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What The UK's Low Productivity Is Really Telling Us
This, I would argue, is one of the scariest charts in the world today. The green line is output per hour worked, and the dotted green line is the pre-crisis trend:
It's what the Bank of England calls the "UK productivity puzzle." As the BBC's Linda Yueh notes: "output per hour is around 16 percentage points lower than it should be if productivity had grown at its pre-crisis pace."
I don't think it should be called a "productivity puzzle". That would imply that we don't really understand the phenomenon. That the phenomenon is a puzzle. But it's really a simple phenomenon. The phenomenon is that people are producing less output per hour than they were before the financial crisis. Work is getting done. But the quality of the work is not improving.
The Bank of England points to "reduced investment in both physical and intangible capital, such as innovation, and impaired resource allocation from low to high productive uses" as a cause. In other words, the work is crap because firms aren't deploying the resources to do good work. And this is a trend that predates the election of the Coalition government in 2010. As the Bank of England notes, the UK has lagged in investment as a percentage of GDP behind its fellow G8 economies since even the 1990s.
But things got really bad under the Coalition. And that shouldn't really be news. There was a recession resulting from the financial crisis. The recession — as recessions tend to do — resulted in a severe drop in business investment. In the wake of the recession, what did the newly elected government decide to do? It decided to enact sweeping austerity programs — to slash investment even more.
So the story is that the government decided to compound the after-effects of the financial crisis with an austerity program. That means depriving the economy of even more resources needed for productivity, growth and prosperity. And — in truly, truly shocking news — UK investment as a percentage of GDP is currently lagging at a pathetic 15 percent of GDP behind Belgium, Gambia, Jordan, Equatorial Guinea and Costa Rica, and barely ahead of Greece!
The austerian view, of course, is that the austerity was necessary because otherwise the bond vigilantes would have sold UK public debt, and we would have turned into Greece, or something.
The so-called "productivity puzzle" and the related low-investment puzzle categorically proves this claim wrong. If the austerity was imbuing the market with confidence necessary for growth, we would expect to see productivity and investment rising.
That has not been the case. What has occurred is a zombie recovery caused by zombified economic policies. Yes, there has been substantial job growth, and GDP is now above its pre-crisis peak — albeit in the slowest recovery since the South Sea bubble 300 years ago. But the weakness in productivity continues to illustrate the rottenness.
You can't starve yourself to strength. You can't beat yourself to growth.
Posted in Current Affairs	| Tagged 2015, austerians, austerions, austerity, david cameron, econonomics, general election, george osborne, growth, nick clegg, politics, productivity puzzle | 2 Comments
December 4, 2013 by John Aziz
Australia just scrapped its debt ceiling. America should, too.
Debt ceiling fights, it seems, have become a permanent fixture in American politics. Twice in the last couple of years, the United States has been days away from potentially irrevocable economic damage because Congress refused to raise the debt ceiling and let the Treasury issue more debt. The next debt ceiling fight is slated for March 2014.
But isn't there a better way to increase a borrowing limit — and one that doesn't freak out markets, investors, and, well, just about everyone every few months?
Posted in Politics	| Tagged 2013, america, black swan, debt ceiling, debt limit, jack lew, markets, politics, reality, rick santelli, warren buffett | 2 Comments
February 27, 2013 by John Aziz
Do Wages Benefit From A Shrinking Labour Force?
Dean Baker says yes:
The retirement of the baby boom cohorts means that the country's labor force is likely to be growing far more slowly in the decades ahead than it did in prior decades. The United States is not alone in facing this situation. The rate of growth of the workforce has slowed or even turned negative in almost every wealthy country. Japan leads the way, with a workforce that has been shrinking in size for more than a decade.
Baker concludes:
With a stagnant or declining labor force, workers will have their choice of jobs. It is unlikely that they will want to work as custodians or dishwashers for $7.25 an hour. They will either take jobs that offer higher pay or these jobs will have to substantially increase their pay in order to compete.
This means that the people who hire low-paid workers to clean their houses, serve their meals, or tend their lawns and gardens will likely have to pay higher wages. That prospect may sound like a disaster scenario for this small group of affluent people, but it sounds like great news for the tens of millions of people who hold these sorts of jobs. It should mean rapidly rising living standards for those who have been left behind over the last three decades.
Of course, Baker could just look at the data from Japan. Real wages there have been depressed in recent years, even while the labour force has shrunk:
Even more damningly, labour's share of income in Japan has declined even more considerably than the United States, and other nations with a growing working-age population:
Matthew C. Klein asks an important question:
Perhaps Mr Baker was thinking of an older example: the Black Death, which killed about half the people in Europe. Many (including me until I looked it up) believe that the resulting shortage in agricultural labour led to soaring real wages for peasants and a redistribution of economic power away from landowners. Recent evidence, however, casts doubt on this hypothesis. While nominal peasant wages did indeed increase in the aftermath of the Black Death, real wages may have actually fallen for decades. That may have helped heavily indebted peasants, but everyone else had to endure punishing declines in their standard of living, not to mention the psychological trauma of surviving such a devastating plague.
And the evidence on the Black Death seems conclusive:
In southern England, real wages of building craftsmen (rural and urban), having plummeted with the natural disaster of the Great Famine (1315-21), thereafter rose to a new peak in 1336-40. But then their real wages fell during the 1340s, and continued their decline after the onslaught of the Black Death, indeed into the 1360s. Not until the later 1370s – almost thirty years after the Black Death – did real wages finally recover and then rapidly surpass the peak achieved in the late 1330s.
And if we look at China — a country which has seen stunning real wage growth in recent years — it is clear that that growth has come in the context of a growth in the working-age population. China's working-age population hit one billion for the first time in 2011.
To me at least, this seems to suggest that while all else being equal, a shrinking working age population might lead to a more competitive labour market, all else is not equal. Employers invest in more capital-intensive processes like automation and robots to compensate for a lack of workers, or in our globalised world they shift operations to somewhere with a stronger labour force (like China today, or perhaps like Africa further into the future). Even more simply, a falling population as a result of a natural disaster like the Black Death, or even just as a result of demographic trends like Japan, may lead to an economic depression due to falling demand.
This suggests that Baker's conclusions are extremely optimistic for labour, and that shrinking populations may be bad news for wages.
Posted in Demographics, Economics, Finance, Globalisation, Politics	| Tagged dean baker, demographics, economy, japan, matthew c. klein, noah smith, politics, population, real wages | 36 Comments
Of Wages and Robots
There is a popular meme going around, popularised by the likes of Tyler Cowen, Paul Krugman and Noah Smith that suggests that recent falls in worker compensation as a percentage of GDP is mostly due to the so-called "rise of the robots":
For most of modern history, two-thirds of the income of most rich nations has gone to pay salaries and wages for people who work, while one-third has gone to pay dividends, capital gains, interest, rent, etc. to the people who own capital. This two-thirds/one-third division was so stable that people began to believe it would last forever. But in the past ten years, something has changed. Labor's share of income has steadily declined, falling by several percentage points since 2000. It now sits at around 60% or lower. The fall of labor income, and the rise of capital income, has contributed to America's growing inequality.
In past times, technological change always augmented the abilities of human beings. A worker with a machine saw was much more productive than a worker with a hand saw. The fears of "Luddites," who tried to prevent the spread of technology out of fear of losing their jobs, proved unfounded. But that was then, and this is now. Recent technological advances in the area of computers and automation have begun to do some higher cognitive tasks – think of robots building cars, stocking groceries, doing your taxes.
Once human cognition is replaced, what else have we got? For the ultimate extreme example, imagine a robot that costs $5 to manufacture and can do everything you do, only better. You would be as obsolete as a horse.
Now, humans will never be completely replaced, like horses were. Horses have no property rights or reproductive rights, nor the intelligence to enter into contracts. There will always be something for humans to do for money. But it is quite possible that workers' share of what society produces will continue to go down and down, as our economy becomes more and more capital-intensive.
So, does the rise of the robots really explain the stagnation of wages?
This is the picture for American workers, representing wages and salaries as a percentage of GDP:
It is certainly true that wages have fallen as a percentage of economic activity (and that corporate profits as a percentage of economic activity have risen — a favourite topic of mine).
But there are two variables to wages as a percentage of GDP. Nominal wages have actually risen, and continued to rise on a moderately steep trajectory:
And average wages continue to climb nominally, too. What has actually happened to the wages-to-GDP ratio, is not that America's wage bill has really fallen, but that wages have just not risen as fast as other sectors of GDP (rents, interest payments, capital gains, dividends, etc). It is not as if wages are collapsing as robots and automation (as well as other factors like job migration to the Far East) ravage the American workforce.
It is more accurate to say that there has been an outgrowth in economic activity that is not yielding wages beginning around the turn of the millennium, and coinciding with the new post-Gramm-Leach-Bliley landscape of mass financialisation and the derivatives and shadow banking megabubbles, as well the multi-trillion dollar military-industrial complex spending spree that coincided with the advent of the War on Terror. Perhaps, if we want to look at why the overwhelming majority of the new economic activity is not trickling down into wages, we should look less at robots, and more at the financial and regulatory landscape where Wall Street megabanks pay million-dollar fines for billion-dollar crimes? Perhaps we should look at a monetary policy that dumps new money solely into the financial sector and which has been shown empirically to enrich the richest few far faster than everyone else?
But let's focus specifically on jobs. The problem with the view that this is mostly a technology shock is summed up beautifully in this tweet I received from Saifedean Ammous:
@azizonomics I wonder how humanity still manages to find jobs after the automation shock of the invention of the wheel.
— Saifedean Ammous (@saifedean) January 15, 2013
The Luddite notion that technology might render humans obsolete is as old as the wheel. And again and again, humans have found new ways to employ themselves in spite of the new technology making old professions obsolete. Agriculture was once the overwhelming mainstay of US employment. It is no more:
This did not lead to a permanent depression and permanent and massive unemployment. True, it led to a difficult transition period, the Great Depression in the 1930s (similar in many ways, as Joe Stiglitz has pointed out, to the present day). But eventually (after a long and difficult depression) humans retrained and re-employed themselves in new avenues.
It is certainly possible that we are in a similar transition period today — manufacturing has largely been shipped overseas, and service jobs are being eliminated by improvements in efficiency and greater automation. Indeed, it may prove to be an even more difficult transition than that of the 1930s. Employment remains far below its pre-crisis peak:
But that doesn't mean that human beings (and their labour) are being rendered obsolete — they just need to find new employment niches in the economic landscape. As an early example, millions of people have begun to make a living online — creating content, writing code, building platforms, endorsing and advertising products, etc. As the information universe continues to grow and develop, such employment and business opportunities will probably continue to flower — just as new work opportunities (thankfully) replaced mass agriculture. Humans still have a vast array of useful attributes that cannot be automated — creativity, lateral thinking & innovation, interpersonal communication, opinions, emotions, and so on. Noah Smith's example of a robot that "can do everything you can do" won't exist in the foreseeable future (let alone at a cost of $5) — and any society that could master the level of technology necessary to produce such a thing would probably not need to work (at least in the sense we use the word today) at all. Until then, luckily, finding new niches is something that humans have proven very, very good at.
Posted in Economics, Finance	| Tagged 2008, banksters, economy, financial crisis, great depression, income inequality, jamie dimon, jobs, joe stiglitz, long depression, noah smith, paul krugman, politics, reality, rise of the robots, unemployment | 47 Comments
November 4, 2012 by John Aziz
Why Nate Silver is Wrong
Famed pollster and sabermetrician Nate Silver is calling the US Presidential race for Obama, in a big way:
Silver's mathematical model gives Obama an 85% chance of winning. The Presidential election is based on an electoral college system, so Silver's model rightly looks at state-level polls. And in swing state polls, Obama is mostly winning:
This is slightly jarring, because in national polls, the two candidates are locked together:
So who's right? Is the election on a knife-edge like the national polls suggest, or is Obama strongly likely to win as Silver's model suggests?
While the election could easily go either way depending on turnout, I think Silver's model is predicting the wrong result. In order for that to be the case, the state polling data has to be wrong.
There are a number of factors that lead me to believe that this is the case.
First, Republicans tend to outperform their poll numbers. In 2008, the national average got the national race just about right:
In the end, Obama won the election with 52.9% of the vote, against McCain who came out with 45.7%.
However, polls have historically underestimated Republican support. Except 2000 (when a November Surprise revelation of a George W. Bush drunk-driving charge pushed Gore 3.2% higher than the final round of polling), Republican Presidential candidates since 1992 have outperformed their final polls by a mean of 1.8 points. Such an outcome for Romney would put him 1.5% ahead in the national polls, and imperil Obama's grip on the swing states.
Second, the Bradley Effect. The interesting thing about the swing states is that many of them are disproportionately white. The United States is 72% white, but Iowa is 89% white, Indiana is 81% white, Ohio is 81% white, Minnesota is 83% white, Pennsylvania is 79% white, New Hampshire is 92% white, Maine is 94% white and Wisconsin is 83% white. This means that they are particularly susceptible to the Bradley Effect — where white voters tell a pollster they will vote for a black candidate, but in reality vote for a white alternative. In a state in which Obama holds a small lead in state-level polling, only a small Bradley Effect would be necessary to turn it red.
This effect may have already affected Barack Obama in the past — in the 2008 primaries, Obama was shown by the polls to be leading in New Hampshire, but in reality Hillary Clinton ran out the winner. And many national polls in October 2008 showed Obama with much bigger leads than he really achieved at the polls — Gallup showed Obama as 11% ahead, Pew showed Obama as 16% ahead.
A small Bradley Effect will not hurt Obama where he is 7% or 11% or 16% ahead in the polls. But when polls are closer — as they mostly are in the swing states — it becomes more plausible than such an effect could change the course of the race.
And the Bradley Effect in 2012 may be bigger than in 2008. A recent poll by the Associated Press concluded:
A majority of Americans (51 percent) now hold "explicit anti-black attitudes" — up from 49 percent in 2008 — and 56 percent showed prejudice on an implicit racism test.
Finally, polls have tended to overestimate the popularity of incumbent Presidents, especially Democrats. In 1980, polls put Jimmy Carter 3% of his final tally, and in 1996 polls put Bill Clinton 2.8% ahead of his final tally:
Taken together, these difficult-to-quantify factors pose a serious challenge to Silver's model. While it is fine to build a predictive model on polling data, if the polling data fed into the model is skewed, then any predictions will be skewed. Garbage in, garbage out.
I rate Obama's chance of being re-elected as no better than 50:50. If Silver really rates his chances as 85:15, perhaps he should consider taking bets at those odds.
Obviously, Silver's predictive model (and far, far more importantly the state-level polling data) proved even more accurate than 2008. However, the 2010 British General Election (in which polls and therefore Silver vastly overestimated the Liberal Democrat support level, leading to an electoral projection that was way off the mark) illustrates that there remain enough issues regarding the reliability of the polling data to ensure that Silver's model (and similar) continue to suffer from the problem of fat tails. With solid, transparent and plentiful data (as Taleb puts it, in "Mediocristan") such models work very, very well. But there remains plenty of scope (as Britain in 2010 illustrates) for polls to be systematically wrong ("Extremistan"). Given the likelihood that every news network will have its own state-level poll aggregator and Nate Silver soundalike on-hand come 2016, that might well be a poetic date for the chaotic effects of unreliable polling data to reappear. In the meantime, I congratulate the pollsters for providing Silver with the data necessary to make accurate projections.
Posted in Mathematics, Philosophy, Politics	| Tagged bradley effect, electoral college system, nate silver, obama, politics, reality, shy tory effect | 67 Comments
Are Cameron's Economic Policies Working?
Britain has returned to growth:
But compared even to the USA — which has huge problems of its own — Britain is still mired in the depths of a depression:
An Olympic bounce does not constitute a recovery. As I noted in March, Britain is under-performing the United States — in GDP and in unemployment. Although Cameron and Osborne keep claiming that they are deficit hawks who want to cut the government deficit, the debt keeps climbing.
Defenders of Cameron's policies might claim that we are going through a necessary structural adjustment, and that lowered GDP and elevated unemployment is necessary for a time. I agree that a structural adjustment was necessary after the financial crisis of 2008, but I see little evidence of such a thing. The over-leveraged and corrupt financial sector is still dominated by the same large players as it was before. True, many unsustainable high street firms have gone out of business, but the most unsustainable firms that had to be bailed out — the banks and financial firms who have caused the financial crisis — have avoided liquidation. The real story here is not a structural adjustment but the slow bleeding out of the welfare state via deep and reaching cuts.
Britain has become welfare-dependent. Britain's welfare expenditure is now over 25% of its total GDP. Multi-billion pound cuts in that figure are going to (and have) hurt GDP.
I believe countries are better with small governments and a larger private sector. The private sector consists of many, many individuals acting out their subjective economic preferences. This dynamic is largely experimental; businesses come and go, survive, thrive and die based upon their ability to stay liquid and retain a market, and this competition for demand forces innovation. The government sector is centrally directed. Governments do not have to behave like a business, they do not have to innovate or compete, as they have the power to tax and compel. (The exception to this is when governments become overrun by the representatives of private industries and corporations, who then leverage the machinations of the state to benefit corporations. When this occurs and markets become rigged in the favour of certain well-connected competitors, it matters little whether we call such industries "private sector" or "public sector").
So I am sympathetic to the idea that Britain ought to have a smaller welfare state, and fewer transfer payments than it presently does. But the current and historical data shows very clearly that now is not the time to make such an adjustment. The time to reduce the size of the welfare state is when the economy is booming. This is the time that there is work for welfare claimants to go to. Cutting into a depressed economy might create a strong incentive for the jobless to work, but if there is little or no job creation for the jobless to go to, then what use are cuts? To reduce government deficits? If that's the case, then why are British government deficits rising even though spending is being reduced? (The answer, of course, is falling tax revenues).
An alternative policy that would reduce unemployment and raise GDP without increasing the size of government is to force bailed-out banks sitting on huge hoards of cash to offer loans to the jobless to start their own private businesses. The money would be transferred to those who could be out working and creating wealth, but who cannot get credit through conventional channels, unlike the too-big-to-fail megabanks who are flush with credit but refuse to increase lending to the wider public. Even if the majority of these businesses were to fail, this would ensure a large boost in spending and incomes in the short run, and the few new businesses that succeed would provide employment and tax revenues for years to come. Once there is a real recovery and solid growth in GDP and in unemployment, then the government can act to decrease its size and slash its debt. Indeed, with growing tax revenues it is probable we would find that the deficit would end up decreasing itself.
Posted in Politics	| Tagged austerity, britain, business, david cameron, gdp, growth, Hayek, Keynes, politics, size of government, structural adjustment, uk | 42 Comments
October 7, 2012 by John Aziz
Iran's Insane Rhetoric
Iranian officials are once again firing off belligerent rhetoric.
Via the Jerusalem Post:
Hojjat al-Eslam Ali Shirazi, the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to the Islamic Republic's Qods Force, said this week that Iran needed just "24 hours and an excuse" to destroy Israel.
In his first public interview in a year, reported in the Persian-language Jahan News, which is close to the regime, Shirazi said if Israel attacked Iran, the Islamic Republic would be able to turn the conflict into a war of attrition that would lead to Israel's destruction.
"If such a war does happen, it would not be a long war, and it would benefit the entire Islamic umma the global community of Muslims. We have expertise in fighting wars of attrition and Israel cannot fight a war of attrition," Shirazi said, referring to Iran's eight-year war of attrition against Iraq.
Such claims are — more or less — inconsequential rubbish. The fact remains that Israel has nuclear weapons and a nuclear second strike, and Iran has no such thing, and the fact remains that the Iranian leadership knows this and are extremely unlikely to start a war where Iran (as Shimon Peres put it) will be the one wiped off the face of the Earth by Israeli plutonium. Yet the facts of military science will do little to stop the hawks of the West sounding off that Iran is irrational and that Iran is cooking up a plan to destroy Israel, and so must face regime change.
To grasp what is really occurring here we must look at how authoritarian Middle Eastern regimes (or, indeed, authoritarian regimes in general) function. Authoritarian regimes must maintain a cloak of authority. Tyrants do not attempt to look or sound weak; they try to project an aura of invincibility and indefatigability. We saw this during the last Gulf War, where Iraq's information minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf — nicknamed Baghdad Bob in the American media — shot off hundreds of absurd statements during the war about how Iraqi troops were crushing the Americans, quite in contrast to the facts on the ground and right up until American tanks were rolling through the streets of Baghdad.
Baghdad Bob was not deluded. He was merely playing his role, and trying to project an aura of regime invincibility — providing propaganda for domestic consumption to keep the Iraqi population loyal to Saddam Hussein. It was a dog and pony show.
Iran's belligerent rhetoric in this case is also strictly for domestic consumption — fierce rhetoric to keep the Iranian population fearful of the regime. Just like Baghdad Bob, the Iranian propaganda is far-removed from the real facts of the conflict. Whether the Iranian people really believe the regime's propaganda — especially as the Iranian economy continues to worsen under sanctions — is dubious.
Yet one group of people — the Western neoconservatives, who are looking for another war — are more than happy to buy into the dog and pony "destroy Israel" bullshit.
As Robert Gates noted this week:
Painting a picture of internal political dysfunction in a dangerous world, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Wednesday night that a U.S. or Israeli attack on Iran would have disastrous consequences.
Neither the United States nor Israel is capable of wiping out Iran's nuclear capability, he said, and "such an attack would make a nuclear-armed Iran inevitable. They would just bury the program deeper and make it more covert."
Iran could respond by disrupting world oil traffic and launching a wave of terrorism across the region, Gates said.
"The results of an American or Israeli military strike on Iran could, in my view, prove catastrophic, haunting us for generations in that part of the world."
And as I wrote last month:
A regional war in the Middle East could result, potentially sucking in the United States and Eurasian powers like China, Pakistan and Russia. China and Pakistan have both hinted that they could defend Iran if Iran were attacked — and for good reason, as Iran supplies significant quantities of energy.
Frustratingly, the Iranian regime keep giving the neoconservatives more rope with which to hang themselves — and the West — on a cross of imperial overstretch, debt and blowback.
Posted in International Relations, War	| Tagged blowback, debt, imperial overstretch, iran, israel, middle east, patrick clawson, politics, war | 28 Comments


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Orientation Sessions Explain Rio Salado's Encore Career Classes
By David Staudacher, 480.517.8472
Starting Sept. 9, Rio Salado College is having several orientations for its 50+ Encore Career Program at the Tempe Connections Café on the main floor of the Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road.
Rio Salado College's 50+ Encore Program was created to support a targeted retraining program aimed at adults over the age of 50 who are eager to prepare for new careers in education. The program was made possible due to a $25,000 grant from Civic Ventures and Metlife Foundation.
"We know there are people who want to re-career," said Kimberly Tobey, Rio Salado College's community liaison director. "This program will allow us to work directly with the 50-plus re-careering student. For many of them, it may have been a long time since they've been in school. This will help them find success in school and in the online learning environment."
Based on adults' areas of interest, experience, educational backgrounds, and employment situations, candidates will be able to enroll in one of four online teacher certification programs. Rio Salado has customized its online teacher certification programs for eligible adults, who are interested in re-careering and pursuing teaching positions in early childhood, elementary, secondary and special education. The programs are:
Post Baccalaureate Teacher Prep for candidates who have a bachelor's degree and may be working fulltime.
Teacher in Residence for candidates who have a bachelor's degree and are working in the classroom while completing their teacher certification.
Bachelor Degree Pathways for candidates who do not have a college degree.
Troops to Teachers for military personnel transitioning from the military to second careers.
Rio Salado has been offering a teacher prep certification program the past 10 years. The majority of students begin with bachelor's degrees, but the Tempe-based college also has programs for students who need to complete undergraduate credits.
"Last year, more than 550 students, who were 50 or older, took classes with Rio Salado," said Tobey. "With the Encore program, we expect enrollment to eclipse 600 students or more. The 50+ Encore candidate bring a wealth of knowledge from prior work experience, general life experience, and an understanding of the importance of continuous learning, which will provide the community with more quality instructors in the classroom."
The orientation events will offer an overview of the courses and pathways available. Financial aid options also will be discussed. At this time, no scholarships specific to this program are being offered.
For more details about the Rio Salado College program and to inquire about enrolling, please contact Rio Salado's Enrollment Services at 480.517.8580 or at www.riosalado.edu/programs/education/Pages/orientations.aspx.
50 + Encore Program Orientation dates, programs and times at the Tempe Connections Café
Sept. 9, 2009, Post-Baccalaureate, 10 a.m. – Noon
Sept.9, 2009, Bachelor's Degree Pathway, 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Oct.21, 2009, Post-Baccalaureate, 10 a.m. – Noon
Nov.18, 2009, Post-Baccalaureate, 10 a.m. – Noon
Nov.18, 2009, Bachelor's Degree Pathway, 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Dec. 2, 2009, Post-Baccalaureate, 10 a.m. – Noon
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About Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College is one of ten Maricopa Community Colleges and one of the largest online public community colleges in the nation, serving nearly 53,000 students annually with nearly 28,000 online in 50 states and internationally. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Rio Salado offers 600+ online classes, 100+ degree and certificate programsand general education courses. The college also provides support for dual enrollment, military and incarcerated students and serves as one of the largest providers of adult basic education in Arizona.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.
The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Metallic Cat's foals are eligible for a new $10,000 incentive purse at the 2016 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stallion Stakes.
Here is one more reason to love the great performer and sire Metallic Cat (High Brow Cat-Chers Shadow by Peptoboonsmal)! His foals are eligible for a new $10,000 incentive purse at the 2016 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stallion Stakes.
Any Metallic Cat foal that advances to the 2016 NRCHA Stallion Stakes finals is eligible for the incentive. The Metallic Cat offspring with the highest composite score in the finals will receive the $10,000 paycheck.
With just one-and-a-half performing foal crops, Metallic Cat's sire earnings are already $5,822,895. In 2014, he was the the No. 2 sire of 3-year-old NRCHA performers and the No. 3 sire of National Cutting Horse Association performers.
The 2005 stallion, owned by Alvin and Becky Fults, is a NCHA Futurity champion, NCHA Horse of the Year and a member of the NCHA Hall of Fame. He is the second highest money-earning stallion in NCHA history, and in 12 show outings with cutting horse professional Beau Galyean at the reins, he never missed the finals or lost a cow.


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Necrotizing Enterocoliltis:Is Care Getting Better?
November 2020 • Volume XLIV, Issue 11
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal condition typically associated with premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). NEC is associated with both a high mortality rate as well as a high rate of neurodevelopmental disability (NDD).
As survival of premature infants increases, the risk of NEC also has increased, and the authors of this study looked at current outcomes of NEC in the medical literature. In particular, a review of the literature occurred using the PRISMA Statement (http:// www.prisma-statement.org/PRISMAStatement/ PRISMAStatement). PubMed also was searched for the following terms: "NEC," "mortality," "morbidity," "neurodevelopmental outcome," "outcomes", and "intestinal failure." Included articles had to be in English and had to be published after January 2010 with reported NEC outcomes (mortality) from international/national/regional/multi-center studies from high-income countries.
Initially, 1371 articles were included, but only 31 articles met the criteria of studying mortality that could be included in a meta-analysis. Mortality from NEC (Bell stage 2A or higher) was 23.5% (95% confidence interval 18.5% to 28.8%) with low birthweight and history of NEC surgery being risk factors. In particular, the mortality of infants less than 1000 grams who underwent surgery for NEC was 50.9% (95% confidence interval 38.1% to 63.5%). The meta-analysis demonstrated that mortality from NEC in premature infants ranged from 10% to 21%. Five studies meeting criteria for evaluating NDD in the setting of NEC, and severe NDD ranged between 24.8% and 59.5% although the definition of "severe" varied between studies. Finally, only three studies described the association between intestinal failure (defined as intestine loss preventing normal intestinal absorption and growth) and NEC with intestinal failure rates of 15.2% in all infants with NEC and 35.4% in infants with NEC requiring surgery.
This meta-analysis provides convincing evidence that NEC still is extremely problematic in NICUs, and further research is necessary to decrease associated morbidity and mortality. Further research should be aimed towards understanding potential associated genetic mechanisms involved in NEC as well as considering the possibility of new types of pre-/pro-/ symbiotic strains to reduce the complications of this devastating disease.
Jones I. and Hall N. Contemporary outcomes for infants with necrotizing enterocolitis – a systemic review. Journal of Pediatrics 2020; 220: 86-92.
Download Tables, Images & References
From the LiteratureNecrotizing Enterocoliltis
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Metastatic Urothelial Bladder Cancer Involving the Rectum


Everyone as human have the instinct to express themselves. The expression means are more diversified day by day, and furniture also becomes a method to express their personality as life quality gets better.
Thus, modern people would like to search for more sensuous and differentiated identities and own them.
'TAP'is a refined object to refresh residential space for modern people with the functional factor of past furniture. Now form, material quality, and color make users have new points of view. A cold and heavy image of bolt, a material, contrasts with light and luxurious atmosphere of white and gold and brings existing space a fresh change. This furniture able to adjust the height according to the needs of user is possible to use for what is wanted in various life styles.


Well, since we were talking about the Team Fortress 2 Engineer Update yesterday, we should really bring you the latest update on it.
Since the 50th Golden Wrench has been found, the second upgrade has been revealed. It is….The Wrangler!
The Wrangler will replace the pistol, and allow an engineer to remotely take control of their sentry turret. The turret won't automatically select targets while you're controlling it, but you should be able to handle that, right? Now, that's not a bad deal at all. But what about the poor little engineer who's completely defenseless standing there? No worries, Valve's got you covered.
While you're using the Wrangler, it creates a shield that absorbs 66% of all incoming damage. That should keep you alive long enough to bring the turret to bear on your adversary. But that's not the only benefit you can expect.
Using the Wrangler will also double the firing rate of the turret you're controlling. In addition, it will increase the missile launch rate at level 3.
All of that sounds great, but there is a downside. Once you switch away from the Wrangler, your turret will be defenseless for three seconds while it reboots, I suppose. However, if you take out all the enemies in a hail of lead, three seconds shouldn't be that big a deal.
We'll have more on the update once someone unlocks the 75th Golden Wrench. Stay tuned.
More info on the Wrangler over at the TF2 Engineer Update page.


Today I'm excited to bring to you a giveaway from our fabulous featured sponsor, Delezhen. Masha creates the most gorgeous jewelry. I can't quite remember how I found her shop, but once I did I was hooked and knew I had to connect with her. I don't wear a lot of jewelry — most of the time it's just my engagement + wedding bands, which are fused together. Occasionally I'll wear a second piece, but simple statement rings are my very favorite.
Jewelry has to be comfortable for me to wear it. Delezhen's items are delicate in design yet sturdy, and truly stunning! I have their bezel set Aquamarine ring in 18K gold Vermeil — which is truly a perfect gem because it's Max's birthstone. It's also his 4 month birthday today, yeow!
Creating art and finding a medium by which I could capture the overpowering beauty of nature has been my love and obsession from my earliest memories. Delezhen Collection is that passion realized. I searched long and hard for a medium by which I could not only exercise my desire to create but also be able to connect that in a collaborative form with others and there by build a connection with a person.
All of our pieces and colors are inspired by nature and it's beautiful symmetries and asymmetries. Like the orchids and lilies we uses in many of our pieces, the jewelry is inspired by delicate feminine strength and beauty. I felt that by using birthstones, the pieces would carry meaning to the wearer with sophistication and organic grace. Gemstones can represent a person, a milestone, can be used to celebrate and commemorate the various stages of life and the people who come with it. The stones each tell their own beautiful biographical story. They are the result of millions of years of earth's own trials and tribulations, and just like people, no two are alike.
Every piece we create and every interaction we have is guided by the philosophy of combining delicate aesthetics and deep personal meaning. With every piece that is sent out, an invisible string is cast out and a bond is formed. A relationship can start with a wedding with personalized bridesmaid necklaces, then a piece to commemorate the birth of the first child, a birthstone ring for Mother's day. These special human bonds are our truest reward.
In just over 2 years, Delezhen has grown to rank in the Top 35 Etsy jewelry sellers of all time, and Top 10 in our price range. We are especially proud of the close community we have established on Facebook, and use it to not only to showcase our work but to empower women to realize their dreams through thought-provoking quotations and beautiful inspirational photographs.
My advice to anyone opening a shop is to have a central vision in mind; a guiding principle. It is important that everything you make reflects this vision. It is most challenging to remain consistent in coming up with new collections season after season. Though trends are important, I feel that staying true to your estheticism and philosophy is the truest path to growth and fulfillment.
Gussy Sews friends can also save 15% on their entire Delezhen order with code GUSSY15 at checkout.
I love the aquamarine also, it's my daughter's birthstone!
what a beautiful stone and generous giveaway! I'm thrilled to find this new jewelry designer, thank you for the opportunity!
These are so pretty and delicate!
I love them all, but especially the aquamarine ring! Gorgeous!!!
Oh my goodness….gorgeous. There are so many pieces to love. Especially love the February and March birthstone necklaces but also love the necklace with the seahorse pendant. I love the vision that the designer has for her work…very inspiring!
so beautiful! Happy 4 mos to Max and YOU!
These pieces are beautiful! I would love to win one!
OMG i love the raw emerald ring! It is both my birth stone and my new sons! I hope I win!!!
So pretty!! Would love to win this! Those birthstone pieces are quite lovely!
Wow, this is the first I have seen of this designer – they are gorgeous pieces!! The Aqua Blue Chalcedony Ring really caught my eye. Time to start hinting to my husband!
I LOVE the Aqua Blue Chalcedony Earrings – gorgeous!
The personalized amazonite necklace is gorgeous.
OHHHHHHHHHHH, I love this ring, I really want to win! Beautiful Work!!!!
I love the Green Amethyst Ring!
Everything is beautiful, but I really love the bangle with charms that you can personalize!
Love everything, but like the London blue topaz.
OH my that blue chalcedony ring is deeee-licious!
Her jewelry is stunning! I adore the aquamarine ring in gold and the druzy agate ring is absolutely gorgeous!!
Such a beautiful ring! Thanks for the giveaway!! I lurv the lapis bangle, and the silver green amethyst ring! But my fave is the cushion cut peridot! My birthstone!!
Love it! Aquamarine is my birthstone too. Happy 4 months Max!!!!
Gorgeous statement pieces! Love the birthstone ring especially Amethyst! My mom wears one similar everyday and would love to have a statement ring like hers!
I absolutely love the aquamarine ring! I've been looking for a new right hand ring. Fingers crossed.
I love the blue topaz rings and the stud earrings.
I LOVE the Faceted Carnelian stone and 22k Gold Vermeil Necklace. I've been looking for some jewelry that would go well with a couple new summer outfits, and I think this necklace would be perfect!
Stunning pieces! And great price point as well. I can't pick just one thing but I love the Chrysoprase and Chalcedony pieces. I may need to treat myself :) Thanks for the new etsy.com fav !
I love so many of the beautiful pieces! I especially like the Aquamarine ring (it's my 1st born daughter's birthstone) I also like the Chrysoprase Ring, and stud earrings.
Oh my…so many pretty things! I am so in love with the Sea Foam Green Ring, I think I will have my husband buy it for my birthday!
Would love some of the september Birthday pieces!!!
Love love love the green amethyst ring and the blue sapphire necklace!
Beautiful work! I would love to win one!
Oh my so hard to choose! I love the sea foam green ring!
Oh my gosh!! Every piece is simply stunning! I especially love the pear cut Labradorite stacking ring and the dreamy rainbow moonstone cushion cut ring. I have been thinking heavily about meaningful Christmas gifts for my adult daughters and will definitely be returning to the Deleszhen etsy shop! Absolutely beautiful!
The turquoise and gold ring is amazing!
The rainbow moonstone ring is so pretty.
These are so delicate and beautiful! I hardly ever wear jewelry but would love something like this ! I love the natural stone look with the good it really makes it pop!
I can't pick. There are too many things that I love.
I love the Rainbow Moonstone Bracelet.
I love the druzy stud earrings!
@Brianna Fae, plus I would love to win this gorgeous piece!
The Labradorite Bracelet, Aqua Blue Chalcedony Bezel Necklace, and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise necklace Have to be my favorites!! oh wait we can't forget the tiny Leaf earrings, So Pretty!
Love the Rainbow Moonstone Ring — gorgeous!
OMG! Love this jewelry. I have gold engagement/wedding bands, so I'm thrilled to see that ring!
Wow! I am loving that Aquamarine ring! And the Green Amethyst. What a wonderful, yet unexpected, beauty!
I love love love the aquamarine ring! Gorgeous!
I think my favorite us my husband's birthstone, but it's hard to choose.
Hard to choose! I would love the Turquoise bezel ring, or the pretty moonstone.
I'm pretty obsessed with every piece! I love the green amethyst pieces, I've never seen them before!
I love all of the pieces and would be fortunate to own anyone of them.
Everything is so beautiful, but if I had to choose just one thing I would go with the Aqua ring!
Ummm… I LOVE everything!! but some of my favorites are the Green Amethyst Ring and the London Blue Topaz Stacking Ring!
Love this sapphire necklace. The purple is just stunning.
I love the aqua blue chalcedony earrings!
I love the green amythyst necklace, in gunmetal. So stunning!
Love the simplicity of the pieces! One of my favorites is the Green Amethyst Stacking Ring.
Gosh I love the moonstone. I'm such a sucker for simple, statement jewelry. Thanks for this!
Such beautiful pieces of jewelry! I'm headed to check out her shop rrrriiggghhhtttt NOW!!!
The October birthstone earrings are lovely!
I love, love the solar quartz druzy agate necklace!
I love the Chrysoprase Ring and the Raw Emerald Ring! Gorgeous pieces!
I love the aquamarine chalcedony earrings as well as the seemingly suspending necklaces. So pretty.
Oooo and I love the stud earrings and the green amethyst ring.
Love her shop. The cushion cut peridot ring in fabulous.
I love everything on the sight, but the Raw Emerald ring is my favorite.
What beautiful work!! It's impossible to pick a favorite, but I was immediately drawn to the rainbow moonstone.
the seafoam ring is gorgeous!! love that one!
I love the aquamarine – it's my birthstone!!
So pretty! My sis-in-law would love it!
Beautiful ring! Happy 4 months Max!
I love all of the items on her site, but the Musical Note Charm necklace and the Gold Peridot ring caught my eye.
I love her bezel-set designs! And as a gemologist, I have to confess to loving them all! Gemstones are just beautiful no matter what!! raw emerald, though – yummy!!
This is just stunning! I hope I win!
I love love love the Amethyst Bezel Ring!!! Beautiful! Amethyst is my birthstone, and I hated it when I was younger, but love it now!
Their lapis pieces are amazing!!!
I just love this ring.
I love the rose cut diamond feather necklace, the natural druzy ring and also the lapis or sapphire ring as my husbands birthday is in September!
I love the Chanel quote!! I've always loved aquamarine, and thanks for introducing me to this jewelry artist!
Of all the pieces I have to say my favorite is the aquamarine, featured ring. I just love anything aquamarine colored! My daughter's nursery was aquamarine, gray, and pink. My new bedding is aquamarine. I just can't get enough of aquamarine! I love the natural shapes and designs of the Delezhen peices as well! I wore 14k gold natural pearls and gems for my wedding and I got so many compliments on the earthy shapes and colors! Love, love, love Delezhen jewelry!
I love this jewelry! I like jewelry to be simple & beautiful.
I love all the gemstones!!
I also meant to say I love all of the square rings- beautiful, affordable jewelry.
I have been wanting a March and November birth stone ring…these are beautiful!
I like the Chrysoprase Ring!!!
Her jewelry is beautiful! I love all of it but I really love the Rainbow Moonstone Connector necklace because my daughter was born in June!
So tough to choose I love this http://www.etsy.com/listing/121269720/clearance-sea-foam-green-cushion-cut?ref=shop_home_active and this http://www.etsy.com/listing/113357455/stacking-ring-stackable-rings-birthstone?ref=shop_home_active and even this http://www.etsy.com/listing/115569729/fuchsia-pink-chalcedony-ring-fuchia-pink?ref=shop_home_active!
This is beautiful- so is everything on their page! I'm like you in that I don't wear much jewelry and when I do, it has to be simple and comfortable. I don't enter many giveaways but couldn't resist this one because this ring is really beautiful and I can see myself wearing it all the time.
I love the amethyst necklace, it is beautiful and is my birhthstone.
There are so many beautiful items to choose from. I love the friendship and birthstone bracelets and they are the perfect gifts. Another favorite is the Opal Necklace as that is my birthstone.
They're all too pretty to decide!! But I love the Angel wing and the green amethyst bracelet. The black silver is really pretty, I'll have to find my kids birthstones!
I never thought I liked my birthstone, blue topaz December, but I love all the things she did with it. Especially the personalized necklace! Beautiful stuff.
Love everything, especially the druzy. It is too hard to pick a favorite!
OMGosh, I just favorited about 12 things. I love this jewelry! I really liked the personalized necklaces with the the two little leaves. I'd put my kid's initials in them.
Love the Green amethyst stuff…but also the citrine!
Annnd I'm so happy to see freshwater pearl and moonstone as my (June) birthstone! I get sooo many of the pink alexandrite stuff that these are a welcome change :D But now..earrings or ring? Or necklace? Which do I love more….
Thank you for sharing this fabulous vendor!
Ooo, I love the Sea Foam Green ring! Beautiful!
Such loveley work. Will browse it all later when I have some time. Beautful.
Such lovely work. I love the peridot ring…it's not only my birthstone, but my daughter was born on my birthday as well, so it makes the stone extra special.
I love the opal necklaces — I've always preferred opal as an October birthstone (I'm not big into pink), but I wish there was an opal ring – that would be my favorite!
I love the pieces!! Simple yet beautiful!
Oh my! I LOVE your style. I also love you use the word comfortable and actually mean it. That's exactly where I am. As a momma of a *very* active 21 month old. Comfortable is my key word!
I LOVE this aquamarine ring!!
Love the Raw Emerald and Chalcedony rings, very unique stones. There are so many great jewelry artists on etsy that I love but can't buy from because I'm severely allergic to nickel. Thanks for introducing me to a shop that makes beautiful jewelry that I can actually wear!!!
I'm also not a huge ring wearer, but I looove the aquamarine ring.
The green amethyst is absolutely beautiful! I just love a lot of the pieces of jewelry!!!
Wow, what great colors! I love jewelry that has pops of color with it. The green onyx ring might be my favorite!
Happy 4 months! What a blessing he is for your family!!
@Jessica T., I love the aquamarine!!!
Aquamarine is my birthstone as well and I am IN LOVE with that ring!
All of the rings are my fav, so feminine and classic. Plus I'm SUPER into rings these days.
But this piece hit home. When my husband I were married our colors were brown and gold, so thus necklace would be such a great representation of that day!!!
I love the sapphire one, it is my birthstone, and it is on clearance!
i love them all! would love to win!
The ring is beautiful. I also love the hammered circle necklaces, the pink tourmaline friendship bracelet, the russian amozonite neclace with leaves, and the birthstone initial necklace. Such beautiful things!
I love all of the Aquamarine as that is my birthstone!! i ESPECIALLY love the rings and the stud earrings.
Oh this shop! The Chrysoprase Ring is just entrancing my eyes. Totally and completely amazing! Love the art and wonder her pieces hold.
I really love all of the things but my very favorite is the personalized necklace. I like the blue and lapis blue, but so many of the other colors are also gorgeous!
I love the personalized charm bangle! As a newlywed, I'm obsessed with personalized jewelry and think this is so romantic! I also love the chrysoprase ring! What a gorgeous color!!! Thanks for letting me know about this shop! It's going on pinterest so my husband can check out what I would like next!
I LOVE Aquamarine! and this ring is my fave!
Everything is beautiful, but I really like the personalized birthstone necklaces!
Rings are my weakness and this one is beautiful!
beautiful jewelry!! I love the necklaces!!
I love her jewelry. Thank you for introducing her to us!
I love all of the lapis pieces (especially the bezel set bangle), the Deep Blue Chalcedony Bracelet, the Wire wrapped Chrysoprase Lariat Necklace, and the Natural Blue Chalcedony Bezel Ring OK, I love it all!
Wow! Great stuff! I love the Green Amethyst and Red Ruby jewelry.
such pretty, pretty jewelry! love the rings in sterling silver!
I love the October birthstone pink chalcedony earrings! Delicately pink and lovely! The Oersonalized birthstone necklaces and friendship bracelets are awesome as well. I'm extremely sentimental and like to add initials and person touches like birthstones to make pieces special. I think I have a new favorite shop!
I just love this ring! Headed over to check out the etsy shop now!
Absolutely gorgeous, it would be perfect with any outfit!
I really love this ring!!! Thanks!
Thanks for hosting this awesome giveaway!
Oh my! Its hard to choose any favorites! I really like all of it and the simple, yet elegant designs.
Very beautiful items. I absolutely love Chrysoprase, Blue Lapis, and Green Onyx so anything with those really attract my attention, especially when paired with silver. Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity!
@helica, And just because I forgot to mention this – the items I most fell in love with were the Aqua Blue Chalcedony Ring and those three Natural Sapphire necklaces. Just gorgeous!!!
What a fabulous interview. Thanks for sharing her with us.
I love all of the pear shaped jewelry! My engagement ring is pear shaped and it is not very popular but i love the shape!
I especially love your round cut Citrine rings and cushion cut Green Amethyst rings!
I like the sterling silver amethyst ring.
I loved the personalized necklaces, the rings and especially the Druzy stud earrings!
How do I choose just a few to comment on? I love her gold rings (especially the green amethyst and blue topaz). The bangles are to die for…especially the purple amethyst. I've found a new obsession.
I absolutely LOVE the Chrysoprase Ring!!!
the stud earrings are gorgeous!!!
I love the entire Black Silver collection – what gorgeous items!!
I love the green onyx ring!
I love this (http://www.etsy.com/listing/129818498/july-birthstone-necklace-personalized?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=july) July necklace. All of my boys (sons and husbands) have birthdays in July.
Gosh, everything is so pretty! Love the rings!
Especially love the lariat necklace!
I love the Pink Chalcedony Earrings, so elegant! And the Aqua Blue Chalcedony Bezel Earrings with Calla Lilies, beautiful. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
I love love this ring, gold & my daughters birthstone!
Love aquamarine, it's my birthstone!
So glad to be introduced to such a lovely shop:) I love the initial necklaces!
How could I choose?! I think the giveaway or the aqua blue chaceldony ring are beautiful and my favorite!
These are gorgeous! Thanks for the introduction.
So hard to pick favorites! I love it all… I like the Stud Earrings – Cushion Cut Aqua Green Chalcedony Bezel Stud Post Earrings (I also like these in other stones); and the rainbow moonstone pieces! I love it all. Thanks for introducing me to this site!!
Ooh I love the Chrysoprase ring and the feather charm necklace!
How lovely! It would be a joy to win!
Oh I love the simplicity of her pieces! Some of my favorites are the large faceted bezel set labrodorite necklace, rainbow moonstone earrings and the aqua blue chalcedony earrings!
Ooh, so pretty! I like the green amethyst ring!
I love it all! I can't pick just one!
I love the White Agate Druzy Necklace, and the Chrysoprase, White Druzy, Aqua Green Chalcedony, and Labradorite Earrings!
I am loving the Lapis Tear Drop Ring and the Green Onyx Cushion Cut ring….oh my goodness. beautiful!
I love all the Chrysoprase Rings, especially the lime green cushion cut one!
I love the aquamarine ring because it is my birthstone as well, but I also think my mom would love the sapphire ring!
I just love that London Blue Topaz Stacking Ring. Bonus: I'm a December baby, so it's my birthstone!
She does indeed have great stuff! I love the cushion cut amethyst stud earrings. Feb is my birth month and purple is my favorite color!!
My favorite items are the red ruby necklace and the ruby hamsa neckace!
Well I just spend the last hour looking through her beuatiful jewelry and I just love everything. Gem stones have always fascinated me. Its hard to make out any favorites, but what stood out the most to me where the Lapis Lazuli Stacking Ring, the raw emerald ring, everything with the blue topaz gemstone and the personalized citrine charm bracelet.
Unfortunately I am from Europe, so ordering from the US is always a bit of a customs problem, but I will just keep looking at all the pretty jewelry anyways.
I am a simple girl myself and don't really wear much jewelry but this may change that :) LOVE practically everything she has!! Cannot wait to start ordering (and really hope I win)!!
Beautiful! Thanks for a chance to win!
Such gorgeous pieces! Love the Purple Amethyst Bezel Necklace. Love the cushion cuts on the stones. Fun!
It is all gorgeous! I love the chrysoprase ring!
Love the simple beauty. Just my style.
I cannot pick one thing that I like the most. I love all her stuff. Very Beautiful!
love the white freshwater drop pearl earrings, very pretty!
Love the aquamarine ring, my birthstone!! They are all beautiful.
I got starry-eyed when I saw this beautiful jewelry.
Absolutely stunning Delezhen, I love them!
I don't wear a lot of jewelry either but I lovelovelove the sea foam green cushion cut ring!!
I love the raw emerald or moonstone rings!
Um, the Chrysoprase gemstone ring bezel set in 18k gold…….GORGEOUS!!!!!! What beautiful jewels….you can see the love that is put into each piece.
I fell in love with the aquamarine ring as soon as I saw it because it's my new little baby boy's birthstone. :) I would love to have something this beautiful that reminds me of him. The style is so nice and easy to dress up or wear everyday, it would be perfect!
I love the gold plate leaf necklace with faceted chrysoprase drops and the chrysoprase bangles. Simple design, with a great pop of color, just how I like my jewelry!
I LOVE the Lapis bezel cut necklace, blue is my favorite color!
I love the October birthstone rings…. I can't decide if I like the cushion cut or tear drop cut better, though!
What can I say, Delezhan makes some of the most beautiful jewelry that I have ever seen! I appreciate the earthly simplicity that the pieces all share, I honestly have to say that I love the onyx pieces the most!
The stackable rings are absolutely gorgeous!! I love everything in her shop!
My favorite pieces are the ones with druzy/raw stones – beautiful!
I love the blue topaz ring!
I would love this!! My birthstone too!!
Hard to choose a favorite…I'm really digging the freshwater drop pearl earrings though!
Absolutely LOVE the aqua stud earrings!
I adore her style! Simplicity is what I love. Great jewelry!
Some of my favorites are the gold heart and key necklace, the fuschia pink chalcedony ring, and the purple amethyst bracelet.
I'd love to have a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear. I love the eye popping, yet simplistic nature of these pieces.
There are so many BEAUTIFUL pieces of jewelry to choose favorites from!! But, I am in love with the Green Onyx Earrings, Chrysoprase Ring- Gemstone Ring, and Aqua Blue Chalcedony Earrings. Thanks for introducing Delezhen's shop to me!!
Love her Raw Emerald Gemstone rings! It's my daughter's birthstone and I've been searching for a ring I like and couldn't find one until now! I also love her Pink Chalcedony Earrings, so pretty!
My favorite is the aqua green necklace with the seahorse charm. LOVE good beach jewelry to remind me of the ocean when I live in a landlocked state :) AND it's on clearance!!
I love the Raw Emerald Ring, the Lapis Lazuli Stacking Ring, and the Fuchsia Pink Chalcedony Ring!
Such pretty jewelry! So hard to pick a favorite but the white agate ring is one of the favorites!
I am expecting my first in October and I love the idea of a birthstone ring to celebrate my little one. I love the look of Delezhen's big gemstones with simple bands. In fact, my husband may be getting a gentle nudge for a push present lol. Thanks for sharing this giveaway!
I really do love all of them!! My faves are the Green Onyx Ring and the Druzzy Stone Ring!!
love the Chrysoprase ring !
I really like all the stacking rings, especially the citrine and the green amethyst. I also like the rainbow moonstone earrings and the Cushion Cut Aqua Green Chalcedony Bezel Stud Post Earrings. Thanks for the giveaway!
Oh wow. Love them ALL. Is that allowed?! But the solar quartz necklace and the lapis ring are calling my name.
I love the black white and grey stackable rings!!!
Everything is so beautiful! I especially liked the red ruby necklace though!!
These earrings are my favorite: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79547164/bezel-set-whit-freshwater-drop-pearls?ref=shop_home_active Aquamarine is my daughter's birthstone. I would love to win the ring for her. It would be her promise ring.
Aquamarine is my birthstone too.
I am totally in love with the silver chrysoprase bezel ring!
I love the White Druzy necklace!
I love the Deep Blue Chalcedony Bracelet – Marquise blue chalcedony Bangle – Bezel set gemstone bangle – gold bangle!
Ohh my, I love the simplicity of this pretty jewelry, especially the rings!
I love all of the rings; so delicate and feminine. My favorite is the chrysoprase. silver.
I love all the aquamarine items! It's my birthstone and fav color! I love how everything is set in a more modern way!
I love ALL the rings, the aqua blue chalcedony necklace, and the turquoise necklace on the 14K gold chain. Her shop is beautiful!!!
That is just the kind of jewelry that I like! I've always wanted a ring with an aqua Chalcedony stone. It's so beautiful. I love that she uses the stones in necklaces as well. I don't wear a lot of jewelry either, but I'd definitely wear her collection!
I have been wanting to get a set of her stacking rings! It is so hard to decide which colors… they're all so gorgeous!
I love the Blue Topaz briolette – it is breathtaking!
I love all of the aqua items! Sooo beautiful!!!
I love the stackable aquamarine ring!
I like the red ruby ring because it's my birthstone but I am more of a blue/green type of girl so I love the aquamarine ring as well as several of the other blue/green jewelry in her shop!


Omaha's dining scene sizzles with innovative culinary creations and the Now Serving Omaha webisodes showcase a variety of local flavor.
With food from both land and sea (and everything in between), Omaha serves up favorites such as tender 16oz bone-in ribeye doused in a secret whiskey sauce, chef created cuisine utilizing fresh locally grown produce, and sushi so masterfully created it's nearly too beautiful to eat - but too hard to resist. Omaha's eclectic menus are matched only by the restaurants' diverse atmospheres. Browse below to explore original Omaha restaurants filled with delicious options that keep visitors coming back for more.
If you're looking to check out a variety of Omaha dining hot spots all at once, try one of the Omaha Culinary Tours.


The government has released a schedule for minimum wage discussions with unions and factories this year, as workers continue to demand $177 per month to keep up with the rising cost of living. More talks are scheduled from July through January.
Ath Thorn, head of the Cambodian Labor Confederation, said workers are willing to protest to keep the pressure on factories and the government to reach $177, a figure agreed upon by a commission that included employers, government and unions in 2013.
Cambodia's garment and textile industry employs some 600,000 people and is a major driver of the country's economy, but factory managers say they will be forced to close or move if the minimum wage isn't competitive.
Major protests in late 2013 led to a severe government crackdown in January 2014, killing at least five people and injuring dozens more. That led to a minimum raise wage bump to $128 per month, but workers say that still is not enough.
Van Sou Ieng, president of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia, could not be reached for comment.
Heng Suor, a spokesman for the Ministry of Labor, told VOA Khmer the unions must be well prepared to make a case for an even higher wage. The ministry will not side with any one party, but will be seeking preparation, data and documents for upcoming talks, he said.
The Ministry of Labor has called for all sides to make accurate assessments of the sector, including the needs of workers, inflation and daily expenses, as well as its productivity and competitiveness in the market.


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Kentucky Route Zero (pc game)
Cardboard Computer 2013
AdventureIndie
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Cruising through Kentucky
Playing out like a mix of classic point-and-click adventures such as Sam & Max, mixed in with the visual style of Another World, Kentucky Route Zero is a superb experience which deserves to be in the collection of any serious adventure fan. It's a dreamlike game, which follows the tale of Conway, a truck driver who finds himself in rural Kentucky on a routine job but which soon takes a turn for the surreal, with the lines between reality and dreams becoming increasingly blurred. What follows is a compelling narrative which sees you exploring both states via a topdown map, and which focuses mostly on interactive dialogues in order to progress the story, rather than inventory-based puzzles. It is thus up to the player to determine how things go, rather than following an entirely scripted plot. The game was originally released in a series of chapters, with your actions in one episode affecting the course of things in the next one, and this element remains even if you play the full game. The lack of actual puzzles will likely put off many adventure fans from trying this one, but if you're more into the likes of the Walking Dead games, then you'll likely have a great time here. The game certainly looks the part, with some lovely visuals which are highly atmospheric and which really draw you into the whole experience. The story too is a great one, which is a major consideration in a game such as this, and you'll find yourself being pulled inexorably through its nuances to the highly satisfying conclusion. Not one for puzzle addicts, but for those who love a good story, this is an excellent choice.
Filbert Hampshire
The Walking Dead: Season 1 Adventure, 2012
Another World Adventure, 1991
Sam & Max Hit the Road Adventure, 1993
Master Reboot Adventure, 2013
Save the Furries Adventure, 2012
LEGO Batman 2 DC Super Heroes Adventure, 2012
Voodoo Whisperer: Curse of ... Adventure, 2014
Cyborg Adventure, 1982
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Any beneficial interest in securities of a body which has to your knowledge a place of business or land in the Borough of Kettering and either the total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital, or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of any class of shares issued.
Describe any contract for goods services or works made between Kettering Borough Council and you, or a body in which you have a beneficial interest, which has not yet been fully discharged.
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Why Study MBA in Singapore?
As we know, studying MBA in Singapore is worth spending money on. It ranks 3rd after USA and UK when in the sector to education. The universities here are the perfect mixture of high-quality education and modern infrastructure. It is the hub of the world's top universities in the world. Because of one of the best education systems in the world, Singapore is the dream destination for students all over the world. The number of students take admission in a variety of courses offered by them.
Interested in Study in Singapore?
In today's generation, it's not the education, but it's the overall package provided by the country that matters the most. Apart from the quality of education, students also see whether the environment is friendly or not, perks of studying, money, jobs, living standards, etc. One of the best qualities about studying in Singapore is that they use English to interact and study. It offers a vibrant culture, historical past, delicious cuisine, etc., to the international students. Among many courses offered by Singapore, an MBA (master's of business administration) is among one of the top courses. Masters of business administration is one of the most valued degree programs in the world. So if you are looking to pursue MBA in Singapore, this article will be beneficial for you
Why You Should Choose Singapore :
Singapore offers a wide range of MBA opportunities and career prospects. For students who want to study for MBA, there are different universities, which are too affordable compared to the USA and UK universities. Students can choose from 100 MBA courses that they offer. They can choose either a general MBA program or a specialized MBA program. The fact that the students can choose between MBA programs makes Singapore one of the best educational destinations.
List of top universities along with fee structure and exam need to be cleared:
National university of Singapore GMAT/ GRE/ ISLETS/ TOEFL/ PTE
Nanyang technological university GMAT/ GRE/ ISLETS/ TOEFL
SP Jain school of global management GMAT/ ISLET/ TOEFL/ PTE
James cook university ISLETS/ TOEFL
Eligibility Criteria for Pursuing MBA in Singapore
The essential requirement that is needed in all universities of Singapore is listed below:
1.Work experience: The candidate applying for MBA in Singapore must have about 3 to 4 years of work experience.
2.International students and non-native students need to show their TOFEL or ISLETS scores.
3.GMAT scores: GMAT scores vary from university to university.
Duration of MBA in Singapore
The course duration depends on the university. It can be two years, one year (diploma course), 16 months (MBA crash course).Here we are enlisting few top business school with their course duration :
PROGRAM DURATION
INSEAD 10 MONTHS
National University of Singapore (NUS) 17 MONTHS
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 1YR
Singapore Management University(SMU) 1YR
James Cook University 16 MONTHS
SP Jain School of Global Management 1Y6 MONTHS
Nanyang Institute of Management 1YR
PSB Academy 16 MONTHS
Amity Global Institute 1YR
ESSEC Business School 1YR
General Eligibility Criteria :
IELTS, TOEFL test results
GMAT/GRE
A Bachelor Degree from any recognized university
A minimum of 2.8 CGPA at the graduation level.
A minimum 2 years of working experience
Documents Required to Study MBA From Singapore :
Application form with passport size photo.
Loan documents.
Recommendation letter and resume
Statement of purpose.
Scholarship essay.
The university requires another document as per their requirements.
Original transcript of school & college.
Perks of Doing MBA From Singapore :
There are lots of perks given by Singapore to the foreign students. These are as listed below:
There is the various scholarship that is given to the international students:
The financial sumo educational scholarship program.
Go clean scholarship.
Broker fish international student scholarship.
Global study awards.
The fees charged by Singapore universities are quite reasonable compared to the USA and UK.Average cost charges by singapore for higher studies are as following:
Fees for UG program at NUS ranges between 17,000-50,8000 SGD.
Masters Programs in Singapore cost around 20,000 SGD to 54,000 SGD.
The cost for some of the popular programs of Singapore are:
MBA in Singapore: 82,000-123,000 SGD
MBBS in Singapore: avg 28,000 SGD
BBA in Singapore: 22,000 to 28,000 SGD/year
Work in Singapore after studies :
Many scholarships will be given only if students agree to work in Singapore for 3-4 years after completing their studies. According to the rules of government, Students can work in Singapore once their studies are over.
So! If you are an MBA aspirant and want to study MBA, then Singapore can be one of the best destinations. In this article, we have mentioned all relevant points that you should know if you plan to study in Singapore. So! Don't sit at home. Go and make your dream come true.


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© 2018 Andrew Gilchrist
Terms of Use, Privacy Policy,
and Code of Conduct
Chapter 4: Speaking in Tongues
Sales and Services, Sacrifices and Solutions
From Édouard Manet, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, 1882
Her name is Suzon. What is she to you?
From Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, 1936
and Francis Luis Mora, Morning News, 1912
Her name is Florence. What is she to you?
Prescriptive
From Steve McCurry, Afghan Girl, 1985
Her name is Sharbat. What is she to you?
From George Lucas, Leia, 1977
Her name is Leia. What is she to you?
Experience of the Kerygmatic
From the Munro Family, Aduri in Bangladesh, 2014
Her name is Aduri. What is she to you?


text:
Erik Johannes (Erik) van 't Wout (Haarlem, 27 februari 1961) is een Nederlands acteur en regisseur.

Loopbaan
Van 't Wout werd bekend door zijn rol als Aristides Quarles van Ispen  in de KRO-jeugdserie Q & Q, uit 1974. Hij speelde die rol ook in de vervolgserie Q & Q, kunst en vliegwerk uit 1976. Daarna had hij rollen in Doctor Vlimmen, A Bridge too far, De Kris Pusaka, Van de koele meren des doods en De mannetjesmaker. Hij sprak Jim in in de Japanse animefilm De vrolijke piraten van Schateiland.

In de jaren tachtig was Van 't Wout onder andere actief als camera-assistent en lichttechnicus en sinds de jaren negentig voornamelijk als regisseur. Zo regisseerde hij afleveringen van Baantjer, Spangen, Grijpstra & De Gier, Wildschut & De Vries, Spoorloos verdwenen, Verborgen gebreken en Dokter Deen.

Externe link

Nederlands acteur
Nederlands televisieregisseur
Jeugdacteur

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Learn how to surf in Cocoa Beach, Florida! SoBe Surf provides premium private surf lessons with lifeguard instructors. Enjoy the personal professional attention with just you or your private group in the surfing lesson.
You will meet your Instructor at our Merritt Island Shop to check in (just 3 miles from the ocean), then follow your instructor to the appropriate beach for the lesson (determined by the surf conditions that day). All you need to bring is swimsuit and sunscreen.
If you're looking for a more private surf school experience, book a preferred time online or give us a call for any question at (321) 926-6571! We always answer the phone during daytime hours.
Sobe Surf is not the typical surf school. We give you great equipment, personal service, and expert instruction from local lifeguard surfers for your private surf lessons.
Our surfing lessons typically consist of a 2-hour session in which you'll learn surf etiquette, how to paddle the board, how to choose the right wave, and how to pop up to your feet and ride. It's an exhilerating experience and super fun!
Lesson price includes all all equipment and lifeguard instructor. Book online then meet at Sobe Surf at 635 S. Plumosa Street and we'll get started from there!
See the table below for lesson rates. Discounts are provided for multiple lessons and/or large groups. Lessons include instructor and all equipment. loaner wet suits are available during winter months upon request. Book online or Call us if you have any questions!
* Call for large group rates. We'll be glad to accommodate you and will come to your location!
Scheduling a surfing lessons is easy and you can book online through our website. If you'd prefer, you can also call us at (321) 926-6571. Either way, we'll be glad to get you started!
SoBe Surf's Cocoa Beach Area Watersport Center is located on Merritt Island at 635 S. Plumosa Street. Have a look at the map below for directions. We look forward to seeing you here and having a great time in the water!
If you have any trouble finding us at our Cocoa Beach location, just give us a call at (321) 926-6571 and we'll be glad to help you out!
Ask about discounts for families, large groups, teams, military, and locals. We'll be glad to help you out!
If surf lessons aren't exactly your thing, check out these other things that we offer!
Call us at (321) 926-6571 or send us an e-mail to get further information on lessons, rentals and tours in Cocoa Beach and Miami.


It's been a really productive seven or eight months for me. I dusted off a 29, 000 word novel opening, realised why I'd originally abandoned it in 2013, performed the necessary surgery, wrote the 50, 000 additional words needed to complete it and sold it to Severn House. It will be published as The Lucifer Chord (finally!) in May. What was mostly wrong with it was a boring main protagonist. As soon as I gave Ruthie Gillespie her roll, matters took on a new lease of life. So this is Ruthie's first full-length stand-alone, something I think she deserves.
Another character close to my heart is Patrick Lassiter, someone who has battled demons of his own and other people's in my fiction, as well as suffering more than his share of grief. Realising I still had something in the tank after The Lucifer Chord, in November I began a prequel novel featuring Patsy as its central character. It's 1983 and he's a rookie Detective Constable stationed at Kentish Town. I was a North London based journalist back then, visiting that nick on a a weekly basis to go through the crime book with its press liaison officer. So no research necessary and the memories are fresh and vivid. As they should be in a novel set during a july heatwave I well recall. I'm on schedule to finish it by my birthday at the end of January. Birthdays are no fun at my age and I'm determined to have something to celebrate.
On a day when time is on all our minds, today's picture is my son Gabriel with me when only a couple of weeks old. Yesterday we met at the Boaters Inn on the Thames at Kingston for a seasonal drink. The 20 years in between have been eventful, but I'm immensely proud of the man he's become. And on that contented note, I'd like to wish everyone taking the time and trouble to read this a truly wonderful New Year.


We know that a Country Hotel such as The Star Inn attracts pet-owners by the dozen! Therefore, we welcome cats and dogs in our Pet-Friendly rooms.
If you want to go a little further, Birling Gap, Friston Forest, Seaford and Newhaven are very close. Located as we are in the Cuckmere Valley, there are several villages and hamlets to visit, with The Sussex Ox, Plough & Harrow and Giant's Rest as great dog-friendly pubs to walk to.
The Tye (Village Green) is a two minute walk away bordered by trees and bushes with two dog bins.
Footpaths lead from The Tye across the White Bridge with fields and paths left or right across the river.
Please ensure that all dog waste is disposed of in dog/waste bins where possible, or moved to overgrown border areas of paths or fields.


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Do Baptists Believe in Cremation? Learn the Truth
Baptist beliefs about death and the afterlife are an important part of the tradition's theology. Doctrines related to the human body and the nature of life in heaven are deeply rooted in the Bible's teachings, which Baptists historically have zealously followed. In light of this, do Baptists think that cremation is an acceptable option for corpses?
The Baptist tradition teaches that cremation is an acceptable option for the bodies of deceased Christians, though some individuals opt for burial for sake of witness. Cremation doesn't thwart any future eternal reality for the believer, like bodily resurrection, according to historic Baptist teaching.
Why do some Baptists believe that cremation isn't the best witness? Why do some Christian traditions believe cremation is a bad option? Does the practice of burning corpses come from non-Christians religions? Keep reading to learn more.
"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." 1 Thessalonians 4:14 (ESV)
Why Baptists think cremation is permissible
The practice of cremation has increased around the world in the last 50 to 100 years, and Christians, including Baptists, have been part of the upward trend. Historically, burial has been the traditional way that Christians treat the corpse of a deceased believer, but that is changing. (Also see This Is What Baptists Believe About Salvation)
Some Baptist Christians choose cremation instead of burial for reasons such as:
Common reasons people are cremated
Cost: Today, cremation is often less expensive when compared with the cost of a gravesite, headstone, coffin, and other funeral expenses. In some cases, cremation results in less of a financial burden on family and friends.
Speed: Some consider cremation a faster and cleaner way to treat a corpse. People who cite this reason often find the slow deterioration of a corpse in a coffin in the ground to be unsettling.
Land: Like others who are cremated, some Baptists believe that burning a corpse is better for the environment than burial. Cremation doesn't require using land for a gravesite.
Isolation: Some believe that burial is best when friends and family intend to visit the gravesite. Due to the breakdown of the family, and that some family members no longer live in close proximity to each other, burial has become less appealing as a way to remember the deceased.
What about the resurrection of the body?
Baptists, like other Christians, believe in bodily resurrection from the dead. The doctrine states that like Jesus was physically raised from the dead, those who trust in him for salvation will be similarly raised. The doctrine is rooted in verses like these:
1 Thessalonians 4:14, "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."
Romans 8:11, "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
1 Corinthians 6:14, "And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power."
Some Baptists believe that cremation doesn't align with the biblical promise of bodily resurrection. Others argue that God's power is able to reconstitute a cremated body just as it's able to resurrect a buried corpse. (Also see Do Baptists Believe Baptism Is Necessary for Salvation?)
Whether a deceased person is cremated or buried, only God's power can breathe new life into a corpse and bring it to eternal life.
"And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock." Mark 15:46a (ESV)
Some Baptists believe burial is the best witness
Some Baptists believe that while cremation is permissible, burial is a better witness. Not destroying the body with fire, but leaving it relatively intact (aside from the breakdown due to decomposition), best reflects the believer's future hope in bodily resurrection. (Also see Why Don't Baptists Have Crucifixes?)
Judgement is described with the imagery of fire and burning
Cremation isn't mentioned in the Old or New Testament except in relationship to condemnation and judgment. Moreover, cremation depicts the way the Bible says unbeliever's will be judged, like in 2 Peter 3:7:
"But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly." (ESV, emphasis added)
Not only is burial for the purposes of witness the choice of the deceased person, but sometimes it's easier for friends and family as well. To some the priority is financial and so cremation is their first choice (see above), but it bothers others to consider burning the body of their family member. (Also see Do Baptists Believe in the Trinity?)
Bible verses that support burial
Some Baptists who opt for burial instead of cremation find support in certain Bible verses, like:
Abraham bought burial sites for him and Sarah. Genesis 23:9, "For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as property for a burying place." (ESV)
Joseph wanted his bones removed from Egypt. Genesis 50:25, "Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, 'God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.'"
God buried Moses. Deuteronomy 34:6, "And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day."
John the Baptist was buried. Mark 6:29, "When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb." (ESV)
The Rich Man. Luke 16:22, "The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried." (ESV)
Lazarus was buried. John 11:17, "So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days." (ESV)
Jesus was buried. Mark 15:46, "And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock." (ESV)
Baptist pastor John Macarthur notes that burial was the common practice in Israel, but there were exceptions as well:
"The Scriptures do not say anything about required modes of burial for believers. Standard practice among Old Testament and in the New Testament was burial. Saul and Jonathan were cremated by the Israelites after their deaths, but this was not normal practice in Israel. Their bodies were mutilated by the Philistines, thus the decision was made to cremate, then bury the ashes (1 Samuel 31:8-13)."
Does cremation have pagan origins?
Other religions, such as Hinduism, have a long practice of cremation. Their reasons for choosing cremation are much different than those of a Baptist or other Christian. (Also see Cremation and Catholicism: What Are the Rules?)
Because a non-Christian group practices a certain activity, doesn't make it necessarily wrong for those who follow Christ. For example, Hindus pray. Because they pray in ways that are different than what the Bible describes, that doesn't mean Christians should abandon prayer. (Also see Do Baptists Believe in Mortal Sin?)
Unique circumstance
Those who take a universally hard stand against cremation must take into account unique circumstances in which corpses are destroyed that are beyond the control of the individual. Examples include:
Those who die in warfare, whose bodies are destroyed beyond physical reconstitution.
Aborted babies, whose bodies are often torn apart in the womb and discarded in ways that don't preserve the corpse.
Corpses don't often survive intact in disasters like plane crashes. Drowning at sea results in deterioration as well.
For those planning for their own death or that of a loved one, it would be wise to seek the counsel of a pastor or minister. The support of family, friends, and clergy is especially important when people need to make difficult decisions when emotions are intense. (Also see Can a Baptist Deacon Marry a Couple?)
The hope for Christians isn't in cremation or burial, but in Christ alone, who has promised his followers a glorious new life with new bodies:
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body."
1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (ESV)
link to Myth or Fact: Do Baptists Dance?
Myth or Fact: Do Baptists Dance?
The Baptist tradition is one of the largest branches of Christianity in America and around the world. Historically, some Protestant denominations have prohibited their members from activities like...


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