idaho, police said.
The victim, who figured out he was the target of a scam before he lost any money, told police he communicated with the suspects mainly through email and text messages but spoke to a person once on the phone.
A money order for $1,730 arrived for the victim from a Texas bank, police said. The suspects told the victim to deposit the money order, then send it to an address in Philadelphia. That is when the victim began to question the process, police said.
'We tell people that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is,' said. Sgt. Bruce Penuel of the Collegeville Police Department. 'Residents need to be suspicious and cautious.'
Penuel said there is a business at the Philadelphia address, and the company is looking into any malpractice on the part of their employees.
For now, Penuel said their investigation will focus on any local victims and investigators have not contacted departments in California or Idaho. But, Penuel said, the bank in Texas said it recognized the address being used by the suspects.
'We want residents to be careful. We know these scams target the elderly as well as the under-employed and unemployed,' Penuel said.
Residents who think they are a victim of a scam should call their local police department.


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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
If PP Used Guns, Would It Bother Us More?
Following the Roseburg shooting, President Obama said, "We are the only advanced country on Earth that sees these kinds of mass shootings every few months."
Following the 2013 shooting at the Navy Yards he said, "No other advanced nation endures this kind of violence. None."
The president said, "What's different in America is its easy to get your hands on [guns]."
From the 2013 Navy Yard shooting to the recent Roseburg shooting, 2,116,000 unwanted babies were killed on America's abortion tables because forceps, needles and scissors are easily available to doctors.
Would it bother us more if the abortion industry used guns?
Actor Kelsey Grammar's wife posted a picture of him on Instagram that says it all.
Kelsey Grammar, best know for his role as psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane on the sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier", was recently photographed wearing a pro-life T-shirt that reads, "Would it bother us more if they used guns?"
Grammar's wife Kayte posted the picture on her Instagram account. Many are asking the question on the T-shirt: Should our profound concern and grief over the shootings in America also apply to unborn babies whose lives are summarily ended because they are unwanted or inconvenient?
Grammar's T-shirt represents Abort73, a pro-life organization dedicated to changing the way America thinks about abortion.
Why does America view these two ongoing tragedies differently?
President Obama's ongoing narrative gives us a hint.
The president has repeatedly admonished Republicans in Congress not to use defunding Planned Parenthood as a bargaining chip in negotiating a hike in the debt ceiling.
He explained last week no one, not even himself should hold the budget hostage "through my desire to do something about gun violence."
He said, "But the notion that unless they passed gun safety measures that would stop mass shootings, I'm going to shut down the government and not sign an increase in the debt ceiling would be irresponsible of me."
President Obama then said, "The same is true of them," regarding their interest in defunding Planned Parenthood, while telling the press and the nation the Republicans have no solutions as though the matter of guns and abortions are the same.
They are not.
Guns are no more lethal than forceps, needles and scissors. It's not the instruments. Both Huckabee and Carson have said it's a matter of the heart. And it is.
Statistics do not prove that stricter gun laws reduce shootings. Chicago, Mr. Obama's adopted home town, has one of the highest shooting incidents per capita of any city in America, while having some of, if not the strongest gun regulations.
Nor would the banning of surgical tools reduce abortions.
He is comparing apples to oranges, as they say.
It's about the heart.
Taking away guns from law abiding citizens will not reduce guns being used for violence. Do they really believe the mentally ill and the criminal elements will simply abandon the use of guns because of more invasive gun laws? And does he really believe, short of total and complete confiscation of every gun in America, guns will not be available to these people?
And what about knives, and sharp sticks?
While killing adults and killing babies are both the taking of a human life, there is a difference---but it is not the difference the far left secular progressives like to define.
Abortion is a punishable "act" of murder.
Guns are one of many "instruments" that can be used for murder.
Yet abortion is legal, defined as a choice, and funded by the government, while celebrated by the secular progressives as "progress."
Is this the "advanced state" the president refers to?
Eric Metaxas with Chuck Colson's Ministry "Breakpoint" writes, "Fertility rites and child sacrifice were the hallmarks of Canaanite worship---yet they appealed to many Israelites. Should we be shocked, or look in the mirror?"
In a recent issue of Biblical Archaeological Review, archaeologist Itzhaq Shai of Israel's Ariel University described what he characterized as "extra-ordinary finds that provided insights into the Canaanites and their religious world."
He suspects the recent finds may be the ruins of the biblical "Libnah" mentioned in Joshua, Second Kings and Isaiah, which included a large public building---possibly a temple, ceremonial masks and figurines, like idols of a nude female figure nursing two infants.
The goal of the University is to better understand the Canaanite religion for academic reasons. However, their discoveries bring stunning relevance to how very different the 2 worldviews really are.
The biblical worldview and the secular worldview are....well, worlds apart.
Reading in the Old Testament, it becomes clear that the Canaanite religion became attractive to the children of Israel. Joshua acknowledged that when he told them to choose whom they would serve.
When he told them to "put away the foreign gods that are among you and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel," it was because some, perhaps many, had embraced these gods despite everything that the Lord had done for them and their ancestors.
While Israel believed in the "One True God," many people of their day believed in many gods. Each god specialized in some aspect of human life.
The Canaanites were polytheists who worshiped many gods. An integral part of their many faceted religion was to use symbols and acts to manipulate their gods to do what they wanted them to do.
For example, worshippers of Baal and his consort Asherah engaged in symbolic sexual acts in order to ensure a good harvest.
This stood in direct contrast to the worship of God who is to be obeyed, not manipulated.
The Phoenicians, who were basically Canaanites with boats, became so immersed in paganism that archaeological discoveries reveal at least 9 Phoenician settlements that included "tophets."
"Tophets" is the biblical term for places where child sacrifice, usually by burning, was practiced.
It was not only practiced, but celebrated.
The Bible tells us the practice spread to ancient Judah along with other sites of pagan worship. It also tells us that Josiah destroyed the "tophets" in Judah along with other sites of pagan worship.
Metaxas asks, "What is the so-called 'right to choose' if not the sacrifice of children to the gods of personal autonomy and self-fulfillment?"
Comparing the issue of gun control and abortion shows how very, very uninformed political leadership can be.
It's clear in the Old Testament that Israel struggled, often unsuccessfully, with the temptation to compromise or blend her own faith with other religions.
The allure of the other religions was, at times, too powerful.
It ultimately took "exile" to cure Israel of their tendency to "blend" religious beliefs with that of the pagans.
If we're honest, we must admit the appeal to blend into our culture today is at times very compelling because it is easier for pastors and parishioners alike---and we do so under the guise of "reaching" the lost, or "relating" to those who do not know Christ, or merely in blindness concluding things are changing---truth is "evolving"---we must show love by affirming what God has never affirmed.
To remain silent, is to affirm.
If ever we need to review the challenge Joshua (chapter 24) made to God's people, it's now:
14. "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!"
15. "And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
16. "So the people answered and said: "Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods."
Be Informed. Be Faithful. Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Strong. Be Prayerful.
13 comments:
- Anonymous5:46 AM, October 13, 2015
Every mass killing starts in the mind. If we didn't see so much corruption, confusion, and what's wrong being treated as if it's right, maybe there wouldn't be so many shootings.ReplyDelete
It's likely a result of trying to re-make America.
It's time to hold on to everything in the constitution, even the right to bear arms, even if we don't like guns.
Our country has embraced post-modenism to the extreme. I do not know the source of the following definition, but it helps to explain what is happening in our country. The irony is the post-modern thinkers fall into the trap of denying to others what they claim for themselves.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous7:20 AM, October 13, 2015
I call myself an evangelical Christian. Christian I know use contraceptives. What heart difference is there between aborting a baby in the first or third trimester, and denying a fertilized egg a few days old its placental connection in the womb? Until Christians come to terms with the comfort crossing costs of raising children, and see God's design of marriage as a sanctuary for "his inheritance of children" who are "his reward", rather than just a legitimizing of nights of orgasmic pleasure, there will remain little traction for the saints in addressing legislation and cultural inertia regarding the worldwide holocaust of abortion.ReplyDelete
Now what in the world does all that mean?Delete
- Anonymous9:31 AM, October 13, 2015
It means that some forms of birth control actually cause the death of the new life that has been created--just like abortion. Our hard hearts include the self-centered idea that we need to "limit" our families because of economic/comfort reasons.Delete
- Anonymous7:49 AM, October 13, 2015
It's sad to see the nation become the very thing the founders sought to escape.ReplyDelete
What does abortion have to do with freedom of oppression? Nothing.
- Anonymous8:15 AM, October 13, 2015
Dear John. It means the secular left is trying to equate defunding Planned Parenthood to "gun legislation" and it doesn't equate. Guns are instruments, abortion is an act.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous5:01 PM, October 13, 2015
Yes, I believe we should be more against the killing than against guns.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous5:48 PM, October 13, 2015
Do they teach "Thou shalt not kill." in schools these days?ReplyDelete
- Anonymous3:33 PM, October 14, 2015
I believe police are more against killing than guns, and it shows. Maybe a few school teachers like that would be good too. But more importantly, we need morality from the Bible taught in schools.ReplyDeleteReplies
- Anonymous4:54 PM, October 14, 2015
If you carry a gun and the police come near you, be sure you let them know you are carrying, and know the proper way to do so, so as to not cause undue alarm, the point here being that the police carry guns, meaning they are more against crime than they are against guns, and I believe responsible, mature, and trained citizens, if they believe that to be a part of their godly purpose, to be a protector of family or whoever, that they too should use their constitutionally protected liberty to carry, and do so legally and responsibly for the well being of all of us.Delete
- Anonymous5:03 PM, October 14, 2015
Instead of teaching children immorality, saying in effect, "It's OK to kill (by abortions), or by saying in effect, "There's nothing wrong with doing whatever you want to sexually." , shouldn't the schools be inviting Police Chaplains or Fire Fighting Chaplains into the schools once a year at least to update the posting of the Ten Commandments, and maybe a few verses like John 3:13-17 next to them?Delete
- Anonymous3:37 PM, October 14, 2015
They teach immorality in schools these days, with letting PP in and all, thereby teaching, "You may kill if you want to." I feel less safe because of PP.ReplyDelete
Faith and Freedom welcomes your comment posts. Remember, keep it short, keep it on message and relevant, and identify your town.


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Encounters with Aliens on this Day
November 12
1885 - Cape Race, Atlantic Ocean - A huge sphere of fire was observed rising out of the ocean by witnesses aboard the ship "Siberian." It rose to an altitude of 16 meters, flew against the wind, and came close to the ship, then "dashed off" toward the southeast. The sighting lasted five minutes. (Source: Jacques Vallee, Passport to Magonia: A Century of Landings, p. 181; Ivan T. Sanderson, Invisible Residents, p. 27).
1953 - At 5 p.m. two silver discs exited a solidary white cloud in the sky, hover over the river bed in Ojai, California and then vanish. (Sources: APRO Bulletin, March 1954; Larry Hatch, U computer database).
1954 - A fisherman watched a three meter wide transparent globe descend at eight o'clock in the morning, stop and hover momentarily, and then dive into the canal in Arqua'Polesine, Italy leaving behind a cloud of vapor. At eleven o'clock that same morning a Brazilian priest working at the Vatican's Castel Gandolfo mountain residence in Italy had a close encounter with two UFOs. (Sources: Verga Maurizio, ITACAT Italian UFO Catalogue; Alberto Perego, FSR Case Histories, June 1973, p. 6).
1954 - A spherical UFO hovered for a long period over Louisville, Kentucky. U.S. Air Force jets chased it over Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. It was also observed from the ground through a theodolite. (Source: Richard Hall, The UFO Evidence, p. 134).
1955 - A clearly defined disc-shaped object flew over the Thames River at Goring, Oxfordshire, England, shooting sparks. (Source: UFO Nachtrichten, July 1957).
1958 - A brilliant blue glowing disc with two domes flew low over a main highway in Caracas, Venezuela at five o'clock in the morning. It made a sound like a jet. (Source: APRO Bulletin, May 1959).
1963 - On this night off the Argentine Coast of the South Atlantic, a UFO followed the Argentine Navy ship "Punta Medanos." Electronic interference was reported at the time. (Source: NICAP UFO Investigator, September 1965, p. 6; Frank Edwards, Flying Saucers--Serious Business, p. 120).
1966 - On this night a domed disc-shaped object with portholes
hovered over Fort Ontario, New York and was witnessed by a radar
operator. It shot straight up until it was gone from sight. (Source:
Richard Hall, The UFO Evidence, Volume II: A Thirty Year Report, p.
1967 - At nine o'clock in the morning an ovoid object came down slowly into a field of maize in Centeno, Santa Fe province, Argentina, its major axis vertical. It gave out orange bursts of flame, and disappeared behind some trees. No landing traces were found. (Source: Oscar A. Uriondo, FSR Case Histories, December 1973, p. 18).
1976 - Jose Maria Trejo and Juan Carrizosa Lujan were on sentry duty at Talavera La Real Air Force Base in Badajoz, Spain when at 1:45 a.m. they heard a very loud, penetrating whistle that continued for five minutes, stopped, and then started again. When it stopped the second time they saw a light in the sky in the direction of Badajoz, "like a flare," which lit up a wide area beneath it. After about 20 seconds it vanished. A third sentry, Jose Hidalgo, joined them and accompanied by a guard dog they went to search the fuel stockpile area. They had gone about a thousand feet when they experienced a localized "whirlwind," which alarmed them and caused them to load their rifles. Then they heard a sound like branches being broken in the direction of some nearby eucalyptus trees, so they released the guard dog. The dog charged off toward the trees, but after a few seconds came staggering back and whimpering. Four more times they ordered the dog to go to the trees, but each time he came back in the same manner. Then Trejo glimpsed a green light out of the corner of his eyes, and when he turned around he saw a luminous humanoid figure at least ten feet tall, only 50 feet away. The thick, luminous figure seemed to consist entirely of small points of light, and more intense around its periphery. The small head appeared to be covered by a helmet. The arms seemed to be crossed, and legs and feet could not be seen. Trejo tried to fire his rifle, but was unable to because he felt a sudden sensation of weakness, and collapsed to the ground. The other two men then caught sight of the entity and fired at it. Between the two of them they fired 40-50 shots. At the instant the firing began the apparition vanished. The other two men helped Trejo to his feet, and at this time all three heard the whistle again, coming from the direction of the eucalyptus trees. It lasted for 10-15 seconds and then ceased. At dawn 50 men searched the area. They found nothing. Particularly mystifying was the fact that they could not find a single spent cartridge case. Moreover, the adobe wall of the base, which was just behind where the being stood and should have been pockmarked with bullet holes, showed not a single bullet pockmark. A few days after the incident Trejo lost his vision, and then fell unconscious. He was hospitalized, but his hospital tests showed nothing abnormal. About two weeks later he again lost his vision for about 15 minutes. He was hospitalized for a month and during that time suffered from severe headaches. (Sources: Juan Jose Benitez, FSR, February 1978, p. 3; David F. Webb & Ted Bloecher, HUMCAT: Catalogue of Humanoid Reports, case # 1976-99 (AA1686), citing Juan Jose Benitez; Richard F. Haines, CE-5: Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind, p. 231; Patrick Huyghe, Field Guide to Extraterrestrials, p. 118).
1976 - At 6:15 p.m. James Howard, age 15, and his friend Brian Hollis, age 14, observed an object with pulsating red, green, and blue lights, which stopped in the air and descended into some nearby woods in Tarboro, near Edgecombe, North Carolina. They were alarmed and ran home. Looking back, they saw a nine foot tall milky white figure wearing a diamond shaped red helmet, who came floating out of the woods about 150 yards away from them. Under the helmet its head appeared to be blackish gray, and its short legs seemed to have no feet. It stopped and seemed to look at the boys, then floated on and disappeared behind a nearby billboard. The entire incident lasted about 15 minutes. (Source: David F. Webb & Ted Bloecher, HUMCAT: Catalogue of Humanoid Reports, case # 1976-76, citing MUFON).
1978 - At 1:30 a.m. in Saluzzo, Piedmonte, Italy
a yellow and red domed disc-shaped object swooped down over the roadway
and illuminated a car and the surrounding area, causing the car tape deck to stop working. It had four legs or landing gear appendages. (Sources: Allan Hendry, International UFO Reporter, October 1979, p. 18; Lumieres dans la Nuit, October 1981; UNICAT, case 115).
1978 - At 7:30 p.m. three red spherical UFOs approached Rome, Italy from the sea. One descended and crossed the flight path of incoming airliners. (Sources: Jane Thomas, UFO Newsclipping Service, March 1979, p. 13, citing Cronica, December 11, 1978; Allan Hendry, International UFO Reporter, October 1979, p. 18; Richard Hall, The UFO Evidence, Volume II: A Thirty Year Report, pp. 154 & 351).
1981 - At 6:00 p.m. NATO jets were scrambled from the Hortiati NATO Air Base in Macedonia, Greece in pursuit of UFOs tracked on military radar. UFOs played hide-and-seek with them, disappearing and then reappearing 45 minutes later. UFOs were also seen and reported in the villages of Kalokorio, Mihaniona, and Laina, as well as the cities of Gianitsa and Edessa. At 6:45 p.m. objects shaped like flaming parachutes, emitting powerful lights, hung in the sky over the city of Edessa, Greece for 30 minutes. Most city residents saw them, including some with binoculars. (Source: J. Allen Hynek, International UFO Reporter, January 1982, p. 11).
1987 - In Ringsted, Denmark an observer spotted a short child-like figure in a field at 8:20 p.m. Upon closer investigation he also saw a three meter in diameter glowing ball float up and then spin into the sky at high speed. The witness felt the short figure may have entered the ball shaped craft. (Sources: Larry Hatch, U computer database, case # 14570, citing SUFOI News, issue 11; Albert S. Rosales, Humanoid Contact Database 1987, case # 2500, citing Jan Aldrich, Project 1947).
1995 - Tim Edwards and his family photographed a pencil-shaped object in the western sky from Highway 17 in Hooper, Saquache County, Colorado at dusk. (Source: Christopher O'Brien, Enter the Valley, p. 311).
1995 - At 10:00 p.m. three poor quality Polaroids of a domed ovoid object near the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama were taken by a fisherman. (Source: Larry Hatch, U computer database, case 17138).
2006 - The pilot of a Boeing 767 observed a fast moving light cross in front of his aircraft while flying over Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada
at 10:06 p.m. The aircraft's tactical collision avoidance system was
triggered by the object. (Source: Geoff Dittman, 2006 Canadian UFO
Survey, case # 685).
Written by Donald A. Johnson, Ph.D. (Revised 31 August 2009).
Compiled from the UFOCAT computer database.
Themes: balls of light; disc-shaped UFOs; domed discs; EM electrical system effects; flying humanoids; multicolor UFOs; nautical UFOs (UFO entering or exiting bodies of water); ovoid UFOs; UFOs emerging from a solitary cloud; vertical ascent.


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La Maison De Vill is located in a tranquil, secure Estate in the Heart of Springs. Only 30 minutes to O.R. Tambo International Airport. Escape to a peaceful country Estate, where tranquillity is our top priority.
Simply, elegant accommodation. Officially it's a guest house but it's really so much more than that. More itimate & exclusive than a hotel more relaxed & engaging than a boutique hotel. We call it simply elegant accommodation. Decide for yourself!
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How To Manually Add Data In The Health App In iOS
The Health app in iOS signaled just how important fitness tracking was. The app allowed users to use any fitness tracker of their choice and see their activity as well as vital health information all in one place. It app started out impressive and filled in some missing features later in iOS 9 such as the ability sync menstruation data to the app. What it lacked was the ability to manually enter data in the app. The Health app, up until iOS 9 has always synced data from other apps. The activity is automatically added when your phone detects your activity via the built-in meters but you couldn't manually enter anything. With iOS 10, the Health app finally has the ability to manually enter health and activity data. This is exceptionally useful for entering your blood pressure and sugar levels which you might measure using dedicated meters that don't have apps. You can also manually enter activity i.e. exercise and the calories burned through it. Here's how.
Open the Health app and select the data type you want to add. There are shortcuts for recording your sleep patterns, mindfulness, activity, and nutritional intake. The other data types i.e. reproductive data, body measurements, vitals etc can be selected from the list.
To manually add, for example, a blood pressure reading tap Vitals>Blood Pressure. Tap the plus button at the top. You can repeat this for any and all health data you want to add.
The blood pressure can be entered for any date and time. You will likely need this if you have a heart rate monitor instead of a fitness tracking device. Likewise, you can manually enter exercise. The Health app lets you choose the type of activity you did e.g., running etc, enter it's duration and calories burnt, and enter the start and end time of the activity. This is useful when you use gym equipment that reports how many calories you've burnt and you prefer to rely on that information as opposed to that from a fitness tracker.
It's disappointing that anyone who doesn't have a device that can support iOS 10 will have to sit this very essential feature out. The good news is that data from fitness apps that you've been using for a long time but that have not yet integrated with the Health app can now be added to it.


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Wallets are such a tricky thing, sometimes you want them to be large and other times you just want your phone and credit card...is it just me? Well that's fine too.
When I got the grove Court Lacey from Kate Spade (link!), which was on sale for less than $100, it was a bit of a conflict. They literally had all the colors of the rainbow at the store and I got the brightest lime green.
This thing is an enabler in the worst possible way, but I just love it.
I can find any piece of junk and jewelry, its gotten so bad that I cant find my money because of an overload of receipts...that I do not need.
Among other necessary things that fit are a pen, iphone and blackberry.
Do you have a favorite wallet?


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Quick access Embassy
FrenchLinks - All the information about France in South Africa
According to your personal taste and interests, Frenchlinks helps you get in touch with the French speaking community and agencies in South Africa and Lesotho.
Culture, science, tourism, development, commerce, politics: choose to register for free to our newsletter and/or receive information from our many partners. To register, just complete and choose your options in the following form. You may choose to unsubscribe to each newsletters individually.
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The Hamptons is a unique place with a mind of its own. Sprawling from Southampton all the way to Montauk on Long Island's East End, it's a 28 mile stretch of immaculately manicured lawns, and picture-perfect towns—each with their very own character. From the polished East Hampton, to the bohemian Amagansett, it's no wonder that New Yorkers flock to the beachy locales that reflect their tastes and preferences.
The beauty of the Hamptons is that you can make it what you want: it has some of the best locally grown food and wine for entrepreneurial chefs, the best shopping for the sartorially inclined, and some of the best restaurants for avid foodies. The quiet towns, that swell up from 3000 to 20,000 residents in summer months are also filled with elegant art galleries and family-friendly activities.
But perhaps the most notable aspect of this luxe destination is its real estate: a veritable treasure trove of compounds and cottages all crafted by their unique and original owners. We've scoured the Hamptons to find the most insanely stunning homes in all shapes and styles. Get ready for some serious beach house envy.
Call Aerin Lauder the queen of the Hamptons. Her chic Greek revival manse in East Hampton has all the elegance an charm the Hamptons is known for: immaculately trimmed hedges, all white everything, and a flair for the vintage.
Though located in the North-East, her pool house has the flair of a Palm Beach or Bahamian escape: leafy palm fabrics, sisal rugs, and a statement coral chandelier.
A Swedish couple with an impressive art collection enlisted the help of interior designer Joe Nahem, and architect Annabelle Selldorf to create their ideal Hamptons escape.
The modern home masterfully blends Scandinavian antiques with Hamptons comfort in a relaxed beachy atmosphere.
Southern chef Katie Lee called on her pal Nate Berkus when came time to decorating her Southampton escape. By blending her southern charm, and a laid-back Hamptons vibe, she created the ultimate endless summer home.
The duo chose a soft feminine palette mixed in with a few punches of colour to reimagine Lee's existing furniture in a new, more casual context.
In another cottage by Joe Nahem, colourful art is married with vintage modern finds. A towering fireplace anchors the space.
The East Hampton home feels both comfortable and playful, with midcentury nods, and quirky art.
In the quiet town of Sag Harbor resides Blythe Harris—co-founder of Stella & Dot—and her family. To create the perfect summer escape, she called on the help of designer Elizabeth Cooper.
The clapboard cottage was refurbished with a decidedly farmhouse aesthetic: vintage beams, blue and white stripes, and rustic accents. Perfect for an understated weekend home.
In Southampton, a beachfront house in dire need of an upgrade got interior designer David Netto's magic touch. A smart blend of nautical accents, and elegant furnishings rendered the house locally appropriate without being tacky.
The sky blue floors and beach photography give this house a laid-back breezy vibe—just what this high powered couple with a growing family needed to respite from their stressful life in the city.
Rockstar photographer Ben Watts (yes, Naomi's brother) fell in love with Montauk while on a photoshoot for J.Crew, and quickly established roots there as a weekend escape.
True to his party boy reputation, he created the ideal space for entertaining large groups, blending classic beach style with his quirky colourful aesthetic.
In Amagansett—a town nestled between East Hampton and Montauk—interior designer Jen Going crafted a tasteful beach house far away from the expected beachy aesthetic for her clients.
By blending organic textures and elegant modernist accents, she achieved the highest level of laid-back refinement.
When interior designer and architect Mark Zeff came across this barn style home on Long Island's East End, he wanted to create his "ultimate sanctuary."
Dubbed Blackbarn, the home is light-filled and dramatic in a stark palette of black and white. Zeff used pops of fuchsia, as well as antiques and collectibles from his travels to create this unique escape.
In Watermill, a quiet town nestled between Southampton and Bridgehampton, designer James Huniford transformed a 1910 farmhouse into a chic monochrome home.
By keeping the palette white, and the floors gray washed, he built a calming neutral palette for the young owners.
In a complete departure from the classic shingled Hamptons home, architecture firm Sawyer Berson built a contemporary beachfront compound in Southampton for designer Kelly Behun.
The manicured lawn and stark white architecture serves as backdrop for Behun's impressive museum-worthy art collection and unique furniture. You won't find a more unique home on Long Island.
Between Pilar Guzmán, editor of Condé Nast Traveler, and her husband Chris Mitchell, publisher of Vanity Fair, this couple knows a thing or two about style. So when they decided to renovate an 1890s single style home in East Hampton, they wholeheartedly embracesd the challenge.
They chose a warm neutral palette for the interiors to reflect the colour of the shingles outside—and filled the home with iconic designs, like Børge Mogensen chairs, and Lindsey Adelman chandeliers.
Fulfilling our wildest dreams, this residence on Georgica Pond in East Hampton boasts a picturesque grass tennis court worthy of a Wimbledon championship. Designed by Sawyer Berson, the quaint home has everything to offer and more.
In keeping with the lush green scenery outside, the home was decorated in beautiful green tones, with an elegan mix of midcentury and farmhouse accents.
Steven Gambrel just might be the Hamptons decorator par excellence. With his latest project, he turned a 20-acre farm in Bridgehampton into a comfortable weekend home for a large multigenerational family.
Gambrel's strong suit is color, which he masterfully blends with ease. Duck egg blues harmoniously mix with deep jewel toned teals, and vibrant apple greens in this family-friendly estate.
Jonathan Adler
New York-based designer designer Robert Stilin chose a quintessentially Hamptons aesthetic for his clients in Amagansett, NY.
In a classic shingled home, he effortlessly mixed modern antiques, with laid-back seating, and breezy furnishings. In the master bath, he added the pièce-de-résistance, a cast-iron copper tub from Waterworks.
This dreamy Arts and Crafts manse in East Hampton is home to Delphine and Reed Krakoff. She is principal at Pamplemousse Design, and he is a fashion designer. With the help of architect Mark Ferguson, and landscape architect Perry Guillot, they transformed the property into a gorgeous family home.
True to her French background, Krakoff covered the floors in reclaimed herringbone, and outfitted the space with iconoic antiques.
Tell us about your dream beach house. Would it be in the Hamptons, or would you pick a more exotic locale?


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Autumn Gear Guide
Find inspiration in our Gear Guide that will keep you out on your bike through wind or rain.Download Now
When it comes to choosing a good bike seat, you have everything to gain by putting a little effort into finding a saddle that will fit your tush like a glove.
You know that old expression: "no pain, no gain." Well, forget about it.
When it comes to choosing a good bike seat, you have everything to gain by putting a little effort into finding a saddle that will fit your tush like a glove. Perhaps you just bought a new bike or have been building up a hand-me-down. In addition to outfitting your ride with new handlebars, grips and pedals, you'll want to invest at least as much attention into your saddle. And that doesn't mean you need to empty your wallet to get the best seat for your body type – you simply need to know what to look for and what to ask when shopping around.
Why Replace?
Many bikes come with stock accessories not designed for the people who will be using them. Replacing your saddle could change the way you ride for the better.
Locate the Pain
If your saddle is uncomfortable, try to determine exactly where the pain is, and try to be as specific about describing that pain as you can. Between the three points of contact where your body rests on your bike – feet, hands and butt – at least 55 percent of your weight will rest on your seat. The area that you sit on is called the perineal region, and it includes a network of blood vessels and nerves that lie between your sit bones.
If you are feeling pain or numbness between these bones, your saddle could be too narrow. If chafing along your inner thighs is the issue, or if your sit bones are sore, perhaps your saddle is too wide or too flat. Women tend to have a wider space between their sit bones than men do, so bike saddles for women tend to be broader (see "What to Know Before You Buy" below). The key is to have as much surface area contact on your seat as possible so that your weight is evenly distributed
Choose a Saddle
When I bought my last bike seat, I had Goldilocks in mind. I wanted something not too hard and not too soft. I wanted to find a saddle that was "just right." In addition to testing out different saddles, it is worthwhile to consider the geometry of bike saddle design. Joshua Cohen, in his book The Illustrated Guide to Bicycle Seats, recommends avoiding saddles that curve steeply upwards in the middle to avoid excessive upwards pressure. A slight curvature will allow you to slide from side to side comfortably.
Viewed from the side, the saddle should have a slight flare in the rear to hold you in place. A slight dip in the middle will support you comfortably and allow for front-to-back movement. If you are riding a city bike and sitting in a more upright position, the rear of the seat will be much wider than the nose. A road bike with drop bars will have you leaning forward and so a narrower seat might be your preference.
You also want to think about saddle material and padding. I swear by my Brooks B17 leather saddle. In fact, after I had my first Brooks stolen last year, I swallowed hard, fought back tears and bought a new one to replace it. Leather stretches to conform to the shape of your pelvis and allows your body to slide naturally as you pedal. An added bonus is that you can adjust a tightening bolt under the saddle as the leather softens and stretches over time.
If the leather option is too expensive or not to your liking, by far the most common bike seat is a variation of a hard plastic shell padded with foam or gel and covered with vinyl. Beware that too much padding can result in chafing on your thighs. If you really need extra cushioning, consider padded bike shorts as an option.
Make Adjustments
So you found your dream saddle. You now know more about bike seat design than you do about gear ratios or bearing grease. You even tried a couple of seats out after test-driving a few bikes at your local shop. There is more. To fully reap the benefits of your carefully chosen saddle, it needs to fit on your bike properly. You can adjust your seat three ways, the most obvious being raising or lowering your seat post. Underneath the seat you will see two rails that are attached to the seat post with a clamp. The seat can be moved forwards or backwards along this clamp. You can also tilt the nose of the saddle.
Finally, some saddles come with springs, and you can even buy seat posts with shock absorbers. This is a matter of personal taste. My thinking on this is that if you have maximized the saddle surface that your body is in contact with and the saddle is properly installed, you should be ready to ride.
I purchased a Brooks B17 right before my first STP. I was able to ride the whole 200 miles with no padding. I have Brooks saddles on all my bikes.
If you think you MIGHT like a Brooks leather saddle, before you make that $100 or more commitment, you could buy one of those cheap leather saddles made in China & sold on Amazon.
I ripped the leather on a very old (1970's) Brooks and bought a Chinese leather cheapie from Amazon while I was deciding if I really needed a new Brooks for this old 10 speed which I seldom ride. I wasn't expecting much but the cheap Chinese saddle is pretty good. Because the leather (and it IS leather!) is pebble grain, it isn't as slick as a well worn Brooks – better for me when wearing bike shorts.
If you do buy a real Brooks, take it with you whenever you leave your bike locked up on the street – they are too easy to steal.
I will always recommend the saddle I got when I was dying on my training rides for the Toronto -Montreal Friends For Life rally.
It supports only the sit-bones, is an inclined platform that keeps you in a dynamic, balanced posture – and is great for hill-climbing. Because the entire 'horn' is gone, airflow is wonderful. It takes a bit of getting used to, but I would never go back.
Spongywonder.com is made in new Brunswick, and has a generous return policy – as well as a reasonable price, given that it is near hand-made (and I'm on my second frame in 13 years).
I'm currently saddle shopping and it's a major pain in the… soft tissue. The stock saddle that came with my 2012 Jamis has served me very well, but the upholstery is literally falling apart. I started my search about a month ago and had some specific needs:
(1) The saddle has to be brown. My bike is brown and orange and I really want to keep the motif.
(2) The saddle has to have either raised sit-bone pads or a significant cutout.
(3) The saddle has to be synthetic. My bike is used for commuting and is left locked up outside on a university campus. There's too much risk of having a Brooks saddle stolen.
(4) The saddle has to be a bit on the wide side. I'm 6'1″, 210 lbs, have a sizable derriere and, according to my at-home measurements, my sit bones are wider-spread than most men.
I visited about a dozen LBSs and the only brown saddles to be found were big beach cruiser saddles, so, I began shopping online. After much discernment, I threw down $50 and bought new brown saddle. On first ride to work (4 miles), it was just fine. On the ride home, however, the padding was so softened the sunlight it received throughout the day that my sit-bones sunk right in and shoved a bunch of padding where it ought not be.
Moreover, on my first longer ride (18 miles), the last 9 miles were torturous with my feet going numb and my lower back starting to hurt from trying to find a "good enough" sitting position just to get home. All that soft padding was pressing all kinds of stuff best left not pressed.
This morning, I reinstalled my old stock saddle with a bit of duct tape in some key spots. I'm shopping once again for a new saddle.
Here is what I've learned thus far:
(1) The whole "women's" and "men's" saddle thing is a bit of a misnomer. There is nothing particularly specific about women or men that require they use different categories of saddles. What's important is:
(a) Saddle Width – Sit bone distance for men and women overlap greatly. Separating them by gender tends only to limit the expectations of consumers. (http://rivetcycleworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/sit-bones-saddle-chart.png).
(b) Cut-outs and Depth Variability.
(c) Amount and Softness of Padding — Hard/no padding is not for every type of cycling/cyclist. The same goes for soft padding.
(2) Having a style requirement when shopping for your saddle makes it very difficult to find the saddle you need. (I'm stubborn, though.)
(3) Buying a saddle online without testing it in person first is definitely risky. (I spent $50 on a saddle I won't use. I will try to sell it for $30+).
(4) Go into saddle shopping blind of gender designations on saddles. Know what your body needs and shop for that. It doesn't matter if it's meant for a "boy" or a "girl" — a saddle that works for you just works.
I get soreness and chafing, should I go to a bike store to find a good seat? Where can I purchase your magazine?
Find inspiration in our Gear Guide that will keep you out on your bike through wind or rain.Download Now