text:
Protective Strategies Here and There: A Review Article of Stephen L. Young, "Protective Strategies…" and "Maximizing Literacy as a Protective Strategy"
A Denver Journal Review Article by Denver Seminary Professor Dr. Richard S. Hess
Young, Stephen L. "Protective Strategies and the Prestige of the 'Academic': A Religious Studies and Practice Theory Redescription of Inerrantist Scholarship," Biblical Interpretation 23 (2015):1-35; idem, "Maximizing Literacy as a Protective Strategy: Redescribing Evangelical Inerrantist Scholarship on Israelite Literacy," Biblical Interpretation 23 (2015): 145-73.
In recent essays, Stephen L. Young (2015a; 2015b) attempts an analysis of "Evangelical Inerrantist Scholarship" in which he names a variety of scholars but features myself and Alan Millard in great detail as representative examples of what he describes as a protective strategy. The editors of Biblical Interpretation have deemed this work of such significance as to devote two articles and 54 pages to its examination (Young 2015a; 2015b). It is the purpose of the present review article to examine (1) the validity of the application of such a method in this particular instance, and (2) the manner in which the elements of this protective strategy come into play in Young's own discussion and analysis.
The Executive Editor and the editorial board of Biblical Interpretation refused publication of this response on the grounds that (1) it could not be vetted through their double blind review process without revealing my identity as the author; and (2) the possibility of a forum in which both Young and I contributed responses was declined by Young (email communication from Tat-Siong Benny Liew, Executive Editor of Biblical Interpretation, April 22, 2015). If my brief observations accomplish anything here, I hope they will encourage the interested reader to examine the original publications, along with their evidence and arguments, in order to discern these important issues and exactly what points and rationales are presented. The contribution of additional considered voices to this discussion can only enhance the field.
While much could be addressed in this essay, I will limit my concerns to Young's analysis made regarding my work and the manner in which it is pursued for the purposes of identifying a "protective strategy." A characteristic of Young's writing style is to lump together a larger group of scholars and to claim that what is true with one writer or another must be true of the entire group. While Alan Millard and I are separated out for special treatment (Young 2015b: 147-49), we are connected with the views of other "Evangelical Inerrantist Scholars" who are "more explicit" than us but "illustrate," "provide further evidence," and make recurrent claims with whom we can be identified (Young 2015b: 152-53, 161). One may respect many of the scholars whom Young mentions but not identify one's views or methods with them. Their work should be evaluated on its own merits. The same is true of Alan Millard, from whom I have learned much. The concern here will be with the extensive treatment Young gives my published writings.
Points of Misrepresentation as a Means to Support Theories of Protective Strategies
On the first and second pages of Young's "Analysis of Inerrantist Scholarship on Israelite Literacy" (2015b: 150-51), he claims that I trace Israelite literacy "back to the thirteenth century (e.g. Hess 2002: 83-88, 95)." This is not true. I explicitly and only discuss the thirteenth century B.C. (and earlier) evidence for writing in Southern Canaan on p. 85 under the section entitled "I. Pre-Israelite Canaan" (note Pre-Israelite, not Israelite). This misrepresentation with identical references is repeated on the same page of Young's essay (2015b: 151). Repeating a false statement does not make it true. However, a repetitive style characterizes Young's work. His use of terms such as "rhetoric" and "misrepresents," that he applies to myself, can be applied to his own "strategy" to "protect" a particular understanding of my writings on literacy and what that understanding supposedly reveals about my intentions.
I will take time here to consider only the main points of Young's specific discussion of what I have written on literacy. First, it is essential to Young's strategy to establish that I hold to widespread, sophisticated literacy in ancient Israel, a "literary literacy" across the entire population. He argues that I assert, "any Israelite of any social or geographic location" would have "the ability to read, and sometimes write, complex literary texts" (Young 2015b: 153-54). However, I never make this claim. When Young attempts to assign this definition to my work he is not successful in establishing any place where I so define my use of literacy in this manner. The only evidence he musters is in a section on seals and bullae where, according to Young, "Hess himself even distinguishes between the ability to scribble one's name and recognize it on a seal versus 'the ability to read or write' (Hess 2002: 92)." However, Young misrepresents my work. This quote is taken from the statement, "Although possession of a seal with one's name on it does not prove the ability to read or write…" I stand by that remark. Possession of a seal with writing says nothing about the individual owner being able to read or write. I go on to state that the quantity of seals with writing on them does suggest a culture where more people could read and write their names than a culture without seals with names written on them. I say nothing about "literacy" as involving more than reading and writing one's name.
Because Young incorrectly claims that I endorse the model of a vast and widespread ability to read and write complex texts throughout ancient Israel, he can then go on to suggest that this is the understanding I use to object to Christopher Rollston's arguments and it is the view that I ascribe to William Schniedewind and William Dever. However, in reality I do not define literacy in this manner, as "literary literacy." For this reason, none of Young's statements reflect what I have written. In fact, they compound the misrepresentation of my research.
Thus Young asserts that I declare Rollston's definition of literacy, in a chapter he wrote on the Tel Zayit abecedary (Rollston 2008), as "illegitimately just made up" (2015b: 154). I do nothing of the kind. It is not illegitimate nor is my own definition. Clearly, Rollston's definition of those who wrote and read their names as "non-literate" would not be the same as my own (Rollston 2010: 127; cf. Hess 2011). It runs counter to my sense of literacy as being able to read and write, even in a basic fashion. Nevertheless, I can live with either definition, so long as one recognizes that they differ in what they signify. What I do distinguish, then, is how I use the term, literacy, and how Rollston does. He uses it to refer to what Young describes as literary literacy. I use it to refer to basic abilities, including reading and writing one's name.
Thus I have no issue with Rollston's definition used in the way that he does. Young misrepresents me when he says I do. My objections are rather (1) that Rollston (when analyzing my work) attempts to apply his understanding of literacy (as requiring the ability to read and compose much more sophisticated texts) to my use of the term, and (2) that he maintains I argue that the Tel Zayit abecedary by itself establishes proof of many readers and writers of various socio-economic backgrounds (Rollston 2008: 62-63; Hess 2009b: 596). Because that is not my definition of literacy in any of my writings, and because I have never suggested that the Tel Zayit abecedary by itself is proof of literary literacy, I reject this definition. Young states that I borrow my definition and use of terms for literacy, but that this practice is "something he denies to Rollston's" approach (Young 2015b: 155). But again, he cannot show where I deny this to Rollston because I never do.
Young needs to demonstrate that I use "functional literacy" in the sense of literary literacy (2015b: 156) in order to prove that my underlying "protective strategy" is to "block analysis of a text that may not uphold the text's own claims about itself" (2015b: 146). Thus it is very important for his strategy to demonstrate how I "self-represent" my view of literary literacy as mainstream. But I have no view of widespread literary literacy. This is a fiction created by misreading my published work. Young devotes pages of his work to demonstrate how I misrepresent William Schniedewind and William Dever, who use the terms, "broader literacy" and "functional literacy," but limit them to practices such as writing one's name on a seal. They clearly distinguish these terms from writing anything complex (such as biblical books).
A basic problem with Young's argument is that I never disagree with these observations. I accept these terms "as propounded by other scholars, rather than inventing my own" (Hess 2009b: 596). I used these terms in an article I published on the Tel Zayit abecedary where I found them convenient in order to make my point: "Whether as Schniedewind's 'broader literacy' or Dever's 'functional literacy,' the epigraphic evidence continues to grow" (Hess 2006: 345). In the context of mentioning thousands of Hebrew seals and bullae with writing alongside other brief inscriptions, the picture of writing suggests broad and "rudimentary" reading and writing concerning which I agree with these scholars whom Young mentions. Thus I fully endorse Dever's point that, "We may assume that writing and even what we may call 'functional' literacy, was reasonably widespread by the 10th century, and certainly by the 9th century" (Dever 2001: 203; cited in Hess 2007: 234).
Therefore, when Young argues, "Hess' invoking of Dever's 'functional literacy' and Schniedewind's 'broader literacy' as support for widespread Israelite literary literacy thus appears to be an attempt to bolster the scholarly credentials of his position, but in a way that demonstrably falls short of accurate interaction" (2015b: 157), he misrepresents my position and makes claims that he cannot support. Nevertheless, such "redescribing" is consistent with Young's own protective strategy to block accurate understanding of what I actually have written in order to create a false dichotomy between my position and that of others. Accusations that I "misuse" others' work is a dubious "bonus" that comes from misuse of my own writing.
Moving through my later responses to some publications on literacy, Young builds on his misunderstanding of my work and my definitions in order to further misrepresent what I write on the Tel Zayit abecedary. Young states, "According to Hess, Rollston at most 'concede[s] its possible use for 'curricular activities'' (Hess 2009b: 596). This demonstrably misrepresents Rollston's points and illustrates Hess' non-engagement with Rollston's actual argument. Rollston does not 'concede' anything" (Young 2015b: 164). Compare what I actually wrote concerning abecedaries: "Indeed, Rollston appears to concede its possible use for 'curricular activities' later" (Hess 2009b: 596). I then cite p. 72 of Rollston's 2008 study where he writes, "My own position is that one can hardly suggest that none of the extant abecedaries is to be associated with curricular activities (Rollston 2006: 67)." The only misrepresentation here is Young's discussion of my description of what Rollston has written. This furthers Young's strategy to block understanding of my writing and to replace it with redescriptions that supports his self-represented analysis.
A final example of the manner in which Young incorrectly describes what I write about literacy has to do with my analysis of Rollston's evidence and arguments that review a variety of pedagogical studies concerning how children learn to read and write English in a modern, literate English culture. I refer to an essay by M. C. A. Macdonald, "Literacy in an Oral Environment" (2005). Among other matters, I cite evidence that covers cultures in pre-modern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where writing and reading on a rudimentary level occurs for a variety of reasons among both children and adults. I refer to the many thousands of Safaitic graffiti from the Roman period and how these suggest peoples from a variety of classes in this culture could read and write. I also discuss one of the key authors that Rollston cites, Linnea C. Ehri (1998). Ehri's observations concern how children in modern Western cultures learn how to read and write English. The observations make clear that in English the number of letters (small and large case), the variations of pronunciation for these letters both singly and in combination, and the grapheme-vowel correspondences all go beyond the education that ancient Israelites needed to learn to read and write their own names and perhaps a few other words in Hebrew (Hess 2009a: 8). Young dismisses all of this evidence and argument as "an anecdote" (2015b: 163).
My conclusions remain reserved with questions and general remarks such as: "Whether these points are sufficient to explain the differences between the studies that Rollston cites and the experiences of African and Middle Easterners is not certain" (Hess 2009a: 8). Young states that I make "un-theorized claims," that I "generalize from an anecdote," and that I "do not engage in critical historical investigation" (2015b: 163). These misrepresentations drive one toward the same conclusion about Young that he attempts to argue about me: that one can only find agreement among those who already agree with him and are not competent to examine the evidence. Cf. Young 2015b:163 (Young repeats this charge on p. 168 and again on p. 169, where apathy is added to his list of reasons for failure to identify the putative errors and misrepresentation).
Hittite Vassal Treaties and Mischaracterizations of Motives
A sub-theme that runs through Young's description is his repeated dismissal of my argument that Hittite vassal treaties more closely resemble the overall structure of a work such as Deuteronomy than later vassal treaties of the Neo-Assyrian period (2015b: 151-52, 168). This is not original with me, but has been a voice in scholarship for more than half a century in one form or another. Cf. e.g., Mendenhall 1954, whose own work relies upon the structural analysis of Hittite treaties produced by Korošec 1931.
In Young's view I "repeatedly stress parallels between Hittite treaties and Deuteronomy" and am one who "consistently emphasizes potential evidence" but who "does not urge caution about the proposed Hittite treaty parallels." I do indeed support the Hittite parallels as most closely related to the general structure of Deuteronomy. However, that is not Young's point. He asserts that I do this, in a method consistent with all my work to which he refers, in order to "privilege the biblical text" and to "block analysis" that does not support the biblical text.
If this is true, why then did I co-edit a book on Israelite history that appeared a few months ago wherein the single chapter devoted to "Covenant and Treaty in the Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East" does not advocate the Hittite vassal treaty parallel (Greengus 2014)? Does this not contradict my "protective strategy?" Since Young references this recent history book (2015b: 148 n; Hess 2014), he would have had access to it and the chapter that opposes my position. Yet he chooses not to mention it. I may have a viewpoint but it is simply without foundation to state that I "block" alternative views as part of a strategy to privilege the biblical text. To the contrary, I publish them. Young's own selectivity in discussing only what supports his "protective strategy" argument, all the while ignoring what contradicts it in works that appear with my name on them, suggests that Young has a protective strategy of his own that is in operation here.
An important point that has not been noted is that no one among those mentioned argues that there is a major issue with the degree of literacy in ancient Israel and with the biblical traditions. Neither Rollston, Schniedewind, Dever, nor I are concerned that evidence for an increase or decrease in literacy will affect some sort of long and dearly held religious or other view. The biblical witness is sufficiently general about the matter, as are the other relevant materials (e.g., Lachish letter 3), so that a variety of literacy views are compatible with what may be different analyses of these texts.
I do not attempt to argue for a specific level of literacy, much less for widespread literary literacy. My agnosticism toward this endeavor is stated at the beginning of my first study on the subject (Hess 2002:83): "The question of the degree to which literacy can be assumed or dismissed in ancient Israel is one that has no direct answer." I repeated this in the conclusion of that essay (2002:95) and have never altered my position.
Nor do I "greatly value the prestige and legitimacy of the academy" (Young 2015b: 169). My original essay (Hess 2002) on this subject was written in order to collect the published evidence of extra biblical written material before and during the period of ancient Israel; something I had not seen done in an up-to-date manner at the time. The portrayal of myself (and anyone else) as so driven by Young's theory of a "protective strategy" that whatever I write betrays this purpose, is a reductionist ideology that reveals more about the person so describing it then it actually identifies those participating in the discussion. I do not believe that those working in this field, including myself, can be so easily and simply labeled and objectified.
The study of the characteristics of scholars' arguments and what may lie behind them may prove useful. However, it requires accurate and full representation of what authors write on a subject. Selective quotation and misrepresentation of one's published work, masquerading under the guise of ideological and socio-historical criticism, are not helpful and cannot replace careful research of the evidence and arguments themselves.
The "Agade Mailing List" reports a newspaper article in the April 22, 2015 edition of Haaretz written by Ariel David, "A High-Tech Quest to Unlock the Secrets of Ancient Israelite Letters." The article concerns research on the Arad ostraca, letters on potsherds written in the period before the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Israel Finkelstein, professor of archaeology at Tel Aviv University, reports on a forthcoming study of which he is a part. Ariel David notes that Finkelstein suggests that the new evidence demonstrates "strong literary activity before the exile," where in Judah "There must have been a large education system to support that." We await the scholarly publication in order to evaluate this new evidence of additional writing found on the ostraca. Increasing evidence for ancient Israelite reading and writing should not be interpreted as a protective strategy.
Dever, W.
2001 What Did the Biblical Writers Know and When Did They Know It? What Archaeology Can Tell Us about the Reality of Ancient Israel (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).
Greengus, S.
2014 "Covenant and Treaty in the Hebrew Bible and in the Ancient Near East," in B. Arnold and R. Hess (eds.), Ancient Israel's History: An Introduction to the Issues and Sources (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic): 91-126.
Hess, R. S.
2002 "Literacy in Iron Age Israel," in V.P. Long, D.W. Baker, and G.J. Wenham (eds.), Windows into Old Testament History: Evidence, Argument, and the Crisis of "Biblical Israel." (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans):82-102.
2006 "Writing About Writing: Abecedaries and Evidence for Literacy in Ancient Israel," VT 56: 342-46.
2007 Israelite Religions: An Archaeological and Biblical Survey (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic).
2009a "Questions of Reading and Writing in Ancient Israel," Bulletin for Biblical Research 19: 1-9.
2009b Review of Ron Tappy and P. Kyle McCarter (eds.), Literate Culture and Tenth-Century Canaan: The Tel Zayit Abecedary in Context, Bulletin for Biblical Research 19: 595-97.
2011 Review of Christopher A. Rollston, Writing and Literacy in the World of Ancient Israel: Epigraphic Evidence from the Iron Age, Bulletin for Biblical Research 21: 394-96.
2014 "Introduction: Foundations for a History of Israel, " in B. Arnold and R. Hess (eds.), Ancient Israel's History: An Introduction to the Issues and Sources (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic): 1-22.
Korošec, V.
1931 Hethitische Staatsverträge: Ein Beitrag zu Ihrer Juristischen Wertung (Leipzig: T. Weicher).
Macdonald, M. C.
2005 "Literacy in an Oral Environment," in P. Bienkowski et al. (eds.), Writing and Ancient Near Eastern Society: Papers in Honour of Alan R. Millard (New York: T&T Clark): 49-118.
Mendenhall, G. E.
1954 "Covenant Forms in Israelite Tradition," Biblical Archaeologist 17: 20-46, 50-76.
Rollston, C.
2008 "The Phoenician Script of the Tel Zayit Abecedary and Putative Evidence for Israelite Literacy," in Ron Tappy and P. Kyle McCarter (eds.), Literate Culture and Tenth-Century Canaan: The Tel Zayit Abecedary in Context (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns): 61-96.
2010. Writing and Literacy in the World of Ancient Israel: Epigraphic Evidence from the Iron Age (Atlanta, GA: Society of Biblical Literature).
Schniedewind, W. M.
2000. "Orality and Literacy in Ancient Israel," Religious Studies Review 26: 327-32.
Young, S. L.
2015a "Protective Strategies and the Prestige of the 'Academic': A Religious Studies and Practice Theory Redescription of Inerrantist Scholarship," Biblical Interpretation 23:1-35.
2015b "Maximizing Literacy as a Protective Strategy: Redescribing Evangelical Inerrantist Scholarship on Israelite Literacy," Biblical Interpretation 23: 145-73.
Richard S. Hess, Ph.D.
Earl S. Kalland Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages
Denver Seminary
April 2015


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text:
You are all so wonderfully generous. Thank you!
Pam, I'll meet you half way! And Noreen, thank you; I plan on serious
discussions as to what grows best here since my best gardens were in
We've been busy all week house hunting, so I'm just now catching up with the
list, but I've spent the time between houses thinking about what will grow
where. Our realtor thinks we're completely nuts: he's inside looking in
cabinets and closets, looks around, and we're in the back yard checking out
the soil and shade. I think he's quit looking for floor plans and bedrooms,
and just looking for good gardens.
So, once I know what I have room and conditions to grow, I'll be in touch.
I am so moved by the folks on this list who are so generous with their time
and gardens. I'll have the "firstname.lastname@example.com" garden, with input from
all of you. I can't wait!
And it will be a special pleasure to feel like a real gardener again.
Nothing like the really good sleep after a hard day's work in a garden.
I've felt so "transplanted", but maybe I was just "composting"!
- ---- Original Message -----
From: "Pamela J. Evans" <email@example.com>
To: <email@example.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 7:30 AM
Subject: Re: [CHAT] lurking
> Scottie - If you do join the landlubber crowd, I can fill up the car w/
> stuff for your garden. Four o'clocks, volunteer purple coneflowers,
> summer/annual poinsettias, black-eyed Susans, cannas and whatever else
> I've got growing on!! Not to mention my usual overabundance of seedlings
> every Spring. Just say the word. I made a road trip to Jesse's her first
> Spring in OK. Car was so full I had to use my side mirrors. LOL
> keep us posted - excellent to hear from you!!
> Pam
> ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
> From: "Scottie Baugh" <firstname.lastname@example.com>
> Reply-To: email@example.com
> Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2003 03:27:48 -0500
> >I confess, I'm still lurking. I didn't realize the list had dropped to
> >few contributors.
> >
> >My dock garden is just about at the end of it's time. It's been so hot
> >for so long, then we have afternoon showers, which just make it hotter.
> >combination of 90 plus temps and humidity, and things are nicely steamed.
> >The lemon basil was first to go, then a couple of pots of petunias, then
> >had the storm and had to move everything to keep the seawater out. Lost
> >nicotiana and 4 o'clocks, even the marigolds gave up. Nothing worse that
> >collection of dried out, burned up container plants.
> >
> >So I'm thinking about a late summer crop. Thought I might plant some
> >tomatoes toward the end of the month, and more lemon basil. Maybe some
> >other kitchen herbs, though the oregano, chives, sage and parsley have
> >managed to survive, and I think cooler weather will revive them.
> >
> >In the meantime, I'm trying to save my miniature roses, the jasmine, some
> >verbena and a beautiful hibiscus a neighbor gave me. Sometimes I really
> >for a nice shade garden! Lovely cool ferns and hostas.
> >
> >And my husband is fulfilling a life long dream of growing orchids (under
> >awning on the boat). This is great, except the boat looks like it is
> >growing green hair, and he expects me to do most of the watering and
> >feeding. He takes over on weekends, and presents me with lists of things
> >do for the next week. On the other hand, the vandas are blooming, and
> >Lady of the Night (B. nodosa) seems to stay in bloom and wafts it's
> >enchanting fragrance over the deck as soon as the sun goes down.
> >
> >The best news is he is so taken with the orchids he is considering moving
> >land and getting a greenhouse for his 'babies'. I will benefit, because
> >I'll get a kitchen, bathroom, and a closet, and best of all the rest of
> >yard to garden in. I read the post about 4 o'clocks last week and
> >how wonderful it would be to grow them again; they're one of my
> >
> >So, if I end up with a real garden, I'll probably start quizzing you guys
> >for ideas, especially those of you in our hot, humid, very looooong
> >
> >Any body do fall gardens? I know many of you have suffered with more
> >than you can handle; are you thinking about doing a fall planting?
> >Unfortunately, most of the things I planted in the fall in Colorado won't
> >take the heat here, so I'll have to be creative.
> >
> >Where there's a will, there's a way!
> >
> >Scottie
> >Texas Gulf Coast
> >(still) aboard Betelgeuse
> >docked in Kemah, Texas
> >
> >---------------------------------------------------------------------
> >To sign-off this list, send email to email@example.com with the
> >message text UNSUBSCRIBE GARDENCHAT
> >
> >
> --
> Pam Evans
> Kemp TX/zone 8A
> --
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> To sign-off this list, send email to firstname.lastname@example.com with the
> message text UNSUBSCRIBE GARDENCHAT
To sign-off this list, send email to email@example.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE GARDENCHAT


text:
January 28, 2012
Hayden's Daniel Engle puts a shot up on Saturday against Rangely.
Stories this photo appears in:
Hayden boys basketball team cruises by Rangely
Things continue to come together for the Hayden High School boys basketball team. On Saturday, the Tigers stormed to their fifth straight win, taking out Rangely, 74-60, primarily on the strength of a dominating first half.
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text:
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Virgin Atlantic has agreed a transatlantic joint venture with Delta after the US carrier bought a 49% stake in Sir Richard Branson's airline for $360 million (£224 million).
The airlines will share costs and revenues on routes between Britain and North America. Between them, they offer 31 round-trip flights a day, including nine from Heathrow to New York and Newark, New Jersey.
The joint venture is related to Delta's acquisition of Singapore Airlines' near-half stake in Virgin Atlantic, set up by Branson in 1984.
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Delta chief executive Richard Anderson said: "Our new partnership with Virgin Atlantic will strengthen both airlines and provide a more effective competitor between North America and the UK."
- More about:
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text:
Rousseff quiet as Cuban blogger denied travel to Brazil
The response from Cuban officials did not take anyone by surprise. Prominent Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez had been, once again, denied permission to leave her country after she was granted a visa by the Brazilian Embassy in January to attend a film festival. "I feel like a hostage kidnapped by someone who doesn't listen nor provide explanations. A government with a ski mask and a gun in a holster," tweeted Sánchez on Friday after the Cuban government denied her request to travel to Brazil. It was, according to the blogger, the 19th time Cuban officials have turned down her request to leave the island. As in the past, officials gave no reason for the rejection.


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'Dexter's Michael C. Hall Returning to Showtime for 'American Dream Machine'
Most 'Dexter' fans were saddened, if unsurprised to hear that the eighth season for Showtime's favorite serial killer would prove the last, affording a well-deserved rest for TV icon Michael C. Hall. That is of course, until Hall immediately starts his next Showtime project! 'Dexter' himself will oversee an executive produce an adaptation of Matthew Specktor's novel 'American Dream Machine,' a tale of Hollywood royalty, potentially even taking a small part in the ensemble! Get the scoop on Michael C. Hall's next gig inside!


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Today's Devotional
When Words FailDo you often find yourself praying in your own strength?
Top Music Videos
khenny's UploadsBack to khenny's channel.
- A Sweet 5 Year Old Sings Her Heart Out to Jesus!This adorable 5 year old holds nothing back when she sings up praises to Jesus. You will be totally blessed by her performance!khenny2013-02-27T00:44:142,894 views00:03:43
- A Sweet 5 Year Old Sings Her Heart Out to Jesus!This adorable 5 year old holds nothing back when she sings up praises to Jesus. You will be totally blessed by her performance!khenny2013-02-27T00:44:142,825 views00:03:43
- Precious Boy Recites John 14Nine year old Jacob warms our hearts by reciting the words of Jesus from John 14. Let us always remember how important it is to hide God's Word in our hearts khenny2012-08-30T16:19:111,784 views00:01:09
- Isaiah Jackson Recites a ProverbThe adorable Isaiah Jackson proudly proclaims the word of God. This short and simple Proverb can give you so much direction and comfort when it's needed the most. khenny2012-08-17T16:49:061,738 views00:00:37
- This 92-Year-Old Uses GOD To Stop Her Attacker – WOW!What an unbelievable story with a happy ending. When this 92 year old woman was being mugged, she turned to God....wait til you see what happened.khenny2012-04-09T09:49:0518,261 views00:02:47
- The Book of Acts in 3 Minutes Enjoy!khenny2012-02-23T16:14:0642,054 views00:03:00
- President Obama Singing SoulWe all know President Obama has a special affection for things like sports, his dog Bo, and his family--but recently he unveiled a talent that caught us by surprise! Who would have thought our President had a voice that could lull any baby to slee...khenny2012-01-20T15:24:392,409 views00:00:25
- Why You Shouldn't Jump on Tables During Praise and Worshi...So funny! A praise and worship moment gone completely wrong... be careful not to miss it because they kept going like it never happened lol :D khenny2012-01-19T15:14:363,182 views00:01:08
- Whack-A -Kittyadorable kittenskhenny2012-01-19T14:59:372,644 views00:01:33
- Little Girl Fearless Toward Lion :)khenny2012-01-19T14:54:382,675 views00:00:52
- Miss America Expresses Faith 2012khenny2012-01-19T14:54:381,935 views00:03:53
- Twins Make Each Other Laugh In Tubso cute khenny2012-01-19T14:49:373,211 views00:03:07
- An Unexpected Voice- Jesse sings Never Would Have Made It...When Jesse sings he will blow you away as he bellows out his praises to Jesus!khenny2011-12-22T14:49:165,237 views00:04:14
- Soliders Sing National Anthem:)khenny2011-11-10T16:00:091,528 views00:02:15
- Soldiers Sing National AnthemThank you to all the courageous men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. May God bless you and your families for protecting and defending our country. Happy Veterans Day!khenny2011-11-10T16:00:091,658 views00:02:15


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The Huffington Post teamed up with social-networking giant Facebook to launch HuffPost Social News, which allows HuffPost readers to connect with their Facebook friends regarding news and comments.
HuffPost Social News allows users to: automatically create personalized profile pages; keep track of their HuffPost Social News friends; retain control over stories and comments shared with their Social News friends and on their Facebook Walls and Facebook streams; learn how their friends are voting on HuffPost polls; and see contributions to Eyes & Ears, HuffPost's citizen-journalism platform.
The Huffington Post co-founder and editor in chief Arianna Huffington said:
I'm excited to announce the launch of HuffPost Social News. This new platform lets our community of engaged users easily share stories and post comments for friends to see—it's HuffPost's version of a digital water cooler, enriching and deepening conversations around the day's news. Social media has fundamentally changed our relationship to news. It's no longer something we passively take in. We now engage with news, share news, react to news—news has become something around which we gather, connect and converse. HuffPost Social News makes this more dynamic than ever.
HuffPost CEO Eric Hippeau added:
Our goal is to make HuffPost Social News the go-to place for Facebook users to share news—both the stories they love and the stories they hate—with friends. It should also appeal to marketers interested in reaching passionate, savvy readers who care about the news and who want to share their interests with friends.
HuffPost chief technology officer Paul Berry added:
From the first brainstorming session in Facebook's office to the integration of Facebook Connect, it has been truly exciting to collaborate in building this product. The future of news is social, and I'm tremendously proud that HuffPost has been so early in reaching this important milestone in how news is shared online.
And Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg concluded:
The Huffington Post has led a revolution in how people discover and consume news. With the integration of Facebook Connect, HuffPost Social News is now leading the way to make news even more of a social experience, giving people new ways to share and filter news and current events through their networks of friends on Facebook.


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Archive for March, 2013
The NZ Herald's weird response to the Law CommissionThursday, March 28th, 2013
The NZ Herald has editorialised about the Law Commission's proposal to set up a new News Media Standards Authority.
It seems to veer between cautiously welcoming the report, and suggesting that the system ain't broke. (No mention of the increasing absurdity of having different standards and complaints processes applying to what is essentially identical material, or the […]
TVNZ's weird response to the Law CommissionThursday, March 28th, 2013
Stuff is reporting that the NMSA is "not to broadcasters' liking" and that "broadcasting agencies said dissolving the BSA would leave gaping holes for their non-news content."
Odd. For one thing, Stuff only seems to have talked to one agency, TVNZ. The TVNZ spokeswoman said she was concerned that broadcasters like TVNZ, which show both news and […]
Labour's weird response to the Law CommissionThursday, March 28th, 2013
News Media Standards Authority: good idea! says Labour. Just make sure there are no political appointments:
Consistent ethical standards for all forms of media are necessary but politicians should be kept away from appointing complaints bodies and setting terms of reference, said Labour's Broadcasting, Communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran and Justice spokesperson Andrew Little.
Um, yeah. […]
One-stop-shop for media complaints - Law CommissionTuesday, March 26th, 2013
The NZ Law Commission has recommended that we scrap the Press Council, Broadcasting Standards Authority and nascent Online Media Standards Authority, and replace them with one body setting and policing news standards across the board.
The Commission suggests we call it the "News Media Standards Authority" (NMSA). It would look more like the current Press Council […]
On purposeThursday, March 21st, 2013
If someone applies for a civil restraining order under our Harrassment Act, there is a defence of lawful purpose.
I've often wondered just how far this can be taken. It must surely be a lawful purpose to tell someone that you love them. But it's hard to see that excusing a fellow who pursues this purpose […]
Leveson solutionThursday, March 21st, 2013
If you're interested in what the British politicians have drawn up to implement the Leveson report, you could do worse that take a gander at this summary.
Law Commission praisedThursday, March 21st, 2013
Last night, delivering the Robin Cooke memorial lecture, UK Court of Appeal judge Dame Mary Arden was full of praise of NZ's Law Commission's paper on media regulation. She noted that, unlike the Leveson inquiry, the Law Commission's brief was to consider media regulation as a whole, not just focus on print media. The Commission's […]
Unhealthy secrecy?Wednesday, March 20th, 2013
A hard call
Was the coroner right to suppress the names of the health care workers involved in the tragic death of Zachary Gravatt of menigicoccal disease in 2009? After all, he found the hospital was swamped with swine flu victims and Zachary's symptoms were very similar. He was given considerable care and attention, and the […]
Defamation damages against anonymous Facebook troll(s)Monday, March 18th, 2013
The High Court in Northern Ireland has awarded defamation damages against a defendant known only as "a person or persons adopting the pseudonyms Ann Driver and Alan Driver".
"Ann" and "Alan Driver" had smeared the plaintiffs' reputations on Facebook. The INFORRM blog suggests that his/her/their true identity was never established, and the judgment will only bite […]
In my opinionTuesday, March 5th, 2013
The UK's Court of Appeal has once again overturned a High Court ruling that a publication was stating fact, not opinion.
The guidance that the courts give on this elusive distinction is so useless that it seems that often the only way to tell whether something is a statement of fact or opinion is to take […]


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You don't want to lose it,right? by Hua113Watch
©2013-2017 Hua113
New episode is very interesting^^
Dash: "Where is the money... spit it out!!"
Colt: "I have no idea, I'm call me The Dude... you have the wrong pony."
Colt: "I have no idea, I'm call me The Dude... you have the wrong pony."
Lose what sorry if I watch this on my tv I shall get judged
Is this supposed to be sexual or something.... why are they blushing?
Truth be told, I was a little upset with Rainbow Dash in this scene. I know how upset she was remembering when Cloudsdale missed their chance to host the games, but making that poor filly worry was just awful.
I thought it was hilarious xD try to not take it seriously and just enjoy the show, I thought I was pure comedy gold.
Yes,she was too emotional.
At least to the last,she was realized their dreams
At least to the last,she was realized their dreams
why is she blushing? Did she fart?
myt new OTP!... Well maybe...
DASH! You don't just pick up helpless, parent less, lost, that other pony is probably his gf.... You know what, that kid really deserves being picked up by the neck!!
Dash, don't pick up random children by the neck.
filly: i need an adult
RD: i am an adult
RD: i am an adult
"Stop picking me up, Miss Crazy Lady."
That's what I believe that filly was thinking at the end of the episode.
That's what I believe that filly was thinking at the end of the episode.
Wonder what this kid is thinking right now?
ooo shiney,,, now DROP it !
aahhh so cute even dashie looks so emotienal
dashie always emotional.
Omg, Wouldnt have ever thought to draw this.
man rainbow dash really loved lifting up the same filly a couple times in that episode, hopefully scootaloo wont see this or she will be so jelly
XD Great artwork! ^_^
XD Great artwork! ^_^
Looks amazing!
XD nice
I liked that episode too! LOL!
pedodash Strikes Again
lost or lose?
Opportunities for hosting the Games.


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The SoCal Industrial Real Estate Blog enjoys watching the Port of Long Beach evolve.
Each year, when the Port offers free harbor tours from May to Nov. 1, we try to snag a reservation and enjoy the evolution.
Founded in 1911, the 3,200-acre Port of Long Beach is a premier gateway for trade between the United States and Asia The Port of Long Beach is one of the world's busiest seaports, a leading gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. It supports over a million jobs nationally and generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Here's how the numbers break down.
More than 6.7 million 20-foot container units (TEUs)
Cargo valued at $180 billion
63.1 million metric tons of cargo
4,000 vessel calls
The Port's loaded containers account for:
1/3 moving through all California ports
1/4 moving through all West Coast ports
nearly 1 in 5 moving through all U.S. ports
3,200 acres of land
10 piers
80 berths
66 post-Panamax gantry cranes
Shipping terminals (22)
5 break bulk (automobiles, lumber, steel, iron ore)
6 bulk (petroleum coke, salt, gypsum, cement)
6 container
5 liquid bulk (petroleum)
Long Beach is the second busiest port in the United States
Long Beach is the 18th busiest container cargo port in the world
If combined, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles would be the world's eighth-busiest port complex by container volume, after Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shenzhen (China), Busan (S. Korea), Ningbo (China) and Guangzhou (China).
Port-related employment
30,000 jobs (about one in eight) in Long Beach
316,000 jobs (or one in 22) in the five-county Southern California region
1.4 million jobs throughout the U.S. are related to Long Beach-generated trade
More than $5 billion a year in U.S. Customs revenues from the Long Beach/Los Angeles ports
About $4.9 billion a year in local, state and general federal taxes from Port-related trade
More than $47 billion in direct and indirect business sales yearly
Nearly $14.5 billion in annual trade-related wages
East Asian trade accounts for more than 90% of the shipments through the Port
Top trading partners by tonnage are; China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Iraq, Australia, Ecuador and Indonesia.
Crude oil
Top Exports
Petroleum coke
Petroleum bulk
Waste paper
Enjoy more photos @


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Seriously, try to look at these pictures without imagining yourself going camping with Kellan Lutz. Naked camping, perhaps.
Robert Pattinson may have flawless hair, and Taylor Lautner may have boyish good looks, but when it comes to hot Twilight stars, Kellan Lutz really is the complete package. Browse his steamy new pics from the latest issue of Australia's GQ Style and just try to deny his rugged handsomeness. Go on, try!
Click here to see all of Kellan's hot new pics!
Copyright © 2017 Hollywoodlife.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
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text: These hand-painted Russian pendants are some of the most amazing works of art we have seen in the industry! A great deal of craftsmanship goes into each unique and intricate design. These pendants are handpainted in the Russian tradition with many layers of paint and lacquer applied over days and sometimes weeks. The brushes use the finest of hairs to ensure the exquisite detail you see before you. We know they are worth every penny and are genuinely priceless treasures. Find out more about why these beads are so special in this video and start your collection today.


text: Archos may not make the most headlines for its series of mid-range tablets, but occasionally, one of them deserves a mention. The Archos 101 G9 is a strong contender for your money if you're on a tight budget. The savants among you may want to hold off for a Galaxy Note 10.1, or whatever Google is cooking up for its tablet line. Still, with prices starting at $270 for the 8" 8GB version to $330 for the 10" 8GB version, it's difficult to ignore.Read More


text: This turned out lovely! Your FMQ is wonderful. I love the hearts and vines. Interesting to see the pin and eraser technique. I've read about it but never tried it. It seems like it would cut down on the pinning time and be lighter, too. Thanks for sharing your lovely work!


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Jose Luis Rivera
Jose Luis Rivera, a five-year Rockaway resident, died May 17.
Rivera was born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. He moved to Rockaway from Brooklyn, New York and worked as a union painter. Rivera served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 28 years. He was a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades DC9 and Volunteer Rockaway Memorial Day Service Parade Committee.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Rodriguez Rivera; son, Jose Antonio Rivera; daughter, April Rivera Negron; brothers, Pedro Casiano, Jose Manuel Rivera and Angel Jimenez; sister, Gloria Jimenez and Wanda Rivera Lugo; grandchildren, Isabella Rose Rivera and Evangeline Lillian Rivera; and nine nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements and service were entrusted to the Denis S. O'Connor Funeral Home, Rockaway Beach. Interment took place at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, New York.


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Free personalized radio that
plays the music you love
Rain In The Summertime (Single Version)
Sweat, like a train
I come, I come,
My body to dust
Sweat, like a train
I come, I come,
My body to dust
Features of This Trackpop rock qualities
electronica influences
disco influences
a subtle use of paired vocal harmony
melodic songwriting
electric guitar riffs
an emotional male lead vocal performance
electric pianos
and many other similarities identified in the Music Genome Project
These are just a few of the hundreds of attributes cataloged for this track by the Music Genome Project.show more
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Dean Henson
In Loving Memory
CANTON — Tracy Dean Henson, 41 of Cold Creek Road, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 at his home.
A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of Terry Henson and Nancy Rathbone Henson of Canton. Dean was a small engine repair mechanic with a specialty in moped maintenance and repair. He also worked at Billy's Modular and Mobile Contractors. Dean was a member of Pisgah Freewill Baptist Church. He loved to play golf and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Dean's memory will forever remain in our hearts.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughter, Felicia Cianci and his son, Ryan Cianti, both of Canton; two brothers, Travis Henson and his wife, Cynthia Henson, of Candler; Rodney Henson and his wife, Debbie Henson, of Canton; and three nieces and one nephew.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, in the chapel of Crawford/Ray Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeff Heatherly and Rodney Henson will officiate. Burial will follow at Gwyn Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Crawford/Ray Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Henson family and words of comfort may be shared at www.crawfordray.com.


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A US presidential historian has admitted stealing dozens of historical documents including letters signed by George Washington, Sir Isaac Newton and Marie Antoinette. Barry Landau, 63, admitted he and an assistant, 24-year-old assistant Jason Savedoff, swiped items from museums across the US, and sold selected documents for profit.
The pair face up to five years in prison for their conspiracy and 10 years for the theft. In Landau's New York apartment, authorities uncovered over 4,000 items traced as being stolen from libraries and museums Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut.
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Geo F Huggins & Co (G'dA) Ltd - Automotive DivisionMaurice Bishop Hwy Grand Anse St Geo Grenada
New Vehicle Sales, Automotive Paints, Service Centre, Tyre Services, Genuine Spares & Accessories; Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturda y 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; NISSAN, HYUNDAI; Mr. Royston La Hée; Divisional Manager / Director; firstname.lastname@example.com; Geo. F Huggins & Co. has been involved in the automotive business for over 50 years. Initially they sold Austin vehicles made by the Leyland Company of the UK. With the re organization of Leyland around 1970, Huggins was left without a model to sell and as a consequence of this they acquired the Datsun (now Nissan) dealership in 1971. They further acquired the Hyundai dealership in 1984. Geo. F Huggins is also the agent for Yamaha motorcycles since 1965, and is one of the oldest Goodyear distributors having been associated with this brand since the 1930's. The Sales and parts departments of the dealership were first located at its main branch on Young Street in what was, until recently, the Courts Building and the garage was located on Market Hill. The Sales and parts departments were then moved to the Carenage into the Huggins building, and remained there until the decision was taken, because of the need to upgrade the efficiency of the operation and to provide a better service to our customers, to relocate to the Grand Anse area. This relocation was completed in October 1993. Our new location provided tremendous improvements in our vehicle sales, parts and accessories and service facilities, and adequate parking for both sales and service customers and new vehicle stock. Since our relocation, we have also improved our Goodyear tyre service both in terms of range of tyres offered to our customers and the equipment to service same. Read more......Read less


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The one absolute certainty about Pakistan is that this week another story will appear concerning someone in the government being charged with something or some father in a rural area killing his daughter because she fell in love with the wrong guy. Let us fill you in on latest developments:
1. The Pakistan Supreme Court ruled that Prime Minister Yusuf Ali Gilani is in contempt for failing to send a letter to Switzerland demanding investigation of the bank account of President Zardari.
2. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, attempted to sit in trial on a case involving his son that dealt with corruption.
3. President Zardari nominated Makhdoom Shahabuddin to replace Gilani as prime minister.
4. The anti-drug squad announced it was charging the incoming prime minister with allowing illegal entry of drugs.
At this rate, yours truly will place his name in nomination to become the next prime minister of Pakistan. Perhaps, the Pakistanis need a nice Jewish boy as their leader.
P.S. I do not have more than $2,000 in my bank account and I do not use drugs. Do I qualify to become either president or prime minister of Pakistan??


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This sub-project aims to organize genealogical data on the Filipino musical artists and performers, who are Filipino or have Filipino lineage. Find similar projects at the master project page, Families of the Philippines.
Image: This logo adorned with the sun from the Philippines flag a Treble Clef was designed by Carl Cruz. Used with permission.
Among the international performance artists with Filipino ancestry are: Apl D Ap :: Darren Criss :: Vanessa Hudgens :: Enrique Iglesias :: Julio Iglesias Jr. :: Bruno Mars :: Jessica Sanchez :: Nicole Scherzinger
B :: Jackielou Blanco
C :: Garie Concepcion - singer :: Pilita Corrales - singer, songwriter :: Shryl Cruz - singer
F :: Julian Felipe - composer
G :: Isabella Gonzales - singer
L :: Kuh Ledesma - singer :: Purificacion Liwanag - singer :: Jo Ann Lorenzana - singer :: Manuel Andres Luna - violinist
O :: Apa Ongpin - bass player
P :: Dolores Paterno - composer :: Lovi Poe - singer
R :: Carmen Rosales - singer :: Karl Roy - lead singer "Advent Call"
S :: Armida Siguion-Reyna - singer
How to Contribute
- Please click the "Join Project" button on the upper right of the project page.
- After adding yourself as a "Follower" or "Collaborator", select the profile of the accomplished individual you wish to add.
- Navigate to that profile. Under the "More Actions" link, choose "Add to Project" and select sub-project to which that profile should be included in.
- Include in the "About Me" section a brief biographical sketch, summarizing the person's significant contributions and accomplishments. (Required)
- Include a photograph, if one exists.
- Mark the profile as "public" and not "private". (Required)


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Bigg Boss 7: Ratan's comment makes Pratyusha angry
Gauhar Khan is slowly losing the battle because she is opening up her mind very early in the show.
New Delhi: The 4th day inside the Bigg Boss house started with an announcement that the hell-mates will have to choose one person from their side who has contributed the most in the 3rd day's task. Apoorva Agnihotri, on behalf of everyone, took Armaan Kohli's name.
Similarly, the heaven side was asked to select one person who us mostly disliked by other house mates. The heaven side nominated Gauhar Khan's name, and then Bigg Boss asked Armaan and Gauhar to exchange their places.
However, a lot of water crossed the bridge in one hour. The real show stealer of yesterday's show was Pratyusha Banerjee, who got into a huge fight with Ratan Rajput. It seems, she still carries the pain of her break-up in her heart because a simple comment from Ratan made Pratyusha furious, very furious. Finally, the mater resolved with Ratan backing off.
Kamya was seen playing the game with complete attention as she is the one who has already started convincing people to form a group. Pratyusha and Armaan were seen as her aides. But, the other set of people are not unaware of the developments and they zeroes upon the idea that it's Kamya who is masterminding every move.
A new side of Armaan's nature has also been revealed which suggests that he might be acting bossy but probably he is a soft person from inside. Unless and until, he is not directly affected by any proceeding, he doesn't get feisty.
On the other hand, Gauhar is slowly losing the battle because she is opening up her mind very early in the show. The way she is talking to the cameras, hints towards her vulnerability. She needs to get a grip on her composure in order to win more friends in the house.
Armaan was happy on entering the heaven and received a warm welcome from everybody. Andy got emotional on Gauhar's departure and waved her good bye with tears in his eyes.
The luxury budget task is back once again and the house mates are still not capable enough to cope up with this part of the task, which has the potential of sparking another fight.
The environment inside the Bigg Boss house is heating up and very soon we are going to see friends up in arms against each other.
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Hage wins big at chess tourney
The Smoky Mountain Chess Club had seven players in this year's Land 'O Sky tournament, held in Asheville. Club member Jim Hage won every game he played.
"That is a very hard thing to do," aid Bruce Goodwin, of the Smoky Mountain Chess Club. "Jim took a bye for the Sunday morning game so he could attend church, then kept on winning. He was unrated champion, and a clear second in the rated section out of 63 players. He joins our list of chess tournament champions."
For information about the Smoky Mountain Chess Club, which meets at Blue Ridge Books, in Waynesville, call 648-5739.


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Congregation holds 1st Sunday services since church collapse
Apostolic Assembly of the Faith moves services to KCK location
The congregation of a Kansas City church gathered for its first Sunday service since part of the building collapsed earlier this week.
The services for the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith Church were moved to a new location at 4000 Victory Drive in Kansas City, Kansas.A large section of the church's 113-year-old building near Independence Avenue and Benton Boulevard gave way a day after heavy rains. Dozens of children and adults were in the building at the time of the collapse, but everyone got out safely.
People said the general feeling at the service was hope, as leaders and members both expressed gratitude that everyone was able to get out of the building without injury.
Rev. Herminio Leal said it's been a tough week, but he's pleased everyone is OK.
"It was not an easy week with all that happened, but we say that we are a miracle. That's the main thing," he said. "We thank God for the things he has done for us and for keeping -- saving -- our children."
Structural engineers will make a decision this week about whether the building can be repaired or if it needs to be demolished.


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Spirituality and government surveillance are hot topics on Whitcoulls' new Top 100 book list.
George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984 made the top 100, sitting at number 54.
Its placing comes at a time of concerns about citizens' right to privacy and the surveillance state. The book was an "original futuristic look at what our lives would become", Whitcoulls said. "It was prescient, and it becomes more relevant with each passing year."
The Bible was 25 on the list.
The most popular remained the The Millennium Trilogy, which includes the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
The most popular author was American Jodi Picoult, followed by J K Rowling, Lee Child, Jane Austen and Bryce Courtenay.
Top 10
1. The Millennium Trilogy - Stieg Larsson
2. A Song Of Fire and Ice series - George R R Martin
3. The Lord of the Rings - J R R Tolkien
4. Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
5. The Hobbit - J R R Tolkien
6. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
7. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
8. The Hunger Games series - Suzanne Collins
9. Cross Stitch - Diana Gabaldon
10. The Bronze Horseman - Paullina Simons
- See whitcoulls.co.nz for full list


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Sudheer Chava is a Professor of Finance at Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech. He has received his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 2003. Prior to that he has an MBA degree from Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore and worked as a fixed income analyst at a leading investment bank in India. He has held academic positions at University of Houston and Texas A&M University before joining Georgia Tech in 2010.
Dr. Chava has taught a variety of courses at the undergraduate and master's level including Derivatives, Risk Management, Valuation, Cases in Financial Crisis, Management of Financial Institutions, and Credit Risk Analysis. He has also taught both theoretical and empirical finance courses at the doctoral level.
Dr. Chava's research interests are in Credit Risk, Banking, Empirical Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance. He has published extensively in all the top journals in Finance including Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, and Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. His research has won a Ross award for the best paper published in Finance Research Letters in 2008, was a finalist for Brattle Prize for the best paper published in Journal of Finance in 2008 and was nominated for the Goldman Sachs award for the best paper for published in Review of Finance during 2004. Dr. Chava is the recipient of multiple external research grants such as FDIC-CFR Fellowship, Morgan Stanley Research grant, Financial Service Exchange Research grant, Q group research award (2010, 2012) and GARP research award. He has presented his work at numerous finance conferences such as AFA, WFA, EFA, FDIC and Federal Reserve Banks and at many universities in the U.S. and abroad.


text: 1. #27-Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas, 6-6, 280, 4.9. BP & Zim have been praying for a pass-rushing DE to come from Spears or Canty. Instead, he comes from the draft. Anderson had 13.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL, & 26 QB hurries going up against some of the best teams in the SEC. He had 3 sacks each against Tennessee & Wisconsin. With that kind of size & sack ability, we can't afford not to draft him. The biggest problem I forsee is Anderson racing up the board & out of the Cowboys' reach. If so, I would then go with Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame, 6-4, 275, 4.75, who had 8 sacks last season, & 11 this year. 2. #55-Justin Blalock, OT/OG, Texas, 6-4, 330, 5.25. With all of the excellent Jr. talent becoming eligible for the draft, OGs are usually the first to fall, (I hope!). Blalock is a solid technician with a mean streak & plays to the whistle. 3. #87-Manuel Ramirez, OG/OC, Texas Tech, 6-4, 340, 5.30. The biggest weakness by far on this team has been the interior of the offensive line. Time to remedy that. With a solid wall in front of him & better talent blowing open larger holes for the RBs, Tony Romo will be able to utilize his enormous talent. Ramirez has played almost every position on the OL & is a powerhouse. He is one of the strongest players in the draft, with a bench press of #550. He is one of the main reasons Tech's offense, once again, was right up there at the top of Div I College in production. 4. #119-J.D. Nelson, FS, Oregon, 5-11, 215, 4.50. Tremendous athlete with an incredible 44.5 vertical leap, great speed & power. Plays with intense passion every play with great anticipation. Good tackler & hard hitter. We need to keep grabbing FSs until the jury is not out on the one we have-Watkins. 5. #151-Joel Filani, WR, Texas Tech, 6-3, 222, 4.6. Not a burner, yet caught 90 passes for 1,300 yds. & 13 TDs. Combine that with last season, when Filani had 65, 1,007, & 8 TDs and you see consistently great production. 7s-BPAs.


text:
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text:
Landscape Contractors Board: Agency History
Written 1998 (updated 2003)
The Landscape Contractors Board licenses landscaping businesses and landscape contractors. The Board administers ORS 671.510-671.990. Individual landscape contractors must meet experience and/or educational requirements and pass competency exams. Landscaping businesses must post security bonds, submit evidence of liability insurance and employ a licensed landscape contractor. The board receives and investigates consumer complaints, answers consumer and contractor questions and enforces compliance with the licensing law.
The 1971 Legislative Assembly created the State "For Hire" Landscape Advisory Committee within the Commerce Department. The five-member Committee's function was to counsel and advise the Department in the administration and enforcement of the "For Hire" Landscapers Law. Committee members were to be appointed by the Commerce Department Director for three year terms. Committee members were to be from all segments of the "for hire" landscape industry and at least two were to be public members.
Landscape Contractors were required to be licensed. Applicants were required to pay a fee, pass an examination, and have a supervisor or manager with three years experience or two years experience and one year of training. All funds were to be deposited in the Commerce Administration Account for the exclusive purpose of administering the "For Hire"' Landscapers Law.
In 1973, the Legislative Assembly changed the name to the State Landscape Contractors Advisory Committee. This legislation added the requirement for license applicants to file a surety bond or deposit, to pay claims against contractors.
The 1975 Legislative Assembly changed the committee to the State Landscape Contractors Advisory Board. Membership was increased to seven. New provisions allowed the department to issue limited or specialty licenses in certain circumstances. The Commerce Department was authorized to levy civil penalties for violations of the law. These penalties were to be recovered by the Attorney General in any court of appropriate jurisdiction.
The 1977 Legislative Assembly referred the Landscapers Law and other Department of Commerce statutes to interim legislative committees for sunset review.
The 1979 Legislative Assembly continued the Board and Commerce Department. The same legislation added provisions allowing registration in-lieu of licensing for contractors grossing less than $5,000 per year. It also established reciprocal licensing of landscapers from other states, territories or countries. The Board's final determinations of claims were given the same effect as final determination of a court. Civil penalties on claims were limited to the amount of the contractor's surety bond or deposit. The Department was directed to adopt rules for minimum standards for written contracts and billings of landscape contractors. Landscape businesses were added as types of licensees by the 1983 Legislative Assembly.
The 1987 Legislative Assembly removed the word "advisory" and renamed the Board as the State Landscape Contractors Board. The Commerce Department was abolished and the Board was continued as an independent board. Board members were to be appointed by the Chairman of the newly formed Building, Housing and Real Estate Council. Concurrent legislation added provisions for the Board to investigate claims against landscapers before initiating hearings proceedings. The same legislative session saw new provisions for allowing landscape contractors to install irrigation backflow prevention devices and outlined licensing requirements. In addition, the Board's programs were assigned to the Builders Board for administration.
The 1989 Legislative Assembly removed the limits on civil penalties against contractors to the amount of their surety bond or deposit. That legislative session also amended ORS 701 to clarify the responsibilities of landscape contractors to comply with city and county business license requirements.
In 1991 The Legislative Assembly added provisions for the board to resolve claims against contractors through binding arbitration. The Board was given authority to investigate any person or business to determine compliance with the statute. The Board was given permission to use, with reimbursement, city or county inspectors. Inspectors were given authority to give notice of noncompliance and to order work stopped.
The 1993 Legislative Assembly abolished the Building, Housing and Real Estate Council and transferred board member appointing authority to the Governor.
In 1995, the Legislative Assembly amended the statute to clarify types of independent contractors such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies.
Current Organization
The Landscape Contractors Board operates as a "semi-independent state agency". The board became semi-independent on July 1, 2002 subsequent to legislation passed in the 2001 legislative session.
The agency Administrator provides oversight and policy direction with guidance of the Landscape Contractors Board.
The Registration /Licensing Section licenses Individual Landscape Contractors and landscaping businesses. Staff evaluate and process initial and renewal applications, surety bonds, liability insurance, education, and receive fees. They also proctor computer formated exams or send written exams to DMV offices to be administered.
The Education /Information Section works with training vendors to ensure that approved courses are offered to contractors to satisfy the education requirements. The purpose of the education program is to promote contractor competence, promote proper business practices and to help the consumer make wise choices in their selection process.
The Registration Enforcement Section investigates licensed and non-licensed contractors for common violations of the law. The Section assesses civil penalties and or license suspensions against contractors found in violation.
The Claims Section investigates and resolves claims against landscape businesses. Hearings are held by agency Administrative Law Judges in lieu of court proceedings in most cases. The Section also provides arbitration in place of hearings in some cases.
Legislatively Adopted Budget, Landscape Contractors Board, 1997-99.
Qregon Blue Book. Secretary of State. 1997-1998.
Oregon Laws, 1971-1997. (O.L. 1971 c 764; O.L. 1973 c 832; O.L. 1975 c 757; O.L. 1977 c 803, c 842, c 873; O.L. 1979 c 107, c 840; O.L. 1983 c 452; O.L. 1987 c 414, c 460, c 461, c 561; O.L. 1989 c 153, c 450, c 944, c 1064; O.L. 1991 c 533; O.L. 1993 c 744; O.L. 1995 c 645;
O.L. 1997 c 327, c 337, c 398, c 785).
Oregon Revised Statutes. 1997.
1971 The State "For Hire" Landscape Advisory Committee was created within the
Commerce Department to counsel and advise the Department in the administration
and enforcement of the "For Hire" Landscapers Law. Committee members were to
be appointed by the Commerce Department Director.
1973 The name was changed to the State Landscape Contractors Advisory Committee.
1975 The name was changed to the State Landscape Contractors Advisory Board, and membership was increased to seven.
1979 The Legislative Assembly continued the Board and the Commerce Department after sunset review.
1987 The word "advisory" was removed and the Board was renamed as the State Landscape Contractors Board. The Commerce Department was abolished and the Board was continued as an independent board. Board members were to be appointed by the Chairman of the newly formed Building, Housing and Real Estate Council. Responsibility for administering the programs of the Landscape Contractors Board was assigned to the Construction Contractors Board.
1991 Statutory provisions were added for the board to resolve claims against contractors through binding arbitration. The Board was given authority to investigate any person or business to determine compliance with the statute.
1993 The Building, Housing and Real Estate Council was abolished, Board member appointing authority was transferred to the Governor.
2002 The board became semi-independent on July 1, 2002 subsequent to legislation passed in the 2001 legislative session.


text:
By John Gruber
Just announced this week, available now for pre-order. If I didn't already have the Mark II this is the camera I'd buy. (Pre-order from Amazon and I'll get filthy rich from the affiliate kickback.) Those bastards at The Verge already have their hands on one.
★ Friday, 2 March 2012


text:
RECENTLY I RECEIVED a letter from a reader that read in part:
"In 1985 my 16-year-old daughter traveled to Scotland and brought back a bottle of Glenmorangie that states on the sealed container '10 years old, Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky' for her stepdad. It was to be saved for a special occasion. Unfortunately he passed away much too early in 1996 at age 46 of brain cancer, and never opened the bottle. It has traveled across country by car twice and has not always been stored to its advantage. It is to be given back to the daughter who gifted it, unopened, when I die. My questions are: Has the whisky continued to age in the bottle in a positive way? If kept in its container (we've never even seen the bottle), will its financial value increase?"
Often people confuse "age" in reference to whisky as the actual age of the whisky. A 10-year-old whisky bought 25 years ago does not equal a 35-year-old whisky. What you have is a 25-year-old bottle of 10-year-old whisky. Not very valuable, unless, the bottle is particularly rare or collectable. The important age of a whisky, as it is with most liquor, is the amount of time that it has spent in wooden barrels, not the amount of time it has been around. Because that is the only time that really matters.
Liquor stored in glass will age, eventually, but not in a good way. What happens is evaporation and oxidation, neither of which is very beneficial. Alcohol evaporates quite quickly, if you've ever put rubbing alcohol on your skin, it feels cool. That coolness is actually evaporation at work. The same is true of drinking alcohol. If stored in an unsealed container it will evaporate quickly. But even if stored in a sealed container, evaporation will still occur, just much more slowly, because most seals are not perfect. Oxidation will also take place, thanks to the imperfect seals. While destructive to wine, oxidation can also adversely affect liquor, but becomes less of a factor as the proof of the spirit increases. It is, however, always a good idea to store any spirit in a bottle with as little air as possible, especially if you plan on storing it for a long while.
Maybe you've heard the term "the angel's share?" It is the amount of spirit lost to evaporation while in the barrel, and depending on conditions can be anywhere from 1 percent to 3 percent a year. So if you have a 10-year-old Scotch, at least 10 percent and up to 30 percent of the original spirit has disappeared. Not great numbers for the accountants, but it certainly makes for a great product. It also explains why whiskies over 12 years old seem to go up in price exponentially. That's an awful lot of lost product.
So the answer to the question: "Has the whisky continued to age in the bottle in a positive way?" is no, it has not. It has not diminished noticeably, but it certainly has not gotten better.
As to wondering if its financial value will increase, the answer is also no. Glenmoragie's 10-year-old product is its entry-level Scotch. A good product, but neither rare nor unusual; it's still widely available. All of which doesn't make it valuable beyond its original price, about $39 today.
What is valuable is the story attached to that bottle of whisky. Often our experience surrounding something makes it worth more than just money. I'd suggest that my reader and her daughter share a toast to her stepfather with his Scotch. If that bottle was to be reserved for a special occasion, I can think of none more special than the two most important women in his life toasting his memory — something far more valuable than $35 or even $3,500.
Jeff Burkhart is the author of "Twenty Years Behind Bars: The Spirited Adventures of a Real Bartender" as well as an award-winning bartender at a local restaurant. Follow him at www.jeffburkhart.net and contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Answers Home
» Health & Wellness
» Spaying & Neutering
I have a 1 year old cat who just got spayed. Well I have been giving her her Buprenex,but that doesn't stop her from jum
Asked by
Member 1134070
on Oct 3rd 2012
in Spaying & Neutering
- Cast your vote for which answer you think is best!
Unless your cat is truly "off the wall", I know that she will not intentionally injure herself. Take a look at her incision. If it looks OK, no drainage, unusual swelling, "open spots", it doesn't feel very hot to the touch, chances are she's OK. I've honestly never had to sedate any of my animals after spay/neuter surgery and they've all been fine. Keep a close eye on her and if she appears to be in a lot of pain or if anything unusual happens around her incision, then call the vet.
Izadore (Izzie) answered on 10/4/12. Helpful? / 0
Your vet should have instructed you to keep kitty safe and not allow her to jump, especially while she is on buprenex. Keep a check on her incision and make sure there are no signs of infection (redness, pus, etc.). If there are any signs of infection, she needs to get back to the vet ASAP for an antibiotic. She needs to be kept confined to a small area (one bedroom maybe) so that she won't be climbing stairs and jumping. You need to restrict her activity for at least one (1) week. Best of luck.
Member 185886 answered on 10/4/12. Helpful? / 0


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text:
It took me a little while to figure out that the point of this article was not to just advertise for the YouVersion Bible app. Ok, so atheists read the Bible and try to trip people up by quoting from it.
News Flash: That's not new.
But if that's not new, what was the point of the article?
This paragraph really stood out to me when I first read it:
"While it's unknown how many atheists use YouVersion or other Bible apps, polls show atheists are among the most religiously literate Americans, topping Jews, Mormons and other Christians in a 2010 Pew Research Center poll."
Atheists know more about Christianity than Christians. The article, after all, is about a Bible App containing the Christian Scriptures. The article cites several examples of people (who are assumed to be Christian) being "tripped up" by atheists who are doing nothing more than quoting from the Bible. Moreover, the source of the statistics proving that atheists are more Biblically literate than Christians was cited and documented in the article. To make matters worse, Christians seemed to be sitting at the bottom of the knowledge rung, having been topped not only by atheists but by Jews and Mormons as well.
At least that is how I interpreted what I read.
Disturbing indeed. To see exactly how wide the portrayed knowledge gap was, I decided to jump over to the Pew Forum and read the statistics for myself. And this is what I found out:
- On questions about Christianity – including a battery of questions about the Bible – Mormons (7.9 out of 12 right on average) and white evangelical Protestants (7.3 correct on average) show the highest levels of knowledge.
- Jews and atheists/agnostics stand out for their knowledge of other world religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism; out of 11 such questions on the survey, Jews answer 7.9 correctly (nearly three better than the national average) and atheists/agnostics answer 7.5 correctly (2.5 better than the national average). Note: I would expect Jews to stand out in their knowledge of Judaism….
- Atheists/agnostics and Jews also do particularly well on questions about the role of religion in public life, including a question about what the U.S. Constitution says about religion.
The facts gleaned from the survey results did not at all match how I read the assertions made in the original news article. The Protestant demographic, in fact, did better than atheists and other demographic groups (excepting Mormons) on questions specifically about Christianity and the Bible. Christians are not as well-versed as are atheists et al. "about the role of religion in public life" or about other religions.
Common sense tells me that Christians should be the most knowledgeable about Christianity and less knowledgeable about other religions. That Jews should be the most knowledgeable about Judaism, etc. The actual results of the survey proved this out. Interestingly, a finding not commented upon in the Pew results had to do with atheists being more knowledgeable about other religions than they are about Christianity. The news article didn't mention this tidbit of information either.
Back to the original news article:
After sifting through the actual results of the survey and reading the news article again, it dawned on me that the news article writer said that atheists are more "religiously literate", not that they are more knowledgeable than Christians about matters of the Christian faith. Clearly I misunderstood what the author had written. But did I misinterpret what the article intended to convey? I don't think so and I do not think that the article was just an advertisement for the YouVersion Bible app.
Let's take a look at what the article implied and conveyed:
Lauren a 22 year old Chemistry major (obviously a very smart girl), is in the closet about her atheism. Poor girl. Homosexuals are out of the closet but the oppressed atheists minority are forced to remain in there. Yet Lauren is an active evangelist for atheism. An odd contradiction, no?
Lauren, as do all the other atheists cited, makes many unchallenged statements in the article. Assertions like "a lot of atheists come to their unbelief by actually reading the Bible". And If people would read the Bible "rather than just the fluffy stories they choose to tell you about in church", they would find "the full story with all its contradictions and violence and sexism" which "should make you think". You see, atheism is for people who think, but there is an all-powerful evil "they" in churches who control your ability to think by telling fluffy stories. It's not necessary at all to cite examples of contradictions or sexism in the Bible, take Lauren's word for it — they're in there. And violence, the Bible is full of violence; but don't look out of your window or you may realize that the world is also full of violence.
Lauren is not alone. No one knows how many, but there are a lot of people like Lauren (according to the article). Except they are an oppressed minority making up no more than 2.4% of the population (according to the article). Take the case of Tom. Tom has discovered that there is a translation of the Bible that uses the word 'unicorn' in it and that there is "a ridiculous number of versions" of the Bible which causes textual variations. Unicorns! Can you believe it! The Bible has to be nothing more than a book of fairy tales.
The article doesn't indicate beyond what number constitutes "ridiculous". Perhaps the ridiculous number was attained when the Bible was translated into German. Or maybe it happened when the English language Bible was updated for modern day word usage. If only King James English had not gone out of vogue! We just don't know when that threshold to ridiculous was crossed but crossed it was. Nor did the article give examples of textual variations caused by Bible translations, you'll have to take Tom's word for it, they are there.
And we have the case of the "friendly atheist", Hemant Mehta, who for some reason is not portrayed as an atheist in the article but only as a "blogger and expert on young atheists". Mr. Mehta points out that atheists can make the Bible say "anything you want it to say". Gee, I wonder if that includes portraying the Bible as being full of contradictions, sexism, violence, and unicorns?
So, did I misinterpret what the article intended to convey — that the Bible cannot be trusted, that Christians do not know what is really in the Bible, that we can make the Bible say anything we want it say, that the average Christian is below the mental capacity of the average atheist? No. I don't think so. In fact, it appears to me that the writer of the article is guilty of perpetuating a notion that is just not true: that atheists know the Bible better than Christians. The author does this in two ways, first by presenting only the anti-Christian "case". Second, the author deliberately misrepresented the Pew survey results about the Biblical literacy of Christians, implying that atheists know more than Christians about the actual content of the Bible.
Given the obvious anti-Christian slant of the article as well as the deliberate misrepresentation of the Pew survey results, I do not think it unreasonable to conclude that the purpose of this article was to lay a foundation on which it's author could build a façade of legitimacy for anti-Christian atheism. So much for pluralism.