text:
"Don't let his EVICTION NOTICE keep you from being up-to-date… this OFFICIAL app is your connection to all things Wax. Download today to get the perfect companion to the new album.
-Play tracks from the new album "Eviction Notice" from your library
-Tour updates as soon as they're announced
-Recent news, direct from the source
-Rate and comment on material published by other fans
-Exclusive photos just for you
***App is free for a limited time***"
Click here to download the Wax app on iTunes Now!
Text WAXDOTCOM to 30103 for updates on your mobile.
Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 30103 to opt out. Text HELP to 30103 for more information. Up to 5 Messages/Month. Terms of Service http://www.mozes.com/go/tos , Privacy Policy http://www.mozes.com/go/privacy.


text:
Flowplayer Demos
We hope you find yours. Let us know if you don't.
We hope you find yours. Let us know if you don't.
Native fullscreen on mobile devices
Fullscreen button in controlbar
Flowplayer provides full control and users are greeted with clarity. It doesn't steal your audience.
Horizontal scrollable playlist
Preview a snippet of a longer video
Quality selector plugin outside Drive
Quality selection based on feature detection
Inspection of the video object
Intro before feature with advert

subset: commoncrawl


text:
+ Log in or register to post
Results 1 to 1 of 1
Thread: Behind the Spells: Dispel Magic
Sunday, 30th September, 2007, 07:40 PM #1
Novice (Lvl 1)
- Join Date
- Apr 2002
- Location
- Miami Beach, FL
- Posts
- 1,582
- Blog Entries
- 1
ø Block HalWhitewyrm
ø Friend+
Behind the Spells: Dispel Magic
This review first appeared on The Digital Front Podcast #4 and at Purple Duck Creations.
Behind the Spells: Dispel Magic Review
Reviewed by Mark Gedak <mark AT thedigitalfront DOT com>
This tightly-focused product is 9-pages and retails for $2.00. This product is the 36th release in the "Behind the Spells" line of supplements that provides unofficial history, secrets and variants for the most well known spells from the Dungeon and Dragons roleplaying games. This particular release is focused on the Dispel Magic spell.
Three of the pages of this product deal with Maxolt, an ancient gold dragon, and his research into the history of the dispel magic spell. This particular story involves a magical plague, hordes of diseased puppets, an ancient ritual used to steal the souls of the diseased and the attempted ascension of a wizard named Orcus, through demonic ranks toward godhood. This thereby links one of the greatest D&D villains with the creation of dispel magic without retconning [sic] Orcus's origin in any way. It also provides Orcus with a new enemy known as the "gloam elves" who work to tear his power away by returning the souls of the plague-victims. The gloam elves hide within a pocket realm known as Twilight Circle. From this location, the gloam elves work to disrupt the work of Orcus and his minions. There are no actual statistics for the gloam elves provided in this product.
The remainder of the product deals with spell secrets which provide alterations or variant mechanics for the spells that we typically know and related research which provides information that relates to the creation of the spell or spells and items created as a result of further research. In this release there are three spell secrets. They focus on ways to enhance the duration of suppressing a magical item, a way to disrupt an ongoing spell-effect in a way that it lowers the creature's spell resistance and a way for specialist to become more skilled at dispelling spells of their schools. The related research provides mechanics on the shards of the glass sphere Orcus used as a soul collector and magical tokens used to override a caster's spells but providing a bonus to dispel checks directed against him.
I enjoyed this Behind the Spells release, even though I don't often use dispel magic in my campaigns. I think I will get the most use out of this product by using the origin of Orcus presented as a campaign arc in my own campaign. I definitely find the Behind the Spells series more of an idea book series (something to steal ideas from) instead of a content book (something to steal mechanics from). The product is not bookmarked but as it is only 9 pages and tightly focused it gets by without them fine. There is a nice balance of flavour and crunch and the open game content declaration leaves the magic items and spell secrets available to other publishers.
(Please note that this product was originally published by Ronin Arts, but it is now published by Tricky Owlbear Publishing, author Bret Boyd's own publishing company.)
- EN World
- has no influence
- on adverts that
- are displayed by
- Google Adsense


text:
Oct 8: MyFIT experiencing outages
MyFIT (Portal) is experiencing access problems. IT staff are currently investigating the issue and hope to resolve issues soon.
Thank you for your patience.
IT 4 FIT Communications Office
Category: DOWNTIME, DOWNTIME & UPGRADES, Faculty Info., Staff Info., Student Info.
Comments (1)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed


text:
The Primos rechargeable hunting spotlight is a very powerful, inexpensive Halogen spotlight that can be recharged at home or in the truck. Both models sport an ergonomic carrying handle for easy use and a versatile stand for hands-free use anywhere. Bulb replacement is easy thanks to a twist off bezel.
For more information, visit www.primos.com
Receive a free DU decal when you signup for our free monthly newsletter.
need help logging in?
My DU is your personal portal to the hunting, conservation and local DU information that you care about the most. Learn how it works.
Create your free My DU account today!
*Note: If you have a member login from the previous website, you may enter it here to access your My DU account. Visit our FAQ page for more details.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law.
First duck stamp, designed by Pulitzer-prize winning editorial cartoonist, Jay N. "Ding" Darling, issued.
Prairie drought peaks.


text:
STOCKTON – An armed robber stole a red Honda generator Thursday evening from a food truck vendor operating in northeast Stockton, making his getaway in a Honda vehicle with a green pizza sign on top, police reported.
The food truck was parked in the 3700 block of East Hammer Lane, east of Holman Road. After the robber took the generator and entered his vehicle, a food truck worker tried to stop him and the robber pointed a handgun at him. No shots were reported fired, according to a report.
The robber was described as a black man 25 to 30 years old, 6 feet 2 inches tall with short black hair, and last seen wearing a green tank top and blue shorts.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
Slide Show | February 2014
Great Dividend Stocks for 2014
Flush with cash, corporate America has launched a new golden age of dividends, pumping record sums into investors' pockets. But even as shareholders reap that windfall, some wonder how sustainable it is. Memories of the rash of dividend cuts during the Great Recession still loom large.
The good news: Many blue-chip companies have ample room to continue raising dividends. The "payout ratio" (the percentage of annual earnings paid out in dividends) is expected to be about 34% for Standard & Poor's 500-stock index in 2014, says Howard Silverblatt, senior index analyst at S&P. That would be well below the historical average of 52%.
Of course, the main reason to buy a stock is for capital gains. But if share-price appreciation slows — or even reverses course for a while — after the bull market surge of the past five years, dividends will become more important. And don't forget that dividends enjoy a tax advantage: They are taxed at a maximum federal rate of 23.8%, compared with a top rate of 43.4% on ordinary income, such as bond interest.
Here's a look at seven dividend stocks worth considering. Some have strong current yields, some promise strong dividend-growth potential, and some offer both. Take your pick.
Prices and related data are as of February 13, 2014.Great Dividend Stocks for 2014


text:
The Return of Sherlock Holmes
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Tools of Characterization
Character Analysis
Direct Characterization
This is probably the most common form of characterization in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Homes and/or Watson usually just come right out and tell the audience the relevant facts about any given character. This makes sense, given that we are dealing with short stories here. There's just not a ton of room to expand on the minor characters featured in any story, so we instead just get a brief and direct run-down of each story's new group of minor characters, or each cases new cast of victims and suspects. The direct characterization we do get usually involves only a few sentences. The information we get usually includes information relevant to the case at hand – we learn about how and why people committed, were victims, or were witnesses to a crime. In this respect, the direct characterization we get is fairly limited in scope. Holmes and Watson only care about these minor characters in relation to the case at hand. Watson also uses direct characterization to describe Holmes to us.
Physical Appearances
Since we are dealing with criminal cases here, it stands to reason that the characters in each story are often characterized by their physical appearances. Some cases, like the "Golden Pince-nez" and "Black Peter" are even solved by figuring out a distinctive physical trait of the killer, like bad eyesight or strength. For Holmes, a large part of solving crimes involves figuring out what a suspect might look like. Holmes also makes physical traits an important part of his deduction reasoning, where he takes a small physical trait and deduces, or figures out, something major about a character's personality. Holmes and Watson also have rather limited exposure to the characters in each short story, so it makes sense that a large part of their understanding of these minor characters would be based on physical appearances. They don't have much time to learn anything else about these people.
An action oriented individual, Holmes himself is also concerned with the actions of other people, namely how someone committed a crime. Actions here define the types of criminals that Holmes and Watson encounter, and Watson also frequently describes Holmes to us in terms of his actions. Actually, Watson is probably the only character in these stories who isn't characterized largely by his actions. We rarely hear about Watson's actions since he has adopted a fly-on-the-wall role in order to narrate what everyone else is doing. Instead, we learn more about Watson by his thoughts and his language. Holmes and the other minor characters do talk a lot, and we can learn things about them from their dialogue. But it's important to note that these characters often talk about their actions, not their thoughts and opinions. Holmes explains at length how he went about solving a case and which mental acrobatics her performed to do so. Even thinking is very action-oriented for Holmes. Minor characters, meanwhile, spend most of their dialogue describing what happened, what they did, and how they did it to Holmes and Watson. So speech and thoughts are tied closely to actions in these stories.


text:
About Us
How it works
Bon'App Demo
The Basics
With easy food entry through voice activation and a simple language of Calories, Sugar, Salt, and Bad Fat, Bon'App® will completely change the way you think about food. Enter individual food items or your own customized recipes – such as Grandma's Apple Pie – to find out how these items will impact you.
Easy to Understand - the "Battery" Concept
Each day, your batteries for Calories, Salt, Sugar, and Bad Fat start green at 100%. As you consume food during the day, they will turn yellow and then red to show that you are nearing your daily limit. The batteries for protein and fiber – only available to registered users – start at 0% and charge up to reach daily goals.
Eating Out - Search Capabilities
Bon'App searches for menus to provide customized food options for you. You can filter restaurants to match your preferences, allergies, and food intolerances.
How it Works
Bon'App helps you:
Know what's in your food
...by using a simple language of Calories, Sugar, Salt, and Bad Fat
Understand the impact foods will have on YOU
...based on USDA daily recommended allowances for your age and gender
- Track your healthy-living progress by logging the food you eat
Bon'App has been created to help you on your quest to live a healthier life! It will change the way you think about the food you eat. Join us today.
Home: What's in My Food?
Three easy steps:
- Search a food item by speaking or typing it.
- Click the food item you want to know more about;
- Choose the quantity and serving size that's right for you. See the impact of the food item on your Batteries.
Today: My Batteries
Bon'App uses the simple concept of a battery charge to represent Calories, Sugar, Salt, and Bad Fat. The day starts with batteries charged GREEN, and as you consume food, the batteries deplete and turn YELLOW and then RED to show that you are near the daily limit. If you go over your daily-recommended allowance, the battery turns gray and then black.
In the case of Fiber and Protein, batteries are displayed as "charging" as you log foods that contain these nutrients. As you input your daily food, those batteries start RED and then move to YELLOW and turn GREENif you reach the daily-recommended level.
For registered users, Bon'App saves a list of recent food items so you can have easy access to them at any time and log them in your food journal.
Enter your creation in My Recipes and tell Bon'App how many portions or servings your recipe is created for. Bon'App calculates the level of Calories, Sugar, Salt, and Bad Fat based on the ingredients you input for your recipe. For example, if you've entered in Bon'App the recipe for your Grandma's Apple Pie for 12, Bon'App tells you how many Calories, Sugar, Salt and Bad Fat there is per portion.
Search for Food at Restaurants Nearby
The quest for the perfect meal has never been easier! Whether you are in the mood for Chicken Tikka Masala or Pad Thai, Bon'App will guide you to the perfect meal.
Bon'App considers your location, allergies, and food intolerances and preferences to provide you with a list of dishes in a given radius that you can sort by name, price, or distance on a map.
Before you even get to the restaurant, you may check on the Bon'App website or the app what's in that food – whether you're in the mood for Tikka Masala or Pad Thai – how many Calories, Sugar, Salt and Bad Fat it contains.
Food Near Me
If you're not sure what you are in the mood for, Bon'App can still make a big difference in your quest for a meal. Just click Food Near Me, and Bon'App will use your nutritional profile to guide you to the best food options for you, near you.


text:
- share:
Sarah and Bamboo should be together, ASAP!
It was an ordinary Sunday.
We thought the noontime TV variety show "ASAP" would be presenting its usual fare of performances last May 5.
We were wrong.
As the introduction came heralding "The Voice of the Philippines" judges, we saw on our screens two of the country's most admired singers—Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo Mañalac—starting their rendition of Pink and Nate Ruess's "Just Give Me a Reason." Just a showcase of two talents, we thought, as has been the case week after week.
But, I was also intrigued: how would the pop princess and a rock icon fare in a duet?
We were in for an incredible surprise.
It was not one singer trying to outdo the other with their biritan or kulot vocal calisthenics. It was two singers who, I believe, were made for each other—vocally, that is.
The mesh of their vocal prowess was impeccable—complementing each other smoothly and engaging in harmonies that were almost magical. And, just like they do in "The Voice" (the local version of which has Bamboo and Sarah as vocal coaches), I turned away from the TV set, closed my eyes and just listened. Indeed, my initial impression was right. It was not just your usual pairing of two individual "premium" or "powerhouse" talents.
It was definitely a match made in heaven.
Music producers should look beyond Sarah and Bamboo as talent show judges. They should immediately get a mind-and-heart-blowing song from a brilliant composer like Ogie Alcasid (or even Bamboo himself) and haul this unusual tandem to a recording studio to get them to recreate the moment they had in "ASAP."
For sure, it will be something memorable and exciting for OPM.
Gerry Plaza


text:
Common sweetener found in chewing gum could poison your dog
The FDA says that the sweetener is safe for humans, but affects dogs' pancreas
The FDA says that the sweetener is safe for humans, but affects dogs' pancreas
Bexarotene, sold under the name Targretin, had caused ripples of excitement across the medical profession
As The Independent reported yesterday, scientists have developed a new method of creating genetically-modified animals that addresses one of the principal objections of the anti-GM movement.
MP calls for ban on sale to under-16s after 13 deaths in the US have sparked safety questions
US service members in Afghanistan battle zones who consumed three or more caffeine-charged energy drinks a day were prone to sleepiness and dozing off while on guard duty, according to a report.
Where should you go to find the finest supplies and recipes online? Kate Watson-Smyth grills Jamie Oliver and his fellow foodies
Rustle up something scrumptious with one of these wonderful food mixers.
From expensive dining to a simple smile, we show you how to win over your date guided by Leil Lowndes, author of How to Make Anyone Fall in Love With You.


text:
Ode on a Grecian Urn
by John Keats
How we cite our quotes: (stanza.line)
Quote #1
Thou still unravish'd bride of quietness, (line 1)
"Ravished" can mean "stunned" or "bowled over," but it can also mean, more bluntly, "raped or violated by force." There's a hint of irony in this opening line; it's hard to imagine our mellow friend Mr. Quietness "ravishing" anyone.
Quote #2
What men or gods are these? What maidens loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape?
What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy? (lines 8-10)
These questions can be misleading, but we can piece the general story together: a bunch of the guys are chasing the gals through the woods. This isn't a tender, intimate scene; it's practically a sex party. Keats isn't just throwing this in here to be racy. The classical civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome really were quite sexually adventurous, and scenes like this one were not infrequent. The Greeks like to cut loose on occasion and experience moments of "wild ecstasy."
Quote #3
Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
Though winning near the goal—yet, do not grieve;
She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,
For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair! (lines 17-20)
"Thy bliss" seems a fairly clear reference to sexual bliss. The male lover hasn't hooked up with the maiden yet, which the speaker thinks is a good thing. They don't have to worry about the awkward period "after" they do the deed, and he'll never have to watch his love get old and wrinkly with age (and vice-versa). The couple will always be at their height of their attraction for one another.


text:
National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) serves the food & fiber industry,
focusing on our members' professional development by providing access to
solutions and opportunities in agribusiness.
and Opportunities of Members
learn first-hand from professionals in marketing, advertising, communications,
promotion, sales, public relations, etc., the various career opportunities
available in agri-marketing. Students are then in a better position to select a
career that best fits their interests and talents.
To develop valuable personal
contacts and working relations between the students and agri-marketing
professionals. These contacts provide access to internships, co-op programs, job
interviews, referrals, business recommendations and career opportunities. In
some student chapters, students have access to a mentor program.
To provide
meaningful opportunities for students to practice their managerial skills
(planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and controlling) and to
demonstrate their leadership abilities.
To attend the monthly professional
chapter meetings, seminars and social events and to assist various professional
chapter chairs in planning and implementing chapter projects. These meetings
provide students the opportunity to become highly visible as prospects for
employment after graduation.
To attend the annual Agri-Marketing Conference, and
to participate in activities including, TEAM NAMA, the National Marketing
Competition, Outstanding Student Chapter Competition and ABEF Scholarship
Awards. Attending the conference provides students with an opportunity to
establish personal contacts with marketing professionals throughout the United
States and Canada. These contacts are valuable sources for career opportunities.
To assist in making the transition from being a student to becoming a business
the NAMA Membership Form (76Kb) - Please contact any of the current NAMA
members for further assistance.
| Archives
| Members
| Activities
| Contact
| Links
Saturday, October 11, 2003 11:44:22 AM


text:
Show Highlight
The Next Chapter moves to Saturdays only!
The Next Chapter will not air on Monday afternoons this summer. Tune into The Next Chapter on Saturdays at 4 p.m. (4:30 NL). Check out The Candy Palmater Show each weekday at 1pm (1:30NL).
most recent
Saturday August 27, 2016Listen to Full Episode 53:59 Listen 19:17
Billie Livingston on substance abuse and family tragedy
The author opens up about fictionalizing her own family's experiences in her new novel, The Crooked Heart of Mercy. More
more stories from this episode
Frances Backhouse on the mighty beaver
Environmental journalist Frances Backhouse explains how our country was built on beaver pelts. MoreListen 2:38
Why you should read Red Doc> by Anne Carson
Musician Dave Ritter of The Strumbellas recommends the critically acclaimed poetry collection. MoreListen 1:27
Treasa Levasseur on touring Canada through the pages of a classic collection
In the latest instalment of her road trip series, Treasa Levasseur talks about the anthology From Ink Lake. MoreListen 11:04
Daniel Heath Justice on rethinking stereotypes... about badgers
The fantasy author on how his new book, a cultural history of the badger, doesn't veer that far from his usual genre. MoreListen 11:30
More From CBC Radio
The Current
Mental health professionals must speak out against 'Trumpism', says psychologist
Olympian Adam van Koeverden on how we can make sports more accessible
Day 6
The secret, cold-war history of Tetris and how the game hypnotized the world
As It Happens
How did lightning kill more than 300 reindeer in Norway?


text:
9/11 Tribute Center programs are offered throughout the year. Lectures, educational workshops and support programs are available to unite family members who lost loved ones, survivors, Lower Manhattan residents, rescue and recovery workers and volunteers who assisted in the aftermath of 9/11. Visit tributewtc.org for a schedule of upcoming programs and events.
Upcoming Events
Events List Navigation
Deadline to register for WTC Victim Compensation Fund (Zadroga)
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund is approaching an important deadline. This deadline applies to individuals who were diagnosed with a 9/11-related eligible cancer other than prostate cancer on or before October 12, 2012 and who have not already registered or filed a VCF claim. Claimants diagnosed on or before October 12, 2012 with one of the cancers added to the list of eligible conditions on that date must register with the Fund by October 12, 2014*. Registration preserves your right to file a claim…Find out more »
Deadline to apply for Kikkoman Scholarships for family members of Pentagon, Flight 77 and Flight 93 attack victims
The Kikkoman Companies are offering $1,000.00 scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year to spouses, children and stepchildren of those killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon, American Airlines Flight 77 and United Flight 93. $1,000.00 scholarships are also offered to those seriously injured in the Pentagon that day and to their children, spouses and stepchildren. Please note that the relatives of victims of those killed or injured in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center…Find out more »
Deadline to enter September 11th essay contest for schoolchildren
To mark the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the city of Rancho Santa Margarita, California will hold an essay contest for schoolchildren. Essays will be accepted from elementary, middle and high school students until Sunday, August 10, 2014. This year's essay theme is "What Patriotism Means to Me." This is the second annual essay contest, which aims both to help students maintain their academic skills over the summer vacation and to teach them why it is…Find out more »
Robin Kaplan Memorial Golf Tournament
The 11th annual Robin Kaplan Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 & Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Lake of Isles North Course at Foxwoods Resort & Casino in North Stonington, CT. Details are available here. Lake of Isles North Course 1 Clubhouse Dr. North Stonington, CT 06359Find out more »
Deadline for recovery workers to register for workers' compensation 9/11/14
New York State would like to ensure you preserve your right to workers' compensation if you participated in the rescue, recovery and clean-up of the World Trade Center through September 12, 2002. File a WTC-12 form with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board by 9/11/14. This preserves your right to future benefits, should you ever need them. Most people are eligible. You should file a WTC-12 form whether you were injured or not and whether you were employed or volunteered.…Find out more »
40th anniversary of Philippe Petit's tightrope walk between the WTC Towers
On August 7, 1974, French tightrope walker Philippe Petit walked between the towers of the World Trade Center on a tightrope. See a clip here. Learn more about Petit and his documentary film Man on Wire here.Find out more »


text: Our consumers do an excellent job of packaging/repackaging a variety of products. We are experienced in packaging glass containers, metal containers, and plastic buckets from pallets to cardboard boxes made to order for each job. Let us handle every step from box assembly to readying product for shipment. You also free up your own space by sending this work to our warehouse.


text:
DEAR AMY: With the holidays approaching, I am again facing the problem of how to deal with an unwanted invitation. My sister-in-law lives four hours away. We don't have much communication with her during the year.
She comes to visit my husband's mother several times a year, but she doesn't contact us when she's in town; we have seen her at a birthday lunch twice in two years. She's always nice, but that's the extent of our contact.
I have nothing personal against her, but she expects us to come to her house for Christmas and do the big family thing as if we're all warm and fuzzy, and I just don't want to do that. I think if we had a true family relationship that included us having some communication during the year, it would be different. But to want us to adjust our schedules to hers so we can celebrate a "family" Christmas just doesn't sit well with me.
Additionally, we are on a tight budget, and the expense of having to stay at a hotel is out of the question. Her mother, children and grandchildren stay at her house, so there's no room for my husband and me. According to my mother-in-law, she often says how much she loves us and how my husband is her favorite sibling. But to me, it's just lip service. If we had a closer relationship, it would be different, but I don't see us making the effort to go there when she excludes us the rest of the year.
Am I wrong to feel this way?
Dreading the Holidays
DEAR DREADING: One way to build a closer tie to a family member (or branch of the family) is to spend time together during the holidays. This is how traditions are made. You seem stung by a lack of attention from your sister-in-law during the year, but you don't note making any effort to get to know her. She visits your mother-in-law several times a year. You could email her to ask if she could come to dinner with you and your husband during her next in-town visit.
You need only to respond to a generous and enthusiastic holiday invitation by saying, "We really appreciate the invitation but won't be able to make it this year." You don't need to make excuses or supply details, but sincerity would be nice -- even if you have to fake it.
DEAR AMY: My son just started kindergarten. Although he is happy and engaged most of the day, he gets visibly upset (often crying) when we drop him off at school in the morning. His teacher assures us that this is normal and that he will get over it in time. But it has been a few weeks, and it's getting harder to leave him. Any suggestions for making the transition easier?
Concerned Mom
DEAR CONCERNED: Ask your son's teacher, not just for reassurance but for concrete suggestions. Ideally, he should be greeted in the morning by a teacher who can help him make the transition by giving him a "job" to do. This will help him enter the daily routine more smoothly. Perhaps there is a more confident buddy he can be paired with.
You also should examine your own behavior. You might be conveying some anxiety by worrying out loud, asking leading questions ("Do you think you'll be OK today?") or lingering too long at the drop-off door.
Send questions to firstname.lastname@example.com or Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.


text: TESTIMONY OF HON. WALTER B. SLOCOMBE, UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR POLICY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HEARING before the SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL SECURITY, PROLIFERATION, AND FEDERAL SERVICES of the COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS UNITED STATES SENATE ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION __________ FEBRUARY 12, 1997 Mr. Slocombe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As you said, you have my full statement. We noticed a couple of typographical errors overnight, and we have a final version of it, which I will submit. Let me summarize what it says. Nuclear deterrence has been the subject of much debate over the decades, and that debate has been resumed and sharpened after the end of the Cold War. Most recently, the question has been given special prominence by the respected individuals and committees who advocate a radical change, setting as a policy goal the complete abolition of nuclear weapons. And I cannot begin without acknowledging that General Goodpaster and General Butler are very distinguished military officers, and their views are always entitled to great respect, although in this case I disagree at least with an important element of what they are saying. These calls for reexamination of our nuclear deterrent policy underscore the continuing American and world interest in a deliberate process to further reduce and ultimately eliminate nuclear weapons. The United States has embraced this commitment for many years, and it is formally reflected in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty signed in 1968, Article VI of which calls on the parties to undertake to ``pursue negotiations in good faith relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on complete and general disarmament under strict and effective international control.'' President Clinton in his speech to the United Nations this past September said he looks forward to a new century in which the roles and risks of nuclear weapons can be further reduced and ultimately eliminated. The United States has made remarkable progress in fulfilling our NPT Article VI commitment. Indeed, in an important sense, the nuclear arms race in the sense we understood it during the Cold War has been halted. The United States and indeed Russia have been reducing nuclear stockpiles, both by unilateral and bilateral initiatives. Over the past 4 years, the Clinton administration has worked hard on this process. We have secured the detargeting of U.S. and Russian strategic missiles, the entry into force of the START I Treaty, the complete denuclearization of Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakstan, the indefinite extension of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, United States ratification of the START II Treaty, and work with the Russian government to promote Duma ratification of that treaty, and successful negotiation of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. We have also made clear that once START II enters into force, we are prepared to work on further reductions in strategic nuclear arms as well as on limiting and monitoring nuclear warheads and materials. Those are important accomplishments and there is much more to do, but we are not by any means yet at the point where we can eliminate our nuclear weapons. For the foreseeable future, we will continue to need a reliable and flexible nuclear deterrent, survivable against the most aggressive attack, under highly confident constitutional command and control, and assured in its safety against both accident and unauthorized use. We need such a force because nuclear deterrence, far from being made wholly obsolete, remains an essential ultimate assurance against the gravest of threats. A key conclusion of the administration's national security strategy released just a year ago is that ``The United States will retain a triad of strategic nuclear forces sufficient to deter any future hostile foreign leadership with access to strategic nuclear forces from acting against our vital interests and to convince it that seeking a nuclear advantage would be futile. Therefore, we will continue to maintain nuclear forces of sufficient size and capability to hold at risk a broad range of assets valued by such political and military leaders.'' To summarize the argument I will develop in more detail in my statement, we have already made dramatic steps in reducing U.S., Russian and indeed other nuclear arsenals and potentials. We have also taken important steps to ensure the safety, security, and non-diversion of remaining nuclear weapons. Second, we can and should do more on both the reduction and the safety and security fronts. Third, nonetheless, nuclear weapons remain essential to deter against the gravest threats, actual and foreseeable. Fourth, abolition of nuclear weapons, if understood as a near-term goal rather than, as President Clinton has stated, an ultimate aspiration, is not a wise and surely not a feasible focus for current policy efforts. And finally, assuring the reliability of our nuclear forces and the nuclear stockpile, therefore, remains a high national security priority. In my statement, I summarize briefly the Cold War experience with nuclear weapons. Some argued even during the Cold War that the danger of nuclear holocaust, which is unimaginable in its scope, was so great that the risk of possessing these weapons far outweighed their benefits. I do not agree, and I do not think the historical record supports that position. Nuclear deterrence helped us buy time, time for internal forces of upheaval and decay to rend the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact and bring about the end of the Cold War. But the Cold War is over, and it is important to recognize the degree to which our nuclear deterrent and indeed that of Russia has been transformed even during the relatively short period of time since the wall came down. The role of nuclear weapons in our defense posture has diminished dramatically. We in the Department of Defense welcome this trend and expect it will continue in the future. In the sincerest of currency, U.S. spending on strategic forces, the emphasis has declined dramatically. In the mid-1960's, we were spending about a quarter of our defense budget on strategic nuclear forces. We now spend something like 3 percent. We have no major procurement programs for next generation systems. We do have programs designed to sustain the effectiveness, safety and reliability of the remaining forces, and to ensure the continued high quality of the people who man them. Russian spending on strategic forces has also declined substantially. The Russian Federation does have some strategic systems under development, for example, a new single warhead ICBM, the SS-X-27, and a new strategic ballistic missile submarine, but these programs are far fewer in number, and their development and deployment pace far slower than during the Cold War period. Stabilizing agreed reductions in nuclear forces have been and continue to be a primary objective of the United States. The United States and Russia have taken great strides in this regard in recent years. START I will reduce each side's deployed strategic weapons from well over 10,000 to 6,000 accountable weapons. Russia, like the U.S., is actually somewhat ahead of schedule in meeting the START I reduction requirements. START II, when it is ratified by the Russian Duma and enters into force, will further reduce to 3,000 to 3,500 each side's weapons. Following START II's entry into force, we are prepared to engage in negotiations further reducing strategic nuclear forces. Meanwhile, the United States has unilaterally reduced its non-strategic nuclear weapons to one-tenth--I say again one- tenth--of Cold War levels. Russia pledged in 1991 to make significant unilateral cuts itself in its non-strategic forces, and it has reduced its operational non-strategic force substantially. It has made far less progress on this score than the United States, and the Russian non-strategic arsenal deployed and stockpiled is probably about 10 times as large as ours. In addition to START reductions, there have been qualitative changes in our nuclear arsenal. There used to be nuclear land-mines, nuclear artillery, nuclear infantry weapons, tactical nuclear surface-to-surface weapons, nuclear surface-to-air weapons, nuclear air-to-air weapons, nuclear depth-charges, and nuclear torpedoes. All these have gone. In 1991 and 1992, the United States unilaterally stopped several nuclear weapons programs like Lance and SRAM-A. We halted a number of planned or ongoing development programs, which had been the focus of passionate controversy during the 1980's, like the Small ICBM, the Peacekeeper Rail Garrison and the Lance Follow-On Theater Missile. We took nuclear bombers off strip alert and removed from alert as well, well ahead of the required schedule, those ICBMs and strategic missile submarines planned for elimination under START II. We made dramatic cuts in our tactical nuclear forces. In 1994, further reflecting the changed international situation, the United States and Russia agreed to no longer target their ballistic missiles against each other on a day-to-day basis. In parallel with this, we have been pressing the proliferation question. Clearly, there are serious problems, but the picture is not all bleak. No nation has openly joined the nuclear club since China in 1964. There are only three unacknowledged nuclear powers. South Africa abandoned its nuclear capability, as Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakstan did theirs. Argentina and Brazil have renounced the option, as Sweden and Canada did long ago. North Korea's program is effectively frozen. Iraq is under a special and highly intrusive United Nations inspection regime. The vast majority of the countries in the world support a permanent nuclear nonproliferation treaty, which is mostly a benefit which the non-nuclear countries confer upon each other in the world and not a favor they do for the nuclear powers. And we have negotiated an end to nuclear testing. With all this, the question, however, is rightly asked: Granted all these reductions with the end of the Cold War, why do we need to continue to maintain a nuclear deterrent at all? In September 1994, the Clinton administration answered this question in its Nuclear Posture Review, the first comprehensive post-Cold War review of nuclear policy. The NPR recognized that with the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and other dramatic changes, the strategic environment had been transformed. Conventional forces, therefore, could and should and would assume a far larger share of the deterrent role. The administration concluded nonetheless that nuclear weapons continue to play a critical role in deterring aggression against the United States, its overseas forces, its allies and friends. That conclusion is entirely consistent with NATO's Strategic Concept, adopted in 1991 after the end of the Cold War, which states that ``The fundamental purpose of NATO's nuclear force is to preserve peace and prevent coercion and any kind of war and that nuclear weapons make a unique contribution in rendering the risks of aggression incalculable and unacceptable.'' Why did we and why did NATO reach these conclusions? Most importantly, because the positive changes in the international environment are far from irreversible, and we can foresee new dangers. There are broadly two classes of threat against which nuclear weapons remain important as a deterrent. First, Russia. Russia has made great progress, and we do not regard it as a potential military threat under its present or indeed any reasonably foreseeable government. The United States wisely invests substantially in the Cooperative Threat Reduction program, in future arms control, and in political efforts to maintain good relations. We share with the current Russian leadership and indeed with most of their opponents a determination not to let our relations ever return to the state of hostility in which the weapons each country possesses would be a threat to the other. All that said, Russia continues to possess substantial strategic nuclear forces and an even larger stockpile of tactical nuclear weapons. And because of deterioration in its conventional military capabilities, Russian spokesmen have indicated that they may place even more reliance on nuclear forces on the future. We cannot be so certain of future Russian politics and policies as to ignore the possibility that we would again need to deter this Russian nuclear force. Accordingly, with respect to Russia, our nuclear policy is what Secretary Perry called ``lead and hedge,'' leading toward further reductions and increased weapons safety and improved relations and hedging against the possibility of reversal of reform in Russia. We do not believe that reversal is likely, but we are working to manage the risk. Nonetheless, we feel it is prudent to provide a hedge against its happening. Second, even if we could ignore the Russian nuclear arsenal entirely, there are unfortunately a range of other potential threats to which nuclear weapons are needed as a deterrent. One cannot survey the list of rogue states with potential WMD programs and conclude otherwise. Indeed, the knowledge that the United States has a powerful and ready nuclear capability is, I believe, a significant deterrent to proliferators who even contemplate the use of weapons of mass destruction. That this is so, I think, will be clear if one thinks about the proliferation incentives that would be presented to the Kaddafis and Kim-Chong-Ils of the world if the United States did not have a reliable and flexible nuclear capability. Of course, nuclear weapons are only a part of the broad range of capabilities by which we seek to prevent, deter and if necessary defend against threats from weapons of mass destruction. Passive defenses, improved intelligence, diplomatic efforts, active air, cruise missile and ballistic missile defense, and powerful and precise conventional capabilities, each have key roles to play, but nuclear weapons also play a part. In view of this, it is our conclusion that it would be irresponsible to dismantle the well-established and much- reduced system of nuclear deterrence before new and reliable systems or substitute systems for preserving stability are in place. What about the argument that our weapons promote proliferation? The more compelling case seems to me that proliferant states acquire nuclear weapons not because we have them but for reasons of their own: to counter regional adversaries, to further regional ambitions, and to enhance their status among their neighbors and in the world. And insofar as our nuclear capability is an issue, if a successful proliferator knew he would not face the nuclear potential of the United States, that would scarcely reduce incentives to acquire a WMD capability. The incentives to proliferate would increase dramatically if a rogue state would through a successful nuclear weapons program acquire a nuclear monopoly and not just a token capability facing far stronger forces possessed by the United States and other world powers. Some people claim that once proliferation does occur, U.S. nuclear forces lack any utility in deterring rogue leaders from using those weapons because those leaders would not regard the costs even of nuclear retaliation as sufficiently great. Of course, their calculations of risk and rewards undoubtedly differ from our own, and we must take that into account. But experience suggests that few dictators are, in fact, indifferent to the preservation of key instruments of their State control or to the survival of their own regimes or indeed their own persons and associates. Thus, I believe the reverse is true. Our nuclear capabilities are more likely to give pause to potential rogue proliferants than to encourage them. Another important role of U.S. nuclear capability in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons should not go unnoticed. The extension of a credible U.S. nuclear deterrent to allies and friends has been an important nonproliferation tool. It has removed incentives for key allies in a still dangerous world to develop and deploy their own nuclear forces, as many are quite capable of doing from a technical point of view. Indeed, our strong security relationships have probably played as great a role in nonproliferation over the past 40 years as the NPT or any other single factor. Let me address the argument that nuclear weapons should be eliminated because they are dangerous and unsafe. Of course, nuclear weapons are dangerous. Quite apart from their potential to cause incalculable destruction if they are used, they contain high explosives and fissile material. But they are not unsafe in the sense that they are susceptible to accidental detonation or unauthorized use. Our nuclear weapons meet the highest standards of safety, security, and responsible custodianship. Moreover, we place high priority on maintaining and improving stockpile safety as well as reliability. Our nuclear safety record is extraordinary. Although a few accidents involving nuclear weapons have occurred, no such accident has ever resulted in a nuclear detonation or a nuclear yield, and the last accident of any kind was almost 20 years ago. We believe the likelihood of accidents has been dramatically reduced since the end of the Cold War, and I detail the statements which we have made to that end in the statement. In addition, nuclear weapons security in Russia has been a key element of the Department of Defense's Cooperative Threat Reduction program with Russia, better known as the Nunn- Lugar program, from the beginning. It is clear that Russian's military and civilian leaders themselves, and for their own reasons, place a high priority on preserving effective control over their nuclear arsenal. It is every bit in our interest that they should do so. $100 million in CTR assistance has been made available for projects to enhance security of nuclear weapons under Ministry of Defense control in Russia. On balance, the safety risks of maintaining a smaller nuclear arsenal are far outweighed by the security and non- proliferation benefits that we continue to derive from nuclear deterrence. With respect to the general argument for abolition, I would summarize the case for retaining nuclear weapons for the foreseeable future as follows. First, whatever would be desirable, there is, in fact, no reasonable prospect that all the declared and de facto nuclear powers will agree in the near term to give up all their nuclear weapons. But as long as one such State refuses to do so, it will be necessary for us to retain a nuclear force of our own. Second, if the nuclear powers were somehow to agree to accept abolition, that acceptance would require Congress, the public--the U.S. Government would rightly demand--a verification regime of extraordinary rigor and intrusiveness. This would have to go far beyond any currently in existence or even under contemplation, and it would have to include not merely a system of verification, but what the International Generals Statement calls, ``an agreed procedure for forcible international intervention and interruption of covert efforts in a certain and timely fashion.'' The difficulties with setting up such a system under current world conditions are obvious. Such a regime would have to continue to be effective in the midst of prolonged and grave crisis between potentially nuclear-capable powers even during a war between such powers, for in such a crisis, in an abolition regime, the first question for all involved would be that of whether or when to start a clandestine nuclear program so as to avoid another beating them to the goal, for the knowledge of how to build nuclear weapons cannot be abolished. Finally, we who are charged with responsibility for national security and national defense, both in the executive branch and in Congress, must recall that we are not only seeking to avert a nuclear war. We are seeking to avert major conventional war as well. As I indicated earlier, during the Cold War, nuclear weapons played a stabilizing role in that they made the resort to military force less likely. The world is still heavily armed with advanced conventional weapons and will increasingly be so armed with weapons of mass destruction. The existence of nuclear weapons continues to serve as a damper on resort to the use of force. Because nuclear deterrence is to remain a part of our national security policy for the foreseeable future, the United States nuclear deterrent has to remain credible. Weapon systems must be effective and their warheads safe and reliable. Quality, reliability and effectiveness of the forces themselves, including the communication and command systems which are essential to their functioning, and the people who operate them, are among our top priorities in the Department of Defense. With respect to the nuclear devices themselves, DOE, which has the responsibility, has an aggressive, well-funded program designed to ensure that our weapons remain safe and reliable in the absence of nuclear testing. The Department of Defense fully supports this program. We also strongly support the principle that if for some reason the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy could not certify the reliability of a critical element of our deterrent without nuclear testing, the United States would have to give the most serious consideration to exercising its right under the Test Ban Treaty to withdraw from the treaty under the supreme national interest clause for the purpose of conducting necessary tests. We regard that possibility as very remote given a properly supported and executed stewardship program. In short, today and for the future, assuming that program is carried out, we have high confidence in the safety and reliability of our nuclear deterrent force. The Stockpile Stewardship and Management Program is designed to provide the tools to assure this in the future. Our objective is a safe, stable world. We must develop our national security policy with the understanding that nuclear weapons and the underlying technical knowledge cannot be disinvented. In this connection, the United States will continue to lead the way to a safer world through deep reductions in nuclear forces undertaken in START and through the Cooperative Threat Reduction program and other actions. At the same time, we will maintain a smaller nuclear force as a hedge against a future that is uncertain and in a world which substantial nuclear arsenals remain. Successive U.S. administrations have embraced the objective of nuclear disarmament as our ultimate goal. What is clear is that this ultimate goal can be reached, if at all, only through realistic moves forward as genuine security permits, with each step building on those before it. We will continue to strive to make the world a safer place for our children and grandchildren and successor generations. In this regard, we are committed to the ultimate objective of elimination of nuclear weapons in the context of complete and general disarmament. Until these conditions are realized, however, I believe that nuclear weapons will continue to fulfil an essential role in meeting our deterrence requirements and assuring our non-proliferation objectives. I thank you for the Subcommittee's attention.


text:
Photo by D. Jeanene
God seemed absent, how did you cope? When death was all around,
how did you find life? St. Anthony Messenger readers
share accounts of trial, tribulation, testing and triumph.
By Virginia Ann Froehle, R.S.M.
Some describe their experience as staggering on desert sands with no direction. Others see themselves as hesitating or paralyzed in a dark tunnel, unable to predict the results of another step. Still others adopt the words of St. John of the Cross, "dark night of the soul," as an apt description of the terrible inner journey which throws all they have known and believed into question.
Those who have struggled along this terrifying path report that it usually—though not always—begins with a sense of helplessness in suffering some terrible loss. They move from feeling "stripped of meaning" to having disturbing doubts about themselves and unsettling questions about life to asking "Where is God?" or "Who is God?" or "Is there a God?" All report "not feeling strong enough to endure this trial."
But there is a way out of this darkness, as readers of St. Anthony Messenger told us. Many responded to the editor's request for personal experiences, sharing what helped them to move through and beyond such agonizing times into new and often fuller life. Stories of heartbreaking suffering and heartwarming release, struggle, spiritual growth and gratitude filled our mailbox.
After "finding my way out of darkness," writes Lisa S. of Hamilton, Ohio, "I would say to others, 'Let go, let God.' But if someone had said that to me in the beginning of the journey, I would have said, 'I know, but how do I get to where I can do that?'"
Joan W. of Racine, Wisconsin, credits a priest who helped her to "let go." She describes herself as being "struck dumb like a rock baking in the relentless sun" after she heard her diagnosis of spreading, incurable scleroderma. Although her husband, children, friends and relatives tried to support her, she felt "utterly alone, unable to pray, dried up and lost. God's presence or lack of it was so disturbing. I had many unanswered questions."
The "first ripple of peace flowed into me when I received the Rite of Anointing in the hospital," Joan writes. Later a priest-friend "prayed for me and hugged me as a precious child. He led me to prayer and to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I began to pray the rosary daily. Later, I found myself using fewer words and just listening to God in silence."
She continues, "I find myself sharing in Christ's suffering with joy. Jesus has given me meaning and purpose in being sick. Each day is precious and special and I live it as though it were the last. Although I have hope for a remission or healing, I have a peace, a comfort and hope, with no more fear of dying."
Two women report what it was like as they each heard their diagnosis. The words multiple sclerosis (MS), they say, descended on them like a prison sentence.
Sister Elenore of Orchard Park, New York, tried clutching her teaching, her independence and her body as everything in her life began to change. At only 29, she was faced with letting go of her life's dreams. Next came the "letting go" of wanting it all back. She struggled with facing the truth without bucking it. The needed surrender came in prayer.
Limited in body, Sister Elenore says she has since found other horizons opening to her. "I do not know what the future holds," she says, "but I know who holds it." She prays that she will be able to continue to evolve and grow as God wishes her to do.
Leah McCarter's story of MS is featured in a sidebar at the end of this article.
Quite a few readers related moving stories of extraordinary manifestations of God's presence that either brought them out of the tunnel or helped them walk through it more calmly. These are not included here. Everyone can ask, however, for that special, tangible sense of God's presence that cures—or heals, even when it doesn't cure.
The sufferings of three men reached out to envelop their mothers. One son was sentenced to prison, another left the ministerial priesthood, the third "came out" to his family as homosexual.
Diane S. of Manitou Beach, Minnesota, listened to the judge sentence her son to prison for rape at gunpoint. To her and her husband, it seemed that the trial had relied on no evidence and the accuser's word against their son's. She writes, "With horror my husband and I realized we were caught in a web of deadly deceit as we watched a less-than-perfect legal system spin out of control. I experienced my first descent into genuine despair. I buried myself in bed for three days and, too numb to cry, writhed in silent, lonely agony."
Diane describes how she, with her husband, friends and prayer groups, had pleaded with faith and confidence that her son would be given justice. When "God said no," she felt "betrayed and abandoned....Wasn't my faith strong enough? Didn't we pray hard enough? Is this what it means to have God on our side? Or is there, after all, a God? I was like Job: ranting, raving, raging and demanding to know why.
"In a desperate search for answers, I devoured spiritual books on the age-old problem of evil and suffering. Although it was difficult to pray and read Scripture daily, I forced myself to do the best I could. I continued to receive the sacraments and meet regularly with my prayer partner. Like the persistent widow, I constantly petition God for my son's freedom."
Diane credits the support, encouragement and prayer of her friends and loved ones with giving continuing strength to her husband and her in this ongoing ordeal. "On my bad days when every cell of my brain, every nerve in my body screams out, 'This is evil. This can't be really happening,' I am now able to pray with Job, 'Slay me though he might, I will wait for him'" (Job 13:15).
In another story, related by Mary A. of Port Charlotte, Florida, during the Mass when the bishop called her son to come forward and receive ordination, she was startled by an unexplainable, excruciating pain racking her ribs. Several years later when her son confided to her the unbearable stress and physical pain he was experiencing as a priest and revealed that he was leaving the active priesthood, she wondered about the connection of her experience at his ordination to his suffering and subsequent decision.
In troubled darkness she asked, "Have I failed as a mother? Could this be God's will? If so, why do I feel so forsaken? Has the Holy Spirit abandoned me?
"I trudged along this spiritually lonely road of questions feeling empty, trying to persevere in prayer and to hope and trust in God. Eventually, though, through prayer and reading, I found fairer (though not unclouded) skies. Prayer comes easier now."
A Secular Franciscan who wishes to be anonymous writes, "Swiftly, sharply and without warning, my heart was broken. My only child pierced it with the arrow of four words, 'Mom, I am gay.'"
This mother had always thought that homosexuality was intrinsically evil. So, besides fearing AIDS, she was also afraid that the most beloved person in her life was lost to her spiritually as well. These beliefs and fears, she says, sent her to grapple with the questions "within the essence of my soul in order to survive."
She continued to pray and to question God—especially about suffering and about "Who is God?" and "Who am I?" She listened. She heard that Jesus, most beloved of God, suffered. How could she expect less? When she began asking Jesus, who sat at table with lepers, what he would do and say in her place, she relates, "Divine Wisdom spoke to me at dawn, 'Be there for him in a loving way.' Divine Wisdom pleaded with me at dusk, 'Do not judge him.' Divine Wisdom shouted at me at night, 'Do not condemn. Just love and forgive.'"
As a result she now asks, "Who is the real leper, the real sinner? Me. The one who judged. My time of judging and fearing was a 'self-inflicted' purgatory."
Several readers wrote about the darkness and depression that followed the breakup of their marriages.
Divorced at 28, Karen L. writes that she had lived her life until then for the care of others—"first my father, then my husband." Now, alone, "I realized for the first time that I had no sense of my own self. I turned to a 12-step program, Adult Children of Alcoholics, but, to my surprise, I had difficulty dealing with the concept of 'God,' with my 'Higher Power.' While I accepted the traditional male image of God, I didn't feel any connectedness with it." She began her search for God as she searched for herself and found that the two are connected.
Karen writes, "When I heard the audiotape, In Her Presence, Exploring Feminine Images of God, I knew I had just received a long-awaited gift. Here was a sense of God that spoke to all the parts of me. The emerging feminist was attracted to a strong female image. The Christian in me wanted a personal two-way relationship. The neglected child found a loving mother figure, and the scared woman found a compassionate friend."
Florence A. of Newburgh, New York, also took an emotional plunge when her husband of eight years left her with two children, ages five and two. She had no family nearby and no job. "I lay awake each night and prayed as the sun rose, 'O Lord, you care for the lilies of the field and the birds of the sky, how much more are we?' and 'Lord, you have brought us here; you know what we need. Please provide for us.' As the children grew, their lives and mine flourished around God as our center."
That was 17 years ago. Now, Florence reports, her children are "grown, educated and respectful." The words she now hears Jesus say to her are, "If you were the only person on earth, I would have died for you" and "Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Judith S. of Augusta, Georgia, suffered a divorce, lost her father and faced a health crisis within a few months. "During the long nights, I started thinking about the prayer of St. Francis that I prayed daily. I decided that I was the one who needed someone to be the instrument of God's peace to me, so I reversed the prayer: 'Lord, send me an instrument of your peace; where there has been hatred, let someone bring me love, where there is doubt, faith' and so on. I continued to volunteer at Church, eat well, exercise and work hard.
"Each day I asked God to send someone to me, praying the prayer that had sent me to so many others." God did. That someone was a man of faith, kindness and a great sense of humor. They married the following year.
The death of one's own child may be the deepest cut of all. Susan M. of Louisville, Kentucky, writes that she and her husband, along with three surviving children, were plunged into the valley of death when they found their seven-year-old son dead in the street near their house, the victim of a speeding car. "I began questioning every belief I had ever held, including God. I had to bear this tremendous grief, deal with my husband who was grieving much differently than I was and cope with three young children who didn't understand why their brother couldn't come home."
What helped Susan survive? "Although I was feeling in the depths of despair, I hung on to the knowledge that God was holding me in the palm of his hand. I kept praying, 'Lord, I believe, help my unbelief'" (Mark 9:24). She also credits the loving support of family and friends and the caring and prayers of her faith community.
The death of a spouse or parent may push some into the wilderness. At 27, Mary Lu L. of Portland, Oregon, received the news that her father would soon die of kidney failure. She is a nurse, but she couldn't heal him. She rebelled against her helplessness in losing him, but eventually found herself praying with Jesus in the garden, "[L]et this cup pass...yet, not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39). In the years that followed, Gethsemane became her refuge in every crisis. Several years ago, when she was 59, her mother died, followed by her boss of 12 years, followed by the loss of her job. "I was too young to retire, too old to be hired, and feeling too broken to think," she says.
Mary Lu credits prayer and listening to Jesus at the top of the list of the people and things that got her through. Others include baking bread, taking long walks, reading spiritual books (especially by the mystics), creating part-time work for support, volunteering and finding a spiritual director. She also discovered that "sharing the pain is important. We often hear Jesus speak through others and we were not meant to walk to Calvary alone."
John of the Cross described the dark night of the soul as the prolonged loss of consolation and of the sense of God's presence, especially in prayer. In its classical sense, the dark night often simply descends without apparent cause upon a soul needing purification. The person who perseveres in the night and doesn't try to escape it enters into a deeper knowledge of God and lets go of inflated images of oneself.
The dark night may or may not be precipitated by loss. Also, it is not the same as clinical depression. Yet, for persons of faith and prayer, clinical depression and the suffering that follows loss both include the dark night. No felt sense of God is available. Those who persevere on the journey are, indeed, purified and stripped down to a more realistic understanding of themselves as well as a new way of understanding God.
Jerilyn K. of Shelton, Connecticut, experienced a breakdown and recognized that she needed to return emotionally to her childhood sufferings to be healed of them. "I begged God to let me die," she relates. "Only my physical self moved and walked around. For two years, the rest of me was in mental and emotional torment every second of the day." She repeated over and over to herself, "Trust in Jesus." She participated in Masses for healing and joined a prayer group.
Hope came when she read a line in the Bible: "For a tree there is hope, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again and that its tender shoots will not cease" (Job 14:7). A few days later, while watching A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, she was startled to hear the way the father comforted his daughter after the city workers cut down their favorite tree. "He explained to her that the tree was not dead, but that its roots would struggle up again through the earth." She told her husband about the coincidence of the two quotations.
Jerilyn says that the next day her husband "called me to the yard to show me something. He led me to the spot where we had cut down a small decayed tree. Pushing up through the earth were the beginnings of a new one. I wept."
Brother Bjarne F. of Norway (studying in the United States) found himself in the midst of a winter storm after experiencing a significant rejection. "I felt the Lord was stripping me of everything. My spiritual director helped me most by suggesting that I should pray for help to work through the pain rather than to be released from it. Expressing my feelings in poetry also helped."
Roland F. of Floral Park, New York, believes that, for him, the dark night of the soul was not a specified time but a state "hidden in life itself." He was 10 when his Catholic mother died. After his father remarried, Roland refused to convert to his father's and stepmother's religion, and he began taking Catholicism seriously. He says that it is the gift of faith which he developed in those early years that took him through the other losses of his life.
Early in their marriage, Roland's wife gave birth to a son with a serious nervous disease. The child died at age 12. They also lost their second child, a girl. After the births of three other boys, his wife developed a drinking problem which "brought her to the brink of death." During the 10 years of her active alcoholism, their boys were in elementary and high schools, and he raised them himself.
Shortly after Roland's wife stopped drinking, their oldest son Terry died of cancer at 24. About seven years ago, when Roland was 64, his wife developed cancer, and treatment resulted in severe radiation damage. Throughout the years, "I never lost faith in God. I learned early that God loved me, that God is always there, waiting for us to come to him. I knew this when I was 10 years old. Now, looking back over the years, I believe that all is grace."
Lisa S., with whose story we began, knows that she found her way by "making quiet time and listening to the Lord. God speaks in many ways and I believe that he even wants us to question. In the long run, we will remember the answers better than if they were just handed to us."
Many readers speak of persons, activities and techniques which helped them to cope. Yet, almost unanimously, readers named prayer and faith as the most significant forces which brought them through the night. They described prayer as difficult during this time. They did not feel their faith. Often they just willed it deep inside: "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief."
Unanimously, these pilgrims on the dark path report the light returning. Often they experience a glow and radiance they had not previously known. The dark night did not last forever.
Virginia Ann Froehle, Religious Sister of Mercy, is a free-lance author, spiritual director and retreat director. Her latest book, published by Ave Maria Press, is Loving Yourself More: 101 Meditations for Women. Next month, she travels to Papua New Guinea where she will offer a variety of retreats for missionaries and native religious.
IN MAY 1993 I WAS HAPPY. I was 26 years old and a full-time volunteer in campus ministry at a small state college. My boyfriend and I were discussing marriage. I had good friends and lived in a beautiful part of Pennsylvania. I am a convert and my ministry encouraged me to grow in knowledge of the Church. My spirituality was growing by leaps and bounds. Every part of me was certain that I was fulfilling a plan that God had for my life.
One morning in late May I woke up to experience a "blue spot" in my left eye. I assumed that I had scratched it. Because I couldn't see through the blue spot, I went to the doctor—who sent me to other doctors. The bottom line was a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
I had to leave my campus ministry job to get needed health insurance and a living wage. I returned to a job I had formerly held—defeated, disappointed and terribly, terribly afraid.
I was afraid of my own body. The body that I had long trusted to stand, sit and walk on command no longer seemed to be under my control. I was afraid of the future. MS is an unpredictable, progressive disease. Would I be unable to walk in five years? One year? Next week? What was I to become?
And my boyfriend? I was not, as you might think, afraid that he would leave me. No, I was afraid that he would stay with me out of pity, not out of love. I was ashamed of myself—ashamed of my sudden physical deficiencies, ashamed of my failure to be a healthy young adult, ashamed of my inability to handle all of this gracefully, ashamed of my fear.
But I remember most vividly my fear of God. I asked the eternal question, "Why me?" and God was silent. Underneath my fear, I became angry at God and jealous of everyone else who loved and trusted God and was well.
Mass, which I had once enjoyed, became an act of obedience in an attempt to ward off any more unwanted divine attention. I didn't dare stay home because God might notice and become angry at me. I didn't want to pray because I didn't want to draw any of heaven's attention to myself. I thought if I could just hide I could somehow recover my strength myself.
In my loneliness, pain and attempts to hide, I turned to Mary. Somehow I felt that Mary, being a woman, could understand me. Didn't I want the same things that she had wanted at one time—to be loved, to have a family of her own? She could understand my fear. (Would an angel have to tell her, "Do not be afraid," if she wasn't?) She experienced firsthand the inexorable will of God, and somehow, she could say, "May it be done to me according to your word," and mean it. And she could still love and trust him in spite of (because of?) it all. The rosary became a thin strand of faith to which I clung.
Inch by inch I made my way back to being in relationship with the Lord.
I prayed the rosary sometimes three times a day, always asking for healing—not necessarily physical healing, but healing of my heart and mind so that I could accept God's will. After those prayers, I could pray to God, holding on as tightly as I could to my knowledge that even though I felt so bad, he loved me.
What I have always heard people say about praying with Mary was true—she does turn you toward the Lord. Mary reintroduced me to the human Christ through the events in which he bowed to the will of God no matter what. I was reminded that I wasn't being singled out for suffering. My "Why me?" changed into "Why not me?"
It was such a gradual process! For so long I felt as though I was walking blindly through total darkness and was so completely alone. I felt no one could possibly understand the emotional and spiritual suffering I was going through, but I was wrong. The rosary opened me up and helped me to stop focusing on myself by forcing me to meditate on the sufferings of someone else—Christ.
The Sacrament of Penance helped me tear off the veil of secrecy from my fear. Saying the words "I'm afraid of God" aloud and learning that I wasn't the only person to experience this fear was a tremendous relief. I needed reassurance that God hadn't left me alone. Exposing my fear to the light was healing.
Finally I realized that God was not punishing me, that he wasn't angry at me, hadn't abandoned me, and truly loved me. Inch by inch I made my way back to being in relationship with the Lord. That is not to say that I never get angry at God anymore. But I do trust and know him in a different way now, a more intimate way than before.
Leah McCarter was married in June 1994 and became pregnant in 1997. During her pregnancy she experienced the cessation of all debilitating symptoms of MS and gave birth to a healthy son last October. His name is Daniel.


text:
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Enter Our Contest
Join Us
This is the perfect summer dog dress, bright and cheery!
Matching hair barrette available.
Custom made when ordered. Please allow 5-7 business days for shipment.
Enter your zip code or sign in to view shipping information. For more detailed information see our shipping page.


text:
On Monday 07 April 2008 23:50:24 Anthony Liguori wrote:
> Rusty Russell wrote:
> > The 'disable_cb' callback is designed as an optimization to tell the host
> > we don't need callbacks now. As it is not reliable, the debug check is
> > overzealous: it can happen on two CPUs at the same time. Document this.
> >
> > Even if it were reliable, the virtio_net driver doesn't disable
> > callbacks on transmit so the START_USE/END_USE debugging reentrance
> > protection can be easily tripped even on UP.
> >
> > Thanks to Balaji Rao for the bug report and testing.
> I think the printk() in start_xmit should be removed too (or at least
> rate limited).
Yep, please send patch. I'm about to jump on a plane, so consider this a
pre-canned ack.
To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in
the body of a message to email@example.com
More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html
Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/


text:
JOHNSON'S® Skin Perfecting Oil
Developed with JOHNSON'S® expertise in soft, delicate skin and enriched with Botanic Oils and vitamin E, Skin Perfecting Oil boosts your skin's elasticity - leaving it feeling beautifully smooth and supple, helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Visible results in just 4 weeks†
Our clinical study has shown a visible improvement in the appearance of stretch marks after applying JOHNSON'S® Skin Perfecting Oil twice a day, for four weeks, carefully massaging the oil into the skin in a circular motion.
After 4 weeks, JOHNSON'S® Skin Perfecting Oil is proven to help improve the skin's condition, by increasing skin moisturisation, softness and comfort, helping to reduce the overall appearance and colour of stretch marks.
After 8 weeks of continued use, further improvements in the skin can be seen as JOHNSON'S® Skin Perfecting Oil helps to also improve skin elasticity and reduce the length and width of the stretch marks.
The science behind our formula
JOHNSON'S® Skin Perfecting Oil is enriched with Botanicoils™ and an anti-oxidant complex. Carefully combined into a rich blend of sweet almond oil, wheatgerm oil, vitamin E and more, these ingredients help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by nourishing and moisturising the skin, helping to make it more supple and soft.
JOHNSON'S® Skin Perfecting Oil is dermatologically tested and formulated to minimise the risk of allergies. Also available in an easy to use spray (150ml bottle).


text:
Skip to Main Content »
Join the DHI Sensitive Perio Club to receive valuable information, special offers and free samples of new and exciting oral care products to keep your family healthy and smiling.
Need more information on a specific problem area? Like to share your thoughts and ideas? Contact us!
Features information on periodontal disease signs and diabetes, gingivitis, bleeding gums, gum disease treatment disease. Offers sonic electric toothbrush, sonic care toothbrushes sensitive toothpaste, oxygene antimicrobial mouthrinse, plaque removal disclosing tablets,
replacement tooth brush heads and plastic travel tooth brush holder


text:
False Hope
Optimism, typically a good thing, can morph into something insidious: blindness to the facts. A new study suggests that some cancer patients in clinical trials have crossed that point, raising the question of whether they can give informed consent to be experimented on (as the law requires).
Researchers asked 72 participants in Phase 1, Phase 1-2, and Phase 2 clinical tests to rate the likelihood of certain outcomes—specifically, whether the outcomes were more or less likely for them than for the typical patient. The study used a scale of -3 to 3, with 0 meaning "like the average patient." Depending on the question, which might be about side effects as well as benefits, anything above 1 or below -1 ("slightly above" or "slightly below" average) was deemed unrealistic.
Using that standard, 60% of the patients were unrealistically hopeful about having their cancer "controlled" by the drugs under study, 63% too hopeful about experiencing a health benefit, and 39% too hopeful about avoiding side effects.
It is unclear, the authors* said, whether people who so evidently fail to grasp where they stand should be allowed into experimental treatments.
In another wrinkle, many of the patients—nearly three-quarters of them—could state with considerable precision what the purpose of the drug trial was. Often, such trials are designed to benefit future patients, with little or no hope of improvement for the patients under study, and this is particularly true for Phase 1 studies. Nevertheless, the patients would go on to make patently unrealistic assessments about their own prospects.
The study appears in the January-February issue of IRB Ethics & Human Research.
Cognitive errors have received a lot of attention in psychology and economics in recent years, but the stakes here seem particularly high. After all, the whole edifice of experimental research on humans is built on the premise of informed consent. But can people be considered informed if they consistently, predictably delude themselves?
*Lynn A. Jansen, Paul S. Appelbaum, William M.P. Klein, Neil D. Weinstein, William Cook, Jessica S. Fogel, and Daniel P. Sulmasy. Their research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute.


text:
How President Obama Can Turn Climate Speech Into Action
by Sarah van GelderJan 21, 2013
- Many were surprised to hear President Barack Obama take up climate change at today's inaugural address. Here are a few ways the president can seize the moment and transform our approach to climate action.
Idle No More Rises to Defend Ancestral Lands—and the Planet
by Bill McKibbenJan 10, 2013
- Bill McKibben on the tradition of environmental activism he's seen among members of First Nations, and the unique role of the Idle No More movement in the fight against climate change.
9 Stories That Will Change Your World in 2013
by Sarah van GelderJan 02, 2013
- 2012 was a year of superstorms, mass shootings, debt strikes, and the most spendy election ever. Here's how last year's most important stories will shape 2013.
Why Curbing the Climate Crisis Will Take More Than Summits and Divestment
by Jim ShultzDec 14, 2012
- Targeting the fossil fuel industry is essential, but divestment as the target for action raises the same question as global summitry does: Is it enough?
How I Survived Breaking Up with My Car
by Erin L. McCoyDec 14, 2012
- Erin McCoy tells the story of how she gave up driving, despite her love for cars, and examines the challenges facing drivers who don't live in cities.
Doha Talks Show Need for Climate Action in Post-Sandy U.S.
by Janet RedmanDec 04, 2012
- Will the United States ever change its policy of obstructing international action to stop climate change? If so, the political pressure to change the country's role will have to come from the American people.
5 Ways the Space Program Helps Us Fight Climate Change
by Erin L. McCoyNov 30, 2012
- From tracking glaciers to predicting crop failure to figuring out how to store solar energy in molten salt, NASA has produced some of our best tools in the fight against climate change.
Greenpeace's Kumi Naidoo: Time to Stand Against Big Oil in the Arctic
by Kumi NaidooNov 13, 2012
- Oil companies—and many of our political leaders—see melting sea ice as an opportunity to drill deeper. Fortunately, you don't have to occupy an Arctic drilling platform to join the growing movement of people who are putting themselves on the line for our planet's future.
Should Chiapas Farmers Suffer for California's Carbon?
by Jeff ConantNov 13, 2012
- A California proposal would offset the state's climate-altering emissions by paying for forest conservation in Chiapas. Could there be unintended consequences in a region with a history of human rights abuse and land grabs?
NASA Climate Expert James Hansen: The Future Is Now—and It Is Hot
by Jeff RaderstrongNov 13, 2012
- Climate change is already increasing the likelihood of weather extremes—like the droughts and heat waves we've seen in recent years—according to a new report by one of NASA's top climate scientists.
Next Leaders in the Climate Movement: Insurance Companies?
by Jeff RaderstrongNov 13, 2012
- Insurance companies are likely to pay out billions in claims due to events caused by climate change—which makes them well-poised to lead the way to a low-carbon economy.
McKibben Spearheads Plan to Hit Dirty Energy Where It Hurts
by Fabien TepperNov 09, 2012
- Could 350.org's aggressive new strategy bring an end to global warming?
A Real World Plan for the President's Second Term
by David KortenNov 08, 2012
- The pundits are right that Obama should work to bridge political divides. But he needs to reach out to the American people—not to the Republican Party.
Bill McKibben's Math: Climate Change Hits Home (in a 22-City Tour)
by Phil AroneanuNov 05, 2012
- It shouldn't take a hurricane to blow open the debate about climate change. But Sandy might help 350.org prove what's at stake in a nationwide campaign to divest university endowments from the fossil fuel industry.
Will "Frankenstorm" Hurricane Sandy End Climate Silence?
by Duncan MeiselOct 29, 2012
- While our two main candidates for president have avoided the topic of global warming, the climate itself is anything but silent.
- Previous 15 items
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- Next 15 items


text:
SAN PABLO -- Three years after a major landslide, residents in the affected hillside community say they remain in peril because the city has not yet fixed a faulty drainage system that has left the slopes susceptible to slides for decades.
"We just want the problem fixed, but the city refuses to acknowledge that they accepted ownership of that drainage system in 1957," said resident Joe Romey, who lives in one of the affected houses.
A March 2011 landslide amid heavy rains threatened seven homes, triggered lawsuits and set the stage for long-term animus between affected residents and the city, which they say is responsible for a faulty drainage system that caused the problem and remains a danger today.
Four of the affected homes are on Wyman Street; the other three are downslope on Hillcrest Road. Today, three homes sit vacant because of slide danger, and the remaining residents are still on edge.
Last month, Romey located one of the system's lateral pipes, and said it was damaged and not draining properly.
City Manager Matt Rodriguez said in an email that he cannot comment on the "current claims about the subterranean drainage pipe being contributable to the Wyman landslide event ... due to current litigation against the city."
Rodriguez referred inquiries to Walnut Creek law firm Gibbons-Conley, which he said has been hired to represent the city in the matter. Calls to Gibbons-Conley seeking comment were not returned.
Asked Wednesday how much the city has spent on legal fees stemming from the matter, Rodriguez said he needed more time to estimate the costs.
San Pablo proclaimed a local emergency, but hoped-for federal and state emergency relief funds did not materialize.
Some of the owners contend that the drainage system contributed to the slide and that the city is responsible for fixing it. In 2011, Rodriguez said in a news release that geotechnical experts determined no city work or property ownership contributed to the slide.
Another resident, Leon Walker, toured the slide area with reporters in December and said he and his neighbors don't understand why the city won't fix the problem. "The residents here are taxpayers who deserve the city's attention to the problem," Walker said.
Walker's attorney, Angela Morgan, said Walker is one of six residents suing the city and that Walker's suit alleges the city was negligent and is liable for the unsafe conditions. Morgan said she is in settlement talks with several insurance companies.
"It appears the drains do not work properly and cause water to get stuck under the hillside," Morgan said. "The city should rectify this."
The city proposed an "interim fix" of the slide damage only if released from all liability for causing the landslide, but the owners balked, Romey said.
"Sweet deal for the city. Not so much for the victims of the landslide caused by the city," Romey said.
Slides have plagued the area since the drainage system was installed in the 1950s, he said.
Romey, a professional surveyor who is not involved in the lawsuits against the city, said the developer's engineer, who was also the city's engineer in the 1950s, used an open-joint drain system, which he said is the source of the problem.
"The city doesn't want to acknowledge the system is theirs now, and that prevents anything being done to correct it," Romey said.
Contact Robert Rogers at 510-262-2726 or email@example.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/SFBaynewsrogers.


text:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on The Gallery Collection at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Get it today!Shop Now
OrAdd to Wish List
Send warm holiday wishes with this rich holiday design featuring a shimmering red foil Christmas ornament trimmed with pale green leaves set against a deep green background. This card is made of dark paper; therefore greeting and personalized imprint available in gold foil only.. Price: $62.52
© Copyright 2016 - Christmas.com. All rights reserved and protected by Christmas Spirit


text:
Prompted by our series showcasing uses of the Google Earth plugin, Gary Grimm of Mountain Visions has shared with us some Google Earth tours that they have created. You can find a complete gallery of … [Read more...]
Mountain Visions Google Earth tours
Making high-quality movies with Google Earth
We've mentioned Planet In Action's Paul van Dinther on GEB quite a few times in the past. From his games like "Ships" and "Drive the A-Team Van" to his amazing projects like the A-tour, he always has … [Read more...]
Mapping the Trayvon Martin murder case
The Trayvon Martin murder case was decided a few days ago, with the jury finding George Zimmerman "not guilty" of second-degree murder or manslaughter. However, it remains a very hot topic as people … [Read more...]
The latest updates from Meograph
Our favorite "four-dimensional storytelling" site Meograph just posted a few great new updates: Social photos: Import Facebook, Instagram, Flickr images (and do web image search) right within … [Read more...]
"Sailing Alone Around the World" in Google Earth
Colin Hazelhurst, who has built impressive tours such as Captain James Cook's exploration of Australia, is back with an amazing collection of tours that show the voyage of Captain Joshua Slocum in his … [Read more...]
Meograph adds search features
We've been fans of Meograph since we first showed them you nearly a year ago. In that time they've made a wealth of improvements, and the latest update is another great feature -- … [Read more...]
Tracking the International Tour de Taiwan Ultra Marathon in Google Earth
A few days ago the 2013 Taiwan Ultra Marathon kicked off, a 14 day race that covers an astonishing 1100km. The runners are all carrying a Leadtek GPS device, and the organizers have put together this … [Read more...]


text:
Filed Under (Infiniti) by admin on 22-04-2011
2000-2001 I30 AND 2002 I35; DRIVER'S SEAT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD This bulletin amends ITB00-067. This version includes additional Model and Model Year application. Please discard all paper copies of the earlier bulletin. If the driver's seat in an applied vehicle will not move in the forward or backward direction, the seat slide motor and gear assembly may need replacement (see figure 1). If this should occur, follow the Service Procedure in this bulletin to assist in diagnosing the incident and, if necessary, install the Seat Slide Motor kit (see the Parts Information section of this bulletin). NOTE: This is the ONLY approved repair procedure for this incident. A claim to Infiniti division for the repair of this incident may be denied if the repair is not performed exactly as outlined in this bulletin.


text:
I'm using WordPress Download Monitor version 18.104.22.168.1 to host a variety of mp3 files.
I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck using the "custom output format" settings to help generate automated audio previews of the files, either using an audio player plugin for wordpress, or some other way?
I'd really appreciate any thoughts, or help either using the "custom output format" or some other insight.


text:
After being indicted on federal charges stemming from the alleged Dec. 27, 2010, beating of a bank robber, Jefferson County Sheriff Robert Shirley is facing an uncertain future.
Charged Tuesday with one count of deprivation of rights and one count of falsifying records during a federal investigation, Shirley faces up to 30 years in prison and a $500,000 fine if convicted on both counts.
Those charges come on the heels of a civil suit in which the same bank robber, Mark David Haines, is suing Shirley and 14 others for allegedly beating him after he had surrendered. According to Haines' suit, Shirley allegedly kicked Haines in the head repeatedly and stomped on his face.
Shirley is maintaining his innocence in both cases, and Jefferson County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie Grove says Shirley will continue to serve in his current position. Grove, the county commission's legal counsel, said the only way the lawsuit and indictment would affect Shirley's position is if he is convicted.
This, however, is hardly a time for things to be business as usual.
While the sheriff should be viewed as innocent until proven otherwise, it is in the best interest of the department and the county for Shirley to step aside until these cases are resolved.
If the sheriff is ultimately convicted on the federal charges, all department actions between now and then could be subject to scrutiny. A loss in the civil suit will potentially open up more cases of criminals claiming they were victims of brutal arrests. If these cases arise, the negligence of Shirley keeping his post will not go unnoticed and resulting legal battles will likely follow.
For the best interest of the county and the department, Shirley should take a leave of absence - while still maintaining his innocence and running for re-election.


text:
The Level 3 application form is below. Simply SAVE AS Level3AppYOURNAME on your computer. Type in your information, save and email to us at info at livingenrichment.com. Be sure to attach a photo of yourself too!
If you prefer not to list your credit card details, a secure link for online payment of the course deposit will be provided after acceptance into the course.
Learn about the 38 Bach Flower Remedies at www.bachflowereducation.com
Copyright 2005-2016, Bach Flower Education, Living Enrichment, all rights reserved Bach flower essences, Bach flower remedies, Rescue Remedy, Bach Rescue 255 250 205


text:
Sponsor Idealware
Idealware is the most respected and widely referred to source for impartial information about nonprofit software. Our readers are looking for tactical advice on technology and how to make it work for their organization. By sponsoring Idealware you can:
- Increase your visibility to technology decision makers in the nonprofit sector
- Capture their attention when they are actively considering technology options
- Show that your organization can help in the next steps in their strategy, software selection and implementation process
- Show your commitment to unbiased software information for nonprofits
Our Reach and Audience
- About 38,000 unique visitors a month – and growing - come to the Idealware website looking for guidance in their software choices.
- More than 300,000 unique visitors viewed the Idealware site in the last year.
- Almost 12,000 people have opted in to receive email notification of new Idealware articles. This number is growing by about 200 per month.
- In addition to our loyal base of readers, about 50% of our site traffic comes from search engines based on targeted search phrases like "constituent relationship management" and "online donations."
- 41% are responsible for technology decisions
- 71% make technology recommendations to nonprofit organizations
- 68% are on staff at a nonprofit
Sponsorship Opportunities
There are a number of ways to support Idealware and increase your visibility at the same time:
Website Patron
Our new website homepage, with all of our terrific information packaged into a friendly and easy to navigate format, is an ideal place to attact the attention of nonprofit technology decision makers. For $400/ month (two month minimum), you can put yourself front and center to the Idealware audience. You will receive:
- Sponsorship of the Idealware home page on our newly re-designed website.
- Logo, link and short description in highlighted side bar, beneath core navigation box, in rotating graphic.
- Free copy of the Idealware Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits.
- Year-long listing on the Partners/Sponsors page of the website.
- Announcement as a lead sponsor in our eNews, which goes out to almost 12,000 individuals.
- Announcement of support, including a link to your organization's website and a description posted to the Idealware blog.
For more information, contact Karen Graham at email@example.com or 207-699-4236.
Topic Page Sponsorships
Our new website topic pages are designed to provide comprehensive information about each category pulled from Idealware's extensive resource catalogue. They are the perfect way to advertise your services directly to those that are in search of guidance in your area of expertise. Topics include:
- Constituent Management
- Websites
- Social Media
- Graphics and Multimedia
- Events and Meetings
- Collaboration
- Fundraising
- Advocacy
- Back Office and Operations
- How to Select Software
For $200/month (three month minimum), you will recieve:
- Sponsorship of topic page of your choice.
- Logo, link and short description in highlighted side bar, beneath core navigation box.
- Year-long listing on the Partners/Sponsors page of the website.
For more information, contact Laura Quinn at email@example.com or 207-699-4236.


text:
eric souza
Senior Portfolio Manager
SVB Asset Management
Eric Souza is a Senior Portfolio Manager for SVB Asset Management. He has over 17 years of fixed income portfolio management and trading experience with both buy side and sell side firms.
In his previous position, Eric served for seven years as Head of Fixed Income Trading for Natixis Global Asset Management. Prior to Natixis, Eric was a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager & Trader with Barclays Global Investors (currently Blackrock), a Fixed Income Position Trader specializing in MBS, CMOs, & ABS with Schwab Capital Markets, and was the CMO/ABS/CMBS trader at broker-dealer Stone & Youngberg.
Eric earned his MS from Saint Mary's College of California and BS from California State University, Hayward. He holds FINRA securities licenses 7 and 63 and has spoken at industry conferences.