text:
Did you grow up on things not of this Earth? Do you love making sci-fi film? Then submit to the oldest running genre film fest in the world – the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival!
The 35th annual Boston Science Fiction Film Festival runs this winter from February 5 – 15th, 2010, culminating in a 24-hour marathon! Science fiction-themed feature, documentary, short, and animated film.
You can submit online at: https://www.withoutabox.com/login/8453
Regular Deadline: November 30, 2009
Late Deadline: December 15, 2009
WAB Extended Deadline: December 21, 2009
Features and Documentaries: 50 - 120 minutes
Shorts: preferably 10 minutes or less
Check us out at: http://www.bostonsci-fi.com!
Boston Science Fiction Film Fest Call For Entries!
got an event you want to promote? an SF club, D&D meet?, a Munch? Let the world know
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1


text:
Send Results to This Email:
Street Address:
Street Address:
Since August, Memphis City Council members have been reviewing the numbers. Asking questions about them. Verifying them. Categorizing them.
It is the other numbers discussion at City Hall these days – the one about how many rape kits city agencies took on sexual assault victims that the Memphis Police Department never processed over a period of approximately 30 years.
And with the filing of a lawsuit Friday, Dec. 20, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, there will almost certainly be new numbers to come. And there will be renewed questions that have taken a back seat at City Hall to the details of clearing the backlog.
The lawsuit filed by a Jane Doe sexual assault victim from 2001 against the city of Memphis is about how it happened.
The premise of the lawsuit is that it was no accident or mistake.
The lawsuit, filed by attorney Robert Spence, alleges Memphis Police Department brass knew Jane Doe's rape kit – and maybe as many as 15,000 others – were not being tested and that the practice was "ratified by multiple policymakers within the city of Memphis Police Department."
"Defendant has a history of discriminating against females," the lawsuit continues. "Defendant treats domestic violence abuse reports from women with less priority than other crimes not involving women reporting domestic violence abuse."
It also claims the city "knew about the herein described conduct and facilitated it, approved it, condoned it and/or turned a blind eye to it."
The lawsuit alleges the lack of processing of the rape kits violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution, and it seeks class-action status for a group of victims that could number more than 15,000.
The lawsuit's estimate is based on the number of sexual assault and rape victims who made reports to third-party agencies during the time covered by the backlog, had rape kits done as part of their cases and who were then turned over to police for further investigation.
The council committee sessions are the only consistent view the public has had of the problem. Council members, early in their discussions, called for monthly progress reports on how many kits had been processed and how many showed indications of enough evidence to warrant further testing.
It's also where the first public indications have been found of how long clearing the backlog will take and how much it will cost the city.
When the council focused its attention on the problem in August, the first committee session included plenty of questions about how this could have happened.
Council member Janis Fullilove was aggressive in her questioning about who specifically was responsible. She pushed Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong for answers, while acknowledging that the problem began long before he became police director. Armstrong repeatedly said he didn't know. The council's discussion shifted to how to clear the backlog.
In August, Armstrong wasn't making even a general estimate on the number of rape kits, putting it at "several thousand."
As the lawsuit gets into the discovery stage, he and other top police brass will be pushed for more specific and definitive answers, not only about how it happened but what the procedures were for handling the rape kits and who was responsible for enforcing those procedures.
Armstrong told council members last week he will need an additional $396,000 or will have to find that amount within his existing division budget just to address further processing of the initial group.
The backlog, according to Armstrong, stands at more than 12,000, with an initial batch of 1,600 still being processed. He is putting them in groups of 400 each, with the idea that that is about as many as multiple independent labs can each handle.
So far, three-fourths of the kits that have been processed have shown some kind of results that require additional processing. That's more than Armstrong initially estimated. His first estimate was that about half would come back with some indications that would prompt further testing
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. said the city is applying for state and federal grants to help pay the cost of processing the backlog.
The administration is also trying to track down a letter reportedly sent by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation that resulted in some rape kits being sent to that state agency.
City Chief Administrative Officer George Little estimated processing the entire backlog will take "several years."
The Memphis Police Department also has plans to build a center with a laboratory specifically for testing and processing such rape kits.
Copyright 1995 -
by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Oh, FFS. ***Another*** member of Skepchick was inappropriately propositioned for sex after appearing as a speaker at a conference. In this case, a couple of relative strangers flipped her a card with their number and a picture of their naked bodies. But that's not the worst part, from my point of view.
No, the worst part is that by the time I read this post, the comment thread was already a mile long… and I was immediately saying to myself "How long is this thread going to go on before somebody starts trying to justify it?" And, you know… I hate being right.
I'm not even gonna go into detail here, but the answer is "about a third of the way down the page." And the comment in question, by donboc, was: "I'm sure I'm going to get a sh!tstorm for writing this, but what was so upsetting about the experience?" Then it gets worse.
This comes after a persistent concern troll has been plaguing the Atheist Experience's inbox all day, telling us not to post anything about feminism anymore because that belongs on a separate blog, and it upsets people.
Fair warning: I'm in a mood to ban commenters. Please make me.


text:
Yerington lawmaker Joe Dini dead at age 85
Nevadans mourned the death and remembered the life of Assembly Speaker Emeritus Joe Dini.
Dini, 85, who died Thursday morning, served in the Legislature for 34 years.
Assemblyman Tom Grady, R-Yerington, announced Dini's death at an Interim Finance Committee meeting in Las Vegas, saying he was one of Nevada's most influential modern lawmakers.
Brendan Riley, who covered the Nevada Legislature from 1971 until 2009 for The Associated Press, said Dini was his favorite legislator.
"Everyone in politics will tell you a fib. Everyone," Riley said, sharing his favorite Dini story. "If Joe couldn't give you a straight answer, he would tell you with a smile. I'd ask him a question, and he'd say, 'I don't know, Brendan,' with the biggest smile. That let me know I was on the right track, but I had to get somebody else to give me the information. He did it every time."
After 36 years in the state Assembly, Dini decided in 2002 against seeking re-election.
Dini served the second longest in the Nevada Legislature. Only Sen. Lawrence "Jake" Jacobsen, R-Minden, who was first elected to the Assembly in 1963, served longer.
Lyon County Manager Jeff Page, speaking on behalf of the board of county commissioners and county, offered condolences to the Dini family.
"Joe Dini was the shining example of a statesman and all public servants, appointed or elected, should strive to be the example that Joe was," Page said. "Joe was successful in the Legislature because he was willing and able to work through issues and problems. He did not see things from a north-south, urban-rural or Democrat-Republican point of view. He saw things from a State of Nevada point of view. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Dini family. He and his family have operated a successful business in Yerington and have been great contributors to the community."
Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., who served with Dini, said he transcended partisanship.
"He was a person who transcended partisan labels and did more in a given week during a legislative session for Nevada than most do in a year," Amodei said. "When you look up 'Mr. Speaker' in the Nevada dictionary, Joe Dini's picture is there. The consummate Yerington Lion from Mason Valley, his lifetime accomplishments for his community and his state are without equal."
U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., said Dini was a statesman.
"With the passing of Joe Dini, Nevada has lost a statesman, a dedicated public servant, and a man who will be remembered for encouraging respect among his colleagues," Heller said. "Joe's colleagues elected him speaker of the Nevada State Assembly eight times, which is a remarkable testament to his leadership abilities and the distinction with which he served."
Nevada Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Thursday said Dini was a close friend.
"A true legislator, he understood that legislation is the art of compromise and as a moderate Democrat, Joe worked with fellow legislators and governors from both sides of the aisle," Reid said. "I can think of no higher praise, than when the late Bill Raggio said Joe had, 'one of the greatest legislative careers in the state of Nevada,' and I agree. He devoted his life to public service, and always had every Nevadans' interests at heart. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."
Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick praised Dini for his service.


text:
Southern Wholesale Energy
As the agent for Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power, Southern Wholesale Energy markets the retail operating companies' surplus generating capacity to the wholesale market.
SWE currently manages and fulfills the energy needs of municipalities, electric membership cooperatives and investor-owned utilities throughout the Southeast. SWE offers its customers:
- High levels of reliability from a diverse mix of resources.
- Competitively priced products.
- Flexibility in our product offerings.
- Financial stability through the strength of the operating companies.
- A long-term view of and commitment to the wholesale market.
- A strong core of internal expertise, with world-class skills in engineering, construction, fuel procurement and operation of our plants.
- Strategic view of the industry and commitment to maintaining a diverse generation mix.
- An effective, trustworthy team dedicated to understanding our wholesale customers' needs and customizing our product for them.
Meeting your needs today
For decades, our retail operating companies have provided competitive wholesale power supply to the region. We continue that tradition of excellence today by providing a reliable and stable resource to your operation, ensuring the homes and businesses you serve have the power needed for comfort, productivity and economic development. We have the experience to anticipate market and weather changes and the ability to respond quickly when called upon. We can assume your energy needs, supply peak capacity, and help you manage your power pool or operating load.
Low risk
It only takes one defaulted contract to throw your operation into turmoil. Avoid scrambling to make up power on a volatile spot market. Choose Southern Company. We manage market risk by securing future capacity needs at favorable prices. We've met our promises for decades. When you partner with Southern Company, you'll get the energy you need.
Competitive pricing
We integrate our generation assets with sound market purchases to keep our rates competitive and our reliability high. Whether you are looking for short or long-term capacity, we provide the flexibility to get the deal done for you. Our energy products also provide you with greater control of your future power supply costs. And you don't have to worry about stranded costs or unanticipated charges.
Customer focused
If you are within the Southeast US, we are focused on your market and your customers. It is our only market and the one we know best.
Long-Term, Bi-Lateral Contracts
Regardless of the size of your business, we'll work with you to best meet your needs through:
- Unit power sales
- Partial requirements service
- All requirements service
- Long-term, firm and non-firm power sales


text:
0 Items (Empty)
Recently Viewed Items
Your Shopping Cart
Your shopping cart is currently empty. If you would like to make a purchase today, add items to your shopping cart.
Please complete the information below to send a contact message.
Please remember, you can always contact us via telephone or postal mail as well using the following information:
ScooterCrew.com 4262 Blue Diamond Rd
Las Vegas, Nevada 89139
United States
Telephone: (702) 802-8038


text:
Percy Harvin is giving it a go once more.
The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver has played in just two games all season (40 snaps total), but he was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. However, he still must be cleared for Super Bowl XLVIII under the NFL's concussion protocol.
Pete Carroll is optimistic, saying Monday that Harvin "should be fine" for the big game against the Broncos.
Harvin played in only one regular-season game after suffering a setback from offseason hip surgery. He returned for the divisional round win over the New Orleans Saints, but he was concussed after two hard hits in the matchup.
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks' stale passing game certainly could use Harvin in the lineup. The star quarterback topped the 200-yard passing mark against the San Francisco 49ers for the first time since Week 15. With Harvin as a No. 1 receiver and Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin sliding down the depth chart, the Seahawks' offense would receive a much-needed shot in the arm.
The "Around The League Podcast" is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.


text:
604 6733 Cambie Street, Vancouver Listing #: R2293925
Welcome to Camellia - a luxurious concrete building located in the heart of Vancouver West. Minutes walk to Langara-49th Canada Line station, Oakridge Centre, Langara College, and Langara Golf Course. This three bedroom three bathroom penthouse suite features an efficient layout & and an expansive rooftop deck, bright SE exposure, 10' ceilings, engineered hardwood flooring throughout, geothermal heating & cooling systems, and top quality kitchen appliances by Miele. Amenities include fitness room and outdoor leisure area. School catchment: Annie B Jamieson Elementary & Sir Winston Churchill Secondary. Estimated completion in 2019.
- Exercise Centre
- Garden
- Air Conditioning
- ClthWsh
- Dryr
- Frdg
- Stve
- Microwave
Site Influences
- Central Location
- Golf Course Nearby
- Recreation Nearby
- Shopping Nearby
Similar Listings
Listed By: Regent Park Realty Inc.
Disclaimer: The data relating to real estate on this web site comes in part from the MLS Reciprocity program of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS Reciprocity logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.


text:
This video, part of the Nokia IDEAS PROJECT, explains how to increase relevance on platforms including Twitter and Facebook
Transcript of video: Data Gathering Allows Platforms to Serve Customers Better
I think the key element of technology will be that we manage to convince people to give us data, which allows the relevance function of the system to serve them better. I always say that the 1990's was the decade of given a set of data, what insights can I get, whereas the 2000's is the decade of given a problem, what data can I get in order to solve my problem. Let's say the problem of relevance is not solved by yet smarter algorithms. We have reached the ceiling there, but it is solved by people coming up with smart incentives where people see that, "Hey, if I show you something about myself, then I will be served much better. My attention will be rewarded more richly, and I'll be disappointed less".
Enroll Consumers in Helping Themselves
My view is that successful companies will see that the consumer is not their enemy. It's not about snooping up behind the consumer, getting their digital exhaust, and then selling them stuff they don't want. That's not how it works. The successful companies will be those who manage to enroll the consumer in helping them and helping themselves. That's how they will get people to share stuff, not because they want to primarily help the company, but primarily themselves. We see, in China, product development for cars being driven by consumers. As an example, there is a Japanese car maker who actually had a piece made for the car, by consumers, without having any say in that. People said, "We need this," and someone stepped up and said, "Yes, I have a company in Guangzhou, which can produce it," and there you are, not only user-created content, but also user created products. That's part of what I see the future of communication to be.
Costs Have Shifted to the Consumer
The shift that has occurred is that the relevant costs to the recipient are now the dominant ones. If you think about sending out mail ten or twenty years ago, the cost was twenty five cents, which the sender had to pay. The intelligence used to sit on the side of the sender, for instance, Capital One carefully figuring out whom to target. But, with electronic communication, the costs have shifted to the recipient, our time, our attention, our cost to deal with the interruptions. My belief is that it's not primarily a technology play, but it's primarily a people play where people provide metadata, data where they predict how important their communication is for you, and then a model negotiates, over time. Given their reputation, how much you should be interrupted and whether given the situation you are in, which of course you devise measures much more finely than ever before, you should be interrupted or not.
Building Platform 'Relevance'
I believe that progress in relevance to you, as an individual, is one of the key things to expect in the near future. For instance, take Twitter, Twitter organizes things by time. What a poor way; it's one way, but it's a very poor way. It's understandable, but it doesn't really help me manage my attention well. Potentially, Twitter knows a lot about my past actions; whom did I reply to, whom do I follow. It may also know how others reply. What do others think about my messages and what do I do in other networks? The people I follow on Twitter, are they also on my Facebook? Are they in my MySpace? Do I send emails to them? Taking all that information together, I believe, we can build a much better system, which shows the stuff which seems to be relevant to me, as opposed to just showing stuff in chronological order.
Discovery is the New Paradigm
We have seen the cost of communications, across the board, come down. That means a lot more gets produced by a lot more people. The necessary requirement, now, is that the sender, having an easy ability to reach everybody, needs to be matched by the receiver, which has some way of actually cutting through all the junk tofind those nuggets. So, in some way, it used to be that search was the paradigm where I go and I find something. Now, it's more discovery. "Hey, delight me. Show me some stuff you're interested in." Why do people share things about themselves? I did a panel with Shoshana Zuboff and Esther Dyson, at the Fortune Brainstorm Conference. The upshot was that people like to spread their genes and people like to spread their memes. Both of those make people immortal, in some way, your children, in one case, and your ideas, in the other case. To be honest, I think the Web or let's say Facebook, does provide for both of them. You find people who you can spread your genes with and you definitely find ways to spread your memes.
IdeasProject keywords: Nokia,Ideas Project,Thought leaders,Big ideas,New website,Big thinkers,Information space, Andreas Weigend,Chief Scientist,Amazon.com,Amazon,Berkeley,Stanford,Tsinghua,University


text:
The Minimus 24-ounce cold beverage tumbler comes in zebra design great for everyday use. Durable BPA-free construction. Comes with a reuseable straw that stays put and helps keep drinks perfectly mixed. Worry-free for leaks, the lid has a quarter-turn sealing mechanism. Hand washing is recommended for care. The tumbler is offered with a variety of fun designs.
Product Details:
Receive Our Latest Deals
Connect With Buydig


text:
U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
Highway Constructor Harassed Female Workers and Fired Employee In Retaliation for Her Complaints, Federal Agency Charged
ALBUQUERQUE PHOENIX-- A Dickinson, N.D., company that engages in highway construction in New Mexico and other states has agreed to settle a lawsuit for sexual harassment and retaliation filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for $150,000, the agency announced today.
The EEOC's lawsuit charged that Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. violated federal anti-discrimination laws when it subjected two women workers to egregious verbal sexual harassment by a supervisor and then fired one of them after she repeatedly asked the supervisor to stop harassing her and complained to a job superintendent.
Sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, and retaliation against persons who oppose unlawful employment practices violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Fisher Sand & Gravel Co., 09-CV-309 WFD/WPL) in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.
The case settled shortly before trial was set to begin with a consent decree, which in addition to the monetary settlement requires Fisher to provide its New Mexico employees with anti-discrimination training and review and revise its policies on sexual harassment. The company must also appoint an investigative officer who will be responsible for handling employee questions, concerns and complaints about sexual harassment, including the investigation of such complaints. The decree further sets out the steps to be taken in such an investigation and how it should be conducted.
"Women who work in traditionally male-dominated professions or workplaces can be particularly susceptible to sexual harassment," said Regional Attorney Mary Jo O'Neill of the EEOC's Phoenix District Office. "These women and all women deserve to work without being harassed because of their sex. Employers also must take special care to assure that employees who tell their harassers to stop and/or bring discrimination matters to the employer's attention are not subjected to retaliation."
Acting EEOC Albuquerque Area Director Elizabeth Cadle added, "Federal law protects a woman's right to work without harassment because of her sex. Violations of the law will be met with rigorous enforcement by our agency."
The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.


text:
Carl Stjernfeldt
Fund: Castile Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2007-11-27
I know Carl from his Battery days. He funded my company's A-round, B-round, and was an active board member from day zero. Carl comes across initially as very direct; however, he generally gets right to the heart of a problem. He added a lot of value from both a business/marketing and a technology perspective. There are VC's I would never work with again -- Carl is not one of them. I would work with him again in a heartbeat -- which really says it all.PRIVATE: Members Only (149 Characters)


text:
Jersey Jam 99 -- 5/18/14
SUNDAY, May 18th, 2014, at my house in central NJ.
10am - lunchtime (typically 3 or 4 hours) with our now legendary pizza finale'.
It's NOT a formal open event in a public venue, it's just me inviting some folks to my home, as a way of making new musical friends. We have a small group of regulars and new folks stopping by from time to time. Most of us play guitar, though other acoustic instruments are welcome. We're usually willing to try all styles of popular music, and while we always want the jam to be beginner friendly, we're happy to have more experienced players sit in and inspire us.
This is an informal, casual get-together, hanging around in the basement making music, and we chip in for pizza at the end.
No pressure, and ABSOLUTELY NO "I'm not good enough" excuses.
You just need an instrument and a song in your heart. And a music stand is helpful.
If you're interested, join the 'Jersey Jam' group here on folkjam.org and let me know!
Regulars, please post your RSVPs and song suggestions on our forum!


text:
BENNINGTON — County firefighters won three of the 10 major statewide awards handed out at the Vermont State Firefighters Association's annual convention, which was hosted by the Bennington Fire Department on Aug. 17, 18 and 19.
Two were members of the Bristol Fire Department.
Justin Jackman was named the Emergency Maintenance Technician of the Year.
Cadet Will Elwell earned the distinction of Junior Firefighter of the Year.
The third local winner came from the Middlebury Fire Department: Paul Garrow was honored as Vermont's Line Officer of the Year.
All three were nominated by their own departments and then selected from all the statewide nominees by a Vermont association panel.
The Vergennes Fire Department also earned some hardware, receiving a first-place trophy for marching for a unit of 10 firefighters or fewer in the convention's parade.


text:
This morning, our attention is drawn to the 15th chapter of John. I had been asked many times the question about does John 15 teach that Christians can lose their salvation? That's the same question I was asked over and over again about Hebrews 6, so we decided to do two special messages, one which we have done in the past on Hebrews 6, and now, this one on John 15:1-11.
This is a very important passage, a very, very often taught and often quoted passage, and, I'm afraid, very often misunderstood, and what we attempt to do this morning is, just in a very general way, to look at the portion from Verses 1-11 and draw from it the proper interpretation. And may I hasten to add that I am not attempting to defend the theological position. I'm only attempting to interpret a passage of Scripture that I think has been often used to defend a position that doesn't exist.
So we're going to just attempt to look at the passage and see what is says. One other introductory comment, and then we'll dive into it, and that is this; that I wonder sometimes how people can continuously use Scripture out of context to prove their point. One of the great things that you learn when you really get into Bible study; you go to seminary or one of the things that we teach our students in our study center, Logos, here is that you can never interpret Scripture in isolation from its immediate context. You never take a Verse out of its chapter; you never take a chapter out of its immediate context in a book.
And one of the things that I think we do very often in our Bible study is isolate verses and passages from their context. When Jesus begins Chapter 15 by saying, "I am the vine, the true One, and my Father is the husband," but He is not saying that in a vacuum. He is not just blurting that out in some isolated fashion. I used to wonder sometimes what prompted Jesus to say the things that He said.
I wondered why, in the middle of a conversation, He would just pop up and say, "I am the light of the world." And then I studied the passage, and I found out that He was standing in the court of the women, and in the court of the women was a great candelabra that set a beaming light out the open court into the sky and lit all of Jerusalem during the feast of that time, and it was used to speak of the light that led the children of Israel in the wilderness, and they lit it every night of the week, and now, it was blown out, and it was sitting there, and Jesus, standing next to the candelabra, said, "I am the light of the world." Now, that makes sense, doesn't it? That puts a context around it.
Or when He said, "If you drink of the water that I shall give you, out of your bellies shall flow rivers of living water," and you wonder why did He say that? And then you realize that He was at the very juncture in a ceremony in Israel when the priest was pouring out water, and at that point, He made that statement. But when you come to John 15, and you hear Him say, "I am the true vine, and ye are the branches, my Father being the husband of the vinedresser," He is saying that in some kind of context. And it is important to understand just exactly what the context is. Let me give you a little background.
At this particular juncture, Jesus is in the upper room with his disciples. It is the night before His death, and at that point, He introduces this particular analogy. But prior to Chapter 15, some very interesting things have occurred. In Chapter 13, we find Him meeting with his disciples in the upper room, and, immediately, a contrast is painted for us.
It says that Jesus loved His own, which were in the world, to perfection in Verse 1 of Chapter 13, and after talking about the marvelous love that He had for His own, and then that beautiful act of washing their feet, it sticks in the middle of that this; Verse 2, "Supper having begun, the devil entered the heart of Judas, Escariot, Simon's son, and Jesus, knowing that the father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God and went to God, rises from supper, laid aside his garments, took a towel, girded himself and proceeded to wash their feet.
Now, notice, it says he loved them in Verse 1. It says he washed their feet beginning in Verse 4. Why does it stick that terrible thing in there about the devil, putting it into the heart of Judas to betray him? The answer is because, from the very beginning of that evening, there existed a stark contrast between 11 disciples and 1 other disciple. And that contrast is what dominates the thinking of our Lord. In Verse 10 of Chapter 13, He talked about washing them and cleansing them, and He said, "I have washed you," at the end of Verse 10, "and you are clean, but not all," for he knew who should betray him, therefore, said, "He who are not all clean." In the mind of the Lord, the dominant thought was not his own death. That never really dominated His thoughts until he sweat great drops of blood in the garden in Chapter 17, but what dominates His thought here is this terrible reality that there is a Judas among the 12.
It isn't something He hasn't known. It is simply something that has now come to a climax, and this He repeats. Later on in Chapter 13, He even points out Judas and says, Verse 27, "What you do, do quickly." And Judas left in Verse 30, and Jesus went on talking to His disciples, but dominant in His mind is this whole terrible, fearful contrast between the 11 faithful disciples and Judas. And he knew what was going on in Judas' heart. Now, I believe that that is the context in which this passage exists, and it is out of that context that Jesus says this. "I am the vine, the true One. My Father is the vinedresser, and ye are the branches. Every branch in Me that bears not fruit, He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit, He purges that it may bring forth more fruit." You have, in Verse 2, two kinds of branches, right? The first kind bear fruit; the second kind do not.
I believe there is a contrast in our Lord's mind between Judas and the 11. And I say that the two kinds of branches are true believers and Judas branches. Those who outwardly and visibly and, for a time, attach themselves to Jesus, but there is no reality there, and soon, they are cut off, and it says, "They are gathered together and cast into the fire" in Verse 6. "The branch that doesn't bear fruit," Verse 6 says, "is withered, gathered, cast into the fire, burned."
Now, someonesaid that this is referring to Christians who don't bear fruit, but if you, as a Christian, do not bear fruit, you're going to get sent to hell. Well, there's a lot of problems with that. No. 1: I don't think that's remotely related to the context. No. 2: I don't think it's remotely related to the consistency of what the Bible teaches, and No. 3: It makes your salvation dependent, not upon what Christ did, but upon what you do, right? You do this, and you'll stay in; you don't and you're out. Salvation is a matter that, not of grace, but what? Works. So it not only violates context; it violates what we know to be the truth of grace in regard to salvation.
And so I believe that if you just look at the context here, removing the confusion is simple at that point. You have two things in the Lord's mind; the branches that remain and the branches that don't. The ones who abide in Him and the Judas branches that do not abide, that sever themselves and are cast forth to be burned.
Now, you'll notice both of those branches have an identity with Christ. And some people really choke on the term "every branch in me" because they think the concept of "in me" must mean salvation. Well, if you're talking about the concept of being in Christ as Paul uses it, then that's right. But if you're talking here in the simple terms of the word "in" and what the word means, it doesn't have to mean anything any more than an identification with. So let's not give it Paulinemeaning when it's used her by our Lord in the Gospel. Let's not force a whole theology on the Greek preposition. Let's wait until Paul develops that theology before we force this verse into that theology.
When Paul uses the word "in Christ," he is using it in the real sense of our life being with him in union. When Christ simply says there is a branch that's in the vine that isn't a true branch because it doesn't stay there, that is simply an analogy, and let's not force that Paul systematic approach to it on this passage. There are some branches that approach Jesus Christ that plug in, in a superficial way, but aren't real branches because they don't bear fruit, and, incidentally, no true branch would ever be taken away. Jesus said that "His sheep would never be plucked out of His hand; nobody, no person, no thing could ever take them from him," John 10:28.
So true believers are not cast forth. Now, Judas is in our Lord's mind, and he is the kind of a person who has attached himself to Jesus Christ for a period of time, and incidentally, folks, this is very common. There are a lot of Judases. It would have been one thing if Jesus had only endured one Judas. He's endured millions of them. People outwardly attach to Jesus Christ, but have no inward life, and they have all different reasons for doing it. Maybe they like the fellowship of the people, good, moral people. Maybe they want to fool themselves into thinking they're religious. Maybe they want to pacify a wife or husband or maybe they want to seem like some kind of a goody-good that they're not, and they cover up their own guilt by certain behavior that appears to them to be religious. Maybe they're afraid of God, and they want God's salvation on their terms, not his terms, and they think if they behave themselves in a religious fashion that God could never X them out, ultimately.
For whatever their reason, there are plenty and plenty of Judas branches. And what this passage is saying; our Lord is saying at this point, "Look I've had one Judas; I plead with you, be a real branch." That's basically as I see it, the context. Now, I will endeavor to support that in the text as we look at it so that you'll not just think that I'm imposing something here. There are two kinds of branches then, branches that do not bear fruit; they are taken away; they are burned, and they refer to these kind of people of, who like Judas, stand in some kind of close connection to Jesus, but they are apostates. They bail out.
And then there are branches, who, like the other 11, truly abide truly their fruit. The groups then are the professors and the possessors, the true and the false and, incidentally, isn't this typical of John's approach? When we study 1 John, what have we found that John contrasts; the true believer with what? The false. That's his whole approach. This is the way he works. So in this final night, our Lord pulls together all the characters of the upper room, himself; he is the vine, the true one, the Father, who is the vinedresser, and the 11, who are the abiding branches and the one Judas branch, the betrayer.
Now, let's look to begin within these characters, and the first point in our simple outline, and it's really a simple one, is the characters of the analogy. The first one is in Verse 1, "I am the true vine" or "I am the vine, the true one." The word "alethanas" here means the ideal, the perfect, the real, the genuine. And he says that in reference to Israel, you see, because the Jews felt they were God's vine. Now, let me show you what I mean by that.
The analogy in the Old Testament went like this. God has a root of blessing, and blessing comes through that root and extends to the extremities so that anybody who would be blessed would need to be grafted into the root of blessing, and Israel saw themselves as that blessing root. And they had a right to see themselves that way because God had called them His vine. In Isaiah, the Lord said that he planted the vine on a very fertile hill; do you remember that? He looked at His vine, and instead of His vine bringing forth good grapes, it brought forth wild grapes, and God condemned it.
God says, "Israel is an empty vine." You see, God had made Israel the stock of blessing, and anybody who would be blessed would be blessed in the tents of Shem, remember that? They would be blessed in identification with Israel, the repository of God's truth and God's law. But Israel forfeited the place of blessing by unbelief, and so the Messiah comes along and says, "Now, I am the vine, the true one. No longer is a man blessed by being in Israel; he is blessed when he truly is in me."
You see? Well, this is a heavy thing for Israel, isn't it? This is a heavy thing for them to realize that they no longer are God's stock of blessing. Anybody now who is blessed is blessed only in Christ, right; not in Israel. To be a Jew today means nothing in terms of salvation, absolutely nothing except that hell will be even more severe if you go there because you have rejected all that Judaism taught regarding the coming of the Messiah and to whom much is given what? Much is required.
So you see, our Lord is simply saying, "I am the true vine. Israel was God's vine, but is Israel is an empty vine, and now, I am the source of all blessing." Our Lord, then, is divine. He is the true vine like He is the true light in John 1, like He is the true bread in John 6; He is the only one, the perfect one, the genuine one, the real one, the ideal one. Second character we meet is the vinedresser. You may have husbandmen. This is the person that takes care of the vine. Now, I don't know anything about vines and vinedressers from experience. I only know what I read. In fact, I don't know anything about farming. I just have to be victimized by the things I read.
But from all that I can understand, a vinedresser has two responsibilities toward a vine. 1.) Cut off the branches that are dead. 2.) Prune the suckers off the branches that are bearing fruit. Now, that's primarily it apart from water and sunlight and whatever happens there. But, basically, it's a pruning process that directs the power and the light for the productive branches. You don't want a fruitless branch, a dead branch, sucking off any energy when it can't produce nor do you want sucker things shooting off of good branches and sapping the strength that could be producing the fruit. So the vinedresser, then, is in the responsibility of whacking off the branches that are fruitless and of pruning the ones that are fruit-bearing.
Now, you'll notice that this is precisely what the Father does, according to Verse 2. Every branch, "And ye that beareth not fruit, He takes away." The vinedresser; he just cuts off the branches that are fruitless. Every branch that does bear fruit; he simply prunes that, that it might bring forth, what? More fruit; make it more productive, so the Father's responsibility is the pruning and the punishing. First of all, He takes away the fruitless branch.
Now, I want to add something here just as a note, and we'll cover it a little bit further, but I want you to get it in your minds. There is no such thing as a no-fruit Christian. Okay? So any branch that doesn't bear fruit is a dead giveaway of a Judas branch. You say you mean there could not be a Christian with no fruit? That is correct. There cannot be a no-fruit Christian. So, and we'll get into this in a minute, as I said, so what the Father does is he cuts off the fruitless branch because it is false. It has made an identification, but there is no reality there; there is no life there.
He removes the so-called Christians; if you will, to use Matthew 13's analogy, the tares from among the wheat. And what happens when they're removed? Verse 6: "They're cast forth as branches, withered, gathered, cast into the fire, burned." Secondly, the Father has a responsibility to the fruit-bearing ones. That's us Christians. What does He do to us? Well, He purges or prunes us to bring forth more fruit. You know, every Christian gets little sucker shoots all over him. You know what they are? Sins. And they sap away our energy, don't they? And instead of all of our energies and all of our efforts being the flow of God's power to fruit-bearing, we get diverted and sidetracked, and the strength is sapped and misdirected.
And so the Father is pruning us in order to bear more fruit and in order to bear much fruit. As I said, there's no such thing as a no-fruit Christian. There are a whole lot of little-fruit Christians, a whole lot of ones where the Lord goes, "Oh, a fruit?" See? Periodically. Really, Christians are defined in these terms: Little fruit, more fruit, much fruit, but not no fruit.
The third of the characters in this analogy are the branches. Every branch - and then he defines two kinds - and the Father purges the second kind with the Word, Verse 3, "You're clean to the Word, which I have spoken unto you." Drastic pruning is necessary to the branches. Some of the branches are set aside. Some of the branches are simply pruned. I want us to look at these two types of branches for just a minute. Let's look, first of all, at the ones that have no fruit.
These are the non-Christians, who - these are the thinkers; these are the professors; these are the phonies; these are the tares, and they cannot refer to Christians. There cannot be a no-fruit Christian. Now, let me show you why. In Ephesians 2:10, it says that, "You are His workmanship and I am." All of us are the same, but "You're his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that you should walk in them." Before you are saved, God saved you, ordained you to walk in what? Good works. There can be no Christian who does not manifest good works. In Titus 2:14, it says that, "We were redeemed, and God redeemed us to make a people zealous of good works." In James, Chapter 2, "Faith without works is dead." And in 26, He says, "As the body, without the Spirit is dead, so your faith without any evidence, is not true faith. It's dead."
There is no such thing as a no-fruit Christian, so you can't say that every branch that bears no fruit He takes away refers to a Christian. A Christian cannot be a no-fruit. Listen, if the life of God is in you, there will be productivity. You may try to bottle it up and squelch it and redirect it a lot, but it's going to get through anyway. Now, let me defend myself at this point. Turn to Matthew 7. And I think when I'm done, you'll see that there really is no other way to look at it. Matthew 7:16; our Lord repeats this thing and has even John the Baptist getting in on it just so many times so that we can't miss it. He says, "Beware of false prophets." All right?
Now, this is what we're talking about, isn't it? False people, false ones, ones who claim something they don't have, claim to be Christians, claim to be teachers of the Word of God. They come in, in sheep's clothing; inside, they are just mad wolves. How are you going to tell them? How are you going to tell a true from a false? Verse 16; "Ye shall know them by their fruits; few men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles." Even so, every good tree brings forth, what? Good fruit.
Could there be a good tree with no good fruit? No, it wouldn't be a good tree. Would every Christian have good fruit? Yes. Good fruit? Yes. That's what He's saying. You can tell a true believer because he will have good fruit. Every good tree brings forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree brings forth bad fruit. A bad tree can't bring forth bad fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. I true Christian cannot continually bear evil fruit. There must be the good fruit that comes from the life of God in him. And every tree that brings not forth good fruit is cut down, cast into the fire, wherefore by their fruits, you shall know them.
You see, true believers are known because they bear good fruit. There's no such thing as a good tree. A true believer with no fruit. The fruit is the manifestation of the reality of their goodness. Matthew 12:33; our Lord speaks again. "Either make the tree good and its fruit good or else make the tree corrupt and it's fruit corrupt, for the tree is known by its fruit," and here again, He is blasting away at the false Christians, the false believers, and He's saying the evidence comes in the fruit.
Now, go back to Matthew 3, and let's look at John the Baptist, see what he said. He called the Pharisees and Saducees snakes. "You snakes." Verse 8, Matthew 3: "Bring forth, therefore, fruits that fit repentance. Through repentance, we'll give fruit. If your for real, let me see the fruit," he says. Don't say to yourself, "We have Abraham as our father." I'll tell you right now, God can these stones into children of Abraham. Now, "the axe is laid to the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is cut down, cast into the fire." There's the same analogy.
Now, watch. If John the Baptist used that analogy of being cut down and cast into the fire of false believers; if Jesus used it of false believers twice, then believe me, Jesus would use the same kind of an analogy regarding the same kind of thing the third time in John 15, right? So again, what you have in view there are branches that are cut off because they did not bear fruit, which gave evidence to the fact that they were not genuine. Do you see? They're false believers. They are not true believers. All Christians will have some fruit. It might be little fruit; in most cases, it is. It might be much fruit; in some cases, it is. It might be more fruit; in cases, it is that, but always fruit.
Now, don't panic about the terms in me. Every branch that abides in me, as I said; don't put Paul's theology into John 15. It hasn't developed to that point. You can be connected with Jesus Christ and not saved. Do you realize that if people were called disciples of Jesus, according to John 6:66, that many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. They were identified with Christ, but they weren't for real. In John 8, they believed on His name, and they said, "All right, if you believe in My name, you'll continue with Me," and they didn't. They left.
In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul warns us, and he says, "You better examine yourself to see whether you're really in the fellowship or not," because there are so many people who think they are. So you have here some professing people in John 15. And they are similar to the ones in Hebrews 6, in the sense that they are on the edge, but they never made that genuine commitment, and they're in tremendous danger of being cut off, cast into the fire.
All right, second kind of branches. They're the fruit-bearing ones. That's the true believer. Now, you just may have a little bit of fruit; that might not be the case, and if you're a little fruit, get ready, because the Father's going to prune. And even if you're a more fruit, you might get pruned, just trust God that you're a much fruit. The word "purge;" you'll notice at the end of Verse 15; he prunes it, Kathairo, to make clean catharsis. He cleanses by pruning. This is a word used in agriculture in the Greek language to speak of pruning off shoots and leaves and little sucker branches, and in the case of spiritual branches, the Father is concerned with the removal of whatever things hinder the believer from full productivity, from full fruit-bearing.
And pruning usually hurts. When you talk about pruning, you're talking, in a sense, I think, about suffering. You know, some of you might think I've been through a little pruning, and that's probably true, and that's good, and I praise God that out of it will become more fruit and maybe much fruit, but usually, we would associate pruning with sickness, and I think rightly so with hardship, with a loss of material goods, with some slander or persecution or the loss of loved ones or some kind of personal grief or agony or discouragement or war or, I don't know, whatever, but usually, God brings trials and troubles into our lives that have a way of uncovering the problem, unbearing the problem so that He can work on it.
Now, watch this now. "The actual pruning, the actual operation is done by the Word of God," Verse 3. Right? You're clean through the Word. But the trouble has a way of sort of opening and exposing it, and to give you the analogy that I'm most up on with my foot. I had a problem in my foot, and it needed to be corrected, and what had to happen was somebody had to open it up and reveal the problem, and then they could take care of the problem. In a sense, the knife which opened the skin and revealed the problem was like the trouble that you have, but the needle that goes in and sews up the wound inside and makes it whole again is like the Word of God.
You see, trials themselves do not improve you. They simply tear you open, and then the application of the Word of God does the healing, so if you have a lot of trouble and you never get to the Word, you're just going to keep having a lot of trouble. It's the Word of God that does the healing. It's the Word of God that does the pruning. It's the Word of God that makes the fruit-bearing increase, but it may be trouble that opens the wound, you see? Trouble has a way of running you to the wall. It has a way of exposing your weakness. You're about as crummy as you get when you're really hurting, right? Trouble has a way of running you to your extremity, and it's at that point when the wounds of your extremities and your weaknesses are open; that these sutures of the Word of God can put you together again. Now, the Father does it that way.
So trial and suffering put the pressure on us, and the Word of God comes in and stimulates the growth. It's the Word that makes us grow, so you see the characters then, and God punishes some and cuts them off and throws them away because they're Judas branches, but others, he just prunes, and whenever you're getting pruned, and that's what I've been thinking of in this regards; whenever you're getting pruned, you know what the purpose of it is? That you might bring forth what? I'm for that; are you for that? Hallelujah; I'd break my leg every month if I could know that God's going to give me more fruit. I didn't mean that, Lord. That was theological. No, I did mean it.
If I knew in my life, as Jerry said, "Life is a vapor," and I just want it to count; that's all, but if I knew in my life that more fruit would come out of my life for God's glory through pain, then I want that pain. That's all I want is more fruit and much fruit. So we meet the characters in the analogy; Point 2; it's simple. Let's look at the concept of abiding.
Now, we got to get into this concept to understand the passage. What is really involved in abiding? When you say you the branch that abides, what are you saying here? Well, it's a fantastic concept. The Bible uses all kinds of analogies to speak of our relationships to Christ, and some of them, I like better than others. I love them all because they all express a certain truth, but some of them just seem to have much more of an intimacy.
For example, the Bible uses the concept of a kingdom. We are the subjects of a kingdom, and Christ is the king, right? And that's kind of neat because I like to think that the responsibility for order in the kingdom is His and that He'll care for His subjects and so forth and so on. That's kind of good. But I don't get any real close feeling when I think of a king and his subjects, do you? I mean, I'll usually thing of somebody way up there on the throne and sort of the peons down here, you know, really just kind of exist in subjection, and that isn't really an intimate concept. It gets a little bit more intimate when you go, say, to Ephesians 2 and you realize that the church is called a family, the household of God; God is the Father, and we are His children, and that's kind of intimate, isn't it?
But it's still not totally intimate; I mean, you could be all different individuals in the family. There's no real life connection, other than what you'd say a child inherits the Father, and that fits, and I can see the connection there, but when you start getting into the concept of a vine, then you're talking about intimacy because you've got branches plugged into something else, and there's an organic life flow, do you see? I'm not just a subject in a kingdom, and I'm not just an individual in a family. I'm a branch connected for my life into the vine.
Now, it even goes further than that when you get into the concept of the church as the Body of Christ. You've got Christ as the head, and I'm one of the members, and then His life is flowing through me too. But this is similar to that one, and I think ranked second to it in terms of intimacy as an analogy. Do you realize, as a Christian . . . this is fantastic . . . that you're a branch plugged into the vine? That the very life of Christ is your life; that when there's fruit hanging out on the end of you, it's because the very life of Christ and the power of Christ has been surging through you. That's fabulous. It's not that He's up there doling out little power deals, and you say, "Here's 42 little things for You and 13 little powers for You; go out and zap around with them." It's the very fact that you're plugged into Him, and the very flow of His energy comes through you, and He actually bears fruit at the point of your life. It's a fabulous concept.
You grow together with Him; you get all your strength from Him; you're filled with His life, His energy. He produces fruit through you. What a fabulous concept.
Now, this is the analogy our Lord chooses. He says, "I want you to be real branches. I want you to be branches through whom I can bear fruit. I don't want you to be fruitless ones, where there's no reality and there's no life, superficially connected." He says, "Abide in me," Verse 4; look at it. "And I in you."
Well, what does He mean by that? He's saying, "I want real disciples. I want true believers. I want branches that abide. I don't want branches that are there for a while and gone; I don't want superficial non-fruit-bearing, non-abiding branches. I want branches that abide. I want real believers."
You know, we say, "Well, what about the person that hands around Christianity, and then bails out?" All you have to do is read 1 John 2:19. "They went out from us because they were not of us." If they had been of us, they would've remained with us, but they went out because it might be made manifest that they were not of us. When somebody leaves, they aren't real. Jesus said, "If you continue in My Word, then you're my real disciple," John 8:31. He says, "I want real ones, ones that abide, ones that stay there, ones through whom My life really flows, and fruit is born through the end of it." Be real. That's the basic meaning of abiding. Genuines; the false always leaves sooner or later. We'll all get a similar warning to that. So does the writer of Hebrew. Hebrew says over and over again, "Your salvation is made real if you continue steadfast to the end."
It's not that you have to keep saved; it's that if you're truly saved, you'll stay there. And so He says, "If you're really for real; if you're really abiding in Me, a genuine fruit-bearing branch; then I am abiding in you as well." Fantastic. Christ resides only in true believers. Does he abide in the ones that don't abide? No. A branch that does not abide is not a Christian. Christ does not abide in Him. He abides only in the abiding branches, the ones that stay in them; he stays.
Now, let me show you some other ways that He uses this, Verse 8. "And this is my Father glorified or honored; that you bear much fruit." I mean, any guy who is tending a vine would be honored when he had a good vine, a good fruit-bearing vine. "The Father so is glorified when you bear much fruit, so should he be My disciple." Now, what's He saying? True disciples not only abide; they bear much fruit. They bear fruit. You can't bear fruit unless you're an abiding branch, so true disciples bear fruit.
Let me take you a step further, Verse 9. "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved You. Continue You in my love." Here's another way of saying the very same thing. True believers abide; true believers; therefore, bear fruit; true believers continue in love toward Christ. Their love doesn't run out. They don't turn their back on Him and walk away sometime. You say, "Well, what about the person who does that?" They never were real. Isn't that what He's saying? They were Judas branches. If He says abide; if He says remain; if He says bear fruit or if He says continue in My love, He's saying the very same thing. Be real.
Verse 10: "If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love." Here is another way, friends, of saying the very same thing. A true Christian abides; a true Christian bears fruit; a true Christian continues in love, and a true Christian obeys. Boy, doesn't that sound like John? That sounds exactly like 1 John. And Christ says, "Let Me be the example in the way that I abided in the Father, in the way that I continued in His love, in the way that I obeyed His will in submission." That's how you ought to do it. So Jesus pleads for them to be real. He's saying, in effect, "I don't want any more Judases. I don't want any more hypocrites; I don't want any more tares. I don't want any people who are fakes; I want people who really abide, really bear fruit, continue in My love and obey My commandments."
These are true Christians. That's what I want; no Judas branches. You say, "But, John, don't you think there's something that could be said here for Christians because we don't always abide every moment of every day; we don't always rest in Christ. Sometimes, we get out there on our own, don't we, and try to do it ourselves? Here I go, Lord; watch me?" Don't we sometimes try to bear our own fruit? Sure, we do. You know how much a branch can bear on its own? Not a lot. Nothing.
Verse 4: "Abide in me and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself. Except a divide in the vine, you can't either, and except you abide in Me." You know, if you want to see how good a branch is, just cut one off from a tree and see what it'll do. Won't do anything; nothing at all. And you, as a Christian, there are times in your life, even though the norm of your life is to abide and myself, and there are times when we get away from abiding in Him, and I mean resting in Him and just waiting on his power, and we start cranking on our own, doing our own thing, doing our own will. If you want a synonym for abiding in Christ, just put it this way. Being obedient to His will; that's all; continuing in His love, obeying in His will; that's what it says. That's the same as abiding, but there are times we don't always continue in His love, and we tinker with the world, right?
We flirt with the things of the world. There are times when we don't always obey. We get disobedient and self-absorbed, and we do the things that we want to do, so yes, there are times when a Christian does not abide in the full sense, but those are the exceptions, not the rules. The New Testament reminds us; look, you abide; that's your character, so be faithful to that character. Your character is to love Him, so love Him. Your character is to obey Him, so obey Him; be what you are, right? Jesus is saying, "Be real; be real."
I'll tell you, Christian, it's easy sometimes for us, I think, to drift from that and think we can do it on our own, but you can't. You try to bear fruit on your own, and you can't get anything. You've got to stay connected to Him. In fact, you know, I thought of this; the best branch and the worst branch aren't any different. You say, "Well, I can't do what he can do because he's got so much more than I've got." Wait, wait, wait, wait. You're both branches, right? Is the power yours? No. Is the power God's? Yes. Then let him do what he wants through both.
All right, let me take you a step further. The concept of abiding that we've talked about; it refers here, primarily, to being saved, but it also is an injunction to Christians to be what they are. Well, what about the blessed? Did you say, "Well, why should I abide in Christ? Why should I be real? Why should I become a Christian? Why should I plug into Jesus Christ? Or, as a Christian, why should I really abide? Why should I follow what I am and be totally committed to that?" Here's why. I'll give you some blessings of abiding. Are you ready for these?
No. 1 blessing from abiding is in Verse 5. "I am the vine; you are the branches." Keep that in your minds. "He that abides in Me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without Me, you can do a few things." Nothing. All right, then, if you're going to do anything at all, you're going to have to abide, and you will find that when you abide in Him, you will bring forth much fruit. First blessing of abiding: Fruit. Wouldn't it be terrible to live your whole life and have no fruit? You know, I wonder how people must feel at the end of their life when they die, having made no contribution to anything. But here, if you abide in the vine, there's fruit. Do you know 24 of the 27 New Testament Books refer to the idea of fruit, including all of Pauls' letters. God expects Christians to be fruitful, and God wants to produce things through your life.
Now, you say, "Well, what do you mean by fruit in my life?" All right, let me give you an instant. We talked about it in reference to Galatians, but there's two kinds of fruit, okay? Attitude fruit and action fruit. Now, action . . . let me go to action fruit. Action fruit is like praise, like he was 13; I'll offer him the fruit of my lips, praise. Action fruit is like the first fruits of Achaia, winning people to Christ is producing fruit or like "fruits under good works," as Paul says; any deeds of goodness. Paul uses the idea of a love gift from the Philippians being a fruit, so a fruit could be any good thing you did, winning someone to Christ, giving money to a needy person, praising God, doing any good works; that's action fruit.
And; I mean, it's fabulous to think that my life can be fruitful; that I can be a blessing to somebody else; that I can do something good for somebody else; that I can produce something that is wonderful and blessed of God. That's exciting. That's one reason to come to Christ, to have a positive, effective life. But, on top of that, there is also attitude for fruit. Now, attitude fruit is recorded in Galatians 5. The fruit of the spirit is, and here comes the attitudes; love, joy, peace, right? Those aren't acts; those are attitudes, aren't they? Now, why? The formula that God wants is you abide, that produces attitude fruit, and that produces action fruit. If you have action fruit without attitude fruit, that's legalism. You're out there cranking up the good works with the wrong attitudes. God rejects that. But if the Spirit of God produces right attitude fruit, right attitude fruit will produce right action fruit.
Listen, I'll tell you, could anybody want anything more than to have this promised to them? Love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control and anything else any of you would like? That does it. When somebody comes to me, "Why should I become a Christian?" Would you like love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control? "That's available?" Well, I'm just telling you this. One of the blessings of abiding is attitude fruit, and those kinds of attitudes produce action fruit. Now, I want to abide, don't you? I want to be real.
Now, let me give you a second thing, and this is fabulous. The second blessing of abiding is in Verse 7: "If you abide in Me and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you." Listen, a second result of abiding is answered prayer; is that great? I mean, it would get old talking to a vault in Heaven, having no answers, no Divine resource. He says, "Abide, manateh eres, remain permanently. The mark of a Christian, and My utterances continue to be in you and whatever you ask, I'll do." Within the consistency of His will, He responds to those who abide what? A promise, friends. Isn't that fabulous? Why should you be a Christian? Because God will hear and answer your needs and your prayers. That's enough for me.
Maybe a third thing: A third blessing of abiding in Verse 8: "And this is My Father glorified; that you bear much fruit." Another reason to just want to abide is so God can be honored. One of the most super things that I realized in my life is that I can actually adore in the Doctrine of God, as Paul put it. I actually can be used to God's glory. I can actually display His attributes. Listen, if you ever see any love in me, it's the love of Christ. If you ever see any peace in me, it's the peace of Christ. If you ever see any joy in me, it's the joy of Christ. If you ever see anything in me that touches you for God; it's Him, not me.
Paul said in Romans 15:18, "I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not wrought in me." Another thing He gives; a blessing of abiding His joy, Verse 11: "These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full." He'll give you joy, full joy; fruit, answered prayer, displaying God's glory; full joy. These are the blessings of abiding. In case you're still not convinced, let me give you, lastly, the curse of non-abiding.
Verse 6: "If a man abide not in Me; if a man is not a Christian; if a man is a Judas branch, he is cast forth as a branch and withered, and then gather them and cast them into the fire," and that has reference to the angels. Read Matthew 13. They come and gather the useless branches at the Judgment and cast them into hell, and they're burned.
Listen, if the positive side of having all of those things that abiding branches have; fruit, answered prayer, the honor of glorifying God and joy don't convince you, maybe the negative side will. If you're a non-abiding branch, you spend an eternity in hell. Now, you say, "Well, John, how do you know this isn't referring to Christians that get cast out?" Listen, "If any man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch." Listen, Jesus said this in John 6:37: "Him that cometh unto Me, truthfully, honestly, I will, in no wise," what? Cast out . . . no, sir; He is not in the business of casting out true believers, but those who are Judas branches. Beloved, I say to you this: You have a choice; abide or not abide. I choose to abide for two reasons; because of the blessings of abiding, because of the curse of non-abiding. Be real. That's our Lord's message in this passage. Let's pray.
"Father, we pray that if there are any in our midst whose Christianity is a mask of ungodliness, whose Christianity is not real, who are Judas branches, attached on the outward and detached on the inward; Oh, Father, I pray today that they might become true Christians before they become so hardened, before they become so indifferent, so calloused to that which they pretend to be; that they no longer can make the choice.
Father, speak to our hearts; in Christ's name, Amen."
This article is also available and sold as a booklet.
This sermon series includes the following messages:
Please contact the publisher to obtain copies of this resource.Publisher Information


text:
Explore and Express showed us how to to make these beautiful autumn crowns. Can't wait to give this a try!
Creative Connections for Kids played with some marshmallows and a variety of sticks to make their own tinker toys. Is that clever or what? Looks like a great time.
Mummy..Mummy..MUM!! had a bunch of fun with a huge box and made this play castle.
If you were featured here this week, go ahead and grab the "featured at" button on my sidebar.
Now on to this week's party! Art for Little Hands and I would love if you would share something to brighten our day and start our week off on the right foot. Go ahead and link up one blog post: new or old posts welcome. Don't worry if you don't have a craft to link up, it can be absolutely anything to help brighten our day! I will share some of my favorites next week. I would also love it if you would "follow" me on GFC, by email or "like" my Facebook page.
Feel free to add this button if you are submitting:


text:
Hubble View of Comet Tempel 1, Before Impact
9P/Tempel 1
The comet was approximately 0.91AU (136 million km, 85 million miles) from Earth and approximately 1.51AU (224 million km, 139 million miles) from the Sun at the time of these exposures.
The Hubble image was created from HST data from proposals 10456: P. Feldman (Johns Hopkins University), M. A'Hearn (University of Maryland), M. Belton (National Optical Astronomy Observatories), K. Meech (University of Hawaii), H. Weaver (Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory).
NASA, ESA, P. Feldman (Johns Hopkins University), and H. Weaver (Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab)


text:
Archive for the 'Lindsey' Category
Amanuensis Monday – the John Lindsay/Lindsey Family
Sherry Stocking Kline
August 30, 2010
Lindsay, (Lindsey) John
Born – June 11, 1800 in Enniskillan, Ireland.
Died – October 14, 1885 in Sumner County, Kansas, buried Anson Cemetery (Tombstone Record and his direct communication to George Clarence Lindsay). See 1880 Census Record.
John Lindsay Married – 1st – Mary Rutledge – July 9, 1833 in Carroll County, Ohio. She was a daughter of Jane Crozier and William Rutledge and was born in Fermanaugh, Ireland about 1813. Came to America with mother and siblings 1827. Died March 1856, six weeks after the birth of her last child. (Marriage Records Bk 1, p. 1, Carroll County, Ohio)
John Lindsay Married – 2nd – Harriet Barnes – about 1867 in Iowa. She was born in New York in 1826. (Census Record 1870 Iowa Monroe County, Wautua Twnshp)
How the Lindsay Family came to Live in America…
John Lindsay quarreled with his father about religion and came to Canada in 1818, then to Carroll County, Ohio where he owned 76 acres of land more or less. This was conveyed by patent deed bearing date at Washington City, D. C., November 18, 1833.
John and Mary sold 6 acres in 1837. March 15, 1856 he sold the remaining land for $800. (Carroll County, Ohio Deed Bk Volume 15, p. 299)
Moved to Iowa where he is listed in the 1860 Monroe County, Union Township p. 342 with 3 sons and daughter Mary.
The other children remained in Ohio. Listed again in Mantua Township, Monroe County, Iowa, p. 367, year 1870, with wife and children and son Edward 24 by first marriage. Real estate $2800.
Came to Sumner County, Kansas in 70's (as handwritten on the paper) 80's and died there. He was a farmer, a reader, interested in books. 6 ft tall, light, looked like Thoreau. Read the Saturday Evening Post to his children by the light of pine knots. Took great pains and trouble with teaching of youngest daughter, Callie.
A sister, perhaps named Margaret, came later to America, went south to nurse in a yellow fever epidemic and was never heard of again.
Naturalized in Ohio – spelling changed to Lindsey (with an e) by mistake at that time.
Children of John Lindsay
1. James – b. 1834. Killed at Vicksburg
2. Ann – b. 1835 or 36 married Ferdinand Wood (born July 11, 1841 d. January 20, 192? (the photocopy cut off last digit))
3. William Rutledge b. December 28, 1837, married Julia Ann Miller, daughter of Henry Miller and Isabelle Warner, died May 27, 1907, daughter of (?) Ebenezer and Mary Smith. (some of the dates, and people in this part of the account it was difficult to decipher which belonged to who. Please see original on Pioneer Settler File Page 5.)
4. Sarah – born 1839, married Henry Bracken (left-handed) October 18, 1860
5. George – born 1842 – Company A 36 Regiment, Iowa Infantry, born Carroll County, Ohio. Enlisted February 1, 1863 at Ottumwa, Iowa. Taken prisoner at Marks Mill, Arkansas, died August 20, 1864 of disease at Camp Ford, TE (again, last letters cut off on photocopy.)
6. Edward – born 1845 – married in Iowa, went to Woodford County, Illinois, Spring Bay Post Office after 1870.
7. Mary Elizabeth – born May 7, 1846, Died: July 22, 1929. Married William H. Meuser, Born December 13, 1841, died November 17, 1911, son of George and Katherine Meuser.
8. John – died in infancy.
9. Margaret – died in infancy
10. Eliza A. – born October 19th (or 17th, difficult to decipher), 1853, died May 1929. Married September 3, 1873, John Henry Brooks, born January 12, 1854, died November 4, 1913, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Crozier Brooks.
11. Martha Malissa, born February 8, 1856, Married 1879, Robert McCort (1850 – 1909) Died September 21, 1909. He was son of Henry and Margarite Johnson McCort.
12. Calista – born 1868, married Don Camp. Died February 7, 1943, Long Lane, Wisconsin.
13. James – died infancy. Born May 1870.
Transcriber's Notes: The John Lindsay Family Information was transcribed on August 30, 2010 (by Sherry Kline) from a hand written paper found in the Pioneer Settler/Family Files (originals numbered 4 and 5) at the Sumner County Historical & Genealogical Center in Wellington, Kansas.
I have transcribed this paper as best as possible, though in a couple of places it is a little unclear which death dates belong to whom, and in a couple of places the photocopy cuts off the edge of the words.
According to notes in this file, Mary Rutledge Lindsay died in 1856, six weeks after birth of last child, which would be Martha Malissa. So, Calista and James would (most likely) be John and Harriet's children.
This file is part of the Pioneer Settler files that I have been working on transcribing. But John Lindsay's daughter is also part of my husband's cousin's family. So, they are almost related! There is quite a lot of family information and several family group sheets in this family file folder, and I will add more info here, or create a new post with a little more info about the extended family as time permits.
When I am done transcribing and indexing this large file, it will go back 'home' to the Sumner County History and Genealogy Center in Wellington, Box 402, Wellington, KS 67152 for researchers to use.
For those I index and transcribe who are not family (or as in this case, almost family) you can read the transcriptions at the SCHGS blog at http://www.ks-schgs.blogspot.com.


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
why can I not picture 5 long?? I thought it had only one placement...
Sunday at Swope
Sunday the 29th?
Quote from: jack on May 30, 2013, 09:34:14 AMSunday at SwopeSunday the 29th?Can we sign in if we can't make it thursday because we live far away? For the same reason if we can't make it sunday is there another option for getting the players pack and possible prize? I probably don't have to worry about the prize but the players pack I would like. I live too close to get a hotel, but too far to want to drive down 2 extra times.


text:
Christian Brothers' High School, Lewisham
My artwork responds to the elevated toxic levels found in bays, rivers and from demolition sites. It acknowledges the attempts made to remove dioxin from soil and sediments. The combination of layers using diverse materials became a strong element as it represented the emitted toxins and fumes. The abstract conventions and treatment of surfaces by Kiefer and George Raftopoulos were a source of inspiration for my art-making. The title entices the viewer to search below the surface and delve into the hidden layers to uncover what lies beneath.


text:
I'm not sure that this is the appropriate forum for this question but the snooping around that I've don of the site makes me feel as if I'll get solid advice. I'm currently finishing an introductory course in Linear Algebra, which, from what I understand is one of the last "computational" courses in mathematics that most students take. I've finished the Calculus sequence through vector calculus and differential equations and I am transferring to my local university (University of Arizona) in the spring to being 300+ level math courses.
I guess I'm trying to solicit advice on how to make the math transition as smooth as possible. My first semester at the University consists of a course title "Formal Mathematical Reasoning and Writing" which is essentially an introduction to proof. The text is Analysis with an Introduction to Proof by Lay and from what I understand, is a fairly difficult transitional math course. It is the pre-req for just about every course thereafter (Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Topology, etc.). I want to be as prepared as possible going into the course and I've done a few basic proofs in my Linear Algebra course and they've been challenging to say the least. Are there any good self-study resources that anyone can recommend? Anyone willing to share experiences of making the transition from more computational mathematics to theoretical mathematics?
Any thoughts are very much appreciated, and if this is not meant for this venue, I apologize and will take this down.


text:
769 Series Overview
The Incon Lighting 769 Series security ceiling fixture is a large and powerful product for residential, commercial and industrial applications. With a variety of available wattage and bulb types as well as additional options, the 769 Series is a substantial product.
The 769 has a die-cast aluminum housing that comes in a variety of designer finishes and a custom option. The lens is a vandal resistant prismatic polycarbonate.
Depending on your wattage the 769 Series can be equipped with one of five different types of ballasts. It is ceiling or wall mountable and is a wet location listed light fixture. Lamps are included unless ordered with the no lamp (NL) option.
The available color temperatures range from warm (2700K & 3000K), medium (3500K) and cool (4100K) white to full spectrum (5000K) and day light (6500K) kelvin temperature. This fixture can also be equipped with:
- 277 Volt Ballast
- Integral Battery Backup (CFL Only)
- Remote Battery Backup (CFL Only)
- High Power Factor
- No Lamp
- Photocell (120 Volt Only)
- Photocell (208-277 Volt)
- Philips Lamp
- Sylvania Lamp
Ask a Question or Find a Rep
Please fill out the contact form below.
Comments or questions are welcome.


text:
Turkmenistan's ref would not be the first official from his country accused of corruption.
We are shocked, shocked that Turkmenistan finds itself embroiled in an international corruption scandal.
On August 2, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) announced that Turkmen referee Ishanguly Meretnyyazov had been banished from the London Olympic Games after he presided over a bout in which Azerbaijani boxer Magomed Abdulhamidov was knocked down six - yes, that's not a typo - six times in one round, yet somehow managed to walk away with a decision on points.
Thankfully, justice was done, and the outcome of the bout was overturned on appeal, giving Japanese bantamweight Satoshi Shimizu the victory over Abdulhamidov. According to international amateur boxing rules, three knock-downs in one round should prompt the referee to stop the fight.
The one-sidedness of the refereeing in the bout is raising questions in boxing circles of whether money was involved. The British Broadcasting Corp. in late 2011 aired a report about a suspicious payment made by Azerbaijani officials. The payment could be construed as an apparent bribe attempt designed to promote the interests of Azerbaijani boxers at the Olympics.
Funnily enough, the same day it announced that Meretnyyazov had been sent home, the AIBA also said it had expelled an Azerbaijani technical official, Aghajan Abiyev. The association did not elaborate on the move.
That a Turkmen ref might be on the take would be in keeping with Turkmenistan's reputation as one of the most corrupt places on earth.
It's not surprising that Turkmen media outlets have ignored the incident. Readers might recall that earlier this year, state media went dark on coverage of the national under-21 football team when it finished last in a CIS tournament.
Regardless of the media omerta, it's easy to guess what President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov's going to do: he'll probably round up the usual suspects.
This article originally appeared at EurasiaNet.org, an Atlantic partner site.
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to email@example.com.


text:
Getting started
There are many options of where and how to go abroad with CSB/SJU.
- 18 Semester-long Programs (Australia, Austria, Chile, China, France, Germany, Greece and Italy, Guatemala, India, Ireland-Cork, Ireland-Dublin, Ireland-Galway, Japan, London, Northern Ireland, South Africa, and Spain)
- Short-term Programs: These trips take place all over the globe and change every year. They range from 1 to 8 weeks and are sponsored through various on-campus departments and offices .
- Volunteer/Service-Learning Opportunities: Sponsored by the CSB/SJU Campus Ministry Offices. These short-term international trips allow you to experience the country through service.
- External Study Abroad: Students who wish to participate in a program not otherwise provided by CSB/SJU may apply independently through an external program. To get started, meet with a study abroad program manager to discuss your program and other academic matters.
Start Your Search:
- Attend a Study Abroad 101 session to explore all your study abroad options.
- Attend a Study Abroad 201 session to begin the application process.
- Meet with your academic advisor to build study abroad into your 4-year plan.
- Attend the Study Abroad Fair.
- Research program options
- Speak with Study Abroad Ambassadors.
- Begin to plan financially for your trip. Investigate scholarship & financial aid possibilities.
Before You Go:
- Explore in-depth your #1 program and have a plan B.
- Schedule an individual advising session with a CGE staff member.
- Attend a Study Abroad 201 session to help you prepare your application and interview.
- Apply to Study Abroad (Deadline is January of the year prior to study abroad).
- Complete the interview process to be accepted to your program.
- Attend all pre-departure orientation sessions.
While Abroad:
- Network to build personal and professional connections for the future.
- Make the most out of your experience by fully immersing yourself into the new cultures.
Upon Return:
- Attend the Welcome Back Dinner
- Become a Study Abroad Ambassador.
- Reconnect with your Study Abroad and Journey groups.
- Consider an Alternative Break Experience (ABE) with CSB/SJU Campus Ministries.
- Meet with The Experience and Professional Development Office to explore internationally focused careers or internships.
- Utilize your study abroad experience as more than just one line on your resume.
- Explore ways to go abroad again after graduation. Look into Short-term, Volunteer, Intern and Work Abroad programs.
- Considering graduate school? Why not try it abroad!


text:
Emergency preparedness is an aspect of building operations that is often overlooked until an imminent situation is looming. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast and similar natural/physical security concerns across the United States, newfound attention will inevitably be placed upon preparing for the unexpected. Now is the time to revisit updates for emergency lighting needed to ensure safety in your facilities.
However, recent advances in technology have created confusion in some cases related to installation and maintenance best practices. With a variety of new products entering the market that use different wiring techniques and operation means, how do facility personnel understand how their egress lighting system should operate to meet NEC compliance? This article provides an explanation of several sections of Art. 700 in the 2011 NEC and offers tips on developing a cost-effective and efficient emergency lighting control strategy.
2011 NEC requirements
Various wiring methods, the lack of common layout practices, and confusion on how devices should operate have complicated testing requirements and caused increasing numbers of delays in electrical inspections nationwide. Created in response to this confusion and rising demand for UL compliance and energy-efficient operations, Art. 700 outlines the safe electrical operation of emergency lighting and control systems — and describes how a facility should operate when normal electrical supply is interrupted.
While numerous changes have been adopted, three significant amendments deserve extra attention to ensure proper usage:
1. Definition of automatic load control relay (700.2): "A device used to energize switched or normally off lighting equipment from an emergency supply in the event of loss of the normal supply and to de-energize or return the equipment to normal status when the normal supply is restored."
This section provides an introduction to and market definition of automatic load control relays (ALCRs), also known as shunt relays or emergency relays. See SIDEBAR: Considering ALCRs in Your Design.
2. Description of branch circuits for emergency lighting (700.17): "Branch circuits that supply emergency lighting shall be installed to provide service from a source complying with 700.12 when the normal supply for lighting is interrupted. Such installations shall provide either of the following:
a. An emergency lighting supply, independent of the normal lighting supply, with provisions for automatically transferring the emergency lights upon the event of failure of the normal lighting branch circuit.
b. Two or more branch circuits supplied from separate and complete systems with independent power sources. One of the two power sources and systems shall be part of the emergency system, and the other shall be permitted to be part of the normal power source and system. Each system shall provide sufficient power for emergency lighting purposes. Unless both systems are used for regular lighting purposes and are both kept lighted, means shall be provided for automatically energizing either system upon failure of the other. Either or both systems shall be permitted to be a part of the general lighting of the protected occupancy if circuits supplying lights for emergency illumination are installed in accordance with other sections of this article."
This section provides an explanation of how power is fed to the ALCR through two different panelboards. Depending on user need, ALCRs can be stand-alone devices or integrated directly into the electrical panel. The Figure illustrates a typical stand-alone ALCR arrangement.
3. Explanation of use of ALCR (700.24): "If an emergency lighting load is automatically energized upon loss of the normal supply, a listed automatic load control relay shall be permitted to energize the load. The load control relay shall not be used as transfer equipment."
This section defines and limits how an ALCR works.
Considering these three parts of the 2011 NEC, electricians are facing new design challenges when it comes to wiring and operation. With the variety of egress lighting products currently on the market, electricians must now understand how to organize cabinet wiring for each individual product — creating an obstacle that had never before existed.
Design steps
When determining the appropriate emergency lighting control strategy for their needs, facility personnel should consider a number of factors related to costs, codes, standards, and equipment.
Assessment plan — As an initial step, facility personnel should determine their operational and financial goals. This means not only establishing a feasible budget for a potential upgrade or retrofit, but also understanding the project's potential return on investment and total cost of ownership — from initial equipment purchase to installation to everyday upkeep.
Sustainability and efficiency objectives should also be considered. Sustainable or energy-efficient solutions will help facilities meet desired "green" standards as well as reduce overall costs. Additionally, many local, state, and federal governments provide assistance, grants, and tax breaks for facilities that meet certain sustainability criteria.
A third factor to consider is Code compliance. All equipment and installation procedures should be designed and installed according to adopted NEC standards. Facility personnel should also evaluate how state and local regulations will affect the specific goals laid out in step one.
Implementing and maintaining technology — Commercial buildings using the 2011 Code have more options and flexible design considerations to factor in to greatly reduce maintenance time and help streamline operations.
• Fixture-level ALCRs, while a less costly alternative to battery-backed egress lighting, still require time-intensive testing requirements, as each relay must be tested at the individual device level.
• Emergency lighting panels are centralized, self-contained solutions designed to be mounted between emergency and regular circuit breaker
panelboards. With ALCRs integrated directly into the panel, devices are no longer scattered throughout the facility, with testing and maintenance able to be completed at a single location.
• Similar to the stand-alone panel, emergency lighting panelboards speed installation and inspection by requiring less wiring.
The first priority for emergency lighting is to ensure safety. With advances in codes and standards, cost savings and streamlined operations can easily be integrated into an emergency lighting strategy, allowing for easier installation and maintenance by facility personnel. With many manufacturers now designing products that are installed, operated, and maintained differently, new obstacles for electricians and inspectors have been created. By understanding changes to the 2011 NEC, learning more about available technology, and following simple planning steps, you can ensure efficient and safe operations of your emergency lighting system.
Eidson is a certified energy manager for the North American LifeSpace business of Schneider Electric in LaVergne, Tenn. Eidson can be contacted at [email protected].
SIDEBAR: Considering ALCRs in Your Design
As regulated by the 2005 and 2008 editions of the NEC, most standard emergency egress lighting is supplied by individual, emergency-specific luminaires with connected battery backups. In situations of power loss, emergency lighting is powered by the battery. With each luminaire individually powered, each lamp and battery must be tested independently, which can be complicated. When not maintained properly, these luminaires can prove unreliable. Alternative designs, while eliminating the battery packs, require emergency lighting to be on continuously, even while regular lighting is functional. This unnecessary power use is both expensive and impractical.
The use of automatic load control relays (ALCRs) is an option to consider when designing an efficient emergency egress lighting control strategy. ALCRs automatically bypass control devices to the emergency lighting power source, eliminating the need for individual battery power per device as well as 24/7 lighting, dramatically reducing maintenance time.
The use of ALCRs has also been shown to lower operational costs, as the devices enable facility personnel to use existing fixtures for emergency use, thus reducing the number of redundant fixtures and removing specialized fixtures entirely. ALCRs also allow emergency lighting controls to use scheduling, occupancy sensors, and switches, which offer greater control of overall lighting, energy usage, and aesthetics.


text:
Mortality rates from breast cancer
Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
I understand that the mortality from breast cancer has dropped. I would be grateful if you could tell me the reasons for this and what is the most significant factor, which has caused this drop?
Kevin Fox, MD Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania responds:
It can be frustrating to the individual observer when looking at overall mortality figures. Overall mortality from breast cancer has dropped, but only by a little bit. The two most likely reasons are early detection from increased use of mammography, and from more effective drug therapies (adjuvant therapies) for patients with early stages of disease. By catching breast cancer at an earlier stage, we should be able to impact survival over time, but this may take many years to prove. Similarly, with the addition of new adjuvant therapies and broader distribution and availability, we hope to see this trend continue.