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Monday, March 28 2016
The story of Cain and Abel is one of the great crime stories of all time. It is the story of two brothers that came to worship God Almighty. Cain, the oldest, brought the "fruit of the ground" and Abel brought "the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof". The term "firstlings" means he brought the best to worship God.
The Bible says that God had respect for Abel's offering and had no respect for Cain's offering. Cain became "very wroth" which is defined from the Hebrew word "blaze up". Cain had an episode of rage. Genesis 4:8 describes the crime:
Genesis 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
There are four lessons that we can learn from Cain.
1. God is a God of Hope
Genesis 4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
Prior to Cain killing his brother, God gave him a chance to make it right. God has given us an opportunity to do the right to thing. He saw that Cain was heading down the wrong path and warned him of the consequences.
Psalms 39:7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
2. Sin is waiting to destroy
Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
God warns Cain that "sin lieth at the door". The Hebrew word for "lieth" means "to crouch". Sin is at the door like an animal of prey ready to devour those that step away from the presence of God.
Jesus says "I am the door" (John 10:9). He stands between the eternal life and damnation. Our hope for life and life more abundantly is to stay in the house of God and away from the destroyer (1 Corinthians 10:10).
1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
3. Sin is a Curse
Genesis 4:11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
If we measured our blessings and curses by the the size of our bank account or job status, there would be many Christians considered cursed. God's yardstick is spiritual. Jesus said:
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Paul writing to the Roman church says, "For the wages of sin is death". We cannot escape the consequences of sin. Sin produces nothing but heartache and disappointment. God told Cain that when he would farm that nothing would be produced. It would be sin that robbed him of what made him successful in the presence of God.
Ephesian 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4. Sin takes us to places that we do not want to go
Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
Sin cannot separate you from the love of God, but it can sperate us from His presence. It will place us on a path that will lead us to destruction.
The prodigal son left his father. The love of the father travelled everywhere that the son journeyed. The prodigal son never envisioned himself in a pig pen eating the slop with the swine, but that is the path that sin took him.
Sin is destructive Just as in the story of the prodigal son, we have an opportunity for redemption. The father in the parable welcomed back the son, and Jesus waits for us ready to forgive and restore.
Monday, March 21 2016
My parents first went to a Pentecostal church when I was one year old. Church fills my memories and drugs and alcohol have never been a problem for me. No, I have never been drunk or high. This does not make me a better person or "holier than thou". It simply gives me a different story.
The scripture that I have heard most often taught concerning drugs and alcohol is:
1Corinthians 3:16 - 17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
The word defile comes from the Greek word meaning "corrupt or destroy". There should be little argument that drugs and alcohol destroys the mind and body.
According to drugabuse.gov. "People who suffer from addiction often have one or more accompanying medical issues, which may include lung or cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and mental disorders." (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health)
Those that push marijuana as healthy should understand the long term effects. Once again, drugabuse.gov states, "Imaging studies of marijuana's impact on brain structure in humans have shown conflicting results. Some studies suggest regular marijuana use in adolescence is associated with altered connectivity and reduced volume of specific brain regions involved in a broad range of executive functions like memory, learning, and impulse control compared to non-users. Other studies have not found significant structural differences between the brains of users and non-users." (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-your-brain-body)
The same article says, "A large longitudinal study in New Zealand found that persistent marijuana use disorder with frequent use starting in adolescence was associated with a loss of an average of 8 IQ points measured in mid-adulthood." The image of the "stoner" has some factual basis.
King Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. His advice is found in Proverbs.
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. (KJV)
Another version states:
Proverbs 20:1 Wine makes men foolish, and strong drink makes men come to blows; and whoever comes into error through these is not wise.
"Liquid courage" is never positive. Foolishness and the lack of self control while under the influence of alcohol and drugs mirrors the behavior of the demon possessed man named "Legion".
Luke 8:29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
He lacked self control and would wander aimlessly and without purpose.. He was out of his mind. Narconon.org describes symptoms of drug abusers (http://www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/signs-symptoms-of-drug-abuse.html):
"Each drug has its own unique manifestations, but there are some general indications that a person is using drugs:
The devil uses the accepted things within society to destroy mankind. Peter wrote:
1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
When we let down our guard or inhibitions, we will become prey to the devil. Sobernation.com explains, "Dopamine is the chemical your brain creates to make you feel good. The point of this chemical is to make the body want to do things that is healthy for it. This includes but is not limited to; eat healthy, exercising and doing nice things for others. The problem is heavy drinking will release so much dopamine that your brain can't tell the difference between a good decision and a bad decision. Fact and point – Not many of us would go streaking across a football field completely sober." (https://www.sobernation.com/why-does-alcohol-lower-your-inhibitions)
After meeting with Jesus, the man formerly known as Legion had focus and the Bible says that he was in his "right mind". He was now clothed and sitting at the the feet of Jesus. A spot where communication with God Almighty is possible.
Paul writing to Timothy penned:
2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
"Sound" comes from the Greek word meaning "discipline or self - control". God has called us to have self-control and not to be "blitzed", drunk or "high".
The Bible explains other problems associated with drugs and alcohol:
Proverb 23:20-21 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Proverbs 26:9 Like a thorn which goes up into the hand of a man overcome by drink, so is a wise saying in the mouth of a foolish man. (The sharp object in the drunks hand will cut those close because of the lack of control)
Isa 5:11 - 12 Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them! They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands.
Isaiah 5:20 - 22 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, (loss of moral compass)
The Word of God teaches us to place boundaries in our life. We all know people that were destroyed because of drugs and alcohol. The question that we should ask ourselves should be, "Is it worth it?" Is it worth potentially destroying our own lives and the lives of others because drugs and alcohol allow us to temporarily feel good? Paul writing to the church states:
Ephesians 5:15 - 21 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
When we commit ourselves to God, we should have a desire to please Him above all else. Drugs and alcohol are a tool of the enemy to destroy mankind. I may never have a drinker or a drug user, but after spending over 20 years as a paramedic, I can tell you the destruction that they cause. As a family member, I can tell you of the destructive path that can be cut through a family by drugs and alcohol. As a Christian and a pastor, I can tell you what the Bible says concerning the use of alcohol and drugs. Ask yourself - Is it worth it?
Monday, March 14 2016
In reading through Judges 6, I became aware of several lessons that we can learn from Gideon. They are as follows:
1. Sin has consequences
Judges 6:1 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
Mankind cannot escape the consequences of sin. This principle extends from Adam and Eve eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
The Apostle Paul reiterates the principle of sin and destruction in the New Testament:
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
If you don't want the consequences of sin, don't sin!
2. God has given you a preacher
Judges 6:7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,
The Children of Israel had sinned and because of their sinned they were "impoverished". God has the power to destroy the enemy as He states in Isaiah:
Isaiah 50:2 Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
The first thing God did when the people cried out to him was send a prophet, a preacher. If this story sounds familiar, it follows a pattern that God had already used.
Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
Often times, when you are looking for a miracle, God gives you a preacher! The miracle is coming, but obedience is required.
3. God sees you as you will be and not as you are
Judges 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
When the angel appeared unto Gideon, he was not a warrior. He was not famous or accomplished. In fact, Gideon saw himself as a nobody.
Judges 6:15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
It was God that saw something in Gideon that Gideon did not see in himself. God looks past our insecurities and weaknesses and exposes our strengths through Him. The Apostle Paul penned:
2 Corinthians 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
4. God is sovereign
Judges 6:13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
Have you ever questioned God? Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to good people? Gideon did. He questioned God directly why His people were suffering. In reading this, I found it interesting that God did not answer Gideon's question. He looked at Gideon and told him that he was chosen to deliver his people. The answer was Gideon.
God is sovereign and does not have to answer our questions directly. We can wonder "why?", but God has already put his plan into place. We may not receive the answer that we want, but the answer can be found in the result of God's plan. Perhaps, you are the piece that God has chosen to direct His plan. Don't get caught up in the questions, just follow the plan.
Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
5. You need to have a personal altar
Judges 6:24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
After Gideon's interaction with the angel of the Lord, he built an altar.
He named the altar Jehovah-Shalom or the Lord is peace. When we have an interaction with Jesus Christ it brings peace. He is the prince of peace.
This was a personal and private altar built by Gideon. We need an altar in our life. An altar is a place of sacrifice and death. There are not lay me down to sleep prayers at the altar. The private altar is a place of personal sacrifice and humility.
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Our personal and private altar is where we interact intimately with the King of Kings. It is where we can hear His voice.
Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Pastor Terry Shock says, "If you can't tell me where you pray then you probably don't".
If we want to connect to God and make it to heaven then you need a life of prayer away from Sunday morning.
6. We have to get rid of false altars
Judges 6: 25 And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old (representing the years of oppression), and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
God was telling Gideon that he needed to get rid of a something before He could deliver Israel. There are times that we put up obstacles that are keeping us from being delivered.
There are times that we hinder our blessings because we are kneeling at the wrong altar.
Every religion in the world has an altar, but that does not allow them access to the Holy One of Israel.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
We cannot approach God in our way. We must approach Him His way and in doing so, we must tear out some altars in our life.
Altars of:
7. Build an altar in the church
Judges 6:26 And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
It was an altar of revival built upon a rock.
It was a public declaration that God was getting ready to do the miraculous.
Jesus speaking of the church that would "turn the world upside down" spoke:
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The church must have personal altars. We must tear down false altars in our lives but we must be a unified body praying kneeling on the foundation of the rock.
When the church prays:
Monday, March 07 2016
The church's responsibility to the world is to preach the gospel! Jesus Christ is the hope for all mankind. That being said, I have always been interested in politics. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a politician. My dad (my pastor) looked at me one day and said, "You can not be a politician and a preacher". Historically, they have not mixed well. My ambitions to be a politician ended because I wanted to respond to a higher calling. My interest in the process has not waned.
As a citizen of the United States, we should take every opportunity to exercise our rights. The Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen and used that to his advantage.
Acts 22
The Bill of Rights within the United States Constitution guarantees certain freedoms. Included in this historic document is the ability to practice a religion of your choice and the freedom of speech. As a Christian, we do not have to agree with other religions or views of individuals, but we must support their ability to practice their religion and to allow them to speak freely. If we do not, it may be our Christian beliefs and views that are not tolerated in the future. This "give and take" is what makes America great.
We should vote. We must vote. It is not my responsibly as a pastor to tell you to vote for a certain candidate. I have my own views, but we must vote in accordance to the Bible. It would be difficult to find someone that mirrors your exact views, but our vote should be cast for righteousness. We should ask ourselves these questions based on their past practices and voting record:
Many people, including Christians, fail to educate themselves on the individual candidates. They either do not know them at all or they spew whatever headline they read. The uneducated are the weak link in the democracy.
We should be active within the democratic process. Our voices should be heard. We should not lash out or become violent, but we have every right to share our views via email, letters, social media or phone calls to our representatives in government remembering that we are first Christians. We do not need to agree with our political leaders, but we must respect the position. Exercise your freedoms or we will lose them.
Our greatest responsibility as Christians is to pray for our leaders. It is our prayers that will bring peace.
1 Timothy 2
Christians have the responsibility to preach the gospel, but we have every right to live within the words of the Constitution. We should be aware of the issues and educate ourselves on candidates so that we vote righteousness. Write a letter or send an email. Let your voice be heard, but support the right of the opposing view to be speak. Most importantly, pray for our leaders.
Have a great day! I can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. Comments are welcomed.
Wednesday, March 02 2016
The subject of Christianity and abortion has been written about many times. This is my two cents.
In the United States, the law of the land allows abortion. I am not sure that it will ever change. Since the beginning of the church, God's people have lived under adversarial governments. We should vote and are free to express our opinions, but the greatest method of change is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
John 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Abortion as a birth-control method is wrong. It is an extraordinary thought that a life could be taken just because of inconvenience. Could there be reasons to abort? Perhaps. But, lets talk about a "woman's right to choose". If a woman and man choose to have sex they should be willing to handle the consequence of their actions. Since seventh grade "health class", they have been known what happens when a man and a woman have intercourse. It should not be a surprise. If they are not married or not married to each other, they have already committed a sin. The Bible says, "Flee fornication". It is disheartening that an innocent life must end because their sin.
God is the origin of all life.
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
The Apostle Paul preaching on Mars Hill said...
Acts 17
The Bible speaks of a fetus as a child multiple times (this list is not comprehensive), but it reveals the attitude of God toward the unborn:
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Genesis 16
2 Samuel 11:5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.
Furthermore, God would punish someone that would hurt an unborn child under the law.
Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
Perhaps, the most well known scripture used to show a Biblical stance against abortion is God's word to Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
The Bible reveals that a child is a life from God. God loves it because He is the origin of life. We do not have the right to stand in judgement of whether an innocent person lives or dies. The Ten Commandments reveal to us, "Thou shalt not kill (or murder)". As a Christian that means every life is precious to the Lord and should be to us.
If a woman chooses to have an abortion, that does not mean we punish or shun. Grace covers all sin. This is an opportunity to love those that need love.
Is abortion wrong? Yes! God reveals to us through His word that a fetus is not just a mass of tissue, but it is a child that He knows. The gospel brings hope to this world and it is the light of the gospel that will push away the darkness. We are not to punish but reveal the love of Jesus to those that have had an abortion.


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When we lose something that is precious to us, we are left with a feeling of sadness. Whether it is a precious friend or even a treasured object, the loss can be hard to bear. It is as if a part of you has gone missing. Throughout our life we amass collections of friends and treasured possessions. Having close relationships help us feel as if we are not alone in the world. When we lose someone or something that is precious to us, we may realize that there is a certain loneliness that can never be filled.
I have to be strong not for me
But for everyone else
I want to cry I want to scream
But no one can see my hollow tears
I keep you near to keep me sane
But the thought of you makes me sad
I want to hide and cry alone
But you are here and it keeps me real
I know you've left this solid ground
But in my heart you still live
You've kept me together for so long
So I will stay strong for everyone else
~Dedicated to the precious ones I have lost~

subset: commoncrawl


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This week, Lilly tells the story of Angelina Napolitano, an Italian immigrant to Canada who committed murder and caused a sensation with her trial.
Krista then brings her kooky a-game and shares a few Tim Horton's tales!
Remember, you can contact us at:
@36timespodcast on Twitter and Instagram
Intro music ('I'm Going For a Coffee') by Lee Rosevere & Kooky Crime's song is Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin, found on freemusicarchive.org
Plus, a little treat from The New South Bay Orchestra. Listen for it!
Like what you hear? Think we should get a buck or two for it? Why not visit our patreon page?


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Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EDT
BRING YOUR LUNCH. We will eat at Ekklesia House. Water and coffee provided. There is a refrigerator and microwave available.
Richard and Kimberly Wilson
Watchmen Arise International, Inc.
January's Topic:
Family, Famine and Freedom:
Navigating Through Difficult Situations
Teachers: Richard & Kimberly Wilson
Live Class: Saturday, January 11, 2020
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
On-demand course (released 1 week after live class) is available for those who can't come to Dover, FL for our live classes. Must be enrolled as an online student.
Family, Famine and Freedom will cover the foundations of God's original intent for creation and mankind, how the Fall effected the earth and man's perception, and how twists and turns in earth's early history reveal warfare strategies for earth managers.
You will learn about:
Cost: $30/class or $125/winter semester pre-pay
Winter/Spring 2020 Class Dates (all classes are 10-4):
Jan. 11 - Feb. 8 - Mar. 14 - Apr. 11 - May 9


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Douro Harvest
The Douro Harvest season is a time of great activity. The grapes become ripe and people are out in the terraces, picking them to make the great Douro and Port wines. The activity is such that, from a distance, people resemble ants working along the hills.
Immediately after picking, the grapes go into the "lagares", where foot treading is still practiced and gives the wines their special taste and aroma.
With our Douro Harvest experience, you can participate in the foot treading – "Lagarada" in Portuguese, and know that you helped make great wines! We start by discovering the history of the region and the vinification processes with a visit to the Douro Museum. Then, you will enjoy a traditional lunch either at the Museum or the Quinta. Once on location, you will witness the harvest happening and can even choose to participate in the foot treading!
This year, weather conditions are pushing for a late harvest, beginning in the second week of September. Be sure to book now your Experience and engage in the most iconic activity of the Douro!


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$6.99 $9.99 You Save 30% ($3.00)
Take pride in the meaning behind the Thin Blue Line by wearing the Dispatcher Silicone Bracelet. The bracelet represents our brothers and sisters in blue who risk their lives to protect us. It is 100% silicone rubber designed with the Thin Blue Line and a message that reads "Dispatcher." It's a great gift for any law enforcement officer.
Perfect for myself and my fellow employees as a gift for Christmas!
fits great and feels great
Great quality.
This is a Christmas gift & I show she will love it. I wish you had the bands for children.
I bought this for the dispatcher that gave my son his "Final Call". I haven't heard from her so I assume she likes it, I did!


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The Secret River is now available on DVD
The Secret River is a two part mini-series from the ABC based on Kate Grenville's award winning best selling novel.
Released on DVD on 24/6/15. This is an Australian story about Will and Sal Thornhill who are convict colonists in 19th century New South Wales.
Featuring Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Sarah Snook with a great Australian and English cast including Lachy Hulme, Tim Minchin, Trevor Jamieson and Samuel Johnson.
Its a pretty emotional story about the convict settlers and the traditional land owners. Will & Sal travel the picturesque Hawkesbury River to claim their new land, however there is not only other neighbouring settlers but also the traditional land owners who also believe it is their land. The story shows not of an accepting union of land owners but basically a war. Will is trying to provide his family a safe home in a strange land and this situation of fear and need leads him to do some really desperate and terrible things.
I think the mini-series is really well made and all actors should be commended. I'd say i loved it but i don't think thats what this is about. I believed and felt involved and the actors really told this story and history well.
I can see how this is and award winning novel and i'm sure this series will win awards too. If you didn't catch in on the ABC it is released on DVD 24/06/15.


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EVERGREEN Seymour Borlant has a deep well of memories from his double-life as a colourful market trader and professional crooner.
But it is the time he was asked to perform with a cat on television in Cairo that springs immediately to mind when he's asked for a favourite anecdote from his time on the road with the likes of Cliff Richard, Gene Vincent, Frankie Vaughan, Des O'Connor, and Marty Wilde.
It's the unlikeliest of stories which goes back to Seymour, now 83, starting from scratch by setting up a soft furnishings outlet on Darlington's historic covered market back in 1953.
Having come straight from national service with the Army, Seymour launched himself into the retail business and his auctioneering performances on the market became the stuff of local legend.
However, showbusiness was his first love and the lure of the stage proved irresistible. He soon left the market stall to go on the circuit under the stage name of Gary Seymour, supporting some of the greats.
After one stint with The Cliff Richard Show, Seymour embarked on a tour of the Middle East and ended up in Egypt, where he was approached by Cairo TV. He was asked to go into the studio and record two songs – Misty and Till – before miming them a week later on a television show.
Music aficionados may know that Misty begins with the line "Look at me, I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree" and it was this particular lyric that gave the producer the bright idea of involving a cat in Seymour's televised performance.
"I turned up for the show in my pristine white tuxedo and Tony Curtis hairstyle, and they suddenly thrust this kitten at me without warning," recalls Seymour. "Halfway through, with the cameras rolling, it got stage-fright, went barmy, and started clawing at me."
Seymour carried on singing and by the time he'd reached the second verse – "Walk my way, And a thousand violins begin to play" – the cat had made its way up onto his shoulder.
"That's when it decided to sh*t all down my white tuxedo," he says. It was the nearest he ever got to the hit parade.
Despite the smell being "absolutely horrendous", it was a classic case of the show must go on and Seymour – alias Gary – finished the song before taking a bow and angrily shoving the cat at the producer back-stage.
What did the producer say? "He just told me not to be too upset because it looked very natural," replies Seymour with a smile.
And with that, he's a born entertainer again, throwing a few nifty dance moves and giving an impromptu rendition of Misty: Look at me, I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree…
AFTER 66 years, Seymour's Soft Furnishings is no longer part of Darlington Market.
Under the management of Seymour's son, Jeremy, Seymour's Home has moved into a stylish new store in nearby Grange Road.
"Darlington's been good to me and, hopefully, I've been good to Darlington, so we had to stay in the town," says Seymour.
At a time when it's all doom and gloom around town centres, the move represents a £250,000 investment. Call me a Misty-eyed romantic, but I reckon that deserves our support. Go on – stick some money in the Till…
OUR Lady Immaculate and St Cuthbert's Church, in Crook, was overflowing with sorrow last week for the funeral of Roger Kelly, a man whose contribution to the North-East was rightly described as "immense".
As chief executive of Gateshead Council, Roger's influence was felt on projects that led to the Angel of the North, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, The Sage, and the Millennium Bridge.
It was a pleasure to work with him more recently on the ongoing renaissance of Ushaw, on the outskirts of Durham. He was a kind, talented man with a steely determination, and he will be greatly missed.
Amid the tears, there was room in the church for laughter as Ushaw's President, Monsignor John Marsland, gave the eulogy. Roger, a man known for great organisational skills, was awarded the OBE in 2013 but left it on the train back home.
Then there was the time he was studying law at Liverpool and he joined the university ballroom dancing club. Members were tasked with fundraising by dancing through the city and asking members of the public to join them.
And that's how Roger Kelly found himself dancing down a Liverpool street with Cilla Black's mum. Rest in peace, Roger.
ONTO a glamorous performance of my own, this time as guest speaker at the Women's Fellowship of Holy Trinity Church, in Darlington, to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
It was all going so well until the industrial dish-washer in Walkington House community centre burst into life, and started making a noise like a jumbo jet taking off, while two women battled with the controls.
For the record, the dishes are good as new – and a great charity has £500 in the kitty.
FINALLY, I'm relieved to report that I survived being the knife-thrower's target at the Darlington Magic Circle's Easter Show.
I can honestly say it was the scariest experience I've had since my vasectomy.
Circle president, Ian Wragg, has promised "something even better" next year.
Shame – I think I'm away for Easter 2020.


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Sophomore Business Trip Selection
The Upper Perkiomen Chamber of Commerce along with UPHS coordinates business tours for the entire sophomore class. Each student will visit two different businesses on one day. This year the tours will take place on March 13, 14, 15. Students normally leave for the tours approximately around 8 am and return about 12:15 pm.
When they return they will complete a survey through Naviance and go to last lunch.
The UP Chamber of Commerce will be giving a brief presentation prior to your selection during x-period on Wednesday, February 21. You will be selecting your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice based on your career interest. All sophomores including those attending Western Center are required to attend this meeting and must bring your laptops.
The UP Chamber of Commerce is asking you to take a few minutes prior to the meeting to view the companies websites -
Artisan Display, Inc.
Bless Precision
Blommer Chocolate Company
Bracalante Manufacturing Tour
Good Shepard Rehabilitation Network
Knoll, Inc.
Midgard, Inc.
QNB Bank
St. Luke's Hospital - Quakertown
Stauffer Glove & Safety, Inc.
US Tape, Inc.
Please check out these companies prior to your selection and click here to make you selections.


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My brother showed me a small metal disc–a "slug," he called it–when I was in the fifth grade. He'd begun traveling to Manhattan to sporadically attend Stuyvesant High School, and brought back to our little aluminum-sided house in Flushing all manner of illicit, strange materials. "You use this to get on the subway," my brother explained, and in a rare gesture of kindness, he allowed me to briefly handle the strange object. It was flat and round and looked like gunmetal. The edges were a little ragged, as if it had been hastily cut from a longer cylinder of this alloy, which may very well have been true. The implications were fascinating: this meant that there was an effort by an unknown number of people in an undisclosed location to fabricate counterfeit subway tokens. Where were they dispensed? What did they cost? Or were they given out for free, a subversive attempt by some anarchist group to undermine the Transit Authority? How was it determined that this slug would work? I imagined hundreds of people arrested for slipping aluminum can tabs and Canadian nickels into the subway turnstiles, to ultimately arrive at the conclusion that this miraculous material would do the trick. While these thoughts turned over in my fifth grade brain, my brother snatched back the slug and retreated into his darkened bedroom. Any discussion I might have wanted to have about this counterfeit token was preemptively concluded.
Things have changed in the New York City subway over the last quarter century. For one thing, subway tokens do not exist. They were slowly phased out in the late 90s for the slimmer and less intriguing MetroCard, a payment system where you fill a card with money and then swipe it at turnstiles' electronic readers until it is bankrupt. It is, by and large, a better system than the subway token, particularly since it has allowed for unlimited weekly and monthly passes. Yet the disappearance of the token is a social loss, another case where the need to interact with each other is replaced by automation and self-involvement. My MetroCard isn't handled by hundreds and thousands of people before being slipped into my pocket, it's die-cut by a machine and shrink-wrapped specially for the mechanical dispensers which issue each card individually through an exactly-measured slot. I can't give someone else a fare off of it without screwing my own entrance into the subway, there's no evidence of this MetroCard's past users for me to examine. It's a perfectly useful, sterile, disposable item, worth no more scrutiny than a movie ticket or instructions on the back of a shampoo bottle. It's a symbol for the modern New York City subway: almost all stainless steel cars with their respective lines displayed in brilliant, red LED lights visible from the last station. A computer-generated female voice announces the station location and possible subway transfers, followed by a booming male voice admonishing you to STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS. Subway mezzanines are adorned with sanctioned sculptures and mosaic tile pieces of New Year's Eve revelers and students and commuters and every kind of person or dream-thing that might wander into a subway station except for MTA employees. They're a necessary evil, the men behind the curtain that keep the Wizard of Oz afloat.
The first time I made a foray into Manhattan without the guidance of my parents, I was ten years old. My friend Brian convinced me that riding the subway into the city would be a kick. Heavily into trains and roller coasters, Brian would draw elaborate track systems, complete with switches and crossings, in number two pencil on scratch paper. I agreed to go along for lack of anything better to do, and because we'd already successfully navigated an adult-free trip to the Bronx Zoo on the Q44 bus. We walked to Main Street and got on the 7 train to Times Square, where, Brian explained, we would transfer to an uptown train and check out the Museum of Natural History. I've mentioned before that riding the subway was a scary prospect when I was young, and scarier than the flickering lights and calamitous noise and track fires and stick-up kids was the fact that there was barely any way to tell what the fuck was going on. The maps and windows were covered in graffiti, the public address system unintelligible, and when you finally stepped out onto a train platform and into the station, proceeding onward was like solving a befuddling and very wordy mystery. The mezzanine where the 7 train met the West Side trains was a confluence of signage of every shape and color, in every font and style, each one seeming to describe a different subway system entirely. Interborough Rapid Transit? Downtown IND? Why was there an RR train but no R train? What was an NQ train? I am grateful to this day that Brian knew what train to get on, because had it been left to me, we'd probably still be wandering around those concrete, piss-soaked hallways. Though today, the piss has been largely scrubbed clean.
The New York subway was once a mysterious city within a city, a world with its own economy and social graces, a mash up of different rolling stock and maddening line designations. Part of my youthful perspective was undoubtedly owed to my own naivete; as I struggled to comprehend an adult world, I floundered in grasping the subway, a world which many adults themselves struggled to understand. But the subway was a lot dirtier, a lot less accommodating, it was thronged with confidence men and marks, performers and audiences, the world-weary and those brimming with optimism. The New York City subway is better now, overall, I don't think anyone can deny that. It gets you where you need to go in a reasonably predictable amount of time (except on weekends, when the subway is a fucking mess), it's relatively clean, well-lit, and most of the stations are in good repair. It's a system that a tourist can navigate after getting lost once or twice. But the extinction of the subway token, and it's counterfeit counterpart, was an intangible loss to the subway, a loss which can be sensed all over the island of Manhattan, at least to those who have lived in New York for the last thirty or so years. It's a lack of personality, a deficit in secrecy, a utilitarian drive to make New York City the most visited city in the world. I can understand why that happened and continues to happen. I just wonder what will be worth visiting when every nuance is ultimately stripped away.
Hey, folks: I ripped off two of the pictures used in between the paragraphs of this essay from the NYC Vintage blog, which you should visit here: http://nycvintage.blogspot.com/. It hasn't been updated in a while, but it's still a trove of great information and insight.


text: Blood Region Release New Single and Video for "Waters of Tohtaa" Finnish metal band Blood Region have released a new single turned video titled "Waters of Tohtaa". Check it here: https://youtu.be/ikhz3txi2tU. 2:17 AM Natalie Labels: Blood Region New Single New Song News Videos Waters of Tohtaa Reactions: Share to: Twitter Facebook URL Print Email


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Here are selected September 2010 rulings of the Supreme Court of the Philippines on legal and judicial ethics:
Attorney; mistake binding on client. Petitioner cannot simply harp on the mistakes and negligence of his lawyer allegedly beset with personal problems and emotional depression. The negligence and mistakes of counsel are binding on the client. There are exceptions to this rule, such as when the reckless or gross negligence of counsel deprives the client of due process of law, or when the application of the general rule results in the outright deprivation of one's property or liberty through a technicality. However, in this case, we find no reason to exempt petitioner from the general rule. The admitted inability of his counsel to attend fully and ably to the prosecution of his appeal and other sorts of excuses should have prompted petitioner to be more vigilant in protecting his rights and replace said counsel with a more competent lawyer. Instead, petitioner continued to allow his counsel to represent him on appeal and even up to this Court, apparently in the hope of moving this Court with a fervent plea for relaxation of the rules for reason of petitioner's age and medical condition. Verily, diligence is required not only from lawyers but also from their clients. Gregorio Dimarucot y Garcia vs.. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 183975,September 20, 2010.
Attorney; mistake binding on client. Considering the initial 15-day extension granted by the CA and the injunction under Sec. 4, Rule 43 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure against further extensions "except for the most compelling reason", it was clearly inexcusable for petitioner to expediently plead its counsel's heavy workload as ground for seeking an additional extension of 10 days within which to file its petition for review. To our mind, petitioner would do well to remember that, rather than the low gate to which parties are unreasonably required to stoop, procedural rules are designed for the orderly conduct of proceedings and expeditious settlement of cases in the courts of law. Like all rules, they are required to be followed and utter disregard of the same cannot be expediently rationalized by harping on the policy of liberal construction which was never intended as an unfettered license to disregard the letter of the law or, for that matter, a convenient excuse to substitute substantial compliance for regular adherence thereto. When it comes to compliance with time rules, the Court cannot afford inexcusable delay. J. Tiosejo Investment Corporation vs.. Sps. Benjamin and Eleanor Ang, G.R. No. 174149, September 8, 2010.
Attorney's fees. It is settled that a claim for attorney's fees may be asserted either in the very action in which a lawyer rendered his services or in a separate action. But enforcing it in the main case bodes well as it forestalls multiplicity of suits. The intestate court in this case, therefore, correctly allowed Atty. Siapian to interject his claim for attorney's fees in the estate proceedings against some of the heirs and, after hearing, adjudicate the same on April 3, 1997 with an order for Arturo, et al to pay Atty. Siapian the fees of P3 million due him. Since the award of P3 million in attorney's fees in favor of Atty. Siapian had already become final and executory, the intestate court was within its powers to order the Register of Deeds to annotate his lien on the Estate's titles to its properties. The Estate has no cause for complaint since the lien was neither a claim nor a burden against the Estate itself. It was not enforceable against the Estate but only against Arturo, et al, who constituted the majority of the heirs. Heirs and/or Estate of Atty. Rolando P. Siapian, represented by Susan S. Mendoza vs. Intestate Estate of the Late Eufrocina G. Mackay as represented by Dr. Roderick Mackay, et al., G.R. No. 184799, September 1, 2010.
Court personnel; dishonesty. Dishonesty is defined as "intentionally making a false statement in any material fact, or practicing or attempting to practice any deception of fraud in securing his examination, registration, appointment or promotion." Chulyao employed her sister, Pangowon, to take the July 31, 1988 CSPE conducted in Baguio City for her and in her behalf and claimed the result thereof as her own in her personal data sheet accomplished on April 23, 2007. Dishonesty and falsification are malevolent acts that have no place in the Judiciary. Re: Complaint of the Civil Service Commission vs. Rita S. Chulyao, A.M. No. P-07-2292, September 28, 2010.
Court personnel; dishonesty. Azurin's act of deliberately not registering in the CTRM to hide his habitual tardiness for the third time, which is punishable by dismissal, constitutes dishonesty. Dishonesty refers to a person's "disposition to lie, cheat, deceive, or defraud; untrustworthiness; lack of integrity; lack of honesty, probity or integrity in principle; lack of fairness and straightforwardness; disposition to defraud, deceive or betray." By repeatedly making it appear that he has consistently rendered a full day's service, when he had actually been tardy, Azurin defrauded the public and betrayed the trust reposed in him as an employee of the highest Court. Azurin's dishonesty definitely falls short of the strict standards required of every court employee, that is, to be an example of integrity, uprightness and honesty. Re: failure of various employees to register their time of arrival and/or departure from office in the chronolog machine, A.M. No. 2005-21-SC, September 28, 2010.
Court personnel; grave misconduct. There is no doubt that Padillo received from Escalona P20,000 purportedly "for fiscal & judge" and "for warrant officer" and this amount was "intended to facilitate" the case against Dalit. Section 2, Canon 1 of the Code of Conduct of Court Personnel provides that "(C)ourt personnel shall not solicit or accept any gift, favor or benefit based on any explicit or implicit understanding that such gift, favor or benefit shall influence their official actions." Lourdes S. Escalona vs. Consolacion S. Padilla, A.M. No. P-10-2785, September 21, 2010.
Court personnel; simple misconduct. This Court cannot tolerate misconduct on the part of its employees. The reported exchanges between Bunao and Wee in the court premises, and in the presence of Judge Mendrado V. Corpuz and Assistant Prosecutor Alfredo A. Balajo, Jr., is disgraceful behavior. Shouting at each other within the court premises exhibits discourtesy and disrespect not only towards co-workers but to the court as well. The conduct and behavior of every official and employee of an agency involved in the administration of justice, from the presiding judge to the most junior clerk, should be circumscribed with the heavy burden of responsibility. Their conduct must at all times be characterized by strict propriety and decorum so as to earn and keep the public's respect for the judiciary. This standard is applied with respect to a court employee's dealings not only with the public but also with his or her co-workers in the service. Tanching L. Wee, etc., et al. vs. Virgilio T. Bunao, Jr., etc / Virgilio T. Bunao, Jr., etc. vs. Tanching L. Wee, etc., A.M. No. P-08-2487/A.M. No. P-08-2493, September 29, 2010.
Court personnel; violation of office rules and regulations. Considering the various justifications proffered by respondent employees for failure to register their time of arrival and departure in the CTRM (for example, [1] domestic and office concerns, [2] long travel time, [3] forgetfulness, and [4] malfunctioning CTRM), the Court finds no error in the recommendation of the OAS finding them guilty of Violation of Reasonable Office Rules and Regulations, more specifically Administrative Circular No. 36-2001. As stated by the OAS, "rules and regulations are [issued] to attain harmony, smooth operation, maximize efficiency and productivity, with the ultimate objective of realizing the functions of particular offices and agencies of the government." Thus, any breach of such rules and regulations cannot be countenanced. Re: failure of various employees to register their time of arrival and/or departure from office in the chronolog machine, A.M. No. 2005-21-SC, September 28, 2010.
Judge; grave misconduct. [N]o judge has a right to solicit sexual favors from a party litigant even from a woman of loose morals. In Tan v. Pacuribot, this Court further stressed: We have repeatedly reminded members of the Judiciary to so conduct themselves as to be beyond reproach and suspicion, and to be free from any appearance of impropriety in their personal behavior, not only in the discharge of their official duties but also in their everyday lives. For no position exacts a greater demand on the moral righteousness and uprightness of an individual than a seat in the Judiciary. Judges are mandated to maintain good moral character and are at all times expected to observe irreproachable behavior so as not to outrage public decency. Susan O. Reyes vs. Judge Manuel N. Duque, A.M. No. RTJ-08-2136,September 21, 2010.
Judges; inhibition. The mere imputation of bias or partiality is not enough ground for inhibition, especially when the charge is without basis. Extrinsic evidence must further be presented to establish bias, bad faith, malice, or corrupt purpose, in addition to palpable error which may be inferred from the decision or order itself. This Court has to be shown acts or conduct of the judge clearly indicative of arbitrariness or prejudice before the latter can be branded the stigma of being biased or partial. BGen. (Ret.) Jose S. Ramiscal, Jr. vs. Hon. Jose R. Hernandez, G.R. Nos. 173057-74, September 20, 2010.
Judge; undue delay in rendering decision. Respondent indeed gave the defense ten (10) days to submit its reply to the prosecution's comment on the motion for reconsideration and, thereafter, she would resolve all pending incidents in said consolidated cases. The reglementary period to resolve the motion in question began to run from February 8, 2009 or after the lapse of ten days from January 29, 2009. Respondent, however, did not act on the matter and allowed a hiatus in the consolidated criminal cases. A judge cannot choose to prolong the period for resolving pending incidents and deciding cases beyond the period authorized by law. Let it be underscored that it is the sworn duty of judges to administer justice without undue delay under the time-honored precept that justice delayed is justice denied. Judges should act with dispatch in resolving pending incidents, so as not to frustrate and delay the satisfaction of a judgment. Judge Adoracion G. Angeles vs. Judge Maria Elisa Sempio Diy, A.M. No. RTJ-10-2248, September 29, 2010.
Motion for reconsideration; second motion for reconsideration. While as a general rule the Court does not give due course to second motions for reconsideration, this is not without exceptions, as when there is an extraordinarily persuasive reason and after an express leave has been obtained, both of which are present in this case. In denying respondent's first motion for partial reconsideration, the Court applied the ruling in Office of the Court Administrator v. Judge Delia H. Panganiban where it was held that a Judge's unblemished record will not justify her lapses. However, as correctly pointed out by respondent in her second motion for partial reconsideration, said case should not have been applied, as it presupposes that respondent indeed committed lapses which her long service and unblemished reputation would not justify while she has always maintained that she had not committed the act complained of, that is, the non-filing of the leaves of absence for May 3 and August 3, 2005 because she did not have to. Indeed, if respondent committed no lapse or violation, then the Court's denial of her first motion for partial reconsideration on the basis of the Panganiban decision deserves to be reviewed. Sr. State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco vs. Hon. Adoracion G. Angeles, A.M. OCA IPI No. 05-2353-RTJ, September 6, 2010.
(Mon thanks Barbara Anne A. Gandionco for her help in preparing this post.)


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1980 Mike Eruzione Miracle On Ice™ Caricature Tee
The Story
In the 1980s and 1990s, sports fans couldn't get enough of sports caricature t-shirts, which depicted famous professional athletes of the era in a lighthearted and appealing way.
In recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the Miracle On Ice, Streaker Sports has created caricature t-shirts of two of the heroes of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team, Mike Eruzione and Jim Craig, that are true to the look of the early 1980s era.
Streaker Sports teamed up with artist Allen Mudgett a.k.a Mudge who got his big break in the 80s and 90s for his athlete caricature art that he produced for the now defunct Salem Sportswear brand.
Our signature tee was crafted with the intention of being the softest shirt in your lineup. Made with a blend of fabrics including high quality combed and ring spun cotton, our tee is cut for a modern fit and printed with ink that actually blends into the fabric and softens with every wash.
- Vintage Athletic Grey
- 90% Cotton / 10% Poly Blend
- Vintage Wash
- Printed in New York


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Z.501 Gabbiano
|Cantiere Navale Triestino
|Primary Role
|Maiden Flight
|1 January 1934
Contributor: C. Peter Chen
ww2dbaseThe Z.501 Gabbiano ("Gull") single-engined flying boats were designed by Italian engineer Filippo Zappata, his first after joining Cantiere Navale Triestino after his return from the French firm Blériot. The aircraft had very slim fuselages and high parasol wings which housed the engine nacelles. The construction was mostly wooden. On 19 to 20 May 1934, a pre-production Z.501 Gabbiano aircraft established a new seaplane flight distance record of 4,130-km flying from Monfalcone, Italy to Massawa, Eritrea in 26 hours and 35 minutes. After that record was broken by a French aircraft one month later, on 16 Jul another attempt was made, and it broke the record again by a flight to Berbera, Somaliland in 25 hours. Production of the Z.501 Gabbiano aircraft began in 1935.
ww2dbaseWith the Italian military service, Z.501 Gabbiano aircraft were modified with machine gun turrets and reinforced airframes. To compensate for the added weight of the military equipment, 880-hp engines were used instead of the original 750-hp engines. A few were sent to Spain for use during the Spanish Civil War, but most remained in Italy. A number were exported to the Romanian military. Pilots reported that the aircraft were easy to fly, but the wooden fuselages were susceptible to break-ups in rough seas.
ww2dbaseBy the time Italy entered WW2 in 1940, 202 Z.501 Gabbiano aircraft were in service in 15 squadrons, and their primary functions were maritime patrol/reconnaissance and air-sea rescue. They proved to be ineffective in military use, however. By the end of 1940, a stunning 62 aircraft were lost as they were too slow and difficult to maneuver, therefore extremely vulnerable to hostile fighters. Nevertheless, new orders to replace the destroyed units were made largely to fulfill Italy's need for aircraft. By the end of 1941, 100 Z.501 Gabbiano aircraft were in service in 15 squadrons; by mid-1942, 108 aircraft were in service in 11 squadrons; by end of 1942, 199 were in service (though only 88 were operational); at the time of the Italian Armistice in Sep 1943, 84 were in service in 3 squadrons (only 40 were operational). In addition to patrol/reconnaissance and air-sea rescue duties, they were also sometimes anti-submarine aircraft; during WW2, they were credited with destroying about six British submarines.
ww2dbaseDuring the design's production life, 218 units were built by Cantiere Navale Triestino and 236 were built by Aeronautica Sicula. The last of the Z.501 Gabbiano aircraft were retired from service in 1950.
ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia.
Last Major Revision: Jan 2008
Z.501 Gabbiano
|One Isotta Fraschini Asso XI RC2C.15 liquid-cooled V12 engine rated at 880hp
|2x or 3x7.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, 640kg of bombs externally
|22.50 m
|14.30 m
|4.40 m
|Wing Area
|62.00 m²
|Weight, Empty
|3,850 kg
|Weight, Maximum
|7,050 kg
|Speed, Maximum
|245 km/h
|Speed, Cruising
|200 km/h
|Service Ceiling
|7,000 m
|Range, Normal
|2,400 km
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Thomas Dodd, late 1945


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Hours: M-F 9:00AM - 10:00PM
Sat and Sun 10:00AM - 6:00PM
We sell and install DISH and dishNET internet in your home or business. Call us now to learn more about all of the great products that we have to offer.
Dish Satellite TV
3600 Parkway LN
Hilliard, OH 43026
Phone: 614-541-2151


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The American Association of Airport Executives, in cooperation with the law firm of Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP and the International Municipal Lawyers Association, is pleased to present the newly reformatted Airport Law Workshop.
The Workshop has long been regarded as the premier conference for both new and experienced lawyers (and those who need to understand airport law) to learn from experts the fundamental legal principles that underlie virtually all aspects of airport operations and development. This workshop is the only conference that combines a thorough review of the basics of airport law with an update on recent legal developments. Conducted in an interactive classroom format, the instructors are government attorneys from DOT, FAA, and TSA, as well as seasoned practitioners with decades of experience and in-depth understanding of the federal laws, regulations, and policies that govern public-use airports. Continuing legal education credits can be sought in most states.
The format of this year's conference differs somewhat from prior conferences, to make it more accessible to both experienced and relatively new practitioners. Based upon feedback from prior conferences, this year's conference has concurrent sessions for basic legal issues and hot topics for participants who already understand the basics. This will make it easier for participants to select the sessions based upon their own personal knowledge of the issues.
The Workshop is taught in plain English and is not limited to lawyers. While more than half of the attendees are lawyers, participants always include those involved in airport administration, operations, planning, finance, property, environmental management, or security. Senior airport managers and commissioners or board members attend as well. Attendees often have commented that the networking opportunities are one of the most valuable elements of the conference, and this year's conference incorporates more opportunities for participants to learn from each other.
One of the most valuable benefits of the workshop is that all attendees receive the Airport Law Desk Reference, a comprehensive, user-friendly resource book that is annually updated for this conference. Past attendees have reported that this book is kept as a well-used reference on their desks.
The workshop is one of a kind. Don't miss your chance to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable insight and information that you can put to use immediately. All participants will receive the Airport Law Desk Reference to take home.
Code of Conduct


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News Release
SIU Investigates Death in Toronto
Case Number: 11-TCD-267
Other News Releases Related to Case 11-TCD-267
Witness Assistance
On December 28, 2011, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) contacted the SIU and reported the following;
- Sometime around 3:50 p.m. this date, TPS officers responded to the Rosedale Bridge over the Bloor viaduct to speak with a male.
- While the officers were attempting to speak with the male, he fell from the bridge.
- The male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The SIU has assigned six investigators and two forensic investigators to probe the circumstances of this incident.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact the lead investigator at 416-641-1872 or 1-800-787-8529 extension 1872.
The SIU is an arm's length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid
- report the results of any investigations to the Attorney General.
Telephone/No de téléphone: 416-622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529 extension 2342


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end of a summer, end of an era
It's late september and that means it's nearing the end of a summer and the end of an era. The footage in this short video—of miscellanea from September—represents the last regular usage of my Flip camera. It's been just over a year of having that Flip virtually attached to my hand—the Year of the Flip . . .
To my Flip: you've served me well, oh you trusty work horse. Your "making a lot with a little" attitude and pop art sensibilities will never be matched and you'll always be close to my heart and a part of my arsenal. It's just that, well, now I have a new starter—you may spend more time on the bench now, but when you're sent out to play, it will be when we really need you and you'll have a chance to steal the spotlight!
Ice Cream in Petaluma.
Call of the Wild al fresca in the winery ruins at the Jack London State Park.
at the markets
We're lucky, this summer, to have four farmers markets to attend—the Tuesday evening Plaza market, the Friday morning Depot Park market and the saturday morning markets at the Community Center and the Community Garden.
we heart Sonoma // Farmers Market time again . . .
Local produce, our favorite farmers, warm evening picnics, good friends (Kate!) and clowns . . . who could ask for more? You could—ask for more photos . . . and you'll get them if you click through . . . !


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Cine Spot - Charlie's Angels
ABC is the most popular TV station in the US and we must say that's a media brand. So the mega tv brand decided to bring out from their video archive 70's TV series Charlie's Angels, produced by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg.
2011 version's action takes place in Miami where three ex-bad girls are earning their wings by busting the really bad guys. The new version is produced by Leonard Goldberg and Drew Barrymore. Smallville's Alfred Gough and Miles Millar re-edit '70's smashhit series with more action, more eye-candy and more heart than ever before. more details here
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|April 18th, 2010, 06:05 PM
Regular Crew
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Kenilworth, NJ
Posts: 85
Thanks for the information. It's disapointing to find out that there are no XLR inputs. Perhaps, I'm hopeful they find a way to add XLR inputs before the release date. If not, then if whatever extras this camera has over the consumer cams are worthwhile, and assuming it comes out on this side of the Atlantic, I might still consider the cam with an XLR adapter. But, I'll just wait and see until I know more.
|April 18th, 2010, 09:19 PM
Inner Circle
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Apple Valley CA
Posts: 4,874
Not likely it has 1/2" sensors, should have the same 1/2.88 (IIRC) or roughly 1/3" EXMOR R, same as the XR500, CX500, and the XR & CX550. Not that it's a bad sensor by any stretch - still a significant step up in performance from the SR series, and keeps up pretty well with the 3 chippers with much bigger glass.
|April 18th, 2010, 11:07 PM
Major Player
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 628
DUH, you are right. I saw the 1/2 and totally ignored the .88. Nevermind, just another camera. Nothing to see here. :)
EX3, Q6600 Quad core PC - Vista 64, Vegas 8.1 64bit, SR11 b-cam
|April 19th, 2010, 08:44 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Malaysia
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Doesn't seem to have XLR connectors ...
|April 23rd, 2010, 06:05 PM
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Location: Kenilworth, NJ
Posts: 85
According to a blogger who was at NAB and saw this camcorder, she said the Sony reps she talked to said that the HXR-MC50 will be at a MSRP of $2,300, but, they expect it will retail at stores between $1,600 and $1,800. I'm now convinced that it will come out on this side of the Atlantic since it's being mentioned on Sony's Video Online Network.
|April 23rd, 2010, 11:21 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Apple Valley CA
Posts: 4,874
I'm sure it will release here, just hasn't shown up yet on the Sony web site. In many ways it makes sense as a small cam for discrete professional shooting, but unless it really has some cool tricks up its sleeve in the firmware, they will have a tough time selling a $1200 cam with a $10 lens hood and a $150 mic/mount for anything close to $2k IMO.
At a minimum, alternate frame rates and maybe a higher bitrate CODEC? Zebras, peaking, gain control (both audio and video)... going to have to have SOMETHING really different to make the camera unique, or people will by the CX550 and tack on a hood and a Rode... like a lot of people already do!
OTOH, I suppose that this camera would serve well handing it to a "novice" and telling 'em to "point it at anything interesting" - you'd still probably get usable footage, and it you hire monkeys, you could pay 'em in bananas... could offset the higher up front cost for news gathering...
|May 18th, 2010, 11:07 AM
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Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
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Price seen to be approx 1,500 USD
Seems that the US price is more gonna be approx 50% more than the consumer version.
Creative Video ( Creative Video Sony HXR-MC50E (HXRMC50E, HXR MC50) compact handheld AVCHD Solid State Camcorder - Includes 2 Year Sony Warranty) is listing a price of 1,558 USD for the european version.
I talked to a Sony rep at NAB. He stated that they are tweeking the firmware, and that was the reason for the lack of specs online. He mentioned cine gamma curves and exposure control.
JOS. Svendsen
|May 18th, 2010, 12:55 PM
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Depending on the firmware "tweaks", this could turn out to be a nice package. With the CX550 selling at $1199, a $400 premium for the pro version with a 2 year warranty/support starts to become an interesting offering. The main outstanding question is exactly what "pro" features will be enabled when the firmware is done "baking"...
|May 18th, 2010, 08:30 PM
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Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Independent gain, iris and shutter speed control as well as better audio control would make it very attractive.
Ron Evans
|May 18th, 2010, 09:17 PM
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,773
European prices are usually more money even before the taxes so I wouldn't be surprised seeing this sell in the US for around $1,400 or less which should help make the XC550v a bit more affordable. That's assuming that place is a reputable dealer.
|May 19th, 2010, 01:57 AM
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,569
As said above, the UK prices will be much higher than the USA ones, even before tax (VAT). A US$2000 camcorder will cost pretty close to UK£2000 here before tax, whereas the exchange rate alone would suggest it should cost £1400.
|May 19th, 2010, 07:28 AM
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Location: Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
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Looking at the by now updated product page, I think it is pretty clear:
As the HVR-HD1000 is to the HDR-HC7/9,
So is the HXR-MC50E to the HDR-CX500/550
Except the HXR-MC50E even looks like they took a HDR-CX550, slapped a lens hood and microphone on, and called it a day. Take those two things off, and to my eye it looks exactly the same!
|May 19th, 2010, 09:33 AM
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Location: Apple Valley CA
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Exchange rates at the moment are in a bit of "flux", so I wouldn't necessarily rely on them for cross currency pricing... things ain't what they were, and they likely won't be tomorrow either!
As far as the changes to the camera, it's obviously based on the CX550V, a darn good small camera very much in the lineage of the HC1/A1U, and I'd argue significantly more useful than the HD1000 (reboxed HC7 guts). Admittedly a lens hood and shotgun mic mount do not a "pro" camera make, but that's where the firmware is going to be the big unanswered question until they finalize it.
Sony (and everyone else for that matter) have the ability to add (or at least provide accessibilty) to many "internal" features, and potentially enable "new" ones via firmware. The A1U had quite a few capabilities the HC1 consumer model did not, and it's been around quite a long time. Logically, this camera will take over that position in the Sony lineup, so it follows that the firmware will be a bit more capable and feature enhanced over the "consumer" version.
There's already been some good guesses here - audio control is a logical capability, "Cine" modes, quite possibly including 24p and 30p would certainly shut up a lot of Sony critics. The ability to more finely control various settings is almost a given. I suspect peaking and zebras could well reappear, or at least they should. Possibly other recording format options, given the prototype carrying an MPEG label rather than AVCHD... We really won't "know" until they firm up the final "firmware".
Whatever the final feature set, if the price isn't too much above the consumer version, it could prove very attractive. Once you know how to operate these little cameras, they can do a whole lot of what a "big" camera can do, and the image that you can acquire is very hard to argue with - for the price, I don't think you'll find a cleaner picture. I'm shooting the predecessors to the CX550 (XR500 and CX500), and am still impressed at how clean and sharp an image these little guys can produce. They are under-rated, and I'm looking forward to the 550 version (hands on, on Friday, with any luck!), and watching for finalized specs to come out on the MC50....
|May 22nd, 2010, 11:37 AM
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Location: Europe
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So Dave did you get the CX550 yet?
Impressions compared to the XR520 etc would be great.
|May 22nd, 2010, 02:17 PM
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Yep - in hand, only briefly played with, but so far, like it very much, will do a little "review" after I've had a bit more time with it. These are "first impressions"
Definitley has the upgraded OIS, maybe even a bit better than the CX500/520, which have significantly improved control of the "roll" axis.
Repro'd the infamous "blue dot", it's lens flare, have to see about calculating how much hodd it will take to prevent it, but zooming in a bit took care of it as well.
Liking the wide lens, long ends seems to be OK, need to do some shooting to see what the final verdict is.
It's lighter than the XR500, felt more comfortable to my hand. It's slightly longer with a FV70 battery mounted, about 1/4", but it fits in my hard case with the stock battery (FV50).
The big LCD is really nice, menu system is similar to the CX500/520 (meaning VERY different from the XR500/520). If they were to expand the capability of "my menu" function so you could do 2-3 custom screens, I could see it being possible to have all the adjustments you need on the fly be pretty quick to access... I'd like a crack at the MC50 firmware, could make for a very capable camera.
Overall, I'm pretty impressed, don't see any major "gotchas" so far, the VF is tiny, but would do in a pinch, tripod mount placement is a bit odd - very "forward" and offset (seems to be a trend in Sony cameras this year, my HX5V has HORRIBLE tripod socket placement) everything else seems well laid out, no zebras or peaking, but focus is significantly improved in speed.
That's a long "first take", but hoepfully I can add more, or if you have specific questions
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The Ross High Rugby and Merewether HS 7's squads at Murrayfield. With Wilson ROss in charge.
Merewether turn over the ball and turn defence into attack.
Murrayfield acknowledges the lads
Why forwards play rugby.
Andrew follows up Big Tams run with one of his own.
TIGHTS! In rugby? It was not that cold.
Merewether High School prepare to leave Ross High.
The 2009 Ross High Rugby Squad


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Earthquakes & Survival Supplies
California residents are used to the duck and cover rhetoric and are probably conditioned on what to do during an earthquake. For the rest of us, ahem, New Madrid fault line, who are not accustomed to quakes. . .if you're not around tall buildings, it's best to get outside of your domicile if you can do so safely and get away from buildings into the open. If you're stuck inside, head for a door frame to stand under, or find a heavy duty piece of furniture like a sturdy dining table to get under. Stay away from windows, glass, bookshelves, or anything else that might shatter and/or fall on you.
Once the shaking has stopped, it's a good idea to smell for leaking gas and have a utility shut-off wrench on hand so that you can shut off gas flow to your own home if you're smelling a leak.
Most of the time, thankfully, earthquakes cause little or no damage. If one were to damage your home severly, however, where would you go? Spend hundreds or thousands on a hotel for weeks or longer? If a friendly relative or even neighbor doesn't mind putting you up, that's great, but that situation can get very tense for everyone very quickly. If you have the means, consider a camping trailer or even RV as a back up "home" for emergencies. If you don't have the means for a camper, a simple tent and camping supplies can keep you more comfortable immediately after losing your home -- at least until you figure something out.
Food / Water.
There's the trend. It always comes back to food and water.
It's great to have bottled water on hand. It's great for short term planning, as well as for morale boosting and stress reliever in a long term scenario. However, bottles of water run out quickly. We need a way to procure water anywhere, anytime. A simple LifeStraw or kitchen-use Berkey water filter allow you to have water no matter what. You can stand in line for hours to have a few bottles of water, or you can store some ahead of time and get a water filter to produce hundreds of gallons yourself.
Again, most quakes are not doomsday events. Locals are used to the drill and usually can step up. Supplies are usually distributed effectively on a local basis and this is usually a localized disaster. Food supply will likely not be interrupted, nor will water.
So with earthquakes you usually will want supplies for immediate relief. Think about storing your quake kit (with extra clothes) somewhere out of your area (2-3 hours), preferably at the relative or friend's house where you plan to go if you're homeless temporarily.
On that note, is your gas tank full or do you run it on fumes regularly? Have an emergency supply of 20 gallons which should be enough to get you to your backup location and supplies.
Get your doom fix here. Worldwide quakes would overwhelm services. Most hospitals are running at or close to full capacity on a daily basis under normal everyday conditions. Medical attention would be nearly impossible to get during a nationwide or world wide emergency. You're on your own.
In the megaquake scenario food supplies WILL be interrupted. Water supply WILL be interrupted. Anything that is frequently delivered will not be delivered. That means gas. Everyone will be confused and dazed.
During hurricane Katrina, looting ensued, many police and EMS decided to stay with their families. When local services failed to provide direction, help, and food and water were not handed out, people took it upon themselves to survive by any means necessary. If it looks like services are overwhelmed, you've now got personal security issues to worry about. Assess the situation. Does it look like a temporary condition, or is this not going to be cleaned up any time soon?
Decide whether to stay in your area/home and try to disappear, or whether to get out of town.
The universe is capable of slamming Earth back into the stone ages at ANY time. It's hard, even for me, to imagine world wide quakes that would decimate all population centers. . .but anything is possible.
Quakes, for me, are a quick temporary issue similar to power outages. If you are worried about the "big one" though, massive decimation would certainly lead (eventually) to a loss of emergency services, social unrest, and interruption of supplies. The good news is that food could still be mass produced most likely, although transporting it anywhere might be impossible. Infrastructure such as roads and bridges may be destroyed, making the disaster felt far away from the epicenter(s) due to supply corridors being closed.


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November 14, 2018
Yesterday was a very sad day and a lot of tears were shed over poor Lomax. The vet was coming to put the old horse, Sovereign, to sleep. He had been on loan as a companion for Talisman for the last few months but at 36 (which is an exceptional age for a horse) he … More Inconsolable