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WikipediaRead full entry
King penguin
The king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) is the second largest species of penguin at 70 to 100 cm tall and weighs 11 to 16 kg (24 to 35 lb). In size it is second only to the emperor penguin. There are two subspecies—A. p. patagonicus and A. p. halli; patagonicus is found in the South Atlantic and halli elsewhere.
King penguins eat small fish, mainly lanternfish, and squid and rely less than most Southern Ocean predators on krill and other crustaceans. On foraging trips they repeatedly dive to over 100 metres (330 ft), and have been recorded at depths greater than 300 metres (980 ft).[2]
King penguins breed on the subantarctic islands at the northern reaches of Antarctica, South Georgia, and other temperate islands of the region.
Distribution and habitat[edit]
King penguins breed on subantarctic islands between 45 and 55°S, at the northern reaches of Antarctica, as well as Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, and other temperate islands of the region. The total population is estimated to be 2.23 million pairs and is increasing.[3] The largest breeding populations are on Crozet Island, with around 455,000 pairs, 228,000 pairs on the Prince Edward Islands, 240,000–280,000 on the Kerguelen Islands and over 100,000 in the South Georgia archipelago. Macquarie Island has around 70,000 pairs. The non-breeding range is poorly known due to vagrant birds having been recorded from the Antarctic peninsula as well as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
The Nature Protection Society released king penguins in Gjesvær in Finnmark, and Røst in Lofoten in northern Norway in August 1936. Birds were reported in the area several times in the 1940s though none have been seen since 1949.[4]
American zoologist Gerry Kooyman revolutionized the study of penguin foraging behaviour in 1971 when he published his results from attaching automatic dive-recording devices to emperor penguins,[5] and recording a dive of 235 metres (771 ft) by a king penguin in 1982.[6] The current maximum dive recorded is 343 metres in the Falkland Islands region,[7] and a maximum time submerged of 552 seconds recorded at the Crozet Islands.[8] The king penguin dives to depths of 100–300 meters (350–1000 feet), spending around five minutes submerged, during daylight hours, and less than 30 metres (98 ft) at night.[9][10]
The majority (around 88% in one study) of dives undertaken by king penguins are flat-bottomed; that is, the penguin dives to a certain depth and remains there for a period of time hunting (roughly 50% of total dive time) before returning to the surface. They have been described as U-shaped or W-shaped, relating to the course of the dive. The bird dives in a V-shaped or "spike" pattern in the remaining 12% of dives; that is the bird dives at an angle through the water column, reaches a certain depth and then returns to the surface. Other penguins dive in this latter foraging pattern in contrast.[9][11] Observations at Crozet Islands revealed most king penguins were seen within 30 km (19 mi) of the colony.[12] Using the average swimming speed, Kooyman estimated the distance travelled to foraging areas at 28 km (17 mi).[9]
Its average swimming speed is 6.5–10 km/h (4–6 mph). On shallower dives under 60 m (200 ft), it averages 2 km/h (1.2 mph) descending and ascending, while on deeper dives over 150 m (490 ft) deep, it averages 5 km/h (3.1 mph) in both directions.[10][13] King penguins also porpoise, a swimming technique used to breathe while maintaining speed. On land, the king penguin alternates between walking with a wobbling gait and tobogganing—sliding over the ice on its belly, propelled by its feet and wing-like flippers. Like all penguins, it is flightless.[14]
King penguins eat small fish and squid and rely less than most Southern Ocean predators on krill and other crustaceans. Fish constitute 80–100% of their diet, except in winter months of July and August, when they make up only 30%.[10] Lanternfish are the main fish taken, principally the species Electrona carlsbergi and Krefftichthys anderssoni, as well as Protomyctophum tenisoni. Slender escolar (Paradiplospinus gracilis) of the Gempylidae, and Champsocephalus gunneri, is also consumed. Cephalopods consumed include those of the genus Moroteuthis, the hooked squid or Kondakovia longimana, the sevenstar flying squid (Martialia hyadesii), young Gonatus antarcticus and Onychoteuthis species.[10]
The king penguin's predators include birds and aquatic mammals:
- Skua species (Stercorarius spp.) take small chicks and eggs.
- The snowy sheathbill (Chionis alba) scavenges for dead chicks and unattended eggs.[15]
- The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) takes adult birds at sea.[16]
- Orcas may also hunt king penguins.
- Antarctic fur seals on Marion Island have also been seen chasing king penguins on the beach, killing and eating them. It seems that especially males, and particularly sub-adults males, are involved.[17]
Courtship and breeding[edit]
The king penguin is able to breed at three years of age, although only a very small minority (5% recorded at Crozet Islands) actually do then; the average age of first breeding is around 6 years.[18] King penguins are serially monogamous. They have only one mate each year, and stay faithful to that mate. However, fidelity between years is only about 29%.[19] The long breeding cycle may contribute to this low rate.[20]
The king penguin has an unusually prolonged breeding cycle, taking some 14–16 months from laying to offspring fledging.[21] Although pairs will attempt to breed annually, they are generally only successful one year in two, or two years in three in a triennial pattern on South Georgia.[16] The reproductive cycle begins in September to November, as birds return to colonies for a prenuptial moult. Those that were unsuccessful in breeding the previous season will often arrive earlier. They then return to the sea for three weeks before coming ashore in November or December.[22] The female penguin lays one pyriform (pear-shaped) white egg weighing 300 g (⅔ lb).[23] It is initially soft, but hardens and darkens to a pale greenish colour. It measures around 10 cm × 7 cm (3.9 in × 2.8 in).[23] The egg is incubated for around 55 days with both birds sharing incubation in shifts of 6–18 days each. Hatching may take up to 2–3 days to complete, and chicks are born semi-altricial and nidicolous. In other words, they have only a thin covering of down and are entirely dependent on their parents for food and warmth.[24] The guard phase starts with the birth of the chick. The young chick spends its time balanced on its parents' feet, sheltered by a pouch formed from the abdominal skin of the latter.[24] During this time, the parents alternate every 3–7 days, one guarding the chick while the other forages. The guard phase lasts for 30–40 days. By then the chick has grown much bigger, can keep itself warm and protect itself against most predators. It becomes more curious and starts to explore its surroundings. It ends up forming a group with other chicks, a so-called crèche. Crèches are guarded by only a few adult birds; most parents can leave their chick to forage for themselves and their chick. Other species of penguins also practice this method of communal care for offspring.
By April the chicks are almost fully grown, but lose weight by fasting over the winter months, gaining it again during spring in September. Fledging then takes place in late spring/early summer.
King penguins form huge breeding colonies; for example, the colony on South Georgia Island at Salisbury Plain holds over 100,000 breeding pairs and the one at St. Andrew's Bay over 100,000 birds. Because of the long breeding cycle, colonies are continuously occupied.
The king penguin feeds its chicks by eating fish, digesting it slightly and vomiting the food into the chick's mouth.
Because of their large size, king penguin chicks take 14–16 months before they are ready to go to sea. This is markedly different from smaller penguins, who rear their chicks through a single summer when food is plentiful. King penguins time their mating so the chicks will develop over the harshest season for fishing. In this way, by the time the young penguins are finally mature enough to leave their parents, it is summer when food is plentiful and conditions are more favorable for the young to survive alone.
Relationship with humans[edit]
Considered a flagship species, 176 individuals were counted in captivity in North American zoos and aquaria in 1999.[25] The species has been bred in captivity at SeaWorld San Diego. The species is exhibited at SeaWorld Orlando, Indianapolis Zoo,[26] Detroit Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo,[27] Kansas City Zoo, Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, Berlin Zoological Garden in Germany, Zurich Zoo, in the Netherlands Diergaarde Blijdorp, in Switzerland, 63 Seaworld in Seoul, South Korea, Melbourne Aquarium in Australia, Mar del Plata Museum of the Sea in Argentina, Loro Parque in Spain and Ski Dubai in United Arab Emirates, and Calgary Zoo in Canada.
The king penguin is the emblem of Edinburgh Zoo.
Roger Tory Peterson's ornithological nickname was "King Penguin".
Notable king penguins[edit]
- Sir Nils Olav, the Edinburgh-based mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Royal Norwegian Guard
- Misha, a central character and metaphor in two novels by Ukrainian writer Andrey Kurkov
- The king penguin is also the species of penguin represented by the popular character Pondus, an image found on various paraphernalia in many retail stores throughout Canada. Pondus originates in Danish children's books written and photographed by Ivar Myrhøj and published in 1997 by Lademann publisher in the late 1960s. These penguins appeared in the production of Batman Returns.
- Opus the Penguin, a fictional character in the comic strips Bloom County, Outland, and Opus, is a king penguin and the most famous character of the comic strips.
- Lala the Penguin became a viral video star after an Animal Planet special featured him venturing to a nearby market in Japan to fetch a fish with a specially made backpack.[28]
- ^ BirdLife International (2012). "Aptenodytes patagonicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- ^ Culik, B. M; K. PÜTZ; R. P. Wilson; D. Allers; J. LAGE; C. A. BOST; Y. LE MAHO (January 1996). "Diving Energetics in King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus)". Journal of Experimental Biology 199 (4): 973–983.
- ^ Shirihai, Hadoram (2002). A Complete Guide to Antarctic Wildlife. Alula Press. ISBN 951-98947-0-5.
- ^ Long, John L. (1981). Introduced Birds of the World: The worldwide history, distribution and influence of birds introduced to new environments. Terrey Hills, Sydney: Reed. p. 30. ISBN 0-589-50260-3.
- ^ Kooyman GL, Drabek CM, Elsner R, Campbell WB (1971). "Diving behaviour of the Emperor Penguin Aptenodytes forsteri". Auk 88: 775–95. doi:10.2307/4083837.
- ^ Kooyman GL, Davis RW, Croxall JP, Costa DP (1982). "Diving depths and energy requirements of the King Penguins". Science 217 (4561): 726–27. doi:10.1126/science.7100916. PMID 7100916.
- ^ Pütz K, Cherel Y (2005) The diving behaviour of brooding king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) from the Falkland Islands: variation in dive profiles and synchronous underwater swimming provide new insights into their foraging strategies. Marine Biology 147: 281-290
- ^ Pütz K, Wilson RP, Charrassin J-B, Raclot T, Lage J, Le Maho Y, Kierspel M, Culik BM, Adelung D (1998) Foraging strategy of king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) during summer at the Crozet Islands" Ecology 79: 1905-1921
- ^ a b c Kooyman GL, Cherel Y, Le Maho Y, Croxall JP, Thorson PH, Ridoux V (1992). "Diving behaviour and energetics during foraging cycles in King Penguins". Ecological Monographs 62 (1): 143–63. doi:10.2307/2937173. JSTOR 2937173.
- ^ a b c d Williams (The Penguins) p. 147
- ^ Williams (The Penguins) p. 87-88
- ^ Ridoux V, Jouventin P, Stahl J-C, Weimerskirch H (1988). "Ecologie alimentaire comparée des manchots nicheurs aux Iles Crozet". Revues Ecologie (in French) 43: 345–55.
- ^ Adams, NJ (1987). "Foraging ranges of King Penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus during summer at Marion Island". Journal of Zoology 212 (3): 475–82. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1987.tb02918.x.
- ^ Williams (The Penguins) p. 3
- ^ Williams (The Penguins) p. 40
- ^ a b Stonehouse, B (1960). "The King Penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus of South Georgia I. Breeding behaviour and development". Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey Scientific Report 23: 1–81.
- ^ Walker, Matt. "King penguins become fast food for Antarctic fur seals". Retrieved 28 September 2012.
- ^ Williams (The Penguins) p. 151
- ^ Williams (The Penguins) p. 54
- ^ Williams (The Penguins) p. 152
- ^ Williams (The Penguins) p. 148
- ^ Williams (The Penguins) p. 149
- ^ a b Williams (The Penguins) p. 150
- ^ a b Williams (The Penguins) p. 28
- ^ Diebold EN, Branch S, Henry L (1999). "Management of penguin populations in North American zoos and aquariums" (PDF). Marine Ornithology 27: 171–76. Retrieved 31 March 2008.
- ^ "Penguin Feed/Chat". Indianapolis Zoo website. Indianapolis Zoo. Retrieved 2011-12-01.
- ^ "Penguin & Puffin Coast". Saint Louis Zoo website. Saint Louis Zoo. 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
- ^ "Lala Penguin Goes Shopping" Animal Planet. 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcpcMxmLtCQ
- Williams, Tony D. (1995). The Penguins. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.


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COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - University of South Carolina cornerback Victor Hampton has been selected as the Southeastern Conference's Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.
Hampton, a 5-10, 202-pound junior from Darlington, was credited with a season-high eight tackles, including six solo stops in the Gamecocks' 34-16 win over Mississippi State on Saturday. He also logged three pass break ups, and forced and recovered a fumble.
The Gamecock defense forced five Bulldog turnovers, the most since forcing five against East Carolina on Sept. 8, 2012.
Hampton becomes the sixth Gamecock to earn SEC honors this season, joining Clayton Stadnik (offensive lineman - Vanderbilt), A.J. Cann (offensive lineman - UCF), Connor Shaw (offense - Missouri), Kelcy Quarles (defensive lineman – Missouri) and Elliott Fry (special teams – Missouri).
Hampton and the No. 13/15 ranked Gamecocks (7-2, 5-2 SEC) will enjoy a bye week this week before returning to action on Saturday, November 16 when they host the Florida Gators (4-4, 3-3 SEC).
That game will be played at a sold out Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
Copyright 2013 WIS. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Cases against Keene 'Robin Hooders' dismissed by judgeBy MEGHAN PIERCE
Union Leader Correspondent
December 04. 2013 3:06PM
KEENE — Both civil cases filed by the city against six citizens who call themselves "Robin Hood and his Merry Men" have been dismissed by Cheshire County Superior Court judge John Kissinger.
The city filed a lawsuit May 2 against the six who are part of a group who dubbed themselves "Robin Hooders," associated with the Free Keene group and who patrol downtown armed with video cameras and pockets full of change to fill expired parking meters before city parking enforcement officers can issue tickets.
The city had asked the court to prohibit residents Kate Ager, Ian Bernard (also known as Ian Freeman), James Cleaveland, Graham Colson, Garrett Ean and Peter Eyre from coming within 50 feet of the city's three parking enforcement officers "during the performance of their employment duties for the city," according to the lawsuit
In September, the city filed a second civil suit against the group seeking monetary damages, which at the time members of the Robin Hood group said was affirmation the city was suing the group to protect its parking ticket revenue.
In his Dec. 3 decisions, Kissinger granted the group's motions to dismiss based on their argument that it was within their constitutional right to free speech.
"The respondents' speech is given special protection because it is at a public place on a matter of public concern," Kissinger wrote in his order.


text:
Pacific Islands Monograph Series (PIMS) panel and book launch on March 6University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Center for Pacific Island Studies
The UH Mānoa Center for Pacific Islands Studies, Department of History, Department of Anthropology, UH Press, and Pacific Islands Development Program at the East-West Center present Pacific Islands Monograph Series (PIMS) panel and book launch: "Anticolonial Resistance in Melanesia" on Thursday, March 6, from 3-5 p.m. in East-West Center's John Burns Hall 3121/3125.
The event will feature David Akin, independent scholar, and David Chappell, UHM Department of History, and is chaired by Tarcisius Kabutaulaka, UHM Center for Pacific Islands Studies.
Maasina Rule beyond Recognition: A Short History of Scholarly Distortion by David Akin
While researching his recent book, Colonialism, Maasina Rule, and the Origins of Malaitan Kastom, about the postwar Maasina Rule movement in the Solomon Islands, David Akin was struck by the astonishing amount of misinformation that historians, anthropologists, and others have published about the movement over the past sixty-plus years. His presentation will highlight key themes in this history of errors and trace their origins to archival obstruction, purposeful misrepresentation, and theoretical muddles.
Akin is an anthropologist (UHM Anthropology, PhD 1993) and independent scholar living in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is Managing Editor of the journal Comparative Studies in Society and History and teaches at the University of Michigan. He has just published Colonialism, Maasina Rule, and the Origins of Malaitan Kastom (2013) and is writing another book about changing women's taboos in Kwaio.
The Kanak Awakening: The Syncretic Anticolonialism of New Caledonia's Red Scarves by David Chappell
France annexed New Caledonia in 1853. A century later Paris granted autonomy to the territory, but then began to withdraw self-governing powers in order to keep control of local mining. That political regression, plus massive new immigration because of a nickel boom, led local students who had studied in France to form a multiethnic independence movement in 1969 called the Foulards Rouges (Red Scarves), which grew into a Kanak nationalist uprising by the 1980's. This talk will examine the syncretism between indigenous cultural nationalism and leftist anticolonialism.
Chappell is Associate Professor of Pacific Islands History at UH Mānoa and has just published The Kanak Awakening: The Rise of Nationalism in New Caledonia (2013).
For additional information and disability access, please contact Katherine Higgins at 956-2658 or email@example.com.
For more information, visit: http://hawaii.edu/cpis


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|2007-03-24, 17:13
|Link #62
Join Date: May 2006
Location: London, UK
Age: 34
I am sucker for dark medieval/fantasy stories, so I'll probably be watching this, especially after having seen that promo video. And I am glad Madhouse is taking care of it, I do hope they'll reserve the same treatment they did for their recent series (Black Lagoon, Death Note), because this could turn out to be a true badass title.
P.S. I'd be really grateful if anyone could eventually find and share any scan (from the anime, rather than the manga) of this serie, if there was any scan available of course. (from magazines most likely)
Last edited by Shinndou; 2007-03-24 at 19:27.
|2007-03-24, 22:10
|Link #63
cho~ kakkoii
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: 3rd Planet
|2007-03-24, 22:12
|Link #64
Saw the first chapter in a Shonen Jump and didn't really care much for Claire. Though now that I have a chance to see the whole series I'll see if she gets any less withdrawn since I don't like that brooding and withdrawn character archetype. From what I've read on Wikipedia it reminds me a lot of Hokuto No Ken, only with a woman.
|2007-03-25, 01:07
|Link #65
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Finally got to see that video, I think I'm really going to like this. I haven't read the manga and have only skimmed it, but I've read about the storyline and think it should make for a great show.
And I don't know if it's just me but as I said when those early screenshots were posted, I personally love the unique art style and character design style (and color selection) Madhouse has put together for this show! In all of the shots Claire (is that how she's spelled in the manga translation?) looks so awesome, definitely my kind of dark fantasy lead. I don't have a clue about "camera" work, but to me they are using some neat dynamic camera moves in those action shots and these character designs look great in the closeups especially on the faces, like the awesome closeup at the end of the video and the zoom in on the eyes as they change, that animation was really nicely done by them.
Madhouse is always great at this kind of show so I can't wait for this to start.
|2007-03-25, 01:44
|Link #68
|2007-03-25, 01:58
|Link #69
~Night of Gales~
Join Date: Dec 2005
You're probably not enjoying the character interaction dynamics of Claymore. I'll be honest here, that is one part of Claymore I didn't think was very good as well. It improves later on, but I suppose the fact that most of the characters are 'monster-destroying half-monster females" does hinder that. It does limit the richness of the cast, for the sake of realism within the Claymore context.
Well, aside from the bad quality of the cam-trailer, (( and an even shitty audio )), I'd say that on the respect of the atmosphere, Madhouse had pretty much caught Claymore heads on. Like I previously worried about, one of Claymore's manga style is the broody, gray atmosphere of the manga in a strangely half-barren medieval world and the colours of the anime really reflects that strongly. Well, the part of the trailer with the long-haired Claymore does seem a bit contrasting with the rest of the more rich, moodly vibrant colours of the trailer, but it'll depend on the context of that. And looks like at least the animation will be good, with solid use of camera and effect-add ons.
Looks like it'll be another Madhouse adaption that enriches the manga experience even more.
C'mon, Madhouse, do Red Eyes next. :P
|2007-03-25, 04:02
|Link #70
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
One thing I'm curious on, does most of the character development come from "real time" or "flash backs"? It's fine either way but it'd be cool if the character backgrounds add richness to the characters but doesn't contain all of the meat other than what sets up Claire's story and what she's like ofcourse.
Last edited by DangerMouse; 2007-03-25 at 04:29.
|2007-03-25, 16:23
|Link #72
use the fōrks ~
Join Date: Jan 2007
Saw the footage and I'd have to say it looks amazing, quality animation with great light shadow contrasts from what I can tell.
Anyone knows when is the exact release date? I know it's April but I can't seem to find the exact date. Sorry if it was mentioned before.
|2007-03-25, 16:55
|Link #73
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
ANN and the Japanese Claymore sites show it as starting April 3rd
Last edited by DangerMouse; 2007-03-25 at 20:14.
|2007-03-26, 14:04
|Link #74
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Arizona
I have April 3rd circled on my calender xD I'm enjoying the manga, on volume 3 right now and I like the look in the screenshots and the footage. Color really does enhance a picture.
So yes it's going to be awesome for a lack of a better word to see the story animated, 'be brought to life'..etc ^o^
|2007-03-27, 02:57
|Link #75
Junior Member
Anidb has it marked as 4/4/07, but the main Japanese site has as 4/3/07.
This series and Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS is what im looking forward to in the next season of Anime
|2007-03-27, 04:35
|Link #76
Weapon of Mass Discussion
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, USA
|2007-03-27, 07:41
|Link #77
Obey the Darkly Cute ...
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: On the whole, I'd rather be in Kyoto ...
Age: 61
I guess the make-or-break for me will be the quality of the swordfights and the animation of them. Real swordfighting is quite different from the silly stuff that infests a lot of braggart shonen shows. I've seen excellent animation of japanese-style swordwork in Tsukikage Ran.... so I'm curious to see what they're able to do here. The fantasy level is very high though so this item is on my "marginal but give it a chance" list.
|2007-03-27, 18:12
|Link #78
Not Enough Sleep
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: R'lyeh
Age: 42
Form what i seen of the manga the sword fights are closer to the a chinese martial novel then real life sword fight.
|2007-03-27, 18:49
|Link #79
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
I do agree though the animation of the action is going to be key, I love the look of the anime but if they can't animate the fights better than a "200+ ep shonen show" it just won't keep that coherent feel that this show looks like it should get from the visual-style alone (since I don't know the storyline in detail). Fortunately the almost anime movie-style camera angles and animation enhancements (to me the speed-"line" enhanced clip in the trailer where she's charging the monster scene doesn't look like the usual cheap speed-lines but the more fitting kind and that there is an actual background during it as well) make me hopeful it will have nicely animated action like Madhouse is usually reliable for, but some trailers are misleading so I guess we'll find out when it airs, please be kind Madhouse, this show looks perfect for you
|2007-03-27, 20:01
|Link #80
Sexual Tyrannosaurus Rex
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: St. Louis, MO
Age: 37
That little video snippet has alleviated a few of my fears surrounding the quality of the show in general. Hopefully it'll be consistent unlike shows like Blood+ were the 1st episode was absolutely beautiful but took a sharp dive in quality from ep.2 and just got progressively worse as the show dragged on.
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Welcome, Mistybutterfly77! Glad you could join us. :D
Please consider joining a group to meet people and talk about anything that's on your mind,Hang With Friends. You might also like Atheist Motorcycle Club.
Hello there, thanks.. all new to this thing so I am looking forward to meeting new friends on here..
Welcome aboard! =) Hope you're doing well today...
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Restore the original appearance of your carburetor with this high-quality carb renew paint. Available in bronze, the low-gloss translucent acrylic lacquer can withstand temperatures up to 300° and is resistant to fuel and fuel additives.


text: Description Chic, short, and impeccably tailored, this Milly original incorporates retro details into a wedding dress that feels unfailingly fresh and modern. The peter pan collar and wrists of sheer silk chiffon are decked in rhinestone embroidery, while a pristine cascade of pleats falls into a lace skirt with a scalloped hem. A decorative grosgrain waist ribbon ties it all together. Side zip with back buttons. Silk chiffon and lace shell; polyester lining. Dry clean. USA. Falls 17" from natural waist As the fit on this style runs small, we recommend ordering a size up Exclusive to BHLDN Style #27041235


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ELON - The East Carolina University Alumni Association announced that Elon mayor and former Elon College football coach Jerry Tolley will be one of four graduates to receive its most prestigious alumni award.
�It�s a wonderful award,� Tolley said Thursday. �I�m humbled by getting it, but I�m very pleased.�
The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes achievement and leadership in professional life and public affairs. The award ceremony and dinner will be on Oct. 18 at the Greenville Convention Center.
Tolley graduated from ECU in 1965 and in 1966, got his master�s degree in education.
�I got a wonderful education there that served me well through the years,� Tolley said.
Tolley was head football coach at what was then Elon College and guided the team to an NAIA National Championship. He is an inductee to several regional and national halls of fame, including the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. He has written several books about football.
Tolley was also a professor and administrator at Elon and worked in the school�s advancement program.
In 1982, Tolley got his Ph.D. in education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He also worked at LabCorp for 12 years as associate vice president for community and government affairs.
In 1997, Tolley received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state�s highest civilian award.


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Student Health Center
726 Broadway
3rd and 4th Floors
General Hours of Operation: Fall and Spring Semesters
Hours of operation may change during the summer, winter and holidays. Check the Student Health Center website for the most up-to-date schedule.
The following services at the Student Health Center are available to you.*
*You should check with your health insurance plan to be certain that medical services obtained from the Student Health Center will be covered by your insurance. In the event that insurance does not cover these services, you will be responsible for payment.
**Full-time NYU employees receive 35% off regularly-priced ophthalmic designer frames. Single vision polycarbonate lenses with anti-reflective coating (up to 5D) are available for $75, and high index, progressive, and sunglass lenses are also discounted.
A note about work-related injury: In the case of a life- or limb-threatening emergency, please call 911.
In the case of a work-related emergency that is not life- or limb-threatening, follow the procedures detailed on the Workers' Compensation website.
New York University College of Dentistry
345 East 24th Street at First Avenue
As a courtesy to NYU employees and their immediate family members who are covered under any of the NYU Dental Plans or have chosen not to elect coverage, the College of Dentistry offers a generous 25% discount off their already reduced fee schedule for all general dentistry and specialty care procedures (pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics [crowns and bridges], implants, endodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery) performed at the college. The College of Dentistry will assist employees in billing procedures to any of our NYU Dental Plans and in helping them to receive appropriate reimbursement for all procedures performed. This courtesy is also available to employees treated by predoctoral students for general dentistry needs at the NYU Dental Faculty Practice at 726 Broadway, Suite 350. Employees with any of the NYU Dental Plans are responsible for factoring in their annual deductible and for monitoring their yearly maximum benefit limits.
NYU Dental Faculty Practice
The faculty of NYU's College of Dentistry offers a variety of services and the latest technologies, including general and preventive dentistry and specialized dental care including endodontics, dental implants and orthodontics, all in a private practice environment with fees that are competitive within the area. The practice also provides treatment for complex problems affecting the mouth and face, such as oral cancer, corrective jaw surgery, dry mouth and chronic facial pain. In addition, NYU employees receive a 10% discount on basic services provided at the NYU Dental Faculty Practice.
Call one of these two convenient locations for an appointment:
Postdoctoral Psychology Clinic
1 Washington Place, 1st Floor
212-998-7890 (Call Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Long-term individual psychoanalysis for adults provided by therapists in psychoanalytic training. Those seeking treatment must commit to three to four sessions per week. Call the clinic for an application and for fee information.
Institute for Psychoanalytic Education (IPE)
Affiliated with NYU School of Medicine
One Park Avenue, #8-241
New York, NY 10016
Long-term intensive psychoanalysis for adults and children provided by qualified professionals. For further information and application, please call the Institute.
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library and Study Center
70 Washington Square South
212-998-2520 (Hours)
212-998-2505 (Information)
Bobst houses a wealth of resources. BobCat, the computerized card catalog puts the library's collections and many other resources at your fingertips. With BobCat Plus, NYU Libraries' Web-based catalog, you can connect directly to electronic resources available at NYU or over the Internet. You can also visit www.nyu.edu/library to find out more about the resources available at Bobst, or pick up the Self-Guided Tour or other guides available at the Bobst Information Desk. Anyone with a valid NYU Card may use the library.
A complete list of all NYU and affiliated libraries can be found at the above Web site or in the NYU Telephone Directory and Guide to Service.
Grey Art Gallery and Study Center
Main Building
100 Washington Square East, 1st Floor
80 Washington Square East Galleries
80 Washington Square East
Broadway Windows
Northwest Corner of Broadway and 10th Street
Washington Square Windows
80 Washington Square East
Visit the NYU Gallery Network
The NYU Bookstore is conveniently located at 726 Broadway to serve the entire NYU Community. Store revenue is returned to the University to help support school programs and initiatives.
Employee Discount: Show your NYU identification card at the cash register before making your purchase to receive a 15% discount on most items. The discount does not apply to sale items, some special purchases or to computer hardware and software at the NYU Computer Store. Most software and hardware packages are educationally priced.
The NYU Bookstore provides textbooks for all the NYU schools and colleges. The Bookstore carries a large selection of academic and university press titles, hardcover and paperback books, and can special order any book in print at no additional cost. There is also a large selection of NYU sportswear, office stationery, school supplies, gifts, games, and electronics.
NYU Bookstores
726 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
NYU Computer Store (located inside NYU Bookstores)
726 Broadway
For dining locations and hours of operation, visit the NYU Campus Dining Website at www.nyudining.com.
NYU Dining's Employee Meal Plans
NYU Dining offers two meal plan memberships for employees. The membership is available to all full- and part-time faculty, administrators, and staff with a valid NYU ID. Employees can sign up here for the plan every January, May, and August or contact NYU Campus Dining at email@example.com for more information. (Does not include The Torch Club.)
Attend film screenings, dramatic and musical performances, and other special events throughout the year on campus.
The Ticket Central Box Office is the University's resource for discount tickets and ticketing services. All students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni with a valid ID are eligible to take advantage of reduced prices for a wide range of events and entertainment on-campus and throughout the city. In addition, ticketing services needed for on-campus or off-campus events can be provided by NYU Ticket Central.
Box Office
566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South)
Open 12 noon - 6pm Tuesday - Saturday
(Closed on University holidays and break)
Administrative Office
60 Washington Square South, Room 206
New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is the premier venue for the presentation of cultural and performing arts events for NYU and lower Manhattan. Since opening in 2003, the 860-seat Skirball Center has been an educational and community building resource, providing NYU's first large-scale, professional multi-arts performance space on campus. NYU-priced tickets can be purchased online through the NYU Life tab in NYU Home or in person with a valid NYU ID at the NYU Ticket Central Box Office (open 12 noon - 6 pm Tuesday - Saturday).
Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South) 212.992.8484
Admission to most home athletic events is free to all employees and their families. Information on intercollegiate athletic events can be found on posters throughout the University, through Ticket Central, or in advertisements in campus papers. For more detailed information on events and tickets, call 212-998-2020. For information about fitness centers and features in Manhattan and Brooklyn, explore the below:
404 Fitness
404 Lafayette Street, Manhattan
Membership Information
Palladium Athletic Facility
140 East 14th Street, Manhattan
Brooklyn Athletic Facility
6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn
Carebridge Life Resources: NYU's Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Login to www.myliferesource.com with NYU Access Code FTN59 for additional NYU employee discounts. Locate the "Featured Tools" box and select "Discount Shopping Center" to access your connection to savings and information on products and services for your everyday life.
Mortgage Origination Fee Reimbursement Program—NYU extends to eligible full-time employees (Administrators and Professionals and Faculty) the opportunity to receive reimbursement for first mortgage origination fees associated within the purchase of a principal residence. The University takes this step to assist dedicated administrators and professional staff with the critical challenge of obtaining permanent housing in the metropolitan region. Read more about the program for Administrators and Professionals or Faculty.
NYU Deferred Payment Plan Computer Purchase Program—The NYU Computer Store offers full-time employees the opportunity to purchase computers, software and peripherals on a deferred-payment basis. The deferment will be interest-free and repaid through payroll deductions over a maximum two year period. Learn more about the Deferred Payment Plan.
The NYU Credit Union
14 Washington Place
The Credit Union is a federally-insured nonprofit cooperative that serves members by providing low-cost services and higher interest rates on savings. You may contribute to your credit union accounts through payroll deductions. Services provided include share draft (checking) accounts, money market accounts, IRAs, vacation and Christmas clubs, loans (including home equity and debt consolidation), and a VISA credit card.
Discount programs may be modified or discontinued at any time. NYU does not endorse any products or services. Discounted health club memberships have moved to LiveSmart Discounts.
Neighborhood Businesses — Many of the stores, theaters, and restaurants near NYU offer discounts to employees who present NYU identification cards. When frequenting neighborhood merchants, ask if they offer an NYU discount.
Personal Museum Visits — Through NYU's special extended partnerships with certain Museum Gateway institutions, NYU faculty, administrators, and staff may enjoy free admission at these museums when they present their NYUCard.
NYU Buying Club — You may obtain free membership in Buyer's Edge, Inc. through the University. Through this program, you can purchase major items, such as appliances, automobiles, and furniture, at the lowest advertised price. For more information, login at www.buyersedgeinc.com (user ID: 504, password: member1).
NYU Travel Discounts — Some lodging and other travel providers may extend discounts to the NYU community. Visit http://www.nyu.edu/life/travel-and-transportation/nyu-traveler.html.
The New York Times Special Education Discount for NYU — The New York Times offers 50% or more off regular rates for home delivery or digital subscriptions. To see your options or to order, visit NYTimes.com/CollegeRate.
* Offer available to current college faculty, staff, administrators, and students. To qualify for a digital subscription at the college rate, you must also have a valid college or university email address, which usually ends in .edu. Print rates and product availability vary by location. Smartphone and tablet apps are not supported on all devices. NYTimes.com + Smartphone Apps, NYTimes.com + Tablet Apps and All Digital Access subscriptions do not include e-reader editions, Times Premier content, Premium Crosswords or The New York Times Crosswords apps. Prices shown are in U.S. dollars. Other restrictions apply.
Wireless Products & Services
Verizon FiOS Discount for NYU Employees — Get the best price on a Verizon bundle only through Verizon Connections, an exclusive online program offering discounts on residential FiOS and DIRECTV service bundles to NYU employees, resulting in the best price available on Verizon TV, home phone, and Internet service bundles.
Discount programs may be modified or discontinued at any time. NYU does not endorse any products or services.
Additional off-campus discount programs may be considered for inclusion. To submit a discount offer for consideration, please use the Discount Offer Form.


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Dunbarton votes to pull students out of Goffstown schoolsBy KATHY REMILLARD
Sunday News Correspondent
March 16. 2013 4:54PM
DUNBARTON — Hundreds of Dunbarton residents packed the school district meeting Saturday and voted to remove the town's approximately 200 students from Goffstown's middle and high schools and send them to Bow instead in 2014.
The first vote, which was 286 to 161, was to reject continuation of an Authorized Regional Enrollment Area agreement with Goffstown. The second vote, which was 298-101, was to send Dunbarton's students to Bow.
The move means a loss of approximately $2 million in revenue to the Goffstown School District, which translates to a possible tax hike of approximately $1.40 per $1,000 of property valuation, according to Goffstown Budget Committee Chairman Peter Georgantas. Voters in Goffstown rejected the school budget and a $14.5 million bond in voting last Tuesday.
Mountain View Middle School and Goffstown High School currently house students from Goffstown, Dunbarton and New Boston.
The Mountain View Middle School principal, Jim Hunt, who was facing increasing criticism for allegedly creating a dysfunctional and hostile educational environment for faculty and staff, resigned Friday. Some had speculated his resignation could prompt Dunbarton voters to stick with Goffstown.
The school district commissioned a consultant, at a cost of $35,500, to examine any problems at the middle school and recommend solutions. Hunt did not participate in the consultant's study. The consultant's report, finished recently, did not directly address the criticisms of Hunt's leadership but did acknowledge a prevailing sentiment among students and staff that improvements were needed in the academic, social and professional climate at the school.
SAU 19 Superintendent of Schools Stacy Buckley also is leaving, after taking a position as superintendent in the Newfound Area School District in Bristol. She has said an interim principal will be hired while officials look for Hunt's permanent replacement.
The agreement between Bow and Dunbarton will take effect July 1, 2014, and many Dunbarton students will leave Goffstown's schools in September 2014, though not all at once. Discussions will be under way for a phase-out of those students who want to graduate from Goffstown High School, officials said.
The Dunbarton Community Center, which is also the Dunbarton Elementary School's gym and cafeteria, was filled to its 550-person maximum on Saturday, according to Fire Chief Jon Wiggin. At one point, it was announced that no one else would be permitted to enter the room.
"This is unprecedented, the number of people here," Moderator Fred Mullen said.
Voters debated the enrollment area issue for two hours before the vote was called, with some asking questions about Hunt's resignation.
Voters were mixed on whether Hunt's resignation had an impact on the vote.
"I personally don't think so," John Trottier said. "I've had no problems with Mountain View."
"I think it could have, but I don't think it was discussed enough," David Schroeder said.
Resident Theresa Williamson said she "did a happy dance" when she heard of Hunt's resignation, but had still planned to vote in favor of Goffstown.
After the vote, she said she was disgusted.
"Half of the kids will stay in Goffstown, and half will go to Bow," she said, adding that Dunbarton students attending Goffstown High likely will be able to complete their education in Goffstown. "I think that will fragment our community."
"I'm devastated," said resident Anne Carney. "I just felt we were so much of a community there."
Those in favor of Bow spoke highly of its reputation and small size, even those who do not yet have school-aged children.
"We're pleased," said Allison Rees, who has a 20-month daughter. She said she preferred Bow because it was more convenient, but she liked the size of Goffstown schools.
"I'm responsible for my children's education, no matter what school they go to," said husband Scott Mills.
Beth Ayers said she was "ecstatic" about the outcome, citing a preference for Bow's smaller size, its likeness to Dunbarton and academic reputation.
Bow Superintendent of Schools Dean Cascadden said he is looking forward to working to transition Dunbarton's students into the Bow community.
"We're excited," he said. "We're really looking forward to having Dunbarton as a partner."
Cascadden said his district will work on a transition that will work for Dunbarton students and their families.
"There is a lot of work to be done," he said.
Voters also approved all other warrant articles:
-- The district's operating budget of $5.4 million, which saw an increase from the floor of $50,000, to pay for a fifth-grade teacher position that had been cut.
-- A three-year collective bargaining agreement for teachers.
-- A $31,570 deposit to the Dunbarton School Capital Reserve Fund.
-- $1,000 for the Dunbarton Kitchen Equipment Fund.


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The Source
First Aid Scenarios on campus: Nov. 16-18
November 16, 2012
College Outdoors is hosting a Wilderness First Responder Recertification class for 15 people, from 12 PM Friday, November 16 through 5 PM Sunday, November 18 on various parts of campus.
These national certification courses, taught by instructors from the Wilderness Medicine Institute, provide our LC students and others from the outside community with excellent skills for responding to medical emergencies.
On most of these days we will be doing first aid simulations at various locations outside the Flanagan Chapel, Templeton Campus Center, South Campus and in the woods behind the Templeton and Sequoia Buildings. In these simulations, some "victims" may be made up with stage blood, and bandages, and may be carried out on a stretcher.
You may not notice the class at all, but in case you do:
We will strive to keep simulations away from office buildings and visitors, but if you do encounter such a scenario, please do not be alarmed. We will have "First Aid Simulation in Progress" signs posted in the area of any simulations.
If you have questions about the Wilderness First Responder course, please contact College Outdoors at 503-768-7116.
Thank you.
Josh Bickley


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Let's turn back to Romans chapter 5 tonight. It was a number of months ago that I began to take a look with you at Romans 3, 4 and 5. We sort of really began in the middle of chapter 3 and we end in the middle of chapter 5 because this unit of truth from chapter 3 verse 21 through chapter 5 verse 11 features the glory of the great doctrine of justification by faith.
I want to read the opening 11 verses of chapter 5 just to set it in your mind.
"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance and perseverance proven character, and proven character hope, and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly, for one will hardly die for a righteous man though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die, but God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more than having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him, for while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more having been reconciled we shall be being saved by His life, and not only this but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have now received the reconciliation."
Now the theme of these verses, as we've been pointing out, is the security of salvation. It is to tell us that what God promises, He is faithful to deliver. If He declares that we have been justified by faith, that is a gift that He gives and does not take it back. We live in a day of unfaithfulness, we're very used to people telling lies, making promises they do not keep, making promises they never have any intention of keeping. We are very familiar with the fact that people can't be trusted, they don't keep their word. All of us even fail at that point as well. Husbands are unfaithful to their wives, wives unfaithful to their husbands, children unfaithful to their parents and vice-versa, people unfaithful to promises made, unfaithful to responsibilities they have accepted. Christians even unfaithful to the Lord and to each other. This is part of being fallen people living in a fallen world, the terrible sin of being untrustworthy, unfaithful.
But God is above all of that and God is faithful and it's important for us to remind ourselves of that. Deuteronomy 7 verse 1, "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God." The faithful God, this in contrast to all the unfaithfulness that dominates life in this world, defines God as the absolutely faithful one. Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:13, "He remains faithful because He can't deny Himself." What it means is He has to be faithful because being faithful is being consistent with His nature, and because He is God and He is perfect, He is therefore perfectly consistent. Isaiah says faithfulness is the belt around God's waist. It's as if faithfulness holds all His attributes together.
The psalmist in Psalm 36:5 says, "Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens and Your faithfulness to the clouds." That is, you cannot get past or beyond God's faithfulness. Jeremiah could only sum it up in Lamentations 3:23 by saying, "Great is Your faithfulness," and he means great in the sense of incomprehensible, infinite. The writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 10:23, "He is faithful that promised." First Corinthians 1:9 says, "God is faithful by whom you're called into the fellowship of His Son."
The faithfulness of God then, those are just a few samples as extolled from one end of Scripture to the other. Peter even chimes in, 1 Peter 4:19, calling on believers in confidence to commit their souls to God's keeping because He is a faithful Creator. He is faithful to preserve His people into eternal glory.
Listen again to 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely, may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, faithful is He who calls you and He also will bring it to past." Since He called us to eternal glory, He will bring us to that glory.
Second Thessalonians 3:3, "But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord." Our confidence rests in our faithful God.
The familiar words of Philippians 1:6, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ." That wonderful promise that comes at the end of Jude with which we are all familiar, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior," etc.
So God is faithful who has called us to Christ to bring us to final glory. He is faithful to fill His promise, the promise that those who were justified will be glorified, as it's laid out, you recall in Romans chapter 8.
So that is the theme of the verses in chapter 5, the first eleven verses. It's all about the believer's security because God is faithful.
Now the way God expresses that faithfulness is in an unbreakable chain with spiritual links. We've been working through that chain, there are six links in this unbreakable chain that secures us to God. There is peace with God, standing in grace, the hope of glory, the gift of love, the certainty of deliverance and final joy in God. Peace, grace, hope, love, deliverance and joy, those are features of the faithfulness of God that are expressed and delineated to us in the wonder of salvation. Verse 1, we having been justified by faith have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. That's not the peace of God, that's not a subjective tranquility, that's an objective truce, a final, permanent, forever peace has been made between the sinner and God and once the sinner was the enemy of God and God was the enemy of the sinner, and now there's perfect peace between the two mediated through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Secondly, there is standing in grace. And this is such a wonderful truth. Verse 2, we have obtained our introduction, or better, access...access by faith into this grace in which we stand. The reason our salvation can never be altered, the reason it can never be forfeited, the reason it could never be taken back is because we have a permanent and lasting peace and because we stand in grace...which means all our sin is dealt with graciously. We live in a spiritual environment of grace. Grace is fully operative all the time, taking care of all our failures and sins.
So this is in itself a marvelous, glorious gift. We also have, looking forward, hope of the glory of God. That is hope that one day we will attain to the glory of God, this is called glorification...that we are saved to be glorified. We were predestined to be glorified, justified to be glorified, sanctified on the way to being glorified. That is to say that we were chosen before the foundation of the world for the purpose of eternal glory, not for some intermediate stop. We were not chosen just to be justified or only to be regenerated, we were chosen to be glorified. We are looking ahead to that great glory. And even the difficulties that come into life test our faith, and when our faith is tested, it stands the test and so tribulation produces perseverance, having persevered, your character as a believer is proven and having proven character, enlivens and secures our hope.
And then last time we kind of wrapped up by talking about the incredible gift of love which becomes our possession...and that is, of course, in verse 5. "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." When you came to salvation in Christ, it was an act of love. You were redeemed by love. It was love that bought you. It was love that called you. It was love that saved you. That is the message of verse 5 through 8 which culminates in verse 8, "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." He loved us so much that He gave His Son to die for us.
His love then is demonstrated in the cross and then it is shed abroad in our hearts. It is His love for us. It has an inherent quality to enable us to love Him back and to love others, but it is His love poured out in us that is on the mind of the Apostle Paul as he writes, His great love for us first demonstrated in that He loved us when we were yet sinners and enemies of His.
How secure are you? Permanent peace, permanent grace, an undying hope and a love that is not minimal but literally abounds in our hearts. Love is poured out in our hearts. The language of Ephesians 3 might help to enrich that a little bit. We have been given such immense love, verse 17 says we are rooted and grounded in love, a love that is difficult to comprehend as to its breadth and length and height and depth because it is the love of Christ, verse 19, Ephesians 3, which surpasses knowledge. We have a massive impartation of divine love poured into our lives. It is incomprehensible. The verb means you can't seize it. You can't make it your own. You can't capture it. This is a massive inexplicable love, unlike any kind of human love that anybody would ever know or experience. Nothing can alter it, nothing. All kinds of human love exists and you can just about kill any of them. And sometimes it doesn't take much. But here is a love that us unassailable. In Romans 8 verse 35, it is a love that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword can alter. It is a love that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will ever be able to separate us from. It is the love of God from which we cannot be separated.
Now we've been talking about the fact that the battle through the years theologically has been if you're saved, can you lose your salvation? It is inconceivable that anyone who understands Romans 5 could ever conclude that you could lose your salvation. You have a permanent peace, we stand in a permanent state of grace, we have an everlasting hope determined before the foundation of the world and we have a love from God poured out to us that is unassailable and unalterable. That is why we have an inheritance undefiled that is laid up for us untarnished in heaven to be received in the future.
The one that secures that love in us, the one who distributes that love we might say in our experience, in our worship, in our prayers and in our ministry is none other than the Holy Spirit who has taken up permanent residence in us as well. Even in the most disobedient Christian, Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians that if you are the temple of the Holy Spirit and you join yourself to a harlot, you join Christ to a harlot. Any sin that a believer commits is a sin that involves the indwelling Holy Spirit. He is God's guarantee, the down-payment of our eternal inheritance.
This, by the way, if the first specific mention of the Holy Spirit in the whole book of Romans. The Spirit is given to us to distribute in our experience all our spiritual experience, this immense love that comes from God through the Spirit to us. That is why, we are reminded in Galatians 5, the Fruit of the Spirit is...what's the first...love, the kind of love that believers experience transmitted to them through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is far beyond anything an unregenerate person will ever know. All kinds of disappointments can come in this life in our loves. That is a love that never ever disappoints.
How vast and extensive is this love? Look at verse 6. "While we were still hopeless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly." The point there is it was a love first extended to us not because we deserved it or earned it when we were ungodly. It is a kind of love that is very different than the world gives, for one will hardly die for a righteous man. People are so self-protected, self-preserving by nature that they rarely would give up their life for a righteous man but perhaps for some their life is willing to be sacrificed for a good man. Certainly through history we see that. Even today there are people who willingly give up their lives for the sake of some good person. But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. No one does that. Maybe some will die for a righteous person. Maybe some would die for a good person. Nobody dies for a wretched person. Nobody is going to sacrifice his or her life for a wicked, evil person. You don't give up your life for mass murderers and criminals.
How different is this love of God? And mark it, if He loved you like that when you were ungodly and unworthy and wicked, you'll never be there again. You have been transformed in the newness of life. If He loved you then, believe me, it's not difficult for Him to love you now.
And that's the point of verse 9, "Much more than now having been justified by His blood." And we'll stop at that point. Much more does He love us now when we have been justified, when we now belong to Him.
Christ died for the ungodly, that's maybe the most important thing to say about the Christian gospel, huper, He died in behalf of, instead of, for the sake of. As it says in Galatians 3, He became a curse for us. This is the uniqueness of God's love. It is love unlike any other kind of earthly love. It is a love that is commended to people who are yet sinners. This again is the message of Ephesians 2, which, of course, is that great gospel passage, Ephesians 2:4, "God being rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us...then this...even when we were dead in our transgressions." That is what sets the love of God apart. He loves those that no one loves, the wretched, the ungodly, the wicked sinners who are utterly undeserving and unworthy. And if He could love us like that when we were not His, when we were enemies, He has no trouble loving us now that we are sons.
There are two more links in the chain that I want to talk about a little bit tonight. We are linked to a faithful God through peace, grace, glory and love, or hope and love. There are two more links in this. Let's just...let's just look at number five and call it deliverance. But there's a more important word than that. Deliverance from what? Well deliverance from wrath...deliverance from wrath. We are, folks, get it, immune to divine wrath. It does not pertain to us.
Verses 9 and 10, "Much more than having now been justified by His blood we shall be saved...future...from the wrath of God through Him. Here's why. "If while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more having been reconciled we shall be being saved by His life." Those two verses are really very, very important.
This is a tremendously foundational promise to believers. It's reiterated in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 which says, "We as believers who have turned to God wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead...that is Jesus...who rescues us from the wrath to come." This is part of the promise of God to believers, rescue from the wrath to come, or 1 Thessalonians 5:9, "For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us." It goes back to the satisfaction that God had over the sacrifice of Christ, His wrath was fully satisfied against all our sins and therefore there is absolute certainty that we are delivered from final wrath, THE wrath.
Specifically, back to Romans 5, the wrath of God is the Lake of Fire, eternal hell. The judgment of Revelation 20 is familiar to us, we know it as the Great White Throne Judgment. "I saw a Great White Throne, Him who sat upon it from whose presence earth and heaven fled away...this is in the future...no place was found for them. I saw the dead, the great, the small standing before the throne, the books were open, another book was open which is The Book of Life, the dead were judged from the things written in the books according to their deeds. The sea gave up the dead which were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead in them. They were judged, every one of them according to their deeds, then death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death, the Lake of Fire, and if anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire." This is eternal hell where there's weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. There is darkness. There is isolation. There is the torture of guilt and remorse and no relief forever. We are saved from that.
In 2 Thessalonians, just to make it clear, chapter 1 verse 5, "This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment. What is His righteous judgment? Jesus will be revealed, verse 7, from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." This is the final wrath.
"God is a God of wrath, we know that. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men," Romans 1:18. God's wrath is not an automatic sort of judgment. There is sowing and reaping wrath, but God's wrath is not an automatic judgment on sin by some kind of anonymous cosmic force. God's wrath is an active intense personal reaction to sin. And its full fury will come in the final judgment at the Great White Throne when all who are outside the gospel will be sent to hell. They're designated Ephesians 2:3 as children of wrath, but we on the contrary, we shall, verse 9 of Romans 5, be saved from the wrath through Him...through Him.
How so? "Having now been justified by His blood." Because we have been justified, made right with God by the death of Christ who paid in full the penalty for our sin, we are certain of our deliverance from future wrath. It is the sacrifice of Christ, as we know, we've sung about it tonight which is the true ground of our acceptance with God, our peace, our grace, our hope of glory, our love, our deliverance are not based on our works, they are based on Christ's death. Our justification requires Christ's blood to be shed. He is the faithful offering, the satisfactory substitute for sinners. And this is what it means when it says His blood, it doesn't mean the fluid, it means His death...blood is a graphic way to symbolize His sacrifice on the cross.
Now all of that is prologue, in a sense, it's beginning to mount here, verse 9, "Much more than..." It's wonderful to have peace with God. It's wonderful to have grace endlessly. It's wonderful to have the hope of glory. It's wonderful to be loved by God with a love that cannot die. But more than that, to be delivered from eternal wrath. Now you're arguing from the lesser to the greater, delivering us from eternal wrath through Him. That's the pinnacle.
By the way, God never found anything in us that was good enough for that deliverance, never found anything in us that made us worthy, never found anything in us deserving of heaven, deserving of salvation. Don't kid yourself, you may be a faithful Christian, you may walk the walk, don't get the illusion that you bring anything to the issue of salvation...you don't. Even the best that you, the best that I do is mingled with our sinfulness. He saved us for His own glory in spite of us, and He secures us forever and promises deliverance from wrath.
Now Paul elucidates this point, I think, in a very memorable way in verse 10, "If while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son..." That's a very important statement. If...when we were enemies, Christ's death could reconcile us to God, much more having already been reconciled, we shall be...the Greek says.. "Be being saved by His life." If when we were enemies He could reconcile us by dying, now that we have been reconciled, He can certainly keep us reconciled by living." If He could do what He did through His death, how much more can He do through His life?
This leads us into the priestly ministry of Jesus, "He ever lives to make intercession for us." The reason we don't fall away, the reason we don't abandon faith, the reason we don't deny Christ, the reason we don't lose our salvation is because we have a living interceding High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us. We were reconciled, you might say, by a dead Christ, we are kept reconciled by a living Christ, whoever lives to secure us into eternal glory.
That is what it says, Hebrews 2:17, "He had to be made like His brethren in all things so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, make propitiation for the sins of His people, and since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered...in that which He has suffered, is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." He ever assists us, aids us, guards us, keeps us.
This isn't talking about some mystical experience, this is talking about a divine transaction. If Christ in death can save us, then a living Christ can keep us saved. If we can be saved and reconciled when enemies, we can be secured now that we have become friends.
All of that leads to a final link, a final wondrous reality which certainly is the culmination of everything in verse 11. And that's why he says, "And not only this," he's been piling it on a little bit, verse 8, "Much more than...verse 10...much more...verse 11...and not only this... We've now reached the pinnacle. We've gone from peace to grace, to hope, to love, to deliverance and now to joy...now to joy.
Not only all this...not only all these five, but we also exult...remember I told you that word means a kind of joy that is over the top? We also rejoice exceedingly in God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have now received the reconciliation. If there is one thing, one emotion, one attitude, one disposition that should dominate the life of a Christian, it is joy...it is joy. What else do you want if this doesn't bring you joy? What are you holding out for? That's the issue. Salvation is not merely a future, it is a present joy in anticipation of that future. That is why Paul says, "Rejoice always, and again I say rejoice." That is why it's a sin not to have joy. What do you want out of life? More contentment? More comfort? More agreement? More stuff? More what? What is the source of your joy if it's not this? Everything else is less than this. Everything else is considerably less than this. Everything else is wood, hay and stubble.
Not only all of these wonderful things, but because of all these wonderful things, we rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ because all of them have come to us through this unearned, undeserved reconciliation.
I really do believe that the single greatest mark of spirituality is joy...joy. I'm not talking about silliness, frivolity, kind of a slap-happy attitude, irresponsible mentality that doesn't take into account serious things. I'm talking about an unassailable, deep-seeded settled joy that nothing in this world circumstantially can move...can't move it. My soul will make her boast in the Lord, O magnify the Lord with me and let's exalt His name together. I will rejoice in the Lord, says the psalmist, I will joy in the God of my salvation. I will go to the altar of my God, to God, my exceeding joy.
I think you feel some of that when you sing, don't you? When you worship? You're rejoicing in the Lord. This is where your salvation links take you. That's why you let loose and you sing, "O for a thousand tongues to sing, my great Redeemer's praise. The glories of my God and King, the triumphs of His grace. My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of Thy name. Jesus, the name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease, 'Tis music in the sinner's ears, to life and health and peace. He speaks and listening to His voice new life the dead receive, the mournful broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe. He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free, His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me. See all your sins on Jesus laid, the Lamb of God was slain. His soul was once an offering made for every soul...and above all this verse...Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb, your loosened tongues employ, ye blind behold your Savior come and leap ye lame for joy."
There's nothing to boast about in us, it's all through our Lord Jesus Christ. And the end of it all is joy. And if your life isn't dominated by joy, then you've lost touch with the greatness of the gifts that come in your salvation. You are secure forever, unalterably so. You have been given divine peace, divine grace, divine hope, divine love, divine deliverance and divine joy.
Do you live like that? Your life and my life should be endless exuberant act of gratitude to the God who gave us true and everlasting joy.
Father, this passage of Scripture opens up to us again the things that we know and love but so easily slip into theological categories far away from living attitudes and experiences. Restore these things to us to the front of our minds, and may our worship not be confined to the service in the church when somebody has to lead us. May our worship, may our songs of joy, songs of praise flow out of our minds and hearts at all times as we contemplate the greatness of the elements of our salvation which link us everlastingly to You, our absolutely faithful Lord. And again we confess that we are unworthy of all of this. We thank You that You loved us when we were ungodly sinners, and now that we are friends, sons, You love us and that love that saved us secures us. We can trust You and we do and it is joy unspeakable and full of glory. May that joy reverberate from us, around us, and may it be infectious to all those who see us and know us that we have a joy that is beyond human comprehension because it is tied to a gift that is beyond human attainment, the gift of reconciliation, salvation that You've given us. Fill us with joy and use that joy to be attractive to draw others to Christ, we pray. Amen.
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The massive public reaction to the tragic deaths of three black teens at the hand of white police officers has led to a national call for use of body cameras to record and prevent any future mistreatment of suspects.
There is ample precedent. Animal protection activists have used body cameras to document egregious atrocities and safety violations by workers in the meat, dairy and egg industries.
The resulting videos have led to a number of corrective actions, as well as felony convictions, meat recalls, and even a $500 million civil settlement.
I would like to thank Susan Ferrara for saying she "liked the name Indian Land."
I just cannot understand why someone like Jane Tanner or anyone moving into a new neighborhood or another state would complain about the name of a road or neighborhood that has had a name for many many years. I cannot imagine doing that.
In 2013, our Sen. Greg Gregory in his Spring Legislative Report wrote: SCDOT is moving forward with widening of S.C. 160 between Springfield Parkway in Fort Mill and the unfortunately named Possum Hollow Road.
I would like to thank The Lancaster News for providing the coming events section free of charge to the public. I belong to some organizations that depend on the large portion of their publicity for meetings, performances, luncheons etc.
Such publicity is invaluable to these organizations' success. And, anyone outside of Lancaster can read about all the exciting things that make Lancaster a great place to live.
Pat Clancy
J.R. Wilt's guest column of Oct. 17 (How incorporation will help Van Wyck) is highly illuminating, but not in a way he intends. It shows exactly what incorporating Van Wyck would not do. Primarily, it wouldn't save the residents from any of the ills he outlines.
Please understand that I am not a fan of unrestrained development. Development should always be fashioned in an intelligent, planned way. I also have concerns that Lancaster County isn't always willing to do this, especially along U.S. 521.
Whatever happened to living the way God intended us to?
Our government used to stand by "thus sayeth God." Our country was founded on the greatest book that's ever been written.
But now, our children are living in fear every day in our schools. Prayer in school is now like a disease or plague. If you pray, you're bashed for it.
In our government, court systems, city hall, we can't pray to the only true and living God.
He created this world and everything in it. God is the giver of life and the taker of life.
I have lived on Locustwood Avenue more than 21 years.
Living beside the school (Erwin Elementary), I understand that you must pick up your children. This year, however, has been the worst ever. I don't understand why some people think it is OK to block my driveway and Pink Dogwood Avenue. It is really sad when a few people think the rules don't apply to them.
Yeah, I'm talking about you, lady in the blue SUV and the family in the little black car that was blocking Pink Dogwood and would not move.
This letter is in response to "System failing to keep us safe" by Ramond Johnson of Indian Land in the Nov. 19 edition of The Lancaster News.
I agree with everything Mr. Johnson said in his letter to the editor regarding the "Man wanted for attempted murder" in the Nov. 12 edition of The Lancaster News.
But I have another question: Why has a person been arrested and pleaded guilty 10 times, but hasn't been found and arrested for attempted murder?
There are many who are disabled and have to use scooter chairs. I am one myself.
I appreciate the chairs being provided for our use in Walmart. There is no possible way I can walk from one side of the store to the other.
The problem I see is those who do not plug them back in when they are finished using them.
Many times I have plugged them back in after someone parked them and walked out the door. My husband has driven them in from the parking lot numerous times.
Please be considerate and plug them back in for the next person to use.
I, Lancaster City Councilman Gonzie Mackey, would like to thank everyone for the support, trust and confidence to allow me to serve you for another term in office representing District 2, but truthfully representing the entire city as a whole.
I really take my position as a city councilman very seriously. Like I stated in my first debate, I may not know everyone personally or treat everyone the same, but my promise to you was that I will treat everyone fairly. Your concerns and complaints are mine.
Thanksgiving is when, as a nation, we give thanks for the important blessings in our lives.
For many, that likely includes family, good health, a decent job and the like. And we should be thankful if we enjoy any or all of those things.
For some in our society, however, working hard doesn't always produce enough income to make ends meet.
Many rural and small town Americans depend on something that the rest of us don't likely think about that often, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), to help get through some of the tough times.
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Ian McKellen speaks in a wise, mellifluous baritone that contains just a hint of impish glee. Over the course of his decades-long career, he's used that voice to command armies on stage and on screen, holding audiences rapt in an array of roles, though McKellen, 73, might be most closely associated with characters devised by an unlikely quartet of dreamers — Shakespeare, J.R.R. Tolkien and Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Of course, it's Gandalf the Grey — rather than Kings Lear or Richard, or even Magneto, the electrifying foil to the X-Men's Professor Charles Xavier — who's occupied McKellen's thoughts in recent weeks. The actor has undertaken the fairly daunting work of promoting his role in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," which arrived in theaters Friday amid mixed reviews, though early criticism was hardly sufficient to quell fan enthusiasm.
The first installment in director Peter Jackson's planned trilogy based on the 1937 Tolkien novel, "An Unexpected Journey" sees McKellen once again don the robes of the 7,000-year-old wizard. Here, he appears one day, luring unsuspecting Bilbo Baggins from the creature comforts of his hobbit hole to undertake an adventure with a band of dwarfs looking to reclaim their homeland and its accompanying treasure.
PHOTOS: 60 images from 'The Hobbit'
The first time he played Gandalf, in Jackson's 2001 film "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," McKellen received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor (he was previously nominated for an Academy Award for his starring turn in 1998's James Whale biopic "Gods and Monsters," directed by Bill Condon). As "The Lord of the Rings" saga unfolded on screen, Gandalf underwent a spiritual transformation that saw him reborn as the near-divine Gandalf the White, his robes now the same gleaming alabaster as his beard, exemplifying his purity.
The wizard's regressive return to a more human sort of being was among the chief attractions, McKellen said, in returning to the role when Jackson finally opted to book a return trip to Middle-earth. "The Hobbit" famously takes place roughly six decades prior to the events depicted in "Rings," which means Gandalf is 60 years sprier and far more likely to relax and enjoy a party than he is to ride into a massive battle like a flaming angel of light.
"He likes boogeying around with the hobbits and having a smoke and a drink and a joke and fireworks and all that," McKellen said during a recent interview, speaking by phone from London.
Yet the actor had some trepidation about picking up the staff once more.
"I think I knew I wanted to do it, but … then all the negatives flooded in," McKellen recalled. "Do I want to go and live in New Zealand for 18 months on and off? The answer to that was yes and no. It's a long way away from home, of course, although I enjoy it enormously when I'm there. Do I want to reprise a part that I've already played when I could be doing other things over an 18-month period? All those sorts of things came into play, but in the end, a friend said to me, 'Ian, you know the fans of 'Lord of the Rings' are not going to be very interested that you've got problems. I think you'd better just do it.'
"As for going back into the character, he just seemed to have been inside me all the time," he added. "He just popped out again."
Even if Gandalf had been living inside McKellen all along, the practical realities surrounding his re-emergence proved alarming for the actor. The physical size of McKellen, Bilbo actor Martin Freeman and the men cast as the 13 dwarfs in "The Hobbit" had to be manipulated digitally so that the diminutive characters would seem sufficiently small, Gandalf just imposing enough in the final film.
That required not only certain sets to be built to varying scales, but also it made for an interesting first day of shooting — for the scene in which the dwarfs are feasting in Bilbo's home, McKellen was having his own private dinner party while the actors playing the smaller roles shot their part of the sequence elsewhere (though a large-scale double, a 6-foot-8-inch New Zealand policeman, was hired to stand in for McKellen from time to time).
It was something the actor — whose fascination with performance began in childhood after his parents took him to a production of "Peter Pan" at the Manchester Opera House when he was only 3 years old — did not enjoy.
"It's a constant fact of these films that the characters are not all the same size physically," McKellen said. "Then I come to do these films and there are 13 dwarfs and one hobbit and they're all smaller than me. On the first day, I rehearsed with them all and then was removed from their set into my own smaller set, which would make me look large, and two cameras recorded the scene. So while the 13 dwarfs were getting on with their scene, I was getting on with the scene in another part of the studio with their words fed into my ear by an earpiece.
PHOTOS: Meet the dwarfs from 'The Hobbit'
"I was acting on my own and the dwarfs were represented around my little set by faces on top of photographs on top of stands which lit up according to whoever was speaking," McKellen continued. "It wasn't the pictures of the dwarfs, it was pictures of the actors playing the dwarfs, and I couldn't always relate them to the people I'd just been rehearsing with. At the end of the day, I got a bit tearful and said to myself, 'Oh dear, this isn't why I became an actor,' then realized that I was speaking into my microphone that was turned on and the whole studio heard me."
That evening, McKellen related his distress to Jackson. Moving forward the filmmaker employed other techniques to gain the right perspective and make his star feel more at ease.
"Next day, he decorated my little tent with remnants of the Rivendell set," McKellen said. "There were carpets and fresh fruit and flowers and screens and rugs and comfortable chairs, and I was made to feel very at home."
McKellen said he enjoyed working with Freeman, well known in England for his turns on stage and for his role on Ricky Gervais' landmark sitcom "The Office" and his portrayal of Watson opposite Benedict Cumberbatch's complicated sleuth in the BBC's "Sherlock." He might be more familiar to American moviegoers as Arthur Dent in 2005's "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
He was also pleased to share the screen with Sylvester McCoy, the former "Doctor Who" star who played the fool to McKellen's Lear in the acclaimed 2008 Royal Shakespeare Company touring production of the stage tragedy: "That was nice to meet up with him again, but a little bit of a challenge to have another eccentric wizard knocking around the place."
McCoy stars in "Unexpected Journey" as Radagast the Brown, the eccentric ally to Gandalf. It was McKellen who introduced the actor to Jackson. "Peter was enchanted to meet the seventh Doctor Who," he said.
McKellen said that he re-read "The Hobbit" to reacquaint himself with the story, as he had previously done with the "Lord of the Rings" books. And just as he had on the sets of the three earlier films, he kept the novel at hand at all times.
"Peter always had a joke that I was the guardian of Tolkien," the actor said. "For 'Lord of the Rings,' I always had a copy, a very heavy copy although a paperback, of the book in my voluminous robe. It's much easier to have a slim volume of 'The Hobbit.'"
"All good stories deserve embellishment," Gandalf the Grey says at one point in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," and it appears the adage applies to even those tales told by J.R.R. Tolkien. The ultimate decision to make three films of the relatively slender tale was in large part because of the writers' decision to follow Gandalf on the mysterious journey he takes in the middle of "The Hobbit." They turned to the extensive "Lord of the Rings" appendixes to flesh out the narrative.
"In the book, Gandalf just disappears, you know — you don't know what he does or where he goes," said Philippa Boyens in an interview with The Times earlier this year. One of the four credited screenwriters on the movie, alongside Jackson, his life and creative partner Fran Walsh and Guillermo del Toro, who was originally set to direct "The Hobbit," Boyens continued, "But now we know, the audience knows. It's a wonderful story, and we have such a powerful character in Gandalf it was a no-brainer to tell it. And any day you spend working with Sir Ian is a good day."
The move to expand what had been initially intended as a Tolkien double feature into a trilogy wasn't announced until after Jackson had unveiled some key scenes from "The Hobbit" to a rapturous reception at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Though rumors had begun to swirl at the pop culture expo that Jackson had hatched, and won approval from New Line, Warner Bros. and MGM, for such a plan, the filmmaker broke the news with a post on Facebook just days later on July 30, citing Tolkien himself when he described the cinematic undertaking as "a tale that grew in the telling."
"I wasn't asked for my permission or views, I was just told it was going to happen," McKellen said. "Peter called a few of us in and said he'd gotten so much material he didn't want to cut it down to two films and it looked as if it would be better as three. My heart sank, 'Am I going to have to come back for an even longer period?' Well, I don't. I've another five weeks to do next June, so there are a few extra little bits for me to film. You just learn to trust Peter's judgment. If he says it'll make three films, it'll make three films."
He echoes much the same sentiment when asked his opinion about Jackson's choice to shoot the "Hobbit" movies at 48 frames per second, the groundbreaking technology the filmmaker employed to give the vistas and valleys of Middle-earth a striking, hyper-real look.
"Peter's a great advocate of that and so is James Cameron," McKellen said. "Of all directors alive they know more about these big movies than anybody else. Apparently the eye sees things at a rate of 60 frames per second so what we've been looking at all these years is a distortion of what we take to be real. Forty-eight is approaching the reality of actual eyesight in that everything can be in focus and with the clarity of a young person's eyes. It takes you into the film. You go into Middle-earth. You can see round that tree. You can see behind that hedge. With this 48 frames per second, you're going to be able to see the detail of that distant mountain.
"However," McKellen said, drawing a breath, "if you don't like it, you don't have to watch it in that, you can watch it at the normal projection. You don't have to watch it in 3-D. That's the beauty of these things, you can choose your cinema."
It's not 48 frames, though, that's dominated the conversation around McKellen of late; it was the revelation that the actor and gay rights activist had been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer several years ago. McKellen assured fans that his condition is being managed with regular doctors' care and is under control, and he's booked new jobs — he's reportedly set for a return role as Magneto in Bryan Singer's upcoming "X-Men: Days of Future Past."
In addition, he's set for a turn on an upcoming British television comedy, "Vicious," in which he and Derek Jacobi will play a couple who have lived together in the same Covent Garden flat for nearly 50 years.
The part dovetails in some ways with McKellen's long-time work as an outspoken gay rights activist. He publicly came out in 1988 and has argued eloquently on behalf of social equality — it's possible he inherited his conviction from his parents, whom he described in a 2007 interview in the Guardian as "northern nonconformists" who "judged a person on how they related to society as a whole."
It was an aspect of McKellen's life and work that Tolkien super fan Stephen Colbert even took a moment to comment on during the actor's recent appearance on "The Colbert Report." The actor showcased some of his devious British wit, joking that in Middle-earth sequels, he might play "Gandalf the Gay" and teased with a raised eyebrow that audiences might learn the identity of his favorite dwarf.
But perhaps the most amusing moment came when the host played a clip from the new film in which Gandalf presents Bilbo with his Elvish blade Sting. Once the cameras returned to the actor, dappily attired in gray, McKellen, with his impeccable timing, muttered of the wizard's performance in the scene, "He really is good, isn't he?"
– Gina McIntyre
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