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PLEASE NOTE: Two Report Requests from April 2016 (instead of the previous three).
Feedback from members on the reports:
"This report is so incredibly helpful! I wish I had more than two reports available to me. Thank you for the detailed and helpful feedback. I hope to work through the entire report including recommended reading. Thank you, again. By His grace," Raymond
Hello Deb, Thank you so much for the report. WOW! There are so many things you've so
clearly pointed out that I need to work on. This is sooo exciting! What amazing tools there are to help improve my writing. This is so encouraging. I can't thank you enough. God Bless You, Francie
"Such valuable insights, and guidance in this feedback report. I appreciate the feedback, and will do the suggested rewriting. This report is like gold; I feel richly blessed." Judy
"These rating reports have really helped to improve my writing. It is a way to assess what works and what doesn't work with the judges. It is also a great tool for learning how to critique others works. I believe this is only my second entry submitted. Thank you." Bonnie
"Thanks very much for taking time to offer this awesome critique. I will take the comments to heart in the next challenge. I appreciate this process." Carolyn
"Thank you so much! Your comments helped me understand what I did wrong. When I have a bit more time, I'm going to study this report and try to see how I might accomplish a better story within the word-count. I greatly appreciate your time and expertise." Dannie
"Dear Deb, I want to thank you for sending me the ratings report for my article Remember the Raspberries. I debated quite a bit on whether to order a report for this or not, but I decided to because I was surprised that I did so well on it. I am very new to all of this and thought it would be helpful to see what I had done right, especially since I am now moving up a level. I can't believe how much I have learned since I joined Faithwriter's in February. Thank you so much for helping me. I feel very blessed. God bless you for all that you do." Karen
"I think these reports might be the best addition to the challenge yet." Diane
"Hello, I wanted to take a minute to thank you for the FW program/website. It helped me hone writing skills and learn to write on a consistent basis. Before I found your site, I was pretty hit and miss with my hobby, but largely through your ministry, I've become a professional writer. Amazing!" Deborah
Platinums Order a Report Here on judged entries October 2015 going forward. If you are not logged into the main site you will be first taken to the log in page and then to the page where you can order a report.
Learn About Reports Below
From October 1, 2015, basic ratings feedback on Writing Challenge entries will be made available on request (please see the list of categories below). A request link to order a ratings report will be placed on the Challenge main page. This program is being offered to Platinum members only due to the additional time and effort these reports entail. Make sure you upgrade to take advantage of this tremendous new benefit and Upgrade Here.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Proverbs 19:20 ESV
Until now, we have hesitated to introduce this form of feedback due to the potential for discouragement to more sensitive writers. Critique is vital for a writer's growth, but we know that not everyone is ready to receive it. Read article: Who's Afraid of Big Bad Critique?
Please read the sample report and carefully consider whether you are prepared for this type of feedback before submitting a request.
Sample Report Here
If you believe you are ready to grow as a writer, here are all the details you need to know:
1. Ratings feedback will be made available (by member request only) to Platinum members, free of charge, during each quarter of the Writing Challenge on Challenges going forward from October 1st, 2015. Reports are to be ordered by a member when they desire to learn why it placed where it did so they can improve the next time.
2. Each Platinum member will be able to request up to TWO reports during each quarter of the Challenge.
3. ONE WEEK WINDOW: Reports can only be ordered for your entry after the winners for that topic have been announced. It must be ordered within one week of a topic's closing date. Reports cannot be ordered for past topics.
4. The TWO credits per quarter are not cumulative. They will not rollover to the next quarter.
5. These reports are not sugar coated in any way, but as such, they are invaluable as a tool for growth.
6. Requests for reports on Editors' Choice winning entries will not be accepted. (Please note: Editors' Choice are the top ten entries each week.)
7. As is the case with the Challenge, the judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Below are the EIGHT CATEGORIES you will receive personal feedback on for your entry. In addition to reviewing these categories you should review the Judging Criteria and Critique lessons toimprove in these areas here: viewtopic.php?f=67&t=39652
RATING CATEGORIES OVERVIEW -- as from October 22, 2010
Judging for the Challenge is very different to reading for pure pleasure. Our small team of judges comprise professional editors and a group of the best Editors' Choice winners. For the Challenge, they evaluate each entry based on eight different areas—essentially all aspects of good writing (as well as one goal almost every writer would have).
Each entry is judged on its own merits, based on the eight rating categories alone—not as compared to any other entry. If a Level 1 entry rates highly in each of the eight categories, it has as much right in the Editor's Choice awards as that of a Level 4 or 3 entry.
So here are the current ratings categories, which will be used from this week.
1. How well did this entry fit the topic?
If the judge feels that the topic has been missed completely, then the entry will score "0" in this category. For example, this happened a lot way back in the "Unsung Hero" challenge. Quite a lot of people wrote about "Jesus," but really he is the "sung hero" of thousands upon thousands. So if an entry for that particular Challenge was a general piece about Jesus being an "unsung hero," then it needed to be rated very low. If, however, it was about how he was not recognized in his home town or by his family, then that would have fit the topic. The same situation happened in the Genre challenges. People tended to write about the word, rather than the genre. For example, in the Children's genre, some people wrote about their children, and did it in a way that was not aimed at children as the readers. In that case, those entries were off topic.
If, on the other hand, the topic is mentioned in passing only, then this category will be rated low. In other words, if the topic was "vase," and the entry has nothing to do with a vase except to mention that there was a vase on the table at some point in the story, then that has to be rated very low.
If the topic is covered, but not really central to the story, it would receive a midway score in this category.
If the topic is the central focus of the entry (or it is a vital part of the overall story), then it gets full marks for this.
Please note: The topic word(s) do not need to be used in the entry, but the meaning should be the main focus or be essential to the entry (in other words, the entry would not work without it).
2. How creative, unique, fresh and memorable was this entry?
Creativity isn't always out of the box, although an out of the box entry will usually be a creative one (unless it is so out of the box that it misses the point). An entry is creative if it looks at the topic in a way that is fresh and unique.
When we had the "flower" challenge quite a while back, the comment I received from one judge was that if she read one more story about a talking bud, she would scream. We've had many weeks where the same concept comes through over and over again. For "Purple" it was Lydia. For "Eek" it was mice. If the judges read entry after entry from the same angle, it's probably not terribly creative.
If, however, an entry comes from a familiar angle but is done in a fresh way, then that will have greater appeal in this category. The difference is very obvious to the reader.
Special note here—non-fiction can be very creative. It just needs to be a fresh take on the topic. In other words, if the entry is saying things that you could read straight out of the Bible, or have heard from a million preachers, then it's not creative.
Along with a creative, fresh idea, the judges are also looking for writing that sticks with the reader. Something the reader won't forget the minute they turn the page.
3. How well crafted was this entry (overall crafting of the writing, including grammar and predictability)?
Something may come from a fresh angle, but be a real mess in the telling. This really doesn't need an explanation. It's not hard to spot the difference between a well crafted piece of writing and something that has been thrown together in an hour or so. This is why Kenn Allan always did so well with his poetry. He took time and care to craft each word (if you have never read any of Kenn's work, I encourage you to read his Challenge winners … and there are many).
On the other hand, some people rush to get their entry in within the first few hours. The creativity may be there, but the craftsmanship is often lacking, and the ratings for this category do reflect that.
We've noticed a very positive trend over recent quarters for there to be a rush to submit entries on the last day. It's positive for the writers, but a headache for the judges who have a mountain of reading and rating to do at the last minute. Even so, the good outweighs the judges' inconvenience. This is showing, for the most part, a realization that time is needed to let an entry simmer until it is as good as the author can make it.
We also moved Grammar into the Crafting category, where it most definitely belongs. Judges consider grammar as one aspect of the overall crafting rating.
Last of all, the judges also weight up the predictability of an entry. If the reader knows straight away where an entry is going, then it has not been crafted well. So even when writing non-fiction or Bible stories, avoid playing all your cards straight away.
4. Did the entry start well?
A good start is VITAL to a winning entry. Starting with something like, "When I think about the word …." is not good. Starting with any reference to the Challenge or topic at all, is not good.
(On that note, it is HIGHLY recommended that you do not mention anything to do with the Challenge in your entries. Although entries about the Challenge may make us smile, the Editor's Choice winners will never have any reference to the Challenge. This is because the EC winners will be used in future anthologies, with readers who may be completely unfamiliar with FaithWriters and the Challenge. So entries about the Challenge, or mentioning the Challenge, are too "in house" to work in the wider market.)
A good start hooks the reader from the opening paragraph and makes them want to keep reading. We live in an instant gratification era. If an online article/story doesn't catch the reader with a good hook at the start, then the average reader will click off in approximately seven seconds.
Judges are told to ask themselves this question when reading each entry: "If I wasn't judging this, how much would I want to keep reading to the end?" The answer to that helps them rate each entry.
5. Did the entry come to a satisfying conclusion?
A good ending is just as important as a good start. This does not mean that everything has been tied up in a neat bow, or that everyone lives happily ever after. However, it does mean that the reader feels their time has been well spent. There is nothing worse, for a reader, than to invest their time in reading something, only to feel cheated, flat, rushed or let down by the ending.
To date, one of the weakest areas for Challenge entries generally, has been the endings. Judges often express their disappointment when a really good story fizzles in the final paragraph.
6. Was this entry clearly written and communicated?
There are two aspects to this category. One is whether the author has communicated the point they were making to the reader. If the judge is left scratching their head at the end and wondering what on earth that was all about, then this category will be rated very low.
Having said that, the judges are also very aware that some entries are purely designed to make people laugh and don't really have any great significance. Even so, there should be a unifying thread that runs through the entry, and not just a whole lot of one-liners strung together.
The other aspect to this category is regarding general clarity. In some cases, the point may be very obvious, simply because it's a very well known point, but the general communication of that article, overall, may be less than clear.
A special note (and reminder) on this point--although entries do not have to have a Christian message or moral, they MUST be from a Christian point of view.
7. Did it flow smoothly?
An entry may start wonderfully, finish fantastically, but be completely disjointed in the middle. This category asks judges to evaluate how well an entry stayed on track. Did it flow smoothly from the opening to the ending, without going off on a tangent or getting muddied in the middle?
8. How publishable is this entry for its target audience?
This category really doesn't need any explanation. It is an assessment by our judges as to whether an entry has the potential to be accepted for publication in a relevant magazine, book, anthology, etc (even if a little more spit and polish may be required). Know your target audience, and then write to suit that reader.
When it comes to the Challenge, this is where keeping to the guidelines will help. Entries do not need to be overtly Christian (you don't need to connect your entry to a Christian message); however, they should be suitable for most Christian readers. In other words, we aren't expecting a James Patterson-style short story (full of blood, extreme violence, and bad language). That may be publishable in the secular market, but not this market the Challenge is aimed at. (Having said that, James Patterson offers a lot of great advice for all writers regarding crafting.)


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(1) The refining of the emotional body.
The emotional body is simply a great reflector. It takes colour and movement from its surroundings. It receives the impress of every passing desire. It contacts every whim and fancy in its environment; every current sets it in motion; every sound causes it to vibrate, unless the aspirant inhibits such a state of affairs, and trains it to receive and register only those impressions which come from the intuitional level via the Higher Self, and therefore via [Page 24] the atomic subplane. The aim of the aspirant should be to so train the emotional body that it will become still and clear as a mirror, so that it may reflect perfectly. . . . What words should describe the emotional body? The words: still, serene, unruffled, quiet, at rest, limpid and clear.… How should this be accomplished? In several ways, some at the direction of the aspirant, and some at the direction of the Master.
a. By the constant watching of all desires, motives and wishes, that cross the horizon daily, and by the subsequent emphasising of all those that are of a high order, and by inhibition of the lower.
b. By a constant daily attempt to contact the Higher Self, and to reflect His
wishes in the life… .
c. By definite periods daily directed to the stilling of the emotional body. . . . Each aspirant must discover for himself wherein he yields most easily to violent vibrations, such as fear, worry, personality desire of any kind, personality love of anything or anyone, discouragement, over- sensitiveness to public opinion; then he must overcome that vibration, by imposing on it a new rhythm, definitely eliminating and constructing.
d. By work done on the emotional body at night, under the direction of more advanced egos, working under the guidance of a Master. (2 – 337/9).
(2) When illusion and glamour have both been overcome, the astral body fades out in the human consciousness. There is no desire left for the separated self. Kama-manas disappears, and man is then regarded as consisting essentially of soul - mind - brain, within the body nature. This is a great mystery, and its significance can only be understood when a man has controlled his personality, and eliminated all aspects of glamour and of illusion. This is accomplished by accomplishing. This mastery is achieved by mastering. This elimination of desire is brought about by conscious eliminating. Get therefore to work, my brothers, and clarificaton of the problem must inevitably ensue. (10 – 66).
See also: "Astral Plane".
In the training to be given during the next few decades, the unfoldment of astral vision and hearing, will be entirely ruled out, or (if it exists) will eventually have to be overcome. The true disciple has endeavoured to [Page 25] centre himself on the mental plane, with the object in view of transferring his consciousness higher still, into the wider and inclusive awareness of the soul.
His aim is to include the higher, and there is no need for him, at this stage, to regain that astral facility which was the possession, as you well know, of the little evolved races of the earth, and of many of the higher animals. Later on, when adeptship has been reached, he can function on the astral plane should he so choose, but it should be remembered that the Master works with the soul aspect of humanity (and of all forms), and does not work with their astral bodies. This has been oft forgotten by teachers both in the East and the West.
. . . May I say therefore, to students that their main objective is to become aware of the soul, to cultivate soul consciousness, and to learn to live and work as souls. (4 – 166).
See also: "Psychic Powers".
(1) One of the most vital things every aspirant has to do, is to learn to understand the astral plane, to comprehend its nature, and to learn both to stand free from it and then to work on it. . . . The moment a man can "see" on the astral plane, and can achieve equilibrium and hold steady in the midst of its vibrating forces, that moment he is ready for initiation. . . .
The appearance of the astral plane when first definitely seen by the "opened eye" of the aspirant, is one of dense fog, confusion, changing forms, interpenetrating and intermingling colours, and is of such a kaleidoscopic appearance that the hopelessness of the enterprise seems overwhelming. It is not light, or starry clear. It is apparently impenetrable disorder, for it is the meeting ground of forces.. ..
. . . The astral plane is the plane of illusion, of glamour, and of a distorted presentation of reality. The reason for this is that every individual in the world is busy working in astral matter, and the potency of human desire and of world desire produces that constant "outpicturing" and form building which leads to the most concrete effects of astral matter. . . . Add to these forms that persistent and steadily growing scenario we call the "akashic records", which concern the emotional history of the past, add the activities of the discarnate lives which are passing through the astral plane, either out of or towards incarnation, add the potent desire, purified and intelligent, [Page 26]of all superhuman Lives, including those of the occult planetary Hierarchy, and the sum total of forces present, is stupendous. All play upon, around and through every human being, and according to the calibre of his physical body, and the condition of his centres will be his response. Through this illusory panorama, the aspirant has to make his way, finding the clue or thread which will lead him out of the maze, and holding fast to each tiny fragment of reality as it presents itself to him, learning to distinguish truth from glamour, the permanent from the impermanent, and the certainty from the unreal. . . .
No glamour, no illusion can long hold the man who has set himself the task of treading the razor-edged Path which leads through the wilderness, through the thick-set forest, through the deep waters of sorrow and distress, through the valley of sacrifice and over the mountains of vision to the gate of Deliverance. He may travel sometimes in the dark (and the illusion of darkness is very real); he may travel sometimes in a light so dazzling and bewildering that he can scarcely see the way ahead; he may know what it is to falter on the Path, and to drop under the fatigue of service and of strife; he may be temporarily sidetracked and wander down the by-paths of ambition, of self-interest and of material enchantment, but the lapse will be but brief. (4 – 221/3).
(2) There is no astral plane except in the consciousness of the fourth kingdom in nature, for man is "under illusion" in a sense different to the conscious awareness of any other kingdom – subhuman or superhuman.
I despair in making my meaning clear. How can one who is subject to the illusions of the senses, as are all human creatures, conceive of the state of consciousness of those who have freed themselves from the illusions of the astral plane, or realise the state of awareness of those forms of life which have not yet developed astral consciousness? It is the dual nature of the mind which causes this illusion. . . .
Yet it is this very illusion which renders up to man eventually the secret password into the Kingdom of God, and brings about his release. It is this maya itself which serves to guide him into truth and knowledge; it is on the plane of the astral that the heresy of separateness has to be overcome. . . . The secret science of the Master of Wisdom is the secret of how to dissipate the fogs and mist and darkness and gloom, which are produced by the union of the fires in the early stages. The secret of the Master is the discovery that there is no astral plane; he finds that the astral plane is a figment of the imagination and has been created through the uncontrolled use of the creative imagination, and the misuse of the magical powers. (4 – 614/5).
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(3) I have said elsewhere, that there is no such thing as the astral plane or the astral body. Just as the physical body is made up of matter which is not regarded as a principle, so the astral body – as far as the mind nature is concerned – is in the same category. This is a difficult matter for you to grasp, because desire and emotion are so real and so devastatingly important. But – speaking literally – from the angle of the mental plane, the astral body is a "figment of the imagination"; it is not a principle. The massed use of the imagination in the service of desire, has nevertheless constructed an illusory glamorous world, the world of the astral plane. During physical incarnation, and when man is not upon the Path of Discipleship, the astral plane is very real, with a vitality and a life all its own. After the first death (the death of the physical body) it still remains equally real. But its potency slowly dies out; the mental man comes to realise his own true state of consciousness (whether developed or undeveloped), and the second death becomes possible and takes place. This phase covers the Process of Elimination. (17 – 409).
(4) Even though there is no astral plane, from the standpoint of the Master, yet thousands of millions recognise it, and labour in its delusive sphere, and are there aided by the initiated disciple, working from the higher corresponding levels. (18 – 65).
See also: "Astral Body" and (6 – 377).
(1) That astrology is a science, and a coming science, is true. That astrology in its highest aspect and its true interpretation, will enable man eventually to focus his understanding, and to function rightly, is equally true. That in the revelations that astrology will make in time to come will be found the secret of the true co-ordination between soul and form, is also correct. But that astrology is not yet to be found. Too much is overlooked and too little known, to make astrology the exact science that many claim it is. The claim will be fulfilled at some future date, but the time is not yet.
. . . The claims of the astrologers as to the reality of the energies playing upon the human organism, can be seen to be true; their claims as to their capacity to interpret, are for the most part unfounded. So little is really known by the highest intelligence on the planet; for forget not, that the adepts utilise primarily the intuition.
[Page 28]
The energy of the particular constellation or sign in which a man is born, is more deeply significant than has ever yet been suggested. It embodies or indicates his present problem, sets the pace or tempo of his life, and is related to the quality of his personality. It governs, if I may so express it, the . . . activity aspect of his life during incarnation. (4 – 434/5).
(2) The solar system must no longer be regarded as a point around which the zodiac revolves, or through which the sun passes in its great cycle of approximately 25,000 years. Astrologers with insight may deny that this is the commonly accepted attitude. Yet – for purposes of clarity and in connection with the general public – the inference is permitted and accepted by the ignorant. Upon this theory anent the zodiac rests very largely what we call the Great Illusion, and I would have you bear this in mind as you study with me the newer approaches of this greatest and oldest of all sciences. Astrology is a science which must be restored to its original beauty and truth, before the world can gain a truer perspective, and a more just and accurate appreciation of the divine Plan, as it is expressed at this time through the Wisdom of the Ages.
The second statement which I would make, is that astrology is essentially the purest presentation of occult truth in the world at this time, because it is the science which deals with those conditioning and governing energies and forces, which play through and upon the whole field of space, and all that is found within that field. When this fact is grasped and the sources of those energies are better comprehended, and the nature of the field of space is correctly understood, we shall then see a far wider and at the same time, a more closely related horizon; the relationships between individual, planetary, systemic and cosmic entities, will be grasped, and we shall then begin to live scientifically. It is this scientific living which it is the immediate purpose of astrology to bring about.
. . . The modern investigator likes to believe that on him impinge, and through him flow all those energies, which come from the sign in which the sun "finds" itself at the time of his birth. He regards himself also as responsive to the forces of the various planets as they govern the houses in his horoscope, and he believes that his life trends and circumstances are thus determined. . . . Small allowance has been made for the energies which play upon our planet all the time from other constellations, or from the many "hidden" planets. Of these, the Ageless Wisdom claims that there are around seventy in our solar system.
. . . I shall not, therefore, deal with the subject of esoteric astrology from the standpoint of the horoscope at all. Universal relationships, the interplay [Page 29] of energies, the nature of what lies behind the Great Illusion, the deluding "appearances of things as they are", and the destiny of our planet, of the kingdoms in nature, and of humanity as a whole – these will constitute the major part of our theme.
This brings me to the third statement, which is so basic and fundamental, that I would ask you to pause and contemplate it, even though you grasp not its full implications as yet. The Ancient Wisdom teaches that "space is an entity". It is with the life of this entity, and with the forces and energies, the impulses and the rhythms, the cycles and the times and seasons, that esoteric astrology deals. (16 – 4/7).
(3) In esoteric astrology we are. . . . dealing with the Life and Lives which inform the "points of light" within the universal Life. Constellations solar systems, planets, kingdoms in nature, and microscopic man, are all of them the result of the activity and the manifestation of energy, of certain Lives, whose cycle of expression, and whose infinite purposes, lie outside the comprehension of the most advanced and illumined minds on our planet.
The next point for each of you to grasp, is the fact that the ether of space, is the field in and through which the energies from the many originating Sources play. We are, therefore, concerned with the etheric body of the planet, of the solar system, and of the seven solar systems of which our system is one, as well as with the general and vaster etheric body of the universe, in which we are located. I employ the word "located" here with deliberation, and because of the inferences to which it leads. This vaster field, as well as the smaller and more localised fields, provides the medium of transmission for all the energies which play upon and through our solar system, our planetary spheres, and all forms of life upon these spheres. It forms one unbroken field of activity, in constant, ceaseless motion – an eternal medium for the exchange and transmission of energies.
In connection with this, and in order more correctly to understand, it will be useful to study individual man; in this way we can arrive at a faint comprehension of the basic and underlying truth. Students should never forget the Law of Analogy as an interpretive agency. Esotericism teaches (and modern science is rapidly arriving at the same conclusion), that underlying the physical body and its comprehensive and intricate system of nerves, is a vital or etheric body, which is the counterpart and the true form, of the outer and tangible phenomenal aspect. It is likewise the medium for the transmission of force to all parts of the human frame, and the agent of the indwelling life and consciousness. It determines and conditions the physical body, for it is itself the repository and the transmitter of energy from the [Page 30] various subjective aspects of man, and also from the environment in which man (both inner and outer man) finds himself.
Two other points should be added. First: the individual etheric body is not an isolated and separated human vehicle but is, in a peculiar sense, an integral part of the etheric body of that entity, which we have called the human family; this kingdom in nature, through its etheric body, is an integral part of the planetary etheric body; the planetary etheric body is not separated off from the etheric bodies of other planets, but all of them in their totality, along with the etheric body of the sun, constitute the etheric body of the solar system. This is related to the etheric bodies of the six solar systems which, with ours, form a cosmic unity, and into these pour energies and forces from certain great constellations. The field of space is etheric in nature, and its vital body is composed of the totality of etheric bodies of all constellations, solar systems and planets which are found therein. Throughout this cosmic web, there is a constant circulation of energies and forces, and this constitutes the scientific basis of the astrological theories. Just as the forces of the planet and of the inner spiritual man (to mention only one factor among many), pour through the etheric body of the individual man upon the physical plane, and condition his outer expression, activities, and qualities, so do the varying forces of the universe pour through every part of the etheric body at that entity we call space, and condition and determine the outer expression, the activities and qualities of every form found within the cosmic periphery.
The second point I would make, is that within the human etheric body, there are to be found seven major force centres, which are in the nature of distributing agencies and electrical batteries, providing dynamic force and qualitative energy to man; they produce definite effects upon his outer physical manifestation. Through their constant activity his quality appears, his ray tendencies begin to emerge, and his point in evolution is clearly indicated.
This "control of form through a septenate of energies" (as it is defined in the Old Commentary), is an unalterable rule in the inner government of our universe, and of our particular solar system, as well as in the case of individual man. There are, for instance, in our solar system, seven sacred planets, which correspond to the seven individual force centres in man, the seven energy centres of the One to Whom I have referred in my other books as the One About Whom Naught Can Be Said. (16 – 9/12).
(4) The heavens, the constellations, signs and planets, mean one thing to the Hierarchy, and another thing to the astronomers, and still another [Page 31]thing to the astrologers, whilst they are simply bewildering galaxies of light to the average citizen. (16 – 257).
(5) Certain basic changes in the orientation of the Earth's axis are now taking place, and these will throw much confusion into the computations of astrologers. These changes are proceeding slowly and progressively, and according to cosmic law. Whilst they are in progress, accuracy of computation and deduction is unattainable. When the orientation and "pointed direction" of the Earth's pole has again been stabilised, the new conditioning mathematical figures can again be ascertained. There has indeed been no true accuracy since ancient Egyptian days. Anything now possible along these lines can only be regarded as approximate, and, therefore, certainty in analysis, prediction and interpretation, is not possible. This whole subject is one of the greatest obscurity, and quite incomprehensible to the average astrologer, and certainly to the average student. I would remind you, how ever, that several times in the great life cycle of the Earth, there have been changing "pole-stars", and that our present pole-star has not always held that position. This science itself recognises.
At each of the great shifts of the Earth's axis, there has been upheaval, confusion, and cataclysm, preceding reconstruction, stabilisation, and relative quiet. Of these macrocosmic events, there are similar microcosmic correspondences in the lives of both humanity and individual man. (16 – 408).
(6) I cannot too strongly repeat, that esoteric astrology is entirely concerned with the forces and energies which affect the consciousness aspect of the human being, and condition the personality life. This is the point which must be considered above all else. In other words, esoteric astrology is concerned with the soul, and not with the form and, therefore, all that I have to say refers to consciousness, to its expansion, to its effect upon its vehicles, the form, and – in the last analysis (as will be later established) – with the Science of Initiation. (16 – 484).
(1) I would recall to your minds the knowledge that the aura which each of you has created around the central nucleus of your incarnated self or soul, is a fragment of the overshadowing soul, which brought you into manifestation. This aura is (as you well know) composed of the emanations of the etheric body, and this in its turn embodies three types of energy for [Page 32] which you are individually responsible. These three types are (when added to the energy of prana, which composes the etheric vehicles):
1. The health aura. This is essentially physical.
2. The astral aura, which is usually by far the most dominant factor, extensive and controlling.
3. The mental aura, which is in most cases relatively small, but which develops rapidly, once the disciple takes his own development consciously in hand, or once the polarisation of the personality is upon the mental plane. The time will eventually come when the mental aura will obliterate (if I may use such an inadequate term) the emotional or astral aura, and then the soul quality of love will create a substitute, so that the needed sensitivity does not entirely disappear, but is of a higher and far more acute nature.
In this threefold aura (or more correctly, fourfold, if you count the etheric vehicle) every individual lives, and moves and has his being; it is this living, vital aura, which is the recording agent of all impressions, both objective and subjective. It is this "agent of sensitive response" which the indwelling self has to control and use, in order to register impression, or to direct etheric or mental impression out into the world of men. Astral impression is purely selfish and individual and, though it may affect a man's surroundings, is not directed as are the other energies registered. It is the aura which predominantly creates the effects which a person has upon his associates; it is not primarily his words which produce reactions, even though they are supposed to embody his reactions and his thinking, but which are, in reality, usually expressions of his emotional desires.
All of us, therefore, carry around with us a subjective mechanism, which is a true and perfect picture of our peculiar point in evolution. It is the aura which a Master watches, and this is a factor of major importance in the life of a disciple. The light of the soul within the aura, and the condition of the various aspects of the aura, indicate whether or not the disciple is nearing the Path of Discipleship. As the emotional reactions lessen, and as the mental apparatus clarifies, the progress of the aspirant can be exactly noted. I would have you distinguish carefully between the astral and the mental bodies, and that which they emanate. The bodies (so called) are substantial in nature; the aura is essentially radiatory and extends from each substantial vehicle in every direction. This is a point which should be most carefully noted. (11 – 97/8).
(2) These centres, or their vibrations, are in reality what creates or constitutes the so-called aura of the human being, even though that aura [Page 33] is frequently confused with the health aura. Instead of the word "frequently" I had almost said "usually", because that would be more definitely correct. It is the etheric body which indicates and conditions the aura. (11 – 173).
(3) The "sphere of radiation" (aura) is easily determined by those who seek it out, and who watch the effect of the radiation upon people in their community and environment. One highly emotional person, working through an overdeveloped and uncontrolled solar plexus centre, can wreck a home or an institution. I give this as an illustration. One radiant, creative life, consciously using the heart or the throat centres, can carry inspiration to hundreds. These are points well worth careful consideration. You must, however, bear in mind that these centres are brought into activity by the cultivation of certain major virtues, and not by meditation, or concentration upon the centres. They are brought automatically into the needed radiatory condition, by right living, high thinking, and loving activity. These virtues may seem to you dull and uninteresting, but they are most potent and scientifically effective in bringing the centres into the desired radiatory activity. When the task is done, and when all the centres are living spheres of outgoing radiatory activity, they swing into each others' orbit, so that the initiate becomes a centre of living light, and not a composite of seven radiant centres. Think on this. (11 – 175).
(4) Forget not that as you look out upon the world and your immediate environment, that you look out through your aura and have, therefore, to deal with glamour and illusion. (10 – 35).
(5) I have watched you succeed and I have seen you fail. This I do through noting the pulsation of your light – not in watching the detail of your daily living. (5 – 98).
See also: (5 – 752/3).

subset: commoncrawl


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Catchy or trashy? 'Getting America laid and happy' billboard goes up near Highway 4
Cash Moore, a local liquor store and nightclub owner, has long been known for his catchy and often controversial advertisements.
Now, some people in one community say his newest advertising campaign has gone too far.
Coming north on State Route 4 you see a sign for Cash's liquors. It features him and his daughter and grandkids, but on the other side, there's another message that has the community in an uproar.
Steve Masters moved to the Baker area with his parents half a century ago from Pensacola. He's called the place home ever since.
"Lot of Alabama people, northern people come down to Destin, their families and everything. What we are foreseeing them seeing of us and our state is on this sign right here," Masters said.
Masters, and some of his neighbors have lived next to these signs since they were put up many years ago.
"We're fine with your business, we are fine with having you here, but this sign has just come a little bit too far and we would just plead to you to have a more appropriate sign," Masters said.
Down in the south end of the county on Okaloosa Island, Cash Moore manages his Okaloosa empire; 17 liquor stores, restaurants, a nightclub, he has been in the business half a century, too.
He employs more than 300 people in the county. In his opinion, the billboards are part of the deal, too.
"If I upset them they are probably not a customer of mine anyhow. The billboard was put up there really to aim directly at Alabama and Tennessee people using that road that are customers of mine. And if the word laid, L-A-I-D has upset them, let's face reality, they don't need a radio in their car, at their house, or a TV," Moore said.
But he does say he is willing to talk it over with anyone who has a problem.
"The person complaining about it needs to call me up and discuss it with me and let's see if we can find a happy medium," Moore said.
There's no middle ground regarding this sign as far as Steve Masters is concerned.
"Yes, go to Cash's and have a good time, be respectful about it," Masters said. "But the first part is not respectful, it's degrading."
We asked the Okaloosa County attorney about the matter. He told us in a statement:
We are aware of the complaints and we are reviewing the matter. No determination has been made at this time.
In the meantime, let us know what you think in our poll.
Is Cash's sign catchy or trashy in your opinion?
(Poll option photos by: MGN)


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Elli Cassidy is a highly regarded specialist newborn, maternity and portrait photographer. She has been awarded Newborn Photographer of the year and was the first in the UK to achieve an Associateship in Newborn and Maternity photography.
Elli is passionate about improving standards in safety when posing babies and her commitment to this led to her co-founding BANPAS which sets the industry benchmark. Elli is highly valued for her style and approach in providing carefully crafted training courses and she mentors many professional photographers each year to improve technical standards.
I bought a Fuji camera in 2013 which I intended to use as a personal camera for photographs of my children as my DSLR and lenses were just too big to carry around. I fell utterly in love with both the look and feel of the camera and also with the files it produced. I soon concluded that I needed to progress to Fujifilm for my client work, so I sold my existing DSLR camera and lenses and bought an X-T1 for the studio, it has the same Fujifilm feel, and again, wonderful files. Once I started using the X-T1 for client work I found it really came into it's own, so many of it's design features helped make my sessions run smoother.
An obvious benefit I felt when swapping to Fujifilm was the improved practicality, after a day of shooting my wrists, arms and back really thank me for the weight difference. I certainly couldn't have entertained the idea of shooting as freely as I do now, sometimes one handed and frequently over the top of my baby clients.
I love that the settings I tend to change within a session are all easy to access, the ergonomics of the X- cameras have always felt 'right' to me, I can twist a dial without having to go hunting through menus. I spot focus and easily toggle my focus points, and the auto white balance seems to do a fantastic job with tricky baby skin tones.
I genuinely do think my little X-T1 combined with the great line up of lenses are the perfect match for my little clients and I'm highly anticipating great things from the XT2.


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Sept. 14, 2007
PORTLAND, Ore - Shuree Hyatt scored two goals in the second half, including the game-winner in the 61st minute, as Washington edged Yale 2-1 in the first game of the Nike Portland Invitational. Becky Brown's goal at 37:05 had given the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
Yale (1-3) outshot the Huskies 17-10, but Taylor Carr made five saves in goal for UW (1-4).
"It was a good game," said Yale head coach Rudy Meredith. "We had two mental lapses which led to their goals, but give Washington credit. They played very hard."
The Bulldogs controlled play in the first half and had an 8-3 edge in shots in the first 45 minutes. It wasn't until the 38th minute, though, that Yale got on the board. Brown took a feed from Maggie Westfal and fired a shot into the lower left corner from 12 yards out. It was Brown's team-leading second goal of the season.
Leslie Perez had a couple of chances early in the first half, but was thwarted by Carr each time.
The Huskies tied it just 45 seconds into the second half when Hyatt scored on a shot from eight yards out. Hyatt's game-winning goal was set up by Nikki Murray.
Susan Starr (1 save) and Ayana Sumiyasu split the goalkeeping the duties for the Bulldogs.
Yale takes on fourth-ranked Portland on Sunday at 4 p.m. EDT. Washington will play Kansas.
Report filed by Tim Bennett, Yale Sports Publicity


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Question: On my financial adviser's suggestion, I bought whole life insurance as an investment, but being single, young and healthy, I'm rethinking it now. Should I keep the policy, or discard it and pay the penalties?
Question: I'm 58 years old and twice widowed. Can I collect Social Security benefits on behalf of my first wife? If so, at what age can I start?
Question: I'd like to avoid bonds because of their current low yields and interest-rate risk. What are some good, inflation-hedging alternatives to consider?
Question: I have a federal student loan with an 8.5 percent interest rate. Should I pay it off now or consolidate all my debt after I graduate?
Question: I was recently laid off, and I have a loan from my 401(k). Do I have to pay penalties on this since I lost my job through no fault of my own?
Question: I want to invest in bonds. What's the best way to go about it? How do yield fluctuations affect prices? What about interest rates?
Question: I'm retired and earning $6,000 annually by working part-time. If I convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, can I open a separate Roth in the same calendar year? The rollover amount, by the way, is less than what I'm earning at my job.
Question: When calculating my asset allocation, should I put dividend-paying stocks in the stock or bond category? I'm retired and don't want to invest too aggressively.
Question: How risky are dividend-reinvestment plans? Are they an easy way to start investing on my own, outside of my 401(k)?
Ask SmartMoney has a single, simple mission: Answer your questions. Answers are written by the staff of SmartMoney.com and SmartMoney magazine, with the help of outside experts. Topics cover investing, spending, retirement planning, saving for college, insurance, taxes and more. Submit your question in the form below, or email email@example.com.
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Neelken Jaspers (d. 1570)
Neelken (Nelleken) Jaspers, an Anabaptist martyr, erroneously considered Reformed, a girl 17 or 18 years of age, was burned at the stake at Antwerp, Belgium, on 27 June 1570 (not 1571, as in Martyrs Mirror), after giving a valiant testimony to her faith. The death sentence states that she was rebaptized and was "persistent in her heresy." Her father Jasper Hermansz and her mother Maeyken Janssens had both been executed as martyrs at Antwerp in 1569, Jasper on 22 June and Maeyken on 22 November. While in prison Neelken wrote a letter, dated 12 December 1569, which reveals her firm faith and joy in suffering. She said that she wanted to follow the example of her parents and two youths who had been executed, though they had not yet been baptized. She is commemorated in a hymn composed by an anonymous 16th century author, entitled, "Aen Neelken Jaspers."
Braght, Thieleman J. van. Het Bloedigh Tooneel of Martelaers Spiegel der Doopsgesinde of Weereloose Christenen, Die om 't getuygenis van Jesus haren Salighmaker geleden hebben ende gedood zijn van Christi tijd of tot desen tijd toe. Den Tweeden Druk. Amsterdam: Hieronymus Sweerts…, 1685. Part II: 407.
Braght, Thieleman J. van. The Bloody Theatre or Martyrs' Mirror of the Defenseless Christians Who Baptized Only upon Confession of Faith and Who Suffered and Died for the Testimony of Jesus Their Saviour . . . to the Year A.D. 1660. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1951: 762. Available online at: http://www.homecomers.org/mirror/index.htm.
Catalogus der werken over de Doopsgezinden en hunne geschiedenis aanwezig in de bibliotheek der Vereenigde Doopsgezinde Gemeente to Amsterdam. Amsterdam: J.H. de Bussy, 1919: 100.
Doopsgezinde Bijdragen (1899): 91, 108, 121, 139.
Génard, P. Antwerpsch archievenblad: XIII, 2, 61; XIV, 76 f., No. 853.
Hege, Christian and Christian Neff. Mennonitisches Lexikon, 4 vols. Frankfurt & Weierhof: Hege; Karlsruhe; Schneider, 1913-1967: v. II, 394
|Nanne van der Zijpp
|Christian Neff
|Date Published
Cite This Article
MLA style
van der Zijpp, Nanne and Christian Neff. "Neelken Jaspers (d. 1570)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1957. Web. 21 Sep 2018. http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Neelken_Jaspers_(d._1570)&oldid=59322.
APA style
van der Zijpp, Nanne and Christian Neff. (1957). Neelken Jaspers (d. 1570). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 21 September 2018, from http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Neelken_Jaspers_(d._1570)&oldid=59322.
Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 3, p. 819. All rights reserved.
©1996-2018 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.


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Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund; Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Opportunities Fund; Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Dec 13, 2010, 01:33 EST
BOSTON, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- At a meeting held on December 13, 2010, the Boards of Trustees of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (NYSE :ETB ), Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (NYSE :ETV ) and Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (NYSE :ETW ) (the "Funds"), each a closed-end investment company, voted to hold the Annual Meetings of Shareholders of each Fund concurrently on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. (EST). The meetings will be held at the principal office of the Funds, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Proxy materials will be mailed on or about February 21, 2011 to shareholders of record on February 10, 2011. Shareholders of each Fund will be asked to vote on the election of three Class III Trustees of the Funds.
The Fund is managed by Eaton Vance Management, a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE :EV ), based in Boston, one of the oldest investment management firms in the United States, with a history dating back to 1924. Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed $185.2 billion in assets as of October 31, 2010, offering individuals and institutions a broad array of investment strategies and wealth management solutions. The Company's long record of providing exemplary service and attractive returns through a variety of market conditions has made Eaton Vance the investment manager of choice for many of today's most discerning investors. For more information about Eaton Vance, visit www.eatonvance.com.
SOURCE Eaton Vance Management


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SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2013 -- Omeros Corporation (NASDAQ: OMER) today announced data from toxicology studies evaluating OMS721, the lead human monoclonal antibody in Omeros' mannan-binding lectin associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) program. Based on the data from these nonhuman primate studies, OMS721 is expected to be delivered subcutaneously to patients at a convenient dosing schedule of weekly, bi-monthly or even less frequently. Omeros is now analyzing additional data and expects to submit, in the second quarter of this year, an Investigational New Drug (IND) Application or Clinical Trial Application (CTA) to the applicable regulatory body to initiate clinical trials evaluating OMS721.
MASP-2 is a novel pro-inflammatory protein target involved in activation of the complement system, which is an important component of the immune system. The complement system plays a role in the inflammatory response and becomes activated as a result of tissue damage or microbial infection. OMS721 selectively inhibits MASP-2, blocking the lectin pathway of the complement system while leaving intact the classical pathway, or the acquired immune response to infection. The Company has conducted a series of in vivo studies that suggest that MASP-2 inhibition may have a preventive or therapeutic effect in the treatment of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), atypical HUS (aHUS), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ischemia-reperfusion injury, transplant-related complications and other immune-related disorders.
The studies reported today demonstrated that, following subcutaneous administration, the plasma concentration of OMS721 rapidly approached a plateau, which correlated with maximal inhibition of lectin pathway activation, within six hours of administration and maintained that level of inhibition for two or more weeks. In addition, the observed bioavailability and pharmacokinetics are expected to support subcutaneous administration in patients at a frequency of once weekly, bi-monthly or possibly at even longer intervals. The only currently approved complement inhibitor requires an intravenous infusion lasting 30 minutes or longer in the hospital or doctor's office. Subcutaneous dosing avoids the complexity and inconvenience of intravenous infusion and would allow patients to self-administer OMS721 at home.
"As we continue to advance OMS721 through IND-enabling studies, we are pleased to see that our complement inhibitor is revealing its potential competitive advantages, including subcutaneous administration and maintenance of activity of the acquired immune response to infection," stated Gregory A. Demopulos, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Omeros. "These and the other data that we are collecting bode well for the commercial potential of OMS721. We expect to file our IND or CTA next quarter and look forward to moving the drug product quickly into clinical trials."
About Omeros' MASP-2 Program
MASP-2 is a novel pro-inflammatory protein target involved in activation of the complement system, which is an important component of the immune system. The complement system plays a role in the inflammatory response and becomes activated as a result of tissue damage or microbial infection. MASP-2 appears to be unique to, and required for the function of, one of the principal complement activation pathways, known as the lectin pathway. Importantly, inhibition of MASP-2 does not appear to interfere with the antibody-dependent classical complement activation pathway, which is a critical component of the acquired immune response to infection, and its abnormal function is associated with a wide range of autoimmune disorders. MASP-2 is generated by the liver and is then released into the circulation. Adult humans who are genetically deficient in one of the proteins that activate MASP-2 do not appear to be detrimentally affected by the deficiency. Therefore, Omeros believes that it may be possible to deliver MASP-2 antibodies systemically.
Omeros also believes that it has identified the proteins that activate the complement system's alternative pathway, which is linked to a wide range of immune-related disorders. In addition to its lectin pathway inhibitors, the Company is advancing the development of antibodies that would block activation of the alternative pathway alone or in combination with the lectin pathway.
About Omeros Corporation
Omeros is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing and commercializing products targeting inflammation, coagulopathies and disorders of the central nervous system. The Company's most clinically advanced product candidates, OMS302 for lens replacement surgery and OMS103HP for arthroscopy, are derived from its proprietary PharmacoSurgery™ platform designed to improve clinical outcomes of patients undergoing a wide range of surgical and medical procedures. Omeros has five clinical development programs. Omeros may also have the near-term capability, through its GPCR program, to add a large number of new drug targets and their corresponding compounds to the market. Behind its clinical candidates and GPCR platform, Omeros is building a diverse pipeline of protein and small-molecule preclinical programs targeting inflammation, coagulopathies and central nervous system disorders.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. These statements include, but are not limited to, Omeros' expectations regarding when it file an IND or CTA and begin clinical trials of OMS721; that OMS721 may be delivered subcutaneously and the frequency of dosing; the potential diseases that may be treated by OMS721; the potential competitive advantages of OMS721; and that Omeros may have capability, through its GPCR program, to add a large number of new drug targets and their corresponding compounds to the market. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information available to management only as of the date of this press release. Omeros' actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and other factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2012. Given these risks, uncertainties and other factors, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, even if new information becomes available in the future.
SOURCE Omeros Corporation
Jennifer Cook Williams, Cook Williams Communications, Inc., Investor and Media Relations, +1-360-668-3701 , firstname.lastname@example.com
©2005-2012 Omeros Corporation, All rights reserved.


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7:00 pm
Ask This Old House "Painting Kitchen Cabinets/Installing a Smart Thermostat to Reduce Energy Use" Host Kevin O'Connor travels to Chicago to learn how subway trains are serviced. While in Chicago, he helps a homeowner paint kitchen cabinets. Then, landscape contractor Roger Cook teaches how to estimate landscape material by the cubic yard. D
7:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Prague and the Czech Republic" Rick visits newly energized Prague with side trips to Kutna Hora to descend into a medieval mine.G
8:00 pm
Rudy Maxa's World "Tokyo, Japan" An urban marriage of high tech and age-old customs makes Tokyo a fascinating destination, from teenagers playing "cos," or costume games, to adults taking dinner at tiny yakatori restaurants, where the kitchen is a small grill dedicated to cooking skewers of meat. Tour the city's massive wholesale fish market, Tsukiji Market, before dawn to watch the daily auction of massive torsos of tuna fish destined for sushi restaurants around the world. Check out space-age toilets at the showroom of Toto as proof that cutting edge technology permeates every aspect of Japanese life. D
8:30 pm
Lidia's Italy In America "Italian American Sandwiches #2" Once again, Lidia looks at the history of some Italian American local sandwich beginnings, starting with Baltimore's Italian American Civic Club Sandwich, a Primanti Sandwich and a Prosciutto, Scallion and Egg Sandwich. She also makes a delicious Celery, Artichoke and Mortadella Salad to accompany the sandwiches. D
9:00 pm
Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen "Fun Modern Cakes" NULL
9:30 pm
Joanne Weir's Cooking Class "Tomato Basil Fettuccine & Grilled Corn Salad" Joanne gets her student Ron "fired-up" in this hands-on class featuring tomatoes. Ron learns to create both a hot and colorful pasta dish with a bit of crunch and a grilled corn and arugula salad tossed with an intriguingly delicious smoky tomato vinaigrette. Recipes: (1) GRILLED CORN AND ARUGULA SALAD WITH SMOKED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE, (2) FETTUCINE WITH TOMATOES, BASIL AND CRISP BREAD CRUMBS. D
10:00 pm
Caprial and John's Kitchen: Cooking for Family and Friends "Ales and Lagers" The Pences fix companion dishes for Northwest brews, including crispy mozzarella bruschetta and whole roasted New York strip loin with obsidian stout glaze.G
10:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Prague and the Czech Republic" Rick visits newly energized Prague with side trips to Kutna Hora to descend into a medieval mine.G
11:00 pm
Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish "El Rescate" In Mexico, Raquel and Angela come to the aid of someone with a surprising connection to don Fernando.G
11:30 pm
Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish "Atrapados" The Castillo family deals with a number of problems, including the hospitalization of don Fernando.G


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Main Site - :: Why Won't God Heal Amputees? ::
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Wow Chronos-Your facebook feed sucks. I actually really enjoy mine. A huge percentage of posts are proud parents updating the world on their children's accomplishments. There is more than I care to see about sports. Commentary on current events. And of course, there are cute kittens. But a lot of my friends share information, or even just pithy photos on topics of importance to them, and often those posts either inform me or remind me of issues of importance.


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Furthering its reach in the multi-billion-dollar specialty tea market, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) on Wednesday said it is buying Teavana (NYSE:TEA) for about $620 million in cash.
Continue Reading Below
Teavana shareholders will receive $15.50 per share in cash.
Starbucks said the purchase of Teavana, which makes more than 100 varieties of premium loose-leaf teas, other artisanal teaware and related merchandise, propels it deeper into the $40 billion tea market.
"We believe the tea category is ripe for reinvention and rapid growth," Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a statement. "The Teavana acquisition now positions us to disrupt and lead, just as we did with espresso starting three decades ago."
Investors seemed slightly less optimistic on the deal and pushed Starbucks' shares down more than 2% to $49.31 shortly after the announcement. Teavana's stock soared more than 52% to $15.42.
The Teavana brand adds to Starbucks existing Tazo brand and Schultz said it gives the café operator an opportunity to create a two-tiered market position, dominating globally both coffee and tea, two of the world's biggest beverage markets.
Teavana's 300 mall-based stores and global sourcing capabilities and merchandising will add to Starbucks' existing infrastructure. Starbucks said it intends to grow the number of Teavana retail stores and add a "high-profile neighborhood store concept," which it is hoping will expand the tea brand's domestic and global footprint.
In a partnership through Starbucks' joint venture partner Alshaya, Teavana recently opened its first store in the Middle East and has plans to enter new, high-consumption tea markets around the world, the companies said in a joint statement.
Starbucks' president of channel development and emerging brands, Jeff Hansberry, who will head the new subsidiary, said the acquisition provides Starbucks with new channels of distribution and strengthens its core offerings.
The Seattle-based coffee company expects Teavana to be accretive to earnings by about a penny a share in fiscal 2013.
Shareholders holding about 70% of the outstanding shares have approved of the deal, which as of now is slated to close by the end of this year pending regulatory clearances.


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Rihanna: Dior at Paris Fashion Week!
Rihanna returns to her hotel with her super stylist Mariel Haenn after attending designer John Galliano's Dior Spring Summer 2010 Fashion Show during Paris Fashion Week on Friday (October 2) in France.
Other celebs who sat front row for the 'film noir' themed show included Bruce Willis, and his new wife, model Emma Heming, and burlesque stripping queen Dita Von Teese.
"I'd like to see Emma in some of those dresses," Bruce said after the show.


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Wisconsin deer hunting fanatic Jay Fish, owner of the King Buck officially scored last Saturday by Boone and Crockett Club, will be the special guest this Wednesday on Deer Talk Now to provide details about the scoring and his insights on the controversy.
Fish will be in the studio during the broadcast of Deer Talk Now and will provide his personal account of the King Buck's rocky road from when Wisconsin hunter Johnny King killed it six years ago to last weekend's B&C scoring panel session in Montana. The buck was officially scored as a roughly 215-inch typical, and B&C announced last month that it would be panel-scored as a potential world record. It was not, and the club Saturday applied new rules that were not in place in 2006 when the buck was killed. What happened? Fish will reveal all of the facts in this epic Deer Talk Now episode.
The show is hosted each Wednesday at 12 p.m. CST by Deer & Deer Hunting editor Dan Schmidt and publisher Brad Rucks. Questions from fans are selected for the special guest and may be submitted at http://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/deer-talk-now-watch
We'll be giving away some fantastic prizes during Deer Talk Now including Carbon Express arrows, Deer & Deer Hunting calendars, Legendary Whitetails III, a grab bag of scent-control products from ATSKO and possibly more! All for simply submitting your question for consideration!
Deer Talk Now specials this week, which can be found on DeerandDeerHunting.com, include a special deal for the 2013 Deer & Deer Hunting wall calendar – buy the 2013 calendar, and get the 2012 calendar for just $1! Also available at ShopDeerHunting.com is a free bottle of Hoosier Trapper's Fresh Earth cover spray for every purchase of more than $25.
Also, this only available this Friday and Saturday is a huge 50 Percent Off Sale on all digital downloads at ShopDeerHunting.com for everything in our digital lineup!
Deer Talk Now is a one-hour webcast every Wednesday beginning at 12 p.m. Central. Join the show each week here and be sure to visit our DTN Archives here to watch previous shows with guests including Charles Alsheimer, Ted Nugent, Donald Trump, Mark Drury and more!


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25 Favorite Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals
This year we ran our Quick Weeknight Meals contest for the very first time, and it was a hit! We've made many recipes from your submissions, and we were so inspired by your quick and creative meal ideas. Here's a look back at some fast weeknight meals from the contest and from our writers' own kitchens. You'll find polenta with eggs and mushrooms, flat iron steak with salsa verde, bean burritos, and one-bowl mac and cheese — plus much, much more.
Posts pictured above have captions linking them to the recipe.
Did you discover any good, quick meals in 2009 — here or elsewhere? What's your go-to weeknight meal these days?
• Kasia's Parmesan Polenta with Eggs & Roasted Mushrooms
• Jenny's Skillet-Baked Feta and Ricotta "Pie"
• Dara's Baked Eggs with Summer Vegetables and Capers
• Paul's Uova In Purgatorio
• Lemon Frittata with Leeks and Goat Cheese
Beans & Pasta
• Beth's Lenticchie con Ditalini (Lentils with Ditalini)
• Olga's Orzo with Summer Vegetables and Bacon
• Creamy Pasta with Tomato, Bacon, and Ricotta
• Bean Burritos
• One-Bowl Microwave Macaroni and Cheese
• Cooking By Instinct Pizza Formula (with Morels & Ramps)
• Sarah's Fresh Corn Pancakes with Salsa Cruda and Yogurt
• Cara's Spinach-Pie Quesadillas
• Katherine's Quick Curry Tomatoes
• Breanne's Polenta with Black Beans and Coconut Tomato
Meat & Fish
• Helen's Pork Chops with Savory Blueberry Sauce
• Simple Rosemary-Rubbed Pork Chops
• Kitty's Bocconcino and Sausage Pasta
• Phoebe's Scallops with Tomatillo Guacamole & Corn Salsa
• Elissa's Salmon in Parchment with Curried Yogurt Sauce
• Kevin's Spicy Orange Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp
• Susan's Dry Rubbed Steak & Shrimp with Watermelon Salad
• Flat Iron Steak with Salsa Verde
• Joyce's Drunken Noodle Salad
• Jessie's Prosciutto and Basil Wrapped Chicken Fingers
(Images: See linked posts for full image credits.)


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The Glenwood Police Department is continuing its investigation into the Saturday evening robbery of the Subway restaurant in Glenwood.
Next Tuesday, Aug. 7, voters will decide the fate of a $6.4 million bond issue for the construction of a Mills County Law Enforcement Center being proposed to house the Mills County Sheriff's Office and a 24-bed jail. The facility would be located on Railroad Ave. in Glenwood, replacing the county's current jail that was built in 1915.
Nothing out of the ordinary on the agenda and a handful of people in the audience.
At first glance, last Tuesday's meeting of the Glenwood City Council had the look of just another meeting, but as council member Craig Florian stated near the conclusion of the meeting, "History's being made tonight."
It was a night of historic significance because the council was meeting for the first time in its new chambers in the new City Hall.
Open Mon. - Fri. 8-4,
Sat. 8 - 11 a.m.
Exercise Classes (6 weeks): Tuesday & Thursday, 10 - 11 a.m.
Coffee Time: Mon. - Fri. 8 - 11:30 a.m. • Sat.; 8 - 11 a.m.; Ladies' Coffee: Mon. 10 - 11 a.m.
Cards & Games: Mon. - Fri. 1-4 p.m.
Meals (served 11:45 M-F)
($3 for Seniors 60 & up, Reserve day before by
noon at 527-4213.)
Thursday, Aug. 2: Rotisserie Chicken Qtr., Baked Potato w/SC., Carrot Coins, Oroweat Fiber Bread, Applesauce.
July 14 – Jane Burchett of Henderson reported a burglary and theft.
July 16 – Mackenzie Steinman of Glenwood reported a trespassing.
July 16 – Lowell Forristall of Carson reported a theft.
July 16 – Ames Construction of Burnsville, Minn., reported a theft.
July 17 – Jake Bohrer of Malvern reported a theft.
July 23 – Susie Webering of Glenwood reported a burglary and theft.
June 23 - Taylor Carter of Glenwood reported a harassment.
July 13 - Anne Hoffmeier of Glenwood reported a harassment.
July 14 - Becky Armstrong of Glenwood reported a serious assault.
July 15 - Mediacom of Red Oak reported vandalism.
Jacob Morrison of Glenwood reported an assault.
July 16 - MidAmerican Energy of Glenwood reported criminal mischief.
James Heckerman
Billy Ray Hunter, Tabor – defendant admits to violating terms of probation, found to be in contempt of court, sentenced to 180 days in county jail with credit given for 36 days served, ordered to pay court costs and fees, released from probation.
Troy Edward Grindle, Glenwood – third-degree theft and driving while license is barred (habitual offender), pleaded guilty, sentence suspended to two years probation, ordered to pay court costs and fees.
Six area athletes were named to the All-Corner Conference baseball team released last week.
Charlie Ruff, Daniel Duysen and Luke Schafer, all of East Mills, were tabbed as first team selections along with Fremont-Mills' Corey Morrical, James Hill and Austin Switzer.
League coaches, who vote on the team, awarded unanimous selection to Schafer, Nishnabotna's Andrew Thompson, Levi Allen of Essex and Brendon Hardy of Sidney.
Pixie Meier knew, almost from birth, her son Nate was going to be a football player.
He weighed just 7.6 pounds at birth but at his two-week check up, he was nearly 11 pounds.
"He never really stopped growing," Pixie said.
When it came time to select a jersey number her freshman season, Morgan Lucy didn't have much of choice in numbers.
Copyright © 2018
The Opinion Tribune is your source for local news, sports, events and information in the city of Glenwood and Mills County, Iowa.


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The Nature Coast will see drastic changes due to sea level rise by the turn of the century, according to a state expert at a meeting last Thursday night.
Cedar Key was abuzz this past weekend as thousands of visitors flooded the island for its 43rd Annual Seafood Festival. Throngs of visitors dined on various seafood delicacies, enjoyed the town's colorful, lighthearted parade, visited the Seahorse Key light station and perused the many craft-filled tents lining the street. For more scenes from the festival, check the MULTIMEDIA portion of the Beacon homepage.
Organized by the Cedar Key Lions Club, the Cedar Key Lioness and supported by sponsorship from the Florida Department of Agriculture's Fresh From Florida Gulf Seafood promotion program - the festival offers fine food, entertainment, shopping and family fun.
The public is being asked to contact authorities if they locate or have information about a missing kayaker on a trip out of Suwannee.
The Gainesville man has been reported missing by concerned family members and the Florida Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Coast Guard are asking the public for help.
Seventh Annual Ride to Provide
School Board member Beth Davis of Cedar Key, who is retiring at the end of her term on Nov. 20, was honored at Tuesday's board meeting for her 12 years of service. Superintendent Bob Hastings presented Davis with an engraved pen and pencil set during a pre-meeting breakfast.
Copyright © 2018
The Cedar Key Beacon is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Levy County and Cedar Key Florida, and the surrounding area.


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Scones with Herbed Goat Cheese and Prosciutto
If you like it, save it!
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Click the heart, it's called favoriting. Favorite the stuff you like.Got it!
Author Notes: I wanted to highlight the salty, almost buttery flavor of prosciutto with a little something sweet, so I decided to add an herbed goat cheese and put it all on freshly baked scones. Perfect for breakfast, or as an hors d'oeuvre at your next party. —Fresh Beats, Fresh Eats
Makes: 14
cups all-purpose flour
teaspoons baking powder
teaspoon salt
cup sugar
cup half and half
ounces butter
ounces proscuitto
ounces goat cheese
1 1/2
teaspoons Herbes de Provence
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl and whisk together.
- Cut butter into ½ squares and knead into dry ingredients until butter is about the size of little peas.
- Add ¾ cup half and half and mix with a fork until a slightly sticky dough develops. Add more half and half if the mixture looks dry or crumbly.
- Put your dough on a floured work surface and roll out until ½ an inch thick.
- Cut dough into circles (or whatever shape you want) and brush tops with the leftover half and half. Bake for 20 minutes on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet.
- While the scones are baking, mix goat cheese and Herbes de Provence with a spoon.
- When scones are finished, let cool on cooling rack for 5 minutes, then top with goat cheese and a small slice of prosciutto.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Breakfast Baked Good
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Hors d'Oeuvre
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Dish with Meat as a Flavoring
More Great Recipes:
Spring|Breakfast|Hors D'Oeuvre


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California U.S. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Adam Putnam, a Republican colleague representing a rural Florida district, recently introduced legislation to modernize America's food safety network.
The Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act, "Safe FEAST Act," would establish new food safety requirements for domestically produced and imported food to identify and prevent potential sources of food-borne illness.
For the first time, the measure grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statutory power to recall contaminated food in the case of adulteration.
The legislation earned praise from the United Fresh Produce Association and Western Growers — but not unqualified endorsement. "We appreciate Congressmen Costa and Putnam tackling this difficult issue," stated Cathleen Enright, vice president of federal affairs for Western Growers.
"The bill goes in the right direction and is the type of bill we can work with. It reflects an approach to food safety that recognizes and builds on the strengths of the US food industry." However, she added, "We will need to analyze the bill more closely and look forward to consulting with the congressmen as the bill matures." United Fresh Produce Association President Tom Stenzel congratulated Costa and Putnam for "their leadership in introducing the Safe FEAST Act of 2008.
"There are a number of provisions in this bipartisan bill that can work to enhance a strong food safety regulatory framework that builds public confidence in fresh produce," he said.
Costa a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Putnam, chairman of the Republican Conference, said they expect the bipartisan measure to earn support among consumers and industry groups.
"The last time our food safety laws had major reforms, President Eisenhower was in office. Much has changed since then; American consumers deserve to have confidence in their food supply and American farmers and processors are doing everything possible to produce the safest food in the world," said Costa.
The bill is a response to illness outbreaks attributable to contaminated produce over the past few years. Those outbreaks spawned a California state "leafy green" marketing order detailing good management and handling practices for produce handlers.
A similar agreement is in place in Arizona. However, these measures have come under criticism as self-policing and industry-generated. Many have called for federal oversight of farm food safety covering not only California and Arizona, but also other states.
"This is a bill to ensure the highest level of food safety for our nation's food supply," said Putnam. "Cases of food-borne illness present a health risk to consumers and risk consumer confidence in our food supply. The need for this legislation is clear."
Nearly 25,000 cases of food-borne illness were reported in the United States during 2006, he noted. "What is lacking," said Costa, "is to have a system that ensures best management practices to strengthen the relationship between federal and state agencies to better prevent and control food safety threats at all levels of food production. I believe these are realistic and achievable steps, and will make the American consumer's food supply safer, which is the goal of this legislation."
To ensure that food products coming into the United States from international sources are safe, imported goods would have to adhere to the same safety and quality standards as set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Foreign Suppliers Quality Assurance Program would verify that all imported goods meet FDA safety requirements and require food importers to complete a foreign supplier food safety plan, documenting the food safety measures and controls for FDA review.
The bill includes a Mandatory Food Risk Assessment and Preventative Controls Plan that requires all domestic and foreign food companies selling food in the U.S. to conduct a food safety risk analysis that identifies potential sources of contamination, outlines appropriate food safety controls, and requires verification that the food safety controls implemented are adequate to address the risks of food-borne contamination. It establishes new standards for fruits and vegetables, including updating Good Agricultural Practices Guidance for safe production and issuance of regulation on safety standards, when risk and science demonstrate standards are needed.
It also increases coordination between, federal, state and foreign governments to ensure standards, and allows for variances to meet local growing conditions.
Finally, the Safe FEAST Act would grant FDA the authority to access food safety production records during emergencies and deny importation of goods if strict food safety standards are not met. It would also direct the agency to adopt a risk-based approach to inspections, giving greater scrutiny to facilities posing greater risk.


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Skip to comments.Wounded Warrior Project Email Exchange (With Gun Talk Radio)
Posted on 11/15/2012 9:33:57 AM PST by Marie
Wounded Warrior Project Email Exchange
by Gun Talk on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 9:56am ·
After Sunday's show, we've gotten many emails about Tom's remarks after WWP declined an interview request on Gun Talk Radio because it's a firearms-related show. We've also seen the forums that are suggesting many things that are not true. So, I'm going to lay it all out right here.
We thought it would be great to book the WWP on the Veteran's Day show to promote the organization, so I contacted them. I was flabbergasted when their PR contact, Leslie, sent me an email saying they could not participate because our show dealt with firearms. Knowing that WWP has had a booth at trade shows and various gun shows across the US, takes wounded warriors on hunts and range days, raffles guns and accessories as fundraisers, etc., their policy didn't make much sense. I forwarded the email on to Tom to get his take.
The following is the complete email exchange:
Hello, Leslie:
Sarah forwarded me your email after I asked her to invite the Wounded Warriors Project to join me on "Tom Gresham's Gun Talk" radio show.
I'm stunned at your email saying that the WWP doesn't participate in an interview or activity related to firearms. Inasmuch as there are 90 million gun owners and most of them support wounded veterans, I think they would be shocked to hear that they are, by way of their hobbies, somehow not worthy of helping with the Wounded Warriors Project.
Does your policy apply also to police agencies and the military, since they are "related to firearms?"
I'm hoping that we have misunderstood your email. Can you confirm that it is, in fact, an official policy of the Wounded Warriors Project to not do interviews with or participate in any activity related to firearms?
Thank you.
Tom Gresham
Good afternoon --
While we appreciate your interest in Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) you are correct that we decline the media opportunity.
Please note the following notice that appears on our website which also applies to WWP public awareness policy and inquiries from media outlets:
WWP does not co-brand, create cause marketing campaigns or receive a percentage or a portion of proceeds from companies in which the product or message is sexual, political or religious in nature, or from alcohol or firearms companies.
Thank you for your inquiry.
public relations director
Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Thanks for confirming that, Leslie. It was a simple opportunity to promote the WWP on a national program in an effort to send donations your way.
I'll pass along the info that you don't want or need the help of America's gun owners.
Best regards,
Tom Gresham
Good morning --
This policy is not a judgment on those who own and use firearms clearly every member of our armed forces has been trained in the use of firearms and then called on to use them in the course of their service to this country.
Our position regarding firearms and alcohol is in response to the struggles that many injured service members face with substance abuse and suicide and the roles those items often play in those issues.
Thank you.
public relations director
Hello, Leslie:
Thank you for that explanation.
I do think -- and I'm being as kind as possible -- that it's the nuttiest thing I've heard in years. Suicides are not linked to firearms. Japan has a much higher rate of suicide than does the U.S., and they have essentially no firearms. Suicide is a serious issue irrespective of the methodology used.
This explanation doesn't pass even the most simple "does this make sense" test.
Your policy does, in fact, brand firearms and the companies which make them as undesirables, and by association, you are saying that those who own and use firearms for recreation, hunting, self protection, and other safe and legal uses are to be avoided.
It's certainly your option to ostracize the firearms industry, the 90 million gun owners in America, and the media which support firearms safety training.
At this point, I feel an obligation to make sure the millions who listen to my radio show and watch my two national television series know about your policy.
I cannot fully express how much I feel you are doing a disservice to our wounded veterans, and how disappointed I am to discover this bias at the Wounded Warriors Project.
Tom Gresham
"Leslie" claims that WWP does not "WWP does not co-brand, create cause marketing campaigns or receive a percentage or a portion of proceeds from companies in which the product or message is sexual, political or religious in nature, or from alcohol or firearms companies."
Alright then why did they have a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion on May 16, 2009? Would that not be sexual in nature?
Alcohol? Then why, on June 23rd of THIS year, did WWP kick off the 2nd Annual Knoxville Brewfest with a 5K run?
Co-branding with gunmakers? How about this Citadel M1911 that is actually BRANDED with the WWP logo as a promotion to raise funds for WWP?
Are these the new policies of WWP, or is "Leslie" off her rocker?
WWP needs to clarify their positions on these matters. And they need to do it now. Already hundreds are pulling their donations and it's only going to get worse as the bad press marches on.
I'm giving them a week to get it together before I transfer my monthly donation to another organization.
I find it insulting to our vets to paint them as suicidal drunks.
Here's some 'clarification' from WWP.
Apparently, this IS their new policy and their 'clarification' is clear as mud.
So I guess we won't be able to buy our WWP beer stein for much longer.
Y'know. Because of all those drunk, suicidal veterans.
public relations director
SO the WWP "Thinks" they "Need" a "Public Relations BITCH huh. SWIVE THEM. NOT ANOTHER DIME!
Organizations should have the right to go where they want to go. I have to read more into this entire story. I will not say anything bad against the wounded warriors because I know many of them in case this effects them emotionally. People (not you) should be careful how they turn invitations down so stuff like this does not happen. I hope they work this out. The vets do not need any of this.
How weird!!! I was almost going to donate to their recent drive, to fund a house for a vet. While I think it is a great idea, a little voice told me to hold my donation.
This was just the day before this story broke.
You and me both!
While there are people who have problems, that isn't limited by any means to veterans, but the idea that vets somehow are at a disadvantage when it comes to handling either alcohol or firearms is not doing anyone any favors.
Sadly, I will be diverting funds which would have gone to WWP to other veterans organizations without such an apparent cranio-rectal insertion, at least until the issue is straightened out. Our guys (and gals) don't need to be branded this way.
(What a stupidly missed opportunity to raise funds for the organization!)
I am to the point that I think most all *charities* skim too much of the top and many are even a scam.
I am to the point I would rather give directly to the person and cut out the middle man.
I don't know why there can't be a list of veterans in need and people can 'adopt' the veteran. Churches could help organize this.
Something like that anyhow...
Just like with the RNC, they aren't representing us so we give directly to the candidates.
pass this along to your friends. I emailed them my dismay. Our local hunting/conservation advocacy group donates a lot of time and money and volunteer hours to assist all the disabled in outdoor activities, particularly hunting, and particularly wounded vets.
When my son was injured, it was the Semper Fi Fund and Charity Works, along with Fisher House.
I wouldn't hesitate to give to them.
Also in Michigan, there is a pure charity called "Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund" run entirely by volunteers, so all the money passes to our heros.
I was involved in launching the WWP Outdoors Progrqm, but haven't been so in a while. None of the folks I worked with are even there anymore, and their policies are totally different.
Please think about what you are doing! Why deny help to these wounded warriors just because you do not like the policy of the WWP?
Perhaps you could choose to send your donations to the Charlie Norwood VA Hospital (#1 Freedom Way, Augusta, GA. 30904) which has a large number of Wounded Warriors as patients as patients. You could designate the money for their Volunteer Services which provides many things to the veterans and current wounded warriors. This could be personal care items or even recreational opportunities. Or support the Fisher House, where military families and veterans families stay free of charge while spouses are receiving care at the VA Medical Centers. They can use donations for many needs and you can designate how you want it used. I have personally supported the purchase of "grab and go" breakfast items so the family members can get to the patients sooner. Family love is good medicine and the Fisher Houses make it possible for family to be with a patient. Food, linens, personal care products and anything you can think a household needs is all by donation.
So please consider these and other options before cutting off support. Thank you for your consideration.
They do a butt load of television advertising, and as a retired ad guy, I can tell you it's not cheap. I wonder how much of their proceeds actually go to the ww themselves.
Check out Wounded Warriors In Action...pretty good organization. The husband went on a couple of the hunting trips and had a good time.
Thanks for the note. I have to be very careful about my charity giving. I simply can't afford to support any progressive movement or progressive charity any further.
Best wishes.
I'll just say this...I work with another non-profit whose goal is to help provide education and resources to other wounded families (www.familyofavet.com) and when we have called on WWP to help a family with serious issues, we've gotten turned down more than once. This is one recent example, we at family of a vet received word of a family that had been homeless for about a year and turns out WWP had known about this family for months and did nothing to help when asked, even though their website says they help with financial resources. The founder of family of a vet (know her well, she's a personal friend and I work with her) was able to go to a church and raise enough money to get the family temporary housing for a few months.
There are other veterans groups that don't have their heads up their asses.
As a veteran, I would ask that you please support those other groups rather than this one...
I contribute monthly and will continue to do so.
While I think their stance on firearms is ridiculous, part of me understands their desire to control "the brand" and avoid offending potential donors. It's a tricky business, but I think they've chosen the wrong side of it.
I understand, but I don't agree.
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