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Food import quotas in Indonesia encourage bribes and price spikes and must be replaced with import tariffs, a panel of government advisers has urged, in a measure that could smooth the way for overseas investors to satisfy rising demand.
Southeast Asia's largest economy has a growing population of 240 million, imports about 2 million tons of rice a year and is set to be crowned the biggest buyer of raw sugar this year.
The panel unveiled its findings on trade in staple foods, such as corn, soybeans, beef, rice and sugar, to cabinet officials this month and the measures could be adopted by year-end, panel member Hermanto Siregar told Reuters.
"Instead of giving imports through quotas, just open these markets," said Siregar, an economist and a commissioner at Bank Rakyat Indonesia.
"Excess demand drives prices very high, and importers see a good prospect for profits and are willing to bribe to get licenses or quotas," he added. "If you still want some control, put in place tariffs, which is more market friendly."
The world's fourth most populous nation relies on too few buyers for many food imports, added Siregar, and its markets should be opened up to more competitors.
"When the number of players are very few, it is easy for them to do price setting or fixing," said Siregar, whose panel helps to formulate new economic policy at the request of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
As wealth increases in Indonesia, changing eating habits incorporate more meat and convenience foods, which is boosting imports of grains used in feed, such as corn and soybeans.
Policies to prize open markets could further benefit grain traders or producers in the United States, Brazil, India and Argentina, and livestock suppliers in Australia.
Indonesia uses quotas to balance the needs of the agriculture sector, which employs 40 percent of the workforce and contributes about 15 percent of GDP, against those of the poorest consumers, who can spend a third of their income on food and suffer worst from sudden price spikes.
Import quotas do not account for sudden spikes in demand and can easily be manipulated, but individual commodity tariffs would protect domestic farmers and could be changed to meet demand, Siregar said.
Trade Partners Criticize Policy
Indonesia's policies on food and agriculture trade have been criticized by international trading partners, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
More recently, the United States launched a World Trade Organization challenge to Indonesia's rules on the import of horticultural products, animal products and animals.
The protests did not stop Yudhoyono from signing a food law to hasten self-sufficiency targets that critics say will add to curbs on trade of staples.
He must also decide on a regulation to keep houses or factories from being built on farmland during the period to 2015. Indonesia's bid to become self-sufficient in beef by slashing import quotas drove up prices in Java.
The head of government coalition member Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) was forced to step down after investigations into claims it was involved in a beef import scam.
Indonesia has also set an emergency tariff on wheat flour imports to enable the government to wrap up an investigation on imports and the impact on domestic mills.
Other panel recommendations include promoting private and public investment to boost yields, policies tailored to provinces rather than specific commodities, and supporting appropriate action by regional governments.
Siregar's panel, set up in 2011, presents its findings to the president every quarter. It kicked off its study last September after global prices of soy and corn hit record peaks following a devastating US drought.


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South Carolina Food
South Carolina SC Gifts SC Food
Let's face it – Southern food tastes great, and when it comes to original cuisine, South Carolina leads the way! The Lowcountry has long been a gastronomic destination in its own right, and the Upstate is well known for its delicious down-home meals. From shrimp-and-grits to cornbread, the Palmetto State really knows how to serve it up. The following companies offer all sorts of gourmet SC foods – benne seed wafers, local honey, homegrown peanuts and pecans, fresh peaches, Carolina Gold rice, grits, and much more!
Feature your South Carolina food here
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SC African-Americans
SCIWAY . . . "sky-way" . . . South Carolina's Information HighWAY
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subset: commoncrawl


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Briana Sitler
Director of Special Programs
Email Us
Choose One:
1:00 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Writing About Those Close to You: The Joys and Terrors with Charles Coe
Writing about complicate relationships with the people in your life can be a challenge. What do you have the right to share with the world about someone else? How can you tell stories that are honest but fair? This poet and writer will explore these question and read from and discuss his latest volume of poetry: All Sins Forgiven: Poems for My Parents.
About Charles Coe:
Charles Coe is author of two books of poetry: All Sins Forgiven: Poems for my Parents and Picnic on the Moon, both published by Leapfrog Press. His poetry has appeared in a number of literary reviews and anthologies, including Poesis, The Mom Egg, Solstice Literary Review, and Urban Nature. He is the winner of a fellowship in poetry from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Charles's poems have been set by a number of composers, including Beth Denisch, Julia Carey and Robert Moran. A short film based on his poem Fortress is currently in production by filmmaker Roberto Mighty.
Charles is co-chair of the Boston Chapter of the National Writers Union, a labor union for freelance writers. He has been selected by the Associates of the Boston Public Library as a "Boston Literary Light for 2014." His novella, Spin Cycles, was published in October by Gemma Media. Charles is program officer for the Massachusetts Cultural Council and oversees general operating support grants for cultural organizations in the state.
You Should Get a Grant for That! Applying for Funding to Support Your Writing – A Nuts and Bolts Approach with Penny Guisinger
"You should get a grant for that," is a commonly heard piece of well-meaning advice often shared with writers. "There's lots of money out there for artists." It sounds like good advice, and maybe it's even true, but often your research leads you to an overwhelming array of hard-to-understand options. Even if you choose a grant to apply for the questions seem either too vague or too specific and you aren't sure how to answer them. Who gets these grants anyway, and how do you really apply for them? Penny Guisinger has over two decades' experience writing grants, and will share her secrets. There is money out there for writers and other artists, and while it's not always easy to find, there are things you can do to narrow your searches, write better proposals, and make your application stand out in the slush pile.
About Penny Guisinger:
Penny Guisinger lives and writes on the easternmost tip of the United States. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Fourth Genre, River Teeth, Solstice Literary Magazine, Under the Gum Tree, and About Place Journal, and her reviews appear regularly in The Quoddy Tides and The Review Review. Her essay Coming Out was named as a finalist in the 2013 Fourth Genre essay contest, and one called Provincetown was awarded an editor's choice award from Solstice. She is the founding organizer of Iota: The Conference of Short Prose. Penny is a graduate of the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine. Penny is also a musician and a photographer. She shares her home with her wife and "the two most beautiful, talented children in the world."
For more information on Penny Guisinger, visit: http://pennyguisinger.com/


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Please note all prices include VAT, but Carriage will be extra and based on weight of items.
Honey Bear w/Flex Straw - TalkTools®
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Teilhard in the 21st Century: The Emerging
Spirit of Earth, co-edited by Don St. John,
professor of religion, and Arthur Fabel, longtime editor
of the American Teilhard Society newsletter, was awarded
first place among works on spirituality (soft-cover)
by the Catholic Press Association. A collection of critical
essays on Teilhard and the ecological movement, the book
is published by Orbis Press.
Bonnie Falla, Reeves Library,
and Bill Falla, adjunct instructor of
philosophy, attended the 23rd annual Cosmos and Creation
conference, June 4-6 at Loyola College of Maryland, Baltimore.
Its theme was evolutionary biology, for which keynote speaker
Eric Fischer, a scientist at the Congressional Research
Service of the Library of Congress, spoke on "Does
Evolution Matter? Perspectives of a Scientist Turned Policy-Maker."
Eva Marikova Leeds, associate
professor of economics and business, hosted the fourth
annual National Science Foundation-sponsored workshop on
Classroom Experiments in Economics, May 20-22 at the College
of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. Its most intriguing
presentation had to have been "Stripped-Down Poker:
A Game to Illustrate Uncertainty and Equilibrium Bluffing," by
David Reiley, University of Arizona.
Sharon Brown, director of
institutional diversity and multicultural affairs, almost
met herself coming in the door this spring. Within days,
she was involved in:
• The local observance of the 50th
anniversary of the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board
of Edudcation decision, as co-coordinator (March 23,
April 14, May 17).
• An April 20 panel discussion on media
bias and coverage of minorities at Northampton Community
• A multicultural fair at Nitschmann
Middle School, organized by Jen Lengel '05,
Fleetwood, as part of her pre-student teaching experience.
Sharon was the keynote speaker for the April 23 event.
• The second annual Black Women's
Health Initiative, a one-day symposium April 25 in Bethlehem,
as director.
Rita Berk, director of Reeves Library, attended
BookExpo, the publishing industry trade show, June 3-6
in Chicago.
Dana Dunn, Stacey
Zaremba, and Robert Brill of
the Psychology Department attended the teaching institute
at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Society,
May 27-30 in Chicago. Dana, an invited speaker, averred
that "Writing for Psychology Is Habit-Forming." Bob
presented a poster session on "When Research Writing
Intensifies, Variety Is the Spice of Write." Stacey
presented one on "Creating Community: Using Community
Journals in the Psychology of Women Class." Dana
and Stacey also presented a poster session on "Promoting
Student Engagement and Assessing Learning in Psychology. "
Also, an article by Dana about his LinC course
on the origins of behavior (the nature-nurture debate)
has been published in the spring issue of the journal Teaching
of Psychology.
Clarke Chapman, professor
of religion, attended the ninth International Bonhoeffer
Congress, June 6-11 in Rome. It brought together 75 scholars
from 14 nations, paying their respects to the continuing
influence of the German theologian (1906-45) executed by
the Nazis. Clarke chaired a session on "Narratives
of Place and Displacement" in Bonhoeffer's
travel diaries and prison letters.
Also, his extended article called "Terrorism:
A Problem for Ethics or Pastoral Theology," the original
that he abridged for Quarterly Review, appears
in the spring issue of Cross Currents. It, too, draws on
ideas of Bonhoeffer.
George Diamond, professor
of English and chair of the department, participated in
the eighth Colloquium on Judaism and Post-Modern Culture,
June 15-16 at Lehigh University. Among its topics: the
Hebrew Bible and the making of Jewish and sexual identities;
Holocaust literature; the nature of fundamentalism in general
and Jewish fundamentalism in particular; and philosopher
Martin Buber, Buddhism, and psychoanalysis.
Doris and David
Schattschneider, professor emerita of mathematics
and dean emeritus of Moravian Theological Seminary, returned
to Bethlehem June 15. They had spent the spring semester
in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, where Doris was visiting
scholar of mathematics at the University of the Virgin
Islands. David gave presentations on Moravian history
and preached at several Moravian churches in the islands.
A new edition of Doris's book M.C.
Escher: Visions of Symmetry has been published by
Harry N. Abrams. It features a new chapter on Escher's
scientific and artistic legacy and a foreword by Douglas
Hofstadter, author of Goedel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal
Golden Braid.
Judith Green, editor of InCommon,
won an award of merit from the Episcopal Communicators
Association for a profile she wrote of Hemchand Gossai,
chair of the religion department of Muhlenberg College
and newly ordained Episcopal priest. It ran in the February
issue of the newsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem.
Frank Kuserk, professor
of biology, was leafing through Biology for Dummies and Anatomy & Physiology
for Dummies when he found that they were written by Donna
Rae Male Siegfried '88. He says the biology
book has a nice acknowledgment from Donna to her profs
in the Department of Biology. But why was Frank looking
through Biology for Dummies anyway?
June was Moravian College month on the op-ed
pages of the Morning Call. Among its articles:
• An essay on America's oil-based
foreign policy by Gary Olson, professor
of political science, June 18.
• A piece on the Christian-Muslim conflict
in Sudan by Hans Wuerth, professor emeritus
of German, June 18.
• A discussion by David Salter '84
about fathers and daughters (he has three), June 20.
• Another cheer for the adaptive rehab
of the Bethlehem Steel works by Michael Perrucci '75,
June 20.
Stephen McKinney becomes
director of the Center of Information Technology next week.
He graduated from West Point with a B.S. in engineering
and holds an M.S. in systems technology from the Naval
Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He also earned
a diploma in information systems security and completed
the chief information officer program at the National Defense
University. His most recent position was director of education
technology at the Army War College in Carlisle.
Stephen just retired at the rank of lieutenant
colonel after a 22-year career in the Army. He and his
wife, Kathy, have five kids, ages 3 to 13. He also has
been a Little League coach and has worked with special-needs
• A different kind of welcome to Jake
James Williams, born July 9 to Donald and Irene
Williams, who is part of the indispensable CGS
office staff.
• Holly Newell has
removed "temporary" from her title and now
is assistant director of student activities and the HUB.
She came to Moravian last December.
Long, Farewell, Hello
This is a summer of many changes, including
these staff comings and goings:
• Bob Eisenhauer,
structural operations manager, Facilities. Bob has worked
at Moravian since 1983.
• Holly Ferenchak,
accounts payable clerk, Business Office, who's going
to work at DeSales University.
• Chris Hayes, assistant
director of admissions and coordinator for multicultural
recruitment. Chris will become dean of students (K-5) at
the Benjamin School, North Palm Beach, Florida.
• Marilyn Ramsey,
assistant director of admissions. She's starting
graduate work in psychology at Villanova University.
• Tim Bilger, major
gifts officer with responsibility for athletics, is going
to Good Shepherd Hospital in Allentown. His successor is Adam
Stauffer, who has been development/marketing coordinator
for the Blue and Grey Club. Adam has been at the College
since 2001 as a public relations assistant for sports information,
coach, athletic recruiter, and student mentor. He has a
B.S. and an M.Ed. in sports management from East Stroudsburg
• Dave Jordan '01,
basketball intern and facilities equipment manager, is
going to Kean University in New Jersey to work on a master's
degree in school psychology and guidance. Ken Greb '03
takes over his duties.
• Kristen Orgera,
assistant director of alumni relations, joined Harris Intertype,
the Alumni Association's web host, and moved to Chapel
Hill, North Carolina, just after Commencement. Penni
Zimmerman moved across the parking lot from Colonial
Hall, where she was assistant director of annual giving,
to succeed Kristen. Penni's car proudly displays
a decal from the University of Delaware, where she earned
her B.A.
• John McCurdy is
visiting assistant professor of history next year while
a search goes on for Ros Remer's replacement. He
holds a B.A. from Knox College; M.A., University of Chicago;
M.A. and Ph.D., Washington University (St. Louis).
• Vivian Davis-Martínez has
left the position of assistant dean of CGS, though she
will continue as an adjunct instructor in counseling at
Moravian Theological Seminary. Her successor is Donna
Smith, who has a B.A. from Hope College and an
M.A. from Centenary College.
• Susan Kramer, student
life coordinator. Her successor is Kim Rushing,
hired just as this issue went to press.
and Belles
basking in brass this weekend at the 250th anniversary
of the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir will spot
among its players Laura Strattan '04,
who joined to have some quality time with her fiancé,
Matthew Kemmerer; and Maggie Snyder, our
longtime visiting instructor of Spanish, who is celebrating
16 years with the group.
14, 2004
staff, student accomplishments, new hires, faculty
and staff departures, etc.


text:
Home › Academics › Course Catalog › Susquehanna University Bulletin › Courses of Study › Theatre › Theatre Courses › THEA:152 Understanding Theatre.
THEA:152 Understanding Theatre.
Fundamental characteristics and function of the theatre. Includes basic roles of the playwright, director, actor, designer, technicians and other professions. 4 SH. CC: Artistic Expression.
Catalog Links


text:
Ibi explains how people were counted in Auschwitz, and how she and her sister avoided having to collaborate with the guards by pretending not to understand German. She describes the smell of the electric wire and the bizarre things she saw, like the orchestra playing near the crematoria.
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Have you ever caught yourself thinking of an old Caps' favorite and wondered, what ever happened to that guy?
Hockey, like all professional sports, is a tough business. Team legends can spend many years in one city but find themselves looking for a new team near the end of their careers. Other players are brought in to bolster the squad but are let go through free agency or trades just as they began to establish themselves in Washington.
The hockey world, however, does not end when players leave D.C. Here's a look at some former Caps and how they fared after their time in Washington.
Joe Juneau
Played for Caps: 1993 - 1999
Stats with Caps: 312 GP, 62 G, 172 A, 234 Pts, Postseason: 44 GP, 13 G, 28 A, 41 Pts
Juneau came to Washington in a trade that sent Al Iafrate to Boston. Though he was never able to duplicate the gaudy numbers he enjoyed as a Bruin, Juneau was an important cog in the Caps' offense for several years.
Of course he is best remembered by Caps fans for scoring the most important goal in franchise history. In 1998, Juneau netted the OT goal in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals sending the Caps to their first and to date only Stanley Cup Finals.
Unfortunately, the Caps did not enjoy the same success the following season and chose to trade away Juneau's expiring contract and a third-round pick to Buffalo in exchange for Alexei Tezikov and a fourth-round pick.
The trade worked out well for Juneau as he again found himself in the Stanley Cup Finals, but again, he was on the losing side as the Sabres lost to Dallas in six games.
Juneau made three more stops in his NHL career, playing in Ottawa for one season, Phoenix for one season and Montreal for three and retired following the 2003-04 season.
As a literal rocket scientist (he graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnhic Institute with a degree in aeronautical engineering), Juneau was a bit more prepared for life after hockey than most retiring athletes and became a partner in the engineering company Harfan Technologies.
Juneau now lives in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, a fairly remote village in the Nunavik province of Quebec. There he runs a youth hockey program for Inuit youth to encourage both athletic and academic progress. For his efforts, Juneau was named the 2007 Personality of the Year by La Presse and Radio-Canada.
It's not a Stanley Cup, but that's still pretty impressive.
[RELATED: Ovechkin enjoys soccer game in Moscow with selfie]


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thanks to bmarlo for this signature
Last edited by cracra; 12-05-2010 at 07:18 AM.
4.2 E , BootMii (boot2 as IOS) , DVDx . HBC 1.0.8 , cIOS 38 r14 , Hermes cIOS 222 v4 , Priiloader 0.3 , WiiFlow 2.1a2 , Mplayer CE 0.75 , WiiMc 1.1.0
Softmode Guide Any Wii|4.3 Softmode Guide This Helps
Guide Wiiflow installation and settings The Best Loader in my opinion
Houston, we have a problem (Apollo 13)<--If I Helped Press Thanks
Bruce Wilis
Last edited by Krafter; 12-05-2010 at 11:07 AM.
Michael Dorn [Worf!]
Softmod ANY Wii | USB-FAT32 | Error Index | Chat!
An Introduction To Wii Hacking - MUST READ for all new Wii Hackers
If I have been of help to you, please click the "Thanks" icon to the left.
Mel Gibson (it was a story in newspaper with this pic woman is taking him to the cleaners)
Hayden Christensen
--> christmas time, ooh christmas time...
Wii Softmodding - Basics and Beyond
Feel free to join the Site Chat via IRC for discussion.
[Guide] Softmod ANY Wii | Hermes and Waninkoko cIOS as WADs | Usb loading - FAT32
<--suggestions helped? press Thanks
Last edited by peire; 12-09-2010 at 07:07 AM.
thanks to bmarlo for this signature
bruce forsyth
^^^^^^^^pimpness from the mighty bmarlo ^^^^^^^^


text:
We are so very excited at the City awaiting the arrival of the Project Life supplies...they should be here soon!!
In the event you needed a little inspiration or a few ideas on just how to put your Project Life pages together, here are some pages from some of the City Chicks
One of my absolute favorite things about Project Life is that it really is about capturing the "everyday" happenings in life...what came in the mail, what you had for lunch, your Facebook status that day...anything goes. These are all things that never would have been captured through traditional scrapbooking. Just like Carla included in her page above...a snow day from school...I know for a fact that I do not have a SINGLE picture that was taken on a snow day when I was in school...and there were plenty of snow days considering I grew up in Michigan!!
I love including weather "snapshots" from the iPhone...these will be so neat to look back on years to come. Have you picked up your Silhouette Cameo yet? If so, you can make that adorable heart cut-out that Carla included in her page along with a Studio Calico camera wood veneer. Hey - we just got all kinds of wood veneers in at the City this week!!
Close up!!
This week was Girl Scout Cookie Week as well as Dr. Seuss Birthday Week at school. Great memories.
I really enjoyed putting together my "intro" page for Project Life this year. Thankfully, it was easy since we were at the beach on New Year's Day and I took many pictures...that's not usually the case. As I did in 2012, I documented our ages at the start of the year. Don't forget the fur-babies in your family!!
More of my "everyday"...reading, breakfast, school bulletin board I put together & bathtime!
This was a 12x12 page insert that I actually cut down in order to include a few more pictures for the week as it was the week of Ethan's 5th birthday, which meant a big party and family in town too!! So many pictures...that doesn't always happen! I decorated the edge of the insert with washi tape.
And this is a perfect example of a week when I fail to take enough pictures to fill the page protectors...not to worry, however...fill them up with "currently" cards...I loved this week in the end because I rarely get the "currently" stats from my husband, but this week I made a point too and what fun!! His TV/Movie/Music/Book interests are SOOOO different from mine and honestly, I don't always know what he's watching on TV...though it's always a "guys" show.
I hope these pages/pictures provided some inspiration for you. Another great thing about Project Life is that there really are NO rules...include what you want, add inserts when needed...you can always make it work.
Krystyn :)


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All around the world, Hamann Motorsport GmbH is a very well known tuner, but they didn't try their magic on the Lamborghini brand yet ... until now.
The stunning Lamborghini Gallardo seen on this page is the result of a lot of hard work in Germany, the home base of Hamann Motorsport, and it is stunning, trust me.
A small list of the modifications executed by Hamann :
Aerodynamics : the front spoiler, which can be ordered in either a fiberglass or a Carbon-Kevlar edition, the side skirts, a magnificent three piece rear wing, the rear diffuser, special air intakes on the sides and the air scoops on the 'shoulders' ... all parts are available in both Fiberglass or Carbon-Kevlar version, so you have a choice which material would look best on your specific Gallardo.
But let's take a look at those fabulous wheels, Hamann 19-inch, multi-piece, light alloy units in a special 'Design Anniversary II' multi-spoke design, finished in silver with a highly polished outer rim. The front of the Gallardo can mount 9 inch wide, while the rear axle can receive massive 12 inch wide wheels, with 235/35 ZR19 and 295/30 ZR 19 rubber to front and rear.
But that's not all, the best is yet to come, a special Hamann exhaust system with two 'Sport' rear silencers to the left and the right of the Gallardo, both sides having dual exhausts in 76mm diameter, but there are also 'Sport' steel catalysts available, when mounting both Hamann systems you actually gain 28 Hp and have a torque increase of about 50 Nm ... and naturally all this will result in a stunning sound !
For more information and prices, please feel free to contact the friendly sales staff at Hamann Motorsport GmbH, on this official website you'll also be also to find a local dealer which is authorized to distribute these magnificent parts for your Lamborghini Gallardo.
If you take a look at their website, you'll be able to find some stunning Porsche and BMW cars, with upwards-sideways opening doors, perhaps an idea for the Gallardo ? Wouldn't it be nice to have Murciélago style doors on the Gallardo too ... let's wait and see if the people at Hamann don't come up with the same idea.
A total tuning package from German based Hamann for the Lamborghini Aventador, featuring an amazing Veneno style air intake on the engine cover
(added on September 12. 2013)
The very impressive Gallardo Victory by Hamann Motorsport GmbH
(added on September 15. 2007)
Lamborghini at the International Tuning Salon
Our review on the International Tuning Salon in Belgium, where a stunning, yellow Murciélago LP640 tuned by Hamann could be admired.
(added on November 10. 2008)
After the Nervudo aerodynamic package, Hamann comes up with the Limited, a new styling kit for the Lamborghini Aventador
(added on March 4. 2014)
Murciélago by Hamann Motorsport GmbH
The Lamborghini Murciélago by Hamann Motorsport GmbH
(added on January 28. 2008)
September 6. 2008
Text © Mark Smeyers
Extras :
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text:
August 1 2015 Latest news:
David Cuffley
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Norwich City cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup at the expense of Championship side Peterborough United as attacking pair Elliott Bennett and Simeon Jackson made the most of their recall to the first team.
Both players scored in the opening half of the third round tie at London Road, and Robert Snodgrass wrapped things up with 20 minutes left with his fifth goal of the season, making him the Canaries' top scorer this season.
City boss Chris Hughton made eight changes from the team beaten 2-1 at West Ham on New Year's Day, but they still had far too much quality for a Posh side who failed to trouble goalkeeper Declan Rudd on his return to the team.
In truth, there looked to be more than one division between the two clubs as any thought of an upset was dispelled by two Norwich goals in the space of 11 first-half minutes.
Elliott Bennett opened the scoring on the half-hour after excellent work by Snodgrass, and Jackson made it 2-0 four minutes before the break with a cool finish from David Fox's through-ball.
Snodgrass struck the third on 70 minutes from an Elliott Bennett pass to make him top scorer for the season with five, but the Canaries looked well in charge long before that.
In a much-changed line-up, Rudd replaced Mark Bunn in goal, with recalls in defence for Leon Barnett and Marc Tierney, in midfield for David Fox, Bradley Johnson, Elliott Bennett and Simon Lappin, and in attack for Simeon Jackson. Johnson returned after a one-match ban and Lappin was back from a loan spell with Cardiff.
Out completely from the Premier League defeat at Upton Park went Bunn, Michael Turner, Sebastien Bassong, Jonny Howson, nursing a knee injury, and Wes Hoolahan, while Alex Tettey, Anthony Pilkington and Harry Kane were named among the substitutes. There were also places on the bench for returning loan duo Elliott Ward and Jacob Butterfield.
Peterborough were forced into three changes after the 2-1 Championship home win over Barnsley with Gabriel Zakuani on African Nations Cup duty, Lee Tomlin suspended and Dwight Gayle cup-tied.
Into the side came Craig Alcock, Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Danny Swanson.
It was the first FA Cup meeting between the two clubs and only the third competitive meeting between them. City, skippered by Russell Martin against his former club, were backed by more than 5,000 travelling fans, but with a capacity of 14,500 for the tie, there were still plenty of gaps in home areas at kick-off.
City threatened first but Jackson's cross from the right was overhit as Elliott Bennett, in a central role supporting the striker, raced into the area.
There was an early opening for Posh when Boyd set up Newell, whose shot was deflected wide for a corner, and soon afterwards Boyd wasted a useful chance by blazing his shot into the crowd.
Snodgrass worked a shooting opportunity but his effort struck Bostwick and from the resulting corner, Barnett headed over the top.
Johnson headed over from a Snodgrass free-kick, and then Snodgrass got his head to an Elliott Bennett cross at the far post before flattening an advertising board, with Posh having to clear hastily as the ball dropped into the six-yard box.
Elliott Bennett produced City's best effort yet on 19 minutes when he cut in from the left and his powerful shot was tipped over by Olejnik.
Russell Martin headed over from a Snodgrass corner as Norwich continued to look more likely to score.
On the half-hour the goal City had threatened came as Elliott Bennett gave them the lead.
Snodgrass was the provider with a bit of twisting and turning in the Peterborough area, and Bennett had enough space to stab his shot past Olejnik from about six yards.
Posh made a change on 34 minutes with defender Alcock making way for striker Gordon.
Rudd plucked a cross from Little out of the air at the near post but had been a virtual spectator since the opening minutes.
Four minutes before the break, Jackson stretched the Canaries' lead when he latched on to Fox's long ball forward and coolly lifted the ball over the advancing Olejnik for his third goal of the season.
In first-half stoppage time, a cross by Little spelt danger but was just too strong for Rowe.
City almost made it 3-0 after Newell upended Snodgrass and the winger's curling free-kick had to be acrobatically tipped over by Olejnik.
• Half-time: Peterborough United 0, Norwich City 2
Posh made a second change at the break with Ajose on for Knight-Percival.
Snodgrass fired wide from Russell Martin's cross on 49 minutes as City looked to give themselves a commanding lead.
There was a third Peterborough change after 54 minutes when McCann replaced Swanson.
Elliott Bennett tried his luck from all of 35 yards, but Olejnik was right behind his shot, then Bennett was just unable to get on the end of a Martin cross.
Ajose sliced a shot into the crowd at the other end, which rather summed up Posh's afternoon.
Johnson was also off target with a long-range effort as Norwich continued to have the lion's share of possession.
Brisley was booked for a late challenge on Jackson before Rowe blazed a shot wide after a poor pass by Johnson.
It was effectively game over with 20 minutes left as Snodgrass slotted home his fifth goal of the season.
Elliott Bennett was the provider as his pass sent Snodgrass clear against Olejnik and he kept his cool to tuck the ball past the keeper.
It was his last involvement as he made way for Butterfield soon after play restarted.
Bostwick poked a shot wide from a McCann corner as Posh looked for a consolation goal.
Russell Martin was booked late on and Rudd finally had a save to make as Bostwick and Barnett challenged for the free-kick.
Little, Peterborough's best performer, struck a powerful effort wide in the final seconds.
• Peterborough United: Olejnik; Alcock (Gordon, 34), Brisley, Knight-Percival (Ajose, 45); Little, Ferdinand, Bostwick, Newell, Rowe; Boyd, Swanson (McCann 54). Subs: Day, Richens, Sage, Clarke-Harris.
• Norwich City: Rudd, Russell Martin, Barnett, Ryan Bennett, Tierney; Snodgrass (Butterfield, 72), Fox, Johnson, Lappin; Jackson, Elliott Bennett. Subs (not used): Steer, Garrido, Ward, Pilkington, Tettey, Kane.
• Referee: Stuart Atwell (Warwickshire)
• Attendance: 13,198
• Goals: City: Elliott Bennett (30), Jackson (41), Snodgrass (70)
• Bookings: Posh: Bostwick (16), Brisley (66). City: Russell Martin (87)
18 comments
Good result, but the number of times we had the ball on either wing, level with the penalty area, and not crossing because there was no one in the box gives me cause for concern. We ended passing it back into our own half and sometimes all the way back to keeper. Not really sure what our attacking philosophy is actually.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
This game shows there is depth in the squad. As for Lawro, the league table based on his predictions has City in bottom place and QPR doing well. Hilarious!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Only listened on Radio Partridge but it sounded comfortable. Good to see Foxy, Cinnamon, Lapps & Little Benno in the starting line-up. Hard to judge how well the rejigged defence did `cos it would seem they had not a lot to do. Snods is becoming a "big" player in the style of Hucks+a bit of extra bite - feisty guy. It was only a P`bro side not performing that well on the day, so mustn`t get too excited. Butterfield got 20 minutes!! Failed to pick up any highlights on ITV1 &ITV1+1 - blinked twice. Did see the Chelsea highlights. Interesting handball decision for Lampard`s penalty. Don`t know who ref was but wish he`d been at WHU & applied the same criteria for us! OTBC.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Once, Swiss. Once
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Our attacking philospohy is (A) get a free-kick just outside the box and let Snoddy or Pilks crack it in, (B) the defenders who are up for the kick or a corner will scramble it in or (C)........hope that Wes climbs above the defence and heads it in, it happened!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Brew, you could have watched the game on (the first row . eu ) (no spaces of course. But I didn't!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Overpaid Bob Carolgees lookalike. My only amazement is that he's had more than one marriage. Mr. Mogadon did well to persuade one woman to sleep with him but three ..???
Saturday, January 5, 2013
It's just a shame that the only two football teams in East Anglia had to meet up so early in the competition.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
It's just a shame that the only two football teams in East Anglia had to meet up so early in the competition.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Great win for a group of lads who desperately needed a run out and didn't disappoint. And . . . . .surprise, surprise, Lawro had us down for a draw. Why is he SO down on us week in, week out?
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Bluelight, I am not sure that going to the byline to get a cross in is Snodders' strength, but Pilkington should certainly be capable. Can I just ask, did anyone else hear Simeon's goal described as 'route 1?'. What, may I ask, was the difference between Fox's pass and that of Ryan Giggs? To me, a long ball is a hopeful punt upfield, but Fox has proved time and again that he has good vision, and you could clearly see him look up and spot Jackson's run. Anyway, just a thought. Bring on Luton.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
i liked that
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Who cares what Lawro thinks
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Of course David Fox`s long pass is a "Punt". Of course Ryan Giggs` long pass is class. That`s how journos stay on the guest list for Champers & canapés. It`s a dirty World.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Hi, Timbo.Not Bob Carolgees, the bloke who was in a puppet show with a dog called Cilla, or something like that? Last I heard of him he was flogging wax candles in Winsford or somewhere. Always did get on my wick, like Lawro.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Bluelight, I am not sure that going to the byline to get a cross in is Snodders' strength, but Pilkington should certainly be capable. Can I just ask, did anyone else hear Simeon's goal described as 'route 1?'. What, may I ask, was the difference between Fox's pass and that of Ryan Giggs? To me, a long ball is a hopeful punt upfield, but Fox has proved time and again that he has good vision, and you could clearly see him look up and spot Jackson's run. Anyway, just a thought. Bring on Luton.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
well done boys. A good effort from several of the fringe boys. BTW I see that one of our future signing scored again. I seems almost a shame to keep raping Leeds of any half decent players they get. Still, they will never achieve their ambitions whilst they keep playing for a small time feeder club!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
no point in getting in the box lobbo.our wingers have been receiving the ball,moving forward then turning back,they never go past the defender and bang in a low cross.dont know why.i thing its the most dangerous ploy in football.but then what do i know.otbc
Sunday, January 6, 2013
The views expressed in the above comments do not necessarily reflect the views of this site


text: Town of Buxton, Personnel Policy IX. Inclement Weather/Emergency Policy, page 9 The decision whether to close Town services due to inclement weather or another emergency will be made by a designated Selectman after consulting with the Public Works Director or Police Chief. The Board of Selectmen shall select the member responsible for this duty. If the Board fails to designate a member or if the designated member is unavailable, three members of the Board will need to agree. The designated Selectman will notify the affected Town Department Heads (normally the Business Office, Code Enforcement and Transfer Station), prior to 7:00 a.m. in the event of a closure. The Department Heads will then call the individual employees. The Selectman will also have at least two radio and television stations notified. Employees not notified by 7:30 a.m. shall assume that there has been no closure. The choice to travel in inclement weather shall be an individual's decision. Employees who feel that it is too hazardous to travel or if work has been canceled, may elect to use earned vacation, compensation time or may take the time off without compensation. Public Safety Employees are required to work regardless of weather (normally the Public Works, Police and Fire & Rescue Departments) do not receive additional time off or pay for a closure. Approved by Executive Order: 010203020, March 27, 2002 Amended by Executive Order: 131410023, October 16, 2013 Town of Buxton 185 Portland Road, Buxton, ME 04093 (207) 929-5191 Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm & Wed: 11:30am - 7:30pm Virtual Towns & Schools Website


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Dr Cain is competent, punctual, and actively engaged with his patients. He gets top marks from me, a difficult person to impress. He saved my life, when other doctors were content to write me off as terminal.
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I saw Dr. Cain for the first time yesterday for my sinuses. He talks a little fast and is a bit quick to get you out the door even after waiting an hour to see him. I hope that he takes his time if I should need surgery. Will comment on that afterwards.
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Dr. Cain is an amazing dr .. to bad theres only 1 : 100 like him
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Theres no way your daughters tongue was cut half off and was hanging out of her mouth....your ridiculous, a slanderer and obviously a bad parent if you went home with a child in that type of pain and injury. Oh wait it didnt happen like that did it.
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Our son had to get tubes placed in his ears when he was 2. Dr. Cain and the hospital staff were amazing with our son. I think it was harder on me than it was for my son. Dr. Cain explained the procedure to us and talked to us post surgery as well. We see him every few months to check the tubes and each time we are never rushed and he always addresses our concerns. Our experience with Dr. Cain has been excellent.
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I had the opposite experience for the same operation. A tonsilectomy on my 5 year old child. Dr. Cain explained everything clearly and answered all our questions. He was very professional and did a good job. I would have no hesitation to recommend him to others.
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This doctors name is actually Cain and did my daughters tonsilectomy as well as adnoids when she came out noticed some white tissue hanging out of her mouth it was the whole left side of her tongue..she was 8 years old he said oh well the mouth is the quickest to heal and sent us home!!!! Her toungue was the worst part of the pain and healing taking weeks!!! Was horrid
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George Croy
Feb. 04, 2013 @ 12:15 AM
George Croy, age 76, of Sevierville, formerly from Montgomery, Alabama, passed away at his residence on Saturday, February 2, 2013. He was retired from Bell South and was a faithful member of Gumstand Baptist Church.
Survivors: wife, Cotton Croy; sons and daughter-in-law, Frank Croy and wife Dewanna, and Gil Croy; grandchild, Hannah Croy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gumstand Baptist Church Building Fund, 3031 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3177, (865) 774- 5997.
Funeral service 7 p.m. Monday in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Ronnie Reagan officiating. Interment 10 a.m. Tuesday in Middle Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Monday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.


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Get a first look at New York City-based designer jeffstaple's newest collection, "American History _______". Shop snapback hats, pants, sweaters, graphic tees, and sweatshirts at urbanoutfitters.com.
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New candids from September 23rd of Maggie Gyllenhaal chatting with a friend before getting into a cab.
Also a set from September 14th of Maggie Gyllenhaal having lunch with director Sam Mendes.
Gallery Links:
Candids from 2010 > 14.09.10 – Having lunch with Sam Mendes
Candids from 2010 > 23.09.10 – Chatting with friend in NYC
Posted by Connie on September 25, 2010 under Candids,Gallery Updates and commented by 0 people


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Well, hello you lovely folk, I'm so chuffed that you've stopped by! I am a Kent based wedding photographer who loves to capture love in a soft, natural and relaxed way. I love to travel, so if you or your big day is/are not in Kent, I'm happy to come to you. As a little extra for you lovely Rock n Roll Bride Readers, if you mention you saw my advert I'll offer you a £100 discount on your wedding photography**.
Do make yourself at home, grab a cup of tea and please have a click around the pages. I've picked out a few wedding and engagement shoots you might like to look at, just click on the image below:
You can keep up to date with me on Facebook, twitter, pinterest and instagram….
I've put together a handy info booklet for you to peek through in your own time:
Click here to download yourself my Wedding Photography Info Booklet.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon, ping any my questions my way, I can't wait to hear from you!
Rebecca xx
07870 537455
**The discount is available for any bookings that are confirmed between 1st May 2013 – 30th June 2013. Confirmation of your booking requires a 25% deposit which is deducted from the remaining balance of your wedding photography, due one month before your wedding.


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Irish Dew is a site that offers a range of scenic landscape photographs from around ireland, portraying the beauty of this lovely land.
The pictures can be easily browsed by county. As the site is showcasing my personal work, not all counties are covered - yet! Over time, my intention is to build this site into a comprehensive collection that will cover most of Ireland. Beautiful photographs take time! Light conditions, time of the year, etc. all combine to make a photo. Getting that special picture takes patience.
I have three specialist sections at the moment, Connemara, the Burren and the Slieve Bloom Mountains. As I divide my time between Galway and the Slieve Bloom Mountains, I have more opportunity to capture the essence of these lovely regions of Ireland. See About Us for more details on this.


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Loyalty – Julian Draxler has it
Jun 29, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
A leprechaun, Odin's 6-legged horse, and loyalty in soccer. What do those things all have in common?
They're mythological. That is, until Julian Draxler showed up and changed the game.
Having just signed a new 5-year extension with his boyhood club Schalke, the German international is still a wanted man.
According to the German media outlet Bild, Draxler's new contract includes a €45.5 million ($59.2 million) release clause.
Apparently a number of bigtime clubs were not only willing to match the release, but were also willing to offer the starlet a wage raise up to €12 million ($15.6 million) per year.
Schalke were quite interested in making a deal as well, as it would represent a record-high transfer fee in the history of the Bundesliga.
Instead of making the move 99.9% of players would accept in a heartbeat, he instead told those interested, simply, no.
"This season will be the shortest of my career, and therefore I do not wish to accustom to elsewhere" Draxler said. "Instead, I will play with Schalke in the Champions League and then fly with the national team to the World Cup in Brazil."
At just 19 years of age, that kind of loyalty to refuse a massive sum of money is not only extraordinary, it's groundbreaking.
If you think he stuck around at Veltins-Arena for any reason other than he loves Schalke, think again. After signing his new contract a month ago, he addressed the possibility of having moved to Borussia Dortmund by saying, ""Under no circumstances will I play for Borussia Dortmund in the coming season. I'd have to be brainwashed to join Dortmund."
This kid loves Schalke, and nothing – not even money…lots and lots of money – can make him think otherwise.
Find me another player in the game like that. You can't. Especially not a 19-year-old. A round of applause for Julian Draxler, please.
- mkbryant3 - Jun 29, 2013 at 4:26 PM
Great story. After making a certain income, is much more that important? Becoming a legend with honor is worth so much more.
- nussdorferac - Jun 29, 2013 at 5:15 PM
If only Gotze had made the same choice.
- lfcrising - Jun 29, 2013 at 7:24 PM
Players staying with their boyhood clubs is GENERALLY fan fantasy. He's 19 w a few years with the club; it's not like he's 38 and played his whole career there. While the story is great, my guess is that Draxler is also very pragmatic. See his quote about playing in the WC. Whatever big clubs were after him (let's naturally assume it was the usual suspects), he prolly was not guaranteed first team minutes but competition. He stays at Schalke, plays UCL, and plays a ton in the year before a WC.
- jocoolwu - Jun 29, 2013 at 9:37 PM
There are plenty of players that stay loyal to their club at the age of 19. If Schalke are not playing Champions League this upcoming season would his loyalty be there? He knows that in 1-3 years if his play on the pitch continues to progress he will have offers from the biggest clubs in Europe. German players for the most part like to stay in Germany especially in a World Cup cycle, but also because it's the best league in the world, so you don't have to move abroad.
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More users to opt for mobile VoIP
The number of mobile VoIP users is set to grow to 100 million in Europe and the USA in the next two years.
The number of mobile VoIP users is set to grow to 100 million in Europe and the USA in the next two years.
Google plans to acquire video and VoIP (Voice over IP) codec developer Global IP Solutions (GIPS) for approximately 421 million Norwegian kronor (US$68.2 million) in cash, the company said on Tuesday.
Skype today launched a Web-based tool to help small and medium sized businesses manage access to the Internet telephony service. Skype Manager replaces Skype Business Control Panel.
Skype this week will start offering plans to let users call international wireline and wireless phones at significantly lower rates than its current pay-as-you-go services.
Local VoIP provider Engin has introduced three new bundle plans. Dubbed VoIP Ignition, the plans are available for $69, $89 and $109 per month and include broadband access with a data quota that can be used without on- and off-peak periods.
Australian VoIP telco MyNetFone is offering free VoIP calls for people who sign up to its Naked ADSL2+ plans.
Microsoft plans to release a new version of its Office Communications Server (OCS) by the latter half of 2010, according to Gurdeep Singh Pall, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Unified Communications Group.
Broadband telephony company engin is offering hosted VoIP phone systems for small to medium businesses throughout Australia in a partnership with Harris Technology.
Open-source collaboration software vendor Open-Xchange has integrated VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) and social networking sites in the latest version of its e-mail server and client.
In a move that will have telcos around the world squirming uncomfortably, Nokia and Skype today announced the availability of the well known Internet telephony program for the Symbian operating system.
Skype and Nokia have released a new Skype client for the Symbian mobile OS.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has agreed to review a controversial patent issued in 2001 that is claimed to cover much of the technology underlying VoIP.
Cisco Systems Inc. plans to add voice-over-Wi-Fi capabilities to its existing iPhone app by April, part of a continuing effort to expand its unified communications technology into the mobile space.
Carriers and aid workers are scrambling to rebuild communications in Haiti following the catastrophic Jan. 12 earthquake near the capital city of Port-au-Prince, which left many residents with no means of communicating inside or outside the country.
Skype has released the latest version of its application for the iPhone, adding new features and fixing a couple of annoying bugs that hung up calls.
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First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.
For work use, Microsoft Word and Excel programs pre-installed on the device are adequate for preparing short documents.
The Fujitsu LifeBook UH574 allowed for great mobility without being obnoxiously heavy or clunky. Its twelve hours of battery life did not disappoint.
The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.
My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.


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I was given two websites with free knitting patterns that are new to me. They are:
1. Knittingpatterncentral.com
This one has a section devoted to men, you might enjoy reviewing it.
2. Straw.com
I found that I had to search for men's patterns. But there are many others to get lost in.
Both sites are great resources. Straw.com is actually operated by Crystal Palace Yarns. It was my go to website when I went through my Mini Mochi and Mochi Plus kick.
Thanks for Straw.com, a new page to get my head into!


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Not allowed in the room, whoever it was that stuck her bare arm through the slightly parted door to get his luggage was heard to say, "That's really classy, Lipensky!" Because Mitchell's "luggage" consisted of the then-empty plastic bag from the tuxedo rental shop and a brown-paper A&P shopping bag containing his shaving kit, jacket, shoes and one complete change of clothing.
Chicago, Illinois
Dressed in jeans, a corduroy shirt, white socks and brown loafers, "Almost ready?"
"Yeah, Mitch. Be out in a second."
Her makeup and toilet articles back in the plastic bag, with yesterday's underwear in a second plastic bag, Marsha removed a fresh brassiere and panties from the case, along with what she had worn to the hotel yesterday, that she'd folded neatly and put into the case: jeans, blue cotton blouse, bobby socks and black penny loafers…. Through dressing, everything packed inside, she closed the square lid and snapped the brass catch closed.
Dressed well before Marsha, dialing "O," Mitchell gave the hotel operator the Goldman phone number. While waiting for the connection to be made, laying on the bed with his back propped against the headboard, thumbing through the stack of cards that came with the cash and checks that Myra and Rhea had noted the amounts on as they'd opened each envelope, looking up as Marsha came from the bathroom, "We're supposed to take these with us and send thank-you notes?"
"Yes. We got thank-you cards and envelopes with the invitations."
Speaking into the phone, "Oh, hi!" Liking Eli, he found it easy to address him. "Dad. It's me, Mitchell."
"Morning, Mitch," feeling ill at ease talking to him today. "You kids, uh, out of bed and dressed?" Not quite sure of what to say, "How'd everything… uh, how's Marcie? You going to be leaving soon?"
"She's fine, Dad. Yeah, we'll be leaving in a minute. You want to call Skokie and tell them we're on our way?"
"Sure, Mitch. See you in a little while… Bye."
"So, Marcie, you ready?"
"Just about. You got all your stuff packed?"
"Yeah. All the tuxedo stuff's in the tuxedo bag, and all my other stuff's in the bag there." pointing to the A&P shopping bag.
"I've got to hand it to you, Mitchell; you sure travel in style… You know I'm not a snob, but if you don't mind, I'd rather not walk out of the Palmer House carrying a shopping bag. Why don't you see if it'll fit in my case? I left it in the toilet."
"Oh, yeah," getting off the bed, "sure you're not a snob!" Going into the bathroom, coming out carrying the overnight case, "Jesus, Marcie," swinging the case up, letting its own weight slam it onto the bed, "what in the hell you got in here?"
She had brought it to the hotel, knowing full well how much it weighed, "Pennies."
"Pennies?" Popping the catch lock, lifting the hinged lid, he looked under Marsha's pajamas and the plastic bags… prompting the question, "Why?" because the square bottom was buried beneath layers of pennies.
"It's my bank. For years, whenever I had pennies I threw them in, and I'd take daddy's whenever he had some. When I was packing yesterday, I didn't know what to do with them, so I figured we might as well take 'em with us, and they'll be the start of our saving account."
Getting the A&P bag, "How many you think you got there?"
"I don't know. A thousand, maybe twelve hundred."
Actually, there were 2,397pennies in the green, imitation lizard case.
Putting his kit into the case, "Wow!" Teasing her, "What's that, then? Ten, twelve bucks."
"Hey, big mouth! How much you got saved?"
"Not sure." Leaving yesterday's underwear and pajamas in the A&P bag, folding it in half, he put the bag into the case. "Last time I talked to my broker…" Slightly overloaded now, Mitchell forced the top closed, "we figured…" but, not noticing, a bit of one of the paper-string handles caught between the lid and case. "oh, 'bout a few million."
"Yeah! How come now's the first time I've heard about it? Where'z'at, huh?"
"All tied up." Yawning, buffing his fingernails on the front of his shirt, "You know how it is with us really rich guys."
"Yeah, sure I know how it is with your really rich guys." Looking about the room to see if they'd forgotten anything. "Looks like we've got everything."
"Yup!" Hefting Marsha's case off the bed, going to the closet, putting the case down, he helped Marsha on with her jacket, then put his on. Holding the tuxedo bag by the hanger, laying it across his shoulder, opening the door, he again lifted the green, imitation lizard case.
Attempting to hold the long gown folded across one arm, Marsha found that the crinoline undergarment had a mind of its own and wanted to go where it wanted to go, so instead, the bulky gown had to be held folded in half, in both arms.
Not thinking of leaving the key, taking one last look about, stepping into the hall, the door to room 1812 was pulled shut.
The elevator door opening, the seven people inside looked knowingly at the cumbersome wedding gown in Marsha's arms and the bulky tuxedo bag slung over Mitchell's shoulder and, knowing that the young couple were newlyweds and knowing, so they thought, what they had done last night, nodding, smiling, making room for Marsha and Mitchell, the seven moved to the rear of the elevator.
Four stops and five additional people later, "Whew!" Mitchell whispered as the door opened and they finally stepped out of the elevator into the lobby. "Felt kind'a like their eyes were digging into my back."
"You felt it too? Yeah!"
Stopping a moment to get their bearings, looking about the huge, richly appointed lobby, feeling extremely conspicuous due to the highly noticeable, dead giveaway wedding gown in her arms and the oversized tuxedo bag held over his shoulder, wanting to return the key and officially check out of their room, Marsha followed Mitchell across the mirror-like marble-floored lobby to the front desk.
In addition to the people milling about the front desk, there were also knots of people awaiting the announcement of the start of the Palmer House's well-publicized Sunday morning brunch.
Many of the people standing about had noticed the couple as they got off the elevator, and having nothing better to do—many of the men envious of Mitchell and the beautiful young woman at his side, and many of the women envious of Marsha and the handsome young man at her side, but mostly, jealous of their youth and the excitement of this, the first day of their lives together—watched the young couple as they crossed the lobby.
"Marcie," said from the corner of his mouth, "do you have the feeling that all of these people are staring at us?"
Looking straight ahead, "God, yes!" Slipping out of her arms, catching the train, having a hard time holding onto the unruly wedding gown, "I can't wait to get out of here!"
At the desk, Marsha stood next to Mitchell as he handed the key across and officially checked out of room 1812.
Still sensing eyes on their backs, they angled across the lobby, heading, as quickly as possible, to the five wide steps leading to the lower foyer, the three revolving doors, and the freedom of Wabash Avenue, when, suddenly…
Because the top was not securely shut due to the caught paper-string handle of Mitchell's A&P shopping bag, to say nothing of the excessive weight of 2,397pennies…
The clasp of Marsha's green, imitation lizard overnight case popped open and the A&P shopping bag, his shaving kit, her pajamas, two plastic bags and…
"Oh, my God!"
All two thousand, three hundred and ninety-seven pennies fell to the mirror-like marble-floored lobby with a loud, oh, so loud…
…clatter, and…
The people that had not been looking before were looking now as…
Two thousand, three hundred and ninety-seven pennies—the perfect little copper wheels they are—skittled and scattled under the feet of those milling about, or checking into or out of the hotel… that hopped and hurdled around the feet of those waiting for the Palmer House's well publicized Sunday morning brunch… that bounded and bounced down the five wide steps leading to the lower foyer and into the triangles of the three revolving doors, and…
Marsha, with her highly conspicuous wedding gown with its unruly crinoline under-garment, and Mitchell, with the oversized plastic bag in one hand and the handle of the open-mouthed lid of now empty, green, imitation lizard overnight case in the other hand, stood, turning helplessly in circles watching the rolling progression of two thousand, three hundred and ninety-seven pennies, and…
Dropping to his knees, Mitchell stuffed Marsha's plastic cosmetic bag, her plastic dirty underwear bag, her pajamas, his kit and the A&P shopping bag back into the green, imitation lizard overnight case as…
Well-meaning men, children, and even a few women throughout the lobby were on their knees picking up pennies with the intent of…
"OH, MY, GOD, they're going to bring the damned things back!" And…
Embarrassment in the past was as a wisp of a cloud to a mountain, a pea to the earth, a pee in the ocean, and…
"Mitchell, hurry!"
Closing the lid, snapping the catch shut, standing, he looked at the kneeling, stooping, misguided, albeit well-meaning people, and, "Lets get the hell out of here!"
Grabbing Marsha's hand, he pulled her—with the train of wedding dress fluttering behind as a flag in a wind—across the lobby, down the five marble steps, towards the revolving doors… But somehow having enough presence of mind to realize that the trailing wedding gown would never make it through a revolving door, he swerved, dragging Marsha to the right, through the stationary doorway, onto the street and the freedom of Wabash Avenue, where…
Breathing deeply, trying to catch their breath, frosty vapor coming from mouths and nostrils, Marsha and Mitchell stood at the curb looking into the lobby, then, realizing the humor in the situation, looking at each other, as though on cue, exploding into laughter…
"Remember…" barely able to speak, "when you called when the lid was stuck in the frying pan and I said this was going to be fun! Remember?"
"Yeah, Marcie…" Stopping to catch his breath, handing the bewildered doorman the ticket for the car, who handed it to car hop.
Unable to stop laughing, "I can't believe it!" she gasped, "Seemed like there was a million of 'em!"
"Yeah, no shit! Believe it! At least a million!"
"Hey, Mitch, know what?"
"I love you!"
"Yeah, and I love you, too! And so much for our savings account."
"Nah." Reaching into her coat pocket, bringing her hand out, she opened it, and there, in her palm were three pennies. "Here, we'll start again."
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text:
by G. Richard Fisher
When the April 27, 1998, edition of Christianity Today magazine ran a full-page advertisement promoting a new line of resources by the respected Christian publisher, David C. Cook Communications, how could one doubt the trustworthiness of such materials? If along with that, they were endorsed in that same promotion by J.I. Packer, Alister McGrath, Luis Palau and Leighton Ford, how could one hesitate even for a moment how could one resist? Surely this is a bandwagon worthy of a ride.
The Alpha program sounds like a great idea. After all, with such heavyweights backing it and a program to facilitate an introduction to the Christian faith (with weekend retreats and group discussions) it has to be good or does it? If nothing else, one must admit that Alpha is packaged impressively for maximum sales.
Popularity does not mean that something is true. If it did, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny would be real entities. Popularity does not automatically equal truth nor can it create truth.
The Alpha Course originated in the United Kingdom at Holy Trinity Brompton Church an Anglican church in London through curates Nicky Gumbel and Sandy Millar. The earliest versions go as far back as 1977. Gumbel began teaching the current version in 1990. He acknowledges that it is always open to revision.
Author Dave Hunt reminds us that Holy Trinity Brompton in London ... became the center of holy laughter for England and Europe.1 It has become known for the knock em down services and slaying marathons that are traced to a purported anointing by the former Toronto Airport Vineyard Church pastored by John Arnott. Taxis are provided at Holy Trinity for parishioners too drunk in the Spirit to drive home from services. Such activity is a blatant violation of the rules of decorum in worship outlined in 1 Corinthians 14.
Evangelist Stephen Hill, who helps oversee the pandemonium at the Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Fla., claims he received his anointing and powerful slaying in the Spirit abilities from Holy Trinity Brompton. People believe he is a conduit for the power. Our personal experience with Hill is you go down only if you want to go down.2
The Brownsville Outpouring has now become a traveling road show with all kinds of revival paraphernalia for sale which generates hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for the revivals key players.3 The Pensacola News Journal articles document that Brownsville leaders continue to be loose with the truth as they rake in incredibly huge amounts of cash which are being partly socked into personal real estate. Brownsvilles power, in the words of Rev. Ike, seems to be green power in the final analysis.
The Feb. 9, 1998, issue of Christianity Today featured a four-page news report on the Alpha Course titled The Alpha-Brits Are Coming. The magazine explained the acronym ALPHA:
AAnyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith; LLearning and Laughter; PPasta (eating together gives people the chance to know each other); HHelping one another (small groups are used for discussion of issues raised during the lectures); AAsk anything. No question is seen as too simple or too hostile.4
The same article went on to say that not all is well in Alpha land:
An infectious enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit, and a bold plan for growth are all trademarks among Alphas top leaders. But not everyone is cheering Alpha onward. Some church leaders have found Alpha teaching too charismatic, too experience-driven, and too negative about traditional churches. Martyn Percy, director of the Lincoln Theological Institute for the Study of Religion and Society of the University of Sheffield, England, has commented about Alpha that it is a package rather than a pilgrimage. In a recent essay, he said, It is a confident but narrow expression of Christianity, which stresses the personal experience of the Spirit over the Spirit in the church. ... The Alpha approach has been faulted for pushing an experience-driven approach to evangelism that sidesteps intellectual difficulties.5
There is no doubting that the Alpha program, like many other fads, caught on with the help of slick marketing by David C. Cook Communications and is enjoying worldwide success, at least for now. The previously mentioned Christianity Today advertisement says that a half-million people took the course in 1997 alone.
The Alpha Course is an array of videos, audiocassettes, books, booklets, testimonials and leaders videos and guidebooks. One would have to spend hundreds of dollars to buy all the paraphernalia.
The Alpha Course and program is also promoted and endorsed by glowing personal testimonies but on close examination has many weaknesses and falls short of meeting biblical scrutiny. Isaiah 8:20 reminds us: To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Jim Jones, even in the final hours of his regime in Guyana, could produce glowing testimonials. Collective cheerleading does not create truth.
One such testimony reported by Christianity Today is that of Keith Prestridge, a former punk rocker:
Prestridge offered a pugilists description of Alphas Holy Spirit weekend: They laid hands on me, and I knew release, you know? I know those of you who have felt the Spirit know what its like. Its like being in a good fight and suddenly being knocked out.6
One would have to search long and hard to find a verse that would compare the Holy Spirit to a boxer who beats up people! This is reminiscent of John Wimbers fantasy of Jesus as a sumo wrestler who beats people around.7 And one has to look even harder for a Scripture verse that says you can feel the Holy Spirit.
Though the Alpha Course is mostly held in Vineyard and Charismatic churches, Roman Catholic, Anglican and other groups are using them.8 Doctrinal issues have been diminished or ignored in spite of 1 Timothy 4:13, 16.
The British publication, The Christian Research Network Journal, has scrutinized the Alpha program and come up with six major criticisms. The Journal says the Alpha Course is: massively over-hyped and spiritually deceptive ... with its wholly inadequate view of Christian conversion and experience.9
Chris Hand in his analysis of Alpha concludes the following:
1. The God of Alpha is not the God of the Bible. ... it does not present us with the God who has revealed Himself in the Bible. ... It simply fails to tell us anything we need to know about God.
2. The plight of man in Alpha is not as serious as in the Bible. ... Alpha does not use strong terms and leaves us rather unclear about where we stand. As one follows its argument, sin is more to be seen in the way we have messed up our lives.... For all the gravity of sin, Alpha never allows us to feel too bad about ourselves. It never permits us to see ourselves in Gods sight. That is a big omission.
3. The Jesus Christ of Alpha is not the Jesus Christ of the Bible. ... despite having part of the course titled Why did Jesus die?, it is unable in the final analysis to answer this question. ...
4. The love of God in Alpha is not the love of God of the Bible. ... The God of the Bible is love but it is love that is seen in His willingness to save sinners. ... without the context of Gods holiness and absolute perfection, the meaning of love is lost to us. ...
5. The Holy Spirit of Alpha is not the Holy Spirit of the Bible. ... Alphas Spirit appears to work in ways that lie outside the confines of Scripture. Whoever it is that people are introduced to at the Alpha Weekend, it is not the Holy Spirit. But whoever this mysterious guest is, he is equally at home with the ecstatic gatherings of New Age enthusiasts and non-Christian religions alike.
6. Conversions in Alpha are not like the conversions in the Bible. ... More often than not it is an emotional experience about the love of God but without any understanding of holiness or the need to be saved from our sins. ... For all its efforts, Alpha does not help us to know God. It does not describe the true and living God for us. It does not diagnose mans condition accurately enough. ... it is unable to supply us with the good news.10
Alpha is just new window dressing on the old Holy Ghost bartender theme, the Toronto theme and the Brownsville reruns. It could be retitled Steps to Frenzy or Finding God in My Feelings, or Letting Out the Animal Inside. The result is not unlike the old Esalen groups, primal scream therapy or the lunacy of a drug experience.
Alan Howe informs us:
Central to the Alpha Course is not the Christian gospel, but the so-called Holy Spirit Weekend which is in fact a thinly-disguised opportunity for initiation into the Toronto Blessing experience. Nicky Gumbel, curate at Holy Trinity, Brompton had received the blessing from Eleanor Mumford of the South-West London Vineyard following her return from Toronto in May 1994. Subsequent to this event, Toronto-style teaching concerning the reception of the Holy Spirit took centre-stage. An unknown evangelistic tool had thus become a syncretistic mixture of orthodoxy and heresy.11
A close look at the words of Nicky Gumbel, as quoted by the CRN Journal, show the real direction of the Alpha Course. Gumbel unashamedly is trying to move people into esoteric experiences, altered states of consciousness, self-hypnosis and mindless emotionalism and then tell his followers it is all of God. Gumbel uses Gods words to move people toward the ultimate end which is hysteria, loss of control and mindlessness.
Gumbel says that the purpose of the Holy Spirit weekends is to expect all kinds of strange manifestations and bodily agitations. Consider his comments:
Sometimes, when people are filled, they shake like a leaf in the wind. Others find themselves breathing deeply as if almost physically breathing in the Spirit. ... Physical heat sometimes accompanies the filling of the Spirit and people experience it in their hands or some other part of their bodies. One person described a feeling of glowing all over. Another said she experienced liquid heat. Still another described burning in my arms when I was not hot.12
Surely this cannot be far behind the Mormons burning in the bosom where truth is sacrificed for feeling and we no longer walk by faith but by tingles, sensations and subjective, fallible impressions.
Someone should make Gumbel aware that one can get the same results practicing pagan Kundalini. Edward Andrews, in documenting the emotional excesses of the heretical Shakers, reports phenomenon that would parallel Gumbels excesses.
To suggest that the kinds of manifestations encouraged in Alpha could be remotely connected to Christianity is absurd. They are more readily a product of self-hypnosis, suggestion and altered states of consciousness or even perhaps the demonic and occultic.
The Alpha Course may very well be a huge success in a society driven by a need for new experiences, new highs and out-of-control emotionalism but when held up to the pure light of Scripture, it is an enormous failure. No matter who publishes it or who endorses it, the final question is: How does it all conform to the Word of God?
In his interview with Christianity Today, Gumbel indicated that the Alpha Course is evolving. What Alpha is today, it may not be tomorrow. Could it get worse? Gumbel said: We havent got everything perfect. Alpha is alive. Its not fixed.13
This writer has read Gumbels book, Questions of Life, which is the main text for Alpha teaching. The 263-page volume relies on mainstream evangelical writers, as well as the likes of the aberrant John Wimber. Though agreeing for the most part with the CRN Journal article, this writer might have stressed things from a slightly different perspective and have had less concern for a few of the points. Maybe we could call it giving the devil his due.
CRN said that The God of Alpha is not the God of the Bible. It is true that Questions of Life presents no real doctrine of God nor does it seek to teach about His person, character or attributes. Alpha leaders would probably reply that their introduction to the Christian faith is limited in nature or to a particular theme. Namely, that it mainly addresses Jesus, salvation and living the Christian life and is not presenting systematic theology of all the doctrines of Scripture as do other books.
But failure to present even the basics about the person of God (in evangelism) may leave the person being witnessed to, in various forms of mental idolatry or a new age mentality, which is a faulty foundation for any supposed conversion. Alpha passes over the person of God. Evangelization without some proper understanding of God is suspect and deficient. Here CRN is absolutely right.
Secondly, the plight of man in Alpha is not as serious as in the Bible. In fairness, Gumbel does talk of the pollution of sin, as well as the power of sin and the penalty of sin.14 He does elaborate on Romans 3:23.15 Gumbel does talk about the evil that comes out of a mans heart and our guilt because of breaking Gods laws.16 Gumbels emphasis on the consequences of sin, which he discusses early in the book, pulls the reader in by way of identification. Gumbel has not entirely missed it here, though he does at other points.
Next is the comment that the Jesus Christ of Alpha is not the Jesus Christ of the Bible. In his chapter, Who Is Jesus?, Gumbel draws straight from Josh McDowell, C.S. Lewis and F.F. Bruce. Gumbel does a fairly good job on the deity of Christ, fulfilled prophecies and the resurrection of the Savior. How could he not have in transcribing from the three above-mentioned scholars? In Gumbels section, Why Did Jesus Die?, there was enough information on substitution and crucifixion, as well as Scripture citations on the work of Christ, to satisfy this writer.
The successive comment that the love of God in Alpha is not the love of the God of the Bible is a deficiency which could well go back to the first point. In stressing the love of God apart from the balance of all His other attributes, one is left with faulty views of God. Love without holiness and justice is not real love at all.
Concerning the observation that the Holy Spirit of Alpha is not the Holy Spirit of the Bible, Gumbel devotes 13 pages giving a fairly mainstream answer to Who Is The Holy Spirit?17 The Holy Spirit, in Questions of Life, is presented in orthodox terms and in textbook fashion. The big problem comes in the pages to follow, which speaks to the issue of: How does the Holy Spirit act and what does He do to believers?
Here, Gumbel wanders off the biblical path and into the twilight zone of speculation and emotionalism. The Holy Spirit of Alpha is not the Comforter who assists us in the development of the fruit of the Spirit and practical Christian living but is a capricious being who makes us do all kinds of weird and crazy things. His theme song could well be Shake, Rattle and Roll. If one could speak of heresies in sanctification, it would be here. If there are converts, they are now thrown into the briars and thickets of pure speculation, human imagination and emotional excess.
The believer is inundated with teaching about tongues-speaking and burning body parts.18 We are asked and expected to believe in the late John Wimbers words of knowledge.19 The old party line on healing is spelled out.20 We are instructed to seek guidance in visions, voices and dreams.21 The maternity room turns into the twilight zone and a maze for the new converts.
This is typical charismatic fare without a hint from Gumbel that some things in the Bible may be historic and descriptive, not necessarily prescriptive. No one has recently reproduced the parting of the Red Sea (or any sea), manna from heaven, the raising of the dead or miraculous deliverances from prison, but only sensationalism that man can produce emotionally and in altered states. In fact, Gumbels speculation about how the Spirit works misrepresents the Holy Spirit and His work today. There is much attention to sensationalism and little to the fruit of the Spirit. CRN is right on in this criticism.
Finally, CNR remarks that the conversions in Alpha are not like conversions in the Bible. Time will tell on this one. But conversions based on a faulty foundation and misinformation about God cannot last. Converts (if they are) led into the quicksand of emotions, altered states of consciousness, wild emotional weekends, and the pursuit of dreams and visions, have no real future and will wash out. The conversion stories that CRN detailed are questionable and are more like occultic experiences than Christian ones. One can only mourn for these converts. Only God knows if they are truly born or stillborn.
One area of major concern not addressed by CRN is Gumbels teaching of Kingdom Now theology. Kingdom Now theology (sometimes called Dominionism or Triumphalism) is the teaching that we can now have (with enough faith) all or most of the physical and health benefits promised at Christs ultimate and perfect Kingdom. In other words, we can begin to claim for ourselves most Kingdom benefits here and now.
The illusion that we can now have the physical aspects of Gods perfect future Kingdom is expressed in this way by Gumbel, The Kingdom is both now and not yet.22 Gumbel also says that the age to come can be realized in principle in this age. He goes on to affirm:
We live between the times, when the age to come has broken into history. The old age goes on, but the powers of the new era have erupted into this age. ... healing is one of the signs of the Kingdom which was inaugurated by Jesus Christ and continues to this day. Hence we should expect God to continue to heal miraculously today as part of His Kingdom activity.23
Apologist Hank Hanegraaff appraises the Kingdom Now illusions in these words:
Leaders of the Counterfeit Revival demand the Kingdom now! in this life, with all of its attendant material wealth, public accolades, physical health, and earthly power.24
Gumbel bases his Kingdom Now theology on his misinterpretation of two Scriptures. First, he cites the questionable (and often disputed) Mark 16:15-20. And like most of his persuasion, he is selective. He does not press the verse and suggest that he handles poisonous serpents or that he can empty out cemeteries. Why not do it all?
The Mark 16 passage cited above is hotly disputed as to authenticity. Historically the orthodox position on the Scripture has been the inspiration and inerrancy of the original autographs. No one should base major claims on a few verses that are legitimately questionable. The rejection of these verses based on internal and external evidence in no way alters crucial doctrines of the Christian life.25
Charles R. Erdman, commenting on the Gospel of Mark, affirms that: The closing verses of this Gospel are commonly regarded as an appendix, added by a later hand.26
The Geneva Bible explains the controversy over the ending of the Gospel of Mark:
Scholars differ regarding whether these verses were originally part of this Gospel. Some important early Greek manuscripts lack these verses, other manuscripts have vv. 9-20 (known as the Longer Ending), and still others have a Shorter Ending (roughly one verse long). A few manuscripts have both the Shorter Ending and the Longer Ending. Because of these differences some scholars believe that vv. 9-20 were added later and not written by Mark.27
In his further attempts to justify Kingdom Now ideas, Gumbel also quotes John 14:12 that says those that believe will do greater works than Jesus. If Gumbels view is true he should lead the way in regularly walking on water, multiplying food, raising the dead, demonstrating a transfiguration body, changing water to wine, healing masses of incurable diseases, controlling storms and getting tax money from the mouth of fish. After all, how else could we do greater works than Jesus? Certainly Gumbel is not a model of his own teaching. Having someone fall down or say their headache is gone or they have a warm feeling in their elbow is a comic illusion and a charade when compared to the power and scope of the ministry of Christ.
Gumbel should be honest and point out that many able expositors say that the greater works have to do with more extensive results in the conversion of more sinners. The word greater is not used to show the exertion of power but rather the effects of Gospel preaching. Christs lifetime ministry (as miraculous as it was) ended with just a few at the cross. His post-resurrection ministry through the Apostles and the Church has brought untold millions to the experience of salvation.
Alexander Maclaren observes:
... the comparison is drawn between the limited sphere and the small results of Christs work upon earth, and the worldwide sweep and majestic magnitude of the results of the application of that work by His servants witnessing work. The wider and more complete spiritual results achieved by the ministration of the servants than by the ministration of the Lord is the point of comparison here. And I need only remind you that the poorest Christian who can go to a brother soul, and by word or life can draw that soul to a Christ whom it apprehends as dying for its sins and raised for its glorifying, does a mightier thing than it was possible for the Master to do by life or lip whilst He was here upon earth.28
Likewise, distinguished Bible teacher Oliver B. Greene points out:
Greek scholars tell us that this phrase in the Greek reads, And greater than these shall he do. Notice the word works is not there; therefore it stands to reason that Jesus was not referring to physical miracles, but rather to something else that would be of greater magnitude than raising a dead person or healing a sick body. The apostles would do something greater than the miracles He had performed, and I do not doubt that He was speaking of the preaching of the Gospel. Preaching the Gospel of a risen and exalted Christ, proclaiming the grace of God to every creature, pointing souls from darkness to light and causing unbelievers to be born of the Spirit is a far greater miracle than healing a leper or causing a withered arm to be made whole.29
Dr. Harry Ironside further points out:
When you realize that when Jesus left this scene, committing His gospel to a little group of eleven men in order that they might carry it to the ends of the earth, at that time the whole world, with the exception of a few in Israel, was lost in the darkness of heathenism. But in three hundred years Christianity closed nearly all the temples of the heathen Roman Empire, and numbered its converts by millions. These were the greater works, and down through the centuries He still carries on this ministry.30
Charles Ryrie comments on John 14:12:
Greater in extent (through the worldwide preaching of the gospel) and effect (the spiritual redemption and placing in the body of Christ multitudes of people since the day of Pentecost).31
In The Geneva Study Bibles Gospel of John, the following commentary is offered:
14:12 greater works than these. History proves that Jesus is not affirming that each believer will do greater miracles than He did. The churchs work in the power of the Holy Spirit will be greater than Jesus works in number and territory.32
Is the Kingdom now, in any sense? Certainly the Kingdom was embodied in Christ. There was a partially now aspect as the King walked the earth healing sicknesses and commanding demons, giving us a glimpse of the perfect Kingdom. Since His Ascension, our Lord, through the Holy Spirit, extends the spiritual blessings of the Kingdom through forgiveness, redemption and salvation. He Himself said, My Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). The perfect and completed Kingdom is yet to come.
A Sunday school child would know that earth is not heaven and that we pray for the Kingdom to come. That complete final perfect Kingdom will come when the King comes again (Matthew 26:29).
Our physical corruption awaits the day it will put on incorruption and perfection (1 Corinthians 15). We wait for the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23).
George Eldon Ladd describes the sharp differences between spiritual blessings (and benefits of the mediated Kingdom at this time) and the completed and perfect Kingdom with all its physical benefits and blessings in this way:
The presence of the messianic salvation is also seen in Jesus miracles of healing for which the Greek word meaning to save is used. The presence of the Kingdom of God in Jesus meant deliverance from hemorrhage (Mark 5:34), blindness (Mark 10:52), demon possession (Luke 8:36) and even death itself (Mark 5:23). Jesus claimed that these deliverances were evidences of the presence of the messianic salvation (Matt. 11:4-5). They were pledges of the life of the eschatological Kingdom which would finally mean immortality for the body. The Kingdom of God is concerned not only with mens souls but with the salvation of the whole man.33
Ladd continues:
The limitation of these physical deliverances illustrates the nature of the present Kingdom in contrast to its future manifestation. In the eschatological Kingdom, all who are accounted worthy to attain to that age (Luke 20:35) will be saved from sickness and death in the immortal life of the resurrection. In the present working of the Kingdom [Christs earthly ministry], this saving power reached only a few. Not all the sick and crippled were saved, nor were all the dead raised. Only three instances of restoration to life are recorded in the Gospels. Men must come into direct contact with Jesus or His disciples to be healed (Mark 6:56). The saving power of the Kingdom was not yet universally operative.34
Alphas deficiencies outweigh any merit. The acrostic ALF can be used to remember the deficiencies.
Advocating Kingdom Now theories.
Locked into fickle emotions.
Faulty biblical understanding.
Gumbel has some truth but much error. The Alpha course is a well-packaged meal with a dose of e. coli. The non-discerning are at risk. The naive may hold the finger of a small idea and forget the fist of falsities that are smuggled in, in the process.35
The idea of a fatal attraction has come to mean a relationship that was thought to be wonderful, finally turning out to destroy a person. The Alpha Course may very well fit that description as it claims to take people through Bible terrain but in reality turns them inward to their emotions and experiences. It locks them into a detour and cycle of fickle emotions, carnal feelings and self-focus and away from the true lover of their souls. It will be another fad that will leave people dazed, confused, and worse off in the long run. So-called Holy Ghost weekends cannot compare to a sane and balanced daily walk with Jesus Christ through the Scriptures.
As a pastor, hardly a week goes by that there is not someone on the phone trying to sell me a new program, a new video, or new curriculum that is going to make my church all it needs to be. My conviction is that the Scriptures are all I need to make my church what it should be. The problem is so many people are sidetracked and detoured, keeping up with all the new fads being shoved in their faces and hawked at every turn. We need to just say no to the deluge of new programs, so-called revival paraphernalia, the marketing and prostitution of Christianity, as well as the hucksters and sit down with the Scriptures daily and let Gods Word minister to us (2 Timothy 3:15-17). We need to turn from the distractions and fatal attractions and pour ourselves into our local churches, using our gifts for ministry.
1. Dave Hunt, Occult Invasion. Eugene,
Ore.: Harvest House Publishers, 1997, pg. 521.
2. See further, The Quarterly Journal, April-June 1997, The Murky River of Brownsville and January-March 1998, The Raging River of Brownsville.
3. See further, The Pensacola News Journals series of feature articles from November 16-20, 1997. Also subsequent articles by the newspaper on March 5, 1998, April 5, 1998 and June 21-24, 1998. Also see the editorial The Green River of Brownsville Lifestyles of the Rich and Not-so Famous in this issue of the Journal.
4. Christianity Today, Feb. 9, 1998, pg. 37.
5. Ibid., pp. 37, 39.
6. Ibid., pg. 38.
7. See further, Hank Hanegraaff, Counterfeit Revival. Dallas: Word Publishers, 1997, pg. 191.
8. Christianity Today, op. cit., Feb. 9, 1998, pg. 38.
9. The Christian Research Network Journal, Spring 1998, pg. 22.
10. Ibid., pp. 20-21.
11. Ibid., pg. 12.
12. Ibid., pg. 21.
13. Christianity Today, op. cit., Feb. 9, 1998, pg. 39.
14. Nicky Gumbel, Questions of Life. Colorado Springs, Colo.: David C. Cook Communications, 1996, pp. 44-47.
15. Ibid., pg. 44.
16. Ibid., pp. 44-45.
17. Ibid., pp. 119-131.
18. Ibid., pg. 152.
19. Ibid., pp. 199-200.
20. Ibid., pp. 199-215.
21. Ibid., pp. 103-118.
22. Ibid., pg. 44.
23. Ibid., pp. 204, 206.
24. Counterfeit Revival, op. cit., pg. 108.
25. For a fuller investigation, see James R. White, The King James Only Controversy. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1995, especially pp. 150, 255-257.
26. Charles R. Erdman, The Gospel of Mark. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1967, pg. 198.
27. The Geneva Bible, pg. 1597.
28. Alexander Maclaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture - St. John. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1984, pg. 307.
29. Oliver B. Greene, The Gospel According To John. Greenville, S.C.: The Gospel Hour, Inc., Vol. 2, 1973, pp. 369-370.
30. Harry Ironside, Addresses on The Gospel of John. Neptune, N.J.: Loizeaux Brothers, 1984, pg. 619.
31. The Ryrie Study Bible, New Testament, pg. 191.
32. The Geneva Bible, pg. 1691.
33. George Eldon Ladd, Jesus And The Kingdom. Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1964, pg. 207, emphasis added.
34. Ibid., emphasis added. For a fuller treatment of Kingdom Now theology, the people who advocate it, and the nuances of difference between them, see: Michael G. Moriarty, The New Charismatics. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992; H. Wayne House and Thomas Ice, Dominion Theology: Blessing or Curse? Portland, Ore.: Multnomah Press, 1988; and Bruce Barron, Heaven on Earth? Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.
35. Quote from Ravi Zacharias, Deliver Us From Evil, tape #2, Word Video Resources, 1997.
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