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Home Blog Automobile Accidents Florida Courts Show a New Stance on Hit-and-Run Cases
Florida Courts Show a New Stance on Hit-and-Run Cases
Sibley Dolman Gipe Accident Injury Lawyers, PA | March 6, 2015 | Automobile Accidents
In 2007, then 15-year-old Nicholas Savinon was enjoying a refreshing ride on his skateboard when things took a turn for the worst. It was on North Ocean Boulevard in Boca Raton, Florida when a devastating accident nearly took the unsuspecting teenager's life. Nearby Coconut Creek resident Zachariah Dorsett was behind the wheel of his Ford F-250 with the radio turned up, seemingly inattentive when he collided with the skateboarder. However, the initial impact was only the beginning of a strenuous series of events. Savinon was dragged by the large pickup truck for over 40 feet; his skateboard broken and thrown aside. Had the driver stopped sooner, the injuries may have been less severe, but that's the shocker: the driver kept going. As a matter of fact, Mr. Dorsett claimed that he was completely unaware of the accident when he was pulled over by authorities 3 miles down the road.
The accident left Nicholas with a severe traumatic brain injury; he was in a coma for weeks afterwards. Understandably so, his parents were devastated. In the criminal trial against Dorsett, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison for committing a hit-and-run. Leaving the scene of an accident that you were involved in—especially one that left someone hurt—is obviously illegal. However, the defendant (Dorsett) has maintained the same stance since the day of the accident 8 years ago, persistently and believably claiming that he truly had no idea he hit the kid. In 2013, because of his vigorous defensive position, his case was overturned by an appeals court and another trial was ordered to be held in a higher court; the Supreme Court. When the case finally progressed and made it to trial for another round of litigation, the Supreme Court agreed with the previous appeals court decision and once again overturned the case, not only shocking the Savinon family, but also surprising the masses with a 13-page ruling which stemmed from the case.
The new Supreme Court ruling on hit-and-run cases is an eye-opener
This ruling is centered on a phrase which is far from a new concept in legal proceedings, but it deals with it in a way that no other hit-and-run case has before. While it may seem like Dorsett is unquestionably responsible for his actions and should be punished accordingly, the criminal proceedings involved have proven to continuously stump every courtroom it's entered until now. The ruling has now solidified that, at least in the state of the Florida, in order to prosecute anyone for a hit-and-run, you'll need reasonable proof to show that the alleged criminal had "actual knowledge" of their involvement in an accident. In other words, if it's not easily determinable that the hitter-and-runner knew (or should have known) that they hit-and-ran, the case is unlikely to proceed.
The controversy behind this new ruling is the mere fact that it sounds relatively unfair. When it's put plainly, it sounds as if it would be nearly impossible to provide such proof, as no one is ever prepared for an accident, and even less prepared for a hit-and-run accident. However, it's actually a very logical way for Florida courts to go about it. The "proof" required by these courts doesn't have to be a gilded photograph with the driver admitting fault. Instead, it could be something as simple a damaged bumper on the car that fled the scene. With that said, if a vehicle has blatant damage, it's likely to be more than enough proof to continue with criminal prosecution. After all, how could a driver be involved in a collision that leaves his vehicle physically damaged, but still be unaware? Furthermore, if a driver is truly incapable of determining when he's been in an accident, they are unfit for motor vehicle operation. In a nutshell, Florida courts will now make sure that there's clear evidence that a driver knew (or should have known) they were involved in the accident at all. After that is determined, the case will either proceed as it normally would before this ruling, or be tossed away for lack of evidence on the prosecutor's part.
Where does this leave the Savinons?
What made this hit-and-run case involving Nicholas Savinon so unique is the fact that there was no damage on Dorsett's vehicle. On top of that, there were no skid marks on the road to signify an attempt to stop, and to authorities, it didn't appear he was attempting to necessarily "flee" the scene. Instead, he simply continued en route to his destination, seemingly unaffected by the devastating accident that occurred due to his actions (or inactions) behind him. Due to those reasons, this case has seen better days. However, the criminal repercussions that Dorsett must live with are the last things on the mind of the Savinon family. Instead, they spend their days proud of their recovering son, now 22, who has made amazing progress since the accident. He has recently landed a part-time job at a Publix supermarket and continues to show health improvements.
It's hard to tell where the case will end up in the future, but as of now, the Savinons are focusing on appreciating the fragility of life. Dorsett is currently free until the case makes its way back around to lower courts again, but the affect that this new ruling will have on the rest of this case and every future Florida hit-and-run trial is to be determined soon. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident due to someone else's negligence, you may be eligible for significant financial compensation. To discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney for free, call Sibley Dolman Gipe Accident Injury Lawyers, PA today at 727-451-6900.
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/auto-accidents-attorneys/


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/**
 * Game
 * ----
 * Manages a game, including the two teams, their AIs and players.
 *
 * Calculation and AI-update intervals
 * -----------------------------------
 * These intervals are stored in seconds, though these are really
 * 'virtual' intervals in game-time, and may be run much faster than
 * real time.
 *
 * Calculations may be done more frequently than player-AI updates, to
 * make sure that no events are missed.
 */
var util = require('util');
var Team = require('./Team');
var TeamState = require('./TeamState');
var Player = require('./Player');
var PlayerState_Static = require('./PlayerState_Static');
var Ball = require('./Ball');
var GameState = require('./GameState');
var Pitch = require('./Pitch');
var GSM_Manager = require('./GSM_Manager');
var GSM_ConfigureAbilities = require('./GSM_ConfigureAbilities');
var GSM_Kickoff = require('./GSM_Kickoff');
var UtilsLib = require('../utils');
var Logger = UtilsLib.Logger;
var Utils = UtilsLib.Utils;
var Random = UtilsLib.Random;
var CWCError = UtilsLib.CWCError;
var AIUtilsLib = require('../ai_utils');
var MessageUtils = AIUtilsLib.MessageUtils;
var GameUtils = require('./GameUtils');

/**
 * @constructor
 */
function Game(ai1, ai2, gameOverCallback) {
    // The AI-wrappers...
    this._ai1 = ai1;
    this._ai2 = ai2;
    ai1.setGame(this);
    ai2.setGame(this);

    // The game-over callback...
    this._gameOverCallback = gameOverCallback;

    // The GUIWebSocket, to send updates to the GUI...
    this.guiWebSocket = null;

    // Used with decisions that have a random element...
    this._random = new Random();

    // The game state...
    this.state = new GameState();

    // Holds the dimensions of the pitch...
    this.pitch = new Pitch();

    // The ball...
    this.ball = new Ball();

    // Whether we go to sudden-death if a game is a draw...
    this.suddenDeath = false;
    this._inSuddenDeathPhase = false;

    // Indicates whether the game is over.
    // This can be set if the game terminates unexpectedly. For example,
    // by one of the AIs crashing...
    this._gameOver = false;

    // The interval in seconds between calculation updates.
    // This includes the 'physics' of player and ball movement
    // as well as player interactions (such as tackling) and other
    // game events...
    this._calculationIntervalSeconds = 0.01;

    // The interval in seconds between updates / requests being
    // sent to the AIs...
    this._aiUpdateIntervalSeconds = 0.1;

    // The length of the game in seconds...
    this._gameLengthSeconds = 1.0 * 60.0;
    this._halfTimeSeconds = this._gameLengthSeconds / 2.0;

    // The maximum total ability in each category...
    this.maxTotalAbility = 400;

    // The time from the previous time we processes the game-loop.
    // This is used to determine when half-time has occurred.
    this._previousCalculationTimeSeconds = 0.0;

    // 1.0 plays in real-time, 0.0 plays as fast-as-possible...
    this._turnRate = 1.0;

    // After a player taking possession, there is a grace period of
    // a number of turns before another player can take possession...
    this._gracePeriodTurns = 1;
    this._gracePeriodTurnsRemaining = 0;

    // If the ball has been in the goal area too long, we consider this
    // to be timewasting. After this number of seconds, the ball is
    // "teleported" outside the area...
    this.goalAreaTimewastingLimitSeconds = 20.0;

    // When playing in real-time mode, we keep a track of the time each
    // turn was played, to try to keep as close to real-time as possible...
    this._previousTurnTime = process.hrtime();

    // We create the teams and the _players...
    this.createTeams(this._ai1, this._ai2);

    // The game-state-machine (GSM) that manages game events and transitions.
    // Note: This has to be done after creating the teams.
    this._gsmManager = new GSM_Manager();
    this._ai1.setGSMManager(this._gsmManager);
    this._ai2.setGSMManager(this._gsmManager);
}

/**
 * play
 * ----
 * Starts a new game.
 */
Game.prototype.play = function() {
    // We send some events to the AIs at the start of the game...
    this.sendEvent_GameStart();
    this._sendEvent_TeamInfo();

    // We set the initial game state...
    this._gsmManager.setState(new GSM_ConfigureAbilities(this));

    // We start to play...
    this.onTurn();
};

/**
 * createTeams
 * -----------
 * Creates the teams and the players.
 */
Game.prototype.createTeams = function(ai1, ai2) {
    // We create the two teams...
    this._team1 = new Team(ai1, 1);
    this._team2 = new Team(ai2, 2);
    ai1.setTeamNumber(1);
    ai2.setTeamNumber(2);

    // We set the direction they are playing...
    this._team1.setDirection(TeamState.Direction.RIGHT);
    this._team2.setDirection(TeamState.Direction.LEFT);

    // We create the _players and assign them to the teams...
    this._players = [];
    var playerNumber = {value: 0};
    this.addPlayersToTeam(this._team1, playerNumber);
    this.addPlayersToTeam(this._team2, playerNumber);
};

/**
 * addPlayersToTeam
 * ----------------
 * Adds players and the goalkeeper to the team passed in.
 */
Game.prototype.addPlayersToTeam = function(team, playerNumber) {
    // We add the _players...
    for(var i=0; i<Team.NUMBER_OF_PLAYERS; ++i) {
        var player = new Player(playerNumber.value, PlayerState_Static.PlayerType.PLAYER, team);
        this._players.push(player);
        team.addPlayer(player);
        playerNumber.value++;
    }

    // And the goalkeeper...
    player = new Player(playerNumber.value, PlayerState_Static.PlayerType.GOALKEEPER, team);
    this._players.push(player);
    team.addPlayer(player);
    playerNumber.value++;
};

/**
 * getPlayer
 * ---------
 * Returns the player with the number passed in.
 */
Game.prototype.getPlayer = function(playerNumber) {
    return this._players[playerNumber];
};

/**
 * onTurn
 * ------
 * This is the main function of the "game loop", and is called for
 * each turn or time-slice of the game.
 */
Game.prototype.onTurn = function() {
    // We log the game time...
    var message = util.format('Time: %d\tscore: %d:%d',
        this.state.currentTimeSeconds.toFixed(4),
        this._team1.state.score,
        this._team2.state.score);
    Logger.log(message, Logger.LogLevel.INFO);
    Logger.indent();

    // We update the game state - kicking, moving the ball and players etc...
    this.calculate();

    // We check game events - goals, end-of-half etc...
    this._checkGameEvents();

    // Now that we've updated positions and events, we see if this
    // has changed the game state...
    this._gsmManager.checkState();

    // We perform actions specific to the current state.
    // This includes sending requests to the AIs...
    this._gsmManager.onTurn();
};

/**
 * playNextTurn
 * ------------
 * Called (usually by one of the GSM states) when we can play the next turn.
 */
Game.prototype.playNextTurn = function () {
    Logger.dedent();

    // We check if some external even has already finished the game.
    // This can happen, for example, if one of the AI processes crashes.
    if(this._gameOver) {
        return;
    }

    // Has the game ended? The game is over if any of these is true:
    // - Time is up and we are not playing sudden-death
    // - Time is up and we have a winner (regardless of playing sudden death)
    var afterNormalTime = this.state.currentTimeSeconds >= this._gameLengthSeconds;
    var gameIsDrawn = (this._team1.state.score === this._team2.state.score);
    if((afterNormalTime && !this.suddenDeath) || (afterNormalTime && !gameIsDrawn)
) {
        this.onGameOver();
        return;
    }

    // If normal-time has ended, we may need to go into the sudden-death
    // phase, if the game is currently drawn...
    if(afterNormalTime && this.suddenDeath && gameIsDrawn && !this._inSuddenDeathPhase) {
        this._inSuddenDeathPhase = true;
        this.sendEvent({eventType: "SUDDEN_DEATH"}, false, true);
    }

    // We may need to wait a bit before playing the next turn...
    var intervalMicros = this._aiUpdateIntervalSeconds * 1000000.0 * this._turnRate;
    for(;;) {
        var timeSincePreviousTurn = process.hrtime(this._previousTurnTime);
        var timeSincePreviousTurnMicros = timeSincePreviousTurn[0] * 1000000.0 + timeSincePreviousTurn[1] / 1000.0;
        if(timeSincePreviousTurnMicros >= intervalMicros) {
            break;
        }
    }
    this._previousTurnTime = process.hrtime();

    // We play the next turn...
    var that = this;
    setImmediate(function() {
        that.onTurn();
    });
};

/**
 * onGameOver
 * ----------
 * Called when the game is over.
 */
Game.prototype.onGameOver = function() {
    Logger.log("Game over!", Logger.LogLevel.INFO);

    // We send a message to the GUI to display the result.
    // This is not sent to the AIs, as many may not support the event.
    var team1Score = this._team1.state.score;
    var team2Score = this._team2.state.score;
    if(team1Score > team2Score) {
        var result = this._team1.getName() + " wins!";
    } else if(team2Score > team1Score) {
        var result = this._team2.getName() + " wins!";
    } else {
        var result = "Draw";
    }
    var event = this.getDTO(true);
    event.eventType = "GAME_OVER";
    event.result = result;
    this.sendEvent(event, false, true);

    // We clean up...
    this._ai1.dispose();
    this._ai2.dispose();
    this._gameOver = true;
    if(this._gameOverCallback) {
        this._gameOverCallback();
    }
};

/**
 * calculate
 * ---------
 * Calculates new positions of _players and takes actions, based
 * on the current game time.
 */
Game.prototype.calculate = function() {
    // To calculate the next game state, we:
    // - Perform actions (tackling, kicking).
    // - Move the ball.
    // - Turn and/or move players to their new positions.
    // - Check game event (goals, half-time etc)

    // We reduce the grace-period turns if they are in force...
    if(this._gracePeriodTurnsRemaining > 0) {
        this._gracePeriodTurnsRemaining--;
    }

    // We calculate multiple times to smooth out the movement, and
    // make it more likely for players to be able to tackle and take
    // possession of the ball...
    var calculationTime = 0.0;
    var calculationIntervalSeconds = this.getCalculationIntervalSeconds();
    while(calculationTime < this._aiUpdateIntervalSeconds-0.000001) {
        // We update the game time and calculation time...
        this.state.currentTimeSeconds += calculationIntervalSeconds;
        calculationTime += calculationIntervalSeconds;

        // We see if any players can take possession of the ball or tackle...
        this.calculate_takePossession();

        // We move the players...
        this._team1.processActions(this);
        this._team2.processActions(this);

        // We move the ball...
        this.ball.updatePosition(this);

        // We check for game events...
        this._checkGameEvents();
    }
};

/**
 * calculate_takePossession
 * ------------------------
 * Checks if any player can take possession of the ball.
 */
Game.prototype.calculate_takePossession = function() {
    // If we are in the grace period, no-one can take possession...
    if(this._gracePeriodTurnsRemaining > 0) {
        return;
    }

    if (this.ball.state.controllingPlayerNumber === -1) {
        // No-one has the ball, so players can try to take possession...
        this.calculate_takePossession_freeBall();
    } else {
        // Someone has the ball, so players can try to tackle...
        this.calculate_takePossession_tackle();
    }
};

/**
 * calculate_takePossession_freeBall
 * ---------------------------------
 * Checks if any of the players can take possession of the ball.
 *
 * If more than one wants to take possession, we have to decide
 * between them.
 */
Game.prototype.calculate_takePossession_freeBall = function() {
    // We look through the players to find whether they want to take
    // possession, and their probability of doing so...
    var players = [];
    this._players.forEach(function(player) {
        // We get the probability of taking possession...
        var probability = player.getProbabilityOfTakingPossession(this);

        // And see if they actually could get it...
        var random = this._random.nextDouble();
        if(random <= probability) {
            players.push(player);
        }
    }, this);

    // Are there any players who can take possession?
    if(players.length === 0) {
        return;
    }

    // We've now got a collection of players who could take possession
    // of the ball, so we pick one who actually gets it...
    var index = Math.floor(this._random.nextDouble() * players.length);
    var playerWhoGetsBall = players[index];
    this.giveBallToPlayer(playerWhoGetsBall);
    playerWhoGetsBall.clearAction();

    // We log the taking possession...
    Logger.log('Player ' + playerWhoGetsBall.staticState.playerNumber + ' takes possession.', Logger.LogLevel.DEBUG);

    // We stop further players taking possession this turn...
    this._clearTakePossessionActions();

    // We start the grace period...
    this._gracePeriodTurnsRemaining = this._gracePeriodTurns + 1;
};

/**
 * calculate_takePossession_tackle
 * -------------------------------
 * Checks if any player can tackle the player with the ball.
 */
Game.prototype.calculate_takePossession_tackle = function() {
    // We look through the players to find whether they want to tackle,
    // and their probability of successfully doing so...
    var playerWithBall = this.getPlayer(this.ball.state.controllingPlayerNumber);
    var players = [];
    this._players.forEach(function(player) {
        // We get the probability of successfully tackling...
        var probability = player.getProbabilityOfSuccessfulTackle(this, playerWithBall);

        // And see if they actually could get it...
        var random = this._random.nextDouble();
        if(random <= probability) {
            players.push(player);
        }
    }, this);

    // Are there any players who can successfully tackle?
    if(players.length === 0) {
        return;
    }

    // We've now got a collection of players who could successfully tackle,
    // so we pick one who actually gets it...
    var index = Math.floor(this._random.nextDouble() * players.length);
    var playerWhoGetsBall = players[index];
    this.giveBallToPlayer(playerWhoGetsBall);
    playerWhoGetsBall.clearAction();

    // We log the tackle...
    Logger.log('Player ' + playerWhoGetsBall.staticState.playerNumber + ' successfully tackles.', Logger.LogLevel.DEBUG);

    // We stop further players taking possession this turn...
    this._clearTakePossessionActions();

    // We start the grace period...
    this._gracePeriodTurnsRemaining = this._gracePeriodTurns + 1;
};

/**
 * _clearTakePossessionActions
 * ---------------------------
 * Clears the TAKE_POSSESSION action from all players.
 */
Game.prototype._clearTakePossessionActions = function() {
    this._players.forEach(function(player) {
        player.clearTakePossessionAction();
    });
};

/**
 * checkForGoal
 * ------------
 * Called when the ball has bounced off one of the goal lines. We check if
 * a goal has been scored.
 *
 * 'goalLine' is the x-value of the goal line that the ball bounced off.
 */
Game.prototype.checkForGoal = function(position1, position2, goalLine) {
    // We find the crossing point (y-value) where the ball bounced...
    var pitch = this.pitch;
    var crossingPoint = Utils.crossingPoint(position1, position2, goalLine);
    if(crossingPoint < pitch.goalY1 || crossingPoint > pitch.goalY2) {
        // The crossing point was outside the goalposts...
        return;
    }

    // A goal was scored. We need to work out which team scored it...
    var team1Direction = this._team1.state.direction;
    var team2Direction = this._team2.state.direction;
    var scoringTeam = null;
    if(goalLine === 0.0 && team1Direction === TeamState.Direction.LEFT) {
        scoringTeam = this._team1;
    } else
    if(goalLine === 0.0 && team2Direction === TeamState.Direction.LEFT) {
        scoringTeam = this._team2;
    } else
    if(goalLine === pitch.width && team1Direction === TeamState.Direction.RIGHT) {
        scoringTeam = this._team1;
    } else
    if(goalLine === pitch.width && team2Direction === TeamState.Direction.RIGHT) {
        scoringTeam = this._team2;
    }

    // We update the score, send an event, and start the kickoff...
    scoringTeam.state.score++;
    var teamToKickOff = (scoringTeam === this._team1) ? this._team2 : this._team1;
    this.sendEvent_Goal();
    this._gsmManager.setState(new GSM_Kickoff(this, teamToKickOff))
};

/**
 * _checkGameEvents
 * ----------------
 * Checks game events such as end of half-time and so on,
 * and updates the game-state accordingly.
 */
Game.prototype._checkGameEvents = function() {
    // We check for half-time...
    if(this._previousCalculationTimeSeconds < this._halfTimeSeconds && this.state.currentTimeSeconds >= this._halfTimeSeconds) {
        // We tell the AIs that it's half time...
        this.sendEvent_HalfTime();

        // Team 2 kicks off...
        this._team1.setDirection(TeamState.Direction.LEFT);
        this._team2.setDirection(TeamState.Direction.RIGHT);
        this._gsmManager.setState(new GSM_Kickoff(this, this._team2));
    }
    this._previousCalculationTimeSeconds = this.state.currentTimeSeconds;
};

/**
 * getCalculationIntervalSeconds
 * -----------------------------
 * Returns the time in (game) seconds since the previous calculation.
 */
Game.prototype.getCalculationIntervalSeconds = function() {
    return this._calculationIntervalSeconds;
};

/**
 * getDTO
 * --------------
 * Gets the DTO which we pass to the GUI.
 */
Game.prototype.getDTO = function(publicOnly) {
    var DTO = {
        game: this.state,
        ball: this.ball.state,
        team1: this._team1.getDTO(publicOnly),
        team2: this._team2.getDTO(publicOnly)
    };
    return DTO;
};

/**
 * getTeam1
 * --------
 */
Game.prototype.getTeam1 = function() {
    return this._team1;
};

/**
 * getTeam2
 * --------
 */
Game.prototype.getTeam2 = function() {
    return this._team2;
};

/**
 * giveAllPlayersMaxAbilities
 * --------------------------
 * Used when testing.
 */
Game.prototype.giveAllPlayersMaxAbilities = function() {
    this._players.forEach(function(player) {
        player.staticState.runningAbility = 100.0;
        player.staticState.kickingAbility = 100.0;
        player.staticState.ballControlAbility = 100.0;
        player.staticState.tacklingAbility = 100.0;
    });
};

/**
 * sendEvent
 * ---------
 * Sends the event to both AIs and to the GUI.
 */
Game.prototype.sendEvent = function(event, sendToAIs, sendToGUI) {
    // We get the JSON version of the event...
    var jsonEvent = MessageUtils.getEventJSON(event);

    // We send the event to both AIs...
    if(sendToAIs) {
        this._team1.getAI().sendData(jsonEvent);
        this._team2.getAI().sendData(jsonEvent);
    }

    // And to the GUI...
    if( sendToGUI && this.guiWebSocket !== null) {
        this.guiWebSocket.broadcast(jsonEvent);
    }

    Logger.log('SENT EVENT: ' + jsonEvent, Logger.LogLevel.DEBUG);
};

/**
 * sendEvent_GameStart
 * -------------------
 * Sends the game-start event to both AIs.
 */
Game.prototype.sendEvent_GameStart = function() {
    var event = {
        eventType:"GAME_START",
        pitch: this.pitch,
        gameLengthSeconds: this._gameLengthSeconds
    };
    this.sendEvent(event, true, true);
};

/**
 * _sendEvent_TeamInfo
 * -------------------
 * Sends team-info to the AIs. Each AI gets info about their own team.
 */
Game.prototype._sendEvent_TeamInfo = function() {
    this._team1.sendEvent_TeamInfo();
    this._team2.sendEvent_TeamInfo();
};

/**
 * sendEvent_StartOfTurn
 * ---------------------
 * Sends the game-state to the AIs.
 */
Game.prototype.sendEvent_StartOfTurn = function() {
    // We get the DTO and pass it to the AIs...
    var event = this.getDTO(true);
    event.eventType = "START_OF_TURN";
    this.sendEvent(event, true, true);
};

/**
 * sendEvent_Goal
 * --------------
 */
Game.prototype.sendEvent_Goal = function() {
    var event = this.getDTO(true);
    event.eventType = "GOAL";
    this.sendEvent(event, true, true);
};

/**
 * sendEvent_HalfTime
 * ------------------
 */
Game.prototype.sendEvent_HalfTime = function() {
    this.sendEvent({eventType:"HALF_TIME"}, true, true);
};

/**
 * giveBallToPlayer
 * ----------------
 * Sets data in the player and game to give the player the ball.
 */
Game.prototype.giveBallToPlayer = function(player) {
    var playerDynamicState = player.dynamicState;
    var ballState = this.ball.state;

    // We take the ball from the current player (if there is one)...
    if(ballState.controllingPlayerNumber !== -1) {
        var previousPlayer = this.getPlayer(ballState.controllingPlayerNumber);
        previousPlayer.dynamicState.hasBall = false;
    }

    // We give the new player the ball...
    playerDynamicState.hasBall = true;

    // We tell the ball that it is owned by the new player...
    ballState.controllingPlayerNumber = player.getPlayerNumber();
    ballState.position.copyFrom(playerDynamicState.position);

    // We set the ball's speed and vector to zero. (They are not really zero as the
    // ball moves with the controlling player. But they are not whatever they previously
    // were.)
    ballState.speed = 0.0;
    ballState.vector.x = 0.0;
    ballState.vector.y = 0.0;
};

/**
 * clearAllActions
 * ---------------
 * Sets the action for all players to NONE.
 */
Game.prototype.clearAllActions = function() {
    this._players.forEach(function(player) {
        player.clearAction();
    });
};

/**
 * setDefaultKickoffPositions
 * --------------------------
 */
Game.prototype.setDefaultKickoffPositions = function() {
    this.ball.setPosition(this.pitch.centreSpot);
    this._team1.setDefaultKickoffPositions(this.pitch);
    this._team2.setDefaultKickoffPositions(this.pitch);
};

/**
 * setGameState
 * ------------
 * Sets the (GSM) game state.
 */
Game.prototype.setGameState = function(gameState) {
    this._gsmManager.setState(gameState);
};

/**
 * setTurnRate
 * -----------
 * Sets the speed of turns as a proportion of real-time.
 * 1.0 = real-time
 * 0.0 = as-fast-as-possible
 */
Game.prototype.setTurnRate = function(turnRate) {
    this._turnRate = turnRate;
};

/**
 * Returns true if the ball is in one of the goal areas.
 */
Game.prototype.ballIsInGoalArea = function() {
    var ballPosition = this.ball.state.position;
    return GameUtils.positionIsInGoalArea(ballPosition);
};

/**
 * onAI1Died
 * ---------
 * Called if AI1's process has died.
 */
Game.prototype.onAI1Died = function() {
    this._team1.state.score = 0;
    this.onGameOver();
};

/**
 * onAI2Died
 * ---------
 * Called if AI2's process has died.
 */
Game.prototype.onAI2Died = function() {
    this._team2.state.score = 0;
    this.onGameOver();
};

// Exports...
module.exports = Game;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Gab Censored: Did the Free Market Fail Free Speech?
Gab, the Twitter alternative, has been censored. Pulled from its servers and refused service by other tech companies, Andrew Torba insists Gab will prevail. This episode looks at the challenges Big Tech (Google, Apple, Twitter, Facebook) is posing to free speech, and whether market controls may be necessary.
This video may contain copyrighted material; the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for the purposes of criticism, comment, review and news reporting which constitute the fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. Not withstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work for purposes such as criticism, comment, review and news reporting is not an infringement of copyright.


Can't believe its already been half a year! Everyone is still talking about how much fun our wedding was and how amazing you were! Again we just wanted to say a ginormous thank you! We really couldn't have done it without you!
Again, thank you so so so much, we had the best day and it was all because of you.


Benjamin Reinhart has a BS in Mathematics from the University of Maryland. His specialties are statistics and game theory and how they relate to interactive design.
As a Web Developer at Clinical Tools, Benjamin helps create and test serious games and applications that improve medical education and public health.
In his free-time, Benjamin designs and plays tabletop games.


text:
Q: include files which has same variable names A.php
define("_a_","hey!");

B.php
define("_a_","wow!");

index.php
function getFile($type) {
  include_once($type . ".php");
  echo _a_;
}

Calling getFile
getFile(A); //--> Output "hey!"
getFile(B); //--> Output "hey!" HERE IS THE PROBLEM, SHOULD ECHO "wow!"

Then I exchanged the order  of calling functions
getFile(B); //--> Output "wow!"
getFile(A); //--> Output "wow!" HERE IS THE PROBLEM, SHOULD ECHO "hey!"

Thanks for all helps

A: From the PHP official documentation:
bool define ( string $name , mixed $value [, bool $case_insensitive = false ] )

Defines a named CONSTANT at runtime.

So if it defines not changable value, that means you cannot change the value at runtime.
EDIT:
You can use variables to get data from included files. When you are including scripts you are basically creating new script with copy & pasted content from included file and executing that new script. Passing a variable from other script - PHP

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


As many of you already know, we're on a quest to reconnect as many children as possible with nature. We're working hard to find and secure new possible sites so that we can grow beyond our Wimbledon and Chiswick settings.
We know that lots of you are keen to learn more about the progress we're making, so we wanted to send you an update.
Following on from our last update, we're still committed to opening a nursery in Wandsworth and as some of you will already be aware, we have found an alternative indoor setting close to the original location.
We are once again engaging with Wandsworth council to reach an agreement to allow us to use Wandsworth Common as our forest area and are hoping to be open by the end of January 2017. We can't give a concrete opening date until we have fully secured an agreement with council but we are working as hard as we can on this. We will of course let parents know as soon as we do have a set opening date and then we can start to look at the waiting list, open days and enrolments.
We remain incredibly grateful for the support you've shown us with our attempts to open in Wandsworth and may ask you to demonstrate that support once again to Wandsworth council.
We are also planning a new setting in Fulham which we're excited about and if all goes to plan, we hope to open by mid October, although we don't plan to run half term holiday camp for the October half term. The nursery will be smaller than our Wimbledon setting, taking approximately 20 children each day making it similar in size to our Chiswick branch.
We will shortly be starting to actively promote the new setting and we'll also be looking at opening a waiting list, full details to follow soon. As always, we will give priority to any families that are already on any of our existing waiting lists. Keep updated on our progress.
We are exploring other locations in and around South London and as soon as we have any other possible sites, we'll let you know. Or if you know of any fantastic green spaces that would be perfect for some Little Forest Folk adventures, please let us know! We plan to offer sessional and full days to children aged 2 to 5 years across all of our nurseries, with a minimum attendance of at least two days each week.
We also plan to offer government funded places for 2 & 3 year olds across all our new nurseries, just as we do in both Wimbledon and Chiswick.
We're planning new settings, sign up so you are the first to know and keep updated on our waiting lists.
Older PostChiswick - Pirate ships!


text:
Light mode
The Godking's Legacy continues!
Hey everyone! I'm delighted to announce that volume 3 of The Godking's Legacy continues today! Vir, our original author, will be releasing daily chapters!
In volume 1, Lucia was a slave who found the sword of the Godking, and she became the strongest person in her world after doing some…things. (Read to find out)
In volume 2, people from the Immortal Continent invaded the world that Lucia lives in, which turns out to be a pocket realm (typical xianxia premise) that they use as a place to gain experience. Lucia...
Prodigal Alliance Head
Chapter 346.2: There's No One Inside
Chapter 346.2: There's No One InsideOriginal and most updated translations are on volare. If this is being found anywhere else, it has been stolen. Don't support theft. :)
Inwardly, Tang Doudou also gave a cold humph. She had never been an overly kind person, it was just that she had a conscience. Now that she had already delivered the warning, the rest had nothing to do with her.
Just as she reached the door, the waiter suddenly recalled something and shouted to stop her. "Aunt!"
Tang Doudou stopped. Since the waiter had rushed into the water to greet her, she didn't want this waiter to die from drowning like this. She turned back. "Little waiter, do you want to go with me?"
The waiter shook his head. "I've lived here for over ten years. I've seen water this high before, and no one has ever drowned. Aunt, you should just stay as well!"
"You're really not leaving?" Tang Doudou got straight to the point.
The waiter shook his head, then said, "Aunt, I won't go, but if you're going to, you should bring Uncle with you. Although he's severely ill…"
When he brought this up, Tang Doudou immediately cursed at herself for being stupid and forgetting about this.
However, there was no one inside the room, so how was she supposed to bring 'a person' with her?
After a brief moment of thought, Tang Doudou made a pained expression. "Look, I'm already so old. It's hard just for me to get myself out, to bring another person…"
The waiter had a pretty good impression of this aunt and was surprised to find out that she was actually this heartless. It really showed the truth of that saying, although a wife and husband were originally birds of the same forest, when calamity struck they would flee in separate directions!
The waiter sighed. "Aunt, if you leave, that uncle will definitely die here!"
At that point, there was no need to even worry about drowning. Since that uncle was heavily ill with an infectious disease, if no one was there to look after him, he'll definitely die.
Tang Doudou sighed. "I understand everything you said, but…"The waiter couldn't take it anymore. "Aunt, since you're insisting on leaving, you should bring the uncle with you!"
Tang Doudou exposed a troubled expression. The waiter gritted his teeth and said, "How about this? Since it's raining so hard, there probably wouldn't be any more guests. The guests in the inn are also resting right now, so I'll go ask the innkeeper to let me take a break, then I'll help send you guys out. How's that?"
Fudge, can't that! Send them out? Where was she supposed to find a person for him to send out?
A lot of the guests that had been woken up were now standing on the second floor corridor watching the waiter and Tang Doudou. The reason for it was simple. After being kept inside for so many days due to the rain, they were glad for any excuse to get out of their rooms for some air.
Quite a few of these people were of the martial arts circles, so if she didn't bring someone with her or they figured out that there was no one in the room, they might become curious about why she had been lying.
She still needed to stay in Green Maple City for a while, so that situation would be unfavorable.
"Fine, I'll go see the old man. If he wants to leave, I'll bring him with me. If he doesn't want to, then let him just stay here!" When she saw that the waiter's expression was becoming even worse and filled with contempt, she paused, then said, "If this place isn't flooded by tomorrow, I'll come back!"
"However, for the time being I'll have to trouble you to brew this medicine and bring it to the room along with the meals. Please put it inside through the small window next to the door."
The waiter thought about it, then said, "Alright, but make sure to come back!"
"Don't worry, as long as this inn isn't flooded, I'll definitely come back. After all, that's the companion I've spent over twenty years with. If it weren't for the fact that I still have an elderly mother at home and there's a child in my belly, I'd bring him along even if it meant certain death!" When she saw that the waiter was that kind-hearted, she resorted to appealing to his empathy. At the same time, she became even more vexed. Why was this waiter so stubborn? Why did he insist on staying here?
"So it was like that!" The waiter reacted with surprise and realization. He then patted his chest and said, "Aunt, don't worry, I'll definitely send the uncle his food and medicine on time!"
"En, but no matter what, don't go in. It'll be troublesome if you get infected!" Tang Doudou purposefully raised her volume. In ancient times, people avoided infectious diseases like they were snakes. Thus, after she said this, it was unlikely that anyone would dare to enter her room.
"I'll remember." The waiter then glanced at the pouring rain outside. "Aunt, why don't you wait until the rain lightens up a little before going? The rain's so heavy…"
"It's fine. I have to hurry and leave while the water is still not that deep. Little waiter ah, since you're so good-hearted, this old lady will be nosy just one last time. You should hurry and pack up to leave as well! If something actually ends up happening, it'd be too late for regret!" After she said that, she strode out of the inn without hesitation.
The waiter followed her to the inn's doors and saw that water was already overflowing the doorsteps. This had never happened before.
"Innkeeper, Innkeeper!" The waiter hastily ran back inside to tell the innkeeper about this.
The innkeeper went over to the door to take a look as well and frowned. He glanced up towards the sky. The rain showed no indication of coming to a stop. It was as if a hole had opened in the sky that was pouring water out nonstop.
"Waiter, hurry and call all the neighbors out to discuss what to do!" said the innkeeper.
The waiter asked in confusion, "Why should we discuss with them? They definitely wouldn't believe either."
"The more people, the more power. It's truly fortunate that the aunt earlier warned us. If it weren't for her, we might've closed the doors and gone to sleep… Aiy, there's no time. I'm going to go pack up, you should go call the people."
When the innkeeper said this, the people inside the inn immediately started reconsidering their decisions. Quite a few went to look outside too. When they saw that the situation didn't look optimistic, they went in to pack up their things in preparation to leave.
The waiter went to call the neighbors, then returned to the inn. As he watched the guests leave, his gaze landed on the room that Tang Doudou had stayed in.
"Ah! Aaah!!!"
"What are you screaming for? Let's go!" When the innkeeper saw that he was still inside that room and recalled that the aunt said her husband's illness was infectious, his face immediately paled.
The waiter ran out. As he pointed at the room behind him, he stammered, "I-in-innkeeper…"
"What is it? Spit it out already!"
"There's no one inside!" After the waiter said that, he ran downstairs. "It's completely empty, there's not a single person inside!"
"There's no one?" The innkeeper was confused for a moment, then he pulled the waiter over and quietly rebuked, "Silly fool! Isn't it better that there's no one there? Hurry up and help me pack up!"
The waiter scratched his head. He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that although there was supposed to be someone in there, there wasn't.
However, he was simple-minded, so he didn't think much into it and started helping the innkeeper pack.
Credits: Translated by Chiyomira
[Chiyomira's Corner]
Enjoy~
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text:
EGW WritingsReferenceBible
Pioneer Authors
PeriodicalsMisc TitlesRecent Authors
Jones, Alonzo Trevier
Andrews, John NevinsBates, JosephBliss, SylvesterBourdeau, Daniel T.Butler, George IdeCornell, Merritt E.Cottrell, Roswell FennerCrosier, Owen Russell LoomisDaniells, Arthur GrosvenorFitch, CharlesFoy, William EllisHale, ApollosHaskell, Stephen NelsonLitch, JosiahLoughborough, John NortonMagan, Percy TilsonMiller, WilliamPaulson, DavidPreble, Thomas MotherwellPrescott, William WarrenSmith, Annie RebekahSmith, RebekahSmith, UriahStephenson, James M.Storrs, GeorgeWaggoner, Ellet JosephWaggoner, Joseph HarveyWard, Henry DanaWhite, JamesWhiting, Nathaniel N.
The Signs of the Times, vol. 12
The "Abiding Sabbath" and the "Lord's Day"The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 54The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 55The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 56The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 58The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 59The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 60The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 61The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 66The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 69The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 71The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 72The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 73The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 74The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 75The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 76The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 77The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 78The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 79The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 80The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 81The American PapacyThe American Sentinel 1The American Sentinel 2The American Sentinel 3The American Sentinel 4The American Sentinel 5The American Sentinel 6The American Sentinel 7The American Sentinel 8The American Sentinel 9The American Sentinel 10The American Sentinel 11The American Sentinel 12The American Sentinel 13The American Sentinel 14The American Sentinel 15Appeal from the U. S. Supreme Court Decision Making this "A Christian Nation"Are There Any Protestants?Arguments on the Breckinridge Sunday BillAustralian Sentinel & Herald of Liberty, vol. 1Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, vol. 1Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, vol. 2Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, vol. 3Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, vol. 4Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, vol. 5Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, vol. 6Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, vol. 7The Bible Echo, vol. 8The Bible Echo, vol. 9The Bible Echo, vol. 10The Bible Echo, vol. 11The Bible Echo, vol. 12The Bible Echo, vol. 13The Bible Echo, vol. 14The Bible Echo, vol. 15The Bible Echo, vol. 16The Bible Echo, vol. 17Australasian Signs of the Times, vol. 18Australasian Signs of the Times, vol. 19The Signs of the Times, vol. 20The Signs of the Times, vol. 21Bible Questions and Answers Concerning ManBible Training School, vol. 4The Captivity of the RepublicChrist and the PhariseesThe Christian Educator, vol. 1Christian PatriotismThe Churches and the Public TreasuryCivil Government and ReligionCivil Government and ReligionCivil Government and ReligionThe Columbian Year and the Meaning of the Four CenturiesThe Coming of Our LordThe Consecrated Way to Christian PerfectionThe Daily Inter Ocean Articles"Due Process of Law" and The Divine Right of DissentThe Eastern QuestionEcclesiastical EmpireThe Edmunds ResolutionThe Empires of the Bible from the Confusion of Tongues to the Babylonian CaptivityAn Exposition of Matthew Twenty-Four on the Second Coming of ChristGeneral Conference Bulletin ArticlesGeneral Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 5General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 1General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4General Conference Bulletin, vol. 5The Gospel of Health, vol. 1The Gospel of Health, vol. 2The Great Empires of Prophecy, from Babylon to the Fall of RomeThe Great Nations of To-dayThe Home Missionary, vol. 1The Home Missionary, vol. 2The Home Missionary, vol. 3The Home Missionary, vol. 4The Home Missionary, vol. 5The Home Missionary, vol. 6The Home Missionary, vol. 9The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Immortality of the Soul, Is it a Scriptural Doctrine?Is Sunday the True Sabbath of God?Judicial Religious Legislation ExposedKansas Campmeeting SermonsLessons on FaithThe Life Boat, vol. 5The Life Boat, vol. 6The Limits of Civil AuthorityThe Marshaling of the NationsThe Medical Missionary, vol. 12The Medical Missionary, vol. 13The Medical Missionary, vol. 14The Medical Missionary, vol. 15The Medical Missionary, vol. 16The Medical Missionary, vol. 17The Medical Missionary, vol. 18The Missionary Magazine, vol. 11The Missionary Worker, vol. 7National Reform an AbsurdityNational Reform and the Rights of ConscienceNational Reform is Church and State [BSL]National Reform is Church and State [SL]The National Reformed Constitution and the American HierarchyNational Reformed PresbyterianismThe National Sunday Law [RLL]The National Sunday Law [SL18]The National Sunday Law [SL27]One-Man PowerPacific Union Recorder, vol. 1Pacific Union Recorder, vol. 2Pacific Union Recorder, vol. 3Partial Report of Hearing on Johnston Sunday Bill, S. 404The Peopling of the EarthThe Place of the Bible in EducationThe Present Truth, vol. 3The Present Truth, vol. 4The Present Truth, vol. 7The Present Truth, vol. 8The Present Truth, vol. 9The Present Truth, vol. 10The Present Truth, vol. 11The Present Truth, vol. 12The Present Truth, vol. 13The Present Truth, vol. 14The Present Truth, vol. 15The Present Truth, vol. 16The Present Truth, vol. 17The Present Truth, vol. 18The Present Truth, vol. 19The Puritan Sabbath for "Physical Rest"The Puritan Sabbath for "Physical Rest" [Australian]Religion and the Public SchoolsRev. W. F. Crafts Against the Editors of the American SentinelThe Rights of the PeopleShall Religion Be Taught in the Public Schools?The Signs of the Times ArticlesThe Signs of the Times, vol. 3The Signs of the Times, vol. 4The Signs of the Times, vol. 8The Signs of the Times, vol. 9The Signs of the Times, vol. 10The Signs of the Times, vol. 11The Signs of the Times, vol. 13The Signs of the Times, vol. 14The Signs of the Times, vol. 15The Signs of the Times, vol. 16The Signs of the Times, vol. 17The Signs of the Times, vol. 18The Signs of the Times, vol. 20The Signs of the Times, vol. 21The Signs of the Times, vol. 22The Signs of the Times, vol. 23The Signs of the Times, vol. 24The Signs of the Times, vol. 25The Signs of the Times, vol. 26The Signs of the Times, vol. 27The Signs of the Times, vol. 28The Signs of the Times, vol. 29The Signs of the Times, vol. 31The Southern Review, vol. 10The Southern Watchman, vol. 12The Southern Watchmen, vol. 13The Southern Watchmen, vol. 14The Southern Sentinel and Herald of Liberty, vol. 2The Southern Sentinel and Herald of Liberty, vol. 3Sunday LegislationThe Topeka Daily Capital, vol. 11Tremont Temple LecturesThe Two Republics, or Rome and the United States of AmericaUnion Conference Record, vol. 1Union Conference Record, vol. 3Union Conference Record, vol. 4Union Conference Record, vol. 5Union Conference Record, vol. 6The Union of Church and State in the United StatesUrge Separation Church and StateViews of National Reform, Series One"We Would See Jesus"What is Patriotism in the United States?The World's Greatest Issues: Military, Diplomatic, Religious
January 7, 1886January 14, 1886January 21, 1886January 28, 1886February 4, 1886February 11, 1886February 18, 1886February 25, 1886March 4, 1886March 11, 1886March 18, 1886March 25, 1886April 1, 1886April 8, 1886April 15, 1886April 22, 1886May 6, 1886May 13, 1886May 20, 1886May 27, 1886June 3, 1886June 10, 1886June 17, 1886June 24, 1886July 1, 1886July 8, 1886July 15, 1886July 22, 1886August 5, 1886August 12, 1886August 19, 1886August 26, 1886September 2, 1886September 9, 1886September 16, 1886September 23, 1886September 30, 1886October 7, 1886October 14, 1886October 21, 1886October 28, 1886November 4, 1886November 11, 1886November 18, 1886November 25, 1886December 2, 1886December 9, 1886December 16, 1886December 23, 1886December 30, 1886
"Establishment of the Vandals in Africa. (Concluded.)" The Signs of the Times 12, 29, p. 452.
(Concluded).
"BY the skill of Boniface, and perhaps by the ignorance of the Vandals, the siege of Hippo was protracted above fourteen months [A.D. 431]; the sea was continually open; and when the adjacent country had been exhausted by irregular rapine, the besiegers themselves were compelled by famine to relinquish their enterprise. The importance and danger of Africa were deeply felt by the regent of the West. Placidia implored the assistance of her eastern ally; and the Italian fleet and army were re-enforced by Asper, who sailed from Constantinople with a powerful armament. As soon as the force of the two empires was united under the command of Boniface, he boldly marched against the Vandals; and the loss of a second battle irretrievably decided the fate of Africa. He embarked with the precipitation of despair; and the people of Hippo were permitted, with their families and effects, to occupy the vacant place of the soldiers, the greatest part of whom were either slain or made prisoners by the Vandals. The count, whose fatal credulity had wounded the vitals of the republic, might enter the palace of Ravenna with some anxiety, which was soon removed by the smiles of Placidia. Boniface accepted with gratitude the rank of patrician, and the dignity of master-general of the Roman armies; but he must have blushed at the sight of those medals, in which he was represented with the name and attributes of victory.SITI July 29, 1886, page 452.1
"The discovery of his fraud, the displeasure of the empress, and the distinguished favor of his rival, exasperated the haughty and perfidious soul of Etius. He hastily returned from Gaul to Italy, with a retinue, or rather with an army, of barbarian followers; and such was the weakness of the government, that the two generals decided their private quarrel in a bloody battle. Boniface was successful; but he received in the conflict a mortal wound from the spear of his adversary, of which he expired [A.D. 433] within a few days, in such Christian and charitable sentiments, that he exhorted his wife, a rich heiress of Spain, to accept Etius for her second husband. But Etius could not derive any immediate advantage from the generosity of his dying enemy; he was proclaimed a rebel by the justice of Placidia; and though he attempted to defend some strong fortresses, erected on his patrimonial estate, the Imperial power soon compelled him to retire into Pannonia, to the tents of his faithful Huns. The republic was deprived, by their mutual discord, of the service of her two most illustrious champions.SITI July 29, 1886, page 452.2
"It might naturally be expected, after the retreat of Boniface, that the Vandals would achieve, without resistance or delay, the conquest of Africa. Eight years [A.D. 431-439] however, elapsed, from the evacuation of Hippo to the reduction of Carthage. In the midst of that interval, the ambitious Genseric, in the full tide of apparent prosperity, negotiated a treaty of peace, by which he gave his son Hunneric for a hostage; and consented to leave the Western emperor in the undisturbed possession of the three Mauritanias. This moderation, which cannot be imputed to the justice, must be ascribed to the policy, of the conqueror. His throne was encompassed with domestic enemies, who accused the baseness of his birth, and asserted the legitimate claims of his nephews, the sons of Gonderic. Those nephews, indeed, he sacrificed to his safety; and their mother, the widow of the deceased king, was precipitated, by his order, into the river Ampsaga. But the public discontent burst forth in dangerous and frequent conspiracies; and the warlike tyrant is supposed to have shed more Vandal blood by the hand of the executioner, than in the field of battle.SITI July 29, 1886, page 452.3
"The convulsions of Africa, which had favored his attack, opposed the firm establishment of his power; and the various seditions of the Moors and Germans, the Donatists and Catholics, continually disturbed, or threatened, the unsettled reign of the conqueror. As he advanced towards Carthage, he was forced to withdraw his troops from the Western provinces; the sea-coast was exposed to the naval enterprises of the Romans of Spain and Italy; and, in the heart of Numidia, the strong inland city of Corta still persisted in obstinate independence. These difficulties were gradually subdued by the spirit, the perseverance, and the cruelty of Genseric; who alternately applied the arts of peace and war to the establishment of his African kingdom. He subscribed a solemn treaty, with the hope of deriving some advantage from the term of its continuance, and the moment of its violation. The vigilance of his enemies was relaxed by the protestations of friendship, which concealed his hostile approach; and Carthage was at length surprised [A.D. 439, Oct. 9] by the Vandals, five hundred and eighty-five years after the destruction of the city and republic by the younger Scipio.SITI July 29, 1886, page 452.4
"A new city had arisen from its ruins, with the title of a colony; and though Carthage might yield to the royal prerogatives of Constantinople, and perhaps to the trade of Alexandria, or the splendor of Antioch, she still maintained the second rank in the West; as the Rome (if we may use the style of contemporaries) of the African world. That wealthy and opulent metropolis displayed, in a dependent condition, the image of a flourishing republic. Carthage contained the manufactures, the arms, and the treasures of the six provinces. A regular subordination of civil honors gradually ascended from the procurators of the streets and quarters of the city, to the tribunal of the supreme magistrate, who, with the title of proconsul, represented the state and dignity of a consul of ancient Rome. Schools and gymnasia were instituted for the education of the African youth; and the liberal arts and manners, grammar, rhetoric, and philosophy, were publicly taught in the Greek and Latin languages. The buildings of Carthage were uniform and magnificent; a shady grove was planted in the midst of the capital; the new port, a secure and capacious harbor, was subservient to the commercial industry of citizens and strangers; and the splendid games of the circus and theater were exhibited almost in the presence of the barbarians.SITI July 29, 1886, page 452.5
"The reputation of the Carthaginians was not equal to that of their country, and the reproach of Punic faith still adhered to their subtle and faithless character. The habits of trade, and the abuse of luxury, had corrupted their manners; but their impious contempt of monks, and the shameless practice of unnatural lusts, are the two abominations which excite the pious vehemence of Salvian, the preacher of the age. The king of the Vandals severely reformed the vices of a voluptuous people; and the ancient, noble, ingenuous freedom of Carthage (these expressions of Victor are not without energy) was reduced by Genseric into a state of ignominious servitude. After he had permitted his licentious troops to satiate their rage and avarice, he instituted a more regular system of rapine and oppression. An edict was promulgated, which enjoined all persons, without fraud or delay, to deliver their gold, silver, jewels, and valuable furniture or apparel, to the royal officers; and the attempt to secrete any part of their patrimony was inexorably punished with death and torture, as an act of treason against the state. The lands of the proconsular province, which formed the immediate district of Carthage, were accurately measured, and divided among the barbarians; and the conqueror reserved for his peculiar domain the fertile territory of Byzacium, and the adjacent parts of Numidia and Getulia."—Dec. and Fall, chap. 33, par. 11-14.SITI July 29, 1886, page 452.6
Thus the kingdom of the Vandals was permanently fixed in Africa, where it remained as long as it was a kingdom at all, and as long as the Vandals were a nation.SITI July 29, 1886, page 452.7
"Restoration of the Papacy" The Signs of the Times 12, 29, pp. 455, 456.
IN Daniel 7:21, 22, we read: "I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom." These are the closing words of Daniel's inquiry of the angel about the truth of the fourth beast, and of the horns which were in his head, and of the other one before whom three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots, and they apply to that one of which he said he had a mouth which spoke great things, and whose look was more stout than his fellows.SITI July 29, 1886, page 455.1
The specifications that are given in regard to this power are such that they absolutely fix to the Papacy the application of the prophecy. It is established after the development of the ten kingdoms, and upon the ruin of three of them; it speaks great words against the Most High; it wears out the saints of the Most High; thinks "to change the times and the law" of the Most High; and this dominion and power were to be held for "a time and times, and half a time,"—1260 years,—when the dominion should be taken away. But though the dominion was to be taken away "to consume and to destroy it unto the end," it appears that the power of persecution,—of making war upon the saints,—is only checked, or suspended, for a season, because, says the prophet, "The same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High."SITI July 29, 1886, page 455.2
Now, according to Revelation 20:4; 1 Corinthians 6:3, and 4:5, judgment is not given to the saints in this life, but in the life to come. Revelation 20:4 says: "I saw thrones, and they [the "much people in Heaven," chap. 19:1-8] sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them; ... and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3 says: "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?" 1 Corinthians 4:5 says: "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God." From these texts it is plain that the judgment that is given to the saints is a judgment both of the world and of angels (the evil angels); that it does not pertain to this life; that it is with Christ in Heaven, where they reign with him a thousand years; and that it is given to the saints at the coming of the Lord. This is made emphatic by the closing words of Daniel, quoted above: War was made with the saints till judgment was given them and till "the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom."SITI July 29, 1886, page 455.3
As the Papacy has not for some time made, and is not now making, war upon the saints, and as the word of God declares that he does make war upon them at the time when they possess the kingdom, which is at the coming of the Lord, therefore it seems clear according to the prophecy that there is to be a revival of the persecuting power of the Papacy. This view is confirmed by the parallel scripture in Revelation 13. There it is said of this same power: "I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed." Verse 3. And in verse 10 it is said of him: "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity." In 1798 A.D., at the end of the 1260 years of its supremacy, the Papacy was abolished, and the Pope, Pius VI., carried into captivity, where he died the next year. There was given the deadly wound. In 1800 the dead wound was healed by the restoration of the Papacy in Pope Pius VII., but with its power greatly reduced; for then began the taking away of his dominion, which never ceased till the last vestige of it was swallowed up by Victor Emanuel in 1870.SITI July 29, 1886, page 455.4
As the light of the Reformation and its principles of liberty, civil and religious, gained in power among the nations, the persecuting power of the Papacy faded away. In the closing years of the sixteenth century, and the beginning of the seventeenth, the persecuting power of the Papacy was at its height, and was almost resistless. "That England, Germany, and the Scandinavian kingdoms escaped the doom of Italy and Spain is one of the marvels of history." In the latter part of the seventeenth century, the average yearly number of victims gradually diminished; but as the numbers were enormous, the yearly average could gradually diminish for a great many years before the dreadful work finally ceased. Napoleon crushed the Inquisition, and destroyed its prisons wherever he came across them, but they were afterward renewed. It was after the middle of the nineteenth century before persecution entirely ceased; and it was not till the occupation of Rome, in 1870, drove the Papacy and the Inquisition into the Vatican, that men felt secure.SITI July 29, 1886, page 455.5
Yet it is after the captivity, after the healing of the deadly wound, after the taking away of his dominion, that the Scripture says, "All that dwelt upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Revelation 13:8. And it is just at the time when this power went into captivity, 1798, that the prophet sees another power arising, of which he says: "He exerciseth all the power of the first beast in his sight. And he maketh the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast whose death-stroke was healed." Thus there was seen a power arising which will exercise the power of the Papacy, in behalf of the Papacy, and which will compel people to obey the Papacy. This, power is called "the image to the beast." Verse 11. He causes the people to worship (obey) himself and the Papacy; in fact, the worship of himself will be the worship of the Papacy. And in the exercise of this power, he declares that no man may buy or sell save he who honors the Papacy, and even goes so far as to cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed." Verse 15.SITI July 29, 1886, page 455.6
That this is immediately preceding the coming of the Lord, is plain from Revelation 14:9-15. There it is said: "If any man worship the beast and his image.... the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixtures into the cup of his indignation." And immediately following this warning, it is said: "I looked, and behold a while cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap; for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped." Jesus himself said, "The harvest is the end of the world." These scriptures show that just before the end of the world all will be compelled, under pains and penalties, to honor and obey the papal power. And this corresponds exactly with Daniel's word that the "little horn" "made war with the saints" "till the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom." In view of these prophecies, we deem it certain that there will be a restoration of the Papacy to honor and power among the nations.SITI July 29, 1886, page 455.7
This we have believed for several years, and certain events which have occurred lately have greatly strengthened this belief. One of these, shown last week, if the voluntary humiliation of Prince Bismarck, and by him of Germany, before the Pope, and the way in which it is viewed, not only by the Papacy, but by others. In addressing him as "Sire," Bismarck certainly did recognize in the Pope the dignity of a sovereign. This is nothing else than the court address of a sovereign. This piece of diplomacy, followed so soon by the revision of the May Laws, really by the Pope himself, is but the practical demonstration of the truth of Bismarck's declaration that "In so far as I am concerned, I shall always seize—and with the greatest eagerness—every occasion offered me in the fulfillment of my duty toward my master and my country to manifest toward your Holiness my deep gratitude and my most humble devotion." And we believe that it is but one step, which will be followed by other nations toward the restoration of the Papacy. Indeed, it has been followed already by our own nation.SITI July 29, 1886, page 456.1
Mention has been made in these columns of the action of our Government in furnishing the Catholic committee a revenue cutter, flying the papal flag, at the reception of the papal messengers as they bore the papal trappings to Cardinal Gibbons. The request that was sent to the secretary of the Treasury was that the "usual courtesies" should be shown by the Government. In the term "usual courtesies" there was nothing else meant than the usual courtesies which one nation, or one sovereign, shows in the ambassadors of another. And, as before remarked, when our Government extended the usual courtesies to these messengers of the Pope, it did just what Germany has done—acknowledged the sovereignty of the Pope, and placed him on an equality with other sovereigns. This, too, in the plainest way; for mark, these messengers were not from the Pope to this Government; then there might have been some excuse for extending the usual courtesies; but they were simply messengers from the Pope to a private citizen of this country, and at this a Government vessel must be sent off, with the papal flag in the place of honor, and with orders to show "the usual courtesies"!SITI July 29, 1886, page 456.2
Nor is this all. In Italy itself there is a movement looking to a "reconciliation between the Vatican and the Italian Kingdom." The example of Germany is appealed to. The champion of the movement, Signor Achill Fazzari, declares that reconciliation with the Papacy "is the only means to make Italy great, and win respect." He has reason for the declaration too. It was only a short time ago that Bismarck said it was not worth while negotiating with the Italians, for they were "only a race of singers and dancers." Yet he negotiates with the Pope, thus holding the Papacy above the Italian Kingdom. Now Signor Fazzari argues that if the Italian Kingdom can only come to an understanding with the Pope, and obtain his good offices, then Bismarck will recognize the Italians, and will be willing to negotiate with them as well as with the Papacy. Thus he argues the absolute "necessity of an understanding with the Papacy," not only on behalf of Italy in itself, but in "its relations to other nations." He declares that "two hundred members" of the late Italian Parliament "would have lent their aid to an understanding with the Vatican if only some had led the way."SITI July 29, 1886, page 456.3
Next week, if the Lord will, we shall pursue this study further. This is an important subject and we ask our readers to give it careful attention. There is that in it which concerns every one.SITI July 29, 1886, page 456.4


text:
DARIN MIRANTE - Lead PASTOr
dmirante@firstchurch.me
Darin graduated from Cincinnati Christian University with a degree in counseling. He has served at First Church since 2001. He enjoys traveling with his wife, playing basketball, reading, coffee, and golf. Chipotle and March Madness are 2 more things he enjoys...but they deserve their own categories
Tommy Baker - Executive Pastor
tbaker@firstchurch.me
Tommy has served First Church as her executive pastor since 2005. He has served First Church in various roles since 1981. He is a 1981 graduate of Kentucky Christian College and received his M.A. from Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He loves golf (hacker status) and UK Basketball. Tommy has a passion for leading others to know, worship and serve Jesus Christ.
He and his wife Janet have two children, Seth and Hannah and have recently become grandparents with the addition of their granddaughter in 2011.
Josh brown - worship pastor
JBROWN@FIRSTCHURCH.ME
Josh has served at First Church since 2008. He graduated from Cincinnati Christian University where he met his wife Heidi. Heidi and Josh have three children.
Josh has the heart of an outdoorsman and loves to be out in the woods. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and shooting, and loves being a dad to his awesome kids.
chad caddell - teaching pastor
ccaddell@firstchurch.me
Chad serves as teaching pastor across our FC campuses. Chad received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Morehead State University as well as his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Xavier University. He is a frequent guest speaker at churches and events, with his greatest passion being engaging people who are far from God and seeing them connect in a relationship with Him.
L.D. Campbell - Pastor Emeritus
lcampbell@firstchurh.me
L. D. was the lead pastor at First Church of Christ for 38 years, beginning in 1972 after serving in ministry in several churches in Tennessee and Virginia. L.D. has written two books, The Lookout and The Christian Standard and serves on the boards of trustees of many organizations and missions across the world. He is largely responsible for the tremendous growth which First Church has enjoyed since his ministry began. He was bestowed with the title Pastor Emeritus in early 2018 in recognition of his contributions to First Church.
L.D. graduated from Johnson Bible College and earned a master's degree from the Cincinnati Bible Seminary. L.D is married to his lovely wife Joyce (Johnson Bible College class of 1963). They have two daughters, Jennifer Rhea Clause, and Jonnie Lea Faust, and four grandchildren.
L.D. continues to speak at First Church and other churches as a guest pastor.
Garry Clark - Union pastor
Gclark@firstchurch.me
Garry helps lead the Union campus. More than anything, he wants children, students, and families to see and experience the intersection of their story with Jesus' greater story. Garry was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Cincinnati Christian University and he and his family have served churches in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Louisville. Garry has been married to Amy since 2003 and have two children that are cool as heck. They also have a crazy English bulldog, Gus.
Gina Dugger - associate director of groups
Gdugger@firstchurch.me
Gina has been in ministry for over 25 years. She has done youth, college and women's ministry, but her passion is in the area of discipleship ministry. Gina loves walking beside others while they grow and develop in their walk with Christ.
Gina and her husband Duane are originally from San Diego. His job with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra moved them to the Cincinnati area in 1991. They have two grown children, Matthew and Ashley.
Michelle Gambrel - Kid's Academy Director
MGAMBREL@firstchurch.me
Michelle is the Director of Kid's Academy Christian Preschool. She has served at First Church since 2002. Michelle graduated from Conner High School in 1991 and received her bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services from NKU
She married her high school sweetheart in 1995, and they now reside in Burlington with two children and an "adopted" nephew. Michelle enjoys coaching basketball and playing taxi for her busy children!
Mark graham - ft. thomas campus pastor
mgraham@firstchurch.me
Mark is launching our location in the Ft Thomas/Bellevue area of NKY. His heart is to help people navigate their next steps with Jesus, whether it's taking their very first step or 100th step. Mark and his wife, Jess, have been married since 2001. They have 3 boys and a crazy dog. They are lovers of mountains, adventures, and exploring new places.
Brian Heckber - Outreach Pastor
BHECKBER@FIRSTCHURCH.ME
Brian has served at First Church since 2004 and serves in the areas of outreach, guest services and new members. He graduated from Cincinnati Christian University. He loves working in the yard and woodworking. He and his wife, Kelly have been married since 2000 and they have one daughter.
Katie Hiatt - Special needs ministry director
KHiatt@firstchurch.me
Katie and her family joined First Church in 2013. She lives in Union with her husband, Justin, and their four children. She has 18 years of elementary education experience, both in the classroom and as an administrator. Her undergraduate work was done at Thomas More University and she has a master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Her passion is educating and loving on all children. She loves spending time with her family.
Nick James - Burlington Campus Student Pastor
njames@firstchurch.me
Nick James has been with Student Ministry at First Church since 2015. He has a passion for teaching students the truths about the Bible and investing relationally into their lives. Nick is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Alex, and they both enjoy attending Reds games together. Nick loves disc golf, reading, and Chipotle!
Jenny Leach - Serve director
jleach@firstchurch.me
Jenny has had the privilege of working on several teams here at First Church since 2006. As the Serve Director, her Joy is to help people find their Sweet Spot in making an impact in the community. Jenny's excitement for engaging other's in serving is contagious!
She Lives in Florence with her husband and two beautiful daughters.
Rick Lowry - Spiritual Growth Pastor
rlowry@firstchurch.me
Rick's been spiritual growth pastor at First Church in Burlington KY since November of 2011. His favorite part of church is seeing people grow in small groups. He enjoys writing, reading thoughtful fiction (favorite C.S. Lewis), watching independent films (favorite "Lars and the Real Girl") and hanging out with his amazing wife, Becky. They have two children, Amanda and Bryant, who are, Rick says, two of the world's greatest children -- having inherited talent and character from their mom.
Eric MacDonalD - Worship pastor
emacdonald@firstchurch.me
Eric has been with First Church since May of 2011, after graduating from Cincinnati Christian University. Eric's passion is to create an atmosphere for energetic and genuine worship. He is happily married to his wife Jess and enjoys hockey, movie trivia, and an unhealthy amount of donuts!
Jeff Martin - director of pastoral care
JMARTIN@FIRSTCHURCH.ME
Jeff has been a member of First Church since 1965. He has served First Church as Deacon, Elder and currently as Director of Pastoral Care. Jeff and his wife Dee have been active in the choir as well as a stage singer in the Trio service. Jeff has had the privilege of serving on many mission trips and encourages others to go if at all possible. An avid UK fan he looks forward to many more banners being hung in Rupp Arena. In 2012 Jeff concluded a 37 year law enforcement career having retired as Captain at the Boone County Police, Asst. Chief at Northern Kentucky University and Parole Officer for the State of Kentucky by joining the staff at First Church. Jeff is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute and Northern Kentucky University. He married the love of his life, Dee in 1974 they have one daughter Dee Amber Overstreet and two granddaughters Vera and Violet, he would love to tell you about them!
Sheri Sautter - Union Campus CHILDREN'S Director
ssautter@FIRSTCHURCH.ME
Sheri has served as the Union's Children's Director since 2016. She has been married to her husband, Eli, for twelve years and has two beautiful children, Kayden (7) and Kendall (3). Sheri and her family have attended FCC since 2010. Her passion is leading children and seeing them learning and growing and developing impactful, lifelong relationships! Sheri has over fourteen years of teaching experience and working with children! Sheri has a Masters Degree in Education and is a Certified Child Life Specialist. She loves spending time with her precious family and friends making memories, serving our community, working out, being outdoors, reading, and traveling!
Lisa Sebald - DIRECTOR of Early chldhood
Lsebald@FIRSTCHURCH.ME
Lisa has been serving and attending First Church since 1999. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from NKU, and has been partnering with families and loving on children for 19 + years. Lisa has been married to her husband, Mike, for 30 years and they have three children, Austin, Jordan, and Kendall. Lisa is passionate for empowering our children to know God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever. She loves to spend time with family and friends and enjoys making wonderful memories, and being thankful for the love, laughter, and hope that comes from living life together in Him.
Eric Tripp Missions/Outreach Director
etripp@firstchurch.me
Eric has served at First Church since 2006. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and former missionary to the Philippines. He loves working in the yard and any reason to be outside. He and his beautiful wife, Diana, have a wonderful daughter and son.
Nate Verst - mens ministry & young adults
NVERST@FIRSTCHURCH.ME
Nate began work at First Church in 2014, shortly after completion of a degree in Biblical and Theological studies from Boyce College in Louisville. Nate's desire is to reach people with the gospel of Christ, to the glory of God. Nate is involved in life groups, young adults, men's ministry, prison ministry, and biblical counseling here at FC. He loves the outdoors, reading good books, and gardening. Nate has a wife and three children and is daily challenged by Philippians 2:3.
Jason west - Next Generation pastor
jwest@firstchurch.me
Jason started as the Union campus pastor in September, 2016. He & his wife Yvette have been members of First Church since 2006 and have attended the Union Campus since its opening in 2014. He and Yvette have been married for 20 years and have 2 daughters, Audrey and Eliza. Upon graduating from Kentucky Christian, Jason taught in middle-grades education for the next 20 years before coming to First Church.
Ralph Wilmhoff - Director of Operations
rwilmhoff@firstchurch.me
Ralph has been serving at FCC since July 2005 and graduated from CCU in 2000. He is married to Krista and has 3 kids, Katie, Sam and Michael
CINDY GAMBLE - OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
CGAMBLE@FIRSTCHURCH.ME
Cindy has been a member of First Church since 1974. She and her husband Bill were married at the old church on US 42, by Randy Snyder and have been married 45 years. They have two children, Brandy and Daniel and four grand-daughters. Over the years Cindy has been involved in Children's Church, co-leader of a Youth Group, leader in Joybell Choir, member of Guest Services, taught in Women's Bible Study, and been on a Mission Journey. Cindy now leads the Friendship Sunday School Class in all of its "fun" activities. Cindy retired from Banking in 2015 and came to work part-time at First Church in 2017. Cindy is an avid quilter and past president of the Stringtown Quilters Guild.
amy larsen - worship assistant
alarsen@firstchurch.me
Amy has served in Worship Ministries in various churches for the past 30 years, planning and leading worship services. She currently serves as the Worship Assistant to the Worship Pastor, assisting in the administration of people and services.
Mark Jensen - Facilities Maintenance
MJEnsen@firstchurch.me
Mark has been a member of FC since 2000, serving in Facilities Maintenance. Mark has been married to Dalynn (our Union Campus Administrator) since 1986 and he and Dalynn have two children, Jennifer and Daniel. Mark holds BS and MA degrees, is a retired 20-year veteran of the US Navy (Commanding Officer-Naval aviator) and currently is a pilot for Delta Airlines. He is also a very active leader in the Boy Scouts of America.
Liz Van Dyke - administrative Assistant
lvandyke@firstchurch.me
The Van Dyke family has been attending First Church, Burlington campus, since 2012. Chris and Liz were married in 2005 and have two wonderful children, Ana and William. Previously Liz worked in retail management, enjoyed being a stay at home mother, and indulged in the silence of the Kenton County Public Library reference desk before joining the church staff in August, 2016 as an Administrative Assistant providing support to the Outreach, Missions, and Serve Ministries. She enjoys time with family, baking and giving gifts.
Cheryl Dauwe - Receptionist
CDauwe@firstchurch.me
Cheryl is a member of First Church and has served as a greeter for 10 years. She has been working with First Church for 2 years and previously worked at Cengage Learning for 31 years. She has 2 boys, DJ & Robby, and 2 grandchildren, Kiana & Landon. Cheryl enjoys entertaining, reading and playing games, especially euchre which she has played with a group for 20+ years.
Andrea driskell - receptionist
adriskell@firstchurch.me
Andrea has served First Church as the Receptionist since 2010 and as a preschool teacher for Kids Academy since 2012. She has been a preschool teacher for over 16 years and is passionate about teaching children, especially about God. She and her husband Jim attend First Church's Trio services and are Members of Hebron Church of Christ, where they lead the Worship & Youth Programs. They have 3 sons, 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren.
Faye Wainscott - operations assistant
fwainscott@firstchurch.me
Faye has been serving in various ministries at First Church since helping to coordinate the Touching Tomorrow Today campaign in 1999. She retired as L.D. Campbell's assistant but rejoined the staff about a year later on a part-time basis working in the Operations area. Faye has been married to Blaine for 49 years and has three children – Rob, Allison and Stephanie.
Winnie Walston - Leadership ministry administration and office manager
wwalston@firstchurch.me
Winnie has the honor of working alongside wonderful, Godly people at First Church since July, 2001, as an assistant to Darin Mirante & Tommy Baker, along with being the Office Manager. She and her husband Doug, have attended First Church since 1973. Winnie has a love for God and His people and has been on several mission journeys and currently serves in the Women's Ministry. Her next greatest love is Doug, her children & grandchildren.
Donna Abner - Custodian
dabner@firstchurch.me
Donna has worked at First Church for 5yrs. and has been a member of First Church since 1987. Donna has a son Justin Abner. She comes from a big family has 5 sisters and one brother.
Dave Jump - Custodian
djump@firstchurch.me
Dave Jump has been an important and valued member of the First Church family since 1980. Dave is married to Sherrie and they are the parents of a daughter, Shanna.
Gary griesser - pastor and worship leader of the trio service
ggriesser@firstchurch.me
Gary Griesser is a lifetime resident of Burlington, Kentucky. He is a graduate of the Boone County School system, Georgetown College and The University Of Kentucky. He holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education and a Masters Degree in School Counseling and School Administration. He worked as a Professional Educator for 27 years then began a new career as a Motivational Speaker. He has made motivational presentations in 47 states.
Throughout his high school and college days, he worked in several churches as music and youth director. He joined the staff of First Church as Business Manager where he led two capital campaigns, over saw the construction of the First Center and has subsequent work at First Church as Construction Manager of the Baker Student Building. Gary is in his eighth year as pastor and worship leader of the Trio Service at First Church.
Gary has been an active member of the Florence Rotary Club for over 30 years.
Gary is married for nearly 53 years to Marie Dash. They have two sons: Keith and Kevin and seven wonderful grandchildren.
Evan Dallas - trio pianist
edallas@firstchurch.me
Evan Dallas has been interested in gospel music since he was a child. He carried around a Fisher Price tape player with his favorite recording....Gary Griesser singing patriotic songs! Only God knew the two of them would be working together at the Trio service years later. Evan enjoys fishing and traveling to warm places when it's not warm here. Praising God and helping others worship through his music is Evan's top priority and greatest joy.
Derek Gover - worship pastor
dgover@firstchurch.me
Derek has been a part of the First Church family since he was a kid. He graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2014 with a degree in worship ministries and a minor in student ministries. Aside from playing music, Derek spends his time weightlifting, riding his motorcycle, and fishing.
sarah sleet - director of children's ministry
ssleet@firstchurch.me
Sarah grew up in Florence, KY and is a graduate of Boone County High School, Cumberland College, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has a desire to share her love of studying the Word of God and has a passion for teaching children the importance of deciding to follow Jesus and knowing God through His Word. Sarah is also passionate about encouraging and equipping parents to be purposeful and intentional in the spiritual training of their children. She would describe herself as a kid-magnet and a baby-whisperer. She has a beloved cat named Coney and her favorite color is red.
Brittany Mockbee - student pastor - union campus
bmockbee@firstchurch.me
Brittany Mockbee has attended First Church her whole life and grew up through the Next Generation ministries here. She attended Johnson University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Intercultural Studies ESL Education and Bible. Brittany has spent time living and serving overseas with various missions. During her time abroad, God developed a love for the special needs community and a desire to serve those families. Before joining the staff at First Church, Brittany served in the student and mission ministries.


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David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, And Sarah Silverman Toast And Roast In Honor Of Joan Rivers
Aly Weisman
Sep 5, 2014 at 12:01 AM Sep 5, 2014 at 10:05 AM
The late night shows honored Joan Rivers last night after the 81-year-old comedian died Thursday.
In a heartfelt opening monologue, David Letterman called Joan "A real pioneer for other women looking for a career in comedy."
He continued by applauding Joan's work ethic and how she was always unapologetic:
"She worked about 300 dates a year, that's a lot of work and a lot of travel, and she was as funny today as she was when she first got into show business. Talk about guts, she would come out here and sit in this chair and say some things that were unbelievable, just where you would have to swallow pretty hard but they were hilarious. And she stood behind her jokes, and to my knowledge, would say these things and never apologize because her stance was, 'Hey, I'm a comedian, these are jokes, there are no victim-less jokes' and she was harder on herself than anybody."
"She was just a money making machine," Letterman exclaimed, "She had a line of jewelry she sold on QVC. She sold 12 best-selling books! I haven't even read 12 books."
Watch the full monologue below:
Jimmy Kimmel had Sarah Silverman on his show to pay tribute to Joan.
Silverman, who says the late comedian "was a hero to me and I loved her very much," also said that her friend was taken too soon, despite her age.
"I think a lot of people, when they die at 81, you go, 'Well, she was 81 she had an amazing life,' but she wasn't done! I mean, I tuned into 'Fashion Police' every Friday because it's the most hardcore jokes on TV and you can't believe she's saying them," said the 41-year-old comedian.
Silverman then roasted Kimmel in honor of Joan, saying, "I know if she were here she would want us to be funny and she would probably want me to say, 'Nice tie. Who made it, Calvin Clown?' and 'I love your hair. You have to tell me where you bought it.'"
Watch Kimmel's great monologue remembering Joan below:
Read The Humorous Eulogy Melissa Rivers Gave At Joan Rivers' FuneralTons Of Celebrities Showed Up For Joan Rivers' NYC Funeral Here's What Joan Rivers Wanted Her Funeral To Be Like
SEE ALSO: Here's What Joan Rivers Wanted Her Funeral To Be Like
MORE: Joan Rivers Once Considered Suicide But Here's What Stopped Her


I may have been watching too much snowboard and ski cross. (A knuckle is a small hummock of a jump that can catch you unaware and leave you floundering with little speed for the next bit of the course).
Given that we are now heading downhill into the final straight of the Winter Olympics, one would assume that I'd be gathering speed (see what I did there?) with my Ravelympics projects. One would assume incorrectly!
My plan for this yarn is to quickly turn it into a waistcoat that I will actually be able to wear this year!
I've done absolutely nothing on anything else. It's all my mum's fault for tearing/straining the muscles in her left shoulder, necessitating my assistance in a lot of stuff. Caring time is inversely related to crafting time!
Oh, tell a lie! I did manage to make myself a pair of Dashing fingerless mittens!
I messed up the second cable cross (I went too early) but I decided I quite liked the faux bois look I ended up with and so left it!
To conclude – I've actually done quite a lot and I should stop underestimating my ability to craft in a crisis.
I think these are my first non-washcloth, non-granny square crocheted finished object.
I'm sure a more experience person could have knocked these out in less time, but a more experienced person would not have made the second slipper into a triangle instead of a square. It's OK, I'm laughing now.
The pattern, despite it's brevity, is not easy. The author is not a native English-speaker and I think some things have been lost in translation. With pattern and diagram [DELETED LINK AT REQUEST OF DESIGNER] in hand, though, I made it through.
I wouldn't recommend this to a complete beginner since you sort of have to know what you're going to stick where and what it's suppose to look like.
If your immediate response was "For a little while", then feel free to join me in weeping for another Joss Whedon vs Fox Battle, in which Mr Whedon lost.
I'm not solely reflecting on the demise of TV show, but on me (my favourite subject!). The amazing shiner is gone, and the ear infection seems to be on the way out. I'm still dizzy and bit woozy, but I'm much better than I was. Thanks for all the good wishes. I'll probably never be well, but I can at least try to be less ill!
It's not the Sistine Chapel, but it's my first non-standard crochet granny square. There were tears, there were tantrums and there was a lot of ripping out, but with help from my fellow crochet-along-ers on Ravelry, I made it!
Yarn: Regia Silk 4-ply (wool/silk/nylon). Approx. 400 yds/360 m used for both socks.
Needles and knitting style: One 2.5 mm Addi 100 cm long circular needle for Magic Loop. Worked two-at-a-time. Combination/Eastern Uncrossed style throughout.
Sock style: Toe up with gusset heel and wedge toe.
Made size L (9.25 in circumference) for my mum's feet.
Leg height approx. 8 in/20 cm.
Altered ribbing at top to continue garter stitch motif from pattern.
Cast off cuff with 4 mm crochet hook to make it as non-binding as possible.
Used the Magic Loop technique for the first time and really liked it. It was easy to use with the toe-up pattern and casting on both socks at the same time was very simple.
Used Judy's Magic Cast On for the toes. I really can't see me using any other cast on for toe-up socks from now until the end of time.
The fit of these socks is great (my mum nearly didn't get to keep them) and the pattern is well written (as usual). The stitch motif was pretty easy to memorise.