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Welcome to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Preschool & Infant Center!
Developing the WHOLE child is our goal here at Mt. Calvary Preschool and Infant Center. To reach this standard, we foster growth through social and emotional development, cognitive development, creative development, physical development, and spiritual growth and development.
Our well-trained teachers will facilitate your child's growth through age-appropriate enrichment activities including religion, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, fine arts, physical education, music, and self-developing centers. All while keeping Christ at the core of our day. In addition to our fun-filled curriculum, our preschool offers various extracurricular classes including dance class, piano class, and sports class.
Our center is well equipped with the necessary tools and space that deem a preschool successful: a newly renovated infant center including a separate play yard, three spacious classrooms for ages 2-5, a daily sanitized restroom, large playground with latching gates and a large shade awning.
At the center of a successful program lies nurturing, dedicated, hardworking teachers. Our teachers are well equipped with the knowledge, patience, and reliability that is required of a qualified preschool teacher. With the required education, certifications, and CPR/First Aid training, parents can rest assured that their precious little ones are in great hands.
We look forward to you stopping by our preschool to see for yourself what has helped our school thrive for the past 40 years. I pray you to consider Mt. Calvary Lutheran Preschool and Infant Center as the first stepping stone in your child's lifelong learning.
Georgette Delgado | Preschool Director
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
Your child is a precious creation of God. We are here to support your family as we nurture, love, teach, and care for your unique child.
A child's "play" is how a young child learns. A child learns by touching and doing and being involved.
- Spiritual Growth – To know Jesus and His love.
- Social Growth – To encourage each child to think and act for themselves and to live in harmony with others.
- Emotional Growth – To develop a positive self-image and express feelings in a socially acceptable manner.
- Physical Growth – To grow and develop small and large muscles through physical activities.
- Cognitive Growth – To provide challenges at the child's level without pressure or fear of failure.


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Fine Art & Collectibles Sculptor Mark Newman is our guest Instructor for 2 Workshops MARCH 2nd-3rd, & 16th-20th SOLD OUT
World class sculptor Mark Newman, joins fellow Collectible & VFX Artist Jon Neill, for mastering miniature head workshops for the Heads & Expression Workshop, AND co-teaching, Level 2 Human Anatomy Workshop joining Digital model Supervisor, Sculptor & Anatomy expert Andrew Cawrse, in teaching arguably one of the best foundational anatomy workshops worldwide This once a year, 5 DAY workshop is not to be missed ... more information >
Art worlds. He graduated from the Academy of Art university with a Degree in Illustration and started work immediately sculpting and prototyping for 'Collectibles' companies, including work for clients such as Bowen Designs, Department 56, Hallmark, Sideshow Collectibles, Lenox Inc, and Lead sculptor on the collectible line "Ebony visions".
Mark also has a distinguished career designing and sculpting for Special FX and video game companies, including Dreamworks, Electronic Arts, Tony McVey, and Tippett Studios. Mark is also one of the few artists who has a successful fine art career as well as his commercial work.
click here for more artwork >

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An All-New Series of Products for Global Renewable Energy Applications
ARLINGTON, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OutBack Power, a leader in off-grid and Grid/Hybrid power conversion electronics and systems for renewable and other energy applications, today announced the introduction of SmartHarvest by OutBack Power, a new series of products engineered to deliver optimum renewable energy harvesting with exceptional value and simplicity, and one designed to bring OutBack performance to a broader range of international users whose need for electricity can be met most cleanly and economically through renewable energy sources.
It extends our mix of CE-certified products specifically designed for use in smaller sized off-grid and grid-tied renewable energy applications, and provides system solutions based on OutBack's brand DNA, proven in some of the most demanding renewable energy installations.
SmartHarvest by OutBack Power delivers renewable energy power electronics aimed at meeting growing global demand for value-oriented, low power-range, quality renewable energy system components for applications where maximum energy harvesting efficiency is essential. SmartHarvest Energy's debut will focus on two product categories critical to PV/solar system designers and installers: maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) charge controllers and inverter/chargers.
SmartHarvest's first charge controller (model SCC-20-100 MPPT) is ideal for moderately powered panel installations and incorporates new fast MPPT technology originally pioneered by OutBack Power in its legendary FLEXmax line. The SmartHarvest integrated power inverter/charger, charge controller SPCU 1024 is an extremely innovative product combining a 1 kW inverter, a battery charger and an MPPT charge controller in a single precision chassis. It is an ideal building block for entry-level solar power systems that incorporate energy storage for unreliable or nonexistent grids. The initial three SmartHarvest products will be joined by additional models in the coming months, including a second charge controller, model MPPT SCCM10-75, for lower-powered applications requiring maximum harvesting efficiency, and two pulse-width modulation (PWM) charge controllers, models SCCP10-05- and SCCP05-050, for small systems in areas with consistent solar conditions where economical PWM technology represents the best system investment.
"SmartHarvest by OutBack Power will make more affordable solar energy possible for an extremely wide range of international residential and commercial users," said OutBack Power General Manager Harvey Wilkinson. "It extends our mix of CE-certified products specifically designed for use in smaller sized off-grid and grid-tied renewable energy applications, and provides system solutions based on OutBack's brand DNA, proven in some of the most demanding renewable energy installations."
For service and support, SmartHarvest by OutBack will leverage the same global support network for which OutBack Power and the Alpha Group companies are famous. Alpha GmbH covers Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) markets, AIB handles Central and Latin America, Alpha Pty. serves the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands region, and OutBack Power provides service and support in North America.
SmartHarvest by OutBack products will be available for viewing at Intersolar Europe in Munich from June 4 through 6 and again at Intersolar North America in San Francisco from July 8 through 10, 2014. OutBack customers can begin placing orders for the first SmartHarvest products in mid-July, with initial shipments starting in September.
OutBack Power Technologies, a member of The Alpha Group, is the leading designer and manufacturer of advanced power electronics for renewable energy, back-up power and mobile applications. With an emphasis on product performance, OutBack has established itself as the product of choice in harsh environmental conditions and applications where product reliability is paramount. Whether the application is village micro-grids in Africa, rural electrification projects in Latin America, remote off-grid cabins in Alaska, or a suburban home in Southern California, OutBack Power Technologies has set the bar for delivering advanced power conversion electronics, and, with the SmartHarvest Energy series, brings OutBack excellence to a wider range of applications. For more information about OutBack Power Technologies and SmartHarvest by OutBack, please visit www.outbackpower.com.
The Alpha Group represents an alliance of independent companies united by a common goal: the development and manufacture of Total Power Solutions.


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20 with 10 years experience. Proud Aboriginal. World traveler since 1991. Nomad/Backpacker since 2013. I'd rather have little and see the world then have everything and see nothing.
27. World traveler since 2002. Nomad since 2014. Yorkshire born, Yorkshire bred, my small town t'was that I fled, I've got this travel bug stuck in my head. As long there's not a single bug in my bed. I've still got the rest of the World ahead.


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9 thoughts on "There is a reason for the gap between girls & boys in reading acquisition"
The gender gap in literacy acquisition has nothing to do with visual memory. Kids learn to read automatically once they practice writing the alphabet until they can do do fluently (ie, at 40 letters per minute). Girls are easier to get to practice than boys are, and that explains the difference, as we have proved experimentally.
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Posted by Marco Tamase on October 26th, 2012
Posted in: Announcements, NLM Resources
The National Library of Medicine has announced new and redesigned Web sites for the History of Medicine Division (HMD) and its Exhibition Program. The redesigned main site for the History of Medicine Division offers enhanced organization for learning about and using the historical collections and associated programs and resources of the NLM.
The new and redesigned Web sites for the Exhibition Program enable you to discover history and expand your horizons through the sights and sounds of NLM's award-winning exhibitions and displays. Visit the site to book a traveling exhibition or find one on display near you; access lesson plans, games, and other educational resources; or request a tour of onsite exhibitions, including the NLM's newest flagship exhibition, Native Voices: Native Peoples' Concepts of Health and Illness, and the new special display, Pick Your Poison: Intoxicating Pleasures and Medical Prescriptions, featuring items from the NLM's historical collection, as well as the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.
All of these sites offer "Share" features so you can send content to your friends, colleagues or yourself via social bookmarking and networking.


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Revisiting Raja
A year has passed since I completed my Raja Yoga training and what an amazing year it's been. Studying Raja Yoga (the Science of the Mind) has really allowed me to focus on furthering my yoga practice off the mat. There's been a lot of charity work. I've been astounded at how rewarding to my wellbeing this charity work has been and being able to see some of the measurable results of my Karma Yoga practice.
I discovered that practising Karma Yoga (selfless service) and being involved in charity work has really allowed me to focus on leading a more simple life. Each day I'm grateful for the simple things in life, food on the table, a roof over my head, good health and precious times with family and friends.
Revisiting the Raja course a year on was an incredible experience. It allowed me to reflect on my achievements and really understand that opening oneself up to the teachings of Raja Yoga has allowed me to develop my own virtuous qualities that have really brought about the best in me. I will continue with my studies in order to further develop my practice of Jnana Yoga (reflection and self enquiry). I'm really being to feel the subtle and profound results of the teachings of Swami Satchidananda and the Six Branches of Integral Yoga; Hatha, Raja, Karma, Jnana, Bhakti and Japa Yoga.
On the final day of training, I was honoured to be invited to deliver a gong meditation to this lovely group of people and the vibrational energy in the room that day was very special. I wish them all well in their year ahead and hope that with their new found knowledge, their year is amazing too. There is one thing I'm certain of, is that as they continue to grow, I too will continue to grow.
Shanti Sahar
September 2020
What Our Clients Are Saying
"Shanti's approach to wellbeing is wholesome. She takes you on a journey to awaken the body's natural healing potential. You will leave feel centred and blissfull".


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When you hear the word "Revival" what comes to your mind. Here's what I think of . . . five-days . . . Spring and/or Fall . . . Suits . . . "Loud" Preaching . . . Big Tents . . . etc. These thoughts are what I would call misconceptions or wrong ideas about revival. While five-days might be the length of a renewal among God's people, it doesn't have to be just that time frame . . . While it could occur in the Spring and/or Fall, it doesn't have to happen during that time . . . While it used to be a popular thing to meet under a tent, it doesn't have to be in any particular surroundings or environment . . . Preaching doesn't have to be "Loud" . . . etc.
I say these are misconceptions because this is not what makes Revival really a Revival. Revival has no certain place and no certain time. Revival can happen anywhere and anytime. But there are elements that have to be in place. Revival is about the heart of a Christ-follower. That is where "revival" truly begins. Mark Batterson in The Circle Maker speaks about a man by the name of Gypsy Smith.
Rodney "Gypsy" Smith was powerfully used of God preaching to millions as he crisscrossed the Atlantic Ocean forty-five times. He never received a formal education, yet he lectured at Harvard. He grew up in a gypsy camp outside London, yet he was invited to the Whitehouse by two different presidents. Everywhere he went, it seemed like revival was on his heels. Gypsy revealed his secret to a delegation of revival seekers that asked him how they could make a difference with their lives the way he had with his life.
His answer was simple but yet profound. It was as timely and timeless now as it was a hundred years ago. He said if you really want revival and you want to see revival take place this is what you do . . . "Go home. Lock yourself in your room. Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk, draw a circle around yourself. There, on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle." (Mark Batterson in The Circle Maker, p. 215).
By definition, revival means, "bring back to life and to restore." Revival has nothing to with the culture and everything to do with the church. Revival is coming back or waking up. Revival is getting back to the Christian life as it was meant to be lived. Our new series, Code Blue is all about revival and coming back to life within the church. If you have ever watched a medical drama or been in the hospital and heard them say, "Code Blue" it means someone has lost all signs of life and needs to be brought back.
Within the church to be revived is to wake up from a state of sleep. C. S. Lewis once said, "A moderately bad man knows he is not very good. A thoroughly bad man thinks he is all right. . . . You understand sleep when you are awake, not while you are sleeping." In other words, if you think you are a great person with no problems, then you are really more asleep than you realize.
So often what we do is confuse the meaning of revival and awakening. America does indeed need an awakening, but the church does indeed needs a revival. We often use the words revival and awakening interchangeably, but there is a distinction. An awakening is when a nation comes alive spiritually, sees its need for God, and turns to Him. A revival is when God's people come back to life again. Today we are talking about The Beginning Of Revival. Our Big Idea for this series is . . . Revival inside the church brings awakening outside in the culture.
Revival is when God gets so sick and tired of being misrepresented that he shows up Himself. But it has to start with us being broken over our sin, broken over the conditions of the world and the church and falling down in repentance begging God to work in us and through us. True, genuine revival happens within that circle. If you and I are willing to stand before God, draw that circle, stand in that circle and pray for revival to begin within that circle, revival will break out within the church and there will be an awakening within the culture.
To "set the stage" for this new series, Code Blue I want us to look at one of the greatest revivals and awakenings that has ever happened in the Bible. If you have your Bible, turn with me to the small book of Jonah. The book of Jonah is a very small book in the Old Testament in a section of God's Word known as the minor prophets. It is not put there because what happened during that time or what they had to say was not as important as the others but that their content is shorter. Very important message but less words than the major prophets.
The book of Jonah could be summed up like this . . . God said "Go," but Jonah said "No," and God said "Oh?" Jonah reluctantly obeyed and a great revival broke out in Nineveh. It took God longer to prepare His servant and get him to obey His call than it did for the entire godless city of Nineveh to repent. Things haven't changed much. They are still pretty much the same. It still takes longer to get Christians motivated to share the gospel than for sinners to repent.
God's call for revival will always come because God wants what is best and right for us. But sometimes when we are confronted with drawing that circle and getting inside that circle we run away from it. Our posture to God's call will be determined by our position. Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me." 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:1-3).
The ancient city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which was the superpower of that day. The population of Nineveh was around 1 million, about the size of San Francisco. It was a very big city for ancient times. The Ninevites lived large, driving the best chariots and enjoying the finest food and the most exotic entertainment. They had a business and commercial system like none in the world.
But the Ninevites were really cruel people and were known for their savagery. When the Ninevites would conquer a nation, they often would torture their prisoners before they executed them. Rather than hide their depravity, they celebrated it and proclaimed it. They even built monuments to their own cruelty. So Jonah really did not like the Ninevites. And knowing God like he knew God, Jonah knew if these people repented God would forgive. So rather than being rid of an archenemy, they would still be around to haunt and torture them.
Jonah's attitude was like, "This entire nation is my enemy and they are so cruel and wicked they deserved to be destroyed. It serves them right to be punished. They don't deserve to be forgiven and honestly I don't want them to be spared God's punishment." Because Jonah was not in the right place in his heart. When your heart is not in the right place your feet will run away. When your heart is not right your feet will run! He ran from God's call to be His messenger to the city of Nineveh. Rather than going to Nineveh, he went in the totally opposite direction to Tarshish as it says, 3 So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:3).
Before you are quick to jump on Jonah you need to ask yourself, "Have I ever tried to run from God and His will for my life?" We did establish that the Ninevites were the enemies of Jonah and all the Jews. They were the Nazis and al Qaeda of their day. Asking Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach would be like taking a Jew living in Germany during Hitler's tyranny to go to Berlin and preach to the Nazis. Or, going to an Israeli today and asking him to go preach to the nation of Iran because God is going to judge them if he doesn't. So, "Have you ever tried to run from God and His will for your life?"
What Jonah figured out on the ship is you can't outrun God. No matter how much you don't want to get in that circle, God will not give up. What he realized was that When your position is not right God will continue to pursue you. When you are running from God it will be obvious to you that God is pursuing you. 11 For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. 12 He said to them, "Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you." (Jonah 1:11-12). There had been storms on the sea. It probably was not uncommon to have storms but with this one they all knew something was different. When confronted by it, Jonah even admitted he knew why it was happening.
So here Jonah's situation goes from bad to worse and probably to the worst of the worst. God will sometimes use a situation to put you in the right place. 17 And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17). What happened here is for the first time ever, rather than man eating fish the fish ate the man. He has gone from running, to the ship, to the sea and now to the belly of a fish.
You notice that in the story of Jonah this is the first time where he actually prays and cries out to God. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, (Jonah 2:1). He has hit a low and God is using the belly of the fish to get his attention. Some people might say, "If I was in the belly of a fish, I think I would be crying out to God and I think that would get my attention." My question is, "Why does it have to be the belly of a fish?" There are some things that happen in life that God can and will use to put us in right relationship with Him and to bring Him glory and we can sometimes just miss it.
It could be as simple as an encounter with somebody . . . It could be a common life occurrence or situation . . . Or, it could be a tragedy that wakes us up to the reality of who God is and what He can and wants to be in your life. What we have seen in recent days is the eternal impression my niece, Mackenzie has left on all of us, this community and beyond. We have seen many people realize they didn't know Jesus as their Savior and become a Christ-follower . . . We have seen many people say they were not where they need to be spiritually but they have been very challenged and convicted to change all that.
What about you? Has there been a "fish belly moment" for you lately? Have you had an encounter with somebody that looking back was God's way of reaching out to you. Have you had a common life occurrence or situation happen to you that caused you to question where you are? More specifically, has the tragic death of Mackenzie and her legacy of a life lived "worthy of the gospel" gotten your attention?
Whatever it is we know something for sure . . . God keeps pursuing you because He loves you. God never lets up and never relents in His pursuit of you because He cares about you, He loves you and He wants you to pursue His plan for your life. Whenever and wherever you cry out to God He hears you. God always responds when you reach out to Him. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying, "I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. (Jonah 2:1-2).
It doesn't matter where you have been or where you are. When you cry out to God He hears you. It doesn't matter what you have done or are doing. When you cry out to God He hears you. God always wants to redeem your past and reclaim you for the future! If you have been running from God, stop running and cry out to Him. If you have been a life that is not honoring to God . . . STOP IT! Let today be the day that you begin fresh and new. Draw your circle! Jump into that circle and cry out to God!
Everybody bow your heads with me for a moment. If you know you need Jesus in your life to be your Savior cry out to Him. Say this with me, "Jesus, I know I am a sinner in need of a Savior and I am sorry for my sin. Right now I surrender all that I am and all that I will ever be to You. Come into my life and be my Lord and my Savior. I am beginning today as a brand new creation in Jesus. I am a believer in Jesus Christ and from now on Jesus, I am living for you."
If you are someone who would say that you have been a Christian but you have been running from God and living a life that is not "worthy of the gospel" cry out to Him right now. Say this with me, "Jesus, I am so tired of running. I don't want to run from You anymore. I want to run into Your arms. Jesus, I am tired of living a life that is not honoring to You. I now want to live my life to honor You and glorify You.
When you came in you received a bracelet that says, "Revive Me Lord." Throughout this series I want all of us to wear this and pray this prayer everyday . . . "Revive Me Lord." "Draw your circle" and pray, "Revive Me Lord. Begin a revival and let it begin with me!"


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Ad and marketing creatives
Red Pen Diaries: Semicolons Are Not Just for Winking
Admit it — you're afraid of semicolons.
Lots of folks, even professional writers, will cop to this phobia. No fear? Prove it (or engage in a little immersion therapy) by reviewing the following pairs of independent clauses and identifying the ones that would be better served by a semicolon than the period you see there now.
A. The milkweeds clearly needed watering. Their leaves were drooping in the blistering midday sun.
B. The hillside landscape glows rose-gold. The hummingbirds dart hither and yon among the pitcher sage.
C. The adolescent red-tailed hawk couldn't quite get his lines right. Instead of the piercing, high-lonesome cry heard in so many Westerns, all he managed was a squawk.
D. I saw a cat on the driveway devouring a lizard, the reptile's lower half contorting in protest as it disappeared between the predator's jaws. I recall there being a cat in our neighbor's house when we gave him his mail, but I couldn't be certain this was the one.
E. The Plumeria flower has a delicious vanilla-bean aroma. I'd like to make ice cream out of it.
Truth be told, once you understand their appeal, semicolons can be addictive. I frequently lament the lack of a semicolon where I believe the author lost his nerve and settled with the seemingly safer period. Missed semicolon opportunities abound in copywriting, particularly in headlines, even in our own office. Simon will ask me to look at his work and I'll say, "Ooh, that's an ideal spot for a semicolon," and he'll say, "Now, Julia, you know that will confuse the client."
I always relent, but consarnit, I think readers comprehend semicolons on an instinctive level, so I just don't understand why they have to be a sticking point. And since they're frequently ideal for transforming comma splices and run-on sentences into grammatically correct entities — in addition to separating entries in resumes — let's go there.
"There" for me was the Chicago Manual of Style (back when I was in reference publishing), but, God bless it, the Chicago Manual has a five-page main entry and 12 — 12! — subentries ("in elliptical constructions"; "with quotation marks, parentheses, brackets"; "with transitional adverbs" ... ), all manna to us word nerds. But for the sake of you normal people, the ones with lives, we'll consult the AP Stylebook, which devotes approximately half a page to the semicolon. It starts with:"In general, use the semicolon to indicate a greater separation of thought and information than a comma can convey but less than the separation that a period implies." "In general" also happens to be where I'm heading with this, more specifically, "to link independent clauses" (those of you seeking "to clarify a series," etc., may want to see what our pal Grammar Girl has to say on the subject).
The AP continues, "To link independent clauses: Use a semicolon when a coordinating conjunction such as 'and,' 'but' or 'for' is not present: 'The package was due last week; it arrived today.'"
Another way to think about this is: Does the second independent clause follow hot on the heels of the first? Does the first clause make you expect a second? For instance, if you see "The newsletter wasn't merely informative," you anticipate something like: "it was also wildly entertaining." Here's another example, from the body copy of a Visa Signature print ad. The sentence "Just look in your wallet" — which makes the reader reckon he's about to find out why he should look in his wallet — is connected with a semicolon to "if your card says Visa Signature, you have instant access to dozens of perks ... "
As you may have noticed, you don't begin the sentence following the semicolon with a capital letter (unless the first word after the semicolon is a proper noun). In other words, do not emulate the gang over at Long-Term Care Quote, who (in their "Smart Money Tip" print advertorial) perpetrated this: "Who needs it; How to find the right policy." Who needs that erroneous capital? Not you.
Contrast Visa Signature's confident use of the semicolon with Stella Artois' timid "Of course it tastes better than other beers. We've had over 600 years to get the recipe right." The period between those two independent clauses is certainly adequate, but the semicolon would be more nuanced and, I think, more persuasive. Swap the period for the semicolon and the reader is almost dared not to read on.
It may be useful to reiterate the AP in noting that the semicolon is to the comma as the colon is to the period; both the colon and the period signal "stop," whereas the semicolon and the comma say, "More to come."
See how what followed the semicolon in the sentence above was essentially an explanation, an elaboration, on what preceded it? If so, you likely nailed that little exercise at the top of the page. To find out for sure, relay your answers (or anything else semicolon-related you'd like to share) in the comments below!


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Sunday, September 6, 2009
Teaching Responsiblity with Chores
Please check out our FAQ in the left sidebar.
As parents, when we think of back to school time we often make new goals for our families. It is a good opportunity to define new responsibilities and to give everyone a fresh start. We search for ways to foster independence and to make our homes run more smoothly. Throughout September we will be highlighting a few different aspects of teaching responsibility. This Sunday we are talking about CHORES! Help with chores, when done correctly, makes for happy moms and dads.
As with anything we are hoping to teach our children, assigning chores requires a fair amount of modeling, role playing, step sequencing, and positive reinforcement.
Before assigning chores it is necessary to consider what jobs may or may not be appropriate for your child.
~Mariel at Or So She Says has a post listing age appropriate chores for children.
~Joanne McNulty has put together lists of Appropriate Chores for Children by age. She has a list for 2-4 year olds, 4-7, 8-11, and 11-18.
Family Tips suggests 3 ways to Teach Your Children to Clean.
Goal for It offers free chore charts, however you do need to register to use the site.
Handipoints is a similar service useful for creating free chore charts.
Deck of Chores has come up with a clever card game to make chore time more fun! This game is appropriate for family members of all ages.
The Deck of Chores comes with instructional cards and suggested games, including Parent's Choice and Kid's Choice, however these colorful cards can be used in hundreds of different ways.
Our family has been experimenting with the Deck of Chores cards for about 3 months. Our chore aged children are 5 and 3. At this point we still spend quite a bit of time teaching what it means to do chores correctly. I will often pull out a card a day to display as the chore we will be practicing. Once the kids are successful with that particular chore it is put into the draw pile for more frequent independent use.
I love the size of these sturdy cards. They are large enough to hold the bold graphics that grab the kids attention. They are also easy enough to hold on to without losing. As we've used them we've found large wooden clips to hold the kid's "hand" while they are in play. However, I think it would be fantastic if Deck of Chores would market a clip of some sort that matches the cards to sell with the deck. Just an idea...
The suits on the cards are familiar as they are the same seen on a regular deck of cards, yet each of the 52 cards is accompanied by the name of a chore and a visual representation of that chore. After a brief introduction, even my three year old can easily identify which job she has been assigned based on the pictures.
Most of the suggested games encourage you to record your child's progress on a chore chart. You may want to reference the free services listed above or design your own.
Interested in hearing a sample game?
Game Option #1 for 2 or more players:
Each player is dealt seven cards. Place the deck down in the middle of the table. Turn over the top card to create a discard pile. During your turn you can discard any cards that match the number or suit of the card facing up. If you don' t have any cards to discard, draw from the deck until you can. The first person to get rid of all their card wins. The people with cards remaining perform the chores shown on their cards.
Thinking back, I sure wish our college sorority house would have had a deck of these cards. It may have saved us time and arguments about which responsibilities belonged to whom and maybe our house would have been clean enough to invite mom and dad in when they came to visit - smiles!!
The Deck of Chores promotes confidence, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment while teaching children the valuable skills necessary for making a home run smoothly.
Deck of Chores is available for purchase in their online store for $14.99 a pack.
Or...you can WIN a deck of your own by entering their giveaway here on ABC & 123!
Choose any (or all) of the following options for entry. Leave a separate comment for each entry.
~Take a look at the Deck of Chores site
~Follow Deck of Chores on Twitter.
~Tweet about this giveaway using @DeckofCards in your text
~Tell us your least favorite household chore or your child's favorite chore
~Explain a game you could envision playing with these cards
~Publicly follow ABC & 123: A Learning Cooperative
This giveaway will close next Sunday, September 13th, at 10:30 PM EST.
The winner will be announced on Monday the 14th!
Good Luck & Happy Cleaning!!!
46 comments:
Checked out the site! (Site could use some work - but don't hold that against me!)ReplyDelete
Already follow! :)ReplyDelete
I hate all chores. There. I said it. Although I don't mind washing dishes or clothes but I hate putting both away!ReplyDelete
Following Deck of Chores via Twitter.ReplyDelete
I checked out the site.ReplyDelete
My least favorite chore is putting away laundry. Emilys favorite chore is helping me empty the dishwasher.ReplyDelete
I am a follower :0)ReplyDelete
I looked at the deck of chores site and think this is the greatest game ever made!ReplyDelete
I am also already a followerReplyDelete
My least favorite chore, by far, is ironing the clothes.ReplyDelete
I checked out the site.ReplyDelete
My least favorite chore is doing the dishes!! I'm not sure my kids have a favorite chore.ReplyDelete
I am now following...ReplyDelete
As for a game, I would probably do a "go fish" kind of game. We would stop when we all have 3 matches. Then, we would go "work".ReplyDelete
Checked out the siteReplyDelete
Chores are the backbone to a family's sanityReplyDelete
I checked out the site. What language is that?ReplyDelete
Let's see... My 4yo's favorite chore is picking up her room (but only so she can get a sticker on her chart.). My 22mo's favorite chore is unloading the clean utensils from the dishwasher.ReplyDelete
I can see us all drawing a card and racing to see who can complete it the fastest!ReplyDelete
I hate to mop.ReplyDelete
I'm a follower of ABC.ReplyDelete
I'm not able to load the site :-(ReplyDelete
The concept looks awesome - I love how the picture shows the action so the littles can "read" their chore!
I follow your site AND I have your button on my blog!ReplyDelete
My 3.5 year old's fav chore is to give the dogs their fresh water each day. She has a special little pitcher that I fill for her so she can pour it into the dog dish by herself. She is very proud of that!ReplyDelete
I checked them outReplyDelete
I follow :-)ReplyDelete
I don't care for any chore-----ReplyDelete
My (little) kids favorite chore is washing dishes---I believe it has something to do with WATER!!ReplyDelete
I am a follower!!!ReplyDelete
checked out the site!ReplyDelete
my least favorite is sweeping!!ReplyDelete
My children love setting the table for dinner.
I envision having scheduled chore times set up during the day...the kids would choose a card from the deck to determine what chore would be done in that time! (I would also probably add to the cards the number of pennies that would be earned for the piggy bank for that chore! My boys love to put pennies in their bank!)ReplyDelete
We just started doing chores. Love that these cards give you a little versitility in what works best for you.ReplyDelete
Least favorite chore is picking up toys.ReplyDelete
Checked out the site!ReplyDelete
I DO NOT like folding and putting clothes away! My son LOVES helping me cook! He's always at my side when I'm cooking and baking.ReplyDelete
I checked out the site. I like that they have blank cards that you can put other chores on if needed. Thanks for the giveaway. mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)caReplyDelete
My least favourite chore is the dishes. My 5 yr olds favourite chore is sorting the socks and putting them away in the right person's drawers. mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)caReplyDelete
I now follow. mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)caReplyDelete
If there was a specific chore that needed to be done you could take out the other cards from the deck with the same number and set them aside and then play Old Maid to see who gets the dreaded chore. mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)caReplyDelete
I HATE cleaning toilets!ReplyDelete
My kids LOVE to vacuum.
I'm a follower.ReplyDelete
subscribed on my reader - have been for awhile!ReplyDelete
Saw the site - glad there are blank cards!ReplyDelete
Saw the site - glad there are blank cards!ReplyDelete
Least fav - ironing...so I don't :)ReplyDelete
My kids love most any - but we need to get more regular about them.


text:
She wants to look around, but, she cannot. She is undercover. He had put on her a long coat and trousers with a backpack like human women carries. Everything brightened up round her. He took her up; thrust a wire through the loop of the needle in her hand. These photographers…she whine.
Mindlovemisery's Menagerie Photo Challenge #161


text:
آحمد صبحي منصور Ýí 2015-02-18
Rules of engagement in war of ideas against Jihadists
Part one: Roots of war of ideas In Muslim World
Chapter 2: The Holy Quran as the Book of war of ideas
Aspects of their war of ideas in rejecting the Quran
1-Conferences to reject the Quran
There are verses in the Quran refer to conference were held by the leaders of Quraysh in waging war of ideas. Some of them had ordered people not to listen to the Quran, Allah responds to them saying :( 006.026 : And they prohibit (others) from it and go far away from it, and they only bring destruction upon their own souls while they do not perceive. ).
Some ordered the audience to make noise while reciting the Quran: (041.026 :And those who disbelieve say: Do not listen to this Quran and make noise therein, perhaps you may overcome. )Allah threatened them saying: 041.027: Therefore We will most certainly make those who disbelieve taste a severe punishment, and We will most certainly reward them for the evil deeds they used to do.) .
In some verses we can find many details describing their conferences in nights and the retribution that awaits them in the hill fire : ( 023.066 My verses were indeed recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels, 023.067 In arrogance; talking nonsense about the Quran, and left him like one telling fables by night. 23.068 Is it then that they do not ponder over what is said, or is it that there has come to them that which did not come to their fathers of old? )
The Prophet Mohammed used to attend some of these conferences. He was ordered twice not to do it: ( 043.083 )( 070.042 ) So leave them plunging into false discourses and sporting until they meet their day which they are threatened with. ). Mohamed disobeyed this order, so he was blamed in this verse : ( 006.068 And when you see those who enter into false discourses about Our verses, withdraw from them until they enter into some other discourse, and if the Shaitan causes you to forget, then do not sit after recollection with the unjust people. )
Also some conferences were held in plotting violence against the Prophet Mohamed and his people: (008.030:And when those who disbelieved devised plans against you that they might confine you or slay you or drive you away; and they devised plans and Allah too had arranged a plan; and Allah is the best of planners.) . Prophet Mohamed and his followers had to immigrate to Al Madina to escape this persecution.
In the Islamic state established by the Prophet Mohamed in Al Madina, there was unlimited freedom of belief and speech. The hypocrites (The religious oppositions) enjoyed it in waging war of ideas against Islam and Muslims by holding conferences to reject the Quran as the leaders of Quraysh did in Mecca. In Al Madina, the companions of the Prophet Mohamed used to attend these conferences. Allah blamed them and threatened them saying : ( 004.140 And indeed He has revealed to you in the Book that when you hear Allah's verses disbelieved in and mocked at do not sit with them until they enter into some other discourse; surely then you would be like them; surely Allah will gather together the hypocrites and the unbelievers all in hell. )
Also, the hypocrites were threatened by hill fire in the Hereafter: (009.065: And if you should question them, they would certainly say: We were only idly discoursing and sporting. Say: Was it at Allah and His communications and His Messenger that you mocked? )
Moreover, they built a mosque using it as headquarter to plot against Islam and Mohamed himself used to attend it. Allah exposed this conspiracy ordering the Prophet Mohamed not to attend this mosque : ( 009.107 And those who built a mosque to cause harm and for unbelief and to cause disunion among the believers and an ambush to him who made war against Allah and His Messenger before; and they will certainly swear: We did not desire aught but good; and Allah bears witness that they are most surely liars. 009.108 Never stand in it; certainly a mosque founded on piety from the very first day is more deserving that you should stand in it; in it are men who love that they should be purified; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.)
2-Disputing the Quran to tarnish it: (Jidal):
However, Quraysh used a way of debate described in the Quran as ( Jidal ) which means debate to defeat by all means without any reason. Allah describes it as a human habit, not only in Quraysh but you may find it anywhere any time: ( 022.003 And among men there is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge and follows every rebellious Shaitan; ) (022.008 And among men there is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge and without guidance and without an illuminating book, 022.009 Turning away haughtily that he may lead (others) astray from the way of Allah; for him is disgrace in this world, and on the day of resurrection We will make him taste the punishment of burning:022.010 This is due to what your two hands have sent before, and because Allah is not in the least unjust to the servants.)
(Jidal ) is bad in the controversial issues, but it is the worst in religious truth concerning Allah, the creator of this world and other worlds. One who makes this kind of ( Jidal ) is described as ignorant and will be in hell fire: ( 031.020 : Do you not see that Allah has made what is in the heavens and what is in the earth subservient to you, and made complete to you His favors outwardly and inwardly? And among men is he who disputes in respect of Allah though having no knowledge nor guidance, nor a book giving light. ).
Some of them were the leaders of the Qurayshi trade travelling here and there, having the fame and the prestige.( 040.004 : None dispute concerning the verses of Allah but those who disbelieve, therefore let not their going to and fro in the cities deceive you. ).
To preach them with serious warning , Allah mentions the details of retribution in the hell fire if they insist to make this ( Jidal ), or dispute : ( 040.069 Have you not seen those who dispute with respect to the verses of Allah: how are they turned away? 040.070 Those who reject the Book and that with which We have sent Our Messenger; but they shall soon come to know. 040.071 When the fetters and the chains shall be on their necks; they shall be dragged 040.072 Into boiling water, then in the fire shall they be burned; 040.073 Then shall it be said to them: Where is that which you used to set up 040.074 Besides Allah? They shall say: They are gone away from us, nay, we used not to call upon anything before. Thus does Allah confound the unbelievers. 040.075 That is because you exulted in the land unjustly and because you behaved insolently. 040.076 Enter the gates of hell to abide therein, evil then is the abode of the proud. 040.077 So be patient, surely the promise of Allah is true. So should We make you see part of what We threaten them with, or should We cause you to die, to Us shall they be returned. )
3-When listening to the Quran:
They asked for another Quran
Listening to the Quran, they asked the Prophet Mohamed to bring another Quran that pleases and appeases them, or to abrogate this Quran. Allah answered them :( 010.015 And when Our clear verses are recited to them, those who hope not for Our meeting say: Bring a Quran other than this or change it. Say: It does not beseem me that I should change it of myself; I follow naught but what is revealed to me; surely I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the punishment of a mighty day.010.016 Say: If Allah had desired (otherwise) I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have taught it to you; indeed I have lived a lifetime among you before it; do you not then understand? 010.017 Who is then more unjust than who forges a lie against Allah or (who) gives the lie to His verses? Surely the guilty shall not be successful.)
They were very angry:
1-The Quran describes their feeling when they listened to the Quran and threatened them :( 022.072And when Our clear verses are recited to them you will find denial on the faces of those who disbelieve; they almost spring upon those who recite to them Our verses. Say: Shall I inform you of what is worse than this? The fire; Allah has promised it to those who disbelieve; and how evil the resort! ). Then Allah refute the faith of all idol worshippers saying: (022.073: O people! a parable is set forth, therefore listen to it: surely those whom you call upon besides Allah cannot create fly, though they should all gather for it, and should the fly snatch away anything from them, they could not take it back from it. So weak are the invoker and the invoked. )
2-Sometimes, they looked to the Prophet with faces full of hatred, accusing him to be mad ( 068.051And those who disbelieve would almost smite you with their eyes when they hear the reminder, and they say: Most surely he is mad. )
3-To face the war of ideas inside the Quran when it was recited, they had their own accusations. The Quran refuted them :( 034.043 And when Our clear verses are recited to them, they say: This is naught but a man who desires to turn you away from that which your fathers worshipped. And they say: This is naught but a lie that is forged. And those who disbelieve say of the truth when it comes to them: This is only clear enchantment. 034.044 And We have not given them any books which they read, nor did We send to them before you a warner. 034.045 And those before them rejected (the truth), and these have not yet attained a tenth of what We gave them, but they gave the lie to My messengers, then how was the manifestation of My disapproval? 034.046 Say: I exhort you only to one thing, that rise up for Allah's sake in twos and singly, then ponder: there is no madness in your fellow-citizen; he is only a warner to you before a severe chastisement. 034.047 Say: Whatever reward I have asked of you, that is only for yourselves; my reward is only with Allah, and He is a witness of all things. 034.048 Say: Surely my Lord utters the truth, the great Knower of the unseen. 034.049 Say: The truth has come, and the falsehood shall vanish and shall not come back. 034.050 Say: "If I am astray, I only stray to the loss of my own soul: but if I receive guidance, it is because of the inspiration of my Lord to me: it is He Who hears all things, and is (ever) near.")
4-In debating Quraysh, Allah defied them by the miracle of the Quran, as the Quran is a miracle for all humans, defying humans
Before the Quran, the messages from Allah were limited in a specific people and in specific time and specific place. So the messengers of Allah before Mohammed were given and supported by physical tangible miracles like the miracles of Moses. Mohamed was revealed the Quran, the final Holy message for all the mankind from his time to the end of this world. So, Mohammed was not supported by any material miracle. His miracle is his message itself, the Quran.
In rejecting the Quran, Quraysh accused Mohamed that he forged it. Allah defied them to bring a Book like the Quran: (052.033 Or do they say: He has forged it. Nay! They do not believe. 052.034 Then let them bring a recital like it if they are truthful. ). They failed but insisted accusing the Quran was fabricated by Mohamed.
Then Allah defied them to bring ten chapters like its chapters if they could, ( Quran has 114 chapters), but they failed :( 011.013 Or, do they say: He has forged it. Say: Then bring ten forged chapters like it and call upon whom you can besides Allah, if you are truthful. 011.014 But if they do not answer you, then know that it is revealed by Allah's knowledge and that there is no god but He; will you (disbelievers) then submit?).
Then they were defied to bring only one chapter, but they also failed: (010.038 Or do they say: He has forged it? Say: Then bring a chapter like this and invite whom you can besides Allah, if you are truthful. 010.039 Nay, they reject that of which they have no comprehensive knowledge, and the final sequel of it has not yet come to them; even thus did those before them reject (the truth); see then what the end of the unjust was. ). This fact was repeated with confirmation that they could not bring one chapter like it: (002.023 : And if you are in doubt as to that which We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful. 002.024 : But if you cannot- and of a surety you cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which is prepared for the unbelievers. ). Moreover, it was stated that it is impossible for humans and Jinn to bring a book like it: (017.088 Say: If men and jinn should combine together to bring the like of this Quran, they could not bring the like of it, though some of them were aiders of others.)
However, Quraysh had its ways of war of ideas in rejecting the Quran by:
Asking material miracles instead of the Quran:
They insisted asking Mohamed to bring a material miracle if he wanted them to believe in his message. Allah refuted it saying: (013.007: And those who disbelieve say: Why has not a miracle been sent down upon him from his Lord? You are only a warner and (there is) a guide for every people. )( 013.027 And those who disbelieve say: Why is not a a miracle sent down upon him by his Lord? Say: Surely who chooses to go astray Allah makes him astray, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him). (006.037 And they say: Why has not a miracle been sent down to him from his Lord? Say: Surely Allah is able to send down a a miracle, but most of them do not know.)
Sometimes they named some specific miracles: ( (017.090 And they say: We will by no means believe in you until you cause a fountain to gush forth from the earth for us. 017.091 Or you should have a garden of palms and grapes in the midst of which you should cause rivers to flow forth, gushing out. 017.092 Or you should cause the heaven to come down upon us in pieces as you think, or bring Allah and the angels face to face (with us). 017.093 Or you should have a house of gold, or you should ascend into heaven, and we will not believe in your ascending until you bring down to us a book which we may read.). The answer was: (Say: Glory be to my Lord; am I aught but a mortal messenger).
According to the Quran, it is impossible to see Allah in this world or in the Hereafter. It is impossible also to see angles as long we are alive. We will see them in the moment of death and also in the Hereafter. Quraysh asked the Prophet Mohamed to see Allah and the angles as a miracle that makes them believe. The answer was no. (025.021 And those who do not hope for Our meeting, say: Why have not angels been sent down upon us, or (why) do we not see our Lord? Now certainly they are too proud of themselves and have revolted in great revolt.025.022 On the day when they shall see the angels, there shall be no joy on that day for the guilty) ( 015.006 And they say: O you to whom the Reminder has been revealed! you are most surely insane: 015.007 Why do you not bring to us the angels if you are of the truthful ones? 015.008 We do not send the angels but with truth, and then they would not be respited.)
Some answers gave two reasons::First reason :Quran is enough as a miracle for the one who is looking for the truth: (029.050 And they say: Why are not a miracle sent down upon him from his Lord? Say: The miracles are only with Allah, and I am only a plain warner. 029.051 Is it not enough for them that We have revealed to you the Book which is recited to them? Most surely there is mercy in this and a reminder for a people who believe. 029.052 Say: Allah is sufficient as a witness between me and you; He knows what is in the heavens and the earth. And (as for) those who believe in the falsehood and disbelieve in Allah, these it is that are the losers. )
Second: The material miracle would not make them believe: (006.007 And if We had sent to you a writing on a paper, then they had touched it with their hands, certainly those who disbelieve would have said: This is nothing but clear enchantment.) (015.014 And even if We open to them a gateway of heaven, so that they ascend into it all the while, 015.015 : They would certainly say: Only our eyes have been covered over, rather we are an enchanted people. ) (006.109 And they swear by Allah with the strongest of their oaths, that if a a miracle came to them they would most certainly believe in it. Say: Miracles are only with Allah; and what should make you know that when it comes they will not believe? ) ( 006.111 And even if We had sent down to them the angels and the dead had spoken to them and We had brought together all things before them, they would not believe ( by their sincere heart) unless Allah pleases, but most of them are ignorant. ).
Material miracle did not make ancient people believe in the messengers before Mohamed and would not make Arabs believe in the time of Mohamed: (017.059 And nothing could have hindered Us that We should send miracle except that the ancients rejected them)
Actually, Quraysh in their innermost hearts they believed that Mohammed had the guidance in the Quran, but this guidance endangered their homogony and wealth and prestige. So, they asked the materials miracle just to reject the Quran. Mohamed was sad, hoping that he had a material miracle to satisfy them and to please and appease them and make them believe. Allah blamed him and taught him saying: (006.033 We know indeed that what they say certainly grieves you, but surely they do not disbelief you ; but the unjust deny the verses of Allah. 006.034 And certainly messengers before you were rejected, but they were patient on being rejected and persecuted until Our help came to them; and there is none to change the words of Allah, and certainly there has come to you some information about the messengers. 006.035 And if their turning away is hard on you, then if you can seek an opening (to go down) into the earth or a ladder (to ascend up) to heaven so that you should bring them a miracle and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have gathered them all on guidance, therefore be not of the ignorant. 006.036 Only those accept who listen; (in truth), and (as to) the dead, Allah will raise them, then to Him they shall be returned.)
5-Fabricating hadeeth
Hadeeth means sayings and stories. Quran is described as Hadeeth also. So, in the field of religions there are two Hadeethes: The Holy Hadeeth, or the messages from Allah, and the false Hadeethes, fabricated by idol worshipper, revealed by Satan or Shaitans. Allah says ( : 006.112
And thus did We make for every prophet an enemy, the Shaitans from among men and jinn, some of them suggesting to others varnished falsehood to deceive (them), and had your Lord pleased they would not have done it, therefore leave them and that which they forge.006.113
And that the hearts of those who do not believe in the hereafter may incline to it and that they may be well pleased with it and that they may earn what they are going to earn (of evil). 006.114
Shall I then seek a judge other than Allah? And He it is Who has revealed to you the Book (which is) made plain; and those whom We have given the Book know that it is revealed by your Lord with truth, therefore you should not be of the disputers. 006.115 And the word of your Lord has been accomplished truly and justly; there is none who can change His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing. 006.116 And if you obey most of those in the earth, they will lead you astray from Allah's way; they follow but conjecture and they only lie. )
In the time of Mohammed, Quraysh had assigned some people to tell stories (Hadeeth) to make people ignore the Quran. After the death of Mohamed, Quraysh took over and did the same under the very title ( Hadeeth) and attributing this Hadeeth to the Prophet Mohamed as (Sunna ). Allah in the Quran has predicted it making it a bad human habit, saying: (031.006 But there are, among men, those who purchase idle tales( Bad Hadeeth ), without knowledge (or meaning), to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah and throw ridicule (on the Path): for such there will be a Humiliating Penalty. 031.007 And when Our verses are recited to him, he turns back proudly, as if he had not heard them, as though in his ears were a heaviness, therefore announce to him a painful chastisement. ) ( 045.006 :These are the verses of Allah which We recite to you with truth; then in what Hadeeth would they believe after Allah and His verses? 045.007 Woe to every sinful liar, 045.008 Who hears the verses of Allah recited to him, then persists proudly as though he had not heard them; so announce to him a painful punishment.)
6- Mocking the Quran:
Instead of respecting the Quran, they ridiculed it. ( 037.012Nay! you wonder while they mock, 037.013 And when they are reminded, they mind not, 037.014 And when they see a verse they incite one another to scoff, )
People who used to tell false Hadeeth to twist others from listening to the Quran, they also ridicule the Quran. Allah threatened them saying: ( 045.009And when he comes to know of any of Our verses, he takes it for a jest; For such there is a shameful doom. 045.010 Before them is hell, and there shall not avail them aught of what they earned, nor those whom they took for guardians besides Allah, and they shall have a grievous punishment. )
Allah described it as a bad human habit any time and place:(018.056And We do not send messengers but as givers of good news and warning, and those who disbelieve make a false contention that they may render null thereby the truth, and they take My verses and that with which they are warned for a mockery.)
7-Mocking the Prophet Mohammed
1-According to the Qurayshi stander, Mohamed was not a great person. Although they named him the faithful and the trustful one, but he was not rich. As the owner of wealth and power, they consider themselves better than him to be messenger of Allah instead of him. This is a common human habit as the elders of the ancient nations had the same attitude towards the prophets before Mohammed: (006.123 Thus have We placed leaders in every town, its wicked men, to plot (and burrow) therein: but they only plot against their own souls, and they perceive it not.
006.124 : And when a communication comes to them ( through prophets ) they say: We will not believe till we are given the like of what Allah's messengers are given. Allah best knows where He places His message. There shall befall those who are guilty humiliation from Allah and severe chastisement because of what they planned. )
The elders of Quraysh said angrily: (038.008 "What! has the Message been sent to him - (Of all persons) among us?",but they are in doubt concerning My (Own) Message! Nay, they have not yet tasted My Punishment! ). They forgot that Allah is the One who made them rich as a test, and they failed in this test :( 043.031 : And they say: If only this Qur'an had been revealed to some great man of the two towns? ) the answer was (043.032 Will they distribute the mercy of your Lord? We distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and We have exalted some of them above others in degrees, that some of them may take others in subjection; and the mercy of your Lord is better than what they amass.).
2- This mentality is expected to mock Mohamed as a Prophet, taking advantage of him as a simple man: (021.036 And when those who disbelieve see you, they do not take you but for one to be scoffed at: Is this he who speaks of your gods? And they are deniers at the mention of the Beneficent Allah.). (025.041 And when they see you, they do not take you for aught but a mockery: Is this he whom Allah has raised to be a messenger? 025.042 He had well-nigh led us astray from our gods had we not adhered to them patiently!) Allah debated them: (And they will know, when they see the punishment, who is straying farther off from the path. 025.043 Have you seen him who takes his low desires for his god? Will you then be a protector over him? 025.044 Or do you think that most of them do hear or understand? They are nothing but as cattle; nay, they are straying farther off from the path. )
Allah described it as a bad human habit, before and in the time of Mohamed :(006.010And certainly messengers before you were mocked at, but that which they mocked at encompassed the scoffers among them. ) ( 021.041 And certainly messengers before you were scoffed at, then there befell those of them who scoffed that at which they had scoffed. )
8-Accusing the Prophet Mohammed
It was easy for them to accuse the Prophet Mohammed. Allah says :( 010.002 what! is it a wonder to the people that We revealed to a man from among themselves, saying: Warn the people and give good news to those who believe that theirs is a footing of firmness with their Lord. The unbelievers say: This is most surely a manifest enchanter.)
In their discussion about him they accused him to be an enchanter and liar: ( ( 038.004 And they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves, and the disbelievers say: This IS an enchanter, a liar.038.005 "Has he made the gods (all) into one Allah? Truly this is a wonderful thing!" 038.006 And the chief persons of them break forth, saying: Go and steadily adhere to your gods; this is most surely a thing sought after. 038.007 We never heard of this in the former faith; this is nothing but a forgery)
They also accused him to be a poet and mad :( 015.006 And they say: O you to whom the Reminder has been revealed! you are most surely insane: )(037.036 And to say: What! shall we indeed give up our gods for the sake of a mad poet? 037.037 Nay: he has come with the truth and verified the messengers.)
Allah had strengthened His messenger against these accusations and educating him and defending him, saying :( 052.029 Therefore continue to remind, for by the grace of your Lord, you are not a soothsayer, or a madman. 052.030 Or do they say: A poet, we wait for him the evil accidents of time. 52.031 Say: Wait, for surely I too with you am of those who wait.052.032 Nay! do their understandings bid them this? Or are they an inordinate people? 052.033 Or do they say: He has forged it. Nay! they do not believe. 052.034 Then let them bring a recital like it if they are truthful. 052.035 Or were they created without there being anything, or are they the creators? 052.036 Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay! they have no certainty. 052.037 Or have they the treasures of your Lord with them? Or have they been set in absolute authority? 052.038 Or have they a ladder, by which they can (climb up to heaven and) listen (to its secrets)? Then let (such a) listener of theirs produce a manifest proof. 017.047 We know best what they listen to when they listen to you, and when they take counsel secretly, when the unjust say: You follow only a man bewitched.)
Sometimes, they mixed accusations and mocking and asking material miracles together. Allah defended His messenger in debating them : ( 025.007 And they say: What is the matter with this Messenger that he eats food and goes about in the markets; why has not an angel been sent down to him, so that he should have been a warner with him? 025.008 "Or (Why) has not a treasure been bestowed on him, or why has he (not) a garden Or (why is not) a treasure sent down to him, or he is made to have a garden from which he should eat? And the unjust say: You do not follow any but a man bewitched. 025.009 See what likenesses do they apply to you, so they have gone astray, therefore they shall not be able to find a way. 025.010 Blessed is He Who, if He please, will give you what is better than this, gardens beneath which rivers flow, and He will give you palaces. 025.011 But they reject the hour, and We have prepared a burning fire for him who rejects the hour. )
Allah stated that it is a human bad habit before and in time of Mohammed:( 051.052 Thus there did not come to those before them a messenger but they said: A magician or a mad man. 051.053 Have they charged each other with this? Nay! they are an inordinate people.)
9- Quraysh justified its human made religion
1-They had two justifications: It is their tradition and attributing it to Allah falsely. Allah debating them saying :( 007.028And when they commit an indecency they say: We found our fathers doing this, and Allah has enjoined it on us. Say: Surely Allah does not enjoin indecency; do you say against Allah what you do not know? 007.029 Say: My Lord has enjoined justice, and set upright your faces at every time of prayer and call on Him, being sincere to Him in obedience; as He brought you forth in the beginning, so shall you also return. ).
2-The justification of attributing their human made religion to Allah means that it is the will of Allah that they became idol worshippers. Allah says debating them stating that it is human bad habit :( 006.148 Those who are polytheists will say: If Allah had pleased we would not have associated (aught with Him) nor our fathers, nor would we have forbidden (to ourselves) anything; even so did those before them reject until they tasted Our punishment. Say: Have you any knowledge with you so you should bring it forth to us? You only follow a conjecture and you only tell lies.) ( 016.035 The worshippers of false gods say: "If Allah had so willed, we should not have worshipped aught but Him - neither we nor our fathers,- nor should we have prescribed prohibitions other than His." So did those who went before them. But what is the mission of messengers but to preach the Clear Message?)
In more debate in this issue Allah says:( 043.020And they say: If the Almighty Allah had pleased, we should never have worshipped them. They have no knowledge of this; they only lie. 043.021 Or have We given them a book before it so that they hold fast to it? 043.022 Nay! they say: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps." 043.023 And thus, We did not send before you any warner in a town, but those who led easy lives in it said: Surely we found our fathers on a course, and surely we are followers of their footsteps. ).
Accordingly, they prohibited giving charities, as they thought Allah wants the poor to be poor ( 036.047 And when it is said to them: Spend out of what Allah has given you, those who disbelieve say to those who believe: Shall we feed him whom, if Allah please, He could feed? You are in naught but clear error. ).
Quraysh have repeated this faith after they took over Muslim Arab Empire under the title of Sunna and Jabreyya, which makes Allah not human is the one who is responsible for the human sins. They attribute to Allah all the wills and the deeds of the humans, so man is not responsible for his deeds as man has not any choice or any will.
3- This debate itself is clear evidence confirms the unlimited human freedom in religion and thinking and in doing any things. Allah, the creator is debating some of His creations to convince them to believe in Him alone and not to believe in superstitions. God does not like idol worshipping but He gives the human the unlimited freedom of belief and speech to be responsible for their choice in the Day of Judgment. Allah says: (039.007 If you disbelieve in Allah, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient above all need of you; and He does not like disbelief in His servants; and if you are grateful, He likes it in you; and no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another; then to your Lord is your return, then will He inform you of what you did; surely He is Cognizant of what is in the breasts.). Allah states the unlimited freedom of human deeds and the human responsibility in the Day of Judgment: (041.040 Those who distort Our revelations are not hidden from Us. Which is better?- he that is cast into the Fire, or he that comes safe through, on the Day of Judgment? Do what ye will. Lo! He is Seer of what ye do. )
According to the Quran, any one chooses guidance Allah guide him and increase his guidance, any one chooses misguidance Allah increases it: (019.075 Say: "If any men go astray, (Allah) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to them, until, when they see the warning of Allah (being fulfilled) - either in punishment or in (the approach of) the Hour, then they shall know who is in more evil plight and weaker in forces.019.076 : And Allah increases in guidance those who go aright; and ever-abiding good works are with your Lord best in recompense and best in yielding fruit. ) ( 047.017 And (as for) those who follow the Guidance, He increases the (light of) Guidance, and bestows on them their Piety and Restraint (from evil))
There are more than one thousand Quranic verses confirm the freedom of belief and freedom of speech and talking about hell fire and paradise as result of this human choice: (018.029 Say, "The truth is from your Lord": Let him believe who wills to believe, and let him disbelieve who wills to disbelieve, for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on! 018.030 : Surely (as for) those who believe and do good, We do not waste the reward of him who does a good work. 018.031 : These it is for whom are gardens of perpetuity beneath which rivers flow, ornaments shall be given to them therein of bracelets of gold, and they shall wear green robes of fine silk and thick silk brocade interwoven with gold, reclining therein on raised couches; excellent the recompense and goodly the resting place.).
4- Allah debated then in following their tradition, saying: (002.170 And when it is said to them, Follow what Allah has revealed, they say: Nay! we follow what we found our fathers upon. What! and though their fathers had no sense at all, nor did they follow the right way.) ( 005.104 And when it is said to them, Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger, they say: That on which we found our fathers is sufficient for us. What! even though their fathers knew nothing and did not follow the right way.) ( 031.021 And when it is said to them: Follow what Allah has revealed, they say: Nay, we follow that on which we found our fathers. What! though the Shaitan calls them to the chastisement of the burning fire! ).
It is also stated as a human bad habit: (043.022 Nay! they say: We found our fathers on a course, and surely we are guided by their footsteps. 043.023 : And thus, We did not send before you any warner in a town, but those who led easy lives in it said: Surely we found our fathers on a course, and surely we are followers of their footsteps. 043.024 : (The warner) said: What! even if I bring to you a better guide than that on which you found your fathers? They said: Surely we are unbelievers in that with which you are sent. )
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المحمديون ملحدون .. فمتى يفيقون ؟!!
من أكاذيب السيرة ( المؤاخاة بين المهاجرين والأنصار ) و ( طلع البدر علينا )
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ف 8 : الصلاة ( 1 ) للمرأة أن تؤذّن للصلاة طالما لم يرد تحريم فى القرأن الكريم
دعوة للتبرع
الموءودة والمغتصبة : كلما اسمع عن اخبار الاغت صابات ضد الفتي ات ،...
طليق وزوج أُمّ: أنا مطلقة منذ 12 عام وقتما كان أعمار أولاد ى 3...
اولادى تركوا الصلاة: أولاد ى لما كبروا تركوا الصلا ة جماعة معى ،...
فى الميراث والعول: المرج و من سيادت كم ورجاء ا مني إعادة...
مسألة ميراث: مات قريب لي؛ أقارب ه هم أخت شقيقة ،أخ غير...more


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Garrett Jackson is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Portland, Oregon playing his third professional season and first with TG s.Oliver Wuerzburg (Germany-ProB) Currently he helped his team remain in the pro B and with one playdown game remaining he is averaging 19,2ppg, 7,6rpg and 2,1apg. Last season he played with the Sydney Kings (Australia-NBL) and the Dandenong Rangers (Australia-SEABL) playing 12 games averaging 16.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 70.9%. In his rookie season he played with the NW Tasmania Thunder (Australia-SEABL) playing 15 games: averaging 21.1ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 82.8% and with the Melbourne United (Australia-NBL) playing 6 games averaging 5.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 2FGP: 54,5%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 80.0%. He played at USC(NCAA) from 2010-2012 playing 65 NCAA games and at St.Mary's, CA (NCAA) form 2013-2015 playing 52 games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 8.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 46.7%, FT: 71.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the end of the regular season before the playdowns started.
Garrett thanks for talking to German Hoops. You have been 3 months in Germany now playing for Pro B team TG s.Oliver Wurzburg. How has the overall experience been for you being this is your first professional season in Europe?
Overall it's been great. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to do what I love on a team of people I enjoy being around. This is my first time in Europe, so I'm doing my best to take in the culture and experience new things every chance I get.
Did the city Wurzburg and Main river remind you a bit of home Portland and the Willamette river. Did that make the first days of the adjustment period a little bit easier in conjunction with English being a language that everybody identifies with
Yeah, there are some similarities. Portland's a bit bigger and we have a lot more bridges. I was actually surprised at how many people speak English here. I honestly didn't know what to expect, but everyone's been really helpful. I'm trying to learn some German too.
You played your first two professional seasons In Australia. Did the contact to the team and signing come through your contact to Australian coach Liam Flynn? Talk a little about how you got your feet into the European basketball world?
I hadn't met Liam prior to this and he's Australian. I spent the last two years in Australia playing year round in two leagues so I hadn't been home that whole time. My season just finished up in September where we lost in the SEABL championship. I decided that I would go home and see my family and if an opportunity came up to play in Europe I would take it. I was only home for a couple weeks when Liam contacted me. He was looking for another foreigner for the roster and asked some of his contacts in Australia. A couple people mentioned me. I later found out that some opposing coaches and players, as well as former teammates recommended me. Coach definitely did his homework. I jumped at the opportunity to come out here and play.
It hasn´t been the easiest of seasons for TG s.Oliver Wurzburg. The team will play in the playdowns to save their season. You came in the midst of a big losing streak, then won four games in a row and now have another losing streak. How tough has the season been for you and the team?
It's been tough losing but I'm very fortunate to be around a good group of guys who want to come in and work and get better. Despite our losing streak, as a team I feel that we've still managed to stay tight and stay together. Things haven't always gone our way but that's sports.
The biggest problem is scoring points. The team is affected by not having the same roster as Leon Kratzer is often playing BBL while he has been injured as well Julius Albus. The team does a good job in giving young Germans minutes. However what do you feel are the major problems with the team? How big is a lack of experience a factor with the German players?
Well it's tough when you have injuries to key players. We've been dealing with that throughout the year, there's only been a few games where we've had everyone together and healthy. We are welcoming the challenge and we look forward to figuring out ways to win with the healthy guys that we have. We understand that other teams aren't going to feel sorry for us. It's up to guys like Miles, Dejan and myself to lead the way and figure out ways to win. It's also important for us to bring along and help out the young German players as much as possible. Speaking from personal experience, I've seen a lot of basketball, I've been fortunate to play with some talented players and pick up some things along the way. I feel it's my responsibility to share what I've learned with our young German players and help out any way I can. I know that will make our overall team better and hopefully translate to more wins.
How important has Miles Jackson-Cartwright been for you since you have been there? You guys are similar in age and are in your third professional seasons, but it is his third in Europe. Also how much easier has your game been with him as the point guard?
I am very fortunate to have a player like Miles on the team, he makes my job so much easier. He plays hard on both ends of the court. He's a phenomenal defender, and he might be one of the fastest players I've played with. He has great stamina and can run all day. He has everything you want in a point guard. I really appreciate his basketball IQ and overall understanding of the game. We're usually on the same page, thinking the same things when we play. We're able to read and react and play off each other which is a lot of fun. He does a great job running our team and making sure everyone is in the right place.
Let´s talk about your game. You're a 201cm forward that is super athletic. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player which guy would best fit your style?
As far as style of play I would say Kawhi Leonard. I love watching guys like Kawhi and Jimmy Butler. They are versatile forwards that play hard on both ends of the floor. I try to watch them as much as possible. Those guys are elite defenders that play the right way and do whatever it takes to win. Those are things I aspire to be, so I'm watching them, stealing their moves and trying to pick up all their tricks. I try to study guys who have a similar body type and style as me. I'm not very flashy, but I try to play aggressive, keep the game simple and play the right way. Scottie Pippen is my all time favorite player. I watch a lot of old tape on him as well.
Your versatile play has really stood out as you can score, rebound and pass the ball well. What other strengths do you have in your arsenal?
Since I was a kid something that came naturally was my rebounding. Specifically offensive rebounds. I have long arms and I'm pretty active always trying to bring a lot of energy. All those things have helped my rebounding. I've been trying to take those skills and gifts and translate that into becoming a great defender. I'm not where I want to be yet but I'm working on it. The desire is there. I just got to keep learning to be a SMART defender. Sometimes my aggressiveness and activity has gotten me in foul trouble, which actually hurts my team. I've had moments, and made some strides, but I'm still working on that and trying to stay consistent.
You're a guy that can fill up the stat sheet like no other. What would you say is a hidden strength in your game that you believe is somewhat off the radar?
I still have a lot to learn, but I would say my overall understanding of the game. As I've gained experience over the years, being a part of different teams, different styles of play and coaching, I think that is something that's helped me overall. Understanding game schemes, counters, what the other team is running, making in game adjustments, trying to get a good understanding of what my coach wants and then being an extension of him on the court. Even though I'm not a point guard, I still try to carry myself with that type of understanding. You don't need to be a point guard to help get your teammates in the right spots, or to talk on defense, or to know how to exploit a mismatch we may have. Not just knowing my strengths and weaknesses but also my teammates strengths and weaknesses, and from there asking myself what I can do to help put them in a position to maximize those strengths. I don't really see myself as a 2, 3, 4 or whatever. I see myself as a basketball player. So I try to develop all areas of my game, and no matter what I'm playing and where I'm at on the court I can always bring energy, talk, defend rebound and make the right play to help us win. I guess those are all things that may be hard to pick up on if you're just a casual fan. But I hope the people who are with me day by day recognize these things because that's what I try to bring on a consistent basis.
You played in two leagues in Australia in the NBL and SEABL leagues. How would you compare those leagues in talent and skill with the Pro B?
There are some really talented players playing in the NBL. I was fortunate to play with some guys who represented Australia in the Olympics and compete with them ever yday in practice, which was fun. SEABL is a pretty good standard of basketball as well. It probably doesn't get the respect it deserves. But the style of play is very different than ProB. In Australia they play more of an up and down style that's fast paced and you see a bit more isolation situations. In Pro B you see the influences from the top leagues all across Europe. Ball movement, player movement, multiple pick and rolls in the same possession. Not every team executes this, but this is more of the European style of play. These are the things Coach Liam Flynn has really stressed to me and this is what we try to do. It's nice having him as my coach because he knows the leagues and the style of play I've been used to over the past couple years. He's helped me break some bad habits and adjust here in Germany.
After having a very solid NCAA career at USC and St Marys, you had to play in Australia for two seasons. Did you come to Europe with a huge chip on your shoulder? Why do you feel didn´t you arrive earlier in Europe?
At St Mary's we have a well documented Australian connection. When I graduated a SEABL team (in Australia) reached out and asked if I wanted to play with them for the remainder of their season. Their season begins around March and ends early September. I didn't have an agent or anything lined up with summer league so I jumped at the opportunity to play professionally. One thing led to another and I was fortunate enough to play NBL and SEABL. I was already used to the culture and the people. I loved Australia and I ended up playing there year round in two leagues for two years. I wouldn't say I came to Europe with a huge chip on my shoulder. I'm not here to prove anyone wrong or convince anyone anything. I don't play for the opinions of others. I am here because I love competing. I love playing basketball, I want to push myself as hard as I can and I want to compete against the best. I'm living out my dream as a pro basketball player and I don't take this game for granted. I recognize that getting a job in Europe is hard to do, especially with my SEABL season ending when most European clubs already have their teams together. But now I have my foot in the door and I want to make the most of my opportunity. I also recognize that in Europe you can move up to different leagues. I know I can compete at an elite level. It's not about having a chip or proving anyone wrong, but proving myself right. Everybody's different and has different motivations. This is just me.
You played briefly in the NBL league with Sydney and Melbourne. What kind of experience was that for you? You were playing with and against ex NBA players. Were you a bit disappointed that you weren´t able to play more minutes with these teams considering you didn´t get major minutes?
Awesome experience. I was able to learn a lot and practice was fun, it would get pretty intense. Both times I played NBL I was replacing an import mid-season. It's kind of tough coming into a new environment, new teammates, new offense, and then trying to develop that chemistry. I was very fortunate for the opportunity. I take pride in being a professional, doing what needs to be done to help my team win with no excuses. That being said, it would have been nice to be with the rest of the team for training and preseason. Things happen, I just wanted to make the most of my situation.
What memories do you have of ex NBA player Josh Powell? Was he a guy that inspired you in some ways or was he just another teammate for you?
Anytime you can be around and learn from somebody who has a lot of experience playing at a high level you have to take advantage of that situation and learn as much as you can from them. I'm glad I was able to pick his brain, observe, and learn from him.
You started your NCAA career at USC in 2010 and played two seasons there. In your first season as a freshman you had talented bigs Alex Stephenson and Nikola Vucevic on the roster. How did your game develop there coming as a star from Westview high school and banging with them on a daily basis?
Well it forces you to add some things to your game. You have to mix up your finishes and reads on offense. I had to learn how to play off bigs like that, where they want the ball, how to set them up, where they like to get shots, where I can find my shots. Things like that. It was really good for my development.
You picked up your stats in your second season averaging 6.9ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 68.2%. You opted to move to St Mary(NCAA). Did you not see a real future at USC? Why did you depart?
The basketball environment just wasn't for me. I loved the school, but I wasn't enjoying it there. The program was in a shaky spot. My freshman year we went to the NCAA tournament because we were so talented, but my sophomore year we were terrible. The basketball culture was toxic, we didn't stick together as a team, and we lacked leadership. Being in a winning culture, around good people, in a good basketball environment meant more to me than playing at a big school in the PAC 12 and being miserable. Going to St. Mary's had everything that I was looking for.
Future NBA player Dewayne Dedmon didn´t have the best stats his two years there, but left after two years didn´t get drafted and now has been a role player for years with the Atlanta Hawks. Would you have thought after your freshman year that he would be an NBA player?
I'd be lying if I said I knew right away he would be in the NBA. But the talent was there. I've never seen someone that big move so well and be so athletic. Some of the dunks and stuff he did in practice would just make me shake my head. He was very raw early on, but you just knew if he continued to work hard the sky was the limit. He had all the tools be successful at the next level.
You played at St Mary´s from 2013-2015 closing out your NCAA career there. One of your best games was a 26 point effort against San Francisco. Was that one of your most memorable personal games or do your 15 point games against Washington, Washington State or UCLA top that?
The San Francisco game was special to me personally because my mom actually played there and she came to that game to watch. It was really nice to play well in those PAC12 conference games. Especially against the Washington schools, we played them in the same weekend so those games were back to back.
How did head coach Randy Bennett groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career at St Mary´s(NCAA)
I learned so much from Coach B. The biggest takeaway I got from him was leadership. He talked about and stressed it every single day. How can you serve others? What can you bring? You can always bring energy, you can always talk, you can always pick someone up. What can you bring if you're having a bad game? How can you impact a game if your shots not falling? Are you going sulk and have bad body language? Or are you going get deflections and do your job defensively. When you've got 12-15 guys asking themselves these kinds of questions every day, and they get the opportunity to live it out team environments, you end up building a winning culture. As a pro living overseas I'm able to sit back and really reflect on that experience. I feel very fortunate to be a part of that, and I try to bring it to every team I play on now.
I really enjoyed watching your ex teammate Kerry Carter tear up the pro B last season with Leverkusen as he led the league in scoring with 24,0ppg. He is also a guy that has a chip on his shoulder. Did he already have that killer instinct on the court at St Mary´s when you were teammates?
Love Kerry. He's always been a killer. One of the hardest working players I've ever been around. As a teammate you have a lot of confidence going into games knowing your brother has done everything possible to prepare. He's very loyal and will always have your back. Love going to battle and competing with Kerry. I'm happy to see him do well overseas, he really deserves it.
Who won a one on one in practice you or Desmond Simmons?
Haha it depends on who you ask! Dez is another gym rat I was lucky to play with. We have similar body types and he's a great defender. He has a really nice face up game. I try to play one's against him as much as possible because he's competitive and he'll always give me a good look, but best of all he's a good person and a great friend of mine.
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA right now
My freshman year we played Kansas at Kansas and that was tough. Thomas Robinson was killing it that year and I think they had the Morris twins. Klay Thompson was tough as well, I got switched onto him for a bit but we had the best defender in the league at the time (Marcus Simmons) starting on him and he made it pretty tough for Klay.
If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?
Jordan, Shaq, Kobe, LeBron
Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?
LeBron is defiantly up there. He's one of the greats. It's hard to top Jordan because he has never lost a finals series.. when it's all said and done though, LeBron will have better numbers at the end of his career
There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?
No. If I'm a coach and my point guard is the best rebounder at his position I'm going to tell him to grab as many boards as possible. You got to remember, he's beating out 9 other guys on the court for those rebounds, and there's a lot of big men in the league not averaging 10 boards. People will always try to nit pic and critique people's game no matter how good you are.
How do you summarize the 2017 NBA Draft. What sleepers do you see playing a role in the NBA?
Not sure. I don't really keep up on the draft. I like Ben Simmons and Mitchell from Utah. They are fun to watch.
Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season with Chris Paul and James Harden in the back court. Do they have enough to make a serious run at the title or is something missing?
They got the pieces! If everyone's stays healthy the West is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
How do you rate the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade? Who got the better deal and which team will profit better in the long run?
I love watching Isaiah play, it's unfortunate how everything played out. I think the Celtics are in a pretty good spot right now. They would be scary good if Hayward never got injured.
What is your take on all the wheeling and dealing the Cavs did sending away Thomas, Wade and Rose. Do you see them having success again with what they got in the near future?
It's definitely a business! Players get flack for leaving and not being loyal which is unfair. There's a lot going on behind the scenes that I don't think the average fans realize. The Cavs will have success because they got LeBron. Not sure if they will win it all butane team LeBron is on is a threat.
Where will the journey of the Oklahoma Thunder go this season with Westbrook, George and Anthony? Can they make a serious run in the west?
Yeah I really hope everyone stays healthy.
What was the last movie that you saw?
The Revenant
Thanks Garrett for the chat.


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Nguzo SabaKwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.
- Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
- Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
- Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
- Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
- Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
- Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
- Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.


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Maisie Murray's sweet, docile exterior masks the courageous spirit of a firebrand determined to champion women's suffrage with like-minded friends. But fighting for her principles has swept her directly into harm's way—and into the arms of a man she cannot resist.
A trained officer with the Royal Highland Regiment, Niall Campbell has spent his life serving the Crown. Battle-weary and searching for peace, he nothing to do with trouble—until he meets Maisie. But unless Niall and Maisie can find a way to stand up to the destructive forces that threaten to divide them, long-buried secrets and political schemes are destined to stand in the way of the glorious love they've found…
I would like to start by thanking Netgalley and St. Martins Press for providing us with a copy of this book so that we could bring you this review.
I loved that Maisie is such a strong woman and beyond progressive for her time. She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and do what is right, even if it is looked at as wrong for that time period. Niall is a man that is on the cusp of making a decision, he just isn't sure on what way to go. The tough thing is that he is pinned between what he thinks is right, and his loyalty for his sister. He too is a strong character, but its hard to see him battle himself so much. It takes someone as strong as Maisie to help him see things differently. I enjoyed the fact that we got what was going on with Maisie while her sister dealt with her own things (back from Isabell's book) and how we got to where we were. Its very enjoyable to have a parallel book without feeling like you are rereading what already happened.
I gave this book 5 kisses.
Happy Reading… Adri