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I waited until the day after the 86th Annual Academy Awards just in case there were some interesting snubs to discuss. However—aside from my personal preference of Chiwetel Eijiofor over Matthew Maconaughey—the Awards were rather snub-free. My prediction of "Gravity" winning all the technical awards as well as Best Director, but "12 Years a Slave" winning Best Picture, from four months ago(found here and here), were dead on.
The ceremonies had their ups—Lupita N'yongo, Merryl Streep, and Amy Adams boogying with Pharrell—and they had their downs—John Travolta introduced, Idina Menzel, the singer of Frozen's award-winning song, but called her Adela Dazeem?? It was a very interesting evening as shown by Ellen's selfie that broke Twitter. You can view my "1st Annual Oscar Live Tweets" here and hopefully you'll join me in real time next year.
This list is entitled The Christopher Nolan Category for good reason. Nolan, who is one of the visionary directors of our time, has never, ever been nominated for a directing Oscar…EVER! Sure, he's been thrown a few bones in the writing categories and one as a producer on "Inception". But his bread and butter is directing, and for all his efforts and contributions he has received zero acknowledgment from the Academy.
We'll get back to Mr. Nolan in a little bit, but for now we'll begin our list. In the former articles, the lists have been set in chronological order, but for this entry we will list them in descending order of the most appalling snubs with number one being the most egregious in my opinion.
"The Not Nominated List: The Christopher Nolan award"
(2012) The Avengers – There was still one spot!
Four years earlier the exclusion of "The Dark Knight" from the Best Picture category caused the Academy to raise the number of spots from five to "as many as ten". Then in 2012 when the next hugely successful comic book adaptation was waiting, they only selected nine films, excluding the 3rd highest grossing film of all-time. The Academy's biggest weakness? They lack conviction.
(2012) Who Was Nominated: Michael Haneke - Amour/ Who Shouldv'e been nominated: Ben Affleck - Argo
It's typical for the director of the Best Picture winner to also win the Best Director award. Unfortunately for Ben Affleck, his name was missing from the ballot. Alas, Mr. Affleck (who already has three very successful films under his belt) will have to wait for his recognition from Hollywood. "What starts in farce, ends in tragedy." Or is it the other way around?
(1998) Who was Nominated: Ed Harris - The Truman Show/ Who Should've Been Nominated: John Goodman - The Big Lebowski
Looking back it is easy to say that John Goodman should have been nominated for the Oscar in 1998 for his endearing, outrageous turn as The Dude's best friend Walter in "The Big Lebowski." Instead, Ed Harris was nominated for playing Ed Harris for two hours. It's as if the Academy has no frame of reference; as if they're out of their element.
(2004) Who was nominated: Johnny Depp - Finding Neverland/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Paul Giamatti - SIdeways
The Academy favored Johnny Depp's horrible British accent over Giamatti's heartbreaking role as a recently-divorced, struggling author. Giamatti made you watch a two hour film about wine and love every second, and yet was surprisingly ignored. That's an interesting perspective.
(2012) Who Was Nominated: Beasts of the Southern Wild/ Who Should've been nominated: Drive
Drive was the most surprising film I ever sat through. The pulsing soundtrack, the slow burn on the long wick of a bomb that you didn't know was lit. In a year with 10 possible nominations it was sad to see this shocking treasure get no love. Academy, you're not very good at this, are you?
(2003 & 2004) Who Was Nominated: Seabuiscit & Finding Neverland/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Kill Bill Volume 1 & 2
It's still amazing that both volumes of Kill Bill were shut out of the Best Picture category by the likes of "Seabiscuit" in 2003 & the aforementioned mushy "Finding Neverland" in 2004. It's as if the Academy wanted to see if we thought that they'd recognize excellence over sentiment, and you know, for a second there…yeah, I kinda did.
(2012) Who Was Nominated: Les Miserables/ Who Should've Been Nominated: The Master
The display of directorial craftsmanship and acting at its highest level that "The Master" contained should never have been ignored. Leave it up to the Academy to pick the musical over a film that truly the term magnum opus. It's almost as if they're just making it up as they go.
(1993) Who Was Nominated: The Piano/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Philadelphia
"Philadelphia" was the first large scale Hollywood film to deal with the topic of AIDS and discrimination of Homosexuality in America, and the acting is so superb that you can watch a man's dying struggle over and over again. Who really wants to watch "The Piano" again? Which would make you more comfortable?
(1995) Who Was Nominated: Michael Noonan - Babe/ Who Should've Been Nominated: David Fincher - Se7en
Ugh. Babe. I can't…I really…I mean…Babe! David Fincher gave us one of the most suspenseful thrillers in years. The man was responsible for giving the late '90s the look that pops into your mind when I say "the late '90s". So what, Chris Noonan just directed an episode of "The Time of our Lives". I want to hear Fincher's opinion. Become vengeance, David. Become wrath.
(1998) Who Was Nominated: Shakespeare In Love/ Who Should've Been Nominated: The Big Lebowski
That's right. I'm saying that "The Big Lebowski" was a better overall film than '98's Best Picture winner, "Shakespeare in Love." It is endlessly quotable and exhibits one of the finest casts of actors of any film you can name. Bridges, Goodman, Hoffman, Turturro Moore, Buscemi and Sam Elliott being more Sam Elliot than ever, but apparently the Academy didn't think much of it. Yeah, well, that's just like your opinion.
(1993) Who Was Nominated: Pete Posthelwaite - In The Name Of The Father/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Denzel Washington - Philadelphia
How was Denzel left out of the Best Supporting Actor category in 1993? He and Hanks put on an acting Tour De Force, but Pete Postlethwaite had been great for years without much recognition, so the Academy threw him a bone. But I still don't get it. Please, explain it to me like I'm a four year-old.
(1999) Who Was Nominated: The Cider House Rules/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Fight Club
What in the hell do David Fincher and Brad Pitt have to do to get a damn nomination, damnit? Everything about this movie nears as close to awesomeness as one can get before the heat from the star turns them to ashes. "The Cider House Rules" is an exercise in tediousness emotionality. I will not soon forget this snub. I am Jack's unmerciful memory.
(2008) Who Was Nominated: Anthony Minghella - The Reader/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Christopher Nolan - The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan did the unbelievable in 2008. He made a comic book adaptation that demanded to be distinguished more than any that had come before. "Batman Begins" was entertaining, but nobody expected the follow up to rewrite the rules for an entire genre of films. It's beginning to appear as if the Academy's senior citizen voters have stuck around long enough to see themselves become the villain.
(1998) Who Was Nominated: Nick Nolte - Affliction/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Jeff Bridges - The Big Lebowski
Jeff Bridges—an actor not known for his comedic abilities at the time—turned what could have been easily been a forgettable role into one of the most quoted and easily recognizable film characters of all time. You can't go to the mall without seeing "The Dude" on a t-shirt or coffee mug that says "Hey! Careful man, there's a beverage here!"
(2000) Who Was Nominated: Geoffrey Rush - Quills/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Christian Bale - American Psycho
Christian Bale burst on to the scene as a psychotic, murderous, stock trader who loved '80s pop music and chainsaws. The scene involving the comparing of business cards, Bale gives you a subtle look into the insane man you'll see later on in physical form. It's an epic meditation on intangibility.
(1995) Who Was Nominated: Babe/ Who Should've Been Nominated: The Usual Suspects
I don't know what got into the Academy in '95. Perhaps "Babe" spent a lot of money campaigning or the old guys voting had their grandchildren begging on its behalf. "The Usual Suspects" is one of very few films in which the payoff unveiling of the truth may be overshadowed by the story and performances that precede it. The voters screwed the pooch big time with this snub. You only get one chance to recognize these great films and then poof…they're gone.
(2010) Who Was Nominated: The Coen Brothers - True Grit/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Christopher Nolan - Inception
You'd think that the Academy had learned their lesson from "The Dark Knight", but sadly, they failed to recognize the director of the most original movie in decades that just happened to include some of the most beautiful cinematography and visual effects in years. "True Grit" was entertaining, but a rather straight forward retelling of the novel; nothing that original. Come on Academy! You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger.
(1995) Who Was Nominated: Il Postino/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Se7en
"Il Postino" was a sweet foreign film, but Se7en was a modern day masterpiece, exhibiting brilliant directing and acting. It was such an original concept brought to fruition with such skill by all those involved that it's a dark spot on the Academy's record when you realize it was snubbed.
(1993) Who Was Nominated: The Remains of the Day/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Jurassic Park
Perhaps the Academy was embarrassed to put two Steven Spielberg films in the Best Picture category in 1993—"Schindler's List" being the other—but "Jurrasic Park" wasn't just a summer blockbuster. It was a miraculous achievement in filmmaking, the likes of which no one had seen before that also displayed a compelling story with solid acting performances. The visual effects in "Jurassic Park" are as strong as any you'll see today; it was obvious that Spielberg had spared no expense.
(2012) Who Was Nominated: Alan Arkin - Argo/ Who Should've Been Nominated: Leonardo DiCaprio - Django Unchained
Leonardo DiCaprio is slowly becoming the staple for Oscar snubary. He's been overlooked more times than four leaf clovers with none more infuriating than not even being nominated for his menacing turn as a slave owner in "Django Unchained". The Academy loves them some Alan Arkin, but there's a scene in which Leo slams a glass down on the table—creating a wound that would need medical attention and stitches—but continued the scene that should've been his clip during as the read off the Oscar nominees. What's the matter? Did the voters have nails for breakfast?
(2008) Who Was Nominated: The Reader/ Who Should've Been Nominated: The Dark Knight
As noted before "The Dark Knight" completely overhauled the comic book genre, but this inconceivable denial of a nomination also rewrote history, causing the Academy to begin including up to ten films for the Best Picture category. It must have put the Academy on their heels when things didn't go according to plan and everybody lost their minds after they snubbed this instant classic.


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Latest update : 2012-08-27
Our Focus programme brings you exclusive reports from around the world. From Monday to Friday at 7.45 am Paris time.
2016-06-27 India
Drug dealers of hope: Activists fight for access to life-saving Hepatitis C cure
Hepatitis C, a liver disease, causes approximately 500,000 deaths every year. Luckily, there is a miracle cure patented by the American pharmaceutical giant Gilead. But for most...
Like it or not, immigration is Brexit's central topic
Immigration seems to be the most contentious topic in today's so-called "Brexit" referendum in the UK. A record number of people arrived in the UK in 2014, although bringing...
Brexit could lead to second Scottish independence referendum
With just one day to go before the UK's referendum on EU membership, we head to Scotland. Party leaders there support the "Remain" camp, and polls suggest most Scots will vote to...
2016-06-21 Mayotte
French island of Mayotte on verge of collapse
The Indian Ocean island of Mayotte has been a department of France since 2011, but locals feel abandoned by the country's central authorities. After more than two weeks of...
2016-06-20 France
French city near Spanish border offers safe haven for refugees
To mark World Refugee Day, we take a look at a city in the French Basque country that's taken a pro-active stance in providing support to refugees, mostly Syrians, who have fled...


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OK, I had a chance to take my new 15-22 to the range today. I spent some time on the forum for 15-22s and it seems that some of the 15-22s are finicky with the .22 LR that they will take. I intentionally loaded different mags with different brands of ammo. The report is that it ate everything that I fed it :image035:
It is still amazing how fast you can burn thru mags doing firing drills (3 or 4 to COM and 1 to the head)---but it is surely cheaper with the 22 LR :danceban:


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Rally Protests School
Prayer Rule
by Rose Livingston
The Birmingham News
November 9, 1997
Rainsville -- Sylvania High School student David Newsome said he can't see himself in next spring's graduation ceremonies without praying with his classmates and their parents.
"You can't separate prayer and Christians," he said.
And Allison Wilkes said she cannot stop taking part in Priority Prayer before school every morning.
"I have no choice until God tells me differently," she said. "There's a lot of things they can take away from us, but prayer is not one of them."
The two spoke to a crowd of people who rallied Saturday at the Rainsville Civic Center against a federal injunction restricting religious activities in DeKalb County public schools.
The rally followed a series of walkouts staged by students in DeKalb and surrounding counties in protest of U.S. District Judge Ira DeMent's injunction, which curtails prayers using public address systems and audience-participation prayers at graduation ceremonies. A state senator has asked DeMent to step down, and others have talked of impeachment in the wake his far-reaching order.
John Holkem of Rainsville, a father of seven, said he fears what students will turn to if they cannot express religion at school.
"When you remove God from our lives, you're leaving room for evil forces to creep in," he said. "And I don't see anybody trying to outlaw Satan's influence anywhere."
The Rev. Gary Williams of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Boaz led the group in prayer for the beginning of a new movement against "spiritual warfare" and help to "defeat the demons and all the attacks of hell."
Boyce Chandler of Crossville displayed a T-shirt marked with a red circle and slash across the word "monitor." DeMent ordered the school system to appoint and pay monitors to watch for compliance with his order. Chandler said there was too little money to educate children, and now part of that money would pay for spies.
"It breaks my heart to see what's happening in our world today," he said.
Gary Carlisle, principal of Sylvania High School, said he got a taste of government monitoring a week ago when he was ordered to DeMent's office after writing a letter to a newspaper in response to the injunction. Carlisle said he was stopped on his way to Montgomery and told the meeting was postponed.
"I sure was glad to go to that football game that night" instead of having to meet the judge, he said.
Dean Young, executive director of the Christian Family Association, encouraged the crowd to keep up its stand for religious freedom because it will be watched by the nation.
He also had a message to DeMent and the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed the original lawsuit brought by a DeKalb principal.
"It's going to be a long, hard fight," he said. "They hate what you're doing here tonight. We will not have monitors in our schools watching our kids. You rescind that order or you step down. You have no right."
Charlotte Atheist Bracing
for Second Round in
Commandments Battle
by Conrad Goeringer
November 9, 1997
When a local city councilman in Charlotte, North Carolina suggested displaying a copy of the Ten Commandments in the local government center, religious groups and secularists promptly lined up on opposite sides of the issue in yet another example of the "culture war" sweeping the country.
In early August, council member Don Reid called for the Decalogue to be displayed in the local government offices. Reid claimed that he was inspired by evangelist Luis Palau who has urged supporters to pray in public, display the Ten Commandments and proclaim that the teachings of Jesus Christ constitute the foundation of the American society. Palau, says Reid, "gave me the incentive and -- I'll call it courage -- to do it." But there were other incentives, too. Reid's support from the local religious community plugs into the nationwide issue of school prayer and religious display in government, exemplified by the controversy in Alabama involving county Judge Roy Moore, who displays the commandments in his courtroom and open proceedings with a Baptist prayer.
In March, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to support Moore and urge display of the Decalogue by passing a non-binding resolution. It termed the commandments, "a declaration of fundamental principles that are cornerstones of a fair and just society." Three months later the Southern Baptists expressed their support for displaying the Commandments in public buildings. In several states, organized efforts got underway to have Decalogue plaques erected. In Wisconsin, for instance, one group announced the goal of having the Commandments displayed in every one of the state's 76 county courthouses. But atheist and First Amendment activist Rob Sherman threatened legal action, and so far the proposal remains just that: a proposal.
In July, a Charleston, South Carolina, city council member nailed a copy of the Ten Commandments to the wall of a county office building despite a legal action to prevent the move. Back in Charlotte, councilman Reid was informed by the city attorney that his proposal, as originally formulated, was probably not capable of withstanding a judicial test for state-church separation.
In late August, Reid proposed an amended scheme to erect the Ten Commandments; he suggested a "mural" possibly paid for with private funds which would display the commandments along with "a group of documents" including the U.S. and North Carolina constitutions, the Declaration of Independence, and the city and county charters. "It would make a beautiful display in our lobby or in our chambers," he gushed to the Charlotte Observer newspaper. "It would be constitutional and it would be an appropriate action to take."
Charlotte atheist and secularist James Senyszyn disagreed, and spoke out against Reid's disingenuous scheme to smuggle religious symbols into government venues. Following a heated meeting, the Charlotte city council voted 7 to 4 to postpone any action on Reid's proposal until after the November election.
It's That Time Again
The elections are over, of course, and like a bad penny, the issue of posting the Ten Commandments is expected to return. Mr. Senyszyn is ready. In addition to printed remarks in the local media and statements before the council, Jim outlined his opposition to Ten Commandments display in an op-ed piece which appeared in the Greensboro (North Carolina) News and Record newspaper on November 2; that article has now been picked up by other news sources, including the Indianapolis Star. Mr. Senyszyn's writing also won him the 1997 First Amendment Award at American Atheists' recent conference in Washington, D.C.
The next test in Charlotte could happen as early as tomorrow evening, Monday, November 10 when the city council reconvenes in its first post-election meeting. Mr. Senyszyn reports that so far, the commandments display has not been placed on the council agenda; one secretary thought that the proposal might even be "dead." That may not be the case, however, if local prayer-in-government supporters take their cue from events in Alabama, and see the goal of displaying the Decalogue as a form of support for Judge Moore and the cause of school prayer. In Charlotte, as elsewhere, vigilance is indeed the price of liberty -- and state-church separation.
Against Displaying
The Ten Commandments
in Charlotte's City Hall
by Jim Senyszyn
from the Greensboro (North Carolina) News & Record
November 2, 1997
The motivation (of this proposal) is to promote religion. Interviews in the Charlotte Observer and other media show that the proposal was inspired by the preaching of an evangelical minister. The proposal is not being put forward by any legal association, historical society or arts group. This religious intent, effect and entanglement violate the First Amendment's "establishment clause."
These three-pronged criteria were laid out by the U.S. Supreme Court in Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), the so-called "Lemon test." In Stone v. Graham (1980), the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a Kentucky law requiring the posting of a copy of the Ten Commandments on the walls of each public school classroom in the state. Displays of the Ten Commandments at county courthouses were found unconstitutional by federal district courts in Harvey v. Cobb County, Georgia (1993) and in Anderson v. Salt Lake City (1972).
America was not founded on Christianity.
The myth of some religious past to which we must now return is based on phony colonial history. Roger Finke and Rodney Stark in their book The Churching of America 1776-1990 (Rutgers University Press, 1992) report general agreement among historians that in the colonial period no more than 10 to 20 percent of the population actually belonged to a church. The rate for Southern colonies was a low 12 percent, partly as an artifact of slavery, and was 20 percent if only whites were considered -- on a par with the other colonies.
Jon Butler's book "Awash in a Sea of Faith" (Harvard University Press, 1990) agrees with those figures. Butler further points out that during the Revolution 75 percent of the Anglican ministers left their parishes because they supported or were supported by the Crown, and that patriots ransacked all but one of the Anglican churches in the American colonies.
Revolutionary War polemicist Thomas Paine wrote a critique of Christianity, "The Age of Reason."
Commandments and rights are not the same.
The concepts of democracy, trial by a jury of one's peers, religious freedom and inalienable rights can not be found in the Bible. Rights in the Bible are not inherent, but bestowed.
Since the Bible's basic cosmological model is monarchical, any rights that do occur are by the sufferance of the monarch. Thus any and all grantable rights are equally revocable. There are arbitrary bestowal criteria to a "chosen" people. Not even the right not be killed is uniformly secure: Abraham turns his knife aside from his son Isaac only on a command from God, not because of the rights of the potential victim (Genesis 22:2, 9, 10 and 12).
Religious symbols intimidate and give false authority.
At a meeting of the Charlotte City Council this summer a black lady pleaded for a traffic light in her community, saying that it was not right to take into consideration the low moral condition of her neighborhood. Government should make decisions based on their merits and should not be in the business of forgiveness of sins. The presence in the court house of religious symbols would only increase such feelings of inferiority, invidious discrimination and disempowerment.
On the other hand, such symbols give other people instant respectability and false authority. To me, they are like waving a magic wand to make the city's problems go away.
Most commandments are religious or semi religious.
The first four commandments -- no other gods, no graven images, do not take the Lord's name in vain, and remember the Sabbath -- are wholly religious in nature, unrelated to any civil or criminal law. That is 40 percent of the commandments.
Two other commandments -- for honoring thy father and mother and not coveting -- are semi-religious social and psychological norms that would have to be enforced by thought police.
Joseph Lewis in his book "The Ten Commandments" (Freethought Press Association, 1946) notes that Martin Luther said, "honor thy parent does not refer to fellow men, but vice-regents of God." Lewis also claims that the tenth commandment really is against an "evil eye" practice of witchcraft rather than against envy as we know it today.
"Two other commandments -- for honoring thy father and mother and not coveting -- are semi-religious social and psychological norms that would have to be enforced by thought police..."
Catholics do not adhere to the commandment proscribing graven images.
The second commandment against graven images has been omitted from the Catholic Decalogue. The Hebrew and Protestant versions even go as far as to prohibit "any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above, or that is in earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." Displays of Moses on a wall would clearly violate this.
This could even prevent public support for representational visual art altogether, close movie houses and justify the confiscation of all television sets.
The commandments evolved rather than being written in stone.
A forgotten set of Commandments in Exodus, Chapter 34 was used by the early Hebrew tribes and antedates the present Decalogue by many centuries. This set of Commandments not only proves the antiquity of the Biblical narrative, but is indisputable evidence of the evolutionary process of ethical and moral concepts.
These covenants deal only with the most primitive form of ritual duties and have no moral implication whatsoever, such as may be attributed to the later Decalogue. Portrayal as fixed tables of stone totally mischaracterizes this historical growth.
The authenticity of the Pentateuch is highly questionable.
The first five books of the Bible, or "Pentateuch" are of highly questionable authenticity. The "Book of Law" was discovered in the reign of King Josiah in 621 B.C.E., over 600 years after its putative author, Moses lived (2 Kings 22). Some scholars believed this was only the book of Deuteronomy, but, possibly, it was all or parts of the other books as well. The first observance of Passover was commanded by Josiah (2 Kings 23:21-22).
The commandments are associated with brutal and unfair punishment.
Robert Ingersoll notes in "Some Mistakes of Moses" (Prometheus Books, 1986) that when Moses descended from Mount Sinai 3,000 men were butchered for practicing idolatry before the commandment against it had ever been given to them.
Besides heresy, the Bible also proscribes death for working on the Sabbath, cursing one's parents, and for adultery. The second commandment extends punishment "unto the third and fourth generations," thereby visiting the sins of a father on his great-great grandchildren.
How can the city council hold up the Ten Commandments as exemplary law?
Student Walkout
Over Prayer Ruling
Prompts Suspensions
The Associated Press
November 11, 1997
Pell City, Alabama -- More than two dozen students who left class to pray in protest of a federal judge's order on schoolhouse religion were suspended for three days from Pell City High School.
The suspensions Monday resulted from the latest in a series of student walkouts that followed an October 29 decision by U.S. District Judge Ira DeMent, who set limits on religion in Alabama public schools.
Pell City protesters, of whom between 25 and 30 were suspended for leaving class, said the ruling wrongly stole their right to pray.
"We'll be back, even being suspended, to stand up for what we believe in. We'll be here until they get it right," said Wayne Smith, 14, a freshman.
The judge did not bar silent prayer by students or the wearing of religious jewelry or clothing, but did include a list of do's and don'ts following precedent rulings from federal courts on the issue.
Pryor Urges Calm Over
Religion-In-School Issue
by Stan Bailey
The Birmingham News
November 11, 1997
Montgomery -- Attorney General Bill Pryor called Monday for calm in Alabama public schools while a federal appeals court reviews a far-reaching injunction banning school-sponsored religious activities.
Pryor said he asked U.S. District Judge Ira DeMent to delay, pending appeal, portions of his injunction, which Pryor contends violate the First Amendment rights of students.
"I would urge the citizens of Alabama, the students, the teachers, the parents to be calm and let the legal process play out," Pryor said at a press conference.
He urged students not to walk out of classes in protest against DeMent's order but to wait until portions of DeMent's order can be changed by a higher court.
"That's why we're going to court. That's why we're appealing. That's why we're asking for a stay. And I urge everyone to see that the legal process plays out," said Pryor.
Pryor said a related school prayer case before Etowah Circuit Judge Roy Moore -- who has issued a restraining order against enforcement of DeMent's order in Etowah schools -- has been dismissed at Pryor's request by the parents who filed it.
Pryor also said he has appointed lawyers Jay Sekulow and Stuart Roth of the American Center for Law and Justice -- a public interest law firm specializing in religious liberty cases -- to help him with the appeal of DeMent's order, at no cost to the state.
"We believe that this is the most important school prayer case in the country, without a doubt, and that's why we're delighted to be involved," Sekulow said. "This case has national implications, because it's a direct attack on student-led and student-initiated prayer, which was settled precedent until (DeMent's) order was issued."
Sekulow and Roth, whose organization has won several religious liberty cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, "bring the best legal minds in the country to this case," Pryor said.
The U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that distribution of Gideon Bibles and other literature on public sidewalks is protected speech, and the idea that the Bible must be treated as "asbestos that we have to handle as hazardous waste is ridiculous," Sekulow said.
DeMent's order is both "vague and overbroad" in some areas, such as where it prohibits the distribution of Gideon Bibles on a sidewalk near where students are loading or unloading from a school bus, and where it directs students in religious expressions not to "unduly call attention to themselves," Sekulow said.
Pamela Sumners, an ACLU attorney representing plaintiffs in DeMent's court, called Pryor's appeal of DeMent's injunction "ridiculous."
"This is the same attorney general who said last April that he wasn't going to appeal the judge's [DeMent's] order," she said. "I suppose it's just an election year and we'd better get used to it."
DeMent issued the original order in March in the case involving DeKalb County schools in March, then followed up with his detailed injunction last week.
Pryor said he discussed with Governor Fob James his intentions to appeal DeMent's injunction, and James, who has vowed to fight the injunction, was supportive.
Sekulow and Pryor said they do not challenge portions of DeMent's order that prohibit teacher-led and organized prayers.
"Our position is that the teacher should not be leading and organizing prayers. We've been very clear about that and I know the attorney general has," said Sekulow. "But when it comes to these students, the idea that a student at a football game, a group of students, couldn't get together to pray, is outrageous."
Sekulow said he isn't asking DeMent or the 11th Circuit to overturn any prior ruling of the federal courts, but current Supreme Court rulings will permit greater liberty to students than DeMent's order does, he said.
Confusion Garbling Judge's
School Prayer Ruling
by Jay Reeves
The Associated Press
November 11, 1997
Birmingham -- Silent prayer is still okay in Alabama's public schools. Christian students can still wear their crosses and "What Would Jesus Do?" garb. Bible clubs are still free to meet outside class hours.
You'd never know any of that, however, by listening to some critics of a recent decision on school religion by U.S. District Judge Ira DeMent. In many places, confusion seems to be reigning supreme.
"These people saying Judge DeMent prohibited prayer are just incorrect," said Donald Sweeney, an attorney for school systems statewide. "People are saying things aren't allowed that Judge DeMent specifically said are allowed."
At Pell City High School, where more than two dozen students were suspended Monday for walking out of class to pray, demonstrators expressed their outrage -- and apparent misunderstanding -- over the ruling.
"Anybody who wants to can wear (shock rocker) Marilyn Manson shirts and we can't wear Christian shirts. They can worship the devil but we can't worship God," Cindy Bradberry, 14, told reporters.
During a weekend rally attended by hundreds in Rainsville, Sylvania High School junior Allison Wilks vowed to continue a student prayer group she began.
"Until God tells me not to do Priority Prayer at Sylvania High School, I have no choice but to do Priority Prayer," she said.
Fine on both counts. Neither Christian clothing nor student religious groups are banned by DeMent's order. The same thing goes for voluntary silent prayers said at anytime or anywhere in school.
Even the DeKalb County educator who sued to block school-sanctioned Christianity said he has no problem with his school's Bible Club.
"They can have their religious clubs during meeting times, they can make their religious club announcements, they can hand out literature at the appropriate time," said Michael Chandler, assistant principal at Valley Head School. "But they can't do it so there's no escape from it."
DeMent did bar prayers said over school intercoms during class hours. He also prohibited pre-game prayers on stadium public address systems. There can be no preaching or evangelizing in class.
But DeMent went to "great lengths" to state that students are free to wear religious symbols if they want, Sweeney said, and that silent prayer said before a math test is perfectly legal.
Sweeney, who represents DeKalb County in the Chandler case, said he has received calls from school administrators seeking guidance on what is allowed under the order.
"Most of the things they've been asking about we've been saying are permissible," said Sweeney. "People are just not reading the order."
DeMent's ruling resulted from DeKalb County's request for a list of what types of religious activities are allowed in public schools, Sweeney said. The county is now appealing, along with the state.
Students Misunderstand
Prayer Ruling, Some Say
by Kent Faulk
The Birmingham News
November 13, 1997
Albertville, Alabama -- A group of students held hands around the flag pole at Albertville High School before classes began Wednesday and bowed their heads in prayer.
They've gathered here every day since a federal judge set guidelines on religion in schools two weeks ago.
Such gatherings are still allowed, despite misconceptions by some that U.S. District Judge Ira DeMent's ruling had banned student prayer.
"There is plenty of room within Judge DeMent's order for any student who wishes to pray to do so," said Albertville Schools Superintendent James Pratt.
Students in the prayer circle say they understand the order and will abide by it. But they don't like it.
Suzanne Freshwater, a senior, had said the prayer over the loudspeaker every morning at Albertville High School until the judge's ruling, which included a ban on praying over public address systems at schools and ball games. "When they took it away I was pretty upset. It was such a part of me," she said.
Jason McCullars, a senior, noted the ruling doesn't prevent students from praying silently. "Prayer is between you and God and you can pray any time you want to," he said.
Misconceptions by some students about what the judge's ruling says may have been partly responsible for a number of students walking out of schools across North Alabama, some educators and pastors say.
About 70 in Albertville and more than two dozen in Pell City, have been suspended for refusing to return to class after walking out in protest.
"I think some of the protests that the kids have been doing is from a lack of understanding, but their intent is good," said Peter Migner, pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene in Albertville.
Some students apparently don't understand the ruling and have been quoted as saying they couldn't pray at all, wear clothes with religious messages or participate in religious group activities on campus.
In fact, DeMent's ruling specifically says students may do those things under certain guidelines.
Pratt, other superintendents and principals say they have tried to explain the judge's ruling to students.
The judge's ruling says school sanctioned religious activities such as vocal prayer, scripture or devotional readings and distribution of material such as Gideon Bibles are not allowed at school or school-sponsored events. Public address systems cannot be used at schools or sporting events for prayer or religious messages. And nonreligious student clubs can't be treated differently than religious clubs.
DeMent's ruling also lists activities students are permitted to take part in.
They may participate in religious activities during breaks as long as they do not interfere with or impose themselves on other students. Students can use the Bible and other religious material in homework and can pass out religious tracts during breaks as long as students wanting to pass out nonreligious material are afforded the same opportunities.
Pamela Sumners, attorney for the Valley Head High School assistant principal who filed the 1995 lawsuit over the prayer issue, said many students who have walked out of class in protest of the ruling simply didn't read what the judge said.
"I do think much of the hysteria we are seeing is ignorance to the fact that the judge is applying the law that has been around since 1962," she said. "They can pray quietly and nondisruptively. They can wear crosses or Star of David. Nothing in Judge Dement's order changes that."
Ms. Sumners said she believes some students are being led by parents or politicians who have not read the order or who are distorting it for their own purposes.
"One of the reasons we have all of the laws that we have about prescribing religious activity in school is that students are impressionable," Ms. Sumners said. "They are as easily led in politics as they are in religion."
Barry Bowen, 15, who returns to Albertville High classes today after being suspended Monday for walking out, said he understands the ruling, but he worries about what the next ruling might say.
Bowen's 14-year-old sister, Dawn, was suspended last week after participating in a walkout with students at Alabama Avenue Middle School.
Their mother, Lisa Bowen, said she supported her children's decisions. "I'm behind them 100 percent, but I do need them to know they need to be back in school."
Slated: "National
Bible Week";
Religious Commemorations
Threaten First Amendment
by Conrad Goeringer
November 12, 1997
Two week-long events take place later this month, which supporters hope will garner official support for religious recognition; critics worry, though, that government proclamations supporting "America's Christian Heritage Week" (ACHW) and "National Bible Week" (NBW) are an insult to millions of non-believers, and threaten state-church separation.
The "Christian Heritage" and Bible weeks are both scheduled for November 23-29, 1997, although the latter includes November 30. Both represent somewhat different agenda, with "America's Christian Heritage Week" involving religious right groups such as the Christian Coalition, American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family, Family Research Council and WallBuilders. The objective here is to have governors, mayors, other public officials and even the President issue proclamations which commemorate the alleged "Christian heritage" or origins of the United States. According to the American Family Association, the event "is designed to remind people of the real roots of this country and help America return to her spiritual foundation."
In 1996, Governors in Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin signed proclamations which were approved by Christian Week promoters.
Spearheading this effort is a part-time evangelist, Bruce Barilla; Barilla challenged Sen. Jay Rockefeller in the 1996 West Virginia Democratic Senate primary, but attracted only 12 percent of the votes. He operates a ministry in Athens, West Virginia which includes the "Concord Christian Connection" and the "America's Christian Heritage Week" planning group.
Much of the material included in both the proclamations and resources available through ACHW come from the controversial WallBuilders organization headed by revisionist historian David Barton. The proclamation issued by New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson in September, 1996 which recognized "Christian Heritage Week," noted that "...the Christian heritage of our nation is recognized in the accomplishments of such renowned individuals as Christopher Columbus, William Bradford, George Washington, John Hancock, Abigail Adams, Noah Webster, Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson." It also acknowledged "The rights [of] citizens to be fully educated as to the Christian heritage of our nation and New Mexico is recognized by the United States and New Mexico as a voluntary exercise of the freedom of educational choice."
Barton is the author of several books and pamphlets, including an 1989 work, "The Myth of Separation." He claims that "The separation of church and state is not a teaching of the founding fathers; not an historical teaching' not a teaching of law except in recent years; not a biblical teaching." Perhaps his most notorious charge concerned Thomas Jefferson's reference to a "wall of separation" between government and religion which he made in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. Barton and his supporters claim that the wall is "one directional," supposedly established to prevent the government from interfering in the affairs of religious groups but designed to do nothing concerning entanglement of churches with the state.
The WallBuilders founder also claimed that the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the phrase about a "wall of separation" from a speech Jefferson purportedly made in 1801, where he then supposedly claimed, "That wall is a one directional wall. It keeps the government from running the church but it makes sure that Christian principles will always stay in government."
As with a number of other claims Barton has made in both print and video, this one distorts American history. The "wall of separation" phrase was used in 1802 in the letter to the Association, and it says nothing about a "one directional" function or anything else. A number of claims Barton has produced in support of his thesis that America is "a Christian nation" have been refuted; and quotes which he has attributed to leading figures in American history have been shown to have no documented support for their provenance.
Even so, religious right movements have seized upon Barton's "Christian revisionism," a form of historical falsification which some have compared to those who have claimed that the Nazi Holocaust did not take place, or that slavery in the deep South was a humane and beneficial institution.
Events leading up to "America's Christian Heritage Week" include speech and essay contests in churches and religious schools throughout the nation, and efforts to induce public officials to issue scripted proclamations. The speech competition for one church group in Nebraska, for instance, includes categories such as "The 10 Commandments or ten suggestions -- are they still relevant today?" and "Christian perspectives on the Origin & Purpose of Law." Many of the groups connected with ACHW use the event to showcase and link other issues, including school prayer, anti-abortion activism, anti-pornography and gambling efforts, and even creationism.
Clinton Rejects Proposal
Barton's pamphlet, "America, God Shed His Grace on Thee," distributed by WallBuilders and the American Tract Society, serves as the basis of a proclamation which "Heritage Week" groups have asked President Clinton to sign. It reads, in part, "Now, therefore, I, William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 23-29, 1997, [Thanksgiving week] as: America's Christian Heritage Week and I encourage all citizens to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate, each in their own way, America's Christian heritage." The suggested proclamation includes quotes by Adams, Webster, Madison, Washington, Jefferson and Rush; one paragraph reads: "...commemorating America's Christian heritage provides an opportunity for those choosing to participate to thank God for His "Blessings of Liberty, to ask His help in reinsuring 'domestic Tranquility,' and to recognize our national need to reaffirm our 'reliance on the protection of divine Providence' in keeping America a 'Free and Independent' Nation..."
"America's Christian Heritage Week" groups have been flooding the White House with pre-printed cards, however, expressing the sender's disappointment that Clinton has thus far refused to put his seal of approval on this celebration.
Promoting the "National Civic Religion"
Another religious celebration covering the Thanksgiving period is "National Bible Week." This celebration began in 1941, when the first Bible Week proclamation was made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Support for this event is better organized and funded than the "America's Christian Heritage Week," since the latter is relatively recent. But the Bible Week celebration has the same objective of prompting elected officials to declare the holiday and issue proclamations. In 1996, governors in 29 states declared National Bible Week (up from 27 in 1995).
NBW organizers include major leaders in the business and political sectors. Chairing the Bible Week committee is S. Truett Cathy, chairman and founder of Chick-Fil-A, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. Acting as Co-Chairs are U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Representative Steven Largent (R-OK). Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania is in charge of the Governors' Committee for NBW. And overseeing the committee charged with recruiting municipal leaders on behalf of the Bible Week cause is Mayor Kurt Schmoke of Baltimore, Maryland.
A Religious Response to "Moral Decay"
Like ACHW, the National Bible Week symbolizes a religious response to perceived problems and trends in American society. The "Christian Heritage" groups are heavily focused on 'culture war' issues such as abortion, gay rights and the role of belief in government. Similar questions and angst gave rise to the National Bible Week, which grew out of a group known as "National Committee for Religious Recovery" (NCRR).
"Recovery" was a fortuitous choice for a word. Founded in 1940, the group envisioned itself as an antidote to the social and political developments of World War I and its aftermath, including the freewheeling spirit of the "Roaring 20s," the disastrous Prohibition experiment, and the Great Depression which saw the rise of militant labor movements. The stated purpose of the NCRR was, "to encourage belief and faith in God, daily reading of the Bible, religious education, attendance at houses of worship and Sunday Schools, and to strengthen religious life in America as the basis for national as well as individual living."
Early leaders of the "Recovery" group -- the following year re-christened "The Laymen's National Committee" -- were closely identified with political and economic interests. Chairman included corporate heads of Armco Steel, United States Rubber, Radio Corporation of America (RCA), Texas Bank and Trust, and Aerojet General Corp. In 1966, W. Clement Stone, a close associate of future President Richard Nixon took over the National Bible Week Committee; subsequent heads represented General Motors Corporation, Corning Glass, Exxon, Arthur Young and the Chase Manhattan Corporation. Among the names were even men (a woman has never served as Chair) like former baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, U.N. Ambassador Arthur Goldberg, and Wallace Johnson of Holiday Inns. Most were associated with mainstream religious groups, and believed not so much in the explicit identification of specific denominational teachings with government as they did in the so-called National Civic Religion -- a diffuse acknowledgment of "god" and the role of organized religion in the institutions of American society. Certainly in its early days, the National Committee for Religious Recovery even had a more explicit political goal -- advancing religious belief as an alternative to the stormy politics of the era which saw confrontations between communist, fascist and democratic ideologies, and as a balm for growing militancy in labor ranks or other manifestations of social and cultural stress.
Unlike its "America's Christian Heritage Week" counterpart, National Bible Week insists that its mission is "not political." Few religious right figures have worked closely with NBW, although Richard DeVos of Amway Corporation -- a key player in fundamentalist political movements and associate of the Christian Coalition -- served as Bible Week Chairman in 1987. Last year's chairman was George Gallup, Jr., Co-Chairman of the Gallup polling organization.
Although it does not have the rough edges of the "Heritage" week, the Bible Week observance committee nevertheless sees an important role in trying to involve political figures. While a "business or professional leader" serves as the National Chair, the various Presidents of the United States have consistently issued Bible Week proclamations; the President also serves as Honorary Chair of the Bible Week group, along with a designated U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative.
The religious denominational affiliations of National Bible Week leaders gives insight into the doctrinal and even political differences separating them from their religious right counterparts. NBW seems to be closely identified with Methodists and Episcopalians, with even a smattering of Roman Catholics. There is not the heavy representation from Pentecostal, Evangelical and fundamentalist sects as one encounters in "America's Christian Heritage Week."
Both Events Threaten State-Church Separation
It is also worth noting that in terms of a social and political agenda, not everyone in the ACHW camp would find the relatively tame, ecumenical and more restrained National Bible Week an appropriate vehicle. NBW encourages people to "read their Bible," but it does not explicitly identify the hard-edged political agenda one finds in religious right groups associated with the "America's Christian Heritage Week." Both camps see an important role for religion, and some interpretation of the Christian legacy in American society; they may disagree, though, on how this is to be established and how far it permeates into the nation's social and even personal life.
Both events, though, are important challenges to atheists, non-believers and state-church separationists. As with prayer in schools, religious symbols and mottos on currency or government seals, religious oaths and other manifestations of the National Civic Religion, the proclamation by government officials at every level challenges the "wall of separation" proposed by Jefferson. Here are some "talking points" concerning both "America's Christian Heritage Week" and "National Bible Week."
Talking Points
|Government Officials Should Not Be Advancing Religion by Issuing
Proclamation about Belief, Holy Books or Creeds
Both "America's Christian Heritage Week" and the lamer, more
mainstream "National Bible Week" specifically call upon political
officials to use their office in a shameless, overt promotion of belief
and, in these cases, specific denominational dogmas. The Bible is an amalgam
of Jewish and Christian teachings, and the "Christian Heritage"
Week event explicitly proclaims the alleged foundations of the nation in
a specific religious ideology. Both clearly violate the First Amendment's
establishment clause, and, specifically, the "Lemon test" from
Lemon v. Kurtman. Government officials are clearly engaged
in an activity which promotes and elevates not only specific religious
beliefs and writings, but clearly fosters the illusion that belief is somehow
preferable to non-belief.
But Atheists and Others Who Don't Agree Are Not Forced to Participate
This is only partially true, of course; the government is not compelling us to report to churches or temples for periods of mandatory Bible reading, although some who support these proposals feel that students and those attending government meetings should, indeed, be compelled to pray or listen to prayers. But there is a distinct element of compulsion involved here -- we are compelled, through our tax money, to essentially support proclamations, activities and offices which are promoting religious belief.
The wider issue here concerns the role of the government in "establishing"
or promoting religion. Both the "America's Christian Heritage Week"
and "National Bible Week" do just that -- promote a specific
religion. American Atheists takes the position that civic leaders have
no business using public offices and facilities to promote religion, whether
in the forms of writings, symbols, displays, songs or other teachings.
Religious belief -- or the lack of it -- should be a private affair, not
the business of government.
Both ''America's Christian Heritage Week" and "National Bible Week" Insult and Marginalize Non-Believers.
Nearly 10 percent of Americans -- over 25 million persons -- identify themselves as atheists, freethinkers, agnostics, or some other term which covers the notion of "non-belief." That figure is larger than most Christian denominations! Millions of other Americans are branded with the pejorative label of "unchurched," and do not regularly attend church, temple or mosque rituals. For them, religious teachings and activities play little or no role in their lives.
These proclamations put the government in the position of being a "prayer
bully," where civic, public institutions, offices and officials are
cast in the role of judgmental authority figures "scolding" the
citizens for irreligiosity, and encouraging not only religion, but a specific
form of religion. Along with the millions of atheists and other non-believers
who are being insulted there are millions of non-Christians who embrace
some other religion -- Islam, Hindu, Buddhist for instance. How would Christians
feel if politicians suddenly declared "National Koran Week,"
and encouraged a "moral revival" by having people read and meditate
upon verses from the Islamic holy book? Or what about having the President,
or the local mayor endorse the superstitious writing of L. Ron Hubbard,
founder of the Church of Scientology? Is any of this fair and proper? We
say it is not.
These Activities Do Little If Any Harm. Why Oppose Them?
We have two responses to this question.
First, these proclamation are harmful in that they undermine the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and set a poor precedent in terms of state-church separation law. Courts are grappling with important First Amendment issues; and cases which defend egregious violations of state-church separation (such as school prayer or "special rights" for religious groups and believers") often use the fact that government has in the past supported activities like National Bible Week and America's Christian Heritage Week as precedent.
Second, these declarations don't exist in some kind of cultural
and political vacuum. Bible reading and claiming a "Christian Heritage"
for the nation are part of a larger culture war. This truly separates those
groups who advocate the use of religious ideology in the "reconstruction"
of modern society (and the creation of "One Nation Under God")
from atheists, non-believers and other secularists.
What Can Be Done to Prevent This Abuse?
Atheists, non-believers and secularists should oppose any efforts
to have political leaders in their state or community declare either of
these religious events. The American
Atheist web site will be posting more information on this issue. In
the meantime, these abuses of state-church separation need to be raised
in letters to officials, and in the public media. Protests of some kind
should be considered in those communities and states where "America's
Christian Heritage Week" and "National Bible Week" have
been proclaimed. Leaders need to be challenged on why they approved this
invasive, constitutionally suspect and bigoted proposal -- and, politely
asked to withdraw it.
Religious Symbol on
City Seal: Voters Face
Expensive Lawsuit
by Conrad Goeringer
November 12, 1997
The community of Stow, Ohio faces some tough choices as officials there decide whether or not to meet a legal challenge over a vote which restored a Christian cross and a picture of the Bible to the official municipal seal. In February, the city council voted to remove the religious graffiti, but voters then overturned that decision. Now, officials have less than two weeks to decide their next move, which could include an expensive lawsuit.
Officials must also now deal with atheist civil rights and First Amendment activist Rob Sherman, who has challenged the inclusion of religious symbols on government seals throughout the Midwest. Sherman will be addressing a meeting of the city government on Thursday, November 20 at 8 p.m. He says that his presentation "will consist of information about past city seal battles and strategy for dealing with the results of the referendum that reinstated the old Stow city seal." Sherman added that we can expect some "arm twisting," as he battles for constitutional rights in this community located about 40 miles south of Cleveland, in eastern Ohio.
The American Civil Liberties Union has promised to follow through with its threatened lawsuit if city officials don't remove the religious symbolism from the municipal seal. The city, should it decide to defend the seal, would probably hire a law firm specializing in constitutional issues, says municipal legal director Tom Watkins. He told the Arkron Beacon Journal newspaper that the first suit could take up to a year; a loss and subsequent appeal would then go to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, which could take perhaps as much as two more years.
The religious symbolism is being promoted by a group calling itself Concerned Citizens for Constitutional Freedom. It began promoting the February referendum following the council's decision to exclude the cross and Bible from the municipal badge; CCCF won by a 4,861 to 3,592 vote which, say observers, was not marked by especially high turnout. The group is now pressuring officials to defend the decision to retain the religious symbolism, but Watkins is advising the council to retire the seal, saying that Stow is likely to lose in the courts. He defended his decision by citing a similar case in Edmond, Oklahoma, where the city ended up paying over $200,000 in legal bills after being ordered to eliminate the Christian cross which was part of its municipal seal. Watkins has predicted a similar six-figure bill for Stow taxpayers.
But CCCF spokespersons told media following the November elections that, "We're going all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary."
Sherman not only has good legal precedent on his side, he also has a critical portion of the Ohio State Constitution. Section 7 of that document, titled "Rights of conscience; education; necessity of religion and knowledge" states that "All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience," but then adds that "No person shall be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or maintain any form of worship against his consent; and no preference shall be given, by law, to any religious society." These portions might suggest that taxpayers should not be required to maintain religious symbols, and particularly to maintain the symbol of one particular faith over another.


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The SealLine submersible E-Reader cases allow the uncompromised enjoyment of your favorite e-book page-turner in any situation from the beach, to river trips, and even the daily commute. This SealLine storage case features SealLock zippers and tough RF-welded seams to fend off dirt, sand and water, while high-clarity, PVC-free, Touch, Talk and Listen urethane windows retain full functionality of all buttons, joysticks and touch-screen interfaces. Pictured here in BLACK.
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From Semester 1 2015 The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (with Qualifying Topic) will be replaced by the Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Graduate Entry)
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is a major in psychology for students who hold a basic degree in another discipline. Some people complete it to enhance their understanding of human behaviour and/or their work skills; others intend to pursue further studies in psychology. The Graduate Diploma is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and thus entitles graduates to apply for Honours in psychology at any Australian university. It should be noted that Honours entry is competitive, and good grades are needed to gain an Honours place.
The Graduate Diploma may also be suitable for graduates who have a psychology major from an overseas institution or whose psychology major was completed three or more years ago and who wish to update their psychology qualification.
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is a fee-paying course, so students might be eligible for FEE-HELP.
Students commencing the GDPP mid-year are advised that only part-time study is possible due to the sequencing of psychology topics. Therefore minimum duration is 1.5 years part-time only study.
Admission requirements
The Graduate Diploma comprises second and third year topics. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from an approved university. They must also meet the prerequisites for second year psychology topics by having completed one of the following within the past 7 years:
Option 1 - Flinders topics PSYC1101 and PSYC1102; or
Option 2 - Equivalent topics (e.g. entry level psychology topics) from another approved university; or
Option 3 - Qualifying topic for the Flinders University Graduate Diploma in Psychology
If you are uncertain as to whether you meet the pre-requisites please contact Tracey Quigley, School Manager on (08) 8201 2333.
Qualifying topic (QT)
The qualifying topic (QT) is designed for applicants who have not met either Option 1 or Option 2. The QT is a web-based course that can be completed off-campus. Information is available in Qualifying Topic_Information 2014 (PDF 35KB) . The Qualifying Topic Enrolment Form (DOC 178KB) is also available. Enrolment in the qualifying topic is possible any time. Please contact Tracey Quigley, School Manager, on (08) 8201 2333 if you require further information.
How to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Applications for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology at Flinders are made via the south Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website: www.satac.edu.au. Select the 'University Postgraduate' button and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Applicants who have met the prerequisites for second level psychology by having completed Option 1 or Option 2 above should choose the "Graduate Diploma in Psychology" (SATAC Course Code 2GD061) in their application.
Applicants who have not met the prerequisites for second level psychology (that is, those who have not completed Option 1 or Option 2 above within the last 7 years) should apply for "Graduate Diploma in Psychology with Qualifying Studies " (SATAC Course Code 2GD068) in their application.
Further information about admission requirements can be obtained from Tracey Quigley, School Manager, on (08) 8201 2333.
Course handbook
The 2014 Graduate Diploma in Psychology Handbook (PDF 177KB) can be downloaded in PDF format. The information contained in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology handbook is accurate at the time of publication (February 2013). Alterations are reflected in the course information available in the Graduate Diploma Course Information page. If you would like a hard copy of the handbook please contact the Psychology Office either by email email@example.com or by phone (08) 8201 2192/8201 2416.
Course rules and topic information
The University Course information page has information about postgraduate courses in psychology, including the Graduate Diploma Course Information page that contains course aims, topic information, course rules, and admission requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.


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Tag Archives: j skillz
Anticipating a Johnny Gill-orious Valentine's Day
*Johnny Gill has announced that he's planning to release his 6th studio album on February 14th. I've been bouncing in my seat with excitement since learning my favorite singer signed with Notifi Records. When I heard talk of a Diane Warren song and working with Bryan-Michael Cox plus James Harris and Terry Lewis, I danced … Continue reading Anticipating a Johnny Gill-orious Valentine's Day


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Classroom Support for The Hayes School of Music
The Hayes School of Music utilizes standardized classroom technology. Thanks to the installation and support from Technology Support Service's Classroom Technology Group. Below is a reference guide for the classroom technology installed. The standard classroom installation consists of a Podium which includes a computer, amplifier, combo DVD/VHS player, document camera and tape deck. Podium keys lock the keyboard tray, equipment access door and side drawer with document camera. Podiums should always be locked after use.
Basic guidelines:
- Unlock keyboard tray and bottom door for access to computer.
- If showing video - click Display on, wait 1 min. and select input.
- After using podium turn display off and lock keyboard tray and door.
If you have questions or issues please call Douglas Brantz at 262-7357 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
MLC 226 Overview
This is the Extron MLC 226 control panel that allows the instructor to turn on and off the projector as well as select different video and audio inputs. This is located on the top of the podium.
- Turn display on or off
When you press the display on button it will turn on the projector and the light on the button will blink for 1 minute. During this time the control panel is locked and no other function will work. After 1 minute when the light is solid you can start selecting inputs. Please turn the display off when you are finished using the podium. Again, when you turn the display off the light will flash and the controls will be locked for 1 minute. You do not need to turn on the display if you wish to play audio. If the display is on and there is no image check to see if AV Mute is active - refer to number 3 in this list.
- Volume Knob
This controls the volume for everything going to the speakers. You will notice that the light meter will start to reflect the volume as you turn the knob. If you notice that the audio is low or off for the computer please check the volume and mute settings on the computer. If the volume knob is turned up and you don't hear anything check to make sure the AV Mute button is not active - refer to number 3 in this list.
- AV Mute
The AV mute button will basically mute both the audio and video - the button will flash red. When you press the mute button again it will stop flashing and audio and video will be restored. Please turn off the AV mute button when you are done using the podium. AV Mute will not mute your monitor on the podium. (below AV mute is the Cassette Tape button - this simply selects cassette tape as input)
- DVD (Also used for CDs)
Press the DVD button if you wish to show a DVD or listen to CD from the DVD/VCR combo unit located in the podium equipment rack. You can use the controls located at number 10 to rewind, play, forward, pause and stop the DVD. You can also play a CD or DVD in the computer - but you will have to have the Mac #9 button pressed to listen or view media in the computer.
Press the VCR button if you wish to show a VHS tape in the DVD/VCR combo unit located in the podium equipment rack. You can use the controls located at number 10 to rewind, play, forward, pause and stop the VHS.
This button selects input for equipment connected to RCA video and audio cables from the cable cubby located on top of the podium.
This button selects input for the document camera located in the pull out side drawer of the podium. The image on the document camera will show on the screen and the sympodium monitor. If you need audio with the displayed image you can start music on the podium computer and then press Doc Cam button once to select the image and then press Doc Cam button again to get the audio - currently this only works with the podium computer.
This button will select audio and video from a laptop that is connected through the cable cubby on the podium. You can also use the button if you wish to connect a ipod or other mp3 player to the audio cable in the cable cubby. The video connector in the cable cubby is a VGA connector please make sure to bring any video adaptors for you computer.
This button selects audio and video input from the podium computer. The Hayes School of Music uses a Mac Mini in the podium. You can also use the podium computer to play DVDs and CDs. The software controls for watching movies or listening to audio on the computer make it easier to move around chapters on a DVD or tracks on a CD.
- DVD & VCR Controls
Use these controls when showing a DVD, listening to CD, or VHS in the DVD/VCR combo unit. These controls will only work for the DVD/VCR combo unit. These controls are activated when you press the DVD or VCR button.
Podium Cable Cubby
The cable cubby located on the top of the podium has a small cover - simply slide the cover back to reveal the cables and ports. The cable cubby has 2 power outlets, as well as a audio cable, network cable, and vga video cable for laptop connection. Make sure you have the video adaptor for your Apple Computer so that it can connect to the VGA video cable. There are 2 usb ports for the podium computer. The RCA video and audio connections are for components that connect with RCA connectors and is selected with the AUX VIDEO input button on the MLC 226.
Podium Equipment Rack
The equipment rack is located in main part of the podium - use your key to unlock the door where the instructor stands to face the class.
- Main Power Switch
This is the main power unit for the entire podium and on the right side is the on/off switch. This unit should stay on at all times unless the podium needs to be unplugged and moved. If you notice that there are no lights on the extron MLC 226 control swtich or on the equipment in the podium check the on/off switch on this unit. Also, this unit has a pop out light - pressing in and then releasing pressure on the center section will release a slide out light to illuminate the equipment below - the brightness knob is located on the left. When done you can slide it back and lock it in place.
- DVD Player in DVD/VCR combo unit
Une this side of the combo unit to play DVDs or CDS and you can use the DVD/VCR controls on the Extron MLC 226 to control the forward, rewind, play, pause and stop. Make sure you have the DVD button pressed on the MLC 226 as explained in the Extron MLC 226 section of this page.
- VHS Player in DVD/VCR combo unit
Use this side of the combo unit to play VHS tapes and you can use the DVD/VCR controls on the Extron MLC 226 to control the forward, rewind, play, pause and stop. Make sure you have the VCR button pressed on the MLC 226 as explained in the Extron MLC 226 section of this page.
- Tape Deck
Most of the podiums in the Hayes School of Music have tape decks. Make sure that you have the Cassette Player button pressed on the MLC 226 to hear the audio from the Tape Deck.
Podium Mac Mini
The power button is located on the back right of the Mac Mini and is flush with the surface. If the computer is on you will see a light on the front of the computer. You can also use the computer to play DVDs and CDs - the media slot is in the front of the computer.
To eject the media use the keyboard eject button or drag the media from the desktop to the trash/eject icon on the dock
Sympodium Monitor
The power button is on the top right of the monitor. This can be used as a normal monitor but it also offers a few other features you may wish to use. There are USB ports on the sides of the monitor which you can use for your flash drives or remote receiver. The pen is located on the back of the monitor. To activate the pen press one of the pen colors on the top. You can then write on the monitor. You can click on the eraser button to use the pen to erase your marks or use the curser button to return to mouse or use pen as mouse control. For more information on the sympodium visit the features area on the Smart site.
Smart Notebook software is installed on the computer and it will capture your work and save your marks and pages in a notebook file. To activate the software you can click the notebook icon button at the bottom of the monitor or click the notebook icon on the Dock on the desktop. To learn more visit the Notebook page on the Smart site.
Epson Document Camera
The document camera is located in the side drawer of the podium. After you unlock and slide out the drawer you can raise the side lights. To lift the camera you need to first hold the arm lock at its base and then raise the camera arm - it will lock into place. After the camera arm is raised you can swing the camera down to position. The on button for the document camera is located on the top right. This displays through the projector and monitor when the DOC CAM button on the Extron MLC 226 is pressed. Refer to the Epson Document Camera Users Guide (PDF) for more information. Below is an image of the document camera in the closed and open position.
Interlink Presentation Remote
Use the interlink remote as a laser pointer or to navigate through powerpoint presentations. The remote uses 2 AA batteries and works with a USB receiver. Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on the monitor and press Blank Presentation button on the remote within ten minutes. If the remote does not respond use the
Interlink Presentation Users Guide (PDF)
and follow the instructions for Training the Receiver. The remotes are available from the main office. Please return them to the office when you are done with your class.


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Blue Mountains Sydney Australia Katoomba 3.2°C at
8:27pm Thursday, 30 June BlueMountainsAustralia.com
8:27pm Thursday, 30 June BlueMountainsAustralia.com
Churches - Religion
Springwood Baptist ChurchSpringwood Baptist Church is located on Macquarie Rd Springwood. Four services on Sunday and a variety of activities during the week. Formed on 24th February, 1957 with thirteen foundation members. Praise God for growing His church through the faithful witness of hundreds and hundreds of people. May God continue to use us as His instruments to reach our community!
Location: Springwood
Blue Mountains City Church
Blue Mountains City ChurchBlue Mountains City Church has been pastored by Ps Kevin & Marilyn Brett since December 2007. Our Bible-based church exists to influence and serve the Mountains community. You're warmly invited to our church Sundays 9:30am or 6:00pm services. We serve tea & coffee cafe-style after each service. We're also available to provide support and assist in life situations through pastoral care services, divorce-care courses and other specifically designed courses.
Location: Mt Riverview
The Fire Hub
Worship, Soak , Pray & BlazeThe Fire Hub is a Prayer Space available for 24-7 Prayer and Worship in the Blue Mountains. The Fire Hub is also the Office and Prayer & Mission Base for Generation Fire an International Movement of Worship & Prayer. With a Weekly Harp & Bowl Nights on Wednesday Nights Monthly Prayer Furnaces
Location: Blaxland
Anglican Churches SpringwoodWelcome to Anglican Churches Springwood, We are a church dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and loving our community. During the...
Location: Springwood
Glenbrook Baptist ChurchGlenbrook Baptist Church is an active and contemporary church situated in the lower Blue Mountains. We cater for a wide variety of interests and worship...
Location: Glenbrook
Blaxland UnitingBlaxland Uniting Church is a vibrant and diverse worshipping community that caters for a variety of worshipping styles. The church services reflect this, allowing you...
Location: Blaxland
St Hilda's Anglican ChurchSt Hilda's is at the top of Katoomba St, Katoomba and offers three services every Sunday. 8.30am A Traditional Communion Service. 10.30am A family...
Location: Katoomba
Central Blue Mountains Uniting ChurchNot your average church Minimize We have a group of mainly older people who join together for fun fellowship and food. We are a fallible group...
Location: Lawson
Blue Mountains Information
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- Health, Sport & Fitness
- Transport
- Gift Ideas


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A 30-minute drive from Heathrow Airport and just five minutes from the M3 motorway, the Hilton Bracknell hotel is perfect for guests looking to stay for business or exploring the best cultural and family attractions that the local area has to offer, including LEGOLAND® Windsor and Thorpe Park. Windsor Castle and Ascot Racecourse are also just a short distance away. Our hotel also offers complimentary car parking so you can explore with ease.
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We offer spacious guest rooms featuring WiFi and a TV, as well as modern décor and large windows. Family rooms provide an additional sofa bed, so everyone can enjoy a comfortable stay. Looking for a treat? Deluxe rooms feature cozy bathrobes and a location in the quieter part of the hotel.
Take the stress out of your day and choose from our range of treatments in the Revitalise Spa.
The fitness center at the Hilton Bracknell hotel comes fully equipped with both cardio and weight equipment so you can keep up with your fitness routine on the road, while the sauna and indoor pool are perfect for a time-out from the world. Kids will love Planet H, our interactive games room.
The contemporary Larder Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience with a range of tempting English dishes, with a delicious seasonal menu and gastro-style cuisine. With relaxing drinks and light snacks, the hotel bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your favorite drink.
With easy access to the M3 motorway and Heathrow Airport, Hilton Bracknell is a great setting for a range of events. Our 12 meeting rooms can accommodate up to 250 guests, and the hotel is also licensed for civil marriages for up to 180 guests. WiFi is also available in all public areas and car parking is complimentary.


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Head Coach Vicky Maes: "Zorica joins us from Germany, where she has played a lot of clay court tennis. Coming in at the semester, she will have to make a quick transition to the hard surface, but her sense of the ball and smart play will be a great weapon for her in the future."
High School: Hans-Carossa-Oberschule, Berlin... Participated in badminton, volleyball, hockey, track and field, table tennis, and gymnastics... Played tennis under coach Guido Jacke... Team captain on junior team... Ranked several times along the four best teams in East Germany.


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calcium supplement/vitamin d - oral, Citracal + D, Os-Cal, Oyster S (cont.)
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food. If your product contains calcium citrate, then it may be taken with or without food. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. For best absorption, if your total daily dose is more than 600 milligrams, then divide your dose and space it throughout the day. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.If you are taking the chewable form of this medication, chew thoroughly before swallowing. If you are taking capsules, swallow each capsule whole.Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet, it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins unless ordered by your doctor.Calcium supplements come in different forms that contain different amounts of calcium/vitamin D. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help select the best product for you.If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, mental/mood changes, change in the amount of urine, bone/muscle pain, headache, increased thirst, increased urination, weakness, tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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.
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Nancy Pelosi. Wow. What can one say about her?
In an astonishing challenge to traditional Catholic doctrine, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, nominally Catholic, has taken to telling San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone that he should not attend the National Organization for Marriage's June 19 march on the Supreme Court in Washington D.C.
Cordileone is scheduled to be a featured speaker at the event, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, which is consistent with his championing of Proposition 8 in 2008. Cordileone helped raise $1.5 million for the initiative, which intended to ban same-sex marriage in the state. He once said, "The ultimate attack of the evil one is the attack on marriage."
Pelosi, who called the event "venom masquerading as virtue," wrote to Cordileone, "We share our love of the Catholic faith and our city of San Francisco," adding that the event would feature some participants displaying "disdain and hate towards LGBT persons," and asserting, "If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?"
Nice. Coming from someone who has been so at odds with what she claims is "her own faith" that she's been banned from taking communion at church, one might suspect that she's not the one who tell an Archishop anything. Including his own job. Maybe she'd want to think about that before going toe-to-toe with an Archbishop when she only has a BA from Trinity College.
Since Speaker Pelosi wants to talk of venom, how about the radical homosexual activists like Dan Savage, who berated Christian students at a high school in 2012 when he said things like, "We can learn to ignore the bullsh*t in the Bible and what it says about gay people"? He was also the one who stated, "It's funny, as someone who's on the receiving end of beatings that are justified by the Bible, how pansy-as*ed some people react when you push back." Charming, huh? How about the radical activists of FEMEN who drenched Belgian Archbishop André-Jozef Léonard with water to protest alleged homophobia by the Catholic Church? These women arrived with hateful things scrawled in marker across their naked breasts. Suave. And somehow, Pelosi has yet to mention them.
But we digress.
The March for Marriage, which was initiated last year, features thousands of people standing up for "traditional marriage" walking from the U.S Capitol to the Supreme Court. Among the speakers are Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum.
Pelosi is not the only Democratic San Francisco politician sending Cordileone a letter decrying his participation in the march. Last week, San Francisco mayor Ed Lee and California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsome issued a joint letter to the bishop protesting his participation. In the letter, cited by the Chronicle's Carla Marinucci, they wrote: "We ask that you will reconsider your participation and join us in seeking to promote reconciliation rather than division and hatred …" They said the march was "organized by some of the nation's most virulently anti-LGBT organizations and leaders."
Virulent, huh? Are they leading attacks on people like FEMEN and spewing hatred like Savage? Rick Santorum is a little strange at times, but he's generally harmless.
The National Organization of Marriage was also targeted by the federal government in the IRS scandal.
Oh, that's nice. We can add that to the attack on EWTN, and the IRS going after the Catholic League, too. Is there a pattern forming?
An online petition demanding that Cordileone cease and desist in his plans has been signed by roughly 20,000 people.
That would certainly work if the Catholic church were in any way a democracy.
Cordileone is the head of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage for the U.S. Conference of Bishops. He has already referred to the March as "an important means to promote and defend marriage for the good of our culture, to pray for our federal and state governments, and to stand in solidarity with people of good will," adding, "This is a critical time for marriage in our country, as marriage amendments are being struck down by federal courts and appeals of these decisions are being made."
It will be nice when, one day, Pelosi finds a church that actually believes as she does. Right now, the Speaker seems to agree with the Catholic church on little to nothing.
Not to mention something else. Nancy Pelosi's "letter" to Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco was not a letter. Giving a "letter" to the press means that not an honest attempt at conveying information or having a dialogue. It's a political stunt. It's grandstanding.
Now that she's already been banned from communion, maybe it's time we should ask what the process is to excommunicate her.
Assuming, of course, the church doesn't take the stance that she's already excommunicated herself.


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WindowBlinds is a program that allows you to completely change the look and feel of Windows to however you want it to look like. It allows you to completely customize your desktop by changing the style of title bars, buttons, and toolbars. You can change the look of buttons and check boxes by assigning them skins, or personalities, and you can assign buttons that will launch programs to toolbars. You can create your own skins, choose from the four that are included in the program, or download additional ones. You can also choose to exclude certain programs from WindowBlinds if you don't want to change their appearances.
Yes - 30 day timeout
Reviewing 8.13 (Oct 19, 2015)
Does not work on Windows 10 yet & extremely unwise to try to force it too - Support for Windows 10 on the way.
Reviewing 8.09 (Dec 17, 2014)
Been totally stable for some years now, no changes in responsiveness of the PC running it whatsoever. Heaps of free skins available which although add no functionality, do make using Windows more enjoyable - A great program.
Reviewing 8.06 (Aug 24, 2014)
I did not like it at all
Reviewing 8.03 (Mar 11, 2014)
5 stars
Reviewing 8.03 (Feb 17, 2014)
really good
No comments yet


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Fish tales and childhood responsibilities
Editor's note: This column is the third in a series about pets and children. You can access the first two installments at http://www.henricocitizen.com/index.php/Opinions.
When a family purchases a pet, parents have visions of their child's growing responsibility and expansion of character. But when it came to our border collie pup, Toby, the dog brought on nothing but extreme paranoia.
If there was one thing my kids loved more than all else in their lives three years ago, it was their stuffed animal collections. Toby found that he loved them too. They made such a satisfying ripping noise when he gutted them down their seams, and their eyeballs popped off so nicely. And their inside stuffings! Pure heaven to gouge out with his paws.
My son and daughter, aged 9 and 6 at the time, learned quickly to leave their furry friends in their upstairs bedrooms, with their doors firmly closed. But every once in a while, a chosen animal would find its way downstairs, and before anyone knew it, the living room was littered with an unrecognizable carcass and yards of fluff.
They also learned to keep their shoes in the garage and their jackets in the closet, for Toby was known to gnaw gaping holes in any and all clothing and accessories. They learned to put their outdoor toys back in the garage when they were done playing with them, for Toby found sporting equipment tasty too. Baseball gloves, snow saucers, wiffle balls, lacrosse sticks, basketballs – they all found their way into Toby's mouth of destruction.
Paranoia became a useful tool for tidying the house and backyard, but it wasn't doing much for inciting my children's love and affection for their new pet. And my kids truly love animals of all kinds. They would come home from play dates full of descriptions of the menageries at their friends' houses. I suspected they spent most of their time playing with the pets instead of with the friends that invited them over.
They soon started begging for a new pet, and Toby – who equaled the work of about five pets, in my estimation – wasn't even a year old. The pet of choice changed from day-to-day: budgie birds (preferably a few so they could fly around together in a closet all day), a pair of chinchillas (they are much happier with a partner in their cage), rabbits, cats, another dog, a frog, a parrot.
Pregnant with my third child, I'd scoffed at the suggestions, saying that their new baby sister would be their new pet. I had an idea of who would be taking care of a new pet, and it wasn't my kids. And I never wanted to be a zookeeper.
My husband and I still try to institute chores when it comes to Toby, but my son gets squeamish about mixing in the "wet food", i.e. the canned food Toby likes. And it's all we can do to get our daughter fed and dressed and out the door for school in the morning, much less make sure she feeds the dog.
As they got older, I happily noticed that they helped out more with caring for Toby without our badgering. So last Christmas, I thought my son was ready for a fish tank. Fish aren't even really animals, I reasoned. If one happens to go belly up, it's not so distressing.
But as we came to find out, fish tanks are kind of a pain to keep clean. My son was sorely tempted to whine his way out of doing it all himself. But in addition to helping him get it up and running, my husband and I laid down some tough love. In the end, my son learned how to maintain a fish tank by himself and care for three hardy goldfish, and he is much the happier fish-owner for it.
But the fish aren't all that satisfying as pets. He gets more satisfaction from decorating the tank than from interacting with the fish. He is singing the "new-pet" tune again, loudly and often.
Yet seeing his newfound sense of responsibility has changed my outlook a bit. I figure as long as he buys and cares for a new pet himself, I could be talked into another one. Children will only be young for a short time, and animals really do bring joy to our lives, children and adults both.
Does anyone know of a pair of chinchillas for sale?
Diann Ducharme is the author of The Outer Banks House and the recently released ebook, Chasing Eternity, and is a wife, mother of three children and owner of one border collie. You can find her at http://www.diannducharme.com where, she blogs about the writing life.
County plans Fourth of July event
Henrico County Recreation and Parks will present "Red, White, and Lights" at Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park July 4.
Henrico County has hosted a Fourth of July celebration annually since 1981, but this year's event will offer a later start time and expanded hours and be highlighted by new entertainment.
The free event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will feature the Richmond Symphony, a laser-light show, patriotic performances, and family activities. > Read more.
Tuckahoe YMCA to host Refugee Community Resource Fair
The Tuckahoe Family YMCA and ReEstablish Richmond will host the third-annual Refugee Community Resource Fair Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the YMCA, 9211 Patterson Avenue in Henrico. The event is designed to provide refugees in the region information about jobs, local businesses, housing, health care, education and more.
As part of its strategic plan, the YMCA of Greater Richmond works to identify, address and eliminate economic, geographic and cultural barriers. > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
Celebrate Independence Day in Henrico! The county's annual event is new and improved this year with a later start time, expanded hours and new entertainment, including the Richmond Symphony and a laser light show. Lewis Ginter is also offering free admission all day. On Saturday, check out the first annual Innsbrook Taste of Virginia, the family movie at Varina Library or Anthony Snape and special guest Jess Labus at The Tin Pan. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Henrico wins National Association of Counties awards for 28 programs
Citizen's Kruszewski wins 2 national awards
Training for homeless youth featured at workshop
CVWMA to begin accepting more varieties of bottles, containers, cartons
Virginia man arrested with gun at RIC checkpoint
- More News
Print Edition
Jun. 16, 2016Click here to read the print edition.
Weekend Top 10
Muse Paintbar opens at Willow Lawn
Weekend Top 10
Restaurant watch
Weekend Top 10
- More Entertainment
Obituary – Ruth "Nanny" B. Ellis
Obituary – Ansuya Henry Solanky
Obituary – Erich Michael Nicholas Hibbard
- More Obituaries
County plans Fourth of July event
Tuckahoe YMCA to host Refugee Community Resource Fair
Short Pump Park grand opening planned June 25
- More Community
'Good old days' were good – for some
Of character and parenting
Opinion: Rename school for late Henrico officer
- More Opinions
Varina HS to host Basketball Skill Development Academy June 20-23
Strawberry visits Tuckahoe Little League
- More Sports
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CalendarInnsbrook After Hours continues its 31st year with the "Return of the Red Eye Summer Tour." Headlining the tour are Slightly Stoopid and SOJA. Special guests are The Grouch &… Full text