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Midterm Elections 2014 Poll: Most Republicans Say Their Vote Will Show Opposition To Obama
By Howard Koplowitz @howardkoplowitz
President Barack Obama Photo: Reuters
More Americans view their vote in November's midterm elections as a message of opposition toward President Barack Obama than one of support, according to a Gallup poll released Friday. The poll also showed that Republican voters' oppose Obama more fervently than Democrats support him.
Midterm elections are always viewed as a referendum on the sitting president's policies, and Obama admitted as much during a speech Thursday at Northwestern University. "I am not on the ballot this fall. Michelle's pretty happy about that. But make no mistake: These policies are on the ballot. Every single one of them," the president said, according to the Washington Post.
Republicans pounced on his comments, with GOP spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski calling Obama's remarks "some not-so-great news for 2014 Democrats: President Obama just nationalized all of their races. ... As President Obama made clear by declaring that his agenda was on the ballot this fall, a vote for a Democrat is a vote for him and his failed policies."
Roughly one-third of likely voters polled by Reuters agree, with 32 percent of respondents saying they viewed their vote in the 2014 midterms as a message to oppose Obama. One in four said their vote would be a message of support, while 46 percent said they didn't view their vote as "sending a message" to the president.
The 12-percent gap between opposition and support is the same percentage point difference during the 2010 midterm elections, the first for Obama. In that year, which saw the GOP take control of the House of Representatives amid Obamacare's unpopularity, 30 percent of likely voters told Gallup they viewed their ballot as a message to oppose Obama. More than 20 percent said their vote would be a message to support the president and 44 percent said they wouldn't be sending a message to the president with their vote.
Broken down along party lines, the Gallup poll found that nearly 60 percent of Republicans said their vote would be a message opposing Obama, while only 38 percent of Democrats said their vote would be a message of support. Most Democrats -- 53 percent -- said they wouldn't be sending any message.
While the percentage of Republicans who said their vote would be in opposition to Obama remained steady from 2010, Democrats who said their vote is a message of support declined from the 45 percent who felt that way in 2010.
Obama's 2014 numbers are comparable to his predecessor's second term. Most Democrats in 2006 said their vote was a message of opposition to President George W. Bush while most Republicans said they wouldn't be sending a message. Democrats captured both houses that year. In 2002, Bush's first midterm election, a majority of Republican voters -- 51 percent -- said their vote was a message of support for the president.
Regarding 2014, Nate Silver Has Bad News For The Democrats
Republicans Boost Senate Race Ad Spending In 5 Key States


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Mega Path Could be the Best Way to Win a Platinum Pass to PSPC 2020
Every Sunday, PokerStars is giving away a Platinum Pass to the PSPC in Barcelona next year for just a $2 buy-in.
The year-long process by PokerStars of awarding Platinum Passes is in full flow and more than a dozen of players have already won their way to play in the second edition of PokerStars Players No Limit Hold'em Championship (PSPC).
Scheduled to take place in August 2020, the record-breaking PSPC event will head to a new location in Barcelona, Spain and will run as a part of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona festival.
Like last year, PokerStars is once again committed to giving away Platinum Passes each worth approximately $30,000 to hundreds of players via various routes including both live stops and online promotions. Each Platinum Pass includes a €22,500 seat in the PSPC, travel and accommodation expenses.
If you are looking for a way to win your way to the PSPC from the comfort of your home, then you are in luck as PokerStars is giving away passes every Sunday on its online poker client through its Mega Path satellite system. And we feel that it is your best shot at winning a Platinum Pass and perhaps become the next Ramon Colillas.
Why Play on PokerStars?
The only online poker room offering a chance to win a Platinum Pass for entry into PSPC 2020.
Largest player base in the world.
Home of Spin & Go, Power Up and lots of other unique game variants including 6+ Hold'em.
Biggest weekly tournament schedule around.
The Mega Path qualifier has four steps and it starts with a Spin & Go, progresses to on-demand Sit & Gos, moves through a weekly MTT and then finally leads to a PSPC qualifier tournament.
The first step is basically free of cost as players can earn a Step 1 ticket through opening Stars Rewards chests that award tickets to a Spin & Go. Players must finish first in this three-handed tournament to progress to Step 2.
Upon completing Step 1, they move to Step 2 which is a Sit & Go. Alternatively, players can enter into Step 2 directly by paying a $2 buy-in. These Sit & Go's are winner-take-all where only one out of 27 players make it to Step 3 valued at $50.
Step 3 is played every Sunday and guarantees 15 seats to the final Step of the Mega Path—another weekly Sunday tournament that guarantees one €26,500 Platinum Pass and seven seats to Step 3.
It is worth noting that the last two stages are ticket-only entry, requiring players to work their way through at least three steps to get there. This should increase the number of casual, recreational players who make it through to the PSPC.
The Mega Path promotion kicked off on September 8 and is slated to run till December 1 per the UK webpage, though the promotion could be extended into 2020.
To give you an idea of how great your chances of qualifying via Mega Path, the first Mega Path PSPC qualifier on September 8 got only 19 runners causing an overlay of $18,000. A week later, the same qualifier had 25 registered entrants, falling short of its guarantee by $12,000.
A similar promotion is also being run on PokerStars French and Spanish markets.
Expect a Much Bigger PSPC in 2020
For its second outing, PokerStars' Marketing Director, Eric Hollreiser told Pocketfives that the company is aiming for a much bigger and better PSPC. The inaugural event, held earlier this year, drew over 1000 total entries—320 of which won their way via the Platinum Pass system, PokerStars' audacious year-long promotion that saw $8 million in prize packages given away through a myriad of paths.
In total, the PSPC generated in excess of $26 million, making it by far the largest single tournament PokerStars has ever hosted live.
PokerStars will now hope to repeat this year's performance and look to break the record again.
Platinum Pass PokerStars PokerStars Players No Limit Hold'em Championship PSPC 2020
By Anuj Arora
pokerfu.se/6r8w
PSPC 2020 latest news
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The PokerStars Players No Limit Hold'em Championship (PSPC) event has officially been postponed until 2021 as a…
How to Win a Platinum Pass to PSPC 2020 in Barcelona
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PSPC "Going Forward As Planned," PokerStars Continuing to Award Platinum Passes
While we are still five and half months away from the start of the PSPC, the outbreak of COVID-19 that has plagued the…
Everything You Need to Know About PokerStars PSPC 2020
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Online poker giant, PokerStars, has launched daily satellites and qualifiers for high stakes players, allowing them to…
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PokerStars has successfully added an in-client Twitch integration feature, allowing players to sync their Twitch…
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Fires are natural - most of the time (click on image for larger view).
Using the word 'unnatural' is always risky, but here it is meant to convey control by humans - which in itself is 'natural', but introduces many variables not before seen in history. Unlike natural fires which are beneficial, unnatural forest fires often have the opposite effect - especially when used to clear land of trees to make way for agriculture or construction. Over time, the number of trees decreases while the number of humans increases. More humans require more agriculture which means more deforestation.
Carbon dioxide is a major product of wood combustion. Looking at the above map, the produced amounts of this gas from fire can be seen over a thirteen year period from 1997-2010 (click on the image for a larger view). It's fairly obvious that fires tend to arise in the same places year after year. In most cases, the carbon dioxide produced is a result of naturally occurring fires as described above. However, in a few cases - particularly the Amazon Rainforest - much of this carbon output arises from unnatural fires.
What is so special about the Amazon rainforest? For starters, it represents over half of the world's remaining rainforests. It has been around for over 50 million years during which time numerous animals and plants have evolved and thrived within its confines. One in ten known species (of both plants and animals) lives in this area, representing a mind-boggling array of biodiversity. In a universe where life is scarce (see previous article about finding Earth II), the Amazon is brilliant diamond to be admired and respected.
Humans (nay, all animals) rely upon the rainforest as well. Not only does it produce oxygen, but it also consumes carbon dioxide - necessary for all breathing animals. NASA has estimated the number of trees world-wide at around 400 billion. The human population is nearly 7 billion which gives us around 57 trees per person. In the past, that ratio was much higher in favor of the trees. That being said, there are still enough trees to support the oxygen requirements for life as we know it presently, but the ratio is still going down.
It should be noted that about half of the world's oxygen supply does not come from trees or plants, but from the phytoplankton in the world's oceans (which itself has changed, but that's another story for another time). That's a good thing, given the amount of deforestation which has occurred. Otherwise, we might already be able to notice tangible differences in our air.
Brazil's GDP has gone up recently, perhaps reducing the need for deforestation.
Since 1970, about 80% of the Amazon rainforest remains. In terms of actual forest loss, that equates to about 745,000 square kilometers - that's larger than the size of France! However, as the chart above shows, the rate of deforestation has been going down since 2004 due to a number of reasons. Hopefully this trend will continue - not only in the Amazon, but other forests as well.
Fires are a naturally occurring phenomenon which are beneficial to the world's ecosystems. However, when fire is used to remove forests for agriculture or construction, what remains has a greater burden to support a larger population of humans. This harms our symbiotic relationship with the trees so this cannot continue indefinitely. Like any good relationship, we must respect and nurture our partners while they do the same for us. Perhaps the recent trend in the Amazon is an indication that we understand this. Short-term gain is not a bad thing, but if it means a long-term loss then it is surely the wrong path.
2) What is going on in the world's oceans in terms of oxygen production?
3) When will a 'breaking point' occur at which time resources cannot support future population levels?
These graphs were generated using the 'ggplot2' and 'maps' packages within the R programming language. In the future, different plotting packages will begin to be seen here, including 3d plots and trellis plots. Stay tuned!
I'm no hater of choropleth maps, but your map here highlights one of their weaknesses, namely mixing in political borders which gives undo visual prominence. In your map above, you graph the total grams of fire carbon emissions as a color filling the entirety of the country. This has a compounding effect that skews the data. Is the deep red an effect of the amount of carbon output or the size of the country? Since big countries have more trees to burn, they have more carbon output. And since they show up bigger on the map they are even more prominent. In short, not only is Brazil deep red, it's deep red and huge!
Graphing by color the carbon output per square km (or per wooded square km if that exists) or graphing circles for the size of carbon output would be an improvement in my opinion and closer to what the data really show.
Completely agree with you. The data that I was able to obtain listed the carbon output by country, so that's what I had to go with (http://www.globalfiredata.org/). Now, on *their* site (the Global Fire Data site), it shows what you are looking for, but all of the FTP links to that sort of data were broken (I tried every one, multiple times, multiple ways).
And to answer your question: the deeper the red, the more carbon output by amount contained within the country's borders.


Blueprint Crochet Sweaters is a tremendous resource – filled with essential design knowledge and tips. Whether you are learning to design, or you are only interested in crocheting garments which fit you – you will find something in this publication to help you meet your goals.
The Author of the publication is Robyn Chacuhla and other Contributors who provided designs for this publication are Marlaina Bird (Ruby Cropped Cardi), Drew Emborsky (Smoky Cropped Top), Simona Merchant-Dest (Foliage Shrug) and Kristin Omdahl (Veronica Pullover).
Robyn truly has a knack for taking a garment design and breaking it into easily manageable parts. I was impressed by how much information she has included, above and beyond the basic pattern instructions for each design. This publication is 165 pages in length and includes 16-beautiful designs.
Each design includes straightforward step-by-step written instructions, stitch pattern diagrams, schematics and when needed motif layout diagrams. Multiple sizes of garments have been included, ranging from X-Small to 2X.
Making a sweater (or garment) from panels which are blocked and then sewn together.
Making a sweater (or garment) starting at the top (neckline) and working down to the bottom edge.
Making a sweater (or garment) with motifs.
Burnt Plaid Dress, Clover Car Coat, Foliage Shrug, Rose Quartz Pullover and Harvest Cowl Shift (From the Granny Motif Construction Section).
Throughout the book you will also find notes included like "Shell Game" on page 64 – which explains how to easily increase, or decrease shell stitches in a pattern design.
An explanation of Symbol Crochet Basics, including the Top Six Rules of Symbol Crochet is included on page 152. This section includes more than just what each symbol means – it provides very helpful tips for following stitch pattern diagrams and granny square diagrams.
Abbreviations and basic crochet stitches are outlined in both written form and with diagrams on pages 153-156.
I was given the opportunity to ask the author of Blueprint Crochet Sweaters, Robyn Chachula, some interview questions. I would like to thank her for taking the time to answer my questions!
1. Which crochet garment design method do you personally prefer? Classic construction? Unique construction? Motif Construction or Top-Down Construction? and why?
I am a motif construction gal. I like to think of motifs as little building blocks. And by doing that I can easily change my mind. Instead of ripping out a ton of work, I can adjust necklines or hems lines with just a few motifs.
2. Which design in Blueprint Crochet Sweaters is your favorite?
That is like choosing your favorite child! I like them all for each of their own qualities. Now which could I see myself making for me? That's the shitake. It is light and airy so I can wear it in any season, and the motifs are so easy to make while doing other errands.
3. Which program do you use (or recommend) to create stitch pattern diagrams and schematics?
I use AutoCad to draw everything. It is a drawing package that gives me the flexibility to create and draw without constraints. Plus, while I was an engineer I was most used to that.
4. What was the most challenging crochet project you ever designed?
Funny enough it was a simple raglan cardigan for my new book. It was not hard to make or crochet, but to describe how to make it in multiple sizes was a mental marathon.
5. What would we find in your crochet tool-kit?
6. Where do you sit when you crochet?
Anywhere. I have little kids so I crochet on the go. I find that if the spot is too comfy, I am out like a light.
7. Of all the patterns you have ever designed, which one are you most proud of?
I like the afghan my son sleeps with every night. I have designed a lot of fun and cool pieces, but his simple blanket with acrylic yarn is my favorite. Mainly because without it he can't sleep, and I love that connection we now have.
8. What tools and/or resources would you recommend to a Crocheter who wished to learn how to design garments?
I can't really point to one book or tool I used to learn. I pretty much made it up as I went along to be honest. I did try though to take every class I could that had anything to do with crochet. I always found I would learn something new I could use.
9. If you were to take the time to crochet something for yourself, what would it be?
Hats, I live where its cold for most of the year. And I am constantly losing my hat. I try to start making new hats for my whole family in July, so that by December we have a lot to choose from.
10. If you had the opportunity to provide one piece of advice to a new Crocheter, what would it be?
Enjoy making mistakes. The only difference between a professional crocheter and not is that we know how to hide our mistakes. And I have always thought my best work has come from the craziest mistakes.
As an added bonus, Interweave has generously given me a snippet from Blueprint Crochet Sweaters to share on my website!
With its classic and easy-to-wear style, this cardigan can be a go-to sweater year-round. But behind the style lies a quick lesson on crochet symbols. The two-row stitch pattern is easily repeatable. However, even though the pattern is easy, and the shaping for each size is simple, written directions for six sizes become quite long. Diagrams A–H are located at the back of the book, on pages 158–163.
shown: Cascade Ultra Pima (100% pima cotton; 220 yd [200 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): #3701 Cranberry, 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) hanks.
Size G/7 (4.5 mm) or hook needed to obtain gauge.
21 sts by 8 rows = 4¼" × 4″ (11 × 10 cm) in alternating rows of linked double treble and single crochet.
5 SR by 9 rows = 4¼" × 41/8″ (11 × 10.5 cm) in diamond lattice stitch pattern.
Note: 10 rows of lower body pattern repeat = 4″ (10 cm).
Bust measurement is 32½ (36, 39¼, 44½", 47¾", 51¼") (82.5 [91.5, 99.5, 113, 121.5, 130] cm).
Sized for X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X). Size shown is Small.
Notes Turning ch of linked stitches does not count as a stitch.
next st, yo, pull up lp (5 lps on hook), [yo, draw through 2 lps on hook] 3 times, yo, draw through last 2 lps (first stitch made).
NEXT STITCHES: Insert hook into upper horizontal bar of previous stitch from top to bottom (the first bar is found below the stitch's top 2 lps), yo, pull up lp, insert hook into middle horizontal bar, yo, pull up lp, insert hook into lower horizontal bar, yo, pull up lp, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up lp, (5 lps on hook), [yo, draw through 2 lps on hook] 3 times, yo, draw through last 2 lps.
Yo, insert hook into st indicated, pull up a lp, yo pull through 2 lps on hook, yo twice, insert hook into st indicated, pull up a lp, yo pull through 2 lps on hook twice, yo, pull through remaining lps on hook.
SET -UP STITCH: Ch 4, insert hook into the 2nd ch from hook, yo, pull up lp, insert hook into 3rd ch from hook, yo, pull up lp, iinsert hook into next st, yo, pull up lp (4 lps on hook), [yo, draw through 2 lps on hook] 2 times, yo, draw through last 2 lps (first stitch made).
NEXT STITCHES: Insert hook into upper horizontal bar of previous stitch from top to bottom (the first bar is found belowthe stitch's top 2 lps), yo, pull up lp, insert hook into middle horizontal bar, yo, pull up lp, insert hook into next st, yo, pull up lp, (4 lps on hook), [yo, draw through 2 lps on hook] 2 times, yo, draw through last 2 lps.
See Diamond Lattice Stitch Pattern diagram (page 14) for assistance.
Ch a multiple of 4 plus 2.
ROW 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 2, dc2tog in same ch and ch 4 chs away (sk 3 chs), ch 2, sc in same ch as dc2tog, rep from * across, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 4 (counts as tr), dc in next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog, rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and sc, turn.
ROW 3: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to end, turn.
Rep Rows 2–3 to desired length.
Note: Diagrams A–H are located at the back of the book, on pages 158–163.
See Diagram A (page 158) for assistance. Ch 146 (162, 178, 202, 218, 234).
ROW 1 (WS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn—145 (161, 177, 201, 217, 233 sts.
ROW 2: Ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next st, LDTR in each remaining sc across, turn.
ROW 3: Ch 1, sc in each LDTR across, turn.
ROW 4: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—36 (40, 44, 50, 54, 58] dc2tog.
ROW 5: Cont in Row 2 of diamond lattice stitch pattern across, turn.
ROW 6: Cont in Row 3 of diamond lattice stitch pattern across, turn.
ROWS 7–8: Rep Rows 5–6.
ROW 9: Rep Row 5.
ROW 10: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 3, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to end, turn.
ROW 11: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *3 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, rep from * across, turn.
ROWS 12–31: Rep Rows 2–11 twice more.
ROWS 32–37: Rep Rows 2–7 once.
See Diagram B (page 158).
ROW 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * 7 (8, 8, 9, 10, 10) times total, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, leave remaining sts unworked, turn—8 (9, 9, 10, 11, 11] dc2tog.
ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and sc, turn.
ROW 3: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 3, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last dc2tog, (XS, S, M, L) ch 1, hdc in last sc, turn.
ROW 4: Ch 1, (XS, S, M, L) sc in hdc, sc in ch-1 sp, (ALL) sc in next sc, *3 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, rep from * across, turn—31 (35, 35, 39, 41, 41) sc.
ROW 5: Ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next st, LDTR in each remaining sc across, turn.
ROW 6: Ch 1, sc in each LDTR across, turn.
ROW 7: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across to last 2 sc, ch 2, dctrtog in previous and last sc, turn—8 (9) dc2tog.
ROW 8: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last sc, ch 2, dctrtog in previous st and last sc, turn.
ROW 7: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—10 (10) dc2tog.
ROWS 8–9: Rep Rows 2–3 of diamond lattice stitch pattern.
ROW 10: Rep Row 2 of diamond lattice stitch pattern.
ROW 1 (RS): Sk 7 sc, join yarn with sl st to next sc, sc in next sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across to last 2 sc, ch 2, dctrtog over previous st and last sc, turn—5 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * 4 (5) times total, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, leave remaining sts unworked, turn—5 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 3: Ch 1, sc in dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and last sc, turn—4 (5) dc2tog.
ROW 4: Rep Row 3 of diamond lattice stitch pattern.
ROWS 5–6: Rep Rows 2–3 of diamond lattice stitch pattern.
ROW 7: Ch 3 (counts as hdc, ch-1 sp), sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, rep from * across to last sc, ch 1, hdc in last sc, turn—3 (4) ch-3 sps.
ROW 8: Ch 1, sc in hdc, sc in ch-1 sp, *sc in next sc, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, rep from * across to last sc, sc in last sc, 2 sc in tch sp, turn—17 (21) sc.
ROW 9: Ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next st, LDTR in each remaining sc across, turn.
ROW 10: Ch 1, sc in each LDTR across, turn.
ROW 11: Rep Row 3 of diamond lattice stitch pattern.
ROW 12: Rep Row 2 of diamond lattice stitch pattern—4 (5) dc2tog.
ROW 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, [ch 3, sc around next dc2tog] twice, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last sc, ch 2, dctrtog over previous st and last sc, turn—6 (7) dc2tog.
ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * 5 (6) times total, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, leave remaining sts unworked, turn—5 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 4: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * 4 (5) times total, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, leave remaining sts unworked, turn—5 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 5: Ch 1, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, rep from * across to last sc, ch 1, hdc in last sc, turn—4 (5) ch-3 sp.
ROW 6: Ch 1, sc in hdc, sc in ch-1 sp, *sc in next sc, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, rep from * across to last sc, sc in last sc, turn—19 (23) sc.
ROW 7: Ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next st, LDTR in each remaining sc across, turn.
ROW 8: Ch 1, sc in each LDTR across, turn.
ROW 9: Ch 3, sk 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in same sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—4 (5) dc2tog.
ROW 10: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across, turn.
ROWS 11–12: Rep Row 10 twice.
ROW 2: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 2, sc around next dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * 5 times total, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and last dc2tog, leave remaining sts unworked, turn—6 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 3: Ch 1, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—6 (6) ch-3 sp.
ROW 4: Ch 1, *sc in next sc, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, rep from * across to last ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc2tog in ch-3 sp and last sc, turn—24 (24) sc.
ROW 5: Ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next sc (sk sc2tog), LDTR in each remaining sc across, turn—23 (23) LDTR.
ROW 7: Ch 3, sk 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in same sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—5 (5) dc2tog.
ROW 8: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across, turn.
ROWS 9–12: Rep Row 8 four times.
See Diagram C (page 159).
ROW 1: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * zero (once, once, once) more, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 1, hdc around dc2tog, ch 4, sc around dc2tog, ch 3, sl st to last dc, fasten off, turn.
ROW 2: (XS) Join yarn with sl st to ch-1 sp, (S, XL, 2X) Join yarn with sl st to first dc2tog, ch 3, (ALL) sc around dc2tog, ch 4, hdc around dc2tog, ch 1, dctrtog in previous st and last sc, fasten off.
ROW 1: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 2, *sc around dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, rep from * (zero, once) more, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 1, hdc around dc2tog, ch 4, sc around dc2tog, ch 3, sl st to dc, fasten off, turn.
ROW 2: (M) Join yarn with sl st to ch-1 sp. (L) Join yarn with sl st to first dc2tog, ch 3, (ALL) sc around next dc2tog, ch 4, hdc around dc2tog, ch 1, dc2tog in previous dc2tog and last dc, ch 1, dc in top of tch, fasten off.
See Diagram D (page 159)).
st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * 17 (19, 19, 21, 23, 23) times total, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, leave remaining sts unworked, turn—18 (20, 20, 22, 24, 24) dc2tog.
ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last 2 dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, (XS, S, M, L) ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), turn.
last sc, turn—16 (18, 18, 20, 22, 22] ch-3 sp.
ROW 4: Ch 1, (XS, S, M, L) sc in hdc, sc in ch-1 sp, (ALL) sc in next sc, *3 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, rep from * across, (XS, S, M, L) 2 sc in tch sp, turn—69 (77, 77, 85, 89, 89) sc.
ROWS 5–6: Rep Rows 2–3 of lower body.
ROWS 7–14: Rep Rows 4–11 of lower body once.
ROW 15: Rep Row 2 of lower body once.
ROWS 15–16: Rep Rows 3–4 of lower body.
ROW 7: Ch 3, sk 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in same sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across, ch 2, dctrtog in previous st and last sc, turn—21 (21) dc2tog.
ROW 8: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to end, turn.
ROW 9: Ch 4 (counts as tr), dc in next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog, rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and sc, turn.
ROWS 10–11: Rep Rows 8–9.
ROW 12: Rep Row 8.
ROW 13: Ch 3 (counts as hdc in ch-1 sp), sc around first dc2tog, *ch 3, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 1, hdc in last sc, turn—21 (21) ch-3 sp.
ROW 14: Ch 1, sc in hdc, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next sc, *3 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, rep from * across, 2 sc in tch sp, turn—89 (89) sc.
ROWS 15–16: Rep Rows 2–3 of lower body.
ROWS 17–19: Rep Rows 7–9 of back panel.
See Diagram E (page 160).
ROW 1: Ch 1, sc in next 17 (21) LDTR, leave remaining sts unworked, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—4 (5) dc2tog.
ROW 3: Cont in Row 2 of diamond lattice stitch pattern.
ROWS 4–5: Rep Rows 1–2 of front-panel shoulder.
ROW 1: Skip 34 sts from end of Row 1 of shoulder, join yarn with sl st to next st, sc in each remaining sts across, turn—17 (21) sc.
ROWS 2–3: Rep Rows 2–3 of shoulder shaping.
ROW 4: Sl st in dctrtog, ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, ch 4, hdc around next dc2tog, ch 1, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, *sc around previous dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and last dc, ch 2, rep from * (0,1) more time, sc in last dc, turn.
ROW 5: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 1, hdc around previous dc2tog, ch 4, sc around next dc2tog, (S) ch 3, sl st in last dc2tog, (XS) sl st in ch-sp, fasten off.
ROW 1: Ch 4 (counts as tr), dc in next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog*, rep from * 4 (5) times total, [ch 3, sc around next dc2tog] 10 times, rep from * to * 4 (5) times total, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and sc, turn.
ROWS 2–3: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog, rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and next sc, turn.
ROW 4: Sl st in dctrtog, ch 3, sc around dc2tog, ch 4, hdc around next dc2tog, ch 1, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, *sc around previous dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, rep from * (0, 1) more time, sc around previous dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and last sc, turn.
ROW 5: Ch 5, dc2tog in dctrtog and next dc2tog, ch 1, hdc around previous dc2tog, ch 4, sc around next dc2tog, (M) sl st in ch-1 sp, (L) ch 3, sl st in next dc2tog, fasten off.
ROW 1: Skip 10 ch-3 sps from end of Row 2 of shoulder shaping, join yarn with sl st in next sc, ch 4, dc in next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog, rep from * across, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 4, dc in next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog, rep from * across, turn.
ROWS 3–4: Rep Rows 1–2 of front-panel shoulder shaping.
ROW 1: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog*, rep from * 6 times total, [ch 3, sc around next dc2tog] 10 times, rep from * to * 6 times total, turn.
ROWS 2–3: Ch 4, dc in next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog, rep from * across, fasten off, turn.
ROW 4: Join yarn with sl st to first dc2tog, ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, ch 4, hdc around next dc2tog, ch 1, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, *sc around previous dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and last dc, ch 2, rep from * once more, sc in last dc, turn.
ROW 5: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 1, hdc around previous dc2tog, ch 4, sc around next dc2tog, ch 3, sl st in last dc2tog, fasten off.
ROW 1: Skip 10 ch-3 sps from end of Row 2 of shoulder shaping, join yarn with sl st in next dc2tog, sc around previous dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog, rep from * across, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and last sc, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around same dc2tog, rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and next sc, turn.
See Diagram F (on pages 161–162).
ROW 1 (RS): Join yarn with sl st in same st as last dc2tog on Row 1 of back panel, sc around same st as join, [ch 3, sc around next dc2tog] 1 (1, 4, 5, 4, 6) times, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 11) times total, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last 2 dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, (XS, S, M, L) ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), turn.
ROW 4: Ch 1, sc in next sc, *3 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, rep from * across, (XS, S, M, L) 2 sc in tch sp, turn—31 (35, 35, 39, 41, 41) sc.
ROW 7: Ch 3, sk 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 2, sc in same sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—8 (9) dc2tog.
ROW 8: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across, turn.
in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), leave remaining sts unworked, turn—5 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 2: Ch 1, sc in dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across, turn—5 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 3: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 2, sc around previous dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * 3 (4) times, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, turn—4 (5) dc2tog.
Cont in Front-Panel Neck Opening directions to shoulder shaping.
around next dc2tog, ch 3, sc in last dc, fasten off, turn—6 (7) dc2tog.
ROW 2: Join yarn with sl st to first dc2tog, sc in same dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across, turn—6 (7) dc2tog.
in previous and next dc2tog, turn—4 (5) dc2tog.
ROW 4: Ch 1, sc in dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in prev st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across, turn—4 (5) dc2tog.
ROW 5: Ch 3 (counts as hdc, ch-1 sp), sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), *ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—4 (5) ch-3 sp.
ROW 6: Ch 1, *sc in next sc, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, rep from * across to last sc, sc in last sc, 2 sc in tch sp, turn—19 (23) sc.
ROW 10: Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and last sc, turn.
ROW 2: Join yarn with sl st to first dc2tog, sc around same dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and last sc, turn—6 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 3: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, *ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—6 (6) ch-3 sp.
ROW 4: Ch 1, sc2tog in sc and first ch-3 sp, 2 sc in same ch-3 sp, *sc in next sc, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, rep from * across to last sc, sc in last sc, turn—24 (24) sc.
ROW 5: Ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next sc, LDTR in each remaining sc across, sk sc2tog, turn—23 (23) LDTR.
ROW 7: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 2, dc2tog in same sc and sc 4 sts away (sk 3 sc), ch 2, sc in same sc as dc2tog, rep from * across to last 2 sc, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and last sc, turn—6 (6) dc2tog.
ROW 8: Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and last sc, turn.
See Diagram G (on page 163).
ROW 1: (XS, S) Sl st in dctrtog, (XL, 2X) join yarn to first dc2tog, (ALL) ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, ch 4, hdc around next dc2tog, ch 1, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, *sc around previous dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and last dc, ch 2, rep from * 0 (1, 1, 1,) more time sc in last dc, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 4, dc in first dc2tog, ch 1, hdc around previous dc2tog, ch 4, sc around next dc2tog, (S, XL, 2X) ch 3, sl st in last dc2tog, (XS) sl st in ch-sp, fasten off.
ROW 1: Sl st in dctrtog, ch 3, sc around dc2tog, ch 4, hdc around next dc2tog, ch 1, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, *sc around previous dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and next dc2tog, ch 2, rep from * 0 (1) more time, sc around previous dc2tog, ch 2, dctrtog in previous dc2tog and last sc, turn.
ROW 2: Ch 5, dc2tog in dctrtog and next dc2tog, ch 1, hdc around previous dc2tog, ch 4, sc around next dc2tog, (M) sl st in ch-1 sp, (L) ch 3, sl st in next dc2tog, fasten off.
See Diagram H (on page 163).
Ch 58 (62, 70, 74, 78, 82).
ROW 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 2, dc2tog in same ch and ch 4 chs away (sk 3 chs), ch 2, sc in same ch as dc2tog, rep from * across, turn—14 (15, 17, 18, 19, 20) dc2tog.
ROWS 2–5: Rep Rows 2–3 of Diamond Lattice Stitch pattern twice.
ROW 6: Rep Row 2 of diamond lattice stitch pattern once.
ROW 1: Ch 1, sc in dctrtog, ch 3, sc around next dc2tog, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last dc2tog, ch 3, sc in last dc, fasten off, turn—12 (13, 15, 16, 17, 18) dc2tog.
ROW 2: Join yarn with sl st to first dc2tog, sc in same st, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last 2 dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and last dc2tog, turn—11 (12, 14, 15, 16, 17) dc2tog.
ROW 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 2, dc2tog in previous st and next dc2tog, ch 2, sc around dc2tog (bet posts of dc), rep from * across to last 2 dc2tog, ch 2, dc2tog in previous and last dc2tog, turn—10 (11, 13, 14, 15, 16) dc2tog.
Shaping doesn't have to work against the grain. Work with your stitch pattern. If it has a natural diagonal, as this one does, go with it. It's much easier to use the natural diagonal than to recreate an entire stitch pattern. If you do need to use another shape, draw the diagram first, then draw a line on the diagram that shows your path. Use your crochet symbols to fit true to that line. Review the basics in the introduction on page 7.
ROWS 4–8 (8, 10, 10, 10, 12): Rep Row 3 of cap shaping 5 (5, 7, 7, 7, 9) times—5 (6, 6, 7, 8, 7) dc2tog.
ROW 9 (9, 11, 11, 11, 13): Ch 1, sc in first dc2tog, *ch 3, sc around dc2tog, rep from * across, fasten off.
Pin body and sleeves to schematic size and spray with water. Allow to dry. Pin front and back shoulders together with right sides together. Join yarn to edge with sl st, working through both front and back panels at once, sc across shoulder, fasten off, weave in ends. Pin sleeves to arm opening with right sides facing. Whipstitch sleeve to armhole opening with tapestry needle. Whipstitch sleeve together at underarm.
RND 1: Join yarn to RS edge of cardigan, sc evenly up edge of cardigan, 3 sc on outside corner, turn work and sc evenly around neck, 3 sc on outside corner, turn work, sc evenly down edge of cardigan, fasten off.
sc (space bet dtr and linked dtr is a buttonhole), LDTR in last 3 sts, fasten off.
LEFT PANEL EDGE: Join yarn to RS at neck edge, ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next st, LDTR in each remaining sc across, fasten off.
RIGHT NECK COLLAR: Join yarn to RS at top of right panel edge, ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next st, LDTR in next sc, dtr in next st (space bet dtr and LDTR is a buttonhole), LDTR in each remaining sc across to back neck, fasten off, leaving long tail. Whipstitch row to back neck.
LEFT NECK COLLAR: Join yarn to RS at back neck of left panel edge, ch 5 (does not count as a st), LDTR in 2nd, 3rd, 4th ch and next st, LDTR in each remaining sc across to front panel, fasten off, whipstitch chain at beginning of row to back neck.
FINAL EDGING: Join yarn to RS at bottom of back panel, sc in each st across to front-panel opening, 3 sc at outside corner, sc in each st up opening to collar, 3 sc at outside edge, sc in each st for 3 (3, 3.5, 3.5, 4, 4)" (7.5 [7.5, 9, 9, 10, 10] cm), sc3tog over next 3 sts, sc in next 2 sts, sc3tog over next 3 sts, [sc in each st to back neck edge, sc3tog over next 3 sts] twice, sc in each st to last 4 (4, 4½, 4½, 5, 5)" (10 [10, 11.5, 11.5, 14,12.5, 12.5] cm) of neck, sc3tog over next 3 sts, sc in next 2 sts, sc3tog over next 3 sts, sc in each st to outside corner, 3 sc in outside corner of front panel, sc in each st down front panel to bottom edge, 3 sc in corner of bottom edge, sc in each st across to beginning, sl st to first sc, fasten off.
RND 1: Join yarn to RS edge of sleeve, sc evenly around sleeve, sl st to first sc, do not turn.
RND 2: Ch 4 (does not count as a st), LTR in 2nd, 3rd, and next st, LTR in each remaining sc around, sl st to top of tch, do not turn.
RND 3: Ch 1, sc in each LTR around, fasten off with long tail. Whipstitch chain to last st on Rnd 2 to close hole created.
For the complete pattern including images, drawings and schematics please see the PDF Excerpt at the beginning of this section. Thank you!
All images and excerpts are used with permission from Interweave, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
Photography © 2015 Joe Hancock. For more information about Interweave, visit their website,Facebook or Twitter!
I love this book. It taught me symbol crochet and opened up a whole new way of reading patterns!
Hi Brenda, Thank you for reading my review of Blueprint Crochet Sweaters 🙂 I'm glad you enjoyed the pattern excerpt I selected from the book to share with you!


These embroidered baseball caps are available in virtually every breed, so you're sure to find your favorite. The sturdy cotton twill, embroidered breed depiction and breathable mesh lining make this the perfect hat for dog lovers everywhere. They make a great gift, too!
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Escape From Hermitage Museum Game is a brand new and exciting point and click escape game developed by Eight Games. Imagine your self trap in a Hermitage Museum. You are there as a tourist and you decided to visit the famous museum in the whole world. But when you are in that museum there is a tragedy happens, there is a earthquake hits the city. The museum was totaly damage and half of it is collapsed, you try to escape but the door won't open. Find the clues and use the hints and solve the puzzles for you to escape from that dangerous scenario. Good Luck!


We want to introduce you to our good friend, Tana Carder. Tana is happily married to Bryan Carder, and is a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom to Sean, age seven. The sixth of sixteen children, ages fifteen to forty, thirteen of whom are adopted, Tana is very familiar with adoption, needless to say! We so appreciate her gift of wisdom as a mother. She hopes that her parenting and insights convey the love and grace of Jesus with which she has been blessed.
Is it really just a matter of semantics, or does the difference between these two words go to the very heart of family dynamics and the relationship between parent and child? I love this post from Beth Templeton that uses the word 'training' instead of discipline as an alternative to punishment, because it sweeps any possible argument about semantics away. However, I know that 'discipline' is a popular term in Christian parenting, so today that's the word I'll discuss.
What Do Punishment and Discipline Mean?
Punishment is "suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution" or "a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure" or even "severe, rough, or disastrous treatment."
Discipline is, "punishment" or "training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character" or "control gained by enforcing obedience or order" (Merriam-Webster).
It's easy to see why the lines between the two are blurry. From a parenting point of view, though, I think we can have more clarity. To put it simply, discipline guides and teaches, while punishment exacts retribution for the purpose of behavior modification. Discipline is a parent's effort to discover the why's of a child's poor choices and help them to make positive heart changes (that tend to lead to behavior changes) while protecting the parent-child relationship and encouraging the child in his identity in Christ. Let me give you a recent example before we continue.
What does Punishment look like?
Recently on the internet an image went around of a child holding a sign explaining that due to his ingratitude for an action figure that he received at church, he was forced to sell the Playstation 3 his parents had planned to give him and use the money to buy toys for less fortunate children.
I'm sure his punishment taught him that in the future he should pretend to be grateful even when he isn't to avoid future suffering, loss, and public humiliation. What punishment did not teach the boy was that even if he doesn't like a gift, he can be truthfully grateful that someone cared enough about him to give him something and react graciously to protect the giver from hurt feelings without pretending.
He also most likely learned that his parents are bullies who care more about being seen as 'effective' parents than they do about his heart. They probably are not, but that's the message that punishment sends. It says, "I am more powerful than you are, and if you do not please me, I will hurt you, and shame you, and make you pay."
Discipline, on the other hand, would possibly have had the parents taking the child aside privately, (because love does not shame the beloved), guiding him to think about how he would feel if the roles were reversed, and getting him involved in willingly doing something positive to make things right with the giver (restitution, not retribution). I'm not sure what, because I think it would be important to find out what the child felt was the path to restitution. It's possible that since this was a gift from church, no one else was personally involved until his parents posted it for internet scrutiny. It still would have been a great opportunity to teach the boy to say, "Thank you so much for thinking of me," or, "That's so generous of you, thank you!" when presented with an unwanted gift. This would have taught the boy that others' feelings are as important as his own without causing needless suffering and damage to his relationship with his parents.
It's fair to say that many parents choose to define 'discipline' as 'punishment' when they read this verse. However, I believe the use of the word 'rod' is a reference to guiding sheep with a shepherd's rod. No where are we led to understand that the shepherd uses the rod to hit or cause pain to the sheep. He uses it to nudge and to guide them in the right direction, or possibly holds it out beside them like a safety rail so they don't walk off a cliff (sheep aren't very clever). He also uses it to ward off predators, to defend his sheep from harm. A shepherd who didn't use his staff to guide and protect his sheep wouldn't have many sheep for very long. Verses 1-4 of Psalm 23 describe what the Shepherd does, and I think we can use that as our example of how to use the proverbial rod.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He leads his sheep, he guides them on right paths, he protects and comforts. He does not use his rod and staff to exact retribution on his sheep for acting like sheep.
We are Free From the Fear of Punishment (so our kids should be, too).
If we are free from fear, how can we want anything less for our children? I don't want to send my child the message that he is free from fear of punishment from God, but he had better be watching out for punishment from me! I know I don't love perfectly, but my love is growing more perfect as I live in God, so there is no place for fear in my relationship with my child. That means that there is also no place for punishment, only the training and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Punishment is "a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure." If there's no condemnation because the just requirement of the law is fully satisfied by Christ's sacrifice, then there can be no punishment. If God isn't condemning and punishing me, then when I condemn and punish my child, I am not reflecting God's grace. I am setting a poor example for my child to follow.
As a mother, I'm not trying to fit my child into a "good Christian" mold, I'm striving at every turn to show him Jesus (to guide him along right paths), to put my son's hands into Jesus' (so that even when he walks through the darkest valley, my boy will never be afraid), to let Christ's grace pour through me to anoint every aspect of Sean's life at every opportunity. I prefer the word discipline over punishment, because it implies teaching and instruction. It prizes restitution over retribution. It means that I will be giving my child the tools to be free to do the right thing because that's what is in his heart due to his identity in Christ, instead of behaving properly because he is bound by fear. 'Training' is even better, because it erases any possible ambiguity between words and definitions. Coaches train athletes, preparing them to play well and be victorious. I want to be the kind of parent who trains my child, preparing him to live abundantly and be victorious in Jesus. I pray the same abundance and victory for you and your children, and I hope that my thoughts have been useful to you in your parenting journey.
Want more helpful insights and encouragement in your parenting journey? Come on over to our FACEBOOK PAGE! We are there daily to partner with you as you love your children.
I love analogies. Years ago I read an analogy comparing parenting a teenager to flying a kite and it has stuck with me through all these years of parenting. Maybe you will find it helpful too.
So, picture this with me-- a colorful kite playfully jumping and soaring in the wind. It's a sight to behold! I know every summer on our annual beach vacation someone is flying a kite. It's the kind of thing that makes you stop and point with a smile, "Hey, look!" It is a beautiful thing, a kite high up in a blue sky. Something to be remarked upon and enjoyed for sure. I think any time we see something that is doing what it was created for, we can't help but rejoice. A kite is made to soar and when it does, it is a delight to all who see it! Even more so with our children. We know they were created to enjoy the freedom of dancing in the winds of their purpose and destiny, and we parents do anything and everything we can to help that to happen. It is our goal.
Flying the kite takes a careful hand doesn't it? First, we put in quite a bit of effort to get it off the ground. Often it takes multiple tries, including some pretty tiring runs as we work to launch that little triangle of fabric. The effort is definitely more easily done in team, with two people working together. And in time and with effort, we begin to see that colorful fabric climbing into the distance. We take off running, with a constant awareness of how taut we hold the string that connects us to the kite. If we pull it in too tight, the kite begins to plummet. If we let it go too slack, we get the same result-- loss of altitude. So we have this constant awareness of the kite, but really once it gets up there and the winds are favorable, we have the freedom to give our attention elsewhere. Still, even when we no longer are having to run, we stay connected, holding that string oh so carefully.
It is not unusual though for the winds to change after some time. Maybe a gust comes along with a downdraft, or a storm comes through. Maybe we've gotten distracted and not been aware the kite is struggling and find our selves having to quickly adjust the string, pulling it in tighter so it can gain height once more. Some of us are gripping multiple strings attached to different kites, all needing our attention at once! Or we may even realize our kite has fallen to the ground, so we run quickly to it, lifting it up, gently repairing any damage, and once again launch it to soar. And sometimes we see that what is most needed is time of restoration for our kite, mending and special care. But always, our goal is to launch, to release.
Father, help us to parent our teens well. Teach us when to pull them in closer, tightening our grip on the string, and when to release them to try higher altitudes. Cause us to be ready when they plummet to earth, mending their wounds with compassion rather than condemnation. We want to parent with skillful hands, God. May our children soar!
I wake up, feeling immense relief welling up inside, at the magnificent resolution of a monumental problem. Then I realize, "Oh, it's all a dream."-- Or, is it?
I am at a conference of 10,000's of people, and I am about to speak (like the Passion Conference I wrote about at the Georgia Dome where 60,000 young people gathered.) I've lost my bright aqua blue skirt! I had laid it down on the back of some chair as I was juggling my stuff and now cannot find it.
I then madly try to find clothes and shoes in the hotel closet. I find a brown dress in the closet there that looks nice but the only shoes that work are beige tall boots that are a little scuffed -- but they'll do, I decide.
Finally dressed,realize I've lost my purse with my flash drive -- so don't have the prepared talk that I am supposed to give to this crowd! I go to a basement room full of computer docks, with about 80 or so speakers sitting at them -- I walk the aisles looking for my name, "Hillis," on the list of names taped to the upper left of each screen, and I can't find it. Finally, I find a desk with an attendant, who goes to a set of drawers, for which she references a master list of names and numbers -- "the H's are behind 216," she says. Then she shows me section 216 is a small drawer; it has about 3 inches of horizontally placed business cards behind it -- so I search for my name, but can't find it.
I realize all I've lost -- clothes, shoes, purse, flash drive, talk, any record to retrieve my talk -- and I wonder.
"Maybe God wants to replace what I've lost with something better."
Then I see, remembering in my dream what God has been teaching me lately, "He already has given you a better replacement...He has given you the Galatians message -- called to adoption, and the word message-- 'you are pillars.' Just use what He has given you."
A Change (YET I LIVE!).
And the pillar message is this: We live life as God's pillars -- strong, tall supports for God's work in process in our spheres of influence. Though we must be connected with other pillars in order to be safe and effective, we must remember that our essence is that we reach heavenward, connected most foundationally to our heavenly Father.
And I decide, with this bubbling relief, that there is immeasurable excitement when we live with eyes to see that God has already given, replacing what we lost with something better. And I for one, will praise Him!
a better dependence on You.
Lord, thank you that you replaced my plan for my life with Your better plan for my life.
Lord, thank you that you replaced my view of family with Your better view of family.
Lord, thank you that you replaced my view of greatness with Your better view of greatness.
Lord, thank you that you replaced my view of my identity with Your better view of my identity.
Lord, thank you that you replaced my view of people with Your better view of people.
And I, for one, praise You that when I look at life, generally I see, by God's grace, He has placed me in the second category more than in the first. That is, when we are willing to give or lose all, what we receive back from our Lord is infinitely and predictably.....better. Not just better.....it is best. Best for His kingdom and His glory and His purposes in His world, upheld by His love and His power.
Many of you already know our friend Shelly Roberts from her work with the ABBA Fund, offering support and resources for adoptive families. Or you may know her from her wonderful devotional book for adoptive mothers, 31 Nuggets of Hope, a must have by the way. What a gift she is to our adoptive and foster communities! As you can see from this photo, she is the mother of 5 treasures, and we know you will be blessed by the word she is sharing with us today!
We just began a new year. As 2012 came to a close I couldn't get over how many times people shared that they were in need of a new year. The past had been hard. Many times full of grief and pain. They "hoped" that the new year would be different. Somehow it would bring with it NEW HOPE. Can you relate?
As adoptive and fostering parents we are often faced with circumstances so far out of our control. We grow downright weary. These precious children that we said YES to many times have needs we can't possibly meet on our own. Our limitations can cause us great anxiety. It's easy to become discouraged, overwhelmed, and feel like a failure.
Rest often feels like some far-off-fantasy. It doesn't have to.
TRUE REST is fully available to you and to me. It's something this world can't offer us. Oh, but we get tempted to think so. Getting your child into the "right specialist" can't produce it. Landing that sought-after job won't guarantee it. Friends can't even supply it.
Moms and Dads ... TRUE REST ... the kind you and I so desperately need can come only from God, our Father. In HIM is where our souls can find that deep, fulfilling rest that our weary hearts need.
Perhaps you're excited to have a new year ahead. Maybe some things that your new year is bringing has you scared half silly. If so, you're in good company.
I'm Momma to five blessings. Our kids all ganged up on us and in one year's time our oldest got married, the next one is graduating high school, next one down just got his driver's permit, next one down has been facing some pretty significant learning challenges and the baby in the family started Kindergarten. Whew! I've had to learn to seek out my Father for REST. And I can tell you that He is SO GOOD to provide it.
Moms, sometimes rest is found by shutting yourself in the bathroom and just crying out to your Heavenly Father. He's THERE. He's ABLE. He wants to MEET with you. Dads, sometimes rest is found by taking a few moments on your lunch break and shutting out all the voices and pressures from the world so you can hear from Him. Those moments with the Father can provide just what we need to keep going another few hours. Your Father doesn't see you as a failure. He doesn't see you as inferior. He sees you just as He CREATED YOU ... HIS CHILD. You are HIS. He loves you so deeply that your mind can't even comprehend it.
He alone offers to be your ABUNDANT HOPE.
The wedding was beautiful. Our family gained a wonderful daughter. I'm finding joy in planning another graduation. But there's something more the Lord has asked of us. Something that we said "no" to for a long time. Yet Faithful Father is so patient! He pursues His children. He never gives up! This spring we'll be cleaning up our oldest son's room and giving it a fresh coat of paint. You see, Father asked us to say YES again. This time in a new way. We thought He was done after we adopted twice. Then last fall He asked us to shed more layers of comfortable. He pierced our hearts for those who need a safe place to go, if only for awhile. I will need to learn to be a Momma like I never have before.
So the new year ahead scares me just a bit. But more than that it draws me right back to my Father - in even deeper ways. He has so much to teach me. I'll be needing to make sure and take those frequent moments to seek Him out to find TRUE REST ... because of HOPE. I don't have to worry about the future. He already knows every detail. In HIM I find my abundant source of HOPE. He's proven Himself faithful all of my life - there's no reason to doubt Him now.
Do you need to find REST? Embrace Him as your TRUE HOPE!
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Parenting is a pretty effective classroom I have found. Boy have I learned a lot about myself, about relationships, and about God, directly as a result of being a mother. Today I want to share something that I have found very helpful in facing innumerable parenting situations over the years-- that is, the benefits of being a responsive rather than a reactive parent.
I'll tell you up front that I've tried both ways-- reacting and responding. I'm not even sure these two words are exactly the right ones to use, but they have been helpful to me as a parent in differentiating between two very different parenting modes. The difference may seem subtle, but in the reality of our family life, as well as the realities of my own inner life, the line is not as fine as it might seem.
It doesn't take me long to tell the difference once I'm in the middle of a situation. Certainly Stephen and I have had ample opportunities over the years to recognize the difference between meeting a situation with one of our children by reacting, or by responding. When I react, I am operating on a more base level. I allow my initial feelings to direct my actions. For instance, feelings of anxiety, fear, stress, frustration and anger are pretty common reactions for a parent in certain more intense seasons. This is a reality for all parents, but the needs of children who have experienced relinquishment and all that often accompanies that sad fact of their past, put a new spin on the word intense!
I've tried to describe the difference between parenting our adopted children and our birth children over the years. My friends who have not adopted will often say that what we are dealing with is no different than their situations, or of someone that they know. It is hard to explain, because on the surface it doesn't sound that different. But for me it is as if someone has taken a situation and put it down on paper, and then come along with a bright yellow highlighter and colored over the words.
There is something different-- it is highlighted, more intense, more urgent. It stands out and draws my parental attention in a more alarming way. And I realize that my feelings, my reactions, are also highlighted. They are more intense, more loaded with fear for this child's future and a deep awareness of the healing work that has yet to be complete. Maybe it is because I see that my biological children have, underneath the difficult issue we are facing together, a solid foundation of unshakable truth-- they know they are loved, they are safe, they are accepted. But when our adopted children are in the midst of a similar life-issue I sense a vulnerability that simply does not exist in our birth children. A behavior that in one may be simply an immature expression of a desire, or a character trait that needs some direction, or a season of testing, in the other is an expression of the residual fear of being rejected, of being unsafe, or of an illogical drive to remain in survival mode long after the need to do so is over.
So, when I turn my mothering attention to the issue at hand and I react rather than respond, I find I am operating more unconsciously, and inevitably some level of fear is involved. And let me tell you from experience, parenting in fear simply does not work! It does not work for you, and it does not work for your child.
But when I respond to my child and the need at hand, I realize that I am motivated by love, my love for my child, and even more important, God's love for me and my child. I am consciously aware and intentional about my actions. Responding involves me making choices about parenting decisions based on what I know to be true, not based on what I am feeling. As I often tell my children, feelings are real, but they very often do not tell the truth. Real and True are not the same thing!
When I respond I am able to stay in line with our family's values and vision. It is, I suppose, a matter of control. For it is so very true I have learned, the only thing I can control is myself! And believe me my friends, I have put a good effort into trying to control my children and the situations we deal with! But what I have found is that when I put my effort into controlling what I can, (that is me!) my children and even sometimes the situation we are in the middle of, come into alignment with our values and vision. As a lover of Jesus, I have a PEACE available to me, not based on my quiet time that morning or my good performance as a mother, but purchased and made available to me because of what Jesus did. So, as I access that peace and as I choose to respond to the Holy Spirit, rather than react to the situation, that same peace is diffused into the situation. Pretty exciting stuff!
Do you see this substantial difference I am talking about? Subtle on one hand, but significant in the aftereffect.
With reaction often comes guilt, shame, blame, fear and anger. But when I respond to the Holy Spirit and God's truth, I experience peace and patience, and I find acceptance of my child and helpful understanding come quickly after. Responding results in greater freedom, for me and for my child. Reacting seems to narrow my options for moving forward as a parent, and therefore limiting my ability to help my child move forward. But when I respond to the presence of God in me and heed His voice of life, I find there is literally always a way forward. Always. My emotional reaction seems to shut doors and hide much needed answers, but my choice to respond to the Lord rather than react to my child's behavior opens pathways of life for both me and my child. And, answers for what to do in the situation at hand are revealed!
I'll end this post with some practical things I do to help me stay in responding mode, rather than reacting mode. Maybe some of you would be willing to share the things you do in the comment section!
1. Write down the scriptures and promises God has given you over the years about your family and your children. Keep them someplace where you will see them regularly.
2. Put on worship music.
3. Partner with a friend who will remind you of the Truth when you are in a tough time.
4. Speak the truth to yourself, out loud when possible.
5. Take a break. Tell your child you will talk a little later. Then take whatever time you need to put fear in it's place and access the peace that is your inheritance.
6. Rehearse to yourself and your family what God has done, rather than focus on all that you are waiting for Him to do. This will build your faith for the things you are trusting Him for.
God does immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.
'God, you can do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all we can ask or imagine. Would you please, if it is Your will, help Brian Hillis to fall in love with me.
Well, the answer to that prayer led to so much more...'immeasurably more.' He did eventually fall in love with me (it took him six months!) and we were married. Then when people would ask me, 'how many kids do you want to have,' I would quip flippantly, 'I think I could take 12 disciples.' If I had known then what I know now, I would likely have had a different response! But the Lord has given us 12....the legal 11 (our current 10 plus our 1 son Jonny, who moved to heaven at age 9), and the 1 "illegally adopted," as he calls himself, our dear George, who moved into our family as Trevor's best friend, a nonbeliever, just before his senior year of high school, and who as a sophomore at Georgia Tech, just celebrated one year of knowing the Lord as a believer!
In these photos of most of our family, taken by my dear friend Paige Knudsen (if you have never visited Paige at Simple Thoughts, well-- you just have to!) over the holidays, I want to call your attention to my 3 lovely granddaughters.....and to the fact that the Lord is allowing all of us who have children, to equip the next generation to love their children well! The oldest of these, little Naomi, age 2, looks at me and belts out, 'this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,' and 'I wanna see Jesus lifted high,' (as well as 'baby, baby!' by Justin Bieber!). The other two, Madison and Elyse, are also loved so well by their sweet mamas! For those of us who have adopted kids (legally or as George says, illegally!), we are being allowed to help interrupt the cycle of adversity and sow a new path towards hope. Our call is, simply, to love the next generation well, with the love we ourselves receive from our Father. It is what Jesus is talking about in John 15 when He says, "as You have loved me, so I have loved them." It is, inevitably, a costly and sacrificial type of love.
- this is where I was several nights ago! A central message of this conference was the challenge to all to believe that God can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine to change the world for each of us there and for the 27 million in slavery in brothels and factories around the world.
(please go to the ENDIT-Shine a Light on Slavery as well and sign the petition to stop slavery!).
It has long been the habit of many of us to spend some time in the New Year in thought and prayer about goals for the coming year. As I did this over the past week, loving the next generation well is a clear goal I sense God is placing before me. Let me share a little background. For the past 5 years or so, a key message in Psalm 78 has really been striking to me. The subtitle says'Tell the Next Generation.' David chronicles 5 cycles of man's rebellion and God's miracles. I felt sad to realize that all those miracles of love were not enough to stop the rebellion - it just kept happening over and over and over and over and over. What is striking is the next generation needed BOTH the stories of the miracles AND a person, David (as we see in the last verse --- I dare you to go read it for yourself!), who would 'shepherd them with an upright heart.' So, this year, as I spent some time thinking and asking God what He wanted to give me as a main goal for 2013, I sensed He showed me this (taken from an excerpt from Zachariah 11:7)..."I became a shepherd and I took two staffs, one named Favor and the other named Harmony...and I shepherded the sheep."
It is a year to love the next generation with excessive extravagance that is personally unique.
Lord, this year, help us to shepherd, to care for, those You have in our lives and bring into our lives, with the kind of favor that makes each of them feel like our favorites. Lord, give us wisdom to see the particular part of harmony that they are created to play in this symphony of life that You write, giving each of us our own voice and role. Indeed, Lord Jesus, may this be the 'year of the Lord's favor!' (Isa 61:1f) through us to all in the next generation, and particularly to the least of these who are the poor, the captives, the lonely, the lost, the straying. Lord Jesus, give us hearts passionately inclined to follow You with determination and humility. To be the kind of shepherds who know and hear Your voice of kindness and love. For us and for all. Amen.
We always love to hear from our good friend Michelle Haswell. She and her husband Greg lead Northlands Church in Atlanta and are on the Hope at Home Team. Enjoy!
Exhausted and worn out , Martha comes to Jesus. She is desperate for help with dinner (sound familiar?!) and needs an extra pair of hands so she can do what is necessary to be a good hostess.
Jesus refuses to give her what she wants. He looks past her momentary difficulty and He sees a life filled with anxiety and distraction, desperate to please.
Jesus wants to give her a firm foundation for her life and He tells her she has need of only ONE THING - one thing that she can take with her no matter what the circumstances are.
So what is this 'one thing' that the Lord offers us amidst the frenzy of different demands, distractions, endless calls for our time from schools, jobs, home, church etc...what is He saying?
I believe He is simply calling us to a revelation of His deep love for us and an understanding that He is never disappointed in us, that we always qualify in His eyes as His beloved.
Too often we measure ourselves against standards that the Lord never set for us and we disqualify ourselves in our own eyes because we have a bad day...who doesn't have a bad day when you're called to parent!?
When I'm secure in God's love for me and His faithfulness towards me , I'm strengthened amidst any crisis. I don't lose my footing or believe a lie that I disqualify as a good parent!
You can watch two people go through very similar hardship sand one comes out tired but whole, declaring Gods goodness. The other one comes out broken and feeling like a failure. Both probably had no choice but to walk through the valley, but one had an expectation of the Lords faithfulness and a security in the Father's love for them. The circumstances never disqualified them from the love and blessing of their heavenly Father. Amidst the crisis that were able to partake of their inheritance.
Let's have a look at what the scriptures say about whether or not we qualify in the Lord's eyes.... After all what He thinks about us is what really counts, right?
Colossians 1:12 "Giving joyful thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light."
can sit in front of a delicious meal but will get no enjoyment out of it unless I partake of it. We are qualified in Jesus to partake of all His goodness and blessings.
Colossians 2:14 says that He completely cancelled and wiped away everything that was held against us..and nailed these things to the cross.
verse 18 says that we are to let no one declare us unworthy and disqualify us ....why?? Because our heavenly Father has declared us qualified. Now that is good news!
This is news we carry with us regardless of circumstances that surround us and voices, both external and internal that scream the opposite at times! Jesus wanted to give Martha the gift of being secure in His love at all times.
His banner over us is always love because we are His beloved and He is ours. We are qualified to share in a glorious inheritance at all times and in all seasons not because of anything we have done but because of everything that Jeus did as He cancelled all accusation against us and declared us qualified!
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text:
TALKING AGAIN
by RAY FLEMING
IN Geneva yesterday, the so-called Group of Six (UN Security Council permanent members plus Germany) resumed discussions with Iran after a break of almost eighteen months. For reasons not entirely clear, but very welcome anyway, the chair was taken by Catherine Ashton, the European Union's British Foreign Policy chief.
When Iran proposed two months ago that talks should be resumed, I commented here that it might be just another delaying tactic while its nuclear programme continued, or a sign that UN sanctions against Iran were working, or a genuine wish to return to the negotiating table - but that it would be worth finding out which of the three possibilities it was.
Yesterday's talks were amicable if general in content and they will continue today after which the two sides will consider whether to hold further and more specific discussions in the New Year. The principal issue for the Group of Six remains the danger that Iran's nuclear programme is for military purposes while for Iran it is its right to pursue a peaceful programme. Hanging over this Geneva meeting may have been one new factor -- the evidence of the WikiLeaks documentation that other Middle East powers, in particular Saudi Arabia, have been urging the United States to make a pre-emptive strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. Wisely, President Obama has resisted this pressure in the hope that negotiation will prove to be the better choice.


text:
Arrival's second Microfactory in the US will initially produce zero-emission vans for UPS
CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 17, 2021 – Arrival, the global company creating electric vehicles ("EVs") using its game-changing technologies, announced Wednesday that it will be building its second US Microfactory in Charlotte, North Carolina. This Microfactory will produce electric delivery vans, and is expected to bring more than 250 new jobs to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The Microfactory is expected to begin production by Q3 2022.
Arrival, founded in 2015, with North American Headquarters in Charlotte, is accelerating the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles by creating best in class products that are comparable in price with fossil fuel equivalents, offering a substantially lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for operators. The new Microfactory in Charlotte exemplifies this approach, bringing to the region fully electric Vans that excel across both payload and cargo volume.
Arrival's ability to create vehicles with a competitive price point to fossil fuel equivalents and lower Total Cost of Ownership, stems from their pioneering new method of design and production. Arrival's vertically integrated approach uses in-house developed hardware and software and combines it with assembly in Microfactories. The Microfactories are low CapEx, have a smaller footprint than conventional factories, have the ability to create significant unit economics and can be placed all over the world to serve local communities, bolstering local communities and economies.
The new Microfactory will be located in West Charlotte, North Carolina, near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, at Meadow Oak Commerce Center. Arrival is investing approximately $41.2 million in the modern production center that can assemble up to 10,000 electric delivery vans each year. Last fall, Arrival announced it would be opening a Microfactory facility for its electric buses in Rock Hill, SC and in December 2020, announced it would establish its North American headquarters in South End, creating over 650 jobs in the Charlotte region.
"Arrival is excited to expand its presence in Charlotte and we look forward to playing an even bigger role in contributing to the local community and bringing onboard the region's local talent. Our newest Microfactory will be producing two different classes of EV Vans for our US customers, expanding the zero-emissions options for fleet operators and accelerating the mass adoption of electric vehicles. We are pleased to increase our investment as we extend our partnership with the City of Charlotte and believe we will continue to see strong demand for our vehicles as more operators transition to electric," said Michael Ableson, CEO, Arrival Automotive. Many of the vehicles produced at the Charlotte Microfactory are expected to enter UPS's North American fleet as part of its commitment to purchase up to 10,000 vehicles from Arrival in the US and Europe.
"We're excited by this significant milestone that will enable UPS to economically deploy electric vehicles throughout our global operations at an increasing pace," said Luke Wake, vice president of maintenance and engineering, UPS Corporate Automotive. "At UPS, we're laser focused on finding operational efficiencies. Establishing factories that can quickly serve both the European and North American markets is a masterful use of logistics. We can't wait to see UPS's new electric vehicles roll out of this factory as this is also one of many paths UPS is taking to reduce its CO2 emissions."
In the short few months since Arrival came to Charlotte, the company has forged strong partnerships with the City and community leaders in clean energy. In December, the City of Charlotte and Arrival unveiled a signed memorandum of understanding that demonstrates their shared vision, guiding principles, and goals to improve sustainability efforts and reduce greenhouse emissions. This MOU builds on the City of Charlotte's Strategic Energy Action Plan that outlines strategies for clean energy focused on transportation, buildings, energy generation, and workforce development/equity.
"We are so excited to see that Arrival is already expanding in Charlotte. Their decision to locate their Microfactory in West Charlotte will have a major impact on our residents, bringing new, well-paying career opportunities to the neighborhood, in a high-tech environment that is rooted in sustainability," said Mayor Vi Lyles. "These are the jobs of the future and we couldn't be happier they choose to bring these opportunities to our residents."
"We are pleased to partner with Arrival to bring new employment opportunities to the County, specifically to the West Charlotte area. As a County we have worked to build a thriving manufacturing sector to help bridge the economic mobility gaps in our community. Arrival's forward-thinking leadership in the electric vehicle sector positions them for long-term growth and the ability to offer great entry level jobs with growth potential for our residents," said George Dunlap, Chair of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. "Additionally, we look forward to partnering with Arrival to advance the goals of the County's Environmental Sustainability Plan."
On Thursday, March 18 at 10:00a.m ET, Arrival, along with Alisyn Malek, Executive Director at the Commission for the Future of Mobility, and Janet Labar, President and CEO at Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, will host a LinkedIn Live event to discuss the significance of this latest announcement. Members of the media and the public are encouraged to watch and engage by visiting www.linkedin.com/company/arrival.
The project was a collaborative effort between the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Department of Commerce, University of North Carolina Charlotte, North Carolina Community College System, Duke Energy, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
The City of Charlotte provides services to more than 870,000 residents. The city's priorities are workforce and business development; transportation, planning and the environment; safe communities; and great neighborhoods.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is a nonprofit, business-led organization focused on the economic health of the region. The Alliance's footprint encompasses the city of Charlotte and its surrounding 15 counties including 11 in North Carolina and four in South Carolina. The Alliance's mission is to enthusiastically collaborate to promote and advance the Charlotte region, creating opportunity, economic growth and prosperity for all. To learn more, visit charlotteregion.com.
Arrival is reinventing the automotive industry with its entirely new approach to the design and assembly of electric vehicles. Low CapEx, rapidly scalable Microfactories combined with proprietary in-house developed components, materials and software, enable the production of best in class vehicles competitively priced to fossil fuel variants and with a substantially lower total cost of ownership. This transformative approach provides cities globally with the solutions they need to create sustainable urban environments and exceptional experiences for their citizens. Arrival is a global business founded in 2015 and headquartered in London, UK and Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, with over 1,500 global employ- ees located in offices across Germany, Netherlands, Israel, Russia, and Luxembourg. The company is deploying its first two Microfactories in South Carolina, USA and Bicester, UK in 2021. Arrival recruitment link: arrival.com/join
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding (i) expectations regarding new jobs to be provided, and (ii) expectations regarding Arrival's production of its vans. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on management's belief or interpretation of information currently available. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including, but not limited to: (i) the impact of COVID-19 on Arrival's business; (ii) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which Arrival operates, (iii) the risk that Arrival and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize Arrival's products or services, or experience significant delays in doing so, (iv) the risk that Arrival may never achieve or sustain profitability; (v) the risk that Arrival experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations, (vi) the risk that third-parties suppliers and manufacturers are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations; (vii) the risk that the utilization of Microfactories will not provide the expected benefits due to, among other things, the inability to locate appropriate buildings to use as Microfactories, Microfactories needing a larger than anticipated factory footprint, and the inability of Arrival to deploy Microfactories in the anticipated time frame; (viii) the risk that the orders that have been placed for vehicles, including the order from UPS, are cancelled or modified; (ix) the risk of product liability or regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to Arrival's products and services; and (x) the risk that Arrival is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Arrival assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Arrival does not give any assurance that Arrival will achieve its expectations.


A lambda expression is an anonymous function and it is mostly used to create delegates in LINQ. Simply put, it's a method without a declaration, i.e., access modifier, return value declaration, and name.
[java] Wrapper Class এর প্রয়োজনীয়তা কি?
জাভাতে "this" keyword কি ভাবে কাজ করে ?


text:
Q: HTML and CSS popup card I am creating a Web Browser with Electron and I need help creating a popup card. I search everywhere for something like this, but I cannot find anything.
What I need create popups that are like the provided images. Something like a chrome extension popup frame (preferably the chrome connection popup), these will be used to create connection popups, extensions popups, etc.
Chrome connection popup

Visual Studio Code editor popup

Chrome Extension popup

A: You would have to create a modal popup. This can be a div that is hidden by default, but shows when you click or hover over another element.
It needs to have absolute positioning and you will need to update the top and left style properties based on the event properties clientY and clientX respectivly.

const modalTooltip = document.querySelector('#modal-tooltip');

const showModal = ({ clientX, clientY }) => {
  Object.assign(modalTooltip.style, { top: `${clientY}px`, left: `${clientX}px` });
  modalTooltip.classList.add('tooltip-visible');
};

const hideModal = () => {
  modalTooltip.classList.remove('tooltip-visible');
};

document.querySelector('.site-info').addEventListener('click', showModal);
modalTooltip.querySelector('.tooltip-close').addEventListener('click', hideModal);
body {
  background: #222;
  color: #DDD;
}

.demo {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: row;
  align-items: center;
}

.demo-help {
  font-weight: bold;
  margin-left: 1em;
}

.site-info {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  width: 3em;
  height: 3em;
  background: #666;
  border: thin solid #555;
  border-radius: 50%;
}

.site-info {
  color: #DDD;
  cursor: pointer;
}

.tooltip {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  z-index: 100;
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
  background: #4E4C46;
  color: #EEE;
  border: thin solid #222;
  border-radius: 0.2em;
  box-shadow: 2px 3px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
  font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
  font-size: smaller;
}

.tooltip.tooltip-visible {
  display: flex;
}

.tooltip-header {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: row;
  margin-bottom: 0.5em;
  align-items: top;
}

.tooltip-close {
  cursor: pointer;
}

.tooltip-close:hover {
  color: #FFF;
}

.tooltip-top, .tooltip-bottom {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding: 0.5em;
}

.tooltip-top {
  flex: 1;
}

.tooltip-bottom {
  border-top: thin solid #999896;
}

.tooltip-title {
  color: #86CB81;
  font-size: 1.25em;
  flex: 1;
}

.tooltip-content {
  flex: 1;
}

.tooltip a,
.tooltip a:active,
.tooltip a:hover {
  color: #9CAB83;
}

.tooltip-options {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  grid-row-gap: 0.667em;
}

.tooltip-options .fas {
  color: #70706f;
  margin-right: 0.5em;
  width: 1.5em;
  text-align: center;
}

.tooltip-option-flag {
  color: #999896;
}

#modal-tooltip {
  width: 240px;
  height: 200px;
}
<link href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/5.15.3/css/all.min.css" rel="stylesheet"/>
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com">
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Roboto:wght@100;400&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">

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A: here is a sample code for POP UP CARD

TEST SNIPPET CODE

*

*save HTML code as index.html

*save CSS code as style.css

note- CSS file name should be matched with what you used in html*
*i.e. link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css"

*,
*::after,
*::before {
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
html {
  font-size: 62.5%;
}
body {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Open Sans', sans-serif;
  min-height: 100vh;
}
a,
a:link {
  font-family: inherit;
  text-decoration: none;
}
.container {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  z-index: 10;
  display: none;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
}
.container:target {
  display: flex;
}
.modal {
  width: 60rem;
  padding: 4rem 2rem;
  border-radius: .8rem;
  color: hsl(0, 0%, 100%);
  background: linear-gradient(to right bottom, #009FFF, #ec2F4B);
  box-shadow: .4rem .4rem 2.4rem .2rem hsla(236, 50%, 50%, 0.3);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.details {
  text-align: center;
  margin-bottom: 4rem;
  padding-bottom: 4rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid hsla(0, 0%, 100%, .4);
}
.title {
  font-size: 3.2rem;
}
.description {
  margin-top: 2rem;
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  font-style: italic;
}
.txt {
  padding: 0 4rem;
  margin-bottom: 4rem;
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  line-height: 2;
}
.txt::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0%;
  left: 100%;
  -webkit-transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
          transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  width: 18rem;
  height: 18rem;
  border: 1px solid hsla(0, 0%, 100%, .2);
  border-radius: 100rem;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.btn {
  padding: 1rem 1.6rem;
  border: 1px solid hsla(0, 0%, 100%, .4);
  border-radius: 100rem;
  color: inherit;
  background: transparent;
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  font-family: inherit;
  letter-spacing: .2rem;
  transition: .2s;
  cursor: pointer;
}
.btn:hover,
.btn:focus {
  border-color: hsla(0, 0%, 100%, .6);
  -webkit-transform: translateY(-.2rem);
          transform: translateY(-.2rem);
}
.link-1 {
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  color: hsl(0, 0%, 100%);
  background: linear-gradient(to right bottom, #009FFF, #ec2F4B);
  box-shadow: .4rem .4rem 2.4rem .2rem hsla(236, 50%, 50%, 0.3);
  border-radius: 100rem;
  padding: 1.4rem 3.2rem;
  transition: .2s;
}
.link-1:hover,
.link-1:focus {
  -webkit-transform: translateY(-.2rem);
          transform: translateY(-.2rem);
  box-shadow: 0 0 4.4rem .2rem hsla(236, 50%, 50%, 0.4);
}
.link-2 {
  width: 4rem;
  height: 4rem;
  border: 1px solid hsla(0, 0%, 100%, .4);
  border-radius: 100rem;
  color: inherit;
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  position: absolute;
  top: 2rem;
  right: 2rem;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;

  transition: .2s;
}
.link-2::before {
  content: '×';
  -webkit-transform: translateY(-.1rem);
          transform: translateY(-.1rem);
}
.link-2:hover,
.link-2:focus {
  border-color: hsla(0, 0%, 100%, .6);
  -webkit-transform: translateY(-.2rem);
          transform: translateY(-.2rem);
}

----------
<!DOCTYPE html>

  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <title>pop up card</title>
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="ie=edge">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css">

 open pop up card

Your Title

Slogan will be here at this place.

some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz
        some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz some xyz

    <button class="btn">Button →</button>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
package edu.latrobe.blaze.objectives

import edu.latrobe._
import edu.latrobe.blaze._
import edu.latrobe.time._

/**
  * Merely transforms the time into a value and inserts it as such into child
  * modules.
  */
final class SelectTimeInSeconds(override val builder: SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder,
                                override val seed:    InstanceSeed)
  extends ReplaceValue[SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder] {

  override protected def doEvaluate(optimizer:           OptimizerLike,
                                    runBeginIterationNo: Long,
                                    runBeginTime:        Timestamp,
                                    runNoSamples:        Long,
                                    model:               Module,
                                    batch:               Batch,
                                    output:              Tensor,
                                    value:               Real)
  : Real = {
    val result = TimeSpan(optimizer.beginTime, Timestamp.now())
    result.seconds
  }

}

final class SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder
  extends ReplaceValueBuilder[SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder] {

  override def repr
  : SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder = this

  override def canEqual(that: Any)
  : Boolean = that.isInstanceOf[SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder]

  override protected def doCopy()
  : SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder = SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder()

  override def build(seed: InstanceSeed)
  : SelectTimeInSeconds = new SelectTimeInSeconds(this, seed)

}

object SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder {

  final def apply()
  : SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder = new SelectTimeInSecondsBuilder

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub