text:
Thanksgiving Proclamations: Cracks In The Wall Of Separation
I am always grateful for the morally uplifting effect of thanksgiving proclamations to God when, on the evening after Thanksgiving Day, news broadcasts bring us the inevitable images of customers shoving and kicking one another in their effort to take home a discounted big-screen TV on the blessed day now known as the official start of the Chistmas shopping season. Although maybe the shopping wars will be toned down this year, given that so many Americans are occupied with filing unemployment claims and preparing their houses for foreclosure sales.
Presidential proclamations of thanksgiving to a deity offer one more example of an extra-constitutional custom that has now acquired a quasi-sacred status. Andrew Jackson was not the first president to refuse to issue such proclamations on constitutional grounds. George Washington and John Adams did make thanksgiving proclamations, and Thomas Jefferson famously refused to do so. Under pressure to follow the example of his predecessors, Jefferson first used the famous phrase "wall of separation," in a letter to Baptists in Danbury, Connecticut, to explain his reasoning. A 1998 Library of Congress exhibition on religion and the founding of the republic provides a fascinating explanation of Jefferson's position. From Washington to Lincoln, the whole matter of the chief executive's ceremonial relations with religious faith was more or less up to each president. Today, these customs are as set in stone as the Ten Commandments monuments cluttering public spaces throughout the country--some of which, by the way, were actually unveiled by Charlton Heston as part of the publicity push on behalf of Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 blockbuster movie "The Ten Commandments."
But I digress. It would be as futile to inveigh against thanksgiving proclamations today as it would to mount a crusade to abolish the offices of Congressional chaplain (another once-optional custom that has acquired a quasi-sacred status). The problem with these proclamations, it seems to me, is that they pave the way for public acceptance of gross violations of the constitutional separation of church and state--such as the expenditure of taxpayer money on faith-based social programs that give religious institutions cover for proselytizing and allow them to discriminate in hiring. But who is going to listen to any secularist about this connection? We cannot waste our energy on "custom" issues when there are so many serious breaches of the separation of church and state that need undoing.
President George W. Bush, who has never missed any occasion to invoke the deity, will surely issue his last thanksgiving proclamation this year. One hopes that he will offer a special prayer for the millions of workers dependent on the auto industry, whom he and his fellow Republicans wish to hand a lump of coal for their Christmas stockings. An America without an auto industry? There's a present--the gift that will keep on giving to the whole nation after President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. And if I weren't an atheist, I'd say, "God help us, every one."
Susan Jacoby
November 19, 2008; 8:54 AM ET
Save & Share:
Previous: An Ethical Approach to Bailing Out Detroit |
Next: Andrew Jackson's Sturdy Wall of Separation
What gives everybody the idea that the US Thanksgiving is a church holiday? Surely the native Americans who attended did not belong to any European church. I believe Thanksgiving has been snatched from secular traditions by the acts of prosyletizing Christians who believe everything valuable has to belong to them.
Posted by: kengelhart | November 25, 2008 3:19 PM
Report Offensive Comment
You should not be surprised that people of the fundamentalist religious bent take Harry Potter so seriously. They take a single, not particularly accurate, translation of the Bible as literal truth even more seriously and on no more evidence. At least Harry Potter readers haven't burned anyone at the stake for disagreeing with them.
Shawn Cromett
Posted by: scromett | November 25, 2008 6:13 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Susan Jacoby: " I've read Margot Adler's book."
There's a term that keeps coming up in my head, can't shake it loose. "Postmodern Mystic", you can acronyminize it into "PMM,"—kinda close to "P.M.S." and like P.M.S. it is something that just takes you over, a force you really can't contain. That explosion of books on feminism in the 70's and 80's is part of the bigger wave of re-emerging consciousness of feminine power as she resides in all these old and previously buried Goddesses that have re-emerged in our—yours as well, Ms. Jacoby—time. To a certain extent Feminism shook loose Wicca, like an apple out of a tree. I'd have to point to Susan Griffin's "Woman and Nature: The Roaring Inside Her" marrying Wiccan notions to postmodernist framing devices such as pastiche and historical revisionism and on top of that it's as poetic and as beautiful as all-get-out. Margo Adler's "Drawing Down the Moon" is wonderful in showing the insane diversity of the "Pagan" crowd. I also got into some of Mary Daly's stuff, finding lots of thoughts I already mulled over as a kid in the sixties in these "radical" books of the seventies & eighties. Starhawk's "Dreaming the Dark" was the first in this series of feminist books that I read and it left the deepest imprint.
Most of the "pagans" I've run into are Lisa Simpson nerds—and I mean that in the nicest possible way—smart, decent, bookish and feminist. My neck of the woods was the Bay Area the 80's & 90's, for a while there I was floating in the backwash of the Separatist movement, recording concerts for "The Woman's Philharmonic" and otherwise keeping company with lots of women sporting very short haircuts. Z. Budapest dances to that particular lavender Bossa Nova.
My notion of PMM is very 1001 nights: there's a lot more "and's" than "or's." In a world where there's such an insane level of diversity you really have to take a crack at seeing the world through "others" eyes. And "seeing things through others eyes" 'supposed to be one of the things pagan folk do or at least get paid for [when that happens it's usually called "New Age" and features fluffier packaging]. If you "Cop" to regularly having visionary experience you're already in trouble which I guess is why you don't get any of them proselytizers stalking ya. But my experiences have been that just having images of female deities decorating your house the tends to level the playing field. I guess the easiest way for an atheist to understand deities such as these is to consider them mnemonic devices, "virtue" collectors. Meditating on collections of virtues repeats good "spell" words in your head. In any case, the "Witch"/PMM types I've run into have a tendency to eclectically take in images of deities from many different cultures and the Buddhist image of Quan Yin is particularly popular. Figures that "our" near-universal symbol of compassion is a mother, eh?
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 24, 2008 11:50 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Dear Ms. Jacoby,
First thing, I looked up your history via my usual lazy-minded wandering in search engines and am quite blown away by the books you've written. I'm sure I'd find them quite absorbing, looks like you "speak to my condition." I'm sure I'd find "Half-Jew: A Daughter's Search for Her Family's Buried Past" something easy for me to relate to considering my family history. But I'll probably get to "The Age of American Unreason" first, I was one of those kids with a nose stuck in a book when I was supposed to be playing baseball or something else that seemed normal.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 24, 2008 11:47 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Among the Conservative "Christians," there was some stirring against the "Harry Potter" book series because there were witches in it. Never mind that the interesting stories got kids to read, and never mind that the books were obviously and universally acknowledged to be fictional accounts of a complete fantasy world. These people are the Sarah Palin types, just too dumb to know any better, I guess. Can you condemn a person for being ignorant and dumb? Maybe instead of condemning them, we should try to improve the educational system, so they wouldn't turn out as dumb.
Posted by: DanielintheLionsDen | November 24, 2008 11:28 AM
Report Offensive Comment
I asked this in the main thread - to avoid favoring any religions over others, why not simply address Thanksgiving in a secular way? One can be thankful for the good things in one's life without believing in deities or agencies, because the issue is simple appreciation. National days of prayer should be avoided because they're too sectarian - even if a president strives to make these neutral among competing faiths, that still favors religious beliefs that include prayer over religious beliefs that don't.
Posted by: Carstonio | November 24, 2008 9:34 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Dear Great Christian and Financial Crisis Poet, Pseudo,
Please come home.
Posted by: Farnaz2 | November 23, 2008 11:01 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Susan Jacoby
To Robinlandseadel--
I've read Margot Adler's book. She was once my colleague in the Allen Room (for writers of nonfiction books) in the New York Public Library, and I knew she was a Pagan, but we never talked about it. (One of the many nice things about Pagans is they don't proselytize.)
Sarah Palin's having been "blessed" to guard her from witchcraft was, of course, based on the old Christian contention that all witchcraft was the product of the devil. There was once a right-wing protest against the character of Glinda the Good in "The Wizard of Oz." Because, as everyone knows, there couldn't possibly be such a being as a good witch.
Posted by: Susan_Jacoby | November 23, 2008 4:52 PM
Report Offensive Comment
CCNL :"Oh no, not another Witch!!!"
Don't forget about Lions & Tigers & Bears [oh my!]
CCNL : "and just what is the definition of a heretical Witch?? :)) Is that even possible??"
A: To Be a heretic, all you have to do is disagree with the right person at the wrong time. [Note to CC, of course atheists and secularists can be heretics, just ask the inquisitors of 15th/16th/17th centuries. Just ask the Ghost of Joe McCarthy]
B: By really loving sacred choral music—Bach, Palestrina, Tallis, Faure, the Polychoral Christmas Music of the 16th century, etc.—IE; still working with certain Christian spiritual traditions—you can be just a little, tiny bit heretical in Wiccan circles. Chalk that one up to spending too much time in the Southern Baptist Church—See what that did for Burton Mack?
C: If Sarah Palin was a Witch—she's not, though a lot of folks like to call her one—she'd be a heretical Witch. Of course, she'd be one really evil witch.
D. Well of course the notion is absurd. Hassan-i Sabbah: "Nothing is true, everything is permitted."
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 23, 2008 9:05 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Oh no, not another Witch!!! and just what is the definition of a heretical Witch?? :)) Is that even possible??
Posted by: CCNL | November 23, 2008 1:21 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Well thank you so much, Susan Jacoby—my ego is inflating even as I type.
Back in 1989 when I was getting started doing radio programming at KPFA in Berkeley, CA, I took an honest shot at interviewing a number of folks who are pretty well known and regarded in the Pagan/Wiccan community. One of them—Starhawk*—also writes for "On Faith. Among the other pretty amazing folks I've managed to interview, I think you would find Zsuszanna Budapest and Don Frew particularly interesting.
Z. Budapest is mentioned quite a few times in Margot Adler's "Drawing Down the Moon"—a nearly famous book about Pagan persons, beliefs and rituals that the NPR reporter updates every few years. Of all the people I'm met in the community, "Z" has the most witchy affect and the most outrageous humor. She taught me to be brave no matter what.
Don Frew has been involved in the Covenant of the Goddess for many years. He has a wonderful quick wit and an amazing knowledge of classic Roman and early Christian history. Mr. Frew is something of an altarboy gone bad, a one-time theology student who wised-up pretty early and decided to switch ranks. After getting to talk with him quite a few times—he is a friendly and exceedingly articulate soul—I got to learn just how Pagan Christmas and Jesus really are.
Of course, if you want to check out the close correlation of all things pagan and that pagan energy in the very quintessence of humor, you can't beat Monty Python with a stick and God knows they've tried:
* My favorite writer in that community, wouldn't you know.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 22, 2008 11:14 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Susan Jacoby
Daniel in the Lion's Den and Robinland (the Pagan) can both write verse that scans. I salute you. And it hadn't occcurred to me that Santa is an anagram for Satan (nothing wrong with that, you're right), so I'm quite pleased to pass this important bit of cultural information on to my friends. I have to say that I hadn't met any Pagans, and didn't know much about them, until around two years ago, but one thing that impresses me about Pagans is the fact that most of them have a sense of humor.
Posted by: Susan_Jacoby | November 22, 2008 5:49 PM
Report Offensive Comment
CCNL :"Atheists and secularists are by definition not heretics."
Ah, but I'm not an atheist or a secularist. I'm a Goddess worshiping Pagan. I guess Witch is the most common handle for us types, but post-modern mystic works for me. There's a not-so-subtle difference, you know.
CCNL :"As per Bred, Born and Brainwashed orthodox Catholics, Professor JD Crossan is a heretic for pointing out the obvious flaws, myths, errors and embellishments in the RCC."
Well, good for him and good for you too.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 22, 2008 3:59 PM
Report Offensive Comment
"PANIC, CHAOS, CONFUSION! My work here is done."
WWJD :"Our righteousness is compared to grimy, filthy, dirty rages."
No, I just said that the fictional character of Jesus looks like the product of cynic culture. I didn't say your righteousness was a "grimy, filthy, dirty" rage.
WWJD : "How am I prideful? How am I a zealot? How do I have a self-righteous head of steam (really, how could I be self-righteous after I just stated that my righteousness is worthless???? hmm...)?"
Well, you didn't state that your "righteousness is worthless", you stated that "Our righteousness is compared to grimy, filthy, dirty rages," which I didn't do either.
I could go on nit-picking, but if you don't see my point, don't worry. My point of view is drastically different than yours, my conception of what Jesus is all about is different that yours, that's just the way it goes. Frankly, I'm having fun making these posts. As long as your happy, I'm happy.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 22, 2008 3:56 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Atheists and secularists are by definition not heretics. As per Bred, Born and Brainwashed orthodox Catholics, Professor JD Crossan is a heretic for pointing out the obvious flaws, myths, errors and embellishments in the RCC. Some day hopefully those RCC members still clinging to these superstitions will be in the minority and they then will become the heretics.
See http://www.faithfutures.org/Jesus/Crossan2.rtf and http://www.faithfutures.org/JDB/intro.html .
Posted by: CCNL | November 22, 2008 2:33 PM
Report Offensive Comment
But Professor Burton Mack, a Southern Baptist and teacher emeritus at a Methodist affiliated school, did not say the simple preacher man did not live. He has concluded however, as does Professor Crossan, that the simple preacher man was a wisdom sage. (See the previous references and commentary)
Posted by: CCNL | November 22, 2008 12:50 PM
Report Offensive Comment
robinlandseadel: "Well, looks like I'm not going to make you happy. Jesus is as real to me as Santa Claus, and not quite as real as Robin Hood, so it looks like we might have a difference of opinion. Considering that self-righteousness head of steam you're working up, you just might want to look into what noted satirist and Anglican cleric Jonathan Swift had to say of the sins of pride and zealotry. Of course, you run the risk of becoming even less happy."
You just made 4 assumptions of my character of which you have no basis. That was my first post on this forum, and apparently, I have yet to stand corrected. You simply proved my point through your own actions. How am I prideful? How am I a zealot? How do I have a self-righteous head of steam (really, how could I be self-righteous after I just stated that my righteousness is worthless???? hmm...)? Who said I wasn't happy??? Really, you should try to refrain from the blame game when your conscience is pricked.
Some advice for you: When a person in your life states the truth, and it hurts you or convicts you, don't make the mistake of assuming the one stating truth is arrogant or in fault. Truth hurts buddy. I simply stated what God said in His Word. You don't have a problem with me, you have a problem with the conviction of God.
Posted by: WWJD | November 22, 2008 12:46 PM
Report Offensive Comment
CCNL, It isn't as if I never heard of these arguments that you're presenting before me and it isn't as if I'm unaware of the heretical nature of what I'm saying. The people who get to be "experts" in the realm of christianity do so by claiming belief, otherwise known as "drinking the Kool-Aid." There were many, many figures who had similar stories at the same time as the protagonist of the gospel fictions, much as in post-modern fictions you find loads of hippie everyman figures like Tyrone Slothrop and John Joseph Yossarian. A lot of those christian fictions, as you are doubtless aware, were expunged by your beloved Catholic church as they wrested control of this essentially anarchistic movement. To repeat isn't really to educate unless you're attempting to brainwash—truth is something you either get or you don't, like gnosis—but once again: If it reads like a myth, is structured like a myth and quacks like a myth, it is a myth. Even if there was a "historical Jesus", the story in the gospels is fiction.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 22, 2008 9:48 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Any rational investigation into the history of the life of Jesus removes any doubts about the historical existence of this simple preacher man.
See the previously given references. Also:
"Burton L. Mack is a writer and John Wesley Professor (now emeritus) in early Christianity at the Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California. He is also active at the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity. Mack is primarily a scholar of Christian origins, approaching it from the angle of social group formation.
Mack's approach is skeptical, and he sees traditional Christian documents like the Gospels as myth as opposed to history ("myth" in New Testament studies is not meant to imply "falsehood" or "lie", but rather it is meant to take into account the social, cultural, and political situations of their author. The gospels, then, he sees more as charter documents of the early Christian movement than as reliable accounts of the life of Jesus)." (same conclusion of many historical Jesus exegetes like Professor JD Crossan)
Claremont School of Theology
"Originally founded as the Maclay School of Theology in San Fernando, California in 1885, the Methodist seminary was founded by Charles Maclay, founder of the town of San Fernando, former Methodist minister and State Senator. The school became affiliated with the University of Southern California from 1900 to 1957, staying on the USC campus until it moved to its present location in Claremont. The school is one of thirteen seminaries affiliated with the United Methodist Church, though usually more than forty different denominations are represented in the student body in any given school term."
"When asked by his students why he remained a Southern Baptist, Professor Mack would reply, " To make the other Southern Baptists mad." recollection from a student at CST in 1989.:
ref: www.answers.com
Other descriptions of the simple preacher man (A sampling is presented at http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/theories.html- server currently not available.
( note that four of these historical Jesus exegetes are members of the On Faith panel)
Jesus the Myth: Heavenly Christ
Earl Doherty
Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy
Jesus the Myth: Man of the Indefinite Past
Alvar Ellegård
G. A. Wells
Jesus the Hellenistic Hero
Gregory Riley
Jesus the Revolutionary
Robert Eisenman
Jesus the Wisdom Sage
John Dominic Crossan
Robert Funk
Burton Mack
Stephen J. Patterson
Jesus the Man of the Spirit
Marcus Borg
Stevan Davies
Geza Vermes
Jesus the Prophet of Social Change
Richard Horsley
Hyam Maccoby
Gerd Theissen
Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet
Bart Ehrman
Paula Fredriksen
Gerd Lüdemann
John P. Meier
E. P. Sanders
Jesus the Savior
Luke Timothy Johnson
Robert H. Stein
N. T. Wright
Posted by: CCNL | November 22, 2008 2:49 AM
Report Offensive Comment
CCNL :"Burton Mack, a Southern Baptist. . . is a noted scholar of the hypothetical Q Document, and is confident that it can be sifted into three layers. . ."
I know, I know, I read "The Lost Gospel: The Book Q and Christian Origins" along with Burton L. Mack's other books. Did you? Any rational investigation into the discontinuities of the historical chain of the so-called life of Jesus Christ casts doubts on the historical existence of this obviously mythic character.
WWJD :""Robin, as I recall, is not a Christian, but his actions would make Jesus smile."
Actually, no. Our righteousness is compared to grimy, filthy, dirty rages. . ."
Well, looks like I'm not going to make you happy. Jesus is as real to me as Santa Claus, and not quite as real as Robin Hood, so it looks like we might have a difference of opinion. Considering that self-righteousness head of steam you're working up, you just might want to look into what noted satirist and Anglican cleric Jonathan Swift had to say of the sins of pride and zealotry. Of course, you run the risk of becoming even less happy.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 22, 2008 1:10 AM
Report Offensive Comment
"Robin, as I recall, is not a Christian, but his actions would make Jesus smile."
Actually, no. Our righteousness is compared to grimy, filthy, dirty rages. Jesus would weep, for He knows this man's actions will not save him from the punishment Jesus took upon Himself. He would be in torment, for He knows the condition of this man's heart.
Posted by: WWJD | November 22, 2008 12:34 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Reiteration is important to education:
Then there is this from www.answers.com:
"Though he does not regard himself as a Historical Jesus scholar, he (Burton Mack, a Southern Baptist) suggests that Jesus was a wandering sage, similar in style to the Greco-Roman cynics, and that the earliest "Jesus Movements" followed a similar model.
He is a noted scholar of the hypothetical Q Document, and is confident that it can be sifted into three layers: one containing primarily wisdom sayings, another giving details on how the community ought to behave, and another containing apocalyptic pronouncements. This model of Q is highly controversial."
Posted by: CCNL | November 22, 2008 12:08 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low. . .
That President Bush's term will soon be dead...
Posted by: DanielintheLionsDen | November 21, 2008 8:06 PM
Report Offensive Comment
"Let the joyous news be spread
That President Bush's term is dead."
Hey, it scans! Yip Harburg would be proud.
". . .He's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho,
let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low. . ."
Yes, we all have something to be thankful for this year.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 21, 2008 5:20 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I think that President Bush should proclaim a National Day of Thanksgiving, that finally, and at long last, he won't be President anymore.
"Let the joyous news be spread
That President Bush's term is dead."
This will be the best Thanksgiving ever, as President Bush and President-Elect Obama approach that fateful day, January 20, when all of President Bush's powers will be taken away "poof" and he will be EX-President Bush.
It was a rough 8 years, and even though there is an awful lof of damage that needs to be undone, still, this is going to be a very good Thanksgiving.
Posted by: DanielintheLionsDen | November 21, 2008 5:05 PM
Report Offensive Comment
CCNL :"Hmmm, the conclusions of fifty+ historical Jesus exegetes vs Burton Mack and a few others, now which direction should we go??"
With all 50 + on the payroll or in the thrall of Christian organizations? "The Christian Myth" points out that innate conflict of interest from the 50 + you cite. I'd:
1. Use Occam's Razor.
2. Note that Burton L. Mack simply wants to apply the same standards to the myth of Jesus that would be applied to any other myth.
3. Come to my own, independent conclusions.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 21, 2008 4:46 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Hmmm, the conclusions of fifty+ historical Jesus exegetes vs Burton Mack and a few others, now which direction should we go??
Note: Mack's books are typical references in the studies of those 50+ historical Jesus exegetes.
Then there is this from www.answers.com:
"Though he does not regard himself as a Historical Jesus scholar, he (Burton Mack) suggests that Jesus was a wandering sage, similar in style to the Greco-Roman cynics, and that the earliest "Jesus Movements" followed a similar model. He is a noted scholar of the hypothetical Q Document, and is confident that it can be sifted into three layers: one containing primarily wisdom sayings, another giving details on how the community ought to behave, and another containing apocalyptic pronouncements. This model of Q is highly controversial."
Note: Professor Crossan basically agrees with Mack's conclusions that the simple preacher man was a wandering, Cynic sage.
from wikipedia.com
" For Crossan, Jesus was more like a Cynic sage from an Hellenistic Jewish tradition than either a Christ who would die as a substitute for sinners or a Messiah who who wanted to establish an independent Jewish state of Israel."
Posted by: CCNL | November 21, 2008 4:40 PM
Report Offensive Comment
CCNL: 2. "Early Christian Writings, earlychristianwritings.com/
-- a list of early Christian documents to include the year of publication: . . "
Claimed or stated date of publication, nothing that can be backed up by concordant texts of the same time, nothing that pins the documents in time. And the dates you're using are speculative. Internal evidence demonstrates that all gospel materials had to be written ce. 70 or later, the historically documented date of the fall of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. There were plenty of writers writing about "historical" events at the time, using a style of writing distinct from the mythologizing of the Gospels. These writers of historic events in and around those places where the character of Jesus Christ is placed could have written about loaves and fishes, water into wine and suchlike mythical events. But they didn't report these events; the only logical conclusion is that they didn't happen. If this was a court case involving property rights it rightly would be laughed out of court.
One can claim that these things written down much later might have happened 'round those times, but they all are still far enough away from the events in question as to bring doubt to these dates and the veracity of the events or fantasies of events within. It's just like the game "telephone"; whatever message started the conversation goes way back in the wayback. By the time it makes it into text it has little relation to the original event.
Just think of the ascension of Ronald Reagan in our own time. His life has already moved into the realm of mythology. Then move back to the trackless past of the era of the Gospels. It all just stories by the fire, long before tape recorders or driver's licenses.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 21, 2008 3:34 PM
Report Offensive Comment
CCNL: "The Jewish historian, Josephus and the pagan historian Tacitus both agree that Jesus was executed by order of the Roman governor of Judea. And is very hard to imagine that Jesus' followers would have invented such a story unless it indeed happened."
Considering the extremely checkered history of the Christian Church, it is very easy to imagine that all of their stories were made up. Knowing that Josephus & Tacitus were very far away in place and time from the events in question is simply the beginning of rational doubts as regards the historicity of the Jesus Myth. If it looks likes a myth, reads like a myth and quacks like a myth, it is a myth.
Once again, read Burton L. Mack's "The Christian Myth."
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 21, 2008 1:30 PM
Report Offensive Comment
What most historical Jesus exegetes have found in the first to third century CE scriptural and non-scriptural documents is summarized by Professor JD Crossan, an On-Faith Panelist, in the following commentary:
(From Professors Crossan and Watts' book, Who is Jesus)
"That Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate, as the Creed states, is as certain as anything historical can ever be.
" The Jewish historian, Josephus and the pagan historian Tacitus both agree that Jesus was executed by order of the Roman governor of Judea. And is very hard to imagine that Jesus' followers would have invented such a story unless it indeed happened.
"While the brute fact that of Jesus' death by crucifixion is historically certain, however, those detailed narratives in our present gospels are much more problematic. "
"My best historical reconstruction would be something like this. Jesus was arrested during the Passover festival, most likely in response to his action in the Temple. Those who were closest to him ran away for their own safety.
I do not presume that there were any high-level confrontations between Caiaphas and Pilate and Herod Antipas either about Jesus or with Jesus. No doubt they would have agreed before the festival that fast action was to be taken against any disturbance and that a few examples by crucifixion might be especially useful at the outset. And I doubt very much if Jewish police or Roman soldiers needed to go too far up the chain of command in handling a Galilean peasant like Jesus. It is hard for us to imagine the casual brutality with which Jesus was probably taken and executed. All those "last week" details in our gospels, as distinct from the brute facts just mentioned, are prophecy turned into history, rather than history remembered."
See also Professor Crossan's reviews of the existence of Jesus in his other books especially, The Historical Jesus and also Excavating Jesus (with Professor Jonathan Reed doing the archeology discussion) .
Other NT exegetes to include members of the Jesus Seminar have published similar books with appropriate supporting references.
Posted by: CCNL | November 21, 2008 1:11 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Part of Crossan's The Historical Jesus has been published online at books.google.com/books.
There is also a search engine for this book on the right hand side of the opening page. e.g. Search Josephus
See also Wikipedia's review on the historical Jesus to include the Tacitus' reference to the crucifixion of Jesus.
From ask.com,
"One of the greatest historians of ancient Rome, Cornelius Tacitus is a primary source for much of what is known about life the first and second centuries after the life of Jesus. His most famous works, Histories and Annals, exist in fragmentary form, though many of his earlier writings were lost to time. Tacitus is known for being generally reliable (if somewhat biased toward what he saw as Roman immorality) and for having a uniquely direct (if not blunt) writing style.
Then there are these scriptural references:
Crucifixion of Jesus:(1) 1 Cor 15:3b; (2a) Gos. Pet. 4:10-5:16,18-20; 6:22; (2b) Mark 15:22-38 = Matt 27:33-51a = Luke 23:32-46; (2c) John 19:17b-25a,28-36; (3) Barn. 7:3-5; (4a) 1 Clem. 16:3-4 (=Isaiah 53:1-12); (4b) 1 Clem. 16.15-16 (=Psalm 22:6-8); (5a) Ign. Mag. 11; (5b) Ign. Trall. 9:1b; (5c) Ign. Smyrn. 1.2.- (read them all at wiki.faithfutures. Crucifixion org/index.php/005_Crucifixion_Of_Jesus )
Posted by: CCNL | November 21, 2008 1:10 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Added suggested readings:
1. Historical Jesus Theories, earlychristianwritings.com/theories.htm -- the names of many of the contemporary historical Jesus scholars and the titles of their over 100 books on the subject.
2. Early Christian Writings, earlychristianwritings.com/
-- a list of early Christian documents to include the year of publication
30-60 CE Passion Narrative
40-80 Lost Sayings Gospel Q
50-60 1 Thessalonians
50-60 Philippians
50-60 Galatians
50-60 1 Corinthians
50-60 2 Corinthians
50-60 Romans
50-60 Philemon
50-80 Colossians
50-90 Signs Gospel
50-95 Book of Hebrews
50-120 Didache
50-140 Gospel of Thomas
50-140 Oxyrhynchus 1224 Gospel
50-200 Sophia of Jesus Christ
65-80 Gospel of Mark
70-100 Epistle of James
70-120 Egerton Gospel
70-160 Gospel of Peter
70-160 Secret Mark
70-200 Fayyum Fragment
70-200 Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
73-200 Mara Bar Serapion
80-100 2 Thessalonians
80-100 Ephesians
80-100 Gospel of Matthew
80-110 1 Peter
80-120 Epistle of Barnabas
80-130 Gospel of Luke
80-130 Acts of the Apostles
80-140 1 Clement
80-150 Gospel of the Egyptians
80-150 Gospel of the Hebrews
80-250 Christian Sibyllines
90-95 Apocalypse of John
90-120 Gospel of John
90-120 1 John
90-120 2 John
90-120 3 John
90-120 Epistle of Jude
93 Flavius Josephus
100-150 1 Timothy
100-150 2 Timothy
100-150 Titus
100-150 Apocalypse of Peter
100-150 Secret Book of James
100-150 Preaching of Peter
100-160 Gospel of the Ebionites
100-160 Gospel of the Nazoreans
100-160 Shepherd of Hermas
100-160 2 Peter
3. Historical Jesus Studies, faithfutures.org/HJstudies.html,
-- "an extensive and constantly expanding literature on historical research into the person and cultural context of Jesus of Nazareth"
4. Jesus Database, faithfutures.org/JDB/intro.html--"The JESUS DATABASE is an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus that have survived from the first three centuries of the Common Era. It includes both canonical and extra-canonical materials, and is not limited to the traditions found within the Christian New Testament."
5. Josephus on Jesus mtio.com/articles/bissar24.htm
6. The Jesus Seminar, mystae.com/restricted/reflections/messiah/seminar.html#Criteria
7. Writing the New Testament- mystae.com/restricted/reflections/messiah/testament.html
8. Health and Healing in the Land of Israel By Joe Zias
9. Economics in First Century Palestine, K.C. Hanson and D. E. Oakman, Palestine in the Time of Jesus, Fortress Press, 1998.
10. 7. The Gnostic Jesus
(Part One in a Two-Part Series on Ancient and Modern Gnosticism)
by Douglas Groothuis: equip.org/free/DG040-1.htm
11. The interpretation of the Bible in the Church, Pontifical Biblical Commission
Presented on March 18, 1994
12. The Jesus Database- newer site:
Posted by: CCNL | November 21, 2008 1:08 PM
Report Offensive Comment
13. Jesus Database with the example of Supper and Eucharist:
14. Josephus on Jesus by Paul Maier:
15. The Journal of Higher Criticism with links to articles on the Historical Jesus:
16. The Greek New Testament: laparola.net/greco/
17. Diseases in the Bible:
18. Religion on Line (6000 articles on the history of religion, churches, theologies,
theologians, ethics, etc.
19. The Jesus Seminarians and their search for NT authenticity:
20. The New Testament Gateway - Internet NT ntgateway.com/
21. Writing the New Testament- existing copies, oral tradition etc.
22. The Search for the Historic Jesus by the Jesus Seminarians:
23. Jesus Decoded by Msgr. Francis J. Maniscalco (Da Vinci Code review)jesusdecoded.com/introduction.php
24. JD Crossan's scriptural references for his book the Historical Jesus separted into time periods: faithfutures.org/Jesus/Crossan1.rtf
25. JD Crossan's conclusions about the authencity of most of the NT based on the above plus the conclusions of other NT exegetes in the last 200 years:
26. Common Sayings from Thomas's Gospel and the Q Gospel: faithfutures.org/Jesus/Crossan3.rtf
27. Early Jewish Writings- Josephus and his books by title with the complete translated work in English :earlyjewishwritings.com/josephus.html
28. Luke and Josephus- was there a connection?
29. NT and beyond time line:
30. St. Paul's Time line with discussion of important events:
31. See www.amazon.com for a list of JD Crossan's books and those of the other Jesus Seminarians: Reviews of said books are included and selected pages can now be viewed on Amazon. Some books can be found on-line at Google Books.
32. Father Edward Schillebeeckx's words of wisdom as found in his books.
33. The books of the following other On Faith panelists: Professors Marcus Borg, Paula Fredriksen, Elaine Pagels, Karen Armstrong and Bishop NT Wright.
34. Father Raymond Brown's An Introduction to the New Testament, Doubleday, NY, 1977, 878 pages, with Nihil obstat and Imprimatur.
35. Luke Timothy Johnson's book The Real Jesus,
Posted by: CCNL | November 21, 2008 1:06 PM
Report Offensive Comment
CCNL, read Burton L. Mack's "The Christian Myth.":
Whatever the character named "Jesus Christ" in the Gospels might be, he probably was more like a collection of stories of a mythical nature than a historical figure. Jesus is a myth, like any other myth. Professor Mack goes to considerable lengths to display this truth in "The Christian Myth," even though he never says it outright. He spends a lot of time in "The Christian Myth" explaining why he can't say it outright. You may disagree, but at least give the man a full hearing before passing judgement on him. What Professor Mack has to say concerning the "Christian" influence on the politics of the U.S.A. is particularly scathing and apt.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 21, 2008 11:54 AM
Report Offensive Comment
"Presidential proclamations of thanksgiving to a deity offer one more example of an extra-constitutional custom that has now acquired a quasi-sacred status."
This is fairly recent, that is, the "quasi-sacred status." In the West, religion will now be put back to the use for which it was primarily intended from the early Renaissance through the mid-twentieth century, to opiate the people. Indeed, unless we take to the streets as we surely should and demand answers, we will need something to get us through the next miserable decade.
It could be worse, and may become so. All kinds of evil comes about at times like these, fascists, and the like, although it could be argued that religiofascists are always awaiting an opportunity.
A fine essay, Susan. Now, if you could just find it in your heart to stop using the word "famously." Think about it. Has anyone ever actually said or done anything "famously"? Given the semantic limitations inherent in "fame," could anyone?
Posted by: Farnaz2 | November 20, 2008 7:39 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Susan - I am reminded of a friend who wrote to our senator to complain about the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The senator responded that he was more concerned about God's name being "rendered meaningless" by being used in such a ceremonial and perfunctory manner.
Now, there's something an atheist can pray for!
Posted by: Notsogreatscot | November 20, 2008 5:20 PM
Report Offensive Comment
TTWSYFAMDGGAHJMJ1 wrote: "Christmas shopping is a sacrifice of people who work hard for their money and are giving some of it away to those whom they love and whom they care about"
WOW - a theology of consumerism!!!! I guess this makes all of our other "shopping holidays" religious holidays as well. It gives new meaning to the phrase "holy day of obligation", doesn't it!
Posted by: Notsogreatscot | November 20, 2008 4:59 PM
Report Offensive Comment
The possible influence of the Cynics on the simple preacher man, Jesus, has been discussed by a number of historic Jesus exegetes.
A synopsis from Wikipedia:
"Many historians have noted the similarities between the life and teachings of Jesus and those of the Cynics. Some scholars have argued that the Q document, the hypothetical common source for the gospels of Matthew and Luke, has strong similarities with the teachings of the Cynics.[57]
Scholars on the quest for the historical Jesus, such as Burton L. Mack and John Dominic Crossan of the Jesus Seminar, have argued that 1st century Galilee was a world in which Hellenistic ideas collided with Jewish thought and traditions. The city of Gadara, only a day's walk from Nazareth, was particularly notable as a center of Cynic philosophy,[59] and Mack has described Jesus as a "rather normal Cynic-type figure."[60] For Crossan, Jesus was more like a Cynic sage from an Hellenistic Jewish tradition than either a Christ who would die as a substitute for sinners or a Messiah who who wanted to establish an independent Jewish state of Israel.[61] Other scholars doubt that Jesus was deeply influenced by the Cynics, and see the Jewish prophetic tradition as of much greater importance.[62]
"Many of the ascetic practices of Cynicism were undoubtably adopted by early Christians, and Christians often employed the same rhetorical methods as the Cynics.[63] Some Cynics were actually martyred for speaking out against the authorities.[64] One Cynic, Peregrinus Proteus, lived for a time as a Christian before converting to Cynicism,[65] whereas in the 4th century, Maximus of Alexandria, although a Christian, was also called a Cynic because of his ascetic lifestyle.
Christian writers would often praise Cynic poverty,[66] although they scorned Cynic shamelessness: Augustine stating that they had, "in violation of the modest instincts of men, boastfully proclaimed their unclean and shameless opinion, worthy indeed of dogs."[67] The ascetic orders of Christianity also had direct connection with the Cynics,[68] as can be seen in the wandering mendicant monks of the early church who in outward appearance, and in many of their practices were little different from the Cynics of an earlier age."
But now the Age of Enlightenment has been with us since the likes of Albert Schweitzer began to evaluate the historical Jesus in the 1800's and early 1900's. What has been determined from exhaustive analyses of the known scriptural and non-scriptural documents from the first to third century CE is that Jesus was not deity but a simple preacher man embellished by the likes of P, M, M, L and J into some kind of Cynic messiah.
Little is known about M, M, L and J. Maybe they were actually Cynics??
Posted by: CCNL | November 20, 2008 4:46 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Here's an early Christmas present for you all. The cynics invented Satire, so it's probably not a bad idea to read some of the Jesus sayings with an ear for jokes, at least that's what my philosophy professor told me, along with the additional information that there were about 1000 folks who had elements of the Jesus story who lived, walked and breathed around the time of the nominal "historical" Jesus, who might not have walked the earth anyway.
But, whatever, nevermind, back to the Cynics:
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 20, 2008 12:06 PM
Report Offensive Comment
TTWSYFAMDGGAHJMJ1 :"I've never seen anything like shoving and kicking one another; that sounds like a description by the amoral media who don't have any idea what Christmas is."
LEPIDOPTERYX :"You've obviously never worked in retail."
Praise Jesus! Hallelujah & etcetera, & etcetera, & so forth.
Calvinism is so far off from the initial "Cynic" impulse of Christianity, don't you think? CCNL habitually references Crossan, but he really should look into Burton L. Mack, who's historical research into the sources of the New Testament—the Synoptic Gospels in particular—point to Cynic* Philosophy underpinning what is now known as the "Q" document, those parallel sayings and parables in Matthew, Mark & Luke. John's even more Greek, in the beginning was the Logos[+], don't you dare call it "Word."
In any case, yes indeed: "If Jesus came back and saw what's going on in His name, He'd never stop throwing up ...", as Woody Allen wrote and we heard via the thespian skills of Max Von Sydow in "Hannah & Her Sisters."
Assuming that Jesus had Cynic tendencies, one most assuredly could imaging his reaction to what we call "Christmas". When I recently worked at Christmas time as as a retail employee of a big-box bookstore, my favorite indicator of the coming season of shopping was the South Park seasonal CD extravaganza "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics." I remember one customer breaking down because we didn't have the book for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 7" on account of it not existing at the time. XMAS is 100% pagan [trust me, I've done the research] and XMAS is or at least can be crazy, in particular the annual highly anticipated 4th-quarter up-tic in the retail sector, which might not pan out this year—right? Now entertain us.
I think this is the year to shut off the parades and football games, the 400th annual viewing of "A Charlie Brown Christmas", get down with the Dickens, do the "Christmas Carol" thing and do some kind of work for the homeless, 'cause a lot more of them are going to die this year than last. Say you're pro-life? Work with your local Food Not Bombs, or whatever program your church has cooking this year and save some lives. Wanna do Thanksgiving right? Then do it for those who ain't got no stockings, no tree, no house. Do it for your better Angel.
*—an early form of the Diggers/Beats/Luddites/Hippies/Punks, all radical left movements in opposition to "The Man"—
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 20, 2008 12:01 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I've never seen anything like shoving and kicking one another; that sounds like a description by the amoral media who don't have any idea what Christmas is.
You've obviously never worked in retail.
Posted by: lepidopteryx | November 20, 2008 9:10 AM
Report Offensive Comment
It's called "Ceremonial Deism." Look it up!
Posted by: DanielintheLionsDen | November 20, 2008 4:15 AM
Report Offensive Comment
?This was about as huge a faux pas as you could commit those days. Jesus' neighbors were extremely selective about whom they invited to their table; whose invitations they accepted; where they ate; whether they washed before eating; and especially where they sat at the table… all of these determined their social position. And since Jesus had this terrible habit of eating with the wrong people, meals became the most important venue for his distinctly counter-cultural teaching. That's why Christians developed such a completely opposite approach to hospitality."
Does this go to the burgeoning fast food business?
Obesity in America?
Posted by: Farnaz2 | November 20, 2008 1:12 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Historically speaking some of the described meals, e.g. the Last Supper, did not occur but the accounts real or not show the importance of eating common meals even in the first century CE.
From some pastor's sermon:
"My New Testament professor in seminary once quipped, "In Luke's gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, eating a meal, or coming from a meal. Somehow," he said, "Luke seems to be one big dinner party." Except for the fact that, unlike you and me, Jesus' parents apparently forgot to teach him to never talk about politics or religion at the dinner table.
This was about as huge a faux pas as you could commit those days. Jesus' neighbors were extremely selective about whom they invited to their table; whose invitations they accepted; where they ate; whether they washed before eating; and especially where they sat at the table… all of these determined their social position. And since Jesus had this terrible habit of eating with the wrong people, meals became the most important venue for his distinctly counter-cultural teaching. That's why Christians developed such a completely opposite approach to hospitality."
Posted by: CCNL | November 20, 2008 12:16 AM
Report Offensive Comment
I realized long ago why Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. It's simple - just about preparing and enjoying a meal. It's inclusive - everyone shares and anyone can come - not just family. Part of the tradition is inviting outsiders -- just like the pilgrims invited the indians. And it's not religious. There's no obligation to attend a religious service before indulging in the food and camaraderie.
Posted by: efavorite | November 19, 2008 9:07 PM
Report Offensive Comment
"It is strange that the foreign carmakers aren't having the same problems. You might ask yourself were you better off two years ago before the Dems took over."
Oh but they are. read the papers much? as for the dems- took over when?? You seem not to understand how Congress works. it's been a gop show all the way for quite some time. Now it's over. the dems take over in January. Too bad it can't be sooner.
Posted by: sparrow4 | November 19, 2008 6:28 PM
Report Offensive Comment
My favorite way to say grace before munching down on the big bird is:
"God's a hunch ... Let's munch"!
Posted by: Freestinker | November 19, 2008 6:08 PM
Report Offensive Comment
ARMINIUS :"Robin, as I recall, is not a Christian. . ."
Jesus, as I recall, was not a Christian : )
Sometimes those less fortunate is me. In any case, I often ask myself: "What Would Robin Hood Do?
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 19, 2008 5:08 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I can only assume that Ms. Jacoby will be showing up for work next Thursday while most of her colleagues are taking the day off...
Posted by: Robert_B1 | November 19, 2008 5:01 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I'm gald you went off on that tangent BEFORE Thanksgiving so I don't risk throwing up my favorite meal of the year! "
Yes, TTWSwhatever does that endearing ability to make us clutch our stomachs. He does touch on one true thing - Christmas is for giving and love. But there are others here - like Robin - who use their love like Jesus would, by helping those less fortunate. Robin, as I recall, is not a Christian, but his actions would make Jesus smile. TTWSwhatever's actions - well, I can't really say. I think he means well, but comes across wrong. He restricts it to family and friends - which many do, he is not alone - but this action seems, IMHO, to reinforce the fact that Christmas has been warped and twisted into some kind of massive economic orgy.
Posted by: Arminius | November 19, 2008 4:00 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I'm gald you went off on that tangent BEFORE Thanksgiving so I don't risk throwing up my favorite meal of the year!
Posted by: DJBrent | November 19, 2008 3:30 PM
Report Offensive Comment
TTWSYFAMDGGAHJMJ1: "For feeding the poor it requires someone to give up their valuable time to do something for others they don't even know except that they are human beings and need our help."
I do that every week. Thanksgiving's usually better {Xmas too}, on account of all the extra stuff the food outlets have to get rid of after the annual festivals of gluttony, greed & wishful thinking. I've spent more than my fair share of winters as a retail employee, I know how folks go plum nuts as the lights go out. Face reality: Yuletime is even more pagan than Samhain. It's saturnalia, it's the feast of fools. Somewhere between the end of the Civil War and "Miracle on 34th Street" Christmas turned into the annual expectation of a 4th quarter up-tic in retail sales. I may not be a Christian, but I know hypocrisy when I smell it.
But giving freely to someone you don't know and giving without expectation of anything in return is pure, uncut grace.
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 19, 2008 3:16 PM
Report Offensive Comment
"Thanksgiving Proclamations: Cracks In The Wall Of Separation."
"I am always grateful for the morally uplifting effect of thanksgiving proclamations to God when, on the evening after Thanksgiving Day, news broadcasts bring us the inevitable images of customers shoving and kicking one another in their effort to take home a discounted big-screen TV on the blessed day now known as the official start of the Christmas shopping season."
I've never seen anything like shoving and kicking one another; that sounds like a description by the amoral media who don't have any idea what Christmas is.
Christmas shopping is a sacrifice of people who work hard for their money and are giving some of it away to those whom they love and whom they care about. Christmas is a celebration of love for one another.
The amoral can only see gifts being bought; they can't see the work that went into getting those gifts, and the work that had to be done to get the money buy them. Further they don't see the pleasure it gives to please the one you love.
Moreover, if you think would be working in a kitchen all day cooking a Christmas meal for people they don't love, then you probably haven't tried it.
To cook a Christmas dinner has to be done for love of those whom you are cooking for. It requires more than just cooking the food. It requires paying for the food and shopping for it. It also requires a little anxiety waiting to see if it is liked.
For feeding the poor it requires someone to give up their valuable time to do something for others they don't even know except that they are human beings and need our help.
Mother Theresa saw Jesus in every one she helped, in the poor and dying she lifted from the gutters in Calcutta, in the one's she bathed and comforted. That's what Christmas is, a love for others.
Volunteers serving dinners to the needy and homeless is a Thanksgiving and Christmas phenomena. It's not for one's own egotistical satisfaction, there is none. It's for doing something for people you have compassion for, whom you love and care about even though they're strangers.
No, I don't see people shoving and kicking people while shopping; I see tired, worn out people driving in heavy traffic, and looking all day for that special gift, and wondering and trusting it will please the one they bought it for.
Christmas shopping is an act of love; its not an act of greed and consumerism. That is only the case for those who don't believe in Christmas.
Scrooge was one of those. When the story ended, he was described as a man who knew how to keep Christmas well. Moreover, he was delighted that he knew how to, because it gave him great joy. Love seems to do people that way, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Posted by: TTWSYFAMDGGAHJMJ1 | November 19, 2008 2:05 PM
Report Offensive Comment
"Thanksgiving Proclamations: Cracks In The Wall Of Separation
"President George W. Bush…will [probably] offer a special prayer for the millions of workers dependent on the auto industry...whom he and his fellow Republicans wish to hand a lump of coal for their Christmas stockings."
I've never seen a lump of coal that cost over a trillion dollars, viz. an $850 billion bailout, and $300 billion more all to solve this Democrat Frank and Dodd financial fiasco. That doesn't include the other multi-billion dollar bailouts.
That's hard working American money if you didn't know it. Besides, Obama promised to bankrupt the coal industry, so there may not be any coal to give.
It is strange that the foreign carmakers aren't having the same problems. You might ask yourself were you better off two years ago before the Dems took over.
Posted by: TTWSYFAMDGGAHJMJ1 | November 19, 2008 1:09 PM
Report Offensive Comment
A moment of silence for the now silent 35+ million womb-babies aborted since 1973 would be a better gesture.
Posted by: CCNL | November 19, 2008 12:18 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Well, speaking as a pagan, I say Goddess bless you, in particular for:
"I am always grateful for the morally uplifting effect of thanksgiving proclamations to God when, on the evening after Thanksgiving Day, news broadcasts bring us the inevitable images of customers shoving and kicking one another in their effort to take home a discounted big-screen TV on the blessed day now known as the official start of the Chistmas shopping season."
Just remember kiddies: Santa's just an anagram for Satan. Not that there's anything wrong with that. . .
Posted by: robinlandseadel | November 19, 2008 11:42 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Posted by: TTWSYFAMDGGAHJMJ1 | November 19, 2008 6:26 AM
Report Offensive Comment
The comments to this entry are closed.


text:
Take the college student survey to share your opinions about your school and be entered into a $1,000 scholarship!
Currently Viewing: All Majors • Law • Advanced Legal Studies • Banking, Corporate, and Tax Law
Students with a concentration in banking, corporate and tax law study of the law and process related to the regulation of businesses and the financial services industry. This includes instruction in corporate law, antitrust law, securities law and regulation, negotiation, incorporation, partnerships, trusts, and related topics

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You're watching...
America's most miserable city is...
Forbes releases annual list
Feb 22, 2013
You're watching...
Forbes releases annual list
Feb 22, 2013
Also in this playlist...
Auto-advance: ON
Auto-advanceThis transcript is automatically generated
Com now -- happy segment do you live in one of the most miserable cities in America I.
Why -- magazine just released its annual list -- 2013 and the most miserable in this.
Detroit the motor city earning the number one spot this year with its high crime rate high unemployment and deep financial woes.
But Ford is looked at unemployment violent crime unemployment foreclosures.
Taxes they also looked at commute times.
And the weather.
Most of the top ten included three cities from Michigan three from Californians three in Illinois and then number ten.
Our great city here in New York -- look at these pictures before and after in Cadillac Michigan this is.
And CN -- and this is the Cadillac in the building right.
And that was so that was before and after that the Grand Central station that bank have you noticed an eye on you pitched -- -- which is -- -- -- because you notice a common denominator.
Yeah almost all the mayors are Democrat and the went to claim they are Democrats are very liberal like Michael Bloomberg is -- claimed to be an independent but he ran as a Republican because you could run as a Democrat.
It's funny you look at Detroit it looks like it was hit by a hurricane was hurricane liberal.
Democrats have run that city forever they've ruined that city Ed and everybody's -- Yeah everybody is leaving I call that the Obama Dividend because he's creating jobs.
In the moving industry.
As people leave and it's also part of Michelle's obesity.
Up quite a BC BC plan because they're running from creditors -- you know -- I'm not ready creative ever heard of Obama Detroit not -- I got.
And coming but what I thought yeah that's what population before Obama was born but I thought he -- the auto industry Bob I don't know.
The auto industry left Detroit and went south hey look it's not going to be time.
Just get a lot out problematic and they think that your city and Washington DC in that list I can't imagine it is not in the top -- of these.
He sees on -- it got up Flint mission again Chicago though is number four -- -- -- up and got a tip it -- it's just yeah getting shot.
-- as -- -- have a lot of defenders the people who eat a lot of people who live there just absolutely love it but for others you know it is a place -- high crime.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Property home prices plummeting mean now when you look at -- -- it looks like.
This set of I Am Legend where the whole place is deserted and there's nothing -- -- in the aviation radio lashing the sadly not the best that I -- plowed under bid for Detroit.
Big community gardens.
Which I'm all for I think and I and in an idea what they -- I think they've been there there -- -- at a he pointed he defended Detroit Andrea looked at his habit I've got a plan here and Robert trying to do is deal with the most important things first which is a crime they need they mean a lot more public lighting.
But for a lot of these cities are they too far gone to come back.
I think a lot of them are and I look at Detroit for example.
There budget deficit is something like at 32 billion dollars it's I don't see how you come back bankruptcy and I just don't see how you do it because you take all of these things like.
The crime rate well if you have a spending problem and -- have enough money to pay for police how do you think the fix the crime problem and what does everyone does move out like Greg says -- get a job with mayflower moving.
One of the things we didn't get to in the first block as the breakdown of the family and you touched upon it.
Greg and I think that's a huge issue in all of these cities and President Obama is the perfect messenger he's missed that opportunity as well.
The one thing that they took out of the surveyed this year that they had last year with sports teams because they set it -- more regional than just city specific.
But -- true eight.
For exam -- good sports teams right yeah I guess sellers like the lions and tigers and bears yeah -- this is it's still my I -- fairs there in Chicago at the end of the day.
I would I would there's so many fathers right -- think that's that's true things about it.
Yeah this -- they do have a lot of visually sports teams in baseball and football and people seem to keep going -- games until about the state mostly from the suburbs but remember you got to think about BC's not just inner city but the suburban area around it.
Washington DC man and a democratic candidates are hard well that's right but it needs a lot of to -- any damage people working that gets worked up.
A quick question about around a table favorite city outside of the one you grew up in.
Well -- -- -- as a scout -- favorite cities New York I can't answer that -- get answered Bob Austin, Texas -- -- -- Miami that's -- -- -- -- United States in the united.
Allentown Pennsylvania.
I let my editor at ten years -- yeah -- jelly out the first -- somebody tells you it's it's close to a lot of places but it's true.
If you heard your job you're 45 minutes of Philly you're out -- new York and -- really close to Quaker town -- above us.
Reports this and there's got coats but not and that mentality that -- -- -- -- goes is he's over these really messy hot dogs Andrea you know outside that they got every.
Think big amateur rehab alike and talents I don't think ready as that's right and we used to try to escape to their re having good -- who would -- back to the -- A -- -- good at playing is missing is sixty miles from New York twenty years behind it.
But it's a fun place doc goes -- -- -- I've I've haven't been -- it's sticking around after you don't get and chicken.
And then they would run the demographic that it's you know it's it's heavily Hispanic and the liberal I think I had to go back -- -- Favre should do is ask about the best eateries -- undertake any rocks and then that you -- add that to the happy.
The weather resistant and it's -- weather's gonna change I mean to get climate could but that's like you are leading.
Yes what does that electrical the other about it when anti and I we haven't had enough global warming yet does not the last of those that -- -- -- aided attend manners of the miserable -- supported her.
I don't I support one -- -- -- -- I -- miserable all I have to do and not a lot of those urban places like San Antonio -- -- Be aggressive there supported Obama -- that cities doing.
Great -- -- in the south and also in taxes.
Filter by section


text:
2013-02-07 00:00 - Connecticut-based hardcore icons HATEBREED have smashed the charts worldwide with their stunning new album "The Divinity Of Purpose"!
Austria: #28
Australia: #144
Australia Hardrock iTunes Charts: #1
Belgium: #75 (first week), #56 (second week)
Belgium Flanders: #56 (first week), #38 (second week)
Belgium Walloonia: #105 (first week), #92 (second week)
Canada: #20
Canada Hardcharts: #1
Germany: #25
Finland: #43
Sweden Rock/Metal Charts: #8
Switzerland: #40
UK Rock Charts: #12
Also make sure to check out
the lyric video for "Put It To The Torch": http://bit.ly/TMSmVa
the official "Put It To The Torch" music video: http://bit.ly/XN8Q5y
Jamey Jasta on the album artwork: http://bit.ly/XUatut
Jamey Jasta on the production: http://bit.ly/UhvI9X
Jamey Jasta on the album's lyrics: http://bit.ly/WkgYot
the entire live stream chat with Jamey Jasta: http://bit.ly/UPCp25
April 28 Brighton - Concorde 2
April 29 Cardiff - Solus
April 30 Manchester - Academy 2
May 01 Glasgow - O2 ABC 2
May 02 Sheffield - Corporation
May 03 Wolverhampton - Slade Rooms
May 04 London - O2 Islington Academy
Linked bands |
HATEBREED – premiere 'Dead Man Breathing' ...2013-09-24 01:00 - Connecticut hardcore giants HATEBREED are premiering the official lyric video for their killer track 'Dead Man Breathing' today. Surf to ... Details |
HATEBREED – premiere 'Honor Never Dies' mu...2013-05-21 00:00 - Connecticut-based hardcore giants HATEBREED recently shot the official music video for 'Honor Never Dies', one of the most crushing tracks off the band's super successful n... Details |
HATEBREED – announce UK tour!2013-02-05 00:00 - US Hardcore icons HATEBREED have lined up a UK tour in support of their critically acclaimed sixth studio album, 'The Divinity Of Purpose' (out since January 25 via Nuclear .. Details |
HATEBREED - "The Divinity Of Purpose" out now2013-01-25 04:00 - Hardcore icons HATEBREED have just released their brand new masterpiece "The Divinity Of Purpose" today. See for yourself, the entire album is available for streaming ... Details |
HATEBREED - "Honor Never Dies" lyric video...2013-01-22 00:00 - Three days prior to the release of their new amazing studio album "The Divinity Of Purpose" on January 25, HATEBREED proudly present the lyric video for the song "Honor Nev... Details |
HATEBREED – third album trailer online!2013-01-17 00:00 - Connecticut hardcore icons HATEBREED have released the third album trailer for the band's upcoming album, "The Divinity Of Purpose". Check out Jamey Jasta's thoughts about .. Details |
HATEBREED - "Put It To The Torch" music ...2013-01-08 00:00 - Details |
HATEBREED: Second Album Trailer online!2012-12-28 00:00 - The lyrics and the music of HATEBREED have the same value and belong together strongly. Have a look on the 2nd album trailer for the upcoming record "The Divinity Of ... Details |
HATEBREED – video recording of fan chat ...2012-12-21 02:00 - The recording of the 1h fan chat with HATEBREED's Jamey Jasta that took place yesterday is now available for streaming. Check out the first album trailer in which Jamey ... Details |
HATEBREED – TODAY: Fan chat with Jamey Jasta!2012-12-19 00:00 - Jamey Jasta, mainman and frontman of New Haven, Connecticut-based hardcore icons, HATEBREED, will answer their fans questions in an exclusive online video chat TODAY ... Details |


text:
2009 Report
available now
This report breaks new ground in applying a human development approach to the study of migration.
Learn more
Receive monthly updates on new research, report launches and events.
Learn more
Jakarta Post
NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Indonesia, home to more than 200 million people is ranked third among the world's nations most affected by extreme weather events due to climate change.
The archipelago comes after the Philippines and the Democratic Republic of Korea, where climate change has affected thousands of people, mostly through flooding, a report says.
The report of global climate risk index, by the German-based environment research organization Germanwatch and the world's largest insurance company Munich Reinsurance, said that the Asia region suffered far more storms, floods and extreme weather than wealthier countries, which contributed most to the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming.
"The most effected countries in 2006 were the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Korea and the host of ongoing climate change summit, Indonesia.
"In both the Philippines and Indonesia, there were almost 1,300 deaths and damages ranging in the billions of dollars due to storms and floods," Sven Harmeling, senior adviser climate and development of Germanwatch, told reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing climate change conference in Bali.The report recorded 21 extreme weather events hit Indonesia last year with 1,297 deaths and US$0.27 losses per GDP.
"For Indonesia itself, it will be a signal that the country must do more to prevent the floods and find ways to resolve the problems such as by building a lot of flood shelters as done by Bangladesh," he told The Jakarta Post.
The study identifies the countries most affected by extreme weather events based on indicators, among others, of the total number of deaths, the deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and percent losses per unit of GDP.
The report listed the top ten countries most affected by extreme weather events are the Philippines, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, India, China, Afghanistan, the United States and Romania.
"In Korea, there were four times as many deaths per 100,000 inhabitants due to the weather extremes than were in Indonesia," he said.
Peter Hoeppo, head of the Geo-Risk research department of Munich Reinsurance, said that the incidence of natural disasters through wind storms had doubled, while the frequency of floods and other extreme weather events, such as heat waves and drought also quadrupled.
He said that the rich countries were the main causers of the climate change, and has a responsibility to support processes in preventing the dangers.
The report says in the period of 1997 to 2006, extreme weather killed over 200,000 people with $750 billion of direct economic losses around the world.
The Munich Reinsurance foundation said that long-term studies revealed that about 80 percent of the victims come from poor countries.
Harmeling of the Germanwatch said that the adaptation fund should be provided based on the vulnerability of nations to the climate change.
A study by the Germanwatch and Climate Action Network (CAN) - Europe earlier ranked Indonesia as the 15th best state in promoting efforts to slow the climate change.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programs (UNDP) called for a stepped-increase in financing for adaptation, saying that US$86 billion annually in a financing commitment was needed by 2015.
"The number is large but so is the human cost of climate change," said Kevin Watkins, lead author of the UNDP Human Development Report's Fighting Climate Change: Human Solidarity in a Divided World on the sidelines of Bali conference on the climate change.
The report accused developed countries of leaving the world's poor to sink or swim on their own resources.
Watkins said that the rich countries should put adaptation issues to climate change at the center of the high-level political negotiation in Bali.
"Having created the climate crisis developed nations must face up to their responsibilities, including the responsibility to protect the potential victims," Watkins said. (Adianto P. Simamora)
Return to the list <<<<<


text:
Sort by:
sailor moon
tokyo mew mew
shugo chara
shugo chara doki
sailor moon 2
sailor moon s
sailor moon supers
sailor moon stars
boys over flowers
mermaid melody
kamichiwa karen
angelic layer
card capter sakura
Otaku & Japan | 20 Aug 2012 00:51
4 (16) 10
I noticed that there is a big lack of pokemon figures and plushies and keychains ext. on here. I would add to them but even the ones i own, I dont know the details of. I also have a sailor mercury chibi (i think its a keychain but i cant remember now...
Figures & Dolls | 18 Aug 2012 16:11
4 (4) 2
Figma accessories
Do you know any good places to buy figma sized accessories? Like food, table, chairs, books, anything really. I am sure that they are out there, as I've seen them. I wouldn't even mind being able to buy accessories that would have come from figmas. I...
Figures & Dolls | 17 Aug 2012 00:24
4 (4) 11


text:
Tag Archives: Results
I have taken the Insanity challenge and made it through in one piece! I made it to day 63 on 21 May, 2010 and I truly feel that Insanity has changed my life forever. I have come a long way from day 1 until now and I'm astonished on what I have accomplished. Over the [...] Read more
Category: Cancer And Smoking


text:
As the temperatures drop and the winds pick up, the weather is becoming dangerous for drivers.
As your Weather Authority, the National Weather Service has recorded wind gusts around 45 miles and hour. The Marathon County Sheriff's Department is being dispatched to a number of downed trees, power lines, and is reporting a number of crashes.
Law enforcement asks everyone to be careful as roads are slick, and the winds can cause very treacherous driving conditions.


text:
AVRev.com: AudioQuest is the first to reportedly figure out a way to field terminate HDMI cables effectively. If this technology proves generally applicable, it means that an installer will be able to pull raw HDMI through the walls and terminate it to an exact length.
Using their "Bayonet" connector, a crimper tool slices through the wire and pushes the attached V-pins through the wire, both cutting through the insulation and trimming the excess in one smooth motion.
This has several benefits for the average consumer. Firstly, the entire home theater, projector or other setup will look much cleaner, with fewer long wires exposed. Also, it makes it easier for homes to have HDMI pre-installed – meaning that the cables will be there but the connectors can be added at a later time.


text:
RDDP is an abbreviation for:
Raftsremote Direct Data Placement
Find a translation for RDDP in other languages:
Select another language:
Use the citation below to add this abbreviation to your bibliography:
"RDDP." Abbreviations.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 13 Dec. 2013. <http://www.abbreviations.com/term/335770>.
RDDP also stands for:
- Radar Data Development Program
- Radar Data Development Programme
- Rdma Direct Data Placement
- Remote Direct Data Placement
- Research Demonstration Design Plan
... and 2 more »
Nearby & related abbreviations:
Alternative search:
- Search Raftsremote Direct Data Placement on Amazon.com
- Search Raftsremote Direct Data Placement on Google


text:
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, September 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5klngk/a_profile_of_the) has announced the addition of the "A Profile of the Mexican Paint Industry - First Edition" report to their offering.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769 )
The elections taking place in July 2012 momentarily slowed down the pace of growth in the economy and had a negative effect on consumer confidence. Prior to that the sector was enjoying a period of rapid expansion with Mexico's GDP growth rate outperforming that of Brazil in 2011 and poised to surpass it once again in 2012.
The study examines nine mainstream coatings segments independently. It includes market data for 2011 and five year market forecasts to 2016 for each of these, with further anticipated figures for 2012. Market dynamics and trends for each coating type are provided with an indication of market splits by technology and/or chemistry where possible.
More detailed information on the contents of the report is given on the right.
Research for this title included a comprehensive programme of desk research and an extensive number of interviews with senior industry executives across all of the examined sectors. Interviews were conducted by a native Spanish speaker between July and September 2012.
This report will serve as a valuable tool to strategic planners, business analysts and marketing managers involved in the manufacture, distribution and marketing of Mexican paints and coatings and their raw materials.
Companies Mentioned
- Barpimo
- Berel
- Comex
- Compañía Sherwin-Williams
- DuPont México
- Industrias Sylpyl
- Nervión
- Pinturas Acuario
- Pinturas Contimex
- Pinturas Doal
- Pinturas Prisa
- Valresa México
Key Topics Covered:
1. Foreword
2. Executive Summary
3. Background
4. The Mexican Paint Industry
5. Mexican Paint Statistics
6. Mexican Paint Market Data
7. End-User Industry Statistics
8. Market Forecasts
9. Market Analysis
10. Directory Of Mexican Paintmakers
Table Of Tables
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5klngk/a_profile_of_the.
Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
U.S. Fax: +1-646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
Sector: Chemicals
©2012 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.


text:
#!/usr/bin/perl -Tw # quickrep-graph.pl # # Converts output from quickrep.pl # <http://perlmonks.org/index.pl?node_id=111464> into a PNG bar chart +to # show how many of your nodes have a given reputation # # Tom Hukins <firstname.lastname@example.com> (tomhukins on Perl Monks) - 20011022 # # This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify # it under the same terms as Perl itself use strict; use GD::Graph::bars (); use XML::Simple qw(XMLin); { # Allow the user to specify an alternative output filename on the # command line my $output_filename = shift || 'quickrep.png'; my($ratings, $username) = &derive_stats(); &draw_graph($ratings, $username, $output_filename); } sub derive_stats { my $xml = XMLin('./quickrep.xml') or die "$!"; my $username = $xml->{INFO}{foruser}; my @ratings; # Counts the number of nodes with a given rating while (my($id, $node) = each %{ $xml->{NODE} }) { @ratings[ $node->{reputation} ]++; } my $max_reputation = scalar(@ratings) - 1; return([ [0..$max_reputation], [@ratings] ], $username); } sub draw_graph { my($ratings, $username, $output_filename) = @_; my $graph = new GD::Graph::bars( 600, 400 ); $graph->set( x_label => 'Reputation', y_label => 'Number of Nodes', title => "PerlMonks Nodes by Reputation for $username" ) or die "$!"; my $gd = $graph->plot( $ratings ); open(IMG, ">$output_filename") or die "$!"; binmode IMG; print IMG $gd->png; close IMG; } [download]
In reply to Graph displaying reputation of all your nodes by tomhukins
regular expressions shiny regexes and rules offered by Perl 6 XML::Simple other CPAN module by looking at it on my monitor I print it and I read it in spare time first I convert it into $FORMAT, then I parse it I hire someone to do it using my custom module I write a brand new language to do the task on the server where I play as human, XML is forbidden what is XML? I speak XML natively I write a new grammar for Perl 6 some other way
Results (443 votes), past polls


text:
Please read the following important information about TSO ticket purchase and exchange policies.
If you have any questions about any of our ticket policies, please contact our Customer Service Centre at 416.598.3375.
All published TSO ticket prices include HST. Tickets for Roy Thomson Hall also include a Roy Thomson Hall Capital Replacement Fund (CRF) charge of $3.00 per ticket for tickets over $30, and $1.50 per ticket for tickets under $29.99. Tickets for concerts at the George Weston Recital Hall tickets include CRF charge of $2.25 per ticket.
- top -
Artists and programmes, dates, prices, chats, and CBC broadcasts are subject to change without notice. When time allows, programme changes will be announced in advance of the performance.
All orders are processed in sequence according to the date the payment is received and must be accompanied by payment for processing. For best available seats, order as early as possible. Due to popularity, some series, concerts and/or sections may have limited seating. Refunds of complete subscription series packages are accepted up to 48 hours prior to the first concert in the series. Refund requests must be received in writing (please enclose the original concert tickets). There are no refunds on individual concerts within a series or on additional tickets purchased.
Check your tickets carefully for concert time and venue information.
When coming to a concert, please remember that traffic, parking, and weather can affect your arrival time, so leave early to make sure you're not late!
For patrons with special needs, Roy Thomson Hall has six underground parking spots and a small number of above ground spots. Please call to reserve in advance. 416.593.4822 ext. 375.
FIRST DAY TO EXCHANGE: August 20, 2013
The TSO permits ticket exchanges into most concerts up to 48 hours prior to the performance. This service is free to subscribers, and costs $8 per ticket for individual ticket buyers.
Please include your name, patron number, and daytime telephone number on the fax. If your voided tickets are received 3 weeks prior to the new concert date they will be mailed, or if received less than 3 weeks your new tickets will be available for pick-up at the Box Office.
While we offer the most flexible subscription exchange policy in Toronto, some exceptions apply:
Exchange Exceptions List is subject to change. Exchanges must be made 48 hours prior to the concert you cannot attend.
Lost your tickets?
If you lose your entire subscription series tickets, or any individual tickets, simply contact the TSO Customer Service Centre at 416.598.3375 and we will be happy to help you. After 5pm on the day of the concert you are attending, you may contact the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office at 416.593.4828 or visit the box office with your photo ID and credit card used to make the purchase for a replacement ticket(s) on the spot.
It's easy to buy additional tickets to exciting special concerts and receive your subscriber discount! Online purchases are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from our secure website.
If you already have an online account:
If you do not have an email address in your TSO account or are unsure, visit TSO.CA/Lookup to look up your account and update it by adding your email address.
In order to look up your account you will need to provide the following:
If you can't find your Customer Number, please call Customer Service at 416.598.3375, Monday – Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, for assistance with your renewal.
Questions? Call TSO Customer Service at 416.598.3375, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe on YouTube
Follow us on Google+
Official ticketing site of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra


text:
Latest news
ClampOn Subsea CEM to Burullus
November 12th, 2013
ClampOn has been awarded a contract from Saipem for the supply of ClampOn Subsea CEM®, Corrosion-Erosion Monitors. This is one of the largest contracts received by ClampOn to date.
ClampOn, Inc. Hosts MTS Young Professionals Lunch and Learn – Houston, TX
November 8th, 2013
ClampOn, Inc. recently hosted a young professional's luncheon which focused on subsea sand and corrosion-erosion monitoring, sensor certification and equipment demonstration.
Thank you for visiting us at Offshore Europe 2013.
September 11th, 2013
Thanks to all our clients and contacts, both new and old, who took the time to visit us at OE 2013 in Aberdeen, UK.


text:
Facebook boy-with-gun pic: Governor wants investigation
You thought it was all done bar the noisy debating. And even that was abating.
But not just yet.
After Shawn Moore posted a Facebook picture of his 11-year-old son, Josh, with a fetching .22 rifle, child-protection experts and police arrived.
Moore, of Carneys Point, N.J., was outraged. So was his lawyer. The police wanted to enter his house and examine the safe where he kept his guns. They wanted to know that his son would be safe.
The police, though, had no warrant.
Subsequently, the authorities explained that there was a heightened sensitivity, after the Newtown massacre.
New … Read more


text:
Best Answer
Struggling on last one. 61 a Sir...; according to authurian legend the red knight in the tale of gareth [8] I have i?y?s?ne TIA... |
Stuck on 5a Traditional Provencal stew based on a variety of fish, vegetables and herbs served with rouille and bread (13) |
Stuck on two this week - 2 down shallow stemmed glass dish in which chilled fruit desserts or champagne are served. I think this should be Flute but it doesn't fit with LeCarre as 1 across. I have... |
54a 1980 sitcom based on the fictional character timothy lumsden (5). I have S-R-Y. 50d Father of cerberus and chimera 6. I have T-P-O-. |
6down.Pyramidal group of rifles (5). ?T?C? Is it "stack"?... |
Last one and completely stuck 13a Variety ofbechemal flavoured with Gruyere used to accompany cod haddock etc 6 I have ?o?n?y TIA... |
My Tv Has 0% Signal Strength; Is There...
0 min ago
1 min ago
1 min ago
1 min ago
1 min ago
2 mins ago
Society & Culture


text:
Teen breaks down during abuse trial (From Herald Series)
When It Happens Panel Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting 'OXFORD NEWS' to 80360 or email
Teen breaks down during abuse trial
10:00am Friday 25th October 2013 in News
A teenage girl was cross examined yesterday in the trial of former Abingdon chamber of commerce president Paul Townsend.
He denies 14 counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of sexual assault and four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The abuse is alleged to have been carried out by the 28-year-old over a two-year period against four girls aged 13 to 16.
Yesterday one of Townsend's alleged victim's repeatedly broke down as she insisted the abuse had really happened.
The trial continues at Oxford Crown Court.


text:
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee the basic way with this pistachio KMix traditional boutique kettle from Kenwood, with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty. Featuring a SureGrip finish for comfort and ease of use, the KMix traditional boutique kettle sports non-slip surfaces for safer handling. The water window displays the water levels clearly, enabling you to check if the amount is getting low. Also available in almond, aqua, berry, papaya, sherbet and raspberry, the pistachio KMix traditional boutique kettle fits stylishly into any interior and sports a stainless steel mesh filter to ensure the water is clear and fresh. More iconic Kenwood kitchen machines are available, including hand mixers, blenders, toasters and food processors.
Every Kenwood product enhances the enjoyment of cooking and produces consistent high-quality results. Their timeless designs mean they can be enjoyed for years to come and their efficiency means you can be sure to create the perfect dish every time.
UK delivery £3.95*Next Day delivery is £5.95 and Saturday delivery will be charged at £9.95.
Free for orders over £70


text:
- Musician's Friend Best Selection, Price & Service. Guaranteed.
Need Help? Ask our Experts or call 800-449-9128
Asistencia en Español 866-226-2919
Need Help? Ask our Experts or call 800-449-9128
The Ebtech Swizz Army Cable Tester is the professional's choice in multifunction cable testers. It displays the exact wiring of any cable or adapter—even allows testing of installed cables inside walls. Another cool feature is its patented intermittent detection, which lets you wiggle cables and discover any intermittent problems, the kind that usually go undetected. The Swizz Army Cable Tester also functions as a tone generator, phantom-power detect, and grounded XLR shield detect.
Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer restrictions. If you change the Ship-To country, some or all of the items in your cart may not ship to the new destination.


text:
The Boston range is also available with leather covers
- 167 fabrics
- 27 leathers
Available in a wide range of leather or soft fabrics, this new classic chair boasts modern compact dimensions, plump fibre-filled cushions for exceptional comfort and a choice of wood feet finish. Whether you're looking for supplementary style or a standout statement, the chameleon-like Boston Chair will provide it for years to come.
Shown in Colorado Willow. Scatter cushions are available as optional extras.
Customise this sofa
Want to see how your ideal sofa will look? You can do exactly that with our sofa customising tool. Simply select a model, choose a fabric and see your sofa in seconds.
Model | Height (mm/inches) | Depth (mm/inches) | Width (mm/inches) |
Armchair | 927/36.5 | 927/36.5 | 711/28 |
All measurements are approximate and relate to the overall size of the item including soft arm cushions where fitted and back cushions.
Seat cushions are fibre filled. Seat and back cushions are fully reversible in soft cover fabric. Wooden feet are available in a choice of teak, mahogany, ash or cherry.


text:
Regular Price: $12.99 Special Price: $11.99 Plantronics Modular to Dual-Prong Adapter 18709-01 SKU # 02-101699 The Plantronics plug-prong adapter (18709-01) converts the Plug Prong port on a telephone to a modular port.
$5,850.00 Switchvox 355 SMB Appliance 1AS3550010LF SKU # 02-114098 The Switchvox 355 is an IP PBX for larger businesses that want a high-performance, highly redundant, full-featured rackmount PBX. It supports up to 400 users.
$49.99 Plantronics H41N (VSRF) SKU # 02-113810 The Refreshed Plantronics Mirage H41N (26851-02) is a one-eared headset with a Quick Disconnect cord and noise-canceling microphone intended for loud office environments.
$169.99 Audiocodes MP204 4FXS VoIP Adapter (VSRF) SKU # 02-114331 The Refreshed Audiocodes MP204 is a 4 FXS VoIP ATA with 4 FXS, a WAN port, and a LAN port.


text:
Students help out their community
Posted at: 02/01/2013 9:35 PM
By: Rico Romero, KOB Eyewitness News 4
Middle school students from Mission Achievement Success Charter School work to feed the homeless.
The students stepped away from their studies for a short while to lend a hand at Project Share.
Tweet |


text:
Name: Kingston, 2
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Our son Kingston just turned two. When it came time to start planning his second birthday party, it was important to us to come up with a theme that was something he would love and something that represented his two-year-old interests. One of his favorite toys is a wooden train set we gave him for Christmas this year. We loved the aesthetic of vintage locomotive imagery, so we decided to go with a vintage train theme.
Source List:
- Printable Decorations from Paper Cow
- Balloons & Paperware from Party City
- Coconut Lime Cupcakes from My Baking Addiction
- Chocolate Malt Cupcakes from Your Cup of Cake
- Train Whistle Favors from Brooklyn Peddler
- Conductor Hat Favors from Fun Express
(Images: Melissa Fischer)


text:
Velvet by Graham & Spencer
Cotton Linen Kenny Dress
Velvet designers Jenny Graham and Toni Spencer expertly fuse soft, sumptuous fabrics with modern feminine fits, resulting in a timeless contemporary collection that women covet each season. From your treasured weekend tee to your cozy cashmere cover-up, Velvet is a chic staple for your everyday life.
- 55% linen 45% cotton
- Hand wash cold
- Shoulder seam to hem measures approx 38.5" in length
- Elastic waist
- Button up neck
- Front pockets
- Styled with Joie Black Velvet Wedge in Blush.
- Styled with gorjana Graham Leather Triple Strand Wrap in Tan.
- Styled with House of Harlow Cushion Cocktail Ring in Gold/Tigers Eye Stone.
- Styled with Haute Betts Rhapsody Wood Bead Bracelet in Tan, Brown, and Ivory.
- Modeled in size S. See fit guide for model's dimensions.
- Revolve Style No. VELVET-WD1022
- Manufacturer Style No. KENNY01


text:
In this edition we're...
- Home
- Pupils/Students
- Education Professionals
School Leaders
Support Staff
- Parents
Health & Safety
- Businesses/Charities
If you're planning a move, or have just made a move, you'll know what a big upheaval it can be for everyone.
As well as the practical things, we talk about how the children might react and why it can be helpful to involve them in the process along the way - from decorating their new room to visiting their new school.
Login to post comments


text:
SpongeBob & Patrick end up in the Flying Dutchman's clutches!
Embed this Video
The Flying Dutchman has new henchmen: SpongeBob & Patrick.
The Krusty Krab staff gets sentimental when Jim, their first fry guy, comes to visit.
The Bikini Bottom gang journeys to the lost city of Atlantis!
Can SpongeBob help Sandy with her flea infestation?
SpongeBob cooks the perfect patty...but can he let it go?
Mr. Krabs NEEDS to find out Plankton's next sinister scheme.
Rather than risk a late arrival, SpongeBob makes the Krusty Krab his home...
SpongeBob's strapping on his frozen Krabby Patty skates!
Mr. Krabs is offering up vacation time...for once.
After an electrical accident, Squidward's personality is scrambled!
Super Brawl 3, JUST GOT REAL…literally! Play now!
Put your Krabby Patty-flipping skills to the test!
SpongeBob, is that you? Patrick battles the Flying Dutchman in an all NEW boss level!
Guide Plankton through Mr. Krab's devious traps to get to the Krabby Patty formula!
Connect marbles and enjoy some relaxing Bikini Bottom tunes!
Help SpongeBob vanquish foul cardboard foes!
Plankton and his family are after the Krabby Patty formula again! Help SpongeBob build a fortress and protect the formula!
The jellyfish are invading Glove World! Are you ready to clear these jellies?
This game is sooo easy! Bet you can't beat it.
A BRAND NEW MULTIPLAYER game is here! Can SpongeBob or Patrick make more squares?


text:
Posts Tagged 'robert oppenheimer'
Ancient Atomic Warfare in Nevada?
Spring in Death Valley is a breathtaking spectacle. What was once mere desert for nine months out of the year suddenly blossoms into a vast ocean of yellow and purple wildflowers, drawing photographers, sightseers, and whoever else happens to be driving through.
On the Nevada side, U.S. Route 95 borders the eastern portion of Death Valley National Park, about 140 miles north of Las Vegas. Driving the 95, you'll find more than flowers, of course; you'll also encounter giant salt deposits (left over from when the valley, like California, was an inland sea) that will tempt the B-movie director in you to film a low-budget sci-fi opus. Indeed, the beautiful desolation in wandering a seemingly infinite salt pan in the desert sun will leave its mark on your imagination.
And it wouldn't require much of an imaginative leap to believe that somewhere around here a 19th-century American explorer named Captain Ives William Walker stumbled upon the vitrified ruins of a mile-long city. Among these ruins, there was, according to Walker, liquefied rock surface that looked to have "been attacked by a giant's fire-plough."
Walker's mysterious observation first crops up in a 1977 book by Rene Noorbergen called Secrets of the Lost Races — without any citation, of course. Regardless, the Walker discovery has taken on the guise of fact and spread through the literature of what speculative researchers characterize as "ancient atomic warfare." Basically, ancient atomic warfare is a term that helps explain geological anomalies like patches of fused green glass found in deserts around the world. After all, nuclear detonations at the Nevada Test Site just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, turned desert sand into glass, right?
Well, lightning strikes and meteor impacts cause the same reaction. Except that many of these questionable patches lack the characteristic patterns created by lightning and meteors. So what caused these anomalies, then?
Speculative researchers like David Hatcher Childress (Technology of the Gods: The Incredible Sciences of the Ancients) and Charles Berlitz (World of Strange Phenomena) look no further than ancient Indian adventure narratives like the Bhagavad-Gita to posit their theories. These stories include descriptions of super-weapons like the "Iron Thunderbolt," a death-dealing mega-bomb that eerily formed giant umbrella-shaped clouds in its wake. The Bhagavad-Gita was written around 500 B.C.
Of course, it was Robert Oppenheimer himself who noted the connection between the atomic bomb he helped father and the Bhagavad-Gita. Indeed, he famously quoted the ancient Indian text in the aftermath of the Trinity explosion at Alamagordo on July 16, 1945: "Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds." But it's doubtful old Oppy would have placed any value in tales of prehistoric nukes.
Besides, ancient India is a long way from Nevada, even if UFO-flying extraterrestrials introduced the technology to humans in order to, say, turn the biblical Lot's wife into a pillar of salt (which is not a post-nuke byproduct). Or to level Sodom and Gomorrah. And so on.
Squelching further the notion of Ye Olde Armageddon is the added fact that it's impossible to find a single archeologist, geologist, or any "-ist" on the West Coast who has heard of Death Valley anomalies like glass-like sand fusions.
At the same time, however, there isn't a single scientist who laughed at the question, "Do you believe in ancient atomic warfare?" Most have never heard of the theory and, believe it or not, are eager to learn more.
So maybe the anomalies are waiting to be rediscovered. Maybe William Walker's vitrified ruins are out there somewhere in the desert's expanse.
In any case, a trip to Death Valley trip is definitely a must-see part of your Nevada experience. The terrain is so marvelously strange — alternating between beautiful flowers and utter barrenness — that your mind will escape its shackles of convention and begin to ponder new and exciting possibilities.
Besides, according to Hal Turner, Chief Archeologist for the Nevada State Department of Transportation, the problem in locating an ancient nuke site is the simple fact that history is written by mainstream historians instead of long-time Nevadans with firsthand knowledge of the state.
"The old timers who might have know about something like a patch of fused green glass in Death Valley are dead or have one foot in the grave," says Turner. "History continues to be lost."