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During her visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in November 2010, Secretary Clinton announced the Pacific Women's Empowerment Initiative. She said, "Giving women access to education, health services, economic opportunities, and the structures of power is critical to alleviating poverty and disease in every part of the world. The United States is committed to working with you."
From May 31 to June 1, Embassy Port Moresby hosted Healthy Women, Healthy Economies. The State Department, including Embassy Port Moresby and the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues, teamed up with the PNG government and World Bank Group to organize the event.
We knew that logistics would be problematic. Flying anywhere in the Pacific takes time, effort, and money. Getting the women representatives to Port Moresby would involve lengthy stopovers in major transit hubs like Suva, Wellington, and Sydney.
As early as May 26, delegates from 12 Pacific Island countries, including those from Papua New Guinea, and key resource people from the U.S., Australian, and New Zealand governments, the World Bank Group, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFs), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), and Asian Development Bank (ADB) began to arrive.
The policy dialogue identified effective means to improve women's lives and livelihoods, including advancing maternal health, increasing economic opportunities, and leadership training. The participants underscored the importance of addressing gender-based violence, investing in education and literacy for women and girls, and supporting women's entrepreneurship, including issues involving land rights and tenure, as well as access to capital and credit.
Many advocated engaging men and boys as champions for change, as well as the importance of supporting women in political and institutional leadership positions, and of nurturing the next generation of emerging young women leaders. The importance of connecting to key government agencies outside of the women's ministry and with the ministries of planning and finance is critical. Some also looked to the transformative potential of information technology and mobile telephony, as well as its potential to support economic activities.
Key among the findings are the desperate need for a better evidence base for both advocacy and action on key issues, ranging from data on gender-based violence to reliable information about land rights and tenure to updated statistics on women's access to capital and credit.
The event was our crowning achievement given that Embassy Port Moresby's primary mission strategic resource plan (MSRP) goal is Empowering Women. In the Pacific Islands, women face appalling levels of gender-based violence. PNG's maternal mortality rate of approximately 750 per 100,000, for example, is the second highest in the Asia Pacific after only Afghanistan. The statistics in the rest of the region are not much better. Many forget that these island paradises with their beautiful beaches and reefs have socioeconomic indicators that are as bad, if not worse, than those in much of Africa.
I am, however, proud to say that we are fighting back. Embassy Port Moresby has a number of initiatives in place, including a $40,000 grant to mentor girls aged 11-18 to ensure that they are aware of the full range of educational and employment opportunities. The Embassy is also coordinating a $670,000 grant from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to foster awareness and provide training to ensure that women in PNG and Solomon Islands understand how to register to vote as well as increasing their understanding of how to organize politically and to advocate for policies that benefit women and girls.
The Embassy is also implementing a $76,000 Youth Challenge grant to increase awareness of work-place rights and responsibilities in Vanuatu, while providing women and girls with a resource center to prepare resumes and cover letters, and find out about job opportunities. We have also arranged to send eight women from PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu to the United States on Fulbright scholarship and International Visitors Leadership Programs (IVLP).
While the challenges are many, the dedication and determination of the Pacific Island women should give all cause for hope. It is going to be a long, hard struggle but when we all work together, the results can truly be amazing.


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Overcast ~
High: 45°F ~ Low: 48°F
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017
Better times comingPosted Monday, March 5, 2012, at 1:41 PM
Being confined to the house for several days recently due to the flu and bronchitis, I spent some time watching re-runs of some of the old television shows. I watched several episodes of 'I Love Lucy'. She was such a wonderful comedian, and in my opinion, one of two of the best. The other being Red Skelton. I know that most of my young readers won't know them, but I believe when that generation left us, there will never again be any like them.
I can't watch most comedians today because of the vulgarity. I'm not a prude, but I just don't know where all the morals have gone. I especially enjoyed the episode where Lucy was pretending to be chauffeur for Ricky and a friend. Ricky was getting ready to tell an off color joke on purpose just to see her squirm. Of course by this time the guys knew she was Lucy. She was trying her best to get away from them so she couldn't hear the off color joke. She did the same thing in another episode with John Wayne, when she was pretending to be his masseur and he was getting ready to tell a dirty joke. How refreshing for a lady.
Another show I simply get lost in, is the Waltons. Another day, another time. They, like us, lived during a very scary time between World War I, World War II and the Great Depression.
While they experienced the good and bad times of their day, their strong family ties and strong faith carried them through the worst of times.
I have heard people joke about John Boy being this or not being that. I personally believe that every family needs a John Boy. Even though he was just a child himself in the beginning shows, to me, his inner being is one of
the most calming and refreshing ones I have ever known, in fiction or real life.
Every sibling needs a John Boy. Someone you can share your dreams with; someone who will be there to calm your every fear; someone to be the go-between-between you and your parents. Every parent needs a John Boy whom they can trust to relay their parental rights and intentions to the other children. Someone to let the the siblings know their rules and parental guidance is in their best interest.
Every community needs a John Boy to fight and stand up for the rights of the individuals of the community. One who will help pull a community together.
Every lady needs a John Boy to be her gentleman; her protector; her leader; her lover; her best friend. The strength she needs when she feels weak. Her joy when she feels sad. The father her children will look up to and admire. One whom their sons will strive to grow up and imitate him; and the daughters to look forward to marrying "someone just like Daddy."
I could go on forever about the needs of more John Boy's in our world. With their leadership; love of family; love of God and love of community, what a difference we would see in our world.
There would be less Columbines; less Fort Hoods and less of what happened in Ohio last week. There would be fewer homeless and fatherless children crying their hearts out in the alleys and garbage dumps of the world.
There would be more joy and happiness and more people desiring the right kind of family life. The other show I got caught up in was Little House on the Prairie. Again, the strength of the father. And...oh the love between Charles and Carolyn. The kind of love that carried them through the death of a newborn child; the total destruction of crops they relied upon for their livelyhood. The kind of love that made Christmas really real, with only a stocking with some fruit and a penny in it. Or, a shawl or a lone pair of gloves. Then, some good 'fiddle playn' and a little family dance.
I know these types of families are out there, but not nearly as many as we need.
Oh yes, I know I'm caught up with make believe tv shows, but can't I dream of a world made up of more of these kinds of lives. A place where little children don't hurt for the lack of a parent, or feel the hunger pains in the pits
of their little tummies.
Well, maybe not here, not now, but somewhere in the 'sweet by and by' when all things and all people will be new and nothing but love and kindness abounds. A time and place where "the host from the wild will be lead by a child."
Yes, Kathleen, there really is a better time coming.
See ya next time, somewhere in a 'korner'.
firstname.lastname@example.com - 573-820-2404 or blog with me at www.dailystatesman.com
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Grew up near Circle City,now live in N W Oklahoma. I also like the people and TV programs you spoke of. When I was growing up even people who did not go to church or the people that did were known to live pretty much by the same values and morales. Many parents still teach these things to their children in hopes it will not be lost. Hope you are feeling better, sometimes a little down time can bring us a renewed hope for the future of us all. God Bless
-- Posted by gdh1958 on Fri, Mar 9, 2012, at 10:25 PM
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Kathleen is a resident of Dexter. She was born in Indiana, but her parents moved their family back to the Dexter area when she was three. Other than three years she and her husband, Collin, lived in St. Charles, Mo. and ten years in Birmingham, Alabama, she has spent her life in Dexter. As you can tell, Kathleen is a people person and believes in giving credit to whom credit is due. Thus, the reason for her hero/heroine column every other week in Kathleen's Korner. As you can tell, she also like to have fun, most of the time at her own expense. Kathleen (Grubbs) is a 1964 graduate of Dexter High School and invites her friends to her "Korner."
Hot topicsAh, fall!
(1 ~ 6:08 AM, Oct 11)
The Gift of Friends
Wishing Away!
Thanks for the memories

subset: commoncrawl


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Half Full or Half Empty? - Page 2
"Should I attempt Wasatch?" she'd ask. "Could I run 100 miles?" It became a seesaw affair of deliberation. One day, she'd resolutely declare intention. The next, she'd announce that such a long distance wasn't for her.
Then it hit me. The driving force behind her half-uncertainty wasn't self-doubt. It came online, by way of the mountain of race recaps she had been uncovering along the way.
Online, one can find a recap of any trail race. For races as legendary as the Wasatch, there may be hundreds. To be fair, these recaps contain great tips and pearls of inspiration. But they can also read like summaries of what can, and will always, go wrong, striking fear into newcomers.
Ryan Lauck captured a low point of his 2007 Wasatch run in a recap: "I am too tired to tell people ... that I want to quit. I just want to lie on the floor and sleep."
In another recap, Bill Thom, a 2006 Wasatch runner, also battled his body's need to shut down: "I tried yelling, running faster, flailing my arms, deep knee bends, but the bouts of sudden sleep kept coming with increasing frequency. I saw nobody ahead or behind. Delusions had me convinced that I was off the course."
Recaps are also littered with enough tales of injury and vomit that it becomes easy to envision Wasatch as a cross between "ER" and The Exorcist. Liz Moroney placed third in 1999, but not without harrowing experiences. Late in the race she encountered a runner who talked as if "she ha[d] put away upwards of a six-pack of beer" and then "ditche[d] off to the woods to puke for the umpteenth time." Later, Moroney learned that the woman "slipped and fell on a stretch known as ball-bearing pitch and may have fractured her pelvic bone."
Then there are stories of nature victimizing runners. The Wasatch website itself warns of past encounters with elk, moose, porcupines, rattlesnakes, bear and mountain lions. Nature attacks from above, too. Jeff Washburn, 2002, wrote: "I see lightning off in the distance. Then I see lightning and hear thunder very near to me. The rains begin once again, the wind is blowing hard and I am climbing to my doom, to the highest point on the course."
If my wife had read only these recaps, she would have never registered. But sprinkled throughout the tales of calamity are rays of hope and outright ecstasy. Mandy Hosford, a 2009 runner-up, painted a picture of the race as a summer picnic: "An incredible cadre of friends was on hand to load me up with love, good thoughts, homemade cookies, and whatever else my heart desired."
Darcy Africa, the 2010 women's winner, viewed the race through equally rosy glasses, especially around Mile 70, on Red Lover's Ridge. "The sun was starting to set, the colors were spectacular, we were up high in the mountains and I could see another alpine lake in the distance," she wrote. "I remember feeling very blissful and grateful at this moment."
The recaps, in the end, are best read with a grain of salt, sort of like creative non-fiction. There's certainly a tendency to embellish and even romanticize the best and worst moments, occasionally in the same sentence. In fact, the Wasatch Front 100's tagline is just such a wink. It's "100 miles of Heaven and Hell."
If Garett Graubins reads one more Charles Dickens quote in a race recap (i.e. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."), he might go off the deep end. Holly Graubins registered for the Wasatch 100, but did not make it through the lottery.


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Sharpie: From Commodity to Community
May 30, 2012
Ryan Rouse, director of marketing, Sharpie, discussed how the brand was able to unlock the power of self-expression to ignite consumer advocacy through an integrated marketing campaign.
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In this division, x-rays of the chest, abdomen, spine and extremities are taken. In addition, special tests to view the stomach, intestines and kidneys are also performed. All exams are performed by board-certified radiologists with subspecialty training in these areas. For more information about general radiology at The Miriam Hospital, call 401-793-4522 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
To schedule an exam please call 401-793-4477.


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Topic: I'm looking for some teens...
I need some teens interested in collaborating on a site with me.
if you love rails and are a teenager, that's awesome. I don't really care
if you are a beginner or expert, I'm just looking for some teens to work
on a project with me. I have hosting and the domain already setup.
Pros: I'm a cool dude. it's a laid back project. you get experience with collaboration. I can host your apps (for free.)
Cons: I can't pay you in the sweet cash.
let me know if you are interested.


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With black and white dreams permeating every pocket of the city, puffing steam over the collective hum of vibrant lives, there is something intoxicating about New York City. This Wanderlust: New York Series is the latest addition to a collection that pays tribute to the inspiration of travel, while serving as a visual transportive experience that triggers the emotions and clarity of being in another place. The featured graphics cover a range of iconic imagery inspired by the city transit system, classic architecture, contemporary photography, vintages maps, and unique collaborations with New York-based artists and designers.
A quote from Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote reads: "I love New York, even though it isn't mine, the way something has to be, a tree or a street or a house, something, anyway, that belongs to me because I belong to it". With this in mind, this new series can be ordered and printed on demand, so that clients can sustainably customize their interiors to their very own piece of the city that never sleeps.
Catalogue #: WLNYC-009
Style: Repeat Pattern
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Custom colourways available.
Drop Size: 36"W x 126"H (31.5 ft²)
Match: Straight Across
Material: Type II Vinyl
Finish: Semi-gloss
Fire Rating: Class A, ASTM E84
Additional detail images are for illustration purposes only and are not to scale.


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anyone other than me having probs getting on the george harrison forum? http://www.georgeharrison.com/board/index.php
when i get there,i can get to the main page. but, when i click on anything else, i get this message: PHP has encountered an Access Violation at 77F47917
this is like what is happening at the ringo forum (http://www.ringotour.com/2003forum/) which is down and says: phpBB : Critical Error
Could not connect to the database


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2013 above average for snowfall
ESCANABA – Some may believe the effects of a rash of severe weather that left schools closed across the Upper Peninsula is over, but rising temperatures and melting snow could still cause problems for local residents.
"I think the critical issue we'll need to be watching in coming weeks is if we get any big rain storms because that significantly increases the risk of flooding," said Meteorologist Don Rolfson of the National Weather Service's Marquette office.
According to the Escanaba Water Plant, which records annual snowfall totals, 62.30 inches fell between the season's first snowfall and the end of March. National Weather Service reporting sites in the Gladstone area are reporting between 15 and 20 inches of snowpack.
"The snow cover right now is fairly high especially compared to recent years," said Rolfson.
The snowfall for the year is 39.92 inches more than last year's total of 22.38 inches. However, the 2011-12 season was the driest season on record since 1991. Average annual snowfalls between the 1991-92 winter season and the 2011-12 season produced 54.23 inches of snow.
Snowfall was below average this year until mid-January in the Upper Peninsula when Pacific winds shifted, temperatures dropped, and a string of low pressure systems made their way across the area.
The collection of atmospheric and temperature changes caused a series of winter storms that resulted in above normal precipitation and snowfall in the second half of the season. This pushed the yearly total above average.
While the amount of snow fall Escanaba received this year may be above average, it is not uncommon for snowfall totals to be upwards of 70 inches in the area. Ninety inches of snow was reported during the 1995-96 winter – a season noted for being particularly cold in the U.P. April temperatures in 1996 were five or more degrees below normal on average.
"The longer we go into April without reducing the snow cover we run the risk of a rapid snow melt," noted Rolfson.
This year, the first one to two weeks of April temperatures are predicted to be below normal, and – while there may be some snow showers – there are no significant rain or snow storms expected in our area.
According to Rolfson, the ideal way for snowpack to melt is by melting during the day and refreezing at night. This prevents the snow from melting too quickly and limits the risk of flooding.
Major snow-related flooding has not been a serious concern since 2002, when a deep snow fall in early April coupled with heavy rains and unseasonably high temperatures caused flooding across the U.P. Gogebic County was particularly hard hit by the flooding and was declared a disaster area.


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"The Big Latch On"-A Big Deal for Nursing Moms in Roc. & Beyond
On Saturday, August 6th nursing moms worldwide will join together to celebrate World Breast Feeding Week by trying to break the world's record for simultaneous breastfeeding.
This international event is called "The Big Latch On" and I am thrilled Rochester area nursing moms will have a local site to participate from!
The Rochester event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day at Maplewood Park on Maplewood Drive at Seneca Parkway (corner of Lake Ave. and Driving Park)
The Rochester "Big Latch On" is sponsored by The Monroe County WIC and Breastfeeding Partnership. The Rochester event has a Facebook page here!
The event originated in New Zealand in 2005 thanks to an organization called Women's Health Action and has grown tremendously over the years.
During The Big Latch on of 2010, 9,826 nursing mothers were recorded at 325 sites in 16 countries.
The only thing that upsets me about this event is that I don't have a nursling to participate with!!!!
My boys, now 4 and 7, are weaned after breastfeeding for 3 and 2 years respectfully. When I was breastfeeding my boys I don't remember an event like this in Rochester, but I definitely would have gone!That's why I am trying to spread the word now, so other nursing moms have the opportunity to participate.
Anytime women can come together and feel supported in their decision to breastfeed it is a wonderful experience. The support I received from groups of women I knew informally and formally – including Le Leche League, The Moms Club, and Mothering Magazine's online forums truly helped form and maintain the quality and length of my breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding my boys was truly one of the most rewarding things I've ever done in my life.
To chat with Rochester moms about breastfeeding and other topics click here.


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Riding a three-game win streak, the men's basketball team (10-6) will host Central Penn (8-6) this Saturday in its final game before conference play begins next week.
Columbia's most recent victory came on Jan. 8 versus Stony Brook. Columbia was able to pull out a hard-fought 68-63 win, as sophomore guard Maodo Lo scored a career-high 29 points. Junior forward Alex Rosenberg continued his hot streak, scoring 24 points in his third-straight 20-point performance.
Junior co-captain Steve Frankoski should also be in action. He returned to play for the first time this season against Stony Brook after sitting out the first 15 games of the season as he recovered from a wrist injury. Frankoski averaged 8.9 points per game last season and boasted an impressive 45.5 three-point percentage.
The Lions have been strong on three-point shooting this season, shooting .410 from beyond the arc. They lead the Ivy League and are 17th in the nation in the category. The Lions are also ranked 17th in the nation in scoring defense, holding their opponents to an average of 60.9 points per game.
The Lions are facing Central Penn, a Division II team. This will be the first encounter between the two schools. Central Penn has faced and lost to three Division I teams this season, giving up over 100 points in each of those contests.
The game will take place at Levien Gymnasium on Saturday at 4 p.m.


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Click below for information on CRA specialty practice areas
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CRAssociates, Inc. (CRA) is a veteran-owned business with decades of experience in healthcare facility development, staffing and management. CRA provides comprehensive, cost-effective healthcare services for government and corporate clients throughout the United States. CRA integrates planning, development, management, and staffing capabilities to ensure the highest standards of medical practice at the best value. We have been headquartered in Northern Virginia since 1975.
Inc. Magazine ranked CRA among the 500 fastest-growing private U.S. companies.
CRA's mission is to provide public- and private-sector clients with high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services. The company has proven its value in developing a variety of medical programs for public and private clients nationwide. We combine decades of experience in healthcare facility development, staffing, and management with a commitment to implementing and pioneering advanced management practices and technology in the healthcare field. We specialize in Primary Care and Occupational Health & Wellness Centers for active duty military, veterans, corporations and local governments with:
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CRA is a veteran-owned company qualified under the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) for the purchase of goods and services.
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The professional staff of the CRA Human Resources division oversees critical staffing and management operations at healthcare facilities around the country. Besides managing our own facilities, CRA Human Resources manages healthcare facility staffing and HR resources for major corporations, local governments and specialty organizations.
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Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (80 votes).
In short: Good eventIn full: A very well organised event with loads of marshalls at all the right places and water stations every 2 miles which I thought was brilliant even though it wasnt too hot today. Probably not a pb course for people who do several half marathons as its a little undulating but nothing too severe, varying terrain as well during the run made this a really great half marathon that ran like clockwork and I hope to be back next year.Date of review: July 6, 2008
In short: Hot, rugged and challengingIn full: Fantastic countryside run with great views. Very well signposted and marshalled with both cups and bottles of water available. Varied terrain made for a fascinating run - you did not know what was comming next! Quite a challenging course and not pb material but good testing fun. The atmoshphere of the run was relaxed and there was some good company along the wayDate of review: July 10, 2007
In short: Excellent organisation - one to recommend!In full: Really enjoyed this race, although I found it hard! Very scenic, nice mix of road and trail, well marshalled. As a smallish race, had the strange experience of running on my own for some sections which may account for my slower time. Would I do this race again? Yes, definitely!!Date of review: July 9, 2007
In short: a good challenging halfIn full: a mix of road and wood, through some beautiful shropshire scenery. well organised and plenty of water stations every couple of miles. some challenging climbs on roads and through wooded areas. worth the trip and would do it again. get there early for free and easy parking. good toilet and changing facilities.Date of review: July 9, 2007
In short: Not for beginnersIn full: Apart from the hills and inclines and stiles at the end , this is a good course , but i didnt see many Steeples . A pb course its not with narrow climbs up rough , loose , stoney paths . My second ever race I would not reccomend for the beginnerDate of review: July 8, 2007
In short: excellent production by the Idsall School.In full: a nice and unpretentious local race. There was a nice mix of road & trail, and the event was run on quiet roads except for the town bit at the end. Marshalls were very friendly, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, or at least I will once my sore legs are ok again!Date of review: July 8, 2007
In short: Great for beginnersDate of review: July 8, 2007
In short: one of the more testing half marathons In full: not a course for a pb but an enjoyable course through rural lanes nice to get off road at some parts see you next year Date of review: July 8, 2007
In short: This is a great race. I will bw backIn full: Loved this race again. Testing course through beautiful Shropshire countryside and villages. Well organised loads of water stations it doesn't get much better. I also beat last years time and got a sub 2 hour finish so goals achieved.Date of review: July 8, 2007
In short: Yet again, a fabulously organised race in the lovely shropshire countrysideIn full: Second time in Shifnal and am once again impressed with the organisation of the race. Marshals were fantastic and very encouraging, and it's a good course if a little undulating. Excellent support from fellow runners too. Thanks to all staff and pupils at the school for orgaising such a fab event - long may it continue!Date of review: July 8, 2007
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Simple and Chic Straight Hairstyle
This is a glamourous feminine hair style. Her hair is nice and long and has lots of body. With a simple part her hair is even all around and it looks so healthy and shiny.A very nice chic hair cut that is easy to manage.She has light tones of light brown.
Michael Kostopoulous - MKMODELS3.COM


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New Markdowns
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It doesn't get any easier than this buttery-soft knit dress with V-neckline, shirred bodice and cap sleeves. In an exotic medallion print shaded in Peach Plume to Ruby red. Try it with the new Vanishing Edge Waist Cincher for a slimmed profile underneath.
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Terms and conditions
This initiative applies to the Freccia Alata Plus members:
whose status expires on December 31st 2012;
by January 15th 2013 are MilleMiglia customers, i.e. have accumulated less than 20,000 qualifying miles between January 1st 2012 and December 31st 2012.
Their acknowledgment as Ulisse members shall take place by January 31st 2013 and will expire on December 31st 2013.
These clients may, in any case, become members of superior Exclusive Clubs by earning the necessary threshold of qualifying miles required by the MilleMiglia terms and conditions.
Qualifying flights are not included in this initiative, i.e. it is not possible to transfer to the following year the part of the qualifying flights which exceeds, by the end of the year, the access threshold to the superior level.


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text:
I'd imagine most of us on the conservative end of evangelicalism—whether you're part of the YRR crowd or the OBR (Old, Boring, Reformed) crowd—we understand the wrongheadedness of church growth methodology. It's easy to see how men like the early pioneers of church growth (Donald McGavran, C. Peter Wagner, Robert Schuller) and their most famous disciples (Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen) got it wrong.
The theology of the Bible teaches us God is absolutely sovereign over salvation; He alone predestines, calls justifies, and glorifies fallen sinners who are dead in trespasses and sin. Christ is the sovereign head of the church who receives the elect bride from His Father; He alone directs, equips, and grows the church according to the will of the Father. The Holy Spirit is the executor of the Father's will, drawing the elect to Jesus Christ; He alone regenerates the sinner, seals the elect, and empowers the church for growth and service.
We don't deny the human element, even as we affirm monergism and divine initiative. God uses means and we're part of the means He uses to do His work, right? As Paul said, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." And it's important to see that the apostolic pattern of planting and watering were not according to a pragmatic, "the end justifies the means" approach. Paul, Apollos, and every other exemplary minister of the apostolic age did ministry according to the means God prescribed (i.e., Ephesians 4:11-16) and not according to what seemed reasonable to the culture (i.e., 1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
The end goal, as well as the means employed to achieve that end, are important to God. So, when we use pragmatic-oriented church growth principles to plant and water, we go against the grain, planting and watering according to the pattern of the flesh rather than the power of the Spirit. That's wrong. We, along with Paul, want the faith of those who hear us to rest, not "in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:5).
So, here's my concern: Are we truly squeaky-clean? Are we free from the charge of pragmatism? Do we condemn in our preaching what we practice in our ministries?
At times, I can imagine the church growth practitioners with wry smiles on their faces. They listen to us condemn the methodologies they've openly embraced, while using them to grow our churches and ministries. Sure, there's a difference in degree, but that only makes our public denouncements all the more hypocritical. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
When those of us who claim to be Reformed, or Calvinists, or faithful adherents to the Doctrines of Grace (or whatever the most accurate title happens to be for your brand of biblical fidelity), when we eschew in our preaching and teaching what we practice in our ministries, we unwittingly become one of the strongest arguments in support of evangelical pragmatism.
So, just to help you think it through, to provoke you a wee bit, here's a quick Top 10 list you can use to evaluate yourself and your ministry for signs of pragmatism.
I know that's a short, somewhat simplistic, and woefully incomplete list, but hey, it's a start. If any of those points are true of you or your church, you might need to repent. Start by confessing your sin of relying on the flesh and using fleshly methods, and study the Scripture to set a positive course for your ministry.
Learn to live by faith and not by sight; that is to say, stop counting! God's work is largely invisible, growth takes take time, and wisdom is generally not recognized by her contemporaries, but by all her children (Luke 7:35).
Travis AllenDirector of Internet Ministry
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Thanks for the encouragement, Travis. In our culture, those of us seeking to faithfully shepherd small churches need a constant reminder of these things.
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thanks for the word of advice john, just left a church that the pastor was pragmatic---even though he is 66yrs old, he felt the need to change the whole church around to draw the young--i guess the Spirit is not enough today
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These thoughts aren't just for the churches we generally consider "seeker". I remember observing the exact same things in fundamentalist circles - all 10 points, actually. I'm thankful for this clear assessment, sir.
Excellent article! I did have one small point of variance and this may simply be a request for clarity. To be up front, I believe the purpose of the church, yea all things, is ultimately to glorify God. In your article you said, "If you believe evangelism rather than edification is the purpose of the church, you might be a pragmatist." Wouldn't both evangelism and edification be aspects of the purpose of the church seeing that both are necessary to "make disciples" (μαθητεύω/mathēteuō)?
I understand that when we use the word church, we may be referring to the church general (children of God) and the assembly specific (what we refer to as "going to church").
With that difference in mind, I WOULD NOT agree if someone espoused to a belief that the purpose of the church general wasn't evangelism. However, I WOULD agree if you are trying to say that the purpose of the assembly IS NOT evangelism. The assembly or the meeting of believers is FOR believers, not unbelievers. Though if unbelievers come, they should be able to profit (1 Cor. 14:23).
Anyways, I hope my question is clear. Thank you for such a thoughtful article. I simply think we should be careful with our wording, because evangelism was most definitely the focus of our Lord (Luke 19:10). It should be our focus as well. Perhaps this is on my mind because I just recently listened to Pastor MacArthur's messages on Matthew 28:16-20, "Making Disciples of all Nations." In those messages, he issues a strong challenge to the church to remember its purpose to "make disciples" both through evangelism, baptism, and perpetual teaching. Well, thank you and have a great day!
Respectfully in Christ - Your Student,
Ray Grignon
You might add, "If you have programs like "Resolved" and then preach against pragmatism, you might be hypocritical.
Travis, thanks for the encouraging word. Having just begun a church plant in the Bible-belt, the temptation to run ahead of God is ever present. Psalm 127:1 is constantly before me. Pragmatism might draw a crowd but it won't build a church.
Have you attended a Resolved conference? If so, which number(s) on the "You might be a pragmatist" list do you think it violates? Explain yourself.
Good article, much appreciated. I go to a very large church with 3 campuses (over 20,000 attendees). This week was our yearly call for baptisms and over 600 came forward and were baptized. Very moving for sure, but I couldn't help but wonder how many were true conversions. I'd like to see a follow up article to this on the true signs of God blessing a church/individual's effort, etc.
#2 got me, maybe some clarification on that one might make a good post some time.
In reference to point 5, Music. I agree music doesn't lead the salvation. The gospel and the Holy Spirit do that.
So, if you DON'T sing hymns, but instead sing contemporary songs, are you a pragmatist?
Kurt, #10
probably what is in mind is the typical evangelistic, topical message that is taught in many churches every Sunday. I think a lot of readers know what I mean. The message on Sunday morning may be taken from Judges 4, have three points, and a thoughtful illustration with a plea to walk the aisle. Sunday evening is a message from Colossians with three points, a thoughtful illustration, and another plea to walk the aisle. So every Sunday is basically the preacher "evangelizing" Christians to get saved. His duty should be to build up the saints, not evangelize them. They are already evangelized. Now they need to know the Scripture.
I completely agree with your assessment of a Pragmatist, but how in the world do we escape this today? I cannot find one Bible-believing/teaching church in our area that isn't focused on growth by numbers. Everywhere we go, there is some type of new something-or-other to draw more people. It seems hopeless. I belong to a conservative Lutheran Church that is very missional (LCMS) and Scripturally focused, but it's there as well. I can think of one church only in our area that isn't Pragmatic, but they are extremely legalistic (Bible burners). Where are believers today supposed to turn?
I also wanted to state, for the record, that I'm only 33, so I'm part of this "culture" that supposedly needs more entertainment, but I'm completely repulsed by it. My children, ages ranging from 12-3, have even voiced discomfirt with extremely entertaining church styles.
Cansandra # 13
You asked some very good questions when you wrote: I completely agree with your assessment of a Pragmatist, but how in the world do we escape this today? …Where are believers today supposed to turn?
In the very near future, we plan to devote an entire post addressing that very question. We'll approach it from the angle of "How can I effect change within my church as a non-leader?", and follow up with an article discussing when, and how to leave your church.
I trust that resonates with you, and I hope you stick around to interact. Thanks for your transparency.
In the mean time, I'll take a shot at answering your question. I think Travis ended his article with some much needed biblical advice when he called for self-examination and repentance. Not all the blame can be laid at the feet of church leaders. We all bear some responsibility for the state and condition of the church. Several of the points in his list cut me to the heart, and I abhor pragmatism. I needed this article.
Perhaps a little explanation from me is in order...
I am the pastor of a church that has just recently been founded. We aren't a church that has been around for years. I am 38, married for 13 years with 2 kids. I have no formal "seminary" education, but I do have a doctorate (in physics, not much help there;-) ) and undergraduate education in theology/ministry.
Since we are new, NO established Christians really pay attention to us. It is not uncommon on Sunday/Wednesday for people to drive up, see we are a store-front church, and drive off...how sad. No we don't have an organ and stained glass windows. Sorry. People come once and say, "well, our kids need a youth group and you don't have one". (BTW, we do have a youth group. It just has 2 youths..not 50)We never see them again...
So, the only shot we have to continue the call of God for this local body is to reach the "unreached". They are the only ones listening. How can I do that in a manner that is Biblical, yet keeps the "unsaved" or "barely saved" around long enough to repent and be converted?
I am committed to expository preaching, but that isn't quite right yet with a very small, transitory "group" that is meeting at present. So, I do things like more contemporary music, take the suit jacket off, etc, to survive reaching the group that will hear the gospel from me at present! If that is pragmatism, them so label me...
It seems like a better way to attract unbelievers to your church would be aggressive personal evangelism.
Well spoken , Travis..
Best to be not modern style and entertaining.
Churches are to teach as Jesus taught, as well preaching the Gospel with going to the left or to the right.
To Pastors, stand true to God and his Word. And pray at all times. Read about Paul, it might encourage you. God bless.
#17---better than what? What are you refering to as being not right? I do "aggressive" personal evangelism.
Mark Smith #16
Thanks for the additional explanation Mark. I hope you'll permit me to respond to your comment.
I don't begrudge your not having some kind of official seminary training. Neither do I frown upon the fact that your church is young (you used the phrase "just recently founded"). Your age wouldn't necessarily be a problem either. Many Bible scholars claim Timothy would have been in his mid-thirties when Paul encouraged him with these words, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness" (1 Tim. 4:12). It was the next part of your comment with which I took issue. You said:
Since we are new, NO established Christians really pay attention to us...So, the only shot we have to continue the call of God for this local body is to reach the "unreached". They are the only ones listening. How can I do that in a manner that is Biblical, yet keeps the "unsaved" or "barely saved" around long enough to repent and be converted?
I am committed to expository preaching, but that isn't quite right yet with a very small, transitory "group" that is meeting at present. So, I do things like more contemporary music, take the suit jacket off, etc, to survive reaching the group that will hear the gospel from me at present! If that is pragmatism, them so label me...
Mark, with all due respect, "reaching the unreached" shouldn't be the primary goal of your corporate gatherings. Your members should be committed to personal evangelism—reaching the lost in their neighborhoods, jobs, schools, and even in their homes. And you should be committed to equipping them for that work every time you gather together. Paul made that clear: "Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2).
John MacArthur repeats a formula to help his congregation remember their personal responsibility—and his. He says, "We gather to edify and scatter to evangelize." Exactly right.
I don't see any biblical violation with your losing the suit jacket & tie or dragging some drums on stage for praise music. Those don't represent any official kind of compromise, but throwing expository preaching out the window does. It will retard the growth of your flock and kill evangelism faster than anything. (To be clear, by "expository preaching," I mean authoritative preaching flowing from a sound exegesis of Scripture that is faithful to the meaning of the text).
I think a helpful exercise for you would be to revisit your understanding of ecclesiology: The doctrine of the church. What is the nature, purpose, and calling of the church, and what is your primary responsibility as a pastor? I remember one seminary professor telling our class one of the most helpful studies for a new pastor is to read what Paul said to Timothy and Titus and compare/contrast his pastoral exhortations to our own ministerial activities.
Blessings to you, brother.
Let's set clothes and music style aside for just a minute. I have some comments I'd like to make that I believe will illustrate the concerns around your position.
First, let me clarify I'm not part of the GTY staff and these comments come from a situation at my own church but, I trust Pastor MacArthur and the GTY staff as a great resource for rightly dividing the word of God and hope to hear their thoughts on this as well.
I recently attended a witnessing training group at my church in preparation for an upcoming event we host.
A little background, my church hosts a ministry event around Halloween each year and we have the opportunity to share the gospel with a lot of people you would classify as the unchurched. I struggle with the event itself, as it appeals to emotion more than anything but, here the illustration as it relates to this topic.
The leader of the training group handed out a paper titled "Do's and don'ts of a three minute testimony". He then asked us to write out our testimony. I've included the list below for discussion...
1. Ask the Lord to give wisdom and guidance as you write (James 1:5,6)
2. Emphasize life AFTER you received Christ, if you became a Christian as a child.
3. Begin with an interesting, attention-getting sentence and make a good conclusion. Include relevant, thought-provoking facts and experiences.
4. Express yourself in such a way that others can relate with you.
5. Give enough details to arouse interest.
6. Use at least one--but no more than two, Scripture verses.
7. Edit carefully and rewrite after it has been critiqued by others.
8. Remember, your testimony is meant to be a talk, not good reading material.
9. Focus only on the person you are talking with.
1. Use Christian jargon like: saved, convicted, converted, born-again. These phrases do not communicate to the average non-Christian. They are precious to us but often misunderstood and consequently ridiculed.
2. Be too wordy, or beat around the bush.
3. Speak in glittering generalities. Avoid words like wonderful, glorious...
4. Mention church denominations...especially in a derogatory way.
5. Speak critically or negatively about any other individual or group.
6. Give the impression that the Christian life is a "bed of roses".
7. Brag about past life or life now.
Perhaps you were as shocked as I was, or maybe not... It appears that the list above and your comments are focused on two things, the unsaved's ability to come and your ability to attract them and keep them.
Scripture say that the GOPSEL is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
What is the gospel? Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).
What is NOT the gospel? The wisdom of men (1 Corinthians 2:5).
So what do you do when they're not interested? Preach it anyway (2 Timothy 4:2-5).
Then what? Go to sleep! Pastor MacArthur explains this very well in this sermon: Gods Sovereignty, the Gospel, and Sleeping Well. GTY128
Great topic Travis ...looking forward to more!
What is "YRR" ?
Thank you & GOD BLESS you.
YRR stands for "Young, Restless, and Reformed." It's a theological movement among young people with many ranges. I'd say Mark Driscoll represents one way of thinking within that movement, while Tim Challies represent the other. Look through the GTY blog archive and you'll find more help on understanding that movement and its implications.
Are there any good solid biblical resources that would be a good place to help give a good biblical balance unlike many of the other resources I have read on the "mission" of the church? Most equate it to social or justice ministries of such...anyways, any direction to some solid reads would be much appreciated. :)
Great blogg Travis by the way! :)
Not sure if my last post was received, but I am wondering if there is a brief good list of GOOD solid biblical resources on defining a biblical understanding of what the mission of the church is? Everything I am reading is missional material right now, and most of it equates it to the form of social justice and good deeds mentality...although some is better than those they still, I feel, seem to miss the biblical mark. Thanks!
Thumbs up, #22. Amen.
Thanks for this blog. I'm not a minister of a church, but I've been in church all my life. Just want to mention that all of the blogs/ sermons/ etc on gty are so simple and clearly from the bible that it just confuses me sometimes because my family has been going to the "pragmatic" churches for so long and we are currently in one... I guess I get confused because I feel guilty for questioning the way my pastor and leader run the church... any comments?
I made one comment early in this post and I am uncertain if it was ever responded to, but since I made one post I have been made aware of the rest via email. With all that I read in mind, I want to simply give everyone on this blog a word of encouragement. My word of encouragement is this: encourage your pastors and spiritual leaders. Be prone to appreciate someone who stands for something as opposed to finding what they may or may not stand for as strongly. I am reminded of Paul's words in Philippians about those whose motives were out of sorts, yet they still preached the gospel.
Philippians 1:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Now, I don't know what you take away from this - but I think Paul just had an appreciative spirit of anyone naming Christ. I want to emulate that and I would encourage others to do so as well. I am not advising an abandonement of discernment, just a gracious spirit.
Greetings Ray:
Thanks for your question and comments. You asked for clarification about the purpose of the church, saying it is the glory of God (#5). The context of my post is the corporate church gathering. Tommy quoted John MacArthur as saying, "We gather to edify and scatter to evangelize."
I agree with that. Evangelism is most often what we do as individual Christians; and the purpose of the corporate assembly is to edify and equip the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12).
I appreciate your word of encouragement to the readers of this blog (#29). The post itself calls for self-examination, so I agree that we all need to have a gracious spirit; and we definitely need to encourage faithful (not perfect) pastors and Christian leaders.
But Paul's rejoicing in Phil. 1:18 is not in "anyone naming Christ," but "that Christ is proclaimed...in that I rejoice." Paul did not rejoice in rivalry and selfish ambition, and did not commend it; in fact, he rebuked that spirit in 1 Cor. 1.
Likewise, it's important that we know the gospel well enough to recognize it when it's preached, and rejoice in it. It's also important that we develop the discernment to tell the difference between ministers who preach Christ out of good and evil motives, and follow those who are under-shepherds after the example of their Lord and the pattern of apostolic ministry (1 Thes. 2:1-12).
Thanks again for your comments.
Thank you, whom ever is responsible for screening out my post on Tuesday October 18 at about 8:am. I'm still a bit young in the Lord. The main point of my comment was that I believe that pragmatism hurts everyone it touches. Thank's again for "looking out" for me.
Thanks Travis!!! It seems the impact of Pragmatism is international. In Taiwan, the books (or video) of Bill Hybels, Rick Warren and Joel Osteen are highly recommended by a lot of church leaders since they sound positive and teach churches how to grow overnight.
And you know, tons of people actually buy the idea and believe if they did such things, life would be wonderful and church itself would multiply rapidly, sadly to say. It seems that "number" is all that matters.
I completely agree. It's sad to see church growth methodologies overtaking the evangelical churches in other countries. Would that the best, not the worst, of evangelicalism would set the tone for the churches internationally, right? I guess they need to learn, just as we do, how to remain faithful to God's Word, to learn to walk daily by faith, and not by sight.
Thanks for your comment.
Andy Devine # 16
Absolutely, there is a good, biblical resource available. I'd start with John MacArthur's book The Master's Plan for the Church. It's available in softcover on the GTY website for $13. Happy reading!
I can't yell AMEN! loud enough! To quote John Fast #7 "Pragmatism might draw a crowd but it won't build a church." And to quote Fred Butler #12 "So every Sunday is basically the preacher "evangelizing" Christians to get saved. His duty should be to build up the saints, not evangelize them. They are already evangelized. Now they need to know the Scripture."
This points out the need for "Christian" Growth as opposed to "Church" Growth! For the last 10 years I've attended 3 different churches and I haven't "wanted" to invite any unbelievers to these churches because the unbeliever doesn't have the discernment to weed out the "entertainment" factors presented from the pulpit or the "music worship" that a mature believer can, & thus I felt I would be leading them astray to a "false Christianity" rather than leading them to Christ. So instead, I seek to "live" a Christian example and evangelize through my life, because that's really is how people "see" Christ. But where do "I" go to be fed? If all the church does is evangelize unbelievers, then where do the believers go? Pragmatism's focus is on the unbelievers, and the church and its members should be focused on God! When unbelievers "witness" Christ through us, & the Holy Spirit works in their heart, they will be truly moved. I keep asking "Why is it called a Worship Service" when so little "worship" is taking place?
Travis, you nailed this one!
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Why I am a Tea Party member
Every once in a while, someone asks me why I helped start the Tea Party in Bozeman, Montana. To make the story short, I say something like this: It was spring 2009, and I'd become increasingly disenchanted with both political parties' support of rampant government overspending; I worried about its impact on our nation and on future generations. I'm the son of Holocaust survivors, I say finally, and that compels me to fight for what I believe in.
Once begun, I found that our Tea Party events large drew crowds and also lots of controversy. On Independence Day 2009, for example, we drew over 2,000 people to Bozeman's Main Street, filling over eight city blocks with Americans voicing both their love of liberty and their concerns about the federal government's over-taxing and over-reach.
Later that summer, we protested the government takeover of healthcare outside President Obama's Town Hall event at the nearby airport. Despite being goaded to violence by out-of-town union organizers who took over our permitted area, we exercised self-restraint. Our rally was fiery but peaceful.
During the last couple of years, much has been written about the so-called "death of the Tea Party", as the news media and Liberal Left have attempted to demonize the movement. None of these tactics worked. Nonpartisan polls, including a recent ABC/Washington Post survey, show that more than one-third of Americans support the Tea Party.
According to pollsters Scott Rasmussen and Douglas Schoen, authors of Mad as Hell: How the Tea Party Movement is Fundamentally Remaking the Two-Party System, membership of the Tea Party mirrors the demographics of America with only slight differences. We are somewhat better educated, slightly more affluent and have slightly less minority involvement. I know of lawyers, doctors, engineers as well as construction workers, housewives and painters who are Tea Party members. But demonizing the Tea Party, no matter how often it's done, won't make our nation's problems go away nor solve them. Nor will it make us go away. While we no longer hold huge rallies, Tea Party members stay involved. They run for office, work for grassroots organizations and canvass door-to-door trying to awaken folks to get involved in the political process.
Most Americans agree that we cannot sustain current levels of debt and spending. According to the U.S. Debt Clock, our national debt exceeds $17 trillion. Unfunded liabilities (Medicare, Social Security and pensions) exceed $122 trillion. These are mind-boggling numbers, but let's personalize it: Including unfunded debt, every American taxpayer bears $1.25 million in debt, and what if the federal government goes broke? Millions of Americans would suffer as many government programs came to a screeching halt.
Today, I work for Americans For Prosperity-Montana chapter. We promote economic freedom as the pathway to a better life. As defined by economists Robert Lawson of Auburn University and James Gwartney of Florida State University, economic freedom is determined by the size of government, the amount of regulation (and the seen and unseen costs for compliance), sound money, free trade, and the rule of law. Where there is economic freedom, people live happier, healthier, better quality lives. Education is better, especially for young women. The environment is cleaner. (If you doubt that, get this. Just last year, PBS' Nova referred to North Korea as nearing "environmental collapse." North Korea ranks dead last in economic freedom and its environment suffers in consequence.)
The United States in 2000 ranked third in the world in economic freedom, but 12 years later, we'd dropped to eighteenth, coming in behind Estonia, Qatar, Switzerland and Chile. Why? Massive government over-spending, our growing debt and increased international competition.
Our economic freedom is determined in part by regulations, and the tighter the regulations, the greater the threat to our economic freedom, and ironically, the environment, because a robust economy pays for clean technology. One current threat comes from the Environmental Protection Agency's "Waters of the U.S." proposed rule. While the EPA contends the new rule expands exemptions to farmers and ranchers, many believe the rule would make it more difficult to farm and ranch and would hurt local family and organic farmers who make valuable contributions to our communities.
The Tea Party's influence continues to be widely felt, and rightly so. So rather than attacking each other, let's look at issues case-by-case and search for common ground. Let's disagree in a civil manner and let the free market of ideas decide what's best for this great experiment in liberty called America.
Henry Kriegel is a contributor to Writers on the Range, a column service of High Country News. He is deputy director of Americans For Prosperity-Montana and a co-founder of the Bozeman Tea Party (email@example.com.)
Note: the opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of High Country News, its board or staff. If you'd like to share an opinion piece of your own, please write Betsy Marston at firstname.lastname@example.com.
At the further risk of heresy here, I would say that some of the Tea Party notions of "freedom" taken to their extreme are most effective in socially less complicated settings and systems or networks of society and commerce, where local organization can replace or substitute for centralized government institutions and structures, and complex interlocking financial instruments and arrangements. You can barter for tomatoes, more difficult to do so for 50 million iPhones. And how do you manage 8M people living in close proximity without certain controls in place? Replace public law enforcement with private gun ownership? This might work when your nearest neighbor is 10 miles away and the biggest threat to your personal safety is something that is not armed. I am just not sure the Tea Party has the full recipe for success in the 21st Century which looks more and more urban and interconnected.
Generally not spending more as a society than we can reasonably generate and demonstrate is useful to our wellbeing and that of our children is a good place to start the discussion around improving our governance models. Perhaps it is a good place to stop as well.
As for "economic freedom," to me that includes the right to unionize, the right to overtime pay without being reclassified as an "independent contractor," the right to workplace safety and more.
The Florida Peninsula (I.E. most of the state) is at most immediate risk from climate change and sea level rise, not the Panhandle, which may fare a little better compared to the southern part of the state, for a while at least.
Economic freedom as described above is best achieve in a growing economy. But growth isn't sustainable. Population growth, economic growth, any kind of "growth" isn't sustainable.
We need to become better at managing our country for a zero growth future. In order to maintain a fiscally health govt in future we should be focusing on increasing taxes through closing loop holes (and child/housing tax credits!) and decreased spending. Not everyone can be a millionaire, and that's ok, but no one should starve. I wish we would tend more towards mimicking Bhutan's movement away from Gross Nation Product toward Gross National Happiness.
Paper money was invented in China a millennium ago. Related? Official US government paper money was first used here in the Civil War. Last I checked, the US survived just fine.
As far as paper being "valueless," so is gold, relatively speaking. If you wont "specie," silver would be better yet. Or, given today's electronics world, copper would be even better. Or, given the computer world, how about silicon?
Or given something that may run down relatively quickly, and is an almost priceless commodity, there's oil. Or, given the US military machine and "The Bomb," there's uranium.
All make more sense as a "specie" basis than does gold.
Good discussion. I'll just comment on one sentence from Jerry Nolan:
"The government controls interest rates which in turn controls how hard or easy it is to get a loan."
Bankers (the biggest bankers) control interest rates; not the government.
-Harry Hempy, Candidate for Governor of Colorado
I live in conservative western Colorado. I've seen my share of Tea Party rallies and heard and read more rhetoric than I probably should have. Does anybody really think that the free market and not government regulation would get us clean air? Safe skies to fly through? Clean water? Safe food? Safe drugs? Better education? National Parks and wilderness areas? Does anybody actually think that dirty and dangerous factories, chemical plants, and coal plants would get CLEANER without government regulation? Are you not glad that the government stepped in and prohibited tobacco companies from targeting children with their advertisements? I like that the government saved the American automobile industry and created a profit for the American people, to boot. I like that the government created a Consumer Protection Bureau despite the fact that big industry spent a million dollars a DAY to defeat it. Do you suppose big industry and the free market had YOUR best interest in mind as they lobbied against it?
To use North Korea as an example of a poor economy generating a filthy environment is disingenuous and just plain silly. Where's the connection? I'd suggest that the filthy environment is a direct result of a lack of government intervention and regulation. A result of a government that puts industry far above the welfare of its people. Kind of like the government that you want to create.
Do you not know that in the 50 years of the Glass-Steagall banking regulation there were very few and only very small bank failures. And then came industry-lobbied banking de-regulation. Yeah….that sure worked well! Yes…I like government. I like what it provides. I accept being my brother's keeper, because there but for the grace of God go I….a phrase we seldom hear anymore. In a normal year, and if we catch a few breaks, my wife and I combined bring in about $78,000 and pay about $6,900 in taxes. $575.00 a month. Pretty cheap for two people considering all that we get in return and all that we were able to provide to those less fortunate. In fact, as Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "I like paying taxes. With them I buy civilization." Don't Tea Partiers enjoy living in a civilized country? If not, try Somalia. They have almost no government. Perhaps Tea Partiers would enjoy it there.
I don't like the national debt anymore than you do, but you know what? It really doesn't keep me up at night. Even more I dislike the 12 TRILLION dollars that a few MBA's on Wall Street made completely vanish from the economy in five short years. I dislike that greed and the values that it represents and that Americans seem to be chasing. I think that needs to be regulated and that our values need to be adjusted, don't you? And if you want to go back to a time of a balanced budget and no national debt, you can "take the country back" to the decidedly non-Tea Party Clinton years.
And when Tea Partiers talk about "taking the country back", what and when EXACTLY are you talking about? A time when government was smaller and taxes were cheaper? Pick a year. Are you nostalgic for the 80's when top earners were taxed at 70%. Yearning for the 60's when top earners were taxed at 91%? Maybe the good old post-war days of 1950? 91%! Because you're not REALLY talking about taking the country back to 1931, a year that you can't remember, and the last year that taxes in the top bracket were lower, at 25%, then they were in 2013 at 39.6% are you?
So with so much rhetoric that doesn't stand up to ANY scrutiny, what's going on here? Are Tea Partiers really talking about "taking the country back" to a time before we had a black president and to a time when all the people in power looked exactly like you? When you say that the Tea Party has only "slightly fewer minorities", naaaa…I'm not buying it. Because although the right has done an admirable job of getting poor and middle income white folks to vote against their own best interest, they've been less successful in encouraging minorities to do the same. And besides, those signs I've seen at Tea Party gatherings depicting Obama as a monkey, or as an African witch doctor with a bone through his nose….I dunno, but they make me little suspicious of your party's sincerity.
I'm sure that you are a nice person and even believe what you say. But you need to do your homework. You need to question why your "grass-roots" movement is bankrolled by the uber wealthy. I'd like to have seen more honesty and less rhetoric in your piece. That's how you create believability. Maybe I'd have been swayed.


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Food Habits
These bats fly high and in straight lines to detect insects in the absence of clutter. They use echolocation to find insects at a distance of 3-5 m. They catch insects on the wing. Insects commonly eaten include: Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (true flies), Hemiptera (true bugs), Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) and Orthoptera (grasshoppers).
Animal Foods: Insects


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The theanine high is the main reason I drink tea. I've experimented with many kinds of tea, although I haven't tried matcha yet. I get the best high from Gyokuro and Silver Needle White. Regarding the Silver Needle White, it's important to get good quality. The leaves should be whole and well formed and you should be able to see the silver down which covers each leaf.
Also, to get the best high, proper brewing is essential. Theanine will dissolve in water temperatures above 120 degrees F (50 C). Caffeine and the more bitter tannins tend to dissolve at higher temperatures. If the water temperature is above 176 degrees (80 C), the bitter tannins and caffeine will overcome the Theanine, masking both the taste and the mind altering effect. So, the secret of getting the natural 'high' of tea, along with a sweeter and less bitter taste, is to brew the tea with cooler water, ideally between 150 and 160 degrees.
For Silver Needle, I use a heaping tablespoon to 10 ounces of 160 degree water. I let it brew for 12 to 15 minutes with a lid on the cup. I know that may seem too long, but at this temperature, it's ok. It won't taste bitter. After 15 minutes, you'll have a golden liquor, the perfect temperature to drink.
The Gyokuro must be brewed with even cooler water, ideally, about 150 degrees and not more than 2 minutes. I use a level teaspoon to 10 ounces of water. With both varieties, a second brewing is fine. But most of the theanine is exhausted after the first brewing. So, for the second brewing, I use less and slightly hotter water, producing maybe 5 ounces of tea that has a higher caffeine content.


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Monday, October 15, 2012
2012 Cormorant Trophy Goes to Canadian SAR Squad
AgustaWestland has presented the 2012 Cormorant Trophy to the Rescue 915 crew of the 103 Search and Rescue Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Gander in Newfoundland. The Rescue 915 crew was recognized for an October 2011 mission involving an AW101, which rescued two walrus hunters and two SAR Techs from the 424 Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Trenton that had become stranded on an ice flow in the Arctic Sea. The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN) recognized both SAR rescue teams with the Guild Award for Gallantry.
Related: SAR News


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Pickleball Now TNT Outdoor Pickleballs (3 Pk)
NOW: $6.99 (22% off!)
Was: $8.99*
Product Information:
Easily lose track of time having fun with friends and family playing with these pickleballs from Pickleball Now. Each can includes three yellow balls with one piece construction, designed for use on outdoor courts. These pickleballs offer durability, true flight through the air, and have smaller holes than indoor balls for better wind resistance. Get the best possible performance each time you play with Pickleball Now TNT Outdoor Pickleballs.
- Outdoor performance pickleballs
- 3-pack
- Durable, one piece construction
- Optimal performance and air flight
- Smaller holes than indoor balls for better wind resistance outside
- Color: Yellow
- Style: 302
- Pickleball Now
Country of Origin: United StatesWeb ID: 16638926


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Number of Required Coins
: 9
Current Finest Possible Set Rating
: 73.136
View Set Composition
( Shop )
This is the "short set" of so-called "wheat back" Proof Lincoln cents. Proof Lincolns weren't issued from 1943 through 1949, so when the series was renewed in 1950 it was considered a new set by many collectors. The year 1958 was the final one for this design, as the Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. There are only nine coins in the set, so it is affordable for almost every collector.
Notes: This set has bonuses. Please see the Set Composition for a listing.


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Thermaltake Urban S1
The Urban S1 sports a metal brushed front door panel, a perforated side panel, and a blue LED indicator. It also houses two USB 3.0 ports, a HD microphone port, and headset jacks.
Tags: casing, thermaltake, chassis
Share This Page
Product Specification
|Casing Dimensions and Specifications
|Drive Bays and Expansion Slots / Ports
|Case Cooling
|Power Supply
|Standard PS2 PSU (optional)


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OCZ Technology Group plans to showcase a number of brand-new solid-state storage solutions at the upcoming Computex Taipei 2011 trade-show in early June. One of the leading makers of solid-state drives (SSDs) intends to demonstrate its first hybrid storage device that combines hard disk drive (HDD) with NAND flash memory.
"Computex Taipei is the ideal venue to unveil our next generation SSD solutions for HPC and enterprise clients. This year we are pushing the envelope once again, showcasing the newest Serial ATA-600 Indilinx controller, the next generation best-of-breed MLC based enterprise PCIe drives, and innovative hybrid SSDs and caching solutions," said Alex Mei, chief markering officer of OCZ Technology.
At present the details about the hybrid storage solution are rather scarce. What is known is that OCZ will demonstrate the first hybrid HDD/SSD from the RevoDrive family with PCI Express Interface, which utilizes a large high speed NAND flash cache coupled with high density rotational media, to deliver maximized performance to density ratios for workstation usage.
Highlights at the OCZ product showcase include the all-new VCA enabled, Z-Drive R4 PCIe SSD line, capable of up to 2.7GB/s and 330 thousand 4KB random write IOPS. This PCIe based enterprise solution enables maximum performance in datacenters and delivers the highest 4K random write performance of any SSD available today, according to OCZ. It supports a host of enterprise features and enables use of the newest low cost Sync Mode 20nm-class NAND flash technology.
The RevoDrive 3, a next generation bootable PCI-Express SSD, designed for high-performance gaming PCs and workstations, will also be on display. Leveraging proprietary VCA technology the RevoDrive 3 can accommodate a wide range of applications including multi-media creation and management applications.


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Check out the video below. Apparently a trader caused a massive sell off of P&G because he/she mistakenly typed Billion instead of Million when selling. Whoops. Some people out there just made a butt load of money. Its pretty entertaining (and also scary) you can turn a crappy day on the market of a 300 point drop to 1000 point drop in less than 5 minutes with a mistake like this. Just watch the video and the numbers as it goes.
Already a bad day with Greece. Going to be interesting to see how Europe handles this. One of the biggest issues with the Euro is taking the monetary policy away from the individual countries.


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Books that won't make you blush
The Bridesmaid by Hailey Abbott
Having vowed as children to never marry after witnessing many disastrous weddings and obnoxious brides in their parents' wedding planning business, fifteen-year-old Abby is dismayed when her older sister Carol suddenly gets engaged and turns into "Bridezilla."
Suggested grades: 6-10
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
In 1793 Philadelphia, sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic.
Suggested grades: 6-8
The Anybodies by NE Bode
After learning that she is not the biological daughter of boring Mr. and Mrs. Drudger, Fern embarks on magical adventures with her real father and finally finds "a place that feels like home."
Suggested grades: 5-8
All-American Girl by Meg Cabot
A sophomore girl stops a presidential assassination attempt, is appointed Teen Ambassador to the United Nations, and catches the eye of the very cute First Son.
Suggested grades: 6-10
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Fourteen-year-old Mia, who is trying to lead a normal life as a teenage girl in New York City, is shocked to learn that her father is the Prince of Genovia, a small European principality, and that she is a princess and the heir to the throne.
Suggested grades: 6-10
The Loser's Guide to Life and Love by AE Cannon
Over the summer, Salt Lake City high school student Ed McIff works at a video store, wearing a shirt with the name Sergio on it, and when a beautiful girl comes in one day, he decides to take on a new, more suave identity, resulting in a series of misunderstandings and star-crossed encounters.
Suggested grades: 6-9
Cheating Lessons by Nan Willard Cappo
When her team is announced as finalists in the state Classics Bowl contest, Bernadette suspects that cheating may have been involved.
Suggested grades: 6-10
Diary of a Teenage Girl by Melody Carlson
Sixteen-year-old Caitlin O'Conner keeps a six-month diary in which she records the day-to-day events of her life as well as her struggles to understand herself and God's plan for her future.
Suggested grades: 7-12
Heist Society by Ally Carter
A group of teenagers uses their combined talents to re-steal several priceless paintings and save fifteen-year-old Kat Bishop's father, himself an international art thief, from a vengeful collector.
Suggested grades: 6-12
I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
As a sophomore at a secret spy school and the daughter of a former CIA operative, Cammie is sheltered from "normal teenage life" until she meets a local boy while on a class surveillance mission.
Suggested grades: 7-12
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
Relates the intertwining fates of former street gang leader Han Alister and headstrong Princess Raisa, as Han takes possession of an amulet that once belonged to an evil wizard and Raisa uncovers a conspiracy in the Grey Wolf Court.
Suggested grades: 7-12
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards' families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.
Suggested grades: 6-8
Airman by Eoin Colfer
In the late nineteenth century, when Conor Broekhart discovers a conspiracy to overthrow the king, he is branded a traitor, imprisoned, and forced to mine for diamonds under brutal conditions while he plans a daring escape from Little Saltee prison by way of a flying machine that he must design, build, and, hardest of all, trust to carry him to safety.
Suggested grades: 7-12
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
When a twelve-year-old evil genius tries to restore his family fortune by capturing a fairy and demanding a ransom in gold, the fairies fight back with magic, technology, and a particularly nasty troll.
Suggested grades: 6-8
Mistwood by Leah Cypess
Brought back from the Mistwood to protect the royal family, a girl who has no memory of being a shape-shifter encounters political and magical intrigue as she struggles with her growing feelings for the prince.
Suggested grades: 7-12
So You Want to Be a Wizard? by Diane Duane
Thirteen-year-old Nita, tormented by a gang of bullies because she won't fight back, finds the help she needs in a library book on wizardry, which guides her into another dimension.
Suggested grades: 6-12
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
In the year 241, twelve-year-old Lina trades jobs on Assignment Day to be a Messenger to run to new places in her decaying but beloved city, perhaps even to glimpse Unknown Regions.
Suggested grades: 4-7
Dark Life by Kat Falls
When fifteen-year-old Ty, who has always lived on the ocean floor, joins Topside girl Gemma in the frontier's underworld to seek and stop outlaws who threaten his home, they learn that the government may pose an even greater threat.
Suggested grades: 6-10
Love Among the Walnuts by Jean Ferris
Born and raised in isolation in a wealthy, eccentric family, Sandy is shocked when he, his parents, and their servants become victims of a vicious plot by his greedy uncles to incapacitate them and take their money.
Suggested grades: 7-12
Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
A young man with a mysterious past and a penchant for inventing things leaves the troll who raised him, meets an unhappy princess he has loved from afar, and discovers a plot against her and her father.
Suggested grades: 6-9
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
To free herself from an upcoming arranged marriage, Claudia, the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, a futuristic prison with a mind of its own, decides to help a young prisoner escape.
Suggested grades: 7-12
Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher
When Marjan, a thirteen-year-old crippled girl, joins the Sultan's harem in ancient Persia, she gathers for Shahrazad the stories which will save the queen's life.
Suggested grades: 6-8
How I Survived My Summer Vacation and Lived to Write the Story by Robin Friedman
Determined to write a novel during the summer before he starts high school, thirteen-year-old Jackie struggles with his inability to finish anything and with the advice of others.
Suggested grades: 5-9
The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner
In the late eighteenth-century, Sido, the twelve-year-old daughter of a self-indulgent marquis, and Yann, a fourteen-year-old Gypsy orphan raised to perform in a magic show, face a common enemy at the start of the French Revolution.
Suggested grades: 8-12
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Buttercup, believing her beloved Westley has been killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts, agrees to marry Prince Humperdinck. But she is kidnapped before the wedding, and she and her kidnappers are pursued by a mysterious man in black.
Suggested grades: 6-12
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
On her way to marry a prince she's never met, Princess Anidori is betrayed by her guards and her lady-in-waiting and must become a goose girl to survive until she can reveal her true identity and reclaim the crown that is rightfully hers.
Suggested grades: 6-10
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
While attending a strict academy for potential princesses with the other girls from her mountain village, fourteen-year-old Miri discovers unexpected talents and connections to her homeland.
Suggested grades: 5-9
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Roy, who is new to his small Florida community, becomes involved in another boy's attempt to save a colony of burrowing owls from a proposed construction site.
Suggested grades: 5-8
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
After the death of the uncle who had been his guardian, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider is coerced to continue his uncle's dangerous work for Britain's intelligence agency, MI6.
Suggested grades: 5-9
Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
For generations, four clans of wild cats have shared the forest. When their warrior code is threatened by mysterious deaths, a house cat named Rusty may turn out to be the bravest warrior of all.
Suggested grades: 5-9
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
When seventeen-year-old Ginny receives a packet of mysterious envelopes from her favorite aunt, she leaves New Jersey to criss-cross Europe on a sort of scavenger hunt that transforms her life.
Suggested grades: 8-11
So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones
Forced to move from Manhattan to an Oklahoma farm when her mother remarries, sixteen-year-old Bella relies on her faith while investigating a deadly, secret organization for the school newspaper, as she slowly realizes how shallow and spoiled she has been.
Suggested grades: 6-9
Buddha Boy by Kathe Koja
Justin spends time with Jinsen, the unusual and artistic new student whom the school bullies torment and call Buddha Boy, and ends up making choices that impact Jinsen, himself, and the entire school.
Suggested grades: 6-10
The Girls by Amy Koss
Each of the girls in a middle-school clique reveals the strong, manipulative hold one of the group exerts on the others, and the hurt and self-doubt that it causes them.
Suggested grades: 5-8
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin
A boy grows to manhood while attempting to subdue the evil he unleashed on the world as an apprentice to the Master Wizard.
Suggested grades: 5-12
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg's father, who has disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government.
Suggested grades: 5-12
Dunk by David Lubar
While hoping to work as the clown in an amusement park dunk tank on the New Jersey shore the summer before his junior year in high school, Chad faces his best friend's serious illness, hassles with police, and the girl that got away.
Suggested grades: 7-10
Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar
While navigating his first year of high school and awaiting the birth of his new baby brother, Scott loses old friends and gains some unlikely new ones as he hones his skills as a writer.
Suggested grades: 7-11
Beauty by Robin McKinley
Kind Beauty grows to love the Beast at whose castle she is compelled to stay and through her love releases him from the spell which had turned him from a handsome prince into an ugly beast.
Suggested grades: 6-12
Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller
Life becomes more interesting for Ananka Fishbein when, at the age of twelve, she discovers an underground room in the park across from her New York City apartment and meets a mysterious girl called Kiki Strike who claims that she, too, wants to explore the subterranean world.
Suggested grades: 5-8
Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery
Anne, an eleven-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm and proceeds to make an indelible impression on everyone around her.
Suggested grades: 5-12
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.
Suggested grades: 7-12
Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
After spending her summer running the family farm and training the quarterback for her school's rival football team, sixteen-year-old D.J. decides to go out for the sport herself, not anticipating the reactions of those around her.
Suggested grades: 6-10
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
Matt, a young cabin boy aboard an airship, and Kate, a wealthy young girl traveling with her chaperone, team up to search for the existence of mysterious winged creatures reportedly living hundreds of feet above the Earth's surface.
Suggested grades: 6-10
The Daughters by Joanna Philbin
In New York City, three fourteen-year-old best friends who are all daughters of celebrities watch out for each other as they try to strike a balance between ordinary high school events, such as finding a date for the homecoming dance, and family functions like walking the red carpet with their famous parents.
Suggested grades: 6-10
Freak the Mighty by WR Philbrick
At the beginning of eighth grade, learning disabled Max and his new friend Freak, whose birth defect has affected his body but not his brilliant mind, find that when they combine forces they make a powerful team.
Suggested grades: 5-9
All's Fair in Love, War, and High School by Janette Rallison
When head cheerleader Samantha Taylor does poorly on the SAT exam, she determines that her only hope for college admission is to win the election for student body president, but her razor wit and acid tongue make her better suited to dishing out insults than winning votes.
Suggested grades: 9-12
Just One Wish by Janette Rallison
Seventeen-year-old Annika tries to cheer up her little brother Jeremy before his surgery to remove a cancerous tumor by bringing home his favorite television actor, Steve Raleigh, the star of "Teen Robin Hood."
Suggested grades: 7-11
A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt
Sixteen-year-old atheist Simone Turner-Bloom's life changes in unexpected ways when her parents convince her to make contact with her biological mother, an agnostic from a Jewish family who is losing her battle with cancer.
Suggested grades: 7-12
After the Dancing Days by Margaret Rostkowski
A forbidden friendship with a badly disfigured soldier in the aftermath of World War I forces thirteen-year-old Annie to redefine the word "hero" and to question conventional ideas of patriotism.
Suggested grades: 6-9
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the Great Depression.
Suggested grades: 5-9
Water Keep by J Scott Savage
Found in the desert as a baby by monks who named him, thirteen-year-old Marcus, who has been confined to a wheelchair ever since he can remember, knows nothing of his background and endures the difficulties of his daily life in various foster homes and schools by dreaming of Farworld, a magical place whose pull seems to be getting increasingly stronger.
Suggested grades: 5-7
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
In 1911, Turner Buckminster hates his new home of Phippsburg, Maine, but things improve when he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a girl from a poor, nearby island community founded by former slaves that the town fathers—and Turner's—want to change into a tourist spot.
Suggested grades: 6-12
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
During the 1967 school year, on Wednesday afternoons when all his classmates go to either Catechism or Hebrew school, seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood stays in Mrs. Baker's classroom where they read the plays of William Shakespeare and Holling learns much of value about the world he lives in.
Suggested grades: 5-8
The Schwa Was Here by Neal Schusterman
A Brooklyn eighth-grader nicknamed Antsy befriends the Schwa, an "invisible-ish" boy who is tired of blending into his surroundings and going unnoticed by nearly everyone.
Suggested grades: 6-10
I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader by Kieran Scott
As a brunette on the all-blonde cheerleading squad at her new Florida high school, sophomore Annisa Gobrowski tries to fit in with her popular teammates without losing the friendship of Bethany, the only other non-blonde at the school.
Suggested grades: 7-10
Words by Heart by Ouida Sebestyen
A young black girl struggles to fulfill her papa's dream of a better future for their family in the southwestern town where, in 1910, they are the only blacks.
Suggested grades: 7-10
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen by Dyan Sheldon
In her first year at a suburban New Jersey high school, Mary Elizabeth Cep, who now calls herself "Lola," sets her sights on the lead in the annual drama production, and finds herself in conflict with the most popular girl in school.
Suggested grades: 6-10
After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
Although Jeff and Tad, encouraged by a new friend, Lindsey, make a deal to help one another overcome aftereffects of their cancer treatments in preparation for eighth-grade graduation, Jeff still craves advice from his older brother Stephen, who is studying drums in Africa.
Suggested grades: 5-9
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
In this story about the perils of popularity, the courage of nonconformity, and the thrill of first love, an eccentric student named Stargirl changes Mica High School forever.
Suggested grades: 6-9
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
Suggested grades: 5-9
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Gen flaunts his ingenuity as a thief and relishes the adventure which takes him to a remote temple of the gods where he will attempt to steal a precious stone.
Suggested grades: 6-10
Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? by Eleanor Updale
In Victorian London, after his life is saved by a young physician, a thief utilizes the knowledge he gains in prison and from the scientific lectures he attends as the physician's case study exhibit to create a new, highly successful, double life for himself.
Suggested grades: 6-10
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
In alternating chapters, two teenagers describe how their feelings about themselves, each other, and their families have changed over the years.
Suggested grades: 5-9
Memory Boy by Will Weaver
Sixteen-year-old Miles and his family must flee their Minneapolis home and begin a new life in the wilderness after a chain of cataclysmic volcanic explosions creates dangerous conditions in their city.
Suggested grades: 6-10
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
In an alternate 1914 Europe, fifteen-year-old Austrian Prince Alek, on the run from the Clanker Powers who are attempting to take over the globe using mechanical machinery, forms an uneasy alliance with Deryn who, disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service, is learning to fly genetically-engineered beasts.
Suggested grades: 7-12
Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia Wrede
In 1817 in England, two young cousins, Cecilia living in the country and Kate in London, write letters to keep each other informed of their exploits, which take a sinister turn when they find themselves confronted by evil wizards.
Suggested grades: 7-10
Authors That Won't Make You Blush
- Avi
- Joan Bauer
- Caroline Cooney
- Christopher Paul Curtis
- Sarah Dessen
- Nancy Farmer
- John Feinstein
- Cornelia Funke
- Margaret Peterson Haddix
- Shannon Hale
- Carl Hiaasen
- Will Hobbs
- Polly Horvath
- Madeline L'Engle
- Lois Lowry
- Naomi Shihab Nye
- Gary Paulsen
- Roland Smith
- Jerry Spinelli
- Janet Tashjian