text:
Valentine's Day is a huge celebration in the United States. Expenditures for it are significantly large. Let's unlock some of the costs of this lucrative holiday.
Retailers classify Valentine's Day as a major event. Their 2014 projections show the number of participating adults will decrease by 6.10% this year.
According to the Brand Keys bi-annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index study in January, 2014, participation is lower than the past several years. However, these celebrants plan to spend more than ever before. That means the holiday will bring in more than the whopping $5.1 Billion spent last year!
That's a very significant amount of expenditures for a holiday that's so short-lived. A breakdown of where the bulk of the money goes is $1.7 Billion for flowers and $3.4 Billion on dinners. Figures for gifts and cards are not added in this study. Imagine what it might be if they were.
This year's projection for the average spending per person is about $133.00. Overall,that's $18.6 Billion. A breakdown of the demographics shows the age group between 18 and 34 will remain the highest spenders at an average of approximately $162.00.
The 35 to 49 year-olds plan to spend an average of around $69.00. The group 50+ will spend an average of about $52.00.
Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys, Inc., said, "Gift-giving will be slightly skewed this year as purchases of gift cards have nearly doubled now that they've replaced 'gift certificates' and have become a more-than-acceptable gift."
What's the key to having a meaningful, successful, happy Valentine's Day?
There are those who spend exorbitant amounts on lavish gifts, flowers, and food. Others spend less than what they can or should. The balance is somewhere in the middle.
If you can be extravagant, there's a website advertisement where you can buy what's promised to be the most expensive Valentine's Dinner. It costs $99,466.00!
Luckily, to ensure everyone's participation in Valentine's Day, gift items range from remarkably inexpensive ($3 or less) to exceptionally extravagant. Similarly, cards range from less than $1.00 to $20.00.
It does not take much money or effort to convey, "I love you." The important thing is that you do it. In this case, the phrase, "It's not what you spend; it's the thought that counts," has never been truer.


text:
Q&A With Paul Johnson
The head coach talks offense, defense, special teams and ... golf
April 25, 2014
A few days after the dust settled on the 2014 version of Georgia Tech's spring football practices, RamblinWreck.com caught up with head coach Paul Johnson to get his final thoughts on the spring and his early thoughts on the upcoming season.
Give us your quick overall impression of spring practice?
What position group were you most concerned about heading into the spring?
There was a great deal of talk during the spring about using the 4-2-5 as Georgia Tech's base defense. What advantages does that scheme give you?
Does the 4-2-5 make you more athletic?
Well, it makes you smaller, but it allows you to match-up better against personnel groups, so you should be quicker and faster. Most of the teams that we play run some form of a spread, so you're going to have five defensive backs on the field the majority of the time.
Another topic coming out of the spring was the use of the no-huddle on offense. How often do you see that being used this fall and what does using the no-huddle give you?
For the second straight year you enter a season where you don't have a quarterback who has ever started a game. I know you feel like Justin Thomas and Tim Byerly both had good springs, but what's your overall feeling about the quarterback position right now?
You've said that Justin Thomas will enter the fall as the leader to start at quarterback. Is there a big gap between Thomas and Byerly?
Shaqulle Mason (Sr., OG) is an All-American candidate in 2014. Who else on the offensive line is close to securing a starting job?
On paper, special teams looks solid with one of the best kickers in the ACC, an experienced punter, two experienced long snappers and a bunch of return guys, including Jamal Golden. Could this be your best special teams year since you've been here?
Who on this team do you think will emerge as a leader in the fall?
You have said that you think your team has a chance to be better than what most think. What have you seen from this team to give you that optimism?
How do you expect your team to approach the summer?
What does the summer hold for you? What are your plans?
You have the Chick-fil-A Golf Challenge coming up on Monday. You and Jon Barry have won the event two times. What are your chances this year and who is going to be your biggest competition?
MORE Football HEADLINES

subset: commoncrawl


text:
How Do You Stay Warm In The Tree Stand?
How Do You Stay Warm In The Tree Stand?
|hillbilly bowhunter
Sep 11 2007, 02:35 AM
Post #1
Group: Members
Posts: 11
Joined: 10-September 07
Member No.: 12,260
What ever i do i just cant stay warm what is your 2 cents ??
Sep 11 2007, 02:36 AM
Post #2
Group: Members
Posts: 714
Joined: 22-April 06
From: south carolina
Member No.: 5,711
where a lot of clothes and where i am it does not normally get below 20 so it is not that bad
Sep 11 2007, 02:38 AM
Post #3
Group: Members
Posts: 241
Joined: 26-January 04
From: Olean NY
Member No.: 1,145
i get cold no matter what once its much below 20. i'll hunt for 4 hours or so then come in, go back out later. once i start to shake, im pretty much done.
dress in layers, always wear a hat, toe warmers, hand warmers in your pockets, good gloves.
i try not to bulk up w/ clothes during archery, i want to be flexible... which can suck when its 10 degrees @ 6am... my toes always get cold, drives me nuts.
Switchback XT
all the bells and whistles!
Sep 11 2007, 03:10 AM
Post #4
Group: Members
Posts: 732
Joined: 9-August 07
Member No.: 11,630
Build you a nice fire right under your stand,that should keep you toasty! but seriously when it gets cold here, I get some of them hand and feet warmers. Put two on each foot and two in each pocket, and one under my hat! Usually last for bout 3 hours. If I aint got a deer down by then, I get on out of the cold.
Sep 11 2007, 03:53 AM
Post #5
Group: Members
Posts: 655
Joined: 15-December 05
From: Minnesota
Member No.: 4,720
it can get pretty cold up here. to deal with it i just dress warm haha. wear layers. long underwear, shirt, sometype of fleece or wool, and my jacket. wool pants work wonders. nothing really gets cold except my toes and face. face masks help a lot along with wool socks and good boots. haha
"the intrusion of crossbows into archery seasons [are] the most imminent and critical threat to the future of bowhunting as we know it." Pope and Young Club
|Team DeerSlayer
Sep 11 2007, 03:54 AM
Post #6
Group: Members
Posts: 297
Joined: 14-November 05
From: Ontario,Canada
Member No.: 4,549
Hand warmers !!!! lol they work great
Please Check out my website http://pic5.piczo.com/TeamDeerSlayer/
|Eric Baker
Sep 11 2007, 01:20 PM
Post #7
Group: Primos Prostaff
Posts: 826
Joined: 24-June 03
From: State College PA
Member No.: 4
Start by eating something "warm" before you go hunting and take a snack for while you are in the tree; nothing works better from within than having food in your belly. Also, do not take a cold drink for in the tree; seems obvious but people take a cold bottle of water all the time. Warm/hot water in a thermos works well; its not the tastiest stuff but there is no odor and its warm/hot and will heat you from within if you drink a cup every every hour. Take a bottle to relieve the pressure later if ya know what I mean. ;
Regarding clothes I start with a good base layer that will keep the moisture off of my skin; so something like under armor or any similar material. Even if you don't sweat much you can't help but generate some heat walking in and climbing into your stand so the chances are you'll sweat a little. Minimize sweating as much as possible because it will make you cold! I generally take a back packback and carry my outer layer coat(s) in the backpack and do not put them on until I am either at the base of the tree or in the stand. Sock liners are also a key for me because my feet sweat all the time and get cold if I don't wear liners to keep the moisture away from my skin.
Having good outer clothing is obvious so I won't discuss that other than to say make sure it's quiet clothing, particularly if you are bowhunting.
Finally wear a warm hat, good gloves and good boots. A lot of heat escapes from your head so that is very important, and if your feet and or hands get cold your toast.
I hunt all day in the late pre-rut/rut and it can be very cold particularly early in the mornings here in the north. I also hunt a lot after Xmas and have hunted when the temp is in the single digits; sometimes there is nothing you can do to avoid the cold so try your best, stick it out as long as possible and when you finally get too cold get down. Things become unsafe when you get too cold (fingers don't work right and you could fall).
I hope you hang one by the spur this spring!
Sep 11 2007, 01:31 PM
Post #8
Trophy Hunter
Group: Members
Posts: 2,120
Joined: 1-December 03
From: SE Ohio
Member No.: 867
Stand up more than you sit. When you are seated, blood flow is not quite as good and leads to getting cold faster than you would if you were standing. Better circulation=warmth.
Aim small, miss small.
Sep 11 2007, 01:37 PM
Post #9
Group: Members
Posts: 191
Joined: 6-April 07
From: Glenboro Manitoba Canada
Member No.: 10,185
To keep warm i use a kindney belt that holds 2 large hot hands. If you can warm your blood on it's return trip to your heart it greatly increases circulation which makes you feel much warmer. I will put toe warmers in my gloves the ones with the sticky side and will stick them to my glove on the top of my hand that way they don't get in the way when i want to draw my bow
Sep 11 2007, 03:43 PM
Post #10
Group: Members
Posts: 230
Joined: 30-September 06
From: SE Michigan
Member No.: 7,387
Start by eating something "warm" before you go hunting and take a snack for while you are in the tree; nothing works better from within than having food in your belly. Also, do not take a cold drink for in the tree; seems obvious but people take a cold bottle of water all the time. Warm/hot water in a thermos works well; its not the tastiest stuff but there is no odor and its warm/hot and will heat you from within if you drink a cup every every hour. Take a bottle to relieve the pressure later if ya know what I mean. ;
Oatmeal before i hit the stand and a thermos of warm apple cider. they dont seem to mind the cider, my cousin actually believes that it attracts them
|Lo-Fi Version
|Primos Inc. © 2010
|Time is now: 27th June 2016 - 02:16 AM


text:
The primary difference between regular pork sausage and Italian sausage is "in the spices". Breakfast sausage or regular pork sausage's main flavor is derived from sage, while Italian sausage's main flavor is derived from fennel.
Both sausages are made of pork and traditionally stuffed into casings; pork sausage is stuffed into sheep casings and Italian sausage into hog casings. Check out recipes here.
In sausage news, a Northern California company started by the family that opened fast-food chain Lee's Sandwiches International, Inc. has issued a recall of 740 pounds of dried sausage products that may be contaminated with dangerous toxins. Find out more at Forbes.


text:
Siero Intensivo Intensive Firming Serum from Borghese may be the best formula you ever decide to introduce your skin to when the appearance of wrinkles has taken over. This highly concentrated activating serum contains an assortment of nutrients and the Tuscan Cellular Complex, which have the ability to make the complexion brighter and more radiant while rebuilding the skin's natural collagen matrix. The firming effects are revitalizing and immediately visible, which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face! Wrinkles and expression lines are treated and the structure of the capillary walls are improved. You will achieve a newfound sense of vitality and radiance after using this brilliant serum.
Directions: Use BORGHESE Siero Intensivo Intensive Firming Serum daily on cleansed skin avoiding eye area. Follow with BORGHESE Crema Intensiva Intensive Firming Creme or BORGHESE Complesso Intensivo Intensive Age Defying Complex.
Net Weight: 1.5 oz. / 44 ml
Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Benzyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Oat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Polysorbate 60, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Corn Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Cholecalciferol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone, Squalane, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-150 Distearate, Sodium Pca, Cetearyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Bisabolol, PEG-16 Soy Sterol, Glycoproteins, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Steareth 20, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium Edta, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Caramel, Yellow 5.
Disclaimer: Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, please refer to the product packaging.
If you need any help for applying these offers or any other issue please call us toll-free at 1-866-830-6161.
Gift with Purchase: FREE BORGHESE Brightening Moments Gift Set with the purchase of BORGHESE products. Some restrictions apply. See details �
Gift with Purchase: FREE BORGHESE Brightening Moments Gift Set with the purchase of BORGHESE products. Some restrictions apply. See details �


text:
May 31, 2011 10:15 AM
We've seen (and bought!) our share of rompers this season. But, as the name implies, most of them tend to be pretty casual--you know, made for romping about (or something like that, right?). That's why we love the Short-Sleeve Romper ($108) from BCBGGeneration. It's a tad less casual than most with its chic slate grey color and slight sheen. We bet you could pair this with a dressy belt, a blazer, and some killer heels for a sexy, upscale look.
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:


text:
This rant by CNBC's Rick Santelli against big-government spending got things started. Then the outfit called Top Conservatives on Twitter took up the call and, within days, "Tea Parties" were organized in a number of cities protesting federal bailout schemes–including today in Dallas. Here are some of an estimated 250 who gathered at Victory Plaza to dunk the "stimulus bill" in a tank of tea, page by page. Said an organizer: "We're just people who don't want our kids and grandchildren shackled with thousands of dollars of debt each." Oh, hell, folks, why not? It's only money!
Read This Next
Reagan's Codpiece
I LOVE the dude in the XXXL baby blue polo and bermuda shorts! It's the modern day Paul Revere.
Instead of a mob carrying pitchforks and torches, you expect to see them coming after you with nine irons, and candelabras.
Obama's Seat
Ok, let's all go to:
Look at the pics, and get back to me on those hilarious Dallas protesters.
the united states has never been a true capitalist nation, its always been muddled with social programs ever since we had to pay for the revolution.
capitalism can work but its got to be real, and I can tell you one thing most of the tax protestors around the country are not hardcore republicans and didn't think it was worth spending a dime on a crazy country like Iraq whos people clearly enjoyed their leader otherwise they would have taken him out.
Most liberals don't understand what a LLC and a LLP are and that they are taxed at individual tax rates when they flow up to the owners of the companies and many large companies are LLC's.
Rick, skribble that on cardboard and march.
Reagan's Codpiece
Yes! Down with Socialism.
Now, let's all collectively break into our parents/grandparents houses and burn their Social Security checks to prove we mean Business!!!
By all means Rick, do not attempt to infuse facts into this debate. It's much more fun, and logical to make light of the appearance of the protesters.
http://www.treygarrison.com Trey Garrison
Rick, my point exactly. I'm glad you put it in simpler words that Gwyon could understand.
Give Me A Freaking Break
Republicans can shuck and jive till the cows come home. It doesn't matter. The facts always get in the way of your name calling.
The Daria Doofus was in charge for the last 8 years……remember he was the DECIDER…remember he had CAPITAL and intended to SPEND it.
Try as you might, you can not weasal your way out of the fact that republicans got us into this mess and AGAIN, we democrats have to get the world back on it's feet.
Now, don't fret your pretty little repukish heads, in a few years your combined bigotry and jeebus tithes will get you back in office and you will be able to use that money in order to bomb and destroy another country that neve caused harm to us.
Reagan's Codpiece
@Trey and @Rick
Exactly! Those simple commoners are just begging to be taken down a notch.
http://www.treygarrison.com Trey Garrison
How does opposing the Obama stimulus = supporting W?
Why are Democrats so narrow-minded as to think anyone who opposes their agenda is a Republican, pro-war, or a W fan?
This is about supporting capitalism and opposing socialism. Party has nothing to do with it.
Reagan's Codpiece
Overheard at the rally:
Protester 1: "Please dear God, tell me the Revolution WILL be televised"
Protester 2: "…and air conditioned"
Protester 3: "…and catered by Olive Garden"
Trey, very clever of you to make a point that neither you nor the article you linked made any reference to. Dash cunning, old bean.
Red Bubba
Y'all are a hoot. The well-behaved, rated-G protest was directed to a piece of LEGISLATION, congress (both parties) in general, and only secondarily at O'bama, and you respond with Bush derangement syndrome!
OK, so the Bush panioc bill was bad, but the new Obama panic bill + rhetoric was good? What a hoot!
http://www.treygarrison.com Trey Garrison
One assumed the obvious need not be spelled out.
But then I forgot some need a See-and-Say.
So "the obvious" is that you really don't know the difference between income and revenue, but Rick said something about LLCs that you liked so you're going with that.
http://www.treygarrison.com Trey Garrison
Right, I've been covering business for a decade and a half, and I don't know the difference between income and revenue.
Sure, why not? If it pleases you to think that, be my guest.
Lamest "revolutionary" protest location ever. Are these knuckle draggers aware that the Fed is about a mile away? Oh, and there's a little socialist (free) streetcar to take your XXL ass over there.
Another thread just dripping with that famous liberal tolerance.
Rick, those Iraqis who you say loved Saddam so much did try and take him out after the first Gulf War and got slaughtered because we didn't give them the help that we had promised. I know it's hard for the Obama and Ron Paul worshippers to believe, but it really was muslims who were responsible for 9-11, not George Bush and the Jews.
The New Youth
I'm 25, I say: "Down with these Democrat Socialist Commies!" We don't want old people with old thoughts for new problems.
I'm getting my revolt on against
these old Democrats.
What's with all the little commies here? Haven't they looked at the deficit graph…the one with the explosion in debt that happens right after the Dems take control of Congress (http://caseyresearch.com/images/Federal%20Deficit%20Borrowing%203.jpg)? Or has The Glory of Obamessiah shattered their little brains?
The thing that bothers me the most is that no one knows how to stand on principal and read the CONSTITUTION and UNDERSTAND it. Yes Bush spent heavily, even on his way out of office. If that is your argument wake up, that is like arguing over who spilled the most water while everyone is dying of thirst. Obama is speding like there is no tomorrow and is taking a very large risk with America. A lot of good blame is going to do us.
If you look at California you can see what America could look like as a whole if we dont stand up. Don't take my word for how bad California is, investigate it for yourself. Illegal aliens,poor fiscal responsibility along with sanctuary cities and health care for everyone has bankrupted this state. If you think you deserve it but cant afford it then by all means go ahead and get it and try to figure out how to pay for it later. People are moving out of California at an alarming rate.You know the saying that where California goes so does the country.
In a way I am glad this is a fiscal issue because it seems more people pay attention when it is a money issue and not a constitutional issue. Wait a minute this is a constitutional issue. Where is it in the constitution to be able to take tax payers money and have the federal government give it to those that are not productive and just flat out bankrupt of any values. There is no more personal responsibility in a large segment of our society. Thats including regular citizens to the money institutions and politicians.
I believe that we are basically at war and only one side can win. There is more to this issue than money. There is a genuine agenda to destroy this country at any and all cost. If you look at the national media you can see that there is a pro Obama agenda and a deep hatred for Bush. This is controlled by special intrest money which the taxpayer is financing. Has anyone ever heard the saying we will destoy you from within without even firing a shot. Think this is not relevent? Wise up!! There are groups of certain people that actually hate this country and every thing it stands for. If they truly believed in their principals they would move to a more inviting enviroment. But because of political correctness we dont address these issues and call people out on it.
Obama is showing us exactly who he is and what he believes and makes no apologies for it. I personally have a problem with that and I think that he is taking us down a path that is destructive to our country.
We are the people that make this coutry what it is, we are the backbone, and thats everyone from the construction worker to the mechanic the white collar worker etc.
Are you outraged by the way the BANKS and LENDING INSTITUTIONS have ripped us off. Well you should really be mad at the federal government and yourself as well. They have put us in this place and we have allowed it to happen. The bottom line is do you want to live in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and be an american or not? Then do your part to fight for it and make it a better place. Make time for it, make it a priority and focus on it.
The path we are taking is destrutive to all of us. I know that there are fundamental differences on how things can be accomplished. However the day we become so narrow minded and cant come together (this does not include people that hate america) to solve our countrys problems and challenges because of party lines then we have already lost, and all we are waiting for is the final whistle to be blown letting us all know the game is finally over.
I hope that we realize this soon and can come together so this country can unite and we can become a united nation. If we can do that then we all win especially our children.
E pluribus Unum
God Bless America
Dont Tread on Me
Some of the commenters might be pleased to know that the crowd cheered when the speaker pointed out that the federal government has been driving us into debt well before Obama was president. They might also be interested in the favorable remarks I overheard someone make about a Democratic representative who advocates spending reductions. However, it is easier to dismiss opponents of runaway spending as losers and rant about Bush than it is to actually think about the issue.
Hey now – easy fix on the additional 2 Trillion we just tacked on to the national debt.
Obama will just solicit the additional funds from the anonymous foreigners that contributed the tens of millions to his campaign…
Then he'll raise taxes.
Hopey McChange's fast ride into oblivion!
Christian in NYC
Dear Hysterical Republicans,
You could have picked a different candidate than McSame in 2008, but you didn't.
So, elections have consequences. One of these consequences is that you now have very little power. Sucks to be you. If you want power, maybe you need to convince a whole lot of people that you know how to govern. Because a whole lot of people didn't thing you did such a good job for eight years (because you didn't).
Welcome to the Political Wilderness. Enjoy your stay.
This is such a treat to read all the defensive, ignorant democrats posting here. Their boy triples the annual federal deficit in his first five weeks, nominates a bunch of corrupt hacks to senior positions and flounders on foreign policy. to boot, every time the Messiah opens his mouth, the stock market plummets.
A Democrat Congress and Democrat President just rammed a thousand-page economic disaster down the throat (or was it up the a**) of the American population.
Guess what? Obama and the Democrats own the economy now. How's that tingle in the leg feeling now, you mouth-breathing idiots?
John Costello
I suspect the Republicans' political wilderness will last about two years, which means that rank and file republicans have about 16 months to take the party back from the Porkmeisters who have run it from 2002. The question is really how much damage Obama will do to the economy and how many people will his fecklessness kill
Red Bubba
I feel your pain Obamunists. Really, I remember what it felt like when my brother told me there was no Santa Claus.
What a lame appeal to authority, Trey. But it beats trying to explain why you think Obama's income tax hike is going to tax small business revenue.
Veritas, last time I checked, Obama had an overwhelming amount of support among the American people.
I'd say that tingle feels pretty darn good.
Open your eyes and ears, and try to understand why you all lost big time. The answer is clear and it's out there–and right here on this blog.
Red Bubba
What is it about the first month in office that we should find so encouraging? I will try to understand. How about a short list, not feelings, but accomplishments or policies that are so clearly beneficial.
I'll help you start:
(1) He's not George Bush. Great, I understand, but almost anyone can do that. What else?
Gwyon, despite your unnecessary (and based on your contributions so far, unwarranted) condescension, I'd like to give you a chance to explain the point you're making instead of simply hinting that everyone disagreeing with you is comprehension-deficient. Instead of trying to lob insults, why not educate us (or at least me)?
So, please explain the difference between income and revenue, the significance of that difference under Obama's plan, and why that significance means that LLCs and LLPs are not facing tax increases. I have an average professionals understanding of tax laws and am more than willing to admit I could stand to understand these issues better. I'm always willing to learn something, so please explain.
I'll hang up and listen . . .
Brilliant, Julie and Christian! The stadium is on fire, people are stampeding for the door, and your response is "SCOREBOARD, suckers!!"
As a nation, we need to get over this politicial "identity" hangup. . . at some point in the very near future, we're going to need to start debating ideas and issues again and stop debating leaders and parties. Hopefully, with W (and the absurd level of animosity directed at him) in retirement, that's now a realistic possibility. This country needs to regain focus and stop thinking about politics as a substitute for sports. There's far more at stake than bragging rights.
Obama's Seat
Short answer: You lost, shut up.
Seat: Awesome! I lost? So, I'm an American voter with a vested interest in this country prospering and I "lost." Sadly, I'm starting to think you may be right.
Genius-ness is in abundance today.
Precedential Caveat
It is with sadness, but not much surprise, that I note Dallas area libs are no smarter or articulate than libs elsewhere. Having no factual arguments, the basis for their contention is "We won", and then a spate of middle-school-esque insults and name-calling.
America was founded on the principals of capitalism and personal freedom. 0bama apparently hates capitalism and is so busy trying to abridge personal freedom, he's not getting anything else done.
As for the assertion that 0bama's income tax hike is not going to tax small business revenue into oblivion–do some math. Small biz, 5 or 6 employees, average salary about $30k each, plus payroll taxes, plus benefits, plus business overhead. If he's not making $250k a year, he's hosed. But now his taxes just went up to 40%.
The answer to his rising costs is to cut overhead. So the work he currently does with 5 or 6 employees, he will, in future, do with 4 or 5.
Personally, if I were the small business owner, the first cuts would be easy: the big mouths with the 0 stickers on their cars.
But that's just me.
All the mean-sprited, insult-laden rhetoric from the 0bama supporters is nothing more than buyers' remorse. I can understand and even sympathize. No one wants to be seen as having bought a pig in a poke. And yet there it is.
However, America is your country, too, and your way of life is just as much in jeapordy as it is for the rest of us. Time to put that "We won" BS aside and get with the business of preserving the Union, while there is still a Union to preserve.
Oh, and Precedent ShamWow just finished up his first month in office with a lower approval rating than President George W. Bush did for the same period. Wake up.
we need to go back to the poll tax, if you can vote my income for your gain you should have some skin in the game.
if you don't pay taxes you should not be able to vote yourself a portion of the treasury.
the real problem is we have two classes in this country now the politico and the rest of us, it doesn't matter how much money you have just connections.
Obama's Seat
"This is about supporting capitalism and opposing socialism."
-Trey Garrison
Ok, Trey. Fair enough.
We hear time and time again how socialism will destroy this country–and further, how it has destroyed other countries. Which countries has socialism destroyed? Seems to be working in Canada, The UK, France…just to name a few.
If anything, it appears our system isn't working…and hasn't been working for quite some time. So, let's cling to the sinking ship and plug it's massive leaks with chewing gum and bilge out the water and just say there was a plumbing problem and call it a day. Crisis averted. No socialism.
We are so rhetorically opposed to the idea of socialism, the idea of government actually governing. So, we boo and hiss every time someone mentions the s-word.
Only one problem: we're already a socialist country. We have socialized many industries and services: police departments, education (public schools), fire departments, the postal service…it's here, and for some reason it's always vilified…yet we live with it on a day to day basis for as far back as I, and probably just about anyone alive today, can remember.
The truth is, we don't have a "free market," largely because people don't understand economic theory or economics in general. We're at an artificially low point because of mass panic and lack of consumer confidence–people don't know what to do, so, they're dumping stock left and right when they hear mildly bad news, and then they're sitting on their dwindling cash reserves. What the eff is going to get them up and back in the game? They should be buying up all this stock–it's on sale, my friends–and the prices should start going back up. But, the majority of participants in the market are doing nothing, except dragging this whole experience out and waiting for someone to give them the answer/the way out.
They either don't have enough capital to make a go of it, or are too fearful of risking what diminished stakes they have left to get our economic wheels turning again.
If the people don't have the money, or won't pony up the money, to get things going again, who on earth can we turn to?
Why is it so ridiculous that the government, our government–such a massive institution that can basically do whatever it wants, within certain limits–has proposed, and is on course to, loan huge amounts of money to major players in our economy that would otherwise go down in flames? To major employers, and companies that have demonstrated their major influence on the supposed free market–and a great deal of our dependence on them. It is scoffed at as an artificial injection of capital into the markets that some predict will only temporarily prop up the economy long enough for it to chug along into a deeper recession. Others say it isn't enough money to do the job. The fact is, no one knows what is going to happen–except maybe Ms. Cleo: call her now for your free reading. No one can say certainly we will end up with "A" or "B." So, we can do nothing, and see what happens, or we can let someone else (the government) do something, and see what happens. There really aren't many choices or options on the table.
I for one would rather that something be done as opposed to nothing be done–so why does that make me a liberal or a leftist or crazy? People who are out of work need to get back to work: they need jobs. We need to create jobs and put our people–our own, our fellow americans–back to work. We need to improve our national infrastructure…and you know what? We can probably put people back to work AND improve our infrastructure at the same time! NO WAY!?!?!? All this griping about "why are we giving millions to hospitals / schools / roads and bridges / cities" that I heard from some legislators really got to me. It's loaning out capital to people who can put it to good use, for all of our benefit. The loaned capital flows back to the federal government by way of taxes–people work, they earn income, they pay taxes, the government loans (bond issues, this stimulus package, bailouts, whatever you want to call them) get paid back. Why are taxes so bad? They pay for things–services, programs, benefits–that you alone could never possibly provide for yourself. We live in what is touted as the greatest country in the world. Yet, we don't seem compelled to do anything to help one another–let alone help the entire country–out. For too long people with plenty–and usually a surplus of plenty–have made huge amounts of money, and have had to pay very little in taxes (proportional to their income, when compared to other socioeconomic levels). Are "the rich" going to drown in taxes? I highly doubt it. Are small businesses going to drown in taxes? I highly doubt it. Even if they believe they are going to, this "threat" of "higher taxes" is on the horizon: so, prepare accordingly…take your own medicine and help yourself, since no one else is going to be there for you (just as you want / say it should be).
What is so incredibly wrong with helping out our country? We're in need of it–most of the country is, anyway. This BS of "everyone should help themselves" is rhetoric that's killed off a lot of our humanity. We are all hurting. There is no "me" in this–it's all of us. There is no more "main street vs. wall street" crap. That was all rhetoric, and most people have no idea what it really means. They know there is a "main street" in their town, and they think that makes them "main street" in the face off. But who are they facing off against? Oh good, america vs. america…how productive, let's just fight it out amongst ourselves.
If you don't like what is going on, you have several options: vote for new representatives when you have the next opportunity; lobby congress; write to your congressman; move to another country and apply for citizenship there.
We are all–well, most of us, save 5% or so–in quite a pickle. If you've got a better solution than what is in motion now, then make your point heard. It's your responsibility to speak up and demand that you be heard–as an American, as a citizen who has a stake in what happens in this country. So, have at it…but don't think bitching on a blog comment page about "liberals" and "W" and "republicans" and "democrats" and "bailouts" and "fat cats" and "the rich" is going to resonate very far…
http://www.litnon.com straightline
Dependencycrats don't care about national defense, national debt, U.S. business's, or the fact that they now own the title of "culture of corruption". All they care about is what is in it for them now…
Once these moonbats see that they are getting NOTHING from this "stimulus" LMAO bill and the huge spending spree on the way. Wheneconomy goes farther south..they will turn on their messiah with more self indulgent disrespect than they ever did to Bush.
So goes the economy in the USA so goes the rest of the world. I can't wait until Europe starts Obama bashing.
Reagan's Codpiece
I know, those whacky libs know absolutely nothing about business and the realities of investing like true conservatives. I mean honestly, can you name a single billionaire that backed the messiah Obama???
I mean, excluding these guys:
Arthur Blank
Warren Buffett
Barry Diller
Michael Eisner
David Geffen
Charles Gifford
Jeffrey Katzenberg
Norman Lear
Penny Pritzker
Goerge Soros
Steven Spielberg
Steve Tisch
Oprah Winfrey
Really, what the hell do they know about running a business????
Obamas teleprompter
Hey, that's great. Why don't you ask those liberal billionares why they don't give the government their money instead of using the government to tax everybody else. Oh, that's right, Obamas cabinet let us know that Democrats don't pay taxes.
OSeat: My bad. It's so hard to separate parody from the real thing any more. I should have looked further up the thread.
Dubious Brother
J. Paul asked "Texas Watchman, exactly how did the recession begin the minute the Dems gained a razor thin majority in Congress two years ago? Did they pass some sort of legislation on the first day of "power" that set the wheels in motion to a recession."
It is probably just a coincidence that they passed legislation raising the minimum wage effective 7/24/07 with another hike on 7/24/08 totaling a 27% increase and unemployment began to rise at exactly the same time.
Hey there SB.
I am sorry to say that this is not a artificial low. You are going ot see unemployment hit the double digits and it is going to get bad. If you dont give to a certain segment of society they will take what ever they can. I believe we will see crime escalate like we have never seen before. You need to touch up on your histroy a little bit. We do help one another. The problem is there are starting to be to many people that need help and those that are capable of helping are not going to be able to do so any more. The federal gevernment has us all living is an economic bubble and it is about to run out of air. Slowly but surely this is going to happen. You will see it explode at some point. Just watch the DJI and watch. No one can give and give and give. There comes a point where there is nothing left to give. That is where we are just about at. When inflation hits and believe me it will. There is going to be a lot of people wake up one day and say to themselves what has happened. I dont know what can be done to save the situation at this point. I do write my representatives on a regular basis and I have voted out those that are in office. The problem is people vote for those who they think will give them something. The other problem is one you are in power you see that by giving token entitlements they get voted back in. Look up in the northeast and you will see several democratic officials who dont do a damn thing and they still get voted in year after year. THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN AND THE SOONER WE WAKE UP TO THAT THE SOONER WE
John F
You can't expect a big turn-out on a weekday from anyone who actually pays taxes because we are at Work!!! The losers who take our money and eat cheetos on the couch have plenty of time to rally.
I laugh at the ignorance of the supporters of this stimulus. Bush clearly deserves blame for spending- but Obama ran on change- all he has done is slam on the gas peddle- face it, the guy is just another Jimmy Carter and just medicine for a Country that has no leaders in either party or in business. We have met the enemy and it is "us"- I hope you idiots that support driving us into debt have to explain to your kids why they are picking up your tab – losers!!
John F
You are right about no leaders on either side that are willing to stand up on principal. kay bailey Hutchinson has rejected voting for the bill however if it goes through she has a very large earmark in it for her. What a real leader she is. She wants to be the governor of Texas. WTF!
The peole supproting this bill are just ignorant and dont believe history can repeat itself. Their is a large segment of our society that are either stupid because they are only into pop culture or they are just flat out socialist/communist. Whatever they spend their time on I can guarantee you it isn't on history or the constitution and they dont see the storm clouds gathering on the horizon because of their rose colored glasses. Kind of like a lot of people that saw Hurrican Katrina coming and didnt leave the area when they had three days notice. Then blame the government for not doing enough to save them. There are people that voted for Hussein Obama and dont even know waht is happening in the political arena now. When it gets so bad all they can say is what happened.
These peoples kids wont be asking why they are having to pick up the tab because they will be raised with the same mindset and values and just rely on someone else to support them. Every time Hessein Obama opens his mouth the stock market dives. Gosh I feel so much better knowing that we have a leader that quote "gets it".He doesnt have the faintest idea what the heck he is doing unless he is driving this country into the ground on purpose to destroy it which I am begining to wonder. Wise up people.
Whoopie Goldberg of all people had a mini melt down today. Seems she is a bit upset with her man Obama.
I don't mind paying a higher tax, I make good money, but DON'T turn around and raise the Federal tax, the state tax, the phone tax and mentioned several other taxes. She then went on to say, I am getting it coming and going!
Wow impressive! I said months ago, that when reality started hitting these people in the pocket book, they'd start turning on their savior. Just never thought it would be this soon, and never did I imagine it would be Whoopie Goldberg?
For those that are still blinded by the light, put a pair of RayBans on, and look at reality.
Old Man River
Hello there. I have read some of this material and recoginze several things. Firt a majority of respondants are under 25 and if the are at work they are not working. Secondly, I challange every blogger to respond to a simple question. WHERE DO JOBS COME FROM? Yours, Old Man River
- 50 Best Restaurants in Dallas by D Magazine
- Round-Up Saloon
- One Picture Sums Up Everything Stupid About Dallas Urban Design by Peter Simek
- Where to See the Best Fireworks in Dallas This Fourth of July by FrontRow Staff
- DART Might Destroy Downtown Dallas by Peter Simek
- Richard Patterson on the Brexit Vote by Tim Rogers
- One Picture Sums Up Everything Stupid About Dallas Urban Design by Peter Simek
- The Bachelorette Recap Episode 6: The Boy Band & JoJo Take Buenos Aires by Augusta Neal
- New Fair Park Proposal Argues State Fair Sprawl Is Bad for Business by Peter Simek
- Vermeer Suite: Music in 17th-Century Dutch Paintings
Recent Comments
Current Issues
D Magazine
July 2016Table of Contents Subscribe
July 2016Table of Contents Subscribe
D Home
July-August 2016Table of Contents Subscribe
Advertisement will run for seconds. Continue to site »


text:
Skydiving.com now has a network skydiving location serving Atwood and Orange County in California. Call Skydiving.com at 1-800-617-7948 for details, free information and specials on skydiving in Atwood, CA today!
Popular Tags for Skydiving Atwood:
Skydiving Atwood, Skydiving in Atwood, Sky Diving Atwood, Skydive Atwood CA, Skydiving 92811, Atwood Skydiving, Skydiving Atwood California, Skydiving near Atwood, Skydiving in Atwood California, Atwood Sky Diving, Skydive 92811, Skydiving Atwood CA, Skydive Atwood, Skydiving Orange County, Skydive in 92811, Skydiving CA, Sky Diving Atwood CA, Atwood, California
Sign up for our newsletter and receive updatesand specials on skydiving across America!


text:
The Rhode Island Dental Association was founded in Providence on July 2, 1878 by a group of seven dentists.
Today, more than 600 members, representing over 90 percent of all practicing dentists in this state, belong to the Association. We are part of a three-level professional dental organizational structure which includes the American Dental Association - the national organization; the RIDA-a constituent society chartered by the ADA, and seven component dental societies throughout Rhode Island.
The object of the Association is to improve the dental health of the public and to promote the art and science of dentistry.
No front page content has been created yet.
Membership in RIDA means that you are connected with organized dentistry at the local, state and national levels. You can take advantage of services and opportunities not available to non-member dentists! Members are kept informed on topics of interest to Rhode Island dentists through the RIDA Newsletter, and the RIDA web site. In addition, the Association publishes an annual Membership Directory and Resource Guide and offers dental education courses on topics of importance or interest to members.
Contact us today to get started!
The Rhode Island Dental Association (RIDA) is a professional organization of Rhode Island dentists dedicated to the service of the public and advancement of the profession through education, advocacy, and member services.


text:
Please join attorneys Evan Bracy and Matthew McArdle and Regional Coordinator from Parent to Parent NYS, Deborah Byrd-Caudle to learn useful information to assist you in making decisions about safeguarding your child's future.
Light refreshments will be served.
This is a free workshop, however registration is required. Please email email@example.com or call 518-593-2317.
Child Care Coordinating Council 194 US Oval, Plattsburgh, New York 12903 View Map


text:
The Division is an absolutely colossal project for Ubisoft. So big in fact that it has turned to other studios in an attempt to improve the game. Red Storm, part of the team that worked on Far Cry 3 and most other Tom Clancy games to date, is exclusively working on the weaponry of The Division Ubisoft announced today via it's blog.
Lead Weapons Designer JD Cragg comments on the matter saying, "I, personally, have been doing it for about six years now. One of the guys on my team has been doing it for almost nine. This is pretty much all I do – authentic military weapons, vehicles and that sort of thing."
With the amount of experience the team has, it has developed crucial relations with local weapons manufacturers, allowing them to get hands on and in depth looks at each and every piece of the weapons.
"We've had manufacturers come in and literally disassemble the entire weapon all the way down to the nuts and bolts, and our guys are taking hi-res photos of those things," says Red Storm Producer Tony Sturtzel. "We probably have unparalleled access to these types of things because of our authenticity department and their focus on relationships.
We're not ever gonna let the cat out of the bag on some of the relationships we have!"
With all of these resources, research, and experience Cragg claims that The Division will have "the most accurate weapons of any videogame."
It's quite a bold claim but with both Massive and Red Storm working together on just the weapons design, great results are a sure thing.


text:
I'm trying to make video from many jpg files exported by paraView. I have already found out that 'avconv' can do that but the output quality is just not so good even with -s hd1080 option written in.
Jpeg files resolution is 1920x1080 so I believe they could do some good for me.
File size isn't that much important, I want to be able to see details on the video.
Is it even possible?
If it is important I'm running Ubuntu 12.04.


text:
Press Releases
Sudan and the IMF
Free Email Notification
Receive emails when we post new
items of interest to you.
IMF Managing Director Extends Condolences on the Death of Vice President John Garang of Sudan
Mr. Rodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has sent condolences to the government, and to the people of Sudan for the untimely and tragic death of first Vice President John Garang. In a letter sent to the President of Sudan, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Mr.de Rato said:
"Dr. Garang was an eminent statesman who, together with your leadership and support, set aside more than 20 years of civil war to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement for Sudan earlier this year, At this critical point in Sudan's history, I trust all parties in Sudan will redouble their efforts to continue with the process of national reconciliation and ensure the successful implementation of the peace agreement that Dr. Garang worked so hard to achieve."


text:
- 18 & over
- Two item minimum
Los Angeles, CA
Comedy Central Certified
Share with your friends:
BOBBY SLAYTON with Louis Katz and Jason Stuart
Purchase Tickets
Show Details
- Ticket Price: $0.00
- Door Time: 5:30 PM
- Show Type: Stand Up
- Showroom: Main Room
18 & over
Two items minimum
Performing Artists (Click on Artist for Reviews and Previews)
Bobby Slayton
A true "comic's comic," Bobby Slayton, often referred to as "The Pitbull of Comedy," has been performing his own intense style of stand-up comedy for over 20 years, becoming one of the best known, respected, and energetic comics working today.
Audiences around the country may recognize Bobby from his scene-stealing roles in movies such as "Get Shorty," "Ed Wood," "Bandits" and most recently "Dreamgirls." He's been seen on dozens of television shows including "The Tonight Show" and "Politically Incorrect." Bobby's many appearances on HBO have included "Comic Relief "& his own stand-up special. He was a series regular on the HBO series "Mind of a Married Man," and played 'Joey Bishop' opposite Ray Liotta and Joe Mantegna in the critically acclaimed film "The Rat Pack."
Slayton's distinctive gravelly voice has often been heard on animated shows like "Dr. Katz'" and "Family Guy," as well as many popular radio shows across the country including Howard Stern, Kevin & Bean, and Tom Leykis. The NY Daily News called Slayton "Armed and Dangerous", the Las Vegas Review Journal pointed out that "Slayton's refusal to comprise his art has always made him worth a special trip" and the American Comedy Awards voted him "Funniest Male Stand-up Comic of the Year".
Louis Katz
Louis was born and raised in Los Angeles (not the Valley, not Orange County, but actually in Los Angeles). His comedy career began at the incredibly early age of 9 when as part of a school project he submitted several jokes to "The Tonight Show," two of which were read on air by Johnny Carson. When Louis moved to Northern California to attend UC Berkeley, he continued to pursue comedy as a writer/performer with the Theater Rice sketch comedy troupe. After graduating, he began performing stand-up throughout the Bay Area and quickly made a name for himself. He is now a professional comedian who can be seen performing at clubs and colleges across the country. In 2005, Louis had a great year, appearing in both the Montreal Comedy Festival and Atlanta's "Laffapalooza" Comedy Festival. He also made his television debut (not counting the time he went on "The Judge Joe Brown Show") on "Last Call with Carson Daly."
Jason Stuart
Jason Stuart is one the country's top openly gay comics and prolific character actors. Filmmakers liken his talent as a cross between the depth of Philip Seymour Hoffman, the comedy timing of John Ritter and the quirkiness of a younger Alan Arkin. He has performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival, Town Hall on Broadway to 100,000 at the Millennium March for gay rights. Jason is now touring all over the USA with his stand up comedy show, to sold out crowds in colleges, mainstream comedy clubs, and major LGBT events. As an actor, Jason has been seen in over 100 film & TV shows including, "The Secret Life Of The American Teenager", "Entourage", The Closer", "Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia", "House" "Everybody Hates Chris", "My Wife & Kids", "George Lopez", "Will & Grace" and "Charmed". As a comic he as had his own stand up special "Making It To The Middle & CD "Gay Comedy Without A Dress". He has also appeared on "Comics Unleashed", "Wisecrack" and "One Night Stand Up" to name a few. In films, "Bear City 2: The Proposal" with Kathy Nijimy, HBO's "Gia" with Angelina Jolie, James Franco's "Holy Land", K11 opposite Goran Visnjic to name a few. Lastly, In 2007 he was nominated for best supporting actor for the Glitter Award in the indie comedy film "Coffee Date". www.jasonstuart.com.
Upcoming Shows
- Sat 6.25.16 - 8:00 PM At The Lab: The Carvey Podcast with Dana Carvey, Tom Carvey, Dex Carvey and Rick Winston Buy Tickets
- Sat 6.25.16 - 8:00 PM Finesse Mitchell & Friends Buy Tickets
- Sat 6.25.16 - 10:00 PM At The Lab: Listening Room presented by Ash Grove & The Improv with Brent Forrester, Sam Jay, Brianna Falcone, Frank Fairfield & Friends, & The Freakniks Buy Tickets
- Sat 6.25.16 - 10:00 PM BAKED with Brendon Small, Steve Agee, Nick Thune, Eddie Pepitone, & more! Buy Tickets
- Sun 6.26.16 - 7:00 PM LAStandUps.com PRESENTS: GRADUATION SHOW Buy Tickets
- Sun 6.26.16 - 8:00 PM At the Lab : STORYTELLERS with Rebecca Corry, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Kyle Dunnigan, Jenny Johnson, Kyle Dunnigan & Tim Bagley! Buy Tickets
See All Shows


text:
Leeanne G-Bowley, manager of national training at the Foundation Center, interviews Yvonne Moore, executive director of the Daphne Foundation, a family foundation supporting programs that confront the causes and consequences of poverty in the five boroughs of New York City. Ms. Moore also serves as vice-chair of the Increasing Diversity in Philanthropy Committee for the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers (NYRAG) and serves on the Grants Advisory & Allocations Committee for the New York Women's Foundation and the New York Times Company Nonprofit Excellence Awards Committee. She is also a member of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy and is the philanthropic advisor to Abigail E. Disney.
In this lively interview, Ms. Moore describes the grantmaking priorities of the Daphne Foundation, depicts the grantee-grantor relationship, and provides advice for the first contact.
All rights reserved. This audio recording is for private use only. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or exhibition of all or any part of this audio recording without written permission is prohibited.


text:
Good Cents
Good Cents
Most of us have a kind of love/hate relationship with money! We know money is necessary for life in our culture, but we struggle to manage our financial resources in a manner that is balanced and healthy. This, by the way, is why we offer the "Financial Peace University" program to our church family!
But the same things are true for the church. While the church is not a business and must never become a business, the church must manage resources in a sound and responsible way.
For example: the leadership of FBCG must respect the annual budget approved every year by the congregation. Part of that respect is taking care not to spend more than we receive. When the national economy began to show signs of recession in 2008, and our leadership noticed a drop in giving to FBCG's General Fund, we immediately took steps to cut our spending by 10%. This wise decision allowed us to continue our ministries without overspending our available funds.
Sound financial stewardship is especially important when it comes to facilities. FBCG now utilizes 2 campuses that include buildings and property worth nearly $13 million. We owe less than $1.38 million on our West Campus that was built in 2004 at a total cost of over $8 million.
When we were planning Phase 1 of the West Campus in about 2002, it was assumed that Phase 2 would include a worship center capable of seating some 2,000 people at one time. But much has happened in the years since to change that assumption.
First, a worship center of that size would cost in the neighborhood of $25 million to build. FBCG simply is not large enough to take on a project of that size and the debt that it would create.
Second, the growth of the Fox Valley has slowed dramatically. While FBCG is still growing, we are not growing at the rate we were growing a decade ago and therefore we do not believe we can or should attempt a building project of that size.
Third, fewer and fewer churches in North America are building very large worship centers. The primary reason seems to be because churches are unwilling to invest that much money in a room that is only used one day a week. Congregations are also much more hesitant to take on long-term debt than they were just 10-15 years ago. The economic climate today demands that churches build more flexible and multi-use space in order to maximize the stewardship of resources.
Over the past 8 years our leadership has gradually realized that it would not be good stewardship of our financial and material resources to attempt to build one campus big enough to handle all of our ministry needs. We now believe that God has given us two campuses that can both be used in a manner that allows us to fulfill the vision he has for FBCG and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner.
For example: market analysis shows that our East Campus is worth roughly $2 million to prospective buyers; but it would cost nearly $10 million to reproduce that square footage at the West Campus.
We have a beautiful sanctuary at the East Campus; it doesn't make good fiscal sense to take on debt to rebuild a similar space at West Campus when we already have the space at East. The East Campus also has a nice chapel and a renovated Student Center. Rather than seek to rebuild that space somewhere else, it seems that the wiser thing is to seek to maximize the use of space that is both functional and paid for.
We envision FBCG using multiple campuses for the foreseeable future. We believe God would have us maximize our ministry while minimizing our debt by pursing both campuses as vital parts of our total ministry.
We are working with Aspen Group – our facility consultants for the past four years or so – on a plan to develop both East and West campuses as vital parts of our ministry vision. We will begin presenting these plans to the FBCG congregation early in 2013. When you see the plans several things will jump out at you!
- You will notice that the plans involve both east and west campuses
- You will notice that there is not a plan to build a worship center large enough to seat our entire congregation; instead you will see a continuation of "multiple venues" for worship
- You will notice that an effort has been made to balance space needs for adult worship, connecting and equipping; as well as for ministries as diverse as children's, student and women's ministries
- You will notice that the proposed cost is much less than previous concepts you may remember
We will be asking for your input, your questions, and, ultimately, for your support! As leaders we take very seriously Paul's charge in Romans 12 as he taught about spiritual gifts:
"..if it is leadership let him govern diligently…"
We believe diligent leadership for FBCG will be planning to maximize facilities and ministry impact while minimizing debt. We look forward to sharing these plans in much more detail over the coming months!
Pastor Brian Coffey
Deep and Wide
Deep and Wide
One of my favorite songs as a child was, "Deep and Wide." Maybe you remember it:
Deep and wide, deep and wide,
There's a fountain flowing deep and wide.
Deep and wide, deep and wide,
There's a fountain flowing deep and wide.
That's all there was to it – but you could sing it all kinds of ways by dropping words out and just saying, "Deep and hmmmmmm, deep and hmmmmmm…" And I liked it because we always sang it with hand motions.
But, it occurs to me, "deep and wide" are also words that describe our vision for FBCG!
If you think of a meteor falling from the sky and striking the earth, you would assume that the size of the crater it leaves would be related to the size of the meteor; the deeper and wider the crater, the bigger the meteor.
I see the church as being kind of like God's meteor – designed for maximum impact on the earth! But rather than its impact being measured by the size of a hole in the ground, it's measured by its impact on people, and on the world.
The Book of Acts describes the growth of the early church this way:
"And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:47
That tells me Jesus wanted his church to grow wider! He loves to see more and more people drawn to himself through his church. He wants the crater made by his church to be ever expanding. Over this past year we baptized some 55 people, many of whom became followers of Jesus since connecting to FBCG! I dream of the day when we are baptizing 100 new believers every year, or more, because Jesus wants his church to grow wider!
But we also read in Ephesians,
"Then we will no longer be infants….blown here and there by every wind of teaching… Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ."
That tells me Jesus wants his church to grow deeper! Once people come to faith in Christ and are connected to his body, the church, he wants them to grow up – spiritually speaking. And that means to grow deeper in his word, deeper in spiritual maturity, deeper in service.
When I look at FBCG, I see a church that is growing both deeper and wider at the same time! In the past couple of years we have had more people connecting to FBCG for the first time; and more people than ever digging deeper through Bible Study, small groups, service, and we have seen greater generosity than ever before. But I also see a church that must remain committed to doing the things that ensure we will continue to grow in both dimensions.
We all know that growing deeper is not easy! Growing deeper as a church means that we must be committed to not only teaching God's word but encouraging the intentional development of the disciplines of spiritual growth in our church family: the study of God's word, prayer, worship, generosity, fellowship and service.
But, then again, growing wider is not easy either! Growing wider as a church means constantly thinking beyond ourselves and about the wider community in which we live – and about the wider world we are called to reach and serve. Growing wider means figuring out how to both reach people and then make room for them in our programs, facilities and worship venues. Growing wider means arriving at a worship service and finding a newcomer sitting in "your seat"! Growing wider means stretching ourselves through initiatives like Serve the World in order to make greater and greater impact for Christ's kingdom!
The last thing to say about "deep and wide" is that, when it comes to the church, we simply can't settle for one without the other! To focus only on growing deeper is to be insulated from the world around us; to focus on only growing wider is to ignore whole dimensions of spiritual maturity.
May we, as individuals and as a church family, be committed to growing in both dimensions, deeper andwider, and all for the glory of Christ!
Pastor Brian Coffey
One Size Doesn't Fit All
One Size Doesn't Fit All
Our home is full of baseball hats! All together our four sons have played on over 40 travel and school teams and have collected over 100 hats. So you might say I have become something of an expert on baseball hats!
You may or may not know that there are two primary kinds of baseball hats. There are "fitted hats" and "one-size-fits-all-hats." Fitted hats are hats made to the exact circumference of a particular head – right down to an eighth of an inch. So when ordering a fitted hat you need to know your head size; whether that be 7 ¼ inches or 7 5/8 inches. But a "one-size-fits-all" hat has an adjustable plastic strap in the back that allows the hat to fit any size head.
It occurs to me that churches are kind of like baseball hats. When it comes to size, they aren't all the same. There are small churches and there are large churches. There are things that smaller churches can do that big churches can't do; and there are things that big churches can do that smaller churches can't do.
For example: I grew up in churches that were generally around 200-300 people on any given Sunday morning. In those churches it was generally true that everyone knew everyone else and the pastor (my father) pretty much knew everyone personally. In smaller churches that is possible; in big churches it is not. In larger churches it's important that everyone is known by someone, but no one can be known by everyone! Some people really like and respond to a church that is small enough where everyone can know everyone else. Other people prefer to be part of a church where they can be anonymous if they want to be.
On the other hand, the churches I grew up in didn't have a full time staff member or pastor who led children's ministries; or middle school ministries. We didn't have student mission trips or even adult mission trips for that matter. Those smaller churches just didn't have the financial or personnel resources to do that kind of thing. And some people really like being part of a bigger church that can provide ministry opportunities for children and students; and that can provide multiple worship options for their family.
So, when it comes to churches, one size does not fit all.
When I was preparing my year-end report for the Annual Meeting of our membership back in August, a several numbers jumped out at me.
First, I noticed that over the past year, our congregation gave over $200,000 away to individuals and families in need through our Benevolent Fund. That total would have been more than all our staff salaries in 1986.
Second, I noticed that over 200 of students and adults participated in short term mission trips in the past year. That number is equal to almost half of the average worship attendance of FBCG when I arrived as Youth Pastor in 1986.
Third, I saw that our Food Pantry ministry served an average of 225-250 families per month over the past year. In fact, our Food Pantry and Compassion in Action ministries are now making an impact that rivals the local Salvation Army!
By any measurement FBCG is now a large church. What started as 7 Swedish immigrants in 1894; and was a worship family of some 450 people in 1986 is now a church family of more than 4,000 people.
I am sometimes asked to explain how and why FBCG has grown over the past 20 years. My best answer includes the following:
- Our local community has also experienced significant growth over that time period
- FBCG has been blessed with wise spiritual leadership in both pastoral staff and lay leaders
- The FBCG congregation has consistently been willing to adapt and change in order to reach our community and world
- The Holy Spirit has empowered FBCG in ways that are impossible to quantify
- God has simply chosen to use FBCG in this local community and the world
I have also been asked, "How big should the church get?" or, "How big is too big?"
I usually answer this question by affirming that one size does not fit all when it comes to churches. Some people will thrive in smaller churches, some in larger churches. But it seems to me in the New Testament that Jesus wants his church to grow, both in numbers and in maturity, and that, ultimately, FBCG's growth is up to him. The Book of Acts tells us:
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
Our job as leaders is to try to be faithful to his word and to identify and eliminate barriers that might keep his church from becoming what he wants it to be.
We believe God is calling FBCG to a unique season of kingdom impact; locally as well as globally. We believe God is calling us to make the gospel visible and tangible through "Serve the World." We also believe that, in order to accomplish what he wants us to accomplish, we will also need to expand our hearts, our generosity and our facilities; in that order.
We'll talk more about the relationship of facilities to ministry in the next entry!
Pastor Brian Coffey
What Makes Us One?
What Makes Us One?
In 1909 car maker Henry Ford famously said, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black."
Needless to say, our culture has moved from one choice in car colors to a seemingly endless variety of choices.
And, in a way, the same thing has happened to the church.
When I arrived at FBCG as Youth Pastor in 1986, we had one worship service, one style of worship music, one worship venue (sanctuary), one Sunday school hour, and one building.
Today, just over 26 years later, we worship in 6 services every weekend and those services take place over two days and in four different venues, using up to 4 different styles of music.
We operate two campuses and offer multiple equipping options at both campuses – not only on Sundays, but throughout the week. And if you miss a weekend – you can watch the sermon you missed on our website or keep up with our sermon series through the online devotional guide, "10 Minutes with God."
Sometimes I miss the "old days!" It was simpler to understand, easier to lead, and it was comfortable. But our community has changed and our opportunities have grown, and God has called and enabled FBCG to adapt and change in order to more effectively reach both our community and the world.
As I look at and experience our church family these days, I think I can make two observations that are equally true.
- FBCG is not the same church it was when my wife and I arrived in 1986.
- FBCG is exactly the same church it was when we first began ministry here.
How can both be true?
It comes down to what truly makes us one.
In Ephesians 4:4-6 the Apostle Paul writes:
There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6
Paul is teaching the early believers, and us, that what makes the church one has nothing to do with buildings, campuses or worship venues. But our one-ness has everything to do with Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that dwells in our hearts by faith and shapes us into the body of Christ.
At our annual picnic/baptism in August (which this year included a food-pack event for the first time), I thought about Paul's words. I saw hundreds and hundreds of people, representing multiple generations, multiple communities, and even multiple cultures, gathered from across two campuses and multiple worshiping communities, sharing both fellowship and service together, and unified in the Spirit and truth of Jesus Christ.
Week after week we affirm our commitment to reach, connect, equip and serve; and in recent days have launched our "Serve the World" initiative to make the gospel visible and tangible through local and global mission partners.
As I peer into the future God has for FBCG, I see us continuing to worship on different campuses and in different venues; I see us celebrating worship with different styles of music; I see us offering many different points of connection and many different opportunities for spiritual growth and service; but I see us as ONE.
We are one in the Spirit; we are one in purpose; we are one in Christ; we are one church! Thanks for being part of the FBCG family!
Pastor Brian Coffey


text:
DVD ReleaseThe DVD for the movie Chariots of Fire was released on February 1, 2005 by Warner Home Video and is rated PG.
Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams are two strongly religious track stars who are competing against each other in the Paris Olympics in the movie Chariots of Fire.
Aubrey Montague - Nicholas Farrell
TriviaCall it divine intervention but after completing the script for the movie "Chariots of Fire," screenwriter Colin Welland wanted to name the movie "Runners." But, while listening to a religious program, a hymn came on with the words chariots of fire in it.
Women were disguised as men with fake mustaches to make up the male military band on the movie Chariots of Fire.
Academy Awards:
Ian Holm won for Best Actor In A Supporting Role for the role of Sam Mussabini in Chariots of Fire.
Hugh Hudson won for Best Director for Chariots of Fire.
Vangelis won for Best Original Score for Chariots of Fire.
David Puttnam, Producer won for Best Picture for Chariots of Fire.
80's Film Facts:
The Movie Chariots of Fire was released to theatres on 09/25/1981 by Sony, and grossed $57,159,946 at the box office in the US.
More 80's Films:
80's Movies Chariots of Fire download free 80's film DVD movies cast of characters and plot descriptions.


text:
In 2007 Graeme Pallister set out to create a restaurant following his guiding principles of LOCAL - HONEST - SIMPLE.
The result is 63 Tay Street restaurant, situated in the heart of historic Perth
The restaurant by day is light and airy with a contemporary feel to the space. In the evenings for dinner the atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated.
63 Tay Street is adjacent to the River Tay which passes through the town with views towards the wooded Kinnoull Hill on the other side of the river.
63 Tay Street restaurant is a proud holder of the prestigious Eat Scotland Gold award. This award is currently held by only 15 other restaurants in Scotland. Graeme Pallister was crowned Chef of the Year at the Catering in Scotland Awards 2013,
See our awards and reviews
63 Tay Street restaurant is a food lover's delight. We pride ourselves on the quality of the food and service available and bring you the very best in Eat Scotland Gold standards.
Throughout the year we have gourmet dinners arranged and you will be able to find details of these on the site in the Events section
Good food requires good wine and we source our wines with the same care as we source our food. We have built a very good relationship with our suppliers, all of whom are independent, often small and specialist wine merchants.
You may wish to register for our newsletter in order to keep up to date with events
Special menus are available for the Festive period, Valentines, and Mother's Day amongst others. See our Events section for details of upcoming events.
To be kept informed of dining offers and special events, please join our mailing list.