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NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF BELARUS
The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB, or NAS of Belarus) is a higher state scientific organization of The Republic of Belarus, a country in the middle of Europe. NAS of Belarus is reported to the President of the Republic of Belarus, accountable to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus and carries out organization, realization and coordination of fundamental and applied scientific research and developments in the main directions of natural, engineering, social sciences, the humanities and arts with the purposes of scientific maintenance of economic, social and cultural development of the Republic of Belarus, and also carries out, accordingly to the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus" and its own Statute, some functions of a republican body of state management.
Established on January 1, 1929 under the name of The Belarusian Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus has became the guiding research center of Belarus, which unites the highly-skilled scientists of different specialties and dozens of scientific research organizations. As of 01.01.2006, the staff of the Academy and the subordinated institutions have included some 15,310 researchers, technicians and supporting personnel. There are about 560 Doctors of Sciences (equivalent to Prof.) and 1,975 Candidates of Sciences (equivalent to Ph.D.) among them.
The main scientific-organizational unit of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus is the Department uniting the Academy's scientific organizations and scientists from one or several branches of science. The Academy Department is responsible for development and coordination of fundamental research in an appropriate areas of science in the Republic of Belarus, for state of research in the Department's scientific organizations and scientific level of results of their activity, for developing the offers on acceleration of scientific and technological progress, socio-economic and spiritual development of the Republic, for efficiency of international scientific cooperation of the Department's scientific organizations. In their activity the Academy Departments are accountable to the General Meeting of the Academy and Presidium of the Academy.
Nowadays there are following seven Departments in the organizational structure of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus:
The Department of Agrarian Sciences
The Department of Biological Sciences
The Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
The Department of Humanitarian Sciences and Arts
The Department of Medical Sciences
The Department of Physical-Engineering Sciences
The Department of Physics, Mathematics and Informatics
The supreme body of each Department is the General Meeting of the Department consisting of the Academicians and Corresponding Members belonging to the Department, a number of researchers delegated by scientific institutes, the Directors of the Department's institutes not being the individual members of the Academy, and the Scientific Secretary of the Department. The General Meeting of the Department has the right of consideration and decision any questions of the Department activity referred to its competence, in particular, to carry out elections of the candidates to the Academicians and Corresponding Members of the Academy; to put forward the candidates to the Honorary and Foreign Members of the Academy; to elect the Directors of scientific organizations which are included in structure of the Department.
In the period between General Meetings, the Department is supervised by a Bureau of the Department, a collective executive body which is elected by General Meeting of the Department. The activity of Academy Department and its Bureau is supervised by the Academician-Secretary, which is selected by General Meeting of the Department by secret voting from amongst the Academicians or Corresponding Members for the term of no more than five years and is affirmed by General Meeting of the Academy. On recommendation of the Academician-Secretary, the Scientific Secretary of the Department is nominated by the Presidium of the Academy for the period of five years from amongst the scientific employees of the Academy having a scientific degree of Doctor or Candidate of Sciences.
The Academy Activities
The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus has the rights of juridical person and carries out its activities accordingly to the legislation of the Republic of Belarus and its own Statute. The main directions of the NASB current activities are:
Determination of priority directions, the organization, development and coordination of the fundamental scientific research in the Republic of Belarus;
Study and scientific elaboration of actual problems of economic, social, political and state-legal development of the Republic of Belarus, its culture, language, history, nature and environmental conditions;
Realization of fundamental research in major directions of natural, engineering, social sciences, humanities and arts with the purpose to increase the scientific and technical, intellectual and spiritual potential of the Republic of Belarus;
Discovering the essentially new ways of scientific and technical progress, participation in development of priorities of scientific and technical activities of the Republic of Belarus, realization of applied research in modern science-technological directions, elaboration of the recommendations on use of scientific achievements in practice;
Realization of scientific expertise of the major scientific, technical and economic programs, and innovation projects;
Organization, development of international scientific and technical cooperation; analysis, generalization and assistance to practical use of world science achievements;
Training the highly skilled specialists by means of postdoctoral and postgraduate studies; improvement of professional level of the scientists by training in scientific organizations and leading educational institutions, including those abroad.
The Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus:
The Bureau of the NASB Presidium:
The Chairman of the Presidium
Mikhail V. MYASNIKOVICH
The First Vice Chairman of the Presidium
Professor Pyotr A. VITYAZ
Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Academician
The Vice Chairman of the Presidium
Professor Vladimir G. GUSAKOV
Doctor of Economic Sciences, Academician
Professor Anatolii I. LESNIKOVICH
Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Academician
Professor Vladimir I. TIMOSHPOLSKII
Doctor of Engineering Sciences
The Chief Scientific Secretary
Professor Nikolai S. KAZAK
Doctor of Physical-Mathematical Sciences, Academician
The Advisers of the NASB Presidium:
The Honorary President
Professor Nikolai A. BORISEVICH
The Adviser of the Presidium:
Professor Leonid M. SUSHCHENYA
Doctor of Biological Sciences, Academician
© Copyright 2006 UEAA. All rights reserved.


Saudi Arabia has averaged one execution every two days, mostly by beheading, according to a report published by Amnesty International on 25 August. At least 175 people have been executed in the space of a year while 2,200 people – almost half of whom were foreign nationals – have been killed by the Kingdom between January 1985 and June 2015.
In the first half of this year alone, 102 people were executed, eclipsing the 90 capital punishments that took place 2014. The report states that: "Saudi Arabia also continues to sentence to death and execute individuals for crimes committed when they were below 18 years of age," and also uses the death penalty against those with mental disabilities.
The report notes that the country experienced a sudden spike in execution rates in August last year and that persisted under the reign of King Salman who succeeded his brother in January this year. Of the total recorded executions, 48.5% were against foreign nationals (the majority of whom are migrant workers) who suffer disproportionately as they have no knowledge of Arabic, the language in which they are questioned while in detention and in which trial proceedings are carried out.
Saudi Arabia's justice system lacks a criminal code, giving judges wide powers of interpretation which leads to vast discrepancies from sentences imposed on defendants in similar cases. Amnesty states that: "The absence of a rule to abide by judicial precedent adds in fact a further layer of arbitrariness to sentences and punishments issued by different judges for the same type of offences across cases."
The country follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia and applies the death penalty to crimes which are not considered the "most serious" under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These include practising witchcraft, apostasy, adultery and drug offences.
According to the report, significant concerns surround "confessions" extracted under torture, duress or coercion which are often "the sole evidence in cases of those sentenced to death". The effectiveness of torture is a hotly contested topic, with many intelligence experts claiming that if people are subjected to enough pain, they will say anything to make it stop – even if for a short while.


We are a group of passionate volunteers from all over Italy and other parts of the world. What unites us is the desire to fight for a better world and our sincere love for all living creatures. We all have different skills and knowledge that we bring to Ippoasi.
I got to know about Ippoasi in 2015, at a festival, and it was love at first sight. I love taking pictures of the inhabitants enjoying the solitude, but I also like taking snapshots at the events. On these wonderful occasions I try to help out as much as I can, lending a hand wherever I can. Micol loves staying in the chicken coop spending hours and hours with the more friendly and less shy. She is obviously also an indispensable at the events at the sanctuary!
I came to Ippoasi for the first time in 2015. I immediately fell in love and never left again. I moved from Florence in order to dedicate my life to this place. Together with Giova I am responsible for the maintenance work at the sanctuary: I love improving the life of the inhabitants! Another passion of mine is cooking and so I am also in charge of the menu for our benefit events.
In Germany I worked as a mechanical engineer. Then I decided to give up everything and go to Italy. For many years I worked in a circus without animals, a circus that doesn't generate suffering and cruelty, but that produces only art: what's better than that? In 1991 I met Franca and since 1999 we've been living together. 2003 we realised our dream of buying our own land. Il Rifugio della Bubi was born many years later and today is the fulcrum of our lives, to which we devote all of our energy. Very often it is incredibly tiring, exhausting and difficult but Franca and I love each and everyone of the animals that we host with all our heart. We we would like to be able to do even more for all the others who are still imprisoned and suffering.
Since I was a little girl I felt like an animal among other animals. My dream has always been to have a very large piece of land where all the abandoned, lonely, suffering animals I found could live. For ten long years I worked with horses. In 2013 I visited Ippoasi and since 2006 I have been hosting some free animals: a horse, pigs, cats and dogs. With Ippoasi it was love at first sight and in 2014 the idea was born to join forces in this adventure and to make our house available to expand the capacity of the project and to contribute even more deeply to its mission. Thus was born Il Refuge della Bubi, which I manage together with Claus, my companion of this wonderful journey. I love to go back home and find all the animals and I also love when the volunteers from Ippoasi come to give us a hand: my food never leaves anyone disappointed!
The day I arrived at Ippoasi, I met the cow Luna. Together with other volunteers we had to put her back on her feet which was not easy to say the least. I couldn't leave this place anymore and so, I decided to contribute to the sanctuary in any way possible. I am one of the responsible volunteers for the daily management of the sanctuary and together with Claudio I also take care of the maintenance work as well as our various means of transportation.
At Ippoasi I took some of the most important decisions of my life, starting at the choice to become vegan, finishing with moving from Liguria to devote myself to this project. I remember how the first time I had planned to stay a week but eventually stayed for a whole month. At Ippoasi I take care of the daily management of the sanctuary. I am responsible for the volunteers as well as our social commitment projects to which I can make an important contribution thanks to my studies in psychology.
After a few times of volunteering at Ippoasi I decided to pack my bags, grab my two cats and move from Zurich (CH) to San Piero a Grado because for now this is where I belong. As a Crossfitter I enjoy/need the physical aspect of volunteering, but deep down there is a little nerd in me who loves playing around for hours with WordPress, Excel and Co. Together with Susi I also manage all our social media channels.
I arrived at Ippoasi in 2015 from Belgium, in September, after a few months of traveling around Europe. On my birthday the cow Lilith arrived. She was one of the survivors of a horrible farm in the north of Italy: it was an unforgettable experience. After a few months we saved the lamb Ettore, who I nursed for the first months of his life without a mother. I went back and forth between Ippoasi and home for about a year. Now I'm trying to come back as often as I can to see my Italian family. I take care of the daily management of the inhabitants (I have a soft spot for the inhabitants of the chicken house), the kitchen (even the volunteers and the volunteers eat a lot!), guided tours and the English website.
It all started with the project IoStoConBruno (I Stand With Bruno). Thanks to that I learned about Ippoasi and met its whole (animal) family. Needless to say, I immediately fell in love with the incredible atmosphere at the sanctuary. I informed myself about how I could make myself more useful. Ever since there have been many great adventures with lots of emotions, not always positive … but I certainly never had to face them alone.
My first day of volunteering at Ippoasi, 24 July 2017, changed my life. I am a retired 63-year-old from Livorno and thanks to this place and its inhabitants – human and non-human – I rediscovered myself and found strengths I never knew I had, especially physical ones. Ippoasi allows you to rejuvenate in every sense. You should try it for yourself!
At the sanctuary I take care of the daily tasks and I can express my boundless love for all creatures, including plants, looking after the garden, the flowers, the herbs. I am also officially responsible for food supplies for the volunteers: breakfast is never missing with me!
I've been coming to Ippoasi for about two years now and I consider myself very fortunate to have discovered this particular, evocative and energetic corner of the world. Time stops at the sanctuary, peace reigns, and the free animals transmit so much serenity. At Ippoasi you can feel a strong, positive energy, everyone is spontaneous and is welcoming like in a big family! I learned a lot in these two years, above all that there are still generous people who pursue their ideals even if with sacrifice and who are there for you if you need them!
I've been part of Team Ippoasi for a few years now and I've involved my whole family: my wife Bea, my daughter Giorgia and my son Fabio. I am an ex-firefighter and thus I am the one dealing with the most dangerous emergencies at the sanctuary. Obviously, a firefighter is scared of nothing! What I enjoy most, however, is being in the company of the animals and the positive energy you can feel while working at the sanctuary. I have an especially soft spot for the horse Liù: she is super sweet!
I came to Ippoasi in 2015 from Veneto: I fell in love immediately and decided to leave everything behind and move to Pisa together with my furry friend Ombra. Ever since my life has not stopped evolving and I've never regretted my decision. I love the sweat, the dust and the mud that surround you after a day at the sanctuary, but also the atmosphere of sharing and collaboration that you breathe at the events. Thanks to my work experience I rock at selling our shirts and other accessories!
I arrived at Ippoasi in 2014 and I was overwhelmed by the energy this place emanates. I decided to move from Liguria to dedicate my life to this project. I know the inhabitants of the sanctuary very well and I love spending time in their company. Over the years I have gained a great deal of experience which allows me to help in various areas of management. At Ippoasi I also have the opportunity to pursue my passion for writing and interpersonal relationships. I lead our guided tours, organise external events and together with Jackie I manage our social media channels. I also get to write for the blog Vegan è… for the online newspaper Qui News.


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Nick Ferrari Fumes At Sadiq Khan's Response To London's Knife Crime Crisis
After four more people were stabbed to death in London this weekend, Nick Ferrari took aim at Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Detectives in London are investigating four violent deaths in the city over the weekend, with the killings including a heavily pregnant woman. Her baby was delivered and remains critically ill in hospital.
That takes the total of people killed in London this year to 64. And Nick Ferrari labelled Mayor Khan "incompetent" for his response to the crisis.
Speaking on his LBC show, he said: "This is what the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said. 'Violence against women has no place in this city'. So it's alright to stab men then is it? What an extraordinary thing to say.
"All the time, you're busy not allowing fried chicken to be sold near schools or banning pictures of bikinis on the tube or talking about how many trees you've planted.
"I suppose you can say violence against 'women' has no place in this city. Meanwhile, three men, who are also in this city in which you are paid a considerable amount of money to look after, are lying in various mortuaries.
Nick Ferrari is not happy with Sadiq Khan's response to the knife crime crisis. Picture: PA / LBC
"How much longer is he going to get away with this?
"I wouldn't trust him to take out the garbage, he's incompetent.
"How is he still in place?
"I guarantee we'll hear cuts, austerity measures. Meanwhile, he's in charge of a budget where he manages to find money to interview hate speech. Shall we dial down on hate speech for a bit and maybe turn it up in knives a bit."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said after this weekend: "Following the senseless and horrible murders of three people in our city this weekend, I am in close touch with local leaders and the Met police, who are working tirelessly to stem this scourge of violence.
"There are people out there with information about this weekend's terrible violence. If you know something, please do the right thing and call the police, either on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"The heartbreaking death of Kelly Fauvrelle is a stark reminder that violence against women is endemic in society and much of it happens behind closed doors.
"I am doing all that I can from City Hall, investing in tackling violence against women and girls, setting up the City Hall-funded Violent Crime Task Force to take weapons and criminals off our streets, and establishing a unit to address the causes of crime. We need everyone to play their part - and that means proper investment in the police and public services by the Government."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Lassiter and Juliet stake out the recently released bank robbers. Later, Shawn and Gus are taken hostage by the two bank robbers after trying to break into their room in episode 1x04 "Woman Seeking Dead Husband: Smokers Okay, No Pets".
The team stays in a motel while investigating the strange occurrences in the town in episode 6x05 "Nightwalkers".


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Found 19 collections related to Sketches
Clarke, William M. (William Malpas)
William M. Clarke journal kept on board the U.S.S. President and U.S.S. Argus, 1812-1813
William M. Clarke, surgeon's mate in the United States Navy, kept this journal on board the U.S.S. President (a frigate) and the U.S.S. Argus (a brig), entering daily sick reports along with a brief log of the weather, names of vessels sighted and... more
William M. Clarke, surgeon's mate in the United States Navy, kept this journal on board the U.S.S. President (a frigate) and the U.S.S. Argus (a brig), entering daily sick reports along with a brief log of the weather, names of vessels sighted and captured, and other information. Entries for the U.S.S. President date from May 25-September 25, 1812 and for the U.S.S. Argus date from September 25, 1812 through April 23, 1813. The journal includes occasional pen sketches, and a monthly report of diseases on board the President from February through July 1812 is inserted less
Milne, Samuel Milne
Samuel M. Milne collection of British army uniform and equipment specimens, 1742-1881
Details of uniforms and equipment of the British army, 1742-1881, collected by Samuel M. Milne of Leeds, England ca. 1913. Includes specimens of cloth, braid, and other material, mounted, with descriptive notes in manuscript, colored sketches,... more
Details of uniforms and equipment of the British army, 1742-1881, collected by Samuel M. Milne of Leeds, England ca. 1913. Includes specimens of cloth, braid, and other material, mounted, with descriptive notes in manuscript, colored sketches, photographs, drawings, and letters relating to the specimens less
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese, 1791-1872
Samuel F.B Morse letters and documents, 1844-1872
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
A small collection of letters and documents of American artist and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse. Material consists of ten letters from Morse to George Wood, Theodore Dwight, Thomas Gallaudet, Pliny Earle, the New York Tribune, and others; an... more
A small collection of letters and documents of American artist and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse. Material consists of ten letters from Morse to George Wood, Theodore Dwight, Thomas Gallaudet, Pliny Earle, the New York Tribune, and others; an account of Morse's visit to Charleston, Massachusetts, in 1856 after an 18 year absence; a sketch made in court in 1855; and miscellaneous clippings, cut signatures, facsimiles, and photostats. less
Astor family
Astor family papers, 1792-1916
2.5 linear feet (4 boxes, 5 v.)
John Jacob Astor (1763-1848) was an American merchant, fur trader and capitalist. John Jacob Astor, III (1822-1890), financier and philanthropist, was his grandson; and William Waldorf Astor (1848-1929), who became Viscount Astor after moving to... more
John Jacob Astor (1763-1848) was an American merchant, fur trader and capitalist. John Jacob Astor, III (1822-1890), financier and philanthropist, was his grandson; and William Waldorf Astor (1848-1929), who became Viscount Astor after moving to England in 1890, was his great-grandson. Collection consists of papers of John Jacob Astor and his grandson and great-grandson. Papers of John Jacob Astor, 1792-1849, include correspondence (some photostats) concerning real estate and other business transactions, legal affairs and family matters; financial records; and 1849 report by executors of Astor's estate. Papers of John Jacob Astor III and William Waldorf Astor, ca. 1800-1916, chiefly relate to genealogical matters, William Astor's life in England after 1890 and his efforts to obtain a peerage. Also, Astor family album of photographs and drawings, William Astor album of sketches, and Daniel Nebel ledger, 1805-1862. less
Guerriere (Frigate)
Guerriere logbook and abstract of Brandywine logbook, 1829
This volume was kept by John M. Berrien, midshipman in the United States Navy. It contains a log of the U.S.S. Guerriere, commanded by John Smith and bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Charles C.B. Thompson. Entries were made between February... more
This volume was kept by John M. Berrien, midshipman in the United States Navy. It contains a log of the U.S.S. Guerriere, commanded by John Smith and bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Charles C.B. Thompson. Entries were made between February 15 and June 19, 1829, as the ship sailed from the United States to Rio de Janeiro, Valparaiso, and Callao. The volume also contains a log of the U.S. frigate Brandywine, with entries from June 21-October 7, 1829, while the ship sailed from Callao and Rio de Janeiro to New York. The volume also includes a watercolor and a sketch of the Guerriere, as well as a sketch of the signal flags less
Institoris, fl. 1825-1840
Institoris papers, ca. 1825-1840
.5 linear feet (2 boxes, 1 folder)
Institoris was a Hungarian stage decorator. Collection consists of manuscripts on designing and painting of stage scenery, lighting and other technical practices relating to theaters in Vienna and Baden, Austria, and Pressburg, Hungary. Includes... more
Institoris was a Hungarian stage decorator. Collection consists of manuscripts on designing and painting of stage scenery, lighting and other technical practices relating to theaters in Vienna and Baden, Austria, and Pressburg, Hungary. Includes numerous sketches and drawings. less
Sabine family
Sabin family papers, 1843-1932
13 linear feet (23 boxes, 18 v.)
Joseph Sabin (1821-1881), Joseph F. Sabin (1846-1926) and J. Percy Sabin (1872-1934) were the principal proprietors of the family firm of book, autograph and print dealers doing business in the U.S. and England from 1842 to 1934. Joseph Sabin... more
Joseph Sabin (1821-1881), Joseph F. Sabin (1846-1926) and J. Percy Sabin (1872-1934) were the principal proprietors of the family firm of book, autograph and print dealers doing business in the U.S. and England from 1842 to 1934. Joseph Sabin compiled the Dictionary Catalogue of Books Relating to America, a bibliography of all books published in America or elsewhere pertaining to America. His son Joseph F. and grandson J. Percy continued the business of the firm and collected Americana and materials related to George Washington. Collection consists of correspondence, notes, financial records, and other papers that document the publishing and bookselling careers and personal lives of three generations of the Sabin family. Correspondence, 1859-1931, refers to both family and business matters. Correspondence concerning publication centers on the Dictionary Catalogue of Books Relating to America, published by the Sabin firm from 1868 to 1892. Business and financial records include daybooks, account books, ledgers, invoices, subscription lists, and address books. Also, manuscript descriptions of collections and items for sale by the firm, household account books, logbooks of the Sabin family yacht, sketch books, family photographs, and printed matter. less
Tracy, Albert, 1818-1893
Albert Tracy papers, 1843-1893
.5 linear feet (2 boxes); 1 microfilm reel
Papers contain letters received by Tracy, 1843-1888; an 1876 transcript of his diaries, 1858-1862; sketches; military papers including commissions, an annotated promotions and brevet book, 1847-1848, and copies of his annual reports as Adjutant... more
Papers contain letters received by Tracy, 1843-1888; an 1876 transcript of his diaries, 1858-1862; sketches; military papers including commissions, an annotated promotions and brevet book, 1847-1848, and copies of his annual reports as Adjutant General of Maine, 1852-1854; a patent for a steam damper, 1871; and newspaper clippings. Correspondence is related to his aspirations as an artist and poet, service in the Mexican War and the Civil War, and activities as Adjutant General of Maine. Prominent correspondents include Albert H. Tracy, John C. and Jessie B. Frémont, and Franklin Pierce. Diaries cover his service in the 10th Infantry, Camp Scott, Wyoming Territory, the Mormon expedition, official and social life in Washington, D.C. and Portland, Maine, and his participation in Frémont's campaigns in Missouri, Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley. less
Field, William B. Osgood
William B. Osgood Field papers, 1610-1952, n.d [bulk 1897-1934]
112 linear feet (274 boxes, 1 volume, 1 map case folder)
William Bradhurst Osgood Field and his family were prominent members of New York City and Lenox, Massachusetts society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Field was an avid book collector, gentleman farmer, and philanthropist who sat on... more
William Bradhurst Osgood Field and his family were prominent members of New York City and Lenox, Massachusetts society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Field was an avid book collector, gentleman farmer, and philanthropist who sat on the boards of many organizations, both commercial and charitable, and was a member of over twenty clubs and societies. The collection consists of family, personal, and office correspondence; financial documents; diaries; genealogical records; educational materials; photographs; and ephemera documenting the family's commercial, philanthropic, and social activities from 1897 to 1934. less
Parsons, William Barclay, 1859-1932
William Barclay Parsons collection of Robert Fulton manuscripts, 1796-1919 [bulk 1804-1815]
1 linear foot (2 boxes, 1 oversize portfolio)
Writings, drawings and publications on or by Robert Fulton collected by civil engineer William Barclay Parsons for his book Robert Fulton and the Submarine, published in 1922.
Maloney, Margaret Sarah McKim
Maloney Collection of McKim-Garrison Family papers, ca. 1814-1940 [bulk 1830-1908]
2 linear feet (4 boxes, 2 volumes)
The collection consists of correspondence and other papers of prominent members of the interrelated McKim and Garrison families collected by Margaret McKim Maloney and others. Included are papers of architect Charles Follen McKim, abolitionists... more
The collection consists of correspondence and other papers of prominent members of the interrelated McKim and Garrison families collected by Margaret McKim Maloney and others. Included are papers of architect Charles Follen McKim, abolitionists James Miller McKim, William Lloyd Garrison, James H. Garrison, and their descendants. Papers of James Miller McKim, 1828-1882, contain correspondence, accounts, family and personal miscellany, and clippings. Papers of his son Charles Follen McKim, 1857-1908, include correspondence, his diary of a walking tour in 1863, speeches, personal miscellany, and a sketch by Charles Dana Gibson, and printed matter. Also included is correspondence of Margaret McKim Maloney, Wendell Phillips Garrison, William Lloyd Garrison, Jr., Frank J. Garrison, Moncure Conway, Wendell Phillips, and Edward and Mathilda Kyllman. less
Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870
Robert E. Lee engineering notebook, 1841-1842
.15 linear feet (1 v.)
Robert Edward Lee (1807-1870) served as General of the Confederate Army in the U.S. Civil War and was president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia from 1865 to 1870. Notebook was kept by Lee when he was an army engineer stationed at Fort... more
Robert Edward Lee (1807-1870) served as General of the Confederate Army in the U.S. Civil War and was president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia from 1865 to 1870. Notebook was kept by Lee when he was an army engineer stationed at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York. Notebook consists of 53 leaves containing structural and technical sketches, mensural data, mathematical calculations, and architectural, engineering and surveying notes relating to Forts Hamilton, Morton, Richmond, Lafayette and Battery Hudson. less
Colles family
Colles family papers, 1801-1957
14 linear feet (33 boxes, 3 vols)
The Colles family papers contain extensive correspondence, diaries, financial records, photographs, and personal miscellany of three generations of the Colles family, 1801-1957. Over half of the collection is devoted to the papers of prominent New... more
The Colles family papers contain extensive correspondence, diaries, financial records, photographs, and personal miscellany of three generations of the Colles family, 1801-1957. Over half of the collection is devoted to the papers of prominent New York City and New Orleans merchant James Colles (1788-1883), and his granddaughter, the artist Gertrude Colles (1869-1957) of New York City and Morristown, New Jersey. less
Van Cortlandt family
Van Cortlandt-Van Wyck family papers, 1667-1912
3 linear feet (7 boxes); 3 microfilm reels
Members of the Van Cortlandt family were major Westchester County landowners and New York politicians from the 17th to the 19th century. The Van Wyck family was related to them by marriage. Collection consists of correspondence, accounts, legal... more
Members of the Van Cortlandt family were major Westchester County landowners and New York politicians from the 17th to the 19th century. The Van Wyck family was related to them by marriage. Collection consists of correspondence, accounts, legal documents, papers relating to land in New York owned by the Van Cortlandt family, estate papers, and wills. Correspondence, 1779-1912, concerns family, personal and real estate matters, the progress of the Revolutionary War, and political matters. There is a significant amount of correspondence between Pierre Van Cortlandt and his son Philip. Also, 1824 almanac with journal notes; manuscript of Philip Van Cortlandt's autobiography; sketch of seating arrangement in Congress Hall, Philadelphia, 1795; family documents; and documents, 1775-1813, concerning the Continental Army. less
Wharton, Thomas Kelah, 1814-1862
Thomas Kelah Wharton diaries and sketchbook, 1830-1862
1 linear foot (8 v.)
Thomas Kelah Wharton (1814-1862), architect, was superintendent of construction of the Customs House in New Orleans, La. Collection consists of seven volumes of diaries describing Wharton's activities in the social, educational, literary, and... more
Thomas Kelah Wharton (1814-1862), architect, was superintendent of construction of the Customs House in New Orleans, La. Collection consists of seven volumes of diaries describing Wharton's activities in the social, educational, literary, and artistic life of New Orleans. Four of the diaries and a sketchbook contain his pen and ink sketches, mostly of places mentioned in the diaries, and some architectural drawings. less
Montague, Gilbert Holland, 1880-1961
Gilbert H. Montague collection of Robert Fulton manuscripts, 1790-1815 [bulk 1807-1814]
.4 linear feet (1 box, 1 volume, 1 oversize folder)
The Gilbert H. Montague Collection of Robert Fulton Manuscripts contains correspondence, writings and drawings by the famed American civil engineer and inventor.
Dryad (Ship)
Dryad logbook, 1831-1832
This logbook of the British ship of war H.M.S. Dryad contains entries made between February 22, 1831 and August 16, 1832. Commodore John Hays was its commanded and the tender, "Black Joke," was kept by C.W. Otway while the Dryad cruised off the... more
This logbook of the British ship of war H.M.S. Dryad contains entries made between February 22, 1831 and August 16, 1832. Commodore John Hays was its commanded and the tender, "Black Joke," was kept by C.W. Otway while the Dryad cruised off the west coast of Africa, touching at Sierra Leone, the Princes' Islands, and Ascension Island. From there, the ship traveled to Spithead, England. There is occasional mention of slaver traders captured by other British ships. Logbook contains two sketches of islands visited less
Ross, F.
Journal of the voyage of H.M.S. Tagus from England to the South Pacific, 1813-1814
F. Ross's journal of a voyage of the H.M.S. Tagus from England to the South Pacific, from November 26, 1813 through August 1814. Includes accounts of the capture of French ship of war Le Ceres and U.S.S. Essex and visits to Rio de Janeiro,... more
F. Ross's journal of a voyage of the H.M.S. Tagus from England to the South Pacific, from November 26, 1813 through August 1814. Includes accounts of the capture of French ship of war Le Ceres and U.S.S. Essex and visits to Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Valparaíso, Callao, Guayaquil, Islands of Galapagos and Marquesas, and other locations. Includes eighteen watercolor sketches depicting the surrender of Le Ceres and views of Rio de Janeiro, La Plata, Montevideo, and other locations, as well as several unfinished pencil sketches, including "The Capture of the U.S.S. Essex." Volume appears to have been created in 1815, after the author's return to England less


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Post-Conviction Relief
The Attorney To Turn To When Things Get Tough
– What are penalties for committing assault with a deadly weapon?
What are penalties for committing assault with a deadly weapon?
On Behalf of The Law Office of Alicia C. Freeze, APC | Aug 6, 2021 | Criminal Defense |
Every state, including California, has a criminal code that makes recommendations or mandates jail time for committing certain crimes. One of the most serious crimes is assault with a deadly weapon, and the sentence for being convicted of such an act is often significant.
What are the penalties?
Without a legal counsel, an accused individual may face a serious jail sentence. As noted by the California Penal Code, the jail sentence for a violent crime like assault with a deadly weapon tends to be high with individuals facing a one-to-four-year prison sentence and/or a $10,000 fine. A more severe deadly weapon, such as a machine gun, can carry heavier penalties. For example, someone who commits an assault with a machine gun can face as much as 12 years in prison. The sentence can also increase in other circumstances, such as if the person assaulted was a police officer or firefighter.
What are some mitigating factors?
When it comes to a crime like this, there can be mitigating factors, meaning factors that could serve to reduce the potential prison sentence. These include:
The lack of a prior criminal record
Other circumstances that led the individual into committing such a crime, like abuse, mental illness or forced gang activity
Other physical illness that may have impacted cognitive thinking
In most cases, these factors will not be enough to allow someone to completely avoid jail. However, they may help someone minimize the time that they spend in jail. It may be possible to negotiate a plea deal so that a charge of assault with a deadly weapon gets reduced to a lesser charge and, thus, lesser sentence.
Some important information about misdemeanor offenses
How do mediators help?
Information on prison statistics in California
How may a certificate of rehabilitation improve your life?
How do you tackle long-distance parenting?
The Law Office of Alicia C. Freeze, APC is ready to help you. Get in touch for a free consultation.
Emerald Plaza
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© 2023 The Law Office of Alicia C. Freeze, APC • All Rights Reserved


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SA Womens Squad named for second camp
Published: Friday, 08 February 2019 06:48 | Print	| Hits: 2694
The second training camp for the SA Womens Hockey team gets underway today in Johannesburg. In a year where the focus will be on the FIH Hockey Series Finals and the African Qualifier, its imperative to hit the ground running for Robin van Ginkel.
With a number of players unavailable for the first camp, this camp offers the opportunity for a bunch of players to stake their claim for places in the squads. It will be a first opportunity for the likes of Nicole la Fleur, Phumi Mbande and Quanita Bobbs to take part in a camp under the new leadership, while an exciting group of players also get their first opportunities.
Photo - Marcel Sigg - Phumi Mbande and Quanita Bobbs back in the squad
Amore de Wet, who has featured for the SA Indoor side on more than 20 occassions, is joined by the exciting Bianca Woods, Charne Maddocks and Stephanie Botha. Other new players at the camp include Donna Small, Kirsty Adams, Mia Barnard, Sandi Tabata and Sare Laubser.
The came takes place at St. Stithians College and finishes next Friday the 15 February.
South African Women's Training Camp Squad (8-15th February 2019)
Phumi Mbande Erin Hunter Mia Barnard Sandi Tabata
Amore De Wet Izelle Verster Mishca Ellis Sare Laubser
Ashleigh Datnow Kara Botes Mmathshepo Modipane Shindre-Lee Simmons
Bianca Woods Kirsten Paton Nicole La Fleur Stephanie Baxter
Casey Jean Botha Kirsty Adams Nicole Walraven Stephanie Botha
Celia Evans Lezaan janse van Vuuren Nicolene Terblanche Sylvia van Jaarsveldt
Charne Maddocks Lezan Jakobs Nikki Veto Tarryn Glasby
Courtney du Preez Lillian Du plessis Quanita Bobbs Teagan Fourie
Donna Small Lisa Deetlefs Robyn Jonson Toni Marks
South African Women's Training Camp Squad Announced
Published: Tuesday, 22 January 2019 19:28 | Print	| Hits: 2816
The South African outdoor hockey women are currently in camp in Johannesburg preparing for a tough year of outdoor hockey. Two big tournaments for South Africa in the current year are the FIH Open Series Final in Spain in June and the African Cup in Potchefstroom in August.
The squad gathered yesterday with some players still returning from Europe with the SPAR SA Indoor Hockey side after their successful tour. The broader national squad were invited to attend two camps, the current one taking place as well as another camp taking place in February. Of the broader squad identified, 30 players confirmed their availability for the January camp. From the 2018 World Cup squad a host of players return to the camp including Lisa Deetlefs, Candice Manuel, Erin Hunter, Kara Botes and Dirkie Chamberlain amongst others.
Celia Evans, the SA Hockey player of the year in 2016, has been called up after recovering from her cruciate ligament injury, much to the delight of South African hockey fans. Tegan Fourie and Lilian du Plessis will also join the squad when they return from the successful SPAR South Africa European Indoor Hockey tour.
There are also a host of players who have impressed at PHL and IPT over the past few seasons including Nicky Veto, Mmamoagi Kungoane and Monique Bartsch to name a few. The group of players will be looking to play their way into the team for South Africa this year.
It's also the first chance for Robin van Ginkel to work with the ladies as the national coach since his appointment late last year. Having coached many of the ladies together within either the SA U21 side, at IPT or at various PHL sides he will know them individually well. This will be a great opportunity to identify their cohesion together.
South African Women's Training Camp Squad (16-25th January 2019)
Mishka Ellis
Ashleigh Datnow
Jade Mayne
Lisa Deetlefs
Stephanie Baxter
Natalie Esteves
Robyn Jonson
Nicky Veto
Kara Botes
Monique Bartch
Mmamoagi Kungoane
Nicole Walraven
Courtney du Preez
Marlise van Tonder
Kirsten Paton
Hannah Pearse
Mmathshepo Modipane
Nicolene Terblanche
Izelle Verster
Lilian Du Plessis
Candice Manuel
Sylvia van Jaarsveldt
Toni Marks
Tarryn Glasby
Marizen Marais
Tegan Fourie
Dirkie Chamberlain
Casey-jean Botha
Celia Evans
South African Hockey Announces New Head Coach
Published: Friday, 09 November 2018 06:43 | Print	| Hits: 8870
The South African Hockey Association today has pleasure in announcing Robin van Ginkel as the new South African Women's Hockey head coach. Van Ginkel will be tasked with leading South Africa through to the 2022 Hockey World Cup.
Van Ginkel has a glowing hockey CV that includes time as the Assistant Coach to the Austrian National Mens team, where they finished 7th in the EuroHockey Championship, their highest finish in history as well as winning the Hockey Series Open in Croatia earlier this year. Further to this, Robin was alongside Sheldon Rostron for both the South African Men and Women in the rare feat of the double gold at the African Cup of Nations 2017. He was also part of the coaching staff of the Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League for four seasons including the title winning season of 2014.
Van Ginkel has served through the structures in South African Hockey, coaching the SA U18 against Australia U18 in 2016. He has also overseen the SA U21 side in recent years including in the guise of the Namaqualand Daisies in the Premier Hockey League where he improved them from last place to a semi-final in 2017. Van Ginkel also has three IPT finals to his name including the fantastic Southern Gauteng triumph in 2015.
Away from the provincial and national roles, Robin is also currently the Director of Hockey at St. Stithians College in Johannesburg. Van Ginkel is also an international sport scientist with an honours degree in Sport Science.
David Viney, Head of High Performance at SA Hockey
"As we did with the Men's position earlier this year, we embarked on a robust and thorough process evaluating our candidates against the requirements of the role and through a deep interview process. Through this process Robin van Ginkel emerged as the standout candidate with a superb hockey resume, which has also featured a significant amount of time within the South African Hockey structures. Robin presented with a clear vision of the road ahead for the SA Womens Hockey team and we believed his vision aligned with those of SA Hockey perfectly. We were also pleased with Robins commitment to transformation and his plans to achieve the goals of SA Hockey. We wish Robin the best of luck for the journey ahead!"
Robin van Ginkel, head coach of the South African Women
"I am incredibly honoured that I have been given the opportunity to coach my national team. I am excited about building a team that can challenge and make South Africa proud. I am determined to develop the players in the country and it is my goal to leave SA Hockey in a better position that I am given it. Thank you for trusting me, I will do my best to make you proud"
Van Ginkel will begin his reign with a summer series in January with an eye on the Open Series Final in Madrid, an Olympic Qualifying event, in June next year as the major hurdle on the short-term horizon. The South African Hockey Association wish him a successful time as head coach.
South African Hockey Association invites applications for the role of SA Women's Hockey Coach
Published: Monday, 17 September 2018 20:27 | Print	| Hits: 12416
The South African Hockey Association invites all interested coaches to apply for the position of South African Women's Hockey Head Coach following the application process below.
Job Specifications for the Role
Candidate must reside, or be able to obtain residency, in South Africa
Candidate must be able to work within South Africa
Candidate must have sound references
Candidate must have a recognised Coaching Qualification endorsed by their National Hockey Federation or the FIH.
Relevant senior National or International Coaching Experience
Key Competencies and Requirements
Candidate must have the competencies to work and conduct their duties within the context and systems of operation of the South African Hockey Association
Candidate must have an understanding of, and competencies to work in, the current South African Hockey context and South African Sport context ensuring transformation and access for all players into the game.
The candidate must be able to exhibit competency in strategic thinking and operation
The candidate must be able to operate independently
The candidate must possess people/personnel management skills
Candidate must have a working knowledge of financial systems and policies around international sport teams.
NOTE: Applicants are to note that this is a volunteer position
Applications to be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Application Submission Deadline – Thursday 04 October 2018
The below application form MUST accompany all CV's
Sheldon Rostron ends spell as head coach of SA Hockey Women
Published: Wednesday, 12 September 2018 11:22 | Print	| Hits: 3262
In March 2015 Sheldon Rostron was appointed head coach of the South African Women's Hockey Team on a contract until the end of the 2018 Hockey World Cup, in line with the policies and procedures of the South African Hockey Association of appointing coaches on a world cup cycle. Following the completion of the 2018 FIH Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup Rostron's contract has come to an end and the process to appoint a coach for the next World Cup cycle is due to begin. Sheldon has elected not to reapply for the position going forward and thus ending his 3 and a half years as the National Head Coach.
Sheldon was first brought into the national structure as a specialist trainer and goalkeeper coach in 2010 under head coach Giles Bonnet. In this time, he also performed various roles including stand-in assistant coach and team manager. Notable events amongst others under his belt with the national team are the 2012 Olympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2014 FIH Hockey Women's World Cup, the 2015 African Cup for Nations, the 2017 Hockey World League Semi Finals and the 2018 Vitality Hockey World Cup.
As head coach Rostron got 57 caps, winning 22 and drawing 10 (as per the FIH TMS). The fifth placed finish at the FIH World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg that qualified South Africa for the 2018 World Cup was the outstanding performance in his time, where South Africa were desperately unlucky not to beat Germany in the Quarter-Finals. The South African coach also completed the remarkable double in 2017 when he coached the Men and Women to the African Cup of Nations titles, a double feat rarely achieved by a coach.
Sheldon will now focus on his new role within the Sports Department at North West University, while a newly appointed coach will guide South Africa to the Hockey Series Finals in a quest to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games.
SA Hockey CEO Marissa Langeni thanked Sheldon for his service to South African Hockey.
"The South African Hockey Association would like to thank Sheldon for his remarkable contribution to the national women's hockey team. He has been a committed coach, engineering and implementing a dedicated program with limited resources. Sheldon's tenacity ensured that the team always came first. We would like to wish Sheldon well for his future endeavours."
Photo: Sean Burke
HWC 2018 | Supergroup South Africa show class in holding Argentina to a draw
Published: Sunday, 29 July 2018 20:08 | Print	| Hits: 2424
There was realistically more hope than expectation as Supergroup South Africa took on World number 3 Argentina in their final game of the FIH Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup. The African champions had experienced a harrowing tournament so far falling short against Spain and Germany, to all but dispel pre-tournament optimism.
The match marked the 250th match for South Africa for stalwart Lisa-Marie Deetlefs. If for nothing else the team would have been committed to making this a memorable match for the defensive star. And it appeared to be exactly the case as the Supergroup South African side put out a defensive masterclass in holding off an Argentina side that looked short of the regular magic.
Phumelela Mbande will take most of the plaudits, rightfully so, as the player of the match was also undoubtedly South Africa's most outstanding player of the World Cup. There may be questions about why she was subbed against Spain, but Mbande does her talking on the pitch and was on sensational form in not conceding from 13 penalty corners and at least ten further field goals. The biggest question going forward is how will Phumz manage here professional career and her sporting one, because she has become that important to the national team.
South Africa's strikers had failed to get on the scoresheet throughout the tournament so far, but Jade Mayne had made a menace in the previous games through outstanding movement and positioning. That it was her that got the goal through an opportunistic move and finish was almost a sense of inevitability as South Africa took a surprising 1-0 lead into the Half-time break.
Simone Gouws, who made her debut only in the matches against Canada during the pre-World Cup camp, showed remarkable maturity and alongside the likes of Kara-Lee Botes, Erin Hunter and Deetlefs will continue to develop remarkably. Her performance during the World Cup left a feeling of optimism for the future of SA Women's Hockey.
For all the defensive superlatives that were hurled South Africa's way, the weight of pressure eventually did tell, and Argentina pulled level through Maria Granatto, they were not able to breach the defence again, in a display almost as effective as the mythological Trojans in defending their city.
So, the South African World Cup dream is over for another four years, the team will have a lot of questions to answer and plans to make, but the performance and result against Argentina could be the catalyst of belief that drives us to another level.
HWC2018 | Supergroup South Africa beaten by Superb Spain
Supergroup South Africa took to the field to Lee Valley Tennis and Hockey club with only one thing on their mind. Victory against Spain was the best opportunity for Sheldon Rostron's side to progress to the knock-out stages of the FIH Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup.
The side had shown glimpses of their game play ability in the opening game but were unable to convert chances and lost the midfield battle. Missing Nicolene Terblanche was going to make the challenge in the midfield even more daunting for the South Africans. The co-captain had been ruled out due to the concussion she received when she took a ball to the head in the opening game.
Rostron would have wanted his team to show a dedicated start to the game, but it took just Spain's Red Sticks a few minutes to exert their dominance. That dominance was converted into a 2-0 advantage, with Lola Riera's unstoppable penalty corner drag-flick into the top right corner being complimented by a wonderful passing move that tore open the South Africa defence to enable Berta Bonastre to tap in.
With the prospect of needing to beat Argentina in the final group game with defeat South Africa came out with renewed vigour and pulled a goal back in the third quarter through Kara-lee Botes. However instead of sparking the African champions into action the goal seemed to inspire Spain as the European nation produced scintillating wave after wave of attack. The South Africa ladies were unable to cope with Carlota Petchame, who netted two open play strikes of differing styles but both superb in quality before Carola Salvatella made it 5-1 with a close-range finish at the end of the third quarter.
Spain continued their outstanding form throughout the fourth quarter, with their excellent penalty corner routines resulting in further goals. Riera made it 6-1 with another ferocious flick into the roof of the South African net before Bonastre joined Riera and Petchame as players with a two-goal haul from the contest with another set-piece before the end.
The result was a devastating blow for South Africa that left their World Cup dreams in tatters. Although not impossible the team now face a daunting challenge of having to beat Argentina and overturn a goal difference disadvantage as well.
Spain 7 – Lola Riera (2' & 48'), Berta Bonastre (11' & 55'), Carlota Petchame (37' & 42') & Carola Salvatella (45')
South Africa 1 – Kara-lee Botes (35')
HWC2018 | SuperGroup South Africa start with defeat
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London played host to the opening game of the 2018 FIH Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup as SuperGroup South Africa took on Germany. The two teams took met at the FIH World League Semi-finals in Johannesburg last year and South Africa would have been motivated by that near miss.
But Germany were up for this game and in truth dominated from start to finish with a superb pressing display to limit the South African possession and chances. South Africa were kept in the game by a splendid display from Phumelela Mbande. The Article Clerk goalkeeper continues to get better with each game for the national side and is a joy to watch. As much as she was in form she could not stop Viktoria Huse from giving the European's the lead.
In the second quarter the South African ladies grew into the game holding a bit more possession even rallying after Nicolene Terblanche was taken from the field for concussion testing after a fierce strike to the head. Fortunately, Nicolene has been given the all clear and confirmed this with me after the game ending.
In the third quarter South Africa would have been disappointed to concede so early in the period after a sensational Phumi Mbande shoulder save almost denied the Germans only for Charlotte Stapenhorst to finish the rebound. South Africa refused to lie down though and a combination of great saving from Mbande and superb last ditch defending particularly by Kara-lee Botes and Erin Hunter (who got stitches in the finger as a reward for her efforts). South Africa then were awarded a penalty corner which Lisa-Marie Deetlefs finished superbly.
Germany were unfazed and while the likes of Kristen Paton and Ongi Mali tried their level best, Germany continued to surge and the pressure eventually told when a review for a penalty corner was awarded a stroke. Huse stepped up to fire it home and make it 3-1, which would remain the score at the completion of the game.
Its back to the drawing board for Rostron and the team as they look to mastermind a victory over Spain on Thursday, which will keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
Day 1 Results:
Germany v South Africa 3-1
England v India 1-1
USA v IRL 1-3
Australia v Japan 3-2
The Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup is Here
It's been four years since the curtains closed on the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup in Netherlands. South Africa left that tournament with a credible 9th place finish, the best since the 7th place finish in 1998. That team featured a host of experienced players that have subsequently hung up the boots including world record scorer Pietie Coetzee, the superb Marcelle Keet, shot stopper Sanani Mangisa and the likes of Kelly Reed, Kathleen Taylor, Tarryn Bright and of course inspirational skipper Marsha Cox. It was also the last tournament for outgoing coach Gilles Bonnet.
In the four years that have followed new head coach Sheldon Rostron has done a phenomenal job of balancing the budget, the resource limitations and building a new squad ready to take on the now expanded 16 team Hockey Women's World Cup. This will be South Africa's sixth appearance and the new format promises a tough challenge where early defeats raise the pressure immediately.
Eight of the 18 players in the squad have played more than 100 games for the National team including Shelley Jones on 273 and Lisa-Marie Deetlefs on 247. Alongside England-based striker Dirkie Chamberlain and the co-captains Sulette Damons and Nicolene Terblanche, this experienced core will be integral to South Africa's chances of progressing to the knock-out stages in a challenging group.
Here is the FIH look at Group C (Source - http://fih.ch/events/world-cup/world-cup-2018/hockey-world-cup-london-2018-w/news/latest-news/a-peek-at-the-pools/)
Rebuilt and bristling with ambition, Argentina (WR:3) arrive in London with high hopes of a medal. Standing in their way in this pool are three teams that all have the players to provide an upset. Adrian Lock's Spain (WR:11) have a talented and experienced team that is awash with speedy, aggressive players. Leading the team is Georgina Oliva, who has nearly 200 appearances and is Spain's creative hub.
South Africa (WR:14) is a team with a point to prove, having missed the 2016 Olympics due to a lack of support from its own National Olympic Committee. The team will be determined to establish themselves back at the top table at a major international and all the more dangerous for that ambition.
And Germany (WR:6) will always be a threat. The team has been on the up recently, with a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and a glorious gold medal at the Indoor World Cup. Long-serving captain Janne Müller-Wieland and her team would love to be crowned double World Cup champions and they have the balance and experience in their squad to make that happen.
South Africa secured their spot at the World Cup with a fifth-place finish at the FIH World League Semi-Finals, only just falling short in a cracking quarter final with Germany that would have seen them qualify for the World League Finals! They further cemented their status as Africa's best when they romped to the African Cup title a few months later.
Sulette Damons – co-captain of the SA Hockey side shared her thoughts with me, "We've been working on a lot throughout our 4 weeks build up ahead of the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup in London. It's been great to have the team together again since the commonwealth games. We are excited to get started this weekend, it's an exciting tournament for hockey as well as women in sport. It is always a privilege playing in the Green and Gold representing your country at a world stage, we are excited to test ourselves against the world's best!"
The waiting is now over and the ladies will be excited to get on the pitch. We will have all the action and reviews of the South African performance on SA Hockey throughout the tournament. In the month of Nelson Mandela's birthday in his centenary year we wish the girls well and end with this thought from Madiba.
"Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope, where there was once only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination. Sports is the game of lovers."
SuperGroup give SA Women's Hockey Super Send Off
On Thursday the Bryanston Country Club was the venue as new SA Women's Hockey sponsor, SuperGroup, hosted a fantastic send off for the squad ahead of their departure to the Vitality Women's Hockey World Cup. The eighteen selected players received their playing kits as well as some words of inspiration from various stakeholders present on the evening.
Peter Mountford, the Chief Executive Officer of SuperGroup, encouraged the players to take their experience of hardships and turn it into victory, to play with heart and to make the country proud. Peter spoke about his pride in linking up with the SA Women's Hockey team and the belief that the two brands can stand shoulder to shoulder as proudly South African icons.
Luzuko Koti, the Director of Communications and Outreach at Nelson Mandela Foundation, then encouraged the team to summon the spirit of Madiba in the centenary year of his birth. Nelson Mandela was incredibly fond of sport and constantly used it as a vehicle to unite South Africans. We look forward to the South African Women embracing this spirit in London.
Sumaiya Khan, the Chief Operations Officer of the Department of Sport and Recreation, then shared a message highlighting the advancement of women in sport, coming at a time when South Africa has its first ever female Sports Minister in Honorable Minister Thokozile Xasa. And as she poignantly wrapped up to the ladies "You will go out there, you will have fun and you will make our country proud, as you always do!"
Marissa Langeni, the Chief Executive Officer of South African Hockey, as well as Sheldon Rostron, Head coach of the National Ladies team, both shared their appreciation towards the dignitaries and of course to SuperGroup for their fantastic decision to partner up.
With the local part of the preparation now complete, the South African ladies fly to Holland where they will have a few training sessions and games before relocating to London for the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup.
South Africa will take part in Group C facing off against Germany (World Ranking – 6th) on 21 July, Spain (11th) on 26 July and Argentina (3rd) on 28 July. Teams that finish first will progress straight to the quarterfinals, teams finishing 2nd or 3rd will move to the playoffs while the fourth-placed team will be eliminated.
South African Squad
Phumelela Mbande, Marlize van Tonder, Erin Hunter, Kara Botes, Simone Gouws, Nicole Walraven, Lisa Deetlefs, Shelley Jones, Kristen Paton, Quanita Bobbs, Nicolene Terblanche, Sulette Damons, Candice Manuel, Ongi Mali, Lilian du Plessis, Tarryn Glasby, Dirkie Chamberlain and Jade Mayne
Super Group announces new partnership with the Women's National Hockey Team
SA Women's Hockey Squad named for the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup
Illse Davids calls time on her SA Hockey Career
In Memory of Golden Girl Liz Chase
CWG 2018 | South Africa fall short in chase for Semi-Finals


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Thursday, Jan 24 2002
CBO Report Predicting Reduced 10-Year Surplus May Hinder Medicare Reform, Rx Drug Benefit
The Congressional Budget Office yesterday reported that the federal budget surplus over the next 10 years has "plunged" 71% from last year's estimate -- dropping from $5.6 trillion to $1.6 trillion -- which may endanger proposals to reform Medicare and add a prescription drug benefit to the program, the AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The CBO also predicted a $21 billion deficit in fiscal year 2002 and a $14 billion shortfall in FY 2003, which begins Oct. 1, after four years of surpluses. Last year, the CBO predicted a $313 billion surplus in FY 2002 and a $359 billion surplus in FY 2003 (AP/Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 1/24). The CBO report "assumes no changes in policy, with spending growing at the rate of inflation" (Kessler, Washington Post , 1/24). The CBO attributed $1.28 trillion of the $4 trillion decrease in the 10-year estimate to President Bush's 10-year, $1.35 trillion tax cut; $562 billion to increased interest on the national debt; $550 billion to increased spending; $929 billion to the recession that began last March; and $660 billion to "technical changes in the forecast" (Caruso, CongressDaily , 1/23). Although the CBO attributed "most of the blame" for the estimated FY 2002 deficit to the recession, the agency said that the tax cut represented the "single largest cause of the sharp decline" in the 10-year estimate. Democrats "seized" on the CBO report to "make their case" that Bush's tax cut had "severely limited the nation's ability" to address the "long-term costs" of Medicare and add a prescription drug benefit to the program (Stevenson/Bumiller, New York Times , 1/24).
OMB Report
The Bush administration yesterday released a separate budget report that predicted a $106 billion deficit in FY 2002 and an $80 billion shortfall in FY 2003, estimates that account for policy proposals not included in the CBO forecast. White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mitch Daniels said that the federal government would face deficits for the rest of Bush's term in office and would "emerge back" into surpluses for the rest of the decade. The OMB, which accounted for policy proposals such as a 10-year, $190 billion prescription drug benefit that Bush has proposed, estimated a $1 trillion surplus over the next 10 years ( Washington Post , 1/23). Bush plans to "call for outright cuts" in some domestic programs and "hold overall increases in spending outside of national security to very low levels" in his FY 2003 budget proposal, which he will deliver to Congress Feb. 4.
Funding Bioterrorism Preparedness
Bush plans to "doubl[e] spending" on homeland security to more than $25 billion in FY 2003 ( New York Times , 1/24). Dr. D.A. Henderson, director of the HHS Office of Public Health Preparedness, said the Bush administration would use part of the $25 billion to improve the nation's preparedness for a bioterrorist attack. Henderson, who expects a bioterrorist attack "sooner rather than later," has proposed a plan to improve the nation's response, "focusing on preparation that went lacking for years" at the state and local levels. Henderson hopes to:
Establish six new regional laboratories around the nation to analyze "potential bioterrorist material."
Help cities develop plans to vaccinate and distribute antibiotics to large numbers of residents in the event of bioterrorist attack.
Develop "round-the-clock reporting systems" to allow hospital emergency rooms and state health departments to coordinate in the event of a bioterrorist attack.
Help hospitals improve preparedness for a bioterrorist attack.
Develop improved public information in the event of a bioterrorist attack (AP/Baltimore Sun , 1/24).
Funds for Providers, Nurses
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson also announced Tuesday that Bush's FY 2003 budget proposal will include $191.5 million to improve the National Health Service Corps, which supports doctors and clinicians who serve in rural and urban areas that do not have adequate access to care. This amount is a $44 million increase over last year. The NHSC will use the additional funds to provide scholarships and loan assistance for about 1,800 physicians, dentists and other clinicians to practice in underserved area. In addition, Thompson said that Bush's budget will include $15 million, a 50% increase over last year, to expand the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program to support 800 new nursing education loan agreements (HHS release, 1/22).


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spawn had the most liked content!
Damn, I remember countless hours playing late at night with Howler. Condolences to his family and friends.
we went wrong with spawn as DL smh.. fk that guy. but in all honesty it doesnt go down to development it was also how the server was handled by myself and others in the past when we were in leadership.
yes thank you congrats @*Jaws Theme* !
spawn replied to spawn's topic in Introductions - Start Here!


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Entertainment, Film & TV, Movies
Bob Iger counters Scorsese and Coppola criticisms of Marvel films
Written by Shaun Tyr-El on October 24, 2019
More in Entertainment:
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Marvel and Disney CEO Bob Iger doesn't agree with the two Hollywood titans.
According to Slashfilm, while attending the Wall Street Journal's Tech Live conference, Iger responded to the recent criticisms levelled at Marvel movies from Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola:
"It doesn't bother me, except I'm bothered on behalf of the people who work on those movies…Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese are two people I hold in the highest regard in terms of the films that they've made, the films I've liked, the films we've all watched. But when Francis uses the word 'despicable?' I reserve the word 'despicable' for someone who committed mass murder. These are movies! To whom is he talking? Is he talking to Kevin Feige, who runs Marvel? Or Taika Waititi who directs, or Ryan Coogler, who directs for us? Or Scarlett Johansson or Chad Boseman? I could name a number of people – Robert Downey Jr.?"
Clearly, Iger's feeling a little hot-headed about the stance the two directors are taking. He also thinks that Coppola is overreaching in his condemnation of Marvel films with the word 'despicable'. However, Iger calms down slightly and explains what he meant:
"I think I've sounded a little more defensive than I wanted to be, because I don't really feel the need to defend what we're doing. We are in the business of – first of all, we're in the business of making money, we're a profitable business. At the same time at Disney, we try to balance that with telling great stories to the world and infusing them with great values and supporting a employee based of well over 200,000 people around the world with great care, and frankly, respect. So I just don't – I'm puzzled by it. If they want to bitch about movies, it's certainly their right."
Iger closed his thoughts on the subject with a statement that is clearly meant to cause some contrversy, indicating he is willing to put up a fight to support Marvel Studios' films:
"You're telling me Ryan Coogler making Black Panther is doing something that is somehow or another less than what Marty Scorsese or Francis Ford Coppola have ever done on any one of their movies? Like, come on. Yeah, I said it."
It is obvious that this debate is not going to simmer down anytime soon with several of Marvel's directors having already shared their opinions on the subject.
With Hollywood being a large place, full of directors and actors – all of whom will have an opinion, we will have to see where this goes next.
Shaun Tyr-El
What can I say? I have massive love for nerdy stuff! Comic book movies, TV shows, videogames, comics ... the lot!


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Sijucavernicus is een geslacht van hooiwagens uit de familie Assamiidae.
De wetenschappelijke naam Sijucavernicus is voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd door Roewer in 1923.

Soorten
Sijucavernicus is monotypisch en omvat slechts de volgende soort:
 Sijucavernicus kempi

Assamiidae

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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NRN 50: Weighing options
'Barbell' strategy balances high and low prices, indulgent and healthy menu choices
Steve Coomes 1 | Jan 22, 2011
When the "barbell" concept first entered the restaurant industry's consciousness, it was focused on price. Operators who said they were implementing a barbell strategy meant that they were offering items at both low price points and high ones.
In the years since, the barbell strategy has grown beyond price to include any instance in which contradictory offerings balance each other — and right now the barbell strategy's muscle is most often directed at nutrition, with healthful items and indulgent ones inhabiting the same menus.
No restaurant operator can avoid talk of healthful foods — not even at Heart Attack Grill, where they are mere punch line fodder. But despite a steady increase in the number of calorie-conscious offerings, customers have yet to buy them consistently, which is where the barbell comes in.
For instance, Denny's boasts that its Chicken Deluxe Salad has 15 grams of fat or less when ordered with grilled chicken, fat-free dressing and no bread. Customers looking for something more decadent, however, can find it in Denny's Fried Cheese Melt, featuring four fried mozzarella sticks and melted American cheese served on sourdough bread with a side of fries.
According to menu analysts who view healthful foods as long-term business builders, while most customers still use restaurant meals as treats, more are seeking "better for you" items alongside the indulgent.
Leslie Kerr, president of Boston-based Intellaprice, said operators will have to be more skilled than ever at balancing the barbell of indulgent choices with beneficial ones.
"Some customers listen to the devil on their shoulder, while others pay attention to the angel," she said. "And if you have something on the menu to satisfy both, you've made incremental sales off one while avoiding losing out on the other."
Kerr credited casual- and fine-dining players as leaders in providing healthful offerings, and pointed to Applebee's "Under 550 Calories" menu selection. Even further evolved is Seasons 52's menu, which includes nothing over 475 calories. Quick-service and fast-casual concepts, she predicts, will need to follow suit sooner rather than later.
"QSR is going to have to work to make room to get these items on the menu," she said. "Sure, you can get a salad and go light on the dressing or get a burger without the bun at those places, but what I expect to happen is these restaurants will move closer toward making decadent products better for you."
That should draw customers in, said Eric Giandelone, director of foodservice research at Chicago-based Mintel.
"They tell themselves they'll be good this time and get the fish, but they end up getting fried chicken instead," Giandelone said.
Still, QSR operators have found success with their price-oriented barbell strategies. McDonald's in October 2010 reported a 10-percent increase in third-quarter profit, driven in large part by its barbell strategy of promoting both its Dollar Menu on one end and its higher-margin frappés and smoothies on the other.
Observers expect health-oriented barbell strategies will pay off in the long run, too.
While healthful items tend to be relegated to the back of many menus for now, that will change as customers age and gravitate increasingly toward diet-friendly options, said Darren Tristano, executive vice president at Chicago-based Technomic.
"That gives restaurants a great opportunity to build loyalty with current and new customers," he said, in support of a health-oriented barbell strategy. "That choice gives them what they want, when they want it."
TAGS: Archive Research Reports


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Unconventional banker builds multigeneration success
This paid piece is sponsored by the Prairie Family Business Association.
Frank Larson was not a typical banker.
First, he was a lawyer, who bought his first bank at age 40.
Second, while his portfolio of banks grew, he never worked in the business day to day.
Instead, Larson set the tone, vision and values of Starion Bank with the power of his personality and civic-mindedness in a way that allows the bank to reach its 50th anniversary this year.
It began in 1969 when Larson became involved in a legal transaction involving a North Dakota bank.
"He really learned how a bank could be a tool to do good and to help people," said his youngest son, Craig.
"Dad just had a dream and persevered. As a child, I remember him sitting at his desk with a legal pad constantly crunching numbers and formulating his plan."
Larson's plan started in Oakes, a city in southeast North Dakota where a friend told him Main Street was filled with young and progressive people.
"He felt the town could really blossom if the bank would do its part, being community-minded and helping the city grow. He got really excited about being part of that," Craig said. "And for 50 years, our mission has been to help people realize their dreams and help communities grow and provide opportunities for people to find meaningful careers."
Larson began growing the business in the early 1970s. He bought one bank in western North Dakota on a handshake over a cup of coffee with the owner.
"He's from a different era," his son Scott said. "Integrity and honor resonates through him. He's a rarity."
After one acquisition, Larson took out an ad in the community newspaper showing a man with money coming out of his ears. It read: "We've got money coming out of our ears."
In that bank's first year of operation under Larson, it opened 300 checking accounts in a town with a population of 600 people.
The bank bought an airplane in the 1970s, and if someone needed to fly for a business opportunity, Larson would make the plane available.
"No charge or expectation of anything – it was just a way to help," Craig said.
About that same time, in the towns where he had banks, Larson started a program to encourage kids to pick up trash. In return, the ones who collected the most earned a trip to Minnesota for a Twins game.
"Dad made an arrangement for the kids to meet the Twins players, and we have pictures of these young kids standing next to these star players," Scott said. "That was just Dad giving back, just generating a spark for kids. Nobody did those kinds of things."
Starion Bank now has 15 locations: 12 in North Dakota and three in Wisconsin, and soon will open in downtown Fargo, its 16th location.
Craig, who began working at the bank after college, was named president and CEO in 1997 as his father transitioned to the board of directors.
As he prepared for the leadership role, Craig told his father he thought the bank needed an experienced lender to help harness growth opportunities in larger North Dakota communities.
"So we interviewed bank president candidates and hired a gentleman who was my mentor," Craig said. "He helped train me, and I had three great years learning from him how to run a bigger, more complex organization. So at the handoff, I felt very blessed; I had my dad as a mentor, and I had this gentleman's guidance, and he'd been a very successful banking executive for 40 years."
The bank reached $1 billion in assets six years ago.
Larson's response?
"He said, 'The funny thing is I've found the more good I've done for people, the more it's returned,'" Craig said. "He doesn't think about how to make more money. It's how do we help more people."
Frank and Craig Larson
Starion Bank also has built relationships in South Dakota as it has grown, thanks to years of involvement with the Prairie Family Business Association.
"We did some family work back in the 1990s, rather emotional and sometimes pretty hard work, and we were working on a plan for about 10 years but really didn't have any formal meetings with advisers or family business consultants," Craig said.
He remembers telling his wife he felt like he wasn't actively investing in the family business element of the bank, but in the Bismarck area he also lacked resources to do so.
"So just short of serendipity, I'm having this thought, and a friend reached out who had just gotten a call from the Prairie Family Business Association that they wanted to make outreach into North Dakota," he said.
"It was like a dream being answered."
He remembers attending his first meeting as the second or third North Dakotan to be involved.
"I had a little trepidation about how I'd be received because it was all the South Dakota people, but I met everyone and heard their stories and thought 'Oh my gosh, I've been welcomed with open arms.' So I threw myself into the association."
He began serving on the association's board shortly after that and spent two terms as chair.
"A lot of the things we're doing now in the family as best practices are things I've learned through the association," he said. "It's been great. You get back way more than you give. There's a camaraderie and feeling of support that we're all in this together."
The Larsons and Starion have made a significant impact on other families, said Laura Schoen Carbonneau, executive director of the Prairie Family Business Association.
"Starion Bank is such a strong example of leading with vision and being intentional about providing support to its next generation," she said.
"Craig and his family have been instrumental in helping our organization become a regional resource for family businesses. By sharing their experience and providing leadership through our board, they've helped grow our presence in North Dakota and established wonderful relationships across state lines."
Last summer, the Larson family did a next-generation retreat inspired by the association, bringing its third generation to tour the bank and volunteering at a homeless shelter to underscore their business values.
"I know many family business founders who work 60, 70 hours a week in their companies, but our dad has had just as much influence not having been there every day just because his values are so well known and people really want to follow him," Craig said. "It's important to model that for our next generation."
His three siblings have ownership in the bank but don't work there day to day.
Their children currently aren't working in the bank, but "the next generation is being groomed to be good stewards of the business," Scott said.
"We want them to walk the same path that Dad has of integrity and the values he's operated under all these years. So even though they may not be day-to-day employees, they will still play an integral role in the owners' group and have a voice so there will always be a family presence."
At 90, Larson is as interested in banking as ever, his son said.
"All he's ever said is, 'Craig, just keep me aware of what's going on, and I'd love to know what's happening,' and he's happy to step away as long as he's in the loop. I still run things past him to get his thoughts, and he still offers good advice. When he comes to the banks, he still knows everyone's names."
The family's story was immortalized recently in a book published by the University of Mary. The university printed the book as an educational tool, and the bank purchased copies for libraries and senior centers in the communities it serves.
"We want it to be read and to be an inspiration that encourages others to commit their lives to doing good things, whatever their chosen profession might be," Craig said.
To further symbolize that commitment, the bank has designated this 50th anniversary year as "the year of caring and giving," allowing each of its 240 employees to designate $500 toward a nonprofit of their choice and giving each two days of paid time off to volunteer for an organization of their choice.
"We thought how better to honor our father and our culture than to have this year be one where we're out making more positive differences," Craig said.
"We all have the same challenges and opportunities and successes and struggles, but here we are 50 years later and working hard to make sure we're here 50 more. We've got so much opportunity and so much good we're going to do."
The Prairie Family Business Association is an outreach center of the USD Beacom School of Business.
Tags: Prairie Family Business Association Starion Bank
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"He really learned how a bank could be a tool to do good." Enjoy this story of a banker who's far from typical and a family business success with lessons for all.


I want to ask you to forgive me as I make use of this blog to try to determine a true Scriptural understanding of what, in modern church language, has become known as "the five-fold ministry". Mind you, I am not disputing its existence, or importance, I simply want to give it a proper significance, as defined by God in His Word, and not rely on how it is defined by the modern Church.
The reason I am seeking this understanding is because I am seeing a lot of people in the Body of Christ being wounded by its application and by the theological philosophy, if you will, that surrounds it. In this day of technological advancement, it is far too easy to make someone "a superstar", and I see too many headlines on Christian websites proclaiming this man [or woman] an Apostle or Prophet -- and it is difficult to discern if it is warranted. At the same time I have witnessed, even in small churches, that there are those who take their position in the church to mean they are exalted above others. I'm just trying to understand what the Word of God says about it all.
So, let's start with the Scripture that is at the center of my ruminations. In its most simple translation, Ephesians 4:11 says, And He [Jesus] gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers. I believe we can all agree that this is in reference to ways Christ intended for those who would believe and serve Him to be trained in continuing His work. Indeed, the very next verse says, And their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ.
This is how Christ intended for His Kingdom Message to be shared, encouraged, and practiced throughout the earth. In fact, the word "apostle", in the Greek means, literally, "one sent forth", or "the sent ones". In Mark 3:14-15, the Passion Translation tells us Jesus's motivation for naming apostles: He appointed the Twelve, whom he named apostles. He wanted them to be continually at His side as His friends, and so that He could send them out to preach and have authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons. Doesn't that describe all of us? Doesn't Jesus call us all to be His friends? To "go out" preaching [in love] the truth of God's Word? To use our authority and His power to heal and deliver?
Furthermore, Acts 4:13 tells us that the religious leaders of Jesus's day "were astonished as they witnessed the bold courage of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who never had religious training". In other words, here were apostles who were ordinary men, but commissioned ["sent ones"] by Jesus to preach, heal, and deliver with authority. Yet, what I see today is that the Church has created this mystique about apostleship; reserving it for those who have been specially "anointed". Could it be that this is just a by-product of our celebrity culture?
Think about it ... even Paul battled against being recognized as an apostle, to the point that he says in 2 Corinthians 12:11, For there is nothing I lack compared to these "super-apostles" of yours, even though I am nothing. Have we created "super apostles" in our day, too? Aren't true apostles defined as servants to the Body? Isn't their role to empower everyone to do the ministry of Christ as He has called them? Go back and take another look at the role of the five-fold ministry mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. It clearly says each of those servants is to "nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry".
Now couple this with Jesus's statement in John 14:12 that The person who follows Me in faith, believing in Me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with My Father. This implies to me that we are all to be apostles -- sent out to do mighty miracles that attest to God's presence and authority in our lives. Whether that is laying on of hands to heal sickness, or co-partnering with Jesus and the Holy Spirit to be set free from spirits of anger, depression, unworthiness, etc. --- it all points to Christ and to the building up of the Body of Christ in truth and spirit! And even if we recognize the position of apostle, most of the denominations deny the obvious fruit of that calling -- the authority to heal the sick and cast out demons [the mighty miracles that Jesus did]!
I have spent far too much time on the ministry of the apostle. But the same goes for the ministry of the prophet. Whether in the Old or New Testament, prophets were, in essence, God's voice to men on earth. 1 Corinthians 14:3 says, when someone prophesies, he speaks to encourage people, to build them up, and to bring them comfort. Again, in our celebrity culture, a Prophet [with a capital "P"] has come to represent someone who predicts the future. But the Bible tells us it is a gift of grace from God to encourage and edify [instruct, train, guide; enlighten, develop, improve, better] the Body of Christ and help them to mature spiritually.
Aren't we all to do that as we grow and mature in our own spiritual lives? Or, is this grace, or favor, of God to be reserved for a specially "anointed" few? For me, it comes down to this question... Are we following the spirit of the Word of God, or are we submitting to the Nicolaitan model of Church government? In case, you are unfamiliar with that term, it refers to a system within the Church when religious leaders rule over others. It is a system run by evangelists, elders, bishops, popes, rabbis, priests and modern day prophets that have forced its people (members) to submit to their dominion (rulership)". The members have to do what they tell you to do. That is, they have dominion over your faith. They tell you what you need to believe, what instructions to follow, and if you dare step outside those boundaries, you are chastised or rebuked. But where [in that system] is the freedom that the Bible promises? The Word says, Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). When speaking to the Churches in the Book of Revelation, Jesus makes His opinion very clear: So you also have those who adhere to the teaching of the Nicolaitans, which I hate (Revelation 2:15).
So, as you can tell, I am working out my salvation with fear and trembling, deeply committed to rightly discerning the Word of God on this matter. I absolutely recognize that Jesus wants apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers actively involved in His Body on earth. But are we defining those roles properly? Are we restricting them to specific people who are exalted above the remainder of the Body? At the same time, if we are all called to these roles in advancing God's Kingdom on earth, are you or I taking those appointments seriously, and seeking the Holy Spirit's counsel as we speak God's Word? Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that there should be no competition for Importance within the Body -- we all have our roles to play, and God delights in us when we fulfill the role He has designed for us. We should serve Him with joy in every activity or ministry that we engage in for the sake of His Body.
Thank you for listening to me as I try to hear God teach me what He would have this Age know and understand about ministering to the Body of Christ -- and to the world. I am still developing my theology on this important Scriptural component. My spirit is not content with what the world tells me, and I am struggling with what the Church is showing me. May God, my Father, enlighten my spirit, heart, and mind as I seek to serve Him in His Truth and Spirit. And may each of us be dedicated to nurturing and preparing the Body to do His ministry.
2 Timothy 2:15 Always be eager to present yourself before God as a perfect and mature minister, without shame, as one who correctly explains the Word of Truth.