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Tagged: america
Shouldn't Men be Manly?
I am quite interested in men's fashion lately.
I find there is a trend that I keep seeing. It's not all that bad, but I wonder where these styles came from. I am twenty-two and I am interested in fashion in an average way. This blog is a worldview blog and I think our worldview reflects how we dress just as much as it affects everything else in our life. However, I am wondering lately about low v-necks, skinny jeans and colored pants. Not to mention when a guy styles his hair more than I do, I get a little uncomfortable and wonder if I am not enough of a girl or he's not enough of a guy. I am not even saying that I dislike these trends, but I do wonder where they came from and why they are here.
Some people think social roles are wrong or bad. However, I think that if you were born a girl, then darling, embrace the girl in you to the best of your ability. Personally, I would rather play in the mud than go to a ball in a big dress. But then again, I understand that I was made by God a certain way and so I also enjoy curling my hair, wearing women's clothing and generally being feminine. Girls are supposed to attract, be pretty and have some sort of softness to them. (And yes, be intelligent, be able to hold a job, and be strong in their own way… etc. I am not just a damsel, but being saved by a boy sounds fun to me too!)
But men? They were made to protect, provide and work hard. I live in Idaho, where I am not surprised to see cowboys here and there. My grandpa was a milk truck driver and so I came across farmers growing up. To be honest, as a girl and in a very pure Christian sense, I appreciate when a man has a bit of muscle going on. He doesn't have to be Hercules, but it's nice to know that he is walking around a bit stronger than me and can outwork me in a physical sense. (And yes, he's intelligent and can be kind too, etc.) When I get married I'll be looking for masculinity, because I want to be the feminine one in our relationship. Girls want to feel safe, protected and provided for – those things take strength!
It seems to me nobody really stands up and claps for the cowboy anymore. Nor do we cheer on the hunter very much or admire the quiet hard worker guy, and we don't encourage the father. (Just look at all our sitcoms on T.V.). We do cheer on the the ultra-sensitive musician (or the metro sexual worship leader) and we think the graphic designer guy is super cool. We young twenty-somethings check out the dude with the neat necklaces that hang just above his deep v-neck shirt and our eyes travel down to his colored pants and his canvas Toms and say, "Oh… so that's where we are going? That's the future?" ()
To be honest? All those tight clothes are what women are supposed to wear… right? And even I'm careful about how tight my clothes are to honor the men around me. Now, now, I don't want to bash the way the guys my age dress and I am not even totally against it.
Me? I just wrote a post to chew on.
What do you think about young men's fashion these days?
(, , and Credits)
Abortion: Not Safe, Legal and Rare. Just Legal.
…Unless you go to Kermit Gosnell, then it's not safe, legal or rare!
Some time has passed since the Gosnell story broke the news. Even more time has passed since the Gosnell trial began. If you don't know what I am talking about, you can read about the murder, scissors, feet, and blood .
You can read about and called the mainstream media out on its non-existent coverage of such a horrific story and subsequent murder trial. I was a part of the #Gosnell tweet fest and I won't lie: it felt a little bit like what I imagine it might have felt like to dump cargos of Tea into the Boston harbor. Except tweeting is legal and so far hasn't led to a war. Now, before you dismiss the #Gosnell media revolution, let's realize that it's possible that we, through mediums like Twitter, might be the new watchdog of the watchdog (media). Especially if the media continues to insist on such strong liberal bias.
The Gosnell story hit me in the gut – like really hard. I confess that I cry at the drop of a hat where abortion is concerned. The babies. The mother! The BABIES! The MOTHER! I go back and forth in a blubbering mess, unable to decide who I cry more for. But this? I had to step away from the computer to get a hold of myself. Anyone who has had a baby knows that feeling of instantly personalizing it (or maybe that's just a woman thing?) But when I see a baby corpse laying in a tray, it's my baby. I see my Jonny usually, because he's my most recent baby. Maybe I am weird.
But maybe I am on to something.
These are our babies. Our fellow Americans at the very least. And as much as the pro-choice movement wants to demagogue about it, saying that if only abortion were legal under any and all circumstances to every woman with just the snap of her finger, there would be no Gosnells. Yeah, not buying it. Why? Well because at the end of the day, the abortion procedure will still stop a life. Even if it's sanitary and hush-hush. And we are talking late second and third trimester lives where Gosnell is concerned. The horrifying thing about abortion is that it is murder. More access to it doesn't make it less gory.
And where does Obama stand on Gosnell? Well, he won't say. But we have only to look at policy and history to know. Obama supports partial birth abortions (WAY different than what Gosnell was doing, of course, because the partially birthed and aborted baby isn't totally out of the birth canal.) <inject sarcasm.> It doesn't stop there, either. Obama opposed Born Alive Infant Acts which would protect a baby who survives a failed abortion. Nope, we can't have that, Obama and his progressive cohorts want unwanted babies dead. We at The Civic Arena have, at great length, shown arguments in favor of abortion to be illogical and at times, silly.
Yet, here we are still. Logic doesn't seem to matter to the abortion supporter. What matters is our "right" to terminate life growing in the womb. Doug Wilson gives this analogy:
"It is as though some horrible event happened in Canada that caused a stream of refugees to head for our border, and someone with very precise legal reasoning skills developed the schizophrenic policy of shooting the refugees on their side of the border, but demanding the ultimate in medical care for them if they managed to make it across the border alive…Gosnell's problem is not with what he was doing, which countless progressives have defended with their special kind of passionate malice, but with where he was doing it."
America, it's time to stop covering our eyes and humming a loud tune to deafen the sound of aborted babies screaming for help. And thanks to Gosnell, we now know that they do actually scream.
I am ending on an unnerving note. But I think it's appropriate if we are a little bit unnerved by this. It's horrific. I hope it continues to be exposed for the terror that it is.
"Obama says abortion should be safe, legal and rare. Unfortunately, it's only legal." - Alveda King
Another Grenade in the Worldview War.
Last week MSNBC set a fire with statements made by host, Melissa Harris-Perry, that include but aren't limited to:
"We have never invested as much in public education as we should have because we've always had kind of a private notion of children. Your kid is yours and totally your responsibility. We haven't had a very collective notion of these are our children."
"So part of it is we have to break through our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parents, or kids belong to their families, and recognize that kids belong to whole communities."
The conservative community responded negatively to the ad, and many of us have heard the "touche" remarks of Palin, Beck, and Limbaugh. Harris-Perry made what I consider to be .
In this statement, she clarifies her meaning:
"Those of you who were alarmed by the ad can relax, I have no designs on taking your children. Please keep your kids! I venture to say that anyone and everyone should know full well that my message in that ad was a call to see ourselves as connected to a larger whole. I don't want your kids, but I want them to live in safe neighborhoods. I want them to learn in enriching and dynamic classrooms. I want them to be healthy and well and free from fear."
She, along with other liberal folks, are totally confused about what could be bothersome to a conservative regarding her statement. Conservatives and liberals agree that every adult should take caring notice of the children of our nation and invest in them. Many on both sides of the political spectrum see the clear value of our children and many understand that the future of our nation depends on the spiritual, intellectual, and physical fitness of our children. Agreed.
The differences emerge when both sides offer solutions to issues that face children. Two separate worldviews come into play. One worldview suggests a solution that requires more programs, better education, more awareness, a sense of responsibility for all of humanity. This worldview truly believes that knowledge is power and it is their moral responsibility to educate — at any cost — children that might not otherwise receive this type of education. (The education being courses in their worldview and value system, not just ABC's and 123′s). This specific education will ensure that the playing field will be equal, and everyone will get along.
The second worldview suggests that maybe this issue goes a little deeper and has more to do with the decay of our morality over the years and less with our current situation. This worldview recommends a return to Biblical morality, honest and genuine concern for individuals, and it values the free choice of each individual. Perhaps every child will not be parented equally, but this worldview doesn't believe it's the responsibility of everyone else to ensure that all things are fair. In fact, it holds that fairness is an illusion. Respect is shown for humanity in attempts to help the less fortunate with whatever extra each person has, but there is no pressure to be or do something by coercion or force. Children should be taught (usually by parents) how to handle difficulty in life because there is no historical proof that more education equals a trouble-free world.
This will always boil down to a war between worldviews. If two people of opposing worldviews both sincerely adore children, they would still find plenty to fight about.
But I can answer Harris-Perry as to why her comments made conservatives so mad. Because she said that we need to "break through" the idea that "kids belongs to their parents." And she used that wording repeatedly. Now, if her intention is just to make a safe and healthy world for kids, please tell me why would she use that wording? This was not an off-hand comment to a reporter, this was a TV spot that she was doing. Clearly rehearsed and well-thought out. Those words were chosen.
That's why Worldview #2 got mad at Worldview #1 this time.
Learning in "dynamic classrooms," and being healthy and well doesn't make fear go away. We can make public education available earlier, better, and include more fruits and veggies. But nothing, and I mean nothing can replace a parent's role in their child's development. Parents not Programs prepare children for life, for a global economy and for just being a great parent themselves someday. That is, if we believe that humans are individually and intrinsically valuable. But if we believe they are just another cog in the great machine, then perhaps we might be easily tricked into thinking they don't need parents as much as they need a good education.
What is your take on this latest grenade in the worldview war?
By Steph Nelson
Water Cooler Talk: Religion and Politics
He completely disagrees with me.
I completely disagree with him.
He hates America, I adore America. He violently attacks Christianity, I sweetly offer it to anyone who is willing to listen. He's into the darkest things, I wait for the morning so I can dance under the light of day. He's water and I am oil.
So then, how do we have the best weekly conversations about religion?
I've done it. I've shoved the gospel down someone's throat. I have pushed my political viewpoints right in front of someone and arrogantly said, "Take it or leave it." But then, I realized this was not the way to do it! Sharing the gospel is not about holding up a sign and saying, "You'll go to HELL if you don't believe!" (Which, to be bluntly honest, is what I do believe). However, that's not really attractive and even I call that person crazy.
However, personally speaking, the most success I have had with the gospel is when I've prayed for someone and when I've showed them I really care. To be really specific, I've had the best times of seeing someone convert to Christianity after a church service when the music played and they'd heard the pastor preach and they were there at church to seek God in some way anyway. Softly I have asked dozens of times, "Do you want me to go with you down to the people who can lead you into Christianity? It just takes one prayer to begin and then we can talk about what God is doing in you after that…." I've had so many people nod and I've taken their hand and led them to Christ. In those instances, I was not pushy and I just held open my own hands and asked.
I've also had many conversations about politics that were successful too. The million dollar answer to that one is: Humility! Humility. Humility. Humility. To sit there patiently and listen to what they have to say (not sitting there waiting for them to finish so I could refute quickly). Another great way is to ask a question, "What do you say to the argument that a pencil can't write a sentence, the person does, just like a gun cannot shoot someone, a person does? Do you think maybe focusing on gun education and improving good citizenship in our schools might be better than banning all the guns in the world?" Then calmly listening to their answer.
Do you have tactics to arguments?
What has worked? What hasn't?
Why do you discuss religion and politics?
Why don't you?
By JJ Day
Teaching Kids to Be Responsible
By Amy Vassar
Responsibility. I think that's one of the weightiest words I ponder as a parent. What can I do to teach my children responsibility? How can I prepare them to take ownership of their lives and their decisions? What is the best way to help them transition from the authority of Dad and Mom to the authority of God, as a person with a free will but a solid moral compass? Oh man. Ask yourself those questions once a day and you'll see an increase in your prayer life!
As a college instructor, I see every day the disservice that has been done to many young people in terms of their view of responsibility. When did it become normal to turn assignments in late and expect to get credit for them? At what point did the shift occur that makes students assume they won't be held responsible for instructions that they overlooked? Now, this is certainly not true of every student in my classes, but it is a pervasive attitude that seems to be increasing all the time.
As a mom, then, I am on a mission. I want my children to be prepared to take responsibility in their daily habits, their studies, their jobs, and their relationships. To accomplish this, in addition to the constant prayer I alluded to earlier, I am working on three basic lessons with them.
1. Embrace things that are hard. "Just because something is hard does NOT mean that it should not be done or that you should not be held responsible for it." I'm pretty sure there are nights that I say this in my sleep, because of how often I say it to my oldest child. But of course this cuts both ways; in order to teach my children to embrace difficult tasks, I must do likewise. My goal is to never let "It's too hard" be an acceptable excuse in our home. God created the human mind and will to be capable of incredible things, but unless you're occasionally pushed to your limits, you won't know how far you can go. This can take the form of practical tasks like cleaning and organizing a closet or packing in a load of firewood, or even physical activities like doing a set number of jumping jacks or sit-ups.
2. Find the information you need. Sometimes in life we aren't given all the necessary information for a task. Marriages and children don't come with instruction manuals. When you start a new job, there are usually numerous little parts of your job that you have to figure out on your own. To prepare our children for this reality, it's important to sometimes leave out some details and require them to track those down. For small children, this could be done with little tasks like telling them to put away two things that are on the floor, one of which they don't know what to do with. The process of learning to ask questions is so important!
3. If you can do it, and you know it needs to be done, then it's your job. Sorry, I know that phrase doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Likewise, it can be a tricky one to implement and enforce. But while we are big proponents of designated chores in our house (another way to teach responsibility!), I'm not a fan of the "my chores, no more" attitude that can sometimes develop. So if my 4-year-old walks past a piece of trash three times without picking it up, he'll have some explaining to do. If my 5-year-old knows it's time to set the table, she is expected to be in there helping get it done. In this way, we are all taking responsibility for the smooth functioning of the household.
In closing, I certainly don't have this all mastered, and I am not as consistent yet with enforcing these things as I want to be, but I hope they help stir up some ideas for you. Now go inspire your children with responsibility! There's a generation out there waiting for its leaders.
Amy is a wife, mother, teacher, and photographer. She has been married to her husband Paul for 8 years. Paul is a small business owner and together they home school their 3 children, who are currently in 8th grade, kindergarten, and preschool.
Amy holds a B.A. in Spanish and an M.A. in Teaching from the College of Idaho, and she is in the process of earning an M.A. in Spanish from New Mexico State University. She is a member of the Spanish faculty at College of Western Idaho, where she formerly served as program head of Modern Language and currently serves on several committees aimed at improving the quality of online and hybrid courses. She is also a freelance photographer, specializing in family and senior portraiture.
Amy is passionate about education and about missions. Her goal in homeschooling is to raise up confident, responsible individuals who know how to learn, how to work hard, and how to pour themselves into whatever mission field God calls them to, whether at home or in other lands.
The Enemy
Have you ever noticed how quick we are to project our own views on to everyone else? I am guilty of this.
I recently read a book called . It is about a bigoted, obnoxious, conservative Christian, young-adult man who decides to "go in the closet" and pretend to be gay for a year in an attempt to overcome his bigotry. He even leads his family to believe that he is gay and he immerses himself into the LGBT community. It is the author's personal journey from religious bigot to….well, I don't know what. He's opposed to any labels.
I had great hopes for this book. The premise fascinated me. The author's attempt to walk in someone else's shoes for a year, regardless of personal loss, was noble.
However, I must confess, when a friend first referred the book to me, my first thought was, "Great, another Christian-bashing book. Can't wait to read it!" (Yes, you detect sarcasm.) My friend assured me it wasn't, but our views of Christian-bashing are clearly different because I found it to be just that. It's too bad too, because the author has a great message to share. If only he could have done it without alienating his target audience.
I won't review the book directly because I'm not sure I would recommend it – and there are plenty of reviews already on . I think it would offend most conservative Christians (because of his harsh stereotypes and eventual deviation from traditional theology), but I don't necessarily think it would appeal to homosexuals either.
So you are probably wondering why I am even writing about it. I'm not so sure myself. The book has been bugging me, camping in the back of my mind and constantly pestering me.
It was an eye opener for me. Not about the homosexual community, which is not unfamiliar to me. But rather, about Christians. He is intensely harsh towards conservative Christians as he projects his once-bigoted self onto every other conservative, fundamentalist Christian. In fact, towards the end of the book he confesses to exchanging one form of bigotry (towards LGBTs) for another (towards conservative Christians).
Before the experiment, he was horrible to the LGBT community. Mocking them. Throwing condemning Bible verses in their face. Treating them like they had a contagious disease. Believing that God hates them. He showed no love, compassion, empathy or understanding. He said repeatedly that he was taught to be this way and seems to conclude that this reflects all conservative Christians and is a direct result of their theology.
The way traditional Christianity is represented in this book is not the Christianity that I know. It is not consistent with the Bible. It is not a representation of the Christians in my life. I hate Christian stereotypes. I hate the way the media portrays us. I hate the assumptions my non-Christian friends make about me. I feel like I am always fighting against these, always coming to the defense of Christianity. And I honestly don't understand it.
I now realize this is because I project my views and experiences with Christianity on to everyone else, much like the author of this book. But I don't see judgmental bigots.
I see a loving family.
I see grace, compassion, and forgiveness.
I see broken lives made whole.
I see relationships restored.
I see service and sacrifice.
I see loyal friendships where people lay their lives down for one another.
I see a Savior, who died for ALL of our sins.
I see hope, for anyone who asks.
Is it possible that these same people – who have richly experienced the grace of God in their own lives – are egging the cars of homosexuals? It is possible that they are spewing hate to their gay and lesbian acquaintances? Is it true that they elevate these behaviors to a level of sin that God cannot forgive? Do they ostracize the LGBT community, treating them as if they have a contagious disease?
I don't know. I hope with all my heart that it isn't true. But clearly there are professing Christians who do these things, and it breaks my heart. This is not the message of the gospel. This is not behavior that reflects biblical Christianity.
We don't have to reject the Bible to embrace our homosexual neighbor. We don't have to deny the gospel to sit in their living room and hear their stories. We don't have to compromise our beliefs to have a homosexual couple over for dinner and to be their friend.
We don't have to agree with people to love them. We don't have to convince them to agree with us. We obviously haven't taken the time to understand or to show we care. We've failed to demonstrate the love of Christ.
They see us as the enemy, apparently because that is what we have been to them.
An enemy.
Do we label them perverted, disgusting, untouchable?
Do we judge them?
Do we throw our stones, and revel in our self-righteousness?
Do we fail to understand the burdens they bear?
Could it be that the only message they hear from us is "Homosexuality is an abomination!?"
Could it be that all they see of Christianity is our fight against gay marriage?
Regardless of how we answer these questions, this is how many view us. My heart breaks. My heart breaks for the pain we cause, when we should be messengers of hope. We should reflect the love of Christ.
In the same way that those in the LGBT community don't want to be labeled and want to be treated as individuals, I hope people will do the same for me. I hope they can stop rejecting all conservative Christians because of the idiocy of a few (or perhaps many, sadly) and give us a chance to bridge the gap.
Saeed Forgives: A Letter To His Wife
Today I want to link a letter that Naghmeh, Pastor Saeed Abedini's wife received this week. If you remember, Saeed is being held in prison in Iran and abused for his Christian faith. I will let him speak for himself:
Read Pastor Saeed's heartfelt letter.
By Stephanie Nelson
Further Reading:
Those Intolerant Christians!
I am going to go against the flow here and make the claim that Christian love is not the same thing as tolerance. Tolerance is good (sometimes). Love is good. They are not the same thing. As a Christian, I often get accused of not demonstrating the love of Christ because I'm intolerant. I confess: there are things I don't tolerate.
Here is a definition for : "a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own."
It sounds wonderful, doesn't it? I want to be fair. I want to be objective, particularly regarding other people's views and practices. I want people to have the freedom to believe whatever they want, and to practice their beliefs accordingly. I want to embrace different races and cultures, and I want to accept their differences.
I'm not so sure I want to be permissive, at least not in an all-inclusive sort of way.
I have many friends who see the world differently than me and who hold completely opposite views in many fundamental things. I love having friends like these. They open up to me a view of the world that is entirely different from my own. They make me step back and look at my own beliefs in a different light. They make life so incredibly interesting. I love diversity, and it often saddens me that our tendency is to surround ourselves with people who are exactly like us.
Here is what tolerance IS NOT:
Tolerance does not mean that I have to accept their views, which are completely contradictory to mine, as also being true (resulting in a logical contradiction). Tolerance does not mean that I have to yield my moral convictions to someone else's, in particular to a moral code that is chosen arbitrarily.
So many claim that a true demonstration of the love of Christ is through tolerance. And often times, they go so far as to claim Christian love is demonstrated through the illogical type of tolerance mentioned above.
In my experience, people who preach tolerance are often lacking in Christian love. And those who demonstrate Christian love are often intolerant, and rightly so.
So what is Christian love? What does it look like in the world of debate and differing points of view? Most of us have heard or read the following verses many times. But please stop and consider them in regards to tolerance and differences in opinion.
"Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails."
~1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
How do I show love towards people who disagree with me?
I'm patient. I'm kind. I honor them. I seek their good and not my own. I don't get angry. I don't call them names or put them down to make myself look good. I don't stop loving them just because we disagree. I am grieved by sin, and I rejoice over truth and virtue.
Christian love entails standing firm in the truth, but in a loving manner. Christian love does not include being permissive and tolerating sin or falsehood.
Here is an example, which may seem a bit extreme and ridiculous, but it should adequately illustrate my point.
Let's say I find out my husband has been unfaithful.*
From a biblical standpoint, I have every right to end the marriage.
Scenario 1: Not loving and not tolerant
I scream at him and tell him I hate him and I pack his stuff up and throw it all in the trash. I tell the world what a scoundrel he is and how horrible he is for betraying me. I change the locks on the doors and sue him for as much possible child support as I can. I tell the kids what a terrible father they have. I hate him forever and ever.
Scenario 2: Tolerant and not loving
I tell him that I think adultery is morally wrong. He tells me monogamy is old-fashioned and outdated and he can't get his needs met by just one woman. I tell him that isn't true for me, but it must be true for him. I can't possibly get mad because it is just a simple difference of opinion. I'm a bit upset that he lied (broke his vows), but he doesn't think lying is wrong in certain situations. He said his vows 15 years ago and he was too young and now he has changed so they don't mean anything anymore. I stick around, being tolerant of his affairs, but I remain faithful. He is tolerant of my monogamy.
Scenario 3: Loving and not tolerant
I grieve over his sin. I grieve over his betrayal. I tell him that adultery is morally wrong and that it is absolutely not okay in our marriage. He can choose to repent and work towards restoration – or he can continue in his sin and the marriage will be terminated. I show him love: kindness, patience, honor, perseverance, hope, etc. But I do not tolerate his sin.
There is no scenario 4 (loving and tolerant) because, in this case, the two are not compatible.
We should all strive to tolerate differing "opinions and practices." However, expecting people to accept contradictory things as true is illogical. And being tolerant of different moralities is pretty much impossible. Taking a moral stance (which we all do) is not indicative of a lack of Christian love, in fact, if done correctly, it is an expression of that love.
*For the record, this is a fictional illustration. My husband is awesomely loyal and devoted to me.
Mommy, There's a Man In The Girl's Bathroom!
Do I really have to share a public restroom with a man in order to not be discriminating?
Are we archaic in our gender-specific bathrooms and need to change over to gender neutral ones?
Such is the belief of a minority of gender confused people who are getting their way when it comes to public restrooms. Not that I don't see that this is definitely an issue for transgender people. They would like a place to go to the bathroom that makes them feel safe and okay. But is opening up the bathrooms for anyone and everyone really the best solution? Shouldn't we also ensure that women and children feel safe and okay, too?
Can't we just keep adding gender neutral/family bathrooms to stores along with the traditional ones? I don't want to sound unkind toward those who are gender confused (I do understand the problem.) However, I personally would feel extremely unsafe, very uncomfortable, and somewhat violated to have to do my business right next to some strange man. We could have some heterosexual men take advantage of this law and do much damage. It's a very vulnerable position to be in. How about my children who could not defend themselves against some sicko wanted to take advantage from the stall right next to them? After all, he is there legally.
I know Boise already has in effect this law of no discrimination of public accommodations. Now it's up for vote in Pocatello, ID. Of course, we're way behind public universities when it comes to freedom for all in the bathrooms.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
How about changing rooms and locker rooms? Is it really unjust and prejudice to have guys use guy bathrooms and girls use girl bathrooms unless you've had a sex change, until all stores have a third option, the family/gender neutral bathroom? How can we make laws that help one group of people but possibly endanger another group? We need to be very careful what laws we put into effect that can be taken to a very bad extreme if an individual decides to.
Further Reading:
The Truth About Leprechauns
Happy St. Patrick's Day! (And Happy Birthday to my mom! Love you!)
Currently, I work for a Learning Center. I was walking around the large play structure during their recess time when a kindergarten girl ran up to me and started gushing about leprechauns. I listened, I always get a little uncomfortable inside when I come around these kinds of holidays. (You know, Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, demons and stuff around Halloween, etc). This is because I am uncomfortable lying! I just am. Around the time I was sixteen I had a good conversation with God about not being a liar and so I've tried so very hard to not lie to people. (Even when those little lies slip out, I go back to the person and apologize!)
When the little girl asked, "Miss Jessica! How long do leprechauns live?"
I almost blurted a random answer, but I hesitated and guilt hit me. Why? Because I really wanted to be honest with her and say, "Darling, leprechauns don't exist." But that was not my authority. Her parents might get mad, my bosses would get mad and her teacher's work of convincing her that leprechauns existed all that day would have been ruined. So I mumbled, "Um, I don't know. Are you playing tag with those girls?" She ran off.
In my very sincere and humble mind I ask, "What is the benefit of lying to kids when it comes to holidays?"
Do you remember when you found out Santa wasn't real? (Sorry if you still do. I totally just ruined it…) I remember! I was around the kindergarten age. At first I was shocked. Then mad. Finally, I was disappointed. After that I felt pride in knowing a secret my younger siblings didn't know and I got to stay up every Christmas and wrap the presents and set out Santa's presents with my parents. It was a tradition that I got to have as the oldest sibling.
When I got saved at fifteen, Christmas changed completely for me. What?! Why didn't anyone tell me the awesomeness of what Christmas was really and originally about? It's a huge worldwide birthday party for baby Jesus? Sign me up for that fun!
I suppose all I can really do to spread the news that leprechauns aren't real, is write out my heart and questions about it in a blog about worldviews. Then, I can dream about my own kids and how I'll tell them what Christmas is all about: Jesus. Or that Easter isn't just about a silly bunny rabbit bringing plastic eggs with chocolate in them, it is also about Jesus.
Someday I'll get to sit them down and explain that St. Patrick was an amazing man who lived an incredible life! I will tell them how St. Patrick was brave when he was enslaved, escaped and then had such a deep burden to help those who enslaved him that he went back to help them! Who did St. Patrick live his life for? That's right: Jesus.
Click the link to read about St. Patrick and who he really was:
And that's the truth about leprechauns.
Question: What is the value of lying to kids about holidays?
By JJ Day


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Orchids Declares Quarterly Dividend Of $0.20 Per Share
PRYOR, Okla., Aug. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 9, 2012, at a regularly scheduled meeting, the Board of Directors of Orchids Paper Products Company (NYSE MKT: TIS) authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per outstanding share of the Company's common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 5, 2012. The Company expects to pay this dividend on September 21, 2012.
About Orchids Paper Products Company
Orchids Paper Products Company is an integrated manufacturer of tissue paper products serving the at home private label consumer market. From its operations in north east Oklahoma, the Company produces a full line of tissue products, including paper towels, bathroom tissue and paper napkins, to serve the value through premium quality market segments. The Company provides these products to retail chains throughout the United States. For more information on the Company and its products, visit the Company's website at http://www.orchidspaper.com.
SOURCE Orchids Paper Products Company
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subset: commoncrawl


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Top Ten Best Broward County Rappers: Part 2, With Protoman, Robb Bank$, and Beville
See also
South Florida Rapper Beville Is Fighting for the Dream
The ability to present personal ups and downs and connect with listeners in an intimate manner is a trait underappreciated in hip-hop. For the past couple of years, Beville has continued to do just that. He's improved this skill while at the same time delivering some of the sharpest content with such songs as "Message in an Rx Bottle" and mixtape Sincere Vandal, released last year after body-bagging various industry beats that lead up to the mixtape's release.
After remaining close-mouthed for the first half of 2012, Beville has picked up some much-needed steam in the second part of the year. The rapper has released three singles, "All 4 It," "Numb," and "Fire in Cairo," and displayed his totally solid abilities on stage as opening act for Ski Beatz at Green Room. Let's just hope he continues to roll on.
Follow @CountyGrind
Sponsor Content


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The AD9228 is a quad, 12-bit, 40/65 MSPS analog-to-digital con- verter (ADC) with an on-chip sample-and-hold circuit designed for low cost, low power, small size, and ease of use. The product operates at a conversion rate of up to 65 MSPS and is optimized for outstanding dynamic performance and low power in applications where a small package size is critical.
The ADC requires a single 1.8 V power supply and LVPECL-/ CMOS-/LVDS-compatible sample rate clock for full performance operation. No external reference or driver components are required for many applications.
The ADC automatically multiplies the sample rate clock for the appropriate LVDS serial data rate. A data clock output (DCO) for capturing data on the output and a frame clock output (FCO) for signaling a new output byte are provided. Individual-channel power-down is supported and typically consumes less than 2 mW when all channels are disabled.
The ADC contains several features designed to maximize flexibility and minimize system cost, such as programmable clock and data alignment and programmable digital test pattern generation. The available digital test patterns include built-in deterministic and pseudorandom patterns, along with custom user- defined test patterns entered via the serial port interface (SPI).
The AD9228 is available in an RoHS compliant, 48-lead LFCSP. It is specified over the industrial temperature range of −40°C to +85°C.
Product Highlights
To drive this ADC in DC-coupled applications, we suggest AD8139 or ADA4938-1. To drive this ADC in AC-coupled applications, we suggest AD8351. To select a VGA to use with this ADC, please visit our VGA selection table.
Technical Article: Complete Analog Front End (AFE) for Advanced Ultrasound Equipment
For additional ADI Healthcare Products and related information, please visit www.analog.com/healthcare.
|Content Type
|File Type
|AD9228: Quad, 12-Bit, 40/65 MSPS Serial LVDS 1.8 V A/D Converter Data Sheet (Rev E, 12/2011) (pdf, 2015 kB)
|Data Sheets
|AN-1142: Techniques for High Speed ADC PCB Layout (pdf, 392 kB)
|Application Notes
|AN-282: Fundamentals of Sampled Data Systems (pdf, 2131 kB)
|Application Notes
|AN-737: How ADIsimADC Models an ADC (pdf, 373 kB)
|Application Notes
AN-808: Multicarrier CDMA2000 Feasibility
(pdf, 1535 kB)
The goal of this application note is to determine the feasibility of implementing a multicarrier CDMA2000 transceiver and what the major subsystem performances must be.
|Application Notes
|AN-827: A Resonant Approach to Interfacing Amplifiers to Switched-Capacitor ADCs (pdf, 203 kB)
|Application Notes
|AN-905: VisualAnalog Converter Evaluation Tool Version 1.0 User Manual (pdf, 2124 kB)
|Application Notes
|AN-935: Designing an ADC Transformer-Coupled Front End (pdf, 363 kB)
|Application Notes
|AN-835: Understanding High Speed ADC Testing and Evaluation (pdf, 985 kB)
|Application Notes
AN-586: LVDS Outputs for High Speed A/D Converters
(pdf, 207 kB)
High Speed ADCs Uses LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) to Minimize Performance Limitations In ADC Applications When Providing High Speed Data Output
|Application Notes
AN-812: MicroController-Based Serial Port Interface (SPI) Boot Circuit (pdf, 452,449 bytes)
(pdf, 441 kB)
This application note describes the operation of a general-purpose, microcontroller-based Serial Port Interface (SPI) boot circuit.
|Application Notes
|AN-715: A First Approach to IBIS Models: What They Are and How They Are Generated (pdf, 370 kB)
|Application Notes
AN-345: Grounding for Low-and-High-Frequency Circuits
(pdf, 455 kB)
Know Your Ground and Signal Paths for Effective Designs. Current Flow Seeks Path of Least Impedance-Not Just Resistance....
|Application Notes
|AN-756: Sampled Systems and the Effects of Clock Phase Noise and Jitter (pdf, 291 kB)
|Application Notes
AN-501: Aperture Uncertainty and ADC System Performance
(pdf, 227 kB)
A Key Concern in IF Sampling is that of Aperture Uncertainty (Jitter)
|Application Notes
|MS-2210: Designing Power Supplies for High Speed ADC (pdf, 327 kB)
|Technical Articles
Matching An ADC To A Transformer
by Rob Reeder, Analog Devices, Inc.
(Microwaves & RF, 7/2007)
|Technical Articles
Analog - First 14-Bit High-Speed Octal ADC Meets Medical Needs
(ElectroPages, 9/13/2006)
|Product Reviews
Analog Front End Improves Ultrasound Images
(eeProductCenter, 9/19/2005)
|Product Reviews
Octal ADCs Advance Ultraportable Medical Designs
(eeProductCenter, 9/15/2006)
|Product Reviews
|RAQs index
|Rarely Asked Questions
|Glossary of EE Terms
|Content Type
|File Type
ADIsimADC is Analog Devices' Analog-to-Digital Behavioral Model that accurately models the typical performance characteristics of many of our High Speed Converters. The model faithfully reproduces the errors associated with both static and dynamic features such as AC linearity, clock jitter, and many other product specific anomalies.
|ADIsim Design/Simulation Tools
|AD9228 IBIS Model
|IBIS Models
Symbols and Footprints— Analog Devices offers Symbols & Footprints which are compatible with a large set of today's CAD systems for broader and easier support.
The USA list pricing shown is for BUDGETARY USE ONLY, shown in United States dollars (FOB USA per unit for the stated volume), and is subject to change. International prices may differ due to local duties, taxes, fees and exchange rates. For volume-specific price or delivery quotes, please contact your local Analog Devices, Inc. sales office or authorized distributor. Pricing displayed for Evaluation Boards and Kits is based on 1-piece pricing.


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Barbara Cegavske
Cegavske Declares For Secretary Of State
State Senator Barbara Cegavske says she'll run for secretary of state next year.
Women Accuse GOP Of Sidelining Lawmaker
A group of Republican women are blasting party leaders for sidelining the only female in the state Senate.
Danny Tarkanian Considering Congressional Run
Former Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian says he is considering a run for Congress in the state's new 4th district next year.
Democrat Drops Out Of Congressional Race
State Sen. John Lee is bowing out of Nevada's congressional race for a newly created seat.


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Home Styles Arts and Crafts Queen Bed, Night Stand and Chest Model:518X-5018
Description & HighlightsBe the first to Write a Review
Home Styles Arts and Crafts Queen Bed, Night Stand and Chest
Upgrade your bedroom with the elaborate designs of the Arts and Crafts Queen Bed, Night Stand and Chest. This set has been crafted exclusively to expand your comfort zone and takes style to a whole new level.
Crafted from solid hardwood solids and engineered woods, the units have been draped in rich wooden finish for an elaborate appeal. The queen bed features a sparse but detailed design which has been designed to blend into your bedroom quite effortlessly. The night stand features a spacious drawer with open storage space at the bottom, while the chest includes three drawers at the base and three drawers at the top, which offer ample space to house your utilities. The set features raised wood design together with lattice moldings for a distinguished look and feel. Available in cottage oak and white finish.
Dependable wood construction:The hardwood solids and engineered wood construction offers years of use
Rich wooden finish:Rich wooden finish adds a luxurious charm to the entire set
Elaborate design:The raised wood design will give your room a refreshed look
Specifications & Manuals


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Channel 6 News - Search Results
Shutdown driving debate over role of government
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The lingering federal shutdown is a transforming a musty debate over the role of government in America into a coast-to-coast, prime-time reality show.
Landmarks are closed, paychecks are delayed and workers are furloughed.
And Americans are drawing dueling lessons from the rippling effects of the partial shutdown.
Some think the disruptions show that the feds are way too involved in people's lives.
Others say the disruptions show that the government does a lot of vital things -- and people take them for granted.
There's a messaging war underway to see which viewpoint will prevail.
But any shift in public opinion may depend on how much -- or how little -- people are personally affected as the shutdown drags on.


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Nigeria Immigration Service Online Application Form
The 2013 Nigeria Immigration Service recruitment online application form is located on the official website of the joint Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Prisons Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (recruitment.cdfipb.gov.ng). It is one online destination many Nigerian are going to now since the Federal Ministry of Interior started their 2013 recruitment.
The Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment portal hosts the online application form which is found at recruitment.cdfipb.gov.ng
Nigeria Immigration Service Online Application Form
How to use/fill the Nigerian Immigration 2013 Online Application Form
Interested Nigerians who wish to apply for any of the vacant jobs at Nigerian Immigration Services should go to recruitment.cdfipb.gov.ng and follow the steps below:
- Click "Start application" button
- Click on your preferred agency (at the time of publishing this, only Nigeria Immigration Services Positions can be applied for)
- Fill out the form by providing all the requested information
- Click on "Save & Preview" button
- Review saved application for accuracy (Note: You will not be able to edit your application once payment is made)
- Keep your application number safely for future use
- Click on Proceed to payment
- Click on Pay now button (This will direct you to the payment platform page)
- Print payment slip and take it to the bank for payment
- Be sure to collect your validation number from the bank after payment
- Return to the portal to print out your payment acknowledgment slip
That's how to apply for the vacancies at Nigeria Immigration Service using the online application form.
You might want to take a look at the available vacancies at both the Federal Ministry of interior and Nigeria Immigration below:


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Now you can try publishing in a practice session. To complete this practice session, you need the following:
Important Although this is a practice session, you will actually publish a Web site to your hosting company's Web server. If you are not comfortable publishing to the Web at this time, feel free to skip this practice session and return to it when you are ready.
When you click Practice in FrontPage, a practice Web site will download to your computer and open in FrontPage, and a separate window with practice instructions will appear alongside (see picture).
Note You need to have FrontPage 2003 installed on your computer.
Make sure to close FrontPage if it is already running.
Click the Practice in FrontPage button now.


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Retirement is wonderful. It's doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it.Gene Perret
Retirement at sixty-five is ridiculous. When I was sixty five I still had pimples.George Burns
There are some who start their retirement long before they stop working.Robert Half
There is life after retirement, and it is BETTER.Catherine Pulsifer
While some people can't wait until their retirement, others feel cheated that they have to retire at all.Catherine Pulsifer
Retirement means no pressure, no stress, no heartache... unless you play golf.Gene Perret
The "Great Society" has not worked and it's put us into the modern welfare state. If you look at China, they don't have food stamps. If you look at China, they're in a very different situation. They save for their own retirement security... They don't have the modern welfare state and China's growing. And so what I would do is look at the programs that LBJ gave us with the Great Society and they'd be gone.Michele Bachmann
Not so great in England at the moment; in an online poll we came last, we actually came bottom of European countries for quality of life, because of things like the weather, obviously, late retirement, poor holiday, poor public services, poor health service; it's basically just a kind of grey, godless wilderness, full of cold pies and broken dreams.Bill Bailey
There is nothing better than being out there when the game is on the line; only now, I get to see what my players will do. How will they react? Retirement is fine for some people, but I got bored. I'm used to more of a fast-paced life.Larry Joe Bird
I am speaking of the life of a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children; who has undertaken to cherish it and do it no damage, not because he is duty-bound, but because he loves the world and loves his children; whose work serves the earth he lives on and from and with, and is therefore pleasurable and meaningful and unending; whose rewards are not deferred until "retirement," but arrive daily and seasonally out of the details of the life of their place; whose goal is the continuance of the life of the world, which for a while animates and contains them, and which they know they can never compass with their understanding or desire.Wendell Berry


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Woman borrows Rob Ford's SUV, gets DUI
Published On: May 23 2014 10:27:42 AM CDT
Updated On: May 23 2014 12:10:02 PM CDT
Updated On: May 23 2014 12:10:02 PM CDT
Police say a woman was arrested for drunk driving while driving Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's black Cadillac Escalade.
36-year-old LeeAnne McRobb was arrested in Ontario's Muskoka region and charged with impaired driving and driving over the legal limit. She was driving Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's SUV, which was impounded for seven days, according to the Toronto Sun. McRobb claimed to have met Ford while the two were in rehab together for substance abuse and said that she had permission to borrow the mayor's vehicle. The nature of McRobb's relationship with Ford is unknown.
Ford is reportedly still in rehab, where he has been since he took a leave of absence on April 30 to get help for his substance abuse problem.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to our Terms of Use.


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A Missouri River flood is a strange sort of disaster. Not like a tornado, which forms in an instant and destroys in seconds. Not like an ice storm, which leaves one guessing how much will accumulate and what the impact will be. Not like an earthquake, which comes with no warning and lasts but a moment.
Predictions of mass flooding didn't hold water, reporting did
Saturday, May 12, 2007 | 12:00 a.m. CDT; updated 6:33 p.m. CDT, Friday, July 18, 2008
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Photo #: NH 102127
Phoenix Bridge (American Freighter, 1918)
Photographed by M. Rosenfeld, New York, immediately after launching in 1918. She was built by the Submarine Boat Company, Newark, New Jersey, as their Hull 557. On 28 September 1918 the Navy Department directed that, when Phoenix Bridge was completed in October 1918, she was to be taken over for Naval Overseas Transportation Service operation, with the registry number ID 3767. However this was not done, and she remained in civilian hands.
The original print is in National Archives' Record Group 19-LCM.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 70KB; 740 x 565 pixels
Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.
If you want higher resolution reproductions than this digital image, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."
16 October 2002


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Allene Wynn, perhaps the biggest and at 105 years old, the oldest Lakers fan around, met many of the players before Saturday's game and had words of advice for one player in particular.
She said in an interview last week with the L.A. Daily News that she wanted to ask Kobe Bryant "why he ain't playin' no better. The Lakers are making me mad. If I was able, I bet I could win."
Not sure if she asked her exact question, but she did get in Bryant's ear.
"She was awesome, just like the female Tex Winter," Bryant said.
Bryant, who missed his first 15 shots before finishing with 11 points on 3 -of-21 shooting, had told the octogenarian the Lakers would "put on a show for her.'
"I don't think this game did anything to relax her," he said.
"I mean that's unbelievable, 105 years old!"
[rssfeedme cat="lakers" feedpath="/category/Lakers/feed/" max="5"]
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Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to republish your name and comment in additional Register publications without any notification or payment.


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EBX film WooHoo!This photo was shot on film. Taken by koduckgirl with a Lubitel 166+ (available in our Online Shop) loaded with Kodak Elitechrome EBX film (available in our Online Shop) in San Francisco, California, United States. These tags describe this photo: lubitel166, lubikin, 35mm, sprockets, vertical, sf, silverave, xpro, kodak, elitechrome, and ebx100. Date: 2012-09. This photo can also be found in the album Around SF w/ Lubitel 166+ 35mm w/ Kodak Elitechrome EBX 100 Xproed!! .
Please login to get more out of this site
You are currently not logged in, do so now to add comments, like articles as well as photos, submit to competitions, translate articles and gain access to unlimited photo upload! If you are not registered yet, go here to find out more about Lomography and join now! If you just want a limited account for now you can use Twitter or Facebook. We would love to have you as a member here!
9 people like this photo
Liking photos helps us to present the best ones to you and others. 9 people like this photo. 9 people like this photo: bravopires, aanum, tsingtao, kiri-girl, blanches_nickelodeon, grinningcat, rik041, rubyjoyceanne, and ricoinbrooklyn.


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MP4Nation Brainwavz M2
"Well after a good lengthy burn in (100hrs or so) I feel I am ready to write my full review of the Brainwavz M2. I would like to thank MP4Nation for sending me a pair of the M2 to review. To make it clear, I received this IEM for free, in exchange for a review by me. I was clear with MP4Nation that I would be completely honest in my review, good or bad. To which they responded they would want it..." --dweaver
MP4Nation Brainwavz M1
"Thanks to madiaplayer.cl the best audiophile-oriented shop available in Chile I got a M1 sample to test drive it and provide my opinion so you can give them a try if you like my description. This is my second review so please forgive any mistake here. Packing The M1 box is made of softened cardboard wich contains a transparent window that allows you to see the housings very..." --egosumlux
Pioneer DJE-1500-K Professional DJ In-Ear Headphones
"Over the years I have owned and reviewed a number of IEM's and headphones, being a positive person my reviews generally err on the side of generosity. This IEM forced me to go back through my reviews and adjust my ratings. The overall package and sound of the DJE1500 required it to be separated from everything else or I wouldn't be doing it justice. It is the first 5 star rating I have ever..." --dweaver
Pioneer SE-CL721-K Headphones, Black/Red
"Overall I really like these IEM's, I purchased them after having tried out just about ever skull candy earbud (which are fine for the price you pay). But, I am an audiophile and my full sized gear and my car gear is just so far superior that I was really missing some decent sound where I could't use my other equipment. So, I decided to look for some good earbuds. After..." --tswmcello
Pioneer DJE-2000 In Ear Headphones Black
" Hi all, I just picked-up a pair of DJE-2000's (they are 30 Ohm) for 299€ in a local shop. I've had them for about 8 hours now ... Why did I pick-up these ... because they where the only nice, high quality and high-end in-ear phones they had in the shop. (I thought of purchasing the Shure SE535, but no shop had them ... maybe I'll get them later .... any input on that?) ..." --CasperBxl
Pioneer Core Audio SE-CL07-K Earphones (Black)
The SE-CL07s let you get closer to your music with high performance portable audio earbuds available in assorted colors to match your personality or lifestyle. This set comes with 4 different sleeve sizes, ensuring a perfect fit into any ear canal, a 10 mm large diameter driver for great bass and improved sound quality, and the reliable Pioneer brand, ensuring lasting quality and durability....


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Results 1 to 5 of 21
Thread: How would you honor a Barbara?
Threaded View
April 30th, 2013 11:07 AM #21Senior Member
- Join Date
- Mar 2010
- Posts
- 1,202
I had another idea -- Barrett, which I guess could work for either gender, but I like it best for a boy."Don't try to be modern, it's the most old-fashioned thing there is," - Attilio, The Tiger and the Snow
Domenico/Dominic, Gianfranco/Gianpaolo, Giacomo, Antonio, Raphael, Calogero, Leopold, Angelo, Giorgio, Alban, Malachi, Dante, Mirek, Dario, Lionel, Asa
Katarina/Caterina, Irena, Silvia, Aniela, Delfina, Raffaella, Apollonia, Cecilia, Pasqualina, Rosina, Josephine, Allegra, Alba, Leokadia, Bronya, Adrasteia, Vincenza, Althea, Eurydice, Regina, Mirella, Arianell, Sonia, Talia, Leonie


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Walkersville Man Indicted in a $9.2 Million Investment Scheme
Allegedly Used $1.046 Million in Investment Monies to Pay Personal Expenses
Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Larry Michael Parrish, age 48, of Walkersville, Maryland with offenses arising from an investment scheme. The indictment was returned on June 20, 2012 and unsealed today upon the defendant's arrest.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to the 25 count indictment, Parrish was the president of IV Capital, Ltd., which he represented to be an investment and trading company. From November 2005 to December 2009, Parrish devised a scheme to obtain approximately $9.2 million from nearly 70 individuals who agreed to invest in IV Capital.
The indictment alleges that Parrish falsely represented to potential investors that IV Capital: traded on international exchanges; had $20 million or more under management; employed a number of other traders and staff, when in fact, the company had no employees aside from Parrish; and had established a minimum gross profit margin each month of 5%, or 2% for smaller investments. Parrish is alleged to have falsely represented that all invested funds would be deposited in an escrow account that would be used to secure a line of credit and would not be actively traded. Each month, Parrish allegedly caused investor funds to be disbursed back to investors which Parrish represented were trading "profits†earned by IV Capital.
The indictment further alleges that out of the approximately $9.2 million in funds that were invested with Parrish and IV Capital between February 2006 and October 2009, Parrish and another individual caused approximately $2.938 million to be lost in trading or consumed by expenses; Parrish transferred approximately $1.046 million to his bank accounts to pay personal expenses, including car payments and leases, clothing, electronics, furniture, personal fitness equipment, rent on his family's home, utility bills, restaurant meals, entertainment and vacation expenses; and the remaining $5.2 million in investor funds was used to make "profit†payments to IV Capital investors.
The indictment alleges that Parrish ceased making "profit†payments to IV Capital's investors in July 2009, and then falsely advised IV Capital investors that because some investors had failed to pay taxes on their earnings or failed to file appropriate reports, a bank audit had been initiated and IV Capital was temporarily unable to conduct trading activity, receive investments of new funds, or pay returns on existing investments.
Parrish faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each of 23 counts for wire fraud; and 10 years in prison on each of two counts for engaging in monetary transactions involving more than $10,000 in criminally derived property. An initial appearance is scheduled today for Parrish in federal court in Baltimore at 3:00 p.m.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This law enforcement action is part of President Barack Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the FBI for its work in the investigation and praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Jefferson M. Gray, who is prosecuting the case.
Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.
Protect yourself from fraud, and report suspected cases of financial fraud to local law enforcement.
Talk to your kids about gangs and how to avoid them.


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Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, when it was smaller
I'm working on a very art-themed podcast which should be ready for release this Friday. The Metropolitan Museum of Art will be a supporting player in this week's show, so please enjoy these early photos of the original building, opened in 1880 and designed by Calvert Vaux (to better accentuate his park) and Jacob Wray Mould, of Belvedere Castle fame.
The building was considered out-of-fashion almost as soon as it was finished, and within a couple decades Richard Morris Hunt had created the museum's more expansive Beaux-Arts facade and wings. What you see here is the old building, next to the new facade, before it was fully consumed by additions.
The postcard and the photo below it gives you a good idea of where the new additions sat in relation to the old building. And this is before the wings were added.
The top four images are courtesy New York Public Library. The last is courtesy Library of Congress.
3 comments:
Every time I see one of these old photos all I can think is how weird and barren the park looked before all the foliage grew in...ReplyDelete
Those two first pictures don't show the first (Wrey and Mould, 1880) building, which had pointed Venetian Gothic arches. (One of these arches is revealed in the gallery for prints and drawings just south of the Great Hall stairs, on the second floor, and you can see one of the facades from the Lehman Wing: http://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-museum/museum-departments/curatorial-departments/the-robert-lehman-collection.) They're the 1888-94 wings, and the featured south facade is now one side of the glass-roofed Petrie Court.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 14, 2013 at 10:50 PM
I always loved the existence of the uncarved sculptures that grace the Beaux-Arts facade. Unintended irony!ReplyDelete


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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Tell us why HIV bid was nixed
and considerable expense, Winnipeg's
renowned HIV-research community
has been told its bid for the federally funded
vaccine manufacturing lab has been rejected.
It has not yet been told why Ottawa rejected
the city's proposal to host the $88-million
plant that was to draw $22 million from the
Bill and Melinda Gates
More worrisome is
the speculation that
the federal government
may be shelving
its commitment to
build the plant at all.
Four centres submitted
proposals: Winnipeg's
Centre on Infectious
Diseases, Laval
University at Quebec,
Trent University's
antiviral initiative and
the University of Western Ontario. Until last
week, the ICID was optimistic -- theirs was
a consortium involving the world's largest
vaccine manufacturer, the Serum Institute
of India, as well as universities across Canada
and Cangene, Canada's largest biotech
company -- due to Winnipeg's wealth of HIV
researchers, and its relationship to the national
microbiology laboratory on Arlington
The rejection is a huge blow to the city's
prospects as the plant would have an operating
budget of $20 million and bring some 70
jobs, most in specialized HIV-vaccine production
Ottawa's response has been ambiguous -- a
spokesman said a notice posted on the website
of the Public Health Agency of Canada that
the government was not proceeding with the
plant was an administrative error. Evading
mention of a Canadian plant, the government
said it is continuing to work with the Gates
Foundation on speeding along vaccine production.
A decision to nix a Canadian vaccine facility
would be a blow to the country's work
toward an inoculation against the virus that
causes AIDS, a disease that continues at
epidemic proportions globally, particularly in
poor and developing countries. Rates of infection
are on the rise in some parts of Canada,
including Manitoba.
The public non-profit model for a vaccine
plant was intended to take the discoveries of
international researchers and turn them into
compounds ready for use in trials in human
and animal subjects. Prime Minister Stephen
Harper's announcement in late 2007 on a vaccine
plant was good news for a research community
discouraged that same year when a
Merck clinical trial was halted out of concern
its vaccine prototype had made some subjects
susceptible to HIV.
The federal cabinet, including senior
Manitoba minister Vic Toews, has refused
comment on the Canadian project. Dr. Allan
Ronald, professor emeritus at the University
of Manitoba, who was involved in the
Manitoba bid, says that among the four centres
about $1 million was invested in vying
for the plant. Other officials at ICID say
flat out, that if Winnipeg's bid did not win,
then no one could have won and the federal
government must be axing the program
The Harper government owes a lot of
people a much better account of what has
delayed, and perhaps scuttled, a project that
was widely regarded as a vital element to the
global fight against HIV. Manitoba and those
who have worked intimately in the hopes of
launching this facility deserve a good answer
on what went wrong. Mr. Toews should step
Editorials are the consensus view of the Winnipeg Free Press' editorial board, comprising Catherine Mitchell, David O'Brien, Shannon Sampert, and Paul Samyn.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 26, 2010 A10
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by Don Olsen
Today Don takes a look at some of the top High School outfield prospect for the 2013 MLB Draft. . .
Austin Meadows Grayson HS, Grayson GA
Committed to Clemson
Austin has body similarities to Colby Rasmus or Steve Finley, has a
great deal of mimicking athletic ability where he matches up fairly
decent across the board with both players. Good overall athletic
build, can fill out in the lower half a bit more, good size for age,
not much definition, which he should build upon down the road. A
nimble gazelle with size, runs well in all facets, and possesses a
quick first step. I can see him manning CF, as he may not bulk up
losing speed to force into RF, overall great range. His arm
registers well, should improve a tick as he gains additional strength
and cleaner transition. Just close your eyes and listen, the ball
scream off the bat in a hurry. Ear hole hands and a touch of bat
wrap, nothing alarming as almost no trigger. Hands drive through the
zone in a hurry, good path and compact swing. Lower half transition
and balance is clean, squares up constantly. At times tries to upper
cut the swing, he drops his hands a touch earlier in the zone for to
pull. Controls the bat head well at this stage, at best with a touch
of lift in the line drive path. Shows pull power at this stage. The
ball jumps off the bat as he rides with the pitches and sees decent
gap power to LCF, power to all fields type future. Ceiling of dual
plus hitter, really five tool package with almost all close or above
plus ceilings.
Slot: Top half of 1st round
Clint Frazier Loganville HS, Loganville GA
Committed to UGA
Clint has a lot of body similarities to Aaron Rowand, much stronger
frame, fast twitch in comparisons, better overall ability. He is
under six foot and if he were three inches taller, we are talking
about a legit no questions asked top pick in almost every draft. One
look, even in a shirt and pants, he shows the size and definition in
upper back, lower half, carries it extremely well. I would not put it
past him to add weight and still carry it cleanly, as he could fill
out a bit more in the rear. Size and definition in forearms, real
strong gym rat, has a body better than major league players,
definitely full of fast twitch explosive ability. He makes everything
look effortless and easy. Speed is more quick burst, first step is
off in a hurry, can see him staying above average as he matures. Arm
is a legit 8, it has the speed and carry to be one of the best in
baseball. At the plate, setup is ear hole hands, up/out are ideal. He
has a bit of drift load, heavy back leg weight transfer, and gives him
a rocking motion type weight shift forward, sometimes a bit too much
weight out front. Hands are compact and thrown out on a dart. His
wing is extremely quick, fast hand speed, path is level with a touch
of lift. Clint shows solid lag in the swing, gets a good deal of
torque and power from the core. Lower half has clean transition,
quite, other than weight transfer, squarely up constantly. Shows
impressive pull power for his size, as ball jumps off the bat. He has
the bat speed to lift or line it out, that impressive of power
potential. I see some pop to RCF and carry, maturation and cleaner
approach could show power to all fields. As with Meadows, he has the
raw traits and abilities to showcase all five tools, in a slightly
more compact frame.
Slot: Top half of 1st round
Kort Peterson St Francis HS, Aptos CA
Committed to UCLA
Body has a quick double take to a young Nate McLouth. Athletic, narrow
frame, and light in the pants. Average development to this point, and
looks to be 165 pounds. I can see him at 185-190 pounds, as he
matures, without impacting athletic ability. It would not shock me to
see additional size could enhance his athleticism. Kort has some
straight line speed and on the paths has good instincts that could
allow the skill to play up. In the field, he has the arm strength and
carry to profile in RF to go along with above average range, but shows
more of corner ability. It is not out of the question that some
muscle and strength could push him into CF, as he has a nice first
step. At his best in the box, the 5 O'clock bat shows above average
bat speed. He has the hands out, back, and ear hole high. The hands
rarely drift as he loads.. His hands remain compact, stay inside, and
show the foundation to go along with the bat speed. In game at bats,
the hand path has slight inconsistencies and rarely attacks in same
manner. The inconsistent path leaves him topping, failing to square
up the bat head on consistent basis. He was caught on decent
off-speed a few times at the Tournament of Stars event. Overall at
the plate, he is raw with traits you cannot teach. A high track and
follow, good athlete, shows some tools, player who could sneak into
higher rounds with some maturation and mechanical adjustments in the
batters box.
Slot: 4th to 6th round
Jake Fraley Red Lion Christian Academy, Middletown DE
Committed to LSU
He reminds me of a recent draft pick in David Dahl. Ideal athletic
frame; he has some present upper body development with wide shoulders
and upper back. Good development in the quads, but can see some
projection with a bit more weight in the rear. Speed should give him
solid range, not out of the question that he could play CF. He has
the arm speed and strength to play anywhere, but he will need to tweak
his footwork as there were false steps and an extra steps at times.
He has a slightly wider than shoulder stance, not much leg lift and
maintains that stance throughout the swing. Hands are shoulder level
and out at setup; there is some deep hand loading as he transitions.
This action drops the hands a bit further back, leaving him long
through the zone. He has a natural left handed uplifting swing, good
hand and bat speed. There is some forced type lift in his swing,
where he should be a better low ball hitter down the line. I wonder
if the setup and style will leave him exposed to offerings in the
upper half of the zone, maybe even low and away could give him
trouble, presently some contact concerns. He shows the raw traits and
fast twitch actions you look for out of athletes, so learning curve
and changes in approach could see the hit tool progress, power as he
Slot: 5th to 7th round
Cord Sandberg Manatee HS, Bradenton FL
Committed to MSU
Tim Tebow light, that is about the best comparison I can give him
while watching a high school football game of his. He has the size,
frame, strength, that sky is the limit if he chose baseball. Although
a college recruiter told me, back in 2011, he could be the premier
dual threat quarterback of his class. He shows above average speed,
impressive for size, may keep it with an additional weight to his
frame as he carries it well. Impressive range and ability in the
field, covers ground with aggressive style. Cord has a a long arc in
his throw at takes some zap out of it, arm is above average, but not
elite where he may fit more as a LF, if he transitions into a
professional baseball player. For a kid that has limited exposure, I
like some aspects of his swing and path. Up and out at setup, he
shows some bat wrap and hand wrap that will have to be compacted. He
does drop his hands a bit early in the zone, but some powerful wrist
and forearm whip the bat through the zone. Cord's lower half weight
transfer gets a bit too far out front at times, but he squares up
well. You see the glimpses, when he does everything right that ball
jumps off the bat in a hurry. He has clear fast twitch athletic
ability that raw power is limitless. He has the chops to iron out the
approach. If he dedicated himself, there is baseline tools to make him
a solid above average regular with power. He is not jumping into the
first or second tier of HS outfielders; although Cord is a baseball
first guy, he may have to be picked in the first 30-40 slots to forgo
playing on Saturday's in SEC stadiums.
Slot: 2nd to 3rd round
J.B. Woodman Edgewater HS, Orlando FL
Committed to Ole Miss
His body and frame have a look similar to former Ole Miss standout
Chris Coghlan, although a bit more athletic and explosive. Solid
development, some size in the upper legs, rear, and upper torso. He
could fill out a big more, show a bit more definition, so there is
plenty of projection left. On the field, he has a false step in his
setup and could clean up mechanically. Good actions to get the ball
out, see the arm strength and carry to sit above average, maybe
borderline plus grade. Speed is above average, quick burst out of his
stance, more short burst explosive ability. His set up is shoulder
width with ear hole hands. A baby leg lift gets his lower half in
motion, good balance from the lower half, solid weight transfer. As
he transitions, you see a touch of hand load leading him to drop his
hands a touch early in the zone, minor things to clean up and will
help his overall approach. Good hand speed and swing stay on path
with a bit of lift to it. Solid control of the bat head and clean
extension, solid plate coverage with present spray gap power. He is a
player that could end up stepping on the Ole Miss campus and turn into
a top 30 prospect in the 2016 draft, very intriguing player to watch
in the spring and presently a wide grade on his overall game.
Slot: 3rd to 6th round
Comments are closed.


text:
Humidity 81%
Winds 5.8mph
Humidity 81%
Winds 5.8mph
Sep 18, 2013 1:35 PM by Associated Press
ELLENWOOD, Ga. (AP) - A police chief says a 14-year-old girl has been found alive, more than a day after she was abducted from her family's Georgia home during a robbery.
Clayton County Police Chief Gregory Porter says Ayvani Hope Perez has been found safe in Conyers, outside Atlanta, and reunited with her family. He also says two suspects are in custody.
Federal, state and local officials had been searching around the clock for Perez. She was taken from her home around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday by two men who had demanded money and jewelry. The burglars also shot and killed the family's dog.
Police say the girl's mother tried to hide the teen and her 15-year-old brother, but the armed men found them in the house.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
2 days ago
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text:
This week, Betty White did "Gangnam Style" and a Pakistani man turned selling fish in a London market into a YouTube pop sensation. Plus, check out a spoiler-filled sneak peek at the upcoming season of Portlandia, as well as a montage of the Worst Movies of 2012 reviewing themselves.
As the vitriolic mayoral race continues, Season Four of the HBO drama series focuses on four boys from West Baltimore who balance attending school with the temptations of crime.
The heat is on in Baltimore. In Season Three of the gritty HBO drama series, the war on crime is being lost...at a highly inconvenient time. It's an election year, and a desperate mayor calls for an end to the drug wars and the rising body count.
Season Two of the gritty HBO police drama takes on a new case set against the backdrop of the Baltimore waterfront, where the longshoremen's union struggles to survive in a changing economy.
President Barack Obama's TV diet includes sports, Hannah Montana and — above all else — Vincent Chase.HBO's Entourage is Obama's favorite TV show, Politico reports. Lest we forget, that show's Ari Gold was inspired by real-life agent Ari Emanuel, the brother of Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.So how much does Obama like Entourage?
read more
Cheers to Damages for signing two veterans of The Wire for its Season 2 cast. Read, discuss and vote on this complete Cheer after the jump.
read more
A witch. Halloween. The possible unleashing of Satan. Sounds like a case for the Winchester boys and their winged wingman. Tonight on Supernatural (9 pm/ET, the CW), even Castiel agrees that heavy artillery is called for. Cue guest-star Robert Wisdom, as an angel with 'tude. The former Wire star shared a look at this hellish holiday outing. Plus: His take on "the greatest show that's ever been on American television."
TVGuide.com: I'm guessing — purely guessing — that this is the first angel you've played.Robert Wisdom: [Laughs] Well, there aren't too many I've been offered, but this is the first one, yeah.
TVGuide.com: What brings Uriel to the world of Supernatural? Is he there to ostensibly save Halloween?Wisdom: Yes, that's my job, and it's a big one. It's a real ...
read more
Question: With a new season of The Wire about to start in a few weeks, is there anything we can do to get Emmy voters to watch the best show and best performances on television? Should we offer to walk their dogs? Rent a blimp and broadcast the show on giant screens above their houses? With all its drug deals, murder and corruption, the worst crime associated with The Wire is how it's criminally neglected by the Emmys.
Answer: I know these were rhetorical questions, but my biggest challenge with The Wire has always been how to praise it without making it sound like medicine. (Not just "good for you," but "good.") It's such a serious and complex show, I can only think that it's too much for most people. In the fourth season, which I hope to begin watching very soon (there's never enough time), the focus is on younger characters and the school system, so the thinking is that it will be more relatable than stories from past seasons. Hey, whatever works ...
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text:
[Translate] I wanted to make a traditional Ramadan dessert this month, a recipe that called for mahleb, which is an aromatic spice made from the seeds of the St Lucie Cherry (Prunus mahaleb). The stones are cracked to extract the seed kernel, which is ground to a powder before it is used. It adds a lovely flavor of bitter almond and cherry to breads, cakes and biscuits. I found a perfect date and sesame biscuit recipe called Makroud that is made by Israeli Muslims and Palestinians. There are several variations of Makroud that are also made in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, but this version is not as sweet. Mr BT and I would like to Click here to continue reading this post
[Translate] The beginning of last week we were invited to a friend's house for dinner. We had delicious dinner in their lovely Sukkah. I forgot to bring my camera, but will update this post when my friend sends me the pictures we took using her camera. Our friend Miriam makes delicious wines using grapes, other fruits and herbs. We had the honor of having her cabernet sauvignon, strawberry and summer wines, which is made from pea pods. Yes folks, you read it correctly, pea pods. It was delicious and tasted quite fruity; very difficult to describe without sounding a bit pretentious. The strawberry wine was a little fizzy and tasted as if you were biting Click here to continue reading this post
[Translate] Friday night we decided to have fish, so I made my take on Fish and Chips. I use all types of fish filets for shallow frying, such as cod, halibut and flounder. On Friday, I used red mullet, or barbounia as it is called in Hebrew. We had the following: Cocktail hour: Mango-Pineapple Caipirinha Red Mullet with a Panko-Sesame, Oregano and Parsley Crust Crushed Potatoes with Chives, Garlic, and Yogurt Green peas Heilbronner Stiftsberg Riesling 2005 Leftover Quince Tart PrintRed Mullet with a Panko-Sesame, Oregano and Parsley Crust Serving Size: 2 350g (3/4lb) small or 4 medium red mullet filets 2 cups panko crumbs 1 tablespoon fresh parsley 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or thyme Click here to continue reading this post


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"Loved this story!"
I've listed to several audiobooks and this one is on the top of the list of my favorites! After listening to High Noon by Nora Raberts I did a search of the other books narrated by Susan Eriksen and found this book. The narrator can either make an audiobook as wonderful as this one is or can completley ruin the story and in this case the story is enhanced by the excellent job of the narrator.
"Bossy, bossy, bossy!!!"
I anxiously awaited this book and pre-orderd as soon as it was available! I love Nora Roberts and have loved all of her previous books (The Witness is my most recent favorite). But, I am sorry to say that I have to agree that this book missed the mark and defintely isn't up to Nora Roberts usual standards.
The character Abra was annoying and so bossy! If my husband gave in to me as easily as Eli gives in to Abra and was as controlled as easily as Eli was by Abra I'd have very little respect for him.
With that said I don't regret purchasing the book but it's not going to be a book I will ever want to read/listen to again.
As for the narration it's not the worst I've ever heard but it's also not the best. The Boston/New England accent wasn't consistent and yes I agree with other reviews that the voice for Eli wasn't very masculine which may contribute to my feeling as though he was a complete pushover
"Skip this one on audio"
I have loved all the books in the series and was so excited to purchase this title.
After several failed attempts to listen to this book on audio I finally gave up and bought it on my Kindle. Save your money, time and patience and skip this one (unless they come out with another version of this title with Lauren Fortgang or a differnt narrator).
"Loved this book in the series!!"
That Butch had a full storyline wriiten for him and not a short story or
'novella' since he isn't one of the original Black Dagger Brotherhood
Butch - for his faithfullness and bravery
I think Jim Frangione did an amazing job with his performance/narration in every book in this series - and I'm not exactly sure who tho thank -editors/publishers/ Audible, etc. for having the same narrator throughout the full series!
This is a series that's really not to be missed! It ranks high up there as one of my favorite series I've read &/or listened to. Now I'm head over heels for the Fallen Angels series (although the narration for Rapture ruined the book - at least for me- since they seem to have speeded up the narrators voice).
If you love the Black Daggerhood series I'd also recommend like the Midnight Breeds by Lara Adrian which also has excellent narration.
"great story!"
This was a great story and I will not hesitate to purchase other audio books from this author. The narration was well done and I liked how the male voices sounded masculine and the women's voices didn't all sound the same. What bothered me though was that you could hear the narrator swallowing almost after every sentence or pause and it even sounded at times like she had a candy in her mouth. If you are grossed out by other peoples spit (sorry for the rude word!) you may want to either skip this one or listen to it through speakers - the sounds may have been more noticeable since I listened to it with my itouch.
"slow to get started but worth the wait..."
I almost didn't order this audio book due to a review which mentioned that there is graphic animal cruelty. Without giving away too much of the story the animals that are killed are 2 Pitt Bulls who have been conditioned for illegal dog fights. In the story the dogs had gotten out on 2 different occasions and attacked a child and adult. In addition since this story takes palce in a small southern town there was no use reporting the attacks to the police since they were patrons of the dog fights and would have been no help.
There's also an incident of dead cats being left on a door step but come on...if there isn't graphic descriptions it would be a really boring story!
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