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Compare electricity prices in Connecticut
Connecticut Residential Electric Rates
In Connecticut, you have the power to choose your electricity provider. In January, Eversource Energy CT launched electricity rate increases that will affect customers through the first half of the year. How big is the hit? People who get residential power from Eversource will pay about 19 percent more – an additional $12 a month. The other major utility, United Illuminating, also known as Avangrid, went even higher – about 24 percent more, for an additional $16 a month.
But there is some good news. EnergyChoice.net currently offers plans with savings of up to 20 percent on Eversource electricity supply rates and up to 24 percent on United Illuminating.
Join the more than 500,000 Connecticut residents who have already switched providers and escape the Eversource rate increases. EnergyChoice.net's providers offer rates that can beat those of Eversource and United Illuminating. Shop around for the best rate, contract length, and green energy mix. See if you can find savings by entering your ZIP code above.
United Illuminating Rates
|Plan Name
|Plan Length
|Clearview Energy – ClearGreenGuarantee6
|6 months
|$0.0859 / kWh
|Public Power – 6 Month Fixed
|6 months
|$0.0897 / kWh
|Constellation – 36 Month Home Power Plan
|36 months
|$0.0999 / kWh
|XOOM Energy – SureLock 12 – UI
|12 months
|$0.1099 / kWh
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 5/26/2019, 11:48:37 AM CT for utility United Illuminating. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
Eversource Energy (formerly CL&P) Rates
|Plan Name
|Plan Length
|Clearview Energy – ClearGreenGuarantee6
|6 months
|$0.0789 / kWh
|Public Power – 6 Month Fixed
|6 months
|$0.0857 / kWh
|Constellation – 36 Month Home Power Plan
|36 months
|$0.0909 / kWh
|XOOM Energy – SureLock 12 – CLP
|12 months
|$0.0999 / kWh
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 5/26/2019, 11:48:36 AM CT for utility Eversource Energy (formerly CL&P). Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
Are you moving to Connecticut?
If you're moving to Connecticut this summer, you should know that the state is one of about 15 where energy is deregulated. That means residents don't have to buy electricity (or natural gas) from utilities. Instead they can buy energy from suppliers who compete on price, renewal energy mix, term length and more.
For example, the price to compare for the utility company Eversource is 10.14 cents per kilowatt hour. In the zip code 06103, a deregulated supplier offers a rate of 8.19 cents per kilowatt hour. That's a savings of over 19 percent.
Want to find out what your savings could be? Just enter your ZIP code above and see what's available in your area. Select a plan that fits your needs and sign up.
History of energy deregulation in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control passed PA 98-28 In May 1992 to deregulate the state's electricity market and boost the economy. By creating a competitive market, the act allows residents to choose an electricity supplier and the rate he or she wants to pay for a home or business's electricity.
The deregulated system also has a lower price cap, which ensures that consumers' rates won't skyrocket because of steadily increasing gas prices. The new deregulated system puts Connecticut electricity consumers first, so everyone can have power at the perfect rate.
Ready to look for a rate that suits you? Enter your ZIP code above.
Who can buy deregulated energy in Connecticut?
- Deregulated electricity: Residencies and businesses.
- Deregulated natural gas: Residencies and businesses.
To expand on that, both homes and businesses in Connecticut can choose a plan from deregulated electricity providers. Commercial and industrial businesses in Connecticut also have the option to purchase deregulated natural gas.
Sadly, only about 25 percent of state residents take advantage of Connecticut energy choice, according to a Energy Choice poll earlier this year. To see whether you can save on residential electricity, enter your ZIP code above. To find plans for your commercial company or small business in Connecticut, click here. Since business plans have special standards and requirements that must be met, we will give you a call to go over any plan details and set up your service.
Who provides the electricity?
With a deregulated electricity market, you choose your own electric supplier from the companies serving your region. Different suppliers charge different rates for different plans – you pick the rate that's right for your needs.
However, your utility company is still in charge of delivering the electricity to your home or business. And don't worry, you don't have to tell your utility that you've switched suppliers, your supplier will handle all the details once your new cycle starts.If you have any problems, emergencies, power outages, etc., contact your utility company – not your supplier!
What are the different plans and products offered?
- Fixed rate plans: Most Connecticut suppliers offer fixed rate contracts for term lengths from 6 months to 2 years. Fixed rate plans ensure predictability, in that the consumer is paying a constant rate for the entire term length of the plan's contract.
- Variable-rate plans: Variable-rate plans allow the consumer's monthly rate to change from month to month. However, these plans do offer more flexibility because they do not require a long-term contract or subject the consumer to early cancellation fees.
- Prepaid plans: The consumer pays in advance for electricity and is alerted throughout the month about usage and account balance. Some Connecticut suppliers do not require a credit check or deposit for prepaid plans.
- Green/Renewable energy plans: Many Connecticut suppliers offer plans that use up to 100% of energy from green or renewable sources. Most of these plans include fixed rates, so the consumer's supplier bill will be consistent from month to month.
- Home services: Some of Connecticut's electricity supply companies do more than just supply energy. Direct Energy, Constellation, and others offer additional products and services such as smart thermostats, HVAC installation, roof repairs and more.
- Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): Homeowners or business owners have the option of purchasing RECs through some energy suppliers that can further offset their home or business carbon emissions and encourage local renewable energy sources.
Now that you know the lingo, you're ready to shop for a better energy plan. Enter your ZIP code above to see what's available.
Are there renewable energy options in Connecticut?
Yes! A stipulation of PA 98-28 requires suppliers to obtain a portion of their power from renewable sources. So, if you're a Connecticut resident who is worried about your carbon footprint, the deregulated electric market has a plan for you. A recent EnergyChoice.net poll found that 15 percent of Connecticut energy shoppersconsider renewable energy the most important factor in selecting a plan. Every electric supplier in Connecticut has at least one plan that draws some if not all its energy from renewable sources, which allows you to control your environmental impact. And with so many rate options, your love for the planet won't put a huge dent in your bank account.
See the options – green and otherwise – available to you when you enter your ZIP code above.
I've picked a plan! Now what?
If you choose to switch suppliers, you can easily cycle into your new electricity plan without any power interruptions. Your new plan will then take effect at the end of your current billing cycle (between 15 to 45 days). When your plan term is nearing its end date, Energy Choice will send you a reminder 30-60 days beforehand, giving you the opportunity to choose a new plan or continue with your supplier at a default rate.
(Last updated 4/25/2019)
"By changing my supplier, I cut my rate in half! I will definitely be telling my friends about this."
"Excited to have lower electric bills."
Electricity and natural gas suppliers
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February 2014 Irvine Housing Market Report
As we get ready to "Spring forward" by turning the clocks ahead next week, we should take a look at whether the February 2014 Irvine housing market report has remained the same or will the future housing market continue its upward trend in calendar year 2014. The question is are we experiencing the pause that will refresh, or are we embarking on a new trend.
It is clear that the month-over-month comparisons from calendar year 2013 will not look as optimistic as we have experienced over a 20% gain in Irvine and cannot expect more than a 6 to 8% price appreciation in calendar year 2014.
In addition, as the inventory increases, and the interest rates creep up to buy a home, the days on market of existing homes for sale will extend out, and Buyers might be more cautious in jumping in to buy a home.
Builders in Irvine Are Releasing More Inventory in February 2014
The new home builders that ring Irvine are becoming more optimistic and are releasing more homes to the Irvine housing market with each phase and with each succeeding phase being brought to market more frequently. The aggregate supply of new homes each month has more than tripled than it was a year ago and is predicted to multiply. The previous cautious posture of the builders has been replaced by a more aggressive stance and is looking more and more like the height of the market that we experienced in 2005. This may impact the Irvine Housing Market Report in the coming months.
Homeowners Are More Optimistic
In addition, homeowners who experienced years of price declines are beginning the process of planning to capitalize on the healthy market. The aggregate demand of Buyers each month is more constant than the potential supply of homeowners who choose to put their homes on the market or not. We should know within the next 60 days whether the inventory will outpace the demand and begin to flatten out the prices here in Irvine.
The inventory to sales activity here in Irvine remains healthy. Further, we expect most of the gain in the early part of the year and a flattening as we approach the summer months.
We expect interest rates to move up by a half of a percent by June 2014, and with the interest rate over 5% for 30 year fixed, we believe that will have an influence on the rate of appreciation. In addition, as the prices of homes go up, the percentage of all cash buyers will continue to go down.
The real estate market continues to exhibit the health, breadth, and vitality that is symptomatic of better things to come–albeit at a slower rate of acceleration.
How's the Real Estate Market Going into the Spring?
The real estate market is strong and remains strong. Prices are stable currently. Orange County real estate prices were up over 20% year over year. Irvine real estate prices are up over 25% year over year. However, the Case-Schiller Index started to show change in its most recent survey of 20 cities. In indicates a slowing of macro demand nationwide. As we approach the Spring selling season, we expect the Sellers to remain optimistic in their pricing of their homes. The question remains whether the Buyers will continue to pay the listed price.
As of February 23rd, the current inventory in Irvine of 445 homes available and a total of 280 homes in escrow. While the inventory continues to increase, (5% larger inventory month-over-month), the homes that have gone into escrow have increased dramatically. There are more than double the number of homes that have entered into escrow from January 2014. This might be more of an early Spring rather than a continued burst of activity. The price appreciation is the key to determine continued momentum.
We are including our FREE market report, so that you may keep abreast of the conditions impacting your local neighborhood in Irvine. We believe our city is a unique real estate environment. While macro economic conditions impact our local housing market, we cannot and should not rely solely on National and Countywide news sources for our local housing trends. These broader housing statistics do not accurately reflect what is happening in your local neighborhood. While the nation had 12% growth year-over-year, according to the Case-Schiller Index, we had 25% growth.
Our monthly reports track your neighborhood's inventory, median price, price per square foot, median sales price, average days on market and more. Our market reports are updated regularly, and are FREE to you, so that you can stay "ahead of the curve" as to the direction in which the housing market is heading throughout the year and at absolutely no risk.
Take a look at the current charts below to get a picture of what have outlined for you.
If you are interested in specific communities, zip codes, neighborhoods, you can subscribe to local reports here. We would be happy to provide you with the Market Reports of your choice. We will be following up with you soon. We are grateful for your confidence is us, and supporting our business with your friendship and referrals.

subset: commoncrawl


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FemaleUnited StatesMember since 24 Dec 14Age 19Last online 1 months ago
"Don't part with your illusions.
When they are gone you may still exist,
but you have ceased to live."
― Mark Twain
"Brave soldier, never fear.
Even though your death is near."
― Hans Christian Andersen, The Steadfast Tin Soldier
"Please all, and you will please none." ~Aesop
~*~Proudly a Wordsmith~*~
Ambassador 2015/16
I'm and Awkward Puckling :3
Dang man, 2017 was the most transformative year I've lived through yet.
Stories (1)
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Farmingdale State College announced the appointment of Richard Vogel as dean of the school of business. Vogel, who joined Farmingdale in 1998 as an assistant professor in economics, most recently served as acting dean for the business school.
Charles Ziegler was named director of operations at Holiday Inn Express in Stony Brook. Ziegler most recently held that title at Village Auto Body in Greenlawn.
Gregory W. Fitzgerald joined TD Bank in Melville as vice president and commercial loan officer in commercial lending. A 34-year industry veteran, Fitzgerald was most recently a vice president and relationship manager at HSBC in Melville.
Alicia Bartkowski was named president of the New York State Plaintiff's Nursing Home Litigation Group. Bartkowski is the senior attorney overseeing the nursing home neglect department at The Law Offices of Philip J. Rizzuto in Carle Place.
Vision Long Island, a Northport-based smart-growth planning organization, announced four additions to its board of directors. Aliesa Adelman works for Wendel Cos., while Lionel Chitty is with the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce. They are joined on the board by Bishop Harrison Hale of Bishop Harrison Hale Ministries and Veronica Vanterpool of Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
Adam Kepecs, an associate professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, received the 2014 Memory and Cognitive Disorders Award from The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience. The award provides $100,000 in research funding over three years.


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Bonnie E. Meredith
Bonnie E. Meredith
STAUNTON – Bonnie Elizabeth (Poole) Meredith, 96, died Thursday, March 13, 2014, at King's Daughters Nursing and Rehab Center with family by her side.
She was born Jan. 16, 1918, in Estaline Valley, a daughter of the late Freel J. and Virgie L. (Milton) Poole.
Prior to retiring, she worked at Genesco for 31 years. She will always be remembered by wanting to help others. She was an avid outdoor person and always had a beautiful smile.
She is survived by her daughter, Virgie Wilhoit and husband, Clif, of Staunton; four grandchildren, Bobby Flint and his wife, Pam, of Staunton, Patty Snead and her husband, Mike, of Stuarts Draft, and Jimmy and Angel Poole of Rockbridge Baths; six great-grandchildren, Abby and Kory Flint, Harlee and Wyatt Snead and Ethan and Arial Poole; her brother, William Poole; a sister, Lucy Sensabaugh; and very special friends, Kat Ramsey and Pat Bollman.
She was preceded in death by her son, J.C. Poole; her brothers, Carl, Charlie and Roscoe Poole, and a special friend, Claude Wade.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2014, in the Henry Funeral Home Chapel by Lay Pastor Ramona Bosserman.
The family will receive friends following the service in the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made in Bonnie's memory to Augusta Regional SPCA, 33 Archery Lane, Staunton, VA 24401.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.


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Bradley RanchNow Selling! Welcome to Bradley Ranch by D.R. Horton in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Living in this community will allow you to explore all that Colorado Springs has to offer. Bradley Ranch is located minutes from Powers Blvd., I-25, allowing quick access to Northern Colorado Springs, Downtown Colorado Springs and Monument. This community will also offer an easy commute to United States Air Force Academy, shopping, schools and more! With stunning views of Pikes Peak and the Colorado front range, this community provides residents access to recreational activities including hiking, fishing, camping, golfing and more. Bradley Ranch will offer a variety of ranch and 2-story new construction homes from D.R. Horton's Adventure Collection. For more information, contact our Online Sales Concierge.
Community Information
- Hours
- Daily By Appointment Only
- Contact Info
Mandy - Online Sales Concierge
- Sales Office
10200 Castor Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80925
- Amenities
- Walking - Nature Trails
- Shopping
My Notes
School Districts Near Home
|School Name
|0.5 mi.
Edith Wolford Elementary School
|3.8 mi.
|1.3 mi.
|School Name
|2.2 mi.
|1.4 mi.
|School Name
|1.5 mi.
|1.6 mi.
Area Information
New Homes in Colorado Springs, CO
As America's #1 Homebuilder, D.R. Horton, offers a range of new homes in Colorado Springs that feature thoughtfully planned layouts, energy efficient options and a robust warranty. Whether you're in the market for your first home or looking to expand, we can help you find the right home and make your purchase with confidence.
Why D.R. Horton?
We have been building homes since 1978, including homes in the most desirable communities throughout Colorado. Homes in Colorado Springs range from single to multi-level homes with 2 to 3 bedrooms.
We are committed to excellence in all of our communities, construction and buyer relationships and want to help you find a home that meets your specific needs while fitting within your budget. Take a look at some of the homes we have available to find the right one for your family today.
Moving into Colorado Springs
The city of Colorado Springs has invested in many amenities and improvements that have created plenty of opportunities for recreation and entertainment.
Pikes Peak is just 15 minutes away where you will find great hiking trails, serene lakes for fishing, or just surround yourself with the alpine beauty. If you like to spend time in the city, there are many neighborhood and community parks where you can enjoy the day in the sun or have a nice picnic. Colorado Springs also has many museums, historical sites, shopping centers, and more to accommodate an enjoyable lifestyle.
Whether you're moving here for the recreational opportunities or just to get a fresh start on life, we can help you find the homes and communities that fit your needs. Contact us today to find out how.


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Car and Driver
"If the Jeep Renegade is just a hair too small and the Cherokee a smidge too big, then the new Compass is sized just right." An heir to the "sad sack" original Compass in size and name only, this compact crossover SUV "combines mature looks, nimble handling, and comfortable accommodations" much as the current Renegade and Cherokee do. To its great credit, it "looks and feels like it belongs on the same showroom oor with those rigs."
In Trailhawk trim, the Compass exhibits off-road skills that other small crossovers can't match. On pavement, every Compass "needs more juice," because accelerating out of a corner "takes ages" with just 180 hp under the hood. Still, the new Compass rides nicely overall. "If you're looking for a cheap, small, relatively fuel-efi cient crossover that can hold its own on and off road, the 2017 Compass is the Jeep to get."
Be forewarned that the old Compass and its boxy Patriot sibling will be sold as 2017 models until every one of them is gone. To ensure a salesman hasn't talked you into buying the wrong model, just hop in and point your Jeep down a steep, rutted, sandy road. "If you make it to the bottom without wrecking the car or soiling yourself, you've got the right Compass."
This post first appeared on AmisCar, The Home For Definitive Car News ., please read the originial post: here


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Three "Must Do's" for Assisted Living Marketing
In the assisted living community a common concern that comes up is what are things that must be done in terms of assisted living marketing. With so many options and such a wide demographic of potential decision makers (meaning both clients and children of clients) it can be tough to know which option is the best way to market to them.
Because assisted living is expected to grow in the upcoming years this means that there will be increased competition and and even greater need to stay ahead of the curve in terms of how your market your community. If you're not up on current trends you'll most likely get beat out by other local competition that is. While a good reputation and referral network may have worked 15 years ago today the market for assisted living services is much more transparent. This means that the way you market and sell your services will also have to adapt and change with the times. When it comes to marketing here's a few "must-have" items your community needs to compete in the upcoming years:
1.) A Strong Web Presence. In today's world of aging baby boomers everybody is first turning to the internet to do their own un-biased research on your community. Whether its the actual resident themselves or the children of your potential new customer one, if not both, will be researching your community online. This means your website, community photos, patient testimonials, and online reviews will all be a factor before they even decide to contact your community. The first step in the process is simply getting FOUND in local online searches. The process of getting your website found online is now a science and one that we specialize in at NextWave Care. Search engine optimization, content marketing, and local listings all play a large factor in the success of this first step. Once found it's up to your website and content to do the rest.
2.) A Unique Value Proposition. With increased competition comes and increased need to separate yourselves from the pack. This mean determining what your core strengths are at your community and doing your best to highlight those features both online and during on-site visits. Is it your staff? Your facilities? Your group activities? Decide on a few factors that you want to showcase and make sure that these are at the forefront of your marketing efforts; both digital and physical.
3.) A Strong Existing & Past Customers: People these days almost always look to past customers as a way to measure the value of a potential new product or service. Most people are almost afraid to purchase a product online unless they've thoroughly investigated the reviews from past customers. The same goes for assisted living. Your current and past residents can be a HUGE ally in gaining new business. Collect as many testimonials, case studies, and quotes as you can from happy residents. Also ask if they'd be willing to talk to any new resident coming for an on-site visit. Having testimonials from these happy residents, both on your website as well as places like Yelp or Google Plus, will make a huge impact on whether or not a potential client decides to even contact your community for an on-site visit.
Hopefully these few tips have given you some food for thought on how to better market your assisted living community in the new age. For a free consultation or website audit feel free to contact NextWave Care and learn how you can start generating more leads online through your website.


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Joe Schmidt vows that Leinster will be glued, taped and strapped together in their bid to win the double.
But the Blues' ambition – European and league play-off honours – is in danger of coming unstuck again with the demands of sustaining assaults on both fronts.
It took a massive effort on Saturday to secure a Pro12 semi-final win over Glasgow who were distraught at the final whistle.
The two-point win means the Blues remain at the RDS for Friday's Amlin Cup decider against Stade Francais
and Saturday week's Pro12 all-Ireland final with Ulster.
But it's feared Gordon D'Arcy's season is already over with a recurrence of a calf injury while Brian O'Driscoll has a back spasm. Leinster lost both the centres in an attritional encounter where they lost the try battle 2-1 but ultimately won the war for the second time in seven weeks.
Schmidt is confident Sean O'Brien (calf) – who wasn't risked – Richardt Strauss (knee cap), Fergus McFadden (shin) and Cian Healy (fatigue) will be fit for the visit of Stade.
"The medical guys will have the glue and sticky tape out," said Schmidt. "Hopefully that will mean we can piece together a team for next week and then the week after, when we're just delighted we're not going to be on holiday."
But Leinster's preparations for Friday will be far from ideal.
Their six Lions – O'Driscoll, O'Brien, Healy, Jonny Sexton, Rob Kearney and Jamie Heaslip – will be in London today as part of an introductory day-long camp.
"I don't know if we'll be doing a lot in the front half of the week, our training will be restricted probably to Tuesday and Wednesday," admitted Schmidt.
The Kiwi coach worked late on Saturday night and early on Sunday morning on a video of the Glasgow game to show his tired side where they need to improve ahead of this week's challenge.
Schmidt added: "The tanks are emptied and we'll give them plenty of time, certainly 72 hours, to refill them."
It was a relief to the incoming Ireland head coach that Leinster edged an intense and bruising encounter on what he called a "really frustrating night".
Schmidt was not happy with Leinster's execution on their lineout but the one time they got it right, an effective 27th minute rolling maul resulted in the only try from Heaslip.
Sexton missed three from seven kicks at goal and it almost proved costly as the brilliant try-scoring Nikola Matawalu inspired the visitors after switching from scrum-half to the wing.
Extra-time was even on the cards when Stuart Hogg stepped up for a late conversion attempt but the Lion sliced wide.


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It's our birthday tomorrow!!!!
I can hardly believe it's been a year since I began blogging with my wacky and wonderful fellow NakedAuthors. It is truly a privilege to be associated with Paul Levine, Cornelia Read, James O. Born, Jacqueline Winspear, and James Grippando. Many heartfelt thanks to all of our fellow writers who have stopped by in the past year to say hello and to our faithful readers who support us with your insights and kind words. We love that all of you are part of our community. Just for fun here is my introductory post from a year ago explaining our name and our mission:
Why NakedAuthors? I'm glad you asked. When Paul Levine first agreed to join me in the blogosphere, I asked him if he had a suggestion for a name. He shot back with "NakedAuthors.com with a team photo, of course." I laughed because Paul is a very funny guy. You'll see when you read his books. Then I became reflective. Not only did the name pop, it followed sterling literary precedent set by The Naked and the Dead, Naked Lunch, and that great literary masterpiece Naked Came the Manatee. The name stuck with us. We hope you'll stick with us, too, as each day one of us posts words that are funny or profound or downright exasperating. We're going to talk about the naked truth of literature and life, and we invite you to join the conversation.
And since we're starting another year together, I offer you a reintroduction of sorts...
Paul Levine (the wisecracking lawyer) has worked as a newspaper reporter, a trial lawyer, a TV writer and a novelist. Obviously, he cannot hold a job. He is the author of a series of thrillers featuring Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord, squabbling Miami lawyers who, even though they aren't married, argue every day starting with "Good Morning." SOLOMON VS. LORD was nominated for the Macavity Award and the Thurber Prize for American humor. THE DEEP BLUE ALIBI is currently nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe mystery award and a Thriller Award. TRIAL & ERROR will be published in June 2007. Levine describes his own work as "funnier than Dostoevsky."
Jacqueline Winspear's (the Brit) first novel MAISIE DOBBS, was published in 2003, and subsequently became a New York Times Notable Book 2003, a Booksense Top Ten Pick, was listed as a Top Ten mystery by Publishers Weekly and received seven award nominations, including an Edgar nomination for Best Novel. MAISIE DOBBS won Agatha, Macavity and Alex Awards. BIRDS OF A FEATHER won the Agatha Award for Best Novel. Jacqueline's third novel, PARDONABLE LIES won the Sue Feder Award for Historical Fiction and her fourth novel MESSENGER OF TRUTH has been nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Novel. Each of the books featuring Maisie Dobbs, an ex-WWI nurse turned investigator has been a national bestseller. One of the books features a nun, another a debutante, but there are no characters from Florida.
James Grippando (the guy with good hair) has never won any awards. He did win a sled in a holiday raffle when he was nine, but that was only because he lost his original losing ticket and a nun felt sorry for him and gave him another one. With thirteen novels in as many years, his closest thing to an award is a spot in the New York Times crossword puzzle: "A James Grippando novel" was the clue for #38 across. His wife says he is no longer "clueless." James' next novel, LYING WITH STRANGERS, will be released by HarperCollins in May and has already pre-sold over 230,000 copies as a main selection of Book of the Month Club, Literary Guild, and Doubleday Book Club. WHEN DARKNESS FALLS (HarperCollins, Jan. 2007) is the newest release in the acclaimed series featuring Miami lawyer Jack Swyteck, to be followed by JAZZMAN in 2008. James is also the author of LEAPHOLES for young adults. His novels are enjoyed worldwide in 23 languages.
Cornelia Read's (the Deb) debut novel A FIELD OF DARKNESS features tough-talking, shotgun toting ex-debutante Madeline Dare, whose "money is so old there's none left." FIELD has been nominated for an Edgar Award, an RT Bookclub Reviewer's Choice Award, an Audie Award, and a Gumshoe Award for best first novel. Lee Child called the book "wry, knowing, hip, intelligent, exciting." Read just calls it WASP Noir. She has never won a sled. Nuns do feel sorry for her, though.
James O. Born (the cop) is the first recipient of the Florida Book Award for best novel in popular fiction. Born has used his career in law enforcement to write four novels based on his experience. Critics have praised his darkly humorous novels for the diversity of characters as well as the detail and thrills of police work. G.P. Putnam's Sons have published all four novels. If Irish and Canadian are considered separate tongues, his novels are enjoyed worldwide in three languages.
Patricia Smiley (the B-school grad) earned a BA in Sociology from the University of Washington in Seattle. She also holds an MBA with honors from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Her debut novel FALSE PROFITS about a Porsche-driving Los Angeles management consultant was praised by Elizabeth George, "Patricia Smiley and her heroine Tucker Sinclair are two of the brightest starts to light up detective fiction in a long time." Both FALSE PROFITS and Smiley's follow-up novel COVER YOUR ASSETS were Los Angeles Times Bestsellers. SHORT CHANGE, the third in the series, is set for release July 3, 2007. Smiley has won many awards, sadly none for her writing. She continues to resist admonitions from everyone, including well-meaning nuns, that she shouldn't have quit her day job as CEO of the Acme Sled Company.
To Sandra Ruttan, M.G. Tarquini, Tania, Rae, J.T. Ellison, EvilE, Tribe, Louise Ure, Janine, Mark Farley, Nichelle Tramble, Andi, Martha O'Connor, Stephen Blackmore, edgy mama, Angie, H, Paige, Karen Olson, Brett Battles, Daisy, J.D. Rhoades, Susan McBride, Marianne, Kathleen, TerriMo, AZ Cooke, Anonymous, Comment Deleted, Miss Snark, Lee Child, Laura Lippman, Mark Terry, Bob Morris, Paul Guyot, Dustin, Julia Buckley, Paula Benson, Joshilyn, Naomi Hirahara, DJ, Deidra Ann(e), Steve Allan, Jan, Otis, Sharon J, George, Ellen, Robin Burcell, Elaine Flinn, Karen Murphy, David Thayer, Heidi Vornbrock Roosa, Coolshoes, Barbara, James Lincoln Warren, martig, Tom T.O., Groupie, Jeff, Mims, Barb, April, Lori Armstrong, Jeff Shelby, The Deborahs, Gillian, David Terrenoire, Patrick Shawn Bagley, Kathy Fennone, Tom, John Ritter, Jess, Alice, PJ Parrish, Linda L. Richards, Deni Dietz, Counsel, Quiet Writer, Bob, Circuit Mouse, Yvette, Liz Lytle, Sue Hammond, Lesa, fotofinish, Autumn, Rita Larkin, Katherine Howell, Cara, Jake, Billie Bloebaum, Karen Murphy, Bob "Zillabob" Eggleton, stepmomma, Leann, Nancy Martin, Evie Sears, Regina Harvey, Shaz, Robert Barnes, Pam, Jon, Carol, Susan Crosby, Chuck Z, mjoy, and everybody else I didn't mention because my fingers froze on the keys. Thank you for joining our conversation!!!
I love Carol's recent comment explaining why she reads NakedAuthors so much I wanted to repeat it as a birthday present to us.
Paul's wit and politics
Cornelia's unique voice
Jacqueline's poetry
Patty's humor and heart
Jim's inspirational put-your-hands-on-the-computer-and-start-writing-or-you're-under-
arrest posts (not to mention he looks hot in that uniform)
P.S. Starting each morning looking at a photo of Grippando's hair is better than a jolt of coffee.
Share the love by sending this post to a friend. Just click on the envelope icon below.


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State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Teodoro Locsin Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, on the phone on 15 March.
Locsin reiterated firm support for China's fight against COVID-19 on behalf of the Philippine side, and commended China for the progress it has made. The Philippine side has always believed that China will triumph over the epidemic, as the Communist Party of China has repeatedly led the Chinese people through difficulties in history. As the Philippines is now challenged by the epidemic and shortage of medical supplies and facilities, it is hoped that China could provide assistance and consider sending medical experts to the country. As the Philippines has seen, China always seeks to uplift its neighbors as it strives for greater development.
Wang noted that both China and the Philippines are now making every effort to fight the epidemic. China is following closely the situation in the Philippines, and wishes to extend sincere sympathy to its people. When China was hit hard by the epidemic, the Philippine government and its people from all sectors have rendered China valuable support. The Chinese side feels keenly for the Philippine people and will work with the Philippine side in solidarity to overcome the challenge. The Philippines is a friendly neighbor of China across the sea. China will do its utmost to help the country, and has decided to provide urgently needed medical supplies such as testing kits and protective suits and will actively coordinate the dispatching of medical experts. China is confident that under the leadership of President Duterte, the Philippines will prevail over the outbreak at an early date.
Locsin expressed his deep appreciation and promised to promptly report the heartening news to President Duterte.
Wang noted that given the outbreak in various places with multiple sources in the world and the worrying situation, countries must work together as a community with a shared future to pursue swift, collective response. As a responsible country, China will continue to enforce rigorous and effective measures at home, and at the same time actively share experience with other countries and help those in need as its ability permits.


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Each election season, the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities provides background information to help candidates become familiar with issues affecting Greater Minnesota communities. This information is available to any candidate of any political party. The CGMC does not endorse candidates running for political office, but we think that it is important for candidates to know about issues are important to Greater Minnesota cities. We have prepared the candidate packet found at the link below to provide information about several key issues: property taxes & LGA, state budget, transportation, annexation & land use, economic development, and environment & energy.
If you have any questions about the information provided in the packet, or if you would like us to mail a hard copy to you, please contact:
Julie Liew
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 651-259-1917


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I've posted here on the blog before about my brooch collection, my favorite places to buy them, and even nifty solutions for storing them. But how about actually wearing them? It's easy to wear a brooch on most cute sweaters or jackets… all of the things that are made from heavier fabric.
But what about regular t-shirts, thinner sweaters, or dresses? Are you just limited to lightweight brooches? That's one option, but I have another idea that's simple, cheap, and effective!
I bought a sheet of STIFF felt at my local craft store (like this), and cut a 2"x2" square. I chose black, but you could use any color (I mostly wear black, so that worked for me). I place the square on the inside of my shirt, against the fabric right where I want to pin my brooch, and pin through my clothing AND the stiff felt square together.
The stiff felt acts as a backer/support piece for the brooch, keeping it from drooping down. Now I can wear my brooches with all of my t-shirts and boatneck tops (also made of t-shirt material)!
I'm actually utilizing this felt trick in the OOTD photo below:
|see original blog post here
I love my Erstwilder brooches, but they're typically a little bit too heavy for regular t-shirt material… but not anymore!
I found that the 2"x2" size was perfect for almost all of the brooches that I own. I suppose that if you have larger pins, you could cut an even larger square. There's so much felt left over, you can have extras on hand for the inevitable time when you lose the original one. :)
I've read about other brooch tricks, like the MagnaPin for wearing brooches on thin, delicate fabrics (so as not to ruin them by making holes in the fabric), but it still didn't solve my droopy/heavy pin dilemma.
This one I came up with on my own and just decided to try it out. So far it's worked really great for me, so I thought I'd pass along the tip! Do you have any secrets for upping your brooch game?
Rock On,
Jen @ Hell Razor
now playing:


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Rivermaya - 241 Chords & Tabs
241 Chords & Tabs
verse 1 E Bm I want to live forever E Bm Inside the nights and days. A Am Wishing on a silver cloud, A Am Crawling across the moonbeams. verse 2 (verse 1 chords) A summer night in heaven Between the stars and waves. Race across the old bonfire; Trample on my heartbeat. chorus [ Tab from: https://www.guitartabs.cc/tabs/r/rivermaya/241_crd_ver_3.html ] C#m A E B C#m I wanted to turn you on A E B C#m My favorite song. A E B Wanted to be near you A Am E But somebody owns you now. verse 3 (verse 1 chords) I love you with a fire, Ablazing till times end But what good is a heart When it shudders to speak. I guess it's too late now. chorus (chorus chords) "I wanted to turn you on My favorite song. Wanted to be near you But somebody owns you now. (And) I tried to live somehow Somebody owns you now" (Repeat 2x) A Am E Somebody owns you now A-Am-E. end


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We in Meru networks have been using this for the past 5 years with 1.7.X and we are in the phase of upgrading the existing version to testlink 1.9.3 version.
This is a great test management tool which leverages us to deal with this three segments effectively.
1) QA test requirement phase
2) QA test Planning phase
3) QA test execution and report phase
Thanks to test link.


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This week there were several big announcements from performers who have extended their current touring efforts to include more shows. The first major announcement this week came from Ray LaMontagne. The singer and songwriter just revealed that he will be returning to the stage this fall for another leg of his tour. During this outing, the singer will be heading out to several major theater venues across the United States. The Grammy Award-winning performer will kick off his fall run starting on October 10th in Paso Robles, California. Tickets for these shows are available now to the public for those interested in seeing the performer live. Tickets are also still available for the performer's selected remaining shows that complete his summer tour leg.
One of the biggest announcements of the week came from Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias. The two performers just revealed that they will be expanding their forthcoming co-headlining trek to nearly double the number of shows they will be performing this fall. The two performers are co-headlining the event and each delivering their own sets as well as collaborative performances during this massive outing.
Since first announcing their tour plans, the duo has added another nine dates to their itinerary. The tour still officially kicks off on September 12th in Newark, Jew Jersey. However, new shows have been added in the following cities: Uniondale, New York (9/14), Atlantic City, New Jersey (9/26) Las Vegas, Nevada (October 12th), San Diego, California (October 15th) and San Antonio, Texas (October 18th). The tour will now wrap up on October 28th in Orlando, Florida. During the tour, performer J Balvin will be handling opening duties for the concerts. This is the second time that the two performers have headed out on the road together. Both singers will be promoting their latest albums while on the tour and performing both new and old hit singles from their successful careers in the industry. Tickets for the newly added shows are available now for those newly added shows. Will you be getting tickets to see Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias live?
David Jacobs
Latest posts by David Jacobs (see all)
- Tips to Purchase NFL tickets - 02.13.2018


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After allegedly sinking his teeth into a rival's shoulder during a World Cup match, Uruguayan soccer star Luis Suarez unwittingly took on several alter egos on Tuesday -- Hannibal, a vampire, a shark, a fanged man, and more.
The uproar began when Suarez took an wide-mouth bite of Italian player Giorgio Chiellini's left shoulder while competing for a position in the soccer field, according to The New York Times. As both players fell to the ground, Uruguay scored the one goal of the game, which won the match and caused Italy to be eliminated from the World Cup tournament.
Despite a plethora of photos showing Chiellini's gnawed shoulder, Suarez claims innocence saying he just bumped into his rival. However, this assertion seems sketchy considering the fact that Suarez bit two other players in matches before the World Cup.
Unsurprisingly, the alleged bite has set off a meme frenzy causing Suarez to temporarily become the butt of the Internet joke world.
Here's a handful of memes being tossed around social media:
Not only are memes dominating the web, but also dozens of jokes and one-liners about the Suarez bite are circulating on social media. Evander Holyfield, the boxer known for having lost a chunk of his ear to a bite from Mike Tyson, tweeted, "I guess any part of the body is up for eating."
American football player Chris Long wrote, "Well, at least Suarez is sticking to his #paleo diet."
And, World Cup official sponsor McDonald's tweeted to Suarez, "If you feel hungry, come take a bite of a Big Mac."
It's unclear how FIFA, the governing body for world soccer, will punish Suarez for his déclassé behavior, but it's pretty clear he probably won't be playing in this year's World Cup again.


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One of our food bloggers here at WordPress,Tammy Algood, posted a wonderful recipe for Maple Sausage and Lentil Soup. My pantry is full of lentils right now because it is one of the common items that is distributed at my local pantry. The recipe looked simple and inexpensive and the maple sausage I had in my freezer. My family just might eat this with a maple twist to it.
I store lentils in a large container leaving just one empty bag under the lid so I have instructions on how to use them. All I have used them for is to add a half a cup of them to vegetable or multi bean soup. But the recipe called for a 1 pound bag and I had to wing it as to how much I should use. Also I only had maple sausage links and not a full pound of ground maple sausage. So I did some changes to the recipe to match what I had to work with. I did not add salt because the soup base is salty. The soup turned out good.
To serve it I added a drizzle of maple syrup on top and a pinch of dried dill weed. Dill complements some soups with beans and legumes. Lentils is a legume like peas. I dry my own dill when it is in season and I can find it at the farmers market. A dab of sour cream or croutons also would make a good topping.
- 1 package (12 ounce.)maple sausage links
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 ribs of celery finely chopped
- 2 carrots thinly sliced into coins.
- 2 tablespoons of chicken soup base
- 7 cups water
- 2 cups dried green lentils
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- dried dill weed (optional)
- maple syrup (optional)
In a stock pot or dutch oven brown sausage links with onions and celery. Remove sausage and cut into bite size pieces and return to pot. At the point the onions and celery is done sweating. Add sliced carrot coins, soup base, water, lentils and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and add water if needed. Serve. Optional topping with a swirl of maple syrup on top and a pinch of dill weed or a topping of your choice.
Thank you Tammy for a wonderful soup idea. Everyone please visit her food blog.


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The contest is open to currently registered graduate students who have made substantial progress (final stages of research) in a master's thesis, a master's research project, or a PhD program
- Students who have successfully defended their thesis, but have not yet graduated are also eligible
- Presentations must be based on research that is directly related to the student's graduate program thesis.
- Presenters must agree to be video-taped.
- Presenters must be able to attend provincial competition.
- The 3MT® must represent the thesis research of the presenter.
NOTE: Past winners & runner-up will not be eligible
If you are not eligible to compete in 3MT® you can consider giving an oral or poster presentation at the Mapping the New Knowledges (MNK) conference.
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, the slide is to remain in view for the duration of the oration).
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and/or video files) are permitted
- No props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
- Presentations are to be spoken (i.e. No poems, raps or songs)
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech
- The decision of the judges panel is final
Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
Students must understand that the presentation of their research in 3MT® will be publicly accessible, i.e. in the public domain.
The presentation of the research, will not affect any pre-existing rights following the competition except as stated below:
- Due to the nature of the competition, we will not ask judges, reviewers, staff or the audience to sign non-disclosure statements. If your research is being/has been conducted under contract with an outside sponsor, please discuss the related contractual terms of confidentiality and intellectual property with your supervisor before participating in this competition.
- All public sessions of the competition, including but not limited to oral presentations, are open to the public at large. Any and all of these public sessions may be broadcast to interested persons through media which may include the Internet.
- Any data or information discussed or presented in public sessions should be considered 'public'. If your research includes confidential or culturally sensitive material we advise that you discuss your competition entry with your supervisor(s) before entering the 3MT®
Brock's Faculty of Graduate Studies, in coordinating the 3MT® Competition, may take photographs, videotapes and/or audiotapes of the presentations or copy material prepared for use in presentation at the 3MT® for promotional purposes.


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The Oxford Brookes Centre for Nutrition and Health (formerly known as the Functional Food Centre) is seeking female participants to take part in a study investigating the effects of a drink on appetite and food intake.
This study will involve a screening session and three test sessions spread out over 4 weeks.
During these 4 weeks, participants will consume a 200 ml test drink or placebo three times per day (i.e. before each main meal). All test sessions will take place first thing in the morning and breakfast will be provided. Participants will receive a £50 Amazon voucher on completion of the study.
Participants need to be female, aged 18-65 years, without any significant health problems and have a BMI of 25-35 kg/m2 (this will be measured during the screening).
If you would like further information, or you would like to get involved, please contact Ify or Hannah on Ext 3283 or email email@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com
This study has been fully approved by the University Research Ethics Committee
UREC Ref No: 171098


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Paul Oppenheimer
Main Affiliation
North Academic Center
Paul Oppenheimer
- B.A., Princeton University
- M.A., Ph.D., Columbia University
Courses Taught
- Medieval Literature
- The Vampire
- The Faust Legend
- The Tristan Legend
- History of Poetry
Before a Battle and Other Poems. Harcourt, Brace.
A Pleasant Vintage of Till Eulenspiegel. Translated with Introduction and Critical Appendix. Wesleyan University Press.
Beyond the Furies, new poems. With ten etchings by Burt Hasen. Editions Faust: Paris and New York.
The Birth of the Modern Mind: Self, Consciousness and the Invention of the Sonnet. Oxford University Press.
Till Eulenspiegel: His Adventures. (2nd rev. edtn.) Garland Publishing.
Till Eulenspiegel: His Adventures. (3rd rev. edtn.) Oxford World's Classics.
Evil and the Demonic: A New Theory of Monstrous Behavior. Duckworth (U.K.), New York University Press, plus paperback edtn.
An Intelligent Person's Guide to Modern Guilt. Duckworth (U.K.); Madison Books (U.S. edition: Infinite Desire: A Guide to Modern Guilt.)
Rubens, A Portrait. (Biography.) Duckworth (U.K.); Cooper Square (U.S.) edition.
Blood Memoir, or The First Three Days of Creation. (Fiction.) Marsilio Publishers.
Till Eulenspiegel: His Adventures. (4th rev. edtn.) Routledge.
The Flame Charts, new poems. Spuyten Duyvil Press.
In Times of Danger. (Poems) Spuyten Duyvil Press. 2010.
Machiavelli: A Life Beyond Ideology. (Biography) Continuum (U.S. and U.K.). 2011.
Articles: Over 80 articles in such places as American Book Review, US Magazine, The International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (political analysis), The New Leader (political reporting from Germany; reviews), London Magazine (U.K.) (political reporting from Germany), The Germanic Review, Dimensions (theatre criticism), Backstage, Paedeuma, Art on Paper, The Jewish Quarterly (U.K.), Arion, The Literary Review (U.S.), PN Review (U.K.), Renaissance Quarterly.
Additional Information
Teaching Abroad:
At the Sorbonne (Paris III), 1984-85; at the University of North London, 1988-89; at the University of Osnabrück (Germany), 1993-94; at University College London (Department of German), 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999.


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Euronews has announced that it is the first news source to support Sony's SmartWatch 2.
Michael Peters, CEO of Euronews commented: "Innovation is at the heart of the strategy of Euronews, as a global media group offering the right content, to the right place, at the right time, I'm convinced this is the "smart" way to expand both our reach and our awareness worldwide in such a competitive market. Wearable devices perfectly answer one of our essential needs: to facilitate access to information for everyone in the world. Any connected screen is an opportunity to reach our audience.
"At Euronews, we all are proud to support such a powerful brand as Sony which has recognised both the editorial and product design qualities of Euronews' offer. Once again, Euronews reinforces its leadership as a pioneer and expert in adapting content to new habits of news consumption, on any connected screens." added Peters.
Made for Android, the Sony SmartWatch 2 is compatible with all Android mobile phones and interacts with them over Bluetooth.
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How can people without diabetes understand what living with diabetes is really like?
This is why I have written this blog for almost ten years – to connect and share with my peers, but also to educate those who don't exist in the diabetes bubble. The DOC shares so much about their personal lives with diabetes in efforts to find community, empathy, and that whole, "Me, too!!" vibe. But even within the diabetes community itself, there are levels of misunderstanding, misrepresentation, and mistaken messaging, often creating a divide where there should be a bridge.
By increasing understanding and empathy, we can work together to raise the visibility of real life with the 'betes. And the aim of the Walk with D campaign is to help peel back the layers of misunderstanding in efforts to build those bridges between the community itself and society.
Participation is simple: Share your story. Using social media as your megaphone (like so many of us already do), show what your diabetes life is really like through blog posts, photos, tweets, status updates, and videos, and tag your stories with the #WalkWithD hashtag. (Were you thinking about starting a Twitter account? Today would be good – you'll have three days to practice before #dsma!)
Gone are the days of stock photography representing diabetes (besides, it always pissed me off to see the stock photography lady who had diabetes one week and who also came back as a search for "office meeting frustration" – show me REAL PEOPLE with ACTUAL DIABETES, not the same reused stock photography model) – social media gives us the opportunity to replace the stock photos with real faces, real stories, and real life with diabetes.
To see the patchwork quilt of stories assemble real-time, check out the Tagboard in place at WalkWithD.com.
Together, we can create a collage that shows people both in and outside of the diabetes community the reality of life with diabetes. This is what we do when we write blogs about our experiences, when we create videos, when we Tweet, and when we take on documenting a #dayofdiabetes. This campaign is help us better understand one another, and to reach outside of the diabetes bubble and drop some diabetes slice-of-life on society as a whole.
Every voice matters. I hope this campaign helps bring more voices to the community because I love learning from the DOC. Are you caring for a child with diabetes? Living with type 2 diabetes? Newly diagnosed with diabetes? Living with type 1 diabetes? Gestational diabetes? In a relationship with someone touched by diabetes? There are so many different walks with D. Connect with others touched by diabetes to understand their journey and to let them know that they don't walk alone.
This advocacy campaign was developed by the Partnering for Diabetes Change group and runs from today through the end of Diabetes Month (9-15 through 11/30). The goal is simply to raise awareness for, and highlight the dignity of, life with diabetes. Walk with me, walk with D.


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Opening statements were held Thursday and the first witnesses took the stand in the case of a man accused of killing his girlfriend at a Yakutat lodge 17 1/2 years ago.
Robert Kowalski, 52, is charged with first and second degree murder for the death of Sandra Perry. The 39-year old woman was shot and killed at the Glacier Bear Lodge in July 1996.
Prosecutor James Fayette jolted the jury and spectators with his opening statements that included a vivid description of the fatal injuries sustained by Perry after a shotgun was fired at her head at close range.
"Blew her head off, clean off," Fayette said.
That Kowalski was handling the shotgun when Perry was killed is not in dispute. But the question is whether he intentionally killed her or he knew his conduct could lead to her death, or whether it was an accident – as Kowalski claimed — that stemmed from tripping or a reaction after being startled by Perry.
Public defender Eric Hedland said the investigation by local police and state troopers was immediate and thorough.
"I think I will be able to establish that with any witness that is asked to give a rendition of an event, over time, there will be discrepancies," Hedland said. "That's true if you're taking about an alleged victim, a dispassionate eyewitness, or the possible suspect. But the core facts that Mr. Kowalski described did not change."
After opening statements, some of those who testified included Perry's oldest son, a waitress and dinner cook at the lodge, and a lodge resident who was asleep in an adjacent room when Perry died.


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Step 1 Blend strawberries in a blender with half the juice until smooth. Pour mixture into 8 ice-block moulds until half full. Freeze for 1 hour.
Step 2 Blend pineapple in a blender with remaining juice until smooth. Pour on top of frozen strawberry purée. Freeze for 1 hour.
Step 3 Gently push ice-block mould lids into pineapple section and return to freezer for 1 hour.
If you don't have ice-block moulds, you can freeze these desserts in individual ice-cube trays to make bite-sized treats. Just use toothpicks for easy eating.


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by Matt Slick
Following is a copy of the SHIELDS ARTICLE responding to my posting of Difficult Questions for Mormons To Answers by Ira T. Ransom.
- Their original was located at http://www.shields-research.org but has since been moved or removed.
- The original web page information is in black with the word ORIGINAL preceding it.
- Their responses are in brown with SHIELDS preceding it (later it will be FARMS)
- My responses to their responses are in green with MY RESPONSE preceding it.
First of all, I apologize to Mr. Barker for taking far longer than necessary to answer his rebuttal. With my busy schedule and a series of personal responsibilities that arose, I put it aside and, in time, forgot about it. Nevertheless, here it is.
Also, I have changed some of the information on my website as a result of Mr. Barker's efforts.
For clarification, Mr. Barker's website is quoted here in its entirety. My comments are inserted in blue.
Introduction by Stanley D. Barker
Matthew J. Slick has created a web site to promote himself, having been rejected for ordination to the Presbyterian ministry because of his ideas. He says:
I am Reformed in theology and believe in the continuation of the spiritual gifts which is why my denomination at the time, the Presbyterian Church in America, has refused my ordination; they are cessationist. In other words, their creed did not approve of the position that the Charismatic Gifts are for today. I affirm that they are. Therefore, we separated over this issue.
Notice that the first thing mentioned on their site is an attack on my character. I have stated on my website that the Presbyterian Church in America does not believe in the continuation of the spiritual gifts. I do. Therefore, they would not ordain me to the ministry. They did recommend that I continue in ministry and find a denomination that believed more along those lines. They said I was a good and godly man. I still enjoy fellowship with them, my Christian brothers. This is nothing unusual within Christianity. But, Mr. Barker, in an attempt to discredit me and, therefore, my position against them has begun with an attack on my character by trying to incite within the reader a suspicion concerning my trustworthiness and Christian character. Instead of beginning with the issues, he began with my person. This is a weak approach and is a fallacy in argumentation.
Mr. Slick has placed his views of Mormonism on the Internet. He has challenged:
Now, before you go slamming me with some irate e-mail telling me I don't know what I am talking about, first read my material on my site, and if I am wrong, correct me by showing precisely where I am wrong. Document the sources you want to quote to prove me wrong. If you do, I'll change my page. [emphasis mine--SDB]
He also tells us "The web site is very well documented . . . " Yet all we find there are rehashes of old anti-Mormon material. Mr. Slick has fallen into the same unethical sloppiness that can be found amongst most critics of the LDS Church, i.e., he quotes word for word from some other anti-Mormon, but he fails to give credit to the original source.
My site is well-documented. So what does a "rehash of old anti-Mormon material" have to do with it being well-documented? Whether or not my material is a rehash (and what is wrong with that considering Mormon doctrine is still wrong?), its truth, or lack thereof, should be the issue--not whether or not it is a 'rehash.'
Mr. Barker has now accused me of plagiarism and "unethical sloppiness." Both these accusations fall into the "attack-his-character" category. It is a shame to see that this is the method Mr. Barker chooses to begin his apologetic.
I learn from many sources. I cannot remember the origin of everything I learn (as, I am sure, is the case with Mr. Barker) in refuting Mormonism, nor should I be expected to. What becomes part of my apologetic approach via learning from others does not mean that I plagiarized. Some of what I say is original to myself. Other parts have been gained from other Christians far more knowledgeable than myself.
(We'll give him the possibility that he simply doesn't know the origin of some of these statements and merely chooses to repeat them). An excellent example of this can be found in the last question responded to by John A. Tvedtnes. This question came, word for word, from Bob Witte and can be found on our 42 Questions section, Question 36.
On my website (http://www.carm.org/religious-movements/mormonism/difficult-questions-mormons-answer), I clearly state that the questions at issue here are the product of another author, Ira T. Ransom in the booklet "Ask Your Bishop." I gave full credit.
Whether or not Mr. Slick will "change [his] page" as he claims, remains to be seen. We suspect that, as with most critics who have often made this claim, nothing will happen. We hope we are proven wrong. It would be a nice change.
Perhaps Mr. Barker has failed to consider that the condition for changing my page is not that it be answered, but that I am proven wrong. Note again, an issue of my character is again raised with the hint that my integrity and honesty are at stake.
As with many cults, emotional manipulation of the reader/hearer is often used in an attempt to influence the potential convert to adopt the new position. It seems that Mr. Barker is attempting to recruit an emotional response from the reader of his material; namely, that if I were honest (a man of integrity), then I will change my position once I read his material.
We have not provided a link to Mr. Slick's web site since we don't want to promote sites of our critics. Rather, we think the focus should be on the responses themselves. Some of the issues raised by Mr. Slick will be addressed further at a later date.
In contrast, I am not afraid of Mormonism nor its attempts at defending itself. At the beginning of this page I have provided a link to their site. I do so again here: S.H.I.E.L.D.S
Mr. Barker has copied the information from a Mormon apologetics site called FARMS. The following information is from them. Therefore, I will now change the notation from SHIELDS to FARMS.
Response by John A. Tvetnes (FARMS)
The Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (C.A.R.M.), located on the Internet, has posted a list of "Difficult Questions for Mormons to Answer," taken from a booklet entitled, Ask Your Bishop by Ira T. Ransom. Here are the questions and some brief responses. (Actually, none of these are "difficult questions.")
If the Book of Mormon is true, why do Indians fail to turn white when they become Mormons? (2 Nephi 30:6, prior to the 1981 revision).
"White" need not refer to skin color, as is clear from the following passages from the biblical book of Daniel: "And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed (Daniel 11:35). "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand (Daniel 12:10). In both of these passages, the meaning of the word "white" is most obviously pure; to "make white" is to purify. When Joseph Smith first translated the Book of Mormon, he gave the literal rendering of "white" for the passage in 2 Nephi 30:6. For the 1840 edition, it was changed to "pure," which better reflected the meaning of the word used by Nephi. Subsequent editions, however, relied on the 1837 Book of Mormon, which still read "white." This oversight was not rectified until the 1981 edition.
I think you have completely missed this one, Mr. Tvedtnes. Let's look at your own Mormon writers:
The book of Mormon says in 2 Nephi 5:21, "And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, and they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them."
3 Nephi 2:15 says, "And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites." This is obviously a reference to skin color.
Brigham Young, the second prophet of the Mormon church said, in 1859, "You may inquire of the intelligent of the world whether they can tell why the aborigines of this country are dark, loathsome, ignorant, and sunken into the depths of degradation . . . When the Lord has a people, he makes covenants with them and gives unto them promises: then, if they transgress his law, change his ordinances, and break his covenants he has made with them, he will put a mark upon them, as in the case of the Lamanites and other portions of the house of Israel; but by-and-by they will become a white and delightsome people" (Journal of Discourses 7:336).
Brigham Young also said that those who fall away from Mormonism would, "become gray-haired, wrinkled, and black, just like the Devil" (Journal of Discourse 5:332).
I do not know if Mr. Tvedtnes is aware of the references in the Book of Mormon, and perhaps he is also unaware of the quotes from Brigham Young, the second Prophet of his church. I do not mean this in a derogatory manner; but if he is not knowledgeable about this basic Mormon position, how can I trust him on other equally serious issues?
If the Book of Mormon is true, then why has the Mormon church changed it? Examples are: 1 Nephi 11:21; 19:20; 20:1 and Alma 29:4. Compare these with the original Book of Mormon. (Gerald [sic] and Sandra Tanner have counted 3913 changes in the book of Mormon, excluding punctuation changes).
The reasons for changes in the Book of Mormon are similar to the reasons why the English Bible has experienced changes over time. Changes can be classified as (1) changes in punctuation, which was added by the typesetter, not Joseph Smith or his scribe, (2) correction of typesetting errors, (3) spelling errors made by either the scribe (Oliver Cowdery) or the typesetter, (4) changes to upgrade the language to make it sound more English than Hebrew, (5) restoration of phrases or sentences left out by the typesetter but later discovered to be in the manuscript. The addition to 1 Nephi 20:1 is an exegetical explanation and should have been placed enclosed by parentheses. All the changes listed in the question were made by Joseph Smith and not by "the Mormon church." As the translator of the record, who would have been better qualified to determine how the Lord intended those passages to be read?
I will grant that minor variants could have crept into the B.O.M. text through typesetting errors, and that stylistic upgrades are occasionally necessary. However, the kinds of errors I am talking about are the ones where the entire meaning of the text has been changed. I have difficulty simply accepting the statement that they were left out of the original and latter corrected? If so, by whom and on what basis?
Wasn't the book of Mormon translated by the gift and power of God? Didn't Smith okay the final product at its printing? Why, then, did not God tell him there were problems?
Following is just a few of the differences that are noteworthy and don't fall under Mr. Tvetdnes attempt to answer.
1830 Edition of the Book of Mormon
1981 Edition of the Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 11:18
|"And he said unto me, Behold, the virgin which thou seest, is the mother of [ . . . ] God, after the manner of the flesh."
|"And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh."
1 Nephi 19:20
|" . . . for had not the Lord been merciful, to shew unto me concerning them, even as he had prophets of old; [ . . . ] for he surely . . . "
|" . . . "for had not the Lord been merciful, to show unto me concerning them, even as he had prophets of old, I should have perished also. And he surely did . . . "
1 Nephi 20:1
|"Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah,[ . . . ] which swear . . . "
|"Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of baptism, who swear . . . "
Mosiah 21:28
|" . . . king Benjamin had a gift from God, whereby he could interpret such engravings; . . . "
|" . . . king Mosiah had a gift from God, whereby he could interpret such engravings; . . . "
Alma 29:4
|" . . . yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterale, according to their wills . . . "
|" . . . yea, I know that he allotteth unto men [ . . . ]according to their wills . . . "
3 Nephi 3:23
|"And the land which was appointed was the land of Zarahemla, and the land which was between the land of Zarahemla and the land Bountiful."
|"And the land which was appointed was the land of Zarahemla [ . . . ] and the land Bountiful . . . "
3 Nephi 10:4
|"O ye people of these great cities which have fallen which are a descendant of Jacob; yea which are of the house of Israel; O ye people of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you . . . "
|"O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, [ . . . ] how oft have I gathered you . . . "
3 Nephi 16:10
|"and thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you at that day, When the Gentiles shall sin against my Gospel, and shall subject the fulness of my Gospel, and shall be lifted up . . . "
|"And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, [ . . . ] and shall be lifted up . . . "
3 Nephi 22:4
|" . . . for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, [ . . . ] and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more."
|" . . . for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more."
Ether 9:2
|" . . . nevertheless, the Lord was merciful unto Omer, and also to his sons and to his daughters, which were not, or which did not seek his destruction."
|"Nevertheless, the Lord was merciful unto Omer, and also to his sons, and to his daughters [ . . . ] who did not seek his destruction."
The changes are rather blatant and have even changed the meaning of the text. The problem is definitely still there.
How did Joseph Smith carry home the golden plates of the Book of Mormon, and how did the witnesses lift them so easily? (They weighed about 230 lbs. Gold, with a density of 19.3 weighs 1204.7 lbs. per cubic foot. The plates were 7" x 8" by about 6". See Articles of Faith, by Talmage, page 262, 34th ed.).
The record was not solid gold bullion, but a set of thin metallic sheets held together by metallic rings. So we're not dealing with a 7x8x6-inch block of gold. Besides, there's no evidence that the plates were really made of gold. The Testimony of the Eight Witnesses declares that they had "the appearance of gold." Joseph Smith spoke of them as "gold plates" (Joseph Smith History 1:34), but this need not mean that they were pure gold; they may have been a gold alloy. Indeed, the only plates said to have been "of pure gold" were the 24 plates of Ether's record, which were not part of the collection Joseph received (Mosiah 8:9; cf. Mosiah 28:11).
Smith said the plates were gold. Now, it is possible that they were an alloy. But how much? 51% gold? If they were to say, 30% gold and 70% copper, would it be correct to say that the plates were made of gold when 70% was copper? I think it is fair to say that they were at least 51% gold. Nevertheless, they would have a substantial weight. F.A.R.M.S. has stated that the plates probably weighed about 50 pounds.
The account of Smith running with the plates includes him being attacked and knocked down by a robber, who hit Smith over the head with a gun, a "heavy blow." Smith then knocked him down and ran at the top of his speed for half a mile--was attacked and knocked down again but managed to fight off that assailant. He then ran again and was attacked for a third time in the same manner. He did all this carrying at the very least 50 pounds of metal under his arm traveling through a wooded area.
Sorry, but even given the minimal weight of 50 pounds, the account is far-fetched.
If Moroni devoutly practiced the Mormon Gospel, why is he an angel now rather than a God? (Doc. & Cov. 132:17,37)
Joseph Smith only once called Moroni an "angel," in the true sense of that word, i.e., a messenger. And this declaration is not found in a revelation, but in a letter Joseph wrote, which means that it need not reflect information he got from the Lord (D&C 128:20). It does not preclude Moroni from exaltation. Moreover, we really do not know whether Moroni appeared to Joseph as a resurrected being or a translated being, though most assume it was the former. If he has not yet been resurrected (or changed), then he will not yet have entered into his final estate.
I know of no Mormon who does NOT believe Moroni was an angel in the true sense. If he was not, why don't Mormons call him the "Messenger Moroni" and clear up the confusion?
Why do Mormons emphasize part of the Word of Wisdom and ignore the part forbidding the eating of meat except in winter, cold or famine? (Doc. & Cov. 89:12,13).
This is like asking why some Mormons smoke. As imperfect human beings, none of us does everything precisely the way the Lord asks, though we should be striving to do so. There are, in fact, Latter-day Saints who do observe the injunction about meat. We could turn this question around and ask why so many Christians emphasize part of the plan of redemption (grace) and ignore other parts (keeping God's commandments).
Sorry, but Christians don't ignore the importance of keeping God's commandments. It is just that perfect obedience is not a prerequisite for salvation. If smoking is against the Word of Wisdom and is therefore sinful, why not the others? It is the Mormons who have made a big issue out of this--not us.
When Christ died, did darkness cover the land for three days or for three hours? (Luke 23:44 and 3 Nephi 8:19, 23).
This is like asking why the snowstorm on Christmas day lasted two hours in Boston and two days in Denver. We are, after all, dealing with different geographical regions here. The answer is that the darkness lasted three hours in the Holy Land but three days in the lands inhabited by the Nephites, where there appears to have been a major volcanic explosion (see John A. Tvedtnes, "Historical Parallels to the Destruction at the Time of the Crucifixion," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 3/1, Spring 1994).
I'll give this one to you though I think Smith simply made a mistake when he was copying from the Bible. It is not, technically, a contradiction to state the time of darkness difference is due to geographical location.
Joseph Smith said that there are men living on the moon who dress like Quakers and live to be nearly 1000 years old. Since he was wrong about the moon, is it safe to trust him regarding the way to Heaven? (The Young Woman's Journal, Vol. 3, pages 263-264. See reprint in Mormonism--Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner, page 4).
Just once it would be nice to see this statement in a document contemporary with Joseph Smith (who died in 1844), rather than in something written in a journal in 1881 and published in 1892, which is the source the Tanners cite. But even if Joseph Smith did believe this (which cannot be demonstrated), could one blame him? After all, the press in his day had reported that British Astronomer Royal Sir John Herschel had discovered people living on the moon. It was a newspaper hoax that was widely believed in the 1830s. Joseph Smith could believe such a thing and still be a prophet, for prophets, too, have a right to opinions.
it was Joseph who declared "I . . . visited with a brother and sister from Michigan, who thought that 'a prophet is always a prophet;' but I told them that a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such" (History of the Church 5:265).
I'll give you this one, too. However, Brigham Young taught there was life on the Moon as well and also on the sun (JOD 13:271). Are you saying we can't believe anything Smith said which was reported after he died? Also, you quoted the History of the Church to support your position. I guess that means I can do the same thing. Perhaps the Journal of Discourses are also fair to quote.
One more thing, how do we know that Smith's quote in History of the Church 5:265 isn't simply his opinion--just like the men in the moon part? Who decides? Or, is it only an opinion when it is shown to be false?
Joseph Smith prepared fourteen Articles of Faith. Why has the original No. 11 been omitted?
(Joseph Smith Begins His Work, Vol. 2, three pages after page 160, among the photos). The Articles of Faith were not received by revelation, but were merely a summation of the beliefs of the Church. There are only 13 of them in the letter Joseph Smith wrote to John Wentworth in 1842. The fourteen published by Wood derive from a later source, a pamphlet published in England in April, 1849, by James H. Flanigan. It is therefore incorrect to associate Joseph Smith's name with that list.
Okay, I'll give you that one, too.
Why did the Nauvoo House not stand forever and ever? (Doc. & Cov. 124:56-60).
The original Nauvoo House is still standing and can be seen by visitors to that city. It is the Mansion House, Joseph Smith's residence, that had to be reconstructed.
The problem is it was prophesied to be "for the boarding of strangers" "from generation to generation" not to be gawked at by tourists. The fact is Joseph Fielding Smith admitted this building was never finished. See Doctrines of Salvation 3:218.
How can a man who is not a descendant of Aaron hold the Aaronic Priesthood? (Numbers 16:40; Heb. 7:13,14).
Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord promised that, in the last days, he would gather Israel and would "take of them for priests and for Levites" (Isaiah 66:21). If he intended to authorize only descendants of Aaron to hold that priesthood, why would he have to designate priests and Levites?
Sorry, I am not sure I understand your point. But I'll take a shot at it.
The Isaiah citation is eschatological; that is, it is dealing with the future of Jerusalem probably in reference to the millennial reign. We could argue a long time on typologies and meanings, and it would accomplish little. But, for the sake of keeping it simple, I've removed the original question from the list.
Since Mormonism teaches that only God the Father had a physical body at the time Adam was created, why did God say, "Let us make man in OUR image"? Why didn't He say, "Let us make man in MY image?" (Gen. 1:26).
According to Ether 3:15-16, Christ, as a spirit, appeared as he would in mortality, and it was after his spirit that man was patterned (see also Mosiah 7:27). Consequently, the shape of our bodies is the same as both the Father as a physical being and the Son while yet in his spiritual state. So there is no contradiction here.
Instead of arguing technicalities, I'll give you this one, too. However, I had always thought that the Mormon's position was that it was the flesh and bones that made us in the image of God.
If Jesus was conceived as a result of a physical union between God and Mary, how was Jesus born of a virgin? (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, page 50).
Mary was a virgin because she had known no man (Luke 1:34), not because she bore the Son of God.
But that isn't answering the question. You simply say she was a virgin. Brigham Young said they had relations; that God didn't let any other man 'do it' with Mary, that Jesus' birth, etc, was the result of natural action.' Now, since the god of Mormonism is an immortal MAN, and, I assume with genitalia, and Young said it was a natural conception, then how did she remain a virgin? THAT is the question.
How did Nephi with a few men on a new continent build a temple like Solomon's while Solomon needed 163,300 workmen and seven years to build his temple? (1 Kings 5:13-18 and 2 Nephi 5:15-17).
Nephi probably did it the same way the small Israelite garrison at Arad constructed a temple patterned after Solomon's in the ninth century B.C. Like the Arad temple, Nephi's structure could have been rather small. Half a dozen people could have completed the Arad temple working part-time for less than a year. [See also 42 Questions, Question # 2]
Then it wasn't like Solomon's temple, was it?
Why was Joseph Smith still preaching against polygamy in October 1843 after he got his revelation in July 1843 commanding the practice of polygamy? (Doc. & Cov. 132; and History of the Church Vol. 6, page 46, or Teachings of the Prophet, page 324).
Actually, Joseph Smith had received the revelation more than a decade before it was written in 1843. He always maintained that, unless commanded to do so by the Lord, a man should have only one wife. Similarly, the Lord commanded Lehi's family to have but one wife, but reserved the right to command otherwise should he wish to do so (Jacob 2:24-30). Joseph Smith's declarations against plural marriage were aimed at those who claimed to have the authority to perform them within the Church. He recorded, "Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives: for, according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days; for there is never but one on earth at a time on whom the power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no man shall have but one wife at a time, unless the Lord directs otherwise" (History of the Church 6:46).
But I am still confused. If Smith received the revelation, then why did he go against it? I am sorry, but your explanation seems to reveal that a double standard is okay.
God rejected the fig leaf aprons which Adam and Eve made (Gen. 3:21). Why do Mormons memorialize the fall by using fig leaf aprons in the secret temple ceremonies?
The aprons are mentioned only in Genesis 3:7. Nowhere does the text tell us that God "rejected" them, only that, in place of the temporary fig leaf aprons (fig leaves dry up and blow away), God provided more permanent skin clothing (Genesis 3:21). The Latter-day Saints recognize the symbolic nature of the fall, represented by the fig-leaf apron and of God giving mankind a probationary time in which to repent, as represented by the "coats of skins." [For additional discussion see the response to Question 36 (42 Questions).]
I am sorry, but you fail to understand the significance of the biblical account. Adam and Eve covered themselves with their own works, and God rejected it by replacing their works with His: animal skins. This is significant because it involved the shedding of blood (in order to get the skins, typifying the atoning work of Christ).
Theologically, the fig leaf aprons symbolize their own efforts to be covered before God. This is not sufficient and is rejected by God.
Additionally, from what I understand of the temple ceremony, the aprons are the same as the one worn by Lucifer. After Lucifer is asked by Adam, "What is that apron you are wearing?" Lucifer replies that it is the symbol of his power and priesthoods. Immediately afterward, the people going through the temple ceremony are asked to put their aprons on.
Please let me know if I am incorrect about this.


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Roll up! Roll up! Free festival tickets!
Stuff the World Cup, the UK festival season is about to kick off big style and if you're not going to one of the majors then you're a loser, a big fat loser with no friends....
While all the talk this year has been about the 40th Anniversary spectacular of Glastonbury, unfortunately if you haven't got a ticket with a photo of you on it yet then you'll have more chance of headlining the event than being a normal punter - that is unless you do some volunteer work.
Glastonbury Festival (Gorillaz, Muse, Stevie Wonder), Isle Of Wight Festival (Jay-z, The Srokes, Paul McCartney), Leeds Festival (Arcade Fire, Guns n Roses, Blink 182), Rockness (The Strokes, Fatboy Slim, Leftfield), Womad (Rolf Harris) are offering weekend passes for those who can do three eight hour shifts at the festivals. Fancy it? Thought so. Well, head over to Oxfam.org.uk/festivals. to register.


text: justtracytrolling 329 Posted May 23, 2019 The tiger musky bite is as good as I've seen it right now and the weeds are still below the surface enough to fish over them trolling or casting. Anyone looking to catch tigers it's a great time to give it a go! Mix it up between floaters and suspended lures until you figure out which they prefer. Same goes with speed. There are numbers and some size if you pick thru them. Usually fast is how we think of fishing them, but I had excellent results going extremely slow on a couple recent outings. I'd stick with alewife patterns right now and alewife sized lures as well. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Amy Felumlee, DVM, MS
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology
Dr. Amy Felumlee received her DVM from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 then worked as a small animal veterinarian in private practice in Texas and North Carolina. She completed a diagnostic imaging residency and Masters Degree in Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences at CSU in 2015, and became a board certified radiologist the same year. From 2015-2016 Dr. Felumlee was a clinical instructor in Diagnostic Imaging at CSU before joining Four Seasons Vet Specialists in 2016.
She enjoys camping, running, traveling and reading.


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At Well, we've been building a better pharmacy using Serverless technology.
When we write services for our customers, we need to make sure that we know that it's working, and that it's performing well before our tell us by getting in touch with us, or worse, just walking away. Our services write out a lot of metrics and information about what they're doing to log files.
We're using Go as our main backend language and are really keen on structured logging, which allows our log files to be mined for information and metrics about how our services are performing.
We use logrus for that task. Here's a real example of what our logging code looks like:
logger.For(pkg, "Post", claims.UserID).
WithField("orderID", orderID).
WithField("trackingCode", shipment.TrackingCode).
WithField("shipmentId", shipment.ShipmentID).
WithField("shippingLabelsCreated", 1).
Info("shipping label created")
As you can see, it's more like an event than a typical log entry. It's also a flat structure, since this makes it easier to extract data later on.
If we see that a customer experienced a problem, we can drop their unique user id into our log search tool and see exactly what happened.
When log entries are written, they looks something like this:
2018-03-29T14:40:23.417Z {"fn":"Post","level":"info","msg":"order cancelled","orderID":1,"ordersCancelled":1,"pkg":"github.com/welldigital/pharmacy/order/cancel","time":"2018-03-29T14:40:23Z","v":"459"}
From the example above, it's possible to extract useful data about how many shipping labels were created in a time period, just by adding up all of the values of
shippingLabelsCreated we find in the logs.
CloudWatch has a metric extraction feature we use to do this. You can see examples of how to set this up in your own projects in the https://github.com/welldigital/responselogger project we've open sourced, which tracks how long Web requests (HTTP handlers) took to execute, and what the status code was.
This was a really low barrier to entry, we didn't have to do anything complex to get high quality metrics. Just dump the logs to stdout, setup extraction and we get a really good way of visualising our data. (We use Grafana for that, it's actually the only EC2 instance we run ourselves).
We're trying out a few analytics tools for more advanced use cases at the moment, so we wanted to export the data from CloudWatch to import into those tools. It's possible to use the
aws logs tool to download data directly to your computer, but there's also a built in feature in the AWS Console to do this, it copies the data to S3.
Once it's in S3, it's pretty easy to download it locally (
aws s3 cp s3://your-log-s3-bucket/ ./data --recursive) for some analysis, or leave it in the bucket and allow other tools to access it from there.
One tool we wanted to try out for broader use was the AWS Athena tool, which allows execution of queries against data that's held in S3 buckets to see how useful it was for us, so we pointed Athena at the log data export path in S3 and saw … nothing.
It turns out that the export format of CloudWatch and Athena didn't quite work well together and there were some problems with the data anyway.
- Exported data is in .gz files, which is supported by Athena, but not all tools support this.
- There's a directory hierarcy rather than putting all the exported files in a single path.
- Each JSON log line is prefixed with a date which means that tools don't recognise the log line as JSON.
- The logs contain some automatically generated log entries which aren't JSON at all.
Here's some examples of the automatically generated log entries:
2018-03-29T14:40:02.823Z END RequestId: 10901dca-335f-11e8-bf9e-cbeab5ebadca
2018-03-29T14:40:02.823Z REPORT RequestId: 10901dca-335f-11e8-bf9e-cbeab5ebadca Duration: 55.17 ms Billed Duration: 100 ms Memory Size: 512 MB Max Memory Used: 36 MB
2018-03-29T14:40:22.453Z START RequestId: 1c4c43f7-335f-11e8-afb1-9b9ac2e2a4e9 Version: $LATEST
So we needed to filter out the stuff we didn't need and put everything in a single directory to get Athena to read it.
Using my super-power of writing data processing command-line tools quickly, I wrote a filter tool to remove the date stamps and non-JSON lines. We've open-sourced it at https://github.com/welldigital/cw.
Once the data was cleansed, and uploaded to another S3 bucket, Athena was able to handle the data well.
In some ways, it's modern, but downloading data to process it locally and re-uploading it feels a bit old fashioned (because it is!).
We're now using https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonCloudWatch/latest/logs/Subscriptions.html to filter and process events as they're created and publish them to a Kinesis stream which keeps a copy of the logs in S3 while also feeding analytics tools we're trying out.


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Ontime Guardrail is the leading supplier and installer of guardrail in Queensland, West Australia and North New South Wales. At Ontime Guardrail we pride ourselves on having made a significant contribution to road safety by supplying and installing guardrail systems throughout QLD, WA and NSW for over 20 years.
At Ontime Guardrail, our mission is to supply and install quality assured guardrail on time for every single project we work on, while also providing a safe working environment for our employees. We are BMA mine certified and have extensive experience working on mine sites.
At Ontime Guardrail, our guardrails are manufactured to the highest standards. Our professional team members are not only specialists in road safety barriers, but also qualified to work in mining environments. Our quality controlled manufacturing and installation service provides our customers with guardrail systems they can depend upon.


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Adani Enterprises to divest stake in Maharashtra power transmission firmWednesday, November 12, 2014 l Source: Livemint.com
Adani Enterprises Ltd said on Wednesday that the company will divest its stake in Maharashtra Eastern Grid Power Transmission Co. Ltd (MEGPTCL) to a subsidiary. Adani Enterprises will sell the 707.5 million equity shares it holds in MEGPTCL to Adani Transmission Ltd.
The price will be determined on the basis of an independent valuation report and subject to requisite approvals, it said in a note to the exchanges. In a separate statement, Adani Enterprises said that it had posted a net profit of Rs.210.29 crore for the quarter ended 30 September, compared with a loss of Rs.416.95 crore a year ago. Revenue increased 3% to Rs.14,067 crore.
The consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) rose 53% to Rs.3,041 crore. "The policy measures announced by the new government to address the structural issues impacting infrastructure and energy sectors will revive investment in the sectors," said Gautam Adani, chairman, Adani Group.
Madhura Karnik


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To all our friends, ARIANESPACE members, ARIANESPACE customers, Spacecraft teams, CNES, ESA and European Space industrial companies. As we reached the end of 2013, and looking back on this past year, we think about all the days, events we have shared together, and it's thousands of pictures coming back in memory! Hard to make a choice. It was one or hundreds and as there was not enough room, we've picked up this one.
It was a trip to Devil's Island FLS organized for INSAT team. This life sequence is a good summary of our mission given by ARIANESPACE: Trying to make the customers' stay comfortable as much as possible and have them enjoying French Guiana. But we also learn a lot from you all, coming from different horizons and countries. Being with you, it's like traveling without moving into your culture, language, habits. Thanks a lot for your friendship and enthusiasm. On behalf of the FLS Team, I wish you the best for 2014 and we just can't wait to meet you again in Kourou. F. MONIER