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What drives us all at bd2, is achieving real business benefit for our customers through brilliantly effective and innovative design, technical and marketing interventions.
Will Bentley MCSD
Managing Director and Owner
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At bd2, we use creative and strategic thinking, combined with extensive experience, to devise, design, develop and market highly effective digital solutions and coherent brand strategies.
We work within our own structured methodologies and processes, which incorporate the best of recognised leading techniques such as Agile and Prince 2, and have refined these through two decades of successful project delivery.
We provide a full suite of supporting skills and creative services which are delivered by a highly experienced team of professionals which incorporate the skills of the Chartered Designer, Chartered Marketer, Prince 2 Certified Project Manager, BCS Accredited Tester and Microsoft and Umbraco Certified Developer.
We design and build integrated e-commerce and bespoke software solutions which place the user at the centre of our thinking at all times. We use Microsoft's ASP.net and SQL server framework and the leading Umbraco content management system. We are Umbraco Certified Partners.
We help organisations of all types communicate their brand messages consistently across appropriate channels.
We believe creative thinking provides the spark that breathes life into any design be it for paper or screen - to get it noticed, to grab attention, to make it stand out from the crowd and to help solve problems through lateral thought and innovation.
We know what we want from our online presence and bd2 know how to do it.
Commercial Director
An agency that knows what they're talking about and listens to what you're talking about.
Managing Director
Saturn Visual Solutions
We are used to dealing with leading London agencies so we were genuinely surprised to find a local agency with such a high level of creativity right on our doorstep.
Marketing Director
We wanted an EPOS system that could be customer facing, that should be as easy to use as a website and of course as beautiful as a website. That look and feel was important.
bd2 and I have done amazing, great business together with real insight. The projects completed for HP are brilliant, high quality and innovative. bd2 - highly regarded and recommended.
Cloud Practice Director
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
It's not just a design agency - we brainstorm projects and work out strategies together way before the design stage.
Chief Executive Chairman
We've been delighted with the partnership with bd2. The team has consistently exceeded our expectations.
Potters Vifor
We would like to say a huge thank you for all your support. Everyone at bd2 has been lovely and we really appreciate that. People like yourselves are what made a difference to the testimonial and made it such a fabulous success.
Michael McIlorumWigan Warriors RL MMC9 Testimonial 2017
bd2 impressed me with their professional approach and highly developed methodologies. I've had a really positive experience and get a sense that we'll work in partnership for years to come
Dr Warren LarkinDirector Warren Larkin AssociatesClinical Lead for Department of Health - Adverse Childhood Experiences ProgrammeVisiting Professor University of SunderlandConsultant Clinical Psychologist
bd2 has been delivering commercially successful projects since 1998, building invaluable experience and a global client base, to become a leading independent digital agency.
bd2 was established as a limited company by Will Bentley back in 1998. The business has evolved from those early days of the internet, gaining experience by trading through the dotcom boom and bust, and by learning from delivering ever-more complex projects, into a leading independent digital creative agency.
Will, a designer by profession, strategically built a team of 'best of breed' professionals. Each individual bringing their own complimentary skill-set - from design and marketing, to software development and project management - and their experience.
All working within bd2's processes and infrastructure which are focused on delivering results and have, most importantly, built the client relationships that define bd2 today.
bd2 now supports businesses of all shapes and sizes from local, regional and national onto global companies including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, one of the world's largest software companies.
It is the agile approach to customer support that allows the team to deliver one-off design, development and marketing communications projects through to large scale bespoke software implementations all from our own studios close to the centre of Wigan.
Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make, but the stories you tell. Video is one of the most powerful ways to tell those stories online and it's become an expected component of a website.
When we started building websites back in the late 90s, we had to keep images small because of the limitations of dial-up download speeds. As technology has advanced - specifically through widespread high-speed connectivity with superfast broadband, virtually ubiquitous wi-fi and 4G – the web has progressed from text and image to moving image and video. This has driven the internet's transition from an information based media, to a more experiential one with many websites now delivering full screen streaming video.
Whether it's on Snapchat, Periscope, Youtube or Facebook we're all now consuming video online as it delivers a more immersive and involving user experience. The value of the medium has been recognsied by the big internet players for some time as evidenced by Google's acquisition of Youtube back in 2006. Chris Dixon, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, sums up the shift: "Expect video to get embedded into almost every internet service, similar to how the internet transitioned from text-heavy to image-heavy services in the last decade."
Because video is playing an increasingly important role in the sites we create at bd2, we made the strategic decision to bring all production in-house. This allows us to be responsive, cost-effective and, by delivering the whole process from filming to editing ourselves, we control quality. We add further value by ensuring consistency of message, tone and style to align with a client's overall brand, digital and marketing strategies. From a simple 'talking head' presentation, instructional video, case study or company promo, video is often more engaging than text and image as it really brings the subject matter to life by delivering a more immersive user experience.
We're always looking for people with the right abilities, skill-set and attitude to further develop our business - in fact we've often recruited when we haven't been recruiting because we recognised these abilities.
We believe that our high staff retention levels reflect real job satisfaction made possible by a combination of the working environment, the variety and challenges of the work we undertake and the excellent rewards and benefits we offer. We have dedicated development and design studios, free parking and a central location - which is just a 10 minute walk from Wigan town centre and its mainline rail station.
There's no such thing as a free lunch - except at bd2 as lunch is included for staff. It's a tax free perk which saves £££s, we have a box of fresh fruit delivered from the local market every week - just help yourself and bean-to-cup coffee machines for real, fresh coffees.
Our people are the most important part of the business so we offer a private health package and a company pension scheme.
We take a very flexible approach to the working day and are happy to adapt to meet anyone's needs.
We also provide structured training and mentoring support. We're into government voucher schemes, including childcare vouchers and the cycle to work scheme, [we have a shower installed] as they're really tax efficient and very helpful!
As well as random social events, such as a summer BBQ in the car park and Christmas cocktail bar, we all go out to a local restaurant once a quarter for a company lunch. We shut the offices for the whole festive period, gift some free holidays and take everyone away for a weekend.
Finally, we have a completely open recruitment policy and are interested in talking to the right people regardless of race, religion, colour, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, age and the football team you may support – yes, even Manchester United.
If all this sounds interesting, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com
We aim to make a positive contribution to society, to our community and to encourage the links between industry and academia.
We try to make a positive contribution to our community and to society in the best ways we can and believe we add most value by contributing our skills and services. To that end, we have provided work for charities such as The Bread and Butter Thing, Hope for Children, Joining Jack, Wigan Youth Zone and The Wigan 10k all on a pro bono basis.
For example, we donated our time and resources to create the brand, website, digital and viral marketing campaigns for the Joining Jack charity. This work helped raise awareness of the charity supporting them as they gathered a million pounds worth of donations in around 12 months - from a standing start and with no budget.
We're passionate about the link between academia and industry as we recognise that the next generation of designers and developers need to be skilled appropriately.
We try to take all the opportunities we can to make a positive contribution to education so have provided placements for students, under graduates and graduates which has led to several full-time appointments, both within bd2 and within the wider network of our suppliers and clients.
We have also contributed our time to support careers days, given talks and presentations in schools and colleges, set project briefs, delivered critiques, provided evaluation, sat on steering committees and generally supported education in any way we can.
We're always happy to hear from any organisations, charities and institutions which may benefit from our support.
Please contact email@example.com with some basic information and we'll let you know if and how we'd be able to help.
We'd love to keep you informed of our services and industry insights. We'll treat your details with the utmost care and will not pass them on to any other companies for marketing purposes. For information about how we handle your data, please read our privacy policy.
By ticking, you agree to bd2 communicating with you via your selected preference, and in accordance with our privacy policy.
3PL are third party logistics and supply chain management specialists. They provide outsourced fulfilment and logistics services along with a range of added value services from freight imports to Amazon prep. The company has focused on small to mid-sized e-commerce retailers who don't have in-house supply chain resources.
website development
The new platform we've developed for 3pl uses the umbraco cms and gives them a completely new level of flexibility as they can not only change content, such as text and images, they have control over the layout, colours, graphics and images used within the templates and the tiles that make up the interface. The tile based Ui works very well within the responsive approach as content re-flows seamlessly on different devices.
Amspec are a leading design and build business with an in-house team of over 50 including interior designers, space planners, project managers and tradesman. The business has built a strong reputation over the last 15 years with high quality installs for clients including Bruntwood, the NHS, Mason Partners and Motor Range.
website development
The Amspec website is built on the Umbraco CMS which gives the client full control of all content. The site's Ui featues full screen video, large scrolling pages with jump links to each section and interactive infographics with layered content. The site incorporates a bespoke faceted search feature within its large projects section so users can filter on any combination of project type, size and sector.
TIMco is one of the UK's largest importers and wholesalers of screws, fixings, fasteners, nails and power tool accessories. Their customers are typically builders merchants and independent hardware retailers as well as larger trade clients. TIMco carries large stock levels and provides packing and logistical support to its customers from their offices and warehouses in Cheshire and their Irish depot.
A large scale B2B e-commerce implementation which integrates with TIMco's Sage X3 ERP system for stock and customer specific pricing data, Goldvision CRM for customer accounts and an Agility PIM server for product information and images. The site incorporates a host of sophisticated features including account management, quick shop, saved lists, account specific prices with quantity price breaks, filtered search and advanced search, to name just a few.
Universal Skills Group
Universal Skills Group are a leading provider of vocational courses and apprenticeships in areas such as gas fitting, electrical engineering and smart meter installation. Their unique training environment includes built training streets with houses, functioning appliances and various scenarios to give learners real world experience and knowledge.
The Universal Skills Group website is built on the Umbraco CMS platform which gives the client control over all content. The site's Ui features full screen video on the home page and large scrolling pages broken into sections for each subject matter area. One of the key features of the site is a bespoke course booking tool which allows users to search by sector, course or date within a calendar that clicks through to course details and booking.
Part of the £120 Million turnover Senator Group, the UK's largest office furniture manufacturer, Allermuir manufactures design-led furniture for office, leisure and hospitality environments. We have worked with Senator for over 15 years to develop numerous digital solutions.
Working closely with Senator's design team and the business owners, we have developed a new site for their audiences of architects, interior designers and specifiers. the site is fully mobile adaptive and is built using Umbraco, the leading content management system.
L.G. Harris
Founded in 1928, Harris is a world class manufacturer of decorating products. The company was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1961 and in 2016 the business was acquired by Norwegian consumer giants Orkla.
Website Development
As well as leading multiples, such as B&Q who have specific procurement systems for suppliers, L.G. Harris also supplies independent retailers. bd2 has developed an online ordering portal for these customers which integrates with their Sage 1000 system for orders, customer specific prices and accounts.
Established in 1798, Boodles is an iconic British brand which designs, manufactures and retails fine jewellery through its network of boutiques in prestigious locations including Harrods, The Savoy and Bond Street.
EPOS solution
Working with our technology partners Datel, we have designed and developed a bespoke EPOS solution using Microsoft Surface devices. The solution gives access to all products, including bespoke items, across all stores. The system manages transfers, sales and customer accounts and integrates with a new Sage X3 ERP solution.
Crewsaver is recognised as one of the foremost suppliers of lifejackets and dinghy sailing equipment in the world and is a market leader in the marine safety sector. Crewsaver is part of the global Survitec Group which employs over 1000 people in 45 locations.
We have developed and supported Crewsaver's UK website for several years and recently been commissioned to build versions for the Australian and US markets. The site houses a full product catalogue which is content managed and integrates with their IFS ERP solution.
Datel is the UK's largest Sage Business Partner specialising in Sage ERP software. They have also developed a suite of APIs branded as 'Fusion' which extend the functionality of Sage systems. Datel has been a bd2 client for 17 years.
Following a detailed rebrand process, also undertaken by bd2, we have designed a new corporate site for Datel based on the new branded approach. The site uses an Umbraco CMS, includes many sophisticated UI features and is fully mobile adaptive.
Milliken - Hediger Garatex AG
US based Milliken is the world's largest privately owned textile and chemicals company with revenues in excess of $3 Billion. Milliken Carpet Europe manufactures high quality modular carpet for commercial applications and has been a bd2 client since 1999. Hediger Garatex are Milliken's Swiss distributor.
Milliken commisioned bd2 to design and develop a new website for their distributor in Switzerland. The site is fully mobile adaptive and features full screen images.
Ralawise are a leading global distributor of clothing, apparel and consumable products supplying the garment decoration and promotions industry. They hold over 5 million items in stock across 100 brands.
bd2 has developed Ralawise's e-commerce solutions since it first launched a site in 2004 to the current site which handles transactions of over £1.5 Million a week. The site integrates with their Sage Line 500 ERP solution to provide live stock data, online ordering, 'manage your account' facility for customers and customer specific pricing.
Survitec Group
With over 3000 employees in 45 countries and revenues in excess of £400M, Survitec is a worldwide leader in marine, offshore, defence and aerospace survival technologies.
A large and complex site based on the Umbraco CMS is navigable by territory first, as the group offers numerous brands and services to specific markets. A wealth of product and corporate information is provided within an intuitive user interface.
Universal Skills Group
Universal Skills Group are a leading provider of vocational courses and apprenticeships in areas such as gas fitting, electrical engineering and smart meter installation. Their unique training environment includes built training streets with houses, functioning appliances and various scenarios to give learners real world experience and knowledge.
We developed a new brand identify for Universal Skills Group, which was the new name for the business following a merger of two training companies. The identity conveys a sense of the building blocks that the training programs they deliver to develop individual careers, and of the classroom group. The brand has been successfully rolled-out across all marcomms, a new website also developed by bd2 and has been captured within a brand guidelines document. A colour coding scheme has been created for the different companies within the group.
Warren Larkin Associates
Dr Warren Larkin is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, visiting Professor at Sunderland University and the Clinical Lead for the Department of Health Adverse Childhood Experiences. Warren was a Clinical Network Director in Lancashire NHS with a budget of around £50M and a workforce of around 1300 staff.
brand development
When Warren decided to set up his consultancy to focus on the REACH program, We helped him by developing a new brand identity, which is based conceptually on connecting people. The brand has been rolled-out across all marcomms, a comprehensive Powerpoint slide deck and a new Umbraco CMS website.
Bespoke Healthcare
Bespoke Healthcare began by providing specialist neurophysiology monitoring services predominantly to the NHS, and then to leading private hospitals. The business has grown into a group of companies focused on specific healthcare areas including respiratory care, spinal care and physiotherapy. The business has also expanded into cosmetics delivered from its own private hospital.
During the business's growth, the Bespoke brand had become disjointed with separate identities for each company all with different styles. We developed a new brand which consolidated the businesses within the group under one brand style, which provides a consistent identity and adds cumulative value to the overall Bespoke Group. A comprehensive strategic exercise was undertaken to help rationalise the brand, develop the brand values and company ethos before designing and rolling out the brand across all marcomms and developing a brand guidelines document to capture and protect the brand.
Sherrington's Leisure
A new bar offering a premium range of craft beers and gins sourced from the UK's leading independent breweries and distilleries.
brand development and interior design
The brand harks back to the building's days as a hardware shop named 'Sherrington's'. This provides the theme for the brand identity which has a distinctly retro feel in terms of the graphics with a custom drawn font and a shop sign badge device. The interiors, inspired by the bars of Manchester's Northern Quarter, are industrial with exposed brick, steel beams and re-purposed packaging to extend the overall theme.
Network Space
With a property portfolio of over 2.3M sq ft, Network Space is one of the North West's leading property developers specialising in industrial and office premises, it is part of the Langtree group of businesses and was recently ranked as the number one SME in an Insider North West poll.
bd2 was approached by Langtree to re-brand their commercial property division as Network Space. The new logo uses dynamic shapes to suggest 3 dimensional spaces, structures, connections, direction and expansion.
Following a detailed review process incorporating sector and stakeholder research and workshops with the leadership team we helped the company devise a new brand strategy. A roll-out program included modified logo, secondary language, strapline, marcomms and brand guidelines.
Hewlett Packard/Ericsson
HP are one of the world's largest technology businesses with revenues in excess of $100 Billion. Their Enterprise Services division provide outsourced IT services to Ericsson within a $1.8 Billion 5 year contract. bd2 worked directly with the account management team in Sweden and has been an approved supplier to HP since 2009.
account handbook
The design, copywriting, rationalisation and creation of content, art direction of photography and production project management of the account handbook. Over 80 pages of content in tabbed sections are housed in a binder with magnetic clasp closure. The document outlines service delivery goals, relationship management and hierarchies.
Wigan Youth Zone
Wigan Youth Zone is Europe's largest and houses a sports arena with climbing wall, basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches, dance studio, gym, media room, recording studio, cafeteria and mentoring rooms all manned by a staff of 50 to support for the town's teenagers. bd2 is a patron.
bd2 undertook an in-depth process with stakeholders and users to identify a set of brand values and to research target audience influences before developing a new marque which is based on letterforms from the initials to suggest dynamic direction, positivity and connectivity.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services
HP are one of the world's largest technology businesses with revenues in excess of $100 Billion. Their devops team based in Newcastle develops and manages IT solutions such as the Universal Credit platform for the DWP. bd2 has been an approved supplier to HP since 2009.
devops marketing
bd2 carried out a consultancy exercise to rationalise the key messages for the devops offering distilling them into 5 key attributes. We have then developed a strategy, sub brand, marketing collateral, a corporate video and advertisements to promote the service with HP, to government departments and other potential clients.
Parker Colby provide specialist 'After The Event' insurance services to personal injury solicitors. They took the strategic decision to rebrand following regulatory changes in the personal injury legal process.
brand development
bd2 was approached by Parker Colby to develop a brand for a new service including name origination. The chosen concept uses Amber as a metaphor for insurance products and has been rolled out across all marketing communications and their online presence.
Milliken Carpet Europe is a division of US based Milliken Group, one of the world's largest, privately owned, textile and chemical manufacturers. The company has over 35 facilities across the world and over 7,000 employees.
Dreamscapes, a range of modular flooring for the hotel market, is just one of the many branding projects we delivered for Milliken over a 12 year period. The brand was rolled out across literature, product presentation cases, direct mail, advertisements and a microsite.
Joining Jack
Andrew and Alex Johnson decided to launch a charity following the diagnosis of their son Jack with the incurable disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The charity's aim is to raise funds to supported research into finding a cure.
brand development and marketing campaign
bd2 has support the charity by developing the brand, marketing materials and strategies. Campaigns have included the 'JJ' salute of linked fingers which has swept through the sporting world and a successful viral video campaign. From a standing start and with no budget, the charity raised £1M in its first year.


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Supernatural Sisters Presents...Richard Speight, Jr!
After his tremendous performance in "Changing Channels," I contacted Richard Speight, Jr.'s manager to ask for an interview. A fan favorite and definitely my favorite Supernatural guest star, Richard is gracious, intelligent and funny. So without further ado...
Richard, thank you for agreeing to do this interview for the Supernatural Sisters! First, let me join the cacophony of praise for your performance in "Changing Channels." The show keeps telling us angels don't feel emotion, but Gabriel's pretty torn up over his family's situation, and you portrayed it beautifully.
Thanks a lot. That's nice of you to say.
So, what was it like going back to the show? What did you think when they asked you back, and when you saw the script? Did you have any inkling at the time of your past appearances that there would be a revelation of such magnitude about your character?
I was thrilled to be asked back. I had no idea I'd be a part of such a big revelation until I read the script. I was blown away. I thought the "Changing Channels" script was outstanding. And it gave me some fantastic turns to make as an actor – which is rare when you're guesting on a show.
This revelation seems to open up greater possibilities for a return, maybe for the expected big showdown at the end of the season. Is there anything you can say about that, or any thoughts you might have?
Here is some fascinating inside information: I have no idea. Seems I'm always the last to know if/when I'm going to be on the show and what exactly I'll be doing. Even some of the fans find out before I do. I need to get a better agent. (Just kidding, Sheree).
What have you been working on between your Supernatural appearances? What can we look forward to seeing you in? (Especially, do you have any pending TV appearances?)
I just completed shooting what should be a funny scene in an otherwise very dark film called "Crave." And I am a recurring character in the upcoming Showtime series "Look" set to air in early 2010.
I had the great pleasure of meeting you at the Salute to Supernatural in New Jersey earlier this year. If my memory is correct, you said that of all the things you do (writing, acting, music), you like writing best. Does writing take a back seat because you've been so successful with acting? What are you writing now (if you don't mind telling us)?
I do write a lot and I love it. I have a few projects in development right now. I don't like to discuss them in detail because so much can go wrong before a project goes into full production. I don't want to jinx it, nor do I want to look like a goon by talking about something like it's a sure thing only to have it collapse. As of now, acting is what pays the bills. Eventually, I hope acting and writing split that duty.
You've talked about how you got your start in show business as a dancer. Do you still do any tap or ballet? How about performing with the/a band?
Good news for the dancing community – I don't dance anymore. I stopped tapping when I was around 13. Truth is I wish I'd stuck with it. I love to watch great dancers, especially tap. If I had stayed with it, I'd probably be pretty decent by now.
I don't perform with a band regularly anymore. I don't want my weekends taken up playing music and not playing with my kids. I still play guitar for them all the time, though. There are the rare occasions when I get to play with a band. For example, the TV show "Life" had a band made up of Damian Lewis (the lead actor and an old friend from "Band of Brothers") and some crew folks. They were playing a few songs in a bar in Culver City and needed someone to sit in on lead guitar, so Damian asked me. That was a blast. I was hoping to play with them again, but "Life" got canceled and Damian moved back to England. So much for rock stardom.
Preference: Movies or TV? Why?
Movies – although TV has gotten significantly better over the last ten years. Why Movies? I like watching one story – from beginning to end – in one sitting. I don't watch enough TV to be able to enjoy shows with long arcs. It means I miss out on some good stuff, but that kind of TV just doesn't fit my lifestyle right now.
For your (arguably) three highest-profile roles (Trickster/Gabriel on Supernatural, Bill on Jericho, Skip on Band of Brothers), what is the biggest element each has brought to your life and career?
"Supernatural" has brought me a relationship with fans unlike anything I've ever experienced. The cons, on line… even this interview – all things completely foreign to me until I worked on "Supernatural." I love the reception my characters get. Actors work in a bubble. You shoot, you go home, you watch it or not, you go on to the next gig. The ongoing experience my role on this show is creating for me is amazing. I love it.
"Band of Brothers" brought me some of my closest friends in LA. More importantly, it instilled in me a greater appreciation of what it means to be free, to be an American, and to be a man. I hope I can impart a fraction of what I've learned from "Band of Brothers" to my sons.
"Jericho" made me realize that no matter how hard I try, I look like crap in a tan Deputy Sheriff's uniform.
You do regular updates on your Facebook page, and get tons of comments on your Wall there. Social networking gives fans unprecedented access to our favorite celebrities--we see that as a good thing. What's it like from a celebrity/working actor perspective, and do you think it's good, bad, or a mix?
I think it is awesome. For years, I had a website where fans could check out my stuff and post comments. But it wasn't like Facebook. On my Fan Page, I can chat with folks, comment on stuff – I feel like I am a part of the dialogue. And I'm able to answer fan questions in a timely fashion. I really enjoy being able to do that. The fact that I have "fans" trips me out. I feel like if someone takes the time to join my page and post something, then I need to read it/look at it/answer it. It is the least I can do.
By the way, anyone wishing to visit my Facebook Fan Page, it is listed as Richard Speight Jr.
Before last week's episode, your appearances on Supernatural were limited in terms of screen time. Yet the impact is pretty powerful, considering it's drawn you to live appearances all over the country well after the episodes originally aired. Is this insane, or gratifying?
Insanely gratifying.
Speaking of conventions...can we hope to see you at any over the next year? Like, say, oh, maybe Parsippany, New Jersey, in July?
I certainly hope so. I had great time in New Jersey last year. If I am invited and it works out with scheduling, etc., I'll be there.
And for a touch of silliness:
Would you survive the Zombpocalypse? Why or why not?
Yes I would. I'm pretty pale, so they'd think I was already dead and leave me alone.
Soda or pop?
Neither. I'm from the South. We call everything "Coke."
Typical conversation heard at a restaurant in the South:
You thirsty?
Wanna Coke?
What kind?
Got it.
Y'all or you guys?
"You guys." Not all Southerners say "Y'all." But we do all say "Coke."
Favorite NFL team? (In anticipation of your answer, this Patriots fan would like to offer an apology for 10/18. If I'm anticipating incorrectly...never mind.)
No apology necessary. I don't really care about the NFL. If I had to answer, I'd say the New Orleans Saints because of Reggie Bush. Truth is, I only watch college ball. I'm a big fan of the USC Trojans – and a proud alumnus. Fight on!
Chips or fries?
Broccoli or Brussels sprouts?
Both – diced up and crammed into a casserole.
Most recent book you read:
I'm just about done with Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey. Great book.
Most recent TV show that you got hooked on:
Ironically, "Supernatural." I watched a bunch of recent episodes on DVD to prepare for "Changing Channels." It's a damn good show! Now I TiVo it. I'm a little behind, but I've got 'em saved.
Most fervent hope for the future (that you're willing to share with strangers):
A strong health care plan with a public option that covers all Americans and doesn't add to the deficit.
Thank you so much, Richard, for doing this interview! I hope it wasn't torturous, and we look forward to seeing you on our screens for a long, long time to come.
Are you kidding? It was my pleasure!

subset: commoncrawl


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Hofer family
Hofer is a Hutterite family name of wide ramifications. The Hofers originated in Carinthia, Austria. Because they were staunch Lutherans, they were exiled by Empress Maria Theresa to Transylvania in 1755. Johannes Hofer of St. Peter, together with his wife, five sons, and two daughters settled in Transylvania. There is also record of two brothers, Matthias and Michael Hofer, who left their parents and a brother and joined the transmigrants. These Hofers were strong characters, unafraid to oppose the authorities whenever demands were made impinging upon their freedom of conscience. The result, already in 1756, almost from the beginning of their settlement in Hermannstadt, Transylvania, was conflict and jail. Michael died in Hermannstadt in 1757. Matthias spent a total of 16 years (1756-1772) in this jail, composing there 30 hymns and many Biblical tracts. In the meantime the entire community in Transylvania had migrated to the Ukraine, where Matthias eventually rejoined it. Unfortunately, he was very headstrong and a man of strange ideas. Although he was highly regarded for his straightforwardness and profound familiarity with the Scriptures, he soon became a thorn in the flesh of the brotherhood, requiring midnight prayers, forbidding singing while at work, refusing to greet anybody who was not a brother, etc. Eventually he had no choice but to leave his family and the community. He wandered to Prussia, where he visited the Mennonite Elder Gerhard Wiebe of Ellerwald; Johannes Waldner in the Klein-Geschichtbuch says that in this way the contact with the Prussian Mennonites was established. Matthias then went on to Hamburg, perhaps with the intention of going to Pennsylvania, but he had no money, and returned again to Prussia, where he died among Mennonites in 1786.
Of the five sons of Johannes, the eldest son, Johannes, is also described as a headstrong man with queer ideas. In 1784, when peace could not be achieved in the colony in Vyshenka, Ukraine, he, too, left the community and went first to Sobotište, and then to Silesia. Here he proposed to the authorities the establishment of a new Bruderhof, which was welcomed. But he did not find followers, and the brethren in the Ukraine did not want to have any dealing with him. Thus he failed and soon after disappeared. The brethren heard nothing more from him.
The other Hofer sons, Michael (d. 1793), Christian (d. 1802), Paul (d. 1790), and Jacob (d. 1811), were highly regarded among their brethren, although none of them had a leading position. In the second generation of this family was Jacob Hofer, who together with Michael Waldner re-established the practice of community of goods in Hutterdorf, Southern Ukraine, in 1859; this group of Hutterites came to be known as the Schmiede Leut. One year later, in 1860, Darius Walter, a preacher, established another Bruderhof in Huttertal, where community of goods was again established anew, after it had been discontinued in Russia for over 40 years; this Bruderhof was the origin of the group called the Darius Leut. The preacher Jörg Hofer was among the first to join this new group. In 1864 more such colonies were established with David and Peter Hofer among the constituents. David died in 1868; Peter came to North America with all the other brethren.
The Chronicle tells a sad story about the family of this Peter Hofer. Three sons, David, Josef, and Michael, were called to serve as United States soldiers during World War I. They refused to compromise, and since adequate provisions for CO's did not exist, they were sent first to the ill-famed federal prison at Alcatraz, CA, and then to the no less ill-famed prison at Leavenworth, KS. There they were submitted to nearly unbelievably cruel treatment; Josef and Michael died there in 1918, while David survived.
As of 1956, Hofers were found on many Bruderhofs in Alberta and Montana, many in leading positions. One preacher, David Hofer, traveled to Europe with Michael Waldner in 1937-1938 to assist the New Hutterites (Arnold Leut) in their emigration from Germany, and also to visit the old places of their ancestors. David Hofer kept a travel report which describes the fascinating details of this trip. One Hofer family separated and started a small brotherhood of their own, called "The Hutterian Fellowship," in Brocket, Alberta. A number of Hofers moved away from the Hutterite community altogether and joined the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren; this group had one mission station in Chicago, of which D. M. Hofer was the pastor for many years. Other Hofers joined the General Conference Mennonite Church, in which there were several Hofer preachers in 1954.
One member of the family, Preacher Peter Hofer, wrote the story of the Hutterites, 1802-1877, in the Klein-Geschichtbuch, continuing the work of the original author, Johannes Waldner. Peter Hofer's work is, however, considered by some to be rather inadequate and merely annalistic.
Zieglschmid, A. J. F. Das Klein-Geschichtbuch der Hutterischen Brüder. Philadelphia, 1947.
|Robert Friedmann
|Date Published
Cite This Article
MLA style
Friedmann, Robert. "Hofer family." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1956. Web. 27 Oct 2020. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Hofer_family&oldid=119533.
APA style
Friedmann, Robert. (1956). Hofer family. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 27 October 2020, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Hofer_family&oldid=119533.
Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, pp. 776-777. All rights reserved.
©1996-2020 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.


text:
I installed Ubuntu 11.10 beta when it was released a couple of weeks ago. Everything is working fine.
Later I installed GNOME shell and then upgraded it from the gnome-shell testing ppa. I also installed and enabled all the gnome-shell-extensions available on the ppa. There is only one problem. When ever I switch to a theme which has a transparent gnome-shell menu I see nautilus menu behind it.
It only disappears when I quit nautilus. I don't know I to get rid of it so that I can use use themes like Nord and Malys properly.


text:
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text:
BOSTON (AP) — Paul Pierce scored 25 of his season-high 40 points in the second half, carrying the BostonCeltics to a 103-91 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Pierce made 10 of 11 shots from the floor after halftime, hitting his first eight — including his initial three 3-point attempts. He finished 13 of 16 from the field.
Rajon Rondo added 20 points and eight assists for the Celtics, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Jason Terry had 15 points and Kevin Garnett 12.
Kyrie Irving paced Cleveland with 22 points.
Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao, the league's leading rebounder, missed the game with a bruised right knee after he was hurt in Tuesday's home loss to Toronto. Tyler Zeller got his first career start and had 20 points for Cleveland.
The Cavaliers lost their fifth straight and fell to 2-14 on the road.
Boston pushed the lead to 80-60 late in the third quarter, but the Cavaliers went on a 20-2 run spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth, closing to 82-80 on Zeller's three-point play 3 minutes into the final quarter.
Rondo's long jumper then started a game-breaking 14-4 run. Pierce, who nailed two jumpers and two free throws in the spurt, finally missed his first shot of the second half — a 3-point attempt from the top with 6:15 to play — after going 8 for 8 from the floor.
Pierce's fadeaway in the lane made it 96-84 with 3:59 remaining.
The Celtics held an eight-point lead at the half and used an offensive outburst by Pierce to open their 20-point advantage. The team captain scored Boston's initial five points, nailing a 3-pointer to make it 59-51 early in the quarter. After the teams traded baskets, Pierce scored all of the points in a 12-2 run over the ensuing 3:37, capping it with consecutive 3s from nearly the same spot on the left wing 63 seconds apart to make it 75-57.
Following two free throws by Cleveland's Tristan Thompson, Jason Terry nailed a 3 from the right corner, pushing Boston ahead 78-59 with 4:18 left in the quarter. Terry's jumper made it 80-60 with 3:33 left. Pierce, who was replaced with just under 4 minutes left in the quarter and left to a loud ovation, went 7 for 7 from the floor in the quarter.
After Pierce and Garnett went to the bench, Cleveland scored 12 of the final 14 points in the third, pulling to 82-72 heading into the fourth. Irving scored the final seven points of the quarter.
Boston led 27-25 after one and used an 8-0 run midway in the second en route to its 54-46 edge at halftime. Pierce nailed a 3 and hit two free throws in the run.
In the first half, the Celtics made 10 more free throws in 15 extra chances.
NOTES: Zeller was without a face mask for the first time since breaking his cheekbone in early November. … Boston coach Doc Rivers changed his starting lineup and inserted G Terry and F Jason Collins. Rivers said he wanted to get Terry in the starting lineup because "he needs to be on the floor with a point guard that can get him the ball." Terry had just two shots in Boston's loss at Chicago on Tuesday night, but hit a 3 on his first attempt early in the game. Rivers wanted Collins in there to limit Garnett from playing center the entire time he was on the floor. … The Celtics held a moment of silence before the National Anthem and showed all the names on the Jumbotron to remember the victims at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. … The Celtics didn't get home from Tuesday night's game in Chicago until about 2 P.M. due to mechanical problems with their plane. … Cleveland's only two road wins came in November, against the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta.
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New Volkswagen Passat R36
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text:
Hostess bakery in Seattle to close
The Hostess bakery in Seattle – a plant that has operated here for more than seven decades and that is known for treats including Twinkies and Ding Dongs - will close along with two other Hostess bakeries following a nationwide strike by its bakers union.
Hostess Brands Inc., based in Irving, Texas, operates 36 bakeries nationwide and has about 18,300 employees. It warned earlier this month that the strike, by about 30 percent of its workforce, could lead to bakery closures. The Seattle factory at 434 Dexter Ave. N. employs 110 people.
The Seattle Hostess building was built by another company more than 100 years ago, but the exact date is hard to pin down. The current property record says the building was constructed in 1900. But a 1905 parcel map shows the building wasn't there yet, and an assessment at the state archives indicates it was built years later.
Part of the property was sold by the Dexter Horton company in 1906 and by 1916 the site was home to Three Girls Bakery. The building was renovated in 1928, state archive records show.
Historic pictures of the Seattle plant known for Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Wonder Bread are shown above.
"We deeply regret this decision, but we have repeatedly explained that we will close facilities that are no longer able to produce and deliver products because of a work stoppage - and that we will close the entire company if widespread strikes cripple our business," Hostess Brands CEO Gregory F. Rayburn told The Associated Press.
Thousands of members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union went on strike last Friday to protest cuts to wages and benefits under a new contract offer, which the union rejected in September. Union officials say the company stopped contributing to workers' pensions last year.
The Hostess company goes back to 1930 in Kansas City, and the Seattle plant was operating at the Dexter location in that decade. By September 2004, Interstate Bakeries ran the company but filed for bankruptcy and it was renamed Hostess Brands Inc. in 2009. Earlier this year, Hostess Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Information from The Associated Press and Seattle Room librarian John LaMont is included in this report. Casey McNerthney can be reached at 206-448-8220 or at email@example.com. Follow Casey on Twitter at twitter.com/mcnerthney.


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We are making a new guide for good social sites 2011.
On this website you can see what social sites are trendy right now, and also read great tips on what social sites you must join.
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If you're looking more for casual dating sites for singles where you can be social and date online, then these can be helpful:
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I have a desktop PC with a pretty small hard drive. I bought an external hard drive with 500GB of space and now use that for all of my pictures, music, etc. Its almost full.
I am now in the process of buying a laptop and I am considering an Apple laptop. The one issue I have is trying to figure out how I would access all of my content that I mentioned above.


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Back when I was still extremely large and pregnant with my son, I started craving sangria. As you may know, sangria is an alcoholic beverage, and I am way too uptight to even take a sip of alcohol during pregnancy. I found a great substitution over at Heritage Schoolhouse.
I was pleasantly surprised at the taste of this punch. While not exactly a traditional sangria flavor (since there is no wine in it), it really did the trick of satisfying my craving. This is a perfect summer drink to enjoy at the end of a long day.
Sangria Punch
6 servings
maraschino cherries and juice
lemon slices
lime slices
orange slices
grape juice
ginger ale
1. Put cherries, juice, lemon, lime and orange slices in a pitcher. Let chill in the fridge for several hours.
To serve: Pour equal amounts of prepared punch and ginger ale over ice in a large glass.
Recipe from Heritage Schoolhouse


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text:
Last week at the Court in Plain English
The Court was in the news this week: In the forefront of everyone's mind, the big oral argument in the Wal-Mart v. Dukes case (more on that in a minute). But aside from Wal-Mart, the Court also issued opinions in two other cases (unanimously reversing the Ninth Circuit yet again) and dismissed one case as improvidently granted. Let's talk about them all.
First, if you are reading this entry, you are probably dying to discuss the Wal-Mart case. If you read or heard anything about this case this week, you probably heard a popular sound bite: the company is "too big" to be sued. If you think that sounds strange "" how can a company be too big to be sued? "" you are right. The issue in Wal-Mart is not that the company is too big, but that the class of plaintiffs may be.
Let me explain. Wal-Mart, as a giant company, employs a lot of people, many of them women. Many women who work at different Wal-Mart stores across the country have complained that Wal-Mart paid them less than men with similar qualifications and job responsibilities and failed to promote them at the same rate as men. In other words, they argue that Wal-Mart makes a company practice of gender discrimination.
Now, there are two possible ways that these women could sue. The first way would be for each individual woman to bring her own independent lawsuit. Of course, there are two significant problems with that approach: First, the courts could be overwhelmed with lawsuits, all making similar arguments; second, many women who work at Wal-Mart probably cannot afford to hire an attorney to sue a corporate giant with an in-house legal department and the funds to pay as many lawyers as necessary. Enter the class action, a legal device that would join all of the women together into one lawsuit brought by one set of lawyers who would eventually be paid out of any money that the women receives; after the lawyers are paid, the women would each get their share of the rest. One more detail you should know about "classes": any potential plaintiff is free to "opt out" of the class, meaning that she could choose to bring her own suit if she so desired.
So, what's the problem? Doesn't the class action seem like the obvious way to go for both sides? The women do not have to figure out how to make their own individual claims, and the company doesn't have to spend years defending against them all.
But here's the thing: Wal-Mart knows that if the case doesn't go forward as a class action, there is a good chance that it will never have to defend against most of the individual claims, for exactly the reasons we just discussed.
Wal-Mart's strategy, then? Try to convince the courts that the case is not appropriate for a class action and that therefore the class of women should not be "certified."
Here's the second thing you need to understand: Plaintiffs do not just get to decide that they want to form a class. There are legal requirements that govern when a class action is appropriate. Those rules give Wal-Mart ammunition, because the company can argue that the plaintiffs as a group do not meet those requirements. In this case, Wal-Mart's central argument is that class certification is not appropriate because the women's claims do not have enough in common.
Which brings us back around to where we started: Wal-Mart says that the class is too big, so big that it is impossible for all of the women in the class to have the same kinds of claims. Because a court, in deciding the class claim, would not be addressing each individual woman's damages head-on, each woman should bring her own case. The women disagree, saying that although they worked at different stores across the country, they suffered the same kinds of harms, harms that stemmed from corporate policy.
As you've probably read in the news, the oral argument did not seem to go well for the women plaintiffs. Several Justices asked questions that seemed designed to highlight the differences among the potential members of the class and their claims. While the Court probably will not issue its decision until sometime in June, it seems likely that it might hold that the women may not form one large class to bring their case (with several ways of reaching that decision, including the possibilities that the Court will say that no class action is appropriate under these circumstances or that several smaller classes are the way to go).
Meanwhile, the business world will be watching the case closely, as will lawyers who regularly represent plaintiffs in class actions. The Court's holding will have huge ramifications for the future of class actions, and each side therefore has a strong interest in how the case comes out.
Moving on to this week's opinions! Connick v. Thompson was the classic case in which the Justices were sharply divided on ideological lines: Justice Thomas wrote an opinion for the majority that was joined by the Chief Justice and Justices Kennedy, Scalia, and Alito; meanwhile, Justice Ginsburg felt so strongly about her dissent (which was joined by Justices Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan) that she read it from the bench, an action that a Justice will rarely take unless she is well and truly peeved by the majority's decision. Indeed, the facts of Connick are pretty upsetting and powerful: Thompson did not testify in his own defense at his murder trial because he was afraid that the prosecution would bring up an earlier conviction for armed robbery to try to make him look less believable. He was convicted of the murder, sentenced to death, and served seventeen years in prison, where he came very close to being executed. The catch? Prosecutors never told Thompson's lawyers that they had blood evidence that would have exonerated him from guilt in the armed robbery case. Had he not been convicted of armed robbery, he could have testified in his own defense in the murder case and possibly been found not guilty; in fact, after the blood evidence came to light, he was acquitted of the murder in a new trial.
So it is no surprise that Thompson and the dissenting Justices were upset with the majority's holding in Connick. Although the prosecutors should have given Thompson the blood evidence, the Court held, when misconduct by prosecutors leads to a wrongful conviction, the district attorney who supervises the prosecutors can only be held liable for his employee's actions if he was aware of a pattern of similar bad behavior in the office but still did not start a training program for prosecutors. But the dissenters disagreed emphatically, pointing to the fact that several prosecutors acted together to withhold the blood evidence from Thompson's lawyers. Connick should have been able to see that his office's failure to train prosecutors could have led to this kind of failure to follow the law, the dissenters contended, and Thompson should be allowed to recover damages for the harm he suffered "" including many years on death row and several near executions.
In the second of this week's opinions, the Court decided Astra USA, Inc. v. Santa Clara County, holding that health care centers that primarily serve the poor cannot sue drug companies for overcharging them. Only the Department of Health and Human Services, which has the contract with the drug companies in which the drug companies agree to limit the prices for the drugs that they sell to the health care centers, can bring a lawsuit. Probably the most significant item of note about this decision is that it continues an almost uninterrupted trend this Term of the Court reversing the Ninth Circuit unanimously.
Last but not least, this week, the Court "dismissed as improvidently granted" the case of Tolentino v. New York. In this case, like in most "DIGs," the Court did not reveal why it changed its mind about cert., but it happens every Term at least once or twice. A "DIG" generally occurs, however, because the Court realizes that it should not have granted cert. in a case, usually because the litigation in the lower courts did not proceed in a way that would have properly resulted in the case going to the Supreme Court (a so-called "procedural" problem). Therefore, the Court cannot properly decide it, and it dismisses the writ of certiorari, affirming the decision of the court below. While the Court is compelled to DIG if the case is not properly before it, the Justices may well regret the fact that they cannot decide the case, because the issue and the facts in the case interested them (something especially true in this case, in which the defendant claimed that because he had been illegally pulled over by the police, his identity and driving record that were obtained as the result of the stop should be excluded from evidence).
April is the last month for oral arguments at the Court; from April until late June, the Justices concentrate on writing opinions. For the next three months, then, the opinions will be coming down fast and furious "" and I'll explain them all in Plain English.
Recommended Citation: Lisa McElroy, Last week at the Court in Plain English, SCOTUSblog (Mar. 31, 2011, 3:40 PM), https://www.scotusblog.com/2011/03/last-week-at-the-court-in-plain-english-4/


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Feb 05
- Bucks Lose Heartbreaker in Utah 11:56pm
- High School Sports Schedule for Friday, February 5th 9:21am
- High School Sports Scores: Thursday, February 4th 8:33am Feb 04
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I'm trying to research the development of views of the Eucharist, and it's difficult because I continually find conflicting accounts of what the "first Christians" believed about its nature. From a study of Scripture and analysis of arguments, I believe I fall in line with an orthodox Reformed view that Christ's presence in the Eucharist is a real and present spiritual, but not physical, reality. I see it as a mystery that goes well beyond mere symbolism, but that does not involve any mystical changes in substance as believed by Catholic and (I believe) Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox.
My specific question is this: Does anyone really know what the early Christians believed regarding the nature of the elements? Did they all agree, or did they begin to debate and dissent very early? Did the church fathers differ on this issue? Most Catholic arguments I've read present the "real presence" as apostolic teaching that was universally accepted by Christians from the beginning. Most Protestant arguments obviously cite a different version of history. Both sides have armies of historians and professors to present the history, and frankly, I have no way of knowing whom to believe.
I understand the doctrine of Transubstantiation. I understand that it developed over the course of time, and became official doctrine in the middle ages. I also understand that it is based on Aristotelian reasoning about "substance" vs. "accidents" or "attributes." Did early Christians concern themselves about these sorts of philosophies? Did they see it as symbolic? Did they, as a Greek Orthodox site stated, "simply accept the present reality of Christ in the elements, and [we do not] make any attempt to explain the mystery."
Any knowledge you can give me will be appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to consider my question!
Thanks for your interesting email in which you say: "My specific question is this. Does anyone really know what the early Christians believed regarding the nature of the elements? Did they all agree, or did they begin to debate and dissent very early? Did the church fathers differ on this issue?"
I have in my library the 38 Volume edition of the Early Church Fathers and while I cannot claim to have read everything in these volumes I have read enough to be able to answer your three-part question. (1) In the writings of the early Church Fathers, which have been preserved, we do have some knowledge of what the early Christians believed regarding the elements of the Lord's Supper. (2) From these writings it is clear that they did not yet have complete agreement in their understanding. (3) And, therefore, there were differences in their way of speaking of the elements.
I cannot find any clearly defined affirmation of the doctrine of transubstantiation in the writings of the early church fathers. But neither can I claim that they had the clearly defined view that is set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith, which we believe to be an accurate summary of the teaching of the New Testament church, the "early Christians" before the "early church fathers."
Chapter XXIX
Of the Lord's Supper
I. Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed, instituted the sacrament of his body and blood, called the Lord's Supper, to be observed in his church, unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of himself in his death; the sealing all benefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, their further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto him; and, to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other, as members of his mystical body.
II. In this sacrament, Christ is not offered up to his Father; nor any real sacrifice made at all, for remission of sins of the quick or dead; but only a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all: and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God, for the same: so that the popish sacrifice of the mass (as they call it) is most abominably injurious to Christ's one, only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of his elect.
III. The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed his ministers to declare his word of institution to the people; to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to an holy use; and to take and break the bread, to take the cup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to the communicants; but to none who are not then present in the congregation.
IV. Private masses, or receiving this sacrament by a priest, or any other, alone; as likewise, the denial of the cup to the people, worshiping the elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about, for adoration, and the reserving them for any pretended religious use; are all contrary to the nature of this sacrament, and to the institution of Christ.
V. The outward elements in this sacrament, duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that, truly, yet sacramentally only, they are sometimes called by the name of the things they represent, to wit, the body and blood of Christ; albeit, in substance and nature, they still remain truly and only bread and wine, as they were before.
VI. That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ's body and blood (commonly called transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is repugnant, not to Scripture alone, but even to common sense, and reason; overthroweth the nature of the sacrament, and hath been, and is, the cause of manifold superstitions; yea, of gross idolatries.
VII. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements, in this sacrament, do then also, inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally but spiritually, receive, and feed upon, Christ crucified, and all benefits of his death: the body and blood of Christ being then, not corporally or carnally, in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet, as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses.
VIII. Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this sacrament; yet, they receive not the thing signified thereby; but, by their unworthy coming thereunto, are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, to their own damnation. Wherefore, all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with him, so are they unworthy of the Lord's table; and cannot, without great sin against Christ, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto.
Jesus promised to lead his church into all truth (John 16:13). But it is clear, from the entire history of the Church, that this was accomplished through a process of study, controversy, and trial. The results of this process have been the great creeds and confessions of the church, such as the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed (these three are often called the Ecumenical Creeds of early church history) and such Reformation creeds as the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Westminster Standards. These later creeds were an urgently needed answer to the growing body of doctrines in the Roman Catholic Church that were not in line with the Bible as the early ecumenical creeds were.
So, in the final analysis it is not possible to arrive at final answers by going back to the "church fathers." It is interesting to do this. But final answers can only be found in the inspired foundational writings of the apostles and prophets. In this way, alone, can we really decide which views are really in accord with the Scriptures.
In my own spiritual pilgrimage I've found no creeds to equal the Westminster Standards for comprehensive and faithful adherence to the Bible. May the Lord guide us both more fully into the truth of his Word!
"Questions and Answers" is a weekly feature of the OPC website. The answers come from individual ministers in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church expressing their own convictions and do not necessarily represent an "official" position of the Church, especially in areas where the Standards of the Church (the Scriptures and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms) are silent.
The questions come from individuals like yourself. If you have questions about biblical and theological matters, you are invited to send them by e-mail by using the "Pose a Question" link on the OPC home page or by clicking here.
At least one new question is posted each week, so there should always be something new here for you to read. (For those people who would like to look at previous questions and answers, they will continue to be available as well.)
The purpose of the OPC website's "Questions and Answers" is to respond to biblical and theological questions. Matters of church discipline, disputes, or debates go beyond the scope of our work. We recommend that you present your concerns in these areas to the appropriate judicatory. In most cases this will be to a local pastor, elder, or session. We do not want the website to replace personal involvement in, or commitment to, the local, visible church.
While we will respond to every serious questioner, we are not bound to give a substantive answer to every question, should we deem the question to be beyond the scope of our purpose or our own ability to answer.
You will receive an answer by e-mail. Please be patient as many of our respondents are busy pastors. The response to your question may take up to two (2) weeks. Some of the questions submitted will be chosen to be posted here, along with the corresponding answers.
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Gabriel Btesh
Gabriel Btesh Life
about me
Gabriel Btesh is a well-accomplished construction site owner who has revamped the economy of an entire country, almost by himself. After spending years focusing on his business Gabriel Btesh is now opening out about his secrets to help aspiring construction workers/owners to see that do make a difference.
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Btesh Construction
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I have been associated with Gabriel Btesh for 20 years and know him to be a trustworthy, ``go to`` kind of person. Along with business acumen, Btesh also possesses a high level of common sense. He is a safe bet with which to work.


text:
Search Constraints
You searched for: Author Golden, Nadine E. Remove constraint Author: Golden, Nadine E. Author Fugro Pelagos, Inc. Remove constraint Author: Fugro Pelagos, Inc. Subject Oceans Remove constraint Subject: Oceans Institution Stanford Remove constraint Institution: Stanford Place San Mateo County (Calif.) Remove constraint Place: San Mateo County (Calif.) Data type Line Remove constraint Data type: Line Year 2006 Remove constraint Year: 2006
Search Results
1. Contours (10m): Offshore of Half Moon Bay, California, 2007
2006. Seafloor Mapping Lab, Fugro Pelagos, Inc., Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, and Golden, Nadine E. This line shapefile contains bathymetric contours at 10-meter intervals for the offshore area of Half Moon Bay, California.In 2007, the California ... Geological Survey (U.S.).
2. Contours (10m): Offshore of San Gregorio, California, 2007
2006. Fugro Pelagos, Inc., Seafloor Mapping Lab, Bretz, Carrie K., Kvitek, Rikk G., Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Cochrane, Guy R., Dartnell, Peter, Johnson, Samuel Y., and Golden, Nadine E. This line shapefile contains bathymetric contours at 10 meter intervals for the offshore area of San Gregorio, California. This layer was generated... Geological Survey (U.S.).


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text:
You could say you are in a Master's Degree Program.
Or working toward earning a Master's degree in public relations.
Student or Learner
This placement caught my attention because I have always been very interested in the media and charity sectors and I am currently taking a masters degree in public relations specialised in not-for-profit organisations.
As a journalism graduate, I am familiar with the media environment. I worked as a reporter for a national French radio station (France Info) and a television channel in Paris (R.F.O.)
In addition to that, I developed a strong interest for the charity sector over the past years. I worked as a volunteer for Oxfam in London two years ago and I am now sponsoring a child who lives in Ghana as part of the international development agency Plan. I also studied
My journalism studies and my masters degree in Public Relations allowed me to acquire the communication skills necessary to carry out a campaign in order to reach a specific audience, and I believe these qualities are essential for someone who works in the charity sector.
The BBC is a well known corporation and its charity department carries out campaigns in diverse sectors such as environment, health, and education.
This work placement would benefit me because it would enable me to put my communication skills into practice and become familiar with diverse chariy sectors.
International development has always been part of my main interest. My first experience in international development agency dates back to 2005, when I volunteered in an Oxfam shop in London. During this period, I had to deal with the stock donated by the supporters and evaluate the price of the items donated. I got the opportunity to meet other volunteers and this experience made me feel like working in charity organisations, at a higher level.
In addition to that, I have been part of the international development agency Plan for two years. This organisation works in nearly fifty developing countries around the world. I am sponsoring a child who lives in Ghana and my donations support programmes that benefit him and his community. Being part of this association gave me the opportunity to examine the communication between the organisation and its donors through their monthly magazines and newsletters.
I am also a member of the World Wide Fund for Nature andI regularly take part to their actions because I feel very concerned in environmental issues.
I believe the BBC World Service Trust Website has a competitive advantage compared to other charity organisations because it provides information on the actions carried out in an entertaining way thanks to the media. The Watch listen and explore section of the website, which contains elements such as The condoms win in India video or The breastfeeding song for women in Cambioda, makes the website particularly attractive.
You could say you are in a Master's Degree Program.
Or working toward earning a Master's degree in public relations.
the last few years.
not-for profit organization - non-profit organization
I regularly take part to their actions - in their activities
because it provides information on the actions carried out in an entertaining way - activities/projects/campaigns
I got the opportunity - had
because I feel very concerned in environmental issues. - with/about
not a teacher
Last edited by tedtmc; 14-Jul-2008 at 15:51.
concerned about environmental issues


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text:
Grin and Barrick: News boss tackles learning curve
Ric Barrick sits in the hot seat– at 6 and 11.
It's not forecasting the weather in front of a blank "green screen" that's building pressure. He's had 15 years experience doing that.
Nor is it taking on the responsibilities of a TV station news director– he did that at his old station in Salisbury, Maryland.
The heat on Barrick? Getting a newscast together for two brand new stations while working out the kinks– on the air, in front of his hometown.
WCAV Channel 19 News quietly began broadcasting a month ago. "We kind of snuck on the air," he says. "The reason is we're just getting used to the equipment."
The CBS affiliate and its soon-to-follow ABC sister station, WVAV Channel 16, will be among the few "tapeless" stations in the country. Even a vet like Barrick needs to get used to state-of-the-art technology that allows him to draw on the green screen with his finger.
Right now, weather is less a concern for him. As news director for the still-under-construction stations in the Frank Ix building, "The challenge is trying to put out a good product with drilling going on in the background," he says.
Barrick is well aware that WVIR NBC29 has the home court advantage.
"They probably have us beat on contacts and quantity," he concedes. "We want to beat them on quality."
A typical day starts at 10am with a morning meeting with reporters. On the day the Salvation Army kicks off its kettle drive, Barrick urges the reporter covering it to be creative in telling a "deeper" story.
He leaves around noon for the gym and lunch, and is back around 2pm for the mid-afternoon meeting. Around 4:30 or 5, he finally forecasts the weather.
The 6pm broadcast is immediately followed by another meeting– "to correct things and get them right for the 11 o'clock newscast," says Barrick. By 1am, he's home and can call it a day.
What wakes him up in the middle of the night? "Thinking about the previous night's broadcast and how we could have done it better," he confesses.
Barrick acknowledges that when WCAV went on the air, "Things weren't 100 percent– and they're still not 100 percent."
But turning out a smooth newscast on a brand new station isn't something that happens overnight. "In six months, look at us and see how far we've come," he predicts.
As for mastering the learning curve under local scrutiny, Barrick is unfazed. "That will make me a better news director," he says. "I get a critique from my mom every day."
Age: Somewhere close to 40.
Why here? There is no place more beautiful, seriously. When I was restless and growing up here, I couldn't wait to get out, but now that I'm "somewhere close to 40," I can't think of any place I'd rather be. Plus, I can still sample my mom's home cooking with a short drive.
Worst about living here? Traffic (What happened while I was gone?) and the cost of a gym membership
Favorite hangout? Taking the dogs for a walk up the trail to Monticello. It's a great way to clear your mind.
Most overrated virtue? Patience
People would be surprised to know: Hopefully, that I'm "somewhere close to 40" but besides that, perhaps that I love to roller blade
What would you change about yourself? I'd like to create more time for myself so that I can read and volunteer more. Those are some goals for 2005.
Proudest accomplishment? Professionally, that I was able to do weather in Philadelphia for a year and not sink under the pressure. Personally, that I have turned out to be a very compassionate person.
People find most annoying about you: My staff would probably say that I'm not able to answer many questions without adding "I'm not sure, let me get back to you on that."
Whom do you admire? Anyone who's able to see the larger picture and act with the best interest of everyone affected, regardless of how that would influence them personally
Favorite book? Life's Little Instruction Book. My father should have written this long ago.
Subject that causes you to rant? Intolerant and self-righteous people who don't respect the opinions of others
Biggest 21st-century thrill? Wireless Internet– an amazing invention that boggles my mind
Biggest 21st-century creep out? Reality shows
What do you drive? A somewhat fuel-efficient SUV
In your car CD player right now: I'm an NPR or news radio freak, so the CD doesn't get much play. Perhaps Enya, but don't tell anyone.
Next journey? Contentment
Most trouble you've ever gotten in? I was involved in an unfortunate shaving-cream-on-a-front-door incident in high school. I was out on a date with the nicest girl in high school, and her mother had to come get her out of the Charlottesville police station. I will never forget the look she gave us all.
Regret: That I haven't mastered a second language
Favorite comfort food: Spudnuts. They melt in your mouth.
Always in your refrigerator: Diet Coke and something sweet
Must-see TV: CBS 19 News at 6 and 11. You were expecting something else?
Favorite cartoon: Anything Simpsons
Describe a perfect day: Anywhere outdoors on a warm, breezy September day surrounded by animals
Walter Mitty fantasy: Owning an island in the middle of the Caribbean with a lot of animals
Who'd play you in the movie? Homer Simpson, but I would settle for Colin Farrell.
Most embarrassing moment? I was doing weather in Washington and wearing a wireless microphone and had to go to the bathroom. You can fill in the blanks.
Best advice you ever got? Anything from my father. In my older age, it's all come true.
Favorite bumper sticker? God bless the rest of world too.


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Fish & Game applauds Landcorp environmental lead
Fish & Game has applauded the decision by the country's largest farming company to significantly scale back its plans to turn forests near Taupo into dairy farms.
The Government-owned farming company Landcorp has just announced it will drop its plan to convert thousands of hectares of forest north of Taupo into intensive dairy farms because of concerns about the impact the conversions will have on the environment.
Landcorp believes the change will reduce the risk of phosphate and sediment loss and bacterial contamination, along with a significant drop in nitrogen leaching from pasture.
It also expects to significantly improve profitability as a consequence.
Fish & Game is congratulating Landcorp for the decision, saying it is an environmentally responsible and future-focussed move.
Fish & Game chief executive Bryce Johnson says Landcorp is providing the dairy industry with the sort of leadership that needs to cascade across the rest of the sector.
"We are delighted with Landcorp's move. They have heeded the increasingly vocal public concern, listened to and analysed the scientific and economic evidence, and come to the conclusion there is a better way to farm this land which respects the wider public expectation of clean water.
"The reality is that the big jump in the number of dairy farms is putting increasingly unsustainable pressure on the environment.
"In the last five years in the Waikato alone, new dairy farms have seen an extra quarter of a million cows added to the region's pastures and that's degrading our waterways," says Mr Johnson.
Bryce Johnson believes Landcorp's move may well be the circuit breaker agriculture needs to change its present outdated farming practices which he says are increasingly out of step with consumers and the public.
"The current model isn't working and is accentuated by the crash in dairy pay-outs. It is time that the industry admitted "enough is enough" and called a halt to uncontrolled dairy farm expansion. Too many conversions are happening on marginal land in regions not suited to dairying. The public and the environment have been paying a very high price for that strategy and Fish & Game is naturally pleased that Landcorp has listened and acted decisively," Mr Johnson says.
Fish & Game hopes the rest of the agriculture industry and local government will follow Landcorp's lead.
"This ought to be a game changer for the industry. Landcorp is showing there is an alternative way of farming which is productive, profitable and puts the environment first. It is just plain good business sense to have a clean environment and sustainable, profitable farming," says Mr Johnson.
"Modern, progressive farmers understand that if they are to have a future, they must work within the natural environment, not against it.
"Environmentally sustainable farming would be a powerful marketing advantage internationally which the country could exploit for every New Zealander," says Mr Johnson.
"It is a brave move by Landcorp to set up an Environmental Reference Group comprised of some of the strongest critics of present practices. Today's outcome shows that collaboration at the industry level is an infinitely more progressive way to go than a mega-party high-level process that only provides 'recommendations' to government."
"Hopefully other primary industry sectors will learn from Landcorp's leadership," says Mr Johnson.
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text:
I'm a web developer with a keen interest in game development for the iOS platform. I develop mostly with Ruby for the day job but I have dabbled quite a bit with Java in the past, random world generators, platform games, space invaders etc, never anything serious though and only using Java2D.
It seems to be an extremely steep learning curve to get into iOS game development, so my question is where do I start?
I'm not particularly interested in 3D initially, top down / isometric would probably suit the first game I have in mind.
Can anyone recommend a good skills path to learn through, or any videos/tutorials or books to get? I realise this will take a while but I'm happy as long as I know I'm on the right track.
Thanks, Matt


text: Who needs on-site storage? On The Editor's Desk By Martha Entwistle Updated Wed November 28, 2007 Word's getting out today about Google's plan to offer storage as a service. Clearly, this is targeted first toward the consumer market, so people can have all-the-time/everywhere access to their photos and music, either to share with Grandma or hipster friends (wallet pics and iPods just don't cut it anymore, apparently). But it's also targeted toward the burgeoning online backup industry, which makes a hell of a lot of sense. The big question, of course, is how long it will be before everyone's storing just about everything in giant, hot-redundant storage farms, and whether the central station industry, for example, might want to get in on that as a service to provide both dealer customers and end users. If I'm an end user, why would I want to buy a bunch of RAID storage and have it sit in a closet when I could just store all my video off-site and access it through a web browser from anywhere in the world (not that I couldn't access it from anywhere anyway, it's just now I don't have to worry about my closet flooding)? Well, for one thing, off-site storage is still price prohibitive: As you can see, online storage is pricey. For instance, if you bought a Maxtor OneTouch 300GB external hard drive for $296, your one-time cost would be 99 cents per gigabyte. However, if you backed up just 2GB of data to IBackup, you'd pay $162 per gigabyte. Just think what 90 days of bank video from megapixel cameras would cost! But it's going to get cheaper soon: Even EMC Corp. has driven a stake into the hosted-storage landscape with its October agreement to buy start-up Berkeley Data Systems Inc. and its popular Mozy online backup business for $76 million. So, you might want to check out a service like that being provided by OzVision as a way of moving in that direction, if you're a central station. End users just want to look at video - they don't want to have to store and keep clean and safe a bunch of humming black boxes.