text:
Recently added item(s) ×
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Regular Price:
Special Price
Condition of shirt - Brand new, unworn example in original Adidas packaging with tags attached
Size - Small (EU-4)
Made by - Adidas
Players - Driussi, Ponzio, Mina, Alario, Maidana, Mayada
Player issue features - Size listed as number (only on kit room versions), Adizero logo on lower front, transfer material crest and Adidas logo, more breathable meshed material to back, lightweight material, P code on tag
Notes - Rare Adizero player issue home shirt as worn in the season when Los Millonarios celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the 1986 Argentina Primera División, Copa Libertadores, and Intercontinental Cup triple. However in this campaign the side could not match those achievements this year as they finished runners-up to bitter rivals Boca in the Primera División, but ensured qualification for the final stages of the Copa Libertadores after finishing top of their group
Classic Football Shirts Co Ltd 67 BroadwayHydeSK14 4QY, UK
Telephone:+44(0)161 2760828Email: email@example.com
VAT Number: 910564642 Company No: 05843042


text:
James Tate still banned from prom
SHELTON -- Despite mounting pressure from city officials, state lawmakers and thousands of supporters on social networking sites, Shelton High School Headmaster Beth Smith Thursday refused to reverse her decision banning senior James Tate from the June 4 senior prom.
Tate was suspended Tuesday and banned from the prom for posting a message Friday on the school building made with cut-out letters asking friend Sonali Rodrigues to be his date.
"I expected it," said Tate of Smith's refusal to reconsider her decision. "I feel like at this point the school had nothing to gain from giving in, but I'm disappointed."
Tate also said he agreed "100 percent" with Mayor Mark A. Lauretti's statement that the punishment doesn't fit the crime.
School officials said what Tate did posed a safety risk and that he -- and two friends who helped him -- had trespassed on school property. His friends also received one-day in-house suspensions.
Smith made a terse statement at a 4 p.m. news conference outside the school reiterating the rules on school suspensions and prom bans.
Smith, who took no questions from the media, said students were given plenty of warning throughout the year of what the rules were and that no exceptions would be made. Students who receive a suspension after April 1 are banned from prom.
"These communications are intended to remind our students and parents of the high school expectations and consequences. This unfortunate situation is a result of one of those consequences," Smith said in her statement.
Tate's father said his son has to be held responsible for his actions, but he was hoping for a settlement that would have allowed him to still attend the prom.
"She has to keep order and maybe there are concerns she has that we are not aware of," he said about Smith.
More InformationHeadmaster Beth Smith's statement: "There has been a practice at Shelton High School for many years that any student receiving an in-school or out-of-school suspension after April 1 for any reason would not be allowed to attend the prom. This regulation is reinforced over the course of the spring by daily PA system reminders, posted signage in common areas of the building and classrooms, as well as informational letters and automated phone messages to parents. These communications are intended to remind our students and parents of the high school expectations and consequences. This unfortunate situation is a result of one of those consequences."
"But I would have liked to have seen some compromise that might have made more sense to the community."
Tate said he's very proud of his son. "The whole family is totally TeamTate," he said, referring to the social media movement supporting his son, which has gained widespread support.
Lauretti, who spoke with Superintendent Freeman Burr Thursday morning about the issue, said the decision was Smith's to make.
"She made her choice and that's it. So be it," he said.
Asked if he supported her decision, he said, "I'm not there yet." But, he added: "All I can say is she's done a good job and brought stability to the high school, and I hope no one loses sight of that."
But some city officials, like Alderman John "Jack" Finn, were appalled with Smith's decision.
"That's wrong; that's totally wrong," Finn said. "I understand her position and her decision to suspend (Tate), but there was room for a compromise, like having him do community service."
Tate said he tried to negotiate with school officials and offered to do community-type service on the high school campus -- like picking up litter or take a detention instead of suspension, for him and his friends -- but school officials would not budge.
Finn also said the Board of Education should consider reviewing its policy concerning the April 1 deadline.
"The superintendent needs to stop ducking the issue and overrule Dr. Smith and put an end to this fiasco," added Alderman Eric McPherson. "This is a high school, not a military or prison camp. This young honor student should be allowed to go to the prom."
The only comment from Superintendent Freeman Burr was what amounted to a non-statement Wednesday acknowledging he was aware of the worldwide outcry.
"I am aware of the local, state and national media attention surrounding the situation and I have no further comments regarding the matter at this time," Burr said.
No Board of Education members have commented on the matter.
Students attending the press conference were also dismayed by the headmaster's decision.
"I believe Dr. Smith is the only person in America who thinks Tate did something wrong,'' said Colby Nolan, a junior.
Austin Peel, 16, a sophomore, said he was surprised the headmaster's statement was so short.
"I'm surprised she didn't engage in more conversation. But she's too strong-headed,'' he said.
Eric Ercolino, who was suspended for another incident said, "The rules are the rules. There's nothing you can do about it."
Since it first appeared in the Connecticut Post, the story has gone viral on Facebook -- with several pages set up in Tate's support -- and Twitter and has made headlines across the globe. Thousands of people have expressed outrage at Smith's decision.
That outcry prompted state Reps. Jason Perillo, R-Shelton, and Sean Williams, R-Waterbury, to move legislation forward that would require schools to come up with an alternative means of punishment, rather than banning students from school events.
The amendment to House Bill 6499 (An Act Concerning Minor Revisions to Education Statutes) would require schools to come up with alternate punishments such as community service as an option for students.
"The goal is simple: to provide some flexibility and latitude of what punishment could be handed out in situations like this," Perillo said. "The legislation would require boards of education and school administrators to present the option of community service."
Perillo said he was contacted by many people, including dozens of Shelton residents, who were outraged by the Tate incident that he felt he had to intervene. "For me to ignore the outcry would be irresponsible," he said Thursday afternoon.
Riding the crest of his new-found celebrity status, Tate appeared on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Wednesday and NBC's "Today" Thursday morning.
He was joined during both appearances by Sonali Rodrigues, the friend he asked to the prom. She said yes to his request -- which was taped in block letters to the outside of the school around 1 a.m. last Friday.
Tate even won over his interviewer on "Today" Thursday morning, Matt Lauer. Toward the conclusion of the about five-minute interview, Lauer said that he thinks "calmer heads may prevail," and Tate will be allowed to attend the prom, since the punishment seems "a little out of order with the crime."
But that didn't turn out to be the case.
As of Thursday afternoon, more than 137,400 people "liked" a Facebook-group called "Let James Tate Go to the Prom." And local businesses and another Facebook group are trying to organize an alternative prom for Tate.
While James Tate said that was a "novel idea," he said he would not attend it. His father said he felt there should only be "one prom" -- the school-sanctioned prom.
Staff Writer Tom Cleary contributed to this report.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Greenish waterfall
WATERFALL hiking was never left me alone. When opportunity comes, I secure and enjoy a rare and wonderful waterfall , dubbed as greenish waterfall. This amazing nature spot was not open to public, therefore a necessary permit to access must be granted.
15 Feb 2011 | Greenish Waterfall
Unknown by its name, this waterfall is located Ayer Itam Forest Reserve. The exact location remain unknown as it's fall under private land maintained by UPM Forestry Department.
From entrance to the destination, we took about 30-40 minutes of walking through under construction road access to few forestry property.
Nothing fancy all the way with proper trek plus some visible signboard showing us the location. The leader lead us to the location where the greenish pool located. What an amazing spot for such wonderful waterfall.
Not much info on hands for this place, therefore, let's the pictures speak itself.
Walking along … under construction road
Destination … the greenish pool
Can't wait to jump in … such alluring cooling effect pool
Much deeper side … can used for water dipping
Greenish pool … with fishes swim around
Nearby river … clean and amazing clear
Babes trying to catch the prawn … with their bare hands
Oh ya … you catch it finally!
Grass-scape … cute like mini bonsai
Subsequent waterfall … before I call off our day trip
Mother nature is superb. If each of us understand and preserve it, I believe it can be maintained for many more generation in future. Let's we preserve for our future generation.
The course took up to million years to form such lucrative flora & fauna and ecosystem. Let's the ecosystem run itself without us disturbing them.
I love nature and I believe you do so.
This entry was posted by DeXXy on July 15, 2011 at 12:21 am, and is filed under Travel & Trip, Waterfall Trek. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0.You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.


text:
A few places are still available on the 2017 Volcanic Processes, Deposits, Geology and Resources Short Course being held in Merimbula, southern NSW during early December.
Check the AIG Events Calendar for details.
The legislation introducing the new Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive (JMEI) has been introduced into Federal Parliament this week – Treasury Laws Amendment (Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive) Bill 2017
The Bill amends the tax law to replace the former Exploration Development Incentive (EDI) with the JMEI. Like the EDI, the JMEI provides a tax incentive to invest in small minerals exploration companies undertaking greenfields minerals exploration in Australia. Australian resident investors of these companies receive a tax incentive where the companies choose to give up a portion of their tax losses relating to their exploration expenditure in an income year.
Unlike the EDI, under the JMEI:
The scheme applies from 1 July 2017 until 30 June 2021, with total credits limited to $100 million. There is a cap on the amount of credits that may be allocated to an entity of five per cent of the total amount available for each year.
For full details on the new JMEI, see the Explanatory Notes on the Bill
It is expected that this will be passed before the end of the year.
Queensland Minerals Council media release, 19 Oct 2017
The Economic Geology Research Centre (EGRU) at James Cook University (JCU), Townsville has on offer two fully funded PhD projects researching magma fertility linked to a range of deposit types in the Mount Isa region of NW Queensland.
These projects are part of a larger research effort funded by the Queensland government through the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ), to improve the exploration potential in the Mount Isa region. As part of this project students will work with EGRU researchers, GSQ staff and exploration geologists from various mining companies operating in the region. This is a unique opportunity to advance your research career and learn new skills as part of a world class research team.
For further information, please contact the University.
Professor Paul Dirks
College of Science, Technology and Engineering
JCU Campus
Townsville Qld 4811
email: email@example.com
website: www.jcu.edu.au/egru
AusIMM's Hong Kong Branch invites AIG members passing through Hong Kong to attend an AusIMM technical meeting and, if possible, to give a talk.
While Hong Kong is better known for the finance industry, it does have a small group of mining professionals, mostly geologists, who are keen to interact with other geoscientists passing through Hong Kong. If we have not met you before, it's a guaranteed that either we will know someone you know or have worked in the same mine or project.
In exchange, the Branch committee can offer a few beers and provide some local knowledge on things to do outside of the normal tourist options.
Please contact the AusIMM Hong Kong Branch via Steven Hodgson or Benny Cha with visit details and whether you are able to make a presentation to the local branch.
Dorothy Hill Women in Earth Sciences Symposium
Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 November 2017
The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland
The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES) at The University of Queensland is proud to host the inaugural Dorothy Hill Women in Earth Sciences Symposium which will be held on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 November 2017 at The University of Queensland.
The Symposium celebrates the achievements of notable women in the Earth Sciences and is named after the late Dorothy Hill, who was the first woman Professor in Australia, the first woman to become a member of the Australian Academy of Sciences and its first President.
Professor Dorothy Hill was a pioneer of research, a leader for women in science, a woman of action, and one of The University of Queensland's (UQ) most outstanding graduates. She was a well-known figure at the University from the time she was 18 years old and beginning her degree until she retired, aged in her seventies. By then she had become a world-renowned professor. Throughout her career, she led by example and inspired women to pursue science and a university education. Through her numerous achievements, she helped to advance the place of women in academia.
This inspirational event will be a powerful two days of learning. Come and learn from, and network with, some of the world's top female earth scientists. Speakers include:
Further information is available on the Symposium website – www.dorothyhillsymposium.com.au


text:
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic Testing (examination) can be used in several different respects for non-destructive testing (NDT). With today's advanced technologies, radiography can often times be replaced with good UT techniques.
UT Thickness Surveys
UT thickness surveys are an excellent way to find internal corrosion, pitting, and general erosion in most metals on pressure vessels, pipelines, storage tanks and other materials subject to such degradations. A-Scan thickness surveys can also be used for the inspection of parent material for inclusions and laminations.
UT Weld Inspections
Most manufacturing flaws (lack of sidewall fusion, lack of root fusion, lack of root penetration, porosity, solidification cracking, etc.) and flaws derived from in-service conditions (fatigue cracking, stress corrosion cracking etc.) can be found with ultrasonic weld inspection techniques. This UT technique can be applied to both ferritic metals in pressure vessels, pipework, storage tanks, bridge structures etc.
With the proper techniques and under the guidance of highly qualified technicians, Kaizen NDT & Engineering Services employs the latest Ultrasonic equipment and techniques to get to the root of the examination.


text:
No one logged in. Log In | Register | Lost password?| Change details | Past Orders
|Shopping cart is empty.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 crisis - hard copies of publications will be unavailable for the foreseeable future
Research Reports
|This catalog has no sub-catalogs.
Developing a Good Regulatory Practice Model for Environmental Regulations Impacting on Farmers
This research report provides a detailed analysis of the regulatory process literature in order to identify opportunities to improve environmental regulatory development. It draws on lessons within Australia and overseas to present comprehensive recommendations that could be utilised by governments to ensure better environmental regulatory outcomes for farmers and the wider community. Based on their analysis, the researchers propose reform of: the fundamentals of Australia's natural resource management system encompassing the architecture of environmental law; the way in which strategies are formulated and account for market instruments; the regulatory process; and the financing mechanisms used.
For Australian farmers, who are increasingly operating in global markets where competitor products are always less than 24 hours away, the need to retain competitiveness is acute, and the impact on competitiveness of poorly designed and implemented regulatory measures can mean the difference between success and failure. For that reason, Australian farmers and the broader agricultural sector have a very strong interest in making sure that when regulatory measures are developed, the process is such that all the potential impacts and costs are carefully considered and any negative impact on farm competitiveness is minimised.
Full Report
September 2007, pp. 1 - 104 (104 pages)
Publisher: Australian Farm Institute
Author: Martin, P, Bartel, R, Sinden, J, Gunningham, N & Hannam, I
You might also like:
Purchase a
membership and gain
unlimited access to
our journal and
research library
Purchase our
latest report


text:
From raw water treatments to wastewater processing, businesses across North America trust SUEZ for safe, smart, eco-friendly solutions, tailored to meet both government standards and their bottom lines.
Our state-of-the-art recycling and waste management solutions put everything in place to reuse waste and produce new resources in the most efficient, sustainable way.
SUEZ North America is rising to the enormous challenge of tackling climate change not only by optimizing energy savings, but also by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting renewable energy.
SUEZ is a trusted partner for businesses as we provide a full spectrum of services to help them proactively optimize maintenance, reduce downtime and efficiently use energy and water.


text:
This website uses cookies to ensure the best possible web experience. By continuing and using the site, you consent to the use of cookies. If you wish to disable them or to learn more about how we use cookies, please view our Cookies Policy.
A Society that Includes Basic Science, the Failing Heart and Advanced Lung Disease.
These awards are aimed to support trainees in basic, clinical or translational research in transplantation or mechanical circulatory support in a mentored environment.
ISHLT issues one Research Fellowship Award annually in the amount of $40,000. The funding period is for one year.
DATE AVAILABLE: November 1, 2018
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: January 2019
The scientific merit and fundability of all submitted research proposals will be judged by at least 2 members of the ISHLT Grants and Awards Committee. Outside experts may also be consulted. The Committee Chair will select the members to participate in the review process. All judges will independently review each research proposal according to established guidelines. A written report will be completed for each proposal. All reports will be sent to the Committee Chair. The Chair will organize a meeting or conference call to review the proposals and select the proposal(s) for funding. Applicants will not receive written feedback about their proposals, nor will proposals be returned to applicants. Depending upon the scope of applications received, funding may be awarded to a single application, or the funds may be allocated to two or more smaller, independent projects.


text:
Instagram photos no longer have to be square
Instagram is making a huge change to the way photos and videos are posted on the platform: they no longer have to be square.
That means you can now share photos and videos in their full unadulterated glory, whether in landscape or portrait format.
For most photos anyway; vertical images are still cropped to a 4:3 aspect ratio, likely because Instragram's vertically-scrolling interface wouldn't display properly around longer images.
Horizontal photos seem to work up to at least 16:9, although they will look smaller in your feed given you can't rotate your screen to use the full display.
Instagram popularized the square image format, so this is a pretty surprising move, but it's sure to be appreciated by photographers that were previously upset at always having to crop their images for the platform.
To switch between formats, you just need to tap the icon to adjust orientation. It'll still appear as a cropped square in your profile grid (to keep things nice and tidy) but will show in the feed of your followers in the correct format.
The company is also updating filters for videos. Instead of using a separate set of effects, videos now support the same selection of presets as stills. You can also now adjust the intensity of these filters.
One more neat tidbit: to celebrate support for the landscape format, Instagram posted a new Star Wars trailer, which you can check out here.
Both the iOS and Android apps are available to download now.
➤ Thinking Outside the Square: Support for Landscape and Portrait Formats on Instagram [Instagram blog]
Read next: Siri theories: Our predictions for Apple's September 9 event


text:
Product and Brand Showcasing
Because you know your product best, our team will work with yours extensively to configure the perfect structure and layout for an effective unveiling. The better we understand your brand, the greater the production will be. As far as our services, IBP offers two different vehicles for conveying your message. We assure that whichever approach you decide to take, your campaign will be highly interactive, dynamic and behavior changing.
Compile all of your research and resources and present it to a professional audience through a symposium. We will assist in organizing and structuring the educational programming for you and your team. Whether you're specializing in medical, technology or any other scientific field, we have the tools to prepare and launch a mesmerizing and memorable presentation.
Product Theaters
These exciting promotional programs allow experts your specific therapeutic area to share new discoveries on key creations, conduct product demonstrations and highlight innovative equipment and services to an audience of healthcare professionals. Innovative BioPharma does the leg work, in terms of setting up and hosting product theaters, so the only thing you have to worry about is delivering your powerful information.


text:
Please consider contributing to support the next generation of artists today! Every donation helps us bring the joy of live theatre to the youth of Orange County.
For parents whose children are active in our Youth Theatre program.
Playhouse Parents (PP) is the Conservatory and Repertory parent organization of the Youth Theatre. It is primarily a fundraising organization. Each parent (family) commits to attend meetings, work in the lobby at Youth Theatre Productions, participate in major fundraising activities, and hold leadership positions in the group. Members of Playhouse Parents serve Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre in the following ways:
For more information, contact Dylan Russell// email@example.com // 949.494.8021.


text:
Posted by Hillsdale Dental Care on Sep 20 2017, 04:13 AM
Photo by Makelessnoise
Did you know your children's oral health can also affect their medical health? Here are some tips to help your children have a lifetime with a healthy smile.
It helps if brushing is as normal a habit for them as eating. Of course, our mouth won't start grumbling if we forget to brush, so it's up to the adults in their lives to help them make it a habit. Start from the time their first tooth erupts. With those early front teeth, you can clean them with a soft cloth. As they start getting some back teeth, it's time to get a toothbrush. They make soft toothbrushes for babies. Some have big chunky handles, so their little hands can hold them on their own.
You brush their teeth first and then, when they're old enough to hold the toothbrush, let them have a try. It's good for them to develop the muscles that will help them properly move their toothbrush back and forth.
You can start flossing when their baby molars appear. Unlike when we were little, there are now flossers for children. These have handles, some with cute designs on them, to make it much easier for kiddos to get between their teeth.
Children play house. They play school. They play office. They play handyman. Why? Because they want to be just like the grown-ups they love so much. They want to do grown-up things. That gives you an advantage in their oral health care. If you want your children to brush and floss daily—do it yourself as well. but, here's the important part: make sure they see you do it.
When it comes time for your dental check-ups, don't make it seem like you're about to go on the rack at the inquisition. You don't want to give off a negative impression of dental appointments. Make it sound fun. In fact, let them come along. It's great for them to see you getting your teeth cleaned.
When it comes to their first dental appointment, don't wait until there is a problem with their teeth to bring them in. That sets them up for a lifetime of traumatic memories. Instead, let them come when everything is healthy. They can meet the team, learn about the equipment, and have fun getting their teeth all sparkly clean.
They don't have to go to a pediatric dentist, but you'll want to be sure whomever you bring them to truly enjoys caring for children. It will make it a much more pleasurable experience for both dentist and patient.
Did you know February is National Children's Dental Health Month? The NEA has put out a bunch of resources, games, and activity sheets to help your children learn more about dental health.
Hillsdale Dental Care
1660 Hillsdale Ave, Suite 130
San Jose, CA 95124
Phone : (408) 267-2550
Fax :
Email: [email protected]
MONDAY: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
TUESDAY: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
WEDNESDAY: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
THURSDAY: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
FRIDAY: Closed
SATURDAY: Closed
SUNDAY: Closed
Email: [email protected]
Call: (408) 267-2550


text:
Kerri is one of the Velocity Live original 4 and was dubbed "Velocty Live's little princess" from day one.
Kerri and Paul have a long history together dating back to broadcasting school so it was a no brainer for Paul to ask Kerri to be part of his new show, right? WRONG! As it turns out they did not get along very well off mic or camera while they were in school together even though they would work great together on projects when paired. Kerri was even surprised by Pauls offer to join the show in 2005. She jumped at the opportunity and since then has blossomed into an amazing talent and woman.
Although briefly leaving in 2005 to return to college. She returned in 2006 and has always been a part of the show. Her "News Reports" along with her random humor, crazy adventures, and huge heart have all adored her to anyone who listened to the show.


text:
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Reflecting on life in college
This is a nice little account of how Harvard University is attempting to foster introspection in their students, by having them compare what they really value in life to what they need to do to get there, and how this may differ from how they actually spend their time. I wish all education at all levels had a bit more of this, of making students really weigh what they want and believe in and make their lives more coherent with this. Not just a few pilot groups at the nation's most elite university.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text: On July 12, 1912, black boxer Jack Johnson opened the Cafe de Champion. In 1910, Johnson became the first black heavyweight champion of the world, and a hero to the black masses, when he beat James J. Jeffries, one of a string of "great white hopes." Johnson famously refused to conform to conventional racial stereotypes, which demanded that a famous black man like Johnson act submissively in public, and avoid even the appearance of a relationship with a white woman. On the contrary, Johnson spoke his mind in public and married three times to white women. His second marriage to Lucille Cameron caused an uproar, and the federal government ultimately charged Johnson with a violation of the Mann Act, a 1910 law that banned transportation of white women across state lines for "immoral purposes." Facing prosecution, Johnson and Cameron fled to France, and the Cafe de Champion ultimately closed.


text:
The Emigrants MonumentShow map
Axel Olssons monument "Karl Oskar & Kristina".
The statue commemorating the migration to America via Karlshamn in the 19th century.
Vilhelm Moberg wrote about the Swedish emigration to America in his novels and a large number of people left Sweden via Karlshamn.
Axel Olssons famous statue depicts the key characters, Karl Oskar and Kristina, looking out over the sea before starting their adventure.
You can also find a similar statue in Minnesota, the town Lindstrom.
Show more
About this activity
+46 454-812 03
E-mail (Organizer)
Build: 23/10/2020 15:51:24, Host: online3core17, DB: o3.cbguide-5802.cbischannel-346.v1 online3data04.db.citybreak.com:8080, Controller: Todo, Action: showdetails


text:
Here she is, Miss Best of Rochester 2007!
Such style. Such wisdom. Such grace. We speak of our readers, of course, specifically the hundreds of you that participated in our annual Best of Rochester survey. You aced the interview portion, giving us definitive answers to what people, places, and things make Rochester special. From Food & Drink to Retail to Media to Arts & Entertainment, all of this year's contestants put on an amazing show. Many of the readers also eschewed easy answers (not one vote for "World Peace," thankfully) and came up with some truly creative responses to some of our questions.
City Newspaper's writers showed off their talents, singling out the things we think make this town worthy of any tiara. From the best street meat cart to a truly fabulous throwback jukebox, these sometimes hidden treasures are worth checking out.
We hope you'll enjoy the 2007 Best of Rochester pageant. We think we've crowned a winner, long may she reign....


text:
I'm taking a nice break from holiday posts today and talking football party ideas – always a hot subject at my house as my husband is obsessed with his fantasy football leagues, and his college and pro teams of choice {Marshall and the Pittsburgh Steelers – can you tell he's from W. VA?}. I know some girls are really in to watching the game but I'm only in it for the food and the socializing so here are some fun ideas to make those 3 hour events more exciting for me, and hopefully you too.
- Whip up these jalapeno poppers with blue cheese to enjoy throughout the game. I like the play on words here too: footballs are called the "pigskin".
- I've love this idea ever since I first saw it on The Celebration Shoppe: String a team themed mini pennant banner across a map of the US. Pin each end to the city where that team resides. This is a really cute way to add a backdrop to your viewing party.
- I have to admit most of my college game day memories involve sipping highballs before heading inside the stadium. To this day, every time I smell a bourbon & cola drink I think of college football games. Bring these memories back to life by setting up a bourbon bar along with Diet Pepsi to quench your thirst during the game.
- The girly girl in me LOVES the idea of cheering on the game with a themed "fanicure"! See how to do these from Covergirl and Polish and Pearls.
- Finally, make some football shaped trivets or coasters that you can use time and time again. See directions on Lowes.
You can try out these 5 fun football party ideas for the big game.


text:
Pyrenees Shire Council were looking to create a larger, customised inclusive playspace in the township of Avoca. This design draws upon the setting in the central median of the main street to connect community facilities and refresh the civic space around the existing picnic and barbecue area. The design will sit with a new custom designed shelter and external fence (with art panels), providing children in the town and beyond with more sensory and landscaped opportunities for play. The playspace is focused around sand and water play areas and plenty of physical play opportunities as well. The playspace includes features such as wider paths and entries, rubber pads to the next swing and trampolines, and wide, open surfaces to the water play area and an apron and accessible deck to the sandplay.
Concept Design completed: June 2018
Documentation completed: June 2020
Budget: $350,000


text:
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Sunday, 1 August 2010
The Holy Fire of Jerusalem
In order to be as close to the Sepulchre as possible, pilgrims camp next to it. The Sepulchre is located in the small chapel called Holy Ciborium, which is inside the Church of the Resurrection. Typically they wait from the afternoon of Holy Friday in anticipation of the miracle on Holy Saturday. Beginning at around 11:00 in the morning the Christian Arabs chant traditional hymns in a loud voice. These chants date back to the Turkish occupation of Jerusalem in the 13th century, a period in which the Christians were not allowed to chant anywhere but in the churches. "We are the Christians, we have been Christians for centuries, and we shall be forever and ever. Amen!" - they chant at the top of their voices accompanied by the sound of drums. The drummers sit on the shoulders of others who dance vigorously around the Holy Ciborium. But at 1:00 pm the chants fade out, and then there is a silence. A tense silence, charged from the anticipation of the great demonstration of God's power for all to witness.
Shortly thereafter, a delegation from the local authorities elbows its way through the crowd. At the time of the Turkish occupation of Palestine they were Muslim Turks; today they are Israelis. Their function is to represent the Romans at the time of Jesus. The Gospels speak of the Romans that went to seal the tomb of Jesus, so that his disciples would not steal his body and claim he had risen. In the same way the Israeli authorities on this Holy Saturday come and seal the tomb with wax. Before they seal the door, they follow a custom to enter the tomb, and to check for any hidden source of fire, which would make a fraud of the miracle.
"I enter the tomb and kneel in holy fear in front of the place where Christ lay after His death and where He rose again from the dead... (narrates Orthodox Patriarch Diodor - ed.). I find my way through the darkness towards the inner chamber in which I fall on my knees.Miracle of God. At a certain point the light rises and forms a column in which the fire is of a different nature... See also a line of lights at bottom-left Here I say certain prayers that have been handed down to us through the centuries and, having said them, I wait. Sometimes I may wait a few minutes, but normally the miracle happens immediately after I have said the prayers. From the core of the very stone on which Jesus lay an indefinable light pours forth. It usually has a blue tint, but the colour may change and take many different hues. It cannot be described in human terms. The light rises out of the stone as mist may rise out of a lake — it almost looks as if the stone is covered by a moist cloud, but it is light. This light each year behaves differently. Sometimes it covers just the stone, while other times it gives light to the whole sepulchre, so that people who stand outside the tomb and look into it will see it filled with light. The light does not burn — I have never had my beard burnt in all the sixteen years I have been Patriarch in Jerusalem and have received the Holy Fire. The light is of a different consistency than normal fire that burns in an oil lamp... At a certain point the light rises and forms a column in which the fire is of a different nature, so that I am able to light my candles from it. When I thus have received the flame on my candles, I go out and give the fire first to the Armenian Patriarch and then to the Coptic. Hereafter I give the flame to all people present in the Church."
While the patriarch is inside the chapel kneeling in front of the stone, there is darkness but far from silence outside. One hears a rather loud mumbling, and the atmosphere is very tense. When the Patriarch comes out with the two candles lit and shining brightly in the darkness, a roar of jubilee resounds in the Church.
The Holy Light is not only distributed by the Archbishop, but operates also by itself. It is emitted from the Holy Sepulchre with a hue completely different from that of natural light. It sparkles, it flashes like lightning, it flies like a dove around the tabernacle of the Holy Sepulchre, and lights up the unlit lamps of olive oil hanging in front of it. It whirls from one side of the church to the other. It enters some of the chapels inside the church, as for instance the chapel of the Calvery (at a higher level than the Holy Sepulchre) and lights up the little lamps. It lights up also the candles of certain pilgrims. In fact there are some very pious pilgrims who, every time they attended this ceremony, noticed that their candles lit up on their own accord!Marvel picture. For a few minutes after Holy Fire appearance, if it touches the face, or the mouth, or the hands, it does not burnhis divine light also presents some peculiarities: As soon as it appears it has a bluish hue and does not burn. At the first moments of its appearance, if it touches the face, or the mouth, or the hands, it does not burn. This is proof of its divine and supernatural origin. We must also take into consideration that the Holy Light appears only by the invocation of an Orthodox Archbishop.
The miracle is not confined to what actually happens inside the little tomb, where the Patriarch prays. What may be even more significant, is that the blue light is reported to appear and be active outside the tomb. Every year many believers claim that this miraculous light ignites candles, which they hold in their hands, of its own initiative. All in the church wait with candles in the hope that they may ignite spontaneously. OOften unlit oil lamps catch light by themselves before the eyes of the pilgrims. The blue flame is seen to move in different places in the Church. A number of signed testimonies by pilgrims, whose candles lit spontaneously, attest to the validity of these ignitions. The person who experiences the miracle from close up by having the fire on the candle or seeing the blue light usually leaves Jerusalem changed, and for everyone having attended the ceremony, there is always a "before and after" the miracle of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem.
The first written account of the Holy Fire (Holy Light) dates from the fourth century, but authors write about events that occurred in the first century. So Ss. John Damascene and Gregory of Nissa narrate how the Apostle Peter saw the Holy Light in the Holy Sepulchre after Christ's resurrection. "One can trace the miracle throughout the centuries in the many itineraries of the Holy Land." The Russian abbot Daniel, in his itinerary written in the years 1106-07, presents the "Miracle of the Holy Light" and the ceremonies that frame it in a very detailed manner. He recalls how the Patriarch goes into the Sepulchre-chapel (the Anastasis) with two candles. The Patriarch kneels in front of the stone on which Christ was laid after his death and says certain prayers, at which point the miracle occurs. Light proceeds from the core of the stone - a blue, indefinable light which after some time kindles unlit oil lamps as well as the Patriarch's two candles. This light is "The Holy Fire", and it spreads to all people present in the Church. The ceremony surrounding "The Miracle of the Holy Fire" may be the oldest unbroken Christian ceremony in the world. From the fourth century A.D. all the way up to our own time, sources recall this awe-inspiring event. From these sources it becomes clear that the miracle has been celebrated on the same spot, on the same feast day, and in the same liturgical frame throughout all these centuries.
Miracle of God. The Orthodox Patriarch was standing ... near the left column, when the Holy Light split this column vertically and flashed near the Orthodox PatriarchEvery time heterodox have tried to obtain the Holy Fire they have failed. Three such attempts are known. Two occured in the twelfth century when priests of the Roman church tried to force out the Orthodox church but by their own confession these ended with God's punishment. But the most miraculous event occured in the year 1579, the year when God clearly testified to whom alone may be given His miracle.
"Once the Armenians (monophysites - ed.) paid the Turks, who then occupied the Holy Land, in order to obtain permission for their Patriarch to enter the Holy Sepulchre, the Orthodox Patriarch was standing sorrowfully with his flock at the exit of the church, near the left column, when the Holy Light split this column vertically and flashed near the Orthodox Patriarch.
A Muslim Muezzin, called Tounom, who saw the miraculous event from an adjacent mosque, immediately abandoned the Muslim religion and became an Orthodox Christian. This event took place in 1579 under Sultan Mourad IV, when the Patriarch of Jerusalem was Sophrony IV.(The above mentioned split column still exists. It dates from the twelfth century. The Orthodox pilgrims embrace it at the "place of the split" as they enter the church).
Turkish warriors stood on the wall of a building close to the gate and lightning-struck column . When he saw this striking miracle he cried that Christ is truly God and leaped down from a height of about ten meters. But he was not killed-the stones under him became as soft as wax and his footprint was left upon them. The Turks tried to scrape away these prints but they could not destroy them; so they remain as witnesses.
He was burned by the Turks near the Church. His remains, gathered by the Greeks, lay in the monastery of Panagia until the 19th century shedding chrism.
Muslims, who deny the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, tried to put obstacles in the way of the miracle. Well known Muslim historian Al Biruni wrote: "… a (note: Muslim) governor brought a copper wire instead of a wick (note: for the self lighting oil lamps), in order that it wouldn't ignite and the whole thing would fail to occur. But as the fire descended, the copper burned."
This was not the only attempt. The report written by the English chronicler, Gautier Vinisauf, describes what happened in the year 1192.
"In 1187, the Saracens under the direction of Sultan Salah ad-Din took Jerusalem. In that year, the Sultan desired to be present at the celebration, even though he was not a Christian. Gautier Vinisauf tells us what happened: "On his arrival, the celestial fire descended suddenly, and the assistants were deeply moved...the Saracens... said that the fire which they had seen to come down was produced by fraudulent means. Salah ad-Din, wishing to expose the imposter, caused the lamp, which the fire from Heaven had lighted, to be extinguished, but the lamp relit immediately. He caused it to be extinguished a second time and a third time, but it relit as of itself. Thereupon, the Sultan, confounded, cried out in prophetic transport: 'Yes, soon shall I die, or I shall lose Jerusalem.'"
One can ask the question of why the miracle of the Holy Fire is almost unknown in Western Europe. In Protestant areas it may, to a certain extent, be explained by the fact that there is no real tradition of miracles; people don't really know in which box to place the miracles, and they rarely feature in newspapers. But in the Catholic tradition there is vast interest in miracles. Thus, why is it not more well known? For this only one explanation suffices: Church politics. Only the Orthodox Churches attend the ceremony which is centered on the miracle. It only occurs on the Orthodox date of Easter and without the presence of any Catholic authorities.
It is a miracle - for a few minutes Holy Fire does not burnAs with any other miracle there are people who believe it is a fraud and nothing but a masterpiece of Orthodox propaganda. They believe the Patriarch has a lighter inside of the tomb. These critics, however, are confronted with a number of problems. Matches and other means of ignition are recent inventions. Only a few hundred years ago lighting a fire was an undertaking that lasted much longer than the few minutes during which the Patriarch is inside the tomb. One then could perhaps say, he had an oil lamp burning inside, from which he kindled the candles, but the local authorities confirmed that they had checked the tomb and found no light inside it.
The best arguments against a fraud, however, are not the testimonies of the shifting Patriarchs. The biggest challenges confronting the critics are the thousands of independent testimonies by pilgrims whose candles were lit spontaneously in front of their eyes without any possible explanation. According to our investigations, it has never been possible to film any of the candles or oil lamps igniting by themselves. However, I am in the possession of a video filmed by a young engineer from Bethlehem, Souhel Nabdiel. Mr. Nabdiel has been present at the ceremony of the Holy Fire since his early childhood. In 1996 he was asked to film the ceremony from the balcony of the dome of the Church. Present with him on the balcony were a nun and four other believers. The nun stood at the right hand of Nabdiel. On the video one can see how he films down on the crowds. At a certain point all lights are turned off - it is time for the Patriarch to enter the tomb and receive the Holy Fire. While he is still inside the tomb one suddenly hears a scream of surprise and wonder originating from the nun standing next to Nabdiel. The camera begins to shake, as one hears the excited voices of the other people present on the balcony. The camera now turns to the right, whereby it is possible to contemplate the cause of the commotion. A big candle, held in the hand of the Russian nun, takes fire in front of all the people present before the patriarch comes out of the tomb. She holds the candle with shaking hands while making the sign of the Cross over and over again in awe of the miracle she has witnessed. This video appears to be the closest one gets to an actual filming of the miracle.
Saturday football
It's 10.15 AM and I have just finished breakfast. There is movement along the landing, between one of the bedrooms and the bathroom as Hannah gets ready for her job in Shoezone, a rather downmarket shoe shop in Swansea. Hannah is better (or worse) than any alarm clock on Saturday morning because she never walks without stomping, never opens a door without crashing it shut and never steps into the shower without somehow making it sound as if a large burly man was trying to squeeze through a rather narrow but cluttered space.
Alternatively Ruth, our youngest, comes a close second, with her radio/cd player blasting out Michael Jackson's 'Killer' or her loud conversations with one of her friends (who must be deaf) about arrangements for their Saturday trip to Town.
It's Saturday, and Saturday in the Williams household means only one thing – football (or to any Americans who may be reading this – soccer). It's a day when we either go and watch our favourite team the 'Swans' – the nickname of Swansea City Football Club – at the Liberty Stadium, or if they are playing away, listen in on the radio. Either side of that main event we watch just about any other football match we can find on Sky, because football – any football – is something we have come to love.
It has not always been this way. For years Saturdays have come and gone. They have been days of easing down before the rigours of the Sunday rush when the most we would do was visit one of our parents, done a little shopping or just generally taken it easy. But one day everything changed. Hazel 'saw the light'.
I, personally, have always followed the Swans over the years, and even if I was too busy or far away to actually go and see them regularly, I would always check the results every Saturday and keep an eye on their progress (or regress). This however got much more serious for both Hazel and myself when over two years ago we decided we go and see the Swans play in their brand new 20,000 seater stadium at the Liberty. Hazel had never been to a live match before and was curious to see what it would be like and besides it was Ben's birthday and a chance to go with him to see his favourite team. We could not have picked a better day. It was a bright September Saturday afternoon, the sun was ablaze in a cloudless blue sky and the Swans were playing their second or third match of the season. The place was packed and the atmosphere sparked with expectation. We were not disappointed. Swans put seven past a rather lacklustre Bristol City prompting the club to sack their manager a few days later, and Hazel was well and truly hooked.
One of my favourite stories in the New Testament is the conversion of St.Paul on the road to Damascus. What a story. One minute he was after the blood of Christians, approving of the murder of St. Stephen and arresting just about any of 'The Way' he could lay his hands on and the next he was telling anyone who would listen how Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah and Son of God. It was a complete turn around, a one-point turn, and for many years became for me a kind of model of Christian conversion that I longed to see in my own ministry (although I failed to realise at the time that it is actually the exception rather than the rule).
What happened to Paul in Christian terms happened to my wife in football terms. That day in the Liberty was her 'Damascus Road'. Not only did we go on and see every other Swansea City home game for that season but the following year we bought a season ticket each and we have done so ever since. Our new foudn enthusiasm did not end there. We have bought dvd's of their more outsanding games, treated ourselves to supporter's scarves and other accoutrements and regularly check the clubs' various websites to see what the latest news was. Once I even spent several hours queuing up for the players to sign the club calendar so I could surprise Hazel for Christmas. And the 'magnificent obsession' does not end there. All this has had the knock on effect of us watching just about any football match that comes on the television even minor league matches. It has also resulted in Hazel developing an understanding of the minutiae of the game even to the point of understanding the notoriously difficult 'off-side' rule. I was in awe of the change that had occurred.
What caused this turn around? What was responsible for such a transformation? Was it the atmosphere of the occasion, the weather or the score? I am sure it helped in some way as it all conspired to make something truly memorable and enjoyable. Like any true' conversion' the test would come when the skies are grey and rain-soaked, the atmosphere is poor and we lose at home. Hazel passed them all and she kept going. Her 'conversion' was the genuine article.
Was it some need or lack in her life which going to watch football filled? Was there a space or 'football shaped' hole in her life that needed filling? Maybe, as there were few things we would do together other than Church, shopping or occasional (and I mean occasional) trips or meals out.
Was it some kind of revelation or insight into something previously hidden that afternoon as we watched twenty four men chase a white ball around on a green blanket of grass watched by 18,000 chanting onlookers? Maybe. What else could have accounted for such a turn around in a life which, until then, faced in a competely opposite direction?
Whatever the cause, in the end, like St. Paul, it's one of those wonderfully profound mysteries where everything seems to come together, coalesce and conspire to take an individual from one 'place' to another, where joy pours in to where joy was not before and life takes on another meaning or direction. It was certainly that for us. Now we do something that brings us closer together, and whether it was God or an inspired Swansea perfomance or both, I don't really care. The fact is that life on Saturdays will never be the same but something we now both look forward to doing and enjoying together.
What's wrong with bigamy?
But watching the programme I felt myself asking the question, why was there such insense? Why, in a society which has year on year undermined and distorted marriage, does it consider bigamy wrong? Isn't bigamy just another variation on a theme? We have single parents, family units with several children by different fathers, homosexual and lesbian 'marriages' and arrangements where people live together as 'partners'. Why not add bigamy to the ever-growing list of legitimized arrangements which succeeding governments have considered such an essential ingredient of today's society where the only thing that is really sacrosanct is personal choice and freedom?
What is the measure of right and wrong anyway? Bigamy is wrong according to the Law but the Law, as we have seen, can be changed. In a society of shifting values which acknowledges no absolutes, truth is as shifting as the sands of the Gobi Desert. So what is there to say that something like bigamy is wrong except that people, who have entered into a legal arrangemnt of marriage, have been hurt in some way? But what about the thousands of women who live with an arrangement in which certain men come and go as they please, fathering children left right and centre? How many of these women and children face betrayal and financial deprivation every single day and yet no one cries 'foul' for them? On the news recently one woman (Sharon Matthews) was said to have had seven children by five different men! The mind boggles at the muliplying of the anger and sense of betrayal these 'arrangements' have caused.
Bigamy IS wrong because it breaks several fundamental laws, not least the Law of God which proclaims the inviability of the marriage bond. But in a land where God is denied, doubted or undefined then everything is up for grabs. The Centre has disappeared and everyone is a victim. Shouts of 'wrong' are growing louder and yet more faint because while we know it's wrong even as we shout we are losing the notion of 'why'. Once 'why' goes then everything is up for grabs and all we are left with is a sense of fear, loss, anger and betrayal with no-one, except God, to hear our cries for justice.
Learning from my mistakes
Going back to the Genesis text I realise I have mis-read it. Abram did not take the initiative. He did not one day decide he was going to step out in faith all on his own in the vague hope that his faith would somehow nudge God into a response. No. God came to him and called him. "The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." (Genesis 12:1). Note the emphasis. God spoke and God promised to show Abram the way. The step of faith by the father of faith was in response to God's initiative.
We find the same pattern throughout the scriptures. Moses stepping aside to investigate a bush that was burning but not consumed only to be confronted by God who calls him to go and set His people free. (Exodus 3) Joshua given instructions by God to go and take the land (Joshua 1). Mary greeted by an angel who tells her she is carrying the Messiah, God's Son in her womb and responding in faith "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:26-38). Jesus telling the disciples to feed the hungry thousands "You give them something to eat." (Matthew 14:16) And the disciples being told to wait in Jerusalem for the power from on high before going out to the nations to bear witness to him. (Acts 1:4,5)
Time and time again we see God's people not acting on their own initiative but waiting on God before venturing out on a new challenge. That's not to say that they did nothing in the meantime. They prayed and they served and they worked. But significant growth and a new movement of God only came when God acted and God's people responded in faith.
So the lesson I am slowly learning is this. Wait on God and while you wait, work. Only be ready to respond in faith when the time comes. And the best way to be ready is to pray.
A time to live and a time to die
I write this blog having visited my father who is in hospital recovering from an infection. He is in the later stages of dimentia and so only vaguely knows who I am. There was a time about a week ago when we thought he was nearing the end. He had developed a chest infection, was confined to bed and had stopped eating or drinking. He was admitted to hospital in a very poor state and had to be put on a drip. He continued to show no interest in food or drink and slept most of the time. Knowing a little bit about dimentia (I am part time chaplian in a local Mental Health Hospital) I wondered if he had reached that stage in his illness when the eating/drinking reflexes had ceased to work and his mind was finally shutting down. But today he woke when we called and the nurse told us he was responding to the antibiotics and had eaten dinner. He jabbered away during the whole visit and smiled and winked and laughed – at what we don't know. It was quite a transformation and suddenly there is life again and we are all amazed, puzzled and pleased.
Dad has had several 'near misses' over the past year with a couple of admissions to hospital after mini-strokes or a chest infection. Each time he has bounced back although a little weaker each time. He is 92 going on 93 and although there is little real quality to life, he is not ready to go yet. Why is this? When he is unable to recall his wife of 63 years, talk and think coherently, read a book or a newspaper or follow sports or watch a film, why does God keep him here when others die tragically young full of life and vigour with so much to look froward to and do?
I think that like much of life there is a deep mystery here which we cannot fathom and being a CHristian is, to a certain extent, about accepting this and trusting God. What is faith but trusting someone who possesses knowledge and power that you do not have but whose character is one of love and wisdom?
There are possible answers in my own situation which are not the full picture but seem to be lessons I am being taught. For example dad has never been demonstrative and so we have never been close in that sense. However as he jabbers away in bed I find myself stroking his hand or touching his face or tidying his hair. I kiss him before we leave and I smile a lot when he looks at me. There is intimacy now where there was distance. Is that why he is still here so that God has given me a chance to get closer to my father – a kind of healing? I don't know.
Also in my busy life where I get caught up just doing 'things' almost on automatic pilot it does me good to make the trip down the hospital and feel upset and anxious about someone close. It's a way, I suppose, of being made human again. I can't protect myself all the time or become so 'professional' and self-controlled that I bury feelings and retain a sort of aloofness from the pains and sufferings of others. Of course breaking down at every funeral etc will render me completely incapable of seeing things through – someone has to be in charge – but at the same time it can lead to a kind of robotic subhuman behaviour which is surely not good for the soul.
So visiting dad is a kind of healing. It keeps me reaching out instead of closing off. So there is a "time to live and a time to die" (Ecclesiastes 3:2) but only when whatever needs to be done is done, or a lesson that needs to be learnt is learnt? And of course when God in His infinite wisdom decides, with dad, that it's time to go.
Sleepless in Swansea
This is the second night in a row that I can't sleep. I don't know if it is something I ate or drank or whether this is something that every 52 year old might as well get used to because this is what will occur on a more regular basis from now on in? One blessing is that this is one of the few 'free' moments I seem to have to write my blog, so "every cloud…"
What does fascinate me however about these nocturnal forays downstairs is how sharp my mind is and will be tomorrow too. Okay half way through the day I will need some kind of slap across the face or something to stimulate my digestive system, but generally I know I will be on top form mentally. Another side effect (benefit?) is that I get more emotionally tuned in to things. I mean that things move me more. I relate on a deeper level to the tragedy on the TV news or I find myself able to so empathize with a bereaved person so that I am on the verge of mingling my tears with theirs.
I know it does smack of some kind of loss of control and anyone reading this can be forgiven for thinking that maybe I am on the verge of some sort of breakdown. But a sleepless night does have its benefits, although I would not choose to remain awake like this and certainly not on a regular basis.
Which brings me to the subject of the spiritual disciplines. In the gospels Jesus several times calls on his disciples to "watch and pray" (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38). Jesus himself would spend time with God at all kinds of unearthly hours. In 2 Corinthians 6:5 Paul refers to something called "watching" which I take to be a kind of abstinence, not of eating or drinking, but of sleeping, in order to spend time in prayer. So maybe this is God nudging me awake to spend some time with Him that I could not afford in the day. Maybe it's a call to "Come away…and rest a while" with Him (Mark 6:31) in His presence? If that's the case then I am glad to be here, awake, banging the keys with God looking over my shoulder. Just me and Him and the dark hovering behind the bright computer screen on my desk.
The democratization of morality
Also there is a danger that if enough people think it is good then bad is turned on its head and evil is the new 'good' so to speak. Which reminds me of a passage from Isaiah: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20. Isn't that what has happened in Germany in the last world war. Somehow a whole nation was persuaded into thinking that getting rid of the Jews was a 'good thing' and that their presence was somehow evil. So thousands of blind eyes were turned as Hitler set about their extermination.
So the way things are going I am getting increasingly worried. Today it is sex before marriage, yesterday it was abortion on demand, what will tomorrow bring?
Isaiah and the art of preaching
People sometimes ask what makes me decide which text to preach on? As there are usually several texts to chose from, how do I know which one God wants me to use? Some are under the impression that it's a 'simple' process by which we – meaning priests, ministers and pastors etc – 'hear' a voice from God directing us what to say. "And the message for today is…" kind of thing. They assume that being men of God this is as natural to us as knowing how to mend a broken pipe is to a plumber! I must admit that would be great as it would remove the doubts I (too often) get as to whether I was in fact properly 'tuned in' to the Almighty when I sat down of a Friday to ponder what to say.
Others imagine a more mysterious process by which after prayer and fasting or all-night vigil, or maybe through meditation or even a dream, God communicates what He wants me to deliver. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it's much more prosaic and mundane than either of the above. I merely go through the passages for that particular Sunday and use the one that 'jumps out' at me in some way. I then pray asking God to guide me and then sit down and read, reflect and write out (excuse the preacher's alliteration) what the passage means, using illustrations to draw out the meaning and an application to put it into practice. Whether it 'works' or not is something I always wonder about – not without a little self-recrimination – but, when my faith is up to it, I am happy to leave it all in God's very capable hands. If He can take a little clay and make a man, He can take something far less promising and make a sermon that will 'speak' to the appropriate (and humble) person on the listening end.
Actually I am making it sound really easy and something anyone can do – and maybe they can. But we must be careful not rule out the much larger picture. The sermon is prepared and given within the context of a life that has been set aside to serve God – no matter how imperfectly, and I mean imperfectly. Also it's meant for a congregation to whom God has – I believe – appointed me to lead and guide on the spiirtual path. Plus there's the whole thing about Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit to lead his Church into all truth, a promise made to a bunch of rather unpromising disciples just before his betrayal when every single one of them fled. And the fact is that I do pray every day in some form or another, so its not as if the lines of communication are closed until the day I prepare my sermon. Add to all that my desire to do God's will and my congregation's (assumed) desire to listen and learn, and what you get is something a bit more than just me in my study straining to produce another message to get me through another Sunday.
So mystery solved (or deepened). God cannot be restricted to a prayer or an hour with the Bible or constrained to construe a sermon within the narrow parameters of a rather specific means of guidance. He is always at work – as Jesus reminded his hearers – before, during and after my sermon-writing time because getting the message across is not just about the moment, its about all the moments put together flowing in a God-ward and God-ordained direction. So I will sit with Isaiah and God as the three of us collaborate together on what it is that needs to be said this forthcoming Sunday, safe in the knowledge that God, in some way, is in it all.
Capturing the moment
It's been a rather lacklustre day. The sky outside is almost uniformly grey except for some lighter and darker shades of the same colour. A watery and rather dull sun is trying to peek through wherever there's a gap. I am joined here in the dining room by two animals. One is a rather large dun coloured cat affectionately known as "the Rat". He is lying flat out on a large cushion in front of the radiator (which is on) making a low moaning noise which I take to be snoring. Alongside is Jack our black and white dog. He is licking his genitalia in a rather lacklustre kind of way a bit like you or I would scratch an eyebrow or absent mindedly straighten a tie. Why do they do that? I must try and google it sometime although what would you put? Dog, genitalia, lick? Might be interesting or, more likely, vulgar. I shall resist the low-level temptation to try.
We are not the only life in the building – a Vicarage – right now. Laughing her way (she is watching a cartoon on Sky) through sniffs and swallows is my fifteen year old daughter Ruth. She is home suffering from the very same cold she very generously gave to me earlier in the week. For the past two days we have both been laid up as we ran the rapids of a rather large volume of phlegm and other debris which has flowed with alarming regularity from our chests and noses. Where does all that come from? What is it? I resist another urge to google for an answer. Some things are best left out there on the ether.
Its been a rather lazy day. This morning I emerged from a fitful sleep, had a cup of tea followed by a bowl of branflakes and watched some mind-numbing morning TV. Later I read Morning Prayer and watched Ironman on my desktop, pausing halfway to make a cup of coffee. All this was interspersed with texts and phone calls from my wife Hazel and my son Ben who currently lives in Brighton. This in turn was followed by a cup of Earl Grey and a few slices of homemade fruitcake as I opened this blog.
All of these are the moments which collectively make up my day and, strung together, make up my life. They are rather odd building blocks aren't they? I mean what do they build and what are they meant to achieve? Are they important events and do they contribute anything to the great scheme of things? I don't know. All I do know is that they represent a part of my life lived and gone. I wonder what 'the Rat' is dreaming about?
I am ....the Life
"Regular attendance at church or chapel can be as good for the health as jogging. A study at the University of Pittsburgh showed that weekly attendance at a religious service added two to three years compared with three to five for physical exercise and 2.5 to 3.5 years for people who take statins. "Regular religious attendance is comparable with commonly recommended therapies, and rough estimates suggest religious attendance may be more cost-effective than statins,'' say researchers. One theory is that it reduces stress levels or that the camaraderie increases the ability to cope with stress. A similar effect has been found for having friends. Harvard University research shows that men and women who were less likely to attend church, travel, or take part in social activities were 20 per cent more likely to die early than those who socialised the most. Those who engaged least often in activities such as work, shopping, or gardening, were 35 per cent more likely to die prematurely."
Now on the face of it one has to wonder what the point of the exercise was. Is it an attempt to get people back to church? Or is it part of mankind's search for longer life? Whatever the real reason I don't think it will significantly alter the chosen lifestyle of too many people except the self-obsessed or the obsessive. But there is one aspect of this that did make me think.
Jesus once said "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6) If Jesus is the source of life then it makes sense that the closer you get to the source of life then the more life you will have in you! Just as if you want to get warm move closer to the fire, if you want life get closer to the source of that life. Jesus.
So maybe the research wasn't a complete waste of time after all.
Though the fig-tree does not bud
. I include it not because I am feeling anything like I was last year but because it is good to keep a balance in one's outlook.
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord." Habakkuk 3:17-18
Over the next few days I will have taken seven funerals, one burial of ashes, two weddings, two baptisms, three Holy Communions and one Churchlite (informal service) having preached or spoken at all but one. All this is ten days! As I write I am not quite half way through the list and wondering - as I do now and again - just how much of what I do really makes any observable or real impact on the lives of those at the receiving end? It's not that I don't enjoy - not perhaps the right word in some circumstances - what I am doing. I do. It is just that I do wonder, sometimes, how worthwhile all the effort is.
Take the recent four funerals I have taken over the past two days. I worked hard gathering the information about the lives of the deceased, trying to highlight the positive and individualistic aspects of their lives that would provide their family and friends with a picture of their loved ones which they could all recognise and relate too. Into those pictures I tried to carefully weave the Christian message of hope, comfort and faith. I individualised each of the prayers, expressing gratitude for the lives lived and the positive influences those lives had on those whose paths they crossed, and remembering too those left behind who had to deal with grief, guilt, loss and regret.
However no matter how well prepared my services and sermons were, the words seemed to drop into an ocean of silence with hardly a response other than a hint of a ripple on the surface of the congregation gathered. Sure people shook hands, one or two expressing gratitude for a 'nice service', but apart from that, nothing.
The Church growth gurus will invoke management speak and claim that if the Church were a business it would have gone under by now. "How many companies do you know who would get so little back from such huge investments of time and energy and still be trading?" is a typical line. And if we were talking about a business or a shop or an investment company they would be 100% right. Trouble is that we are not eiether of these things. Which brings me to my reflection. It's interesting how often the Scriptures talk about faithfulness in the face of apparent fruitlessness. Take Habakkuk above. The passage assumes there will be times of want - no buds on the fig trees, no grapes on the vine, the failure of the olive crop, fields with no corn, empty pens and stalls. In other words there will be times when nothing happens. The question is how should we respond? Moan? Complain? Give up? Try something else? No. Rejoice in the Lord! In other words give Him your complete attention. Spend time praying instead of complaining, worshipping instead of worrying and getting to know Him better instead of letting the circumstances dictate your faith.
It's interesting to note other similar references to how barren things can sometimes be. Jesus in the Parable of the Sower talks about how much seed falls on hard, shallow and weed ridden ground (Matthew 13) and exhorts his listeners that to be saved they must "endure to the end" (Matthew 24:13). Paul counsels Timothy to preach in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2) and many of the psalms are written out of times of loss and failure yet express a faithfulness that is in no way dependent on whether they are experiencing success or fruitfulness at the time.
Isaiah sums it all up, perhaps with a shrug of the shoulders, as he expresses God's take on all of this: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:8
So I guess I will just have to knuckle down and get on with it until the next time I feel a little peeved. Maybe by then I will be a little quicker to get to my feet and get going again.
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord." Habakkuk 3:17-18
Over the next few days I will have taken seven funerals, one burial of ashes, two weddings, two baptisms, three Holy Communions and one Churchlite (informal service) having preached or spoken at all but one. All this is ten days! As I write I am not quite half way through the list and wondering - as I do now and again - just how much of what I do really makes any observable or real impact on the lives of those at the receiving end? It's not that I don't enjoy - not perhaps the right word in some circumstances - what I am doing. I do. It is just that I do wonder, sometimes, how worthwhile all the effort is.
Take the recent four funerals I have taken over the past two days. I worked hard gathering the information about the lives of the deceased, trying to highlight the positive and individualistic aspects of their lives that would provide their family and friends with a picture of their loved ones which they could all recognise and relate too. Into those pictures I tried to carefully weave the Christian message of hope, comfort and faith. I individualised each of the prayers, expressing gratitude for the lives lived and the positive influences those lives had on those whose paths they crossed, and remembering too those left behind who had to deal with grief, guilt, loss and regret.
However no matter how well prepared my services and sermons were, the words seemed to drop into an ocean of silence with hardly a response other than a hint of a ripple on the surface of the congregation gathered. Sure people shook hands, one or two expressing gratitude for a 'nice service', but apart from that, nothing.
The Church growth gurus will invoke management speak and claim that if the Church were a business it would have gone under by now. "How many companies do you know who would get so little back from such huge investments of time and energy and still be trading?" is a typical line. And if we were talking about a business or a shop or an investment company they would be 100% right. Trouble is that we are not eiether of these things. Which brings me to my reflection. It's interesting how often the Scriptures talk about faithfulness in the face of apparent fruitlessness. Take Habakkuk above. The passage assumes there will be times of want - no buds on the fig trees, no grapes on the vine, the failure of the olive crop, fields with no corn, empty pens and stalls. In other words there will be times when nothing happens. The question is how should we respond? Moan? Complain? Give up? Try something else? No. Rejoice in the Lord! In other words give Him your complete attention. Spend time praying instead of complaining, worshipping instead of worrying and getting to know Him better instead of letting the circumstances dictate your faith.
It's interesting to note other similar references to how barren things can sometimes be. Jesus in the Parable of the Sower talks about how much seed falls on hard, shallow and weed ridden ground (Matthew 13) and exhorts his listeners that to be saved they must "endure to the end" (Matthew 24:13). Paul counsels Timothy to preach in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2) and many of the psalms are written out of times of loss and failure yet express a faithfulness that is in no way dependent on whether they are experiencing success or fruitfulness at the time.
Isaiah sums it all up, perhaps with a shrug of the shoulders, as he expresses God's take on all of this: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:8
So I guess I will just have to knuckle down and get on with it until the next time I feel a little peeved. Maybe by then I will be a little quicker to get to my feet and get going again.
Learning to pray at all times
"In his youth John Cassian (c360-433) had experience of monastic life in Palestine and Egypt. After spending some time in Constantinople and Rome, he moved to Gaul and began founding monasteries in 415 AD. In order to instruct the new members of his communities he gave a number of conferences on the spirituality of the desert fathers. In one of these, Conference Ten on Prayer he tackled the question "how does one pray without ceasing, as the New Testament encourages us to do?". This particular conference was very influential. Apparently it was read in the refectories of religious houses for hundreds of years afterwards. When I taught spirituality courses in All Hallows College I can remember devoting two sessions to what Cassian had to say. Whereas I expected the students to be uninterested, in fact they were fascinated and I realized that his teaching still has relevance today. O God come to my assistance, O Lord make haste to help me (Ps 70.1)
John Cassian said that in the East the monks had discovered an effective way of praying always. They had a prayer formula or mantra which "was given to us by a few of the oldest fathers.....They did not communicate it except to a few who were thirsty for the true way." Apparently, the older monks thought that the entire spirituality of the bible, whether that of the Old or New Testament, could be encapsulated in one verse. "To maintain unceasing awareness of God" says John, "keep this verse ever in mind: "O God come to my assistance, O Lord make haste to help me" (Ps 70:1). This verse has rightly been selected from the whole bible for this purpose. It fits every mood, every temptation, every circumstance. It contains a call for divine help, a humble confession of faith, a meditation upon human weakness, a confidence in God's answer, an assurance of his on-going support." It strikes me that Ps 70:1 expresses poverty of spirit and complete, trusting dependence on the person and providence of God not only for salvation but also for all one's other needs.
Cassian then goes on to show by a series of practical examples how this verse can be invoked at different times e.g. when you can't sleep during the night; when you can't keep awake during prayer; when you are troubled by impure thoughts; when you are feeling conceited about some success; when you are worried about some future event etc. He says that prayerful repetition of the verse "will be a saving formula in your heart, will guard you from the attack of demons, will cleanse you of the stains of earthly life, lead you to contemplate the unseen things of heaven and carry you up to the highest forms of prayer which very few have experienced."
Conceptual and Non-conceptual Prayer
Surprisingly, Cassian says that it is better not to think about the verse or ponder its meaning. If perchance the mind wanders - as it often will - it is important to gently bring it back to the reverent recitation of the verse. "This formula," he says, "the mind should go on grasping until it can cast away the wealth and multiplicity of other thoughts and restrict itself to the poverty of this single verse." In this way one becomes poor in spirit. "Such a one truly confesses himself the beggar of the Lord, like the psalmist who said, "I am a beggar and a poor man: God himself helps me" Ps 40:17." If one invokes the verse hundreds of times during the day, it seems to penetrate the unconscious mind so that it becomes second nature to recite it. In that sense one is praying ceaselessly even when engaged with practical, everyday tasks. Although Cassian favours a conceptless, imageless relationship with the incomprehensible mystery of God, he does encourage people to engage in scriptural prayer of a conceptual kind. He says that the faithful recitation of Ps 70:1, prepares the mind to penetrate the spiritual meaning of scripture. As a result: "There are times when a person understands God's scriptures with the clarity with which a surgeon understands the body when he opens up the marrow and the veins. These are the times when our experience seems to reveal the meaning before we understand it intellectually." Then he goes on to say that the verse, "O God come to my assistance, O Lord make haste to help me" sums up whatever insight one might have gleaned as a result.
Sometime later he asserts that as a result of this kind of prayer, "The mind shall attain that purest of pure prayers; the prayer which looks to see no visual image, uses no concepts or words.....the mind is rapt upward; and devoid of the aid of the senses or of anything visible or material, pours forth its prayer to God with groanings and sighs that cannot be uttered. This explains the system of spiritual discipline," he concludes, "there can be nothing more sublime than to fold the recollection of God into the little space of meditation upon a single verse, to summarize all the prayerful feelings in one sentence."
A One Word Mantra
The prayer of recollection which was introduced to the West by Cassian, has been maintained and developed throughout European history. For example, Walter Hilton, who may have written The Cloud of Unknowing, advocated the use of a one word mantra. "If you want to gather all your desire into one simple word that the mind can easily retain, choose a short word rather than a long one. A one syllable word such as "God" or "love" is best. But choose one that is meaningful to you. Then fix it in your mind so that it will remain there come what may. This word will be your defence in conflict and in peace. Use it to beat off the cloud of darkness above you and to subdue all distractions, consigning them to the cloud of forgetting beneath you. Should some thought go on annoying you demanding to know what you are doing, answer with the one word alone. If your mind begins to intellectualize over the meaning and connotations of this little word, remind yourself that its value lies in its simplicity. Do this and I assure you these thoughts will vanish. Why? Because you have refused to develop them with arguing." As a person gets to be proficient in this form of prayer the chosen word, which encapsulates all one feels and knows about God, will begin to pray itself within the person's spirit in an unceasing way.
The Spirit will never stop praying inside him
Isaac of Nineveh wrote in the seventh century: "Once the Spirit comes to dwell in someone, the latter will not be able to stop praying, for the Spirit will never stop praying inside him. Thus, whether he sleeps or wakes, prayer will never be absent from the person's soul. Whether she is eating or drinking, or sleeping or working, the sweet fragrance of prayer will effortlessly breathe in his heart. Henceforth he no longer prays at fixed times, but continuously." John Cassian and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing have shown us a simple way of fulfilling Paul's advice in Eph 5:20: "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication."
Fr Pat Collins CM is a popular author, speaker and retreat leader who is based at St Peter's Church in Dublin.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity
There is an old religious joke that has been doing the rounds for years which goes like this:`` I was walking across a bridge one day, and ...
I love R.S.Thomas and he served, for a time, in this Diocese. Here is his poem about the Kingdom of Heaven: It's a long way off but insid...


text:
...I got there early, so I took a little walk along the Clear Creek trail. The creek is still quite high, but I saw plenty of
...I love the feeling of a day (or more) stretching out ahead of you, with no real plans or serious obligations. :) I do have a couple papers to mark, and I want to work more on my revision. I had a day of inspiration last week, and I'm about 2/3 through -- the end is in sight! Phew!
How is your summer going? Getting any chances to just be?


text:
I heard some sad news recently. A 16-year old autistic boy named Max hanged himself in Kansas. The event touched me personally because I had posted a blog about Max more than a year ago. I quoted a letter from Max's mother, in which she referred to Max being bullied in school. She complimented the open friendship offered to Max by Kara (my grand-daughter) and her friends. The emphasis of the letter was not critical, just thankful to Kara and friends. Some excerpts follow:
"Hi Kim, I wanted to send you a note and tell you about Kara. She has seen my son Max several times this summer, and has been very nice to him. She and her friends even play games with him at the local swimming pool, where they shoot baskets and probably let him win at the game of PIG. Kara always smiles, and never acts as though he bugs her (even though I know he probably does).
I know this doesn't seem like much, but let me explain. A lot of kids are nice to Max, say hi, and take a photo now and then. However a lot are just mean, tease and even punch him to see him meltdown. Taking him out in public is a real struggle because I don't know which will happen. At night, he cries and struggles to "fix himself" wanting to just be normal and accepted. However he often melts down and can't sleep.
On the other hand, when Kara and her friends treat Max so well, he has a smile for the rest of the night. He eats dinner, and often feels so good about himself that his creativity emerges. Surprisingly he will try to develop a new formula in an effort to cure Aids. Alternatively, he can invent incredible origami pieces, or just design a new form of candy. Afterward he goes to sleep in peace, feeling like he is really worth something. As you ponder this, please note that Max has already passed some entry exams for college. Even though he has not yet finished high school)
For fourteen years the love and compliments of his family were all he needed, but since age fifteen he seems to require the acceptance of peers, and that is something I cannot provide. In summary, Kara has brought peace to our often hectic life, even if just for a day. And that to me is a true angel".
I ended this blog by thanking Max's mother for sharing this wonderful letter, which may inspire kids to be kind to others no matter what disabilities they may have.
When we are rejected, or when we feel rejected, it hurts like crazy! Feelings of rejection may play a role in suicide, because peer-pressure and friend-esteem are the coin of the realm in high-school. 11% of children under 18 are diagnosed with depression. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):
- 19% of high school students have seriously considered killing themselves.
- 15% of high school students made actual plans for committing suicide.
The CDC reports that it is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 24. The only two things that cause more death among teenagers are accidents (usually in the car) and homicide.
"Jesus was despised and rejected of men" (see quote below). I never understood this statement, because I figured that Jesus was God, and God planned his crucifixion anyway. So the spiritual purpose was clear, and he would end up in heaven (where he came from), so why should Jesus feel rejected?
However this misses the point that Jesus was also human. And his human-ness must have just about cracked under the rejection by not only the religious authorities (who were supposed to be looking for a Messiah). But also by the hysterical masses when they screamed to crucify him. These were some of the same people who had seen him offer hope to prostitutes, redeem adulterers, and heal lepers, and who received life-supporting wisdom like the Sermon on the Mount. We must conclude that Jesus experienced genuine disappointment, rejection, and the mental anguish that goes with it.
What is the learning here? We need (like Kara and her friends above) to be love-sensitive to others, especially those who are not the same as us. Jesus was a fine example of this. He was not afraid to circulate among publicans and sinners, and the handicapped and the sick. I admit that I have failed miserably more than once in this regard. As a result, I keep saying to myself "Help Someone to Hope", which is a very good antidote for my tendency to reject (or ignore) someone different.
Jesus commands us to love all people, but a judgmental attitude has a way of squeezing into our thoughts. Especially when we do not understand people who are different from us, and we have not had to walk in their shoes. At the very least we can sprinkle compliments around during the day, since most people are starved for compliments.
The Gray Nomad.
Probing the practice of Christian believers……
"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem." (Isaiah, chapter 53)
Please hit one of the SHARE buttons below the blog if you know someone who would be interested in this story.
You can also become a Follower by clicking on the gray Follow button at the bottom of this screen or any of the blog-viewing screens on the website.


text:
Loud music played through earphones is putting the hearing of more than half of young people at risk.
Research has found 60% of youngsters are putting their ears in jeopardy.
The findings show many teens are surpassing recommended sound levels, which can cause permanent damage.
DeafHear, which carried out the research, has launched a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at 14 to 22-year-olds.
The project, Keep The Sound, highlights the damage caused by listening to high volumes for too long.
It found the majority of young people are listening to music in excess of 91 decibels – higher than the maximum recommended level of 85 decibels. One in four played music at levels over 100 decibels.
At this level of exposure, even 15 minutes a day could cause permanent damage.
The effects of this damage may not be noticed until years later, when it is too late to correct the situation.
Daily users of portable music players are particularly at risk.
The majority of Irish teens – 83% – already own a smartphone.
And, with portable devices and smartphones being on top of many Christmas lists, parents have been advised to be cautious. Brendan Lennon of DeafHear said: "We want to encourage parents who may be giving gifts of music players this Christmas to
protect the hearing of children and young people."
The most effective way to reduce damaging your hearing is by changing from earphones to headphones.
Ear buds, it was found, are up to four times more likely to damage their hearing as those using over-ear headphones.
Mr Lennon added: "The advice is simple – make sure that your child has a set of headphones, not earphones.
"If you can afford it, it is worth looking at headphones with noise cancelling features, which offer additional protection."


text:
6 Technologies That Could Benefit From the Gmail Goggles Concept
Google prides itself in thinking outside the box. Coming up with new and innovative ideas is commonplace for this technological powerhouse. Unfortunately, not every idea they come up with maintains longevity and sustainability in this highly attention deficient world of ours. One of the best designs that we were sad to see die an early death was the Gmail Goggles concept. Everybody has woken up at least once in their lives in complete and utter horror while remembering their drunken ramblings sent via email the night before. Gmail Goggles was meant to be a preventive, making you answer easy mathematical equations before your electronic correspondence even had a chance to leave your outbox. They figured that if you can answer a simple multiplication question, then you're in a right enough state of mind to send out an email. The beauty of this product was surely in it's simplicity. Too bad it didn't catch on. Here are 6 technologies that could have benefited from the Gmail Goggles concept.
Facebook Goggles
Here's one app that took the world by social media storm! In its early life in 2004, the founders of Facebook couldn't have known the phenomenon it was going to become, no matter how big their dreams were. Luckily for them, Internet fiends took to it like moths to an unbelievably burning bright flame. With status updates, photo sharing and relationship statuses all up for public perusal, here's where the Gmail Goggles could have undeniably helped. Maybe a few simple division questions could help hinder you before you decide to brain fart all over the web.
Related Posts
List of Vietnamese Leading Websites about Recruiting Chef Jobs
No Comments | Mar 26, 2018
15 Common Drinking Myths Debunked
No Comments | Dec 30, 2013
Cheltenham Festive Guide for Total Newbies
No Comments | Mar 10, 2020
Ways to Become more Confident
No Comments | Jul 2, 2018


text:
You can get more relevant suggestions in Google Cloud Search if you turn on your account activity. Google saves your search activity to customize your experience when you use Cloud Search and have your account activity turned on.
You're in control of your account activity and can change the setting anytime.
Sign in to Cloud Search at cloudsearch.google.com.
If you can't sign in, your account doesn't have Cloud Search. Learn more
- In the top right of the homepage, click Settings Account Activity.
- At Web & App Activity, click On or Off to change the setting.
- At the bottom of the page, click Turn On or Pause to change the setting.
For more information about search activity controls, see Google Web & App Activity.
If you can't access your activity controls, contact the administrator who manages your organization's Google Accounts. Before you can turn on your account activity, your administrator must turn on the Web History service for your organization.