text:
Federal prosecutors in East Texas say a Dallas man has been indicted for smuggling dead hummingbirds into the U.S. from Mexico.
A federal grand jury this week indicted 53-year-old Carlos Delgado Rodriguez on charges alleging he smuggled about 60 of the birds into Texas over the course of a year.
Authorities say Rodriguez intended to sell the dead birds but it wasn't immediately clear who would be interested in purchasing them.
Prosecutors say Rodriguez violated state and federal laws, including ones that prohibit the smuggling or sale of migratory birds.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.


text:
Tagged: Andrew Friedman
Setting the Mahmud
RSBS Special Correspondent and Podcast Christopher Walken Enthusiast, Mr. Johanna Mahmud reports:
I Got My Knives Sharp
The most interesting man in the world… Is it Starlin Castro? Or Bobby Valentine, ranter of rants?
On Sunday night, Bobby V was my hero. He was attacking a sad, sad organization from the rear. From what the Cubs should be doing, to calling out everybody — president-owner-manager-scouting — it was FANTASTIC TELEVISION. He was flat out givin' em the bizzness down there.
Valentine is probably fishing for a managerial gig, but he couldn't be more right in his breakdown of Starlin Castro's lack of awareness at shortstop. Valentine saw this in one inning and I haven't heard anything like it all damn year. You can check out the video *here*.
Somebody is not teaching him right. Is anyone teaching anything? In the postgame interview Mike Quade said he would call Valentine. For wha??? Earlier in the season he said he had to call his "pitching people". Sunday he said now he has to call his "infield people"???
Mike? Hello? Call your "I'm getting a new address people".
Now all eyes on are on Castro. He's the youngest player to reach 300 hits in 70 years for the Cubs. But he also has the most errors in the National League, most of them careless errors.
So when does he get turned around? Please don't let him become Hanley Ramirez… fat and lazy. Quade was supposed to be THE guy who could develop the most important piece of this franchise. You cannot blame Castro for any of this madness.
As a Cubs fan, I believe in nothing the organization is doing. It's bad. It's a joke. A travesty. Tom Ricketts still doesn't have a list of possible GMs. He actually said this?!?!?
Look, Tom, keep it in your head, fine. But at least say you have a plan! You gotta give Cubs fans some hope. Act like you have an effing clue, billionaire fan boy, because you can't ask Daddy for da monnnneyyyyy to bail your @$$ out. He said no, no, no.
Flat out, the development has been pathetic. I've been gargling with bleach to get the taste of Hendry out of my system, waiting for the next GM, the next manager. Friedman? Valentine? LaRussa?
Meanwhile, Quade benched Castro Monday but said the kid doesn't have A.D.D. What a relief!
Ricketts, get a real list of who is gonna turn this thing around. Oh, and by the way, the Cubs left 15 men on base Monday night after Starlin's benching. Without him, well, welcome to the village of SUCK.
–Johanna Mahmud
Follow Johanna on Twitter!
*If I'm not tweeting it's because I'm sexting and showing off Favre style!

subset: commoncrawl


text: Our studio facilities allow for the highest broadcast quality production, editing and post production of weather segments for your television station. Customers throughout the Americas receive our daily forecasts with top notch graphics and presenters carefully designed to meet their regional needs. Our turn around time in product delivery and accuracy of our content has resulted in major savings for our clients, as they subcontract their weather information infrastructure and on-camera talent to us.


text:
The Higgs boson explains why particles have mass -- and in turn why we exist. Without the boson, the universe would have no physical matter, only energy.
The cosmological implications are hotly debated. Can God fit in a scientific story of creation?
The answer is "no" for Lawrence M. Krauss, an Arizona State University theoretical physicist. He argued in Newsweek that the Higgs boson discovery "posits a new story of our creation" independent of religious belief.
"With enough data, physics would make God obsolete, he said. "If we can describe the laws of nature back to the beginning of time without any supernatural shenanigans, it becomes clear that you don't need God."
What will be enough evidence for science to prove that there is no god?.
I had stated in another conversation about this that no matter what science proves, the religious will just say that it is still some divine intervention. God allowed us to see this etc. etc. instead of simply showing himself. Groan!.
"Alternative medicine guru Deepak Chopra said in a YouTube video that the boson hints at a divine interconnectedness of all things.
"It only strengthens the notion that the universe comes out of a nothingness which is everything," he said."
At the end of the day, even a slap in the face does not wake people up. They ask us to prove the lack of existence of god, we give it to them in so many instances and yet they still choose to be delusional simply based on feelings rather than facts.
As usual with Huffington Post news stories, I always encourage you to read the comments as this is where most of the action happens.
Also: 9 Great Nonbelievers In U.S. History
Views: 1636
It's not a matter of science proving there is no god. That's like trying to prove there is no Santa. Instead we know there is no Santa because the idea of a magical man making gifts at the north pole is just stupid.
What can be asserted without proof can be dismissed without proof. I don't think that the religious will ever give up their losing battle, therefore I do not think scientists or atheists (or both) should waste their time trying to somehow disprove the existence of god, although the science, as Dr. Krauss rightly says, doesn't point to a creator whatsoever, rather it shows that we do not need a creator to explain the universe. The religious can then try and change their arguments to fit with the science, but we know that it is extremely far-fetched. Moreover, they're also defeated by the Razor of Occam; they're making things too complicated.
Science isn't about truth, it's about producing useful deductions.
Presumably the most useful deductions or predictions are the ones that are true.
I can't offhand think of a useful but false deduction, although I wouldn't rule it out. I suppose you might consider approximate predictions to be technically false, but useful. For example, weather predictions that are only off by a few degrees.
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Acta Theologica
On-line version ISSN 2309-9089
Print version ISSN 1015-8758
Acta theol. vol.32 n.2 suppl. Bloemfontein Dec. 2012
Towards a christian ethic of work in South Africa1
Louise Kretzschmar
Professor of Theological Ethics at the University of South Africa. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
This paper draws on the academic field of Christian ethics and focuses attention on an ethic of work within the South African context. Key terms such as 'an ethic of work', 'a work ethic' and 'ethics at work' are discussed in relation to varied experiences of work. The issues of why one ought to work and what constitutes 'good' work are discussed with reference to current ethical and economic challenges. I argue that a Christian worldview, or understanding of reality, provides a much more credible contribution to an ethic of work than either a materialist view of reality or a system of patronage.Keywords: Ethics; Work; Calling; South Africa
Trefwoorde: Etiek; Werk; Roeping; Suid-Afrika
Recently I read a historical novel set in Wessex - what is today southern England. This was part of the Saxon kingdom of Alfred the Great in the 9th century. It was a time of war, brutal violence and suffering. Contrary to the violent culture and religion of the Danes, Alfred saw it as his calling, his work, to create a land in which justice, peace and prosperity were central features. In the historical note at the end of the book, Cornwell (2011:334) wrote this of Alfred:
He was, by any measure, a most intelligent man, and he was also a good man. ... Alfred wanted a kingdom where the people of each market town would want to defend their property and their king because their prosperity was the state's prosperity. He made a nation to which people felt they belonged because the law was fair, because effort was rewarded and because government was not tyrannical. It is not a bad prescription.2
Alfred's Christian faith had an impact on his attitude to his people and the way in which he acted. Given the difficulties Wessex continued to face and the striking differences between that context and ours, what struck me about this passage was that this ruler combined intelligence with goodness and that he did not separate his prosperity from that of his people. His rule was legitimate because justice and effort rather than corruption and entitlement were rewarded.
What is it that most people, whether in 9th century Wessex, or 21st century South Africa want for themselves, their families and their country? Is it not to be defended from corruption, injustice, incompetence, violence and policies that threaten the future of their country? Did not they hope for work, homes, food, health and education for their children? Did not they (and do not we) want to live without fear and with a sense of hope and purpose?
My aim in this paper is to discuss the links between a Christian ethic of work and the challenges of the South African workplace. Within this context, where some are employed, even over-employed, and many more are unemployed or under-employed, this is a vital theme. In particular, different experiences of work, the issues of why one ought to work and what constitutes "good" work are discussed. Several biblical texts relevant to the various dimensions of an ethic of work are noted to highlight the importance of this theme, although space does not permit a detailed discussion of the literary and social contexts of these scriptural passages.
In what follows, definitions are provided of Christian ethics, an ethic of work, employment and the context of work. Thereafter, varied work experiences and the issues of why and how one ought to work are examined with reference to the particular economic, social and environmental challenges facing South Africa. In this latter section, I contrast a Christian ethic of work with a materialist world view in which "growth" and "need" are often confused. A materialist view of reality is one
which elevates the importance of material things such as money, possessions and status, above that of people and of people-centred values such as love of neighbour, the wellbeing of the whole community, and concern for the poor. When material considerations enjoy priority such values will be undermined, and a materialist economy will inevitably be an unjust one (Economic Justice in South Africa: A Pastoral Statement, 75).
Nürnberger (2011:61-64) speaks of the distortions of "acquisitiveness and irresponsibility", huge budget deficits, the commodification of all of life, easy credit, corruption and crime. A Christian ethic is also compared to the system of abusive patronage now common in many African countries. Patronage (or clientism) can be defined as a an extreme, unethical version of group loyalty and the unethical promotion of one's family, ethnic group or political supporters at the expense of other members of the population (De Sardan 1999; Guest 2004:110; Kretzschmar 2008:89). Hence, patronage leads to the abuse of power and the looting of public resources. In the final section of the article, I consider when work is "good".
1.1 Christian ethics
Christian ethics is concerned with good, right, true and loving relationships with other people, just interactions within society and the appropriate utilisation of the natural environment. Christian ethics can be defined as a reflection on what is right, good, true and loving based on a moral vision of who God is and God's purpose for the world. This moral vision is derived from God's revelation, theological tradition and our experience of God. It ought to lead to the formation of Christian character, community and action.
This understanding of ethics incorporates both personal and social ethics. In a context of work, respect for others and the value placed on both social justice and concern for the environment are aspects of an ethic of work. The scope of ethics in the workplace is broad and it incorporates personal, family, church, community, social, environmental, and global matters. Hence, over many centuries, numerous elements of Christian ethics, including social and economic ethics have been developed.
1.2 What is an ethic of work?
Essentially an ethic of work deals with the question of what constitutes "good" work. This basic question can be broken down into a number of subsidiary questions such as, what work ought to be, why one ought to work, how one ought to work, when one ought to work, and who ought to work.3 In this paper, I focus primarily on different experiences of work, why one ought to work, how one ought to work and what constitutes "good" work.
A work ethic is an aspect of an ethic of work and has come to mean dedicated, hard work. A Christian work ethic takes the form of gratitude for God's grace and gifts and a motivation to love and serve God, other people and the world. Some people may be motivated by a work ethic, but not one that is recognisably Christian.
Another related term is that of Business Ethics. It deals with why work in a business context ought to be ethical and how ethical policies and actions can be advanced in a business context, at personal, company and international levels (Rossouw & Van Vuuren 2010).
1.3 Work and employment
Through work, we interact with others and the physical world. Work gives practical expression to what we perceive to be the purpose of our existence. It is the way in which we endeavour to meet our needs, care for others, articulate our creativity and express our sense of identity and purpose in life. Work involves physical labour, emotional involvement, and mental endeavour. It is always dependent on the contribution of others and on the physical universe. In the words of Peschke (2004:677),
Work is a rational human activity through employment of corporal or spiritual powers for the maintenance and unfolding of a person's life, of society and of the world at large.
In short, work needs to be defined very broadly as it is multifaceted in nature.
Work includes paid employment, but extends beyond it. Thus, an unemployed shack dweller will work with effort and dedication to build a house out of what is to hand to provide a home for his family. Or, a retired person will work on a voluntary basis as an accountant for a church, NGO or local municipality. This is not to deny the vital importance of earning a living by being employed, rather it is necessary to see work as being essential to our sense of humanity and community, and not restricted to paid employment. Work involves deliberate actions that focus on achieving a particular aim, whether this is to clean a house or clean up a corrupt government department. If work is seen only as paid employment, the unemployed are regarded as having no value in those societies that admire only financial success.
The very term "employment" is complex. One may speak of those who are employed by others, for example by the government or in the mining sector. Or those who are self-employed, such as informal traders or those who have started medium-sized businesses. In the South African context where there are relatively few skilled workers and many professionals and trained artisans have emigrated, some are over-employed. Such persons work long hours in order to get unrealistic volumes of work completed. Where significant profit margins are expected within a "mean and lean" workplace paradigm, such individuals may continue to work in exploitative work conditions for fear of joining the ranks of the unemployed. Dedicated doctors and nurses work long hours, often under huge stress. Some workers, due to a strong sense of responsibility, may even take on the work of lazy, inept or corrupt colleagues in order to deliver a good service.
Also significant are the many people who are under-employed. This group includes some who are employed one or more days a week. It also includes occasional and seasonal workers. For this group, and the unemployed, life is a daily struggle for survival.
In the first quarter of 2012, it was estimated that the unemployment rate in South Africa was 25.2% (Trading economics 2012). A discussion document released by the Department of the Treasury in February 2011 states
About 42 per cent of young people under the age of 30 are unemployed compared with less than 17 per cent of adults over 30 (National treasury 2011).
Elsewhere, a figure of 72% unemployed persons aged less than 34 years was quoted (Sunday Times Review, 11 March 2012, 1). Three-hundred million Africans are already suffering from malnutrition and the continent faces a "youth bulge". It has been estimated that by 2025, 23% of people who are younger than 25 years will live in sub-Saharan Africa (Mills 2010:46, 136). Many of these young people may wish to work, but cannot obtain employment and do not have the ability or opportunity to create work for themselves. The economy cannot presently grow fast enough to absorb these huge numbers of people, nor can the environment sustain them.
Finally, the problem facing Africa, especially in terms of the 'youth bulge' is not simply unemployment, but the lack of skills at all levels (Mills 2010:310).4 In South Africa, the lack of scientific knowledge and technical skills among the unemployed, and the on-going problems of inept educational management, unwise policies and indifferent teaching in many schools exacerbate the skills problem.
1.4 The contexts within which we work
What are some of the South African realities that a Christian ethic of work ought to address? A range of ethical issues is relevant to our society and especially to the economy. These include poverty, crime, violence, racism, the economic recession, corruption, unemployment, and poor service delivery, the growing gap between the rich and the poor, and the increased use of technology that replaces workers. Other key issues include the ownership, distribution and use of land, food production, environmental issues as a result of mining and industry, and different cultural perceptions of land, economics and work. Obviously, in this short paper, I cannot possibly address all these matters, nor can I offer detailed recommendations as to how unemployment can be addressed. But, it is important to note these factors as they form the broader context within which this paper is written.
2.1 Work as positive and fulfilling
Work can be a positive experience. It can bring us intense joy, a sense of fulfilment and the satisfaction of a job well done. To provide for and protect one's family, to run a thriving business, to plant trees and use the timber, to produce a bountiful crop, to lay water pipes to a village, to nurse a sick person back to health, to engineer a bridge, to provide effective service delivery at a hospital - achievements such as these bring a satisfaction of their own. They are satisfying because they are expressions of the best of our God-given human skills and creativity causing us to be engaged in work that nurtures and serves others.
In the Bible, particular craftsmen and rulers were inspired by the Spirit of God (Ex 35:30-35; 1 Sam 16:13). Disciples, too, were given many different gifts by the Holy Spirit to use to honour God and serve others (Rom 12:38; 1 Cor 12-14; and Eph 4:11-16). This holistic understanding of human identity, abilities and purpose is a radical critique of the narrow view that human beings are just homo economicus. To speak of "economic man'" only is to fail to take into account the needs of families, the network of positive relationships that ensure the stability of society, the broad ministry of the Church, the moral norms of justice, wisdom and compassion, and the fragility of the natural world (Nürnberger 2011:62-66).
Within a materialist, consumerist paradigm, in which the relentless pursuit of happiness, comfort, pleasure and wealth are emphasised, it may be forgotten that difficult work can still be good work. The Apostle Paul (2 Cor 4:7-11) spoke of the sufferings he experienced in his work of Christian ministry,
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
This suffering did not mean that his work was useless or his calling invalid; it was the price he was called to pay to achieve God's purpose for his life. Today's materialist society may look down on relatively poorly paid nurses, ministers of religion, or social workers, or those who on the basis of their faith work with dedication in difficult work circumstances. But, in the eyes of God, their work is valuable. Indeed, where would society be without "service" workers or those who do good work out of a sense of inner moral conviction?
2.2 Work as struggle
As all of us know, work can also be a source of great pain, struggle and suffering. In the biblical text dealing with the consequences of Adam and Eve's free, but deliberate act of disobedience we read:
By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return (Gen 3:19).
Some work is repetitive, exhausting or dangerous. The modern "rat race" of production, competition, and the insecurity, even exploitation, of contract work all take their toll. Ciulla (2000) has written about the promise and betrayal of modern work5. For example, she notes (Ciulla 2000:xvi & 161) that many have understood their identity in terms of their jobs, and trusted the corporations for which they worked to care for them, only to find themselves unemployed in a period of economic recession. An ethic of work is also related to social and economic ethics - we need to investigate how the goods of the world are acquired, used and distributed. Further, an ethic of work asks whether the social conditions under which one works and the remuneration one receives are fair (Peschke 2004:688-698).6
Within the contemporary South African context, the legacy of apartheid, social change and overly complex labour laws also affect what happens in the workplace. In particular, patronage and a sense of entitlement result in corruption and nepotism and/or cronyism. When the work of government becomes a struggle to maintain or gain power rather than to serve the people as a whole, no country can prosper. The people are systematically and ruthlessly dispossessed and the country's riches are plundered for the benefit of a small elite. Nor is this situation limited to South Africa. Following the removal of President Daniel Arap Moi in 2002, the hopes of Kenya were dashed within a few years when members of the government of President Mwai Kibaki fraudulently favoured their own ethnic group and gorged their fill on donor and government funds to the detriment of the nation as a whole (Wrong 2009:79, 183-204, 266-267, 317-329). They believed that it was "time for them to eat". This abuse of both donor funds and the wealth of the country in terms of land, minerals and timber, for example, has been repeated in many other countries (Mills 2010: 135-190, 258, 326).
Some who are competent and hardworking may never be promoted, while many who are politically connected are given work which they are not competent to perform. This prevents officials and departments from properly performing the work of government. Furthermore, honest, hard-working individuals from all race groups may be marginalised and victimised in the business or government sector by those colleagues who are corrupt and self-serving. Rather than displaying fairness and integrity, the attitudes and actions of the latter display malice, envy and insecurity. The effects of such behaviour are extremely detrimental to the wellbeing of the individuals and departments concerned. Hence, many people experience enormous frustration, even a sense of defeat and despair at work.
2.3 The futility of work
Brown (1996) has discussed the nature and importance of wisdom literature and compared the insights of the books of Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and Job. The book of Ecclesiastes contains a deep and disturbing analysis of many elements of life, including the futility of work. This analysis is as pertinent now as it was then, despite differences between that context and ours. As a text within the wisdom literature genre, it needs to be read not only historically, but also in a reflective, meditative way. The writer of this book (I will call him the Teacher)7 tells us of his search for meaning.
The Teacher argues that neither the pursuit of wisdom, family life, pleasure, nor work can in themselves provide complete meaning in our lives. Wisdom is indeed better than folly (Ecc 2:13), but complete knowledge is beyond human reach (Ecc 8:16-17; 12:12). Despite the efforts of the wise man, both he and the fool will die (Ecc 2:14-17). It is right and important to celebrate and enjoy the many pleasures of food and family (Ecc 2:24-26; 9:7-9), especially in times of great difficulty. But even these are not fully satisfying, guaranteed or of ultimate value (Ecc 5:13-17; 4:8). Hence, to base one's whole life on any of these fleeting realities is vanity, foolishness and absurdity (Ecc 9:11-12).
What then of work, can achievement bring happiness and meaning? Even work, the Teacher says is not enough,
What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun? ... What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc 1:3, 9).
As they came from their mother's womb, so they shall go again, naked as they came; they shall take nothing for their toil, which they may carry away with their hands. This also is a grievous ill: just as they came, so shall they go; and what gain do they have from toiling for the wind? Besides, all their days they eat in darkness, in much vexation and sickness and resentment (Ecc 5:15-17).
I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me - and who knows whether they will be wise or foolish? Yet they will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity (Ecc 2:18-19).
What one has toiled for does not last and one's legacy of achievement may be unappreciated or even destroyed by the next generation (Ecc 2:2023). This exposure of the futility of human activity
can make people stop and think. It can make them pause on the fruitless treadmill of their lives and wonder about the point of it all (Cooper 1998:14).
In short, work experiences can be very positive and fulfilling, but also difficult and even futile.
How can an ethic of work respond to these varied, practical work experiences and answer the question as to why one ought to work?
3.1 To survive: work as a human responsibility
Work is a human responsibility, an obligation and a means of survival. The importance of work as a means of provision is stressed in the Bible. Adam is given work by God (Gen 2:15), and work six days a week from morning to evening is assumed in the Old Testament (Deut 5:13; Ps 104:23). In the book of Proverbs (6:6-11 and 24:30-34), the importance of work as a means of making provision for the future is stressed. Jesus works as a carpenter (Mk 6:3) and Paul as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). Members of the early church are encouraged to take responsibility for their own welfare (1 Thess 4:1012). By providing for their own livelihood, says Peschke (2004:681), such people guarantee "their independence and personal freedom".
In Aesop's tales (written c. 620 BC) we read the story of the ant and the grasshopper - the former worked to prepare food for the winter, the latter did not. When winter comes, should the ant feed the grasshopper when he is hungry? (I return to this point below). Even though in this tale industriousness is prized, industriousness alone is not enough. "Aesop worried that industriousness, when motivated by envy, can lead to theft or avarice and miserliness" (Ciulla 2000:10). Hence, issues of work raise moral challenges at the social level and in terms of personal moral character and motive.
In 2 Thess 3:7-10, Paul uses his own example to stress the importance of providing for one's needs and not being a burden on others because of idleness:
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labour we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you ... we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.
But we also know that individuals may be willing to work, but be unable to find work due to their lack of skills or the fact there are not enough jobs to supply the needs of an ever-growing population (Against all odds 2012).8 Larger macro-economic issues, such as the global recession and increased mechanisation in the workplace, also play a significant role in the growth or reduction of employment opportunities. Thus, the stress on industriousness found in the Bible and Aesop's writing are vital, but need to be considered against a wider social background.
Thus, in the prophetic books such as Amos (2:6-8; 4:1-3) and Micah (2:1-2), poverty is not attributed to laziness. The prophets record the struggles of the poor against drought, crippling taxes, injustice and exploitation. Their poverty was not due to their lack of effort but rather due to economic and political injustices. In the Gospels Jesus tells many parables about the poor, the wealthy, money, land, work and taxes. For example, in one of the parables about labourers in the vineyard (Mt 20:116), even the workers hired late in the day were paid a full day's wage. Jesus recognised the importance of work and the responsible use of resources (Matt 24:45-51, 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27), but he also empathised deeply with the frustration and despair of those who were willing to work but could not find work. For example, how can the countless unemployed men who stand on street corners all over South Africa, hoping for work, find employment?
The essential work of government is to ensure the welfare of its citizens and the country (Economic Justice in South Africa: A Pastoral Statement, 89). However, many key functions of government are suffering from severe lack of planning, executive capacity and corruption. These capacity problems are seen in the lack of delivery of services such as water, sewage, refuse removal, roads maintenance, police services, health care, welfare services and many others. In short, government is largely failing to do its work. Many have welcomed the government's recent plans to create work through large scale national infrastructural development or small scale municipal clean up and development projects. One hopes that such projects will actually be implemented and be labour intensive.
Two important exceptions to this lack of delivery and integrity can be mentioned. As promised in his 2010 budget speech, Minister Motsaledi has been overhauling the health care system to correct wrong placements,
wrong qualifications and wrong experience or level. [This will] allow us to ensure that hospitals are properly designated and the correct manager with the skills, knowledge and behavioural attributes is managing the institution he said (Motsaledi 2012).
Also encouraging has been the fight against corruption headed by Thuli Madonsela, the Public Protector (Mail & Guardian 2012).
Even though business suffers as a result of wider economic forces and the inefficiencies of government, it is also open to criticism. The materialistic stress on profit maximisation, for example, is problematic. No one disputes that without profit a company cannot survive nor commit to further research and investment. But to idolise profit at the expense of social needs and environmental sustainability is simply short-sighted and foolish. Ongoing retrenchments, the increased mechanisation of work and the gap between the wages of highest and lowest paid employees remain a problem. What is needed, says Nürnberger (2011:59), is not "jobless growth", but labour-intensive businesses, technologies and economic policies.9 Finally, the creation of a super-rich class, whether white or black, must be questioned.
In short, individuals, families, government, labour unions and businesses need to adopt a holistic vision, a long-term strategy and to implement strategies that will ensure not only the survival of the people and the environment, but enable them to thrive.10 What is required is political and moral will, clarity and united effort.
3.2 Work as care and service to others
Human beings need to work not only to survive but also to provide for the needs of others, especially their families:
And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (I Timothy 5:3-8).
Here the work of parents is to care for their offspring, for instance, to provide for their material needs. Also vital is to facilitate the full intellectual, physical, spiritual, social and moral development of their children - all of which are crucial for family life and social wellbeing. In South Africa, increasing numbers of young, unmarried people are producing children and making use of child grants. There are many Bible passages that highlight the needs of the poor and the responsibility of those who are able to assist them (e.g. Deut 15:11; Jer 22:16; Rom 15:26; and 1 Corinthians 16:1-4). But irresponsibility and dependency, as we have seen, are never commended. The absence of proper parenting and especially the absence of fathers (either physically or emotionally) mean that these children are disadvantaged from birth and become a burden on society. To conceive a child is easy, but to raise a well formed child requires advanced human capacity and dedicated work.
Those who start a business or employ workers are creating work for others and thereby contributing to their wellbeing. Those that teach others skills that can assist them to find or create a job are serving others in a practical way. Farmers contribute hugely by growing food for the nation. Even though there are additional ethical factors to consider here, such as the ownership and use of the land, and the process of food production from "farm to fork" (which I cannot discuss here), the importance of this contribution must not be forgotten.
The ethical obligations of loving one's neighbour and serving others are completely contrary to greed or avarice. Avarice is the relentless desire to accumulate beyond what can realistically be required for human need at the expense of the needs of others and the environment (Ex 20:17; Mk 7:22, Lk 12:15, Rom 1:29; Eph 5:5; 1 Tim 6:6-10; 2 Tim 3:2). This sin or vice is the crucial component that has led to the plundering of state assets and donor funds. This is not only an African malady. But, the lack of full democratic participation, and the proper functioning of parliament, regulatory bodies, the police, the judiciary and a free press in many African countries has meant that the "politics of the belly" has become rampant (Mills 2010: 233, 236, 243).
South Africans repeatedly hear that government officials indulge in extravagant parties, and treat themselves to huge salaries, luxurious hotel accommodation, expensive motor vehicles and overseas jaunts. Government employees are all too often motivated by greed, rather than working for the common good of the country's people, and apparently see no reason why public assets cannot be used for their own benefit (Kretzschmar 2010:579). As a result, instead of being exposed and repudiated, waste, gluttony, avarice and corruption are all too often admired and perpetuated. This self-aggrandisement is in marked contrast to Christian economic values that include a commitment to the common good, solidarity with others, concern for the poor, and the integrity of creation (Economic Justice in South Africa: A Pastoral Statement, 78-80).
Freedom and responsibility need to be combined. According to Nürnberger (2011:58), what is needed is a
... responsible society, a society that is aware of its embeddedness in the greater network on natural relationships; a society that uses its freedom to construct an equitable and sustainable system; a society in which all citizens have a chance to contribute and benefit equitably; a society where all participants are willing to pull their weight in the productive and administrative processes and to sacrifice for the common good.
The country of Georgia (northeast of Turkey) is an example of how corruption and entitlement can be reversed. In 2003, it was sunk in poverty and corruption. However, the country underwent a "Rose Revolution", one of the features of which was the firing of 80,000 corrupt State employees, especially from the "traffic" police. By 2005, it was ranked as having the "largest reduction of corruption" in all "transition" countries. Between 2004 to 2010, the percentage rate of poverty in the population was reduced from 52% to 22%. How did this happen? Because of "a deep social transformation - 'from a tradition of entitlement to a meritocracy'", according to President Saakashvili (Mills 2010: 315).
3.3 Work as an expression of our creativity
Part of who we are as human beings is to be creators of something. Whether we create works of art, music or literature, raise healthy and happy children, start businesses or agricultural ventures, or construct new buildings, it is important to who we are. Human beings are not simply machines or cogs in a wheel. Hence, work that crushes human dignity and fails to develop skill, competence and responsibility cannot be good work. The economic goal, then, is the nurture, development and contribution of people, local communities, society and creation as a whole (Nürnberger 1999; Stassen & Gushee 2003).
Individual people and like-minded groups can give expression to their insights, knowledge, experience and skill to identify new ways of solving problems related to work and worklessness. Within a business setting, such people are spoken of as entrepreneurs; they see possibilities and develop businesses that provide goods, services and employment. But this spirit of innovation need not be restricted to a business context; it can be expressed in many other spheres of life.
For example, the work of Wangari Maathai (2007:173) of Kenya who, together with the women of the Green Belt Movement, planted more than 30 million trees mainly in Kenya can be mentioned. She is an example of someone who with passion initiated a new movement, and inspired thousands of people to reverse deforestation, thereby caring for their families and the environment. Therefore, we must not forget that the life of a single person can make a difference in the world. Their work was an innovative and creative response to a dire situation of environmental degradation and human poverty. As the Dalai Lama puts it: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito."11
3.4 Work as an expression of calling and charisma
In many sectors of contemporary postmodern society, people no longer have a clear sense of purpose or direction (telos) in their lives. If one sees the world as only a material reality, or focuses on short-term gain for oneself and one's family, ethnic group or supporters, why should one care for anyone else's wellbeing? Furthermore, a work ethic that has "gone wrong" can result variously in apathy, the pursuit of pleasure or leisure activities, or the frenzied seeking after self-realisation. It can also lead to one becoming a workaholic - having the hope that work itself can provide meaning to life (Volf 1991:129). Whereas those who adopt a purely secular and materialist view of reality may also identify the three aspects of work already discussed (survival, service and creativity), a Christian worldview or paradigm of understanding includes but extends beyond these to speak of work as an expression of our God-given calling and/or charisma (grace, spiritual gifts). Christians thus work to contribute to and participate in God's work of creation and salvation.
The notion of vocatio (calling) has long been stressed in Christian theology due to the emphasis within the Bible itself (e.g. Jer 1:4-10; Acts 9:1-19). Drawing on the teaching of St Benedict (480-550), Vest (2000:6) argues that even in a modern context, work needs to be thought of in terms of three elements: "Vocation, being called to what we do; stewardship, taking care of what has been given; [and] obedience, serving one another." In this way, work can become "a friend of the soul" because it is work done in God's world, by humans created to love and serve God and neighbour. Hence, the motto of the Benedictines was ora et labora - prayer and work. Even within a contemporary industrial and information age, who we are and how we work matters to God. Hence, every aspect of work is linked to faith in God, the stewardship of the whole of creation and care for others.
Both Luther and Calvin extended the understanding of calling beyond the religious work of the clergy (Volf 1991:105). All Christians and each type of work (with the exception of work that is clearly immoral) can be spoken of in terms of calling. But, Miroslav Volf (1991:102-109) argues that Luther's notion of calling is inextricably linked to a static, medieval view of the world, it does not take the alienation of work into account, is ambiguous, open to misinterpretation and cannot relate to the modern challenges of work. However, those who use the biblical concept of calling, like Vest, may disagree that vocatio is inextricably fixed to a distant social context, the doctrine of creation, or Luther's views.
Volf seeks to stress not creation, but pneumatology and eschatology (Volf 1991:ix, 113ff). It is the Spirit that gives gifts, skills and work (Exod 35:23; Gal 2:20, Rom 12:1-8) and the work of a Christian is directed not simply to work within the Church, but also to the re-creation and transformation of the world according to the likeness of Christ (Rom 8:18-25; 1 Cor 5:1621; Col 1:15-20; Rev 22:12). This emphasis on charism he argues is more flexible and can relate to the ever-changing world of work. Volf (1991:114115, 141-148, 157-201) argues that work must be done in co-operation with both God and nature, and it should lead not to the alienation, but the humanization of human beings.
In the history of the Christian tradition, there have been many people who have made a significant impact on their contemporaries. Not only prominent leaders, but millions of ordinary people have been motivated by a sense of God's calling and used their gifts to survive, help others, create, nurture, witness and innovate (Ellsberg 1997; Quinn 2002).12 Their example can be emulated today.
Also important in a discussion of a Christian ethic of work is ethics at work - the right way to work. This links moral virtue and character with work. Mills quotes these as "Weberian" human traits: "discipline, honesty, humility, high-quality leadership, and a social commitment to people" (Mills 2010:32). In fact, these are the Christian virtues upon which the so-called Protestant work ethic was built. They are important in the workplace since they reflect Christian moral character and respect for others. Work that is sloppy and uncaring reveals contempt for others who depend on your work, whereas work that is done with dedication, effort and commitment makes a statement about your view of God, yourself, the world and others. Hence, ethics practised in a work context leads to a work ethic; it is not simply hard work that is required (which can lead to "work-alcoholism"), but work that is dedicated to God, that serves others, and respects the value of the world and all its amazing creatures.
According to Wolterstorff, the balance of a
rhythmic alternation between work and worship, labour and liturgy is one of the significant distinguishing features of a Christian's way of being-in-the-world (in Volf 1991:139).13
For Christians there is a connection between prayer, the Sabbath rest, and work (Ex 20:9ff) (Manton 1997:3-20). Significantly, an Australian study
found that those who professed to be atheists or to have no religion at all tend to be less concerned about being useful, took less pride in work, wanted more holidays and felt exploited more often (in Volf 1991:219).14
Finally, the work of Christians does not depend on their efforts -ultimately, it is God's work. This is how Archbishop Oscar Romero15 put it:
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work. ... Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something, and do it very well. It may be incomplete, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest. ... We are the workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future, not our own.
At the outset of this article, reference was made to the work of Alfred the Great. He was a great ruler because he sought to bring about a better life for the people of his realm. In the same way in which he combined intelligence and goodness in his context, wise leadership and an ethic of work can bring about genuine transformation in our context. This is the vision that Christians need to uphold in a context where materialism and patronage hold sway. What is needed is a re-orientation of the systems of meaning that govern socio-economic, political and economic decision making, policies and actions (Nürnberger 2011:60-64)16.
When is work good? Based on the foregoing, a number of conclusions can be drawn. First, work is good when employment conditions and wages are fair, and provision is made for human needs in a way that enables the thriving of others and the natural world - a balance between profit, people, and the planet.
Second, good work is performed when human beings, as individuals and communities, refrain from pursuing only self-interest and work together to serve others in their own society and across the globe. Christian and African ethics teach that a selfish life is not a truly human life at all.
Third, work is good when it is an expression of our human creativity. This creativity is the rich blooming of human capacity that brings beauty and hope to our world and results in innovative and wise solutions to the many problems that beset us.
Fourth, a sense of being called and gifted by God to make a contribution to the lives of others and the appreciation, protection, and wise use of all of creation is an expression of good work. Dedicated and honest work is vital in a continent marred by selfish and short-sighted materialism and patronage. A materialist worldview cannot explain moral conscience, motivate commitment to others except in terms of the "survival of the species", or sustain a sense of ultimate accountability. The "politics of patronage", in the form of ethnic, family or party allegiance or "paybacks" for past loyalty, is a dead-end street. The desire to remain in power is its focus, rather than encouraging an open debate on how to better meet the needs and legitimate aspirations of the country as a whole. Who we are and how we act is vital, since actions speak louder than words. What is required from all in the country is the political and moral will to pursue a future that benefits the country as a whole. A sense of hope and confidence, clear strategies and a united effort can unlock the willingness to commit capital and the required application of human skill and effort. But, this commitment is dependent on credibility and mutual trust.
Fifth, the need for a Sabbath rest is part of our created nature. When it is forgotten, the consequences are stress, mental illness, burnout, relational problems and all types of physical illnesses.
Sixth, good work is relational; it is performed according to God's guidance, alongside others, and within a world that is sustained by its Creator and Redeemer. As pointed out earlier with reference to the book of Ecclesiastes, work in and of itself has only relative value. It is only at the hand of God that we possess or enjoy anything at all, since all that we use in our work derives from what God has already created. All that has real meaning and permanence is hidden in the nature of God:
For something to have real permanence, real meaning, it must come from outside the world we can see, since we can see with our own eyes that everything under the sun has been subjected to frustration. So life can only have meaning if it is lived in the light of a God whose very nature is just and who will therefore bring everything to judgment (Cooper 1998:7).
In this world and the next, we are accountable to God (Eph 6:5-9). This motivates the believer to remain hopeful and dedicated, even in times of distress and disillusion. By recovering the vision God's intention of making us active participants in and wise carers of creation, abundant life can be experienced. Inspired by hearing the sound of children playing or by watching elephants drink as a blood red the sun sets behind the herd, we can remember that when one works for God, one's labour will not be in vain (1 Cor 15:58).
AGAINST ALL ODDS. 2012. Against all odds. [Online.] Retrieved from: http://teeveetee.blogspot. com/2012/04/breaking-against-all-odds-with.html [2012, 13 May] [ Links ].
BROWN, W.P. 1996. Character in crisis: a fresh approach to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. [ Links ]
CIULLA, J.B. 2000. The working life: The promise and betrayal of modern work. New York: Three Rivers Press. [ Links ]
COOPER, B. 1998. Futile growth and the economics of Ecclesiastes. Journal of the Association of Christian Economists (25) December:1-14. [ Links ]
CORNWELL, B. 2011. Death of kings. London: Harper Collins. [ Links ]
DALAI LAMA. [Online.] Retrieved from: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/570218.Dalai_Lama_XIV [2012, 28 January] [ Links ].
DE SARDAN. J.P.O 1999. A moral economy of corruption in Africa. Journal of Modern African Studies 37(1):25-52. [ Links ]
ECONOMIC JUSTICE IN SOUTH AFRICA. 2000. A Pastoral Statement, in Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in South Africa. Conference 17-19 May 2000, Sizanani Centre, Bronkhorstpruit. (Economics Desk: Justice and Peace Department of the Southern African Catholic Bishop's Conference / Konrad Adenauer Stiftung), pp 73-98. [ Links ]
ELLSBERG, R. 1997. All saints: Daily reflections on saints, prophet and witnesses for our time. New York: Crossroad. [ Links ]
GUEST, R. 2004. The shackled continent: Africa's past, present and future. London: Macmillan. [ Links ]
HAWTREY, K. 1989. Work and leisure in Evangelical focus. Paper presented as part of a worldwide study process organized by Oxford Conference on Christian faith and economics, in Australia. [ Links ]
KRETZSCHMAR, L. 2008. Christian spirituality in dialogue with secular and African spiritualities with reference to moral formation and agency. Theologia Viatorum 32(1):63-96. [ Links ]
KRETZSCHMAR, L. 2010. Cultural pathways and pitfalls in South Africa: A reflection on moral agency and leadership from a Christian perspective. Koers 75(3):567-588. [ Links ]
MAATHAI, W. M. 2006. Unbowed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Random House. [ Links ]
MAIL & GUARDIAN. 2012. SA at 'tipping point' on corruption. 2012 [Online.] Retrieved from: http:// mg.co.za/article/2012-04-03-sa-at-tipping-point-on-corruption-says-protector [2012, 27 May] [ Links ].
MANTON, J. 1997. Spiritual formation in theological formation. British Journal of Education Summer:3-20. [ Links ]
MILLS, G. 2010. Why Africa is poor, and what Africans can do about it. Johannesburg: Penguin. [ Links ]
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PESCHKE, K. H. 2004. Christian ethics: Moral theology in the light of Vatican II. Bangalore: Theological publications in India. [ Links ]
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VOLF, Μ. 1991. Work in the Spirit: Toward a theology of work. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [ Links ]
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Wrong, Μ.2009. It's our turn to eat: The story of a Kenyan whistleblower. London: The Fourth Estate. [ Links ]
Ferreira and presented by Mpho Lakaje tells the stories of inspiring South Africans, including those who have found ways to create work and a future for themselves and others.
1 An earlier version of this paper was delivered at the opening of the Faculty of Theology at the University of the Free State, South Africa in January 2012.
2 See also Pollard (2005).
3 Questions as to when one ought to work and who ought to work (which include a focus on retirement, leisure, and children's work), are not discussed here. See Peschke (2004:675-791) for a broad discussion of ethics, work, property and the economy and the discussion on leisure in Volf (1991:133-141).
4 In my view, Mills does not pay sufficient attention to how economic growth can be balanced with sustaining the environment. Nor is enough attention paid to the positive and negative roles that religious faith plays within the African context.
5 Although I disagree in places with her view of Christians and work, her discussion of the modern promise and betrayal of work is masterly.
6 See Volf's (1991:46-86) discussion of the views of Adam Smith and Marx about the purpose of work, and work as alienation.
7 Qoheleth can be translated as teacher or collector of wisdom sayings (Brown 1996:121).
8 The television programme 'Against all odds' currently being screened on the eNCA (previously eNews) channel on Fridays at 8.45 written by Thinnus
9 Labour issues such as work productivity, what constitutes a living wage and whether a relatively low paid job is better than no work at all, need to be resolved. This article was written prior to the "Marikana massacre"; that event further highlights the complexity and urgency of resolving work-related issues in South Africa.
10 For instance, the Sunday Times newspaper has launched a series of articles on the theme "each one, hire one" and many studies have been done by government and other agencies. Also, Mills (2010: 32, 37, 54, 276, 279, 301, 304, 323, 328) provides detailed suggestions regarding means of promoting economic growth. These include: better leadership, reducing corruption and bureaucracy, economic and political reform, producing what others want to buy, innovation, flexibility, entrepreneurship, greater competitiveness, improved infrastructure, better skills, opening the economy beyond the elite few, improving roads, education and health, political legitimacy, security and giving people a stake in the future of the country.
11 http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/570218.Dalai_Lama_XIV [Accessed 28 January 2012].
12 Despite the many small errors in this book, it outlines the impact on Africa of the lives of many Christians.
13 From Wolterstorff, 1983: 147.
14 Hawtrey, 1989:17.
15 For the full version, see http://slu.edu/prayerbook/2009/07/17/prophets-of-a-future-not-our-own-the-romero-prayer/ [Accessed 28 January 2012].
16 See Nürnberger (1999) on the interface between prosperity, poverty and pollution.


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Today (12/1/13) the value per bitcoin is $1076.00


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I love to experiment with cloth, thread, dye, paint, ink, wax, screen prints, lino blocks, gelatine plates ..... anything that can modify the fabric I use. The inspiration for my work comes mostly from people, the way they treat each other and the places they live. I exhibit my work all over the world and enjoy making quilts for exhibition as well as pleasure.
In 2015 I hung my first solo exhibition and published my first book, 'Quilting Originals' in which I describe my methods for creating original art quilts. In 2017 I became a Juried Artist member of SAQA. I also love to teach surface design techniques, free motion quilting and art quilt design, travelling widely to work with groups and individuals. I have more than a dozen workshops on offer which can be seen on my website, http://www.clairepassmore.com.
I like to gather and develop the designs for my quilts in sketchbooks, where I explore and experiment with different ideas and techniques. I have a growing 'library' of sketchbooks which I am happy to share and explain how they can be used as inspiration for your own work. I also have a blog which I try to update regularly, sharing news of what I am currently making and ideas for things you might like to try yourself.
You can find out more about my work on my website and blog:
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Find Our Latest Video Reviews on YouTube!
If you want to stay on top of all of our video reviews of the latest tech, be sure to check out and subscribe to the Gear Live YouTube channel, hosted by Andru Edwards! It's free!
Wonder Woman Fail: TV Series DOA
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Television, DC Comics,
We've all heard the news now: David E. Kelley's proposed Wonder Woman TV pilot did not get the greenlight from NBC.
But what we haven't heard are the real reasons behind the cancellation. Here then, are the Top Ten Reasons Why The New Wonder Woman Series failed:
10. Typical David E. Kelley: Too much "Wondering Woman," not enough actual Wonder Woman
9. Etta Candy played by Calista Flockhart
8. To be trendy, Amazon homeland changed to Amazon.com
7. William Shatner and James Spader as dueling Steve Trevors
Click to continue reading Wonder Woman Fail: TV Series DOA
Weekend Reading: Blackbeard, Superman, Toth & Guindon
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Movies, Reviews, Television, DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Marvel Comics,
I was saddened to hear about the recent death of comics historian Bill Blackbeard. Tom Spurgeon had recently written about him and how he deserved a spot in the Eisner's Hall of Fame this year. That prompted me to (1) agree immediately with Tom and then (2) write about my own dealings with Mr. Blackbeard.
I didn't know that by then he had already passed. Tom has the best obituary, if such things can be defined by that term.
Fantagraphics' Gary Groth shares some personal memories plus tributes from others.
Sparkplug has an interview with him from a while ago that's first rate.
What a heartbreaker. The guy literally and single-handedly saved newspaper comics from the shredder of history.
Let's see what else is out there:
Click to continue reading Weekend Reading: Blackbeard, Superman, Toth & Guindon
Law & Order: Spider-Man Musical
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Television, Marvel Comics,
You didn't think Law & Order producer Dick Wolf and his writers would let this one get away, did you?
Famous for taking criminal cases from the news and twisting them in new, dramatic ways, the gang at Law & Order: Criminal Intent have tickets to the new Spider-Man on Broadway musical debacle.
Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark is the long-troubled show that has been criticized by the usual theater crowd, theater critics and fans that have seen it. The play has been plagued by problems: injuries to the cast, effects that don't work, a story that makes no sense and bears little resemblance to the classic source material, and delays that have pushed the official opening farther and farther away.
According to press reports, the Marvel Comics' Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark-inspired episode is about a "high-flying, fast-crashing show called Icarus" (see what they did there?) where an actor is killed during the production, the director is a high-strung born-again drunk and the composer is a bi-sexual rock star.
Click to continue reading Law & Order: Spider-Man Musical
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Weekend Reading: Dr. Who, Dinosaurs, Rob Hanes and Thor
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Interviews, Movies, Reviews, Television, Image Comics, Independent,
I was saddened by the recent death of Elisabeth Sladen who played Sarah Jane in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. Of all the reminiscences online, the one I thought the most touching was by her co-star, Tom Baker.
Dinosaurs: Topless Robot looks at the "10 Most Badass Dinosaurs In Comics." Something I created made the list, so naturally, I'm linking to it! Thanks to author Jesse Thompson for the shout out.
Royalty: Evan Lewis at Davy Crockett's Almanack likes Prince Valiant Vol. 2: 1939-1940 from Fantgraphics. "Amazing as the artwork in Volume 1 was, it just keeps getting better."
Click to continue reading Weekend Reading: Dr. Who, Dinosaurs, Rob Hanes and Thor
Leonardo On CBBC
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Television,
Attention Great Britain!
If you're going to be around what you folks call a telly on Monday evening April 11, you might want to check out a TV series called Leonardo that's airing on CBBC at 5:15pm (17:15).
The first episode is called "Anything Goes." UK's Telegraph has already given the show a thumbs up, saying it "has its roots in traditional adventure drama. And thoroughly engaging it is too."
Click to continue reading Leonardo On CBBC
The Glenn Beck Animated TV Show
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Television,
Word has reached us that crazed Fox News commentator Glenn Beck was recently pitching around Hollywood to create an animated series based on his life as a child.
I'm sure someone saw this as a good idea in the same way that someone thought Happy Days, Gilligan's Island and The Harlem Globetrotters would make good cartoons.
But Beck will need something now that his Fox TV show is going to be cancelled at the end of this year.
We asked around the various Hollywood studios and got a list of the rejected pitches for various Beck-based cartoon shows, none of which have materialized.
"Development Hell" must also be part of a vast conspiracy.
Here then, are the Top 10 Beck cartoon projects that may yet find their way to your flatscreen:
Click to continue reading The Glenn Beck Animated TV Show
Showtime Picks Up Chew Script
Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Television, Image Comics,
Tony Chu will soon be taking literal bites out of crime... on TV.
Showtime recently purchased a script -- written by Terri Hughes Burton and Ron Milbauer -- based off of John Layman and Rob Guillory's Chew, which chronicles FDA Agent Chu's detective work, primarily performed thanks to the psychic impressions he receives from eating things (which aren't always the most edible).
Circle of Confusion, the company behind fellow Image TV adaptation The Walking Dead, is fueling the project, which Stephen Hopkins is set to direct and executive produce.
While I imagined back-to-back marathons of Chew and The Walking Dead on AMC, I take comfort in the fact that Chew has found its TV home at Showtime, which has seen a show centering on a serial killer continue past five seasons.
The biggest question, of course, is whether or not Ken Leung will be cast as Tony...
Read More | Deadline
Comic Books Jobs: CBS Interns! MTV! Video Games!
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Conventions, Editorials, Television,
Hey, you wanna go to Comic Con International on CBS's dime? Of course you do. Showtime Networks, a division of CBS based in New York, has an intern program that's running from June 6-July 29.
You'll be working in the "Program Marketing and Advertising" group and one of your main functions will be "daily tasks and organization leading up to Comic Con, assisting with the advertising tactics in print, tv, online and outdoor and components of the marketing plan." I'm only assuming that they'll take you to the Con to see your hard work payoff, so you might want to get that included if you get the gig.
Click to continue reading Comic Books Jobs: CBS Interns! MTV! Video Games!
Weekend Reading: Borders, Bruce Jones, Dick Tracy And Alan Moore
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Interviews, Movies, Reviews, Television, DC Comics, Marvel Comics,
Can you believe another weekend is already here? I can't, so I'd better post a few links and then hit the liquor store!
Let's see what's out there on the interwebs for those of us not already enjoying C2E2:
Borders: The bookstore chain just didn't drop into bankruptcy overnight. Here's a list of a half-dozen balls they dropped that you'd think they wouldn't have.
[Link: Making Light]
Bruce: Comic book writer (remember his run on Hulk?) and novelist Bruce Jones ponders the future of fiction.
Return: John Zipperer at Weimar World Service reports that editorial cartoonist Lyle Lahey is back from his sabbatical, and in top form as he makes fun of Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin.
Dick: For those of you who don't already know, there's a new creative team on the venerable comic strip, Dick Tracy. It's writer Mike Curtis and artist Joe Staton, and the whole thing is 3 daily panels of awesome. Hogan's Alley interviews Staton about his new job.
Click to continue reading Weekend Reading: Borders, Bruce Jones, Dick Tracy And Alan Moore
Comic Book Jobs: Checking Out Craigslist
Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Television,
Let's take a look at the job offerings on my favorite employment-based website.
Do you have a bit of Alex Trebek or Jimmy Kimmel lurking inside you? Well, they'd like it back. Oh, wait. No, there's a production company that's looking for a host for the pilot of their new comic book show.
A different TV pilot, this one in New York, needs extras for a fight scene between a superhero and a super-villain.
Do you play music? Do you have a band? You could be chosen to be on the soundtrack for a comic book mini-series.
Hound Comics has a deal for the blogging community involving Miami Wizard World 2011 and some press credentials.
An "established and award-winning production company" is looking for an artist to create a style guide for their upcoming animated series.
And finally, the call is out in Canada for "Female Ninjas."
Good luck, job seekers!
[Artwork: Jimmy Kimmel]
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About Us
Transition 101
Transition Towns
Knowledge Hub
by Sarah Byrnes
On Saturday October 20, 72 activists from 32 communities gathered in a musty New England church basement to connect, share stories, and think about the resilience of our historic region. The excitement in the room was palpable from the start as folks voiced their thanks and gratitude right away during the opening round of introductions.
To do the intros, we pushed back the chairs and placed ourselves around the room to create a "map" of New England. Folks from Maine stretching up to our "north" and those from Rhode Island headed down "south." As people introduced themselves, we found that the room included college students, folks in their 20s, parents and parents-to-be, all the way on up to very "seasoned" activists. We brought an amazing array of interests and passions -- everything from solar panel installation, social media, permaculture, bee-keeping, peak oil financial planning, biking, nature-based spirituality, affordable green housing, and small group organizing, to professional story-telling and pirate jokes.
Photos by Dakota Butterfield and Chuck Collins
To deepen our connection and appreciation of each other, we then used Joanna Macy's "milling exercise." It was a chance to reflect on the importance of the moment we are living in, and the vital role each of us will play in the transition we are facing.
View New England Regional Transition and Resilience Gathering in a larger map
Next, we jumped into story sharing. We heard that Transition Putney VT organized 160 events in one year (!!), and that when Transition Keene (NH) invited an economist to speak about "Move Your Money," two local credit unions gained 5,000 new members. We heard about a community orchard in an urban neighborhood of Boston MA that has been able to bridge race and class divides, and a "newspaper from the future" from Belfast, ME. We learned that the Resilience Hub of Portland Maine grew from a 4-person conversation around a dining room table to a 1200-member "ungroup" doing amazing work around permaculture, skillshares, and parties.
That's why Lisa Fernandes from Portland reminded us: "Never forget the importance of the dining room table!" And Paul LeVasseur from Putney offered a valuable bottom line: "The only way to break through this culture that so dominates us is love. Transition is all about love."
We "mapped" some of lessons that had arisen from our stories, and this both underscored important themes and drew out some tensions. We need to "build relationships, have fun, and do something concrete," said one person. We need to "balance both inner and outer work," said another, noting that many of us come to Transition with deep grief. To get unstuck from the grief, we need space to process, and "we need to get our hands dirty."
We acknowledged both the need to be clear about who we are and what we're doing, and the need to create a language that resonates across barriers. Deep listening and humility were called for, so that we might engage our communities and our neighbors without compromising core values and truths.
After lunch and a tour of the nearby community orchard and "Festival Garden," folks came back energized for roundtable discussions. Topics were generated by the group, including: How do we create continuity within a group and cultivate leadership? What makes for a successful Unleashing? How do strategies differ between urban and rural communities? How do we do Transition on a regional level?
As we entered the "what's next" phase of the agenda, we noted lots of shared regional resources, and identified regional needs. (See our notes here for the lists.) Two "next steps" gathered special enthusiasm: creating a regional website, and having a regional "festival" including celebration, workshops, strategy sessions, and more. Folks volunteered to tackle these and other next steps to increase our connectedness and the resilience of our region as a whole.
As each of us has moved back to our local work, I think we all have a renewed sense of the larger community that enfolds and supports us. The work can be difficult and the way unclear, but luckily, we are not alone!
Contact Sarah Byrnes (firstname.lastname@example.com) for more info and to get involved in New England's regional plans.


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SOCHI, Russia >> Seven sports, 15 disciplines and 98 events over 18 days.
A record 88 nations, with more than 2,500 athletes, will descend upon on Sochi, Russia, along the Black Sea coast to take part in the 22nd Winter Olympics.
With a motto of "Hot. Cool. Yours," it will probably be all of that and more.
Hot topics are aplenty, from cost overruns and construction delays to Russia's anti-gay laws and potential protests to the looming threats of terrorist attacks. Eyes are set on Sochi for reasons other than athletic competition.
Not cool is the 12-hour time difference, which means, unlike the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, these Games will not be aired live on your HD flat-screen.
Yours? Well, that is the prospect of thrills, chills and spills, familiar faces and breakout stars. The United States looks to improve upon its Vancouver-best 37 medals of four years ago.
Here is a look at the sports for the Sochi Olympics:
THE BASICS: After missing the first three Winter Olympics, Alpine skiing joined the program in 1936. Ten gold medals will be awarded in Sochi, five for men and five for women — downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom (usually called super-G) and super combined.
STARS TO WATCH: With Lindsey Vonn out injured, the 18-year-old American many call "The Next Lindsey Vonn," Mikaela Shiffrin, will attract plenty of attention as the favorite to win the slalom. Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany, a double gold medalist at the 2010 Vancouver Games, and Lara Gut of Switzerland, who'll be making her Olympic debut, could dominate other races. Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway already enjoys rock-star status in Europe, while 36-year-old Bode Miller, owner of five Olympic medals, and Ted Ligety, who won three titles at last year's world championships, will also be ones to watch from the U.S. team.
DID YOU KNOW? Austria has won a record 105 Alpine skiing medals at the Olympics, nearly twice as many as any other country. Switzerland ranks second with 56, followed by France with 43 and the United States with 39.
THE BASICS: Like several other sports, biathlon has military origins with the combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting first becoming a common exercise for winter troops in northern countries during the second half of the 19th century. That also helps explain why countries like Norway, Russia and Sweden are still dominant. Biathlon has one of the busiest schedules on the Olympic program, with four individual events for both men and women, along with a relay. New for this year is a mixed relay.
STARS TO WATCH: Martin Fourcade of France has been the top men's biathlete in the last two years, winning three world championship titles in 2012 and the overall World Cup last season, and he is expected to add his first Olympic gold in Sochi. Emil Hegle Svendsen of Norway could well add to his two golds from Vancouver, as well. On the women's side, expect Tora Berger of Norway and Darya Domracheva of Belarus to grab at least a couple of medals each.
DID YOU KNOW? One of the all-time greats will be competing in the biathlon events in Sochi as Ole Einar Bjoerndalen aims to cap his storied career by making Olympic history. The 40-year-old Norwegian has six Olympic golds from previous games and needs two more to equal the Winter Games record. While Bjoerndalen hasn't won an individual World Cup race in two years, Norway is one of the favorites in both the men's and mixed relay — meaning he could well get there.
THE BASICS: It looks simple, but it's incredibly intricate to get a sled going and keep it upright for the ride down the track. Everyone sprints while pushing the sled on ice, then hops inside, at which point the driver is typically the only one with his or her head up for the rest of the trip. One wrong move, and that sled could tumble on its side easily.
STARS TO WATCH: Steven Holcomb of the United States was the top driver on the men's World Cup circuit this winter, while Kaillie Humphries of Canada took the women's overall title. Both won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games and might again this year. The U.S. has two Olympic track athletes on the women's team, with gold medalist Lauryn Williams and Lolo Jones qualifying as push athletes.
DID YOU KNOW? BMW doesn't just make fast cars. Their sled-building business will be on full display in Sochi, with Germans, Americans and Canadians — all medal favorites — among the nations racing in their sleds. And while those sleds bear the same logo, there's some significant set-up and technological differences depending on which nation's flag is affixed.
THE BASICS: Cross-country skiing is one of the original Winter Olympic sports, on the program since the 1924 Chamonix Games. Only two men's events were held then, though; now it's a total of 10 men's and women's races — ranging from the explosive individual sprint to the grueling endurance test of the men's 50-kilometer race. Events are held in either the classical style or freestyle depending on the format, with the skiathlon a combination of both.
STARS TO WATCH: Norway usually dominates the cross-country skiing events, and its two biggest stars are Petter Northug and Marit Bjoergen. Northug has struggled with illness this season, however, and his form is in question. Bjoergen won three golds in Vancouver in 2010 and could well repeat that feat in Sochi if she again gets the better of main rival Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland. Three-time overall World Cup winner Dario Cologna has only recently returned from an ankle injury but should still be a contender.
DID YOU KNOW? The most successful Winter Olympian of all time was a cross-country skier. Bjoern Daehlie of Norway won eight Olympic gold medals between 1992 and 1998, along with four silvers. He nearly won a ninth gold, but surprisingly lost a sprint finish to Silvio Fauner of Italy in the men's 4×10-kilometer relay at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, stunning the home crowd.
THE BASICS: Two gold medals will be awarded, one for men and one for women. Ten teams are in both tournaments. They all play each other once in the round-robin stage, with four advancing to the semifinals.
STARS TO WATCH: Margaretha Sigfridsson of Sweden and Eve Muirhead of Britain have been engaged in a battle for supremacy in women's curling for the past 12 months. Muirhead is the world champion and Sigfridsson the European champion — and the Olympics can be viewed as the decider. Brad Jacobs is the star attraction in men's curling, although the spotlight is often stolen by the Norwegian team, with its funky wardrobe.
DID YOU KNOW? Canada, the stronghold of world curling, has won a medal in every men's and women's tournament since the sport returned to the Olympic program in 1998.
THE BASICS: To the familiar medal events of men's and women's singles, pairs and ice dance, the IOC is adding a team competition. Ten countries will take part, combining the scores of their entries in the four disciplines.
STARS TO WATCH: Yuna Kim of South Korea seeks to repeat — she'd be only the third woman to win two straight gold medals. A foot injury forced her out of the Grand Prix series, though. Three-time world champion Patrick Chan is the favorite on the men's side, but was upset by Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan at the Grand Prix Final.
DID YOU KNOW? Russian or Soviet skaters have won seven of the 10 gold medals in the event, but Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir will be on hand to defend their titles.
THE BASICS: There are the old-school events — moguls and aerials — and the newcomers — halfpipe and slopestyle. There's also skicross. Moguls are judged on a skier's ability to get down the bumps quickly and smoothly, while also taking off for two jumps that each count for 12.5 percent of the score. Aerials skiers pack multiple flips and twists into a jump that sends them soaring up to 50 feet off a steeply angled ramp. Ski halfpipe and slopestyle are new events, though they'll look very much like the snowboard version.
STARS TO WATCH: Defending moguls champion Alex Bilodeau's toughest competition could come from Canadian teammate Mikael Kingsbury. Hannah Kearney of the United States is the defending women's champion. Victor Oehling Norberg of Sweden is a consistent top-10 finisher in skicross but still looking for that first victory of the season.
DID YOU KNOW? Freestyle skiing dates back more than 100 years with records of skiers performing somersaults on skis at the start of the 20th century in Norway, Italy and Austria. The first professional competitions were in 1971, and it entered the Olympic program in 1992.
THE BASICS: About 150 jetlagged NHL players join their European counterparts in a frenetic 12-team, 12-day tournament for hockey supremacy. Nobody has time for practice or team-building with three quick opening-round games before the knockout portion begins, but Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland and the United States all have their eyes on gold.
STARS TO WATCH: Reigning NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin and fellow stars Evgeni Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk are under extraordinary home-country pressure to lead the Russians to their first gold medals since the Unified Team's 1992 win in Albertville. Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby also is back for more Olympic magic after scoring the gold-winning overtime goal in Vancouver.
DID YOU KNOW? The NHL stars are back for their fifth consecutive Olympics since Nagano, but this might be your last chance to see them on the podium for a while. NHL owners are making serious noise about keeping the league in session in 2018 during the Pyeongchang Olympics, citing the time difference to South Korea and lost revenue.
THE BASICS: In order to boost competition in a sport that has been dominated by Canada and the United States, the Olympic women's hockey format was changed this year. The round-robin features a guaranteed grudge match between the North Americans, and a chance for them to earn a bye through to the semifinals. The preliminary round will be played at the puck-shaped Shayba Arena, and the medal round at the larger Bolshoy Ice Dome.
STARS TO WATCH: Finland goalie Noora Raty was 41-0 at the University of Minnesota, leading her team to a second straight college championship. Hayley Wickenheiser of Canada is going for her fourth gold medal, and she is already the leading scorer in Olympic women's hockey history with 16 goals and 29 assists; she also won a silver medal when the Americans won the gold in the sport's inaugural Winter Games in 1998.
DID YOU KNOW? U.S. forward Amanda Kessel is the sister of Toronto Maple Leafs star Phil Kessel, who will be in Sochi for the American men's team.
THE BASICS: Sliders race feet-first down the track, sometimes going as fast as 90 mph, though the speeds should be a bit lower at the Sochi Olympics. Steering is done by subtle shifts of the body, and the start is critical. Lugers wear gloves with tiny spikes attached to the finger pads, using them to dig into the ice to gain momentum, before settling into position for the ride.
STARS TO WATCH: Germany, Germany, Germany. Felix Loch is the reigning Olympic champion and is favored to repeat in the men's race, and teammate Natalie Geisenberger has been nearly unbeatable on the World Cup circuit to earn her Sochi-favorite status. The Germans also dominate in doubles luge.
DID YOU KNOW? The Olympic luge program is growing in Sochi with the addition of a team relay. One man, one woman and one doubles team will compose each nation's team, and they'll go one after another — with one slider slapping a pad to trigger the clock and tell the next teammate it's time to start their run.
THE BASICS: With ski jumping and cross-country skiing, it's the sole male-only sport left at the Winter Olympics. Three gold medals will be awarded, off the normal and large hills with 10-kilometer ski races for each, and a team event from the large hill which includes a 4×5-kilometer cross-country race.
STARS TO WATCH: Eric Frenzel of Germany comes into Sochi with a big lead in the World Cup standings, having also won the Nordic Combined Triple in January, a new format that added the results of three competitions on one weekend. The Americans have a strong team, with 2010 individual large hill gold medalist and team silver medalist Billy Demong back, and 37-year-old Todd Lodwick competing in his sixth Olympics.
DID YOU KNOW? The starting places in the cross-country race are determined by the finishes in the ski jump competition, with generally a 10-point lead in jumping providing a one-minute start in the ski race. That format is known as the Gundersen Method.
THE BASICS: Sometimes called "headfirst luge," but it really has hardly anything in common with the feet-first racing sport. The sleds are simple, with racers usually grabbing a handle with one arm as they take off running at the start. They then flop onto the sled — it sort of looks like an oversized cookie sheet — and have their chin just barely off the surface of the ice as they speed down the chute.
STARS TO WATCH: Martins Dukurs of Latvia is a huge favorite to win the men's title. In the women's race, the gold-medal battle figures to come down to Noelle Pikus-Pace of the United States and Lizzy Yarnold of Britain. Dukurs' top competition might be his own brother, Tomass. Pikus-Pace was fourth in Vancouver, and Yarnold rents a flat nowadays from Amy Williams — who won skeleton gold for Britain four years ago.
DID YOU KNOW? The sport has roots in the 1800s and was in the Olympic program in 1928, then again in 1948. But it wasn't back as a medal sport until 2002, and now attracts sliders from nations that don't even have home tracks on which to train.
THE BASICS: Women will compete for the first time in a sport the men have had to themselves since 1924. Four gold medals will be awarded overall, the large hill, the normal hill and a team event for the men. The women will compete only on the normal hill.
STARS TO WATCH: "Kid Ballerina" Sara Takahashi of Japan, who says her ballet training helps her maintain balance during jumps, is the women's favorite. Her biggest competitors are American teenager Sarah Hendrickson, the world champion who is coming off right knee surgery in August, and Lindsey Van, the sport's first world champion and Hendrickson's teammate.
DID YOU KNOW? The International Olympic Committee fought for years to keep women from ski jumping at the Olympics, with suggestions their event wasn't competitive enough and that their bodies weren't strong enough to take the strain of jumps, affecting their ability to have children.
THE BASICS: Five events: Halfpipe, snowboardcross, parallel giant slalom and two new ones — slopestyle and parallel slalom. Slopestyle is a ride down a hill with steeply angled jumps, rails and little bumps called "jibs." Parallel slalom is racing — a shortened version of parallel giant slalom event that's been on the program since snowboarding was introduced in 1998.
STARS TO WATCH: A certain rider named Shaun White, who is going for his third straight halfpipe gold and trying to win in slopestyle, as well. Another rider to watch will be Torah Bright of Australia, the defending Olympic halfpipe champion who will compete in halfpipe, slopestyle and snowboardcross.
DID YOU KNOW? Mark McMorris of Canada is largely considered White's top challenger in slopestyle but he broke a rib competing in the Winter X Games. He's expected to be OK in time for Sochi.
THE BASICS: All races are held in pairs using two lanes on the track. At the back straightaway, the skaters switch lanes, allowing them both to cover the same distance per lap. When both skaters emerge from the corner at the same time, the skater in the inside lane has to let the outer lane pass in front of them. The men and women each compete in five individual events, and the team pursuit.
STARS TO WATCH: Shani Davis of the United States will try to become the first male skater to win the same event at three straight Olympics in the 1,000 meters. Sven Kramer of the Netherlands is looking for redemption in the 10,000, having lost a gold medal four years ago in Vancouver after being disqualified when his coach directed him to the wrong lane during the race. On the women's side, Ireen Wust of the Netherlands is a favorite to medal in the 1,500 and 3,000. Claudia Pechstein of Germany will turn 42 during the Olympics, her sixth. She owns nine career medals and will try for a 10th in the 5,000.
DID YOU KNOW? The clap skate revolutionized the sport in the mid-1990s, helping lower world records considerably. The skates are hinged to the front of the boot and detach from the heel, allowing a more natural range of movement. The blades are about 1 millimeter thick and come in lengths from 13 to 18 centimeters.
THE BASICS: Usually between four and six skaters compete on an oval ice rink using a mass start. Men and women compete in the same events: 500 meters, 1,000, 1,500, and the relays (3,000 for women and 5,000 for men). It's often called roller derby on ice and there are several rules that, if broken, result in disqualification.
STARS TO WATCH: Viktor Ahn is a medal favorite in all three individual men's events. Born Ahn Hyun-soo in South Korea, Ahn became a Russian citizen in 2011. Wang Meng, China's most decorated Winter Olympian, is out with a broken ankle on the women's side. South Korea's women's team could dominate, led by Shim Suk-hee.
DID YOU KNOW? The most common reason for disqualification is impeding, which involves pushing, blocking or otherwise causing an impediment for another skater.


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COVID-19 Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are experiencing delays from all manufacturers. Please be advised we will do our best to meet the given time frame for your order.
Add a truly unique, and beautiful, look to your bedroom when you bring home this glam style headboard and footboard bed. Both the headboard and footboard show off an intricate and glamorous inlay around the edges. The Footboard adds to the style with a pair of panels showcasing a sophisticated silver finish while the headboard boasts an upholstered panel with button tufting throughout to create a look worthy of a movie star.
The 1958 Glam California King Headboard and Footboard Bed with Intricate Inlays by Homelegance at A1 Furniture & Mattress in the Madison, WI area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.
This collection shows off a look straight out of Hollywood and fit for one of its stars. Each piece shows off an elegant silver finish accented beautifully by intricate inlays. Whether you're searching for the perfect pieces to complete your dining space or your bedroom this collection has the perfect piece for any looking to add some glam to their home.
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Shooting Method Model Documents
This material has 2 associated documents. Select a document title to view a document's information.
Main Document
Ejs Shooting Method Program
written by
Wolfgang Christian
The Ejs Shooting Method program displays the solution to the time-independent Schrödinger equation determined via the shooting method. The default potential energy function is a harmonic oscillator with V(x) = x*x/2. The model assumes that the eigenfunction is bound within a spatial region. The energy of the energy eigenfunction can be changed with the slider. You can modify this simulation if you have Ejs installed by right-clicking within the plot and selecting "Open Ejs Model" from the pop-up menu item.
Last Modified June 12, 2014
This file has previous versions.
Source Code Documents
Shooting methdod source code.
The source code zip archive contains an XML representation of the shooting method model. Unzip this archive in your EJS workspace to compile and run this model using EJS.
Published September 23, 2008
This file has previous versions.