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About the Author: Carlos A. DeJuana is on a Presidential Management Fellow rotation at the State Department's Office of Iranian Affairs.
July 20 marked the 500th day since Robert "Bob" Levinson went missing in Iran. The Florida native and father of seven disappeared on March 9, 2007, while visiting Iran's Kish Island. Levinson, a retired FBI agent, was investigating cigarette counterfeiting for a private company when his family lost contact with him.
According to Bob's son, Daniel, the last man who saw Levinson said security officials on Kish Island had detained him. Weeks later, the Iranian government's Press TV also reported that Levinson was in the hands of Iranian security forces. However, to date, the Iranian government has said little else about the case.
Daniel and his mother Christine -- Bob's wife -- traveled to Iran in December last year in search of information. The Iranian government said it was investigating and promised to report back. They have yet to do so.
On July 14, 2008, Bob's wife Christine met with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns to discuss her husband's case. Although the investigation is being led by the FBI, the State Department has advocated on the family's behalf and assisted with the family's trip to Iran in December.
The State Department has urged Tehran to share any information it has on the case. We have also reached out to allies who can press the issue with Iranian officials. Because the United States does not have diplomatic relations with Iran, we work with the Swiss Embassy in Tehran to advocate on behalf of issues concerning U.S. citizens.
The State Department remains committed to determining the whereabouts and welfare of Robert Levinson, and returning him home to his family. Protecting the welfare of American citizens is a fundamental mission of the State Department.
After her meeting with Under Secretary Burns, Christine Levinson also announced she hoped to return to Tehran in the coming weeks to follow up on the case with Iranian authorities.
"They said their religion requires them to help all people and they would continue to investigate," she said after the meeting, according to Reuters.
"That was over seven months ago and we still have not heard anything."
It is deeply frustrating that after 16 months we do not have definitive information about Bob's welfare and whereabouts. This case is ultimately a humanitarian one. Bob Levinson is the father of seven children and grandfather of one, with another grandchild on the way. His family misses him desperately.
News Reports About the Trip and Current Status of the CaseIn Iran, Search for American Yields Little [NYT]
Missing a Father in Iran [WP]
Video Interviews With Christine LevinsonInterview With Voice of AmericaInterview With WTOP Radio National Security Correspondent JJ GreenYouTube: Help Bob LevinsonMore information on Robert Levinson or if you have information that can help the family.
We'd all like to see him come home soon.
Bruce in the U.S.A. writes:
This case is really messed up. Iran has to know something ...some form of information. I hope he is found. Interestingly, I have not heard this case mentioned on the news ...really sad situation.
Ronald in New York writes:
A private company hired "Bob" to investigate cigarette counterfeiting. What security arrangements were made for "Bob" by the company?
Wang in China writes:
I think everything has it's reason. There is not exist missing without reasons!
Joe in Tennessee writes:
Unfortunately, as a past Federal Agent he is not considered to be outside the circle by Iran.
I would presume the same negotiations used in the Cold War era will be used by the US as the kidnapping of a Federal Agent, past, retired or otherwise is a violation of both our National Federal Statues and International agreements, regardless of whom he was presumed working for at the time.
Mr. Levinson was employed by the U.S. Department of Justice for 28 years, serving for six years as a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in its New York and Denver field offices and also at DEA Headquarters. Subsequently, Mr. Levinson transferred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and served that agency as a Special Agent in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. .......He served as a representative of the U.S. on a number of international organized crime task forces attacking such problems as the Colombian drug cartels and the criminal groups operating in the former Soviet Union.
1. Perhaps this is an indication that Iran is involved strongly in the International Narcotics trade and felt him a threat.
2. The association to Russia and Columbia may also show a new movement to Iran for Narcotics and other illicit activities.
3. Given his background, it would be difficult for anyone to think he is just looking for counterfeit cigarettes for Safir Rosetti. Especially given the fact he was Managing Director. Why would he be in the field?
4. It is poor situation for all concerned. He worked against Organized Crime and counterfeit cigarettes were a major money maker years ago...so, I do believe he had a legitimate reason for follow-up and being there; but, you are dealing with suspicious political elements at best.
They have something to bargain with, so I doubt he will be hurt. God bless his family during this time...
Donald in Virginia writes:
06 August 08
In the search of Mr. Robert Levinson has the United States (State) Department checked with Russia, and all those European countries? Maybe the State Department should throw out a reward to help find BOB! I read the story, I find it hard to believe that he departed Kish Island without his passport and luggage. Which means the Iranian Officials know more about what happened the morning he was suppose to get on the flight back to UAE! Especially, at the hotel he was staying. Like they don't know anything! I believe that alright! (NOT)
I think Iran needs to fess up and tell the truth about what happened to BOB! I would say to the Iran Government. It would behove you to release Mr. Robert Levinson for the sake of humanity and good will. Show the people in world you have a heart. Show the people of Iran and the world you care about people! Show the United Nations how Iran can be humbled and return an American Human Being back to his lovely family! I will pray this humble pray so he will be returned home safe and sound as soon as possible!
Eric in New Mexico writes:
Since '79 it has been estimated that some 200,000 have "dissapeared" in Iran, according to those keeping track of the fate of political dissidents.
While this is not a factor in this particular dissaperance, the fate of a Canadian jounalist comes to mind, as one example of the way Iran treats folks to their brand of official hospitality.
Reports on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran published since 1979 by international human rights organizations are gathered in this collection and will gradually be translated into Farsi. In doing so, the library makes available to the Iranian public a juridical reasoning based on the universality of human rights and thus facilitates the understanding of these rights. By browsing this collection, Iranian visitors will realize that during the harsh years of isolation and repression, the injustice and violence endured by this nation was not ignored by the international community and people around the world have been concerned about their rights. What is more, these reports contain important pages of Iran's history, and so should be available to the public. The creation of this collection is also a way for the Abdorrahman Boroumand Foundation to pay tribute to those jurists and human rights advocates who have worked, researched and published these valuable documents.
-- Amnesty International
-- Human Rights Watch
-- International Commission of Jurists
-- United Nations
-- Reporters Without Borders
-- International Federation of Human Rights
-- Others
Robert Levinson's case is unique but the context is not, and there's a broader human rights issue that becomes relevent thereby.
DipNote Blogger Carlos DeJuana writes:
Thought readers might be interested in an update on the Levinson case. Please see the following recent NBC Nightly News story.
Meead in Iran writes:
First let me tell you I'm really sorry about this sad happening to Robert Levinson.
I searched in local and state news and I found several contradict news:
1. Robert Levinson is still in Iran and arrested.
2. Iran's government sent Robert to Iraq and gave him to U.S. embassy in Iraq.
3. Robert left Iran to Iraq, but he came back to Iran again.
4. Iran's government has kept Robert to make pressure on U.S. to release arrested Iranian diplomats in Iraq.
In sum, I couldn't find any official report about him. But I'm sure he is okay. I hope he will come back home soon.
Guys, did you hear that recently an American cruise stopped in Kish Island (Iran) for some hours. Local people welcomed them with some music. Visit this link for some photos http://iranseek.com/pics/us_cruise_ship_in_kish.html


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Names Released of Crash Victims
The names of the reforestation crew members involved in a crash early Monday morning have been released. 23-year old Efren Vargas-Urena was killed when a Pacific Coast Contracting company van was struck by a pick-up driven by Leta Schroeder. Injured were 23-year old Arnulfa Anaya, 21-year old Dimas Rodriguez and 37-year old Pedro Santana-Arriaga were hospitalized. Three other men walked away.
The 34-year old Schroeder is in jail for hit and run, reckless driving and manslaughter charges. She is held in lieu of a million dollars bail.

subset: commoncrawl


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Watch Olympic gold medalist gymnast Aly Raisman's message for Team USA fans after week eight on Dancing with the Stars and find out which dances Aly will be performing in next week's semifinal show.
Be sure to vote for Aly to make it all the way to the finals. You can watch Aly Raisman on Dancing with the Stars on Monday and Tuesday nights on ABC and also follow her journey on TeamUSA.org.


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Be sure to catch Todd Friel interview Phil Johnson today at 12:00 noon PST on his radio program, "Wretched with Todd Friel." It's sure to be a lively discussion about John MacArthur's YRR series.
Listen to this 43-minute clip:
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Very helpful discussion!
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Here's the "Conflict" in a nutshell, the way I see it. I agree with Pastor Macarthur that the YRR or any other group shouldn't use beer drinking, tattoos, clothing, as a badge of honor, that part I get. I agree with Pastor Macarthur on that.
Where I disagree with him is his lesser implied message of Alcohol abstinence. It simply is not Biblical, unless you took a Nazirite vow. The Bible calls for discernment, moderation, and responsibility, not abstinence. If you can't handle alcohol moderately, than of course you shouldn't drink.
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To Tommy Clayton or any other moderator:
I would like to get GTY's take on the following documentary about youth and other age-segregated ministries. I think it correlates to the YRR discussion, but is quite different too.
Google "Divided the movie" and watch it. You'll notice commentary by many respected men of God, namely RC Sproul Jr. and Ken Ham, and ICR has posted an article about it as well.
I personally found it to be very compelling and agreeable at first watch, but I'll need to study the scriptures myself to confirm.
Thanks for your time!
Would you guys like some cheese to go with your wine?
Seriously, if you want to drink, feel at liberty to do so. Don't let MacArthur be your conscience. You have not been specific in your accusations of legalism! You have not shown that it has been said by MacArthur 'if you drink you are going to hell, you are apostate and reprobate'. You have only been able to bring speculation and innuendo. Now, of course you say 'abstinence' is not scriptural. Does that mean Paul was being unscriptural when he said that he would not eat meat (sacrificed to idols was what he was most likely referring to but he seems general here) if it meant making the weaker brother to stumble, that is the very definition of abstinence. Unscriptural? Yes or No?
Look, forget about the weaker brother...well, the weaker brother really is not a issue is he! Drink on, to what ever moderation level is right for you, it is your right, right? You now know where Mac. stands, you can take his position or leave it.
I'd have to say that most of the "cool" christian music videos
and what nots have put on such an almost comical display of
bodily gew gaws accessories and whatever you call thems, seemingly
to identify with modern culture, has been painful to watch. Not only
that, its years and years behind the current trends.
In the world I had all the cool I could ever handle, being in multiple bands, being a well known prolific artist, and the life of the party kind of guy. And that being in a constant personal style of my own. "cool" is such a strange phenomenon in human culture. Who could ever explain it?
But i tell you what. I'm so glad that as time goes by, any "coolness" I've had has been falling off bit by bit like scales. That so strong desire for the praise of other people. And boy oh boy i could have it ALL back in a day if I would only turn back to the world and
forget about Jesus and sanctification. But I have been there, just about to the pinnacle of, popularity and the esteem of everyone around me and some abroad. But how could i forget
the hollowness of it? And the loneliness? And the Christlessness!
Beer? Come on man! Lets just think about people being saved from alcohol abuse. And there's some guy somewhere struggling greatly with the putting to death of that. Struggling with doubt,
and in his flesh hes grasping for a rationalization to grab another drink. Nothing better than a pastoral endorsement. "Oh ill just have one for the taste. Hmm, two more wont get me drunk because i was such a heavy user.Ive had three now, maybe I'm not even saved. Might as well drink a twelve pack because I'm lost anyway." Then its
back to screaming at the kids and pushing the wife around. Stuff Like that.
If you where to ask me about drinking and the church. I would suggest individual pastoral/brethren counseling. So that you and another believer could honestly asses if having a beer here and there would be safe for you. But a general broadcasting of the endorsement of alcohol form a pastor is dangerous. The internet is out there.
Whos ears are these endorsements going to fall on?
Im not trying to be too harsh but we all need to draw from the wells of older men in the faith who are more circumspect!
High Five John!
#2 Chris Lemi
Where I disagree with him is his lesser implied message of Alcohol abstinence. It simply is not Biblical, unless you took a Nazirite vow. The Bible calls for discernment, moderation, and responsibility, not abstinence. If you can't handle alcohol moderately, than of course you shouldn't drink.
Many have answered that question for you. The problem is not the liberty you have, but how you use that liberty. I have heard John MacArthur say in his sermon, that he choose abstinence for the sake of his testimony, responsibility for his ministry, for pursue of personal holiness and for not causing a weaker brother to stumble.
That is what makes him mature. He simply loves Jesus.
In this blog series, we have testimonies from brothers who came out of all kinds of alcohol abuse. Would you invite them to biblestudy in the local pub?
How mature is that? How loving is that? How Christian is that?
#5 Timothy Wright: Right on brother! Right on! I'm with you on the whole coolness factor. Before I stepped down from lead guitarist position at my old church, I strove for total coolness. Man, I had the Jimmy Page/Clapton thing down...but, it's not about me. When I stepped down (after 3 years) and got real with the Lord, my relationship with Him grew as never before. Christianity has no room for posers....I know, I was one. I still have to keep myself in check. I love your reference of how time goes by the coolness drops off like scales....Amen to that. You know what cool is? Being HIS and not trying to look like a Relevant magazine cover. Let's put our noses in the Word, reach out to our brother with strong love and give all the praise to God. Thank you, Timothy, you just made my day! And yes....If you're out there in cyber space reading this on your i-pad Pastor John....High five to you!
# 6 - Rudi, thank you for you comment above.
# 7 - Mark Cooper. "Christianity has no room for posers....I know, I was one. I still have to keep myself in check. " =) Well said. I particularly appreciate the fact that you recognize you haven't made it yet. None of us has, unless we are dead and typing from heaven? ;)
As a mother, I have seen it over and over again my kids agreeing with me but only when they look back (how do they say that in English again, hindsight?). I personally went through that as a child, and today I look back and see my parents wisdom in many things, and they weren't even Christians. They wanted the best for me. I can say that if I had followed many of their advices I wouldn't have gotten myself in so much trouble when I was young and foolish. Now, older and a Christ follower, I can see why the Bible refers to the wisdom of the elderly and the foolishness of the young.
Is with that in mind that the elderly and mature Christian needs to deal with the young. Not all young are foolish, of course, but we cannot deny that being foolish is inherit in being young.
And that's how I take all that Pastor MacArthur has to say. Although I am not a YRRer, I can heed his advice with the humility of someone who has been there one way or another. And I can apply the wisdom in his letters to my own life.
The way his letters have been misrepresented is really sad. Worse, the way the young has reacted on them is really shameful. Those who are too quick to quote verses and seem to defend the faith with so much passion, have conveniently forgotten how to behave and show respect to all people (regardless of age), when they are confronted with some of their "idols" (and we all have idols, in various degrees and various forms).
I for one am happy that there are still faithful pastors out there who won't be intimidated by the possibility of being ostracized but they will speak the truth, over and over again, no matter how many times it's needed. After all, they serve the Lord, and not men. I feel loved and really cared for when I am being well-shepherd. Leave it to me alone and I will get myself in trouble, and I will certainly display some of the arrogance that we all have seen these last days here on this blog and some others.
The attacks displayed throughout this series is totally uncalled for, and they should be examining their hearts. Maybe they will, in a few years down the road, I hope the Lord will grant them that so they can repent and continue growing in the faith.
Grace and peace to all,
#8 Elaine
If we learned from our mistakes, we would be very wise :-)
I love Todd and gty so both together was cool. The more I read the more I see the wisdom in restraint. I will never teach drinking is inherently sinful but given cultural norms and the inflamatory nature of the practice wisdom seems to dictate avoidance or quiet use at most.
More than anything this series has shown me need for love and unity. Christ says it is how we should be known. I'm on a mobile so I will leave it to someone else to cite the verses. But we all know them. In the wake of our liberty vs legslism debate have we forgotten love and unity?
Pastor John Macarthur is trying to do what Jesus Christ wants in my scriptural belief.He has a legacy of pastors and I have a legacy of drinkers and divorcers. I think He is right. I was a smoker, drinker,(beer) many nights a 12 pack, I have martial arts tatoos (7).They are not cool especially after decades. . Jesus set me free from smoking 2-3 packs of cigarettes I rode motorcycles when younger,I do not want one now. I would much rather find a Church where the pastor preachs like John Macarthur,and I mean expository and with much prepareation. And a church that has 4-5 worship services and study-prayer meetings.Too many here where I live only have sunday morning and some home meetings many of which do not have qualified leadership as given in the pastoral espistles. I have and still do think and pray of moving from the mid-west to Grace Community Church. My prayer for blessed younger or any age man /pastor is that they be like Jesus Christ and not try to compete on American Idol. In love a brother ><>
First I would like to say thank you to GTY for standing for the truth, in world where it seems no one wants to hear it (believers or not).
I am 33 years old, and I have seen my share of pastors doing anything hip or trendy in a desperate attempt to seem "cool". I find this very sad, because it comes across almost as if they're ashamed of the gospel. They so desperately want to be accepted by the "cool kids" (the unbelievers they try to attract to their churches). It's just like high school all over again. In my experience, the churches who try so hard to be cool, often have congregations who stay spiritually immature. Why? Because they are so incredibly afraid of offending people and losing their hip image that they will not rebuke and reprove when needed. Church, in those places, is nothing more than an hour of entertainment on a Sunday morning. Instead of walking in love and staying true to the Word of God, they think that because the world seems so hip, that the world must have it figured out and the church must be wrong. They seem to seek praise from people instead of looking to the only One whose judgement really matters.
What is even sadder is some don't realize is that people who come from unchurched backgrounds (such as myself), are so incredibly sick of the world, they want nothing to do with it anymore. That's why they're at church. That's why they are seeking the truth. They have already found out that the world is empty and full of lies. If a seeker is truly being led by God, the style of dress or music really does not matter. The truth does. My husband who was involved in the party scene prior to giving his life to the Lord, got saved at a very traditional, senior-focused church. But he sensed the love and that God was present. That, in the end, was all that mattered.
#6 Rudi
I would never invite a new Christian out to a pub right off the bat. I would first have to know them personally for a long period of time to invite them out for drinks. But after having known them for a time and assuming they were responsible, sure I would.
#4 Robert Cooper
I'm not a big wine guy, I prefer good American Microbrews. Not a big cheese person, although I love pizza. Actually on Monday nights, I like to have a couple of slices of New York style pizza with a couple of Microbrews, thank Jesus its a great combination. :)
May the Lord keep me from causing anyone to stumble. It is already hard as it is, we will never know how many times we made a brother or sister to stumble or how many times we have unwillingly hindered the Gospel.
# 13, Chris.
What if a new Christian asked you if you drink and go to pubs, what would you tell them?
What if some years from now you find out that one person became an alcoholic and your personal testimony was the seed planted that caused that to happen?
Who are you to determine when a new Christian is mature enough to be invited to come with you to pubs for some drinks?
Again, i really wish we didnt make the real point of this series to turn this way, but the more you speak the more I see the folly in your thinking.
Chris Lemi
I know some hard core alcoholics that are very responsible and can drink until the bar is closed and still not appear to be drunk. Is that all good with you? They say they are Christians and they certainly meet your standards, right Chris? I mean their limit is way higher than yours, but it is their limit. Wouldn't you be legalistic if you questioned their limit, especially if they could hold their liquor? The point of holding ones liquor is the moderation point, right? If not, then what is the moderation point?
By the way, you say 'abstinence' is not scriptural. Does that mean Paul was being unscriptural when he said that he would not eat meat (sacrificed to idols was what he was most likely referring to but he seems general here) if it meant making the weaker brother to stumble, that is the very definition of abstinence. Unscriptural? Yes or No?
How was I being a 'guilt tripper'. At least be as fair and specific as I have been with you. Adhominem really is not necessary nor is it a sign of someone that is secure in their belief system. Act like a adult Chris and defend what you believe like one!
#14 Chris
From Sanford
I believe your comment about pizza combined with microbrews was made in jest and had a hint of sarcasm, which was fine.
But when you brought in the name of Jesus, The Son of the Living God to add to your jest, you made your comment blasphemous.
I don't think you meant it that way, but (to me at least) it came across that way.
Grace and Peace,
I hate to do run on responses but, we all know from God's Word that 'all food is blessed by God'. No one here has forbade you from drinking let alone eating food, getting married or any other liberty that God has granted to you. If you do not agree with this, 'specifically' point out the legalistic mandate that anyone here has laid down!
Second, since alcohol is a byproduct of the decomposition of food, it is not food and so it does not land under the heading of 'all foods', the body does not even respond to alcohol as it does to food. Alcohol is classified as a 'toxicant' in other words it is a poison to the body. When alcohol is ingested the body stops working on everything else and works on metabolizing the alcohol, because it is a poison and wants to get rid of it (you can look all of this up, and more facts about alcohol, on line since I cannot attach links here)! My point being, your defense of ingesting alcohol as a food is a faulty argument based upon the facts about alcohol. However, if you do not want to listen to the facts and still drink your alcohol then have at it. I do not question whether or not you are a Christian, you are certainly misled and deceived but most likely you are the Christian that you say you are. That being said, you can also be a Christian and die from liver cirrhosis, you can moderately drink and kill someone under the influence, you can even lead others into the deception that you are under and you do not even need to feel guilty about it. Now, if you want to call me a guilt tripper I suppose you can, but everything I said here is a fact and based in 'Christian liberty' definitely not profitable though!
This was a very good interview. Wish more could hear it.
God bless,
Sigh. Now this is too ridiculous, people here automatically equate drinking with alcoholism.
Robert, does the Bible give very specific instructions regarding alcohol usage like say specific numbers.. no it doesn't. The Bible leaves out all the little details because the Lord knows that His children don't need them all.
The Lord knows His own very well and would trust that His children would use good judgement in this area, trusting believers with the indwelling Holy Spirit are capable of handling all the little details.
Fallen, self righteous people with a bone to pick however, demand all the details just to argue more.
Sanford, that wasn't blasphemous. I thank the Lord for everything.
Chris, there is alot of verses of drinking in the scriptures.
Better to tell the Gospel without a beer in a hand.
The bar is not the place to share the Gospel. Just a thought.
I believe it was John Piper who said legalism has sent more people to Hell than alcoholism. Take note Robert Cooper.
Robert, let me clarify.
If you have a problem in your conscience about drinking, that is ok. That is something you need to think and decide yourself. What is not ok is for you or anybody else to impose laws upon God's people that God has not imposed - in fact laws about things God has been pleased to give as a gift.
Wine as medicine- Luke 10:34
Ephesians 5:18 - And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.
This scripture below helped me not to get drunk on wine. God is good! Amen.
Proverbs 23: 29-35 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who
has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without
cause? Who has rednes of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look n the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink.
#5 Timothy Wright - That is an amazing perspective...being in a band and all. I know someone that feels your pain. That scene is so tainted. His words. Thanks for sharing. So many people would think you had "the life" and here you are seeking Christ.
When I watch people drink...even if it's one drink, they all look the same to me. It's as if they are trying so hard to be happy. For just one moment in their day.
Isn't alcohol just another lustful desire? Entertain me. Relax me. Loosen me up. Dull the ugly and let me think happy thoughts. Let me feel for just one moment that I am OK, that the world is OK. I just need to escape.
Really good wake up call. Thanks Timothy.
#7 Mark Cooper - Mark, you just made my day. Onstage whether secular or Christian music is a hard place to be. I'm so happy that you and Timothy listened to your consciences. Keep your eyes on the Prize, brothers. Hebrews 12:1-3 You both have been a big encouragement to me.
1 Peter 2.11 does say this: Abstain from fleshly lust which are against the soul... so a truly follower of Jesus has to abstain his desires through self control...
those who say that drinking a tear of alcohol is not bad are ignoring the life in spirit... John 3.3. that what is born from the flesh .. and that which is born in spirit is spirit.. so if you guys have a constant communion in the holy spirit you won't want to break it just for one beer.
now days people & contemporary ministries have threw away the supernatural gifts to win the lost and have embraced the human efforts instead... behold why evangelism is so weak... 'now you do not know where does the world end and where does the church begins'
#8 Elaine Bittencourt - I could feel your heart in your words. Beautifully said. You spoke for many of us. It was our song too.
You were not confrontational at all and spoke with such gentleness and respect. And sincerity. You have blossomed into one fine Christian woman. Thank you.
#12 Allison Gray - I agree. It does seem like they are trying desperately to fit in as if the Gospel isn't enough. What does it matter if you are able to get people to come if they aren't serious seekers? And then, the pastor thinks he has to stay hip, keep the staff hip, the programs hip, the music hip because, after all, that's how they got them there to begin with. So now he's got to do what he can to keep them there.
It's as if some pastors are peddling the Gospel. And like most salesmen, they have a fear of rejection. So they try to be that slick kind of salesman. The one that acts like he's your best friend after meeting you once?
Great post. Really something to think about. Thanks for that!
#19 Robert Cooper - Really good info. Thanks for posting it. Don't get discouraged. I do believe that some are paying attention and taking it all in.
Thanks for the encouraging words;
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame but holey lean on Jesus name
On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.
As a side note, two of the best works I have seen on the Gospel and evangelism are written by Pastor MacArthur, 'Ashamed of the Gospel' and 'The Gospel According to Jesus', they both will knock your socks off, but be ready to be challenged and changed.
You are really panicking, because of that you judge me as a pharisee and you do not even know me. You are very conflicted and confused.
I only ask of you a couple of things. Since you keep using the term 'legalism', please Biblically define what it is.
As I said before, if you want number on things such as moderation then look to the government which God himself has instituted himself, read Romans 13 if you doubt me. there are governmental laws regarding alcohol consumption, use, production, sales and everything else you can imagine. The numbers are there too, guaranteed and irrefutable! You may not like what you find but it is all on the up and up and instituted by God. Now, please define moderation, and remember Chris, you are your brothers keeper!
On the Piper comment about more people going to hell via legalism than alcoholism? How does John know that and why do you think his statement is authoritative?
Now, please point out the legalistic quotations, I need to know what I to repent of so I do not repeat the same error.
#19 Robert Cooper
Thanks Robert and Right on! You make excellent points. To add to your statement about alcohol
being made from rotten food, decomposing grapes and how that relates to the bible makes total sense to me.
OUr Lord is the LIVING God / Lord. Reflecting on the wedding at Cana and Jesus miracle. The Lord of Love would have never made something that was rotted, decomposing in the form of rotting grapes...fermented to Alcoholic Wine. HE would have never made something that is a DRUG as alcohol is and that destroys lives in so many ways. He Loves life and I believe (as does Pastor John MacArthur and many others) that in His first miracle...HE did make wine, but it was non-alcoholic, it tasted the BEST and was the VERY Best grape Juice/WINE that has ever been made. The taste was out of this world and "Made the Heart Glad"! He would never have tempted people to become drunk with 150 gallons of Alcoholic Wine. He stands for LIFE ..not death. Freshly squeezed Grape Juice....not decomposing / fermented Grapes!
#40 Darren D.
That did not occur to me until some time after I wrote that down, and then, bang it came to me, why would Christ make anything that was decomposing or rotting, He is the Lord of the living and not the dead, He brings life not death. Just as there was never a bone in his body broken, nor was He abandoned to sheol or His flesh see corruption. The passover lamb was a fulfillment of the same thing and the people of Israel could not eat anything with leaven, nothing decaying or rotting. It all makes sense to me too, Christ may have eaten with the unclean, sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors and such was I but for the grace of God. He was perfect in every way, He followed the law to the letter, the perfect and spotless sacrifice lamb. I do not believe He ever drank anything, nor ate anything that was rotting or decaying, lest he defile Himself, or cause anyone to defile themselves. I am now certain that even at the last passover supper, He followed the rules of the passover to a t, had nothing with leaven in it nor did He drink alcohol.
It sure seems like the argument that Christ had anything alcoholic is not likely at all! Therefore, that justification is out the window.
What great stuff!
#13 Chris Lemi
I guess you get the point Chris. You have a very great responsibility with your liberty.
In as much as legalism is an attempt to earn salvation through works or self perceived righteousness, I don't see any evidence of it in these blogs. I suspect your concern stems from your perception that those who advocate abstinence are puffed up with pride in what they feel is a superior position and that they are perhaps looking down on those who feel the liberty to drink. I would caution that the tendency to be prideful and to want to feel superior to others is a sin which I believe easily entangles all who are saved but still live in bodies of flesh. It is something everyone must guard against and can be just as present in those who claim liberty.
This is not to say that it is always out of pride that one argues a position. Just that one needs to be on guard. We are called to exhort and encourage one another but as others have pointed out, we must make sure we speak the truth in love. We also need to check our responses to others that we are not reading in attitudes or motives that aren't there.
Mark Cooper - Thanks for the nice words man! Its great to hear about your awareness of pride in regards to music. I have the same thing going now. I have been considering membership at the church I'm attending right now, which is wonderful. And in the future i was thinking of using my musical abilities seeing that they are pretty shirt handed. Usually only a piano player and a acoustic guitarist or two, which is more than fine for me. I just got an autoharp from a pawn shop. Maybe i could use that hehe. And some see that as a "dorky" instrument, which is more than fine for me. But i know I need to guard from that old need to absorb praise from other people. You stepping down is courageous, and i hope I dont sound flattering when I say that. And I dont want to encourage you in the wrong way, but you being aware of sinful desires as far as playing music at church is really encouraging to me. When you say stepped down from lead guitar does that mean you left music all together? Or do you still use your talents for the Lord? Much Love!
Rebecca Schwem- Thank you! You would be a good example of say, if i where just loosely out drinking, of another believer I might offend. And the Bible clearly prohibits me offending you. I would not be imparting grace to you. :) Admittedly, i have had a beer with another believer (this is NOT an endorsement) who, at their house had some in the fridge. And It did seem sort of pointless. This was months ago. And I have a long time ago with my wife in private. But a tiny bit (again not an endorsement). I honestly dont give a hoot about beer anymore. I used to drink myself into oblivion in the world. To me its just a silly thing which, in excess, gets you drunk and make you lose youre senses. And way moreover, fills you with unrealistic dreamy thoughts and ambitions and desires.
And I know a deacon who says he LOOVES beer. and when he said that to me, what he meant that he wants nothing to do with it, because of how much he loves it. It would be a snare to him. So I want to avoid even talking about it (look at me talking about it now) hehe, so as not to encourage other believers.
As far as Pastor John, he does encourage abstinence, but not in a heavy handed way. He loves his people, and wants to guard them from stumbling. Most assertions i hear made about him are clearly not from folks who've heard alot from him. I work a job where I am allowed an ipod and I listen to sermons from him, sometimes two or three in a day. And Ive heard him approach the subject a few times. I never detected any legalism at all.
#40 Darren- Good point concerning the Living God in relationship to producing something that is rotten....that comes with age.
Could it be that when our Lord admonishes us to not get drunk, it's because He knew some knucklehead was bound to let his drink ferment? That's pretty much a no brainer. The law against prohibition didn't keep some from making moonshine.
Could it be that our Lord knew some would take what He meant for good and adulterate it? Was it that our Lord used and made fermented wine or was it that He was on to those that did? And if you get drunk, everyone knows you did. You let your wine ferment, didn't you?
If I tell a teenager, "You better not come home drunk!", what am I saying? Drink responsibly? Mine didn't think so. They knew what I meant. Had they come in drunk, they obviously had been drinking. No way to hide that fact. You're caught!
Do a search on yeast. Look at all the medical issues that come about because of yeast. Once in the intestinal tract, it's very hard to control. Because of the vast tributaries of blood vessels, it's constantly circulating. And because yeast does so well in dark, moist...well, you get the picture. Major health issues go undetected and symptoms are treated with little if any success. Seldom does your family physician get to the source.
Serious allergies are associated with it as well as stomach problems. Then if you are put on an antibiotic, it goes really haywire. Combine the antibiotic with beer, wow, you're really a petrie dish now. It's really sad how many people suffer from it and don't know they are regularly putting into their systems the reason for their suffering. It's a vicious cycle of inability to lose weight, to asthma like symptoms, to depression, to loss of energy (sluggishness). I'm really surprised at how few people are aware of the medical issues concerning yeast.
Now before someone yells,"What about bread? There's yeast in bread!" That's true. In most bread. There are tons of products now, including bread, that you can buy at the health food store free of yeast. It's expensive. But...if you give up your smokes and alcohol, you can probably afford it.
Alcohol fermentation is done by yeast and some kinds of bacteria. These microorganisms convert sugars in ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. Alcoholic fermentation begins after glucose enters the cell. The glucose is broken down into pyruvic acid. This pyruvic acid is then converted to CO2, ethanol, and energy for the cell. Humans have long taken advantage of this process in making bread, beer, and wine. In these three product the same microorganism is used: the common yeast or Saccharomyces Cerevisae. Did Jesus really turn the water into this? Yucky!
As if our Lord didn't know that drink with yeast wasn't good for you. "Yeast for everybody! Drink up!" Or the guy at the bar, "This round of yeast is on me!" Wonder how many might move their glass away from them?
#29 Dan
Agreed. Drunkenness is prohibited.
#43 Rudi
Thank you. I guess some people have me confused, at least it was clear to you.
Robert Cooper
How do I define moderation? How do you define how much you've had enough to eat before you've crossed the line into gluttony?
#44 Mary
Thank you. Your words are understood. The problem I see is 9 times out of 10, when proponents of abstention insist on the reason, it is mostly from ignoble reasons than the noble ones. (ie. not wanting people becoming alcoholic)
Alcohol is not the problem Sin is. It is always about the heart. Jesus said that if you look upon a woman with lust you have already committed adultery. Hmmm, maybe we should ban women. Maybe if there weren't any rocks around, Cain wouldn't have killed Abel, wow why were there not any rock control laws back then, that would've solved it. Like I said, it bothers me when people impose laws on others that God Himself did not impose, in fact a gift He praised!! I will take God's Word (Sola Scriptura) over Man's. Peace Sister.
#44 Mary Kidwell - So well said. I agree. Abstaining does not have to be a pride thing. It can be someone that simply wants to do the right thing and wants to set the right example. Our Lord was always setting examples that are not necessarily mentioned in scripture. So many things to observe and learn from.
It reminds me of customer service. Have you ever noticed that some don't know how to give good customer service if it's not explicitly mentioned in the handbook? They're lost. They can't think on their own.
Even some Christians, though they have a relationship with Christ, have to be told, "Be fair. Be kind. Answer the question. Or admit you don't know. Be honest. Think before you speak. Be gentle. Be caring. Be willing to sacrifice."
As bible students, we are to read the Bible for ALL it's worth. As we mature, as we have a heart change. we don't always need to find a scripture that is specific and detailed to our every question or every whim. 1 Peter 3:3-4. We are to use scripture that we have, examples that we know, prayer, life experience and common sense. Common sense, that's hard to teach. We are to use our heads! Just a few scriptures concerning using our minds: Job 38:36, Psalm 119:113, Proverbs 12:8, Proverbs 19:21, Proverbs 28:26, Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 20:12, Matthew 16:23, and last but not least,
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Mark 12:30. Your noggin and your heart and your soul...great combo! Don't leave home without anyone of them.
Lastly, if you are losing a debate, bow out graciously. Don't resort to false accusations. Exodus 20:16. That is a strategy some use when losing. They avoid the real issue and take a swipe at their opponents character. They throw out things that you can't disprove 100%. It's a distraction. Takes the focus off of themselves. A Christian counselor once told me, "They start the fire and watch the crazy people try to put it out!" They provoke and wait for you to react.
I can be losing a debate and throw out that your kids are ugly. Now that's not a fact. That's an assumption. Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...in this case, the parents. You can't debate assumptions and prove them right or wrong. Don't let anyone get you caught up like that. Beware.
#48 Chris Lemi
What you have in liberty, I think you lack in love. Just a brotherly rebuke. There are brothers here that literally are getting hurt by this.
Gluttony is what defines drunkenness, it is not just over indulgence but it is over indulgence to the point of greed! Now greed is associated with plunder and that is where it always has to be more than fills your need, you have to take all of something to the point of exhaustion. Essentially drunkenness is a point beyond ones need and is one form of gluttony.
On moderation, the reason I keep asking you for that definition is because it is legally defined in that there are legal standards, numbers that define limits. Do you at least live by the worldly standards? You are accountable to these standards at the least, they are mandates and they are instituted by God.You drink alcohol, you live by the law.
You say that you drink alcohol simply because you enjoy it. You have no problem from me on this, as a matter of fact you have not even been able to point out where I have laid down any legalistic mandate that tells you otherwise. I have however pointed out why any Christian should steer completely away from alcohol consumption, and even in that I have not given any legalistic mandate.
I have pointed out to you the physiological reasons. Alcohol is a intoxicant, it is poison to your body, that poison is what drives your 'perceived pleasure', You cannot control it once you drink it, it controls you no matter how little you drink. Alcohol consumption slowly kills you because it is poison.
Lastly, any Biblical arguments that you have tried to set up about how Christ drank alcohol in the form of wine, therefore you should be able to drink, has been taken apart. Christ is, the author of life. He is not the author of death. Alcohol is a product of death, decomposition, rot! Alcohol consumption is absolutely the antithesis of Christ and the Christian life. However, God understands the world we live in and He understands that sometimes we may consume small amounts of this poison because it cannot be avoided, in that He shows us grace.
Now, you know some facts, all easily substantiated facts. You can drink alcohol, you just cannot justify your alcohol consumption in a qualified manner. So, shouldn't you question why drink at all? It is a poison. You do not need it. You lose control the moment you drink it. It absolutely hinders how you relate to others and Christ.
I hope you stop drinking alcohol Chris, alcohol is a implement of death in the human body, how could God bless that. He has not! I think that you really do know this.
I want to thank you for this Chris, I am a scientist by degree. You have given me something to research more thoroughly, both Biblically and scientifically. I do not know what I will do with this, I have always wanted to write a book and I think this will be a good thing to write on and put out there for Christians to educate themselves in. Anyway, cheers...not really, I hope God will really open your eyes to the truth of this Chris.
I'm sorry to jump back into this discussion because I don't see that much is being accomplished, but I can't believe this statement has gone unchallenged:
"The bar is not the place to share the Gospel." (comment 25 above).
If no one else has been concerned enough about this statement to comment on it (perhaps I've overlooked it?), then the two sides in this discussion are much further apart than I thought.
It just seems amazing to me that someone who is apparently a Christian would believe that there is a place we should not share the Gospel. Perhaps that's not what the comment meant, and if so, I apologize for misreading it.
[please note, this is not to suggest that I do a good job of sharing the Gospel everywhere, or even anywhere. My point is simply that as a Christian, I don't think there's any place we shouldn't share the Gospel, and I (apparently incorrectly) assumed that this was a commonly held belief among Christians.]
#32 Rebecca Schwem: I'm glad I could encourage you because, Lord knows, you have encouraged me as a newbie to the GTY blog world. Iron sharpens iron, right? I was actually hired on to bring rock and roll to a pretty conservative church. I was encouraged to rock out and let loose. Which I kindly did. Funny thing happened along the way. The world crept more and more into my heart as I brought more and more of the world into the church. Thank you Lord Jesus for having me to step down. You can only take so many close up video camera shots that are projected on massive screens, so many spotlights on you when you hit a solo, so much applause and requests for guitar picks....I mean, after a while, when the fog settles on the stage and you walk off...You're just left with an ego trip and.....In my case, a hollow heart. All of that fed my flesh. It brought me to my knees. Literally. That's been 2 years ago...And, to be honest, I'm still getting over it. Now, I give guitar lessons from my home studio and minister to my students. Music is my alcohol. You've heard of Worship Music? Well, I tend to worship.... music! This cannot be so....And, the Lord has shown me that He WON'T let it be so in my life. GTY and John MacArthur have been instrumental (No pun intended) in sound Bible study for me and they have steered me from false doctrine. I am so thankful for this ministry.
#45 Timothy Wright: Thank you for the encouragement brother. Dude, the Autoharp is NOT dorky! :-) Folksy...but not dorky. If you're playing for the Lord, then you're good to go. I've decided not to play guitar at church. I left my last church and have been with a Reformed Baptist church for the last 1 1/2 years now. They knew my rep as a player, but I told them that I would rather not play. Timothy, when I get on stage I become a ham...Plain and simple. More than a ham....I'm the whole blasted pig! I know my role...And it's not being Mr. Cool Guitar Dude w/ the truly killer jeans and awesome shirt. :-) It's keeping my nose in the Word, sharing His light with others and being a man of integrity. The Lord is my strength. He has blessed me through all of this by strengthening my relationship with Him, humbling me, giving me more of a spirit of contentment and having me to be the husband and father that I couldn't be without Him. I encourage you, brother, to tread lightly in the music realm and not have it be your god as it was mine. God bless you and keep you.
Alrighty, greetings and God's love from Atlanta, Ga all you fellow bloggers. Keep the armour on and fight the good fight!
Mark Cooper
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Zack, we know you are busy but please can we get new episodes twice a month, at least? Consider this a formal request.
Everyone else, I spoke with Zack on 10-8-10 at the grand opening of the first Adagio Retail store and asked if it as possible to get more episodes of AdagioTeaV. After a couple of ideas he thought maybe he could put out episodes twice a month but he needs to hear from us on the message board. So please everyone share your thoughts and let him you want the episodes more frequently then once a month. You never know it may just happen.


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December 19 - Officials Reach Queens Waterfront
December 11 -
NYPA Trustees to Meet December 18
December 4 - NYPA to Lead Nation with Clean School Bus Program
November 27 -
Review of Power for Jobs Recipients Shows Actual Employment Exceeds Commitments
November 20 -
NYPA Trustees to Meet November 27
November 19 -
Minority Purchasing Council Presents Annual Award to Power Authority
November 14 -
Yonkers Resident Named Woman Achiever by NYPA
October 24 -
NYPA Trustees to Meet October 30
October 23 -
Eastchester and NYPA Join Together to Provide State's First Public Fleet Use of TH!NK
"All-Electric" Vehicle
October 18 - Zeltmann,
NYPA President, Highlights 3-Part Approach to Worker Safety
October 17 -
NYPA Announces "Clean Commute" Program: Ford Motor Co. and New York Power
Authority Initiative to Provide "All-Electric" commute
October 16 -
NYPA President Presents Electric Car to Hostos C.C.: Emission-free Vehicle
to be Used for
Recruitment Purposes
October 12 -
Power Authority Provides Funds for Emergency Services
October 11 - NYPA
Chairman Seymour Urges 3-Part Power-Supply Strategy
(NYPA Chairman and CEO Joseph Seymour's Remarks)
October 10 -
New York Power Authority Agrees to Sell $191 Million in Bonds Toward Completion of Debt
October 9 - St.
Lawrence-FDR Power Project Visitors Center Open to Groups Making Advance Reservations
October 4 -
NYPA Receives Award from R&D Magazine for HydroTrac
October 1 -
New York Power Authority Makes $50,932 Donation to Brentwood Fire Dept. for New Equipment
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Welcome to our Home !
Our live family room tree. Our cute little artificial Gingerbread tree in the dining room.
Above the kitchen sink. My little Santa mugs scattered throughout the kitchen and dining room. I made these cute wooden candy canes, in my bazaar days. The cupboard in the guest powder bath, right off the kitchen.
And our cute little artificial white tree in our Master bedroom. {notice the blue walls! I finally got our bedroom painted! Just before Thanksgiving. I LOVE it and plan on sharing the Before and Afters someday.}
And the last little artificial tree in our Living Room. All decked out in a Western theme to match the decor in that room. Hope you enjoyed my little tour. Merry Christmas!


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Didn't know that info existed
John,That looks great! How did it taste crust wise? I will try an experiment soon for a 14 and 18 inch pizza.Have not been in the mood much,to make any the last week or so.
John, I've been curious about trying eggs in my crust to see if it adds any additional crunch as Bruno says it does. Did you notice or do you remember if this crust was any crustier or crunchier than a typical dough without the egg? By looking at the recipe and video alone, I would have to agree with you on the salt and hydration levels. Even with the hydration level so low, did you notice the crumb to be dry at all? It certainly doesn't look dry in your pictures. I wonder if the egg would add an additional level of crumb softening effect as well. Also do you remember what flour you used here? Was it KABF? Thanks,Chau


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Section V Football Players of the Week
Each week Section V Football and Ontario Honda present the high school football players of the week based on the nominations of coaches. The Democrat and Chronicle staff has no input in the process. Week two's group:
CLASS AAA: No candidate submitted
CLASS AA: Javonte Mack (Irondequoit). The 166-pound senior tailback rushed for 217 yards on 16 carries, an average of 13.5 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown in Irondequoit's 34-20 victory over Churchville-Chili.
CLASS A: Derik Peters (Canandaigua). The 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior running back gained 159 yards on 20 carries with three touchdowns in a 43-42 overtime victory over Greece Olympia. He also returned a kickoff 85 yards for a fourth touchdown.
CLASS B: Brad Clark (Attica). A 150-pound senior, he scored five touchdowns. Four came as he rushed 205 yards on 13 carries. Another touchdown came on one of two receptions he made for 25 yards. He also completed a 70-yard pass for a sixth touchdown in a 49-7 win.
CLASS C: Caine Cole (Pembroke). The 205-pound senior running back is selected for the second straight week. He rushed for 203 yards on 22 carries and scored four touchdowns. It was his second week over 200 yards as Pembroke beat Barker 47-7.
CLASS DD: Rich Welch (Avon). The 175-pound senior running back had a banner day in Avon's 38-28 win over Le Roy. He had 263 yards on 21 carries including touchdown runs of 49- and 60-yards. He also ran the second-half kickoff back 88 yards for another touchdown.
CLASS D: Nick Raptee (Dundee). The 155-pound quarterback was four for eight passing for 105 yards. He also rushed for 105 yards. In all, he was involved in five touchdowns, as Dundee beat Marcus Whitman 33-14.
CLASS AAA: No candidate submitted.
CLASS AA: Terrell Smith (Irondequoit). The senior defensive end had eight tackles including three quarterback sacks in Irondequoit's win over Churchville-Chili.
CLASS A: Jake Kulig (Aquinas). The 6'3″, 215-pound senior defensive end had 5 initial hit tackles, assisted on 3, had 3 for losses. plus 3 1/2 quarterback sacks. Aquinas beat Mansfield (Mass.) 32-5.
CLASS B: Sam Stonerock (Hornell). The six-foot, 195-pound senior had 6 solo, 5 assisted tackles and 1 sack in Hornell's 49-0 win over Dansville. Despite playing only in the first half, he also scored four touchdowns on six carries.
CLASS C: Quentin Gause (Bishop Kearney). The Rutgers University-recruit made 13 tackles including seven that were solo as a linebacker. He also recovered a fumble and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown as Bishop Kearney lost 38-12 to Notre Dame (Ontario).
CLASS DD: James Staton (Avon). A 156-pound senior defensive back, he had eight tackles and recovered two fumbles in Avon's win over LeRoy.
CLASS D: Tyrhan McKiever (Geneva De Sales). The junior defensive end had 13 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles, 2 sacks and five tackles for lost yardage. DeSales beat Mynderse 26-6.


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As the second fastest-growing Canadian city with a population that has grown 13 percent in five years, Calgary finds itself at a critical moment. City leaders are faced with making infrastructure and planning decisions that will shape the way residents live for years to come and are looking to balance the needs of citizens with a growing concern about the city's use of natural resources. The government has launched an Ecological Footprint project with Global Footprint Network that will help officials understand the ecological impacts of these decisions – and move in a direction that provides the most ecologically sustainable future for its citizens.
A 2005 Ecological Footprint study found that Calgary residents have the highest Ecological Footprint of any Canadian city at 9.9 global hectares per person – a lifestyle that, if everyone lived that way, would require five Earths to support. The city is engaged in a number of efforts to reduce its resource consumption. Using data developed with Global Footprint Network in accordance with international standards, officials are able to see how particular activities are affecting the Footprint, identify areas that are within their ability to change and take into account local actions that can and are making a difference.
Perhaps the most dramatic action the city has taken has been to halt new development on green space for at least a year until officials can develop a policy that takes the Footprint and long-term sustainability goals into account. Calgary has also become the first city in North America to power its public light rail transit system with 100 per cent emissions-free wind-generated energy, through an initiative called Ride the Wind. The Ecological Footprint of Ride the Wind is measurably smaller than other LRT systems.
The city is working to spark awareness among residents of Calgary's Ecological Footprint and raise discussion about what can be done to change it. The city has released the report Reducing the Ecological Footprint: A Calgary Approach describing Calgary's efforts to lighten up and offering residents resources for individual action.
Find out what Calgary is doing to reduce its Ecological Footprint
Download the following publications:
Reducing the Ecological Footprint: A Calgary approach (2069 KB)
Information on how communities and organizations can take action to reduce their Ecological Footprint.
Toward a Preferred Future (2.5 MB)
A more detailed booklet about Calgary's Ecological Footprint.


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No helper? No problem for ceiling fan installation
Rather than enlisting his wife to hold the heavy motor of a ceiling fan during installation, Club member Terry Miller of Bristol, Tennessee, came up with this idea. He used an S-hook to hang the motor from the mounting bracket, freeing his hands so that he could make the wiring connections. Once the wiring was done, Terry simply lifted the motor off of the hook and fastened it to the mounting bracket. Brought to you by: American Profile - Inspirational Stories & American History


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Viking raids, world-renowned crystal workshops and the mysterious "blaa"… Waterford City is a shot of the unusual
Stand on edge of the River Suir looking over to Merchants Quay, and Waterford's lowrise skyline presents an impressive façade of the city's past. Tall, brightly coloured 19th-century buildings front the quays. A church spire peaks its head up, and the hulk of the early 13th-century Reginald's Tower – Ireland's oldest civic urban monument – reminds you that this is a city with a strong sense of history.
Waterford is often referred to as "Ireland's oldest city", and it's a place that can trace its beginnings all the way back to the arrival of the Vikings. Even today, locals keep their Viking past very close to their heart.
A fascinating and walkable Viking Triangle takes in historic sites with the tag: "More than 1,000 years in 1,000 steps." While on the streets, you might be lucky enough to spot the Vadrefjord Vikings, a local re-enactment group who stalk the city in traditional Viking dress.
Of course it's not just the architecture that speaks of the past, the Waterford "blaa" – a bread roll peculiar to the city – is believed to have been introduced by the Hugenots in the 17th century. All around Waterford, breakfast tables, builders' lunches and picnic baskets are bulging with blaas. And rightly so. Pop into the Grange Café or Lucia's for a taste of the city's finest, or hit the Saturday morning Farmers' Markets and munch one while exploring.
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Embedded within the warren of alleyways at the heart of the city are rich tales and ancient characters. "You have to imagine," says Jack Burtchaell, who runs walking tours of the city, "that the people who lived here nearly a 1,000 years ago walked these same streets. Like you, they would have seen Reginald's Tower hovering above the River Suir."
Step into Waterford's Museum of Treasures, and you're back to what it was really like in medieval times, tapestries and all.
If the name Waterford seems familiar, the reason is probably crystal clear: Waterford Crystal, one of the finest crystal companies in the world, resides in this historic city. Waterford Crystal has made chandeliers for Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
No trip would be complete with out a recce of the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre to marvel at the elegant craftsmanship that goes into each piece. From moulding to blowing, to cutting and engraving, the experience is an exposé of crystal art. Skill with glass is overflowing in the city, with The Irish Handmade Glass Company showcasing their skill with crystal daily . Pop into the workshop on Henrietta Street to see them in action and pick a piece for yourself.
With a Viking history, beautiful blaas and world-renowned crystal, Waterford has all the cutting edge it needs.
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Being part of the military presents its own unique set of challenges:
- Acquisition of hardware to develop and test software is difficult
- Budgets fluctuate so an elastic pay-for-use was desirable
- End user access had to be secure and meet government regulations
- It had to meet the technical aspects of scalable, elastic, dynamic, multi-tenant using shared resources
Using Cloud Computing simplifies provisioning, encourages the use of standards, and provides self-service. DISA has several solutions.
- Rapid Access Computing Environment (RACE)
RACE is an internal private cloud with 24-hour provisioning for development and test requests, and 72 hour provisioning for production requests. The amount used is billed on a month-to-month basis, and offers a self-service portal so that developers and administrators can just pick and choose what they need. The result is a hosted server, similar to what you get from 1and1.com or GoDaddy.
- Global Content Delivery Service (GCDS)
This provides long-term storage of data. An internal version of "Cloud Storage" for archive and fixed content.
- Forge.Mil
This provides a place to maintain source code, basically their internal version of "SourceForge" used by Open Source projects.
In their traditional approach, a software project would take six months to procure the hardware, another 6-12 months code and test, and then another 6 months in certification, for a total of 18-24 months. With the new Cloud Computing approach that DISA adopted, procurement was down to 24-72 hours with RACE, code test took only 2-6 months with Forge.Mil, and certification could be done in days on RACE, resulting in a new total of only 3-6 months. Some challenges they found:
- Service Level management and continuing the use of ITIL best practices
- Balancing Military-level Security with Self-service Usability
- Internal Funding and Chargeback, they had even adopted a way for developers to pay with their credit card
- Cultural inertia, developers don't like to change or do things in a different way
- Controlling expectations
Some lessons learned from this two-year experience:
- It's a journey. Most of the user experiences for cloud adoption took two or more years to complete
- Infrastructure Fundamentals continue to matter
- Know your "marketplace", in this case, software development for military applications
- Engage in your end-users early. In this case, Henry had wished he had involved input from software developers that would be using RACE, GCDS and Forge.MIL earlier in the process.
- Return on Value analysis, this is different than Return on Investment, as many of the benefits of cloud like higher morale are intangible at first
- Avoid fixed costs in negotiations with vendors. For example, he cited they use a lot of IBM because of IBM's pay-for-use billing model. They pay for MIPS used on IBM mainframes, and their IBM Tivoli software pricing is usage-based.
technorati tags: , DISA, RACE, ITIL, GCDS, Henry Sienkiewicz, IBM, MIPS, mainframe, FORGE.Mil


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All owners want the highest quality of life for their beloved canine companions, but when dogs enter their golden years, health conditions can pose problems and pain in dogs. However, there are several ways you can stay on top of your pet's health to help it age gracefully, according to Vetstreet.com.
People may expect dogs to slow down a bit as they age, but if your dog is suddenly lethargic, it might be a sign of a treatable condition, according to the news outlet. In a way, treating pain in dogs often seems to turn back the clock. A dog that owners pegged as simply old and frail may be entirely invigorated once it is treated for diabetes or starts taking a joint supplement or medication to treat arthritis pain.
Dogs are also instinctively wired to hide their pain as a survival mechanism, so lethargy may be your dog's way of hiding its pain from you. In fact, some of the clinical signs of pain include becoming quiet, withdrawn and inactive, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
Bringing your older dog to the veterinarian at least twice each year is one of the best ways to spot any health problems that may be negatively affecting quality of life. This way, you can get your dog treated so you and your canine companion can enjoy every moment together.


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Cooks Run hatchery plans advance
By NIKKI YOUNK
Staff Writer
CRYSTAL FALLS – Plans to re-open the Cooks Run fish hatchery in western Iron County are moving along.
During a special meeting on Wednesday, the Iron County Board of Commissioners approved to upgrade electrical service at the site and to direct civil counsel Steve Tinti to draw up a contract for services with Dino Giannola, the interested operator.
The contract should be ready for approval at the board's next regular meeting on May 9.
Giannola said that he will pay utilities, and that a caretaker will be living on site.
Although he does not intend to hold any regular business hours during this first year, Giannola said that the hatchery will be open to the public.
Giannola will provide $7,500 worth of fish from the hatchery to the county. The fish will be stocked in lakes across the county.
If all goes according to plan, the hatchery could start operations by early June.
Nikki Younk's e-mail address is firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Hi Bellas!
Sorry I forgot to announce the winner yesterday, but I was swamped with work. Thanks everyone for entering the giveaway on Tuesday for Mineral Magic's Microdermabrasian Mask.
I used http://www.random.org/ to generate a winner out of the 78 comments.
The winner is comment #73, Sassy Sewing Diva! Please email me at email@example.com with your name and address so that I can mail you your prize.
For those of you who didn't win, you can purchase this mask and facial cleansing brush for $25 at MineralMagic.com.
I'm planning another product giveaway next week, stay tuned!
Atlanta Makeup Artist
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Winner of Mineral Magic Microdermabrasian Mask
Posted by MakeupByRenRen at 10:16 AM
Labels: give-away
4 comments:
- *~kAy~* said...
congratulations to the winner! <3
- July 23, 2009 at 3:12 PM
- Tika said...
Congrats to the winner! :) I think I'll head on over to the web site and bookmark it. Kinda short on cash this month but will look into getting it soon. Glad you reviewed it. Thank you! :)
- July 23, 2009 at 4:50 PM
- Tika said...
BTW, I went to mineralmagic.com and it's just a parked search page. I found that the actual url is http://mineralmagiccosmetics.com/storefront/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=71_67 - finding the actual page was hard so I give the full link to the product.
- July 23, 2009 at 4:55 PM
- Sassy Sewing Diva! said...
Oh Wow I won!!!!!! Thanx everyone.
- July 23, 2009 at 5:36 PM
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Gigha Today - So - what is there
to do on Gigha?
Where to stay in Gigha
Find out all the events in Gigha
A long and rich history
Achamore gardens through the
The Isle of Gigha Kids
Buy products from Gigha
The Isle of Gigha can boast some truly breathtaking views from anywhere on the Island. You can explore every hidden corner or secluded beach, either on foot or by bicycle and capture the true essence of this paradise island. Click on an image to enlarge.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
page 4 of 4
© 2004 - 2017 Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. Site by .


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World Premiere of Ivan Sokolov's Piano Quartet (2010) in SeattlePosted by s21concerts in Concert Announcement, tags: Good Shepherd Center, Ivan Sokolov, Karen Bentley Pollick, Laura Renz, Page Smith, Seattle
Russian composer/pianist Ivan Sokolov returns to the Chapel at Good Shepherd Center for a program of his own chamber works with piano and strings on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 8:00 pm. Violinist Karen Bentley Pollick joins Sokolov in his sonorous Solnechnaya Sonata for Violin and Piano and hypnotic Viola Sonata, featured repertoire from their duo CD . Violist Laura Renz and cellist Page Smith will unite with the duo for the world premiere of Sokolov's Piano Quartet composed in 2010.
Comments Off on World Premiere of Ivan Sokolov's Piano Quartet (2010) in Seattle


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Cornell Dominates in Ivy Win over Dartmouth
from Press Release
HANOVER, N.H. -- The No. 1 Big Red scored the first four goals of the contest and then opened up a 10-2 lead at the half before rolling to the 19-4 victory over Dartmouth this afternoon on Scully-Fahey Field in Hanover, N.H. With the win, its fourth straight over the Big Green, Cornell improved to 9-0 on the year and 3-0 in Ivy League play, while Dartmouth falls to 1-5 overall and 0-2 in the conference.
Connor Buczek registered career-highs in points (eight) and goals (six) in just under three quarters of action, while John Hogan matched a career-best with four assists. Dan Lintner chipped in three goals, while John Edmonds finished with one goal and one assist. Altogether, 16 Cornell players registered at least one point, as Coach Kerwick went to his bench with four minutes remaining in the third quarter and wholesale substitutions saw two goals and an assist from Jack Molloy, one goal and one assist apiece from Sean Doyle and Emmy Poccia, and a tally from Andrew Keith.
In goal, Christian Knight made seven saves and allowed four goals in just 45 minutes of action, while three goalies split the final 15 minutes with Brennan Donville and Dan Nemirov registering one save apiece, while Will Joyce did not face a shot.
Adam Fishman accounted for nearly all of the Big Green's offense with two goals and one assist to register three of Dartmouth's seven total points. Adam Philie and Jack McCormack added one goal each while Phil Hession and KC Beard each tallied one assist.
Cornell held the advantage in shots (50-36), shots on goal (31-13) and face-offs (14-of-26). The Big Red was a perfect 20-of-20 on clears, while holding Dartmouth to a 16-of-22 performance. In all, the Big Green had 23 turnovers, eight of which were caused by Cornell, while the Big Red turned the ball over just 15 times.
In a game that was riddled with 18 combined penalties, Cornell went 3-of-9 on extra-man chances, while holding the Big Green to a 1-of-6 performance.
Cornell got off to a 4-0 lead midway through the first quarter, thanks to a pair of goals from Buczek, a man-up tally from Lintner and a goal from Edmonds. All four goals were assisted as the Big Red put on an offensive clinic in the early going.
Philie finally got the home team on the board when he beat his defender and scored on the doorstep to make it a 4-1 contest at the 5:08 mark of the opening quarter, but less than one minute later Lintner scored off a feed from Buczek to make it 5-1 at the first break.
Buczek scored in the opening moments of the second quarter to extend the Cornell lead to 6-1 but some unforced turnovers slowed the offensive effort.
The Big Red's defense continued to stifle Dartmouth as the visitors killed a man-up and on the ensuing clear, defenseman Jordan Stevens took the ball all the way downfield and cashed in to end a Cornell scoring drought of nearly seven minutes.
Tesoriero won the restart and drew two defenders before passing to Lintner all alone on the crease, who converted to make it an 8-1 advantage with just over seven minutes to play in the second quarter.
On the Big Red's next possession, Dartmouth's goalie Blair Friedensohn came out of his crease to hit a Cornell player for the second time in the game, with this one drawing a 2:00 unnecessary roughness penalty and Buczek answered immediately, scoring with a low rip off a pass from Hogan to make it 9-1.
Friedensohn did not return to the game, finishing with six saves.
Dartmouth finally managed to end its 12:50 scoring drought with a man-up goal from Fishman, but Cornell won the face off when Mike Huttner picked up the ground ball and then found Connor Hunt, who blasted a high shot past Ham Sonnenfeld to make it 10-2 and cap the scoring for the half.
The scoring came fast and furious in the opening minutes of the third quarter with Cornell scoring three unanswered from Buczek, Chris Cook and Matt Donovan, before Fishman got his second tally of the day. Fishman's shot was initially saved, but had just enough on it to trickle over the goal line to make it a 13-3 contest at the 11:12 mark. The Big Green got its only back-to-back goals of the game when McCormack registered a man-up goal at the7:40 mark.
Dartmouth drew another Big Red penalty on its next possession, but a brilliant save from Knight ended the threat and moments later Buczek drilled shot from the middle of four converging defenders to make it a 10-goal game (14-4) with just over four minutes to go in the third quarter and drive the Cornell starters from the contest.
Cornell is back in action next weekend in a pivotal Ivy League contest against Harvard.
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Carhartt Men's Chapman Jacket
Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store and online.
This 12-ounce, 100% cotton sandstone duck Chapman Jacket from Carhartt is ready to punch the clock and get down to business. It's both comfortable and warm with a brushed-polyester lining quilted to midweight-polyester in the body, and quilted-nylon lining in the sleeves. The full-length center front zipper has an inside storm flap to fight the wind and the cold. Its attached hood fits nicely because of its draw-cord closure. Let's talk about convenience and storage. This jacket has two large lower-front pockets, a left-chest pocket with a pen stall, and two inside pockets - one with a zipper closure and one with a hook-and-loop closure. Angled rib-knit cuffs are comfortable and help keep the warmth in and the drop tail adds extra coverage. It's easy to move around thanks to a pleated bi-swing back. Imported. Style #: 100729.


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Conifex Timber Enters Oversold Territory (CFF)
In trading on Friday, shares of Conifex Timber Inc (CFF.TO"> CFF.TO) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 27.8, after changing hands as low as $7.75 per share. By comparison, the current RSI reading of the S&P/TSX Composite Index is 55.1. A bullish investor could look at CFF's 27.8 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of CFF shares:
Click here to find out which 9 other oversold Canadian stocks you need to know about »
Looking at the chart above, CFF's low point in its 52 week range is $6.70 per share, with $9.95 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $7.85.


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Skip to comments.Exclusive: Hillary's Benghazi 'Scapegoat' Speaks Out
Posted on 05/20/2013 9:07:05 PM PDT by Xcoastie
Maxwell, who served as deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs from August 2011 until his removal last December, following tours in Iraq and Syria, spoke publicly for the first time in an exclusive interview with The Daily Beast.
The overall goal is to restore my honor, said Maxwell, who has now filed grievances regarding his treatment with the State Departments human resources bureau and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents the interests of foreign-service officers. The other three officials placed on leave were in the diplomatic security bureau, leaving Maxwell as the only official in the bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), which had responsibility for Libya, to lose his job.
I had no involvement to any degree with decisions on security and the funding of security at our diplomatic mission in Benghazi, he said.
Looks like Maxwell got the 'Gregory Hicks' treatment. Is Maxwell a heterosexual white male too?
I hope Hitlery has nightmares of SEALS wearing their skull masks knocking down her door at 2:00 am every night for the rest of her vile life.
He published a very scathing poem on his blog - but now the blog is marked private and can only be accessed by special invitation. However, the poem "Invitation" was posted in its entirety on the blog Diplopundit. Here are the last two verses:
And the ones being lynched?
Who cares? They are pawns in a game.
Our game. All suckers, all fools,
all knaves who volunteered to serve -
Us. And the truth? The truth?
What difference at this point does it make?
In the event of inclement weather,
or the Queens incapacitation,
her Henchmen will carry out this lynching -
as ordered, as planned.
PS: The comments on Mr Maxwell's site were extremely supportive, but I can guess as the poem started to get known the libtards started to converge....
This poem is describing Hillary. I mentioned Borderline Personality Disorder in previous comments. If you want to know more about what I'm talking about here's a link: http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/symptoms-of-borderline-personality-disorder/
That pic was taken when she still resembled a human being and not Jaba the Hut
Of course it is describing her, "the Queen". Don't think Mr Maxwell felt she was a good boss....
Solidifying the takeover core by sluffing off the unfaithful.
Only 32 posts on original thread.
That pic was taken when she still resembled a human being and not Jaba the Hut
In my mind she has never resembled a human being. She's wicked inside and out.
I had no involvement to any degree with decisions on security and the funding of security at our diplomatic mission in Benghazi, he said.
Apparently, NO ONE in the U.S. GOVERNMENT had any involvements with those issues either.
Inclement weather happened to Oklahoma and Texas.
He means inclement weather to her. It all goes on. Every one of these rats were more concerned about changing the Nation and protecting themselves than actually PROTECTING any of us. That is the point.
Sometimes it is better to be a scapegoat who can talk back than a horse's ass (or for Democrats, a jackass's ass, who can do nothing but bray.
Hillary is evil, a cold, cunning power-hungry bitch with a marxist undercoating.
"Ask not whom the bell toils for, for it toils for thee"
"what difference does it make?"
Hence the periodic botox treatments. ;-)
My daughter has compared Hillary's changing appearance to that of the Dorian Gray picture. Says every line, every wrinkle is a reflection of the evil in her heart.
Your daughter is right. Hitlery is as wicked as any woman who ever lived, IMO.
"it called out Maxwell for the specific infraction of not reading his daily classified briefings"
So Maxwell gets the can for following the lead of Obimbo?
This is why he couldn't fire HRC or Holder or a host of others.
Criminal organization cannot simply fire someone. Ex-employees might decide to get even & "drop a dime". Maxwell is now dropping a dime. There will be others.
Oh that's great!
I like that you're putting Bracken on yours!!!
Incessant double standards. Valarie Plame was a "valiant whistle blower" but Hicks is called what by these smarmy jerks?
"This Administration continues to throw underlings under the bus. "... and grandmothers...
"This Administration continues to throw underlings under the bus. "... and grandmothers...
"Looks like Maxwell got the Gregory Hicks treatment. Is Maxwell a heterosexual white male too?"
He is a black male, which is even better.
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An Introduction to John on Wine
Welcome to what will be a weekly column on wine that will run each Thursday here in the Ukiah Daily Journal.
I shared my disappointment with folks here at the Journal when the Wine Wednesday pages disappeared with the loss of the Mendocino Winegrape & Wine Commission last year.
Editor K.C. Meadows suggested I write a weekly wine column then, but I already had a few part time jobs to go with my full time job managing the McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room and didn't want to commit to 700 words on wine each week. I had to decline.
More recently, UDJ Features Editor Kelly Hancock asked me again to consider writing a weekly wine column.
Hancock edited the piece I submitted last year in advance of the fall Hopland Passport event until it fit the space available, cutting half the words while leaving the piece intact. It was a solid piece of editing.
In addition to appreciating Hancock's editing skills, I also liked that – in spite of having submitted 16 pictures of other winery tasting rooms – Hancock used a picture of me that she had taken from a previous Passport event and had on file. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am not immune to a kind ego stroke.
After weighing the pros and cons of writing a weekly column, I decided that, with Hancock as an editor I feel comfortable with, being allowed to write a number of columns in advance and "spiking" them, I would be free of the time pressure of a deadline.
My focus will be wine and the winery tasting rooms along the 101 corridor, from Hopland to Redwood Valley and Ukiah to Potter Valley. I'll try to paint pictures with words and hopefully give readers reasons to visit these tasting rooms.
Some columns will look at a particular varietal like Chardonnay or Zinfandel, with descriptions of some of my favorite local examples. Other columns will feature a style or type of wine, like rosé or sparkling wines, and again I will describe some outstanding wines within the column.
I'll write about my favorite wine books, my favorite wine accessories, and wine preservation systems.
I'm a cheerleader for the industry and for our area. You will not find me writing that a winery sucks, that their staff are rude, or that their wines are vile; I'll stick to the places I like most, writing about the wineries that do a great job, about the things they do well, about the friendly and helpful people who are the face of the winery, and about the very yummiest wines from each winery I write about.
You'll read pieces in advance of Taste of Redwood Valley, Taste of Downtown (Ukiah), and Hopland Passport as well as about the area's best individual winery events from Saracina's Pig and Pinot feast at their ranch to McFadden's Wine Club Dinner for 225 with overnight camping on the bank of the Russian River. I'll outline the 101 corridor participants in the county's Crab & Wine Festival and Wine & Mushroom Fest.
I'm not Frasier Crane, I'm not a wine snob, but I picked and crushed my first wine grapes when I was 11. I worked in vineyards as a teen. I put together my first restaurant wine list in my twenties. I sold many thousands of cases of wine, and traveled the country talking about wine, in my thirties. In my forties, I visited winery tasting rooms in 42 counties selling wine books and wine accessories. Now, at 52, I manage retail sales for McFadden, and provide design and marketing services to some local tourism groups.
I'll be writing about what I know and love. I'll try to write without pretension, most often using first names – wine is a first name industry. I'll try to use columns to answer questions about wine. I hope you'll read and perhaps be moved to experience some of what I share with you.
My greatest challenge will be to limit the use of words like love and adore. I love so many places and wines and adore so many people in our local wine industry that I fear sounding repetitive.
Sometimes when I have too much to say on a subject to fit the confines of this newspaper column, my extra words can overflow on the UDJ online version of my column.
John Cesano manages the McFadden Farm Stand and Tasting Room in Hopland and has a popular wine blog, also called John on Wine.