text:
Hankins, Simon lead a talented OSU defensive line group
- Written by Rick Reed
Editor's Note: This is the third of a six-part series previewing the 2012 Ohio State football team.
Upon accepting the head football position at Ohio State, Urban Meyer was more than forthcoming about his concern over the ability for certain position groups to compete at the level he expected.
Ohio State defensive linemen John Simon (54) and Johnathan Hankins (52) chase Penn State's Stephon Green during last year's game in Columbus. Simon and Hankins bring a veteran presence to the Buckeyes' defensive line. EXAMINER FILE PHOTO | RICK REED
The defensive line was not one of those groups.
The front four enters the season as the team's marquee unit. Led by defensive end John Simon and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, the Buckeyes' defensive line boasts nine players with significant game experience.
Simon, a senior, is being relied on by Meyer as a leader on and off the field. "A warhorse," Meyer said of Simon. "He is Ohio State football."
"He is 'Tebowish' in terms of his commitment," added Meyer in comparing Simon's work ethic to Tim Tebow, Meyer's Heisman Trophy winning quarterback at Florida.
Simon enters his senior campaign with 11.5 career sacks and figures to be only the seventh two-time team captain in program history.
Hankins begins his junior season as the Buckeyes' highest rated NFL prospect. Draft pundits have him as a top 15 pick should he choose to forgo his senior season in 2013.
At 6-3, 320 pounds, "Big Hank" finished the 2011 season with 67 tackles, good for fourth on the defense. With his combination of bulk and outstanding athleticism for a player of his size, Hankins can stuff plays at the point of attack while also having the ability to get after the quarterback.
Both Hankins and Simon have been chosen to the Bednarik, Nagurski and Lombardi watch lists. These awards are given to the top players in the country at their respective positions.
The rest of the front four lack the hype that has been bestowed on Hankins and Simon, but they still provide plenty of experience and talent.
Lining up opposite Simon at defensive end will be junior Adam Bellamy. A 10-game starter last season, Bellamy will be pushed by the ultra-talented Nathan Williams.
Williams was slated to be a linchpin on the 2011 defensive front, but an early-season knee injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season. Meyer has referred to Williams as a player that the Buckeyes "need to get back." Other returners who should see significant playing time are sophomores J.T. Moore and Steve Miller.
Lining up beside Hankins at defensive tackle will be senior Garrett Goebel. A former high school state wrestling champion in his native Illinois, Goebel brings a wealth of toughness and experience to the table. He started all 13 games for the Buckeyes in 2011.
Read the complete story in Wednesday's Bellefontaine Examiner.


text:
Onion White Globe - Seeds
Description for Onion White Globe
Onions are a wonderful staple crop in our household, and we like to store some of our onion bulbs for 6-8 months over the winter. We eat a lot of them, and we usually plant over 200 onions each year. If you follow a few simple steps, you can harvest a large amount of high-quality onions from a small garden.
Onions are such a versatile vegetable – they feature in so many recipes, so growing your own onions means you'll always have them to hand. They are easy to grow from baby onions called sets. Although seed is available, sets are the easiest and quickest way to grow onions. Sets are also are better in colder regions, and are less likely to be attacked by some pests and diseases.
|Common name
|Flower colours
|Bloom time
|bulb onion or common onion,Allium cepa (Botanical Name)
|Year round
|15-18 cm
Planting and care
|Select a location with full sun where your onions wont be shaded by other plants.
|Soil needs to be well-drained, loose, and rich in nitrogen; compact soil affects bulb development.
|Generally, onions do not need consistent watering if mulch is used. About one inch of water per week (including rain water) is sufficient. If you want sweeter onions, water more.
|20 degrees F
|Give an occasional feed with a general liquid fertiliser. A light feed of sulphate of potash in June will help ripen the bulbs ready for storage.
Caring for Onion White Globe
- Fertilize every few weeks with nitrogen to get big bulbs. Cease fertilizing when the onions push the soil away and the bulbing process has started.
- Do not put the soil back around the onions; the bulb needs to emerge above the soil.
- Generally, onions do not need consistent watering if mulch is used. About one inch of water per week (including rain water) is sufficient. If you want sweeter onions, water more.
- Onions will look healthy even if they are bone dry, be sure to water during drought conditions.
- Make sure soil is well-drained. Mulch will help retain moisture and stifle weeds.
- Cut or pull any onions that send up flower stalks; this means that the onions have "bolted†and are done.
Typical uses of Onion White Globe
Special features: Onions are a cold-season crop, easy to grow because of their hardiness.
Culinary use: In foods, onion is used in many recipes.
Medicinal use:
- http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-643-onion.aspx?activeingredientid=643&activeingredientname=onion
What Customer says ?
Want to tell us your experience with this product ? Just login and add your comments
I want this plant.Asha S
Super vegetable Seeds . Marudadu RajyaLakshmi
Nicely packed. Have tried some of the seeds and they germinated quite well - would recommend to allNishi Saxena
Good but after two moths i will see the result Gaurav Narwania
Good quality seeds, sprouted in couple of weeksvmvinod kumar
Any query about onion white globe - seeds

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This domain name is for sale.
Bid or buy now.
Author Index
About Us
your elevator pitch. Zap your infomercial. And whatever you do, keep
your carefully worded, painstakingly developed, positioning
statement to yourself.
They may
make you sound clever, but your elevator pitch, infomercial or
positioning statement doesn't exactly make for good conversations.
Which is a shame, because last I checked, even a sales conversation
is just that – a conversation.
So what
can you say to a prospect sitting across the boardroom table, or
someone you meet at a networking event or the beach bum in the next
chaise lounge? How can you start a conversation in a totally
natural, familiar way that doesn't sound like a sales pitch to the
other person, doesn't feel like a sales pitch to you, and yet
increases your chance of getting your next referral or making your
next sale?
Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a magical phrase or headline
that will make the other person want to buy your product or services
– it just doesn't exist. What does exist, however, is an approach
that will elicit interest from the other person so that he or she
will want to engage you in a conversation. Here are three examples:
The Provocative Question: Chances are, you've seen this
technique on websites, flyers and direct mail. It's Copywriting for
Direct Marketers 101, and it works just as powerfully in verbal
The best
way to come up with a Provocative Question is to ask yourself the
following: "What question can I ask, such that the response from the
other person allows me to say, 'That's what I do…'?"
The best
Provocative Question pinpoints a problem or a symptom of a problem
that the other person has. However, don't get trapped into thinking
that the problem has to be a big, generic problem that the category
as a whole solves. It can be a small but nagging problem, or even a
one that people have when they deal with your competitors.
people have a hard time coming up with Provocative Questions
because, ironically, the most compelling ones are also the simplest
and most obvious. Another thing that people have trouble with is
answering a question with a question -- when someone asks us a
question, we're wired to answer. Here's an example. When someone
asks what you do, answer back with a Provocative Question like
this: "Well let me ask you a question... When you go to a
networking event or when you have to introduce yourself in public,
how confident are you with the way you describe your business?"
every time, the person acknowledges that he or she doesn't feel
confident with the way they describe their business. In that moment,
you have engaged the other person's interest by presenting what you
do in a way that's personally meaningful to him or her. Then, what
usually ensues is a conversation about the sales and marketing
challenges they have and how you can help.
The Level-Setting Statement: If you're a financial advisor,
consultant, or in any other crowded profession where your prospects
are very familiar with -- perhaps even jaded about -- the kind of
work you do, this one's for you.
'level-setting statement' is a universal statement that gets the
other person nodding in agreement and then, WHAMMO! your point of
difference hits them like a ton of bricks!
This is
a powerful technique because you can only be different in comparison
to something else. That's what the level-setting statement does — it
establishes what that something else is.
just one example: "There are five specific areas of expertise that
are absolutely critical in major event planning. (Pause – and wait
to see if the other person wants to know what they are.) While there
are a lot of excellent event planners who can do a good job in one
or two of them, it's extremely unlikely that any one event planner
would be an expert in all of them. Because I've been in the business
for 15 years -- on both the corporate as well as on the vendor side
-- I've developed a detailed planning process around each and every
one. That's what enables me to track and manage the myriad of
details to guarantee a successful event."
stating the level-setting statement up front, you educate the other
person about the industry you operate in, and establish a frame of
reference that gives meaning to the differentiation you want to
You can
use this approach to challenge an underlying assumption that people
have about the industry, to illustrate a small but significant
problem that generally annoys customers when dealing with your
competitors, or anything else that allows you to highlight your
Take a
look at your own point of difference. Can you come up with a
level-setting statement that will help you stand out even more?
Address The Stereotype Head-on: You know how as soon as people
discover you're a ________________, (insert your title here), they
immediately form an impression about you that's based on a
Unfortunately, that stereotype is often negative.
professions such as life insurance agents or used car salespeople,
where the negative stereotypes run strong and deep, address the
stereotype head-on: "If I tell you I'm a used car salesman, you'd
probably think 'plaid jacket guy who sells lemons to unsuspecting
customers', right?"
here is important here, because you want to give the listener time
to move the image of the stereotype from the unconscious part of
their brain to the conscious part. They might even want to chime in
and give you their negative experience about dealing with 'people
like you'.
– now their guard is down. Now, you can continue on to explain how
your business, service or approach 'fixes' the problem that everyone
else in your industry has created.
That's your most
compelling differentiator!
selling! And start having real conversations!
as it may seem, everything truly does start with a conversation.
You're not trying to tell your entire story, nor are you even trying
to get the most important points out of your mouth first.
All you
want to accomplish is elicit interest from the other person; to have
that person say, 'tell me more'.
So don't
think of these as sales techniques – think of them as conversation
starters. The rest is up to you. If you are genuinely interested in
helping the person you're chatting with, chances are better than
excellent you'll finish with a referral or a sale.
Now go
out and have some conversations!
Read other articles and learn more about
Michel Neray.
[This article is available at no-cost, on a non-exclusive basis.
Contact PR/PR at 407-299-6128 for details and
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text:
OK, that's enough to get started. Let's start things off with a sample post from someone that you might read on a programming forum:
Poster: "Hi! I need some help in ASP.NET. Whenever my page posts back, my datagrid disappears! I am using VB.NET. Can anyone help me?"
OK, that was a close one -- you saw ASP.NET (still cool for now -- check back on that one) and maybe started to help, you almost missed it, but there it is -- "VB.NET" !! They almost got us! If we had answered the question but missed the VB reference, our reputation as a real programmer is done ... the best thing to do is immediately close your account and start up a new one -- you can never show your face back there again! Also, update your resume -- you never know who is looking!
Back to the post ... The person is asking about the basics of ASP.NET (ViewState) so clearly they are a newbie. We must be sure that *they* know this, and that everyone else knows that we know that they are. Got it?
Here is one possible reply that we could write:
Reply: "U R a n00b! Anyone using VB should be shot! Hello? ON ERROR RESUME NEXT????"
Take minute to dissect that before reading on; you will want to closely study the style of this post to emulate it in your own. Notice a couple of things here:
So, there's a classic one for you. Feel free to copy that one to your clipboard and CTRL-V that puppy at will.
Let's try one more:
Poster: "Hi! I am having trouble deciding between using inheritance or an interface in VB.NET for a particular set of classes I am creating ... blah blah blah blah ..."
Hmmm ... clearly a n00b, not worth our time. Let's try another:
Poster: "Hi all! I am writing a small database application for my company. It will only have 2 users and I am thinking of using an MS Access database on a network share. I need only a few tables, but we have lots of reports to write and a few interface forms that I'd like to design for data entry. Will Access 2003 work for me, or do I need something else?"
Ah ... MS Access! Remember -- no one should ever use Access. Ever! (Well, except for newbies!) And -- it includes VB ! Access is a great target, you can attack it from so many angles. Where to begin on this one? It's kind of an open-ended question. Let's try this:
Reply: "Access??? Have fun when your web server goes down! No cursors or XML support -- how will you maintain data integrity! Also, Access tables can only hold 5,000 records before you will get errors. I wrote my own database in C++ that has 1,000,000,000 rows stored in a CSV file and that is better than MS Access! n00b!! My grandmother uses Access!"
Now, I know what you are thinking: "Jeff, how can I ever write poetry like this that will command the respect, admiration and fear of my colleagues? I am just learning how to bash VB and/or Access! This is a little intimidating!" Just relax, you're learning from the master, and let's break it down:
OK, that's a lot to write and to think about. Maybe that is too much for you to start with, let's scale it back a little. Keeping in mind that Access also allows you to write code in VB, let's clearly state our position with eloquence and efficiency:
Reply: "Access?? ON ERROR RESUME NEXT??!! n00b!"
Perfect. Go get 'em, tiger. The internet is a great place because of people like you!
Print | posted on Tuesday, June 06, 2006 7:52 PM |
Filed Under [
MS Access
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text:
Stockton, CA
Grace M. Breed
June 18, 1927 - January 24, 2013
Grace M. Breed was born June 18, 1927 in Ohio and passed
January 24, 2013 at 85 years young. She loved the outdoors, her dogs and played tennis her
entire life. She is survived by her loving husband Jim Chapple his four children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren as well as her younger sister Blanche. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Grace, may you rest
in peace. Services will be held
February 2nd at 1:00 pm in the home of Don and Patti Blosser.


text:
Faulty 'puddle lights' have sparked a Subaru recall impacting nearly 634,000 vehicles -- including certain examples of the 2010 and 2011 Subaru Legacy.
Subaru recall hits nearly 634,000 Legacy, Outback, Tribeca and Forester vehicles: Short circuit in 'puddle lights' could cause fire
January 2, 2013
Subaru has issued a recall for 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2006 through 2012 Tribeca crossovers and 2009 through 2012 Foresters. The automaker says that under-door "puddle lights" on those vehicles could, if exposed to an electrolytic fluid like salty water, short circuit and cause a fire.
All in all, 633,842 cars and crossovers are included in the recall. That's a big number, but there's a catch: only 53,999 of those vehicles have the faulty parts. Subaru is expected to notify owners of affected vehicles in February. Dealers will install a modified wiring harness designed to remedy the problem free of charge.
For more information on this recall, contact Subaru at (800) 782-2783 or the NHTSA hotline at (888) 327-4236, or visit www.safercar.gov and search for "Subaru recall campaign WQE-41."


text:
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Italy's inconclusive election has rattled markets and raised the fear that Europe's crisis over too much government debt could flare again after several months of calm.
European stocks fell sharply Tuesday and Italy's borrowing costs climbed after voters rejected the austerity policies and reforms of the former Prime Minister Mario Monti.
Yet no political group won enough seats to control both houses of parliament. In the voting, a center-left alliance led by Pier Luigi Bersani won control of the lower house, barely beating the center-right alliance of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Bersani's forces did not win control of the Senate upper house, not even with the help of a small group led by Monti
Much remains uncertain: how long it will take to form a government, whether it will be solid enough to pass legislation, and whether it would keep Monti's pro-growth reforms.
If nothing works out, there could even be new elections.
Here are questions and answers about why all that worries people elsewhere in Europe and beyond.
Q: Why all the investor alarm?
A: Above all, investors are afraid the eurozone will go back to where it was last July.
Then, doubts about the ability of heavily indebted euro countries Spain and Italy to manage their debts raised the specter of a government defaulting on its bond payments and spreading financial turmoil across Europe.
It was only when the European Central Bank offered to buy unlimited amounts of an indebted country' bonds that the crisis abated.
Q: Are there other worries?
A: Italy is an important partner in fixing the euro's deeper problems — such as creating an EU banking supervisor that could strengthen the region's financial system. Having the third largest country politically paralyzed will slow down an already drawn-out process.
New elections could bring an anti-euro government into power. Former comedian Beppe Grillo, leader of the third-placed Five Star Movement protest party, has talked about a referendum on euro membership.
Q: What's wrong with Italy?
A: Its economy isn't growing, unemployment is sky-high and its debt burden is rising.
Italy adopted the euro as its currency in 1999 with a lot of debt, which it carried easily for years — it just sold new bonds to pay off old ones that came due.
The problem is that Italy's economy has grown very slowly in recent years and has been in recession for 18 months.
Faster growth is needed to shrink Italy's mounting debt burden, which already equals 127 percent of its annual gross domestic product.
The economy is held back by labor rules that favor vested interests such as unions and established workers but kill off job prospects for younger people; high business taxes, and government red tape.
Q: What does Italy's election stalemate mean for Europe?
A: The result is a firm rejection of how Europe's politicians have tackled the debt crisis so far. That strategy, pushed by Germany, has been to offer indebted countries help, provided they agree to tough austerity. Greece, Portugal and Ireland have been bailed out and have had to make deep cuts.
Some say that strategy hasn't been working: the cuts in spending have contributed to high unemployment and recession.
"The politics of the current strategy for coping with the eurozone are looking increasingly fraught and unworkable," said Simon Tilford, chief economist at the Center for Economic Reform in London.
But Italy's elections could have a silver lining, he added. "On a positive note, if it leads to a rethinking of this approach, then it could be positive for the future of the currency union."
Q: If the ECB is on standby with its offer to buy bonds issued by struggling countries, why would it matter if Italians say no to austerity?
A: The ECB stressed that for it to buy an indebted country's bonds, that country must agree to take steps to reduce its deficit and ask for help from the eurozone's bailout fund.
If a government can't — or won't — agree to an austerity plan, the ECB can't help. Hence the concern that the eurozone debt crisis could return.
Q: What could happen next?
A: Worst case: Analysts at Capital Economics in London see a worsening of Italy's financial situation and an eventual move for a bailout. That would probably be preceded by serious financial turmoil that would drive whatever government is in charge to agree to one.
Others, however, think the post-election market turbulence will be temporary.
Analysts Joerg Kraemer and Ulrike Rondorf at Commerzbank point out that Monti had already pushed through all the cuts and pro-growth reforms he could.
A government that does nothing "need not be all that bad for fiscal policy, because it is unlikely that the tax cuts frequently demanded during the election campaign will be passed in the near future," they wrote.
While growth reforms are still needed, inaction would be "no dramatic change compared with the situation under the Monti government."


text:
Field Biodiversity, Museum of Science, Boston
Last updated about 6 years ago
This is a companion activity for the World Wide Views on Biodiversity. This activity, along with companion activities for 4 other habitats is designed as a fun way to visit your favorite habitat, observe the biodiversity present and share your observations with others via the website iNaturalist.
Download the field guide (activity pages), visit your favorite field and follow the instructions. Then come back to this site and enter your observations in iNaturalist.


text:
Boys' Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Product Compare
Product Compare
Product Compare
Learn More About Boys' Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Wardrobe Essentials: Boys' Hoodies, Jackets & Sweatshirts
Watch him take on the day in a performance-ready hoodie he'll love. Shop boys' zip-up hoodies and boys' pull-over hoodies perfect for the classroom, practice field-and everywhere he goes in between.
Keep him warm and comfortable in a boys' hoodie that never weighs him down. He'll tear up the basketball court in boys' hoodies designed to stretch and flex with the natural movement of his body, or bring home his next kill in camo hoodies for the hunt.
Select from relaxed-fitting hoodies for mixing, matching and layering or a slim, sporty zip-up jacket for afterschool practice. From vibrant hues, eye-popping prints to subtle blacks and greys, match his style with hoodies from his favorite brands, like Under Armour®, Nike®, The North Face® and many more.
Expert Advice
It's the details that count in his hooded sweatshirt. Look for the comfortable warmth of a brushed or fleece-lined sweatshirt. A mesh-lined hood keeps him warm in breathable comfort, while waterproof fabrication works to repel water, keeping him dry when he's outdoors.
Ribbed cuffs and waistbands lock in warm air when the temperatures delve. A kangaroo pocket on his sweatshirt gives him a place to warm his hands, while zippered pockets and compartments are perfect for easily stashing away small essentials.
Ensure he moves easily in a sweatshirt or hoodie designed for stretchable mobility—so he can play at his best.
Think about fabrics when selecting his hoodie—look for lightweight, soft and stretchable fabrics for all-day comfort. Zoned mesh paneling keeps his hoodie feeling breathable, while moisture-wicking technology works to lift moisture off his skin and keep him dry.
If his training takes him outdoors, consider a hoodie crafted with UV protectant material for extra coverage from the sun's harmful rays.


text: We are very excited to embark upon our accreditation journey with a solid foundation of dedicated people and effective processes. Our college community is well supported by sound and thoughtful systems that provide for informed integrated planning and high levels of institutional effectiveness. We are motivated to share our college's story of engagement in and commitment to assisting students along their pathways to achieving their educational and career goals in our student centered environment. Our collaborative and innovative team is committed to fulfilling the standards delineated by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.


text:
577: The Race: Part 1
|The Race: Part 1
Title text: Great, and you JUST finished paying off the settlement over the Wayne Coyne hamster ball incident.
This is sort of a continuation of 139: I Have Owned Two Electric Skateboards.
Firefly was a television series aired by FOX in 2002 that got cancelled mid-way through, but has a large fan base nowadays (for a more comprehensive explanation, see the Wikipedia page). The star of the show was Captain Malcolm (or Mal) Reynolds, played by Nathan Fillion.
So in this comic, Megan tells Cueball that Nathan Fillion has an electric skateboard. Cueball immediately starts planning a trip to visit and race Nathan Fillion.
The title text references an earlier comic (211: Hamster Ball Heist), where Cueball kidnaps Wayne Coyne in his hamster ball.
All comics in "The Race" series:
- 577: The Race: Part 1
- 578: The Race: Part 2
- 579: The Race: Part 3
- 580: The Race: Part 4
- 581: The Race: Part 5
This series was released on 5 consecutive days (Monday-Friday) and not over the usual Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule.
- Megan: Huh, cool. Nathan Fillion (Mal from Firefly) has an electric skateboard. Just like you!
- [Cueball leaves the room.]
- Megan: Did you hear that? Nathan-
- Ratchet Zip Buckle
- [Cueball returns wearing helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, sunglasses and holding his electric skateboard.]
- Cueball: I heard. Gimme the computer. I need to book a flight.
- To be continued...
I read the last panel almost visualizing the scene, and "Gimme the computer. I want to Book a flight" has a strong rhyme with Sean Paul's Single [1], is it just me or Randall's got more in it ? 188.8.131.52ck


text:
Stocks rose, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average to a record, and Treasuries gained as Federal Reserve officials said weakness in the U.S. economy warrants continued stimulus. Oil led commodities up from a four-month low while the yen and dollar weakened.
The Dow advanced 121.62 points, or 0.8%, to 15,739.84 at 3:20 p.m. in New York. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index added 0.4% to 1,769.55 after paring a gain that sent it as high as 1,773.74, a record on a closing basis. Ten- year Treasury yields fell three basis points to 2.64%. The dollar declined (NYBOT:DXZ13) against 12 of 16 major peers while the yen weakened against all 16. The S&P GSCI gauge of 24 commodities rallied 0.4% as New York-traded oil rose the most in five weeks following a government report showing an increase in U.S. gasoline demand.
U.S. growth and payrolls figures this week may give clues on the outlook for Fed policy as two papers from central bank officials said the level of slack in America's economy justifies an accommodative monetary-policy stance. U.S. stocks extended a global advance after ING Groep NV, the biggest Dutch financial- services company, reported net income that beat analysts' estimates and Toyota Motor Corp., the world's largest automaker, raised its full-year profit forecast by 13%.
"The central bank has decided they will reward risk behavior and that's what we're going to get," Bill Mann, chief investment officer at Motley Fool Asset Management in Alexandria, Virginia, said in a phone interview. His firm manages $560 million. "The market will keep hitting their highs until the stimulus reverses itself."
Yearly Rally
The S&P 500 (CME:SPZ13) has rallied about 24% in 2013, its best yearly gain in a decade. The benchmark index for U.S. stocks traded at about 16.8 times member company reported earnings at its last record reached Oct. 29, the highest valuation in more than three years. The Stoxx 600 is up 16% this year and the MSCI All-Country World Index has gained 17%.
The S&P 500 rebounded from yesterday's 0.3% drop as eight of its 10 main industry groups advanced, led by utility, telephone, consumer-staples and technology companies.
Microsoft Corp. climbed 4% as Nomura Holdings Inc. said the software company may exit its money-losing consumer business under a new chief executive officer. Ralph Lauren Corp. climbed 4.7% after the apparel maker boosted the lower end of its sales forecast and increased its dividends. Tesla Motors Inc. tumbled 13%, leading the Nasdaq-100 Index lower, as vehicle sales missed some analysts' estimates. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. slumped 12% after posting sales that trailed expectations.
Copyright 2014 Bloomberg. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


text:
Interview With Michelle Duggar: Mother of 18 Children (Part I)
Michelle Duggar has been pregnant for 12 years if you combine all the time she spent carrying her 18 children. She and her husband, Jim Bob, have two sets of twins in their brood aged one month to 21 years old.
The mom and dad made famous by TLC's 17 Kids and Counting took time away from their family to chat with me via phone about their new book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting!, and the topics — marriage, raising children, conservative values, financial freedom, and faith — it covers, while their newest addition Jordyn gurgled in the background. The couple was candid, open, and incredibly kind. And if you assume they set out to have kids by the dozens and name them all with the letter "J," then think again!
After suffering a miscarriage, Michelle and Jim Bob, who are religious, chose to forgo the birth control they had been using and leave it up to God to decide how many children they would have. Michelle, now known for her soft voice and calm demeanor, spoke of a time when she had five children under five, was exhausted and shedding tears. She credits her faith for getting her though the challenges of motherhood.
As far as their children all having names starting with "J," in the text, Jim Bob and Michelle explain that they initially picked names they liked that all happened to start with the same letter for their first three children and then continued the trend not wanting the newest baby to feel left out — only they never suspected there would be so many names.
To see Michelle's candid responses to a couple of lil questions,
lilsugar: The book answers just about every question a person could have about your family and the forces that have guided you in making those decisions. Did you write The Duggars: 20 and Counting! to dispel misconceptions people have about your family?
Michelle Duggar: I see how the book could do that, but I don't think that was our intention. We really just had a heart to answer the people who had been emailing us. We had thousands of emails and there was just no way we could do what we needed to do to take care of our family and take care of those. We've been in politics in the past (Jim Bob was a state legislator in Arkansas) and we know there's a lot of people out there that don't agree with us, so that goes on as well, but we wrote this for the people that ask us for advice and encouragement more than the other angle.
lilsugar: Online, some members of the public have been critical of your buddy system, saying that your older children are raising the younger ones; do you think this is a misconception?
Michelle Duggar: I'll put it the way my daughter, Jill, said it — she had really had a sweet answer. She said, "Mama, they just don't understand or know what it's like to be in our large family and how much fun we have and how sweet is it to have these little ones that look up to us and want to be like us. When people get this idea of oh my God, they have so many kids and there's no way you can spend one-on-one time with them and give them the undivided attention or that the older ones are raising the younger ones, love doesn't divide it multiples."
My older ones have a mentoring relationship with the little ones. We are still the parents, Dad and I are the ones to give them counsel and different things like that, but when they are working together on their music practice or playing phonics games and doing math drills, those times are precious because I see the relationships that have developed.
Check out what Jim Bob and Michelle had to say about homeschooling and keeping a calm home in tomorrow's post on lilsugar. For more information on the Duggars, check out their website.


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I recently got in an argument with my boyfriend on the topic of bestiality. He's a hardcore Satanist and he thinks that it's okay for people to have sex with animals if the animals consent. I replied with they cannot verbally consent as they have very low intelligence and run basically on instinct, and I pretty much called him sick for thinking that it's ok. (Wrong of me, but it really rustles my jimmies) He said that I might as well set my religion on facebook to Christian since I follow the morals of them (except for being pro gay marriage). I'm just... lost I guess. I'm not christian at all and I think the bible is hogwash, but is there anything inherently wrong with Christian morals?? Lying, murder, stealing, all pretty bad in my opinion. Aside from that the government influenced my morality long before I even understood what Christianity was. I don't know, I need some advice or just input on the whole situation.
Views: 1134
RE: "some Texans ARE as backward as you might think."
I know. I escaped, but for a time, I married into just such a family of crazies. Yeah, I know - what does that say about me, right?
But if you had ever seen her work that stripper pole, you'd understand --
What is a "hardcore" Satanist? It's just another deluded belief. Like a hardcore anti-X-tian.
Never fry bacon in the nude...and watch him around dogs and peanut butter...lol
RE: "Never fry bacon in the nude." - I can verify that, as recently as Sunday morning!
Saith Kelin420: "What is a "hardcore" Satanist? It's just another deluded belief. Like a hardcore anti-X-tian."
In many ways you would be correct. Anton LaVey's "Satanic Bible" made it clear that he was anti-Christian, and to a major extent his views were atheistic. Other, more recent, breeds of "Satanism" are different, and it's becoming more and more difficult to actually differentiate someone who calls themselves a "Satanist" from someone who calls themselves an "attention w*$#e."
And he can start seeing other animals --
A guy joined the French Foreign Legion, and was stationed in a fort way out in the Arabian Desert. After he'd been there awhile, he got horny and asked the other Legionnaires what they did when they got horny. They pointed to a camel tied to a post and said, "We usually use old Gert over there."
One night, he could stand it no longer, he went outside and took full advantage of Gert. Another Legionnaire, walking guard duty, asked him what he thought he was doing. He said, "But you TOLD me you all used old Gert!"
"Yeah," replied the guard, "We use her to ride to town and find girls!"
You're lucky my estate doesn't sue you for wrongful death, I laughed that hard. Stealing this.
They wouldn't get much, maybe a fossilized feather or two. Glad you liked it, use it in good health - most of everything I have, I've stolen from someone anyway --
That's quite ironic of your bf to say, seeing as his own religion is just a shitty spin-off of other religions.
And about beastiality, I think letting a horse have sex with a porn star is the least evil you can do to them. What's there to consent? Like you said, animals are mindless horny creatures. Do you think your dog cares about consent when he's humping your leg or your stuffed animals? As long as the humans are on the receiving end the animals aren't harmed in any way. And if the humans are harmed.. lol who gives a shit, it's their own fault. The outcomes are quite funny even.
I guess things would get a little more difficult to judge if the animal is on the receiving end. Then we would have to judge it by proportions, whether the animal is smaller than the man or not. If a guy wants to have sex with a chicken it's obviously going to be a shitty experience for the chicken. But if it's something like a cow or a horse I doubt the animal will even feel the (comparatively tiny) human penis. It would be like having half a dull toothpick in your butt.
I know little about Satanism, but isn't Satan a construct of the Bible? I mean, if we're throwing around who is and isn't a follower of Christianity.
And this is just me, but I would be unable to accept any penis near me that had recently had sex (consenting or otherwise) with the family dog. Just sayin'.
It is important to remember that the morals you are talking about are not unique to Christianity. Morals in general are found wherever civilizations arise regardless of Christian influence; they arise from social norms and mores that help society to function as a whole. It is also important to note that morals themselves do not solely form through religion but are often enforced by it. Religion often acts as a simple mechanism to pacify the masses and keep them in check, often through fear of eternal punishment. Being an Atheist doesn't mean you abandon your morals. In fact it takes a firmer understanding of why is it not okay to murder the jerk that cut you off on the road by better understanding Social Contracts (ie: by not murdering you can expect in turn not to be murdered). So don't be afraid of having morals and sticking to them.


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OCLC and EBSCO develop partnership to offer interoperability of services for libraries and increased options for discovery
DUBLIN, Ohio, USA, 22 June 2012—OCLC and EBSCO Publishing (EBSCO) have signed an agreement to make EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS) interoperable with OCLC WorldShare Management Services, enabling libraries to use EDS as their discovery layer and WorldShare Management Services as their library management system. Additionally, the companies are investigating working toward an integrated solution allowing WorldCat Local users who also subscribe to EDS to search and retrieve results from EDS within the WorldCat Local service.
Libraries using the integrated EDS-WMS solution will be able to perform cataloging, acquisitions, license management and circulation in OCLC's next generation cloud-based management system, while providing their patrons with the EDS discovery service as a user front end. OCLC and EBSCO are working together to integrate such key WMS functions into EDS as patron identity management, item availability, circulation and system configuration. Because libraries using this integrated solution will catalog in WorldCat, users of EDS in this configuration will have the ability to access all of WorldCat.
"The EBSCO-OCLC approach provides libraries with flexibility and choice," said Jay Jordan, OCLC President and CEO. "It enables them to configure their discovery, content and management services according to their needs. It reduces duplication of effort at the same time that it vastly increases the availability of library resources. It will be a model for future collaboration on the WorldShare Platform across the library ecosystem."
"Libraries' situations vary so greatly that the over-arching need is for options and customization," said Tim Collins, President of EBSCO Publishing. "This partnership allows libraries using WorldCat Local and OCLC WorldShare Management Services to customize the approach to discovery and collection utilization for their institutions, while exposing an even broader array of content available via EDS."
"This affiliation between EDS and WMS illustrates the value of building partnerships in service to libraries using the OCLC WorldShare Platform," said Chip Nilges, OCLC Vice President, Business Development. This strategic partnership reflects OCLC's commitment to provide broader access to the Platform environment and WorldCat data, outside of OCLC developed applications. "Partners like EBSCO can take advantage of the same infrastructure that OCLC uses to build and maintain its own services, providing libraries with an extended range of options that take advantage of the same core data."
About EBSCO Publishing
EBSCO Publishing is the producer of EBSCOhost®, the world's premier for-fee online research service, including full-text databases, subject indexes, point-of-care medical reference, historical digital archives, and eBooks. The company provides more than 350 databases and nearly 300,000 eBooks. Through a library of tens of thousands of full-text journals and magazines from renowned publishers, EBSCO serves the content needs of all researchers (Academic, Medical, K-12, Public Library, Corporate, Government, etc.). EBSCO is also the provider of EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS), which provides each institution with a fast, single search box for its entire collection, offering deeper indexing and more full-text searching of journals and magazines than any other discovery service (www.ebscohost.com/discovery). For more information, visit the EBSCO Publishing Web site at: www.ebscohost.com, or contact: email@example.com. EBSCO Publishing is a division of EBSCO Industries Inc., one of the largest privately held companies in the United States.
About OCLC
Founded in 1967, OCLC is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world's information and reducing library costs. More than 72,000 libraries in 170 countries have used OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend, preserve and manage library materials. Researchers, students, faculty, scholars, professional librarians and other information seekers use OCLC services to obtain bibliographic, abstract and full-text information when and where they need it. OCLC and its member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, the world's largest online database for discovery of library resources. Search WorldCat.org on the Web. For more information, visit the OCLC website.
OCLC, WorldCat and WorldCat.org are trademarks/service marks of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc. Third-party product, service and business names are trademarks/service marks of their respective owners.
Bob Murphy
Manager, Media Relations


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By Ashley Rogoff
Summer is just around the corner, and we're all itching to enjoy some free time and that warm sun! Since we're all so busy during the school year, it's time to start planning how to spend a little money from that summer job and let yourself have some fun.
• Cedar Point – With the roller coaster capital of the world being so close to us, you have to take advantage of it! They have some of the best coasters in the world, and it's a great day trip to get away from everything.
• Mackinac Island – Enjoy the sun and the beautiful Great Lakes scenery on Mackinac Island. Lots to do for a weekend trip with family or friends. Enjoy the outdoors!
• Tigers Game – Cheer on our Tigers and grab a refreshing drink with your friends. Make sure to wear your jerseys and other Tigers gear to show off your Detroit spirit! Then grab some good food while you're downtown.
• Kensington Park – There's so much to do at this state park a short drive away! Tanning on the beach, kayaking, horseback riding, or eating a nice picnic! Go on a Friday night with your friends to start off a fun weekend!
• Detroit Zoo: Everyone should go to the zoo at least once every summer. Everyone enjoys the zoo! And don't forget to feed the giraffes; it's the best part! All the other animals are fun to see, too.


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Alternatively Carabia.
In demonology, a mighty marquis of Hell with many legions of demons under his command.
One of the fallen angels and 69th of the 72 spirits of Solomon (the 72 demons of the Goetia), Decarabia is a marquis of Hell who appears as a star in a pentacle, but changes into a man when ordered so by the conjurer or exorcist.
Decarabia's most important infernal duties are related to herbs and precious stones. It is said that he is capable of instructing sorcerers in the arts of astral and dream shape shifting, and in how one may transform into a bird, bat, or other flying critter.
Decarabia is also a teacher of herb, stone, and elemental magick. He is likewise considered a familiar, able to assist Black Magicians into flying unharmed to the darkest and most sinister locations on Earth.
Decarabia commands 30 infernal legions of the damned, a troop of vicious demons who assist him in his nefarious endeavors.
One may summon Decarabia as a means of obtaining knowledge of stones, plants, and in the natural way of birds, solely to be used in sorcery.
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Sources: (1) Masello, Robert, Fallen Angels. . . and Spirits of the Dark, The Berkley Publishing Group; (2) Plangiere, Grimoirium Verum: Containing the Most Approved Keys of Solomon, Trident Books; (3) Guiley, Rosemary Ellen and Zaffis, John, The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology, Checkmark Books; (4) Mathers, S.L. MacGregor, Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon, CreateSpace Publishers.
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About Us
For more than 40 years, The Stable, Ltd. has been selling fine Thoroughbred Motorcars to discerning customers from its home in middle of the "horse country" in the beautiful Somerset Hills area of western New Jersey.
Founded in 1973 with five cars in a converted stable/showroom, the business remains today at home in Peapack-Gladstone, just one mile from the headquarters of the United States Equestrian team and four miles from the headquarters of The United States Golf Association.
By 1985, The Stable, Ltd. had converted more space in its home to house fifteen cars, but much more space was needed. That year, another site, just three buildings away, beckoned the 12-year old business. The building there, a vintage Chevrolet dealership built in 1937, offered indoor space for more than fifty cars and great expansion potential for The Stable, Ltd.
Over the years, the business has grown to include a four-lift, six-bay service area, an additional showroom next door and three additional storage buildings which currently stable more than fifty customers' cars for periods ranging from one month to sixteen years (the current longest period for an automobile-in-residence!)
Our service department handles all phases of mechanical repairs for exotics as well as every-day cars.
Also located on our premises is the auto upholstery shop Maximilian Classics, specializing in auto interior restoration, such as convertible tops, leather upholstery redying, or interior leather replacement.


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Per person, quad share
The one that combines history, adventure, natural beauty, food & fun times over 18 days.
If you've been dreaming of going to Europe but don't know exactly where to start, the European Whirl is your best option. Taking in the usual destinations of Paris, Rome and Amsterdam, it also ventures out east to Prague and Berlin. Both of which are currently on Europe's 'must see' list. The perfect combination of culture, relaxation and of course, good times!
• 17 nights accommodation: 1 night in Contiki's Austrian Gasthof, 2 nights in Contiki's Swiss Chalet, 5 nights in Contiki Village cabins, 4 nights in hotel upgrade, 5 nights in hostels
• Modern, air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging
• Ferry crossings
• An experienced & professional Trip Manager & Driver team
• Contiki's exclusive on-site teams at Contiki Villages & Special Stopovers
• Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations
• 26 meals included in Food Fund:
17 breakfasts
9 dinners
• 10 World Heritage Sites visited
• See the White Cliffs of Dover
• See Amsterdam's canals & gable houses by night
• See canals & a windmill on a countryside bike tour in Edam
• Visit a cheese farm & clog maker's house
• See the Tiergarten, Alexanderplatz, Russian War Memorial, Brandenburg Gate & historic Reichstag building
• Take in commemorative artwork & the remains of the Berlin Wall
• See the site of Checkpoint Charlie
• Visit Dresdan the city destroyed in World War II and known as the 'Florence of the North'
• See the rebuilt Baroque architecture of the Royal Residence, Zwinger Palace, Opera House and Frauenkirche
• See Hradčany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square
• Visit the Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock
• See the Glockenspiel & Marienplatz
• Special Stopover: Contiki's Austrian Gasthof
• See this pretty mountain region famous for adventure sports
• Scenic drive past vineyards, orchards & castles
• Private boat through the canals & islands of Venice
• See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square
• See Venice's iconic canals & gondolas
• Special access Rome sightseeing coach tour
• See the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona
• See St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
• Discover the Secrets of Michelangelo's Florence – see where his David was gifted to the Florentines, Ponte Vecchio, the Medici Palace & much more on our locally guided walking tour of Florence
• See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria
• Learn about Florence's leather craft with a demonstration
• Special Stopover: Contiki's Swiss Chalet
• See the Wooden Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
• View the Lion Monument
• Special Stopover: Contiki's Swiss Chalet
• See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame Cathedral
• Exclusive 'Paris by Night' sightseeing tour
• Visit a French perfumery
• Snails & Champagne
Travel dates:
05 Apr 2019
Other travel dates available Apr – Sep 2019, subject to seasonal surcharges.
unless sold out prior. Availability is limited.
Meet up with your Contiki Team before we hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover. Next stop: the buzzing, free-wheeling city of Amsterdam. Check out Amsterdam's eye-opening Red Light District, where the creative and wacky come together on narrow cobbled streets. (D)
Cruise into the countryside and bike around like the laid back locals, past working windmills, to the world-famous cheese village of Edam. In an intro into Dutch culture, see how clogs are made at a clog maker's house and try some of the famous Dutch Edam at a cheese farm. Free time this afternoon to experience Amsterdam's coffee shops, museums and quirky boutiques. Wander along the canals and past gabled houses or try out Amsterdam's multi-ethnic cuisine. This cultural melting pot dishes up loads of affordable food. With an optional evening canal cruise, there's a chance to toast your travels with the group, unwind with a few drinks and uncover another angle on Amsterdam at water level. Get some pointers on the city's hot spots from your Tour Manager and head into town for a fun night out. (B)
Motor down the autobahn and get ready for a dose of über-cool Berlin.
With two nights in this historical hot spot, you've got time to find out what makes Germany's capital one of the most cutting-edge cities in the world. It's hard to believe that this funky town has had such a troubled past. On arrival your Trip Manager will peel back the layers of history and point out the lesser-known details of Berlin's troubled past on an orientation tour of the city. (B, D)
Today why not join a local guide for a tour? Learn about the East/West split at the Berlin Wall and check out the controversial Reichstag (German Parliament) as well as Tiergarten (one the world's biggest parks). You'll also visit Checkpoint Charlie, where many East Berliners tried to escape to the West, and be reminded of Germany's darker past at the Brandenburg Gate.
With free time, get inspired by Berlin's creative scene and check out its galleries and street art. As a world forerunner in contemporary art, Berlin's walls are covered in cutouts and graffiti. Shopping-wise, this town has it all and is right up there defining style. Berlin is great for small boutiques, funky fashions and one-of-a-kind buys. Your Trip Manager knows Berlin's ins and outs, so get some pointers before you splurge. Do as the Berliners do and grab a currywurst (a local favourite) and kick back at a Bierkeller (German beer house). Experience the world of espionage in an optional evening Cold War & Cold Drinks tour with our Local Guide, and enjoy a fascinating look into the Stasi (what was once the East German Secret Police). Then top off your time in Berlin with some of your new friends and explore the city's legendary nightlife. With cool cocktail bars and some of the best techno clubs in the world, there are heaps of fun choices. (B)
Heading south, we roll on to the region of Dresden, often dubbed 'Florence of the North' because of its beauty. This town completely rebuilt itself after being flattened in World War II. Your Trip Manager will show you Dresden's signature buildings, like the Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, the Royal Residence – once home to the Saxon Kings – and the massive Zwinger Palace, where the royals went to party! Lunchtime! Go local and hang out in a river side beer garden, order some hearty German dishes with regional specialities like sour roast and potato soup. Then we head over the border and into the Czech Republic to Prague. Prague is a beautiful and atmospheric city. It's also pretty compact, so it's best explored on foot. Get straight into Prague's historic heart with your Trip Manager. You'll walk together over the landmark Charles Bridge, through Hradčany Castle, the home of the original Bohemian Kings and to the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral along the way. With a night off, spend some time in the picturesque Old Town Square, where historic buildings and churches surround cafés that spill out onto the pavement. With some world-famous Czech pilsner in hand, park yourself at a table, people-watch and try out some of the traditional local dumplings. (B)
More free time means you can get deeper into Prague's Old Town in your own time. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a jumble of little lanes, alleys and courtyards. Slow the pace down and give yourself a chance to uncover its hidden treasures. This is also the spot to pick up some famous Bohemian glass, beads or garnet and amber jewellery.
Choose a lunch cruise on the Vltava River, which runs through the heart of Prague, and take in stunning views of the city from the water. The Czech capital has a really mixed past so look out for signs of the Holy Roman Empire, the Bohemian Empire, the Nazis and the Communists. By night, Prague is loaded with all types of music, from jazz bars and hip DJs to opera. There is something for everyone, so make the most of it with the group. (B)
Today we travel to the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest, Munich – a city that blends traditional Bavarian culture and modern lifestyle. Explore the heart of Munich's old town with the crew, and head to Marienplatz. It's a central gathering spot famous for the Glockenspiel – a Gothic clock, complete with 32 dancing figures and 43 chiming bells. Later why not give an optional bike tour a go and get off the beaten track and onto Munich's side streets with our Local Guide. (B)
Journey through the Tyrol and The Sound of Music country to a cute Austrian village in a region famous for adventure sports. With 1 night in Contiki's very own Austrian Gasthof (guest inn), our resident crew will give you pointers on the best stuff to do in the region and make sure you get everything out of your time here. We always put on different theme parties for our groups at the Gasthof bar – so get dressed up for a fun night in. Your Trip Manager will tell you all about it. Fill your lungs with clean mountain air, jump on a bike and get into the region's outdoor lifestyle with a fully guided optional tour through the Tyrol's picture perfect scenery, complete with waterfalls and mountain fields. With time to do your own thing, laze about or get out for a walk in the surrounding hills. Catch up on some emails or postcards at the inn or take a gondola up the mountainside for more spectacular views of the area. For something different, pop into the local trout farm. (B, D)
Kick start the day and plunge into some whitewater rafting in an adrenalin-pumping optional activity on the river. Wind through the Central Austrian Alps via the Brenner Pass to Italy, the land of passion! First stop, fairy tale Venice. (B, D)
Known as the "floating city", Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals.
The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city's historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the Gothic arches of the Doge's Palace and the expanse of St Mark's Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice's unique beauty and way of life. Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There's an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You'll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market – a local favourite for food shopping. Maybe grab a table on St Mark's Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco. Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride & share this amazing experience with your friends - seeing Venice from on the water is unforgettable! (B, D)
Criss-cross the Apennine Mountains on the road to Rome.
Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Our special access coach trip gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Trip Manager shows you the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. Continue on foot to check out the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain's waters (it's meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!) or maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back with a few slices of pizza and people watch. (B)
This morning, make the most of our Local Guide's inside knowledge with an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as Vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafés and bars. Before you hit the shops, let your Trip Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys. In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do. (B, D)
Next up: Umbria's rustic hills and many vineyards. Travel past the iconic cypress trees of this olive oil producing region, to the Renaissance city of Florence. The scene-stealing Duomo Cathedral rises above the city. Get the inside track on Florence's cultural beginnings from our Local Guide as the group explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then, take a look into a skilful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region's traditional art. The city's markets are a great place to hang out and bargain. Grab a gelato in your free time and enjoy the feel of this gorgeous city. Tonight there's a choice of a group dinner - an authentic Tuscan feast, where you'll get to try regional dishes in the heart of Florence. Afterwards, head with the group to a local bar, order yourself a glass of Chianti wine and kick back Tuscan style. (B)
Catch a glimpse of Lake Como as we move on to Switzerland and travel through the Gotthard Tunnel – the second longest in Europe. Next stop: the jaw-droppingly beautiful Alpine town of Lucerne. With covered wooden bridges, cobbled lanes and quaint buildings, Lucerne's centre is perfect to explore on foot. Also to stock up on lots of genuine Swiss chocolate! Your Trip Manager can give you pointers on where to pick up the best-priced watches Switzerland is so famous for. Tonight, we head to the Alpine heights of Lauterbrunnen and stay at Contiki's very own Swiss Chalet. While you're here, you'll get to eat a traditional Swiss fondue with the group. (B, D)
It's a change of pace amongst Switzerland's massive Alps. Take in the amazing views from your chalet window. Opt to visit Jungfrau Mountain, head up the sheer slopes of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site on a cog rail to Europe's highest railway station, and step out onto the "roof" of Europe for spine-tingling views. Back at the chalet, make the most of the genuine underground 'Bomb Shelter' and party it up with friends at the bar there. (B, D)
With down-time on the coach, plug in your MP3, chill out to some music and chat with friends while travelling through the scenic wine producing region of Burgundy. Tonight, the group kick starts Paris with the "Paris by Night", which shows off the French capital's transformation into the 'City of Lights'. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafes give us a real taste of Paris' romance. Your Trip Manager will fill you in on the world's most recognised monuments, like the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. (B, D)
Next up: Fragonard! This perfumery has an elegant interior and is a unique setting for a look into the history of perfume. It's also a chance to pick up some French perfume at great prices. This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods). Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank. Step into the Notre Dame or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre, where you can get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. In your free time, try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris' many city parks.
Tonight is the last night with your friends, so make it special. Treat yourself to the full Parisian night out, starting with an optional dinner in an atmospheric restaurant. Then sign up for an authentic cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls, dinner and Champagne. But don't stop there – afterwards hit the clubs and finish up your travels with a big Parisian night out. (B)
This morning after breakfast we transfer you to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (estimated arrival 10:00am) where your trip ends. Or choose to take a complimentary transfer to central London & extend your stay. (B)
*Conditions apply. Prices correct as at 03 Oct 18 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Payments by credit card will incur a surcharge. Airfare is not included. Helloworld Travel Touring Supersale $150 off is valid on trips 14+ days and $100 off is valid on trips 7-13 days from Contiki's Europe Summer 2019/20 brochure. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person, per trip is required within 7 days of booking. Offer is combinable with all Brochure Discounts including Early Payment Discounts. Early Payment Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Full payment is required 45 days prior to departure from Australia, or by when the Early Payment Discount is due, whichever comes first. Offer not valid on pre or post accommodation or festivals. Discount applies to the land portion of the trip only excluding food funds, permits, port or air taxes. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. Contiki and Helloworld Travel booking terms and conditions apply, see in store for details.
*Conditions apply. Prices correct as at 03 Oct 18 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers subject to availability. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Payments by credit card will incur a surcharge. Airfare is not included. Helloworld Travel Touring Supersale $150 off is valid on trips 14+ days and $100 off is valid on trips 7-13 days from Contiki's Europe Summer 2019/20 brochure. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person, per trip is required within 7 days of booking. Offer is combinable with all Brochure Discounts including Early Payment Discounts. Early Payment Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Full payment is required 45 days prior to departure from Australia, or by when the Early Payment Discount is due, whichever comes first. Offer not valid on pre or post accommodation or festivals. Discount applies to the land portion of the trip only excluding food funds, permits, port or air taxes. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. Contiki and Helloworld Travel booking terms and conditions apply, see in store for details.Read more


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Here's a sneak peek...
I'm currently working on an installation logo for Sup Clothing.
More progress pics at Phu Daily Photoblog.
Final installation pics will be up soon...So Stay Tuned!!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Installation in Progress
The name Phu in short is a self-created lingo. Entirely imaginative and not based upon adherence to actuality.
3D art is his pursuit, especially in vinyl customizing. Phu's Phuturistic concept is a manifestation through his artistic form of thought and personalized treatment in which he exercises the habit of recycling.
And it's with this Phuturistic niche, Phu's customed vinyls have been commissioned and showcased in various international exhibitions and shows worldwide.
: : Deconstruct / Recreate : :
© Phu. All Rights Reserved
: : Deconstruct / Recreate : :
© Phu. All Rights Reserved


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Update: The update is now live for PlayStation 3 users in many European territories. We expect the patch to hit US users later today. If we hear from Sony, we'll let you know.
If you're encountering any strange in-game behavior immediately after applying the patch, don't be alarmed — this is a normal function of the script backlog temporarily correcting itself. For more information on this, and how to speed up the process of PS3 performance enhancements, please read this forum post.
Original post: Following the PC patch, the 1.4 update for Skyrim is now live for Xbox 360 users. For the full list of changes, you can reference this blog post.


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HOST: Leigh Combs
Live in the studio in the second half of the show The Roe Family Singers !! <3 ~ they are playing in the Bluegrass benefit for Minnesota Family's United ~ on Sept. 12th 6:30-10pm at All God's parking lot — 31st & Park avenue
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Guests: John Medeiros, Gemma Irish, Patrick Kozicky, Stewart Van Cleve, Joan Vorderbruggen, Erin Sayer, Robyn Hendrix
Arts & Activism: a new book of poetry "couplets for a shrinking world"; BOOM! Theater debuts "Engaged"; "Land of 10,000 Loves: A History of Queer Minnesota"; Guerilla Girls "Vote No" Billboard
HOST: Kendrick Davies
Hamline University and the Marriage Amendment
Owen Keehnen's new novel The Sand Bar
News from OutFront with Justin Anderson
Privacy Statement
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posted by Smith Johnson on Thu 27th Sep 2007 15:22 UTC
According to at least one blogger, Microsoft should abandon Vista before it's too late. It would appear he's not alone in this opinion, as Microsoft has begun allowing users to downgrade back to XP. Amongst the reasons? Poor sales figures and shoddy Vista "Extras".


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Prof. Natalie Filipovich
Minnesota native Natalie Filipovich teaches applied violin and viola at Winona State University. Prior to coming to WSU, Ms. Filipovich taught violin, viola, and string methods at Center College (Danville, KY) and applied violin and viola at Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, TX).
Ms. Filipovich brings to her teaching extensive and varied performing experience. Presently concertmaster of the Winona Symphony Orchestra, she has been a member of the Lexington (KY) Philharmonic Orchestra, and the South Bend (IN) and Kalamazoo (MI) Symphonies, to name a few. As a chamber musician she has performed with the Stephen F. Austin State University Faculty Trio, the Eastern Kentucky University Faculty String Quartet, and, on numerous occasions, in violin/cello duo with her husband, cellist Paul Vance. Ms. Filipovich has appeared in solo recitals in Boston, Milwaukee, and St. Paul.
Ms. Filipovich graduated with honors from Macalester College (St. Paul) and holds a Master of Music degree in violin performance from the New England Conservatory.
- Bachelor of Music - Violin Performance
Macalester College (St-Paul, MN)
Master of Music - Violin Performance
New England Conservatory (Boston, MA)
Courses Taught
Applied Violin
Applied Viola


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"Strictly speaking, repentance consists of two parts. One part is contrition, that is, terrors striking the conscience through the knowledge of sin. The other part is faith, which is born of the Gospel or the Absolution and believes that for Christ's sake, sins are forgiven. It comforts the conscience and delivers it from terror. Then good works are bound to follow, which are the fruit of repentance." --Augsburg Confession Article XII: Repentance. par. 1-6; Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, p. 38.
The Reformation of the Church was sparked in the confessional, as others have noted on this blog. Father Martin Luther, hearing confessions, became enraged when Christians appealed to the indulgence they had purchased as their "get out of jail free card" when it came to a serious repenting from and turning away from evil and putting their trust in the mercies of God in Christ. The Christian life is marked by returning, again and again, to the fount and source of all loving kindness, our Lord Jesus Christ. This article rejects any teaching that implies that our works of satisfaction are part of true repentance. And it also carefully notes that repentance is marked by the fruits of good works, which are "bound to follow" it. The article rejects the Anabaptist assertion that once a person is justified he can never lose the Holy Spirit, or that a person can ever reach such a point of perfection that he can actually not sin. I'm a bit puzzled why the Novatians are mentioned in the article. Others may enlighten on this point. And the article most pointedly rejects Rome's view that faith alone is not sufficient to receive forgiveness, but must be merited by our own works of satisfaction.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Roundtable 13: Repentance
"Strictly speaking, repentance consists of two parts. One part is contrition, that is, terrors striking the conscience through the knowledge of sin. The other part is faith, which is born of the Gospel or the Absolution and believes that for Christ's sake, sins are forgiven. It comforts the conscience and delivers it from terror. Then good works are bound to follow, which are the fruit of repentance." --Augsburg Confession Article XII: Repentance. par. 1-6; Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, p. 38.
Posted by Unknown at 3:13 PM
19 comments:
- William Weedon said...
I think the Novatians were mentioned because they denied repentance to those who had fallen into what they deemed grievous sin after Baptism. The Church of the Augsburg Confession knows that the entire life of the Christian is lived on the path of repentance - thinking of the first of the famous 95. Thus, repentance remains open to the Christian who has sinned for so long as he or she is still breathing in this life. We would never say to a single soul: "Sorry, that was TOO much sin for the Savior's absolution to be spoken over you."
What I have found most striking in this particular article is the very last sentence: "...or the punishment of purgatory."
- April 17, 2007 at 3:49 PM
- Jörg Ackermann said...
The Novatians were a group who called themselfes "the Pure" and came up in the third century. They denied repentance to those who denied their faith during the persecution of Christians at that time. Later on they denied repentance for those who had fallen into "Todsünden" (deathly sin).
The last sentences in the Concordia edition (10, second paragraph "They also reject those ... or the punishment in purgatory.") I cannot find in the german or Latin editions of the BOC (neither in BSLK nor in Müller/Triglotta). I have no idea where this comes from. (I just have the 1st edition of Concordia.)
- April 17, 2007 at 4:37 PM
- Pomeranus said...
Pastor Weedon is probably right. The footnote in the BSELK notes a statement from Luther's 1528 Confession (WA XXVI, 507, 14): "Vergebung der Sünden ist nicht auf einmal als in der Taufe zu gewarten, wie Novater."
Michael Zamzow
- April 17, 2007 at 6:14 PM
- Paul T. McCain said...
Care to elaborate on what about the reference to purgatory was striking?
- April 17, 2007 at 7:08 PM
- Paul T. McCain said...
I have to admit that about a year ago I could tell you precisely where that portion of the AC comes from, but that information slipped away from me and I now do not know. Ryan?
- April 17, 2007 at 7:50 PM
- Rev. Ryan Fouts said...
That little clause wasn't originally in the German text, thus it isn't in the Mainz manuscript which was used as the basis for the 1580 Dresden BoC. It was, however, added and included in the 1531 editio princeps.
What has caused a lot of confusion on this little clause, I think, is a footnote in the K/W edition concerning the Latin text: "The text in italics was first added to the 1531 editio princeps and is also found in the 1580 and 1584 Book of Concord."
Well, I've checked it out. The footnote is correct in that it is included in *both* the German and Latin editio princepts of 1531. It is also included in Selneccer's unofficial 1580 Latin BoC, which had simply used the editio princepts. I believe, knowing that the editio princepts simply went into the official 1584 edition as well, it was mistakingly assumed that this clause went along with it. But -- I've checked. It isn't there in the 1584 Lepizig Latin edition. My guess is that when Andreae, Chemnitz, et. al., were editing the text for 1584 they noticed that this clause, which they had been well familiar with since the editio princepts edition had been well circulated, hadn't made it into the German (using the Mainz text). Thus, my hypothesis is that they made an editorial revision to the text that went into the 1584 BoC in order to more closely reflect that which had actually been delivered to the emperor on June 25, 1530, and took this clause out. Thus, unless there are some printings of the 1584 edition that vary and I'm unaware of that include this, the footnote in K/W (pg. 47, #79) is wrong here.
Now -- how that clause got into Concordia: A Reader's Edition I can't answer. Fortunately the editor is here who, though hypnosis may be required to elicit an answer, has it tucked away somewhere in his head. :-)
I almost hate to suggest as much - though we're all prone to err - but is it possible that somewhere in the editing process you or one of your editors found this footnote in K/W and actually trusted that it was correct?
- April 17, 2007 at 11:01 PM
- Paul T. McCain said...
Ryan, I wish I could tell you, but all I can remember now, and it is now coming up on over two years since we did the work on the actual texts of the Lutheran Confessions. All I can recall is that we actually found this phrase in the Latin 1584. It might have been in something Schaff did? I'm just not sure. I'm know it was not K/W since we did not use that text while creating Concordia due to copyright restrictions. Like I said, I do know it had to do with the Latin, but now sure how we got it. Just can't remember.
- April 18, 2007 at 3:05 AM
- Paul T. McCain said...
Just a note on this article in the AC. We have been referencing the Apology as we move through the Augustana, but here, as in the case of AC IV, the text in the Apology that corresponds to the AC text is very long, so it will probably be the case that we will want to take up that article separately when we get into the Apology.
- April 18, 2007 at 3:07 AM
- William Weedon said...
What I find striking in the reference (and even more intriguing with the history of the phrase) is the implication given to Rome that we're not prepared to argue about Purgatory.
This struck me some years ago in reading through the AC and Ap that it was really not until you reach the SA that the Lutherans explicitly address the matter and leave it in grave doubt - and speaking of it as an abuse that followed from the misuse of the Mass.
We tend to read the Symbols from our current perspective. But, as Dr. Nagel always taught us with Luther, you read him not backwards but forwards. Thus, it seems to me that in the early days the Lutherans were not prepared to simply declare that purgatory or purgation did not exist, but rather to say: Scripture is silent on such a thing and we should be too.
Of course, the hoot on purgatory is from the 95 thesis where Dr. Luther suggests that if the pope can release from purgatorial suffering, he simply set everyone free for the sake of holy love and not for monetary gain. :)
- April 18, 2007 at 6:29 AM
- Rev. Ryan Fouts said...
It may very well be possible that it is in some of the earlier printings, but was later removed. I'll do some more digging when I have the chance.
- April 18, 2007 at 12:18 PM
- wm cwirla said...
This article is really a commentary on what it means to "do penance" (agite poenitentiam), the Vulgate's unfortunate translation for metanoieo. Rome had three parts: contrition, confession, and works of satisfaction (the lack of which would have been made up in purgatory). The Reformers hold two parts, corresponding to the Law and the Gospel: contrition and faith. Both are seen as the work of the Word - the Law working genuine terror of conscience that feels the wrath of God against sin, and the Gospel working trust in the heart that we are justified by grace for Jesus' sake.
The papal Confutation accepted the first part of this artice which deals with sin after Baptism, but it rejected the second part, insisting on the three part scholastic understanding of penance.
The rejections of AC XII are noteworthy, rejecting first the Anabaptists for their "once in faith always in faith," then the Novations, an ancient heresy that denied restoration to the fallen, and lastly unnamed Rome and its teaching of satsifaction.
As Paul indicated, Melancththon's response in Apology XII is a treatise unto itself, addressing Rome's three-fold understanding, defending the two-part Law/Gospel form, and also extolling Absolution as a proper sacrament, the office of the ministry as the voice of Christ. It also has a nice section on the discipline of God, wherein His forgiven children still suffer temporal discipline which cannot be abrogated by works of satisfaction.
A good summary passage of Apology XII is this: "This understanding of penitance is plain and clear, it adds to the honor of the power of the keys and the sacraments, it illumines the blessing of Christ, and it teaches us to make use of Christ as our mediator and propitiator" (Ap XII.43).
Apology XII stands alongside Apology IV in articulating the article of justification as it applies to the ongoing life of the justified in a life of repentance. This hearkens back to the opening thesis of Luther's 95 Theses wherein he states, "Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance."
- April 19, 2007 at 7:07 AM
- Rev. Ryan Fouts said...
Amen, Cwirla. Couldn't have said it better (or half as well) myself.
I just lectured to a bunch of seminarians today on AC 11/12. I probably spent too much time on Novatian, but it's worth dealing with due to the fact that the situation in which "penance" is defined in his day is very foreign to us today.
For the sake of the average reader, who simply sees the name "Novatian"and thinks he had "went off the rocker" with his assertions -- a bit of context is in order there.
The Decian persecution (250-251 A.D.) had presented the Church with some new challenges - namely, how do you go about restoring those to the faith who had apostatized during persecution? After all, this had really been the first empire-wide persecution of Christians. Other persecutions, prior, had been mostly local persecutions. And, that said, there hadn't been any real persecutions at all for nearly 40 years prior to the Decian persecutions. In order to decide the question, Cyprian called a council of Bishops in 251 to decide the question.
While it had formally been the case that those who had apostatized, and later desired readmittance to the Church, would be admitted to an order of the "penitents" whose penance would be finally complete (and satisfied before God) upon their death, Cyprian allowed that some who had fallen to the "mortal" sin of "apostasy" during the persecutions could be dealt with differently.
It wholly depended upon the nature of ones apostasy. The decrees of the first council called by Cyrpian at Carthage actually called for an examination of such persons. Had they "apostatized" by word only, or had they signed a libellus? Had they merely signed a sheet of paper, or had they additionally sacrificed to pagan gods in the presence of their persecutors?
The decisions of the council at Carthage, while the seem radical to Christians today, were actually a step toward more leniency than had been before.
Basically, the council determined that each case should be "examined." Those who had rejected the faith, but hadn't conducted the "sacrifice" to pagan idols could be admitted with a time of penance. Those who had conducted the sacrifice, however, could be admitted to the order of the "penitent" so long as they lived a life of penance, confession, sorrow, etc., and would be granted restoration to the Church, and given the Sacrament of the Altar, on their death bed. The council also determined that those who were on their death bed, but hadn't previously practiced penitence couldn't be "restored," but could be left up to God who may or may not count their own "blood" (or death) as the proper completion of their contrition.
While that sounds TOTALLY radical to most Christians today -- it should be remembered that this was a CONCESSION of the Church. For nearly 100 years it had become the custom that the apostate COULDN'T be readmitted to the Church except at their death beds. The only exception was "Martyrdon" which was considered to be the total recompense of ANY sin or apostasy that had committed in life. Thus, oddly enough, you have an odd crowd of previous apostates ACTIVELY seeking martyrdom (it was their only SURE redmption -- so they thought).
Novation basically continued to assert the "old order" despite the Cyprian reforms. In other words, he said that NO ONE who committed a "mortal sin" (apostasy, fornication/adultery, blood shed) could be restored to the church in this life. In other words, the amount of penance required for such sins was SO GREAT that no human could possibly live long enough to pay for it. Thus, all apostates (no matter how they had become apostate) couldn't be redeemed into the Church. Instead, they had to live a life of contrition, penance, fasting, public humiliation, etc., which could only be COMPLETED by their own death. Thus -- for the Novations there was NO HOPE of reconciliation for those who had committed mortal sins during this life.
- April 20, 2007 at 5:18 PM
- Paul T. McCain said...
Ryan, good review of the history surrounding Novatianism, but...why did Melanchthon reference them in the Augustana? Were there other protestants embracing the views of Novatian that he wanted to distance Lutheranism from?
- April 20, 2007 at 6:03 PM
- wm cwirla said...
Thanks, Ryan, for that great historic summary of Novationism.
I think there are at least two reasons for Melanchthon's condemnation of the Novations here.
First, it fits with Melancththon's strategy of being as catholic as possible in the Augustana. We condemn all the same heresies, demonstrating that we are loyal sons of the western catholic tradition.
Second, the issue with the Novations serves as a good example of how the early Church struggled with the nature of repentance and the restoration of the fallen. As Ryan indicated, the Novations were conservatives over and against a view toward leniency. This is an interesting case of the older, more conservative position being incorrect, and how the Gospel impulse tends to trump notions of puritanism or moral rigorism in the Church.
- April 21, 2007 at 9:09 AM
- Paul T. McCain said...
My question about the Novatians is this. Was the reference to them put in there only to anchor the Lutheran Church on the side of the ancient orthodox Church, or where there groups around in the 16th century that were guilty of Novatian tendencies, hence the jab at the Novatians after a left hook to the Anabaptists?
- April 21, 2007 at 12:14 PM
- wm cwirla said...
Leif Grane is likewise puzzled. He notes that the Reformers are interested in distancing themselves from the radical reformation, specifically Denck and Schwenckfeld. He then writes:
"The condemnation of the Novations seems somewhat irrelevent. It is most likely taken from Luther's Confession of 1528. Similar phenomena, however, may also be observed in certain enthusiasts. [Grane cites Urbanus Rheigius who is supposed to have labeled the Anabaptists as neo-Novations.] (Grane, Commentary142).
Clearly the interest of the Reformers lies in the last condemnation concerning meritorious satisfaction.
- April 21, 2007 at 1:38 PM
- Rev. Ryan Fouts said...
I imagine, in a way, the condemnation of the Novatians to some extent reflects the general movement that had consummated in the 4th Lateran Council in 1215. Thus, in that respect, it's almost as though the AC is trying to take as much of the council as they can -- even though they had just rejected one of the council's major tenants in article 11.
Basically (in addition to being the council that had affirmed Transubstantiation) as a dogma of the Church, the 4th Lateran Council had also declared a mandatory, yearly, submission to the sacrament of Penance. Likewise, yearly communion on Easter was also instituted which had to be preceded by going to Penance. Then the kicker -- the penalty for not doing it was essentially excommunication. More literally, being "barred from entering the Church for life."
Again, as objectionable as the 4th Lat. council seems, it was again a decisive move away from the old model of one-time penance for those who had committed mortal sin. The 4LC was also, simply, making official what had more or less grown to be the predominant practice. I believe, the practice of repeated confession grew out of the Keltic monasteries in the 8th/9th Centuries. It was a discipline among the monks, which got carried over to the priestly order, and the lay people.
So to digress, it does seem like the condemnation of the Novatians at least, in a round about way, affirms that the 4th Lat. Council, even if misguided at points, was trying to reflect a good, genuine concern for the benefits of repeatable confession. After all, the mercies of God are infinite. I hadn't though of it like this before, but I think Cwirla was right in that it really does function as an added separation from the Anabaptists who had pretty much denied the sacrament of penance entirely -- thus the allusion to the "Anabaptists" as contemporary Novatians isn't really a HUGE leap. After all, the Novatians allowed "penance," but didn't allow restoration. FWIW.
On the other hand, the threat behind the policy of the 4LC had effectively trampled back upon itself. If it is mandatory, with serious threats involved for those who don't do it, it really messes up with the idea of genuine contrition. Thus, the infamous distinction between "contrition" and "attrition." The former, being genuine sorrow for having disappointed the Father. The latter, being sorrow emerging from "lower" motivations such as the fear of hell, and now the fear of being barred from the Church. Thus, Rome had effectively said that the power of the Keys, through the imposition of satisfactions, would "perfect" one's contrition, thus transforming attrition to contrition.
In the Apology, Melanchthon argues at a point that such distinction might be valid "on paper," but the common person is often completely unable to distinguish if he is really "contrite" or "attrite" (is that a word?). What matters is simply that the law has done its deed -- it has driven people to despair, no matter how one parses it out, thus they need the Gospel. And absolution "is the Gospel itself." As Melanchthon points out, in the Roman system one can't really discern at what point he is really forgiven. The Absolution had more or less been reduced to the priest's "rubber stamp" of approval on the penitents contrition. The emphasis in this article, however, is on absolution. It is the absolution that must "predominate" in the Sacrament of Penance (hence, why Lutherans don't so often refer to it as "the sacrament of Penance").
I believe it is Grane who points out that the Apology, for article 12, could just as easily be renamed "Concerning Law and Gospel." If there is a clear "locus" for the distinction between law and gospel in the Confessions, arguable, it is most clear here in Apology 12.
- April 22, 2007 at 5:46 AM
- Eric said...
Interesting comments here, esp. the speculations about Menlanchthon's strategy re: the 4th Lateran Council.
I see the inclusion of the Novatians in this article to be quite natural, though--not something that requires much explanation. There is always a heresy lurking on either side of a true doctrine; thus it is part of a good and precise confession to repudiate both of them. I think that's all Melancthon is doing here: "Some say that Christians cannot lose the Holy Spirit--even that they can avoid sin entirely. And on the opposite extreme, others say that when Christians DO lose the Holy Spirit, that's it; there's no more absolution for them. We steer the straight and orthodox course between these two errors."
- April 25, 2007 at 8:01 AM
- William Weedon said...
That's my take too. I didn't and don't see it as a puzzle. It always made sense to me.
- April 25, 2007 at 3:01 PM
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