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Alianah is a singer/songwriter based in Brisbane. Originally singing in choirs and vocal groups Alianah has been making music for over a decade. Alianah completed a Bachelor of Music at QUT and has been performing around Brisbane since 2004. Releasing the single 'High' with Wolfwolf in 2013, on New York record label 'Nervous Records', has seen Alianah achieve air play on Triple J and over 16,000 hits on the film clip on YouTube. Keep an ear out for her soulful sound as she continues to write and entice her global audience.
Cutloose: the one-man party mash-up machine, musical ninja and commander of any party adventure. A versatile DJ with one mode - Party.
Cutloose is not one to be pigeonholed into any one genre, he will spin anything from Hip Hop, Bass, Moombahton, Dubstep, Electro, Rock right through to Indie tunes and everything and anything Funky.
A regular feature in many of Australia's nightclubs, over the past 5 years his skill and non-stop party sets have set him apart as a go to DJ. This local and national success has enabled Cutloose to tour internationally in America and Taiwan 2008, 09', 10'. Having previously shared the same stage as M.I.A, Duck Sauce, DJ Craze, Z-Trip, Diplo, Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow and Ugly Duckling.
Cutloose's success has also seen him become a regular feature on many festival line-ups within Australia, including Parklife, Good Vibes, Future Music, Blah Blah Blah, Quicksilver Pro, and Brisbane Music Festival while also performing at official after parties for BDO, Billabong, Von Zipper, and Virgin Airlines.
With a Turntablist background that started in 99'. Cutloose taught himself to scratch and juggle and blend his favorite tracks together the way he saw fit. In doing this he developed his own style and way of DJ'ing that set him apart from everyone else. This hand in hand with his passion for music, professionalism, and creativity makes him a cut above the rest.
You won't witness another DJ like him, he's sure to get your party goers on their feet!
You can also book Cutloose for a unique food and music experience. See our 'Events' page for more info on his 'Cut & Cook' show.
Dr Rhythm
This is no ordinary man..
Dr Rhythm ... co host of ABC3's children's show 'What do you know?', hero role in a string of Peters Ice Cream commercials on Channel [V], stand out act on Australia's Got Talent 2008, London Beatbox Champ 2006, former token clown in theatre shows with Raw Dance Company on 42nd st, and he is an internationally, multi award winning street performer, versatile voice over artist and energetic festival and corporate event stage MC.
Dr Rhythm has a reputation for being the man that can and will do anything, so trying to pigeonhole exactly what he can do is tricky, because he does it all! He blazes any stage or event, with hype to last for days.
When it comes to corporate events he has a fresh style of hosting, that is professional and suits younger and older demographics.
For the last 10 years Rhythm has been building up his client base with his growing family of companies he works with each year. In 2015 he started and now tours nationally with The Color Run and the R.O.C Race. As well as go to guy for Gold Coast Griffith Uni, Red Bull, Foot Locker and Westfield, he has been quoted as "Australia's hardest working MC", Dr Rhythm has held audiences in the palm of his hands at Dream World, hosted Young Retailer of the Year awards 2014, eatboxed to 37,000 people at the Brisbane Lion's. Hosted 2016 and 2017 Surfers paradise Kids Week , 2013 ad 2016 Coffs harbour International Comedy and Busking Festival, Singapore Dance and Festival, Wet N Wild, Parklife, Surfers Paradise Fringe festival, and corporate affairs for world renowned brands such as Telstra, Westfield, Virgin Mobile and Foot Locker.
It was a long time coming but in 2013 the Doctor took to the decks Djing at private functions and events, weddings and clubs. Since then he has Dj'd for heavy weights companies and events such as 2016 resident Dj for Brisbane Bullets, 2015 Stefan Hair hair salon awards night, 2014 Rhythm toured the national Big Day Out circuit with Red Bull, 2016 Bribane Bullets sponsor launch party and various club gigs. His DJ style is varied from the 10 years of experience Mcing along side international DJ's and Australia's finest.
he list goes on, and this just demonstrates his musical/ entertainment versatility and why he's in high demand. As an experienced entertainer he can keep people in their seats or make them go crazy on the dance floor. With a mic in one hand and the crowd in the other, it's the Doctor who has the prescription..
Franky Smart
Claire Walters has been singing professionally since the age of 16, making her debut in Musical Theatre alongside some ofAustralia's finest talent including Bert Newton, Patti Newton, Nikki Webster and Doug Parkinson.
As a graduate of the QLD Conservatorium of Music, Claire holds a bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Vocals and performs with numerous covers / corporate bands both nationally and overseas.
She was a finalist in the Generations In Jazz, James Morrison Vocal Scholarship held in Mt Gambier.
She has sung in clubs all over the world including:
BIRDLAND - New York City
THE GREEN MILL - Chicago
BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE - Pre Show VIP for Michael Buble and Naturally 7
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE - Boy and Girl (Oscar Theatre Company & Short and Sweet Cabaret Festival
HONG KONG UDDERBELLY - With Tom Thum and Jamie MacDowell
TARANAKI ARTS FESTIVAL - With Tom Thum and Jamie MacDowell
ADELAIDE FRINGE FEST - With Tom Thum and Jamie MacDowell
SCARBOROUGH SOUNDS FESTIVAL - Parasoul ft. Franky Smart
MANIFEST FESTIVAL - Franky Smart Band
She has commenced writing originals for her very own project, 'FRANKY SMART BAND" and will soon release their first EP, "Franky, my dear..." Their first single, "Underwater" is just a taste of what is to come.
Claire is available for bookings throughout Australia and Overseas for corporate and private functions, weddings and festivals. With over 12 years experience catering to major events Claire and her band will deliver quality entertainment to suit any special occasion and make it a memorable one.
Josh Lovegrove
Hailing from Melbourne, singer/songwriter Josh Lovegrove brings an innate skill and talent to music that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. After gaining immense popularity through a string of soulful live performances down the east coast of Australia, Josh recorded his awaited and well received EP 'Infinite' in 2014 and is preparing to hit the studio once more with Mr. Darren Percival at the helm. Lovegrove has spent the last four years, since graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2012, honing his craft as a looping sensation while holding onto his roots as a compelling story teller.
"Whether taking a festival stage shoeless in the sun, a theatre stage up in lights, or immersing in the echo of an empty room, Josh has a uniqueness and raw truth about him that is distinctly compelling. Don't waste time trying to work out whether you've seen him... You'll know if you have." - SBH
Kel Timmons
Kel Timmons (Kel on Earth) is the sassy front woman of Brisbane Soul act Bankrupt Billionaires. She is also an exceptional Jazz singer. Kel's trademark voice is reminiscent of the Jazz and Soul greats of the 50s and 60s, her original songwriting is topical and complex, yet universally accessible. Kel can perform live as a duo or with up to 7 players. Kel performs delectable jazz, soul or classic hop hop covers, as the mood dictates. She is currently working on an original soul release with one of USA's most sought after producers, Nottz (Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop, T.I.).
Mason Chase
Mason Chase is a singer/songwriter that has been captivating audiences around South East Queensland with his highly passionate and expressionistic performances since 2007/2008. Now at 26 years old, Mason is no stranger to the music scene and has shared the stage with the likes of The Getaway Plan and British India, as well as
sold out shows across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Mason has become well known for his live acoustic shows and his ability to cover songs in a fresh and unique way, leaving audiences stunned. As well as performing covers, Mason Chase also has an arsenal of original music; his acoustic style has been compared to the likes of Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz & Ed Sheeran. Mason Chase is a rising talent and a name to remember!
The A cappella Trio
Katie Green, Simon Chamberlain and Jake Bradford are all university level trained singers who blend their diverse backgrounds and training to create a unique acapella sound. Having performed as individuals for many years, Katie, Simon and Jake have fine tuned their sound for the last 2 years to provide a well balanced and engaging performance, suitable for any christmas gathering.
Born into the depths of an electronic funk era, the phenomenon that is Wolfwolf (26yrs old) recreates the music of the 1980's with an upbeat and positive modern twist. A long term musician, Wolfwolf started his musical journey in front of a piano at the ripe young age of 3 years old. Classically trained, he explored and conquered several instruments including the Violin, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums and Guitar before later moving onto more modern movements such as turntablism. After producing and releasing several highly successful albums under a different alias, Wolfwolf has come through bringing the funk back! With influences coming from 1980s groups like Chimere and Hot Streak mixed with more modern producers such as Onra, Dam-Funk, Oddissee and Machine Drum, his style of music can only be described as futuristic funk.
With the release of the Happy Heart Breaks LP (1st June 2011), Wolfwolf has stepped up his live performance to become one of the most lively and entertaining acts in the music industry today. His stage appearance is classy yet unforgettable with a custom-made leather mask and full dinner suit. His instruments of choice include a MicroKORG XL, MPD Midi Controller, a twin set of V-Drum pads and a Macbook Pro giving Wolfwolf a huge soundscape when recreating his music in a live atmosphere. Whilst being a very visually pleasing performance the sexy undertones of the music will get even your grandma shaking her booty on the dancefloor. Touring is the aim of the future for Wolfwolf, with a very compact set of instruments/gadgets and being a solo act, the world is now ready for the marvel that is Wolfwolf.


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Starting this one off with a 36 y/o MILF. Did not ask how many months along but that has to be 7 or 8 months. Video included.. enjoy!
Name: K4yl33 St4r
Months Pregnant: 7-8 months
Recording Links: Private (7/1)
Private chat rate: $2.xx/min
Profile and Webcam: Click here to watch her live webcam

subset: commoncrawl


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Welcome to my blog! Here I'd like to share my passion for making beaded jewelry with anyone who might be interested.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Beauty of FRIENDSHIP
I wanted to share some things with you today. Couple of days ago, I've finished taking a teacher's course in pedagogics at university level. In one of the excercises we had to rank different things and then discuss them in groups (just to demonstrate how group work functions). There were many personal things on that list, like power, wealth, parenting, self-realisation, etc. One of them was friendship. Makes one think, right?
I just wanted to tell that I've met many friends by beading, both in the EBW team and in Russian and Swedish beading forums. We have swapped our beadwork with some of them, and I bought some of the things to have a memory from particular persons. Today I'd just like to show you the things that my friends did. I cherish them, and wear them often. With pride.
These two are the wonderful things that I've got from Naan Pocen, a talented EBW member from Italy. They were made for the EBW spring swap. Got them long ago, but it took ages to take pictures! Sorry Naan...
This is the barette (my first beaded barette ever!). Love the colors and all those crystals!
And this wonderful bracelet is another present from Naan. It can be ordered from her shop on Etsy, but sorry folks - I've got the original! ;)
I've got this lovely chainmaile necklace from Natalia from Malmö, we met at biser.info.
And this one is from another Natalia from biser.info, she lives in the U.S. Just check out those earthly colors!
About a week ago, I've received a polymer clay pendant made by Lorraine of TrinityDJ.
I will just put it on a strap and wear around my neck as it is.
Just as a reminder, earlier I've blogged about the beadwork mady by Rachele and Esther - the curious reader will find it here.
And this gorgeous bracelet was dropped into my mailbox today! Maria, you rock!
Guys, I really appreciate your time and energy put it these pieces. THANK YOU!
8 comments:
- Stacy Olson said...
I have had this great beading book for sometime now. It's still a great value. I found it here at Creek Corner. A great site to check out
- May 24, 2010 at 6:02 PM
- Patricia C Vener said...
What a lovely blog post. Friendship is so important but it seems too often taken for granted.
I, too, took part in the EBW Spring Swap and received a beautiful necklace (which I haven't managed to take a good photo of yet but which I have worn!) and some wonderful European chocolate (MMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmm)
- May 24, 2010 at 7:40 PM
- Emerald Window said...
I've made so many friends through Etsy and through Blogging. It's refreshing to know that there are so many wonderful people out there.
- May 24, 2010 at 10:08 PM
- Marsha Wiest-Hines said...
Lovely post. Friendship ranks high on my list as well. And what a marvelous haul of traded gifts! Your friendships are paying off magnificently.
- May 24, 2010 at 10:28 PM
- Lithi said...
Wow. You have some wonderful, creative friends. May they stay with you through good times and bad.
And the pieces are beautiful.
- May 25, 2010 at 9:33 PM
- Simply Naan Pocen said...
Thanks Olga for featuring my pieces in your blog! I've been carried away with too much stuff on my end I haven't been paying attention to anything outside my life. I almost missed this blog lol. It was a pleasure making them really and I am actually hoping to make more, especially the barette.
- May 27, 2010 at 3:33 PM
- Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor said...
Nice to see you back! What a wonderful collection of meaningful pieces from your friends. I can see why you cherish them so much! Love the polymer pendant. The colors and design are gorgeous and will look divine on its own.
- May 29, 2010 at 3:14 AM
- Foxan said...
Thank you, all. Really.
- June 11, 2010 at 9:03 PM


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Thursday, 26 January 2017
The Amazing Power of the Seed
Joel Kontinen
Seeds are amazing things. They seem to be programmed to produce certain kinds of plants at the very earliest time this is possible.
In a desert environment, this might entail a long waiting time, perhaps even two or three years. A miracle occurs just a few hours after a heavy rain: the ground that hitherto had been brown or yellow becomes alive with green grasses and flowers of a variety colours – blue, white, yellow, red etc.
And all the genetic information for producing this beauty is packed into a tiny seed.
No wonder the Lord Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed. It is tiny but can do great deeds.
Lähettänyt bwanajoe klo 00:40
Tunnisteet: faith, flowers, intelligent design, seeds


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Most of us have wood tones in our home. If not on the floor, then as furniture or kitchen cabinets.
While wood isn't considered a 'color' in your color palette, their tones do need to be considered. Wood can have red, brown, yellow or in some cases, gray tones.
One of my readers has a color question with lots of wood tones:
Claudine, I m so glad that I found your blog on pinterest....I have been wanting to change the colors of my walls (which are now white) the only problem that I am running into is the living room, dining room and kitchen are all open. I guess I need to find a color that will flow through all the rooms. My living room has victorian furniture in it and my table is cherry. The dining room and kitchen has light oak furniture. I have hardwood floors in two rooms which is are medium oak color and the floor in the kitchen is white ceramic tile. I relly would like to get away from the white but I just have no idea as to what color I should go with. I really hope that you can help me with this. Thank you Theresa
Dear Theresa,
Most neutrals will go nicely with all wood colors, with the exception of some beiges. Beige can get a little pinkish, or flesh toned and that color doesn't always look its best with a yellow toned wood, unless it is grayed down a bit. So you have quite a range of color to choose from. You didn't mention the color of your furnishings, so I'm going to play it safe and stay in the gray/beige range of color. I don't know if you have blues or greens or golds, but I know that the gray/beige colors look beautiful with almost all other colors - so we will be safe in that range.
All of those wood tones you mentioned will also look lovely with grays and with beiges that have a gray undertone. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions that have proven to be successful with most colors and wood tones.
|Benjamin Moore REVERE PEWTER
Trim: Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE
|Benjamin Moore WICKER
|Benjamin Moore GRAY CASHMERE
|Benjamin Moore ASHWOOD GRAY
|Benjamin Moore GRAY OWL


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I also don't believe you can ever start decorating and planning too early.
If you are dressing your kids up for Halloween as a Disney character, you better make sure they are accessorized!
Check out what just popped up on the Disney Store website- these have to be some of the cutest trick or treat bags! Here's a little preview- I know I'm getting these for my kids!
Read on to find links, prices, and to see the rest of the bags-Cinderella, Brave, Cars, and more!
All of the trick or treat bags can be found here-along with some other fun items. Each one costs $10.50 (I remember taking old plastic grocery sacks...totally not fair!).
Even if you're not going to Disney for Halloween, you can still bring Disney to you! Check out the rest of the awesome Disney trick or treat bags.


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The Duchess chats with Nicola Adams MBE - the first woman to win an Olympic boxing title.
An arrival video from Kensington Palace.
The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are meeting #Rio2016 @TeamGB & @ParalympicsGB at the #GBHeroesLDN reception. pic.twitter.com/VRUjHHyebC— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2016
Other royals in attendance included the Princess Royal, who is president of the British Olympic Association, the Duke of York, the Duke of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Princess Eugenie was scheduled to attend but was unable to make it.
Below, Princess Anne introduces Lord Coe to the Queen. Her Majesty looked regal as ever in an Angela Kelly kingfisher and petrol blue dress.
Prime Minister Theresa May curtsies to the Queen.
Ahead of the reception, Kensington Palace tweeted: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are very much looking forward to attending tonight's reception." They added that Kate's patronage SportsAid has supported many successful athletes including Tom Daley and Ellie Simmonds.
Prince William admires Ellie Simmonds' gold medal. Ellie is a British Paralympian swimmer competing in S6 events. She came to national attention when she competed in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, winning two gold medals for Great Britain, despite being the youngest member of the team, at the age of 13. In 2012 she was again selected for the Great Britain squad, this time swimming at a home games in London. She won another two golds there, and set a world record in the 400m freestyle. She won another gold medal at the Rio Paralympics in 2016, this time setting a world record for the 200m medley.
Ellie looked delighted to meet the royals, especially Her Majesty.
It's been a very special day for Team GB. The athletes participated in a gilded victory parade today to celebrate their incredible performance at Rio 2016.
Team GB and Paralympic GB brought home a combined 214 medals, coming second in both medal tables. The fantastic results mean Britain is the first ever country to improve on their performance at the games following immediately after one they hosted.
The athletes looking very sharp in their formal wear by Simon Jersey before the reception began.
William and Kate met with Team GB's women's hockey team.
Kate, who has been a keen hockey player since her school days, enjoyed chatting to the ladies about their experiences at Rio.
Discussion with the athletes quickly turned to George and Charlotte. Emily Andrews reported: "Kate said Charlotte is loving learning to ride, while George was using his polo stick as a hockey stick - much to her delight. And although Kate doesn't share Charlotte's passion for horses, she's said she'll champion and encourage it as much as possible."
'Kate spoke as she joined husband William and the Queen honouring Olympians and Paralympians at a Buckingham Palace reception. Equestrian triple-gold medalist Natasha Baker had a good chat with Kate. The Duchess told her: "George is fascinated by fencing but I think that's because of the face shields. "Charlotte would have loved to be here but she'd be running riot!"
Afterwards the Paralympian said: "I asked her how the children were and she said Charlotte is really enjoying her riding which is great to hear and I said we may see her here on a line-up in 20 years time. "She emphasised that Charlotte has this passion about horses and although she doesn't echo it, she'll do her best to champion and encourage it."
The Duchess debuted a new bespoke poppy print Alexander McQueen dress this evening.
Kate's dress appears to be a customised version of the pre-spring 2017 style shown below (with thanks to @katiemidleton). The Silk Floral Midi Dress retails for $3075 at Saks Fifth Avenue. There are several differences between the original style and Kate's dress, most notably the addition of long sleeves and a closed back.
More from the Telegraph's Bethan Holt:
"The collection was inspired by the intricately beautiful hand painted patterns seen in British folk art, with designer Sarah Burton recreating colourful flowers on dramatically flounced mini dresses and maximalist tiered skirts.
Of course, translating such a richly detailled offering for the needs of a future queen has become a speciality of the Alexander McQueen team; the silk dress worn by the Duchess tonight came with an elegant v-neck, nipped-waist and long, cuffed sleeves.
It's likely that the dress chosen tonight was part of the same order as that worn in Canada as both come from the same collection."
The poppies feature considerably in McQueen's Resort 2017 Collection. In their review of the collection Vogue reported: "The mixtures of carnations, yellow roses, peonies, and poppies, each petal expertly defined with an artist's paintbrush, were inspired, she said, by British folk art and domestic interiors: 'Wallpaper, patterns you see on canal barges.'"
A look at the print on McQueen's Poppy Print, Drop-Waist Dress.
|Neiman Marcus
Kate teamed the dress with her red suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
The Duchess carried her red Miu Miu Bow Embellished Suede clutch. The £640 bag is described: "Crafted in Italy from plush crimson suede. This ladylike style has a gilded silver chain strap and opens to three spacious compartments - including a secure zipped section. Use the internal mirror to refresh your lip color on the go." It's currently available at Net-A-Porter.
Kate completed the look with her £130 Soru Jewellery Baroque Pearl Double Sided Earrings. The earrings are described: "18ct Yellow gold vermeil on sterling silver earrings. Hand crafted with iridescent baroque pearls edged with multi faceted Swarovski crystals. Length of stones: 2-3cm approx, stone sizes vary slightly as no two pearls are the same making your earrings totally unique to you."
|Soru Jewellery
A brief wrap up of the event from Kensington Palace.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry welcome the @TeamGB and @ParalympicsGB medallists to Buckingham Palace! #GBHeroesLDN pic.twitter.com/XFKUlojyRT— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 18, 2016
We'll be back with the remaining tour polls next!


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Apple-carrot-ginger is one of the greatest juice combinations of all time. It's got a healthy fruity taste with a spicy zing of ginger. I was introduced to it at the farmers markets in London, where I spent a semester in college. There's something very energizing about it. Plus, it's tasty and good for you. It was only a matter of time before someone "churned" it into a sorbet.
1 1/2 cups fresh apple juice
1 1/2 cups fresh carrot juice
2 table spoons fresh chopped ginger
1 tablespoon of agave nectar
Combine apple juice, carrot juice, agave nectar, and ginger in a blender. Strain out ginger. Pour in ice cream maker and churn.


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You are hereAnthropomorphisms: God's (Supposed) Communication Breakdown
Anthropomorphisms: God's (Supposed) Communication Breakdown
by John McPherson
A few weeks ago, I submitted an article titled "The Nature of Divine Knowledge", examining the various elements of God's cognitive abilities and the sum total of information available to Him at any given moment in time (as we understand those terms). In response, various individuals (not unexpectedly) introduced the "anthropomorphic" argument to the discussion. I would like to examine and critique that hermeneutical means of handling Scripture in some detail in this article.A few weeks ago, I submitted an article titled "The Nature of Divine Knowledge", examining the various elements of God's cognitive abilities and the sum total of information available to Him at any given moment in time (as we understand those terms). In response, various individuals (not unexpectedly) introduced the "anthropomorphic" argument to the discussion. I would like to examine and critique that hermeneutical means of handling Scripture in some detail in this article.
The act of attributing human forms or qualities to entities that are not human. Specifically, anthropomorphism is the describing of gods or goddesses in human forms and possessing human characteristics such as jealousy, hatred, or love.
Mythologies of ancient peoples were almost entirely concerned with anthropomorphic gods. The Greek gods such as Zeus and Apollo often were depicted in anthropomorphic forms. The avatars of the Hindu god Vishnu possessed human forms and qualities.
Current religions hold that it is not logical to describe the Christian God, who is believed to be omnipotent and omnipresent, as human. However, it is extremely difficult for the average person to picture or discuss God or the gods without an anthropomorphic framework.
In art and literature, anthropomorphism frequently depicts deities in human or animal forms possessing the qualities of sentiment, speech and reasoning. (Funk&Wagnall's New Encyclopedia, 1979, ii, 143)
As can be seen from the definition above, this literary and linguistic tool represents a means of "simplifying" the gods or God Himself, through "humanizing" certain traits and characteristics He possesses. Thus, when God states that He is a God of LOVE – perhaps He doesn't really mean what we THINK He means at all!! To ascribe the HUMAN characteristic of "love" (as we think of it) to the "transcendent God" (supposedly infinite in every respect) would be futile since the "infinite God" cannot, ultimately, be defined according to some finite human characteristic or quality.
Here is how the Catholic Encyclopedia defines the argument for "anthropomorphism" and the interpretation of Scripture according to this principle.
A term used in its widest sense to signify the tendency of man to conceive the activities of the external world as the counterpart of his own. A philosophic system, which borrows its method from this tendency, is termed Philosophic Anthropomorphism. The word, however, has been more generally employed to designate the play of that impulse in religious thought. In this sense, Anthropomorphism is the ascription to the Supreme Being of the form, organs, operations, and general characteristics of human nature. This tendency is strongly manifested in primitive heathen religions, in all forms of polytheism, especially in the classic paganism of Greece and Rome. The charge of Anthropomorphism was urged against the Greeks by their own philosopher, Xenophanes of Colophon. The first Christian apologists upbraided the pagans for having represented God, who is spiritual, as a mere magnified man, subject to human vices and passions. The Bible, especially the Old Testament, abounds in anthropomorphic expressions. Almost all the activities of organic life are ascribed to the Almighty. He speaks, breathes, sees, hears; He walks in the garden; He sits in the heavens, and the earth is His footstool. It must, however, be noticed that in the Bible locutions of this kind ascribe human characteristics to God only in a vague, indefinite way. He is never positively declared to have a body or a nature the same as man's; and human defects and vices are never even figuratively attributed to Him. The metaphorical, symbolical character of this language is usually obvious. The all-seeing Eye signifies God's omniscience; the everlasting Arms His omnipotence; His Sword the chastisement of sinners; when He is said to have repented of having made man, we have an extremely forcible expression conveying His abhorrence of sin. The justification of this language is found in the fact that truth can be conveyed to men only through the medium of human ideas and thoughts, and is to be expressed only in language suited to their comprehension. The limitations of our conceptual capacity oblige us to represent God to ourselves in ideas that have been originally drawn from our knowledge of self and the objective world. The Scriptures themselves amply warn us against the mistake of interpreting their figurative language in too literal a sense. They teach that God is spiritual, omniscient, invisible, omnipresent, ineffable. Insistence upon the literal interpretation of the metaphorical led to the error of the Anthropomorphites.
Never trust a Catholic source to accurately identify and differentiate between that which is false and that which is not. That's a very important rule of thumb. In the article above, they treat the idea that God experiences "human-like" emotions and feelings as mere "anthropomorphisms" and, essentially, inaccurate expressions of His Person and Mind. Their justification for this argument is founded in the idea (note the bold-type statements, above) that human language and cognitive capacities do not permit any measure of real understanding of God and His Person. He, in His infinitude (and utter "transcendence") is simply beyond human comprehension. In effect, God is so "other" that His whole effort to reveal Himself to man and attempts to have any real relationship with finite man were doomed to failure from the beginning, and God was foolish to ever think He could somehow interact with man on a personal, intimate level. In fact, it was foolhardy of God to even attempt to reveal Himself to man either orally or in written form. Although He created the human mind and linguistic abilities, it is ultimately impossible for Him to accurately reveal Himself to man in language any man can comprehend. The Bible is an inaccurate, fallible failure. THOSE are the true implications of the Catholic argument, as presented above. The article goes on as follows:
A few decades ago thinkers and writers of the Spencerian and other kindred schools seldom touched upon the doctrine of a personal God without designating it Anthropomorphism, and thereby, in their judgment, excluding it definitively from the world of philosophic thought. Though on the wane, the fashion has not yet entirely disappeared. The charge of Anthropomorphism can be urged against our way of thinking and speaking of God by those only who, despite the protestations of theologians and philosophers, persist in assuming that terms are used univocally of God and of creatures. When arguments are offered to sustain the imputation, they usually exhibit an incorrect view regarding the essential element of personality. The gist of the proof is that the Infinite is unlimited, while personality essentially involves limitation; therefore, to speak of an Infinite Person is to fall into an absurdity. What is truly essential in the concept of personality is, first, individual existence as opposed to indefiniteness and to identity with other beings; and next, possession, or intelligent control of self. To say that God is personal is to say that He is distinct from the Universe, and that He possesses Himself and His infinite activity, undetermined by any necessity from within or from without. This conception is perfectly compatible with that of infinity. When the agnostic would forbid us to think of God as personal, and would have us speak of Him as energy, force, etc., he merely substitutes lower and more imperfect conceptions for a higher one, without escaping from what he terms Anthropomorphism, since these concepts too are derived from experience. Besides, he offers violence to human nature when, as sometimes happens, he asks us to entertain for an impersonal Being, conceived under the mechanical types of force or energy, sentiments of reverence, obedience, and trust. These sentiments come into play only in the world of persons, and cannot be exercised towards a Being to whom we deny the attributes of personality.
Note that the Catholics teach that "personality" is predicated upon individuation and "autonomy" or "the intelligent control of self". "Self-awareness" and independent cognition are two concepts essentially expressing the same idea. God must possess these characteristics in order to be thought of as a "person". The Catholic Encyclopedia makes the following statements, above: "To say that God is personal is to say that He is distinct from the Universe and that He possesses Himself and His infinite activity, undetermined by any necessity from within or without. This conception is perfectly compatible with that of infinity." In actual fact, of course – such a 'conception' is NOT "perfectly compatible with infinity". Those statements are illogical and irrational. An "infinite god" CANNOT be distinct from the Universe He brought into being, because He must be found in every particle, molecule and atom of it. His thoughts and very Being must be in all things at all times. We ourselves, therefore, are God as are the trees, rocks and animals. We should worship everything, including ourselves. That is the very essence of pantheism, and here we find it at the heart of Catholic doctrine. We can thank Catholicism for introducing and popularizing the "anthromorphic" argument and means of discrediting God's clear revelation of Himself and His attributes.
The Catholic Encyclopedia article concludes with the following:
Anthropomorphites - A sect of Christians that arose in the fourth century in Syria and extended into Scythia, sometimes called Audians, from their founder, Audius. Taking the text of Genesis, i, 27, literally, Audius held that God has a human form. The error was so gross, and, to use St. Jerome's expression (Epist. vi, Ad Pammachium), so absolutely senseless, that it showed no vitality. Towards the end of the century it appeared among some bodies of African Christians. The Fathers who wrote against it dismiss it almost contemptuously. In the time of Cyril of Alexandria, there were some anthropomorphites among the Egyptian monks. He composed a short refutation of their error, which he attributed to extreme ignorance. (Adv. Anthrop. in P.G., LXXVI.) Concerning the charges of anthropomorphism preferred against Melito, Tertullian, Origen, and Lactantius, see the respective articles. The error was revived in northern Italy during the tenth century, but was effectually suppressed by the bishops, notably by the learned Ratherius, Bishop of Verona.
Note how Catholic clerics have effectively withstood the Truth as it resurfaced time and again, historically suppressing it and denying it any foothold in the thinking and understanding of the common, lay person. Certainly, no Catholic "worth his salt" would ever ascribe to God any remotely human characteristic or quality, in a definitive sense. It is tragic to see Protestants (and even some Preterists) buying into the idea that there is any shred of accuracy or integrity in the Catholic "anthropomorphic" argument against God's unequivocal, clear, precise and definite revelation of His own attributes and characteristics.
God makes statements concerning His own Nature and Person throughout the Scriptures that (if we are NOT to understand and interpret them literally) are utterly misleading and without value, when treated in a manner consistent with the "anthropomorphic" argument. Here is just a sampling of a few such statements:
"Therefore He also says in another Psalm: 'You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.' " (Acts 13:35)
What does "Holy One" mean? In GOD'S understanding (as a supposedly "infinite, transcendent Being"), perhaps "Holy" means something totally other than what we have been led to believe it means here. For all we know, according to the anthropomorphists, this title referring to Christ Jesus is no more than a rough approximation of a character quality belonging to God that may or may not have any relationship to, or basis in, fact and reality (either His OR ours).
"The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" " (Rev. 4:8)
Again, these four "living creatures" in heaven, glorifying and praising God in these terms, may be using language that is misleading, because it involves terminology pertinent to the HUMAN condition and comprehensible in HUMAN terms. When God is referred to as "holy", we immediately understand that He is both PERFECTLY SINLESS and FLAWLESS. There is an utter absence of evil in Him, for truly as the Scriptures themselves state, "This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." (1John 1:5). But if THIS text is an "anthropomorphism", then the Scriptures are truly robbed of all objective meaning (particularly where any statements pertinent to God and His Being are concerned), and we are left with a worthless, flawed "revelation" of God that actually reveals NOTHING about Him. "Darkness" and "light" MAY be metaphors for God's Being (representing divine goodness and purity vs. evil and corruption), but they could ALSO be literal expressions of God's fundamental reality and essence.
A term similar to "anthropomorphism" is "anthropopathism". It is defined as follows: "The ascription of human feelings or passions to God, or to a polytheistic deity." (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1996,1998) . Essentially, the Scriptures are incapable of accurately communicating ANYTHING substantive in terms of God's emotions, feelings, Mind or Will – because all such ideas and concepts must be couched in human language and terms, and because such terminology has its source in finite, human thinking – it falls short of the reality where the supposedly "infinite, transcendent God of the Bible" is concerned. R.B. Thieme takes this line of thinking to its logical outcome, demonstrating the extreme to which this reasoning leads:
"God does not love Satan. God does not love the world. God does not love fallen man. All we can offer Him are sin and human good, but both are equally objectionable to His absolute righteousness (Isa. 64:6; Tit. 3:5). What the righteousness of God rejects, the justice of God condemns. Therefore, God can no more love us than He can be angry, jealous, impatient or changeable. "Love" in John 3:16 is simply an anthropopathism." (Thieme, Jr. R.B., The Integrity of God Houston: Berachah Tapes and Publications, 1979 pgs. 13,14).
It can readily be seen that anthropomorphists (and anthropopathists) find themselves in a deep epistemological quandary. God becomes essentially "unknowable" and unapproachable in their interpretive system, and the Scriptures are a flawed, imperfect, ineffective failure as an attempt on God's part to communicate Himself and His Person to man.
Paul effectively invalidates the "anthropomorphic" argument in the following statements:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ." (1Cor. 2:7-16)
As those who have been spiritually reborn by the Spirit of God – and have had the mind of Christ implanted and developed within us – we have both the capacity and, indeed, the OBLIGATION to comprehend God's very Being in terms of His Personhood and the characteristics by which HE has defined it for those who are His.
God did NOT fail to communicate, CLEARLY, the essence and fundamentals of His Person to us. HE created the human mind and ability to communicate intelligently via language. He chose to communicate to man through both the written AND oral Word. He manifested Himself to us in CHRIST (who demonstrated distinctly HUMAN characteristics, emotions, etc.) and He - in His perfect wisdom and knowledge – SUCCEEDED in accurately conveying to man WHO He is and HOW He thinks. THAT is the God of the Bible and THAT is the God who I worship and serve. The "god" of anthropomorphists is both imperfect AND utterly unworthy of anyone's worship and devotion. Such a "god" who is evidently utterly incapable of simple, effective, accurate, forthright communication is certainly incapable of either relationship OR any other benevolent activity on behalf of those who commit themselves to him.
Let us recommit ourselves to understanding and desiring deeper relationship with the wise, loving, holy, righteous, perfect God of the Bible - the God who clearly expressed who He was in very precise, humanly comprehensible terms. This, indeed, is the very same God who clearly expressed the reality that His knowledge is limited where man is concerned, and no "anthropomorphic" treatment of the relevant texts can justifiably devalue those statements in any legitimate way.
Serving the Truth,
John McPherson
I appreciate that you took the time to respond to this objection to your last article. Let me be honest with you... I still don't get it. You can say that the arguments for anthropomorphism/anthropopathism mean that God failed in His communication all that you want (and you can write it in ALL CAPS, bold it, underline it, throw seven exclamation points after it!!!!!!! or whatever), but if you want me to believe you then I need to see why that is. You said:
"Darkness" and "light" MAY be metaphors for God's Being (representing divine goodness and purity vs. evil and corruption), but they could ALSO be literal expressions of God's fundamental reality and essence.
So you are willing to admit the possibility that these are metaphors? How can you admit this possibility and yet demand literalness in other places without providing contextual warrant for such a demand in each case? This is inconsistent. Boil this down for me man. Either God does not have the liberty to use nonliteral language at all, or He does. If He does, which you seem to admit above, then how can I know when the language can be nonliteral and when it must be literal? Give me your method for discerning between the two. If you have no reasonable method (and I'm not even asking that it be clear and simple) then you should ask yourself if your desired conclusions are not driving your interpretations.
Hi, Jarod! Good objections and questions! I believe my argument is founded on much, much more than "all caps" and "bold-type" statements. Those tools simply permit me to emphasize key elements in my statements in a way that is truer to how I would express them if you and I were enjoying a real-time chat over a cup of coffee.
Here are two, simple "rules of thumb", for starters, when handling God's statements concerning Himself and His attributes. When a concrete, material thing is associated with God, it is permissible to consider its relevance to Him in a more metaphorical sense. "Light" and "darkness" may not necessarily fall into this category, and I introduced them in that statement of mine you cited as an example of the need for careful handling of the text in every case to determine the nature of the originally intended meaning.
God's temperament is composed of immaterial qualities and characteristics, just as ours are. I do not believe that it is appropriate OR legitimate to consider immaterial elements in God's Being in a metaphorical sense. God tried to be clear in expressing anything about Himself in mostly literal terms, and clearly differentiating between any figurative statements and those of a literal nature. When God refers to Himself as a "jealous God", He is referring to the real emotion he felt towards His People, in terms of their devotion and commitment to Him vs. their idolatrous inclinations. This was, of course, within the more metaphorical context of God's "marriage" to His People as a Nation. So even though there may be layers of meaning in a statement, when the basic, core statement is considered (pertinent to the nature of God's actual Being and Person), in every case we find that God expressed literal realities about Himself in very literal terms. In other words, God is jealous in the same way that a husband is jealous for the exclusive attentions, love and commitment of his wife. It is appropriate and essential to interpret God's statements about Himself in terms of such a direct equivalency.
If I failed to make myself clear enough in the article, I apologize, Jarod. My goal was to expose the fallacious element in the anthropomorphic argument more than advance criteria for establishing which texts should be handled literally and which should be considered in a more figurative sense.
Thank you for giving more information and answering my question. I think we're on the right track now (in terms of helping me understand what you're saying). Let me ask some follow-up questions, sticking with the example you gave. You said:
So even though there may be layers of meaning in a statement, when the basic, core statement is considered (pertinent to the nature of God's actual Being and Person), in every case we find that God expressed literal realities about Himself in very literal terms. In other words, God is jealous in the same way that a husband is jealous for the exclusive attentions, love and commitment of his wife. It is appropriate and essential to interpret God's statements about Himself in terms of such a direct equivalency.1) How can I know that God's "jealousy" is the same as mine? Is there anything that demands that this be the case? How do I know that God didn't use that term because "jealousy" is the closest concept that I have to what He feels? It is certainly possible that this is very literal; show me why it is essential.
2) If God's jealousy is exactly like mine, how do I know it's not a hasty generalization to then say that the same is true of all immaterial qualities? Is His love the same? His hate? What argument can you give me to show that God's repentance (you know what I'm referring to) must also be the same as mine? Again, I know it's possible that this is literal; show me why it's esential.
In answer to questions 1 and 2, jarod - I give you the following Scripture, with an accompanying interpretive treatment, including the significance of that which is implied therein.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Within the context, here, it is evident that the pre-AD 70 Israelites/Jews are the focus in this passage, and in their written Law, God provided them with a unique revelation of His hidden or "invisible" attributes. In other words, God revealed Himself to the Israelites in a highly unique way. His desire was that they would be aware of who He was in a much more specific, detailed way than that which was available to the rest of mankind. From the creation of THEIR "world", God revealed His invisible attributes via the Israelite/Jewish sacrificial system and the elements involved with it. The "law and the propehts" (the Torah) likewise provided them with a unique, highly specific revelation of God's intangible qualities and characteristics. The Israelites/Jews however, did not retain the knowledge of their God in their hearts as they were expected to. Rather, they turned to idolatry (as this passage indicates) and they became exceedingly corrupt. In fact, they became more degraded and evil than their non-Covenantal neighbors.
The point in all of this, Jarod, is that God clearly desired to have a close, intimate relationship with man through man's heightened awareness of His Person and the specifics pertaining thereto. THAT is the real purpose in God's provision of the Scriptures as a written revelation of Himself. If we have no clear, concise, verifiable interpretive framework for establishing the veracity of God's statements concerning Himself - we have nothing. The Bible is no more than an ancient artifact of interest only to classicists and anthropologists.
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Gen. 1:26,27)
What does it mean to be created "in the image of God", jarod? Male and female are somewhat similar and yet dissimilar, physically. We have emotional and psychological distinguishing characteristics, and yet we are BOTH "in the image of God". Both male and female share certain temperamental/psychological/emotional traits. Jealousy is jealousy. Anger is anger. Hatred is hatred. Understanding is understanding. Wisdom is wisdom. Knowledge is knowledge. Love is love. Truth is truth. The nature of the MIND is, fundamentally, the SAME. Thought processes and the self-determinative cognitive capacity all human beings share have their source in our Divine Creator, and we can justifiably view our own invisible attributes as being lesser representations and reflections of His own. He has verified this reality in His written Word. Without that verification, all would be speculation on our part. But the Word is clear. His invisible attributes are revealed therein, in order for us to gain knowledge and understanding of Him as a Person, enabling us to enjoy a personal relationship with Him.
And this is why it is essential to interpret God's character qualities, cognitive characteristics and attributes according to a literal hermeneutic. His straightforward assertions concerning Himself and His own Mind and Will are not couched in figurative terminology, thereby robbing us of any objective basis for comprehending any aspect of His Person. He understands our limitations, and made Himself comprehensible without distorting the reality and Truth of who He is, in any way. His revelation of Himself can be taken at "face value", with no "anthropomorphic qualifiers" necessary as footnotes to the plain language He chose to employ.
The primary difference between God's emotional responses (to any given situation or person) and ours, Jarod, would be that He can react and yet remain sinless. He can emote and yet do so in a way that consistently finds expression in holy, righteous, merciful and loving actions (as we understand those terms). This is why He could issue the command (via His Holy Spirit, writing through Paul), "Be angry and do not sin..." (Eph. 4:26). He is the perfect example of finding that perfect balance, and He expects us to acquire His mind in these ways.
We cannot possibly develop the Mind and Wisdom of God through meditation on His Word, if His Word has no objective meaning - particularly where God Himself is concerned. The "anthropomorphic" argument robs the Word of God of that very thing. And this is why it is so critical to refute and reject it as anathema. It represents a direct attack on the inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture (not to mention an attack on the very perfection and Person of God Himself).
Thank you for the thoughtful response. There are a number of things in it that I do not agree with, but my interest is not to argue with you but to understand you better, so I want to focus now on what was helpful.
Genesis 1:26-27 is very helpful to your position. You asked me what it means to be made in the image of God. I think that it primarily means that we are creatures with a God-like capacity to reason. I would not exclude our emotions from the list of things that we have in His image either. It is interesting, however, that my dog, who is not said to be made in the image of God, also has emotions like love and fear (although to some extent he can reason as well :D). While I have mentioned it, is fear an emotion that we have in God's image? Anyway, the fact that we are made in God's image is a good reason to believe that when He says He is angry, it is the same emotion that we experience (though in a perfect form, as you said), etc. It's not enough to convince me of your position as a whole (which is very demanding in it's literalness), but it's a start.
Good thoughts and comments, Jarod. I appreciate your open, honest spirit of inquiry and ability to dialogue calmly and intelligently. If I have prompted further thought and study on this matter - that is sufficient. Thought-provoking dialogue ensuing from these articles is a worthy goal in and of itself. Thank you for engaging in further discussion on this one, Jarod.
Good point Jerod.
Mike Bennett
Never trust a Catholic source to accurately identify and differentiate between that which is false and that which is not.
Dude, could you put any more poison in that well?
I could, but I believe the average person has enough discernment to take a casual comment like the one you cited and determine for themselves the credibility of (or actual lack thereof in) Catholic sources. The only reason I quoted the Catholic Encyclopedia to the extent that I did was in order to expose the fallacious thinking involved with the "anthropmorphic" argument at its source.
John, I definitely would not identify the catholic encyclopedia with the catholic church. The church has done, continues to do a lot of good things in the world,and there is also some good theology coming out of it. Not everything about catholicism is bad or wrong....
John, I definitely would not identify the catholic encyclopedia with the catholic church. The church has done, continues to do a lot of good things in the world,and there is also some good theology coming out of it. Not everything about catholicism is bad or wrong....
Really, Jamie? You wouldn't identify the Catholic Encyclopedia with the Catholic Church? Over at www.newadvent.org they seem to differ with you on that point. You can access the Catholic Encyclopedia at that site, along with a great many other Catholic resources. The site seems to promote the Catholicism in an institutional sense, rather heavily. In fact, I would go so far as to refer to it as an RC site.
Here's a published breakdown of the history of the Catholic Encyclopedia, Jamie, and who published it:
The Catholic Encyclopedia is an English-language encyclopedia published in 1913 by the Roman Catholic Church, designed to give "authoritative information on the entire cycle of Catholic interests, action and doctrine". Starting in 1993, the encyclopedia (now in the public domain) was placed on the Internet through a world-wide effort of volunteers.
The writing of the encyclopedia began on January 11, 1905 under the supervision of five editors:
Charles G. Herbermann, Professor of Latin and Librarian of the College of the City of New York
Edward A. Pace, then Professor of Philosophy at the Catholic University
Cond頂. Pallen, Editor
Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Shahan, then Professor of Church History at the Catholic University
John J. Wynne, S.J., Editor of The Messenger
The editors had their first editorial meeting at the office of The Messenger, in West Sixteenth Street, New York City.
In addition to having frequent informal conferences and constant intercommunication by letters, the editors subsequently held 134 formal meetings to consider the plan, scope and progress of the work, until April 19, 1913.
The encyclopedia was later updated under the auspices of the Catholic University of America and republished as the New Catholic Encyclopedia, first in 1967, and then in 2002.
In 1993, Kevin Knight, a 26-year-old resident of Denver, Colorado, inspired during the visit of Pope John Paul II to that city for World Youth Day, initiated the project to put the 1913 edition of the encyclopedia into cyberspace. Knight founded the website New Advent (http://www.newadvent.org) to house the undertaking. Volunteers from the United States, Canada, France, and Brazil helped in the transcription of the original material. The site went on-line in 1995 and was completed in 1997.
As you can see by the very first statement, the RCC was absolutely and directly involved with bringing the Catholic Encyclopedia into existence. I'm not sure where you get your information, Jamie, but you can verify my quote above at this address: http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Catholic_Encyclopedia
I realize that the RCC does many "good" things on this planet, Jamie, but good theology is not one of them. And their bad theology outweighs any "good" they may do in terms of humanitarian efforts or moral/ethical positions they hold. If you have access to some "good theology" popular within Catholicism today (and fully authorized by the clerical hierarchies at the highest levels), then by all means - please introduce such information here, appropriately documented.
Not everything about Catholicism is evil or bad, no - but because it is a fundamentally false institution, and founded upon a hoax, it represents no more than (ultimately) a parasitic barrier to man's free involvement with God in the liberty God designed man to enjoy with Him, spiritually. Catholicism denies its adherents the privelege and right that is theirs, to interact with God in a very personal and yet TRUTH-0RIENTED way. The RCC is on lover of the Truth OR of the God of the Bible. It loves its own traditions, dogma and self-perpetuating falsehoods more than God and His Word. That is the sad reality and Truth. And that is why I aggressively and forthrightly denounce Catholicism when the occasion demands it.
I have known several Catholics over the years. Two of my piano students have grown up in Catholic homes. I have considerable respect for their parents, and I am quite good friends with the parents of one of them - but I have no interest in their institutionalized spirituality. I am careful not to offend in any way when interacting with them on spiritual things (as happens once in a while), but I make it clear what my own view of the Scriptures and their clear implications are. They respect and appreciate me and my views, and are open to discussing them in an environment of mutual respect. I find that most Catholics, however, are highly resistant to any doctrine or idea that my jeopardize the validity of their beloved "Mother Church" in any way. One couple with whom I visited tried to "proselytize" me (unaware that I was fully aware of their beliefs in terms of their nature and basis, and that my own position was both highly controversial and a return to the original orthodoxy of Christ and His apostles). I allowed them to segue (a little clumsily) into the tenets and benefits of Catholicism from their initial forays into modern ethics and cultural mores and how the Scriptures conflict with the disintegrating values of our society. I recognize a good Catholic segue when I hear one. When I finally began to gently and graciously introduce some of my own views and their Scriptural basis, they really sat up and took notice. They became very much on their guard and on edge, but the wife in particular quickly grasped the essentials of what I was telling them, and how drastically my views and beliefs conflicted with their own. Needless to say, the conversation wrapped up shortly thereafter, and we parted ways. But I think of these dear folk often, and am burdened over their spiritual condition and the darkness within which Catholicism has bound them. My own mother grew up a Catholic, and the fear/guilt combination ingrained within her from an early age haunts her to this day. Futurism runs strong in both of my parents, and I directly attribute this centuries-old fallacy, hoax and "cult" to the RCC.
Again, Jamie - if you happen to stumble across a nugget of Truth in RC doctrine, by all means bring it to the table here, and we can offset it against the mountain of falsehoods which that false "church" has perpetuated and maintains to this day.
Machen, Clark and Henry seriously.
Samuel Frost
For my part, I suggest you review Jeffrey Bowman's argument at this address:
I think Mr. Bowman has some very good things to say on this subject and is essentially in agreement with the position I've presented in my article, above.
The sources you cited were, for the most part, empirical (Roman Catholic philosophy is empirical). So, yes, unless you are familar with non-empiricist presuppositionalism (and not Van Til, either), they are very different. I would like to interact with you in our magazine the Millennial Post. My e-mail address is email@example.com. Perhaps we can set up a two or three part debate in writing. As stated in the article posted here announcing the beginning of Regnum Christi Ministries (see article), we are very much wanting to move forward with theology within a fulfilled eschatological framework. The article I posted on the Neccessity of Systematic Theology (see article here) is the first few pages of a work I have been doing for about a year (almost 90 pages to date). Anyway....send me an e-mail.
I'll be sure to do that, Sam! And thanks! I agree with your overall focus and stated objectives per Regnum Christi Ministries et al. Further dialogue between us in your Millennial Post magazine sounds like a good idea also.
I'll be in touch via email.
I take it that you would like me to review Machen's, Clark's and Henry's arguments in favor of the anthropomorphic treatment of God's statements concerning Himself, Sam? Is that what you are implying here?
I'm fully prepared to do so, of course. I really can't see how their arguments could possibly differ fundamentally from those I have already considered and examined, above, in my article - but each detractor deserves a hearing, I suppose.
It seems to me that the "anthropomorphic" argument assumes that God exists and man exists, and God somehow wants to communicate with and have a relationship with some creature who exists completely independent from Himself (including origins). Kind of like the old Star Trek paradigm--the crew of the Good Ship Enterprise journey around the galaxy meeting differents species who don't think at all like humans do because they have absolutely no biological connection to humans.
I think what we actually have here is a God who designed and planned for how He intended to create his universe. He made sure that in the design of us humans, the wireing was there to understand Him and commune with Him.
IOW, for example, I'm not saying that God is masculine because in some way He resembles me, but rather that he created me masculine because I resemble Him in some way. So I can understand His masculinity (to an extent). I can understand God's anger for the same reason. He created me in such a way that I can experience anger that is like His.
That make sense?
Exactly, Waidmann. I agree completely. We are created in HIS image, so it is hardly surprising that God felt that we are fully capable of comprehending certain aspects of His Being and Person. He was able to communicate those elements of His Mind and Person in the written Word because human emotions, feelings and perceptions were created to be so similar to His own.
But I wonder, how literally we should understand God's anthropomorphisms? As you say here: "We are created in HIS image, so it is hardly surprising that God felt that we are fully capable of comprehending certain aspects of His Being and Person."
Perhaps then we should also consider that God does indeed have limbs? Can get tired? How far do we go with this? Maybe God thinks we should take his references to his physicality as literal too eh? Who can say, since we are going in this direction, where do we stop?
We have Biblical evidence indicating that God can assume a form with physical limbs, Roderick. Yes. Whether He possesses any sort of visible, "human-like" form in the realm of spirit wherein He dwells is an open question. He has the capacity, I believe, to assume any one of many forms.
Does He get tired? According to Gen. 2:1-3, God required rest after bringing the entire physical creation into being, so yes - evidently He DOES become tired. In our OWN case, bringing one blade of grass or tree into being would be enough to wipe ANY human scientist out. The difference between God and ourselves is readily discernible in this context.
How far do we go with this, Roderick? As far as the context indicates and permits. What type of literature is involved in each and every case, and does the language employed require a metaphorical or more literal treatment? As far as I'm concerned, the texts introduced in "The Nature of Divine Knowledge" article present God's knowledge limitations in very literal terms.
9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? 10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. (Jer. 17:9,10)
I really see no textual OR contextual basis for treating God's statements, above, concerning His need for research in order to ascertain the nature of an individual's heart and mind as being anything other than a literal revelation of His own limitations. I honestly don't see how you can objectively and legitimately make a case for any other interpretive perspective on texts such as these, Roderick. When the broader context of the Scriptures as a whole is considered, my position is further reinforced as completely True to the Biblical revelation of God and accurate to the highest degree exegetically possible.
If you feel strongly that you have a solid case against my position, I invite you by all means to introduce it here, and permit us to examine your ideas and the supporting textual evidence for them, together with you! I enjoy the way in which you express your views, Roderick, and will treat your presentation of them with respect.
Thank you for commenting on this article, and for introducing these objections.
I have to agree with Roderick! When David said," Hide me under the shadow of your wings" what then do we make of that? Does God have wings like a duck or chicken or some other winged fowl? I think taking away the anthropomorphic elements in Scripture would and does present "god" who is more a man than a supreme being. Surely God spoke/communicated to us for our understanding i.e. so we could get the meaning of what He was saying by using phrases, figures of speech, and word pictures which "those to whom he spoke" would comprehend. I believe taking your approach will lead only to more theological error and heretical teachings.
In Christ
Brian Hildebran
Do angels have wings, Brian? Perhaps all spirit beings have wings (or can appear to have them)? And how far do we go with treating all of God's statements concerning Himself as metaphors? Metaphors for...WHAT?
I don't really think you've given these things nearly enough thought, Brian. There IS nothing to "comprehend" about God if we have no clearly defined guidelines for interpreting that which is an "anthropomorphism" or "metaphor" and that which is not. "God is love". What is THAT supposed to mean? It means absolutely NOTHING within YOUR interpretive framework. THAT is the reality as presented most effectively within my article. And THAT is the factual situation with which you are confronted every time you open your meaningless (to you) Bible. You just aren't aware of that reality as yet. But if you re-read my article and make every effort to objectively assess the case I'm making therein - you will be left with no option but to re-examine your approach to the Word of God in this very light.
Welcome to Scriptural reality and Truth.
Just to add one thing.
This kind of interpretation comes from a lack of or from faulty hermenuetics.
In Christ
Brian Hildebran
You have no basis for that bald, blanket statement, Brian. You haven't even begun to address the points and Scriptural reasoning presented in my article.
Go to square 1 and start over, Brian. Your statement, above, is baseless and unacceptable.


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It's been six years since guitar god Hotei Tomoyasu moved to London, looking to cultivate his international profile beyond being "the dude who wrote that tune from "Kill Bill" (no, not Nancy Sinatra, the Lucy Liu one.)" The centrepieces of that effort were two albums where the now-mononymous HOTEI slipped back into BOØWY mode, ceding the mic to guest vocalists while he focused on guitar work. However, as he was keen to assure JaME back in 2016, this didn't mean he'd quit singing, and with his 17th studio album, he's made good on his word.
At first, Paradox sounds like it'll follow the blueprint of HOTEI's last Japanese-language album COME RAIN COME SHINE, dropping the electronics that've largely defined his solo career in favour of back-to-basics, no-frills rock. However, the earthy riffs of Amplifire are soon displaced by the kind of slow-burning rock balladry that goes down a storm in packed-out Japanese arenas. The change of mood is abrupt, but special mention must be given to the extended guitar solo that closes out Hitokoto.
The album reaches its high point about two-thirds in where, after the rootsy instrumental Maze, the infectious beat of Parade lands like a lightning bolt shot from a Marshall stack. Then comes London Bridge, which is probably the most topical song HOTEI's ever written. While it's vocal hook seems at first like a simple twist on the popular nursery rhyme, later references to Borough Market and Manchester drive home the fact this is more than a little ditty about his new home. Rather, it's an ode to the way Londoners (and Mancunians) handled the horrors of 2017: by defiantly carrying on as normal.
Besides this tribute to British stoicism, it's not hard to see why Universal haven't pushed Paradox harder overseas. While the rockier numbers have enough going for them musically to jump the language barrier, the ballads are another proposition entirely. They comprise nearly half the album's runtime but are sadly almost impenetrable without having some grasp of Japanese. Hopefully the fact they were written for domestic consumption won't prevent HOTEI playing some of these songs at his London gig in October. Not featuring London Bridge somewhere in the setlist would be a missed opportunity.
Paradox is available for streaming and download worldwide.
HOTEI - Paradox
review - 03.02.2018 00:01
HOTEI steps back up to the mic for his first Japanese album in five years.
© 2017 UNIVERSAL MUSIC LLC. All rights reserved.


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Ken Russell, one of the most flamboyant and controversial directors in British cinema died on Monday, aged 84.
His catalogue of films, which includes Tommy, The Boy Friend, The Devils and the Oscar-winning Women In Love, garnered plenty of fans, as well as criticism for featuring explicit nudity, most notably the wrestling scene between Oliver Reed and Alan Bates in the DH Lawrence adaptation.
On hearing of his death, Russell's friend and colleague Michael Winner paid tribute by saying "he made a unique contribution to British cinema".
Here we celebrate the life of Ken Russell in pictures:


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I saw Prairie Charms goodies pop up on a few other bloggers blogs and loved their bright chunky necklaces. There is nothing I love more than a chunky rope necklace, I still hoard a Topshop one from about 3 years ago. I decided to buy the Ava Rope necklace as I love the bright red colour running through it, and thought it would look lovely against my excessive black clothing (colour?!).
I also got some freebies included in my order which was the cute Veronica Cotton bow and some Hair Knot ties. These were such a sweet little thought in with my order and really appreciate it! I have suuuuch thick hair though so I'm not going to ruin these ties putting them in my hair, so I'm just going to wear them on my wrist and pretend haha.
I do love the Charlotte Rope necklace though, so that is definitely on my next wishlist! The orange and lilac are the perfect Spring/Summer colours for me.
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*I bought these with a little discount from Prairie Charms
*I bought these with a little discount from Prairie Charms


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Just like Phileas Fogg, character of Jules Verne's Around the world in 80 days, I want to set out on a journey.
With nothing but a bike, a couple of panniers and a guitar, start from New York City, down the Atlantic Coast Cycling Trail to Richmond, VA, from where I'd catch the TransAmerica Trail and follow it across the country to where it meets with the Bicycle Route 66, which will take me to LA.
There will be:
A SOFAR Concert
A Recording of the Bob Dylan Cover Like a Rolling Stone AndromiDen Recording with Rob Fraboni
The Recording of the second part of the album "Home-Grown" at AndromiDen Studio, Pasadena, Los Angeles
Here's the Provisional Itinerary:
There are many reasons that have convinced me to undertake this journey, but in short I think I went for it because it incorporates my three passions : Music, Adventure and Physical Challenge.
For those of you who like things concise, precise and to the point, you can stop here, watch, listen to and share this trailer :
For the others who like long-winded theoretical exposes and grandiloquent discourses, there is a section called "The Personal Note" on the website, where I can indulge my natural propensity to blabber on…So if you want a more detailed description of the reasons and motivations behind this crazy endeavour, go to TPN 1 and 2 …


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Al Raha Gardens is a freehold development UAE locals ONLY in Abu Dhabi developed by Aldar Properties offering the most comforting, quiet, safe and serene environment. The project was completed in 2009 with occupancy rate of 95 %. Al Raha Gardens is adjacent to Al Raha Beach Development and very close to Khalifa A.
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SOURCE: Biostem U.S., Corporation
June 08, 2012 10:10 ET
Highly Recognized Advertising and Marketing Agency to Bring Brand Awareness to Biostem's Stem Cell Hair Re-Growth Technology and Regenerative Medicine Vision
Highly Recognized Advertising and Marketing Agency to Bring Brand Awareness to Biostem's Stem Cell Hair Re-Growth Technology and Regenerative Medicine Vision
CLEARWATER, FL--(Marketwire - Jun 8, 2012) - Biostem U.S., Corporation, (OTCQB: HAIR) (PINKSHEETS: HAIR) (Biostem, the Company), a fully reporting public company in the stem cell regenerative medicine sciences sector, today reported that it has engaged Acropolis Inc. www.acropolisinc.com, a full-service advertising agency located in Orlando, Florida, to lend their expertise in brand building, marketing, and advertising development and placement.
Biostem Chief Executive Officer Dwight Brunoehler stated, "After several months of interviewing prospective agencies, we have come to the conclusion that Acropolis is the one to assist us in executing our plans. Their notable work in multiple media areas is impressive, to say the least. Their client list including The University of Florida, Arby's Restaurants, and the City of Orlando, speaks for itself."
Acropolis Principal, Scott Major, said, "This is a great fit for Acropolis. Our entire team loves the Biostem business approach in the incredible field of regenerative medicine. The hair re-growth field in which we will be marketing the Biostem technology is enormous. We are pleased to be a part of Biostem's expansion."
About Biostem U.S. Corporation
Biostem U.S., Corporation is a fully reporting Nevada corporation with offices in Clearwater, Florida. Biostem is a technology licensing company with proprietary technology centered on providing hair re-growth using human stem cells. The company also intends to train and license selected physicians to provide Regenerative Cellular Therapy treatments to assist the body's natural approach to healing tendons, ligaments, joints and muscle injuries by using the patient's own stem cells. Biostem U.S., Corporation is seeking to expand its operations worldwide through licensing of its proprietary technology and acquisition of existing stem cell related facilities. The company's goal is to operate in the international biotech market, focusing on the rapidly growing regenerative medicine field, using ethically sourced adult stem cells to improve the quality and longevity of life for all mankind.
For further information, contact Fox Communications Group at 310-974-6821, or view the Biostem website at www.biostemus.com.
Fox Communications Group
Fox Communications Group
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Here is a fairly new tract from Chick publications: The Chaplain. It is militaristic, and racist. Notice how the Muslims being fought are exaggerated and even foaming at the mouth. It has God as clearly helping the Americans win the battle. And then the tract attacks preachers who have attended seminary.
This is perhaps the most messed up "witnessing" tool I have ever seen. It has little to do with the Gospel message of the Bible. Instead it rehashes racist images, perpetuates the myth that America is God's chosen nation and should go kill everyone who does not believe, and wrongly attacks those who spend time and energy attempting to better understand Scriptures so they can teach others. The only way this tract can do any good is if it is burned in the fireplace to cut down on someone's electric bill!
Thanks to Dark Christianity for pointing this out.
January 3, 2006
1 comment:


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I have a client whose nails used to last really well with acrylics. She only needed a fill every three weeks. But now they lift a lot and break. She only wears tips with an overlay. I've tried everything I can think of. Recently she was in need of repair on my day off, so she went to another tech and got a fill as well. She cancelled all her bookings with me and her nails are good with this other tech's product. I use NSI and have been a tech for seven years. Perhaps I'm losing my touch? I also struggle sometimes with lifting on the sidewalls. Please help!
There are many techs who have great success with clients going three to four weeks in between fills with NSI products. The exceptional adhesion combined with durability and flexibility make it a great choice for techs looking to extend time between fills. So here are a few things I would look at:
First, I would make sure your product hasn't expired and that it is stored correctly and not contaminated. Check the expiration date on the products. Liquids and powders are good for a year after they are opened. Liquids should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment and not stored near the powder. Make sure you're taking steps to not contaminate your liquid. For example, don't use a dropper to take it out of the bottle and make sure you never leave it open on your station. Also make sure you're using new liquid for each client. Check your prep. Are you getting down into the sidewalls with your file and cleansing and dehydrating well in that area? Is your brush contaminated? Brushes should be cleaned and stored in a brush holder away from all the dust and contaminates that are present at a nail station. Mix ratio of the product is also key. You should be using a medium-wet mix ratio with the NSI Attraction system. If you're working with it too wet or too dry, this can cause product breakdown, which eventually leads to broken nails.Are you using the correct primer properly? If a methacrylic acid primer is used and it touches existing product, it can cause product breakdown and discolor the acrylic. Attraction acid-free primer is the best primer to use with the Attraction line of acrylics. — Malinda Haggerty, director of sales and education for NSI
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Recommended byEnglewood Review of Books
About Jonathan MerrittSee more books from this Author
Unfortunately, I don't think Merritt has offered a substantive way forward in political involvement.Read Full Review of A Faith of Our Own
Although some parts are sad, and even hard to read, it is a book full of hope for the future of Christianity.Read Full Review of A Faith of Our Own
But by the end, I was left wondering whether A Faith of Our Own is practical and substantive enough to help today's Christians transcend the culture war, as Merritt claims they desire.Read Full Review of A Faith of Our Own
I'm glad that it's books like these that are published, selling well, and again, I think this is a great starting point for needed conversation and this is perhaps what I like most.Read Full Review of A Faith of Our Own
I expected Jon Merritt to reflect his fathers views- but instead, he is innovating and getting the pulse of what we young evangelicals truly desire- and it is so refreshing to read!Read Full Review of A Faith of Our Own
Unfortunately, Merritt's prescription is unclear... Beyond counseling Christians to be more civil with others, it is difficult to see how A Faith of Our Own will disarm the warring parties.Read Full Review of A Faith of Our Own
For me, I agreed with so much up to that point that I didn't find it challenging. I wish I could say the same for the last couple of chapters, but if I'm honest I have to admit I don't put hands and feet to my beliefs as much as I should...That is exactly what I needed to read. I hope you'll pick up this book and be challenged, too.Read Full Review of A Faith of Our Own
"A Faith of Our Own" by Jonathan Merritt is an important read particularly for those of you who consider yourselves political junkies.Read Full Review of A Faith of Our Own
An aggregated and normalized score based on 41 user ratings from iDreamBooks & iTunes


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Lost and Found is open to anyone in the infertility, pregnancy loss, adoption, pregnancy-and-parenting after infertility, assisted conception, living child-free after infertility or loss community (as well as anyone I inadvertently missed on that list). Please support the list as well as anyone posting announcements below.
Connections Abound
- Project: Megan Joplin's on-going photography series, The Miscarriage Diaries, will be featured on Let the Kids Dress Themselves, a photography blog. The series will be showcased on Friday, February 10th. Please come by and take a look! And if you are interested in participating, please email Megan at firstname.lastname@example.com. Thank you!
- Blog Change: Long-time blogger, S, has closed her blogs, combined them, and started fresh with a bit more anonymity. Join her as she endeavours to figure out if, after five+ years of infertility and trying to adopt through foster care, she even WANTS to be a mother anymore.
- Question: Vablondie asks, "I am getting help for depression, and my counselor and I think I should go on an antidepressant. I would like to hear from other people who have dealt with depression and took an antidepressant. Did it help? How long did you take it? What about the side effects?"
- First Time Reading the LFCA: If this is your first time reading the LFCA or you need a refresher about how the LFCA works, please read this post. It has everything you need to know about getting your news in the LFCA.
- Quicklink Resources: Regular ALI Blogroll: If you would like your blog added to the ALI blogroll, please email me directly with your blog url and category pick. More information about being added is contained in that link. Password-Protected Blogroll: If you would like your password-protected blog added to the blogroll, please fill out the form.
- Justkeeptrying1 (general IF)
- Livinginafertileworld (religious/spiritual)
- Lifeafterfourzero (ttc over 35)
- Mary celebrated birthday this week with a new car & vacation.
- Five year blogoversary for Pamela Jeanne (now out of the infertility closet as Pamela Tsigdinos). What started as Coming2Terms changed two years ago to A Fresh Start.
- Frenchie writes, "I don't know how this happened, but I'm turning 40 (HOLYFREAKINGFORTY!) on February 10th." Go over and celebrate with her -- it's not too late.
- BreAnna is celebrating her 1st blogoversary on February 13!
- None Today.
- Sticky Doorknobs's daughter, Elizabeth, passed away soon after birth. Please give her your support.
- Writing for Life received devastating news about her son's fatal heart defect. Please give her support as she loses him.
- Jill had a miscarriage this week. Please go send her some love!
- Selbe needs support. She put her pet to sleep this week after having miscarriage and D&C last week.
- The Redhead Files is about to do her 2nd IUI, After doing one in September 2011 and getting pregnant, she miscarried in Nov 2011. She just had baseline ultrasound and found out that her endometriosis is back. She had surgery in July 2011 which confirmed Stage IV endo, she feels frustrated that it has come back so quickly. She will go in for an ultrasound on CD 11 to see which side is producing eggs. If it is the left side they will have to put it off until the next month.
- None Today.
- Katie got her first BFP after IUI #2.
- Violetta Margarita recently found out she is pregnant after IVF #3.
- After five consecutive losses, Bring on the Babies... is just about 12 weeks pregnant after her 5th IVF. Sadly they lost Baby B's heartbeat at 8 weeks but the remaining baby is doing great! Her NT scan is on Tuesday and she is really nervous about it.
- None Today.
Read and Support


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HE MAY have earned the nickname "Stern Vern" due to a frequently flinty exterior but Scotland's head coach admitted yesterday that he was excited by the prospect of leading the nation to the World Cup in just over three months.
Vern Cotter was speaking in Motherwell yesterday as his initial extended squad checked in for training camp as the build-up to the global extravaganza in England officially got under way. Scotland open their Pool B campaign against Japan at Gloucester's Kingsholm Stadium in 99 days' time.
"I don't want this training camp to be something to get rid of to get to games"Vern Cotter
"Yeah, I am very excited, though it probably doesn't show," said Cotter. "I am really looking forward to it. The last two months since we finished the Six Nations we have been through our analysis, our reviews, looked at our players individually, looked at the group as it comes together as people and rugby players and are looking forward to getting started because we do get a decent time to prepare."
Cotter revealed there was no great Churchillian-style address to the troops as they gathered at the hotel yesterday before physical assessments at the Ravenscraig sports facility.
The 53-year-old Kiwi said: "I'm not really one for great speeches or speaking for long, you of all people [the press] know that. We just had a little welcome and just got started.
"Everything is reasonably classic. They will get tested physically to see where they are at and we will work from there."
The Cotter reign is just over a year old and so far consists of a decent summer tour, an encouraging autumn Test series and then the disappointment of the Six Nations Wooden Spoon. The coach is looking forward to a fresh start with a national squad that will feature some fresh faces and contain a good number of players buoyed by post-Six Nations experiences with their clubs.
He said: "I have said we were probably about 50 per cent of where I would like us to be in our [Six Nations] performance. That is why this period is very important in moving forward and shifting once again on from where we were.
"Even though results were poor, some of the content was good and we want to keep developing more of the things we have done well and become better at that.
"At the same time, we have some players who have come into the group and they will be bringing their skill sets, personalities and characters to the benefit of the group. Their drive, their determination to do well as individuals, will help."
Four warm-up matches against Ireland, Italy (twice) and France come after an extensive training camp, which includes the high-altitude trip to Font Romeu in the French Pyrenees. The elongated build-up will provide ample opportunity for Cotter to get to know some of those new uncapped members of the initial squad, as well as more experienced figures like John Barclay, who has been recalled after a couple of years out of the Scotland reckoning.
"We need to get to know these guys and make sure they feel at ease themselves," said Cotter. "I don't want this [training camp] to be something to just get rid of and get to the games. I want to see players enjoy being together and working hard for each other. That's one of the key things to any group performance – getting them to trust each other. That's why some of the scenarios will have those type of factors involved."
Having the Guinness Pro12-winning Glasgow contingent and a couple of members of English champions Saracens in Jim Hamilton and Duncan Taylor will be of immense benefit, according to Cotter.
He added: "The boys who came out of Glasgow this year and the experience they have gained from that competition and winning it will be so important at critical times. They have got this capital of confidence. Saracens came from a very disappointing season last year and turned around and won it this year.
"Talking to someone like Jim [Hamilton] what was it that changed from last year to this year? He has some very strong ideas and they will be coming through.
"The guys from Edinburgh will be questioning themselves — they got to a [European Challenge Cup] final, but what would they do differently next time to win it? Greig [Laidlaw] won that final [with Gloucester] so he has got some strong ideas on how they went about that.
"Those players who have had success this year, will be very important to the group."
Cotter was an interested spectator on Saturday evening when his old club Clermont Auvergne continued their finals jinx – pipped to the Top 14 title 12-6 by Stade Francais.
The New Zealander, who led them to their solitary French final win out of 12 attempts in 2010, believes his old team could learn from the way Glasgow won the Pro12 after a few years of near misses. He said: "It's disappointing for everyone involved or who has been involved with Clermont. I'm going to repeat things that everybody says but it's just fine margins isn't it?
"At Clermont you've got so much negativity around finals time. People forget about the game and think about consequences, which undermines performance. That's one thing Glasgow did very well in their final. They focused on the game and not the occasion."


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""The strategic objective of the Iranians today," he told me, "is to establish a land corridor between Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon; to reach the Mediterranean and the Israeli frontier." This land corridor, he explained would go "from Iran via the Shia regions of Iraq, through the western Iraqi desert, linking up with Assad and Hezbollah. " (thanks Basim)
Wednesday, February 08, 2017
BBC is very worried about Israel's security
Posted by As'ad AbuKhalil at 7:57 AM


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Reservoir is now open at PLATFORM in Culver City!
Small Ideal Woman pendant placed on a sterling silver chain.Pendant: L 2.5 mm, W 1.5 "mm" Total height: 3 in
Allie Pohl: for when you want to question society's demand for perfection and be your own ideal woman.
Allie Pohl is a Los Angeles-based conceptual artist whose work explores the social and cultural constructions of contemporary Western society. Questioning the notion of perfection, Pohl created the "Ideal Woman" by digitally enhancing Barbie to fit Western society's ideal female measurements of 36-24-36. This avatar symbolizes anti-perfection and is repeated throughout Pohl's work in sculpture, video, ceramic, installation, jewelry line and sticker packs.