News for today's 2018

RX FOR YOUR TOTAL HEALTH: MUTI-VITAMIN, STATIN DRUG, CO-Q10, CARDIO, SUNSCREEN, A CRUSHING GRIEF & A CRIPPLING ILLNESS. YOU'LL BE FINE.

4:26 PM Tukiyooo 0

<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">An excerpt from Chapter 4 of God Of Our Silent Tears, now available from Cathedral Bookstore on line.<i> </i></span>http://www.godofoursilenttears.com/#et_page_802</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Any attempt to look upon suffering as caused directly or indirectly by God<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            stands in danger of regarding him as sadistic.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[i]</span></b></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                                                        </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dorothee Soelle, <i>Suffering</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            <i>Every human creature born<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Is born into the bright delusion<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Beauty and loving-kindness care for him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Suffering teaches! Suffering is </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">good<i> for us!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Imagine men and women dying<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Still believing that the cuddling arms<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Enclosed them! . . .<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            We learn to wish we’d never lived.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[ii]</span></b></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Archibald MacLeish, <i>J. B.</i> [Nickles speaking]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            “Affliction as punishment” does not carry much weight among today’s theologians. Saddling contemporary Christianity with that notion is truly not fair. But some of our best minds are inclined to interpret hardship as an opportunity for spiritual growth. Suffering can be understood as a test or an exercise. This approach is better because it attributes tough love, instead of vengeance, to God. But it is still problematic.             <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Let’s begin with the “test of faith” view before dealing with the closely related “spiritual exercise” theory. “Test of faith” regards affliction as a kind of trial or temptation to measure the degree of faith the sufferer has developed. The story of Job can be read this way, and I Peter 1:6–9 supports that view.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn3" name="_ednref3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[iii]</span></span></span></a>The problem with “test of faith” is that it posits a seriously flawed view of God. Just ask: How do we feel about the cosmic proctor administering a moral midterm? Louise Glück protests against that kind of God in her poem “Matins (3)”:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    What is my heart to you<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    that you must break it over and over <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    like a plantsman testing <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    his new species? </span></i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn4" name="_ednref4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[iv]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                          <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is hard to worship and adore someone who would give us cancer to see how we handle it. Besides, this theory just doesn’t fit with the rest of what we believe about God. Does God test our characters with broken relationships, diseases, and social injustice? The notion is patently absurd. Scripture is quite clear that God knows us quite well already:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        Lord you have searched me out and known me;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    you know my sitting down and my rising up;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    you discern my thoughts from afar.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        You trace my journeys and my resting places<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    and are acquainted with all my ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        Indeed there is not a word on my lips<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    but you O Lord know it altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                                                        – Psalm 139:1–4<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">One of the Church’s prayers begins, “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, from whom no secrets are hid.” God doesn’t need to administer tests. The tragedies that we are calling “tests” are the sorts of tests that might be dreamed up by Joseph Mengele. The God of Christianity does not afflict us out of curiosity to see how we’ll respond. Louise Glück protested against the God of the inhuman experiment, the God who “tests our faith.” Then she quickly saw that the God against whom she rebelled was a straw man, not the true God. In “Matins (4),” she writes:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    I am ashamed<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        at what I thought you were,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    distant from us, regarding us<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    as an experiment: it is<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    a bitter thing to be <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    the disposable animal, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    a bitter thing. Dear friend,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    dear trembling partner, what<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    surprises you most in what you feel,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                                    earth’s radiance or your own delight?<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn5" name="_ednref5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[v]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            The only way to read the “test of faith” idea as saying something worthy of consideration is to interpret the “test” not as an examination, but as an exercise in faith. That idea has been embraced by notable theologians such as Simone Weil, Diogenes Allen, D. Z. Phillips, and John Hick. They have offered truly compelling arguments that God has designed the world as a spiritual boot camp to whip us into shape. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">         The Christian tradition is not alone in its claim that suffering can humanize us and make us wise.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Aeschylus and Sophocles rarely wrote a play that did not include the line “I have suffered into truth.” </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Undoubtedly, the idea of suffering as a way to grow spiritually has deep roots in the Christian tradition, </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">too. St. Paul said, “I want to share in the sufferings of Christ . . . if I may somehow attain the </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">resurrection from the dead.” St. Ireneaus, in the third century, taught that evil was in the world in order </span><br /><br />to help us to grow toward holiness.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn6" name="_ednref6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[vi]</span></span></span></a>Hebrews opines that “God disciplines those he loves” and that<br /><br />“all discipline is painful” (but not that all pain is discipline). In the fourteenth century, Lady Julian of<br /><br />Norwich prayed for the wounds of true contrition, true longing for God, and a serious illness to purify<br /><br />her soul. In her classic <i>Shewings,</i> she said the wounds of life lead to greater honor and joy than we<br /><br />could experience without them.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn7" name="_ednref7" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[vii]</span></span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We must acknowledge that suffering and spiritual growth are sometimes, at least potentially, connected. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In the Christian tradition, there are two versions of the idea that suffering is good for us. A view that D. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Z. Phillips calls the “Outward Bound” school of theology holds that our own suffering poses challenges </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">that enable us to develop heroic virtues, and the suffering of others gives us opportunities to practice </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">mercy.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn8" name="_ednref8" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[viii]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">         I call the other theory the <i>Casablanca</i> school of theology (“the problems of three little people </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">don’t  </span>amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world”).<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn9" name="_ednref9" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[ix]</span></span></span></a> The Casablanca school does not see God as<br /><br />sending specific sufferings, but as leaving the universe to function unrestrained and therefore with<br /><br />amoral  indifference to our well being. From the resulting hardships, we should learn that we are<br /><br />insignificant.  This insight liberates us from our egos.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Both views have some merit, but I cannot unqualifiedly accept either of them. As with the “divine retribution theory,” this “spiritual growth” theodicy is undercut by the facts we experience. So much suffering is grinding, dehumanizing, and embittering. Suffering is as likely to disintegrate us as it is to ennoble us. In <i>Imagining Redemption, </i>theologian David Kelsey shares such a case study. Sam was a little boy who contracted Guillain-Barré syndrome. It left him disabled and behaviorally unmanageable. The strain drove his mother to suicide. His father was then worn down by trying to care for Sam alone, leaving Kelsey to ask the hard question, “What earthly good does Jesus do in this situation?”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn10" name="_ednref10" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[x]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            Does this theology offer a God we can worship and adore? No. It reduces God to a cosmic drill sergeant. That God-image may be more benign than the cosmic executioner, who punishes us for our moral lapses, but it is still a small-hearted God, using carrots and sticks to enforce his will. It is hard, and perhaps not healthy, to love such a God. His character still smacks of sadism.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            So how shall we sort out the truth from the falsehood in this approach to suffering? It is crucial here to distinguish a <i>cause</i> from a <i>purpose</i>, and a <i>purpose</i> from a <i>justification</i>.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn11" name="_ednref11" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xi]</span></span></span></a>Spiritual growth will not do as a cause of suffering. God doesn’t send affliction like a thunderbolt to humble us. But our choice to use our suffering as an occasion for growth is another matter. Purpose and meaning are not just lying there before the event in an objective way for us to discover. Purpose and meaning are fashioned by our own interpretation and actions. Suffering and grief are sometimes somewhat redeemed from utter meaninglessness by spiritual transformation. Suffering isn’t <i>caused</i>by our need to grow, but we can grow through suffering and so give it a <i>purpose</i> or meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">            The possibility of making productive spiritual use of our suffering still doesn’t <i>justify</i> what happened to us. That would be a false defense of evil and injustice. Simone Weil, of all people, a brave fighter against fascism, certainly never intended that. Rabbi Harold Kushner described what he had gained spiritually from the death of his son Aaron, but acknowledged the gains did not justify the loss:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        I am a more sensitive person, a more effective pastor, a more<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        sympathetic counselor because of Aaron’s life and death than I <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        would ever have been without it. And I would give up all those <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        gains in a second if I could have my son back. If I could choose,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        I would forego all the spiritual growth and depth . . . and become<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        what I was fifteen years ago, an indifferent counselor, . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        and the father of a bright, happy boy. But I cannot choose.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn12" name="_ednref12" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xii]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Spiritual growth does not justify our suffering. But it can often paint the silver lining. If Kushner had shriveled into bitterness when his son died, he would have suffered just as much, perhaps more, but without finding any meaning or value in it. In fact, it would have made the meaning of his son’s death even worse. Kushner says:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        We, by our responses, give suffering either a positive or a negative<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        meaning. Illnesses, accidents, human tragedies kill people. But<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        they do not necessarily kill life or faith. If the death and suffering<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        of someone we love makes us bitter, jealous, against all religion,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        and incapable of happiness, we turn the person who died into<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        one of the “devil’s martyrs.” If suffering and death in someone<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        close to us bring us to explore the limits of our capacity for strength<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        and love and cheerfulness, if it leads us to discover sources of<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        consolation we never knew before, then we make the person<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">                        into a witness for the affirmation of life rather than its rejection.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_edn13" name="_ednref13" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xiii]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 408.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is not always possible to turn pain into wisdom and compassion, but when it is possible, it is a </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">profound way to live through affliction. Making meaning is a spiritual challenge life sets for us. We </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">grow stronger in the process of trying to meet it. The irony in Archibald MacLeish’s <i>J. B. </i>is this: The </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“God” character is an immoral tyrant who subjects J. B. to unendurable suffering just to win a bet. But </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">J. B. makes meaning of his suffering in the end, by resolving to love in spite of it all, knowing that love </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">entails suffering, but that same love makes life worthwhile anyway.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <br /><div id="edn1"><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Dorothee Soelle, <i>Suffering, </i>trans. Everett Kalin (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1975), 25.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn2"><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[ii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> MacLeish, <i>J.B.</i>, 49.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn3"><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref3" name="_edn3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[iii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <span style="color: #010000;">“In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen</span></span><a href="file:///javascript/void(0)%3B"></a><span style="color: #010000; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” </span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The treatment of suffering in I Peter is, however, much richer and more complex than this snippet would suggest. See Patricia M. McDonald, “The View of Suffering Held by the Author of I Peter,” in Tambasco, <i>The Bible on Suffering</i>, 165–87. I would call it the weak point of the epistle. <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn4"><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref4" name="_edn4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[iv]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Louise Glück, “Matins (3),” in <i>The Wild Iris </i>(New York: Ecco Press, 1996), 12.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn5"><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref5" name="_edn5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[v]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Louise Glück, “Matins (4),” ibid., 13.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn6"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref6" name="_edn6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[vi]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Alistair McGrath, <i>Christian Theology </i>(Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2001), 292.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn7"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref7" name="_edn7" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[vii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> The idea that our suffering and struggle with evil is an essential part of our spiritual growth goes back to St. Ireneaus and persists today in the theology of John Hick (ibid., 292–93).<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn8"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref8" name="_edn8" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[viii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> D. Z. Phillips, <i>The Problem of Evil and the Problem of God</i>(Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2005), 166, 179–80. Ireneaus, Hick, and Swinburne are leading proponents of this approach.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn9"><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref9" name="_edn9" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[ix]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Simone Weil, Diogenes Allen, and D. Z. Phillips are proponents of this view. Allen insists that God’s reality makes everything meaningful, even catastrophes: “[We] can trust that what we are doing and what is happening to us from the operations of the natural world and the social order make a contribution, even when we are not able to see that they do. All moments of dismay and dryness, as well as times of elation, make a contribution to that life which is being formed but which is not visible to us, especially when we are in states of distress” (<i>Christian Belief in a Postmodern World</i>[Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1989], 117). Later, in commenting on Adams’s <i>Horrendous Evils</i>, Allen implicitly acknowledges that horrendous evils may serve no good purpose, but can only be redeemed by some counter-good that only God can offer. Simone Weil is the greatest exponent of the view that affliction ennobles, but it should be noted that Weil’s life makes her subject to Soelle’s accusation of masochism.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div id="edn10"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref10" name="_edn10" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[x]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Kelsey, <i>Imagining Redemption</i>, 51-54.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn11"><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref11" name="_edn11" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xi]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas were careful to distinguish between what we would call “causes” from what we would call “purposes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn12"><div class="MsoEndnoteText"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref12" name="_edn12" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Harold S. Kushner, <i>When Bad Things Happen to Good People</i>(New York: Schockten Books, 1981), 133–34.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="edn13"><div class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1941566034196038608#_ednref13" name="_edn13" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[xiii]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Ibid., 138.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div></div>

RX FOR YOUR TOTAL HEALTH: MUTI-VITAMIN, STATIN DRUG, CO-Q10, CARDIO, SUNSCREEN, A CRUSHING GRIEF & A CRIPPLING ILLNESS. YOU'LL BE FINE.

An excerpt from Chapter 4 of God Of Our Silent Tears, now available from Cathedral Bookstore on line. http://www.godofoursilenttears...

The art of Jonathan Barry

2:36 PM Tukiyooo 0

<span style="font-size: large;">Book illustrator Jonathan Barry was exhibiting in Powerscourt Shopping Centre today.</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I attended an exhibition and talk given by him a few years ago in Blanchardstown Library.  I do admire his work and think it works very well as book covers.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7w0f_gJ2sTvva1uZohJgd9d-eR5p2tqZsFj0xWyqqyBR-4T4GQTG4MxnpsJHipcfrQlzEQbfBoIbt_FIWbz8Iu1qN4qP-knvu1FB9qVuWT6fR8NHRFG5gN4ORKdxTF20sCMEzA_p0-7-/s640/blogger-image--2028433458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7w0f_gJ2sTvva1uZohJgd9d-eR5p2tqZsFj0xWyqqyBR-4T4GQTG4MxnpsJHipcfrQlzEQbfBoIbt_FIWbz8Iu1qN4qP-knvu1FB9qVuWT6fR8NHRFG5gN4ORKdxTF20sCMEzA_p0-7-/s640/blogger-image--2028433458.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGLyofzmgzBBFO27YEyBr7_t7N6eq3qASWWQNx50Pru8JtDAl6xAhOnd69i4HChdAdW3I76L5EbpDQ3hn-0J2ft8dv9lJpTCvszt4WO4AIvTIDeBAYXizp4kqNMj6WXeUjfLmFBkkUcoU/s640/blogger-image-1534577444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGLyofzmgzBBFO27YEyBr7_t7N6eq3qASWWQNx50Pru8JtDAl6xAhOnd69i4HChdAdW3I76L5EbpDQ3hn-0J2ft8dv9lJpTCvszt4WO4AIvTIDeBAYXizp4kqNMj6WXeUjfLmFBkkUcoU/s640/blogger-image-1534577444.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt2HmChrUHWMUNK-hP9EstqtpVj_RXg8x3sDVG1uGRbhK14s7G4bKlm6MJiVtywEXl-bUcYoqzkxKuWdAzUYIyQDGDSjBXcV92cTIrWtdJfQGVarO4hA_Uu_NOksogncl-SMbEYxLwBiQ/s640/blogger-image-1119603554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt2HmChrUHWMUNK-hP9EstqtpVj_RXg8x3sDVG1uGRbhK14s7G4bKlm6MJiVtywEXl-bUcYoqzkxKuWdAzUYIyQDGDSjBXcV92cTIrWtdJfQGVarO4hA_Uu_NOksogncl-SMbEYxLwBiQ/s640/blogger-image-1119603554.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t17yA0It4WpS2P0JB86YkqTWhO91dChQo8LwVNcU8be7BXbfrCQ89f8R_mcZ8I8NLQyhJMxWboinAoUKa5gWzCVNgKfxG8MVGAkAnU6UpgfynKGNh4soa5PtXA1m90jxyx_NmPthyPlS/s640/blogger-image-1029806681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t17yA0It4WpS2P0JB86YkqTWhO91dChQo8LwVNcU8be7BXbfrCQ89f8R_mcZ8I8NLQyhJMxWboinAoUKa5gWzCVNgKfxG8MVGAkAnU6UpgfynKGNh4soa5PtXA1m90jxyx_NmPthyPlS/s640/blogger-image-1029806681.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqgfZOGuFuocAnSSQ6n4Vlz8r6Y7pSFLyoTVmnEpC5mksicetzbKSwOPFXjriZxxvWnMrLhnYRyPBeEAtQ0SWfr-9obBojm5mPWmSbeQySN1XviVEiZ2GA1UGWTgqW9NA-MPVaIkkfXbR/s640/blogger-image--1807870807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqgfZOGuFuocAnSSQ6n4Vlz8r6Y7pSFLyoTVmnEpC5mksicetzbKSwOPFXjriZxxvWnMrLhnYRyPBeEAtQ0SWfr-9obBojm5mPWmSbeQySN1XviVEiZ2GA1UGWTgqW9NA-MPVaIkkfXbR/s640/blogger-image--1807870807.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>

The art of Jonathan Barry

Book illustrator Jonathan Barry was exhibiting in Powerscourt Shopping Centre today. I attended an exhibition and talk given by him a few ye...

UNITED STATES–RUSSIAN FRICTION:

2:07 PM Tukiyooo 0

<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFovRLUe1KN0dRTSMoSVYqsnDjr94fpbx4FydcpOPPSMwFwxfFP9_WItGmxu7li1PYU4R4Ufk6F_fR6JwQSGAwe6r1BBgKKBm1rFaG0xFsJKCr05Y-wXzGD0bXhrAMyalReD5VmmC1nhy5/s1600/flag-russia-usa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFovRLUe1KN0dRTSMoSVYqsnDjr94fpbx4FydcpOPPSMwFwxfFP9_WItGmxu7li1PYU4R4Ufk6F_fR6JwQSGAwe6r1BBgKKBm1rFaG0xFsJKCr05Y-wXzGD0bXhrAMyalReD5VmmC1nhy5/s320/flag-russia-usa2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">IMPLICATIONS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adapted by Geopolitical Analysis and Monitoring from INSS Insight</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tension between RUSSIA and the UNITED STATES has risen recently, following the cancellation of President Obama’s scheduled meeting with President Putin at the G20 summit in RUSSIA in early September 2013. The immediate background to the tension is the Snowden affair: RUSSIA, provoking the UNITED STATES, decided to grant political asylum to Edward Snowden, who leaked information on the US National Security Agency’s surveillance programs. In fact, however, the two countries are challenging one another in a host of crisis situations on the bilateral, global, and regional levels. Overall relations between the two superpowers have grown colder, and if this tension is not resolved, it can be expected to have negative consequences for the international system as a whole, including the MIDDLE EAST.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUSSIA PERCEIVES NEW AMERICAN DEPLOYMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN (THE “PIVOT TO ASIA”) A PROVOCATION AGAINST RUSSIA</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0ZheBUP3IZ66Ya8BlwWJg5BjVbItNdTCuughxBtAYOXEpudMNRhLMhu3XTMtlt9rJ1V1-9MVul92O39dQvkNowYlo8QDpQ0-QeOoYAaGPlTnvtaA1_oHPVRrAWeDbJuTSx4u4xKRLzdz/s1600/Russia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0ZheBUP3IZ66Ya8BlwWJg5BjVbItNdTCuughxBtAYOXEpudMNRhLMhu3XTMtlt9rJ1V1-9MVul92O39dQvkNowYlo8QDpQ0-QeOoYAaGPlTnvtaA1_oHPVRrAWeDbJuTSx4u4xKRLzdz/s400/Russia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the global level, which plays a major role on the superpowers' agenda, efforts for positive dialogue continued until recently, though hindered by an accumulation of crises. RUSSIA has long felt pressure from NATO along its borders and in its areas of interest in the former SOVIET UNION, including NATO eastward expansion, which from RUSSIA’S point of view amounts to existential harm. The dispute on future strategic arms control agreements remains unresolved, along with the AMERICAN trend toward deployment of a ballistic missile defense system (BMD) despite vigorous objections from RUSSIA, which sees this as a security threat. In addition, RUSSIA perceives the new AMERICAN deployment in ASIA and the Pacific Ocean (the “pivot to ASIA”) as directed against RUSSIA – a large scale military exercise conducted recently in eastern RUSSIA was intended to send the US a clear message in this regard. Furthermore, the RUSSIANS claim that the AMERICANS are engaging in subversive activity in countries of the former SOVIET UNION (the “color revolutions”), and in RUSSIA itself (encouragement of protests), and there are other items on the crisis list.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MIDDLE EAST HAS BECOME A MAJOR FOCUS OF FRICTION IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA IN WHICH THE SUPERPOWERS ARE WORKING TO UPGRADE THEIR UNSTABLE POSITION</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the MIDDLE EAST, the RUSSIAN-WESTERN competition underway over the past decade, an element in the global competition, has intensified. Since the outbreak of the ARAB Spring, the MIDDLE EAST has become a major focus of friction in the international arena in which the superpowers are working to upgrade their unstable position. Moreover, in the face of pressure from the West on other matters, RUSSIA has chosen to respond in the MIDDLE EAST. The parties are working on formulating solutions to regional crises, and thus are competing over the content of the understandings that will be reached and the related leadership opportunities.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The main topic in dispute is SYRIA, where the superpowers are highly involved – RUSSIA with its thus far successful support of the Assad regime, and the UNITED STATES and its allies in the West and in the region in support of the rebels, who at this point are having difficulty achieving victory. Indeed, the most immediate MIDDLE EAST issue on the international agenda is the Geneva 2 summit on SYRIA, which was agreed on by RUSSIA and the US in May 2013 and subsequently approved at the G8 summit the following month. However, the conference has already been postponed several times in part by the superpower confrontation, as they attempt to promote their respective interests.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another subject on the superpowers’ regional agenda is IRAN, with President Rouhani’s accession to power perceived as an opportunity to spearhead the process toward dialogue with IRAN. IRAN is considered RUSSIA’S main ally in the MIDDLE EAST, despite considerable tensions between the two in recent years (following RUSSIA’S participation in sanctions against IRAN and its failure to supply the S-300 anti-aircraft missiles it had promised). Since the start of the uprising in SYRIA, cooperation between RUSSIA and IRAN has flourished, with the two countries conducting a joint campaign there. In practice, RUSSIA has found itself an active partner within the IRAN-SYRIA-Hizbollah Shiite camp.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUSSIA, AS WAS THE CASE WITH LIBYA, IS ONCE AGAIN LEFT OUT FROM RESUMPTION OF ISRAELI – PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATIONS </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The importance of IRAN for RUSSIAN interests has increased, in part because in RUSSIA’S view, the AMERICAN rush to jumpstart the resumption of the ISRAELI-Palestinian negotiations left RUSSIA out. Therefore, what remains for Moscow is to act quickly in the IRANIAN sector before that too is seized by the AMERICANS, especially considering that for their part, the IRANIANS have recently sent messages about their ostensible willingness to launch a new dialogue with the West. This has raised concerns in RUSSIA, which believes that the IRAN will be forced to agree to concessions because of the serious economic consequences of the sanctions. This perception has prompted them to take advantage of the new situation lest they miss the opportunity and the AMERICANS steal the show once again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President Putin's planned visit to IRAN in the near future, albeit temporarily postponed, is considered of extraordinary importance because of the possible consequences for regional and global issues. It has been agreed that during the visit, two main subjects, the IRANIAN nuclear program and the SYRIAN crisis, will be clarified. As to the first issue, RUSSIA intends to promote the process of dialogue between the new IRANIAN leadership and the international community. The visit by Putin, then, could lead to a new round of talks with the IRANIANS, which would not necessarily produce the desired results. As for SYRIA, it is possible that a joint position will be formulated on the issue prior to the Geneva 2 summit, and it is not inconceivable that this would be part of a larger package deal. Furthermore, a limited number of bilateral issues have been agreed on, including the construction of a new nuclear reactor in IRAN and discussion of a solution to the S-300 missiles that were not supplied. As far as is known, the RUSSIANS are attempting to offer the IRANIANS an alternative in the form of Antey-2500 anti-aircraft missiles, a system that is more or less equivalent to the S-300.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DECEIVING TACTICS OR GENUINE MOVE? SUNNI SAUDI ARABIAN CAMP AT HELM TO PUSH RUSSIA OUT OF MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukKZ-05Gq0lbdlxvFwfTKL4AQwYX4wp-JczNxoVm8IJgVaUVC7e7JufxAv8YW0N8Ms2D74Akh-tdy-JmhsuWp0OmnJUFPntdLhyCi0JdM9uIvmUl0USZKR59ZyU-VKjHsQ6q0iVeKvYtA/s1600/13EBC605-E7AF-4D40-80E6-8A078948AF69_mw1024_n_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukKZ-05Gq0lbdlxvFwfTKL4AQwYX4wp-JczNxoVm8IJgVaUVC7e7JufxAv8YW0N8Ms2D74Akh-tdy-JmhsuWp0OmnJUFPntdLhyCi0JdM9uIvmUl0USZKR59ZyU-VKjHsQ6q0iVeKvYtA/s320/13EBC605-E7AF-4D40-80E6-8A078948AF69_mw1024_n_s.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Saudi intelligence chief prince Bandar bin Sultan and President Putin</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Additional issues – some contentious – are connected to SAUDI ARABIA, EGYPT, IRAQ, TURKEY, and others. On July 31, 2013, Saudi intelligence chief prince Bandar bin Sultan visited Moscow and discussed bilateral cooperation, (Read: <a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/08/russia-and-saudi-arabia.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/08/russia-and-saudi-arabia.html</a>) including large purchases of RUSSIAN weapons (a figure of $15 billion was mentioned). SAUDI ARABIA has been at the head of the Sunni camp working to push RUSSIA out of MIDDLE EAST affairs, particularly against the backdrop of RUSSIA’S conduct on SYRIA and IRAN, and this visit thus indicates a change in the SAUDI approach. There has also been talk of a possible upgrade of cooperation between RUSSIA and EGYPT. It is still too early to predict the direction in which this will develop, and there are those who see the SAUDI move as an attempt to push RUSSIA away from support of Assad. Nevertheless, there is a positive change in RUSSIA’S image in the eyes of the regional players in the MIDDLE EAST.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUSSIA AND THE UNITED STATES ARE AT A CROSSROAD, BOTH GLOBALLY AS WELL AS REGIONALLY</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUSSIA recognizes that the UNITED STATES is losing the initiative and even its interest in the MIDDLE EAST. Certain actors are interpreting this as weakness by Obama and as a window of opportunity for RUSSIA to push the UNITED STATES aside to the benefit or RUSSIA’S objectives. The Snowden affair only intensifies this feeling.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the wake of the current crisis between the superpowers, RUSSIA believes, and so, apparently does the UNITED STATES, that the two countries are at a crossroads globally and regionally. However, the crisis is likely temporary and relations can be expected to recover, because it is hard to believe that it is in the RUSSIAN or AMERICAN interest to stop playing by the rules at the current time. Rather, this is apparently an attempt by both parties to leverage opportunities in order to improve their bargaining positions on topics in dispute. Although the meeting between the presidents was canceled, high level contacts are continuing (e.g., the meeting of foreign and defense ministers in Washington on August 9, 2013). Indeed, it is not impossible that both presidents will nevertheless meet as planned if a suitable formula is found. In any case, even though it is not clear how the crisis will end, it appears that RUSSIA’S image is growing stronger, at least in the MIDDLE EAST, in these contexts. And clearly, all regional developments with RUSSIAN involvement can be expected to have consequences for ISRAEL’S strategic interests. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Background Information:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">IRAN SOFTENS TUNE ON ISRAEL</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/05/iran-and-israel-improvement-in.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/05/iran-and-israel-improvement-in.html</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ISRAEL’S CHOICE BETWEEN TWO EVILS</span></b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/05/syria-assad-or-jihadists-to-be-or-not.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/05/syria-assad-or-jihadists-to-be-or-not.html</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ARE IRAN AND ISRAEL REALLY ARCHENEMIES, OR IS IT JUST A FACADE? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/05/iran-and-israel-real-archenemies.html">http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.co.at/2013/05/iran-and-israel-real-archenemies.html</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><br /></div></div>

UNITED STATES–RUSSIAN FRICTION:

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST Adapted by Geopolitical Analysis and Monitoring from INSS Insight Tension between RUSSIA and the UNITED S...

Another Dick Move ,Taking Down A Veterans American Flags

12:19 PM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/korean-war-veteran-armond-sonny-noah-has-his-american-flags-removed-outside-his-home#">Oh sure, we're sorry now and would like to "work something out"</a>.<br /><br /><blockquote>The management of a federally subsidized housing facility in Georgia took down the American flags that a Korean War veteran had put up outside of his DeKalb County residence.<br /><br />Armond “Sonny” Noah said his four American flags were taken from outside his home without notice, and that when he asked maintenance where the flags went, they didn’t have an answer, according to Fox News.<br /><br />Noah, who lives in the Ashford Landing Senior Residences said that housing management simply removed his flags from a landscaping area.<br /><br />My Fox Atlanta reports that several days later, Noah received a called from management officials, who told the Korean War vet that he couldn't add the flags in a commons area.<br /><br />"I don't think we should have to fight for the flag," Noah said. "It was an honor for me to serve the country. And I was proud of that. I was a good soldier."<br /><br />A spokesperson for the housing complex admitted that the matter was not handled correctly. They plan on issuing an apology to Noah and they'd also like to meet with the veteran and reach a compromise.</blockquote><br />I have your solution.<br />Find the motherfucker that ordered this and make that cocksucker go out there and put the fuckers back up personally.<br />Then apologize face to face for the insult, then make the ignorant fuck actually read <a href="http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html">THIS</a>.

Another Dick Move ,Taking Down A Veterans American Flags

Oh sure, we're sorry now and would like to "work something out" . The management of a federally subsidized housing facility in...

The Table Restaurant

10:49 AM Tukiyooo 0

<span style="font-size: large;">For the month of August The Table Restaurant in Portobello (a block away from Lock's Restaurant on the Canal) had a special offer of 30% off (excluding wine).  We had picked up a 30% off voucher in Coffee Society on Monday and immediately booked in for Saturday night.</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We were celebrating our 12 yr wedding anniversary and as we were seated overlooking the canal I remarked how lovely the setting was for our special meal.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We settled in to our seats and ordered a bottle of Cote du Rhone.  For starter we decided to split a beef carpaccio but found out that the last one had just been sold as we ordered.  We ordered duck pâté with fig chutney to share to start instead of the beef.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwstdpLqlEW5cO7g41397kaXSsIfNbr1p5ZwhO3QPnWQ27RcGu3l8wNItxE3vyF169vYIq-H-pcKy9v1xTx1Ny529n2g8FM55uM4xFewHuYiV5D4ZiP4swrv3ptsCgTNAFFmFobvzrJXZ/s640/blogger-image--1699550972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwstdpLqlEW5cO7g41397kaXSsIfNbr1p5ZwhO3QPnWQ27RcGu3l8wNItxE3vyF169vYIq-H-pcKy9v1xTx1Ny529n2g8FM55uM4xFewHuYiV5D4ZiP4swrv3ptsCgTNAFFmFobvzrJXZ/s640/blogger-image--1699550972.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The above is the bread service which had a selection of breads served with pesto, butter and olive oil & balsamic vinegar.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7S0F5xQh1zQB32l5xb8p1G3xY9AQNTUPx1ervwm2Dh7d-tWLR9V9K7DFwnqTuXEut9zpcDQ8fceO0P2DmGb5RYpyTah9b8TaVZe1Ra_E8da9RWX7CP6vz9X8r85g0sf_ilTwq_ExuTJJ/s640/blogger-image--1621370744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7S0F5xQh1zQB32l5xb8p1G3xY9AQNTUPx1ervwm2Dh7d-tWLR9V9K7DFwnqTuXEut9zpcDQ8fceO0P2DmGb5RYpyTah9b8TaVZe1Ra_E8da9RWX7CP6vz9X8r85g0sf_ilTwq_ExuTJJ/s640/blogger-image--1621370744.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The duck liver pâté in the above pic was melt in the mouth deliciousness!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">For main I chose the Rib Eye with pepper sauce while Ciaran had the pork.  Both were delicious.  My steak was huge so I gave half to Ciaran and he also had my chips.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBm-bHGF_GizQEJR_Pk5bLep3tnq_WqlI3YSFygMnTqm3YapxlN8WGUbneNm8ouoGuhalcmxmxxvYnxJK3_uKH_1o9Z8NIFpf4wbkLbgCepOepdRjBqY2k6lv7BHfx9FUAz_76bDzRF85/s640/blogger-image--359221664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBm-bHGF_GizQEJR_Pk5bLep3tnq_WqlI3YSFygMnTqm3YapxlN8WGUbneNm8ouoGuhalcmxmxxvYnxJK3_uKH_1o9Z8NIFpf4wbkLbgCepOepdRjBqY2k6lv7BHfx9FUAz_76bDzRF85/s640/blogger-image--359221664.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9LZJxVuypxPT3wq4B-b9LpmHq4JY3HbckgjvSV2R-VAMF-_cEzKV9qTLZ-G6i5mPwQMJdkqBS9DkkKSCpJgXIz_Lt8VtHwhchUzywHyeFbdSZSA8qRN1mTgqrnyVqR0zlp1i_Uu5tnXO/s640/blogger-image--1014049290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9LZJxVuypxPT3wq4B-b9LpmHq4JY3HbckgjvSV2R-VAMF-_cEzKV9qTLZ-G6i5mPwQMJdkqBS9DkkKSCpJgXIz_Lt8VtHwhchUzywHyeFbdSZSA8qRN1mTgqrnyVqR0zlp1i_Uu5tnXO/s640/blogger-image--1014049290.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">For dessert we shared a chocolate pudding which was melt in the mouth - delicious!!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKGXlHVqmOjYf4FngYSMMZQibMH3MZriL5_TU5Tow_SP5bh9-wc0-AByPzX8_2HWZbWi2jZvI4y8xd73aD79tOtJtmveMBQ4m1q_NlQRlLeBVZRWQqUDV2sVH6aGqg60QEnlW5ZFWSYOu/s640/blogger-image-1610242338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKGXlHVqmOjYf4FngYSMMZQibMH3MZriL5_TU5Tow_SP5bh9-wc0-AByPzX8_2HWZbWi2jZvI4y8xd73aD79tOtJtmveMBQ4m1q_NlQRlLeBVZRWQqUDV2sVH6aGqg60QEnlW5ZFWSYOu/s640/blogger-image-1610242338.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On the way home we saw some Dublin wildlife with two water rats (eeek!) running in to the canal as we walked along and a big fox blatantly strolling up our road as we turned in to the cul de sac.  </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I enjoyed seeing the fox.  The rats, not so much!!</span></div>

The Table Restaurant

For the month of August The Table Restaurant in Portobello (a block away from Lock's Restaurant on the Canal) had a special offer of 30%...

Today's archidose #697

9:45 AM Tukiyooo 0

Here are some photos of <a href="http://www.denblaaplanet.dk/en/about-the-blue-planet/architecture/">The Blue Planet</a> (2013) in Kastrup, Denmark <a href="http://www.3xn.com/">3XN</a>, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ximo_michavila/">Ximo Michavila</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ximo_michavila/9513308954/" title="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #2 by Ximo Michavila, on Flickr"><img alt="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #2" height="389" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/9513308954_65f91633bc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ximo_michavila/9513309086/" title="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #1 by Ximo Michavila, on Flickr"><img alt="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #1" height="284" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/9513309086_0b678eca89_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ximo_michavila/9519154818/" title="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #6 by Ximo Michavila, on Flickr"><img alt="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #6" height="205" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/9519154818_2be757e450_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ximo_michavila/9526488118/" title="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #10 by Ximo Michavila, on Flickr"><img alt="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #10" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/9526488118_b2a76e9593_z.jpg" width="639" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ximo_michavila/9523702699/" title="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #7 by Ximo Michavila, on Flickr"><img alt="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #7" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9523702699_41050ec6ce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ximo_michavila/9519155052/" title="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #5 by Ximo Michavila, on Flickr"><img alt="3XN.  Blue planet aquarium #5" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/9519155052_aca94e6601_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:<br /><blockquote>:: Join and add photos to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/archi-dose/">archidose pool</a>, and/or<br />:: Tag your photos <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/archidose/">archidose</a></span></blockquote>

Today's archidose #697

Here are some photos of The Blue Planet (2013) in Kastrup, Denmark 3XN , photographed by Ximo Michavila . To contribute your Flickr images ...

Ways To Consume In Addition To Slim Down Concurrently

9:32 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Ethan Jadey</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>Weight loss can be a challenging matter to speak about for many individuals. Hopefully the guidelines furnished below should help issue in your weight reduction trip. If you want to have success in which will last, excess weight sluggish, constant plus a normal technique. Merely comply with these details and you will be presently there immediately.<br />  <br />  Liquor is just about the most significant adversary from a weight reduction process. If you want to drop a few pounds, utilizing liquor can outstanding injury to your energy. Liquor incorporates a lack of fluids effect on our bodies which makes it easy for low energy and also injuries to occur. Beers as well as other produces incorporate calorie consumption within considerable amounts. Sadly, the injury will get resolved inside the waist which is an actually rough destination to take on. A high level gentleman, before long, you will find a draught beer stomach. Ladies in addition have trouble with this structure area since it is hard to help tone.<br />  <br />  Alcoholic beverages are just about the greatest adversary of the fat loss program. When you are trying to drop some weight, applying alcoholic beverages really does amazing damage to your time and energy. Alcohol consumption carries a contamination effect on our bodies rendering it feasible for tiredness and accidents that occurs. Ales and also other makes incorporate calories inside a lot. Sadly, the injury becomes satisfied within the abdominal area the industry actually rough spot to undertake. If you're a male, before you realize it, you can eat and lose weight and you will find a light beer belly. Females also have trouble with this specific body structure region as it's quite difficult in order to trim.<br />  <br />  Having a great deal of vegetables is absolutely crucial then one way of this should be to always keep vegetables as part of your refrigerator. When you need a quick simple food, try out sauting the tote regarding iced put together fruit and vegetables with a bit of organic olive oil along with garlic herb. You can contribute a number of spices up or perhaps turmeric intended for flavoring as well as other spices and herbs. Attempt introducing a few brownish rice as well as whole wheat grains pasta and also and keep particular person helping type of portions inside fridge. In this way you are going to will have a wholesome meal completely ready when it's needed.<br />  <br />  Eating plenty of produce is actually important then one strategy for doing this is always to continue to keep greens within your refrigerator. When you need a rapid straightforward supper, try sauting a bag involving freezing merged produce with many olive oil as well as garlic oil. It's fine to use several spices up or perhaps turmeric extract for quality and also other spices and herbs. Attempt including a few brownish rice or maybe whole wheat grains dinner and keep personal helping measured portions inside the freezer. In this way you might always have a wholesome dinner ready at any given time.<br />  <br />  Maintain munch baggage of refreshing organic selections from the chiller for any speedy snack. Slice many cupfuls of carrots, spinach, cauliflower, squash, cucumbers, peas in addition to almost any kind of fresh vegetable. Have them within snack size piece luggage and also keep them within your chiller. Whenever you receive eager, just reach for your very little snack food tote in addition to voila, a normal goody is an own tips of the fingers.<br />  <br />  Other than eating right, produce a routine to start a good work out put in order to lose weight fast. It is easy to mention that you workout, yet unless you put aside a particular time period, it is additionally a breeze for your deal with take a backseat. It is critical to create a schedule for physical exercise. Stick to it frequently and you may interestingly enhance your fat loss.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'>To know further knowledge about on the article above you may check us at <a href="http://www.youcaneatandloseweight.com ">http://www.youcaneatandloseweight.com </a> for more information.</div><br />  </div><br />

Ways To Consume In Addition To Slim Down Concurrently

By Ethan Jadey Weight loss can be a challenging matter to speak about for many individuals. Hopefully the guidelines furnished below sho...

The Worst Kind of Foods in the World!

8:08 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Vanessa Summer</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>There are lots of foods on the market that, even though they taste good, are very very bad for you. Some of these food items are immediately recognizable: fast food, to use one example, is quite tasty but loaded with calories and other things that will damage our bodies in major ways. But why don't you consider the foods that seem like a perfectly suitable thing to eat? What about some of those meals that you supply to your kids? In this article we can look at some of the very worst things you could ever feed yourself or your family members.<br />  <br />  <br />  <br />  One of the most detrimental things on earth, surprisingly is a dish of macaroni and cheese. While the generate at home on your own version from Kraft or Annie's is fairly benign, the mac and cheese you get at a diner usually is not. The Kids' Mac and Cheese dinner from California Pizza Kitchen, for example is frighteningly unhealthy. Just one particular arrangement of this food contains virtually forty grams of saturated fat, over sixteen hundred milligrams of sodium and more than one thousand calories. That isn't even a tiny bit healthful.<br />  <br />  How often do you purchase those frozen pot pies out of your grocery store's freezer section? These look like mostly healthful last minute meals but they are actually full of calories that you don't need. Stouffer's pot pies, to utilize one example, hold over eleven hundred calories, sixty grams of fat and just about eighteen hundred milligrams of sodium. You could wind up eating all your recommended caloric intake if you are on a mission to lose weight--just by eating one of these things!<br />  <br />  You probably imagine that a vegetarian sandwich has to be among the healthiest things you can order from a fast food place, right? The serious truth of the matter is that, since you will probably putting dressings and other condiments in this sandwich as well, they are usually just as unhealthy as a sandwich packed with meat. The vegetarian sub from Blimpies, for example, contains almost twelve hundred calories, sixty grams of fat and more than thirty five hundred milligrams of sodium. Why do people believe that is healthy?<br />  <br />  A salad should be healthy, right? That's exactly what many of us think. When we are wanting something healthy and easy, we usually look for a salad to help fill us up with food that is good for us. Would you be stunned to find, then, that there are some salads out there that are almost bad for you? There are eighteen hundred calories in the Santa Fe chopped salad supplied by TGI Fridays. This is most probably simply because that it is the width of a big dinner plate but, seriously: do you want all of your daily calorie intake to come from a single dinner salad?<br />  <br />  The fact is that most of the food that we purchase on the go or in restaurants is simply not going to be as good for us as the food we make ourselves. We know that you may not be in love with the idea of cooking for yourself but the truth is that, especially when you're trying to lose weight and improve your health, this is the best thing that you can do for yourself.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'>Related article:  <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Foods-Rich-in-Omega-3&id=7111844">Foods Rich in Omega 3</a>. Visit also website: <a href="http://www.naturalfishoil.info">http://www.naturalfishoil.info</a>.</div><br />  </div><br />

The Worst Kind of Foods in the World!

By Vanessa Summer There are lots of foods on the market that, even though they taste good, are very very bad for you. Some of these food...

Deciding Upon Programs Of Acai Berries

8:06 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Ross Seltzer</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>The acai palm is a native plant of South and Central America and is mainly cultivated for its palm heart and fruit. The fruit of the acai palm is called acai berry and these are edible. These berries appear green in their unripe kind however slowly turns blackish purple when they ripe. The acai palms produces the acai berries two times a year, these berries have to do with an inch in length; they are round, smaller and include less pulp than grapes.<br />  <br />  Acai berry is an effective antioxidant and a detoxifier. Accumulation of toxins in the body decreases the effectiveness of metabolic processes and for that reason results in poor health and weight gain. The most afflicted organ in the body by toxins is the liver and this is the organ accountable for metabolizing fat.<br />  <br />  Antioxidants aren't the only component in acai berry that is beneficial. It likewise includes a host of other vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Omega 3 fatty acids are also discovered in this remarkable berry. These all help to further boost any fat burning perk that some individuals have while taking acai berry. The fiber in the berry will likewise help you to feel fuller if your problem with weight gain is associated with steady hunger. Finally, a rise in energy, immune system function, skin problem, and more can all be had with acai berry.<br />  <br />  Acai Berry is called one of the Superfoods, due to the fact that it allegedly has weightloss and anti aging homes. Although scientific researches have yet to back up Acai berries expected fat burning advantages, it is nonetheless, referred to as a an anti oxidant, and researches have actually indicated it's antioxidant properties.<br />  <br />  A number of researches show that the acai berry is among the healthiest types of berry provided by nature. These berries are rich in antioxidants and are understood for their healing power, they also boost the resistance and energy of an individual. The flavonoids and anthocyanin's present in acai berries secure cells as well as helps to decrease tension.<br />  <br />  Nothing can be better than consisting of acai berry in one's everyday diet and the majority of individuals do not have any issue consuming them. Nevertheless, there are a few individuals who could dislike pollen or they could be hypersensitive to various kinds of berries. In such cases these individuals could avoid the excessive consumption of acai berry but they might eat these berries in moderate quantities to be on the safe side.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'>Why not browse over this web-site for great ideas... <a href="http://www.acaiberrydietreview.info/reviews/acai-berry-select-review/">Hop Over To This Web-site</a>.</div><br />  </div><br />

Deciding Upon Programs Of Acai Berries

By Ross Seltzer The acai palm is a native plant of South and Central America and is mainly cultivated for its palm heart and fruit. The ...

Lose Your Excess Fat Through Adiphene

7:55 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By James Zimmerman</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>Many people especially those overweight ones are trying to have weight reduction but sadly, only few people were in a position to attain their goal. This is simply because there are countless factors exactly why individuals gain weight exceedingly. In this connection, there are some things that can be carried out to efficiently get rid of the excess weight like eating the proper food along with workout. On the other hand, you must put a lot effort and wait for some months just before the outcomes turn out to be visible. If you would like to improve and hasten weight loss, then take into consideration utilizing diet pills such as Adiphene.<br />  <br />  It's been known thanks to <a href="http://www.adipheneinfo.org">http://adipheneinfo.org</a> that Adiphene has twelve potent ingredients. These ingredients are extremely effective in giving a leaner body to the consumer. It contains a few efficient metabolizers such as vitamin B6, HCL, L-carnitine and Ginger root extract. These organic compounds will help in burning up the body fat quickly for it increases the body's metabolic rate. Moreover, the present fats can be used as a source of energy. With that said, you will have much more excitement in involving oneself to physical activities and exercises.<br />  <br />  Cinnamon extract and Cayenne capsicum are two thermogenic boosters which are able enough in boosting the capability of your body in burning down calories. Thankfully, the product has them both. With these ingredients, you are certain that your effort will absolutely pay off because your body is a lot more efficient in metabolizing nutrients.<br />  <br />  The problems of countless people to handle their appetite for food is the main explanation why fitness programs doesn't work. Due to the appetite suppressant power and this might be fixed. This is because it also contains Chitosan extract, which binds to fat molecules and also stops its absorption. Furthermore, Glucomannan is in the diet pill so that the process of digestion will be slowed up. This presents you a sense of fullness, as a result controlling your appetite effectively. Consequently, food consumption will be restricted and you will have healthier selections for foods as well.<br />  <br />  Chromium picolinate, bitter orange, ginseng panax root extract, cacao extract, and guaranna extract are some other ingredients that it has. Such ingredients are also hunger suppressants and may minimize absorption of compounds that normally are in charge of weight gain such as glucose, carbohydrates, and dietary cholesterol. This implies that you don't need to have strict diet plan just to shed a few pounds. Undoubtedly, the mechanisms the pill have play essential roles in stopping cardiovascular problems and diabetes at the same time.<br />  <br />  It's truly safe to take it due to its natural ingredients composition that won't likely bring in any severe unwanted effects. For pregnant women nonetheless, this particular weight loss pill is completely not safe. For individuals who have health problems, they must seek advice from their physician first if it's safe for them to take Adiphene. Its efficiency in promoting weight loss and increasing your energy are the explanations exactly why it received positive reviews from users. Put your purchase right now and find a slender you in no time.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'><a href="http://www.adipheneinfo.org/adiphene-weight-loss-results/">Click this link</a>,  if you like proven weight reduction methods like Adiphene. </div><br />  </div><br />

Lose Your Excess Fat Through Adiphene

By James Zimmerman Many people especially those overweight ones are trying to have weight reduction but sadly, only few people were in a...

Eating Healthy Is Not Hard - Tips To Make It A Part Of Your Life

7:55 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Patrick Evans</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>Deciding to eat healthily provides marvelous benefits and is becoming a more popular way of life. There are numerous diseases associated with a poor diet and there is a cost to the overall economy as individuals suffer from health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. There are more and more campaigns to try to get us to adopt a more healthy way of living and yet it is also easier than ever to rely on fast, convenient food that is often bad for our health. In all probability, most people believe that it takes a lot of work to eat healthily and that they will need to drastically change their lifestyle. Contrary to that information, individuals can alter their eating habits for the better by implementing a couple of modest changes.<br />  <br />  One way to deal with this to begin seeing some results is to realize that you do not need to alter everything straightaway or that you should entirely get rid of certain foods from your diet. It's not a bad idea if you desire to make big changes, but the most crucial thing is to gradually switch to making healthier eating choices. As you get accustomed to the taste of healthy foods, you will realize that you're eating more healthily than before. As you continue your habit of eating healthier foods, you will see that you will not wish to eat the old diet.<br />  <br />  Initially, you must be very careful when you are shopping for food that you don't automatically put things in your basket that you don't want to eat. For example, in all likelihood you have never checked the box of your favorite cereal to find out how much sugar it contains. Consuming a bowl of oatmeal will provide you with the energy to face the day while protecting your heart at the same time. Mix in fruits or spices to improve how the oatmeal tastes and now you have a breakfast that can be a regular part of your new healthy eating plan.<br />  <br />  These sorts of changes are possible with all kinds of foods and can apply to the oils you cook in and the spread you put on bread. Olive oil, for example, has monounsaturated fats which are essentially good fats that battle the effects of bad cholesterol. Olive oil also is a good source of vitamin E which is healthy for your skin, among other things.  Although you may already consume a lot of fruits and vegetables, you might want to consider how fresh they are. Organic foods are a superb option and will reduce any possible exposure to harmful chemicals. If you can locate a good local supplier of fresh fruit and leafy greens, you can also consume foods that have not lost their nutrients as a result of storage or not being harvested at the right time.<br />  <br />  Evidently, it's not difficult to begin incorporating healthy eating into your daily lifestyle.<br />  <br />  </div><br />  <div class='uawresource'><br />  	<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br />  		About the Author:<br />  	</div><br />  	<div class='uawlinks'>Have a look at <a href="http://www.garestlazareplayersireland.com/2013/07/reduce-appetite-and-lose-weight-using-garcinia-cambogia-extract/">his website</a>, if you'd like to shed off pounds naturally and quicker than on dieting alone. </div><br />  </div><br />

Eating Healthy Is Not Hard - Tips To Make It A Part Of Your Life

By Patrick Evans Deciding to eat healthily provides marvelous benefits and is becoming a more popular way of life. There are numerous di...

Speakeasy!

6:36 AM Tukiyooo 0

<span style="font-size: large;">We visited a newly opened "Speakeasy" yesterday evening for an illicit cocktail before dinner. </span><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Speakeasy's originated during prohibition in the USA.  They were illegal liquor purveyors that only became known by word of mouth and of course were under constant threat of being raided by the police.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Today a speakeasy is a small bar that is not signposted or advertised.  Again knowledge of these secret bars are gained by word of mouth.  These bars are not mainstream and pride themselves on serving select well made cocktails with premium ingredients.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The speakeasy we visited is in Ranelagh above a particular restaurant (contact me directly for the name!).  To get to it we went up the back of the restaurant, through the staff area, out the fire door and up a small stairs.  We then entered a teeny dimly lit bar.  There are seats for about 20 max I'd say.  We sat at the bar which is US style in dark wood with a lip to the edge to prevent drinks falling off.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">For drinks we chose a bourbon based "Old Fashioned" for Ciaran and a fresh tasting "Falling Water" for myself (we loved the Frank Lloyd Wright reference but perhaps this wasn't deliberate as it wasn't mentioned on the menu).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Our drinks were expertly made by the bar tender a lovely friendly lady who explained that many of the cocktails have been created by Paul (the proprietor, I presume) who has trained her to make them using the exact method every time. She said consistency was very important - I can't agree more!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We loved the atmosphere and the great tasting drinks.  We will be back!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Here's some pics of the bar and our drinks.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeTwOXxA-YD8h78G_WLnKCDYN5ygIQzqok_RPtnjUwXizzBPl25LmIlysUzrvTMWuCEwmKyDNlerD_g8Q9D_vqIys6M28BBHAvdtoo_H8KG0dV1EoOGtaSa8y7QAU4ejvs6T40YuseLM7/s640/blogger-image-1742045929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeTwOXxA-YD8h78G_WLnKCDYN5ygIQzqok_RPtnjUwXizzBPl25LmIlysUzrvTMWuCEwmKyDNlerD_g8Q9D_vqIys6M28BBHAvdtoo_H8KG0dV1EoOGtaSa8y7QAU4ejvs6T40YuseLM7/s640/blogger-image-1742045929.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtNVJCFZ8AIf-X2RSMK3PNDToROWFd-E5B7Gaw65FNUdsQwIBZgU1mUXunRDXC-QNV1Lqql-DQBfyFLH4pEksqcsI9rUchUqhY6X0215NL5TfurmneaSCkETnrpGmxfVS8yZpcvv15MRo/s640/blogger-image--2131169158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtNVJCFZ8AIf-X2RSMK3PNDToROWFd-E5B7Gaw65FNUdsQwIBZgU1mUXunRDXC-QNV1Lqql-DQBfyFLH4pEksqcsI9rUchUqhY6X0215NL5TfurmneaSCkETnrpGmxfVS8yZpcvv15MRo/s640/blogger-image--2131169158.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI0nXYRvj6RD5cfLNQdNbakYk5LtrlnxNi7TSKxeVNFyuRio6xy2iydqQOonRGbrHHdx8qI9hFDoTYc5YuDCpOQ9Pos6Kua3203jom6zFPejsXl7R7H4IzRNs8E7EGEzCLMtbCLIPJkNh/s640/blogger-image-1894385244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI0nXYRvj6RD5cfLNQdNbakYk5LtrlnxNi7TSKxeVNFyuRio6xy2iydqQOonRGbrHHdx8qI9hFDoTYc5YuDCpOQ9Pos6Kua3203jom6zFPejsXl7R7H4IzRNs8E7EGEzCLMtbCLIPJkNh/s640/blogger-image-1894385244.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Speakeasy!

We visited a newly opened "Speakeasy" yesterday evening for an illicit cocktail before dinner. Speakeasy's originated during ...

Photo: Bill and Jean Ann Bolling on Staunton's Sears Hill bridge

6:07 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKb9Dvs5qo3a-apfUYn4h5lBO7jXDvEbSG0q8pU7fboiDARVy9ZK8LPA_3tjzOqAGZ4PS2dMs6DO4W6Bye-W6pZquG9lWh5idtKuxmxklHUgR36YWxCHi07wElq1go9MIVQFd9VLN_4eK/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKb9Dvs5qo3a-apfUYn4h5lBO7jXDvEbSG0q8pU7fboiDARVy9ZK8LPA_3tjzOqAGZ4PS2dMs6DO4W6Bye-W6pZquG9lWh5idtKuxmxklHUgR36YWxCHi07wElq1go9MIVQFd9VLN_4eK/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="userContent">Lunch Saturday with Lieutenant Governor <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=12220636661&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/bollingva?directed_target_id=0">Bill Bolling</a>, <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100003218640991&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/jeanann.bolling?directed_target_id=0">Jean Ann Bolling</a>, and Dr. <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1118178617&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/Kurt.Y.Michael?directed_target_id=0">Kurt Michael</a> at Depot Grille on a beautiful day in historic Staunton, Virginia. My life is richer for longtime friendships with people who have  servant's hearts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="userContent">"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about  things that matter."</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="userContent">–Martin Luther King Jr.</span> </div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />August 18, 2013

Photo: Bill and Jean Ann Bolling on Staunton's Sears Hill bridge

Lunch Saturday with Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling , Jean Ann Bolling , and Dr. Kurt Michael at Depot Grille on a beautiful day in hist...

Today's Teamster News 08.18.13

5:01 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://blog.pe.com/2013/08/16/labor-teamsters-strike-at-fontana-truck-facility/" rel="nofollow">Teamsters strike at Fontana truck facility</a>  Press-Enterprise   ...Unionized truck drivers and dock workers walked off their jobs in Fontana today in a dispute that was said to be a union recognition issue. Some 250 people disrupted activities at Oregon-based U.S. Reddaway’s depot, Local 63 business manager Randy Korgan said. The labor action is regional, he added; a U.S. Reddaway depot in Compton also drew picket lines...<br /><a href="http://www.lakeconews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32630:teamsters-wait-to-return-to-work-at-lake-transit-both-sides-in-labor-dispute-ask-to-resume-negotiations&catid=1:latest&Itemid=197" rel="nofollow">Teamsters wait to return to work at Lake Transit; both sides in labor dispute ask to resume negotiations</a>  Lake County News   ...On Friday, the day that striking Lake Transit workers had intended to return to the job, curtailed bus services remained in place as the transit operator said it was taking its legally afforded time to process the return of workers. At the same time, both Teamsters Local 665 and Paratransit Services have indicated their willingness to return to negotiations in order to arrive at a new contract...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/republic-waste-workers-local-377-ohio-ratify-contracts" rel="nofollow">Republic Waste Workers From Local 377 in Ohio Ratify Contracts</a>  IBT   ...On August 9 and 10, workers with Republic Services/Allied Waste in the Youngstown, Ohio area overwhelmingly ratified new contracts that keep them in a Teamster pension fund, provide pay increases and other improvements...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-general-executive-board-joins-tnbc-conference-t-shirt-day" rel="nofollow">Teamsters General Executive Board Joins the TNBC Conference on T-Shirt Day</a>  IBT   ...At the TNBC Conference on Friday, the day started with greetings from members of the Teamsters General Executive Board, including General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall...<br /><a href="http://www.epi.org/blog/american-manufacturing-suffers-lots-excess/" rel="nofollow">Once Again, American Manufacturing Suffers from Lots of Things, but Excess Blue-Collar Pay Isn’t One of Them</a>  Economic Policy Institute   ...Inflation-adjusted hourly wages for production workers in U.S. manufacturing peaked in 1978 and were about 8 percent lower in 2007, while manufacturing productivity rose by well over 100 percent in that period...<br /><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jpm-goldman-face-suits-over-warehouses-2013-8" rel="nofollow">JPMorgan And Goldman Sachs Are Playing Whack-A-Mole With Everyone Suing Them Over Their Metal Warehousing Businesses</a>  Business Insider   ...around the country individuals and companies have started filing lawsuits against JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs for allegedly delaying deliveries of aluminum stored in their metals warehouses, thus manipulating the price of the commodity...<br /><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/08/15/why-are-walmart-stores-underperforming-blame-their-terrible-wages.html" rel="nofollow">Why Are Walmart Stores Underperforming? Blame Their Terrible Wages</a>  The Daily Beast   ...By screwing its workers with low wages, the nation’s largest private-sector employer is preventing a huge chunk of the American workforce from shopping at its stores...<br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-16/the-nsa-s-alarming-misbehavior.html" rel="nofollow">The NSA’s Alarming Misbehavior</a> (opinion)  Bloomberg   ...the current system of oversight is failing...<br /><a href="http://www.alternet.org/education/scandal-thats-opening-ugly-truth-about-school-privatization-agenda-enrichment-dressed" rel="nofollow">A Scandal That's Exposing Ugly Truths About the School Privatization Agenda </a> Alternet   ...the best way to see that profit is the motive of the education “reform” movement is to note that no matter how many kids they harm or how many scandals they create, Bennett, Bush, Rhee and other privatizers continue getting jobs, continue being touted as education “experts” and continue raising huge money for their cause...<br /><a href="http://www.nwlc.org/resource/women-and-minimum-wage-state-state" rel="nofollow">Women and the Minimum Wage, State by State</a>  National Women's Law Center   ...The minimum wage is falling short for millions of Americans — especially for women, who represent nearly two-thirds of minimum wage workers across the country, and at least half of minimum wage workers in every state...<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/on-marthas-vineyard-a-stark-look-at-income-inequality/2013/08/16/95df652c-069f-11e3-a07f-49ddc7417125_story.html" rel="nofollow">On Martha’s Vineyard, a stark look at income inequality</a>  Washington Post   ...the island is actually a place where the wealth gap is starker than almost anywhere else in the United States, year-round residents say, and middle-class hopes and dreams are drifting out of reach...

Today's Teamster News 08.18.13

Teamsters strike at Fontana truck facility Press-Enterprise ...Unionized truck drivers and dock workers walked off their jobs in Fontana...

IWS Person of the Week...Luis Guerrero

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Cheers and Hola Mi Amigos, it's time for the IWS Person of the Week...<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Hopping the fence or wading the Rio Grande River isn't part of America's immigration process."</i></span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">--Ted Nugent (R-Draft Dodger Universe)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span> <br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytAZ-hAz3xXFMoYilIywUPVRTi2wsKgu4Xk5ozLWlMlOvycF8jRdYETWOn4KUp6baLveIiPvYbfZpmkYUGgWtvJxI52dBgqhPlSDp1SgiRRzBmm_R-NPiSr3PO0EaxFIz9LsoOiD13MzM/s1600/Luis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytAZ-hAz3xXFMoYilIywUPVRTi2wsKgu4Xk5ozLWlMlOvycF8jRdYETWOn4KUp6baLveIiPvYbfZpmkYUGgWtvJxI52dBgqhPlSDp1SgiRRzBmm_R-NPiSr3PO0EaxFIz9LsoOiD13MzM/s400/Luis.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“We could also electrify this wire (on the border) with the kind of current that would not kill somebody, but it would simply be a discouragement for them to be fooling around with it. We do that with livestock all the time.”</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #666666; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rep. Steve King (R-IA)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3v6UTTfwCzx0BojmXASRyU3BnPL7A5KioIy_TfMrI-R6kFLdsdIbN3CB7-C-vkHzya0hzUhXVMnS7w235A6VvO0vTUfG9SowR9Odmw44y3rQdB-PJcvTg_VD1H6aVUBhswrdiE5CIfZ4/s1600/Luis+Citizen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3v6UTTfwCzx0BojmXASRyU3BnPL7A5KioIy_TfMrI-R6kFLdsdIbN3CB7-C-vkHzya0hzUhXVMnS7w235A6VvO0vTUfG9SowR9Odmw44y3rQdB-PJcvTg_VD1H6aVUBhswrdiE5CIfZ4/s400/Luis+Citizen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Do you know the rate of military enlistment among Hispanics is higher than any demographic in this country?"</i></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">--Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Than what the hell is your reason, Mr. Cruz and Mr. King, for stalling immigration of "livestock" type folks who want to help defend this country and contribute??</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Our friend Luis has this week, proven that immigration, whether </span></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">initially</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> an illegal thing or not, is a good thing.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">And Luis is now officially an American citizen.  Which means two things to us here at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/08/18/bad-poetry-in-motion" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">IWS Radio.</span></a></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">We are incredibly proud of him, and now we know that he will be around forever in order that we can secretly put signs on the back of his ice truck as he </span></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">unknowingly</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> pulls away!!  </span></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNQ-eb9KlREBj6aLmVsZ3cJA1mHrbkykMOog5xkrtjfv2mxRzdrpFjzNlOZDFdzY9-735YxSuoDe3QmTQqh3kZjtzHt3brZYm-uNzCHQiZcCt016xGrXGd-Xr_MhnN_hCp13BK9B2HjsX/s1600/Hugo+Chavez.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNQ-eb9KlREBj6aLmVsZ3cJA1mHrbkykMOog5xkrtjfv2mxRzdrpFjzNlOZDFdzY9-735YxSuoDe3QmTQqh3kZjtzHt3brZYm-uNzCHQiZcCt016xGrXGd-Xr_MhnN_hCp13BK9B2HjsX/s400/Hugo+Chavez.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And if that right there isn't funny enough for ya, tune into IWS Radio today from Noon-2 PM ET as Jay and Matt celebrate<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/08/18/bad-poetry-in-motion" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">National Bad Poetry Day!!</span></a> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Many of our correspondents have their poems ready for you and we will talk to, Party Marty Live from Chicago, Nurse Sherri with a polemics offering, and of course, the Man of the Hour, or in this case, the Week...Luis!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You can catch us LIVE today from Noon-PM by clicking <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/08/18/bad-poetry-in-motion" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">HERE!!</span></a></div></div></div>

IWS Person of the Week...Luis Guerrero

Cheers and Hola Mi Amigos, it's time for the IWS Person of the Week... "Hopping the fence or wading the Rio Grande River isn't ...

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8:31 PM Tukiyooo 0

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