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I clipped this recipe for Pasta Cobb Salad from a circular ad years ago, and its been a family favorite ever since. It is always a hit with the crowd too.
image is linked to source
You will need:
pkg. tri colored spiral noodles
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 or 5 slices of bacon
3 green onion stems
4 oz.crumbled blue cheese*
grape or cherry tomatoes
8oz. bottle of italian dressing
parsley flakes
boil noodles according to package directions
cook bacon until crisp and crumble into pieces
brown chicken breasts til cooked through, cut up into bite sized pieces
slice the green onions
mix together pasta, chicken, bacon pieces, green onions, and next 3 ingredients.
Chill if desired. Garnish with parley flakes before serving.
*you can substitute feta cheese for blue cheese if you prefer a milder flavor
What is your favorite summer salad?
Until next time,
**You still have time to enter the My Memories Suite give away. **
Latest posts by Mrs. Hines (see all)
- cherry nut drop cookies - November 26, 2014
- everything you learned in kindergarten - November 24, 2014
- recommended reading: southern hospitality - November 22, 2014


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Are you in the situation right now where you have found a great guy but you just want him to love you more?
Don't worry, it's actually really common, and it's not even hard! You can make him love you more by adding and changing a few simple things in your life.
How is this even possible?
Yes, it's true that men fall in love with women based on attraction and personality, however, there are little things that can increase a man's attraction to a woman based on natural instincts of being human, as well as desires that we all have.
So here are the secrets!
Make him feel better about himself
If you're someone that he loves to be around because you make him feel better about himself, whether it's true genuine compliments, or ego boosts, he will love to be around you. And if he loves to be around you, then he's slowly going to start loving you more.
If you don't make him feel better about himself, whether you say nothing at all or if you are on the other end of the spectrum and you put him down, then he will not love you and may even dislike being around you. So be sure not to do this and avoid being on that level, because it can reduce what we're trying to work on here.
One thing that you should NOT do under any circumstances is disrespecting him in one way or another. Sometimes it might not even be obvious to you, what you did that HE thinks was disrespecting towards him. It should be your aim to avoid those situations and be proactive by showing him your respect for him. This is a great review of the respect principle What Men Secretly Want. Be sure to read every line and get become irresistible, desireable to him so that he never wants to leave you.
Show that you need him, but remember it's crucial that you don't become a needy girl
Now, this is really important but if you do it wrong it will completely ruin everything you're working towards.
You need to show your man that you need him. Men want to be the protectors of the women they love, whether it by their partner, or daughter. The point here is that you show him you need him in this fashion. He will then begin to feel special and important in your life, leading him to a sense of connection and attachment which is the basic building blocks of having a love connection with you.
Please remember not to go overboard with this. If you do, you will be known as a needy girlfriend or needy girl and that's the last thing you want. Once that impression of you is made by your man, you will find it very difficult to get him to change his mind. So go for it and show it to him, but don't go overboard, start small and see how it goes.
Don't forget how important communication is and the fact that you need to be open and tell him what's on your mind
You can't be holding back in your relationship with your man if you want him to love you more. This is especially true when it comes to communication. You must be sure to be open and express your true feelings.
The reason this matters is because if he knows that you love him, he will be more likely to love you. It's the same as when you look at the whole "who says I love you first" scenario. In most cases, one spouse will not say it until they feel that the other will reciprocate it and say it back as well.
Take initiative and surprise him occasionally
I really do think one of the biggest secrets to love and keeping a relationship strong in the long run is surprises. There really isn't much else in the world that is more delightful than a pleasant surprise.
If you take charge every now and then and surprise him with something that he completely does not see coming, it can go a long way. Slowly but surely his love for you will increase and he will start seeing you in his life as a more exciting person and this attachment toward you will grow larger and larger.
Be around and don't hide
The more you are around, the more used to you he is going to be, and so the more he will depend on you and be attached, once again leading to increasing his love for you.
Many women I find just feel that they have to play hard to get for a man to really love them. This is wrong. Yes, in the start playing hard to get can be helpful because it shows the man that you are a desirable prize, however once you have something happening with a man, and you're just looking to increase his love for you, then you shouldn't be doing this and playing games. Rather you should focus on being there for him and making his experiences the best possible when you are around.
Be attractive
Very general, but very important. You should try to become more and more attractive as the relationship goes on. This almost guarantees that he will love you more. And I don't mean the stuff you can't change, rather the stuff you can. Read below.
How can you do this?
Simply look after yourself, eat well, exercise regularly, and take care of yourself both inside and outside. If you are dressing really well, and have a nice haircut then you are already doing good. Be sure to have great hygiene, and find a fragrance that smells really good with your natural skin odor, because from that point onwards he can link that smell to you and it will cause him to love you more the more often he smells it.
As you can see from all these tips above, it's definitely possible to make a man love you more. It isn't easy though depending on what stage you are at with your man. If you guys are both at an early stage, then it will require some risks to be taken on your part. It's definitely worth it though and you need to remember this because it could result in something that you will greatly appreciate in the long run in your life forever.


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Street Level: Around Columbus Circle
I was passing through the Columbus Circle hub on a recent warm day and two things caught my eye and slowed my pace. As I came out of the subway I saw a lone stranger under the Globe looking down upon the commuters. He did not move - and all I could think was that he appeared, both physically and figuratively, to have the weight of the world upon his shoulders.....
The Trump building's globe
As I moved downtown to 57th Street, a glint of sunlight bounced off a building causing me to look up (which as a New Yorker, we almost never do.) I stopped to admire the Hearst Building - with its mix of old and new architectural styles. I know many opposed the building of the nicknamed "lava lamp" above the old structure, but it still attracts the eye with its odd glamour. A little revolutionary and evolutionary, no?
-- Liz Esquirol
The Hearst Building
Tags: manhattan , architecture


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Maldron Hotel Belfast
No availability found through our partners. Please contact the business directly or check some of our recommended alternatives.
How has this hotel rated in the past?
- Room service
- Restaurant
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Business Services
- Bar/lounge
- Pets allowed
Travelers also recommend:
Historical Traveler Reviews Maldron Hotel Belfast Aldergrove
No reason ever to stay here
other than this hotel being a two minute walk to the international airport there is no real redeeming value in this hotel. The food was over priced, the rooms where small, no mini bar, the seperate rooms for the toilet were very very small. The TV had almost as many channels announcing the airport arrivals as they did actual channels. The sheets were cheap and uncomfortable and there is no internet in the rooms. There are 2 computers in the lobby for the guests to share but only one prints. But the worst part of the hotel is that it is a thirty pound taxi fare to the city. There is nothing around the hotel. The staff was marginal at best, except for the bartenders who were easily the friendliest and most helpful of anyone who worked in the hotel. Save yourself the aggrivation stay at the Belfast hilton if you have the option.
Unbelievably bad
If this is what passes for a top-quality hotel in Northern Ireland then God help us and I say this as a resident of the province for almost 30 years. The room was functional at best, contained a LOCKED fridge which required a key from reception which opened but didn't actually work, and a toilet which reminded me of a holding cell. The very handle had been put on incorrectly so it required one to almost dislocate one's wrist in order to open it.
It gets worse though - on the way down the stairs from the first floor we discovered a huge pile of human excrement. Barely able to breathe due to the overwhelming stench we immediately informed a cleaner of our find only to discover that twelve hours later it had STILL not been cleaned up. An outraged call to reception later and someone finally got rid of it (I assume). The whole incident was appalling.
The bar was another farce - a wedding party were present on the day of our arrival and were being served by what can only be described as the world's worst barman. Honestly, this individual moved like he was on valium and had been sleeping for the past century. I waited a full 10 minutes at the bar for a bucket of ice before leaving in disgust as he seemed incapable of serving anyone other than those standing directly in front of him.
Overall I struggle to conceive of a hotel of this supposed standard being quite as bad as this. We didn't even risk the food, preferring to get a taxi to a rather splendid Indian restaurant on the outskirts of the airport. My honest advice would be to avoid this place like the plague, it's the stuff of Basil Fawlty nightmares.
Poor service and food
Stayed at this hotel in September 2005.
The hotel was very poor and certainly not a 4 star.
Service was particularly bad - staff didn't seem to care much. Restaurant/bar food overpriced and tasteless.
Simple things like the drinks machine not working and yet still taking money and staff not able to refund or even put a notice on the machine that it was not working !!
Try another hotel, don't go here!
A real shame
I stayed here for a night befoire flying out on a 2 week holiday. I thought it would be a good idea as the room was so cheap for the night, and it turns out that was the only good thing about my stay.
The room is of a standard size, the bathroom and toliet are in 2 different locations. The walls surrounding the toliet were not cleaned very well as they were stained, and the sink would not hold any water.
The resturaunt was very poor and over priced (2 one course meals cost more than the room did). The food i ordered was half burnt and the other half under cooked, and because our plates were not empty when we finished our meals we were asked twice why we hadnt (the senior waiter stood over us for nearly 5 minutes watching us eat) finished out food.
A terrible experience and not a mistake i will be making again with this hotel.
Spoilt by the catering
The rooms are average,be careful when using room service as it is more expensive than most 5 star hotels carries a �3 charge per tray.Breakfast is �12 and is below average with a large number of international guests a poor selection of breads and pastries at breakfast and empty bowls were items had not been topped up during service.Overall an average 3/4 star hotel with pleasent staff but over priced on the catering .
Hotel is nice, but rooms could use some newer furniture. The restaurant is extremely expensive and always seems empty, so just eat in the bar next door.
It's a minute walk to departures.
No internet access in the rooms, but the two computers in the lobby (they call it a 'business centre, but it's far from) have good high speed internet access. They say you have 15 minutes free per day, but that is enforced and you can use it all you want for free.
Buses leave every 30 minutes to downtown, which is a 35 minute ride+.
How much???!!!!
Comfortable rooms, quite okay for one night.
But, my goodness, the food in the restaurant is ridiculously expensive. They are really having a laugh, as the prices for the main meals dont include any veg or anything!! Dont eat there, eat in the bar area, as its much more reasonable and less fussy.
Good Guiness, try it!
Not quite what I expect from a 4 star
My wife and I spent two nights in the Park Plaza over Easter. It is very close to the airport (about 50m from the exit). Staff were friendly but a little slow to attend to us - no real excuse use as the hotel was very quiet that weekend.
Main disappointment was the room - the mini bar was locked and when I asked about it I was told they were no longer in use and I should order what I wanted from room service - in fairness they gave me a key so that I could make use of the fridge. The sheet had a hole in it the towels were small and thin and one of the light switches was broken.
It was the quality I would expect from a motorway motel not a 4* Hotel
Very good Hotel
A very good hotel in a great position for the airport. Have stayed here many times and each time the stay has been good.
Have mainly used it for work and come over the night before I then have to be in Belfast. This is great as after a plane journey you just walk out of the airport and 100yds later you are in the lobby checking in.
Rooms are smart and offer good accomodation for business travellers. Food is also good.
It is not so good for people visiting Belfast for pleasure as it is a good 30mins outside of the city.
Finally do not worry about the noise from the airport, once you are in the hotel you cannot hear any noise from the planes.
Excellent All Round Hotel
Stayed here on the 22nd Aug 2002. Had our wedding reception here. We were given a honeymoon suite free, as we were flying out early the next morning. The hotel was very clean, very well furnished, and very high standard. The staff where excellently trained, and very professional, courteous and friendly. All our family members stayed overnight and they all share the same opinion that the hotel was excellent. The wedding breaskfast was superb, a sterling service, and a quality experience.
TripAdvisor Reviews Maldron Hotel Belfast Aldergrove
Travel Blogs from Aldergrove
BELFAST Bluegrass festival @ American Folk Park.
After a good cooked breakfast we had a 20min walk to the applestore, stopping by the info centre on the way to pick up maps and brochures. On to Victoria Mall, Central Belfast, where they set up the phone and ipad for us. Also tided up some of my settings in both. We caught the 11.35am coach to the American Folk park near Omagh for the Bluegrass music festival which was 2hrs away. Kevin was very interested as it is the area his father came ...
Belfast, Northern Ireland
... br>
Then all loaded up and back to the ship,coming through interesting places ,like their "Gold Coast"the big home's along the Bay,and places where the famous live,and there are many of them, literary people, so many, learned today CS Lewis is Irish as well,as all their famous musicians, clever, talented people, The Irish,who are often the butt of jokes, but have so many clever people throughout history,I wonder if that is often forgotten by ...
The adventure began...
... board a train for our gate and of coarse we missed our stop lol. Our flight to. Bangkok boarded on time and we found ourselves quite close to the front with plenty of legroom. Chlöe's bed arrived and she was quick to test it out. The flight didn't seem that long albeit it was 12 hours and the food was surprisingly good. Chlöe was a dream and was so well behaved. She slept for a good bit although there was a lot of turbulence so she ...
Random thoughts today..
... for me? Moving to a country where I don't know a single soul. Yes, I can still be a bit shy, but I have definitely improved, and feel much more comfortable meeting new people.. In fact, I quite like it!
What else has changed? I've stopped settling for things. Things in almost every aspect of my life that I can think of. I used to settle in order to keep everyone else happy around me. This may sound selfish, but I have finally realized ...
Music, Museums and Mayhem
... kenong, bonang, slenthem, saron - and Bev was expert in getting us to learn them. She took us through learning to play a simple tune, building up layers of sound and rhythm a bit at a time. It sounded quite authentic by the end. Once the session was over, we walked over to the Botanical Gardens and had a look around the Tropical House, a Victorian greenhouse, with a dome of windows in the middle. The cacti and banana plants reached for the sky, and the seasonal area was full ...


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Comments Posted By Sita Rama 108
Displaying 1 To 30 Of 170 Comments
A Happy Wife Has a Good Husband
Mahatma Prabhu,
You write, "I find many, many husbands don't know what it means to be a good husband and I rarely find unhappy women who have really good husbands."
At the risk of being presumptuous, I would like to suggest that if you could create specific definitions, and thus operationalize the terms, good husband, unhappy wife etc. And keep record of the number of these along with whether it is the man or the woman who want the divorce, etc, etc. And if you had a sufficient size and variety of samples. You could give statistically significant facts on these topics rather than just your general observations.
I accept your observations because I already agree with you. But statistical data might change the mind of someone who tends to see things differently.
Sita Rama das
You probably do not remember me but I remember you from when I was at the San Diego Temple in the late 80's early 90's
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Sep 10, 2014 @ 4:24 pm
Part 2.
My last paste is one where we see Srila Prabhupada give instructions for both husband and wife.
Srila Prabhupada to Mother Sudevi september 15 1972
Please accept my blessings. I am in receipt of your letter dated September 8, 1972, and have noted the contents therein. Marriage between husband and wife means that the husband must forever be responsible for the wife's well-being and protection in all cases. That does not mean that now there is agreement between us, therefore I am responsible, but as soon as there is some disagreement then I immediately flee the scene and become so-called renounced. Whether your husband likes to take responsibility as your spiritual guide or not, that does not matter. He must do it. It is his duty because he has taken you as his wife. Therefore he must take full responsibility for you the rest of his life. And you also must agree to serve him under all circumstances and assist him in every way so that he may make advancement in Krsna Consciousness. By his making advancement in Krsna Consciousness, automatically the wife will make advancement in the husband's footsteps. But if you do not assist him and be very obedient to his welfare, then he may become disgusted and go away. So there must be mutual responsibility by both parties, and now that you are married couple there is no question of your separation, but YOU MUST BOTH TRY VERY HARD TO SERVE KRSNA TOGETHER IN HARMONY( capitals added).
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Sep 4, 2014 @ 6:40 pm
Part 1
Sugriva Prabhu,
In comment 3 you claim that it is a religious principal for a man to immediately leave his wife if she is quarrelsome. Says WHO!
Srila Prabhupada said numerous times that at present irresponsible people marry due to lust only; therefore when there is a little difficulty they divorce. This is hippy philosophy not a religious principal.
Srila Prabhupada letter to Mother Laksmimoni 07/10/1969
Any disagreement between husband and wife is not taken very seriously, as much as a disagreement between children is not taken very seriously. This is because the basic principle of married life in Krishna Consciousness is not whimsical lusts, but it is the eternal principle of rendering devotional service to Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada to director of social welfare, 5/ 21/1975
The husband and wife's quarrel should not be taken very seriously. Ajä yuddhe (More quote by Cäëakya) Just like fight between two goats. They are fighting, and if you say "Hut!" they will go away. Similarly, the fight between husband and wife should not be taken very seriously. Let them fight for some time; they will stop automatically. But the husband and wife fight, and he, as soon as he goes to the lawyer and he gives incentive, "Yes, come to the court." This is going on. So the first defect is there is divorce law.
Srila Prabhupada to Madhukara 01/4/1973
They simply have some sex desire, get themselves married, and when the mater does not fulfill their expectations, immediately there is separation—these things are just like material activities, prostitution. The wife is left without husband, and sometimes there is child to be raised, in so many ways the proposition that you, and some others also, are making becomes distasteful. We cannot expect that our temples will become places of shelter for so many widows and rejected wives, that will be a great burden and we shall become the laughingstock in the society.
Because the real fact is that if there is any difficulty with others, that is my lack of Krsna consciousness, not theirs. Is this clear?
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Sep 4, 2014 @ 6:35 pm
Some No-No's For ISKCON Management
Someone who expects devotees to work in unhealthy, unsafe, conditions and chastises someone in front of a group is not trainable. That such individuals are in lower management positions indicates too few devotees. This suggests that those in higher management may benefit from learning how to encourage commitment to ISKCON. This can only be effective to the degree that the leaders are dedicated to Srila Prabhupada.
I suggest a management style that has been shown effective through huge amounts of empirical research, namely "Transformational Leadership"( TL). One university study, cites three meta analysis studies ( a study of numerous studies combined by statistical analysis) which found TL is positively related to satisfaction, performance, and commitment to an organization. It cites numerous other studies showing connections between TL and a host of outcomes that are clearly highly desirable for ISKCON. .Another university study found a positive correlation between transformational leaders and, "group cohesiveness", defined as, "… the degree to which members are attracted to each other and are motivated to stay in the group.".
If devotees were all satisfied, motivated to commit themselves and perform well, and were attracted to others in our group, we would have enough devotees find some qualified for lower management responsibilities.
Charisma is a quality of one with TL ability. Now, to apply this in ISKCON we have to understand that Srila Prabhupada is the real leader. Charismatic gurus may inspire some growth spurts but that will not result in sustained cohesiveness/ loyalty to ISKCON, if these gurus do not instill their followers with the spirit of being servants of Srila Prabhupada. ISKCON is set up in such a way that those who are not totally dedicated to Srila Prabhupada are destined to leave it at some point. So a real leader, professionally trained or not, is one who puts, Srila Prabhupada (not his own charisma) in the center and inspires others to do the same.
I was initiated in 1980 by a, "Zonal Acharya", who fell in 1986. To his credit, I always felt a personal connection to Srila Prabhupada so I never left ISKCON as a result t of his fall. I feel grateful for the chance to be connected to ISKCON, under the ultimate management of the GBC,and be able to show some gratitude to Srila Prabhupada by serving his movement.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Sep 4, 2014 @ 5:53 am
Kesava Krishna Prabhu,
This is an interesting mediation on Krishna in the form of Time.
You mention,"scientists and physicists who assume that an entire universe came from an infinitely dense nothingness or singularity"
It seems this also describes the theoretical state called," absolute zero"( by physicists) where matter has no movement and is thus minutely compacted and undifferentiated. This always sounded to me like the pradhana- the material energy before the jivas are injected into it. Do you know if there is any scriptural reference or intelligent justification for my speculation?
Ys, Sita Rama das
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Aug 3, 2014 @ 2:55 am
Kesava Krishna Prabhu
Both sides have been addressed see comments 185, 186, 188, Resting the Jiva fall-no Fall case.
Srila Prabhupada explains we never fall because our conditioned life is simply a dream. When we awake from the dream we are in Vaikuntha. So the answer is yes, we never fall and yes, we were in Vaikuntha before becoming conditioned ( jiv jago). That is seeing both sides.
It is not practical to qualify every statement and deny conventional speech. Srila Prabhupada and devotees usually use the word, fallen, fell, etc, to indicate the conditioned state of forgetting Krishna.We are supposed to know that anything that sounds like we have developed material qualities is just a manner of speaking. There SHOULD be no need to qualify that this is not contradicting the first lesson-that the soul is always pure, it cannot develop any material quality, it just contacts matter the way air contacts aromas. When the air contacts aromas it's elemental structure does not change; however its un- aromatic nature is not manifest. We never REALLY fall.
It is easy to explain how we can say we are fallen when in reality no one can ever fall. That is the fall position. It is not taking one side and denying another. Rather it is using a little intelligence to understand that Srila Prabhupada does not contradict himself.
What, exactly, is the problem you see with this understanding?
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jul 8, 2014 @ 6:20 pm
Kesava Krsna Dasa
You say, " It is fairly unusual for devotees to accommodate possible alternative viewpoints other than their own. This can be unreasonable and imbalanced".
I am not sure how unusual it is for devotees to accommodate alternative viewpoints. But the main problem I have with your article is that I only see one side presented;that we should accommodate alternative views. The fact is, sometimes it is appropriate to accommodate alternative views and sometimes it is not.
Of course dialogue is more desirable than competitive debate. Dialogue means both sides accept the view of the other; this results in a more complete understanding.
But dialogue is not always possible, and competitive debate is also useful if it is done in a rational manner. If someone can answer objections, to their view in a rational way, their position becomes more valid and intellectually justifiable.
I find that, usually, while engaged in competitive debate devotees are guilty of some logical fallacies, but overall the arguments are on a rational basis. We should not try to discourage competitive debate simple because of a few imperfections.
To say there is something wrong, in principal, with rejecting a certain viewpoint is, in itself, a fallacious argument. The onus is on the debater to show why the alternative view should be accepted or at least acknowledged.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jul 4, 2014 @ 1:24 pm
Patitapavana Prabhu,
You write, "So one does not fall from perfection. One falls within perfection, to another part of the complete perfect whole- the prison house of Durga mata."
This is an interesting point. To put it in the analogy of the prison house; the prison house, itself, is not criminal; it is an extension of the law maker/ head of state. It is only the prisoners within that are criminal.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 26, 2014 @ 2:04 am
Mother Vishaka Priya,
Please accept my humble obiesances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am not sure what part of my, "refutation" of Niscala's position you are in disagreement with; however, there is only one point that I need to make clear.
You conclude with:
So I think that the first thing Srila Prabhupada needed to teach us was that we were eternal souls, not just in the future but in the past as well
My point is:
I, in no way, disagree with the assertion that( as the western world is largely ignorant of the fact) the first thing Srila Prabhupada had to teach us was the real meaning of eternity.
This is always the first lesson for those who are ignorant of this fact. This is shown by the perfect example of the original Guru, namely Krishna. After Krishna called Arjuna , "indirectly, a fool",( purport to BG. 2.11) the first point was:
Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be. (BG 2.12).
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 5, 2014 @ 3:18 am
Husband As Guru – How About Srila Prabhupada As Guru?
Part 2 of 2.
And even then we would have to question ourselves as to whether it is our duty to make such a judgment. If it is our duty to judge and we determine an act is due to weakness, this might mitigate, to some degree, the level of blameworthiness of a particular transgression. Therefore this knowledge of, "womanly weakness" is needed to avoid judging a woman too harshly.
Although it may be off the topic, I think it is interesting that, in a verse shortly after the one cited above, Srila Prabhupada again brings up the topic of gender temperaments.
"The mother and sisters of Saté could not follow the others, who did not receive Saté very well. Due to natural affection, they immediately embraced her with tears in their eyes and with loving feelings. This shows that women as a class are very softhearted; their natural affection and love cannot be checked by artificial means. Although the men present were very learned brähmaëas and demigods, they were afraid of their superior, Dakña, and because they knew that their welcoming Saté would displease him, although in their minds they wanted to receive her, they could not do so. Women are naturally softhearted, but men are sometimes very hardhearted.(SB 4,4,7)."
So in this case, the womanly nature gave Sati's mother and sister the strength to do the right thing. In this case it was right for a wife( Sati's mother) to disobey the tacit orders of her great husband, Daksa. In this case the general nature of men caused them to be weak; they failed to act properly. Out of fear of Daksa they repressed their feeling and due to hard heartedness they did not give proper respect to a great person.
If we accept Srila Prabhpada cannot deny that, for the most part, the tendencies are consistent with the gender of the individual; but no one says this is 100% Sometimes a most manly man can exhibit excessive attachment for family members(womanly weakness) For example of Arjuna, was crying on the battlefield due to this sentiment. And we all know the anecdote of the Queen properly acting in a hardhearted way by forbidding the King to enter the palace when a war was taking place. So when Srila Prabhupada says generally I accept it very literally. You cannot dissolve it and say there is no general distinction between the temperaments of each. And you cannot say that it is impossible. or even rare for one gender to exhibit tendencies usually associated with the opposite gender.
Thank you
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 5, 2014 @ 5:05 pm
Part 1 of 2.
I do not intend to disagree with either Bhaktivikasa Maharaja or Mahatma Prabhu who are both very senior, and experienced Srila Prabhupada disciples. But, for a long time, I have had some thoughts about SrilaPrabhupada's statements in the verse alluded to and I would like to reveal them here.
Thereafter Saté left her husband, Lord Çiva, who had given her half his body due to affection. Breathing very heavily because of anger and bereavement, she went to the house of her father. This less intelligent act was due to her being a weak woman.
According to the Vedic conception of family life, the husband gives half his body to his wife, and the wife gives half of her body to her husband. In other words, a husband without a wife or a wife without a husband is incomplete. Vedic marital relationship existed between Lord Çiva and Saté, but sometimes, due to weakness, a woman becomes very much attracted by the members of her father's house, and this happened to Saté. In this verse it is specifically mentioned that she wanted to leave such a great husband as Çiva because of her womanly weakness. In other words, womanly weakness exists even in the relationship between husband and wife. Generally, separation between husband and wife is due to womanly behavior; divorce takes place due to womanly weakness. The best course for a woman is to abide by the orders of her husband. That makes family life very peaceful. Sometimes there may be misunderstandings between husband and wife, as found even in such an elevated family relationship as that of Saté and Lord Çiva, but a wife should not leave her husband's protection because of such a misunderstanding. If she does so, it is understood to be due to her womanly weakness.
With all due respect, I would like to point out that if one said, GENERALLY divorce takes place due to womanly WEAKNESS, this would be more accurate paraphrasing than saying, "usually a failed marriage is a woman's fault".
There is no need to justify this statement of the Founder Acharya. But to assure an audience that we are accepting this literally (and properly) we might add that this statement is not justification for assuming a failed marriage is the woman's fault. Srila Prabhupada says, "generally", this means the odds are that this is the reason, but it would be speculation to assume it is the reason in a specific case without looking at the details.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 5, 2014 @ 4:52 pm
The Fall/ No-Fall Debate Boiled Down
You say Srila Prabhupada, " never says that it actually happens to the extent that unlimited jivas have thus fallen into the material worlds"
When Srila Prabhupada speaks of the process; it is the process given for all conditioned souls. Srila Prabhupada says the process is one of REVIVAL ONLY. It follows that all the unlimited conditioned souls have been given a process for reviving their previous state in Krishna Loka which they have forgotten due to misuse of the their independence.
Hearing and Chanting about Krishna will makes us realize we have an eternal loving relationship with Krishna. Eternal means there is no circumstance in which does not exist. When we equate a material element- namely time- with our eternal soul we cannot realize that the forgotten relationship is in the realm of the eternal present.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 4, 2014 @ 4:14 am
Uttamasloka You say, "
Sita Rama: In all of the quotes in your last two posts, Srila Prabhupada is speaking of the theoretical possibility but he never says that it actually happens to the extent that unlimited jivas have thus fallen into the material worlds."
Please read the citation carefully and then comment. Jagadisa does not ask if the jiva CAN fall; he asks if the soul DOES fall from Krishna Loka.
Contrary to your claim, Srila Prabhupada's response is not that it can happen but it never does. The answer is- yes he does fall from Krishna Loka- this is implicit when Srila Prabhupada explains why it happens- namely by misuse of independence which the soul ALWAYS has. Combined with the answer that the goal(Krishna Loka) is REVIVAL ONLY, NOTHING NEW.
I accept the answer Srila Prabhupada gives to the specific question, not one from a different context that you claim is the real answer. The answer Srila Prabhupada gives is Srila Prabhupadas answer.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 4, 2014 @ 3:32 am
I ncomment 2, regarding Jagadisa Prabhu's, letter, you say the second part of the letter, "suggests" that we did not have an active relationship with Krishna. Material examples are meant to help us envision what is being precisely explained. The beginning of the letter is comprised of a precise question and an equally precise answer.
Jagadisa Prabhu had asked, "…if someone has a relationship with Lord Krsna on Krsnaloka, does he ever fall down?"
Srila Prabhupada replied, "The souls are endowed with minute independence as part of their nature and this minute independence may be utilized rightly or wrongly at any time, so there is always the chance of falling down by misuse of one's independence".
Our independence can be rightly or wrongly utilized, AT ANYTIME, there is ALWAYS a chance of FALLING FROM KRISHNALOKA !
We cannot interpret an analogy as, "suggesting" something opposite to what is being explicitly stated a few sentences before.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 1, 2014 @ 3:29 pm
Puskaraska Prabhu, You cite Srila Prabhupada, "The conclusion is that the origin of all life is the bodily effulgence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead." (SB 4.30.5 purport)
Of course! But remember, this is not a temporal origin, Krisna is the casual origin, we are not created by Krishna we are eternal.
Krishna Book Chapter 87
"It is not stated that the living entities themselves were ever created. Just as the shining particles of the sun's rays always exist with the sun, the living entities exist eternally as parts and parcels of the Supreme Personality of Godhead".
Srila Prabhupada writes, "Within the sun itself resides the sun-god, and similarly within the supreme spiritual planet, Goloka Våndävana, from which the brahmajyoti effulgence is emanating, the Lord enjoys His eternal pastimes, as verified in the Brahma-saàhitä (5.29)"( Isopanisad Mantra 16)
We generally say, "in the Brahman effulgence" to indicate those with impersonal realization but the effulgence of Krishna lights up the spiritual world, thus the pastimes of Krishna are taking place in the light of the brahma-jyoti. Those with impersonal realization only, are simply not conscious of Krishna's Paramatma or Bhagavan aspects. Those with who are Bhagavan realized also realize the other aspects.
The statement from SB 4/30/5 does not say our original consciousness is Brahman consciousness; Srila Prabhupada write hundreds of times that our original position is Krishna Consciousness.
We can debate about this forever. But Srila Prabhupada has been asked this precise question by leading disciples( temple President and GBC) and gave the clear answer to resolve the seeming contradictions .
Jagadisa asked if one has a relationship, IN KRISHNA LOKA does he ever fall down? Answer: "THE SOUL MAY FALL DOWN FROM ANY POSITION OR ANY RELATIONSHIP BY MISUSING HIS INDEPENDENCE".
Another Letter to Jagadisa Prabhu, "THE SOUL MAY FALL DOWN FROM ANY POSITION OR ANY RELATIONSHIP BY MISUSING HIS INDEPENDENCE. But HIS REALTIONSHIP WITH KRISHNA IS NEVER LOST, SIMPLY FORGOTTEN BY THE INFLUENCE OF MAYA SO IT MAY BE REGAINED OR REVIVED…..THE PROCESS IS ONE OF REVIVAL ONLY, NOTHING NEW.
Another letter to Jagadisa:" THESE SPIRIT SOULS AND ALL SPIRIT SOULS ARE COMING FROM VAIKUNTHA".
Vaikuntha means Vaikuntha consciousness, this is not about a location. We can be in Vaikuntha while inhabiting an earthly body,or in a lesser level( brahman realization) and have no material body.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 1, 2014 @ 3:21 pm
Bona-fide Study Rests The Case; We Fell From Love!
Uttamasloka, You cite from Jaiva Dharma chapter 16,
"There are also innumerable, atomic, conscious jīvas who emanate as rays in Karanodakasayi Mahā-Viṣṇu's glance upon His māyā-śakti. Because these jīvas are situated next to māyā, they perceive her wonderful workings."
There is a clue in this statement. It is talking about a state of consciousness of the jiva in relation to "…Maha Visnu's glance upon His maya-sakti". This is clearly describing the beginning of the universes- the exhaling of Maha Visnu. The conditioned souls are in the state of consciousness described above, periodically, just after the universes begin. Srila Prabhupada's description of this is strikingly similar to the one from Jaiva Dharma
After the manifestation of the mahat-tattva, these features appear simultaneously. As water in its natural state, before coming in contact with earth, is clear, sweet and unruffled, so the characteristic traits of pure consciousness are complete serenity, clarity, and freedom from distraction.
The pure status of consciousness, or Kåñëa consciousness, exists in the beginning; just after creation, consciousness is not polluted. The more one becomes materially contaminated, however, the more consciousness becomes obscured. In pure consciousness one can perceive a slight reflection of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As in clear, unagitated water, free from impurities, one can see everything clearly, so in pure consciousness, or Kåñëa consciousness, one can see things as they are. One can see the reflection of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and one can see his own existence as well…."
You claim, "It is in direct reference to being in this marginal position that SP and the acaryas have made their statements, "we turned away from Krsna," "we have fallen into the material world," "we have rejected Krsna," "we desired to enjoy separate from Krsna," "we became bewildered by maya" and so on."
This may be the case in a certain context, but it is absolutely the conclusion of Gaudiya Vaisnavism that the jiva is eternally marginal. In the beginning of the universe one is more conscious of their ability to choose Krisna or Maya. It does not follow (logically) that any reference to marginality must be in regard to this specific situation.
The truth is Srila Prabhupada has said that we can fall from Krishna Loka-we can fall, "at any time from any relationship" (letter to Jagadisa 02/27/1970). Numerous similar statements exist.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 2, 2014 @ 10:52 pm
Mother Visakha Priya,
Part 2.
Srila Prabhupada writes in, "Raja Vidya Chapter 6: Knowledge of Krishna's Appearances and Activities (Capitals added).
I have recently cited several similar statements from Srila Prabhupada's books- on the other dandavat articles. But the ultimate conclusion of this issue comes from Srila Prabhupada's letters with direct answers to the questions.
Unlike some letters, these are not( at least not all) private or individual instructions. Rather they are the history a living Acarya clarifying,for the entire ISKCON society, questions regarding the real and ultimate meaning of what he wrote in his books,. For instance if you read Chapter 5 of, "The Great Transcendental Adventure" By Kurma Prabhu you will learn the, "Crow tal-fruit", letter was written to Madhuvisa Swami in response to his question regarding a controversy on this topic when he was GBC in Australia.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 25, 2014 @ 3:55 am
Mother Vishaka Priya,
You cite from the purport of Isopanisad Chapter 16, "The all-pervading feature of the Lord—which exists in all circumstances of waking and sleeping as well as in potential states and from which the jéva-çakti (living force) is generated as both conditioned and liberated souls—is known as Brahman".
Of course the jiva souls, conditioned or liberated, are Brahman, or living force, not dead matter! The soul therefore glows, Krishna Book Chapter 74, "Then the fortunate Çiçupäla's spirit soul immediately merged into the body of Lord Kåñëa in the presence of all, exactly as a burning meteor falls to the surface of the globe".
Earlier in the purport to Isopanisad 16 Srila Prabhupada writes, "Within the sun itself resides the sun-god, and similarly within the supreme spiritual planet, Goloka Våndävana, from which the brahmajyoti effulgence is emanating, the Lord enjoys His eternal pastimes, as verified in the Brahma-saàhitä (5.29)".
And also in the purport to SB 2/4/14:
"As the sun rays are concentrated in the sun disc, the brahmajyoti is concentrated in Goloka Våndävana, the topmost spiritual planet in the spiritual sky".
The brahma-jyoti pervades and illuminates Goloka Vrindavana; the pastimes of Krishna and the jivas are thus within the Brahma jyoti. It is not that those with Bhagavan realization do not also realize Brahman. Those with impersonal brahman realization (as opposed to enjoying loving pastimes) are forgetting Krishna and concentrating on his glowing rays only.
Because we are Brahman by nature does not mean that our original realization is an impersonal state. The impersonal realization is a product of focusing on the light emanating from Krishna as opposed to relating to His personal form. Our remembrance or forgetfulness is due to our desire.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 25, 2014 @ 3:46 am
Resting The Jiva-Fall / No-Fall Case
I wrote that, it was a well-known fact that Srila Prabhupada excpected his leading disciples to ask him questions and then teach the answers to devotees in general. In comment 100 you reply, "That is not a "well-known fact". SP said repeatedly to use his books as the primary source for understanding this philosophy. I was TP of 3 temples and most TPs did NOT use his letters for that pupose. We all used his books primarily. You were not there – I was".
I can tell you for certain, if I was there; and after reading Srila Prabhupada's books I had a question regarding seeming contradictions, and I asked Srila Prbahupada directly, I would accept his answer. I would not consider my own opinion regarding how to resolve the seeming contradictions to be more valid than SrilaPrabhupada's direct answer. And frankly I would not have much faith in a Temple President who felt they had the liberty to answer questions of this nature differently than Srila Prabhupada did!
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 2, 2014 @ 3:09 am
I made an appeal that, regarding the seeming contradiction, we accept Srila Prabhupada answers to a leading devotee. In comment 100 you reply that you were with this devotee (Jagadisda Prabhu) at the time and you were his right hand man. But you do not explain why you do not accept the purposed method for resolving this debate. Instead you attempt to establish that Srila Prabhupada's answers to these statements are inconclusive. You claim Srila Prabhupada is stating a, "theoretical possibility that never happens".
If Srila Prabhupada had answered this question by saying it never happens I would accept it. But he didn't. He said it is always possible from to fall from any relationship at any time. This is the complete answer given. This means it is a misunderstanding to claim that no one can fall from Vaikuntha, per se.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 2, 2014 @ 2:36 am
I have seen several statements from the proponents of the no-fall position that Maya has no influence in Goloka Vrindavana. For example Uttamasloka Prabhu cites Bhaktivinoda Thakura, regarding the residents of Vaikuntha, "They have no connection with the material energy. In fact, they do not know if there is a bewildering energy called māyā or not. Because they reside in the spiritual world, māyā is very far away from them and does not affect them at all".
I do not know anyone who that thinks that Maya can spring up into the Spiritual World and control a devotee in the same way we are controlled in this world as a result of our conditioning. Anyone who does think like that is, of course, wrong.
Yet the fact is, even though there is no connection or influences by Maya, the free will to forget Krishna always exist in the jiva. We do not fall because of Maya we fall because of desire. It is only after entering the material world that Maya, in one sense, has the power to entrap the soul; this is known as conditioning. Every act creates a seed to perform the act again and these seeds go with the subtle body as the soul leaves one gross body and takes another. After billion of billions of births we are so controlled by our habits that free will is almost absent. Maya has no force like that over the pure souls in Vaikuntha. The affect begins after entering into Maya's kingdom due to misuse of free will.
It is clear that there can be no Maya in the Spiritual World because Maya, by definition, means the illusion of separateness form Krishna. The desire for separateness means we are go out of Vaikuntha, not that Maya has entered into Vaikuntha.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On Jun 1, 2014 @ 1:04 am
You write,
If it makes you more Krsna conscious, or more desirous of entering Krsna's pastimes, to feel you are going home to where you belong, rather than a place you have never been before, then you should keep to that understanding. But for other devotees, whose desire for Krsna's pastimes has awakened to a point that they know they belong there, even if they have never been before, it is quite suitable that they know the siddhantic tattva, presented by the parampara.
As your position is that Srila Prabhupada taught the fall position because most devotees needed to be taught this way And there are also those whose desire for Krishna's pastimes have awoken to a point that they do not need to believe this. Why would you not just let those who need to believe continue to believe and let those who do not need to believe just be satisfied with their own conviction?
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 31, 2014 @ 2:27 am
Niscala,you write, "Srila Prabhupada described that we are always in Krsna's lila, even in this material world, "Directly or indirectly, always we are serving Krsna's lila. " letter to Madhudvisa, 1972. This indicates that the breadth and scope of his understanding what it means to be "in Krsna's lila" and in that context it is in no way a misrepresentation of the truth, to say "We were in Krsna's lila and have forgotten it" If even the material world is Krsna's lila, for He is always in some part of it".
Yes in material existence we are still with Krishna because the external energy is Krishna's. And we are eternal servants of Krishna; we serve either the internal or the external energy. And thus in the Crow and Tal- Fruit letter Srila Prabhupada says there is no time when we were not with Krishna. And of course this is the truth.
The point is we are not always Krishna Conscious; that is the distinction. Being fully Krishna Conscious means to be in Vaikuntha. Srila Prabhupada said we are always WITH Krishna but we WERE previously in full Krishna Consciousness. Below are a few of quotes many others can be supplied upon request.
In Raja Vidya chapter 6 Srila Prabhupada writes, "That is the whole process of Krishna Consciousness- the REVIVAL of our ORIGINAL SAC- CID- ANANDA BODY (capitals added).
From, Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 9, Further Consideration of Devotional Principals: Submission
"When one realizes something of his constitutional relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he understands his original position and wants to be REINSTATED IN THIS POSITION, EITHER AS A FRIEND, SERVANT, PARENT, OR CONJUGAL LOVER(capitals added).
In a letter to Revatinandana 6/13/1970, Srila Prbhupada said, brahman realization is in the category of, "NON KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS" and, "WHEN THE FALL TAKES PLACE IT TAKES PLACE FROM THE NON FALLEN POSITION". So we have fallen from a state beyond that of brahman realization.
Srila Prabhupada to Jagadisa Prabhu, 02/25/1970 "….YOUR FIRST QUESTION-IF SOMONE HAS A RELATIONSHIP WITH LORD KRISHNA ON KRISHNALOKA, DOES HE EVER FALL DOWN? THE SOULS ARE ENDOWED WITH MINUTE INDEPENDENCE AS PART OF THEIR NATURE AND THIS INDEPENCE CAN BE UTTILIZED RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY AT ANY TIME, SO THER IS ALWAYS THE CAHNCE OF FALLING DOWN BY MISUE OF ONES INDEPENDENCE.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 31, 2014 @ 2:17 am
Uttamasloka, Part 3:
So we have different opinions of what Srila Prabhupada's ultimate conclusion is. Lets look at how he responds when he is asked about it.
Jagadisa Prabhu asked Srila Prabhupada several questions on this topic. He was Temple President and GBC at the time. Srila Prabhupada was not answering a private letter. He was presenting an answer which would certainly be reiterated to those under Jagadisa's authority, particularly if there was a controversy about the issue as there is at present.
Proof of Jagadisa Prabhu's position is from Srila Prabhupad's letters:( 02/27/70) I am glad to learn that after deliberation between Jayapataka and Raktaka, you have been asked to become the president of Toronto temple. (11/26/70) So far as Canadian expansion is concerned, your suggestion to open centers in Ottawa, Hamilton, Quebec and Winipeg is very nice, so do it practically and Krishna will be pleased by your sincere efforts.(01/16/71) The report from both Hamilton and Vancouver centers is very encouraging.(11/28/70) As you are a member of the governing body.
The letter of (02/27/70) states, THE SOUL MAY FALL DOWN FROM ANY POSITION OR ANY RELATIONSHIP BY MISUSING HIS INDEPENDENCE. But HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH KRISHNA IS NEVER LOST, SIMPLY FORGOTTEN BY THE INFLUENCE OF MAYA SO IT MAY BE REGAINED OR REVIVED by the process of hearing the Holy Name of Krsna and then the devotee engages himself in the service of the Lord which is his original or constitutional position. THE PROCESS IS ONE OF REVIVAL ONLY, NOTHING NEW (capitals added)
(04/25/70) "THIS MINUTE INDEPENDENCE MAY BE UTILIZED RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY AT ANY TIME, SO THERE IS ALWAYS A CHANCE OF FALLING DOWN (capitals added).
(07/ 09/70) THESE SPIRIT SOULS AND ALL SPIRIT SOULS ARE COMING FROM VAIKUNTHA( capitals added).
If Srila Prabhupada had reiterated his, "no one falls from Vaikuntha", statement I would accept this as more valid than my interpretation of how to resolve the seeming contradictions. In contrast, he reiterated the statements(found in his books) that the ultimate goal is to, revive, regain, reestablish, and be reinstated in, our loving service to Krishna. Therefore I accept this as more valid than any contrary interpretation. The ultimate authority on Srila Prabhupada's conclusion is Srila Prabhupada himself, not you or I.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 28, 2014 @ 1:46 am
Uttamasloka, Part 2:
First I beg to point out that I did a veda base search for ""no one falls from the spiritual world once having gone there", and got 0 hits. I did a search for, "falls from Vaikuntha" and got one hit from Srila Prabhupada's books.
The bodies of the inhabitants of Vaikuëöha are completely spiritual, having nothing to do with the material body, senses or life air. Therefore, kindly explain how associates of the Personality of Godhead were cursed to descend in material bodies like ordinary persons.
Purport (partial):
From authoritative sources it can be discerned that associates of Lord Viñëu who descend from Vaikuëöha do not actually fall. Therefore it is to be understood that when Jaya and Vijaya descended to this material world, they came because there was something to be done for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Otherwise it is a fact that no one falls from Vaikuëöha.
Previous verse:
Mahäräja Yudhiñöhira inquired: What kind of great curse could affect even liberated viñëu-bhaktas, and what sort of person could curse even the Lord's associates? For unflinching devotees of the Lord to fall again to this material world is impossible. I cannot believe this.
My position is, the question was not whether anyone ever falls from Vaikuntha. Maharaja Yudhisthira could not believe an associate of the Lord could be FORCED out of Vainkuntha by the CURSE of another jiva soul. Then he asked Narada Muni to explain. Srila Prabhupada explains that, "associates of Lord Viñëu who descend from Vaikuëöha do not actually fall", they come to do something for Krishna.
I argue that we cannot equate ourselves with Jaya and Vijaya. They had no desire to forget Krishna and as such, IN THIS ONE CONTEXT Srila Prabhupada says no one falls from Vaikuntha.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 28, 2014 @ 1:40 am
Uttamasloka, Part 1:
I wrote: "But I accept the answers given by Srila Prabhupada as more valid than your interpretation." You replied "Once again you (and others) are trying to distort this discussion by implying that I am disagreeing with SP or that I know something he doesn't. I AM NOT DOING THAT SO PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT!
The problem is we have diametrically opposed opinions on the way to reconcile seeming contradictions found in Srila Prabhupada's books. There is a prescribed solution. We ask an authority. Srila Prabhupada is not here but he answered these questions as a living guru and we can refer to these answers. It is a well-known fact that Srila Prabhupada explained the correct understanding regarding the philosophy to leading devotees (Temple Presidents and GBC) with the direct intention that they would teach the correct understanding to devotees in general. So his letters, to one who was a Temple President and GBC at the time, contain the conclusion, and this is more valid than either of our opinions on how to resolve the seeming contradictions.
A summary of our different opinions:
I cite several statements from Srila Prabhupada's books and then I say we should accept the direct meaning when he writes, regain, revive, reinstate, reestablish, etc, our personal loving relationship with Krishna or our, "sac-chid ananda body". You reply "No it does not mean that. Those who don't understand this subject repeatedly make these incorrect extrapolations". Then you cite Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati to prove that accepting the normal dictionary meaning of these words constitutes this, "incorrect extrapolation"
On the other hand you say we must accept the direct meaning regarding other statements. You write " Srila Prabhpada said numerous times, in full agreement with the previous acaryas and Krsna Himself, that "no one falls from the spiritual world once having gone there", and there is no way to, "wiggle", around this. I see it differently.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 28, 2014 @ 1:35 am
Part 2 of 2.
Letter to Jagadisa Prabhu, 4/25/1970.
Regarding your questions about how and from where did the conditioned souls fall, your first question if someone has a relationship with Lord Krsna on Krsnaloka, does he ever fall down? The souls are endowed with minute independence as part of their nature and THIS MINUTE INDEPENDECE MAY BE UTILIZED RIIGHTLY OR WRONGLY AT ANY TIME, SO THERE IS ALWAYS A CHANCE OF FALLING DOWN by misuse of one's independence.
Letter to Jagadisa 7/9/1970
Regarding your several questions: Where are the spirit souls coming from that are taking microbe bodies? It is not a matter of any particular body. THESE SPIRIT SOLULS AND ALL SPIRIT SOULS ARE COMING FROM VAIKUNTHA, but in these material worlds they are taking various grades of bodies according to their material activities. THERE IS NO " NEW" SOUL. "New" and "old" are due to this material body, but the soul is never born and never dies, so if there is no birth how there can be new soul?
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 25, 2014 @ 4:49 pm
Part 1 of 2
Although Srila Prabhupada gave specific instruction in his letters that were not applicable to devotees in general it is also a well-known fact the Srila Prabhupada answered philosophical questions from leaders and expected them to teach the correct understanding to devotees in general. Several of the most explicit answers regarding our fall from Vaikuntha( cited below) were written to Jagadia Prabhu when he was engaged as Temple president for Toronto. He also opened up four Temples and was a member of the GBC at this time.
I am glad to learn that after deliberation between Jayapataka and Raktaka, you have been asked to become the president of Toronto temple.
So far as Canadian expansion is concerned, your suggestion to open centers in Ottawa, Hamilton, Quebec and Winipeg is very nice, so do it practically and Krishna will be pleased by your sincere efforts.
The report from both Hamilton and Vancouver centers is very encouraging.
As you are a member of the governing body.
Jagadisa Prabhu asked Srila Prabhupada if those in the passive relationship were more likely to fall. The letter from Srila Prabhupada of 02/27/1970 reads:
"Regarding your questions concerning the spirit souls falling into Maya's influence, it is not that those who have developed a passive relationship with Krsna are more likely to fall into nescient activities. Usually anyone who has developed his relationship with Krsna does not fall down in any circumstance, but because the independence is always there,THE SOUL MAY FALL DOWN FROM ANY POSITION OR ANY RELATIONSHIP BY MISUSING HIS INDEPENDENCE. But HIS REALTIONSHIP WITH KRISHNA IS NEVER LOST, SIMPLY FORGOTTEN BY THE INFLUENCE OF MAYA SO IT MAY BE REGAINED OR REVIVED by the process of hearing the Holy Name of Krsna and then the devotee engages himself in the service of the Lord which is his original or constitutional position. The relationship of the living entity with Krsna is eternal as both Krsna and the living entity are eternal; THE PROCESS IS ONE OF REVIVAL ONLY, NOTHING NEW.(capitals added).
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 25, 2014 @ 4:47 pm
The argument that the letters by Srila Prabhupada on this topic were tailored toward individual devotees and not pertinent to the entire society is erroneous. One principal letter (known as the "Crow and Tal-fruit letter") was to Madhuvisa Swami who was a GBC secretary. Obviously Srila Prabhupada's intention was for the leading member to teach the conclusion to devotees in general. This obvious point is corroborated by devotees who were exposed to the letter.
"Çréla Prabhupäda gives a more elaborate description of the nature of the jéva's bondage in the paper entitled "Crow-and-Täl-Fruit Logic." He sent this paper to the GBC representative in Australia in June of 1972 to settle a controversy that had arisen there over this issue. I saw it in Philadelphia that year and studied it carefully". Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu,BTG 30-01 1996.
Çréla Prabhupäda had read Madhudviña's letter enquiring into the origin of the living entities, and dictated a lengthy reply to his secretary, Çyämasundara. When Madhudviña Swami received Prabhupäda's detailed three-page response, he copied it and sent it out to all the Australasian centres. In the letter, entitled "Käka taliya nyäya—Crow and Tal-Fruit Logic", Çréla Prabhupäda shed light on the controversy about whether the conditioned souls fell from the Brahman effulgence or from Vaikuëöha. Kurma Prabhu, "The great Transcendental Adventure", Chapter 5.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 24, 2014 @ 3:25 pm
Back To Stats Page
You write, "Similarly many westerners would be opposed to the idea we have never been with Krsna as the Christian idea of the fallen soul is the idea of a prodigal son rejecting the father then returning to him.
As a western Christian I was taught that worshiping images, bowing to a man, or believing in any scripture other then the Bible is grounds for eternal damnation.The idea that God has many girlfriends who are married to other men,does not exactly jibe with any Christian doctrine I am aware of either. Srila Prabhupada did not teach a conclusion apposed to Vedic truth in regards to these issues so I cannot believe he felt compelled to regarding the fall of the jiva either.
I am aware of the story of the prodigal son but regarding our origin, the only western Christian idea I have ever heard is that the soul begins at the time of birth in the present material body. As a Christian I was taught that we were not with God previous to this birth, in fact, previous to our current birth we did not exist.
The no-fall idea is most compatible with my Christian sentiments. But I have accepted many ideas of Kriahna Consciousness that are much more dramatically apposed to my Christian sentiments about either the fall or the no-fall position.
Also I find it hard to believe that Srila Prabhupada's disciples in the 1960's and 1970's were such strong believers in Christianity(or any other conservative social phenomena) that Srila Prabhupada had to appease it.
If a Christian can accept,among numerous other foreign ideas, that God is a little blue cowheard boy with a flute and a peacock feather whose mother bathes Him in cow urine, who sucks the life out of a witch that rides on a tree branch, who was taught in school to train cocks for fighting, etc, they can also accept either the fall or the no- fall position. Srila Prabhupada had no need to teach us a conclusion apposed to the truth to appease us in this regard.
» Posted By Sita Rama 108 On May 24, 2014 @ 2:13 am
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06/07/2012 10:54
Grapevine: Celebrating with conviction
Shula Zaken 390.
(photo credit:Ariel Jerozolimski)
Before being sentenced this week by the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, which convicted her on charges of fraud and breach of trust this past February, Shula Zaken put her personal problems on the back burner and gave priority to a family affair. She had no intention of depriving her son Tomer of his bar mitzva celebration, which was no less glittering an event than previous family festivities in the days when Zaken served as Ehud Olmert's right hand throughout his career as Jerusalem mayor and later in his various ministerial positions, including prime minister. Zaken was convicted of abusing her position as Olmert's bureau chief when he was finance minister and prime minister to advance the business interests of her brother Yoram Karshi, a businessman and former member of the Jerusalem City Council, who is serving a prison sentence for breach of trust, soliciting public servants and bribing tax officials.She was sentenced to four months community service on Wednesday.During their respective trials, Olmert and Zaken were instructed not to talk to talk each other, but Olmert, who was the godfather at Tomer's circumcision, was not about to miss out on the boy's bar mitzva and was among the 900 guests who crowded into the View banquet halls in the city's Talpiot neighborhood.Israelis are very forgiving when it comes to family celebrations, and almost everyone who was invited showed up, including MKs, former MKs and former government ministers such as Dalia Itzik, Yitzhak Mordechai and Tzachi Hanegbi. Executive members of the management of Beitar Jerusalem, of which Zaken is an ardent supporter, were also there, as was millionaire and former Jerusalem mayor-wannabe Arkadi Gaydamak.■ For many years, since Teddy Kollek's period as Jerusalem mayor, the guest house at Mishkenot Sha'ananim has hosted writers, musicians and artists from abroad who have come to the capital as guests of the Jerusalem Foundation, to soak up inspiration from one of the most famous cities in the world. But the management of the Prima Royal Hotel, which is within easy walking distance of Mishkenot, believes that Israelis, too, should have the opportunity to be inspired by Jerusalem, and has therefore launched a creativity project under which local writers and poets will be gratis guests of the hotel for two weeks. The first three guests for the creativity project will be authors Edna Shemesh and Noa Yadlin and poet Asher Reich.■ It's not only authors and poets who will be the recipients of added encouragement toward creativity. A new NIS 40,000 prize has been added to the list of prizes to be awarded next month at the Jerusalem Film Festival.The Van Leer Foundation has donated the prize, which will be launched at the Pitch Point conference within the framework of the festival. Pitch Point is a joint initiative of the Jerusalem International Film Festival, the Israel Film Fund in cooperation with the Joshua Rabinovich Foundation for the Arts, Tel Aviv, and the Jerusalem Film and Television Fund.Israeli films are gaining in popularity and winning prizes abroad, a factor that increasingly encourages foreign investment in Israeli productions. This past April, Alesia Weston was appointed executive director of the Cinematheque and will take up her new role on June 15. Weston, whom people in the film industry know as associate director of the Sundance Institute's Feature Film Program, will be involved with all aspects of the Cinematheque's cultural and educational operations, including the Jerusalem Film Festival, which opens on July 5 and continues through July 14. Prior to relocating to Israel, the London-born Weston spent nine years with Sundance. Though some of her childhood was spent in England, she is truly a citizen of the world. She was raised in the UK, Switzerland, France and Israel before moving to the United States. She holds a BA from Georgetown University's School of Languages and Linguistics and pursued post-graduate studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an MA in French Literature at University College London.■ Some 150 young innovators will convene in Jerusalem's Crowne Plaza Hotel next week for the ROI Global Summit.The group, consisting of social and business entrepreneurs, technology geeks, thinkers and artists will collaborate in an effort to devise initiatives that will impact Israel and the Jewish world positively.The diverse ROI Community is an international network of more than 800 social entrepreneurs and innovators in 40-plus countries who are leaders and change agents shaping the Jewish future.Participants in this year's summit, which runs from June 10-14, hail from 26 countries, including first-timers from Bolivia, Iceland, Peru and Uganda.In addition to brainstorming and networking among themselves, the group will meet with leading global innovators and activists, including keynote speaker Doug Ulman, president and CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation – better known as LIVESTRONG – who will speak about how his three-time struggle with cancer led him to hone a foundation that supports cancer survivors and the fight against the disease. The initiatives evolving from the discussions will be presented for review to a panel consisting of hi-tech start-up guru Yossi Vardi, actress and Hollywood producer Noa Tishby, solar energy entrepreneur Yossi Abramowitz, and Azrieli Group vice chairwoman Danna Azrieli.Participants will benefit from master classes by top Israeli entrepreneurs and thought leaders, such as social media wizard Lior Zoref, who gave the first crowd-sourced TED (Technology Entertainment Design) talk in February; Jerusalem Global Group CEO Dr. Shlomo Kalish; Jerusalem YMCA CEO Forsan Hussein; Start-Up Nation co-author Saul Singer; former ambassador to the United States and expert on Syria Itamar Rabinovich; and environmental sustainability expert and TEDx Amsterdam organizer Irene Rompa, as well as coaching from Yanky Margalit. Participants will also engage in peer-to-peer training and collaborative project-building.ROI is a part of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Philanthropic Network, a global network of philanthropic initiatives focused on igniting the passion and unleashing the power in young people to create change for themselves in Jewish communities throughout the world.■ An exhibition of portraits of world famous 20th-century personalities photographed by Bern Schwartz officially opened this week in Jerusalem under the auspices of the Jerusalem Foundation and the Naggar School of Photography, Music and New Media and at Mishkenot Sha'ananim. The 55 iconic portraits of politicians, world leaders, writers, artists, actors, dancers and philanthropists will remain on view until July 21, after which they will be donated to the Naggar School for student use and study.In the 1970s, Schwartz photographed some of the country's most well-known figures: President Shimon Peres, former prime minister Golda Meir, Gen. Moshe Dayan, former Jerusalem mayor Kollek, who created the Jerusalem Foundation, and noted statesman Abba Eban, among others. Schwartz, a successful businessman, developed a passion for photography at the age of 14 but did not pursue it until 1974, when he was in his 60s. He embarked on a second and highly successful career learning portraiture, lighting and angle techniques from Antony di Gésù and eminent photographer Philippe Halsman.Within just five years, he succeeded in capturing a host of international luminaries that included Prince Charles, Margaret Thatcher, Henry Kissinger and David Hockney. His portraits were featured on magazine covers, official photographs and recordalbum covers. He had an ability to connect with his subjects. Selecting a suitable environment, he aimed to put his sitters at ease, engaging them in an ongoing conversation in order to find the shot that captured their personalities.With his technique, he was successful in eliciting natural and spontaneous responses, resulting in portraits that are both authentic and beautiful.Schwartz left the world a legacy of magical and timeless portraits that in many respects are connected to Jerusalem and will be on display at Mishkenot Sha'ananim's Dwek Gallery from today, as well as at the Naggar School's newly renovated gallery on Ha'ayin Het Street.Deal of the century For the first time in history, the Greek Orthodox Church has agreed to sell one of its plots of land. Last week, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem signed an agreement to sell church property in the city center, where a local developer will build a luxury housing project.After four years of negotiations, Benny Nehemia and his associates at Azorim are the elated Israeli parties in this unprecedented business deal which was, for the most part, kept secret from the media. Attorney Arieh Abramson conducted the transaction for the oneand- a-half-acre plot, located on King David Street, not far from the King David Hotel.The King David's Residence project had been promoted as a residential project on a plot belonging to the Greek Orthodox Church; but now that it has become Jewish property, real-estate mavens say that it will undoubtedly enhance the project's attractiveness. The building overlooks the walls of the Old City and is close to the Mamilla Hotel and mall and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel that is under construction. To date, 50 percent of the dwellings in the project have been sold.The Greek Patriarchate owns many large plots and estates in Jerusalem (and in the country in general), such as the President's Residence, the Knesset and Heichal Shlomo.Lights and highlights The International Light Festival is considered the largest light-art event in the country. This year, the fourth annual event runs until June 14. The festival presents light exhibits, sculptures and artistic structures, as well as onstage and street performances of sound and light, in various locations in the Old City.Illumination artists from Israel and around the world will display their artwork. Participants include leading artists from France, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Britain and Estonia.This year's festival highlights the connection between light and sound in two performances: an upbeat performance by Mayumana called "Currents" and a show by the Israeli group Pyromania. These are the only two performances that require a fee; all the other events in the festival are free.The festival is the initiative of the Jerusalem Development Authority, in cooperation with the Prime Minister's Office, the Tourism Ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality. It is produced by the Ariel company.Too close for comfort Local supermarket tycoon and deputy mayor Rami Levy is considering opening a new supermarket in the Shukanion, the covered market near Mahaneh Yehuda.Built about a decade ago, the Shukanion has not been very successful and thus has not raised too much opposition from the Mahaneh Yehuda merchants. But now they are afraid that Levy might turn it into another success story (as he has with almost all his endeavors in recent years), and that would be a serious threat to their business.Their main concern is that Levy will offer attractive bargains, discounts and special promotions, in addition to the tremendous advantage his customers will have with the Shukanion's parking garage. The merchants say that lack of parking and constant traffic congestion due to the large number of bus lines that run along Agrippas Street have caused many of their customers to shop elsewhere.According to the merchants' committee, a new Rami Levy supermarket so close to the open market would be the kiss of death for their business. Levy has not yet confirmed his intentions regarding the Shukanion.A bone to pick Danny Bonfil, former head of the workers' committee at the municipality, is back in public affairs.Bonfil, who once had steady employment at Safra Square as one of the most powerful workers' leaders in the city, was forced to leave his position nine years ago after being indicted for corruption. He is also a key figure in the local Labor Party, and in the last leadership elections of the Histadrut, he joined forces with the winner, Ofer Eini. Now after he has served his community services hours and the period of moral turpitude has ended, Bonfil hopes to be elected head of the Jerusalem branch of the Histadrut, a position that wields much power and influence on the job market and life in the city.But over the years, Bonfil has also gathered quite a few opponents, such as Esti Kirmayer, the head of the Jerusalem branch of the Labor Party. A rising star in the political skies of the city (she is involved in protest groups, the promotion of projects for the young generation and students' organizations), Kirmayer didn't like the fact that someone who had been indicted would be representing the workers in the city. Despite her exerting some pressure – such as a protest march in front of the local branch of the Histadrut – she did not manage to prevent Bonfil's election. He, in turn, has accused her of acting out of personal reasons. He suggested that she had wanted to be nominated to run for head of Na'amat in the Jerusalem region, which did not happen. Refuting the accusations, Kirmayer says she only wanted to prevent the disgrace of electing to that important position someone who has such a "skeleton in his closet."Added tax burden Some urban legends talk about local residents, such as waiters and taxi divers, who sometimes ruin our image in the eyes of tourists because they don't treat them as politely as they should. Whether this is a sad reality or merely Jerusalem bashing, we are reaching a point where this is small potatoes compared to what may be awaiting tourists visiting our city.If city council member Laura Wharton (Meretz) succeeds in having her proposal approved at the next city council meeting, tourists will miss those rude waiters and devious taxi drivers. Wharton, a dedicated councillor for residents' rights, proposes to solve the city's financial problems by means of a special tourist tax. If the proposal is passed, tourists will be charged an additional tax (a tax for the right to visit the most important city for the three major monotheistic religions), which will go directly into the municipality's coffers and will be used for the benefit of the city and its residents. While concern for the welfare of our residents is a noble cause, there are many at Safra Square who doubt that the tourists will appreciate it, let alone accept it.Jacking up the price Parking restrictions for the residents of the Old City's Jewish Quarter are becoming tougher. Earlier this week, residents who refused to pay the new fee for the monthly parking ticket – which jumped from NIS 350 to NIS 700 – were prevented from using the parking lot. On Sunday, when the temperature reached 34 degrees, septuagenarian Ruth Steiner and her husband, a disabled man in his 80s, had to walk all the way to their house because they were not allowed to park inside the Jewish Quarter.The Steiners, who were among the first residents of the Jewish Quarter, refused to pay the new fee because, among other reasons, it was not decided with the participation of the residents as required by neighborhood regulations. Following the refusal of the private guards at the entrance to the Jewish Quarter to let the Steiners and many other residents in, the police were called to calm the atmosphere.Meanwhile, some of the cars of residents who didn't pay were taken to a public parking lot by municipality supervisors, and the owners will have to pay up to NIS 750 to release them.Shlomo Attias, director of the Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter, rejects the residents' complaints. The company is free to set its own fees, he says, and the current fee, NIS 700, is lower than the sum its financial adviser proposed, which was NIS 1,200. Attias also said that most of the residents agreed to pay, except for a small group of residents who are opposed to the society anyway.
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text:
The Office of Family Resources Dinner On Us series offers parents an opportunity to learn more about themselves while acquiring new approaches to raising children who are responsible, respectful and resourceful.
September 22—December 1, 2014, Mondays 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
This event does NOT occur on:
October 13, October 20
Student Union, Cape Cod Lounge
Members of the campus community are invited to nominate a faculty member who has demonstrated academic quality and leadership to be the next UMass Amherst Spotlight Scholar.
October 1—November 28, 2014
Graduating seniors are invited to submit a speech proposal for consideration as the Student Commencement Speaker.
October 30—February 3, 2015
The University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks nominations of graduating seniors for the 21st Century Leaders Award.
November 3—February 2, 2015
Thanksgiving recess begins after the last class on November 26.
November 26—November 30, 2014
Still on campus for Thanksgiving? Fret not - the Blue Wall has you covered!
November 27, 2014
11:00 am-7:00 pm
Campus Center, Blue Wall
Tony Maroulis, University of Massachusetts Amherst director of community relations, holds a series of informal Monday morning meetings open to anyone interested in the university and its relations with its neighbors.
December 1, 2014
8:00 am
Atkins Farms Country Market
Watch student teams pitch their business ideas and compete for a portion of the $10,000 in privately funded prize money to be awarded by the judging panel. The event is free and open to the public, no reservations are required. Refreshments will be served.
December 2, 2014
5:00 pm
Student Union, Cape Cod Lounge
The Malcolm X Cultural Center will host the Annual Kwanzaa Celebration. It is one of several signature cultural celebratory events for the campus community and the general public.
December 2, 2014
5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Student Union, Student Union Ballroom
This is the last day of classes for the Fall 2014 semester.


text:
COLUMBUS Ś Northern Burlington made sure it got late early for the Highland Tartans on Friday night.
Kickstarted by senior running back Kenyatta GreeneÆs four first quarter touchdowns, the second-seeded Greyhounds cruised to a 38-18 victory in their South Jersey III playoff opener. Highland made a late push with a pair of fourth-quarter scores, but Northern BurlingtonÆs lead was never seriously in doubt.
ōHe played extremely well today,ö Greyhounds coach Jon Reising said of Greene after the game. ōWe know he can. Sometimes teams do a good job taking him away, but today we got fortunate in that he was able to make plays when we needed him to, and he just kept making them.ö
Barnegat, which beat Pemberton, 41-13, is next up for the Greyhounds.
Early in the third quarter, Greene scored again, bringing his total to five for the game. He finished with 183 all-purpose yards, sitting out much of the second half.
GreeneÆs masterpiece was the first quarter. On the GreyhoundsÆ first drive, he took a swing route from quarterback Tyler OÆDell 55 yards for a score, then added touchdown runs of 16, 5 and 66 yards. When the dust settled, Greene accumulated 153 all-purpose yards in the quarter.
ōI felt really good,ö he said. ōI was seeing holes and everything. In the first quarter, everything was open. I donÆt know what happened. It just gave us confidence throughout the game.ö
The Tartans didnÆt help their own cause early on, either. Punter Jacorey WilliamsÆ knee touched the ground on a low snap, giving the ball back deep in Greyhound territory, and quarterback Derin Sweeney threw an interception to freshman Mark Granbery.
But things didnÆt run quite as smooth for the Greyhounds during the next three quarters. They committed nine penalties for 80 yards on the evening, but a number of those also cancelled out big plays down the field. Instead, the Northern Burlington offense was often forced to operate out of long yardage situations.
ōWe had holding penalties all over the place, which is frustrating, so there are things we need to work on for next week,ö Reising said.
After GreeneÆs fifth touchdown and with the Greyhounds up 35-6, Reising decided to rest some of his starters. It looked like they could tread water until the fourth quarter, when 229-pound Highland running back Fred Morrison started to do damage on the inside.
Morrison rumbled up the gut for a 1-yard score with 9:23 left, then scored less than three minutes later after a Northern Burlington fumble. That brought the Tartans to within 20 points.
ōWe end up giving up another score, and now all of a sudden you have to put your starters in,ö Reising said. ōThere is always that risk and chance of somebody getting hurt, and you donÆt want that. It gets frustrating. We need to talk to everybody on our team, that when you get your shot, you need to make the best of that opportunity.ö
Northern Burlington (7-2) 28 0 7 3 Ś 38
Highland (4-5) 0 6 0 12 Ś 18
NB¢Greene 55 from OÆDell (Tilton good)
NB¢Greene 16 run (Tilton good)
NB¢Greene 5 run (Tilton good)
NB¢Greene 66 run (Tilton good)
H¢Jackson 27 from Sweeney (kick failed)
NB¢Greene 9 run (Tilton good)
NB¢Tilton 33 field goal
H¢Morrison 1 run (run failed)
H¢Morrison 9 run (pass failed)


text:
New York attorney general subpoenas three energy drink makers
New York officials are at it again. On the heels of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed ban on large sugary drinks, the state's attorney general has reportedly subpoenaed three leading major energy drink companies, seeking information about their labeling and advertising practices.
D.C. Circuit rules against graphic tobacco label requirements
Another win for Big Tobacco.
IP: Bring on the biosimilars
The Supreme Court's approval of the Affordable Care Act means that the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCIA) within the law now goes into full effect.
FDCA precludes Lanham Act claims in POM's case against Coca-Cola's juice labeling
9th Circuit decision illustrates difficulty of plaintiff success on false advertising claims in industries regulated by FDA
No new name for high fructose corn syrup
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) denied a petition made by the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) to rename high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) "corn sugar."
FDA scales back use of antibiotics in livestock
Agency cites concerns about drug resistance
Failure-to-warn claims preempted in Texas unless the FDA finds fraud
5th Circuit decision deepens circuit split on fraud-on-the-FDA statute preemption
Purina and Walmart sued over dog's death
A Chicago-area man is suing Nestle Purina Petcare Co. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. over the death of his 9-year-old Pomeranian, Cleopatra.
Surgical mesh litigation moves forward
A group of cringe-worthy product-liability lawsuits concerning transvaginal mesh (TVM) are moving forward.
D.C. Circuit hears graphic tobacco label case
Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tried to persuade the D.C. Circuit to undo a district court ruling finding that the agency's new controversial tobacco labels are unconstitutional.


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When the Hawaiian lady meets the Sydney CBD.
Coming in from Hong Kong, Carrying the Russian, trade minister I believe for a summit here in Sydney.
Smaug!! Finally caught today in Sydney!! "AIR NEW ZEALAND 118" Heading back to Auckland in the afternoon
The brand new A350 doing a flying display at the Singapore Airshow 2014