text:
Single predestination is the view that although God is active in regenerating humans according to His unconditional, particular, definite and unchangeable election, He is passive in reprobation (I hesitate to even say that they believe in a "decree" of reprobation). So John MacArthur:
Here you have an active verb in verse 23, God actively preparing vessels of mercy for glory, you have a passive verb in verse 22, you have certain vessels of wrath that were prepared for destruction, God is not the actor, He receives the action. So God never takes the responsibility for damnation, except for the fact that He will be the judge and the executor, but He is not responsible for the unbelief. So you don't have double predestination(MacArthur, "Bible Questions and Answers", Part 42)
Of course, this is my attempt at an impartial description of single predestination. Single predestination, though its advocates will not admit it, is what happens when someone is embarrassed by God's total sovereignty. They want to get God off the hook for evil even though the Bible assures us in multiple places that no such thing is necessary. That said, while it masquerades under a veil of humility, it actually belies the deepest and most hideous arrogance. Calvin points this out in his polemic against the absurd notion of a merely "permissive" will of God with respect to God's predestination of sin. So Book I, Chapter 18 of his famous "Institutes":
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved
by examples.
2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections.
3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that there must be two contrary wills in God, refuted. Why
the one simple will of God seems to us as if it were manifold.
4. Objection, that God is the author of sin, refuted by examples. Augustine's answer and admonition.
1. From other passages, in which God is said to draw or bend Satan himself, and all the reprobate,
to his will, a more difficult question arises. For the carnal mind can scarcely comprehend how,
when acting by their means, he contracts no taint from their impurity, nay, how, in a common
operation, he is exempt from all guilt, and can justly condemn his own ministers. Hence a distinction
has been invented between doing and permitting because to many it seemed altogether inexplicable
how Satan and all the wicked are so under the hand and authority of God, that he directs their malice
to whatever end he pleases, and employs their iniquities to execute his Judgments. The modesty of
those who are thus alarmed at the appearance of absurdity might perhaps be excused, did they not
endeavour to vindicate the justice of God from every semblance of stigma by defending an untruth.
It seems absurd that man should be blinded by the will and command of God, and yet be forthwith
punished for his blindness. Hence, recourse is had to the evasion that this is done only by the
permission, and not also by the will of God. He himself, however, openly declaring that he does
this, repudiates the evasion. That men do nothing save at the secret instigation of God, and do not
discuss and deliberate on any thing but what he has previously decreed with himself and brings to
pass by his secret direction, is proved by numberless clear passages of Scripture. What we formerly
quoted from the Psalms, to the effect that he does whatever pleases him, certainly extends to all
the actions of men. If God is the arbiter of peace and war, as is there said, and that without any
exception, who will venture to say that men are borne along at random with a blind impulse, while
He is unconscious or quiescent? But the matter will be made clearer by special examples. From
the first chapter of Job we learn that Satan appears in the presence of God to receive his orders,
just as do the angels who obey spontaneously. The manner and the end are different, but still the
fact is, that he cannot attempt anything without the will of God. But though afterwards his power
to afflict the saint seems to be only a bare permission, yet as the sentiment is true, "The Lord gave,
and the Lord has taken away; as it pleased the Lord, so it has been done," we infer that God was
the author of that trial of which Satan and wicked robbers were merely the instruments. Satan's
aim is to drive the saint to madness by despair. The Sabeans cruelly and wickedly make a sudden
incursion to rob another of his goods. Job acknowledges that he was deprived of all his property,
and brought to poverty, because such was the pleasure of God. Therefore, whatever men or Satan
himself devise, God holds the helm, and makes all their efforts contribute to the execution of his
Judgments. God wills that the perfidious Ahab should be deceived; the devil offers his agency for
that purpose, and is sent with a definite command to be a lying spirit in the mouth of all the prophets
(2 Kings 22:20). If the blinding and infatuation of Ahab is a Judgment from God, the fiction of
bare permission is at an end; for it would be ridiculous for a judge only to permit, and not also to
decree, what he wishes to be done at the very time that he commits the execution of it to his ministers.
The Jews purposed to destroy Christ. Pilate and the soldiers indulged them in their fury; yet the
disciples confess in solemn prayer that all the wicked did nothing but what the hand and counsel
of God had decreed (Acts 4:28), just as Peter had previously said in his discourse, that Christ was
delivered to death by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23); in other
words, that God, to whom all things are known from the beginning, had determined what the Jews
had executed. He repeats the same thing elsewhere, "Those things, which God before had showed
by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he has so fulfilled," (Acts 4:18). Absalom
incestuously defiling his father's bed, perpetrates a detestable crime. God, however, declares that
it was his work; for the words are, "Thou midst it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel,
and before the sun."14 135 The cruelties of the Chaldeans in Judea are declared by Jeremiah to be
the work of God. For which reason, Nebuchadnezzar is called the servant of God. God frequently
exclaims, that by his hiss, by the clang of his trumpet, by his authority and command, the wicked
are excited to war. He calls the Assyrian the rod of his anger, and the axe which he wields in his
hand. The overthrow of the city and downfall of the temple, he calls his own work. David, not
murmuring against God, but acknowledging him to be a just judge, confesses that the curses of
Shimei are uttered by his orders. "The Lord," says he, "has bidden him curse." Often in sacred
history whatever happens is said to proceed from the Lord, as the revolt of the ten tribes, the death
of Eli's sons, and very many others of a similar description. Those who have a tolerable acquaintance
with the Scriptures see that, with a view to brevity, I am only producing a few out of many passages,
from which it is perfectly clear that it is the merest trifling to substitute a bare permission for the
providence of God, as if he sat in a watch-tower waiting for fortuitous events, his Judgments
meanwhile depending on the will of man.
2. With regard to secret movements, what Solomon says of the heart of a king, that it is turned
hither and thither, as God sees meet, certainly applies to the whole human race, and has the same
force as if he had said, that whatever we conceive in our minds is directed to its end by the secret
inspiration of God. And certainly, did he not work internally in the minds of men, it could not have
been properly said, that he takes away the lip from the true, and prudence from the aged—takes
away the heart from the princes of the earth, that they wander through devious paths. To the same
effect, we often read that men are intimidated when He fills their hearts with terror. Thus David
left the camp of Saul while none knew of its because a sleep from God had fallen upon all. But
nothing can be clearer than the many passages which declare, that he blinds the minds of men, and
smites them with giddiness, intoxicates them with a spirit of stupor, renders them infatuated, and
hardens their hearts. Even these expressions many would confine to permissions as if, by deserting
the reprobate, he allowed them to be blinded by Satan. But since the Holy Spirit distinctly says,
that the blindness and infatuation are inflicted by the just Judgment of God, the solution is altogether
inadmissible. He is said to have hardened the heart of Pharaoh, to have hardened it yet more, and
confirmed it. Some evade these forms of expression by a silly cavil, because Pharaoh is elsewhere
said to have hardened his own heart, thus making his will the cause of hardening it; as if the two
things did not perfectly agree with each other, though in different senses—viz. that man, though
acted upon by God, at the same time also acts. But I retort the objection on those who make it. If
to harden means only bare permission, the contumacy will not properly belong to Pharaoh. Now,
could any thing be more feeble and insipid than to interpret as if Pharaoh had only allowed himself
to be hardened? We may add, that Scripture cuts off all handle for such cavils: "I," saith the Lord,
"will harden his heart," (Exod. 4:21). So also, Moses says of the inhabitants of the land of Canaan,
that they went forth to battle because the Lord had hardened their hearts (Josh. 11:20). The same
thing is repeated by another prophet, "He turned their hearts to hate his people," (Psalm 105:25).
In like manner, in Isaiah, he says of the Assyrian, "I will send him against a hypocritical nation,
and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge to take the spoil, and to take the prey,"
(Isaiah 10:6); not that he intends to teach wicked and obstinate man to obey spontaneously, but
because he bends them to execute his Judgments, just as if they carried their orders engraven on
their minds. And hence it appears that they are impelled by the sure appointment of God. I admit,
indeed, that God often acts in the reprobate by interposing the agency of Satan; but in such a manner,
that Satan himself performs his part, just as he is impelled, and succeeds only in so far as he is
permitted. The evil spirit that troubled Saul is said to be from the Lord (1 Sam. 16:14), to intimate
that Saul's madness was a just punishment from God. Satan is also said to blind the minds of those
who believe not (2 Cor. 4:4). But how so, unless that a spirit of error is sent from God himself,
making those who refuse to obey the truth to believe a lie? According to the former view, it is said,
"If the prophet be deceived when he has spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet,"
(Ezek. 14:9). According to the latter view, he is said to have given men over to a reprobate mind
(Rom. 1:28), because he is the special author of his own just vengeance; whereas Satan is only his
minister (see Calv. in Ps. 141:4). But as in the Second Book (Chap. 4 sec. 3, 4), in discussing the
question of man's freedom, this subject will again be considered, the little that has now been said
seems to be all that the occasion requires. The sum of the whole is this,—since the will of God is
said to be the cause of all things, all the counsels and actions of men must be held to be governed
by his providence; so that he not only exerts his power in the elect, who are guided by the Holy
Spirit, but also forces the reprobate to do him service.
3. As I have hitherto stated only what is plainly and unambiguously taught in Scripture, those
who hesitate not to stigmatise what is thus taught by the sacred oracles, had better beware what
kind of censure they employ. If, under a pretence of ignorance, they seek the praise of modesty,
what greater arrogance can be imagined than to utter one word in opposition to the authority of
God—to say, for instance, "I think otherwise,"—"I would not have this subject touched?" But if
they openly blaspheme, what will they gain by assaulting heaven? Such petulance, indeed, is not
new. In all ages there have been wicked and profane men, who rabidly assailed this branch of
doctrine. But what the Spirit declared of old by the mouth of David (Ps. 51:6), they will feel by
experience to be true—God will overcome when he is judged. David indirectly rebukes the
infatuation of those whose license is so unbridled, that from their grovelling spot of earth they not
only plead against God, but arrogate to themselves the right of censuring him. At the same time,
he briefly intimates that the blasphemies which they belch forth against heaven, instead of reaching
God, only illustrate his justice, when the mists of their calumnies are dispersed. Even our faith,
because founded on the sacred word of God, is superior to the whole world, and is able from its
height to look down upon such mists.
Their first objection—that if nothing happens without the will of God, he must have two contrary
wills, decreeing by a secret counsel what he has openly forbidden in his law—is easily disposed
of. But before I reply to it, I would again remind my readers, that this cavil is directed not against
me, but against the Holy Spirit, who certainly dictated this confession to that holy man Job, "The
Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away," when, after being plundered by robbers, he acknowledges
that their injustice and mischief was a just chastisement from God. And what says the Scripture
elsewhere? The sons of Eli "hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would
slay them," (1 Sam. 2:25). Another prophet also exclaims, "Our God is in the heavens: he has done
whatsoever he has pleased," (Ps. 115:3). I have already shown clearly enough that God is the author
of all those things which, according to these objectors, happen only by his inactive permission. He
testifies that he creates light and darkness, forms good and evil (Is. 45:7); that no evil happens
which he has not done (Amos 3:6). Let them tell me whether God exercises his Judgments willingly
or unwillingly. As Moses teaches that he who is accidentally killed by the blow of an axe, is delivered
by God into the hand of him who smites him (Deut. 19:5), so the Gospel, by the mouth of Luke,
declares, that Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired "to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel
determined before to be done," (Acts 4:28). And, in truth, if Christ was not crucified by the will of
God, where is our redemption? Still, however, the will of God is not at variance with itself. It
undergoes no change. He makes no pretence of not willing what he wills, but while in himself the
will is one and undivided, to us it appears manifold, because, from the feebleness of our intellect,
we cannot comprehend how, though after a different manner, he wills and wills not the very same
thing. Paul terms the calling of the Gentiles a hidden mystery, and shortly after adds, that therein
was manifested the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10). Since, on account of the dullness of our
sense, the wisdom of God seems manifold (or, as an old interpreter rendered it, multiform), are we,
therefore, to dream of some variation in God, as if he either changed his counsel, or disagreed with
himself? Nay, when we cannot comprehend how God can will that to be done which he forbids us
to do, let us call to mind our imbecility, and remember that the light in which he dwells is not
without cause termed inaccessible (1 Tim. 6:16), because shrouded in darkness. Hence, all pious
and modest men will readily acquiesce in the sentiment of Augustine: "Man sometimes with a good
will wishes something which God does not will, as when a good son wishes his father to live, while
God wills him to die. Again, it may happen that man with a bad will wishes what God wills
righteously, as when a bad son wishes his father to die, and God also wills it. The former wishes
what God wills not, the latter wishes what God also wills. And yet the filial affection of the former
is more consonant to the good will of God, though willing differently, than the unnatural affection
of the latter, though willing the same thing; so much does approbation or condemnation depend on
what it is befitting in man, and what in God to will, and to what end the will of each has respect.
For the things which God rightly wills, he accomplishes by the evil wills of bad men,"—(August.
Enchirid. ad Laurent. cap. 101). He had said a little before (cap. 100), that the apostate angels, by
their revolt, and all the reprobate, as far as they themselves were concerned, did what God willed
not; but, in regard to his omnipotence, it was impossible for them to do so: for, while they act
against the will of God, his will is accomplished in them. Hence he exclaims, "Great is the work
of God, exquisite in all he wills! so that, in a manner wondrous and ineffable, that is not done
without his will which is done contrary to it, because it could not be done if he did not permit; nor
does he permit it unwillingly, but willingly; nor would He who is good permit evil to be done, were
he not omnipotent to bring good out of evil," (Augustin. in Ps. 111:2).
4. In the same way is solved, or rather spontaneously vanishes, another objection—viz. If God
not only uses the agency of the wicked, but also governs their counsels and affections, he is the
author of all their sins; and, therefore, men, in executing what God has decreed, are unjustly
condemned, because they are obeying his will. Here will is improperly confounded with precept,
though it is obvious, from innumerable examples, that there is the greatest difference between
them.14 136 When Absalom defiled his father's bed, though God was pleased thus to avenge the
adultery of David, he did not therefore enjoin an abandoned son to commit incest, unless, perhaps,
in respect of David, as David himself says of Shimei's curses. For, while he confesses that Shimei
acts by the order of God, he by no means commends the obedience, as if that petulant dog had been
yielding obedience to a divine command; but, recognising in his tongue the scourge of God, he
submits patiently to be chastised. Thus we must hold, that while by means of the wicked God
performs what he had secretly decreed, they are not excusable as if they were obeying his precept,
which of set purpose they violate according to their lust.
How these things, which men do perversely, are of God, and are ruled by his secret providence,
is strikingly shown in the election of King Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:20), in which the rashness and
infatuation of the people are severely condemned for perverting the order sanctioned by God, and
perfidiously revolting from the family of David. And yet we know it was God's will that Jeroboam
should be anointed. Hence the apparent contradiction in the words of Hosea (Hosea 8:4; 13:11),
because, while God complained that that kingdom was erected without his knowledge, and against
his will, he elsewhere declares, that he had given King Jeroboam in his anger. How shall we reconcile
the two things,—that Jeroboam's reign was not of God, and yet God appointed him king? In this
way: The people could not revolt from the family of David without shaking off a yoke divinely
imposed on them, and yet God himself was not deprived of the power of thus punishing the
ingratitude of Solomon. We, therefore, see how God, while not willing treachery, with another
view justly wills the revolt; and hence Jeroboam, by unexpectedly receiving the sacred unction, is
urged to aspire to the kingdom. For this reason, the sacred history says, that God stirred up an
enemy to deprive the son of Solomon of part of the kingdom (1 Kings 11:23). Let the reader
diligently ponder both points: how, as it was the will of God that the people should be ruled by the
hand of one king, their being rent into two parties was contrary to his will; and yet how this same
will originated the revolt. For certainly, when Jeroboam, who had no such thought, is urged by the
prophet verbally, and by the oil of unction, to hope for the kingdom, the thing was not done without
the knowledge or against the will of God, who had expressly commanded it; and yet the rebellion
of the people is justly condemned, because it was against the will of God that they revolted from
the posterity of David. For this reason, it is afterwards added, that when Rehoboam haughtily
spurned the prayers of the people, "the cause was from the Lord, that he might perform his saying,
which the Lord spake by Ahijah," (I Kings 12:15). See how sacred unity was violated against the
will of God, while, at the same time, with his will the ten tribes were alienated from the son of
Solomon. To this might be added another similar example—viz. the murder of the sons of Ahab,
and the extermination of his whole progeny by the consent, or rather the active agency, of the
people. Jehu says truly "There shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the Lord, which the
Lord spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the Lord has done that which he spake by his servant
Elijah," (2 Kings 10:10). And yet, with good reason, he upbraids the citizens of Samaria for having
lent their assistance. "Ye be righteous: behold, I conspired against my master, and slew him, but
who slew all these?"
If I mistake not, I have already shown clearly how the same act at once betrays the guilt of man,
and manifests the righteousness of God. Modest minds will always be satisfied with Augustine's
answer, "Since the Father delivered up the Son, Christ his own body, and Judas his Master, how
in such a case is God just, and man guilty, but just because in the one act which they did, the reasons
for which they did it are different?" (August. Ep. 48, ad Vincentium). If any are not perfectly satisfied
with this explanation—viz. that there is no concurrence between God and man, when by His
righteous impulse man does what he ought not to do, let them give heed to what Augustine elsewhere
observes: "Who can refrain from trembling at those Judgments when God does according to his
pleasure even in the hearts of the wicked, at the same time rendering to them according to their
deeds?" (De Grat. et lib. Arbit. ad Valent. c. 20). And certainly, in regard to the treachery of Judas,
there is just as little ground to throw the blame of the crime upon God, because He was both pleased
that his Son should be delivered up to death, and did deliver him, as to ascribe to Judas the praise
of our redemption. Hence Augustine, in another place, truly observes, that when God makes his
scrutiny, he looks not to what men could do, or to what they did, but to what they wished to do,
thus taking account of their will and purpose. Those to whom this seems harsh had better consider
how far their captiousness is entitled to any toleration, while, on the ground of its exceeding their
capacity, they reject a matter which is clearly taught by Scripture, and complain of the enunciation
of truths, which, if they were not useful to be known, God never would have ordered his prophets
and apostles to teach. Our true wisdom is to embrace with meek docility, and without reservation,
whatever the Holy Scriptures, have delivered. Those who indulge their petulance, a petulance
manifestly directed against God, are undeserving of a longer refutation(Calvin, The Institutes, Book 1, Chapter 18).
So what of Romans 9? Let's look at the context of v. 22:
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers,[a] my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: "About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son." 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, "The older will serve the younger." 13 As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,[b] but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—(Rom. 9:1-23)
Before getting to v. 22, in which the passive voice is used of the preparation of the reprobate as vessels of wrath, let's count the number of times in which God's reprobation is explicitly spoken of as being active in this chapter; particularly, in the verses leading up to it:
1) Rom. 9:11 - "though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or evil..."(Rom. 9:11). God declared "Jacob I loved, Esau I hated" totally independently of the moral states of either Jacob or Esau. God predetermined that Jacob would be elect, totally independent of his moral state, and God determined to reprobate Esau, not because of an antecedent consideration of his sin, but simply according to His own good pleasure. God did not reprobate Esau because Esau was a sinner. He reprobated Esau simply because of His own will, and predestined Esau to sin as the means of causing Esau to incur this guilt.
2) Rom. 9:14-18 - immediately following upon Paul's affirmation of the righteousness of God's decree of reprobation totally independent of a consideration of their antecedent moral state (v. 13), Paul affirms that God is nonetheless righteous to do this. We are told "Jacob I loved, Esau I hated"(v. 13). The obvious objection one might have to the notion that Esau was predestined to sin and condemnation totally apart from anything he had done is that there is injustice on God's part. Note the logic of the verses following this anunciation: "What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."...So then, he has mercy on whomever He wills and he hardens whomever he wills"(Rom. 9:14-15, 18). What is Paul's logic? He does not say: What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For Esau and Pharaoh were sinners already deserving of God's wrath, and God simply gave them exactly what they deserved." No, Paul has no recourse to an antecedent consideration of their moral state, whether it be one of merit or demerit. The operative principle of justice or righteousness here is God's will, not God's punitive justice against sin.
3) Rom. 9:19-23 - Paul, having made his point in two literary units, with increasing emphasis that God has mercy on whomever He will, and hardens whomever He will, now delivers the coup de grace. This literary unit is our "problem" passage. Paul has anticipated exactly what the objector will say, as he has done before in this chapter, and he addresses it accordingly. "Why does He still blame us? For who can resist His will?"(Rom. 9:19). This is how this literary unit begins. What is this person saying? What is the object of their objection? One thing is certain: This objector, though an enemy of God, has understood Paul's logic far better than our single predestinarian friends. He correctly attributes the ultimate origin of the rebellion of the reprobate to God's will. "Why does He still blame us?" In other words, why does God punish us for our sin? "For who can resist His will?" You mean it was in some sense "God's will" that the reprobate rebel against God's will? In other words, "Paul, if it is the "will" of an omnipotent God that creatures should rebel against Him, why would he still punish them for their sin? How does that make any sense at all? Who can resist His will? Of course creatures rebel against an omnipotent God if he predestines them to do so."
20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—(Rom. 9:20-23)
Professing Calvinists oftentimes have recourse to this passage against Arminians, but it is not obvious at all that they really understand it. Let's look first at what Paul is not saying here. Paul, once again, does not have recourse to God's punitive justice against the reprobate for their sin. They do deserve condemnation, of course. We all do, because we are all sinners. But this desert is not the condition of their reprobation of their sin. Paul does not say "You have misunderstood me. It was not God's will for them to sin and incur condemnation. Rather, they sinned according to their own will, incurred condemnation, and God justly left them alone." It is certainly true that they did sin according to their own will and incur condemnation. But this is not going far enough, because Paul goes far beyond this. He attributes the ultimate origin of their sin and final condemnation simply to the will of God. In v. 21, uses the analogy of a clay and his potter. The potter actively creates a vessel for honorable use and another vessel for dishonorable use. Note that the analogy portrays the sovereign molder as active in the creation of both sorts of vessels. Then in v. 22, he reiterates his point but he uses the active voice only of vessels prepared for mercy but the passive voice of vessels prepared for wrath. Therefore, many have concluded that God is passive in reprobation and active only in election.
Hopefully at this point, the impartial reader can see how utterly implausible such a conclusion is. It is not even remotely in keeping with Paul's logic so far. So what are we to make of the passive voice? The answer is quite simple. The function of the passive voice here is that of what is called a "divine passive." A divine passive occurs when the implied, active subject is God. So for example:
"And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months"(Rev. 13:5)
"Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation"(Rev. 13:7)
Do these passages teach that God is merely passive in "allowing" the behavior of the Beast? No:
"for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled"(Rev. 17:17).
"The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place"(Dan. 11:36).
Any thoughts on who's "determined" what must take place? Wink wink (e.g., Acts 2:22-23, 4:27-28). Matt. 13:11 says that the truth was "revealed" to the disciples. But any single predestinarian can tell you who does the revealing. The literary device of the divine passive is very well-known to biblical scholars, though an exhaustive review of its usage in the Bible is beyond the scope of this article. For interested readers, there are easily accessible, comprehensive overviews that can be found online. One is on the use of the device in the Gospel of Matthew alone, and another is on its usage by Jesus in general.
As Calvin has noted above, God is spoken of as actively ordaining sin in innumerable passages of Scripture (1 Kgs. 22:21-23, Ezek. 14:9, 1 Sam. 2:25, Isa. 63:17, Rom. 9:14-18, Ex. 10:1-3, Rev. 17:17, 2 Sam. 24:1, 10, Acts 2:22-23, 4:27-28, Dan. 5:23). What do we do with these passages? Do we insist that God must have meant the passive voice instead of the active voice, and change the grammar of scripture itself? Or do we allow scripture to interpret scripture, and come to the reasonable conclusion that, where a passive voice is used, context dictates whether or not God is the implied agent? Does this not make much more sense?
Another passage used by single predestinarians is James 1:13:
"13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death"(Jas. 1:13-15)
Does this passage mean that God does not ordain sin, but is totally passive? If it does, what do we do with 2 Sam. 24:1, 10, where God is explicitly spoken of as actively ordaining the sin of a believer? Do we change the active voice of v. 1 to a passive voice? No, we allow scripture to interpret scripture. Done properly, we should not feel forced to change the grammar of any text. We emphatically affirm that the reason sinners are culpable for their sin is because they sin according to their desire. We only insist that God ordains both our sinful desires, as well as our actual sins according to those desires. God does not make us sin against our will. He ordains that we have sinful wills, and ordains whatever sins we commit according to that those sinful wills. That we sin according to our desires is all James is saying in the aforementioned text, and it is in complete harmony with what we have been saying. So Calvin on the importance of distinguishing necessity from compulsion in one's discussion of 'free will':
In general, they are wont to place under the free will of man only intermediate things—viz.
those which pertain not to the kingdom of God, while they refer true righteousness to the special
grace of God and spiritual regeneration. The author of the work, "De Vocatione Gentium," (On the
Calling of the Gentiles),15 150 wishing to show this, describes the will as threefold—viz. sensitive,
animal, and spiritual. The two former, he says, are free to man, but the last is the work of the Holy
Spirit. What truth there is in this will be considered in its own place. Our intention at present is
only to mention the opinions of others, not to refute them. When writers treat of free will, their
inquiry is chiefly directed not to what its power is in relation to civil or external actions, but to the
obedience required by the divine law. The latter I admit to be the great question, but I cannot think
the former should be altogether neglected; and I hope to be able to give the best reason for so
thinking (sec. 12 to 18). The schools, however, have adopted a distinction which enumerates three
kinds of freedom (see Lombard, lib. 2 Dist. 25); the first, a freedom from necessity; the second, a
freedom from sin; and the third, a freedom from misery: the first naturally so inherent in man, that
he cannot possibly be deprived of it; while through sin the other two have been lost. I willingly
admit this distinction, except in so far as it confounds necessity with compulsion. How widely the
things differ, and how important it is to attend to the difference, will appear elsewhere(Calvin, Book 2, Chapter 2, "Institutes of the Christian Religion").
That man is so enslaved by the yoke of sin, that he cannot of his own nature aim at good
either in wish or actual pursuit, has, I think, been sufficiently proved. Moreover, a distinction has
been drawn between compulsion and necessity, making it clear that man, though he sins necessarily,
nevertheless sins voluntarily. But since, from his being brought into bondage to the devil, it would
seem that he is actuated more by the devil's will than his own, it is necessary, first, to explain what
the agency of each is, and then solve the question,17 167 Whether in bad actions anything is to be
attributed to God, Scripture intimating that there is some way in which he interferes? Augustine
(in Psalm 31 and 33) compares the human will to a horse preparing to start, and God and the devil
to riders. "If God mounts, he, like a temperate and skilful rider, guides it calmly, urges it when too
slow, reins it in when too fast, curbs its forwardness and over-action, checks its bad temper, and
keeps it on the proper course; but if the devil has seized the saddle, like an ignorant and rash rider,
he hurries it over broken ground, drives it into ditches, dashes it over precipices, spurs it into
obstinacy or fury." With this simile, since a better does not occur, we shall for the present be
contented. When it is said, then, that the will of the natural man is subject to the power of the devil, and is actuated by him, the meaning is not that the wills while reluctant and resisting, is forced to submit (as masters oblige unwilling slaves to execute their orders), but that, fascinated by the impostures of Satan, it necessarily yields to his guidance, and does him homage. Those whom the Lord favours not with the direction of his Spirit, he, by a righteous judgment, consigns to the agency of Satan. Wherefore, the Apostle says, that "the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine into them." And, in another passage, he describes the devil as "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience," (Eph. 2:2). The blinding of the wicked, and all the iniquities consequent upon it, are called the works of Satan; works the cause of which is not to be Sought in anything external to the will of man, in which the root of the evil lies, and in which the foundation of Satan's kingdom, in other words, sin, is fixed(Calvin, Book 2, Chapter 4, "Institutes of the Christian Religion").
To interpret the passive voice of v. 22 as teaching passivity in reprobation, one would have to violate an exegetical principle known as the principle of maximal redundancy. According to this rule, one ought to choose the interpretation of a text that contributes the least amount of information to the total context of the text, as G.K. Beale explains in his refutation of the dispensationalist interpretation of the use of the word 'kai/' relative to the phrase "Israel of God" in Galatians 6:16.
C.A. Ray has applied to Gal 6,16 the linguistic rule for kai/ formulated by K. Titrud: though kai/ occurs many times in the NT with various meanings (approx. 9,000), instead of assuming that the most common meaning applies (which is "generally connective"), one should opt for that meaning "which contributes the least new information to the total context" (a principle sometimes referred to as "the rule of maximal redundancy"). In particular, Titrud maintained that, in view of the rule of maximal redundancy, if apposition is a viable option for kai/, then it should be seriously considered.
Likewise, interpreting the significance of the passive voice in Rom. 9:22 in terms of single predestination adds new information to a total context in which nothing but an active role in reprobation is affirmed of God, as we have argued throughout this article.


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Latest News
0comments Insomniac won't be carrying on with Resistance
Posted Thu 26th Jan 2012 3:00pm by Michael Kendrick
Former Sony-exclusive dev calls time on its FPS series.
Insomniac has revealed that it won't be making any more games in the Resistance series, as it moves on to focus on new IPs working across multiple platforms. Speaking to VG247 today at the Game::Business::Law summit, Insomniac CEO Ted Price confirmed the company's departure from the franchise.
We wont be making any more Resistances, he said.
Insomniac announced their first multi-platform title in June last year, bringing an end to the developer's exclusive relationship with Sony.
This of course doesn't mean the end for Resistance as an IP, though. Resistance: Burning Skies, currently in development over at Nihilistic Software, is set for release on the Vita this summer.
Insomniac is now focusing on four-player co-op shooter Overstrike, the details of which are still being kept close to the chest.
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Editors' Note: The "Download Now" link directs you to the Google Play Store where you must continue the download process. This download may not be available in some countries.
Publisher's Description+
The world's most devilishly addictive defense game is back - welcome to Kingdom Rush: Frontiers!
Bigger and badder than ever before, Kingdom Rush: Frontiers is a whole new level of the furiously fast, enchantingly charming gameplay that made the original title an award-winning hit. Tap your troops through an epic (mis)adventure as you defend exotic lands from dragons, man-eating plants, and ghastly denizens of the underworld -all with flashy new towers, levels, heroes, and more goodies to help you crush your foes to a pulp. (Don't worry, we've still got all the good ol' stuff from the last game, too. It's vintage now.)
Kingdom Rush: Frontiers packs in so much content, it's like a fully upgraded artillery blast of mouthwatering, pixelated joy launched right into your smiling little face... and it hurts so good!GAME FEATURES


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As we all know, on Tuesday, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 rocked Haiti 10 miles from the capital of Port-au-Prince and has decimated the country. The eyes of the world have turned to those in need.
My friend, Thione Niang, at the International Affairs Committee of the Young Democrats of America, tells me the committee is working hard to coordinate efforts to help the people of Haiti.
While we know that needs are manifold and the full impact of the earthquake is yet to be known, they tell me there are a few things that we all can and need to do right now:
TEXT "Haiti" from your mobile phone to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross efforts to aid the victims of the earthquake. The donation will be charged to your cell phone bill.
TEXT "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 to Yele Haiti, an organization started by Haitian musician Wyclef Jean to provide humanitarian aid to Haiti.
DONATE your Facebook status or Twitter: (Your Name) asks you to text "Haiti" to 90999 right now from your mobile phone and give $10 to the American Red Cross or text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 via your cell phone bill to Wyclef Jean's Yele organization.
DONATE ONLINE. The International Affairs Committee has identified several organizations that are assisting with the efforts in Haiti. Among them:
Doctors Without Borders
Save the Children
Mercy Corps
Right now the need is for monetary donations to assist with rebuilding the infrastructure so that additional aid can be received and properly disbursed. I'll try to keep you posted as other opportunities for volunteer aid develop in the coming weeks and months.
Let us all mobilize now for these people who are really, really in need!
Join a discussion or start one: Click Here


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September Blog:
Tumbled Tomatoes
Fire-Roasted Corn with Smokey-Paprika Butter
The Cook's Ribs
If someone asked me to capture the end-of-summer in three words, the three words would be tomatoes, corn and ribs! So, it should come as no surprise that my favorite "end-of-summer" menu features these three ingredients. Often times, the best tomatoes appear in the market in September. They have been soaking up the heat of the summer and are sweet and tart, not watery like some early summer tomatoes.
This is a menu to make and to savor when time is on your side—when you have nothing pressing and nothing better to do than spend the day in the backyard barbecuing The Cook's Ribs.
Because the ribs need the luxury of time, the rest of the menu is quick and easy. The Tumbled Tomatoes are best made the day before you serve them because the longer they sit in the fridge, the better the salt and herb crust gets. They are at their best when the crust is completely dry on the outside skin of the tomatoes. I wash cherry tomatoes with cold water and grind a mixture of sea salt, dehydrated garlic and herbes de Provence over them as I tumble them—hence the name—in a bowl. The trick is to make the herb mixture and place it in it's own salt grinder. Grinding a fine layer of the seasoning over the tomatoes allows the mixture to dry easily and form the essential flavor crust on the outside of the tomato.
In the summer, I buy the heirloom cherry tomatoes so that my bowl of tumbled tomatoes is a rainbow of color and shapes. If you can't find them, the recipe is equally good made with any grape or cherry tomato. These tomatoes are addictive! But, hey, it's a healthy addiction! They might look plain but they pack a flavor punch and every time I serve them, I am asked for the recipe. In fact, I suggest you make twice what you think you need because no one can eat just oneJ. And, this is one recipe that I make all year long with the readily available and very flavorful grape tomatoes.
While you are in the kitchen tumbling the tomatoes, it's the perfect time to whip up the Smoked Paprika Butter for the Fire-Roasted Corn. This three ingredient compound butter is a perfect example of how a little effort can up your eating ante. We all put butter on our corn, and it is good. Add a little smoked paprika and garlic salt to the butter and it is GREAT! The butter can be mashed and mixed together the day before and stored in the fridge until ready to use. You can make a roll for slicing out of the butter; store it in a small bowl or if you are ambitious, shape it in a butter or candy mold. Anyway you serve it, once it melts on the fire-roasted corn, it will make the dish.
But the real reason for this menu is the ribs. You'll start the night before, seasoning the ribs and placing them in the refrigerator. Early the next day, you'll build your charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill. Yes, you can make these on a gas grill! I do it all the time with a smoker box and real wood chips. I like using apple or hickory wood but you can use what ever wood you like except for mesquite, which is too acrid for the long, slow smoking time. Once the chips are smoking, make sure the fire is low, between 250° -225° F. The ribs will take about 6 hours to make—this is the original slow food and sooooo worth it. You can make baby-back ribs in 1/3 of the time, and they are good, but these are really special.
I learned to make these ribs when I was a member of the Memphis in May competition barbecue team, Swine and Dine. The two head "cooks" made these ribs for themselves—thus the name. Once they'd feed their team with hundreds of racks of ribs, they'd sit back, pop a cold one and keep cooking "The Cooks' Ribs," until the magic of a marinade "bath," honey and 2 more hours produced mind-blowingly great 'cue. The ribs are smoked slowly and "bathed" in a hot marinade every hour to build up layers of flavor and create the most intense barbecued "bark" of any ribs that I have ever eaten. The outside "bark" will be very dark, almost black, and will be sweet and savory, slightly chewy with perfectly tender-to-the-bone, smoke-ring pink meat on the inside. It's well worth the time, and well worth the wait!
About 2 hours before you eat, the racks of ribs are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with a little more rub before being wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil for the final journey to rib nirvana. This step is crucial as my barbecue buddy, Gary Pantlik, one of the former Swine and Dine head cooks says about competition barbecue, "If you aren't wrappin,' you're either lyin' or losin!"
Tumbled Tomatoes
1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
½ teaspoon dehydrated garlic
2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
Mix herbs, put in a salt grinder or pulverize slightly in a mortar and pestle. If you don't have either, just skip that step.
Wash tomatoes in cold water and remove all excess water, but do not dry. Tumble/toss tomatoes with herbs until it is evenly mixed. Refrigerate uncovered until all water is evaporated from the skin of the tomatoes, tossing tomatoes in bowl occasionally until herb and salt mixture has formed a crust on the tomatoes.
Serve Chilled
Serves 4-6
Fire-Roasted Corn with Smoked-Paprika Butter
Grilling Method: Direct/Medium Heat
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1-½ teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika
½ teaspoon garlic salt
6 ears corn, husked
Olive oil
Sea salt
Lime wedges
In a small mixing bowl, mash together the butter, paprika and garlic salt. Refrigerate until ready to use. You can make a log of compound butter, or place in a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let soften before serving.
Brush the ears of corn lightly all over with olive oil. Place directly on the cooking grate over Direct Medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly browned and blistered all over, 8 to 10 minutes.
While still hot, spread the Smoked-Paprika Butter evenly over all ears of corn. Season with a pinch of sea salt and squirt with lime just before eating.
Serves 6
The Cooks' Ribs
Grilling Method: Indirect/Low Heat
4-24 slabs of baby back ribs, about 2 pounds each
½ gallon Wicker's (vinegar-based marinade) or Lexington-style Vinegar Sauce (see below)
4 cups (2 bottles) favorite Italian dressing, such as Newman's Own
1 ½ cups Willingham's WHAM dry rub or Classic BBQ Rub (see below), divided (link to BBQProshop.com)
1 8-ounce jar of clover honey
Smoker Box with favorite wood chips—I likeApple and Hickory wood
The Overnight "Prep"
Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane on the back and generously rub them down. Once rubbed, take each slab and cut in half. Bag them and refrigerate overnight.
When you are ready to cook, remove ribs from refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature. Light the grill and get the temperature up to 250ºF degrees.
The "Bath"
This recipe replaces basting with bathing. In a large disposable aluminum loaf pan, mix the Wicker's, and the Italian dressing with about ¼ cup of rub. Place the pan on the grill to keep warm.
Once the grill has reached 250ºF degrees, place all the ribs on the grill in a rib rack and let the smokin' begin! The temperature will drop a bit, but that's OK. Maintain a temperature of 225ºF degrees. After an hour has passed, the ribs will be ready for their first bath. Using a sturdy pair of locking chef tongs, submerge each slab in the "bath." Give them all a good dousing and return them to the heat. Repeat this process each hour until the ribs have been on the grill for 3-4 hours.
The "Finish"
At this point, take each half-slab and give it one last "bath". Place on aluminum foil for wrapping. Drizzle honey on slab and finish off with one last dash of dry rub. Repeat process for each slab. Stack 3 to 4 slabs on top of each other per foil package and wrap tightly. After all the ribs have been wrapped, place them back on the grill for 1 ½ more hours. Let them continue to slowly cook in the foil packages on indirect low heat, about 225º F. These ribs will take a total of 4 ½- 5-½ hours to cook. Remove foil packages from grill as needed and serve.
Serves between 8 and 48, depending on appetite and number of racks cooked.
Lexington-Style BBQ Sauce—you will need to double this recipe for The Cook's Ribs
2 cups cider vinegar
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon ground white pepper
½-1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (the more, the hotter the sauce)
1/2 teaspoon coarse-grind black pepper
Mix all ingredients together and let sit 10 minutes. Add to chopped barbecue when hot to season the meat and keep it from drying out.
Classic BBQ Rub—you will need to double this recipe for The Cook's Ribs
This rub has all the classic barbecue notes: salt, spice, sweet and smoky. It is particularly great on ribs but works with pork chops and tenderloin, chicken and even catfish for a beautifully authentic low 'n slow barbecued flavor.
2 tablespoons smoked Spanish paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons Sugar in the Raw
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dehydrated onion
1 tablespoon dehydrated garlic
½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
Combine paprika, salt, sugar, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, pepper, dehydrated onion and garlic, and cayenne in bowl; mix well. For a smoother rub, puree ingredients in a spice grinder until well combined and all pieces are uniform (the rub will be very fine and tan in color).
Extra rub can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.


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I sent a letter to POTUS, our senators and a few others a few days ago. Basically just saying Im in the military we both took an oath to protect the constitution, which includes the second amendment. As it was intended to give citizens the ability to fight tyrannical government, god forbid it should ever get that bad. Also, I mentioned that any action taken by the president using an executive order to ban guns or standard sized magazines I would consider unconstitutional.
Sherrod Brown took the time to respond to me two nights ago:
Dear Mr. T____:
Thank you for expressing your views about firearms legislation.
As a United States Senator, I took an oath to defend the Constitution. The Second Amendment makes clear that Americans have the right to own guns, and the Supreme Court over time has given meaning to this right.
When our children and families are no longer safe at our schools, in our malls, and in our movie theaters, then we as a country must take action. The shocking numbers of public shootings throughout the country last year, culminating in Newtown, Connecticut, demands that we engage in a serious national discussion about gun violence, not just in terms of weapons and bullets, but also including mental health access, public safety officers, and our responsibility both as individuals and a society.
Like all rights, it must be balanced against others. I have supported restrictions on the possession of assault-style weapons so our public safety officers are not put at increased risk, and restrictions on the ability of criminals to possess handguns but I fully support the right of Ohioans to own firearms. Should the Senate consider this issue in the future, I will support common-sense reforms that protect both public safety and the rights of gun owners.
Thank you also for sharing your thoughts regarding executive orders issued by President Obama.
After repeated efforts by Majority Leader Reid to pass important legislation such as the America Jobs Act both as a single bill and as components of the larger bill were blocked by the Senate Minority, President Obama announced that he would issue executive orders. These executive orders are aimed at putting Americans back to work and addressing other pressing issues such as the drug shortage crisis.
Some Ohioans have expressed concern that President Obama is overstepping his constitutional powers. Under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the President has the authority to issue executive orders that have the full force and effect of law. Executive orders are generally directed to, and govern actions by, government officials and agencies and do not affect the rights of private citizens. Any executive order can be overturned by a subsequent President or by the U.S. Congress through legislation.
While President Obamas actions are constitutional, I understand your concern that he is bypassing Congress. It is my hope that both sides can come together to allow up or down votes on the American Jobs Act and other pending bills so that executive orders are not necessary.
Thank you again for getting in touch with me.
Sherrod Brown
United States Senator
It looks to me that he is basically ignoring the fact that he works for us. Im also going to send this to Buckeye Firearms Association | Defending Your Firearm Rights also. I have started to follow their website, and I really like what they are doing.


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"Pokemon Omega Ruby" and "Alpha Sapphire" were announced and are set for a November release on the Nintendo 2DS and 3DS, Nintendo confirmed on Wednesday via press release.
According to the release, the new additions to Pokemon series will not be straight remakes of the 2003 Game Boy Advance classics, "Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire." Aside from promising a "new adventure" in a "spectacular new world," little else is known about the upcoming title.
"Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire are a fresh take on Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, which launched in 2003 and were fan-favorite hits on the Game Boy Advance system," the press release reads. "The new titles promise to take players through a dramatic story within a spectacular new world."
Selling more than 16 million copies on the GBA, "Ruby and Sapphire," despite one of the weaker new Pokemon lineups and what many consider the least intriguing storyline of all the games in the series, is the best-selling game on the Game Boy Adavance handheld.
For more information on "Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire," head to the game's official site.
Are you excited about the announcement of 'Pokemon Omega Ruby' and 'Alpha Sapphire'? Sound off in the comment section below.


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Jul 21, 2009 12:31 PM
Fresh herbs give off a wonderful aroma and are yummy in summer salads, but they don't look nice all bruised up after being chopped with a dull knife. Well, with RSVP Herb Scissors ($10) we can snip herbs quickly and easily directly into pans, or over dishes as garnish. Featuring a smart set of five stainless steel blades, preparing herbs moves in fast forward. . . And with the large, silicone lined comfort handles, our fresh manicure is safe from ugly scratches and scuffs.
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


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Former Class Members Sue Milberg Weiss
Six people who were class members in several lawsuits in which Milberg Weiss was lead counsel sued the class-action firm over allegations that it made secret payments to people to serve as plaintiffs. Also named as defendants: firm chair Mel Weiss, former partners David Bershad and Steven Schulman, as well as plaintiffs' firm Lerach Coughlin.
Here's a copy of the 48-page complaint, which seeks class-action status and was filed by Russell Beatie of Beatie & Osborn in New York.
Milberg Weiss was indicted last year on charges it paid millions in illegal kickbacks to induce clients to serve as lead plaintiffs in class-action suits. Bershad pleaded guilty last month to a conspiracy count (click here for more on that). Schulman, another former partner, also has been indicted. Weiss and Bill Lerach, who left Milberg in 2004 to form Lerach Coughlin, haven't been charged.
Representatives for Milberg Weiss and Lerach Coughlin declined to comment to Dow Jones Newswires, as did Alan Leibman, a lawyer for Schulman. A lawyer for Bershad didn't return a phone call.
YouTube Video of the Day: Isn't it ironic . . . don't you think? Click here and enjoy a little Alanis Morrisette with your Friday morning muffin.


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We Love – Samsung Art+ PrizeJanuary 9, 2012
Samsung's Art+ Prize is the first media art competition in the UK. It aims to highlight artists whose work engages with the ways that modern technologies can touch our lives, as well as expanding and challenging our understanding of the role of new media. The 10 nominated artists are both emerging and established in this field:
Neil Cummings – Doug Fishbone – Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard – Torsten Lauschmann – Lucky PDF – Aura Satz – Hiraki Sawa – Semiconductor – Erika Tan – Thomson and Craighead
"New Media Art continues to expand its scope, and is gaining increasing recognition for its innovative adaptation of cutting edge technologies and interactive engagement of audiences.
The prize showcases the diverse range of practice offered by new media, and includes artists working in screen friendly idioms as well as those exploring diverse strategies of communication such as performance, sculpture and music.
In the era of smart media the prize will celebrate the unique ways in which the artists respond to the changing world and embrace the possibilities offered by different media opportunities; not only as platforms of production and research but also as new modes of communication beyond the traditional gallery."
On 25 January, a series of prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges: the panel will include Stuart Comer (Curator of Film, Tate Modern), Jan Dalley (Arts Editor, The Financial Times), Sooja Kim (New York Artist) and Dr. Peter Weibel (Chairman and CEO, ZKM, Germany). A £10,000 first prize will be awarded, aswell as a £5,000 second prize and an audience award selected by the public via the Samsung Art+ Prize website.
The exhibition runs from the 18 January – 29 January at the BFI Southbank.
Tagged — Art, Culture, Love


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TC TO JAMES MARSHALL; 10 December 1854; DOI: 10.1215/lt-18541210-TC-JMA-01; CL 29: 214
10 December, 1854
Neither have I the happiness to sympathize with my countrymen in this magnificent Turk war they have got into, and are all talking about. On the contrary, I reckon it one of the maddest wars lately heard of: Undertaken with immense enthusiasm of all the noisy, unwise classes and with all the quiet and wise indifferent to it, or dead against it. One wish possesses these latter, I think: that of handsomely terminating said war. For my own share, I know little about Czar Nicholas and his Russia, though often enquiring after him and it; but it is my private notion, the Czar Nicholas may probably be a king doing more real king work, than all the other kings that now are,—much outweighing the whole lot of them in intrinsic value;—and I have always well understood the Turks to be a set of dark, fanatical and sensual blockheads, waiting, these three hundred years, to be thrown into the Black sea by anybody that was passing that way, and had leisure for the job. At least and lowest, it all surely lies a long way out of our road; and God knows we had work enough at home, if we had stood to it. John Sterling's brother is now before Sebastopol, "Colonel Sterling" or "Adjutant General" (I know not what title:), unhurt hitherto: No other friend, at all near to me, is concerned there, as yet.—


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Personal Trainers in the USA can list here at no charge - just get in contact and we'll add your details...firstname.lastname@example.com
Pewaukee gyms
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Feel good by using My Inner mentor, a self help "personal coach"
My Inner Mentor is a self help personal coach that awakens the power within you, finding strengths you have either ignored, dishonored, or forgotten. Feel good fast whenever, and wherever, something bothers you...you can even do it in the bathroom


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Who We Are
Hegarty Properties is owned and managed by Adrianna Hegarty (formerly Sherry) S.C.S.I. Adrianna, a native of Co. Monaghan, started her professional career at Gunne Auctioneers in Monaghan and Dublin.
Having worked as office manager at the Gunne offices in Ballsbridge for 5 years she left to work with Sherry Fitzgerald and then Jackson Stops & McCabe Country House Department, Dublin. Following from there she left to form her own business where she specialised in pubs and hotels and second hand housing.
In 1990 she moved to Cyprus where she marketed villas and apartments to English speaking buyers, with the Lordos Property Group. During her time here Adrianna completed her MIAVI following a study period of 4 years.
In 1992 Adrianna moved to the USA where she continued her property experience, gaining her Californian Real Estate License, and working on premium properties in the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles.
Adrianna then moved back to Cork in 2000 and decided to put her 20 years of experience to work in Property Consultancy, and in September ?5 opened her office in Coolbawn House, Broderick St., Midleton and employed Anne OConnell as office manager. In August 2012 Hegarty Properties moved from Broderick St. and are now located at The Mall, Riverside Way, Midleton.
Adrianna is a full member of The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland was formed as a result of a merger between the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) and the Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute (IAVI) in April 2011. The society has stringent entry and practice standards for the protection of the public as well as the profession. Strict membership criteria ensure that members practice to the highest standards in the profession. Further information can be accessed at www.scsi.ie
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Hegarty Properties are members of the professional indemnity insurance scheme of SCSI in conjunction with insurance brokers Glennon Insurances, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2.
Adrianna and Anne see Hegarty Properties adding value to vendors and purchasers through:
- Honest advice, borne out of many years of experience.
- Innovative sales and marketing ideas. We promote your home in a way quite different to other agencies.
- We pride ourselves with excellent customer service and integrity.
- Highly skilled sales executives.
- Trained support staff.
- From valuation to sale we provide a competent, no nonsense service.
The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (S.C.S.I.)
The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland is the leading professional body for construction, land and property professionals in Ireland.
With over 4,000 members, the Society is committed to enhancing, advancing and enforcing professional standards in the construction, land and property sectors in Ireland.
The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland was established as a result of a merger between the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) and the Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute (IAVI) in April 2011.


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New Smyrna, Fla. – All of those tough nights of racing paid off for David Garbo Jr. Thursday when he captured his first career Super Late Model win at New Smyrna Speedway.
The 18-year old Stonington, Connecticut native took home the checkered flag in the 50-lap Super Late Model feature during the seventh night of
Read more →
As David Garbo Jr. continues his rise in the auto racing world by securing a car sponsorship deal with Whelen Engineering Co. for this coming season, he's also helping a fellow racer overcome some of the same learning disabilities that he has faced.
Through a fund he has set up with his $50,000 in race
The recent signing of David Garbo Jr. by Whelen Engineering to drive in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series is generating some buzz over at NASCAR Hometracks.
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–When Marsh Racing and longtime team sponsor Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. got the opportunity to put together a race team for 2015, they looked closely at the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. Ted Marsh, owner of Marsh Racing, began searching for not only a championship-caliber driver, but someone he felt could also
Bandolero racecar driver thankful for second chance
"Lightning Liz" loves racing her INEX Bandolero car more than anything. She disliked school until recently when that changed after receiving a scholarship from The David Garbo Jr. Fund.
Liz was accepted at The Fletcher School, which helps children with dyslexia, dysgraphia and ADHD learn and meet their
Lee Pulliam might have taught his K&N Pro Series East teammate a little too much about getting around Southern National Motorsports Park.
David Garbo Jr. prevented Pulliam from sweeping the twin 75-lap races Saturday night at the 0.4-mile oval in Kenly, N.C., as he held off the two-time defending Whelen All-American Series national champion in


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Divorce and Adultery
John Calvin reminds us that "the bond of marriage is too sacred to be dissolved at the will, or rather at the licentious pleasure, of men." Many issues can drive spouses to despair and contemplate an unbiblical divorce. That is ...Read More
Adultery of the Heart
Unfortunately, lust is rampant in the church today, and many are in bondage to pornography and other sexual sins. If this is a problem for you, cut off your access to outlets where you may find temptation. Whether or not ...Read More
Finding a Spouse
Whether we are married or single, let us all take the time to get involved with others in our churches. Single people and married couples equally need each other to help them grow in the faith. Perhaps if you are ...Read More
A Marriage Myth
Single Christians must be careful not to think there is only one person out there who would make a perfect spouse for them. If you are single and want to get married, do not rule out someone with whom you ...Read More
The Virginity Question
Without exception, God promises to forgive us of our sins if we truly repent and come to Him through Christ for pardon (1 John 1:9). If you have transgressed His Word regarding sexual activity, know that the Lord is willing ...Read More
How Far Is Too Far?
Some of us who are married may think it innocuous to flirt with an attractive co-worker, but we ought know an "innocent" cup of coffee or conversation can be the first step towards disaster. We might think it okay to ...Read More
Finding Loopholes
Because it is hard to find a detailed list of do's and don't's regarding sexual behavior, it is easy for us to justify certain activities or thoughts that may in fact not be edifying. Even if something might be "lawful," ...Read More
Christ's Marriage Supper
All of us who trust in Christ have already been declared righteous in the Lord's heavenly courtroom. One day we will be without sin and practice righteousness at all times. On this day we will feast with the Lord face-to-face. ...Read More
A Still Greater Love
As good as marriage is, there is always the danger of idolizing it. It is all too common to expect this relationship to meet all our needs. As such, it is all too easy to neglect as a family our ...Read More
The Beauty of Love
Dr. R.C. Sproul says in his series Wisdom: "There is nothing wrong with being in love. There is nothing wrong with extolling the beauty of our wives or of our husbands." Husbands and wives, when was the last time ...Read More


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"Dear Steve, I currently have 5 payday loans and drowning as my paycheck all goes to payday loans (just paying off interests)… I really need help and i cant seem to get personal loan so I checked online on payday loan consolidation companies. came across Solid Ground Financial and received all the documents to enroll to the program but as ... Read More »
Scott Law Group Debt Settlement Litigation List Contains Some New Companies
The Scott Law Group in Washington State has been VERY active in going after debt settlement companies that allegedly injure consumers. It appears some new companies have been added to their list of current litigation, The new companies include FBL Associates, Lifeguard Financial, Please Reduce My Debt, and Think Outside the Box Solutions. – Source Here is the current list ... Read More »
Solid Ground Financial Says They Can Help. I Recently Lost My Job and Have 5 Payday Loans. – Bushra
"Dear Steve, I most recently lost my job, I had taken 5 payday loans and now i have nothing to pay them with. Worried I might be dragged to court because of this , I contacted Solid grounds and asked for help, they quoted me with the payment arrangement that will end in 9 months and that the very first ... Read More »
Target List of Debt Settlement Companies in Washington
Yesterday I published a story about The Scott Law Group in Washington that had just obtained a $1.5 million judgment personally against the owners of a now defunct debt settlement company, Debt Relief USA. Here is the current list of companies they are currently involved in debt settlement litigation against. Alliance8, Inc Amerix Corporation Ascend One Corporation CareOne Services, Inc ... Read More »
Debt Relief Companies Targeted by Scott Law Group in Washington
In response to an article I posted yesterday here in which I mentioned Darrell Scott, Esq. said he was going after 16 settlement companies, a reader sent in the actual list of companies. The tipster (send in your tips here) said: "The Scott Law Group, P.S. is currently involved in debt settlement litigation involving the following companies:" Ascend One Corporation ... Read More »
Solid Ground Financial Hit With Washington State Class Action Suit
The Scott Law Group out of Spokane has filed a class action lawsuit against Solid Ground Financial, David Smith, Scott Haick, Rubin McEachron, JIO Reserves, and Stephen Detta. The claim is that the Defendants engaged in a uniform conspiratorial and predatory scheme to enrich themselves at the expense of financially strapped Washington families by violating Washington statutes designed to protect ... Read More »
What Do You Think of Solid Ground Financial? – Lorie
"Dear Steve, I am self employed hairdresser and the economy has hurt my business so much we cannot contuine to make our monthly payments. Just today I signed papers to let solid ground financial settle my debt..I am scared, and wondering if we did the right thing…I don't want to get sued, or have my creditors call our work. we ... Read More »
Solid Ground Financial Review
Address: Solid Ground Financial, LLC 6600 W Taft St. Suite 404 Hollywood, FL 33024 1-877-785-7817 Fax 866-949-5168 Hours Of Operation: Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm Est. Fri- 10am-5pm Est. Sat-Sun Closed Website: SolidGroundFinancial.org Description: At Solid Ground Financial, our mission is to provide you with outstanding customer service, as well as satisfaction for your consolidation needs.Solid Ground Financial counselors are trained to establish ... Read More »


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The Double is one of the strangest movies I've seen in a long time. Based (I can only assume loosely) on a novella by Dostoevsky, it creates a bizarre world that reminded me of the corporate dystopia in Terry Gilliam's Brazil. The Double is not as overtly science fiction as that film, but it certainly leans in that direction. It is also brilliantly satirical and darkly funny, with an amazing dual performance by Jesse Eisenberg.
Eisenberg stars as Simon James, an introverted and meek office drone at a faceless corporation. Despite working diligently at his data entry job for years, his boss (Wallace Shawn) doesn't register his existence and the guard won't believe this unmemorable man is even an employee. He is also invisible to Hannah (Mia Wasikowska), the girl in the apartment across the courtyard that he has been pining over for ages. While not content with being invisible he seems incapable of any assertive action. His world is thrown into disarray by the arrival at his job of James Simon (also Eisenberg). James is physically identical to Simon but is all the things he's not: confident, outgoing, ebullient. He moves in above Hannah, and it seems at first that Simon and James might become friends, with James helping Simon attack the attention of Hannah and Simon helping James at the job he is obviously unqualified for. Things take a dark turn when James begins to romance Hannah for himself and take credit for Simon's work projects.
All the elements in Richard Ayoade's film work perfectly to create a surreal alternative universe unlike any I've ever seen. This world is devoid of sunlight; the company for which Simon works seems to be underground with pumped in air and dim, sickly light, with all the exterior action happening at night. The production design suggests a futuristic society that stalled developmentally in the 1940's; all the computers and machines are great, bulky metallic things that emit bursts of industrial noise at all times. The film is dark, but intentionally so, with shadow playing an integral part in the mood of the film. From the first shots of Eisenberg on a subway train the cinematography by Erik Wilson is incredibly evocative.
Even if he had just been playing the one part the performance by Eisenberg is terrific. His Simon is tortured, insecure, paranoid, and desperate to break out of his shell but powerless to do so. Add in his portrayal of James, who is not just Simon's opposite in personality but in mannerism and physical presence, and I wouldn't be surprised if he finds himself with an Oscar nod next year (of course, I thought the same thing when Edward Norton played twin brothers in Leaves of Grass, so what do I know?) The supporting players are equally good, with Wasikowska portraying Hannah as a seemingly delicate flower with hidden passions as powerful as Simon's are.
The tone of the film is darkly comic, with the dream logic of a nightmare. The world does in fact seem to be conspiring against Simon to an almost absurd degree. I'll not say any more of the plot than I already have, except that it does seem to take a turn for the supernatural at the end. A part of me suspects that a great deal of what happens might be only in Simon's mind, though there are no blatant hints at that. It's just a feeling, one of many that I had during this film. It is not for everyone, but it is the best film I've seen this year.
For my other reviews from the Florida Film Festival, click here.


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Most Cancer Deaths Continue to Drop »
"Fewer Americans are dying from cancer.
This is one main take-away from the latest report on cancer death rates and new diagnoses of cancer in the U.S. This decline is seen among men and women across all major racial and ethnic groups,"...
Paraplatin Consumer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paraplatin
WARNING: Carboplatin can cause severe blood disorders (e.g., anemia, bone marrow suppression) that can result in infection and bleeding problems. Your risk of developing these problems increases with higher doses or longer treatment with carboplatin. Also, an unlikely but very serious allergic reaction to this drug may occur within minutes of receiving a dose. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), unusual tiredness, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Vomiting is a common side effect of this medication. See the Side Effects section for more information.
USES: Carboplatin is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a chemotherapy drug that contains platinum. It is used alone or in combination with other medications to slow or stop cancer cell growth.
HOW TO USE: Carboplatin is usually given by infusion into a vein (intravenously-IV) over at least 15 minutes by a healthcare professional.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy. In general, courses of carboplatin treatment should not be given more often than once every 4 weeks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Paraplatin Consumer Overview
Additional Paraplatin Information
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get the latest treatment options.


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Petzl OK Screw-Lock
Where to Buy
sponsored links
Manufacturer's Description
Visit Petzl's OK Screw-Lock page.
Retailers' Descriptions
Here's what other sites are saying:
Petzl OK Screw-Lock Carabiner FEATURES of the Petzl OK Screw-Lock Carabiner Symmetric shape is ideal for use with belay devices to maximize efficiency no matter which end is closest to the device Oval shape works great with pulleys Keylock system Available with manual locking system (Screw-Lock) or auto-locking system (Triact-Lock)
- Moosejaw
The symmetric shape of the Petzl OK Oval Screwgate locking carabiner makes it especially useful when rigging hauling systems.
Many pulleys require an oval-shaped carabiner to work properly. The OK carabiner is designed for just that. It's also very useful as a general purpose carabiner at belays.-- Symmetric shape is ideal for use with belay devices and pulleys to maximize efficiency no matter which end is closest to the device-- Oval shape works great with pulleys-- Keylock system-- Red lock indicator offers visual confirmation that screw lock is securely closed-- Made in Italy
- OMCgear
You're the kind of climber who loves a classic shape and feel, but you're also a gearhead who loves new technology - stock your rack with Petzl's OK Screwlock Carabiners, and you'll satisfy both sides of your brain. The classic oval shape stays in place while the screwgate ensures that you'll stay safe on the big wall.
- Mountain Gear
Petzl OK Screw-Lock
currently retails for:


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Mount Sinai Researchers Develop New Delivery Method to Improve Efficacy of Parkinson's Disease Medications
by Kathy Jones on June 23, 2012 at 10:48 PM Research News - G J E 4
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new delivery method that can improve the effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa, a common dual-drug treatment for Parkinson's disease.
The new method is continuous delivery of an intestinal gel formulation of the therapies, which are traditionally taken orally. The study found that the continuous gel delivery reduced "off" timewhen the medicine's effectiveness wears offby an average of nearly two extra hours per day. The gel also improved "on" time without involuntary movements when patients enjoyed a good response, compared to people taking standard levodopa/carbidopa.
AdvertisementThe researchers are presenting their findings at the Movement Disorder Society's 16th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders being held from June 17-21 in Dublin.
Levodopa is the most effective drug for treating PD, reducing tremors, slowness, stiffness, and walking difficulty, and carbidopa helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with levodopa. After five to 10 years, however, the duration of its treatment benefits wears off and PD-related symptoms return, representing a major source of disability for patients despite the benefits of the drug. This period of ineffectiveness, which can last six hours or more per day, is known as "off" time.
Researchers led by C. Warren Olanow, MD, Henry P. and Georgette Professor and Chairman Emeritus, Department of Neurology and Director of the Bendheim Parkinson Center at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, performed a double-blind study to explore whether continuous delivery of an intestinal gel form of levodopa/carbidopa could reduce "off" time in people with advanced PD. They found that the levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) reduced "off" time by nearly four hours, two hours more than standard oral formulations of levodopa.
"Maintaining a response to oral therapy is a challenge in Parkinson's disease patients, and there is a significant unmet need for a treatment that provides the benefits of the drug without off time or dyskinesia," said Dr. Olanow. "Since it is administered continuously through a pump, LCIG is a promising development that improves outcomes and quality of life in patients with advanced disease."
The research team conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind trial in 71 PD patients. At the start of the study, the average person had PD for about 11 years and experienced 6.6 hours of "off" time per day. Patients were randomized to receive a continuous infusion of LCIG, delivered through a portable pump connected to a tube implanted in the intestine, plus placebo pills; or placebo gel plus oral levodopa/carbidopa.
Treatment with LCIG was not associated with an increase in troublesome dyskinesia. The most common side effects associated with LCIG treatment involved complications due to inserting the device, abdominal pain, pain during the procedure and nausea.
Source: Eurekalert
P Effects of Muscle on Inner and Outer Layer of Bones Different in Men and Women Sleep Related Disorders on the Rise Due to Repeated Power Cuts at Night in Pakistan M
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San Diego, CA--- The one sobering moment in Lisa D'Amour's quirky dark comedy on urban decay, "Detroit", comes at the end when Kenny's great uncle Frank (Robert Benedetti in a statesmanlike cameo role) is seen standing among the rubble of what was Mary and Ben's house. He's looking around and commenting that he and his wife were one of the first residents of this brand new neighborhood over 29 years ago. (Set designer D. Martin Bookwalter designed an ingenious revolving set easily accessing both backs of houses and back patios where all the action takes place.)
All the five homes on the Cul De Sac were the model homes and theirs was one of them. "Those were magic times. Kids running ragged everywhere, skinning their knee, catching beetles…but now look at his place. Half the houses are falling apart, the others so fancified they seem untouchable".
Playwright Lisa D'Amour's Obie winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist play "Detroit" is making a local premiere downtown on the Lyceum Stage of The San Diego Repertory Theater through March 16th. It's a rather odd play and as directed by artistic director Sam Woodhouse, is painted with such broad strokes that it ricochets off the walls and throughout the Space.
Fast forward to suburbia U.S.A 2008 and Mary (Lisel Gorell-Getz) and her husband Ben (Steve Gunderson) are preparing for a cookout, of sorts, for their new neighbors, Sharon and Kenny (Summer Spiro and Jeffrey Jones).
Mary and Ben didn't even know anyone was living in the house across their patio. "The sheets stayed up for so long and it still looked empty" Surprise! It is. But that's only the half of it.
If you believe Kenny and Sharon (and I caution to beware) the house belongs to some long lost relative of his (yup, the great aunt and uncle) and this kind gent is letting them stay there until they get back on their feet or until he sells the property. Ergo, no furniture.
We later learn that Ben just got laid off from his job as a loan officer at the local bank and Mary is a paralegal. At the moment, Ben is putting his unemployment check and severance pay good use by building his own website 'helping people with their credit scores, that sort of thing'. Kenny works in a warehouse and Sharon works at a phone bank. So they say.
It doesn't take very long for us to learn a bit more about theses two loquacious couples. Even though they are about as opposite from each other as any couples could be, the law of attraction that brings them together is their mutual quest in the pursuit of happiness and the American dream.
Kenny and Sharon met in rehab, are sober and trying to get their lives together, new city, new house, new friends. But to know them is to love them and to love them is know that their sobriety will be the farthest thing from reality as the play progresses, and that's when things get completely out of hand.
Mary and Ben have a pretty boring life together. While they have lived in the 'hood' and know about their neighbors, they don't seem know their neighbors nor, it seems, do they have any friends. After a few false starts in their 'getting to know you conversation' they are more than willing to accept Kenny and Sharon into their lives.
They party together, share information with each other and finally after a long evening together that ends in an exhausting tirade of sexual gyrating, dirty dancing, dancing on chairs to exchanging partners, that seemed to go on forever, their life as they once lived it, literally goes up in flames.
To say that watching this production was about as tiring as anything I've ever done in a sitting position would be an understatement. The high-energy tirades, angry outbursts and the endless chatter became a draining endurance test.
Each little vignette brought about another small revelation that, in many instances, had nothing to do with the previous. But the energy of the evening was so volatile, loud and meaningless that, for this reviewer, it was a big turnoff.
That said that same high energy, vodka on steroid induced performance of Summer Spiro's Sharon, who carries the last few scenes to places yours truly would never want to visit, is top notch. She simply puts Mary and Ben on notice that "when you're at zero, anything can happen". And it does.
Jeffrey Jones as her counterpart Kenny is more subdued with a mischievous smirk that might frighten if he suddenly decided to leap out at one of the others, but he's rather retro for one with so much pent up energy.
Both Goerll-Getz and Gunderson are great followers. Both have that wide-eyed surprise look every time Sharon goes off on a tangent. Gunderson is perfect as the smile a minute puppy dog hubby who has a really Big secret at the end and Gorell-Getz plays against all the odds as the sometimes puzzled and confused sometimes oddball personality.
I'm sure I missed the overall message the playwright was trying to get across. But for the last minute reprieve by Benedetti when he explained how things used to be in the old neighborhood some sense of order took form. I remember my young family moving into such a development (1963) where the different designed model houses were there for our pick and we chose the colors.
Yes, Dorothy, "The times they are a changing".
Hey Ben I figured out the other day that all the streets around here are named for different kinds of light. We're on "Sunshine Way" and then there's "Ultraviolet Lane", "Fluorescent Avenue".
KENNY Also Rainbow Road.
BEN Yes, AND did you also notice "Feather Way" ... "Weightless Avenue"...
KENNY (Getting it) Oooh, right - Helium Street...
It didn't get much better than that in the late 70's.
See you at the theatre.
Dates: Through March 16th
Organization: San Diego Repertory Theatre
Phone: 619-544-1000
Production Type: Comedy
Where: 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Ticket Prices: $31.00-$47.00
Web: sdrep.org
Venue: Lyceum Space


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Yes, a five-game winning streak restored some energy to the team. However, the Philadelphia Phillies' fan base knows that after the All-Star break ends, the first of many significant roster moves will begin.
A team that has the third-highest payroll in baseball, but sits in last-place well below .500 can't stand still. Despite no-trade clauses, big contracts, apparent emotional ties that the ownership group previously didn't want to break, general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. can and will make as many trades as possible this month, next month and during the off-season (if he's allowed to stay). His decisions will directly affect the Phillies' ability to be competitive through the remainder of this decade, not just 2015.
Many have chided the man who is seen as riding a World Series' contender straight into the major league cellar. However, hardcore analysts know that Philadelphia's ownership group likely dictated many marketing related sentiments that caused a once-great team to descend into squalor.
Whatever can be gotten for Marlon Byrd, Jonathan Papelbon, A. J. Burnett, Kyle Kendrick and Antonio Bastardo should had, within reason. Those players won't be part of the next Phillies' team that tries to make a strong playoff push.
Cliff Lee was a great pitcher. He may have a few good years left, if he can stay healthy. Unless a deep package is offered in return this summer, trading him by winter might be the smartest option. Cole Hamels is a completely different consideration.
Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley are two different stories. One, or both, could be kept, or traded. Amaro's toughest potential conversation will result if he has to ask either man (again, or both) if a trade to (insert contending team name here) is acceptable.
Carlos Ruiz could be dealt as well. That only happens if there's some type of plan in place to fill his roster slot with a major-league ready, or veteran, backstop before next season begins.
By the start of next spring, Ryan Howard will likely platoon with someone at first base. Cody Asche could be shifted to left field because Maikel Franco has assumed his third base position. Grady Sizemore, or some other sound defender, also needs to be positioned in center field and a new right fielder needs to be found. Of course, the bench will also be filled with fresh faces.
Hamels seems the only near-lock to remain in the starting rotation. Ken Giles is almost certain to be the stopper who fronts a bullpen that seems to be filled with promising and generally effective young arms, along with a few new veteran relievers.
The next few weeks will start a tough process that should have been underway for awhile. However, second-guessing has always been part of this great game.


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Messages in this thread
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When application tried to lookup(opendir/readdir/stat) 5000 files in plugging usb device formatted by FAT, If unplugging usb device while lookup files, so many message occured like the below log. and currently it make app slow.
|Last update: 2012-05-13 13:41 [from the cache]
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Rico From "Hannah Montana" Grew Up To Be A Hipster
And he also hangs in Justin Bieber's crew. The Disney Channel is responsible for this, just not sure how yet.
1. Remember Moises Arias?
2. He played Rico on "Hannah Montana."
3. Now he looks like this:
4. And is BFF with Jaden Smith.
7. And since Jaden Smith is allegedly dating Kylie Jenner, Moises is friends with her too.
(Common thread here being Jaden Smith.)
9. AND since all of the above are part of Biebs' entourage, Moises is part of the crew too.
10. The two like to go out in their drop-crotch pants together:
11. And that is what Rico is up to these days.
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